Chapter 336: Marital Affection, Water Village Scenery
The next afternoon—
The mountain forest path was quiet, only the occasional rustling of leaves could be heard.
A carriage slowly moved through the forest, a leisurely afternoon outing.
Inside, two beautiful women sat like twin lotus flowers, a subtle fragrance lingering—
“…”
In the quiet carriage, Mao Ruoyu was embroidering with a needle and thread, a delicate lotus flower already taking shape on the silk scarf, lifelike and vivid.
Her hair falling around her temples, her lips slightly pursed, her focused and serious expression was captivating.
“…Eh?”
A sudden nudge against her shoulder startled Mao Ruoyu, and she looked sideways to see Yun Yue leaning against her, fast asleep, soft and even breaths escaping her lips.
Her robe had slipped from her shoulder, revealing her smooth and delicate skin, glowing faintly in the warm sunlight, like a beautiful and ethereal painting.
“Sister Yun is still so lazy.”
Mao Ruoyu chuckled softly, gently brushing the hair from Yun Yue’s forehead.
But seeing the faint blush still lingering on Yun Yue’s cheeks, a hint of lingering passion, Mao Ruoyu couldn’t help but feel a bit shy.
Although she had only caught a few glimpses in her half-asleep state last night, Mao Ruoyu still remembered the enchanting scene.
Her beloved Sister Yun, her legs wrapped around their husband’s waist, their bodies intertwined, the rhythmic movements making her heart tremble, the lingering scent of musk filling the air and making her whole body flush.
“Should I… ask Sister Yun for some advice…?”
The beautiful woman couldn’t help but gently touch Yun Yue’s abdomen, feeling the smooth and delicate curve of her waist even through the robe and skirt, her skin soft and supple like jade.
She vaguely remembered that slender waist twisting and swaying last night, like the ebb and flow of the tide, moving and coiling like the most enchanting dancer in the world.
But thinking about such shameful things, Mao Ruoyu quickly blushed and dismissed the thought.
It… it was too indecent.
“I… should finish embroidering these handkerchiefs first!”
Mao Ruoyu quickly pushed those thoughts aside, rubbing her flushed cheeks.
…
Clang—
The sound of a plucked string echoed as Cheng Yishi, sitting in the driver’s seat, played the guqin, but her fingers only produced a dry and jarring sound.
“…This guqin is truly exquisite and wondrous.”
Cheng Yishi opened her eyes again and sighed with shame: “I’ve tried playing it several times, but I don’t know how. My meager skills are truly insufficient.”
Lin Tianlu frowned slightly, took her right hand, and saw a small cut on her fingertip, slightly bleeding.
“You were a bit careless.”
“It’s fine.” Cheng Yishi smiled faintly: “This small wound will heal soon.”
But she suddenly exclaimed softly as she felt a warm current flowing into her finger, surrounded by a faint light, and the small cut quickly healed.
Feeling the tingling sensation on her fingertip, Cheng Yishi felt a sweetness in her heart, a warm and charming smile appearing on her face: “You’re too considerate, my husband, I’m not that fragile.”
“It’s not good to see blood.”
Lin Tianlu touched the slightly trembling strings of the guqin and chuckled: “And this guqin was just lent to me by Miss Chi, so you could try playing it.”
“Miss Chi’s guqin has been nourished by Yin energy for thousands of years and imbued with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. Its strings are like a soul, its body like bones, one needs extraordinary cultivation to play it well.”
A playful chuckle suddenly came from the roof of the carriage.
Lin Tianlu and Cheng Yishi looked up and saw Youluo leaning over, her chin resting on her hand, chuckling: “An ordinary person would be seriously injured just by touching this guqin, Madam Cheng, you’re quite lucky to have only cut your finger.”
Cheng Yishi smiled: “In that case, I won’t force myself—”
“How about I help you?”
Lin Tianlu took her right hand and suggested: “With my assistance, we should be able to play a few good tunes.”
As her hand was placed back on the strings, Cheng Yishi was slightly stunned, but a happy smile gradually appeared on her face, and she looked back at him: “If I make any mistakes, husband, don’t blame me.”
“Your musical skills are excellent, Yishi, I’m far inferior, how could I blame you?”
The two smiled at each other and intertwined their fingers, plucking the strings together.
After a moment of initial awkwardness, their four hands moved in perfect harmony, as if connected by a single mind, a smooth and elegant melody gradually filling the air.
Although not as ethereal and transcendent as the sounds of nature, the music was warm and comforting.
Youluo leaned back lazily, her chin resting on her hand, looking at the couple below, a faint smile on her face.
“Such affection, truly the vitality of youth~”
…
Several tunes were played, a warmth filling their hearts like a flowing spring.
But as the music faded, Cheng Yishi closed her eyes, a faint smile on her face as she leaned against Lin Tianlu’s shoulder and fell asleep.
A gentle afternoon breeze blew, ruffling her smooth, silky hair, her skin glowing faintly, like a celestial being, elegant and otherworldly.
Lin Tianlu gently stroked his wife’s hair, making Cheng Yishi let out a soft moan like a cat as she snuggled closer, burying her face in his neck. He could smell the faint fragrance of her delicate body, wrapping his arms around her waist, realizing how slender and fragile she was, as if she would be hurt if he held her too tightly.
“This girl, although usually calm and composed, she becomes a fierce and wild warrior in battle… but only when she’s asleep can one see how young and adorable she truly is.”
Youluo, who had sat down beside him at some point, looked at the beautiful woman in his arms with a smile: “Her face still has a youthful sweetness, and her heart is sensitive and delicate, making one want to cherish and protect her.”
“Yishi has indeed been through a lot.”
Lin Tianlu said softly: “I brought her on this trip to help her relax and forget about those troublesome things, to enjoy peace and tranquility.”
“I see.” Youluo’s eyelashes trembled slightly, and an appreciative smile appeared on her face.
She looked up at him, her eyes gentle and soft: “In this world, to find a man like you, girl, she’s truly fortunate. To be able to spend a lifetime together, you’re truly an enviable couple.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled: “I thought you were going to tease me again, Miss Youluo.”
“Madam Cheng is sleeping soundly in your arms, and a sleeping beauty is a wonderful sight, I wouldn’t want to spoil the mood.”
Youluo gave him a playful glare and teased: “Besides, you’re so lucky with women, Master Lin, beauties flocking to you, there’s no need for me to tease you. In the blink of an eye, you’ll be flirting with another beauty~”
“…”
Lin Tianlu could only chuckle awkwardly.
Seeing his embarrassed expression, Youluo giggled softly, covering her mouth with her hand, and then softened her tone: “I won’t tease you any further, Master Lin, let’s talk about Qingyang Province.”
“Do you know something, Miss?”
“Where do you think I went last night?”
Youluo gracefully crossed her long, silk-clad legs, their smooth and lustrous skin shimmering like black jade in the sunlight, her alluring figure incredibly captivating.
Lin Tianlu hesitated and asked: “Could it be that you went…”
“Naturally, I went to investigate for you… Mmm~”
Youluo stretched languidly, her arms raised, her seductive and delicate figure outlined by her tight-fitting skirt, and she murmured softly: “After all, you’ve completely offended the Luo Xing, you’re bound to encounter trouble along the way. If you want a smooth journey, you naturally have to gather some information first.”
Lin Tianlu was speechless.
So that was why she had disappeared last night—
“Are you surprised that I’ve changed, Master Lin?”
“Yes.”
Lin Tianlu sighed softly and said with emotion: “In that case, I must truly thank you, Miss.”
“There’s no need to be so sentimental.”
Youluo chuckled playfully: “I just didn’t want to have a direct conflict with the Luo Xing, it wouldn’t be worth it to get injured.”
“However—”
She glanced sideways with a seductive and ambiguous look, her fingertips gently tracing the smooth black silk on her thighs, leaving faint marks: “After running around all night, even my legs are tired and sore.”
Lin Tianlu paused slightly.
Then, he raised his left hand, a playful smile appearing on his face: “Are you asking me to give you a massage, Miss?”
“This…”
Youluo’s playful expression froze, a sudden unease rising in her heart, and she quickly moved her leg away, murmuring: “Forget it, I’ll ask Madam Mao to massage me later. There’s no need to trouble you, Master Lin… Mmm!”
Feeling a warm current from her lower back, Youluo suddenly arched her back and trembled, her buttocks twitching.
Her eyes widened, a seductive blush appearing on her face, and she looked back at him with moist eyes: “W-Why are you still…”
“I have to help a little.” Lin Tianlu withdrew his hand from her lower back and smiled faintly: “Loosening your muscles and warming your body will be beneficial to you, Miss.”
“That was a bit… too sudden.”
Youluo rubbed her still warm lower back, a lingering fear in her eyes: “I wasn’t prepared.”
If she hadn’t reacted quickly, she would have been embarrassed in front of this scholar— But a moment later, she was surprised to find that the lingering injuries within her body were rapidly dissipating as if nourished by sweet dew, the Yin energy flowing smoothly and comfortably, even a sense of lightness and euphoria.
“…Cough! Let’s get back to the main topic.”
Youluo coughed softly, covering her mouth with her hand, her voice softening slightly: “You strolled around the town yesterday, you must have heard some rumors about Qingyang Province?”
“I did hear some, but I don’t know if they’re true.”
“Those rumors spreading through the markets are partly true and partly false.”
Youluo wagged her finger and said seriously: “There are no concrete signs of a rebellion, but the political situation in Qingyang Province is indeed very volatile. Many high-ranking officials have been removed from their posts, punished, or even executed in public. And the scale and scope of this purge have shaken the entire province, everyone is on edge.
That’s why there are rumors that the Zhengyang Prince, believing himself powerful, wants to usurp the throne and become emperor. He even dared to punish and confiscate the property of important officials appointed by the emperor, his intentions are treasonous.”
Lin Tianlu was quite surprised: “Why did such a thing suddenly happen?”
Although the Zhengyang Prince was a feudal lord, renowned for his military achievements and known as General Zhengyang, he hadn’t heard of him taking such drastic actions against his own people before.
“The specifics are unknown to outsiders, hence the many rumors and gossip spreading.”
Youluo tapped her chin lightly and mused: “But according to the rumors, an expert appeared in Qingcheng, the capital of Qingyang Province, displaying extraordinary abilities that amazed everyone, even many officials and scholars. He has become a topic of conversation among the people.”
“An expert?”
“This happened about half a month ago, it’s hard to tell if it’s true or not, but it might be related to this incident.”
She suddenly smiled mischievously: “But there’s one thing that will surely surprise you, Master Lin.”
Lin Tianlu frowned slightly: “What is it?”
“Naturally, it’s about someone you and your two wives care about.”
“You mean… Shuya?”
“That Miss Hua, as the Zhengyang Prince’s granddaughter, her status in the family isn’t particularly high. It seems that she was recently betrothed to the sixteenth imperial prince.”
Lin Tianlu froze.
After a moment of silence, he stammered: “Then Shuya and that prince…”
“Pfft!”
Seeing his stiff expression, Youluo couldn’t help but chuckle: “You worry too much, Master Lin. I heard that as soon as the engagement was announced, Miss Hua strongly opposed it and decisively broke it off. No one talks about it anymore in Qingyang Province.”
“…”
Lin Tianlu felt a bit embarrassed, his lips twitching slightly: “Why did you suddenly mention this, Miss Youluo?”
“Just wanted to see your reaction.” Youluo narrowed her eyes and chuckled: “It seems you truly care about Miss Hua, Master Lin.”
“She has been kind to me, and I owe her a promise.”
“It seems there’s quite a story between you two.”
Youluo’s lips curved into a smile, and she teased: “But for Miss Hua to offend the imperial family for you is enough to prove her loyalty and affection. When you reunite in Qingyang Province, Master Lin, don’t neglect that good girl.”
“I understand.”
Lin Tianlu nodded seriously.
Matters of the heart couldn’t be delayed or hesitated upon. This trip to the Zhengyang Prince’s Mansion was also to give her an answer.
“It’s fate that these girls have fallen for you, Master Lin, without any of the usual drama and jealousy.” Youluo shook her head and chuckled, gracefully crossing her legs, smoothing her skirt, and said with interest: “But there’s one more thing I have to tell you before you reach the Zhengyang Prince’s Mansion.”
“Oh?” Lin Tianlu asked curiously: “What is it?”
“About a hundred miles from here, there’s a prosperous city called Wuxing, a major trading center in Qingyang Province. And in this important city, there have been several brutal murders recently. Even the prefect’s mansion lost sixteen people in a single night, including several renowned martial arts experts.” Youluo’s eyes narrowed, and her voice became more meaningful: “Everyone is suspicious… and it seems that many people are blaming these cruel murders on the Zhengyang Prince’s Mansion… even on that Miss Hua.”
Lin Tianlu’s expression turned serious.
…
Wuxing City.
Just as Youluo had described, this city had the characteristic water scenery of the south, with arched bridges and canals crisscrossing the streets and alleys. Looking around, one could see many unique and ancient buildings, elegant and charming.
Many of the local men were dressed in elegant robes and cotton-padded jackets, their faces fair and their lips red, while the women were petite and graceful, their movements delicate and refined, highlighting the beauty of the local customs.
Although it was drizzling in the afternoon, walking along the streets with oil-paper umbrellas created a calming and serene atmosphere.
“This street scene is truly beautiful.”
Mao Ruoyu looked around with her umbrella, admiring the scenery along the way, and couldn’t help but sigh: “The charm of the Jiangnan region is truly as wonderful as the legends say, perhaps even more so.”
“It’s truly a pleasant surprise.” Cheng Yishi nodded in agreement, looking at the several pleasure boats floating on the river by the bridge and marveling: “Many people here make a living on these boats, using them to travel around the city, it’s quite novel.”
“Eh?”
Yun Yue, who had been walking arm in arm with them, looked at the boats coming and going on the river, her eyes blinking, a faint blush appearing on her face, as if feeling a bit shy.
As if trying to distract herself, she coughed lightly and said softly: “Ruoyu, Yishi, Tianlu is choosing some jewelry and fabrics at the shops over there, let’s go and have a look.”
Mao Ruoyu was about to respond when she noticed the blush on Yun Yue’s face and couldn’t help but smile playfully, leaning closer and whispering: “Are you feeling sentimental and shy, Sister Yun?”
“…You’re quite perceptive, Ruoyu, I can’t hide anything from you.”
Although Yun Yue blushed even more, feeling shy and embarrassed, she still smiled gently and indulgently, like an older sister.
Although the three women were dressed elegantly and discreetly, their umbrellas partially concealing them, their beauty and laughter still attracted the attention of passersby, who wondered if they were noble ladies from the palace traveling in disguise.
Such breathtaking beauty, they were almost like celestial beings!
Even many women couldn’t help but gasp in admiration, their faces slightly flushed, wanting to approach and get to know them.
…
Meanwhile, on the other side of the street.
Lin Tianlu pondered for a moment, picked up a jade pendant hanging from a rack, and examined it carefully.
“You have a good eye, sir! This pendant was just carved this year from high-quality jade. If it were sold in those big shops, it would cost no less than half a tael of silver!”
The young man in front of the shop quickly said: “I’m only charging seventy copper coins, a real bargain!”
“There’s no need to boast, brother.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled: “After all, this jade pendant is smaller than half my pinky fingernail, like a bean. It’s not worth much… But the carving is indeed quite exquisite, seventy copper coins is a fair price.”
The young man quickly smiled apologetically and cupped his hands: “You’re too kind, sir. I’m just trying to earn some money before the New Year, but I wasn’t trying to deceive you with the price.”
“I can tell.” Lin Tianlu took out a string of copper coins from his sleeve and said gently: “That jade bracelet you have isn’t… clean, you should bury it somewhere with good feng shui as soon as possible, then you’ll be fine.”
“S-Sir?”
The young man took the copper coins, a puzzled look on his face.
Just as he was about to ask, the refined scholar with the mysterious aura had already left.
“Not clean?”
He picked up the jade bracelet and examined it casually, but he couldn’t see anything wrong with it.
He wondered if the scholar was just being alarmist when he suddenly felt a chill run down his spine, making him shiver, his face turning pale, and his hands trembling, almost dropping the jade bracelet.
Only after he hurriedly threw the bracelet away did the chilling sensation gradually disappear.
“…”
The young man took a few steps back, his eyes filled with surprise and uncertainty.
Was this thing truly… unclean?!
…
“That jade bracelet was tainted with Yin energy, why didn’t you buy it as well?”
“It’s a relic of the dead, it’s better not to touch it.”
Lin Tianlu sighed softly: “That stall owner clearly doesn’t know the bracelet’s origin, he’ll bury it somewhere after sensing the abnormality.”
“Perhaps.” Youluo crossed her arms noncommittally and then teased: “But the jewelry you chose for your beautiful wives is a bit… stingy, Master Lin. Why don’t you choose something bigger and more valuable?”
“My wives aren’t materialistic, the size of the jade doesn’t matter.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled, shaking the jade pendant in his hand: “I just thought this delicate pendant would look nice on Yue’er’s hair or shoulder, accentuating her elegance and grace.”
Youluo raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised.
Although this scholar seemed straightforward, after spending some time with him, she realized that he was quite meticulous and considerate, even knowing how to choose suitable accessories for his wives.
“If you don’t mind, take this.”
“Hmm?”
Youluo looked at the jade and silver pendant he was offering her, its patterns intricate and exquisite, its craftsmanship extraordinary.
“This silver pendant is beautifully crafted, with a phoenix and flower design, diamond-shaped with tassels, and jade hidden inside, truly exquisite and elegant, perfect for you, Miss Youluo.”
“W-When did you choose this?”
“I’ve been browsing the stalls and shops along the way.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled: “I wouldn’t favor one over the other, I also chose gifts for Ruoyu and Yishi, I’ll give them to them tonight.”
Youluo was speechless, but she gradually tightened her grip on the pendant, a charming smile appearing on her face, her eyes soft and gentle.
“You’re too kind, Master Lin, I’ll treasure it.”
“There’s no need to hide it away, just wear it.” Lin Tianlu smiled and waved his hand: “But if you prefer more extravagant and luxurious jewelry, this is indeed a bit simple. I’ll find something more suitable for you later.”
“There’s no need, this is perfect.”
A faint blush appeared on Youluo’s cheeks, and she whispered softly: “I’ll wear it after we return.”
“…You’ve become quite gentle, Miss Youluo.”
“Cough!”
Youluo suddenly came back to her senses, blushing slightly, and gave him a playful glare.
Then, she crossed her arms again, cupping her breasts, and snorted softly: “Night is approaching, after we find an inn and have dinner, remember to inquire about the local situation.”
“Naturally.”
Lin Tianlu nodded slightly, his expression turning serious.
The rumors about the murders in this area being connected to Shuya, he had to investigate!
