From Xianyang, they took a boat to Cai Prefecture, then after landing, headed toward Nuanshui Ridge.

Even before Da Xia entered through the pass, Nuanshui Ridge was already Bian Tang’s northern stronghold, with the North Mountains at its back and the Pearl River to its south. The northern region was cold, and once winter came, rivers would freeze over, but Nuanshui Ridge, nestled against the North Mountains which blocked most of the severe cold, kept the river from freezing even in the harshest winter. It marked the climate boundary between north and south, hence its name “Warm Water Ridge.”

Later, when the Zhao clan of Da Xia came through the pass with their military might, Ximeng’s economic center shifted northward, and Nuanshui Ridge gradually declined, no longer maintaining its former glory as the north’s premier city.

Just as they reached the city gates, Zhuge Yue’s party dismounted. Servants ran up from behind to take the horses and offered cups of wine.

Zhuge Yue took a cup and respectfully poured it on the ground. Though Chu Qiao didn’t understand, she followed suit. Yue Qi came up from behind and explained quietly, “Master Du Fengyi was born in Nuanshui City. There is a temple dedicated to him here. Out of respect for the old master, no one is allowed to enter the city on horseback. Even if the emperor came, he would have to enter on foot.”

Chu Qiao suddenly understood. She knew of Du Fengyi, reportedly a great scholar from a hundred years ago who wrote books and taught countless students throughout his life, somewhat like a Chinese Confucius. This made Nuanshui Ridge equivalent to Qufu.

Yue Qi added that the young master’s teacher, Master Wolong, was the great-grandson of Saint Du.

“No wonder,” Chu Qiao nodded and said softly.

Yue Qi didn’t know what she meant by “no wonder”—whether she was referring to Master Wolong’s great talent coming from Saint Du’s family, or to Zhuge Yue’s reverence for Saint Du being out of respect for his own teacher.

Zhuge Yue put down his cup expressionlessly, flicked his robe, turned around, and said, “Let’s go.”

It was getting cold by the time they reached Nuanshui Ridge. Though they still wore wool clothing, everyone had covered themselves with satin cloaks. After tipping the guards at the gate, Zhuge Yue’s group entered the city grandly. The city walls were tall and thick, the interior spacious. With the New Year approaching, people bustled everywhere on the streets, creating a lively atmosphere. Even though the city no longer housed large military forces, it still maintained the air of a great city.

They traveled through the city and markets without stopping, gradually leaving the bustling city behind and arriving at the open countryside west of the city. The mood of Zhuge Yue’s party visibly lightened, with guards chatting with each other, quite relaxed.

Chu Qiao remained silent. Before departing, Zhuge Yue had only said he wanted her to spend the New Year with him. After a moment’s hesitation, she had agreed. She had initially worried that Zhuge Yue was returning to Zhen Huang, but now it seemed he had other plans.

“Fourth Brother! Fourth Brother!”

A cheerful voice suddenly reached their ears, and everyone quickly reined in their horses.

A young man on a tall, magnificent steed came galloping toward them, riding against the strong wind that blew his dark blue clothes. His movements were nimble, and his horsemanship excellent. As he drew near, he pulled off the hood on his head, revealing a handsome, fair face. With distinguished eyebrows, he bore a slight resemblance to Zhuge Yue. In his early twenties, he was a young nobleman.

Zhuge Yue’s lips curled up, showing a rare gentle smile. His eyes also softened as he reached out to brush away a piece of grass from the young man’s head, saying, “How is Aunt?”

“She’s well!” The young man replied with a bright smile and sparkling eyes, happily saying, “When she heard you were coming back for the New Year, she was so excited she couldn’t sleep for several nights. She’s waiting for you at the estate now.”

Zhuge Yue turned to Chu Qiao and said, “This is Seventh Brother. His health is usually weak and he can’t withstand Zhen Huang’s cold, so he lives in Nuanshui year-round. You haven’t met him before.”

“Fourth Brother, my health is fine! I can eat three bowls of rice and two jin of beef in one sitting!”

Chu Qiao knew the Zhuge family had nine young masters, but only Zhuge Yue and Zhuge Huai were born of the principal wife. Zhuge Yong’s mother was the legal wife, and after her death, Zhuge Huai’s mother was elevated to that position. Of the remaining seven, three had died. This must be the seventh young master, Zhuge Huan.

“Greetings, Seventh Young Master.”

Chu Qiao greeted Zhuge Huan naturally. Zhuge Huan looked her up and down with interest and said with a smile, “This is the first time Fourth Brother has brought a young lady home. May I ask which noble family’s precious daughter has so captivated my Fourth Brother?”

Chu Qiao felt slightly embarrassed by his words. Glancing sideways, she saw that Zhuge Yue seemed not to have heard, showing no intention of introducing her. She had to speak for herself: “I don’t deserve such praise. I am Chu Qiao.”

Indeed, Zhuge Huan was stunned. His previously smiling eyes widened, and he stared at Chu Qiao stupidly, his expression as horrified as if he’d swallowed a fly.

“What’s wrong, Seventh Young Master?”

Chu Qiao had just frowned when Zhuge Huan immediately stepped back, bowed deeply to her, and hurriedly said, “I truly failed to recognize Mount Tai. So you are the famous General Xiu Li.”

Chu Qiao quickly returned the bow, saying, “I don’t deserve such honor.”

But Zhuge Yue stopped her: “What’s not to deserve? He’s like your brother too, so just accept his greeting.”

Chu Qiao was gloriously embarrassed, glancing sideways at the unperturbed Zhuge Yue, inwardly complaining: Why is he like my brother? Even if you have that intention, couldn’t you be more subtle about it?

Zhuge Huan, however, looked excited and said enthusiastically, “Quickly, quickly, let’s go back to the estate. When Mother learns that Fourth Brother has brought home a wife, she’ll be overjoyed. I’ll go tell her first, so she doesn’t faint from happiness when she sees you. You all follow quickly!”

With that, he mounted his horse and was gone in a flash.

Chu Qiao’s pretty face turned bright red. When had she become Zhuge Yue’s wife? Were all his family members so forward?

Zhuge Yue, however, mounted his horse without changing expression. He turned and handed Chu Qiao a small, exquisite gift box, saying, “Give this to Aunt when you meet her. When meeting elders for the first time, you should have a gift.”

Chu Qiao no longer knew what color her face was. She accepted the box dumbly, watching Zhuge Yue swagger ahead, leaving her and her horse frozen in place.

Meeting elders for the first time?

Chu Qiao was speechless. She had thought they were still in the dating stage, never expecting they had already transitioned directly to meeting the parents.

“Miss, let’s go!”

Yue Qi looked at her curiously, thinking she was nervous, and reassured her: “Don’t worry, Aunt is our Lady’s younger sister. Young Master was raised by her. She’s very kind, so don’t be nervous.”

Indeed, before they reached the estate, a carriage escorted by a group of servants came roaring towards them. A woman not yet fifty, extremely nimble, rushed down from the carriage and came running over like the wind.

Zhuge Yue immediately dismounted, about to offer his greetings, but the woman completely ignored him, rushing straight towards Chu Qiao. Before she even reached her, she burst into tears with a wail, firmly embracing Chu Qiao, crying loudly: “My child, you’ve suffered so much all these years!”

Zhuge Yue and Chu Qiao both froze. The aunt continued to cry while caressing Chu Qiao’s face, sobbing: “Look how thin her little face is. Yan Bei is so poor, the food must be terrible. A young girl forced to go out and face the world, how much hardship you must have endured!”

She burst into another round of loud crying.

Zhuge Yue cleared his throat helplessly, stepped forward to support his aunt, and said apologetically: “Aunt, please stop crying. You’ll harm your health.”

“Get away from me, you heartless man!”

Aunt Du pushed Zhuge Yue’s hand away, pointing her slender finger at his forehead, fiercely saying: “A man who doesn’t know how to care for his wife is no man at all!”

Chu Qiao watched with shock, thinking: Indeed, there’s always someone who can subdue another. Zhuge Yue, you’re finally getting your due.

Unexpectedly, the fierce aunt turned back to Chu Qiao with a tear-streaked face, crying as she embraced her: “My poor, suffering child!”

After much persuasion, they finally boarded the carriage. Chu Qiao was forced to abandon her horse. Before getting in, Zhuge Yue patted her shoulder with a comrade’s generous friendship, saying in a low voice: “Don’t worry, just get through it.”

When they finally reached the estate, from a distance they could see upturned eaves against the azure sky, vermilion, and emerald glazed tiles shining brilliantly in the golden sunlight. Flowers bloomed on both sides, fragrant and lush, with bamboo groves standing tall. Unlike the northern opulent luxury, it had more of the Southern elegant simplicity, yet still maintained the dignified air of a noble family. It was indeed an elegant and serene place.

The carriage stopped at the entrance. Just as Chu Qiao was secretly relieved that she could finally get out, the curtain was barely lifted when a soft sedan chair appeared before her eyes. Helplessly, Chu Qiao entered the sedan with Aunt Du, enduring another flood of tears.

Finally reaching the main hall, behind the intricately carved rosewood screen were set incense tables, soft chairs, tea sets, incense burners, round fans, and other items. More than twenty young maids knelt behind the seats, not daring to raise their heads. As soon as everyone sat down, the maids became busy, some serving tea, others pouring water. Though it was winter, the room remained warm as spring. Aunt Du seemed to fear the heat, with a maid quietly fanning her from behind.

Zhuge Yue, Zhuge Huan, and the others sat to one side, while Aunt Du held Chu Qiao’s hand and sat together in the main seats. With tear-filled eyes, she looked Chu Qiao over, holding her hand. Seeing how thin she was, her nose twitched, and tears fell once more as she murmured: “Such a frail body, how will this do?”

Zhuge Huan covered his mouth, his eyes darting mischievously as he grinned at Zhuge Yue. Zhuge Yue, however, sat like a monk in meditation, quietly drinking tea, as if none of this had anything to do with him.

Chu Qiao remembered the gift Zhuge Yue had given her. She quickly pulled her hand away, stood up, and said, “This is our first meeting, and I didn’t know what gift would be appropriate. Please accept this small token, Lady.”

Aunt Du was momentarily surprised, then smiled happily, accepting the gift with tears. She murmured, “I never thought, never imagined that in my lifetime I would enjoy the respect of a daughter-in-law. Even if I died now, I would be at peace. On the road to the Yellow Springs, I could face my poor sister with honor.”

Two older maids came forward, wiping away tears, pouring tea, and offering water, comforting her until Aunt Du finally stopped crying. Opening the velvet box, inside was a pair of white jade bracelets. Anything chosen by Zhuge Yue would naturally be of the finest quality. The old lady was so delighted that she nearly burst into tears again.

“Fourth Sister-in-law, now that you’re here, you must stay at our estate for a while,” Zhuge Huan said with a smile. “Although Nuanshui isn’t large, it has beautiful scenery. After you and Fourth Brother rest for a few days, I’ll take you both out sightseeing.”

Fearing that Chu Qiao might die from a burst blood vessel, Zhuge Yue finally shows mercy by clearing his throat and explaining: “Aunt, Xing’er, and I aren’t married yet.”

Unexpectedly, Aunt Du waved her hand dismissively: “Marriage is just a ceremony. Our ancestors said that the way of husband and wife values mutual understanding above all. Though your relationship has faced many twists and turns, as everyone knows, I can see clearly that this child is a person of loyalty and righteousness. For you to have won her is a great fortune—you must treat her well. As for the wedding, it can be held anytime. As long as you consider her your wife in your heart, then she is your wife.”

Chu Qiao nearly spat out her tea. She turned to look at Aunt Du, thinking to herself: Which one of us is the time traveler here?

Zhuge Yue listened with a smile, nodding sincerely at her words: “Aunt’s words are right. Your nephew will heed your teachings.”

“Child,” Aunt Du waved a hand at Zhuge Yue, then turned to Chu Qiao and said, “Have you two shared a room yet? When will you give Aunt a grandson to hold?”

“…”

Chu Qiao was so embarrassed her eyes glazed over.

Zhuge Yue finally laughed lightly and said, “Alright, Aunt, we’ve traveled for days. Let her rest first. There’s plenty of time; you can ask whatever you want later.”

“Oh my! I’ve become confused with happiness!”

Aunt Du quickly stood up, excitedly pacing around the room, instructing maids to prepare hot water, and food, and to tidy up the main bedroom. Since they hadn’t known Chu Qiao would come, everything had to be prepared anew. Fortunately, in such a large household, there were many servants. Although Aunt Du’s commands were chaotic, the servants were efficient and neat, and soon they had prepared a larger room.

When Chu Qiao entered the room, she was stunned. This was not a bedroom prepared for just one person. The room was spacious enough to serve as a practice arena. It had everything one could need. In the center was an enormous bed. The bedposts were carved with dragons and phoenixes together, and Guanyin delivering sons, among other auspicious patterns—a double bedroom for a newlywed couple.

Chu Qiao couldn’t help but turn around. The maids had all withdrawn, and the door was half-open. Zhuge Yue stood leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed, quietly watching her, looking as if he was waiting to enjoy a good show.

Chu Qiao frowned, walked over to him, and said in a deep voice: “You did this on purpose.”

Zhuge Yue made no response, the corner of his mouth holding a slight smile as he looked at her provocatively.

“I haven’t said—”

“What haven’t you said?” Zhuge Yue tilted his head, raising it slightly, his eyes sparkling with a captivating light as he quietly examined her. Suddenly, his lips curved into a smile. He lightly patted her face and said, “Don’t worry, I know what you’re concerned about.”

With that, he walked straight into the room, lazily lying down on the embroidered bed. Closing his eyes, he rubbed his temple with one hand while pointing to the bathroom on the right with the other, saying indifferently: “The water’s heated. Go take a bath.”

A burst of anger instantly shot through Chu Qiao’s brain at 260 mph. She picked up a flower pot and threw it at Zhuge Yue, shouting angrily: “What did you say?”

Worthy of being Master Wolong’s top student, Zhuge Yue leaped up and caught the flower pot, frowning: “What’s wrong with you now? I just said you should quickly wash up and change clothes. Aunt and the others are waiting for us to have dinner.”

Chu Qiao’s face flushed red. Without waiting for Zhuge Yue to say more, she rushed into the bathroom, firmly closing the door.

Zhuge Yue stood there, watching Chu Qiao’s hurried retreat. He understood what she had misunderstood and couldn’t help but laugh out loud, not attempt to hide it.

Chu Qiao leaned against the bathroom door, still vaguely feeling the vibrations of laughter from his chest. Her face was red with embarrassment. The bathroom was filled with white mist. She suddenly remembered that time in Wu Peng City when she and Zhuge Yue had fought in the bathroom. Back then, he was the youngest and wealthiest young nobleman in the empire, while she was a fugitive with firm ideals and iron resolve. The turns of fate were truly unpredictable.

She shook her head slightly, putting these thoughts aside. Before undressing, she turned and locked the bathroom door from inside, only then breathing a sigh of relief.

She really couldn’t trust him! /First Release

Zhuge Yue lay on the bed. For the past few days, he had hardly had a good night’s sleep, traveling during the day and handling official documents that flew in from all directions like snowflakes at night. His time was extremely limited, yet he had willfully decided to make this trip to Nuanshui. He told himself it was because he hadn’t spent New Year with his aunt for many years, so he should fulfill his filial duties on this return. But what ulterior motives he harbored deep down, everyone probably knew quite well.

After waiting for a long time without seeing Chu Qiao emerge, the room filled with fragrant scents, the bed warm and soft, Zhuge Yue lay there and gradually fell asleep, his brow faintly lined with weariness, as if he hadn’t slept peacefully in a very long time.

In the depths of his dream, he seemed to see countless lights and shadows swirling around him. The cold water was bone-chilling as if his entire body had frozen.

A blue-tinged hand grabbed him, desperately pulling him forward through the water. Crimson blood poured out, diffusing in the icy water.

Yue Jiu’s eyes were bloodshot as he pulled him, swimming forward with all his might. Sunlight penetrated through the ice layer, a dim, faint light. He vaguely heard sounds from above, so loud they vibrated his eardrums through the water flow, like mountains collapsing, yet strangely clear:

“Long live the king! Long live! Long live for ten thousand years!”

He knew they thought he was dead. Those were Yan Bei soldiers kowtowing to Yan Xun.

The sound grew louder like a tide. Besides that sound, he could hear nothing else. He had been utterly defeated. From childhood to adulthood, he had never lost so miserably. Now, he feared he would lose his life as well.

The sound gradually faded. His body had long lost its warmth, his blood seemingly about to drain completely, his limbs without a trace of strength.

Suddenly, a loud bang reached his ears. Looking up, he saw Yue Jiu fiercely ramming upward, using his head to strike the ice layer above, again and again.

“Bang! Bang! Bang!”

The sound was like thunder, pounding against his heart with each strike. Fresh blood flowed down the young guard’s face, quickly dissolving in the water.

Yue Jiu’s face was whiter than snow, his lips completely colorless, like a ghost just crawled out from a grave. He struggled to swim upward, his limbs stiff, yet still repeating that motion tirelessly, powerfully—once, and again, and again…

Bang bang bang…

At that moment, it was as if a gap had opened in layers of dark clouds—a bright ray of sunlight pierced his heart. He suddenly awakened. This was his subordinate, who had entered his household since the age of four. All along, them dying for him had seemed natural, and he had never thought there was anything wrong with that. But at that moment, he remembered something a girl had told him long ago. The woman had looked at him coldly, saying each word deliberately: “No one is born a slave.”

No one is born a slave.

With a bang, a spray of fresh blood suddenly splattered. Even underwater, he could still feel that scalding, bloody scent.

His body was suddenly filled with strength again. He swam up immediately, pushed aside the blood-covered Yue Jiu, and gripped Chu Qiao’s dagger, carving away at the ice with all his might, stroke after stroke.

“I cannot die!” he told himself in a low voice.

“I cannot die. I still have many wishes unfulfilled.”

His lungs felt like they would explode. His body was frozen, the wound grotesquely exposing flesh and blood, yet he still mechanically struggled for survival.

“I cannot die! I cannot die! I cannot die!” Bang! @@First published on Chinese web

The ice layer shattered completely. The tremendous buoyancy instantly pulled his entire body upward. The sunlight was dazzling, fresh air rushed to meet him, and he breathed in great gulps, as if wanting to pull out his lungs.

“Yue Jiu!” he shouted. “We’re saved!”

He looked around but didn’t see Yue Jiu. He plunged back into the water, going deeper and deeper, finally finding Yue Jiu’s body at the bottom of the lake.

The young swordsman was covered in wounds, his face iron-blue, eyes wide open, hair disheveled, all covered in blood. With great effort, he dragged Yue Jiu up, then forcefully pressed on the guard’s chest, rubbing his face and hands, shouting: “Wake up! I order you! Wake up!”

In Zhuge Yue’s entire life, he had never cried so unrestrainedly. But on that day, he cried for a house slave, howling like a wolf in the vast wilderness.

Three days later, he finally met with Yue Qi, who had miraculously survived.

The loyal guard, along with the remaining Moon Guards hidden in Yan Bei, had been searching for him near Chishui for three days. Over twenty guards had already frozen to death while searching the lake.

Then, they sent him, near death, to Wolong Mountain. Half a year later, he finally recovered, only to face a shattered future.

That morning, he sat motionless for a long time facing the intelligence reports Yue Qi and others had brought back, from sunrise to sunset. His teacher walked in, looked at the map of Ximeng hanging before him, and asked calmly: “Where do you want to go?”

It had been many years since he’d felt this way. He raised his head, bewildered, and said: “Teacher, I have nowhere to go.”

The white-haired old man smiled kindly, then extended his long hand and with one palm shattered the Ximeng continent on the map, saying quietly: “If there is no path, then forge one yourself.”

He looked up puzzled. Da Xia, Yan Bei, Bian Tang, Huai Song—all were shattered to pieces under his teacher’s palm. The map became an empty hole, with only the Quan Rong beyond the frontier, the Dong Hai domain in the southeast, and a vast expanse to the west remaining.

“Child, there are people beyond people and worlds beyond worlds. How do you know this map can only be drawn so large?”

The next morning, he received another message: Meng Feng had finally been tried by the High Court last month. His crimes had been determined, and he had been exiled. By now, he had probably already reached Cuiwei Pass.

The light and shadows of time formed a luxurious scene on the path ahead. In those dark, cold days, the curved blade in his hand swung ceaselessly, emitting powerful and sharp arcs of light, striking at the throat of fate, struggling tenaciously time after time. Warm blood covered his eyes, yet through that thick blood, he saw the true meaning of life…

Chu Qiao had been standing beside him for a long time. He seemed trapped in a nightmare, his brows tightly furrowed like two sharp swords. If one didn’t look carefully, it would be hard to notice that his handsome body was trembling slightly under layers of embroidered covers.

Chu Qiao sat silently beside him, slowly taking hold of his long fingers. His hand was so cold, just like in the ice lake many years ago. He had held her hand, his fingertips sliding across her palm, leaving a bone-chilling coldness.

The sun gradually set, and moonlight shone brightly, casting a clear, cold white light in the room. She sat like this for a long time, not knowing how much time had passed. Her heart was as calm as a prairie touched by a gentle breeze. Many past events drifted through her mind like smoke and clouds. Everything was leaving her, getting farther and farther away. Through ten years of life and death, vast and boundless, they had come full circle, ultimately returning to their original starting point.

Zhuge Yue slept for a long time. It had been ages since he had slept like this. When he awoke, Chu Qiao was sitting quietly beside him, motionless, silent. The moonlight shone on her, creating a gentle halo. She was beautiful.

His throat felt tight as he asked softly: “Why don’t you light a lamp?”

Chu Qiao smiled slightly, her smile as elegant as a lotus flower, and said quietly: “I can see.”

He sat up, gently moving his left arm. There was a slight pain in the old wound, but it wasn’t obvious.

Chu Qiao brought him a robe, but Zhuge Yue gripped her wrist firmly, his expression somewhat solemn, and said in a deep voice: “You don’t need to do these things.”

Chu Qiao was slightly stunned. Perhaps it was just habit. Having been with Yan Xun for so many years, she had always done these things without feeling it was beneath her. But perhaps he was different. After all, she had once been his slave, and this was exactly what she had done then. Her lips moved as if wanting to say something, but Zhuge Yue interrupted:

“Whatever your reason, you don’t need to do these things.”

Chu Qiao’s palm felt warm. She pursed her lips and said, “I like doing it.”

Hearing this, Zhuge Yue smiled gently. His hand slowly moved upward, extending over Chu Qiao’s forearm, gripping her elbow, her shoulder, then downward, embracing her soft waist.

“If you like, why not do something else?”

Before Chu Qiao could react, a scorching kiss suddenly covered her lips, carrying a hint of suppressed heat, mercilessly moving across her lips. The arm around her waist tightened. His cold lips gradually warmed, gently opening her lips, with an irresistible force sliding into her mouth, like a fresh spring, clear and cool, yet also burning like hot coals.

Chu Qiao’s body softened inch by inch. She grasped his shoulders, her heart pounding anxiously. She began to respond clumsily, further stimulating the fire in Zhuge Yue’s heart.

He looked at her with half-closed eyes, an invisible light hidden in the depths of his gaze. His kiss, unsatisfied, wandered over her nose, cheeks, gradually extending to her neck, leaving a trail of cool, subtle touches. Chu Qiao’s body trembled. The fragrance from her recent bath slipped into his breath like a swimming fish. Zhuge Yue suddenly lifted her with force and pressed her onto the bed. Chu Qiao cried out in surprise, her voice swallowed between their lips.

“Xing’er.”

The low, hoarse voice emerged from the man’s bewitchingly handsome lips. He gently tilted her chin and said softly: “Do you know how many years I’ve waited for this?”

Chu Qiao’s eyes were like two clear lakes. Her cheeks were flushed as she looked at him and asked: “Zhuge Yue, why? Why do you like me?”

“I killed your family, I deceived you, I left you, betrayed you, became your enemy, fought against you, hurt you, even almost killed you…”

“Why? Why do you rescue and protect me again and again? There are so many women in the world. Why would you like someone like me?”

Zhuge Yue narrowed his eyes, smiled faintly, as if she had asked an extremely foolish question, and said softly: “I don’t know. Perhaps I just have poor taste.”

Chu Qiao was very dissatisfied with this perfunctory answer. Frowning, she was about to ask again but was silenced with another kiss. She felt the body above her gradually growing hotter, the hand at her waist slowly moving upward, spreading bit by bit, like a raging fire, gradually burning away her remaining rationality. Heavy breathing sounded by her ear, and moist lips held her small earlobe, triggering an electric-like numbness. The ribbon at the side of her collar was deftly untied, revealing the small, light yellow undergarment beneath. Her round shoulders were exposed to the air. Long fingers brushed past, eliciting a trembling softness. With a flick of his little finger, the ribbon at her neck loosened, and her clothes began to fall. Chu Qiao was startled and instinctively pulled them back, only to hear a brief, light laugh above her head.

“Xing’er seems a bit different now.”

Chu Qiao looked up, staring at the man lying on his side next to her with his head propped up. Her expression seemed to ask: How am I different? Zhuge Yue’s finger lightly touched her lips, then slowly slid down, deliberately brushing her chest, smiling like a fox asking to be punched.

“And this…”

A wave of numbness instantly flooded her entire body, the two points on her chest becoming hot. But he still smiled as he slid past her waist, continuing downward.

“And this…”

“Zhuge Yue!”

Furious with embarrassment, she pulled her clothes closed, her face as red as a ripe persimmon. Zhuge Yue smiled and said: “The first time I saw you, you were only eight years old. The last time, well, that was nearly four years ago.”

Chu Qiao glared at him angrily, snorting disdainfully: “And you think you’re so great? Have you forgotten what you looked like back then? As thin as a rack of ribs, looking like you’d die if the wind blew too hard. This!” She gestured at his abdomen, saying: “It was sunken into a pit.”

Zhuge Yue certainly knew she was referring to their childhood days at Qingshan Court. He laughed heartily, rolled over, and said loudly: “Then let me show you if I still have that pit now.” As he spoke, he began to loosen his clothes.

“Ah! You rascal!”

Chu Qiao laughed, about to run away. As they were playing around, they suddenly heard someone outside clearing their throat awkwardly, calling loudly: “Fourth Brother, if you two don’t come out soon, the whole family will starve to death!”

The door opened. Zhuge Yue’s face darkened as he glared coldly at Zhuge Huan, frowning: “If you keep this up, you’ll face retribution.”

Zhuge Huan chuckled: “Brother truly hopes such retribution comes quickly!”

Chu Qiao felt utterly useless. She had managed to turn bright red in front of Zhuge Huan, being dragged by Zhuge Yue to the dining hall like a boiled crab.

When they reached the dining hall, Aunt Du was sitting there smiling, waiting for them. Seeing her enter, she quickly beckoned for her to sit beside her.

Four people were dining, with more than a dozen serving them from inside and out. Such wealth accumulated over generations was truly extraordinary, not something nouveau riche could imitate.

Aunt Du frequently directed the young maids to serve Chu Qiao dishes. Before long, Chu Qiao had eaten more than twice her usual amount.

To avoid bursting her stomach, she had to find topics to divert attention, asking: “Lady, you’re from Nuanshui City and your surname is Du. Are you related to Saint Du?”

Zhuge Huan gave her a strange look and said: “Doesn’t Fourth Sister-in-law know? Our family is from the direct line of the Saint’s descendants. My mother and Fourth Brother’s mother are both sixth-generation direct descendants of the Du family.”

“Ah?” Chu Qiao thought to herself, so that was it. No wonder Zhuge Yue’s mother was the matriarch of the Zhuge clan. She had such a strong family background. And that’s why this concubine could leisurely live separately on her estate without facing the clan’s resentment.

“I see,” Chu Qiao turned to look at Zhuge Yue: “No wonder Master Wolong took you as his personal disciple. It turns out it was through family connections.”

Everyone was stunned, then burst into laughter.

The meal was enjoyed by all. After eating, Aunt Du pulled her aside and chatted endlessly for a long time. Zhuge Huan yawned with boredom, repeatedly saying he had completely lost favor, and that his mother no longer looked at him at all.

It was already late at night when they returned to their rooms. Zhuge Yue followed her to the door. Chu Qiao felt nervous, not knowing what to say. Should she invite him in? Wouldn’t that mean losing her virginity before marriage? Although… this matter wasn’t extremely important, still, it was still somewhat important. She had preserved her chastity for over twenty years in her previous life and more than ten years in this one. Was it all going to end on this moonlit, windy night?

What should she do? Suddenly, she recalled what Lin Jing had taught her and Xiao Shi Mao’er during lessons. First, bathe, put on a nightgown; then, open the door, put one leg out; then, lightly pull the nightgown to reveal half a shoulder; then, half-close your eyes seductively, bite your lip, and look at the person…

What, what was she thinking?

“Xing’er.”

The deep voice suddenly sounded, interrupting Chu Qiao’s thoughts. She tensed nervously, thinking: Here it comes, what should I do? Should I hit him? With what technique?

“Why is your face so red?”

Zhuge Yue leaned in closer, his breath gently falling on her face like a small fire.

“Ah?”

“Go in. It’s windy outside.”

“Go… go where?”

“Into the room.”

“And… you?”

“I’ll sleep in the room next door.” Zhuge Yue smiled mischievously: “But if Xing’er has any requests, I can reluctantly come over to keep you company.”

Chu Qiao took a deep breath, turned, and entered the room, snorting heavily: “No need. Sleep in your room!”

With that, she closed the door firmly.

Zhuge Yue stood at the door, rubbing his nose, an amused smile crossing his handsome face as he turned and returned to his room.

Xing’er was so inexperienced. Presumably, he hadn’t taught her much either.

He couldn’t help thinking this but ultimately shook his head. Yes, he had to admit he was jealous. But things as they were now were already very good.

Outside the window, stars dotted the sky. It was truly a beautiful night. Welcome to repost.

—