Geschichte über einen Ehemanndiebstahl

Kapitel 112

Duan Chen was eating his porridge with his head down when he felt a gaze directed at him from the opposite table. Remembering that this person was Zhan Yun's father, he swallowed the porridge in his mouth and looked up at him. Zhan Ye smiled slightly and put down his teacup: "The dishes were all prepared according to Xingzhi's instructions, with a rather light flavor. Is Chen'er enjoying it?"

Duan Chen nodded, a slight smile playing on his lips: "It's delicious."

Seeing that she seemed a little nervous, Zhan Yun quickly picked up a crystal steamed dumpling and put it in her bowl, then looked at Zhan Ye and said, "Father, we'd like to go south in a few days."

Zhan Ye curled her lips and glanced at him: "Is this your idea, or Chen'er's?" She secretly found it amusing. It was just a casual greeting, and he was already so nervous. Look at how calm the girl was!

The others at the table watched with amusement. Zhan Huan and his wife exchanged a smile and continued eating their porridge. Xiao Yiyi watched with a smile, thinking to herself that this young man was quite thoughtful and considerate, noticing that Luo'er was a little uncomfortable.

Zhan Yun seemed used to his father asking questions like this, and replied calmly and gently, "We both want to go. As you know, Uncle Jiang and the others stayed in the southwestern border region for many years. Chen'er wants to go back and visit, and I've never been there before either."

Zhan Ye pondered for a moment, then looked at Duan Chen: "Going there at this time of year might be too hot." He then smiled, "But if you want to travel, that's fine too. You can spend some time in the Jiangnan region first, and then head southwest after August. Just remember to come back before the New Year." After the New Year, when the weather warms up, it'll be about time to arrange the wedding…

Zhan Ye's mind was racing with calculations, and the gentle smile on his lips sent a chill down the spines of Zhan Huan and Zhan Yun. The two brothers exchanged a glance; Zhan Huan raised an eyebrow, while Zhan Yun sighed inwardly, realizing that this time, they had probably been tricked.

Seeing Zhan Yun nod in agreement, Zhan Ye narrowed his eyes in satisfaction, then turned his head and nodded slightly to Xiao Yiyi: "There aren't many people in the manor, so Master Xiao, please come over too. Bring the children along, as well as Miss Qingzi and Mr. Jiang. Let's all celebrate the New Year together and make it more lively."

Zhan Yun had mentioned Xiao Yiyi's situation in his letter, so when Xingyun Manor sent people to pick her up, they also brought two older women to help take care of the children. It was because of this that Xiao Yiyi was able to free up some time to come here and enjoy a few days of leisure.

Xiao Yiyi seemed to suddenly think of something, and smiled brightly: "Okay."

Zhan Ye smiled slightly, feeling that he had accomplished his mission perfectly, a sly glint in his eyes. "Brother Liu, you'll have to thank me this time!"

After breakfast, Zhan Yun pulled Duan Chen toward the flower garden to the south, a gentle smile on her lips: "Don't worry. My father may not have said it, but he's quite satisfied with you."

Duan Chen's lips curved slightly, his phoenix eyes half-lowered: "Your family is all very good." The three men, father and sons, were all alike—restrained in their sharpness, gentle and refined. They were adept at dealing with outsiders, yet remarkably tolerant of their own family. They always considered the other person's feelings when speaking, never questioning or probing excessively. They were gentle without being overly ingratiating, kind yet maintaining a proper distance, never making anyone feel uncomfortable or awkward. The so-called "gentlemanly and refined gentleman" probably best described the men of the Zhan family.

Zhan Yun's lips curved into a wider smile as he slowly tightened his grip on her hand: "Before I leave, I'll take you to meet my mother."

Duan Chen turned his head to look at him, and looked into those crescent-shaped eyes. The bright smile in them made Duan Chen's heart soften, and he smiled slightly: "Okay."

The two arrived at a pond with an exquisite stone arch bridge spanning it. The surrounding area was shaded by green trees and lush, verdant grass. On the opposite side of the clear pond, a patch of orchids about two feet tall swayed gently, their pale blue flowers quietly beginning to bloom. The delicate, bell-shaped blossoms clustered together, appearing exceptionally exquisite, translucent, and charmingly elegant.

Zhan Yun gently put his arm around her waist, and the two walked slowly onto the small bridge. As they got closer, they could gradually smell the delicate and pleasant fragrance. The slender, emerald-green leaves and the pale blue, exquisite petals made Duan Chen look at them quietly. She recalled that when they were in Hangzhou, Zhao Ting had said that this person always liked to tend to orchids. She couldn't help but purse her lips and gradually curved them into a slightly coquettish smile.

Zhan Yun was taken aback for a moment, having never seen her smile so beautifully before, before he lowered his head and kissed the corner of her slightly upturned lips: "Do you like it?"

Duan Chen smiled and nodded. She wasn't stupid; how could she not see that he planted this patch of blue orchids because of her? Zhan Yun's crescent-shaped eyes curved even more, and he whispered against her lips, "This flower is called 'Blue Silk Bun,' because its leaves are slender and emerald green, like three thousand strands of blue silk, and its flowers are also a rare pale blue, but their shape resembles a woman's updo, hence the name 'Blue Silk Bun.'"

The name "Qingsi" (青丝) is a homophone for "qingsi" (情丝), meaning "threads of affection." He had once seen it at a friend's house in Hangzhou. At the time, he hadn't paid much attention to it, but later he met this person... Last year, after parting ways with her at Wanliu Villa, he returned home with nothing to do and couldn't bear the thought of this orchid. So he asked someone for a few plants and planted them in the flowerbed. Before leaving home, he entrusted his elder brother to take good care of them. This flower has a long blooming period, lasting from May until early autumn. These past few days, after returning to the villa, he carefully pruned and tended to it before inviting Duan Chen over to admire the flowers.

Duan Chen tilted her head and smiled. Seeing Zhan Yun's puzzled expression, she explained softly, "I thought it was a bell." She hadn't thought of it as a woman's hair bun; she only thought the flower shape was delicate and small, like a string of bells, exceptionally lovely.

Zhan Yun wasn't angry. His eyes crinkled with a smile as he gently nibbled at her lips. "Whatever you say." Bells or hair ornaments—this bond of love had now firmly tied them together. As for this "black hair bun," it was initially just a way to ease the pain of longing, but now it was to win a smile from his beloved. What did it matter what it resembled…?

Duan Chen let Zhan Yun hold and kiss her for a while, finally leaning against Zhan Yun's shoulder and neck, her chest heaving slightly, her eyes half-closed, her pink lips parted, a faint smile playing on her lips. Zhan Yun held the beauty in his arms, his fingertips gently tracing the corners of her slightly upturned lips, his clear voice slightly hoarse: "We'll set off in three days, where would you like to go first?"

A trip to the southwestern border is a must, but my dad's point is valid. Heading southwest in this climate isn't ideal; it's hot and humid, and teeming with snakes, insects, and rodents. We should wait until after summer, when the weather is clear, cool, and pleasantly warm, making for a better trip.

Duan Chen took a soft breath. His uniquely gentle aura blended with the delicate fragrance of orchids, creating a refreshing and warm scent that deeply touched her heart. Zhan Yun, noticing the small movement of the person in her arms for the first time, was slightly startled, then a charming smile appeared on her face. Her voice, slightly hoarse, teased her, "The scent on Chen'er is much better than this orchid fragrance..."

Duan Chen wasn't usually one to blush easily, but Zhan Yun's words were undeniably flippant, carrying a hint of teasing. Given that it was broad daylight, Duan Chen immediately straightened up from his embrace, pushed him away, and turned to leave. Zhan Yun pulled her into his arms, a helpless yet indulgent smile playing on his handsome face. He gently rested his chin on Duan Chen's shoulder, saying, "Silly girl, I wasn't saying that to mock you..."

Duan Chen tilted her head slightly, somewhat puzzled, when a light kiss landed on her fair cheek. "Just like this, it's a kind of fun between husband and wife," Zhan Yun explained softly, her smile deepening. She had originally intended for her to gradually get used to it, but later realized that this girl was truly stubborn in this regard. What would make most women blush and their hearts race with sweet words, Duan Chen not only felt uncomfortable but also somewhat annoyed.

Duan Chen frowned slightly but didn't speak, only glancing sideways at the man behind him who was smiling warmly. Zhan Yun, however, was both amused and exasperated by Duan Chen's slightly suspicious gaze. He released her from his embrace, took her hand, and led her to the other side: "I'll take you to see my two golden orchids. Right now they only have buds, but when we come back this winter, they should be in bloom..."

After admiring the flowers for a while, the two went to a pavilion in the flowerbed to cool off. Someone from the villa brought over chilled wild chrysanthemum wine and several delicate side dishes, and the two enjoyed their lunch while admiring the scenery. The pavilion was surrounded by light blue gauze curtains, allowing a clear view of the outside scenery from inside, but for those outside looking in, the view was somewhat hazy and indistinct.

Xingyun Manor boasts many secluded spots, and this flower garden, where the two are situated, offers an exceptionally beautiful and tranquil setting. While in Bianjing, they rarely had opportunities to be alone together, and the first few days after arriving at the manor were quite busy. Now, finally able to steal half a day of leisure in this secluded place filled with birdsong and fragrant flowers, a place seemingly isolated from the world, Duan Chen has always preferred quiet, while Zhan Yun has enjoyed sitting here alone since childhood. The two, sitting facing each other, chatting and enjoying food and wine, felt utterly content!

Zhan Yun was naturally talkative and particularly enjoyed teasing Duan Chen. He began recounting amusing anecdotes from his youthful travels. While his words weren't as sharp and witty as Xiao Changqing's, they possessed a certain brilliance due to his insightful and unique perspectives. Duan Chen sipped his sweet and slightly bitter wild chrysanthemum wine, a slight smile playing on his lips, listening to the man's gentle narration. Every now and then, he would be prompted to offer his own opinions or share similar experiences.

After lunch, the two continued to enjoy tea, sitting until dusk before getting up to head back. They hadn't gone far from the flower garden when Zhan Huan approached, first smiling and nodding at Duan Chen, then looking at Zhan Yun with a slightly mocking expression: "You secretly lured someone away to admire flowers, drink wine, and have fun all day. I had a hard time keeping you company!" He sighed deeply, fanning himself with a folding fan as if in distress, "That Qingzi girl, ever since she got up for breakfast, has been asking where Miss Duan went. In the end, I had no choice but to lend her your sister-in-law to keep her company all day..."

Duan Chen bowed apologetically to Zhan Huan: "I'm sorry, my junior sister is a bit of a troublemaker. I apologize for disturbing the young master and his wife. I apologize to you on behalf of Qingzi."

Duan Chen had always dressed as a man, so when he bowed, he naturally used the traditional clasped hands and bowed gestures of a man. Now that he had changed back into a skirt, he naturally changed to the traditional female greetings. Zhan Huan didn't think much of it, but Zhan Yun felt a pang of heartache watching him. Taking advantage of the moment when Duan Chen lowered his head, Zhan Yun gave his brother a slightly cold glance, which sent a chill down Zhan Huan's spine.

Zhan Huan had only intended to amuse Zhan Yun and had no intention of making things difficult for Duan Chen. Therefore, he quickly waved his hand and said gently with a smile, "Miss Duan, please don't be so polite. What I said just now was just a joke, please don't take it to heart." He then smiled slightly at Zhan Yun, "Xingzhi, you accompany Miss Duan on her way. I'm going to visit your sister-in-law..."

The words had barely left his mouth when he vanished in a few steps. Zhan Huan, using his light-footed skill to slip back, sighed to the heavens: "This isn't fun anymore!" He used to rely on his elder brother's status, always finding great joy in teasing this kid's changing expressions. But now that the boy had a sweet little wife in his heart, playing like before would not only be less fun, but also risk retaliation! Zhan Huan narrowed his crescent-shaped eyes, so similar to Zhan Yun's. Seeing this, he needed to find a different approach…

As Duan Chen and Zhan Yun arrived at the side hall, they heard Zhan Ye's furious low rebuke from inside: "Absolutely outrageous! Hengzhi, this matter..."

The two exchanged a glance and then went inside together. In the side hall, only Zhan Ye and Zhan Huan were present. Zhan Huan held a letter in his hand, his usually gentle face shrouded in a somber expression, as if he had just received some news.

Zhan Yun didn't hold back and asked in a gentle voice, "Father, elder brother, what happened?"

Zhan Huan glanced at his father, and both of them pondered for a long while. Finally, Zhan Ye nodded slightly and sat back down in his chair. Zhan Huan sighed, handed over the letter in his hand, and explained gently, "Logically, Xiao Ru is also our cousin. She experienced such a terrible ordeal while passing through Suzhou the other day, but they didn't inform us until she was sent back to Taizhou..."

Zhan Ye chimed in sullenly, "If I hadn't run into Magistrate Ye a few days ago and asked for the deceased's name when we talked about this case, and then written to him as soon as I got back, I probably wouldn't have even thought to tell us!" With that, he got up, flicked his sleeves, and walked out of the house, looking somewhat gloomy. "You can have dinner first. Don't wait for me."

Zhan Yun unfolded the letter between the two of them. The letter was short, containing only a few words, and the tone was rather perfunctory; the writer was clearly impatient to inform them of this matter. After reading it, Duan Chen looked up at Zhan Yun: "This Miss Yang Xiaoru, is she your mother's cousin?"

Zhan Huan, stroking his folding fan, also looked rather grim: "She is the youngest daughter of my aunt, Xingzhi's aunt. My aunt died young, and Xiaoru married at fifteen. We only met a few times when we were young. But no matter what, this is a bit much. She died in Suzhou, and they didn't even say goodbye..."

Zhan Yun folded the letter and handed it to Zhan Huan, a gentle smile on her lips: "After all, since Mother married into Suzhou, she has had little contact with that place. The Yang family is also close to Grandpa in business, and Auntie is no longer alive. It is only natural that they are becoming distant from us."

After saying that, she patted his shoulder, blinked, and teased him gently, "Didn't you say you were going to find your sister-in-law? Now you don't mind that Qingzi is trying to steal your man?"

Zhan Huan shrugged, slipped, and walked to the doorway. He glanced at him with a half-smile and said in a low voice, "You're just trying to make me happy. You should think about how to persuade Father!" After saying that, he nodded slightly to Duan Chen and left the room.

Since the meal was to be served in a side hall, the two simply sat down inside and waited for the others to arrive. Duan Chen also sensed something amiss, and considering that Zhan Yun had previously recounted some stories about his parents, he pieced together the clues and said softly, "Longing is painful. If you have time, you might as well talk to him more."

Zhan Yun was slightly taken aback, but quickly realized that Duan Chen was worried about Zhan Ye. A faint smile appeared in his eyes: "If you were willing to talk to him, it would probably make him happier than if I talked to him."

As the two were talking, the others also came over. Zhan Huan's wife seemed to be having a lively conversation with Qing Zi. The two walked into the house hand in hand, laughing and talking, leaving Zhan Huan behind and walking side by side with Xiao Yiyi.