Bab 22: Dia Hanya Mengembalikan Kebaikan

Chapter 22: She’s Simply Returning the Favor

Hearing this familiar voice, Qin Wan froze like a statue.

This voice, she wouldn’t forget even if she turned to ashes!

Gu Jinghui had arrived.

He really came back with Qin Yuan!

Qin Wan watched in a daze as the tall and handsome man approached against the light, standing by Qin Yuan’s side, and said with a soft smile, "Yuan’er, I’m late."

His eyes were full of tender affection as he looked down at the blushing Qin Yuan. The two stood together, exuding a charm that words couldn’t fully describe, perfectly matched.

The women raised their round fans to hide their faces, excitedly whispering to each other.

Some young women’s faces were also tinged with a blush.

The shock, bitterness, and jealousy in Qin Wan’s heart surged like a tidal wave, engulfing her entirely. She didn’t even notice Lin Ziqi, who had come to her side, watching her.

"Wan’er, what’s wrong?"

"Wan’er?"

After being called several times, Qin Wan finally came back to her senses.

She forced a smile and said, "Why are you here too?"

Lin Ziqi hid his displeasure and smiled, "Brother-in-law has some matters and needs to take Big Sister back. I thought we’ve been here for quite a while, so maybe we should go home early, so Mother isn’t left alone worrying."

Qin Wan replied absentmindedly, "Alright."

At this moment, Gu Jinghui, holding Qin Yuan’s hand, had already walked up to Mrs. Cui and said, "Mother-in-law, please accept a bow from your son-in-law."

His figure was graceful and dashing, making his bow look elegant and pleasing to the eye.

Mrs. Cui beamed with joy and said, "Quick, rise, rise, we’re all family, no need for such formalities."

Gu Jinghui apologized for being late, but Mrs. Cui didn’t mind at all and asked if he was accustomed to the Qin Family’s meals, if he could get along with his brother-in-law Qin Heng, and whether Qin Yuan was considerate and sensible at home.

Her words were intimate and thoughtful, as if Gu Jinghui was her own son-in-law.

Lin Ziqi and Qin Wan stood aside with unpleasant expressions.

Seeing the two Qin Family sons-in-law saying their goodbyes, others realized the coming-home banquet was nearing its end and hastened to take their leave.

After seeing the guests off, Qin Jijiu and Qin Heng also came to the backyard.

Qin Jijiu stroked his beard, smiling warmly as he chatted, "My dear son-in-law, you haven’t been here long, and you’re leaving already. Is the Ministry of War busy these days?"

Gu Jinghui smiled, "The Ministry of War has been busy organizing matters of borderland farmsteads; it’s quite chaotic. I’m not sure who can out-noise the other."

Upon hearing this, Qin Jijiu laughed heartily, "The doctors at the Imperial College argue every day."

They exchanged a few words about official matters, then agreed to have a drink together when they had time.

Without a position, Lin Ziqi could only sit woodenly by.

After sitting for a while, Gu Jinghui bid farewell once again.

Qin Jijiu and Mrs. Cui came out again to personally see both couples off.

Seeing the black ironwood carriage parked outside, Qin Wan tightly clenched Lin Ziqi’s arm, making the veins on his forehead throb as he struggled to remain composed.

But at that moment, Qin Wan could hardly think of him; she was solely preoccupied with wondering what kind of enchantment Qin Yuan had cast on the Gu Family to be allowed to use the Old Madam Gu’s special carriage for her return home.

Mrs. Cui naturally noticed the subtlety too, casting an inscrutable glance at the obviously envious Qin Wan. Like a caring mother, she advised, "Yuan’er, in the future, you must be filial to your mother-in-law, take good care of the Marquis, and hopefully, soon have children."

Qin Yuan nodded shyly, "Mother, I understand. You should go back now, no need to see us off."

Qin Jijiu stroked his beard, sighing, "A married daughter doesn’t know how often she can return to her parental home in a year. Let me send you off properly. My dear son-in-law, you must treat Yuan’er well."

Gu Jinghui helped Qin Yuan onto the carriage and then mounted his horse, saying, "Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, I will certainly treat Yuan’er well. Please rest assured."

Watching the carriage and horses turn out of the street, Mrs. Cui said to the silently standing Qin Wan and Lin Ziqi, "Wan’er, you stay, I have something to discuss with you."

Her tone was quite firm.

Lin Ziqi felt quite embarrassed.

Qin Jijiu quickly covered, "Ziqi, why not stay and talk about essays with me before you go? It’s rare for both of us to have free time today."

Internally bitter, Lin Ziqi mustered his spirits and said, "Alright, I happen to have an essay I’d like Father-in-law to advise on."

Qin Heng remained oblivious to what was happening around him, just stared blankly at the street corner, sighing, "If only I could ride Big Brother-in-law’s prized steed."

Once they left the street where the Qin Family lived, Qin Yuan instructed the carriage and horses to stop.

"What’s wrong?"

Gu Jinghui reined in his horse and turned back, asking softly by the carriage window.

Qin Yuan lifted the curtain, revealing half her pretty face, and softly suggested, "Marquis, why don’t you come inside?"

Gu Jinghui quickly reached out to close the curtain, leaving only a small slit, "Call me husband."

"Suami, silakan masuk." Qin Yuan menanggapinya dengan lancar.

"Why?"

Qin Yuan thought for a moment and said, "I have something to discuss with you, and it’s inconvenient for you outside on horseback."

Hong Ye whispered, "Is Miss feeling sorry for the Marquis?"

Gu Jinghui’s ears twitched, and his face flushed as he stubbornly said, "We can talk when we’re home."

Qin Yuan remained silent.

Hong Ye whispered again, "Once we’re home, won’t Lady Zhao call you away again?"

Gu Jinghui’s face turned even redder, and after a long pause, he came up with an incoherent, "Thank you for maintaining the Marquis Mansion’s dignity today."

If my husband gives me respect, I will naturally uphold his dignity.

Hidden behind the curtain, Qin Yuan’s expression was invisible, but her tone was calm, seemingly devoid of emotions.

Gu Jinghui paused for a moment, finally understanding.

He had graced her by accompanying her home; she reciprocated by preserving his dignity in public.

Recalling the things Qin Yuan had said before he left last night, Gu Jinghui suddenly felt a bit stifled. Beads of sweat rolled down his cheeks as he awkwardly explained, "I-I’m not like the rumors say."

"Hm, right, are you sure you want to discuss this outside?"

Qin Yuan lifted the curtain again, leaning out and gently coaxing, "Better discuss it inside."

Gu Jinghui quickly responded, "Alright, alright, whatever you say, just close the curtain quickly before others see."

Qin Yuan retreated and obediently pulled the curtain closed.

Gu Jinghui swiftly dismounted and jumped onto the carriage.

Once inside, he saw Qin Yuan reclining by the window, with her Xiapei already removed, wearing only that eye-catching, gossamer-thin crimson robe.

A jadeite amulet, vivid and green, dangled from her soft and delicate neck, pulsating in the hollow of her collarbone, capturing his gaze.

Unsure what to say, he sat upright across the small table, placing his hands on his knees, waiting for Qin Yuan to speak first.

Hong Ye, beside them, discreetly rolled her eyes.

The carriage departed the bustling market and picked up speed.

Qin Yuan said, "You heard what my sister said?"

"Hmm."

Gu Jinghui’s scalp tightened.

Mendengar suara yang sangat ia kenal itu, Qin Wan membeku di tempat—seperti patung.

Suara ini… bahkan kalau ia berubah menjadi abu, ia tetap tak akan melupakannya!

Gu Jinghui sudah datang.

Bahkan benar-benar kembali bersama Qin Yuan!

Qin Wan menatap dengan pandangan kosong saat pria tinggi dan tampan itu berjalan mendekat melawan cahaya, berdiri di sisi Qin Yuan, lalu tersenyum lembut, “Yuan’er, aku terlambat.”

Tatapannya penuh kelembutan saat menunduk melihat Qin Yuan yang pipinya memerah. Keduanya berdiri bersebelahan, memancarkan pesona yang bahkan sulit dijelaskan kata-kata—serasi sempurna.

Beberapa wanita mengangkat kipas bulat untuk menutupi wajah, sambil berbisik-bisik dengan bersemangat.

Tak sedikit juga wajah para wanita muda yang ikut tersipu.

Guncangan, kepahitan, dan rasa cemburu di dalam hati Qin Wan seperti gelombang pasang—menenggelamkannya sepenuhnya. Bahkan ia tak sempat menyadari Lin Ziqi yang sudah berdiri di sampingnya, diam-diam mengamati.

“Wan’er, ada apa?”

“Wan’er?”

Setelah dipanggil beberapa kali, Qin Wan akhirnya tersadar.

Ia memaksa tersenyum dan berkata, “Kenapa kamu juga ada di sini?”

Lin Ziqi menyembunyikan rasa tidak senangnya dan tersenyum, “Saudara ipar ada urusan dan perlu membawa Kakak Perempuan kembali. Aku pikir kita sudah lama berada di sini, jadi mungkin lebih baik pulang lebih cepat agar Ibu tidak menunggu sendirian dan khawatir.”

Qin Wan menjawab dengan linglung, “Baik.”

Saat itu, Gu Jinghui—sambil menggandeng tangan Qin Yuan—sudah berjalan mendekati Nyonya Cui dan berkata, “Ibu mertua, terimalah sembah dari menantu perempuan Ibu.”

Posturnya anggun dan gagah, gerakan sembahnya tampak indah serta enak dilihat.

Nyonya Cui tersenyum lebar, “Cepat, cepat bangun—kita ini keluarga sendiri, tidak perlu formalitas seperti itu.”

Gu Jinghui meminta maaf karena terlambat, tetapi Nyonya Cui sama sekali tidak mempermasalahkannya, lalu menanyakan apakah ia sudah terbiasa dengan hidangan Keluarga Qin, apakah ia bisa akrab dengan saudara iparnya Qin Heng, serta apakah Qin Yuan bersikap perhatian dan tahu aturan di rumah.

Kata-katanya terdengar akrab dan penuh perhatian—seolah Gu Jinghui adalah menantu kesayangan mereka.

Lin Ziqi dan Qin Wan berdiri di samping dengan ekspresi yang sangat tidak menyenangkan.

Melihat dua menantu Keluarga Qin saling berpamitan, yang lain baru sadar bahwa jamuan kepulangan sudah hampir berakhir, sehingga mereka segera pamit untuk pergi.

Setelah mengantar para tamu, Qin Jijiu dan Qin Heng juga masuk ke halaman belakang.

Qin Jijiu mengusap janggutnya, tersenyum hangat sambil mengobrol, “Anakku menantu yang baik, baru sebentar di sini dan sudah mau pergi lagi. Kementerian Perang sibuk belakangan ini?”

Gu Jinghui tersenyum, “Kementerian Perang memang sibuk mengatur urusan-urusan pertanian di perbatasan. Banyak yang berantakan. Aku sendiri nggak tahu siapa yang bisa lebih bising dari yang lain.”

Mendengar itu, Qin Jijiu tertawa terbahak-bahak, “Para dokter di Akademi Kekaisaran setiap hari ribut berdebat.”

Mereka bertukar beberapa patah kata tentang urusan resmi, lalu saling sepakat untuk minum bersama saat ada waktu.

Karena tidak memegang jabatan apa pun, Lin Ziqi hanya bisa duduk bengong.

Beberapa saat kemudian, Gu Jinghui berpamitan sekali lagi.

Qin Jijiu dan Nyonya Cui keluar lagi untuk mengantar kedua pasangan itu secara langsung.

Saat melihat kereta berlapis besi kayu (black ironwood) yang terparkir di luar, Qin Wan langsung mengencangkan lengan Lin Ziqi begitu erat sampai urat di pelipisnya berdenyut, seakan berjuang menahan diri agar tetap tenang.

Namun pada saat itu, Qin Wan hampir tak bisa memikirkan Lin Ziqi. Yang memenuhi pikirannya hanya satu hal: Qin Yuan telah “menggunakan pesona” seperti apa pada Keluarga Gu, hingga Old Madam Gu sampai mengizinkan Qin Yuan pulang dengan kereta khususnya.

Nyonya Cui tentu juga menangkap hal itu. Ia melirik Qin Wan yang jelas-jelas iri, dengan pandangan sulit ditebak. Seolah ibu yang penuh kasih, ia menasihati, “Yuan’er, ke depannya kamu harus berbakti pada ibu mertua, jaga baik-baik Marquis, dan semoga segera dikaruniai anak.”

Qin Yuan mengangguk dengan malu-malu, “Ibu, aku mengerti. Ibu sebaiknya pulang dulu, tidak perlu mengantar kami.”

Qin Jijiu mengusap janggutnya, menghela napas, “Anak perempuan yang sudah menikah tidak tahu berapa kali dalam setahun bisa pulang ke rumah orang tua. Biarkan aku mengantar kalian dengan benar. Menantu yang baik, kamu harus memperlakukan Yuan’er dengan baik.”

Gu Jinghui menuntun Qin Yuan naik ke dalam kereta, lalu menaiki kudanya sendiri. Ia berkata, “Ayah mertua, Ibu mertua, aku pasti akan memperlakukan Yuan’er dengan baik. Kalian jangan khawatir.”

Saat kereta dan kuda itu berbelok menjauh dari jalan, Nyonya Cui berkata pada Qin Wan dan Lin Ziqi yang berdiri diam, “Wan’er, kamu tinggal. Aku ada sesuatu yang ingin kubicarakan denganmu.”

Nada suaranya cukup tegas.

Lin Ziqi merasa amat canggung.

Qin Jijiu cepat-cepat menutup dengan senyum, “Ziqi, kenapa tidak tinggal dulu? Sebelum kamu pergi, ajak ayah mertua membahas esai denganku. Jarang sekali hari ini kita punya waktu luang berdua.”

Dengan hati yang pahit, Lin Ziqi memaksa menguatkan diri dan berkata, “Baik. Kebetulan aku juga ingin meminta ayah mertua memberi saran tentang sebuah esai.”

Qin Heng sama sekali tidak sadar apa yang terjadi di sekelilingnya. Ia hanya menatap sudut jalan dengan kosong, sambil menghela napas, “Seandainya aku bisa menunggang kuda kesayangan kakak ipar…”

Begitu mereka meninggalkan jalan tempat Keluarga Qin tinggal, Qin Yuan memberi perintah pada kereta dan kuda agar berhenti.

“Ada apa?” tanya Gu Jinghui. Ia menarik tali kekangnya, lalu menoleh kembali, bertanya pelan dari balik jendela kereta.

Qin Yuan mengangkat tirai, memperlihatkan setengah wajahnya yang cantik, lalu berkata dengan lembut, “Marquis, kenapa tidak masuk saja?”

Gu Jinghui cepat-cepat meraih untuk menutup tirai, hanya menyisakan celah kecil. Ia berkata, “Panggil aku suami.”

“Suami, silakan masuk.” Qin Yuan menanggapinya dengan lancar.

“Kenapa?”

Qin Yuan berpikir sebentar, lalu berkata, “Aku ada sesuatu yang ingin dibicarakan denganmu. Di luar, di atas kuda, tidak nyaman bagimu.”

Hong Ye berbisik pelan, “Nona merasa kasihan pada Marquis?”

Telinga Gu Jinghui bergetar, wajahnya memerah—namun ia tetap keras kepala dan berkata, “Kita bicara saat sudah di rumah.”

Qin Yuan tetap diam.

Hong Ye berbisik lagi, “Kalau sudah di rumah, Nyonya Zhao bukankah akan memanggilmu pergi lagi?”

Wajah Gu Jinghui makin memerah. Setelah hening lama, ia akhirnya menemukan alasan yang terdengar tidak nyambung, “Terima kasih… karena hari ini menjaga martabat Marquis Mansion.”

“Jika suamiku memberiku hormat, tentu aku akan menjaga martabatnya di depan umum.”

Ekspresi Qin Yuan yang tersembunyi di balik tirai tak terlihat, tapi suaranya tenang—seolah sama sekali tidak ada emosi.

Gu Jinghui berhenti sejenak, dan akhirnya ia mengerti.

Tadi ia memberinya kehormatan dengan mengantar sampai pulang; maka sebagai balasan, Qin Yuan menjaga martabatnya di depan semua orang.

Mengingat kata-kata yang Qin Yuan ucapkan sebelum ia pergi semalam, Gu Jinghui mendadak merasa sedikit tercekik. Keringat mengalir di pipinya saat ia menjelaskan dengan canggung, “Aku—aku tidak seperti yang orang-orang katakan dalam rumor.”

“Hm, benar.” Qin Yuan mengangkat tirai sekali lagi, bersandar keluar dengan lembut dan menasihati pelan, “Kalau begitu, soal ini lebih baik kita bicarakan di dalam.”

Gu Jinghui cepat menjawab, “Baik, baik—terserah kamu. Cepat tutup tirainya, supaya orang lain tidak melihat.”

Qin Yuan menarik diri dan dengan patuh menarik tirai hingga tertutup.

Gu Jinghui segera turun dari kuda dan meloncat masuk ke dalam kereta.

Setelah masuk, ia melihat Qin Yuan berbaring santai di dekat jendela. Xiapei-nya sudah dilepas, hanya tersisa satu jubah merah tua yang sangat mencolok, tipisnya seperti kain kerudung.

Seutas jimat giok hijau zamrud menggantung di lehernya yang halus dan lembut, berdenyut di cekungan tulang selangkanya, menarik pandangan Gu Jinghui.

Ia tak tahu harus berkata apa. Gu Jinghui duduk tegak di seberang meja kecil, meletakkan kedua tangannya di atas kedua lututnya, menunggu Qin Yuan berbicara lebih dulu.

Hong Ye di samping hanya melirik diam-diam, lalu memutar matanya.

Kereta berangkat dari pasar yang ramai dan lajunya meningkat.

Qin Yuan berkata, “Kamu sudah dengar apa yang dikatakan kakakku?”

“Hm.” Gu Jinghui merasa kulit kepalanya menegang.