After Becoming a Succubus, I Was Offered to My Mortal Enemy - Chapter 43

Chapter 43

Sikong Xue was worried that Ning Yuan wouldn’t be accustomed to the food outside, so she had people pack many pastries for Ayuan to eat on the road.

“I wonder if any wealthy families in the south will still have ice stored; buying some ice would allow me to make iced plum soup for you. It’s a pity I am traveling south on behalf of the imperial court; it’s not suitable to be too extravagant along the way. I’m afraid you’ll have to suffer a bit.”

Ayuan feared the heat, and Sikong Xue was truly worried she would be unable to eat due to the summer swelter. Although there were fine pastries and snacks in Jiangnan, the places they were headed had just suffered floods, so she feared there would be many inconveniences.

Ning Yuan’s heart was set entirely on seeing her family; she hardly cared about eating or drinking. Seeing Sikong Xue preparing so meticulously, she said: “If we carry these things on the road, I’m afraid they’ll grow moldy in a few days. Sikong Xue, how is it I never noticed before? You are sometimes even more long-winded than my mother.”

Lately, Sikong Xue was constantly concerned about whether she was eating well. Sometimes when she craved something cold like ice cream, Sikong Xue would nag her about how eating too much would hurt her stomach. Whether it was an illusion or not, Ning Yuan felt that ever since her identity was exposed, Sikong Xue treated her like she was taking care of a small child.

The feeling was a bit strange. But Ning Yuan didn’t dislike it. Being cared for by Sikong Xue like this made Ning Yuan very happy.

However, in Sikong Xue’s ears, these words took on a different meaning.

“Ayuan, it’s only been a few days, and already you find me annoying.”

Sikong Xue embraced Ning Yuan and said: “I only do it because I cherish you. For you to dislike me so much is truly heartless.”

Ning Yuan felt helpless: “But you are far too meticulous.”

Sikong Xue actually wanted to have new shoes made for her, saying she was worried embroidered shoes would cause her to sprain her ankle.

Sikong Xue said: “The journey is long and taxing; I’m only afraid you won’t be able to endure it.”

Ning Yuan didn’t know how to ride a horse; if she sat in the carriage the whole time, she feared the summer heat would be unbearable.

Ning Yuan said somewhat sadly: “It’s just going to Lingnan; how tired can I get? If Grandmother and Mother could endure it, how could I not?”

When the Ning family was exiled, it was during this kind of summer heat. That Emperor truly had a cruel heart; the Ning family had done so much for the court, yet simply because they were unwilling to revise the historical records according to the Emperor’s wishes, they were suspected. Her grandmother was of such an advanced age, yet she had to suffer such torment.

At the thought of her family, Ning Yuan couldn’t help but shed tears.

Sikong Xue wanted to tell Ning Yuan that over the years, because of her, the Old Madame hadn’t suffered too much hardship. Back then, she had bribed the officers escorting the exile to look after Old Madame Ning along the way. She had also sent people to protect them in secret to prevent Yuchi Jin from sending assassins.

Sikong Xue had sent people to care for and protect the Old Madame, and the local officials knew Sikong Xue’s temperament, so they didn’t dare to make things difficult for the Ning family. Aside from the damp heat of Lingnan, which Sikong Xue was truly powerless against, Old Madame Ning really hadn’t suffered in her remaining days.

However, compared to the former prominence of the Ning family, Old Madame Ning’s current life was still a bit bitter.

Sikong Xue could only say: “Ayuan, don’t cry anymore. If you cry until your eyes are swollen, the Old Madame and Auntie Wan will surely feel heartache when they see you. If you cry like this, my heart aches too.”

Hearing Sikong Xue speak this way, Ning Yuan finally stopped her tears.

Ning Yuan sniffled and said: “A-Lin, what if Mother is unwilling to believe me? After all… everyone thinks Ning Yuan is already dead. Tell me, how am I to make them believe that I am indeed Ning Yuan?”

Feeling Sikong Xue’s kindness toward her, Ning Yuan finally couldn’t help but let the name “A-Lin” slip out.

Sikong Xue curled her lips, holding the person in her arms even tighter, and said: “Ayuan, mother and daughter are connected by heart; how could Auntie Wan not believe you? I only fear that once Auntie Wan sees you, she won’t be able to bear for you to marry and will insist on dragging you back to her side.”

Although they might find it hard to believe at first, Ayuan was Ayuan; they would only feel heartache upon seeing her, how could they be unwilling to recognize her?

Hearing Sikong Xue say this, Ning Yuan’s eyes darted.

“Indeed, if Mother wants me to stay and accompany her, I can only go back to be with her. Sikong Xue, at that time, you will have to sleep in an empty room alone.”

“Ayuan…” Even knowing Ayuan was teasing her, Sikong Xue still felt sad. If Ayuan truly wanted to stay with her family, it would only be right. It was just that she had only just laid bare her heart to Ayuan, and the thought of not being together every day made Sikong Xue feel extremely reluctant.

“Ayuan, we haven’t even been separated yet, and already I’ve started missing you.”

Just the thought of it made Sikong Xue feel sad. But Old Madame Ning loved Ning Yuan so much; she would surely want Ning Yuan to stay by her side.

When it was time for dinner, Sikong Xue continued to attentively serve food to Ning Yuan. Seeing that Ning Yuan liked fish, she placed the most tender meat from the belly of the perch into Ning Yuan’s bowl.

“Ayuan, eat more. I’ve already removed the bones.”

As the soft, fresh, and fragrant fish entered her mouth, Ning Yuan narrowed her eyes like a cat. She never knew before that eating with the person she liked could be this happy. Sikong Xue would very considerately help her pick up food and remove fish bones and meat from the bone.

“You only focus on giving me food; you haven’t eaten much yourself. Although your health is better, you shouldn’t be careless.”

Ning Yuan had already learned about Sikong Xue’s old ailment from Yin Chiyun. Learning that Sikong Xue had suffered greatly after seeing her killed by Yuchi Jin, Ning Yuan felt an indescribable heartache in her soul.

Sikong Xue said: “My health is already fine. Ayuan, just watching you eat makes me feel very joyful.”

In the past, Ning Yuan was a picky eater; no matter how Old Madame Ning coaxed her, she didn’t eat much. Now that she had returned in this body, her appetite had actually improved, which seemed like a good thing.

Ning Yuan thought Sikong Xue was truly a fool—on one hand advising her mother and grandmother not to be too sad, yet on the other hand disregarding her own health. But Ning Yuan truly liked this fool. She swore secretly in her heart that in the future, even if Sikong Xue made her angry, she couldn’t lose her temper with her anymore.

After they were full, Ning Yuan looked at Sikong Xue and said in a soft voice: “Sikong Xue, you are suddenly so good to me; I’m truly not used to it.”

After all, the old Sikong Xue only knew how to make her unhappy and always bullied her. These past few days, Sikong Xue’s kindness felt a bit surreal. To her, after being killed by Yuchi Jin, she had merely taken a nap. When she opened her eyes again, Sikong Xue seemed to have transformed from a tomboy who only knew how to cause trouble into a mature and steady person. It was truly very strange.

Sikong Xue looked at Ning Yuan’s lovely features and said: “Ayuan, it was my fault for being immature in the past. I always couldn’t help but tease you, making you suffer so much anger for nothing. I liked you even then; I should have been better to you sooner, then Yuchi Jin wouldn’t have had the chance to hurt you.”

At the thought that she had caused Ayuan to be betrothed to Yuchi Jin and suffer so many grievances.

Ning Yuan threw herself into Sikong Xue’s arms and said: “Actually… in the past, although your mouth was wicked, I liked it very much.”

Back then, no matter how the two argued or quarreled, it seemed they never truly stayed angry at each other. Now that Sikong Xue was coaxing her all the time, Ning Yuan felt it wasn’t as interesting as when they were children.

Sikong Xue’s eyes lit up and she asked: “Ayuan, are you saying you liked me too?”

Sikong Xue held Ning Yuan tightly; even if Ayuan were lying to her, she would still be overjoyed.

Ning Yuan lightly pinched Sikong Xue’s waist and said: “A-Lin, you are holding me so tight I can’t breathe.”

Of course she liked Sikong Xue. If she didn’t like her, why would she have allowed Sikong Xue to bully her? If she didn’t like her, why would she have specifically ordered someone to place a ladder by the wall all those times in the past when she guessed Sikong Xue wanted to climb over to find her?

Back then, a small maidservant had asked: “Since the Miss wants the Eldest Miss of the Sikong family to come over, why not just let her through the front gate? Every time Miss Sikong comes, she doesn’t use the main entrance and can only climb the wall; the Old Madame is worried she’ll fall.”

Ning Yuan had looked at the ladder by the wall, checked it to ensure it was sturdy enough, and then said: “You don’t understand; Sikong Xue just likes climbing the wall like this.”

Or rather, it was Ning Yuan who liked playing with Sikong Xue this way. And only Sikong Xue would have the patience to play along with her. Back then, Ning Yuan would say she never wanted to see Sikong Xue again, but if Sikong Xue truly didn’t come to see her, Ning Yuan would surely be sad.

Sikong Xue buried her face in the crook of Ning Yuan’s neck, inhaling the pleasant scent of Ayuan’s body, and said: “Ayuan, if there weren’t official business to attend to, I would truly want to hold you like this forever.”

Every time she woke up at night, Sikong Xue feared it was just a dream of yellow millet. But because Ayuan had misunderstood her intentions just a few days ago, Sikong Xue was unwilling to be too hasty about living in the same room. At least during these days at the manor, she couldn’t frighten Ayuan. Once they headed south with Ayuan, for the sake of protecting her, it would be natural for the two to stay in the same room.

Sikong Xue had several sets of lightweight clothes made for Ning Yuan. Once everything was prepared, she sent for Yin Chiyun.

“Ayuan, if you feel any discomfort on the road, you must speak up immediately. You must keep the medicine Chiyun prepared for you safely.”

This trip involved urgent matters; if Ayuan’s “heat” rose on the road, Sikong Xue feared she would suffer. Yin Chiyun also knew how important this was for the two; she prepared all the necessary daily herbs and brought several fine medicines to supplement Old Madame Ning’s health.

Yin Chiyun boarded the carriage first. After Sikong Xue helped Ning Yuan up, she didn’t get into the carriage herself.

Ning Yuan frowned, unable to understand this arrangement.

Sikong Xue explained: “Ayuan, the weather is hot; if all three of us are in the carriage, I fear it will be stifling.”

It was inconvenient for Yin Chiyun to ride a horse, and this trip shouldn’t be too conspicuous; arranging another carriage would draw too much attention. Sikong Xue could only arrange for Yin Chiyun and Ning Yuan to be in one carriage while she drove it from the front.

Sitting in the carriage, Ning Yuan was constantly worried: “A-Lin is outside; won’t she get sunburnt…”

Yin Chiyun said: “Your A-Lin is no stranger to leading troops in battle; she isn’t that fragile. Or is it that you miss her so much you can’t be away from her for a moment?”

Ning Yuan’s face turned red as she said: “What nonsense are you talking? The weather is this hot; if you were outside driving the carriage, I would be worried too.”

Hearing the voices inside the carriage, Sikong Xue turned back, lifted the curtain, and said: “Chiyun, you aren’t allowed to bully Ayuan.”

Yin Chiyun laughed: “With you here, how would I dare bully her?”

Ning Yuan looked at Yin Chiyun triumphantly. Now that she had Sikong Xue protecting her, Ning Yuan no longer feared anyone bullying her.

The carriage left the capital and traveled thirty li along the official road before stopping in a shaded forest. Fearing Ning Yuan couldn’t stand the jolting, Sikong Xue ordered a rest.

It was a bit difficult in the carriage, but the thought of seeing her family made Ning Yuan want to endure it. Sikong Xue raised her hand and tapped Ning Yuan’s nose, saying: “Your face is pale, yet you’re still enduring? Even if you don’t need a rest, the horses need water, and the driver is tired.”

Ning Yuan realized belatedly and said: “Then… you should rest well.” If there weren’t so many people watching, Ning Yuan would have wanted to massage Sikong Xue’s legs. She felt tired just sitting in the carriage; Sikong Xue, driving outside, must be even more exhausted.

Sikong Xue picked out the largest of the washed pears for Ning Yuan and distributed the rest to the attendants. Ning Yuan looked at the pear in her hand and couldn’t help but remember when the few of them went to the mountains to pick fruit as children.

Ning Yuan couldn’t help but sigh: “Though this pear is delicious and thirst-quenching, it isn’t as sweet and tart as the wild fruit in the mountains.”

Yin Chiyun said: “But picking fruit in the mountains… one always has to worry about venomous snakes and insects, right, A-Xue?”

Sikong Xue’s expression turned somewhat unnatural, wanting to laugh but not daring to. Ning Yuan realized something; she glared at Yin Chiyun: “That thing I told you not to say—did you go and blabber about it!”

Yin Chiyun felt a surge of guilt and said: “Uh… I’m going to the stream to wash my face.”

“You, you, you! You are too much!”

Watching Yin Chiyun’s departing back, Ning Yuan was both anxious and angry. Sikong Xue knew many things about her. But there was one thing she was determined to keep from Sikong Xue.

That was the time they went to the mountains to pick fruit as children—Sikong Xue had been bitten by a snake to protect her. Back then she didn’t understand anything; she just didn’t want Sikong Xue to die. She didn’t know where she had heard it, but she thought you could suck out the poison with your mouth.

However, as she was sucking, she felt her head spinning. Ning Yuan thought she was going to die with Sikong Xue. She held Sikong Xue, constantly telling her she wasn’t allowed to die. Back then Ning Yuan’s thoughts were simple if Sikong Xue died, she would have to be sad for her every day and take care of Sikong Xue’s mother. The thought of such a life was miserable. It was better for her to die and let Sikong Xue endure those things.

But seeing how sad and heartbroken Sikong Xue was for her now, Ning Yuan started to feel she couldn’t bear it. Fortunately, both were fine. It was just that back then, because she wanted to save Sikong Xue, her mouth had touched the snake venom and swelled up so much she couldn’t see people. At that time, Ning Yuan had used threats and bribes to make Yin Chiyun promise not to tell anyone. If Yin Chiyun told Sikong Xue, Sikong Xue would surely come to the manor to mock her.

“Sikong Xue, did Yin Chiyun tell you about that!” Ning Yuan glared at Sikong Xue.

Sikong Xue looked at Ning Yuan with a soft gaze and said: “Ayuan, if Chiyun hadn’t told me, how would I have known you were so good to me even back then.”

How could Sikong Xue ever mock Ning Yuan for having a swollen mouth because of her? She only regretted not discovering sooner that Ayuan was so good to her.

Ning Yuan said: “Who was being good to you? I was just afraid something would happen to you and Mother would punish me afterward.”

After waking up and hearing Sikong Xue was fine, Ning Yuan had been relieved. Sikong Xue didn’t care about Ning Yuan’s spiteful words; she simply held Ning Yuan and said: “Ayuan, after I returned, I had a high fever for several days and actually forgot what happened then. If Chiyun hadn’t told me, I’m afraid I still wouldn’t have dared to lay bare my heart to you…”

Ning Yuan pushed Sikong Xue’s hand away and whispered: “Why are you suddenly hugging me? There are others here.” Although the accompanying guards were very tactful and didn’t look at Ning Yuan, she still felt embarrassed.

Sikong Xue laughed: “If there were no one else, would I be able to hold you every day?”

Just as the words left her mouth, a sudden flurry of footsteps was heard.

Yin Chiyun shouted loudly: “Careful, there are assassins!”

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