I cried in Chapter 68.
Li Han was, after all, just a young girl, and was intimidated by Zhou Jin's undeniable aura of authority, so she behaved very obediently.
They ate in a very proper manner at the dinner table.
Li Qu chuckled and put some food on her plate: "Eating can't shut you up, so why aren't you saying anything today?"
Li Han glanced at Zhou Jin, her little face serious: "Don't talk while eating."
Li Qu couldn't help but laugh out loud.
Li Han blushed and buried her head in her food.
Zhou Jin was picking out fish bones, focused and attentive.
Boneless fish fillets were placed on a plate, and once the plate was full, it was pushed in front of Li Qu.
"Zhou Lan came to see you?"
Li Qu placed some of the fish meat from the plate into Li Han's bowl: "Mmm."
Zhou Jin glanced at the fish in Li Han's bowl.
Li Han's scalp tightened, and she quickly said, "Third Sister, this is your husband's affection for you. How can you share it so casually!"
"Don't you like eating fish?"
"If Han'er likes it, then Granny will help Han'er remove the fish bones." She put the fish back into Li Qu's bowl.
"Please accept this gift from my third sister's husband."
Li Qu: "Who taught you to be so glib?"
"Brother-in-law."
Zhao Lianqing, as upright as a gentle breeze and a bright moon: Thank you for your rudeness. I am not a glib-tongued person.
Xu Mama smiled and stepped forward to smooth things over: "They are all sea fish, which are more delicious than ordinary river fish."
"This old servant will remove the fish bones for the Fourth Miss."
Upon hearing this, Li Han smiled sweetly at Granny Xu and said, "Thank you, Granny Xu."
Seeing this, Li Qu stopped paying attention to Li Han and savored Zhou Jin's attentiveness: "Does Jin Lang know that he has implicated me, so he has come to make amends?"
Zhou Jin served Li Qu some food, saying, "Mm."
"Is it a done deal that Miss Biao is going to the capital to become Prince Huan's concubine?"
"The Chu family was overjoyed to see this happen."
As for the opinions of the parties involved and Zhou Lan's attitude, they are not important.
Zhou Jin then served Li Han two more bites of food and said to her, "Make yourself at home."
Li Han responded politely with a sweet smile, "Thank you, Third Brother-in-law."
My older sister said that a smile only makes you feel a little acquainted; a sincere smile is the best way to break down people's defenses.
Zhou Jin indeed served her two more bites of food and instructed Xu Mama, "Take good care of her."
For a concubine's younger sister to be able to sit at the same table as her master and to be recognized and treated well by him is an exceptional privilege.
However, Granny Xu and the others were already used to Zhou Jin's unconventional actions: "This old servant obeys."
Li Qu smiled in return for Zhou Jin's kindness and served him a bowl of corn, pear, and white fungus soup: "It's not very sweet, Jinlang, please try it."
Zhou Jin picked up the bowl, took a bite, and asked, "Did A-Qu make this?"
The taste was slightly sweet.
"nature."
The lips and teeth taste even sweeter.
His gaze was fixed on her.
Li Qu blinked at him, as if to say: "Looking at your concubine again?"
After he finished eating, he put down his bowl, leaned back in his chair, and kept his eyes on her: "When Aqu gives birth to a daughter in the future, I will definitely choose a suitable husband for her."
Li Qu blushed and reached out to serve him food haphazardly: "Eating can't shut Jinlang's mouth!"
He couldn't help but laugh as he watched her try to hide her shyness.
Li Han, on the other hand, genuinely chuckled.
Zhou Jin and Li Qu both looked over.
Li Han seemed to have sat on a needle, wiggling her bottom in the chair and looking at Zhou Jin and Li Qu with a shy expression.
"My older sister said that we shouldn't flirt or make love in front of children."
"It will set a bad example for children."
The maids serving nearby burst out laughing.
Zhou Jin's face grew even warmer in the bright candlelight, his eyes crinkling with a smile.
Li Qu stood up and piled Li Han's bowl high: "Shut up! Eat! You're not allowed to leave the table until you finish!"
Li Han protested, "I'm almost full, how can I still eat so much! Third Sister is going too far!"
"I'm just teasing you!"
"Then Han'er won't like Third Sister anymore."
"I have Jinlang who likes you, and he cherishes you!"
Li Han died.
Zhou Jin smiled.
Time flows gently like lukewarm water, quietly boiling the frog that has fallen in.
Li Qu then mentioned arranging for Huai Xia to protect Li Rong, as well as having someone protect and look after Qinyuan.
Zhou Jin responded to every request.
Li Han arranged other accommodations for the evening.
Zhou Jin then proceeded to torment Li Qu with renewed joy.
He became increasingly gentle and considerate of her thoughts.
After coming out of the bathroom, she, who had finished showering first, was already curled up in the bedding.
Zhou Jin sat down on the edge of the bed and looked at her as she turned to the side, revealing half of her delicate face, with faint, even breathing sounds emanating from her.
She lifted the covers and lay down on the bed, and soon snuggled up to me.
Her not-so-warm hands groped around and found his armpit, where she hugged his arm and fell asleep peacefully.
He stared at the ceiling, but couldn't fall asleep.
At the end of the year, he will make a trip to Zhuzhou.
Some people in the capital also returned to their residences.
With so many people and such a chaotic household, wouldn't it be inappropriate for her to be alone at home?
You could take her to Zhuzhou... but she won't be happy.
“Aqu”.
She grumbled and complained, as if she thought he was disturbing her.
He rolled over and pinned her down again, biting her ear: "Aqu, your status is too low. The third branch of the family needs a mistress."
"I promise that after the mistress enters the house, I will treat you the same way I have today, and I will not let her harm you in the slightest."
"Once she gives birth to a legitimate son, I will no longer enter her room."
"Let's live a good life together for the rest of our lives, okay?"
She didn't respond, seemingly asleep, and didn't even bother to nudge him.
"A-Qu, I want a child with you. I will try to move the wedding date forward. You wait for me."
He cupped her front.
The scattered arches woke her from her deep sleep.
She raised her hand and slapped him, making his face hurt.
She slipped out from under him, seemingly annoyed by his presence, turned to the side, yet still reached out to touch him, wanting to hug his arm as she slept.
He came up and kissed her again, trying to wake her up.
She pushed him.
He straightened her up.
She grumbled and complained, clearly impatient.
“Aqu”.
She slapped him again, waking him up completely.
She hid inside the bed, curled up in a ball, and stopped hugging him.
Zhou Jin raised his hands and rubbed his cheeks, finally becoming obedient. He lay down behind her and pulled her into his arms.
When Li Qu woke up at dawn, she took the contraceptive pill as usual.
It seemed that God was moved by her stubbornness and sided with her this time.
Before we knew it, it was the beginning of the twelfth lunar month.
There was ultimately no room for maneuver in Chu Yingyang's decision to marry far away in the north.
Li Rong's shop was forced to close due to Zhou Lan's legitimate and justifiable disruptions.
Zhou Jin was so busy that Li Qu couldn't even see him.
The population screening work in Yan region has stirred up a huge wave.
In Wanxian, Zhao Lianqing successfully caught Tang Xian's eye.
Tang Xian suppressed the matter of Zhao Lianqing's transfer to Jianshui County.
*
It's late December.
Zhuzhou Prefectural Government Office.
Tang Xian turned the letter in his hand over and over again.
Zhao Lianqing, a dignified and upright gentleman of twenty-eight, stood before the desk with the grace of a bright moon and gentle breeze, his posture as firm as a pine tree, neither humble nor arrogant, but respectful and courteous.
Despite holding a high position, Tang Xian was actually only in his forties.
"That's a brilliant tactic of feigning one move while secretly advancing another!"
He smiled faintly, appearing gentle and approachable, but he exuded a profound official air, and every move he made carried an indescribable aura.
"The heads of the major families in Yan must be furious right now."
"The population that was painstakingly hidden under the wings was exposed by the women in the family."
"You have to register with your real name to buy those cosmetics from Xianbaozhai, and there are even purchase limits."
"It forces those fashion-conscious ladies to find people to buy things for them."
"The population figures reported by various aristocratic families this year do not match the population figures compiled by Xianbaozhai."
“All families suspected of concealing people shall be treated as treason.”
"The Prince of Yan's mansion dispatched its Black Armor Guards to surround and raid two typical aristocratic families, and now they've both behaved themselves."
"Now in Yan, all the major families are voluntarily reporting their population numbers and paying back taxes."
"There are also plenty of people who spend money to avoid trouble and smooth things over."
"The Prince of Yan's mansion must have had a really lavish New Year celebration this year!"
His gaze fell on Zhao Lianqing: "How did you come up with this desperate measure?"
He tried to make himself look like an elder gossiping about family matters.
I'm afraid I'll frighten the little magistrate in front of me so much that he won't be able to utter a complete sentence.
Zhao Lianqing: "I figured it out with my brain."
Tang Xian was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter. He stopped pretending, casually leaned back in his chair, and let his imposing manner prevail.
"The Yan region used this tactic to catch the enemy off guard and launch an attack when they were unprepared."
"No one could have imagined that a shop that makes money off women would also be involved in collecting population information."
“These days, powerful families are growing in strength, and it’s not uncommon for them to hide their people in various places.”
"If this strategy is implemented on a large scale, can it achieve the same results as in Yan?"
Zhao Lianqing cupped his hands in farewell and replied, "Your Excellency, the advantage of Yan lies in taking them by surprise."
"This tactic has been spread throughout the states through official channels, and the major clans and families are now aware of it and will certainly restrain the women in their households."
"If we simply copy it, the results will probably be minimal."
Tang Xian picked up a teacup and took a sip: "Do you have a good plan?"
"I have a plan."
Tell me about it.
"Population checks are conducted every three years, and this year's checks have already ended. If we want to get a clear picture of the population as soon as possible, we can bypass the major powerful families and start from the bottom, so that the hidden people will come forward on their own."
Tang Xian: "The hidden people rely on powerful families and clans, do not pay taxes or perform military service, so how could they possibly show themselves on their own initiative?"
"I will take Xianbaozhai as an example."
"If Xianbaozhai didn't sell high-end cosmetics, but instead sold the rice, flour, cooking oil, salted eggs, and other necessities that ordinary people depend on for survival."
"Those who come to the store to browse are told that if they bring five people to browse, they can get a free salted chicken egg; if they bring twenty people, they can get one for free..."
"The people are mostly ignorant and poor."
"Such a great deal, why not take advantage of it..."
"Furthermore, under the pretext of preventing repeated recruitment and fraud, those with household registration are asked to show their household registration documents, while those without household registration have their information recorded on the spot."
"These days, the law doesn't reach the countryside, and neither does official records..."
"Speed is of the essence in war."
"While everyone's attention is currently focused on Yan, and we are wary of the government imitating what Yan has done, you, sir, may be able to achieve the same results as Yan today by acting secretly."
"Of course, this is a business that requires investment."
"I have connections with the sixth son of Tongbao Money Shop. Tongbao Money Shop wants to expand beyond Yan and spread throughout Daqian, but it has been slow to find an opportunity."
"I am willing to act as a mediator and bring the two parties together."
"For details, please see the document I have prepared."
After Zhao Lianqing finished speaking, he took out something he had prepared beforehand from his sleeve and presented it with both hands.
Tang Xian's close attendants, who had been serving him the whole time, were all stunned.
It took him a while to react. He stepped forward and took the document from Zhao Lianqing with both hands, then presented it to Tang Xian.
Tang Xian took the letter and tucked it under his elbow: "You came prepared."
"This humble official dares not. It is my duty to share your burdens, sir."
Tang Xian changed the subject: "I heard that your wife's younger sister is deeply favored by the Third Master Zhou, and even you, her brother-in-law, are well taken care of by the Third Master Zhou."
Zhao Lianqing replied neither servilely nor arrogantly: "What you have heard is true, my lord. My wife's younger sister is indeed a concubine of Master Zhou."
"What are your thoughts on being transferred to Jianshui County after the New Year?"
"I am of low rank and have little influence; I am at the behest of my superiors."
"Such a talent, wouldn't it be a waste to transfer him to Jianshui County? I recommend you to the Ministry of Revenue, what do you think?"
Zhao Lianqing lifted his robe and knelt down to express his gratitude: "I will never forget your kindness, sir."
*
On the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month, Huang Mao brought the news that Tang Xian had recommended Zhao Lianqing for a position in the Ministry of Revenue to Hezhou.
That afternoon, Li Qu saw Li Rong and her father off at the dock.
The reason for sending people away at the beginning of the year.
Because Zhou Jin went to Zhuzhou and has not yet returned.
This will reduce a lot of surprises and explanations.
And the reasons are justified.
Zhou Lan got into trouble, making it impossible for her to stay in Hezhou.
At the dock, Li Qu earnestly reminded Li Rong, "Take good care of yourself!"
With separation imminent, Li Rong was in a bad mood; she is actually someone who cries easily.
Li Qu handed her the makeup kit, saying, "Remember, never reveal your true face in front of others."
"Let me know when you arrive. Take good care of Dad."
Li Rong, her eyes red-rimmed, asked, "What are you going to do?"
She regretted eating that piece of dragon beard candy a thousand times, ten thousand times.
The terrible consequences have already been caused.
Li Qu pushed Li Rong onto the boat, followed by Xu Mama and others, with Huai Xia also nearby.
"I'm fine, he treats me well, I'll be fine."
She then pushed Li's father, saying, "Father, you must take good care of Second Sister. I will arrange things for Mother."
Li's father kept crying out and looking towards Hezhou City.
Clearly, he couldn't bear to part with his pregnant wife.
But it was too dangerous for his second daughter to go to the capital alone, so he had to accompany her.
"My daughter asked my sister Xun to buy you a house in the capital. Someone will pick you up when you arrive."
"The ship was also arranged by the Second Madam; it was a cargo ship belonging to the Zhou family heading north."
"Be careful, nothing serious will happen."
"I've prepared everything you need, including rooms on the ship."
After giving some instructions, they finally got the person onto the ship.
As the large ship gradually moved away from the shore, Li Qu looked at the two figures standing at the bow and unconsciously followed them.
Li Rong waved goodbye from the boat while crying, and Li Han shouted and waved beside her, saying that she also wanted to ride a boat.
Li Qu felt a tightness in her chest. Watching the large ship gradually disappear into the river and into the distance, she suddenly broke down in tears.
She also wanted to get on the ship.
She really wanted to.
"Waaah..." She hugged her knees and burst into tears.
Granny Xu and the others comforted her.
Seeing Li Qu crying, Li Han also burst into tears.
It immediately attracted a crowd of onlookers.
Some people mocked them, saying it must be their first time being separated from their loved ones, which is why they were crying so sadly.
Li Qu ignored it.
After venting his emotions for a while, he got up.
Granny Xu handed her a handkerchief.
The sound of horses' hooves came from behind, growing increasingly urgent.
She used her handkerchief, turned around and looked up, and saw a horse rearing up and stopping in front of her.
A dignified man sat upright immediately.
Zhou Jin looked down at her, her eyes red and her face dark with an unyielding expression, and asked accusingly, "Aqu, where are you going?"
Behind him, Huaiqiu and the others rode up on horseback in a flurry of dust.
Li Qu, not understanding why, extended her hand to him: "This concubine has come to see my second sister off."
Zhou Jin glanced around and vaguely saw only a single ship remaining.
Where did your second sister go?
“If we open a shop in the capital, my eldest aunt wouldn’t go there to cause trouble.”
Her hand was still outstretched: "Jinlang, you're finally back. I've missed you."
He took her hand and pulled her into his arms: "Sit tight."
She pulled on her hood, covered her nose and mouth, and turned to instruct, "Granny, take good care of Han'er, we're going back to the manor now."
Granny Xu quickly agreed.
Zhou Jin urged his horse toward the mansion, galloping all the way to Fanghua Garden. Ignoring the dust covering his body, he threw her onto the bed and reached out to undo his belt.
He had just returned from Zhuzhou and arrived at the West Wharf.
As soon as I arrived at Fanghua Garden, I heard a maid say: "The mistress has gone to the South Wharf."
In that instant, his heart suddenly felt as if it had been gripped tightly, both suffocating and panicked.
He turned and walked outside.
He didn't hear a word the maid behind him said.
All I could think of was her turning around and leaving on the ship without looking back.
As I sped along, a strange feeling of clenching gripped my heart, which was then replaced by anger.
He swore that if she dared to leave, he would chain her up and make sure she couldn't even step out of her room!
A mix of emotions—numbness, panic, anger—was reflected on his face as a somber, gloomy expression.
Li Qu shrank to the foot of the bed, noticing his pale face and not knowing what had happened, she softly called out to him, "Jinlang~"
She did very well, and she didn't leave.
I was just being paranoid.
But right now, he needed her to soothe him with her smooth, soft skin.
He tossed the belt aside, knelt on one knee on the bed, grabbed her ankle, and dragged her over amidst her panicked screams.
“A-Qu, you are not allowed to go to the dock anymore.”
He stripped her clothes off, but not gently.
The journey from Hezhou to Zhuzhou, by waterway along the river, takes twenty-two days round trip.
He hadn't touched her for twenty-two days.
He wouldn't allow her to escape, just as he couldn't accept the possibility that she might leave him.
“Aqu”.
"Why does Jinlang treat his concubine this way?"
“A-Qu, don’t go to the dock again.”
"I am afraid of water. If I hadn't been sending my second sister off, I wouldn't have gone to the water's edge."
He leaned down and kissed her: "I missed you, please allow me to be unrestrained this once."
Feeling dizzy and lightheaded.
The farewell was supposed to be at dusk, but by the time Zhou Jin was satisfied, lanterns had been lit everywhere.
After washing up and getting dressed, Zhou Jin went to Shou'an Hall.
He had not seen the old lady when he returned home.
Li Qu sat by the window, deep in thought.
Why wouldn't he allow himself to go to the dock?
After a long pause, she murmured, "It's still not quite there."
"What's still a little short?" Li Han's little head popped out in front of Li Qu.
Li Qu rubbed her little head: "The women of the Zhou family's main branch will be returning to the mansion tomorrow. There are many people and many things to do in the mansion. How about Han'er goes to Qin Garden to take care of her mother?"
Li Han nodded: "I was just about to say that I was going to go keep my mother company."
"I promised my second sister that I would take care of Mother."
She's such a sensible and well-behaved child.
Li Qu smiled and ruffled her hair.
After dinner, I escorted Li Han back to Qinyuan.
I received the letter from Wanxian the next morning.
Li Qu was in a great mood, and she simply didn't know how to describe it.
He just kept laughing.
They laughed at the maids bickering, laughed at the cooks preparing food in the small kitchen of Fanghua Garden, and laughed at Cuiguo embroidering.
Everyone could feel her happiness.
Her inner joy is like a little sun, warming to behold.
Xu Mama had never seen her aunt so happy.
Never.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
