The family had not enjoyed such harmonious moments for a long time. At night, An Jin breathed slightly on my shoulder, softly asking if I was truly willing to bear a child for him. I shamelessly pulled down his neck.
It was hardly my fault – how could I resist his intoxicating appearance in the moonlight?
This intimate encounter was not particularly pleasant. While his fingers sliding on my body gave me a taste of ethereal pleasure, it was still painful, shifting from sharp to dull pain. Yuan Xiang even tried to jump onto the bed, causing us quite a bit of panic. Finally, An Jin, breathless, held me in his arms, kissed my lips, and comforted me that things would get better.
Although I didn’t understand whether he meant our relationship or the physical experience, things seemed to become more harmonious in both aspects. Occasional bickering was just playful. He gradually returned home on time, and even when busy, would send someone to inform me.
The cat with claws in his heart had finally retracted them, showing me a gentle, affectionate side, occasionally rubbing against me to show intimacy.
I almost felt complete.
However, An Jin, the famous playboy of Yan Feng, suddenly transformed into a good husband, amazing the people of Yan Feng and breeding dissatisfaction among those with ulterior motives.
Like the girl before me.
A maiden of sixteen, with eyes like crescent moons, pale and delicate, looking pitiful. Her lotus leaf skirt draped around her, her tiny waist no wider than a grip, making even me feel compassion. Unfortunately, she sought not my pity, but my husband’s. Thinking this made me want to ruthlessly crush this delicate flower.
I originally didn’t want to attend this meeting, but this delicate flower blocked my path, kneeling and making the scene embarrassing.
She looked at me with teary eyes, gripping a teacup. “Sister…”
“Call me Madam,” I corrected her.
She bit her lip, her eyes looking aggrieved. “Madam, Mother said you won’t agree to my matter with Master An.”
“That’s correct, I do not agree.”
“Madam, I truly love Master An!” She looked close to tears.
“Tell me, what is true love?”
She was stunned, forgetting to cry.
“Alright, let me ask differently. What exactly do you like about him?”
She hesitated, then said: “He… is handsome, talented. And very gentle.”
“This—forget it.” I waved my hand. “Third Miss, do you understand my meaning?”
In Yanfeng City, there are handsome, gentle, and talented men everywhere, and they are all unmarried. Are you sure you want to give up such a vast forest for An Jin?”
“I grew up with An Jin. Even if you could win his heart, it would never be complete. As a noble lady, becoming a concubine would subject you to countless humiliations, and your children would be illegitimate, facing discrimination. If An Jin tires of you, you’ll be left alone, facing the consequences of your choice.”
Her face turned pale, like a little white rabbit in a raging wind.
I sighed. “You’re about the same age as my younger sister. Think carefully, is this worth it?”
Miss Song San lowered her head, silent for a long time. I ordered a pile of dishes.
“Try some. This restaurant’s camphor tea duck and steamed tea cake are quite good. Besides men, there are many good things in this world. If you don’t cherish yourself, who else will?”
Her eyes flickered, and she picked up her chopsticks. Initially eating delicately, she gradually relaxed and ate heartily.
I sighed in relief.
Using both kindness and authority, this trick could soothe Miss Song San, who is quite innocent with naive fantasies influenced by romantic stories. Just open the window and show her how beautiful the world is, and she’ll naturally understand.
While I was eating, I glanced over and noticed Green Hat Eastern Palace Xia Zhiyuan nearby, drinking alone. When he saw me looking, he raised his wine cup in a toast, and I quickly returned the gesture.
I owe this Eastern Palace something. I had indirectly let his future wife go and refused to paint for his dancing girl. Moreover, according to Boss Chen, he didn’t show any anger towards Sai Yue Pavilion, which made my debt feel even heavier.
After finishing, Miss Song San burped, embarrassedly covering her mouth. Just as I was about to solidify my success, someone sat down beside me.
“A Yao.” An Jin gazed at me, a smile at the corner of her lips, her eyebrows full of affection.
Miss Song San’s eyes widened.
“A Yao, I’ve come to take you home,” An Jin put her arm around my shoulder and adjusted my hair.
An Jin’s actions destroyed Miss Song San’s last bit of fantasy. Soon after, I introduced her to my younger sister, and they became close friends, an unexpected outcome.
Chapter Ten: The Romantic Eastern Palace
Miss Song San became close friends with my younger sister. The two young girls often went shopping and attending poetry meetings, discussing which unmarried gentlemen in Yanfeng City would be suitable husbands.
“My brother’s at it again,” Little Sister said, shaking her head. “We encountered a horse-drawn carriage stuck in the mud, and he insisted on helping. Suddenly, a girl came out, claiming her family had a seriously ill relative and no money for treatment. Without hesitation, he gave her all the money he had.”
Song Sitian added, “We tried to stop him, but he just said—”
“‘What if it’s true?'” Little Sister imitated, making me both laugh and cry.
“That girl was dressed well, not like someone from a poor family,” Little Sister continued. “If he doesn’t change this habit, he’ll never find a wife.”
Song Sitian nodded vigorously. “If we hadn’t noticed something was wrong and quickly pulled him away, we might have lost all our money. The girl chased us until we finally shook her off. It was dangerous!”
I sighed, thinking this might just be fate.
In the adjacent private room, Big Brother was meeting a girl from the Book Messenger’s family. I leaned forward, pressing my ear against the thin wooden wall, listening to the conversation. Little Sister and Song Sitian imitated me, lying against the wall and communicating through glances.
The wall was thin, and their conversation was clear but somewhat awkward. I silently worried for Big Brother, who had always struggled with conversations, especially with girls.
The girl asked, “I hear Xiao Gongzi works in the Hanlin Academy? Truly promising.”
“Not at all,” Big Brother replied modestly. “It’s just a small job helping to transcribe scrolls and take notes.”
I facepalmed, feeling tense. The girl’s voice followed, “Xiao Gongzi is truly humble. What are your usual hobbies?”
Big Brother hesitated before saying, “Cooking.”
I facepalmed again. The girl sounded helpless. “Xiao Gongzi is joking. As they say, a gentleman stays away from the kitchen. Cooking should be a woman’s task.”
Big Brother laughed honestly. “I’ve loved cooking since I was young.”
“My parents and sisters all say my culinary skills are even better than the imperial chef’s.”
“Oh, Big Brother… Even if you were an imperial chef, that wouldn’t help…” I looked at Little Sister, mouthing why they hadn’t prepared him better. She mouthed back that they had.
It was clear Big Brother, nervous in front of the girl, had forgotten their talking points.
After a moment of silence, the girl broke it, saying, “Xiao Gongzi is quite unique. I usually enjoy reading poetry. Since you work in the Hanlin Academy, you must be well-read and eloquent.”
Big Brother sighed, recalling some unpleasant memory. “I hate reading. Transcribing those books makes me dizzy. What I really want is to open a restaurant and be the head chef.”
By this point, I was calm, drinking some cold tea, aware I needed to find the next match for Big Brother.
