Chapter 53 Mo Yu needs to come up with a long-term plan. ...

Zangjingzhai.

As the weather cools down, the furnishings in Xiao Heng's room also change from summer to autumn.

The original bamboo mat on the couch has been replaced with a Persian blue and gold chrysanthemum patterned velvet blanket, and the jade pillow on the couch has been replaced with a warm sandalwood pillow inlaid with mother-of-pearl. Even the writing brush, inkstone and inkstone on the desk have been changed one by one according to the changing seasons.

The summer bedding and furnishings that have been replaced need to be taken care of. Those that need to be dried should be laid out in the sun, and those that need to be washed should be soaked in clean water. Once they are tidied up, they can be neatly stored away in trunks and boxes, waiting for the coming year.

In the backyard of the house, there is a well with clear water, built with vertical blue bricks and filled with rice mortar. The well water is clear and cool as a mirror. At dawn, a thin mist often rises from the well opening.

Although it was morning and the fog had dissipated, a few dragonflies lingered on it, fluttering their wings and lightly touching the ground, adding a touch of lively charm and elegance.

The quiet woman rolled up her sleeves, her two snow-white arms immersed in a basin of water, carefully kneading a fine gauze curtain.

Qingshan walked to her side and kindly advised, "These rough jobs will be done by the servants. Miss, you have just recovered from a serious illness, so it is best not to overwork yourself. Don't worry, since our master has decided to take care of you until you are fully recovered, he will definitely not change his mind along the way."

Jingnu raised her wet arm, gently wiped the fine beads of sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand, and looked at Qingshan, saying, "Thank you for your concern, Brother Qingshan. I am much better now. Moreover, I asked the doctor, who said that occasional exercise can actually help improve blood circulation and aid in recovery. It's nothing to worry about."

She was already extremely beautiful, with bones as smooth and lustrous as jade, and a figure as graceful as a swaying flower. After this serious illness, her slender body became even thinner, her skin as white as fresh snow, and her hair as black as ink. The contrast between the two made her appear aloof and otherworldly.

Looking at her hands immersed in the cold water and the stray hairs on her forehead damp with sweat, Qingshan felt a pang of regret, as if witnessing a pearl being tarnished and a masterpiece being ruined. He could not persuade her any further, and could only sigh softly: "Then you should take it easy. If you feel even the slightest bit tired, rest immediately. Do not push yourself."

Jingnu obediently agreed and buried her head in the basin of water again.

Inside the study, Xiao Heng was meeting with his trusted confidants.

A newly placed ebony bow and sword stand inlaid with mother-of-pearl hangs on the wall, with three goose-feather arrows hanging on it, their tips polished to a shine, gleaming with a chilling light.

Xiao Heng sat upright behind the large sandalwood table, the straight strands of tobacco rising from the gilded Boshan incense burner, concealing his expression. Only his thin lips were pursed, his gaze lowered, as if he were staring at the black jade unicorn in his palm, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the unicorn's warm back.

“Reporting to Your Majesty,” the trusted aide standing respectfully before the desk bowed, his voice extremely low, “the matter you ordered to be investigated has yielded some results.”

"According to my investigation, top-grade black jade is a rare and precious item, produced only in Zhuzhou in the northwest. In previous years, it was used exclusively by the imperial court and rarely circulated among the common people. After Your Majesty ascended the throne, the tribute from various regions was abolished, and only then could the fine jade from Zhuzhou circulate in the market."

"However, such treasures are mostly pre-ordered by dignitaries in the capital. In recent years, the black jade mines have gradually dried up, and when fine pieces occasionally appear, they are sold out in an instant. I have investigated in many ways and finally compiled the names of all those who have handled black jade in recent years here."

As soon as he finished speaking, his trusted aide respectfully took out a thin book from his bosom and presented it with both hands.

Xiao Heng picked up the booklet, his fingertips turning the pages with a soft rustling sound. He quickly scanned a few lines and said in a deep voice, "If this matter is handled properly, you can choose two shops on Qinglong Street that you like. The contracts will be delivered to you tonight."

The confidant was overjoyed, kowtowed to express his gratitude, and bowed to take his leave.

Xiao Heng looked out the window.

The study was built on a high spot. At this moment, the sky is clear and the clouds are rolling. With a glance, one can see the watchtower of the North Garrison Command and also take in the view of the entire courtyard.

Xiao Heng's heart was heavy.

That bizarre dream was like a boulder weighing on his heart, making him restless and unable to eat or sleep. Whether he opened his eyes or closed them, all he could see was the image of Lao Qi being beheaded.

We must investigate this thoroughly.

Regardless of whether the dream comes true in the future, he will follow the clues and investigate to the end, digging three feet into the ground to find out the owner of this black jade and see if that person is related to Lao Qi.

The veins on Xiao Heng's forehead throbbed, and his thoughts unconsciously tightened.

His gaze shifted from the window, intending to continue looking at the roster, but his peripheral vision was drawn to a splash of plain color, and he couldn't help but look over.

The well water was clear and cool, and the air was filled with the fresh scent of damp grass and trees.

Jingnu had already washed the curtains and was now rinsing and washing Xiao Heng's old clothes in another wooden basin.

Water splashed over the edge of the basin as she moved, wetting a section of her skirt. She was completely unaware, simply wringing out the wet hem and wiping her sweaty temples before continuing her focused work.

Her hair was extremely long; if it were let down, it would almost reach below her knees. At this moment, for the convenience of working, most of it was loosely tied behind her head, leaving only a few strands of dark, shiny hair that swayed gently around her slender waist as she bent over.

Xiao Heng's gaze lingered on that slender waist for a moment.

It is thin and flexible, seemingly able to be easily encircled by a single palm.

As if pricked by an invisible needle, Xiao Heng's brow twitched suddenly, and he turned his face away abruptly, his knuckles tightening instinctively, gripping the black jade unicorn tightly.

My palms were burning hot.

...

At dusk, golden light shone on the pink walls, and birds flew into the flower bushes.

After finishing their dinner at the Bodhi Hall, Cui Ying and Xiao Qiyu walked one after the other back to Qiyun Pavilion.

That's how it is in a public marriage; even if they have a huge fight in private, they still have to sit at the same table and eat with their elders.

Xiao Qiyu walked ahead, his steps leisurely. With a casual flick of his toe, he sent a pebble into the pond beside the road. With a "plop," it stirred up ripples. He turned half his face to the side, raising an eyebrow slightly: "What have you been muttering to yourself all this way? What are you plotting?"

From the moment Cui Ying came out, he kept muttering to himself, seemingly about money.

"Hey, don't interrupt me!" Cui Ying glared at him fiercely.

Today she wore a light blue silk dress with a pale yellow ribbon tied at the chest with a beautiful butterfly button, and an overcoat of jade-colored wide-sleeved blouse embroidered with delicate jade hairpin flowers, making her look ethereal and light.

Xiao Qiyu was furious after receiving a glare, but after glancing at Cui Ying, for some reason, all he could think was: she's strangely beautiful.

Willows sway gently by the pond, the evening breeze ripples the water, and dragonflies fly by, creating circles of ripples.

The boy turned his head and snorted, "Who wants to talk to you?"

His tone, however, did not show much annoyance.

Cui Ying counted on his fingers again, his brows furrowed, muttering to himself, "Two people, four hundred taels for half a month, eight hundred taels for a month, and nine thousand six hundred taels for a year!"

Cui Ying's pupils constricted suddenly, and she almost fainted.

She originally thought that spending money on "empty lamps" wouldn't cost much, but after calculating it this way, it was almost enough to bankrupt her!

Seeing that the "empty lamps" that the Zhao mother and daughter had lit at the Jiaofangsi were about to be relit, Cui Ying hadn't taken it seriously at first, but after doing the calculation, he felt weak in the knees, his limbs were ice cold, and his heart was beating as fast as a drum.

No, throwing money around like this isn't going to work. She's not some kind of mythical creature that can generate wealth just by sitting still all day.

It's time to come up with a long-term plan.

Cui Ying's mind raced as she pondered a solution when her forehead suddenly slammed against a hard object, causing her to cry out in pain.

When Cui Ying looked up, she saw Xiao Qiyu's broad back, his tall figure blocking most of the light and shadow in front of her.

"You're just walking, can't you at least tell me before you stop?"

Cui Ying rubbed her forehead, still angry, and punched Xiao Qiyu on the shoulder.

After beating him up, Cui Ying finally saw Xiao Heng walking towards him.

Xiao Qiyu stopped because he wanted to make way for his third brother.

Cui Ying felt a little guilty, but didn't take it seriously.

Since recalling that night with Xiao Qiyu, she herself hadn't realized that the distance between her and Xiao Qiyu seemed to have invisibly shortened, to the point where she no longer needed to explain or prove anything to him about trivial matters.

Cui Ying rubbed his forehead again, greeted Xiao Heng, and then left first, leaving the two brothers to talk.

The setting sun casts a golden glow on the pond's surface.

Xiao Heng strolled along the pond and looked at his younger brother beside him: "I've heard about what happened. I'm sorry to have troubled you and Third Sister. I will give you an explanation as soon as possible regarding Qian Qiuchan."

Xiao Qiyu remained calm, showing little emotion: "Third Brother, it's all in the past. I don't want to dwell on that matter."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "Furthermore, I don't want Cui Ying to get involved in your feud with your third sister-in-law. Whatever decision you make because of this is a matter between the two of you and has nothing to do with Cui Ying."

Xiao Heng understood his brother's meaning, so he stopped mentioning it and only asked about his grandmother.

Xiao Qiyu said, "Grandmother had a big fight. The imperial physician said that her liver fire was too strong. She has already taken medicine to regulate it, and she has no other symptoms. Her cough is also better than usual."

Xiao Heng nodded, relieved. Before it got too dark, he still planned to go to the Bodhi Hall to personally apologize to his grandmother.

As the two brothers were parting, Xiao Heng suddenly said, "Since you are unwilling to pursue a literary career, there happens to be a vacancy in the Northern Garrison Command. Why don't you come and work under me? You don't need to go to the provincial examination in October."

Xiao Qiyu remained silent, clearly unwilling.

Xiao Heng laughed and said, "What, you don't like it?"

Xiao Qiyu shook his head, his tone as firm as a rock: "Third brother, my mind is made up. I must go to the provincial examination in October."

Xiao Heng frowned. He had already said some harsh words, so he had nothing to say at this moment. After a long silence, he could only squeeze out a sentence: "Seventh Brother, you can be really stubborn to an extreme sometimes."

Just then, Xiao Ye hummed a little tune and strolled by leisurely carrying a cricket cage. Xiao Heng pointed at Xiao Ye and, facing Xiao Qiyu, said with exasperation, "Can't you learn from your sixth brother? You spend your days fighting cocks and chasing dogs. Why do you have to be so obsessed with those great achievements? Can't you learn how to be a good-for-nothing spendthrift?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Xiao Heng turned and left.

Xiao Ye became interested, patted Xiao Qiyu on the shoulder, and asked with a smile, "What did my brother mean just now? Why did he ask you to imitate me? Was he praising me?"

Xiao Qiyu closed his eyes resignedly: "Sixth Brother, go play."

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Author's Note: Xiao Ye: Hehehe... My brother praised me... Hehehe...