Chapter 56 Temper
Good things have not yet come to pass.
Because Li Qu's aunt came to visit her.
Lying in bed, she recalled Zhou Jin's insatiable desires and his forced refusal to give in, and she covered her mouth with the corner of the blanket and chuckled to herself.
Zhou Jin, who had just taken a cold shower, stood by the bed and looked at the little person curled up in the blankets, making "hahaha," "hehehe," and "hee hee hee" sounds. He then silently walked to the clothes rack and got dressed.
Hearing the noise, Li Qu got up and saw Zhou Jin about to leave. She threw off the covers, got out of bed, and hugged him tightly from behind, pretending to be aggrieved: "What, does Master dislike his concubine?"
“I’m afraid that if I hear your laughter in the middle of the night, I’ll think a madman has entered the room, and the stress reaction will hurt you.”
Li Qu laughed so hard her body trembled uncontrollably, her round, plump breasts pressed against him, quivering and soft.
He closed his eyes, his hand gripping the clothes tighter and tighter.
Not daring to tease him too much, she released him, saying, "I'm asleep, so I won't laugh anymore."
She walked up to him, snatched the clothes from his hands, and hung them back on the hanger.
Then she turned around and took his hand, her delicate eyebrows slightly furrowed: "I'm a busy man, I'm rarely seen."
"Now that you finally have some free time, you must spend more time with me, otherwise I'll easily get lost in thought and reminisce about the past when I'm alone."
Zhou Jin looked at her expressionlessly: "Oh? The past is beautiful? Worth remembering?"
She smiled broadly: "When I see Jinlang, all the past events feel like dregs, hard to swallow. Jinlang is still the most wonderful person in the world."
"Shut up." He didn't want to hear her say any more.
He simply turned around, got into bed, lay down, covered himself with the blanket, closed his eyes, and stiffly pretended to fall asleep.
Li Qu was satisfied.
They slept on silk that trailed on the ground, and walked barefoot.
After the candle was extinguished, she climbed into bed, lay on the outer side, and covered herself with the blanket.
After a moment of silence, her little hand sneaked out from under the covers and crept under his, taking his warm, large hand and placing it on her lower abdomen.
"If it's warm, my pain will subside."
He did not respond, nor did he withdraw his hand; he pretended to be asleep.
Li Qu smiled, composed herself, and gradually evened out her breathing.
He turned to the side and placed his other hand on her lower abdomen.
By dawn, the two of them, who had originally shared separate beds, were now sharing one bed.
Zhou Jin was restless and got up to return to Mianxiao Residence when he heard the maids moving around outside.
No one had paid attention to the fact that Third Master cleared out the small garden last night and left with Consort Li in less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.
But the Third Master summoned the physician as soon as he returned to Mianxiao Residence early in the morning.
Speculation arose immediately.
The gossip reached the old lady's ears.
Inside Mianxiao Residence.
Physician An, the physician of the prefecture, greeted Zhou Jin with trepidation, his heart pounding with anxiety, fearing that he might hear some unspeakable secrets or private matters about the Third Master.
Zhou Jin was completely unaware of the rumors circulating outside that he was probably impotent due to excessive indulgence, and he lay on the rocking chair with his eyes closed, resting.
Seeing something but not being able to eat it left him physically and mentally exhausted.
His tone wasn't very friendly either: "Is it usually you who takes the pulse for the Li family to ensure their well-being?"
"It is indeed I."
"Why haven't I heard any reports about Ms. Li suffering from menstrual cramps?"
Upon hearing this, Dr. An breathed a sigh of relief and quickly replied, "It is normal for a woman to experience lower abdominal pain and backache during menstruation; it is not a sign of illness."
"Nothing can alleviate it?"
"I heat the Bian stone, add some health-preserving herbs, put it in a bag, and place it on my lower abdomen to relieve some symptoms."
After a long silence, Zhou Jin asked again, "Didn't the master give you a contraceptive pill last time, so you could study it?"
"That is indeed true."
"How's the research going?"
Doctor An truthfully replied, "This pill is mostly composed of blood-activating and cooling herbs, such as safflower, peach kernel, and musk, so it is not considered harmful to the body."
"The rhubarb, achyranthes, and other ingredients in it, if taken for a long time, can cause women to suffer from uterine coldness, irregular menstruation, and worsening abdominal pain."
Zhou Jin slowly got up from the rocking chair and looked at Doctor An.
Before he could say a word, Dr. An was so frightened that he knelt down on the ground with a thud.
"Third Master, you are wise. Many folk remedies for infertility contain mercury and other slightly toxic substances. Long-term use can easily lead to infertility in women."
"In comparison, the contraceptive pills that Third Master gave me last time were already of a superior formula."
"Will this hinder her from having children in the future?" Zhou Jin was concerned about this.
Dr. An dared not speak definitively: "Every medicine has some degree of toxicity. It may be fine for a year or two, but it's hard to say what will happen in three or five years."
Zhou Jin thought about it for a moment.
About a year and a half, that's about right.
"If a good alternative medicine is found, I will reward you handsomely."
Doctor An kowtowed: "I will go back and consult the classics and study them carefully."
"You've worked hard. Keep an eye on things at the Li family's place."
"I understand."
"Step down."
"I take my leave."
After watching Dr. An leave, he lay back down in the recliner.
She said she wanted to have a beautiful and lovely child for herself.
He was really looking forward to that day.
The rocking chair swayed back and forth, surging and swaying joyfully.
*
The sun shines brightly, dispelling the chill of the night.
After leaving Mianxiao Residence, Doctor An looked up and wiped the cold sweat from his forehead: "That scared me to death."
The old woman Rong, who was standing in front of him, smiled and bowed: "Doctor An".
"Ah!" Dr. An, not noticing, jumped up and screamed in fright.
Granny Rong smiled as usual: "I'm sorry to have startled you."
Doctor An patted his chest and greeted Granny Rong: "Aunt Li's menstrual cramps are causing abdominal pain, and Third Master specifically asked me to inquire if there is any way to alleviate it."
He was speechless.
Last time, when Consort Li came for her period, she sent a restless maid to fetch him, saying that Consort Li had been bleeding profusely since becoming the emperor's favorite, and the situation was terrifying. He thought she had some serious illness, so he rushed over, losing his shoes in the process and even scraping his feet with pebbles. But when he checked her pulse, he found that her period had come early.
This time, Aunt Li had her period, which was just a common abdominal pain, but it still troubled Third Master to specifically ask her questions.
He still has to make a trip to Fanghua Garden later.
Speechless, he looked at Granny Rong: "You're also concerned about Consort Li's menstrual cycle?"
Granny Rong smiled: "..."
"No, the old lady had some chest tightness this morning, so I troubled you to come over."
"Then let's go quickly!"
Granny Rong: "There's no need to rush. It should be ready by now."
Dr. An: "?"
He didn't quite understand.
*
Perhaps due to taking too many contraceptive pills, Li Qu experienced more severe abdominal pain during her period this time than usual.
As the weather gets colder, I feel chilly even lying on the tatami mat with the window open.
Granny Xu closed the inner room window, leaving only a crack, then took a rag and began to wander around Li Qu.
This shows that she has something to say.
Sure enough, as she wiped the corners of Li Qu's couch, she said, "Your concubine's poor health has benefited the ladies of Qinghuai Courtyard."
Li Qu was covered with a thin blanket and had a hot compress pack on her abdomen. She just smiled when she heard this.
After a pause, Granny Xu spoke again: "The fourteenth daughter that Bai sent over has been going to Mianxiao Residence every day these past two days."
"This old servant sees that she has a frail and seductive appearance, and I'm afraid she'll take advantage of the situation and move out of Qinghuai Courtyard to live alone."
Li Qu couldn't help but laugh when she heard the words "vixen".
Is Bai Shisi Niang in good health?
"We're clearly talking about Third Master's affairs, so why is Aunt only focusing on Bai Shisi Niang?"
"It concerns Third Master's health, so I am naturally concerned."
Granny Rong immediately understood: "Auntie, you're overthinking it."
"This is what you experienced when you first entered the manor."
"Experienced nannies and physicians took turns examining every single hair on the head."
"To ensure that the women in the inner courtyard are clean and healthy."
Li Qu responded with an "oh".
Xu Mama looked slightly anxious: "This old servant knows that Madam is not one to fight or grab, but it's hard to guarantee that others won't fight and grab."
"And what the concubines were fighting over was the private property in Third Master's pocket."
"Now that Third Master has given so many good things to Auntie, it's inevitable that it will arouse envy and jealousy."
"If someone tries to harm the concubine in the future, the outcome will depend not only on the methods used, but also on the extent of the Third Master's favor."
"Aunt, you must not let your guard down."
"The treasures we've acquired will be the future reliance of our young masters, so we must protect them."
Li Qu smiled and replied, "I understand."
Her future children will not lack money, nor will they lack the money Zhou Jin gives them.
Seeing that Li Qu didn't care at all, Granny Xu sighed, "Please don't think this old servant is being nosy. Everyone has their own way of living."
"The old servant's duty in life is to serve the concubine well and guard Fanghua Garden."
Li Qu seemed to be persuaded: "What the old woman said makes sense, but I am really not feeling well and do not have the energy to care about Third Master's affairs."
"Please keep an eye on things for me. If Third Master shows any sign of cheating on me, I'll immediately go to him and cry to get him back."
Xu Mama wanted to hear the last sentence, so she wiped even harder: "Alright!"
"Stop rubbing that spot all the time, you're going to rub the skin off."
Hongguo, who was sitting to one side embroidering, burst out laughing.
*
Time flows gently and warmly.
The pain subsided somewhat in the evening. Li Qu had a headache from being nagged by Granny Xu, but thinking that it was nothing during this special period, she went to Mianxiao Residence.
As luck would have it, they bumped into Bai Shisi Niang at the entrance of Mianxiao Residence.
Li Qu humbly declined, saying, "Please."
Bai Shisi Niang is delicate and charming, with a graceful and gentle temperament, and she follows a pure and innocent image.
Not daring to compete with the rising star Li Qu, she repeatedly said she dared not and was about to step down.
Li Qu asked with a smile, "Should I take the things to Third Master?"
Bai Shisi Niang looked slightly surprised, glanced at Li Qu's empty hands, and quickly instructed her maid to give the food box to Li Qu: "Thank you for your trouble, sister."
Granny Xu had a long face, clearly not someone to be trifled with, and stepped forward to take it.
Li Qu smiled and replied, "You're welcome."
After exchanging greetings and bidding farewell to Bai Shisi Niang, Li Qu led Xu Mama into Mianxiao Residence.
Xu Mama smiled and approached Li Qu: "Auntie, you are too kind. This old servant can be a little fierce to deter the scoundrels."
"Mm," Li Qu replied with a smile.
Upon reaching the corridor, Huai Shi saw Li Qu and went inside to inform him.
When Li Qu approached, Huai Shi came out and respectfully invited Li Qu to enter.
As Li Qu entered, she saw that Zhou Jin seemed to have just gotten up from the bed, his shoes were not even properly on, and his expression still carried a trace of pain.
She quickly went over to help him sit down: "What's wrong? Does your foot hurt?"
Zhou Jin was stiff and unwilling to sit down.
Li Qu was puzzled.
Zhou Jin, however, frowned, seemingly displeased: "Why did you come at this time?"
Li Qu thought of Bai Shisi Niang, whom she had met at the courtyard gate. She let go of his arm, stared at his profile for a long time, and chuckled coldly.
"It was I who ruined your good time, Third Master. I apologize to you."
She gave Zhou Jin a perfunctory bow and pointed to the food box that Xu Mama had placed on the table, saying, "This is a gift from the Third Master's new favorite. I just met him at the courtyard gate."
“When she saw me coming, she didn’t want to come along, so I brought her things.”
As he spoke, he walked outside: "Huai Shi, you're fast on your feet, hurry up and bring Bai Mei back, your Third Master is waiting."
After saying all that, she turned her head without looking back: "I will never come to this place again!"
"Stop!" Zhou Jin said coldly as he slipped on his shoes. "Your temper has become increasingly unruly lately."
Li Qu angrily returned to him, looked up at him and questioned, "What right do you have to scold me?"
Just as Zhou Jin was about to reprimand her, he saw two pools of tears embedded in her angry face.
"What did I say? How dare you yell at me and order Huai Shi around? What gives you the right to complain?"
"It's not about who sheds tears to be right!"
"You say I've come to spoil your good time with someone else! Can't I even get angry? I'm going to get angry!"
She stared at him with wide eyes, showing no sign of apology or remorse for her attitude. Instead, tears welled up in her large eyes and streamed down her face.
Zhou Jin was at a loss for words.
After a long pause, Huai Shi, who had been waiting outside the door, spoke up: "Master has just been punished and cannot lie down or sit. Aunt Xiao Bai has only come to pay her respects these past few days."
Li Qu blinked her big eyes, squeezing out all the excess water, and looked at Zhou Jin more clearly.
She could vaguely see a hint of speechlessness in Zhou Jin's expressionless face.
She laughed and said, "I've spilled my jealousy, and I apologize."
Seeing her smile through her tears, Zhou Jin felt a strange, sweet feeling welling up inside him.
After a long pause, he finally asked, "How are you going to apologize?"
She moved closer to him and rubbed her face against his chest: "I can grant you one small wish, my lord."
Zhou Jin agreed without hesitation: "Okay."
Li Qu looked at the tear stains on Zhou Jin's chest and changed the subject with a smile: "Did you get a beating, Master?"
Zhou Jin declined the question, asking, "Are you feeling better?"
She complained, "That medicine packet doesn't work. I put it on my lower abdomen properly when I sleep, but it falls off the bed the next morning."
"It's not as good as Jinlang's warm, big hands."
"I want Jinlang to sleep with me."
“No.” Zhou Jin refused; he didn’t want to suffer.
"Then let me see your injury."
"roll!"
"Hmph, so I'm really leaving!"
"Wait."
He misses her.
He held the back of her head, expressing his longing intensely.
His large hand involuntarily caressed her waist, lingering, exploring, and touching.
I enjoy exchanging words between my lips and teeth, feeling a tingling sensation flowing through my blood. In moments of extreme excitement, I can feel the hairs on the back of my neck trembling.
He was extremely satisfied, but then other evil desires were aroused within him.
Unfortunately, the conditions did not allow it.
He released her, watching her red, moist lips and slight panting, reluctant to let go.
With her eyelashes lowered and her cheeks slightly flushed, she said, "Let me take a look at your injury."
He was ashamed of the injury on his hip and patted her head, saying, "Let's go back."
She took his hand and saw that his palm was red and swollen.
However, his palms were thick and firm, so the thirty slaps didn't seem too severe.
She blew on it and asked, "Haven't you applied the medicine yet?"
He stared at the top of her head: "You really aren't leaving?"
She held his hand in hers and looked up to meet his gaze.
The candlelight in the room was soft, making her look as beautiful as a painting.
Her eyes were earnest and clear as she asked him, "How can I leave?"
He was speechless, and just looked at her quietly.
I watched as she tilted her head, carefully applying medicine to her palm, her brows furrowed with concern.
His Adam's apple bobbed slightly, and the emptiness in his heart was quietly filled.
I feel so good to have her.
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