Chapter 113 Bitter Fruit

An autumn wind blew through the night, blowing the crabapple blossoms.

Yesterday, Li Qu told Zhou Jin everything about how Xianbaozhai was established, how Yandi used Xianbaozhai to check the population, what her brother-in-law had done, and the contents of the last transaction with Xiao Cong in the capital.

Zhou Jin was sitting in the study at the time, discussing matters with her in a very serious manner.

When he came home at night, he gave her a good scolding.

He'd touch this or that.

They'd kiss here or there.

She couldn't sleep through the night anyway, so she got angry, got up, and beat him up.

He nuzzled her, hugged her, begged her, clung to her, teased her, and was incredibly excited.

I didn't fall asleep until midnight.

Li Qu was woken up early in the morning by the urge to urinate, while he was still asleep.

She glanced at him, but didn't disturb him, and carefully got up.

She hung up half of the bed curtain, got out of bed, slipped on her shoes, and went to the bathroom.

Hearing the noise in the room, Granny Xu quickly went in to serve.

She felt a sense of unease, as if something bad had happened that defied her expectations.

I simply stopped sleeping.

Granny Xu summoned a maid to help her get dressed and wash up.

The room was quiet and orderly.

Until the bouncy little green fruit ran in from outside.

"Madam, a huge joke has spread from the second residence!"

She stepped forward and eagerly pushed aside Hongguo, who was holding a tray with a handkerchief for Li Qu, and took the tray into her own hands.

Seeing this, Hongguo, being rather wicked, didn't remind her that Third Master was sleeping inside, and turned to go to the dressing table to prepare.

Li Qu took a handkerchief and wiped the excess water from her face: "Is everything alright at home?"

The head maids don't have to work night shifts; they can switch shifts and go home to sleep.

Cuiguo went home last night.

"Thank you for your concern, Madam. All is well."

She couldn't wait to share the gossip she had just learned.

“That Bao woman was raped by the man she brought yesterday at the Second Mansion.”

Zhou Jin was jolted awake by the words "his innocence was forcibly taken from him".

"It turns out that the man was the man that Bao's daughter was betrothed to since she was a baby."

"Because the man's family has fallen on hard times and is now living in poverty, Ms. Bao is a snob who loves money and has gone to the Second Madam at the end of last year to ask her to intervene and forcefully break off the engagement."

"You think you can just break off the engagement like that? The man's family had already prepared a generous dowry for the woman before their fortunes declined."

"Now that the engagement is broken off, the woman is not even returning the betrothal gifts!"

"That's why the man went to Hezhou to demand an explanation."

"I heard that the woman surnamed Bao originally tricked the man into coming to her house to put on an act, promising to return all the betrothal gifts afterward."

"As a result, the gates of the two mansions were in great turmoil yesterday. None of the masters had time to deal with him, and he was refused entry when he went to request an audience."

"So a group of students from who-knows-where gathered outside the mansion to condemn the Second Madam for condoning her family's betrayal and greed."

"Fearing that things would escalate beyond control, Ms. Bao secretly invited someone into the mansion in an attempt to coerce people into leaving by using the name of Ms. Zhou. Her words were quite vehement."

"The man, unable to bear the humiliation, was furious and immediately shouted, 'If you won't return the betrothal gifts, then come home with me and become my wife!' After saying this, he grabbed Bao's daughter."

"The maidservant ran to call for help, but when she arrived, she saw the man pressing Bao's daughter down on the table and doing the deed."

"The two households were immediately in an uproar."

After finishing her sentence, Cui Guo added her comment: "If you ask me, this is what they call 'the wicked will be punished by heaven.'"

The room was extremely quiet as Hongguo silently tied Li Qu's hair up.

Cui Guo vaguely sensed that something was amiss.

Then a deep voice came from the bed: "Slap yourself."

Startled, Cui Guo knelt down with a thud and slapped herself hard without hesitation.

Li Qu quickly said, "Don't listen to him, go ahead."

Cuiguo tumbled and crawled away as it ran outside.

Li Qu sat in front of the dressing table and glanced at him sideways: "Why are you throwing a tantrum for no reason? If you think my place is noisy, don't bother me tomorrow."

After saying that, she turned around, picked up a hairpin, and asked Hongguo, "Does this look good with this outfit today?"

Hongguo inserted the hairpin into her hair bun: "Madam looks beautiful no matter what."

Seeing that Li Qu was focused on dressing herself up, Zhou Jin got out of bed.

A second-class maidservant helped Zhou Jin fetch his clothes and helped him get up.

After tidying herself up, Li Qu went forward to help Zhou Jin get dressed.

He was always happy when she was near him.

He took the clothes from her hands: "I can do it myself."

She glared at him and said, "I wouldn't serve anyone else."

Zhou Jin's heart was secretly filled with joy.

She skillfully dressed him, and he was happy every time she got close to him.

She wrapped her arms around his waist and tied his waistband around his waist.

She pressed her face against his chest and said, "My husband, I miss my parents."

“Bring them to the river island, and I will protect them just as I would protect you.”

She moved her face away from his chest, her hand returned from his waist, adjusted the position of his sash, and skillfully fastened it.

Then he took out jade pendants and other items and hung them up one by one.

Once everything was in place, she slipped her fingers into the gaps between his belt and clothes, pulled him sharply toward her, and looked up at him: "You broke your promise."

His eyes were serious and calm: "When have I ever lied to you?"

She smiled contentedly, lowered her eyelashes, and playfully punched him.

“My husband will take care of himself.”

"Yes, I'll only accept it for you."

She raised her smiling eyes: "Close your eyes."

He obediently closed his eyes.

She smiled triumphantly at him, then coquettishly pulled his hand and led him outside: "Let's go, my husband is too sweet-talking, Doctor An won't let me eat sweets."

He gripped her hand tightly and pinched it as punishment.

She gave a soft, coquettish groan: "Be gentle, it hurts~"

He pursed his lips, feeling a sense of displeasure for the first time over the little one in her belly.

*

After finishing his breakfast, Zhou Jin left Fanghua Garden for the yamen (government office).

Huaiqiu waited outside the mansion with his horse in hand.

Huaiyan saw Zhou Jin step out the door and went to greet him: "What are your orders, sir?"

Zhou Jin continued walking: "You personally lead the people north to bring your father-in-law and mother-in-law to Hezhou."

"Change Qinyuan into Li Mansion, and have people renovate it according to the standards of a public mansion."

Descending the steps and mounting his horse, every step he took exuded nobility and refinement.

Zhou Jin lowered his eyes and instructed Huaiyan: "Beware of people from Yan, and bring plenty of men."

Huaiyan bowed and accepted the order: "Yes."

Zhou Jin pulled on the reins and turned the horse around.

He had been waiting for her to take the initiative to bring the Li family back to Hezhou.

Fortunately, the wait wasn't too long.

A cool breeze brushed his face, but it couldn't dispel the spring-like feeling emanating from his eyes and brows.

He rode away, with Huaiqiu following behind on horseback. Once they left Zhoufang, they were escorted by personal guards.

A woman entered through a side door in a sedan chair, her slender fingers lowering the curtain.

Because he was in a high position, there were people who thought they were special and were not afraid of death, who rushed to climb up to him.

Power can be blinding.

*

In Fanghua Garden, Li Qu's two right-hand women, Hongguo and Cuiguo, are having a shuttlecock kicking competition.

War raged.

Li Qu sat at his desk, lost in thought.

She was in a bad state today, and her instinct was to bring her parents and relatives to live under her watchful eye.

Now that the matter is settled, she has no idea what to do next.

Xu Mama noticed that Li Qu was somewhat uneasy, so she went to fetch Doctor An.

Chengguo entered and reported, "Huaishi has come to inquire whether Madam wishes to review this year's autumn accounts."

"Lan Guo is back from her leave?"

"I've gone back."

“Let Blueberry and Greenberry’s brother go and learn accounting from Huai Shi.”

"yes."

The sound of several maids outside the door counting in unison, "Thirty-six, thirty-seven..." disappeared.

The next second, Cuiguo rushed in and bowed deeply to Li Qu: "This servant thanks Madam for her appreciation on behalf of my brother."

"Next time, just give him a perfunctory answer. Why hit yourself so hard?"

Cuiguo giggled, "This servant will obey Madam."

She always listened to the lady.

The lady liked to hear interesting stories, so she went to great lengths to find out gossip and tell it to her as a story.

So what if I get punished?

She'll say it again next time.

Hehehe.

*

After taking Li Qu's pulse, Doctor An told Li Qu to rest more.

Li Qu then took a nap.

I could almost hear my second sister crying.

She suddenly opened her eyes, and Xu Mama came to her bedside to report: "Madam Qiao from the Second Mansion has arrived."

"He's crying in the living room right now, probably because of Young Master Qiong and the others joining the army."

Li Qu got up to greet him.

The noblewoman's eyelashes were wet, and she appeared frail. Upon seeing Li Qu, she began to complain.

Most women who stay at home are so weak and inexperienced that they have to ask for help from all sides when they encounter problems.

*

Or, when faced with incompetence, they can only think of suicide.

The sun shines brightly on the Marquis of Weiwu's mansion in the capital, with Zhaoshan Residence in the center.

Sunlight streamed through the window, casting soft, wispy rays.

Li Rong collapsed onto the bed and wept.

The brightly colored dress accentuated her slender and voluptuous figure.

Her hoarse, cursing voice added a touch of vitality to her unique personality.

Qiuju carefully picked up the scissors that had fallen to the ground.

Lin Xiaocong was halfway dressed when he saw her taking scissors to kill herself, and he quickly stopped her.

Fortunately, she wasn't hurt at all.

As he dressed, he instructed, "Don't keep such dangerous things in the house from now on."

Qiuju quickly replied, "Yes."

Lin Xiaocong dressed, sat on the couch, and reached out to hug her.

She got up and moved aside: "Stay away from me, you disgust me!"

Lin Xiaocong wasn't angry. He sat on the couch, looked at her, and smiled gently: "Rongrong."

Our bodies, hair, and skin are given to us by our parents.

"You want to die without your parents' consent."

"They probably don't care about their parents."

"Then I will withdraw the guards protecting your parents, siblings, and so on. If someone like Gui Hou comes to our door again, they will be injured... or killed..."

Li Rong glared at him and said angrily, "You're the one who's dead!"

He smiled faintly and said, "Rongrong, I want you to live, do you understand?"

His tone was clearly very gentle, but Li Rong could still sense the warning in it.

She was both angry and aggrieved: "Why?!"

“Come to me and I will tell you.”

Li Rong will not be fooled again.

He got up and went to her.

She turned her back and hid behind the partition.

He stood behind her, bent down, and whispered in her ear: "Because I have power."

She turned to hit him, but he grabbed her hand and turned her back around.

She struggled to no avail and could only let him keep her trapped.

He coaxed her softly, "We'll go see Grandma later."

"If your grandmother asks you whether you are willing to live with me without a name or status."

"You said you were willing."

"As a reward for your obedience, I will allow you to go home and meet your parents."

Her eyes were red, and she glared at him angrily: "You clearly said last night that if I ate properly, you would let me go home!"

She looked both pitiful and full of life.

He was left wanting more after his first taste of a woman.

His gaze fell on her lips, and she realized his intention, trying to push him away and run away.

How could he let her escape?

The panicked little wildcat, realizing it couldn't escape, began waving its claws.

They look fierce, but are actually easy to bully.

He caught her and lowered his head to taste her lips.

He bullied her until she cried helplessly and aggrievedly.

He kissed away her tears: "My dear Rong'er, why are you tempting me again?"

"You're talking nonsense."

She clearly didn't do anything.

He laughed and said, "Name your reward."

Her voice pleaded, "Can you please let me go?"

"I can't let it go, Rongrong."

He leaned close to her ear: "What if you say the wrong thing in front of Grandmother..."

He chuckled: "Then whatever punishment I give you when you come back, you'll have to accept it."

He kissed her earlobe: "You name the reward, I'll arrange the punishment. You choose."

He let go of her.

She raised her sleeve to wipe her tears.

He took her hand: "Let's go, let's eat. You didn't eat much last night."

She angrily shook off his hand and followed behind him, feeling resentful and wronged.

He was in a good mood.

Although the good news came a little too soon, it was ultimately what I had hoped for.

Halfway through the meal, Granny Yue came to invite Li Rong.

Li Rong put down her chopsticks and followed Granny Yue without looking back.

She realized that Old Mrs. Lin might be her lifeline.

*

In Rong'an Hall, Old Madam Lin sat on the couch waiting for Li Rong.

She had originally hoped that Li Rong might be willing to have a good relationship with her grandson.

When she saw the girl with delicate eyebrows and red eyes kneel down in front of her without saying a word, her heart clenched.

She tried to speak in a gentle tone: "Rongrong, I'll make the decision for you. Can you have breakfast with me first?"

Granny Yue asked Li Rong to get up and helped her sit on the couch.

The maidservants served side dishes, steamed buns, and white porridge in turn.

Grandma Lin smiled and said, "My breakfast here is simple. I don't know if you can get used to it."

"I can eat it." Her voice was hoarse.

The old lady casually gave her a steamed bun, trying her best to appear friendly.

"I actually like to eat steamed buns, but we ate late today and the kitchen didn't save any."

"I even had someone buy steamed buns from your shop."

Li Rong said somewhat shyly, "I'm sorry you had to see this."

Seeing that her attitude had changed, the old lady became more relaxed.

Start by making small talk to build rapport, then gradually introduce the main topic.

"I heard before that your mother was going to find a governess for your younger sister?"

"Yes, it was Granny Yue who helped with this."

Granny Yue interjected with a smile: "Every time I see that old hag, he always praises Fourth Miss for being so clever and quick to learn."

Li Rong's expression softened.

The old lady took a sip of porridge and asked with a smile, "I heard your third sister married into the Zhou family of Hezhou. How come you've settled in the capital?"

"We came with my eldest sister and brother-in-law."

"Your brother-in-law is a capable man."

"My brother-in-law once had a heated debate at a conference in Yan, arguing with the audience about whether patriotism or love for family was more important. He won first place and was praised by many people."

"Oh? So, which one did your brother-in-law choose?"

"The country is more important than the family. My mother disagreed with my eldest sister's marriage because of this, and she made things very difficult for my brother-in-law."

When she talks about the past and her family, her eyes soften and she gradually comes to life.

“Mingxu is not as good as your brother-in-law; he likes to practice with knives and guns.”

Li Rong's expression darkened instantly.

Old Mrs. Lin said slowly, "Mingxu did something outrageous to you. My Lin family should take responsibility for you, but because of your special status, my Lin family cannot marry you openly."

"Are you... willing to live like this with him?"

Li Rong shook her head.

Grandma Lin nodded: "Good child, it is I, Lin, who have wronged you."

What kind of compensation do you want?

“I’m going to Hezhou.” Li Rong looked at Old Madam Lin. “My parents, siblings, and I are all going south.”

“My eldest sister’s family is in the capital. They may not be able to travel with us for the time being. Please restrain Young Master Lin and make sure he does not commit any more evil deeds.”

Grandma Lin agreed, "Don't worry."

The old lady paused for a moment and then said, "The Lin family has no property in Hezhou, but they can acquire some."

“It’s not easy to buy a property as large as a manor, but a house is easier to buy.”

"I'll have someone buy you two houses in Hezhou as an apology, and I'll also give you 50,000 taels for your own protection. What do you think?"

Li Rong shook her head: "I don't want your things. You should keep him in check and make sure he never appears in front of me again."

The old lady understood what she meant: "Okay."

"Granny Yue, have Ah Hu select some men to escort them south. Go and make the arrangements immediately."

"yes."

Granny Yue went to carry out her business, and Old Madam Lin said, "Have a meal before you leave."

Li Rong looked at Old Madam Lin: "Are you really able to control him?"

"Locking him up for two months is still an option."

Two months is enough for her to reach Hezhou!

Li Rong suddenly felt very hungry, like she was starving.

She picked up her chopsticks, glanced at Old Mrs. Lin, and asked, "Then... shall I eat?"

Grandma Lin smiled and nodded: "Eat more, and I'll have someone bring more if you're not full."

So Li Rong ate three steamed buns, drank two bowls of porridge, and finished off four plates of side dishes in front of the old lady.

Grandma Lin was so startled that she dropped her chopsticks.

*

When Li Rong left the Marquis's residence, Lin Xiaocong was being tortured in the ancestral hall.

The Lin family's family rules included whipping.

The man knelt there, his back stained with streaks of blood that soaked his undergarments.

He tensed his cheeks in pain, and beads of sweat gathered on his forehead.

With a 'whoosh' and 'smack' sound, another bloody welt appeared on his back.

With a series of 'whoosh' and 'smack' sounds, he unconsciously pressed one hand down onto the ground from his knee.

Sweat from the pain splattered onto the ground with each movement.

The Lin family rules state: Anyone who forcibly abducts a woman shall be whipped fifty times, and their life or death shall be left to fate!

He laughed.

He remembered her flushed face, her eyelashes wet with tears, her soft and delicate appearance as she cried out in pain and begged him for help.

What is the thrill and satisfaction of breaking through the soil in that instant compared to now?

We can't let her be the only one suffering.

He withdrew his hand, straightened his knees, his face growing paler and paler, and his back becoming increasingly numb.

After the flogging was over, Qiu Chan cried as she stepped forward to drape his coat over him.

"Even a day as husband and wife is worth a hundred days of kindness, how could the second young lady be so heartless?"

"If she says that she loves you both, you won't have to suffer this pain."

Qiu Chan helped Lin Xiaocong to his feet.

"No wonder the older brothers don't dare to break the family rules, it really hurts."

He turned around, cupped his hands in thanks to his second uncle who was in charge of the punishment, and said, "Mingxu thanks you for your teachings, Second Uncle. I will take this as a warning, keep it in mind, and never dare to repeat it."

Master Lin ignored him, put away his whip, and left.

Qiu Chan helped him walk outside.

Lin Xiaocong instructed, "Go to Grandmother's."

"Let's go back and apply the medicine first."

"Do you have something to say to me?"

The cicada seemed to want to speak but hesitated.

Lin Xiaocong smiled and said, "Go ahead."

Qiu Chan felt sorry for her young master: "The second young lady is gone."

"The old lady sent Lord Lin Hu to escort them personally."

Lin Xiaocong was not surprised at all: "The one who tied the knot must untie it."

The cicada said sadly, "Why don't you like someone else?"

"Can you dislike fennel and instead like chrysanthemum?"

"Probably not."

"Chrysanthemum is prettier than fennel, and she is also more gentle."

"That servant doesn't like it either."

"Qiu Hui always has a blank face, what do you like about her?"

"I once saw her feeding stray cats."

Lin Xiaocong said, "Yes, among millions of people, there is only one her."

You just happened to see her shining point, and then no one else could replace her.

Qiu Chan couldn't understand: "The old lady had the kitchen prepare a contraceptive soup, but I, as you instructed, replaced it with a pregnancy-enhancing medicine."

"You are indeed an indispensable right-hand man to me."

"That's right!"

*

To Rong'an Hall.

Upon hearing that her grandson was requesting a visit, Old Mrs. Lin excitedly got off the couch: "Why did you come all this way! Aren't you going back to recover from your injuries!"

After her initial excitement, she rationally sat back down.

Jade that is not carved cannot become a useful object.

They deserve it!

But when she saw Lin Xiaocong kneeling before her, her lips pale and bloodless, the tourmaline bracelet in her hand broke.

"Please grant my request, Grandmother."

Grandma Lin shook her head rationally: "You two are not a good match!"

"My second uncle dislikes his grandson the most. He hit him quite hard today. It really hurts."

The old lady closed her eyes.

"My second uncle will definitely tell everyone about his grandson forcibly taking a girl as a joke."

"If we can't cheat, we'll just steal. My grandson will definitely offend Master Zhou on this trip, but it won't affect the Lin family."

"Please grant my request, Grandmother."

Old Mrs. Lin was furious but couldn't help but say, "That depends on the girl's willingness!"

“She’s unwilling now because she doesn’t believe her grandson is sincere towards her. Her grandson will prove it to her.”

“Mingxu, hesitation will only lead to trouble.”

"My grandson knows what he's doing and won't panic."

"If the Zhou family were to make a move one day, and your father and the Third Master Zhou were to clash on the battlefield, whose side would you take?"

"Then let them never face each other."

"How could you possibly control this!"

"It all depends on human effort."

"Arrogant!"

Lin Xiaocong said with a smile, "Grandmother, the Crown Prince will definitely summon me by Shenshi (3-5 PM) tomorrow at the latest. You can't keep your grandson away."

"Then you still won't be able to catch her!"

"Grandma is wrong again."

Only the grandmother and granddaughter were inside the house; Granny Yue and Qiu Chan were waiting at the door to announce their arrival.

Lin Xiaocong slowly began, "Right now, the late emperor has not yet been laid to rest, and the fourth prince has suddenly passed away. If the crown prince were to die before ascending the throne..."

“The capital will definitely be sealed off and martial law will be enforced, making it impossible to enter or leave.”

"Grandmother, do you dare to break through the pass and travel south just to send her off at this sensitive time when the Xiao royal family is facing one funeral after another?"

Grandma Lin, though furious, calmly retorted: "You have an audacity beyond belief!"

"What does it matter? No matter who becomes emperor, the Lin family will still be the Lin family."

Emperors come and go, but powerful families remain constant.

Therefore, he dared to kill.

"She doesn't have a single bit of affection for you, so why bother scheming to taste this bitter fruit!"

"It will become sweet."