High-class Spring Joy

Which...which one?

Mango didn't understand. Grape was too close to her; that face was right in front of her, practically touching.

No matter how many times Mango looks at it, she is still drawn to the face in front of her.

The grapes in front of me, their lips opening and closing.

For some reason, Mango couldn't control her thoughts, and the rough friction on the back of her hand felt like electric currents, making her hand very itchy.

It felt like something was pulling Mango's thoughts little by little, uncontrollably leading them in some inexplicable direction.

Mango heard Grape's deep voice in her ear and felt a vague, unsettling touch on the back of her hand. Mango was enveloped by Grape's unique aura.

His hands were so hot; his large palms seemed to have thin calluses…

That face is really beautiful.

This person has a pleasant voice, Third Young Master. Just as they said, apart from being blind, he seems to have no flaws whatsoever. It's as if he's too perfect, and even Heaven couldn't stand it, so it had to give him some imperfections.

Mango's thoughts were drawn back to that night. At first, when he saw Grape come out of the prison in the Marquis's mansion, he thought about it, but afterwards he kept suppressing himself and controlling himself, determined not to think about that time, let alone that night.

But on the night the Third Young Master was injured and fell into a coma, Mango couldn't help but recall the whole thing, leaving out no detail, remembering the scenes that even she herself was afraid of, and the scenes that she herself felt were too out of control.

When Mango left, she covered the Third Young Master with that pure white veil, and the only thought in her mind was—

How can someone be so good-looking even when they're not saying a word?

But this person, who was so good-looking and wonderful in every way, not only suffered eye injuries due to the injustice of fate, but also died young.

Seeing that Mango remained silent for a long time, it seemed as if she hadn't heard or hadn't reacted.

Grape paused, unsure of the mango's reaction.

Perhaps he spoke too quickly, or perhaps he spoke a bit abruptly, after all, Mango had just come from the Zhenguo Marquis's residence.

Although Mango may not have Apple in her heart, it doesn't mean that Mango can have room for another person in her heart right now.

Grape quickly realized that he might have been too hasty. According to Zheji's words, this matter should not be rushed.

He curved his lips into a smile and chuckled, "Just kidding. How could you be so easily frightened by a casual remark from me? Where did your courage go before? Facing bandits, so many fierce-looking bandits wielding broadswords, who was it that bravely rushed forward to protect Princess Jing'an and the Empress Dowager in that situation? Wasn't it this girl in front of me? Why are you so timid now? You're home alone, and you know men in black are coming and going from your house, yet you don't report it to the authorities. You even dare to stake out the place at night, expecting to protect yourself with just a stick when a sack is thrown over your head? Guoguo, Guoguo, I really don't know whether to call you smart or stupid, timid or brave?"

Grape's words were full of helplessness, with a hint of teasing, but mostly affection.

Mango only realized what was happening when she heard Grape's soft laughter. She instinctively tried to hide behind her, but she forgot that there was a cold wall behind her. Where could she hide?

The mango blushed involuntarily as Grape's teasing voice, deep and pleasant, filled her ears.

Mango felt a little embarrassed. Although she had only worked as a maid in the Marquis's mansion and rarely had any issues with face, she always seemed to be more relaxed and thick-skinned in front of the Third Young Master.

Upon hearing the mocking tone in the Third Young Master's words, Mango immediately became somewhat embarrassed and angry: "Young Master, how dare you ask? This servant would like to ask what exactly you mean? And why are you here today, Young Master? Those two men in black from the other day couldn't have been you, could they? They definitely couldn't be... those two men in black from the other day..."

Mango was about to say that the two men in black had normal eyesight. Although they used martial arts when they entered and left the house, it was obvious that they could see them. Even someone as skilled as the Third Young Master couldn't be so precise as to not make a sound in such a situation.

But when the topic turned to the eyes, Mango felt a pang of guilt and subconsciously skipped over her previous question, saying instead, "Who were those two men in black? Why did they send so many things to me? Things like rice, flour, and cooking oil—I can buy them myself, so don't worry about it, young master. I can also buy meat and vegetables myself, so you don't need to worry. As for chopping wood and carrying water, although I'm not as strong as a man, I can manage on my own, it'll just take a little longer. There's really no need for you to do it. These are just small things. Although they might be tiring, I live alone now, so my needs are certainly minimal. How much can I eat? How much firewood can I use? How much water can I drink? You really don't need to worry, especially since you're injured yourself. As for why you say I'm both brave and timid, shouldn't you ask me that? Even if you're just being kind-hearted..." If you wanted to send me, a commoner who has temporarily lost my livelihood, some necessities for survival, then why did you send men in black? Why were you afraid they would come at night? And why go through the back door? If you didn't want me to find out, why didn't you just have someone bring two bags of rice and two bags of flour to me? You sent men in black, and they broke into my house in the dead of night. I'm just a helpless girl; how could I not be afraid? How could I not be worried? Don't you think it would be a lie to say you weren't afraid or worried? Furthermore, although I am worried and afraid, without concrete evidence, how can I casually run to the government office to file a complaint? If the petition drum and the grievance drum are sounded, and when I go to court and the magistrate asks me what happened, I tell him, but I can't produce any evidence. What should I do then? I'll be accused of playing a joke in court, a serious crime! So my original idea was just to find some evidence and then report it to the authorities. Who knew that the sack I put on my head wouldn't be those two sneaky men in black, but rather you, Third Young Master?

Mango was spouting off with great conviction, displaying a stubbornness despite her lack of reason. Her little mouth kept chattering away, and she hadn't stopped since.

Mango himself didn't realize that he would become like this in front of Grape, making no attempt to hide his true self, acting somewhat unreasonable and argumentative, and even a bit arrogant, so arrogant that he didn't care much about his status.

If it were any other young masters or ladies, how could Mango dare to speak to them like that? Forget about daring, she would certainly be extremely courteous.

Mango herself didn't realize this, but Grape listened to Mango's incessant chatter, which even seemed to be a way of trying to maintain her self-esteem, without feeling any discomfort or aversion.

Grape, on the other hand, didn't notice the slight smile playing on her lips.

Before Mango could finish speaking, she suddenly felt a sharp pain on her forehead, as the Third Young Master had tapped her again. Mango instinctively complained, "Ouch... Young Master, could you be gentler?"

Mango pouted, her tone revealing a grievance she herself didn't realize: "I know the Third Young Master wants revenge, but no matter what, I'm still a young lady, and it wasn't a big mistake. A symbolic slap would have been enough, why did you have to use so much force? It really hurt. You hit me once and then hit me a second time. And you said you weren't angry with me, but you're clearly angry that I didn't go to the Marquis's mansion to see you. So you think I'm ungrateful."

Grape didn't interrupt Mango this time, nor did he do anything to make Mango stop. It was because listening to Mango's constant talking didn't bother him; instead, it made him feel calm and at ease.

Grape couldn't help but recall when she first returned to the Marquis's mansion and met Mango. Back then, the little girl would tremble with nervousness if he fumigated her with moxa.

The next time they met, he had lost the handkerchief he had left behind that night—the light blue one with green rice seedlings embroidered on it.

That day, she stumbled upon it by chance, and perhaps because it belonged to him, she felt so justified in wanting to take it back, even to the point of daring to lie to him, the Third Young Master, on the spot.

Because Mango didn't want to admit that he was that person at that time, it was this blind man who finally figured out that the light blue silk handkerchief was not some weed or wildflower, but a green rice seedling.

It was also because Mango had righteously denied finding the handkerchief, yet she dared to lie to him, the Third Young Master.

Just half a day ago, when I was fumigating him with moxibustion, he was so scared and extremely nervous.

Grape realized at that time that the little girl was far from being as timid as she appeared, nor was she as gentle and easygoing as she seemed.

On the contrary, its gentleness and casualness make the grapes feel like a layer of mist surrounding the mango, a completely misleading mist.

Look?

These days, the girls who will relentlessly criticize him, get angry and fuming, and spout nonsense just to protect their little bit of dignity are the real Mango, aren't they?

She is much more lively and energetic than the little girl in the Marquis's mansion.

Grape liked listening to her talk like that, and felt embarrassed by her arrogant manner, but had to speak shamelessly.

Even my fifth brother might not have seen a mango like this before.

Mango went on and on, spouting all sorts of fallacies and fallacies, but in the end, she just smiled at the grapes in front of her without saying a word. The more she talked, the less confident she became, and the softer her voice grew.

Finally, Mango blurted out something completely unrelated: "Young master... are you hungry now? Perhaps I should make something for you to eat?"

Mango's words were strange. It was already late at night, the middle of the night. Normal people wouldn't eat at this hour.

Mango was just making conversation to change the subject.

"Chu Jingyu's people?"

Little did she know, Qingyuan's chin was suddenly and gently pinched and lifted.

Rough, hot fingertips caressed her face, from her chin to her lips, nose, and then to her cheeks and forehead, giving Qingyuan goosebumps.

Even though he couldn't see her, his fingertips licked her like a snake's tongue, easily scrutinizing her entire being.

Qingyuan tensed up completely, her blood seemed to freeze, and she didn't dare to breathe.

Chu Jingxian seemed to sense her nervousness and chuckled, "You seem... afraid of me?"

Qingyuan froze completely.

I'm scared, I'm so scared!

One wrong move and you're torn to pieces. Who else are you afraid of but him?!

The deathly silent prison cell was shattered by the woman's sweet voice.

After Qingyuan finished speaking, she dared not look at the tall and slender figure.

Chu Jingxian thought there was something wrong with his ears, which he was so proud of, and that he had misheard.

Unexpectedly, that charming voice rang out again: "Please, young master, please give me a child!"

Chu Jingxian frowned in annoyance, still ignoring the owner of the voice.

Another woman sent in by the Marquis's mansion to carry on the family line!

Did he really think Chu Jingxian was going to die here?

This is utterly absurd!

He assumed she would send the same things as before, and realizing he had made a fool of himself, he left dejectedly.

Unfortunately, the one sent in this time seems to be incredibly stubborn.

For every moment he remained silent, she would repeat that sentence as many times as he remained silent.

He's really stubborn.

The figure in the corner remained unresponsive.

Qingyuan remembered that the nanny had said she could get a hundred taels of silver, and she was unwilling to give up easily. She looked up at the man and said, "I just turned 18 this year. Although I come from a humble background, I am absolutely virgin. Before I came, the nanny had a doctor take my pulse. I am healthy and have no hidden illnesses... I have also learned a lot of ways to serve men... Please, young master..."

Chu Jingxian frowned even more deeply. After a moment's pause, his voice was low, hoarse, and cold: "How much money did the Marquis's mansion give you?"

What could possibly make a young, innocent woman so devoted to begging him to have a death row inmate carry on her family line?

Silence fell before her, and she remained silent for a long time, as if she were feeling guilty and nervous, or perhaps frightened by his agitation.

Chu Jingxian snorted coldly, his tone mocking: "One hundred taels? One thousand taels? Or ten thousand taels?!"

He thought the woman would be scared away by his barbed and irritating words, but she only remained silent for a moment…

There was a soft rustling sound, followed by a "thud," which sounded like a heavy object hitting the ground.

"This money may not mean much to you, young master, but I really need it. Please, young master, give me a chance. Please grant my request!"

It was still the familiar female voice, but it was mixed with sobs that hadn't been there before. She seemed to be trembling uncontrollably as she spoke, due to her emotional excitement and nervousness.

This emotion is very similar to that of the refugees who, when Chu Jingxian went to provide relief to the disaster victims, had lost their families and had no hope of survival, and could only kneel at people's feet begging for alms. The same despair, the same urgency, the same sincerity.

Chu Jingxian never considered himself a soft-hearted person, but the woman's soft, trembling sobs sounded like a newborn kitten scratching at his heart with its tiny paws.

Chu Jingxian was annoyed by her crying.

Qingyuan was truly at her wit's end and was about to try again when that low, husky voice exploded in her ear:

"come over!"

Qingyuan immediately stopped crying and rushed forward, and he came into full view of her.

His face was pale and handsome, with deep features, a high and straight nose, and thick, red lips. His eyes and eyebrows were covered by a long, dark scarf. Even in prison clothes, he could not hide his arrogant and noble temperament.

Yes.

In the Zhenguo Marquis's mansion, the third young master, Chu Jingxian.

The next second, Qingyuan was pulled by the wrist and fell into his arms.

Qingyuan was somewhat flustered, but he had clearly given her a chance, and she wouldn't let it go easily. She reached out to unbutton his clothes.

She had studied it before, but it was her first time, so she was inevitably nervous and made a few mistakes while unbuttoning her clothes.

Chu Jingxian seemed to notice her nervousness and chuckled, "Didn't you say you had studied it?"

"Yes... I learned it from the old lady." Qingyuan couldn't help but blush.

Her hands continued moving downwards until they touched his burning hot abdomen, at which point she subconsciously withdrew them.

Immediately, he grabbed her wrist and said mockingly, "What, scared?"

The man's aggressive aura enveloped her completely, his hot breath brushing against her forehead. Though he was only holding her wrist, it felt as if he had her completely imprisoned, unable to escape.

Qingyuan swallowed nervously.

As if sensing her embarrassment, he, like a hunter teasing his prey, couldn't help but chuckle at her clumsy antics, and a hearty, unrestrained laugh rang out:

You still have a chance to back out.

Qingyuan, her blood boiling from his laughter, felt a surge of anger. She touched his lips with her fingertip and said, "I will never go back on my word."

Her slender arms wrapped around his shoulders like water snakes, and she pressed her ear to his ear, giving him a light kiss...

Chu Jingxian was never a pushover, nor did he possess that much overflowing kindness, but—

She was too soft, too warm, and ultimately, she completely awakened the beast that Chu Jingxian couldn't bear to be seen.

"You wretched girl, orphaned and childless! How dare you steal my jade pendant!"

The peasant woman, Dongxiang, raised a wooden stick, as if to strike the thin, small girl in front of her.

Luo Niannian skillfully and hastily dodged the blow, tears still clinging to her small face.

"I haven't stolen anything all year, I haven't... That's the jade pendant my mother left for me! That's what my mother left for me..."

Every year when she saw her actions, her little face turned pale with fright, and she ran out of the yard as fast as she could.

The area outside was already crowded with villagers who had come to watch the spectacle, and they greeted the crowd with malicious accusations:

"Tsk, only five years old, how come he's already learned to steal? His hands and feet are so dirty. Dongxiang, you have to discipline him properly. He who steals a needle when young will steal gold when old!"

"Yes, how can we raise a child who is so young and already learning to steal, and even talking back and arguing? We're afraid we'll raise an ungrateful wretch."

"In my opinion, like begets like. A rat's child knows how to dig a hole. Her mother was punished by the Ten Thousand Swords Sect and sent to the wilderness for her dishonest deeds, so she can't be any better!"

Every year, her path was blocked. Her small figure endured the pointing and whispering of everyone around her. The scrutinizing gazes and the barrage of words made it seem as if Luo Niannian was a heinous monster.

Tears streamed down her face uncontrollably. The next moment, she was struck on the back with a stick, knocking her to the ground. She winced in pain, crying out, "I didn't! That's mine! It's the jade pendant my mother left for me!"

Dongxiang stood triumphantly in front of her, holding a wooden stick. "Hey, everyone heard that! She herself said it was something her mother gave her. I've raised her for so many years, isn't her mother me? That's mine, and you still say it's not stolen?!"

Dongxiang got angry at Niannian's retorting manner, rolled up her sleeves, chased after her, and raised a wooden stick: "Give me the thing! If you don't give me the thing, I'll beat you to death today!"

The fierce-looking but cowardly Dongxiang was about to attack Niannian when suddenly she emitted an extremely dazzling light, and the terrifying power directly sent the onlookers flying far away.

Dongxiang was particularly badly injured.

This village is located on the edge of the wilderness, desolate and poor. The villagers don't know how to cultivate, and when they were suddenly attacked like this, they were so frightened that they all went back to their homes.

Niannian realized what was happening, placed her little hand on her neck, where a small wooden sword was threaded through a black cotton rope, and sobbed, "Brother..."

She didn't dare go back every year; it wasn't her home. Her body ached terribly, and she couldn't walk far. She could only stop under the old tree at the village entrance and lean against it to catch her breath.

Just then, several children, seeing her disheveled appearance, ran over and laughed, mimicking Dongxiang's earlier words:

"A wild girl without a father or mother! A wild girl without a father or mother! A wild girl without a father or mother!!"

"Nonsense! You're all talking nonsense! I'm not an unwanted child!"

Year after year, he roared angrily, grabbing stones haphazardly and smashing them at them without a care.

She was accurate and hit several children, who were so frightened by her crazy behavior that they turned and ran away.

After everyone left, the world quieted down. Year after year, leaning against the tree, tears streamed down her face uncontrollably, falling to the ground in strings.

Nonsense, they're all talking nonsense!

She has a mother; her mother didn't abandon her on purpose.

Her mother's name was Luo Qing.

Luo Qing was the former sect leader of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect. She was framed by her junior sister, and the disciples she had painstakingly trained all believed her junior sister's words and were convinced that she had ruthlessly stolen the life-saving elixir, causing the death of half of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect's disciples.

Luo Qing was stripped of all her cultivation and exiled to the wilderness. At that time, she was already eight months pregnant. After giving birth to Luo Niannian, her life came to an end.

Before she died, she entrusted Luo Niannian to a passing woodcutter for a reward of one hundred spirit stones. That man was Dongxiang's husband.

The woodcutter treated Luo Niannian well. Although he didn't treat him like his own son, he provided him with plenty of food and clothing. Unfortunately, he was killed by wild beasts three years ago.

From then on, Luo Niannian never ate a full meal again, nor wore a decent piece of clothing.

These were all things that the young man told Nian Nian.

The young man's name is Junwu. He is the spirit of the wooden sword that hangs around Nian Nian's neck, and it was also left to Nian Nian by Luo Qing.

When Luo Qing gave birth to her, Jun Wu wanted to save his mother, but unfortunately, his mother was too badly injured. His sword spirit, which had just begun to develop consciousness, used all its power but to no avail.

It was at that time that he exhausted all his strength, and for the past five years, Junwu has been in a deep sleep for the vast majority of the time.