Chapter 121

When Wei Luo woke up the next day, there was no one next to her.

After Wei Luo ate breakfast, Jin Lu handed her a light yellow cloisonné bowl that was decorated with a brightly colored orchid pattern and filled with tea. She rinsed her mouth with the longjing green tea that had mint leaves added to it. Her expression was slightly perplexed. Did Zhao Jie really come last night? Or, had that just been a dream?

Yesterday, Wei Luo had been too sleepy. She only remembered that Zhao Jie had carried her up to the roof in his arms at the end. She didn’t remember what happened after that. She turned her head and looked at the bed. The thin, gauzy robe she had just changed out of was still on the bed. It was the robe that Zhao Jie had helped her put on. It seemed that it wasn’t a dream. Zhao Jie really had come here. She just didn’t know when he had left or if he was still in the villa….

Wei Luo was slightly preoccupied with her thoughts and she didn’t return to her senses until Jin Lu called her. She blinked and asked, “Jin Lu, you’ve been fidgeting in front of me since early morning. Is there something you want to say to me?”

Jin Lu nodded, “Miss, today is the day that Doctor Fu will be treating First Young Master’s leg. The women in the other branches have already gone there to show their support. Do you want to go over there to look too?”

Wei Luo thought for a moment before saying, “Okay, it’ll be good to go over there to look. Go over to Yu Rong’s room to ask her to come too.”

Jin Lu replied, “Understood.”

Then, Wei Luo changed into a pomegranate red wu luo robe with a flowering stem pattern. A moon white muslin dress was worn underneath the robe. It was too cold outside, so she also wore a bright red cloak that that was lined with fox fur and had silk lacing. As she was putting on a pair of turquoise earrings in front of a bronze mirror, Liang Yu Rong came inside, followed by Jin Lu.

Liang Yu Rong was even more afraid of the cold than Wei Luo. Today, she was wearing a yellow moon jacket with a lotus pattern and a pleated skirt. Not only was she covered by a cloak, she was also wearing a sable hat and holding a copper hand warmer. Her entire body was tightly covered as if she was afraid that other people didn’t know how cold she was. Looking at how Liang Yu Rong was dressed, Wei Luo couldn’t help teasing her, “If I didn’t know better, I would think you’re going to spend winter in Chang Bai Mountain.”

(Note: Chang Bai Mountain is the tallest mountain in Northeast Asia. It’s considered a “Holy Mountain” and the birthplace many national myths.)

Chang Bai Mountain was an extremely bitterly cold place. During the winter, it would snow so heavily that the passages into the mountain would be sealed. It was impossible for most people to survive in that place. Wei Luo was only joking that Liang Yu Rong was dressed too excessively.

Liang Yu Rong immediately raised an eyebrow, “You’re actually mocking me? I’m just sensitive to the cold. I haven’t been to such a high altitude place in the past.”

The conversation moved onto Wei Luo’s clothing. The two young girls cheerfully quarreled with each other. The servant girls knew that they weren’t actually angry, so they didn’t step forward to stop them and only stood by and watched them with smiles.

Suddenly, Liang Yu Rong stopped talking and pointed at the red mark on Wei Luo’s clavicle, “Ah Luo, what’s that?”

Wei Luo blinked in surprise, “What?”

She was puzzled until Liang Yu Rong showed her the mark using a small bronze mirror. Zhao Jie had left behind a red mark on her clavicle last night from sucking. It still hadn’t fade. Other people usually couldn’t easily see this spot. But when the two of them were previously tussling, Liang Yu Rong had accidentally grab Wei Luo’s clothes, which caused this current scene.

Fortunately, Wei Luo quickly thought of an excuse. In her mind, she wanted to fiercely bite Zhao Jie, but her expression was calm as she said, “Oh, there are many bugs on the mountain. When I was bathing in the hot spring last night, a small bug bit me. It’s not big deal.”

Liang Yu Rong didn’t overthink. Worried that this “bug” bite would inflame the skin, she especially had her personal servant girl go to her room to bring back a bottle of anti-inflammation ointment and told Wei Luo to apply it on her skin every day to avoid the potential for scarring.

Wei Luo didn’t refused and thanked Liang Yu Rong for her kind intention.

——–

First Madam and Wei Chang Yin were staying at the villa’s Jin Ji Courtyard. The source of the hot springs was in the northeastern corner of Jin Ji Courtyard. It was the most effective spot to soak in for treating injuries and general health benefits.

Just as Wei Luo and Liang Yu Rong saw Jin Ji Courtyard’s central room, they happened to see First Madam and the other womenfolk sending a man off at the doorway. When they walked closer, Wei Luo saw that the man was Zhao Jie. Zhao Jie was wearing a navy blue robe with an auspicious cloud pattern and a lotus-shaped crown. A white jade dragon hairpin held up his hair. That jade hairpin was the one that had Wei Luo had given him.

Zhao Jie’s demeanor looked impressive with a sense of propriety and his noble bearing looked effortless. He seemed like a completely different person than the one who had peeped at Wei Luo when she was bathing last night. Zhao Jie’s eyes were looking down as he was talking with First Madam.

As First Madam was sending him off, she tearfully thanked him, “It’s really all thanks to Your Highness Prince Jing. If it wasn’t you, than my child’s leg…”

Zhao Jie said, “It wasn’t much. Madam doesn’t need to keep saying thank you.”

First Madam took out her silk handkerchief to wipe her tears. She knew that if she continued like this, Zhao Jie would find this bothersome, so she stopped herself. “Your Highness, would you like to see Chang Yin? Doctor Fu is currently treating his leg. You’re his benefactor, he definitely wants to personally thank you.”

Zhao Jie thought for a moment, then he said, “Then I’ll have to bother Madam to bring me there.”

Zhao Jie looked up and saw two girls standing in the verandah across from him. Wei Luo’s line of sight collided with his. She hurriedly looked away. She hadn’t expected that Zhao Jie would be here. For a moment, she didn’t know if she should step forward or back.

Men and women should maintain their distance. Even if Wei Luo and Zhao Jie were engaged, they should still stay away from each other, especially before the wedding. However, Zhao Jie and First Madam were already walking over here. It wouldn’t be very appropriate if she turned around and left…. Wei Luo lowered her eyes and waited for Zhao Jie and First Madam to come closer, then she called out, “First Aunt,” and didn’t say another word.

Contrary to expectations, Liang Yu Rong was the one that saluted and said, “Greetings Your Highness Prince Jing.”

First Madam knew that girls were thin-skinned, so she didn’t put Wei Luo in a difficult spot. Instead, she smilingly helped Wei Luo out by saying, “Ah Luo, you here. Mi-er has been looking for you everywhere. That child really likes to bother you. How about you go over to main room to see him?”

Wei Luo nodded, took a small black box outline in gold from Jin Lu, and brought it over to First Madam. “This is a protective charm I asked from Ci Temple before I came to Tian Chan Mountain. It’s used to ensure a person’s health and smooth sailing in one’s life. First Madam, please give this to older cousin Chang Yin for me.”

First Madam was very pleased and praised Wei Luo for her thoughtfulness. “Of course. I’ll personally hand this over to him soon.”

Reassured, Wei Luo said with a smile, “I heard that First Aunt hasn’t been sleeping well because of older cousin Chang Yin’s problem. I just happen to have pomanders for soothing nerves. First Aunt, you can send someone to take some from my room. Heaven helps the worthy. Older cousin Chang Yin’s injury will definitely improve.”

First Madam sighed and said, “I hope so.”

Then, worried that Zhao Jie had been waiting to long, she bid Wei Luo farewell and said to Zhao Jie, “Your Highness, I’ve kept you waiting. Let’s go.”

Zhao Jie casually glanced at the brocade box in First Madam’s hand, then he looked at Wei Luo’s figure from behind. He looked away and said, “Okay.”

——–

Although several people were gathered in the main room out of concern for Wei Chang Yin’s leg, Wei Chang Yin wasn’t here currently, so their conversation shifted to another topic. The group of people started to talk about Tian Chan Mountain’s hot springs and scenery.

Third Madam Qin-shi said, “I only briefly soaked in the hot spring last night. When I woke up early this morning, all of the weariness from my body has vanished.”

Second Madam said, “That’s so true. My skin doesn’t even feel dry anymore…”

Liang Yu Rong had gone to sleep early last night and didn’t experience the benefits of the hot springs, so she didn’t have anything to say. Because Wei Chang Mi was pestering her, Wei Luo didn’t have a chance to speak either. So, she simply played along with him and only silently listened to the conversation.

Wei Bao Shan had even less leeway to speak. She stood behind Second Madam with her head lowered and an absent-minded appearance.

Second Madam originally didn’t want to bring her here, but she was worried that Wei Bao Shan would complain to Second Master about being the only one left behind at home. So, she unwillingly brought her along. Second Madam didn’t want to see her, so she was staying at a very remote courtyard. It took Wei Bao Shan at least 10 minutes to walk from where she was staying to Jin Ji Courtyard.

After standing for a while, Wei Bao Shan said to Second Madam Song-shi, “Madam, Bao Shan isn’t feeling well. I want to go back to rest.”

Second Madam didn’t want to see her to begin with. She waved her hand and said, “You can leave. If you’re not feeling well, then don’t come out. I feel unlucky seeing you.”

Wei Bao Shan’s face paled. She saluted and left the main room.

Wei Luo looked Wei Bao Shan’s figure as she left and had a strange feeling. But at the moment, she couldn’t figure out why she had that feeling.

Wei Chang Mi held up an osmanthus cake to Wei Luo’s lips and said with overly seriously tone and expression, “Ahhh. Old sister Ah Luo, eat this…”

Wei Luo went along with his action and bit off a piece of the osmanthus cake and chewed.

With bright eyes, Wei Chang Mi asked, “Is it yummy?”

Wei Luo nodded, “En, it’s just a bit too sweet.”

Wei Chang Mi stuffed the remaining part into his mouth. His cheeks were bulging as he said, “It doesn’t taste too sweet to me.”

Wei Luo suddenly thought of something. She abruptly stood up, dropped Wei Chang Mi into Liang Yu Rong’s lap, and started walking outside. “Help me look after him. I’m going outside to walk around.”

Liang Yu Rong asked, “Eh? Where are you going?”

Wei Luo didn’t have time to reply. She lifted up her skirt and left the main room. She headed towards an osmanthus tree in Jin Ji Courtyard. This tree was located at the center of Jin Ji Courtyard. Regardless of where one came out, he or she would have to pass by this tree. Wei Luo had recently seen this decade-old tree on her way in. Its leaves had already fallen and only bare branches were left.

At the moment, Wei Bao Shan was currently standing underneath that tree. A burst of wind had blown her handkerchief onto the osmanthus tree’s branch. She was standing on her tiptoes and trying to reach her handkerchief.

In the distance, Zhao Jie was coming out of Wei Chang Yin’s room and was heading over here.

Wei Luo was idly standing in the verandah with her arms folded and watching with the cool eyes of a bystander. She didn’t step forward to help Wei Bao Shan or greet Zhao Jie. She only stood there.

At first glance, Zhao Jie immediately saw Wei Luo and walked over to her in large strides. Seeing that she was only wearing a thin pomegranate red robe and a white dress beneath the robe, he immediately took off the black cloak with fox fur that he was wearing and draped it over her. “Why did you come out wearing so little clothing? Why are you just standing there? Aren’t you worried about freezing?”

Wei Luo looked up. Her smile was as bright as fireworks as she sweetly said, “I didn’t know when big brother would come out. I could only stand here and wait.”

Zhao Jie scratched her nose. This wasn’t a good place to talk. Anyone could come by here. He held her hand and started leading her out of the courtyard, “Perfect, this prince also has something to say to you.”

Wei Luo didn’t struggle. She obediently followed him.

When they passed by Wei Bao Shan, Zhao Jie didn’t even glance at her as if he couldn’t see her trying to get her handkerchief.

Wei Luo wasn’t afraid of Wei Bao Shan seeing them. Wei Bao Shan didn’t have any status in Duke Ying’s household. No one would listen to her words. Wei Luo turned her head to look at her. Wei Bao Shan was also looking at them with a strange expression. She was barely able to smile at Wei Luo as she greeted, “Fourth Miss.”

Wei Luo curved her lips and lightly said, “Miss Bao Shan.”

Wei Bao Shan’s expression changed. Wei Luo called her “Miss Bao Shan” instead of “Miss Wei”. This meant that Wei Luo didn’t consider her a member of House Wei. She wasn’t wrong. After all, Wei Bao Shan had been staying in Duke Ying’s household for so long, but her name still hadn’t been entered in the family genealogy records, much less included in the ranking. She was an outsider.

These words were also faint reminder for Wei Bao Shan to pay attention to her status.

Wei Bao Shan looked at Zhao Jie and Wei Luo’s departing figures. Zhao Jie’s eyes only had Wei Luo. He looked at her like she was treasure. He even intentionally walked slower out of concern for her footsteps. Wei Bao Shan looked at the handkerchief above her head. She didn’t try to reach for it again. She turned around and also left.

Zhao Jie led Wei Luo behind a fake mountain that was outside of Jin Ji Courtyard. Then, he lowered his gaze and asked her, “You specially requested a protective charm for Wei Chang Yin. Where’s this prince’s protective charm?”

Wei Luo had recently been focused on Wei Bao Shan. How could she have noticed that he was paying attention to a protective charm? No wonder Zhao Jie’s face had become slightly gloomy when she gave the protective charm to First Madam. So, he was feeling jealous.

Actually, Wei Luo had already asked for a protective charm for him too when she went to Ci Temple with Wei Chang Hong. She just didn’t have any chances to give it to him. But now that he was taking initiative to ask for it, she started teased him instead, “I only asked for a protective charm for older cousin Chang Yin because he’s suffering from his leg injury. Why should I ask one for you?”

Zhao Jie said, “Hasn’t this prince suffered from injuries? You saw my injuries when I came back from Shan Xi.”

Wei Luo fallaciously argued, “But you’re fine right now.”

“The purpose of protective charms is to ensure safety. Do you only hope that Wei Chang Yin’s life goes smoothly? What about this prince?” Zhao Jie pinched her cheek. He said, “When you go back, ask for a protective charm for me too.”

Wei Luo had never seen him like this. In the end, she couldn’t stop herself from laughing.

She took out a small, scented rectangular bag from the small, colorful bag embroidered with magnolia flowers hanging from her waist. The protective charm that Wei Luo had asked for was inside the scented bag. Wei Luo placed the scented bag in Zhao Jie’s hand, “This is for you. I asked for it a while ago when I went to Ci Temple. I just forgot to give it to you. I also put wormwood and plum flower petals inside. It can be used as sachet.”

Zhao Jie brought it closer to look. There was a row of wisteria embroidered on the sachet. It looked stylish and simple. The sachet also smelled serene and elegant with a faint coolness. It was very suitable for a man. Zhao Jie was slightly surprised, “Did you embroider this sachet?”

Both of Wei Luo’s hands were behind her back. Somewhat proudly, she said, “Who else would embroider for you?”

Zhao Jie smiled, “Since you already asked for one, why did you lie to me before?”

Wei Luo said, “If you obtain everything without difficulty, you’ll definitely feel it’s too easy and won’t value it.”

“I won’t.” Zhao Jie leaned over and lightly kissed her lips. He was clearly in a very good mood. “I’ll wear this every day. I won’t be able to bear taking it off for even one moment.”

Wei Luo was worried that someone would pass by here, so she didn’t linger here. After she gave him the protective charm, she pushed him away and returned to the main room.

——–

There was something that needed Zhao Jie’s attention in the capital, so he left the next day.

Wei Luo lived in the hot spring villa on Tian Chan Mountain for an entire winter. She frequently dragged Liang Yu Rong to the bathhouse to soak in the hot spring. Not only did her skin become even whiter and softer, she also seemed to be glowing with energy. She and Liang Yu Rong spent their time very comfortably. During the day, they would drink tea and look at the snow or enjoy the beauty of the plum blossoms with the snow. Sometimes, they would also create new types of rouge using plum blossoms and camellia. At night, they would soak in the hot spring for skincare and endlessly talk about everything under the sun.

Three months later, both of them had become even more beautiful. They were as lustrous as gems. A person would like them as soon as he or she saw them, especially Wei Luo. She was beautiful to begin with, now she was so lovely that it was hard to look away from her.

After Wei Luo came back from Tian Chan Mountain, when Old Madam saw her, she pulled her to her side and said, “This girl… You look so beautiful that your paternal grandmother doesn’t even recognize you.”

Wei Luo smiled and said, “Paternal grandmother, you look more lively than when I left.”

Old Madam tapped Wei Luo’s nose and said, “You know what to say to make me happy.”

Even so, Old Madam was truly enjoying herself. Her expression showed that she was feeling joyful.

After Old Madam said a few words with Wei Luo, the conversation went to Wei Chang Yin’s leg. After all, the most important thing about going to Tian Chan Mountain was to treat Wei Chang Yin’s leg.

After Doctor Fu’s treatment, Wei Chang Yin’s condition had already improved a lot. Although he still couldn’t walk, he was already feeling sensation beneath his knee. Doctor Fu said he didn’t need to continue staying at the hot spring villa. As long as he cooperated with the medical treatment, he would be able to walk in a year. In the future, it would suffice if he went to the hot spring villa once a year.

Hearing this, Old Madam was crying as she said, “Wonderful. Really too wonderful… Chang Yin is such a good child. The Heavens wouldn’t treat him unfairly…”

First Madam was crying along with her. “Mother is right. It’s this daughter-in-law’s fault for being too lacking in knowledge and not finding a good doctor for Wei Chang Yin earlier. I’ve caused him to needlessly suffer for so many years…”

Old Madam patted her hand and said, “How could you be blamed for this? Everything is destined. As long as Chang Yin’s leg can be healed…”

First Madam was too emotional. Her tears had soaked through a handkerchief. In the end, the hall wasn’t quiet until a servant girl supported her out.

Wei Luo talked with Old Madam for a while before standing up and returning to Pine Courtyard.

After spring started, Wei Luo didn’t even see Zhao Jie once.

Zhao Jie was too busy and didn’t try to visit her many times. There were two times when Yue Li passed along messages to have Wei Luo go outside to see him, but Wei Luo didn’t go. It wasn’t good for them to see each other before the wedding. In the past, Zhao Jie was too audacious. Now that Wei Luo had returned home and the number of servants by her side had increased, Zhao Jie couldn’t secretly see her. This was for the best. Wei Luo could peacefully prepare her dowry and improve her embroidery skills with Fourth Aunt Qin-shi‘s help. She still had to embroider pillows, blanket covers, and the bridal veil.

Everyone said that it was bad luck to meet before the wedding. Since Wei Luo was marrying Zhao Jie, then she naturally wanted their married life to be peaceful and pleasant. It was better to believe in this superstition than to be wrong.

And so, spring changed into summer and summer changed into autumn. In the middle, Wei Luo had her adulthood hairpin ceremony. Without noticing, October had arrived.

Wei Luo and Zhao Jie’s wedding date was on October 8th. In other words, in a few days, Wei Luo would be marrying into Prince Jing’s household.

Counting the days, Wei Luo and Zhao Jie hadn’t seen each other for half a year.