Chapter Thirty-Seven: Nong Yu

The glow of dawn bathed the land of Xinzheng, dispersing the lingering mist that had veiled the city and painting it in a subtle blush. Li Yu slowly withdrew his gestures, and the fog encircling his body gradually receded into him. Xiao He handed him a towel, and Li Yu habitually wiped his brow.

“Has Madam risen?” Li Yu asked.

“She’s up, sewing clothes in the room,” Xiao He replied.

“Then I’ll go have a look,” Li Yu said, heading towards the house.

As Jingni’s belly grew larger, she had begun learning how to make garments and shoes for children. With Xiao Lu’s assistance, her handiwork was taking shape, though her fingers bore several pricks.

Li Yu entered, finding Jingni with her finger in her mouth, frowning. He quickly stepped forward, gently took her finger out, and placed it in his own mouth.

While holding her finger, he scolded, “I told you not to sew, Xiao Lu is right here, and there are so many more. Why won’t you listen? When you’re hurt, my heart aches. You might as well stab me twice—it would be less painful.”

Jingni looked at him, stroking Li Yu’s cheek, her eyes brimming with tenderness.

“I’m not that delicate. I used to get injured often,” she said.

“That was before. Now you’re my wife, the apple of my eye. You’re making my heart ache,” Li Yu countered, still holding her finger.

“I’ll be careful next time,” Jingni promised helplessly.

“It’s always ‘next time.’ If it happens again, I’ll have to enforce family discipline,” Li Yu said, feigning sternness.

At the mention of family discipline, Jingni’s face flushed red like a ripe apple.

—Scoundrel—

Jingni knew well that though she had come to Xinzheng to protect Li Yu, deep down, she simply wanted to stay by his side.

After breakfast, Li Yu made his way to the Violet Orchid Pavilion to observe how the young ladies were practicing for the new performance.

No sooner had he reached the gates than Miss Jinlian spotted him, grabbing his hand and dragging him inside, calling out as she ran, “Master is here!”

The girls set aside their tasks and crowded around Li Yu, some seizing the opportunity for a bit of mischief. Li Yu inhaled the myriad floral scents, feeling as though he were a gardener amidst a sea of blossoms, relishing the attention.

He noticed Miss Nongyu standing on the outer edge, watching him quietly, her lips curved in a subtle smile.

Li Yu stepped forward. “Miss Nongyu, how goes your study of the zither? Are you familiar with it yet? I have a new piece to share with you later.”

Nongyu’s long lashes fluttered. “Thank you for your guidance. The last piece, ‘Xiaoxiangzi,’ was beautiful. I’d like to learn it.”

Li Yu smiled and nodded. “Of course, I’ll teach you. You’re so clever, I’m sure you’ll master it quickly. We’ll play together, zither and flute—a perfect harmony.”

Nongyu blushed, nodding, unsure why she always felt nervous around him.

All of this was witnessed by Zinu, who observed from the upper floor, sighing softly.

“Whoever graduates from Master Li Yu’s tutelage won’t have to call him ‘master’ anymore,” Zinu said, slowly descending the stairs with her supple waist swaying.

Whenever Li Yu saw Zinu, he was struck anew by her beauty, even as familiarity had deepened between them. He boldly wrapped his arm around her slender waist, intoxicated by the signature scent of violets she carried.

Zinu, meanwhile, kept a discreet eye on Nongyu’s reaction.

“Zi’er, I missed you,” Li Yu said from his heart.

“Yu Lang, I missed you too,” Zinu replied, relaxing into his embrace.

“So enviable,”

“Truly wonderful,”

“Is this the love Master spoke of?” The girls chirped excitedly nearby, faces full of admiration.

None of them noticed Nongyu quietly turn away and slip out.

Zinu watched her leave, tugged Li Yu by the hand, and led him upstairs.

“You’re so impatient today!” Li Yu remarked, seeing Zinu take the initiative.

He hugged her soft waist, blowing gently into her ear, his hand gradually venturing towards the peaks.

Zinu slapped his hand away, facing him seriously.

“What are your plans for Nongyu?”

“Nongyu? What happened?” Li Yu asked, curious at Zinu’s stern tone.

“Are you pretending not to know, or do you truly not?” Zinu, annoyed, pinched his waist.

“Ow—Zi’er, let’s talk calmly. Why are you pinching me? What’s wrong with Miss Nongyu?” Li Yu feigned ignorance.

“Nongyu was raised by me. I know her heart best,” Zinu said, tears welling in her eyes, threatening to spill.

“You heartless man. Nongyu loves you—what are you going to do about it?” Zinu took a deep breath, gritted her teeth, and voiced her thoughts.

“How could that be? Heaven knows, Zi’er, I’ve always been polite to all the girls, showing affection only to you. Can I be blamed for this?” Li Yu looked aggrieved at tearful Zinu.

Unable to contain her frustration, Zinu beat his shoulder repeatedly. “So much for being polite and unique! You villain, you must—must take responsibility for Nongyu!”

“Huh?” Li Yu feigned surprise, though his heart bloomed with joy.

“I know Nongyu well. Don’t be fooled by her gentle manner—her character is resolute. Once she decides on something, no one can change her. It’s been ages since she truly smiled. I feel bad for her. Go, make her happy,” Zinu said, pushing Li Yu out and kicking him through the door.

She shut herself inside, finally unable to hold back her tears.

Li Yu rubbed his numb backside, limping off to fulfill his appointed mission.

In the garden courtyard, a golden-hued maiden sat, waist-length hair adorned with emerald and pearl, exuding a fresh elegance. Nongyu gently traced the strings of the zither, her clear eyes tinged with melancholy as she gazed at the instrument.

“Clear water brings forth lotus flowers, untouched by artifice,”

Hearing the familiar voice, Nongyu’s gaze gradually returned from confusion.

“Master,” she said, rising from her seat and bowing slightly.

The sight of her, so like a precious neighbor, made Li Yu’s heart flutter anew.

From the first moment he saw Nongyu, Li Yu decided she would be his chosen bride. For a literary girl, he knew not to rush things, but instead to win her favor subtly, letting her come to appreciate him. Once the impression was made, all would follow.

“Zi’er said anyone who graduates can stop calling me master,” Li Yu said gently, gazing at this gentle sister.

Nongyu couldn’t stand being looked at like that, her face reddening as she turned away.

“But I feel I haven’t graduated yet,” she said, nervous at how different Li Yu seemed today.

“A master leads the way, but cultivation is personal. I can’t teach you forever,” he said, leaning closer and lowering his voice. “Besides, would Miss Nongyu really want to call me master?”

He moved closer still, whispering by her ear, “I don’t just want to be your teacher.”

Nongyu felt increasingly unsettled by Li Yu’s change in demeanor. She liked it, yet was afraid. She had always hoped Li Yu would speak to her about matters beyond music; today he did, and now she was both nervous and scared.

“Master already has a wife—Nongyu...”

Li Yu placed his hands on her shoulders, softening his smile. “Zi’er sent me. I also came because I wanted to share my heart with you.”

“You are the lotus in my heart—pure and elegant, captivating,” Li Yu said, gently lifting her bowed chin. Nongyu dared not meet his gaze, her lively eyes turning aside.

A strange sensation touched her lips, Nongyu’s heart trembled as she met Li Yu’s eyes.

So tender—so this is what a first kiss feels like.

Nongyu thought to herself.

As Li Yu embraced her, Nongyu felt as though she would suffocate, unable to think or know where to place her hands.

With his few months of experience, Li Yu slowly hugged her, gently stroking her, calming her nerves.

A deep kiss gradually opened Nongyu’s heart. Her arms wrapped tightly around Li Yu’s broad back.

She held him close, caring nothing now for consequences—even if Zinu scolded her, she was willing to bear it, all for this kiss.

Rhythmic footsteps approached, breaking the tranquil scene.

Zinu stood before them. Though prepared, she felt a pang of bitterness.

Nongyu opened her eyes, saw Zinu watching, and her happy face went pale. She pushed Li Yu away.

“Zi’er,” she said, standing like a chastised student awaiting punishment.

“Zi’er, I—about Nongyu—” Li Yu began, knowing Zinu approved but feeling he must step forward as a man.

“Silence—out, I have words for Nongyu,” Zinu commanded, her glare silencing him. Li Yu gave Nongyu a reassuring look and left the courtyard.

“When did you start liking Li Yu?” Zinu asked directly.

“Zi’er, it’s all my fault. Please punish me,” Nongyu replied. Once she was sure, she would never turn back or deny it—that was her character.

“I don’t mean to punish you. It’s just that it’s too easy for him. He’s probably gloating outside right now,” Zinu said, her tone full of grievance.

“Zi’er, I promise to treat you well in the future,” Nongyu said as if making a vow.

“Silly girl, why would I want you to treat me well? Do you really take me for the main wife? As long as he treats you well, I—” Zinu broke off, sobbing.

Moved, Nongyu hugged Zinu, and they wept together.

Li Yu had not gone far, waiting for their hearts to open and settle things.

Listening, he wondered why they were crying.

He opened the courtyard door, peering curiously at the two beautiful women embracing and sobbing softly.

“Are you alright?” he asked.

Zinu wiped her eyes, unwilling to show weakness, especially in front of Nongyu.

She gently pushed Nongyu’s shoulder towards Li Yu. “My sister is unhappy now. She’s yours to care for.”

With that, she sashayed out of the courtyard.

“Nongyu, my name also contains ‘Yu.’ Do you think we were destined in a previous life, now united again?” Li Yu tenderly embraced her, as if holding a priceless treasure, afraid to harm her.

Nongyu melted into his arms, no longer nervous, wiped her tears. “Fang Yu, did you agree to be with me because of Zi’er?”

Li Yu, hearing this, knew Nongyu was overthinking. He lifted her chin, showing his affection through action—a deep kiss upon her tempting lips.

“Fool, I liked you from the first glance. Didn’t you notice, aside from Zi’er, I spend most time around you? I know you prefer love that grows quietly, not the passionate kind Zi’er favors,” Li Yu confessed.

“So it was all your scheme,” Nongyu said, lightly tapping his chest, pretending to be angry.

“Too late for regrets—you’re aboard the pirate’s ship now, and there’s no getting off. You must be mine for life,” Li Yu whispered in her ear, unable to resist biting her delicate earlobe.

To his surprise, Nongyu went limp in his arms as if electrified.

Li Yu’s eyes lit up at this new discovery and he continued to tease her ear.

Unable to bear it, Nongyu clung tightly to him, as if wanting to fuse him into herself.

“Fang Yu, I—I can’t take it anymore,” Nongyu said, her legs pressed together, rubbing anxiously.

Such a sight directly ignited every nerve in Li Yu’s body.

He felt like a bull in heat, sweeping Nongyu up in his arms. Her skirt fluttered as they vanished from the garden.

Li Yu was intimately familiar with Nongyu’s room, even without ever entering—his eyes had mapped it out long ago.

He gently laid the dazed Nongyu on the bed.

He hadn’t intended to consummate things so quickly, as Nongyu was still young, but with everything falling into place, how could he resist?

Li Yu was never one for dithering.

He always believed:

Pluck the blossom when it blooms, lest you find none when it fades.

His unique skills were well-practiced, and with such a flower beneath him, Li Yu gently lifted Nongyu’s delicate foot to his nose, savoring its fresh, elegant scent—like a lily, matching her temperament.

Unable to resist, he kissed it, then bit playfully, licking further.

He traversed the forest, crossed the mountains.

Watching Nongyu lost in pleasure, Li Yu was surprised—she was so sensitive, reaching heights repeatedly before they had really begun.

He knew he’d found a treasure—someone who was both skilled in the bedchamber and the parlor.

He prepared, entered.

To ease her discomfort, Li Yu kissed Nongyu’s tender lips deeply. With a muffled sound, Nongyu completed her transformation, experiencing Li Yu’s gentleness.

She clung to him like an octopus, refusing to let him move, savoring the newfound pleasure within her, addictive and entrancing.

...

Zinu gazed at the auspicious clouds in the sky, curious.

The violet-blue heavens lent Xinzheng a subtle air of mystery.

...

“Does it still hurt, Madam?” Li Yu asked tenderly, stroking Nongyu in his arms.

“Husband, it’s much better now,” Nongyu said, blushing and hiding under the covers.

“I told you there’s an adjustment period, but you acted like a wild horse. I never saw you like this before,” Li Yu laughed, recalling their earlier madness.

If not for the traces of blood, he would have suspected Nongyu was already experienced.

“Does husband dislike me?” Nongyu asked anxiously, clinging to him beneath the covers.

“Silly girl, I love you to death. If I’d known you were like this, I’d have claimed you sooner, not waited till now,” Li Yu said, flipping back the covers to reveal the kittenish Nongyu, pinning her beneath him and kissing her passionately.

Only when they were dizzy from lack of air did Li Yu reluctantly release her lips.

“I must tell you something—Zi’er knows as well. Have you heard of Li Yu?” he began.

“The Grand Craftsman of Qin, recently prominent, said to be the king’s sworn brother,” Nongyu recalled.

“My real name is Li Yu, from Qin,” he said earnestly.

Nongyu trembled, looking at him in disbelief. “Husband, don’t scare me,” she said, covering her chest.

“It’s true. I came to Violet Orchid Pavilion for Zi’er—and for you,” Li Yu said, gazing at her affectionately.

“Do you regret it?” he asked.

Nongyu shook her head. “No matter who you are, I know I love you.”

Li Yu, deeply moved, descended again, showering her with kisses.

Suddenly Nongyu pushed him away, anxious. “Husband, aren’t you in great danger? This is Han—”

Li Yu smiled. “Don’t worry, I have plans. Meeting you and Zi’er here is a blessing, proof of my good fortune. Everything will turn out well.”

Nongyu’s eyes were firm. “No matter what happens, I’ll stay by your side.”

Li Yu was touched again—were it not for her health, he would have fought another three hundred rounds.

They spent the afternoon in intimate conversation, feeling like there was never enough time.

When Li Yu led Nongyu to the main hall, the girls’ gazes were strange.

One stepped forward: “Nongyu, do we call you Mistress now, or Sister?”

“Nongyu’s voice was so loud—she’s not just skilled at the zither, but her singing is beautiful too,” another teased.

“You kept it from us so well! If not for Mistress Zinu, would you have continued hiding it?”

Li Yu hurried to smooth things over. “Everyone knows now. Nongyu and I are in love, and have become husband and wife. I hope you’ll all bless us.”

A girl said, “Master, really! The two most beautiful flowers of our Pavilion have been picked by you. I wonder, did you come here just for them?”

Li Yu sweated—women’s intuition was terrifying.

He smiled, “That’s not quite right. Your master is sincere in matters of the heart, not just appearances.”

Another girl chimed in, “I hope Master treats both Mistresses well. Otherwise—” she raised her pink fist, the meaning clear.

The others showed their fists as well.

Though the scene was comical, it was moving.

Nongyu’s eyes brimmed with tears as she quietly grasped Li Yu’s warm hand.