Chapter 174 Su Yunzhou's Tragic Childhood

Su Yun lowered her head and said softly, "Sister Lanlan, Miss Zhou is very nice! She's also very nice to me."

"Tch? Okay? If Zhou is easy to talk to, then there's something fishy going on in the world!" Su Lanlan didn't believe it for a second.

She remembered clearly how Zhou had treated her back in Hongqi Village.

Looking at Su Yun, he suddenly smiled.

"Xiaoyun, we're sisters! You know me. If I could marry Brother Yunzhou, we'd be even closer than family."

I'll remember your contribution then!

But if Zhou also becomes your sister-in-law, your good days will be over!

Do you understand?

So don't be too nice to Zhou!

She was a guest Yunzhou brought back, but she was also our enemy!

Our Su family is a prominent family; not just anyone can come in!

Understand? "

"Besides, you are a legitimate Miss Su, while Zhou Ye is just some random woman."

"Are you really going to serve her?"

Su Yun lowered her head and said, "I didn't serve you, I just kept you company!"

"Accompany you? Let a young lady like you accompany me? Ha...you actually believe that?"

After talking for a while, Su Yun didn't reply. Su Lanlan was very bored and gritted her teeth: "Su Yun, as long as you are of one mind with me, I promise that once I become the head of the Su family, I will find you a good family."

I guarantee you'll marry into a wealthy family and never have to worry about food or drink for the rest of your life. How about enjoying wealth and luxury?

Su Yun looked up: "I don't understand what you mean, sister!"

"Heh... Xiaoyun, what I mean is, you've been taking care of Zhou Ye closely, so you must tell me what happened between her and Brother Yunzhou."

And I need to know every single word she did, every single minute of what happened!

Su Yun was confused: "Why?"

"You don't need to know, just listen to me! Otherwise... you know what will happen!"

Su Yun bit her lip. She had suffered too many losses at Su Lanlan's hands in the past, and she dared not openly oppose her.

You can only nod before you can leave!

Su Lanlan glared angrily upstairs. "Zhou Ye, now that you're in my Su family, don't even think about leaving here unscathed."

I was bullied by you back in Hongqi Village, but now... just wait for my revenge.

After Su Yun was out of Su Lanlan's sight, she suddenly leaned against the wall, breathing weakly. Her body was in terrible shape!

When I got back inside, I ran into Butler Lu.

"Miss Yun, are you alright?"

Su Yun smiled slightly: "It's alright, Butler Lu, it'll be fine in a moment!"

"Okay, that's good!"

The medicine was served shortly afterward!

Su Yun quickly took the medicine and drank it!

After taking the medicine and waiting until no one was in the room, Su Yun said, "Miss Zhou, if you ever run into Su Lanlan in the future, you should stay away from her!"

"What's wrong?"

"Su Lanlan is the adopted daughter of the second branch of the Su family and also Yunzhou's sister. She has always had special feelings for Yunzhou."

Everyone knows that.

Moreover, Brother Yunzhou is very indulgent towards Su Lanlan!

So, if you mess with her, you won't have a good ending!

"Are you afraid of her?" Zhou Ye looked at Su Yun's pale face!

Su Yun paused for a moment, nodded, then shook her head: "Actually, it's not that I'm afraid of her, I just don't want to have any unpleasantness with the second wife!"

Yunzhou has already gone through so much!

"I can't cause trouble for Brother Yunzhou!"

"Why...why did he become like this?"

Su Yun looked up in confusion, staring at Zhou Ye with a puzzled expression.

Zhou Ye smiled faintly: "Yunzhou's attitude towards his family is strange. He told me some things about his childhood before, but he seemed hesitant to say them!"

I don't really know what kind of life he leads!

I know he has a strained relationship with his family, so…

Before he could finish speaking, Su Yun immediately understood!

"My brother is a bit paranoid, and he had a very unhappy childhood! I feel sorry for him too! Actually, I can't really empathize with him!"

Yunzhou is a few years older than me. We used to play together when we were little, but then, I forget which year it was, my second uncle brought a woman home!

that is……

The later second wife!

"What about Yunzhou's mother?"

Su Yun paused for a moment and said, "Actually, my second aunt and second uncle didn't get along well back then! My second uncle seemed to be very domineering."

And always…

After glancing at Zhou Ye, she finally spoke up!

"My second uncle always kept my second aunt locked up. No one else could see her, and she wasn't allowed to come out to see anyone either!"

We were young, so we were able to come into the yard.

My second aunt was so beautiful. All I remember is that she was very thin and always smiled at us when she saw us.

They even styled my hair! It looks so good!

They always save the best food for us!

At that moment, I wondered why my second aunt was smiling, yet still seemed unhappy! Why didn't my second aunt go out shopping?

Why don't you go play?

"But I'm too timid to ask!"

"I've known Yunzhou for as long as I can remember that he's unhappy, but he's still very happy when he sees his second aunt."

but……

but……"

"What?"

Zhou asked, puzzled.

"However, my second aunt always gets very irritable when she sees Brother Yunzhou. She loses her usual gentleness and beauty and only becomes agitated and verbally abusive!"

Brother Yunzhou is really... really pitiful!

"Yunzhou's health is very poor, not only because of what he was born with. Also... his second aunt tried to kill Yunzhou many times!"

"What?"

Su Yun sobbed and choked out, "I saw it three times. The first time was when I saw my second aunt press Yunzhou down in the cold pond."

At that time, Yunzhou seemed to be seven or eight years old. I was still young and only had a vague impression!

At first, Yunzhou was struggling and crying!

He stopped crying later, but his second aunt held him down! It was his second uncle who saved him!

The second time, it was when his second aunt made birthday noodles for Yunzhou. Yunzhou happily ate them, but... the noodles were poisoned!

The third time, my second aunt said that as long as Yunzhou knelt in the snow for a day and a night, she would let him into the house and let him call her "Mom"!

The next time I saw Brother Yunzhou was at the hospital!

He was like a rag doll, not speaking, not blinking, not eating...

I thought he was dead! I was so scared I cried!

I never saw him again!

"Later, Yunzhou returned after he grew up, but he and his second uncle were at loggerheads and both wanted to kill each other!"

When Yunzhou came back that time, he locked up his second uncle and even beat him up!

Grandpa was the head of the family, and my eldest uncle was the heir apparent. But somehow, Brother Yunzhou seized power and purged everyone in the family who opposed him!

The entire Su family was terrified!

It is said that Brother Yunzhou's methods were more decisive and ruthless than those of his grandfather back then!

They can't tolerate even a grain of sand in their eyes!

"And what about your second aunt?"

"She passed away long ago! Later, my second uncle brought back another woman, who is now the second madam, but Brother Yunzhou gave orders that we are not allowed to call her madam."

She's not good enough!

They even locked her up!

Zhou Ye took a deep breath to calm himself down.

"What about the former head of the family?"

Su Yun huddled together and sighed softly, "Grandpa used to be in charge, with my eldest uncle assisting! We were planning to hand over the reins of the household to my eldest uncle."

However, ever since Brother Yunzhou came back, I don't know what he said to Grandpa, but Grandpa handed the Su family over to Brother Yunzhou.

and……

Moreover, my uncle fiercely opposed it, and Brother Yunzhou dealt with him!

Su Yun's emotions were very mixed when she spoke.

There was guilt, sadness, and regret...

"And what about your father?"

If Zhou remembered correctly, Su Yun was the daughter of the third wife.

Su Yun thought for a moment and said, "Actually, my dad is kind of brainless. He has ambition but no ability!"

Brother Yunzhou didn't take him seriously either! He only gave him a minor punishment as a warning and let it go! My mother and I have always lived in the old house!

"Um!"

A strange emotion welled up in Zhou Ye's heart!

Is Su Yunzhou really that miserable? It's all thanks to him being able to raise his own people. He was even able to return to the old house and turn the tide!

After listening for a while, I can understand it pretty much!

Su Yunzhou's mother probably didn't like Su Yunzhou's father! But she was forced to love him by Su Yunzhou's father.

Her mother was imprisoned by someone she disliked, and then Su Yunzhou was born. To her, Su Yunzhou was like an enemy. She hated men, and she hated children just as much!

She... must be sick!

But nobody knew or understood!

so……

Su Yunzhou is sick too!

Zhou closed her eyes in frustration; she was still the same ignorant, soft-hearted person.

Even if I were to live a second life, I could be exceptionally calm and decisive when seeking revenge! But... what about when facing other people...?

She still hesitated!

"Miss Zhou, are you really... being imprisoned by your brother?"

Su Yun looked at Zhou Ye, hesitating to speak.

Zhou didn't answer, but said, "You've taken the medicine, your stomach shouldn't hurt anymore! Can you go for a walk?"

I want to be alone for a while.

Su Yun hummed in agreement and left.

What Zhou didn't know was that her kindness was precisely the fulcrum that was exploited.

Su Yun walked out of the corridor and was led into a room by Su Da.

"elder brother……"

"You said it?"

Su Yunzhou looked out the window, and a cold voice came from outside.

Su Yun lowered her head and answered softly, "I did, brother, Miss Zhou seems a little sad."

Su Yunzhou smiled slightly: "Sad?"

"Yes, I feel that Miss Zhou is not entirely without feelings for you; she seems to be saddened by what happened to you."

"This is none of your business! Just stay by her side and know what you should and shouldn't say, right?"

Su Yunzhou's tone carried a warning.

"I know!"

Su Yun dared not say she didn't know!

She felt somewhat guilty towards Zhou Ye!

Ms. Zhou seemed to trust her quite a bit, and even prescribed her medicine to relieve her stomach pain! She was able to stand up and walk like a normal person again!

If this had happened before, I probably would have fainted by now!

After Su Yun left, Su Yunzhou muttered to himself, "Xiao Ye should understand me, right?"

Yes, she likes me. If she knew how miserable I was, she would definitely pity me and sympathize with me!

They'll still like me!

To keep me from being sad, you'll stay by my side. Yes, you definitely will!

Su Da watched from the side, his head bowed in sorrow.

Zhou remained silent inside the room...

Looking at the people outside, she knew it was time for her to leave that night.

Yes, Su Yunzhou is pitiful, but that's no excuse for how he treated himself! It's unforgivable!

The medicinal powder he concocted could make the entire Su family ignore him, and could maintain that for at least half an hour.

I want to go out for a walk!

There are no windows in this room, so this powder must be sprinkled in a well-ventilated area outside. It will take effect after ten hours, silently... colorless and odorless...

Su Yun, who had just returned, overheard this and, perhaps feeling guilty, stepped forward and said, "We need to ask Brother Yunzhou about this."

"Or...should I go ask?"

Zhou also glanced at Su Yun and nodded.

Su Yun ran out!

"Brother Yunzhou, Miss Zhou, she..."

"What's wrong with her?"

Su Yunzhou's face was full of anticipation!

"Miss Zhou said she wants to go out for a walk!"

"no!"

Su Yunzhou immediately refused. When he returned, that moment was still deeply buried in his heart; it was a hidden danger.

He didn't know if Zhou would have any other way to leave!

Locking them up is the best solution.

but……

"If I disagree, she'll definitely... hate me, won't she?"

Su Yunzhou said something, then added, "Okay, take her out! Make sure to follow her closely!"

Don't let her leave the garden!

"yes!"

Su Yun agreed and went out.

"Su Da!"

"Yes, sir!"

"Be on guard! Don't let anyone near the garden, and... keep the gates tightly shut. No one is allowed to enter or leave!"

Su Da obeyed Su Yunzhou's orders unconditionally, even though he had some doubts in his heart!

The flowers and plants in the garden are still thriving; it's very well maintained! There's even a small hot spring in the yard!

That's probably why the flowers and plants are growing so well!

"This hot spring is quite nice!" Zhou Ye praised, looking at the surroundings.

Su Yun smiled and said, "Yes, this hot spring was specially brought in by Grandpa because he felt that Brother Yunzhou's health was not good!"

Zhou nodded, so... the old patriarch of the Su family was still quite good to Su Yunzhou!

I walked around and looked at the flowers and plants...

It was also boring. Along the way, Su Yun was on high alert, afraid that Zhou Ye would suddenly want to leave and make things difficult for him.

But it was very peaceful! It had always been peaceful!

Apart from occasionally looking at the flowers and plants and touching the hot springs, everything is great!

It was so good that she thought it was a dream!

Nothing will happen!

"cut!"

A discordant sound came from behind.

Zhou Ye turned around and saw Su Lanlan slowly walking over with a teacup in her hand!

Wearing a pure white dress, she looked especially cute and gentle!

Oh……

But Zhou knew this person's true colors better than anyone else!

Even though this is the Su family home, she wouldn't give her a second glance!

Su Yun didn't think so, and even took a step back, not daring to confront Su Lanlan head-on!

"Oh, this is Miss Zhou. What brings you to my house? Are you a guest? Or have you been imprisoned by my brother?"

Um? "

"Su Yun, when did you get a dog that barks like this?!"

Zhou Ye's words were direct and infuriating!

This made Su Lanlan so angry that she couldn't even hold her teacup properly!

"Zhou Ye, ahhh... How dare you talk to me like that?"

Zhou Ye chuckled: "What? Are you an ancestor or a monster? Can't I talk to you like that?"

"I am the eldest daughter of the Su family!"

"Oh……"

Su Lanlan's words made Zhou Ye burst out laughing.

"You? Su Lanlan? You think that just because you have the surname Su, you're really the eldest daughter of the Su family? Are you even related by blood?"

Has it been added to the family genealogy?

Su Lanlan gritted her teeth: "Zhou Ye, what are you being so arrogant about? Do you think this is still your Hongqi Village?"

Do you still think of him as that educated youth?

Do you think there's a bunch of ignorant people helping you?

"This is the Su family home!"

Su Lanlan looked at Zhou Ye with her head held high, as if she had finally gained a foothold after her previous failures and had finally found the magic weapon to win!

“Zhou Ye, I know you’re arrogant! I know you look down on me! But that was before! In Hongqi Village, Brother Yunzhou couldn’t do his job.”

But this is our Su family home!

Whether I'm adopted or biological, my surname is Su, and you can't defeat that surname.

Yunzhou likes you!

But I am Yunzhou's sister, and we are the ones who are truly bound by affection!

You think Yunzhou brought you back to be his wife? Let me tell you, you're just a caged bird!

Zhou smiled without saying a word, looking at her with a mocking expression.

Su Lanlan was even angrier when she saw Zhou Ye like this!

"Zhou Ye, I will never forget how you bullied me in Hongqi Village! Let me tell you, the matriarch of the Su family can only be me!"

You're from Beijing, but you come from an ordinary family. What gives you the right to take my place?

ah?

Don't think that just because Brother Yunzhou likes you now, you can do whatever you want! Aren't you just a caged bird now?

"Talk to me again when you're free."

With a "snap," the surroundings immediately fell silent!

Because Su Lanlan was from the second wife's family, she was closer to Su Yunzhou, so she didn't respect anyone else in the Su residence!

Even the third wife, who was Zhou Yun's mother, sometimes had to watch her expression.

"You...you dare to hit me?"

"We've already fought, what else can we do?" Zhou Ye looked at her provocatively.

Su Lanlan was furious and reached out to hit him, but her past experiences told her that she couldn't hit Zhou Ye!

He took a liking to Su Yun at first sight.

He grabbed her and slapped her hard across the face.

"Su Yun, you're a member of the Su family! Are you just going to stand by and watch others bully me? Are you blind or an idiot?!"

"Hit him back!" Su Lanlan didn't dare to fight back, but she told Su Yun to hit him back!

How dare Su Yun?

She glanced at Zhou Ye with a wronged expression and said stubbornly, "Sister Lanlan, Miss Zhou did nothing wrong. Why did you hit her?"

"What did you say? She hit me and she did nothing wrong? I am the eldest daughter of the Su family!"

"laugh……"

Zhou also chuckled: "Su Lanlan, you really aren't afraid of death! What era are we living in?"

Do you still think of yourself as a rich heiress?

Are you promoting feudal dregs? No matter how large the Su family's business is, can it withstand your squandering?

However... it's understandable!

Zhou Ye's mocking gaze made Su Lanlan feel an immediate sense of crisis.

"What do you mean? What do you understand? What have you even understood? Zhou Ye... explain yourself clearly!"

Su Lanlan was furious!

"What I mean is, in this special era, the entire Su family is keeping a low profile, except for you, who is not a member of the Su family."

The Su family, by blood, flaunted their power, as if afraid no one would know they were from the Su family, and as if afraid others wouldn't know their backer was Su Yunzhou.

What do you intend to do with it?

"You're even more arrogant than a proper young lady. What do you want to do?"

"You're not a match for the Su family, are you? A spy sent by them? Su Lanlan, you're quite capable!"

Zhou did it on purpose!

Look, aren't the Su family members looking at her with a sense of inquiry?

No evidence is needed, just plant the seed!

"You're talking nonsense! Zhou Ye, you're being alarmist. When have I ever been arrogant and domineering?"

It's all because of you!

It's all your fault!

"What's going on? Whose fault is it?" Su Yunzhou walked over with a frown.

Su Lanlan was terrified!

She thought her brother wasn't home today, so how come... how come he's home?

Given how protective his brother is of Zhou Ye, would he really think she's a spy? No. Her brother will always protect her!

"elder brother……"

Su Yunzhou ignored Su Lanlan and looked at Zhou Ye with concern: "Are you alright? Are you hurt?"

Zhou Ye shook his head indifferently: "No!"

Su Yunzhou nodded dejectedly, then looked at Su Lanlan: "What happened?"

Su Lanlan opened her mouth and said, "Brother, it's really nothing. I just want to welcome Miss Zhou Ye to our home as a guest!"

"We knew each other before, it was just a greeting!"

"Yeah?"

Su Yunzhou looked at Su Lanlan suspiciously, then at Su Yun: "Is that so?"

Su Lanlan gave Su Yun a warning look!

Su Yun paused for a moment, then recounted everything in detail!

Zhou Ye raised an eyebrow...

Su Yunzhou stared coldly at Su Lanlan, who was so frightened that she grabbed Su Yunzhou's sleeve and sobbed, "Brother, brother, I won't do it again! I was just confused for a moment!"

Besides, what I said... wasn't wrong, was it?"

"Brother Yunzhou, you won't hold it against me, will you?"

Su Yunzhou sighed. Just when Su Lanlan thought everything was alright, he suddenly ordered, "Su Da, Su Lanlan has broken the family rules. Send her to the training camp to temper her temperament!"

training camp

She'd never been there, but she'd heard of it—it was where Su Da and the others trained. Even without training, the daily torture alone would be enough to overwhelm her, a girl all alone!

"Brother, brother... I didn't break any rules. I just said a few unpleasant things!"

I apologize, okay?

I apologize to Ms. Zhou!

Please don't send me to the training camp!

That place was used by Brother Yunzhou when he punished Uncle San. When they came back, Uncle San was almost unrecognizable!

He was skin and bones, and had only been alive for about ten days.

She dares not!

"Rules? I am the rule! I say you're wrong, and that's final! Su Da! What are you waiting for?!"

Su Yunzhou said coldly.

Su Da: "Yes!"

Su Lanlan's pleas for mercy slowly faded away...

Su Yunzhou looked at Zhou Ye: "It's good that you're alright! Su Lanlan won't bother you anymore!"

Zhou frowned: "When can I leave?"

In one sentence, he successfully turned Su Yunzhou's face as cold as frost in the twelfth lunar month!

The chill intensified Su Yun's abdominal pain.

"Xiao Ye, isn't it nice to stay here? We can take it slow! Once I'm done with these next few days, I'll stay with you, okay?"

Do you love your mother?

Zhou Ye suddenly asked, "Do not do to others what you would not have them do to you!"

Su Yunzhou was stunned for a moment!

Her face was deathly pale, like a blank sheet of paper. She stared blankly at Zhou Ye for a long while, then murmured, "You know everything? Who told you?"

To everyone's surprise, Zhou Ye burst out laughing.