Chapter 48 Chapter 48 Respect Him
With just this small pot of Bamboo Leaf Green Tea, I poured it out one cup after another, took a shallow sip, and then slowly put it into my mouth. The fragrance of bamboo leaves mixed with the smell of wine spread in my mouth, and then swallowed into my stomach, drawing a long burning line in my throat.
After just a few drinks, the jug was empty.
The palace servant saw that Lady Lu looked quiet and gentle, and still had a strong bookish air about her, but she just sat quietly at the table and drank a whole pot of wine silently, hesitating whether to go forward and add another pot. But Du Lingjing noticed that there were people in the banquet hall who noticed that she was drinking alone. That was not good. She stood up and walked to the corridor under the tree behind the banquet hall.
There is a century-old pine tree planted in the flower bed outside the corridor, which still looks green even in the cold winter.
This place is a bit remote and there are not many people around. Du Lingjing walked over and heard the wind blowing through the ancient pine trees. She sat down and sat by the corridor, enjoying the wind with the pine trees.
The smell of wine was blown into the corridor by the wind.
Someone was hiding outside the flower window on the wall and peeping.
It’s Miss Yang Jinyu.
Nanny Yang tilted her head and glanced at Du Lingjing several times.
"Why hasn't she gone to make trouble with the Marquis? Others have drunk a pot of wine and are already getting drunk, crying or laughing, but how come Marquis Lu's wife is not making any noise? She just sits there in the wind, and the old pine tree next to her is making more noise than her."
After a little more wind, he will sober up.
Yang Jinyu couldn't figure it out either.
She herself had not fully prepared her words, and could not believe them all, but Lady Lu believed them; but she just waited for this lady to start a quarrel with the Marquis, but she saw that the lady remained very quiet and did not say a word, just calmly enjoying the scenery of the courtyard.
The master and servant looked at each other, neither of them understanding what the marquis's wife was thinking.
The wind was strong under the stained glass window, and Miss Yang began to have a headache. She angrily flicked her sleeves and left.
She left, and the maid in the chamber hurriedly followed.
Qiu Lin brought the cloak over and whispered to Du Lingjing, "That eldest lady from the Yang family has been secretly looking at Madam for a long time."
Du Lingjing noticed it.
"I know she is looking at me, and I know what she means by that." She just wants me to quarrel with the Marquis because of this. The bigger the quarrel, the more embarrassed the Marquis will be, and the better she will do it."
She shook her head helplessly and laughed, "But the Marquis has taken great pains to win over the party, step by step, will he give up just because someone makes a fuss?"
With a mind as profound and steady as his, it is impossible for him not to understand the principle that a lack of patience will ruin a great plan.
"Miss Yang thinks this matter is too simple."
She smiled even more as she spoke. Qiu Lin saw that her smile was like snowflakes falling from the sky, a little cold, hanging at the corner of her mouth, very light and faint, and quickly melting away.
"Besides, we have been married for several months and the Marquis has treated me very well. No matter what his intention is, we should not delay his important matter. So Miss Yang, you are destined not to wait until I make a fuss."
She said it lightly, but Qiu Lin looked at her and smelled the strong smell of alcohol on her, so he couldn't help but ask.
"But why does Madam drink so much?"
She saw the girl pause for a moment, and then some crystal joy appeared in her eyes.
"It's Bamboo Leaf Green."
Du Lingjing laughed and said that she hadn't drunk Bamboo Leaf Green for a long time. "In the past in Qingzhou, Sanlang would always bury a jar of Bamboo Leaf Green in the bamboo forest, and dig out the wine by peeling off the layers of bamboo leaves. Even the jar was filled with bamboo fragrance."
But every time he dug out the wine, Sanlang only poured her a small cup.
She was dissatisfied and asked him to pour her a pot to taste, but he just shook his head and refused.
"I know Quanquan can drink a lot, but you can't drink too much. One cup is good for your mood, but if it's a pot, Wuyou will have to add three points to his worries."
He didn't allow her to eat more, and whenever he saw that the wine in her glass was almost empty, he would take the glass from her hand.
She deliberately didn't let go and looked into his eyes to see if he would soften towards her.
Sanlang couldn't bear her gaze, so he had to pour her another half cup and then took back her wine cup early.
"I'll drink it next time."
Next time... ...why didn't he pour her a drink?
The wind blew a cluster of pine needles off the century-old pine tree, landing on Du Lingjing's shoulder and prickling her lightly.
"I didn't expect the palace servants to serve me Bamboo Leaf Green," Du Lingjing said to Qiu Lin, "I couldn't control myself and drank too much."
Qiu Lin thought that this might not be the reason, and threw the fallen pine needles away from her shoulder.
"Madam, please don't stay here in the wind. It will give you a headache."
Du Lingjing said it was okay. She had her eyes lowered, but now she looked up at the sky. The stars were hidden behind the pine needles.
"I just... miss Sanlang a little bit. I wonder what he is doing in heaven? Is he drinking Zhuyeqing as well?"
Qiu Lin saw her pursed her lips and smiled, but he wondered if she was a little drunk.
Du Lingjing felt that she was not drunk, she just thought about many things in the past.
Thinking that her father's mourning period was over and he was going to come to Beijing to resume his job, she was reluctant to let go of her father. Even though she didn't want to return to the capital and wanted to stay with Mianlou and Sanlang in Qingzhou, she still hesitated to stay by her father's side to take care of him.
After hearing this, Sanlang told her not to hesitate, "If you don't go, I will accompany you in Qingzhou. If you go to the capital, I will also rent a small house in the capital, so that I can meet more people."
He put it very simply, but she knew that he, like her, didn't like the capital very much.
The city is too vast and the people in it have too complicated minds. It is hard to guess the true feelings between people and it is even harder to gauge their sincerity.
This is indeed the case. Even brothers like Shao Boju and Hu Tinglan, who were close enough to each other for life, gradually drifted apart after arriving in the capital and entering officialdom, until today.
Not to mention the powerful officials and nobles who were immersed in it, who didn't have several faces? Unpredictable.
But neither her father nor Sanlang could have imagined that one day she would be trapped in the capital.
She wants to go back to Qingzhou.
But how to get out?
The stars were rotating, and Du Lingjing had no mood to talk. She called Qiu Lin, "You go ahead. I'll sit for a while and then go back to the hall."
Qiu Lin looked at her expression as if she was blown down by the night wind, "Then Madam, please go back early, and don't drink anymore when you go back."
"knew."
Qiulin walked away, looking back every few steps.
There were many people inside and outside the banquet hall, and the lights were flickering as they toasted each other. But the night wind only blew through the corridor, blowing to this corridor, where she was sitting alone.
Du Lingjing sat for a while and hadn't thought about going back to the hall yet when she heard footsteps approaching.
She turned around and saw that it was the old lady from Dou Ge's hometown, who was also passing by accompanied by her daughter-in-law and granddaughter-in-law.
She looked over and people saw her too.
Everyone in the court knew that Dou Ge Lao and Lu Hou didn't get along. When Du Lingjing ran into the other party's female relatives by chance, she subconsciously avoided their gaze.
Du Lingjing turned sideways, pretending not to see it, and continued to enjoy the breeze in the corridor.
But when the women of the Dou family supported the old lady and passed by, the old lady stopped for a moment.
The two were only one step apart when the old lady suddenly spoke to her.
"Child, don't blow the wind after drinking."
She said and waved to her.
As soon as the words were spoken, there was silence inside and outside the corridor.
The women in Dou Ge's family were extremely embarrassed. They all thought that the old lady had misjudged the person and thought that this Madam Lu was a junior of their own family.
The old lady politely smiled apologetically to Du Lingjing.
Du Lingjing didn't think anything was wrong. Seeing the trembling old lady, she kept looking at her and said, "Go back to the hall and warm up."
For some reason, she thought she saw the old grandmothers from the Qingzhou clan who often basked in the sun in front of the ancestral hall.
When they saw her, they would ask, "Jingniang, are you going to Mianlou again? There are endless books to read, so take some rest..."
Du Ling calmed down and felt a burning pain in her heart.
Perhaps the old lady of the Dou family really recognized the wrong person and mistook her for one of her own juniors, but this might be one of the few true cases in this huge capital city.
She said yes and stood up readily, "Thank you for your reminder."
Amid the awkward and helpless expressions of the women in the Dou family, Old Lady Dou smiled kindly at them with her eyes curved.
Du Lingjing also curled the corners of her lips.
She returned to the hall, and the people outside also came back one after another.
After a while, the Emperor and the Imperial Concubine returned to the upper seat. The Empress did not come again. The Emperor and the ministers said some auspicious words for the coming year. The Imperial Concubine also spoke a few words of encouragement to the ministers and their wives on behalf of the Empress.
The singing and dancing gradually stopped, and the palace banquet was coming to an end.
Du Lingjing followed the crowd outside. The night wind at Taiye Lake was stronger than that during the day. When Du Lingjing walked near the plum forest, she saw Chong'an jogging towards her from afar.
He stepped forward and saluted, saying that the Lord was being entangled by a group of dukes, marquises, and princes. "He has to attend two more banquets in the restaurant outside the palace, so he can't get away to go home tonight."
Du Lingjing understood, "I can go back on my own."
But Chong'an said quickly, "Madam, don't worry. The Marquis said he will be here soon and will talk to you first before going to the banquet."
He still wants to talk to her before going to the banquet?
Du Lingjing could only wait for him deep in the plum forest.
Less than a quarter of an hour later, he arrived.
The moonlight was draped over him. He had just changed into a yellow-brown brocade robe embroidered with yellow daylilies. At this moment, he was striding under the moonlight. The radiance from his whole body seemed to have attracted the stars and the moon to him.
He came here from the bridge over the broken ice and flowing water. Most of the people here were women. As soon as he stepped onto the arch bridge, the women's eyes were all focused on him.
It seemed that no one failed to keep their eyes on his tall figure. The lights on the bridge cast a shadow, making his eyebrows and eyes look handsome and deep. Under his straight nose, the corners of his mouth were gentle and slightly drunk.
He walked down from the top of the arch bridge, with his long legs under his narrow waist and black boots, and every step he took was simply heart-warming.
Du Lingjing saw several young ladies and girls, all of whom had shyness on their faces and dared not look at him again.
Du Lingjing smiled and looked away.
But he quickly passed through the crowd and headed straight for Merlin.
He strode up to her.
"What does the Marquis have to say?" she asked.
As soon as she opened her mouth, the man smelled the strong smell of alcohol on her.
"Why did you drink so much?"
He sniffed it again. "Bamboo Leaf Green?"
Du Lingjing saw that his gentle expression had changed, and his gaze met hers.
Du Lingjing turned her head to dodge.
"It was a palace maid who did it." She had to explain.
But he pursed his lips and said nothing, his eyes swept down, and everyone retreated one after another. In a moment, he and she were the only ones left in Merlin.
The plum forest was quiet, as if it had isolated itself from the voices of people outside. For a moment, only the moonlight quietly flowed on the plum blossoms that were about to bloom on the branches.
"Does the Marquis have anything to tell me?"
Seeing that he didn't say anything, she could only ask again.
Both of them were soaked in the smell of alcohol, which drifted between them. Their breathing was heavier than usual, and as Du Lingjing pursed her lips in silence, she felt inexplicably and uncomfortably breathing heavier.
Whatever he wants, just tell her directly.
But he didn't say a word. Instead, he suddenly raised his hand, put it behind her ear, and stroked her cheek with the thin calluses on the tip of his thumb.
Her whole body was soaked in the fragrance of Bamboo Leaf Green, and her face was warmed by the alcohol. Even the tips of her hair and between her lips and teeth were surrounded by the fragrance of bamboo.
The man said nothing. Du Lingjing didn't know what he meant, but he suddenly lowered his head and kissed her on the lips.
His breath was overbearing, heavy and irresistible, and it was filled with the scent of alcohol. The moment it reached her lips and teeth, it suppressed the bamboo leaf aura in her body.
But he was still not satisfied. He took her hand behind her ear and pulled her closer to him, forcing her to raise her head and bear the force of his lips.
Du Lingjing couldn't help but raise her hand and put it on his chest.
She wanted to push him away and break free from his arms.
But just as she had this intention, he put his arms around her waist, held her completely in his arms, and bit her lips.
Du Lingjing was no match for him and could only let him do what he wanted.
The bamboo scent on her body was almost gone, leaving only his scent enveloping her from head to toe.
He then let her go a little and said in a low, hoarse voice.
"Don't drink bamboo wine anymore."
Du Lingjing didn't want to pay attention to him and turned to leave.
The man held her wrist tightly and refused to let go, "Quan Quan..."
Although he held her tightly, his voice softened reluctantly.
"I haven't told you anything yet."
"What does the Marquis want to say?" She lowered her voice and did not look him in the eye.
The man sighed helplessly and said it was nothing, and tucked the hair around her ears for her.
"I can't go home with you tonight. It's still a long way from here to the palace gate and get in the carriage. I'm afraid the cold wind at night will blow on you."
He took off his cloak and put it on her.
"You wear mine when you go home."
Du Lingjing couldn't help but look at him.
He was still thinking about this...
She said no, "My Lord, you have two more banquets to attend in the evening, so you should dress better."
Her voice finally softened again, and Lu Shenru stopped her from taking it off.
"As long as my wife is wearing it, how can I be cold?"
He chuckled.
Du Lingjing listened to these completely irrational words and couldn't help but look at him silently again.
He called Qiulin and went back to make her some hangover soup. He also told her, "Go to bed early. I'm afraid I won't be back until tomorrow morning."
Du Lingjing looked at him a few more times.
I thought to myself that he was always thoughtful.
Maybe he married her because of Fu Chen, but he probably thought she was a good wife and took good care of her.
But even so, he is not an ordinary person to be able to do this.
Especially since he took the initiative to offer to worship Saburo with her.
It was obvious that he cared, yet he actually went with her.
How many people in this world can do this?
If a person can endure what ordinary people cannot endure, and do what ordinary people cannot do, then what can't he accomplish?
After he gave the order, he was urged to walk away. Du Lingjing turned around and looked at his back.
He is indeed very capable and has made great contributions.
I hope that all his wishes can come true and not be in vain.
... ...
The next day is New Year’s Eve.
He did not return until the morning, but he stayed in the outer courtyard. It seemed that he only took a short nap for an hour before someone came to ask him something.
It was not until the evening that he finished his work. When he returned to the main courtyard, the smell of alcohol on his body was almost gone, and he had regained his usual demeanor, not even looking tired. He just asked someone to bring him two more cups of strong tea.
Du Lingjing thought to himself, he hadn't slept all night and had to stay up tonight to celebrate the New Year, but he could hold on with just a cup of strong tea, it was really...
She didn't feel comfortable saying anything, but she heard him say it with regret.
"To be honest, my lady, I had people prepare some fireworks and firecrackers, but I heard a message yesterday," he lowered his voice, "that the emperor had caught a cold a few days ago and has not recovered yet. He has been sick recently and cannot stand any noise, so he punished many people in the palace."
He said, "In this case, we shouldn't make a big fuss. But this is the first time you spend the New Year with me in the Marquis' Mansion. It's a pity..."
He sighed and shook his head.
Du Lingjing didn't care about fireworks and firecrackers, and couldn't help asking him, "How is the emperor's illness? Will he..."
If the emperor dies before the queen, the imperial concubine will not be able to become the queen mother of the country, and Prince Hui will not be able to inherit the throne as the legitimate son.
When she asked this, she saw the man's face darken a little, but he raised his hand and said.
"Not really. It won't be too late to wait until spring comes and it gets warmer."
But he mentioned something else.
"Perhaps it's because the emperor was ill at the end of the year, so he let out some words. Whether it's Shao Boju and the Shao family, or the two evildoers in the Rongchang Earl's Mansion, the emperor will probably be lenient with them."
Du Lingjing raised her eyebrows.
Miss Yang's hasty efforts to find someone to intercede for mercy were not as good as the emperor's illness, which brought her a moment of kindness.
But the marquis suddenly asked, "Why did you drink so much that day? Did Yang Jinyu say something to you?"
He is very perceptive.
Du Lingjing recalled that before the palace banquet, he reminded her in advance not to listen to Miss Yang. Could it be that he had guessed something and didn't want her to ask more about the imperial decree of marriage after hearing about it?
After all, at that time, he only said that the arranged marriage was entirely the will of the emperor, and he didn't know and could do nothing about it.
Du Lingjing told him, "The Crown Prince's wife asked me to intercede with the Marquis. She also gave me a box of oriental pearls."
The man laughed when he heard this, "My Lord Lu's wife still needs a box of Dongzhu?"
As he said this, he was about to ask someone to bring the Dongzhu from the warehouse.
"I remember there were three or five boxes, sent by officials from Guangdong and Guangxi. They have been sitting in the warehouse and are now covered in dust. I brought them to make jewelry for you."
The box of oriental pearls that Miss Yang brought that day were all very valuable, and he actually had three or five more boxes in his storeroom.
This marquis is really generous. If those noble ladies who want to marry him were in her current position, how could they not be happy?
Thinking of this, she smiled, but told him not to bring it.
The man asked her, "What are you laughing at, lady?"
"I am laughing at the Marquis's excessive generosity, but I only have one body, and I can't use up all the jewelry the Marquis gave me before, let alone three or five boxes of Dongzhu."
The night was still long, she lowered her eyes and smiled, but the man carried her to the small couch.
Loud firecrackers were being set off in the streets and alleys of the capital, but he laid her on the quilt and pressed her down.
Du Lingjing took a breath.
It was just getting dark now, and the whole city was staying up all night to celebrate the New Year.
This is still a small couch...
But he moved a little and her clothes fell off, and he kissed her collarbone and shoulder.
She had no intention of pushing him away, but he was too familiar with her body.
In just a few breaths, she was covered in rain.
She panicked and tried to push him away, but it was completely futile.
He is a brave and skilled general, a mighty and powerful commander, and he has mastered all kinds of martial arts.
He knew the enemy's weak points best, and would torture them repeatedly there.
She didn't want to be controlled by him, but she had no way to resist. He just aimed at the weakest point of her army and led his troops. Her entire camp was immediately defeated.
This time the rainstorm finally came down. He laughed softly in her ear.
"Quanquan, do you think we will have our first child tonight?"
child... ...
Du Lingjing came back to her senses while trembling.
He wanted her to have all the supporters behind him, and he also wanted her to be his real consort, bear children for him, and have many children.
Whether it was his wife or his offspring, he had calculated and planned every step well in advance.
He plans carefully before he makes a move.
She really thought he was amazing. She admired and respected him. She also felt that with his character and ability, he would be able to achieve whatever he wanted.
King Hui will sit on a high throne, and he will also be the regent minister who is second only to the emperor in the world.
The ministers will be used by him, and the whole world will be under his control.
It’s just that she doesn’t like the capital city very much, nor does she like the life here very much.
When that time comes, when everything is settled and he no longer needs her for anything, can he let her go?
Let her go back to her Qingzhou and Mianlou.
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