Chapter 378: Self-defeating
Editor: Atlas Studios
This was the first time Mu Yangling had received jewelry as a gift, and it was from Qi Haoran.
No girl didn’t like jewelry, especially since the ruby jewelry given by Qi Haoran was elegant and majestic. Although she was still young and couldn’t wear it, she still accepted it happily.
Seeing that Mu Yangling was pleased, Qi Haoran heaved a sigh of relief and took the opportunity to invite her. “Ah Ling, let me bring you out for a horse race.”
Mu Yangling looked at the account book on the table and said, “There will be many people coming to return the oxen today. I want to record the accounts here.”
It was already May, and there was no longer a need for plowing oxens to work in the fields. Therefore, the plowing oxens lent out in the early spring would be returned one after another. She had to stay here to record it in the accounts.
Their cattle farm mainly dealt with the poor farmers of Xingzhou Prefecture, Hanzhong Prefecture, and Jingzhao Prefecture. The cattle farm lent out plowing oxen to them, and the other party used grains, money, or labor to repay them. As there were many people in the three prefectures and the distance was a little far, Mu Yangling asked Xiuhong to be in charge of renting and record-keeping in Xingzhou Prefecture. Liu Lang was in charge of Hanzhong Prefecture, while Mu Yangling was in charge of Jingzhao Prefecture.
Zhang Wu and Zhang Liu were still in charge of the cattle farm and supervising the rental of plowing oxens.
As many oxen had been returned in the past few days, Mu Yangling felt that it was better for her to stay here.
Having endured for the entire day yesterday, how could Qi Haoran endure it now? He pointed at the people behind her and said, “Aren’t they your subordinates? After watching for so many days, they should know how to do it by now. Let them do the record-keeping. Let’s go galloping first.”
As he spoke, he pulled Mu Yangling’s hand.
The hand in his was warm and soft, making Qi Haoran’s face turn slightly red. In the past, he didn’t think much about it, but now that he was holding her hand, his heart was pounding.
Mu Yangling also sensed Qi Haoran’s nervousness. Of course, it was hard not to notice the sweat on his hand.
Mu Yangling did not refuse anymore. After giving some instructions, she left with Qi Haoran.
Since there was a problem, they had to solve it. Otherwise, if it was delayed, a small problem would become a big problem. It wouldn’t be good if it affected their relationship.
She had to encourage Qi Haoran’s habit of looking for her whenever he had any problems.
The two of them rode to the hill where they had been the day before yesterday. Just what was it that had to be said in the wilderness?
Mu Yangling looked at Qi Haoran worriedly, wondering how much trouble he had caused. Even his neck was red.
Even more worried now, Mu Yangling said gently, “If you have anything to say, just say it. Don’t be afraid. I’ll help you think of a way.”
Qi Haoran was so nervous that he chose not to hear the last sentence. When he heard the first sentence, he looked up into Mu Yangling’s eyes with bright eyes and said, “Ah Ling, after Big Brother gets married, he will see to our engagement.”
Could it be that Qi Haoran had fallen in love with someone else and wanted to separate from her, so he was so nervous that his neck was completely red? But this kid had even kissed her three times before.
Seeing that Mu Yangling did not answer, Qi Haoran anxiously held her hand and said, “We’re half a married couple now…”
Mu Yangling looked up at him with clear eyes. Qi Haoran held it in for a long time before saying softly, “So now, we can kiss and hug. Don’t be angry. I won’t be so rash in the future…”
Mu Yangling was stunned for a moment before a smile bloomed on her face. She held Qi Haoran’s hand and said in a low voice, “Mm, I don’t blame you.”
Qi Haoran’s eyes lit up. “Really?”
Seeing Mu Yangling nod, he said, “Then let’s try again.”
Before Mu Yangling could reject him, Qi Haoran kissed her on the cheek. After some thought, Mu Yangling realized that such things should be very normal for them since they were a couple now. Anyway, he only knew how to kiss her face and give her a peck on her lips.
As it turned out, one should not underestimate any couple in love, especially boys madly in love. They had impressive implementation skills.
At first, the two of them sat close to each other on the grass, and Qi Haoran only kissed her cheek. After kissing her left cheek, he kissed her right cheek. When Mu Yangling was about to stop him helplessly, he pressed his lips against hers. This was the second time they had kissed so intimately. Mu Yangling did not push him away.
Then, as if he had received great encouragement, Qi Haoran carefully stuck out his tongue and circled her lips before entering. Then, the control was completely in Qi Haoran’s hands. By the time Mu Yangling came back to her senses, she had almost fainted from lack of oxygen.
The two of them panted as they stared at each other with slightly swollen lips.
Panting, Qi Haoran wanted to kiss her again, but Mu Yangling pushed him and said, “Your mouth is swollen. Others will be able to tell.”
Qi Haoran hesitated. In the end, he suppressed his desire and said, “Why don’t I go back and let Big Brother arrange the marriage for us first?”
Mu Yangling widened her eyes and said, “I’m only 13 years old.”
Qi Haoran was depressed. “Why are you so young?”
If he wanted to get married, he would have to wait at least two more years. It felt so long.
Worried that Qi Haoran would not be able to resist the temptation and do something that would harm their relationship after marriage, Mu Yangling hurriedly said, “Even if I’m not young, you can’t get married so early. You’re only 16 years old. You have to wait until 18 before getting married at the earliest.”
Qi Haoran said indignantly, “Wu Jin already had a handmaid by the time he was 12.”
Mu Yangling twisted the flesh on his waist and spun it half a circle. She said fiercely, “So you wish to get a handmaid!”
Qi Haoran shuddered and waved his hand. “No, no. I’ve never thought of getting handmaids. I just want you.”
Mu Yangling narrowed her eyes. “You’re the one who said that you only wanted me. Not only are you not allowed to take concubines, you’re not allowed to have handmaids either. You can’t even go to a place like the brothel. Both your body and mind have to belong to me, and me alone.”
Qi Haoran said with a bitter expression, “Handmaids are not included, right? Fine, I won’t take concubines. But which general doesn’t have at least two or three handmaids?”
Anger surged in Mu Yangling’s heart as she spun the flesh in her hand again. Qi Haoran couldn’t help but bare his teeth. Narrowing her eyes, Mu Yangling looked at him coldly. “I just won’t allow it.” As she spoke, she let go of his flesh and turned around to lie on the grass. With her back facing him, she said, “You’d better make up your mind soon. If you can do it, our marriage will be settled. If not, tell me and our Mu family will definitely not mention it again. You can then find a magnanimous lady.”
At this point, Mu Yangling felt an inexplicable ache in her heart and tears welled up in her eyes. She had always felt that her feelings for Qi Haoran were not love, but friendship. Only now did she know that the thought of breaking up with him could bring her such heartache. Had she changed unknowingly?
However, Qi Haoran jumped up in anger and shouted, “What? You’ve already given me a token. How is it different from getting engaged? You’re not allowed to go back on your word.”
Seeing that Mu Yangling was only lying with her back facing him, he was so angry that he went to pull her. “Tell me honestly, what do you mean by not mentioning it again?”
Seeing the tears on Mu Yangling’s face, Qi Haoran panicked and immediately wiped her tears with his hand. “I-I haven’t done anything yet. Why are you crying?”