Late at night, rain began to fall, pattering softly against the deck. The light boat glided gracefully, weaving through the winding waterways embraced by towering mountains. Faintly, the sound of wind could be heard drifting by, mingling with the fine threads of late autumn rain, each drop striking the quiet, lonely river.
Chu Qiao awoke in the deep of the night, her dark hair cascading around her neck, her cheeks flushed with sleep, and her eyes still drowsy. Her skin was as pale as white satin as she lay nestled among layers of luxurious brocade. She stretched out a slender, delicate arm, but her touch met only cold emptiness.
Startled, her drowsiness vanished instantly, and she sat up abruptly. The room was empty; she was alone. Outside the window, it was still pitch black, and rain had begun to fall at some point without her noticing.
A sudden unease gripped her. She scrambled out of bed, but as soon as her toes touched the floor, her knees buckled weakly. A faint pain radiated from her lower body, sharply reminding her of the changes that had taken place that day.
She put on a water-blue dress embroidered with pale white flowers and lush leaves, the delicate threads forming peach-colored stamens. The gown outlined her slender waist, with its simple, flowing skirt and cloud-like, draped sleeves. Picking up a bamboo-framed green umbrella, she opened the cabin door and stepped outside.
It was chilly outside, the fine rain like threads, resembling the drizzling mist of early spring. Blown askew by the wind, even with the umbrella, mischievous raindrops occasionally splashed onto the hem of her skirt, swirling lightly in the night breeze. She hurried across the deserted deck, her skirt already damp, her figure ethereally light. The darkness pressed in from all sides, while the towering peaks on either shore loomed high. Occasionally, the clear, distant cry of a gibbon could be heard.
He stood there at the windward bow, as if he had been standing for a long time. Dressed in a moon-white robe, tall and elegant, he seemed to carry a subdued heaviness in the dim twilight shadows. Hearing her footsteps, he turned around. Seeing it was her, he showed no surprise, merely extending his hand and saying calmly, "Come here."
Chu Qiao quickly ran over, holding the umbrella above his head. Though the rain was fine, standing in it for long would still drench him. His robes were already damp, cold and misted with moisture. Frowning, she said, "Can't you see it's raining?"
The mountain wind moaned as it swept between them, causing their wide sleeves to billow slightly. He held her hand, his fingers distinct, slender, and strong. Suddenly, he pulled her into his embrace without a word, holding her quietly. Though his embrace wasn't forceful, it felt as if steel-like strength restrained her, making her afraid to move even slightly.
"Zhuge Yue?"
Time passed quietly as she called his name softly, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
His voice was calm, like a still lake. After years apart, the once impulsive and domineering man seemed to have matured. His gaze was serene, occasionally flickering with a cold loneliness, marked by the weariness of worldly experiences. His tone carried tranquility, yet beneath it lay hidden layers of ice and undercurrents. His emotions were unreadable, making it impossible to discern what he was thinking.
"Xing'er, I've wronged you."
He said this abruptly, and Chu Qiao frowned in confusion. "What are you talking about?"
"I owe you." Zhuge Yue's lips curved into a faint smile, as if speaking to a child. He gently patted her cheek and said, "I will make it up to you in the future."
"Zhuge Yue, what's wrong with you?"Chu Qiao felt somewhat nervous, tugging at Zhuge Yue's sleeve as she looked up and asked, "I'm not feeling wronged at all. I'm willing to do this."
Zhuge Yue smiled, his demeanor as peerlessly elegant as ever. He wrapped his arms around her, resting his chin on the top of her head, holding her gently as if cradling a piece of porcelain.
Some words remained unspoken, dissipating with his breath into the tender river breeze.
He had always believed he was far better than Yan Xun—that only by his side could Chu Qiao find true happiness and protection.
Yet in this matter, he fell short of that man. Ten years of companionship had proven Yan Xun a gentleman, while he himself had been driven by selfish desires.
But what could he do about it?
When it came to her, he had never been confident, treading carefully as if on thin ice.
The closer happiness seemed, the more he feared its loss, and so he selfishly wanted to possess more of her, and more, and more still.
At times, he mocked himself inwardly, thinking, "Who would have thought Zhuge Yue would ever come to this?"
Yet afterward, he would only feel even more anxious about gains and losses. He was a man of such free spirit—imperial ambitions, wealth, and power were but fleeting gambles to him. Yet she alone was the chess game he could never solve in his lifetime.
Chu Qiao continued to murmur softly in his embrace, as if to reassure him, repeating, "It's nothing, really. I'm willing."
But he covered her mouth with his hand, then swept her up into his arms and headed toward the cabin.
Chu Qiao let out a soft "Ah!" as her bamboo umbrella fell to the ground. The fine rain sprinkled against her cheeks, cool and refreshing. Burying her face in his chest, she protested in a hushed voice, "Put me down! If Mei Xiang and the others see us, it'll be embarrassing!"
Zhuge Yue looked down at her, speaking with domineering affection, "Be quiet."
Frowning reflexively, Chu Qiao retorted, "I won't!"
Zhuge Yue smiled—that characteristic smile of his, lips curving without a sound. He lowered his head and captured her lips, kissing her with deep, lingering tenderness right there at the cabin door, beneath the night sky, openly savoring the sweetness of her mouth for what felt like an eternity. Only when Chu Qiao went limp and breathless did he release her.
Gazing at her with a hint of triumphant teasing, he murmured, "I have plenty of ways to make you quiet."
Chu Qiao hastily covered her slightly swollen lips with both hands, glaring at him with wide, dark eyes in silent protest.
Zhuge Yue chuckled and carried her into the room. Fortunately, it was late at night, and everyone had already retired, so they encountered no one along the way.
The moment they entered the room, Chu Qiao scrambled out of his arms, adopting a defensive stance as she stared at him warily. Watching him casually loosen his robes, she flushed crimson.
Zhuge Yue suddenly approached with a soft laugh, his warm breath brushing her ear as he whispered, "Does it still hurt?"
Chu Qiao's face grew even redder. She was always like this—a general who could lead armies into battle and command millions, yet when it came to such matters, she blushed like an untouched maiden. A single word could leave her utterly flustered.
Zhuge Yue embraced her from behind, his hands wandering downward. Startled, Chu Qiao grabbed his restless hands and pressed them firmly against her burning lower abdomen."Hmm?" Zhuge Yue asked, "I'm talking to you. Does it still hurt?"
Chu Qiao was greatly flustered, shaking her head randomly like a startled rabbit.
Zhuge Yue chuckled softly, a roguish expression flashing across his face as he deliberately whispered in her ear, "Really doesn't hurt anymore?"
She quickly nodded.
"Then let's continue."
"Ah?" Chu Qiao was shocked, her mouth gaping wide enough to fit an egg.
Seeing this, Zhuge Yue laughed heartily, scooping her up and placing her on the bed. Chu Qiao didn't know what was wrong with herself—where were her martial skills? Her combat techniques? Her agile movements? Why did her body turn soft and weak the moment he approached?
She stared dumbly as his face drew closer—the handsome nose, thin lips, mesmerizing eyes, smooth skin. His slight smile carried a charm that could captivate nations.
She remained dazed, allowing him to claim her cherry lips. A shivering numbness crept up her spine, electric and scorching. Her pearl-like teeth were pried open as his nimble tongue ventured inside. His kiss shifted from gentle to intense, and she gradually moved from stunned stillness to tentative reciprocation. Her body trembled slightly, her breathing grew ragged and hurried. Ultimately, she succumbed to his flirtatious advances, melting softly into his embrace like spring waters stirred into ripples, beyond anyone's control.
Before she knew it, her outer garments had been removed, leaving only her undergarments, revealing her slender legs and snow-white arms.
But then he smiled, pulled up a quilt, and wrapped her in it. After kissing her cheek, he held her in his arms, his voice slightly hoarse as he said with a laugh, "Alright, let's sleep."
Chu Qiao was taken aback, slow to react, and asked foolishly, "Sleep?"
"What?" Zhuge Yue propped his head on one hand, looking sideways at her flushed face, and said with a smile, "Don't you want to sleep?"
"I do!" Chu Qiao immediately exclaimed exaggeratedly, even feigning a yawn to show how very tired she was.
Zhuge Yue lay down, holding her just like that. He hadn't intended to go further anyway—after all, this was Chu Qiao's first time, and she couldn't handle another round so soon. But he had nearly lost control earlier, so he closed his eyes and said, "Then sleep."
But someone in his arms gradually grew restless.
She fidgeted with her arms, shifted positions, squirming like a restless little dog, her fluffy hair tickling enough to make one sneeze.
Zhuge Yue frowned slightly, the fire in his chest flaring up uncontrollably. He tried hard to suppress it but couldn't.
He frowned and asked, "What are you doing?"
"Are... aren't you going back to your own room?"
Chu Qiao looked up at him pitifully, her face red as she said, "What if Mei Xiang and the others see us tomorrow morning? Ping An and Jingjing are still young, just children."
Zhuge Yue continued frowning. "How old are they, and you call them children? Have you forgotten? When you were their age, you nearly assaulted me in Wupeng City."
"I did not!" Chu Qiao retorted immediately, concerned for her reputation. "You're slandering me!"
"Didn't you?" Zhuge Yue snorted. "You disguised yourself as the courtesan Lord Tian sent to attend me, parading around half-naked in front of me. Weren't you trying to take advantage of me?""Zhuge Yue, you—"
"You can speak louder. Then everyone will know by tonight, no need to wait until tomorrow morning."
Chu Qiao immediately lowered her voice, glaring at him fiercely as she gritted her teeth and said, "I was saving someone back then. How was I to know you'd be there? You clearly know the whole story, so stop playing dumb with me."
"Hmph!"
Zhuge Yue shot her an impatient glare, his expression seeming to say, "I knew you'd make excuses like this."
Seeing him remain silent, Chu Qiao fumed for a while, then pushed him and said, "Hey! Go back to your own room. This bed is so small, I can't sleep well."
This bed is small? Four people could lie side by side without feeling cramped. Zhuge Yue pretended not to hear, continuing to sleep with his eyes closed.
"Hey! Go back to your own room. What do you think you're doing, staying in mine?"
Seeing that Zhuge Yue remained immovable as a mountain, Chu Qiao angrily sat up, gathered her clothes, and prepared to leave. But just as she was about to climb over him, someone wrapped an arm around her waist. Her elbows suddenly lost strength, and she collapsed onto Zhuge Yue's chest.
The man's eyes flickered with sparks, narrowing dangerously as he glanced sideways at her and said coldly, "You seem full of energy. I suppose you don't want to sleep."
"No! Not at all!"
Even a little kid like Li Qingrong knew how to read the mood—how could Chu Qiao, a full-grown adult, not understand what was appropriate?
Sure enough, she soon realized that all protests and attempts to escape were futile. So she obediently lay back in her original spot, turning her back to Zhuge Yue without making a sound, breathing steadily as if she had truly fallen asleep.
All was silent, enveloped in an ink-like darkness. The rain seemed to have grown heavier, pattering softly against the ship's deck with a crisp sound.
A hand reached out from behind and wrapped around her waist. The man's warm breath brushed against the back of her ear, sending a tingling sensation down her neck. He held her close, gently kissing the curve of her ear, and said in a low voice, "Xing'er, I want to hold you like this every night from now on. Don't always chase me away."
Her heart suddenly softened, like a tranquil pool of water, light and floating.
It was hard to imagine someone like him speaking to her in such a tone. She felt a pang of sorrow, reached out to grasp his fingers—cold to the touch—and slowly brought them to her lips, where she pressed a gentle kiss.
The night was still long, yet she drifted off to sleep just like that, nestled in his embrace. In her dreams, she seemed to see a clear sky, emerald lakes, and lush green grasslands. A group of children in white dresses danced on a wide lawn, singing a warm song:
"Eden."
Zhuge Yue, you are my Eden, the sunlight I can never quit.
Waking up late the next morning was almost inevitable.
After a series of loud knocks on the door, she jolted awake to find Zhuge Yue already dressed and standing by the window, holding a light blue and cream-colored dress. He smiled and said, "Mei Xiang has come to call for you several times. If you don't get up now, she'll barge in."Chu Qiao almost tremblingly put on her clothes, then shuffled and shuffled her way to the door. She reached out, opened it just a crack, poked her head out, and grinned foolishly, "Hehe, Mei Xiang, good morning."
"Miss, it's already noon. We'll be docking soon."
Mei Xiang stood at the door with her hands on her hips authoritatively. Jingjing was holding Li Ce's youngest son, craning her neck curiously as if suddenly fascinated by Chu Qiao's room. Meanwhile, Rong'er was pinching Jingjing's cheek with her chubby little hands, babbling incoherently.
"Ah? Really?" Chu Qiao laughed awkwardly. "Oh my, I've been so tired lately that I overslept. How strange, haha."
"Yes, very strange indeed," Jingjing chimed in with a sly grin, looking like a little imp.
"Miss, why are you standing there? I've brought washing water. Aren't you going to freshen up?"
Chu Qiao grabbed the bucket from the floor and declared righteously, "I'll do it myself."
Mei Xiang frowned. "Miss, what's wrong with you?"
"I'm perfectly fine. I just think you work too hard—you should go rest."
Mei Xiang persisted dutifully, "But I still need to tidy your room."
"No need, no need! I'm full of energy today and can clean up myself." Without waiting for Mei Xiang to say another word, she carried the water inside and shut the door firmly. Then, like a thief, she pressed her ear against the door, carefully listening for any movement outside.
After what felt like an eternity, Mei Xiang and Jingjing finally left. Chu Qiao let out a long sigh of relief.
Zhuge Yue lay sideways on the bed, looking completely at ease as he remarked, "Look at you, acting like a criminal."
Chu Qiao shot him a glare, came over, and tugged at his arm. "While no one's around, hurry back to your own room."
"No," Zhuge Yue refused flatly. "Not unless you help me wash my face."
Chu Qiao's face fell. "Why?"
"If you don't do it, I'm not leaving."
"Zhuge Yue, you—"
After grinding her teeth in frustration for a long moment, Chu Qiao finally walked to the washbasin, poured water, soaked a towel, and returned to him, rolling up her sleeves with such intensity that she seemed ready for a fight rather than to wipe someone's face.
Kneeling before him, she scrubbed his face vigorously. He winced slightly but said nothing, maintaining his smiling expression. Suddenly, Chu Qiao found it hard to continue so harshly. She sighed and softened her movements.
Sunlight streamed through the open window, bathing them both in its glow. Time seemed to rewind over a decade. They were back in Green Mountain Courtyard, where she had to rise early every day, carrying a basin scented with aloeswood, to help him get up, wash his face, dress him, put on his shoes, and serve his meals and tea.
"See? After all that effort, I've ended up back in my old role."
Chu Qiao pouted, looking utterly dejected.
Zhuge Yue chuckled and said, "As the saying goes, the net of Heaven is vast and loose, yet none escape. You were always meant to be mine—there's no running away."
Chu Qiao glared at him and scolded, "What a terrible analogy."
After brushing her teeth, rinsing her mouth, and getting fully dressed, Chu Qiao pushed Zhuge Yue's arm all the way to the door. "Hurry up and go! Go!"Zhuge Yue turned around, glaring at her with his eyes: "You heartless woman! One night as husband and wife brings a hundred days of affection, yet you turn cold the very next day!"
"Hurry up and leave! Go back to your own room!"
"Young Master!"
A clear, cheerful voice suddenly called out. Chu Qiao was so frightened her soul nearly left her body. She spun around to see Yue Qi standing outside the window with a beaming smile. When he saw her, he greeted her cheerfully: "I went to the Young Master's room this morning and found he wasn't there, so I guessed he must have stayed in your room last night."
Ping An stood behind Yue Qi, and there seemed to be many others further back. They were too far away to tell who he was speaking to, but a faint, delighted voice could be heard: "So elder sister is finally married off. Now we won't have to listen to her nagging anymore."
Just then, the door creaked open. Mei Xiang entered with Jingjing and others. Upon seeing Zhuge Yue, they first bowed respectfully, politely addressing him as "Fourth Young Master," then headed straight for Chu Qiao's bed, presumably to tidy up.
Chu Qiao suddenly remembered the bloodstains on the bed that shouldn't be seen by others. She was about to stop them when Jingjing approached with a bowl of soup, whispering in her ear: "Elder Sister Mei Xiang specially had this prepared for you—it stops bleeding and replenishes qi. Drink it quickly, elder sister."
Chu Qiao felt dizzy, her cheeks flushing as if they were about to bleed.
But Zhuge Yue walked over, took the medicine bowl, and brought it to Chu Qiao's lips. A faint smile played on his lips: "Indeed, this is good stuff. Xing'er, drink it quickly."
That afternoon, the boat docked at Lanling County to replenish supplies before continuing its journey. Two days later, they finally arrived at Hu County.
Everyone disembarked. Although they were already within Daxia's borders, Yue Qi and the others were noticeably more vigilant about Zhuge Yue's security. As soon as they reached the port, a guard of about five hundred soldiers was waiting there. All the female attendants traveling with them changed into men's clothing, blending into the group as they boarded carriages, moving with great secrecy and caution.
Chu Qiao noticed that most of the guards in Zhuge Yue's unit had tattoos on their faces, realizing they were likely exiled convicts who had been sent to Qinghai. This eased her worries somewhat.
Most of these men came from families with criminal backgrounds, so they held little allegiance to Ximeng. Having lived for years in the wilds of Qinghai, they were agile and fiercely loyal to Zhuge Yue. With them around, his safety wasn't a concern.
When they reached Baolin County, three thousand Qinghai soldiers in bright armor were stationed there. Among them, a thousand wore dark blue leather armor, looking imposing and fierce, their faces weathered and resolute, with bulging temples—clear signs of martial training.
Yue Qi proudly told her these were his subordinates, the most elite Seventh Division of Qinghai. This was only a small part of the force; the majority of the troops were still stationed at Cuiwei Pass and in Zhenhuang City.
They rested overnight in Baolin County and set out for Zhenhuang the next morning. By evening, they finally caught sight of that majestic city.
The land stretched vast and desolate, withered grass rolling in the wind. It was still Daxia's weather, Daxia's wind, Daxia's autumn chill. Chu Qiao lifted the carriage curtain, gazing at the towering city gate ahead. The iron-red walls, bathed in the setting sun's glow, bore the stark color of blood.Vaguely, she recalled those youthful days when she and Yan Xun relied on each other for survival within that enormous cage, hating everything about it, wishing a great flood would wash away all the splendor into ashes. With immense effort and risking their lives, they fought their way out, breaking free from the prison that had confined them for eight years.
Yet today, she was willingly setting foot here again, stepping through those suffocating city gates.
Six years ago, she had left this place for one man; six years later, she was returning for another.
The whims of fate often lie in a thousand twists and turns. With each step forward, you never know what outcome awaits you. The only thing you can do is keep walking.
Her fingertips felt cold, and the wind whistled past her ears.
An arm suddenly wrapped around her from behind, pulling her into an embrace.
Zhuge Yue’s voice sounded softly behind her ear, carrying a soothing quality.
“Don’t be afraid. I’m here.”
Chu Qiao smiled faintly. He always seemed to say that. She leaned back into his embrace, took a deep breath of his scent, and slowly closed her eyes.
She only held his hand, so tightly, as if she would never let go again.
The Zhenhuang City of today was no longer as prosperous and bustling as it once was. Even before nightfall, the streets were already sparsely populated. At the sight of Zhuge Yue’s carriage, everyone made way—a far cry from the crowded scenes of the Yuanxiao Lantern Festival in the past, where people jostled shoulder to shoulder.
The carriage turned from Xuanhua Street onto Baiwei Road, heading westward through the city. Chu Qiao was slightly taken aback and asked, “Aren’t we returning to the Zhuge residence?”
Zhuge Yue smiled. “I am now the Minister of War of Daxia, so naturally, I reside in my own Sima Mansion.”
Hearing this, Chu Qiao felt a wave of relief and couldn’t help but smile.
Zhuge Yue teased her, “Showing your emotions so openly—how does that suit the title of King Xiuli?”
“Why pretend in front of you?”
Chu Qiao replied naturally. Zhuge Yue was momentarily stunned, then hugged her tightly and praised, “Well said.”
With few people on the streets, the carriage moved faster. In no time, they arrived at the Sima Mansion by Biliu Lake in the western part of the city.
Chu Qiao had seen this residence before—it was a royal villa, grand and majestic in its construction. The carriage did not stop but proceeded straight through the gates, all the way to the inner courtyard. Only after the guards had dispersed did Chu Qiao follow Zhuge Yue out of the carriage.
At once, she spotted Huan’er standing in the distance, her eyes red. Upon seeing Chu Qiao, tears began to stream down her face.
Though it was no longer the same courtyard as before, the people remained the same. Chu Qiao felt a pang of sorrow and gently extended her hand. Huan’er rushed over, lifting the hem of her skirt as if to kneel and pay respects.
Chu Qiao quickly reached out to stop her, but Zhuge Yue held her back and said, “From now on, you are the mistress of this household. It’s only right for them to kneel to you.”
As he spoke, all the maids and servants in the mansion knelt respectfully and greeted, “Greetings, Young Madam.”
Chu Qiao helped Huan’er to her feet. After so many years apart, Huan’er had changed as well—she had grown into an elegant and clever young woman, now serving as the head maid in Zhuge Yue’s mansion, overseeing nearly a hundred junior maids.
Wiping her tears, Huan’er sobbed, “I always knew you would return someday, Madam. I’ve kept your room prepared all these years, just waiting for you.”
Chu Qiao felt slightly embarrassed by the repeated use of “Madam,” but Zhuge Yue remained unperturbed. He interjected, “Leave that room empty. Move her belongings directly to my chamber.”
Everyone immediately understood. Huan’er quickly directed the maids to move Chu Qiao’s luggage, while Mei Xiang and Jingjing joined in, the group working with bustling energy.
“Let’s go.”Zhuge Yue spoke softly by her ear, then without another word took her hand and led her forward.
Twilight deepened into boundless night, a crescent moon hanging distantly in the sky, casting faint silvery light. Lanterns lit along both sides illuminated Zhuge Yue's navy blue cloak. His hand was warm, and he remained silent as they walked quietly. The wind swept from both sides, carrying the damp chill from the lake yet bearing the freshness of the evening. The dense arrow patterns on his sleeve cuffs occasionally brushed against Chu Qiao's pure white cloak, producing soft rustling sounds.
An extremely subtle fragrance enveloped them—not overpowering, yet pervasive. It was the scent of premium Zhi Lan herbs, with a faint hint of asarum blossoms.
Zhuge Yue had always been someone who understood refined living. Perhaps it was the inherent nobility bred through centuries of accumulated wealth that distinguished these aristocratic families from common upstarts. Nearly every inch of soil and every plant carried an air of rare elegance.
Pushing open the carved West Sea Nanmu Wood door, her eyes fell upon an elegant bedchamber. It wasn't ostentatiously luxurious, yet its exquisite comfort would leave even the most critical person without complaint. Soft, thick carpets covered the floor, giving a weightless, dreamlike sensation underfoot. Writing desks, tea tables, antiques, and calligraphy—the entire room maintained an elegant refinement with a transcendent, antique simplicity. Eighteen layers of Sky Silkworm Silk White Rong Gauze Curtains, held back by Purple Gold Bifang Divine Bird hooks, stretched continuously all the way to the inner chamber.
"Tired?"
He stood before her, looking down as he asked softly.
Chu Qiao shook her head, covering her stomach as she said, "Just very hungry."
A young maid in red nearby quickly responded, "The meal will be ready shortly. Would the young master and madam like to proceed to the dining hall now?"
Zhuge Yue shook his head, telling Chu Qiao, "I have matters to attend to and cannot join you for dinner."
Chu Qiao nodded. "Go ahead with your business then."
"The servants are preparing the horse. Just a moment longer."
With that, he embraced Chu Qiao. The cloud patterns embroidered on his chest clothing lightly brushed against her face, causing a faint tickling sensation.
His voice came muffled through his body: "Xing'er, you've finally come."
Chu Qiao smiled, returning his embrace. Her heart filled with indescribable contentment, her limbs growing languid as she simply didn't feel like speaking.
The room was scented with premium incense that made one drowsy, wanting to close their eyes and sleep deeply.
"Wait here for me tonight."
Chu Qiao's cheeks flushed slightly. She lifted her head, smiling at Zhuge Yue. "Then you should return early."
Chu Qiao nodded.
Just then, the horse was ready. Zhuge Yue said, "I need to visit the Seventh Prince. You eat first and rest early."
"Mhm." Chu Qiao rose on her toes, lightly pecking his lips, her cheeks flushed as she said, "Be careful on the road."
A thread of joy spilled from Zhuge Yue's eyes. He hugged Chu Qiao firmly once more, then turned and left.
Chu Qiao followed him to the doorway. The wind had grown stronger, lifting her snow-white cloak. Watching Zhuge Yue disappear into the thick night, she leaned against the doorframe with a smile.
Actually, Zhenhuang wasn't as frightening as she had imagined.From afar came the exaggerated exclamations of Jingjing and Ping An, though it was unclear what had happened. Their group burst into hearty laughter. Chu Qiao couldn't help but curve her lips into a smile. It was nice here—truly nice.
After the meal, she bathed with the assistance of her maids.
Mei Xiang and the others had also been thoroughly exhausted from the journey. Since Rong'er couldn't be left unattended, Mei Xiang took two wet nurses to care for the child. The servants, unaware of the truth, assumed the child was born to Zhuge Yue and Chu Qiao while they were away and thus attended to them with meticulous care.
The bathhouse in Zhuge Yue's residence was exceptionally spacious, entirely constructed from Mirage Field White Jade and inlaid with hundreds of pearls. A single candle was enough to illuminate the entire room as brightly as daylight. The water was drawn from the underground hot springs of Cang Mountain, blended with floral dew and imperial medicinal powders, emitting an intoxicating fragrance. To prevent slipping, the bottom of the pool was carved with large, intricate roses, showcasing the pinnacle of luxury.
Huan'er mentioned that when the emperor bestowed the estate upon Zhuge Yue, he had come to inspect it beforehand. After looking around, he remarked, "When we leave someday, this house will fetch a handsome price."
Chu Qiao smiled faintly upon hearing this. It seemed the rumors about the "Bloodsucking Minister of War" were not unfounded.
After her bath, she draped herself in a plain white silk robe, walked barefoot back to the bedchamber.
Initially, Huan'er had been somewhat reserved, but as she grew more comfortable with Chu Qiao's approachable nature, she gradually opened up, even daring to call her "Xing'er." She repeatedly recounted trivial matters from Zhuge Yue's life over the years, though her stories were invariably filled with praise. In essence, she emphasized how wise Xing'er was to turn back and return to their young master, a decision so enviable that even the gods would be jealous.
Chu Qiao listened with a smile as Huan'er spoke of how Zhuge Yue had remained chaste and kept his distance from women over the years, how he had made noble young ladies regret their choices to the point of heartbreak and longing. She recounted how Zhuge Yue missed her daily, how he worried about her, how overjoyed and exhilarated he became upon hearing news of her or receiving her letters, how he lay awake at night, and how he even ate a few extra bowls of soup in his happiness. She also spoke of the hardships he had endured in earlier years—how he had been mistreated, how his health had suffered, and how he had held little status within his family.
Gradually, the young maid began to cry, murmuring praises for Zhuge Yue while tearfully pleading, "Xing'er, you must never leave the young master again. He truly loves you."
The room was filled with the scent of fine incense. Seated on the soft bed, Chu Qiao listened to each memory, feeling as though the past swept before her eyes like mountains and seas.
See? His love for her was known to all under heaven, even a maid could see it so clearly. Yet it had taken her so long—all these years—to finally understand it.
Before long, there was a soft knock at the door. A servant announced that General Yue Qi's wife had arrived.
Huan'er immediately sprang up and hurried out. Shortly after, a clear-eyed, delicate woman entered. She wore a simple, elegant goose-yellow dress and had two small dimples when she smiled. Holding the hand of a child around ten years old, she moved to kneel and pay her respects.
Chu Qiao quickly stopped her, smiling as she said, "I never expected Yue Qi to be so fortunate as to marry such a beautiful wife."Xiao Fei smiled slightly, revealing two adorable little canine teeth as she said to the child, "Mo'er, quickly call her Mother."
The child looked up at Chu Qiao, stared blankly for a moment, then suddenly spread his arms and hugged Chu Qiao's leg tightly, shouting loudly, "Sister, you came to see me!"
Chu Qiao was taken aback. She lowered her head to take a closer look and saw a delicate and lovely child wearing a pine-green vest, his eyes sparkling as he gazed at her joyfully, exclaiming, "Sister, don’t you recognize me? I’m Mo’er!"
Suddenly, Chu Qiao remembered—this was Ouyang Mo, the child she and Zhuge Yue had taken in on their way to Tang Capital all those years ago. In the blink of an eye, more than six years had passed, and the little one from back then had already grown so much.
She quickly embraced the child, exclaiming in pleasant surprise, "Mo’er has grown so tall, I almost didn’t recognize you!"
Mo’er hugged her affectionately and said, "Where did you go, Sister? Why didn’t you come to see me all these years? If Father hadn’t often spoken of you, I might have forgotten you."
"Father?"
Chu Qiao frowned, puzzled, and glanced at the two people beside her.
Xiao Fei quickly said to the child, "Don’t call her that—you should call her Mother."
Mo’er looked at Chu Qiao and asked, "Sister, did you marry my father?"
"Who is your father?"
"My father is the Minister of War of Daxia. Don’t you recognize him, Sister?"
Huan’er quickly explained from the side, "After the young master returned, he adopted Young Master Mo as his godson."
Only then did Chu Qiao understand. After chatting with Mo’er and Xiao Fei for a while, she learned that Xiao Fei had already given birth to two children for Yue Qi. This woman’s personality was completely different from Yue Qi’s—she was always shy, blushing after just a few words, and particularly endearing.
Since Chu Qiao had only returned to the residence that day, they didn’t stay long. After chatting for a while, Xiao Fei took Mo’er and left. Before leaving, Mo’er repeatedly made Chu Qiao promise to visit him when she had time, as if afraid she would disappear again the moment she turned around.
After everyone had left, Zhuge Yue still hadn’t returned. Feeling a bit tired, Chu Qiao dismissed the servants and went to bed to rest.
Chu Qiao’s health had been poor over the past few years, and the exhaustion from the journey had left her somewhat drained.
The bed was warm and soft. As soon as Chu Qiao lay down and closed her eyes, she fell into a deep sleep.
She didn’t know how much time had passed when she vaguely felt someone kissing her. Stubbornly refusing to wake up, she lazily hummed and burrowed deeper into the bed.
Suddenly, a cold arm wrapped around her, and warm breath brushed against her ear as if someone was chuckling softly.
Feeling a ticklish sensation on her neck, she frowned and opened her eyes to see Zhuge Yue lying beside her in pale purple sleepwear, his dark, bright eyes fixed on her as he said with a smile, "With such low vigilance, you wouldn’t even know if someone took advantage of you. Are you still the Xing’er I know?"
Chu Qiao smiled, reached out to wrap her arms around his neck, and said, "It’s just that a certain little thief is too skilled—always coming and going without a trace. I can’t even catch a hint of him."
Zhuge Yue chuckled softly, lowered his head to kiss her, and asked, "Did you sleep well?"
"Not bad," Chu Qiao replied playfully, leaning against his chest. "I would’ve slept even better if you hadn’t come back."
Zhuge Yue laughed and scolded, "Three days without discipline, and you’re already climbing onto the roof. It seems I really need to teach you a lesson with some household rules."With that, she raised her hand. Chu Qiao was so frightened that she immediately closed her eyes, but after waiting for a long while, she did not feel the so-called family punishment fall. She opened her eyes and saw Zhuge Yue leisurely watching her. She couldn't help but ask, "Aren't you going to carry out the family punishment? Why aren't you doing it?"
Zhuge Yue embraced her, lowered his head to kiss her neck, and with a slight movement of his arm, the silk ribbon at her waist was undone. Her clothes slipped down her shoulders, revealing a patch of snow-white skin.
Zhuge Yue tightened his arms slightly, his body slowly covering hers, and said in a low, deep voice, "How could I bear to?"
On the Double Cranes Holding Flowers on Coiled Branches candlestick, a pair of red candles burned quietly. The crimson lanterns encased the candles, allowing only a faint, dim red glow to seep through.
The long night was silent. Chu Qiao's first night back in Zhenhuang City slowly passed in such warm intimacy.
OpenNovel