Chapter 62

"Want to see more?"

After getting the love knot back, Xue Lingyu couldn't be happy at all.

The woman saw the love knot, and she certainly wouldn't tell the young lady about it. He also wouldn't be able to repay the young lady's kindness. However, this made Xue Lingyu breathe a sigh of relief.

He was just saying those things in anger; he wouldn't have acted that way if this woman hadn't been so despicable.

He took his money and the hairpin, and yet he treated him like this. What a jerk!

Xue Lingyu put the love knot away and went to sleep still angry. He didn't sleep well that night, and kept having fragmented dreams that seemed to be his past memories.

When I woke up, I could only remember a few fragments of yesterday's dream. My head was throbbing and heavy, and I still couldn't recall anything from the past.

The princess and prince are about to turn one month old. The lord will return after the full-month banquet. Then Xin Yan will not be able to visit Xue Lingyu as often as he does now. He must be on his best to serve the lord and strive to become a third-class servant as soon as possible. Then he can find a way to bring Xue Lingyu with him so that the two of them can take care of each other.

There was no one in the main courtyard, so Xin Yan simply moved in with Xue Lingyu. As soon as he put down his bedding, he noticed that Xue Lingyu seemed a little off. "What's wrong? Who made you angry?"

Xue Lingyu remained silent, but seeing how thin and weak he looked, she raised her finger and guessed, "Are you hungry? I didn't eat anything this morning, and I'm in a bad mood too. Come on, I'll take you to eat something delicious."

Xin Yan whispered to Xue Lingyu, "I begged Steward Wang, and he allowed me to leave the manor for half a day today. My younger sister is coming over, so we can take the opportunity to tour the capital."

Xin Yan was from the outskirts of the capital. Although he was big and fat and had never had a good life, he always had a cheerful look on his face, as if nothing could trouble him. Xue Lingyu couldn't help but be infected by his mood.

Xinyan's younger sister is named Wenhuai. She is a girl of thirteen or fourteen years old. Although her family farms, they do their best to support her education. Wenhuai is a promising girl. She passed the imperial examination at the age of twelve and became a scholar. Everyone in the village says that she is destined to be the top scholar in the imperial examination.

The young girl came to the city to see how her brother was doing. If it weren't for the fact that she needed money for her studies, she would think that her brother wouldn't have to sell himself into servitude. A man his age should have married early and lived a good life.

Wen Huai was very grateful to his older brother and had been studying even harder lately, vowing that if he passed the high school entrance exam, he would definitely repay his brother properly.

Wen Huai was carrying a basket, which he handed to Xin Yan after seeing him. "Brother, these are eggs that Mother asked me to bring you. They were laid by our own chickens. Try them when you have time."

The little girl's skin was as white as Xinyan's, but she was very tall and slender. Having studied for so many years, she had developed a scholarly air about her and was very gentle and polite to others.

Perhaps it's because children from poor families mature early, but the little girl's face showed a maturity beyond her years.

Xinyan accepted the eggs, wiping away her tears. "Look at you, you traveled so far into the city, why did you carry such heavy eggs? Be careful not to tire yourself out."

"I'm not tired. You've lost weight, brother. You should eat more eggs to help you recover." Wen Huai chuckled and noticed a veiled person next to Xin Yan, guessing that it must be his friend.

"Who is this brother?"

Xin Yan pulled Xue Lingyu along and enthusiastically introduced, "I was so happy that I forgot. Sister, this is the husband I found for you, named Chunxiao."

Xue Lingyu was stunned, unsure of what to say to Wen Huai, while Wen Huai greeted her gracefully, "Hello, Brother Chunxiao."

When her brother mentioned the "young man," Wen Huai was both amused and exasperated. She was still a child, focused solely on her studies, so she took his words as a joke.

Xue Lingyu nodded and said, "Greetings to Sister Huai."

Seeing the two of them having such a lukewarm conversation, Xin Yan said anxiously, "Chun Xiao is very handsome. Don't underestimate him. His embroidery skills are also excellent."

He only smiled and remained silent when asked about the locust tree.

On her trip to the city, she also wanted to buy some writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones. Her teacher said she was exceptionally intelligent and had agreed to recommend her for next year's provincial examination. She needed to work even harder.

Xin Yan dragged Xue Lingyu along to accompany Wen Huai to the Shubaozhai bookstore in the city, and used her newly received monthly allowance to buy Wen Huai a set of writing implements.

Wenhuai had some money in her pocket, so she declined, but Xinyan insisted on putting it in her hand and gave her half of her monthly allowance, telling her to go back and make some new clothes for her father.

Now that he can earn money, things will get better and better for this family.

"I earn money so that you and Father can spend it. Listen to me, take it. Do you want me to be angry?" Xin Yan deliberately put on an unhappy look, and Wen Huai had no choice but to accept it, silently remembering this kindness in his heart.

After shopping, Xinyan took Wenhuai to a restaurant and ordered a lot of meat dishes.

Wenhuai is at the age where she is growing, and at home she can only eat eggs once every two weeks. She usually eats cabbage and steamed buns. Xinyan felt very sorry for her and thought that since she had finally come to the city, she would make sure to give her some extra nutrition.

After ordering the food, it took a long time to arrive, so Xin Yan went to the kitchen to urge them and asked the chef to add a few of their own free-range eggs to the dishes. For a while, only Xue Lingyu and Wen Huai were left.

Xue Lingyu then removed her veil, revealing her true face. Wen Huai was slightly taken aback upon seeing her, but then showed no particular reaction. In her view, physical appearance was merely an external thing; one could appreciate beauty, but not become obsessed with it.

Wen Huai poured Xue Lingyu a cup of tea, saying, "Brother Chunxiao, what my brother said just now was just a joke, about a young man or something. I hope you don't take it seriously."

"I don't remember who I am, or if I have any family left. Xinyan was very good to me, but I did something to betray him. I didn't keep my promise. I'm sorry..."

He promised Xinyan first, but then forgot about it in order to repay her kindness. He was such a bad guy. That woman was right. He hadn’t even seen the young lady’s face. How could he be so eager to become a concubine and hurt Xinyan, who was so devoted to him?

Xue Lingyu now wished that Huai could scold her properly on Xinyan's behalf, and her eyes reddened.

Although Wen Huai didn't know which matter Xue Lingyu was referring to, she figured that someone who could earn her brother's sincere trust must have some redeeming qualities. Besides, she could sense that Xue Lingyu was kind-hearted and not a bad person.

She had only ever been in contact with her brother since she was a child, so she didn't know how to coax Xue Lingyu. After thinking it over, she finally came up with a solution.

Wen Huai blinked, revealing a rare hint of playfulness. "My family is poor and I am still young. If Brother Chunxiao doesn't mind, you can treat me as your younger sister. I will treat you as my second brother, just like I treat my older brother."

She would be very happy to have such a handsome second brother, as he would have another relative in the future.

Xin Yan came out of the kitchen at this moment and noticed that the atmosphere between the two was a bit strange. She also saw that Xue Lingyu seemed to be crying, so she glared at Wen Huai and asked, "Did you make Chunxiao cry?"

He patted Xue Lingyu's back and coaxed her softly, "Don't cry, I'll teach her a lesson for you."

As he spoke, he was about to teach Wen Huai a lesson.

Xue Lingyu pulled Xinyan back, "It's not that I asked Sister Huai's fault, it's my fault."

At this moment, Wen Huai said, "Brother, from now on you will be the eldest brother, and Chunxiao will be my second brother. Second brother is happy."

Xin Yan stood there, stunned, looking left and right. He had only been gone for a short while, how could he not know the current situation?

Xue Lingyu smiled through her tears, "Yes, I'm happy."

After Wen Huai told Xin Yan about the family reunion, Xin Yan's mind finally came back to normal.

"Alright, if you can't be the top scholar's son, then be the top scholar's older brother. You little rascal, you're really clever and mischievous."

This last sentence was said to Wen Huai.

"Brother, I haven't become the top scholar yet," Wen Huai said with a hint of helplessness.

"It's only a matter of time." Xin Yan had great confidence in Wen Huai. His little sister was a once-in-a-century academic talent, and he would definitely make sure she lived in a big house and got a title related to becoming a top scholar in the future.

Watching the brother and sister bicker, Xue Lingyu's heart couldn't help but soften.

He had never experienced such a warm atmosphere before.

When asked about Xue Lingyu's amnesia, Huai suggested that when she returned, she could try to ask the prefect to see if he could help Xue Lingyu find her family. Anyone from the vicinity of the capital could find out which household had someone missing.

After the meal, Wen Huai escorted the two back to the Jiang residence. The gate of the Jiang residence was magnificent and splendid. Wen Huai watched his brother and Xue Lingyu go inside before taking the last oxcart out of the city back home.

After the trip, Xin Yan and Xue Lingyu were both exhausted. They went to bed early and started whispering to each other.

"The first time I saw you, I was so amazed that I couldn't move. I've always been a country bumpkin, and I've never seen anyone as beautiful as you. It's a pity that my sister is a blockhead who only knows how to study. I don't know what kind of person she will be able to catch her eye in the future." Xin Yan felt very sorry, but there was nothing he could do. He didn't have a second sister. However, since Wen Huai recognized Xue Lingyu as his second brother, he could be considered Xue Lingyu's eldest brother.

Xin Yan peeked out from under the covers and looked at Xue Lingyu with a smile, saying, "From now on, we'll be a family. Once Wen Huai has made a name for himself in his studies, I'll find you a good family, at least as well-off as Miss Zhao from the east of the city. That way, you'll never have to worry about food or clothing for the rest of your life."

Xue Lingyu sincerely said, "Xinyan, thank you."

Xin Yan chuckled: "How silly of you! Remember to call me Big Brother from now on."

Just as Xue Lingyu was about to call out, Xinyan tucked the blanket around him and urged him to sleep: "Alright, it's getting late, go to sleep. I'll cook you some local eggs first thing tomorrow morning, they're so delicious."

Jiang He was angry for several days because of the love knot. Although she was indirectly jealous of herself, Xue Lingyu had really gone too far.

What an outrageous man! He's willing to give himself to her for just ten taels of silver. What if she spent a hundred taels of gold?

With her brother's twins' full-month celebration approaching, Jiang He would also be attending the palace, so she decided to put Xue Lingyu's matter aside for now. After all, she was really angry and needed time to calm down.

The princesses did not use the names that the emperor had given them beforehand; instead, Jiang Wanyi personally chose the names for them.

The princess was named Xile, and the prince was named Ping'an.

The princess is to be named Princess Zhenguo, which shows the emperor's intention to establish an heir. When the princess grows up, she will be named Crown Princess.

Now that the die is cast, the voices in the court opposing Emperor Wei's conferment of the title of Phoenix Princess on Jiang Wanyi are growing weaker and weaker. It was only a matter of time before the Jiang family became powerful. If Jiang He had not been so focused on business and had no intention of entering the court as an official, the Jiang family would have received even greater honors than they have now.

The filth in officialdom is no less than that in the business world. Moreover, even for businessmen, as long as they can protect their families, it is a good way out. At least her money is cleanly earned. Some officials who are frantically accumulating wealth are not even as good as her, yet they still look down on businessmen. I really don't know where they get their confidence.

Jiang He had just finished dealing with the business and was about to take a short rest on the chaise lounge when she noticed a furtive shadow by the window, as if someone was hiding below. Based on a tuft of hair that was accidentally peeking out, she recognized the person.

She pretended not to know anything and began to unbuckle her belt.

At this moment, Xue Lingyu poked her head out of the window, revealing a pair of watery eyes, and said in a voice that was neither too loud nor too soft, just loud enough for Jiang He to hear, "I've come to apologize to you."

Jiang He was angry with him, so she deliberately avoided looking at him and stared at her belt.

"I really came to apologize to you." Xue Lingyu repeated himself. Seeing that Jiang He still ignored him, in desperation, he climbed in through the window.

The window wasn't high to begin with, and since he had long legs, it didn't take him much effort.

A few flower petals fell on his head, but he didn't notice them at all. As soon as he stood up, he hurriedly apologized, afraid that Jiang He would kick him out. "I was wrong about that sachet. You're right. I've never met Miss, but I came up with the idea of ​​repaying her kindness by offering myself to her. It was really stupid. I shouldn't have embroidered that love knot, I shouldn't have kept it from you, and I shouldn't have raised my voice at you."

He realized he had made many mistakes and now just hoped that Jiang He could forgive him. Even if she couldn't forgive him, he just wanted to talk to her so that he could feel better.

Jiang He didn't know what Xue Lingyu was thinking, but he changed his mind so quickly and came to apologize to her. She felt a little better, but she still didn't immediately express her intention to forgive him.

She asked slowly, "Do you still want to be the young lady's concubine?"

Xue Lingyu quickly waved her hand: "No, I will never have such a thought again in my life."

"So, will you still give me a love knot?"

"I won't see you off anymore."

"Are you still leaving the Jiang residence?"

"I'm not leaving, I'm not leaving."

"Are you still going to speak loudly to me?"

Xue Lingyu immediately covered her mouth and shook her head vigorously a few times to indicate that she would never do it again.

Jiang He chuckled inwardly, but feigned composure, asking, "Did you wear the love knot?"

"I brought it," Xue Lingyu said softly, taking out the love knot from her sleeve and handing it to Jiang He. As she looked at Jiang He's expression, she said, "If you like it, I'll give it to you."

Jiang He carefully put away the love knot, but said sarcastically, "This was given to Miss by you. I'm just a steward, how could I be worthy to use it?"

"Yes, yes, if you don't like this style, I'll embroider a few more for you." Xue Lingyu was now completely obedient, hoping that Jiang He would forgive him. He didn't have many friends in the mansion, and he didn't want to lose this one easily.

After he finished speaking, he looked at Jiang He hopefully, only to find that she had already unbuckled her belt and was about to take off her outer garment.

It's past noon now, so it seems she's going to take a nap.

Xue Lingyu didn't dare to look and immediately covered his eyes with his hands. After a while, he secretly loosened his fingers, looked at Jiang He, and whispered, "This looks like the undergarment I embroidered for Miss..."

Jiang He looked down and saw a plum blossom on her undergarment. To avoid giving herself away, she pretended to take it all off and asked, "Want to see more?"

Xue Lingyu was on the verge of tears and quickly turned her head away, saying, "I don't want to watch anymore!"

A note from the author:

Thank you to all the little angels who voted for me or watered my plants with nutrient solution between 2022-02-12 21:10:58 and 2022-02-13 21:14:21!

Thank you to the little angels who threw landmines: Egg Pudding, Goodnight My Baby, and 1 Yogurt;

Thank you to the little angel who watered the nutrient solution: 1 bottle of egg pudding;

Thank you so much for your support! I will continue to work hard!

◎Latest Comments:

[What the heck? I only read this because of the synopsis, and look at all the irrelevant plot points you've written! It's already so long and you haven't even gotten to that part yet. What a waste of time. Are you going to only write that plot in the last two chapters?]

When to put the ball in your hand?

Feeling unmotivated to write? Grab a bottle of nutrient solution! Having no inspiration for your writing? Grab a bottle of nutrient solution! Nutrient solution—your deepest love for the author!

[As expected, you can't just comment on anything; you have to wait and see what happens next. Sorry, author! I spoke impulsively yesterday.]

Words cannot express my feelings; I can only try my best to nourish you with nutrient solution. Can you feel my boundless affection?

[Extra chapter for Valentine's Day?]

[He's such a bully, hahaha, the male lead is so obedient!]

[You didn't even notice? Xiaoyu is so naive!]

Wow!

[Front row!]

[Haha, this chapter is so interesting and well-written! I can't forget it after reading it. I'm chugging down my nutrients and I'm going crazy for it!]

[Keep it up, DaDa!]

[Keep it up, DaDa!]

[Awoo]

[Author, when will Yu Yu regain her memories?]

[Joy is one thing, but isn't it a bit too corny for a prince to be called Ping An? |ω｀)]

-over-