Chapter 83. Sweet words and gentle whispers echoed in her ear, a kiss silenced the world. ...
Yi Ruxu, dressed in a flowing blue robe, walked slowly through the falling peach petals, her figure gradually drawing closer.
Su Jinxiu smiled and nodded at him first, and before he got closer, she turned to Wen Shiqin beside her and whispered, "Apologize to him properly later."
Upon hearing this, Shi Qin's brows immediately furrowed, his resistance evident in his expression.
"What did you just say?" Su Jinxiu looked up at him. "You said you were willing to do anything for me, and now you're going to go back on your word?"
After a struggle, Wen Shiqin finally closed his eyes and said in a deep voice, "Fine."
Before he finished speaking, Yi Ruxu was already standing close. His gaze swept over the lingering pink and white peach blossoms in their hair, and the loneliness that welled up in his heart was subtly suppressed. He smiled gently and said, "What a coincidence."
Su Jinxiu subtly pinched Wen Shiqin's palm, the force light but carrying a clear message.
Hearing that Shi Qin seemed to have changed his mind at the last minute, his Adam's apple bobbed, and he avoided the real issue, looking up at Yi Ruxu and asking, "Why would a Grand Secretary come here?"
Yi Ruxu smiled upon hearing this, but did not answer directly. He turned around and took three incense sticks from the table. He gathered the incense and gently twirled them. The sparks flickered and the smoke curled up. "I heard that someone built the Biyi Tower and even enshrined a statue of the Peach Blossom Fairy. I came here to see the magnificent sight."
He walked slowly toward the statue of the deity, his back straight and upright, as he focused on burning incense and bowing in worship.
Su Jinxiu kept giving Wen Shiqin meaningful glances from behind.
Wen Shiqin felt uneasy under her gaze. Watching Yi Ruxu's retreating figure as she offered incense, he finally gritted his teeth and said in a low voice, "I have wronged you in many ways in the past."
Yi Ruxu paused abruptly as he offered incense. After a moment, he chuckled softly, his voice low and his emotions unreadable. He continued to steadily insert the incense sticks into the incense burner, and only turned around after the ceremony was complete.
“We’re all old friends, how can I say I’m sorry?” Yi Ruxu turned around, her smile still gentle, but her words were intriguing. “As long as you’re true to Qiaoniang, you’ve been true to me.”
Wen Shiqin felt that these words sounded subtle, as if he was able to be with Su Jinxiu now because he had given up his love. He couldn't help but think that during the year and a half that he was away, even though she had not agreed, Yi Ruxu's entanglement with her must not have diminished in the slightest.
But he had already promised Su Jinxiu that he would stop overthinking, and he was also clear that her heart was completely devoted to him. Thinking of this, the resentment in his heart quietly dissipated, and instead, he felt a sense of magnanimity befitting an empress.
Wen Shiqin nodded in agreement, saying, "You're right, we're all old acquaintances."
"My sister and I will be getting married soon. When we do, the wedding gift I give you will be twice as generous as others', as a way of thanking you for your understanding and open-mindedness today."
Su Jinxiu stood to the side, looking slightly embarrassed.
I wonder where Wen Shiqin learned such subtle and insidious tactics, and how he is so adept at putting on a show. His words and exchanges appear gentle and polite, but in reality, sarcasm is hidden between the lines. Anyone in the know can see through it with a little careful reading.
His demeanor was impeccable, without a single fault to be found. His smooth and tactful manner left no room for criticism, leaving one only with a sense of helplessness.
As luck would have it, while they were talking, Su Jinxiu happened to meet Han Fei, the embroiderer from the pavilion, who also came here. After exchanging a few pleasantries, Han Fei asked Su Jinxiu to take her upstairs for a panoramic view.
However, Su Jinxiu was still worried about the two of them being alone, so she tugged at Wen Shiqin's sleeve, signaling him to lean closer, and whispered in his ear: "I'm taking Hanfei around, so be well-behaved here and don't cause any trouble."
Wen Shiqin readily agreed and said with a sly smile, "Alright, don't worry, my dear sister." As he leaned down, his tall figure blocked the view behind him, and he went a step further and said, "Give me a kiss, and I'll behave and not cause any trouble."
Su Jinxiu frowned and glared at him. How could he do such an intimate thing in broad daylight with so many eyes and ears around?
Her ears turned red, but she insisted, "Don't go crazy now, let's talk about it when we get back."
After saying that, she pushed his shoulder away, turned around and took Hanfei upstairs.
Wen Shiqin watched the smiling, beautiful figure disappear around the corner of the stairs, then his playful demeanor vanished. He turned to Yi Ruxu and asked, "During the time I lost my memory, you were often by her side. Did Mu Hualin and she ever have any conflicts?"
Their gazes were both fixed on the second floor, and Yi Ruxu slowly recounted the old stories from the riverbank. As she recounted the cause and effect, Wen Shiqin's face grew increasingly grim, and the veins on the back of his hands clenched so tightly they were visible.
The image of her squatting alone on the embankment, tears streaming down her face, was already vivid in his mind. Her helplessness made his heart ache just thinking about it.
"Okay, I understand." His Adam's apple bobbed as he suppressed the surging heartache and anger, and nodded, "Thank you for telling me about today's events."
Putting aside his subjective dislike, Wen Shiqin had to admit that Yi Ruxu truly acted like a gentleman. She didn't take advantage of his amnesia and her vulnerability, but instead showed him great care. Now that he had returned and they were finally together, Yi Ruxu was so open and unassuming, no longer seeking further entanglement.
Wen Shiqin put himself in her shoes and thought that if he were in Yi Ruxu's shoes, he would probably have used any means necessary to take her back and keep her by his side. He would never have been so tolerant.
Thinking of this, Wen Shiqin's previous confrontation with Yi Ruxu quietly melted away, leaving only a few genuine admirations and apologies. He looked at Yi Ruxu, his sharp edge softened, and said in a deep voice, "I was very offensive before, but today I realize your noble character. I was narrow-minded. I'm sorry."
Upon hearing this, Yi Ruxu merely smiled faintly, her gaze not even glancing at him, remaining fixed on the beautiful figure on the second floor.
The crows on the father-in-law's roof, if the man is well, the crows will be well too.
Honest and unassuming?
I'll share her joy; it's just a matter of loving the house because of the people in it.
On the way back, Su Jinxiu was held firmly in front of Wen Shiqin's horse, her back pressed against his warm chest, but she felt that the person behind her was unusually silent.
She turned around and examined him closely, her gaze filled with a hint of inquiry.
Wen Shiqin spoke first to prove himself: "What? I was obedient and did not cause any trouble today."
Having spent so much time together, Su Jinxiu knew his temperament and demeanor inside and out. His current expression suggested he was deep in thought. However, she also knew that if she pointed it out now, he would surely yell, "You don't even believe me?" and make a scene for a long time.
Not wanting to cause any further trouble, Su Jinxiu turned back and nestled into his arms again, listening to his steady, drum-like heartbeat.
The two rode side by side at a slow pace. As dusk deepened, the cool autumn breeze gently blew, causing the strands of hair at their temples to flutter.
As I walked along Chang'an Avenue, the sky was high and the clouds were clear, the air cool and refreshing. Vendors along the roadside set up simple cloth stalls, displaying hairpins made of maple leaves in various colors and hairpins adorned with frost-stained flowers, their crimson hues dazzling to the eye. Ancient maple trees on both sides, when blown by the wind, sent their red leaves fluttering down, carpeting the ground with crimson hues, creating a scene straight out of a painting.
As Su Jinxiu was engrossed in watching, Wen Shiqin quietly brushed a piece of red maple leaf from her hair and began to chatter, "The West Garden in the Marquis's mansion is still under renovation. The rockery and pond have just been finalized, and a covered walkway has been added next to it, connecting the warm pavilion and the flower hall. In the future, when you invite your girlfriends over, you can enjoy the lotus flowers by the stream under the walkway and brew tea with snow. It will be very comfortable."
"The east wing has an embroidery workshop and a music room, and osmanthus trees are planted outside the windows, filling the courtyard with fragrance in autumn. There's also the opera house you mentioned; the stage is already set up, but the couplets haven't been written yet, waiting for you to decide." He paused, then hugged the person in front of him even tighter. "It's that bed in the master bedroom. Last time I slept with you in my arms, I always felt very cramped. I was afraid of pressing on your hair when I turned over. I've already had a custom-made canopy bed made, so you'll be able to roll around freely from now on."
Su Jinxiu listened to him rambling on about the scenery in the mansion, only responding casually a few times, her gaze still following the red leaves all over the sky.
After he finished speaking, Su Jinxiu looked up at him, her eyes reflecting the sunset and the red maple leaves: "Shall we go to Qixiawu on the outskirts of Beijing? I've heard that the autumn forests there are like fire, and there are also large pastures with cattle and sheep grazing freely, and the reeds by the streams are all white. It's the perfect place to enjoy autumn."
Wen Shiqin looked down at her thin, pale yellow silk skirt and frowned, saying, "Dusk has fallen, the wind is cold and the dew is heavy. Your clothes are too thin. It's not too late to go tomorrow."
Su Jinxiu pouted: "Who said they'd do anything for me? It turns out it was all a lie..."
After speaking, she raised her fair wrist and pretended to wipe the corner of her eye with the back of her hand. In reality, her eyes were clear and without a trace of moisture, yet she looked pitiful and endearing.
Looking at her feigned tearful expression, Wen Shiqin felt a slight throbbing in his temples. He could already foresee that year after year, no matter how unwilling he was to grant her unreasonable demands, she would always use this phrase to shut him up, leaving him with no way to refute it.
Just then, the gates of the Marquis's mansion on Chang'an Street came into view. He reined in his horse, ordered the steward to bring a gray squirrel fur cloak with stone blue brocade, spread it out, covered himself from behind, and then wrapped Su Jinxiu tightly in his arms. The two snuggled together, with only her head showing.
He lowered his head, his nose brushing against hers, and said helplessly, "I'm truly wronged. I was worried you'd get cold and was in a hurry to get your cloak, and yet you're still criticizing me like this."
Su Jinxiu got her wish and smiled all the way, but she still said confidently, "How can you blame me? It's not like I forced you to make the oath. Since you made the promise yourself, you should naturally keep your word."
Wen Shiqin pulled her closer, resting his chin on the top of her head, his voice tinged with laughter: "When did I say I would break my promise? I'd be perfectly content to be controlled by you for the rest of my life." He paused, his tone becoming serious, "Once the Marquis's mansion is fully repaired, you'll wait for me obediently at the Feng residence. I'll personally come to propose marriage, preparing an eight-bearer sedan chair and a ten-mile-long dowry, marrying you in grand style and making you the most respectable Marquis's wife in the capital. How about it?"
Su Jinxiu's ears turned bright red, and she subconsciously gripped his sleeve, quickly changing the subject to hide her embarrassment: "You've seemed so busy these past few days, have you taken on a new job?"
The two had now ridden away from the bustling city center of Bianjing. The road ahead gradually opened up, with autumn forests stretching like waves, and maple leaves ablaze with color. The evening breeze carried the crisp scent of grass and trees. Wen Shiqin pulled on the reins and rode slowly, saying in a deep voice, "Now that I have been ennobled as a marquis, there is a shortage of capable military officers in the capital. The Emperor has ordered me to take charge of the Imperial Guards' training. I must go to the drill ground every day to inspect and train the troops, to conserve their strength for war. I will also take the opportunity to mentor some promising talents in the army, teaching them military strategy and tactics, so that they can serve the country in the future."
"Won't you be very busy in the future?" Su Jinxiu looked up at him.
Wen Shiqin lowered his head, his tone resolute: "Whether I'm busy or not depends on whether you want to see me or not."
"If you want to see me, I would abandon the command seal of a general and run to you. If you want to see me, even if I am surrounded by ten thousand troops and am hit by a hail of arrows, I can find a way to escape."
"Don't give me that." Su Jinxiu scolded him for his resounding promise, her ears turning even redder, her heart already filled with sweetness. "Don't make such easy promises. Every promise you casually make, I remember it all. If you ever..."
Before he could finish speaking, Wen Shiqin lowered his head and gently covered his lips with hers, sealing away the rest of his unspoken words.
The author's note: Making up has given me so much sweetness it's given me diabetes.
Note:
"The crows on the roof of the father-in-law's house, when the man is well, the crows are well too." (Quoted from Du Fu's poem "Presented to My Father-in-Law, Li Si of Shehong")
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