He was pressed for time, and had not even taken off his clothes.
Wen Tang suffered the most, as his thin summer shirt was wrinkled beyond recognition.
"I'll be back later at night," he said briefly.
Wen Tang responded weakly, then turned his head.
He was so shameless that he turned around and went to the table to get some water to drink without even holding up his trouser waist.
He was shameless, but Wen Tang was respectful. He didn't dare to look and lowered his head, fearing that he would get a stye.
"Drink?" He was so considerate that he handed over a bowl of water.
Wen Tang finally felt like he still had some conscience. Just as he reached out to take it, his deep voice brushed past his ear, "Just now, the noise was too loud."
Her hand shook and the water in the bowl was almost spilled.
Qin Gong packed up and walked out the door with a brisk pace. Wen Tang took a long time to calm down his messy hair.
The curtain moved, and a maid came in with water. "Grandma, would you like to wipe yourself?"
Wen Tang nodded. At this moment, the messenger from outside came back, saying, "The cousin in the courtyard has gone out."
Mrs. Zhou frowned. At this hour, after eating and bathing, it was time to rest. Why was she going out now? She sent someone to call her cousin's personal maid. As soon as the master left, she slipped away. She must be heading for the second room.
Mrs. Zhou felt that everything was going wrong today. "Grandma, isn't it time for that girl to follow the rules?"
Mrs. Zhou vividly remembered the ambiguous scene she'd seen with the Second Master in the upper corridor. Regardless of the details, the sight of Second Mistress being irritated by the pregnant Concubine Yun was enough to tell her that Concubine Yun was no pushover.
Seeing that the mansion is looking for couples for the fourth and fifth daughters, it would be better to find a family for this cousin as well and marry her off far away. It would also be considered a good deed for the eldest lady. It is not a good thing to always keep the relatives of the second concubine under your nose.
Dinner was served. Wen Tang had some lotus leaf and lotus seed soup, lotus root slices, and two slices of chilled melon.
When the wet nurse in the outer room saw that the master had finished his meal, she carried the two young masters in to pay their respects.
Xia Jie'er had played hard all day, and now her eyelids were drooping. Wen Tang took her into his arms, and she tilted her head to one side, and soon she fell asleep with even breathing. Huai Ge'er, on the other hand, was very energetic, his big eyes rolling around as he looked around the room, as if searching for someone.
Mrs. Zhou looked at the two young masters with great joy, "Our Huai'er, are you looking for your father?"
Wen Tang gently rocked his son in his arms, and Huai Ge'er actually nodded, which made Wen Tang laugh.
She coaxed him softly, "Daddy will be back later, Huai'er be good." She asked again, "Do you miss daddy?"
Huai'er said "ah, ah" twice, waving his little hands in response.
Wen Tang thought about it and realized that the two children did not spend much time close to Qin Gong.
Firstly, they were still young. Xia Jie'er ate and slept all day, and Huai'er, though quieter, was still a child, far too young to begin learning to read. Traditionally, children began learning to read by tracing red characters at the age of four or five. Qin Gong was probably planning to wait until the child was older, able to study and practice martial arts seriously, before he would offer him hands-on instruction.
Wen Tang played with the awake Huai Ge'er for a while before getting up to take a shower.
Mrs. Zhou carefully placed the two children in cradles side by side.
Wen Tang came out of the shower and changed his clothes, and walked to the cradle with a fragrant smell. Xia Jie'er was sleeping soundly with her little mouth slightly open.
Huai'er's eyes widened, and he stared curiously at the rattle swaying in the hand of the maid next to him, kicking his little feet along with it.
When it's late at night,
The night watchwoman outside informed the master to return home.
Mrs. Zhou hurriedly took her maid out to help her undress.
As soon as Qin Gong came in, he saw Wen Tang standing beside the cradle with her long black hair half tied up.
He washed his hands in a copper basin, dried them carefully with a cloth, and then walked to the cradle.
When Huai'er saw the big guy coming, he started babbling excitedly, and stretched out his little hands towards Qin Gong.
This impatient expression made Wen Tang feel a little sad.
Qin Gong leaned over, scooped up his son with his big hands, and carried him out. He weighed the child in his arms and nodded slightly with satisfaction.
After another three or four years, when his muscles and bones have grown a little, he can start to practice horse stance and some basic boxing and kicking with the children in his courtyard at the age of four or five. Around the age of seven, he can gradually learn to use sticks, ride on horses, and shoot archery.
Huai Ge'er giggled at his father.
Qin Gong felt relieved when he saw this. He passed his arms under his son's armpits and easily lifted the fat boy high above his head. This action startled Wen Tang who was standing next to him.
Then, Wen Tang was indeed frightened.
"Hey!" Mrs. Zhou was originally watching the scene of loving father and filial son with a smile, and then a stream of warm water poured down.
Wen Tang dodged accurately by leaning sideways, but Qin Gong, who was holding Huai'er, had no way to avoid it.
Qin Gong's arms were wet. He held the child in his arms, and the child laughed even louder.
Wen Tang listened to Huai'er's giggle and coughed lightly.
Mrs. Zhou quickly asked someone to bring some clean clothes.
Qin Gong was still standing there, looking down at the child in his arms with an expressionless face.
He has no teeth, but he is very brave.
Huai'er felt a little impatient when he was stared at. He twisted his little body, pouted, and reached out to his mother's soft arms.
Wen Tang didn't really want to take him over.
Huai'er stretched out his little hand, looking longingly at his mother. Qin Gong suddenly raised his hand and slapped his chubby little butt, which was exposed in his open-crotch pants. The force was actually very light, more like a tease than a punishment. But how could the little guy understand this?
He turned his head in shock, looking at his father's expressionless face in disbelief.
The maids suppressed their laughter and hurried forward to take the ignorant Huai'er to change. Mrs. Zhou came over with a clean undershirt and looked at Wen Tang a little nervously. Could it be that the master was really angry with Huai'er?
Wen Tang disagreed. How could such a grown man be so petty as to argue with a baby? Even if Huai'er peed on him eight or ten times, he was still his own son.
After the maids carried out the cleaned Huai Ge'er and Xia Jie'er, Qin Gong also came out from the inner room after washing and changed into a dry set of pajamas.
When he came out, Wen Tang was sitting in front of the dressing table with his back to him.
Her long black hair was loose, and her fair hands held a jade comb, combing it slowly and methodically.
Perhaps she caught a glimpse of him in the mirror. She put down the comb, stood up gracefully, and her figure became even more slender.
"Master."
She turned around and called out softly. It was a very ordinary name, but when her soft voice called it out, it had a certain indescribable lingering feeling.
The ending tone is slightly hooked.
Qin Gong's Adam's apple moved slightly, but he didn't respond. He walked straight to the table and took a few sips of cold tea to relieve his dryness.
"Master, why don't you answer me?" Wen Tang leaned over.
Qin Gong put down the tea bowl, his eyes fell on her face, and then he hummed as a response.
"Master..." Wen Tang sat down next to him.
Seeing that the tea in his bowl was empty, she naturally reached out to take the tea bowl, picked up the celadon teapot on the table, filled it up for him, held it in both hands, and handed it to him with a loving look in her eyes.
"Master, drink."
After we finish drinking, we can talk about things.
Qin Gong glanced at her, took the tea bowl and took a few more sips.
He raised his hand and loosened the buttons on the collar of his pajamas.
Wen Tang spoke at the right moment, "Master, if you have time tomorrow, could you please go visit the Second Master?"
Qin Gong paused to unbutton his clothes, turned his head and said, "Hmm?"
Wen Tang simply brought up the Second House's affairs. He shouldn't have been bothered by such matters, but Second Master was terrified of his eldest brother. Thinking of Su Yi's forced effort this morning, it wouldn't be worth it if this caused a rift between the couple. If Qin Gong was willing to criticize Second Master with just one word, it would be enough for everyone else to harass him.
Wen Tang said, "Master, please give Second Master a word of advice. You know my cousin is such an open-minded person, how could she resort to such shady tactics? Second Master has always respected you, and he's willing to listen to you."
As she spoke, she gently tugged at the sleeve of his pajamas. After a long moment, Qin Gong finally nodded.
"I knew that you are the most reasonable and understanding one!" Wen Tang showed a look of joy, then snuggled up to him affectionately, leaning against his arm, and diligently poured him more tea.
Qin Gong didn't take it this time. It had been several days since she had taken the initiative to help him undress and serve him tea, but today, she had been serving him cup after cup of tea.
Seeing that he didn't move, Wen Tang moved closer and raised her beautiful face. "Master, you have a wide range of knowledge and know many talented young men. Please help Fourth Sister keep an eye out for any young men who might be a good match for her."
She wanted to strike while the iron was hot and bring up the matter of the fourth girl as well.
Qin Gong glanced at her and stood up without saying a word. The sight of him from behind made it clear that it was time to rest.
The maid on night duty came in and extinguished the candle.
Wen Tang also followed and got on the couch, and each of them was covered with a brocade quilt.
Qin Gong lay flat on his back, eyes closed. In the darkness, the movements beside him were remarkably clear, and he could hear her soft, slightly delicate voice.
Wen Tang felt that there might be no hope tonight, so she pouted and wanted to retreat back into her bed. His body was hard and hot, and it felt uncomfortable against her.
"I'll keep an eye on it."
In the darkness, his low voice sounded, and those three words eased her troubles.
"Master, you are so nice." Wen Tang immediately climbed up to him, leaned her soft body against him, and gently rested on his shoulder.
Of course, Qin Gong nodded silently.
Wen Tang complimented him a few more times in a soft and gentle manner, and then moved back to his seat with satisfaction.
In the dim light, there was no movement for a long time. Qin Gong slowly turned his head and, with the moonlight shining through the tent, glanced at the peaceful sleeping face of the person beside him.
——
The emperor's birthday is approaching, and there is joy both inside and outside the country.
The emperor's birthday is celebrated throughout the country. The streets are decorated with lights and lanterns, and the government prepares porridge and rice for distribution, hoping for peace and prosperity for the whole world.
Outside the palace, on the riverside building, there was also laughter and conversation in the private room.
The second prince, who exuded an air of wealth and nobility, was sitting opposite the two of them, drinking tea.
"Why hasn't Lord Qin arrived yet?" The second prince smiled and took a sip of tea.
Zhang Yao raised his eyes, a smile on his lips just right. "Your Highness, Lord Qin has just been summoned to the palace by His Majesty. I'm afraid he has some errands to discuss before the Emperor's birthday."
The Second Prince gave Zhang Yao a meaningful look and said, "Hey, Lord Qin is really a very busy man. It's really not easy to invite him to have tea with us."
After chatting for a while, the second prince stood up.
Go to the first floor,
Wen Zhiyi, who was leaning against the door, heard the noise inside and turned around. The second prince, who was leading the way, saw the familiar face, raised his eyebrows slightly, and turned his gaze to Jiang Dao.
Jiang Dao bowed, "Your Highness, this is my wife."
Wen Zhiyi also realized who this person was. It was the current prince who had always been in contact with Jiang Dao. She stepped forward and saluted.
The second prince looked at the beauty with her head down. She was beautiful, but it reminded him of Qin Gong's wife. She was vaguely similar to Qin Gong's wife, but her figure was too thin and her face was pale.
Qin Gong, on the other hand, had a plump figure and a rosy face. She had the charm of a young woman, mixed with a bit of wildness.
She was very polite when performing the greeting, but when she occasionally met his gaze, it was not fear that was in it, but rather a sharp gaze.
This one in front of me is bland.
The Second Prince's interest in appreciating the beauty suddenly faded, and he nodded casually, "Madam, please stand up."
Wen Zhiyi's heart skipped a beat. She was a sensitive woman, and instinctively felt the man's scrutiny. Her face was stunningly beautiful, and her figure was the most admired of the times, so it was common for men to be attracted to her.
This noble lady before him was no exception. Her beauty was simply too eye-catching.
Wen Zhiyi hid beside the river.
The Second Prince observed her timid behavior, and his last bit of interest completely vanished. What a pity, such a slight resemblance was wasted, but without any charm. Qin Gong's wife looked at him with a powerful gaze.
The second prince strode away.
Wen Zhiyi finally breathed a sigh of relief and raised her head, only to see a very handsome man standing in front of her, his eyes fixed on her.
Jiang Dao said, "Master Zhang, I am saying goodbye to my wife."
Zhang Yao nodded and smiled faintly, "Goodbye."
Jiang Dao took Wen Zhiyi out of Linjiang Tower and asked in a low voice, "Why are you here?"
Wen Zhiyi was actually following him, suspecting that he was going to look for his sister, but she said, "I'm here to look for Qin Gong." Wen Zhiyi lied to make him jealous.
Jiang Dao felt a headache coming on. This woman had been gentle and kind when she had saved him, but now she seemed like a completely different person, her thoughts becoming increasingly unpredictable.
Wen Zhiyi saw the familiar distant helplessness on his face again, and her heart was confused. In this world, she was a famous talented and noble lady in the capital, and she also possessed such beauty. What did he mean by this?
Wen Zhiyi felt aggrieved. "I came to see if my husband is eating well and sleeping well out there, isn't that okay? You haven't been home for a few days?"
He left her alone in the empty room, but Qin Gong was wearing the love lock between her and him!
In fact, for the past few days, Wen Zhiyi had been mysteriously visiting Linjiang Tower during the day. Qin Gong had asked her out a few days ago, but nothing happened. Although she had decided to let it go, she couldn't help but feel resentful. Are all men in the world so heartless?
But until the day before yesterday, she caught a glimpse of the safety lock on Qin Gong's waist in Linjiang Tower. He now has a wife and it is inconvenient for him to see her again. The appointment they had made during those days was actually a silent farewell.
When she looked at herself in the mirror yesterday, she found that she and Wen Tang had some similarities in their eyes and eyebrows. Qin Gong didn't dare to meet her again, for fear of letting Wen Tang down.
But she couldn't choose him.
The person she wants to redeem is Jiang Dao, the prince of the previous dynasty.
——
Qin Mansion,
Wen Tang pricked his hand and blood came out.
"Oh, please put it down. I will make the clothes for the boys and girls." Mrs. Zhou hurriedly grabbed the needle and thread.
"In a few days, I will be going to the palace with my master for a banquet, so I need to rest well."
Mrs. Zhou seemed to remember something and said with some trepidation, "When we enter the palace, we must stay away from that Second Prince."
"That face makes people uncomfortable."
This man had an old grudge against the master. Whenever they ran into each other in private in previous years, the look in his eyes always made Mrs. Zhou, who was serving Wen Tang, feel her scalp tingle and her heart tremble with fear.
It's better to stay away from it.
Otherwise, it always makes people... feel uneasy.