The Young Husband Who Needed a Marriage to Dispel Misfortune (25)

The plaster Qin Wuzhen brought was very cooling and smelled like natural Chinese medicine.

When those slender fingers applied medicine to Xue Ci, her other hand would rest on the young man's leg, her fingers pinched between the soft, smooth flesh of his thigh.

If I had arrived a moment later, would my legs have been squeezed like this by others?

No, it will lick it directly.

Xue Ci wouldn't refuse, and she's so obedient; a few more sweet words and she'd be lured away with her body.

The man's eyes were deep.

The pressure from the fingers also increased.

Xue Ci's pinkish-white flesh rubbed against Qin Wuzhen's clothes, making him itch. He tried to pull back, but his leg accidentally touched Qin Wuzhen's mouth.

It's so hot...

Xue Ci shivered slightly and reminded him, "Big brother... you can get up now."

His leg wasn't actually chafed that badly; Qin Wuzhen, as a doctor, should have been able to tell.

However, the reminder seemed to have made the other party even more unhappy.

The mouth moved closer and pressed against his ear.

Xue Ci was stunned, her breath quickening and her blood rushing to her head, her whole being as delicate as a beautiful piece of jade.

Trying to dodge, Qin Wuzhen continued to stick close like a rogue.

That's too much.

Xue Ci lowered her eyes and gave her a cold look. "You're so annoying."

Perhaps because he had been spoiled rotten by Qin Wuzhen during this period, he was not afraid of the mature aura of someone a few years older, and even stomped on the other's shoulder as if deflated.

"Did you come all this way just to say these weird things to me?"

Qin Wuzhen frowned, grabbed his ankle, and pulled on his socks.

He said slowly and deliberately, "Why haven't you been home lately?"

Xue Ci easily fooled into shifting the blame. "I'm very busy. I have to go to school, and I also have to stay in my room at night to study ancient texts."

Those ancient books were all illustrated texts; Qin Wuzhen had compiled them overnight after hearing him say they were interesting, and then sent them over.

How much did you watch?

Xue Ci had been wandering around aimlessly with Xie Qiaosi lately and had only seen a little bit of the world. Feeling guilty, she asked, "What? Are you going to give me a surprise check?"

Qin Wuzhen: "I just think you don't have time to watch it."

Xue Ci looked puzzled.

"Anyone who didn't know better would think you and Xie Qiaosi got together." Qin Wuzhen stared at that cold and serious face, making no attempt to hide the jealousy in her tone.

Seeing that Xue Ci away, unwilling to continue the conversation, he took her slender white finger and gently pecked it.

Xue Ci couldn't be pulled away even if you tried.

"It's one thing to spend all your time with him during school days, but you don't even come home on your days off. Anyone who didn't know better would think Xie Qiaosi is your new husband." Qin Wuzhen pinched the soft flesh of his hand hard, starting to use her trump card, "Madam Song hasn't seen you in a long time and asked me to call you home."

Xue Ci thought about it and realized that she hadn't been back for a long time.

He finally pulled his hand back. "Did you come to tell me to go home?"

Qin Wuzhen hummed in agreement.

"Then don't say strange things to me."

I can't control myself; the moment I see you, I want to provoke you.

Xue Ci pursed her lips.

He heard Qin Wuzhen chuckle softly, "Going home now?"

The row of classmates who came looking for Xue Ci stood outside and waited for half an incense stick's time before finally seeing her.

Hiss... Why is she holding hands with Qin Zhuo's older brother?

Is this a proper older brother?

Xie Qiaosi glanced at their intertwined fingers and comforted himself— Xue Ci was forced; look how aggrieved and unwilling that little face was.

The two adult men were both well aware of their feelings for Xue Ci, and a subtle undercurrent of jealousy and rivalry filled the air.

Xie Qiaosi deliberately blocked his way. "Aren't you going to study anymore?"

Xue Ci and said apologetically, "I have to go home now; my legs are a little sore."

"Okay, then go back and get plenty of rest," Xie Qiaosi said calmly. "After I get back, I'll take you to your favorite restaurant."

Xue Ci smiled at him, a smile so sweet it could melt anyone's heart, "Thank you."

Xie Qiaosi coughed awkwardly, his ears burning, and silently made way for the two of them.

Qin Wuzhen held Xue Ci's hand firmly.

The two figures had disappeared, but Xie Qiaosi remained standing there like a statue gazing at his wife.

After witnessing this scene, the group of scholars privately mocked Xie Qiaosi.

"He usually exudes the aura of the first wife, but I never expected that once the other woman arrived, he couldn't hide the feeling of infidelity about him at all."

They even laughed at us, telling us not to be delusional.

"I'm just a sycophant."

"Don't say that. I actually support Xie Qiaosi. Think about it, if he suddenly develops a serious illness after he gets together with Xue Ci, we're more likely to take over."

"Yes."

"Since ancient times, which brother hasn't taken care of his sister-in-law?"

Xie Qiaosi hadn't expected this.

Before I could even be driven mad by my love rival, these people have already cursed me to death.

He patiently waited, praying that one day he would rise to power, only to find that Xue Ci seemed to have no interest in anyone.

He was more interested in his horses.

She looked so delicate, but I never expected her to learn to ride a horse in just three days.

Upon hearing the praise, Xue Ci, "I already told you, I'm very smart."

That smug little expression of self-righteousness was absolutely captivating to Xie Qiaosi.

Xue Ci learned to ride a horse, and besides going to school, she spent her days dragging Qin Wuzhen.

According to the original plot, Qin Wuzhen knew the reason for his divorce from Qin Zhuo. The man was focused on healing the sick and refused his advances. He also felt responsible for ruining their relationship, and from then on, apart from coming to treat his illness, he treated him like a stranger.

Now, the entire plot is correct in that the character "has the responsibility to ruin the relationship between the two."

Qin Wuzhen would come to the Song Family every day. If Xue Ci wasn't there, he would take the initiative to check the accounts of the Song Family's dye shop and take the pulse of several elders.

Since Song's father was usually not home, Qin Wuzhen was responsible for all the odd jobs and chores around the house.

Song's father often saw him and wondered, "Why is Doctor Qin coming so often lately? Is Xue Ci not feeling well?"

Madam Liu glanced at him and whispered, "Xue Ci perfectly fine. Can't you see that? Of course, she's in love with Xiao Ci."

Song's father exclaimed in surprise, "He's Qin Zhuo's older brother, how could he...?"

"Oh dear, I'm troubled too, and it seems Xiao Ci only sees him as an older brother." Madam Liu said, conflicted. "Actually, both brothers are good people. Doctor Qin is more composed; I thought he wasn't interested in romantic relationships."

Mr. Song was surprised.

Qin Wuzhen is Qin Zhuo's older brother. If they really get married later, people will definitely gossip about them and might even think they've been having an affair all along.

hiss.

Was there really something fishy going on all along?

With something on his mind, Song's father didn't even feel like going to the dye shop the next day. Instead, he and Song's mother entertained Qin Wuzhen in the hall.

Both of them were straightforward and got straight to the point, asking Qin Wuzhen if he had feelings for Xue Ci.

Qin Wuzhen was terrified of rejection. He wanted to do his best so that Xue Ci and his family could find no fault with him before proposing marriage to the two of them.

Unexpectedly, the other party spoke first.

Now that the issue has been raised, he has nothing to hide from admitting it.

He was a thoughtful man, fearing that the two of them might disagree because he was Qin Zhuo's older brother. "I've long harbored feelings for Xiao Ci, but at that time he was already married, so I kept my feelings to myself. Later I learned that Xiao Ci also had feelings for me."

"Xiao Ci is already divorced, and I can't hide my feelings anymore; I want to be with him."

The Song Family was shocked to hear this. How could... the two be in love? If they refused, wouldn't that be breaking up a loving couple?

Xue Ci: "..."

Qin Wuzhen too wicked.

How could someone be so mean?

If you're so capable, why don't you just say you want to be a mistress?

He was so angry that he ignored the other person for several days.

Seeing that Song's parents' attitude had softened, he worried that if Qin Wuzhen really came to propose marriage and offer betrothal gifts one day, he wouldn't even have a reason to refuse.

Xue Ci practically counted the days on her fingers, and her attitude towards Qin Wuzhen grew increasingly indifferent.

Qin Wuzhen was a smart man, so of course he could sense it.

He had sensed it beforehand—although Xue Ci had his portrait and admitted to having feelings for him before, she treated him far worse than she treated Qin Zhuo.

He's not even as good as Xie Qiaosi.

He began to reflect on whether he had done something wrong, and even shamelessly asked Xue Ci how Qin Zhuo used to serve him, so he could learn from him.

Xue Ci's cheeks flushed red with anger. "... Learn... learn what?"

How does he lick you?

"Wh-what..." Xue Ci bit her lip, pretending to be sleepy, but Qin Wuzhen grabbed her ankle.

A slippery, hot tongue slowly spread down her calf.

It's tingly and numb.

Xue Ci out a sob, her waist went limp, and Qin Wuzhen's broad hands wrapped tightly around her, and somehow she ended up on his lap.

Their noses brushed against each other, the slightly bitter medicinal scent emanating from the man permeating Xue Ci's entire body.

My cheek was gently pecked.

The area that was touched burst into flames.

Xue Ci felt almost cooked by the heat emanating from the other person, feeling dizzy and lightheaded. She regained some clarity after hearing Qin Wuzhen ask in her ear, "May I kiss you?"

For some reason, he subconsciously felt that Qin Wuzhen would be particularly fierce when kissing.

He shook his head in refusal.

Only my husband can kiss me.

Xue Ci meant to reject Qin Wuzhen and make him aware of her position, but unknowingly, her words sounded like she was trying to hook him.

"Then when can I be your husband?" Qin Wuzhen pressed on relentlessly.

Xue Ci released her lips, leaving a wet mark on her plump lips from being bitten.

I just got divorced.

Jealousy flashed across Qin Wuzhen's face, but he suppressed his feelings. "I will wait until you completely forget him."

Xue Ci thought that Qin Wuzhen, being such a pervert, would definitely be impatient since he would secretly touch her while she was asleep even when she had a husband.

He also thought that if he really couldn't drag her away, he would have no choice but to obediently let her kiss him.

Unexpectedly, Qin Wuzhen took his words very seriously and was exceptionally patient. In addition to looking at him with intense gaze, she would always ask him before doing anything intimate.

Xue Ci has only been kissed on the earlobe and cheek by him so far.

Finally, Qin Zhuo decided to go to Jiangnan.

Before setting off, he came to the academy to say goodbye to Xue Ci. Such a big man, when he met her, he just stared blankly at Xue Ci's face.

Xue Ci looked at his stunned face and felt a pang of guilt.

Qin Zhuo usually treats him very well...

He walked over and hugged Qin Zhuo: "Then you must be careful."

Having not smelled Xue Ci's scent for so long, Qin Zhuo's whole body stiffened, and his nose involuntarily stung with tears.

I don't know if I'll ever see Xue Ci again.

Will she end up with Qin Wuzhen?

With Qin Wuzhen's thoughtfulness, he will surely be able to take good care of people.

He really... is no longer of any use.

Qin Zhuo was very careful, not daring to hug the other person back, wishing that this moment could last forever.

He gave all his belongings to Xue Ci and set off with only a few old clothes.

He rolled up the painting Xue Ci had given him, put it in a bamboo tube, and then wrapped it in an old garment.

*

Since Qin Zhuo went to Jiangnan, the progress bar, which had been stagnant, has begun to slowly increase.

It was the height of spring, and the Jiangnan water towns were a scene of abundance. The first thing Qin Zhuo did after settling in was to send a letter to Xue Ci, containing several packets of flower seeds.

In ancient times, carriages and horses were too slow, and the letter took a whole month to reach Xue Ci.

The Song Family had by then treated Qin Wuzhen as one of their own, and even Qin Wuzhen was the one who went to collect their letters.

Xue Ci slowly cut open the envelope under the oil lamp. The wind outside the window blew the wick, and the lamplight flickered on Xue Ci's face, like Qin Zhuo's fingers gently caressing her.

Qin Zhuo used the "Xue Script" style.

It was a very good imitation; Xue Ci it was her own writing at first glance.

How familiar must one be to memorize another person's handwriting?

In his letter, Qin Zhuo said that he was doing well and would learn some real skills in Jiangnan before returning. He also said that the scenery there was beautiful, and he had never seen so many kinds of flowers in Cloud Maple Town.

What he didn't say was that even without so many flowers, he still loved Cloud Maple Town and every day he Xue Ci.

The letter was two pages long. Xue Ci read it carefully, folded it, and spent the whole night writing a two-page reply.

It was a bit of a struggle, like trying to squeeze out an 800-word essay.

However, it still filled the entire book.

The next day, when Xue Ci came home from school, she planted all the flower seeds that Qin Zhuo had tucked in the letter into the garden.

He was filled with anticipation, squatting here every day to wait, wanting to know what kind of flower Qin Zhuo had described in the letter.

Qin Wuzhen help but feel jealous, but she only dared to say a few sarcastic remarks, reminding him not to be greedy for cold food and not to be led astray by Xie Qiaosi to eat outside.

Xue Ci: "?"

Taking advantage of the fact that no one was around, Qin Wuzhen gently pecked Xue Ci's lips.

"Stealing an ice cream."

"His lips were so cold they turned red."

Xue Ci's temper immediately deflated.

He suspected Qin Wuzhen was following him; otherwise, how could he know everything so clearly?

*

As the tiny seed sprouted from the soil, Xue Ci received her final task.

Qin Zhuo's studies are progressing smoothly; the progress bar has already reached 99%.

The time had finally come for him to realize his own feelings and set off for Jiangnan to confess to Qin Zhuo.

We have enough money for the journey, but we also need a horse.

This definitely couldn't be explained to Song's parents, Xue Ci secretly took the money and went to the Yiyi post station in town to rent a pony.

She was fair-skinned and had very bright, intelligent eyes.

The innkeeper exclaimed in surprise, "Young master, you have excellent taste! This horse is a descendant of a fine foal, with pure blood, and it can even recognize human scents."

Xue Ci in surprise, "Is it similar to a hunting dog?"

The boss laughed and said, "Yes, it's like owning both a horse and a dog."

Xue Ci was in high spirits and was about to rent it when she heard the owner sigh, "But this horse is very stubborn and only recognizes one owner."

Xue Ci regretfully, "I'm afraid of pain, so let's choose a horse that won't throw me off."

Just as he was about to walk with the boss to the other side of the stable, his sleeve was grabbed.

The Xiao Bai tugged at his clothes, refusing to let him leave.

The boss exclaimed in surprise, "This has never happened before... It seems it's meant for you!"

Xue Ci its head and cuddled with it for a while before reluctant to part.

He was like a child who saw a puppy on the street and wanted his parents to buy it.

However, he has his own money now.

Xue Ci didn't hesitate any longer and bought the pony directly.

Buying a horse was expensive; he even used up his travel expenses.

Xue Ci had no regrets despite his empty purse. He used the last of his copper coins to buy top-quality fodder and instructed the shopkeeper to feed him every day.

I'll come to pick it up the day after tomorrow.

After returning home, no one suspected anything. As usual, Madam Liu asked him where he had been. Xue Ci brought up Xie Qiaosi and easily fooled him.

He didn't notice Qin Wuzhen glancing in his direction.

After the meal, Xue Ci offered to wash the dishes, but Madam Liu wouldn't let him touch the grease.

Xue Ci thought for a moment, then asked, "Is there anything we need to buy for the family?"

Madam Liu: "It seems like we're almost out of oil."

Xue Ci's eyes lit up. "I'll go buy some oil!"

"Then be careful. Do you want Doctor Qin to accompany you?" Madam Liu spoiled Xue Ci and was worried about her doing anything when she went out. She took out her money pouch.

Xue Ci stared intently as she watched her take out one or two taels of silver.

The little fox's tail immediately became visible.

"Can I have the money left over after I get the gas?"

Madam Liu suppressed a smile.

Are you short of money?

She took another ounce. "Go on, and have Doctor Qin accompany you."

"I can do it myself!"

After Xue Ci finished speaking, she turned around and almost bumped into Qin Wuzhen's arms.

In the end, Qin Wuzhen went with him.

He saw Xue Ci carefully stuffing the coins into her purse and became suspicious. "Are you short of money?"

Xue Ci didn't look up, and just hummed in response.

I offered you money yesterday, but you didn't take it.

One thing that Qin Wuzhen was very worried about was that Xue Ci never took his money, as if she wanted to keep things very separate from him and draw a clear line between them at any time.

Xue Ci gave a vague reply, placed the oil bottle next to Qin Wuzhen, and went home with ease.

The following day was also the last day before departure.

Xue Ci wrote a letter to Qin Zhuo, saying that she was going to Jiangnan to find him.

After delivering the letter, he began packing his luggage.

Anyway, he would be kidnapped by bandits on the mountain road the next day and only need enough money for one day. The silver that Madam Liu gave him was more than enough.

Xue Ci packed her luggage and prepared to go to sleep peacefully, but she couldn't sleep soundly after lying down in bed.

What if those bandits see he has no money and torture him cruelly? If he had money to give them, he might die a little easier.

After letting her mind wander, Xue Ci couldn't fall asleep.

*

The moon and stars are sparse.

Qin Wuzhen had just fallen asleep when there was a knock on the door.

He got up, opened the door, and there stood Xue Ci, dressed in white, in front of him.

Even after spending so much time together, Qin Wuzhen would still occasionally lose himself in thought when he saw that face.

If he truly resembles a little bodhisattva, then some kind of magic must have been cast upon him to make him so concerned.

Xue Ci opened her snow-white palm to him. "Give me the money."

Qin Wuzhen narrowed his eyes at the blunt words. "Didn't you refuse to take it a while ago?"

Xue Ci's voice was clear and crisp. "You're practically my husband now, of course I want you."

If you listen carefully, you can tell that he sounded a little uncomfortable when he deliberately said those baiting things.

Unfortunately, Qin Wuzhen had already been bewitched.

The man took out a heavy money bag from the room and placed it in Xue Ci's palm.

He opened his mouth, as if he wanted to ask something, but Xue Ci turned and left, leaving him only her back view.

Qin Wuzhen chuckled, staring intently at the past for a long time.

But why does Xue Ci suddenly need so much money?

*

Xue Ci early as usual, washed up, and even ate breakfast at home before leaving.

At home, he always pretends to be calm, but as soon as he leaves the house, he walks in a hurry, as if he has done something wrong.

After successfully leading the pony away at the post station, adhering to the principle of not flaunting her wealth, Xue Ci changed into a set of coarse cloth clothes.

He usually wears clothes made of high-quality fabric, but when he suddenly puts on coarse cloth, he feels uncomfortable all over.

Especially tender areas like the thighs and chest.

To alleviate this discomfort, Xue Ci mounted her horse and chatted idly with 11.

Just as they were about to leave the town, a familiar figure appeared ahead.

Xue Ci was startled, and immediately turned around after recognizing who it was.

However, his path was blocked by another horse shortly afterward.

Who else could be sitting on horseback besides Qin Wuzhen?

*

Qin Wuzhen seemed quite angry as well, and the force with which she held him was several times greater than usual.

Xue Ci and bumped into him occasionally, her body aching from the impact.

When Madam Liu saw the two return, she was surprised. "Why are you leading a pony?"

"Xue Ci liked it, so I bought it."

Qin Wuzhen made no mention of Xue Ci sneaking out of the house.

Madam Liu didn't ask any further questions, but scolded him for not considering the size of his house and how he could afford to buy a horse.

But seeing Xue Ci's downcast face, looking like she was about to cry, he immediately shut his mouth and temporarily led the horse to the backyard.

Xue Ci was about to cry.

His expression was even uglier than the weather threatening to rain overhead.

The progress bar has dropped sharply to 97%.

Qin Wuzhen wanted to take him back to his room for a good scolding, but he refused, stubbornly saying that he wanted to go to Jiangnan.

The man's face turned cold, and he simply carried him into the house.

Xue Ci was still wearing coarse cloth clothes, and when she was carried on his shoulder, her skin was chafed painfully.

The deadline for the mission... is approaching.

Sure enough, the progress bar dropped to 95%.

Xue Ci very unhappy and sniffed.

Qin Wuzhen continued to question, "Why didn't you tell us about such a big thing as leaving town? You even kept it from your family."

"Song Xueci, what do you want to do? Are you going to Jiangnan?"

It's about to rain heavily; what if you get caught in the rain and catch a cold?

It's so noisy...

Xue Ci lowered her eyes, her little face stubborn.

Why were they caught?

As expected, Qin Wuzhen knew all about his whereabouts.

Overwhelmed by an overwhelming desire for control, Xue Ci shivered from the cold.

He gritted his teeth. "Have you been stalking me? Are you a psychopath?! Why are you controlling me? You know where I go?"

"I don't care about anything else, I'm only going to Jiangnan because I want to leave you."

Qin Wuzhen's temples throbbed, and a pair of dark eyes stared intently at him.

The two remained locked in a stalemate.

After a moment, Qin Wuzhen relented first. "If you want to go to Jiangnan, I'll go with you."

"We'll set off once the rain stops."

Xue Ci pushed him away.

He'd say the most offensive things when he was annoyed.

"Don't you understand? I'm not going to Jiangnan, I'm going to find Qin Zhuo."

"What do you want to hear? To hear me say I've always liked you? But now I only like Qin Zhuo, there's no place for you in my heart at all."

"I would never consider you my husband!"

Each word, spoken slowly and deliberately, was like a fine needle piercing Qin Wuzhen's heart with a sharp pain.

It hurts and tastes bitter.

A dryness settled in Qin Wuzhen's throat, and his eyelids twitched violently.

With a loud bang--

A clap of thunder sounded outside, followed by the sound of raindrops hitting the ground.

Dark clouds covered the sky, black and gloomy, seemingly ready to destroy everything.

Qin Wuzhen's expression didn't improve much.

The dark shadow descended, Xue Ci retreated step by step until she was forced into a corner.

His pink cheeks were pinched.

His eyes immediately filled with tears.

Qin Wuzhen leaned close to his ear.

"Your heart belongs to Qin Zhuo, doesn't it?"

Xue Ci's shoulders trembled.

The next moment, a man's fierce voice could be heard. "I will get what I want."

Xue Ci's mouth hadn't felt this sour in a long time.

Qin Wuzhen so fierce, he never managed to shut his mouth.

The wet saliva was stirred up, running down the lips and wetting the chin.

Xue Ci was kissed so pitifully that her eyes gradually filled with a dazed, vibrant color.

This only emboldens others to continue bullying them.

Qin Wuzhen's kisses fell haphazardly and without any pattern.

He didn't want to either.

He didn't want to ruin Xue Ci.

But that mouth always manages to say things he doesn't want to hear.

Xue Ci doesn't love him.

It doesn't matter.

From this day forward, Xue Ci's body, inside and out, will be filled with his scent.

The rain subsided.

A breeze blew in through the window, dispersing the decadent scent in the room.

The coarse cloth clothes were of poor quality, completely torn, and carelessly thrown on the ground.

A lot of slimy water had fallen nearby, mixing together.

Xue Ci was held in someone's arms, her whole body trembling, and she reacted strongly to even the slightest touch.

Qin Wuzhen is a madman.

We didn't even need the bed.

The entire time, they pinned the person against the wall.

That position will cause the stomach to swell up completely.

They were still face to face.

Qin Wuzhen have seen it all.

His appearance throughout...

Xue Ci's cheeks were wet and red, as if she were broken, and she would occasionally let out a sob from her throat.

His eyes were closed, his limbs limp as he was held, seemingly about to fall asleep at any moment.

At that moment, a low, hoarse voice came from beside him.

"Xiao Ci didn't wet the bed this time." Qin Wuzhen bit down on that small piece of soft flesh, feeling the other person tremble, before releasing her with satisfaction. "She peed all over me."

Author's Note:

Waaaaah, baby [poor thing] got banged against the wall and smashed!