The charming widow of the Marquis's mansion: The stable boy carries the flag and raises the dra

Luo Hanyi sat in the main seat, looked at Wang Long, and nodded slightly.

"Wang Long".

"This old servant is here."

"You have made an invaluable contribution to the Marquis's family's victory today, and I will reward you handsomely."

She raised her hand and took out a brocade box from the storage ring on her finger, handing it to Chunlan beside her.

Chunlan held the brocade box, walked up to Wang Long, and handed it to him with both hands.

"Uncle Wang, this is a gift from the First Madam."

Wang Long took the brocade box, opened it, and took a look.

Inside was a warm, lustrous jade pendant, entirely emerald green, engraved with intricate runes, radiating a faint spiritual aura.

A high-grade Xuan-level spiritual artifact, a protective jade pendant.

It can block a full-force attack from a fifth-rank martial artist at a critical moment.

It's a whole grade higher than the previous breast protector.

"Thank you, Madam."

Wang Long carefully put away the brocade box, a warm feeling welling up in his heart.

Luo Hanyi nodded slightly and stood up.

"Everyone, disperse. Go do what you were doing."

"Yes, Madam—"

The servants bowed in unison and filed out.

The courtyard quickly quieted down, leaving only Wang Long, Qin Minglan, and a few maids serving them.

Luo Hanyi glanced at Qin Minglan.

"Minglan, take him back to the courtyard to rest."

Qin Minglan nodded, walked to Wang Long's side, and reached out to support his arm.

"Come on, you old man, I'll personally escort you back."

Wang Long grinned and stood up with her help.

"Thank you very much, young lady. I will trouble you with this task."

"What's our relationship? Don't be so polite!"

Qin Minglan remained cheerful, but her opinion of Wang Long had already changed.

The two walked one after the other through the hanging flower gate, along the blue brick path, and headed towards Wang Long's courtyard.

Qin Minglan walked very carefully, taking each step slowly, afraid that Wang Long might fall.

Her hand firmly supported his arm, her palm warm and her grip neither too light nor too heavy.

Wang Long turned his head to look at Qin Minglan's serious little face, and couldn't help but smile.

This girl is usually energetic and carefree, but she's incredibly thoughtful when it comes to taking care of people.

"Young Miss".

"Um?"

"You are so kind to this old servant."

Qin Minglan blushed slightly and turned her head away.

"Stop talking nonsense. I'm just afraid you'll fall and bring shame to the Marquis's mansion."

Wang Long smiled but didn't expose her.

The two walked to the courtyard gate, and Qin Minglan pushed open the gate and helped Wang Long into the main house.

The room was spotless, the blankets were neatly folded, and there was a pot of warm tea on the table.

Qin Minglan helped Wang Long to the bedside and made him sit down.

"You lie down first, I'll go get you a glass of water."

Wang Long nodded, leaned against the headboard, and watched Qin Minglan's busy figure.

She poured a cup of tea from the table, brought it to the bedside, and handed it to him.

"Drink it, it's warm, not hot."

Wang Long took the teacup, took a sip, and placed it on the small table by the bedside.

Qin Minglan pulled up a chair, sat down on the edge of the bed, placed her hands on her knees, and straightened her back.

She lowered her head, looking at her toes, and remained silent.

Wang Long looked at her without saying a word.

The room fell silent, save for the occasional chirping of birds outside the window.

After a while, Qin Minglan raised her head, secretly glanced at Wang Long, and then quickly lowered her head again.

Wang Long couldn't help but laugh.

"Young Miss, what are you looking at?"

"No... I didn't see anything."

Qin Minglan's voice was slightly weak, and her ears turned slightly red.

Wang Long stared at her for two seconds, knowing that the little girl was shy and he would have to bring it up himself.

"Young Miss, do you still remember our agreement?"

Upon hearing this, Qin Minglan stiffened slightly, her expression becoming somewhat unnatural.

She didn't speak, but lowered her head even further, her neck turning a deep blush.

Wang Long didn't urge her; he just leaned against the headboard, watching her with a smile.

The silence lasted for a long time.

Wang Long waited so long that he thought she wouldn't answer anymore.

Qin Minglan suddenly took a deep breath and abruptly raised her head.

Her almond-shaped eyes were wide open, her chin slightly raised, and she tried her best to put on that air of a young lady.

"Listen up, you old man."

Her voice was clear and resonant, yet it trembled noticeably.

"You...you are now my master, how can a master kiss his disciple so casually?"

Wang Long was taken aback, then laughed.

"Young Miss, didn't you always deny that this old servant was your master?"

Qin Minglan's face turned even redder.

"That...that was before. Now I admit it, is that not allowed?"

Wang Long found her shy and annoyed expression quite adorable; it was a pleasure to look at.

"Alright, whatever you say, Miss."

Qin Minglan snorted and turned her head away, refusing to look at him.

But after a few breaths, she turned back, biting her lip, a resolute glint in her almond-shaped eyes.

"However... I keep my word..."

She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, leaned forward slightly, and brought her lips close to Wang Long's cheek.

Wang Long watched the face getting closer and closer, his eyelashes trembling slightly, his red lips slightly parted.

Just as Qin Minglan's lips were about to touch his cheek, Wang Long suddenly turned his head away.

Their lips touched.

Qin Minglan's lips pressed firmly against Wang Long's lips.

Qin Minglan suddenly opened her eyes, her almond-shaped eyes wide open, her mind completely blank.

She tried to dodge, but found that Wang Long's hand was already around her waist.

His hands were rough and strong, holding her waist firmly to prevent her from retreating.

With his other hand, he placed his hand on the back of her head and gently supported it.

Qin Minglan's breathing suddenly quickened, and her heart pounded wildly.

I felt both nervous and excited.

She tried to push him away, but found her body was as limp as water, and she couldn't muster any strength at all.

Wang Long's lips lingered on hers, gentle yet domineering.

Qin Minglan trembled and let out a soft sob.

Her consciousness went completely hazy at that moment; she could only feel those burning lips lingering on her own and that rough hand on her waist.

After an unknown amount of time, Wang Long finally released her.

Qin Minglan slumped into Wang Long's arms, panting heavily, her cheeks flushed and her almond-shaped eyes misty with tears.

She felt a slight pain in her lips, as if they were swollen...

Wang Long looked down at her, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his cloudy old eyes.

"Young Miss..."

He had barely opened his mouth when Qin Minglan suddenly pushed him away and sprang up off the bed.

She took two steps back, crossed her arms over her chest, her almond-shaped eyes wide open, both ashamed and angry.

"You...you...how dare you..."

Her voice was trembling, and her eyes were already red.

Wang Long quickly sat up straight, his face full of sincerity.

"Young Miss, this old servant..."

"Shut up!"

Qin Minglan interrupted him, pointing her finger at him, her fingertips trembling.

"I...I'm not ready yet! How could you..."