Chapter 18: Does It Hurt?

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Had she said something she shouldn’t have in her sleep? Song Qiao was stunned, then immediately grew anxious. “My lord, what do you mean by that?”

“You just called out to Lord Song. What’s the matter with him?”

“I haven’t seen my parents for a long time. My father has an old illness that flares up every winter. I was only worried.”

“Is that so?” Mu Yi stared at her without blinking. “Sounds less than truthful to me.”

“What’s wrong with you, my lord?” Song Qiao took the upper hand. “It was just a nightmare. Why are you so concerned?”

“My lady keeps surprising me again and again. How could I not be concerned?” He narrowed his eyes, unable to hold back any longer. “Do you like the Tongxin Pavilion that much?”

Song Qiao spoke honestly, “It’s not that I like it. But compared to the Linglong Pavilion, it’s definitely much better.”

“The courtyard was specially chosen by you before the marriage. Bright and grand—that was exactly what you instructed. And now, after so little time, you don’t like it anymore?”

To numb the Song family’s nerves, Song Yuan had made a long list of demands before the wedding, pretending to be very serious about getting married.

Song Qiao had secretly envied her at the time. Coming from a good family and marrying into a noble household, she thought her life would be nothing but bliss. Yet she never imagined that all this would become the prison that trapped her.

“Do you think I’m disturbing you and Lady Shen, my lord?” Song Qiao smiled bitterly. “But I was driven to this out of desperation.”

Mu Yi curled his lips mockingly. “Whether you were truly forced or have other motives, only you know.”

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Song Qiao stayed crouched on the ground, her legs gradually weakening. Taking the chance, she stood up, pulled back her sleeve, and showed him her hands.

When he saw the dense frostbite covering her hands, Mu Yi’s brow twitched ever so slightly.

“These are from the Linglong Pavilion since winter began. If you think I have other motives, then I must be coveting the firewood in the Tongxin Pavilion.”

Song Qiao was straightforward. “Lady Shen manages all the household affairs and inevitably can’t attend to everything. Since I can’t help and don’t want to cause trouble, I came here to stay temporarily. Nothing else.”

Mu Yi raised an eyebrow, his mood unreadable. “So you’re saying I misunderstood you?”

“It’s normal, my lord, since you don’t concern yourself with the inner quarters.”

“You’re obedient now.”

“The entire household follows your lead, my lord. If I dared to defy you, would I still be alive?”

Song Qiao did not expect his concern to be genuine; showing him her injuries was merely to lend credibility to her explanation.

Yet just as she was about to withdraw her hand, the man unexpectedly grasped it.

“Does it hurt?”

In truth, Song Qiao had long grown accustomed to the pain. Were it not for her fragile health, she wouldn’t bother with such provocations.

But before Mu Yi, she chose to nod.

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“Miss Song is indeed different in the way she handles things. I like your honesty,” Mu Yi said abruptly, his hand tightening. His face suddenly darkened. “But my patience has its limits.”

Song Qiao endured the sharp pain and forced a smile. “My lord, are you giving me a dismissal order?”

“The main courtyard is best suited for rest in this manor. Since my lady finds it hard to sleep alone, I shall send someone to escort you there.” He smirked coldly as he leaned close to her ear. “It’s a good opportunity for us to nurture our relationship. I think the matriarch would be pleased.”

Instantly, Song Qiao thought of consummating the marriage and hastily withdrew her hand. This was her greatest fear.

Yet that evening, when she and Pei’er returned home, Steward Yang personally came to deliver a firewood bundle and servants to attend to her, all with utmost respect.

Song Qiao felt she had made the right move. Indeed, only those who cry the loudest get the sweets.

If a small favor could keep her quiet, Mu Yi was willing to turn a blind eye.

After some thought, Song Qiao went to the main courtyard to express her gratitude.

Strangely, there was no guard at the gate. As she entered, she suddenly caught the scent of blood. Covering her mouth and nose with a handkerchief, she walked inside cautiously.

She saw Mu Yi, shirtless, his bare back revealing a fresh, bloody scar that had appeared unnoticed.