Небо над реками и озерами очень чистое

Глава 102

Listening to Su Jinrong's kind words of comfort, Bai Fengge felt as if a steel knife was grinding against her heart. Why did he marry that witch? Why did she enjoy his doting affections so readily, while she, with her noble birth, refined upbringing, and graceful appearance, was left with no marriage prospects and the laughingstock of the streets? Her father and brother constantly advised her to let go, but how could she possibly accept this? After a series of ups and downs, she became a young lady of the Prince's mansion, respected and obeyed by the Xie family, living a life of unparalleled glory. She had only intended to live for three years, believing he would eventually remarry, but then Hai Mingxiao appeared… How unjust is Heaven!

Wildfire spread in his heart, and the venom of jealousy twisted his soul invisibly.

Xie Feilan took a look, raised his hand to put the fallen fledgling back into its nest, and smiled mockingly.

Author's Note: Yes, it's *jian die* (鹣鲽), I'm so sad, I made a mistake again... 555~~~~

I thought fish would naturally pair up with fish, but then a bird got dragged into it. It just doesn't make sense.

Thank you for your criticism, I have corrected it.

God Steal

Lotus blossoms bloom in the green pond, and a gentle breeze wafts through the waterside pavilion.

The atmosphere inside the pavilion was exceptionally relaxed, accentuated by the soft laughter and whispers.

A woman in a light blue dress, her eyes blindfolded, watched as the man flipped through a book beside her. Xie Yunshu casually picked out a few words, and she recited the rest of the text with ease, answering questions without hesitation, leaving everyone in awe.

Holding the soft, fragrant body in his arms, he chuckled and sighed. "No wonder you were able to read that entire book on the wall of Tianshan Mountain and have such a photographic memory."

She dismissed it. "What's so difficult about that? You can do it too."

"It took me quite a bit of effort to finish what you gave me." I had to endure the daytime training and the nighttime memorization, relying entirely on my youthful spirit to get through it. "You are quite strict."

She tried to recall for a moment, "Did I insult you?"

"You never swear," Xie Yunshu admitted with a light laugh. "It's just that your eyes are incredibly hurtful."

She was stunned for a moment, then said, "I didn't feel that way."

“Of course.” He chuckled, his teeth itching, and bit his pale earlobe. “It often makes me feel deeply ashamed of my incompetence.”

Though she couldn't see her skin, it became even more sensitive, sending a shiver down her spine. She shrank back, trying to jump off her knees, but he held her firmly. "Don't do that, in broad daylight..."

"So what if it's during the day?" He laughed even more unrestrainedly, utterly enamored with her shy and slightly annoyed demeanor, yet determined not to let go.

She twisted and struggled, her jade-like skin smooth and slippery, offering no resistance. In a moment of distraction, he lost his grip, and she broke free and dodged. Forgetting that his eyes were still covered by a light veil, he tripped, his arms failing him, and he tumbled off the pavilion railing. The pavilion was built close to the water, and the fall nearly plunged into the emerald pool. Fortunately, a strong arm caught her in time; any later and she would have been utterly disheveled.

Xie Yunshu pulled the delicate body into his arms and removed the veil from her eyes.

"Were you frightened?"

She glared at him, then couldn't help but laugh. "Now that I'm truly useless, are you satisfied?"

“Indeed, it would be even better if you clung to me, trembling, and you could even add a ‘Husband~~~~ I’m so scared~~~~’” She mimicked the shy and timid manner perfectly. She wanted to hit him but couldn’t, and just laughed so hard she was shaking. Xie Yunshu laughed too, teased her a few more times, and then hugged her and coaxed her gently. “It’s getting windy. Let Shuangjing take you back to your room to rest. It wouldn’t be good if you caught a cold.”

His dark eyes flashed slightly, but he said nothing and did as Shuangjing asked, letting her help him inside.

Watching the slender figure disappear into the red building, Xie Yunshu turned back and raised his voice.

"Is that your fourth brother? Come here."

"Third Brother, enjoy yourself." Xie Feilan had been watching from the wall for a long time, a half-smile on his face. "Such a beauty, no wonder you long for her every day in Qiongzhou."

Xie Yunshu lifted the gauze curtain in the pavilion, and with the obstruction gone, the wind became much cooler.

"It's rare for you to come and sit here with me, why don't you say anything?"

"If you make a sound, you won't be able to see this good show," Xie Feilan said without restraint. "It's a pity that Third Brother has such sharp eyes, otherwise I would like to watch a little longer."

Xie Yunshu smiled and gestured to the servants in the distance to change the tea and add fruit. Only after the fragrant tea was replenished did he slowly speak.

"You've come at the right time; I have something I wanted to tell you."

“We’re really on the same wavelength. I also have something to tell Third Brother.” Xie Feilan raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of seriousness and playfulness. “Third Brother, please go first.”

“The last few times I tried to bring it up, you always changed the subject. This time it's just a coincidence.” After a moment of contemplation, Xie Yunshu said, “It’s nothing else, but I feel that the marriage alliance with the Bai family in Hangzhou is inappropriate. Would you mind declining it on your behalf?”

Xie Feilan was taken aback when the topic turned to her.

"Since the elders are still undecided, it wouldn't be impolite to decline now. Let's settle this sooner rather than later to avoid embarrassment."

"Third Brother... why are you suddenly bringing this up?"

Xie Yunshu's expression was indifferent. "This matter started because of me. Although I don't think I've done anything wrong, I still feel somewhat guilty for causing this situation. To drag you into cleaning up after me would only make things worse and is extremely inappropriate. Even if you don't care, marriage is not a game, so it's best to just call it off."

"Just for this?" Xie Feilan stared into his brother's deep and unfathomable eyes.

Looking at the graceful lotus blossoms in the garden, Xie Yunshu smiled faintly. "Also... I feel that your personalities are not compatible. You are indifferent and she is not interested, so what's the point of this marriage?"

"How do you know I have no intention?" Xie Feilan instinctively retorted, not expecting that he had been seen through so early.

Xie Yunshu found it amusing. "Do you think Third Brother is blind? I thought you were naturally flirtatious and wouldn't mind playing along with any beautiful woman, but I later learned that's not the case, at least not with Miss Bai..." He was so polite that it went against his nature.

"I'm not so promiscuous as to risk my life," Xie Feilan said self-deprecatingly, no longer trying to hide it. "You won't have a good ending if you get involved with that kind of woman."

Xie Yunshu understood the implied meaning. "You mean..."

Xie Feilan leaned against a pavilion pillar and recounted the secret conversation he had overheard the other day. He expected his brother to be furious, but Xie Yunshu listened silently, which surprised him.

"Third Brother doesn't believe me?"

Xie Yunshu paused for a moment, then relaxed his brow. "How could I not believe you? I just didn't expect you to be here too."

And… Xie Feilan immediately understood the crux of the matter. “Was Third Brother there at the time?”

“It wasn’t me, it was my secret bodyguard who was lying in wait.” Xie Yunshu sighed. “He had been following Bai Fengge around and had already secretly reported the situation to me.”

Xie Feilan felt a chill run down her spine and quickly recalled what had happened, completely unaware that there was someone else beside her.

“People from Tianshan are the best at hiding, their skill in concealing their aura is unparalleled,” Xie Yunshu explained with a slight smile. “He didn’t even notice you were there, so it was a draw.”

"When did Third Brother plant these spies?" A sense of unease crept in amidst the surprise. While vigilance was a good thing, even one's own family wasn't safe…

Xie Yunshu knew what he was thinking and explained tactfully, “I’m not being wary of my own brothers, but Bai Fengge has a grudge against her and is very close to my second sister-in-law. Your third sister-in-law relies on my second brother to take her pulse and prescribe medicine, so we can’t be too careful.”

Still feeling suffocated, Xie Feilan said calmly, "Third Brother is so careful in everything he does; his meticulous thinking is truly admirable."

Xie Yunshu did not hide his apology. "I am very grateful for your reminder, and I know that it was a bit much, but she is currently defenseless and her life depends on this. I dare not take any risks. I hope you can understand, Fourth Brother."

It may seem unnecessary, and excessive caution may displease loved ones, but it is necessary. Our current happiness is hard-won, and we cannot let a moment of negligence lead to lifelong regret.

"Third Brother...you did the right thing." Xie Feilan let out a long sigh, releasing his pent-up frustration. "Although I'm not convinced, the facts prove you had foresight." That glimpse was merely accidental; only a foolproof plan can ensure certainty.

Xie Feilan said with a mix of admiration and sarcasm, "Third Brother has really gone to great lengths for his beloved wife."

Xie Yunshu smiled. "Since she entrusted me with this, I naturally have to live up to that trust."

"Marrying a wife like this must be quite tiring for you, Third Brother." Seeing his elder brother enjoying it so much, he couldn't help but sarcastically ask, "Don't you feel tired?"

Xie Yunshu simply smiled. "If you meet someone like that in the future... you'll understand."

He thought... he understood.

A pavilion on a pond of lotus blossoms, veiled in light gauze, reveals two figures, seemingly a divine couple.

Their playful banter and intimate interactions, though seemingly intimate, appear devoid of any impropriety, only exuding boundless tenderness and allure.

A gentle scolding and a light smile, and love grows ever stronger.

Like mandarin ducks entwined, or lotus blossoms blooming side by side, their tender affection is unbreakable.

The light veil fluttered down, as if falling into a lake of the heart.

Her skirt, made entirely of lotus leaves, adorned with blooming hibiscus flowers on either side of her face.

For a moment, I envied the green leaves by the pavilion, which could support my flowing, dark hair in the sunlight and touch my fair and flawless skin.

Her slender waist was as supple as a willow branch, so delicate it could be grasped in one hand…

At that moment, the wind stopped, the water was still... and my heart was moved.

Autumn Garden

Qinglan was not without surprise.

Fourth Brother has become increasingly silent lately, and he is often seen lost in thought by himself.

Third Brother has already persuaded Father to give up the marriage proposal. What other problems could there be? Is it that some young lady is too hard to get, even Fourth Brother, who is usually unfazed by women, has run into a wall?

After pondering for a long time without finding a solution, Qinglan approached and greeted her casually.

"What is Fourth Brother looking at?"

He had been staring at the water vat in the courtyard for more than half an hour, almost wanting to fish it out to see if there was any gold inside.

Xie Feilan blinked and looked away.

"Nothing, just looking at the flowers."

"Flowers?" Where were the flowers? Qinglan glanced at the pitiful few water lily leaves in the pot, paused for a moment, and cautiously inquired, "Is Fourth Brother not going out today?"

"Um."

"Fourth Brother... have you been in a bad mood these past few days?"

"Hmm?" Xie Feilan denied casually, not noticing his probing. "No, I'm just too lazy to move."

My doubts deepened. Fourth Brother showed no interest in even seeking pleasure; he was truly extraordinary.

"It's almost Double Ninth Festival, Fourth Brother, why don't you go out for a walk?" Qinglan suggested with unusual enthusiasm. "I heard that Guanyin Mountain is bustling with activity, with countless tourists climbing to enjoy the scenery, and courtesans from many brothels vying to go together." She practically implied that there would be plenty of opportunities to meet beautiful women, and she didn't believe Fourth Brother wouldn't be tempted.

Xie Feilan snorted and remained motionless for a while, then suddenly raised his eyelids and gave a roguish smile.

"You've found out so much... You want to go?"

“I…” Qinglan choked back her impassioned speech.

Suddenly, a hand hooked around his neck and tightened around it. "Fifth brother has grown up, he even knows how to visit brothels now..." Xie Feilan sighed and rubbed his younger brother's head. "Don't be shy, just say so if you want your fourth brother to take you."

"Who said I wanted to go?" Qinglan finally managed to break free, her face flushed with anger. "Besides, I'm all grown up now, I don't need you to take care of me."

"Then why are you acting all mysterious?" Xie Feilan withdrew her hand regretfully. "I thought you'd finally figured it out."

"What 'tricks' and 'tricks'?" Qinglan protested indignantly, forgetting her original intention. "You always treat me like a child."

"Aren't you the youngest in the family, the youngest?" Xie Feilan's suspicion was blatant. "Fourth Brother meant well, but have you really gone there yourself?"

His handsome face contorted with suppressed rage. "I noticed that Fourth Brother seems to be in poor spirits."