My mind felt a bit dull. What was going on?

“Qingqing.”

“Huh? What did you just say?” I looked at the man before me, full of resentment, feeling that something was off; my senses seemed to be half a beat slow.

“I said,” he changed his worried expression, his eyes shimmering with spring waves, leaning closer to me, “only you can cure this poison.”

“Really?” I was overjoyed and slapped my chest confidently. “Tell me, Yunzhi, what do you want me to do!” Good friends stick together.

“Just a little bit of your blood,” his breathy voice whispered seductively around me.

Blood? My mind couldn't quite grasp it, and I walked straight ahead. You want blood, right? I have plenty. I rolled up my sleeve, turned my wrist upward—go ahead, cut me. Let me bleed out all the guilt in my heart.

There was no anticipated pain on my wrist. Looking around, the person had vanished, leaving behind a red shirt softly lying on the ground.

Gone? My straightforward mind still couldn't find the turning point, feeling utterly wooden.

“Bzzz.” Annoying mosquito sounds buzzed by my ear. Just as I gathered palm wind to swat it away, a terrified tone slipped into my ear: “Wait!”

“Huh?” I turned my head, looking at the half-finger-long mosquito, trembling, “Yun... Yunzhi?”

“It's me, Qingqing. If you let me bite you, the poison will be cured, and I can regain my human form.”

“Oh, oh.” I brushed aside the long hair at the back of my neck and declared solemnly, “Go ahead.”

At the moment I was bitten, a deafening roar suddenly came from above, accompanied by falling tiles. A golden light filled my vision.

“Don't you dare!” A cold voice paralyzed my senses, and I immediately fell into darkness.

...

I opened my eyes and moved my neck slightly, still hearing the crisp sound of bones cracking. My gaze inadvertently settled on the figure before me: “Xiu... Xiu Yuan?”

“You're awake.” He smiled warmly, truly a sight of beauty.

W-wait a minute, did I see that wrong?

“What... what are you doing?”

“Beauty,” he didn't spare any smiles, his lips curling even higher: “Cleaning my sword.” The warm golden hue reflected in his eyes but congealed into endless chilliness, sending shivers down my scalp.

“Drink some water.” He gently handed me a porcelain cup.

“Oh...” Something felt off, very off. I absentmindedly swallowed a sip of water.

Staring, staring, after staring for a while, I collapsed weakly, a trickle of sour liquid flowing from the corner of my mouth: “This is clearly not water!”

“What is it then?” I was pulled into his arms like a rag doll.

“It's vinegar! It's vinegar!” Even without my wits about me, I could tell the difference between the two.

He calmly licked the sour liquid from my lips and sighed: “It seems I drank too much.”

Suddenly, another roaring sound erupted above my head. It felt like countless tiny hammers were pounding my forehead as golden light poured down again...

“Auntie! Auntie!”

Pain, pain, pain—I instinctively clutched my forehead and opened my eyes.

A certain “little chick” pecking at “rice” suddenly stopped its actions, excitedly rolling over my body: “Auntie's awake! Auntie’s awake!”

I half-supported myself and pulled back my nephew who was about to roll off the bed. Ever since I secretly returned to my brother's house after court last night, this child had been sticking to me.

“Yan'er, does it hurt?” I lazily yawned and gently rubbed his slightly red forehead.

“No.” He replied in a babyish voice, reciprocating by rubbing my forehead, “Fifteen times.”

“Huh?”

“Yan'er hit fifteen times to drive away the bad guys in Auntie's dream.”

Looking into those innocent, sparkling eyes, I couldn't help but laugh silently.

“Really, Zhang taught me!” He whispered mysteriously into my ear, “Every time Yan'er is chased by a big tiger in my dreams, as soon as Zhang hits me, the big tiger disappears.”

“Mm-hmm.” I hugged the soft little person, laughing uncontrollably.

“When Auntie closed her eyes and looked so pained earlier, Yan'er started hitting. But Auntie only woke up on the fifteenth hit.” He pouted, seemingly dissatisfied. “It must be that Zhang taught me wrong. I'm going to find her!”

“Yan'er, Yan'er.” I caught the restless little one. “It's not Zhang's fault. The big tiger in Auntie's dream was just too big.” I gestured with my fingers. “Fifteen times bigger than usual!”

“Fifteen times?” His bright little eyes widened instantly.

“Mm-hmm!” I tapped his little nose and praised him, “So Yan'er is amazing! A great hero!”

“A great hero like Daddy?” His eyes shimmered like they were brimming with clear water.

“A greater hero than your daddy!”

“Mommy! Mommy! Zhang!” He climbed off the bed and ran madly towards the door, “Auntie says!” His short legs suddenly stopped. He stood rooted, muttering to himself, “That's right, I have to call Uncle once I go out.” He leaned against the door, smiling, and immediately corrected himself, “Uncle says Yan'er is a greater hero than Daddy!” With that, he playfully winked and happily ran out.

The cold wind sneaked through the half-open door crack, blowing my disheveled long hair, chilling my skin.

For my sake, even the innocent Yan'er has started telling lies.

A pang of acidity surged in my chest, as if I had really drunk the vinegar from my dream into my heart.

“Sister is awake.”

I stopped what I was doing, a salted willow branch stuck between my teeth: “Sister-in-law.”

She folded her hands and smiled at me: “Did you sleep well?”

I rinsed my mouth and walked to the copper basin filled with warm water: “It's rare to come home, I slept very well.” Allowing Zhang to roll up my sleeves for me, “Sister-in-law.”

“Hmm?”

“Yan'er called me Uncle earlier.” My face buried in the steaming towel, my heart felt heavy.

“I taught him.” Her footsteps approached, “Children's words are innocent, but walls have ears. We must be cautious.” Her gentle hands rested lightly on my shoulders. “Letting you stay in your husband's study is also for the same reason.”

“Mm.” I scrubbed my face fiercely.

“Your boudoir is cleaned every day. Sister-in-law hopes for the day when you can return openly.”

“I understand.” After cleaning my face, I reached out to cover her delicate hand with mine, “Sister-in-law, you've endured so much.”

“We’re family; no need for such words.” She laughed and pulled me in front of the bronze mirror, staring at my reflection in the mirror and teasing, “Look, the girl inside is extraordinary. Not like a boy, yet surpasses boys.” She picked up a rhinoceros horn comb and gently tended to my long hair. “Since Han Yue Xia was sent by the King to observe mourning in Lianzhou, every gathering day of the Wanyue Society, those ladies inquire about your situation insincerely, secretly hoping for your misfortune.” She furrowed her brows, her beautiful face filled with anger. “I endured, endured, holding back from boasting. Our Han family has produced two officials, and our little sister-in-law is you, you, you.” She pretended to count people with the comb. “Your family's elder master’s elder master!”

“Sister-in-law.” I chided her with a smile.

“You don’t know how much I’ve endured.”

I gently stroked her to help calm her: “I know, I know. You’ve held it in so much that you’ve developed such a big belly.” Saying this, I glanced at her slightly protruding blouse.

Her face flushed with red clouds, a petal-like fingertip tapping my forehead: “What a sharp-tongued little girl, cunning and crafty, never missing a trick!”

I caught her delicate fingers and laughed: “If I weren't sharp-tongued, I’d have been eaten alive by courtiers and nobles long ago.”

“Sister, you've worked hard.” She sighed and cupped my face. “When we meet again, you'll be completely different.” Her tender fingertips traced my eyes and brows. “Here, here, and here, it's as if they hide endless secrets, unreadable and unfathomable.”

“Sister-in-law...”

Facing the warm winter sun, her autumn-water eyes gazed intently at me, reflecting my shadow.

“The only thing I can clearly see is these eyes.” She sighed. “Less sorrow, more stubbornness, just like your brother, just like him.”

“Sister-in-law.” I gently touched her slightly bulging abdomen.

“Hmm?”

“Give me a niece, okay?” In the morning light, a daffodil on the table had bloomed, quietly exuding the scent of waterlogged sorrow.

“Alright.” Her voice trembled slightly, and the comb in her hair gently slid down.

I turned around, looking at my tear-streaked face in the bronze mirror: “Let her be a truly happy Han family girl. I will cherish her with all my heart, very carefully, very carefully.” My tone was slow, gentle, and wistful.

“Alright...”

The men of the Han family were born with heroism coursing through their veins, destined to fight on the battlefield and claim territories. Daughters would have it better; only I was an exception.

“Sister-in-law, there’s no need for such a complicated hairstyle.” I sighed. “It will be undone by tonight anyway.”

Through the mirror, she walked straight toward me, her eyes a bit fierce, her eyelids somewhat red.

I touched my nose and obediently became a doll.

“Auntie.” I glanced at the person reflected in the mirror, so serious; no wonder she could keep my brother in check. “How has Auntie been lately?”

“The cold I caught in autumn still hasn’t fully healed.” Her ten fingers weaved through my hair, while the nearby Yin Zhang also worked hard on styling. “But it's nothing serious. The imperial physician said it was due to Auntie's winter qi blockage, causing illness to accumulate in her chest.”

The palace willows lament the harsh northern wind, their sorrowful reds and greens killing you again.

Taking in a breath of thin air, I slowly said, “Sister-in-law, next time you go to the palace, help me relay a message.”

“Hmm, what message?”

“Just say,” the distorted bronze mirror did not distort my eyes, my gaze steady and not falling on my cheeks, “Nong Mo, Qingqing will save you.”

After a long pause, a soft yet resolute voice replied, “Alright.” That word held the same determination.

“Look at flowers through mirrors before and after, flowers and faces reflect each other.” Sister-in-law recited poetry, swaying as she looked me over. “Adorned with spring far mountains, wear jade rings. Earrings adorned with bright moon beads, beautiful snow lightly red makeup...” As the recitation faded, she gently touched my earlobes. “Sister, do you not have pierced ears?”

“Yes.” I answered lightly, taking out a warm white phoenix hairpin from my collar and inserting it into my high bun. “I had them pierced as a child, but they closed up later.” I turned around, choosing a smoky green blouse, “Sister-in-law, don't sigh. This is just fine.” Then I took a spring white sash, wrapping it round and round. “Think about it, if I really had pierced ears, could I move freely in court?”

“No.”

“Huh?” I looked up in surprise, meeting a pair of solemn and beautiful eyes. “Sister-in-law, what are you planning to do?”

“When you finish your affairs in the court, come back and wear this.”

“No.” I covered my ears and vowed never to yield. It wasn’t painless ear-piercing; the horror of childhood was still vivid in my mind.

“You must.” She stood firm, her belly prominent, her presence commanding.

Smiling broadly, brimming with smiles, overflowing with smiles, I jumped out of the window while they were distracted: “No, no, never even if I die!”

...

If looks could pierce flesh, my ears would already have a row of small holes.

Carrying a chair, I fawningly moved towards a safe area: “Brother, why are you back before noon?” I am an earless rabbit, an earless rabbit, sister-in-law, please ignore me.

“Today, the King summoned me to the palace. After settling the conscription matters, he let me return.”

In the courtyard, the wintersweet carried some snow, exuding a transcendent aura.

“Hmm.” It seemed Old Man Shangguan had suffered a setback; people indeed couldn't afford to be arrogant.

“Qingqing, let me ask you something.” Brother put down his scroll, his gaze heavy. “Where did you get that map last night?” He lowered his voice almost to a whisper.

“Brother, the King also has a copy of that map, just not as good as mine.”

His deep eyes suddenly focused.

“The weapons depicted on that map will eventually replace bows, arbalests, and siege towers, becoming the trump card for capturing cities and territories.” I pressed his hand, gazing fervently. “Don’t ask me where I got it from. Just have the craftsmen start making them. When the King’s batch is unveiled, bring yours out and claim it’s a new firearm improved by the Han army.”

A smile crept onto his lips. Turning into the study, he came out holding... a gun!

“This is what the King rewarded me today. Besides, he also granted two large iron tubes to the Han army. The King said these are weapons given by foreigners and told me and a few generals to use them well.” He examined the gun repeatedly. “However, we discussed it all morning and couldn’t figure it out.”

“Is that so?” Sister-in-law took it over, gripping the barrel and treating the stock as if it were an axe.

Seeing such a retro gun for the first time, I took the heavy lump of iron, examining it closely.

Front sight, rear sight, and matchlock...

“Are there any bullets?”

Seeing my brother's bewildered expression, I began to understand. Chris and the others played it safe, giving us the blueprints and firearms but no ammunition. What a “great gift.”

Holding the five or six jin iron contraption, I walked out of the study, picked up the marbles Yan'er was playing with, and slowly moved to the courtyard. Fortunately, there was some gunpowder hidden in the buttstock compartment—they were considerate enough.

After a while, I completed the loading ritual with one hand blackened, and then I saw another shadow on the ground.

Looking up, I met my brother's serious eyes: “So troublesome?”

“Yes.” I unconsciously twitched my lips.

“Not as convenient as an axe.” Brother snorted coldly.

“...,” speechless, my eyelid twitched along.

A mocking smile hung on his thin lips: “On the battlefield, you’ll be waiting to get chopped.”

My heart twitched again, but I gradually got used to it. Holding the gun by the handle, I struck the flint to ignite the fuse.

“Sister-in-law, take Yan'er inside!” I shouted, aiming at the stone wall five zhang away.

With a bang, the strong recoil hit my shoulder blade painfully. After the choking white smoke dissipated, I saw my brother staring wide-eyed, dumbfounded, walking slowly forward.

One, two, three bean-sized holes were embedded in the thick stone wall, surrounded by traces of burnt gunpowder.

“This is called a gun.” I held up the iron contraption. “With this thing, every soldier in the Han army can become a martial arts expert, using tiny iron pellets to pierce through the enemy's heart.”

His deep eyes swept away the mockery, his gaze fixed on the smoking wall. Brother solemnly accepted it.

“The power of this musket isn’t the greatest.”

These words earned me his astonished look.

“Brother, think about it. If five barrels were grouped together and fired simultaneously, how many times more effective would that be?” I smiled.

Sparks ignited in his eyes.

“What about ten?” I smiled again. “Could an iron axe compare?”

“No.” He gritted his teeth, excitement making even the faint scar on his left cheek quiver.

“As for loading gunpowder, practice makes perfect. Secondly,” I whispered with a wink, “the methods for improvement are all on that map I gave you. Including cannons, the usage and improvement of those large iron tubes—I’ve written everything down. Brother...” I tugged at his sleeve, speaking word by word, “Foreigners introduced firearms. Whoever uses them first and best controls the battlefield.”

His eyebrows rose.

“And in Qing Country, Brother must dare to taste crabs others wouldn’t dare touch, possessing weapons the King doesn’t have.” I clenched my five fingers tightly, using all my strength. “Only then can Brother have the confidence to fulfill the promise he made to me on the winter solstice ten years ago.”

He furrowed his thick brows, staring blankly.

“Brother, you said that Han Yuexiao’s loyalty isn’t to any king but to the Han family.”

Those eyes trembled, trembled, rippling with fine waves, brimming with a faint smile, vivid as if about to spill water.

“Han Yuexiao dares not, wishes not, and cannot forget.”

Sister-in-law was right; my brother and I were so alike.

Because the same wound was etched in our eyes, and the same defenses were set in our hearts.

The desolate feeling of solitude lingered deeply in our hearts, resonating throughout each other's lives.

Just like the quietly blossoming fragrance of the December plum...

He dared to swear that he had never yearned for a woman's arrival as much as he did today.

The cold wind swept around the corner, and a person hunched over, craning their neck to look ahead.

Cold... freezing to death, but he would rather freeze here than return to that warm room. Today, on the fifteenth day of the twelfth month, it was his turn to take a rest day. She, carefree and at ease, went to the General's house to eat, stay, and play well, leaving him to invite two women and one man back from Yunshang Pavilion in the afternoon for a gathering. Adding to that, the even more troublesome person from the west, now those four people were together, just not making him happy.

How could he have known that Feng Wuyu, known in the jianghu as the “Gentle Young Master,” was actually so vicious and black-hearted! If it weren’t for being coerced by Master’s affairs, would he have sold himself to perform and changed his identity to gain favor? Would he really?

Now, he could confirm one thing: if this ambiguity continued, he would surely be whipped to death by some woman.

Thinking of this, a resentful expression reappeared on his face.

Originally, he only wanted to fool one bird, but who knew it would attract a vicious wolf.

He regretted it, regretted it bitterly, uncontrollably, his intestines turning green with regret.

In the faint winter sun of the afternoon, a person crouched down, shivering. As far as the eye could see, everything was desolate.

“Ying...”

A gust of wind, a cry.

His heart suddenly tightened. Wasn't the path leading to the secret passage ordered to be tightly guarded? How could there be any strange sounds? He stood up, cautiously looking at the corner, quietly opening the mechanism of his sleeve arrow.

The clear phoenix cry drew nearer, closer...

Snowflakes fell from the bare branches, like misty willow catkins. The sparse snow outlined the crisp northern wind and brought forth an unforgettable figure.

The spring-white sash fluttered in the wind, the smoke-green skirt swayed like flowing clouds, exuding an elegant charm with every step.

He froze in place, one line of poetry lingering in his mind.

Exactly like the east wind coagulating the spring emerald, water sinking, clouds falling, and the fragrance of a single branch.

At first glance, he could replicate her mask perfectly, but now, he had to admit they were nothing alike.

Her clear eyes were filled with moonlight, dimples gently rippling on her cheeks, a good girl whose temperament far surpassed her beauty.

“What?” In the blink of an eye, the good girl was already by his side. “Frozen dumb?”

Yan Lu dispelled the bewilderment in his eyes, his lips slightly downturned. He took back that “good” word!

“On such a cold day, it's hard on you, Alu, to wait for me out here.” She held several branches of plum blossoms, her whole body exuding a subtle, dark fragrance.

Yan Lu sniffed lightly, feeling refreshed. “All the people the master invited are here, settled in the western wing.”

“You've worked hard.” She smiled back, her usually tied-up long hair flowing like silk, swirling with boundless spring charm.

What beautiful hair color, he felt a tinge of jealousy, a flush beneath the thin mask. Why, with his face known as the most handsome in Shén Kūn, did she smile enchantingly when disguised, but when revealing her true face, her smile was full of celestial grace?

“But, Alu probably isn't so kind-hearted.” She hid the moonlight in her eyes, mischievously narrowing them. “You came out to escape trouble, didn't you, hmm?”

He glared, dissatisfied, confirming once again.

Whether smiling like a fairy or a seductress, it clearly wasn't a matter of facial skin, but of character!

“Miss Lin, could you please pour another cup of tea?” Elder Brother smiled broadly, pointing to the empty cup beside him.

To Alu's pleading gaze, I responded with a sorrowful expression: Go ahead, brave one, I support you from behind.

Alu's smile suddenly collapsed, like a swift mudslide.

“Pa! Pa!” Explosive whip sounds echoed beside us. Elder Sister, with an unfriendly expression, vibrated her red whip, her fiery beautiful eyes staring intently at the cup of tea beside Elder Brother, which had long gone cold—the tea she personally brewed, yet he hadn't touched.

Alu's body trembled so much while pouring tea.

“Miss Lin.” Elder Brother, still smiling, placed his hand over Alu's trembling paw. “No rush, take your time.”

His smile was like a spring breeze, Elder Sister radiated summer heat, we watched autumn clouds leisurely drift, while Alu froze in winter silence.

In one room, all four seasons were present, and the first to explode was “summer.”

With a hollow sound, the red whip snaked toward the hands clasped between “spring” and “winter.”

Oh no! I called out internally, stepping forward. Amidst Alu’s grateful gaze, I struck the whip loudly, saving the nearly innocently endangered blue-and-white porcelain vase.

“M-Master...” Alu collapsed onto the ground, pointing at me, trembling. “May I ask what you just saved—was it a person, or an object?”

I stood beside Xiuyuan, holding the porcelain vase, glancing at the chessboard: “Alu, do you remember how much this vase is worth?”

“Of course! This fine piece from the official kiln of Shàngfāng is worth no less than fifty taels.”

Understand? I raised my eyes to look at him, my gaze straightforward. He paused for a moment, his lips starting to quiver violently.

“Miss Lin.” These three words hit Alu instantly, Elder Sister sinisterly beckoned him. “Come, let’s girls play together, Qingqing, you come too.”

What does it have to do with me? Just about to refuse, I saw Elder Brother’s gentle gaze.

“Brother Ye, I haven’t finished what I said last time in Jingdu.” He placed a black piece, his light pupils shifting to the right.

This movement made my hackles rise. Not good, very not good.

“Hmm?” Xiuyuan looked at me, his originally calm pupils unexpectedly blooming with a thought-provoking jade luster.

Elder Brother idly tapped the chess pieces, revealing an innocent gaze: “Qingqing, apart from feeling unwell on the day of Start of Winter, there’s also...”

“Elder Brother!” I put down the porcelain vase, serving tea with both hands. “Your throat must be dry from talking, please moisten it.”

Dealing with Xiuyuan now, little sister couldn’t handle it anymore. Please spare me, elder sir.

“Alright.” He accepted it with a hearty smile, elegantly sipping the tea. “Qingqing, people say an elder brother is like a father. So, should you listen to your brother or not?”

Without saying more, I stood up and moved towards the scorching summer side. An elder brother is like a father, an elder sister-in-law is like a mother; little sister will go serve that fierce tigress...

...

“I’m a dumb bird, I’m a dumb bird.” Elder Sister glared fiercely at Alu. “Alright!”

“Hahaha.” Alu laughed madly. “Indeed quite dumb!”

“Bastard, if I become the host later and you become the echo, watch me torment you to death!” Elder Sister angrily washed the dominoes. “Again! Again!”

“Sister?” I waved my hand in front of Dream Sister. “What are you thinking about?”

She gathered herself, her expression clearing. “I know.”

“Hmm?” I picked up a domino.

“Liu Xunhe is coming to Yundu for the wedding.”

My fingers paused. “Hmm, he’s marrying Miss Biao from Zhen Guo Hou Mansion.”

“That holy maiden, right.” She sorted her tiles, her tone light, as if it didn’t concern her. “I bumped into her on the street a few days ago; she was with her half-sister, Miss Tang.”

“Tang?” I couldn’t quite recall.

“That girl Tang Miaomiao.” Elder Sister spoke, sneaking a peek at Alu’s tiles. “Isn’t it because of the troubles exposed during the previous martial arts conference? It’s said that ever since then, the two sisters have relied on each other for survival.”

“That can’t be.” I placed a human tile. “At that time, Tang Miaomiao heard the ancestral purple jade was on the holy maiden and was furious, almost going mad. How could they reconcile so quickly?”

Elder Sister shrugged. “I don’t know. They looked very close. It’s said that Tang Miaomiao will accompany her as a concubine. Eat! Miss Lin, put that down, I want that tile!”

“It might be because she saw the maternal family's influence of the holy maiden, so she submitted.” Rú Mèng absentmindedly looked at the tiles. “Isn't this how the world works? Power can cover up all the disgraceful past.”

“Sister.” I held her slightly cool hand.

“It’s fine, it's all in the past.” She patted the back of my hand and forced a smile.

“Another day, I’ll find you a quiet place to stay; don’t live in Yunshang Pavilion anymore.” There were too many people there with loose tongues. When the Liang Kingdom's wedding procession arrives, who knows what rumors might hurt my sister. Thinking of this, a surge of irritation welled up in my heart: Liu Xunhe, you are truly disappointing.

“No need.” Elder Sister called for a tile. “Staying there can still help you somewhat. Besides, that place belongs to Young Master Ye, and we live in a separate courtyard—it’s quiet and safe.”

“Yes, yes, that place is great, absolutely wonderful.” Elder Sister glanced sideways, prompting Alu, already on alert, to quickly hide his tiles and glare fiercely. She yawned indifferently, “In Yunshang Pavilion, I’m like a fish in water. The madam praised me for being smart and quick-witted and even gave me extra money.” Seeing good tiles eaten by Alu, she frustratingly tugged at her hair. “As for Little Crane, hmm...”

“Yàn’er, don’t cause trouble.” Elder Sister grabbed her slender wrist firmly. “This is Yundu, not like other places.”

“I know, I know.” Elder Sister muttered quietly. “Even if I don’t act, do you think Master is just for show? Little Crane definitely won’t escape this beating.”

He might temporarily escape, but Elder Sister, you will never escape for your whole life.

I covered my mouth with the tiles and leaned closer to Elder Sister: “After so many days, are they still stuck like this?” As I spoke, I glanced at one moving and one still, one spring and one summer.

Elder Sister's eyes sparkled with amusement as she leaned close to whisper in my ear: “Actually, Yàn’er has been very enthusiastic, but Cousin has been cold and indifferent towards her, making her jump up and down in anger.”

“Revenge,” I sighed deeply.

“Hmm?” Elder Sister looked at me, puzzled.

“Sister, remember not to offend Master in the future.” I solemnly held her hand and glanced at someone unaware. “Better to offend a villain than Feng Wuyu—he holds grudges.” Back then, how many love affairs did Elder Sister stir up, and behind the scenes, Master drank countless bottles of sour wine. Now karma has caught up, and Master doesn’t lose at all.

“Eat! Eat!” Elder Sister snatched the tiles from Alu's hands. “No cheating!”

Elder Sister was definitely going to suffer a loss; I was sure of it inwardly.

“Could Yàn’er be an orphan picked up by the Feng family?” Elder Sister sighed, rubbing her forehead.

“Master said she was mistakenly switched.” I kindly reminded her.

“That's right, that's right.” Elder Sister leaned forward, her face full of mystery. “Something strange happened in Yundu. A few days ago, the late concubine of Lie Hou came back to life.”

“Pa.” I put down the Pai Gow tiles. “Who told you that?”

“It's spread all over Yunshang Pavilion.” She glanced at me. “The guests say a beauty appeared in the private brothel, looking almost identical to the recently deceased concubine.”

Almost identical...

That person, completely opposite to Dong Huiru, chose life instead of death when in despair. This must be why Yunzhi kept her, but why did he place her in such a place? Why?

“Qingqing? It's your turn.”

“Elder Sister.” I stared intently at her. “You must not, must not meddle with that prostitute.”

“I...” She was a bit surprised. “How did you know?”

“You have a penchant for novelty, and most of your troubles stem from this. But this time, this person, you must not touch or interact with them—do you understand?” I sternly instructed.

“Alright, alright.” She nodded repeatedly. “I won’t go; I swear.”

I picked up the Pai Gow tiles and focused: “Alu.”

“Master.” He wiped off his previous playful demeanor and responded respectfully.

“Lately, has the Prince been busy with these matters?”

“I knew I couldn’t hide it from Master.” He tacitly admitted.

“Pan’er, is she doing well?” I took a Heavenly tile.

“Transformed completely.”

The situation began to shift, and I dominated alone.

“When will the Twelfth Prince return triumphant?” Allowing Yunzhi to play this card now means every move is intricately linked.

“Master...” Alu's hand trembled, dropping a good tile. “How did Master guess...”

It seems this is the case. I lowered my eyes, feeling my heartbeat sink slightly.

“Last night, he arrived at the capital camp.” A low voice came from the screen couch opposite.

I turned towards the sound, meeting Xiuyuan's calm, penetrating eyes.

“He should have arrived by now.” He calmly placed his piece, steady as a mountain, calm as water.

Where would this unpredictable piece, the Twelfth Prince, land on which crossroads of latitude and longitude? Which central Tianyuan point would he guard?

Anxiety, excitement, and sadness converged, overflowing my heart.

“Three pairs with two fours.” I laid down my dominoes. “Supreme pair, I win.”

“Too cunning! I was about to complete a double Heaven.” Elder Sister grumbled.

I raised an eyebrow and rubbed my hands. “Accept your loss. This time, you have the most left—I am the master, and you are the echo.”

I signaled Alu. Today, I’ll show some mercy and let these two settle their scores. Let them focus on dealing with future storms; after all, the weather won’t clear up for long.

Clearing my throat, I began to sing: “Thousands of waves recede from the vast sea, dark clouds obscure the light of heaven. My dear, don’t be melancholy; listen to my heartfelt song.”

Silence fell as the music ended; human voices and the sound of falling pieces vanished.

Why are they all looking at me like this, and why are they looking at Xiuyuan like that, and why is Xiuyuan looking at me like this and that?

Meeting those springlike phoenix eyes, my cheeks instantly flushed. Misunderstanding, it’s all a misunderstanding.

I glared fiercely at Elder Sister: “Echo, echo.”

“Oh.” She excitedly touched her nose and chuckled awkwardly at me. “Thousands of waves reveal pearls, envious clouds can't hide the bright starlight. My dear, don’t be sad, hear my song of truth.”

Laugh, see who laughs last.

“Waves reveal pearls, envious clouds can't dim the brilliance. My dear...” Those black eyes brimmed with emotion, spilling over onto my heart, blushing on my face. I was stunned for a moment, rolling my eyes to one side and pointing at Elder Sister and Alu, continuing the song: “My dear, discern the virtuous, don’t waver between true and false affection.”

Elder Sister looked confused, finally understanding after a while, and gazed brightly at Master, singing and performing. Alu, on the other hand, played the part of a fierce black-faced wife with great cooperation.

“Atop the branch, young hearts run wild, not knowing where red beans are sent. My dear, listen to my song, envy not dragons and phoenixes but mandarin ducks, bathing in red robes in pairs... in pairs...” Elder Sister looked embarrassed and whispered to me, “What comes next? Ah?”

I mimicked serving tea, my lips unmoving, whispering: “With delicate hands brewing jade leaves, please drink a pot of fragrance.”

“Hmm?” Her delicate brows furrowed again and finally settled into a line. “Twisting and turning, this bird won’t play anymore.”

Ah? I stared in disbelief at her, then secretly glanced to the side. Ruined completely! Just moments ago, Master’s face was like spring, but now it instantly turned to winter. Elder Sister, you’re done for; even gods descending can’t save you now.

A flash of fiery red skirt passed before my eyes, and Elder Sister’s serious face stepped forward step by step.

I held my breath, eyes unblinking, a critical moment.

“Brother.” Elder Sister parted her red lips slightly.

“Hmm?” Brother replied casually, his voice still gentle.

“The little bird likes you.”

“Oh.” Though his tone remained calm and casual, I saw it—his hand trembled slightly.

The alpha wolf, excited.

“Brother!” Elder Sister raised her voice. “The little bird likes you!”

“I heard.” Brother's expression remained normal as he placed a black piece gently. “Liked as much as Meng and Qingqing, I understand.”

Too dark-hearted, Brother is too dark-hearted, truly a greedy wolf.

“No!” Sister-in-law flushed red, her beautiful eyes glistening with intensity.

“Yes.” Brother placed another piece.

However, Xiuyuan had tactfully sat beside me; what was Brother playing alone for?

“No!”

“Yes.”

“No, no, no!” Elder Sister was finally provoked. She pounced, pinning Brother down on the couch. “Can Sister be my husband? Can Qingqing have children with me?”

I shook my head repeatedly, then suddenly felt my right hand gently held. Turning, I met those seemingly speaking phoenix eyes, and spring grass began to spread in my heart.

“This is how the little bird likes you, Brother, do you understand now!”

“Understood.” A faint smile rippled across his face, and Brother’s voice trembled slightly. “But Lin Girl also likes me just like you.”

Hmm? I turned my head to see Alu silently mouthing: 'Dare not.'

“She doesn’t like you as much as I do.” Elder Sister directly sat on Brother.

“Lin Girl says she likes me so much that she’ll listen to everything I say.” Brother's voice was very deceptive.

False accusation! I read Alu's lips once again.

“I can too!” Elder Sister patted her chest in assurance.

“Lin Girl also said she likes me so much that she won’t look at other men ever again.”

Alu pointed over there, trembling continuously.

“Not even half a glance!”

“All these words were heard by them.” Brother must have been secretly delighted inside.

“You all bear witness for me!” Elder Sister turned around and pointed.

“Mm.” My sister and I responded simultaneously.

Brother, know when to stop. The little bird is already in your mouth—it’s enough.

“But liking Lin Girl isn't particularly special either.” Clearly, Brother didn’t intend to stop.

“I, I!” Elder Sister clutched Brother’s robe, her chest rising and falling violently. “I! I!”

“Don’t worry, Brother is listening.” Brother comfortingly consoled her in soft tones, appearing very patient. “Just say it before Lin Girl’s moonlit rendezvous.”

“Moonlit rendezvous?!” Elder Sister glared murderously.

Alu’s lips whitened, looking like he might collapse at any moment.

“Brother, you can't go out tonight!”

“Oh?”

The long-sleeved garment fluttered into the air.

“You will attend this bird's ** first!”

“Alright.” Brother showed no sign of being forced.

“Shouldn’t you say no?” Alu froze in place.

Receiving Brother’s warning glance, I dragged someone who was still dazed out of the west wing.

“Close the door, lock it!” I panted heavily, issuing orders. “Order the people in the mansion not to approach the wing.” Glancing at Alu crouching by the door eavesdropping, I raised an eyebrow. “You can approach if you want.”

“Huh?” Sister stopped in her tracks.

“Funeral expenses are at your own cost.”

One person stood up.

“Master!” A loud shout came from outside the west wing.

“What is it?” I responded in a low voice, but saw Xiuyuan standing in front of me, blocking the view from outside.

“The steward from the Third Prince's household has arrived.”

“Steward?” The north wind stirred our clothes, rippling through the night.

“He says he was ordered to deliver a thank-you gift to Master and invites Master to inspect it personally.”

Gift? I pondered for a moment. Perhaps the Third Prince thought that Dong Shi receiving her title and entering the royal tomb was because I kept the secret of Laba Day.

“Mm, understood.” I beckoned to Sister. “Sister, this hair is tied too tight; help me untie it later.” It's troublesome, still need to change into male attire.

“Okay.”

“Xiuyuan.” I looked apologetically at him. “Sorry, today is the fifteenth, I can't keep our appointment.”

His somewhat cold lip line faintly curved, and his slender fingers brushed through my hair. “I'll wait for you next month.”

“Okay.” My eyes only saw him.

“The song just now.” His tall figure leaned slightly toward me, his voice tinged with joy and restraint. “I really liked it.”

After saying that, he smiled faintly and left, leaving behind only my silhouette.

...

“Please enjoy slowly, Master, slowly, hehe...”

The deeply meaningful tone of the Third Prince’s steward still echoed. I stared at the towering redwood box before me, examining it over and over.

What treasure could it be? If he said to use it, it should be silver.

So much!

I walked around the box again and again, excitement making my hands and feet sweat.

The “nice words” I said were enough to make the Third Prince drink a pot of tea, yet he was so kind, spending such a fortune—it made me feel embarrassed.

Trembling, I lifted the lid of the box, and it dazzled my eyes.

This beautiful youth resembled a water sprite brightened by fragrant herbs.

“Yanqiu, seen Master.”

That lowered head exuded endless spring feelings, like icy water piercing to the bone, suddenly pouring down...

Fluff: Moonlit Rendezvous

The slanting sun cast its last rays, and the dim golden twilight rose in the courtyard.

“Lord Song.”

“Miss.” Song Baoyan looked at the person before him and softly responded.

Someone looked around: “This house is quite sturdy, right?” Though it sounded like a question, it was more like self-talk.

Song Baoyan was somewhat disoriented: “Probably... yes.”

“That’s good, that’s good.” Someone seemed to gather their courage, facing death as they pushed open the flower hall's slightly ajar door, looking back at the ground before entering. “A straight body casts no crooked shadow, don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid.”

What was going on?

Self-proclaimed to be able to converse with ghosts, Little Two Song stood rooted in place, frustration hitting his heart...

Eating without speaking, sleeping without talking, this meal was so quiet, making her feel so uneasy, so powerless.

Her eyes slowly, cautiously peeked to the side, only to meet his open and clear gaze.

“Uh.” She choked slightly, holding her breath.

Ye Jinglan's brow furrowed slightly as he reached out to pull her into his arms. His warm palm, imbued with a touch of internal force, skillfully caressed her back. Gradually, the person in his arms calmed down, her head bowing even lower. His phoenix eyes warmly gazed at the reddened skin exposed on her, tinged with affection. His gaze traveled along her elegant neck, suddenly stopping, then coolly narrowing.

In the morning, he really shouldn't have held back.

So cold, someone shrank her neck, trembling hands holding up a bowl of steaming fish soup. Blowing, blowing, a strand of hair slipped into the soup, like tender willow branches playing on a calm lake in March, leaving faint traces. Just as she was about to pick out the black hair, Ye Jinglan beat her to it.

She slowly raised her eyes, seeing the wet hair hanging from his fingers, dripping a milky white droplet.

A pair of spring pools shimmered as he gently sucked the drop of soup, instantly breaking into a smile: “The taste is just right.”

Waves surged in the bowl, the delicious aroma hitting someone's face, steaming under the mask, causing a burning sensation. Her heart thumped violently, making her mouth unconsciously open.

So delicious, she wished she could drink it all in one gulp.

She foolishly smiled and secretly glanced again, surprised to find everything normal. That handsome face still carried its innate aloofness and righteousness.

Rubbing her eyes, and rubbing them again, three days without rest had caused hallucinations.

Absent-mindedly taking another sip, it was hot, hot, hot, so hot.

“Qingqing.”

“Hmm?” She opened her mouth, greedily inhaling the cool air.

“Have you ever felt despair?”

Her eyelids trembled, frowning but not quite pouting: “Hmm.”

Ye Jinglan’s heart tightened abruptly, recalling the conversation from this morning...

That person weakly slumped over Lin Chengbi's shoulder, sneering: “Though your martial arts are unparalleled, you can't kill me. Mianzhou is isolated, constrained by others everywhere; you barely manage to take care of yourself, how can you protect her completely?”

He slowed his steps, sharply turning to look.

The annoying person laughed wildly: “Duke Ding, just as you can see the hickey on her neck but can't erase it, the scars left in her heart are equally unreachable for you. Unlike you, I've seen her despair, considered it, and thus know what true completeness means for her. We each walk our own path, and I'll see who has the last laugh.”

Chengyuan fought to the death, she persisted through the battle; amidst the political upheavals, she remained composed. From her eyes, he saw pain, saw wounds, but never despair.

Turns out, she had truly despaired once.

Ye Jinglan collected himself, his deep eyes watching her silently drinking the soup, sip by sip, very elegantly, quietly, and pitifully.

“It was my mistake.” He sighed softly, drawing her astonished gaze.

His eyes brimmed with affection, a bittersweet feeling brewing in his chest.

He knew that though her temperament was peaceful, she was the proudest at heart. Rather than accepting his money, she would rather close her doors and eat the sauerkraut she hated most every meal.

He knew that although she was afraid of pain, she always showed strength. Several times during treatment, her eyes clearly held tears, yet she never made a sound.

But he didn’t know that her pride and strength were once so fragile, that she had experienced despair.

He was wrong, mistaken in taking everything she currently had for granted.

“Qingqing.” His voice wasn't as clear and cold as usual, as if suppressing something, “Qingqing was once a little girl too.”

Her body trembled, waves surging in the bowl.

“Hmm.” She responded, her voice hoarse.

Hearing this, his heart softened instantly, opening his arms to pull her into an embrace: “How old were you then?”

“Six years old.” She hugged his slim waist tightly, very tightly.

“Alone?” He gently stroked her hair.

“Hmm.” She still remembered that bloody winter day when she clung to the rock crevice alone, the icy tides rushing over her again and again...

The past had hurt her deeply, she was still afraid. Ye Jinglan held her trembling body tightly, trying to dispel the chill in her heart with warmth.

“In the future, think of me, okay?”

The person in his arms lifted her face, her confused eyes filled with questions.

Ye Jinglan cupped her face, his eyes full of sincerity: “Think of me when you're in despair, I will definitely come to save you.”

Beautiful eyes couldn't hold back the tears, the trembling emotions overflowing instantly.

“Qingqing.” He leaned down, kissing her moist eyes, “After sixteen, you won't be alone anymore.”

Not alone anymore, his beloved girl.

…

Fingers intertwined, robes entwined, the two under the moonlight moved as one shadow.

Just now, faintly hearing Song Daren hurriedly push the door open and gently close it again, she must have cried terribly.

When was the last time she let herself cry like this?

She turned her head, thinking.

It seemed like ten years ago, the night she lost both parents, she cried like this. Afterward, she learned to suppress herself, crying silently even when she did, in places where no one could see, reminding herself to be strong over and over again.

Just as she almost forgot how to wail, this person released her with one sentence.

Crying out loud feels good. Not being alone feels good.

She tilted her head, looking at the man bathed in moonlight before her: “Xiuyuan.”

He stopped, his phoenix eyes clear, gazing quietly.

“Xiuyuan treats me so well.”

A hint of a smile hid in his eyes.

“All along, it's been Xiuyuan giving, while I haven't done anything.” She raised her head, her eyes still a bit swollen, “Isn't that unfair?”

“A bit.”

The unexpected answer made her momentarily stunned.

He said a bit, a bit, indeed there was still some imbalance in his heart.

She turned her body, pondering deeply, occasionally stealing glances to the side. Once, twice, every time her gaze was caught by him, her face reddened again and again, her brows furrowed repeatedly.

Ye Jinglan’s phoenix eyes held a smile, unwaveringly watching, capturing every frown and smile, storing them in his heart.

In fact, he never felt it was unfair. He just loved to watch her being awkward, loved to see her blush—it was his newly discovered interest.

“Xiuyuan.” The shy girl turned around, “Every time you kiss...” The mask couldn't hide the blush, the thin skin revealing faint pink clouds, “Every time you kiss this man's face, doesn't it feel awkward?”

“A bit.” Not awkward at all, but for better benefits, he would lie just a little.

“From now on, every fifteenth of the month, I’ll meet you with my true face, okay?”

“Okay.” He liked it very much.

“Every time we meet, I'll change back into a dress, grooming myself just for you, okay?”

“Okay.” His voice was low, soft, and lingering, dispelling the night's chilly air.

She pursed her lips and continued: “In the future, as long as you and I don't have official duties, on these cool nights, may we enjoy the company of each other under the bright moon, okay?”

His dark eyes rippled with spring water, about to overflow instantly, the surging eye waves reflecting the cold, beautiful moonlight.

“Okay.”

She looked back at the three-zhang-high wall behind her: “It's getting late, I should go back.”

“Okay.” He smiled warmly.

She pulled away the distance between them, touching the tip of her nose: “Xiuyuan, after giving a guarantee, there should be a deposit, right?”

“Yes.” He patiently watched her approach, tiptoe, saw the blush on her face turn into a rosy hue, observed her slightly awkward upward tilt, and witnessed those two soft petals gently and shakily brushing past the corner of his lips.

It was this very moment; his narrow eyes could no longer contain the threads of affection, and a torrent of love instantly spilled out.

The shy someone was just about to withdraw her red lips when she suddenly felt the back of her head firmly pressed down. A domineering breath instantly took over her lips, and a deep, lingering kiss clouded her mind, stirring wave after wave at the corner of her lips and deep within her heart.

Remember in the future to negotiate the amount of the deposit beforehand, absolutely, absolutely, absolutely must not forget, must not forget...

Fluff: Can a Little Bird Subdue a Fierce Wolf?

The moon is round and full on the fifteenth, ** envying celestial beings.

But, can anyone tell her how to be round now, how to be happy?

Her heart thumping wildly, she still clutched at her brother's robe with such an imposing air, so brave, so righteous, so utterly fearless...

Qingqing was right; she had indeed been too casual, too reckless. How should she wrap this up now? Ah! How to end this.

She drooped her head, feeling somewhat deflated.

“Little bird?” A gentle voice softly echoed, “If there’s nothing else, Brother still needs to meet Miss Lin...”

This voice was like a powerful金刚丸, instantly replenishing her courage: “No way!”

She glared, fiercely glaring, but the person beneath her laughed joyfully.

“A little bird's word, not even eight horses can pull back!” Her mind was filled with overlapping images of her brother and Miss Lin, making her blood rush backward, one nerve after another bursting.

Brother belongs to her, to this little bird!

Her little face turned beet red, her hands moving swiftly. One piece, two pieces, three pieces—robes flew everywhere. The violated someone showed no awareness of the impending ***, raising his arm, turning around, fully cooperating.

“Hah... hah...” She stared wide-eyed, panting heavily, admiring her spoils with a sense of accomplishment.

Thinking about how she, the little bird, had secretly watched for so long without realizing that the most handsome one had always been by her side—Brother has such a great figure.

Blushing, she stared unblinkingly, a silly smile hanging on her lips.

The half-naked upper body beneath her, black hair scattered on the couch, exuded an easily tempting beauty.

She clearly heard the swallow in her throat, her heartbeat suddenly accelerating.

“Little bird.” This hoarse voice stirred her heart, “Brother has let you have your way; shouldn't you show some sincerity?”

Hmm? Sincerity? She looked at him quizzically.

The person beneath lifted his lean arm, fingers sliding down from the corner of her lips, igniting an unprecedented heat on her skin.

“Little bird, you've grown up.” Amber-colored light eyes shimmered with unusual brilliance.

Thump, thump, her heart was completely captured by the beauty before her, sitting there dumbfounded.

“Today, hearing you say this makes Brother so happy, so very happy.” He coaxed her, his hand movements never ceasing. “Little bird, do you know how long Brother has waited for today?”

She shook her head, continuing to admire the beautiful sight.

“Hehe.” His laughter was pleasant to hear, but his light pupils were like a rain-soaked lake surface, no longer calm.

One piece, two pieces, three pieces—he trembled as he reciprocated.

“Eight years.”

Eight years? She was utterly confused, but moments later she was startled awake by the chill enveloping her.

Eh? Why does she only have a belly-wrap left on her upper body?

She could no longer focus on admiring the beauty, slowly shifting backward, then again.

So hard, what was pressing against her? She instinctively reached back, stealing a glance below her.

His handsome face was slightly red, gritting his teeth as if enduring something.

What exactly was it? Curious, she pinched again.

The breathing beneath her grew rougher and more urgent.

She scratched her head, unaware that at this moment her hair was tousled and her chest half-exposed—a beautiful sight in someone's eyes.

Almost reaching it, she glimpsed the undergarment at the foot of the couch, shifting backward again. Regardless of everything, she sat down forcefully on the burning hardness.

“Little bird.” This voice was gritted through clenched teeth.

“Hmm?” She finally reached it!

Just as she was about to grab the sash, suddenly a dizzying whirlwind struck, and when she came to her senses, she realized positions had changed: “Brother?”

“Hmph.” The person above narrowed his eyes dangerously, closing in.

“Ah?” The overwhelming masculine aura left her flustered, unable to dodge.

“I originally wanted to endure these many years, not in a hurry for the moment,” his light eyes gleamed, his whole being radiating with desire and a strong sense of possession. “But I didn’t expect you to play with fire and burn yourself, little bird.”

With a flick of his finger, the last piece of fabric separating their upper bodies slid off.

“Bro...ther...” She hastily covered her chest, had Brother transformed? How did he transform?

Eyes wide open, she saw thin lips slowly descending.

“Little bird.” Rubbing against those two red lips he had long craved, he felt the heat in his chest about to overflow. “Should we extinguish this candle?”

She swallowed once, twice, thrice, entranced, saying: “No, I want to see Brother clearly.”

“Such a good girl.” He smiled, warm breath spraying on her skin, making her itch all over, her head heating up as her arms wrapped around his neck.

She wasn’t greedy, just a small peck, just a small peck.

Once they touched, they stuck together. Clearly, someone was very greedy, greedily astonishing.

Surrounded by fierce flames, the rising heat ripened her thoughts, evaporated her will, dissipating like a wisp of smoke.

Wait! She suddenly grabbed the tail of the wisp. She wanted to be on top, on top! How could she forget such an important thing?

With all her might, she pushed, pushed again, and pushed yet again.

Why didn’t it budge at all? Previously, a simple push would knock him over.

Unable to move physically, she resorted to verbal reminders: “Bro...ther...”

Was that her voice? Why did it sound like a bird chirping?

“Hmm?” His eyes sparkled with green light.

“I...I want to be on top...”

An enticing laugh slipped into her ear: “Not in a hurry, we have the whole night.”

What? Her mind was a bit sluggish, unable to understand.

“Husband will surely satisfy you well.”

No, she wants to be on top! On top! Only on top can she...

The cunning wolf ignited one, two, three, countless raging fires on the bird's body, effortlessly destroying her remaining will.

Wisp of smoke?

This time, next time, the time after next, not even ashes remained. Gone, gone, the little bird entered the wolf's belly.

A little bird subduing a fierce wolf?

The night is still long, dreams can unfold slowly, slowly...