The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 64

Are You Two Fighting?

The maidservant watched as Qu Sheng carried her into the room, then looked up and quickly added more water to the bathtub before walking over.

“This servant will help Eldest Miss undress.”

Lin Xizhao, who was already nervous, grew even more tense upon hearing the maidservant’s offer.

At these words, Qu Sheng deliberately lowered her head to glance at Lin Xizhao. Seeing her with her head bowed, neither speaking nor looking at the maidservant, Qu Sheng found it rather amusing.

Qu Sheng gently set Lin Xizhao down, and the maidservant took over, beginning to remove her clothes.

Once her outer cloak was removed, Lin Xizhao looked up at Qu Sheng. Qu Sheng simply stood there, motionless, until Lin Xizhao was left in only her bodice¹ and underdrawers². Only then did she avert her gaze.

Seeing Qu Sheng look away, Lin Xizhao shook her head when the maidservant moved to undo her remaining garments.

Lin Xizhao walked behind the screen. Qu Sheng heard the movement but did not look over—not because she did not want to, but because she did not dare.

Many years ago, she had seen it once. But she was young then and understood nothing of love or romance, only that it was improper to look.

Behind the screen, Lin Xizhao removed her last undergarments and stepped into the tub. As she leaned back, the maidservant began to wash her waterfall of ink-black hair.

Lin Xizhao watched the silhouette standing steadfastly outside the screen. When the maidservant ladled warm water over her dark hair, she closed her eyes.

Hearing the splash of water, Qu Sheng glanced toward the screen. The figure there was blurred by the steam filling the room; she could only make out an indistinct, moving shadow.

However long Lin Xizhao bathed, Qu Sheng stood outside waiting. By the time Lin Xizhao emerged from the water, the steam in the room had mostly dissipated. Qu Sheng watched the figure move about behind the screen, and after a long while, Lin Xizhao finally came out.

The moment Lin Xizhao appeared, Qu Sheng lowered her head. When she finally raised her gaze, starting from Lin Xizhao’s feet and slowly traveling upward, she felt neither surprise nor disappointment.

Lin Xizhao was already dressed in her nightclothes.

Seeing Lin Xizhao’s face flushed from the bath, Qu Sheng could not help but stare for a long moment.

Lin Xizhao’s eyelashes were still damp. After the maidservant draped the thick cloak from before over her shoulders, she looked up at Qu Sheng and said, “I am ready.”

Her voice was a little hoarse, but still gentle.

The sound roused Qu Sheng from her captivated state. Her eyes met Lin Xizhao’s.

“I will carry jiejie back,” Qu Sheng said, taking a few steps forward to stand before her.

Lin Xizhao looked at her approach, intending to refuse, but Qu Sheng acted first. She helped pull up the thick hood of the cloak, then took Lin Xizhao’s hands and guided them toward her own neck.

Lin Xizhao subconsciously wrapped her arms around Qu Sheng’s neck, and the next moment, she was lifted into her arms.

Seeing this, the maidservant hurried to the door and opened it for them.

They were silent on the way back. Qu Sheng kept her eyes fixed ahead, while Lin Xizhao gazed at Qu Sheng’s jawline and thin lips. It was not until Qu Sheng carried her into the room and gently set her down that Lin Xizhao finally looked away.

A maidservant followed them in, intending to help dry Lin Xizhao’s wet hair, but as she approached, Qu Sheng said, “I will do it. You may all leave.”

Hearing this, the maidservants exchanged glances, then looked at Lin Xizhao before curtsying and departing.

Qu Sheng did not know how to dry someone’s hair, but she had been cared for by Lin Xizhao before. She took a dry towel from nearby, gathered Lin Xizhao’s dark tresses, and then let them fall again.

The charcoal fire in the room was burning brightly, and before long, Lin Xizhao’s hair was mostly dry.

“Alright, it is still early. This is fine,” Lin Xizhao said, feeling a little uncomfortable with Qu Sheng’s meticulous care.

Qu Sheng looked up at Lin Xizhao, saw the gentle curve of her eyes, and released the hand that was still drying her hair.

Lin Xizhao sat while Qu Sheng stood. Once again, silence fell between them.

After a moment, Lin Xizhao broke the silence. “Sheng’er, could you bring me the book jiejie was reading earlier?”

Qu Sheng glanced toward the inner chamber door and, without a word, walked inside.

Sitting by the brazier, Lin Xizhao watched Qu Sheng’s retreating back and pressed her fingertips deeper into her palm. The Qu Sheng of tonight seemed no different from before, yet a worry gnawed at her. Qu Sheng had allowed her to bathe, which meant she believed her illness had passed.

As Lin Xizhao was lost in thought, Qu Sheng emerged from the inner chamber. She walked to Lin Xizhao’s side and handed her the book.

Lin Xizhao looked at the book, and as she reached for it, she glanced up at Qu Sheng. Qu Sheng’s expression was normal, and she did not say much, seemingly having reverted to her former taciturn self. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, Lin Xizhao felt that Qu Sheng was different now.

After taking the book, Qu Sheng went to pour a cup of hot tea and offered it to her.

Qu Sheng’s silence made Lin Xizhao increasingly uneasy. Tonight’s quiet was completely different from before. It was as if Qu Sheng was bottling something up, or perhaps, was sulking at her.

The long night suddenly seemed to rush by like a turbulent river. She had only flipped through a few pages when a maidservant came to announce the time.

It was already the hour of hai.³

Lin Xizhao did not move, and neither did Qu Sheng. The two of them had remained in this stalemate for a full hour.

“Let us go to bed,” Lin Xizhao said, breaking the deliberate silence between them.

Hearing her, Qu Sheng pulled her gaze from the brazier and looked at Lin Xizhao. Without a word, she rose and walked to her side.

“You do not have to help me, I can walk on my own.” Lin Xizhao allowed Qu Sheng to help her up but quickly refused when she saw Qu Sheng intended to carry her. “It is just a few steps, jiejie can walk by herself.” Her eyes curved with a hint of helplessness.

Qu Sheng looked at Lin Xizhao, her gaze deep. After a moment, she stepped back half a pace, letting Lin Xizhao walk on her own.

Lin Xizhao got into bed, and Qu Sheng followed, climbing in after her. Lying on the inner side, Lin Xizhao felt a little anxious, but Qu Sheng lay down flat on her back on the outer side as if nothing was amiss.

Lin Xizhao knew Qu Sheng would embrace her; she just did not know when.

Just as Lin Xizhao was debating whether she should take the initiative and embrace Qu Sheng, Qu Sheng turned onto her side to face her. Lin Xizhao thought she was about to be held, but instead, Qu Sheng pushed herself up, pressing down lightly on top of her.

“Sheng—” Before Lin Xizhao could finish, Qu Sheng’s lips were on hers.

For days, she had abused her own body just to avoid this kiss. Lin Xizhao might not have felt sorry for herself, but Qu Sheng’s heart ached for her.

Qu Sheng’s kiss felt like a punishment. Though her lips were soft, Lin Xizhao could not escape them. She tried to turn her head away, but Qu Sheng’s lips followed, clinging tightly.

Lin Xizhao did not dare to push her away, and after a moment, she could only let her continue.

When she stopped resisting, Qu Sheng’s kiss softened.

Qu Sheng’s kisses were much more practiced than before. She lingered on Lin Xizhao’s soft lips, only stopping when she sensed Lin Xizhao holding her breath. She lifted her head and looked down at the person beneath her, her deep, dark eyes staring so intently that Lin Xizhao did not dare to open her mouth to breathe.

The sound of Lin Xizhao’s quick, shallow breaths through her nose slightly eased the frustration Qu Sheng had been feeling.

They stared at each other. Lin Xizhao’s mind was a mess. She wanted to tell Qu Sheng clearly that they could not kiss like this, but the moment she opened her mouth, Qu Sheng found her chance. Her nimble tongue slipped inside, preventing her from closing her lips again.

“Mmm…” A sound of discomfort escaped Lin Xizhao’s nose.

But to Qu Sheng’s ears, that sound was a beautiful note that stirred the desire in her heart.

Qu Sheng’s plundering kiss was more than Lin Xizhao could handle. She did not respond, but Qu Sheng led her on, forcing a passive reply.

The slick sensation and the gentle friction of their tongues made her lose some of her rationality. Unconsciously, she began to follow Qu Sheng’s movements, her own tongue entangling with hers.

A sound rumbled in Qu Sheng’s throat. The furrow in her brow smoothed out as she deepened the kiss, becoming more engrossed.

A long while later.

Lin Xizhao’s lips were numb from the kiss. Her fingers, which were resting on Qu Sheng’s shoulders, gave a gentle push.

Qu Sheng had not had her fill, but sensing Lin Xizhao’s resistance, she reluctantly parted from her after one last, lingering caress of her tongue.

Qu Sheng looked down at the lightly panting Lin Xizhao. The desire in her eyes, now quelled, transformed into tenderness.

Lin Xizhao gazed into Qu Sheng’s eyes, which were slightly misty. She felt she could no longer see Qu Sheng clearly. The thoughts in her head were even more chaotic than before.

Qu Sheng stared at Lin Xizhao for a long moment. Only when Lin Xizhao met her gaze did she look away and lie down on her side.

Lin Xizhao tried to calm herself, her jumbled thoughts still not sorted out, when she was pulled into Qu Sheng’s arms again.

Qu Sheng held her and closed her eyes before she could speak. Whatever Lin Xizhao was about to say, she did not want to hear it.

---

The next morning, Qu Sheng arose and instructed the kitchens not to prepare a meal, as she was taking Lin Xizhao back to the Qu Marquis Residence. The previous night, Lin Xizhao had said a great deal to Qu Sheng, but Qu Sheng had given no response, leaving Lin Xizhao at a loss.

Even now, Lin Xizhao did not know if Qu Sheng had been intentionally ignoring her or had truly been asleep.

Qu Sheng had a carriage prepared, bundled Lin Xizhao up tightly, and returned to the Marquis Residence.

As soon as they arrived, Jin Yunfei ordered the servants to add their favorite dishes to the meal. As of that morning, Lin Xizhao’s illness showed no more signs of weakness.

As the family ate breakfast, Lin Xizhao seemed preoccupied. While eating her own food, Qu Sheng would occasionally place some in Lin Xizhao’s bowl.

The others at the table found this novel, especially Zhao Jiayu. She had never seen Qu Sheng serve anyone else food. Moreover, Qu Sheng’s expressions and actions today were somewhat different from usual.

“Little Sheng’er.”

Hearing Zhao Jiayu call her, Qu Sheng looked up but simply stared, not asking why she had been called. Zhao Jiayu met Qu Sheng’s gaze, which was not as docile as it used to be. For a fleeting moment, she glanced over at Qu Yu.

Qu Yu had also noticed the change in Qu Sheng. After giving her another look, he placed some food in Zhao Jiayu’s bowl, smiling as he said gently, “Eat up, my dear.”⁴

Zhao Jiayu blinked, her eyes darting to the others. Everyone was busy with their own meals, seemingly oblivious to them.

Lin Xizhao sat to the side, her eyes downcast, looking only at the food in her bowl. She did not seem very happy.

After the meal, everyone dispersed. As Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng were walking back to their courtyard, Zhao Jiayu hurried after them.

“Xizhao.”

Zhao Jiayu’s urgent call from behind made Lin Xizhao stop and turn around.

“Jiayu.”

Since Lin Xizhao had stopped, Qu Sheng stopped as well. She looked back at Zhao Jiayu with a puzzled expression. Zhao Jiayu had called out to her at the table earlier but had not said anything.

“Are you two fighting?” Zhao Jiayu asked bluntly.

Lin Xizhao was stunned for a second, then quickly smiled. “No, what makes you think that?”

“If you are not fighting, then why does Little Sheng’er have a face like she’s bearing deep sorrow and great hatred?”⁵ Zhao Jiayu said, then looked at Qu Sheng, who had furrowed her brow upon hearing the accusation.

Lin Xizhao followed Zhao Jiayu’s gaze to Qu Sheng and was also a little confused by her frown.

“We are not,” Lin Xizhao denied again. They really had not fought. She had always been gentle, and Qu Sheng was always obedient. Even if they wanted to fight, it was unlikely they could.

Zhao Jiayu was still skeptical, but after hearing Lin Xizhao’s repeated denials, she decided to believe her for the time being.

“Come on, let us go sit in our courtyard for a bit,” Lin Xizhao invited Zhao Jiayu.

When she was ill, Zhao Jiayu had visited several times. Although she had only seen her twice, she remembered the gesture of concern.

Zhao Jiayu followed them to their courtyard. Qu Sheng stayed for a little while before leaving.

Zhao Jiayu’s eyes followed Qu Sheng until the door closed behind her. She then moved closer to Lin Xizhao and asked in a hushed voice, “Tell me the truth, did you two really not have a fight?”

Lin Xizhao’s face showed a moment of confusion, then she smiled. “We really did not. Sheng’er is very well-behaved. Have you ever seen her bicker with me all these years?”

It was true. Over the years, with Lin Xizhao’s tolerance and Qu Sheng’s obedience and charm, the two had never even had a cross word.

Zhao Jiayu was still only half-convinced. “Then why did Little Sheng’er look so foul-faced today?”

“Did she?” Lin Xizhao listened to Zhao Jiayu’s words and thought back on Qu Sheng’s behavior that day. She had been quite docile, though it was true that for the past few days, she suspected Qu Sheng had been sulking with her.

Zhao Jiayu clicked her tongue. “Forget it. It is good as long as you are not fighting. I have not seen my Ah jie in a while. Shall we go visit her together?” Zhao Jiayu did not really want to see Xiao Bingying; she wanted to hear Chengxi play her zither.

“Not today. I have just recovered, and I must not pass any lingering sickness to Chengxi,” Lin Xizhao refused. Her constitution was weak, and if any residual illness were passed to her, Xiao Bingying would be worried sick and busy again.

At Lin Xizhao’s refusal, Zhao Jiayu’s face fell. Seeing this, Lin Xizhao smiled. “Let us wait a few days.” They would go when she was fully recovered.

Zhao Jiayu nodded without insisting. Qu Yu had returned to his post at the yamen⁶ these past few days, and she was terribly bored at home.

After leaving, Qu Sheng returned once more. She stood outside the room, listening to the sounds of laughter and conversation within. She raised a hand to push the door open, hesitated for a moment, then withdrew it.

It was good that Zhao Jiayu was keeping her company. Some time ago, she had someone create fireworks that would continue to burn after landing, and there were still some raw materials left over. The few staff sergeants⁷ had already departed, so she needed to find someone to dispose of them carefully.

The Qu brothers had been under surveillance these past few days. Only she was overlooked.

The fireworks that had burned that night at the Earl of Yongshen’s residence were a special high-temperature incendiary she had custom-made for military use. However, due to its high cost, it had never been widely deployed on the battlefield. Within the Tiansheng Dynasty, only the Qu family possessed it.

The fireworks that the Earl of Yongshen had bought were ones they had arranged to be sold at a low price to a government-connected merchant. Those men only cared about profit and would naturally seize any opportunity to take a cut.

Before the Earl of Yongshen’s residence burned, the Earl and his wife were already unconscious inside. The fire started from within. By the time the fireworks fell, the interior of the house was already a sea of flames. Because the fireworks then ignited the exterior, causing the fire to spread, everyone assumed it had started from the outside.

In truth, a detailed investigation by the authorities could have uncovered some clues. But the trouble was that these fireworks had been bought cheaply from commoners and passed off as official goods. The fireworks were linked to a massive chain of profit. If it was discovered that they were buying from commoners and reselling at a high price, they would not only lose their source of income but possibly their lives. This led the officials to protect one another, unwilling to investigate the origin too closely.

Every year on New Year’s Eve in the capital, there were always a few fires, so they simply treated it as a common accident.

Qu Sheng returned at midday. Lin Xizhao once again caught a strange scent on her. When Qu Sheng went to change her outer clothes, Lin Xizhao followed her into the inner chamber, her eyes curving as she said gently, “Let me help you.”

Lin Xizhao’s initiative softened Qu Sheng’s heart. As she watched Lin Xizhao approach and place her hands on her waist, her own expression grew much gentler.

I have, in fact, been angry today.

I am angry about the words Lin Xizhao spoke last night. What did she mean, ‘things like this can only be done with a future husband’? At that moment, I desperately wanted to refute her, but I restrained myself and continued to feign deep sleep.

Half of the revenge for Lady Liang⁸ has been exacted; all that remains is the Noble Consort⁹ residing deep within the palace. Once I have settled the score for Lin Xizhao’s birth mother, I will find a suitable opportunity to confess my feelings to Lin Xizhao. And I will have to convince the Qu family to accept my taking Lin Xizhao as my wife.

Since Lin Xizhao knows that such things can only be done with a future husband yet still indulges me so, and had even kissed me back that drunken night, I am now certain of my own place in Lin Xizhao’s heart.

It is a place different from the one held by Zhao Jiayu or Xiao Bingying. There is still a long road ahead; there is no need to rush.

These past few days, Lin Xizhao made herself sick, finding ways to prevent me from getting close. I thought she disliked me kissing her like that. But from her reaction last night, she was neither repulsed nor angry. And so, a glimmer of hope has sparked within me.

Lin Xizhao helped Qu Sheng change, then picked up the discarded clothes and sniffed them. “I have smelled this on you for the past few days. Where have you been?”

Qu Sheng glanced at Lin Xizhao. “The back courtyard.”

“Doing what?” Lin Xizhao pressed.

Qu Sheng stared into Lin Xizhao’s eyes without answering. Seeing Qu Sheng’s silence, Lin Xizhao suddenly thought of what Qu Ming had said yesterday about finding Qu Ce’s adjutant¹⁰. “Dage’s¹¹ death… was it caused by someone else?” She felt this scent was likely something Qu Sheng picked up while investigating the cause of Qu Ce’s death, but she just did not know what it was, or what they planned to do.

Qu Sheng’s expression was calm. She lowered her eyes for a moment. “Yes.”

Everyone has their suspicions, but we can never find any proof. Qu Ce’s body had always been in excellent health; a physician had even checked his pulse before he left for the campaign. How could he have suddenly died of an acute illness?

“Has Second Brother been searching for evidence all these years?”

“Yes.”

Qu Sheng answered whatever Lin Xizhao asked, seemingly with no intention of hiding anything from her. Indeed, to them, Lin Xizhao was no longer an outsider, and the matter of Qu Ce’s murder was no secret in the Marquis Residence.

Lin Xizhao was very smart. From just a few words, she had guessed a great deal, but she did not press any further. If Qu Sheng had wanted to tell me everything, she would have. Besides, I cannot help in any way. Prying like this feels like dredging up Qu Ce’s death all over again, forcing Qu Sheng to relive the pain.

Lin Xizhao handed the discarded clothes to a servant and took Qu Sheng to Jin Yunfei’s quarters for the midday meal.

Since all the men of the family were at their respective posts, only the women were left in the courtyard. When Jin Yunfei spoke with everyone, her tone was much more relaxed.

Jin Yunfei noted that although Lin Xizhao had been sick for the past few days, she had actually put on a little weight. She smiled and said, “I hear Sheng’er has been taking care of you. Was she diligent enough?”

Lin Xizhao looked up, then glanced at Qu Sheng. “Sheng’er is very meticulous,” she replied. So meticulous that she was not even allowed to walk.

Jin Yunfei smiled at Qu Sheng, then added, “Sheng’er is grown now. I have been thinking of finding a match for her, but after all this time, I have not found anyone suitable. Do any of you know of any fitting young masters among your relatives?”

Qu Sheng was the legitimate daughter¹² of the Marquis Residence; ordinary people were not qualified to seek her hand. But because she was known as a fool to the outside world, the number of families of equal social standing was very small, and those families were naturally unwilling to marry a fool. However, nothing was absolute. To find Qu Sheng a match of equal standing, they simply had to offer sufficient ‘sincerity’.

But if they did not want to offer such benefits, she would have to marry down. The Qu family was more inclined toward this, as it would ensure Qu Sheng would not be wronged in the future.

After her coming-of-age ceremony¹³, Qu Sheng had returned to Shoulin and had only recently come back, so even if there were potential suitors, no matchmakers had yet come to their door.

Hearing this, Qu Sheng’s hand, which was holding her chopsticks, paused for a moment, and her brow furrowed involuntarily. Her first instinct was not to look at Jin Yunfei, but at Lin Xizhao.

At that moment, Lin Xizhao was also looking at Qu Sheng. Qu Sheng caught the flicker of disappointment in Lin Xizhao’s eyes, but she concealed it in an instant and said with a smile, “When choosing a husband for Sheng’er, we must naturally find someone considerate, but Sheng’er must also like him.”

Lin Xizhao’s words were very reasonable: of course, the man had to be considerate and to Qu Sheng’s liking.

Qu Ting’s wife, Third Sister-In-Law Qian Shuangying, saw that Qu Sheng’s expression was not good and quickly changed the subject. “Dabomu¹⁴, you must be joking. We do not know any young masters. Even if we did, they would not be worthy of Sheng-meimei.”¹⁵

Qian Shuangying’s family was not of high nobility but was still from a reputable military line. The Qu family could accept a daughter-in-law of a lower station, but not necessarily a daughter marrying down, especially the legitimate daughter of a marquis like Qu Sheng, who was also a first-class beauty.

Putting the elders aside, if Qu Sheng were to marry into an unhappy situation, her brothers alone could turn the world upside down for that family. Therefore, most people would not be able to handle it.

Zhao Jiayu listened from the side without a word. Lin Xizhao, a faint smile on her face, looked at Jin Yunfei and said, “There is no rush for Sheng’er’s marriage. If we take our time and look around, we will find someone who is pleasing.”

Jin Yunfei nodded at their words. She suddenly remembered Qu Sheng had mentioned finding a suitable match for Lin Xizhao, but she did not know which family’s young master it was. When she asked, Qu Sheng was secretive and refused to say more.

Jin Yunfei glanced at Qu Sheng and then said deliberately, “Another year has passed. We should hurry up with Zhao’er’s marriage as well.”

“This daughter is not in a hurry. I want to stay by Yimu’s¹⁶ side for a few more years.” Lin Xizhao said this not as a polite excuse. She genuinely did not want to marry.

“I am naturally happy to have you by my side, Zhao’er. But if I keep you here and do not let you marry, I am afraid your father will start to resent me.”

Zhao Jiayu chimed in with a laugh, “Exactly. You cannot let Dabomu bear the crime of deliberately keeping you here, can you?”

Lin Xizhao looked at Zhao Jiayu and smiled. “He will not. I am staying of my own free will.”

---

After the midday meal, Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng returned to their courtyard. Zhao Jiayu had not gone far before she was called back by Jin Yunfei.

After escorting Lin Xizhao back, Qu Sheng went out again. Lin Xizhao was reading in her room when, a short while later, Zhao Jiayu came running in excitedly.

Seeing her looking parched from running, Lin Xizhao poured her a cup of water. “What is the hurry?”

Zhao Jiayu took a sip of water, glanced around the room, and asked, “Where’s Little Sheng’er?”

Lin Xizhao lowered her gaze. “She went out. Are you looking for her?”

“No, I am looking for you.”

That clam would not say a thing even if I asked. But since the news has reached me, I absolutely must ask someone about it.

Zhao Jiayu often sought her out even when there was nothing in particular to discuss, so Lin Xizhao did not ask her purpose. She simply sat down and picked up her book again.

Seeing this, Zhao Jiayu reached out, took the book from her hands, and asked, “Did Little Sheng’er tell you she has found a prospective marriage for you?”

Lin Xizhao looked baffled. “What marriage?”

Zhao Jiayu knew at once that the clam had not said a word. She said excitedly, “Dabomu kept me back just now to talk. She said Little Sheng’er told her to stop looking for a match for you, because she has already found someone suitable. You really did not know?”

Hearing Zhao Jiayu’s words, Lin Xizhao froze for a moment. Her expression was not exactly crestfallen, but there was no trace of happiness either.

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The author has something to say:

Qu Sheng: “Wife, that person is me.”

Recommending this book’s sequel, a story about the descendants a hundred years later titled 《Married a Little Widow Who Jinxes Her Husbands》. It’s in the “Completed Works” section. If you’re interested, feel free to check it out.

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