Chapter 21 A harmonious young couple, who...
By the time we arrived at Ruyi Tower, the sky was already gradually darkening.
As soon as Liang Shao and Shan He stepped across the threshold, the wine merchant immediately came forward, beaming and saying, "Second Master has arrived." He then glanced at Shan He, unsure how to address her. Logically, she should be Liang Shao's wife, but everyone in Mizhou's wealthy circles knew that Liang Shao's wife rarely went out, and he never brought her to banquets. The wine merchant had never seen what Second Madam Liang looked like, hence his predicament.
Liang Shao noticed his expression and immediately grabbed Shanhe's hand, pressing it against her side as if he wanted to stick to her. Yang laughed and said, "Lead us there."
Seeing their intimate interaction, the wine connoisseur guessed the situation pretty accurately. He quickly bowed and smiled sweetly, "Alright! Second Madam, Second Master, please!" With that, he immediately led the way.
Shanhe remained expressionless, glancing at Liang Shao's manner out of the corner of her eye. She first smiled gently at the wine merchant, saying, "Thank you for your trouble." Then she walked forward on her own, her satin sleeves slipping smoothly out of Liang Shao's palm.
Liang Shao's hand froze in mid-air; the cool, thin fabric of his robe swallowed the warmth of his palm, leaving only a gust of wind. His Adam's apple bobbed, and he immediately followed Shan He, lifting his robe and taking a step.
Liang Shao had an old acquaintance with the owner of the No. 1 private room at Ruyi Tower. He'd been drunk there countless times, sometimes even sleeping soundly through the night, waking reeking of alcohol. When he returned, he'd avoid the maids and servants of Shouxi Hall; if he couldn't, Shanhe would cover for him without him even asking. At first, Liang Shao thought Shanhe was just putting on airs and flattering him, but after two years of her kindness, even the coldest heart would melt, let alone Liang Shao's hot-blooded nature. It was probably because of these layers of kindness that Liang Shao's heart had long since changed, but he refused to admit it, unwilling to lose face in front of this submissive young woman, which was why he had been delaying.
The dishes were served in a row. The private room was quiet, with only the crisp sound of bowls and plates clinking together. Liang Shao held the handle of the wine pot, first pouring a bushel for Shanhe, and then filling his own cup.
The floating wine reflected Shanhe's face, swaying precariously, more fragile than glass. Shanhe's heart stirred. She picked up the cup with both hands, frowned, and took a large gulp. The burning sensation stung her throat, and she coughed several times before finally calming down. When she finally put down the cup, her lips were moist and pink. Liang Shao handed her a handkerchief, smiling, "How can you drink like that?" Seeing him smile, Shanhe smiled back, her eyes curving like a crescent moon, as gentle as ever. Liang Shao's smile faltered again. When had she not smiled at him like that? A dull ache returned to his heart.
Shanhe exhaled a breath of alcohol: "It doesn't taste good, it's so spicy it hurts my throat." She tilted her head slightly and asked seriously, "How come you used to love it so much?"
Liang Shao lowered his eyes and took a big gulp along with Shan He, immediately feeling a warmth in his chest: "I don't know, after drinking more, I got used to it and didn't feel the spiciness anymore."
"When did you start drinking it?"
Liang Shao curled his lips: "That was a long time ago. I didn't even know you back then."
Shanhe pursed her lips: "I guess you started drinking it when your grandfather and older brother forbade you from going to Beichuan."
Liang Shao raised his eyebrows and smiled, stroking the lotus pattern on the cup with his fingertips, and said in a leisurely tone, "It was probably around that time." He paused, then changed the subject, "Shanshan."
"Um?"
"You really forgive me?"
Shanhe's smile gradually faded. She looked up at Liang Shao, his sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, his features sharp and distinct, his appearance like a gentle breeze and a bright moon. He was only a step away from her, yet it felt as if many years had passed. Whether she forgave him or not, Shanhe couldn't say for sure. Not blaming him was impossible. Blaming him felt pointless, especially since she was about to leave. She tapped the wine cup in front of Liang Shao with her nose: "If you finish it, I'll tell you."
Liang Shao indeed tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp. When he put down his cup, his eyes were already covered with a layer of blurry moisture.
Ruyilou's signature Ruyi Brew is best enjoyed slowly; if you drink it too quickly, even those with a high alcohol tolerance will find it hard to handle.
"No." Shanhe smiled frankly.
Liang Shao breathed a sigh of relief. He would have panicked if Shanhe had confirmed it.
"Then can you forgive me in the future?" he asked cautiously.
"Maybe." Maybe means no certainty; maybe she'll forgive, maybe she'll never forgive. Shanhe didn't know what the future held. "Maybe" was the most sincere and appropriate promise she could make at that moment, a promise without a trace of falsehood. She picked up the wine cup in front of her again, this time only managing to drink half of it. When her throat could no longer bear it, she coughed incessantly, leaning on the corner of the table, her almond-shaped eyes turning red, before finally putting down the cup.
Liang Shao quickly moved closer, supporting Shanhe and patting her back to help her catch her breath. He frowned and said, "Don't drink anymore. The tea at Ruyilou is also excellent." After saying that, he called the wine master to come in and bring in some fresh tea.
Shanhe covered his mouth, lifted Feixia's burning face, and smiled faintly: "No need, I also have something to ask you."
"Just say it."
Shanhe wiped the wine stains from her lips with a handkerchief and slowly sat up straight: "Liang Shao, you said you love me, why?"
Liang Shao paused, holding her hand. Why? He couldn't explain it himself. At first, he was annoyed by her and didn't want to talk to her much. Later, he felt her kindness and learned about her background, and began to pity her. Then, it seemed that he needed to see her every day to feel at ease, but he didn't need to be too intimate. Just seeing her and knowing that she was there was enough. He thought it was because he had gotten used to Shanhe being by his side, used to Xue Shanhe always being in Shuyu Pavilion, but later he suddenly realized his own feelings.
Liang Shao smiled gently, his crimson eyes relaxed, and his lips were stained with glistening wine. His usual fortitude and resilience were gone, replaced by gentleness, an indescribable gentleness, and his naturally carefree and unrestrained laughter.
A hearty laugh, the alcohol still lingering in her mind, left Shanhe momentarily dazed. Time seemed to rewind to the days when her relationship with Liang Shao had just eased, before the old man's death. She saw the glossy pink lips before her opening and closing, saw Liang Shao's impeccably white teeth:
"Probably because—"
Before she could finish speaking, Shanhe's hand covered Liang Shao's lips, stopping him from saying anything more. Shanhe lowered her eyes to look at the wine cup: "Don't say anymore, I already know." It was stupid to ask that question. Since she was going to leave, what was the use of knowing all this? Wouldn't it just make both of them suffer for no reason? Shanhe blamed herself.
Liang Shao's heart clenched. He grasped Shanhe's hand and pulled it down slightly: "Shanshan..."
Shanhe smiled faintly, tilting her head back to finish the remaining wine in her cup. This time, she seemed to be more used to it; her cough was milder, her throat less burning, but her face flushed red faster and more intensely, like it was bleeding, and she began to feel unwell. An indescribable discomfort washed over her; she felt dizzy and lightheaded, wanting to fall backward, but thankfully Liang Shao caught her from behind, and Shanhe leaned against his shoulder. His broad, warm chest felt like a shield against wind and rain, capable of protecting her from a lifetime of harsh winds and snow. Shanhe began to sob. She knew it was all a lie; where could one find shelter from the wind and snow forever? It was all sweet lies, luring people in and leading them to ruin, until in the end, they were dead even while alive. She clenched her fists and punched Liang Shao's chest a few times, her voice choked with sobs: "It's all your fault..."
Liang Shao said in a hoarse voice, "Yes, it's all my fault..."
The person in his arms remained silent for a few moments, as if asleep. Liang Shao looked down to look, but then heard Shan He utter another sigh, "I'm sorry."
Liang Shao's heart skipped a beat, and his hands trembled. He was sorry, so sorry—what had she done to wrong him? That damned thought surged back: she was still thinking of leaving? Still thinking of a divorce? Liang Shao's trembling hands cupped Shanhe's face, examining her closely. Her eyes were glazed, her cheeks flushed, and she smiled at him with half-closed eyes—she looked drunk.
Liang Shao asked in a trembling voice, "Why did you say sorry?"
"I..." Shanhe mumbled, "I lied to you..."
Liang Shao felt as if his heart had plummeted into an abyss, his voice trembling uncontrollably: "What did you lie to me about?"
"That's what I was lying to you about." Shanhe blinked, her eyelids heavy.
"Which one?" Liang Shao shook her, not wanting her to fall asleep like that.
"Oh..." Shanhe smiled, "You forgot?" With that, Shanhe leaned forward and kissed Liang Shao's lips.
In an instant, as if struck by lightning, Liang Shao felt as if fireworks were exploding in his mind. While he was still in a daze, Shan He had already pulled away from his lips. She raised the back of her hand to wipe her lips and said softly, "Kissing you, holding you... um, and I even lied to you about that..." She suddenly chuckled, "And I lied to you about buying you soft armor... ah... my money..."
At this point, Shanhe's smile vanished abruptly. Her lips drooped, and she sobbed pitifully, "My money... I used it to buy you the soft armor. I saved up for months... months of money... It's all your fault..."
"It's my fault, it's my fault." Liang Shao held Shanhe's arms, wanting to pull her into his arms for a hug, but Shanhe suddenly found a strange strength and pushed him away, falling backward herself.
Behind Shanhe was a tall, round table with a jade porcelain vase on it. Inside the vase were several sprigs of red plum blossoms, which were emitting a faint fragrance.
Liang Shao was shocked and rushed forward, reaching out to hug her and protect her head. The two of them fell to the ground together in this embrace. However, they had still alerted the round table. The bottle swayed a few times on the spot, then rolled off the edge, about to hit Shan He in the face. Liang Shao's eyes sharpened, and he immediately rolled over and pressed down on top of her. The bottle smashed straight into the back of Liang Shao's head.
His head throbbed, and he saw stars before his eyes. Along with the pain in the back of his head came a hazy, confused state, making him completely disoriented. Looking down, he saw Shanhe lying on the ground, fast asleep. "Just a little wine, and she's this drunk?" Liang Shao pursed his lips, trying to get up, but found his head even heavier. Even Shanhe beneath him seemed to have split into two shadows, swaying precariously before his eyes.
Before he could finish speaking, Liang Shao collapsed to the ground and fell asleep.
The sliding door creaked open, and Liang Ye, dressed in a light blue satin robe with dark patterns, clasped his hands together, strode in steadily. Seeing the two sleeping on the floor, he was visibly startled; his pupils dilated for a few moments before he lowered his eyes, composed himself, and said in a deep voice, "Come in."
Cheng Min shuffled in carrying a carved lacquered wooden tray. On the tray were a stack of paper, an inkstone, a brush, and at the very end, vermilion inkpad. After placing the tray behind the table, Cheng Min bowed her head and withdrew.
Liang Ye stared at Shan He and Liang Shao on the ground for a long time before speaking in a hoarse voice, "Ah Shao, I'm doing this for your own good."
Having said that, he walked to the table, ground ink, moistened his brush, and wrote two identical divorce papers with his left hand. Before the ink was dry, Liang Ye quickly switched to his right hand, imitating the handwriting of Liang Shao and Shan He, and wrote their names respectively.
The two on the ground were already snoring softly. Because Ruyi wine was strong, the dosage of the sleeping potion was small, and they would be fine after about an hour of sleeping. Liang Ye glanced at Shanhe and Liang Shao with a deep look. He knew that Shanhe was soft-hearted and indecisive, so he had acted on his own without consulting her beforehand.
Liang Ye sat at the table and read the divorce papers over and over again. After the ink had completely dried, he held the divorce papers in one hand, took the inkpad in the other, lifted his robe, and squatted down in front of the two men.
Their breaths mingled, their hands clasped together, their bodies intertwined—they truly resembled a harmonious young couple, as if destined to spend their lives together, making him appear like a villain deliberately trying to separate them. But—
Liang Ye chuckled softly, saying, "I'm doing this all for your own good." His tone was long and lingering.
He lowered his head and pressed Liang Shao's fingerprint first, then held Shanhe's hand and carefully applied the ink to Shanhe's fingertip.
The divorce papers were perfect, bearing the names of the young couple and their fingerprints, and even written by their beloved elder brother! The Liang family only had three members left, and all three had left their mark on the same document—truly a family. Liang Ye suddenly felt a pang of reluctance to give away the divorce papers.
Cheng Min.
The door was pushed open again.
"Keep this safe. You will personally deliver it to the government office the morning after you board the ship."
The door was closed.
Liang Ye took out a silk handkerchief, moistened it with tea, and carefully wiped Shan Shan and A Shao's fingers clean. As he wiped, he thought about the future: Where should he settle Shan He? The capital? Sure, a prosperous and wealthy place, right under his nose, convenient for him to take care of her. But what about A Shao? Mizhou was not conducive to his career, and he had to come to the capital to take the military examination. Then he would find him a new marriage, carefully selecting one from the noble ladies of the Ouyang family. However, having both of them in the capital would be inconvenient. He needed to provide Shan He with a small courtyard, far away from A Shao, and he couldn't let her go out on weekdays. Oh, Shan He didn't like going out much anyway.
Before long, Liang Ye sat back down at the table, poured himself a cup of wine, took a small sip, and immediately felt a lingering fragrance on his lips and teeth.
Just then, a rustling sound came from the ground. Liang Shao struggled to get up and saw Shanhe sleeping beneath him, breathing evenly. He quickly nudged Shanhe, calling out, "Shanshan?!"
There was no response. He rubbed the back of his head and sat up, puzzled. The next moment, he exclaimed in surprise, "Big brother?"
What are you doing here?
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Author's Note: I'm such a clown with this giveaway! [crying emoji] I originally planned to have 52 winners, but it told me it couldn't exceed 5% of the readers' favorites! And my 5% favorites only has 15 people! *crying emoji* Why is there such a restriction on giving back to readers? [crying emoji] [crying emoji] [crying emoji] I'll just have to do it again next time…
But remember to participate in the lucky draw, everyone!!! If we don't even get 15 people, I'll really burst into tears [crying][crying][crying]
I'll be posting on July 2nd, so the update will be at 11 PM that night. Just make sure you get 100% subscriptions by midnight on July 4th!
Updates will continue at the usual time, 3 PM every other day. When I have a large backlog of drafts, I'll update daily. [kissing emoji]
And, the older brother's screen time will gradually increase [doge emoji]
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