Chapter 4, Tears of the Peony

Linlang secretly instructed Cuican to go to the residence of the Grand Matriarch and recount the situation, which caused the Grand Matriarch to laugh heartily, leaving Cuican quite bewildered.

The second and third wives expressed their gratitude, and Qingxi also found it difficult to remain seated. She was truly eager to see her gift, hoping to glean some clues from it to better understand Feng Liu's thoughts about her

However, the more it was like this, the more fiercely the tears of Qingxi fell

Feng Liu observed it keenly, and his heart softened quietly. During the more than half a year he spent in the south on business, the matriarch had written several times, mentioning how strict the governess she had hired for Qingxi was, and that her rules had improved significantly. Feng Liu's anger naturally dissipated slowly with the passage of time. He also thought about how he had spoiled this child since she was young; he had even changed her diapers when she was little. The bad temper she had developed now was entirely his fault for not having disciplined her properly

When the matriarch initially intended to betroth Qingxi to Fengliu, he had furrowed his brows. However, at that time, Qingxi had already become exceedingly willful, and fearing that she would suffer grievances after marriage, he consented. In an instant, the "little daughter" transformed into a wife, and he found it difficult to adjust to this new role, leaving him uncertain about how to treat Qingxi, which ultimately led to her becoming increasingly arrogant.

Feng Liu moved to the Four Rooms, and although everyone was surprised, no one dared to speak out. The matriarch also remained silent. Qing Xi could hardly remember her wedding night with Feng Liu, but she still had some impression of the pain. Qing Xi had previously disliked and feared Feng Liu, and now that he had moved away, she was truly overjoyed. Thus, the separation between Feng Liu and Qing Xi became a long-standing arrangement, as if it had become a norm.

Qingxi dragged on and made her way through

Qingxi was somewhat encouraged by Fengliu's slightly tender gesture, mustering the courage to say: "Because Brother Tingzhi wants to send Qingxi to the temple, I have heard that Cien Temple is extremely terrifying..." Qingxi said tearfully. After that incident, Fengliu had been busy, just returning from the north, and was then dispatched by the emperor to the south. Now that he has returned, Qingxi finally has the opportunity to ask.

"Qingtong, I was wondering why the fabrics that the master brought back this time were mostly in light purple and light pink, which are typically used by young people. It turns out these are prepared for Qingxi," said the matriarch to Nurse Yuan.

"No, no, I am not feeling wronged for this," Qingxi hurriedly clarified

Feng Liu整理了一下思绪, 这才抬脚往正屋去, 门口早有丫头打起帘子请安。清兮闻声手忙脚乱地抹了抹眼泪。丰琉看着她泛红的眼圈和红彤彤的鼻尖, 想起母亲私底下说的清兮的转变, 只盼着她真能悔改

At that moment, Qingxi did not know how to respond. Although she understood in her heart that the mistakes were all her own, she could not help but feel wronged. How could he bear to send her to Ci'en Temple, allowing her to be bullied, and then completely ignore her? From that incident, Qingxi could also see that Feng Liu certainly had no feelings for her. If it were not for the sake of the Old Madam, he would probably never have tolerated her like this. Thinking of the difficulties ahead, Qingxi's tears naturally could not be restrained, and she silently let them fall.

Linlang silently thought to herself, Madam, I am sorry for what I have done, and then she rushed out like the wind

Linlang carefully selected the items that Qingxi had always liked, "Madam, look, this fabric from the south is indeed softer than what we have here, possessing the charm of the water towns. Look at this light pink, reminiscent of the evening glow, which is quite rare in the capital."

At that moment, Feng Liu arrived at Lan Xun Courtyard and saw through the transparent glass window that Qing Xi was shedding tears over the table of fabrics. Her expression was sorrowful, and her small face, resembling rose petals, looked aggrieved as if it had just been touched by dew, exuding a unique charm amidst the sadness

Madam Tai also breathed a sigh of relief, as the letters sent back from Feng Liu during his time in the south rarely mentioned Qing Xi. Even when they did, they mostly contained admonitions for Madam Tai to discipline her more, indicating that if she continued to act recklessly, she would certainly be sent to the temple. Madam Tai was also worried that when Feng Liu returned, his anger would not have subsided, leading to further complications.

The injury that nearly cost Feng Liu his life was said to be located in his waist, and it recurs every winter thereafter. The fact that this man has an injury in his waist raises considerable suspicion, yet no one dares to inquire about it with Feng Liu. Feng Liu has always been indifferent to women; before Qing Xi entered the household, he had only a maidservant in a secondary room, and shortly after Qing Xi's arrival, he sent her away, further fueling speculation in private.

At this point, Feng Liu had never considered her own impropriety. What kind of husband treats his wife in such a manner? He treated Qing Xi as if she were his daughter, with a cold exterior but a warm heart. Although he appeared distant on the surface, he cared for her more than anyone else, only thinking about how to discipline her well. It was as if he were about to say something absurd about her bad temper and how she would marry in the future.

Qingxi was taken aback by Fengliu's actions, and Fengliu seemed to be surprised by his own actions as well. He turned and said, "If it is not for this grievance, then what is the reason for the grievance?"

Upon returning to the Lanxun Courtyard, Qingxi discovered that no one from the Siping Residence had sent anything over. It was evident that Feng Liu still held her past mistakes in mind

Amitabha, it seems that the Duke still has the lady in his thoughts," said Granny Yuan with a smile

However, now Qingxi, who has experienced matters between men and women in her past life, finds herself in a dilemma. A couple sleeping in separate beds, no matter how deep their affection, cannot withstand prolonged indifference. Moreover, they hardly share any romantic feelings. If she were to encounter someone whispering sweet nothings in her ear in the future, her life would truly become difficult.

Feng Liu also realized that he had frightened the girl, so he softened his tone a bit and said, "You may go down now"

Upon thinking of this, Qingxi felt both startled and fearful, and how could she hold back the tears that welled up, glistening on her eyelashes. Seeing her like this, Linlang quickly said: "Although this was sent by the Duke to the matriarch, just look at this color; it is certainly not something the matriarch would favor. It is more suited for someone of the lady's age, so it must have been prepared by the Duke for the lady."

"What are you still crying about?" Feng Liu felt her heart stir at Qing Xi's tears. As she approached, she could clearly see the tiny, glistening droplets of tears resting on her curved eyelashes, which made her heart soften even more

Feng Liu looked into Qing Xi's expressive eyes and suddenly felt a trace of smile emerge from his heart

Soon, Cui Can had the items awarded by the matriarch carried back to Lanxun Courtyard

In fact, it is not entirely Feng Liu's fault. Qing Xi lost her mother at a young age, and her father remarried. The matriarch, fearing that her stepmother would treat her poorly, often brought her to the residence. At that time, Feng Liu was still young and had not yet developed the cold demeanor he possesses now. He found Qing Xi to be charming and adorable, and he was quite fond of her. Even when Qing Xi soiled him, he did not get angry and personally changed her diapers. As he gradually grew older, the responsibilities of the household fell increasingly on his shoulders, further cultivating his masculinity. He felt that taking care of the family was his duty, and naturally, Qing Xi became part of his protective embrace. With Qing Xi still full of childlike innocence, he watched her grow up, which made Feng Liu unconsciously treat her as if she were his own daughter.

Whenever Qingxi recalls those days that made life unbearable yet death elusive, a deep sorrow wells up within her. Those days are the nightmare of her life, and in the midnight hours, she can always hear someone cackling eerily in her ear

If you still think you are wronged, then you have not yet thought it through or understood it clearly. I see that you still need ... ...

Linlang finally managed to steady the teacup and deliver it to Fengliu, not daring to lift her head even once

Linlang noticed that Qingxi was feeling down and assumed it was because she was upset about not receiving a gift. Linlang, being a legitimate child of the Duke's residence and having grown up there, was well aware of Qingxi's temperament. She feared that this little ancestor might get angry and cause a scene, which would surely lead to the matriarch blaming her for not being able to advise properly.

Feng Liu saw her looking pitiful, both startled and afraid, and understood that it was difficult for her. He raised his hand and used his thumb to wipe away her tears

"Speak up. Do you think everyone should still accommodate and pamper you, that you can commit murder and arson while others should fan the flames for you?" Feng Liu is clearly someone who does not know how to take care of children, thinking that shouting loudly to stop them will make them stop crying, but little does he know, it has the opposite effect.

Feng Liu was momentarily taken aback. Qing Xi had always been strikingly beautiful, her radiant charm captivating anyone who laid eyes on her. Anyone who saw her for the first time would be struck by her beauty, which seemed to suggest that she was born to be cherished and adored. Now, with an added touch of delicate grace, she resembled a peony kissed by dew or a rose touched by rain, evoking even deeper feelings of affection.

Linlang, as if granted a reprieve, was met with Qingxi's wide, tear-filled eyes, which gazed at Linlang with a heart full of a thousand pleas for her not to leave

"No, it is, it is unable to hold back." Qingxi hurriedly wiped her tears, but unfortunately, her fear and shock made it impossible to stop.

As Feng Liu stepped through the door, the maids in the room automatically found tasks for themselves, some going next door to borrow flowers, while others went to the kitchen to check if the water for tea was boiling. They slipped away without a trace, leaving only Lin Lang, who mustered her courage to brew a cup of tea to bring in. However, just as she reached the door, she overheard Feng Liu reprimanding Qing Xi, causing her to bite her upper teeth against her lower teeth, and the teacup clinked against the saucer, making a "clatter" sound.

The pitiable woman seems to be like Shang Ruowen, her beauty akin to a pear blossom drenched in rain, naturally evoking sympathy. However, if one were to speak of who is most deserving of compassion, it would still be the peony, which is usually held in high esteem by others. Once it is exposed to the dew, one cannot help but worry that the rain will cause its petals to fall, for it cannot endure even the slightest touch of raindrops that might torment it

Qingxi sat somewhat dejectedly on the kang by the southern window, pondering her rather bleak future. Fengliu and Qingxi lived separately; on the fourth night after their marriage, Fengliu moved to the study in the garden, claiming it was due to a recurrence of an old injury

Mu Qingxi, who has always made a big fuss over trivial matters and let everyone know whenever she felt wronged, has today changed her demeanor. She is persistently wiping her tears, trying hard to hold back, yet she cannot stop. Feng Liu looks at her and knows that she is still just a child who has not grown up.

Qingxi raised her hand to touch the satin known as "Snowlight Satin," recalling the incident in her previous life where she was beaten for such a piece of fabric. Originally, she came from a wealthy background, and fabrics like Snowlight Satin were commonplace. However, after remarrying, her new family lacked the wealth of a duke's residence; her mother-in-law was domineering, and her husband was coarse and vulgar. The last piece of Snowlight Satin in her dowry was taken by that man to sell for gambling, and when she refused to give it up, he beat her so severely that she was unable to get out of bed for ten days to half a month.

"What, do you feel wronged?" Feng Liu said coldly, and what he thought in his heart was truly worlds apart from what he expressed.

Come here, can I eat you standing so far away?