I accidentally Married the Leader of the Noble Path

“I’m actually doing this for your own good, Miss Shangguan. You mentioned not wanting to leave and wanting to continue living here. But without a proper reason, if a man and a woman live together, the villagers will surely gossip,” Qin Nan explained matter-of-factly.

“You wouldn’t want people calling you loose, would you? But if we became husband and wife, no one would have anything to say.” Qin Nan spoke with conviction.

Shangguan Rouyue squinted slightly, her expression a mix of amusement and skepticism. After all that talk, wasn’t he just trying to trick her into being his wife?

Did he think she was that easy to fool?

She couldn’t help but wonder—how many girls had Qin Nan deceived with these tricks?

But in Niujiao Village, there didn’t seem to be many girls who he could even deceive.

In truth, during the time she’d spent living with him, she hadn’t noticed any signs of him being close with other women. He’d been respectful and proper—at least until recently, when he started behaving less so.

This rascal.

“Would being my wife be so bad? I can’t promise riches or luxury, but I can guarantee I’ll treat you well,” Qin Nan said sincerely.

“Let me think about it, but don’t get your hopes up,” Shangguan Rouyue replied perfunctorily.

Her promise to “think about it” was clearly just a stalling tactic. Still, for her to even say she’d consider it was rare—at least she hadn’t outright rejected him.

Qin Nan didn’t press further. Getting her to think about it was already a win; it meant there was a chance.

Of course, the best outcome would’ve been her agreeing right away, but Qin Nan hadn’t dared to hope for that from the start.

Shangguan Rouyue wasn’t the kind of woman to be easily coaxed.

Fortunately, Qin Nan wasn’t in a rush. You eat a meal one bite at a time—being too hasty only makes you look bad.

Even if she eventually rejected him, he wouldn’t give up so easily. Dripping water wears away stone over time.

For a woman like Shangguan Rouyue, he was willing to put in as much effort as it took.

Truth be told, this whole “courting a wife” thing was a first for Qin Nan.

But the “demon king” wasn’t one to back down easily—he’d just rely on his thick skin.

In fact, Qin Nan felt his chances weren’t bad. From her various subtle reactions, it was clear that Shangguan Rouyue didn’t dislike him—there was even a hint of playing hard to get.

Not that she’d ever admit it.

Qin Nan continued holding Shangguan Rouyue as they lay there, inhaling her intoxicating scent with a touch of greed.

Shangguan Rouyue glanced at the back of his head, secretly cursing him as a scoundrel. This brat, so young yet so cheeky. Yet, her hands still rested naturally on him, almost as if in response.

…

A young girl suddenly arrived at Qin Nan’s house.

Her name was Yang Xiaoqi, about the same age as Qin Nan, with a graceful and lively demeanor.

Her fair skin and delicate features made her stand out in Niujiao Village—a rare beauty. She wore her hair in two horn-shaped buns and a flowing skirt that added to her cheerful and charming appearance.

Yang Xiaoqi had come for medical help. From her actions and tone, it was obvious she was very close to Qin Nan. She clung to his arm and affectionately called him “Brother Qin Nan” with a sweet, melodic voice that was hard not to like.

Qin Nan treated her warmly, without any sense of distance. The two went into the room for her checkup, staying there for quite some time before coming out.

When they emerged, Yang Xiaoqi’s face was slightly flushed.

As lunchtime approached, Yang Xiaoqi made no move to leave and shamelessly invited herself to stay for a meal.

Qin Nan didn’t refuse, preparing an extra portion for her. Yang Xiaoqi even offered to help with the cooking, her cheerful energy filling the room.

After lunch, Yang Xiaoqi left with a small packet of medicine that Qin Nan handed her, instructing her to take it three times a day and reassuring her that she’d feel better by the next day.

Yang Xiaoqi nodded and promised to return for a visit soon. Qin Nan agreed without hesitation, watching as she left, skipping with joy.

“You seem to have a very close relationship with her,” came a cold voice from behind him.

Turning around, Qin Nan saw Shangguan Rouyue standing there, her expression less than pleased. Her gaze carried a subtle sharpness, as if she’d stumbled upon something unpleasant.

“We grew up together—of course we’re close,” Qin Nan said matter-of-factly.

“Oh? Is that so?” Shangguan Rouyue’s lips curled into a sarcastic smile.

“What are you trying to say?” Qin Nan asked.

“Nothing. I just think your relationship with her seems a bit too close. She calls you ‘Brother Qin Nan’ so sweetly, clings to your arm without hesitation, and you two look quite the pair—talented man and beautiful woman. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were a couple,” Shangguan Rouyue remarked.

Qin Nan wasn’t a fool. He caught the sourness in her tone, her words laced with a hint of jealousy. She sounded as if she’d just bitten into a lemon.

“Are you jealous of Xiaoqi?” Qin Nan asked bluntly.

“Why would I be jealous of some little girl? Don’t make it sound like I care about you that much,” Shangguan Rouyue snapped, her face darkening.

“Is that not the case?” Qin Nan replied with a teasing smile.

“By the way, what kind of illness did you treat her for? Why did you have to go into the room alone with her? Don’t you know how inappropriate that is for a man and a woman?” Shangguan Rouyue questioned sharply.

“Isn’t it the same for us, being a man and a woman living together?” Qin Nan countered.

“That’s different. I’m older than you—I could pass as your elder sister. But Yang Xiaoqi is about the same age as you,” Shangguan Rouyue argued.

“Does age matter when treating an illness? I’m the one people in the village come to when they’re sick. Besides, the person I like isn’t Xiaoqi—it’s you.”

The sudden confession caught Shangguan Rouyue off guard. Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly averted her gaze.

“Don’t try to change the subject,” she said, feigning anger.

“She just had a stomachache. I was checking on her—it’s nothing inappropriate. You’re overthinking it,” Qin Nan said, his tone calm.

“Am I overthinking?” Shangguan Rouyue shot back.

“Isn’t that the case?” Qin Nan’s teasing smile remained.

Despite her scolding, Qin Nan was secretly delighted by Shangguan Rouyue’s jealousy. Even if it seemed unreasonable, it showed she cared.

There was something he hadn’t told Shangguan Rouyue, something that would completely dispel her jealousy toward Yang Xiaoqi. But Qin Nan didn’t plan on revealing it just yet.

Her jealous reactions were unexpectedly adorable, and he wanted to enjoy them a little longer.

“I still have some internal injuries to heal. I’ll be meditating to recover—don’t disturb me.” 

With a flick of her sleeve, she turned and walked into her room, her movements elegant and otherworldly. She shut the door firmly behind her, making it clear she didn’t want to be bothered.

Qin Nan scratched his nose, amused. To him, it felt like she was retreating in a huff after her feelings had been laid bare.

His wife is so adorable.

However, Qin Nan couldn’t quite wrap his head around it. With Shangguan Rouyue’s stunning beauty and unparalleled charm, why would she feel jealous of Yang Xiaoqi?

While Yang Xiaoqi was undoubtedly beautiful by village standards, she was no match for Shangguan Rouyue’s ethereal grace. The difference between them was like night and day.

If you put the two side by side, anyone with eyes would be drawn to Shangguan Rouyue without hesitation.

So why was she jealous of Yang Xiaoqi?

Could it be that Shangguan Rouyue saw Yang Xiaoqi as a rival?

If so, Qin Nan found the situation all the more amusing.