Chapter 70: The Aftermath

The commotion outside was a sharp contrast to the quiet inside, where three people huddled together. The warmth from the girl’s body seeped through their clothes, and Dong Yun finally felt a sense of comfort. The heart that had been drifting aimlessly for so long found a brief moment of peace.

The person before her softly called her “sister,” their warm hands gently brushing away the tears from her face. The black eyes gazing at her were filled with tenderness and concern.

All of this made her feel cared for once again. For five years, she had lived on the run, uprooted and unsettled. Even after arriving in this village, fear had been her constant companion. Now, another person had appeared to protect her.

Dong Yun raised her eyes to look at Pear Blossom. Suddenly, a hand covered her daughter’s eyes. She tilted her head and leaned closer, pressing a kiss onto the lips just inches away.

Only when she felt the warmth of the other’s lips could her heart settle. Only by holding the other’s soft tongue and feeling the warm breath against her could she feel she was truly cared for.

Pear Blossom was caught off guard by the kiss and froze in place. She understood that Dong Yun was frightened and seeking solace, so she dared not push her away. Instead, she reached out to support Dong Yun’s waist, ensuring she had something to hold on to.

However, Pear Blossom was unsure how to respond to the kiss. She could only part her lips slightly and follow Dong Yun’s lead, gently licking and mimicking her movements holding her lips, holding her tongue, again and again.

It wasn’t until Fubao, squished between them, let out a protesting whimper, unable to see or breathe freely, that the two finally separated.

Pear Blossom’s ears burned as she tried to appear calm. She took Fubao from Dong Yun’s arms and asked, “Are you feeling better now?”

Dong Yun turned her face away and nodded slightly.

Outside, Xia Xunyan was absentmindedly responding to Murong Jin’s words while frequently glancing at the tightly shut door.

Finally, the door creaked open, and the three—two adults and one child—walked out.

The young female scholar looked at Dong Yun, who was the last to emerge. Her gaze briefly lingered on Dong Yun’s slightly red eyes and glistening lips before quickly averting her eyes and turning back to Murong Jin.

“What were you saying just now?” The female scholar’s voice was as clear and cool as a mountain stream.

Murong Jin, noticing her distraction, didn’t take offense. After all, in her eyes, the scholar could do no wrong especially after effortlessly silencing that insufferable clerk with just a few words. To Murong Jin, the scholar was practically divine.

“I was asking if Sister Xia enjoys traveling and exploring scenic landscapes. What places have you visited?”

Xia Xunyan pondered the question seriously before replying, “I do yearn for such travels, but in truth, the places I’ve set foot in are few and far between. This time, I barely arrived in Jinyang before encountering such misfortune. If I were to venture further, who’s to say whether I’d survive the journey?”

Murong Jin quickly responded, “Since childhood, I’ve traveled all over with my father, escorting goods. I’m quite skilled in martial arts. Sister Xia, if you’re willing, I could accompany you on your journeys in the future and ensure your safety.”

Xia Xunyan looked at her, clad in a simple yet practical outfit, and then at her expectant eyes. Feeling she was trustworthy at the moment, she nodded. “If there’s an opportunity, I will certainly accompany you.”

After Dong Yun left the room, she went straight to Mrs. Xiong and said, “Aunt Xiufang, the day those men from the gambling den came to abduct people, I was truly terrified. Just now, hearing someone surrounding the yard, I instinctively hid in the house. I must trouble you to look after Fubao for me, I feel deeply apologetic.”

Mrs. Xiong empathized. If she were in the same situation, she might also have been frightened. However, she clearly remembered seeing Dong Yun acting calm and unshaken that day, a stark contrast to her timid demeanor today. Although puzzled, she could understand and smiled, “It’s no bother. As long as you’re safe, that’s what matters. Right now, whether it’s bandits or officials coming into the village, it’s all the same—they shout and fight, and who wouldn’t be scared? Take care to comfort this little one later; she was badly frightened.”

Dong Yun quickly nodded to show she understood, feeling warmed by the family’s protection and understanding.

After advising Dong Yun, Mrs. Xiong suddenly remembered the lady scholar who had just driven the intruders away. She hurriedly led her family to the scholar’s side, intending to kneel in gratitude.

Xia Xunyan quickly stopped them, saying, “My grandfather no longer holds a court position, and my husband died in battle. Now, I am just an ordinary commoner like you, and besides, I owe your family a great debt of gratitude for saving me. I truly cannot accept such a grand gesture.”

Mrs. Xiong hastily replied, “Madam, you’re being too modest. Saving you was merely a coincidence, and it was fortunate that Pear Blossom had the ability to help. Please don’t take it to heart.”

Xia Xunyan shook her head gently. “Please, call me ‘teacher.’ I’ve left the Southern General’s estate and have no intention of returning to my parents’ home. If possible, I’d like to thick-skinnedly continue staying with your family. I have little to offer but am willing to teach your younger siblings in return for the kindness you’ve shown in saving and sheltering me.”

The couple’s faces lit up with joy upon hearing this. They had thought that now that the scholar’s identity was exposed, she might leave soon. They hadn’t expected her to want to stay, let alone continue teaching their children.

“We’d be delighted if you stayed,” Mrs. Xiong said excitedly. “What virtue or ability do our children have to deserve guidance from a lady of the Prime Minister’s family? This is a blessing our family must have earned in a past life.”

Dagen grinned and chimed in, “Our humble countryside home is simple and crude. If you don’t mind staying, we’d be overjoyed.”

Xia Xunyan glanced subtly at Dong Yun, standing nearby. These people regarded her as someone of high status, but compared to the true nobility of Dong Yun, what did her position matter?

She smiled faintly. “In that case, I will continue to impose on you.”

Murong Jin, seeing their conversation wrap up, eagerly interjected, “Uncle Gen, Auntie, don’t forget about me!”

Compared to the composed Xia Xunyan, Murong Jin’s lively personality made her more relatable to the villagers. The Xiong family felt less constrained around her. Mrs. Xiong quickly smiled gratefully, saying, “We’re truly lucky you came with us today, Miss Jin. Otherwise, when those officials arrived, our whole family would have been too flustered to know what to do.”

Murong Jin laughed and waved her hand. “Uncle, Auntie, there’s no need to be so formal. Just call me Jin’er. We’ve done nothing wrong, so why should we fear them? Besides, Sister Xia’s words sent them packing—how satisfying!”

Mrs. Xiong, still worried, asked, “But will they come back to cause trouble after you leave?”

Murong Jin shook her head. “Don’t worry. Pear Blossom is now my father’s disciple. If anyone wants to trouble your family, they’ll have to think twice. Plus, with Sister Xia here, even though her grandfather has retired, the emperor still hopes to call him back. While her grandfather has been unwell and hasn’t responded to the imperial summons, it’s clear that the emperor values the Xia family. No local official would dare act recklessly with such connections.”

Xia Xunyan listened to Murong Jin’s explanation and, without refuting, tacitly acknowledged her analysis.

Previously, Xia Xunyan had avoided revealing her identity, partly to escape the chaos for a while and partly to avoid attracting attention to the village, potentially exposing Dong Yun. But today’s events left her no choice.

The Xiong family felt reassured after hearing this. Just as they were about to chat more, the sound of hurried footsteps approached from outside. They rushed out to see the village head leading a group of elders toward them.

News of the earlier incident at the base of the mountain had spread: the Dagen family had taken in the granddaughter of a former Prime Minister, someone even the county registrar didn’t dare offend. The village head, hearing this, dared not delay and quickly organized the village elders to pay their respects.

Seeing the commotion, Xia Xunyan couldn’t help but smile wryly. She had sought a quiet refuge but now found herself surrounded by even more activity.

Left with no choice, she repeated what she had said to Mrs. Xiong earlier, urging the villagers to leave quickly.

Zhang Sanye sighed, “When Prime Minister Xia was in office, he implemented countless policies that benefited the people, and everyone lived comfortably. Now that he has retired, those measures have been overturned, and life has grown harder for the people. We sincerely remember his kindness.”

“All national policies are the result of careful deliberation by the court, not the work of one individual,” Xia Xunyan replied. “My grandfather only did his duty. If he were here, he would feel unworthy of such praise. As his granddaughter, I dare not claim credit on his behalf, or I’d face his reproach when we meet again. The Xia family is now but a common household. Please don’t treat me any differently.”

After much persuasion, Zhang Sanye finally led the village elders away.

Before leaving, Zhang Sanye said to Dagen, “We were originally going to discuss the Xiang family’s matter today, but since the officials came, it’s been postponed. Rest assured, we’ll settle it by tomorrow or the day after.”

In recent days, the troubles that had arisen were all caused by that family. The villagers had long been fed up with their antics and had no desire to tolerate these troublemakers any longer. After all, who knew what else they might do in the future?

Moreover, every household in the village had received ten to fifteen taels of silver from Pear Blossom. Naturally, they sided with her.

Not to mention, the granddaughter of the prime minister was present to oversee the matter. It was obvious who they needed to please.

Pear Blossom, recalling the fear she had felt that day and seeing Dong Yun’s dazed expression earlier, was filled with lingering dread. Gritting her teeth, she said, “This matter can’t be dragged out any longer! They must face the consequences of their actions!”

Everyone agreed, vowing not to show any leniency toward that family, and then gradually dispersed.

The Dagen couple, relieved to see the crisis resolved and delighted to have met a benefactor, couldn’t hide their joy. They quickly started preparing a meal.

Dong Yun, seeing this, held Fubao and prepared to leave.

Murong Jin hurried to block her, saying, “Sister Dong, why are you in such a rush to leave? I just got here, and we haven’t even had a proper chat. Do you know how hard it was for me to make this trip?”

As she spoke, she reached out to take Fubao, coaxing, “Fubao, look at what Sister Jin brought for you—sweet candies and a singing bird! Stay and play with Sister Jin. We can even go horseback riding. How about it?”

Just then, Pear Blossom entered the courtyard holding a flapping chicken. Hearing this, she couldn’t help but interject, “You’re having her call you Sister Jin, but you’re calling her mother Sister Dong. Isn’t that a bit of a mess in terms of seniority?”

The crowd burst into laughter.

Seeing the two beauties looking at her simultaneously, Murong Jin laughed awkwardly. “A slip of the tongue! I meant to say ‘Auntie’!”

Sure enough, when Fubao heard there were treats, she blinked hesitantly at her mother.

Although Dong Yun was on good terms with Pear Blossom, she felt it inappropriate to linger since this was technically Pear Blossom’s family hosting guests. Moreover, the events of the day had left her unsettled, and she wanted to go home to calm her mind.

She smiled and said, “Thank you, Miss Murong, but I’ve been out long enough today. I need to get back; the pigs at home are probably starving by now.”

Hearing this, Murong Jin realized it was a genuine matter and couldn’t insist further. She ran to her horse, fetched the gifts she had prepared, and handed them out one by one.

Everyone was delighted with their gifts, even the usually aloof Xia Xunyan, who couldn’t put down the travelogue she received.

Mrs. Xiong, holding the silk fabric in her hands, grinned from ear to ear and expressed her gratitude. She then turned to Pear Blossom and said, “Dear, why don’t you accompany Fubao’s mother home, feed the pigs, and then come back for dinner? Fubao can stay here and play with Xinghua and Erniu. Jin, you stay and chat with the tutor. Her father and I will prepare the meal.”

Pear Blossom and Murong Jin exchanged glances and saw mutual relief in each other’s eyes.

Dong Yun initially didn’t plan to come back, but with such sincere hospitality, she felt it would be rude to decline and reluctantly agreed.

Handing the chicken to her mother, Pear Blossom washed her hands and left with Dong Yun.

The two walked side by side out of the courtyard. However, Dong Yun remained silent, her thoughts scattered. Pear Blossom didn’t dare disturb her and simply stayed by her side.

When they returned, the elderly Mrs. Zeng had already fed the pigs.

Dong Yun went straight inside and sat on the bamboo couch. Seeing the girl hesitating by the door, she said, “I’m fine. You should go back.”

Pear Blossom shook her head, crouched down in front of her, and stared into her eyes. “I’m not going back. From now until you fall asleep tonight, I’m not leaving your side.”

Though Dong Yun verbally refused, her mood noticeably improved. She brushed a strand of hair behind Pear Blossom’s ear and said softly, “Are you planning to stay by my side for the rest of your life?”

Pear Blossom’s heart skipped a beat, but she nodded without hesitation.

Dong Yun chuckled, though there was a hint of self-mockery in her tone. “I’m an unlucky person. If you stick with me, your days won’t be peaceful. Are you really willing to take that risk?”

Pear Blossom replied, “Without you, I probably wouldn’t even be here. How could I fear anything else?”

Dong Yun’s smile froze on her face. After a moment, she sighed softly. “You’re still hung up on that thirty taels of silver. To be honest, even if it hadn’t been you, if it were another girl being sold, I might have still paid the money.”

Pear Blossom wasn’t swayed by her words. To her, Dong Yun saving her was fate, and there were no “what ifs.”

“Back then, you did pay to save me. That’s a fact,” Pear Blossom said.

“You’ve already repaid me. I told you, we’re even now,” Dong Yun replied, her tone cold.

“Yes, we’re even now. So, it’s not about repaying you anymore. I choose to stay with you because I want to, not because of the past,” Pear Blossom said.

Dong Yun found herself caught in Pear Blossom’s logic and retorted, “I used to think you were honest and dependable. But where did you learn this trickery? Now you’re twisting words to confuse me!”

Pear Blossom shut her mouth, looking at her with a slightly aggrieved expression.

She wasn’t twisting words; she was just telling the truth.

Seeing Pear Blossom’s pitiful look, Dong Yun suddenly felt a warmth in her heart. Remembering what she had said earlier about wanting both her and her daughter, Dong Yun locked eyes with her. In a sudden impulse, she grabbed Pear Blossom’s collar and pulled her close.

Pear Blossom froze as their lips met.

If the kiss in Pear Blossom’s room earlier was merely Dong Yun seeking comfort after a traumatic experience, then this kiss was the first to hold true meaning.

Pear Blossom’s heart was already pounding wildly the moment Dong Yun grabbed her collar. Now, with no one else around, she let go of her restraint. Taking the lead, she wrapped her arms around Dong Yun’s waist, pulling her closer.

Unlike the previous two kisses, this time Pear Blossom’s mind was crystal clear.

She scooped Dong Yun up in one swift motion, spun around, and sat on the wooden couch with Dong Yun straddling her waist. Throughout the motion, their lips remained locked, their tongues entwined.

Dong Yun was caught off guard by Pear Blossom’s sudden assertiveness. Gripping Pear Blossom’s arm tightly, her nails dug into her skin even through the fabric.

By now, Pear Blossom had begun to grasp the rhythm of kissing, moving from tentative exploration to fervent conquest. She pursued Dong Yun’s lips with relentless determination, refusing to let go.

Only then did Dong Yun realize she had underestimated the girl before her. Her tongue felt numb from the intensity, and her entire body turned soft. She managed to push Pear Blossom away slightly, panting as she said, “Be gentle… You’re about to eat me alive—”

Before she could finish her sentence, Pear Blossom closed the gap again, silencing her with another kiss.

The room filled with the sound of wet kisses.

Dong Yun had never imagined that a kiss alone could leave her so weak and unable to resist. Yet the girl before her, though still as stubborn and adorably naive as ever, now carried an aura of sharpness. Even her features seemed to have matured slightly, growing more beautiful with time.

But this seemingly harmless girl was now advancing step by step, leaving Dong Yun no room to retreat.

When Dong Yun finally managed to push her away again, she placed a trembling hand over Pear Blossom’s lips and stammered breathlessly, “Stop… How did you suddenly become so skilled…”

Pear Blossom’s gaze locked onto hers, her eyes glistening with intensity. She shook her head and murmured, “I’m not skilled. I just want to be closer to you…”

As she spoke, Dong Yun suddenly felt something warm and damp brush across her palm. Her heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively tried to pull her hand back. But before she could react, Pear Blossom leaned in again, capturing her lips.

Dong Yun’s rhythm completely unraveled. She could only let Pear Blossom take control.

In the chaos, Pear Blossom’s hands, which had been firmly holding Dong Yun’s waist, wandered upward. Dong Yun’s mind flashed back to that fateful night when a gust of wind had extinguished the oil lamp. She remembered being held tightly, that hand causing her sleepless torment.

Now, that same hand was stirring trouble once more. Dong Yun’s body trembled as she bit her tongue, trying in vain to suppress the shivers coursing through her.

Finally, Pear Blossom pulled away from her lips, resting her nose against Dong Yun’s neck and inhaling deeply. The scent was uniquely hers—a rich, intoxicating fragrance that seemed even more potent now, filling Pear Blossom’s senses and muddling her thoughts.

The warm breath on her neck made Dong Yun’s skin prickle. She wanted to push Pear Blossom away, but the girl’s grip was too strong. Besides, her own body craved the tingling sensations, reluctant to let go.

Dong Yun still couldn’t comprehend how this once-innocent girl had changed so much. The first time they kissed in this very room, Pear Blossom had been frozen stiff, staying in the dark for ages before finally emerging.

But today, she had transformed into a fierce little beast, as if determined to tear through Dong Yun’s defenses, drink her blood, and consume her entirely.

What Dong Yun didn’t know was that in Pear Blossom’s mind, an image from a certain night surfaced the night she had flipped through a booklet given by Murong Jin. She had only looked at it once, but that single image was etched in her memory forever.

Right now, she wanted nothing more than to recreate that scene, to press Dong Yun down onto the couch, strip away her clothes, and let the image come to life.

But it was broad daylight, and Pear Blossom didn’t dare.

At most, she turned and gently leaned Dong Yun against the couch, unfastened her sash, and parted her clothing to bury her face against Dong Yun’s skin.

Caught completely off guard, Dong Yun shuddered. By the time she realized what was happening, her defenses had already crumbled.

She had underestimated her opponent, thinking Pear Blossom was just a naive little girl. But this girl had learned from who-knows-where, honed her skills, and infiltrated Dong Yun’s camp, plucking her precious fruit.

Realizing what had happened, Dong Yun tried to push Pear Blossom away. But every attempt only made Pear Blossom hold on tighter, leaving Dong Yun weak and breathless.

In the end, Pear Blossom stopped herself. She didn’t want to go too far in the middle of the day, especially considering Dong Yun had been emotionally fragile just an hour earlier. Besides, Pear Blossom herself was inexperienced and afraid of scaring her.

She straightened up and began tidying Dong Yun’s clothes, her hands moving carefully to smooth out every wrinkle.

Dong Yun lay limp, her body trembling, her gaze seductive and wordless as she stared at Pear Blossom.

Feeling slightly guilty, Pear Blossom gently pulled her undershirt back into place and tied the straps at the back. She adjusted Dong Yun’s clothing, fastening her sash and smoothing the creases.

Dong Yun reached out and pinched her lightly, but her strength hadn’t returned. The pinch was weak, more playful than punitive. Pear Blossom extended her other arm, offering it for another pinch.

Frustrated, Dong Yun tried to kick her, but Pear Blossom caught her leg and hugged it with a cheeky grin.

“Elder Sister~” she teased sweetly.