Qu Linglong’s face was wreathed in smiles, her eyes sparkling like stars.
The power of love.
Ling Yao’s spirits lifted. She clicked her tongue and asked gossipingly, “Did Eldest Imperial Brother kiss you?”
Qu Linglong pointed to the floral ornament on her head. “He bought it.”
It was a common floral ornament for women in this region, very charming, tucked to the side of her hair bun, a tender yellow that complemented the smile on her face, making her look like an unmarried young girl.
“He didn’t understand. He bought a yellow one, and then men started talking to me. Only then did I realize yellow is worn by unmarried girls. I saw he was unhappy at the time. Do you think he likes me a little?”
“You’re so wonderful, and he’s not blind.”
Ling Yao recalled how Qu Linglong had given up her determined pursuit of Eldest Imperial Brother, and now, she was happy as a child over a small item he had given her.
So, some things could indeed be faked.
She hoped that this time, Eldest Imperial Brother would not disappoint her.
“These clothes are all so beautiful!”
The colors were rich and bold.
The people of the Southwest were open, with fewer rules. The women here were like passionate, blooming flowers from the outside, each showcasing their unique characteristics.
Ling Yao picked out an outfit: a small yellow top and a dark green tight skirt, with a matching silver chain. “I’ll wear this one.”
Qu Linglong giggled and helped her undress. When she saw the red lotus blooming on Ling Yao’s back, her eyes widened.
She finally understood why Brother Xiao always kept such a close watch on the princess.
So fragrant and beautiful, what man wouldn’t love her?
Even as a woman, she wanted to reach out and touch it.
On her snow-white skin bloomed a fiery red lotus, mysterious and alluring.
Qu Linglong couldn’t control herself and reached out.
“It looks so real.”
Ling Yao pushed her hand away and quickly put on the small top. Ever since she left Phoenix Palace and ended up in Bozi Village, she had gotten used to bathing and dressing herself. Apart from Xiao Shan, she had never exposed herself in front of anyone else.
Being touched by Qu Linglong made her a little uncomfortable.
“Don’t touch me carelessly.”
Qu Linglong regretfully withdrew her hand. However, though Ling Yao’s movements were swift, she had managed to catch a glimpse of areas beyond her chest, seeing many marks.
Needless to say, these were the masterpieces of a certain man.
“If I were a man, I’d hide you away too, so no one could see you.”
Ling Yao glared at her and reached out to pull at her clothes. “You take yours off too!”
“No, I won’t change!” Qu Linglong exclaimed, covering her chest in fright. But it was hot here, and her clothes were thin. The single garment was quickly pulled off by Ling Yao.
Where the肚兜 (a type of Chinese bodice) didn’t cover, a patch of blue-purple was revealed.
“What happened?”
Ling Yao was startled. She pulled it aside and saw that the bruise covered her entire chest.
“What’s going on? When did you get hurt?” Ling Yao asked sternly.
“Oh!” Qu Linglong no longer bothered to cover herself and took off her clothes to change into the small top. She said casually, “It was that day. Your Imperial Brother lost control and accidentally patted me.”
Being struck by a palm, knowing his secret, it was all worth it.
She picked out a light-colored small top adorned with red flowers, and a dark green skirt to match.
The small top barely covered her abdomen, and a slight movement of her arm would reveal a sliver of her slender waist. The skirt, however, was quite long, reaching her ankles, but it was tight, perfectly showcasing the curve of her hips.
She wasn’t used to wearing this type of clothing at first, constantly tugging at it here and there.
Ling Yao suddenly hugged her. “Linglong, am I too selfish? For Eldest Imperial Brother, I’ve dragged you into this situation again. You had already let go…”
“What are you talking about! If I had truly let go, could I have gone back so quickly? I should thank you for letting me know all this.
Before, I knew I had fallen in love with him, but in reality, it was one-sided. He probably didn’t even know who I was when I…
He had no feelings for me at all, and I hadn’t worked for it. After he showed his dislike, I chose to escape.
Later, I only blamed him for being cruel, never understanding his suffering. How ridiculous, I even considered myself to be in love with him! If not for you, how would I have known that the young man I admired was, in fact, still as pure as the moon?
This time, I must strive for my love at least once. Whether it succeeds or not, I will have no regrets in the future.”
“Linglong!” Ling Yao was touched and hugged her. “In my heart, my Eldest Imperial Sister-in-law, there is only you.”
“Then wish me success in capturing your brother!” Qu Linglong said with a smile, patting her.
As long as she could capture him, she would defend him fiercely, making her the only one, and never pushing him to someone else again.
After changing their clothes and matching their accessories, except for their hairstyles, they looked exactly like people from the Southwest.
Only their skin was a bit too fair.
Ling Yao planned to have Linglong make some blood-infused pills for emergencies. As they stepped out, they saw someone standing in the courtyard.
It was already evening, and the afterglow of the setting sun cast a layer of gold on his white attire, inexplicably.
“Your Highness.” Qu Linglong called out softly.
Ling Yao, standing close to her, could hear the tremor in her voice.
It was evident that Linglong was utterly smitten with Eldest Imperial Brother.
Feng Shihao turned around. Upon seeing their attire, his pupils contracted. Then, he lowered his gaze and noticed the shoes that exposed their fair toes.
What was the difference between these and not wearing shoes? Their entire feet were exposed.
Would Xiao Shan agree to this?
“Big Brother, do my sister-in-law and I look good?” Ling Yao asked with a smile.
Feng Shihao glanced quickly at Qu Linglong, his hand clenching within his sleeve.
The yellow flower on her head had not been removed.
What did she mean by that?
Qu Linglong looked at him, seeing displeasure in his eyes.
Indeed, how could a concubine be called sister-in-law by the current divine maiden? She didn’t have that qualification yet.
“Your Highness, is there something you need?”
“Yes, I heard from the strategist that battle is expected tonight. I wanted to ask if Imperial Sister has any arrangements,” he asked Ling Yao.
“In times of war, the constant shortage is always of healers. We can all help. Let Linglong teach us first aid.”
“You should stay behind and conserve your energy to deal with the puppets. I’ll go and brief them.”
Feng Shihao turned and walked out of the courtyard.
Qu Linglong sighed dejectedly. “I was standing so straight just now, and he didn’t even look. I wish I were as beautiful as you.”
“I think he’s afraid to look. You wait.”
Ling Yao chased after him.
Feng Shihao stood by a cluster of flowers, staring blankly at something in his hand.
“Big Brother!”
A loud shout from behind startled him, and the thing in his hand trembled and fell to the ground.
“What is this?” Ling Yao, quick-eyed, picked it up.
She had wondered why he was acting strangely just now, his right hand useless, hanging motionless. So, he had been hiding something.
Two pink hairpins.
These should be worn by married women, right?
Haha! Look what she had discovered.
Feng Shihao, embarrassed, said, “Why are you making such a fuss!”
As he spoke, he tried to snatch them back, but Ling Yao had already taken them and was waving them around ostentatiously.
She even teased, “You’ve squeezed the poor flowers into such a state. Who are these for?”
“For…” He stopped speaking, looking at a woman walking around the corner.
Her skirt was a little tight, forcing her to walk with small steps.
Graceful and elegant, with a unique charm.