Chapter One, The Sound of Autumn (Volume Four)

The scoundrel who didn't even bother to wipe his saliva upon seeing you is named Yu Wen Zhi. He is a bastard from a collateral branch of the Yu Wen family. Both of his elderly relatives are still alive, but they are merely figureheads. They indulge his reckless behavior. In the opinion of the servants, this commotion today is likely caused by him.

How is the lady feeling now? In my humble opinion, it would be better to simply cancel tonight's banquet. After all, that old fellow's villa is not far from here, and he must have heard about your carriage being startled this evening. A young maid named Xiangyin entered, holding a gilded lacquer tray. On the tray lay two pieces of vermilion sheepskin, a roll of blue gauze, and a pile of shiny bracelets, anklets, bells, and chains. Four younger maids, each resembling budding flowers, followed her in. They assisted the Lady of Guo from the bedside to the dressing table, serving her as she dressed and adorned herself. The tray held two pieces of vermilion sheepskin, a roll of blue gauze, and a pile of shiny bracelets, anklets, bells, and chains. Four younger maids, each resembling budding flowers, followed her in. They assisted the Lady of Guo from the bedside to the dressing table, serving her as she dressed and adorned herself.

What a man of his word! Such praise slipped from the lips of the Lady of Guo. Have you inquired where he resides?

"Just like you, it would be fine to be a bit prickly!" Lady Guo turned her head and gently poked Xiangyin with a finger. Noticing that the other young maidservants had already left the room, she pondered for a moment and continued, "I instructed you today to extract information from the Qin brothers; have you managed to do so?"

Gazing at herself in the mirror, Lady Guo of the State of Guo suddenly felt an extremely unnatural flush rise to her face. Just a moment ago, she had indeed experienced a very strange dream; however, the scenes from the dream were not only unforgettable but also vividly clear in her mind even now. In the dream, Yang Yuyao remembered that she was dressed similarly, being carried through the air by two old and ugly monsters, shackled and bound. A burly man, nine feet tall and with a full beard, happened to pass by on the ground, and with an angry shout, he charged up into the clouds. In the dream, Yang Yuyao remembered that she was dressed similarly, being carried through the air by two old and ugly monsters, shackled and bound. A burly man, nine feet tall and with a full beard, happened to pass by on the ground, and with an angry shout, he charged up into the clouds. With one punch, he knocked the monster on his left to the ground, and then, he swung his fist, as large as a bowl, at the monster on his right that was holding her captive.

I have long forgotten. Knowing full well that dreams are false, who still bothers to remember them? Lady Guo of the State of Guo shook her head, turned to the side, and let her maid drape a thin veil over her.

"Do you want that set of cannibal attire?" The maid Xiangyin stood just out of reach, her brow slightly furrowed. "This is not like summer. The wind is chilly at midnight. That outfit, aside from two pieces of sheepskin, is just a pile of silver ornaments; it offers no warmth at all. If..."

As Xiang Yin mentioned earlier, this outfit of the Da Shi people is hardly different in terms of warmth whether worn or not. However, this way, the skin of Lady Guo is accentuated to appear even whiter and more delicate, and her waist is highlighted to look more graceful and curvaceous. Lady Guo shook her head, picked up a heavy chest ornament, and personally hung it around her neck. "Is it possible not to go? Once that old man holds a grudge, it will be impossible to escape for at least three to five years..." Lady Guo shook her head, picked up a heavy chest ornament, and personally hung it around her neck. "Is it possible not to go? Once that old man holds a grudge, it will be impossible to escape for at least three to five years..."

"You all, how could you understand what a man is!" The Lady of Guo sighed and gently shook her head with affection. In an instant, the weariness on her face vanished.

Thus, her dance continued to twirl, from the Kaiyuan era all the way to the Tianbao era. Her younger sister, Yang Yuhuan, became the most favored woman of His Majesty the Emperor, who dismissed morning court sessions multiple times for her sake. Her brother, Yang Guozhong, enjoyed great favor due to his sister, holding seventeen prominent positions and wielding significant power in the court. However, accustomed to a life of comings and goings, she found her steps could no longer come to a halt

Uh! The two young maidservants were left speechless, unable to provide any answer

The remaining few individuals are even less worth mentioning! Xiangyin furrowed her brow, genuinely unable to understand who among the people encountered this afternoon was worthy of the master's attention. In any case, the lady had already stated that she did not wish to pursue their responsibilities any further; asking for clarity would only be a futile endeavor. Moreover, aside from the two brothers from the Qin family, the young master from the Wang family, and that little scoundrel with the surname Yuwen, the others, even if they were to crush their bones to extract oil, would hardly be able to compensate for the lady's carriage.

Perhaps she fell asleep on the way!" Xiangyin subtly disparaged her companion. "She is weak and easily gets drowsy!

A cerulean veil drapes over the shoulders, partially revealing one shoulder and half of the torso. In the mirror, a princess of exotic charm appears, more akin to a king's concubine than a princess. Silver bracelets adorn her wrists, silver anklets encircle her ankles, and a thick chain cinches her waist... soon to be embraced by an ugly old hag...

Madam, are you awake? The maid, who had been dozing beside the bed on a tiger-skin blanket, heard the moans and joyfully stood up. She carefully picked up the lotus seed porridge that was warming in the wool nest and gently brought it to the bedside of the newly awakened beauty

What did the lady dream about? Could you share it with the maid?

The chest ornament is a net cover made of a string of amber and pearls, with countless small bells crafted from bright silver adorning the lower edge. Each bell is attached to the edge of a dark red lambskin corset, bringing a touch of chill.

This self-proclaimed clever answer, however, did not earn her the appreciation that the books deserved. Lady Guo of the State of Guo merely shook her head and said with a smile: "It is just a somewhat clever interpreter. If our Tang Dynasty did not have capable generals stationed, then relying on just this bookworm, even if he wrote a thousand documents for retreating the barbarians, he would probably be treated as firewood by the Arabs."

The happiness and tranquility of that moment surpass countless experiences in a lifetime

The cashmere cloak has yet to warm up, feeling cool as if wrapped in a block of ice. Yet this block of ice can transform into a flame at any moment, as long as one day, he can meet the person from his dreams. ... He does not know who he is, nor does he question his past or future

Alright! Madam, take a look for yourself. Is this kind of makeup acceptable? The voice of Xiangyin echoed in her ears once again, pulling Yang Yuyao, who was immersed in a dream, back to the reality of being the Lady of Guo.

This scenery, even a woman would be dazzled by it. The maid, known as Xiangyin, placed the half-empty porcelain bowl by the bedside, slowly lowered her head, and pressed her face against the arm of Lady Guo. "It is already the second watch of the night, my lady! The two young masters of the Qin family have been intimidated by their families. Seeing that you could not hold your liquor, they found an excuse and took their leave. Yet, my lady, you seem to be sleeping so soundly now!" She gently nudged, noticing that her lady was indeed deeply asleep. Her voice, carrying a hint of hoarseness that belied her age, caused the nearby candlelight to flicker suddenly, casting shadows that danced in and out.

Xiang Yin picked up the pearl sarira cream, a tribute from Yangzhou to the imperial court, and carefully applied it around the eyes of Lady Guo. "Madam, you probably didn't sleep well just now!" she murmured softly while gently massaging with her fingers, allowing the pearl sarira cream to gradually penetrate the skin around the eyes, resembling an elder sister tenderly caring for her willful younger sister

"What about the burly man who knocked over the startled horse?" Lady Guo of the State of Guo asked somewhat impatiently. Her heart suddenly raced a few times, causing the person in the mirror to appear even more flushed, looking vibrant and alluring.

Hmm! The Lady of Guo State let out a low moan, raised herself halfway, and took a few sips of lotus seed soup from the maid's hand. Then she slowly stretched and sighed, asking, "What time is it? Xiangyin, have the two children from the Qin family left?"

Thus, she continued to dance among the high-ranking officials and nobles, hoping to use her beauty to secure greater opportunities for her family. Consequently, her younger sister was selected to enter the residence of Prince Shou, while her elder brother blended into the office of the military governor as a clerk.

"Madam is absolutely right!" Xiangyin turned her head and, in a show of defiance, lifted her chin towards Yaohen. "The other few individuals, the more notable ones being Gao Shi and Cen Can, have also found themselves in a state of frustration, wandering in the capital in search of opportunities. Therefore, I have not paid them much attention!"

"Stop rambling, just go!" The Lady of Guo glanced at her and whispered again. "Let the medicine marks go out and see if the carriage is ready? This afternoon, those two horses, I wonder if they will be able to get up again in the future?"

Three parts purity, three parts allure, three parts charm, and one part pitiable fragility. Smiling at her reflection in the mirror, Lady Guo of the State of Guo stood up and casually draped on the final piece of her attire for the evening, a pure black cashmere cloak. All the allure and charm were instantly enveloped by the cloak, which wrapped her tightly; without peeling it away, no one could see her nearly bare body and the cold ornaments adorning it. At this moment, the only thing visible in the mirror was her head, wearing a proud yet weary smile, eternally unchanged. All the allure and charm were instantly enveloped by the cloak, which wrapped her tightly; without peeling it away, no one could see her nearly bare body and the cold ornaments adorning it. At this moment, the only thing visible in the mirror was her head, wearing a proud yet weary smile, eternally unchanged

He is merely a follower who has been relegated to the position of a county magistrate, and he has little future ahead of him... Xiangyin was momentarily taken aback and responded casually. Another maid, Yaohen, however, detected some implications in the voice of the Lady of Guo and quickly stepped forward, whispering: "I inquired, and that person is named Lei Wanchun. In his early years, he was a wandering hero, but later he encountered Zhang Xun, a top scholar from the late Kaiyuan era, and was so impressed by his character and demeanor that he resolutely washed his hands of his former life and vowed to follow Zhang Xun for the rest of his life!"

Sometimes, Lady Guo of the Guo State also feels that she has not been able to solve any troubles for her brothers and sisters. However, without this noble excuse, she no longer knows what she is living for

Oh! The mouth of the Lady of Guo gradually formed a soft, oval shape. It was not that she could not afford to buy two more horses of the same color; she simply felt pity for the two animals. Having been frightened to such a state, they still had to endure a couple of hard punches.

Brother Guozhong is not a person with a heart full of chasms. Although he holds a high position, he still cannot escape the habits formed during his years of mingling in the streets. He is adept at engaging in petty tricks behind the scenes, yet lacks the wisdom and courage to confront troubles directly. The younger sister, favored in the harem, has no powerful family backing her, inadvertently offending countless enemies. These pieces of information and gaps need her to dance gracefully to inquire and mend. If there is even a hint of laziness, both the sister and brother will gain an unexpected enemy. The Yang family, along with the Pei family from Shu, whom she once hated to the core, will have an additional cold knife lurking behind them.

The scarlet candle from hetushu.com, with a light pink canopy. Behind the thin veil of smoke, the sleeping beauty slowly opens her starry eyes, letting out a lazy moan.

"What is that little rascal doing!" Lady Guo of the State of Guo smiled slightly, her lips curling in disdain. Being moved by beauty is one thing, but being unable to take a step forward in the presence of beauty is another. The former demonstrates one's own charm and influence, while the latter merely proves that the little thing cannot amount to anything.

Um! The Lady of Guo State gently nodded, signaling Xiang Yin to continue speaking

"What a reckless thing to do!" The Lady of Guo slapped, sending the young maid flying far away. "Don't bother me here, help me find the clothes I will wear tonight. It should be the one brought by the Arab merchant last time. Also, bring the corresponding hairpins, rings, and makeup box along with it!"

After much anticipation, my younger sister Yuhuan has finally become the Princess of Shou Wang, which means our family has now connected with a legitimate royal lineage. The Yang family can finally breathe a sigh of relief, right? However, who would have thought that above the Shou Wang, there is still the Emperor, and above the military governor, there are the current ministers of the court, as well as the left and right chancellors

That night, Lady Guo of the State of Guo did not know how she managed to get out of bed again. In any case, from that moment on, Yang Yuyao was considered dead. From then on, she became the most "outstanding" daughter-in-law of the Pei family in Hedong, the widow of the talented Pei Miao from Shuzhou. Perhaps blessed by the spirit of her deceased husband, she not only became even more beautiful, like a begonia after the rain, but also mastered the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, earning a reputation as a talented woman.

I just had a dream. A very strange dream! The Lady of Guo grabbed a thick and long silver chain from a tray and, with the assistance of her maid, fastened it around her waist. This item from the Dashi region has a very alluring name, called "Locking the Waist of the Barbarian." The bold style, combined with her slender waist, adds a touch of both charm and a hint of vulnerability.

There should be no major issues! Madam, rest assured. That reckless man with the surname Lei seems to have used some method. Although he knocked the horse down, he truly did not injure its tendons or bones. The young maid Xiangyin reported clearly while stepping lightly outside. An hour ago, the steward called the veterinarian to take a look, prescribed a few calming veterinary medicines, and then wrapped up. He said it would be fine even without medication; if the horse rests in the stable for two or three days, it will be able to recover.

All of this is due to the immense power of the Pei family. Her father, Yang Xuanyan, held a low position, and her brother, Yang Guozhong, was lacking in ambition. Those who lack ambition are destined to be bullied, a belief that Yang Yuyao once held firmly. Thus, she employed a very simple yet highly effective method to send her lecherous father-in-law to his demise, seizing control of the Pei family’s power in Shu. However, she soon discovered that in Shu alone, there were the Wang, Xiao, and Li families above the Pei family. No matter which family it was, she could not afford to provoke them.

"The old man just loves this kind of thing, what can be done?" The Lady of Guo Guo retracted the charm from her face, revealing a hint of helplessness between her brows. "But this is also good; let him indulge his eyes for a while. By the time he comes rushing in, he will only have the strength of a dragonfly skimming the water..."

With just two punches, the two green-faced, tusked monsters were reverted to their original forms, which turned out to be two old tree roots. As the monster forms disappeared, Yang Yuyao immediately lost her support in mid-air and began to fall rapidly. Just as she was about to be smashed to pieces upon impact, a burly man with a bushy beard descended on a rainbow-colored cloud, gently supporting her body.

Those two are quite naive. After you return to your room to rest, neither Yaohen nor I used any means, yet they spilled everything we wanted to know like beans pouring from a bamboo tube! The beautiful maid Xiangyin thought for a moment, and a hint of pride appeared on her face. "The young man who held the carriage is the great-grandson of the founding marquis Wang Qiang. He resides in Chongrenfang, having lost his parents at an early age, leaving only a stepmother. He owns quite a bit of land and shops, but he has little hope for a career in the officialdom in this lifetime!" He resides in Chongrenfang, having lost his parents at an early age, leaving only a stepmother. He owns quite a bit of land and shops, but he has little hope for a career in the officialdom in this lifetime!

Among the remaining few, the most dashing one is Li Bai, who frightened away a hundred thousand valiant soldiers with a single piece of paper! Just then, the maid known as Yao Hen walked in from outside. Seeing that Xiang Yin could not answer the lady's question, she quickly seized the rare opportunity.

Although she was already in her thirties, her skin was even more delicate than that of her sixteen-year-old maid, Xiangyin. Perhaps it was due to just waking up, or perhaps it was a matter of habit; inadvertently, a large part of her chest was exposed from under the blanket, with two crimson points proudly gazing at each other across a deep ravine.

Gazing at the increasingly enchanting beauty in the mirror, Lady Guo of the State of Guo let out a faint cold smile. For over a decade, this face had remained unchanged. The same captivating allure, the same beauty that could topple nations. She recalled that it was also on such a cold autumn day when her husband passed away. Still clad in the mourning attire, her father-in-law had already climbed into her bed.

Alright, you all may leave. Xiangyin, please brighten the candlelight a bit. I can hardly see. Where is Yaohen? Why hasn't that girl returned yet?" The Lady of Guo commanded softly while slowly turning her body in front of the mirror

"That old wretch!" Xiang Yin muttered under her breath, frowning. Rather than standing up for the Lady of Guo, it seemed more like she was competing with someone out of jealousy