Chapter 9: The Cannon Fodder Lady: They All Want Her (9)
Chapter 9: The Cannon Fodder Lady: They All Want Her (9)
The soft gauze in his palm passed by, so light that he couldn't hold it. Cui Ci'an turned to look at Sui Yu's face, and held her between his body and the carriage with his hands. "What are you thinking about?"
When Sui Yu came back to her senses, she saw the handsome face that was infinitely magnified and close before her.
Everyone in Shengjing said that Xie Shengzhi was the bright moon in the clouds, and Pei Jingzhe was as dazzling as a bright flower, but few people would discuss Cui Ci'an's appearance openly.
Even if someone noticed his good looks, they would not associate him with any beautiful words.
He seemed like a poisonous snake that hovered above the prison all year round, baring its fangs and intimidating anyone who tried to get close.
But - if you look closely at this venomous snake, you will find that his appearance is in no way inferior to Xie and Pei, who are praised by the noble ladies of Shengjing.
A completely different kind of handsomeness, more sinister and terrifying, coupled with a pair of peach blossom eyes that lacked murderous intent, but it made people want to delve deeper into his inner thoughts beneath this handsome appearance.
"Don't get so close to me, it's hot."
There were small golden charcoal lights burning in the carriage. If you were sitting there normally, you would just feel the temperature was just right, but now that you were surrounded by airtight space, it was indeed a bit hot.
Sui Yu pushed him, and Cui Ci'an obediently fell down, half sitting and looking at her, "Now that we know each other, can you call me brother?"
[No!] The system screamed.
Sui Yu smiled and said, "Of course."
Cui Ci'an now sat down with all his weight, and countless spring scenes flashed through his mind, none of them could compare to the beauty of the smile before him.
Did she smile at him?
She also said yes!
Cui Ci'an's usual gloomy expression was now completely relaxed, the curve at the corners of his eyes became rounder and softer, and he leaned forward foolishly, "Then call me."
Sui Yu raised her hand and placed it on the man's shoulder, stopping him from moving forward. She didn't call him "brother" as he wished, but instead asked him, "Do you have any words?"
"No." Cui Ci'an's peach blossom eyes sparkled, so bright that even Sui Yu felt blinded. "Would you like to help me choose a name?"
His name was given by Yaoyao. If he were given a courtesy name...
The thin wooden boards of the carriage seemed to block out all sounds from the outside world, leaving only the rumbling sound of the man's heartbeat in front of him like a drum.
Sui Yu lowered her eyes, pondered for a moment, and looked at him intently, "Your name has a bad connotation, so how about calling it...Jie Wei?"
"Jie Wei...Jie Wei..." Cui Ci'an called out these words that belonged to him one after another, his heart and eyes filled with joy.
As for what Sui Yu said about the name having a bad meaning, I didn’t take it to heart at all. After all, everything Sui Yu gave was good.
"I like it very much, Yaoyao, I like it very much."
Sui Yu was also filled with joy at the bright light in his eyes, "As long as you like it."
Just at this moment, Pei Ying let out a moan and showed signs of waking up. Cui Ci'an turned around and wanted to knock her out again, but Sui Yu was so scared that she quickly stopped him.
"Don't hurt people for no reason like this again."
Cui Ci'an paused, and took the opportunity to hold Sui Yu's wrist when she tried to stop him, letting Lingding's wrist twist in his palm. After several breaths, he reluctantly let go.
"Okay, I'll listen to you and never hurt anyone for no reason again."
The carriage engraved with auspicious cloud patterns drove away. Cui Ci'an stood at the gate of the Neisi, watching the sunlight gradually slant and illuminate the front, but he was hidden in the darkness.
The boundaries are clear and cannot be crossed.
He insisted on crossing!
.................
Cui Ci'an really did what he said, and within a day, Pei Jingxun returned home.
It was still sent back with great fanfare by the official horses of the Ministry of Criminal Justice, who circled Shengjing for most of the way.
All that’s left is the beating of drums and gongs.
Xie Shengzhi naturally received the same treatment.
As soon as he returned home, Pei Jingxie was pulled up and down and looked at left and right, fearing that he had new injuries or that the injuries that had not yet healed would worsen.
Pei Jing let the leaves of the fragrant tree whip his body, and he turned around in circles to get rid of the bad luck.
"The palace has sent the imperial medicine, my grandson is fine."
As he spoke, he looked around, but didn't see the person he wanted to see.
Pei Jingxuan frowned and glared at him, indicating that he must not show any expression that would make his grandmother worry.
"My uncle worked all night to sort out matters related to the Heavenly Sacrifice Ceremony a few days ago. He was so tired that he fell ill. My aunt was worried. After knowing that you were fine, she took Yaoyao home first. Now, Yaoyao should have returned to the Xie Mansion."
Sui Heng is the current Vice Minister of Rites. As the second-in-command of the Ministry of Rites, he is very busy with the ceremony of offering sacrifices to heaven just around the corner.
The reason why I didn't come to Pei Mansion with you this time was because I was busy with official business.
Sheng wiped away her tears. It was easy for people to become sentimental when they got old. "Why do I always feel that my family fortune has not been good these days? I still need to pay my respects to the heavens, the earth, and our ancestors, and ask them to bless you young ones."
Pei Jingxuan readily coaxed her, "Grandma, if you go anywhere, everyone will bless you. The ancestors in heaven will see that our Pei family is thriving, and they might even get you a longevity elixir."
This relaxation diluted the somewhat sad atmosphere.
In the courtyard of Xie Mansion.
It's so hard for my parents to see each other, and since they are sick, I have to comfort them.
Sui Yu was tactful enough not to disturb the couple from expressing their feelings to each other. When she returned to Xie's house, she hugged Chui Chui tightly.
Once you bury yourself in the soft white hair, you will hardly want to look up.
This year, Chuichui is already eight years old, at the age of great dignity. He rolled over in comfort because of Suiyu's snoring, which was so cute that it made people's hearts flutter.
[Host, please note that the time node for mission 1 is approaching. Please prepare the dance music in time.]
The disturbing electronic sound appeared again.
Sui Yu buried her head in Chui Chui's belly, her voice soft and muffled, "Aren't you going to embarrass yourself? Then it doesn't matter whether we practice or not."
Chui Chui was attracted by Sui Yu's sudden voice. He was originally lying on the ground comfortably and relaxed, but he let out an "Ah" and raised his head to look at Sui Yu on his belly.
Sui Yu patted her head skillfully and pressed the tiger head down.
Chui Chui's tail slapped the carpet a few times, and then he continued to lie there.
[Losing isn't shameful; your existence is there for the heroine to slap her in the face. The stronger you are, the more satisfying it is for the heroine to slap you in the face.]
Sui Yu's mind was blank, she stared blankly at a certain place, and did not respond for a long time.
The data link in the void flickered, then reconnected and asked: [Does the host understand?]
It's not an illusion.
Sui Yu was startled back to her senses and asked abruptly, "Did they change the system?"
The voice of explanation became extremely soft, as if afraid of disturbing something.
And... she could feel something invisible swirling around her...
The sound of electricity echoed in the air, somewhat like the sound of a machine stalling. [Yes, the previous system failed to meet the host's requirements. The criteria for mission completion were unclear, so it was sent back to the factory for repairs. I'm temporarily in charge.]
"Then what's your name?"
I don't think I was asked for my name in the previous system...
【No. 0065.】
"Then I can call you Xiaowu, okay?" Sui Yu's voice was very soft, as if she was afraid of scaring someone.
In the void, the data link transformed into the shape of a heart, imitating its beating, and uncontrollably surrounded Sui Yu.
The turquoise data chain brushed against the skin as white as fresh snow, and shuttled through the dark hair, the state was extremely excited.
[Okay, System Xiaowu is here to serve you wholeheartedly.]
Sui Yu lowered her eyes, and her slightly curved eyelashes cast a small shadow under the dim light of the candle, which also concealed all the emotions in her eyes.
Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, half a month has passed.
During the past two weeks, the case involving Pei Jingxie was closed. It turned out that the brother-in-law of King Rui had abused his power to force common people to become his concubines and seize farmers' land...
The lower-class people suffered and wanted to appeal but had no way to seek help, so they had no choice but to suffer such bitter consequences.
The emperor was furious, and someone in the court suggested that Prince Rui come to the capital.
Naturally, no one would know how it worked, but what was certain was an imperial edict urgently summoning King Rui back to the capital to confess his sins in front of all the ancestors.
To comfort the hearts of the oppressed people.
As the days passed, the Shangsi Festival arrived.
Early in the morning, when it was still light, Xie Shengzhi picked up Sui Yu from the bed and coaxed her to dress up.
Mrs. Xie was a lady of high rank, and according to custom she wore the corresponding sacrificial attire.
The robe is dignified and majestic, with a white lining and a dark blue background. The pattern of the 翟 bird on the robe is like a 翟 bird spreading its wings as if ready to fly.
She wears a flower crown on her head, with twelve flowers of different sizes, and two buns on her back. Just wearing it adds six points of elegance to her appearance.
In comparison, Sui Yu, the new bride, had not yet been given a title, so her attire was much simpler and took less than half the time as hers.
The sacrifice began at 1:15 noon, and the emperor would offer sacrifices to heaven and respectfully welcome the gods at 1:30 noon when the yang energy was at its peak.
Then there is a complete set of procedures including laying down jade and silk, presenting the sacrificial table, first offering, second offering, final offering... nine sets of procedures, which will take at least two hours to complete.
Even if there are maids serving and waiting on her, it would be very difficult to kneel down like this.
Pei Jingxun, as one of the main persons in charge of this sacrifice, was not among those kneeling.
"Young Master, you have already looked towards the altar fifty-eight times." Chi Mo reminded secretly.
Pei Jing cleared his throat, took the handkerchief he handed over and wiped his sweat, "We are all suffering so much, I don't know if Yaoyao and the others can bear it."
Each set of procedures requires tedious preliminary preparations. At this time, the emperor can rest in the built pavilion and at least have some time to breathe.
They are responsible for guarding the scene, so there must be time for replacement.
But as a lady of honor...
They had to follow the worship all the way, which was really hard.
Your Majesty exempts those who are a little older or weak from participating in the sacrifice and they only need to come to the banquet tonight.
Chi Mo also sighed, "It's no use looking at it this way. You asked me to keep an eye on Nei Si. Someone came to give me a message."
met free