55. Panic

◎The Duties of a Concubine◎

Chapter 55

After Jiang Qiuye ran out of the room with fake tears, she began to wander around the fifth floor of Wangyou Tower.

The fifth floor was very different from the ones below. It was elegant and stylish, and so quiet. The corridor was long, and the sliding doors on both sides were tightly locked. Only the occasional sound of piano could be heard coming from a few rooms.

Suddenly, she saw a familiar figure flash by at the corner ahead. Jiang Qiuye's heart tightened, and she frowned and immediately followed. The other person's footsteps were getting faster and faster. Jiang Qiuye followed closely, but finally lost him at another corner.

Sweat gradually appeared on her palms.

But how is that possible?

That figure...how could she suddenly appear here?

She lowered her head, thinking about the phantom figure just now. As she walked back, she didn't look at the road and suddenly bumped into Ji Ci's chest in front of her.

Ji Ci looked at her absent-mindedly, held her forehead, and asked suspiciously: "What are you thinking about?"

"Ah, I was thinking... why did we come out this time?" Jiang Qiuye casually found an excuse to cover it up without saying it clearly.

There were too many spies in Wangyou Tower, so she naturally couldn't make her words too clear.

Ji Ci wanted to raise his hand to ruffle her hair, but it was covered with jewels and silver flowers, and there was no place to start. He retracted his hand, took her hand, and said, "Let's go, let's go back, I'll tell you later."

"Yeah." Jiang Qiuye nodded and followed him diagonally behind him, still thinking about the figure he had just seen. He looked at his clear profile again and suddenly felt panic in his heart.

It was already late at night when the two returned to the house. Jiang Qiuye was preoccupied with something and did not notice that Ji Ci's face grew darker and darker after they left Wangyou Tower, and he became more silent than usual.

They fell asleep quickly. They'd been huddled together under the quilt, chatting away all the way to Huaixi, due to the urgency of their journey. But she had become accustomed to curling up in his arms like a boneless creature. She boldly wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her head on his chest. She fell asleep quickly, her breathing steady.

In her dream, she seemed to have arrived in a rainforest. Looking around, something familiar seemed to be happening. It must have been during her childhood field training at Feiyan Pavilion. Looking down, she saw she was dressed in rags, shoeless. Her sister, Xia Hua, was hiding behind her, each holding a dagger, nothing else.

They walked tremblingly into the depths of the jungle. Suddenly, there was a small noise in the forest behind them. Jiang Qiuye turned around immediately, but saw no one. In a moment, her sister disappeared, and she couldn't help but feel even more scared.

"Summer flowers?"

It was completely silent, with no other sounds except the chirping of birds.

The noise in the bushes behind her became louder. She swallowed, turned around and walked slowly towards the bushes, her heart beating like a drum. She gripped the dagger tightly in her hand and gently pulled away the bushes.

At this moment, something flew out from the bushes and flew towards her. She was startled and took two steps back. After taking a closer look, she found something.

It turned out to be a...

The white-faced monk said goodbye!

When she fell into a dream at midnight, the white-faced monk Mian Ci landed directly on her head, played with her hair like a chicken coop, and chuckled a few times. Before she could figure out the situation, she seemed to suddenly feel a warm surge sweeping over her, as if she fell into the deep sea.

Her eyelids were heavy and still glued together. When she forced them open, she couldn't tell whether she was dreaming or awake, only to feel a shiver run through her.

"Husband—"

Jiang Qiuye screamed softly, her lips and tongue sealed by the kiss. Unlike the tenderness of their wedding night, Ji Ci seemed to be desperately trying to release the strength he had accumulated for a long time, holding her waist tightly.

Outside, a heavy snowfall had begun. The carefully nurtured white pearl flowers merged with the blizzard. Then a fierce wind arrived, ravaging the petals, which were gradually losing their grip. The petals and the snow were indistinguishable. Only when a ray of light appeared in the sky did the wind and snow stop.

The two of them ordered water three times during the night.

The first time, Jiang Qiuye felt as if her entire body had been shattered. She didn't understand why at first, until Ji Ci grabbed her wrist and said viciously, "I've heard that County Magistrate Liu is a handsome man, as handsome as Pan An, and a true man of integrity."

Her face was covered with tears, and she shook her head in surprise, unable to speak.

It turns out that this old man is even jealous of that dead fat pig!

But her husband was very dissatisfied with this and continued, "Why don't you speak? Speak quickly!"

Jiang Qiuye screamed, her tofu-like instep straightened, and she cried out in a sobbing voice: "No, no... How can Pan An compare to my husband... Not to mention County Magistrate Liu..."

He seemed still dissatisfied, and he pushed harder, saying fiercely, "Who is the real man?"

"Y-yes...husband!"

She cried, and rolled her eyes deep in her heart. She had never expected this person to be so fussy, and to have been so fussy all the way, not even saying anything until she went to sleep, and only waking her up when she was dreaming.

How can it be so bad!

Ji Ci seemed to be finally satisfied, the corners of his mouth raised into a smile, and he said with a heavy breath: "Call Jian Xi brother."

There is something wrong!

"Brother Jian, Brother Jian Xi..."

Jiang Qiuye was dazed later, and both of them were sticky with sweat. He suddenly became gentle again, slowly kissing her forehead, nose tip, and red mole, as if to please and comfort her.

But somehow, this bad man later began to ask her to praise him and at least give him ten unique advantages.

There is a difference between handsome and elegant and well-mannered, as both describe appearance.

What a hypocritical beast in human clothing!

After hiding for so long, the true face is finally revealed!

This went on until the cockcrowed, and then Ji Ci carried the sleepy Jiang Qiuye to the bathroom again. He gently washed her, changed her into clean and comfortable clothes, and then carried her back to the bed that had been made by the maid. He touched her head, held her in his arms, and fell asleep.

Jiang Qiuye slept soundly until late noon. She felt around her and found the bed had long since been empty and cold, yet the air still lingered with the faint scent of bergamot. Her whole body ached, yet she felt clean and refreshed.

Suddenly thinking of what Ji Ci had done to her yesterday, she blushed uncontrollably, her head was burning with fear, she grabbed the quilt to cover her head, and rolled over several times before stopping.

She stood up, casually put on Ji Ci's coat and walked out of the bedroom. The maid immediately came up to help her wash and dress.

"Where's the young master?"

The maid smiled ambiguously and said, "The young master got up at noon and asked us not to disturb the young lady's rest. He is now meeting guests in the front hall."

"Guests? Who's coming to the house?"

"I don't know who's in the restaurant across the street," the maid replied respectfully. "That person talked to the young master for a long time this morning and even brought him some snowy pastries. However, the young master dotes on the young lady so much that no matter how much she tries to please him, it's useless."

Across the street from the restaurant? Aren't those the Pan sisters from that day? Sweet Sister and Cold Sister, but she had forgotten their names.

The smile on Jiang Qiuye's face gradually disappeared, and her teeth couldn't help but feel sore. This stinky man did that to her just last night, and he met those two sisters early this morning!

She asked her maid to comb her hair into a stunning bun, put on two red palace flowers, accessorized with gilded hairpins and earrings, and wore a scarlet cloud-silk brocade skirt.

She rarely wore such crimson clothes, preferring lotus root pink. She had suddenly decided to look gorgeous today.

She walked all the way to the front hall, followed by a large group of maids. Before she entered, she saw Sister Leng Yan talking to Ji Ci with her back to her. The two were separated by a table, and Ji Ci was also looking back at Sister Leng Yan.

Seeing this, Jiang Qiuye clenched her fists and ordered the maids to leave. She hid behind the door and eavesdropped for a long time, but she was too far away to hear clearly. She could only vaguely hear a few words, such as "I'm relieved", "Sister", and "Waiting for the Master".

Jiang Qiuye put the words together in her mind: "Since the young master has agreed, then I am relieved. Tonight, when the moon is dark and the wind is strong, my sister and I will wait for the young master in the restaurant."

!!!

Shameless! Filthy man! Adulterer!

She frowned and snorted softly, then began to perform her duties as a concubine, calling out "Master!" and then flying onto him like a bird.

Ji Ci's eyebrows jumped, and he caught her suddenly. He was originally calm, but suddenly he felt a little embarrassed.

He chuckled softly, "Nonsense! Don't you consider the occasion?"

Jiang Qiuye refused to give in: "Others miss their loved ones like crazy after just one day of not seeing them, but for me, even a moment without seeing the young master feels like five years have passed!"

Humph, when it comes to acting coquettishly, who can compare to her?

Ji Ci coughed, not knowing where to look. He placed Jiang Qiuye on the chair beside him and nodded apologetically to the Leng Yan sister opposite him.

Jiang Qiuye turned around and realized that Sister Leng Yan's eyes were red and swollen, as if she had been crying. However, after Jiang Qiuye's outburst, her face looked awkward and ugly. Coupled with the marks on Jiang Qiuye's neck and collarbone that were not covered, she didn't know where to look.

Ji Ci reluctantly withdrew his gaze from Jiang Qiuye, his ears reddening. He looked back at Sister Meiyan and said, "I understand what you are asking. Go home first. I will go find County Magistrate Liu tonight."

"Then there is Master Lao Ning."

Sister Leng Yan nodded, took out a handkerchief from her sleeve, wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, and left under the guidance of the servant.

The people had left, and suddenly there were only two people left in the front hall. Jiang Qiuye, who had always been shameless, suddenly felt shy in the silence, and completely forgot what he had planned.

Ji Ci wasn't much better. Although he appeared calm, he couldn't shake the memory of yesterday. He was distressed by the failure of his wedding night, so he secretly looked at some small pictures and tried to learn a little.

The two of them slept in the same bed for many days, but he saw that she was tired from traveling for days. Although he felt unbearable, he could not bear to follow the picture, worried that she would not like it.

But for some reason, I watched her walk all the way back to the dormitory yesterday without noticing any change in my mood, which made me even more angry.

Especially the heartless woman, who fell asleep as soon as she lay down on the bed. He closed his eyes for a long time and even tried the breathing method to help him fall asleep but failed. He became even more furious and did such a thing to her.

The whole night was filled with ecstasy, and even now I can't forget it. This experience was even more exciting than conquering a city. Seeing her innocent face, holding her chin and blinking, while I was pretending to be righteous, I couldn't help but feel guilty.

When this feeling became stronger, he stopped immediately.

It is obvious that this is the princess of a county whom he married with three letters and six ceremonies in a formal ceremony, so how can he be so hypocritical?

In the blink of an eye, he figured it out quickly. Jiang Qiuye didn't know how many battles had already been going on in his brain in this short moment.

Seeing that she seemed to be still staring at the door, Ji Ci said, "Pan Lian came to see me today, saying that her sister is missing and suspected to have been kidnapped, which may be related to Wangyou Tower. After hearing about my relationship with County Magistrate Liu, she wanted to use my connections to find out about her sister."

Jiang Qiuye was stunned. It turned out that the cold and beautiful sister was called Pan Lian.

No, it was probably because he hadn't expected her to come for this matter. He was more like judging a gentleman by his own standards. He lowered his head in bewilderment, silent.

"That sweet girl... Pan Lian's sister, when did she disappear?"

“He has been missing for two days.

Jiang Qiuye asked doubtfully, "Why does she think it's related to Wangyou Tower?"

"The Pan sisters have been delivering wine to Wangyou Tower for years. She said that some time ago, Pan Mei went to Wangyou Tower alone. After returning, she became very cautious, as if she was frightened by something. When asked, she refused to say anything."

"Pan Lian tried to go to Wangyou Tower yesterday to investigate, but was kicked out as soon as she mentioned Pan Mei. Later, she happened to see us leaving Wangyou Tower and learned about my relationship with County Magistrate Liu."

"I see." Jiang Qiuye lowered his eyes and calmed down.

Ji Ci looked at her with her head lowered. Today she was wearing a gorgeous crimson dress, which was eye-catching. The unknown fragrance coming from her body was faint and penetrated into her skin and bones.

Seeing that she seemed to realize that her behavior was inappropriate, she slowed down her tone and said, "Okay, stay home today and I'll be back later. If you're bored... I'll ask Tian to buy you some storybooks."

Jiang Qiuye: “???”

"Husband, you actually allowed me to read the storybook?" Jiang Qiuye sat up straight in shock. She thought of her copy of "The Jade Records", the whereabouts of which she still didn't know.

Ji Ci pondered for a moment, then said, "During this period of time, after returning to Shengjing, you should continue to study the Book of Rites."

Jiang Qiuye: “!!!”

Well, he is still the ruthless white-faced monk.

…

After Ji Ci left, Jiang Qiuye looked at the storybooks on the table. They were all bought by Tian Gou. There were more than ten books, enough for her to read for quite some time.

But the figure of that day kept flashing through her mind. She felt uneasy about Ji Ci's departure today, and her eyelids were twitching all day.

In order to suppress the panic in her heart, she even asked a few maids to pretend to chat with her. They all said that if the left eye twitched, it would bring good fortune, while if the right eye twitched, it would bring disaster.

This is not good, her right eye is twitching.

I don’t know whether this disaster foreshadows me or Ji Ci.

But logically she shouldn't do this. Ji Ci had been to Wangyou Tower many times, and she knew that he was doing business with County Magistrate Liu. There were so many secret guards protecting him around, so there would definitely not be any mistakes.

The night was already deep, and Ji Ci had not yet returned. She tossed and turned on the chaise long enough to read the rest of the story.

He kept staring out the window, and finally got up, casually put on a fox fur coat, picked up the hot water bottle, and went to the gate of the house.

She leaned towards the door and waited in the direction of Wangyou Tower. Fortunately, the snow had stopped today and the temperature was not too cold.

An unknown amount of time had passed, but Ji Ci and the others had not returned yet. Suddenly, a crowd of people began to run on the street, and someone was knocking on a copper basin with a clang clang clang sound.

"The fire is coming!"

"Hurry, there's a flood over there!"

When Jiang Qiuye learned of the fire, the entire neighborhood joined in putting it out, fearing the danger would spread to others. People on the street fetched buckets and basins from their homes and rushed toward the fire.

When she turned her head to look carefully, she was shocked to see red light all over the sky in the distance and the fire was quite big.

And that direction was exactly from Wangyou Tower!

The author has something to say:

Do you still remember the white-faced monkey?

Thank you to the little angels who voted for me or provided me with nutrient solution between 2024-06-29 07:33:50 and 2024-07-01 07:49:38~

Thanks to the little angel who cast the mine: Xu Yiyu 1;

Thank you very much for your support. I will continue to work hard!