MSW Chapter17

41

On the second day after Duan Linzhou and Mu Peixuan returned to Marquis Annan Mansion, someone from the Duan family came.

 

When the servant came to report, Duan Linzhou and Mu Peixuan were both in the warm pavilion, one reading account books, the other reading military texts. The room was heated with burning charcoal, hot and stuffy. Mu Peixuan, young and full of vigor, could not stand the heat and simply took off his outer robe, lazily flipping through the scroll in his hands.

 

When Duan Linzhou heard that someone from the Duan family had come, he raised his eyebrows, already having some guesses in his heart. He set down the account book and was about to say, “quickly invite them in”, when he paused and looked up at Mu Peixuan.

 

Mu Peixuan said to the servant, “What are you standing there for? Go invite them in.”

 

The servant hurriedly replied, “Yes, Your Highness.”

 

Mu Peixuan tossed aside the book, picked up his outer robe, and put it on. As he looked up, he met Duan Linzhou’s smiling gaze. With an expressionless face, he brushed off his sleeve and said, “What are you smiling at?”

 

Duan Linzhou deliberately said, “Have them wait in the flower hall, I’ll head over.”

 

Mu Peixuan cast him a glance, then raised his hand and pushed the window open halfway. The north wind, carrying a piercing chill, rushed in, making the window creak and groan. The weather had turned overnight, with the wind howling all through the night, and by morning, the warmth and sunshine of the past few days were nowhere to be found.

 

“Hiss,” Duan Linzhou drew in a sharp breath, clutching his hand warmer, and said, “Close it, close it.”

 

Mu Peixuan let out a soft chuckle and closed the window tightly again. Duan Linzhou was afraid of the cold. The two of them had spent most of the day nestled in the warm pavilion, with silver-threaded charcoal burning inside, so it didn’t feel too cold. Duan Linzhou sighed and said, “The weather in June is like a child’s temper, how is it that even now, in the dead of winter, it’s still so fickle, turning cold without warning?”

 

Mu Peixuan said, “The weather’s been a little unusual this year.”

 

In truth, it rarely snowed in Ruizhou during the winter, but this year it had already snowed once, and today’s chill carried a hint that another storm might be on its way. As the two were speaking, a servant led someone from the Duan family to the door, announced their arrival, and pushed the door open. Two people stepped inside: a veiled woman and a plain-looking young man. They bowed to Mu Peixuan and said, “This humble one greets Your Highness Junwang and Junwang Fei.”

 

Mu Peixuan lifted his hand slightly in a gesture of support and said, “Rise, there’s no need for such formalities.”

 

Duan Linzhou, seeing the Kunze with the curtain veil, was astonished and said, “Weirui—”

 

Mu Peixuan immediately looked over, this was the younger sister Duan Linzhou had been concerned about.

 

Duan Weirui had a slender and delicate figure. She lifted the veil, revealing a shy smile on her face. On the side of her right eye, she had drawn a few flower petals with vermilion ink, which only added a touch of elegance to her delicate features. Duan Weirui called out, “Third Brother.”

 

Duan Linzhou said, “Why did you come in person?”

 

Duan Weirui replied softly, “I heard that Brother is coming to deliver New Year’s gifts to Third Brother, so I begged Brother to bring me along.”

 

Duan Lin’an, who was standing aside, said, “I couldn’t stop her.”

 

Duan Linzhou helplessly shook his head and said to Mu Peixuan, “This is my younger sister, Weirui.” He then pointed to the Zhongzong, “He is my fourth brother, Duan Lin’an.”

 

Duan Lin’an and Duan Weirui were born to the fifth concubine of the Duan family. The two had only met Mu Peixuan on the day of the wedding, and since Duan Linzhou had returned alone on the day of the return visit, both of them felt somewhat uneasy when meeting Mu Peixuan again.

 

Mu Peixuan nodded slightly. This was the first time he had met the Duan family members after their marriage. He inadvertently thought of the return visit and tried his best to make his expression look softer and more approachable. However, he didn’t want to appear too obvious, which only made him seem more stiff.

 

The Duan siblings grew even more nervous.

 

Duan Linzhou watched from the side, almost bursting into laughter.

 

Mu Peixuan did not stay for long. While he was present, the Duan siblings felt uneasy, so after a while, he excused himself. Just as he was about to leave the warm pavilion, Mu Peixuan suddenly remembered something. He reached out and touched the plum blossom-shaped, delicate copper incense burner in Duan Linzhou’s hand, instructing someone to bring Duan Linzhou a new one with freshly placed charcoal before heading out.

 

Once he left, Duan Lin’an and Duan Weirui both breathed a sigh of relief.

 

Duan Linzhou laughed and said, “Actually, His Highness has a very good temperament. You don’t need to be so nervous.”

 

Duan Lin’an replied, “He is of noble blood, after all. There’s a difference between us commoners and them.”

 

Duan Linzhou didn’t comment on that, but Duan Weirui, with a thoughtful look, turned to Duan Linzhou and said, “Third Brother, you seem more spirited than the last time I saw you.”

 

Duan Linzhou felt warmth in his heart as his gaze passed over the flower petals beside Duan Weirui’s eye. The petals were painted exquisitely, vivid and lifelike, displaying beauty in full bloom. No one could tell that beneath those petals lay a bright red birthmark.

 

Duan Weirui had been born with this birthmark, and as she grew older, it did not fade. Because of this mark, despite being a Kunze, Duan Weirui was not favored by the old master of the Duan family.

 

Duan Linzhou said, “I’m doing well at the Marquis Mansion. You don’t need to worry about me.”

 

“Really?” Duan Lin’an spoke up, still feeling dissatisfied about the fact that Mu Peixuan had allowed Duan Linzhou to return alone for the visit. After Duan Linzhou returned to the Duan family that day, he had been mocked and ridiculed by the old madam of the family, and Duan Lin’an, too, had faced his share of scorn.

 

Duan Lin’an thought to himself that Mu Peixuan hadn’t been particularly warm toward them earlier as well; his face had been stern. He then asked, “Third Brother, does Xiao Junwang really treat you well?”

 

In truth, Duan Lin’an held more reverence than closeness toward his third brother. He also understood that Duan Linzhou was likely willing to lend him a hand mainly because he was Weirui’s real brother.

 

Duan Linzhou chuckled lightly and said, “Why would I hide anything from you guys?”

 

Duan Weirui whispered, “I believe Third Brother.”

 

Both Duan Linzhou and Duan Lin’an turned to look at her. Duan Weirui, being perceptive, had a thought in her mind as she recalled how Mu Peixuan had tested the temperature of the incense burner for Duan Linzhou. He had done it so naturally. If he didn’t truly care about her third brother, he wouldn’t have been so attentive.

 

Duan Linzhou raised an eyebrow and asked, “How is Fifth Aunt?”

 

Duan Lin’an said, “Mother is doing well. When we left, she also asked us to send her regards to Third Brother.”

 

“By the way, Third Brother, Mother also made two sets of clothes for you.”

 

A faint smile appeared on Duan Linzhou’s face as he said, “Thank Fifth Aunt for me.”

 

Duan Linzhou lost his mother at a young age. Before he showed his abilities, he had always been solitary, with only his younger sister, Duan Weirui, occasionally speaking to him. Duan Weirui’s mother, the Fifth Concubine, was originally from a tenant farming family. After falling into heavy debt, she was handed over to the old master of the Duan family as payment. She had one son and one daughter. Her son was an average man, while her daughter, though a Kunze, was born with a birthmark on her face. The mother and her children lived in the Duan family with great caution, always trying to stay out of the spotlight.

 

The Fifth Concubine had a gentle temperament. Seeing that Duan Weirui was close to Duan Linzhou and feeling sympathy for him as he had lost his mother at such a young age, she often showed him extra care.

 

Duan Linzhou, in turn, repaid this kindness. After he took control of the Duan family, he took Duan Lin’an under his wing, guiding him and making him the steward of his affairs. He even took him to sea and involved him in business ventures. However, Duan Lin’an’s temperament was mediocre, and he lacked any talent for trade. As a result, Duan Linzhou entrusted him with managing a shop in Ruizhou.

 

Duan Lin’an and Duan Weirui stayed in Wen’an Courtyard for half a day. At noon, Mu Peixuan joined them for a meal. Although he didn’t speak much, with Duan Linzhou present, the atmosphere was still pleasant and cordial.

 

When they left, Duan Linzhou accompanied Mu Peixuan to see them off.

 

Duan Lin’an was somewhat overwhelmed by the attention.

 

The sky was overcast, and the north wind howled as the Duan family’s carriage stopped outside the Marquis Mansion.

 

Duan Lin’an said, “The wind is strong outside. Your Highness and Junwang Fei should head back quickly.”

 

Duan Linzhou nodded and said, “Alright.”

 

Duan Weirui softly added, “Third Brother, please take care of your health.”

 

Duan Linzhou gave a faint smile and replied, “Alright, don’t worry about me.”

 

Duan Weirui pressed her lips together and smiled, about to lift her skirt to board the carriage. But she turned around to glance at Duan Linzhou’s pale face and then at Mu Peixuan by his side. Suddenly, she raised her hand and bowed deeply to him, saying, “Third Brother’s health is not good. I would like to ask Your Highness to please take good care of him.”

 

Mu Peixuan was momentarily stunned, his face showing little emotion. He then replied indifferently, “That goes without saying.”

 

42

Mu Peixuan’s simple reply, “That goes without saying,” left both Duan Linzhou and Duan Lin’an stunned. For a moment, they weren’t sure whether Mu Peixuan’s words were sincere or just meant to reassure Duan Weirui and her brother.

 

However, Mu Peixuan seemed unconcerned with what the two of them might be thinking. As a thought crossed his mind, countless fleeting emotions stirred within him, and the corner of his mouth couldn’t help but lift in a slight smile.

 

But as Duan Linzhou smiled, it made the somewhat shy Xiao Junwang feel embarrassed. With a neutral expression, he asked, “What are you laughing at?”

 

Duan Linzhou glanced at him, feeling inexplicably a bit shy himself. He clenched his fist and cleared his throat, saying, “I wasn’t laughing.”

 

Mu Peixuan replied bluntly, “I saw you.”

 

Duan Linzhou calmly retorted, “Your Highness must have seen wrong.”

 

“Duan Linzhou—” Mu Peixuan called his name. Duan Linzhou responded with a soft “Aye,” holding the hand warmer, straightening his expression, and looking at Mu Peixuan. “I’m here, Your Highness. Please, give your instructions.”

 

Mu Peixuan hesitated, unsure of how to begin. He just stared at Duan Linzhou, silent. Duan Linzhou couldn’t hold back anymore. His brows relaxed, and a faint smile appeared on his pale face, making it seem as if his features came to life, like the first signs of spring budding on a branch. For a brief moment, Mu Peixuan lost his focus, caught off guard by the sight.

 

The two men’s gazes met briefly before quickly diverting, like fire that was suddenly doused. Duan Linzhou pressed his lips together, lowering his eyes. His fingers absentmindedly traced the intricate carvings on the hand warmer in his grasp.

 

Mu Peixuan stiffly pulled his gaze away and said, “The wind is getting colder.”

 

After saying that, he took a couple of steps forward but then stopped, turning back to look at Duan Linzhou and said, “Let’s go.”

 

Duan Linzhou smiled, raised his long leg, and followed. “Aye, I’m coming.”

 

At night.

 

The bed curtains hung down, faintly casting the silhouettes of two intertwined figures, one kneeling, the other lying down. The dim candlelight enveloped the small space, exuding an indescribable sense of intimacy.

 

The kneeling figure was thin and gaunt, and even though it was vague, one could still glimpse a slender and flexible waist. Now it was being held by two hands, like a steering wheel, tossing and floating in the wet waves.

 

Suddenly, the figure tensed up, like a fully drawn bow, and trembled for a few breaths before limply falling down.

 

A few uncontrolled gasps and groans escaped from the bed curtains.

 

But after a moment, the person being ridden on seemed to be unable to bear it anymore, so he turned over and pressed on him, spread one leg, and got up to bully him. As if he couldn’t bear it anymore, a slender naked arm tightly grasped the shoulders of the person on top, and the thin figure was almost completely shrouded in shadows.

 

The bed was shaking, mixed with the blushing sounds of bodies making love, which seemed explicit and straightforward in the long night, adding a bit of spring love to the silent winter.

 

“…Hot,” Duan Linzhou was soaked all over, with a hot body pressed against him. The afterglow of lovemaking had not yet faded, and his fingertips were numb.

 

Mu Peixuan put one hand around Duan Linzhou’s waist, rubbing his neck with his teeth, absorbing the faint Xinxiang as if to relieve his addiction. He heard it vaguely, reached out and touched his sweaty waist, and then let go of Duan Linzhou. Because Duan Linzhou was weak and afraid of the cold, the charcoal fire in the room was always lit high. After a love affair, not to mention Mu Peixuan, even Duan Linzhou felt hot.

 

He got out of bed, put on his clothes, and turned off the heater. When he returned to bed, Duan Linzhou was already drowsy. Mu Peixuan was young and energetic, and it wasn’t long since he had just started eating meat. So sleeping on the same bed with Duan Linzhou, even if Duan Linzhou did not do anything, he would also have a lot of lustful thoughts.

 

Not to mention that Duan Linzhou always loved teasing Mu Peixuan, and they somehow ended up together again. The two of them quickly became passionate, and after a brief entanglement of their lips and tongues, their lower bodies had already responded honestly.

 

Mu Peixuan was originally concerned about Duan Linzhou’s poor health, but somehow, Duan Linzhou was too passionate tonight, it stirred Mu Peixuan’s mind, making it heat up. By the time he came to his senses, both of them had taken off their clothes and were facing each other naked.

 

Mu Peixuan stared at Duan Linzhou for a long time, took a handkerchief, and wiped Duan Linzhou’s lower body and long legs. Duan Linzhou closed his eyes and mumbled incoherently, his breath was hot and wet, brushing against his face. Mu Peixuan’s body tensed, and his eyes became darker.

 

Duan Linzhou’s frail body made Mu Peixuan worry that he might accidentally hurt him while holding him, so he dared not act recklessly. But he was still young, and his heart was filled with burning desires that made his teeth itchy. Mu Peixuan restrained himself and let out a breath, quickly wiped the bodies of both of them clean, and then held Duan Linzhou in his arms again.

 

Mu Peixuan traced the ribs on Duan Linzhou’s chest, his palm covering his heart. The heartbeat inside his chest thudded slowly. He drifted into thought, deciding that he wouldn’t wait until after the New Year. Tomorrow, he would write a letter to Mu Ke and send it to the capital.