Chapter 23 World One
When Hualiu was led over, his fur was smooth, without a trace of frizziness. He looked like a well-groomed horse. His eyes were bright and his body was strong and sturdy. When he saw Mu Nanxing, he let out a cheerful neigh.
Mu Nanxing nodded slightly, led the horse to Baoshan, and briefly instructed Baoshan on how to ride. Once on Hualiu, he only needed to hold the reins and leave the rest. Hualiu was experienced and would surely bring Baoshan safely to the capital.
Baoshan followed the instructions, holding Hualiu's reins with one hand, stepping into the stirrups and exerting a little force. Just as he was about to mount, Hualiu suddenly leaned back, breathing heavily and neighing loudly. The sudden movement made Baoshan's grip loosen, his legs gave way, and he nearly fell off the horse.
Mu Nanxing put his arm around Baoshan's waist and placed the frightened Baoshan on the ground. He then looked at Hualiu with deep eyes. Hualiu took two steps back, shook his mane, and didn't dare look directly at Mu Nanxing.
Feng Hui asked curiously, "Although you've never loaned this horse out, I remember Miss Li rode it once. Hualiu was quite obedient then and didn't struggle. Why is he doing this time..."
Hearing this, Baoshansu's face turned pale and he felt extremely embarrassed.
Without waiting for Mu Nanxing to say anything, Bao Shan cleared his throat a few times.
When everyone looked at her, her body was shaky and her face was weak.
"Hualiu is the young marquis's horse and is not used to others approaching him. I ride other horses..."
The other horses were not smart enough, so the treasure fan could be mounted on the horse smoothly.
If the horse loses its composure along the way and bumps into things, it would be bad if the precious fan is damaged.
Mu Nanxing said nothing, jumped onto the horse quickly and nimbly, and rode on Hualiu with a light body.
Hualiu looked obedient, not as resistant as before.
Baoshan lowered his eyebrows slightly, looking pitiful, and was unwilling to look up.
A clear voice fell above her head.
"Reach out your hand."
Baoshan raised her head and saw a broad and warm hand falling in front of her.
Baoshan's eyes trembled slightly, and his gaze slowly moved to look at the owner of the hand.
Seeing that she was in a daze, Mu Nanxing pondered for a moment and then explained.
"Reach out and pull you up."
Mu Nanxing had made a plan in his mind - he originally wanted Hualiu to carry the precious fan for a ride, but he never expected that the horse was so naughty and actually did something like throwing the person off the horse.
As we are about to return to the capital, we cannot delay any longer on this matter.
After weighing the pros and cons, he decided to ride on horseback and take the treasured fan with him, returning to the capital together.
Bao Shan looked at him softly and placed his soft, boneless hand on Mu Nanxing's.
A soft object fell into Mu Nanxing's palm, like floating clouds in the sky, or the finest silk in the world, making people feel distracted.
He exerted a little force, and in an instant, the precious fan was pulled onto the horse.
The treasure fan is in front and Mu Nanxing is behind.
Hualiu groaned twice, but did not dare to do anything to throw his master off the horse.
Off his horse, Feng Hui's eyes were wide open, and he looked idiotic. Mu Nanxing looked away, a hint of disgust in his eyes.
"Feng Hui, why don't you get on your horse and set off quickly?"
Feng Hui quickly jumped on his horse, and his horse followed closely behind Hualiu.
Baoshan had long heard that Mu Nanxing loved this horse. Not only did it have smooth fur, but it could also travel a thousand miles a day. It was a good horse.
Only when I sat on the horse did I realize how good Hualiu was.
No matter how bumpy the road is, Hualiu can walk on it as if it were flat ground.
Just thinking about how he was almost thrown off the horse by it just now, Baoshan frowned slightly and gently combed the mane on Hualiu's neck with his palm.
It seems that Hualiu doesn't like her very much.
Hualiu let out a muffled groan when being caressed by the soft palm, and Baoshan chuckled when he heard it.
Hualiu had good hearing and immediately captured the comfortable humming sound.
Riding on the same horse, even if Mu Nanxing was extremely careful, the distance between them was still very close.
Mu Nanxing's broad chest was right behind Baoshan. She only needed to lean back to nestle in Mu Nanxing's arms.
Mu Nanxing put his hands around Bao Shan's slender waist and pulled the reins.
Baoshan's palm was only a finger's length away from Mu Nanxing's hand. Thinking of the temperature of the palm that had just pulled her onto the horse, Baoshan felt warm in her heart.
She has wanted to hold such a warm hand since the day she met Mu Nanxing.
Today's handshake was almost the same as she had imagined.
When Mu Nanxing pulled the reins, he would always touch the treasure fan a few times, and it was unavoidable no matter how careful he was.
His chest felt like it was being illuminated by the warm sun and also like it was being burned by a raging fire. This strange feeling made Mu Nanxing frown. Fortunately, Bao Shan didn't look up to pay attention to the expression on his face, otherwise she would have been frightened.
It is said in the scriptures that everyone has desires, love between men and women, food, sex, and these are natural.
The fragrance lingers at the tip of your nose for a long time, and your hands can feel the softness from time to time.
Mu Nanxing suddenly felt an impulse in his heart and held that soft thing in his arms.
Especially the hand that was injured for him, it must be carefully observed and cared for.
Mu Nanxing was frightened by the sudden thought in his mind. He waved the whip and urged Hualiu to speed up.
The horse's hooves quickened, the surrounding scenery receded into the distance, and I could feel the breeze on both sides of my cheeks.
Mu Nanxing felt disgusted with his own thoughts. How could he have such an idea?
Mu Nanxing woke with a cold face, letting the breeze brush across his cheeks, blowing away all those strange thoughts.
Bao Shan's cheeks felt cold from the wind, and she asked in a trembling voice, "Young Marquis, could you please go a little slower?"
Mu Nanxing seemed to come to his senses and slowed down.
The journey was long and tedious, and Baoshan had only eaten a little of his breakfast. Now his stomach was empty and he was hungry.
Her ears turned red. She untied the sachet at her waist, took out a preserved plum, and put it to her mouth to savor it carefully.
Baoshan didn't dare to eat too much. He just tore off a little bit of the skin of the preserved fruit, feeling the sweetness in his mouth and chewing it carefully.
She did not forget to share the preserved plums and turned her head to ask Mu Nanxing.
Her soft hair was pressed against Mu Nanxing's chest, and her red lips opened and closed, as if she was speaking to Mu Nanxing's heart.
"Is the young marquis hungry?"
Mu Nanxing didn't notice Baoshan stealing the preserved fruit, and just thought she was hungry. He looked up at the sun, which was already hanging in the middle of the sky.
It's really time to rest. Let's stop at the next intersection or the post station.
As soon as he opened his mouth, Mu Nanxing felt a half-soft, half-hard object against his lips, with a sweet and sour taste.
Mu Nanxing lowered his eyes and saw Baoshan holding some preserved plums and bringing them to his mouth.
Baoshan's eyes were bright, unable to conceal the joy in them.
"You gave it to me, and I couldn't bear to part with it... I didn't finish it, so I took it with me to fill my stomach on the road."
She fed Mu Nanxing with her injured hand. Her palm was injured and wrapped in silk, so Baoshan's palm could not move.
She asked the doctor to show her the intact finger and only bandage the injured part.
The female doctor agreed and even wrapped the silk loosely to make the fan easier to move.
Bao Shan's uninjured hand was clutching the open sachet, while her silk-wrapped hand was holding a preserved plum, which she was offering to Mu Nanxing's lips.
The white silk made Mu Nanxing's expression slightly dazed. Just as he opened his lips to say something, Baoshan used her finger to pass the preserved plums into his mouth.
Mu Nanxing's lips were tightly closed, and her mouth was filled with a sweet and sour taste.
Bao Shan retracted his hand and brushed his palm across Mu Nanxing's lips.
Even through the thick silk, Mu Nanxing could tell that the place where his lips had just brushed against was the wound on the precious fan.
In an instant, all the flavors in his mouth vanished. Mu Nanxing swallowed the preserved plum whole, unable to describe its taste.
We made a short break on the way, filled our water bags with water, and bought some dry food for emergencies.
Passing by a stream with clear water and green grass, Mu Nanxing ordered them to stay for a few more hours to let the horses eat enough grass and have a good rest.
The stream water was so clear that you could see the bottom. Baoshan scooped up the clear water in his hands and washed his face.
The stream water was cold, and after washing his face, Baoshan's fingers turned slightly red.
Except for fleeing due to floods, Baoshan has never traveled far.
Her small bag only contained clothes and jewelry. When she saw the soldiers picking up their water bags to drink, she realized that she had forgotten her water bag.
Mu Nanxing's water bag was hanging on Hualiu, and it was filled with water.
Baoshan walked towards Mu Nanxing, who was lying on the grass at the moment, surrounded by lush green grass. Hualiu lowered his head obediently, eating grass not far from him.
Mu Nanxing didn't look at anyone. He rested his hands under his head, a piece of green grass in his mouth, and looked relaxed.
Baoshan reached out to lift up her skirt and squatted beside him.
"Young Marquis, I don't have a water bag."
She naturally turned to Mu Nanxing for help, as if she didn't have to worry about any problems she encountered because she had Young Marquis Mu to rely on.
Mu Nanxing knew that Bao Shan was familiar with Feng Hui. Apart from the generals and soldiers in the barracks, he had never seen Feng Hui care about anyone like this.
Even though they were brothers who had been with each other for more than ten years, Feng Hui was careless, more loyal, and not very careful.
But when he encountered the treasure fan, Feng Hui seemed to have a sudden enlightenment and would think more about anything related to the treasure fan.
Whenever Bao Shan encountered any difficulties, he would rarely go to find Feng Hui. His first thought would be to look for Mu Nanxing.
Mu Nanxing was slightly distracted. The treasure fan's appearance gave people the illusion that he was the person she relied on and trusted the most.
Mu Nanxing twitched his lips slightly, thinking he was overthinking it. Now that Bao Shan had sought his help, he felt much more familiar with her and no longer felt uncomfortable, so he naturally wanted to help her solve her problem.
Mu Nanxing exclaimed softly.
"Hualiu!"
Hualiu, who was busy eating grass, shook his tail and ran towards Mu Nanxing, stopping beside him obediently.
Mu Nanxing stretched out his hand, and Hualiu thought that his master was going to groom his mane as usual, so he quickly lowered his head.
But Mu Nanxing just reached out and took off the water bag hanging on the horse's back and handed it to Bao Shan.
Before Baoshan received the water bag, Mu Nanxing took it back, removed the wooden stopper from the water bag, and then handed it back to Baoshan.
With such weak strength, it is impossible to open the wooden stopper on the water bag.
Baoshan held the water bag in both hands and uttered a soft and thin word of thanks.
"Thank you, young marquis."
The water bag was filled with stream water from upstream, which was also a bit cold.
As soon as the stream water entered his mouth, Baoshan covered his lips with his hands and breathed gently.
The stream water flowed through her fingers, making her fingers look even more slender and her palms even more crystal clear.
Bao Shan rubbed the water bag with both hands. The water bag was probably made of some animal's skin. It was stiff at the touch and a little soft in the middle.
Seeing her childish appearance, Mu Nanxing couldn't help but relax his brows.
After rubbing the fan for a while, he felt that the stream water in the water bag had warmed up, so he raised his head and drank the water again.
"How is it, is it hot?"
Mu Nanxing looked at her leisurely.
Bao Shan nodded, took two more sips, and handed the water bag back to Mu Nanxing.
Mu Nanxing didn't know whether the stream water in the water bag was hot or not.
The leather used to make water bags was already warm at this time.
After riding a horse for a long time, the inner sides of your legs will inevitably be worn and painful.
Although the road was as bumpy and rugged as flat ground under the hooves of the Hualiu horse, it was still too tiring to walk day and night. Baoshan felt that her legs had lost all feeling, as if they were not her own.
The stars in the night sky twinkled slightly, and a crescent moon hung in the darkness.
The originally dark and desolate road was dotted with twinkling sparks, like fireflies. Only when you got closer could you tell they were bonfires.
More than twenty soldiers gathered together and each of them divided the work to pick up firewood and wild fruits. They took out the dry food prepared in advance and ate a quick meal with wild fruits and water. When they were full, they lay on their luggage, using it as a soft pillow and closed their eyes to rest.
The red-blue flames in the bonfire were flickering, the burning wood made crackling sounds, and a few scattered sparks splashed to the ground, bringing a hint of human breath to the desolate mountains.
Baoshan found a secluded place and pulled up his trousers.
But on the snow-like skin, there was a blue bruise, as if dirty water had been splashed on white jade, which was horrifying.
Bao Shan went to find Mu Nanxing and told him the matter hesitantly.
Mu Nanxing listened to her soft whispers and saw Bao Shan describing the blue marks on her legs in detail.
Although she was embarrassed, she described the marks on her legs in detail as soon as she spoke.
A flash of white and smoothness inevitably flashed through Mu Nanxing's mind. He calmed down and shouted to the soldiers, "Who has wine?"
Immediately, a soldier took out the hidden wine and poured it into a water bag, which was then handed to Mu Nanxing.
Mu Nanxing aimed at the mouth of the water bag and sniffed it gently, knowing that it was strong liquor. Although the quality was not good, it was enough to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis.
Mu Nanxing threw the water bag into Baoshan's arms and reminded him.
"Apply this wine to your legs and rub it in carefully until you feel warmth."
Bao Shan's face was covered with clouds, and her voice was as soft as a mosquito's hum: "Yes."
After saying that, both of them looked slightly stunned, with a look of embarrassment flashing across their faces.
Discussing this matter would be too intimate, but if Baoshan were asked to endure the pain and not speak for the sake of temporary face, that would be impossible.
After applying the strong liquor, the blue marks on the legs gradually disappeared, but no one knew who spread the news.
Perhaps it was because they saw Baoshan walking slowly and rubbing her legs from time to time. Many soldiers had experience of leg injuries from riding horses, so they couldn't help but guess that she might be in pain in her legs.
When Feng Hui learned about this, he hurried to ask Baoshan. Baoshan blushed and admitted it hesitantly.
Feng Hui had experience in this matter, as he knew that it was inevitable to be busy and tired during the march.
If it were an ordinary soldier, he would be used to it and endure it, but Baoshan was delicate and tender, and could not bear such severe suffering.
If you don't want to hurt your legs on the road, in addition to applying strong liquor, you also need to put thick felt on the horse. This will reduce wear and tear and the effect is much better than applying strong liquor.
Bao Shan flipped through her bag. The women's clothes she brought with her were too thin and soft. Even if she draped them on her horse, they wouldn't have much effect.
It was difficult to find a thick felt at the moment, but there was a thick piece of clothing. In Mu Nanxing's luggage, there was a rabbit fur cloak, which was extremely soft.
Bao Shan was reluctant to lose face, but Feng Hui was not as shameless as her. She went to look for Mu Nanxing and came back with a black and gold cloak hanging on her arm.
Feng Hui spread out his cloak and tied it around Hualiu. Hualiu struggled a bit at first, his hooves swinging constantly.
But as if he smelled Mu Nanxing's scent on the cloak, he calmed down instantly, groaned, and let Feng Hui and them do what they wanted.
With the cloak under him, Baoshan's legs were instantly saved. The cloak was made of rabbit skin and was black all over. Gold and silver threads could be vaguely seen floating in it.
Sitting on it was like sitting in a sedan chair, which was completely different from riding a horse before.
The cloak was big enough, so when it was spread on Hualiu's horse, it was big enough for Baoshan and Mu Nanxing to ride on.
Mu Nanxing only felt that he saw a trace of shame and help in Hualiu's wide-open eyes, as if saying -
How could it, a steed that could run a thousand miles a day, become a mare, a toy in the hands of a woman, to be dressed up as she pleased?
But Mu Nanxing sat on the horse again and had to admit that it was indeed more comfortable than before.
Before Mu Nanxing set out for Fuling City, he took the initiative to accept orders to provide disaster relief, which had already become a good story in the capital.
When people heard that Mu Nanxing had arranged all matters and rushed back to the capital, they couldn't help but become restless and wanted to see what the young Marquis Mu looked like.
Everyone in the Marquis's Mansion, from the elders and relatives, the Marquis and his wife, to the servants and maids, was looking forward to Mu Nanxing's return to the capital.
Therefore, as soon as he received the news of Mu Nanxing's itinerary, he waited outside the Marquis' Mansion early.
Li Qingyu listened to the noise outside the mansion and felt that the streets were unusually lively today, so he couldn't help but ask.
"What happened outside?"
The maids looked at each other, and the last one, the boldest one, stepped forward and replied to Li Qingyu.
"Young Marquis Mu has returned to the capital, and everyone has gone to see him."
Li Qingyu looked stunned and nodded slightly.
It turned out that Mu Nanxing had returned. Well, if you think about it carefully, he had been gone for so long, it must be time for him to come back.
Seeing that Li Qingyu had no reaction, the maid who had just answered her quickly offered some advice.
"Miss, why don't you go and pick up Young Marquis Mu? He will definitely be happy to see you."
Everyone in their house knew that Young Marquis Mu was ordered to provide disaster relief for the sake of their daughter.
But Li Qingyu had chilled Mu Nanxing's heart that day, and Mu Nanxing had been gone for such a long time without receiving a single letter.
Li Qingyu never seemed happy when he received a letter.
Now that there were no more letters, Li Qingyu began to feel distracted again.
In the opinion of these maids, they do not understand their master's thoughts. If they were in the position of Marquis Mu, they would have been unable to bear the passionate thoughts of the young Marquis Mu.
But Li Qingyu kept stopping Mu Nanxing from making this matter clear.
If you say that Li Qingyu has no feelings for Mu Nanxing at all, then of course that is not possible.
But she always forcibly regarded Mu Nanxing's feelings for her as the friendship between siblings.
Li Qingyu's heart sank slightly. She had no idea that Mu Nanxing had returned this time.
In the past, when Mu Nanxing went on a long journey, he would always send her a letter to inform her of his itinerary and tactfully ask her to pick him up.
Now she heard the news from someone else.
Li Qingyu felt depressed, thinking that the brother-sister relationship they had shared for many years had suddenly been neglected, which was hard to accept.
Hearing the maid's suggestion, Li Qingyu nodded slightly.
She went to see Mu Nanxing once, and Mu Nanxing... he must have wanted her to go.
After changing into her clothes and putting on her makeup, Li Qingyu looked at her face in the bronze mirror, feeling uncertain. What if… what if Mu Nanxing brought up the emperor's promise again? What should she do?
Li Qingyu changed her mind and realized that she would be unwilling to stay with Mu Nanxing.
Not really. Mu Nanxing was so good to her, and Li Qingyu kept it in mind.
Even though Mu Nanxing did some impulsive things because of his young age, the root cause was that it was all for her.
Thinking of this, Li Qingyu actually felt that the fog in his mind was dispelled and gradually became clear.
There is nothing wrong with accepting Mu Nanxing's thoughts, or perhaps accepting the thoughts hidden deep in her heart.
If Mu Nanxing brought up that matter again this time, she would no longer stop him and would listen carefully to his thoughts.
Seeing Li Qingyu's hesitant expression, the maids were shocked, fearing that their girl had suddenly encountered something and would not go anymore.
They inexplicably felt that if Li Qingyu didn't go today, he would become estranged from Young Marquis Mu in the future.
Fortunately, Li Qingyu only hesitated for a moment and finally decided to go.
Mu Nanxing and his companions were walking on the official road, and there weren't so many people there on ordinary days. But now both sides were crowded with people, and they were stretching their heads and looking forward, as if they were waiting for someone.
"Feng Hui, you lead the troops back."
Mu Nanxing asked Feng Hui to take the official road, while he himself took the treasured fan and took the small road back home.
On Li Qingyu's side, because there were too many onlookers, it was inconvenient for them to fight for it, so they waited in the Marquis' Mansion. Since Mu Nanxing came back, they had to go back to the Marquis' Mansion.
The figure of a horse appeared in the distance, and Li Qingyu's voice was filled with joy.
"It's Hualiu!"
Hualiu rode his horse's hooves across the small bridge and walked towards the marquis' mansion.
As the figure on Hualiu's body gradually became clearer, the joy in Li Qingyu's eyes was replaced by a hint of panic. The maids surrounding her also fell silent.
They were surprised: Why is there a beautiful woman on the young marquis's horse?
The horse's hooves slowly stopped in front of the marquis's mansion. Mu Nanxing gently pulled the reins and dismounted.
Just as the groom was about to take the reins, he saw Mu Nanxing reach out and take the precious fan off the horse's back.
Bao Shan staggered when she got off the horse and almost sprained her ankle. Fortunately, Mu Nanxing supported her shoulders with his hands.
Baoshan smiled gently at Mu Nanxing. Although Mu Nanxing did not respond, his expression was obviously much more relaxed.
Mu Nanxing first paid a visit to his grandparents and his father and mother at home.
The relatives of the Marquis' Mansion took good care of Mu Nanxing, and then they turned their curious eyes to the treasure fan.
Li Qingyu on the other side had turned as pale as paper. Mu Nanxing didn't greet her first and didn't notice that anything was wrong with her.
The maidservant exclaimed softly: "What's wrong with you, young lady?"
Mu Nanxing turned around and saw Li Qingyu trembling. He subconsciously wanted to reach out his hand, and Li Qingyu's words of rejection emerged in his mind.
Yes, she didn't want him to get close to her, and didn't want others to spread rumors that they were too close.
The palm was abruptly stopped. Mu Nanxing looked indifferent and only asked the people in the Marquis' Mansion to call a doctor.
Li Qingyu struggled to move forward, calling out "Nanxing", but his eyes subconsciously looked at the treasure fan.
"Nanxing must have worked hard in this disaster relief effort. Return home and rest well. This is..."
Bao Shan followed behind Mu Nanxing and never said a word from the beginning.
Seeing Li Qingyu calling her, Baoshan raised her head, revealing a beautiful face.
Li Qingyu's eyebrows trembled slightly, but Baoshan did not speak to answer her doubts.
Instead, he looked at Mu Nanxing, his watery eyes filled with anxiety.
"She is the precious fan. Now—"
Mu Nanxing paused, thought for a moment, and then spoke.
"He stayed with me during the disaster relief efforts."
Mu Nanxing hadn't mentioned Baoshan's refugee status, let alone her orphan status. People were always divided into different classes, no matter where they lived. If others knew Baoshan's identity as a merchant girl, and that she had nowhere else to go but to be his servant, they would inevitably look down on her and treat her with indifference.
It would be better to give a brief explanation in a few words.
However, when everyone heard this, it seemed that Mu Nanxing intended to protect the treasure fan.
Who is the young Marquis Mu? He is young and frivolous, and he is arrogant and wanton. How could he have ever given anyone face like this?
Young Marquis Mu always politely declined any advances from women.
Apart from Li Qingyu, who could move him somewhat, he had never let a woman stay by his side.
It seems that this Miss Baoshan must have a close relationship with the young Marquis Mu.
What's more, Baoshan is so beautiful and has such a charming and delicate appearance. Any man would be moved by her.
Besides, Mu Nanxing had just personally carried her off the horse, so they must have a close relationship.
Facing everyone's secret gazes and all kinds of speculations in their hearts, Bao Shan settled down in the Marquis's mansion. The mansion arranged a courtyard according to the guests' standards. The location was strangely chosen. According to the normal route, it was far from Mu Nanxing's bedroom.
But if you take a shortcut and follow the secluded path, you can reach Mu Nanxing in just a cup of tea.
Although most people in the Marquis' Mansion were curious about the treasured fan, they behaved properly and were considerate of Mu Nanxing, so few people came to disturb her.
After entering the Marquis' Mansion, she could no longer see Feng Hui and the many soldiers often, and everything had to be more disciplined. Baoshan felt uneasy and still wanted to do some things, so she got up early every day.
When she arrived at Mu Nanxing's bedroom, the embroidered shoes were still covered with morning dew.
Baoshan skillfully changed Mu Nanxing's clothes and smoothed out the wrinkles on his robe one by one.
Then Baoshan followed Mu Nanxing and left.
After the two of them left, the servants raised their heads and started whispering to each other.
"Could it be that I'm seeing things? The young marquis actually let someone get close to him? And he even let her undress herself..."
"You're right. But this is normal. The women who usually come close to me are all vulgar and vulgar. How can they compare to Miss Baoshan, with her soft waist and figure like a willow..."
"Be careful of your words! If the young marquis hears this, your restless eyes will be in jeopardy!"
Mu Nanxing came out of the palace and brought a craftsman with him. The craftsman had a small square box made of carved red sandalwood hanging around his waist. No one knew what was inside.
The craftsman entered Mu Nanxing's study. After a while, a tinkling sound came from the study. It was extremely pleasant, as clear as the sound of spring water hitting pebbles, and it was impossible to guess what instrument it was.
The sun set and the sunset glow covered most of the sky. Before it got dark, Baoshan asked for hot water, used soap nuts, and washed her hair carefully.
The cotton handkerchief feels soft and can absorb moisture.
Baoshan used the cotton handkerchief to wring out her hair. Under the orange candlelight, Baoshan's face looked as soft and gentle as the bright moon.
The maid who came to call her called twice outside the door. When Baoshan said "come in", she pushed open the two doors and saw the beautiful sight of the beauty with her hair tied up.
The maidservant's voice softened unconsciously: "Miss Baoshan, the young marquis wants to see you."
Baoshan put away the handkerchief, and the whole person seemed to be shrouded in a layer of mist, hazy and blurry.
"The young marquis told me what it was."
"No."
Baoshan lowered her eyes and did not continue to wring out her hair before leaving. She picked up the wooden comb on the dressing table and simply combed her hair into a bun. Most of her hair was draped over her slender shoulders, flowing down along her round shoulders, with the ends of her hair gently caressing her waist.
When Baoshan stepped over the threshold, Mu Nanxing was concentrating on the object in his hand.
It was not until Baoshan called him that Mu Nanxing withdrew his gaze and stood up.
The object in Mu Nanxing's hand fell into the box with a crisp "dong dong" sound. The box was pushed in front of the treasure fan, and she finally understood what Mu Nanxing had been playing with.
——It is a pair of drop-shaped earrings, with a round shape and crystal color. In the dark, they look like fireflies, shining brightly and dazzlingly.
Bao Shan didn't know what kind of jade this was, but it must be good, and she couldn't help but praise it out loud: "What beautiful earrings."
It is indeed beautiful, so beautiful that it makes people feel excited and want to hold it in their hands and play with it.
Although Baoshan liked the earrings, she did not reach out to touch them. It is better not to touch such precious jade materials casually.
Mu Nanxing looked at the white and tender earlobe under Baoshan's black hair. It was empty and particularly eye-catching.
“This is living jade.”
Baoshan's beautiful eyes turned slightly, and she was surprised. This was the living jade that could change color.
Mu Nanxing put his hands behind his back and slowly walked to the side of the treasure fan.
"It's yours."
He said that he would have the chance to wear it.
Bao Shan wanted to say something but stopped himself, his face hesitant, but when his eyes met Mu Nanxing's persistent expression, he took back all the words he was about to say.
She placed the earrings made of living jade in the palm of her hand, which was warm and slightly cool.
Baoshan lifted the hair beside her ears and put the two earrings under her ears.
It's just that the craftsman made the earrings too complicated, and a few strands of hair fell down from time to time, and soon became entangled with the earrings.
Seeing that she had made her delicate ears slightly red, Mu Nanxing couldn't help but frown and reached out to take the earrings out of Baoshan's hand.
With a slight loosening of the silver buckle, the tangled hair was freed.
Mu Nanxing leaned over and put the pearl earring on the tip of Baoshan's ear.
The snow-like earlobes kept getting bigger in front of Mu Nanxing's eyes, and a few restless strands of hair flew to his wrists. Mu Nanxing could feel the wetness on them, and at the same time felt an itch on his wrists.
The lock was lightly fastened, and his fingertips accidentally brushed across the soft spot——
Small enough that his fingernails could easily cover the earlobes.
I just felt that the owner of that soft spot was extremely sensitive, his body trembled slightly, and the tips of his ears were even redder than the finest pigeon blood gems.
Bao Shan blushed, not daring to look up. An oil lamp sat on the table, its flame burning brightly. Its soft, red and orange glow spread across a beautiful face.
The loosely tied bun had come undone at some point, and all the black hair fell down. The drop-shaped earrings made of living jade gently sniffed the owner's face and hair.
The slightly red earlobes complement the petal-like soft lips.
Her eyebrows were like distant mountains, and her eyes seemed to be immersed in clear water. She turned around shyly and looked.
How can you not be mesmerized when you see a beauty under the lamp?
Mu Nanxing claimed that he was not a lustful person, but at this moment, he was slightly distracted. His sharp eyes were fixed on her long hair, earlobes, and lips...
As they passed by one by one, his expression gradually became deep and unfathomable, and gradually became wanton.
Baoshan suddenly spoke, interrupting the overly quiet atmosphere.
"Young Marquis, it's getting late. Could you lend me a lantern so I can walk at night?"
Mu Nanxing withdrew his gaze and responded in a deep voice.
Although no one in the Marquis' Mansion made things difficult for Baoshan, other people in the capital did not hide their curiosity. Within a few days, they specially invited Baoshan over.
The man who came bowed very deeply, and even though he didn't know the origin of the precious fan, his expression was extremely respectful, and it was impossible to find fault with him.
Baoshan pinched the invitation between two fingers, with doubt in his voice.
"Is the young marquis going?"
The visitor stiffened and answered her doubts.
"This is a girls' party, the young marquis will not go."
Not only would Mu Nanxing not go, they hadn't even shown the invitation to him.
This person was afraid that Baoshan would continue to ask questions, and was also afraid that Baoshan would refuse the invitation because Mu Nanxing would not go.
He then put on a sad face and talked about his difficulties.
If he fails to obtain the precious fan, he will definitely be punished.
Baoshan's eyes moved slightly, and he agreed in a soft voice.
When this man walked out of the gate of the Marquis' Mansion, he felt a little sorry for the kind-hearted Miss Baoshan. This was not a simple invitation, but probably a Hongmen Banquet.
It's just his duty, and he has to do it even if he feels guilty.
Baoshan didn't have many jewels, except for the few he brought from Fuling City.
That is the pair of pearl and jade earrings that Mu Nanxing gave her.
The jewelry she brought from Fuling City was definitely not as good as those in the capital, and she might end up making a fool of herself if she wore it.
As for the earrings, remembering the perfunctory words on the invitation, Baoshan's jade fingers gently stroked the drop-pearl earrings and put them on.
As for the headdress, she casually picked a rose in full bloom, with red petals and blue edges, and hung it on her bun.
The pavilion is located on the water. Before getting close, you can hear the laughter of birdsong.
But as soon as the treasure fan approached, they stopped.
Baoshan did not bother to please others. Instead, he sat alone, away from the crowd, by the water. He broke the cakes on the table into crumbs and threw them into the water, attracting a group of fish to scramble for them.
The host of the banquet was sitting in the center of the pavilion. He was dressed in gorgeous clothes and saw the precious fan like this, which made him even more depressed.
She deliberately raised her voice to make the joy louder, so that Baoshan would feel ashamed of herself for not being able to fit in and being excluded.
Although the woman in brocade clothes intended to exclude Bao Shan, her eyes were fixed on her.
I saw the precious fan leaning lightly against the railing, and the pearl earrings on her ears were particularly dazzling.
She was just about to say something sarcastic. She had thought that Bao Shan would not wear any jewelry and would pretend to be a beautiful woman like an orchid, but she never expected that she would wear such a luxurious gem as pigeon blood.
But before she could finish her words, the woman in brocade clothes suddenly widened her eyes. No, it wasn't pigeon blood.
The woman in brocade clothes was so angry that she forgot about the exclusion. She pulled the hand of Li Qingyu, who was sitting aside with a calm expression and did not get involved in the noisy scene, and complained aloud.
"Sister Li, why is she wearing living jade?"
Mu Nanxing knew that she had a piece of living jade, and she thought it was left for Li Qingyu, but who would have thought that it was snatched away by this woman who appeared out of nowhere.
Li Qingyu frowned and reached out to comfort the woman in brocade clothes.
The two chatted for a while, and then the woman in brocade clothes stomped her feet and left with her group of young sisters.
Only Li Qingyu and the precious fan gazing at the lake were left in the pavilion.
"Miss Baoshan."
Bao Shan turned sideways and looked back. She had heard a lot about Li Qingyu from Feng Hui, but this was the first time she had observed her carefully.
Li Qingyu's face softened, and after struggling for a while, he still asked that question.
"You and Nanxing, between you..."
She didn't believe what others said, and she thought she understood Mu Nanxing's character.
Perhaps the impulsive action he took now was to seek peace of mind.
The pearl earrings swayed slowly, Li Qingyu's eyes flickered slightly, and he suddenly became a little hesitant.
The living jade belongs to Mu Nanxing. Even though Mu Nanxing never promised it, she always thought that this piece of jade was meant to be made into jewelry for her. There was no other reason.
Apart from her, there was no other woman around Mu Nanxing.
But now this living jade has become the property of another woman.
Li Qingyu looked dazed, staring at the white, tender and soft earlobe in a daze.
Such delicate and pretty ears are really the most suitable for wearing earrings.
Bao Shan replied softly, "Miss Li should ask the young marquis. Bao Shan is just a weak woman, helpless and adrift."
Li Qingyu was surprised and took a few steps back.
She knew her actions today were rude. The woman in brocade clothes had deliberately invited Baoshan to come, wanting to vent her anger. Although she disapproved, she didn't try to stop her. Now, having abandoned everyone else to ask Baoshan about this, she couldn't help but harbor some hidden thoughts.
No matter how Baoshan answered, it was wrong.
If Ruo Baoshan said that they had nothing to do with each other, Li Qingyu's question seemed to remind her to understand her own identity and not to drag down Mu Nanxing.
If Bao Shan said that she and Mu Nanxing were deeply in love, she would become a scheming woman who wanted to climb up the social ladder in the eyes of everyone.
Once this word gets out, it will definitely be criticized by people in the capital and despised by all women.
What Baoshan said now did not answer the relationship between the two, but asked Li Qingyu to ask Mu Nanxing.
Yes, in terms of closeness, Li Qingyu is definitely more familiar with Mu Nanxing, and he has only met Baoshan once, and they have never even spoken to each other.
If we were to discuss truth or falsehood, Mu Nanxing's words would definitely be more credible than Bao Shan's. Why did Li Qingyu come to question Bao Shan? He simply viewed her as a weak woman whose answers would be easy to manipulate.
After figuring everything out, Li Qingyu's face turned pale. He seemed unable to accept his own misfortune. He left in a hurry without even saying goodbye.
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