Incurable Chapter 13 Part 2

Chapter 13 (2/2)

When Liu Qianxiu came out of the operating room and removed his mask, one of the nurses came over to help him out of his surgical gown and said, “Dr. Liu, President Xiao is looking for you. He’s waiting in your office.”

Liu Qianxiu removed his gloves.

“All right,” he said.

Then he turned and left.

The president of Tang’er Hospital, Xiao Tan, had been Liu Qianxiu’s senior back at Imperial College London. Tang’er Hospital belonged to the Xiao family group. Xiao Tan had worked there straight out of graduation and had become the hospital’s president last year. Liu Qianxiu had been recruited there by him.

Most people in the department knew they had a senior-junior relationship from years past, and Xiao Tan came by Liu Qianxiu’s office from time to time.

When Liu Qianxiu pushed the office door open, Xiao Tan was seated to one side, flipping through the surgical records Liu Qianxiu had completed recently.

Hearing the door, Xiao Tan looked up with a smile.

“Surgery finished?”

Xiao Tan was thirty-seven this year. He had regular, well-composed features, was impeccably put together, and carried an educated, gentle manner. Though he held the title of president, he was not a severe person by temperament.

Liu Qianxiu answered once and sat down behind his desk. The chair shifted with a soft sound as he leaned back, turned his neck, and rubbed it a couple of times.

Three hours of surgery had left him tired.

“No more surgeries today, right?” Xiao Tan asked.

They had known each other for years, and Liu Qianxiu knew Xiao Tan well enough. Leaning forward slightly, he opened his eyes and looked at him directly.

“What is it?”

Liu Qianxiu was blunt, and Xiao Tan did not circle around the point.

Smiling faintly, he said, “The last time you operated on Dr. Xiao Yun’s grandfather, she wanted to invite you to dinner to thank you.”

Technically, Xiao Tan and Xiao Yun were distantly related—not too distant, either. Xiao Tan’s father placed great importance on family ties, and before Xiao Yun came to the hospital, he had specifically instructed Xiao Tan to take good care of her.

Xiao Tan was not old, but he had spent enough years dealing with people to read a room well. When Xiao Yun mentioned wanting to thank Liu Qianxiu, Xiao Tan had seen enough from her expression to guess the rest.

Liu Qianxiu was outstanding.

Xiao Yun was refined and elegant.

Both were accomplished surgeons, with common ground to stand on.

The problem was simply that one was cold and reticent, while the other was reserved and proper. There was always a small but stubborn distance between them.

After Xiao Tan finished speaking, Liu Qianxiu’s gaze drifted toward the orchid on the windowsill.

Its leaves were pale green, its blossoms a soft blue, small and lively with spirit.

“Qianxiu?” Xiao Tan called.

“Mm.”

Liu Qianxiu’s expression did not change. He looked back at Xiao Tan and said, “I was only doing what I should. There’s no need.”

“You have plans tonight?” Xiao Tan asked.

Liu Qianxiu denied it.

“No.”

“Then it’s settled.” Ignoring the refusal outright, Xiao Tan made the decision for him. “You’re a doctor, but that doesn’t mean you should do nothing but treat patients. You ought to socialize too. You never go to staff gatherings. Do you know no one in this hospital except me? Consider it doing me a favor. I’ll be there too. Seven o’clock tonight, Masyale.”

With that, Xiao Tan stood, patted him once on the shoulder, and left.

The last scene of the day took forever. By the time Mu Wan finished filming, it was already past six. She called Liu Qianxiu to ask whether he was off work yet.

He answered quickly. Just one low “Hello,” and sweetness rose immediately in Mu Wan’s chest.

“Are you off work?” she asked.

“Just now.” The other end of the line was very quiet, which only made his voice sound clearer, cleaner.

“Ah...” Mu Wan said, disappointed.

She hurried toward the entrance of the studio lot, scanning the road for taxis. It was hot, and just past six, drivers changed shifts. Cabs were hard to catch.

“So I can’t come wait for you today,” she said. “Should I just go straight to your place?”

Liu Qianxiu did not agree.

“Dr. Xiao invited me to dinner tonight,” he said. “I’ll be back later.”

Dr. Xiao?

Mu Wan stopped walking.

The faintly disdainful look on the female doctor’s face from a few days earlier flashed back into her mind. Wasn’t she the reserved, composed sort? Since when had she started making a move too?

Now was not the time to dwell on that.

A dry heat rose in Mu Wan’s chest. Whether it came from jealousy or simple urgency, she pulled back the hand she had been using to hail taxis and asked, “I thought you didn’t eat out.”

That was what he had told her the last time she suggested taking him out to dinner.

So why was he willing to go when this Dr. Xiao asked?

Then Mu Wan asked, “What time will you be finished? Can I still come see the cats?”

Over the line, she sounded like an anxious little cat—stretching out sharp claws to grab at the small dried fish someone else was about to steal away. Failing to catch it, the voice that came out was both frustrated and faintly aggrieved.

Liu Qianxiu asked evenly, “Are you eating alone?”

“Mm,” Mu Wan said, not quite able to hide the note in her voice. “You still haven’t answered my question—”

“Would you like to come with me?” Liu Qianxiu asked.

Mu Wan’s pupils widened slightly.

The heat inside her was like spun sugar swelling bigger and bigger, only to melt at once when he bit through it lightly. Sweet, light, and utterly gone.

“I can come?” she asked.

Her tone had already softened over the phone.

Liu Qianxiu gave a quiet affirmative.

“I’ll take you.”

“Okay,”

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Continue reading Incurable Chapter 13 Part 2

Incurable Chapter 13 Part 1

Chapter 13 (1/2)

Each word had been spoken clearly, evenly, the tone as calm as a pendulum swinging back and forth against Mu Wan’s eardrums.

And when the hour struck—dong—her heart lurched.

The night was utterly still.

From the kitten room around the corner came a single meow.

Her red lips parted once, twice. Beside her, the man rose to his feet. Mu Wan’s gaze followed upward as she tipped her head back. Light rippled in her eyes, and within that shimmer, Liu Qianxiu’s figure was reflected.

“They’re awake,” Liu Qianxiu said, looking down at her.

His throat moved once. Her heartbeat had not yet settled.

Mu Wan smiled, the smile full and pleased, like someone who had secretly stolen a piece of candy and gotten away with it.

She stood too, her red dress spilling down around her, and crossed the room on two pale, slender legs.

“Let me see whether Ertong’s eyes have opened yet,” she said as she walked toward the kitten room.

Liu Qianxiu watched her go in.

Then his gaze dropped to the Tao Te Ching she had just set aside.

Ertong’s eyes had opened, too.

They were pale gold, just like Datou’s and Zhongfen’s.

The other two had already fully opened theirs. Ertong’s and Zhongfen’s were rounder, while Datou’s had that slightly drooping look. Just a tiny ball of fur, eyes newly open, meowing for milk with a droopy little expression that made it heartbreakingly cute.

Once Ertong’s eyes were open, Mu Wan prepared to leave.

Standing in the entryway, one hand against the cool wall for balance, she slipped off the oversized slippers. The narrow arch of her foot lifted slightly, leading into the white line of her calf beneath the hem of her red dress.

She stepped into her heels. The heel struck the floor with a crisp tok—

and then made no sound at all, because of what the man said next.

“How are you getting home?”

His gaze skimmed, almost without meaning to, over her legs beneath the red dress. The clock now showed half past nine. Liu Qianxiu’s expression remained calm as he asked it.

Mu Wan stood at the entrance.

The living room lights were still off. Only the lamp on the low table cast its faint circle of light. Backlit, Liu Qianxiu looked tall and straight, his features sharply cut and quietly elegant.

“Taxi,” Mu Wan answered.

She took out her phone and checked the time. The glow of the screen lit her face, and the small crease between her brows showed faint trouble.

“It’ll be hard to get one now,” she said.

Before she could say more, a figure moved in front of her and shadowed her completely.

Mu Wan looked up.

Her phone screen lit his face.

He had already changed shoes.

“I’ll drive you.”

The next day, Mu Wan dropped down under the city wall and sat in the shade, opening the paper folding fan from her costume to fan herself.

She was still wearing her costume, and though the sleeves were wide, the waist was tightly fitted and the collar layered so thickly it trapped heat. The temperature was at least thirty-five degrees. Mu Wan was drenched in sweat. She had just finished a fight scene, but the assistant director would not let her change yet, saying the director had to check the footage first. If the shot could not be used, they would have to film it again.

“Oh my God, oh my God, you’re amazing, Mu Wan,” Lin Wei said excitedly over the phone. “So? How was Taoist Liu in bed—”

“Nothing happened,” Mu Wan said.

She snapped the fan shut, wiped sweat off with the sleeve of her costume, and, remembering last night, let the corner of her mouth lift.

“He just drove me home.”

“He drove you home and that was it?” Lin Wei asked, struggling to contain herself. “You didn’t ask him upstairs?”

“No,” Mu Wan said. “He rests at ten. Once he got me home, I let him go.”

Lin Wei: “...”

Single by sheer talent.

Still, Lin Wei did understand her. She and Mu Wan were not the same. Mu Wan cared more about emotional connection. Physical closeness, for her, was something that came naturally only after that emotional intimacy had reached a certain point.

“All right then,” Lin Wei said, changing tack. “Did anything else happen between you two? Did you get any clearer sense of whether Taoist Liu likes you?”

Mu Wan lifted the fan again. The breeze pushed her bangs back and loosened some of the heat clinging to her face. Thinking of Liu Qianxiu sitting beneath the lamp, she said, “Last night I asked him whether he liked living alone. He asked why I was asking. I told him it was because he had always lived alone.”

She paused there, smiling faintly.

Lin Wei was about to die of impatience.

“So what did he say?”

“Oh.” Coming back to herself, Mu Wan felt the tips of her ears warm. “He said: Now, in this moment, there are two people.”

Just hearing Mu Wan repeat the words—and pairing them with Liu Qianxiu’s cool, remote, almost unearthly face—was enough to give Lin Wei goosebumps.

“Mu Wan! Come reshoot the scene!” the assistant director shouted.

“Coming!”

Mu Wan pushed herself up from the ground, dusted off the dirt, and said into the phone, “I don’t know what he meant, but I think I like him even more now. I have to go film.”

Then she hung up.

Lin Wei remained stunned for a long while after the call ended.

She could practically picture the whole scene in her mind: one lamp, one man, one woman. The man aloof and ethereal, the woman vivid and soft and alive.

One immortal.

One spirit.

No matter how fierce the spirit was, how was she ever supposed to escape the immortal’s grasp?

In the end, Mu Wan—who had fallen first—would absolutely end up being the one seduced in return by Taoist Liu.

Now, in this moment, there are two people.

Lin Wei clicked her tongue twice.

So the Taoist had it in him after all. All that abstinence, that severe expression, that face full of self-restraint—and when it came to speaking lines that could shake a heart, he apparently knew exactly what he was doing.

This, now, was what true restraint looked like.

After a reshoot, Mu Wan finally got a short break.

Fan in hand, she went to the rest area. The production’s rest area was nothing more than one large open room, crowded with supporting actors and extras. The assistant director was shouting scene and shot numbers, calling people to get ready, while the makeup artists yelled for touch-ups. It was chaos in the liveliest possible way.

It was a little after two in the afternoon.

Mu Wan still had one last scene to shoot. Once that was done, she could leave—probably around a little after four. She found a quiet corner, sat down with both elbows on her knees, and took out her phone.

She had not contacted Liu Qianxiu since leaving his place the night before. Over the past several days, the only thing she usually did was ask what time he got off work after her own filming ended—then go pick him up.

When she was on set, Mu Wan hardly ever played with her phone. Only when she was bored would she open a few rounds of Plants vs. Zombies, and once she had paid her way through all the levels, even that lost its charm. There were very few apps on her phone. She opened her contacts and found Liu Qianxiu’s number.

She had saved him as Taoist Liu.

Liu Qianxiu made too strong an impression. Even his phone number seemed to carry some trace of that otherworldly quality of his—faintly cool, faintly detached.

And yet Mu Wan liked it.

Even this string of digits, she liked.

She was smiling to herself so intently that she did not notice Gao Mei approach until it felt as though a small mountain had toppled into her personal space. Mu Wan turned and saw Gao Mei’s round shape and smiling slit eyes.

“In love?” Gao Mei asked, face full of gossip.

Mu Wan locked her phone. The screen briefly reflected her own smiling face back at her. With her high ponytail tied up, all of her features were exposed, showing both her glamour and a hint of sharpness.

She put the phone away.

“Not yet,” she said.

“Oh?” Gao Mei’s voice rose at once. “What does that mean? You’re in the ambiguous stage?”

Gao Mei blocked the wind when she came over, and Mu Wan felt warm again. She opened her fan to cool her flushed cheeks, then admitted it openly.

“Yeah.”

“So that’s why you’ve been going to see the cats every day,” Gao Mei said knowingly, tapping Mu Wan with the script in her hand. “You’re not going to see the cats. You’re going to see the one you like.”

The tap of the script sent a little breeze toward her. Mu Wan laughed and glanced at the cover.

“You got cast in this one too?”

The title Red Embroidery was written there. Apparently, Gao Mei would once again be in the same production as her. That was good news. At least they would not be too bored while waiting around for scenes.

“Yeah,” Gao Mei said. “They start on the thirtieth. Wait—today’s Friday. Doesn’t that mean next Monday?”

Then she did the math and declared, “You and your beloved are about to go long-distance.”

The fan in Mu Wan’s hand paused.

Heat rose abruptly over her face.

She started fanning again, thinking it through. Wencheng was not far, but if there were night shoots, she definitely would not be able to come back. She did not want to be apart from Liu Qianxiu—but her part was small; she could probably finish her scenes in a week...

“Oh, right,” Gao Mei said. “Do you know who the female lead is? Top billing. They announced it today. Same surname as yours.”

The heat in Mu Wan’s chest settled at once. What Aunt Wu had said came back to her—Mu Qing had found herself a boyfriend from the Shen family.

Turning to Gao Mei, Mu Wan asked, “What’s her name?”

“Mu Qing.”

Mu Wan’s lips closed.

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Continue reading Incurable Chapter 13 Part 1

Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 240

~ GIVE BACK TO THE PEOPLE ~ 

“Lord Li is flattering me. Actually, I have other thoughts in my mind. I only hope you don’t laugh at me when I say it.” Mu Yunyao lowered her head slightly and smiling a little more nervously.

“Please speak, Miss Mu.” 

“During my stay in Jingling City, my mother and I have come into contact with many madams and ladies from various families. They are very kind-hearted and take great care of us. Previously, my adoptive mother and I were discussing the Laba porridge festival. Many madams regret that they were unable to participate in the festival. This time around, we can consider it as having a meaningful act of kindness to the entire Jingling City. If it is feasible, could Lord Li call for more people to participate in it?”

Li Munian’s eyes moved and quickly thought about it: “Miss Mu is indeed intelligent. If more people participate in it, it would be a fortunate thing for the people of Jingling City!”

Mu Yunyao nodded her head. “It’s good that Lord Li doesn’t think I’m doing whimsical. I’ll have to trouble Lord Li to manage this matter. For Ni Yun Fang and Bu Xian Luo, I’ll follow Lord’s arrangements.”

“Alright, I’ll give you all the credit.”

“Everything was arranged by Lord Li. I just paid some silver coins, so you can’t consider it a big deal.”

After Li Munian and Mu Yunyao finished talking about their proper business, Lady Zhou asked Mu Yunyao to have dinner in the mansion before going back. She had refused it as the reason to go home and pack up her things. Lady Zhou ordered someone to send Mu Yunyao home. After Mu Yunyao had left, she couldn’t help but praise, “If Mu Yunyao hadn’t come from too low a family background, I would even want to bring her to the Zhou family. With her intelligence and disposition, she will definitely be of great help to the family.”

Li Munia let out a chuckle, “You think that her background is too low, but who knows if she might be looking down on the Zhou Family? Miss Mu has quite an interesting mind.”

Lady Zhou raised her brows. “Master, what do you mean by that?”

“Madam, please don’t be angry. It’s not that I look down on my father-in-law’s family. But when I look at Mu Yunyao’s every word and action, I don’t think she’s a person from the pool. Why does Madam think that she want to hurriedly give back to the people of Jingling City before she left?”

Lady Zhou’s eyes moved. “… … …This was … if you want to make a name for yourself, why don’t you give the Su family a bad impression?”

“During this time, the Emperor had suppressed the Li family, and the Su family is very proud” Li Mu Nian smiled and nodded as admitting it. “I will find someone to discuss now. If it’s too late, I can sleep in the study room. Madam doesn’t have to wait for me. Mu Yunyao wanted to light the fire, so I’ll add two sticks of firewood and pour a ladle of hot oil for her...,”

In the following time, many ordinary people found that the entire Jingling City seemed to be bustling with activity. Mu Yunyao united with other families to donate silver, and the total amount reached one hundred and fifty thousand silver taels.

Li Munian was also a courageous person. He did not use all the silver to buy grain and distribute it to the people. Instead, he used a portion of his silver taels to build water canals, repair rivers, rebuild the streets, and rebuild the charity bureau ..… All kinds of good deeds causing the entire Jingling City to appear prosperous and flourishing, as though the future is full of infinite vitality.

When the commoners heard the news, they rushed to tell each other, especially Mu Yunyao, who had donated a hundred thousand taels of silver. Previously, they had thought that her Ni Yun Fang and Bu Xian Luo was too eye-catching, but now that they knew she had taken out all the silver she had earned in a year, even the envious peers could not help but raise their thumbs and praise.

Wen Mama and the others stood next to Bu Xian Luo’s window and allowing them to see the entire Su family clearly from here.

In front of the Su family’s residence, many people brought over fruits and vegetables. They quietly placed them at the door and paid their respects before leaving. Some people even tied some hens in baskets and left them at the door.

Liu Mama, who had accompanied Wen Mama, had an unfriendly look in her eyes. “This Miss Biao really knows how to win a good reputation. In terms of reputation alone, I’m afraid that even Eldest Madam will be slightly inferior.”

Wen Mama turned around and glanced at her. Liu Mama was the person beside the Eldest Madam. Although she couldn’t be considered a confidant, she still had quite a bit of trust in her and had some face in the Su family. “What is the comparison between the two of them?”

The corner of Liu Mama’s mouth rose. “Indeed. It’s really nothing similar! One was a phoenix flying in the sky, while the other was pheasant plowing on the ground, which is different from the root.”

Wen Mama shut her eyes and didn’t say anything.

Batches after batches of food had been sent into the Jingling City. Many of the surrounding cities had shocked as well. It was unknown just how many people were envious of the people of Jingling City!

Over the past year or so, the entire Jingling City has undergone tremendous changes. The women in Jingling City have learned the best embroidery skills, and they can earn two taels of silver with a slight movement of their needlework. With the support of Ni Yun Fang and Bu Xian Lou, the men have frequent business contacts. Even hard-working men earn more than ten cents a day than other places.

When Mu Yunyao heard that someone had placed something in front of the Su family’s residence, she immediately wrote a sign and hung it up. She hoped that the people would not be so polite, but it didn’t work. The people still kept putting things at her door.

Mu Yunyao thought about it carefully and then asked people to gather the things together and put them in Jin Xiu Garden. She was only waiting for the day when she would give these things back to the people of Jingling City. She will make these things into food so that more people could benefit from it.

After hearing this, ordinary people even more moved. Many people specially delivered the items to Jin Xiu Garden and begged Steward Qin to accept them, saying that they would also contribute to Jingling City’s people. Many merchants also rushed over, the status of merchants was not high, and they were considered unwelcome in the past. After Mu Yunyao had done many good deeds for the people, the people’s attitude towards the merchants had changed a lot. The merchants naturally returned the favor, hoping to earn some good reputation for themselves.

Mu Yunyao didn’t decide on her own accord. She recorded down the person who wanted to donate the silver and passed the name list over to Li Munian.

Li Munian was not a pedantic person, and he didn’t mean to look down on the merchants at all. After he knew about it, he even made the government announce a notice to commend the merchants who took the initiative to offer silver. The merchant who went to deliver the silver just a moment ago had almost trampled on the threshold of the government office.

Li Munian received nearly 40 thousand taels of silver again. After making up 200,000 silver, he used some of it to buy food. The other part was written as a notice and was posted on the wall at the government office’s gate, stating that the remaining silver was for future emergency use. The weather in Jingling City was smooth sailing. If he used it now, it would be like icing on the cake of the ordinary people. However, if it was a year of disaster, these silver taels could save countless lives.

In order to prevent the people from thinking over much, he wrote down the items for the silver taels in detail. He also explained what kind of things they would buy in the future, then posted a notice to inform the entire city.

The commoners were not greedy. After hearing this, they think it is very reasonable, and not many people oppose it.

After preparing for nearly half a month, July 20th, a drizzle had fallen in the morning. After the sky had cleared, the breeze was gentle, and the weather was surprisingly fresh. Jingling City’s people took to the streets one after another and concentrated on several streets near Bu Xian Luo.

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Continue reading Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 240

Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 239

~ SHE’S NOT AFRAID OF TROUBLE ~ 

Mu Yunyao looked at Jin Lan with appreciation. “You’re right. Lady Zhou’s words are full of praise for me. She says that I’m no worse than those noble girls in the Capital!”

Jin Qiao nodded on one side. “Lady Zhou is right about this!”

Jin Lan couldn’t help but glare at her. “How could it be this simple!? That Lady Zhou is not simply a pure compliment.”

“Huh? Is it clear praise and derogation? That can’t be it?”

Jin Lan thought about her guess. Seeing Mu Yunyao look at her with a slightly encouraging gaze, she couldn’t help but tentatively said, “Miss, this servant will dare to speak out. If I’m wrong, please forgive me.”

“Tell me about it.”

“Lady Zhou praises Miss, and the maidservant agrees with her very much. No matter if it was appearance or talent, Miss was in no way inferior to those noble ladies of the Capital. When ordinary people heard Lady Zhou’s words, they could not help but feel pleased with themselves. Perhaps after entering the Capital, they might even compare themselves to those noble ladies. With Miss now in charge of Ni Yun Fang and Bu Xian Luo, if she really wants to show off, no one will be able to cover it up. But this way, it will be extremely disadvantageous for Miss. After all, Miss is s only addressing the Old Madam of the Su family as a grandmother.”

Mu Yunyao laughed, “You’re right, the Su family is like a big tree, my mother and I are just minor details of this tree, but there is that blood tie. If the relationship is there, it will affect the whole body. As long as I am uneasy in the Su family, some people can hold this point and make a fuss. If I really can’t carry it clearly, I’m afraid the first person in the Su family who can’t accommodate is my mother and me.”

Jin Qiao couldn’t help but stroke her chest. “I really didn’t expect that things were so complicated and complex. On the contrary, that Lady Zhou treats people warmly, but her heart is also very dark! Isn’t this taking advantage of you completely?”

“The Zhou family and the Su family have never been on good terms, so why would she kindly remind me?”

Jin Lan had worried on the side. “Miss. Wen Mama saw you and Lady Zhou. Would she said something that would harm you after returning to the Su family?”

Mu Yunyao slightly smiled, “The two of you are going to follow me to the Su family. Since it’s like this, there are some things that I need to tell you in advance. Just now, Jin Lan’s words came to the point. Mother is Old Madam Su’s biological daughter, but Mother has never met Old Madam Su after so many years. Even though they were blood-related, their relationship was not as close as the servants who had served her for a long time. Besides, my father was born in poverty, so he could not enter the Su family’s eyes. People like me looked like a stain to the Su family. Therefore, when you come to the Capital, you have to be careful in your words and actions. If you encountered something, you should think more and never act impulsively.”

“Yes. Please rest assured, Miss. We’ll be patient and won’t cause trouble for you and Madam.” Jin Lan was still able to hold on, but Jin Qiao had a nervous expression on her face.

“Miss, let’s endure for now and wait until later to take revenge!” Jin Qiao’s eyes were wide open as she spoke with a solemn expression.

Mu Yunyao couldn’t hold back her laughter. “What you said is also a plan, but if you can’t stand on the topic of reasoning, can’t you think of a way to make the person on the topic unable to speak?”

Jin Lan and Jin Qiao had puzzled faces, but Mu Yunyao didn’t explain any further. Right now, no matter how much she talked about it, the two of them still couldn’t feel the same. They have to come to the Su family’s residence to understand gradually. What the Su family says is never the truth, but whose skill is hard! And she went back this time only to get revenge. Naturally, she was not afraid of getting into trouble.

In the next few days, many people came to visit Su Qing. Each of them’s attitudes was peculiarly close to her and gave her generous gifts. Mu Yunyao didn’t especially follow Su Qing to receive them. Instead, she concentrated on arranging Ni Yun Fang.

Since she was going to the Capital, she naturally had to set up Ni Yun Fang in the Capital as soon as possible. This way, it would at least be convenient for her to get dressed.

After several busy days, Wen Mama once again mentioned the matter of departure: “Madam, just yesterday, the Old Madam sent a letter to remind me. I hope that Madam and Young Miss can return to the Su family as soon as possible. Seeing that the Mid-Autumn Festival is approaching, the Old Madam will definitely want a family reunion.”

“It’s really my fault to make my mother worry about it. Yao’er, how are things arranged?”

“Mother, when we came to Jingling City, we had nothing. Thanks to the help of the people in Jingling City, we had a firm foothold and today’s property. Before this, I had talked to Lord Li, the salt transportation envoy, that we wanted to give back to the people in Jingling City. But later, there was a case of stealing salt, and the whole Jiangnan area was in turmoil. Lord Li has no time to do so, and this has delayed the matter and kept pushing back to the present. We are leaving now and can’t say when we will have another chance to come back. Naturally, we have to keep this promise.”

Su Qing nodded her head, “That’s right. You’re right. Previously, we discussed how to take advantage of the festivity during the Dragon Boat Festival. But unfortunately, it was interrupted by the incident. Now, we have to make good use of this opportunity. Otherwise, the people of Jingling City will say that we are ungrateful.”

Mu Yunyao smiled as she looked at Wen Mama. “Wen Mama, I’m truly sorry. Stay here for two more days. I’ll discuss this with Lord Li so that we can settle this matter as soon as possible. We can set off as well.”

“Yes.” Wen Mama left the room. After returning to Bu Xian Luo, her expression was slightly gloomy. She thought for a moment, then found a brush and paper to write the letter and sent it to the Capital overnight.

When the letter was sent out, Steward Qin reported the news to her. After Mu Yunyao heard this, Mu Yunyao laughed and did not take it seriously.

Combined with what had happened in her previous life, Mu Yunyao had a faint feeling, as if the Su family didn’t want too many people to notice the pair of mother and daughter. In that case, she had to go back with a big fanfare, and it would be best if everyone knew about it. She wants to see how the Su family will treat them in this situation.

The next day, Mu Yunyao went to the Li family’s residence to seek an audience. When Lady Zhou heard the reason for her arrival, she asked someone to invite Li Munian back.

“Greetings, Lord Li.”

“Miss Mu need not be so courteous. I heard that Miss Mu came here this time to discuss how to return the favor to the people in Jingling City.”

“Yes.” Mu Yunyao’s face held a smile as she spoke in a gentle voice,” Earlier, I discussed with Lord Li that we would like to give back a hundred thousand silver taels to the people of Jingling City. After that, because of the delays, we have been pushed back until now. Seeing that we are leaving jingling City, I really don’t want to give up. I must keep this promise.”

“Miss Mu’s kind heart is really admirable.” Today, because of the salt tax incident, the Li family received a reprimand from the Emperor. Even his father was exceptionally cautious in front of the Emperor, afraid that saying something wrong would make the Holy Emperor unhappy. Although the matter of Mu Yunyao giving a few taels of silver back to the people of Jingling City wasn’t too big, if he could manage it well, he had credit praise for it. He hopes this contribution can make the impression of the Li family in the Emperor’s heart better!

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Continue reading Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 239

Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 238

~ THE KIND LADY ZHOU ~ 

“Then, I would like to drink two more cups of tea today.” Lady Zhou looked at Mu Yunyao and couldn’t help but secretly praise her in her heart. Even though she had precautionary in her heart, she still felt comfortable looking at Mu Yunyao. 

“Madam, please take a seat.” Mu Yunyao led Lady Zhou to sit down and then personally made tea.

While appreciating her tea making, Lady Zhou casually said, “I’ve heard that Miss Mu will be leaving Jingling City and returning to the Su family’s residence in the Capital in a few days. That’s why I’m here to pay a visit.”

“I also didn’t expect that my mother’s background would be so rough.” Mu Yunyao’s brewing movements were as graceful and smooth as before. However, a trace of unease and apprehension couldn’t help but flash through her eyes as she spoke, causing Madame Zhou to keenly caught it.

“This is a good thing. The Su family in the Capital is very famous. I don’t know how many people want to get into a relationship but can’t!”

Mu Yunyao let out a soft sigh. “Even so, my mother and I grew up in the mountains and the countryside. I’m afraid that we might have our fortune is too low …”

“The first thing I saw when I saw you was that you would definitely be extraordinary in the future. With your skills and bearing alone, even in the Capital, you would stand outstandingly compared to those noble ladies, so there was no need to worry too much.

Mu Yunyao buckled the teacup and lightly placed it in front of Lady Zhou. “I grew up in the countryside since I was young, and I only know a few words from my father. How could I dare to be on par with those noble ladies in the Capital? “Madam, please don’t comfort me.”

“I’m not comforting you, but I’m telling you the truth. You don’t have to belittle yourself. Right now, the Su family is like the sun in the sky, the Old Madam of the Su family enjoys a second life, and your uncle, Su Wenyuan, is also extremely favored by the Emperor. The Eldest Young Master of the Su family, Su Qingwu, came to you personally last time. He was hired as a first-class guard by the Emperor at a young age. With such a prominent family, your fortune will be unlimited in the future.”

Mu Yunyao’s eyes held a hint of longing that just so happened to be there. “Right now, only I and my mother are dependent on each other. It would be great if I could have a few more family members …”

Lady Zhou smiled and took a sip from her teacup. Her eyes immediately lit up. “This tea is really not bad. After drinking it, I actually feel my entire body is refreshed and comfortable. Before you leave, you must sell me some.”

“If Madam likes it, I’ll have it wrapped up and immediately send someone to deliver it to your residence.”

“That’s good.” Lady Zhou drank two cups of tea and said many things about the Su family. one after another. After a while, she took out a post from her hand. “Miss Mu and I are very close to each other. I heard that the girl is going to leave, and I am very reluctant to give up. I came here to send some gifts.”

“How can that be?” Mu Yunyao hurriedly refused.

“This is my kind intentions. Please do not decline.” Lady Zhou directly sent the post to Mu Yunyao.

“... In that case, I shall thank Madam.”

Seeing Mu Yunyao accept it, the smile on Lady Zhou’s face became a bit more genuine. “Have you decided when you’ll go to the Capital?”

“We still need to settle down Ni Yun Fang and Bu Xian Luo. I’m afraid they will take a few more days.”

“That was reasonable. These two properties were flourishing day by day, and there was also the golden signboard gifted down by the Emperor. It’s a pity to abandon them at will. You don’t need to worry, Miss Mu. These two places are Jingling City’s face, and Lord Li already said that he would take good care of them. Even if you and Madam Su leave, we will definitely also take good care of them.”

“Hearing this, Mu Yunyao only felt that Lady Zhou was trying to make a poor decision and hurried over. It turns out that she was planning this. Her heart was on guard, but her expression didn’t show the slightest hint of emotion, “Lord Li is the salt transport envoy of Jingling City and also the son of Prime Minister Li, and you as his wife is also very noble from birth. With the care of you two, Ni Yun Fang and Bu Xian Luo can be considered safe. Thank you, Lord Li and Madam.”

Lady Zhou smiled. “There’s no need to be so courteous. You’re the one that makes me like it when I see you.”

After chatting for nearly half an hour, Lady Zhou stood up and left. Mu Yunyao escorted people out of Jin Xiu Garden, and after Lady Zhou boarded the carriage, she turned around to head back home. When Mu Yunyao returned home, she lightly turned her head to look at Bu Xian Luo. Mu Yunyao thought that Wen Mama had seen Lady Zhou’s arrival in her eyes. But she didn’t know how to arrange it in her heart?

Jin Lan and Jin Qiao quietly followed behind Mu Yunyao. After returning to their room, they took out the post placed at the side. “Miss, quite a few posts have been sent over. These are sent by the ladies who normally have dealings with Ni Yun Fang.”

Mu Yunyao took the post and looked at it. After laughing for a while, she casually threw it onto the table. “These ladies are well informed.”

“Miss, you don’t know, the news about Madam and you being members of the Su family has already spread throughout the entire Jingling City.”

“Let’s pass it. There is nothing shameful about it anyway.” I merely don’t know how Wen Mama will report to the Old Madam after she returns.

Jin Lan brought out a cup of tea. “Miss, your servant heard some of Lady Zhou’s words and felt a bit confused. Some of them seemed to have understood that she was trying to take care of Ni Yun Fang and Bu Xian Luo. You said that after we leave Jingling City, these two properties should not be embezzled by them, right?” 

“I am afraid that she would not be able to do so. Not to mention Li Munian, even his father, Li Qingzhou, did not dare to swallow up the entire Ni Yun Fang and Bu Xian Luo without permission. First, both of these properties are well-known by the Emperor, and they won’t be stupid enough to find unhappiness for themselves. Second, these two properties seem to earn money every day. But for the Li family, they are just like a drop in the bucket. They can’t help but cause trouble. Third, right now, we have a relationship with the Su family, and the Li family and the Su family have never been on good terms with each other. They know the seriousness of the situation better than us.”

Jin Lan blinked and thought for a while. She still didn’t understand. “This slave doesn’t understand even more. If that Lady Zhou didn’t want to help Ni Yun Fang and Bu Xian Luo, why did she say she would take care of them for Miss?”

Mu Yunyao raised her teacup and took a sip: “Why else would she intentionally say such words to the Su Family? Previously, I gave the New Year’s gift to the Emperor, but it struck the Su family’s sore spot. They didn’t know about my relationship with the Su family before, but now that they know that I’m from the Su family, it’s only natural to add to the fire.”

Jin Lan was a little bit stunned: “Wen Mama and the others are living upstairs in Bu Xian Luo, so they should be able to see that Miss entertaining Lady Zhou. Considering how unhappy she was before, Wen Mama’s impression of Miss would definitely be much worse than before. The Li family and the Su family is the opposite. The better Lady Zhou treats Miss, the more unhappy the Su family will be. But in this way, it will inevitably involve Miss and become a pawn in their game.”

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Continue reading Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 238

Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 237

~ THE NEWS SPREAD ~ 

Wen Mama secretly raised her brows. Was she dissatisfied with the Su family?

She thought in her heart, but her face remained calm, and she still respectfully said: “Return to Madam, for so many years, the Old Madam has never given up looking for you. It’s just that the distance from the Capital to Yan City. Even though the Old Madam has extraordinary abilities, she can’t do anything about it. She has been looking for you by an inch, but no news from Madam over the years. Fortunately, Old Madam had heard from time to time about the rich man, Lord Zhang, in Xiayan Village.

It was only after some investigation that Madam’s background seemed to be related to the Su family. Later on, she wanted to find a person to verify it for her. However, Madam and Young Miss have disappeared, and there was no trace of you. Fortunately, the heavens pitied us. Later, the Old Madam learned that the two of you were in Jingling City, so she hurriedly sent our servants over.”

Su Qing nodded her head as if she had accepted her word, “Then how can the Su family be so sure that I am the biological daughter that Old Madam lost before? After all, when I disappeared, I was still a baby, so there was no trace at all in this appearance. My adoptive father and adoptive mother also have never mentioned what physical evidence left on me?”

“In fact, there is physical evidence, but Madam’s adoptive parents secretly sold it for silver.” As she spoke, Wen Mama took out a jade pendant from her sleeve along with a yellowing piece of paper. “Madam, please take a look. This jade pendant is the Old Madam’s dowry. There are two identical pieces like this because the Old Madam has two daughters. These two jade pendants had respectively given to you and the Second Miss, but your adoptive father and adoptive mother secretly sold the jade pendant. Fortunately, they were not completely unintentional. They spent a few cents to find talent at the time and painted the jade pendant, which is enough to prove the identity of Madam.”

Mu Yunyao sneered in her heart. The Second Miss named by Wen Mama is Su Jin, the second daughter of the Old Madam. On the surface, she looked respectful, but the estrangement in the speech is very definite. Wen Mama called her mother Madam Su, but she called Su Jin as Second Miss.

Su Qing nodded her head. After carefully checking the jade pendant and the paper, she finally looked excited: “Am I really the biological daughter of the Old Madam? God has pity on me. I never thought that after so many years, I would actually be able to find my own family!”

Mu Yunyao stepped forward and caressed Su Qing’s back. “Mother, don’t be too agitated. Your body isn’t well. If you are too much agitated, it can trigger an old illness. I think Grandmother will definitely be exceptionally worried.”

A smile appeared on Wen Mama’s face. “You’re right, Young Miss. You must take good care of yourself, Madam.”

Some of the maids and Mama, who came with mother Wen, had poor judgment. When they heard Mu Yunyao called the Old Madam with grandmother, their eyes couldn’t help but reveal a look of disdain: Just now, as soon as the relationship becomes established, she called their Old Madam as her grandmother to approach her. At this time, it’s hard to say how proud that girl was. She thought that she could take advantage of the Su family, borrow the Su family’s power, and enjoy the glory of being rich.

Mu Yunyao took their look in her eyes and didn’t care at all in her heart. It was the same as in her previous life. It seemed that before she returned to the Su family, the attitude of the Su family had set, from Old Madam Su to the servants in charge of cleaning up, no one had taken her seriously.

After a while, Su Qing’s expression calmed down, opened her mouth, and said to Wen Mama, “You all must have had a hard journey to come here all the way. First, settle down and rest for a few days.”

Wen Mama said with a smile, “After the Madam finds out about your whereabouts, she misses you day and night. If possible, I hope Madam and Young Miss can arrange for us to return to the Su family as soon as possible. This way, she can be at ease as soon as possible.”

Su Qing nodded her head, “My heart is also full of anxiety. After settling all the matters in Jingling City, I will follow Wen Mama on her journey back to the Capital.”

“That would be for the best.”

“Si Qin, Si Qi, you two will take Wen Mama and others to have a rest. Our small courtyard can’t accommodate so many people, so we’ll bring them all to Bu Xian Lou to rest.”

“Yes, Madam.”

“This servant will take to leave.” Wen Mama and the others followed Si Qin and Si Qin out of the room. Along the way, they sized up the surrounding scenery as they asked, “The reputation of Bu Xian Luo is well-known throughout the Capital, is there anything inappropriate about us, the servants, living in that place?”

Si Qin smiled and said, “Rest assured, Mama. The news spread outside are nothing but rumors. Bu Xian Luo is the property of Madam and Miss, so it’s just a matter of one sentence to drive out all the guests inside, not to mention just a few people.”

“It was not easy to do business. We feel at ease if we don’t disturb Madam and Miss.”

She couldn’t say a word, which made Wen Mama’s heart even more uncertain. When she saw Su Qing and Mu Yunyao, she already felt that these two people were very excellent. But even the maidservants around them are not leaking every move ...,

Steward Qin led his people out and said, “Miss Si Qin, Miss Si Qi, did you two not serve in front of Madam?”

“Greetings, Steward Qin. These few people from the Su family of the Capital. Madam ordered that they should temporarily stay in Bu Xian Luo for the time being.”

“Yes, I will make the necessary arrangements.” Steward Qin responded and turned back to invite Si Cha. “Open Bu Xian Luo?”

Bu Xian Lou has been open for such a long time. Most people drink tea in various scenic spots of Jin Xiu Garden. Very few people can enter Bu Xian Luo, which makes many people think of Bu Xian Luo as the symbol of Jin Xiu Garden, and forget that it is also a place for entertaining guests.

Today, the guests are puzzled to see a group of servants brought into Bu Xian Luo. Although Wen Mama and the maidservants were dressed in exquisite clothing and had an impressive bearing, most of those who might come here to drink tea weren’t ordinary individuals. It was easy to guess their identity just by looking at their manner.

Once Wen Mama and the others settled down in Bu Xian Luo, the news of BU Xian Luo’s opening spread like wildfire throughout the entire Jingling City. Thus, many people began to investigate their identities.

In such a short time, news of Su Qing being a member of the Su family spread like wildfire throughout the Capital city. Even Wen Mama and the others’ expressions on their faces had been described vividly as to when they had arrived at Jingling City and visited the Su Residence.

That afternoon, Li Munian’s wife, the salt transport envoy, came to Bu Xian Luo to drink tea.

Mu Yunyao naturally personally received them and led Lady Zhou through the drizzling rain.

Lady Zhou sized up the surroundings and could not help but sigh in admiration. “The scenery here is really unique, especially this fake mountain stream. The mountain rocks are rugged, and the waterfall is flowing down. If there was sunlight, you could see seven rainbow colors, and you can never find a better place than here.”

“Thank you for your compliments, Madam. This place is newly created scenery, and Madam is the first guest to come to drink your tea.” Mu Yunyao’s face was full of smiles, causing people to feel incomparably comfortable from just looking at her.

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Continue reading Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 237

Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 236

~ THE ARRIVAL OF THE SU FAMILY ~ 

Hearing Liu Liang’s words, Mu Yunyao felt a rumbling in her heart. A rock heavily fell onto the ground, causing her whole person to suddenly relaxing. Her previous nervousness and anxiety instantly disappeared like a tide, replaced by an ice-cold hatred and killing intent.

She had waited so long and planned so much. She walked forward cautiously and not daring to make the slightest mistake. What she was waiting for was to return to the Su family’s residence and make those people who had persecuted her in her past life pay the price one by one!

Mu Yunyao stood up, and her movements were unhurried as she rearranged her unwrinkled sleeves and skirt. Her lips curled up slightly, and she said with a perfect curve, “Go invite him in and arrange him in the parlor. Mother and I will go there shortly.”

“Yes, Miss.”

“Yao’er?” Su Qing’s heart tightened, and even her face turned pale. Her body was still trembling uncontrollably, but at a glance, she looked very nervous.

Mu Yunyao held her hand, her eyes filled with determination: “Mother, we are going to return to the Su family and meet our relatives. We should be happy.”

Looking at the expression in Mu Yunyao’s eyes, the nervousness in Su Qing’s heart subsided slightly. “You’re right. We should be happy.”

Mu Yunyao smiled widely, her watery eyes carrying a slight curve in them, blinking as if stars flashed by, “Besides, you are the biological daughter of the Su family’s Old Madam. In the Su family, other than the Old Madam and the current Patriarch, Su Wen Yuan, everyone else must pay their respects to you when they see you. The seniority is there. If anyone dares to be rude, you can directly order people to drag them down and deal with them. “

“That’s true...”

“Mother, the Su family cherishes face, so every move and every word must have made under the rules of etiquette. The more polite people are, the better they are to get along with each other. As long as we stand based on the word etiquette, no matter who we face, we will not be afraid.”

Listening to Mu Yunyao’s unswerving tone, Su Qing gradually calmed down. She was so nervous before, and she was still affected by Mu Yunyao to some extent. Now she has a calm expression and a sweet smile, and it can even be said to be full of fighting spirit. In an instant, she felt that it was no big deal: “Alright, Mother will listen to you. Since that’s the case, let’s head over.”

At this moment, in the parlor, a dozen or so maidservants were standing. On the guest chair, a woman in a blue dress sitting upright. She was sitting in a steady posture with a smile on her lips. Her gaze swept over the furnishings in the entire parlor and then lowered her eyes slightly, covering the light in her eyes.

Footsteps came from the door. The woman in the guest seat did not move. The maidservants standing behind her did not move at all.

Mu Yunyao holds Su Qing’s arm and walks into the parlor. At a glance, she sees Wen Mama sitting in the guest seat. When she saw Wen Mama, a cold intent flashed in her heart. This Wen Mama was the Old Madam’s favorite person and had followed her for the longest time, so her thoughts were the most profound and unfathomable. In her previous life, the Su family had only dispatched second-class Mama and maids to pick her up. This time, they had actually sent a senior servant, Wen Mama, to pick her up, which was somewhat unexpected.

Su Qing originally wanted to stand down and speak, but Mu Yunyao helped her continue walking inside and directly indicating that she should sit in the main seat on the left.

Muyunyao settled Su Qing, motioned her to be calm for a while, and then sat down on the right side. She looked at Wen Mama with a smile and did not intend to open her mouth to speak.

The atmosphere froze for a moment. After a few breaths, Wen Mama stood up and led the crowd to greet Su Qing and Mu Yunyao. “Greetings, Madam. Greetings, Miss.” There was a smile on her face like the solemn atmosphere from before had absolutely disappeared, and the rules were remarkably considerate.

The smile on Mu Yunyao’s lips deepened as she turned her head to wink at Su Qing.

Su Qing nodded and said, “There’s no need to be so courteous. I wonder who you are and what is your purpose in coming to see us?”

Mother Wen stood up with a pure smile on her face:

“This servant called Wen Mama. I’ve come this time to bring Madam and Miss back. You don’t know that for so many years, the Old Madam has been thinking about you. I don’t know how many tears have flowed down her face secretly.”

A puzzled expression appeared on Su Qing’s face, “Wen Mama? I’ve never seen you before, so I wonder what you mean by this?”

Wen Mama looked up with a smile. With just a glance, Su Qing felt like Wen Mama had scrutinized her from beginning to end. “Madam, this is a long story. There is a letter from the Old Madam here. Please have a look.”

In front of her, Su Qing had a gentle smile on her face. She wore a light purple lotus leaf pattern dress that accentuated her elegance. In particular, her pair of eyes had a calm color. When you look at it, you can’t see it clearly.

By her side, Mu Yunyao’s appearance was even more gorgeous. Even though she was fourteen years old, her figure had yet to fully developed, and she was already like a lotus that had just bloomed. She is charming and elegant. That face seemed could emit light, as white as flawless jade, as tender as scented cream, and as radiant as the eyes, eyebrows, and facial features. The smile on her face was pure and brilliant, which made people who saw it feel involuntarily imprinted to their hearts.

Even the maids beside the two of them had an exceptional bearing, which not one bit inferior to the first-class servant girls from the Su family.

The more she looked at it, the more Wen Mama’s heart sank. She thought Su Qing and Mu Yunyao both grew up in the countryside. Even if they happen to have a reputation for one or two points, they were only lucky. But now, it seems that these two people are no worse than those madams and ladies in Capital. In particular, Mu Yunyao’s appearance wasn’t the most beautiful one, but she was definitely the most attractive. When she fully matured, who knew how many noble ladies would get suppressed to the point where they would absolutely lose all limelight.

While Wen Mama thinking, Su Qing had finished reading the letter in her hand and handed it to Mu Yunyao. The content of the letter looked very moving. It clearly depicts the events that had occurred at the time Su Qing was lost. It also expressed Old Madam Su’s longing for her daughter. She was unmistakably sincere and made her seem like a mother who missed her daughter, but she can’t see her. Even Mu Yunyao felt touched when she saw it.

When Wen Mama saw the expressions of Su Qing and Mu Yunyao and saw that their faces were calm, she couldn’t help but feel displeased. According to her thoughts, after they found out about her relationship with the Su family, they should be exceptionally excited. But now, they look as if they have nothing to do with their relationship with the Su family.

Seeing that Mu Yunyao had finished reading the letter, Su Qing opened her mouth and said, “Wen Mama, I grew up in a poverty family. The countryside people don’t understand so many rules and regulations, so I’ll be straightforward if I have something to say.”

“Madam, please speak.”

Su Qing said casually: “Although I am far away in Jingling City, the Su family is famous, and I have heard of Lord Su’s reputation for a long time. Logically, with the Su family’s reputation, they shouldn’t be hiding it from me, but I am curious, why did the Su family only find me after so many years have passed?”

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Continue reading Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 236

Incurable Chapter 12 Part 2

Chapter 12 (2/2)

Mu Wan’s brows lifted.

She looked up at him.

His expression had not changed. He simply took the bottle from her hand, rinsed it clean, and walked out of the kitten room.

Now that she had permission for another hour, Mu Wan did not stay in the kitten room the whole time.

She waited there a while. Ertong had curled up and fallen asleep in the bed. At last, she stood and left the room as well.

The lights in the living room were off.

Only the lamp on the low table was on.

Soft light spilled out from beneath the shade, cutting a small circle of brightness open in the dark.

Within that circle of light, Liu Qianxiu sat cross-legged at the low table, a book near one hand, reading with his whole mind stilled.

His face had always seemed almost colorless, but not because its shape lacked depth. On the contrary: in the lamplight, shadow divided his face into one bright half and one dark, and the lines from brow bone to bridge of the nose carved his features into something deep, sharp, and striking.

And yet his bearing remained quiet.

No matter how sharp his features were, they all submitted to that clear-water calm of his, becoming serene and remote.

Mu Wan’s heart, which had only just slowed, began racing again.

She stood there in silence, simply watching him.

When he turned a page and happened to look up, he saw her.

Caught, Mu Wan parted her lips slightly and pointed toward the kitten room.

“Ertong fell asleep.”

She was a little bored.

Liu Qianxiu’s posture did not change.

“Would you like to read?” he asked.

“All right.”

Mu Wan slipped off her shoes, walked over barefoot, and sat down cross-legged beside him.

The low table was not especially small. It was more than enough for Liu Qianxiu alone, and even with Mu Wan added, it did not feel too crowded. Once she sat down, she looked at the book in his hands.

The layout was vertical, the paper yellowed with age.

“What are you reading?” she asked, stretching her neck slightly to peer forward, lashes lowering as she tried to see.

Liu Qianxiu handed the book over.

When Mu Wan touched it, her fingertip sliding over the page, she felt something she could not quite name.

It felt like an old text.

Only after taking it did she fully register what that meant.

There were a few things in Liu Qianxiu’s living room, but all of them carried an old, quiet air. They did not look like modern imitations made to resemble antiques.

They looked real.

The low table before them, for example, seemed at first glance almost plain. But up close, it held finely carved patterns and carried a faint sandalwood scent, like a piece of old furniture that had already lived many years.

And the mural set into the load-bearing wall of the living room did not look as if it had simply been painted there later. It looked more like something cut from elsewhere and embedded into the wall.

Lin Wei had studied art, and through prolonged exposure, Mu Wan had absorbed enough to recognize that the mural’s style was deeply classical.

The whole thing carried a beauty that had been refined inward over time.

Seated among these old things, Liu Qianxiu looked like a figure from a painting of immortals—elegant, sacred, impossibly far away.

Mu Wan looked at him and, little by little, drifted away in thought.

The book he had handed her remained unopened in her hands.

After a while, Liu Qianxiu lifted his eyes to her, meeting the gaze she had fixed on him. This time Mu Wan did not look away. Their eyes met, and she smiled openly.

Glancing once at the Tao Te Ching in her hands, Liu Qianxiu asked, “Why aren’t you reading?”

Mu Wan had only looked at it once.

Classical Chinese.

Traditional characters.

Dense, obscure, almost unreadable.

She did not even recognize all the words.

So she gave up, honestly.

“I can’t understand it.”

Liu Qianxiu lowered his eyes again and turned a page in his own book. Through the thin yellow paper, his fingers looked almost translucent. His tone stayed calm.

“And you can understand me?”

He had caught her.

Mu Wan was not embarrassed.

She shook her head.

“No. I can’t understand you either.”

It was the truth.

Liu Qianxiu seemed like a doctor, like a Taoist, and somehow like neither of those things at all. He was like some great hidden figure living quietly in the world. The more she learned, the more unfathomable he became.

And yet he was not deceptive with anyone.

He was like a pool so clear you could see the stones at the bottom, and still have no idea how deep the water truly ran.

Not knowing the depth yet did not matter.

She could measure it slowly.

Thinking that, Mu Wan added, “But you’re better-looking than the book.”

Liu Qianxiu lifted his eyes.

Mu Wan was smiling.

Then his gaze returned to the page. Whatever line he had just been reading had already slipped away.

Seeing him continue, Mu Wan grew restless again. The paper in her hands rustled softly. She set one arm against the low table and rested her head on it, turning her face to look at him sideways.

“Liu Qianxiu.”

In the quiet, spacious living room, her voice sounded soft and sweet enough to taste.

Without lifting his head, Liu Qianxiu answered with one low, unhurried sound.

“Mm.”

The sound of his voice echoed in her ear.

Mu Wan raised her head slightly and, looking at the line of his profile, asked, “You like living alone, don’t you?”

Under the lamp, the two of them occupied opposite corners of the low table.

He sat upright and still.

She curved against the edge of it like something languid and boneless.

“Why would you ask that?”

Mu Wan thought for a moment.

“Because you’ve always been alone.”

Liu Qianxiu’s throat moved once. His gaze remained on the page before him, and his tone stayed mild, even.

“Now, in this moment, there are two people.”

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Continue reading Incurable Chapter 12 Part 2

Incurable Chapter 12 Part 1

Chapter 12 (1/2)

Mu Wan chose stir-fried asparagus with shrimp and salt-seared chicken wings.

After deciding on the menu, the two of them went together to the same supermarket they had visited the day before.

At a little past seven, the supermarket was at its busiest. In the sea of people, Mu Wan was like a drop of red ink falling into water. She drew people’s eyes the way a kite drew a string behind it—and wherever that gaze finally settled, it always seemed to be beside Liu Qianxiu.

She had dressed up on purpose that day.

Liu Qianxiu had only looked at her once and appeared unmoved. Mu Wan did not mind. She was the one who liked him, after all. If he did not want to look at her, then she could simply look at him.

In the produce section, Mu Wan pushed the cart with both pale, slender arms resting across the handlebars, watching Liu Qianxiu choose asparagus.

The stalks were long and evenly shaped, narrow at the top and broader below, packed neatly into plastic trays wrapped in cling film that shone under the lights. The man holding the tray had fingers much like the asparagus itself—clean, long, and beautifully jointed.

So beautiful.

Mu Wan’s eyes were bright and clear, and the fondness in them could not be hidden.

Liu Qianxiu sensed her gaze and turned to look at her.

Mu Wan promptly looked away, the curve at the corner of her lips still there, her ears warming faintly.

Liu Qianxiu turned back and continued picking vegetables.

Mu Wan turned back too and resumed watching him.

Back and forth like that, and Mu Wan was blooming with private delight.

Once they had picked out the vegetables, Liu Qianxiu pushed the shopping cart to the checkout line. Mu Wan stood behind him, lifting her eyes to glance over the crowd gathered there.

The line was long. Even so, very few people in it were as tall as Liu Qianxiu. Mu Wan looked up at his straight back and judged the difference in their body widths. If he were to turn around now, he would probably be able to fold her completely into his arms.

She was just thinking that when Liu Qianxiu turned.

Mu Wan’s gaze stalled. Then, light as air, she shifted her attention to the small shelf beside the register.

That little shelf was packed with snacks and sweets—gum, mints, chocolate drops—wrapped in bright red and green packaging that made the eye dizzy.

In the end, Mu Wan’s gaze landed on a box of matcha chocolate drops.

The bottle was a fresh, pale green, simple, and neat. The chocolate coating looked dark on the outside, while the matcha filling inside was light green; the whole color scheme was crisp and clean.

Mu Wan was reading the net weight on the bottle and idly calculating how many chocolate drops might be inside when a hand entered her line of sight.

Long fingers curled slightly.

A box of chocolates was lifted from the shelf.

And in the blink of an eye, it appeared in front of her.

Her heart skipped.

Mu Wan looked up and met the man’s eyes.

His expression was still calm. He simply looked at her, gave the bottle a little shake so the chocolates knocked lightly inside, and asked, “Do you want it?”

Something melted quietly in her chest, the way chocolate melted on the tongue.

Mu Wan smiled.

“You’re buying it for me?”

Her voice was sweeter than the candy.

“Mm.”

“Then yes, I want it.”

Once he had his answer, Liu Qianxiu withdrew his gaze, turned around, and dropped the chocolates into the cart. The bottle landed among the vegetables with a crisp little clatter.

Tilting sideways, Mu Wan peeked past him into the cart, toward the chocolates tucked among all the green vegetables. They were green too, but much lighter in color.

“Why did you buy me that?” she asked, angling her head toward him, eyes full of laughter.

Liu Qianxiu did not turn around. He only looked at her from the side, and after meeting her eyes once, lowered his gaze again.

“You kept looking at it,” he said evenly.

I was looking at you. Would you give me that too?

Mu Wan smiled to herself, the meaning of it unreadable to anyone else. Then she straightened again, and in her mind, very lightly, she wrapped both arms around the man’s back.

Then you’re mine too.

After paying, Mu Wan carried the chocolates while Liu Qianxiu took the groceries, and the two of them went home one after the other.

Once they arrived, Liu Qianxiu took the groceries into the kitchen. Mu Wan changed into slippers and asked whether he needed help. After he declined, she shook the box of chocolates lightly in her hand and went off to the kitten room.

It was fully dark by now. Darkness filled the kitchen, but it no longer carried the same loneliness as before. The crisp sound of chocolates knocking against the bottle came through the glass from the next room, adding a layer of life to the spacious apartment.

Liu Qianxiu switched on the kitchen light, listened to the sounds from next door, and went to the sink.

He set the shopping bag down and took the spinach out of the top. At the supermarket, Mu Wan had thought the spinach looked pretty and had added one more dish to the menu at the last minute: spinach-and-egg soup.

There were still droplets of supermarket mist clinging to the spinach. The leaves were crisp, the roots earthy with mud, fresh and green. When Liu Qianxiu picked it up, it was cool in his hand, leaving traces of damp soil on his fingers.

“Datou opened his eyes!”

Mu Wan’s voice, full of delighted surprise, came from the doorway.

Liu Qianxiu looked back.

She was standing there, lips curved, eyes full of pure excitement. When she saw him turn, she lifted one long, beautiful finger and pointed toward the kitten room.

“Do you want to come see?”

Judging by when the kittens were born, they are now around 10 days old. It was about time.

The dirt on his fingers was still wet. Liu Qianxiu glanced once at the vegetables in the sink, then, in the end, turned on the tap and rinsed his hands.

“All right.”

Mu Wan spun and went immediately, skirt swinging behind her.

The flash of red disappeared from sight, and Liu Qianxiu followed.

Inside the kitten room, Mu Wan was crouched beside the three kittens, who lay in a heap. All three were from the same litter, but only Datou had opened its eyes.

They were only half-open, enough to show the faint gold of their irises.

Maybe because the kitten was still so small, or maybe because its fur was such a warm shade of orange, the color of its eyes did not stand out the way Zhouyi’s did.

Soft and delicate, they looked almost like translucent pumpkin sweets steamed until tender.

While she was still looking, Liu Qianxiu came in.

Mu Wan looked up at him, smiling all over again, then reached down and lifted Datou carefully into her palms.

Compared to how it had looked when it first arrived against the size of her hand, Datou had already grown noticeably in just a few short days. Cradled there, it blinked half-awake, tiny transparent pink claws opening and closing as it meowed in a soft, milky voice.

Holding the kitten, she brought it toward him and said, “Look.”

Mu Wan wanted Liu Qianxiu to take it into his own hands. She wanted to place every lovely thing she had into them.

Liu Qianxiu glanced at her once, lowered his eyes, and reached out to take the kitten.

At the exact moment he did, Mu Wan looked at him and smiled.

“Our eyes look alike,” she said.

Datou lay in his hands, looking up at him, mewing in a fine, sweet little voice. He looked at the faint gold in Datou’s eyes, then at Mu Wan’s own eyes—just as clean, just as bright, carrying the same flickers of light.

Something in her gaze trembled.

Warmth rose over Mu Wan’s face in a rush. She lifted a hand and fanned herself lightly, then pointed at Datou, then at herself.

“There’s only you in our eyes.”

The kitten room was temperature-controlled and not really hot at all.

Liu Qianxiu looked at her for a long moment.

Then he set Datou back down and said, “I’m going to cook.”

Mu Wan watched his back as he left.

His reaction had been exactly what she expected.

She was not trying to seduce him in some reckless, obvious way. What she wanted was to seep into his life little by little, gently, gradually, until one day he found himself liking her too.

Now she was alone in the kitten room again.

Still feeling warm, Mu Wan turned back to the cat bed, touched her flushed cheek, and asked the little ones, “Ertong, Zhongfen—when are you two opening your eyes?”

As if in answer to her call, after she and Liu Qianxiu had finished dinner, Zhongfen opened its eyes too.

It was black and white, and the color of its eyes seemed even prettier than Datou’s—also pale gold.

Zhongfen was the smallest of the three, frail and sickly, the one who had even needed hospitalization. And yet now its eyes were open, while Ertong still showed no sign of them.

With the other two meowing beside it, all soft fur and newly lit eyes, the kittens had become almost unbearably cute.

Mu Wan finally drew her gaze away from Ertong and looked up at Liu Qianxiu.

“Will Ertong only open its eyes tomorrow?”

She had been feeding the kittens. Liu Qianxiu had not gone in; he was standing just outside the kitten room, looking down at the three little ones in the bed.

After dinner, he had changed into another set of clothes—light brown cotton-linen, loose sleeves and wide trousers, soft and flowing. On his tall frame, the clothes truly gave him the air of a Taoist immortal.

“It’ll happen tonight,” Liu Qianxiu said.

Tonight, though the exact hour was uncertain.

Mu Wan glanced at the time. Still holding the now-empty bottle, she gave it a little shake, then stood and walked out of the kitten room to stand beside him.

She was like a red rose suddenly placed right before his eyes.

“What time do you usually go to sleep?” she asked.

Liu Qianxiu did not seem to know what she was getting at. He simply answered, “Ten.”

“Ah.” Mu Wan parted her lips slightly, as if understanding. Then her eyes lifted and hesitated before she asked, with a little uncertainty, “Then... can I stay until nine-thirty? I won’t interfere with your rest, and I won’t bother you. I just want to see Ertong open its eyes.”

The moment she said it, Mu Wan realized the problem.

From now until ten, Liu Qianxiu probably spent the time in quiet practice. It was his time alone, and surely he would dislike having his life disrupted.

She could ease herself into his life gradually, yes—but not in a way that made him start to dislike her. That would defeat the whole point.

A slight crease appeared between her brows just as she was about to speak again.

Liu Qianxiu interrupted first.

“That’s fine.”

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Happy New Year 2021

Happy New Year! I hope all your dreams come true in 2021 - onwards and upwards! 

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Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 235

~ MU CHENG’S CAUSE OF DEATH ~ 

Steward Qin opened his mouth and said, “Without Miss’s permission, I took the initiative to investigate the cause of death of Miss Mu’s father. Please forgive me. Your father didn’t fall overboard and die. He was killed secretly by the people who did business with him. And the person who killed your father was assassinated after he left the Capital, and no one in his family was spared. Because the time gap is too far apart, and the matter did not leave much of a clue, so at the moment, we are unable to find out who did it.”

Mu Yunyao held the paper, her eyes filled with endless coldness. “Thank you for your trouble, Steward Qin.”

“There’s another thing. There’s news from the Capital. The Su family had already received news about Madam and Miss Mu and had sent people to Xiayan Village to investigate Miss’s identity. With the ability of the Su family, it would not be long before they found out that Miss was in Jingling City, and they would send people to acknowledge her relatives.”

Mu Yunyao memorized the contents of the paper and then dissolved it into a cup of tea. “Since Steward Qin mentioned the Su family, then I also have something to tell you. If the Su family comes to fetch Mother and me, I’m afraid that I wouldn’t be able to help Bu Xian Luo.”Seeing that Mu Yunyao heard the news about the Su Family and was not the least bit surprised, Steward Qin thought for a bit, then he smiles with full of trust, “Previously Madam said that the distance between the Capital and Jingling City isn’t too far. If you take the water route, you can reach it in a few short days, and it’s very convenient to send letters, so Miss Mu doesn’t need to leave Bu Xian Luo.”

“Steward Qin, people don’t speak in secret. Earlier, I wanted to return Bu Xian Luo completely to Yue Wang.”

“This... Miss, I am just a servant, so I don’t know what Wang Ye is planning to do with Bu Xian Luu. About this matter, you still need to discuss it with Your Highness personally!”

Even though Mu Yunyao knew that Steward Qin was saying this in order to act shamelessly, when she saw the smile on his face and thought about how he had taken care of her and her mother all this time, she still couldn’t wholly harden her heart, “Steward Qin, you all understand that controlling Bu Xian Luo alone is more beneficial to Wang Ye than harm. Now that I have gotten involved with the Su Family, is Your Highness not afraid of me going against him?”

“This... This old servant has always been stupid, and I don’t understand how many of these things are at stake. If you have anything to say, you should discuss it with Wang Ye, but this old servant believes in Miss Mu that you have always been kind-hearted.”

Steward Qin is going to pretend to be stupid. He clearly knew what kind of person Miss Mu was after spending so much time together. As long as he did not endanger Madam Su and her safety, she was definitely not the type of person who would secretly stab someone in the dark. Otherwise, Wang Ye would not have let Miss Mu know many secrets in Bu Xian Luo.

Mu Yunyao was unable to do anything and could only temporarily put aside the matter regarding Bu Xian Luo.

Steward Qin took out a piece of paper from his sleeve and respectfully passed it to Mu Yunyao. “There’s one more thing that I wish to trouble Miss.”

Mu Yunyao opened the slip of paper and saw many properties and names clearly written on it. “Steward Qin, what is the meaning of this?”

“These properties and workforces were all things that Wang Ye had left in the Capital at the beginning. For many years, these people have been living alone and had no one to take care of them in the Capital. When Miss Mu returned to the Su family’s residence in the Capital, I hope Miss Mu can find some time to meet these people and help them. Of course, if Miss Mu has anything to do, you can rest assured that they will do as you ask.”

Mu Yunyao was stunned, and then she felt warmth in her heart. She could not help sighing. She had made up her mind to break off the involvement with Yue Wang. If she continued to accept his kindness, She’s afraid he would sink even deeper into the abyss: “You’re not bothering me. It’s obvious that you’re afraid of the people who will come after me in the Capital and afraid that I’m not familiar with my life, so you give me a ready-made helper, but please forgive me for not accepting …”

Steward Qin smiled and said, “Miss, don’t be in such a rush to refuse. I know you are intelligent and have your own plans, but it is always good to have one more path. Please remember the people above carefully. If you can’t use them, then you only need to pretend they don’t exist. What if you use them in case? Besides, one’s ability would eventually there’s a limit. If you want to protect your mother, you have to have more cards up your sleeves.”

Mu Yunyao’s fingers tightened slightly. When it involved Su Qing, she couldn’t help but think further. Steward Qin said something that reasonable. A person doesn’t have three heads and six arms, and there would always be omissions. If someone had an opportunity, she wouldn’t be able to afford to gamble In this way. “In that case, thank you very much, Steward Qin.”

The smile on Steward Qin’s face instantly brightened: “No need to be so polite, Miss. I will take my leave first.”

Mu Yunyao sent Steward Qin to the door and instructed Jin Lan, who was standing by the side of the door, “Jin Lan, send Steward Qin off.”

Jin Lan hurriedly replied, “Yes, Miss.”

Returning to her seat, Mu Yunyao looked at the property and name written on the table and couldn’t help but take a breath: “I’ll have to find a way to make up for the debt I owe today.” However, if things went on like this, she would have to deal with Yue Wang more often. The deeper their relationship was, the more difficult it would be to break it off …,

Su Qing takes Si Qin and others to come in. Some time ago, she invited Mama (old main) to teach the rule. Not only Jin Lan, Jin Qiao, and the others had learned the rules, but also Su Qing was busy asking for advice. After Mu Yunyao knew about it, she did not stop her. Instead, she took the initiative to tell her about the Su family’s character and their connection in the Capital.

Even though half a month wasn’t a long time, Su Qing’s demeanor and manner had changed to be extraordinarily elegant.

“Yao’er, I saw shopkeeper Qin come just now. What’s the matter?”

Mu Yunyao thought for a moment. She didn’t plan to tell Su Qing about the odd cause of her father’s death right now. “He just came to ask about the future arrangements of Bu Xian Luo. It’s not that big of a deal.” This matter hadn’t been investigated thoroughly. It would only make her mother sad and wouldn’t be of any help to me.

“That’s good.”

As time passed day by day, Su Qing’s heart became more and more anxious. She even had the feeling that both sides were fighting together. Mu Yunyao didn’t know how to comfort her with words when she saw this. After all, even she couldn’t help but feel anxious.

On July 15th, when Mu Yunyao had just gotten up, she felt her heart beating fiercely. She couldn’t help but hold her chest. After drink water twice, but was still unable to suppress the panic in her heart.

When Jin Lan saw her pale face, she rushed forward to support her. “Miss, what’s the matter with you? What’s wrong?”

Mu Yunyao shook her head. “Go tell Mother that she’s not going to Ni Yun Fang today. Just stay at home!” Vaguely, she had a strong hunch that the Su family would send someone over today.

After Su Qing heard her words, he hurriedly came over to accompany Mu Yunyao.

The two finished their breakfast in silence, then sat down quietly. When the sun was about to set, Liu Liang appeared at the door. He knelt down and greeted: “Reporting to Madam and Miss, someone at the door requests an audience. He claims to be from the Su family in the Capital,”

It’s finally here!

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