Chapter 46 Meeting

By the time the carriage arrived at the gate of the Zhou residence, Li Qu had already composed herself.

As soon as they arrived at the inner courtyard in the sedan chair and stepped off, Hongguo, who had been eagerly waiting, came to greet them.

“Auntie, Jin Gui, the head maid of the Bai family in Hezhou, has been waiting for you in the courtyard for about half an hour.”

What is it you wish to say?

The master and servants walked towards Fanghua Garden.

"No, that old woman was polite and courteous, so it can't be a bad thing."

Granny Xu interjected, "Does Madam Bai have business to discuss today?"

"It is said that after being sent back home, Aunt Bai died of depression. Madam Bai came to apologize and offered a new bride."

Li Qu's brisk pace gradually slowed down.

Granny Xu seemed to understand as well, and asked again, "Did you come from Shou'an Hall?"

Hongguo replied, "Exactly."

Granny Xu confirmed, "They must have come to apologize to the concubine and make amends."

The fact that the old lady sent someone to Fanghua Garden means that she has accepted the new bride.

The interests of powerful clans are deeply intertwined.

The Zhou family was respected, and the Bai family sought to curry favor with them.

Ending a woman's life will make both families look bad.

Filling the void with another woman's youth would restore harmony between the two families, just as it had before.

In late autumn, the leaves turn yellow, and a desolate scene unfolds as they rise and fall in the wind.

Upon arriving at Fanghua Garden, Li Qu saw two maids carrying trays in the courtyard, and a sturdy old woman standing in the courtyard, talking to Lü Guo.

Hongguo whispered to Li Qu, "That old woman is really blind. She thought Lüguo was a concubine and bowed to her as soon as she entered the door."

Hearing this, Cuiguo, who was standing to the side, rolled her eyes in annoyance.

Green Fruit, with its sharp eyes, spotted Li Qu's return first and quickly stepped forward to greet her.

Today, Li Qu went to the Hezhou Prison to see his family. To put their minds at ease, he dressed up for a long time.

As Green Fruit moved, Granny Jin Gui turned to the side, casually raising her eyes. When she met Li Qu's smiling face, her expression clearly froze.

A woman who could be favored and loved by the Third Master Zhou must be no ordinary person.

As she lowered her brows, her gaze swept over Li Qu's figure, and she secretly thought she had lost.

The newly arrived Thirteen Maidens cannot compare to the graceful and charming woman before us.

When she caught a glimpse of Li Qu approaching out of the corner of her eye, she curtsied and said, "This old servant is the head maid of Madam Bai, whose secular name is Jin Gui. I greet you, Aunt."

Li Qu stepped forward in a few strides and helped Jin Gui, the old woman, up: "I dare not accept such a grand gesture from you, old woman."

"The maid is ignorant and has neglected you, Granny. Please don't take it to heart. Please come inside for some tea and to rest."

Granny Jin Gui smiled and politely declined, "Thank you for your kindness, Aunt. I wouldn't dare take up your time."

When the person in question returned, she began to explain her purpose.

“The Ninth Miss offended the Madam, and the Madam was furious when she heard about it. Her being sent back home was also thanks to the Third Master’s grace. The Madam has no reason to blame her in the slightest.”

"Now that she has passed away, I hope that Auntie can let go of her old grudges."

As he spoke, he beckoned to the two maids behind him.

"The Bai family is a merchant and often has ingenious gadgets. Today, the madam specially asked this old servant to bring some for your enjoyment, Aunt. I hope you won't find them offensive."

Li Qu stated, "The past cannot be changed; I hope your family will take heart in your grief."

She declined the gift, saying, "I feel ashamed to accept it."

Jin Gui, who had come to curry favor, quickly said, "It's worthless, just something to please your eye, Auntie. If you don't like it, you can keep it as a reward."

"Then I shall respectfully comply."

Red Fruit and Green Fruit immediately stepped forward to take the tray.

Having completed her mission, Granny Jin Gui prepared to take her leave.

"It's getting late, and Madam is about to take her leave of the old lady and return home, so this old servant will not disturb you any longer."

"Please invite Granny for tea again when you have the chance. Please convey my gratitude to Madam for her thoughtfulness."

As Li Qu spoke, she gave a curtsy.

"You're too kind, Auntie." Granny Jin Gui returned the greeting and then took her leave with her two maids.

Granny Xu saw them off with a smile.

Li Qu watched Jin Gui's figure disappear before turning back to her room.

Green Fruit and another second-class maid, Blue Fruit, who had been promoted, busied themselves helping Li Qu wash her hands.

Clear water welcomes her gentle hands, slender and white, once Xiao Cong loved to play with her hands the most.

After washing her hands, Li Qu took the dry handkerchief and asked, "Was Third Master able to send someone to inform us of his return?"

Green Fruit, who had been guarding the yard, replied, "Never."

She handed the copper basin to Lan Guo, then took the handkerchief from Li Qu and placed it beside the basin, before following Li Qu.

Lan Guo was already used to it and worked silently.

Li Qu sat down in front of the dressing table and instructed Lü Guo, "Pick out a dress."

Then he called out, "Hongguo, come and change my hairstyle again."

Green Fruit responded and went to pick out clothes, while Li Qu sat for a long time without seeing Red Fruit come over.

She stood up and peered into the outer room: "Hong'er?"

The red and green fruits stood around the table, seemingly mesmerized, their souls seemingly drawn to something, frozen in a daze.

Li Qu stepped forward curiously: "What are you looking at?"

Li Qu was also shocked when her gaze fell on the items on the tray on the table.

Women are visual creatures, naturally fascinated by sparkly things.

Li Qu had seen diamonds before, but this was the first time she had ever seen a complete set of gold-set diamond jewelry with fire and colorful diamonds, along with a gold-set necklace of colorful diamonds.

Diamonds are the hardest substance in nature. With current technology, the amount of manpower and resources required from cutting to making a finished product is considerable.

It is rare to collect so many of both fire diamonds and colored diamonds at the same time.

"Grab your things and come with me quickly."

The opponent has made such a large bet; their intentions are far-reaching.

The target was obvious without even thinking; it was Zhou Jin.

Li Qu didn't want to get involved in Zhou Jin's affairs.

Hongguo and Cuiguo finally came to their senses and saw that Li Qu had already left. They quickly closed the lid of the box on the tray, carefully carried the tray, and followed Li Qu.

They rushed to Shou'an Hall, but still couldn't catch up with Madam Bai.

Li Qu had no choice but to report to the old lady that Madam Bai had given her a generous gift.

Inside Shou'an Hall.

The old lady at the head of the table sat upright on the couch, her fingers twirling prayer beads. She glanced indifferently at the items on the tray before finally fixing her gaze on Li Qu, who stood before her.

Li Qu lowered her eyes and respectfully said, "I didn't open it at the time. Granny Jin Gui thought it was just some oddities. It wasn't until after the person left and the maid was preparing to record it into the archives that we realized it was a valuable gift."

"I know I should not accept this generous gift, so please return it on my behalf, Madam."

The old lady looked Li Qu up and down for a long time before slowly saying, "She deserves to be the third son's favorite concubine."

"This concubine dares not."

"I know you are a sensible person and know how to act. Go back now, and remember what you promised me."

After bidding farewell to the old lady, Li Qu returned to Fanghua Garden with her belongings.

The old lady meant one thing.

Everything she has was given to her by Zhou Jin.

These treasures were the women Zhou Jin loved.

Everything hinges on Zhou Jin's affection.

With this source of all evil in mind, she looked up and saw him.

Zhou Jin walked over, followed by Huai Qiu, his handsome face revealing neither joy nor anger.

He clearly hadn't expected to run into Li Qu, and his steps involuntarily faltered.

The next moment, he saw her eyes light up with a surprised and enthusiastic smile as she lifted her skirt and ran towards him.

He unconsciously raised his arm slightly, making it easier for her to slip her hands through his waist and wrap them around his waist.

She rushed into his arms, hugging him tightly, passionate and content.

She pressed her face against his chest and called to him joyfully, "Jinlang~"

Zhou Jin's face softened unconsciously. Almost instinctively, he longed to touch her soft waist, but reason prevented him from letting his hand trace her waistline. He patted the back of her head and said, "Good girl, I brought you the gift you wanted. Go back and see if you like it."

"Mmm~" She shook her head, greedily inhaling the slightly cool pine scent on his body, and snuggled in his arms, "You're so annoying, Master, you actually wrote a letter telling me to get out."

Zhou Jin glanced at the people around him subconsciously, his Adam's apple bobbing up and down.

The red and green fruits not far behind Li Qu were unfortunately caught in his gaze, and they shrank back in fright, not daring to breathe.

He patted the back of her head again: "Let's go back."

She loosened her grip on him slightly, and he felt much easier to breathe.

She smiled and looked up, asking, "Will you be home for dinner tonight, sir?"

He glanced at her, then looked away, appearing serious and composed: "I have a date tonight, I'll keep you company another day."

"Will you come back tonight to coax me to sleep?"

He replied with a deep "Mm".

She tiptoed, and just when he thought she was about to offer him a kiss, she leaned close to his ear and breathed softly, "I've been waiting for you..."

Zhou Jin's previously lifeless and silent state of mind was now filled with uncontrollable joy.

He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye as she bowed to him, politely took her leave, resisted the urge to look back at her, and stepped into Shou'an Hall.