The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 59

The Wind There is Too Strong, Too Dangerous

When Lin Jianhai heard his daughter saying such things, he seemed to be seriously considering whether to bring Lin Xikuan back.

Just yesterday, the Yu Residence had sent someone to probe the servants, to see if he had any intention of bringing Lin Xikuan back. It seemed the Yu family also did not want Lin Xikuan to be completely cut off from the Lin Residence.

“If Zhao’er feels she needs a helper, then bring him back,” Lin Jianhai said, agreeing after only a moment’s thought.

He was his son, after all. Since he was still alive, there was no reason for him to remain with outsiders.

Hearing this, Lin Xizhao had originally thought she would have to wrangle with Lin Jianhai for a while. Since he had agreed so readily, he was likely no longer angry. Lin Xizhao’s lips curved, and she smiled, “Alright, then your daughter will go bring Xikuan back now.”

“Zhao’er, just have the servants go. It has not been peaceful outside lately,” Lin Jianhai reminded her as she prepared to turn.

Government soldiers were patrolling outside, which, as the Prime Minister, he was naturally aware of. He also knew that Zhao Jiayu had been attacked after leaving their residence, but since the Zhao and Qu families had not come to seek him out, and Lin Xizhao had gone to visit her, he did not ask any further.

Hearing this, Lin Xizhao pondered for a moment before curtsying. “Alright, your daughter will have Steward Chang take some people.”

“Mm.”

Lin Jianhai nodded, watching as Lin Xizhao departed.

Qu Sheng waited in Lin Xizhao’s courtyard for a long time before she returned. Seeing Qu Sheng holding the fire-patterned sleeve binder she was making for her, she walked over with a smile and said, “Once I finish the final stitch, you can wear it.”

At the sound of her voice, Qu Sheng raised her head, a smile unconsciously blooming on her face. When Lin Xizhao was not around, Qu Sheng’s expression had been faint and detached. Now that she was suddenly smiling, even the maids felt that Qu Sheng’s fondness for Lin Xizhao was anything but ordinary.

Lin Xizhao walked over, raised a hand to caress Qu Sheng’s cheek, and asked again, “Are you hungry?”

It was not yet time for the midday meal, but Lin Xizhao had been busy in the residence for so long before returning, and she was afraid Qu Sheng might be hungry.

Qu Sheng shook her head. She was not hungry, but she missed Lin Xizhao.

Last year, Lin Xizhao had spent New Year’s Eve in her own residence. However, she had gone to the Marquis Qu’s Residence for a while in the afternoon. It was still uncertain how things would be arranged this year.

Just now, she had started writing a list of New Year’s goods to purchase and had already sent people to handle it. The end of the year was also a time for officials to make social visits, but Lin Jianhai had never liked forming cliques, so only a few of his own subordinates ever sent him gifts. Dealing with them was not taxing.

As for the Marquis Qu’s Residence, Lin Xizhao had also gone over to help for a while last year. To say she was helping was not as accurate as saying Jin Yunfei was intentionally teaching her.

Her birth mother was gone, and her father had not remarried, so there was no one to continue teaching her certain matters of household management, of welcoming guests and seeing them off. Jin Yunfei was treating her as her own daughter. There were even some more confidential account books in the Marquis Qu’s Residence that Jin Yunfei did not hide from Lin Xizhao, teaching her how they should be handled.

“Once Steward Chang brings Xikuan back, we will return.”

Qu Sheng had not spent New Year’s Eve with Jin Yunfei and the others last year, so Lin Xizhao would naturally not bring her to the Prime Minister’s residence this year. If there was nothing pressing at her own residence, she would go to the Marquis Qu’s Residence to accompany Qu Sheng after having New Year’s Eve dinner with her father.

Qu Sheng nodded, then lowered her head again to look at the fire-patterned sleeve binder in her hands.

Seeing how much she seemed to care for it, Lin Xizhao smiled. “Since our Sheng’er likes it so much, then I will finish it today.” That way, the little one would stop thinking about it.

Hearing this, Qu Sheng looked up. Gazing into Lin Xizhao’s gentle, smiling eyes, she raised her hand and passed the sleeve binder to her.

Lin Xizhao’s eyes curved in a smile as she took it. She sat down and continued to sew, guiding the needle and thread along the pattern.

Qu Sheng sat to the side. As Lin Xizhao lowered her head to sew the sleeve binder, Qu Sheng did nothing to hide her fondness for her. If her affection for Lin Xizhao could be compared to the fire patterns on the sleeve binder, then Lin Xizhao would have been melted by her long ago.

“Hiss…” While threading the needle, Lin Xizhao accidentally pricked her fingertip. In an instant, crimson blood welled up.

Seeing this, the smile vanished from Qu Sheng’s eyes, replaced by nothing but worry. She quickly raised her hand, grasped Lin Xizhao’s, and brought it to her own lips, sucking away the blood.

Lin Xizhao watched Qu Sheng’s worried expression and saw her sucking on her fingertip. A strange emotion welled up in her heart. When she tried to pull her hand back, Qu Sheng would not allow it.

She felt the tip of Qu Sheng’s tongue slide across her finger. Then, with a strength from nowhere, she abruptly pulled her hand back.

Lin Xizhao’s sudden withdrawal left Qu Sheng with a look of confusion. However, she did not forget to check Lin Xizhao’s finger to see if it was still bleeding.

“It’s alright, it’s not bleeding anymore,” Lin Xizhao said, feigning normalcy as she saw Qu Sheng staring at her finger.

Hearing this, Qu Sheng looked at Lin Xizhao’s finger, which was indeed no longer bleeding. She pressed her lips together and did not insist on helping her clean the wound further.

“Don’t work on it anymore.” Lin Xizhao had only been pricked once, and Qu Sheng already did not want her to continue.

If making this would cause Lin Xizhao to get hurt, then she would rather not have it.

“It is nothing. I am almost done,” Lin Xizhao said, resuming her work.

Seeing this, Qu Sheng reached out and took the sleeve binder away.

“Don’t work on it,” Qu Sheng repeated.

Looking at Qu Sheng’s insistence, Lin Xizhao’s eyes curved. “There are only a few stitches left. I cannot just give up halfway.”

Qu Sheng did not show any sign of yielding.

Helpless, Lin Xizhao could only coax her. “But jiejie¹ wants to see how Sheng’er looks wearing it. It will surely be very beautiful.”

At these words, Qu Sheng’s determined gaze wavered. Seeing her chance, Lin Xizhao reached for the sleeve binder, but Qu Sheng raised her hand and dodged away.

“I will do it.”

Qu Sheng did not want Lin Xizhao to get hurt, but she also wanted Lin Xizhao to see her wearing it, so she could only brace herself and do it herself.

She had never done needlework before, but she had been watching for a long time. It should be very simple.

Hearing this, Lin Xizhao looked doubtful. She did not believe Qu Sheng knew how to do this. It seemed simple, but if one was too hasty, one was bound to suffer quite a few needle pricks.

Seeing Lin Xizhao’s disbelief, Qu Sheng held the sleeve binder before her eyes, picked up the needle and thread hanging from it, and, imitating Lin Xizhao’s earlier movements, began to sew in a remarkably practiced manner.

Watching Qu Sheng’s meticulous expression as she worked the needle, Lin Xizhao could not help but praise her. “Mm, it seems jiejie has underestimated our Sheng’er.”

Qu Sheng was a quick learner in everything. Even with this needlework, though she had the air of a beginner, she did not make a single mistake as she sewed.

Hearing Lin Xizhao’s words, Qu Sheng looked up, a hint of shyness on her face.

She was not skilled at such delicate work. Swords and spears moved freely in her hands, but this tiny needle and thread required immense concentration. She needed to be fully focused to ensure the stitches followed the pattern and to prevent herself from moving too quickly and pricking her finger.

Just as Lin Xizhao finished speaking, Qu Sheng pricked herself. Just like on Lin Xizhao’s fingertip, a thick drop of blood welled up and instantly fell.

Seeing this, Lin Xizhao did not even think to call for someone. Imitating Qu Sheng’s earlier action, she took her finger into her mouth.

Lin Xizhao sucked gently, the metallic taste of blood instantly filling her mouth. But at that moment, she felt no revulsion, only worry that Qu Sheng might be in pain.

Qu Sheng stared, stunned, as Lin Xizhao held her fingertip. The moment Lin Xizhao’s lips parted from her finger, she leaned in without hesitation and kissed her.

Before Lin Xizhao could spit out the blood in her mouth, Qu Sheng’s lips were suddenly upon hers. As Qu Sheng’s warm lips moved against hers, Lin Xizhao froze, forced to swallow the mouthful of blood.

Qu Sheng’s kiss did not last long; she pulled away from Lin Xizhao’s soft lips after a few moments.

Lin Xizhao stared at Qu Sheng, dazed for a long time before she reacted, quickly checking Qu Sheng’s finger to see if it was still bleeding.

Qu Sheng’s finger was no longer bleeding, but Lin Xizhao was still worried and wanted to have someone fetch some medicine. But as she left, she looked more like she was fleeing in a panic.

Lin Xizhao hurriedly got up and went to the door, instructing a servant to fetch some ointment for Qu Sheng. When she returned, however, she took her time. By the time she was back at Qu Sheng’s side, Qu Sheng had already resumed sewing.

Lin Xizhao lowered her gaze to the focused Qu Sheng, her eyes flickering. After lightly biting her lip, she walked over and said, “Let me do it.” Lin Xizhao reached out her hand.

“Sheng’er will do it,” Qu Sheng said without looking up, continuing her work. She would be more careful this time.

Seeing Qu Sheng’s stubbornness, Lin Xizhao could only sit down and watch her closely, afraid she would prick herself again. In just under half a shichen², Qu Sheng had finished sewing the rest of the fire pattern on the sleeve binder.

Although the stitches were not as neat as Lin Xizhao’s, it looked quite good overall.

“It is done.” Qu Sheng put away the needle and thread and handed the finished product to Lin Xizhao for inspection.

Lin Xizhao took it, turning it over in her hands. A new layer of affection for Qu Sheng appeared in her eyes. This little one was adept at everything she tried. No wonder Zhao Jiayu always teased her, calling her a little clever imp³.

“Mm, Sheng’er is almost as skilled as jiejie with a needle. I think from now on, I will just let Sheng’er handle all my clothes,” Lin Xizhao said, seeing Qu Sheng’s proud, expectant face. Now in a leisurely mood, she deliberately teased her.

Hearing this, Qu Sheng froze for a moment, then quickly said, “Alright.” She was willing to mend clothes for Lin Xizhao. If she wanted new clothes, she was afraid she would have to study for a while. She just did not know which tailor’s skills Lin Xizhao would prefer.

Lin Xizhao found Qu Sheng’s stunned expression amusing, but she did not know that Qu Sheng was already beginning to scheme about which tailor in the capital she should seek out as a master.

“Jiejie is just joking with you,” Lin Xizhao said, reaching out to stroke Qu Sheng’s well-behaved little face.

Qu Sheng always took Lin Xizhao’s words as truth and believed them without question. Even though Lin Xizhao said it was a joke today, Qu Sheng would likely still take it to heart.

As the midday meal approached, the Prime Minister’s residence steward brought Lin Xikuan back. Lin Xirui had wanted to visit Lin Xikuan before, but Lin Jianhai had forbidden it. Now, seeing her older brother, she could not help but throw her arms around him.

Lin Xikuan had completely changed from his previously arrogant self who refused to acknowledge his family. His attitude toward Lin Xizhao was a complete one-hundred-and-eighty-degree reversal.

When Lin Xikuan saw Lin Xizhao arrive, he gently pushed away Lin Xirui, who was clinging to him. He bowed to Lin Xizhao as she entered the hall and said respectfully, “It was Xikuan who did not know any better and offended Eldest Sister. Xikuan regrets blaming the grievances of the previous generation on Ah Jie. If Ah Jie feels Xikuan is unforgivable, then please mete out the family discipline. Xikuan does not beg for forgiveness, only that Ah Jie’s anger may be quelled.”

Lin Xizhao had just arrived and had not even said a word before Lin Xikuan began to admit his faults. Faced with such an attitude, unless one had a heart of iron, one would surely forgive him.

“I am very gratified that Third Brother can think this way. I hope that in the future, our family can live in harmony and that no more rifts will form between us.” Seeing Lin Xikuan’s sincerity, Lin Xizhao, who had originally planned to just take a look and leave, felt her heart soften.

He was, after all, her brother, connected by blood. Since he was willing to admit his mistake, why should she not give him a chance? It was just that the change in Lin Xikuan’s attitude was too sudden, and Lin Xizhao had some suspicions.

Lin Xikuan had originally held the status of the eldest son born of the primary wife in the Prime Minister’s residence, but had suddenly become the son of a concubine, with even Lin Xirui ranking above him. This heaven-and-earth difference in status had likely had a significant impact on him.

Although his treatment in the residence remained the same, with his current status, it was likely impossible for him to inherit the Prime Minister’s residence in the future.

Lin Xikuan looked up at Lin Xizhao, his eyes full of sincerity. “Xikuan will certainly obey Ah Jie’s commands and will not dare to cause trouble or worry Ah Jie again.”

Lin Xikuan spoke such fine words that even Lin Xirui, who stood to the side, was moved. But Lin Xizhao did not change her earlier opinion. Lin Xikuan was by no means as submissive as he appeared, because he was too much like Yu-shi⁴.

“Alright, let us not speak of these things. Let’s go have the midday meal. Father will not be back until evening. I just had the kitchen make a few extra of your favorite dishes. Hurry and replenish your strength.” Lin Xizhao did not want to dwell on the topic. By now, Qu Sheng was probably hungry too.

Seeing that Lin Xizhao had forgiven their second brother, Lin Xirui smiled and patted Lin Xikuan’s shoulder. “Second Brother, let’s go. Ah Jie even had someone make a restorative soup especially for you today.”

Lin Xikuan nodded at her words. After bowing to Lin Xizhao again, the few of them went to the dining hall.

After the midday meal, Lin Xizhao entrusted some residence matters to Lin Xirui, telling her to discuss anything that came up with Lin Xikuan, or, failing that, to send someone to the Marquis Qu’s Residence to find her.

Of course, she did not assign any tasks to Lin Xikuan, fearing he might stir up some trouble. She merely said that since he was just recovering from his illness, he should not be overworked, and that was why she did not give him anything to do.

When one has done wrong, a verbal apology and admission of guilt are not enough. Lin Xikuan still needed to be observed for a period of time.

Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng returned to the Marquis Qu’s Residence. Zhao Jiayu did not send anyone over today; she came in person. The moment she entered the room, she saw the fire-patterned sleeve binder on Qu Sheng’s arm and feigned surprise. “Oh, it’s already finished. Xizhao, you’re so biased. You took so long to make mine.”

Lin Xizhao opened the door to let Zhao Jiayu in. Before she could even close it, she heard Zhao Jiayu seeking out some stale vinegar to eat⁵.

Lin Xizhao closed the door and turned with a smile. “Who told me to be so bad at needlework? For Sheng’er’s, she finished the remaining part herself.”

As she spoke, Lin Xizhao could not help but curve her lips, wanting to take the opportunity to praise Qu Sheng again.

“Really?” Zhao Jiayu was a bit skeptical. She walked over to Qu Sheng’s side and lifted her sleeve to examine it closely.

After letting her look for a few moments, Qu Sheng pulled her arm back. Her gaze fell on Zhao Jiayu, who was still dressed in red, and she sized her up.

“It has not yet been three days. I am not allowed to change,” Zhao Jiayu said, her voice dropping a little. She was talking about her wedding; it was only the second day. According to wedding customs, she could not change out of her red wedding clothes until the third day, when it was time for the huimen⁶.

Qu Sheng said nothing, retracting her gaze. She also wanted Lin Xizhao to wear such clothes.

“You are here. Where is Fourth Brother?” Lin Xizhao walked to Qu Sheng’s side, found a cup on the table, and poured a cup of water for Zhao Jiayu.

Zhao Jiayu took it and took a small sip. “He said there was something at the yamen⁷ at the end of the year, and they wanted him to take a look.”

In recent years, Qu Yu’s official rank had been rising. Although he did not need to attend the morning court, he still held a position in the Ministry of Revenue. At the end of the year, there were various tax collections, population audits, and some unresolved matters in certain regions. However, these had all been taken care of before his wedding. He went out today for a matter related to what Qu Sheng was going to do next.

Lin Xizhao nodded. “Tomorrow is the day of the huimen. After three days have passed, you can have Fourth Brother take you wherever you want to go.”

With Qu Yu’s wedding, the New Year’s holiday had already begun for him. Zhao Jiayu had been worried that she would be unable to leave the residence after marrying into the family. Lin Xizhao’s words were meant to put her at ease.

Although the Qu family was a prominent household, they had no rule that forced women to be confined to the inner courtyards. They could go out whenever they wished, as long as they were safe.

Zhao Jiayu had felt the warmth of the Qu family’s hospitality these past two days. She glanced at Lin Xizhao and nodded.

Zhao Jiayu sat at Lin Xizhao’s for a while before Qu Yu returned.

“Fourth Brother is here to find you,” Lin Xizhao said with a smile to Zhao Jiayu inside the room when she opened the door and saw Qu Yu.

Qu Yu had come directly to Qu Sheng’s courtyard after returning to the residence. Seeing Zhao Jiayu there, he was momentarily stunned. Fortunately, no one else saw.

“You’ve handled it so quickly?” Zhao Jiayu asked, standing up as Qu Yu entered.

Qu Yu nodded at Zhao Jiayu, then his gaze shifted to Qu Sheng.

“Everything that needed to be arranged has been arranged. All that’s left is to submit the register,” Qu Yu said to Qu Sheng.

Hearing this, Qu Sheng glanced at Qu Yu without any response.

Zhao Jiayu thought Qu Yu had come to take her back. Seeing that he was just standing there after he finished speaking, she said to Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng, “Then we will head back first.”

With that, Zhao Jiayu walked toward Qu Yu.

Lin Xizhao nodded. Qu Yu bowed in salute and then left with Zhao Jiayu.

After Qu Yu had gone, Qu Sheng sat down, her eyes lowered as if deep in thought. Seeing this, Lin Xizhao walked over and leaned down to ask, “What are you thinking about, so seriously?”

When Qu Sheng was thinking, her expression always tensed slightly. One would not notice it without observing her closely. But Lin Xizhao, having lived with her for so many years, saw it at a glance.

Hearing her, Qu Sheng looked up, a faint smile on her lips. “Thinking of jiejie.”

Hearing Qu Sheng say she was thinking of her, Lin Xizhao’s eyes curved. “You just love to say such clever things.” She did not know when it started, but Qu Sheng’s words had become so direct.

She had never heard her say she missed her before, but after being separated for a year, she had already heard her say it many times in this short month.

“What are you thinking about me for?” Lin Xizhao asked teasingly.

Qu Sheng looked at Lin Xizhao’s smiling eyes, her lips pressing together to suppress a smile, and said softly, “I will not tell you.”

Hearing Qu Sheng’s soft, sweet words, and seeing that she now knew how to tease her, Lin Xizhao asked in a coaxing tone, “Then what do I have to do for Sheng’er to tell jiejie?”

Listening to Lin Xizhao’s gentle voice, a glint of craftiness appeared in Qu Sheng’s eyes.

That night, Qu Sheng once again kissed Lin Xizhao’s soft lips as she wished, but it was merely a light touch. Lin Xizhao did not feel that the kisses between them were anything other than sisterly affection. She was not in a hurry to explain now; it would not be too late to tell her clearly after she helped Lin Xizhao avenge her mother.

At that time, she would not only tell her about her feelings, but also about the fact that she was not a fool. She believed Lin Xizhao would help her keep it a secret.

Qu Sheng’s kiss was as gentle as a soft cloud. This time, Lin Xizhao did not close her eyes. Her eyes slightly narrowed, she watched as Qu Sheng slowly drew near until their lips met.

That soft touch was something she had never experienced with anyone but Qu Sheng. She had felt flustered before, but Qu Sheng’s kisses were too pure, preventing her from having any improper thoughts.

She struggled all night in her dreams, but when Qu Sheng kissed her brow in the morning, she forgot everything. Lin Xizhao only knew she was tired; the only thing she remembered was that she had been avoiding something in her dream.

After the morning meal, the two of them went out with Jin Yunfei.

After several days of purchasing and placing orders, they had even procured goods for the Prime Minister’s residence. As New Year’s Eve approached, the Prime Minister’s residence, which had not set off fireworks for several years, had uncharacteristically bought quite a lot this year.

It was only because Qu Sheng said she wanted to see fireworks that Lin Xizhao had sent people to purchase some. She heard that these were all produced under government supervision and bore official marks. Common people also made them privately, but as long as they were not discovered and no incidents occurred, the government would turn a blind eye.

Even with the large annual production of fireworks, demand still outstripped supply. The high officials and noble families claimed the majority. The common people, unable to afford the high prices, could only buy privately made fireworks.

Since they were expensive items, it was natural that some people would get other ideas, buying large quantities of cheap, illicit goods from the common market to pass off as government-produced ones.

As long as the government’s seal was stamped on them, who would think to check their authenticity after they were set off?

Scarcity makes things precious. The annual lighting of fireworks became a moment for the wealthy merchants and noble families in the capital to display their honor. Whichever family set off the most fireworks for the longest time would be the most envied household of the night, and the capital’s good fortune in the coming year would flow to them first.

This custom had a long history, and the government had also issued policies because of it. To prevent excessive competition, a ban on fireworks would be enacted at chou shi⁸.

On New Year’s Eve, Qu Sheng accompanied Lin Xizhao for dinner at the Prime Minister’s residence. As the household was small and Lin Jianhai disliked lively scenes, the banquet ended early. When Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng returned to the Marquis Qu’s Residence, it was bustling with activity.

Zhao Jiayu had only been there for a few days but was already well-acquainted with everyone. The elders were chatting and laughing, and they did not even mind the younger generation playing dice and drinking. Zhao Jiayu had been an unrivaled player, even drinking Qu Ming under the table, but when she saw Qu Sheng arrive, she immediately stopped playing.

Her beautiful excuse was: as the sister-in-law, she should yield to her little sister-in-law.

Lin Xizhao did not believe her for a second; she was probably afraid of Qu Sheng’s ability to listen to the sound of the dice. Later, when Qu Sheng joined in, Zhao Jiayu watched with great interest from the side. But it was not long before Qu Ming and the others noticed something was amiss.

Their little sister was clever to a degree that seemed almost inhuman for her age. After hearing Zhao Jiayu’s whispered reminder, Qu Yu immediately had Qu Sheng switch out. “You all cannot play like this! Sheng-meimei is cheating. Switch, switch!”

Qu Ming and Qu Ting also understood the hidden meaning now and all looked at Qu Sheng.

“She can tell the sound of the dice as they land. This is too unfair,” Qu Yu exposed how Qu Sheng was cheating.

Everyone had a sudden realization. Qu Ting’s wife saw the situation and smiled, “Then let’s have Xizhao-meimei play.” Everyone in the residence knew the two of them were inseparable.

Hearing this, Qu Sheng sat up straight and looked at Lin Xizhao, a little worried. Lin Xizhao was not a very good drinker, nor was she skilled at dice.

Seeing Qu Sheng look at her, and seeing everyone else’s eager anticipation, Lin Xizhao smiled. “Then I will play.” It was a rare night for everyone to gather and be so happy.

The moment Zhao Jiayu heard Lin Xizhao was playing and Qu Sheng was not, she immediately switched places with Qu Yu. Today was her chance to get Lin Xizhao drunk.

At first, Qu Sheng was a little worried and would try to remind Lin Xizhao every time. But after a few reminders, the others could not stand it anymore, and Qu Ming pulled her away.

Qu Sheng went out of the room and looked at Qu Ming’s slightly tipsy state. “Is Second Brother alright?” she asked.

Hearing her, Qu Ming turned to look at Qu Sheng and smiled. “On such an important night, how could your Second Brother get drunk?”

Tonight was destined to have a grand fireworks display. It would be a pity to miss it.

Back at the Prime Minister’s residence, Lin Xizhao had accompanied Qu Sheng in setting off their fireworks when darkness fell. When they returned, the Marquis’s residence’s fireworks were still going, but by now they were almost finished.

Afterward, Qu Ting and Qu Sheng changed into servants’ clothes and slipped out the back door.

An hour later.

When Qu Sheng returned from outside, the elders had already gone back to their courtyards to rest. The moment she entered the room, she saw a slightly drunk Lin Xizhao still playing dice with Zhao Jiayu.

Zhao Jiayu was in no better state than Lin Xizhao. She had basically drunk as much as Lin Xizhao had.

Seeing Qu Sheng return, Qu Yu and Qu Ting exchanged a look. Qu Yu went to persuade Zhao Jiayu, “My lady, it is late. We should go rest.”

When drunk, Zhao Jiayu was rather obedient. Hearing Qu Yu’s voice, she looked back at him and then fell into his arms. Qu Yu held Zhao Jiayu and smiled apologetically at everyone.

Lin Xizhao managed a difficult smile, but before she could speak, she was lifted into Qu Sheng’s arms.

As Lin Xizhao was picked up, everyone exchanged glances but said nothing. Qu Sheng nodded to the group and left, carrying Lin Xizhao.

“Sheng’er, put me down quickly,” Lin Xizhao said. Her speech was slow from the alcohol, but she still had a sliver of consciousness.

This was the courtyard of the Marquis Qu’s Residence. If word got out that Qu Sheng was carrying her like this, it would not sound good. Even though they were both women, she felt a little flustered.

Qu Sheng ignored her, carrying her straight toward the washroom. Lin Xizhao struggled to no avail and could only let Qu Sheng carry her. Once inside the washroom, Qu Sheng gently set Lin Xizhao down, gave instructions to the maids, and then went to bathe herself.

Qu Sheng trusted the maids in the residence; they had served Lin Xizhao for years. But tonight Lin Xizhao was drunk, so after a quick bath, Qu Sheng came out and waited by the door.

After a long while, a maid came out of the washroom, supporting an unsteady Lin Xizhao. Seeing this, Qu Sheng walked over in a few steps, took Lin Xizhao into her arms, and in the next moment, lifted her horizontally.

After being drunk and then taking a hot bath, Lin Xizhao felt a little dizzy. Being lifted by Qu Sheng, she no longer had to force her body to walk, and she instantly felt much more comfortable.

Qu Sheng looked down at Lin Xizhao, who had her eyes closed in her arms, and knew she must be feeling unwell.

Qu Sheng carried Lin Xizhao back to the room, where a maid brought in the sobering soup.

Qu Sheng raised the bowl to her lips to test the temperature. Finding it suitable, she handed it to the reclining Lin Xizhao.

Lin Xizhao took the sobering soup, drank it, and then lay down. Her head was spinning terribly. It was her first time being so drunk. She thought to herself that she must never let herself go like this again.

After drinking a bowl of sobering soup herself, Qu Sheng lay down next to Lin Xizhao. Seeing Lin Xizhao’s tightly furrowed brow, she felt a pang of heartache. Qu Sheng reached out and gently massaged Lin Xizhao’s head, easing her discomfort.

After a long while, Qu Sheng saw the small hill between Lin Xizhao’s brows flatten. Her lips curved slightly, and she turned on her side, seeking out Lin Xizhao’s soft lips for a kiss. They were as soft as Lin Xizhao herself, and the homeland of her dreams.

Half an hour later, Lin Xizhao woke up thirsty. Her consciousness slowly returned, though she was still drunk. Qu Sheng’s eyes opened the moment Lin Xizhao’s body stirred.

Before Lin Xizhao could speak, Qu Sheng had already gotten up and gone to the bedside to pour her a cup of warm tea.

“Jiejie.” Qu Sheng’s voice was soft and sweet. Hearing it, Lin Xizhao unconsciously smiled, her eyes full of doting affection.

Her Sheng’er had grown up and knew how to take care of people.

Lin Xizhao drank the tea Qu Sheng handed her, passed the empty cup back, and then nestled her head back onto the bed. She had no strength left.

Qu Sheng got back on the bed and pulled her back into her arms.

Lin Xizhao nuzzled against Qu Sheng. Even though she had just left the warmth of the quilt, her body was still warmer than her own.

Feeling Lin Xizhao’s reliance on her, Qu Sheng looked down. At the same time, her hand unconsciously stroked Lin Xizhao’s willow-like brows. Tonight, they seemed different.

It was a kind of alluring charm, distinct from her usual gentleness, that invited one’s imagination.

Feeling the warmth of Qu Sheng’s fingertips, Lin Xizhao slowly opened her eyes. She gazed at Qu Sheng, who was looking down at her. Her usual soft and sweet demeanor was gone, replaced by eyes that seemed to burn with a clinging fire.

Yes, it was an obsessive, entangling gaze, as if wanting to pull her in and wrap them together.

But the wind there was too strong, too dangerous, and Lin Xizhao subconsciously wanted to flee.

Lin Xizhao averted her gaze, no longer looking at Qu Sheng.

Qu Sheng looked down at the evasion in Lin Xizhao’s eyes and slowly moved her fingertip from her brow downwards.

The warmth of a fingertip was much higher than that of lips. Qu Sheng gently caressed Lin Xizhao’s soft lips like this, until Lin Xizhao turned her head to avoid it. At that moment, Qu Sheng’s hand clamped down on Lin Xizhao’s jaw.

Lin Xizhao was forced to meet Qu Sheng’s gaze. The fire in Qu Sheng’s eyes had already spread, burning away her ability to move, her will to resist.

Qu Sheng’s kiss was passionate yet not reckless. Within this scorching yet tender kiss, Lin Xizhao lost herself.

At that moment, her reason was sealed away by the alcohol, and she began to respond to Qu Sheng’s kiss.

---

The author has something to say:

Qu Sheng: “A little genius with nimble hands, I will make beautiful clothes for my wife for a lifetime.”

Lin Xizhao: “…”

Wrote a bit more, so I posted late.

---

---