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墨書 Inktalez
The air had begun to grow hot.
Pang Yuanying sat on a seat carved from a single piece of Hetian jade. Delicate pearl curtains hung down from the eaves of the pavilion, and not far away, the emerald lake cradled large lotus leaves, bringing a hint of coolness to the sweltering heat.
Two guards stood obediently beneath the pavilion, not daring to look at their master's enigmatic face.
Pang Yuanying silently toyed with the glass lamp in his hand. The fruit wine was cold and refreshing; after one cup, it invigorated him. Although there was not much anger on his face, the gloomy aura emanating from him still made those around him break into a cold sweat.
Consort Mei obediently leaned on his knee, her delicate fingers holding thin slices of fruit, feeding them into Pang Yuanying's mouth. Her family in Jiunzhou was considered quite prominent; although her father was a merchant, he was a cultured businessman who had once passed the scholar examination. With no sons in the family, he had only fathered her at fifty years old. Moreover, she was beautiful as a flower, hailed as the first beauty of Jiunzhou, so it was natural that she received much favor.
Thus, Consort Mei had always been proud and cold towards those wealthy young men who wished to catch a glimpse of her beauty, never willing to show them any kindness. However, in front of this noble young man, she disregarded her pride and lowered herself, approaching him like a moth to a flame.
She was a clever woman who understood that with her background, even being a concubine to this young nobleman would be an elevation for her family.
However, even though she loved Pang Yuanying dearly, she refused to act wantonly like those who served the Marquis. While she engaged in some tasks typically done by ladies-in-waiting with a coy demeanor, she still maintained a degree of dignity.
In truth, Pang Yuanying had seen all kinds of women; no matter how noble and elegant they were, a hundred Consort Meis could not compare to the noblewomen and heiresses of the capital. Yet in such a place as Jiunzhou, he found pleasure in enjoying the scheming of beautiful women during his leisure time. Thus, among them all, Consort Mei was still one who managed to win his favor.
Pang Yuanying half-closed his eyes and reached out his hand to glide over Consort Mei's flowing hair. His expression shifted unpredictably before he suddenly chuckled and said, "My beauty, how do you see me?"
Consort Mei paused in surprise and looked up to see the handsome face of the Marquis. Her heart raced like a startled deer; her cheeks flushed red as she softly replied with charm, "Husband is indeed that jade-like figure..."
Her voice was so soft it seemed it could be squeezed for water; this sentiment was truly heartfelt.
Men like Pang Yuanying possessed noble status and outstanding looks; they were indeed enchanting to women. Upon seeing him, countless men who might have appeared decent suddenly became repulsive in comparison—no one wanted to look at them again.
Pang Yuanying raised an eyebrow and looked down at Consort Mei, whose face was glistening with sweat from excitement. Although she was trying to maintain her composure, she had long lost her dignified demeanor, and he could no longer muster any interest.
"This Marquis only enjoys the best... What I want, I will not be denied!"
The image of that infinitely charming yet dignified face flashed before his eyes, igniting a fire in his heart. He picked up his wine glass and downed two cups of cold wine, but it did nothing to extinguish the desire within him.
For nearly twenty years, Pang Yuanying had captured the hearts of countless noble ladies and highborn women. Even knowing his flirtatious and unfaithful nature, those women did not care; with just a beckon from him, even a princess from the palace would secretly harbor feelings for him, her heart as tender as spring water.
What was Qin Yaru? Just a villager who dared to put on airs in front of him!
"If she cannot strip away that dignified exterior in front of me and beg for my affection beneath me, where will I place my face?"
This Marquis secretly plotted to possess the stunning beauty, while Qin Yaru was living quite comfortably at home.
Lai San may have been a bit rough around the edges in his work, but he dared not neglect the task assigned by his superior. Before long, he had gathered everything Qin Yaru needed—pots, bowls, and all the essentials—nothing was missing.
Qin Yaru took it upon herself to clear out the backyard. Instead of planting flowers, she sowed various medicinal herbs, the seeds of which were provided by Ji Ren Tang at no cost.
In summer, the fragrance of the herbs wafted through the air, more comforting than that of flowers.
One day, Qin Yaru spent a few flower crowns' worth of money to invite Tie Zhu over to study with Da Lang while she went to visit the Fang Family.
Although she had left the Chen Family Old Residence with her son, she could not afford to sever ties with the Chen Family Clan. The power of the clan was too strong; Da Lang would always be a member of the Chen Family. In the future, he would need their support. If he gained a bad reputation, he would be unable to participate in the Keju examination, and his life would be completely ruined.
Fang Family listened as Qin Yaru moved, feeling quite indignant for her. However, when Zhao Yitan arrived, he made quite an entrance, even the Wu County Magistrate showed a hint of flattery in front of him. The Fang Family were smart people and quickly realized that the woman Chen Wenyue wanted to remarry was likely of significant status.
For the sake of the clan, she naturally couldn't say anything too extreme, but in her heart, she looked down on Chen Wenyue and was determined to support Consort Qin.
The Fang Family were also women, and now seeing Qin Yaru working hard for the Chen Family, only to face the danger of being cast aside once her husband became successful, how could they not feel a pang of sympathy?
“Qin Yaru, don’t argue with Wang Wu. If he comes back, be gentle and kind, say more good things. You are still his legitimate wife; if he cares about his reputation, he won't treat you poorly. Rest assured, you are recognized as a Chen Family woman by our clan. Even if Chen Wulang tries to dominate you, our clan will definitely support you.”
Qin Yaru smiled and softly said, “Aunt, don’t worry about me. I’ve been married into the Chen Family for so many years; Wang Wu and I have always been harmonious. It’s all good; you can rest easy. I trust him!”
Seeing Qin Yaru appear gentle and considerate, Fang Family felt relieved but also somewhat resented her weakness. She shook her head and said, “Don’t be too timid. If Chen Wulang really dares to disrespect you, stand up to him; at least put that woman in her place.”
She was fully focused on how to help Qin Yaru deal with the vixen but didn’t realize that Consort Qin just wanted to quickly rid herself of the scoundrel. If it weren't for Da Lang, she would have reported to the clan long ago to seek a divorce from Chen Wulang.
After exchanging a few words, it was getting late, so Qin Yaru took her leave to go home. As soon as she reached her doorstep, she saw Lai San standing outside talking with Da Lang.
Next to them was a carriage with its curtains drawn open. With her keen eyes, Qin Yaru immediately spotted Bai Yunsheng leaning halfway out of the window, trying to appear nonchalant, but there was an unmistakable hint of anxiety in his eyes and brows.
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