Taking Sang Wen with him into the back garden, Fan Xian raised his head to take a look. He saw the birds and swallows in the garden, green and red everywhere in harmony. It was the height of spring and approaching the height of summer. There was a cool breeze, and a crescent moon hung in the sky. There were lanterns hanging under the fake mountains and green trees. The moonlight and lantern light blended together and added a sense of haziness. In this hazy light, a dozen girls were chattering away. The girls with clear and gentle features were not wearing much clothing. They were either standing under the trees or lying on the couches. Their postures were all different. Occasionally, a bright light seeped through the muslin. The faint fragrance from their bodies wafted directly into his nose.
Fan Xian was startled. He couldn't help but have a certain illusion. Had he come to the Silken Cave? When had the Hua Garden become the Chen Garden?
The girls chattered endlessly. For a moment, they did not notice Fan Xian, who was standing with his back to the light. They were still enthusiastically talking about the Baoyue Brothel incident during the day, the power of that one strike, and the imperial envoy's scolding in the street.
The main speaker was one of the two leading girls of the Baoyue Brothel. The ones listening were the girls with wide eyes and expressions of curiosity or admiration.
Fan Xian said in a low voice, "Didn't they say that the girls in the brothel were all sent to other places?"
Sang Wen covered her mouth and smiled. She explained, "Aren't these the girls in the garden?"
Only now did Fan Xian come to his senses. He couldn't help but unconsciously glance at them a few more times. He sighed in his heart. It was said that girls changed eighteen times between childhood and womanhood. How could these orphaned refugee girls that Sisi had picked up on the road have all grown so gorgeously after only a few days in Suzhou? Although there was still a childishness between their brows and their inexperience had yet to fade, there was a natural aura of youth that pressed against his face. It made one feel very happy.
In particular, the back garden had always prohibited men from entering. The maidservants were listening to Liang Diandian's story during the day with great interest, so they were not particular about their manners. Some were lying on the couch with their buttocks sticking out, pretending to be arrogant and naive, while others were holding a fan and pretending to be virtuous. Their straight and slender legs, separated by a thin layer of cloth, presented all kinds of tight beauty.
Big Brother's second nurse, Ma Suosuo, was sitting in a chair listening to the story. Although she had seen the situation from a distance during the day, hearing it from Liang Diandian's sandalwood mouth made it even more shocking. However, Liang Diandian had not personally seen the inside story of the brothel, so her description of Fan Xian, his defeat in the face of danger, and his extraordinary courage, was a bit exaggerated. She successfully created the image of a perfect young man that the Kingdom of Qing should not have.
The eyes of the girls in the garden all began to heat up and become bashful. They loved the imperial envoy to death, but they couldn't open their mouths, they didn't dare. Even Ma Suosuo tilted her head slightly to look in front of the pool. A strange expression appeared in her eyes.
Fan Xian swallowed. He knew that if he continued to watch, he would make many mistakes in life. Those girls were still growing, but sister-in-law and Liang Diandian were truly natural seductive creatures. Their eyebrows were like black, their lips like vermillion, and their eyes were full of spirit. If one looked at them and lost their spirit, how could one look again? He was just about to clear his throat to remind everyone when he heard a girl in the garden say something unintentionally. He closed his mouth and stood quietly with his back to the light.
Sang Wen glanced at him with confusion. She didn't know what had happened.
The little girl was only 12 or 13. She opened her eyes wide and said innocently, "Sisters, why haven't we seen the mistress?"
Because of the current situation, Fan Xian's group had lived in Hua Garden for a few months and hadn't moved to Hangzhou. During these days, Sisi had brought these little girls to live in the garden. These girls had long known the name and identity of their benefactor. To be able to become the imperial envoy's servant girl made them feel very lucky. However, it had been so long, yet they hadn't seen the mistress. This made them feel a bit strange.
Liang Diandian listened to these words and paused slightly. She didn't say anything. These little girls didn't know. She was from Jingdou, so she knew about the explosive marriage between Fan and Lin. The young lady of the Lin family was the illegitimate daughter of the Eldest Princess. This matter had gradually changed from a secret known only to the nobility of the court to a rumor circulating among the people. Although it had not been proven, not many people didn't believe it. Everyone under heaven knew that Sir Fan junior and Xinyang had long become like fire and water. This matter …
A girl spat and scolded, "What right do we have to discuss the matters of the master's family? If Sisi hears it, be careful of your mouth!"
The girl in front of her laughed foolishly and said, "Hehe, actually … Xi 'er just wanted to see what kind of fairy-like appearance the mistress is worthy of the young master."
In their hearts, Fan Xian was a top-notch figure. Naturally, they were curious about what kind of person Lin Wan 'er was like.
"I hear this mistress is also a virtuous young lady from a noble family." Liang Diandian suddenly rolled her eyes and smiled sweetly. "However, I hear her appearance isn't all that outstanding. I'm afraid she can't even compare to Sisi."
"That's true. How many people can be worthy of the young master …"
"Hehe, I really don't know in the future … right, isn't there a girl living in our garden? It's just that we haven't seen her often. What a big attitude. "
Liang Diandian gave a not-quite-there smile and said, "I hear … she is also Sir's confidante. However, she's not Sisi, she's an old man. She has no name or status."
"Shut up!" The servant girl who vaguely knew Haitang's identity couldn't scold Liang Diandian. She could only grab the girl and quickly scold, "You really want to die. How could such a noble person put on airs for you to see?"
…
…
Fan Xian couldn't listen to it anymore. He coughed and walked into the light.
The servant girls jumped in fright and rose one after another. Restraining their spirits and breathing, they bowed in unison toward Fan Xian and said gently, "Greetings, young master."
The way they were addressed in Hua Garden was still according to the rules of the courtyards in Jingdou.
Fan Xian looked at these girls and shook his head. He thought to himself that the discussion in his own garden was already like this. He didn't know how unbearable the rumors outside would be. However, he was also an open-minded person and couldn't be bothered to care about what other people silently criticized. Slowly, he said, "It's late. Go to sleep."
The servant girls stuck out their tongues and bowed again. They quickly tidied up their clothes and quietly returned to their own rooms.
Only Liang Diandian and Ma Suosuo were called down by Fan Xian.
Fan Xian stared at Liang Diandian's beautiful and naturally charming face and didn't speak for a moment.
Liang Diandian was slightly happy, but she didn't show it on her face. On the contrary, she purposely appeared weak and timidly lowered her head, showing her most beautiful side.
Back in the year of the marriage between Fan and Lin in Jingdou, according to the rumors in the marketplace, Fan Xian truly loved his sick wife dearly. From this, one could tell that Sir Fan junior valued relationships. In the boudoir, Fan Xian was the dream lover of all the girls. Although Liang Diandian had grown up on a pleasure boat, she was no exception. However, she had some uncomforting scheming and considerations.
Liang Diandian was very confident in her appearance. She thought to herself that the young mistress was not as beautiful as her, yet she was able to receive Sir Fan junior's love. This man probably liked to take pity on others and had purposely put on such an appearance. Furthermore, after the Suzhou branch of Baoyue Brothel had opened, Sir Fan junior had not allowed her to receive guests. Presumably, he was also interested in her.
Feeling Fan Xian's unmoving gaze, Liang Diandian's happiness gradually grew. She lowered her head shyly and didn't say a word.
Standing behind Fan Xian, Sang Wen watched this scene. A disgusted smile rose to the corners of her lips.
Fan Xian suddenly opened his mouth and said, "Everyone has the right to live better, so I don't dislike your way of thinking."
Liang Diandian raised her head in shock and met Fan Xian's emotionless gaze. Only now did she know she had misunderstood. Her heart jumped.
Fan Xian continued coldly, "However, I don't like it."
Liang Diandian was overwhelmed with shame and didn't dare to say anything.
"No one is born to serve others. If you don't want to work in Baoyue Brothel, have shopkeeper Sang turn you into a Qing household. Once you've earned back the silver, you will be allowed to leave." Fan Xian stared at her beautiful face and said, "Sang Wen, pack her luggage and find another place to live."
Sang Wen was startled. She had not expected the commissioner to be so heartless. However, she didn't say anything. She brought Liang Diandian, whose eyes were glistening with tears, into the manor to pack.
At this moment, there was only Fan Xian and Ma Suosuo left in the garden.
Ma Suosuo suddenly opened her mouth and said in a quiet voice, "Sir, is Suosuo also going out of the manor to avoid polluting the peace of this garden?"
The corners of Fan Xian's mouth twitched slightly and he laughed bitterly. Looking at the Hu tribe princess's eyes that were like the blue sea, her straight nose, and her deep and beautiful face, he quietly said, "Stay here, don't talk too much, don't ask too much. I like you very much. If there is a chance in the future, I will help you."
Ma Suosuo was slightly surprised and raised her head to look at Fan Xian. It was as if she hadn't thought that he would see everything so clearly and reveal such intentions. She couldn't help but gratefully say, "Thank you, sir."
Fan Xian calmly said, "No need to thank me. I have always liked to stand on ice and see the world."
— — —
Returning to the room, Sisi had already prepared hot water. After washing his face, he dipped his feet into the hot water. Fan Xian sighed with satisfaction and immediately closed his eyes. He began to follow the method Haitang had taught him, using small drops to repair the meridians that had been injured by Ye Liuyun's sword qi. Ever since he was young, his method of cultivation was different from that of others. The proper process of meditation was as easy as napping for him.
After an indeterminable amount of time, his eyelids opened slightly and zhenqi circulated through his entire body. He found that he was already much more comfortable. He also found that the room was quiet and couldn't help feeling a little strange.
Looking to the side, he found that Sisi had already fallen asleep on the desk. It was probably because she had been worried for too long during the day and waited for too long at night that the girl was unbearably sleepy.
Fan Xian smiled and didn't wake her up. He grabbed a towel and wiped the water off his feet. Gently, he walked behind her and placed his robe on her body, worried that she would catch a cold.
He stood behind Sisi for a while and looked at the strands of messy hair at the back of the girl's spotlessly white neck. He couldn't help but sigh. He thought of the time when he and Sisi were copying books in Danzhou. How relaxed, happy, and free it was. There were no outside matters to worry about. There was only a bean lantern, an inkstone, a bald brush, and a delicate attendant. The two of them sat side by side copying The Story of the Stone. Although they didn't have any glyphs, those dots of graceful handwriting were truly fragrant.
He thought for a bit and then gently pressed his right hand against the back of Sisi's neck and helped her rub it. He applied some zhenqi to a few acupuncture points to help her adjust her breathing and sleep. Only then did he carefully lift her up and put her on the bed. Pulling the thin blanket over her, he finally felt reassured and patted her face. He then picked up his shoes and walked out of the room.
The moment he closed the door, he seemed to see the soundly sleeping Sisi. A safe and satisfied smile appeared on his face.
…
…
Wearing a robe, pulling on his shoes, and shrugging his shoulders, Fan Xian strolled through Hua Garden without a care for his image. It was as if he wanted to borrow the night breeze to blow away the depression in the depths of his heart. Although the Hua Garden that the salt merchant Yang Jimei had given him was beautiful, it was a pity that it could not calm his heart.
There were too many things weighing down on his heart. Uncle Wu Zhu was not by his side, and Wan 'er was not by his side. He truly had no place to complain, no place to discuss, and no place to vent.
No one knew why he had done things in such a hurry in Jiangnan and why he did not care about anything in order to turn things around. Including his friends, his subordinates, his enemies, and his family … everyone seemed to have an erroneous judgment toward Fan Xian.
This kind of judgment was what made Fan Xian most angry.
Everyone thought that Fan Xian could be ruthless when it came to the struggle for power. Thus, intentionally or unintentionally, everyone had forgotten the countless threads of connection between him and the Eldest Princess. They only waited to see how he would stomp Xinyang into the ground. They had not thought that not only would Fan Xian stomp, but he would stomp beautifully.
Fan Xian did not have a shred of affection for the Eldest Princess, but his affection for Wan 'er was deeply rooted. After all, Wan' er was the Eldest Princess' own daughter.
Everyone had forgotten this point.
Everyone had purposely forgotten this point.
Fan Xian was very angry and gloomy. Although he had already secretly made arrangements, he was still angry.
If one day, the Eldest Princess truly died at his hands, what would happen to Wan 'er?
…
…
Nowhere to complain, nowhere to complain.
Fan Xian could not stop his steps.
It was like this in officialdom, in Jianghu, and it was also like this in Hua Garden. He strode around the quiet pond and walked through the long and desolate corridor. Purely subconsciously, he followed that familiar stone path and walked to the quiet study at the back of Hua Garden.
He raised his head to look at the door and couldn't resist smiling self-mockingly. How had he come here again?
In Shi Shuo Xin Yu, Wang Xianzhi lived in Shanyin. Because he missed Priest Dai An, he braved the snow and took a boat through the night to visit. As the morning light shone brightly, the King arrived in front of the Dai family's door. Without knocking, he turned and left. The servant put down the large chair. The King said, "I came in high spirits and left when my spirits are exhausted. Why should I see Dai An?"
Fan Xian did not have this kind of awkward scholarly bearing. He also did not like to play tacit. He was even more ashamed of Teacher Xu and Fan Xian's affectation. Since he had come, he knew that he was already used to coming to find her to discuss things when he faced true difficulties in his state of mind. He wanted to find a way, at least a way to calm his heart.
Thus, he walked up the stone steps and gently pushed the door under the moon.
The study was not bolted. During this half year, she had lived there, quietly, alone in a secluded part of Hua Garden.
Haitang had long woken up when he arrived at the door. She had already sat up on the bed. She wore a flowery robe and sat at the head of the bed, looking at him with a not-quite-there smile.
There was no light in the study. Only the faint moonlight from outside seeped in. Given their realms, they could clearly see everything in the room and the expression on each other's faces.
The night was a bit cold. Fan Xian rubbed his hands and turned to close the door. He tugged on his shoes and walked to the side of Haitang's bed. Without a trace of politeness, he lifted a corner of the brocade quilt and burrowed in. Sitting on the other side of the bed, he looked at Haitang across the bed.
The quilt was very warm. There was no fragrance. There was only a clean and warm feeling.
Haitang looked at this scoundrel and helplessly said, "You have to know that I have thought about it. I am still going to marry in the future."
Fan Xian's feet rubbed against the cotton cloth on the bed and sighed comfortably. He was also surprised and disappointed that he hadn't touched Haitang's feet. It looked like the girl across from him was sitting cross-legged.
He said, "I am the adulterer." He then smiled and said, "You are the whore."
"Of course," he said with a smile. "This is what people say."
Haitang glared at him.
Fan Xian said, "There is only one thing that I will not be satisfied with even if I die. Although I am born a bit better than others, I do not have the intention to seduce you. What? How can you insist that we have an affair? Duoduo, I cannot accept this. Today, I have already tarnished my reputation. It is not that I say a word of regret. In any case, it is like this. Why don't we have another reason … "
These words were said with hidden bitterness.
Haitang only sighed. "Although this section wasn't printed, Sisi copied it two days ago and showed it to me. Why do you have to use the same words Qingwen said in the 77th verse to ridicule me? I am not Second Master Bao, and you are not a pretty servant girl. Ye Liuyun has not hurt you to the point of death. You are pretending to be resentful, but who knows what you are angry about in your heart. "
Fan Xian shook his head with a self-mocking smile and didn't speak for a moment.
The study that had been converted into a bedroom sank into silence.
"I don't like to play around," Fan Xian said quietly. Fan Xian said quietly, "You probably don't understand what I mean, but I really do like to stay with you and talk."
Haitang's bright eyes glowed in the dark night.
"But right now, we are indeed very intimate," Fan Xian said with a slight smile. "I had originally wanted to pour out the bitterness in my heart, but I didn't expect that I would suddenly have a thought and find another bitter matter."
"Everyone will marry someone."
Fan Xian half leaned against the foot of the bed and closed his eyes slightly. "But why is it that when I think of you marrying someone else in the future, my heart is so unhappy?"
The smile in Haitang's eyes gradually became more and more like the moon, the moon in the water, and the strands of moon in the water gradually leaking out of the bamboo basket. Her hands gently pulled at the corner of the blanket and covered her chest. Looking at Fan Xian's face, she slowly said, "Then … how about marrying you?"
(I had a lot of fun writing this chapter. Men, men … I would like to thank Sean for the youthful video that you provided.) It is the last day of the month. As usual, I ask for monthly votes. Rules, rules …)
(To be continued, if you want to know what happens next, please log on to WWW. CMFU. com. More chapters. Support the author. Support original reading!)
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