Fleeting Like a Butterfly
Fleeting Like a Butterfly
Li Xiaoyao and Lin Yueru walked into Chang 'an. There was indeed a king's aura in the capital. Apart from the neat streets, the houses on both sides were also very stylish.
There were traders and hawkers everywhere in the market at the city gate. There was even a stage in front of the temple at the very front. People were singing and dancing. Tens of thousands of people were moving. It was obvious that they were very popular. Lin Yueru pulled Li Xiaoyao forward and said,"Look, they're singing!"
Li Xiaoyao was not in the mood to do anything, so he followed Lin Yueru forward. The stage was singing "Legend of the White Snake", and the performance had already reached the stage where the Jinshan Temple was flooded. On the stage, the white-clothed makeup raised her voice, holding a sword in one hand and an orchid finger in the other. She pointed at the young man dressed as Xu Xian and sang sadly,"You have the heart to hurt me and leave your wife and children to enter the meditation hall?……I've just sworn an oath to the twin stars, and you've thrown yourself into the sea of law and brought disaster! Touch your chest and think about it. How can you face your wife's room…"
"Brother Xiaoyao, this show is really pitiful!" Lin Yueru sighed.”
"How is it pitiful?"
" Bai Suzhen, the incarnation of the white snake demon, married Xu Xian to repay her kindness," Lin Yueru said." But Xu Xian always wanted to harm her because she was a demon. In the end, he caused Lady Bai to be suppressed under the tower. Isn't it very pitiful?"”
"That's a snake demon!" Li Xiaoyao said. Of course it should be taken in."
"What if there are good demons?"
"Then let's wait for her to get better!" Li Xiaoyao said.”
"What if he's killed after he gets better?" Lin Yueru asked.”
" This..." Li Xiaoyao couldn't answer."Anyway, it's rare for demons to have good ones. Good ones are immortals, not demons.”
Lin Yueru rolled her eyes at him.”
At this moment, a woman shouted,"Biao Young Lady, isn't this Biao Young Lady?"”
Lin Yueru turned around and saw two maidservants carrying a bamboo basket. They said to Lin Yueru,""Biao Young Lady, it's me, Ah Ping! This is Ah Xiang. Have you forgotten?"
Lin Yueru remembered." You're my two sisters!" she said.”
"Yeah, we played last year!" Ah Ping laughed. Why is Miss here in Chang 'an?"
"What about you guys? Did Aunt come?"
Ah Ping shook her head." No, we're here on Madam's orders to burn incense for Young Master in front of the Water Fairy King Temple."”
"Oh, what about him?"
Servant Ah Ping said," Young Master has recently contracted a strange illness and is bedridden. The doctors can't find out what the illness is. Madam is so worried!"”
"Is he sick?" Lin Yueru asked curiously. How could this be? He was fine a while ago!”
"We don't know either. Miss, please follow us back to the residence. Furen has been frowning every day recently.”
" Of course," Lin Yueru said." Brother Xiaoyao, come with us!"”
Li Xiaoyao nodded. The two maidservants bowed to Li Xiaoyao and helped them take their bags and other things. They turned around and led the way. When they reached the main road, there were already two sedan chairs waiting there. The uniforms of the four sedan chairs were embroidered with the seal characters of "Liu".
" Miss, please. Young Master Li, please."
The two maidservants let Lin Yueru and Li Xiaoyao enter the sedan chair while they walked on the side. Four strong servants carried Li Xiaoyao and Lin Yueru into the Minister's Mansion.
Not long after they entered the residence, they put down the palanquin. Several old maids came forward and chatted and joked with Lin Yueru. It turned out that they were all very familiar with her. Li Xiaoyao had nothing to say and could only stand aside.
The maids led Lin Yueru and Li Xiaoyao into the inner hall. After passing through several doors, the crowd gradually quieted down. Those who were not related to them also retreated. In the end, only a few maids of higher status were left. They entered the hall with Li Xiaoyao and Lin Yueru.
A beautiful woman wearing a thin silk dress and a high bun on her head came out and said,"Yueru, aren't you my good niece?”
"Aunt Yun!" " Aunt Yun!" Lin Yueru called out and threw herself into her arms. The woman called Aunt Yun looked to be in her thirties. She looked a little similar to Lin Yueru, but she was gentle, elegant, and noble.
She caressed Lin Yueru's hair lovingly and said,""You little girl…You haven't come to see Aunt Yun for so long, yet you're here as if you're an elf!”
"If I want to come, I'll come. No one can stop me!" Lin Yueru laughed.”
"You're still so wild! It had been a year since they last met, and she had grown even more beautiful. It seemed that she was not afraid of not being able to get married!”
"Aunt Yun, you're making fun of me again…" Lin Yueru said angrily.
Lady Liu smiled and said,"Ha…I thought you were here because of Jin Yuan's wedding and didn't invite your father and daughter to the banquet."”
Lin Yueru and Li Xiaoyao were both surprised.
"Eh? How come cousin is already married after not seeing him for a few days?”
Li Xiaoyao laughed to himself." The only person in the world who is willing to marry you is gone. It seems that it's not me who will become a monk, but you who will become a nun."”
The minister's wife looked at Li Xiaoyao and asked,""This young master is…"
Lin Yueru glanced at Li Xiaoyao, feeling a little embarrassed.""It's…it's a friend. His name is Li Xiaoyao, and he's also sworn brothers with cousin.”
"Jin Yuan's sworn brother?" The Minister's wife said gently. Jin Yuan fell ill the moment he came back and didn't have time to tell me. He must be very happy that you came.”
"This junior Li Xiaoyao greets madam."”
The minister's wife was still so gentle and amiable. She said,"Don't be so formal. Just call me Aunt Yun. I've always treated Yue Ru as my own daughter, so we're all family.”
"Aunt Yun, how can you say that? It's not like he and I are…" Lin Yueru blushed.
"Jin Yuan has already told me about your matter." Ha…you have been so competitive since you were young and unwilling to admit defeat. Since this Young Master Li was able to win your heart in the martial arts competition, he must be very skilled in martial arts.”
"Where?" Lin Yueru asked. He only knew a few moves. Humph! If I fight seriously, he's not my match!”
"Yeah?" Li Xiaoyao laughed. It sounds like you're giving in to me on purpose?”
"It is!" Lin Yueru said. If it weren't for me, you would have been eaten by the demons along the way.”
"Alright, stop bickering," said the minister's wife with a smile. Young Master Li, Yue Ru's personality is always like this. She's always harsh with her mouth, so please forgive her."”
"Aunt Yun…!" Lin Yueru pouted.”
Li Xiaoyao smiled and decided not to continue fighting with him. Lin Yueru suddenly thought of something and said,""I heard that cousin is sick. Is it true?”
" Sigh…" The Minister's wife sighed." Not long after Jinyuan returned from Suzhou, he suddenly fell ill. He has seen many doctors, but he still hasn't recovered." As his mother, I can only offer incense every day to pray for him. I've paid my respects to all the immortal shrines and temples everywhere. I've also invited a few gods back to pay my respects to him. I'm a vegetarian every day now. I only hope that the gods will bless him well.”
"He's sick. How can he get married?" Lin Yueru asked.”
"It's because he contracted a strange disease and we can't find out the cause," the minister's wife said. Someone told him that he had committed a crime and that he had to be happy. That was why he married a concubine for him. If he could recover, he might be able to make it official. It was up to him. However, the strange thing was that after marrying this wife, Yuan 'er's illness really got better!”
"Where's the new sister-in-law?" Lin Yueru asked curiously. Summon it out and let us have some joy!”
" Although Yuan 'er's condition has improved, his foundation is still weak," the Minister's wife said." For the past month, I've let him recuperate in the wing room in the back garden.”
"Oh?" Lin Yueru asked. Can I go and see him?"
"Of course, he would be most happy if you were willing to see him.”
"Let's go see Cousin first, then come back and talk to Aunt Yun!" Lin Yueru said.”
"Okay, you guys go ahead." the minister's wife said. When she smiled, she could not hide her worry. It was obvious that she was really worried about her son's illness.
Lin Yueru and Li Xiaoyao went to another inner sect. Lin Yueru turned around and said to Li Xiaoyao,""Look, my uncle is the Grand Secretary of the current dynasty and the Minister of Rites. Now his house is twice as big as mine!”
"Such a big house, how many people will live there?" Li Xiaoyao asked.”
"You're really a country bumpkin!" Lin Yueru laughed. There was no need for people to live everywhere in such a big house. Some gardens were as big as a mountain. Of course, it had to be so big! When I was young, my uncle hadn't even passed the high school examination yet, and his family was still living in my house!”
Li Xiaoyao suddenly stopped. Lin Yueru turned around and said,""What's wrong?"
"I think…Liu Jin Yuan might have fallen ill because you didn't agree to marry him," Li Xiao Yao said.”
Lin Yueru was stunned. She pursed her lips and said,""This…this…what does it have to do with me?”
"You can't say that. Liu Jin Yuan is indeed sincere to you…" Li Xiao Yao said.
" Although he grew up with me, it doesn't mean that I have to have any feelings for him," Lin Yueru said seriously." I only treat him as my biological elder brother. I don't have any romantic feelings for him." Even if my father forces me to marry him, I won't allow it even if I die. Believe it or not, it's up to you!”
Li Xiaoyao stopped talking and let Lin Yueru lead him in front. The two of them entered the back garden and saw clusters of flowers and peonies everywhere. They were extremely rich and beautiful.
One or two beautiful maids were trimming the flowers. When they saw Lin Yueru and Li Xiaoyao, they stopped what they were doing and said,""Biao Young Lady!"
"Where's my cousin?" Lin Yueru asked.
One of the maidservants pointed at the moon cave behind them and said,""The side room at the back is where Young Master is resting.”
Lin Yueru looked at the garden full of peonies. They were pink and white and bright red. She was very pleased and said,"Why are there so many peonies? I've never seen them before. They're so beautiful!”
"These are all planted by the Young Mistress," the maidservants argued.”
"These peonies are famous. Many of Master's friends offered high prices to buy a few to go back and admire, but Young Madam was unwilling to part with them.”
"Young Madam loves flowers very much! After she came, she planted all kinds of flowers in the garden. It was beautiful.”
"Moreover, Young Madam is also an expert in growing flowers. The peonies in this courtyard were personally planted by Young Madam.”
"She's that capable?" Lin Yueru said happily.”
Those maidservants seemed to like this new madam very much. Some of them said,"That's right. Not only is Young Madam capable, but she also has a good personality. I've never seen such a good person.”
"Besides personally serving Young Master with meals, bathing, and changing clothes every day, Young Madam also cooks medicine for Young Master every day. She doesn't let the servants do it for her.”
"Also, Young Master often loses his temper because he's not feeling well. Young Madam has never complained.”
" Young Master is really blessed to have such a Madam…"
"Young Madam and Young Master are very loving! Every day, the young madam accompanied the sick young master by his bedside and did not leave at all.”
Hearing these words, Lin Yueru was a little surprised. In the Minister's Residence, Aunt Yun was already known for her kindness. Would there be anyone more popular than her? How gentle would that be?
" I have to see my new sister-in-law," Lin Yueru couldn't help but say." Brother Xiaoyao, come quickly!"”
Li Xiaoyao was also curious. He stood up with Lin Yueru and walked to the back of the moon cave. After crossing the small bridge, a small snow-white building stood behind the peach blossom trees.
Even Li Xiao Yao couldn't help but light his footsteps in this elegant place."How do you cultivate your masculinity in such a place? No wonder Liu Jin Yuan became like that. It was not his fault.”
Perhaps it was because Liu Jinyuan was too pampered that he did not have his own opinions. The ancients said," Born in the deep palace, grew up in the hands of a woman." It was indeed a classic saying.
Lin Yueru strode in and was about to call him cousin when she heard a loud bang in the inner hall. Someone fell down and shouted,""Ah…Caiyi, Caiyi!"
Lin Yueru and Li Xiaoyao rushed in. Behind the green window was a warm room. On the antique shelf next to it, there were precious mirrors from the ancient palace and jade plates carved with dancers. There was a huge bed frame separated by a gold mud book screen. The bed frame was covered with a beaded curtain. There was also a layer of transparent silk curtain that was as light as clouds. It was so luxurious that it was dazzling. If one did not see it with their own eyes, it would be difficult to imagine.
A man in white pajamas fell to the ground, clutching his chest and rolling around in pain. Lin Yueru rushed forward and said,""Cousin, what's wrong? What's wrong?"
The man was Liu Jin Yuan. His face was pale and thin. His originally handsome appearance had become very haggard.
Li Xiaoyao was also stunned. It had only been a few days since they last met, but he had lost so much weight that he was almost unrecognizable.
A faint fragrance wafted out from the inner room. This faintly discernible elegant fragrance immediately eased the flustered atmosphere.
"Husband, husband!"
The gentle and loving voice was so gentle that it softened people. Even the most violent person would calm down when they heard such a voice.
"Husband, I came back late. I'll help you take your medicine immediately.”
Li Xiaoyao and Lin Yueru were both stunned. The graceful woman who had appeared and helped Liu Jinyuan up was so beautiful that they couldn't take their eyes off her. Such a beauty could not even be dreamed of, let alone painted. There is a poem that says: "The beauty of the appearance is gorgeous, and the dragon is colorful and the phoenix is glorious." The clothes of the emperor are green and white, and the patterns of the grain are thin. The wind is blowing, and the wind is blowing, and the clothes are closed and separated. As if the wind is blowing, the jade toes have not moved. Look carefully at the mysterious, unparalleled in the world; Her beautiful face is like jade, and her dimples are like hibiscus flowers. The skin is condensed and neat, beautiful and delicate, soft and beautiful; Turn back shoulder lapel and move together, why pitch beautiful work?”
This was a vivid portrait of that beauty. After she placed Liu Jin Yuan on the bed, she turned around and picked up a lacquer bowl and spoon from the table beside her. She sat by the bed and fed Liu Jin Yuan the soup in the bowl.
Li Xiaoyao and Lin Yueru were dumbfounded by her graceful movements. Such a peerless beauty would be so meticulous and gentle. Just one of her strengths was already a rare beauty, let alone all of them!
Just as she finished feeding him the medicine, she took out a handkerchief and wiped Liu Jinyuan's face. She asked,"Husband, how do you feel?”
Liu Jin Yuan took a deep breath and recovered some of his vitality. He said,"I feel better."
The peerless beauty smiled slightly, feeling very gratified.
From just now until now, she only had eyes for Liu Jinyuan and did not look at anyone else. This showed that she only had eyes for Liu Jinyuan. It was even more rare for a beauty to be so passionate. No wonder Liu Jin Yuan married her in such a short time.
Liu Jin Yuan said,"I've been taking medicine for so long, but every time my illness acts up, it's getting worse and worse." Can my illness really be cured?"
"Husband, you have to be patient. I believe that you will be fine in a few days." The beautiful woman said gently.”
Seeing that Liu Jinyuan had recovered, Lin Yueru said,""Brother Liu, when did you marry such a beautiful wife? Why didn't you tell me?”
Liu Jinyuan raised his head and saw that it was Lin Yueru. He was overjoyed and said,""Sister Ru! You…you came to find me?"
"Yeah, I'll come with him," Lin Yueru said.”
When Liu Jin Yuan saw Li Xiao Yao beside him, his joy disappeared. He had thought that Lin Yueru had heard that he was sick and had come to meet him. However, when he saw Li Xiaoyao, he told Liu Jinyuan,""Don't dream that I'll marry you."
Liu Jin Yuan's expression when he saw Lin Yu 'eru was still calm in the eyes of the stunning woman. She did not seem jealous at all.
" Your wife is so beautiful and gentle," Lin Yueru said." Sister-in-law, what's your name?"”
The peerless beauty took a step back and lowered her head slightly."My name is Caiyi."
"Caiyi, Caiyi…Hmm, what a beautiful name!”
"Thank you for your praise, Miss Lin," she said with a smile.”
" I heard that you're proficient in medicine," Lin Yueru said." What illness does Brother Liu have?" Tell us, maybe we can help.”
Caiyi said,"I only know some prescriptions to relieve your pain. How dare I talk about medicine?"”
"Sigh!" Liu Jin Yuan sighed. Father and Mother have already invited many doctors, but even now they can't find out what illness I have. Fortunately, I have Caiyi's prescription, so I've been getting better recently.”
"My cousin is so lucky to have you as his wife. It's all because of his past life," Lin Yueru said.”
"No, I'm just temporarily filling up the room. I dare not decide on my own…" Caiyi hurriedly said.
Lin Yueru laughed." Sigh, he has you. If he still dares to think about it, I'll beat him up!"”
Caiyi was startled. She lowered her head and said softly," This…Caiyi knows her duty and doesn't dare to spoil her…"
"Where is sister-in-law from?" Li Xiaoyao asked.”
"They're from the Suzhou government," Caiyi said.
"Your home is also in Suzhou!" Lin Yueru asked curiously. Why haven't I seen you before?"
Caiyi smiled." My family is just a commoner. Miss Lin is a noble lady. How can I have the honor to meet you?"”
"I think you look more like a young lady from a prestigious family."”
Lin Yueru rolled her eyes at Li Xiaoyao.""How am I not?"
Li Xiaoyao wanted to say," You don't look like her at all." However, he remembered that this was Liu Jinyuan's ward. It was not good to play with Lin Yueru in front of him.
Seeing that Liu Jin Yuan was in low spirits, Cai Yi said gently,""I'm sorry for being rude. After taking the medicine, my husband needs to rest quietly. Please come back tomorrow to accompany my husband and relieve his boredom, okay?”
Li Xiaoyao also knew that the patient should not be disturbed for too long, so he said,"Then we won't disturb you anymore. Yue Ru, let's go!"
Lin Yueru and Li Xiaoyao walked out of the small building. Lin Yueru looked back and said,""Cousin is so sick, so pitiful…"
"How can I be pitiful?" Li Xiaoyao asked. On the contrary, I feel that Brother Jin Yuan is very happy! To have such a beautiful and gentle wife who never left his side to take care of him, sigh! If anyone could marry such a wife, even if it was only for one day, he would be willing to be a ghost!”
"Then go die!" Lin Yueru said fiercely. I want a female ghost as my wife!"
"Why are you angry?" Li Xiaoyao asked. No matter how angry I am, I will become a mother and a ghost. I'm afraid that when I become a ghost…"
Li Xiaoyao's next sentence," I'll marry you even if I become a ghost ", was stopped in time. Lin Yueru was smart and quick-witted, so she could guess what he was going to say next. She blushed and turned around."Hmph, you're still a pervert even after becoming a ghost!”
The two of them strolled in the garden, speechless. Li Xiaoyao thought,""Why did I suddenly think of marrying Sister Yueru? She…I know her feelings for me, but…but the words I said to Ling 'er must not be taken lightly. Why did Ling 'er leave me…Sigh!”
Li Xiaoyao couldn't help but sigh. Lin Yueru turned her head and saw that he had a lot on his mind. She wanted to ask him what he was thinking about, but when she thought about how he was sometimes overjoyed and sometimes emotional because of Zhao Ling 'er, was there a need to ask what he was thinking?
Lin Yueru's heart ached, but she didn't say anything and stayed by his side silently.
Li Xiaoyao was indeed thinking about Ling 'er."…In the Lin Clan Castle, Ling 'er was kidnapped by the snake demon. Why was she saved by Fairy Doctor Han's daughter on the way? Could it be that…she wasn't kidnapped, but left on her own? No way…? Why did she leave? Why do I feel like she's trying to tell me something? Ling 'er, Ling' er, what difficulties do you have that you can't tell me? Can't I share your pain? If I find you again, I…I will never let you go. No one is allowed to take you away!”
Li Xiaoyao became a little excited, completely forgetting that Lin Yueru was beside him.
Lin Yueru looked at the flowers gloomily. When she was worried, she didn't find the flowers beautiful at all. Li Xiaoyao came back to his senses. Seeing Lin Yueru's ugly expression, he said,""Are you angry again?"
"No!"
"Clearly."
"It's none of your business!"
"How is it none of my business?" Li Xiaoyao laughed. I guess it's all my fault!"
"You…You…" Lin Yueru blushed.
Li Xiaoyao thought to himself, Why am I teasing her again?”He knew that he couldn't, but he couldn't control himself. Perhaps it was Li Xiaoyao's nature!
Fortunately, the maidservant came forward and temporarily broke the deadlock."Biao Young Lady, Young Master Li, Furen wants this servant to invite the two of you to the east wing for a meal.”
"We'll go," Lin Yueru said.
The two of them came to one of the courtyards. There was a row of side rooms on the east side. It was where the madam usually sat and dined. The bed by the window was covered with brocade felt and piled with many red and gold python thread pillows. On the left side was a beauty Hu of Ru kiln, on the right side was a Spring and Autumn Treasure Cauldron, and there were large chairs everywhere, with silver and red flower chair pagodas.
Madam was sitting on the brocade couch in front of her, listening to the two gentlemen sitting on the big chairs. The two men were dressed in brown or black robes and were very respectful. They did not dare to sit down, but their butts were hanging outside the chairs.
"I've been a doctor for more than twenty years, but I've never seen such a strange disease," said one of them.”
"Doctor Zhang, you're the imperial physician appointed by the palace. Don't you know?"”
Doctor Zhang said," Mr. Zhao is a famous doctor for generations. His ancestors have written many books. He's more subtle and incisive than me. It's hard to say what he can see."”
"Reporting to Madam, I…I can't find the cause of the disease. I've searched through the medical records of my ancestors, but there's no such record."”
"This…Sigh! "Yuan 'er…" Madam's eyes could not help but turn red. The maidservants beside her also looked pale and did not know what to do.
"But…" Doctor Zhang said.
"But what? Doctor, please speak."
"Maybe…he's not sick?" Doctor Zhang asked hesitantly.”
"Not sick?" asked Madam. Then what is it?"
"It's also possible that…he was poisoned by a strange evil technique."”
"It can't be, right?" Doctor Zhao hurriedly said. The Minister's Residence was filled with righteousness, so how could a strange and evil technique enter? No, it won't happen!"
When Doctor Zhang heard this, he did not dare to say anything else.
Madam heaved a long sigh and said,"Let's not talk about whether it will or not. What if it is?" How do you treat it?"
Doctor Zhang and Doctor Zhao looked at each other, but no one answered. After a long while, Doctor Zhao said,"If it is, then…we medical practitioners are powerless.”
When the minister's wife heard this, tears fell and she sobbed softly.
The two doctors were also very uncomfortable. They whispered,""You're not skilled enough. Damn it, damn it.”
"I'm ashamed of my ancestors. I don't have the face to practice medicine…"
The Minister's wife stopped crying and said softly," This is not the fault of the two doctors. I have found many famous doctors and they all said the same thing. Ah Ping, take the two doctors to collect the money."”
Ah Ping wiped her tears and said,"Yes." Follow me."
The two doctors stood up and kowtowed to the Minister's wife before walking out with their heads lowered.
Lin Yueru and Li Xiaoyao came in. Lin Yueru sat down next to the madam and said,""Aunt Yun, don't be sad. I said that Cousin is getting better.”
"How do you know?" asked the Minister's wife.”
" With such a good sister-in-law," Lin Yueru said," not only will he be able to extend his life by a few decades, but even you will be happy to live another hundred years!"”
Even though she knew that it was just a joke, the Minister's wife still felt a little relieved and said,""Girl, you're usually carefree, but sometimes you're so sweet and likable!”
Lin Yueru leaned against the Minister's wife and smiled.""If you like it, then take me as your daughter!”
"You're my only daughter!" The minister's wife hugged Yue Ru.”
Lin Yueru lost her mother at an early age, so she could only act coquettishly to this auntie. In the past, she did not like Liu Jinyuan's pestering, so she deliberately alienated his family. Now that Liu Jinyuan had married Caiyi, Lin Yueru dared to act coquettishly to Aunt Yun. She would probably come more often in the future.
"Madam, dinner is ready."”
The minister's wife pulled Lin Yueru up and said,""Yueru, Young Master Li, let's sit in the southern room.”
The Minister's wife walked out of the back door with Lin Yueru and walked from the back corridor to the south room. They passed through a few small rooms, circled around the big screen wall, and walked halfway through the main door. When they saw the servants along the way, they all stood by the wall with their hands down, not daring to move. Li Xiao Yao thought,"Such a big courtyard, I'll really get lost!" 'The rules here are a hundred times stricter than Sister Yue Ru's…So this is what a high-ranking official's family is like. I won't be a high-ranking official in the future even if you beat me to death. I'm so dizzy walking around like this all day!'”
After they entered the hall, it was a warm little hall. After they entered, the maids and others inside began to set up tables and chairs. The maids carried horsetail whisks, bowls, towels, and other items. Although there were many people serving them, there was not a single cough or noise. Whether it was passing tables and chairs or delivering towels, they were orderly and not messy at all. In this restaurant, one had to drink some tea, rinse their mouth, wash their hands in rose water, and wipe them clean before serving them one by one. Although they were all vegetarian dishes, they were made exquisitely and luxuriously. Countless famous recipes were used, and ordinary people could not tell if they were vegetarian or not.
"Aunt Yun, why didn't you invite sister-in-law Caiyi to have dinner with us?" Lin Yueru asked.”
The minister's wife said," After Jin Yuan fell ill, he could not touch raw meat or oil. Caiyi prepared his three meals separately. She ate the same light porridge with Jin Yuan every day and did not eat anything else.”
"How did cousin know her?" Lin Yueru asked curiously. He married such a beautiful wife. It really surprises me!”
" Caiyi came here a month ago," the Minister's wife said with a smile." At that time, her family was traveling here and met bandits. Both her parents were killed, and only she was lucky enough to escape. She wanted to bury her parents but was penniless, so she committed herself to my family as a maid. Old Master and I saw that she was well-educated, gentle, and meticulous. She was also proficient in medical science, so we let her be in charge of serving Jin Yuan.”
" I see." Lin Yueru said," One has someone to rely on, and the other has a wife. It's the best of both worlds."”
"Yes, I've long wanted Jin Yuan to get married quickly!" Cai Yi was dignified and virtuous, and she also had the saying of Chongxi, hoping that Yuan 'er would recover without medicine.”
The meal of this top-class wealthy family took more than two hours, but Li Xiaoyao didn't feel that it was slow. Perhaps it was because the dishes were so exquisite that people were used to eating slowly, or perhaps it was because the Minister's wife and Lin Yueru talked about it, but they didn't feel that time had passed. No matter what, eating slowly was a way to maintain health.
After the meal, they rinsed their mouths and washed their faces, not missing a single piece. The maidservant brought tea over and the Minister's wife said,""Yueru, I just received a letter from your father.”
"What?" Lin Yueru was shocked. What did he say?"
"He didn't say anything. He only said that he was rushing over.”
"This…Aunt Yun, why are you only telling me now?" Lin Yueru stomped her feet. Aiya, this, this is bad…"
The Minister's wife said," Yueru, your father is not an unreasonable person. If you have something to say to him, you have to speak to him properly. Otherwise, not only will your father be angry, even I, Aunt Yun, won't be happy about it."”
Lin Yueru was anxious. If the Minister's wife had said it earlier, she would have taken Li Xiaoyao away from this place. However, the Minister's wife had only revealed her cards now. Lin Tiannan must have arrived soon. She didn't know how her father would deal with the matter of her leaving home. Although Lin Yueru was spoiled and willful, she had gone too far this time. She felt guilty and didn't know what to do.
Seeing Lin Yu 'eru's restless expression, the Minister's wife said,""Yueru, don't be afraid. I know your father's personality. He's the softest of all. In the end, he'll still have to listen to you.”
"Hmph, you and Father teamed up to set me up," Lin Yueru said unhappily.”
"Are you angry?" the minister's wife asked with a smile.”
At this moment, the servant girl reported that Master Lin had arrived. The Minister's wife pulled up the reluctant Lin Yu 'eru and said,""Yueru, Young Master Li, come on. Aunt Yun is here if you need anything.”
Lin Yueru braced herself and was brought to the garden in the front yard by the Minister's wife. She saw Lin Tiannan standing in the garden with his hands behind his back and a sword on his back.
The Minister's wife smiled." Master Lin is here. Who are you trying to scare with your sword?"”
" Madam," Lin Tiannan bowed to her and said," I'm here to bring Yueru back. I'm sorry for disturbing you."”
"Father!" Lin Yueru called out timidly. Why…why are you here?"
"I'm here to look for my daughter, isn't that right?" Lin Tiannan said in a deep voice.”
Lin Yueru's temper flared up when she saw her father getting angry. She turned around and said,""I'm not going back!"
" Yueru," the minister's wife said," you're talking to your father. Don't be so stubborn."”
Lin Yueru held the Minister's wife's hand and said,""Aunt Yun, tell Father, is he right? All of a sudden, he tried every possible means to force me to get married, and all of a sudden, he wanted to chase away big brother Xiaoyao. He went back on his word.”
" Hmph!" Lin Tiannan snorted and said," Madam Liu, tell her too. She's a lady from a prestigious family, yet she's running around with a young man by her side. Isn't that right?"”
" This…" The minister's wife was both angry and amused."Sigh, Master Lin, your daughter is old now. She knows what's good and bad. Don't make things too difficult for her.”
"How is it?" Lin Yueru said triumphantly. Do you hear me?"
" Hmph!" Lin Tiannan snorted and said," Girl, every time you made a mistake since you were young, you would run to Aunt Yun's place to hide so that Aunt Yun would plead for you. She would help you!"”
"I didn't do anything wrong," Lin Yueru said."Why are you talking about when we were young?”
Li Xiaoyao thought to himself, Don't you love to dig up old scores? You're just like your father."
" You..." Lin Tiannan said angrily," Fine, I've spoiled you. I came here today to confirm one thing. Tell me properly!"”
Lin Yueru nodded. Lin Tiannan knew that she had a strong personality and never lied, so he went straight to the point and said,""Father asked you, when you left home, were you with him?”
Lin Tiannan pointed at Li Xiaoyao. Lin Yueru said,""Well…so what?"
Lin Tiannan's expression changed. Lin Yueru hurriedly said,""Big Brother Li and I are innocent.”
Lin Tiannan took a deep breath and turned to Li Xiaoyao.""Young hero Li, the Joust For A Spouse agreement still stands. I, Lin Tiannan, am not someone who goes back on his word! As long as you promise me one thing, I won't say anything. If you don't look for that witch Zhao again, I'll immediately betroth Yueru to you!”
Lin Yueru sighed softly. As expected, Li Xiaoyao said,""Senior, forgive me for being unable to comply! I can't ignore Ling 'er.”
"Then what do you take my daughter for?!" Lin Tiannan was furious. Who are you?"
"Well…Sister Yue Ru and I…" Li Xiaoyao said.
"Father!" Lin Yueru said anxiously. Don't interfere in our matters!"
"Shut up!" Lin Tiannan shouted. How can I let my biological daughter wander around with men outside?”
Lin Yueru was so angry that her face turned red. She shouted,""Father! How can you say such unpleasant things!”
Lin Tiannan said," I don't care about small matters. This is about integrity and reputation!" Father can't ignore such a big issue!”
Lin Tiannan had protected Lin Yueru's reputation since young. Even if he knew that she had the ability to kill the snake demon, he wouldn't let her go. Moreover, she had run away with a man. Lin Tiannan didn't even dare to think about such a reputation. At that time, he had already planned to let them get married. However, now that Li Xiaoyao had no interest in Lin Yueru, he couldn't accept it.
Lin Tiannan's killing intent had already been aroused, but he did not show any emotion on his face as he said,""Ru 'er, I know that you won't listen no matter what I say, so don't say anymore.”He turned to Li Xiaoyao and said,"Young Hero Li, I have a few words to discuss with you in private. May I?"”
"Yes," Li Xiaoyao replied.
Lin Tiannan didn't say much and turned to leave. Lin Yueru held Li Xiaoyao's hand, a little worried. Li Xiaoyao smiled, pulled his hand out, and left with Lin Tiannan.
Lin Tiannan walked out of the courtyard and came to a forest in the side courtyard before standing still. This was the entrance to the back garden of the Liu family. It was usually the entrance to the garden for the old master or the guests. There was a large area of pine trees, lush and green, very elegant.
Li Xiaoyao stood behind Lin Tiannan, waiting for him to speak.
Lin Tiannan turned to Li Xiaoyao and asked,""Young hero Li, you don't want to break off relations with Lady Zhao, is it because you hate me for breaking off the engagement?”
"I don't dare." Li Xiaoyao said. You're Yue Ru's father, so you're the one in charge of Yue Ru's matters. How can I have any complaints?”
"If only Yue Ru could be as sensible as you." Lin Tiannan's face was ashen. It's not that I'm going back on my word or deliberately trying to stop you, but I know that you and Lady Zhao have an ambiguous relationship. Regardless of whether she's righteous or evil, you shouldn't be thinking about another woman even though you have Yueru.”
Li Xiaoyao said," Senior is right. If I have someone in my heart and think of someone else, then I'm a lecherous and shameless person." Forgive me for being blunt, but I have already agreed on a marriage with Miss Zhao. My aunt has also promised me. I must not marry anyone else.”
Lin Tiannan's expression turned uglier with every sentence he said. Li Xiaoyao continued,""Lady Zhao is all alone, and her fate is pitiful. My aunt has repeatedly asked me to escort her back to her hometown in Miaojiang to find her mother. She knew me first and saved my life. If I abandon her in order to climb up the social ladder, wouldn't I be a heartless and untrustworthy person?”
" I know you're right," Lin Tiannan said in a deep voice." But if Yueru continues to follow you for no apparent reason, how will she behave in the future? Have you ever thought about it?" Although she was arrogant, wasn't she also a lonely woman? You don't care about her reputation, and you're considered loyal?”
"I…" Li Xiaoyao was exhausted.
Lin Tiannan pulled out his sword. Li Xiaoyao was startled and said,""Senior…"
"Say no more, draw your sword!" Lin Tiannan shouted. I want to see if you are a real man or a scoundrel who only knows how to talk.”
Li Xiao Yao quickly took a step back and said,""No, how would I dare to fight you?”
"Take this!" Lin Tiannan raised his face and said. If you have real martial arts and guts, you have to take half a step back and receive my Lin family's seven moves of sword qi! If you can win against me, I will no longer ask about your matters.”
"But, I…I…"
" If you're just a coward," Lin Tiannan said sternly," I'll kill you on the spot so that Yueru's life won't be ruined!"”
Without waiting for Li Xiaoyao to react, Lin Tiannan had already struck out with his sword!
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]