Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 623

~A SPECIAL “WHITEWASHING” TECHNIQUE ~

Mu Yunyao nodded and followed Eldest Princess Yide into the carriage.

Inside the Third Prince’s residence, the Emperor arrived with his entourage. The moment he stepped in, he saw plum blossoms blooming everywhere. Tree after tree stood crowned with flowers despite the brutal cold. The petals were nearly frozen transparent, delicate veins clearly visible, beautiful to an almost unreal degree.

Mu Yunyao followed Eldest Princess Yide out of the carriage and into the courtyard. At a glance, she spotted Third Prince Ning Junjin kneeling beside the lotus pond.

He wore only a thin, plain white robe. A white jade crown bound his hair; black hair and white clothes made him look even more fragile amid the wintry chill. His hands were clasped together, lips moving silently as though reciting a prayer.

When Mu Yunyao and Eldest Princess Yide drew closer, she saw how pale he was. No one knew how long he had been kneeling. Even his eyelashes and brows were coated with frost.

The crowd’s footsteps approached, yet Ning Junjin did not react at all, as if lost in his own world. The servants finally noticed the Emperor and dropped to their knees in a wave, loudly crying, “Long live His Majesty.” The sound was so sudden that it startled Ning Junjin awake.

He slowly turned his head, then abruptly clutched his eyes and cried out, collapsing to the ground.

“It hurts.”

The Emperor immediately ordered the imperial physician forward. After a long examination, the physician returned with visible excitement.

“Your Majesty, Third Prince’s eyes have recovered. The pain just now was because his eyes have not seen sunlight for a long time. The sudden brightness was too much. He is fine now.”

The Emperor’s eyes lit up. “Recovered? You mean Junjin can see again?”

“Yes.”

As soon as those words fell, an official hurried forward to congratulate him.

“Your Majesty, no wonder the plum blossoms bloomed early and the pure lotus rose in the depths of winter. This is a heavenly omen, a sign that good fortune is approaching the imperial household.”

The Emperor was delighted and stepped forward himself. “Junjin, can you see Imperial Father clearly now?”

Ning Junjin’s gaze was clear, trembling with joy like a spring of clean water.

“Imperial Father. Your son is fortunate enough to see you again. Heaven has heard my heart.”

“If Heaven can restore my sight, then it will surely grant what I seek as well. May Imperial Father be healthy and strong from this day onward, never again troubled by illness.”

The Emperor’s expression tightened. “You were praying for me just now?”

“Yes.” Ning Junjin’s voice remained gentle. “Your son is already a cripple, and I made mistakes before. I cannot enter court to share Imperial Father’s burdens. I can only use this way to offer a little filial devotion.”

The Emperor swiftly removed his cloak and draped it over him. “Junjin, I have received your filial heart. In the future, do not push yourself like this again.”

Ning Junjin smiled softly, warm and mild.

“These days, your son has lost everything. I thought I would be shattered, but instead, with all the old vanity and noise stripped away, my heart has become calmer than it has ever been.”

“And I finally understood many things I never had the peace to think through before.”

“In the past, I often angered Imperial Father. I truly was ignorant. So your son is willing to lose twenty years of my life, if only Heaven will protect Imperial Father, increase your blessings and your years, and grant you long life.”

The Emperor pressed a hand to his shoulder, his face filled with complicated emotion. “You child, how can you say such things…”

Ning Junjin’s smile only grew brighter, joy written plainly in his eyes.

“Imperial Father, Heaven must have heard my wish. Otherwise, how could my eyes suddenly recover?”

Mu Yunyao watched him with calm indifference.

This man had always been a master of performance. If he truly wanted to win someone over, he could warm even ice with his hands. And the Emperor already carried guilt toward him. The more Ning Junjin acted as though he had no grievances, the deeper that guilt would grow.

Sure enough, the Emperor’s heart turned even softer. “Junjin… you child…”

He turned sharply. “Imperial Physician, his eyes have recovered. What about his legs? Is there any sign of improvement?”

Jin Wang.

The moment that title was spoken, everyone understood. The Emperor was already preparing to restore the Third Prince’s status. Many people’s thoughts immediately shifted. The winds at court were about to move again.

The imperial physician hurried forward. “Your Majesty, this humble physician must examine Jin Wang before I can say.”

“Mm.”

The physician checked his pulse, then reached down to press and test his legs.

A guard quickly spoke up. “Imperial Physician, please be careful. Our prince’s knees are injured.”

“Injured knees?” The Emperor frowned, his gaze turning even more pained. “I saw him kneeling just now. Was this from kneeling on the ground?”

It was deep winter. Kneeling for hours could let cold seep into the bones. If his knees were injured on top of that, then even if the poison in his legs was cured, he might still be left with lifelong pain.

The imperial physician carefully lifted Jin Wang’s pant leg. The moment he saw the bruised, purpled skin mixed with frostbite sores and scabs, he sucked in a breath.

“Jin Wang, your knees…”

Ning Junjin remained calm. “It is a small injury. It is nothing.”

The Emperor’s heart clenched. “Junjin, how can you be this foolish?”

“This is not foolishness, Imperial Father.” Ning Junjin said softly. “It was sincerity. I wanted Heaven to see my repentance and hear my wish, to bless Imperial Father with health and peace.”

The Emperor took a deep breath. “Imperial Physicians, you must do everything you can to treat Jin Wang. Do not let his legs be left with any lasting ailment.”

“Also, Jin Wang’s filial devotion is commendable. My heart is greatly comforted.”

“From today onward, his confinement is lifted. His title of Jin Wang is restored. He is awarded a pair of jade ruyi, ten hu of pearls…”

At the mention of the jade ruyi, Jin Wang’s heart tightened, then joy surged up uncontrollably. His Majesty bestowed the jade ruyi only when he was truly satisfied. With this pair, much of the past could finally be smoothed over.

Mu Yunyao lowered her eyes slightly. Beneath her long lashes, a faint cold glint flashed.

Jin Wang had finally decided to step back into court.

This grand play was finally about to begin.

Back at Yuhua Palace, Mu Yunyao set down her hand warmer.

Poisonous Lady hurried over, took Mu Yunyao’s hand, and felt it. Only after confirming it was warm did she bring over a cup of hot ginger tea.

“Your body was injured before, and you did not nourish it properly. Cold has gathered inside you. In winter you must be especially careful, do not catch a chill.”

“How was it at the Third Prince’s residence?”

Mu Yunyao took a sip of ginger tea and smiled.

“It should be called Jin Wang Residence now.”

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Continue reading Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 623

Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 622

~ QI MING PLEDGES HIMSELF TO JIN WANG ~

Qi Ming knelt on the ground, his face full of panic and unease.

“Your Highness… I’ve always been in trade. I managed Yi Bao Xuan for the Li family and His Royal Highness Ling Wang. But some time ago, I failed my duties and offended His Royal Highness. After that, His Royal Highness even began to suspect I had ulterior motives. He detained my family… and he even killed my wife.”

“For the sake of my only remaining child, I had no choice but to resist.”

“Failed your duties?” Jin Wang studied him, weighing every word for truth. “What exactly do you mean?”

Qi Ming’s throat tightened.

“Before… in Linjiang City, His Royal Highness ordered me to intercept the boats transporting tax silver. I failed to stop them.”

“After that, he ordered me to recover the tax silver that sank to the riverbed. But because of His Royal Highness Yu Wang and Yue Wang, I still couldn’t find it. That’s why His Royal Highness was completely disappointed in me.”

Jin Wang fumbled for his teacup, raised it, and took a light sip. A gentle smile touched his lips—warm on the surface, chilling underneath.

“You may go. I’m already a crippled man. I’m not worth my Eldest Imperial Brother spending effort to scheme against.”

Qi Ming’s face turned even whiter. He slammed his head to the floor.

“Third Prince—if I step out of your gates, I’ll be beheaded in the street before I’ve taken ten steps. Please don’t drive me away. Please save this servant.”

“I truly have nowhere left to go. I’m not someone Ling Wang deliberately planted here. Please see clearly, Your Royal Highness.”

“Words are cheap.” Jin Wang’s voice remained calm. “What proof do you have?”

Qi Ming’s voice shook, but his eyes were desperate and sharp.

“Your Royal Highness… I am only a servant. The things I can touch are limited. Secrets of the highest level would never reach me.”

“But I know a secret big enough to shake heaven.”

“If Your Royal Highness is willing to take me in and save my child… this servant will tell you.”

“Sheltering a servant isn’t difficult,” Jin Wang said slowly. “But how do I know whether your ‘secret’ is real?”

Even as he spoke, his gaze never left Qi Ming’s face.

Qi Ming looked terrified—too terrified. He’d watched and listened carefully, and it didn’t look like acting.

If this were the past, Jin Wang might not have been so suspicious.

But now?

He had no power, no faction, no leverage. Even the officials who once supported him had long since cut ties.

And yet Qi Ming came running to him anyway.

How could he not suspect a trap?

Qi Ming’s forehead streamed with sweat despite the winter chill.

“Third Prices, I can’t prove it. I can only say it, and let Your Highness judge for yourself.”

Then he forced the words out, each one like a nail hammered into the room.

“The Li family has been secretly exchanging with Beijiang. Their ties are extremely close.”

The moment he finished, Qi Ming lowered his head and fell silent, waiting for judgment.

The teacup in Jin Wang’s hand jerked violently. Tea spilled onto his robe.

He didn’t even notice.

“The Li family… and Beijiang?” His voice turned tight. “You’re certain?”

“Yes.”

Behind the white gauze over his eyes, Jin Wang’s gaze trembled violently. After a long moment, he spoke again, voice low and strange.

“I have no power and no influence. I’m even confined to this residence and can’t move freely.”

“If you truly had this information, wouldn’t it be better to tell Yu Wang?”

Qi Ming’s shoulders shook.

“This servant… I tried.”

“I secretly went to Yu Wang’s residence, but before I even reached the gates, I saw Ling Wang’s people.”

“Right now the two royal residences are locked in open conflict—needle to wheat, blade to throat. They’d probably count how many bites the other ate at dinner.”

“This servant is useless. I can’t get close to Yu Wang at all.”

That answer shaved away some of Jin Wang’s suspicion.

He fell quiet, thinking. After a moment, he finally said, “Go. I’ll arrange a place for you to stay—for now.”

Qi Ming’s face lit up with frantic relief… only to twist again with worry.

“Your Highness… my child…”

“Don’t worry.” Jin Wang’s voice was calm. “I’ll have someone extract him as soon as possible, then place him somewhere else for the time being.”

“Yes! Thank you, Your Highness!”

Qi Ming withdrew.

Once he was gone, Jin Wang’s personal guard stepped forward. “Your Highness… do you believe what Qi Ming said?”

Jin Wang reached up and tore away the gauze from his face, then lowered his eyes to the tea stains on his robe.

“Li family and Beijiang…” His tone was dark. “That’s not something one blurts out casually. The stakes are too high.”

“And Qi Ming’s expression didn’t seem fake. Many details he gave were coherent, grounded.”

“More importantly, those account books he handed over.” Jin Wang’s gaze sharpened. “So many transactions don’t add up. The Li family seems to be using Yi Bao Xuan to plot something in the dark.”

“If what he said is true…” Jin Wang’s mouth curved coldly. “Then Eldest Imperial Brother is digging his own grave.”

The guard shuddered and said, “Beijiang has been watching like a tiger for years. Dealing with them is courting disaster.”

Jin Wang set the teacup down and lightly pounded his legs, frustration flashing across his face.

“How are the herbs Doctor Gu ordered?”

“We’ve found most of them. Two remain.”

“Mn.” Jin Wang’s voice tightened. His eyes were already restored—what he wanted now was for his legs to stand again.

“And the things I told you to arrange?”

“All prepared, Your Highness.”

“Good.” Jin Wang’s lips curled faintly. “If tomorrow goes smoothly, Father should lift my confinement… and perhaps even restore my royal title.”

“But that still won’t be enough.”

“If we can truly confirm a connection between Beijiang and the Li family, then with that merit… I’ll have my chance to rise again.”

To be honest, he hoped Qi Ming was telling the truth.

Because he needed a merit vast enough to overwrite his earlier mistakes.

A servant brought in a fresh teacup. “Your Highness, should this subordinate help you change your clothes?”

“No need.”

Another guard asked, “Your Highness, His Royal Highness Yue Wang and Wen Xian Junzhu’s wedding date is approaching. This subordinate has prepared some congratulatory gifts—does Your Highness have any additional instructions?”

Jin Wang’s brow jerked. A strange, unreadable light flashed through his eyes.

“No. Leave.”

“Yes.”

Once the guard withdrew, Jin Wang suddenly grabbed the teacup on the table and smashed it to the ground.

His teeth clenched. His expression was terrifyingly dark.

Early the next morning, an official reported during court:

Overnight, the plum grove within Jin Wang’s residence had burst into bloom.

The frozen lake had begun to melt.

And even more shockingly, lotus leaves and lotus blossoms had emerged.

The Emperor and the court officials scoffed at first and ordered guards to verify.

But when the guards returned, they reported that everything was as they had said.

The court erupted.

Some officials said plum blossoms blooming early had precedent, but ice melting in midwinter, lotus leaves rising, lotus flowers blooming—this was too unnatural. It might be heaven’s warning.

Others argued it was a great omen. Lotus flowers, after all, were famed for purity: rising from mud unstained, washed by clear ripples without becoming seductive—symbols of noble virtue. Blooming early must mean a heavenly summons, urging His Majesty to summon the Third Prince and question him.

After pondering it, the Emperor decided to see it personally.

The ministers could not dissuade him and could only accompany him.

News also reached Eldest Princess Yide.

“Yao’er,” she said, amused, “His Majesty is having us go together to view the spectacle of lotus flowers blooming in winter. Will you come take a look too?”

Mu Yunyao’s eyes curved with a smile. “Of course. Such a rare sight is worth seeing.”

“Too bad Mother caught a cold. She can’t go out these days.”

“Let her rest, rest,” Eldest Princess Yide said lightly, a calm understanding flickering in her eyes. “Besides, lotus flowers are meant for summer. Winter lotuses are too artificial—too much craftsmanship, too little spirit. Not seeing them is fine.”

Too much craftsmanship?

Mu Yunyao’s smile deepened, faintly cold.

That was no miracle at all.

It was artificial.

The Third Prince truly had methods—he even thought of using a ‘heaven-sent omen.’

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Continue reading Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 622

Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 621

~ QI MING SLIPS AWAY ~ 

Inside Ling Wang’s residence, the atmosphere was heavy enough to suffocate.

Ling Wang sat in a chair, his expression dark, his gaze sharp as he scrutinized the man kneeling before him.

“Qi Ming. Do you have nothing to confess to this Wang?”

Qi Ming’s face was deathly pale. Cold sweat dotted his forehead. After a long, choking silence, he slammed his head to the ground.

“This servant deserves ten thousand deaths. Please punish me, Your Royal Highness.”

Ling Wang’s eyes softened for only a breath, then turned even colder.

“I truly didn’t expect you to be a nail the Third Prince planted at my side. Over these years, you must have helped Jin Wang obtain quite a bit of information, hm?”

“Your Royal Highness,” Qi Ming pleaded, voice trembling, “I am loyal to you with my whole life. From the moment I acknowledged you as my Master, I never dared harbor a second heart. Besides, the Third Prince tried to silence me back then. I hated him to the bone, how could I ever return to him?”

“Hmph.”

Ling Wang tossed a letter down in front of him.

“Still refusing to admit it, still daring to speak of loyalty. Then tell me, where is this loyalty, when you privately transferred Yi Bao Xuan’s silver to the Third Prince? Qi Ming, I’ve never treated you poorly. Why did you choose betrayal?”

Qi Ming didn’t even reach for the letter. Instead, he knocked his head against the floor three times, hard enough that the sound rang.

“Your Royal Highness, it is this servant who deserves death. But I had no choice. The Third Prince seized my family. If I didn’t do as Jin Wang ordered, my wife and child would have died.”

“I only moved some silver. Everything else the Third Prince ordered, I brushed off and muddled through. I did not leak a single piece of information about Your Royal Highness. Please investigate clearly.”

Ling Wang’s gaze was ice. “Qi Ming, I hate betrayal most. You’ve disappointed me.”

“Master!” Qi Ming’s expression collapsed into grief. He kowtowed again and again, voice breaking. “This servant truly had no way out. Please forgive me this once. I only wanted to save my family. I never intended to harm you.”

“The Third Prince… because I didn’t follow his instructions, he already had my wife killed.” Qi Ming’s eyes filled with pain and fury. “He said if I don’t obey next time, my child will die too. I couldn’t disobey him, but I also didn’t dare betray you. That’s why I diverted part of Yi Bao Xuan’s funds, just to stall for time…”

By the end, he was sobbing, tears streaming, every inch of him soaked in remorse.

Ling Wang narrowed his eyes, measuring every word, weighing truth from performance. After a long moment, his tone eased slightly.

“Jin Wang’s methods have always been cruel. You should know that even if you obeyed him, he wouldn’t spare your family.”

“Yes…” Qi Ming’s face went ashen. Despair slowly swallowed his features.

“But, Qi Ming,” Ling Wang said coolly, “for the sake of what little loyalty you still showed, I’ll give you a chance. If you do well, I will have someone rescue your child.”

Qi Ming’s head snapped up. His eyes lit up as if a candle had been struck in darkness.

“Your Royal Highness, truly? This servant thanks you! Your great恩, I can never repay!”

“Wait.” Ling Wang lifted his gaze. “Don’t rush to thank me. I have a condition.”

“Please speak, Your Royal Highness. This servant will obey every command.”

“If I help you, the master and servant bond between us ends completely,” Ling Wang said, voice like iron. “From this day on, no matter who asks, you will never mention you were my man.”

“And you know well the grudge between me and the Third Prince. You will help me bring him down, completely.”

“Yes,” Qi Ming said without hesitation. “This servant will obey all of Master’s commands.”

At the mention of revenge, the light in Qi Ming’s eyes burned even brighter.

“This servant’s heart is full of hatred for the Third Prince as well. Whatever you need, Master, please order it!”

“Good.” Ling Wang nodded slowly. “The Third Prince is using your child to force you to leak information from my side, is he not? I’ll give you some information. You will deliver it to Jin Wang.”

“Then tell him I’ve grown suspicious of you, and you wish to return to the Third Prince’s side.”

Qi Ming hesitated. “Master… the Third Prince previously sent people to hunt me down. Will he truly accept me back?”

Ling Wang sneered. “He’s so desperate now he doesn’t even have a ghost beside him. Of course he’ll accept you.”

“Relax. He will take you back, because right now he’s a stray dog driven into a corner. He needs Yi Bao Xuan. He needs your support.”

“And once you return…” Ling Wang’s voice dipped. “You know what to do.”

“Yes. Please rest assured, Master. This servant will gather information for you.”

Ling Wang gave a satisfied nod.

The Third Prince was already a useless wreck. Ling Wang had no real interest in what happened on that side, but Qi Ming’s attitude pleased him.

“You may go.”

“Yes.”

Qi Ming retreated.

Once Qi Ming was gone, Li Qingzhou stepped out from behind the screen. Seeing Ling Wang still looking displeased, he asked quietly, “Your Royal Highness is still reluctant to part with that Qi Ming?”

Ling Wang’s mouth twisted. “Qi Ming is rare. A loyal dog. It’s a pity to lose him, especially to that blind crippled Third Prince.”

Li Qingzhou replied calmly, “Your Royal Highness needn’t regret it. Qi Ming has been by your side too briefly. Time is tight, we have no room to investigate him thoroughly.”

“It’s better to discard him for now. If he’s lucky enough to survive, Your Royal Highness can give him a chance to serve again in the future.”

Ling Wang’s expression eased slightly. “You’re right, Grandfather.”

“Good thing we had people monitoring Qi Ming’s family in Jiangnan earlier, otherwise we might not have uncovered his entanglement with the Third Prince at all.”

He let out a harsh breath.

“Third Brother really can’t sit still. He’s already in this state, yet he still plays these tricks, grabbing family members to threaten people. Pathetic.”

Li Qingzhou lowered his hands in salute. “If the Third Prince truly surrendered so easily, it wouldn’t match his nature. Besides, Consort Zhen may be confined, but as His Majesty’s guilt toward the Third Prince deepens, a single decree could set her free again.”

Ling Wang snorted. “If time weren’t so tight, if we could’ve planned thoroughly against Eldest Princess Yide and Yu Wang, Jin Wang wouldn’t have gotten off so cheaply.”

Li Qingzhou bowed slightly. “Your Royal Highness is wise.”

On Jin Wang’s side, he also received the results of his guards’ investigation. He gave a cold laugh, eyes full of amused contempt.

“Yi Bao Xuan’s shopkeeper, Qi Ming… so he’s Eldest Imperial Brother’s man.”

“And now he comes to pledge himself to me.”

Jin Wang’s smile turned sharp. “Does he think I’m some fool they can toy with at will?”

A subordinate asked, “Your Royal Highness, should we drive him out?”

“No.” Jin Wang’s eyes narrowed. “I’ll keep him.”

“Maybe I can squeeze something out of his mouth. And there’s Yi Bao Xuan as well. It might become useful later.”

Qi Ming knelt again, his face still pale as paper.

“Greetings, Third Prince.”

“Rise.” The Third Prince’s eyes were covered with a layer of white gauze. It hid his gaze from prying eyes, and at the same time, disguised the truth that his eyes were already improving.

“You see it clearly,” the Third Prince said, voice mild but eerie. “I can’t see, and my legs can’t walk.”

“Following Eldest Imperial Brother would give you a brighter future. Why come to rely on a useless cripple like me?”

Qi Ming swallowed hard, then forced out the words like someone cornered to the edge of a cliff.

“Your Royal Highness… I won’t hide it. I was driven here with nowhere left to go.”

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Continue reading Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 621

Incurable Chapter 59 Part 2

After seeing Lin Wei off, Mu Wan and Liu Qianxiu went over the wedding procedures again. After dinner, they strolled through the back garden, holding hands. They had only walked a short while when Liu Qianxiu received a call.

The call was from Grandma Mei. He listened, squeezing Mu Wan’s fingers slightly in response. After hanging up, Liu Qianxiu said to Mu Wan, “Grandma wants me to take you there now.”

On the wedding day, Mu Wan was to depart from the Mei residence.

Their stroll was only halfway through, and the sky hadn’t even fully darkened yet. Mu Wan looked up at Liu Qianxiu, pressed her lips together, and said, “Alright.”

When Liu Qianxiu dropped Mu Wan off at the Mei residence, it was already eight o’clock. The car stopped on the parking lot lawn. Both stayed inside, with no intention of leaving.

The October night carried a damp chill. A night breeze blew in through the window, making Mu Wan squint slightly.

The Mei residence was already decorated for the wedding. Deep red traditional Chinese accents made the mansion look festive and solemn. Everything was arranged for the two of them. Inside, lights flickered warmly, and everyone was joyful.

But the two people it was meant for hadn’t joined in that happiness. They sat in the car, its interior softly lit and quiet. Only the sound of their breathing could be heard.

Mu Wan leaned back in her seat. In this quiet moment, her heart grew lighter and at ease, as if a weight had been lifted.

She turned her head, wanting to look at Liu Qianxiu. Liu Qianxiu was also looking at her. Their gazes met, and a moment of silence fell.

Shadows fell across Liu Qianxiu’s face, making his features look sharper. He watched her quietly, his lips pressed in a small frown.

The quiet parking lot held only the occasional chirping of insects in the grass. Mu Wan broke the silence, tilting her head as she asked Liu Qianxiu, “How many days of wedding leave do you have?”

She wore a coat, her hair falling loosely over her shoulders. She tilted her head, her eyes bright as she looked at him. Liu Qianxiu felt a flutter in his heart, and the darkness in his eyes softened.

“Half a month. Where do you want to go?”

Hearing his question, she smiled. Her lips curved upward, the corners of her eyes crinkling. She sat down in the passenger seat.

“How did you know I wanted to go out?” she asked.

After asking, she lowered her gaze and smiled to herself, filled with happiness.

“Well, you do know everything I want to do.”

Her face radiated a bright smile as she rose to leave. Her fingers touched the door handle. She opened it and said, “Let me think about it. I’ll tell you when I decide.”

Mu Wan finished speaking and opened the door to get out. The man pulled her hand back just as she was about to leave the seat. The force wasn’t strong, but enough to make her sit back down. She turned to look at him. Liu Qianxiu stared at her, his eyes holding an emotion she couldn’t fathom.

Liu Qianxiu gazed at her brows and eyes, calling her name.

“Wan Wan.” His voice was low and slightly hoarse. “When we meet again tomorrow, you’ll be my bride.”

His words drifted on the night breeze, reaching her ears. Mu Wan looked at him, her heart like a barren grassland swept by spring winds, suddenly bursting with vitality.

Mu Wan’s eyes shimmered as she smiled, her gaze radiant. She reached back to grasp his hand, leaned forward, and kissed the corner of his lips. The warmth of their breath mingled. Her eyes met his, her voice soft and tender, thick with longing.

“Then come early to take your little bride home~.”

No sooner had the words left her lips than he swept her into his arms. She heard his heartbeat, and she heard his final word: “Yes.”

The Mei residence had already prepared a decorated room for her wedding. It was filled with her belongings, as if she had lived there since childhood. There were formal gowns, wedding dresses, and various red accents for the ceremony. Even the wallpaper had been replaced.

After Liu Qianxiu dropped her off, he stayed and sat with her for a while before leaving. Now the room felt empty, with only her inside. Mu Wan sat, gazing at the furnishings. Her calm heart grew tense under the solemnity of marriage.

Incense burned in the room. Mu Wan took deep breaths, trying to calm her nerves. When that failed, she decided to take a bath first, hoping to force herself to sleep.

Just as she closed her eyes, a knock sounded at the door. Mu Wan looked up and recognized Old Lady Mei’s voice.

“Wan Wan, are you asleep?”

The old lady spoke softly, as if afraid of waking her. Glancing at the clock, it was already ten o’clock, and the old lady was still awake. She hurried up and rushed to open the door.

Grandma Mei stood outside, looking at her with affection. Mu Wan rubbed her hair and called out, “Grandma.”

“Couldn’t sleep, could you?” Granny Mei smiled warmly, gently stroking her cheek.

Mu Wan smiled back, wrapping her arms around Granny Mei’s waist. She helped her into her room, chatting as they walked, “You know everything, Granny.”

“Of course I know. I was married once, too.” Grandma Mei followed her inside, closing the door behind them. Mu Wan went to her bedside, while Grandma Mei sat on the fabric sofa beside it. The light softly illuminated her silver-streaked hair, making her look like a kind grandmother from a fairy tale.

Grandma Mei’s presence settled the unease in her heart. Mu Wan smiled, her spirit calming.

“Lie down. I’ll stay with you. I’ll leave only after you’ve fallen asleep.” As she spoke, she lifted the edge of the quilt and patted the bed gently.

“It’s too late.” Her affection touched Muwan, but she feared the strain on her frail body. Just as she was about to refuse, Old Lady Mei gazed at her and spoke.

“Before Qianxiu’s mother married, I was the one who stayed with her until she fell asleep.”

The words stuck in her throat. Mu Wan gazed at the older woman’s white hair, her heart stirring. She slipped off her shoes, climbed into bed, and lay down. Once settled, she took the old lady’s hand. The hand remained warm and smooth. Mu Wan rested her face against it, gently rubbing it as if to soothe her.

Old Mrs. Mei was visibly moved. She looked at Mu Wan and asked, “Are you looking forward to it?”

“Yes,” Mu Wan answered honestly. “I’m also a little excited and nervous.”

“Qianxiu’s mother was the same before her wedding.” Liu Qianxiu’s mother had been her only daughter. She had sent her off to a grand wedding, yet who could have foreseen the outcome she ultimately faced?

The older woman showed little outward emotion, yet her eyes held a sea of complexity. She lowered her gaze, her fingers gently brushing Mu Wan’s hair as she said, “Wan Wan, your grandmother hopes you find happiness.”

Mu Wan thought of her mother. If she had passed away before her, would she have looked on like this now?

“Grandmother,” Mu Wan called softly.

“Hmm?” Grandma Mei’s voice carried a slight upward inflection.

“We will love each other, remain faithful, and live happily together for the rest of our lives,” Mu Wan declared solemnly. “I swear it.”

Grandma Mei gazed at her, a smile gradually blossoming across her face. She gently stroked her cheek and murmured, “I believe you. Now sleep.”

Mu Wan held her hand and gradually drifted off to sleep.

Mu Wan slept soundly through the night. She didn’t wake up in the morning; Mei’s mother roused her. Seeing her dazed as she sat up in bed, Mei’s mother smiled. “Wan Wan, do you know today is your wedding day?”

Mu Wan snapped back to awareness, glanced around, and called out, “Auntie.”

Aunt Mei smiled in response as the makeup team and wedding staff flooded in from outside. She rose from the bed, surrounded by people who helped her with her makeup and changed her clothes. After her makeup was complete, Mu Wan gazed at her reflection in the mirror before the red veil was finally placed over her head.

Once she was fully dressed and adorned, the relatives and friends had all arrived. Lin Wei gazed at her, her eyes reddening as she continued to praise her beauty. Amidst the surrounding clamor, all Mu Wan saw was the vast expanse of crimson from her veil. She straightened her posture, her heartbeat steady and even. Her consciousness felt slightly adrift, momentarily unable to distinguish whether the present scenario was a dream or reality.

Mu Wan felt as if a pair of hands had seized her heart. She instinctively clasped those hands in return.

His touch was cool and dry. His fingers were long and slender, as always, drawing Mu Wan’s hands together and enveloping them—as if cradling her entire being within his palms.

The world around them fell silent as his hands guided her to her feet. Through the veil, Mu Wan saw his deep crimson robe and caught the faint scent of sandalwood on his skin. His hand slipped beneath the veil, brushing her cheek. Her heart leapt as she heard his voice.

“I’ve come to take you.”

“My little bride.”

Mu Wan’s heart dropped heavily. Her “dream” had ended.

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Continue reading Incurable Chapter 59 Part 2

Incurable Chapter 59 Part 1

The two spent the afternoon idly, reeling in just three or five fish by the time they hauled in their nets. The smaller ones were released, while the larger ones were brought back to the Taoist temple. For dinner, Liu Qianxiu prepared fish soup.

In the days that followed, Mu Wan experienced what it was like to live freely, like a drifting cloud or a wild crane. Liu Qianxiu took her hiking through the mountains and forests, where they looked out over distant valleys and rivers and admired the bamboo groves and pine trees up close. When he meditated, she read quietly in her room. In the mornings, she brought a cushion and sat beside him as he practiced. On rainy autumn days, she stood nearby, holding an umbrella for him.

The view before the cliff was the most expansive, revealing mist-shrouded mountain ranges and the faint river winding through the gorge. The air was filled with the chirping of insects and pure, refreshing birdsong.

Time seemed to slow. The red sun rose over the horizon, coloring the dawn sky. As the mist faded, the morning sunlight felt cool.

During her days at the Taoist temple, Mu Wan felt her mind grow calm and clear, as if it had been washed clean. Sometimes she almost believed she had gone back in time and forgotten the world outside.

She started to see why Liu Qianxiu followed the path of Taoist cultivation. It wasn’t for immortality or enlightenment, but to stay away from the pull of fame and fortune. He wanted to keep his integrity, calm, and purity in a busy world. That was what his path truly meant.

Five or six days before the wedding, Mu Wan and Liu Qianxiu descended the mountain with Xuan Qingzi and Qing Chan. As the car entered the highway, the dense human presence and the aura of the mundane world enveloped them, and everything came alive.

Life at Qingyuan Temple was not dull, and the world outside was not always ordinary either. How one saw the world depended on one’s own perspective.

Grandma Mei had always held Master Xuan Qingzi in high regard. After descending the mountain, Liu Qianxiu and his group first visited the Mei residence. Xuan Qingzi exchanged greetings and then headed back to the Liu residence because he didn’t like big crowds.

The Mei residence buzzed with cheerful activity. Even before entering, Mu Wan could sense the warmth of its inhabitants. Having not seen Grandma Mei for several days, Mu Wan missed her dearly. The living room radiated warmth. As soon as Xuan Qingzi entered, he exchanged greetings with Old Lady Mei. She nodded and made small talk with him, while Mu Wan was pulled over to sit beside her.

Old Lady Mei and Xuan Qingzi chatted casually. In this environment, Qing Chan became well-behaved. Mu Wan had him sit beside her, while Mei Yaozhi played with him nearby.

Liu Qianxiu hadn’t changed out of his Taoist robe. Mei Yaozhi glanced at him and asked Mu Wan, “You sure picked a clever spot for your pre-wedding trip. Aren’t you worried Qianxiu might not come back after visiting the Taoist temple?”

Liu Qianxiu looked up at him. Mu Wan replied, “Then I won’t come back either. Husband and wife should follow each other’s lead, right?”

Everyone laughed. Mei Yaozhi smiled brightly and said, “He hasn’t even changed out of his Taoist robe. I thought you’d dragged him back here by force.”

Mentioning the robe, Mei Yaozhi turned to Liu Qianxiu and said, “Your wedding attire has already arrived. When we head back later, bring it along to try on. If it doesn’t fit, we’ll need alterations.”

There were three sets of wedding attire in total, including one for Mu Wan. Hers was more intricate and had been finalized earlier. Liu Qianxiu’s had been completed and delivered to the Mei residence, but he only found time to try it on today.

After spending some time at the Mei residence, Liu Qianxiu and the others returned to the Liu mansion. After dinner, Xuan Qingzi and Qing Chan were shown to their quarters. Qing Chan, with his childlike spirit, wanted to play as soon as they reached the bottom of the mountain. He had planned to follow Mu Wan to the back garden to see the pond full of koi, but Xuan Qingzi called him back, and they returned for evening practice.

With the master present, Liu Qianxiu joined them for evening practice as well. Mu Wan, exhausted from a day of errands, returned to her room, took a bath, and went to sleep. When she awoke, the sky was already pitch black.

She hadn’t drawn the curtains before sleeping. The inky night sky was adorned with a crescent moon, its pure, cool light spilling across the windowsill. Mu Wan turned around. The wardrobe door was slightly ajar, a warm glow spilling out.

She rose from the bed and walked toward the closet. Before she could open the door, she heard rustling sounds inside. She pulled the door open and stepped in. Under the light, Liu Qianxiu stood there, holding a long robe in black and crimson.

He still wore his blue Taoist robe, accentuating his tall, slender figure. His features softened in the light. He set the robe aside, came over, and gently touched her cheek.

“Did I wake you?”

“No.” Mu Wan rested her forehead against his chest. It wasn’t that she hadn’t woken up; she just wanted to be affectionate the moment she saw him. After leaning against him for a moment, she lifted her face and looked behind him. “Haven’t you started trying them on yet?”

Liu Qianxiu was trying on wedding attire here. He had three sets in total. Their wedding was Chinese-style, with robes meant to match her bright red bridal gown. The other two sets were Western-style suits.

Before he could answer, Mu Wan straightened up and reached to tug at his waistband.

She moved with just the right touch, not too strong or too soft. Liu Qianxiu leaned forward a little, and their bodies met. Liu Qianxiu glanced down at her, his eyes shifting. She looked up at him with a small, playful smile and spoke teasingly.

“Let me help you change.”

He stood upright as she undid his collar, her head slightly bowed in earnest study. Fine strands of hair framed his temples, concealing her delicate, pink ears and earlobes, which gradually flushed crimson.

Mu Wan wasn’t sure how to undo his Taoist robe and thought loosening the sash would do the trick. Her hands moved around his waist, feeling the shape of his body through the thin fabric. At last, she hugged him tightly, her fingers pressing into his lower back as she leaned into him. She smiled brightly, her voice gentle and sweet.

“How do I undo it?”

She pressed gently against his chest, moving with a quiet grace. Her fingers traced his waist as she tilted her head back, her smile bright and a little playful.

Being alone together in the quiet room made the air feel charged with emotion.

He looked down at her, his dark eyes calm but full of hidden feeling. Though his emotions ran deep, he appeared steady and quiet.

He captured her restless hand. Her frame was small and delicate, her slender fingers clenched into a fist, completely covered by his palm. Fresh from sleep, her body radiated warmth, still carrying the scent of sandalwood from the bed.

Liu Qianxiu gently released her arms wrapped around him. Mu Wan’s hands fell empty, and her body rose. She nestled against his chest, and he leaned down to kiss her, his voice low and husky.

“Come to bed. I’ll teach you.”

Mu Wan felt warmth in her chest, and a smile grew on her lips. Resting in his arms, she was gentle but playful. She wrapped her arms around his neck, tilted her head back, and softly bit his jaw.

He moved and gently laid her down on the bed. Moonlight shone on the sheets, lighting up his pale features. Mu Wan was caught up in his beauty and in the moment.

Before the wedding, Mu Wan had plenty of free time. Other than practicing the ceremony with Liu Qianxiu, she had little to do. Still, she was never bored. Being with him made her truly happy. The wedding itself felt like just a formality, since they already had their marriage certificate.

The day before the wedding, Lin Wei invited her over. They sat on the second floor of the attic, sipping plum tea while gazing at the scenery outside. The Liu residence was designed like a garden, with lush greenery outside the windows, flowers vying for attention, and a pond filled with koi.

Xuan Qingzi eventually called Qing Chan away from the fish he had been playing with. The two Taoist priests, one tall and one short, further enhanced the residence’s antique ambiance.

Lin Wei sat next to her, quietly admiring the attic’s design and decor. As an interior designer, she was used to studying every space she entered.

“This classical style really needs real antiques to feel grand,” Lin Wei said. As a high-end interior designer, she usually worked with wealthy or influential clients, but most of their decor was affordable modern replicas. Real antiques were hard to find and valuable.

“Why don’t you take a break?” Mu Wan withdrew her gaze from the window and poured Lin Wei a cup of plum tea with a smile.

Lin Wei hummed in response, turning her gaze toward Mu Wan.

“You’re getting married tomorrow? How does it feel?” Lin Wei asked.

Taking a sip of the plum tea, its tartness made Mu Wan’s brow furrow slightly. She picked out a piece of sugar, dropped it in, and held the teacup. “Nothing special.”

“You sure are cool about it,” Lin Wei teased.

Both women were pregnant and at about the same stage, their faces healthy and full. Pregnancy brought cravings, and Lin Wei, who usually avoided sour foods, had eaten dried fruits and plum tea that day—things she normally couldn’t handle.

Mu Wan smiled and countered, “What about you? How did your parents and Lu Feng’s parents get along when they met?”

“Them?” Lin Wei’s eyebrows shot up at the mention of the parents’ meeting. “They hit it off instantly. Both businesspeople share temperaments that mesh perfectly. Lu Feng is the only child, and his parents are eager for him to marry as soon as possible.

After taking a sip of her plum tea, Lin Wei added, “By the way, where are you planning to go for your honeymoon? Give me some ideas.”

The mention of honeymoons drew Mu Wan’s gaze away from the koi outside the window. She hadn’t really thought about it. Though she had more free time lately, she still didn’t know what to do with herself day after day.

After they got married, they could go out and enjoy themselves. Mu Wan still had some freedom while pregnant, but once the baby was born, she would have to care for the child and herself. She knew she wouldn’t be able to leave so easily then.

“I’ll ask Liu Qianxiu about it later,” Mu Wan said.

“Don’t you have anywhere you’d like to go?” Lin Wei asked.

Mu Wan shook her head. Resting her chin on her hand as she gazed out the window, she replied, “Anywhere is fine, as long as I’m with Liu Qianxiu.”

Lin Wei: “......”

She was about to get married herself, but still had to listen to Mu Wan’s sweet words.

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Continue reading Incurable Chapter 59 Part 1

Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 620

~ I’M ENTRUSTING JUNYUE TO YOU ~

Yu Wang looked at Yue Wang’s grave expression and couldn’t help making a bold guess.

“With how widely these two businesses have expanded, they must bring in at least several… hundred thousand to a million taels a year?”

He didn’t know much about embroidered garments, only that tea could be hugely profitable. But Bu Xian Luo limited the number of guests it could host, so it had to forgo much of its income. And Mu Yunyao often ran porridge relief, donated silver to the foundling home, and spent heavily on disaster relief back in Linjiang. Added together, there might not be much left at the end of the year.

Yue Wang shook his head heavily.

“Second Imperial Brother, Mu Yunyao nets more than ten million taels a year.”

Yu Wang’s eyes flew wide. He was so shocked he nearly forgot himself.

“Fourth Imperial Brother, you’re joking, right? More than ten million taels. That’s more than ten million. Nearly a third of Da Li’s annual tax revenue. Just from embroidery and tea, is it really that profitable?”

“Even I didn’t expect it,” Yue Wang said with a sigh. “I’ve been helping Yunyao sort through the account books lately, and only then did I realize how narrow my view was. Ni Yun Fang appears to be focused solely on embroidery, and its garments are mainly sold to the wives and young ladies of aristocratic households. Still, behind the scenes, Ni Yun Fang also operates raw silk, spinning, cloth, embroidery thread, and more. The reach is far wider than it appears.

“Bu Xian Luo is even more so. Receiving guests accounts for only a small share of its income. The main profits come from the tea mountains and the tea trade. With Bu Xian Luo as a gold-lettered signboard, a large portion of Jiangnan’s tea gardens share profits with it. It also involves river transport, shipping, and overland routes…”

Yu Wang felt like he needed a moment to calm down.

“Fourth Imperial Brother, stop. If you keep going, I’m going to want to seize Ni Yun Fang and Bu Xian Luo for myself.”

Yue Wang sighed again.

“Second Imperial Brother, do you think I can still stand tall?”

Yu Wang swallowed, hesitated, and then said, “Fourth Imperial Brother… a real man knows when to bend and when to straighten. Besides, it’s a good thing Yunyao can earn silver. If your Second Imperial Brother ends up short someday, I might need to borrow from you two.”

As they spoke, Yu Heng entered to report, “Your Royal Highness, Miss Mu is here.”

“Quickly, invite Yunyao in.”

Mu Yunyao entered and bowed. She noticed Yu Wang staring at her with an odd expression and looked at Yue Wang, confused.

Yue Wang coughed awkwardly and signaled Yu Wang to rein it in.

Yu Wang tried to look away, but the moment he looked at Mu Yunyao now, he felt as if she were practically glowing with gold.

“Sister-in-law…”

Mu Yunyao paused, then her eyes filled with a faint smile. “Second Imperial Brother, what’s wrong?”

She was shy around Yue Wang, but in front of outsiders, she never let her presence weaken. Besides, she and Yue Wang were about to be married. Calling Yu Wang “Second Imperial Brother” was only proper.

Yu Wang quickly answered, “Ah, yes. Fourth Imperial Brother and I were talking about you. Look at my Fourth Imperial Brother, he’s so dull, silent all the time. Yet you had the discerning eye to see what’s special about him. Don’t be afraid of his cold face. If he ever dares bully you, I, as your Second Imperial Brother, will absolutely stand up for you and give you justice.”

After saying that, Yu Wang gave Yue Wang an apologetic look. He used to think being the Emperor’s son was all the benefits there were. Only now did he understand how hard it was to manage a household, and how much harder it was to manage a realm. Most of all, there was never enough silver. These past years had been mostly peaceful, yet the treasury was still not flush. There were too many places where money was needed. In the future, they might still have to rely on Yunyao’s support, so his Fourth Imperial Brother would have to take one for the team.

Mu Yunyao’s smile deepened. “Second Imperial Brother, rest assured. I will treat Yue Wang well.”

Yu Wang nodded again and again. “Good, good. Then I’ll be off. Beijiang’s envoys still need me to make arrangements.”

“Alright.”

Once Yu Wang left, Mu Yunyao turned to Yue Wang with a smile.

“What were you and Yu Wang discussing just now?”

Yue Wang cleared his throat, serious as ever. “Second Imperial Brother said a real man should stand tall. He also said I should restore household authority.”

Mu Yunyao looked at him, half-smiling. “Restore household authority?”

Yue Wang nodded. “That’s what he said. But I don’t think that’s right. In the Prince’s Manor, Yunyao, you’ll be the one who decides. Everything will follow your word.”

Mu Yunyao laughed softly. “As a wife, I should take my husband as my heaven. My husband should still decide the household.”

Yue Wang pulled her close. “Then come here and let your husband steal a kiss.”

Mu Yunyao cupped his face and kneaded it firmly. “Fourth Prince, you’re getting more and more shameless.”

Yue Wang gathered her into his arms and kissed her cheek. “Yunyao, I told Second Imperial Brother some things about Ni Yun Fang and Bu Xian Luo.”

Mu Yunyao nodded. “He would investigate sooner or later. Better to be upfront from the start than to let him discover it and grow suspicious. It looks more open and natural this way.”

No matter how close two people were, a relationship still needed careful tending, the same way it had been between the Emperor and Her Royal Highness.

“Mm.” Yue Wang lowered his voice. “Second Imperial Brother is going to keep Beijiang’s envoys busy. In the next stretch of days, they’ll be tormented by etiquette lessons. Have the Shadow Guards investigate those envoys’ identities. Second Imperial Brother suspects something is off about them.”

“Alright. I’ll have the Shadow Guards look into it. By the way, has there been any news on the Third Prince?”

“He’s been contacting officials in secret, but not many are willing to back him. I don’t know why, but he still hasn’t spread the word that his eyes have recovered.”

Mu Yunyao’s gaze shifted. “Then he’s likely plotting something big.”

“And Qi Ming, any news from him?”

“Yes. Yesterday, we finally got word. Your earlier guess was right. The Li family has indeed grown suspicious of him, but things aren’t as dire as we expected. They haven’t traced Yi Bao Xuan back to us, but they do think his sudden attachment is abnormal. Since they can’t verify it, they plan to push him out as a scapegoat, pin the iron-smuggling charge on Yi Bao Xuan, and wash their hands of it. They just haven’t decided yet who will take the blame and be thrown away along with Yi Bao Xuan.”

Yue Wang’s eyes sharpened. “You were thinking of pulling Qi Ming out before, weren’t you? Isn’t this the perfect chance?”

Mu Yunyao lifted her brows slightly. “Fourth Prince plans to use the Third Prince?”

“He’s the best excuse. We already used him once when we planted Qi Ming. Using him again changes nothing.”

“Fine. The water is muddy enough already. One more splash won’t matter. It’ll drag the Third Prince into it as well.” Mu Yunyao’s lips curved. “I’ll have Sixth Tael pass word in secret. For the next few days, Fourth Prince should still avoid the court. Since you’ve decided to stay away, stay away completely. You only need to take care of the Emperor.”

“Alright.”

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Continue reading Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 620

Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 619

~ STAND TALL, ESTABLISH THE HUSBAND’S AUTHORITY ~

After the Beijiang envoys arrived in the capital, they were settled in the courier station. Officials from the station were assigned to look after them, but the reception was far from the careful hospitality they had imagined. The envoys complained loudly, making the station clerks’ lives miserable. Later, they continued to clamor for a meeting with Yu Wang. With no other choice, the clerk could only go and plead before Yu Wang.

When Yu Wang heard about it, he let out a cold laugh in his heart, yet his face wore a pleasant smile.

“Perfect. I was about due to meet these Beijiang envoys anyway.”

This time, Beijiang had sent sixteen men in total. Aside from the chief envoy, Tu Jie, who oversaw the mission, there were six deputy envoys and nine accompanying attendants.

Yu Wang arrived at the courier station and swept his gaze over the Beijiang group seated in the main hall. His brows knit slightly.

“Why are there so many people? Where is Envoy Tu?” With this many gathered together, there was no sense of hierarchy at all. Did they think he would meet just anyone?

The station clerk hurried forward. “Your Royal Highness Yu Wang, the one seated in the middle is Chief Envoy Tu Jie.”

Yu Wang put on an “oh, so that’s him” expression and walked into the hall with a smile.

“So you are Envoy Tu. Long admired, long admired.”

Tu Jie rose, his expression cold. “Your Royal Highness Yu Wang, Beijiang has come with sincerity to request an audience with your country’s emperor. Why have you not arranged for us to enter the palace, but instead kept us staying in the courier station?”

Yu Wang looked at him as if puzzled. “Envoy, what a strange thing to say. I was acting out of goodwill, thinking you should rest and recover for a few days first. How is it that you turn around and accuse me instead?”

“Our Beijiang men are strong and hardy. On the battlefield, we can go seven days and seven nights without sleep and still cut the enemy down until blood runs like a river. This journey was nothing. There is no need for rest.”

As soon as Tu Jie said that, suppressed laughter sounded from behind him.

“Heh. I’ve heard the scholars of Da Li Dynasty proudly call themselves too weak to truss a chicken, and they’re not even ashamed…”

“Exactly. Da Li Dynasty’s people probably couldn’t withstand even one of my iron fists…”
The voices were lowered, but still clear enough for Yu Wang to hear.

Tu Jie curled his lips, his arrogance plain. “Your Royal Highness Yu Wang, I hope you can arrange for us to enter the palace and have an audience as soon as possible.”

Yu Wang nodded. “Fine. Since you gentlemen refuse to rest, then let’s begin preparations.”

“Preparations?” Tu Jie frowned. “What preparations? Our gifts are already prepared. We can enter the palace at any time.”

The smile on Yu Wang’s lips vanished. His gaze sharpened.

“Da Li Dynasty is a nation of rites. Even if we know that Beijiang customs are fierce and unrestrained, the rules that must be observed must still be observed. My Imperial Father is the sovereign of the Da Li Dynasty, the most exalted person under Heaven. You must first learn the etiquette for appearing before the throne, and you must bathe and purify yourselves, and change your garments. Otherwise, I can charge you with disrespect before the imperial presence.”

Someone spat out in protest, “We are Beijiang envoys. Why should we follow the Da Li Dynasty’s rules?”

“That’s a good question.” Yu Wang lifted the corner of his mouth, his eyes cool. “If you do not wish to see Da Li’s sovereign, and you do not wish to stand on Da Li’s land, then do whatever you please, and no one will care. But if you do, then you conduct yourselves according to our rules.”

Tu Jie’s face darkened. He was about to retort when someone suddenly coughed lightly. His expression shifted. He clenched his jaw and forced his anger down.

“Then please, Your Royal Highness Yu Wang, make arrangements quickly.”

“Mm. Tomorrow I’ll have people from the Ministry of Rites come over. You will follow their instructions.”

After returning to the palace, Yu Wang went straight to find Yue Wang, his face full of cheer.

Yue Wang was bent over a piece of paper, writing and calculating his assets, figuring out how much of a betrothal gift he should present to show how much he valued Mu Yunyao.

“Fourth Imperial Brother,” Yu Wang said, “what do you think if I send Tian Shouzheng from the Ministry of Rites over there?”

“You’re sending Vice Minister Tian, at his age? Aren’t you afraid you’ll torment him into collapsing?” Tian Shouzheng was famously obsessed with ritual propriety, to the point of being rigid and pedantic.

Many years ago, his daughter was of marriageable age and already engaged. Once, while traveling, their carriage broke down, and she was injured. A passing farmer helped rescue her and, in the process, accidentally touched her upper arm. Tian Shouzheng decided her chastity had been ruined, personally annulled the engagement, and insisted on marrying his daughter off to that farmer.

The farmer already had a wife and children and knew he was unworthy of a young lady of the Tian family. Still, Tian Shouzheng ignored everything and sent his daughter over anyway, even explicitly stating that, since she entered later, she should be taken as a concubine.

The incident was gossiped about all over the capital for a long time. Miss Tian was driven to attempt suicide twice, though she was saved both times. Tian Shouzheng’s wife was heartbroken and took their daughter back to her maiden home, never returning to this day.

If he was sent to teach the Beijiang envoys etiquette, someone was bound to go mad in the end.

Yu Wang did not care much. “I’ll send two imperial physicians along with him. Vice Minister Tian loves reputation. If you hand him this task of showcasing Da Li’s rites, he’ll handle it flawlessly. Right, Fourth Brother, have you looked closely into the delegation Beijiang sent this time?”

“What is it, Second Imperial Brother? Did you notice something?”

“Today, I deliberately provoked the chief envoy, Tu Jie. He was clearly furious and about to strike back, but the moment he heard a cough, he stopped midstream. There were too many people in the hall, and I didn’t catch who coughed. I didn’t want to startle the snake, so I pretended not to notice.”

Yue Wang’s brows drew together. “I’ll investigate. Second Imperial Brother, keep your focus on court affairs. Because of Imperial Aunt’s matter, Eldest Imperial Brother took a hit, but there are still many officials attached to him. Second Imperial Brother must be careful.”

Yu Wang nodded, then hesitated. “Fourth Imperial Brother… do you truly not want to contend, even a little?”

Yue Wang smiled and shook his head. “Second Imperial Brother, my ambitions are not there. You carry the realm in your heart, while I keep only one person in mine. Having Yunyao is enough. People have different aims. I will support Second Imperial Brother with all I have. When you ascend the throne, don’t forget to reward me properly. I’m counting on you to back me up.”

“Even without my reward, you’re an imperial prince, a wang of Da Li. Your backbone is already hard enough. Just remember to establish the husband’s authority.”

“Yunyao is a County Princess, and Imperial Aunt’s only granddaughter. Her backbone is harder than mine.” Yue Wang looked over, his tone full of helplessness.

Yu Wang waved it off. “What’s that got to do with anything? You have a fief, and now you oversee the Ministry of Personnel…”

“Yunyao has Ni Yun Fang and Bu Xian Luo. Now that they’ve grown, you could say they reach into embroidery, cloth, silk, tea…” Yue Wang paused, then looked up. “Second Imperial Brother, setting everything else aside, just Ni Yun Fang and Bu Xian Luo alone, do you know how much silver those two bring in each year?”

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Continue reading Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 619

Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 618

~ WIN THE FAIR MAIDEN’S HEART SOONER ~

Jin Lan was a bit confused: “Jin Qiao, what’s wrong?”

“Sister, why did you blush just now?” Jin Qiao looked at Jin Lan anxiously, hoping she wouldn’t go astray.

Jin Lan’s cheeks flushed even deeper. “Nothing. You imagined it.”

“You still won’t admit it! Sister Jin Lan, our Young Miss, has been so kind to us. I’ve long accepted her as my master for life. Don’t forget your duty.”

Jin Lan grew even more confused, “What exactly are you trying to say?”

Seeing Jin Lan still unrepentant, Jin Qiao’s expression turned stern, “Sister Jin Lan, did you blush just now because you saw His Royal Highness Yue Wang?”

Jin Lan nodded, then quickly shook her head: “Don’t talk nonsense.”

“You... you still won’t admit it? Your face already tells the whole story. Sister Jin Lan, we struggled to survive in the hands of those slave traders. Only when we came to our Young Miss did we find a way to live, and now we live a hundred times better than before. You absolutely cannot compete with our Young Miss for Yue Wang. Besides, consider Miss’s status and her talents—you cannot win...”

Jin Qiao spoke rapidly, her mouth moving nonstop. Jin Lan tried several times to interrupt but couldn’t get a word in. Finally, she could only stand there waiting for her to finish.

Jin Qiao pleaded earnestly for a long while before pausing. Seeing Jin Lan’s expressionless face, she grew so anxious she nearly wept. “Sister Jin Lan, if you remain so stubborn, I... I will tell Young Miss. She’ll have you temporarily reassigned. Once you’re away from His Royal Highness Yue Wang for a while, your feelings will surely fade. When you return, you’ll still be the person she trusts most.”

Jin Lan saw her words growing increasingly absurd and quickly covered her mouth. “Stop talking nonsense! My blush earlier wasn’t because of His Royal Highness Yue Wang, but because of... his guard. He gave me an ice lantern today.”

Jin Qiao froze, then widened her eyes. “The guard? Yu Heng or Yu Yi?”

“...Yu Heng...”

Jin Qiao couldn’t help but cheer up. “That’s wonderful! You scared me earlier—I thought you’d taken a fancy to His Royal Highness Yue Wang.”

“Young Miss and His Royal Highness are perfectly suited. No one can come between them. Stop talking nonsense.”

Jin Qiao relaxed, then felt embarrassed. “Sister Jin Lan, I misunderstood you. But... Yu Heng gave you an ice lantern. Could it mean he wants...”

Seeing Jin Qiao’s sly smile, Jin Lan’s discomfort grew palpable: “Stop talking nonsense. That’s far from the truth. Now go prepare the tea and snacks.”

Yue Wang examined the crimson wedding dress displayed on the rack, his eyes brimming with such intense excitement they seemed ready to overflow. He wrapped his arms around Mu Yunyao’s waist and spun her around twice on the spot: “Yao’er, time feels so slow now. I wish the eighteenth of the first lunar month would come immediately.”

“The Little New Year is approaching. People are already preparing to distribute rice porridge. Once that’s done, the year will be over in the blink of an eye. Why is Fourth Master so anxious?”

“Naturally, I want to hold my beloved in my arms sooner.”

Yue Wang lowered his voice slightly, his warm breath brushing against Mu Yunyao’s ear. Her heart melted, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, her cheeks flushing as she murmured, “Then let me hold you for now.”

Yue Wang’s eyes crinkled with laughter. He tilted his head, continuing the embrace, and gently pressed a kiss to her lips. “Yao’er, I’m so happy.” Cold-hearted by nature, he rarely showed emotion. Yet today, bubbles of joy bubbled up inside him, gradually merging into an endless sea of sweetness.

At Ni Yun Fang, Yue Wang held her tightly, unwilling to let go. At the Capital city gates, the Northern Frontier envoy’s procession slowly halted.

The Northern Frontier envoy, seeing commoners freely moving along the road within the city gates, vendors’ cries echoing constantly, and even children playing and chasing each other, was instantly filled with displeasure. He sought out the official responsible for reception, his voice tinged with accusation: “Our Northern Frontier has sent envoys here to actively promote exchanges between our two nations, to ensure our friendship endures. Why do you treat us with such disrespect?”

“Your Excellency misunderstands,” replied the official. “Our Emperor of the Dali Dynasty is exceptionally wise and benevolent, cherishing his people like his own children. He has long decreed that no official may disturb the lives of commoners without explicit imperial permission. This law takes precedence, and I, as a subordinate, cannot disobey. I humbly ask for your understanding.” The receiving official offered this apology with a remarkably flat expression, devoid of any hint of remorse, leaving the Northern Frontier envoy deeply dissatisfied.

Seated atop the city gate tower, Yu Wang soon received a report of the exchange below: “Such a small place, yet they speak with such arrogance! They aren’t even the royal family of the Northern Frontier, yet they demand we clear the streets? Utterly preposterous. Have the Ministry of Rites officials escort them directly to the guesthouse. Once I’ve attended to matters in court, I shall make time to see them.”

“Understood.”

Yu Wang descended the tower and quietly made his way to Ni Yun Fang. Yue Fang observed his Second Imperial Brother seated nearby, sipping tea with a displeased expression. “Why have you come to Ni Yun Fang instead of receiving the Northern Frontier envoys?”

“I heard Fourth Imperial Brother and Yunyao were planning something significant. I couldn’t resist checking on their progress.” Yu Wang gazed at Yue Wang with an unusually indulgent look. A man about to marry was understandably anxious, especially one who had coveted his bride for so long without the chance to wed her. He was like a firecracker—ready to ignite at the slightest spark. He had endured this himself, so he wasn’t angry. Not angry at all.

Mu Yunyao motioned for Jin Lan to serve tea before speaking softly, “The bait has been cast. Now we only need to wait patiently for the fish to take the hook.”

Yu Wang remained uneasy. “Your plan is meticulous, but using letters to bait both the Third Prince and the Northern Frontier simultaneously—couldn’t something go awry?”

When he first heard the plan from Yue Wang and Mu Yunyao, he’d been filled with doubt. They’d forged a letter from the Northern Frontier to stir the Third Prince’s ambition, making him believe the Northern Frontier would support him. Then they’d sent a letter to the Northern Frontier, first expressing goodwill, then subtly hinting at the need for support, promising to cede cities as a reward once the deed was done.

Yet long after the letters were sent, neither side stirred. It was as if a pebble tossed into a still lake had stirred not a single ripple. This left him anxious. Though he had discreetly contacted some court officials, Ling Wang’s support remained solid. If the Emperor, disregarding the Northern Frontier’s envoy, still insisted on promoting the Crown Prince, he might well lose.

The immediate solution was to topple the Li family. Without their backing, Ling Wang would be powerless. But to topple the Li family, concrete evidence was needed. With the family lying dormant and destroying all traces, the only way to gather proof was to provoke them into action.

Yet Yue Wang remained supremely confident: “Second Imperial Brother, no need to fret. The fish will bite the bait.”

Yu Wang still found the plan unsound. It was far from thorough, even recklessly risky. The slightest misstep could expose the deception: “What if the fish doesn’t bite?”

“Then we cast more hooks. There will always be one that tempts the fish.” Mu Yunyao’s expression softened, yet her words sent a chill down Yu Wang’s spine.

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Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 617

~ HIDDEN AMBITION ~

Yue Wang declared with great solemnity, his expression unusually earnest: “The study chair is hard. I sit on it all day, hence this condition.”

Just as Mu Yunyao was about to take his pulse, she shot him a sharp look: “Your Royal Highness, I suspect your backache appears not from strain, but from overeating.”

Yue Wang paid no heed, instead taking Mu Yunyao’s hand affectionately, “Mm, I’m overeating. I’ll need to take a few pillows to feel better.” He loved using items Mu Yunyao had touched, as if they carried her scent. For example, the brocade quilt was draped over his window. Even in summer, he couldn’t bear to put it away, but left it by the bedside, as if that would bring him closer to Mu Yunyao.

Mu Yunyao nearly grabbed the pillow to smack him. This man was becoming more shameless by the day. “If you want a pillow, Fourth Master, just say so. No need to feign illness to scare me.”

Yue Wang pulled Mu Yunyao to stand before him, then wrapped his arms around her waist. “I adore how Yao’er fusses over me. In moments like this, it feels like I’m the only one in your eyes.”

Mu Yunyao froze, then slowly smiled. She raised her hand to trace his brow and eyes gently. His features were sharp, his eyes always exceptionally deep—like an endless night sky that drew one in irresistibly.

Because Yue Wang’s joking had delayed the tea brewing, by the time she checked again, the tea had grown quite cold. Mu Yunyao decided against brewing a fresh pot and instead added hot water to the existing tea, bringing it to Yue Wang.

Yue Wang didn’t mind at all. With a smile, he lifted the cup, took a sip, and praised, “Excellent tea.”

Mu Yunyao couldn’t help but laugh aloud. “Fourth Master, did you not attend court today?”

“My wedding preparations are exceptionally complex. I’ve requested several days’ leave from His Majesty so that I won’t be attending court during this period.”

“The Emperor even came to complain to my grandmother yesterday, saying you’re not even helping him with state affairs—utterly unfilial!”

“The Eldest and the Second Imperial Brothers handle the affairs of the court. When I have free time, accompanying His Majesty is sufficient.” He understood clearly that while the Emperor spoke of complaints, he was secretly pleased with his current situation. The constant strife between Prince Long and Prince Yu in court had already made the imperial court a cesspool of corruption. If he were to get involved, the situation would only grow more complicated.

“By the way, did the court debate conclude? How does Your Majesty intend to handle the envoy from the Northern Frontier?”

“The civil officials’ proposal seems overly lenient, yet it has merit. When nations interact, neither nation sends envoys. Regardless of why the Northern Frontier sent this envoy, we must treat them with kindness until their true intentions are revealed.” Imperial Father has heeded the civil officials’ counsel, yet he has entrusted the task of receiving the envoys to the Second Imperial Brother.”

Mu Yunyao paused, then lifted the corners of her lips, “The Emperor is wise. His Royal Highness Yu Wang has led troops against the Northern Frontier and witnessed their brutal tactics firsthand. He harbors no goodwill toward them. With the Emperor’s orders, he will not cause trouble for the Northern Frontier envoys, but he will remain vigilant. Should any issues arise, he will detect and handle them promptly.”

“Hmm, Yao’er, have the letters to the Third Prince and the Northern Frontier envoys been dispatched?”

“They were dispatched yesterday. The Northern Frontier may take some time to receive theirs, but the Third Prince should have seen his by now.”

At the Third Prince’s residence, Ning Jun Jin studied the letter in his hand, his gaze shifting restlessly as he struggled with shock and uncertainty. After a long moment, he slowly regained his composure, clutching the letter tightly as he turned to his personal guard, “Have you uncovered any leads?”

This morning, upon waking, he discovered the letter by his bedside. Its contents and the signature at the end nearly sent him tumbling from his chair. The letter had come from the Northern Frontier, not only urging him to rebel but explicitly offering covert support—weapons and warhorses.

Had it not been for the Northern Frontier royal family’s seal at the envelope’s end, he would have torn it to shreds on the spot.

The guard’s face flushed with shame. “Your Royal Highness, we’ve uncovered no leads.”

“The messenger must possess formidable martial arts skills to evade detection entirely.”

“Your Royal Highness, the letter is filled with seditious words. Should I destroy it?”
The Third Prince nodded. Just as the guard raised the letter to burn it, he instinctively called out: “Wait. The Northern Frontier has sent an envoy with unclear intentions. Keep this letter for now. It might help Imperial Father uncover the Northern Frontier’s true nature.”

“Yes, Your Royal Highness.”

The Third Prince took the letter, opened it, and studied it once more. His gaze finally settled on the sections about weapons and warhorses. “The warhorses of the Northern Frontier are renowned. It’s said their cavalry is so formidable precisely because of the superior quality of their mounts.”

“Indeed, Your Royal Highness. I’ve heard it said that training an exceptional warhorse can sometimes be as demanding as training a general.”

The Third Prince’s fingers lightly brushed the letter. A flicker of light danced in his eyes for a moment before he suddenly let out a cold laugh. “I may be inconvenienced now, but I’m not brain-damaged. The Northern Frontier actually thinks they can deceive me with such a shallow ploy? If they had ample ironware and warhorses, they would have launched an attack on our Great Li Dynasty long ago. Why would they negotiate a deal with a mere prince like me?”

His personal guards stood silent by his side. Seeing the Third Prince did not destroy the letter but instead carefully stored it in a hidden compartment. They couldn’t help but feel a pang of alarm.

Six days later, a letter bearing the seal of the Third Prince’s residence was discreetly delivered to the envoy of the Northern Frontier.

At the temporary encampment, a man dressed as a Northern Frontier nomad opened the letter. A flash of light darted across his darkened eyes: “The Third Prince... A blind, crippled invalid dares to negotiate terms with the Northern Frontier? Demanding weapons and warhorses outright? Utter nonsense. Ignore it. Order the troops to hasten their march. We must reach the capital of the Dali Dynasty, Xiling, as soon as possible.”

“Understood.”

Mu Yunyao finished embroidering the phoenix tail feathers on the wedding gown, nodding with satisfaction. “There. After all this effort, it’s finally complete.”

Caiyi and the others cradled the gown, gently tracing its surface as they murmured with admiration. “Miss, this gown is truly breathtaking. Even we maidservants are tempted to marry after seeing it.”

The embroiderers nearby teased, “If Caiyi the shopkeeper wanted to marry, it’d be as easy as saying the word. Suitors have been wearing out their lips begging for your hand, yet you’ve never given in.”

Caiyi shot them a glare. “I’m waiting for Miss to find me a proper match. I wouldn’t touch those unsuitable candidates with a ten-foot pole.”

Mu Yunyao smiled: “Very well. I’ll find some fine young men for you to choose from another day.”

For a moment, the entire Ni Yun Fang erupted in laughter and playful commotion.
Just then, Jin Lan entered, her cheeks slightly flushed: “Miss, His Royal Highness Yue Wang has arrived.”

Mu Yunyao’s heart leapt with joy. She dismissed Caiyi and the others, then invited Yue Wang to come up.

Jin Qiao stepped out of the room and immediately pulled Jin Lan close, her eyes scanning her body intently. “Sister Jin Lan, you’ve always been steady and level-headed, with a sharp eye for things. You must understand many matters yourself, right?”

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Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 616

 ~ ROGUE ADVANCEMENT ~

Mu Yunyao sat beside Grand Princess Yi De, holding a long bamboo brush as she teased the koi fish swimming in the wide-mouthed blue-and-white porcelain basin.

Qu Mama stood nearby, reporting to Grand Princess Yi De on the situation in the imperial court.

“Your Royal Highness, His Majesty inquired how Ling Wang and Yu Wang should treat the envoys from the Northern Frontier. Their opinions are opposed. Ling Wang sides with the civil officials, advocating for a courteous reception to showcase the grandeur of our Dalì Dynasty. Yu Wang, however, suspects ill intent from the Northern Frontier and urges heightened vigilance, aligning largely with the military commanders.”

Grand Princess Yi De dropped fish food into the basin. As the koi swam eagerly to devour it, a faint smile touched her lips. “The struggles in the court have been ongoing for quite some time. Let them be. Yao’er, the New Year is approaching. Grandmother has prepared all your dowry. How is your wedding dress coming along?”

“Grandmother, I have personally overseen the main embroidery work, and it will be finished soon. After making a few final adjustments to the edges and corners, it will certainly be complete before the New Year.”

“Very well. I’ve had someone oversee Yue Wang’s mansion for you. The renovations are progressing splendidly and should be finished before the New Year. Everything is now in place, awaiting only your wedding day.” Grand Princess Yi De gazed at Mu Yunyao, her eyes brimming with reluctance. “You’ve only been back with Grandmother for a few days, yet you marry someone else. The thought of you leaving my side feels like my heart is being torn out.”

Mu Yunyao quickly set down her bamboo brush and approached the Grand Princess. Taking her hand, she gently rocked it. “Grandmother, even after I marry, I can still come visit you every day. It’s just a change of residence. Nothing different from now. Besides, I’ll be counting on you to back me up. If Yue Wang treats me poorly, I’ll come straight to you to complain. When that happens, you must help me deal with him.”

“Very well. If Junyue dares to upset you, Grandmother will be the first to object.”

Mu Yunyao’s smile widened, but before she could speak, a voice tinged with laughter reached her ears.

“How could I dare upset Yao’er?” Yue Wang entered, his eyes lighting up with amusement at the faint blush on Mu Yunyao’s cheeks.

Qu Mama hurried forward to take the white fur cloak from Yue Wang’s shoulders, revealing a pale blue robe. Paired with the gentle smile now on his face, he truly embodied the image of a gentleman as graceful as jade, peerless in his bearing.

Grand Princess Yi De appraised Yue Wang, then turned her gaze to Mu Yunyao, whose delicate beauty resembled a dawn-blooming flower. She felt the two were perfectly matched, and the lingering reluctance in her heart gradually faded. Yet she persisted, “That cannot be said, Junyue. Your temperament is cold, utterly unsuited to Yao’er...”

Yue Wang quickly interjected, “Imperial Auntie, opposites attract—cold and warm are the perfect match...”

Mu Yunyao blushed even deeper, silently glaring at Yue Wang. Her maternal grandmother was clearly joking, yet this man dared to jump in.

Grand Princess Yi De’s smile broadened. “When love is deep, water tastes like honey. When love fades, honey loses its sweetness. You speak well now, but who can predict how things will be in the future?”

“Imperial Auntie, you know my character. I would never let Yao’er down...” Yue Wang felt a surge of urgency. Even though he knew Grand Princess Yi De was deliberately testing him, he made every effort to give his assurance. He couldn’t bear for Yunyao to harbor even the slightest doubt about their future together.

Seeing Yue Wang’s forehead beading with sweat, Xu Yanhan quickly interjected, “Mother, I’m reviewing Yao’er’s dowry list and have some uncertainties. Would you mind taking a look?”

Grand Princess Yi De smiled as she glanced at Mu Yunyao and Ning Junyue, then waved them away. “I’ll review the list myself. You two needn’t disturb me here.”

Yue Wang nodded hastily. “Yes, then Yao’er and I will withdraw.”

Before Mu Yunyao could say anything, Yue Wang pulled her out.

Seeing Yue Wang’s hand directly grasp Mu Yunyao’s, Grand Princess Yi De raised an eyebrow. “I used to think Junyue’s temperament was so aloof that he might end up alone forever. Who would’ve thought that after falling for someone, he’d change so completely.”

Xu Yanhan smiled quietly beside her. She was utterly satisfied with Yue Wang—whether back in Jingling City or now in the Capital, his devotion to Yunyao had never wavered. That alone was truly remarkable. “Yao’er’s disposition has changed quite a bit, too.”

In the past, she’d been wary of everyone and everything, always tense as a taut string. As her mother, Xu Yanhan, had worried constantly, fearing she might snap at any moment. Now, with Yue Wang by her side, she’d learned to rely on others. Her smile had grown far more vibrant than before. She only hoped these two children’s wedding would proceed smoothly, and that they would live happily ever after, growing old together in harmony.

Mu Yunyao was pulled out of the grand hall by Yue Wang. She quickly withdrew her fingers and fidgeted with her sleeves, uncomfortable. “Just now, in front of Grandmother, how could you... How could you be so rude?” Though she and Yue Wang were quite casual in private, she never dared to show the slightest disrespect to elders. His abrupt pulling her out earlier had left her deeply uncomfortable.

A smile lingered in Yue Wang’s eyes. Seeing Mu Yunyao adjust her sleeves, he reached out again, took her hand, gave it a gentle squeeze, then spread her palm flat in his own, examining it carefully as if it were a precious treasure.

If he could, he would proclaim it to the world, letting heaven and earth bear witness, letting all rivers rejoice. He was about to marry, and the bride was the love of his life!

Embarrassed by his gaze, Mu Yunyao tried to pull her hand away, but her wrist was held firmly in place. She curled her fingers slightly, her pink fingertips turning pale. “Fourth Master, do you like it?”

Yue Wang nodded earnestly. “Graceful and serene, gentle and true, with delicate texture and perfectly proportioned bones. Yao’er’s fingers are slender as jade—naturally, they are utterly exquisite.” Unlike his own hands, whose palms were covered in calluses, thick enough to grasp thorns without feeling a prick.

Mu Yunyao tried to pinch his palm, but after exerting herself for a long while, her own fingers ached without leaving the slightest mark on his skin.

Seeing Mu Yunyao’s puffed-up expression, Yue Wang couldn’t help but laugh aloud: “Yao’er, why don’t we sit over in that pavilion?”

Mu Yunyao glanced at the pavilion, open on all sides and still dusted with snow, then looked at Yue Wang, who had come out without a cloak. She snorted inwardly. This man’s thoughts had become full of twists and turns, “Your clothes are thin, Fourth Master. The wind is strong by the pavilion. We should go to the side hall instead.” With that, she turned and headed straight for the side hall.

Yue Wang clenched his palm, as if trying to hold onto the lingering warmth she left behind, then followed Mu Yunyao with a smile.

Stepping into the side hall, they were immediately enveloped in a wave of fragrant warmth. Yue Wang surveyed the furnishings, his eyes sparkling. He had been here before, and while the basic layout remained unchanged, many new touches had been added—details that warmed the heart.

He approached the desk, pinching the soft welcome pillow resting nearby. A smile touched his lips. “Yao’er, my back has been aching these past few days.”

Mu Yunyao set aside the half-brewed teacup and hurried to Yue Wang’s side. “What’s wrong?”

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Incurable Chapter 58 Part 2

The rain fell for half the day, dispersing the lingering mist. Mu Wan stayed in her room reading and napping, while Liu Qianxiu engaged in his spiritual practice. Around one o’clock in the afternoon, after she awoke from her nap, Liu Qianxiu pushed open the door and entered.

Liu Qianxiu had changed into a new set of Taoist robes. His posture was straight and tall, his aura pure and cool, giving him an ethereal, otherworldly air. Seeing him, she set down the book in her hands, opened her arms, and smiled.

Understanding her gesture, he walked over, lifted her off the bed, and kissed her lips.

“Get ready. We’re going fishing.”

The fishing spot was at the Qingyuan River behind the mountain. Mu Wan propped herself up, looked down at him, and asked, “Aren’t you going to meditate?”

“Mhm.” Liu Qianxiu placed her back on the bed and fetched her shoes.

“This doesn’t seem right,” Mu Wan murmured, gazing out the window at the silent main hall. “Weren’t you here for seclusion? What if Master disapproves when you leave?”

He sat on the bedside, listening to her chatter. Only after she finished did he ask, “Who said I came for seclusion?”

Mu Wan froze.

While she was lost in thought, Liu Qianxiu slipped her other shoe on. He leaned down, gently hooked her nose with his finger—an intimate, doting gesture.

“I came to play with you.”

His face was inches away, clear and handsome. A little flower bloomed in Mu Wan’s heart, its petals sweet and fragrant. She stood up, her excitement bubbling over. “Then let’s go.”

They grabbed their fishing gear and followed the back mountain path toward the Qingyuan River. The grass on either side of the trail was rain-soaked, leaving their legs damp with each step.

Mu Wan adored the back mountain for its vast bamboo groves—the leaves were a vibrant green, and the air carried the faint, refreshing scent of bamboo. She followed Liu Qianxiu, admiring his Taoist robe as it fluttered with each step. He exuded an aura of both chivalry and Taoist grace, utterly captivating.

Though they came to catch fish, it was really just an excuse to play. Mu Wan slipped off her shoes and let Liu Qianxiu lead her onto the boat. Once they reached the river’s center, Liu Qianxiu cast the net, and the two of them lay back on the boat.

After a half-day of rain, the sky had cleared. Beneath the blue heavens, large, fluffy white clouds drifted like tangled masses of cotton candy.

The fishing net descended into the river. The boat drifted motionless in the center of the calm, crystal-clear waters, like a painting.

Mu Wan felt completely at ease. Lying against Liu Qianxiu, she gazed at the blue sky and white clouds, breathing in the fresh air after the autumn rain. The river murmured, the small boat rocked gently. Time and the world seemed to stand still.

Resting her head on Liu Qianxiu’s chest, she watched him read a book. The pages carried the scent of incense from the main hall, fresh and natural. Mu Wan rolled over, and Liu Qianxiu looked up at her. Her eyes were fixed on the book cover—another ancient text, written in classical Chinese, with sparse lines of text. Within its pages lay profound, inexplicable wisdom.

“Did you bring your homework here?” Mu Wan asked with a smile.

He set the book aside, smiling as he gently pinched her earlobe. “It’s a habit.”

It truly was a habit. He was quiet most of the time, and when he was quiet, he read. The book lay to one side, pages fluttering in the breeze. Mu Wan scanned a few lines.

The characters were traditional Chinese. She could recognize about eighty to ninety percent of them, but the meaning within? She didn’t understand. In front of Liu Qianxiu and the others, she was practically illiterate.

“If you keep reading like this, how many books will it take?” Mu Wan mused. “Master Xuan Qingzi must have finished reading them all by now, right?”

“No,” Liu Qianxiu denied, his eyes veiled in mist. He tucked her jet-black hair behind her ear and said, “Each book offers different insights when read at different times. Daoist cultivation emphasizes enlightenment, not quantity. Master has pursued enlightenment for nearly eighty years, yet the books remain the same.”

Muwan didn’t fully grasp his explanation, but she caught the key point. Her eyes widened as she asked, “Master has pursued enlightenment for nearly eighty years... How old is he this year?”

“Eighty-two,” Liu Qianxiu replied.

In the entertainment industry, celebrities place utmost importance on maintaining their appearance, yet no one can defy the passage of time. Even those who seem to age slowly over decades cannot hide their signs of aging once they reach eighty.

Xuan Qingzi appeared only sixty, yet was actually eighty-two. What kind of immortal was this?

Mu Wan studied Liu Qianxiu’s features closely. He was six or seven years older than her, yet in reality, he looked much like men her own age.

Mu Wan raised her hand and brushed his cheek. “Will you stay this young forever?”

A soft sigh escaped his throat as Liu Qianxiu clasped her hand.

“My future is spent entirely with you.” He kissed her fingertips, a faint smile touching his lips. “See for yourself.”

His kisses made her fingers tingle, and his words stirred something deep within her. Mu Wan laughed, meeting his dark eyes. She shifted, wanting to climb up to his level. The moment she moved, he caught her waist and pulled her close.

His future was spent with her. How long would that future last?

Mu Wan cupped his cheeks with both hands, leaning down to kiss him. Their soft lips entwined, a gentle breeze unable to dispel their tenderness. She kissed him lightly, a soft laugh escaping her lips.

“Liu Qianxiu,” she murmured, her beautiful eyes narrowing slightly. “Do you have pre-wedding jitters? Is that why you brought me to this Taoist temple to meditate and clear my mind?”

His fingers tangled in her hair as he gazed directly into her eyes, his expression heavy with tenderness and adoration.

“Afraid of what?”

Afraid... She didn’t know what she was afraid of, either.

She licked her lips and asked, “Aren’t you afraid?”

Her voice was soft and sweet. Her hair fell over her ears, a slant of sunlight filtering through the dark strands beside her ear, illuminating her cheek with a soft, delicate glow.

“Mhm.” Liu Qianxiu nodded, his smile breaking through like sunlight piercing a valley.

“I fear you won’t marry me.”

Mu Wan rested her head against his chest. His words vibrated against her skin as she listened to his heartbeat, and she smiled.

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