Transmigrated as a Cannon Fodder Wife A in Ancient Times - Chapter 39

Chapter 39

Wei Lan had a touch of obsession when it came to carving jade. When she used her tools to etch patterns, she even carved the wrinkles on a chicken’s claw with such precision that the chicken-shaped jade pendant looked so lifelike, it seemed as if it might leap off the surface and peck someone at any moment.

Wei Lan rinsed the chicken pendant with clear water, feeling quite satisfied with her work. She stood up, switched to her initial spinning wheel, and replaced the tool with a wooden grinder to begin polishing the pendant. In no time, the sharp edges were smoothed out.

She worked with particular care, occasionally sprinkling jade-dissolving sand mixed with water onto the pendant before continuing to polish.

At that moment, a noise came from the courtyard. Wei Lan didn’t pay much attention at first, but the sound gradually grew louder.

Her brow furrowed slightly; she disliked being disturbed while carving jade.

Outside, Lu Zijin had just stepped out of her soft sedan. The servants of Fuqu Pavilion bowed respectfully to her. Li Zhufeng hurried forward to greet her. Both she and Zhao Linghui had recovered from their injuries, but seeing Lu Zijin, they shrank back like mice spotting a cat. Still, they had to muster the courage to respond.

“Where is the lord?” Lu Zijin asked, glancing at the two.

Li Zhufeng and Zhao Linghui were exceedingly respectful. One of them quickly replied, “The lord is in the room carving jade. This servant will inform her for you.”

Lu Zijin waved her hand. “No need. I’ll go see for myself.”

With that, she lightly knocked on the door. Wei Lan had overheard someone paying respects to Lu Zijin and knew it was her. She sighed and called out, “Come in.”

The door creaked open from the outside. Wei Lan assumed it was a maid coming to report, so she didn’t turn around, continuing to polish the chicken pendant. “Is it Madam? Tell her to wait a moment; I’ll be right there. You can go now.”

When she finished speaking, Wei Lan didn’t hear the door close. Instead, she heard footsteps approaching from behind. She paused her work, frowning as she looked back, only to find Lu Zijin already standing behind her.

Wei Lan stood up nervously, avoiding Lu Zijin’s gaze and focusing on the lapel of her robe. “Madam, why are you here? Why don’t you wait in the bedroom? I’m all dirty. I’ll change clothes and talk to you properly in a bit.”

“No need. I came to see what you’re doing.” Lu Zijin noticed Wei Lan wouldn’t meet her eyes, and her red lips pursed slightly.

Her gaze slid past Wei Lan’s face, landing on her hands. Wei Lan wasn’t holding the jade she had promised to carve for her but a pendant with shades of green and blue.

Lu Zijin’s brow furrowed as she asked, “Have you been busy with this lately?”

Wei Lan nodded. “Hmm, Madam, why don’t you go back to Jingchen Courtyard? It’s too messy here, and you might dirty your clothes.”

Wei Lan hadn’t figured out how to face Lu Zijin. Her current strategy was that distance creates allure, and it had just started to work. Why had Lu Zijin come again?

Seeing Wei Lan avoid her gaze and hold a pendant that wasn’t meant for her, and hearing words that seemed to push her away, Lu Zijin’s expression darkened further.

Instead of leaving, she took a few steps closer, gradually closing in on Wei Lan.

Wei Lan saw she wasn’t leaving and was getting closer. She stepped back twice, but as she retreated, Lu Zijin advanced. Wei Lan backed up until she was against the spinning wheel, unable to retreat further, and stopped.

Lu Zijin was almost pressed against her. She reached out, pinched Wei Lan’s chin, and lifted her face.

Wei Lan’s gaze darted around, avoiding Lu Zijin’s eyes. She gently pushed at Lu Zijin’s shoulder, trying to create some distance. “Madam, I’m dirty. Be careful not to get your clothes dirty.”

Instead of stepping back, Lu Zijin placed a hand on Wei Lan’s lower back. Her intense gaze fixed on Wei Lan, and the memory of Wei Lan pushing her away sparked a sour feeling she had never experienced before.

She didn’t understand what was wrong with her. She had said she didn’t care about Wei Lan and planned to give her the cold shoulder, but it was her own heart that ached.

“What’s been going on these past few days? Why are you upset with me? Hmm?” Lu Zijin softened her voice, asking gently.

“Nothing’s wrong. I’ve just been too busy. I’m not upset with you. Haven’t we always gotten along like this?” Wei Lan averted her eyes, unable to meet Lu Zijin’s gaze. She felt the hand on her lower back tighten, making it hard to breathe.

She pushed at Lu Zijin again. “Madam, don’t get too close. I can’t breathe.”

Lu Zijin didn’t loosen her grip. Her eyes lingered on Wei Lan. “You say you’re not upset, so why won’t you look at me? Why haven’t you come to see me these past few days? You were already acting strange on the carriage that day. What’s going on?”

“It’s nothing. I’ve just been tired lately. Besides, you’re not in your fertile period, so we don’t need to meet so often. Isn’t it fine like before? When your fertile period comes, just send someone to call me.” Wei Lan spoke with a hint of guilt, feeling her approach wasn’t right.

After all, Lu Zijin had come to coax her in person, but to protect her own life in the future, Wei Lan stubbornly persisted.

Lu Zijin’s heart ached at Wei Lan’s words, but she sensed Wei Lan was saying one thing and meaning another.

Over the past year, she had experienced much in the business world and met many people. Wei Lan hadn’t been like this with her before. This sudden change had to have a reason.

If this little Qianyuan was unsettling her heart, the issue had to be resolved. Otherwise, it would be like a knot tied between them, one that needed to be undone.

“You’re quite heartless, my lord. Just a few days ago, you were clamoring to dine with me and share my bed. Now, after a few days apart, you don’t want me anymore?” Lu Zijin’s voice softened, and Wei Lan felt a pang of guilt hearing her words.

“That’s not what I meant,” Wei Lan said, hurriedly waving her hands in denial.

“Then what do you mean? Have you taken a liking to another Kunze outside?” Lu Zijin’s gaze locked onto Wei Lan, her voice turning cold.

Wei Lan spent her days carving jade, and the only Kunze she could have met besides Lu Zijin was Xiao Nanyan. Thinking this, Lu Zijin’s heart ached. She pressed on, “Is it Xiao Nanyan? Have you been carving jade for her these past few days? You promised to make me a jade bracelet and pendant.”

Lu Zijin’s heart soured, her voice trembling. She never imagined she’d one day ask such questions. She had thought she’d never care for any Qianyuan, let alone question one about liking someone else.

“No, this pendant isn’t for her. I’m carving it to sell. She and I are just ordinary friends. I can count the times we’ve met on one hand. How could there be anything between us?” Wei Lan finally met Lu Zijin’s gaze, explaining.

Glancing at Lu Zijin, her guilt deepened. The dark circles under Lu Zijin’s eyes showed she hadn’t slept well. The imperial merchant matters must have been settled recently, keeping Lu Zijin busy. Yet Wei Lan had distracted her, and now Lu Zijin was here coaxing her. The emotional walls Wei Lan had built over the past few days were on the verge of collapsing.

Lu Zijin stared directly at Wei Lan. “Then why? There must be a reason you’re distancing yourself from me. What did I do to upset you?”

One hand rested on Wei Lan’s lower back to keep her from escaping, while the other gently tugged at Wei Lan’s fingertips. Lu Zijin realized that softening her approach made Wei Lan falter.

So, she leaned closer, resting against Wei Lan’s shoulder and looking up at her. Her eyes were tinged with red, lacking their usual sharpness, making her even more captivating to Wei Lan.

“I haven’t slept well these past few days. During the day, I think of you while handling affairs, and at night, I can’t sleep, always thinking of you. Do you really not want to see me?” Lu Zijin studied Wei Lan’s expression, searching for answers.

Seeing Lu Zijin’s eyes rimmed with red, almost teary, Wei Lan’s fragile emotional defenses crumbled instantly. She had been wrong to distance herself from Lu Zijin, who had treated her well.

Wei Lan sighed, gently patting Lu Zijin’s back while holding her waist. She wanted to test Lu Zijin, fearing she might have feelings for Chen Zhou, which would make Wei Lan a mere pawn.

“You and that Chen Zhou…”

Wei Lan trailed off, unsure of the nature of Lu Zijin’s relationship with Chen Zhou, deliberately leaving her words vague to prompt Lu Zijin to explain.

As expected, Lu Zijin frowned. “Did you hear some gossip from the mansion’s servants?”

At the same time, Lu Zijin felt a wave of relief. As long as Wei Lan hadn’t fallen for someone else, it was fine. It seemed her little Qianyuan had been distant because she was jealous.

A slight smile curved her lips. Looking at Wei Lan, who was stammering, she said helplessly, “Is that why you’ve been ignoring me?”

Lu Zijin pinched Wei Lan’s cheek, her gaze softening. “When my father and brother were alive, our families did consider a marriage between me and him, but I only see him as a distant relative, not even a friend. After my family passed, Chen Zhou didn’t hesitate to kick the Lu Mansion when it was down. This time with the imperial merchant business, he’s been trying to get a share, but I haven’t even let him step foot in the mansion. Rest assured, I don’t like him one bit.”

“Really? If you ever change your mind, you have to tell me first,” Wei Lan blurted out, still valuing her own safety.

Lu Zijin’s face cooled at her words. “Do you think I’m someone who changes her heart so easily?”

Realizing her mistake, Wei Lan quickly explained, “No, that’s not what I meant. I’m sorry.”

Lu Zijin stepped back slightly, lifting Wei Lan’s chin to make her meet her eyes. “If you want to know something in the future, ask me directly. Don’t deliberately distance yourself again.”

“Alright, I won’t do it again,” Wei Lan said, noticing the dark circles under Lu Zijin’s eyes. “Do you want to rest in my bedroom? You should change your dress too; it got dirty from me.”

Wei Lan was wearing work clothes covered in jade dust, which had rubbed off on Lu Zijin during their embrace.

Lu Zijin’s hand, still on Wei Lan’s chin, slid gently, her thumb brushing Wei Lan’s lower lip.

Staring at Wei Lan’s lips, Lu Zijin rubbed them lightly with her thumb, raising an eyebrow. “Have you missed me these past few days, my lord? Hmm?”

Wei Lan felt something off about having her lips touched, but considering she had been the one to distance herself, she let Lu Zijin continue. Besides, since Lu Zijin didn’t like Chen Zhou, she could enjoy this soft life a bit longer.

Moreover, Wei Lan had indeed thought of Lu Zijin often these past few days, which was why she stayed in her workshop, trying to distract herself with jade carving.

“I have,” Wei Lan said, her lips still pressed, making her words sound slightly off.

Lu Zijin’s face lit up with a smile, her gaze deepening as she looked at Wei Lan’s lips.

She stepped forward, pressing Wei Lan against the spinning wheel. Her thumb pressed harder on Wei Lan’s lips, turning their soft pink into a rosy red, making them even more appealing.

Lu Zijin pursed her lips. The little Qianyuan’s lips looked so kissable. Her heart itched with the urge to test their softness.

She had initially planned for Wei Lan to be a mere figurehead, but the situation had clearly changed. She felt differently about Wei Lan now. They were married, so it was only natural for something to happen.

Besides, Wei Lan was her Qianyuan. What was wrong with a kiss? Especially since Wei Lan had distanced herself for days, causing her sleepless nights. She deserved some compensation.

With this thought, Lu Zijin’s confidence grew. “My lord hasn’t been good. How should I punish you?”

Wei Lan, pinned against the spinning wheel, felt her lips toyed with carelessly. Her cheeks and neck burned red. She and Lu Zijin were too close, so close she could feel Lu Zijin’s warm breath.

“I… I’ll let Madam bite me,” Wei Lan said, her mind foggy, thinking Lu Zijin liked biting her contract mark. She obediently tore off the plaster on her contract mark, letting the scent of fresh snow waft out.

Lu Zijin’s eyes darkened, like a deep pool pulling one in. Her breath quickened with Wei Lan’s action.

Wei Lan removing the plaster was no different from undressing in front of her to seduce her.

Lu Zijin’s dark eyes fixed on Wei Lan. The little Qianyuan’s face was flushed, her lips swollen from being pressed, like a rose waiting to be plucked. Even the contract mark on her neck was slightly swollen.

Unable to hold back, Lu Zijin gripped Wei Lan’s lower back to keep her from escaping, her gaze locked on Wei Lan’s rosy lips. “My lord hasn’t been good, so you should be punished, right?”

Wei Lan sensed danger in Lu Zijin’s tone. She wanted to run, but her lower back was firmly held, and Lu Zijin pressed against her. She leaned back slightly to create some distance.

Knowing Lu Zijin held grudges, Wei Lan figured she’d get bitten today. She softened her voice, coaxing playfully, hoping Lu Zijin would go easy and not leave too many teeth marks.

“Madam, bite gently. I’m afraid it’ll hurt.”

Hearing the little Qianyuan offer her contract mark so willingly, asking her to be gentle in such a soft, sweet voice, Lu Zijin couldn’t hold back any longer. She leaned in and kissed Wei Lan’s lips.

Wei Lan was stunned, feeling the warmth on her lips. Her body visibly flushed. Wait, had Lu Zijin bitten the wrong spot? Didn’t she usually bite her contract mark? Why her lips this time?

Sensing Wei Lan’s distraction, Lu Zijin, dissatisfied, lightly bit her lip.

Wei Lan snapped back, her gaze meeting Lu Zijin’s, their breaths mingling.

Lu Zijin deepened the kiss until the little Qianyuan was nearly breathless. Only then did she pull back slightly.

Once released, Wei Lan gasped for air. Madam kissed too fiercely; she couldn’t breathe. And wasn’t kissing something people who liked each other did? Did Madam like her?

Wei Lan’s mind was a jumbled mess. She had never been in love and didn’t know what her situation with Lu Zijin was. She didn’t mind Lu Zijin’s kiss; in fact, she had even found it quite pleasant.

Lu Zijin was also catching her breath. Looking at the breathless little Qianyuan, her gaze deepened. The soft,娇气 Qianyuan should be pinned to the bed, kissed until she couldn’t breathe, and begged for mercy.

“Because of you, I haven’t slept well for four days. Shouldn’t you make it up to me?” Lu Zijin lifted Wei Lan’s chin again, making her meet her eyes.

Wei Lan, dizzy from the kiss and weak in the legs, nodded obediently at Lu Zijin’s words. “Alright, I’ll listen to Madam.”

Lu Zijin’s lips curved. She leaned in, lightly kissing the corner of Wei Lan’s lips, and noticed the pure little Qianyuan blush from her ears to her neck—truly adorable.

“Good. Then you need to let me sleep for four days to make up for it, alright?” Lu Zijin asked softly, her right hand gently stroking Wei Lan’s cheek, then sliding down to her contract mark, teasing it lightly.

The contract mark was sensitive, and Lu Zijin’s touch nearly made Wei Lan collapse into her arms.

Still, Wei Lan obediently replied, “Alright, I’ll listen to you.”

As she spoke, she buried her face in Lu Zijin’s neck, nuzzling softly, utterly娇气.

Lu Zijin was very satisfied. Coming here today was worth it. Otherwise, the little Qianyuan would have kept bottling things up, and she would have remained uneasy. Now, not only had they cleared the air, but she had also teased Wei Lan thoroughly.

Lu Zijin patted Wei Lan’s lower back gently. “Shall we go to the bedroom to bathe? Stop carving those stones today and keep me company, alright?”

Lu Zijin’s lips were close to Wei Lan’s ear, her warm breath tickling it. Wei Lan’s ear twitched reflexively, and she replied softly, “Alright, Madam, don’t let go yet. My… my legs are weak.”

Lu Zijin’s smile widened. The little Qianyuan’s娇气 appearance deserved to be pinned to the bed and kissed.

“Hmm, I’ll hold you for a bit, no letting go,” Lu Zijin said softly, her hands resting on Wei Lan’s lower back, occasionally rubbing it.

Already unsteady from the teasing, Wei Lan’s sensitive lower back made her cling to Lu Zijin’s sleeve, pleading softly, “Madam, don’t touch there. Hmm~ My legs are even weaker.”

Seeing Wei Lan so娇气, Lu Zijin stopped, thinking if she couldn’t touch now, she’d touch later in bed.

“Alright, I won’t tease you. I’ll just hold you like this to recover, okay?” Lu Zijin said gently.

“Hmm, hmm,” Wei Lan quickly agreed, leaning against Lu Zijin to regain her strength.

After a while, Wei Lan felt a bit better. She pushed at Lu Zijin. “Madam, I’m fine now. I’ll bathe first. Your dress is dirty too; change into something new in my bedroom.”

“Alright,” Lu Zijin said, reluctantly letting go, but her mood lifted at the thought of sleeping with Wei Lan later.

Wei Lan rubbed her burning ears and walked out of the workshop first.

Qianxue, Li Zhufeng, and the others were waiting outside. Seeing Wei Lan emerge with a flushed face and slightly swollen lips, the servants, sharp as they were, immediately understood what had happened inside and lowered their heads, not daring to look further.

“Prepare water for me to bathe, and find a new dress for Madam,” Wei Lan instructed.

“Yes,” the maids replied, hurrying to prepare.

Lu Zijin followed Wei Lan, and the two returned to the bedroom.

The maids quickly brought a new dress for Lu Zijin, whose outer dress was only slightly dirty, so she changed just that.

Wei Lan waited until everything was ready and went to bathe.

Not long after, Lu Zijin entered. “Need help?”

Recalling earlier events, Wei Lan blushed and waved her hands. “No, no, Madam, go rest on the bed first.”

Seeing Wei Lan’s shyness, Lu Zijin’s smile grew. Instead of leaving, she walked behind Wei Lan. “I can’t sleep now. Later, hold me while we sleep, alright?”

“Hmm,” Wei Lan replied shyly, her neck flushing.

Lu Zijin picked up a cloth from the side, smiling. “I’ll help you wipe down.”

She wet the cloth and gently wiped Wei Lan’s back. Wei Lan felt shy. Ever since their kiss, the atmosphere between her and Lu Zijin felt strange—stranger than when Lu Zijin bit her contract mark.

Sure enough, as Wei Lan’s thoughts wandered, she felt a soft touch on her cheek. She looked up at Lu Zijin, who was smiling warmly at her.

Wei Lan touched her cheek, looking at Lu Zijin with an innocent expression.

Lu Zijin poked the spot she had just kissed, laughing. “What? Can’t I kiss my own Qianyuan?”

“Of course you can,” Wei Lan said, her ears red. Shyly, she sank into the water, leaving only half her face visible.

Would she have to sell her looks to keep eating this soft rice? Wei Lan thought softly, realizing she didn’t mind too much and might even look forward to it.