Chapter 16. Ling Xun felt he might be sick. ...
"Don't worry, sister-in-law. Father summoned me back for this very reason. You should rest well," Ling Xun said gently to Bai Xuerou. "If you want to relax at the manor, stay there. If you want to go back to the manor, go back. Leave these trivial matters to me."
There are thousands of kinds of women in the world, some are shrewd and capable, some are decisive and efficient, but none of them are as gentle as Bai Xuerou. His sister-in-law is gentle and soft, loves spring flowers and autumn moon, summer lotus and winter snow, loves all the beautiful things in the world, is not greedy, has no ambition, and only wants to live a peaceful and happy life.
I hate anything that goes against plan or expectation, like right now.
Sure enough, as soon as she said that, Bai Xuerou breathed a sigh of relief, and seemed to relax instantly.
Ling Xun smiled, his eyes softening even more.
“Okay, then I’ll leave it to you,” Bai Xuerou said readily.
"Are you planning to go back, sister-in-law?"
"No rush, I'll stay here for a couple of days and we'll talk about it later." Bai Xuerou didn't hesitate at all. Heaven knows how much of a headache she had been having these past few days. Now that she had finally relaxed, all she wanted to do was stay quietly and not do anything.
Ling Xun agreed, feeling relieved.
More than half a year had passed, and although they had exchanged letters, something was still missing. Now that they had finally met again, he wanted to spend more time with Bai Xuerou. It's always good to be with simple people.
Bai Xuerou couldn't wait to get rid of this mess, so she immediately said, "Then I'll leave these things to you. I'll go back and relax. I'll have someone prepare properly, and we'll have a welcome dinner for you tonight."
"By the way, have you had lunch?" she suddenly remembered and asked.
It was already past 1:00 PM, and they should have already had lunch. However, Bai Xuerou thought that Ling Xun had been traveling and might have been delayed.
"I've used it," Ling Xun said with a smile, feeling relieved.
Bai Xuerou was relieved and called someone in for Ling Xun to do as he pleased before getting up and leaving.
Ling Xun watched her leave before summoning the steward and guards to inquire about the details, and then called his personal guards to give instructions.
Bai Xuerou returned to the backyard where she lived, lay on the soft couch, closed her eyes to rest, and didn't even open her eyes to instruct the maid to prepare dinner properly.
Jin Tao and Yin Gui were happy for her. They all knew that their mistress disliked trouble, so they quietly went about their own business and didn't disturb her, allowing her to enjoy this hard-won peace.
Bai Xuerou spaced out for a while, even falling asleep. When she woke up, she ate the fruit prepared by her maid and looked at the red leaves covering the mountains outside the window. She felt that this was the life a person should live.
Yingui reported from the side that a letter had just been sent from Sixth Master, saying that the matter on the estate had been resolved.
"Sixth Master has sent people over to patrol everywhere. They all look imposing and powerful, so nothing bad is bound to happen." Jin Tao was relatively lively and spoke with great joy.
Yin Gui was rather quiet and aloof, and her eyes shone slightly.
These soldiers must have greatly impressed them.
"That's good. Is everything settled properly with Sixth Master?" Bai Xuerou asked again.
“We servants couldn’t discern Sixth Master’s emotions, and Sixth Master didn’t say anything,” Yin Gui immediately replied.
Knowing that Ling Xun was coming back, Bai Xuerou still instructed people to prepare a courtyard, even though she wasn't sure if he would stay.
"Never mind, I'll ask about it later." Bai Xuerou said helplessly, recalling that somewhat hasty moment before.
In just over half a year, Ling Xun seemed to have grown taller again.
Young people this age change almost every day. I remember when she was this age, she had to have her clothes remade every season, otherwise they wouldn't fit.
Her facial features became clearer and more defined, making her even more beautiful.
"Looks like I made the right choice by sending that mask."
Several maids suddenly heard Bai Xuerou say something, and after realizing what she meant, they couldn't help but smile. They wanted to say something, but dared not speak ill of their mistress, so they could only exchange glances.
Bai Xuerou simply sighed and then asked how the dinner preparations were going.
Yingui hurriedly replied that after receiving Bai Xuerou's instructions, the kitchen staff immediately began preparations, not daring to be careless.
The ingredients were all prepared in advance, and fresh ones were delivered every day since she came to the village.
Having confirmed that everything was ready, Bai Xuerou smiled and relaxed, deciding to take everyone for a walk in the courtyard to unwind.
As soon as I stepped outside, a biting chill hit me, and when I looked up, the distant mountain scenery came into view. The sky was high and the clouds were light, which made me feel relaxed and open-minded.
Although it was a secluded courtyard, it was built to be extremely large, almost encompassing the entire foot of the mountain. Bai Xuerou led the group along the path to a stream on one side.
There used to be a grove of flowers there, with peach, apricot, and pear blossoms that were very beautiful in spring. However, the branches and leaves would fall off in winter. Two years ago, she had an old maple tree moved there, and now it was full of red leaves, making it the most beautiful place. A pond was built along the stream under the tree, and some red carp were kept in it. The water was clear, and the falling maple leaves drifting with the current created a beautiful scene. It was a good way to pass the time.
Bai Xuerou slowed down when she saw the maple tree full of red leaves in the distance. She admired it carefully and saw the red leaves fall onto the water. Fish chased after them, nudged them a few times, and then, as if realizing they couldn't eat them, flicked their tails and swam away.
She couldn't help but smile as she watched. Several maids had already nimbly cleared out the stone table and benches under the tree and laid soft cushions on them.
Bai Xuerou didn't sit down immediately. Instead, she took some fish food and threw it into the water. Soon, a group of fish crowded together to grab the food.
It has black, red, and gold, just like a painting.
Bai Xuerou couldn't help but smile.
This was the scene that Ling Xun saw when he arrived.
He had just led his men on a general tour of the estate, and was about to return to his courtyard when he heard that she was coming this way, so he followed her.
It was getting a bit chilly in the winter. Bai Xuerou, dressed in a bright orange-red ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) with a plain-colored cloak draped over her shoulders, stood under a maple tree, her hair ornaments swaying gently in the breeze. She was a picture of a beautiful woman, a picture of vibrant beauty.
During the more than half a year of war, whenever a place was captured, people would try every means to present it with all kinds of rare treasures, including beautiful women.
Undoubtedly, the best were given to Ling Xun: some were slender, some were plump, some were elegant, and some were charming; each one was exquisite and pitiful.
Most of the accompanying generals were pleased, but Ling Huaixun remained unmoved. When someone asked him why, he simply said, "I don't want to suffer a loss," which initially surprised everyone, but then they couldn't help but laugh. However, upon closer reflection, they found it quite reasonable. With his abilities and appearance, even celestial beings would be worthy of him. Although these beauties were lovely, they were not good enough for him.
Joking aside, everyone said that Ling Xun was still clueless and was still speculating behind his back, wondering what kind of woman could win him over.
Ling Xun knew all of this.
He simply doesn't care.
As human beings, with mortal bodies, we often have a thousand desires, such as for wine, women, wealth, and fame.
He simply didn't care about beauty; no matter how beautiful a woman was, in his eyes she was like a withered skeleton, not worth mentioning. Besides, he himself possessed extraordinary good looks.
But there are always exceptions to everything.
His exception was Shirley Bai.
In his heart, she was the most beautiful woman in the world, and every smile and frown of hers could make him look at her with joy.
Whether this exception was because she was the best person to him, or because of the love potion... even Ling Xun himself couldn't tell.
Rumors circulate that witchcraft and sorcery are rampant in the southern border regions, with love curses being said to be a means of binding and controlling a person.
In reality, the Miao people's love potion is intended for lovers, and its effect is not one of control. Its purpose is to subtly deepen the connection between two people, allowing them to more clearly perceive each other's joys and sorrows. Therefore, increasing the other person's affection for them is a natural consequence.
The so-called restraint and control are punishments for those who have changed their minds.
However, those who use witchcraft are often deeply affectionate and stubborn, and they would rather drag the other person down to hell than let go. Over time, this has become the way it is now.
Could it be because of a love potion?
Ling Xun hoped it wasn't true.
If Bai Xuerou's kindness towards him was entirely due to the love potion, wouldn't that make him seem too pitiful?
Thinking about this, Ling Xun suddenly understood why those predecessors refused to undo the love potion.
There are still three years until the love potion takes effect.
Ling Xun thought for a moment, then looked up and met Bai Xuerou's smiling face.
"Sixth Brother," Bai Xuerou finally spoke.
She noticed he had been there for a while, but seeing him standing there in a daze, she found it intriguing and simply watched without disturbing him.
"Sister-in-law." Ling Xun felt inexplicably awkward, his throat was a little dry, he swallowed, glanced at the fish, and smiled, "These fish are well raised."
They were all plump and strong.
“No one bothers us here, and we have nothing to do but eat all day, how could it not be good?” Bai Xuerou said with a smile.
These fish are for the master. Even if someone on the estate wants to eat fish, they won't touch them. Living in the pond with no natural predators, it's natural they're strong. They're not plump and round because they haven't been fed too much. After all, they're for the master's enjoyment; if they're too fat, they wouldn't look good.
“When I go on campaigns, I sometimes camp and catch some wild game and fish to eat. Following the method you gave me, sister-in-law, those fish balls taste pretty good.” Ling Xun walked closer to Bai Xuerou, stood beside her looking at the fish, and said with a smile.
Bai Xuerou became interested and asked, "You mean fish balls?"
Fish balls were Bai Xuerou's idea. She loved eating fish and disliked picking out bones. Her maid could do it for her, but she didn't like others touching food.
So although he loved to eat, he didn't eat much until he learned how to make fish balls from his memory, and then asked someone to try making them.
Ling Xun responded with a "yes".
Bai Xuerou didn't rush to continue the conversation. She first asked about the affairs of the estate. Although she had relinquished control, she couldn't truly be completely ignorant.
Ling Xun briefly explained his findings and arrangements. She listened with a smile, her brows relaxing. She felt that this child was becoming more and more meticulous and thoughtful in his work, and also very steady. Just listening to him made her feel very at ease.
"You've arranged everything very well. I have nothing to say. I'll leave the rest to you. If there's anything I can do, just call me," Bai Xuerou said with a smile, then couldn't help but sigh, "You've grown up."
"Time flies so fast. It feels like just yesterday you were fourteen. You're capable of fighting on the front lines and sharing my burdens."
Upon hearing these clearly complimentary words, a smile appeared on Ling Xun's previously calm face, a smile he himself didn't even realize.
"It's all thanks to my sister-in-law's excellent teaching," he said modestly.
"Don't say that," Bai Xuerou quickly declined. "At most, I only take care of your food and clothing. Even without me, the maids and servants can do such small things. In the end, it's your own ability that matters."
She was pleased with Ling Xun's words, but she didn't intend to take all the credit.
Ling Xun, however, became serious and clearly disapproved of her words, saying, "Without my sister-in-law, I wouldn't be where I am today."
Bai Xue Rou turned her head to look into his eyes, but had to look up several times. Before she could even sigh, she was stunned by the sincerity in his eyes, and then she laughed.
"You silly child," she said casually, unsure of what to say.
“Sister-in-law, I’m fourteen. In two months, I’ll be fifteen,” Ling Xun corrected.
"Alright, alright, fifteen." Only children need to correct their age; once they reach a certain age, they wish they could say they're as young as possible. Despite her laughter, Bai Xuerou sensed what he was bothered by. Seeing Ling Xun's somewhat sullen gaze, she composed herself, her overly bright smile fading, and regained her gentle demeanor. She said earnestly, "I won't call you 'child' anymore, I promise. Hmm, from now on I'll call you Sixth Brother, okay?"
Her tone was serious, but too gentle, always giving Ling Xun a feeling of being coaxed.
Logically, he should have been unhappy, but he wasn't at all. He just felt a tingling sensation all over his body, which made him feel a little awkward, and he even couldn't help but feel a little fond of that tone.
Just like that gentle caress before.
Ling Xun felt that he might be sick.
A note from the author:
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Who doesn't love the comfort and caresses of an older sister?
Ugh, am I being too long-winded? I thought I could get my deceased husband offline before the official release, but it seems like that won't work now?
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