MLIAM Chapter 63

Chapter 63: You’re Fighting for Favor? You Actually Know How to Cook?!

Three days later, Dong Siwen was finally rescued.

Thirteen took the lead, his face cold as he stood in front, blocking the curious and scrutinizing gazes of all passersby, bringing Dong Siwen out safely and with dignity.

The state governor’s mansion was being cleaned up and was uninhabitable, so Yu Shuli didn’t plan to have her stay at an inn. Instead, he directly asked Thirteen to take her to the Prime Minister’s Residence.

Yu Shuli and Wei Yan had just woken up when Cang Xu came to report.

Yu Shuli, his collar still loose, wanted to rush out, but Wei Yan grabbed him back.

“There’s no need to rush.” He pulled Yu Shuli closer, slowly and deliberately straightening his clothes. “She’s a young woman; how would it look if you went out like this?”

Yu Shuli glanced at his attire and stuck out his tongue. “I forgot.”

Wei Yan instructed the servants behind him, “Have someone settle Miss Dong’s luggage and let her rest at the Prime Minister’s Residence for now. After the state governor’s mansion is cleaned, we’ll invite her back to live there.”

The servants responded and left.

Yu Shuli was temporarily moved by Wei Yan’s thoughtfulness.

However, he couldn’t help but worry. “Wei Yan, what if Siwen holds a grudge? We handled the case, killed her father, and captured several of her older brothers. However you look at it, that’s a blood feud.”

Wei Yan’s eyes were clear and earnest. “I believe in you.”

Yu Shuli was puzzled. “Huh?”

“I believe in your character. The friends you make naturally wouldn’t be unreasonable or vicious people.”

“She has her own sense of right and wrong, and her own views on good and evil. She would only feel disdain and contempt for her father and brothers’ actions. Moreover, her father framed her to this extent, sacrificing her for his career, leaving her in such a situation. If she has any conscience, she won’t blame you. Instead, she’ll thank you.”

“Thank me?”

“Yes.” Wei Yan said, “If I’m not mistaken, your friend’s first twenty years must have been extremely painful and repressed. Now… the evil ghost is dead, and she can be reborn.”

“Well said.” An undisguised female voice accompanied the sound of footsteps.

Yu Shuli turned around abruptly. “Siwen!”

The person who arrived was no longer dressed in men’s clothing but had changed back into a skirt.

She wore a purple-red dress embroidered with vibrant, swirling peonies, the colors rich and dazzling.

She walked with light steps, her skirt swaying gently with the wind, like clouds chasing the breeze. Her hair was adorned with white jade and pearl ornaments, fresh and moving, yet noble and elegant.

A glimmer of light appeared in Yu Shuli’s eyes. “Siwen, you’ve changed back into women’s clothes? You look so beautiful!”

Dong Siwen’s gaze swept back and forth between Wei Yan and him.

Yu Shuli didn’t see the enthusiastic response he was used to, and he was at a loss. He tried to offer a friendly smile, but he didn’t know why the smile seemed a bit awkward and ashamed. “You heard what we were saying just now?”

He tugged at his sleeves and walked over to welcome the woman. “That… I’m really sorry about your father’s matter…”

Dong Siwen shook her head, interrupting him.

She followed Yu Shuli all the way over and stopped beside Wei Yan.

They exchanged a brief glance and politely looked away.

Dong Siwen smiled. “I’ve heard your name for a long time, Prime Minister Wei.”

Wei Yan, however, bowed slightly. “Miss Dong.”

Dong Siwen was taken aback. “Why are you bowing to me?”

“To thank Miss Dong for her profound kindness and righteousness.” Wei Yan said, “Since ancient times, we have heard of Fan and Zhang’s chicken and millet friendship, but how much genuine deep friendship is there in reality? Miss Dong upheld justice and destroyed her own family to protect General Yu, truly a demonstration of righteousness. She risked herself fearlessly, truly a demonstration of courage. Righteousness and courage combined, deserving of my bow.”

Dong Siwen pursed her lips. “Are you trying to test my sincerity towards Ji’an, or are you trying to build me up so high that I can’t back down?” She lowered her eyes and said, “First of all, I won’t acknowledge those beasts as my father and brothers. Exposing them doesn’t count as destroying my own family; it’s just for the sake of justice in the world and my own justice. Secondly, Ji’an doesn’t owe me anything, so there’s no need to speak of righteousness.”

Wei Yan apologized in a low voice. “Miss Dong, please consider me narrow-minded.” He slightly bent his knee. “I offer this bow in exchange for peace of mind.”

Dong Siwen’s face darkened. “I understand now. Today, you didn’t sincerely invite me here; you were just afraid that I would use this to blackmail Ji’an, so you set up a trap for me? If I wanted to settle old scores with you, would I still be able to return to this state governor’s mansion?”

Seeing that the two were at each other’s throats as soon as they met, Yu Shuli quickly stepped forward to stop them.

He looked at Dong Siwen and defended Wei Yan. “Siwen, that’s not what he meant. The state governor’s mansion is currently being cleaned up, so it’s inconvenient for you to go there… Wei Yan is truly grateful to you, grateful that you were still thinking of helping me and saving me in that situation. He’s just being overly concerned…”

“I previously thought that the rumored Prime Minister Wei was a pure and upright person, but I didn’t expect that seeing him in person would be worse than hearing about him. Fortunately, I cooperated with Master Cang who was by Prime Minister Wei’s side back then; otherwise, this young lady might have given up on killing her father that day.” Dong Siwen sneered. “A dark, paranoid person who habitually uses the heart of a petty person to judge the intentions of a noble one can hardly be considered a good person.” She grabbed Yu Shuli and reproached him. “Ji’an, how did you get involved with someone like this?”

“I…” Yu Shuli pursed his lips and glanced at Wei Yan.

On one side was his friend, on the other was his lover.

He didn’t want his friend to lose face, nor did he want Wei Yan to be embarrassed.

Ah, it’s so hard to be a person.

Wei Yan’s eyelashes drooped, and he retorted, “Yes, I’m dark and paranoid, only using the most vicious thoughts to scheme against people. I can’t compare to Miss Dong, who volunteered to kill her father, using her own fall into the abyss to exchange for a good name that others will remember for a lifetime.”

Dong Siwen smiled coldly. “So that’s it. You’re jealous of me? What’s wrong? You couldn’t bear the weight of being someone who is remembered for a lifetime, so you’re embarrassed and angry?”

Seeing Wei Yan’s face as black as the bottom of a pot, Yu Shuli quickly reached out with his other hand to grab his wrist. “Let’s go inside and talk, okay? Bickering at the door… it’s not a good look.”

Before seeing Dong Siwen, Yu Shuli really couldn’t have imagined that Dong Siwen could be doing so well.

He had always thought that after experiencing such things, even the strongest woman would be lost and helpless for a while. Being jumpy and tearful would be minor matters.

But Dong Siwen clearly wasn’t.

She took good care of herself and didn’t punish herself for their mistakes. Not only that, but she could also argue with Wei Yan so calmly, which was simply beyond his imagination.

Yu Shuli breathed a sigh of relief. Dong Siwen’s strength made him feel ashamed.

After closing the door, Dong Siwen and Wei Yan sat in opposite corners, while Yu Shuli stood in the middle, like he was sitting on pins and needles.

“So, this is the fiancé that your Majesty assigned to you?” After sitting down, Dong Siwen brazenly sized up Wei Yan. After examining him, she looked at Yu Shuli. “His appearance isn’t bad, but he’s a bit narrow-minded and not generous enough. He’s not worthy of you.”

She commented on Wei Yan as if no one else was around.

Yu Shuli awkwardly poked Wei Yan’s waist, signaling him not to be angry about it. “Siwen’s just got a poisonous tongue, but she’s actually a very good person.”

Wei Yan wrapped his arm around Yu Shuli’s waist and pulled him over. “A good person? Would a good person actively write me a letter denouncing her father? Would a good person set up traps in her mansion to frame her own father? Ji’an, don’t be fooled by her surface appearance; her core is not simple.”

“Yes, not as good as the upstanding Prime Minister Wei. As soon as I finished denouncing my father, you stormed the state governor’s mansion that very night, killed the people, and disappeared without a trace, leaving me with a pile of mess. It’s hard to say whether you acted because of my denunciation or because you were worried that my father would harm or threaten Ji’an, and were abusing your power for personal gain, right?”

“But if it weren’t for Miss Dong’s cooperation, how could I have returned safely? You and I both have selfish motives; is there any need to compare?” Wei Yan raised an eyebrow, hugged Yu Shuli, and looked at Dong Siwen with the air of a victor. “But I’m sorry, I’m no longer a fiancé, but a husband. We’re already married.”

Dong Siwen’s eyes widened, and her mouth twitched. She looked at Yu Shuli with an incredulous expression.

Yu Shuli pried at Wei Yan’s hand, but it wouldn’t budge. He sighed and muttered, “Why are you acting like a child, fighting for favor?”

Wei Yan’s gaze was fixed on the supple waist of the beloved in his arms, and he used a bit of force, pinching Yu Shuli’s waist. His voice was low and husky. “Am I wrong?”

Yu Shuli’s body stiffened, and a hint of suspicious blush flashed across his face. He could only look at Dong Siwen and nod. “That’s right. He and I are indeed married.”

Dong Siwen shook her head in disappointment. “You’re really hopeless, Yu Shuli. There are plenty of men with two legs out there. With your looks and abilities, why did you have to find someone who keeps such a close watch on you?”

She disdainfully glanced at Wei Yan. “The way he is, I’m afraid he won’t even let you go drink in pleasure houses with me in the future.”

The strength of Wei Yan’s hand tightened, and he lowered his eyes to look at Yu Shuli, his voice dangerous. “You still go drinking in pleasure houses? Didn’t you say you never go to brothels?”

Yu Shuli crawled out of his arms in a cowardly manner, stood to the side, and nodded in shame. “I have…” he murmured softly. “Drinking in pleasure houses doesn’t necessarily mean going to brothels. Siwen has lots of good places to see the world… I haven’t eaten pork, but I’ve seen pigs running, right?”

A hint of ambiguous light flashed in Wei Yan’s eyes, and then the strength of his hand increased even more.

Yu Shuli’s waist went weak, and his whole body fell back into Wei Yan’s arms.

Dong Siwen didn’t avoid looking and watched directly.

Yu Shuli’s little face turned red.

Just as he was about to escape, Wei Yan leaned down, using clever force to hold him in place. His long eyelashes brushed against Yu Shuli’s cheek, and he whispered in Yu Shuli’s ear, “Be good, or you don’t want me to mess with you in front of your friend, do you?”

Yu Shuli’s entire face turned as red as a monkey’s butt. He frantically pushed him away, gritting his teeth. “Wei Yan, don’t mess around!”

Wei Yan’s legs clamped down on him, preventing him from moving. Only then did he look at Dong Siwen. “I underestimated Miss Dong.”

Dong Siwen smiled. “That’s how it is. You men are allowed to be dissolute, but we women aren’t allowed to indulge in pleasure?”

“For me, the only blemish in those matters is the fear of catching some disease from those dirty things. As for the rest…” Her eyes darkened. “I just treated it as finding a few free but not very useful gigolos.”

“If Miss Dong can really think that way, then that’s good.” Wei Yan said in a deep voice, “Rest assured, I will find the best doctor to ensure Miss Dong’s health is not compromised. The Five Stone Powder matter can’t be completely cured at the moment, but I also promise to find a way and will definitely help Miss Dong get better.”

Yu Shuli lowered his head. “Siwen, I know.”

Dong Siwen was stunned. “Know what?”

“I know you’re just trying to comfort me.” Yu Shuli’s voice had a hint of a nasal tone. “You’re a good girl, always have been. Not like those scumbags.”

The way she had acted so generously and freely was just to make him, Yu Shuli, feel better. But only she knew how much suffering she had endured from Chou Dongshuo and the others.

And even today, she was thinking of comforting Yu Shuli, not intending to let him bear even a little pain.

Dong Siwen’s eyes softened. “Then you should know even more that I’m not someone who will be easily defeated.”

She smiled contemptuously. “If I were so easily defeated, I wouldn’t have been able to survive so steadily to this day under the oppression of a patriarchal family.” She raised her eyebrows and looked at Yu Shuli. “Look, now they’re all dead. And I, a woman who can’t be brought to the table, a woman who has to pretend to be a man to live, am still alive and kicking. How humorous.”

“Siwen, I never knew you lived so hard… If I had known earlier…” Yu Shuli sobbed.

Dong Siwen interrupted him. “Where am I suffering? I don’t think I’ve been living hard. I’ve used this identity to live very well, experiencing the free life that many women in Da Liang can’t experience. What’s wrong with that? I even enjoy it.”

Wei Yan’s eyes moved.

“Miss Dong, Wei Yan apologizes for my previous inappropriate words. Everything was because I care about Ji’an, so I don’t want him to be hurt. I hope you don’t blame my probing words. If there were any rudeness, please forgive me.” Wei Yan suddenly stood up and sincerely bowed to Dong Siwen. “This time, it’s heartfelt.”

His eyes and posture didn’t seem fake. Dong Siwen was silent for a while, and with Yu Shuli also speaking well of him, she finally forgave him.

Dong Siwen thought for a moment and said, “Tea houses and theaters, places that should be either refined or elegant, can be labeled as licentious and extravagant by that group of scumbags. It’s normal that Prime Minister Wei couldn’t understand for a moment. However, to prevent you from misunderstanding Ji’an, I still have to explain to you in advance that our so-called drinking in pleasure houses is just drinking and chatting with those geishas who sell their art but not their bodies. There are no excessive actions. Ji’an likes to listen to music, and when we go to music houses, we just appreciate small tunes and listen to lyrics.”

Wei Yan nodded and responded in a muffled voice. “In the future, if you want to go, you can still go together.”

Dong Siwen raised her eyebrows. “Prime Minister Wei isn’t jealous?”

Wei Yan smiled and said, “The person is already in my arms. What am I jealous of?”

Yu Shuli took the opportunity to break free from his arms and muttered, “That’s not necessarily true.” He suddenly looked at Dong Siwen as if he had found a kindred spirit, wanting to complain about all the hardships he had suffered these days. “Speaking of this, I get angry.”

“Siwen, let me tell you, this person…”

Yu Shuli spoke while gesturing with his hands.

Dong Siwen curled her lips and listened carefully, occasionally offering some teasing opinions, complaining about Wei Yan’s shortcomings with Yu Shuli.

This time, Wei Yan obediently nodded in agreement, not refuting or retorting anymore.

After a while, when it was time for dinner and Dong Siwen and Yu Shuli still looked like they weren’t done chatting, Wei Yan simply took the initiative to stand up and gave some instructions outside.

It was a long time before he came back.

“It’s Siwen’s first time at the Prime Minister’s Residence. To express my apology, I cooked a few dishes myself, according to Ji’an’s taste. Thinking that you are old friends, your tastes should be similar. Miss Dong, would you condescend to try them and see if they suit your taste?”

Yu Shuli’s eyes widened. “Wei Yan, you actually know how to cook?!”