Chapter 25 (2/2)

“I asked Miao Pu and she said you went to deliverwas fine, but when you left her residence everything was off What happened?”

Xiao Yao said “I want to go back to sleep?”

Zhuan Xu pushed “You want to keep it even from me?” The doctor said Xiao Yao’s personality was to control everything and push it down so it was better for her to discuss it rather than hide it inside

Xiao Yao s to hide it fro”

Zhuan Xu felt like needles were pricking his heart,deal: when hisdeal since everyone’s mom dies eventually; his uncle wanted to kill hi deal since everyone had bad relatives…

Zhuan Xu softly asked “What happened?

Xiao Yao laughed “Just that Fang Feng Yi Yang suddenly fainted and I diagnosed that she is pregnant”

Zhuan Xu grew silent and after a fewwho sent an arrow through my chest? She suddenly fainted?”

“Of course she could have fainted on purpose, but being pregnant is real”

“How long?”

“I can only estimate about threeYi Yang and…Jing know”

“It really is Jing’s child?” It wasn’t that Zhuan Xu believed Jing would remain chaste out of love for Xiao Yao, it was that his royal uncles were sharpening their swords right behind hi to cement her position in the Tu Shan clan at this critical juncture

“I didn’t ask hi isn’t stupid, if it’s not Jing’s baby then she wouldn’t dare faint in public” Xiao Yao laughed and said in derision “Who knewwould leada baby”

Zhuan Xu said “Don’t be sad, there are betterin the world” Xiao Yao had tears in her eyes she tried to conceal and she forced a smile “I’ person”

Zhuan Xu acted like he didn’t see anything and smiled “Rest up now! Didn’t you say that it’ll be better in a few days When you’re better, I’ll take you and Ah Nian down the mountain to play”

Xiao Yao curled into the blanket and Zhuan Xu waved his hand and the laht in the room

Xiao Yao’s tears fell and she turned over so her back was to Zhuan Xu She wiped her tears with her blanket “Gege, don’t leave”

Zhuan Xu patted her back and said “I won’t leave, I’ll always stay with you”

Even though Xiao Yao didn’t cry out loud, but as her tears fell her nose got stuffy and her labored breathing sound extra clear in the silence

Zhuan Xu didn’t say anything and just sat at the head of the pallet and continued to gently pat Xiao Yao’s back

The second day Xiao Yao got sicker and fell into a deep slumber

Ah Nian saw that Xiao Yao was sick and put away her little girl attitudes and earnestly and sweetly helped Zhuan Xu take care of Xiao Yao Zhuan Xu was very reassured since he knew that Ah Niannice to Xiao Yao wouldheard Xiao Yao was sick and wanted to co Yue also wanted to come see Xiao Yao Zhuan Xu declined theht in Xiao Yao’s roo’s little nine-tailed fox spirit couldn’t sneak in to find Xiao Yao

Jing asked Feng Long to help hinant and encouraged Jing to give up But Jing asting away in o see Zhuan Xu

Zhuan Xu saw Jing and showed no displeasure and instead war said “Please let ht a cold recently and is not up to seeing guests”

Jing said “I just want to see her once”

Zhuan Xu was very polite “I’ll pass along your concern, but Xiao Yao…”

Feng Long cut hi around the bush “Cool it, everyone stop play-acting! You know about Jing and Xiao Yao’s situation! Fang Feng Yi Yang is pregnant and you and Xiao Yaoand Xiao Yao, even if Xiao Yao wants to break up with Jing, you ought to let Xiao Yao tell Jing directly”

Zhuan Xu considered it and then said to Xiao Xiao “Go ask the Princess if she’s willing to see Jing”

Xiao Xiao came back a few minutes later “The Princess asks the clan leader to co to see you”

Jing followed Xiao Xiao to Xiao Yao’s residence and when the door opened, a warm andwere holding Spring flowers and discussing how to arrange it When Shan Hu saw Jing, she rolled her eyes and coldly harrumphed

Separated by a crystal partition, he could see Xiao Yao wearing a yellow robe laying on the pallet facing Ah Nian The two of the her powers to conjure up an entire dish full of lilies and Xiao Yao was laughing at the trick

Xiao Xiao and Miao Pu welcouest is here so I’ll co and then left

Xiao Yao gestured to where Ah Nian was sitting and invited Jing in with a smile

Xiao Yao’s face was pale white and her body wan, but she earing a warm yellow color and had on a bit of blush so she didn’t see flower that was facing the still cold late Winter air, a fragile kind of beauty rooted in steeliness to survive

Jing’s heart churned in pain “Xiao Yao, I…”

Xiao Yao silently stared at hireat difficulty “Three ave Grand really close toQiu to avoid her but Grandht she tried to kill herself and even Grandmother was alarmed She chastised me so I had to keep her coht I saw you and you kept suish “I don’t knohat happened but I woke up and I was sleeping with Yi Yang in ot entranced by a confusion spell and then a love potion You learned fro ti’s ’s hands were clenched into a fist and he was filled with rage, but then he released it “My Grand hie

Xiao Yao was astonished “It was the Grand Mada curled over in pain and put his hands on his face “Yi Yang told me that she just wanted to be my wife If I wanted to I could kill her In that instant I really wanted to kill her, but I wanted to kill myself more…I escaped froo see you and instead hid in the Li Jie tribe ga den and drank myself into a stupor Ten days later the owner kicked ’s residence when I learned that you had long left for Gao Xing”

Xiao Yao thought and realized this hy Jing was so strange and didn’t contact her while she was gone

Jing said “I wanted to find the chance to tell you this but you rushed to ot the chance After you were done, before I could tell you, Yi Yang fainted…Xiao Yao, I’m sorry!”

Xiao Yao was silent and then said “Thank you for telling e you My trust was not wrongly given But what’s happened has happened and nothing can be reversed Don’t blame yourself anymore”

Xiao Yao took off her fish a “The Grand Mada soon I won’t be attending to congratulate you I’ll give you s early now – respect and love each other until your hair is white

Jing’s head jerked up and he stared at Xiao Yao

In the dish, the lilies Ah Nian conjured up ilting and as each petal fell and each leaf wilted, Xiao Yao sat on the pallet see him The distance between them was but one crystal dish, but it felt as far and wide as the ends of the Earth

Jing’s hand shook and he picked up the necklace and walked out of the residence His footsteps were one light one heavy and he had no clue hoalked back to Zhuan Xu’s residence

Feng Long saw the despondent Jing and tried to lighten the mood “Zhuan Xu, people sure are different, I see you have tons of wo only has toot to hurry up and teach hi appeared not to have heard anything, his face ashen and lifeless

Zhuan Xu said to Feng Long “Let’s not discuss anything tonight, you take hi away

______________________

Ten days later, the Tu Shan clan Grand Mada announcehter of the Fang Feng family

It was so sudden that everyone was surprised but the Grand Madam placed all the reason on her due to her illness and not having time left to wait

Everyone accepted this explanation and co to have a hasty wedding for the sake of the Grand Mada invitation and ordered Xiao Xiao to prepare expensive presents to congratulate the Tu Shan clan leader on his happy day

Zhuan Xu knew Xiao Yao broke up with Jing and he ought to now spendHe can use the wedding for a legiti Qiu and it would be very useful for him But Zhuan Xu felt very conflicted, on one hand was happiness like a burden was shed, on the other was utter loathing at this wedding taking place In the end, he handed off the task to Feng Long and re Mountain to keep Xiao Yao company

After lunch, Xiao Yao laid on the pallet with Zhuan Xu and Ah Nian and was holding the wedding invitation “Did you prepare a present for me?”

Zhuan Xu coolly replied “It’s prepared”

Ah Nian asked quizzically “Why don’t either you go to Qing Qiu? This is the wedding of the Tu Shan clan leader…”

“Ah Nian, be quiet!” Zhuan Xu cut her off with a sentle but Ah Nian saw beneath it and wisely said no more

Xiao Yao stared at the water clock and the ht now Jing and Yi Yangin the ceremonial hall The water dropped one by one and each drop was like a poison dropping on Xiao Yao’s heart It pierced her through into hundreds and thousands of pockmarks Xiao Yao knew she shouldn’t think about it but it was like she was possessed and she stared at the water clock thinking of when Jing would say his vows

The Tu Shan residencewearing a groo

The officiant calling out as Jing and Yi Yang started to go through the wedding rites Yi Yang got her wish co? What was his expression…

Xiao Yao suddenly felt her heart beating wildly and was so unexpected she couldn’t catch her breath and it banished all the i sick?”

Xiao Yao shook her head “No! But a bit stuffy and suddenly want some fresh air”

Xiao Yao rushed out the door and Zhuan Xu hurriedly draped a fur cloak around her Xiao Yao stood in the courtyard staring up at the blue sky Why did Xiang Liu suddenly had her feel his presence? Did he feel her pain? Or was it because he was currently in Qing Qiu watching Yi Yang and Jing get ht not be happy about it? Was heto console her?

Zhuan Xu asked “What are you thinking about?”

Xiao Yao said “I suddenly re Liu My body’s pain, he has to feel all of it But what about my heartache? Does he also need to endure it? He said he has nine bodies so my pain isn’t too much for him to endure But what about the heart? He only has one heart!”

Zhuan Xu grabbed Xiao Yao by the shoulders and harshly said “I don’t care what your relationshi+p with hi Shui Town Do not remain close to him now!”

Xiao Yao sh you keep saying the bug has no ill effects, when you’re all better it’s best to find a way to remove it”

“Yes!”

Xiao Yao stared at the blue sky and quietly felt her heart beating as one with another heart The pressure and pain on her heart lessened, probably because another heart was taking soot better and she started ot all sorts of herbs and medicines but she didn’t use much of it so now it came in handy to use

Xiao Yao smiled as usual but all the poisons she made were dark color Black bats, black crows, black lover birds, black hibiscus…each one she placed in the box and totally gave off the i the process ofthese dark and dreary poisons, Xiao Yao released all of her pain

When the early Spring arrived, Xiao Yao took Ah Nian to Zhi Yi Castle to play

Ah Nian’s attention was captivated by a street vendor’s knicknacks and was picking a few to take back Xiao Yao had Hai Tang and Shan Hu keep Ah Nian company as she took her time to er service toLiu

Xiao Yao couldn’t help but sined his displeasure when he saw this batch of poisons

When Xiao Yao went back, what she saas Ah Nian together with Xing Yue and Feng Long

Xing Yue complained to Xiao Yao “Your real sister is here so you never co to Zhi Yi Castle you didn’t come see me”

Xiao Yao put all the blame on Zhuan Xu’s head “Zhuan Xu doesn’t let me run around and insists I recuperate Today is the first day I’ve gone down the o see you in a bit”

Xing Yue was placated and warrabbed Xiao Yao’s elbow “Since you’re here, don’t hurry back and coe to Zhuan Xu and he can join us”

Ah Nian irabbed Xiao Yao’s other ar for her to decline

Xing Yue noticed what Ah Nian was doing and stared at Xiao Yao “Are you deciding to end our friendshi+p forever?”

Xiao Yao’s head hurt and turned to Feng Long but he coughed twice and turned around indicating he was of no help

Xiao Yao chuckled and said to Ah Nian “We’ll go to Xing Yue’s house to play a bit, after dinner we’ll go back with Zhuan Xu”

Xing Yue slared balefully at Xiao Yao Xiao Yao lightly squeezed her hand to indicate that she was still closest with her which hen Ah Nian reluctantly nodded her head

Xiao Yao was afraid Ah Nian and Xing Yue would get in a fight and didn’t dare go straight to Little Zhu Rong’s residence so used the excuse of shopping to keep both on the street and in public where they would be a bit more restrained

She lasted unto Zhuan Xu arrived and ih clenched teeth “Fro Yue are your probleYue and rushed off to find Feng Long

Feng Long congratulated Xiao Yao “You successfully escaped, congrats!”

Xiao Yao punched hi turned back and it wasn’t clear what Zhuan Xu said but suddenly both Xing Yue and Ah Nian were beae is the“He likely suence that would be used to deal with conflicting party officials in court”

When they got to Little Zhu Rong’s residence, it wasn’t clear if Xing Yue really wanted to go all out to treat Zhuan Xu and Xiao Yao, or she was trying to send a e to Ah Nian, but a last minute dinner banquet turned out to be lavish and seamless

Ah Nian initially didn’t pay tooYue’sYue who ran the Little Zhu Rong residence The way she looked at Xing Yue changed Little Zhu Rong’s residence appeared like any expensive residence but all the orders and decrees in the Middle Plains originated from here All of the Middle Plains and Xuan Yuan officials and i Yue handled all the back end It wasn’t any woman who could do this, and Ah Nian accepted that she wasn’t able to do it herself

Ah Nian silently ate her dinner, and her silence caused no ripples during dinner and everyone was happy and relieved

After dinner Feng Long and Xing Yue walked the three of the pulled Zhuan Xu aside and the two of the close but could hear nothing, likely Feng Long cast aspell and the discussion had to be very i to Zhi Jin Palace, Xiao Xiao and Jin Xuan aiting in the court and Zhuan Xu said to Xiao Yao “I have to take care of soo wash up and afterwards I’ll co with you both”

Ah Nian and Xiao Yao agreed and went to wash up

After Xiao Yao finished and Shan Hu was drying her hair, Ah Nian came in but her hair was still wet and she anxiously asked “Jiejie, what does Gege want to talk to us about?”

Hai Tang grabbed a crystal comb and fixed Ah Nian’s hair and used her power to dry it at the sa how sole i and Shan Hu left

Ah Nian nervously stared “Gege, what do you want to tell us?”

Zhuan Xu glanced at Ah Nian and then kept his eyes on Xiao Yao “I wanted to tell you that I’ married”

“What?” Ah Nian stood up and her face hite and her voice shook “You…you’reYue?”

“No”

“No?” Ah Nian didn’t know if she was happy or even more sad She stood there in a daze with the most aard expression

Zhuan Xu said “I’hter of the Tan family She won’t be h just a level below”

Ah Nian stared in despair at Xiao Yao, having no clue where this random woman popped out from Xiao Yao explained “The Tan fa Fa Kingdom was still in existence, the royal family always inter Yue know?”

Zhuan Xu said “She should know by now, Feng Long will tell her”

Ah Nian e done hat you wanted to say?”

“I’” Ah Nian rushed out

Zhuan Xu stared at Xiao Yao and there was no expression on his face She took out wine “You want to drink? I can get raging drunk with you”

Zhuan Xu smiled bitterly and took the cup froulp

Xiao Yao said “I’ve seen the Tan fahter, she’s not as pretty as Jin Xuan or Xiao Xiao but she’s pretty enough She’s reserved and very good as embroidery Even seamstresses are in ahen they see her work”

Zhuan Xu said nothing and continued drinking

Xiao Yao said “If youwar against our uncles Are you ready?”

Zhuan Xu nodded

Xiao Yao slowly said “Grandfather has always been wary of the Middle Plains families Because she won’t be your princess, then Grandfather will agree But she’s still the first woe on and the Xuan Yuan elders get upset, they will speak ill of you What if Grandfather gets suspicious of you, then you will be in danger…”

Zhuan Xu said “I know, but I have to take this step, I have to e alliance with the Tan family”

Xiao Yao reached out her hand and took Zhuan Xu’s hand, and both their hands were ice cold

Xiao Yao gripped his hand tightly and said each word clearly “No matter what you do, no matter what tactics you use, I only ask that you stay alive!”

Zhuan Xu also gripped Xiao Yao’s hand tightly back “I said, I will let Sheng Nong Mountain bloom in phoenix flowers”

Xiao Yao raised her cup and Zhuan Xu raised his cup and the two toasted before downing the wine

Zhuan Xu put his cup down “I want to get raging drunk with you but I still have things to take care of”

Xiao Yao shook her cup “Go! As long as you’re fine, I’m always here and we have plenty of time to drink”

Zhuan Xu suddenly appeared overcome and he said “Xiao Yao…”

Xiao Yao cocked her head to stare at hi “At the wedding, don’t congratulate me”

“I won’t!” Xiao Yao was clear that this wasn’t soratulate, it could even be considered Zhuan Xu’s sha back

Xiao Yao poured herself another cup and slowly sipped it Then she stood up and went to find Ah Nian

Hai Tang saw her come in and looked like a burden was taken off her shoulders She pointed to the inside and then ran outside

Xiao Yao walked in and saw Ah Nian sprawled on the pallet sobbing her guts out Xiao Yao sat down next to her and patted Ah Nian’s shoulder “Want to drink?”

Ah Nian sat up and grabbed the wine and gulped it down before coughing and saying “More!”

Xiao Yao poured her another cup “You can still go back to Five Gods Mountain”

Ah Nian said “You think I didn’t consider that? I hurt now but every day I don’t see hi the lesser pain” Ah Nian appeared to have a blood feud ine and viciously downed it “This is the first tihed “There’s no hope for you!”

Ah Nian cried “These days Gege doesn’t even try to shy away and instead purposely holds Jin Xuan in front ofit on purpose to force me to leave But on Five Gods Mountain I suffer the pain of e’s side I hurt but when he’s with me then I’s we say and do together and I’m still happy”

Xiao Yao suddenly realized that Ah Nian didn’t care about Zhuan Xu’s potential to be soardless of his position Other wo Yue, they had so him because of his position and his future power

Xiao Yao asked “Ah Nian, if Zhuan Xu was still in Gao Xing and just an e, would you still be willing to be with hilared at Xiao Yao “You e would have never gone back to Xuan Yuan If he stayed in Gao Xing forever that would be so great!”

Xiao Yao was certain that if Zhuan Xu stayed in Gao Xing, Xing Yue would never have liked hi Yue wanted a ave it to her Whereas Ah Nian wanted atype of ed Ah Nian

Ah Nian pushed her “You leave! I’ht now I’ you!”

Ah Nian snuffled “I hate you! I want to drink!”

Xiao Yao poured wine for Ah Nian “Drink!”

Xiao Yao wanted Ah Nian to get raging drunk but Ah Nian talked about herand all the sorrow in her heart welled up and she couldn’t help but drink along with her until she groggily passed out asleep