The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 120
by Little PandaUncle Lin, Do You Recognize This Item?
Hearing Lin Xizhao’s gentle yet solemn voice, Qu Sheng’s heart was touched. In that moment, there was no lust, only the desire to pull Lin Xizhao into her arms, to knead her into her own body.
She loved this woman before her too much. She was gentle, understanding, strong, and brave.
Qu Sheng felt that being with Lin Xizhao was not a carnal obsession, but an intertwining of souls. It made her feel grounded every time she saw her.
With Lin Xizhao, Qu Sheng didn’t need to deliberately hide her emotions. She could act coquettishly like a child to win Lin Xizhao’s favor, and she could also receive comfort from her.
That was her home, a place where she could act as she pleased without any burdens.
Qu Sheng pulled Lin Xizhao into an embrace, gently rubbing her cheek against Lin Xizhao’s warm neck. She was anxious; she had to speed up the process of marrying Lin Xizhao. But she always had one concern. She didn’t care what others thought, but as her own mother had said, if she didn’t care, did that mean she didn’t care if Lin Xizhao was criticized?
Of course, she cared. If anyone said even one bad thing about Lin Xizhao, she wanted to chop that person’s head off.
The two embraced for a long time before Qu Sheng gently pulled away.
“Jiejie, wait for Sheng’er at the residence. I will be back soon.” Qu Sheng watched as the tender, lingering look in Lin Xizhao’s eyes, which had mirrored her own just moments ago, slowly turned to worry.
After Lin Xizhao reluctantly nodded, Qu Sheng went to open the door. The guards standing watch outside were all stunned the moment they saw her.
Lin Jianhai had ordered them to stand guard here, but he hadn’t said what to do with Qu Sheng. The guards looked at each other, unable to make a decision. By the time they thought they should report to Lin Jianhai first, Qu Sheng had already left.
Qu Sheng returned to the Qu Marquis Residence and had someone take inventory of the betrothal gifts1 that had long been prepared. Although the gifts were lavish, Qu Sheng knew that Lin Jianhai would not be impressed by them. The visit was originally scheduled for the daytime, but during her tender morning with Lin Xizhao, Qu Sheng had changed her mind.
She could be indifferent about herself, but she had to care whether Lin Xizhao would be the subject of gossip.
For women to marry each other was something new, something extremely difficult for people to accept. Qu Sheng sat in her room, lost in thought.
“Little Sheng’er.”
As Qu Sheng was pondering with her head down, Zhao Jiayu arrived at the door.
Qu Sheng looked up at her, a hint of confusion in her eyes. She subconsciously glanced at Zhao Jiayu’s abdomen and asked, “Why are you out of bed?”
“Cheng Xi said I’m fine now.” Zhao Jiayu had shown signs of a miscarriage due to emotional distress. Her constitution was already stronger than that of an average young lady, and with the emotional factor gone, coupled with Cheng Xi’s medical skills, she was now fine. However, she still couldn’t ride a horse at a gallop as she had the other day.
Although Qu Sheng was skeptical, she didn’t tell her to hurry back.
“I heard from Eldest Aunt that you’re going to the Lin Residence to propose marriage. Is that true?”
Qu Sheng nodded, her expression calm as she hummed in affirmation. With so many gifts displayed in the room, some with festive “joy” character paper-cuttings2 on them, it was naturally a marriage proposal.
“Can I go with you?”
Zhao Jiayu was already married out3, and while she was their friend, she was also Qu Sheng’s close sister-in-law, so it was acceptable for her to go.
Qu Sheng looked at her, a little puzzled.
Seeing Qu Sheng pondering and seemingly about to refuse, Zhao Jiayu quickly said, “I won’t cause any trouble.” Some things might be better if she were the one to say them.
She wasn’t there to cause trouble; she truly wanted the two of them to be together.
Over the years, she had seen Lin Xizhao’s affection for Qu Sheng, and Qu Sheng’s care for Lin Xizhao. Such a pair of jade-like beauties, though both women, were not necessarily inferior to any union of man and woman in the world.
“Alright.” Qu Sheng nodded in agreement. “But I need to ask Cheng Xi first.”
She had to ask Cheng Xi if Zhao Jiayu’s body was really okay.
Although the Qu family had many descendants in the younger generation, they had been lacking heirs. Now that they had already lost two, Qu Sheng was very concerned about the child in Zhao Jiayu’s womb. Otherwise, back at the Zhao Residence, she wouldn’t have told Cheng Xi about Zhao Jiayu’s condition and let Cheng Xi make her own choice.
In the evening, after Zhao Jiayu drank her medicinal decoction, Cheng Xi checked her pulse again and informed Qu Sheng that Zhao Jiayu was recovering quickly. Even a slow horse ride would not be a major problem.
Hearing this, Qu Sheng’s brows twitched slightly. She nodded, and Zhao Jiayu immediately hurried to her side, asking, “When are we going?”
“Now.”
Everyone in the residence was ready. The other elders of the Qu family did not plan to go, only Qu Jinian and Jin Yunfei.
Qu Jinian and Jin Yunfei were prepared to be scolded, but for the sake of their two children, they felt it was worth it.
Whether Lin Jianhai agreed or not, this was a step they had to take.
The procession carrying the betrothal gifts headed for the Lin Residence in a grand and mighty fashion.
Outside, Qu Jinian presented a visiting card4. The steward saw the procession behind them and didn’t dare let them in.
“Let them all in.” Lin Xirui had appeared at some point. He stood behind the steward and began to give orders to the servants.
“Second Young Master, this…” The steward looked troubled.
These were all betrothal gifts. Although they were covered with red cloth to hide them from view, he knew full well what they were.
The Qu Marquis Residence had no more suitable young masters. It was obvious that the Qu Marquis Residence was presenting these gifts for Qu Sheng.
“You call me Young Master, so am I not the master of this house? Everyone, stand aside. Invite Uncle Qu and Aunt Qu inside.”
Lin Jianhai had not yet returned to the residence, and Qu Jinian and Jin Yunfei had just arrived. Lin Xizhao had already spoken with Lin Xirui this morning. Lin Xirui did not fail the task entrusted to him and let everyone in. Now, all they had to do was wait for Lin Jianhai to return.
Upon receiving the news, Lin Xizhao hurried to the Reception Hall. Seeing the courtyard piled high with gifts, her heart began to pound unusually fast for some reason.
She had prepared herself, but seeing all these things suddenly, she lost her confidence.
“Godfather, Godmother.” Lin Xizhao entered the Reception Hall and curtsied.
Qu Jinian nodded, while Jin Yunfei stood up to help Lin Xizhao to her feet. Jin Yunfei had always found Lin Xizhao pleasing to the eye and was very fond of her.
As Lin Xizhao rose and looked up, she saw Qu Sheng standing behind Qu Jinian, a faint smile on her lips, her eyes filled with love.
Their eyes met, and a moment later, they heard Zhao Jiayu’s voice.
“Ahem, how come no one noticed me?”
Lin Xizhao came back to her senses and looked at Zhao Jiayu. Qu Sheng hadn’t told Lin Xizhao about Zhao Jiayu’s near miscarriage, afraid she would worry herself sick while unable to leave the residence.
Now that Zhao Jiayu was safe and sound, there was even less need to mention it for the time being.
Lin Xizhao’s lips curved for a moment. She walked over, took Zhao Jiayu’s hand, and led her to a seat. It had been several days since they had last seen each other.
The two chatted for a while, Qu Sheng’s eyes fixed on Lin Xizhao the entire time.
A moment later, Lin Xirui came in from outside. After bowing to the two Qu family elders, he said to Lin Xizhao, “Ajie, Father is back.”
Hearing this, Qu Jinian glanced over. Qu Sheng lowered her eyes in thought for a moment, then walked to Lin Xizhao’s side and said, “Jiejie, you should withdraw for a while. I’ll come get you when this is over.”
Lin Jianhai would definitely not agree to their sudden visit today. But without a strong dose of medicine, given Lin Jianhai’s temperament, he wouldn’t agree even if they waited several more years.
Lin Xizhao had come over, firstly, as a matter of courtesy, and secondly, because she was afraid of a conflict between the Qu family and Lin Jianhai. Both sides were family she cared about, and she would feel terrible if anyone was wronged.
But they had to move forward. This stalemate was a form of torture for both her and Qu Sheng.
“Go on, it will be fine.” Jin Yunfei nodded. She knew what they were about to face. It would be inappropriate for Lin Xizhao to stay here.
Lin Xizhao looked up at Qu Jinian, who also nodded. After some thought, Lin Xizhao returned to her courtyard.
After Lin Xizhao left, Lin Jianhai entered the courtyard, his brow furrowed with anger.
When the steward had greeted Lin Jianhai, he had already informed him of the Qu family’s marriage proposal. Now, seeing the courtyard full of glaring betrothal gifts, his anger was beyond words.
With a face full of suppressed rage, Lin Jianhai entered the room. Qu Jinian stood up with a smile.
“Virtuous Younger Brother Lin, this Qu has come uninvited. I hope you will forgive me.” Qu Jinian cupped his hands in a salute.
Lin Jianhai, of course, was not buying it. He snorted coldly, glaring as he said, “Marquis Qu, what a grand gesture. Are you here today to humiliate this Lin?”
Hearing this, Qu Jinian looked bewildered, as if he didn’t understand. “Where does this come from? I wonder what this Qu has done to make Virtuous Younger Brother Lin so angry?”
Qu Jinian’s feigned ignorance5 made Lin Jianhai’s shame and anger even harder to suppress, and he almost cursed out loud without restraint.
“You—” Lin Jianhai took a breath and swept his gaze around the room. Seeing Qu Sheng standing to the side, his brow twitched. He asked Qu Jinian, “Marquis Qu, you brought all these things here today. Are you not here to humiliate my daughter?”
Qu Jinian chuckled. “Virtuous Younger Brother Lin, you are mistaken. This Qu couldn’t dote on her enough, so how could I humiliate her?”
Lin Jianhai sneered. “Since it’s not humiliation, then Marquis Qu has brought these things to my residence because you’ve taken a fancy to one of my maids and wish to take her as a concubine?”
Hearing Lin Jianhai’s unrestrained words, the expressions of Qu Jinian and Jin Yunfei darkened.
“Since Virtuous Younger Brother Lin puts it that way, then this Qu will be direct.” Seeing that Lin Jianhai wanted to beat around the bush, Qu Jinian took a few steps forward and said, “Zhao’er and Sheng’er grew up together. Though it may sound absurd, the two children are indeed perfectly matched in affection.6 Today, this Qu is here to present betrothal gifts for my young daughter.”
Hearing Qu Jinian’s clear intentions, Lin Jianhai was silent for a long time.
Everyone in the room watched Lin Jianhai, wondering what he would say next.
Lin Jianhai’s face was grim, and Qu Jinian simply stared at him. Although he knew his words were putting him in a difficult position, he had to state the two children’s wishes.
After a moment of silence, Lin Jianhai walked towards the host’s seat in the Reception Hall. He lifted the ceramic lid of his teacup and gently stirred the tea, making a soft clinking sound.
“Marquis Qu, you truly have a sense of humor. Who doesn’t know that your family has raised a foolish daughter? And now your whole family has come to my Lin Residence like a pack of madmen, saying you want to marry my daughter and ruin her life. Heh, Marquis Qu, you truly are insidious.”
Lin Jianhai had already shed all pretense of civility.7
Hearing this, Qu Jinian’s brow furrowed slightly, and he glanced back at his daughter.
To the outside world, Qu Sheng was a fool, and a woman at that. For him to be presenting betrothal gifts on her behalf was completely unreasonable. Lin Jianhai’s words were not wrong in the slightest.
“How is our Little Sheng’er foolish?” Zhao Jiayu disagreed with Lin Jianhai’s statement.
For years, outsiders had said Qu Sheng was a fool, but only they knew that not only was Qu Sheng not foolish, she was extremely intelligent. Especially since her return this year, she felt more and more that Qu Sheng had been completely reborn.8
Whether in conversation or in her actions, she was no different from a normal person.
Lin Jianhai’s gaze shifted to Zhao Jiayu. Zhao Jiayu had always been one to speak her mind, direct and straightforward.9 Seeing Lin Jianhai look over, she rested a hand on her swelling belly and slowly took a few steps forward. “Uncle Lin, don’t listen to the nonsense of others. Although our Little Sheng’er doesn’t talk much, her teacher often said that if Sheng’er were a man, she would surely achieve great things. After so many years, how can you, like those outsiders, still think Little Sheng’er is a foolish girl?”
“If she were truly a senseless fool, Xizhao would not have fallen for her. You know how Xizhao has treated her all these years, and Little Sheng’er has always listened to Xizhao the most. Since Aunt Lin passed away, Xizhao couldn’t sleep peacefully. It was Little Sheng’er who stayed by her side, inseparable, and alleviated her insomnia. It was also Little Sheng’er who begged Eldest Uncle back then to find the murderer for Aunt Lin, which finally freed her from her daily nightmares. Uncle Lin, to be honest, I was shocked at first too, but the two of them being together is not just a whim. Please, grant them your blessing.”
Zhao Jiayu’s words were reasonable, but her focus was wrong. What Lin Jianhai cared about was the matter of a woman marrying a woman.
Lin Jianhai looked at Zhao Jiayu, his brows knitted together, suppressing his anger. “Since she’s not a fool, why didn’t you marry her?” At this point, Lin Jianhai could no longer be bothered with seniority. His words were confrontational, his gaze fixed on Zhao Jiayu’s belly.
If his daughter married a woman, how could she ever have descendants surrounding her knees?10
“I—” Before Zhao Jiayu could finish, Qu Sheng gently tugged her.
She could understand Lin Jianhai’s anger, but she didn’t want him to take it out on Zhao Jiayu.
Seeing this, Qu Jinian said, “Zhao’er is this Qu’s goddaughter. If she is unwilling, this Qu will absolutely not force her. But Zhao’er has also told me that she does not want to be separated from Sheng’er again. Virtuous Younger Brother Lin, by confining Zhao’er to the residence, you must already have a general idea of the situation. It is not this Qu’s intention to do such a thing, but it is truly what the two children desire. If this Qu does not agree, neither you nor I can predict what they might do.”
He had almost lost Qu Sheng before, and later, Lin Xizhao had also firmly told her that she would not leave Qu Sheng. Both children were very strong-willed. If he insisted on obstructing them, he didn’t know what extreme measures they might take.
“You manage your daughter, and I’ll manage mine. How can they be inseparable?” Lin Jianhai did indeed know the gist of it, and he had learned most of the details as well.
“I know what Virtuous Younger Brother Lin is concerned about. I was also opposed at first, just like you, but I simply couldn’t dissuade the two children. Coming here tonight under the cover of darkness was also to protect the children’s reputations. These betrothal gifts are a small token of my Qu family’s sincerity. If Virtuous Younger Brother Lin feels they are insufficient, my Qu family can prepare more, until you are satisfied.”
“Who cares about your family’s things? My daughter will not marry a woman!” Every word from Qu Jinian felt like a slap to Lin Jianhai’s face, making him utterly shamed and annoyed.
Qu Jinian’s words were choked back. Jin Yunfei was also worried now, concerned that a real rift between the two families would do the children no good at all.
“Sheng’er would like to speak with Uncle Lin alone. I wonder if we could speak in private?”
At this moment, Qu Sheng took a few steps forward. She took a porcelain vial from her sleeve and held it out before Lin Jianhai.
“Uncle Lin, do you recognize this item?”
Lin Jianhai glanced at it but paid it no mind. His gaze lingered on Qu Sheng’s face for a moment before he put his hands behind his back and snorted coldly.
Qu Sheng looked down at the porcelain vial in her hand and said, “This item is used by the palace consorts to deal with disobedient palace maids.”
With just that one short sentence, Lin Jianhai’s expression suddenly grew tense. His eyes widened slightly as he slowly looked at Qu Sheng, then back at the porcelain vial in her hand.
“Can we speak in private now?”
Lin Jianhai and Qu Sheng went to another room. No one knew what they talked about. But after half an hour, when Lin Jianhai returned, his attitude had changed. He neither agreed nor continued to voice his opposition.
“Virtuous Brother, these betrothal gifts…” Qu Jinian looked at Qu Sheng, who gave him a look, and he understood most of the situation.
Lin Jianhai remained silent. Qu Jinian’s brow twitched, and he said with a smile, “Then let’s consider this matter temporarily settled for now. We as elders all hope for our children’s well-being. In the future, our two families should visit each other more and support one another. When the time is right, we can discuss holding a simple wedding for them in the residence.”
A grand banquet was out of the question. Everyone in this Capital City had eight hundred cunning thoughts in their head.11 Two young women getting together—even if their feelings were mutual and they were willing to die for each other, how could outsiders possibly understand?
Qu Jinian had been skeptical at first, but with things having developed to this point, if he didn’t stand up for the two children, he was genuinely worried they would do something foolish.
“I want to take jiejie back with me tonight.” Qu Sheng’s voice was not slow, but it lacked its usual cleverness.
After the two had spoken, Lin Jianhai still didn’t reply. He sized up the father and daughter, then sighed after a moment. “Be my guest.”
Hearing this, a smile returned to Qu Jinian’s face.
While Qu Jinian and the others sat drinking tea in the room, Qu Sheng went to Lin Xizhao’s courtyard.
Qu Sheng’s steps through the Lin Residence were slightly larger than usual. Lin Xizhao’s door was still open, and she was looking out into the courtyard from time to time, her brow also slightly furrowed.
Qu Sheng had said she had a way, but she wouldn’t tell her what it was.
“Jiejie.” Qu Sheng lifted her skirts slightly with both hands, ascended the steps, and entered the room.
Hearing her voice, Lin Xizhao stood up and hurried to find Qu Sheng, whose voice had arrived before she did.
Seeing the smile on Qu Sheng’s face, Lin Xizhao guessed that she must have persuaded Lin Jianhai. “How did it go? What did Father say?” She still needed to confirm.
“Uncle Lin agreed. Sheng’er is here to pick jiejie up,” Qu Sheng said, looking into Lin Xizhao’s still worried eyes.
Hearing Qu Sheng say that Lin Jianhai had agreed, Lin Xizhao was suspicious for a moment, unable to figure out how her father could have possibly agreed.
“What did you all talk about?”
“It’s better that jiejie doesn’t know about this.” Qu Sheng didn’t want to lie to Lin Xizhao, but telling her about this matter would do her no good.
“Let’s go. Father, Mother, and Jiayu are waiting for us.” Qu Sheng took Lin Xizhao’s hand.
Without packing anything, Lin Xizhao was pulled out of the courtyard by Qu Sheng.
The two returned to the reception courtyard. The servants of the Lin Residence were currently taking inventory of the betrothal gifts, and those that had been recorded in the ledgers were already being moved to the storeroom.
Lin Xizhao glanced around before being led into the room by Qu Sheng.
Lin Xizhao curtsied to Lin Jianhai. “Father.”
As she bent her knees, she glanced towards Qu Jinian and the others. At that moment, they all had smiles on their faces.
“Mm,” Lin Jianhai grunted, his tone making it impossible to tell if he was still angry.
Lin Xizhao stood up and curtsied to Qu Jinian and Jin Yunfei as well. After she finished, Zhao Jiayu hurried over, took both her hands, and whispered with a smile, “Congratulations.”
Lin Xizhao couldn’t smile right now. She could feel that Lin Jianhai was unwilling, that he had only agreed out of some kind of helplessness.
Everyone waited in the room for a while. Once all the betrothal gifts outside had been carried away, Qu Jinian said, “Presenting the betrothal gifts at night was truly a matter of necessity. I hope Virtuous Younger Brother Lin will not blame us.”
Lin Jianhai glanced at him, his eyes flickering, but there was not a hint of a smile on his face.
After the presentation of gifts, they were supposed to stay for a simple banquet, but under these circumstances, with Lin Jianhai clearly displeased, Qu Jinian smiled and said, “In that case, we won’t disturb you any longer.”
Hearing this, Lin Jianhai met his gaze and held it, then said to the steward, “See the guests out.” He had no intention of seeing them out himself.
Qu Jinian had come and said his daughter would marry his daughter, which was a slap to his face. And their departure, after he had started out opposed but was forced to agree in the end, was another slap to his face.
Having lost so much face, he couldn’t be bothered with etiquette.
“Virtuous Younger Brother Lin, please stay.” Qu Jinian knew he didn’t want to see them off but still spoke the polite words with a smile.
Qu Jinian headed out, followed by Jin Yunfei and Zhao Jiayu. But Lin Xizhao remained standing where she was.
Since Lin Xizhao didn’t move, Qu Sheng didn’t either. Lin Jianhai saw his daughter looking at him, and after a moment, he turned his back, no longer looking at her.
“This daughter is leaving.” Seeing that Lin Jianhai was unwilling to look at her, Lin Xizhao curtsied.
Since Lin Jianhai had temporarily agreed, there was still a chance for this matter. In the future, she would speak with him properly and prove that her choice of Qu Sheng was the right one. Only then could she get Lin Jianhai to agree from the bottom of his heart.
Hearing Lin Xizhao’s words, Lin Jianhai’s brow twitched for a moment, and after a while, he grunted, “Mm.”
He had said he would protect his daughter, yet in the end, he had been forced to agree. Although he was furious, he also felt that he had let Lin Xizhao down. His daughter had taken the wrong path, and instead of pulling her back, he had handed her over…
Hearing Lin Jianhai’s voice, Lin Xizhao felt a little more at ease.
She looked up at Qu Sheng, who understood and reached out her hand, and they left together.
Inside the carriage, Qu Sheng disregarded Zhao Jiayu’s presence and pulled Lin Xizhao into her arms.
She had almost failed to get the upper hand over Lin Jianhai today. Lin Jianhai didn’t even fear death, but he was extremely loyal to the Emperor.
“Sheng’er?”
Qu Sheng’s embrace was tight. Lin Xizhao rested her chin on Qu Sheng’s shoulder for a while before calling her name.
Hearing her, Qu Sheng released her. Seeing that Qu Sheng’s expression was not as happy as before, Lin Xizhao began to worry.
“What’s wrong?”
Hearing Lin Xizhao’s question, Qu Sheng was afraid of worrying her, so she forced a slight smile. “Nothing. I just haven’t seen jiejie in too long. I missed jiejie.”
Qu Sheng’s “miss” at this moment was genuine longing. But Lin Xizhao misunderstood her meaning. Her face flushed slightly, and she subconsciously glanced at Zhao Jiayu beside them.
Seeing Lin Xizhao look over, Zhao Jiayu quickly smiled. “Hey, just pretend I don’t exist. You two continue.”
She had been watching with great relish. Just as it looked like something was about to happen between the two, why did they suddenly stop?
Hearing this, Qu Sheng glanced at Zhao Jiayu, then met Lin Xizhao’s eyes before lowering her gaze.
The group returned to the Qu Marquis Residence. After chatting in a room for a while, Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng walked Zhao Jiayu back to her courtyard.
On their way back, they had only taken a few steps when Qu Sheng bent down and swept Lin Xizhao into her arms.
Lin Xizhao watched Qu Sheng’s serious expression as she looked at the path ahead, her gaze drifting to Qu Sheng’s jaw. A moment later, Lin Xizhao wrapped her arms around Qu Sheng’s neck, lifted her head slightly, and kissed the corner of Qu Sheng’s lips.
She didn’t know what deal Qu Sheng had made with Lin Jianhai, but the fact that Qu Sheng could persuade Qu Jinian to go to her residence and present betrothal gifts was proof enough of her courage for her.
She was content.
The light kiss made Qu Sheng look down at Lin Xizhao, but her steps never faltered. Qu Sheng carried Lin Xizhao into the courtyard and directly to the Bathing Room.
They undressed and entered the water. Qu Sheng’s hands wrapped around Lin Xizhao’s slender waist, while Lin Xizhao’s long fingers rested on Qu Sheng’s shoulder.
Lin Xizhao was half-kneeling in the tub, half a head taller than Qu Sheng, forcing Qu Sheng to lift her chin to kiss her.
Mist swirled around them, their body temperatures rising as the water temperature began to drop sharply.
Their kisses were a mutual entanglement, but tonight, Lin Xizhao seemed even more passionate.
A moment later, Lin Xizhao’s lips were sucking at the water droplets on Qu Sheng’s neck. Her fingertips moved through the water, seeking out softness, slowly beginning to prepare Qu Sheng.
Qu Sheng’s muffled groan was one of pleasure. Hearing it, Lin Xizhao lifted her eyes, which burned with a fiery light. Seeing Qu Sheng lightly biting her moist, red lips, her breathing ragged and quickening with the force of her touch, Lin Xizhao couldn’t help but kiss her again.
A long time later.
Lin Xizhao was helping Qu Sheng dry her body. When her fingertips touched her skin, it would tremble slightly, as if sending Lin Xizhao another kind of signal.
Lin Xizhao’s gaze was entranced. As she helped dry Qu Sheng’s body, desire stirred in her heart again. When the towel slid over a soft area, Lin Xizhao lingered there for a long time, through the snowy white fabric.
“Jiejie…” When Qu Sheng turned her head, her breathing was a little ragged.
This wasn’t drying her body; this was clearly taking advantage of her. This was such a huge contrast to the usual proper Lin Xizhao that Qu Sheng wanted to stop her, but Lin Xizhao froze.
“Shall we continue?” Lin Xizhao stood behind Qu Sheng, pressing her soft lips gently against the nape of her neck.
Qu Sheng tilted her neck back, unable to resist the fluttering in her heart, and let out a sigh.
Before Qu Sheng could speak, Lin Xizhao slowly moved around to her front, her gaze entangling with Qu Sheng’s. Then, seeing that Qu Sheng’s eyes were filled with nothing but her, she lifted her chin slightly and kissed her on the lips.
By the time the two of them left the Bathing Room, it was the middle of the night.
On the bed in the bedroom, Qu Sheng nestled her head in Lin Xizhao’s embrace like a slightly wronged child, planting kisses on Lin Xizhao’s neck, being mischievous and making Lin Xizhao let out soft moans from time to time.
Lin Xizhao let her be, but also refused her.
The night was too deep. If she let Qu Sheng do that sort of thing with her again, they probably wouldn’t get any sleep tonight.
But in the end, Lin Xizhao couldn’t resist Qu Sheng’s advances and allowed her one more time.
Qu Sheng held Lin Xizhao in her arms, feeling the softness of her body, her gaze fixed elsewhere, seemingly thinking about something.
“What are you thinking about?” Lin Xizhao looked up and asked softly.
Hearing her, Qu Sheng looked down. After meeting Lin Xizhao’s gentle gaze, she lowered her head and kissed her on the eyes. “Father received news today that His Majesty has sent Yan Fengwu to Gaozhou Prefecture for disaster relief. I want to go follow him personally.”
“Disaster relief?”
“Mm, there was a locust plague in Gaozhou. Although it’s not yet the autumn harvest season, His Majesty’s move is likely intended to make Yan Fengwu suffer a major setback there.”
“Since His Majesty intends to punish Yan Fengwu, why do you need to go?” Lin Xizhao was a little confused.
Qu Sheng exhaled heavily. “It’s not enough.”
What she wanted was not just Yan Fengwu’s life, but the lives of his entire family, and all the officials closely associated with him.
Only then could she eliminate future troubles12 and resolve the hatred in her heart.
The author has something to say:
Qu Sheng: “Jiejie’s lips are electric, I love it.”
Lin Xizhao: “Shut up!”
Footnotes
- Betrothal gifts (聘礼 pìnlǐ) are presents given by the groom’s family to the bride’s family to formalize a marriage proposal.
- The character for “joy” (喜 xǐ) is often doubled (囍) for weddings, symbolizing double happiness. It is a common motif in paper-cutting (剪纸 jiǎnzhǐ) art for celebrations.
- To be “married out” (出阁 chūgé) was the traditional term for a woman leaving her natal family to join her husband’s.
- A visiting card (拜帖 bàitiě) was a formal card presented by a visitor to announce their arrival and purpose, similar to a calling card.
- The idiom 明知故问 (míng zhī gù wèn) means to ask something you already know the answer to.
- The idiom 情投意合 (qíng tóu yì hé) means to be perfectly compatible and see eye-to-eye, often in a romantic sense.
- The phrase 撕破了脸皮 (sīpòle liǎnpí), literally “to tear the skin off the face,” means to drop all pretenses of civility and become openly hostile.
- The idiom 脱胎换骨 (tuōtāi-huàngǔ), literally “to shed one’s mortal body and exchange one’s bones,” means to be thoroughly transformed for the better.
- The idiom 心口如一 (xīnkǒu rúyī), literally “heart and mouth are one,” describes someone who is honest and says what they think.
- The phrase 子嗣绕膝 (zǐsì ràoxī), “descendants surrounding the knees,” is a classic image of a happy, prosperous old age filled with children and grandchildren.
- The colloquial phrase 八百个心眼子 (bābǎi ge xīnyǎnzi), literally “eight hundred heart-eyes,” means to be extremely shrewd, calculating, or full of schemes.
- The idiom 以绝后患 (yǐ jué hòuhuàn) means to completely eradicate a problem to prevent it from recurring in the future.
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