Chapter 495

Chapter 502: The Choice (Part 2)

Yang Mama couldn't help but worry, "I think we should still call a doctor."

But Yang Shi arched a brow and snapped, "I told you to borrow the healing balm from Lady Wen, so just go and do it! Why so much talk?"

Seeing her lose her temper, Yang Mama's expression darkened. She bowed her head, curtsied, and retreated.

Yang Shi felt a pang of regret, but soon, this emotion was replaced by an overwhelming sense of irritation.

What should she do next?

Could she really resign herself to a life of prayer before ancient Buddhas and temple lamps?

Where there were people, there would inevitably be disputes. Only sheltered young ladies who knew nothing of the world would believe that a Buddhist hall was a place of peace. As the niece of a disgraced official with no backing, if she went to such a place, wouldn’t she be like a drifting weed, at the mercy of others? There were also well-regarded meditation retreats, like Great Awakening Temple... But the thought alone made her shiver.

Better to stay in the Xu household as things stood. At least here, she wouldn’t lack food or clothing, and her life would be secure.

"You can't catch a wolf without sacrificing the bait. If you don’t put in the effort, this injury will never heal."

Yang Mama understood this all too well. After a brief hesitation, she applied more force in rubbing the oil.

Yang Shi was drenched in cold sweat from the pain. Yet, for some reason, she felt a strange sense of relief, as if this suffering could transform the humiliation of her solitary walk under the moonlight, her hiding in the grass, and Lord Xu’s disdainful expression—turning these half-imagined humiliations into indelible memories.

Her fingers dug into the edge of the heated bed-table, biting her lip. Despite the agony, she didn’t make a sound. Only this could ease the turmoil in her heart.

Yang Mama watched her endure the pain, her heart aching. After much deliberation, she tried to distract her with idle chatter.

"When I went, Lady Wen hadn’t gone to bed yet. She was quite shocked to hear about your sprained ankle and kept asking how it happened. I said you twisted it on the steps. Lady Wen wanted to come see you, but I stopped her."

Lady Wen was astute and resourceful—bringing her into this would only complicate things.

Yang Shi remained silent.

Yang Mama continued, "I said it was too late and we didn’t want to disturb the lady of the house. Only then did Lady Wen relent. She had Dong Hong fetch this bottle of healing balm for me. She said it was premium safflower oil, brought back from Guangdong."

Lady Wen’s possessions were always the finest.

Yang Shi nodded.

"I thanked her repeatedly," Yang Mama said, still rubbing vigorously. "Lady Wen then had Dong Hong see me out. She also said she’d come see you at dawn tomorrow."

Though they both lived in the eastern courtyard, one was to the south and the other to the north, with two courtyards separating them. Passing through would require going by the passageway leading to the main residence’s back rooms.

Yang Shi mused, "Was the door to the passageway closed?"

Yang Mama thought for a moment. "Yes! Dong Hong even carried a lantern and accompanied me all the way to Qin Yi’s gate before turning back."

Qin Yi’s courtyard gate and Qiao Lianfang’s were positioned diagonally opposite the passageway. Though the lantern at Qin Yi’s gate had been taken down, Qiao Lianfang’s lantern still burned bright—Yang Mama couldn’t have mistaken it.

Yang Shi's brows furrowed deeply.

Nurse Yang murmured, "What is on your mind, my lady?"

Yang Shi's face was like still water, offering no reply.

Nurse Yang sighed to herself and lowered her head, focusing entirely on massaging Yang Shi's ankle.

The night wind stirred a clump of bamboo by the wall, making rustling sounds.

Lord Xu glanced down and saw the golden shimmer of her red-gold clove-shaped earrings dangling from Eleven Miss's ears, resting quietly by her cheeks, casting a delicate radiance on her face—as pale and delicate as pear blossom petals... as if he could almost catch the rich fragrance of flowers in the air.

His heart raced slightly.

After a glance at Qiuyu, who stood with her head bowed at the corner of the corridor, pretending to notice nothing, Lord Xu leaned in and whispered in Eleven Miss's ear, "Let's go back inside."

His mellow voice held a warm, suggestive tone.

Eleven Miss tilted her head to look at him, her eyes glimmering like sunlit ripples on spring water.

"Alright."

Lord Xu's chest tightened.

After a brief pause, he took her hand and strode toward the main house.

A burning sensation spread from Yang Shi's ankle straight to her heart.

She abruptly stood up. "Come, let's go to Lady Wen's place!"

Taken by surprise, Nurse Yang almost lost her balance.

"This late?" she blurted out. "But your foot—"

"Don't fuss about that. Hurry and help me to Lady Wen's."

Eleven Miss wrapped her arms tightly around Lord Xu's neck, burying her face against his shoulder, refusing to let go no matter what, afraid he might see her flushed cheeks.

Lord Xu chuckled low, making no effort to conceal his pleasure.

She had boldly held his arm in the courtyard, then unhesitatingly helped him change his clothes once inside... He had thought motherhood had made her less reserved, but little did he know...

At this thought, heat pooled in his belly, and he involuntarily pushed deeper.

Pleasure coiled through her body, leaving her flustered and breathless. Soft moans escaped her lips—mingling delight and wantonness, as if responding to his boldness, making her burn with shame at her own responsiveness... yet her body refused to obey... She hated how he clearly knew... yet grew even more unrestrained... and she bit down on his shoulder.

Her body was impossibly slender and soft, like a flower blooming in early spring—so finely wrought it stole his breath, making him fear he might break her, yet also stirring an insatiable hunger in him, unwilling to let go. Caught between tenderness and lust, he wavered in how to treat her... until a sharp pain shot through his shoulder.

He paused briefly, noticing her body had grown even softer. With a low laugh, he taunted by her ear, "Still got this much strength? I underestimated you." His movements grew even more...

He grew even bolder.

Lady Eleven felt as though she could hardly breathe.

She couldn't help but tilt her head back, drawing deep breaths.

"Lord Xu!"

Her voice carried a hint of pleading.

Lord Xu looked up and saw her dewy eyes and rosy lips...

He unexpectedly asked a question he hadn't even thought of: "Do you miss me?"

At this thought, her hands clenched tightly into fists.

She must think of a solution... The covered walkway was draped with bright red lanterns, unmoving in the morning breeze, creating an atmosphere of perfect stillness.

Lord Xu and Lady Eleven walked side by side.

Amber was resting at home, and Zhuxiang had become the head servant. Judging by Lord Xu's demeanor, he would likely stay the night. Zhuxiang would have to arrange for maids to attend to Lord Xu's morning toilette, oversee breakfast preparations in the kitchen, and send young maids to gather spring herbs—she'd need to rise by 3 a.m., unlike Lady Eleven who could sleep until 5.

Thinking this, Lady Eleven glanced back at the quiet entourage of maids and older women following them and said, "The Marquis and I will stroll in the courtyard. Just leave Qiuyu and two young maids to attend us—the rest may take their rest."

Normally he always felt Lady Eleven had too few attendants, but today her arrangement seemed just right.

Lord Xu waited with a smile as Lady Eleven dismissed the servants, then walked with her, making light conversation.

"A few days ago I received Zhenxing's letter saying he'd set out. By my calculations, he should arrive these days?"

"Steward Bai has already sent people to meet him at Tongzhou docks," Lady Eleven replied with a smile. "Fourth Madam has also prepared the main rooms, with serving maids and errand boys all arranged—"

Speaking of Fourth Madam Luo, Lord Xu smiled: "Why hasn't Yingniang come to visit recently?"

After New Year's, Fourth Madam Luo had visited several times—sometimes to see Jin Geer, sometimes bringing food or clothing, always accompanied by Yingniang. Lord Xu was quite fond of her.

"The weather's been fine lately, so Fourth Sister-in-law took Yingniang on a spring outing," Lady Eleven explained. "She said once my elder brother arrives in the capital they'll return to Yuhang—with Father no longer handling household affairs, Eldest Sister-in-law pregnant, and Brother Hong still young, they need to return and help manage the household to ease her burden. Next year when my elder brother finishes his studies, whether he remains in the capital or gets a provincial appointment, the family mustn't lack proper staffing. It'll be hard to visit Yanjing again afterward, so she's taking this chance to show Yingniang more of the world."

Lord Xu nodded: "Then you must prepare generous farewell gifts."

"I've been seeing to that very matter these days!" Lady Eleven laughed. "For Father, the concubines, Eldest Sister-in-law, Brother Hong, Brother Rui... I fear we'll need two carriages just for the gifts."

Lord Xu stopped and turned to face Lady Eleven.

The red lantern light bathed her face in rosy light, bringing a warmth that seemed to radiate toward him.

He reached for her hand instinctively: "Have you been feeling better these days?"

Letting him hold her hand, she nodded cheerfully: "With two taels of bird's nest daily—if that doesn't help, then nothing can!"

The light reflected in her eyes, dazzling and bright.

Lord Xu took a step forward, wanting to embrace her, but catching sight of Qiuyu following them at a distance, he hesitated for a moment and then gave up. Instead, he rubbed her hand with his thumb: "If you feel unwell, do say so; don’t bear it. Ginseng and bird’s nest are not rare items. If the doctor says they are good for you, even if you don’t like them, treat them as medicine and take them every day."

Eleventh Lady smiled and nodded, her large almond eyes slightly squinting, radiating a childlike sincerity and joy that warmed Lord Xu’s heart, making his eyes involuntarily soften with a smile.

"In a few days, Physician Liu will come for a follow-up visit, right?" Touched by something, Lord Xu’s tone was as gentle and mild as the spring breeze, "I heard that ginseng and notoginseng are beneficial. Ask him about it. If it can be used, I’ll have some notoginseng brought from Yunnan."

"Having bird’s nest is already very good," Eleventh Lady paused briefly, then stepped forward to link her arm with Lord Xu’s, smiling brightly, "Cook it with chicken soup and shiitake mushrooms, or make it into a winter melon container, both are delicious."

Tonight, Eleventh Lady seemed quite different from usual. She appeared especially cheerful, lively, and even somewhat bold.

Lord Xu found this somewhat unusual, but more than anything, he liked it.

He enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere that seemed to permeate the air.

Lord Xu gently placed his hand over Eleventh Lady’s, which was holding his arm.

"I almost forgot," he chuckled lightly, "you were born in Fujian and grew up in Yuhang, so you enjoy seafood. Now that Mazuowen is in Fujian, I’ll write to him to send us some abalone. When you make Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, let Mother taste it too."

The Elder Lady grew up in the north and did not like seafood.

Shiyan remained silent, leaning her head on Lord Xu’s arm.

Lady Yang’s mother-in-law poured the medicinal oil into her hand and rubbed it warm. As soon as she touched Lady Yang’s swollen foot, Lady Yang drew in a sharp breath. Lady Yang’s mother-in-law hesitated for a moment.

But Lady Yang gritted her teeth: “If you don’t want to lose the child, you won’t catch the wolf. If Mother can’t bear to do it, this injury will never heal.”

Lady Yang’s mother-in-law understood all too well. After a brief hesitation, she applied more force.

Sweat beaded on Lady Yang’s forehead from the pain. Yet, for some reason, she felt a vague sense of relief, as if the solitary walk under the moonlight, the hiding in the grass, and the humiliation from Lord Xu’s disdainful expression... through this pain, had transformed from a half-real, half-illusory experience into a deeply ingrained memory.

She clutched the corner of the kang table tightly, lips pressed together, enduring the agony in silence. Only by doing so could she feel a bit better inside.

Seeing Lady Yang’s struggle, Lady Yang’s mother-in-law felt distressed. She pondered and tried to distract her with idle talk.

“When I went there, Concubine Wen was still awake. Upon hearing about your sprained foot, she was quite surprised and asked repeatedly how it happened. I told her it was twisted on the steps. Concubine Wen wanted to come over, but I stopped her.”

Concubine Wen was shrewd and capable; bringing her here would indeed be unwise.

Lady Yang said nothing.

Lady Yang’s mother-in-law continued: “I said it was too late at night, to avoid disturbing the Lady. Only then did Concubine Wen give up. She had Maid Donghong find this bottle of medicinal oil for me, saying it was the finest safflower oil, brought back from Guangdong by someone.”

Lady Wen’s place always has the best treasures.

Yang Shi gave a nod.

"I thanked her over and over," Mother Yang said, her hands still working diligently. "Lady Wen sent Dong Hong to walk me out. She also mentioned she would come to see you first thing tomorrow morning."

Though they both lived in the East Courtyard, one resided in the south and the other in the north, separated by two courtyards. To get between them, you had to cross the corridor leading to the main house's rear chambers.

Yang Shi murmured, "Is the corridor door shut?"

Mother Yang thought for a moment. "Yes!" she added, "Dong Hong walked me back with a lantern all the way to Qin Yi’s gate before turning back."

Qin Yi’s and Qiao Lianfang’s gates faced each other diagonally across the corridor. Though the lantern at Qin Yi’s gate had been taken down, the one at Qiao Lianfang’s gate still hung high—Mother Yang couldn’t miss it.

Yang Shi’s forehead creased into a frown.

Mother Yang asked softly, "What’s troubling you, my lady?"

Yang Shi’s face was like still water, offering no reply.

Mother Yang sighed inwardly and lowered her head, focusing entirely on massaging Yang Shi’s ankle.

A night wind whispered through the bamboo by the wall.

Lord Xu looked down at the golden shimmer of the ruby-studded earrings dangling from Eleven Miss’s ears, resting quietly against her cheeks, gilding her face like pear blossoms—pale and soft... as if carrying the rich fragrance of spring.

His pulse jumped.

After a glance at Qiuyu, who stood with her head bowed at the corner of the corridor feigning blindness, Lord Xu leaned in and whispered in Eleven Miss’s ear, "Come, let’s head back."

His voice was warm, intimate.

Eleven Miss tilted her head to look at him, her eyes bright as a spring stream.

"Alright."

Lord Xu’s chest tightened.

After a brief pause, he took her hand and strode toward the main house.

Heat flared from Yang Shi’s ankle straight to her heart.

She shot to her feet. "Come, let’s go to Lady Wen’s place!"

Mother Yang staggered, startled.

"Now?" she blurted. "But your foot—"

"No matter—just get me there!"

Eleven Miss locked her arms around Lord Xu’s neck, burying her face against his shoulder, holding fast, unwilling to release him—she couldn’t bear for him to see her flushed cheeks.

Lord Xu laughed under his breath, letting his joy show.

She’d dared to take his arm outside, then attended to him without hesitation as he changed indoors... He had assumed motherhood had made her less reserved, but who knew—

...

Thinking of this, his heart warmed, and he couldn't help but thrust forcefully.

A tingling sensation coursed through her body in nine twists and turns, making her heart race and mind whirl. A soft moan escaped her lips, mingled with delight and coquettishness, as if in response to his wantonness, which made her blush even more... Yet her body betrayed her will... She resented him for knowing her so well... yet he became even more unrestrained... and bit down on his shoulder.

Her body was so delicate and tender, like a flower blooming in early spring, exquisite enough to stun one, fearing that the slightest carelessness would break her, yet causing an unbearable itch, unwilling to let go, torn between desire and trepidation, unsure how to treat her... A sharp pain shot through his shoulder.

He was slightly taken aback, feeling her body grow even softer than before. He smiled and teased her playfully in her ear, "Still have some strength left! I underestimated you." His movements became even more unrestrained.

Eleventh Lady felt her breathing becoming increasingly difficult.

She couldn't help but tilt her head back, gasping for air.

"Lord Xu!"

Her voice carried a hint of pleading.

Lord Xu looked up, seeing her watery eyes and rosy lips...

Unable to resist, he asked a question he hadn't even expected to ask: "Do you miss me?"