Chapter 42: Tenderness “Did I impress her?”
Xue Zhiying calmed down after crying.
It's not about accepting your fate.
She thought she might still have a chance of success.
Staying with Xiao Yunqi should make it easier to leave than staying in the Xiao Mansion.
The man was angry and she underestimated his tolerance.
He is stingy, arrogant, and conceited, and cannot accept her deception and exploitation.
For such a trivial matter, he used force to bring her back.
But after he calmed down and returned to normal, he would hardly think of her for ten days or half a month. As long as she was fully prepared, there was no way she couldn't leave again.
Even if not, then find another way.
People always grow from failure.
Over the years, who could have predicted that she would not be able to achieve true success in the end?
My chin was suddenly pinched.
Xue Zhiying's gaze towards the window was forcibly withdrawn by the man.
He made her look up and meet his gaze.
"We took another route and didn't pass through Ningzhou. What are you looking at?"
This was the third day since Xue Zhiying was taken on the return carriage by Xiao Yunqi.
She stayed in a strange town on the first day and thought that she would not be able to reach Ningzhou because of the delay on the road. Yesterday, when she saw the mountain road that seemed to have no end, she guessed that Xiao Yunqi did not take the same route she came.
She remembered that there was a town adjacent to Ningzhou on the map.
Xue Zhiying asked: "Where are we going?"
"Nan Huai."
Xue Zhiying opened her mouth and let out a low "ah".
Nanhuai, I think that’s the name of the place.
During her days in Ningzhou, she had heard people mention that Nanhuai had mountains and water, and the scenery was pleasant. There was a maple forest path that was bright red in the autumn, and the leaves rustled in the autumn wind, which was beautiful beyond words.
Xiao Yunqi: "Do you know Nanhuai?"
"I don't know."
Xue Zhiying moved her head slightly, pulled away from his fingertips, turned her head to look out the window again, and ignored him.
Silence fell in the carriage.
This has been the case mostly these days.
Xue Zhiying's calmness made people feel a little uncomfortable.
She didn't cry or struggle.
As well-behaved as a cat without a temper.
But the cat no longer jumping around made Xiao Yunqi feel empty inside, and he couldn't find the reason for it.
It was not until evening that the carriage drove into the Nanhuai city gate and soon stopped in front of a mansion.
There was someone greeting him at the door. He was older and wearing official uniform. He was a local official from Nanhuai.
Xue Zhiying was stunned and subconsciously glanced at Xiao Yunqi.
The man got off the carriage without any explanation. After she bowed and walked out, he reached out and held her hand as if no one was around. He also put his arm around her and carried her directly out of the carriage.
The same thing happened when getting on and off the carriage in the past two days.
The medicine Xiao Yunqi used in the pot of tea made Xue Zhiying fall asleep and then feel weak.
At first she was indeed unable to move on her own, but the dosage of the medicine was not large and the effect was not strong, so she recovered after a while. Just because she didn't want to talk to Xiao Yunqi, he simply took action directly.
By now, Xue Zhiying was no longer in good health, but he seemed to have gotten used to it.
There were people watching around, so Xue Zhiying couldn't help but struggle.
He staggered slightly when he landed, and when he looked up, he met a pair of eyes that seemed to be smiling.
What is he happy about?
Xue Zhiying glared at him.
However, Xiao Yunqi quickly looked away, withdrew his hand as if nothing had happened, and turned to look at the stunned official beside him.
The middle-aged official finally came to his senses and hurriedly welcomed him warmly.
Xue Zhiying heard from his endless chatter that Xiao Yunqi had already planned to come here for some official business.
However, it didn't sound like a big deal. Instead, the official in front of him felt flattered and ecstatic, as if he had really been waiting for the Prime Minister to come.
Xue Zhiying raised her eyes again and glanced at Xiao Yunqi secretly.
The joy that he had just felt from nowhere had long since disappeared. His face was now gloomy, and there was a hint of impatience in his eyes.
The enthusiastic official noticed it, but still did not intend to let go of this opportunity to show his courtesy.
He turned his gaze to Xue Zhiying.
I heard that the Prime Minister was devoted to state affairs and had no interest in women. He was still unmarried at the age of twenty-four. Now it seems that the rumor is outdated.
At this moment, a beautiful young woman was standing next to him, and he had witnessed the intimate behavior just now.
The Prime Minister is not a man who enjoys beauty. In this case, if this girl is not his wife, then good things are about to happen.
Having navigated official circles for years, the middle-aged official then said, "Although Nanhuai is a small place, it does have many scenic spots to offer. My Lord and Madam have been exhausted from the journey, so you should rest today. Tomorrow, I can send someone to take Madam for a walk. The night lilies are currently blooming in Huanhua Garden in the east of the city, and the light and illumination of the flowers are quite a sight to behold. If you prefer quietude, you can go to Yunxiu Pavilion in the south of the city, where you can listen to music and drink tea while gazing at the misty waves of the Huai River. Or you can visit the West Market, where there are thousands of lights, acrobatics, and exquisite artifacts in the night market."
Xue Zhiying had been standing there with her eyes lowered. When she heard the word "Madam," she ignored the official's latest remarks and whispered, "I'm not Madam..."
Her voice was so soft that no one could hear her. Before she could finish her words, Xiao Yunqi cut her off coldly: "No need, I have my own arrangements."
The official fell silent for a moment, then smiled apologetically and said, "I'm sorry for talking too much."
As he said this, he bowed and stepped aside, and then walked into the mansion.
The pavilions and corridors in the house are winding and the furnishings are elegant.
When they reached the steps of the main hall, the official bowed at the right moment and said, "Tomorrow at 9:00 PM, the government office will have a light tea service. All of my colleagues are looking forward to hearing your instructions. If you have time, I hope you will come and do me the honor of visiting."
The official left the mansion with a group of people who came to greet them, and Mu Yan began to arrange for the servants in the mansion to prepare to live here for the next few days.
Xue Zhiying was brought to the main house by Xiao Yunqi, and they were the only two people in the house at this time.
Different from the previous few days of staying in the inn, the atmosphere inside the house seemed a little subtle.
But Xue Zhiying still looked listless. She sat down by the window as soon as she entered the house, turning her head to look at the dim light outside.
She was always looking out the window, in the carriage, in the room.
The enclosed space forced her to look in only one direction. When she walked outside, her eyes unconsciously wandered everywhere, regaining their former agility, looking at the scene she had seen for the first time.
Xiao Yunqi put down his teacup and broke the silence: "Are you hungry? I'll have someone prepare a meal."
Xue Zhiying didn't say anything, but just shook her head slightly with her back to him.
Behind me was the sound of water pouring tea.
Xiao Yunqi poured himself another cup of tea.
The coldness of the past few days naturally made him feel emotional, but his patience was limited, so he gradually felt anxious.
He looked at the girl's back with cold eyes, and threatening words were on the tip of his tongue.
She was not easily frightened. Her casual remark before earned her a response of at least nodding and shaking her head, even if she didn't answer.
But when he spoke again, he only said, "If you don't feel tired, you can go out and try the specialties of Nanhuai."
Xue Zhiying did not answer immediately this time, and even withdrew her gaze from the window.
But when she turned around and saw Xiao Yunqi, she still shook her head: "I don't want to go out."
Just as he finished speaking, there was a knock on the door.
Mu Yan: "Master, everything has been arranged in the house. I have something to report."
Xiao Yunqi rubbed the rim of the cup with his fingertips, but ultimately did not pick it up to drink.
"Come in."
Mu Yan entered the house and saw that the two people in the house were several people apart. It seemed as if they had been like this since they entered the house. He couldn't help but sigh in his heart.
It would be better to live in a cramped guest room.
He didn't show it on his face and reported truthfully, "Lord Lin just sent me a message saying that he is preparing a small banquet to welcome the master. He hopes that the master will do him the honor of attending. I haven't replied to Lord Lin yet, so I came here to ask for his instructions."
Most of these requests were rejected, and Mu Yan only came to ask for instructions as a routine matter.
Unexpectedly, this time, Xiao Yunqi did not refuse immediately. He stood there silently, his eyes sweeping over the girl not far away.
As he retracted his gaze, he said calmly, "Go and answer the call. I'll be there shortly."
"Yes, Master...?"
Mu Yan was stunned, and the ending tone unexpectedly rose.
"Go quickly."
"……yes."
"Wait." Xue Zhiying suddenly spoke.
"Then can I go out and try Nanhuai's food?"
Xiao Yunqi's face darkened.
Mu Yan didn't understand, but Xiao Yunqi knew it. He had just asked her the same question, and when he agreed to attend the banquet, she changed her mind.
It's obvious that she doesn't want to be with him.
Xue Zhiying said, "And the night view that the gentleman just mentioned, I want to go see it."
Xiao Yunqi tightened his lips and said nothing.
In this tense atmosphere, Mu Yan couldn't help but take the initiative to ease the atmosphere: "Lord Lin has mentioned this matter before, and I have also heard that the scenery in Nanhuai is very beautiful at night. If the young lady can see the beautiful scenery, she will be in a good mood. Do you want to let Lord Lin arrange it?"
Xiao Yunqi's face suddenly turned pale and even uglier.
Mu Yan choked.
I have noticed that my cousin has been in a low mood these days since she was captured. If I can help her calm down, maybe our relationship will improve a little.
Could it be that I said something wrong?
He gradually realized something and felt annoyed.
"This... If this is inappropriate, I will refuse Master Lin. The master can go with the young lady..."
"No need."
Xiao Yunqi interrupted him expressionlessly.
He didn't want to change the subject when he heard Xue Zhiying say in a low voice that she still didn't want to go.
She wanted to punish her, but she asked him to suppress his temper in front of her.
By this time, his patience had run out.
Xiao Yunqi finally took action and drank the cup of tea that he had not yet finished.
The tea that had been left for a while quickly became cold in the autumn. The cold water flowed down his throat and into his lungs, but it did not extinguish the anxiety in his heart.
"Let Lord Lin send someone to take her there, and you will come with me to the banquet."
Xiao Yunqi put down the teacup with a loud voice, gave a cold order, and strode out of the room.
Mu Yan's heart skipped a beat. He looked at the cold and hard figure in embarrassment, then looked at Xue Zhiying. He had to quickly bow to Xue Zhiying, turned around and followed Xiao Yunqi.
Xiao Yunqi walked quickly and walked out of the mansion in a short while.
The carriage was waiting at the door, and he got in to attend the banquet.
When the carriage stopped, Mu Yan also followed on horseback.
He reported to Xiao Yunqi, "Master, Lord Lin has already arranged for four people to go to the mansion to pick up the young lady. There is a maid and three guards. Lord Lin said that after the banquet, the young lady will be able to enjoy the night view of Nanhuai. Master, you can..."
He paused, looked up to observe Xiao Yunqi's expression, and when he saw nothing unusual, he continued, "Go and get my cousin to go back with you."
Xiao Yunqi didn't show any emotion after hearing this, but he pondered for a moment.
He asked calmly, but it sounded like a statement: "She wouldn't want me to pick her up, would she?"
Mu Yan could guess that Xiao Yunqi was angry.
How could he not be angry? This was the first time in his life that he had come here with such fanfare to chase after a woman, and in the end he had to resort to a trick to get her away.
Although Mu Yan thought this method was not honorable at all, based on his understanding of Xiao Yunqi, it was the most gentle way.
Otherwise, if you just abduct the person while they are struggling, the scene will be even more ugly.
The two have not yet had a fierce dispute, but have been in a stalemate.
Mu Yan couldn't help but say, "Master, my cousin is in a low mood right now. If you treat her coldly, it will only exacerbate the conflict. A little gentleness might move her."
"I impressed her?"
Mr. Xiao Yunqi raised this question.
The word "touched" made him feel that his former gentleness was like wagging his tail to beg for mercy, and she responded.
Without waiting for Mu Yan to say anything else, Xiao Yunqi ordered in a cold voice: "Just have someone send her back directly."
*
Xue Zhiying waited in the house for a while, and then the person arranged by Lord Lin came to pick her up.
She brought Chuntao with her and met the four men at the door.
The four of them were respectful and polite, introducing themselves to her one by one.
Xue Zhiying nodded slightly, and her depressed mood for the past few days was inevitably a little cheerful at this moment: "Then let's go."
Chuntao was even happier than her, with an innocent and bright smile on her little face.
A maid named Qiuguo sat in the carriage with them, and told them about the lively night life in Nanhuai along the way, which made them very excited.
The moon is bright in the sky and the streets are ablaze with lights; it is a bustling time.
Qiu Guo said, "Nanhuai is at its most lively at night during autumn. A good harvest brings joy and celebration. Because it gets dark early, people can finish their daytime work earlier than usual. From dusk until the end of the night hour, people gather in the streets. Miss, you can go to the West Market to have a meal while admiring the thousands of lights at the night market. When the time is almost up, head to the East City. If you're lucky, you might even see the blooming of the Epiphyllum."
Chun Tao asked, "One moment to the west of the city, the next moment to the east, will we make it in time?"
Qiu Guo smiled and said, "Nanhuai City isn't very big. It only takes half an hour by carriage to get from the west to the east of the city. It's certainly within our reach."
There was a crowd of people on the long street, and Xue Zhiying got off the carriage at the intersection of West Market.
Chuntao looked up and exclaimed, "Look, girl! There are so many lanterns!"
Xue Zhiying landed firmly on the ground, slowly raised her head, and a bright light reflected in her eyes.
Lanterns are hung on the red buildings on both sides of the long street, and lights are connected on both sides of the street high above the head. Thousands of lanterns are connected like a galaxy, and the warm light ripples on the smiling faces of passers-by. The flickering candlelight is like broken gold and flowing fire, embellishing the autumn night as bright as day.
She opened her lips slightly, lost in thought for a moment, staring blankly.
Just as she was about to come back to her senses, she heard Chuntao whisper to Qiuguo behind her: "It seems that my daughter will finally be happy today."
She was slightly startled and looked away.
Qiu Guo stepped forward and said, "Miss, let's go to Tianguang Tower for dinner first and try the specialties of our Nanhuai. The master has already arranged a private room, which is even better for enjoying the scenery. From a high vantage point, you can see everything."
Xue Zhiying's eyes were filled with light, and she smiled: "Okay, let's go now."
at the same time.
Xiao Yunqi, who had gone to the banquet, had already returned to the mansion.
I was so angry at the time that I actually agreed to go to the most boring and uninteresting banquet I had ever attended.
Apart from flattery, there was also attentiveness and fawning. Naturally, he didn't have the patience to stay for long, and left after a while.
It was still early, so Xue Zhiying certainly couldn't have returned. It was more likely that she had just left not long ago.
This made me feel a little depressed when I opened the door and saw the empty room.
Pian Muyan also specifically reported: "Master, I just received news that the young lady arrived at the West Market and went to Tianguang Tower for dinner."
Xiao Yunqi nodded, walked to the table and sat down.
Mu Yan stepped forward to pour tea and asked, "Master, you didn't use much just now. Please ask the kitchen to prepare some food and send it over."
“No need.”
Xiao Yunqi took the teacup and took a sip slowly.
At this point, Xiao Yunqi had no other instructions and did not do anything else. He just sat there, letting the candlelight in the room cast flickering shadows in front of him.
Mu Yan quietly stepped aside and waited.
He really didn't understand. It was impossible for his master not to know that his methods were annoying, but since he had gone to so much trouble to bring the person back, it couldn't be that he wanted to be disgusted with the person in the future.
If you want to ease the relationship, it would be strange if just sitting here, or sitting in silence in the carriage for a whole day, would be of any use.
But it is not difficult to imagine that the master has been in a high position for so long that he never knows what it means to bow his head. Everyone else is rushing to get close to him, not to mention that one day someone will run away from him.
Pride is hard to bend, probably waiting for the cousin to bow her head first.
My cousin is gentle and weak, so maybe she can do what he wants.
Mu Yan couldn't help but sigh in his heart.
Just as he was daydreaming, Xiao Yunqi suddenly asked, "What time is it now?"
"Master, there is still half a quarter of an hour until the hour of Xu."
"Mr. Liu just mentioned when is the best time to view the night-blooming cereus in the east of the city."
Mu Yan said, "It's the hour of Xu."
So, calculating the time, Xue Zhiying should finish her meal in the West Market soon and will go to the east of the city to watch the Epiphyllum.
But it is also possible that she had no interest, so she ended her wandering and went home.
Mu Yan then said, "Master, I will go prepare the carriage and send someone to inquire about the cousin's next itinerary."
"Why are you asking about her schedule?"
Xiao Yunqi stood up and said, "Prepare the carriage. I'm going to the east of the city to see the night-blooming cereus."
Muyan: "..."
Xiao Yunqi's carriage did not reach the east of the city smoothly.
Not long after he drove onto the street, the guards of Lord Lin hurried over and stopped the carriage on the street.
Upon hearing the news, Mu Yan immediately reported it to Xiao Yunqi.
Seeing his expression change slightly, he reminded: "Master, turning to the West Market from here only requires..."
Before Mu Yan could finish, Xiao Yunqi ordered, "Go to the West Market."
The carriage turned and drove all the way to the intersection of West Market Street.
After getting off the car, Xiao Yunqi walked along the street towards Tianguang Building. The myriad lights and flames above his head did not attract his attention at all.
The streets were still bustling with activity, children were laughing, young people were walking together, and a man with a noble temperament attracted attention from time to time, but he did not stop and walked all the way to the door of Tianguang Tower.
As soon as she stood still, a woman dressed as a maid came forward hurriedly. It was Qiu Guo: "Please forgive me, sir. I failed to take good care of you, but it was not intentional."
"Where is she?"
"In the private room on the third floor, Chuntao is accompanying the girl."
"lead the way."
Qiu Guo lowered his head and quickly took Xiao Yunqi upstairs.
He asked in a deep voice, "How much did she drink?"
Qiu Guo listened to the man's ambiguous voice and subconsciously looked up. Seeing a stern face, she was frightened and her voice tightened. "Originally, there was only a small cup. It was the signature drink of Tianguang Tower. I wanted to let the young lady try it, but I didn't know that the young lady could not hold her liquor well. After that cup..."
"Go on."
"The young lady wanted to take the whole pot without explanation. When I tried to stop her, she got angry and I couldn't do anything about it."
Xiao Yunqi's expression eased slightly after hearing this, but then he frowned again.
He seemed to have never seen her angry, and imagined that she would not be very intimidating. However, after listening to the maid's description, his imagination became vague and empty.
Qiu Guo led Xiao Yunqi to the door of the private room where Xue Zhiying was.
She went forward and knocked on the door, and Chuntao's anxious voice came from inside: "Wait, wait, wait a moment."
Xiao Yunqi didn't wait, raised his hand to ask Qiu Guo to move aside, and then pushed open the door.
The private room was spacious, with a round table covered with dishes. Although they showed signs of having been eaten, there was no steam, only the aroma of wine wafting through the room.
The house didn't look messy, and it seemed that nothing uncontrollable had happened.
A screen separated the viewing platform by the window in the private room behind the round table, and the candlelight cast two figures on the screen.
The one standing should be Chuntao, and the other person seems to be sitting on the couch. The shadow outlines her sideways sitting posture, slightly leaning back, with a pair of legs resting on the couch, and the hem of her skirt swaying slightly with the dark shadow.
Xue Zhiying was looking out the window, but his hands were fighting with Chuntao for the last sip in the wine jug.
This place is just as Qiu Guo said, you can see everything from a high place.
She saw the distant mountains as dark as ink, the long moon, and below her were thousands of lights and a bustling crowd.
It is very beautiful, so beautiful that it makes one's mind empty and indulge in it. One has no time to think about her empty and distant wishes, nor does he want to think about the current situation where he has no idea what the future holds.
Her face was rosy, her lips were shiny, and her dark eyes were full of movement and mist.
The strength in her hands suddenly faded away, and she successfully snatched the pot of wine in front of her.
Xue Zhiying lowered her eyes, looked at him, blinked and smiled.
Her smile is as beautiful as a flower, charming and beautiful.
The aroma of wine emanating from the pot drew all her thoughts away, and her throat urged her to continue tasting the wine.
So much so that she didn't notice that the shadow beside her suddenly grew taller, blocking the light and fire from the windowsill that was spilling onto her legs, and also enveloping her completely in the shadow.
She raised her arm and shook the wine jug, and was about to raise her head to drink it all in one gulp.
A hand suddenly reached out, covered the back of her hand, and wrapped her entire hand.
Then, he easily took away her wine jug.
“…Give it back to me.”
Xue Zhiying murmured and turned her head in the direction where the wine jug was snatched away.
The light and shadows blurred, and she saw a familiar face before her.
The man looked down at her condescendingly, holding her wine jug in his hand. She reached out to grab it, but he held it up high in a mean manner.
As if she was hallucinating, she saw a smile on that handsome face and gentle eyes.
Xue Zhiying subconsciously said, "What the hell, I saw the eldest master."
After he finished speaking, the man's face darkened and he was wrapped in darkness, looking like a ghost. His smile disappeared immediately.
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Author has something to say: Xiao Gou: I think my wife is cute, but she says I am a ghost [cracked]
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