The members of the Nian family grew somber upon learning more detailed information about the Black Lotus Cult from Lei Juan.
They had initially thought it was just a declining minor evil sect, but it turned out that even in decline, the Black Lotus Cult was a colossal entity compared to the Nian family. A withered camel was still larger than a horse.
Lei Juan sighed.
She hadn't expected Nian Shimei's husband to suffer such a fate. However, with her limited knowledge, she couldn't fathom why the Black Lotus Cult would go to such lengths to kill a mere scholar from a remote region. The scholar lacked even the qualifications to cultivate; it was no different from a tiger bothering to kill a tiny ant on the ground.
“Nian Shimei, focus on preparing for the scholar’s examination. The scholar examinations are held once every three years, and it happens to be this summer. If you pass the examination and enter the miscellaneous scholarship path, meeting its lowest entry requirement, you can bring your family in sooner, and your safety will then be assured.”
If Nian Jiaojiao were to enter the scholarship path as a child prodigy, it might attract more than just the Black Lotus Cult’s pursuit. This was why Lei Juan urged Nian Jiaojiao to prepare for the examination.
However, she was merely stating the obvious. She knew her junior sister would have no problem passing the examination. It was just that the timing of the examination was beyond her control. Otherwise, with her junior sister’s talent, she would have joined her miscellaneous scholarship path this year!
…
The news of the Black Lotus Cult again stirred up sorrowful memories for Yuchuan, and he remained shut in his room for several days.
Nian Jiaojiao was worried about Yuchuan's state, and Tong Fu came up with an idea: an outing. Spring was nearly over, and it was the best time for flowers to bloom. Moreover, having come to Qingzhou, not only everyone else but even she herself hadn't properly explored the area.
Thus, Nian Jiaojiao whispered instructions into Xingyun’s ear:
“Later, I’ll persuade Yuchuan. You just need to do this by his side… like this…”
Feeling his wife’s proximity and the warmth of her breath on his cheek, Xingyun didn’t know why his cheeks felt flushed and his heart raced. Furthermore, lately, whenever his wife slept with Yuchuan gege and his eldest brother, those peculiar groans made him feel restless, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.
“Xingyun? Xingyun!”
Hearing his wife’s call, Xingyun snapped back to attention.
“Wife…”
He couldn’t help but lean closer to her.
Nian Jiaojiao placed the back of her hand on Xingyun’s forehead to feel his temperature. Thankfully, he didn’t have a fever.
“Xingyun, did you remember what I just told you?” Nian Jiaojiao asked helplessly.
Xingyun bashfully lowered his head, staring at the tips of his shoes, and whispered, “No, I didn’t remember…”
Nian Jiaojiao had to repeat what she had said earlier. After confirming he had remembered, she then walked towards Yuchuan’s room.
Xingyun stared blankly at his wife’s retreating back.
Seeing his younger brother in such a state, Nan Qing couldn't help but scoff inwardly:
Hmph, this woman wields great power. Both of his brothers have been completely captivated.
…
Inside the room.
“Chuan’er, why don’t you accompany me on a boat trip to the south of the city? I heard the scenery there is beautiful!”
Yuchuan, who had never been able to refuse Nian Jiaojiao, shook his head and said, “Wife, I won’t go. The other three will accompany you.”
Nian Jiaojiao embraced Yuchuan, letting his head rest on her shoulder, and said, “How can it be fun without Chuan’er! When we are on the boat, I will still be thinking of you alone at home.”
“This…”
Indeed, hearing Nian Jiaojiao say this, Yuchuan hesitated.
At this moment, Xingyun rushed in. Upon seeing the two embracing, he was stunned for a moment, then gave Nian Jiaojiao and Yuchuan a bear hug.
Nian Jiaojiao: ???
Didn’t I ask you to act cute towards Yuchuan? Why are you hugging me?
However, Xingyun didn’t forget what Nian Jiaojiao had instructed. He looked up at Yuchuan and acted cute, saying, “Yuchuan gege, my eldest brother and second brother are both quiet types. If we go out later, there will be no one to chat with me, so how bored will I be? Moreover, I haven’t been out in a long time, and I want to go out with everyone…”
He added the last sentence himself; he was truly looking forward to this outing.
Hearing this, Yuchuan no longer hesitated and agreed. No matter what, he would feel bad if he dampened everyone's spirits.
With their plan successful, Nian Jiaojiao and Xingyun exchanged a knowing smile when Yuchuan wasn't looking.
As she was about to leave, she encountered Nan Qing at the doorway. He glanced at her and said softly, “Hmph, quiet type…”
After saying that, he turned and left.
Nian Jiaojiao: !!!
He guessed it!
…
South of the city.
The spring in the Great Yue Dynasty was warmer than in her previous life, so the lotuses bloomed earlier and longer. By the end of spring, many lotuses had already blossomed.
Within the lotus lake on the outskirts of the city, there were several acres of lotuses. The lush green lotus leaves not only provided shade but also had medicinal value, attracting many young gentlemen to bend down and pick them. The gentle breeze lifted their gauze skirts, creating a unique charm that caught the eyes of many young ladies and women.
On the lake, besides civilian boats, there were also pleasure boats belonging to the gentlemen of the pleasure quarters. Beautiful and moving singing occasionally drifted across the lake, causing ripples to form on the otherwise calm surface.
Nian Jiaojiao rented a boat; it cost five taels of silver per hour. She sat at the bow of the boat, admiring the scenery.
“Miss Nian, would you like some pastries?”
Tong Ziyao brought over a plate of pastries, and Nian Jiaojiao accepted them naturally. She had originally intended to bring Tong Fu along for this outing, but upon receiving the second volume of “Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio: The Marvelous Man,” Tong Fu refused to go out, insisting on dedicating herself to the work of the bookstore.
However, she had dragged Tong Ziyao, who was reading new drafts in the study, out and pushed him towards Nian Jiaojiao, instructing her to take good care of her third brother. Nian Jiaojiao admired Tong Fu’s dedication. After spending so much time together, she had gained some understanding of Tong Ziyao. He was devoted to books. Especially since he seemed to quite like her books. She didn’t know what Tong Fu had said to him to make him put down his unfinished new draft and come out with her.
After eating a few pastries, Nian Jiaojiao returned to the boat’s cabin. The three brothers had gone to the stern of the boat, while Yuchuan sat in the cabin, lost in thought.
Nian Jiaojiao stepped forward and took Yuchuan’s wrist, smiling as she said, “Come, let’s go and see the lotuses together!”
When they arrived at the bow, Tong Ziyao was also there. Upon seeing the two of them appear holding hands, he was momentarily surprised, then politely nodded at Yuchuan.
Yuchuan remained silent.
Tong Ziyao also remained silent.
The atmosphere became a little awkward. Nian Jiaojiao cleared her throat twice and said, “This is our first proper outing, so I’ll sing a song for everyone to liven things up.”
As expected, her words immediately drew the attention of the two men beside her. In the Great Yue Dynasty, there were few women who were skilled in music, let alone singing in public.
Feeling the gazes focused on her, Nian Jiaojiao sat cross-legged at the bow. The two men exchanged a glance and also sat down cross-legged.