C3 Something in the Wine?

The Yinn family had a car arranged to pick up Qiu Xiyun. She was a bit surprised, however; because it was nothing like what she had expected. Considering the noble-like status and impeccable reputation of the Yinn family; Qiu Xiyun believed they would be sending over a grander or more ostentatious vehicle...something perhaps like a stretched-limousine; or, at the very least, a high-end luxury car like a Rolls Royce or Mercedes Benz. Instead; the car that picked her up looked like any other car one might select from your 'run of the mill' car rental place.

Because Yinn Siyan remained comatose, the wedding had a somberly morose atmosphere about it. In fact, with the exception the few red 'Happiness & Prosperity' pendants scarcely hung up in the living room; there was no other indication that a wedding was taking place there.

As soon as Qiu Xiyun entered the room; she heard someone snidely comment, "I never knew that the Qiu family could actually be so unscrupulous. That harlot, Qiu Xiangying, behaved so shamefully immoral; yet, she still has the audacity to ask you to apologize, and take her place to pay off the debt."

Qiu Xiyun was a bit shocked when she turned around and discovered that these rather harshly venomous words spat out from the mouth of such a young, angelic-looking girl. She thought to herself, "Oh, well; how is it that expression goes...right...'out of the mouths of babes'."

Qiu Xiyun had seen this girl on a few occasions while accompanying Xiangying; but, she didn't know much about her. She only knew that the girl was Yinn Siyan's cousin; and, that her name was Yinn Siya.

And, after Yinn Siya had spoken her piece; other disgruntled guests who were upset over this turn of events as well, began griping out one after the other, comments such as, "The nerve of the Qiu family to be so bold as to pull such a ludicrous move. Aren't they afraid that people will laugh at them for doing so? Do they have any dignity whatsoever?"

"In his current condition, it's possible that Yinn Siyan might never regain consciousness...but, they still have no qualms about marrying off their daughter to a comatose invalid; all in the hopes of staying in favor with the Yinn family. If you ask me; the Qiu's haven't got a shred of dignity left. So shameless; indeed."

Once the comments subsided; Qiu Xiyun decided to counter their disparaging verbal assault. She held her head up high, and put on a feigned smile; then spoke in an unfaltering tone, "Whether the rest of my family does or doesn't have a shred of dignity left in them is of no consequence to me. I took it upon myself to voluntarily join the Yinn family because I truly do admire Mr. Yinn. And, I can attest to all of you here, right now; that I do not regret...nor, will I regret in the future...marrying Yinn Siyan."

Qiu Xiyun sharply set her eyes upon the stoical-looking elderly woman seated in the main seat, who was staring at her. "It's odd...I've heard that although the Yinn family is a large, extended family; they are a tightly-knit family that gets along harmoniously. I would never have suspected that they would treat Yinn Siyan's wife like this."

Photos of the Madame of the Yinn family were rarely seen in the media; but, there were many articles written about this legendary woman. From the descriptions that she had read about her in the newspapers; Qiu Xiyun was certain that the elderly woman was indeed Zhao Qiuxian...the Madame of the Yinn family.

Despite the fact that many people referred to Yinn Siyan as 'the leader' of the Yinn family; that was mainly the business aspect view. Truth was, after her husband's untimely demise; the Yinn family's hierarchy had become more or less run on a matriarchal system... with the Madame being the head matriarch. And; it was she who had played a significant role in the Yinn family's current glory.

Although Zhao Qiuxian appeared stoically reserved as she sat there; she still exuded an elegantly dignified and noble air that almost immediately drew people in, and made it hard for them not to revere her. Barely affected, nor ravaged by time; her beauty seemed to be 'timeless'...and; it wasn't hard for Qiu Xiyun to imagine how many men must have admired her when she was younger.

Even though Qiu Xiyun was looking at the Madame of the Yinn family when she spoke her piece; she was actually addressing Yinn Siya... criticizing her for crassly spewing out that first derogatory comment; which was the catalyst for the previous beratement.

Yinn Siya was a bit spoiled...always put up on the proverbial 'pedestal'; and, delicately treated as one of the Yinn family's treasured beauties....And, as such; was not use to being treated in that manner. In her eyes, it was if Qiu Xiyun had 'defiantly challenged' her with her proclamation of devotedness to Yinn Siyan. She angrily remarked, "What's all that nonsense about you doing this out of admiration for my cousin; especially when we all know what your real motive for marrying him. What you said was nothing more than a boldfaced lie!" Qiu Xiyun resolutely reiterated her position, "I've always admired Yinn Siyan; and, I have no regrets over marrying him...even if his condition doesn't improve." Then, a sudden little impish grin appeared upon Qiu Xiyun's countenance; as she goadingly quipped, "But; I suppose that a childishly immature little girl like yourself wouldn't understand matters of the heart between grown-ups."

Yinn Siya started to lash out, "What...how dare you! You Qiu's are nothing more than..." But, before she could finish; Zhao Qiuxian brusquely interjected, "Enough...all of you shut your mouths, now!"

The Madame's eyes piercingly glared upon everyone present; as they slowly scanned across the entire living room. A sudden silence befell the room; as a mounting tension permeated the air.

Finally, after a brief moment of unnerving silence...Zhao Qiuxian sternly pointed at Qiu Xiyun; and, ordered her, "You...follow me."

After they left the room; the tension in the atmosphere began to slowly dissipate...and; everyone started to feel a little more at ease. However; Yinn Siya still felt resentful, and a little dejected...yet, no one seemed to notice the sullenly pouty expression on her face.

Zhao Qiuxian led Qiu Xiyun upstairs, to an empty guest room. She glanced over Qiu Xiyun with discerning eyes; then told her, "I don't know if it's because you're confident in your own capability, or you're simply defiantly indignant...but; I've rarely come across a person who would even dare to brazenly stand up to any member of my Yinn family."

Upon hearing this; Qiu Xiyun instinctively lowered her head into a somewhat subservient position, and stared at the floor. Qiu Xiyun immediately thought that she must have disrespected the Madame of the Yinn family with her bold remarks; and, her heart instantly filled up with discord, while believing that she was about to be severely scolded by the Yinn family's matriarch.

But, in the end...when Qiu Xiyun finally dared to look up...although Zhao Qiuxian was displaying a cold, austere expression; there were no evident signs of anger showing on her visage. She simply told Qiu Xiyun in a blase, monotonic inflection, "From now on; you better not behave in such a manner."

Then...Zhao Qiuxian's eyebrows slightly furrowed; as she scrutinized over Qiu Xiyun with those discerning eyes of hers. Her intense gaze repeatedly swept up and down Qiu Xiyun's body a few times; until finally remarking, "So; you're the one that the Qiu family decided was worthy enough of being sent here to apologize for their wrongdoings to my Yinn family?...Very well; from this day forward, you'll be responsible for taking care of my Yan."

She briefly paused before continuing, "Remember...do your best to serve your purpose in the Yinn family; and, be sure to give birth to Yinn Siyan's child. You needn't worry about anything else in Yinn family matters. Do you understand?"

Qiu Xiyun slowly nodded at Zhao Qiuxian; then, lowered her head back down, again...averting her eyes to the floor. Zhao Qiuxian frowned; while starting to believe that her new granddaughter-in-law was still being insolent.

But, before Zhao Qiuxian's ire rose any further; Qiu Xiyun raised her head...although; kept it lowered enough to still be considered a subservient position...and, assured her; in a completely earnest-sounding manner, "Don't worry, Madame, it's like I said; I have always admired Mr. Yinn...and; it's my honor to be able to marry him."

That response had slightly taken aback Zhao Qiuian. From the tone she had taken in the living room only moments before, she was expecting Qiu Xiyun to be a bit more resistant to her wishes.

Zhao Qiuxian stared at Qiu Xiyun in a dubious fashion; slightly narrowing her discerning eyes. But, after scrutinizing over her seemingly genuine expression, Zhao Qiuxian could no longer see the slightest discrepancy in Qiu Xiyun's sincerity. She spoke to Qiu Xiyun in a much gentler tone, "I'm both relieved and happy to learn that you possess such a heart. Child, as long as you treat my Yan well...I promise you that the Yinn family will definitely treat you well. I'll personally see to it."

Qiu Xiyun started to see Zhao Qiuxian in a new light; and, she endearingly glanced over at the austere-looking elderly woman. Perhaps the Madame of the Yinn family was more than just some 'tough old bird'; but, also a loving matriarch who yearned for only the best for her children and grandchildren.

As per Zhao Qiuxian's orders; Qiu Xiyun didn't have to return to the living room, and deal with the overly-judgmental relatives. Instead; she was taken directly to Yinn Siyan's room.

Qiu Xiyun was about to enter, as she stretched out her arm to push open the bedroom door; when she was suddenly stopped by the escorting chambermaid. "Miss Qiu; before going in, please wait a moment."

Shortly; a kitchen servant walked up carrying a tray holding two exquisitely crafted, jade cups. The chambermaid took the cups, and quickly dismissed the kitchen servant; then, informed Qiu Xiyun, "The Madame wishes that you and the Young Master drink this wine together....Oh, and, she said to tell you to be sure to make a toast for you two to have a long, successful, happy marriage."

Having delivered the Madame's instructions; the chambermaid handed Qiu Xiyun the cups of wine, and left. Qiu Xiyun stood there momentarily, with a befuddled expression etched upon her face. It was her understanding that Yinn Siyan was still comatose; so, how could he possibly drink the wine with her? She wondered why the Madame had given these seemingly bizarre instructions for her to carry out.

Still a bit bewildered; Qiu Xiyun decided to stop dwelling on it, and just go in. With a gnawing anticipation of what awaited her in Yinn Siyan's room; she slowly opened the door, and hesitantly stepped inside. The curtains were drawn tightly shut; so, the room was fairly darkened. Qiu Xiyun could barely see the motionless figure lying on the bed...and, even after having reached the side of the bed; she could vaguely make out how Yinn Siyan looked. After a moment...Qiu Xiyun placed the cups down on the nightstand; and then, apprehensively switched on the lamp sitting atop it.

The rumors she heard spreading on campus were proven to be true. The once handsome face of Yinn Siyan was indeed horribly disfigured and severely burned; transformed into a shockingly terrifying face that could make people tremble in fear. He had the appearance of some sort of abhorrent demon from the depths of Hell, causing those who gazed upon it to instantly feel a chill run down their spine.

Qiu Xiyun found it hard to fathom that the once 'Golden Boy'...the 'all-powerful business emperor'...would be stricken with such a ghastly appearance; one which made him seem neither human nor ghost. That devastatingly unfortunate car accident had completely disrupted Yinn Siyan's seemingly perfect life; and, stirred up a huge commotion within the business world.

Able to fulfill at least half of the Madame of the Yinn family's wishes; Qiu Xiyun wrapped Yinn Siyan's hand around one of the cups and held it closed, while she clanked the two jade cups together and made the toast to their marriage. "Yinn Siyan...from now on; the two us are husband and wife. Here's to us; and, our marriage. May we be together for a long time to come." But, since he was obviously unable to drink, Qiu Xiyun drank all the wine by herself.

Qiu Xiyun took a moment to reach down and carefully touch his leg. But, as expected...seeing how Yinn Siyan was still unconscious... he did not respond to her touch. Apparently his leg had no sense of feeling in it.

After another brief moment of hesitation, Qiu Xiyun raised one side of Yinn Siyan's pajama legs, and began to gently massage several of the leg's acupuncture points. Having studied in the medical field, Qiu Xiyun was aware that this kind of massage could make comatose patients remain a bit more comfortable; by assisting the blood to flow through their immobile limbs.

As she continued massaging Yinn Siyan's legs, a subtle smile appeared on Qiu Xiyun's; as she softly admitted aloud, "Do you know that you were the most desired 'Prince Charming' among all the girls in school? I even had a crush on you, at that time."

Qiu Xiyun went on recalling her past attraction and feelings for Yinn Siyan while massaging his legs; when she suddenly felt a strange sensation of being uncomfortably hot. She wondered if the air conditioner in the room wasn't on.

Qiu Xiyun stepped away from the bed, and began looking for a vent. Once she came across one; she placed her hand over it. The air conditioner was working just fine...so; why did she feel so hot? Suddenly...a disturbing thought popped into her mind; as she started wondering about the wine the chambermaid had given her to drink. Was there something added to the wine...could it have been drugged?!

Immediately; Qiu Xiyun gritted her teeth, as she rushed over to the door. When she tried turning the knob, and pushing the door open; Qiu Xiyun discovered that the door had been locked shut. At that moment; she couldn't help but to bitterly grimace for a brief moment. She thought, "So; this was Madame's plan all along. To drug me in order to free myself of all my inhibitions, so I wouldn't have any problem fully consummating my marriage with Yinn Siyan."

Then; a panicking Qiu Xiyun began wondering to herself, "Wait...I can't rape an unconscious person...right?" But; the heat she was feeling in her body continued to steadily rise...while, her urge to go along with Qiuxian's plans grew stronger and stronger.

Whatever Zhao Qiuxian had the wine drugged with was highly effective. Not only couldn't Qiu Xiyun calm herself down, and curb her festering lustful desires; but, her consciousness started to become hazily fuzzy.