Chapter 110: 110. Limited to Siblings
Translator: 549690339
The cold night wind blew outside the window.
Inside the room, candlelight flickered.
Nian Ruxue stared blankly at Nian Jincheng, watery light filling her eyes. “Second Brother, what are you talking about?”
Nian Jincheng’s face was serious. “You insisted on finding Aling earlier, and now that I want to send you to her, you’re unwilling. I don’t understand.”
“Second Brother, did someone say something to you?” Nian Ruxue’s voice choked, “I thought I would never see him again in this life, and suddenly you said there was news of him. I wasn’t mentally prepared. I couldn’t believe it, and I didn’t want to leave home. So… Second Brother, have you really found him? Or did you believe some rumors and are testing me?”
Nian Jincheng was silent, looking at Nian Ruxue’s injured expression as tears fell like broken beads from her eyes. His heart clenched in pain.
“Second Brother, I thought in this family, at least you understood me. I didn’t expect you to change after going out this time.” Nian Ruxue’s face was bitter. “I’ve said many times about his matter and my feelings. I don’t want to explain anymore. If Second Brother trusts me, you wouldn’t doubt me in the first place.
If there’s no trust, what’s the use of saying more?”
As she finished, Nian Ruxue slowly stood up, wiped the tears from her face, and looked bitterly at herself. “I don’t have a high birth like Qin Yujin, and I’m not as loved by the family as she is. Even my marriage is just a bargaining chip for my father and elder brother to plan the future of the Nian Family. I’ve never dared to be willful. No, it’s only in front of Second Brother that I dared to be a little willful because I once thought that Second Brother would protect me and spoil me for my whole life, and I would worship and trust Second Brother for my whole life…”
Nian Jincheng’s brows furrowed, and Nian Ruxue sighed. “Let it be. I was naive. If the news about him is false, Second Brother, please don’t mention this again.
Don’t even mention that name, it will only hurt you. If it’s true…”
Nian Ruxue’s barely stopped tears rolled down her cheeks again as she covered her face and sobbed. “We are doomed to have fate without a future!” “Why?” Nian Jincheng asked.
Nian Ruxue cried uncontrollably, “There’s something I’ve never told Second Brother, for fear that you’ll do something impulsive after learning about it. Now that it’s come to this, there’s nothing I can’t say.”
Nian Jincheng’s face darkened slightly, “What is it?”
“Second Brother. do von know why I don’t have to be a concubine in the C.rown
Prince’s Mansion?” Nian Ruxue looked at Nian Jincheng with tearful eyes. Nian Jincheng’s heart tightened, “Why?”
“Because Father and Elder Brother think that being a concubine for the Crown Prince doesn’t help the Nian Family enough, so they have made a new arrangement for me.” Nian Ruxue closed her eyes as a tear fell onto the table.
Upon hearing this, Nian Jincheng’s face immediately changed, “What arrangement?”
“Father wants me to enter the palace to serve the Emperor,” Nian Ruxue said softly.
Nian Jincheng’s face became incredibly ugly, “What happened exactly?”
“I was carefully arranged by Father to meet the Emperor by chance in Changchun Garden.” Nian Ruxue choked, “Father somehow found a kind of incense that the emperor’s favorite consort used to wear. That day, I already belonged to the emperor…”
Nian Jincheng looked at Nian Ruxue in disbelief, “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”
“At that time, Second Brother wasn’t at home. It was only when I met the Emperor that I realized that I had been set up, but there was no way for me to refuse him… I didn’t want to cause trouble for Second Brother and the Nian Family because of myself.” Nian Ruxue whispered, “It was only later that I found out that everything was planned by Father and Elder Brother, including the new clothes my grandmother gave me. I was just a pawn in their hands.”
Nian Jincheng’s anger could hardly be contained, “What exactly do they take you for?”
“In their eyes, there’s only interest. I, Second Brother, are nothing but pawns.” Nian Ruxue stared blankly as if she had lost her soul, then turned to look at the window. “Of course, I want to find that person. I dream of it. But now, what face do I have left to see him? I feel so filthy… After the new year, the Emperor will arrange for me to enter the palace. If I go missing, what will happen to the Nian Family, to Second Brother…”
“At this point, what does the Nian Family matter? You don’t even have to worry about me!” Nian Jincheng’s eyes were fixed. “I’ll arrange for you to leave the capital!”
Nian Ruxue’s eyes were full of sorrow, “Leave? Second Brother, you’re as naive as I used to be, thinking that there is freedom in our kind of family. But it’s strange, both Father and Elder Brother want to use me, and even my grandmother doesn’t really like me. However, the more it is so, the more I want to do something to make them see me and know that I have value. Second Brother, do you think I’m silly?”
Nian Jincheng shook his head immediately, “I’ve thought the same before.”
Nian Ruxue took a deep breath, “The matter of entering the palace cannot be changed. I have already accepted my fate, but I have always been afraid to tell Second Brother. Just now, when I said I asked that person to come to the capital to see me, it’s because I know he won’t come, so that is how I said it to refuse. How could I possibly harm him? The incident at Yanyun Building was actually forced by my father. As an unmarried lady, how could I afford to hire assassins from Yanyun Building?”
Nian Jincheng’s expression changed as Nian Ruxue continued, “Father said that as long as that man doesn’t die, the Nian Family will always be suspected by the Emperor. If I could catch him myself, it would be best for the Nian Family. I know that Second Brother has always wanted Father’s approval, so I never told the truth. At that time, I also genuinely hoped he would come to find me. Actually, the Gu Family’s rebellion is true, and Father had his reasons for acting this way, although I don’t agree. Now Father doesn’t know, but I have already canceled the assassination mission, and I deeply regret what I did back then. The freedom that neither of us could achieve, at least he has achieved it. I
hope he has a good life, no matter where he is or who is by his side, it’s all good…”
“Xue’er! I’ll take you out of the capital, as far away as possible!” Nian Jincheng tried to pull Nian Ruxue.
But Nian Ruxue suddenly turned cold.
No matter how difficult the road ahead is, I will live well! Once I leave, Second
Brother, you just need to do what you want, not worry about me, and stop pleasing others in this family!”
With those words, Nian Ruxue ran out crying without even putting on her cloak.
Nian Jincheng hurriedly grabbed Nian Ruxue’s cloak and chased after her.
When Nian Jincheng sent Nian Ruxue back and returned to his residence, the meal had long since gone cold.
He sat listlessly until dawn. After washing up and changing clothes, he went to the palace to report.
Upon leaving the palace, Nian Jincheng did not return home but went to Duke Qin’s Mansion instead.
Qi Jun had just informed Xing Yusheng that Duanmu Chen and Nian Jincheng returned to the capital last night. Then Qi Yan reported that Nian Jincheng had come to visit.
“Please come in quickly!” Xing Yusheng guessed that it must be regarding Su Liang’s reply or return gift. Otherwise, Nian Jincheng wouldn’t have come to see him.
As Nian Jincheng entered, he ran into Qin Yujin, who had dressed up and greeted him with a shallow smile.
Nian Jincheng nodded in response.
As Qin Yujin prepared to go in with him, her maid ran over and informed her that a Miss Lin had come to visit.
“Lin…” Qin Yujin realized it must be Lin Bojun’s sister and instructed the servant to quickly show Lin Xueqing to her room before turning to leave.
After the Lin Family arrived in the capital, Qin Yujin wanted to visit them to express her gratitude, but Qin Kang did not let her go.
Xing Yusheng, who was staying with the Qin Family, had a sensitive identity. Although the Qin Family was prepared to use his death exemption token, it was impossible for them not to be affected by it.
Recently, the nobles in the capital began to alienate the Qin Family, fearing to get involved in trouble.
Qin Kang wouldn’t allow Qin Yujin to visit the Lin Family openly for fear of bringing them trouble.
Qin Yujin arranged for someone to send many gifts to Lin Xueqing, but she never expected that she would come today.
Nian Jincheng didn’t sit down and directly handed Su Liang’s letter to Xing Yusheng instead.
“If Crown Prince Xing has no other matters to discuss, I will take my leave first.” Nian Jincheng was in a bad mood and didn’t feel like chatting with Xing Yusheng.
Xing Yusheng was opening the letter and nodded his head while saying, “Thank you for your trouble, General Nian. Take care, I won’t see you out.” He didn’t bother being polite either.
The tea hadn’t been brewed yet when the guest left.
Qi Jun entered the room and saw Xing Yusheng, who was reading a letter, suddenly show a delighted expression on his face, which quickly disappeared.
“Master, is everything all right with Miss Su?” Qi Jun asked quietly.
Xing Yusheng shook his head, “She’s fine, so is Ning Jing. I’m going to write a letter, and you will personally deliver it to the Prince’s Mansion for my grandmother.”
Qi Jun’s expression became serious, “Yes, sir!”
With the Medicinal Diet Recipe sent by Su Liang in hand, a smile finally appeared on Xing Yusheng’s face. “There’s also a return gift for my cousin. Speaking of which, I saw her just now, why did she leave already?”
Qi Jun then said that it was Miss Lin who had come.
Xing Yusheng didn’t pay much attention to that and began to write the letter.
Lin Xueqing and Qin Yujin met for the first time today, but they had already formed a good impression of each other through their correspondence.
Because Lin Bojun liked Qin Yujin, Lin Xueqing saw her as a potential sister-in-law, so she naturally liked and drew closer to her.
The two hit it off immediately and had a very enjoyable conversation. They agreed to visit Qin Family’s other residence together to admire the plum blossoms another day.
After Lin Xueqing left, Qin Yujin received the Medicinal Diet Recipe sent by Su Liang and was very happy, saying that she would try making it herself.
Three days later, the Imperial Court suddenly issued an Imperial Decree, commanding Nian Jincheng to immediately head south to lead the troops.
Enemy forces were invading, and war was imminent.
Lin Bojun was assigned to be Nian Jincheng’s Deputy General and left the capital city with him on the same day.
Nian Jincheng didn’t know that it was Duanmu Chen who had recommended him wholeheartedly, saying that young generals needed the opportunity to fight in the battle to become experienced and grow.
Although the war was dangerous, it was often a good opportunity to make great achievements.
Chang’an asked Duanmu Chen, “The opportunity Master got for General Nian, what if he doesn’t want to help Master in the future?”
Duanmu Chen laughed, “He didn’t come within the two-day deadline for his response, which means he rejected me.”
Chang’an was puzzled, “In that case, Master is still helping him?”
Duanmu Chen shook his head, “His rejection doesn’t mean he’s chosen the crown prince, or that he doesn’t want to take sides. The only possibility is that he listened to my advice, but in the end, he was deceived by Nian Ruxue. I underestimated that Fourth Miss Nian.”
Chang’an was still confused.
Duanmu Chen continued, “Nian Jincheng is a rare talent. It’s not a big problem if he can’t adapt to changes right away. Just separate him from Nian Ruxue. When he’s young, he should make achievements and contributions, being involved with the Nian Family will only ruin him. I can give him an opportunity now, and if he doesn’t remain loyal to me in future, I can also undo his powers.”
Chang’an nodded, “Master is wise. However, in the subordinate’s opinion, if we could win over Miss Su to be of use to Master, it would definitely be of great help! ”
Duanmu Chen smiled, “Let’s wait until she comes.”
Su Family Village.
On the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, Su Liang went to visit a disabled elderly villager for a medical check-up, and Ning Jing didn’t follow.
By the time Su Liang returned, it was almost noon, and smoke was wafting from the kitchen.
She went back to her room to change her clothes first. When she opened the door, she saw a long wooden box on the table that hadn’t been there when she left.
She walked over, opened it, and found a purple jade hairpin inside.
The jade was given to Su Liang and Ning Jing by Zhengzheng, and was kept in Ning Jing’s room.
The wooden hairpin Su Liang wore on her head was a gift from Ning Jing. He had bought an ordinary wooden hairpin in town for a few coins and had it re-carved. It was not considered a gift, but rather part of their daily necessities.
Having changed her clothes, Su Liang picked up the purple jade hairpin and went to the kitchen door, “Your carving skills have improved, it looks very nice.
Next time, just give it to me directly, no need to put it in a box.”
She thought it was like the Fragrant Wood Hand String, just because Ning Jing happened to have a piece of jade at hand, he wanted to use it up and practiced his carving skills, so he made her a hairpin.
After all, half of that jade originally belonged to her.
Ning Jing, who was cutting vegetables, turned around and looked at her with a knife in his hand, “This is your coming-of-age ceremony gift.”
Su Liang was stunned, “Me? My coming-of-age ceremony today?” She didn’t have the original master’s memory, and Su Yuanzhou’s family was gone, so she didn’t know about her birthdate.
Ning Jing shook his head, “I only know it’s around this time, but I don’t know which day. How about today?”
He had asked before, Su Liang’s previous life birthday was on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, and it was not a random choice.
Su Liang inserted the purple jade hairpin casually into her hair, “Alright, if you say so. Thanks. What are you making?”
Ning Jing turned back to continue cutting vegetables, “Longevity noodles.”
Su Liang raised her eyebrows, “Do you cook longevity noodles in person for your brothers’ birthdays, too?”
This was a response to their previous discussion about “brotherly bonds.”
Su Liang felt that Ning Jing treating her so well today was a bit unusual. Although he was usually not bad to her, it was the first time he had given her a gift in a box.
Ning Jing heard this and paused with the knife in his hand, without turning his head, he said, “Today, we aren’t brothers. Today, we are brother and sister.
Only for today. ”
As a big brother pampering little sister, it made perfect sense.
Su Liang held her forehead, wondering how flexible the God’s mind could be and how his thinking could change so quickly in various situations.
“You don’t like it?” Ning Jing asked.
Su Liang hurriedly nodded, “How could I? When it’s your birthday, we can be brother and sister for a day, and I’ll cook longevity noodles for you. I’m suddenly looking forward to it. Will you call me elder sister then?”
Ning Jing, with the knife in his hand, looked back at Su Liang and said coldly, “What do you think?”
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