Wen Tang felt a chill on his back.
The window was closed tightly, blocking out the mother-in-law's nagging voice, but Qin Gong was still standing in the room, right behind her, holding an object in his hand. Wen Tang could see clearly in the bronze mirror that it was an earring for women.
She came to her senses and realized that this was something Qin Gong brought back specifically for her.
Wen Tang turned around and asked, "Husband, is this a gift for me?"
Every time Qin Gong returned home during the day, he always liked to do something unexpected. Last time, when he returned home at noon, he ran into her and Zhou's mother talking happily. He came in and saw them, and his face darkened without saying a word. Today, he even came back quietly with a piece of jewelry.
In fact, in Wen Tang's impression, Qin Gong had given her something before.
But that was before they got married, when they were still in love. Every time they met, he would always give her some gold and silver jewelry, new clothes, or her favorite cakes. Back then, she was always reluctant to accept them. They were still strangers, and he was usually stern. Wen Tang just thought it was his mother-in-law's order. Deep down, he must have been extremely impatient with such social interactions.
After meeting again, Wen Tang made up his mind on the road.
After the servants served tea, she found an excuse and tactfully suggested that he didn't need to spend any more money. He listened to her and never sent her any more since then.
Now she suddenly brought back jewelry.
Wen Tang wasn't someone who would spoil the fun like Qin Gong. She quickly suppressed the surprise in her eyes, raised her face, and acted as he expected. A blush rose on her cheeks, a sweet smile curved her lips, and her eyes fell on the earring.
However, the compliment she had prepared slipped away from her lips and turned into a tentative question, "Husband, did you pick this... yourself?"
Qin Gong was still standing behind her. His wife's cheeks, which were gradually turning red, were reflected in the bronze mirror. He lowered his head and said "hmm".
Wen Tang reached out to take it. It felt heavy in her hand, but the color combination was like an overturned dye vat... gold, red, green, blue and purple, making her eyes dizzy.
She lowered her eyes and examined it carefully for a moment, then called Mother Zhou in and solemnly instructed, "Put it away, keep it carefully."
Seeing how much she treasured it, Qin Gong frowned slightly and asked, "You're not going to wear it?"
Wen Tang turned her head and put her arms around Qin Gong's waist, resting her cheek on his warm chest. "It's rare for my husband to personally choose jewelry for me, so I naturally want to treasure it. If I wear it and it gets bumped and damaged, wouldn't I be heartbroken?"
She tightened her arms and rubbed him lightly, seemingly unintentionally. "Husband, next time, choose something lighter and with a more elegant color. I'd like that too."
Qin Gong was pressed against her soft body, his whole body senses gathered in his wife's breath. Hearing this, he lowered his head to look at the top of her head, his eyes deep, "This, you don't like it?"
"How could that be? I like it." Wen Tang blinked and said with a firm tone.
But Qin Gong was no longer the man who could be easily fooled. He said, "Then put it on now."
Qin Gong thought what he had chosen was very nice. He remembered how the shopkeeper praised his unique vision and how he patted his chest and said that this was the treasure of the store and there was only one of it.
"Put it on." He stretched out his hand, his fingertips covered with thin calluses, and gently kneaded her soft earlobe.
Wen Tang hesitated, and her hesitation was visible under his condescending gaze.
Qin Gong, who had seen his wife pretending to obey him but actually disobeying him, was no longer the husband who could be easily fooled by his wife's words.
Wen Tang looked up hesitantly, "Husband, I'll only wear it for you to see, okay?"
She shook his arm gently.
"It's only for you to see, not for others to see."
Qin Gong stared at her for a few breaths, his lips relaxed again. He reached out and pinched her cheek, which had recently become more plump. It was delicate and smooth, and felt very good. His eyes could not help but slide down, remembering the tenderness elsewhere.
His wife was happy, and Qin Gong's task for the day was complete. He pulled his wife's hand away and asked her to stand properly beside him. "Let's go and have dinner."
After coaxing her husband, Wen Tang was indeed hungry.
At lunch time,
The wet nurse brought the two children in.
Huai'er and Xia'er were playing with Yuanbao. The yellow-haired puppy lay on its back, its soft belly exposed. It was being rubbed comfortably, its mouth wide open and panting, its tail wagging happily, making the two little people giggle.
"Husband, where did you get Yuanbao from?" Wen Tang asked casually while looking at the cute little dog.
"A gift from a colleague." Qin Gong said concisely.
After dinner, Uncle Qin hurried back to his official duties.
Wen Tang led the two children to the pavilion by the pond to enjoy the cool breeze. On the stone table lay several plates of pastries: crystal cakes, lotus pastries, and a bowl of icy sour plum drink. The pavilion was shady, and a gentle breeze blew across the water, bringing a hint of coolness.
Wen Tang had just sat down when she saw Qin Gong stride out into the bright sunlight. He was already feeling hot, and the heavy, formal official robes he wore were covering him tightly. After just a few steps, beads of sweat began to form on his forehead. He took out a handkerchief to wipe it off, the very one she had prepared.
Wen Tang called the maid over again, "Bring a few more handkerchiefs soaked in mint and wormwood water. The weather is getting hotter and hotter. Tell the master to carry them with him at all times. Change them when they get wet. Don't mind the trouble."
Last summer he developed a rash on the back of his neck that was itchy and painful, and it's sure to happen again this year.
Uncle Qin is a disobedient old man. If no one tells him to, he won't take care of his body at all.
--
Imperial Palace, side hall of the Imperial Study.
The heavy palace door was pushed open, stirring up a cloud of dust. This place didn't seem to be frequented by people, but it wasn't completely deserted either.
The interior furnishings are extremely simple, almost shabby, and the lighting is dim. There is only one spot of color that catches the eye: a painting hanging on the wall in the middle.
The painting is small and centered. In this gloom, it is the only vivid spot.
The edges of the drawing paper were covered with a thin layer of dust and hung there quietly.
The guard stood at the door with his head bowed, watching the emperor's tall figure standing in front of the painting for a long time.
This emperor, in his youth, experienced blood and fire on the battlefield, saw his family destroyed, his country shattered, his loved ones lost, and his friends turned against him... When he thinks of all these things now, only a vague shadow remains deep in his heart.
Only the face of the woman in the painting remained clear in his memory, because of the portrait and the entanglement over the years.
"This word is written like this." The girl in a light blue dress was leaning over to give instructions.
The young man squatting opposite her was wearing a coarse shorts, revealing his muscular arms. Sweat streamed down his bronze skin. He squatted on the sand, clumsily grasping a branch, and scratched at it for a long time, still unable to get it right. He raised his head, revealing his white teeth in an embarrassed yet honest smile.
"Don't worry, my father taught me little by little when I was young..." The girl didn't show any impatience. She put the paper and pen aside and squatted down. She used the branch in his hand to carefully trace on the sand.
The painting wasn't particularly skillful; the ink and brushstrokes seemed raw. But the woman in the painting was in the prime of her youth, with a beautiful smile. Her eyes, in particular, were curved and clear enough to reflect the innermost thoughts of her heart, as if they could penetrate the paper.
"Your Majesty, His Highness is waiting outside the palace." The guard's voice sounded at the right time, reminding the emperor that someone was waiting outside.
"Announce." The emperor turned around slowly, and the sharpness and depth in his eyes receded like the tide, gradually returning to the majesty of an emperor. He strode out, and the door behind him closed heavily, separating the present from the past.
Under the corridor outside the palace,
The imperial concubine was leading the second prince to ask for an audience when a palace maid behind her was holding an exquisite food box containing a carefully stewed soup. However, Qin Gong was summoned in and the door of the imperial study was immediately closed, obviously not wanting to be disturbed.
The mother and son paused, their faces looking unhappy.
Ever since the Second Prince was severely reprimanded by the Emperor for the Jiangnan case, and the Imperial Concubine with him, he has lost his former glory. Meanwhile, the culprit still enjoys the Emperor's favor and is in high spirits, even planning his child's first birthday party with great fanfare.
The imperial concubine looked at her son, feeling both angry and helpless. "Why were you so confused that day?"
He was so foolish that he knew that she was Qin Gong's legally married wife, but he still dared to seduce her under the influence of alcohol.
"Your son, I did drink too much that day." The second prince defended himself in a low voice. He was scolded by his father that day and drank a few more cups of wine at the banquet. He did such a stupid thing under the influence of alcohol and regretted it afterwards.
The imperial concubine was filled with rage and warned in a low voice, "Remember this! Your father is not a man who values affection; he only values ability! If you have the ability, all else is over. If you do something foolish again, the punishment you received last time was a light one. Focus on your official duties and accomplish a few outstanding tasks. Your previous mistakes will naturally be forgiven by your father, which is better than any apology!"
When talking about the emperor, the imperial concubine felt mixed feelings of love and hate.
Speaking of doting, she had been in charge of the six harems for many years, enjoying unlimited glory, and they were close to each other. When she was deeply in love, she would softly plead for the position of empress, but he would always talk about other things. But the occasional doting she showed made her indulge in it, unable to stop, making her hate him and unable to leave him.
Whatever, it was fine that he was so impartial. Even when that woman died, he hadn't shed a single tear. He even gave her daughter to raise, and abandoned his son at the Duke of Qin's mansion, neglecting him... never bringing him back.
--
Zhang Mansion, inner courtyard.
As the sun set, the heat receded. Several women stood anxiously in the inner courtyard of Zhang's mansion. One of them looked pale, her hands clutching her abdomen.
Jiang, who was standing opposite her, had a face that was usually gentle and docile, but now it was ashen, and her eyes were as sharp as knives, piercing the woman so much that she trembled and started to sob.
"Tell me! Who did you do that shameful thing with?" Jiang's voice suddenly became higher, losing its usual gentleness, and was filled with uncontrollable anger and panic.
The woman before her was one of the three concubines that Zhang Guogong had forced upon Yao'er. Yet, her Yao'er had clearly never laid a finger on any of them, and now she was pregnant? This was a monstrous humiliation! Jiang felt her vision go dark, and she could barely stand.
Inside the room, Ah Fu invited Zhang Yao out.
The expression on Ah Fu's face was hard to describe, but he was not as angry as Mrs. Jiang.
He walked straight forward and said to the crying woman, "Since you are pregnant, go and stay with the eldest master."
The meaning of these words was crystal clear. Jiang turned in shock, looking at her son, then at the woman in doubt. Zhang Mingli had actually done this shameful thing?
The woman nodded in gratitude, as if she had been pardoned. She was young and beautiful, and the second young master ignored them, while the eldest young master took a liking to her and repeatedly showed his affection to her.
Jiang was so angry that she was shaking all over, but her son Zhang Yao showed no surprise at all and didn't even bother to lift his eyelids.
Ah Fu turned to the other two women who were still silent, "If you two feel you can't stay here any longer, you can go to the eldest master's courtyard together today."
The two exchanged a quick glance and shook their heads. While the eldest son had offered a friendly hand, extending an olive branch, his wife was notoriously ruthless, as evidenced by the mysterious disappearances of the concubines in the courtyard. As housewives, they knew the dangers of the situation well. How could they dare wade into such a dangerous situation?
Jiang felt a pang of pain in her heart when she heard this, but she forced herself to calm down. Since her son was living under someone else's roof, he must not offend his eldest brother.
She remembered the main purpose of her visit today, and ordered the maid to deliver the exquisite pastries she had brought to her son's room. She suppressed her turbulent emotions and mentioned the trip to the temple yesterday to ask for divination on marriage.
The master asked her to listen more to her son's feelings. Anyway, a forced melon is not sweet.
"The master also said that this matter ultimately depends on your own wishes. Mother, stop being so arbitrary. Now tell me, what kind of girl do you want?"
"Yao'er, what do you think of your future daughter-in-law's appearance?" Jiang asked tentatively.
"Just be normal, as long as it's not scary." Zhang Yao sat back at the desk.
"That figure?"
"I'm thinner and don't eat much." He answered calmly.
Jiang remained silent. Her son's preferences for appearance were ordinary, and his preferred figure was completely different from Wen Tang's voluptuous and graceful figure... The huge stone in her heart finally fell halfway.
As soon as he walked out of his son's yard, he ran into Zhang Mingli head-on. Beside him was the pregnant woman who had just been sent to his yard.
Jiang's face suddenly darkened again.
Zhang Mingli patted the shoulder of the person in his arms, signaling her to look up. The woman blushed, "Young Master."
Zhang Mingli turned towards Zhang Yao and said in a voice that was neither too loud nor too low, but loud enough for everyone to hear, "You should thank the Second Young Master very much. If it weren't for the generosity of the Second Young Master, how could we have the fate we have today?" He squeezed the woman's hand.
The woman turned around as instructed and knelt slightly in Zhang Yao's direction, "Thank you for your help, Second Young Master."
Zhang Yao then smiled and cast a glance towards the door. Zhang Mingli took the woman's hand and walked a few steps closer, "It's all thanks to my second brother's generosity."
Zhang Yao was not interested in his little thoughts. He just wanted to see what this sickly guy, who had no reason to come here, was trying to do today.
"Second brother, my father asked me to come here to discuss with you the gifts for the first birthday party of the eldest son and daughter of the Qin family."
--
Qin Mansion, Waterside Pavilion.
In the evening, a cool breeze blew in the pavilion beside the pond.
Yuanbao was frolicking around the spread-out mat, barking and whimpering. Huai'er and Xia'er were giggling and playing with the puppy on the mat, having a great time.
Shuger, the third son of the second uncle brought by Su Yi, also stood aside, trying to get his younger siblings to play with him, but the two little guys were only interested in Yuanbao, who they were with day and night, and had no interest in him.
At the table in the pavilion, Su Yi was helping Wen Tang check the list of items for the child's first birthday party. The ceremony required some auspicious items.
There are many children in the Second Master's room, and Su Yi has much more experience than Wen Tang.
As the two men were discussing, they suddenly heard a burst of fierce dog barking, followed by the shrill cry of a child.
The one crying is Shu Ge'er!
He grabbed Yuanbao's tail tightly and lifted the yellow-haired puppy upside down. Yuanbao screamed in pain and kicked around with all four claws.
Huai'er and Xia'er were so anxious that they lay on the ground, hitting Shu'er's legs with their little heads, crying and babbling, their little faces flushed red.
"You kid! Let go!" Su Yi hurriedly stood up and tried to pull him. Wen Tang also stepped forward quickly, forcibly pried open Shuger's fingers, and rescued the whimpering Yuanbao*.
Shu Ge'er still had a few tufts of golden dog hair in his hand.
As soon as Yuanbao was freed, he immediately crawled into his little master's arms with a wronged look.
Xia Jie'er and Huai Ge'er hugged their beloved dog and looked at Yuanbao's bald tail. Their two chubby faces turned red and finally they cried out "Wow" and burst into tears.
Tears streamed down the two chubby little faces.
At dinner time, Qin Gong returned home. When he entered the main room, he saw the mother and her two children snuggling tightly together on the couch.
The two children were sobbing, their crying had become weaker, and it was obvious that they were tired of crying.
Wen Tang must have coaxed them for a long time, and there was fatigue in his eyes, but he still forced himself to be energetic. He bent down and gently kissed the children's foreheads, gently patted their backs with his hands, and coaxed them in a soft voice.
Someone had already reported to him in detail the incident at the waterside pavilion in the afternoon, including those tufts of dog hair.
After the incident, the second master Qin Changkun took Su Yi to the eldest house to apologize as soon as he returned home.
But Shu Ge'er was lying on the ground crying and rolling around, looking like he was about to die. Qin Changkun always doted on his children, so he couldn't bear it and didn't drag him here.
But now that his eldest brother had returned home, his nephews and nieces were still feeling aggrieved and had not even had dinner. Qin Changkun dared not delay any longer, so he had to bite the bullet and immediately ordered someone to bring the crying Shuger over.
Qin Gong sat at the main seat, his face sullen. As Qin Changkun entered the room and met his brother's gaze, he felt the urge to turn around and leave.
"Brother, the child is playing without restraint. He knows he is wrong. You..."
Qin Gong interrupted him, his voice low but filled with undeniable authority, "Bullying your younger siblings was done by Shu Ge'er. He's about to start school and should learn to take responsibility. There's no need for you, as a father, to apologize on his behalf."
He looked at Shu Ge'er who was sobbing behind Qin Changkun and said, "Let him stand in front of me."
Shu Ge'er twisted his body, refusing to move forward. He caught a glimpse of his uncle's stern face, then saw the pesky yellow dog from the afternoon sneak in. Relying on his father's presence, Shu Ge'er flew into a rage and kicked him.
"Bang!"
There was a crisp sound! Qin Gong placed the teacup heavily on the table.
--
When Qin Gong finished dealing with the matter and returned to the inner room, the candlelight was still dimly lit.
Wen Tang curled up on the couch, eyes closed, her pale face looking especially fragile in the candlelight. Her two children nestled beside her, carefully tucked into a thin blanket.
Qin Gong stood beside the couch for a long time, his tall figure stretched out in the candlelight, and he walked closer quietly.
He raised his hand, and gently stroked the soft hair of the two children with his broad palm, but his eyes were fixed on Wen Tang's sleeping face, with a faint blue shadow under her eyes. He leaned down and gave her a very light kiss on her smooth and slightly cool forehead.
Wen Tang seemed to be aware of something and mumbled something in his sleep, his voice as thin as a mosquito.
"Toad..."
Qin Gong's tall body stiffened slightly: ...