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Yuan Yingwu scolded, "I rescued you from the brothel to repay your father's kindness. Yet you go around saying that I am infatuated with you! What more do you want to stir up?" His voice carried a hint of anger and helplessness, as if he were weary of this endless farce.
Fan Jiao Jiao had no words to respond and could only mask her feelings with tears. Her sobs were soft and whimpering, reminiscent of a broken wind chime, tinged with a touch of artifice.
Mei Xin quickly stepped in to mediate, "Uncle, look at how pitiful Jiao Jiao is. Why not take her as a concubine?" Her eyes held a glimmer of flattery and hope, as if seeking an escape from this chaotic scene.
"On the day of my wedding, take a concubine? What would that mean for my new wife?" Yuan Yingwu rejected loudly, his tone firm and filled with undeniable anger.
Fan Jiao Jiao feigned timidity, saying, "Could it be that your new wife is jealous and cannot tolerate me?" A spark of provocation flashed in her eyes, as if she were trying to incite Yuan Yingwu's ire.
Yuan Yingwu immediately countered, "She is generous and sensible, unlike you, a crazy woman throwing tantrums! It is I who cannot tolerate you!" His voice was deep and powerful, as if declaring the end of this farce.
Fan Jiao Jiao cried out sharply, "Father, you leave your daughter all alone and helpless! Now I will be cast out onto the streets; you might as well take me with you!" Tears streamed down her face like rain, portraying the image of a wronged woman.
"Since Jiao Jiao loves to cry so much, I'll send you to the outskirts of the city where you can cry to your heart's content!" Yuan Yingwu said sternly, his tone resolute yet tinged with helplessness.
Mei Xin quickly interjected again, "Uncle, look what you've done! You've scared Jiao Jiao into fainting!" Her eyes reflected panic and concern, as if trying to salvage the situation.
Upon hearing this, Fan Jiao Jiao pretended to swoon towards Yuan Yingwu. Her body fell limply as if a flower had been snapped by the wind.
However, being a man of martial prowess, Yuan Yingwu swiftly dodged her fall. Fan Jiao Jiao landed heavily on the ground with a loud thud, echoing like the final bell tolling for this farce.
"Hey! Someone come quickly! Help carry Jiao Jiao inside to rest!" Mei Xin exclaimed in alarm upon witnessing the scene, her voice laced with urgency and panic.
Yuan Yingwu was too tired to deal with them any longer and strode away. His silhouette stretched long in the setting sun, resembling a solitary figure fleeing from endless turmoil.
In the new house, Zhang Yue munched on a chicken leg while saying, "Young Lord just left like that. Aren't you sad at all?" Her eyes showed concern and confusion.
Liu Ruyi replied, "My mother married into Liu Residence because she believed my father's sweet words. In the end, she had no status or support and lived in poverty. I've never seen my father protect her even once. So remember: a man's words are deceitful. If we want to live well, we must rely on ourselves. They can go wherever they please." Her voice carried a sense of resignation and stubbornness as if building a defense for herself.
Zhang Yue nodded vigorously while continuing to eat; the sound of her munching seemed to underscore Liu Ruyi's words.
After a delightful meal, Zhang Yue left, leaving Liu Ruyi alone in the bridal chamber. The candlelight flickered in the wind, mirroring her current mood—bright one moment and dim the next.
"I’ve never seen something like this in my past life; I should broaden my horizons this time!" Seeing the Spring Palace Picture roll, Liu Ruyi found herself an excuse to look at it, her voice tinged with teasing curiosity.
Just as she became engrossed in it, a hand landed on her shoulder.
"Ah! Why are you back?" Upon realizing it was Yuan Yingwu, Liu Ruyi stood up in panic, her body trembling slightly as if startled like a deer.
Yuan Yingwu pulled Liu Ruyi close to his chest and softly said, "We still have something very important to do tonight; how could I not come back?" His voice was low and gentle yet carried an undeniable firmness.
What followed seemed only natural…
"Miss, why are you sleeping on the table?" Liu Ruyi was awakened by Zhang Yue’s call and realized she had merely been dreaming. A wave of embarrassment washed over her as her cheeks flushed slightly like dawn kissed by morning light.
"Quick, take this troublesome thing and burn it!" Liu Ruyi said as she handed the Spring Palace Picture to Zhang Yue. Her voice carried a hint of urgency and embarrassment, as if she wanted to quickly rid herself of this awkward dream.
Zhang Yue was momentarily stunned, realizing that the young lady was feeling shy. She smiled gently, her expression filled with affection and understanding, as if to comfort Liu Ruyi in her embarrassment.
...
At dawn the next day, the morning glow spread across the sky like woven brocade, and the translucent curtains could hardly conceal the dancing rays of sunlight. Liu Ruyi slowly rose from the soft couch, her steps light and graceful, stirring the air in the room that had been steeped in slumber. As soon as she stepped outside, she encountered Yuan Yingwu practicing in the courtyard. He stood like a statue, his muscles glistening with a warm bronze hue in the soft morning light, resembling a war god wrapped in morning mist.
It was common for him to practice in the morning, but he was bare-chested, and his taut muscles resembled distant mountains or chiseled stone. Liu Ruyi's cheeks instantly flushed with the warmth of dawn, feeling as if they could burn; she hurriedly covered her face with her delicate hands, leaving only her lively eyes peeking through her fingers.
At the moment their gazes met, Yuan Yingwu seemed captivated by her unguarded shyness. His spear halted mid-air, trembling slightly as if frozen by an invisible force. He strode over with long strides, concern evident in his relaxed brow and eyes. "You're awake? Why is your face so red? Are you not feeling well?" His voice was deep and rich, like the sound of water in a deep pool, resonating with tenderness.
"I'm fine!" Liu Ruyi exclaimed, flustered like a startled white deer. Her voice was hurried like a fledgling sparrow flapping its wings, resolute in her denial yet evoking sympathy. She knew well why she felt embarrassed but found it difficult to voice it. She could only hope he would not press further.
Yuan Yingwu remained oblivious to her feelings and assumed she was forcing herself despite being unwell. Frowning slightly, he said in a low voice, "If you're not feeling well, don't hold back! I'll go apologize to our elders for you." As he turned to leave, Liu Ruyi panicked and stopped him, stamping her foot in reproach. "You're the one who isn't well! It's already deep autumn; why are you still bare-chested? Put on some clothes!" Her urgent demeanor made it seem as if he were standing naked before a crowd. After scolding him, she dashed back into the house and slammed the door shut behind her, her heart racing and palms sweating.
Yuan Yingwu looked at the closed door, warmth blooming in his heart like spring wine. He murmured softly to himself, "So she cares about me this much..." His brows relaxed and a smile tugged at his lips as if savoring the finest delicacies of the world.
In the Duke's Residence hall, morning light filtered through intricately carved window panes, outlining the golden edges of reality. Yuan Yingwu and Liu Ruyi knelt together and said in unison, "I, Yuan Yingwu, pay my respects to Grandmother and Father!" "I, Liu Ruyi, pay my respects to Grandmother and Father!" Their voices rang clear like pearls falling onto a plate—crisp and resonant.
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