Joyful Four
He slightly loosened her hand, pushed aside the tree branch above her head, and said softly, "You should pay attention to where you're walking; your pretty face almost got scratched."
This encounter brought forth all the thoughts that had been deeply hidden in my heart for the past ten years, spilling out in a rush.
When he raised his eyes again, he had already shifted his body, taking a step to the side, with his hands placed behind his back. Then he looked up, carefully examining the dangling fragments of jade, slightly lowered his head, and his thin lips gradually curved into a smile as he spoke: "In the residence, are you the one in charge?"
Above women, there is the title of Empress
He smiled slightly, leaned back against the chair, and said to Xie Mingyuan: "Give him the sword."
Ying Huan's smile faded slightly, puzzled by his meaning. She glanced at him and said, "What is it?" Taking a step forward, she looked up at the broken jade.
Neither of the two spoke again, as the night gradually enveloped them. The sound of water gurgled beneath the pavilion, while the fragrance of the crape myrtle trees wafted a hundred steps away. The wind blew the fallen flowers, and the pavilion remained quiet and serene
He suddenly opened his eyes, and a sudden warmth surged within him, as he had not expected the woman beside him to articulate his innermost thoughts. In an instant, an inexplicable emotion surged forth, filling his chest.
In his large palm, the color of jade glimmered slightly under the dark blue night sky.
She took a step closer to He Xi, without looking at him, and softly said: "Young Master He, come with me." Then she turned around and walked slowly towards the back courtyard.
The night was desolate, yet for the first time she felt no loneliness. Unlike in the past, it was as if she were the only person in the world, facing the vastness of the night.
Ying Huan halted her steps and raised her eyes to look at He Xi. She had not yet had the opportunity to inquire in detail about this man's background.
Those nineteen characters are exactly identical in brushwork to the characters before me
The black-clad man behind him moved with great agility, and it was immediately apparent that he was not an ordinary individual. Yet, he treated him with utmost respect at every turn. With such an attendant by his side, how could this person be an ordinary merchant
She curled her fingers, and her nails lightly touched the palm of her hand
When I was fourteen, the nine heavens were opened, and the tenfold palaces were all draped in white silk overnight
Under the dim light of the candle, the strokes of the brush soar, each character sharp as a knife, bold and overbearing
The carriage came to a stop in front of the door, and Di Feng dismounted. Just as he was about to stride in, he paused, turned back to glance at Shen Wuchen, and said softly: "I will go in first to make some arrangements with the people in the residence, you..."
He congratulated her in silence, and after a long while, the willow branch in his hand made a "snap" sound, disturbing the tranquil night.
There is some pain, some itchiness, but what truly astonishes him is her captivating behavior
Suddenly, a sense of clarity opened up in her heart. When she looked at him again, the flame in her chest diminished somewhat, yet another feeling gradually rose, gently enveloping half of her heart.
Even if Di Feng were here, it is hard to say whether he could easily bend it and break the branch so neatly and cleanly.
It felt as if water was surging into her heart, cold and refreshing.
However, when should he clarify his identity to her
Ying Huan could not hear him speak, so she could only raise her eyes to look over and called out again, "Young Master He?"
Just ... ...
With a beauty by my side, my heart is entangled in thoughts of longing
Ying Huan raised her eyelashes, gazing at the colorful and intricate patterns on the pavilion's roof, the night casting a shadow over much of it
With a single stride of his long legs, he covered the distance of her two small steps, and she almost had to lift her skirt and jog to keep up with his pace
I cannot see through her
Yet deep within her heart, a fierce blaze suddenly ignited, burning relentlessly.
He took a shallow breath, placed his hands on his knees, turned his head to look at her, and said, "What you have said, madam, is exactly what I was thinking."
She took a shallow breath deep down, smiled lightly, and said, "What are you looking at me like this for?"
In an instant, only the cold wind howled around.
He did not expect her to be so alluring, so bold, and so... completely disregarding propriety
He has never done such a thing in his life
As the night deepened, he stood beside her, allowing the word "you" to swirl in the wind, yet he remained silent.
That year, she had just turned ten. By a stroke of luck, she discovered a place where she could secretly go to read many books that she usually could not see or read, all while keeping it hidden from the Grand Tutor.
If so, it has inexplicably given rise to ambiguous feelings, and the night grows even darker
He looked towards Ying Huan, noticing her slightly curled eyelashes and that her complexion was two shades redder than when they were at the Feng Le Building. Her delicate appearance was even more pronounced as she smiled gently, whispering instructions to Di Feng.
As the moonlight deepens, the angles of his face soften slightly, his thin lips resemble a blade, and his gaze is like mist
She opened her mouth, yet did not know where to begin her inquiry. After a long pause, she finally uttered a single word, "You ... ... "
Before I could think it through, I heard him ask: "Madam, have you ever considered that perhaps we could join forces with that formidable enemy?"
In the capital's night, there are palace maids waiting nearby, the sound of the night watch outside the hall fills the ears, before the desk lies an endless array of memorials awaiting approval, the vermilion brush grinds against the fingers, and the shadows of the lamp flicker softly
And how should she be in their eyes
It is already known that it is the fifth watch of the night
Those eight unfamiliar characters, however, filled her with longing
The moonlight entwines with the vast night, enveloping the two individuals, regardless of how one contemplates within, it all feels like a dream.
He did not speak, nor did she take the initiative to say anything
If this is truly the case, then from where does this air of lofty pride originate
This low call, as soon as it was uttered, was immediately scattered by the wind
It is not that I have never been touched by a man, nor that I have not been stirred in such a manner by others
Ying Huan took in his expression and, unable to help herself, gathered her sleeves and smiled, "I appreciate your kind intentions, Young Master He. However, although you are generous, I cannot simply accept the sword like this. How about you name a price for the sword, and I will purchase it?"
He has never been bitten by a woman in such a manner, nor has she ever been embraced by a man in such a way
He cannot form an alliance with her, simply because he does not trust her. Moreover, she certainly would not deign to join forces with him either
That coarse texture seemed to linger in her hand, gradually warming her up
Ying Huan's gaze was fixed; if he were truly a traveling merchant, how could he ... ...
As he said, tossing and turning, waking from dreams in the middle of the night, every time I think of that person thousands of miles away, my heart tingles, and no matter what, I cannot sleep soundly
Di Feng grasped the sword tightly and also looked towards Xie Mingyuan, sensing a hint of murderous intent in the man's actions, which caused him to frown
Ying Huan's lips suddenly curled up; this man could actually make her feel so willingly devoted.
Among all the men around her, there exists only the distinction between loyalty and treachery, only the difference between the capable and the mediocre. Beneath each superficial facade, what truly lies hidden must be discerned and determined by her.
Suddenly recalling the time when he held her hand, the rough calluses between his fingers
Once again, Ying Huan displayed no signs of displeasure from beginning to end, which suggests that she must have some feelings for this Young Master He
Looking back now, all those simple, vague, and undefined days, though they were extremely naive, were the most beautiful
This residence is not particularly large, and from the outside, it does not appear to be very luxurious. However, once you enter, the courtyard, hall, and corridors all exude an air of refinement and elegance.
Ying Huan was momentarily stunned, as the words by her ear struck at the deep-seated pain within her heart that had lingered for a long time. She couldn't help but raise her eyes to look at him, her lips trembling as she said: "You ... ... "
He Xi's expression shifted slightly as he followed her into the hall, which was pitch dark, making it impossible to discern the interior of the room
Congratulations, the strength in your hands has increased. Lowering his head to look at Ying Huan, he saw that there seemed to be a block of ice凝 in her eyes, and she was gazing back at him.
She felt a stir of emotions within her heart, gently raised her hand, letting her sleeve fall, her wrist partially bare, her chin slightly lifted, and softly called out to him: "Master He."
Soft, indeed remarkably soft
Her waist is a hundred times more slender and soft than he imagined, and her tongue is ten thousand times more smooth than he envisioned
Thus, the rift between the two genders shall be severed.
Regardless of her wealth, he desires her
It is extremely scorching
It is not that I have never hoped, perhaps in the future I might encounter a man like those in books, or perhaps there could be a heart-fluttering entanglement that makes one blush.
For many years, she did not know how to express her innermost thoughts to others, but tonight, he spoke the words that she would never have been able to say to any other man.
She suddenly moved her lips away, and he simultaneously released his grip
He walked over to her, lowered his gaze, and said softly: "I was thinking of you"
From now on, there will be no more thoughts of it, no more lingering sentiments
No man before her can be trusted for his sincerity
This night is unlike the nights in the capital city
She gazed at him, her hand moved slightly, feeling him gradually release her and withdraw his hand
After walking for a long time, she finally turned her head, against the backdrop of the slanting sunset, and glanced at him
In the book, those talented scholars and beautiful women, upon meeting, immediately dove under the table, causing her to blush.
Xie Zhiyuan's expression immediately darkened, and he hurriedly whispered from behind: "Young Master ... ..."
Clearly it was a good word, yet it caused his breath to momentarily tighten, and in his mind appeared the day when Gu Qin returned from Tai Lun and presented him with that piece of paper in the hall
His wide and long cuffs hung down, the cool silk brushed against her wrist, and with a movement, it became ticklish
Ying Huan's palms were slightly damp with sweat, and she suddenly recalled her childhood, in the deep courtyard behind the heavily closed palace gates, in the attic of the imperial library where the sounds of orioles and swallows filled the air but no human voices were heard, where she secretly turned the pages of those small books from the marketplace while hiding from others
Without the presence of the previous few individuals, his gaze at this moment became increasingly fervent, increasingly unrestrained, resembling the fiery halo of the sun at the mountain's edge
Then her lips enveloped his lower lip, and the warm, moist sensation instantly spread throughout his limbs and bones, igniting his heart, his hands, and his entire body
He did not speak, covering her hand under the wide sleeve of his garment, leading her as he retreated behind the pavilion. His large palm was both thick and warm, firm and strong. Although his steps were quick, they were steady, allowing him to walk straight into the depths of the courtyard along the small path paved with gravel, even in the darkness of the night.
Ying Huan leisurely lifted her skirt and took two steps, suddenly recalling something. She turned her waist and looked back at He Xi, still smiling as she said: "Young Master He, you have yet to quote a price for that sword."
Congratulations, the corners of the eyebrows are cold, the eyes slanting at him, the gaze is like a sword, cutting off his words afterwards, and then turning his head to look at Yinghuan, the corners of the lips hooking up, "Madam's meaning?"
In a moment of astonishment, her entire hand was grasped by him, held firmly in his palm
Regardless of his identity, she desires him
In an instant, these thoughts flashed through Shen Wuchen's mind, and he suddenly felt a sense of admiration.
Unless he intends to sever the Ye Qi pulse from his palm
The night is cool as water
Before she could move, He Xi's fingers had already loosened, slowly sliding down along the vibrant red tassel interspersed with shattered jade, reaching out to grasp her hand that had just been raised.
As soon as she thought of this, her words became three points colder: "Master He, you can quote whatever price you want. Since I said I want to buy it, I will definitely buy it, no matter what the price is!"
Not to mention this sword, even the entire family business of the He family, if she really wants to buy it, then what's the difficulty!
Encountering him at the street corner, sharing drinks with him at the Fengle Building, conversing with him in this courtyard
This is really interesting. In this world, is there anything she can't afford to buy?
The sudden question caught her off guard and left her stunned for a moment.
Yinghuan looked at Hexi, and without even mentioning the price, he handed the sword to Difeng. Unable to help but squint, this man exuded an imposing and noble aura, far from being an ordinary merchant. I wonder where he came from...
Ying Huan raised his hand and touched the fire striker by the window, gently lifted the cover, and blew lightly. The flames lit up the ground.
Never before had a man approached her so actively, inadvertently stirring up a storm in her heart.
Her eyes narrowed involuntarily. Without strong finger strength, I'm afraid she wouldn't be able to do this.
He saw Ying Huan but didn't speak, and his confidence increased by five points. He couldn't help but smile at He Xi and ask, "Will you stay another night in this city? Is Master He going to leave?"
The collapse of the empire, how can we allow others to peep, how can we be defeated by her?
Xie Mingyuan frowned and looked at Yinghuan, thinking that He Xi had never had such thoughts about a woman in many years. Why today...
Unfamiliar feelings are indistinguishable, but one still knows what they want.
To think of him for a lifetime, having read countless people, yet one day, unable to see through a woman.
Over the course of ten years, even though occasionally I would fall asleep on the bed before dawn, I often couldn't find peace in sleep.
Dan lips and ivory teeth, like golden spears and swords, unstoppable and ever-sharp.
Her long eyelashes trembled slightly, she looked up at him, a smile tugging at the corner of her red lips, and said no more.
This kiss is like a silent battle.
Shen Wuchen felt delighted in his heart and said, "Since we have such fate, why don't you stay at our residence tonight, my lord? This way, you can avoid the trouble of finding a place to rest in the city."
He didn't wait for her to answer, casually threw the broken willow to the ground, with a slight tug at the corner of his mouth, a low chuckle, and continued to say to himself, "This question is rather unnecessary."
He remained silent, but did not avert his gaze.
His smile, bright even in the night, but the corners of his eyes and eyebrows carried a hint of coldness.
Under the eaves of the pavilion hangs a piece of broken jade, which touches each other with the wind, producing a sound that is both melodious and wonderful.
His hand holding mine, although I didn't know what he wanted to do, there was no panic in my heart, as if his domineering act was such a natural thing.
Congratulations without words. He looked up and examined the colorful glass ceiling of the hall, then looked around at the courtyard of the mansion before saying to her, "I would like to take a stroll in the mansion. I wonder what the lady thinks?"
Shen Wuchen nodded before he finished speaking, saying "I understand." As he watched Di Feng enter the courtyard, his eyes sank, and he turned to greet Yinghuan in the carriage.
This is the first time he walked behind a woman.
Moreover, this sword ... ...
He said, what she thinks is actually the same as him... ... And so is she.
Over the years, she has maintained a cold and aloof demeanor, never revealing her innermost thoughts to anyone, let alone a man...
Only then did she come to her senses, raising her eyes to meet the deep, dark gaze before her, and saw his thin lips curved into a smile directed at her
Congratulations on the slight curve of thin lips, not saying much, with a flick of the brocade robe, following her forward.
As Ying Huan looked over, she saw that the willow branch had been broken into two segments, with the breakage perfectly even.
Congratulations followed her in, but did not sit down, just lowered their head and looked at her.
However, she is nothing but much more fragrant and delicious than that mellow wine.
In my memory, during those days before the age of fourteen, the sky was a pure blue, the crimson palace walls stood tall and heavy, yet they could not obstruct her thoughts, nor could they hinder her heart
Seeing him silent, she couldn't help but curl her lips and shake her head, saying: "Today, upon seeing Young Master He, my heart feels heavy. I hope you do not take offense at my earlier nonsensical words."
The heart beats in the chest, empty and hollow, thumping one after another
The blue sky of yesteryears is gone forever, leaving only dark clouds above, heavily pressing down on her heart time and again
In his eyes, a faint light flickered. He lifted his robe and sat down beside her, taking the willow branch from her hand and grasping it slowly. He began to speak: "Madam, have you, over the years, tossed and turned, always pondering that person's thoughts and actions? Do you often wake in the middle of the night, and upon thinking of that person, wish you could seize all of their family assets? Do you find that whenever you hear that person's movements, you do nothing and think of nothing, but merely instinctively try to speculate about her..."
He Xiwens heard this and couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, remaining silent and waiting for her to continue.
He looked at her, without any reaction, and saw her eyes gently close, her body leaning towards him three inches, her face tilting, and she smiled and called out to him, "Master He...".
At the age of ten, she, for the first time, confusedly understood that in this world, there exists such a relationship between men and women.
With a slight smile at the corner of his mouth, he suddenly grasped her hand tightly, stood up straight, and pulled her up with a swift motion
His gaze, Yinghuan understands.
Her dark, captivating eyes fixated on her, never letting go
He couldn't help but curl his lips, thinking about the numerous beautiful women in his harem throughout his life, but he had never done such a thing with any woman.
But it is irresistible.
When his mind was drifting, he had already taken a few steps forward. He firmly grasped the jingling broken jade in his big hand and extinguished its melodious sound.
Congratulations, her eyes looked at her carefully, her tender white earlobes, like ink-black hair, rosy complexion, and... . ... There was a faint special fragrance on her body, which was accompanied by the wind and quietly entered his nostrils, refreshing his mind.
She is biting him
He walked up to the Nine Chong Hall in a state of utter helplessness and took his seat on the lofty throne that was revered and coveted by millions
She is hot, and he is also hot.
Within the residence, Di Feng had already instructed everyone present. Upon seeing Ying Huan, he simply referred to her as "Madam" and ordered someone to prepare two guest rooms in the side courtyard for He Xi and Xie Mingyuan
This man is not like the person I have seen before. He really moves her heart and makes her want to take him back to the capital.
The wind picked up in the evening, brushing past her cheeks and pulling a few strands of black hair from her bun, which fell loosely onto her shoulders.
Congratulations stared at her, with a gleam in his eyes, saying, "If I were to set the price, I'm afraid madam might not be willing to buy again."
She met his gaze and saw a flicker of brightness and darkness in his eyes, and she vaguely understood the deep meaning in between... On the imperial bed in the Jinghuan Palace, many men had once laid there with the same expression, and she was not unfamiliar with it.
Little by little, gently, she lightly nibbled his lips with her teeth
If I could see her every day, it would surely be an enchanting experience.
She looked up again and glanced at Hexi... That clear and handsome face, tall and straight figure, the soft and affectionate gaze in his eyes, as she looked at him, her chest burned, and her hand involuntarily loosened the side of her robe. The hem of her skirt swept the ground, lightly dusting the peony on her skirt, leaving imprints on the heart of the flower.
He smiled faintly, without speaking, simply gazing at her. His eyes began at her forehead, slowly tracing down her brows, eyes, and the tip of her nose, finally resting on her red lips
Descending the steps with joy, he stepped out of the car. He glanced at him from the corner of his eye, just as their eyes met briefly. His face couldn't help but flush, and after a moment of stiffness, he said, "Mr. He, please."
She pondered silently in her heart, yet her face remained calm and unperturbed. With her eyes lowered, she softly said: "Master He, please state your price."
As he closed his eyes, he could not help but feel a sense of self-mockery in his heart. How could he have such a thought at this moment? How could he have asked this question without even thinking?
Although it is not entirely clear where the differences lie, it is still understood that this is a novel matter entirely distinct from the affections within the imperial palace between the emperor and his consorts
Her gaze was gentle as she reached out her hand, slowly sliding it over his sleeve and up his long arm, finally resting it on his neck.
Her smile suddenly dyed his mood with joy, causing him to involuntarily lift the corners of his mouth.
Congratulations, slowly getting up and looking at her, unable to move his gaze for a while.
The world is in my hands, but my heart feels empty as if there is nothing. The initial days were difficult to endure, but gradually I got used to it.
Uncertain how much time had passed, a dim yellow glow suddenly appeared in the distance. Upon closer inspection, it became clear that it was two lanterns gradually moving closer, which brought her back to her senses in an instant
Congratulations, I never expected that this unremarkable little house would have such a beautiful scene deep in the backyard
In the southern part of the city, the stone-paved Qing Street is wide, and in front of a residence with red walls and tiled roof, ancient trees are clustered around. From the outside, the house is neither particularly large nor small, quietly nestled on the edge of the bustling inner city, utterly unremarkable
But when has he ever acted like a gentleman?
Over the past decade, he has experienced all kinds of tactics from that woman.
His fingers were slightly stiff as he slowly stepped forward, ultimately raising an eyebrow, a hint of self-mocking smile rolling across his lips
Ying Huan lit a match and casually placed it aside, her face flushed, and she looked at him and asked, "What is Young Master He thinking about?"
Congratulations, Da Zhang suddenly tightened his grip and held her hand in his palm. Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly saw a plaque hanging on the wall behind her.
He briefly assessed her, and when his gaze shifted back to her face, he found her looking at him, with a smile in her eyes and at the corners of her lips
She was surprised, not knowing what he wanted to do.
In the grand hall, as she watched the ministers below perform the three kneelings and nine prostrations in great ceremony, and heard them shout three times "Long live the Emperor," her heart suddenly ceased to beat.
Speechless for a moment.
Ying Huan's heart stirred, and she raised her eyes to look at his back, which was broad and sturdy, as if his entire black robe were merging with the night.
In the courtyard, there are no flowers, only a patch of grass, on which tender green grass grows. Although it cannot be compared to rare and exotic flowers, when illuminated by the slanting rays of the setting sun, the grass appears lush and glossy, presenting a refreshing and unique sight
In the blink of an eye, her hand was once again taken by him, slowly being gripped tighter by him
This woman, he wants to take her back to Ye Qi
Ying Huanxin understood Shen Wuchen's intentions. She thought to herself that over the years, he had never misjudged a person or miscalculated a situation. She then slightly raised her head and said: "If Young Master He does not mind, how could I possibly be unwilling"
At this moment, being pulled by him, with a deep blue sky above and crushed primrose stones beneath my feet, I am surprisingly calm as I head towards that deep darkness
Ying Huan observed the gradual droop of his lips and the subtle change in his complexion, yet she could not discern what thoughts occupied his mind
Ying Huanxin's heart tightened for a moment, and she reached out to try to push aside his hand
What he desires ... ...
One cannot help but feel a sense of aversion
Congratulations took two steps forward, under the moonlight, clearly seeing that ahead was a courtyard, with a small hall in front of the house. There were no weeds at the door, it was clean and tidy, suggesting that this place is usually well-maintained and frequently cleaned.
The hard grip around her waist caused her pain, and the hand that was hooked around his neck involuntarily tightened a bit, with her nails lightly sinking into the skin on the side of his neck
A subtle stirring in the heart, could it be that this night is destined to be so
She was delighted in his embrace, her body warmed thoroughly.
With a charming gaze, one cannot help but press their lips together, lingering on the faint aroma of wine between their lips. The intoxicated flower wine from Fengle Tower truly lives up to its reputation.
He stepped forward a couple of paces, gently pushed the door open, and then turned to look at him, saying, "This room... actually, I don't come here often; it's just filled with some old items."
But what it is, she cannot discern, nor can she know.
She chuckled softly, her heart racing, as her fingers lightly tapped against her palm
Unintentionally, my eyelashes droop, as the mist of the quiet night flows past my ears, a subtle chill permeates my heart, freezing the flames within, leaving only a faint entanglement of emotions, which feels quite unfamiliar
She also saw clearly the scenes before her, unexpectedly realizing that he did not know the way in the house, yet he was able to lead her here. With a gentle clasp of his hand, the warm breath still lingered in his palm, a remnant of his presence.
But this woman actually said to him that she wanted to buy his sword
Never did I imagine that in this lifetime, I would encounter such a person
After countless twists and turns, I ponder in silence; no matter which woman it is, she cannot escape this fate.
The lines of joy on his face gradually softened, and his pair of brown eyes grew darker as he looked at Ying Huan and said: "I apologize for disturbing you, madam"
Ying Huan gazed into his brown eyes, momentarily lost in thought, then pressed her lips together and smiled gently, choosing not to speak further
A woman who can possess such beauty without a trace of vulgarity is indeed rare
Holding your hand, growing old together with you
Let him quote a price and sell that sword to her
Even she cannot be an exception
Di Feng's brows slightly furrowed, and his expression changed. Without saying much, he retreated, but his eyes remained fixed on that sword, and it was a long while before he turned his face away.
He turned his head and saw her expression, a slight smile curling his lips, tinged with a hint of self-mockery. "Like you, my lady, I too have such a formidable rival. For the past ten years, we have been in constant contention, yet we have never been able to determine a clear victor. I understand your feelings all too well."
While she was lost in thought, she suddenly felt him stop in front of her, and in the next moment, she sensed his large hand move to her slender wrist, swiftly pulling her to his side
Yet the person before me is more alluring than anyone I have seen in the past ten years; the kiss I received is more regretful than any pleasure I have enjoyed in previous years.
Ying Huan raised her eyes and realized that she had almost collided with the jagged branches of the old tree that stretched out at an angle. She couldn't help but turn back to look, only to see that the shadow of the lantern in the distance had long since disappeared, likely having gone in search of another place.
It is rare to have such an evening, in this place far from the capital, in this secluded pavilion of the backyard, beside me, there is such a man
Congratulations, upon hearing her voice like waves, a surge of warmth rushed to my palms as I raised my eyebrows to look at her
This night, this moonlight, this man... ? ... In this remote county, it is rare to cast aside the responsibilities of the empire; encountering this person on a long, endless night, what harm is there in indulging just this once?
Ying Huan stood up and looked at He Xi, "The residence originally belongs to the capital, but since there are often some business dealings in Chuzhou, there is also a house here. The house is not large, so as long as Young Master He does not feel wronged, it is fine."
He took a shallow breath, gazing at her, his heart shrouded in mist. He wished he could take her back to Ye Qi at that moment, to keep her hidden in the inner palace from then on, allowing only himself to touch her
A few simple decorations, with rows of books arranged in the corner of the wall shelf, are not particularly special
Join forces with that formidable enemy
It is likely that Di Feng has not seen her return for a long time, so he has sent someone to look for her
For emperors and kings, how difficult it is to seek a confidant. The two characters "knowing each other" have always been heard of but are rarely sought after
... yet it feels so familiar
Upon dismounting, he gracefully cracked the whip, his movements swift yet steady. As he landed, he unfurled his robe, exuding an air of calm elegance and noble demeanor, which rendered onlookers unable to gaze directly at him
The light of the lantern, in this night, resembles a pair of human eyes, causing both individuals to feel a moment of unease in their hearts
It seemed as if she was meant to be pulled by him, allowing him to take her anywhere.
Having spoken, she smiled lightly, her lips curling up, the color at the corners of her eyes rich and vibrant, with a gentle blue mist swirling in her gaze
A chill of coldness surged through Ying Huan's heart. When she looked up at him again, she found that the smile he had worn earlier had vanished, and he was now staring intently at her.
She lowered her head and chuckled softly, while her other hand reached over to roll up the edge of his sleeve... This action suddenly caused her to freeze in place.
She walked over and lit several candlesticks in the room, the warm yellow glow swaying gently throughout the space. He squinted his eyes, and in just a moment, he adapted to the light
Deep down, the previously indistinct feeling suddenly became somewhat clearer.
She said that she is also a traveling merchant
Ying Huan held a willow branch in her hand, lightly tracing it on the ground, and softly said, "Among many formidable foes, there is one family that stands against me, contending and battling for nearly ten years, during which we have clashed dozens of times, yet not once have we determined a victor." She paused for a moment, raised her gaze to him, and asked, "Since you, Young Master He, are a merchant, have you ever encountered a similar situation?"
He slowly released the wine cup and chuckled, "I hadn't planned to stay in Chuzhou for long, but today I suddenly feel a bit reluctant to leave and would like to stay for another day or two"
The dry, warm, and thick palm, with the calluses between the fingers rubbing against her hand, caused a slight pain.
Congratulations stirred something within him; although he knew that the family business she spoke of was vastly different from the territory he held, he still felt a sense of empathy.
The smile in Ying Huan's eyes gradually faded; she may not be willing to buy again
The fingertips are slightly cool, while the palms are warm.
Just like her current state of mind
Though not yet touched, my heart is already strangely itching
Shen Wuchen is an exceptionally intelligent person, and he clearly understands the profound implications behind the actions of that man with the surname He, as they interact back and forth.
Just ... ...
He raised his hand, gripping the delicate white jade wine cup on the table, and slightly lifted his chin, "There is no rush. Madam, will you be staying in this Chuzhou city for a few more days?"
As he was pondering, he suddenly heard Ying Huan softly say beside him: "Young Master He, your question is not superfluous. I have indeed considered joining forces with him. However... that person, I do not trust. If I were to trust him, I fear he would turn against me in the future, catching me off guard. It is better to be cautious and vigilant in every aspect now, which allows for a bit more peace of mind."
Ying Huan walked into the pavilion on her own, casually picked a spot, sat down, turned around, raised her hand to break a branch of the weeping willow, and gently drew a few lines on the ground
He slightly lowered his head and finally spoke, his voice somewhat hoarse, "Although this thing's sound is beautiful, it is not even a fraction of your laughter..."
The moon rises above the treetops, casting a silvery glow. He sees her lips curling into a smile, her complexion becoming even more pale and delicate.
The sensation of heat and warmth in the palm suddenly returned
He was momentarily taken aback, unable to utter a word, his brown eyes suddenly darkening, with specks appearing, as he stared intently at her
With a sidelong glance, Ying Huan still reached out to untie the broken jade, took it down and placed it in the palm of her hand, gently holding it before she spoke: "The family estate is quite substantial. My father worked himself to exhaustion during his lifetime, which led to his early demise. I am the only daughter in the family, and this heavy burden of a thousand pounds has fallen upon me..."
This smile, shimmering and gentle, first plays with the moon
It truly disturbed his mind, causing a slight tremor in his heart
She is in pain, and he is also in pain
Moreover, this man possesses an extraordinary demeanor; although he claims to be merely a traveling merchant, his family background is certainly not as simple as that of an ordinary person
Xie Mingyuan's face was dark and cold. He glanced at Di Feng, moved slowly, and with a flick of his hand, threw the sword back over.
The sounds of vendors calling out from the small shops in the early market of the alleyways outside the palace, can still be heard in her ears, penetrating through the heavy palace gates
I thought that once I got used to it, it would be a habit, yet I never expected to encounter him again
The wind slipped in through the open sleeves of Ying Huan's garment, brushing against her forearm for a moment, dissipating the remnants of her intoxication by seven or eight parts.
Often, without raising one's eyes, an entire night has passed away just like that
And this state of mind is so beautiful, as if the heart is immersed in a sweetness akin to honey
The fire in the palm is not extinguished but rather intensifies, burning him to the point where he can no longer endure it, and he fiercely bites her back.
Yet, I cannot be certain
I have always known only two words: to seize and to reward. What I desire, I seize; what I wish to give, I reward
Ying Huan did not expect him to ask this. She raised an eyebrow and looked back at Shen Wuchen behind her
He could not help but chuckle silently upon hearing her words
What exactly is this feeling
Yet tonight, I cannot control the impulse within my heart, unwilling to let her go so easily, which is why I have held onto her and walked such a long way to come here
Ten steps ahead, there is a pavilion, with two crape myrtle trees standing tall and robust in front of it, their leaves lush and flowers abundant. Delicate stones are scattered among them, and beneath the pavilion, water flows gently, following a narrow channel into the garden.
Here, Shen Wuchen has already called the waiter and has gone to pay the silver
Beneath the black outer robe, there lies a bright yellow interior; this yellow is neither like red gold nor like the color of safflower
Ying Huan glanced at him, gripping the jade in her hand even tighter. "Although there are many capable individuals in the residence, for the past ten years, as a mere woman, managing this vast family business has not been easy. I tread carefully, fearing that my father's lifelong efforts will ultimately be ruined by my hands. Yet, how many strong individuals are there in the world? They compete and vie with each other, and for so many years, there has been no peace."
Ying Huan's face grew increasingly red; these impolite and explicit words came from his mouth without any hint of vulgarity, instead stirring something deep within her heart.
He firmly grasped her waist, roughly kneading it twice, and pulled her into his embrace
Why is it desolate, and why is it depraved? Those who indulge in debauchery speak of desolation and depravity, which is both tragic and laughable