Chapter 107 Personally Arrived
The women, confined to their small inner quarters, and the men, who could measure the world on foot, were always inextricably linked.
After a burst of laughter, the third old lady, Madam Chang, spoke up seemingly casually.
"Hey? Speaking of which, Brother Mang holds a first-rank official position in the capital. Now that you're back in Hezhou, do you have any plans, brother?"
This topic relates to the future development of the South.
Now that the old master has returned to the mansion, if the power in the south continues to be held by the old master...
No matter what position Zhou Lang assigned to his son.
None of this prevented the second and third patriarchs' households from continuing to eat and drink with Zhou Lang.
Moreover, Zhou Mang, the eldest son of the main branch of the family, was the legitimate heir.
Zhou Lang is in good health and will live for another ten years without any problem.
What changes will occur in the next ten years remains to be seen.
If the old master relinquishes power within the next two years and hands over the southern region entirely to Zhou Jin, then the situation in the southern region will basically not change much.
One point is that with the change of power, many talented members of the Zhou clan and their affiliated clans who were withdrawn from the capital were among those who contributed to the change.
There will inevitably be changes and upheavals in the officialdom of the South.
A new emperor brings a new court.
Chang also had a grandson named Zhou Feng, who was highly regarded by Zhou Jin.
None of the members of the Bao family were favored by Zhou Jin.
Therefore, Mr. Bao was anxious.
He couldn't wait to send women to Zhou Jin.
I want to make a connection.
The old lady smiled and said, "The third son and his father have their own plans for this matter."
Those who have made contributions will not be treated unfairly.
"There have been many things to do and many opportunities lately."
"Just follow orders."
Chang and Bao exchanged a glance.
Is this meant to make them obedient and seize the opportunity?
Chang wanted to speak again.
The old lady smiled and changed the subject: "I heard that Princess Baihua is pregnant. Congratulations!"
Chang smiled and said, "Thank you for acting as matchmaker, sister-in-law."
We chatted for a while about non-sensitive gossip about our children.
Only then did Madam Bao and Madam Chang get up to take their leave.
Granny Rong personally saw them off.
After sitting idly for a while, Li Qu also asked to leave.
After bowing to the old lady, Bao Qingsu followed Li Qu closely as they left.
The old lady watched Li Qu and Bao Qingsu leave.
Holding his prayer beads, he leaned against the couch and said, "The eldest son's wife lacks this clarity of mind."
*
Li Qu was not in a good mood during the Qingming Festival.
Granny Xu supported her arm and comforted Li Qu.
"Even if Third Master accepts it, he will arrange for it to be kept in Qinghuai Courtyard."
"Madam, you don't need to worry about it. Just focus on your pregnancy."
Li Qu said calmly, "Granny, there's no need to worry."
"I knew I wouldn't have a good time with your Third Master."
However, no one expected the internal strife to come so quickly.
She has become embroiled in a silent war between women.
Granny Xu quickly said, "This old servant will send someone to invite Third Master back to make a decision."
"The yamen office closes at Shenshi (3-5 PM), and it's almost Youshi (5-7 PM) now. Has Third Master not returned yet?"
Granny Xu quickly sent someone to inquire.
Li Qu found a pavilion in the garden to rest.
Seeing that Li Qu was in low spirits, Cui Guo squatted down and massaged Li Qu's legs.
She was lively and cheerful, and asked Li Qu with a smile, "How is my leg and shoulder massage?"
Li Qu: "Not bad, worthy of appreciation."
“I told you I’m good at this.”
"A few days ago, I was giving that ungrateful Green Fruit a massage, and it made Green Fruit gurgle and grunt, ouch!!!"
She suddenly imitated a pig's squeal, which made Li Qu cover her face and laugh.
The surrounding servants and maids burst into laughter upon seeing this.
The atmosphere was cheerful.
Bao Qingsu, who was laughing with everyone in the crowd, glanced at Li Qu, who was being fawned over by the crowd, and felt envious.
The maid who had been sent to inquire about Zhou Jin's whereabouts returned and reported: "Third Master has not yet returned to the manor."
Hesitantly, he said, "They said they went... went to Baoyue Tower."
Li Qu shook her handkerchief, smiled faintly, and stood up to instruct Xu Mama: "Please invite my cousin Qingsu to sit in Fanghua Garden."
"Make sure to treat them well."
"I'm going to fetch Third Master back to his residence."
Granny Xu wiped the sweat from her forehead with her sleeve: "This old servant will go with you to fetch the Third Master."
She wouldn't feel at ease if she didn't go.
Li Qu helped Cui Guo walk outside.
"It's important to take good care of my cousin Qingsu."
“If my cousin Qingsu were to get hurt, your wife’s reputation would be ruined.”
"You have a long way to go and a heavy responsibility to bear."
Xu Mama then bowed to Li Qu's retreating figure, saying, "Please take care, Madam."
Bao Qingsu also bowed to Li Qu's retreating figure.
She raised her eyelids and stared at the heavy figure supporting his waist, her eyes blazing with ambition.
To ascend to the moon on clouds.
To become a superior person.
If an ordinary woman can do it, why can't she?
*
Before going to Baoyue Tower, Li Qu visited Yuzhen Tower.
He ordered a table full of delicacies, pretended not to taste them, ate three bites, and then gave the rest to the servants and guards who accompanied him.
*
As dusk settled, the lights of Baoyue Tower shone brightly.
The air was filled with the aroma of wine and the sounds of music.
As soon as the carriage carrying Zhou's lanterns approached Baoyue Tower, a pimp bowed and stepped forward to greet it.
The coachman showed Li Qu the jade token that Zhou Jin had given him: "By order of the Third Madam, I am here to escort the Third Master back to his residence."
"Then lead them to wait beside the Third Master's carriage."
The pimp beckoned, and a groom came forward to guide him.
As the carriage slowly drove into the backyard of Baoyue Tower, the pimp immediately summoned someone to take his place and turned to run into the tower.
Li Qu's carriage, guided by the groom, stopped next to Zhou Jin's carriage.
Inside the carriage.
Cuiguo asked Li Qu, "Madam, shall I go and invite Third Master?"
Li Qu leaned back against the soft pillows, closed his eyes to rest, and mentally reviewed the Zhou family genealogy chart he had seen today.
"No need, someone will go and inform them."
Cuiguo poured tea for Liqu, but seeing that Liqu didn't want to talk, she didn't dare to speak either.
Time slips away quietly.
Inside the glass lamps embedded in the carriage wall, the candle wicks were too long and submerged in the wax, causing the carriage light to gradually dim.
Li Qu noticed and opened her eyes, then took out a pair of scissors from a hidden compartment in the carriage.
Seeing this, Cuiguo removed the lampshade: "This servant will do it."
Li Qu handed the scissors to Cui Guo.
Cui Guo trimmed the overly long candle wick, and the car was instantly brightened.
After placing the lampshade, Cuiguo handed the scissor handle to Liqu.
Li Qu accepted it.
A sobbing sound came from afar, growing louder as it approached.
The master and servant exchanged a glance.
Cui Guo slightly lifted the carriage curtain.
Then a woman in white robes and a plain dress rushed over and knelt down outside the carriage with a thud.
Startled, Cui Guo immediately let go of the carriage curtain.
The carriage curtain swayed, and Haoyue's mournful weeping voice rang out: "Madam."
"Please save me, I will repay you by serving you like a cow or a horse."
Outside the carriage, a guard with his sword half-drawn kept the pitiful beauty at bay.
Inside the carriage, Li Qu opened a hidden compartment, threw a pair of scissors into it, and then slammed the compartment shut.
*
Zhou Jin felt uneasy from the afternoon onwards.
Therefore, he devoted himself to handling political affairs with utmost care.
To ensure the smooth progress of his next steps, he made a point of attending tonight's gathering and meeting with several talented individuals who had been withdrawn from Beijing.
Unexpectedly, while political affairs were going smoothly, a fire broke out in the inner quarters of the residence.
After a few rounds of drinks, Huaiqiu hurriedly entered from outside and whispered a few words to Zhou Jin.
Zhou Jin offered a few words of wine, then left the table.
Gentlemen, rise and respectfully see us off.
A figure in black emerged from the banquet hall and walked through the long corridor.
Starlight shone on his robes, and he asked Huaiqiu, who was hurrying beside him, uncertainly, "Did you go see it yourself?"
“The servant said that there were maids and eight guards following the carriage, which undoubtedly meant that the lady had come in person.”
Do you know what has happened in the manor?
"This servant will go and inquire immediately."
"Fine, I'll go and meet them myself."
Go to the backyard.
From afar, Zhou Jin saw a woman in plain clothes with long, loose hair kneeling in front of the carriage.
*
"Madam, it was Third Master who instructed Egu to preserve my chastity."
"Now, Third Master is avoiding me."
“The wealthy young men of the official class in Hezhou knew that Third Master had once been interested in me, so they dared not touch me.”
"You ruined my good marriage."
"Now, Egu is forcing me to get dressed and forced into prostitution with a price of ten thousand taels of silver."
“If you do not save me, Madam, I will have no choice but to die.”
"Waaaaah..."
Haoyue looked utterly miserable, tears streaming down her face, and there were purple marks on her neck from a failed hanging.
Her naturally innocent and alluring appearance, paired with a plain-colored long dress and her flowing black hair, made her even more captivating.
Like a gardenia about to wither, it evokes pity.
She cried and complained that the carriage curtains hadn't moved for a long time.
Hearing footsteps behind him, he turned to look.
Seeing Zhou Jin approaching, she stood up and staggered toward him.
She seemed to have a death wish.
They weren't afraid of offending Zhou Jin.
They blocked Zhou Jin's path.
"Since you spared my purity, why do you now treat me as nothing?"
Zhou Jin's gaze fell on her face.
"I'll ruin your chance at marriage. Whoever you've taken a fancy to, I'll send you to him."
Haoyue stared straight at Zhou Jin, her eyes filled with adoration, tears of grievance streaming down her face.
"This servant only wishes to serve the Third Master."
"If you ask me to serve someone else, I would rather die."
Today, anyone else would likely be moved by such a passionate declaration of love.
Zhou Jin had been cursed by Li Qu, and looking at her, he felt that she was just imitating Dong Shi.
Moreover, Haoyue was wearing a plain-colored robe and skirt today, similar to the plain silk pajamas that Li Qu liked to wear.
He frowned: "Then do you want three feet of white silk or a cup of poison?"
"Third Master~" Haoyue raised her hand to her heart, seemingly not expecting Zhou Jin to be so heartless.
"Ugly without realizing it."
Zhou Jin stepped forward and missed the bright moon.
Haoyue tried to stop him, but Huaiqiu grabbed her wrist quickly and dragged her aside.
Haoyue retorted, "Three~"
Before he could finish speaking, Huaiqiu covered his mouth.
Huai Qiu shouted sternly, "Do you really not want to live?"
Haoyue then stopped struggling.
She watched as Zhou Jin went to his own carriage, changed his clothes, and then got into the carriage next door.
His eyes were filled with envy.
*
Inside the carriage, Cuiguo sat blankly in the corner.
Feeling Zhou Jin's gaze fall on her, she became so nervous that she dared not move.
Zhou Jin frowned, staring at the oblivious servant who remained motionless for a long while before finally saying, "Get out!"
Cuiguo hurriedly scrambled out, nearly wetting herself in fright.
When only the couple remained in the space, Zhou Jin watched Li Qu writing intently.
I moved over and sat down next to her, right next to her.
She moved aside.
He moved closer to her again.
She ignored him and focused on her writing.
He leaned against the carriage wall, his arm dangling naturally behind her, making a gesture as if he was about to embrace her but hadn't quite managed it.
He explained, "We're having a gathering at Baoyue Tower tonight, but we didn't invite any actors."
"Next time, let's go to Yuzhenlou."
Without looking up, Li Qu instructed Cui Guo, "Please invite Miss Haoyue to come forward and speak."
A moment later, Haoyue's voice rang out from outside the carriage: "This servant has disturbed the madam, and deserves to die."
Li Qu picked up her brush and dipped it in ink: "My husband ruined your marriage. I will redeem you from your servitude. Where do you intend to seek a living?"
Zhou Jin's gaze fell upon Li Qu's brushstrokes.
Her handwriting today was very sharp.
She was in a bad mood.
He gave a slight twitch of his lips.
After a long while, Haoyue's voice came from outside the carriage: "If Madam helps me, then please send me to the capital."
Li Qu put down her pen, turned to look at Zhou Jin, and asked, "What do you think, my husband?"
"Please arrange it, Madam."
Li Qu turned her gaze back to the tip of her pen: "Huaiqiu, go and handle this matter."
Huaiqiu, standing outside the carriage, respectfully replied, "Yes."
Aside from a few lines about Zhou Jin's frivolous romantic escapades, the carriage moved slowly along.
It was inconvenient to write while the carriage was in motion.
Li Qu stopped writing and, while tidying up his brush, ink, paper, and inkstone, recounted the story of his second aunt, Madam Bao, sending him a concubine.
Zhou Jin remained silent for a long while.
After Li Qu put the writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone on the small table into the hidden compartment,
She moved to the head seat and looked up at Zhou Jin.
Then, she noticed Zhou Jin leaning against the carriage wall, smiling with his eyes closed.
She remained expressionless and poured him a cup of tea.
She held out her hand to him, saying, "Husband, have some tea to sober up."
He opened one eye a crack, his arm appearing crippled: "Aqu, hey."
"Then will you finish it?"
"good."
After she moved to the main seat, she was some distance from him.
Now, when I'm feeding him, I can't help but lean forward.
Seeing that she was taking the initiative, he was completely unguarded.
I drank tea from her hand.
As a result, the moment the tea entered his mouth, he frowned at the bitterness.
Seeing that he was willing to back down, she stepped forward, bracing herself against him with one hand and raising the cup in her hand with the other.
He was forced to drink a cup of extremely bitter, strong tea.
As she pulled away, he took the opportunity to lift her up and support her hips, placing her on his lap.
The two sat facing each other.
He revealed his intention to kiss her.
She turned her face away from his advances.
He did not force him.
His gaze fell on her long, drooping eyelashes.
"It is difficult for you to refuse a concubine bestowed upon you by your elders. I will take care of these matters in the future."
"Thank you for your thoughtfulness, my husband."
She spoke to him politely.
Zhou Jin was both happy that she was starting to care about him, and annoyed that his second aunt was causing him trouble at this time.
She raised her eyelashes to look at him: "Huaixia's indenture... can my husband give it to me?"
"Can."
Hearing his unwavering answer, she felt a little better.
She traced her fingers around his chest: "I'm not happy."
"What should I do?"
She raised her eyes, her gaze carefully tracing his features.
He was also looking at her.
She spoke calmly: "If my husband is willing to give something, but one day he no longer wishes to give it, just tell me, and I will return it without hesitation. I will never greedily take it for myself."
What do you mean?
"all."
What happens after it's returned?
"I'm divorcing you."
"You dare!"
She didn't answer, her eyes were fixed on him.
Seeing this ruined his good mood for the whole day.
"Li Qu, you are a heretic."
"My husband doesn't like it anymore?"
Zhou Jin said helplessly, "I like it."
"I also love my husband."
"I like it when my husband supports me, protects me, and cherishes me."
"My husband is tall and handsome, and has a strong masculine character."
"It makes me willingly surrender myself to you, body and soul."
The confession came unexpectedly.
Zhou Jin didn't even realize what was happening.
She reached up and climbed onto his neck: "I want my husband to get revenge for me."
She lowered her long eyelashes: "My second aunt forced me to accept my cousin Qingsu, and I feel unbearably bitter inside."
"My husband is the man of only me."
"I do not wish for any other woman to have her hands on me."
"My husband~"
Her voice was sour and tinged with a hint of grievance.
"My husband must stand up for me."
Zhou Jin was completely charmed and felt a sweet warmth in his heart: "I will make the decision for you."
“Words are not enough; I must see my husband put them into action.”
"I'll get back and do it."
"I cannot let myself bear such a disgrace."
"My wife is so virtuous that I am too weak to enjoy her company."
She couldn't help but laugh.
"Zhou Jin, how could you be this kind of man?"
Which one?
She whispered in his ear, "The kind I love."
"Does Aqu truly love her husband?"
"really."
His gaze fell on her lips.
She kissed him first, her face flushed as she lowered her eyes.
"My husband has been good. I will lull you to sleep tonight."
He leaned closer to her: "What makes a good performance?"
He didn't wait for her reply before eagerly kissing her lips.
She willingly gave him a kiss.
From the initial, pressing touch of her lips to the delivery of a deep kiss, her legs, straddling his lap, involuntarily tightened.
He noticed her reaction, raised his hand to support her buttocks, and lifted her up.
Familiar bodies attract each other involuntarily.
He reluctantly let go of her only when her protruding belly pressed against him.
He lowered his eyes, his long eyelashes concealing the unfulfilled desire in them.
With a hoarse voice, he pressed on, "What constitutes a good performance?"
She punched his chest.
He couldn't help but smile, and his mood improved.
He leaned close to her ear and kissed the cheek in front of her earlobe.
"How to coax him is up to me, okay?"
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