Chapter 101 Retribution
The autumn air was crisp and clear, and Li Qu, heavily pregnant, was getting up frequently at night.
I slept in until 9 AM before getting up.
Snow Oriole had been waiting for a long time.
Li Qu had finished washing up, getting dressed, and having breakfast before she entered the room.
"Greetings to the Third Madam. Convey the Old Madam's message that you should go to Shou'an Hall after you get up."
Li Qu then went to Shou'an Hall with Xueying.
Upon arriving at Shou'an Hall, Xueying walked ahead and lifted the curtain for Li Qu.
She stepped inside, where Huanniang was massaging the old lady's waist and legs.
Seeing Li Qu enter, the old lady waved her hand and said to Huan Niang, "Go and rest."
"I need not pay my respects to the younger generation, and you don't need to come every day."
Huanniang bowed respectfully and said, "Yes."
Then he stepped back.
When Huanniang met Li Qu, she respectfully bowed to him.
Even those who served the old master were concubines.
There is a clear distinction between superiors and inferiors.
Li Qu nodded politely and calmly.
The old lady got up and got off the bed, and Rong Mama went forward to help her.
She sighed, "At my age, I still have to worry about your affairs."
Li Qu bowed and respectfully said, "Thank you for your hard work, Mother."
The old lady stepped forward to help Li Qu up, and then took Li Qu's hand and walked outside.
"Your mother has not worked hard, but now it is your turn to work hard."
Li Qu turned around and respectfully supported the old lady's arm.
She thought the old lady was referring to her pregnancy, and said, "It is my blessing to be able to bear children for Third Master."
The old lady patted her hand with a smile: "It's not just this."
Only when Li Qu arrived at the old lady's study did she understand what the old lady meant by "not only".
“This pile is related to clan affairs, this pile is Zhou family property, this pile…”
The old lady glanced at Li Qu and patted the third stack of books on the desk.
"It is the rule for the use of seals in royal documents, and the duty of the Empress."
She then patted a stack of books: "Official seals, official documents, and the operational responsibilities of various departments, etc."
Then she patted a stack of documents mixed with books: "Some simple government policies in the South, information on relevant personnel, etc."
"Women are not allowed to interfere in politics, but you should know about political affairs."
After the photo was taken, she sat down at the head of the desk and looked at Li Qu, who was standing under the desk, and asked him to speak.
"And that pile on the table next to it, those are all Zhou family matriarchs, the future mistresses of the South who need to learn from them."
Granny Rong served the old lady a teacup.
Seeing Li Qu's calm expression, the old lady's interest gradually faded.
She took a sip of tea, then slammed the cup onto the table with a thud, causing a splash of clear tea.
Granny Rong quickly stepped forward to tidy up.
The old lady said, "I thought you came back with the third son because you'd figured out what you wanted."
*
Upon hearing the words, Rong Mama immediately went out to dismiss the maids waiting at the door of the study, as well as Xu Mama and others, and personally guarded the door.
In the study, seeing the old lady dressed so formally, Li Qu said, "Daughter-in-law, you should first learn some royal etiquette."
These are irrelevant.
As for the affairs of the Southern Region and the Zhou Clan, she only glanced at them today; leaving them the next day would mean certain death.
The old lady said, "If you haven't thought it through yet, why did you come back?"
Li Qu's gaze fell on the edge of the desk in front of him: "He said that if I pressure him, he will resort to despicable means."
“I was afraid he would harm my family, so I had to come back.”
Upon hearing this, the old lady looked at Li Qu for a long time.
“Li, raise your head and speak.”
Li Qu then raised her eyes and met the old lady's gaze with neither servility nor arrogance.
The old lady's good mood from the morning vanished completely.
"For your sake, he returned Qizhou, which he had already acquired, to the Xiao family."
"His father slapped him twice in front of all the generals and advisors!"
"He was always extremely respectful to me and his father, and never knelt down unless absolutely necessary!"
"But in order to get his father to acknowledge your identity, he was forced to kneel in the ancestral hall for three days and nights without eating a single grain of rice!"
"He married a commoner like you, whose social standing is so low, and many people behind his back laugh at him for being blinded by lust!"
"His second brother lives in his mansion, but he keeps a lot of women outside."
"And he only loves you!"
“He wants you to have a child for him. He has never believed in gods or Buddhas, but he prays to Buddha in public places every day.”
"Besides Lan'er, who has been spoiled by us since she was little and dares to give you a hard time, who else in the family would dare to say a harsh word to you!"
"Isn't his protection of you obvious enough?"
"Now he is willing to share the power in the South with you as if you were his principal wife!"
"I even beg you to personally make up for your shortcomings!"
“Mrs. Li, you are a commoner woman, and you are fortunate to have such a husband.”
"Don't be ungrateful!"
Li Qu smiled.
"Men are as numerous as carp crossing a river."
"When choosing a man, is it enough to just look at his appearance?"
"No, it depends on how bad he is."
"Only those who can tolerate his worst aspects can live together."
"Let's leave aside the matter of my initial arrival at Hezhou for now."
"Only this time... he found me."
"What he did was a warning to me not to push him!"
"He knew I was unwilling and didn't love him, yet he still made me please him."
"Just to satisfy his possessiveness and lust!"
"He has never respected me!"
She didn't know why she was crying, or which sentence made her feel heartbroken.
She was perfectly calm when she first started speaking.
The old lady was angered by her attitude: "Why should he respect a poor girl like you? It's your good fortune that he's taken a liking to you!"
"Then his falling in love with me is his retribution!"
Her voice unconsciously rose.
My skin crawled with goosebumps because of those words.
The old lady's chest heaved with excitement.
Her chest heaved.
"Now I've made a three-point agreement with him."
"During the time until I finished my postpartum period, he didn't pressure me, and I tried to love him."
"I'm at my wit's end and can only drag him along."
"I will find another opportunity to leave after my postpartum period is over!"
She raised her hand to wipe the tears from her face.
"I don't want the things on this table."
*
The old lady gradually calmed down and looked at her for a long time.
"Can you really bear to part with your child?"
Li Qu raised her hand and touched her belly.
"Madam, you are a philanthropist, and the Zhou family is known for its kindness."
In this patriarchal society.
“It’s better for this child to grow up in the Zhou family than with me.”
If he also has his father's love, he will have a worry-free life.
The old woman said, "After you give birth and finish your postpartum confinement, I will help you fake your death."
Li Qu suddenly looked at the old lady.
"Forced relationships are never sweet. The South needs stability in the future, and it cannot be affected by you."
"But have you thought this through? If I take action, you will have no hope of ever returning."
"Mrs. Li, the third wife of the Zhou family, will soon turn to ashes and be scattered to the world forever."
"He will marry another woman in the future and live happily ever after with her."
"And your son will call another woman 'Mother' someday."
"The status, power, and wealth that should rightfully belong to you will all be handed over to others."
The old lady can talk.
Without the slightest hesitation, Li Qu slid off the couch, supporting her pregnant belly, and knelt down on both knees: "Thank you for your kindness, Madam."
Her decisiveness left the old lady feeling choked up.
“His father and I have already apologized to you for how he treated you before, and he is also repenting.”
"He's only like this because he can't let go of you."
"He's just not worth your time!"
Li Qu smiled and said, "From Yan to Hezhou and then to Jing, now I have no choice but to come to Hezhou again."
"Throughout this journey, what I have been striving for is freedom."
"It's a cage that makes me uncomfortable."
The old lady took a deep breath and exhaled slowly:
"Giving up this identity means you also have to give up your family!"
"Otherwise, he will find you again!"
"If he finds you again, your life or death, and the life or death of your family, are all uncertain!"
"He was never a good-tempered person!"
Li Qu slowly clenched the sleeve in her hand: "They are now free from worries about food and clothing."
"If the Zhou family doesn't cause them any trouble, there's nothing to worry about in the future."
"Yes, yes, yes," the old lady said repeatedly. "Go back and prepare for childbirth!"
Li Qu helped himself up from the couch, bowed to the old lady, and turned to walk outside.
Then the old lady's voice came from behind.
"Treat him well during this time."
Li Qu paused for a moment, then continued walking.
She replied, "I will follow the old lady's instructions."
As I left the study, sunlight streamed down on me.
Since being brought back, her mood, which had been shrouded in gloom, has finally cleared up.
Xu Mama stepped forward to help Li Qu: "Madam, are you in a good mood?"
"very good."
She took Xu Mama's hand and walked outside.
After a moment, she smiled and said, "Very good."
*
On her way back to Fanghua Garden, Li Qu took a detour to Osmanthus Garden.
He had his servant pick a handful of osmanthus flowers to take back with him.
If a child is destined to lack a mother's love, then find a way to double the father's love.
When he arrived at the courtyard gate, he met Zhou Jin, who was returning from outside.
The servants of both sides greeted their masters. Zhou Jin stepped forward to take Xu Mama's place and helped Li Qu into the courtyard.
Zhou Jin asked, "Did you come from your mother's side?"
"Yes, being pregnant is too tiring, I don't want to learn so many things."
"Okay, then let's not learn it for now."
It seems that the independence of the South is a foregone conclusion.
Zhou Jin spoke again: "The letter has been sent out. If all goes well, it should arrive in the capital in about twelve or thirteen days."
"Thank you, Third Master."
Her attitude towards him couldn't change immediately.
We must proceed step by step.
He was used to her ordinary and indifferent attitude.
Occasionally, there would be laughter and chatter, and she would give him a chance to get closer; he was now content.
"I'll be back late tonight, so I'll go to bed early."
He's talking nonsense.
Because he knew she probably wouldn't care.
Sure enough, she only hummed in response.
It would be a lie to say he wasn't disappointed; his hand moved to hers.
He interlocked his fingers, palms up, and held her arm above him: "I've checked the wet nurse and the midwife."
"Have them come over this afternoon to kowtow to you, so you can meet them."
"Thank you for your hard work, my husband."
If he's useful, then it's my husband; if he's useless, then it's Third Master.
His little Aqu is both stingy and realistic.
"Why did you pick so many osmanthus flowers?"
"Can't I like it?"
"OK."
He was responsive to everything she asked, and was considerate and tolerant towards her.
Back in her room, Li Qu picked out a white-glazed, round-bellied vase, filled it with osmanthus flowers, and replaced the broken glass piece in the display case.
Zhou Jin is cracking walnuts.
Li Qu said he wanted to eat walnut and jujube paste cake, so he decided to make some himself.
At lunchtime, Zhou Jin served Li Qu the usual dishes.
These things seemed to have become his habits.
After finishing her meal, Li Qu strolled along the corridor, munching away her food, with Zhou Jin following closely behind her.
He wondered if there was anything she couldn't do on her own and needed his help with.
Just as she was lost in thought, she suddenly stepped forward and exclaimed, "Hey!"
His heart skipped a beat, and he stepped forward: "What's wrong?"
She supported her lower back with her hands, looked up at him with a smile, and said, "He's moving around a lot right now."
He was captivated by her warm smile.
She asked, "Would you like to experience it?"
Zhou Jin was pleasantly surprised.
He glanced at her, then squatted down, held her waist, and pressed his face against her stomach.
If there's a chance to get close, of course I can't let it pass.
A faint smile unconsciously appeared on his lips.
While she was enjoying herself, she was suddenly startled by the throbbing sound of her stomach and left.
Li Qu wanted to take this opportunity to get closer to him.
Firstly, to satisfy the old lady's request.
Secondly, she hoped that he would remember her kindness to him and treat the child better in the future.
She didn't expect the baby to actually move.
It made quite a commotion.
She looked down in disbelief, while he looked up in shock.
They looked at each other and smiled.
The atmosphere between the two of them inexplicably warmed up a bit.
He dared not touch her stomach again.
He got up and stood next to her.
The two started walking side by side.
He rubbed his hands behind his back, fingertips together, but ultimately didn't push his luck and try to take her hand.
As he passed the window, the fragrance of osmanthus blossoms wafted from inside. He glanced at it, his gaze secretly falling on her hair.
She pinned a sprig of osmanthus in her hair.
Just like yesterday when she gave him another spot.
A surge of heat rose in his heart.
Has she started to like him?
We can't even consider that possibility.
I can't help but feel excited just thinking about it.
“A-Qu…”
He shouted it out unconsciously.
She replied, "Hmm?"
She acknowledged me!
She must be starting to like herself!
"I'll try to be back early tonight. Is there anything you need me to bring?"
"Thank you, Third Master. We have everything we need at home, so there's nothing for us to take."
"Yes." This is home.
His answer was completely irrelevant, and she glanced at him, finding it strange.
As she turned and slipped to the door, she deliberately slowed her pace.
As he continued walking forward, she turned into the house and said, "Third Master, you have things to attend to, I'm going to sleep."
The tone was very flat.
He continued forward and walked to the window.
He watched her lie down on the couch, then reached out and picked up a featherless phoenix feather from the windowsill to tease the small fish in the glass.
A refreshing autumn breeze carries the fragrance of osmanthus blossoms.
"Aqu, you rest, I'm leaving now."
The figure, partially obscured by the back of the tatami mat, hummed in response.
He then put down the featherless phoenix feather in his hand and walked out of the courtyard.
The autumn sun was a bit too strong, scorching his handsome, smiling eyes and brows.
Huaiqiu, who was guarding the gate, saw Zhou Jin come out and hurriedly went to greet him.
"Sir, Young Master Wu's men are still waiting. Would you like to see them, or report to Madam?"
Zhou Jin thought of her seemingly softened attitude.
His longing for her overcame his desire to control her.
"Report this directly to the lady."
Anyway, he can find out whatever he wants to know.
*
When Li Qu woke up, she met Qing Bao, who had been sent by Wu Xubai to deliver congratulatory gifts.
Qingbao and Wu Xubai were having an affair.
He was tall and robust, and he listened to Wu Xubai's every word.
Li Qu went to the flower hall in the outer courtyard where guests were received to see him.
He was led in by Cui Guo, and upon seeing Li Qu, he knelt down and bowed, saying, "Third Madam, I have been ordered to deliver two boatloads of goods from the north."
"And there's also a letter from my young master."
Respectful and loud.
Xu Mama tried to step forward and take the letter he offered with both hands, but he refused.
“Our young master said that he wanted me to personally hand it over to the Third Madam.”
Li Qu waved to Granny Xu: "You may leave."
Granny Xu and the others retreated to a position outside the flower hall, where they could see what was happening inside.
"Brother Qingbao, get up. There are no outsiders here."
Qingbao then stood up and respectfully placed the letter on the table next to Li Qu.
He whispered, "There's a voucher in the letter, but the silver seal hasn't been made yet."
"Madam may go to any branch of Tongbao Money Shop to have the seal made."
"Ten thousand gold coins can be obtained."
"This is for your protection, young master."
As he spoke, he gradually retreated to his rightful place.
"The young master said that the Zhou family, a great clan, cannot stand tall without money."
"He owes you a great deal; this is just a small token of his appreciation. I hope you will accept it."
Li Qu: "I understand. I will send someone to pick up those two ships of cargo myself."
Qingbao waited for a long time, but didn't hear anything else.
Unable to resist asking, "Is there anything you need to convey to the young master?"
"No."
They've all decided to give up the identity of Li Qu.
She had to let go of everyone who was connected to the identity of Li Qu.
Qingbao bowed respectfully and said, "Take care."
Go back soon.
"This servant takes his leave."
After watching Qingbao leave, she instructed Granny Xu to arrange for someone to accompany him to the dock to pick up the goods.
Then, carrying the letter, he returned to Fanghua Garden with a group of servants.
A document is equivalent to a bill of exchange.
Nowadays, one can withdraw silver from a money exchange using either a voucher or a letter of authorization.
Because the discs were made of paper and were difficult to preserve, the seals were highly regarded.
The seals were made for both customers and money shops, but the designs were unique and varied, so each seal was divided into two parts.
When withdrawing silver, the seal and account must be verified before the silver can be withdrawn.
If someone loses their seal, they can use the household registration information left at the money exchange to have it reissued.
Li Qu's copper hairpin was the seal she used to withdraw silver from Tongbao Money Shop.
Upon arriving at Fanghua Garden, Li Qu casually placed the letter on the desk without opening it.
At the hour of Yin (3-5 AM), the midwife and wet nurse arrived at the residence.
Li Qu received them at Fanghua Garden.
*
Both wet nurses were around thirty years old.
She had just given birth and was still in her postpartum period.
She was heavily pregnant, nearing her due date, and could give birth at any moment.
Both of them signed indentured servitude contracts and became slaves.
The master died and was buried with him.
Li Qu sat in the main seat and looked through the two people's information.
I gave Zhou Jin a thumbs up.
He almost figured out the entire family history of that person, spanning eighteen generations.
After reading it, she turned her gaze to the two women kneeling in the hall.
"The old woman next to me, Xu, is Third Master's wet nurse."
"He owns two houses, twenty acres of fertile land, one shop, and his private property is unknown."
"Although you are separated from your own flesh and blood, you can earn more money to bring home than men do."
"The men in your family, your mother-in-law, and your relatives will all look up to you."
“You are all seventh-rank officials, serving as gatekeepers to the prime minister. If you keep to your own business, there is no better place for you than here.”
The two couldn't help but look up at the serious-looking Granny Xu beside Li Qu.
He exudes an air of grandeur.
Gold hairpin, jade bracelet.
Brocade and silk garments.
Oh dear, this doesn't look like someone who's a servant at all.
style!
"Lower your eyes!" Xu Mama said sternly.
The two immediately lowered their heads.
"When the baby is young, he/she will need to nurse frequently at night, so please be patient."
“When the children grow up, a powerful son-in-law is more useful than a biological son.”
The two readily agreed.
Li Qu drew pictures of cakes for a while longer, then dismissed the two wet nurses.
He looked at the midwife kneeling on the ground.
"Is the baby in the correct position?"
"meeting."
The midwife had delivered the second wife's baby in June.
He is a well-known expert in Hezhou.
Having seen the scenes inside grand mansions before, he was not afraid.
He was respectful and polite, leaving no room for criticism.
"Have you ever seen a tear?"
The midwife was taken aback.
Unexpectedly, this young third wife was so knowledgeable about the things that might happen during childbirth.
"Don't worry, Madam. Just follow my instructions and exert force accordingly, which will reduce the chance of that happening."
"Do you know how to sew?"
The midwife looked up in shock, only to meet a pair of serious and calm eyes.
Li Qu never had children in her previous life, but she had heard people say so.
"If it tears, just sew it up with a needle. Dr. An has anesthetic powder."
“He also had gloves.”
"The needle must be sterilized."
The midwife raised her hand and wiped the sweat from her forehead.
She had never heard of a crack being sewn back together.
Not everything grows up on its own.
Furthermore, if the tear is too severe, it could cause massive bleeding that could kill the mother!
Is this a topic we can discuss?
"this……"
Li Qu: "Let's think about the worst-case scenario and prepare accordingly."
"It's better than something happening and you're in a panic."
Upon hearing this, the midwife was so frightened that she took out a handkerchief to wipe the cold sweat from her forehead.
She didn't even dare to think about the worst-case scenario!
"Husband, the lady is right."
"The needle and thread will be prepared at the manor. Has Third Master already seen you?"
The midwife immediately prostrated herself: "Third Master said that if everything goes well, there will be a reward; if anything goes wrong, he will be buried with you."
Completely unreasonable.
Very much like Zhou Sanye.
Li Qu nodded.
Whether to kill or not is one thing.
Tightening the skin is essential.
"Go down."
"Yes." The midwife left tremblingly.
Granny Xu personally delivered it.
After the person left, Hongguo took out a handkerchief to wipe her sweat.
Cui Guo patted her chest and said, "Madam, why are you talking so frighteningly? I've never heard of needing stitches to give birth!"
"That's nonsense, just trying to cheer her up."
Li Qu chuckled and picked up the teacup beside him to drink some tea.
She cherishes her health and doesn't want to suffer any long-term effects.
*
The moon is fullest on the 16th, not the 15th.
Zhou Jin returned to his residence at the beginning of the Hai hour.
As they walked towards Fanghua Garden, Huaiqiu followed behind and reported back on what Li Qu had said to the midwife and wet nurse earlier that day.
It was emphasized that "Young Master Wu wrote a letter to his wife."
He thought his master cared more about this.
Unexpectedly, instead of heading to Fanghua Garden, the master turned and headed towards Jinxiu Hall: "Call the midwife here."
The midwife was so frightened by Madam Zhou's suggestion that she couldn't sleep all day.
He was summoned by Master Zhou again in the middle of the night, which terrified him.
When they arrived at Jinxiu Hall, Zhou Jin had just finished washing and changing his clothes.
He stood under the eaves looking at the midwife kneeling on the steps: "Don't use the needles, keep her intact, and I'll grant your whole family a great fortune."
The midwife kowtowed repeatedly: "Then the Third Madam must eat less, otherwise the fetus will be too large and there is no guarantee that nothing will go wrong!"
"Women should move around more; good health reduces the risk of accidents."
Zhou Jin passed by her and said, "Starting tomorrow, I'll move into the mansion and serve her closely, reminding her of things."
The midwife readily agreed.
When the second wife gave birth, she was only allowed to enter the mansion a month in advance.
The third wife is still two months away from giving birth!
Huaixiang saw the midwife out: "Don't be afraid, old lady. Third Master just said some harsh words."
The midwife responded, but her heart was pounding with excitement.
*
When Zhou Jin arrived at Fanghua Garden, he was surprised to find Li Qu leaning against the railing on the veranda, gazing at the moon.
There were no lights on the eaves or inside the house.
She wore an outer robe, her dark hair swirling in the wind.
He unconsciously stopped and looked up at her.
She spotted him, her face initially showing surprise, then she pinched the sash of her outer robe and twirled it between her fingers, deliberately making things difficult:
"Third Master keeps talking about love, but surely he didn't bring me anything?"
Zhou Jin raised his hand, his fingertips pinching a slender box: "I'll give it to you if you guess right."
She was surprised, then smiled slightly: "That's a box for storing hairpins, do you need to guess?"
His expression softened as he stepped forward, lifted the hem of his coat, and ascended the steps.
He stood on the step below her and looked at her.
"My wife and I are of one mind."
She straightened up unconsciously.
He opened the box and held it up to her with one hand.
Inside is a golden hairpin with osmanthus blossoms intertwined with branches.
The osmanthus hairpin is made of tiny yellow gemstones.
Its color is lighter than gold, reflecting the moonlight, making it breathtakingly beautiful.
"I hope you like it, Madam."
Li Qu glanced at the hairpin, then raised her eyelashes to look at him.
She loosened the sash of his robe, and her right index finger slid from his shoulder to his collar, accidentally touching the skin of his neck.
"The scent of bath beans can't mask the fragrance of rouge."
Then, without even looking at him, she turned and went inside.
He closed the box and chased after them.
"I originally planned to come to Fanghua Garden after I returned to the mansion."
"After meeting the midwife at Jinxiu Hall, I washed up there."
"It's not what you think!"
He was met with a closed door.
A voice came from inside the door: "This is a case of trying to hide something."
She also bolted the door.
He banged on the door: "Aqu, you can't slander me!"
"I'm innocent!"
With a snap, she closed all the windows.
He ran to the window: "Aqu! How about I take my clothes off so you can check?"
"roll!"
She also bolted the windows.
He stood outside the window, not angry, but smiling instead.
I've never been as happy as I am today since I won her back.
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