testing each other
Qin Lingfeng became completely infatuated with their close relationship.
I couldn't help but recall the moment when our fingertips touched as we served the tea.
As they chatted, he slowly moved closer. Jiang Manyan's ears turned slightly red, but she stayed close and whispered to him.
Qin Lingfeng's heart grew warmer with each thought. Could it be... that Jiang Manyan also had feelings for her, the one who saved his life?
The moment the thought popped into his head, it entwined his heart like a vine, and he even dreamt of the other person's smiling face at night.
The sky was clear and the breeze was gentle today, so Qin Lingfeng sent someone early in the morning to invite Jiang Manyan to go boating.
The awning boats swayed gently on the lake, willow branches drooped on both banks, and a gentle breeze carried the fragrance of lotus blossoms.
The two sat side by side at the bow of the boat, chatting about everything from poetry and songs to local anecdotes.
Qin Lingfeng felt he could never finish speaking, and his gaze kept falling on the face of the person next to him—Jiang Manyan was wearing a moon-white long robe today, which was his clothes. It was a little loose on Jiang Manyan, but it gave her an otherworldly feeling.
Sunlight shone on Jiang Manyan's eyebrows and eyes, even her eyelashes were tinged with a warm light, making Shen Lingfeng's heart soften.
As the conversation became more animated, Jiang Manyan suddenly yawned softly, rubbed her temples, and spoke with a touch of languor.
"I got up early today and I'm a little tired."
As she spoke, Jiang Manyan turned slightly to the side and unintentionally rested her head on Qin Lingfeng's shoulder.
The warm touch came through the fabric, and Qin Lingfeng froze, forgetting even to breathe.
Jiang Manyan's delicate profile was so close, the faint scent of ink and soap lingering around her nose, her long eyelashes drooping, fluttering gently like butterfly wings.
Qin Lingfeng could clearly feel the other person's even breathing, and his heart suddenly raced, pounding against his chest.
Her ears were burning, and she dared not move an inch, afraid of disturbing this rare moment of intimacy.
Before we knew it, the sun was setting in the west, and the moon was quietly climbing up the branches.
The silvery light spilled onto the lake, making it shimmer and sparkle.
Jiang Lingfeng raised his hand, intending to point out the distant moon shadow to Jiang Manyan.
"Look at the moonlight..."
Before she could finish speaking, Jiang Manyan's fingertips "accidentally" touched Qin Lingfeng's hand, which was resting on the gunwale.
These hands must be from someone who has practiced martial arts for many years.
Jiang Manyan's hands were slightly cool, with slender fingertips.
In that instant, Qin Lingfeng recoiled as if burned, but saw Jiang Manyan's eyes flicker and her lips curl into a faint smile, without withdrawing her hand.
This means she really cares about me.
Qin Lingfeng felt a surge of joy, his chest felt like it was filled with honey, so sweet that he almost laughed out loud.
The joy of being remembered and cherished by the person he admired was something he had never experienced before. He felt that even the wind on the lake was gentler and the moon was brighter.
Jiang Manyan took advantage of the situation to get closer to Qin Lingfeng during the day.
But every night, Jiang Manyan would quietly get up and search through Shen Lingfeng's belongings, trying to find any clues that could reveal his true identity, but she always came up empty-handed...
— — — —
It wasn't until Jiang Zhong arrived that Jiang Manyan's tense heart relaxed.
"Young master! We've finally found you."
Jiang Zhong rushed into the house and breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that Jiang Manyan was unharmed. In recent days, he had been leading his men to search along the river.
Finally, we found the mark left by the young master here.
Jiang Zhong's gaze then fell upon Qin Lingfeng standing to the side.
Who is this?
"This is Young Master Shen Lingfeng, my savior."
Jiang Manyan explained that she keenly noticed the change in Jiang Zhong's expression from gratitude to surprise.
It was only because Jiang Zhong carefully examined Qin Lingfeng that he noticed the barely noticeable embroidery on his clothes.
"Young Master Shen, could you perhaps be from the Shen family of Yancheng? I once traveled to Yancheng as a merchant and saw the Shen family's trademark. The Shen family is known for its kindness and has an excellent reputation."
Qin Lingfeng was startled, but remained outwardly calm.
"Indeed. I never expected to meet someone here who recognizes the Shen family's insignia."
He thought to himself: Fortunately, he was indeed "from" the Shen family, so he could play the part completely.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Manyan's wariness lessened slightly.
He had also heard of the Shen family of Yancheng.
Known for treating people kindly and operating with integrity, if they are indeed from the Shen family, there is no need to be overly wary.
The life-saving grace must be properly repaid.
Since Jiang Zhong's arrival, the relationship between the two has undergone a subtle change. Jiang Manyan no longer deliberately tries to be "close" to Qin Lingfeng, as if everything that happened in the past two days was just a dream.
The Shen family was indeed a rare noble family in this continent dominated by powerful nobles, but Jiang Manyan's past experiences had not completely dispelled his doubts.
That morning, Jiang Manyan did not handle official business in Qin Lingfeng's study, but sat on a stone bench under the osmanthus tree in the courtyard, with a book open in front of her.
Jiang Manyan's gaze was unfocused, clearly deep in thought.
Qin Lingfeng came over carrying a bowl of freshly brewed medicine, and this was the scene he saw.
The morning light filtered through the gaps in the branches and leaves, casting dappled shadows on the boy. Jiang Manyan's quiet demeanor was completely different from the elegant and bright "Wang Ping'an" she usually was.
"It's time to take your medicine."
Qin Lingfeng approached and placed the medicine bowl on the stone table.
Jiang Manyan snapped out of her reverie, the deep thought in her eyes quickly disappearing, replaced by a slightly mocking smile that Qin Lingfeng was already familiar with.
"Thank you for your trouble, Young Master Shen. But this medicine is extremely bitter, and it takes a lot of courage to drink it each time."
Despite complaining, Jiang Manyan took the medicine bowl.
Good medicine tastes bitter.
Qin Lingfeng naturally took out the candied fruit from his sleeve.
"I prepared something sweet to counteract the bitterness."
Jiang Manyan's eyes lit up slightly as she reached out and took it.
Jiang Manyan, with a jujube in her mouth, puffed out her cheeks and squinted her eyes contentedly, like a cat basking in the sun.
"Young Master Shen is so considerate."
Jiang Manyan swallowed the sweetness, tilted her head to look at Qin Lingfeng, and spoke in a drawn-out tone with a hint of inquiry.
"I wonder if he treats every stranger he meets with such care?"
"That depends on whether it's worth it."
Qin Lingfeng met his gaze and replied meaningfully.
Just then, Jiang Zhong appeared at the courtyard gate. He didn't come in immediately, but glanced at Qin Lingfeng first before speaking to Jiang Manyan.
"Young master, the 'Mountain Goods Market Report' you requested has been found. May I put it inside for you?"
This was a code. Jiang Manyan immediately understood that Jiang Zhong had something important to report, but it was inconvenient for this "Young Master Shen" to know.
"Okay, let's leave it for now. I need to go back to my room to change my clothes."
Jiang Manyan stood up and smiled at Qin Lingfeng very naturally.
"Young Master Shen, please excuse me for a moment."
Jiang Manyan followed Jiang Zhong into the room, closed the door, and the lazy smile on her face vanished instantly.
"What's up?"
"Young master, it's all been investigated! The tax deficit in Chunxi Town was caused by that distant nephew of the Feng family. He used the Feng family's name to collect 30% more tax and line his own pocket."
Jiang Zhong lowered his voice and quickly reported.
"In addition, our people have noticed that Qin Kun has been acting strangely these past two days. He seems to be plotting something, and his target may still be you."
Jiang Manyan's eyes were cold.
"That nephew of the Feng family, deal with him according to the rules. Make the necessary compensations and punishments, and let's make a big scene so everyone can see it, as a warning to others. As for Qin Kun…"
Jiang Manyan pondered for a moment.
"Send more people to keep a close eye on his movements and those of everyone around him, especially any new faces they come into contact with."
"clear."
Jiang Zhong nodded, then glanced hesitantly at the door.
"And this young master Shen...?"
"he?"
Jiang Manyan's lips curved into a smile that revealed no emotion.
"I know what I'm doing. Go ahead and do it."
After giving his instructions, Jiang Manyan's cold expression quickly faded, and he reverted to being the young man with a relaxed smile.
Jiang Manyan opened the door and said to Qin Lingfeng, who was waiting outside, "It was just a small matter. I apologize for keeping Young Master Shen waiting."
He walked into the courtyard, stretched his body, and the sunlight outlined his slender yet powerful waistline.
He suddenly turned his head and gave Jiang Zhong a bright smile that was also a little coquettish.
"Brother Zhong, I suddenly really want to eat your grilled river fish! The kind we used to eat by the stream, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside."
Jiang Zhong immediately grinned, revealing his white teeth.
"That's easy! I'll go get the freshest ones right now! I guarantee they'll taste just like the original."
After speaking, Jiang Zhong naturally raised his hand and flicked away a tiny fallen leaf that had somehow landed on Jiang Manyan's hair, his eyes filled with pure care.
Jiang Manyan let him do as he pleased, even bowing her head slightly in cooperation, her smile completely untainted, as if she were truly an innocent young man who only cared about his appetite.
Qin Lingfeng stood aside, taking in everything.
He watched as Jiang Manyan switched emotions in an instant, and how she and Jiang Zhong shared a tacit understanding and trust that no one else could interfere with. A subtle bittersweet feeling, unlike anything he had ever experienced before, welled up in his heart.
He was almost certain that Jiang Zhong had not simply brought him a trivial "market price list for mountain products."
"It seems that Young Master Wang and Steward Jiang have a very good relationship."
Qin Lingfeng's voice sounded as calm as ever.
Jiang Manyan turned around, her gaze returning to Qin Lingfeng, a cryptic smile on her face.
“Brother Zhong is like my own brother.”
He took two steps closer, tilted his head slightly to look at Qin Lingfeng, his eyes clear yet seemingly able to see through people's hearts.
"Young Master Shen seems quite concerned about my relationships with those around me?"
As the two drew closer, Qin Lingfeng could smell a faint scent emanating from Jiang Manyan, a blend of medicinal fragrance and sunshine.
"I just feel that way."
Qin Lingfeng lowered his eyelashes, his gaze falling on the young man's face, which was inches away from his own.
"Young Master Wang is exceptionally relaxed in front of people he trusts."
"oh?"
Jiang Manyan's voice rose at the end, as if she had heard something interesting.
"Then, Young Master Shen, do you think I'm relaxed in front of you right now, or... tense?"
This question is like a small hook, probing and subtly provocative.
Qin Lingfeng stared at him. The young man before him was like a veil of layers, each layer seemingly concealing a different landscape, beckoning one to explore further.
He knew that this relaxation might be a pretense, and this intimacy might still be a test, yet he still couldn't help being attracted.
"Young Master Wang is like the April sky."
Qin Lingfeng spoke slowly, his voice carrying a hint of indulgence that he himself was unaware of.
"The weather is unpredictable, yet it is all... so vivid."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Manyan was slightly taken aback, then burst into laughter—a genuine, hearty laugh, her eyes and brows radiating joy.
He stopped dwelling on the question and instead picked up the now-cold medicine bowl, drinking it all in one gulp.
"I have taken the medicine. I am grateful for Young Master Shen's hospitality."
Jiang Manyan put down the empty bowl and licked her lips, which might still taste bitter.
"It's boring to stay cooped up in the house all day. Young Master Shen's private residence has a beautiful view. If you don't mind, would you like to accompany me for a stroll in the garden?"
Jiang Manyan extended an invitation, her eyes open and honest, as if the witty conversation that had just taken place had never happened.
As Qin Lingfeng gazed at the bright, delicate silhouette of the young man outlined by the sunlight, a chord in his heart was plucked even more clearly.
He knew he was getting deeper and deeper into this mess.
"I couldn't have gotten it."
Qin Lingfeng heard his own answer, and his tone was firm.
The afternoon sun was shining brightly, and a gentle breeze was blowing. Qin Lingfeng ordered tea sets to be set out in the waterside pavilion, where he sat down with Jiang Manyan to enjoy tea.
"This is a new tea sent from Yancheng this spring, called 'Pre-Rain Sparrow Tongue,' Young Master Wang, please have a taste."
Qin Lingfeng held the teapot with fluid, graceful movements, pouring out the tea and releasing its fragrant aroma.
He portrayed a refined and cultured businessman flawlessly.
Jiang Manyan picked up the white jade-like porcelain cup, sniffed the aroma of the tea, took a sip, and praised it.
"Indeed excellent tea. The aroma is delicate and the aftertaste is lingering. Young Master Shen is living a truly refined life."
His tone was sincere, as if he were truly just a wealthy young master appreciating the other person's refined tastes.
"It's just a moment of leisure in my busy schedule."
Qin Lingfeng smiled slightly, his gaze falling on Jiang Manyan's slender fingers.
"Speaking of which, what kind of business does Young Master Wang's family run? Perhaps our two families will have the opportunity to cooperate in the future."
Qin Lingfeng naturally posed the question, just like any businessman seeking business opportunities.
Jiang Manyan's eyes flickered slightly as she put down her teacup and smiled.
"We run a small business selling medicinal herbs and mountain products at home, barely making ends meet. It's nothing like Young Master Shen's cloth shop, which connects the north and south—that's a real business."
Jiang Manyan deftly steered the conversation back on track, without revealing any flaws.
"I've heard that the waterways in the southeast have been quite turbulent lately, and freight costs have risen considerably. Is Young Master Shen's cloth business going smoothly?"
This statement was a show of concern, a test, and an indication that he was not entirely ignorant of the dynamics of business in Southeast China.
"I am sorry for your concern, Your Highness. These minor disturbances will not affect our foundation."
Qin Lingfeng handled the situation with ease, secretly praising the other party's quick thinking.
"It seems that the Wang family deals in medicinal herbs and mountain products, so they must frequently travel to the mountains and forests, right? I've heard that things haven't been peaceful in the southeast region lately, and some members of the Qin family have been causing quite a stir."
Qin Lingfeng deliberately mentioned Qin Kun, observing the other party's reaction.
Jiang Manyan's face revealed a hint of worry and indignation at just the right moment.
"That's right! Those people are domineering and forceful, making it difficult for everyone to do business. My father was very worried about this the other day."
Jiang Manyan perfectly portrayed a local businessman's son who suffered greatly, harbored some resentment but was helpless, and even sighed softly.
"If only someone could cure them."
Seeing Jiang Manyan's appearance, Qin Lingfeng almost believed it. If he hadn't already known that the person in front of him was the "benevolent Jiang" who had caused Qin Kun so much trouble, Qin Lingfeng would have felt a bit of sympathy for her.
"Oh? It seems this branch of the Qin family is indeed a menace."
Qin Lingfeng echoed, his tone carrying just the right amount of shared indignation.
"However, Young Master Wang need not worry too much. Good and evil will eventually be rewarded."
Qin Lingfeng's words were pointed, as if he were hinting at something.
And so, under the guise of tea, the two exchanged barbs, each word seemingly a business compliment or a casual complaint, but in reality, every word was a probe into the other's background and stance.
Just then, a servant brought over freshly roasted taro.
Jiang Manyan's eyes lit up, and her greedy, boyish look reappeared. She didn't care about testing anyone anymore, and reached out to pick one up, but it burned her so badly that she hissed and quickly threw it back into the plate, blowing on her fingers.
Qin Lingfeng chuckled, picked up the taro with remarkable ease, carefully peeled off the charred outer skin to reveal the golden, glutinous taro flesh inside, and then handed it back to Jiang Manyan.
"Eat slowly, be careful it's hot."
This gesture carries a sincere and indescribable intimacy.
Jiang Manyan paused for a moment, took the taro, and her fingertips inevitably touched Qin Lingfeng's warm fingers.
He lowered his head, took a bite, and mumbled, "...Thank you."
After spending several days together, our casual conversation today was very pleasant.
Young Master Shen did not inquire about the water network of the three towns, but secretly thought about other hidden matters.
Am I just overthinking things?
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