Chapter 27. Was her claim of loving him a lie?
She saw the man's handsome features, and a rare, faint sense of pleasure emanated from them.
Not having thought of what to say, I remained silent for the moment.
"..."
Originally, Wen Qiyan was just teasing her, trying to get her to talk more and not be so afraid of him, which would also help him get closer to Ji Wanyuan.
Unexpectedly, she was so frightened that she turned around and looked at him directly.
Her face showed not only shock, but also a blush of anger. Her beautiful, rounded eyebrows and eyes were flushed red from crying so much today, even with some dew on them. She looked pretty and cute, with a touch of indescribable charm.
Looking at her petite and delicate figure nestled in his arms, glaring at him, he actually wanted to make his playful remark a reality.
Wen Qiyan hid it very well; ordinary people might not be able to tell, but Ji Wanyuan knew all too well his fluctuations in lust.
So she had already seen through it all; Wen Qiyan really wanted to kiss her.
He looked at her silently, his gaze growing increasingly intense, gradually piercing the darkness within the curtained space.
Being alone is inherently dangerous, and the long, silent eye contact at this moment makes the atmosphere increasingly romantic and warm.
They were so close that even without kissing, she could already feel Wen Qiyan's presence.
Ji Wanyuan stammered, "No, not kissing... is that okay?"
If she didn't go along with his wishes and directly refused, wouldn't Wen Qiyan see through her words of jealousy and admiration for him that afternoon?
Or had he already seen through her act and was deliberately testing her? After all, when he approached her just now, she couldn't help but stiffen and find it hard to resist being intimate with him.
Thinking of this, Ji Wanyuan quickly explained, "I...I was afraid you kissed me too hard."
To prove that what she said was true, she tilted her head back, opened her mouth, and reached out to pull her lips so that Wen Qiyan could look into her mouth.
"Look, isn't it broken?" Because she was pulling her lips, her speech was a little unclear.
Wen Qiyan looked down at her, following her words, and indeed saw some redness and swelling, but the skin was broken...
Is there?
The man said he would take a look, and then leaned closer.
Ji Wanyuan belatedly realized that the distance between the two of them had become too dangerous, and by the time she let go and tried to retreat, it was too late.
Wen Qiyan's large hand somehow found its way to the back of her head, and he kissed her lips.
Ji Wanyuan's pupils suddenly contracted, and her eyelashes trembled.
My worst fears came true.
She reacted quickly this time, shutting her mouth to prevent him from kissing her.
But the man was more agile; he slipped inside her lips before they could close.
Thus, in a roundabout way, Ji Wanyuan took the man's tongue into her mouth.
When she realized it, disgust welled up inside her, and she immediately opened her mouth to leave, but she forgot why she had shut her mouth in the first place.
His words only emboldened him to take advantage of the situation.
He probed inside and touched the young woman's soft tongue, which resembled that of a small red carp. But in just a moment, her soft tongue, like a mouse seeing a big cat, immediately fled and hid.
Wen Qiyan noticed her retreating, and with his other hand he controlled her waist, trapping her in his arms.
Ji Wanyuan placed her hand on the man's shoulder, not wanting to kiss him.
Wen Qiyan hadn't intended to kiss her, but somehow he lowered his head and touched her, tasting her sweet, soft, and fragrant body, and then kissed her.
However, Ji Wanyuan was uncooperative. If she had only been stiff a moment ago, she was now struggling.
Unlike the previous two times, Wen Qiyan did not grab her wrists and tie them above her head to prevent her from moving, nor did he press her down to kiss her.
Instead, he stepped back slightly, pressed his lips to hers, and whispered, "I promise I'll treat you gently, okay?"
He's already stuck his tongue in, and he still calls it gentle? Can't he just touch his lips casually? Forget it.
Ji Wanyuan pursed her lips, trying to back away, but to no avail, as Wen Qiyan held the back of her head.
Her eyelashes trembled as she looked away. "This is fine, next time."
The person in his arms still spoke words of rejection.
It's clear that she really doesn't want to be intimate with him right now. Even though she still has feelings for him and cried today saying that she still loves him and hopes that he won't hate her and will pay more attention to her, she still refuses to kiss him.
Doesn't she enjoy doing this?
How things have changed so drastically.
At this moment, Wen Qiyan suddenly calmed down, feeling somewhat uncertain and even wavering. Did Ji Wanyuan still love him as much as before? Was she also just trying to coax him?
But her tears today didn't seem fake; they were so genuine that they were truly moving. This was something the ignorant and foolish Ji Wanyuan he knew could never fake.
Wen Qiyan looked at her for a while.
Ji Wanyuan was starting to get a little irritated by his gaze. "..."
She was filled with unease, not daring to look up at Wen Qiyan, and even less able to discern what he meant.
After much deliberation, I made up my mind and decided to go for it.
She should just bear with it and let it pass. She can't let him become suspicious, otherwise wouldn't all her pinching and crying today have been for nothing?
Let's kiss then.
Just as Wen Qiyan was about to release her waist, he never expected that the person in his arms would suddenly raise her head, her two hands, which were against his shoulder bones, would gently embrace his neck and kiss his lips.
He looked up and saw her trembling eyelashes, her eyes closed in shyness, her expression fragile, as if she had given up. She was afraid, yet she still clung to him.
This must be the first time in a long time that Ji Wanyuan has taken the initiative to kiss him.
The moment the young woman's full, sweet lips touched his, the wavering and doubt that had been surfacing in Wen Qiyan's heart vanished.
His large hand tightened around her waist, and he couldn't help but sneer inwardly. What was he doubting about Ji Wanyuan's love for him?
He held her soft, fragrant body in his arms, and it was a rare moment of initiative from him.
He didn't think of anything else and responded to her kiss.
In fact, Ji Wanyuan wasn't very good at kissing, and besides, she just wanted to touch a man's lips briefly to get away with it.
Unexpectedly, he held her tightly.
Her full breasts pressed against the man's firm chest.
She sensed it, and was changed by the unbearable pressure.
But they couldn't break free.
He held her close, caressing, sucking, and even occasionally biting her lips.
The force was indeed gentle, unlike the previous two times.
But Ji Wanyuan couldn't keep up with the man's relentless advances, especially since Wen Qiyan would pry open her teeth again after only a short kiss, preparing to come over.
She naturally resisted.
He thought he would pry her lips open directly, given the disparity in their strength.
Unexpectedly, he stopped and withdrew slightly.
Ji Wanyuan's cheeks were very red and her face was very hot.
She seemed to be right; the lip balm she used at night to nourish her skin appeared to be stuck to the man's thin lips, glistening with a moisturizing sheen.
He coaxed her in a deep, husky voice, seeking her understanding.
"Open your mouth, okay?"
Ji Wanyuan's heart pounded faster with fear.
I don't really want to, but since I've decided to give him some treats, what should I do if I pour cold water on him and bring him back to his senses just as he's getting into the swing of things?
So she complied and slightly parted her lips.
Seeing that Ji Wanyuan was so obedient, she wrapped her arms around his neck, nestled in his arms, and tilted her little face up, letting him kiss her.
Wen Qiyan's heart suddenly pounded with heat, but she had to suppress it. If she went too far, it would frighten her and cause all her efforts to be in vain.
He lowered his head and kissed her.
Ji Wanyuan didn't want to be too passive, so she responded slowly, hoping to end this uncomfortable kiss as soon as possible.
They had been kissing for quite a while, and he had been stirring things up in her mouth for a long time, but he still wouldn't back down. In fact, he was getting more and more eager, and his fierceness was beginning to show as he swept his tongue across hers.
Ji Wanyuan quickly pinched his shoulder, turned her face away, and forced him to leave.
Wen Qiyan's kiss brushed against her cheek.
He raised his eyelids and looked at the flushed, hot face of the person in his arms.
Ji Wanyuan suppressed her irritation, her voice remaining soft and concealing her true feelings, "Y-that's fine."
She couldn't continue like this. If she did, Wen Qiyan would surely take advantage of her and leave her completely.
He's terrifying. He said it was just a kiss, but he couldn't control himself and the kisses got more and more intense.
It's true what they say: old habits die hard.
However, his eagerness for sex also had its advantages for her.
Cao Xin will definitely succeed when she visits tomorrow! Perhaps she won't even need to secretly bring the two of them together. As long as Cao Xin is bold enough to flirt with Wen Qiyan, wouldn't that be enough?
Wen Qiyan had no idea what she was thinking. He tried his best to calm his breathing and gently brushed his high nose against her cheek.
He closed his eyes, suppressing his impulse, and said, "...Okay."
Hearing him say that, Ji Wanyuan finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Fortunately, he didn't continue.
Even though she didn't continue, Ji Wanyuan couldn't help but worry. She was afraid that Wen Qiyan would start pestering her again.
So she moved further inside, refusing his embrace.
But the man, with his arm loosely around her waist, seemed to see through her anxiety and fear, and said bluntly that he would never touch her again.
"Take a break."
Ji Wanyuan, “…”
Unable to escape his embrace, she said she was hot and slowly turned around, her back to Wen Qiyan.
Where the man couldn't see, he pinched her sleeve and wiped her mouth with a disdainful, subtle gesture.
Wen Qiyan didn't see her movements, but he could smell the soft fragrance emanating from her.
"..."
The next day, Aunt Jiang and Cao Xin arrived earlier than Ji Wanyuan had expected.
Even with some makeup on, Ji Wanyuan could still tell that Cao Xin had been crying. Her eyes were red and a little swollen, suggesting that she hadn't been resting well these past few days because of this matter, and her spirits were somewhat low.
In front of her relatives, she was very proper, addressing them as "cousin" and "cousin's wife" with great respect.
Aunt Jiang seemed perfectly normal, just as enthusiastic as the day before, and there wasn't a single flaw or mistake in her conversation.
Ji Wanyuan increasingly felt that Aunt Jiang was a formidable person.
She brought Cao Xin here so early today, all smiles and saying a lot of nice things; she probably already knows what Cao Xin is planning.
Ji Wanyuan thought this way, but also felt that it would be good if Aunt Jiang knew. When talking to a smart person, you don't need to say too much, or even point it out. You can understand each other without saying a word.
During this time, she not only kept an eye on Cao Xin, but also on Wen Qiyan.
Cao Xin, perhaps out of consideration for her elders, dared not steal a glance at Wen Qiyan.
Wen Qiyan didn't care much about this cousin. When she greeted him, he just gave a curt "hmm" and then ignored her completely.
Ji Wanyuan glanced at the man beside her and couldn't help but think to herself that he became aloof and serious as soon as he got out of bed, and would never speak unless necessary.
Even without saying a word, no one dared to ignore his presence. Not only would they not ignore him, but Aunt Jiang also subtly inquired about Wen Qiyan between the lines.
But more often than not, they tried to bring her and Wen Qiyan together, saying that they had heard from Madam Wen that the two had reconciled, which was good. They said that young couples should communicate more and be considerate of each other so that they can live a harmonious and happy life.
Perhaps because of her family background, Aunt Jiang didn't dare to say anything bad about her, but only criticized Wen Qiyan, saying that he didn't understand her.
Faced with the questioning from his elders, even though she was just an aunt from a maternal family, Wen Qiyan was quite respectful. He didn't argue back, but responded to each point, agreeing with what was wrong with her and remembering everything.
While listening to Aunt Jiang speak, I also helped her move the pastry plate to her side.
I don't know if he did it on a whim, but this time he moved her favorite jujube and walnut pastry instead of eggplant.
Ji Wanyuan didn't pay much attention.
After Aunt Jiang had finished speaking up for her, she put down the pastries in her hand and told Aunt Jiang that she liked Cao Xin very much and felt an instant connection with her. She wondered if she could stay with Cao Xin at the Wen family home for a few days.
Upon hearing this, Aunt Jiang and Madam Wen have not yet expressed their opinions.
Wen Qiyan's gaze had already fallen on her.
Ji Wanyuan felt a slight urge to ignore it, but she couldn't.
She simply turned her head to meet Wen Qiyan's gaze and said to him, "My husband knows that I am an only child at home. Although I have a sworn brother, we are not very close."
"Miss Cao is gentle and generous, and she's also a relative of the Wen family. Why don't we have her stay with me at home for a few days?"
Wen Qiyan looked at her face and asked her in return, "Isn't it enough that I've been with my wife?"
As soon as he said that, Ji Wanyuan noticed that Aunt Jiang, who seemed about to speak, choked.
“It’s good that my husband is with me, but… you always have official business to attend to, and I don’t want to be a burden.”
Wen Qiyan remained silent, withdrawing his gaze and slowly drinking.
He remained silent, so Ji Wanyuan went to ask Madam Wen and Aunt Jiang, but who knew that neither of them dared to make a decision? They looked at Wen Qiyan as if they wanted to speak, but only said something like, "Let's see what he means."
Left with no other choice, Ji Wanyuan could only turn around and use her kung fu on him again, and say a few more nice words, but Wen Qiyan remained unmoved, as if he had been poisoned and made mute, and continued to drink his tea.
Ji Wanyuan couldn't help but curse him silently in her heart.
That pretentious jerk!
She smiled sheepishly and lowered her head. She leaned closer, tugged at the man's sleeve, and swayed back and forth where no one could see clearly. "Husband, I beg you."
Upon hearing this, the man paused slightly as he tapped the bone china cup with his fingertips.
He finally looked at her.
Ji Wanyuan quickly forced a smile, "Okay?"
"Please let Miss Cao stay with me for a few days, otherwise I'll always be alone while you're busy with your work."
After a long silence, he finally spoke, turning his head more sharply to look at her small face.
"OK."
Looking at the man's ambiguous smile, Ji Wanyuan felt as if he knew what she was planning.
Thinking of this, she couldn't help but feel a little flustered, but she quickly calmed down.
Ultimately, for Wen Qiyan, this was just about taking on another concubine; how could it possibly ruin anything for him?
So she forced a big smile in return.
Since Wen Qiyan had already said so, Aunt Jiang and Madam Wen naturally couldn't say anything more.
As for Lord Wen, he has been so busy these days that he hasn't even had time to rest, let alone come back for meals. He only had Madam Wen pack some clothes and personal items and send them over by a servant.
Since the person is not at home, there is even less that can be said, and besides, these are all minor matters, how can they compare to the official business of the imperial court?
Not only did Cao Xin stay here, but Aunt Jiang also stayed overnight at Madam Wen's courtyard.
Originally, Madam Wen had prepared a courtyard for Cao Xin that was close to the East Garden. Ji Wanyuan said she wanted Cao Xin to spend more time with her, so she asked Emerald to bring a maid to prepare a side room in the neighboring courtyard for her.
This guest room was very close to her and Wen Qiyan's courtyard.
If you speak loudly here, people in the next courtyard can hear you.
Right now, Madam Wen also finds it strange, but she doesn't know what Ji Wanyuan is up to.
Although Wen Qiyan was at home, he couldn't just stay with her. After breakfast, he went to his study to process and review the case files brought back by his subordinates.
Ji Wanyuan then led Cao Xin to tour the side rooms and the courtyard.
After going around in circles, she asked Cao Xin what she thought.
"If there's anything else we need to buy, just let me know, cousin. If the Wen family doesn't have it, I have it in my storeroom."
Just kidding, the dowry her father and mother gave her was a mountain of money.
"That's enough, sister-in-law, there's really no need for you to go to so much trouble. I'm the one who's been bothering you, why would you ask for anything more?"
Having long heard that the prime minister's eldest daughter was arrogant and domineering, Cao Xin felt that she was not like the rumors when they met for the first time today. Moreover... she was truly beautiful.
People in the capital say that Miss Lin is pure and untainted, the most beautiful woman. But Cao Xin feels that Miss Lin's beauty is too common, unlike Ji Wanyuan's delicate and lively beauty, whose every glance is full of charm.
No wonder my cousin, a man so aloof and indifferent to romance, couldn't control himself after drinking and ended up having sex with her. They had a child before they were even married, so it must have been more than once. My cousin must have loved her for a long time.
Although Cao Xin kept her head down during the meal, she noticed out of the corner of her eye that Wen Qiyan would glance at Ji Wanyuan from time to time.
He was quite fond of her.
No wonder my cousin disagreed with taking a concubine; in terms of both looks and family background, she was no match for the eldest daughter of the Ji family.
Thinking of this, Cao Xin couldn't help but feel saddened.
But then she remembered her mother's instructions before she left, saying that Ji Wanyuan had asked Madam Wen to invite the two of them to the mansion, which was probably not just a simple apology.
She was also told that she might be able to enter the Wen family mansion this time, so she should be more clever and pay close attention. Now that she was of marriageable age, if she wanted something, she couldn't just wait for her family to arrange it; she had to fight for it herself.
She wanted to argue, but she was afraid of misunderstanding Ji Wanyuan's meaning...
If you try to steal a chicken but end up losing the rice instead, that's one thing, but you might end up getting burned.
The Ji family is not someone to be trifled with.
Even Lin Nianxi couldn't compete with this Miss Ji.
"What is my cousin thinking about?" Ji Wanyuan asked.
While Cao Xin was distracted, she had just managed to dismiss almost everyone.
"No... I wasn't thinking about anything. It's just that it was the first time I met my cousin's wife, and I thought she was really beautiful and dazzling."
“My cousin is also very beautiful, no less so than me. If we disregard family background, we are equally good-looking.”
Cao Xin listened to Ji Wanyuan's words and dared not accept them, only saying that Ji Wanyuan was being modest.
Fearing the maid would return soon, Ji Wanyuan first brought up the matter of taking a concubine, saying she was very sorry to her. Then she went straight to the point, stating her purpose: she still hoped Cao Xin would come into the household and serve Wen Qiyan with her.
Fearing that Cao Xin wouldn't believe her, Ji Wanyuan raised her hand and swore that she had absolutely no intention of testing her, that every word she said was true, and that she really wanted Cao Xin to come into the family.
Looking at Ji Wanyuan's face, Cao Xin couldn't discern the truth in her words and didn't dare to utter a sound for a moment.
Ji Wanyuan said a few more kind words, saying that if Cao Xin were to come into the family, it would be a favor to her, since she knew Cao Xin's background well, and she also seemed to like Cao Xin very much.
"I won't beat around the bush with my cousin. I'm pregnant now, and my aunt may have told my cousin that I have to keep this baby, otherwise I will never be able to be a mother again."
"Therefore... I take every step with great care, and I am careful with everything I eat every day."
"Those things are alright, as my mother-in-law and mother sent over maids to keep an eye on things, but what about my husband..."
"I was newly married to him, and our marriage was passionate, but we could not consummate our marriage."
When Ji Wanyuan spoke so frankly, Cao Xin, being a young woman, couldn't help but blush.
Even though she blushed, with no outsiders around, she became bolder and asked, "Didn't my cousin and his wife... sleep together?"
When Ji Wanyuan saw her like this, she was secretly delighted and thought to herself, "This is promising!"
She sighed dejectedly, "Yes, the doctor advised against sexual intercourse, otherwise it would definitely harm the fetus."
At this point, she rolled her eyes and implied something about Wen Qiyan, then coughed lightly and whispered in Cao Xin's ear that Wen Qiyan had tried to share a room with her several times but couldn't, which was why she was in such a predicament.
"It was actually my cousin who took the initiative?" Cao Xin was so shocked that she forgot all about being shy.
“Yes!” Ji Wanyuan nodded repeatedly! “That’s exactly right!”
Good heavens, she wasn't talking nonsense.
Putting aside any talk of intimacy and exploitation, Wen Qiyan did try to share a room with her several times, right?
She wasn't lying.
Thinking back to that time, if she hadn't run fast, he would have tossed her around a long time ago.
"this……"
Faced with Ji Wanyuan's certainty and the difficulty on her face, Cao Xin, being a young woman, belatedly realized her shyness.
Because she simply couldn't imagine that someone as refined, aloof, and self-possessed as Wen Qiyan would actually take the initiative to seek pleasure with Ji Wanyuan.
He could see Ji Wanyuan's face, and then his gaze shifted slightly.
Cao Xin felt that it wasn't so hard to imagine.
Ji Wanyuan's figure was exquisitely graceful even when she was dressed, yet she seemed unaware of the swaying and graceful movements she made when she walked.
Cao Xin couldn't help but think that if she were a man, disregarding Ji Wanyuan's spoiled nature, she would also like her.
"That's why I hope my cousin can help me."
Even though she understood the meaning behind Ji Wanyuan's words, Cao Xin blushed, but still pretended not to hear, "I... how could I help my cousin-in-law?"
Ji Wanyuan had long noticed Cao Xin's interest in Wen Qiyan. This time, she told Cao Xin that Wen Qiyan was also paying attention to her cousin.
"Really?" Cao Xin took the bait.
"Yes, when my aunt visited our home, my husband mentioned my cousin to me privately, saying that my aunt's family had a well-educated, gentle, and lovely cousin who lived on the estate and could only be seen during festivals."
These were words she had gleaned from Madam Wen, and they came in handy now.
"Cousin...he...he asked me?"
"Um!"
Ji Wanyuan was completely unaware of how much she resembled a matchmaker at that moment.
"I asked! I heard it with my own ears, how could it be false?"
Seeing Ji Wanyuan's incredibly devout and earnest demeanor, Cao Xin couldn't help but be moved.
She had no idea that Ji Wanyuan could lie without batting an eye.
Moreover, her thoughts were diverted by Ji Wanyuan's words.
She thought that since they had only met a few times, her cousin wouldn't remember who she was, but to her surprise, he still cared about her and even mentioned her to Ji Wanyuan.
Seeing that she was wavering, Ji Wanyuan continued to add fuel to the fire.
"If my husband hadn't mentioned my cousin to me before, why would I have thought of her as my first choice for a concubine? Why didn't I just find someone from a nearby family, or perhaps a maid from the courtyard to be my concubine?"
When the topic of taking a concubine came up, Cao Xin was both tempted and saddened. "But my mother said that my cousin said he would not take a concubine."
"Oh dear, that was because of my mother and father's authority! You really took it to heart?"
"Really?" It's not that he doesn't want to accept it?
"real."
Ji Wanyuan spoke to her earnestly for a long time, saying that her parents loved her dearly and that since she and Wen Qiyan had only been married for a short time, they would never agree to her taking a concubine.
Wen Qiyan was busy those days, so her parents pretended to agree to her taking a concubine, but in reality they called Wen Qiyan from the government office and scolded her, so the matter of taking a concubine was inevitably called off.
"If the Prime Minister and his wife disagree, how can I..."
Even if she were the Jiang family’s biological daughter, let alone just an adopted daughter, the Jiang family would never stand up to the Ji family for her sake.
Seeing her fear, Ji Wanyuan patted her chest and assured her that nothing would happen, and that she would definitely protect her, though it would inevitably mean Cao Xin having to suffer.
After a long and earnest discussion, Cao Xin said she would think about it.
Ji Wanyuan didn't have that much patience. She told Cao Xin to give her a definite answer tomorrow, and if that didn't work, she would look for someone else.
Looking at Cao Xin's appearance, I saw that she was being treated with a combination of kindness and severity.
Although she hasn't agreed yet, Ji Wanyuan feels that it's likely to work.
"..."
Ji Wanyuan spent the whole day with Cao Xin, leading her around the courtyard and telling her a lot about Wen Qiyan.
Most people praised him, but his handsome appearance and outstanding figure were naturally beyond question, since Cao Xin had already seen them all at the Wen family's residence.
Ji Wanyuan talked to her about Wen Qiyan's future, saying that with the support of the Ji family, his future career in officialdom would surely be bright.
Cao Xin didn't believe it when others said it, but she believed it wholeheartedly when Ji Wanyuan said it.
At the same time, her heart was wavering drastically.
Wen Qiyan, at a young age, became the Vice Minister of the Censorate, deeply favored by the Emperor, and also supported by his illustrious in-laws...
Being his concubine is much better than marrying into a poor family, isn't it? If she can have children like Ji Wanyuan in the future, her life might be much better.
Not to mention that Wen Qiyan was the most outstanding young master from a prominent family in the capital.
So, before the second day even arrived, fearing that Ji Wanyuan would get annoyed and lose patience, Cao Xin agreed before dinner.
Seeing her nod, Ji Wanyuan couldn't help but feel secretly delighted, but on the surface, she maintained a very proper demeanor, solemnly patting the other person's hand and saying...
"I'm really sorry to have troubled you, cousin, but don't worry, now that you've helped me, I will never treat you unfairly in the future."
Cao Xin replied obediently, "Sister-in-law, you're too kind. I was just trying to help myself."
During dinner, Ji Wanyuan specially arranged for Cao Xin to sit on the other side of Wen Qiyan, and instructed her to add soup and dishes to Wen Qiyan's table from time to time, which Cao Xin did.
However, in front of all the elders, she didn't dare to be too affectionate. While serving food to Wen Qiyan, she also served food to Ji Wanyuan.
Embarrassingly, when she served food to Wen Qiyan, although he didn't refuse directly, he didn't touch the food she offered.
Madam Wen was preoccupied with the Lin family's affairs and paid no attention to these petty actions. Aunt Jiang saw through it but remained silent, happy to see it happen.
After dinner, Madam Wen mentioned to Ji Wanyuan that tomorrow was Madam Lin's birthday, and the Lin family had sent a visiting card. She wondered whether she should go or not.
Ji Wanyuan felt uncomfortable whenever she heard the word "Lin".
Jade said she was seriously ill and hadn't recovered yet. Was she really that heartbroken about Wen Qiyan's wedding?
Right now, she's busy trying to bring Cao Xin and Wen Qiyan together, so she doesn't have any free time.
Besides, it's good that Madam Wen and Aunt Jiang left; it freed up space.
Even without her parents, Cao Xin can still make a difference.
So she smiled and said she wouldn't go, wanting to stay home and rest during her pregnancy. Then, thinking of Lin Nianxi's illness, Ji Wanyuan's eyes lit up, and she said she had prepared some gifts and asked Madam Wen to help deliver them.
Madam Wen didn't want her to go in the first place, so she went along with her words and told her to rest well at home.
Aunt Jiang then spoke up, "Qi Yan's wife must be bored at home alone. Why doesn't Xin'er go to the Lin family's house and stay here with her?"
Upon hearing this, Ji Wanyuan knew that Aunt Jiang understood her thoughts.
She glanced over and saw Aunt Jiang smiling at her.
Ji Wanyuan understood the situation perfectly well, but pretended to ask, "What should we do?"
Cao Xin set up the stage, saying, "I'll listen to my mother."
Aunt Jiang nodded, "Yes."
"Didn't Qi Yan's wife and Xin'er hit it off immediately? You two can talk and relieve boredom when you're together."
Ji Wanyuan said, "I would be more than happy to accept this, but I'm afraid it would be unfair to Cousin Cao."
“I’m not wronged,” Cao Xin replied.
Ji Wanyuan smiled again, but when she turned her gaze back, she met the eyes of the man who had remained silent.
Feeling inexplicably guilty under his deep gaze, Ji Wanyuan lowered her head to eat, "..."
On the way back, the three of them walked together.
Cao Xin was supposed to be at the back, but Ji Wanyuan took her hand and brought her to the middle.
Cao Xin blushed when she got close to Wen Qiyan.
Seeing this, Ji Wanyuan couldn't help but raise an eyebrow and smile. Her plan was in progress, so it didn't make her feel anxious or uneasy about waiting to die.
Unexpectedly, Cao Xin came closer.
Wen Qiyan, who was originally beside her, frowned and turned his gaze toward her.
Ji Wanyuan, who was laughing, met the man's somewhat stern gaze and subconsciously suppressed her laughter, unable to appear innocent no matter what.
Why is he looking at her like that? So fiercely.
Wen Qiyan watched for a while, and just as Cao Xin was about to realize that the atmosphere between the two was not right, he looked away.
He took long strides, creating some distance, and said, "I have things to do in the study. My wife, please keep Cousin Cao company."
After saying that, he left.
Ji Wanyuan, “…”
Cao Xin watched the man's retreating figure, thinking of the dishes Wen Qiyan hadn't touched at the dinner table.
"Sister-in-law, I'm afraid this matter won't work out..."
Her cousin didn't seem interested in her at all; in fact, he seemed quite disgusted with her.
Just now, she was walking behind when Ji Wanyuan pulled her up. Before she had even stopped, she saw out of the corner of her eye that her cousin noticed her approaching and his brows furrowed instantly.
Sure enough, my cousin left without saying a word.
Young women are always sensitive, and Ji Wanyuan saw that she was about to back down at the beginning, so she coaxed her with a few words.
"Men, they always care about their image and like to put on an act. Don't you think about how many years I chased after my husband! It was only after all that I finally won the heart of this beauty... cough cough cough, the handsome man is mine, hehehe..."
Ji Wanyuan smiled awkwardly, then changed her mind, "Come over tomorrow, I'll make room for you, and the rest is up to you?"
There will be no one home tomorrow.
Cao Xin was coaxed back to her senses and nodded shyly.
That night, before taking a bath and going to bed, Ji Wanyuan wondered if Wen Qiyan would ask her what tricks she had played during the day. If he asked, how should she answer?
Unexpectedly, Wen Qiyan seemed genuinely busy, sending someone to tell her to rest first, as he was still busy.
Ji Wanyuan was happy not to sleep with him. She was pleased and also put on a good show by having her attendant Qinghe tell Wen Qiyan that she was waiting for him to come and rest as soon as possible.
But when she turned her back, she closed her eyes and fell asleep.
Upon hearing Qinghe's message, Wen Qiyan, who was bent over his desk reviewing the files and reports from the Censorate, slightly raised his eyelashes.
Thinking of her unusual behavior today, he remained silent for the time being.
"..."
The next day, Madam Wen and Aunt Jiang went out early.
Before leaving, Ji Wanyuan didn't forget to ask Emerald to have Madam Wen take the "sick visit gift" she had specially prepared to Lin Nianxi.
To prevent any possible "inspection" by Madam Wen, Ji Wanyuan specially chose a layered sandalwood box. The top contained a thousand-year-old ginseng, and the bottom held her and Wen Qiyan's wedding candies, which they hadn't finished eating yet, so she decided to give them to the Lin family.
Back in the storybook, didn't Lin Nianxi also specially have wedding candies delivered to her grave?
The partition is so well hidden that Madam Wen might not notice it, but Lin Nianxi might.
After everyone left, Ji Wanyuan had to get busy with her own affairs.
She was eager to bring Cao Xin and Wen Qiyan together.
During the meal, he kept steering the conversation toward the two of them, asking about their past and their interactions.
Cao Xin replied shyly, stealing glances at Wen Qiyan many times during the conversation.
Ke Wenqiyan looked straight ahead, his expression indifferent.
Just as Ji Wanyuan was about to speak, he looked at her and asked, "Is today's food not to your liking, my wife?"
"Huh?" Ji Wanyuan didn't react for a moment.
Before she could answer, the man sneered, "I see you're all talk and no action, you're not eating at all."
Even without seeing the sneer on his face, you could tell from his voice that he was mocking her.
Ji Wanyuan was rebuffed, "..."
She choked for a moment, ate a chicken leg, and was about to speak again when Wen Qiyan abruptly put down his silver chopsticks and stood up.
“My wife and cousin hit it off immediately, so I seem superfluous. In that case, you two can eat slowly and have a good chat. If the food gets cold, have the servants heat it up.”
Ji Wanyuan, “…?”
After saying that, he left and went to his study.
Ji Wanyuan and Cao Xin were left standing there, unsure of what to say.
After choking on her breakfast, Cao Xin's morale plummeted. Ji Wanyuan refused to give up, so she had someone prepare fish soup and asked Cao Xin to take it to Wen Qiyan's study, hoping to at least have him talk to her.
“I’ve sent all the maids away.”
Cao Xin hesitated, "Will it work?"
"Yes." Ji Wanyuan nodded and patted her shoulder solemnly.
It must be possible, it must deviate from the original direction of the storybook, otherwise what will she do?
After encouraging Cao Xin for a while, the easily embarrassed Miss Cao finally went.
Ji Wanyuan went around to the flower hall instead of hiding in the shadows to peek.
She rested her chin on her hand, gazing at the blooming crape myrtle and hibiscus in the flower hall, in a good mood. Every now and then, she would glance towards the courtyard, waiting for good news.
Emerald was speechless at her unusual behavior and could only stare at her.
I thought it would be very slow.
Ji Wanyuan even wondered if the two of them might spark a romance in the study.
Unexpectedly, less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Cao Xin quickly came out carrying the spilled fish soup, her face extremely embarrassed, just like the spilled fish soup itself.
Did I get turned away?
Ji Wanyuan hurriedly got up to go over and ask, but before she could even ask, she saw Qinghe, Wen Qiyan's attendant who was following behind Cao Xin.
She didn't dare ask him in front of him.
Cao Xin handed the soup to Emerald and then ran away even faster.
Just as Ji Wanyuan was about to chase after her, Qinghe said, "Young Madam, the Eldest Young Master wants you to go to his study."
Ji Wanyuan realized something was wrong, "My husband is on official business, I'd better not disturb him."
"The eldest son said that if you don't go, he will come to invite you in person."
Ji Wanyuan, “…”
Despite deliberately dawdling and walking slowly, I still made it to the study.
Ji Wanyuan hesitated for a while, thinking that whether she stuck her neck out or not, she would still go in.
Inside the study, the man wasn't at his desk; he seemed to have been waiting for her for a long time. Hearing her footsteps, he turned his gaze towards her.
The man's gaze, deep and still, seemed strangely cold.
Ji Wanyuan smiled and asked, "What brings you here, my husband?"
She dared not go in and stood at the door of the study.
The man stared at her without saying a word, and Ji Wanyuan felt her heart pounding under his gaze.
Knowing that she would not back down if he made a move, she was certain that she would not back down.
On what grounds?
Anyway, she had already thought of her words. If Wen Qiyan questioned her, she would say that she just felt insecure and was testing whether he cared about her. If necessary, she would squeeze out a few pitiful tears.
Anyway, he enjoyed it very much.
But to her utter surprise, Wen Qiyan looked at her for a while, then got up and walked towards her.
He walked slowly and stood in front of her, his gaze sweeping down on her and making her feel uneasy.
Ji Wanyuan couldn't stand his scrutiny and was about to speak when he leaned down, took her hand, and led her in that direction.
When Ji Wanyuan came to her senses, still stunned and confused, she was already at the desk, sitting on Wen Qiyan's lap.
He embraced her from behind.
He held her with one arm around her, while writing with the other.
"What...what are you doing?" She was stunned and instinctively tried to get down.
The man held her waist to prevent her from moving and moved closer.
A deep, resonant voice sounded in her ear.
"Isn't my wife worried that I'll be lonely working alone in the study?"
"Why don't you come with me yourself?" he said, almost kissing her ear.
He knew why she had sent Cao Xin here.
Instead of attacking her, he used this method to trap her in his arms.
His warm breath hit the back of her ear, and the man's voice, though calm, carried an undercurrent of danger as it entered her ears.
He was still close to her, his large hand pressing against her waist.
Ji Wanyuan felt extremely uncomfortable.
"..."
Feeling the broad, warm chest of the man, she thought of his desire.
Especially those frightening memories that resurface from the back.
Wen Qiyan has used this position several times! Only the locations are different!
She lost her composure and, terrified, desperately tried to pry open the man's large hands that were wrapped around her waist.
"I...I'd better not disturb my husband's work! You go ahead with your work!"
After trying for a while, using all her strength, she finally managed to pry it open and fled in panic.
During the process, he used too much force and bumped into Wen Qiyan's hand holding the pen, leaving a hideous and outrageous mark on the text that Wen Qiyan had just finished reviewing.
Qinghe, who had rushed over from the side, also saw it and was about to step forward to tidy up.
But the man had already put down his pen and taken it away. His eyebrows and eyes seemed unmoved, yet they seemed to reveal a barely perceptible pleasure.
Is it just my imagination? Qinghe wondered.
Upon closer inspection, it was impossible to discern anything about the man's handsome face.
Cao Xin did not show up for dinner, so Ji Wanyuan sent Jade to appease her and presented her with an expensive headdress.
That night, Wen Qiyan didn't ask about it; he just held her as they slept.
However, he held her tighter than yesterday, and even when he noticed Ji Wanyuan's stiffness, he didn't let go.
All night long, Ji Wanyuan didn't dare to move because Wen Qiyan was so hot that she felt like she was melting from his warmth.
"..."
The next day, Aunt Jiang and Madam Wen were going to Yongning Temple to burn incense and pray to Buddha. They said they might not be able to come back that night, since Yongning Temple was outside the capital and they would stay there if they couldn't keep up with the journey, and would return the next day.
This is definitely not a coincidence; it must be that Aunt Jiang deliberately lured Madam Wen away.
Otherwise, how could Cao Xin, who was so embarrassed and on the verge of tears after being coldly spoken to by Wen Qiyan in the study, have been so easily coaxed by a mere facade?
Those headdresses were indeed very expensive, but... Ji Wanyuan still felt that it was inextricably linked to Aunt Jiang.
With no progress made in the past two days, Cao Xin was so frightened that she kept backing out.
Ji Wanyuan thought of the feelings Wen Qiyan had when he held her in the study during the day and under the curtains at night.
I didn't want to delay any longer, so I decided to go all the way and make it a fait accompli.
He can't just shirk responsibility once he's touched Cao Xin; she's his cousin! Even if he denies it, the Jiang family won't let it go easily. If she adds fuel to the fire, the story's direction will inevitably change!
Ji Wanyuan rummaged through drawers and cabinets, finding out the medicine that was left over from the last time.
If this matter needs to be kept secret from Wen Qiyan, then naturally it cannot be kept secret from Cao Xin.
She told Cao Xin the plan and the excuse.
Although Cao Xin was appeased, she still felt uneasy hearing Ji Wanyuan say that.
Ji Wanyuan didn't waste any words with her and went straight to asking her if she wanted to join the Wen family.
"I'm not afraid to tell my cousin that my current pregnancy is the reason why the marriage between the Wen and Ji families came about."
Cao Xin was taken aback, "It wasn't because my cousin was drunk..."
"It was indeed after drinking..." Ji Wanyuan didn't want to dwell on whether it was alcohol or tea, since they were all pretty much the same anyway.
“My husband is aloof and reserved, so I had no choice but to use this.” She shook the powder in her hand.
"Now that I'm married into the family and have become my husband's legal wife, I've already explained the plan. Cousin, think it over carefully."
"Once you miss this opportunity, you won't find another one."
Cao Xin hesitated for a long time before making a decision.
Thinking of Wen Qiyan's handsome and charming appearance, his power and wealth, her mother's instructions before leaving home, and Ji Wanyuan's words that she would find someone else after today, she finally nodded.
He gritted his teeth and said, "Okay, I'll listen to my cousin-in-law."
Upon hearing this, Ji Wanyuan was thrilled and comforted her, "Cousin, don't worry, it will definitely succeed."
Today, Ji Wanyuan was very well-behaved and didn't cause any more trouble. She even brought Cao Xin closer to him.
Wen Qiyan believed that she must have been frightened.
Her cleverness made him feel at ease, but at the same time, he felt strangely empty.
Perhaps because Ji Wanyuan didn't resort to these little tricks, he couldn't take the opportunity to get closer to her.
He vaguely recalled her sitting in his lap, her knees pressed together, not daring to move, even trembling slightly.
The small red mole on the tip of his ear was hard to notice, but when he looked at it from behind, it seemed so clear.
He was somewhat distracted, "..."
I'm a bit tired after reviewing documents and reports all day.
I haven't been to the Censorate for several days; there are mountains of matters, big and small.
Even with her father's help, it wouldn't be much of a help.
He stopped and pinched the bridge of his nose, when he suddenly heard a noise coming from the study.
She subconsciously looked up, and when she saw a face that wasn't Ji Wanyuan's, she felt as if her expectations had been dashed.
Cao Xin caught the man's fleeting expectation.
My cousin really cares about the eldest daughter of the Ji family.
The person he hoped to see was her.
Thinking of the fish soup she brought yesterday, the man looked at her coldly as soon as she stepped in.
She didn't even get to come in and say a word to him before his attendant, Qinghe, chased her away, saying that the study was a restricted area and no unauthorized personnel were allowed to set foot there.
Cao Xin felt extremely embarrassed because there was no consideration for her cousins.
At that moment, she looked at the tea on the tray.
Remembering the man's fleeting emotion, she changed the excuse Ji Wanyuan had given her to feign an apology.
He said, "Cousin, this is tea that my sister-in-law asked me to bring you."
"She made it herself."
"Where is she?" The man, who was usually as cold as ice, actually answered her question.
"It seems that my uncle sent someone to pick up something, and my cousin-in-law went to check on it."
After a long silence.
Wen Qiyan did not let her into the study. Qinghe, who was guarding the door, took the tea from her and brought it inside.
Cao Xin couldn't help but feel nervous.
When Wen Qiyan saw the tea that Qinghe had served, he immediately sensed something was wrong the moment he opened it.
Even though the dosage was very small, the lesson from last time was truly "tragic".
Using the same old tricks again?
Wen Qiyan sneered inwardly, while Cao Xin stood at the door watching the man examine the tea for a long time.
He picked up the tea and drank it before it cooled down.
-----------------------
Author's Note: I'm here! I was going to update earlier, but I added an extra plot point. [Exaggeration] So I'm late.
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