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The two returned to the front hall, where the figure of Chang'e was already dancing gracefully in the bronze mirror. Her limbs were slender and elongated, emerging from the flowing white gauze skirt, stepping lightly on the rolling clouds like a soaring crane. Chakravartin had drunk too much; his tolerance for alcohol was never very high. Upon seeing Lin Qingmo, he pinched his wine cup with one hand and poked him with chopsticks with the other, saying, "Qingmo, your pickled dishes are truly delicious." After saying this, his initially smiling face suddenly changed, and he leaned over onto the side of Fox King, sobbing quietly with tears and snot.
Hearing Chakravartin's praise, Lin Qingmo was about to be modest when Plum Blossom Fairy smiled and said, "Eighth Prince Consort truly excels in both the hall and the kitchen. Dressed as a woman, you are stunningly beautiful; that dance just now made me feel ashamed of myself." Lin Qingmo chuckled and replied, "I must have looked foolish." Xi'er flew around proudly. Lin Qingmo was evidently the sole focus of the evening banquet, leaving Plum Blossom Fairy, who possessed the most refined grace among the female guests, overshadowed. Unexpectedly, Plum Blossom Fairy turned her tone and continued smiling, "However, I heard that those who wear such revealing skirts for dancing are merely worldly courtesans. Eighth Prince Consort..."
Xi'er was about to get angry when Lin Qingmo calmly interrupted her, saying, "Fairy, I am a man, not a woman. However, I did indeed act inappropriately just now; regardless of the presence of female guests, it was my oversight. I hope you can forgive me." Plum Blossom Fairy maintained her calm demeanor and smiled faintly at Lin Qingmo before falling silent. Ao Yan felt quite displeased but was also tired of this woman and did not want to engage in a verbal sparring match with her like a woman would. Moreover, since she was a guest, it would be inappropriate to confront her openly. He felt sorry for Lin Qingmo and pulled him close, kissing his cheek while whispering in his ear, "Wife, don't be upset." Ao Bi at the table felt increasingly annoyed. First, she disliked Plum Blossom Fairy's sour attitude; second, Wolf King had always treated her coolly and politely. She slammed her wine cup down on the table and laughed, "Fairy always likes to speak in riddles. If you're too shy to say it yourself, let me speak for you! Don't you want to wear that revealing dance outfit and perform in front of Xiao Ba? That shouldn't be too difficult! Qingmo, where is that outfit? Send someone to fetch it for the fairy."
Xi'er’s eyes darted as she picked up on Ao Bi's words: "I think I should make one for the fairy! That dance outfit was made by me!" As soon as she finished speaking, she lunged toward Plum Blossom Fairy and reached out to tear at her skirt. At that moment, Ao Yan's cousin Ao Jin stood up to intervene: "Xi'er, how can you be rude to a guest right in front of them? Ao Bi, I'm not criticizing you here; how could you expose the fairy's feelings for Xiao Ba in front of everyone? Xiao Ba is already married! A woman's feelings should not be spoken so casually; women value their dignity above all!" Ao Jin was known for being overly chatty yet clever; his words seemed to spray directly onto Plum Blossom Fairy's face. She felt like a ball being kicked back and forth by the Ao siblings but managed to keep her composure without storming off.
The "surging undercurrents" at the table did not penetrate the innocent heart of Monthly Rose Fairy. She tilted her head to stare at Lin Qingmo while holding Dodder Princess close and whispered in her ear: "So that Dance Maiden was played by him; this delicious food was also cooked by him." As she watched him, a blush crept onto her face.
After the banquet dispersed, Lin Qingmo finally felt exhausted; his whole body ached as he washed up and collapsed into bed. Xi'er had learned her lesson and did not hide under the bed to eavesdrop but returned to her own little room instead. However, Ao Yan was quite energetic. The image of Lin Qingmo's dance replayed over and over in his mind—his waist, his legs... Ao Yan's hand slid over Lin Qingmo's waist and then down his thigh. In the quiet little room beneath the canopy of their large bed, Ao Yan's heavy breathing echoed loudly. Although Lin Qingmo was utterly worn out, he found it hard to fall into a deep sleep right away. He hazily sensed Ao Yan's hand slipping inside his clothes as if it were kissing his smooth skin. He pushed his hand away with some impatience and said, "Don't move. I'm too tired!" The hand obediently withdrew but was soon replaced by muffled sobs buried under the blanket—soft sounds that felt like tiny ants gently biting at Lin Qingmo.
He thought to himself that Ao Yan was still just a child—only fourteen years old—and since he was a few years older than him, he should accommodate him a bit more.
Gathering his energy, he turned over and pulled Ao Yan's shoulder closer while placing his hand on his waistband. As soon as Ao Yan touched it, he broke into laughter and rolled on top of him. While removing Lin Qingmo's clothes with one hand, he showered him with affectionate kisses while saying: "Wife, don't be angry! How about I give that Plum Blossom Fairy a beating?" Lin Qingmo chuckled with closed eyes; he thought how childish he really was—so domineering and rough—and replied: "Stop talking nonsense; go to sleep. After all, she's a guest." Before he could finish his sentence, Ao Yan eagerly covered his mouth.
"Mm mm mm... slow down... ah ah... slow down!" Lin Qingmo grasped the edge of the pillow as his body swayed with Ao Yan's vigorous thrusts. At this moment, Ao Yan no longer cared about any so-called “three points of seduction” but focused solely on their passionate connection. They hadn't engaged in intimacy for several days now; it felt like Lin Qingmo was controlling Ao Yan rather than vice versa. Thus it was Lin Qingmo who bore most of the burden.
Both their bodies were hot and sweaty as steam filled the tent-like space around them. Feeling unbearably hot with no place to escape from it all, Lin Qingmo reached under his pillow seeking some coolness only to touch two objects that suddenly caused pain from behind—he instinctively pinched what he held tightly between his fingers; sharp stings shot through him as he realized it was a chili pepper and an onion.
Instantly understanding what had happened, he threw both items at Ao Yan while sternly saying: "Get off me! You need to get off!" Ao Yan paused for a moment upon seeing the chili pepper and onion but then grinned shamelessly: "What did wife say? It’s windy; I didn’t hear you." With that said he thrust again forcefully.
"You—ah—" Lin Qingmo lowered his hand intending to hit him but clutched tightly onto the edge of the pillow instead. Frustrated beyond measure at this point he grabbed another chili pepper nearby and hurled it at Ao Yan.
The next morning when they got up together after some playful antics during dressing—Ao Yan’s hands began wandering again while helping Lin Qingmo put on pants—he often justified this behavior as morning muscle spasms beyond his control. His hands kneaded Lin Qingmo’s waist; seeing no reaction from him emboldened him further as he stretched out his voice seductively: “Wife—let’s do it again; it’s still early.”
Lin Qingmo looked up at him shyly with a smile that suggested reluctance yet invitation as he playfully hit him once. Overjoyed by this response Ao Yan tightened his embrace around Lin Qingmo’s waist pressing himself closer against him suddenly.
But just then Lin Qingmo pushed him away forcefully and threw a chili pepper right at his face: “Get lost! Don’t even think about it!”
Ao Yan pretended to cry out dramatically: “Ouch! Ouch! That hurts! You’re trying to murder your husband!” Xi'er stood nearby watching with glee; casting a sidelong glance at Ao Yan she mimicked Lin Qingmo’s voice saying: “Get lost! Don’t even think about it!” before being kicked away by Ao Yan.
After much coaxing from Ao Yan filled with apologies and pleas for forgiveness he finally managed to carry Lin Qingmo on his back out of their bedroom. The Clam Spirit maids had long grown accustomed to such antics. Xi'er bounced alongside them chanting: “Pig Bajie carries his wife! Pig Bajie carries his wife!” This time she didn’t wait for Ao Yan’s kick but swiftly dodged aside instead.
As they walked along they encountered Monthly Rose Fairy who seemed to have come looking for them. Upon seeing them Monthly Rose Fairy blushed deeply while Lin Qingmo hurriedly climbed down from Ao Yan’s back also feeling embarrassed.
Ao Yan asked: “Fairy has something she needs?” Monthly Rose Fairy paused briefly before nodding slightly as if nervous; she stammered: “Well... I’m heading back to Heavenly Palace with Plum Blossom Fairy... I came looking for Eighth Prince Consort because I have something.”
Lin Qingmo responded earnestly: “If there’s something please speak.” Monthly Rose Fairy lowered her head appearing quite shy without making eye contact with him as she spoke softly: “The pickled dishes made by Crown Princess were delightful; both Plum Blossom Fairy and I would like to learn how they’re made.”
Lin Qingmo smiled: “It’s just a small matter! Please wait while I go back inside to write down the recipe along with ingredients before handing it over.”
Returning inside he prepared ink and paper meticulously detailing how to make pickled dishes before coming back out handing it over to Monthly Rose Fairy who carefully folded it after receiving it.
She then glanced up stealing another look at Lin Qingmo before asking hesitantly: “I wonder if Crown Princess likes Monthly Rose?”
Lin Qingmo felt delighted inside replying quickly: “Of course I like it!” Monthly Rose Fairy produced a small pink sachet pouring out several flower seeds saying: “These are seeds from Monthly Rose; sprinkle them into pots filled with water or toss them into ponds—they’ll bloom beautifully.”
Then she took out a slender-necked white porcelain bottle offering it to Lin Qingmo while adding: “This is Immortal Dew; sprinkle some on your flower pots or ponds every morning and evening—it will bloom within three days.”
Lin Qingmo expressed repeated thanks feeling as though everything worldly had been severed from him completely—the seeds in hand seemed like a window into reality opening up images from times past when he lived among mortals.
Ao Yan stood silently nearby watching them both—the blushing face of Monthly Rose Fairy along with her fleeting glances revealed emotions similar yet distinct from what he felt himself—he could see through her intentions clearly enough.
After Monthly Rose Fairy took her leave others followed suit bidding farewell as well; typically they would linger longer enjoying playful banter but everyone here were perceptive individuals—Ao Yan’s focus lay entirely on Lin Qingmo now so staying longer would only invite annoyance.
However before departing they didn’t leave empty-handed—they divided up all those painstakingly prepared pickled dishes among themselves—with Chakravartin and Fox King taking home most of them.
Dragon Palace fell quiet again becoming significantly less lively without anyone standing between them allowing both intimacy without needing secrecy anymore—the vastness of Dragon Palace belonged solely to them where they could indulge freely wherever they pleased.
Ao Yan rubbed his hands together eager for several days filled with affection towards Lin Qingmo compensating for their previous emptiness—but little did he know that all of Lin Qingmo’s attention remained fixated upon those Monthly Rose seeds making him feel prickly all over preventing any closeness between them.
Having caught wind of this Xi'er shivered slightly wrapping herself tighter murmuring: “Looks like I need an extra Zhaojun Cloak made from fox fur.” If these words reached Ao Yan’s ears he'd surely hang her upside down somewhere insisting: “Aren’t you cold? I told you earlier about hibernating sooner!” Xi'er swung back-and-forth like a plump winter hibernating creature.
Sometimes Ao Yan would have Xi'er deliberately attract Lin Qingmo's attention. Xi'er, seizing this opportunity to openly flirt, would act silly and leap into Lin Qingmo's arms, laughing heartily, "Qingmo, Qingmo, why haven't you looked at me these past few days? I miss you so much!" While saying this, she would press her wings against Lin Qingmo's chest, her little beak poking towards the fragrance wafting from his collar. However, she would ultimately be pulled away by the jealous Ao Yan, who would turn her upside down and make her play the part of a hibernating bug. Or he might just give her a good beating, leaving her with bruises. So no matter how much Ao Yan threatened or tempted her, Xi'er would cling tightly to the bedpost or the table leg, bravely shouting, "I won't go! Not even if I die!"
Winter came early for Ao Yan.
On the sixth day, the Monthly Rose bloomed. It was supposed to take only three days, but during that time, Xi'er had broken the pot filled with water. It goes without saying that this was also instigated by Ao Yan. The flower bloomed—a small blossom that could be cradled in one’s palm. Its layers of petals resembled large fingernails. The color was a deep red, vibrant and fragrant. Lin Qingmo was so delighted he nearly cried. He carefully extended his index finger to touch the soft yellow center of the flower and took a deep breath of its scent. Just then, footsteps sounded outside; Ao Yan began calling from afar, "Wife! Wife!" Following behind, Xi'er playfully mimicked Ao Yan's voice and shouted, "Wife! Wife!" However, she didn’t run fast enough and was kicked away by Ao Yan. Lin Qingmo had been focused on admiring the flower when Ao Yan's sudden shout startled him, causing him to jerk his hand and inadvertently prick himself on a tiny thorn that felt like a sharp little blade. A slight pain made him feel as though it had embedded itself in his flesh. He put his hand in his mouth to suck on it and when he took it out to look, the thorn was gone; his finger was smooth with just a small cut.
Ao Yan entered just in time to see this scene and rushed over in a panic to grab Lin Qingmo's hand, inspecting it closely while glancing sideways at the flower. Frustrated, he exclaimed, "Did you get pricked? It's all because of this damn flower!" He raised his hand as if to sweep the flower off the table but was stopped by Lin Qingmo: "It's just a thorn; it's nothing." He pulled his hand away from Ao Yan's grip and hugged the flower pot closer while shifting slightly away from him. However, this action made Ao Yan very unhappy.
To Ao Yan, it looked as if Lin Qingmo was hugging the delicate Monthly Rose Fairy instead of him. When had he ever been hugged like that? Ao Yan moved a stool to sit behind Lin Qingmo and wrapped his arms tightly around his waist, half-pouting and half-complaining: "Wife! Is this flower prettier than me? Is it? Is it?" Lin Qingmo turned around to look at him and gently stroked his face with his hand: "Five-flower meat is the prettiest." Hearing this made Ao Yan not angry but rather happy; he tightened his hold around Lin Qingmo's waist and said, "Then why hasn't my wife looked at me these past few days? Only at it? I think that Monthly Rose Fairy has taken a liking to you; she only gave you the seeds. That day when I stood aside, she didn’t even glance at me."
Lin Qingmo frowned and replied, "Don't talk nonsense. She knows I’m already married. Besides, what do I have that could make someone like me?"
Upon hearing this sentence, Ao Yan only caught “married,” which seemed to swell in his ears until they nearly burst. His heart raced wildly with excitement; at least Lin Qingmo had admitted he was his wife. In truth, he knew that although the Monthly Rose Fairy was innocent and cute, she was also knowledgeable and sensible about boundaries. His jealousy was quite unreasonable. But understanding didn’t lessen the sourness in his heart.
Ao Yan took one of Lin Qingmo's hands and pressed it against his face while continuing to complain: "Wife! How long have you been neglecting me? How should I punish you?" Lin Qingmo pinched Ao Yan’s cheek with the hand resting on his face: "Just wait for me a bit longer; I’ll sleep soon." Only then did Ao Yan feel happy again. He began thinking about how he could enjoy intimate moments with Lin Qingmo tonight and in the coming days. This led him to recall something called “the three points of ecstasy.” “What three points?” Ao Yan buried his face into Lin Qingmo’s shoulder and suddenly remembered something: “Wife! I gave some jewelry I bought last time to my sister but told her it was from Xiao Lang. You don’t know how unhappy she’s been since Xiao Lang left.”
Lin Qingmo became serious upon hearing this; he turned to face Ao Yan directly: “That’s not good! If they are mutually affectionate and you impersonate Wolf King giving gifts to Third Princess—what if it gets exposed later? They wouldn’t be angry?”
Ao Yan pulled Lin Qingmo into his embrace: “Xiao Lang doesn’t like my sister; it’s always been one-sided on her part. These past few days I've seen her not eating or drinking well; I thought it would be nice to cheer her up.”
Lin Qingmo replied: “I don’t understand matters of love very well either. Just be careful not to get caught.”
Ao Yan shook him gently in response: “I won’t! I told her Xiao Lang asked me to secretly give it to her and told her not to ask Xiao Lang.”
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