#220: Extra #Two - Celebrating Longevity (2)

…She wanted him.

As she spoke, her delicate little fingers absentmindedly traced circles on his robe. Even though she was soon to be a mother, her behavior remained childishly endearing, tugging at his heartstrings.

Qi Yin sighed once more.

He fell into deep thought, and Shen Xiling patiently waited for a while before softly adding, “Isn’t Master Wang’s eightieth birthday coming up soon? He taught me briefly too—though not for long, the bond of teacher and student lasts a lifetime. It’s only proper that I attend to offer my respects… Brother Two, take me with you, hmm?”

The upward inflection of that final “hmm” was irresistible. Qi Yin’s heart quivered, and as he looked down at his wife’s lovely face, he found himself unable to say no. Though he knew she was being cunning, he couldn’t bring himself to refuse. After a moment of silence, he nodded in agreement.

Her face immediately lit up with joy. Everything was as it should be.

Sighing inwardly, Qi Yin relented. So be it; let her have her way.

To say Shen Xiling was a consummate two-faced individual wouldn’t be an exaggeration. At home, she threw childish tantrums at Qi Yin, but once they stepped outside, she transformed into the epitome of grace and poise. Every gesture, every word, exuded the dignity expected of a Grand Tutor’s wife. No one would ever imagine the mischievous antics she displayed behind closed doors.

Accompanied by Qi Yin, she entered the Wang family estate, quickly becoming aware of the many eyes on her. Some gazes were respectful, some curious, others mocking or hostile—a kaleidoscope of reactions.

Such scrutiny wasn’t new to her. Back when she was still the Lady of Yan in Northern Wei, she often faced similar treatment. The difference now was perhaps the intensity of those stares.

She had anticipated such judgment and paid it no mind, feigning obliviousness. However, Qi Yin seemed displeased—he had always been fiercely protective of her, intolerant of any disrespect toward her.

He didn’t act overtly, merely furrowing his brows slightly. But at his level of authority, even the smallest gesture carried weight. His frown sent a ripple of unease through the crowd, an invisible pressure that forced everyone to lower their heads and avert their gaze.

All this transpired silently, unnoticed by Shen Xiling. Her attention was drawn instead to Master Wang, seated in the main hall, smiling warmly at them.

Shen Xiling hadn’t seen her former teacher in nearly a decade. Master Wang hadn’t changed much—he was older, but his back remained straight, exuding vitality. Upon seeing Qi Yin, his eyes brightened, and without assistance, he stood up eagerly, extending his hand toward Qi Yin with a cheerful call of “Jingchen.”

Seeing his teacher rise, Qi Yin quickly stepped forward, bowing respectfully. “Forgive my tardiness, Master. I come to wish you a happy birthday.”

The Grand Tutor, who seldom bowed even before the emperor, showed such deference here.

Upon reflection, Qi Yin’s actions made sense. First, there was the undeniable student-teacher bond between him and Wang Qing. Second, after the chaos of Xiaoshan, Qi Yin rose to power, sparking turmoil among the literati, who typically condemned such usurpations. Yet Wang Qing, a paragon of scholarly virtue, publicly supported Qi Yin, penning essays praising his efforts to stabilize the realm and protect the throne. His words were heartfelt, portraying Qi Yin as a loyal and upright minister, bringing tears to readers’ eyes.

With Wang Qing taking such a stance, much of the scholarly backlash dissipated. Though some still criticized Qi Yin’s rise to power, their voices carried little weight. Thus, Wang Qing had indeed done Qi Yin a significant favor.

As these thoughts circulated among the guests, Wang Qing’s cheerful voice rang out again, now addressing the Grand Tutor’s wife.

“Previously, Lady Yao sent an invitation for your wedding banquet in Jiankang,” he said with a smile. “Unfortunately, my old bones couldn’t endure the journey. Missing it remains a regret.”

His words reminded the officials of Qi Yin’s wedding a few months prior.

Truthfully, in today’s Great Liang, the Grand Tutor’s marriage was more significant than the emperor’s ascension. Everyone wished to attend and present gifts, but given Shen Xiling’s pregnancy, Qi Yin kept the ceremony simple to spare her fatigue. Only a select few close to the couple were invited, leaving many officials deeply disappointed.

Now, Wang Qing chuckled as he spoke to Qi Yin. “When I taught at the Qi estate, I noticed how fond you were of that young miss. Even during her exams, you’d come to check on her—were you worried I’d punish her too harshly?”

This remark evoked memories.

Their eyes met instinctively, and fragments of their past together rushed back like snowflakes: their discussions on the Book of Songs , the moonlight behind him when he visited her before her first exam, the bamboo curtains swaying gently in the spring breeze at Chouqin Study… Every detail vivid and clear.

Since becoming pregnant, Shen Xiling had grown more sentimental. Recalling these memories stirred her emotions deeply. She remembered Wang Qing’s teachings, particularly his advice that she adhered too rigidly to rules and lacked spontaneity—a lesson that profoundly shaped her life.

She was genuinely grateful to him.

Tears welled in Shen Xiling’s eyes as she addressed Wang Qing. “Teacher, your tireless guidance has been invaluable to me. Though I studied under you briefly, I learned much. I sincerely hope for your longevity and blessings.”

Her sincerity moved Wang Qing, stirring emotions within him.

No longer the stern and distant figure of ten years ago, time had softened Wang Qing. Now, he resembled an ordinary elder, kindly nodding and repeatedly saying, “Good child, good child.”

Host and guests alike enjoyed the evening.

Even as she prepared for bed, Shen Xiling’s emotions remained unsettled. Seeing Wang Qing felt like revisiting the past. Once back in their room, away from prying eyes, she clung to Qi Yin’s waist, refusing to let go. Occasionally, she called out softly, “Master,” but said nothing more, simply holding him tightly.

Though she often acted coquettishly, such clingy behavior was rare. Qi Yin, caught off guard by this unexpected tenderness, was both amused and exasperated. It took considerable effort to coax her into releasing him so he could fetch water for her to wash and change. Yet, the moment he returned, she nestled back into his arms, holding him even tighter than before.

The Grand Tutor was utterly helpless but also profoundly touched. Allowing her to cling to him for a while, he eventually lifted her onto the bed.

By October, Kuaiji had entered late autumn. The night air was cool, especially after dark. Qi Yin tucked her in carefully, then sat beside her, holding her close. Shen Xiling remained quiet at first, but soon began calling his name softly, repeating it over and over without speaking further.

Qi Yin responded patiently at first, then gently stroked her long, silky black hair, asking, “What’s troubling you tonight?”

She didn’t answer, and Qi Yin didn’t press her. They sat quietly together, wrapped in each other’s embrace. After a while, Shen Xiling raised her head, her expression brimming with affection. Nuzzling against him, she murmured, “Nothing… just reminiscing about the past.”

About when I first came to your side.

Back then, we were so far apart. You hadn’t yet fallen for me, and I rarely had the chance to see you.

At that time, my happiness was fleeting—just a momentary distraction while studying in Chouqin Study, wondering if you might pass by today. Hoping a breeze would lift the bamboo curtain just as you walked past, granting me a brief glimpse of you from afar.

She had loved him for so long. These memories didn’t sadden her; rather, they filled her with nostalgia. She reflected on how precious their current togetherness truly was.

Her subtle emotions were never lost on Qi Yin. He understood she was recalling events from a decade ago, and he too felt a wave of sentimentality.

They had traversed countless mountains and rivers to reach this hard-earned peace. Truly, it hadn’t been easy.

Thinking this, both were overcome with emotion. Without realizing it, their lips met. Initially tender and nostalgic, the kiss gradually grew passionate and uncontrollable. Their fervor intensified, and Shen Xiling found herself pinned beneath Qi Yin.

An intoxicating entanglement.

Pregnancy had added softness to Shen Xiling’s figure, her shoulders rounder and more alluring than before. She was relentless, unaware—or perhaps uncaring—of the immense self-control it took for a man to resist her. She teased him with soft sighs, the smooth skin at her neckline, and the sultry glimmer in her eyes.

She tempted him with everything she had.

She could feel his desire fully awakened. One hand gripped her waist firmly, while the other roamed her body. His breath was heavy and scorching, as if it might set her ablaze.

He kissed her neck, leaving marks. She didn’t resist, yearning instead for complete possession, wanting to claim him entirely.

…She wanted him.

Yet even amidst his passion, Qi Yin remained mindful of her condition, concerned for their unborn child. Struggling to steady his breathing, he stopped his caresses. This elicited a frustrated whimper from her.

“Brother Two…”

That single plea was almost unbearable. Despite his impeccable restraint, Qi Yin muttered a curse under his breath. After a moment, still struggling to compose himself, he pressed a fierce kiss to the hollow of her collarbone before abruptly pulling away. Quickly adjusting her clothing, he bundled her tightly in the blankets, attempting to suppress his own desires.

As he tended to her, his voice carried a hint of frustration. “Keep teasing me like this, and soon enough, the child will arrive.”