Detour1
The aggrieved tone in Qu Sheng’s voice made that initial tenderness Lin Xizhao had always felt for her surge up again.
The Qu Sheng of her childhood, though quiet, had been utterly adorable. The image of her chubby, lovable face was still fresh in Lin Xizhao’s memory. Even as she grew up, Lin Xizhao’s affection for Qu Sheng was still colored by the memory of that obedient2 little girl.
“I…” For a moment, Lin Xizhao wanted to help her. But as the word reached her lips, she saw Qu Sheng’s eyes light up with anticipation and changed her mind. “I think I’ll rest first.”
She had been traveling through the night and had just taken a bath. If not for Qu Sheng’s presence, her spirit would have already collapsed; she was forcing herself to stay upright as it was.
Hearing Lin Xizhao’s half-hearted excuse, Qu Sheng raised her eyebrows slightly but didn’t insist. “Then Jiejie should rest first. Sheng’er will be back after my bath.”
“Mm,” Lin Xizhao murmured, lowering her eyes as she nodded, seeing the flicker of disappointment in Qu Sheng’s expression.
The moment Qu Sheng left the room, a sliver of guilt pricked at Lin Xizhao’s heart.
Qu Sheng’s bath took longer than usual. By the time she returned, Lin Xizhao, who had been waiting in the room, had already fallen asleep.
Sleep came quickly for Lin Xizhao. Though her mind was in turmoil, she couldn’t fight off her exhaustion. While she had been able to close her eyes and rest in the carriage these past few days, it was nothing compared to the deep comfort of a real bed. It wasn’t long before she drifted into a dream.
In her dream, Lin Xizhao was still incredibly sleepy. She could hear frequent noises from outside, but she just couldn’t open her eyes. It wasn’t until she heard the sound of splashing water that she struggled to sit up in bed.
The moment she sat up, she saw a bathing tub beside her bed. And sitting inside it was Qu Sheng, the very person who had asked for her help earlier.
Qu Sheng sat in the tub, her body merging with the swirling mist. Her pale form was like a dream, as if an illusion.3 Lin Xizhao stood there watching for a while before Qu Sheng slowly turned around.
“Jiejie, weren’t you unwilling to come?” Qu Sheng’s face was devoid of a smile, tinged instead with a hint of resentment.
Lin Xizhao’s heart seized. She opened her mouth to explain, but Qu Sheng rose from the tub and closed the distance between them in a few steps. Before Lin Xizhao could react, Qu Sheng found her lips and kissed her.
The soft pressure outside her teeth relentlessly sought entry while the air in her lungs grew thin. The moment she parted her lips to breathe, that softness shifted its position.
Her sash was pulled loose, and a sudden chill washed over her skin. It was immediately followed by the heat of Qu Sheng’s lips, until her entire being was under Qu Sheng’s control.
A whimper escaped Lin Xizhao’s throat. She wanted to stop Qu Sheng, but her body was drained of all strength. She couldn’t even manage the simple act of raising a hand…
And just like that, under Qu Sheng’s constant encroachment, Lin Xizhao finally… woke up.
Feeling waves of pleasure rippling through her, Lin Xizhao’s eyes flew open, and she gasped for air. At the same time, she realized something was emerging from beneath her quilt.
“Jiejie…” Qu Sheng watched as the dazed, trembling look in Lin Xizhao’s eyes shifted to one of astonishment. Breathing lightly, she scooped Lin Xizhao up from the bed and settled her in her lap.
Qu Sheng lifted Lin Xizhao’s pliant body, cradling her in her embrace. The coolness on her skin from her loosened sleeping robes was the first thing she noticed, but before she could fully register it, a fiery palm pressed against her, sending warmth coursing back through her.
“Sheng’er…” Lin Xizhao was slow to realize4 what was happening, and when she tried to refuse, Qu Sheng pressed her raised arm against her own waist. With her other hand wrapped around Lin Xizhao’s slender waist—slender enough to be held in a single grasp5—Qu Sheng gently secured it there.
Qu Sheng’s now-free fingers returned to their original task. Her lips and tongue reluctantly broke away from Lin Xizhao’s soft mouth, seeking out a rosy peak and gently taking it between her lips.
Lin Xizhao had just been through an intimate encounter, and her body was exceptionally sensitive. Under Qu Sheng’s skilled technique, she quickly surrendered once more.
A long time later.
Qu Sheng gazed at the person in her arms, her forehead beaded with fragrant sweat, her beauty captivating. She gently laid Lin Xizhao’s exhausted body back on the bed and began to clean up the battlefield where she had been victorious in every battle.
Qu Sheng got up, poured a cup of tea, and held a sip in her mouth. She sought that soft pair of lips again and gently passed the water to her. In a daze, Lin Xizhao felt her parched lips and tongue being moistened. Her pale neck moved as she swallowed the water Qu Sheng gave her.
After feeding her the entire cup, Qu Sheng licked away the tea stains from the corners of Lin Xizhao’s mouth, placed a light kiss on her lips, and raised a hand to stroke the swollen, alluring flesh. The corners of her own mouth curled up in an irrepressible smile.
The next morning, Lin Xizhao woke from a hazy dream. She had slept heavily, but she remembered the events of her dream with perfect clarity.
How could I have a dream like that?
Her mind was a chaotic mess. As she turned to look at Qu Sheng, a soreness mixed with a faint ache shot through her body.
Seeing the relaxed and satisfied look on Qu Sheng’s face, Lin Xizhao instinctively looked down at herself. She quickly discovered that all of her clothes had flown away without wings.6
Last night was not a dream.
As Lin Xizhao was still lost in her own regret, a tickling sensation bloomed by her ear. Qu Sheng had opened her eyes and, seeing Lin Xizhao lying there with her eyes lacking spirit7 as she stared at the bed curtains, captured her delicate, jade-white earlobe between her warm lips.
Qu Sheng nibbled gently, her tongue darting out for a light sweep before she took the earlobe fully into her mouth.
“Ngh…”
Lin Xizhao couldn’t control her body’s reaction to Qu Sheng’s touch these past few days. She raised a slender shoulder, instinctively trying to pull away, but Qu Sheng just tightened her embrace.
“Jiejie was so beautiful last night,” Qu Sheng breathed beside her ear, confirming that the night before had been real.
When Qu Sheng had returned from her bath, she had originally planned to let Lin Xizhao rest, mindful of her condition. But after lying beside her for only a moment, she caught the scent of Lin Xizhao’s cool fragrance. That enchanting aroma caused the suppressed heat in her body to surge, and she lost control, her hands moving up and down8 Lin Xizhao’s body.
Hearing this, the blush on Lin Xizhao’s face deepened. She turned in Qu Sheng’s arms and saw the look of obsessive love9 in her eyes. She wanted to refuse, but the moment she parted her lips, Qu Sheng kissed her again.
By the time the sun was three poles high,10 Lin Xizhao was sitting on the edge of the bed, covering a yawn with her hand. She was already sleep-deprived, and being tormented by Qu Sheng with neither day nor night11 had only made her more exhausted.
Though she was still tired, she couldn’t sleep any longer. She had to go check on Xiao Bingying.
Hearing movement in the room, Qu Sheng pushed the door open from outside. Seeing Lin Xizhao emerge, her lips curved into a smile, and she had the maidservants outside come in to attend to her.
A maidservant brought a basin of warm water. Qu Sheng took the cloth, dipped it in the water, wrung it out, and handed it to Lin Xizhao.
Lin Xizhao looked up at Qu Sheng, a hint of resignation on her face.
While breakfast was being prepared, Lin Xizhao went to the side room to check on Xiao Bingying. The latter was looking much stronger today than yesterday; at least she could speak without coughing.
Lin Xizhao sat with Xiao Bingying and chatted for a while before Cheng Xi came in, carrying a freshly brewed bowl of medicine she had prepared herself.
“You should focus on getting better. Third Brother has already sent a letter to the Capital. We can stay here for a while; there’s no rush to go back,” Lin Xizhao said, answering Xiao Bingying’s question about when they would return.
Xiao Bingying’s body hadn’t recovered yet, and they were safe here. There was no hurry.
Xiao Bingying was about to say they shouldn’t delay their return to the Capital on her account, but Cheng Xi entered before she could speak.
Cheng Xi had heard Lin Xizhao’s words.
If they were returning to the Capital, Cheng Xi would have to go with them. Even if she didn’t want to, it wasn’t up to her to decide while she was in the Marquis Qu’s Residence.
Hearing the footsteps, Xiao Bingying and Lin Xizhao looked over at the same time. Cheng Xi met their gazes and forced a faint smile as she walked over.
“Drink your medicine. Shifu12 said you won’t need any more after today’s dose.” There was a hidden meaning in Cheng Xi’s words. She held no illusions that she would be allowed to stay here with her brother.
The wound on Xiao Bingying’s shoulder and back was almost healed. They had been on the move for days, but with the ointment from Liu Wuxiang that could remove rot and grow flesh,13 new skin had already formed in just a few short days. Her weakness was entirely due to being poisoned twice. Traveling now wouldn’t be a problem, but she would still need careful nursing once they returned.
Xiao Bingying looked up at Cheng Xi, then met Lin Xizhao’s gaze as she turned. “Thank you,” she said to Cheng Xi.
Cheng Xi’s lips curved. “It’s what I should do.” If it weren’t for her, Xiao Bingying would never have been injured or ended up here.
She handed the medicine bowl to Xiao Bingying. After Xiao Bingying drank it, Cheng Xi added, “The congee is almost ready. It will be brought over shortly.”
Xiao Bingying nodded lightly, handing the bowl back to Cheng Xi without looking at her again.
Like Qu Sheng, Xiao Bingying was a woman of few words. But compared to the old Qu Sheng, she still had plenty to talk about with Lin Xizhao. With Cheng Xi present, however, she could only remain silent.
Cheng Xi stood in the room for a moment. Noticing Xiao Bingying’s renewed silence, she said to Lin Xizhao, “Could I trouble you to stay with Bingying for a bit? I’ll go check on the congee.”
Lin Xizhao thought for a moment, glanced at Xiao Bingying, and nodded. “Alright.”
As Cheng Xi walked out, Lin Xizhao saw Xiao Bingying’s gaze follow her until she had left the room. Only then did Xiao Bingying look away, a fleeting loneliness in her eyes.
Cheng Xi doesn’t like me. She won’t even pretend.
Xiao Bingying had once passionately believed their two hearts were in mutual delight,14 but in the end, she was just a pawn to be used. The wound on her body hurt, but it was nothing compared to the pain in her heart. If Cheng Xi would just say she liked her, even a little, she could open one eye and close one eye15 and accept her again.
But now, it wasn’t that she didn’t want to accept Cheng Xi; it was that Cheng Xi had never even considered being with her.
Lin Xizhao took in the concern and disappointment in Xiao Bingying’s eyes. When Xiao Bingying looked up and met her gaze with a forced smile, for a moment, Lin Xizhao thought of herself and Qu Sheng.
If they had been born into ordinary families, perhaps she would have been more resolute. But they were both born into these great marquis estates; she couldn’t only consider the present.
“You knew everything about Cheng Xi’s situation, didn’t you?”
In truth, Lin Xizhao had grown suspicious the moment she heard Cheng Xi say there was a traveling doctor in the Haichao Kingdom who could treat Qu Sheng’s eyes. And when she asked about the chances of success and Cheng Xi answered fifty percent, her opinion of her had soured.
In the vast Tiansheng empire, even the imperial physicians16 in the Capital were helpless. Yet Cheng Xi could give a diagnosis just by observing from a distance. A person like that either had an ulterior motive or was an expert in the field.
It was she who had been too anxious at the time. When critically ill, one seeks any doctor.17 She knew there was a chance she was being used, but she still threw caution to the wind, desperate to take Qu Sheng to the Haichao Kingdom.
But back then, it was all just speculation. She couldn’t miss the best opportunity to treat Qu Sheng’s eyes just because of a suspicion.
Hearing Lin Xizhao’s question, Xiao Bingying gave a soft “mm,” her eyes instinctively dropping, unable to meet Lin Xizhao’s gaze.
“Uncle Xiao was also involved in Haichao’s civil unrest.” Though not a main player, the Qu family had given him all the credit. Even when Cheng Feng surrendered his weapon, it was Xiao Tong himself who dismounted to receive it.
Lin Xizhao’s words were like a needle drawing blood.18 Xiao Bingying’s head snapped up to look at her. In a flash, she saw her father holding a blade to Cheng Feng’s neck, saw him delivering Cheng Xi into the hands of the New King of Haichao.
She was nominally Xiao Tong’s daughter. When Cheng Xi was bestowed upon the Xiao family, she had for a time been wise and prudent to protect herself,19 avoiding any contact with her. But later, she had coveted Cheng Xi’s beauty and her heart of compassion20 was moved.
Cheng Xi had only to express a little feigned affection, and she couldn’t resist getting involved with her like that. The root of it all was her own greed. It was what she deserved.
A quarter of an hour later, Qu Sheng came to call Lin Xizhao for lunch. At the same time, Cheng Xi returned to the room with the medicinal congee.
After Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng left, Cheng Xi moved to feed Xiao Bingying.
“I’m not hungry yet. Just leave it there for now.” Xiao Bingying didn’t take the congee Cheng Xi offered. It seemed she had something she wanted to say.
Cheng Xi glanced down at the bowl, placed it to the side, and said, “Alright. You can drink it when it’s cooled down a bit.”
She turned to leave, but Xiao Bingying called out from behind her. “Cheng Xi.”
Cheng Xi turned back. Seeing the look on Xiao Bingying’s face, as if she had something to say, her soft lips parted. “Is there something you want to tell me?” she asked gently.
Although she hadn’t heard what Xiao Bingying said when Lin Xizhao was here earlier, she had heard Lin Xizhao’s reply. Xiao Bingying was the type of person who hated to trouble others and would never ask for help with something she could do herself. Calling her back now likely meant she wanted to talk about leaving.
Her brother, Cheng Feng, was in a similar state as Xiao Bingying. He had been poisoned and had several non-fatal injuries; it would probably be a long time before he recovered.
She wondered if the Qu family would drive them out after she left.
“Is your brother any better?” Xiao Bingying began.
Cheng Xi’s lips pressed together as she nodded. “He’s better. He can get out of bed now.” She had been with him all morning. Cheng Feng’s external injuries were more severe than Xiao Bingying’s, but the poison’s damage to Xiao Bingying’s internal organs was far worse than his.
Xiao Bingying nodded. “That’s good.” Once he was rescued and his injuries healed, Cheng Xi wouldn’t have to worry anymore.
After a brief silence, Cheng Xi took the initiative. “Are you planning to leave?”
Xiao Bingying looked momentarily confused, but she quickly understood what Cheng Xi was thinking. She must have overheard her conversation with Lin Xizhao today.
A small smile touched Xiao Bingying’s lips. “Qu family’s Third Brother has already written to the Capital. There’s no rush to go back. Qu family’s Third Sister-in-Law has also returned to the General Qian’s Residence and said she’ll be staying for a few days.”
Qian Shuangying had rarely returned since marrying into the Qu family from Shoulin. She was taking this opportunity to stay a little longer with her parents, and Qu Ting had gone with her.
Cheng Xi’s tense heart relaxed slightly. She watched Xiao Bingying and nodded, waiting for her to continue.
Seeing the confusion on Cheng Xi’s face, Xiao Bingying finally said what she had been wanting to say all day. Her heart pounded as she asked, “Do you still want to go back to the Capital?”
Naturally, Cheng Xi didn’t want to go back. But if she didn’t, how could the Qu family agree?
Seeing Cheng Xi’s hesitation confirmed what she had already guessed. Xiao Bingying swallowed, her slightly dry, pale lips moving. “If you don’t want to go back, then you don’t have to.”
She, Xiao Bingying, would bear all the consequences alone. Even if the Son of Heaven21 himself decreed punishment, she would accept it.
Cheng Xi didn’t have her in her heart. Taking her back would be like taking back an empty shell, and it would put Cheng Xi in constant danger.
After speaking, Xiao Bingying lowered her head, her clasped hands unconsciously tightening. She didn’t dare look at Cheng Xi again.
A few days later, Xiao Bingying’s health had improved enough that she could walk on her own. She had never been to Shoulin before. The land was vast and abundant. When Qian Shuangying returned from the Qian Residence, she took them out of the residence.
Cheng Xi hadn’t planned on going, but Lin Xizhao extended a warm invitation, and since no one here knew her, she didn’t refuse.
The group took a carriage to the bustling streets of the city. Xiao Bingying observed the people and the level of prosperity, which was nearly on par with the Capital.
They walked the streets for a long time, buying quite a few things. Xiao Bingying and Lin Xizhao discovered that the public order here was much better than in the Capital. Back in the Capital, they often saw officials and nobles galloping recklessly through the streets on horseback or looking for trouble. But there was none of that here, and the prices were stable. The common people could afford to eat and dress well.
When they grew tired of walking, Qian Shuangying led them to the largest restaurant in the city.
Qu Ting hadn’t come along, worried it would be inconvenient for the ladies. The moment Qian Shuangying sat down, she started talking about Zhao Jiayu. “It’s a shame Fourth Younger Brother’s Wife couldn’t come. If there’s a chance next time, we must bring her here for a visit. She would linger and forget to return.”22 Zhao Jiayu loved excitement and good food. If she came here, she probably wouldn’t even want to go back.
But once Zhao Jiayu gave birth, she would probably come back once a year anyway.
Lin Xizhao smiled. “Never mind Jiayu, even I don’t want to go back.”
Everyone laughed. After the laughter died down, Qu Sheng whispered to Lin Xizhao, “If Jiejie likes it, Sheng’er will bring Jiejie to live here in the future.”
Qu Sheng had been summoned to the Capital, but no one there was particularly wary of a foolish girl. The last time she returned to Shoulin, the palace hadn’t rushed her. But because she missed Lin Xizhao, she had no choice but to go back.
Qu Sheng’s voice was soft, but Qian Shuangying and the others heard her. In the past, Lin Xizhao would have naturally agreed. But now, their relationship wasn’t clear nor distinct to outsiders, and Qu Sheng’s words only confirmed it. Though not exactly embarrassed, a faint blush rose on Lin Xizhao’s cheeks.
She looked up at Qu Sheng and whispered back, “No need.”
To her, it was the same everywhere.
As long as she had Qu Sheng.
But now, she feared they couldn’t stay together for long.
Hearing her words, Qu Sheng stared at Lin Xizhao without blinking. It wasn’t until Qian Shuangying called for some singing girls and dancing girls that Qu Sheng finally broke her thoughtful gaze.
The dishes arrived one after another, and the entertainers they had summoned came in. The group ate while enjoying the song and dance. Without Zhao Jiayu there, no one clamored for Lin Xizhao and Cheng Xi to perform.
After the meal, they left the restaurant. Qian Shuangying had been in the same carriage with them on the way there, but for some reason, she got into Xiao Bingying and Cheng Xi’s carriage for the ride back. She found the polite distance between those two more tolerable than the tense atmosphere between Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao.
Lin Xizhao got into the carriage and sat down. Before it even started moving, Qu Sheng leaned over and kissed the soft lips that had said ‘no need’ earlier.
What does she mean, no need? If Lin Xizhao chose to be with her, they would inevitably return here one day. For Lin Xizhao to say ‘no need’ meant she had no intention of being with her at all.
Her hot-and-cold attitude these past few days had been punishment enough, but she just couldn’t bear to hear Lin Xizhao express any sentiment of not wanting to be with her.
Caught completely off guard, Lin Xizhao was kissed with bruising force. She tried to push Qu Sheng away but couldn’t move her. It was only when Qu Sheng’s lips moved to her neck that Lin Xizhao finally found her voice to stop her.
“Sheng’er.” Lin Xizhao’s voice was frantic as she tried to bring Qu Sheng back to her senses.
They were in a carriage, not at the residence.
She’d noticed the change in Qu Sheng’s state of mind these past few days. Though Qu Sheng didn’t say it, she knew she had guessed that she was having second thoughts.
At the residence, Qu Sheng had entangled her every night, and she had done her best to satisfy and cooperate with her. But this was outside the residence. If she didn’t stop her, she was afraid Qu Sheng would… rip her clothes off right here in the carriage.
Hearing the stern edge in Lin Xizhao’s voice, Qu Sheng’s expression went blank, a look that made Lin Xizhao’s heart ache.
“Sheng’er, please don’t be like this,” Lin Xizhao’s voice softened. She didn’t mind Qu Sheng being like this with her, but they had to consider the time and place.
Hearing her placating tone, Qu Sheng’s brow slowly furrowed, her gaze dropping back down to Lin Xizhao’s tempting red lips.
A few moments later, the two carriages from the Qu Residence stopped beside the main gate. Xiao Bingying got out, helped Cheng Xi down, and then went to help Qian Shuangying.
After they had all disembarked, they looked toward Qu Sheng’s carriage. The young male servant standing by the horses had already called out a reminder, but there was no movement.
Qian Shuangying watched the carriage, waiting. She exchanged a puzzled look with Xiao Bingying and was about to step forward when Qu Sheng forcefully pushed open the carriage door. She swept Lin Xizhao up into her arms and, without a backward glance, ran toward the residence gates.
And cradled in Qu Sheng’s arms, Lin Xizhao could only look at her with a worried expression. She truly didn’t know what to say, or what unrealistic promises she could make.
The author has something to say:
Qu Sheng: “Licensed to operate.”23 crazy.jpg24
Lin Xizhao: “Weak, helpless, and pitiful.”25 confused.jpg
Qu Sheng: “……”
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