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Yi Qiancheng gathered Fang Mu’s remains and, carrying Lian Xi Yue, rode out of the city. In the end, he was still the biological son of Lian Chengzhu, and unwilling to see Lian Xi Yue come to harm, Lian Chengzhu reluctantly ordered them to be allowed to leave.
Lian Qi watched from horseback, his eyes reddening with suppressed emotion, a slight ache in his heart.
Snow began to fall from the sky. Yi Qiancheng, concerned that Lian Sheng might freeze, sent someone to buy a carriage and personally lifted her into it. Lian Sheng pressed his hand down, undoing the cloak on her shoulders. “Husband, Lian Xi Yue...” she began.
Lian Xi Yue had lost all feeling from the cold. He had not been able to stand earlier, but now he was barely alive, dragged by Yi Qiancheng’s personal guard. Although there was no affection, Lian Sheng still wanted to give him her cloak.
Yi Qiancheng rubbed her hair. “You wear it.”
With that, he dismounted from the carriage, and the snowflakes fell on his face, quickly melting into water. He walked over with no expression and threw his own cloak over Lian Xi Yue. Lian Xi Yue tried to reach out, but his hands and feet were numb, unable to move. Yi Qiancheng glanced at him, and his guards understood, swiftly wrapping Lian Xi Yue in the cloak.
Lian Qi followed them, accompanied by only a few people. Upon seeing this scene, there was no change in his expression. He looked at the carriage, but after the curtain was drawn, he saw nothing.
The reins almost embedded themselves into his palms.
Yi Qiancheng returned to the carriage, and Lian Sheng softly said, “Thank you, husband.”
He seemed somewhat displeased. Lian Sheng didn’t need to thank him for an outsider. Since she had already stopped recognizing Lian Chengzhu as her father, everything related to the Lian family should have no more connection with her.
He said, “I gave him the cloak, but I’m feeling a bit cold.”
Before Lian Sheng could take off her cloak, he pulled her into his arms. “Warm me up.”
She was a small, soft, warm bundle, sitting on his lap. Lian Sheng buried her head in his chest, lightly biting her lip, and wrapped her arms around his waist.
Yi Qiancheng smiled and instructed, “In five more miles, we’ll drop off Second Young Master and head back.”
Lian Sheng suddenly remembered she hadn’t said goodbye to her elder brother. No matter what, her brother had always been very good to her. When she looked back, Yi Qiancheng seemed to understand her thoughts. He gripped her waist with both hands, one large hand pressing against the back of her head, pushing her into his embrace.
“Stop squirming. If you don’t, I’ll take care of you right here.”
Lian Sheng’s face turned red. “I’m not... I just want to...”
“If you say anything more, I’ll do it.”
His domineering manner was infuriating, but Lian Sheng knew he wasn’t joking, as something hard pressed against her. She had seen this before, remembering how it had tormented her half the night, and she immediately stopped moving.
Her frightened little gesture amused Yi Qiancheng. After about five miles, his guards dropped Lian Xi Yue off and sped up. After a while, Lian Qi received his younger brother. Lian Qi was dressed lightly, and the impulsive thoughts he had were frozen by the falling snow. He calmed down and ordered his men to help Lian Xi Yue up.
She left, she really left. She didn’t even look back at him.
But it was alright; the future was long.
Inside the carriage, Yi Qiancheng asked Lian Sheng, “Can you sing?”
Lian Sheng was unsure why he suddenly asked. She wasn’t skilled in embroidery or crafts, but noblewomen from Daliang usually knew some singing and dancing to harmonize with their husbands after marriage. She nodded and answered honestly, “But I’m not a good singer.”
“It’s alright. Have you ever heard any songs from Shaji? Sing one you know.”
Lian Sheng had not ventured out much in Shaji and only knew a simple tune. She noticed Yi Qiancheng’s expression turned calm, and she suddenly realized what he was trying to do. He was worried that Fang Mu’s remains might still be followed by his lingering soul, and by hearing a song from Shaji, perhaps his spirit would return home with them.
The idea seemed somewhat childish, but Lian Sheng didn’t think so. She softly began to sing.
The melody was simple, and her voice was soft and pleasant. Yi Qiancheng stared at her face, captivated by the sound. When Lian Sheng finished singing, she saw him staring at her without blinking, feeling a little shy. “What is it? Did I sing badly?”
He smiled. “No, it’s the most beautiful song I’ve ever heard.”
Lian Sheng didn’t believe him, thinking he was just flattering her. But Yi Qiancheng’s compliment made her feel content. When he looked at her, his expression softened, and the sharpness and coldness in his features faded, showing tenderness.
“Husband, where are we going next?”
Yi Qiancheng didn’t hesitate. “Back to Shaji. The matter with Feng Mu is likely finished. We’ll just wait for news from Mr. Fu Yi.”
When she heard him mention Fu Yi, Lian Sheng remembered something she had been curious about for a long time but hadn’t had the chance to ask Fu Yi. Now, she asked Yi Qiancheng instead. She reached out and touched his chin. “Husband, why did you change your mind and marry me? Was it because of Mr. Fu Yi?”
Yi Qiancheng grabbed her hand. “It has nothing to do with him.”
Lian Sheng thought he was lying. She analyzed, “I don’t believe it. Back then, you looked like you were going to kill me. After seeing Mr. Fu Yi, you agreed.”
He played with her delicate fingers, smirking. “I was just scaring you. Who knew you’d be so easily frightened, with such a tiny bit of courage? I hadn’t even done anything to you, and you started crying.”
She was annoyed. What a horrible person! Back then, he had poked a dagger at her head.
Lian Sheng defended herself. “It’s not that I’m scared, it’s that your methods were too much!”
The topic shifted, and he didn’t seem inclined to return to the previous subject. In fact, he hadn’t lied. Fu Yi didn’t have much influence on his decision to marry Lian Sheng. He had never told anyone about his feelings that night. When they were married, he had roughly yanked off her bridal veil, and she had looked up at him with a smile, her eyes misty as if veiled by mountains, with a hint of fragmented light.
He had stiffened for a moment, feeling as if he had stepped into a bizarre dream. His soul had been captivated.
It was too embarrassing, and he never wanted her to know.
Following her words, he teased her again, saying seriously, “You really are timid. If you don’t believe me, I’ll scare you once more. If it doesn’t frighten you, then I’ll admit I was wrong.”
Lian Sheng smiled. “Go ahead.” A person who was prepared could never be scared.
Neither of them minded how immature their conversation had become. Yi Qiancheng thought for a moment, his expression one of contemplation. There was a hidden compartment in the carriage. Yi Qiancheng opened it and took something out. Just as Lian Sheng was about to lean forward to look, he forcefully pushed her back into his embrace. “You’re not allowed to look.”
Chapter 41
Yi Qiancheng gathered Fang Mu’s remains and, carrying Lian Xi Yue, rode out of the city. In the end, he was still the biological son of Lian Chengzhu, and unwilling to see Lian Xi Yue come to harm, Lian Chengzhu reluctantly ordered them to be allowed to leave.
Lian Qi watched from horseback, his eyes reddening with suppressed emotion, a slight ache in his heart.
Snow began to fall from the sky. Yi Qiancheng, concerned that Lian Sheng might freeze, sent someone to buy a carriage and personally lifted her into it. Lian Sheng pressed his hand down, undoing the cloak on her shoulders. “Husband, Lian Xi Yue...” she began.
Lian Xi Yue had lost all feeling from the cold. He had not been able to stand earlier, but now he was barely alive, dragged by Yi Qiancheng’s personal guard. Although there was no affection, Lian Sheng still wanted to give him her cloak.
Yi Qiancheng rubbed her hair. “You wear it.”
With that, he dismounted from the carriage, and the snowflakes fell on his face, quickly melting into water. He walked over with no expression and threw his own cloak over Lian Xi Yue. Lian Xi Yue tried to reach out, but his hands and feet were numb, unable to move. Yi Qiancheng glanced at him, and his guards understood, swiftly wrapping Lian Xi Yue in the cloak.
Lian Qi followed them, accompanied by only a few people. Upon seeing this scene, there was no change in his expression. He looked at the carriage, but after the curtain was drawn, he saw nothing.
The reins almost embedded themselves into his palms.
Yi Qiancheng returned to the carriage, and Lian Sheng softly said, “Thank you, husband.”
He seemed somewhat displeased. Lian Sheng didn’t need to thank him for an outsider. Since she had already stopped recognizing Lian Chengzhu as her father, everything related to the Lian family should have no more connection with her.
He said, “I gave him the cloak, but I’m feeling a bit cold.”
Before Lian Sheng could take off her cloak, he pulled her into his arms. “Warm me up.”
She was a small, soft, warm bundle, sitting on his lap. Lian Sheng buried her head in his chest, lightly biting her lip, and wrapped her arms around his waist.
Yi Qiancheng smiled and instructed, “In five more miles, we’ll drop off Second Young Master and head back.”
Lian Sheng suddenly remembered she hadn’t said goodbye to her elder brother. No matter what, her brother had always been very good to her. When she looked back, Yi Qiancheng seemed to understand her thoughts. He gripped her waist with both hands, one large hand pressing against the back of her head, pushing her into his embrace.
“Stop squirming. If you don’t, I’ll take care of you right here.”
Lian Sheng’s face turned red. “I’m not... I just want to...”
“If you say anything more, I’ll do it.”
His domineering manner was infuriating, but Lian Sheng knew he wasn’t joking, as something hard pressed against her. She had seen this before, remembering how it had tormented her half the night, and she immediately stopped moving.
Her frightened little gesture amused Yi Qiancheng. After about five miles, his guards dropped Lian Xi Yue off and sped up. After a while, Lian Qi received his younger brother. Lian Qi was dressed lightly, and the impulsive thoughts he had were frozen by the falling snow. He calmed down and ordered his men to help Lian Xi Yue up.
She left, she really left. She didn’t even look back at him.
But it was alright; the future was long.
Inside the carriage, Yi Qiancheng asked Lian Sheng, “Can you sing?”
Lian Sheng was unsure why he suddenly asked. She wasn’t skilled in embroidery or crafts, but noblewomen from Daliang usually knew some singing and dancing to harmonize with their husbands after marriage. She nodded and answered honestly, “But I’m not a good singer.”
“It’s alright. Have you ever heard any songs from Shaji? Sing one you know.”
Lian Sheng had not ventured out much in Shaji and only knew a simple tune. She noticed Yi Qiancheng’s expression turned calm, and she suddenly realized what he was trying to do. He was worried that Fang Mu’s remains might still be followed by his lingering soul, and by hearing a song from Shaji, perhaps his spirit would return home with them.
The idea seemed somewhat childish, but Lian Sheng didn’t think so. She softly began to sing.
The melody was simple, and her voice was soft and pleasant. Yi Qiancheng stared at her face, captivated by the sound. When Lian Sheng finished singing, she saw him staring at her without blinking, feeling a little shy. “What is it? Did I sing badly?”
He smiled. “No, it’s the most beautiful song I’ve ever heard.”
Lian Sheng didn’t believe him, thinking he was just flattering her. But Yi Qiancheng’s compliment made her feel content. When he looked at her, his expression softened, and the sharpness and coldness in his features faded, showing tenderness.
“Husband, where are we going next?”
Yi Qiancheng didn’t hesitate. “Back to Shaji. The matter with Feng Mu is likely finished. We’ll just wait for news from Mr. Fu Yi.”
When she heard him mention Fu Yi, Lian Sheng remembered something she had been curious about for a long time but hadn’t had the chance to ask Fu Yi. Now, she asked Yi Qiancheng instead. She reached out and touched his chin. “Husband, why did you change your mind and marry me? Was it because of Mr. Fu Yi?”
Yi Qiancheng grabbed her hand. “It has nothing to do with him.”
Lian Sheng thought he was lying. She analyzed, “I don’t believe it. Back then, you looked like you were going to kill me. After seeing Mr. Fu Yi, you agreed.”
He played with her delicate fingers, smirking. “I was just scaring you. Who knew you’d be so easily frightened, with such a tiny bit of courage? I hadn’t even done anything to you, and you started crying.”
She was annoyed. What a horrible person! Back then, he had poked a dagger at her head.
Lian Sheng defended herself. “It’s not that I’m scared, it’s that your methods were too much!”
The topic shifted, and he didn’t seem inclined to return to the previous subject. In fact, he hadn’t lied. Fu Yi didn’t have much influence on his decision to marry Lian Sheng. He had never told anyone about his feelings that night. When they were married, he had roughly yanked off her bridal veil, and she had looked up at him with a smile, her eyes misty as if veiled by mountains, with a hint of fragmented light.
He had stiffened for a moment, feeling as if he had stepped into a bizarre dream. His soul had been captivated.
It was too embarrassing, and he never wanted her to know.
Following her words, he teased her again, saying seriously, “You really are timid. If you don’t believe me, I’ll scare you once more. If it doesn’t frighten you, then I’ll admit I was wrong.”
Lian Sheng smiled. “Go ahead.” A person who was prepared could never be scared.
Neither of them minded how immature their conversation had become. Yi Qiancheng thought for a moment, his expression one of contemplation. There was a hidden compartment in the carriage. Yi Qiancheng opened it and took something out. Just as Lian Sheng was about to lean forward to look, he forcefully pushed her back into his embrace. “You’re not allowed to look.”
“Alright, close your eyes now. If you get scared when you open them again, it’s not my fault.”
After he said that, she became really curious about what he had brought out, feeling both expectant and nervous. He smiled: “Close them.”
Lian Sheng did as she was told, closing her eyes, and felt the air become still. She moved restlessly, feeling a bit uneasy—what could it be?
Something cool and soft pressed against her lips. He cupped her cheeks, gently parting her lips and teeth, deepening the kiss. She was kissed until she felt dizzy. When she opened her eyes, they were filled with a watery shimmer, exuding charm and allure. His voice was slightly hoarse as he whispered in her ear: “Lian Sheng, I love you.”
Lian Sheng’s eyes widened, her heart pounding wildly. She could even hear the strong, erratic beats—whether they were hers or his, she couldn’t tell. Her mouth half-open, she found it hard to believe what she had heard and asked hesitantly: “What did you just say?”
His brows softened, his dark pupils holding only the person in his arms: “I said, stay by my side and give me a big, healthy son.”
She laughed, throwing herself into his embrace and earnestly said: “Yi Qian Cheng, you must treat me this well forever.” I will also treat you well forever; I remember it all—life and death together, never leaving or forsaking.
”Alright.”
She felt that the abyss that once separated them had suddenly been filled. In his world, she was finally just Lian Sheng, free from any guilt.
Lian Sheng’s heart overflowed with sweetness, which overshadowed her shyness. Today, she wanted to ask about everything she was curious about.
”Husband,” she called, blinking her eyes. He chuckled and hummed, signaling for her to continue.
”When we fell off the cliff, why did you save me?” She thought happily, had he liked her even back then?
He pinched her cheek, calmly lying: “You were pulling on me at the time. You were too heavy, and I didn’t have time to react, so I fell down with you.”
”Nonsense, I wasn’t pulling you!” And even if she had tried with all her might, she wouldn’t have been able to pull Yi Qian Cheng.
”A-Sheng is so smart, I was lying before. I thought this poor little thing was about to cry, so pitiful. Helping her out wasn’t such a bad idea.”
Afraid that Lian Sheng would ask more difficult questions, he quickly changed the subject: “Before leaving Ying Dong, I learned something. Do you want to hear it?”
”Yes.”
”Lian Si Tian married Liang Zhen. I think that’s why Lord Lian dared to cooperate with him.”
”She married Liang Zhen?” Lian Sheng frowned, recalling Liang Zhen’s sinister face. Now everything made sense, but would Liang Zhen really help Ying Dong? She believed more that Lord Lian was playing with fire.
Lian Sheng grew tense: “Then... then will they harm you?”
His heart was touched by the gentlest breeze in the world, “No. Liang Zhen has narrow-minded vision and a petty nature. He resents the fact that Ying Dong submitted to Sha Ji in the past, so naturally, he won’t trust Lord Lian. They are merely using each other.” Such relationships were the most fragile, easily crumbling at the sight of profit.
When they returned to Sha Ji, it was already night. Yi Huan had gone to bed, and Song Yuan came out to greet them, “General.” He glanced at Lian Sheng behind Yi Qian Cheng and addressed her, “Madam.”
Yi Qian Cheng hummed in acknowledgment and asked, “Any news from Feng Mu?”
”Reporting to the General, the strategist says that Feng Mu has been successfully captured. He will return after arranging things in a few days.”
Overjoyed, Yi Qian Cheng laughed, “Good!” Full of vigor and vitality, hearing such good news filled him with uncontrollable joy. Now that Ying Dong was like scattered sand, and with Feng Mu’s submission, Sha Ji’s finances would flourish. With money, troops could be trained. Given time, taking Yuan Huai, Huan Shui, and the imperial city would be within reach.
Upon hearing that Lian Sheng had returned, Nanny Liu wept with joy, examining her carefully, wiping her tears: “It’s really the young lady who has returned. This old servant isn’t dreaming.”
Lian Sheng knew that the letter hadn’t reached them, causing them much worry. She patted the nurse’s hand: “I’m fine.”
Lu’er cried and then laughed: “The young lady has returned safely, that’s all that matters.” Xi Yu nodded along, forcing a smile. But she couldn’t help thinking more—what exactly had the eldest young master done while taking the young lady away? How would the general feel now that the young lady had returned?
After they finished washing up, it was late into the night. Unnamed insects chirped outside the window, and tonight’s moonlight was particularly beautiful.
Yi Qian Cheng went out for a moment and returned with a jug of wine. Lian Sheng curiously watched him: “Husband, in the mood for a drink?”
He shook his head, his lips curling into a smile, his eyes shimmering. He rarely smiled like this, the sharpness on his face completely gone, replaced by an alluring charm. Lian Sheng thought her husband looked very handsome.
Yi Qian Cheng was indeed happy today, but this jug of wine wasn’t for that reason. He took out two jade cups, poured two servings, and softly said under her sparkling gaze: “Wedding toast.”
On their wedding day, he hadn’t slept in her room, nor had they shared the wedding toast. Lian Sheng was startled, her eyes shining even brighter. The wedding toast had been used to clean the wound on her forehead that day. Thinking about it, there were still many regrets from her grand wedding.
Yi Qian Cheng handed her a cup, and they intertwined their arms to drink the wine. The candlelight flickered, and when she opened her eyes, she saw his features extremely close, his eyes smiling as they gazed at her.
Lian Sheng thought this wine tasted wonderful. She rarely drank alcohol before, finding it only spicy without much else. But the wine Yi Qian Cheng brought was different—it carried not only the fragrance of alcohol but also a sweet taste, lingering mysteriously in her mouth, leaving a lasting aftertaste.
”Good?” Yi Qian Cheng raised an eyebrow, asking her. Lian Sheng nodded, her eyes fixed on the wine in his hand.
He chuckled, “How about giving me a kiss for another cup?”
Her eyes shimmered like a pool of dazzling light, irresistibly enchanting. Without a word, she leaned over and kissed his cheek lightly. Yi Qian Cheng touched his cheek, feeling he had gained something precious, and poured her another cup. Lian Sheng happily drank it.
This is the first time she found alcohol enjoyable. Yi Qian Cheng smiled without a word and poured her another cup. This wine was called “Enchanting Smile.” Now, perhaps only this one jug remained in the entire world. It had been personally brewed by Lord Yi of the old city, just because his mother loved to drink it. The wine tasted sweet, but its aftereffects were strong. Besides, it had pain-relieving properties.
Aged for ten years, the wine’s fragrance was crisp and sweet.
He pressed down on her hand: “Alright, if you drink any more, you’ll get drunk.” Lian Sheng pouted and pushed his hand away. Yi Qian Cheng lifted her chin; her gaze was like a mist-covered haze, looking at him with a dazed expression, revealing a hint of dissatisfaction.
Unable to resist, he stroked her eyebrows and eyes: “What a lightweight, only three cups.”
If she drank any more, she would pass out. He scooped Lian Sheng up by the waist. She patted his shoulder: “Put me down.” He complied, placing her gently on the bed, leaning close to her: “Do you still know who I am?”
Lian Sheng felt dizzy, but her mind was clear. She happily said: “My husband, you are my husband.” Her face beamed with pride and joy as she tilted her chin slightly to look at him.
His heart melted.
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