The End

Sang Yao and Xie Yun didn’t argue often.

Mostly because there wasn’t much to argue about between them. Xie Yun’s actions were impeccable, and Sang Yao was easily appeased.

She wasn’t as eloquent as Xie Yun, so she couldn’t argue with him every time. She knew she wouldn’t win, so she didn’t want to make things worse for herself.

But she had a foolproof trick up her sleeve: crying.

Every time she cried, no matter whose fault it was, Xie Yun would immediately apologize without any more excuses.

But if she cried every time, it would make her seem powerless.

So this time, during their argument, Sang Yao held back.

God knows how hard she tried.

After all, her tears seemed to flow freely, as if they didn’t cost anything; they just fell, completely uncontrollable.

Outside, autumn rain drizzled down, permeating the air with dampness.

Sang Yao sat alone on the steps, watching the gentle autumn rain outside. Her slender figure appeared particularly lonely and vulnerable under the plane trees.

She wasn’t wearing shoes, her bare feet pressed against the wooden floor. The cold of the late night spread, and she curled her toes, waiting for Xie Yun to come and apologize. In her heart, she regretted not wearing shoes earlier.

The reason for their argument this time was quite simple.

Yesterday was Xie Yun’s birthday, and Sang Yao, under the advice of Jinglian, decided to prepare a surprise for him.

They both kept busy preparing this surprise for several days without letting Xie Yun know, hoping to surprise him when he came home late at night.

Sang Yao took this very seriously, practicing what to say several times in advance.

Yesterday when Xie Yun came back, Sang Yao welcomed him happily, linking arms with him and exchanging glances with Jìngliàn.

They cooperated all the way until they reached the door.

When Sang Yao was eagerly waiting for him to push the door open and receive the surprise, Xie Yun stopped in his tracks, holding her hand and said:

“Sang Yao, you’ve worked hard these past few days.”

Sang Yao: “Huh?”

Confidently, he continued, “I know it’s my birthday today, and you’ve secretly prepared a lot for me, even cooked for me yourself.”

“I also really like the new clothes you got me.”

Sang Yao: “You knew all along?”

Xie Yun said, “Was it that hard to guess?”

He patted Sang Yao’s head and said, “I just didn’t say it out loud.”

Sang Yao: “…”

Come on, you held it in for two days, couldn’t you have held it in until the end?

It wasn’t a big deal, and Xie Yun didn’t do anything wrong, but the more she thought about it, the angrier she got.

When Xie Yun said that, Sang Yao suddenly felt that her secret efforts over the past few days were meaningless.

She didn’t say anything at the time, just smiled.

And then they spent last night very calmly.

Yesterday was his birthday, and Sang Yao didn’t want to be mad at him.

All her anger was saved for today.

She had only been outside for a short while when footsteps approached from behind. Sang Yao immediately stiffened, relaxing her curled toes. As the footsteps drew closer, she hummed and said:

“Do you realize your mistake?”

“Don’t think you can just sweet-talk your way out of this. I’m not so easily swayed this time. For these three days, don’t expect any kisses from me, and I won’t sleep in the same bed as you either.”

She turned around to continue her reproach, only to see Jinglian standing behind her with a blanket, looking embarrassed.

Jinglian wasn’t an outsider. Jinglian wasn’t an outsider.

In the silent night, Sang Yao repeated this in her mind several times, but her toes curled even tighter.

She bit her lip, feeling even more resentful towards Xie Yun.

Jinglian quietly approached and handed the blanket to Sang Yao, saying, “Madam, it’s chilly. Please cover yourself up first.”

Jinglian was extremely frustrated. He couldn’t stand to see them argue.

He might not have a marriage, but the harmony between the young master and madam was essential!

After enduring for a while, he decided to say a few good words for Xie Yun: “Madam, the young master was actually going to come himself, but he was urgently summoned by the palace just now…”

Xie Yun had left in a bad mood earlier, even scolding him.

He thought bitterly that over the years, he had truly worried himself sick for Xie Yun.

And now he finally understood. If it hadn’t been for him accidentally losing his precious booklet, could Xie Yun have married Sang Yao?

That day, he was exhausted from staying up late working on his creation, coupled with the rare occasion of Sang Yao and Xie Yun being together. He was too excited, so when Xie Yun left, he was a bit absent-minded while handling the book. Combined with his big movements, the booklet flew away like that.

From then on, things took an unexpected turn.

Sang Yao hurriedly said, “It’s okay.”

Jinglian glanced at the blanket again, and Sang Yao understood. She draped it over herself and said, “Haha, I’m not angry, it’s really not worth it for such a small matter.”

“I just came out to… admire the moon.”

Jinglian was no less embarrassed than Sang Yao. He quickly nodded in agreement and said to the pitch-black courtyard, “Indeed, the moonlight tonight is truly magnificent.”

“Yes, and the sound of the rain is particularly pleasant.”

“Exactly, I haven’t heard such a pleasant sound of rain in a long time.”

The two exchanged glances, and after speaking, there was a moment of silence as they looked at each other.

Sang Yao cleared her throat and said, “Jinglian, why don’t you go to bed first?”

Jinglian replied and took a couple of steps back, then added, “Madam, forgive me for speaking out of turn… The young master actually realized his mistake just now. He even asked me if there was any way to make it up to you before he went to the palace.”

He stole a glance at Sang Yao and continued with a hint of embarrassment, “So, Madam… maybe you shouldn’t punish the young master.”

Although he hadn’t seen it, he felt that forbidding any kisses for three days was too cruel for his master, who was an affectionate person.

Sang Yao fell silent for a moment before saying, “…I was just joking.”

“Just pretend you didn’t hear anything.”

Jinglian smiled along and bowed, “That’s good, then. I’ll take my leave now.”

“Madam, please rest early. It’s chilly outside.”

After Jinglian left, Sang Yao sat alone on the steps, feeling almost numb inside.

After being married to Xie Yun for so long, and through her relentless efforts, her image had transformed from the innocent and weak girl to a smart and resolute mistress.

But which cold-faced mistress would say such things?

With her dissatisfaction towards Xie Yun still lingering, when Xie Yun hurried back half an hour later, she was still sitting on the bed with an air of indignation.

Xie Yun casually closed the door and brushed off the raindrops on his body before looking at her.

Ignoring her displeasure, he spoke naturally, “Yao Yao, you’re still awake.”

Sang Yao didn’t respond, keeping silent.

Xie Yun took off his outer coat and walked towards her, speaking softly, “You were waiting for me, weren’t you?”

He squatted in front of Sang Yao and instinctively held her hand, then frowned, “Why are your hands so cold?”

Sang Yao withdrew her hand, turned her face away, and hmphed softly.

Xie Yun forcefully held her hand again, warming it in his palm. He said, “Finally, you’re willing to talk to me.”

Sang Yao frowned and took a while before saying, “Hmph, it doesn’t count as talking to you.”

Xie Yun said, “Well, it counts now.”

He shamelessly continued, “I heard from Jinglian that you won’t share the bed with me for three days?”

Sang Yao replied, “…How did he even tell you about that?”

Xie Yun was puzzled, “Isn’t this a big deal? Why wouldn’t he tell me?”

He assured Sang Yao, “Yao Yao, you can rest assured. Even if I know about it in advance next time, I’ll definitely act surprised.”

“You’re not allowed to find out in advance next time!”

This might be a bit difficult since these two practically wore their hearts on their sleeves in front of him.

“Okay,” he agreed first.

Bringing up Jinglian again, Sang Yao couldn’t help but say, “Xie Yun, don’t you think you’re too harsh on Jinglian?”

Xie Yun furrowed his brows and replied nonchalantly, “What’s wrong with that? I let him rest for half a day every month, and he only needs to go out on ten missions a month. His salary is more than enough, and he can enjoy himself.”

Sang Yao asked, “Is it more than enough, or can’t he spend it?”

Xie Yun retorted, “If he has time to sleep, why doesn’t he have time to spend money?”

Sang Yao remained silent.

“But with so many tasks, he must be very tired.”

“Firstly, he doesn’t have many tasks and isn’t tired. Secondly, he enjoys serving the Xie family. He just doesn’t say it, but as his master, I understand.”

Sang Yao was shocked by Xie Yun’s words, then added, “But he’s still unmarried. You shouldn’t keep delaying him like this.”

Xie Yun asked, “Why do you care about that? He’s unmarried because no one likes him.”

Actually, it was quite the opposite.

Jinglian had a gentle and fair appearance, with a slightly imposing yet refined face. Standing next to Xie Yun, his demeanor was also outstanding.

He was efficient and thorough, capable of serving tea and water as well as carrying out assassinations. Among the Xie family’s servants, he held a high position.

Sang Yao knew that several maids in the mansion secretly admired Jinglian. However, Xie Yun didn’t give him any time to develop feelings for anyone else.

Putting herself in Jinglian’s shoes, Sang Yao never wanted Xie Yun to speak to her again in her lifetime. She silently thought, “Jinglian is truly loyal.”

Despite everything, he hadn’t gone to join Xie Yun’s family.

Xie Yun reluctantly agreed, “I suppose I’ve taught him well.”

Without a doubt, Sang Yao asserted, “From now on, give him five days off every month.”

Perplexed, Xie Yun asked, “Do you want him to turn into a useless person?”

Looking at him, Sang Yao said, “I said five days, so it’s five days.”

“Fine.”

Xie Yun didn’t want to bring up Jinglian again. He lowered his gaze and noticed that Sang Yao was still barefoot. He reached out disapprovingly, “Why aren’t you wearing shoes again?”

Still angry, Sang Yao retorted, “Do you have to manage everything?”

Ignoring her, Xie Yun called for water and prepared a wooden basin with mugwort and sanqi, its steam gently rising, filling the room with a faint medicinal scent.

With one hand holding Sang Yao’s ankle, Xie Yun pretended to be courteous, “Madam, may I wash your feet?”

Supporting herself with her wrists on the bed, Sang Yao reluctantly agreed, “Fine.”

Bending over, Xie Yun placed Sang Yao’s feet into the wooden basin.

As soon as her feet touched the water, Sang Yao’s eyebrows furrowed from the heat. She tried to pull back, but Xie Yun’s grip was too strong, and she couldn’t move.

“It’s too hot! Let go, Xie Yun!”

Xie Yun’s hand was in the water with her feet. He said, “Just wait a bit longer, endure it for a moment.”

“If you make me wait longer, you’ll burn me alive!”

“Are you using this as an opportunity to get back at me for arguing with you?”

“You’re telling me to endure it, you don’t love me anymore!”

Ignoring her, after a while, Xie Yun said, “Is it better now?”

Sang Yao stubbornly replied, “Only a little bit.”

Stretching out her toes, the warmth seemed to spread from her feet to her whole body, making her feel comfortable all over.

At this moment, Xie Yun was squatting in front of her, the hem of his clothes stained with water, his stern eyebrows lowered, his expression focused, skillfully massaging her feet.

Lost in thought, Sang Yao said slowly, “When I first saw you, I never imagined you would do something like this.”

“What do you mean?”

Using her toes to press on his fingers, Sang Yao continued, “Massage my feet.”

Xie Yun scratched the sole of her foot and asked, “Why do you seem to think this isn’t something to be proud of? Isn’t it my honor?”

Sang Yao’s anger had dissipated considerably just now, and she laughed, “Xie Yun, you’ve changed.”

“You weren’t like this before.”

“You’re definitely going to say something…” She lifted her chin in Xie Yun’s familiar manner and said, “Then you should cherish me.”

Xie Yun agreed, “That should be added.”

Without looking up, he continued, “If I had known what I know now earlier, I would have had a few less years of nagging from my parents.”

“What were they nagging you about?”

“What else could it be? To get married and have children.”

Sang Yao’s gaze was strange. After all, Xie Yun was the subject of many people’s dreams. She asked, “Are you even worried about not finding a wife?”

Xie Yun earnestly massaged her ankle and replied seriously, “Of course, that’s why I have to thank you for taking me in.”

Sang Yao: “…”

The darn guy was becoming more smooth-tongued.

Who on earth did he learn that from? It couldn’t possibly be Jinglian, right?

Lifting her leg, sparkling water droplets cascaded down her rounded heel. After soaking in the hot water for so long, the once snow-white soles of her feet now had a pink hue.

“So red.”

A white maid entered, and a red one left.

Supporting her small leg, Xie Yun admired her like a precious porcelain vase. He said, “So beautiful.”

Sang Yao furrowed her brows at his words. Then, she lifted her foot onto Xie Yun’s shoulder and rubbed it, saying, “Stop it. I find you more appealing when you’re serious.”

Xie Yun’s hand slid from her calf to her knee, then he effortlessly lifted her up horizontally. He chuckled and said, “Alright then, I might not be very serious tonight.”

…

The dampness of the autumn night seeped in from the window.

Under the soft canopy, their figures overlapped, with the man’s broad back and sturdy arms firmly holding her down.

The flickering light in Sang Yao’s eyes seemed to turn into a dancing butterfly, fluttering in the brilliant spring sunlight among the flowers.

But she wasn’t happy. She was sweating profusely.

The person didn’t wait for her; all she found on the empty palace road was emptiness.

The butterfly landed, but she didn’t catch it.

But she did catch Xie Yun’s kiss.

As the sudden rain subsided, Sang Yao lay on top of Xie Yun without moving. Her delicate fingers tapped lightly on his chest, sometimes with force, sometimes without, as she said, “I was so happy the first time I embroidered a butterfly by myself.”

“Then I embroidered a particularly beautiful butterfly to give away, but no one wanted it.”

Xie Yun’s voice was husky as he asked, “Who was it? They clearly have no taste.”

Sang Yao replied, “Well, it was just someone who had no taste.”

After a moment of silence, Xie Yun asked again, “What about your handkerchief?”

Sang Yao said, “I lost it at the time.”

In fact, she hadn’t lost it; she had hidden it in the room. She hadn’t seen it for years. The last time she took it out was when she didn’t marry Xie Yun. Looking at it again as an adult, she realized it wasn’t well made. It was childish and crooked, and the handkerchief was thin and small.

But now, it was truly gone.

After embracing her for a while, Xie Yun’s hand fell on her bare back. He asked, “What if someone found it?”

Sang Yao furrowed her brows. “It’s possible.”

“But thinking back now, it wasn’t very pretty. Surely no one would like it.”

Xie Yun held her and remained silent for a moment before asking, “What if I told you I liked it?”

Sang Yao frowned. “You’re just humoring me again. You’ve never seen it.”

Xie Yun kissed her forehead and didn’t explain himself. He simply said, “Just because I haven’t seen it doesn’t mean I can’t like it.”

Sang Yao replied, “That’s not how it works.”

Xie Yun said, “Saying it doesn’t work doesn’t change anything. Anyway, I just like it.. and love you “

_________________________________________

Thank you to all of you who read this novel, I’m forever grateful and thankful!!

Promoting my other Translated Novels, Please Visit : https://shanghaifantasy.com/author/cyyempire/