Chapter 47: A Sister’s Misjudgment

Wei Lan lay sprawled on the bed, resting for a good long while.

Lu Zijin rested against her chest.

Although she had taken the initiative just now, she had also been stirred up by Wei Lan’s pheromones.

 

But she had been holding in her anger, wanting to ask about the jade plaque, and had held on until now.

Now, Lu Zijin was also tired, so she simply leaned against Wei Lan to rest.

 

She rested her cheek on Wei Lan’s shoulder, playing with the little dog jade plaque around Wei Lan’s neck.

She looked at the little dog, then at Wei Lan’s face, and then laughed, nestled in Wei Lan’s arms.

 

Wei Lan naturally noticed Lu Zijin’s movements.

She hugged Lu Zijin and nuzzled her.

“Wife is bullying me again.”

“No.

I just think you’re cute.

This little dog really does look like you.

Did you carve it to look like yourself?”

Lu Zijin smiled and kissed Wei Lan’s swollen lips.

“Not at all.”

Wei Lan, humming and whining, tightened her arms around Lu Zijin in her embrace.

Then her stomach growled loudly.

 

She hadn’t noticed it when her wife was teasing her just now, but now that they had stopped, Wei Lan felt her stomach was completely empty.

She was so hungry she could eat a whole cow.

Wei Lan thought it might be because her pheromones had been completely depleted, which was why she was especially hungry.

 

She reached out and tugged at Lu Zijin’s sleeve, looking at her pitifully.

“Wife, I’m hungry.”

 

Lu Zijin reached out and pinched Wei Lan’s cheek.

“Alright.

Let me lean on you for a bit, and then we’ll get up and eat.”

“Mm.”

Wei Lan obediently agreed, hugging Lu Zijin and taking a few deep breaths.

Her wife was really good to her, releasing white sandalwood scent to soothe her.

Wei Lan held Lu Zijin and took deep breaths from time to time.

 

Seeing how obedient her little Qiankun was, Lu Zijin smiled and leaned down to leave a few little hickeys on her fair neck.

Wei Lan just lay there and took it, showing no sign of resistance at all.

 

Lu Zijin made a few hickeys, then lifted herself up slightly.

She looked at her handiwork and felt very satisfied.

Wei Lan’s body should be covered with her marks.

 

Lu Zijin got up and stretched, put on her outer dress, and then got out of bed to open the door.

“Go prepare the meal.”

Lu Zijin instructed.

 

Qianxue immediately acknowledged.

After a moment’s thought, she asked, “Young lady, Miss Wei Qing also hasn’t eaten.

Should we invite her to join you, or…”

“Not convenient today.

Have her meal sent to her room separately.”

Lu Zijin thought of the little hickeys on Wei Lan’s neck and felt it was better not to have Wei Qing come over.

“Yes.”

 

Qianxue acknowledged and then went to find Wei Qing.

She knocked on the door and, receiving a response, said, “Miss Wei Qing, our young lady will be dining with the master, so we’ll send your meal to you.

Would it be alright for you to eat in your room today?”

 

Wei Qing’s eyes were still red.

She wanted to go see her sister, but was afraid that if she rushed over impulsively, she might cause her sister trouble.

She sniffled and replied, “That’s fine.”

“Then this servant will go make the arrangements.”

Qianxue bowed and sent a young maidservant to the small kitchen.

 

Soon, the dishes were brought in one by one.

 

Wei Lan rolled around in bed a couple of times before finally getting up.

She stood up, but her steps were unsteady.

Lu Zijin quickly went over to help her.

“Careful.

Stand still.

I’ll help you dress.”

 

Wei Lan reached out and wrapped her arms around Lu Zijin’s waist, pressing her cheek against Lu Zijin’s chest, acting spoiled.

 

Lu Zijin reached out and pinched her cheek, smiling.

“Be good.

You can hug me as much as you want later.”

 

Wei Lan looked up at Lu Zijin, then let go when she saw the maidservants bringing in the dinner dishes.

 

The corners of Lu Zijin’s mouth held a smile as she draped Wei Lan’s outer dress over her.

“Stick out your arms.”

 

Wei Lan obeyed.

Lu Zijin tied the garment sashes, then wrapped her arm around Wei Lan’s waist and fastened her belt.

 

Wei Lan just stood there, looking at Lu Zijin with pleading eyes, extremely obedient.

 

Lu Zijin looked up and met Wei Lan’s puppy-dog eyes.

The smile on her lips grew even wider.

She reached out and smoothed the wrinkles on Wei Lan’s chest, then placed the ‘little dog’ plaque right in the center.

 

She herself found it incredible.

She never thought she would one day be so gentle, fussing over a Qiankun like this.

After all, she used to despise Qiankuns.

“There.

Let’s go eat.”

Lu Zijin took Wei Lan’s hand and led her to the round table.

 

The dishes were brought out one after another.

Wei Lan saw the food on the table, and her stomach growled even louder.

“Wife, I’m going to eat now.

I’m too hungry.”

Without waiting for Lu Zijin to reply, Wei Lan had already grabbed a large chicken leg and started eating ravenously.

 

Lu Zijin, afraid she might choke, quickly ladled out a bowl of chicken soup and placed it beside Wei Lan’s hand.

Wei Lan, while eating, still remembered to thank her.

“Thank you, wife.”

“No need.

Eat slowly.

I’m not going to take it from you.”

Lu Zijin was amused by her famished appearance.

 

Compared to Wei Lan, Lu Zijin ate much more elegantly, unhurriedly.

But she had eaten out at noon and hadn’t eaten much, so now she was also hungry and ate a fair amount.

 

Wei Lan, even more so, ate non-stop.

By the time she finished, there was hardly anything left on the table, and most of it had been eaten by Wei Lan herself.

 

Lu Zijin smiled at Wei Lan.

“Are you full?”

“Mm-hmm, I’m full.

A bit too full.

I want to walk around the courtyard.”

Wei Lan stood up.

Her energy seemed to have recovered quite a bit.

Afraid that not digesting her food might keep her from sleeping, Wei Lan decided to get up and walk a few laps outside.

“Okay.

I’ll go with you.”

Lu Zijin had the maidservants tidy up the bedroom while she accompanied Wei Lan for a stroll in the courtyard.

 

With the masters outside, the servant boys lit torches and lanterns.

The entire Fuqu Pavilion was illuminated as bright as day.

 

Wei Lan once again felt the power of money.

Only her wife, with her superpower of wealth, would be willing to light so many lamps.

 

Wei Lan reached out and took Lu Zijin’s hand, shaking it from time to time.

 

Lu Zijin didn’t stop her, her eyes smiling as she watched her little Qiankun’s somewhat childish behavior.

She actually felt quite happy.

 

Whenever she was with Wei Lan, Lu Zijin didn’t feel as tired.

The day’s endless matters faded from her mind, leaving only Wei Lan.

 

The two walked slowly, since walking too fast after a meal was bad for digestion.

 

After a while, Wei Qing seemed to hear the commotion outside.

She hadn’t touched the food on her table, constantly worrying whether her sister was being bullied.

Now, hearing the noise, the young girl carefully stood up.

 

She opened the door and peeked outside.

She saw the courtyard lit up with torches and lanterns as if they cost nothing, and her sister seemed to be taking a walk, holding Miss Lu’s hand.

 

Wei Qing struggled for a long time, then gritted her teeth and decided to go out and see.

If Miss Lu was really forcing her sister to be a dog, then no matter what, she couldn’t stay in the Lu residence any longer.

Her sister had sacrificed too much for her.

 

Thinking this, Wei Qing finally mustered her courage.

She opened the door and walked towards Wei Lan.

 

Wei Lan, holding Lu Zijin’s hand and swinging it back and forth, looked at their shadows on the ground and smiled.

 

Lu Zijin saw her smiling to herself and asked, “What are you smiling at?”

 

Wei Lan swung their joined hands again.

“Nothing.

I’m just happy.”

 

Lu Zijin smiled back at her, reaching out to firmly hold Wei Lan’s hand in return.

 

Since coming to this world, Wei Lan had never felt very grounded.

Or rather, she had rarely felt this grounded even in her original world.

She had no family, very few friends.

Only when she was accompanied by jade every day did she feel like she was a real person in this world.

 

But now it was different.

Since being with Lu Zijin, Wei Lan felt her life had gained so much color.

Whenever she saw Lu Zijin, she felt happy.

 

Just as Wei Lan was lost in thought, she saw Wei Qing walking towards her from not far away.

 

Wei Lan was stunned for a moment and asked, “Why are you here?

Have you eaten dinner?”

 

Wei Qing shook her head.

Her gaze fell on her sister, and seeing that she seemed alright, she relaxed a little.

But when she saw Wei Lan’s neck, Wei Qing’s eyes reddened.

There were so many spots on her sister’s neck.

Had Miss Lu done that to her?

 

Wei Qing gritted her teeth and asked, “Sis, are you okay?”

“I’m fine.

Everything’s good.

I just ate too much, so I’m out for a walk.

Go back and eat.

It’s already dark.”

Wei Lan said with a smile, rubbing her stomach.

She felt that walking around really made her feel much better.

 

But in Wei Qing’s eyes, all of Wei Lan’s actions were just putting on a brave face.

Her sister must have endured humiliation in the room just so Miss Lu would let her stay.

Thinking this, Wei Qing felt even more like crying.

She looked at Lu Zijin, wanting to say something, but was afraid that if she spoke, her sister would be tormented even worse.

So Wei Qing held it in.

 

Lu Zijin was also looking at Wei Qing.

Seeing the young girl’s somewhat hostile gaze, Lu Zijin felt utterly bewildered.

She had barely exchanged a few words with Wei Qing.

Why was Wei Qing looking at her with hostility?

“Go back now.

We’re going to bed too.”

Wei Lan waved at Wei Qing, signaling her to go back and eat, then took Lu Zijin’s hand and led her towards the bedroom.

 

Lu Zijin reached out and poked Wei Lan.

Wei Lan turned her head to look at her and asked, “What’s wrong?”

“I get the feeling your sister doesn’t like me very much.

The way she looks at me seems hostile.”

Lu Zijin said.

“That can’t be right.

Maybe she misunderstood something.

I’ll explain it to her myself tomorrow.

Come on, wife, let’s go back and rest.

I’m sleepy.”

Wei Lan shook Lu Zijin’s hand, her eyes shining brightly as she looked at her.

“Okay.”

Lu Zijin reached out and tapped Wei Lan’s nose, then was led back by her.

 

After returning, Wei Lan quickly took off her dress and got into bed to wait for Lu Zijin.

Her eyes were fixed on Lu Zijin.

 

Lu Zijin knew Wei Lan was watching her.

The corners of her mouth lifted, and she slowed down her movements in undoing her garment sashes, deliberately taking them off slowly for Wei Lan to see.

 

Wei Lan’s puppy-dog eyes were wide open, watching Lu Zijin with burning intensity.

Her wife was so beautiful.

Even the way she undressed was beautiful.

 

Lu Zijin’s gaze met Wei Lan’s.

She smiled faintly.

“You’ve been watching me all night.

Still not had enough?”

“My wife is beautiful.”

Wei Lan reached out and hooked Lu Zijin’s finger, pulling her towards herself.

 

Seeing how clingy Wei Lan was, the corners of Lu Zijin’s mouth held a smile as she got into bed.

She leaned down and kissed Wei Lan’s lips, but didn’t do anything else.

Wei Lan’s gland opening had been played with until no pheromones remained.

She was afraid that if she continued, Wei Lan’s body might not be able to handle it.

 

Lu Zijin found a comfortable position in Wei Lan’s arms, leaned against her chest, and prepared to sleep.

 

Wei Lan wrapped her arms around Lu Zijin’s waist.

She had originally wanted to kiss Lu Zijin a few more times, but seeing that her wife seemed tired, Wei Lan didn’t make a sound to disturb her.

The two held each other and soon fell asleep.

 

On the other side, after returning, Wei Qing only ate a little bit, and not even properly.

She decided that she would get up early tomorrow to embroider more pouches to sell, so she could lighten her sister’s burden.

 

The next morning, Lu Zijin still got up very early.

She still had a lot to do today.

When she got up, Wei Lan was still sound asleep.

She gently kissed the corner of Wei Lan’s lips, then got up to wash.

She had breakfast prepared in the guest room so as not to disturb Wei Lan.

After all, her little Qiankun’s pheromones had all been played away yesterday; she needed a good rest today.

 

When Wei Lan woke up, sure enough, the sun was already high in the sky, almost noon.

She sighed.

She still hadn’t finished her set of twelve zodiac plaques.

She needed to hurry, otherwise, when would she ever save up her private savings again?

 

Thinking this, Wei Lan got up.

She washed up, and while she was eating breakfast, Wei Qing came over.

 

Wei Lan smiled at her and asked, “Have you had breakfast?”

“Yes.”

Wei Qing looked around.

The door to Wei Lan’s bedroom was open.

Wei Qing walked over and closed it.

 

Wei Lan was stunned for a moment, swallowed the pork rib congee in her mouth, and then asked, “What’s wrong?

Why all the secrecy?”

 

But Wei Qing’s eyes were red.

She moved a round stool and sat next to Wei Lan, asking, “Sis, tell me the truth.

Did Miss Lu bully you last night?”

 

Wei Lan was utterly confused by the question.

She and Lu Zijin had had a lot of fun in bed last night.

When had Lu Zijin bullied her?

“No.

We’re fine.

Didn’t you see last night?

My wife and I were even taking a walk in the courtyard to digest our food.”

After answering her sister, Wei Lan didn’t forget to eat another small bun.

 

Wei Qing, however, was about to cry.

“Sis, even now, you’re still hiding it from me?”

“Hiding what?

What am I hiding from you?”

Wei Lan was baffled by Wei Qing’s behavior.

She had been telling the truth.

Although her pheromones had been played away by her wife, she had also been made to feel quite comfortable.

“Did Miss Lu force you to be a dog… so that I could stay here?”

Wei Qing couldn’t finish the rest of her sentence.

She sniffled and burst into tears.

 

Wei Lan was also stunned.

No, how did Wei Qing know about her being a dog?

 

Wei Lan quickly shook her head.

That wasn’t the main point.

Being a dog was just her and Lu Zijin’s bedroom fun.

Lu Zijin didn’t actually want her to be a real dog.

But this was a bit hard to explain to Wei Qing.

 

Wei Lan thought for a moment and quickly comforted her.

“It’s not what you think.

That was just the two of us playing around in bed.

When you grow up and get married and have your own Qiankun, you’ll understand.

Those words are just wife-wife fun.

But how did you find out?”

 

Wei Qing sniffled, wiped her tears with her sleeve, and then said, “Last night, I wanted to come find you to have dinner together, and I heard the sounds from your bedroom.

You said you would be Miss Lu’s dog, and… and…”

 

Wei Qing really couldn’t go on.

Even though Wei Lan was usually calm, she was a bit unsettled now.

No, the young girl’s hearing was really good, to have heard all that?

“Those were just private words between the two of us.

Don’t take them seriously.

Let them go in one ear and out the other.

They’re not for a young girl like you to hear.”

As she spoke, Wei Lan took a cloth and wiped Wei Qing’s tears.

She smiled.

“Don’t worry too much.

My wife is really good to me, and I’m not being forced.

You just stay here obediently.”

“Really?”

The young girl still didn’t quite believe it.

 

Wei Lan nodded firmly.

“Really.

Alright, I’m going to eat my breakfast now.

I can’t explain any more to you.”

 

With that, Wei Lan ate ravenously again.

She couldn’t believe it.

The fact that she was her wife’s little dog had been discovered by Wei Qing.

How embarrassing.

 

Wei Lan straightened the ‘little dog’ plaque on her chest and continued eating her pork rib congee.

 

***

 

Lu Zijin was currently sitting in the study, handling matters sent from various places.

The sound of a guard came from outside.

“Miss Qianxue, three Qiankuns have arrived at the gate.

They say they were recommended to work as guards in the residence.

Would you like to announce them to the young lady?”

A guard asked at the door.

“Alright.

I’ll go tell the young lady.

Wait here for a moment.”

Qianxue said, then gently knocked on the study door.

“Enter.”

Lu Zijin didn’t even lift her eyes.

“Young lady, it seems the guards have arrived.”

Qianxue said, though she didn’t say it explicitly.

 

Lu Zijin was stunned for a moment, then looked up and asked, “People from the north?”

“Yes.”

“Hurry, bring them in.”

Lu Zijin quickly said.

“Yes.”

Qianxue immediately went out and told the guard to bring the three to Jingchen Courtyard.

 

About a quarter of an hour later, the three finally arrived at Jingchen Courtyard.

Qianxue looked at them; they were all female Qiankuns.

She said, “The three of you, come with me to see the young lady.”

“Yes.”

The three immediately cupped their hands in acknowledgment.

 

The three followed behind Qianxue, very efficiently, and entered the study.

“Subordinates greet the young lady.”

The three bowed to Lu Zijin in unison, kneeling before her.

 

Lu Zijin quickly said, “All of you, rise.

The residence is not like your place.

No need for such a grand bow.

You’ve worked hard on the journey.”

“Not at all.

It’s what we should do.”

The lead female Qiankun replied with cupped hands.

“What are your names?”

Lu Zijin asked.

“This subordinate is named Hang Shuyao.”

The tallest female Qiankun, standing in the middle, spoke.

She was dressed in a black dress, holding a completely black sword, and cupped her hands to Lu Zijin.

“This subordinate is named Meng Bai.”

The younger one on the left said.

She looked quite young, but perhaps due to years of living in the military, her movements were very efficient.

However, Lu Zijin didn’t see her weapon.

“This subordinate is Xi Ye.

I will follow the young lady’s arrangements from now on.”

Xi Ye carried on her back a large ring-pommel sword that seemed mismatched with her body type.

The sword looked large and heavy, yet Xi Ye’s features were very delicate.

Lu Zijin found it hard to imagine what Xi Ye would look like wielding this large sword.

 

Lu Zijin nodded at the three.

After the last incident, everyone in the residence had become obedient.

Including Qianxue, she had kept four shadow guards by her side.

The remaining six were scattered throughout the Lu residence.

The residence should be very safe.

 

However, she had recently secured the royal merchant contract and incurred the jealousy of many.

She should also make some arrangements on the surface.

 

She thought for a moment and then said, “Hang Shuyao will serve as the head of guards.

From now on, the security of the residence is entrusted to you.”

“Yes, this subordinate will do her utmost.”

Hang Shuyao bowed and said.

 

Lu Zijin’s gaze then fell on Meng Bai and Xi Ye.

“Meng Bai, you will stay by my side during the day to protect me.

As for Xi Ye, you will live in Fuqu Pavilion and protect the master there.”

 

The two acknowledged one after another.

These three were all Fan Chuan’s people, so Lu Zijin had complete confidence in them.

“Qianxue, first take them to their lodgings, then go to the accounts office to advance them one month’s salary.”

Lu Zijin continued to arrange.

“Yes, this servant will go now.”

The remaining matters would be handled properly by Qianxue, so Lu Zijin didn’t need to worry further.

 

Meng Bai was to protect Lu Zijin, so Qianxue directly arranged her lodging in Jingchen Courtyard.

Hang Shuyao was arranged to stay in the head of guards’ room.

As for Xi Ye, Qianxue took her to Fuqu Pavilion.

 

Wei Lan was still eating at the time.

Li Zhufeng went in to report that Qianxue had arrived.

 

Wei Lan told her to have them come in.

“Master.”

Qianxue and Xi Ye bowed to Wei Lan.

“Master, this is a new guard in the residence.

The young lady sent her specifically to protect you.”

Qianxue explained.

“This subordinate is Xi Ye.

I am at your service, master.”

Xi Ye bowed with cupped hands.

 

Wei Lan looked at the large, exaggerated ring-pommel sword on her back and smiled, nodding.

“Matron Li.”

 

Wei Lan called out, and Li Zhufeng immediately trotted into the bedroom.

“What are your orders, master?”

“Arrange a place for Xi Ye to stay.

From now on, she will be my personal guard.”

Wei Lan said.

“Very well.

This old servant will arrange it right away.”

As she spoke, she said to Xi Ye, “Miss, please follow me.”

 

Wei Lan didn’t pay much attention to gaining a guard in her courtyard.

But having someone with martial arts skills by her side did make her safer.

 

After breakfast, it was already noon.

Wei Lan wasn’t sleepy, so she simply changed her clothes and went to her workshop to continue carving the zodiac plaques.

 

***

 

On the other side, Lu Zijin had just finished eating.

Next month, the court would come to purchase the cloth.

These days, the dyeing workshops were working overtime to weave and dye, afraid of missing the deadline.

This was also Lu Zijin’s biggest worry, which was why she kept going to the workshops below to inspect, ensuring that the cloth was flawless.

 

But just as Lu Zijin was eating, a commotion came from outside.

“Bad news!

Bad news!”

“What’s the rush?

Watch out, don’t disturb the young lady.”

Qianxue scolded.

 

The newcomer was a worker from the dyeing workshop.

He rushed into the courtyard in a frantic hurry.

“I have urgent news for the young lady.

The dyeing workshop is on fire.”

 

Lu Zijin heard the commotion, her brow furrowing.

She stood up and said, “Bring him in.”

 

The servant boy came in and knelt directly on the ground.

“Young lady, bad news!

Our dyeing workshop suddenly caught fire at noon.

Most of the workers were eating at the time.

By the time we noticed, it was too late.

The cloth in the warehouse has all burned.”

“What?”

Lu Zijin’s expression turned completely cold.

What she had feared most was not being able to deliver the cloth on time.

 

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