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Duan Linzhou, the renowned Boss Duan of Ruizhou and also the Junwang Fei of Mu Peixuan, was someone Xu Ying had personally invited. Upon his arrival, the Xu family naturally treated him as a guest of honor. Now that winter had set in, Duan Linzhou held a hand warmer in his sleeves and wore a brocade fur cloak over his shoulders. The fluffy white fox fur set off his pale, youthful cheeks, making him appear gentle and refined like jade, not at all like a merchant, but rather like a noble young master from a prestigious family.
The Xu family was a prominent family in Ruizhou with deep roots in the region. Old Master Xu was a fourth-rank military general. Now that his only son was getting married and forming an alliance with the Fang family, their mansion was naturally filled with distinguished guests and close friends.
The moment Duan Linzhou stepped into the Xu mansion, many eyes turned towards him. Duan Linzhou had a great reputation and was a leading figure in Ruizhou in his earlier years. Many people knew him, especially since he had been living in seclusion after falling ill these past two years. There were many rumors circulating in the city, as the Duan family’s vast wealth was indeed eye-catching.
Unexpectedly, last winter, he had married Xiao Junwang of Marquis Annan Mansion.
People in Ruizhou City were used to calling Duan Linzhou “Boss Duan.” Even though he was now a princess consort, for some reason, upon seeing him, the words “Boss Duan” would still slip out first.
Duan Linzhou responded with a smile to those who came up to speak with him. Most of them were acquaintances. He was skilled in social interactions, and his words were impeccable. If not for the hint of illness between his eyes and his frail figure, it would have been almost impossible to tell that he was the rumored person on the verge of death.
There were not a few people who muttered to themselves, “Wasn’t it said that Duan Linzhou was dying? How come he looks much better now?” There were many such probing gazes, but Duan Linzhou didn’t care at all. After a few brief words, he settled down by himself.
Weddings were elaborate affairs, especially noble weddings. Duan Linzhou had been through one himself and was patient enough. It had been a long time since he had experienced such liveliness. Duan Linzhou enjoyed the bustling, especially when he was young. He couldn’t stand loneliness the most. He loved going to the most bustling eating house, calling friends, and inviting companions. From high-ranking officials to common peddlers, Duan Linzhou made friends regardless of their status, only going by his gut feeling. He was always surrounded by admirers, displaying endless charm and spirit.
Later, as he grew older and faced life-and-death situations, Duan Linzhou’s temperament gradually calmed down.
Suddenly, someone shouted loudly, “The newlyweds are here!” Some guests left their seats to watch the excitement. Duan Linzhou followed unhurriedly behind. He was tall and stood out even among the other Tianqian and Zhongyong.
Xu Ying had already dismounted his horse, and Mu Peixuan and the others were beside him, watching as Xu Ying walked towards Fang Yuan’s carriage. The surroundings were filled with joyous laughter and commotion. Xu Ying was extremely nervous but couldn’t suppress his silly grin. When he took Fang Yuan’s slender, pale hand, his mouth stretched practically to the back of his ears.
Mu Peixuan seemed to sense something and turned his head. He immediately found Duan Linzhou standing among the guests. Their gazes met, and Duan Linzhou smiled at him. Mu Peixuan unconsciously smiled back, his heart softening. He almost couldn’t resist walking towards Duan Linzhou. Fortunately, the loud crackling of firecrackers brought Mu Peixuan back to his senses.
It wasn’t until the newlyweds paid their respects to heaven and earth that Mu Peixuan quietly stood beside Duan Linzhou. He took Duan Linzhou’s hand and whispered, “Are you tired?”
Duan Linzhou smiled and said, “I’m not tired.”
Mu Peixuan rubbed his fingers and said, “Your fingers are so cold.” Then, he touched Duan Linzhou’s hand warmer and, seeing that it had cooled down considerably, directly beckoned a servant over and instructed him to replace the charcoal inside.
Duan Linzhou watched Mu Peixuan taking care of him and couldn’t help but scratch his broad palm. Mu Peixuan asked, “What’s wrong?”
Duan Linzhou smiled and didn’t speak. Their voices were low, spoken close to each other. Duan Linzhou said, “Xu Ying and Fang Yuan are a really good match.”
Over there, the master of ceremonies loudly called out, “Bow to heaven and earth!” Mu Peixuan watched the two people holding the red silk, bowing to the heavens and earth, and said, “You and I are also a good match.”
Duan Linzhou glanced at him. Mu Peixuan’s expression was firm and earnest, and Duan Linzhou couldn’t help but joke, “Your face was awfully sour when you and I bowed in the wedding ceremony back then.”
Mu Peixuan lowered his eyes, gazing at the smile on Duan Linzhou’s lips. Although he knew Duan Linzhou was joking, his heart still felt a pang of soreness. His unwillingness back then had become a joke for Duan Linzhou.
In those days, how many people must have secretly or openly laughed at him?
Mu Peixuan held Duan Linzhou’s hand tightly, squeezing it, and then brought it to his lips for a soft kiss. Duan Linzhou’s eyes widened slightly, and he subconsciously looked around. Fortunately, all the guests were watching the newlyweds performing the wedding bows.
Duan Linzhou whispered, “Be careful, someone might see.”
Mu Peixuan said calmly, “So what if they see?”
If this weren’t Xu Ying’s wedding, he wouldn’t just kiss Duan Linzhou’s fingers; he would also want to kiss his lips, which were painted with rouge.
Duan Linzhou smiled helplessly and said, “This is Xu Ying’s wedding.”
Mu Peixuan nodded, but he didn’t let go of Duan Linzhou’s hand.
After the wedding ceremony came the wedding banquet. The entire Xu mansion was now adorned with red lanterns, brightly lit.
Xu Ying had a straightforward personality and had made many good friends in the military garrison. He was in high spirits, and when people came to toast him with a string of congratulatory words that made him beam with joy, he immediately forgot his mother’s instructions to drink in moderation, honestly pouring cup after cup of wine into his stomach until his cheekbones flushed red.
Mu Peixuan couldn’t bear to watch and reminded him in a low voice, “Xu Ying, drink less.”
Xu Ying was in high spirits. Seeing Mu Peixuan, he happily tried to pull him over for a drink, muttering, “Good brother, we absolutely have to have a cup together. The fact that I can marry Yuan Ge’er today is all thanks to your guidance over the years!”
Seeing that Xu Ying was still speaking clearly, Mu Peixuan knew that the servants of the Xu mansion had given him watered-down wine. He drained the cup and said, “Between you and me, there’s no need for such words.”
“Congratulations,” Mu Peixuan said. “Wishing you and Fang Yuan a harmonious marriage that lasts a hundred years.” He thought for a moment and added a festive phrase he had heard, “May you have a son soon.”
Xu Ying chuckled heartily, tilted his head back, and finished his drink. “Thank you for your auspicious words, brother.” After saying that, he looked at Duan Linzhou, who raised his cup and smiled, “My blessings to you and Yuan Ge’er.”
Xu Ying’s eyes were bright and sparkling as he replied, “Aye!”
“Boss Duan, you and Xiao Junwang will definitely grow old together in happiness,” Xu Ying said with a grin. “May you have a son soon!”
Duan Linzhou glanced at Mu Peixuan, only to see Mu Peixuan looking at him. Under the lamplight, the young man’s eyes were focused and deep. Duan Linzhou smiled and said, “We’ll share in your joy.”
As the wine took effect, Xu Ying went around making toasts. In the end, he was truly a bit drunk. He said to Mu Peixuan, “Ah Xuan, Li Yue isn’t here.”
His eyes were red and watery as he said this. Mu Peixuan’s heart also ached. He said softly, “If Li Yue knew, he would definitely be happy for you too.”
“I know,” Xu Ying said, reaching out to tap the table where Mu Peixuan was sitting, and whispered, “I’ve saved a seat for Li Yue.”
“He should have been here…”
He insisted on leaving a place for Li Yue. This was supposed to be a joyous occasion, and the elders of the Xu family were initially hesitant. But Xu Ying said that without Li Yue, he would have died on the battlefield long ago.
Xu Ying was not a stubborn person, but over the years, he had insisted on only two things: marrying Fang Yuan and leaving a place of honor for Li Yue at his wedding banquet.
Upon hearing this, the elders of the Xu family were silent for a long time and finally let him have his way.
The two men were quiet for a moment. Then Mu Peixuan said, “Come.”
Xu Ying was puzzled, but he watched as Mu Peixuan picked up a flask of wine. Taking advantage of the lively eating and drinking at the banquet, the two men went outside. The silver moon was bright in the sky, and stars filled the heavens, hinting that tomorrow would be a beautiful day.
Mu Peixuan said, “Let’s toast Li Yue.”
Xu Ying understood and nodded heavily. Under the moonlight that filled the courtyard, amidst the faint sounds of joyous music and laughter, the two men silently raised a cup of wine to the person who was already far away.
The wine poured onto the ground, a fragrant and pure liquid. The lanterns swayed, and the wine spread out, leaving a damp trail, as if it were a distant congratulation from a departed friend.
The two men only stood outside for a short while before someone came looking for them. Mu Peixuan patted Xu Ying’s shoulder, and Xu Ying roughly rubbed his cheeks before cheerfully rejoining the crowd as usual.
After the wedding banquet, even though Mu Peixuan had restrained himself quite a bit, he had still drunk a lot and was covered in the smell of alcohol.
The two returned in a carriage. Mu Peixuan was very well-behaved and quiet after drinking, simply holding onto Duan Linzhou tightly, burying his chin in his shoulder and the hollow of his neck.
Duan Linzhou was in poor health, and with Mu Peixuan watching over him, no one dared to force him to drink. He gently stroked Mu Peixuan’s back and said, “When I came out, I had Liu Guang tell the kitchen to prepare sobering-up soup. Drink it when we get back, and you’ll feel better. Just bear with it a little longer.”
Mu Peixuan said, “Duan Linzhou.”
Duan Linzhou: “Hmm?”
“Today Xu Ying got married,” Mu Peixuan said. “I’m very happy.”
Duan Linzhou chuckled and said, “I know.”
“It’s a pity…” The words reached his lips, but Mu Peixuan didn’t continue. There was no need to say things that would only add to the melancholy. The wind lifted the curtain of the carriage window, and clusters of fireworks exploded in the sky. Mu Peixuan suddenly raised his voice slightly, “Stop the carriage.”
The coachman hurriedly pulled on the reins, calling out, “Your Highness?”
Mu Peixuan took Duan Linzhou’s hand and got out of the carriage. It was stopped on a bridge, with the sound of flowing water below. Amidst the lights of countless homes, someone was setting off fireworks, shooting like meteors into the dark night sky, extraordinarily brilliant.
Duan Linzhou murmured, “Such beautiful fireworks.”
Mu Peixuan hummed softly in agreement. The two stood by the bridge, watching the fireworks in the sky, falling and rising again, dazzlingly colorful.
Mu Peixuan watched the fireworks, then turned to look at Duan Linzhou. The darkness of the sky made his skin appear even whiter. Mu Peixuan couldn’t help but lower his head and kiss him. Duan Linzhou was slightly taken aback and turned his head. Before he could speak, Mu Peixuan had already pecked him on the lips, saying, “Duan Linzhou, I love you.”
With one hand holding Duan Linzhou’s shoulder and the other gently brushing aside his hair, he called out Duan Linzhou’s name softly before leaning down to kiss him again. This was no longer a fleeting touch, but lips pressed against lips, tongues entwined, the scent of wine filling their mouths, intoxicatingly sweet.
Duan Linzhou’s fingers grew weak from the passionate kiss, almost losing his grip on the hand warmer. He panted softly, unwilling to break the embrace. The two kissed by the bridge for a long time, their lips still burning when they finally returned.
Back at the mansion, servants brought sobering-up soup and prepared hot water for their bath. Whether it was because of the lively wedding or the kiss under the fireworks that surpassed any beautiful scenery, the two of them ended up squeezed into the same bathtub.
They often bathed together, especially when Duan Linzhou was ill, and Mu Peixuan would always bathe him.
The hot water steamed, a white, misty, and humid film clinging to their bare skin. Mu Peixuan’s cheeks were redder than usual from the wine. Duan Linzhou gently wiped his cheek and asked, “Do you feel more comfortable now?”
Mu Peixuan responded with a hoarse “en,” his gaze fixed on Duan Linzhou’s lips. The lip rouge he had applied earlier had been completely eaten away by Mu Peixuan on the bridge, revealing a moist, watery sheen. His gaze was so intense and direct that Duan Linzhou’s lips seemed to tingle. He glanced at Mu Peixuan and simply covered his eyes with his palm.
Mu Peixuan was very obedient. When Duan Linzhou covered his eyes, he closed them and leaned his whole body against the edge of the bathtub.
Duan Linzhou said, “Why is your gaze so fierce? Like you want to devour people, hmm?”
The corners of Mu Peixuan’s mouth curved upward in a relaxed and contented smile, with a hint of youthful charm that made Duan Linzhou’s heart itch. He leaned in and nibbled at Mu Peixuan’s lips. Mu Peixuan tightened his arms around Duan Linzhou’s waist, pulling him down until he was sitting on his lap. Their skin pressed together, and Duan Linzhou suddenly realized that Mu Peixuan’s body was burning hot. Duan Linzhou was startled and reached out to touch Mu Peixuan’s forehead, saying, “…Why are you so hot? Do you have a fever?”
Mu Peixuan’s gaze remained fixed on Duan Linzhou. He shook his head, his voice hoarse and thick with a sticky, humid desire, and said, “Duan Linzhou, I think… I’ve entered my rut.”
