The clear tea flowed from the teapot into the delicate porcelain cups, the pale green liquid appearing translucent. Cheng Lang moved a cup in front of Luo Yining, gesturing with one hand. “Please, have some tea.”
The aroma wafted from the cups like misty mountain fog.
Yining grasped her cup tightly, watching as Cheng Lang poured tea for Luo Shenyuan as well.
Outside the window, a lively parade of lion dancers and stilt walkers passed by.
Xie Yun gazed at Cheng Lang’s elegant profile, taking in his thick, slanted eyelashes and the soft lips beneath his straight nose. The festive atmosphere outside illuminated his face, with the still-damp streets reflecting the lantern light. He seemed to glow in the warm light, so close yet impossibly distant. She recalled how those lips had traced her body, his gentle touch. These alluring gestures, combined with his aloofness, left Xie Yun unable to decipher his true feelings. Did he truly care for her, or was he pushing her away?
When it came to matters of the heart, few could match his skill.
Acting on an impulse she didn’t quite understand, Xie Yun took Cheng Lang’s arm and smiled. “Lang, I’d like to go to the nearby water and land ceremony to burn joss paper for blessings. Will you accompany me?”
Cheng Lang’s brow furrowed slightly. He instinctively glanced up, noticing that Luo Yining showed no reaction.
“Of course,” he replied. “If you wish to go, we’ll go.”
Xie Yun leaned against his side, unsure if she was still acting or not. She was fully invested at the moment, her heart fluttering as she breathed in his subtle, refined scent.
Luo Yining quietly observed the pair. Had they truly fallen for each other?
Luo Shenyuan sat beside Yining, focused solely on his tea. He had no interest in the festivities outside or the Cheng couple’s affairs. Whether their affection was genuine or merely for the show was irrelevant to him. Did he have nothing better to do?
“You may go ahead,” Cheng Lang said to Xie Yun. “I have something to discuss with Lord Luo.”
What could Cheng Lang want to say to Luo Shenyuan? Xie Yun wondered, clutching her hand warmer as she looked between them. Weren’t they political rivals, strictly speaking?
She refrained from asking further questions, knowing that as a woman, excessive curiosity was frowned upon. Rising with the help of her maid, she slowly made her way downstairs.
Luo Shenyuan leaned back in his chair, eyeing Cheng Lang. “What wisdom does Lord Cheng wish to impart?”
Cheng Lang merely smiled, turning to Luo Yining. “You know he won’t kill you without reason. He must want something from you. Be cautious and don’t let your guard down.”
With that, Cheng Lang stood, adjusted his robes, and bowed before heading downstairs.
“Your Cousin Cheng’s words are rather strange,” Luo Shenyuan mused after a moment. “Why would Lu Jiaxue want to kill you?”
Luo Yining sipped her hot soup. “I once overheard him speaking with Father and learned some of his secrets. Let’s not discuss it further, Third Brother. I didn’t bring a hand warmer, and I didn’t expect it to be so cold outside. Shall we head back? We can skip the ceremony.”
Though she had long suspected Lu Jiaxue had ulterior motives, she was surprised by Cheng Lang’s warning. Did he know something?
“Let’s wait a moment longer,” Luo Shenyuan replied.
Yining wondered what else he had planned. Shortly after, a servant appeared carrying various parcels, bowing as he announced, “My Lord, I’ve purchased all the items you requested along the way!”
Yining looked at him quizzically, unaware he had made any such orders. He stood and patted her head. “These are all for you to take home.”
The paper-wrapped packages contained an array of treats: crispy fried meatballs, glutinous rice chicken, candied hawthorn, sugar-coated yams, roasted melon seeds, hawthorn cakes, and white sugar pear paste. He had truly bought everything available along their route!
Yining could barely hold all the packages, her heart light with joy. He carried some bags of dried fruits, his tall figure walking ahead in silence. He was quite skilled at winning people over, wasn’t he? No wonder other women were drawn to him. Had he used similar tactics with them as well?
Yining pondered these thoughts as they made their way home.
The streets were quieter now, though lanterns still glowed brightly. In the darkness of the carriage, she whispered, “Don’t you deserve a reward?” Before Luo Shenyuan could react, she tugged on his collar, bringing his face down to plant a kiss on his chin. Unexpectedly, he pulled her close, pressing her against the carriage wall as he kissed her deeply. The darkness heightened their senses, adding to the excitement.
Yining felt waves of pleasure coursing through her body, too weak to resist as he kissed her breathlessly. His muscular frame towered over her like a mountain, sending tingles through her entire being. The carriage grew warm as they entwined, Luo Shenyuan barely maintaining his self-control. After a long moment, he kissed the corner of her mouth, his voice husky. “Who said we’d sleep in separate beds? What are you doing now, hmm?”
She had only kissed his chin, after all…
When they arrived home, Luo Shenyuan carried Yining from the carriage. She was so small, curled up in his arms like a delicate pink dumpling. Her wrist, peeking out from her cloak, was fair and unblemished.
Luo Shenyuan placed her on the bed and drew the curtains. “I’m going to wash up,” he said.
After he left, Yining, still wrapped tightly in the bedding, took a deep breath before pushing the covers aside. As soon as she did, she realized he had already returned from washing.
He climbed into bed, and Yining automatically made room for him. To her surprise, he then moved to hover over her, his voice low and rough. “Meimei…”
Her earlier teasing had left him unable to calm down. His mind was filled with images of her beneath him, her skin as smooth as silk, her waist so slender he could encircle it with his hands. For a man, one taste was enough to become addicted. These past few nights, sleeping beside her had required immense self-restraint.
Yining understood his intentions, her face flushing as she debated whether to refuse, remembering the pain. But he had already lifted her wrist, trailing kisses down her arm. His lips left a trail of fire wherever they touched, burning her skin. As they joined together, she was barely able to move, so small compared to him. He, too, exercised restraint. Later, Yining asked Luo Shenyuan to hold her close, feeling waves of pleasure building higher and higher as he brought her to the peak. But before she could come down, he began again.
She finally experienced the joys of womanhood, though, towards the end, the pleasure mingled with pain. She dug her nails into his back in retaliation, unable to push him away. This only caused him to groan and press her legs further apart, leaving her at his mercy as she was swept up in another scorching wave of passion.
The next morning, she woke in his arms, his robe unfastened to reveal a chest covered in scratch marks. Yining’s legs ached, and she added another scratch to his collection, grinding her teeth in frustration.
Luo Shenyuan opened his eyes and caught her hand, bringing it to his lips for a gentle kiss. “Awake and already scratching me? Have you forgotten the sweets I bought you yesterday?”
“Last night, you were…” Yining squirmed at his kiss. “So unrestrained!”
He chuckled, pressing down on her. “Unrestrained? If I truly let loose, you wouldn’t be able to leave the bed today.”
Yining blushed furiously, feeling his arousal against her. She had no retort.
As he rose to don his court robes, Yining also got up to wash and dress. She decided to skip the morning greetings today, instead curling up by the fireplace with a book on tea brewing. Luo Shenyuan approached, observing how she was bundled in silks and furs, still resembling a delicate snowball that refused to grow, her cheeks retaining a hint of baby fat. He leaned down and said, “I’ll be back for dinner tonight.”
Yining ignored him, continuing to read. Only after he left did she set the book aside, calling for Madam Fan to massage her back and waist. Otherwise, she doubted she’d last until the evening.
The day after tomorrow was the wedding day, and the household bustled with activity. At noon, Yining managed to visit Lin Hairu, and Luo Yixiu had also returned from the Zhu family to attend the ceremony. Yining noticed Yixiu’s radiant complexion and learned she was pregnant. She had been carried back in a sedan chair, as she was finally expecting her first child after several years of marriage. None of the concubines or secondary wives had conceived yet. The Zhu family matriarch had personally arranged for her meals to be carefully prepared three times a day and insisted she return home promptly after the wedding, showing great concern for her condition.
Chen Shi’s face was full of smiles. “We consulted Old Lady Wang about the baby’s fortune. She says it will be a boy. When her mother-in-law heard this, she became even more anxious, almost sending her husband back with her!”
Chen Shi’s brow had finally smoothed, and her mood much improved.
Yining congratulated her sister, gently poking her still-flat belly. “You finally have a baby on the way. Is your husband treating you well now?”
Luo Yixiu lounged lazily as if she were already heavily pregnant. “He wouldn’t dare treat me poorly now. My mother-in-law would have his hide!” She suddenly sat up, pinching Yining’s cheek. “Looking at your radiant, pampered appearance, I can tell your Third Brother must be… When will you have one too? Maybe we can arrange a marriage between our children.”
What nonsense about arranging marriages! How could she have a child now, at her age?
Yining ignored her sister’s teasing.
As Lin Hairu’s room grew more lively, Yining took little Nan to the front courtyard to pick winter plum blossoms. He insisted on having them.
When they reached the front courtyard, Yining saw Luo Chengzhang and Luo Chengwen sitting formally. Upon inquiring with a steward, she learned that Lu Jiaxue was expected to visit today. However, he wasn’t coming for the wedding preparations but at Luo Chengzhang’s specific request. They were now waiting for his arrival.
Yining was lost in thought when little Nan reached out from her arms to pluck a plum blossom bud. She saw him trying to put it in his mouth and quickly took it away.
Nan began to cry, insisting on eating the bud.
Yining handed him to his wet nurse and walked towards the front hall. A crowd had already gathered around Lu Jiaxue as he arrived. She couldn’t see him clearly through the throng, only glimpsing his black fox fur cloak as Luo Chengzhang bowed in greeting. The group entered the front hall to talk.
Yining waited for a long time before seeing him emerge. With no one else around, she followed him.
“Lu Jiaxue,” Luo Yining called out.
Lu Jiaxue turned around beneath the winter plum tree, his handsome features as sharp and imposing as ever. He glanced at her and smiled. “Shouldn’t you be calling me ‘Godfather’?”
“What exactly are you planning?” Luo Yining asked directly, her gaze unwavering as she tried to discern his thoughts. His eyes were like the deep sea, having weathered many years. She found she could no longer read him at all.
Lu Jiaxue stepped closer, observing her before saying softly, “Naturally, I’m here for the wedding.”
With that, he turned and left with his entourage, apparently having come for official business. Yining watched his retreating figure.
Upon reflection, Yining realized that while Lu Jiaxue remained inscrutable, everything about the situation felt wrong.
The night before the wedding, the Luo mansion was heavily guarded. Yining marveled at the number of men Luo Shenyuan had at his disposal. He sat calmly reading, patting the space beside him for her to sit. “Will you be attending the ceremony tomorrow?” he asked.
Yining nodded, settling next to him. Leaning against his shoulder, she asked, “You won’t be going to Guizhou, will you?”
“Probably not,” Luo Shenyuan replied, letting her rest in his arms more comfortably. “Get some sleep early tonight. You have an early start tomorrow.”
Yining murmured in agreement, closing her eyes in his embrace. The flickering candlelight, the sound of turning pages, and the crackling fire created a peaceful atmosphere.
The next day, Yining went to Luo Yilien’s quarters after getting ready. The place was already bustling with activity. Da Zhou Shi, who would be accompanying the bride, wore a gold-embroidered robe with gold buttons and had her hair styled immaculately. Yining sat inside, chatting with Luo Yixiu while occasionally glancing at the two matrons. Despite their imposing statures, they remained silent.
“May I ask which sister-in-law will be escorting the bride?” Old Woman Wang inquired.
Da Zhou Shi smiled and nodded. “I’ll be escorting her. The small sedan chair is ready.”
Old Woman Wang glanced at Yining. “By rights, Third Madam should escort the bride, being a close relative.”
“I’m not feeling well, so I won’t be going,” Yining said, standing up with a smile.
“Never mind that, when Lian’er goes to the Ning Yuan Marquis’s mansion, she mustn’t forget about us!” Xiao Zhou Shi joked, prompting a lively discussion about Luo Yilien’s life after marriage.
When the wedding procession arrived, a maid brought in bowls of lotus seed soup for everyone to drink, symbolizing good fortune. The women then left for lunch, leaving Luo Yilien and Concubine Qiao to wait. As Yining walked out, she breathed a sigh of relief once she was far from the room. Pearl supported her, but suddenly Old Woman Wang hurried over. “Third Madam, please wait! Our Sixth Miss has something to tell you!”
Yining glanced at her. “What is it now?”
“Sixth Miss has lost a pair of jade bracelets she was to wear for the wedding. Please come and take a look!” Old Woman Wang said urgently.
Wary, Yining told Pearl, “Come with me,” before following Old Woman Wang. They walked to a side room, where the old woman suddenly turned to Pearl with a smile. “Miss, it might not be appropriate for you to enter.”
Before Pearl could react, Old Woman Wang struck her on the back of the neck. Yining stepped back, about to call for help, but the woman quickly covered her mouth. Yining struggled and kicked but somehow began to feel dizzy and weak, unable to cry out before losing consciousness.
Old Woman Wang carried her into the room, hiding her in a dowry chest filled with soft silks. The chest had air holes.
Heart pounding, the well-trained Old Woman Wang emerged from the room just as some maids walked by, chattering. Believing her plan flawless, she breathed a sigh of relief. The Ning Yuan Marquis was truly absurd, claiming to marry the Sixth Miss while demanding the Third Madam!
Composing herself, she headed towards Luo Yilien’s room to say farewell.
The dowry chests were to be sent out first. Old Woman, Wang bid farewell to Luo Yilien and supervised as Luo family servants carried the chests to the gate. However, they were stopped by guards.
“Halt. Where are you taking these?” the guard asked brusquely.
Old Woman Wang replied haughtily, “These are our Sixth Miss’s dowry. What, you won’t even allow the dowry to leave?”
“If it’s just dowry, of course, it can leave,” a calm voice interjected.
Old Woman Wang’s expression changed slightly as she saw two men approaching. She didn’t recognize the young man behind, but the one in front was none other than Luo Shenyuan, the Minister of Works! Her heart raced as she realized she’d likely been discovered. Struggling to maintain composure, she asked, “What does Lord Luo mean by this?”
Luo Shenyuan smiled slowly. “This is the Luo mansion, filled with my hidden guards. Did you think your every move would escape their notice?”
He waved his hand. “Open the chests. Tie up this old woman, and the other one too.”
Seven or eight chests were opened, and Luo Shenyuan personally lifted Yining out. Though hidden among soft silks with air holes in the chest, she remained unconscious, her head lolling against his arm. Impressed by the old woman’s skill, Luo Shenyuan approached her and said, “I’ll tell you now, if you confess, you’ll suffer less. How did you make the lady lose consciousness?”
Old Woman Wang clenched her teeth, refusing to answer. The guards held her firmly as someone slapped her face twice, mercilessly. Dizzy, barely lifted her head before Luo Shenyuan asked again, “How did she lose consciousness?”
When she remained silent, Luo Shenyuan ordered, “Take her to the western interrogation room.” It wasn’t appropriate to question her here. Shortly after, someone came running back. “My lord, the old woman confessed. She added a drug to the lotus seed soup, slipping it in with a handkerchief when serving.”
Cheng Lang, who had been quietly observing, remarked, “Lord Luo seems well-prepared for everything! Even an interrogation room.”
He had come specifically to warn Luo Shenyuan about the dowry, but it seemed Luo Shenyuan was already well aware of the situation.
Luo Shenyuan’s mouth twitched. “You flatter me. I must thank you for your help this time, Young Master Cheng.” The two old women were indeed suspicious, though he had already anticipated it.
Luo Shenyuan carried Yining to Jiashu Hall. Knowing it was a sedative, he fed her some soup, and she soon regained consciousness. Opening her eyes groggily, she saw Luo Shenyuan. “Third Brother?” She suddenly remembered, “That old woman knocked out Pearl…”
So Lu Jiaxue still intended to abduct her!
“I know. Pearl has been found, and both old women have been apprehended,” Luo Shenyuan said. “Rest well. The lotus seed soup was drugged, so you might feel dizzy for a while.”
The drug still had some after-effects. Yining rubbed her temples, leaning against a pillow. “Third Brother, you were watching those two women all along, weren’t you?”
“Yes, but your Cousin Cheng also came today. He said there was an issue with Luo Yilien’s dowry,” Luo Shenyuan said casually. “You haven’t had dinner yet. Shall I have some brought in for you?”
“No need. The drug dose must have been small; I don’t feel much effect,” Yining replied. “The mansion is celebrating today, with many relatives coming and going. If I’m absent for too long, it might be hard to explain.”
Considering that the two old women had been caught, Luo Shenyuan nodded and accompanied her to the front hall for lunch.
Lin Hairu took her hand, complaining about her late arrival and mentioning that Luo Yilien had lost a pair of emerald bracelets and was in a foul mood. Yining chuckled, realizing the jade bracelets had been lost. She drank a bowl of pigeon soup and looked up to see Luo Shenyuan talking with Luo Chengwen, while others raised toast to him.
Just then, Lin Yong entered from outside, his expression grim. He whispered something in Luo Shenyuan’s ear.
Luo Shenyuan’s face tensed. He gave Lin Yong some instructions, and Lin Yong quickly bowed and left. The atmosphere at Luo Chengwen’s table changed, with everyone falling silent. Luo Shenyuan soon put down his cup and walked towards Yining. The women at Yining’s table blushed and whispered among themselves at his approach.
Yining stood and walked towards him. “Third Brother, what’s wrong? You look troubled.”
“My teacher is in trouble. He’s been imprisoned by the Emperor. I must go there immediately,” Luo Shenyuan said. “Stay home and don’t leave the guards. I’ll be back soon.”
Xu Wei was in trouble and imprisoned! Yining’s heart jolted. How was this possible? Xu Wei’s imprisonment shouldn’t happen until the third year of Zhide. It was only the second year now.
Back then, Xu Wei had been implicated in recommending the Jingzhou general when Jingzhou fell to the Tatars, leading to his imprisonment and eventual death. But the Tatars hadn’t attacked Jingzhou yet. What could be the reason? If Xu Wei faced prison so early, wouldn’t it affect Third Brother’s fate as well?
Yining said, “Go ahead, don’t worry about me. I know what to do.”
She was very concerned for him. Xu Wei was Luo Shenyuan’s teacher; his troubles would surely affect Luo Shenyuan.
Luo Shenyuan grunted in acknowledgment and quietly called the head guard, out of Yining’s sight. He instructed, “When the bridal sedan leaves, follow it to the Ning Yuan Marquis’s mansion.”
Only after giving these instructions did he leave.
Yining could hardly enjoy the banquet now. She asked Qingqu to accompany her to check on Pearl. Pearl, struck by Old Woman Wang, was dizzy and bedridden.
Yining had a maid apply a hot compress to Pearl’s forehead to ease her discomfort. She then asked a nearby maid, “How are things with the Sixth Miss now?”
“It’s chaotic. The bracelets haven’t been found, and the two old women have disappeared,” the maid replied.
Yining rubbed her brow and stood up, telling Lin Hairu to take care of things there while she went to the front hall to receive guests, as they were short on hostesses.
Surrounded by maids and servants, she walked along the corridor. The sun was setting, and it was almost time for Yilie to depart.
Suddenly, she saw someone standing not far away, hands behind his back, smiling at her. “Yining,” he said.
It was Cheng Lang.
Luo Shenyuan had just told her that Cheng Lang had made a special visit.
Cheng Lang approached her, glancing at the surroundings. “The Luo mansion has a nice view. It’s quite beautiful after the snow on a clear day.”
“What’s the matter? Aren’t you drinking with the others?” Yining asked. Why was Cheng Lang alone here looking at the snow? “I saw you with Second Miss Xie last time. You two seem well-matched.”
“Mm,” he replied ambiguously, then fell silent.
Seeing no further conversation, Yining’s smile faded. “If there’s nothing else, I should head to the front hall.”
“I came to see you because I have something to discuss,” Cheng Lang said. “Have a cup of tea with me.”
Yining had tea sets arranged in a pavilion. The small stove provided warmth, and the kettle bubbled. The tea needed to be steeped three or four times to bring out its flavor. As she prepared the tea, the festivities outside grew louder. Luo Chengzhang had indeed arranged quite a spectacle for Luo Yilie. The sky darkened further, casting a faint purple hue on the water.
The maids and servants had gone to watch the excitement, leaving a few guards outside. Yining asked, “What did you want to discuss? You’re just silently watching me make tea.”
“Do you truly love Luo Shenyuan?” Cheng Lang asked. He drank the tea as if it were wine; Yining doubted he even tasted it.
Luo Yining was unsure why he brought this up. After a pause, she said, “Lang, he is a very important person to me.”
Cheng Lang smiled. “I think you’ll never consider anyone else for the rest of your life.”
Unsure how to respond, Luo Yining placed the teapot back on the stove. The water began to boil again.
“In this world, nothing is ever completely clear,” Luo Yining said slowly. “Unexpected things can happen at any time. But for me, I prefer a peaceful life without schemes. Perhaps you’re right, maybe for my entire life…”
“You should give others a chance,” Cheng Lang suddenly whispered in her ear. “I’m sorry, Yining. There’s no such thing as stability.”
Before Yining could ask what he meant, he struck the back of her neck with the edge of his hand. Her eyes widened, unable to comprehend why Cheng Lang, who she thought was helping her, would do this.
The guards outside remained motionless as if they hadn’t seen anything. Nearby, Qingqu was distracted by another maid’s conversation. Yining fell unconscious into Cheng Lang’s arms.
Cheng Lang slowly stroked her hair, saying softly, “Prepare the carriage.”
It was a feint. He was the real pawn, not the two old women.
I’m sorry, Yining.