Night Song

Chapter 103

"Oh, I see." He reverted to his previous lazy state, sitting under the eaves with his legs crossed, continuing to daydream. "I'm just a little bored."

Instead of seeking pleasure, seeing her brother's listless and lifeless state, Qinglan suppressed her urge to explode. "Could it be that he misses Quanzhou?" Perhaps it's because he's been away from home for many years and most of his relatives are estranged, plus there are too many rules at home, making it less comfortable than Quanzhou?

Xie Feilan shook his head again.

Qinglan racked her brains trying to find something that might excite her fourth brother.

"Or... shall I chat with Fourth Brother?" Hopefully, I can find out the reason. "It's been a long time since we drank together."

Xie Feilan pondered for a moment.

"You have a terrible alcohol tolerance and no manners when you're drunk. You even act all cute and clingy when you're drunk. Forget it." Seemingly feeling that Qinglan's head was already steaming, he added with a wicked grin, "It would be too much trouble for me to carry you back then." Watching his underling's face turn from red to purple, Xie Feilan couldn't help but burst into laughter, dodging the slashing palm strikes as he laughed. His eyes were warm, but his words remained sharp.

"I'm afraid that if you drink with me, you'll start to mistake me for a girl from a brothel. That would really hurt Fourth Brother's feelings."

After being repeatedly teased, Qinglan was so angry that she almost vomited blood. She turned to leave in anger, but her brother put his arm around her shoulder.

"Qinglan knows how to comfort her brother; she's truly grown up." She smiled and sighed, her tone devoid of any playfulness, unusually serious. "Thank you."

The anger subsided quickly.

"I'm fine, don't worry." Xie Feilan patted him, and Qinglan was suddenly moved.

"Fourth Brother, I know I can't really help, but at least we're brothers. I can at least have a drink with you. Don't keep everything to yourself like Third Brother does."

"I understand your feelings." Xie Feilan nodded, then couldn't help but tease him. "However, your alcohol tolerance really needs some work. Let's talk about it again in a few years."

"Fourth Brother thinks I can't drink, let's go find Third Brother." This time Qinglan wasn't angry. Recalling the rumors she had heard earlier, she gave a sly smile. "I know he got something. There's something good today."

Xie Feilan's smile froze. He was pulled a few steps away, hesitated for a moment, and seeing Qinglan's expectant gaze, he finally didn't say anything and followed her.

"How do we get this way?" I remember this isn't the path to Third Brother's courtyard.

"After the start of autumn, we have to use the north gate instead." Qinglan said without turning her head. "Fourth Brother doesn't know yet, Third Brother's courtyard is divided into two parts, with different scenery and different entrances and exits."

"What's the meaning."

"The pond in the south is used for growing lotus flowers. It is open and spacious, but the scenery is not good after summer. So, my third brother divided the courtyard into two sections and created a separate northern area, which is suitable for enjoying the scenery in autumn and winter. The arrangement is quite exquisite."

The courtyard was quiet, with a few osmanthus trees still exuding the sweet fragrance of unfaded osmanthus blossoms, refreshing the senses. Looking around, there was no one in sight, allowing the two to walk past. Xie Feilan felt a vague sense of unease.

"Why isn't there a single servant?"

“Third Sister-in-law prefers quiet and doesn’t like crowds,” Qinglan explained. “Don’t be fooled by the fact that there aren’t many people here. The security here is the tightest in the Xie family. Only my parents and my own brothers can pass through without any hindrance. Anyone else has to get Third Brother and Third Sister-in-law’s approval to get in.”

"Was your second sister-in-law stopped?"

"How did Fourth Brother know?" Qinglan glanced at him in surprise. "It was shortly after Third Sister-in-law married into the family. Third Brother went out for a few days, and Second Sister-in-law came to visit. The Jun family's guards used the excuse that Miss was unwell and refused to let her in from outside the garden. She was so angry that she went to Mother's place to complain."

Xie Feilan curled her lips, not believing that her second sister-in-law was so kind. She was probably just eager to find out the truth, but unfortunately, the people of the Jun family didn't buy into that.

"later?"

"Later I found out that Third Sister-in-law knew nothing about this matter. Her attendant acted on her own initiative, following Third Brother's orders. Mother said that Third Sister-in-law was weak and couldn't handle social obligations, and the attendant, out of protectiveness, let it go." Qinglan couldn't help but speak her mind. "Second Sister-in-law is the same. She's been spoiled by the Su family and is arrogant and domineering, and Second Brother can't control her. Taking advantage of Third Brother's absence, she not only went by herself but also brought a bunch of aunts and sisters-in-law, who were all talking at once and making a huge fuss. They wanted to dig up all the ancestors of the women and ask them questions. I wouldn't even bother to see them if I were in their shoes."

"Since Mother has spoken, those who are blind should understand the gravity of the situation." Xie Feilan could easily imagine the scene at that time.

"There are still many criticisms from below, but Third Sister-in-law rarely leaves the garden. When she occasionally pays respects to her parents, Third Brother accompanies her. No one dares to speak out to her face. The servants of the Jun family are also good at managing things, so they have gradually gotten used to it." It's quite admirable. Living a peaceful life in the Xie family is not an easy thing.

The setting sun casts a gentle glow, birds fly low to roost, the sky gradually darkens, and my heart slowly calms down.

The exquisite pavilion pillars, half a person tall, were lit with candles at night. They meandered along the path paved with bluestone fragments, reflecting the fragrant grass in the courtyard. Stepping on it was a unique experience. After passing through a bamboo grove, the winding path finally led to the row of red buildings. Qinglan led him around to the master's residence with familiarity.

A gentle evening breeze caressed the silky green grass, and a few newly turned red maple leaves drifted down, mingling with the golden fallen leaves to create the splendor of autumn. The fiery evening clouds hung low in the sky. A clear spring gurgled softly, its bottom swaying with green duckweed and white pebbles. The gentle ripples caressed the red leaves, dispelling the dryness of autumn.

There are trees in front of the building, a table under the trees, and people at the table.

The handsome man casually draped a robe over his shoulders, smiling as he watched the person on the ground fiddling with it.

A beautiful woman knelt on a brocade cushion, cupping a handful of red leaves and tossing them into a red clay stove. The aroma of wine rose, and the flickering flames flushed her snow-white cheeks crimson as the flames slowly devoured the leaves. Her flowing black hair was ruffled by the steam, her delicate face languid and alluring.

"Third Brother." Qinglan craned her neck to look, quite surprised. "Why is Third Sister-in-law on the ground?"

Xie Yunshu was slightly taken aback when he saw that it was two people, but then he smiled.

"It's nothing." He couldn't help but chuckle. "I was planning to have a small feast today, but your third sister-in-law suddenly had a whimsical idea. She said that the ancients said to boil wine with red leaves, which must taste extraordinary. There were plenty of fallen leaves in the yard, so we decided to give it a try."

“This…” Qinglan thought to herself, “He is indeed a strange person.” “Just send a servant. Why get your clothes dirty?”

“Pianxian wants to do it herself.” Junyan smiled, his eyes full of doting affection. “Since we have nothing else to do, let her play around.”

Qinglan shook her head hesitantly, while Xie Feilan lowered her head, half-concealing her gaze.

Suddenly, someone arrived, and her relaxed ease vanished. Her expression turned indifferent, and her jade-white feet subtly curled up, quietly disappearing beneath her skirt. Her tiny toes brushed against the fine grass, glistening like jade, smooth and delicate, making one's palms itch with desire. Looking further, even one's heart felt a surge of heat, and Xie Feilan forced himself to look away.

Noticing his lover's unease, Xie Yunshu immediately became more alert, bent down and carried her into the room, said a few words to her before closing the door and leaving.

"Third Brother, please don't be offended. We were too hasty in coming," Xie Feilan said, regaining his composure. "We have been impolite and disturbed Third Brother and Third Sister-in-law."

She was momentarily distracted and didn't expect anyone to come and carry her out barefoot. Seeing her so delicate and helpless, she was indeed secretly annoyed, but she couldn't blame her brother.

"Why stand on ceremony when we're brothers?" Xie Yunshu said casually. "You two are..."

Qinglan laughed first. "How can Third Brother keep such good stuff to himself? Asking you would be stingy, so I simply came uninvited."

"Your nose is really sharp." Xie Yunshu smiled broadly. "You've come at the perfect time. I'll tell them to steam a lot more so we can have a few drinks together tonight."

Qinglan turned her head away with a grin, "Fourth Brother probably doesn't know what this is yet, right? Let me tell you, it's the most delicious seasonal delicacy..."

"Crabs." Xie Feilan blurted out, earning a glare from Qinglan.

"How did Fourth Brother figure it out?"

"Cooking purple crabs with frost on them, brewing wine and burning red leaves." Xie Feilan was envious yet slightly saddened. "And here in this courtyard full of autumn charm, Third Brother has such a refined taste."

Xiaochu

The silvery-white gauze lanterns, like morning stars, hung in mid-air, illuminating the courtyard.

The dimly lit courtyard was serene and peaceful in the night, filled with the aroma of wine and the swaying shadows of the trees, creating a charming atmosphere.

Unfortunately, the person wasn't very happy.

What should have been a romantic get-together for the young couple, enjoying crabs and drinks, turned into a small banquet, much to the surprise of Xie Qinglan and Xie Feilan, who regretted coming. The reason was simple: besides the two uninvited guests, another unexpected visitor arrived. Second Sister-in-law Su Jinrong, accompanied by Bai Fengge, arrived under the guise of a visit, altering the nature of this chance gathering between brothers.

It was unclear what Xie Yunshu was thinking. Xie Feilan seemed vaguely displeased, and Qinglan became quieter. Only Su Jinrong's voice could be heard at the table. Bai Fengge remained reservedly silent, her pretty face tinged with sadness, her affectionate eyes frequently gazing at Xie Yunshu.

Xie Yunshu seemed oblivious, carefully peeling crabs for his beloved wife and coaxing her to eat more. Compared to Bai Fengge's exquisite makeup, Jun Pianqian, with her hair casually tied back and dressed in plain clothes, had slender, delicate fingers holding a jade cup as she sipped her wine little by little.

"Sister-in-law is such a refined person, even when drinking, she is so elegant." Su Jin, who had been tolerating it for a long time, finally couldn't help but add a touch of sarcasm.

Jun Pianxian simply smiled faintly.

"If your sister-in-law can't peel crabs, just call a maid to serve you. Why should you do it yourself, Third Brother?" He picked up the silver bell on the corner of the table and shook it, summoning a maid and pointing her over to replace Xie Yunshu.

Xie Yunshu took a hot towel and wiped his hands. "It's nothing, thank you for reminding me, Second Sister-in-law."

“My third brother is usually the head of the household, and he has so many responsibilities. If you take it out on him, how can your wife manage? The servants will take care of the trivial matters. Why do it yourself?”

"Thank you, Second Sister-in-law. I'm used to it, so it's nothing," Xie Yunshu said with a smile, picking out another dish for his wife. "Besides, taking care of my wife is my duty."

The more composed he was, the more frustrated Su Jinrong became.

"It's indeed a problem that my sister-in-law is so weak; even getting in and out is difficult..."

"I feel alright, much better than a few days ago," Xie Yunshu interrupted, looking at the beauty with considerable satisfaction. "It's clear that the elixir my second brother refined is indeed effective."

Qinglan knew that her two sisters-in-law didn't get along, so she interjected, "Second sister-in-law, don't bother. In my opinion, Third Brother is enjoying himself and doesn't seem to be having any trouble at all."

"Qinglan is right, the affection between husband and wife is something outsiders can't understand." Xie Feilan changed the subject, "Why haven't I seen Second Brother lately?"

“Jingze has been locked up in the pharmacy lately, and even I, as his wife, can’t get in. I have to ask someone else to deliver my food.” Su Jinrong said with great dissatisfaction. “They say it’s my third brother’s arrangement, but what exactly does that mean?”

Xie Feilan regretted his slip of the tongue and immediately tried to smooth things over. "I heard my third brother mention this. It's just that the Sea Nether Silk has peculiar medicinal properties, and it cannot tolerate the slightest disturbance during its refining, so we had no choice but to do it this way."

"It was indeed my request. I apologize for troubling you, Second Brother, to stay in seclusion for a few days. Once it's done, I will definitely hold a banquet to express my gratitude." Xie Yunshu spoke very politely, but his meaning was extremely firm. "Please understand, Second Sister-in-law."

"It's inevitable that Second Brother Xie will have to work hard for Miss Jun's illness, Sister, please don't be upset," Bai Fengge said softly. "Once Miss Jun is fully recovered, Third Young Master will not have to work so hard, which will save him a lot of trouble."

Xie Feilan found it amusing, but he had to maintain a normal expression on his face.

Bai Fengge looked at the person who had remained silent with pity. "Miss Jun was once exceptionally skilled, but now she is struggling to move forward and has to rely on others for everything. Doesn't that make you feel a little sad?"

When he was pointed at, his cool, dark eyes flickered. "I'm used to it, it's nothing."

"That's all thanks to my third brother's meticulous care. If I hadn't married such a good husband, I wouldn't have such a leisurely life," Su Jinrong said.

“Miss Jun is a beauty of unparalleled grace, she is certainly worthy of the title,” Bai Fengge said with a gentle smile.

"Even with unparalleled beauty, one must take good care of oneself, otherwise illness may damage one's appearance, and one's charm may fade and love may diminish." Su Jinrong covered her mouth and laughed. "Men all crave novelty, sister-in-law, you must be careful."

These words were extremely harsh, and Xie Yunshu no longer had a smile on his face.

Qinglan frowned, and Xie Feilan was about to speak when Jun Pianxian raised an eyebrow, picked up a silk handkerchief, and wiped her husband's lips. "Second sister-in-law is right, we must take good care of this face."

After observing her for a moment, she gave a faint, sarcastic remark. "I won't like it when it's no longer new."

After a moment of silence, Qinglan burst into laughter, while Xie Feilan turned aside and chuckled quietly.

The tense atmosphere instantly dissipated, and Xie Yunshu smiled, taking her hand in his.

"I'll definitely keep an eye on it, so you absolutely mustn't leave me to find someone else, okay?"

Originally, it was just an act to deal with the provocation, but seeing the boundless tenderness in his eyes, my heart fluttered and a sweet feeling welled up inside me.

Amidst the enchanting scene, a soft groan was suddenly heard. It turned out that the maidservant cutting the crab had become distracted by a laugh, cut it askew, and accidentally injured her hand. Xie Yunshu, seeing that there was quite a bit of blood, ordered that medicine be applied and bandaged immediately. Su Jinrong, however, refused to let go. Her earlier mockery had been easily dismissed, and she was still filled with resentment, ready to use this as an excuse to vent her anger.

"Is this the maidservant that my sister-in-law brought with her? She really needs to be trained. She can't even do something as simple as peeling crabs properly. She's utterly useless. Her hands look pretty, but they're just wasted."

Except for Qinglan, who was still not quite there, everyone else understood immediately and could easily hear the implied meaning.

Xie Yunshu's face darkened, but was stopped by a slender hand, and a very faint smile appeared on her clear face.

"Second sister-in-law, you're wrong. Even if your hands can't peel crabs, they can still pour wine, tea, grind ink, read books, write essays, and strategize; they can control reins and roam thousands of miles, wielding swords to slay generals and seize flags; they can concoct medicine, use poison, and carry out assassinations, cutting throats, bleeding out blood, and gouging out bones; at the very least, they can marry a husband from an outstanding family like me and have others do it for them... With such a status, you don't have to do any dirty work yourself, don't you think, second sister-in-law?"

What was meant to be a lighthearted conversation sent a shiver down Su Jinrong's spine, as if her throat was choked.

The air was completely silent, and she nodded slightly.

"I almost forgot about Miss Bai. I wish you find a good match soon, so that your elders won't have to worry. A young woman's youth is limited, and it would be a great pity to waste it blindly. After all, there are few people as lucky as me."

Bai Fengge clenched her hands tightly, and after a long while, she managed to squeeze out a sentence.

"Thank you for your advice, Miss Jun."