Chapter 61 Chapter 61 Jinjiang First Release

Chapter 61

Su Li and her group came to where her grandmother lived in a grand procession.

It was a small courtyard with two entrances in an alley in the city.

The courtyard walls were painted a brilliant white, and the eaves were covered in neatly arranged black tiles in fish-scale patterns. Two osmanthus trees and a jujube tree grew in the courtyard. The trees were tall, their canopies like umbrellas, their branches crammed with golden osmanthus blossoms, their fragrance rich and vibrant, their branches vying to reach over the walls.

Su Li was riding on Chixia's back and accidentally saw this scene. She was in a trance for a moment.

Soon, a cry of joy brought her wandering mind back.

"Madam?! Madam, you're here!"

Su Li looked down and saw that it was Qiu Gui who had just returned from buying fish.

She was wearing an autumn shirt the color of new rice green, and her hair was tied up with an emerald ribbon. She didn't wear any expensive hairpins, but seeing Qiu Gui's plump cheeks and rosy complexion, she must be living a good life.

Su Li looked at it from a distance again.

Behind Qiu Gui were two attendants who followed her like shadows.

Su Li guessed that they were spies arranged by Cui Jue, who could not only protect the safety of Grandmother and Qiu Gui, but also monitor them from the side.

To be honest, this kind of life is not bad.

At least Qiu Gui and her grandmother lived a comfortable life, had enough food and clothing, and didn't have to worry about any inconsiderate people offending or bullying them.

But the prerequisite is that Su Li must serve Cui Jue very obediently, she must listen to him and be willing to be his plaything. Only in this way can Cui Jue ensure that her family's life is smooth and free.

There seemed to be nothing wrong with it, as long as she completely abandoned her ambition to roam freely in the world.

As long as she becomes a lifeless puppet, imprisoned forever within the walls.

If Cui Jue no longer liked her, he would put her away and trap her in the Cui family forever.

Su Li smiled and got off the horse.

She asked Qiu Gui, "Do you still remember this horse?"

Qiu Gui naturally knew that this was Cui Jue's mount, and exclaimed in surprise, "Is it Chixia?"

When Chixia heard someone calling it, it snorted arrogantly, then put its head heavily on Su Li's shoulder and rubbed it like a spoiled child.

Su Li didn't know whether to laugh or cry, and patted Chixia's head: "Okay, okay, Chixia Ma brother, go eat a couple of grass cakes first, I'll come find you to play later."

Chixia was obedient and was tricked away by the horse slave who was chasing her with some shriveled straw cakes.

Su Li warmly took Qiu Gui's hand and went in with her to visit her grandmother.

Seeing this, Huirong hurriedly followed. She knew that she could not disturb Su Li's visit to her relatives, but she kept Cui Jue's instructions in mind and kept a close eye on Su Li's every move, for fear that Su Li would suddenly act up and come up with some bad idea to escape secretly.

Su Li ignored her and continued chatting with her grandmother and the others as usual. She even went to the kitchen to help Qiu Gui and cook together.

Seeing that the three of them were having a great time and didn't seem to be causing any trouble, Huirong stopped talking and just waited quietly at the kitchen door, waiting for Su Li to come out after cooking dinner.

Old Madam Su was in good spirits today and even picked up the spatula to cook herself.

Su Li and Qiu Gui couldn't persuade her, so they sat down in front of the stove to light the fire, and playfully teased the old lady: "Grandma is cooking, it's such a treat!"

The fire in the stove crackled, and the yellow flames illuminated people's eyes.

Qiu Gui took advantage of no one's attention and carefully stuffed a sachet containing medicinal herbs into Su Li's sleeve. She then grabbed her hand and wrote on her palm: Two more herbs are missing.

Su Li understood and nodded with a smile.

Qiu Gui looked at his wife and said, "A few days ago, I fell in love with a piece of green fabric. I thought it was beautiful and would be perfect to make a rabbit fur forehead band for my grandmother. However, the rabbit fur supplier is out of stock these days. I'm afraid it will take three to five days before I can buy more."

What this means is that it will take another three to five days before the two rare medicinal herbs can be obtained.

Su Li nodded repeatedly: "I know you are good with your hands. How about this, in three or five days, when the rabbit fur is bought, you can also cut me a pair of rabbit fur stockings with a beautiful fur edge. I want it to be picked up by me when the time comes."

All of Su Li's messenger birds were intercepted and killed by Cui Jue, so she could not use birds to inform Qiu Gui and could only try her luck at the private house again and again.

Fortunately, Cui Jue will leave the capital for an expedition in a few days. Without him to supervise, the private soldiers will relax their defense of Su Li.

Qiu Gui nodded.

She didn't know what she was thinking about, so she asked cautiously, "Madam, do you really want those rabbit fur stockings?"

Do you really want to drink the sterility soup and cut off all possibilities with the eldest son?

"Seriously." Su Li nodded, her tone relaxed.

She didn't know when other concubines and mistresses would move into Cui Jue's harem, and she didn't want to gamble on a man's sincerity and love.

Rather than being bound by children in the backyard and causing more worries, it is better to break off the relationship completely at once so that you can have a better future.

Qiu Gui nodded: "Okay, then wait for my news."

Su Li no longer hinted at this matter. She weighed the sachet in her narrow sleeve, sniffed it secretly, and identified the medicinal herb safflower from it.

The contraceptive soup she usually takes is made from these herbs. She keeps some safflower on her body in case of emergency.

-

Shuyue Pavilion.

In the incense burner, the incense is burning and the bamboo scent is elegant.

On the table in the main hall were three cups of steaming tea and two plates of snacks that the women loved.

Cui Jue sat in the seat of honor, closed his eyes and drank tea.

He had already washed and dressed when Cui Jue returned home.

The man's flowing black hair was wrung out with a handkerchief and loosely tied up with only a dry wooden hairpin. He was wearing a lily-white long gown, with long eyebrows reaching his temples and eyes like cold stars, giving him the desolate temperament of a refined scholar.

This kind of gentle and refined demeanor is exactly the kind of noble young man that the ladies in the boudoir love and respect.

Today, Xie Qinghan came to visit the Cui family with her grandfather. She sat nervously at the bottom seat, quietly waiting for a meeting to start.

Xie Qinghan knew her grandfather's plan and had also heard about the terrifying and thunderous methods of the Cui family's lord. But now that she saw with her own eyes how aloof and unpretentious Cui Jue was, she felt that the rumors were too absurd. Cui Jue was clearly a modest gentleman.

Xie Qinghan raised her eyes and stole a glance at Cui Jue, but was frightened by his appearance and then lowered her head shyly.

Mr. Xie loves his grandchildren the most, so how could he not know that his granddaughter's look was half-hearted and half-hearted, clearly indicating that she was interested in Cui Jue.

If Xie Qinghan could receive Cui Jue's grace and become the mistress of the Cui family, and Cui Jue ascended the throne in the future, wouldn't his granddaughter become the queen mother of the Wu Kingdom?

Thinking of this, Xianggong Xie's smile widened. He recommended his granddaughter to Cui Jue, "My Lord, my granddaughter Qinghan has long admired you. Upon learning that you have returned with your army, she asked me to bring her to see you."

Cui Jue took a sip of tea and gently praised, "The Xie family has a good upbringing. I heard that Miss Xie, only just coming of age, has already written over ten volumes of her famous Returning Garden poetry collection in Wudong. She is truly a talented woman with both graceful demeanor and profound wisdom."

Upon hearing Cui Jue's praise, Xie Xianggong's face lit up even more. He quickly said modestly, "Your Excellency, I am sorry for the compliment. These are just some trivial poems, not worthy of being presented in a grand ceremony."

After saying that, he glanced at Xie Qinghan again, suggesting that she step forward and kneel down to pay her respects, so that Cui Jue could take a closer look at her.

Xie Qinghan shyly stepped forward, her bare hands lightly lifting the hem of her skirt, and she bowed gracefully near the hem of Cui Jue's robe.

The girl had a soft voice and a pretty face. She timidly looked up at Cui Jue, met the man's indifferent eyes, and then slowly lowered her head, revealing the elegant lines of her snow-white neck and slender arms, allowing Cui Jue to look at her carefully.

Seeing Cui Jue showed no sign of refusing, Xianggong Xie quickly seized the opportunity and said, "My granddaughter is not talented. Although she may not be as talented and elegant as the nobles, she is at least a woman of refined character and heart. More importantly, Qinghan has long admired you, and her affection is rare. She wishes to serve you and take care of the household affairs. I only hope that you will grant her a favor... If our two families are to have a close relationship, the Xie family will certainly devote all its strength to helping you in this campaign against the remnants of the previous dynasty."

Although Mr. Xie belittled his family background and described his granddaughter as a humble woman who arbitrarily served the elders, she was a noble daughter of the Xie family's direct line and could allow Mr. Xie to use the power of the entire family to support her. It was obvious that she was aiming for the position of wife.

Although the Xie family is not as prominent as the Cui family, they are also a noble and dignified family.

Most importantly, the Xie family's children were fond of poetry and literature. Each of them was knowledgeable and profound, and had written classics. They also produced numerous talented individuals, including numerous distinguished scholars. They were truly the most respected family among scholars throughout the world.

If Cui Jue wants to implement the new policy of special examinations in the future, cultivate Confucian students with both moral integrity and talent, take control of the imperial power, and gain the right to speak in the court... then forming an alliance with the Xie family is also a good choice.

In this way, with the Xie family as the pioneer of reform, helping Cui Jue pave the way, the road to selecting officials through the special examination will naturally be more effective.

Cui Jue tapped the corner of the table lightly, thinking about the strength of the Xie family.

His eyes dropped and suddenly he saw a layer of light pink nail polish on Ms. Xie's nails.

The color is pink, like the tip of a lotus flower.

It was similar to the nail polish Su Li had used to apply on her jade-colored toes...both were intentionally used to seduce men.

At this point, Cui Jue's eyes darkened slightly and his fingers paused.

The dull knocking sound stopped.

His face showed no emotion, and he turned his gaze to the attentive and flattering face of Mr. Xie.

"Mr. Xie says he admires my great strategy, but secretly he doesn't take me seriously."

Cui Jue's calm words shocked the Xie family's grandfather and grandson.

Xie Xianggong hurriedly defended himself, "Your Excellency has misunderstood. We dare not... Why would you make such a guess?"

Cui Jue closed his cold eyes slightly, his voice slightly cold: "If it weren't for this, how could Lord Xie have thought of using military supplies to threaten me, taking control of my inner house, and then using my granddaughter as a spy to infiltrate the Cui family's private residence in order to have more people to rely on in the future..."

The people present were not stupid, and they all knew the purpose of this marriage.

The Xie family married off their daughter simply to get one step closer to their official career.

He dared to use his family connections and money to pressure Cui Jue because he knew that these were rare and he could lure him into giving them to him.

Xianggong Xie's face turned pale, thinking that Cui Jue also had a cruel side. What if Cui Jue refused to listen to his persuasion and became murderous? What should he do then?

Mr. Xie was terrified, but Cui Jue had already lifted his robe and stood up, not even wanting to drink the tea.

The man smiled and patted Mr. Xie's shoulders twice.

"This Marquis hates being manipulated. The last Li family that wanted to marry into the Cui family was completely wiped out..."

A layer of chill instantly spread over Xie Qinghan's back. Not to mention the delicate little girl, even Mr. Xie, who had been immersed in the court for many years, broke out in a cold sweat when he heard the words.

This was the first time that Cui Jue spoke his heart out to someone and told them the truth about his intention to destroy the Li Dynasty.

Cui Jue didn't like being manipulated by others. He died at the hands of Emperor Xuanning because he forced him to marry... But Prime Minister Xie was arrogant and conceited. He failed to understand this and actually touched Cui Jue's reverse scale.

Thinking of this, Xianggong Xie hurriedly knelt down and admitted his mistake, sweat dripping from his face. "Xie is loyal to the Cui family and follows your orders. I offered my daughter to you because I have long admired you and just dared to propose marriage. I should not have angered you. Please don't blame me..."

Cui Jue also did not want to break off relations with the Xie family. Although the Xie family did not have a strong army and at most the Xie family's children were well-known, there was no need for him to anger the literati of the Wu State during this troubled time.

Therefore, Cui Jue handled the matter with caution, saying only, "Since that's the case, then calm down. If the Xie family makes contributions to the government, I will certainly reward them. There's no need to resort to these unorthodox methods of 'selling daughters for fame'."

Xie Xianggong's face flushed red from being scolded, and he said hurriedly, "Yes, yes, I will teach you."

"Back off."

Cui Jue persuaded the Xie family to leave.

He was feeling depressed and wanted to go to the backyard, but then he remembered that Su Li didn't seem to be in Shuyue Pavilion today.

The man frowned and remained silent, and could only call Wei Zhiyan.

"When will Madam Su return home?"

Wei Zhiyan didn't expect that after seeing the girl from the Xie family, Cui Jue could immediately divert his attention and look for Madam Su to serve him.

Although it’s not a good idea to think this way, in Wei Zhiyan’s eyes, his master seems to be a bit of a scumbag when it comes to love affairs.

But Wei Zhiyan didn't dare to say anything bad about his master. He replied respectfully, "Perhaps it will be later. Madam Su said that if the master is tired, she can go to bed on her own. She will return home later."

Upon hearing this, Cui Jue's expression became even more stern, and even the aura around him was like frost, making people's hair stand on end.

Cui Jue pursed his lips slightly, thinking that he was the one who promised Su Li to leave the house, so he said no more and only asked about the whereabouts of Su's grandmother and Qiu Gui.

Wei Zhiyan: "Just follow the master's instructions. There's no need to restrict them from going out. Just send someone to follow them from a distance. Old Madam Su is still the same. She likes to enjoy the breeze in the courtyard, eat some fruits, and rarely goes out. Miss Qiu Gui goes out more often, but only to buy cloth for winter clothes and buy fish and rice for daily food...nothing else."

Cui Jue: "Is the Su family short of food and clothing?"

"No need," Wei Zhiyan said hurriedly, "The master has already given us a quota of food and clothing. Not to mention supporting two people, even more than ten people are more than enough. Maybe Miss Qiu Gui just wants to go shopping in person..."

Cui Jue suddenly sneered, not knowing what he was thinking. "After all, she's a maid raised in an aristocratic family. She's been cooped up in the mansion for over a decade and can sit still. How could she have developed such an active and playful personality? You should investigate this girl thoroughly. You can't guarantee that her master has been behind this..."

Thinking of Su Li's clear almond eyes, and thinking of her having no attachment to Cui Jue, she didn't even have the slightest desire to possess him.

Cui Jue felt inexplicably depressed and angry.

Su Li is cunning and he doesn't trust her.

Cui Jue curled his fingertips slightly, his eyes deep and dark, like quenched iron. He spoke in a cold voice, "Don't let any clues go unnoticed. Investigate!"

"Yes!" Wei Zhiyan did not dare to delay after hearing his master's swift and decisive order, and hurried to the Su family's private residence to inquire about the truth.

-

When Su Li returned from her private residence, the moon was already at its highest point in the sky.

She deliberately delayed time and returned to Cui's house later.

In this way, I can sleep in Mudong Pavilion tonight.

Unfortunately, the lights in Shuyue Pavilion were still on, obviously Cui Jue had not gone to bed yet.

Su Li would not be so self-indulgent as to think that Cui Jue was waiting for her. Perhaps he was just busy with official duties today.

After Su Li took a shower and changed her clothes, she carefully opened the door of the dormitory.

I thought Cui Jue should have changed into his bed clothes, leaning on the side of the bed reading a book, or even resting with his eyes closed, but unexpectedly the man was still neatly dressed, sitting at the table, playing with a piece of warm green jade out of boredom.

Hearing the sound of the door being pushed open, Cui Jue glanced sideways, his eyes as sharp as knives, making people feel cold.

Su Li didn't know what was wrong with him. She felt a tingling sensation on her spine because of his cold gaze.

The girl's footsteps became quieter, with a hint of fear as she retreated. Cui Jue was completely unaware of this and continued to stare at her with his dark, cold eyes.

"Do you know why Mr. Xie brought his granddaughter to Shuyue Pavilion today?"

The man stood up, his sleeves as wide as clouds fell, exuding a cool orchid fragrance. The jade pendant worn on his waist swayed gently, casting a shadow of tiny pieces on the ground.

Cui Jue approached slowly, and the rustling sounds he made as he walked were like the death warrants of the King of Hell's messengers, each sound striking her heart.

Su Li didn't dare to look up at him. The girl lowered her head, her eyes dull, and fell on Cui Jue's shadow that followed her like a shadow... Ghosts don't have shadows, Cui Jue is a living person.

She need not be afraid of him.

Su Li comforted herself and whispered: "This is your Majesty's private matter. I am just a concubine. It is not convenient for me to ask..."

For some reason, Su Li's self-deprecating words made Cui Jue feel much better.

He didn't want to hear her admit her humble family background in the countryside, but he wanted to hear the resentment, self-mockery... and even jealousy in her words.

She should have emotions, otherwise he would be very unhappy.

Cui Jue pressed on, slowly approaching, and asked again, "Even if she came to take the position of mistress, you didn't want to ask? Su Li, would you be unhappy?"

Su Li didn't know what Cui Jue was trying to test. She just gave Cui Jue an awkward look and said, "This day will come sooner or later. The Cui family's backyard must have a woman of noble birth and high status to manage the household and help the prince solve his problems... If that's the case, why should I be unhappy?"

Her attitude was frank, her words were sincere, and her eyes were so pure that they were hateful.

Cui Jue had always liked her kindness, optimism and tenacity, but at this moment, he actually felt a little bit of elusive hatred.

It seemed as if Su Li shouldn't be so casual, she shouldn't be so indifferent.

Aren't domesticated pets supposed to be jealous of their masters? Even Chixia knew how to get jealous, kicking and injuring Cui Jue when he was trying to manipulate the other horses, venting his anger.

At this moment, Cui Jue unexpectedly discovered that since he treated Su Li as an ignorant and speechless bird that only served to please its owner, why did he expect the bird to have a heart and liver and to feel happy and resentful because of him?

Cui Jue himself couldn't figure it out. He stood quietly and motionless in front of him, like a cold wandering soul.

Su Li didn't understand what he wanted to say, but after careful consideration, she felt that he was probably hinting at telling her that there would be a mistress of the house in the future. Although she was a concubine, she had to know her limits and not offend Xie Qinghan recklessly.

Su Li took a deep breath and said with a smile: "Your Majesty, don't worry. I know that you have great ambitions and will not hinder your imperial cause. I can get along well with anyone you need, whether it is a beauty from a small foreign country or a princess from a neighboring country through marriage. I will definitely not cause trouble for you...ah!"

Before Su Li could finish her words, Cui Jue pinched her pointed chin. The man lowered his head and sealed the girl's chattering lips with his cold, thin lips.

Su Li was suddenly kissed by him and was unable to react in time.

Cui Jue's kiss was fierce, even with a bit of violent sucking and biting.

Su Li clenched her hands tightly, raised her head and endured it helplessly. The man's sharp teeth pulled at the corners of her mouth, causing her to feel a slight pain.

The salty and astringent taste of blood instantly spread between the two people's wet lips. Su Li tasted a little and couldn't help but frown.

All the air was snatched from her mouth, her waist and legs were weak, and she could hardly stand.

But just when her knees felt sore and she was about to fall to the ground, Cui Jue put his arms around her and held her up steadily.

Su Li was pulled into someone's arms. She was trembling and gasping for breath as if from stress.

She could feel Cui Jue's heat, and her lower back trembled from the heat of his boiling palms. She clung helplessly to Cui Jue's shoulders.

Su Li's hands pressed hard on Cui Jue's throbbing back muscles. Before she could catch her breath, she heard the sound of silk tearing from her soft buttocks.

The attack was swift and deafening.

Su Li was confused and didn't understand where Cui Jue's anger came from.

Until he said: "Su Li, the smile on your face is really annoying."

At times like this, Cui Jue actually liked the way she cried.

Su Li was puzzled until Cui Jue walked in so rashly.

She took a deep breath, dug her nails into the man's back, and endured it helplessly.

"My Lord, what's wrong with you?"

Su Li didn't know what was wrong with Cui Jue, but fortunately, she didn't feel any pain.

Cui Jue hooked the tip of Su Li's tongue into his mouth again. She swallowed, clung to it, and slid it...

She seemed to be able to feel that Cui Jue seemed to want something from her.

But she has nothing...

Su Li felt confused. She was tired and exhausted. The broken fabrics were like flowers scattered by a fairy, from the door to the bed.

Su Li's knees and legs were slightly bent, and she was forced to lie on the couch.

With her legs hooked by Cui Jue, Su Li still pressed against Cui Jue's tight and narrow waist.

The man just looked at her, then bent down and bit Su Li's soft earlobe.

In the vague and sticky sound of water in my ears.

Su Li heard him say, "Stop taking the contraceptive soup..."

Su Li's thoughts were in a mess and her eyes were blurred with tears, but she soon came to her senses and felt a chill in her heart.

The soreness on her waist was extremely strong, and Cui Jue was kissing and sucking on her round shoulders. She thought of the package of contraceptive herbs hidden in the dew sac.

Su Li suppressed her surprise and said "OK" softly.

Cui Jue heard it.

His anger dissipated a lot, and his movements became gentler.

He still refused to come out.

The man held Su Li in his arms, supporting her thin back in a domineering yet gentle manner.

"Su Li, I have not agreed to the position of mistress of the Xie family, you can rest assured."

Su Li didn't understand what Cui Jue meant by this. How could she be so reassured? She was just a concubine; how could she possibly interfere with which young lady would head the Cui family in the future? But from Cui Jue's tone, it seemed as if he was asking her to be grateful. It was truly strange.

Su Li didn't understand, but she knew that she was under someone else's control, so she might as well just keep her mouth shut.

But Cui Jue seemed to be in the mood to talk, and he rarely said a word.

"I once thought that if I had a son, I would definitely bring him up by my side from a young age, personally instructing him, teaching him by words and deeds, and raising him into a fine young man of pure character and noble conduct..."

At least, he doesn't have to suffer as much as Cui Jue did in his childhood, abandoned by his father, left behind by his mother, carrying the family's glory and walking alone.

His sons will not be alone.

Cui Jue looked at Su Li quietly.

"Su Li, you must be well behaved."

It was Su Li who broke into Cui's house without permission, and it was Su Li who wanted to depend on him for life.

He warned her, but she didn't listen...

In this case, she should keep her promise.

Cui Jue stared at her, and a drop of sweat from his brow fell onto Su Li's cheek, slid into her snow-white neck, making her feel slightly cold.

"I don't like being deceived. Those who deceive me...are all dead."

Cui Jue released his hand that was pinching Su Li's slender waist and slowly came out.

Su Li listened to Cui Jue in fear. She didn't know what he was thinking. She just felt that Cui Jue in front of her was a little different from usual. He was closer to her, but it also made her more afraid.

The man before her was still as charming as the breeze and bright moon, but his eyes had a strange and gentle look, so different that it was intimidating...

Su Li's lifeblood is completely controlled by Cui Jue. She can feel the vigorous warmth emanating from Cui Jue's palms.

Su Li didn't dare to go against him. The girl hesitated for a moment, then moved her lips and whispered, "I understand."

Cui Jue seemed to sigh: "Su Li, you won't lie to me."

"I... won't lie to you."

Cui Jue finally let her go.

Su Li understood what Cui Jue said.

She did not ask Aunt Huirong to cook soup, but grabbed her clothes that were scattered on the ground, carried Cui Jue on her back, and went into the bathtub in the inner room to take a bath.

Su Li soaked in the hot tub.

She stared at the tightly closed screen, thought for a moment, and finally took out the sachet.

Su Li pinched out a piece of contraceptive red flower, estimated the dosage in her mind, and then put it in her mouth.

This dosage is not enough to prevent infertility, it is just an ordinary contraceptive medicine.

After thinking about it, Su Lisi swallowed it without hesitation.