Matriarch Zhu looked expressionlessly at the petite man who was being helped out of the carriage by her son.
How disgusting! It was one thing for a man to look like a woman, but he was also as gentle and delicate as a woman, making people feel uncomfortable from the bottom of their hearts. She could not imagine how her son would be interested in such a lowly person.
This young man was beautiful, but he was not a woman after all. He could not carry on the Zhu family's bloodline and did not understand the three obedience and four virtues. Look at that outstanding posture that did not decrease even when she was leaning against Yutang. How could it compare to the docility and wisdom of a woman?
Why was a commoner pretending to be noble?
"Mother." His mother's expression clearly showed that she did not welcome Lian 'er. It made it difficult for him to be a filial son, smiling and respectful as usual.
"Aren't you going to introduce me to the person beside you?”
"He's Lian 'er, I…"
"I know about your male companions. After seeing you for so many years, I know that there are countless male companions around you.”A man called Lian 'er, what a joke!
It was only the second sentence, but it was already a nail. Zhu Yutang pursed his lips slightly. Lian 'er was still looking at Madam Zhu indifferently. What she said just now did not seem to affect him.
"Lian 'er greets Old Madam Zhu." It was difficult not to praise her elegant and calm posture.
He hated seeing this young man for the slightest benefit. "So a small official's return gift is the same as an ordinary man.”She didn't finish her sentence, but everyone present understood what he meant. Some of them had already revealed mocking smiles.
"I'm a man too. Don't tell me Old Madam doesn't even know such a simple thing?”
Hong Yu and the others also came along. They were not used to seeing the indifferent and mean look on Matriarch Zhu's face. They knew that the gentle and kind Lian 'er would not fight back even if her heart was hurt, so it was only natural for him to stand up and return the favor. Lian 'er was his treasure and no one was allowed to bully her. So what if their identities were lowly? If not for the existence of people like Zhu Yutang, how could there be such lowly people like them in this world?
"You, how dare you. Who are you?”
"Mother, why did you want me to come back? You didn't specifically ask me to bring someone over for you to punish, did you?”He stopped this annoying question and answer. He didn't want to disobey his mother, nor would he let his mother insult Lian 'er.
Mrs. Zhu took a sip of tea to calm herself down. "I asked you to bring someone back because I want to tell you something. You are already twenty-four years old this year. Mother has arranged a marriage for you. You should still remember your cousin Xiang 'er, a beautiful girl. Don't let her down. After marriage, if you want to continue to wander around the streets, the prostitute won't care about you. You just have to know how to control yourself. At that time, you'll be a married man. You know what to do. Don't lose the face of our Zhu family.”
"You didn't mention this to me before.”His thick eyebrows furrowed even deeper.
"Why didn't you mention it? Do you think those scrolls in the study are beautiful? Every time you come back, I remind you to take a look. After dragging on for so many years, I might as well let mother choose one for you. It's only natural for parents to order a matchmaker. I've already asked someone to match my birth characters. If possible, I hope to get married in late spring next year.”If the time was arranged too quickly, her son would definitely retaliate. Therefore, she specially left half a year.
They have already forgotten my existence…Lian 'er let go of Zhu Yutang's hand and looked back to see Hong Yu's furious eyes. She reached out and grabbed his hand that was clenched into a fist. She pulled it away with one finger and inserted her hand into his palm.
Don't be angry.
Hong Yu felt a lump in her throat when she felt the tiniest thing in her palm. She shook her head gently.
For you, I won't be angry. I won't be angry at them.
Hong Yu's eyes seemed to be saying this to him, so Lian 'er smiled and quietly held Meng Xuan, who was biting her lower lip. "Let's go back!" He had already met the old madam and knew what he wanted to know. There was no need for him to stay in a place that did not belong to him.
"Lian 'er, where are you going?" Zhu Yutang's attention had always been on the person beside him. He had long sensed that he was trying to break free and that he wanted to leave.
"Go back to the manor. Your mother must have a lot to say to you. We won't disturb your conversation.”
Don't you care? You don't care that I'm about to get married?
The question was placed on Zhu Yutang's chest, but he didn't ask it. His mother was here, so it wasn't appropriate to ask Lian 'er such intimate words. "I'll go find you right away. Wait for me.”
Lian 'er was silent and looked at him for a long time. In the end, she cast aside her worldly gaze and reached out to caress Zhu Yutang's cheek in front of Old Madam Zhu. " I will wait for you. I will always wait for you…" Always, always waiting for you…
The intimate actions between the two of them violated etiquette, causing Matriarch Zhu's face to turn ashen. In her eyes, Lian 'er had become a vixen who specialized in seducing men. She was shameless!
"You don't mind that I'm getting married at all?”Once he was done discussing the marriage in late spring with Matriarch Zhu, Zhu Yutang did not care about his mother's ashen face, which was trying to stop him from returning to the courtyard in the suburbs. He hurried back to Lian 'er's side and grabbed the person who was sitting on the railing in a daze, shaking her violently.
Damn it! Lian 'er didn't mind him getting married, so he should feel lucky to have such an understanding boy toy. But why did he feel angry and heartbroken when he saw that expressionless face?
Lian 'er was dizzy from his shaking. She grabbed his arm and stared at him seriously. "You want me to mind? Do I have the right to mind? Yutang, you know better than anyone else that I'm just a boy toy. Just like what your mother said, I'm a man who can't carry on the family line. Other than love, I can't give you anything. Even a prostitute is more qualified to mind than me, what status should I have to mind?”
"I don't like it when you say that."
"That's the truth. If I ask you not to marry other girls and only accompany me for the rest of your life, will you agree? You and I both know it's impossible, so why should I ask? I'm just humiliating myself and annoying you.”
Everyone always thought that he was too innocent and too good. He was just a male prostitute who recognized the truth. He would not be stupid enough to ask this man to never marry. He was also despicable and cowardly and could not let go, so he could only hide in a corner and secretly taste the gentleness and love he gave.
Zhu Yutang was speechless. Of course, he would not give up the task of carrying on the family line for a male pet. He loved Lian 'er, but…but he didn't know what it was.
Lian 'er jumped off the railing, pulled his hands away, and went into the inner room alone.
There was no need for him to say it, he already knew. Zhu Yutang doting on him did not mean that he loved him. From his words, his actions, and his every action towards him, he had told him so. Zhu Yutang was no different from any other person. Or rather, it was impossible for anyone in the world to truly fall in love with a man and be willing to give up everything for him. A small official was on the same level as a pet. How could there be love between a human and a pet?
A pair of crystal clear purple eyes suddenly flashed in his mind. He had only met the Murong family once. Even though he was ill at that time, he could still clearly see that Young Master Murong and that youth with purple eyes had a perfect connection.
Was that even possible? Was the love between the young master of the Murong family and that youth a love that could make one die?
Was that even possible? Two men could be sworn to each other?
He sighed. He believed that there was love between two men. However, it would not be him. Yu Tang had too many restrictions, and he did not have that much weight in Yu Tang's heart.
"Lian 'er, are you angry?" He knew that he was being unreasonable, but he just wanted to see Lian 'er get excited for him. That way, it seemed to bring a sense of calmness to his heart.
"Silly girl, when have you ever seen me angry at you?”
"No, but perhaps from today onwards…Lian 'er, I'm sorry, I can't reject this marriage.”He was twenty-four years old and was indeed at the age to get married.
Lian 'er stopped in her tracks and turned around to look at the angular face that should have appeared stern but had become pitiful because of guilt. "I knew it. Don't apologize to me. Do you really think I can give birth to a child for you?”She raised her hand and patted his face.
He was so tall that he didn't even reach his shoulders. Every time he faced his huge body, he always felt pressured. He should be the one who was strong and he should be the one who was weak, but now it had become a strange situation where he was the leader.
"That's not what I meant." Was he asking the obvious?
"Alright, don't think so much. I don't even want to think about it anymore. I'm still waiting for you to show me around. The wedding was next year, and there was still nearly half a year left. What was there to worry about?”
That's right! There was still half a year left, what was there to worry about…He told himself that again, but he was still worried. He would only be sadder if he reminded himself again.
"Is that all you have to say to me?”He had always thought that Lian 'er valued him and would have many more things to say to him. In fact, the person who should be making trouble should be Lian' er and not him.
Yingying's watery eyes hid under her thick eyelashes. "No, I have a lot of things to say to you, but I know that these words are useless. However, there is one thing that you must listen to. Not only must you listen, but you must also remember it very carefully.”He only had one wish left.
"I'm listening. Go ahead."
The pair of eyes that looked at him were sincere. He wanted to hear what he had to say so seriously.
Sorrow filled her eyes. Don't! Don't cry anymore. Ever since he left Love Sleeve Shop, he had told himself not to cry anymore. At least, he had to act like a man when it came to such a simple matter.
"Don't forget me…never, never forget me, remember me.”
"I remember. How could I forget?”This was something that Lian 'er often said to him. How could he forget?
When Lian 'er said this to him, even though she was smiling, she felt sad. No matter who it was, they could feel the deep uneasiness in his heart.
He was the one who had brought that uneasiness to him, because he could not give him eternal companionship.
"That's enough."
"Mother, mother, mother! Come and see, the chrysanthemums in the backyard are all in full bloom. It's so beautiful!”The crisp sound of a bell echoed in the courtyard. Even though it was autumn, it made people feel like spring was coming.
"Mother saw it, mother saw it. Xiang 'er, how old are you? Why are you still like a child?”Even though Mrs. Xi was mumbling, the love in her eyes was deep.
She only had a pair of children. Her son was always wandering around, and only this caring daughter was always by her side. Although Xiang 'er was mischievous, her heart was more exquisite than any other girl. As her mother, she could guess what she needed and what she wanted. She would always help her settle everything before she opened her mouth and teach her not to worry about anything. He really couldn't bear to marry such an obedient and beautiful daughter!
"In mother's eyes, Xiang 'er is a child who won't grow up!”Her lithe body turned around in the garden and returned to her mother's side. Her delicate face buried itself in Mrs. Xi's neck, and her pink lips chuckled.
"Yes, yes! In Mother's eyes, you are indeed a child who will not grow up, but don't forget that you will marry your cousin next year and will soon be the child's mother. How can you continue to be so childish?”
Xi Xiangyuan chuckled, her beautiful face was inlaid with a pair of eyes full of hope for the future. "Mother, is your Xiang 'er such an insensible girl? It's because I'm by Mother's side that I can be like a child. When I get married in the future, I'll know how to be a wife. All these years, there were always people chanting the Three Obediences and Four Virtues in my ears. It was really difficult not to remember.”
"Good girl, are you complaining that I'm too talkative?”
"I didn't say anything. I didn't say anything.”She smiled and quickly dodged Mrs. Xi's hand that was about to hit her. She ran back to the garden full of white chrysanthemums. The white chrysanthemums were full of chrysanthemums under her beautiful body, looking like beautiful chrysanthemum spirits.
Mrs. Xi was extremely proud because she had the most perfect daughter in the world.
Xi Xiangyuan knew his mother's heart and smiled even more contentedly.
She was getting married next year to her cousin, a famous man in the north.
In the past, she had secretly taken a look at her cousin. He was very tall and had a face that seemed to be carved out of rock. His distinct facial features were the most handsome lines she had ever seen, forming a bold and handsome face.
Her heart was beating fast.
What a handsome man. Not only did he have a good-looking face, but he also had an imposing and pleasant voice. She liked his expression the most when he was working under the command post. He was so serious and full of dignity.
Now, she could finally tell herself that this man who made her heart beat uncontrollably was the man she was about to marry, her future husband.
When she liked a man, she would want to know everything about him. She knew that he liked to wander around the streets of flowers, that he liked to dote on small officials, and that he was a dissolute man. However, she did not mind at all and did not intend to restrain him. He was like a divine eagle flying in the sky. Only without a rope could he soar into the sky.
She didn't want to become a rope that bound him, but she believed that she could become his home in his heart. Whenever he was tired and tired in the outside world, he would think of her. Slowly, as time passed, when he could no longer fly, he would accompany her and share the family with their child.
She had thought it through. She had thought of her future. She believed that it would definitely be realized according to her dreams. Because she did not ask for much, just a little. The heavens would definitely hear her voice.
The wind blew through her hair, lifting up a strand of soft hair and caressing her clean face. It was beautiful. For some reason, Mrs. Xi teared up. She knew that next spring, her hair would be tied into a black bun like hers.
He was crying because he was going to marry his daughter! There was no other reason.
He remembered that when he got married, his mother also looked at him with sparkling tears in her eyes. She looked at the bright red veil covering him and the moment she saw this world, her other pair of eyes were the rest of his life.
Xi Xiangyuan plucked off the blooming white chrysanthemums one by one. The vibration from the snapping of the branches shook off the thin and long petals. A gust of wind blew, and the petals fell on the wet mud and sank into the mud…
He picked up the fallen petals and placed them in the bamboo basket in his hand. Flowers of different shapes and colors lay in the bamboo basket, one after another.
"Lian 'er, you can't finish picking up petals.”Hong Yu and Ying Ying were also squatting in the courtyard to pick up flower petals with Lian 'er, causing their slender and fair fingers to be stained with green grass juice and yellowish-brown mud.
Lian 'er continued to pick up pieces after pieces. "You guys said that you have nothing to do. Since there's nothing to do, let's pick up the petals! I'll definitely be able to find something you want to do.”
In the past few days, they had been looking at him with a little sadness in their eyes, making him want to sigh with them. Since they could stare at him all day long, then they should do something meaningful!
The two of them looked at each other and sighed. "Why are you picking up these petals? It couldn't be placed or made into a sachet. It had already withered.”
That's right! He didn't know why he was picking up these petals, but he suddenly felt heartache when he saw these petals disappear into the mud. However, his heart was not calm, so he unconsciously began to pick up the petals. His mind unconsciously counted one, two, three, four...
How laughable. "I'm not picking them up." Lian suddenly straightened up and threw all the petals in the basket into the pool on the other side. When she got up, she was so dizzy that she lost her balance and fell into the pool in the direction the basket was thrown in.
"Lian 'er!"
Hearing Hong Yu and the others 'cries of surprise, he knew what would happen later, but he did not want to struggle. He did not even want to close his eyes. The moment his body felt cold, he saw the cloudless blue sky.
He didn't know how to swim and had never thought of swimming. It was only when the water covered his entire body that he realized how uncomfortable it was to drown, especially when he inhaled the cold water into his nose. It made him choke and cough non-stop, but he just had to inhale more water.
Zhu Yutang was almost scared out of his wits by the scene in front of him. Hong Yu and Ying Ying stretched out half of their bodies, trying their best to grab Lian 'er who was floating in the pool. If they were just a little bit more, they would have fallen into the pool as well.
Zhu Yutang ran over and pulled the two flustered people back to where they were. He stretched out his slender body and grabbed Lian 'er's slender wrist, quickly carrying her out of the pool.
"Lian 'er, Lian' er!" Panicking, he patted Lian 'er's back. His heart ached as he watched her choke and cough uncomfortably. Her small mouth kept vomiting water, and the cold water made her face pale and blue from the cold.
It hurt! His entire chest was in so much pain that it felt like it was being burned by fire. His nose, throat, and throat were in unbearable pain. For some reason, crystal clear tears rolled down his eyes, and he could not stop them even if he wanted to.
Apart from the first time they met, Zhu Yutang had never seen Lian 'er's tears. He realized that the tears in his eyes were rolling down one by one, as if they were supposed to fall down one by one. When they fell on the grass, they were beautiful.
"Don't cry, it's okay!" Thinking that he was crying because he was still in shock, Zhu Yutang took off his coat to cover his wet and cold body and hugged him tightly with his arms.
He had no idea how to comfort someone. He hated women crying the most in his life, and he had never comforted a difficult child. He had never seen a crying man before. What should he do? He cried until his heart was in a mess.
Lian 'er only cried. She buried herself in his embrace and cried non-stop. It was as if she wanted to cry all the tears in her life.
Not only was Zhu Yutang at a loss, Hong Yu and Yingying were also dumbfounded. This was the first time he saw Lian 'er cry like a child. In the past, Lian' er loved to cry. She often cried and shed tears, but she never cried like a child. A small child, crying silently, shedding tears in his sleeves, not looking for anyone to act coquettishly or complain to. In the past, Lian 'er's tears were so strong, but also a little fragile.
For the first time, he cried like a child, so defenseless.
She really wanted to ask him why. What was wrong? Why did she suddenly cry like a child?
Hong Yu parted her lips. The moment she saw a pair of slender arms tightly wrapped around Zhu Yutang's neck, she understood everything.
"Hong Yu, why are you crying too?" Yingying hurriedly pulled up her sleeves in panic to wipe away the tears on Hongyu's face. Lian 'er's crying made him flustered and sad. How could Hongyu cry before him?
"Watch carefully."
"Watch? What are you looking at?"
"Take a good look at our Tears Girl…"
Yingying was stunned. They had never called Lian 'er this way. Even if Lian' er was indeed suited to this title, they would never call her that. This was because they did not like others to mistake their identities. They were men in name and in reality, so they should not be addressed this way.
However, Hong Yu had said that Hong Yu, who hated people treating them as women, actually called them Lian 'er and Lei Ji.
" Hongyu, what exactly…" As he asked, Yingying still looked at the tear-stained face as he said. Then, his question stopped between his lips, and he looked foolishly at the familiar gorgeous face, showing a demeanor that he had never seen before.
The day Lian 'er stepped into Love Sleeves Lane, she was like an adult, more sensible than most people. He didn't talk much, and he didn't throw a tantrum when he cried. He looked at the sky alone like an old child, his eyes filled with countless resignation and sadness.
She was like a three-year-old who couldn't get candy!! So Lian 'er could cry like this.
The crying of a child who couldn't get candy was heartbreaking. The most heartbreaking thing was that there would never be that piece of candy, a sweet candy that could make one's heart and spleen greasy.
Yingying also cried, crying with Lian 'er. She understood why Hong Yu cried so sadly. There was more than one child who could not get candy, and there was more than one child who could not taste sweetness.
Completely ignoring Zhu Yutang's comforting words, Lian 'er cried out all the pain in her heart.
But no matter how much she cried, she couldn't stop crying!
Biting her lips tightly, it was not that she could not stop crying, but that her cheeks were stained with the cold pond water. The salty drops were the pond water that was full of petals, not endless tears...#
This book comes from：m.funovel.com。