Chapter 86: I've given myself and everything I own, hoping only for your pity. ...
In the study of the Marquis of Zhenyuan's residence, the morning dew had not yet dried.
Mo Ci respectfully presented the secret report, and Wen Shiqin opened the scroll and glanced at it before placing the secret letter on the side of the desk.
"Send several more groups of men to capture this scoundrel. Remember, spare his life and do not let him die easily. This kind of wicked creature must be dealt with by me personally; I absolutely cannot let him die so easily."
After giving his instructions, he left the mansion, mounted his horse, and rode straight towards Huayun Pavilion, his cloak billowing in the wind.
As the sun rose higher, its golden rays pierced through the clouds and mist, slowly dispelling the thick fog. When the fog cleared, the central embroidered pavilion of Huayun Pavilion was also bathed in a warm golden light.
Behind the window on the third floor, in front of the pear blossom desk, Su Jinxiu was overseeing all matters, big and small.
Recently, the marriage between Cui Cheng, the third son of the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and Song Xianhui, the sixth daughter of the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works, has been arranged with great haste. All the arrangements for the wedding have been handled by Huayun Pavilion. Su Jinxiu is so busy that she doesn't even have a spare moment to visit the Marquis's residence. Meanwhile, Wen Shiqin is also overwhelmed by the deployment of imperial guards and the details of security for the royal autumn hunt.
The two had not seen each other for three days. To Wen Shiqin, it truly felt like three autumns had passed since they last met, as if they were separated by nine worlds.
After finishing her tasks, Su Jinxiu descended the pavilion, still carrying the chill of the morning dew. Although she had gotten up early, she had dressed meticulously, her hair styled in double buns adorned with pink tassels. She wore a light pink gradient embroidered silk dress, embroidered with clusters of flowers, and a thin gauze shawl fluttered lightly with her steps, making her appear as graceful as a swallow and as delicate as a nightingale.
I had just stretched in the morning light when I saw the embroiderers in the front hall bowing their heads in unison. Looking at the scene from afar, I already understood what was going on.
She unconsciously stepped forward to greet him, and as she ascended the steps, she glanced down and lifted her skirt for a moment. When she looked up again, she found that the man was no longer in the hall.
Just as I was wondering if it was a hallucination, I was suddenly patted on the back. I turned my head sharply and saw a large bunch of pink hibiscus flowers, looking beautiful and vibrant.
As the bouquet slowly descended, Wen Shiqin was seen wearing the riding outfit she had made a few days earlier. The indigo main color set off the wide gold collar, with vermilion patterns flowing between them. She wore a silver crown, with rubies and blue stones shining brightly on it.
"Sister, do you know that the flowers are beautiful, but the people are even more beautiful?"
Wen Shiqin smiled and handed the hibiscus to her.
"Glib-tongued..."
Su Jinxiu smiled as she accepted the flowers into her arms, their sweet fragrance filling her lungs. She then noticed the embroiderers busy at work in the hall, so she took his hand and led him to the courtyard for a private conversation, "Why did you decide to wear this riding outfit today?"
“Since my elder sister made these new clothes herself, I should naturally wear them for her to see first.” Wen Shiqin returned the handshake, smiling slightly as she looked down. “By the way, I’m going to the royal autumn hunt later. Would you like to come along, elder sister?”
“You asked about that a few days ago,” Su Jinxiu shook her head. “The autumn hunt is for nobles, why would I go and join in? Besides, I don’t know how to hunt.”
Wen Shiqin's smile deepened, and he began to urge, "Why not? Just sit in front of me and accompany me to shoot a tiger and watch Sun Lang. Wouldn't that be a fun thing?"
"No, no, I'm not going." Su Jinxiu waved her hand. "We haven't finished the job of arranging Cui Cheng's marriage yet. Although they offered triple the payment, it was still too rushed. Wasn't he making a fuss about marrying Ningzhu before? Men really change their minds quickly."
Wen Shiqin didn't talk about outsiders' affairs, but only kept instructing, "In that case, elder sister, you should stay at the Marquis's residence and wait for me tonight. Since you haven't come these past few days, my bed has been cold every night, and I'm afraid I'll catch a cold."
Su Jinxiu's eyes crinkled with laughter at his words, and her shoulders trembled slightly.
As the two chatted and laughed, they reached the first floor of the embroidered tower.
Wen Shiqin seized the opportunity and made a new request: "This riding outfit that my elder sister made is exactly what I want. Please make me a few more in the future."
"You wish." Su Jinxiu glanced at him, her smile undiminished. "My Huayun Pavilion's custom orders are already booked until next year. How can we rush to make one for you? Let alone let you cut in line."
Several newly arrived apprentice embroiderers, unaware of Wen Shiqin's identity, mistook him for a distinguished guest. Seeing him standing side-by-side with the pavilion master, a man of unparalleled beauty and a woman of breathtaking charm, a match made in heaven, they couldn't help but steal a few glances. Linlang noticed their arousal and quickly coughed lightly, leading the apprentices away, not wanting to disturb their private conversation.
"Huh?" Wen Shiqin sighed, feigning distress, his tone exaggerated. "Is the Pavilion Master so impartial that even I, your humble servant, cannot take shortcuts?"
Before he finished speaking, he stepped forward, leaning slightly forward. Su Jinxiu raised her flowers to block him, but the vibrant hibiscus was neatly placed between them, so close they could almost hear each other's breath.
Wen Shiqin's eyes gleamed with a sly, ingratiating smile: "In that case, may I offer a generous sum of money to request that the Pavilion Master personally tailor the clothes?"
Su Jinxiu's eyes flickered, deliberately teasing him: "That depends on whether the sum of money is substantial enough."
"It is naturally heavy, enough to express my feelings."
Wen Shiqin raised his chin slightly, his gaze falling on the hibiscus, and said with certainty, "I can give all of my wealth and salary to the Pavilion Master."
Su Jinxiu followed his gaze and tapped the calyx with her fingertip: "When did this hibiscus become your entire fortune? Turning stone into gold out of nowhere, you really are a scoundrel."
"If you search carefully, you will find that there is a hidden secret within."
Wen Shiqin smiled mysteriously, his eyes concealing unspoken thoughts.
Seeing his expression, Su Jinxiu was filled with suspicion. She looked down at the beautiful hibiscus and, after noticing something amiss, reached out her slender hand to explore the depths of the bouquet.
It turned out to be a set of key pegs, adorned with a small, gilded token, its intricate design and cool to the touch.
Wen Shiqin, beaming with pride, said, "This is the key to the Zhenyuan Marquis's treasury, along with the steward's token. My salary, personal wealth, and land deeds have all been handed over to the Pavilion Master."
Before he finished speaking, disregarding the obstruction among the flowers, he went straight forward and hugged Su Jinxiu tightly. His waist was strong, and the hibiscus between them was pinched so that the petals trembled slightly, and some of the bright color fell onto their clothes.
Wen Shiqin lowered his head, his voice low and husky: "I wonder if the Pavilion Master is satisfied?"
Su Jinxiu's heart softened at his persistent actions, and the weariness she had felt over the past few days dissipated.
A smile involuntarily crept onto her lips, but fearing he would notice, she quickly turned her head away, avoiding his burning gaze: "You're just baiting the way I'm fishing. If I accept this token, I'll have to manage all the household affairs in your household in the future. Wouldn't that be asking for trouble?"
"I expected you to say that, Sister." Wen Shiqin gently stroked the fabric of her clothes at her waist with his fingertips, his voice becoming even softer and more tender. "We have already found a nanny from the palace for you. She is of upright and reliable character, and I have carefully verified her background. You can rest assured, Sister. From now on, she will be in charge of all the household affairs. You only need to take care of me. How about that?"
Su Jinxiu finally couldn't hold back any longer. When she turned around, her eyes were full of smiles. She raised her hand and gently pinched his cheek: "Since you're being so attentive, I'll make an exception for you and let you cut in line."
Amidst their flirtatious banter, the time for the autumn hunt was approaching. Wen Shiqin finally reluctantly walked out of Huayun Pavilion side by side with Su Jinxiu.
As Su Jinxiu stepped out of the pavilion, he looked up and saw two people approaching beside his mount.
One was the trusted guard she had slapped that day, and the other was an unfamiliar young man with delicate and refined features, whose beauty rivaled that of any woman. He wore a sky-blue robe and possessed an elegant and refined demeanor.
When the young man in blue saw Su Jinxiu, his eyes lit up. He immediately dismounted and strode forward, as if he wanted to carefully examine her appearance.
Zhou Yuance, Wen Shiqin's trusted bodyguard and right-hand man, gripped the reins tightly and took several steps back on his horse. The lingering fear of being slapped that day had not subsided, and his brows were full of apprehension, for fear of provoking him again and being slapped once more.
On the way here, Zhou Yuance had already recounted to Helan Que in detail how imposing Su Jinxiu was at Mingyu Fang that day, almost slapping everyone present. But Helan Que didn't believe him at all, thinking he was just making it up. A woman who could drive Wen Shiqin to madness, even if she were to punish someone in anger, must have a unique charm.
Seeing it today, it's indeed as expected.
Helan Que stared intently, approaching step by step, his flowing robes carrying an air of menace. Su Jinxiu, seeing his gentle yet menacing appearance, unconsciously took a half-step back behind Wen Shiqin.
Wen Shiqin immediately drew his sword from his waist, gripped it in reverse, and pressed the hilt firmly against Helan Que's chest, his brows furrowed: "What are you doing? Keep your distance."
Helan Que raised an eyebrow and chuckled lightly, casually raising his hand to untangle the hilt of his sword, teasingly saying, "I just wanted to greet my sister-in-law, but look at you, you're acting like you're guarding against a thief. It really makes me ashamed."
After exchanging brief pleasantries with Helan Que, Su Jinxiu caught a glimpse of his figure behind him, which seemed to be avoiding a cat like a mouse, and a feeling of guilt suddenly welled up in her heart.
This person must be a comrade-in-arms who went through the same battles with Wen Shiqin and entrusted him with life and death. That day at Mingyufang, she was indeed furious and acted recklessly, causing others to be angered for no reason.
Su Jinxiu tugged at the sleeve of the person next to her. Hearing Shi Qin lower his head in understanding, she whispered in his ear, "This young master Helan, is he your strategist? And that imposing general on horseback, who looks just like you, is he your bodyguard?"
Wen Shiqin sneered, then said sourly, "What, you've taken a fancy to someone?"
"No," Su Jinxiu explained in a soft voice, "I was out of my mind that day and let him take a slap for no reason. I wanted to apologize to him properly."
"Apologize?" Wen Shiqin raised an eyebrow. "Did I take those slaps for nothing? Instead of showing me some concern, you're thinking about showing him concern first?"
Su Jinxiu wanted to retort, "Apologizing is not showing affection," but then she thought that arguing with Wen Shiqin, this jealous pot, would not be enough to satisfy his sourness even after hundreds of rounds.
He had polished her over the past few days, making her more shrewd and perceptive. So she changed the subject and said in a soft voice, "I just wanted to make some good connections and leave a good impression on the people around you, so that in the future, when others talk about your new wife, they won't only dare to call her a tigress behind your back. Wouldn't that be embarrassing for you?"
"My...bride?"
Wen Shiqin caught the key words, and the corner of his right lip suddenly turned up. The jealousy in his eyes subsided almost completely, leaving only an undisguised, burning smile. He straightened up, waved his sleeve, and said loudly, "Zhou Yunce, dismount immediately!"
Upon hearing this, Zhou Yuance, who was on horseback, felt uneasy, as if he were standing on the edge of an abyss. However, since Shi Qin had already spoken, he dared not disobey. He had no choice but to grit his teeth, dismount, and slowly walk forward, gradually getting closer to stand shoulder to shoulder with Helan Que.
Seeing this, Su Jinxiu stepped forward to apologize, but Zhou Yunze seemed to be a frightened bird. He reflexively raised his hand to cover his face and subconsciously took half a step back, full of vigilance.
"What are you doing?" Wen Shiqin clicked his tongue and scolded impatiently, "Does she think she can eat you? My sister is so delicate, she's afraid of pricking her hand even with a needle, how could she possibly make things difficult for you? Stand properly!"
A willow swaying in the breeze...?
I'm even afraid of pricking my hand when I hold an embroidery needle...?
This time, it was Zhou Yuance's turn to feel ashamed.
That slap she delivered that day made him see stars and his cheeks burn. In all his life, he had never seen a young woman with such a sharp and decisive hand.
Hearing Shi Qin's words were always like military orders, Zhou Yuance immediately straightened his back and stood still, but his eyes darted around and his gaze drifted elsewhere, and he dared not meet Su Jinxiu's eyes.
Su Jinxiu stepped forward and apologized, "Young Master Zhou, I was impulsive and lost my composure at Mingyu Workshop that day. I apologize to you today. When you return from your autumn hunt, please come to the Marquis's residence. I have prepared a simple banquet and some fine wine, Zui Liuxia, to express my apology. I hope you will not hold a grudge."
Upon hearing this sincere apology, Zhou Yunze quickly waved his hand and said, "It's alright, it's alright, you're too kind, it's just a small matter."
After saying that, he couldn't help but steal a glance at Wen Shiqin.
That day, he saw stars after taking only one slap, while the commander-in-chief took two solid slaps from the left and right, yet he was still happy. He was indeed a commander-in-chief; such endurance was truly beyond the reach of others.
With everything settled, the three of them mounted their horses.
Wen Shiqin settled himself in the saddle, then leaned down and gently smoothed Su Jinxiu's wind-blown hair. The tender gesture made the two people behind him gasp in surprise.
It's just a daytime autumn hunt, and they'll return at night, but they've made it so hard to part, as if they're going to be separated for three or five months.
Seeing the undisguised teasing in the two men's eyes, Su Jinxiu suppressed a laugh and nudged his arm: "They're all laughing at you, aren't you going to leave?"
"Let them laugh," Wen Shiqin said indifferently, his fingertips casually tracing her lips. "They have no heart for their beloved, who is longing for my return, so of course they are jealous. I have my elder sister waiting for me to come back, which makes me much happier than them."
"Alright, alright, hurry up and go, don't be late." Su Jinxiu's ears burned from his words, and she urged him to set off.
Wen Shiqin refused to whip the whip immediately, his eyes filled with tenderness as he promised, "Wait until I hunt the most handsome white fox, skin it, and sew you a small hand warmer. It will be perfect to carry around in the winter."
Su Jinxiu nodded, and he gave a soft shout of "Giddy up!" The horse reared up and galloped away with the two of them.
Author's note: A real man dares to hand over his salary card before marriage. [Empty bowl][Empty bowl][Empty bowl]
It's time to start volume four! [Exaggeration]
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