The old Madam merely raised her head and looked at Qin Yunuan indifferently, and said plainly, “I’ve allowed your brother to stay, but it doesn’t mean that you could ask me anything. You’ll naturally know about it later.” Then, she lowered her head and focused on taking a sip of her tea.
Judging from her attitude, she was willing to accept Qin Baochuan. Qin Yunuan worried the most that the old Madam of Prince Ning’s Mansion would crowd out Qin Baochuan, as the Dou Family had a deal with the old Madam. Even though the Dou Family was eradicated, given the behavior of the old madam…
Anyway, now that it had been settled. As for that “her” the old Madam was referring to, Qin Yunuan subconsciously related to the one in the Royal Palace. She was immediately daunted by the bold thought of herself. Sisters going against each other, that was too ridiculous. However, thinking of what happened between Qin Yunzhuang and herself, she suddenly felt that anything could be possible.
Qin Yunuan wanted to say more, but the old Madam had already closed her eyes and leaned peacefully on the bamboo rattan chair as if nothing had happened at all.
Just when Qin Yunuan led Qin Baochuan out of the pavilion, the servant girl outside the door had already been replaced. The lean servant girl who dragged Zhichan away had replaced Zhichan. Competition was always so cruel.
Qin Baochuan didn’t say a word as they walked back along the walkway. Qin Baochuan only dragged Qin Yunuan’s sleeve as they were about to arrive at the courtyard of Qin Yunuan and Leng Changxi. He said, “Thank you, sister, for reminding me just now.”
Qin Yunuan paused her steps slightly, but she didn’t lower her head. “I haven’t reminded you.”
“The Oleander pollen.” Qin Baochuan was firm and sincere, “Baochuan knows that sister wants Baochuan to perform well in front of the old Madam. If it wasn’t for sister’s expression and gesture, how would Baochuan have noticed?”
“That’s just because you’re clever.” Qin Yunuan’s tone softened. She crouched and looked at Qin Baochuan, who had become more mature and sensible. She stroked Qin Baochuan’s head and said, “Sister could help you occasionally, but not always.”
Qin Baochuan nodded and said, “Baochuan knows. I’ll definitely work hard on the Imperial College exam a month from now.”
“Hmm,” Qin Yunuan stood up as if she was avoiding Qin Baochuan’s glance. She only said, “Tomorrow is your elder sister’s wedding day. The renowned people in the Royal City would all attend the wedding in the palace. Mr. Shangguan Yi will also be there by then. Remember, try your best to perform yourself in front of him. If you get his approval, it would be your honor.”
Qin Yunuan didn’t tell Qin Baochuan that their mother, Lady Yang, was the daughter of Shangguan family. After all, there was a reason for mother to hide the truth. Besides, with Qin Yunuan’s capability now, she didn’t need to rely on the Shangguan family to secure a good future for Qin Baochuan.
Qin Baochuan had heard of Shangguan Yi’s name long ago. His glance shined longingly and nodded strongly.
When they returned to the yard, nurse Liao was overwhelmed with joy to know that Qin Baochuan had come to the Prince Ning’s Mansion. Consequently, she had cleaned up two rooms, a bedroom and a study room for Qin Baochuan by the side courtyard, both cleaned carefully.
Soon, Leng Changxi came back too, looking a bit tired. However, as soon as he entered the house and saw Qin Yunuan quietly embroidering under a Begonia, it seemed that he was brightened up, and all his tiredness was swept away.
When they returned from the old Madam, Qin Yunuan couldn’t settle her mind. She could only embroider to sooth herself. She was zoning out, and she didn’t notice Leng Changxi coming in from the door.
Leng Changxi quietly walked towards Qin Yunuan from behind as his hand slowly went down along Qin Yunuan’s fair arm and held the needle in her fingertips. The silver needle was loosened immediately and bounced under the impact of the thread.
“Ahh,” Leng Changxi’s sudden approaching made Qin Yunuan scream unintentionally. In addition, the fiery chest of Leng Changxi was closely pressing on Qin Yunuan’s back, which lit Qin Yunuan up a bit.
“Did you wait for long?” Leng Changxi was kissing Qin Yunuan’s petite earlobes. The slight roughness of his tongue was like a catalyst, quickly catalyzing the romantic atmosphere.
“No.” Qin Yunuan lowered her head, then raised it again. She gently looked at Leng Changxi. It seemed that Qin Yunuan could see only herself in Leng Changxi’s black pupils, even with his black mask on. Qin Yunuan held Leng Changxi’s arm and kissed him gently, “I’ve prepared lotus soup for you. Iced lotus soup.”
“Oh,” Leng Changxi smiled, and responded aggressively to the rare kiss that Qin Yunuan initiated, “Have you had some yourself?”
Qin Yunuan nodded, “Yes.”
“Hmm, then I’ll just taste it from your mouth.” Leng Changxi grabbed Qin Yunuan’s chin with his big hand, held her head and kissed her affectionately and fiercely as if Leng Changxi tried his best to reach in further each time.
“Hmm.” Just when Qin Yunuan was stretching her neck, trying her best to follow the tall Leng Changxi, Leng Changxi had already held Qin Yunuan’s waist and held her against him. He took Qin Yunuan’s slim legs and rounded them around his body. Meanwhile, their mouths had become one. This time, Leng Changxi easily went through Qin Yunuan’s teeth and reached his tongue in, as if he really wanted to seek for the trace of sweetness of the lotus soup.
It had been a long time. Leng Changxi slowly loosened his hands only when the breaths of the two were beyond control. He stared straight at the blushed Qin Yunuan and smiled. His words were luring, “The lotus soup tastes good indeed.”
How was it possible that he actually tasted the lotus soup? Qin Yunuan knew that Leng Changxi was playing with her. She merely pounded Leng Changxi’s chest softly, leaned against his chest and asked, “Have you figured out what happened this morning yet?”
Leng Changxi narrowed his eyes, yet still decided to tell Qin Yunuan the truth, “Your elder brother had sided with Prince Ray.”
His words were simple, but the meaning was clear.
And it was not far from Qin Yunuan’s expectations.
“It surely is him.” Even though Qin Linfeng was still talking to Qin Yunuan politely, even with a hint of forbearance, in the Mansion of Qin, Qin Yunuan knew that he was just like a wolf waiting for its prey. After all, he was the son of Qin Zhi and Dou Qing’e. He had well inherited the viciousness and cunning of the two.
Something wasn’t right. Qin Yunuan suddenly frowned.
“What’s the matter?”
“The union of Qin Linfeng and Prince Ray? Huh, what a coincidence. They should be rivals.” Qin Yunuan sneered and told Leng Changxi that the emotions of Qin Linfeng towards Qin Yunzhuang had exceeded the sibling relationship long ago.
Leng Changxi smiled as well after he heard it, “His ally and the woman of his life. Guess what he will do tomorrow.”
“I used to be surprised by Qin Linfeng’s emotion towards Qin Yunzhuang. He had protected her for so many years, and he fought for her every time, even risking himself. However, he’s my father’s son, after all. He could surely give up his lover for his future. Besides, not only that he didn’t receive anything emotional in return from Qin Yunzhuang, but also that the world couldn’t allow such relationships.” It seemed that Qin Yunuan had known everything about the Qin family. In her past life and this life, she had learnt enough lessons from the Qin family.
“However, knowing this is beneficial rather than harmful to us.” Leng Changxi’s eyes glittered smartly. He always knew how to grab the opportunities and make use of his resources. It was no exception this time. “I don’t mind giving Prince Ray a big present.” After Leng Changxi finished his words, his glance became blurry as he turned to climb over Qin Yunuan and whispered to her ear, “But now, you have to give me a big present first.” As he spoke, he untied Qin Yunuan’s belt.
It was another night of lingering.
The next morning, even though Qin Yunuan was still soring from the actions last night, she managed to get up as she had to bring Qin Baochuan to greet Prince Ning and Princess Ning. When she went around the screen, she saw Leng Changxi already sitting by the table and poured her a bowl of Barley and red bean congee. He knew that Qin Yunuan loved red beans, so he deliberately gave her lots of red beans. There was a plate of buns, a plate of steamed rolls, and a small plate of pickles on the table. The breakfast of Qin Yunuan and Leng Changxi was always simple.
Leng Changxi felt a bit sorry as he saw Qin Yunuan’s waist soring, so he took the initiative to massage for Qin Yunuan.
“That’s enough, it tickles!” Qin Yunuan lowered her head, looking shy. It was just an excuse. It was just that as soon as Leng Changxi’s big hands rubbed on Qin Yunuan’s waist and back, the heat of his hands made Qin Yunuan numb and feeble again.
“Okay, I’ll be more gentle next time.” Leng Changxi spoke next to Qin Yunuan’s ear, and his hot breath spurted on her ear.
“Third young Madam, the princess was ready to go. She sent me to ask third young Madam that how long would it take you to be there?” It was Qingzhu, Princess Ning’s servant girl, who was outside.
“I’ll be right there.” Qin Yunuan responded loudly. If it wasn’t for Leng Changxi who was lit once again in the morning and made love with her, she wouldn’t be so late.
“Be careful in the Royal Palace.” Leng Changxi hugged Qin Yunuan, who was striding towards the door and kissed her forehead gently. “I’ll go to see the Emperor first and attend the wedding banquet later.”
“I know.”
The wedding banquet was in the early afternoon. Apart from the wedding banquets of Prince Fu and Prince Ning’s Mansion, it was a rarely seen banquet in the Royal City. In addition, the family of the empress had quite some power, so many of the rich and famous people had entered the palace early to congratulate her. Their gifts were all precious.
People all said that the Qin family was really fortunate. Among the three daughters of the Qin family, one had married Prince Fu, who was a fool but still had certain achievements. Another daughter was named the Infanta and became the legal wife of the general. The other daughter was about to enter the Royal Palace and become a royal concubine. The status of Qin Zhi had rocketed overnight.
Outside the palace, many gorgeous carriages had lined up in order. The servant girls had all took out the invitation letters of their masters and mistresses and got prepared to enter the palace.
“Look, it’s Mr. Shangguan Yi’s carriage.” Someone in the crowd suddenly shouted.
