Chapter 74 Rival
In the luxurious jade pavilion of Baoyue Tower, the top actresses of Hezhou gathered.
Dancing under the moon, singing and playing music by the moon, accompanied by beautiful women, amidst the sounds and sights of dogs and horses.
The aroma of wine, the fragrance of silk and bamboo instruments, and the fragrance of a beautiful woman are all the more enticing.
Extravagance, a life of hedonism and decadence.
After three cups of wine, the elite strategists from Yan and the South all started talking.
Let's chat about romance and get down to business.
Xiao Cong wanted to expand his influence southward, while the Zhou family wanted to enter the heart of Yan.
How to achieve a win-win cooperation needs to be discussed.
Fine wine and delicacies, intelligence gathering, clinking glasses, and hidden scheming.
The atmosphere seemed pleasant.
Zhou Jin leaned back in his chair, casually bent his legs, and propped his chin up with his hand, not daring to let Haoyue, who was serving him, get too close to him.
He was afraid that if he smelled of perfume, his little A-Qu would lock him out when he got back.
Haoyue looked at him with a wronged expression and carefully poured him some wine.
His gaze wandered, wondering if she liked those two moheles.
Lan Yue and Hao Yue, who were by Xiao Cong's side, received completely opposite treatment.
Xiao Cong peeled a plate of grapes for her and handed it to her.
She laughed heartily, leaning forward to reveal her soft, white cleavage, and poured him a cup of wine, saying in a sweet, coquettish voice, "Thank you, Your Highness~"
Xiao Cong kept his eyes straight ahead, picked up the cup, and brought it to his lips to rub them.
Lan Yue is absolutely gorgeous.
She adored this serious and aloof man.
She longed for the contrast between his dignified gentlemanly facade and his cunning nature when he showed his true colors to women.
"No wonder everyone says that the sisters of Zhaoyue Tower in Yan are willing to spend money to participate in gatherings with princes."
"Your Highness, will you be staying overnight?"
She leaned forward, wanting to get close to him.
Xiao Cong took the fan, lightly tapped the tip of the fan on her shoulder, and pressed down firmly, not allowing her to cross the line.
His voice was as gentle as ever: "Tonight, seeing these things reminds me of someone, so it's not convenient."
Undeterred, he asked, "What about tomorrow night?"
"I'm not free tomorrow night either."
"Your Highness~"
The voice was so sweet and charming that Zhou Jin's gaze swept in their direction indifferently.
Xiao Cong came forward.
Their eyes met.
Rivals meet.
They should have been extremely envious.
However, they both knew that the other had flaws that Aqu couldn't tolerate, so they despised and disliked each other, and thus became exceptionally harmonious.
Zhou Jin broke the silence first: "Yan is very lively this year."
"If Uncle Shi doesn't have such a big appetite, Xianbaozhai can go south by waterway, and the south can also be just as lively."
"The fireworks in Yan are so beautiful that people in the south have seen them before and they're no longer interested."
"Indeed." Xiao Cong smiled. "I wonder if Uncle Shi knows who came up with this idea?"
Zhou Jin: "Zhao Lianqing."
He hadn't told Aqu about Zhao Lianqing being transferred to the capital by imperial decree.
This was the first time he had broken his promise in front of her.
His brows furrowed slightly, and a hint of coldness appeared in his indifferent eyes.
Xiao Cong took the initiative: "It's Zhao Lianqing's wife's younger sister, the lost concubine of my nephew. She came up with this brilliant idea."
Zhou Jin's gaze swept through the air like a knife, pressing down on Xiao Cong's face.
Xiao Cong remained expressionless and reached into his pocket to pull out a piece of paper with clearly visible creases.
Whether intentionally or unintentionally, a thin woman's bra strap was brought out.
"Uncle, you have many people and influence in the south. Please help me find them."
"If Uncle finds the person and returns him, Yan will be willing to stand by and watch."
The servant presented the paper to Zhou Jin.
Xiao Cong seemed unaware that a strap had fallen from his chest.
The red ribbon was so conspicuous, hanging down on the chest of his moon-colored brocade robe.
Noble and charming.
Lan Yue stared at the ribbon with envy, wondering what kind of woman could make this noble prince carry a bra with him at all times!
Zhou Jin was also staring at the ribbon.
Their eyes met again.
The two gazes that were originally at peace suddenly collided and sparks flew.
"The young master is truly blessed, surrounded by beautiful wives and concubines, enjoying the best of both worlds."
"Uncle, I heard that Aunt has someone else in her heart, which forced you to lose your composure and forcibly pick the flower with dew on it."
"presumptuous!"
Xiao Cong said gently, "Your words were rude and disrespectful. Nephew, please punish yourself and I hope Uncle will forgive you."
"Cultivate oneself and manage one's family. The young master has managed his family well, but his self-cultivation is still lacking."
"My manners are indeed far inferior to Uncle Shi's; I am ashamed."
Xiao Cong was clearly not as calm as he appeared.
Zhou Jin was also hit where it hurt by Xiao Cong.
Neither of them felt good.
Zhou Jin lost interest in arguing with his defeated opponent.
"I apologize for any shortcomings in our hospitality, Your Highness. Please excuse me."
Xiao Cong raised his wine glass in a gesture of thanks: "Thank you for your hospitality, Uncle."
He made a pointed remark: "It tastes very sweet."
Then he finished his drink and said, "Uncle, take care."
Zhou Jin got up and left his seat. As he passed by Xiao Cong, he said in a low voice, "If it's sweet, drink more. If you're full, you won't miss home."
Zhou Jin left, and Xiao Cong put down his wine cup.
Only the tips of his fingers, which were holding the wine glass, were a little white.
They gained the upper hand, but then lost completely.
If Zhou Wuchi is unhappy, he can go home to seek solace.
Who is he looking for?
Even the red provocation on his chest seemed like a joke.
Xiao Cong lowered his eyes, his face covered with a thin layer of ice.
The strategists who were close to both sides took in this scene with smiles.
"That won't stop us from getting back to business. Let's continue."
"Hahaha, yes, yes, yes."
With their glasses clinked, the advisors continued their discussions.
After their initial consultations, the results were submitted to their superiors, and only then did Zhou Jin and Xiao Cong sit down at the table to play their cards.
Xiao Cong released his wine glass, and when he looked up, his expression had returned to normal.
He stood up, intending to leave his seat.
The maidservant beside him, Lan Yue, called out sweetly, "Your Highness~"
She was deceived by Xiao Cong's aloof and gentle facade, her heart filled with trepidation as she tried to win a shred of pity.
She then got up, pretended to trip over her skirt, and fell into his arms.
He politely offered his help, but Lan Yue suddenly pulled out the entire bra by the thin strap of the bra that was showing in his arms and grabbed it in her hand.
She alluringly wrapped the corset around her fingertips, coquettishly asking, "Your Highness, shall I wear it for you?"
His eyes, devoid of tenderness, glanced at her.
With just one glance, Lan Yue felt as if the Grim Reaper's scythe had hooked around her neck, and a chill rushed into her pores from all directions.
He gently raised his hand and pulled the bra back from her fingertips: "You've tainted her scent."
The tone, devoid of any murderous intent, led to the forced removal of Lan Yue, one of the four leading actresses of Baoyue Tower, from her head and forced into prostitution.
The person who started this didn't care at all about the actor who had offended her taste; he was taking care of the child.
The quick-witted Li Han woke up to find her brother-in-law, the Crown Prince, staring blankly at a beautiful corset, but she didn't panic.
Instead, she shouted with a bright smile, "Brother-in-law, it's been a long time! Han'er is hungry and wants to go shopping and eat something delicious!"
Xiao Cong, feeling lonely inside, was touched by her familiarity and sincere smile.
*
Heavy snow began to fall from the sky. Zhou Jin rode his horse at full speed back to the mansion, and when he arrived at Fanghua Garden, he was covered in a layer of snow.
She was standing under the eaves watching the snow, and the soft light from the lanterns on the eaves shone on her, adding a touch of warmth to his eyes.
When she saw him, she smiled and said, "Jinlang, the snow is so heavy, why aren't you using an umbrella?"
He approached her with quick, hurried steps.
Her heart beat slightly faster.
Xiao Cong's arrival made her sensitive and guilty.
He reached her and, without giving her a chance to refuse, pinned her against the veranda and kissed her.
The snowflakes on his head and shoulders fell sparsely onto her skin, both icy and burning.
As the tingling sensation from the kiss pushed aside some other emotions, he took a step back and shook off the snow from his clothes: "Did you see him?"
His tone was too casual, and Li Qu's afternoon of trying to figure out how to conceal his words crumbled at this moment.
She stepped forward and brushed the snow off him; "I didn't know he was in Qinyuan."
He looked at her without saying a word.
Her heart pounded: "The young master is very well-behaved."
"You took your bra in a proper manner?"
His face lacked warmth, yet he no longer wore his emotions on his sleeve as before.
She almost forgot to breathe, stepped forward and took his hand, her eyes never leaving his face for a moment: "My lord, I have lost a bra."
"The nannies were still looking this afternoon. You can ask them if you don't believe me."
Not far away, Granny Xu, who dared not breathe, cautiously spoke up: "Yes, yes, a bra is missing."
His cool fingertips touched her soft cheek: "What did you call out just now?"
"My husband~"
It pleased him.
He picked her up and strode into the house.
Li Qu originally planned to lie to himself that his menstrual cycle was irregular and that he was having his period early, so he would refuse to have intercourse.
She even took several blood-stained menstrual pads from Li's mother.
Now that he had thrown her onto the bed and was watching him expressionlessly undo his belt, she dared not utter a single word.
"Jinlang~"
Zhou Jin pulled her into his arms, pressing his forehead against hers: "You called me by the wrong name."
"My husband~"
"From now on, keep shouting like this, especially in front of outsiders."
He was not only unhappy, he was also angry, jealous, and afraid.
"Madam, you're going to have a hard time tonight."
He needs reassurance; he can't wait a moment longer.
He reached out and tore off her robe. Just as he was about to kiss her shoulder, his gaze fell on a tooth mark.
The movement stopped.
"Yes, it was Mother who bit her. She didn't want the wet nurse to breastfeed her, so she fed the baby herself. She bit me because of the pain from blocked milk ducts."
His lips covered her wound, and he tasted her blood.
It does taste very sweet.
He kissed her, burying his face in hers, afraid to let her see the expression on his face, lest he frighten her.
"Madam, you should take the initiative today."
His voice sounded normal, and her pounding heart gradually calmed down.
He pulled something over and covered her eyes, wrapping it tightly around them.
"Madam, you are not allowed to open your eyes today."
"Jinlang~"
"Call me husband."
"My husband~"
"Don't open your eyes, do you hear me?"
"I will obediently listen to my husband."
"good."
His gaze swept over the jade, its outer shell peeled away, inch by inch, like a beast king inspecting his territory, before finally settling on her shoulder.
His face was clouded with worry, but his movements became even gentler.
As he watched her take the initiative to please him, as she begged him, as she became intoxicated beneath him, his emotions gradually calmed down.
He used his actions to imprint his mark on her, inside and out, and to imbue her with his essence.
He wondered, what had she done wrong?
She was just a delicate and frail woman.
Xiao Cong shamelessly forced himself on her, and she couldn't resist.
It wasn't her fault.
"Husband~" she clung to him with extra fervor today, "I only want my husband, I only love my husband."
He closed his eyes.
It was his oversight.
The fault lies with him.
He noticed her anxiety and comforted her.
"The lady is very beautiful."
She was very obedient; even after the blindfold was shaken off, she still didn't open her eyes even a crack.
His expression shifted between dark clouds, uncontrollable ecstasy, murderous intent, and infatuation.
A mix of emotions melted away in a pool of spring water.
By the time Zhou Jin calmed down, she was completely exhausted.
When I came out of the bathhouse, the servants had already tidied up the messy areas in the room.
He carried her to the couch and applied ointment to the bite wound on her shoulder.
She cautiously glanced at his expression out of the corner of her eye.
He asked her, "Does it hurt?"
“Even if it hurts, I am willing to bear children for my husband.”
He paused in applying the medicine, his long eyelashes lifted, and he looked at her.
She smiled shyly and tenderly at him, and said sweetly, "I will only bear children for my husband."
His heart melted instantly, and he stared at her, saying, "Madam, remember what you said today."
She winked at him: "Yes, I remember every word you said."
"I'll remember that for you too."
She only thought he was flirting with her.
*
Snowflakes fell heavily, and the world was quiet.
A rustling sound brushed against my ear.
He held her in his arms.
Another person is waiting.
Bamboo is in the center.
Xiao Cong was tidying up the couch, which Li Han had left scattered with fruit peels and scraps.
Li Han was fast asleep on the couch, with a pink butterfly beaded flower that Xiao Cong had bought for her that day pinned in her hair, making her look even more lovely.
Xiao Zuo came from the snow and reported to the corridor: "Young Master, Master Zhou has sent someone to collect some things and bring the Fourth Miss back to the mansion."
On the other side's territory, it is wise to take them by surprise, but foolish to confront them head-on.
He fetched a cloak, wrapped Li Han in it, and carried her to the veranda.
Huaiyan, wearing a bamboo hat, strode over, led by his servants. Beside him, Huaiqiu was a bit thinner.
The two men bowed respectfully to him, saying, "Greetings, Your Highness."
"Be careful of the wind and snow, don't let her catch a cold."
"Your Highness, rest assured."
Huaiyan stepped forward and carefully took Li Han from Xiao Cong's arms.
"Please forgive me for disturbing Your Highness's rest so late at night."
"Please pass on a message to Uncle Shi, advising him not to be suspicious. I really didn't see anything, did anything, and didn't bite anything."
Huaiyan felt that Prince Yan hadn't said anything right.
But he could only reply, "Yes."
Xiao Zuo stepped forward and gave the box that he had prepared in advance to Huai Qiu.
The box contained that bra.
"Xiao Zuo, see the guests out for me."
"We won't disturb the young master's rest."
Xiao Cong stood alone on the corridor, watching the person walk away.
The cool, clear light of the snow made him appear as noble as the bright moon.
A moment later, another figure walked towards them through the snow.
They were the guests he was waiting for.
*
The following day, Xiao Cong presented a visiting card to Old Madam Zhou.
Zhou Jin stayed in Li Qu's room, drawing her eyebrows and combing her hair, enjoying the pleasures of their intimate moments.
He naturally heard Xiao Cong's provocative words.
But when he looked at the charming beauty in front of him who asked, "Does this look good on me?" "I'll wear this instead," "Which one looks better?", he calmed down.
He chose to believe her.
Whatever she says goes.
He suggested, "Should we all wear them?"
She rolled her eyes at him.
The maid chuckled to herself.
The old woman explained, "How can you have a gold-inlaid jade hairpin on the left and a pearl hairpin on the right? People will laugh at you."
She chased him away and had her skillful maid dress her up.
The old lady sent word that Zhou Jin should come over to greet the guests, saying that Prince Yan had come to visit.
Zhou Jin bid farewell to Li Qu and went to Jinxiu Hall.
Li Qu breathed a sigh of relief as soon as Zhou Jin left.
We finally got through it.
But this relief didn't last long.
After she finished dressing, as Cuiguo was fetching her clothes, she suddenly heard Cuiguo exclaim with delight, "Hey, we found it! We found the corset that Madam lost!"
She gasped for breath and turned around abruptly.
Cui Guo smiled and held up the bra in her hand, saying, "So it was tucked inside the clothes. No wonder I couldn't find it no matter how hard I looked."
Li Qu closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, she was extremely grateful for her choice to please him last night, as well as for her sweet words and flattery.
She clearly remembered the fate of his nominal concubine, Madam Sun, after she cuckolded him.
She shuddered with fear after narrowly escaping death.
But the pressure of the possibility of pregnancy from having sex also troubled her.
And there's the appointment Xiao Cong asked her to attend this afternoon!
When you have something on your mind, you don't have a good appetite for breakfast.
Just then, Li Han's voice suddenly came from outside: "Third Sister! We've come to your place for a free meal!"
Li Qu put down his chopsticks and hurriedly left the dining hall. He saw Huai Qiu, Huai Xiang, and some servants from Qinyuan, who had wrapped Li's mother up tightly and were carrying an infant who was also wrapped up tightly, hurrying towards him.
The one who ran the fastest and most enthusiastically was the clever little Li Han.
The heavy snow has stopped, and the sunlight shines down, making the snow sparkle and shimmer with dazzling colors.
Li Qu smiled.
As she laughed, her smile froze.
Zhou Jin was able to get Li Han back from Xiao Cong and even bring her mother under her nose so that she could feel at ease.
So... what happened yesterday afternoon...
She shuddered again.
Then the laughter deepened.
He had probably fallen into her trap.
He'll protect her from being taken back by Xiao Cong, right?
Indeed, misfortune may be a blessing in disguise.
"What kind of hot pot chicken is this? Is it a new dish invented by Aunt Chun in the kitchen? It must be delicious. I'm going to go and praise Aunt Chun."
As she spoke, Li Han threw herself into Li Qu's arms.
Li Qu squatted down, and Li Han whispered in her ear, "I saw that prince brother-in-law yesterday!"
"He took me shopping to buy beaded flowers, coaxed me to sleep on his tatami mat, and even told me stories!"
"She even said that when I was little, my third sister would coax me like this."
"He's actually a nice guy, not as scary as my older sister described!"
"But for some reason, when I woke up, I was back in Qinyuan."
Li Qu smiled and ruffled her little head: "Han'er is great."
"Hey, I'm quite clever."
Li's mother and the baby were already being ushered into the main room.
Li Qu thought that now she had no weakness left for Xiao Cong to handle. As long as Zhou Jin was willing to protect her and she didn't leave the Zhou residence, her predicament would be resolved once Xiao Cong finished his business and left Hezhou.
"Come in and eat." She led Li Han into the dining room.
Little did she know that Xiao Cong had come in person with the intention of taking her back even if they couldn't reach an agreement on serious business.
At this moment, in the Brocade Hall.
Tensions were high because of her.
Without giving Zhou Jin any chance to breathe, Xiao Cong revealed his trump card without hesitation.
They forced Zhou Jin to release the people.
He said, "Uncle, it is not the act of a gentleman to take what belongs to another. Please return my beloved concubine."
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