Chapter 26. Chapter 26. He began to succumb uncontrollably...
Upon hearing this, Ji Wanyuan's heart skipped a beat, but she pretended not to understand.
She frowned, rested her chin on her hands, and turned to look at him, saying, "What could I possibly be thinking? Didn't you hear everything just now, my husband? You should apologize to Cousin Cao and Aunt Jiang."
"Yeah?"
The man, indifferent, tapped the unopened book on the table with his long, slender fingers as he looked at her.
He suddenly smiled, but it was a forced smile. "Looking at how attentive my wife is, it doesn't seem like she's apologizing."
Being stared at like that by him made Ji Wanyuan's already insecure heart even more uneasy.
What does "attentive" mean? Was she being that obvious?
"..."
Through his conversation with Madam Ji and listening to her nearly two cups of tea's worth of scolding, Wen Qiyan became certain that Madam Ji probably didn't know much about the details of this marriage arrangement and the Emperor's decree.
Since Madam Ji didn't know, then Ji Wanyuan's recent strange and abnormal behavior must not have been told to her by Madam Ji.
Perhaps it's Prime Minister Ji? Or perhaps someone close to Prime Minister Ji. Since Prime Minister Ji isn't at his residence today, I can't test him. I'll have to visit him another day to hear what he has to say.
Since we can't contact Prime Minister Ji for the time being, we'll start with Ji Wanyuan.
Seeing her choked up, cheeks puffed out, wanting to retort but not knowing what to say, looking frustrated and unconvinced, that strange feeling returned, and Ji Wanyuan found it beautiful.
In fact, she is indeed beautiful, and there's nothing wrong with admitting it.
After a long while, Ji Wanyuan sorted out her thoughts. She turned around and muttered, "Don't be so filthy inside, seeing everything as filthy, okay?"
The carriage was only so big, and Wen Qiyan had excellent hearing, so he naturally heard it.
He laughed in exasperation at her, "Me, filthy?"
Who is the one who defiled us? How dare she say such a thing?
"What filth?" Ji Wanyuan suddenly tilted her head and asked, mimicking his forced smile with a grin, "I meant a misunderstanding!"
"My husband's hearing is so poor, how can you blame me for mishearing him?"
Wen Qiyan, who had been retorted twice by her, was speechless.
Seeing the man's discomfiture, Ji Wanyuan felt somewhat relieved and couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle to herself.
Hmph, do you think she's easy to mess with?
In the past, it was because I liked him that I yielded step by step, always humbled myself, and always went along with everything he said and did.
Yesterday he accused her of faking it, but now she's not faking it with him anymore.
Anyway, it's quite tiring to keep up the act, and she's always feeling stifled. She's even worried that she'll get sick from holding it in.
Besides, she's been trying to impress the Ji family for several days since she married into the family, but it hasn't been very effective. Let nature take its course.
Wen Qiyan looked at the baby fat that had been squeezed out of her cheeks from resting her chin on her hand, and her thick, curled eyelashes blinked from time to time.
He was calming himself down, not wanting things to get too tense with Ji Wanyuan, so he didn't dwell on what she had said.
"Where are we going in a bit?" she asked.
"Where do you want to go?" Wen Qiyan picked up a book from the table.
Ji Wanyuan, who had originally intended to just take a short walk and then return, suddenly had a change of heart and couldn't help but ask, "Anywhere is fine?"
Hearing the hint of excitement in her voice, the man paused, glanced at her, and didn't reply.
If they remain silent, does that mean they tacitly agree?
Ji Wanyuan suddenly smiled, lifted the carriage curtain, and instructed Emerald to have the driver go to the usual place.
The usual spot?
Wen Qiyan looked at the back of her head.
Upon learning the location of their old haunt, Jade awkwardly asked, "Miss...are we...going there?"
She wanted to say something, but Ji Wanyuan winked at her, signaling her not to speak.
At the last moment, Jade changed the subject.
“Go ahead, it’s been a long time since we’ve been there, of course we should go. Besides, my husband probably hasn’t been there either, so we should definitely go and see. Who knows, we might even learn something.”
Realizing that she was about to cause trouble, Wen Qiyan remained silent and only watched her back.
She leaned against the carriage frame and spoke to her maid. Because of her excitement and the swaying of the carriage, the hair ornaments that held her hair up also swayed.
Her slumped posture made her lower back appear even slimmer and her round, pert buttocks even more prominent.
He had always known that Ji Wanyuan was bold and unruly, with no sense of propriety in her posture or sitting position, and her words and actions were always as she pleased. She was like this at the Ji family home just now, and she didn't restrain herself outside either.
Thinking about He Xun's interactions with the Ji family, did he also see her lively and energetic personality?
Thinking of this, a narrow-minded dissatisfaction arose in the man's heart.
Ji Wanyuan was completely unaware that she had achieved her goal and lowered the carriage curtain.
She had been sitting for quite a while when she noticed that the man next to her seemed to be in a bad mood, but she didn't think much of it. He probably didn't want to be with her, but he had no choice but to be with her and get close to her.
Wen Qiyan didn't like her. Being with someone you don't like, pretending and being insincere, is naturally unbearable.
Wen Qiyan had seen the map of the capital city many times. Even without looking at the road directly, he already knew where he was going just by following the carriage's route.
Soon, the carriage stopped, and Ji Wanyuan stepped out with a smile, lifting the curtain. Through the gap, he could already see the plaque with the words "Pear Blossom Immortal Abode".
Seeing that she was clearly about to go inside, and looked excited, Wen Qiyan's face darkened as he grabbed her wrist. "Where are you going?"
"Get off the carriage?" Ji Wanyuan pretended not to hear.
Where do we go after getting off the carriage?
He held her wrist tightly; if he tried to break free by force, he probably wouldn't be able to.
"Go to the theater."
A theater? Did she know what that was?
The man remained silent, his dark, inky eyes fixed on her.
Even though Ji Wanyuan pretended to be innocent, she couldn't help but feel a little scared at this moment, because when Wen Qiyan was silent, his deep and unfathomable gaze was truly chilling.
"Didn't you say you could go anywhere?"
"What are you doing here?" he asked again.
"To listen to opera," Ji Wanyuan said shamelessly.
"Just want to listen to the opera, don't you want to do anything else?"
Just now she mentioned the old place, so it must not be her first time here. Indeed, her colleagues had said that they had personally seen Miss Ji and her cousin entering and leaving Youxianju together.
Unexpectedly, it's actually true.
At this moment, looking at her smiling face, Wen Qiyan felt an impulse of anger, which manifested in the strength with which he gripped Ji Wanyuan's wrist.
"You're hurting me, let go!" she scolded in a coquettish voice, trying to pry Wen Qiyan's large hand off her wrist.
No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't tear the man's large hand away.
"Wen Qiyan, what's gotten into you again?"
She was really angry; yesterday he had grabbed her wrist and forced her to kiss him like that.
Jade just applied medicine to her today, and it's not fully healed yet. If he pinches her wrist now with so much force, is he trying to break it?
The man pulled her closer, and the distance between them suddenly closed, causing Ji Wanyuan to almost fall and sit down in the carriage.
Before she could curse him again, Wen Qiyan had already approached. He leaned down slightly, staring at her face, his cold voice deep and frightening.
"Tell me again, what are you going to do at Youxian Academy?"
Ji Wanyuan was about to speak, but she was too frightened by his chilling appearance.
She unconsciously choked on her food and said timidly, "No... I didn't do anything."
"I suddenly don't want to listen to the opera anymore, let's go back."
Waaaaah…
That's terrifying! Why did they suddenly change their expression like that?
She had already said she wouldn't go, but the man still wouldn't let her go, staring at her so intently that a chill ran down her spine.
She felt that Wen Qiyan was about to attack her and kill her at any moment.
She couldn't help but think of that dream, and her voice trembled even more as she stammered, begging Emerald to turn back. She felt unwell, didn't want to watch the play anymore, and wanted to go home.
The maids nearby naturally heard the "argument" inside and immediately told the coachman to turn back.
The carriage had been gone for quite a while when it reached the main road of the capital, and only then did Wen Qiyan let go of her hand.
Ji Wanyuan collapsed to the ground, and he watched her scrambling and dodging. His annoyance and irritation remained, but he didn't help her up. Instead, he sat down and slowly picked up a book to read.
Ji Wanyuan took a while to calm down, then secretly glanced at the man next to her and found that his expression had returned to its usual coldness, with no trace of the gloom from before.
She slowly climbed up, straightened her skirt, and sat down, moving a little further away from Wen Qiyan.
"..."
Madam Wen went to the Cao family and when she returned, she heard from the old lady that Ji Wanyuan and Wen Qiyan seemed off when they came back. Both of them looked unwell and didn't say a word.
"What's going on now?" Madam Wen felt a headache coming on.
"I questioned the maids, and they said that the two had a quarrel behind the carriage and did not go out together, but returned."
Mrs. Wen, "..."
After pausing for a while, not knowing what to say, he decided to go with the two of them.
Ever since Ji Wanyuan married into the Wen family, they haven't had a peaceful day.
Originally, she thought of asking Ji Wanyuan, but when she thought of what Madam Ji had said today, Madam Wen was still angry. If Ji Wanyuan came, she would have to coax her to talk. After thinking it over, she asked the servants to call Wen Qiyan over.
After Wen Qiyan arrived, Madam Wen began to scold him in a bad mood, asking what had happened.
Wen Qiyan remained silent, which only fueled Madam Wen's anger.
Having been humiliated at the Ji family's house today, and having to apologize to the Jiang family, Madam Wen was still seething with anger. Taking advantage of this moment, she lashed out at Wen Qiyan.
During this time, she criticized Wen Qiyan for ruining other people's girls while drunk, and for not treating them well after marrying them. She also criticized him for causing trouble for his mother and son all day long. What exactly does this mean?
“It’s all the son’s fault.” Wen Qiyan did not refute.
"You can say a thousand bad things about him, but he won't change anything. He's just like his father!"
Madam Wen cursed whatever came to mind.
"..."
After Wen Qiyan was summoned away by Madam Wen, Ji Wanyuan received the news.
At this moment, Emerald said that the little maid who had previously received a reward from Ji Wanyuan had sent word that Madam Wen was furious and was cursing at Wen Qiyan in the main hall.
"The young master was scolded and didn't say a word. Miss...would you like to go and see him?"
Jade's original intention was to have Ji Wanyuan go over and smooth things over, so as to ease the relationship between her and Wen Qiyan.
Who knew that when Ji Wanyuan learned that Wen Qiyan had been scolded so badly by Madam Wen, a smile instantly appeared on her face. She even said that he deserved it and that she didn't want to go. She hoped that Madam Wen would scold him more so that she could vent her anger!
"Who told him to treat me like that today?"
She didn't wait for Wen Qiyan; after taking a bath, she went straight to bed.
When Wen Qiyan came to the courtyard from the main hall, he learned from the maid that Ji Wanyuan had already gone to bed. She had left a message saying that it was not advisable for her to stay up late to wait for him because of her pregnancy.
He had found a good excuse. The man looked into the inner room, paused for a moment, and then went to the study.
The next day, Wen Qiyan was at home.
During breakfast, he apologized to Madam Wen in front of her, saying that he shouldn't have contradicted her yesterday, gotten angry with her, and hurt her wrist. He also said that he would always listen to her from now on and that it would never happen again.
Madam Wen served Ji Wanyuan some food, saying that she had already scolded someone for her yesterday and told her not to take it to heart.
"Qi Yan has never had much contact with girls. In the past, when his younger sister was at home, she was afraid of her brother. It's really unfair to you to live under the same roof as him. Don't worry, no matter what happens, your mother-in-law will take care of it for you."
Ji Wanyuan knew when to stop, saying it was nothing important and not worth mentioning, so she didn't take it to heart.
To maintain the appearance of order, the three of them together brushed off the topic.
Ji Wanyuan then inquired about Madam Wen's trip to the Jiang family.
Mrs. Wen said that the two families were relatives, so although it was awkward, it was alright and there was no animosity between them.
"Didn't the mother-in-law mention what the daughter-in-law said?" If Madam Wen didn't mention it, she planned to go to the Jiang family herself and lure Cao Xin here first.
"I've already made my point. Xin'er and her mother said they'll see tomorrow, and if they're free, they'll come over."
"Alright." Ji Wanyuan couldn't say anything. It was just a matter of waiting for one day. She had already waited a day, so she wasn't afraid of not being able to wait any longer.
Seeing her smile, the silent man glanced at her.
After the meal, Madam Wen was about to go out again. Yesterday, a lady from a prominent family who was on good terms with the Wen family sent her an invitation, saying that a wedding banquet was being held and inviting her to help with the arrangements.
Ji Wanyuan immediately said she wanted to go, saying she also wanted to learn so that she wouldn't be clueless in the future.
Madam Wen intended to give her and Wen Qiyan a chance to be alone, so she was unwilling to take her along. No matter what Ji Wanyuan said, Madam Wen insisted that she stay at home and rest well.
Ji Wanyuan sighed inwardly when her plan to go out fell through.
After Madam Wen left, only she and Wen Qiyan remained.
She didn't want to talk to him, so she said she was going to the flower hall to admire the flowers and take a walk to digest her food.
Unexpectedly, the man who had been silent during the meal also came with her.
Ji Wanyuan turned around with a forced smile, "My husband was so busy these past few days that he didn't come home. How come he has some free time these past two days?"
Was she trying to get rid of him?
Looking at the fake smile on the person in front of him, Wen Qiyan suppressed the frustration in his heart and said calmly that he hadn't spent time with her for a long time and should be with her.
Ji Wanyuan said there was no need, "Husband, if you have business to attend to, then go ahead and do it. If my mother-in-law comes back and asks, I will definitely not expose your shortcomings or complain to her."
"You really don't want to be with me?" he asked, staring at her.
Ji Wanyuan was taken aback. "...No."
"So you're still angry about yesterday?"
Ji Wanyuan didn't want to talk about yesterday's events; the thought of Wen Qiyan's appearance filled her with fear.
Yes, she shouldn't have taken him to the theater, but she just wanted to annoy him.
Wen Qiyan is a refined and aloof man, who would never associate with brothels or brothels in the past. Since the Immortal Academy is full of male courtesans, he definitely wouldn't go there.
I didn't expect him to react so strongly; it wasn't like he was disgusted, but rather like he was set on fire.
Ji Wanyuan inexplicably felt that Wen Qiyan's anger did not come from her taking him to the theater, but from the fact that she wanted to go to the theater, which was why he was angry.
Was he angry that she went to a place like that?
Is he bothered by it?
That's right. Wen Qiyan should mind. She is now Wen Qiyan's legal wife. If she goes to Youxian Academy and is seen by others, he will be criticized and laughed at. That's why he was so angry.
But... Ji Wanyuan felt something was off.
Because when Wen Qiyan looked at her from inside the carriage yesterday, his anger burned so deeply that it seemed he wasn't just angry about that...
As for something deeper, she couldn't think of it or understand it for the time being.
Forget it, if I can't figure it out, I won't think about it anymore. Right now, I need to think about Cao Xin's marriage.
We can't delay any longer.
She was almost three months pregnant, Ji Wanyuan thought to herself. She would have Emerald write a visiting card when she got back, inviting Cao Xin to the Wen family in her name.
Even if someone is dissatisfied with her, Cao Xin, as a concubine's daughter, wouldn't dare disrespect her.
He was secretly wondering when Wen Qiyan would pull out a medicinal ointment.
Just as she was about to ask, the man suddenly took her hand.
The moment the warm, large hand took hers, Ji Wanyuan froze. She instinctively tried to shake him off, but Wen Qiyan held on tightly.
"What are you doing?" Her wrist was still sore, so she couldn't shake it off too forcefully.
The man remained silent and led her to sit down in the pavilion.
She could tell that Wen Qiyan was going to apply medicine to her.
Ji Wanyuan withdrew her hand, "Jade already applied medicine to my wound today."
She didn't want Wen Qiyan to touch her.
But the man easily pinned her down with just two fingers, and Ji Wanyuan realized that she couldn't break free no matter how hard she tried.
She was furious that he had forced himself on her again and again, and she glared at him, saying she didn't want him to apply the medicine.
Seeing her angry expression, the man took a step back and said, "It'll be over in a minute. I won't hurt you."
"Who knows if it's the truth or a lie?" Ji Wanyuan muttered.
“The truth,” the man said.
He had barely finished speaking when he started applying the medicine to her.
It seemed that Wen Qiyan's ointment was indeed better; it felt cool and refreshing when applied, and she felt very comfortable.
After applying the medicine, Ji Wanyuan quickly withdrew her hand.
She turned to the side, not facing him, and used her hand to support her cheek, blocking her peripheral vision to avoid seeing the man next to her and feeling annoyed.
Isn't the Censorate busy? Now, in order to get information out of her, the Emperor has given him quite a bit of free time.
She sat in silence for a while, during which she could feel the man's gaze fixed on her.
Ji Wanyuan didn't understand what he was looking at.
Test her?
Regardless of whether that was the case or not, before Wen Qiyan could speak, Ji Wanyuan decided to take the initiative. She lowered her hand that was supporting her cheek, turned around, and met the man's gaze.
He coughed lightly, indicating that he had something to ask him.
"What did you say?"
He looked at her hesitant expression, as if she wanted to say something but couldn't.
"Why...why do you want to marry me?"
She actually asked first.
After she finished speaking, the man's gaze instantly fixed on her face, more focused than before, even more scrutinizing.
Ji Wanyuan was startled and kept telling herself to stay calm.
Sure enough, Wen Qiyan became suspicious of her insistence on taking a concubine for him.
I've been spending all my time with her these past two days, probably to sound her out about this matter.
The man stared at her for a long time without saying a word.
Ji Wanyuan mustered her courage and looked up, meeting the man's handsome face, which was as outstanding as ever, but no longer stirred her heart. She then asked,
Is it because of this child?
Just as she was wondering how Wen Qiyan would answer, the man countered, "And you, why do you want to give me a concubine?"
"I didn't say—"
“I want to hear the truth,” he said.
At this moment, although he couldn't quite put his finger on why, he vaguely sensed that Ji Wanyuan had changed.
“I…” She absolutely could not say it.
What should she say?
Those magnanimous words were definitely out of the question, and Ji Wanyuan looked extremely nervous at that moment.
Wen Qiyan had always given her a strong sense of pressure. Now, sitting opposite her, he seemed to be deliberately putting pressure on her, interrogating her like a criminal.
Even if Ji Wanyuan was bold, she couldn't face a court official like him who was in charge of interrogating criminals.
My gaze couldn't help but wander.
She vaguely regretted that she shouldn't have asked to test the waters; if she ended up losing more than she gained, it would be terrible.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Even though she lacked confidence, Ji Wanyuan didn't want to lose face.
"I'm waiting for your honest answer." He watched her series of small, continuous movements.
Ji Wanyuan made up her mind and decided to just pretend.
Since everyone now believes it without a doubt, Wen Qiyan probably won't think she's changed her personality.
Ji Wanyuan turned slightly to avoid his gaze, muttering something to him.
"You...you already knew, didn't you?"
She regretted it. Her father was right. She was no match for Wen Qiyan and shouldn't have asked him to test her.
Regret now is useless. She needs to stabilize the situation quickly and not let him find out. What should she say?
"Know what?"
Her hesitant and awkward demeanor inexplicably caused Wen Qiyan, who was staring intently at her, to glance at her for a moment.
He was a little distracted.
Because the person's reaction was so familiar, and so long-lost.
Ji Wanyuan used to frequently approach him, boldly proposing her love, hoping to win his favor.
But she wasn't always very bold; occasionally, she would reveal the shyness that is unique to young women.
Because it was rare, it left a deep impression on him.
I saw her shy expression again, turning her face away to avoid me, and heard her mumbled words.
For some reason, his heart inexplicably calmed down.
Because they learned the truth behind her behavior, and the truth behind why she wanted to take a concubine for him.
She finally admitted it was because of jealousy.
Ji Wanyuan still prefers and favors him.
Thinking of this, his heart inexplicably felt lighter, no, not just lighter, but even a little joyful...
Pleasure?
Or have they gone mad and realized they've made a mistake?
Wen Qiyan immediately composed herself.
Once he calmed down, he could no longer feel that joy, and he breathed a slight sigh of relief.
It seems she doesn't know why he wants to marry her.
But asking this question today is still a bit strange.
"If you don't speak, how can I understand or know?" He tricked her into continuing to pour out her heart.
Upon hearing the man's words, Ji Wanyuan's eyelashes fluttered. Could it be that she was imagining things?
He seemed to be wavering?
Ning's gaze wasn't as sharp anymore; he must have believed her, right?
At this moment, she was glad that she had been foolish enough to misjudge him and chase after him for so many years.
If it weren't for this excuse, I'm afraid I wouldn't have been able to fool Wen Qiyan.
"You...do you really not understand or are you pretending not to know?!" She suddenly turned around and glared at him angrily.
Ji Wanyuan was unsure if her carefully crafted demeanor revealed any flaws, after all, the person she was "playing chess" against was Wen Qiyan.
Suddenly faced with the charming and lively young woman, her face flushed with embarrassment and anger, Wen Qiyan was not only momentarily stunned, but his heart, which had just calmed down, began to tremble again.
How to describe this feeling? It's like missing a beat.
"..."
It was this unfamiliar mistake that made him somewhat stunned.
Ji Wanyuan has started acting.
She said, "I knew all along that you didn't like me and didn't want to marry me, and yet I got involved with you in that way..."
Oh dear, I can't keep up with this.
She quickly composed herself and continued her rapid-fire explanation to him.
“I…I’m afraid that after I marry into the family, you will become more and more disgusted with me. My mother and cousin Qingru said that as long as I am virtuous and generous, you will not hate me and will like me.”
To make her performance more realistic, Ji Wanyuan pinched her thigh hard, causing her to burst into tears immediately, her nose turning a sour red from the pain.
She was sobbing, her shoulders trembling, looking utterly pitiful.
"I...I just don't want you to hate me, I don't want you to marry me because of the child, I hope you can treat me better..."
"That day when you made love to me, you were really strong, it really hurt me. Do you know how fierce and terrifying you were? I really thought I was going to die."
Waaaaah...
Her legs hurt so much! She shouldn't have strained like that!
As she spoke, she realized how painful it was, and Ji Wanyuan couldn't help but let out a groan.
Wen Qiyan listened to her sobbing uncontrollably, her face streaked with tears, her sniffling revealing her hidden feelings for him.
His crying was clearly ugly, yet it inexplicably made his heart start to burn; that unfamiliar, half-beat feeling, which he had never experienced before, returned.
It made him feel uncomfortable, and it also made his heart beat faster.
"..."
"I know you hate me, you've always hated me, you wish I were dead, otherwise you wouldn't have been so forceful on our wedding night."
The pain in my legs came on quickly and went away quickly, leaving only numbness.
When Ji Wanyuan mentioned death and thought about her fate in her previous life, she really couldn't hold back anymore.
She took the opportunity to indirectly tell Wen Qiyan about the matter, while also subtly expressing her "reproach and questioning".
Ji Wanyuan asked him if he knew that after they had sex that day, she had nightmares every day and had to take sedatives every day, but even so, she still couldn't fall asleep.
Even when she was asleep, her dreams were filled with images of him brutally abusing and hitting her, and his icy, freezing face. In her dreams, her bones felt cold, and she almost died.
Seeing her crying pitifully, and talking about dying, I realized...
Wen Qiyan, who had never reflected on their first night together, was suddenly stunned.
His thoughts had unwittingly shifted from the initial scrutiny and interrogation to the matter at hand, influenced by the crying young woman's words.
Seeing her pitifully wiping away her tears, the teardrops sliding down her face and landing on her sleeves and kneecaps, it was truly a case of her washing her face with tears.
Wen Qiyan frowned, suddenly feeling that he might have really gone a bit too far.
It was indeed wrong of Ji Wanyuan to give him the aphrodisiac meant for livestock, but the reason she did it was simply because she liked him too much.
She had been chasing after him for so many years, and in order to get him, she had indeed gone to extremes and used any means necessary.
But... I really just like him.
like……
Ji Wanyuan still likes him.
Thinking about this, he actually felt that it wasn't entirely unforgivable for her to drug him.
After all, she had learned her lesson. The severe punishment and lesson she received that day made her extremely afraid of him to this day. She would hide whenever she saw him and shrink back whenever she was close to him.
Besides, he also found pleasure in that unpleasant affair, didn't he?
He is innocent, but isn't she innocent too?
No matter how unrestrained, reckless, foolish, stupid, arrogant, or domineering Ji Wanyuan may be, she is still a young woman.
She was a delicate and frail young woman, seemingly boneless, who would fall into his arms with the slightest touch, looking up at him helplessly in a panic.
Thinking of this, the man's long, jade-like joints twitched slightly, and he stood up.
Noticing the long shadow looming over her, Ji Wanyuan took the opportunity while wiping away her tears to dart her eyes around.
She couldn't help but wonder, had she intimidated him? Had she dispelled his concerns?
I'm so panicked.
I wonder if her fake tears will work? He walked over without saying a word; was he going to expose her?
The tall figure stopped in front of her, but Ji Wanyuan still couldn't face him. She buried her face and hid behind him.
Wen Qiyan looked down at her, a tiny bundle sitting on a round stool, sobbing and her shoulders shaking.
His hand fell, lifting her chin, which was wet with tears.
Ji Wanyuan's face was suddenly lifted, and she froze. Looking at the man's handsome and aloof face, she was forced to accept his scrutiny, and her fingers, hanging at her sides, tightened around her skirt.
"..."
The young girl in front of him froze completely at his touch. Her tear-reddened eyes moved uncontrollably from side to side, and her wet, clumped eyelashes trembled.
Every reaction was tinged with unease and defensiveness towards him.
No wonder she didn't dare to approach him or easily accept his "goodwill".
So that's how scared I was.
Ji Wanyuan's intention to take a concubine did not reveal anything to him, and his concerns were dispelled.
She was crying hard at that moment, and she was feeling very weak, which was a good opportunity for him to take advantage of her vulnerability.
But looking at the small face in front of him, her eyes red from crying, he didn't know why, but he felt that even if he wasn't driven by the imperial edict, he would want to wipe away her tears, and he didn't even think that her face, smudged with tears and rouge, was dirty.
Wen Qiyan didn't use a handkerchief, but instead gently wiped away Ji Wanyuan's tears with his fingertips.
Sticky tears mixed with rouge smeared onto his fingers, but he didn't seem to care much about it.
Ji Wanyuan's heart was pounding wildly. Wen Qiyan was wiping away her tears, and he seemed to believe her.
At this moment, he should use this opportunity to "get closer" to her.
However, his furrowed brows suggested more than just disgust at her crying; his expression was somewhat complicated.
As for how complicated it is?
As Ji Wanyuan looked at him, she felt that Wen Qiyan's furrowed brows and eyes were somewhat like... the way her mother and father used to hug her and frown with heartache for her pain.
Heartache?
Upon having this thought, Ji Wanyuan felt as if she had seen a ghost.
Impossible. How could Wen Qiyan possibly love her as much as her mother and father?
The reason she could see through these things was because his acting skills were too superb.
He played along with her, and we absolutely cannot be fooled by him and thus be moved.
Her heart calmed down, and she lowered her eyes, sobbing.
Seeing her looking so pitiful, Wen Qiyan bent down and lifted her by the waist.
In the blink of an eye, Ji Wanyuan landed in the man's arms and on his lap.
He gently put his arm around her waist, encircled her, looked into her eyes, and told her not to cry.
He said somewhat awkwardly and stiffly, "It is indeed my fault. I will never do that to you again."
"It's all his fault!" she thought angrily.
But she didn't say anything, pursing her lips and sobbing slightly.
Seeing that she had stopped crying most of the time, Wen Qiyan was still wiping away her tears.
I really can't find any words to coax him.
After a long pause, the man uttered a sentence.
"If you keep crying, what if your child is born and cries just as much as you do?"
Ji Wanyuan couldn't help but roll her eyes inwardly. Did he even know how to coax people?
She lowered her head and turned her face away, not wanting to meet his gaze.
But just as she turned around, the man touched her shoulder and turned her back around.
Because of the difference in height, he had to lower his head to be truly face-to-face with her.
As he got closer, for some reason, almost as if possessed, he looked at the tip of her nose and gave it a light kiss. Ji Wanyuan's body, which hadn't relaxed yet, became even stiffer.
He naturally noticed her stiffness and dared not kiss her rashly again, but instead touched her nose with the tip of his nose and her forehead with his forehead.
His deep, resonant voice lowered as he spoke softly to her.
"Don't cry, okay?"
Ji Wanyuan was really afraid that she wouldn't be able to keep up the act anymore, because she thought Wen Qiyan was so hypocritical.
I was afraid she would show a disgusted expression and lose face, ruining the great situation.
Using the excuse of avoiding him, she gradually moved closer to the man and nestled into his broad embrace.
She wrapped her arms around his narrow waist, pressed her face against his chest, and spoke in a muffled voice.
"You...you're not allowed to lie to me."
Her hair was very soft, brushing against his chin, causing a dense, ticklish sensation that traveled up his bones and slowly reached the tip of his heart.
"Um…"
Wen Qiyan also put his arm around her thin shoulders.
After completely embracing the person in his arms, the man closed his eyes to hide the complex emotions in them, suppressing the overwhelming feelings in his heart.
Once the young woman in his arms was sure no one was watching, the smile faded from her face, revealing her exhaustion and annoyance.
"..."
Upon returning home, Madam Wen learned that the two had reconciled.
They embraced in the flower hall, whispering sweet nothings to each other, and she felt comforted.
Sipping his tea, he sighed, "Finally, things have settled down."
If this continues, who knows when or what might happen?
"From now on, we will have peaceful days."
The old woman massaged Madam Wen's shoulders and coaxed her, saying that in a few days, Madam Wen would have a grandson to hold.
"I hope so."
With Ji Wanyuan able to reconcile with Wen Qiyan, and Aunt Jiang and Cao Xin coming to visit tomorrow, she's not worried about anything going wrong.
However, the relief in my heart was only for a moment, and then I felt as if something was about to happen.
But she couldn't quite put her finger on what could be causing her such unease.
Soon, a cloud of worry descended upon Madam Wen. She was flipping through the visiting cards her maid had received while she was away from home that day, and when she saw the Lin family's card, the smile on her face gradually faded.
She was so busy that she almost forgot that it was Madam Lin's birthday in a couple of days. Some time ago, she had originally planned to have someone send a congratulatory gift in advance, instead of staying at the mansion. After all, the Wen family and the Ji family had now formed a marriage alliance, and the Ji family and the Lin family were not on good terms, so she had to take care of the Ji family.
Who knew that once the news of taking a concubine came out, she completely forgot about it and didn't send the congratulatory gift in advance. Now that the Lin family's invitation has arrived, she's afraid she can't refuse.
If we go there, what about the Ji family?
Thinking that Lin Nianxi was still bedridden and had not recovered, and the doctor said it was a mental illness, Madam Wen was also very worried.
It seems we have no choice but to go. If we do go, should we ask Ji Wanyuan to come along?
"Oh dear, it's all such a hassle..."
That night, Ji Wanyuan had Emerald change the bedding she had used for less than two days, and then changed it back to its original state.
Right now, she not only has to share a brocade quilt with Wen Qiyan, but they also have to sleep side by side.
Bai Rili was originally worried that she wouldn't act well and wouldn't be able to dispel Wen Qiyan's concerns, but she didn't expect to act so well.
According to the plot, she and Wen Qiyan should have reconciled and lived happily ever after, sharing a pillow together. But if it were him…
If she's already interested, does that mean she still has to be intimate with him and sleep with him?
Wouldn't you say she shot herself in the foot?
As Ji Wanyuan climbed onto the bed, she sighed silently in her heart.
She had barely crawled into bed when the man came up to her.
She deliberately moved closer to the inside, but unexpectedly he followed her back.
Ji Wanyuan began to regret it. She shouldn't have been so close to her inner garment. Now there was nowhere to retreat; if she retreated further, she would be facing Wen Qiyan's chest.
She didn't want to snuggle into his arms!
Who knows if he'll kiss me with his tongue wrapped around hers?
So she tried to shrink herself inwards, making herself into a small ball, to create distance.
I noticed that the people around me were still avoiding me.
Wen Qiyan watched for a while, then stretched out his long arm and, to her surprise, pulled her around by the waist.
With her back pressed against the man's firm, hot chest, Ji Wanyuan's heart pounded faster.
I'm really afraid of what he's going to do.
Before the man could speak, she lowered her face and continued using the same excuse she had used many times before.
"My pregnancy is not very stable, I can't sleep with you."
Wait a minute… After saying that, Ji Wanyuan realized something was wrong.
She's sleeping with Wen Qiyan right now.
Then he changed his tune again, adding a sentence to try and express her meaning more completely.
"I can't...sleep."
Upon hearing this, Wen Qiyan, who was holding her, found it inexplicably amusing.
She shrank back, was she that afraid?
Even in his arms, the person couldn't let their guard down, almost stiffening like a dried-out quail.
I was supposed to comfort her, but for some reason, the words just came out of my mouth and I couldn't help but want to tease her.
He said, "No, I won't sleep there."
Ji Wanyuan heard what she wanted to hear, and a huge weight was lifted from her heart.
But it hadn't even landed properly yet.
Then she heard the man say, "Just a kiss, okay?"
Ji Wanyuan, whose heart was suddenly filled with anxiety, could hardly believe that he had said those words.
Shocked, she couldn't help but turn to look at him. "?"
Inside the curtained room, their eyes met in the dim light.
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Author's Note: [Flattery] I saw the comments! I'll try to update earlier tomorrow! [Glasses]
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