nashuaworldcup Chapter 289 Oden's Bountiful Harvest
Chapter 289 Oden's Bountiful Harvest
His own daughter got married, but the wedding was not held at his residence; instead, it was held directly at the palace.
Hey...
"Judging by the days, His Highness should be sending the betrothal gifts soon."
Liu San Niang pulled Lu Tao along, "Sister Lu, the marriage takes place in the palace, but... there are quite a few rules regarding betrothal and gift-giving."
Upon hearing this, Lu Tao immediately panicked.
"Then...what should I do? What if, what if this messes up the rules...won't that make Tian Tian a laughingstock?"
Tian Tian smiled helplessly, "Mother, don't worry, Her Majesty the Empress will arrange for someone to be by your side."
The most joyful people in the mansion were Tian Jinghe, Chu Qian, and Chu Yao.
"Mother, quickly take them to bed."
Tian Tian stood up, touched the children's ears, and said, "Go back to sleep now."
She gently patted Lu Tao's arm, "I'm going to check on my older sister."
When everyone is having a good time, Tian Xiang can join in the fun and laughs the happiest person of all.
But once the excitement subsided, she returned to her original state.
Lu Tao nodded. "Go ahead."
Tian Tian arrived at Tian Xiang's courtyard. She had just finished bathing and changed her clothes, and was preparing to go find the two children.
"Big sister, the children have gone to Mother's." Tian Tian pulled her back. "I have something to tell you."
Tian Xiang followed her back to her room. "Sweetie, what's wrong?"
Tian Tian felt a little guilty. "It's about Qin Qingyun."
Tian Xiang was slightly taken aback. "Him? What happened to him?"
Tian Tian carefully observed her expression and cautiously replied, "It's like this..."
"Actually, I knew that Qin Qingyun had left the Princess's residence."
Tian Xiang was even more surprised, "You knew?"
Tian Tian smiled and said, "Big sister, actually, it was my idea for Qin Qingyun to leave the Princess's Mansion."
She took Tian Xiang's hand and said, "I know you're feeling uneasy, so I thought that maybe Qin Qingyun could find a job in the capital and settle down. Then you could give him a chance."
“Coincidentally, Ayao said there was a vacancy in the Military Affairs Department.”
"Qin Qingyun is skilled in martial arts, so he's a perfect fit."
"I then went to persuade Qin Qingyun, and for the sake of my elder sister, he immediately agreed."
"Originally, he wanted to say goodbye to my eldest sister, but the Duke was at the mansion that day, so he couldn't come and asked me to tell my eldest sister."
"But...I forgot..."
Tian Xiang withdrew her hand. "So you remember now."
Tian Tian gave an awkward laugh, "Now I remember..."
"Mainly..."
I saw him today.
“When he came to the capital, it was early spring, and his bundle was full of thick clothes.”
"When I saw him today, he was wearing such thick clothes even on such a hot day..."
"Sigh... He's in the capital now, a complete stranger to everyone and everything. I wonder where he'll stay or eat?"
"But those thick clothes... they look so pitiful..."
"After all, it was me who recommended him to the Military Commandery, so I'm thinking... maybe I should make him a couple of summer outfits and send them over..."
"But right now, aren't I busy with wedding preparations?"
"But I really can't find the time."
"Big sister, why don't you help me?"
Tian Xiang suppressed a laugh and lightly tapped Tian Tian's hand, "You little rascal, you're trying to trick me in a roundabout way..."
She still couldn't understand what Tian Tian meant...
It was clearly meant for her to go see Qin Qingyun, and hopefully clear up the misunderstanding.
“Since you’re busy, then…” Tian Xiang lowered her head shyly, “I’ll go see him.”
"Then I'll have to trouble you, my big sister," Tian Tian said, pulling her hand affectionately.
Tian Xiang rubbed her cheek helplessly, "You."
Thinking that such a wonderful girl was going to marry into the palace, Tian Xiang was very reluctant to part with her and hugged Tian Tian tightly.
"Sweetie, now that you've married into the palace... will you ever be able to return to the Princess's residence?"
"Will I be able to go back to Baishi County again in the future?"
Tian Tian hugged Tian Xiang, "Big sister, Baishi County, that's the road we came from."
"I can go back to visit occasionally; I don't necessarily have to live there."
"Isn't life in the capital...pretty good too?"
"As long as our family is together, that's enough."
Tian Xiang thought about it and realized that made sense. "Yes, as long as our family is together, that's enough."
"Don't worry, even if I marry into the palace, I will come back often."
"You're just trying to flatter me." Tian Xiang pinched the soft flesh on her waist. "Does His Highness the Crown Prince allow you to come back so often?"
Tian Tian stuck out her tongue, "Bring him back with you."
*
The next day, Tian Xiang went to the cloth shop and bought several bolts of fine summer fabric from Xiao Yan.
Then he went to the embroidery shop and paid extra to have two sets of summer clothes made for Qin Qingyun.
She chose indigo-colored silk fabric, and after going through the embroidery workshop, dark cloud patterns were embroidered on the collar and cuffs.
Because the military police officers were always on duty, she specially asked someone to loosen the collar so it wouldn't feel too tight.
Tian Xiang put the clothes in a bundle and carried it to the gate of the South City Military Command where Qin Qingyun worked.
At the gate of the South City Military Command, two guards with swords stood like door gods.
Tian Xiang was too embarrassed to step forward, and was also afraid of interfering with Qin Qingyun's duties.
So he stood guard opposite the military headquarters, carrying his bundle.
As the sun rose higher, Tian Xiang's face became hot from the sun, and sweat beaded on her forehead.
Suddenly, she heard the sound of orderly footsteps. A group of soldiers walked out from the side gate next to the military headquarters. Qin Qingyun, who had secured a good position with the backing of the Crown Prince, was standing at the head of the group.
The sword at his waist swayed gently with his broad, steady steps...
Tian Xiang instinctively wanted to step forward, but seeing so many people behind her, she retreated back into the shadows.
The sound was stuck in his throat.
As if by telepathy, Qin Qingyun also suddenly turned around and looked over.
Across the street, his gaze precisely caught her.
His pupils contracted sharply, his face lit up with surprise, and his feet clearly lost their rhythm.
"Boss?" the subordinate behind him asked, puzzled.
Qin Qingyun was forced to turn back, "There's a fire in Jiazi Alley."
Tian Xiang knew that he was telling her that he was going to carry out a mission.
Watching the group disappear around the street corner, Tian Xiang continued to wait...
When she gets tired, she leans against the wall or squats down to stretch her muscles.
By the time Shenshi (3-5 PM) had passed, Tian Xiang's legs had begun to go numb.
The guards at the entrance of Bingmasi changed shifts twice...
Gradually, lanterns were hung up in the shops along the street, and Tian Xiang idly counted the night cats passing by in the lamplight.
When I counted to the seventh one, I suddenly heard footsteps.
When Qin Qingyun saw Tian Xiang, his previously dejected eyes instantly lit up.
He thought she had already left, after all, it was so late.
"Wait for me." Qin Qingyun couldn't help but leave those words behind before running into the military headquarters.
The subordinates behind her glanced at Tian Xiang, and then followed her.
Tian Xiang stood up, but stumbled because her legs were numb.
Thankfully, I was caught by a pair of large hands.
It was Qin Qingyun. His sword was gone, and he was sweating even more. He was panting heavily, and his chest was heaving violently. He had obviously run over there.
"Why are you breathing so heavily..."
The words stopped abruptly.
Tian Xiang was suddenly pulled into Qin Qingyun's arms, her nose bumping against his chest, and sweat poured down her face.
She instinctively pushed him away with the bundle sandwiched between them.
But then a muffled voice came from above, "Let me hold you for a while..."
His heart was pounding so hard it made Tian Xiang's eardrums tremble even through her clothes.
"It stinks!!" Tian Xiang pushed him away forcefully. "It's all the smell of sweat."
Qin Qingyun was unwilling to let go and kept getting closer.
Tian Xiang continued pushing, "What day is it? Why are you still wearing such thick clothes?"
"Don't you know you can make two sets of summer clothes if you don't have any?"
Qin Qingyun suddenly reached out and brushed the leaves from her hair. "You waited so long just to bring me clothes?"
He pointed at the bundle, his eyes gleaming.
"Who's waiting for you!" Tian Xiang slapped the bundle on his chest. "Dream on."
Qin Qingyun took the bundle and slowly untied it. The unfolded summer clothes shimmered like ripples in the moonlight.
He suddenly laughed, "The neckline has been loosened?"
Tian Xiang's ears burned. "Hmm, you're a江湖人 (jianghu person), you can't stand being restrained. Loosen your clothes a bit, it'll be more comfortable for you."
Qin Qingyun hugged her again.
for a long time...
His voice lowered, "You...have you figured it out?"
"Do you believe me?"
Tian Xiang pressed her ear against his chest, listening to his heartbeat, and felt much more at ease.
She nodded. "Mm."
Qin Qingyun hugged her tightly, "Don't worry, with Your Highness and the Princess helping me so much, I will definitely do my best."
Tian Xiang pulled away from his embrace. "Yes, we need to do a good job."
"Don't let Tian Tian and His Highness's good intentions go to waste."
Qin Qingyun nodded repeatedly, looking at her nervously, "Then... will you come to see me again in the future?"
Tian Xiang looked down at her toes and asked, "Where do you live now?"
Qin Qingyun replied, "I live in the barracks of the Military Command."
"Slept with the other brothers."
Remembering how she had complained about his body odor, Qin Qingyun smiled sheepishly, "We're all rough men, so the smell... is indeed unpleasant."
Tian Xiang thought for a moment, "Then do you want to... go back to the Princess's residence?"
Qin Qingyun declined, saying, "That's not a good idea, it's not very convenient."
Tian Xiang also knew what he meant by "inconvenience".
If it were before, when few people in the capital knew him, he would have simply lived in the princess's mansion.
Now that he needs to go in and out of the Military Commandery, it seems inappropriate for him to stay at the Princess's residence again.
"Then... you usually live in the military headquarters, and when you're on leave, you go back to the princess's residence?" Tian Xiang asked.
Qin Qingyun nodded. "Mm."
Tian Xiang looked up at the sky. "Well... I'll head back now."
It's getting really late.
Qin Qingyun immediately said, "I'll take you back."
Tian Xiang shook her head, "No need..."
"No, it's too late."
"Will it be alright if you go back late?"
Qin Qingyun shook his head, "It's nothing."
He chuckled softly, "I'll take a good shower when I get back and wash away the sweat and odor."
"So that you won't dislike me anymore."
As dusk falls on the streets of Beijing, the city lights begin to illuminate the city.
Qin Qingyun and Tian Xiang walked side by side on the bluestone path, with less than a fist's distance between them.
Their shoulders swayed, occasionally brushing against each other.
Tian Xiang's fingers, hanging by her sides, tightened slightly...
Every few steps Qin Qingyun would pretend to tidy his hair, but actually he would use the gesture to glance at his beloved beside him.
Tian Xiang's mind was entirely focused on Qin Qingyun, and she didn't notice the puddle under her feet.
"Be careful." Qin Qingyun quickly reached out to support her waist.
Tian Xiang subconsciously took half a step closer to him, but mud still splattered onto the edge of her embroidered shoes.
Qin Qingyun took out a handkerchief from her sleeve, squatted down, and naturally wiped the hibiscus embroidery on her shoes.
"I'll do it myself..." Tian Xiang said.
As soon as she finished speaking, Qin Qingyun had already finished wiping himself up and took her hand in the process.
The wind on the street suddenly became scorching hot...
Tian Xiang could feel the rough calluses on his palm rubbing against her knuckles, the pressure sometimes tight and sometimes loose.
She deliberately shook her arm, and he tightened his grip; their hands remained clasped...neither of them let go.
Qin Qingyun chuckled softly, then suddenly pulled her close. Their sleeves became completely intertwined.
As they walked, they discovered that they had tacitly taken a longer, roundabout path. The lanterns along the way became fewer, and the moonlight stretched their intertwined shadows long.
But... no matter how reluctant I was, I still arrived at the Princess's residence.
Qin Qingyun pulled Tian Xiang aside, and the two stopped under a tree not far from the Princess's residence.
Amidst the swaying shadows of the trees, he turned and trapped Tian Xiang between the tree trunk and his chest.
Qin Qingyun rested his chin on the top of her head, his breath ruffling the stray hairs at her temples.
"I can't bear... to be apart." His voice was muffled.
Tian Xiang's voice was incredibly soft, "It's getting too dark, I should go back."
Qin Qingyun stroked her head reluctantly, "It'll be my day off in a couple of days. I'll take you outside the city for some fresh air... how about it?"
Tian Xiang turned and left, "Okay..."
But they were pulled back.
Qin Qingyun kissed him hard and urgently.
Tian Xiang's lower back pressed against the rough tree bark...
After a while, the two separated, panting. Tian Xiang hurriedly pushed him away and ran towards the princess's residence.
Tian Xiang barely dared to look at the gatekeeper. She floated into the mansion and only stopped to catch her breath at the second gate, when she suddenly heard a familiar soft laugh.
"Why is Big Sister back so late?" Tian Tian asked, carrying a glass lantern as she emerged from the corridor. "Did you go out to collect honey?"
Upon hearing this, Tian Xiang hurriedly wiped her lips.
Tian Tian approached, "Did Qin Qingyun bring you back?"
Tian Xiang's ears turned bright red, and she nodded, "Mm."
I gave him two sets of summer clothes...
The two sisters chatted as they returned to Tianxiang's courtyard. They sat in the pavilion outside the house, and the night breeze carried the fragrance of lotus blossoms from the distant pond.
Ying'er brought them hot tea and filled their cups.
Tian Tian said, "A Yao said he's doing very well at the Military Command, so he must be serious."
Tian Xiang held the teacup, letting the steam redden her cheeks. "Yes, he said he would do a good job."
Tian Tian then asked, "So what are your plans with him?"
"The wedding date between Mother and the Duke will be set in the next couple of days."
"The date will be approximately three months from now."
"Cui Mingyi and Youyou's days will have to be arranged for winter."
"Elder sister, if you marry Qin Qingyun, it can be before winter."
Tian Xiang smiled and shook her head, "We're not in a hurry. Next year is fine, the year after is fine too..."
"We don't need the Emperor to bestow a marriage upon us... just... just a simple and ordinary life, right?"
Tian Tian helplessly raised her finger and gently waved it, "Big sister, it's a pity... you're my big sister, I'm afraid even if you want things to be peaceful, they won't be peaceful."