Chapter 119: Chapter 118: Apricot Blossom Cake
That day, an honored guest arrived at the Zhang Mansion.
Zhang Hua pointed ahead with a forced laugh and said fawningly, "This is where Wen Qingye and my daughter reside."
Ling Jiao nodded and said casually, "Alright, I understand. You may leave now."
Hearing Ling Jiao’s words, Zhang Hua felt a pang of displeasure. He couldn’t help but frown, but in the end, he left without another word. He knew that if he angered this woman, the Zhang Family could be wiped out in the blink of an eye. All he could do was serve her carefully.
Ling Jiao entered with graceful, lotus-like steps. Once inside, she saw two figures, one large and one small, sitting opposite each other over a game of chess. As Ling Jiao looked at the seated Zhang Xiaoyun, she was filled with boundless confidence, and a smile naturally curled her lips.
Yunshan pursed her lips and said, "Sister Xiaoyun, we have a visitor."
Hearing this, Zhang Xiaoyun felt a little curious and turned her head.
Zhang Xiaoyun saw Ling Jiao, who was graceful and charming. Her every movement held a captivating allure that could stir one’s soul. Zhang Xiaoyun couldn’t help but grow nervous. She stood up and asked in a small voice, "Young lady, who are you looking for?"
Ling Jiao smiled and said, "I’m here to see Wen Qingye."
Zhang Xiaoyun quickly replied, "Oh, I’ll go get my husband for you right now."
"There’s no need." A voice came from the room just then, and Wen Qingye walked out slowly. He looked at Ling Jiao and said calmly, "Did the Commandery Princess come looking for me because of the Eight Kings Map? Here is the Celestial Star Fist Technique."
As he spoke, Wen Qingye handed a sheet of paper directly to Ling Jiao. Densely written on it was none other than the Ninth-Grade Martial Arts, the Celestial Star Fist Technique.
Seeing the Celestial Star Fist Technique in Wen Qingye’s hands, Ling Jiao’s heart surged with excitement. After all, it was a Ninth-Grade Martial Arts. Ling Jiao smiled, "Thank you, Young Master Wen."
Wen Qingye said flatly, "If the Commandery Princess has no other business, please return. I do not have much time to entertain you."
Ling Jiao was taken aback. She never expected Wen Qingye to tell her to leave. She forced a smile, "Young Master Wen is kicking me out so soon? Am I not even worthy of a cup of tea?"
Wen Qingye raised an eyebrow and said to Zhang Xiaoyun beside him, "Xiaoyun, pour our guest a cup of tea."
"Yes." Zhang Xiaoyun quickly rose to her feet.
Seeing Zhang Xiaoyun leave, Ling Jiao smiled faintly, her expression taking on a captivating charm. She slowly walked to Wen Qingye’s side and said with a smile, "Young Master Wen, I plan to visit Nanqing Lake tomorrow. I wonder if you’re interested?"
As she spoke, her orchid-like breath brushed against Wen Qingye’s ear.
Sitting by the stone chair, Yunshan’s eyes went wide as she watched with curiosity.
Wen Qingye’s brows knitted. He took four or five steps back. "Not interested. And I’m even less interested in you. Please, have some self-respect."
Seeing Wen Qingye’s rejection, Ling Jiao only grew more excited. "What? Is it because of your wife? Surely I’m not any worse than she is?"
Wen Qingye sneered, "Don’t even compare yourself to her. You’re not worthy."
Wen Qingye’s words were merciless, his tone exceptionally sharp.
"You!"
Ling Jiao took a deep breath, then said in a low voice, "I can help you deal with the Jia Family. I can even help you with the grievances you’ve suffered in the Wen Family. As for Wen Tongyu, as long as I’m here..."
Wen Qingye tilted his head back, cutting her off. "For matters like these," he said, looking up, "why would I, Wen Qingye, ever need the help of others?"
With his hands clasped behind his back, Wen Qingye gazed at Ling Jiao with indifference.
Ling Jiao looked into his eyes—they were as calm as still water, yet held an irresistible pull. Her heart trembled violently. She felt as if she were truly falling for him; never before had her heart beat so wildly.
Just then, Zhang Xiaoyun returned with a bowl of tea. "The tea is ready. Please, enjoy it, Commandery Princess."
Ling Jiao stared at Zhang Xiaoyun in astonishment. She found it truly unimaginable that Wen Qingye would marry such a woman. The scar on her face was grotesque, and she was utterly timid and shy with strangers.
"Please drink your tea, Commandery Princess, and then see yourself out." With that, Wen Qingye took Zhang Xiaoyun’s hand and started walking toward the inner room. Zhang Xiaoyun’s mouth opened and closed, but before she could speak, the two of them had disappeared from Ling Jiao’s sight.
Yunshan blinked and said, "I’ll be going too. Take your time with the tea, Your Highness."
In a moment, only Ling Jiao remained in the courtyard. She stared ahead, her brows knitted, and finally set down the teacup and walked out slowly.
...
Night fell. The moonlight was as cool and clear as water.
Wen Qingye walked out to find Zhang Xiaoyun sitting by the stone chair, staring blankly at the sky.
A cup of tea sat before Wen Qingye, while in Zhang Xiaoyun’s cup was just plain water. Zhang Xiaoyun wasn’t used to drinking tea; she only liked to drink plain water.
Wen Qingye sighed inwardly. ’Zhang Xiaoyun always likes to stare off into the distance, curious about the world outside, but she never dares to go out. She’s like a bird longing for freedom, one that has caged itself, wanting to fly but not daring to.’
"Husband!" Seeing Wen Qingye come out, Zhang Xiaoyun said joyfully, "Wait just a moment."
With that, she ran toward the nearby kitchen, leaving Wen Qingye a little puzzled.
A moment later, Zhang Xiaoyun ran back out, seemingly unable to wait. In her hands, she carried a platter covered with a clean white cloth.
Zhang Xiaoyun said with great anticipation, "Husband, look! What do you think this is?"
Wen Qingye smiled and nodded, his own curiosity piqued. He reached out and slowly lifted the white cloth.
"Apricot Blossom Cake?" Wen Qingye looked at the pastries on the platter, a little surprised.
Seeing his expression, Zhang Xiaoyun smiled sweetly and said, "Yes. Go on, try one."
Wen Qingye reached out, slowly picked up a piece of Apricot Blossom Cake, and slowly placed it in his mouth.
"How is it?" Zhang Xiaoyun asked hurriedly.
"Delicious," Wen Qingye said with a smile and a nod. Then he picked up another piece of Apricot Blossom Cake.
Zhang Xiaoyun was overjoyed. She just watched as Wen Qingye slowly finished all the Apricot Blossom Cakes. Her heart felt as if it were blooming like a flower, and her face was wreathed in a blissful smile.
"Truly delicious," Wen Qingye said after finishing the last one, as if still wanting more.
"If you like it, I’ll make it for you every day," Zhang Xiaoyun said with a smile as she cleared the platter.
"Alright," Wen Qingye nodded, his eyes filled with mirth. Hearing Zhang Xiaoyun’s words made him feel wonderfully at ease.
Suddenly, as if remembering something, Wen Qingye walked over to Zhang Xiaoyun’s side and said, "Xiaoyun, let me see your face."
Zhang Xiaoyun grew a little nervous and asked, puzzled, "What’s wrong?"
"It’s nothing, I just want to take a look," Wen Qingye said, shaking his head.
"Okay." After speaking, Zhang Xiaoyun gently closed her eyes.
Wen Qingye looked closely at the scar on Zhang Xiaoyun’s face. Every time he saw it, his heart ached. The scar snaked across her skin, occupying half of her cheek.
After studying it for a long while, Wen Qingye couldn’t help but frown. ’This scar seems to be congenital, yet it contains a strange, profound principle. Every time I try to use my Primordial Qi to clear Xiaoyun’s meridians, I feel some kind of resistance.’
Wen Qingye said, "I’ll have to try something to know for sure."
"Try something?" Zhang Xiaoyun asked, a little confused.
Wen Qingye helped Xiaoyun lean back against the stone chair and said, "Here, Xiaoyun, sit down."
