Chapter 76 Self-Redemption
The weather was sunny, and the snow on the eaves melted, dripping down in a dappled pattern.
Xiao Zuo paced back and forth on the bamboo corridor.
She glanced at her young master adding things to the brazier and felt a deep resentment towards the third young lady whom he had once treated with utmost respect.
Their gentle and noble prince had never been so lonely and disappointed!
That Zhou Yeye, who looks like someone owes him money, is nowhere near as gentle and refined as our own young master!
blindness!
Inside the room.
Xiao Cong sat on the footstool, his eyes reflecting the firelight. He looked at the contents of a piece of paper in his hand, then tossed another into the brazier.
It contained the characters he taught her to write, her drawings, and the letters they exchanged...
He always carries some with him when he travels.
I brought a lot this time.
He originally thought that when she returned to his side, he would ask her how she managed to abandon the beautiful memories they shared and leave.
He will listen to her excuses, and he will also settle accounts with her properly.
After that, they can reconcile and start over.
After all, he was the one who was deceived by Madam Lin first, so he had no reason to blame her.
On the contrary, Lin almost killed her, and he bears an unshirkable responsibility for that.
He didn't blame her for losing her virginity.
He will make her happily forget the unpleasantness of the past six months.
But she didn't choose him.
The scene he saw when he left Shou'an Hall flashed through Xiao Cong's mind.
She was lost in his kiss...
With a flick of the fingertips, all the beauty in my hands slipped into the brazier.
He opened the box next to him, and inside was the bra he had taken off himself.
It's better than returning that fake item to Master Zhou.
He picked it up and rubbed it between his fingertips.
From the anger upon learning she had escaped, to the anxiety of not being able to find her, to the guilt of knowing she had been bullied by the Lin family over the years, to the heartache and worry upon learning that she was being held captive by Zhou Jinqiang's side...
Now all that remains is numbness and emptiness.
He stared at it blankly for a long time.
Time slowly passed.
The bra slipped from his fingertips, like a red butterfly rushing towards the flames, gradually being swallowed by the flames.
His dignity and refinement allowed her to have one, two, but not three.
Starting today, he has lost a priceless treasure that he can never find again.
*
Unlike Xiao Cong's loneliness and desolation, Zhou Jin's world was vibrant and colorful, filled with fireworks and bright sunshine.
He obtained a treasure that was unique in the world.
So much so that they couldn't suppress their inner desires at all.
Between restraint and daytime debauchery, he chose the latter.
Location: Jinxiu Hall.
He was so satisfied that he made her cry.
But he was laughing shamelessly.
He was overjoyed.
The man's competitive spirit and self-esteem were greatly satisfied.
She dismissed her worries that she would leave with Xiao Cong.
Her choosing him and him snatching her back from Xiao Cong are two different things!
The sunlight was clearer than the candlelight; she was like a peeled egg, or a flawless piece of jade, shimmering and dazzling.
Sweat clung to her stray hairs and clung to her cheeks.
Tears trembled at the corners of her eyes, and her lips parted slightly.
Every part of it is tempting.
She snapped at him, "Zhou Jin, if you don't stop now, there won't be a next time!"
He softened his tone: "My wife worked so hard just now, now I will serve you."
She cried, she succumbed to despair, and she utterly disrespectful insults at him.
He coaxed her, flattered her, and begged her with sweet words.
In the same place, he transformed from a ruthless abuser who enjoyed violence into a fawning, sycophantic follower.
It took her half a year to go from being a lowly plaything to being his cherished wife.
Tears streamed down her face; she couldn't tell if they were tears of uncontrollable passion or tears of welcoming the dawn.
Once he was satisfied, she didn't want to move an inch.
He seemed to have inexhaustible energy, serving her as she washed up, picked out clothes for her, dressed her, and dried her hair.
Like a solicitous little eunuch.
They couldn't stop, and the more they did it, the more enthusiastic they became.
He even had someone bring her a comb so he could comb her hair.
Her black hair rested in her palm, the comb teeth passing through her smooth, long hair and hanging in the air.
He loved her in every way.
She lay on the couch, pretending to sleep, watching him get excited.
The most uncontrollable thing is the human heart, yet the most coveted thing is also the human heart.
Falling in love is quick, but getting out of it is not easy.
The retired top female performer who taught her how to observe and understand men's hearts warned her.
'Don't try to steal a chicken and lose the rice instead; before you've even captured a man's heart, you've already given it away yourself.'
She looked away, closed her eyelashes, and stopped watching the person excitedly jumping into the pit.
The heart is like still water.
She was waiting for the mischievous God to give her a chance.
*
The setting sun shone through the window lattice and fell on his handsome profile.
He suddenly remembered the scene of the first time he met her.
The backyard of the Hezhou government office.
He was in the pavilion, while she lurked furtively in the garden, seemingly looking for a chance to escape.
An assassin disguised as a maid attempted to kill him, but he dealt with the attack with a dagger.
Blood splattered on his face, still warm.
They met each other's eyes across the flowerbed.
She was terrified, as if she had stumbled upon a murder scene; she covered her mouth and turned to run.
Undeniably, even a beautiful woman looking terrified is pleasing to the eye.
He dragged her home and listened to her resentment at being coerced and lured by her mother into becoming his concubine...
He felt she was ungrateful, but he didn't immediately have the idea of forcing himself on her.
She wanted to be someone's wife, and he granted her wish.
After dealing with her matter, he ran into his cousin who had offered herself to him.
That day, he was first stopped on the road and accused of abducting a woman by his mother, then he was attacked, and then Imperial Censor Zheng blocked him at the door and cursed him.
I'm in a bad mood.
"...For the sake of peace and stability throughout the land, Lord Zhou should assume the post of Commander-in-Chief as soon as possible to share the Emperor's burdens!"
'Instead of worrying about the gains and losses of one's own family, disregarding the well-being of all people...'
'After leaving the capital, he immediately submitted a memorial to the Emperor requesting sick leave!'
'...Disregarding the emperor, a traitor's heart!'
He had someone drag the noisy old man away.
The old man was still talking non-stop.
'You scoundrel, now I know why you haven't been promoted despite your merits!'
'Because thieves don't deserve it!'
His ideals were not in the capital, and he didn't really care whether he moved or not.
But his refusal and his incompetence are two different things!
What did he hear?
Oh, he heard the woman whose wish to be a wife had been fulfilled talking to the lucky servant.
Why is the concubine unwilling to become the Third Master's concubine?
He doesn't deserve it!
Then... he wanted to see where she got the audacity to say that Zhou Jin was not good enough for her?
After getting to know her, he chose her.
The memories that followed weren't pleasant.
Zhou Jin glanced guiltily at the beauty on the couch.
He admitted that he was a little rough with her at first.
He will change and treat her even better in the future.
"A-Qu?"
The person on the bed was breathing evenly.
"I will make it up to you for the rest of my life."
A blush crept onto his pale skin.
I don't know whether I'm ashamed of what I did back then, or ashamed of what I'm feeling now.
*
Huaiqiu came to report from outside the door.
"There is indeed a traitor among the matchmakers. He is in the bamboo residence, and Prince Yan has offered to take him away."
Zhou Jin moved the heater closer and carefully tended to her hair.
Why?
"Because of silver."
"Are the Zhou clan members well-fed and clothed?"
“Not a member of this family, but… a member of the Chu family.”
Zhou Jin took the dried strand of hair back and placed it on his pillow.
I took another strand of cool, slightly damp hair and put it in my hand.
"Did you get an official position through Zhou Lan's connections?"
Huaiqiu replied, "Yes."
"All orders concerning the transfer of personnel related to the Chu family have been revoked."
"Replace all those who have connections with Zhou Lan."
"Replace any key positions in Hezhou that involve the Chu family with our own people within three months."
"Since Prince Yan has asked for the man, then give him to him."
"Yes." Huaiqiu accepted the order and withdrew.
Who would give an important position to a traitor?
A fool who dug his own grave.
We also mourn for our great-aunt.
*
After Huaiqiu left, Zhou Jin continued to dry her hair.
Focused, gentle.
Li Qu didn't sleep for long. Zhou Jin was afraid that she would get her sleep schedule messed up, so he let her sleep for half an hour before shaking her awake.
He had a engagement that evening. When she returned to Fanghua Garden, Li Han was on the veranda, jumping rope while waiting anxiously for her third sister.
As soon as she saw Li Qu appear, she immediately dropped the jump rope in her hand and ran down the steps to greet her: "Third Sister!"
Hearing this call, Li's mother also peered out of the window.
The wind outside was biting cold. Li Qu touched Li Han's sweaty face and said, "Come inside quickly, don't catch a cold."
The two sisters entered the house together.
Li's mother glanced at the smile on Li Qu's face and breathed a sigh of relief.
After dinner, Li Qu escorted Li's mother back to the room she and Li Han had settled in.
She dismissed the maids and nannies, saying she wanted to have a private conversation with Li's mother.
The baby eats and sleeps, sleeps and eats, his life is very regular.
Li Han's gaze fell on a gold-inlaid mahogany box in Li Qu's hand.
"This was sent by the young master this afternoon for Han'er to play with," said Li's mother, looking at Li Qu.
"What's going on? Didn't you say the Crown Prince wouldn't bother you anymore?"
Li Qu opened it, and Li Han immediately exclaimed "Wow!" with her eyes lighting up.
"These little animals are all made of gold!"
Li Han took out a little rabbit: "It even has pink gems embedded in its eyes, so pretty!"
"I'll return it to my brother, the Crown Prince, after I've finished playing with it."
She chuckled, knowing that since her brother-in-law had become her brother, she couldn't just take things from him anymore.
Li Qu emptied everything out, took off the hairpin from her hair, skillfully removed a gold bead inlaid in the mahogany, and pried the hairpin open, loosening the clasp.
Li Qu took out a neatly folded piece of paper from under the hidden panel.
Open.
Two
"What is it?" Li's mother craned her neck.
Li Qu clutched the item to her chest.
Li's mother didn't see it clearly, but caught a glimpse of the red seal on the paper out of the corner of her eye.
What is it?
"It's something I've been racking my brains to find missing."
Li Qu folded the items neatly and put them into her bosom.
“Zhou Jin told me today that my brother-in-law was summoned to the capital by the emperor and set off on the first day of the Lunar New Year.”
"I estimate that my eldest sister will be traveling to the capital with her family and will pass through Hezhou soon."
"You'll all go north with your eldest sister then."
Li's mother's main point was: "How dare you call him by his name!"
"What would happen if he heard that!"
"The matter concerning the young master has only just passed; don't provoke him again!"
Li Qu restored the box, put the valuables back into it, and gave the box to Li Han.
"Since he gave it to you, it is yours."
Li Han exclaimed in surprise, "Really?!"
Li Qu rubbed her head.
This was originally a gift from her to him.
Now, it's just a matter of returning the old things.
"Can."
My heart is pounding.
We've taken another step closer.
She is one step closer to leaving Hezhou.
*
Everything is going according to her plan.
The only thing troubling her was the contraceptive pill.
She hasn't taken any contraceptive pills for two days now, last night and today.
Zhou Jin, however, requested it frequently.
Because of this, she couldn't sleep that night.
Fortunately, Zhou Jin was satisfied during the day and had plans for the night, so he stayed at Mianxiao Residence tonight.
She can toss and turn in bed all she wants, feeling restless and agitated.
*
The night was deep, the stars were shining brightly, and the sky was like a tranquil and beautiful painting.
On the northbound river, boats set sail, traveling day and night.
Li Rong had a nightmare tonight.
She dreamt that four years ago, her grandparents received a huge dowry and sold her.
She fell into the hands of a burly military general.
The military general had a perverted love affair with a girl who had not yet reached marriageable age.
In the first half of the night, the pervert abused two girls who were not yet of marriageable age in front of her.
It was her turn in the middle of the night.
He caught her.
She struggled and bit him frantically.
His muscles, as strong as steel, held her firmly in place.
In that instant, she felt an intense hatred for the man's muscularity!
I hate them to the core!
She was terrified, yet incredibly calm.
She gave up struggling and pretended to be dead. The moment he got close, she slammed her knee into his groin.
He released her in pain.
She escaped the ordeal of being tortured, but was almost beaten to death.
One slap, two slaps...
Then, one lash, two lashes...
She was powerless to resist.
Her resistance was like cotton hitting a wooden board.
It will only result in even more vicious beatings.
She was on the verge of death, watching the man's strong body slowly approach her.
Fear, fear that filled my heart and eyes.
"Don't hit me!"
"Don't come any closer!"
"ah!"
Li Rong sat up abruptly from the bed, her face deathly pale.
He was breathing heavily, like a drowning person just coming into contact with air.
The beads of sweat on his forehead, as large as soybeans, shimmered and sparkled like the surface of a river under the night sky.
She trembled all over as if she were shaking a leaf.
She rubbed her arms, telling herself in a trembling voice, "It's okay, it's okay!"
"Grandpa and Grandma accepted the money from Third Sister and signed a document relinquishing their right to arrange marriages for the daughters of Father."
“The clan chief, the village head, and others can all testify.”
"They can no longer interfere with my marriage; I can find someone myself."
"I'm sure I can find a gentle, unassuming scholar!"
"I'm skilled at killing fish and chickens!"
"He's so weak and frail; he'll definitely be afraid of me if he sees me killing chickens and fish!"
"If you're afraid, you won't dare to hit me!"
"Yes, we'll definitely find it!"
She mumbled it several more times before lying down again.
*
In the Hezhou prison, Lin Xiaocong opened his eyes in the middle of the night and could feel that his lower abdomen was dirty again.
I'm so frustrated.
I'm very angry.
After cleaning up and changing his clothes, he got up and started boxing in a depressed mood.
His snow-white undershirt was soaked with sweat, revealing glimpses of his strong muscles beneath, exuding power.
*
The next day was a fine day.
The old lady called Li Qu to Shou'an Hall for breakfast.
She gave Li Qu some personal favors and connections.
“Each of the three brothers receives one portion. Now that the youngest is married, his portion should rightfully be given to you.”
"As for the people on the list, they are all elderly people who have followed me all my life."
"You're talented, but whether you can control him depends on your skill."
The old lady's goal remained the same: she wanted to help her son with financial benefits.
"But don't worry, I will help you."
Li Qu took the ledger and list and agreed to each one.
Respectfully serve the old lady her breakfast.
During the meal, Li Qu ate as usual, while the old lady ate half as much.
After having breakfast, Li Qu left.
The old lady raised her hand and threw away the tea that the maid had served her.
"She used my son to drive Xiao Cong away; she planned every step meticulously! She showed no mercy whatsoever!"
"Aren't we afraid of capsizing in a ditch!"
*
In the morning, the gatekeeper delivered some visiting cards to Fanghua Garden, mostly from members of the Zhou clan and relatives of officials from Hezhou requesting an audience.
The second wife also sent Li Qu some invitations, which were from the Hezhou matriarchal circle.
She refused them all.
After the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, Zhou Jin suddenly had a lot more things to do.
At first, she insisted on returning to Fanghua Garden every day to conceive, but after the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, she disappeared without a trace.
Xiao Cong had not yet left Hezhou, and every now and then he would send Li Han little trinkets.
I'm simply giving away small gifts, without any ulterior motives.
Li Qu began to immerse herself in making rouge and face powder.
She held Li Han in her arms and told her why pretty girls need to cover their faces and how to do so.
How to make face-covering materials, etc.
On the fifteenth day of the first month, Xiao Cong left Hezhou by boat.
During this period, Li Qu remained secluded in his residence and did not leave.
On the fifteenth day, Zhou Jin was free.
After dealing with clan affairs during the day, he appeared at the Zhou family's banquet in the evening, and then took Li Qu and Li Han out to visit the lantern festival.
Li Qu was very happy.
The everyday life of ordinary people seems so close at hand.
Zhou Jin followed quietly behind her with his hands behind his back.
His gaze fell on her indifferently, without her noticing.
She was like a fairy visiting the mortal world for the first time, liking everything and curious about everything.
"My husband, this lantern is beautiful."
Zhou Jin went up to pay the silver.
"My husband, do I look good wearing this flower wreath?"
Zhou Jin: "It looks good."
Pay the money.
"My lord, this sugar figurine is so sweet." She brought the sugar figurine she had licked to his lips.
He walked amidst the laughter of the maids and servants around him, and the astonished and curious gazes of the ordinary people.
She smiled and bit off the sugar figurine she had licked.
Her giggling laughter came from behind the veil.
He chewed the candy between his lips and teeth: "A-Qu has tasted it, and it's even sweeter."
She kicked him: "Don't talk nonsense!"
He smiled and shut his mouth, savoring the sweetness on his tongue.
They argued the whole way.
She was smiling.
He doted on her, his eyes filled with laughter.
The carefree Li Han burst into laughter, sandwiched between the two.
I ran into Zhou Feng and a group of his cronies, arm in arm.
Zhou Feng, acting like a lackey, stepped forward and bowed to Zhou Jin, saying, "Third Uncle."
He then gave Li Qu a sincere and radiant smile: "Hello, Third Aunt, this is your nephew Zhou Feng. We met at Baoyue Tower."
Zhou Jin kicked him in the shin.
He immediately realized he had said the wrong thing, licked his lips, and corrected himself: "No, no, we met in Hezhou Prison."
Zhou Jin: "..."
The fingers behind his back twitched.
Huaiyan, who was not far away, stepped forward, put an arm around Zhou Feng's neck, and dragged him back step by step.
Zhou Feng was still struggling: "No, no, Third Uncle, please let me explain. I didn't mean to mention those two locations to upset Third Aunt..."
Huaiyan covered his mouth.
The word "Xing" stubbornly escaped.
Zhou Jin nervously took Li Qu's hand: "Aqu, he's going to marry a princess. He's a bit crazy. Don't take what he says to heart."
Laughter came from under the veil. She took his hand and said, "The husband is the head of the household, so I will naturally listen to my husband."
He held her hand tightly, unwilling to let go.
Those who were with Zhou Feng stepped forward to pay their respects.
Third Uncle, Third Aunt, Third Master, Third Madam (as they call you).
Some people even call Li Qu the Third Grandma.
After the crowd dispersed, Li Qu was overjoyed and moved closer to him, saying, "My husband is not only older, but also of a higher generation."
Zhou Jin frowned: "I admit I'm of a higher generation, but how am I older?"
"Um...look, someone's releasing a river lantern over there, let's go take a look!"
Zhou Jin: "..."
After playing around for a while, Li Han fell asleep from exhaustion.
The nanny and guards escorted her back to the mansion.
He took her hand and said, "Let's go. The master is visiting Hezhou today. Come with me to pay him a visit."
"Is it inappropriate to be out so late?"
"He sleeps a lot during the day and is most active at night."
"Which gentleman is it?"
"Yunshan Jushi was my mentor and guiding light in my life."
"You may call him 'sir' as I have."
Li Qu remembered.
The old lady once mentioned that Zhou Jin went on a journey with the hermit of Yunshan after he turned seven.
She imagined the hermit of Yunshan to be a person of otherworldly elegance and refinement.
However, when they saw the elderly man in his sixties sitting on the boat, playing the erhu, wearing a red flower, his eyes darting around the performer, singing in a low voice, and joking with the performer.
Li Qu: There was a reason why Zhou Jin was so frivolous and lustful.
Before Li Qu even boarded the ship, Huai Qiu had already gone up to clear the area and make arrangements.
After the area was cleared, Zhou Jin led Li Qu onto the boat.
As soon as Li Qu and Zhou Jin stepped into the cabin, Qin Sixing said, "Take off the veil and let your master see which fairy has slew my most intelligent disciple."
Li Qu stepped forward, removed her veil, and bowed deeply to Mr. Qin, who was sitting in the main seat: "This concubine, Zhou Shi, and her husband, Li Shi, greet you, sir."
Qin Sixing, who was nearly sixty years old, raised his hand and said, "Please stand up, everyone, please sit down."
Only then did he display the seriousness and nobility befitting a teacher.
Zhou Jin lifted his robe and knelt down opposite Qin Sixing.
Li Qu knelt beside him, sitting upright and proper.
Zhou Jin took out the marriage certificate from his bosom: "I request that you, sir, witness the marriage between my disciple and Ms. Li, and complete the ceremony of bowing to Heaven and Earth."
The servants presented them with writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones.
Qin Sixing knew everything all along, and he was happy to see it happen. Without hesitation, he added his name to the marriage certificate and stamped it with his seal.
Parents and elders all left their mark.
He gave her the highest-standard marriage certificate content.
"When Junren gets married, I, as his teacher, have no generous gifts to congratulate him."
"I originally intended to take this rare book, which I have treasured for many years, to the afterlife."
"This is presented to you, Junren, to congratulate you on your joy."
Zhou Jin, courtesy name Junren.
Qin Sixing's attendant presented the rare book, which Huaiqiu accepted.
Li Qu never expected that Zhou Jin would perform the ritual of bowing to heaven and earth for her tonight.
The officiant he invited was Qin Sixing, his most respected teacher.
Of the six fellow disciples, five were present, and the remaining one, though absent, sent a generous gift.
After exchanging pleasantries, everyone moved to Lianxin Lake on the river island.
The lake was cleared out, and the largest painted boat was decorated with red silk and brightly lit with candles, creating a festive atmosphere.
There were phoenix coronet and embroidered robes, and a master of ceremonies calling out:
"First bow to Heaven and Earth..."
"The ceremony is complete!"
Beyond the veil, his eyebrows held a hint of spring, and his face was gentle.
His close fellow disciples congratulated him on marrying his beautiful bride.
Qin Sixing, sitting in the main seat, stroked his beard and nodded: "Only with affection can one be benevolent. Very good, very good."
Under the veil, her expression remained calm as she followed the instructions of those involved, completing a self-redemption process unique to her.
Upon entering the well-decorated bridal chamber, Li Qu suddenly felt a heat in her lower abdomen.
Familiar relatives have come to visit.
After all the procedures were completed, Zhou Jin lifted the veil and sat down next to her.
She pinched her thigh and squeezed out two tears.
"My husband, you should keep trying next month. You probably didn't conceive this month."
His skin was pale and cold, and he looked striking in red.
Upon hearing this, his gaze fell on her lower abdomen, and her beautiful eyebrows furrowed slightly.
She seemed to regret not getting pregnant.
After a moment, he parted his thin lips slightly: "Okay."
She laughed and stepped forward to kiss his cheek: "My husband looks so handsome today, I love it."
"Thank you, my husband, for fulfilling my dream of wearing a phoenix coronet and wedding gown. To have won the heart of my beloved, I have no regrets in this life."
She seemed very excited, giggling as she lay down on the bed and rolled around.
She sat up again, with some longan and red dates wrapped in her hair.
She cupped his face in her hands and gave him a big kiss.
"My husband, I like older men. Older men are more considerate."
"My husband is considerate, but he's not very old."
She laughed heartily and fell backward onto the bed.
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