Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 243

~ CANNOT BE LOADED ON THE BOAT ~ 

Su Qing and Mu Yunyao talked to each other for most of the night before finally falling asleep. The next day, the mother and daughter pair woke up early. Just as they finished washing up, they heard from Jin Lan that Wen Mama and the rest were waiting for them at the door. 

Mu Yunyao lightly smiled with an unknown meaning, “They sure are anxious. Take the people to settle down and only leave after eating breakfast.”

“Yes, Miss.”

Wen Mama and the rest arranged to stay in the parlor. As soon as breakfast was served, they heard a noise coming from the doorway. “What’s going on outside?”

“Don’t worry about it, Mama. It’s Shopkeeper Qin with his men from Bu Xian Luo helping Madam and Young Miss clean up the things they need to bring.”

Listening to the activity outside, Wen Mama and the others ate in a slightly absent-minded manner. After eating, they could not restrain their curiosity and got up to take a look at the door. With one look, she could not help but be surprised that there are many boxes in the yard, about a hundred or so in a few counts, and each box was full of them. Just like that, there are still many people holding things in their arms.

Wen Mama was a little dumbfounded. “ Did Madam and Young Miss actually brought so many things with them?”

Liu Mama secretly curled her lips and muttered in her heart: As expected, they came out from the countryside and treated everything like a treasure. Who knows, those boxes might only be filled with pots and pans, pieces and fragments, which makes people laugh when they are bringing it to the Su family.

When Steward Qin saw Wen Mama and the others walk out, he couldn’t help but come forward and pay his respects. “Please wait for a moment. Once the things here had recorded and placed in the box, we will be able to carry them onto the boat.”

“Shopkeeper Qin, you only need to pick some important things and put them away. When Madam and Young Miss arrive at the Su family, they will definitely not lack anything.”

With so many boxes, even the boat might not be able to hold them.

Steward Qin frowned slightly and closed the book in his hand. He opened a box nearby and said, “We can also simplify it now. Look, these boxes contain clothes that Young Miss needs to change all year round. Young Miss love to be clean, and if she’s not really fond of them, she’ll never wear them again, so she’ll need a lot of change on the road.”

As soon as the box opened, the finely embroidered clothes shone brightly. At first glance, it looked so gorgeous, which made Liu Mama, who was standing to one side, was somewhat at a loss for words: These clothes were all elaborately embroidered with a high-quality cloth. Even in the Capital, they were all so eye-catching. She can’t believe that Young Miss wearing it just once？

The corner of Wen Mama’s lips couldn’t help but twitch. “Naturally, I have to bring all Young Miss’s clothes with me.”

Steward Qin nodded with a face full of smiles: “I think that’s also the case. After all, even if they went to the Su family, making clothes now would take some time. I can’t let Young Miss change her clothes without any clothes.” Then he opened the other two boxes.

“This box contains the accessories that Young Miss normally uses. She is extremely particular about clothes and accessories and knows what kind of accessories she should wear, so I can’t leave them alone. Since she has so many pieces on my clothes, she’ll naturally have to match them with jewelry well!”

“That’s true.” Wen Mama carefully examined the contents of the boxes, her heart filled with indescribable complicated feelings. The box that Steward Qin had opened just now were all exceptionally sturdy, and it seemed like they could no longer hold anything else. If the other boxes were like this one, just how many things did Su Qing and Mu Yunyao have?

Steward Qin’s smile became even more brilliant. He pointed at the other boxes and said, “Those boxes are for the Emperor’s bestowal. You had to be very careful about everything the Emperor had given, which is a piece of cloth that should be handled respectfully and must have it with them. The boxes over there contained books Young Miss usually liked to read, and many of them are collected copies. I don’t know if the books are worth a lot of money or not, but there are a lot of tea-lovers who have come to Bu Xian Luo to drink tea to borrow them from time to time.”

It happened that Yun Chun and Wei Yi brought the jade ornaments over, and they were putting them in the box carefully. When Steward Qin saw them, he quickly stopped them: “Didn’t I tell you everything already? Don’t take everything with you, and don’t worry about the jade ornaments. First, take the things that Madam and Young Miss can use, and we will hire a boat to send the rest to the Capital some other day.”

Wei Yi and Yun Chun hurriedly took out the jade ornaments and placed them on a table at the side. “Yes, Shopkeeper Qin.”

“Sigh, these servants have not been trained. It’s quite rude, which makes Mama laugh.” Steward Qin shook his head, “I must teach them the rules in the future. Ming Yin, have you prepared the tea set that Young Miss used to use?”

“This servant has forgotten …I’ll go and get it now...” 

“Sloppy all day. Young Miss has a particular temperament. If she can’t find the tea set she is used to, she will be in a bad mood. There is the whole set of embroidery needles bestowed by the Emperor, also the collection of black and white warm jade chess pieces that she’s used to playing ... What about spices? Young Miss don’t like ambergris fragrance, so she should use the well-prepared vegetarian lilacs. Hey, what are you doing with those porcelains? Those bottles and jars, we’ll only need to buy them when we arrive in the Capital because those will take up space…”

The corner of Wen Mama’s eyes uncontrollably twitched as she looked at the porcelain bottles that Steward Qin had pointed out. If she hadn’t seen it wrongly, all of the porcelain bottles that those people were carrying could be regarded to be top quality, mainly because she had seen a gilded glass vase painted with precious peonies. Wen Mama once saw a similar one in Grand Master’s place, who would not be willing to give it away as he treated it like a treasure and was reluctant to put it out. Instead, he made a red sandalwood box and kept it inside carefully. Rumor said that it was worth more than ten thousand taels of silver...,

The place was bustling with noise and excitement. Mu Yunyao accompanied Su Qing out, “I’ll be troubling Shopkeeper Qin. When I wake up early in the morning, I was busy with the affairs of Mother and me.”

“Greetings, Madam. Greetings, Young Miss. The items have all been packed. Some of the larger items that can’t be placed into boxes only can send it to the Capital with rent a boat.”  

Mu Yunyao glanced at the boxes in the courtyard. “It’s alright. Some items aren’t needed temporarily. I will talk about them later because there are a lot of things to be packed now.”

“In reply to Young Miss, here is only a part of it, and some boxes are put in Jin Xiu Garden, which will be shipped later.”

“Alright, Shopkeeper Qin has always been meticulous in his work, so I am naturally at ease.”Looking at the boxes in the courtyard, Mu Yunyao was in a good mood. After she had silver taels in her hand, she kept buying things in an attempt to make her mother and her life more comfortable. Unknowingly, she had actually bought so many.

“Wen Mama, we can set off now.”

Wen Mama’s expression was a little stiff. Hearing Mu Yunyao’s words, she immediately came back to her senses and said with some difficulty. “In reply Young Miss, I’m afraid the boat won’t be able to hold that many things …”

Mu Yunyao’s brows slightly moved, as though she wanted to frown. But in the blink of an eye, she returned to normal. “Can’t hold it? Could Supervisor Qin possibly make it simpler?”

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Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 242

~ GIVE IT BACK TO THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY ~

Li Munian turned to Mu Yunyao and Su Qing with a gentle expression, “Madam and Miss must have come out early, and I presume they also haven’t eaten anything yet. It’s just that there’s a table over there, especially for the people who donated silver taels. How about we go over and eat something together?”

Mu Yunyao looked at the table that Li Munian was pointing to her. Because the people of the whole city gathered here, so there was no need to pay too much attention to the rules. There are only two tables next to each other, one for men and the other for women.

Su Qing nodded her head. “We’ll follow along.”

Lady Zhou affectionately held onto Su Qing’s arm, “Does Madam Su have any restrictions to eat? I’ll repeatedly tell the people cooking below to pay extra attention to it.”

“Thank you for your concern, Madam. It’s already good enough for people in the countryside to have something to eat, so there’s nothing to avoid.” When Su Qing said this, her expression was extremely calm, causing Lady Zhou to hold her in high regard. If she could face up to look at her background so calmly, Madam Su’s mind was not ordinary either.

Mu Yunyao spoke, “A few days ago, the commoners sent over a lot of vegetables and fruits, and some people even tied up a few hens to our doorsteps. I’ve asked them to keep them in Jin Xiu Garden. It just happened to be delivered, so let’s have a taste of Baijiafan, too.”

Lady Zhou nodded her head repeatedly. “That’s good.”

Today, the entire Jingling City was bustling with noise and excitement. Many of the people nearby wanted to enter as soon as they heard the commotion. They had initially thought that the guard would stop them. However, they did not expect the guards to let them in and order them not to cause trouble inside the city.

However, they didn’t expect to be ordered by the guard not to cause trouble and let them enter the city.

Li Munian was extremely considerate. He contacted a few big grain merchants and sent over a lot of food, filling up several warehouses on the dock. However, he agreed on the terms and conditions that he would settle the bill for all the food the people received today. When the grain doesn’t use up, he will help the grain merchants sell the grain to other places.

The grain merchants were willing to accept this benevolent title. Thus, after a moment of consideration, they agreed. In this way, they would be able to repay the people in the city with extraordinary agility.

Those who were willing to take the food would go and register. After people have recorded information about themselves, they will be able to claim food according to the number of family members. If one’s family couldn’t eat all of the food, they could directly receive a silver tael equivalent to the food price, and they wouldn’t be at a disadvantage.

Because there are too many people in the city, they were still making porridge this time, but the atmosphere was even more lively than at Laba Festival.

Everyone on the street has a smile on their faces. Many orphans and beggars took their bowls and found a corner where they could eat in peace. They were eating happily, and their faces had a few traces of anger. The hot porridge went down to their stomachs, and they were sweating profusely. They raised their sleeve and wiped it with a feeling of satisfaction.

Many beggars were hungry and scared. It was not easy for them to get a full meal, and after drinking a bowl, they carefully wanted to get another bowl of porridge. On one side, a young master dressed in luxurious clothing walked by, and seeing his eager look, he coldly snorted and poured the porridge in his hand into half of his bowl, then threw two copper plates over:

“If I can’t finish, I’ll give it to you. If you’re still not full after, I’ll find someone to buy two steamed buns. It’s not easy to make porridge. It’s been burning and simmering up till now! Don’t be too greedy.”

The beggar was stunned for a moment, and then he took the bowl and bowed, “Thank you, Young Master. Thank you, Young Master. Young Master kindness will definitely be rewarded.”

The well-dressed Young Master carried the half bowl of porridge and walked away, feeling extremely pleased with himself, “I am a kind-hearted person, hahaha!”

The officials in Jingling City looked at the surrounding scenes, and their minds were full of a myriad of thoughts.

Mu Yunyao sat with Su Qing, watching the scene around them, and a warm feeling flowed through her heart. The smile on her lips was faint, but it was exceptionally genuine.

Lady Zhou seemed to have sensed something. “This said that the world is peaceful and prosperous, but even in the Capital, it’s hard to see such a thriving scene today.”

Mu Yunyao withdrew her gaze, her gaze clear enough to see the end, “The human heart is kind, but it’s just that it lacks guidance. Today, it’s only igniting a little bit of kindness, but what we reap is a prairie fire.”

Lady Zhou was startled and turned her head to look at Mu Yunyao. With eyes filled with admiration, she said, “Miss Mu is indeed knowledgeable.” She couldn’t help but think of what Li Munian had said before. When a girl like Mu Yunyao, coming to Zhou’s family, they had really wronged her. She merely didn’t know how the Su family would treat their granddaughter. If they underestimated her in the future, I would definitely have a lot of fun looking at it.

They busied for the entire day, and it was only when the sky turned completely dark that the crowd gradually dispersed.

When Mu Yunyao and Su Qing returned home, the corners of their mouths still raised unconsciously. They felt that even though they had worked hard and tired today, they were still quite fulfilled. Coming to the parlor, Wen Mama and the others stood with their hands hanging by their sides.

Su Qing said, “We have more or less dealt with the matters in Jingling City and have finished packing up everything. So, let’s leave for the Capital tomorrow!”

Wen Mama nodded her head hastily. “Yes, the boats have already been arranged. If there’s anything Madam and Miss need to take away, feel free to tell them to load it tomorrow morning.” Although the Su family didn’t send someone in charge to take over, they still had to do something about their face, so they specially prepared a two-story boat, which was extremely luxurious.

Su Qing nodded, “Alright. Then Wen Mama, you guys should go rest early. We’ll leave tomorrow morning.”

“Yes.”

After leaving the parlor, Wen Mama couldn’t help but turn her head and happened to see Mu Yunyao talking against Su Qing.

Liu Mama followed her gaze and couldn’t help but secretly pout her lips. After she returned to Bu Xian Luo and closed the door, she said, “I really didn’t expect that Miss Mu would be able to earn that much silver by opening a small workshop and tea house. In total, it’s only been a year, but ten thousand taels of silver were thrown out just like that. It’s really very generous of her to say that.”

“The silver belongs to someone else, so naturally, you can spend it as you like.” Wen Mama’s expression didn’t change in the slightest.

Liu Mama realized that her tone was too sour and quickly smiled. “Elder sister, don’t be angry. I was just casually saying it. Since Madam and Miss haven’t been to the Capital, they naturally don’t know that they have spent a lot of silver in the Capital. Now they have spent all their silver, and they earn enough reputation. But once they reached the Capital, wouldn’t they need to rely on the Su family to make up for it? It’s not easy for the Eldest Madam to take charge of the family...”

“It’s getting late. We still have to get up early tomorrow. Hurry up and rest.” After Wen Mama finished speaking, she immediately got up to wash her face.

Mother Liu was not amused. She could not help humming to herself: It seems like the Old Madam has quite a deep affection for her long-lost daughter and her granddaughter. Otherwise, this Wen Mama wouldn’t have protected them like this. She should have told the Eldest Madam in advance to prevent herself suffer losses in their mother and daughter’s hands.

On the last night before their departure, Mu Yunyao insisted on pestering Su Qing to sleep with her. Su Qing had no choice but to agree. The mother and daughter pair had finished washing their faces and were lying on the bed in their clothes. Mu Yunyao pulled Su Qing’s arm and rolled into it. “Mother, I can’t sleep.”

Su Qing did the same as she extended her arms to embrace Mu Yunyao, “Mother must have hugged a darling.”

“Didn’t mother say that I am a pampered girl? Now, I became a darling?” Mu Yunyao leaned on Su Qing and acted like a spoiled child.

“Mother is so casual, do you take it seriously? However, the skin on the face has not changed at all.”

“I feel like I’m following Mother. Who told me to care about you the most!”

“Good, you actually dared to plot against me. Mother is going to get angry.”

“Mother, don’t be angry. How about Yao’er will pinch her face to vent your anger?”

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Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 241

~ LI MUNIAN WHO CHOKED TO DEATH ~ 

Mu Yunyao got up early and went to her room to accompany Su Qing after freshening up. “Mother, once we have done with today’s affairs, we will leave Jingling City tomorrow. Do you feel nervous?”

“I was still nervous at first, but now that after such a long time, I’m looking forward to it. I have to take a good look at who treated my Yaoer harshly in her previous life.”

 
When she didn’t come into contact with him, she regarded the Su family as a scourge. However, now she really came into contact with the Su family’s subordinates. After a closer look, it was just like that. The fear in her heart lessened slightly, but she began to become angry with the Su family’s action from the previous life and want to see if they are really black-hearted!

“Mother would probably be disappointed when you see them. Just from their appearances, they look like fairy concubines, but if you could see their hearts, all of them would have long since turned black and stank.” Thinking of her previous life in the Su family, Mu Yunyao’s eyes flashed with hatred, causing her entire body to turn gloomy a lot.

Su Qing took a jade hairpin from the jewelry box and helped Mu Yunyao put it on. Then she stepped back two steps to appreciate her appearance: “Yao’er is really beautiful by nature, and she looks good in everything she wears.”

Mu Yunyao was stunned, and the gloomy aura around her instantly dissipated. “Mother?”

Su Qing caressed Mu Yunyao’s hair and said gently, “To Mother, Yao’er is the most beautiful when she smiled. Anyone who looks at you would feel much happier with you, and you seemed to be able to enjoy yourself even more. No matter if the Su family’s heart is dark or white, in the end, we don’t see them as family. I know that Yao’er wants them more or less trying to get revenge, and Mother will support you as well. However, if your personality changes because of them, then it will no longer be worth it!”

Mu Yunyao was silent for a moment. “Fortunately, Mother is by my side. If you weren’t there, who knows what might have happened to me?”

Looking at Mu Yunyao’s appearance, Su Qing’s heart felt as if a dull knife was gouging her out, “My daughter is better off than them, and you can consider it as my biggest revenge. Mother doesn’t want you to look back at yourself after revenge and turned into a monster exactly like the Su family! Can Yao’er understand what Mother is thinking?”

Mu Yunyao nodded her head heavily: “Mother, I understand. Please don’t worry. I definitely won’t let myself become like the Su Family.” Mother hopes that her life is happy and worry-free, and her temperament is clear and pure. Then, as long as she was here, I would definitely work hard to retain the kindness and try to live the way Mother wants to see.

Su Qing smiled gently, “Alright, we won’t be eating breakfast at home today. We’ll be going to the bustling city together with everyone. After staying in Jingling City for a long time, and we suddenly have to leave, I was really reluctant.”

“Mother likes it here. When we have time, we can come back and have a look at any time.”

“You and I are a family. As long as we are together, it doesn’t matter where we are.” Su Qing led Mu Yunyao out of the door. Just as they walked out, they saw Wen Mama and the rest walking in.

“Greetings, Madam. Greetings, Miss. There are so many people on the street right now, so if Madam and Miss want to go out, you should bring more people with you so they’ll be at your disposal anytime.” Wen Mama said after saluting.

Mu Yunyao glanced at Wen Mama with a smile. “Since that’s the case, then I’ll ask Wen Mama to bring some people along. It’s also a glorious opportunity to come into contact with the local customs and traditions of Jingling City. The people here treat people with gentleness, and they’re especially kind.” She didn’t want to like the Su family in Capital, who eat people without spitting out their bones.

Wen Mama felt that Mu Yunyao’s words contained some hidden meaning. But after careful consideration, she thought that it was impossible. She could only nod in agreement as she commanded the maidservants behind her to follow.

Having gone through the experience of making porridge during the Laba Festival, the people at Ni Yun Fang and Bu Xian Luo were somewhat familiar with some of the processes. Many things were much more proficient than others, so most people gathered here.

Mu Yunyao and Su Qing had just walked out of the residence when someone saw them. They hurriedly came up to greet them. Their voices were all noisy, and they couldn’t hear many things, but they could clearly feel their goodwill and gratitude.

“Thank you, Madam Su. Thank you, Miss Mu!”

“Madam and Young Miss are are kind-hearted, and they will remember us at all times, which really touched our hearts.”

“Madam and Young Miss, good people will receive good rewards. They will definitely live a peaceful life without any worries!”

Mu Yunyao couldn’t help but smile. The kindness gathered together made people feel warm in their hearts, “Fellow neighbors, no need to be courteous. We will leave Jingling City tomorrow and return to the Capital’s Su family. Ni Yun Fang and Bu Xian Luo will remain here, and I hope fellow villagers can help to take care of them!”

“Don’t worry, Miss. As long as we’re here, we won’t let anyone touch Ni Yun Fang and Bu Xian Luo.”

“That’s right. Miss, don’t worry...”

Li Munian and Lady Zhou walked over with some people, the surrounding people gradually dispersed, and happily went to the table aside to collect rice.

“Greetings to Lord Li and Lady Zhou.”

“There is no need for Madam and Young Miss to be so courteous.” Li Mu Nian stepped forward and supported them, his expression especially warm. “Please take a look, is there anything else that I am not meticulous enough?”

Su Qing quickly shook her head, “Lord Li is meticulous in everything he does. What is there to be careless about?”

“I am only doing my best, and it also depends on the kind heart of Madam and Young Miss. Otherwise, I would be powerless to do something for the people even if I wanted to.” As Li Munian spoke, his eyes swept past Wen Mama, and his eyes filled with doubt, “Earlier, I heard that the Su family came to pick up Madam and Young Miss. Why haven’t I seen the Su family?”

Mu Yunyao’s eyes moved, and a smile flashed in her heart. Li Munian was returning the favor, and he wanted to help her out. If he is an ordinary person, he will not dare to say such a thing at this time, but Li Munian was different. He was Li Qingzhou’s biological son, and the Li family had faintly suppressed the Su family. The Li family members were naturally all reputable figures, and Wen Mama was far from qualified to come forward and represent the Su family. Wen Mama on the side hurriedly stepped forward to salute, with a very respectful expression: “This servant greets Lord Li.”

“You seem a bit nice. Have we met before?”

“This servant has followed theOld Madam of the Su family and met Lord Li once before ….”

“Hmm, in that case, you’re here to pick up Madam Su and Miss Mu?” Li Munian frowned, a hint of displeasure on his face.

“Yes, because …” Wen Mama hastened to explain.

However, Li Munian did not have the patience to listen to her: “Although right now the court is so busy, and the Su family’s elders are busy sharing the Emperor’s worries. But it’s not like all of them are too busy to actually send a few servants to pick up Madam and Young Miss. It’s really not good manners.”

Wen Mama’s expression froze, but she couldn’t help but smile. “Your Excellency …”

“Alright, about the matter of the Su family, I, an outsider, cannot interject too much. Since they’ve sent you to pick them up, you must take good care of them along the way. Madam Su and Miss Mu are the benefactors of the entire Jingling City, and even if there are the slightest mishaps, you will not be able to afford it.

Wen Mama’s mouth was interrupted several times, but all she could do was smile. “Yes. Milord, please be at ease. This servant will definitely take good care of Madam and Young Miss.

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Incurable Chapter 13 Part 2

Lin Wei sat there stunned for ages. She could picture it perfectly: one lonely lamp, one man, and one woman. The man ethereal and distant, pure and cool; the woman vivid and alive, sweet and soft…

One immortal, one demon.

No matter how fierce the demon was, how could she escape an immortal’s palm? In the end, Mu Wan—who’d fallen first—would definitely get reverse-flirted into oblivion by Liu Daozhang.

Right now, there are two people.

Lin Wei clicked her tongue twice. This Daozhang had game. Usually so ascetic, all restraint and a forbidden face—yet when he dropped a line, he dropped it like a pro.

That was the real “forbidden” type.

After the retake, Mu Wan got a short break and went to the rest area. It was just a huge open room packed with supporting actors and extras. The assistant director shouted scene numbers and called people to get ready—makeup artists called out too. Loud and bustling.

It was a little after two in the afternoon. Mu Wan had only one last scene left; once it was done, she could leave—probably around four.

She found a corner and sat down, elbows on her knees, and pulled out her phone.

After last night, she hadn’t contacted Liu Qianxiu at all. These days, she only ever asks him what time he gets off work after she wraps filming, then goes to pick him up.

On set, Mu Wan rarely played on her phone. When she got bored, she used to play Plants vs. Zombies—until she paid to clear everything and lost interest. Her phone had barely any apps.

She opened her contacts and found Liu Qianxiu’s card.

She’d saved him as Liu Daozhang.

Even his number felt… aloof, as if it carried a faint chill of distance.

And Mu Wan loved it. Even a string of digits—she loved it.

She was smiling when Gao Mei came over, and she didn’t notice until it felt like a volcano leaning in and crowding her space. Mu Wan turned her head and saw Gao Mei’s big frame and her squinty smiling eyes.

“Dating?” Gao Mei asked, full of gossip.

Mu Wan locked her phone. The dark screen reflected her face—still smiling. She wore her hair in a high ponytail, her small face fully exposed, charming yet with a sharp, heroic edge.

She put the phone away. “Not yet.”

“Oho? What’s that mean?” Gao Mei’s voice shot up; her tiny eyes tried hard to open wider. “Ambiguous stage?”

Gao Mei blocked some wind, and Mu Wan felt hot. She opened her paper fan and cooled her flushed cheeks, admitting openly, “Yeah.”

“No wonder you’ve been ‘going to see the cat’ every day—you’ve been going to see your sweetheart.” Gao Mei took it and patted Mu Wan on the shoulder, holding the script in her hand.

The script fanned a little cool air. Mu Wan smiled and glanced at the cover.

Hong Xiu.

“You picked up this project, too?” Mu Wan asked.

So Gao Mei would be in the same crew again. That was good—at least they wouldn’t be bored while waiting between takes.

“Yeah. It starts filming on the 30th. Today’s Friday—so that’s next Monday, right?” Gao Mei calculated. “You and your sweetheart are going to be long-distance.”

Hong Xiu was a Republican-era medical drama. Many scenes would be shot at Wen City Central Hospital. Wen City was an old city; the hospital building was from the Republican period and well preserved.

Li Nan hadn’t told Mu Wan the exact schedule yet, but once the production started, the actors had to be on standby. Mu Wan’s fan paused mid-swish. Heat rushed right up into her face.

She started fanning again, calculating in her head.

Wen City wasn’t far, but if she had night shoots, she definitely couldn’t come back. She didn’t want to be separated from Liu Qianxiu… but her role was small; she could finish in a week…

“Oh, right—do you know who the female lead of Hong Xiu is?” Gao Mei said. “Top billing. They announced it today. Same surname as you.”

Mu Wan’s heat dropped instantly. In her ear, Wu Ma’s words surfaced: Mu Qing had gotten a boyfriend—someone from the Shen family.

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

“Mu Qing.”

Mu Wan pressed her lips together.

After leaving the operating room, Liu Qianxiu removed his mask. As the nurse helped him take off his surgical gown, she told him, “Doctor Liu, the director wants to see you—he’s waiting in your office.”

Liu Qianxiu pulled off his gloves, answered evenly, “Okay,” and left.

The director of Tang’er Hospital, Xiao Tan, was Liu Qianxiu’s senior from Imperial College London. Tang’er Hospital belonged to the Xiao family group. Xiao Tan had worked there after graduation, became the director last year, and had hired Liu Qianxiu.

Most people in the department knew they were school seniors/juniors. Xiao Tan sometimes came by his office.

Liu Qianxiu pushed the door open. Xiao Tan sat in a chair by the side, reading Liu Qianxiu’s recent surgical case log.

Seeing him enter, Xiao Tan looked up and smiled. “Finished your surgery?”

Xiao Tan was thirty-seven, with a proper, composed face and a refined, scholarly air. Even as director, he was gentle most of the time and rarely stern.

Liu Qianxiu answered, then sat behind his desk. The chair shifted with a small sound as he leaned back, rolled his neck once, and pinched the back of it twice.

Three hours of surgery had left him tired.

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

They’d known each other for years. Liu Qianxiu understood his nature. He leaned forward, opened his eyes fully, and asked bluntly, “What is it?”

Xiao Tan didn’t waste time. He smiled lightly and said, “Last time you helped Doctor Xiao with her grandfather’s surgery—she wants to treat you to dinner to thank you.”

Technically, Xiao Tan and Xiao Yun were distant relatives. Their relationship wasn’t too far removed. Xiao Tan’s father valued family ties; before Xiao Yun came to the hospital, he’d told Xiao Tan to look after her.

Xiao Tan was young but held power and had plenty of social experience. When Xiao Yun mentioned “thanking Liu Qianxiu,” Xiao Tan could tell from her expression what she really meant.

Liu Qianxiu was outstanding; Xiao Yun was gentle and refined. Both were excellent surgeons with common ground. But one was cold and quiet, the other shy and reserved—so there was always a missing step between them.

After Xiao Tan finished, Liu Qianxiu stared at the orchid on the windowsill, lost in thought—pale green leaves, light blue flowers—small and full of spirit.

“Qianxiu?” Xiao Tan called him.

“Mm.” Liu Qianxiu’s expression didn’t change. He turned back to Xiao Tan. “It’s what I should do. No need.”

“You have plans tonight?” Xiao Tan asked.

“No,” Liu Qianxiu denied.

“Then it’s settled.” Xiao Tan ignored the refusal and made the decision for him. “You’re a doctor. Besides saving lives, you need social interaction. You never go to hospital gatherings—does the whole hospital only know you through me? Tonight, do me a favor. I’ll go too.”

He patted Liu Qianxiu’s shoulder.

“Tonight, seven o’clock. Masyale Western Restaurant.”

Xiao Tan got up, opened the door, and left.


Mu Wan’s last scene dragged on and on. By the time it wrapped, it was already after six. She called Liu Qianxiu to ask if he’d gotten off work.

He picked up quickly. Just one “Hello,” and Mu Wan’s heart turned sweet; she smiled without meaning to.

“Are you off work?” she asked.

“Just finished,” he answered.

The line was quiet; his voice sounded even cleaner and nicer.

“Aww…” Mu Wan felt a little regret. She hurried to the road outside the studio and looked for taxis. It was hot; around six was shift-change time, and it wasn’t easy to get a cab.

“Then I can’t wait for you today,” Mu Wan said. “Should I just go straight to your place?”

Liu Qianxiu didn’t agree. “Doctor Xiao invited me to dinner tonight. I’ll be home later.”

Doctor Xiao—who?

Mu Wan stopped, eyes narrowing. She remembered the female doctor from a few days ago—the one with that look of disdain.

Wasn’t she the reserved, dignified type? Now she was making a move too?

But this wasn’t the moment to spiral.

A restless heat rose in Mu Wan’s chest—whether it was jealousy, a sense of crisis, or something else, she didn’t know. She lowered the hand she’d been using to flag a cab and asked:

“Didn’t you say you don’t eat out?”

Last time she offered to treat him at a restaurant, that was exactly what he’d said. So why would he go out to eat when Doctor Xiao invited him?

Mu Wan pressed, “Then what time will you be done? Can I still come see the cats?”

On the phone, her voice was like a frantic cat—claws out, reaching for a little fish that someone else was about to snatch away. When she couldn’t reach it, her anger turned into a wronged little demand.

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

“…Yeah.” Mu Wan huffed. She frowned. “You still haven’t answered my—”

“Want to come with me?” Liu Qianxiu asked.

Mu Wan’s pupils tightened slightly.

The heat in her body, like inflated cotton candy, suddenly got gently bitten through—then melted away on his tongue. Sweet. Gone.

“I can go?” Mu Wan asked.

Even on the phone line, her voice had softened.

Liu Qianxiu gave a light “Mm.” “I’ll take you.”

“Okay.”

The author has something to say: 

Liu Daochang: I don't know what to say.

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Continue reading Incurable Chapter 13 Part 2

Incurable Chapter 13 Part 1

Each word was spoken slowly, the tone even—like the steady swing of a pendulum tapping against Mu Wan’s eardrums. And when it finally struck the hour—dong—her heart thumped hard.

The night was so quiet it felt soundless, until a meow came from the kitten room around the corner.

Her red lips moved as if she wanted to say something. Beside her, the man stood up. Her gaze lifted with him; she tipped her head back, eyes shimmering like ripples, Liu Qianxiu’s silhouette reflected inside.

“Awake,” Liu Qianxiu said, looking down at her.

Her throat moved; her heartbeat still hadn’t settled. Mu Wan smiled—a satisfied, sweet little smile, like someone who’d secretly stolen a piece of candy and hadn’t been caught.

She stood too. The red dress fell softly as she stepped out on her pale legs, walking toward the kitten room as she spoke.

“Let me see if Er Tong’s eyes have opened.”

Liu Qianxiu watched her go in. His gaze dropped—landing on the Dao De Jing she’d just set down.

Er Tong’s eyes had opened too—pale gold, just like Da Tou and Zhong Fen.

The other two had already opened their eyes fully. Er Tong and Zhong Fen’s eyes were rounder, while Da Tou had droopy little eyes—tiny, open, begging for milk, adorably miserable-looking.

Now that Er Tong’s eyes were open, Mu Wan was ready to leave.

She stood in the entryway, one hand braced against the cold wall as she slipped off the oversized slippers. Her narrow foot arched on tiptoe, the line continuing up into her calf—so white it almost hurt to look at under the red skirt.

She put on her heels. The heel clicked once against the floor—tap—then went silent along with the man’s question.

“How are you getting home?”

His gaze brushed the legs beneath her red skirt, faint but unmistakable. The clock already read 9:30. Liu Qianxiu’s expression stayed calm as he added evenly.

Mu Wan stood at the entry. The main lights in the living room were still off; only the low table lamp glowed weakly. The man stood backlit—tall and straight, his silhouette sharp, his features clean and defined.

“By taxi,” Mu Wan answered. She pulled out her phone and checked the time. The screen lit her face, and her small face wore a troubled look.

“It’s hard to get a cab right now,” she said.

Before she could finish, a figure moved toward her, shadowing her completely. Mu Wan looked up—the phone light brightened the man’s face. He’d already changed his shoes.

“I’ll take you,” he said.

“Yesterday he drove me home.” Mu Wan found a spot by the city wall and sat down, flicking open the prop paper fan in her hand to cool herself.

She was still in costume—wide sleeves, but cinched at the waist, and the layered collar sealed tight, not a breath of air getting through.

It was at least thirty-five degrees. Sweat poured off her. She’d just finished a fight scene, and the assistant director wouldn’t let her change yet—said they had to show the director first, confirm it worked, otherwise they’d have to shoot it again.

“Holy—Mu Wan, you’re insane. So? So?? How was it? Daozhang Liu’s… bed skills—” Lin Wei was so excited she practically shrieked.

“Nothing happened.” Mu Wan snapped her fan shut, lifted her sleeve to wipe sweat away, replaying last night in her mind. Her lips curved as she kicked a small stone.

“He just drove me home.”

“…He drove you home, and you didn’t invite him in to sit for a bit?” Lin Wei pressed, barely containing herself.

“Nope,” Mu Wan said. “He has to sleep at ten. After he dropped me off, I sent him off.”

Lin Wei: “……”

Single by sheer talent.

Still, Lin Wei understood. She wasn’t like Mu Wan. Mu Wan cared about emotional intimacy; physical intimacy had to come naturally after the emotional part reached a certain point.

“Okay then—any other progress?” Lin Wei switched tactics. “Did you figure out whether Daozhang Liu likes you?”

Mu Wan fanned her bangs, a breeze finally cooling her heat a little. She thought of Liu Qianxiu’s face under the lamp and said, “Yesterday, I asked him if he likes living alone. He asked me why. I said because he’s always lived alone.”

She paused at the key part, clearly smiling. Lin Wei was dying.

“And what did he say?!”

“Oh.” Mu Wan snapped back to it, her ears burning slightly. “He said: Right now, in this moment, there are two people.”

Lin Wei got goosebumps from head to toe, and her brain helpfully supplied Liu Qianxiu’s calm, aloof face saying it.

“Mu Wan! Come back for a retake!” the assistant director yelled.

“Okay!” Mu Wan stood, dusted off the mud, and told Lin Wei, “I don’t know what he meant, but I feel like I like him even more. Gotta shoot—bye.”

She hung up.

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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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Incurable Chapter 12 Part 2

Back at the apartment, Liu Qianxiu took the ingredients into the kitchen. Mu Wan changed into her slippers and asked if he needed help. He said no, so she shook the chocolate bottle lightly and headed into the kitten room.

It was already dark outside. Darkness pressed against the kitchen windows, but it didn’t feel lonely the way it used to. The crisp rattle of chocolate beans tapping the bottle traveled through the glass from next door, adding a bright, living sound to the huge, quiet space.

Liu Qianxiu switched on the kitchen light. Listening to the movement outside, he went to the sink.

He set the shopping bags down and pulled out a bunch of spinach from the top. At the supermarket, Mu Wan thought the spinach looked especially fresh and added it to the menu for spinach egg soup.

Tiny droplets from the store’s misting system clung to the leaves. The greens looked crisp, the roots still carried a bit of soil—fresh and lively. When Liu Qianxiu lifted it, it was cool in his hand, and damp earth smeared lightly onto his fingers.

“Da Tou opened his eyes!”

Mu Wan’s excited voice burst in from the doorway.

Liu Qianxiu turned his head.

She stood there with her red lips lifted, eyes bright with delight. When she saw Liu Qianxiu look over, she raised a finger—long, pretty, elegant—and pointed toward the kitten room.

“Do you want to come see?”

Since the kittens were born, it had been about ten days. It made sense.

With soil still damp on his fingers, Liu Qianxiu thought of the vegetables waiting in the sink. In the end, he turned on the faucet, rinsed his fingertips clean, and said, “Okay.”

Mu Wan turned and hurried off, her skirt hem fluttering as she went. The red disappeared from view. Liu Qianxiu followed.

In the kitten room, Mu Wan was crouched beside the nest, watching the three kittens piled together.

They were from the same litter, but only Da Tou had opened his eyes. His lids were half-raised, and you could see the pale gold of his irises.

Maybe because he was still so small, or because his fur was a warmer shade, his eye color wasn’t as striking as Zhou Yi’s. It looked soft and translucent—like pumpkin jelly steamed until it turned clear.

As Mu Wan watched, Liu Qianxiu stepped in. She looked up, her face full of laughter. Then she reached into the nest and carefully lifted Da Tou into her palms.

In just a few days, he’d already grown. Mu Wan held him gently—Da Tou’s half-open eyes blinked, his tiny claws, pink and almost transparent, opened and closed, and he let out thin, milky mews.

Mu Wan brought him toward Liu Qianxiu’s hands.

“Look.”

She wanted Liu Qianxiu to hold him. She wanted to hand him everything she found beautiful.

Liu Qianxiu lifted his eyes and glanced at her. Then his lashes lowered, and he reached out to take Da Tou.

The moment he did, Mu Wan smiled.

“Our eyes are really similar,” she said.

Da Tou lifted his head and stared up at him, mewing softly, sweet and clingy. Liu Qianxiu looked at Da Tou’s pale-gold eyes, then at Mu Wan’s.

Just as clean. Just as clear. Both holding tiny flecks of light.

That light flickered. Mu Wan’s lashes trembled. Heat rose under her skin.

She lifted a hand to fan her face, then pointed at Da Tou, then at herself.

“Our eyes only have you in them.”

The kitten room was temperature-controlled; it wasn’t actually hot.

Liu Qianxiu looked at Mu Wan for a long moment. Then he set Da Tou back down and said, “I’ll go cook.”

Mu Wan watched his back as he left.

His reaction was exactly what she’d expected.

She wasn’t trying to pounce. She wanted to seep into Liu Qianxiu slowly, bit by bit, until one day he’d realize he liked her too.

Alone in the kitten room, Mu Wan still felt warm. She touched her heated cheek and spoke to the nest:

“Er Tong, Zhong Fen… when are you two going to open your eyes?”

As if responding to her, later that night—after she and Liu Qianxiu finished dinner—Zhong Fen opened his eyes too.

Zhong Fen was black-and-white, and his eye color looked even prettier than Da Tou’s—still a pale gold.

Zhong Fen was the smallest of the three, the frail one who’d even been hospitalized. Yet his eyes were already open, while Er Tong still showed no sign.

With two kittens now bright-eyed and mewing, their little fluffy bodies felt even cuter, like their faces had been “lit” from the inside.

Mu Wan looked away from Er Tong and lifted her head to ask Liu Qianxiu, “Will Er Tong open his eyes tomorrow?”

Mu Wan was feeding the kittens. Liu Qianxiu didn’t go in; he stood outside the kitten room, looking down at the three little ones.

After dinner, he’d changed into a new set of clothes—linen, light brown top and pants, wide sleeves and loose legs, comfortable and flowing. On his tall, lean frame, it really did give him that serene, otherworldly “Daoist” aura.

“Tonight,” Liu Qianxiu said.

Tonight, but not sure when.

Mu Wan checked the time. She shook the empty bottle once, then stood. It was 8:30.

She stepped out of the kitten room and stood beside Liu Qianxiu, like a red rose suddenly placed in front of him.

“What time do you usually rest?” she asked.

He didn’t seem to understand her intention. He only answered, “Ten.”

“Ah.” Mu Wan’s lips parted slightly in understanding. Her eyes lifted, then hesitated. After a beat, she asked carefully:

“Then… can I wait until 9:30? I won’t disturb your rest, and I won’t be loud. I want to see Er Tong open his eyes.”

The moment she said it, she realized it might be wrong.

Between now and ten, Liu Qianxiu probably had his own quiet routine—sitting, meditating, being alone. That was his private time. He likely wouldn’t like someone disrupting it.

She wanted to slip into his life gradually, but she couldn’t make him dislike her. That would ruin everything.

Mu Wan frowned, about to retract her request—

But Liu Qianxiu cut her off first.

“You can.”

Mu Wan’s brows lifted in surprise. She looked up at him.

His expression didn’t change. He took the bottle from Mu Wan, rinsed it clean, and left the kitten’s room.

With permission for an extra hour, Mu Wan didn’t stay in the kitten room the whole time.

She waited there for a while. Er Tong fell asleep in the nest. Mu Wan got up and left, too.

In the living room, the overhead lights were off. Only the lamp on the low table was on.

Soft light spilled from the shade, carving a circle into the dark.

Within that circle, Liu Qianxiu sat cross-legged by the low table, a book beside him, reading with a calm, centered stillness.

Liu Qianxiu’s face looked “light” in a strange way—not because his features were faint (they weren’t), but because the lamp’s shadows split his face into bright and dark halves. From his forehead down, the brow ridge and the bridge of his nose shaped a deep, sharp contour.

And yet his aura was gentle.

Even the sharpest features bowed under that clear, waterlike calm, turning into something pure and quiet, distant and serene.

Mu Wan’s heartbeat—which had only just slowed—sped up again.

She stood there silently, watching him.

When he turned a page, he lifted his eyes and found her.

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

“Er Tong fell asleep.”

She was bored.

Liu Qianxiu didn’t change his posture. “Do you want to read?”

“Sure.” Mu Wan slipped off her slippers, walked over barefoot, and sat cross-legged beside him.

The low table wasn’t small—perfect for one person, still not crowded with two. She sat close to his side and glanced at the book in his hand. The text was printed vertically, the paper yellowed, old enough to feel like time.

“What are you reading?” Mu Wan leaned in, neck extending slightly, lashes lowering.

Liu Qianxiu handed her the book.

The moment Mu Wan’s fingers touched the page—her fingertip brushing the paper—she felt something hard to describe.

It felt like an ancient book.

Only after she held it did she realize: Liu Qianxiu’s living room didn’t have many things, but everything carried an antique, restrained flavor. Not the “fake vintage” kind from renovation catalogs—more like real old objects.

From a distance, this low table didn’t look special. Up close, the carved patterns were delicate, and it held a faint sandalwood scent.

And the mural on the load-bearing wall—it didn’t look painted on after the fact. It looked like something cut from somewhere else and set into the wall. Lin Wei studied art; Mu Wan had absorbed a little by proximity. The brushwork felt classical. The entire mural held the beauty of something aged and contained.

With Liu Qianxiu among these old things, he looked like a deity in an ancient portrait—elegant, sacred, and far beyond reach.

Mu Wan stared at him, slowly drifting into a daze.

The book he’d handed her hadn’t been turned at all.

After a long moment, Liu Qianxiu lifted his eyes and met Mu Wan’s gaze.

This time, she didn’t look away.

Their eyes met.

Mu Wan smiled openly.

Liu Qianxiu glanced at the title in her hands—Dao De Jing—then looked up again.

“Why aren’t you reading?”

Mu Wan had only glanced at it. Classical Chinese, traditional characters, dense and hard—she couldn’t even recognize all the words.

So she stopped pretending.

“I can’t understand it.”

Liu Qianxiu lowered his gaze and turned a page in his own book. The lamplight made his fingers look almost transparent through the thin, yellowed paper.

His voice stayed calm. “But you can understand me?”

He’d pierced her cleanly.

Mu Wan didn’t feel embarrassed at all. She shook her head.

“I can’t understand you either.”

It was true.

Liu Qianxiu seemed like a doctor, and a Daoist, and also like neither. Like someone who had hidden himself in the world—an expert so deep you only realized his depth the closer you got.

And yet he treated people plainly, honestly, like a clear pool where you could see the stones at the bottom—without knowing how far down the bottom truly was.

Not knowing didn’t matter.

She could measure it slowly, bit by bit.

So she added, smiling, “But you’re better-looking than the book.”

Liu Qianxiu lifted his eyes once.

Mu Wan was smiling.

His gaze returned to the page. Whatever he’d been reading before was already lost.

When he kept reading, Mu Wan got bored. The pages rustled softly in her hands.

She rested an arm on the low table, laid her head on it, and turned her face toward him.

“Liu Qianxiu.”

In the wide, quiet living room, her voice sounded sweet and crisp.

Liu Qianxiu didn’t lift his head. He only answered, low and unhurried.

“Mm.”

Mu Wan listened to his voice echo in her ear. She lifted her head and studied the line of his profile.

“You like living alone, right?”

Under the lamp, they sat at opposite corners of the same low table—he upright, cross-legged, steady as a mountain; she stretched and curled like a lazy snake, soft and calm.

“Why do you ask?” he said.

Mu Wan thought for a moment. “Because you’re always alone.”

Liu Qianxiu’s throat moved slightly. His eyes stayed on the words in his book. His tone was even, quiet.

“Right now,” he said, “in this moment—there are two people.”

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Continue reading Incurable Chapter 12 Part 2

Incurable Chapter 12 Part 1

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

After deciding on the dishes, the two of them went to the same supermarket as yesterday.

A little past seven, the store was packed—shoulder to shoulder. In the sea of people, Mu Wan was like a drop of red ink falling into water: impossible not to notice. Like a kite, she pulled eyes after her wherever she went… and the place that kite always ended up drifting back to was right beside Liu Qianxiu.

She’d dressed up on purpose today. Liu Qianxiu only glanced at her once, as if unmoved.

Mu Wan didn’t mind.

She liked him. That was the whole point.

If he wouldn’t look at her, then she’d look at him. Easy.

In the produce section, Mu Wan pushed the cart, her pale, slender arms resting on the handlebars, watching Liu Qianxiu stand there choosing green bamboo shoots.

The shoots were long and even, narrow at the top and wider at the base, cleaned and neatly packed in plastic trays, sealed under cling film that caught the overhead lights with a faint shine.

The man holding the tray—his cool white fingers—looked almost like the shoots themselves: clean, long, and sharply defined at every knuckle.

So good-looking.

Mu Wan’s eyes were clear and bright, and the fondness inside them was impossible to hide.

Liu Qianxiu sensed her gaze and turned his head to look at her. Mu Wan immediately shifted her eyes away, lips still curled in a smile she hadn’t bothered to conceal. Heat crept up into her ears.

Liu Qianxiu turned back and kept choosing vegetables.

Mu Wan turned back too—and kept watching him.

Back and forth like that, again and again, Mu Wan felt herself blooming inside.

Once they’d bought the vegetables, Liu Qianxiu pushed the cart to the checkout line and waited. Mu Wan stood behind him and lifted her eyes to the crowd around them.

The queue was long. In it, there were a few people as tall as Liu Qianxiu. Mu Wan looked up at his straight back and quietly compared their widths—if he turned around, he could probably wrap her up completely.

As she was thinking that, Liu Qianxiu turned around.

Mu Wan’s gaze stalled. Light as a feather, she redirected it toward the small rack beside the register.

The rack was crammed with snacks: gum, breath mints, little candies, chocolate-coated beans—red, green, and all kinds of bright packaging that made your eyes swim.

Her attention settled on a matcha-flavored chocolate bean. The bottle was clean, fresh, green, simple, and neat. On the label, dark chocolate beans were shown coated in chocolate, with pale green matcha inside—cool, refreshing colors.

Mu Wan was reading the net weight, mentally calculating how many pieces might be inside, when a hand reached into her field of view.

Long fingers, distinct knuckles, slightly curled—he took a bottle.

In the blink of an eye, that bottle appeared in front of her.

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

His gaze was still calm. He only looked at Mu Wan, then gave the bottle a small shake. The beans clicked crisply against the plastic.

“Want it?” Liu Qianxiu asked.

Something in Mu Wan’s chest melted like chocolate.

She smiled. “You’re buying it for me?”

“Mm.”

“Then I want it.”

With her answer, Liu Qianxiu withdrew his gaze, turned, and set the bottle into the cart.

A soft click.

Mu Wan leaned slightly to peek past him at the chocolate bottle now surrounded by vegetables—also green, but a much lighter shade.

Tilting her head, she looked up at him with laughter shimmering in her eyes.

“Why’d you buy me this?”

He didn’t turn back. Only glanced sideways at Mu Wan. After meeting her gaze, he looked away again, voice flat.

“You were staring at it.”

What I was staring at was you. Can I have you too?

Mu Wan smiled, but Liu Qianxiu couldn’t tell what it meant. She drew herself back, then—behind his back—loosely wrapped her arms around the air where his shoulders would be.

Then you’re mine too, now.

After paying, Mu Wan held the chocolate. Liu Qianxiu carried the groceries. One after the other, they got into the car and went home.

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Happy New Year 2021

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

We know that this past year has been full of challenges, and we pray that the coming year brings more certain times for you. Sending all our love and good wishes for better days ahead. Wishing you a fresh start with renewed energy and confidence throughout the New Year.

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