Trust you
At Youzhong, dusk has fallen.
Fei Nu returns home.
The busy day passed in a flash, and Cui Zhiyun walked through the door of the uncle's mansion as usual.
Under the light, he stood in his official uniform, his expression calm and composed, his expression impassive, without a trace of emotion. From afar, his silhouette as he passed through the garden resembled a bamboo leaf swaying leisurely in the wind through the forest. Yet, he was unaware that what he was unconsciously thinking of was a bright, smiling face.
Passing by Cangyun Pavilion, the surrounding area was silent.
Someone called Cui Zhijun on his way to Yinzhu Yatang.
Just hearing the soft, lingering voice of "Brother Yun" was enough to break one's heart. Cui Zhiyun, however, looked back expressionlessly. Upon catching sight of Zou Shuangtong, he coldly replied, "Wife Zhisong," oblivious to the shy, charming woman hiding beside her.
Seeing Cui Zhijun's response, Zou Shuangtong deliberately pulled her younger sister forward. Zou Shuangtong's face was filled with smiles as she politely asked Cui Zhijun, "Brother Yun, you're off work so late? Are Imperial College duties so hectic?"
"Mrs. Uematsu, what's up?"
Cui Zhijun didn't answer her question. He felt he had nothing to say to the person in front of him. He might as well go home instead.
Go listen to your wife chattering.
But Zou Shuangtong refused to back down despite Cui Zhijun's indifference.
She continued to chatter enthusiastically, "Nothing, I just haven't seen Brother Yun for a while. I happened to run into him today, so I just wanted to say hello. Oh, Brother Yun, I forgot to introduce you. This is my little sister, Zou Shuangqiao. She just turned sixteen this year. The old lady was kind enough to see how pitiful my little sister was, helpless at home, so she allowed her to stay for a while before the New Year. She just arrived from Ji County today."
As Zou Shuangtong spoke, she turned and tugged at her younger sister's clothes. "Come, Shuangqiao, this is the Second Young Master, Cui Zhiyun, from the eldest house. Come and meet him. I want to tell you, our Yun is a scholar of the Imperial College, a man of both profound learning and virtuous character. Don't you love reading, writing, and composing poetry? If there's anything you don't understand, I can't teach you. Why not take this opportunity to ask Yun for some pointers? I'm sure a gentle and refined gentleman like Yun would be willing to help."
Wait until Zou Shuangtong finished speaking.
Zou Shuangqiao then moved forward shyly and asked tenderly, "Shuangqiao greets Erlangjun. This is my first time at the Earl's Mansion, and I hope Erlangjun will take good care of me."
The Zou family's little sister's voice has the sweetness of a young girl.
Ultimately, it sounded more comfortable than Zou Shuangtong's pretentiousness. It seemed that few men could escape the allure and charm of these two sisters.
But unfortunately, they met Choi Shik-kyung, who was as solid as a rock in both his heart and character.
Cui Zhijun returned the greeting with a bow, raised his head and looked at the two sisters indifferently, politely rejecting Zou Shuangtong's request, "It's not about taking care of me. As for guiding Miss Zou... My wife is also very knowledgeable in poetry and literature. If you have any questions, you can ask her. I believe she will be enthusiastic to help you. It's getting late, and since you two have nothing to do, I'll take my leave. Please stay..."
Cui Zhijun put the two sisters aside. Although he couldn't see the intention of the people in front of him calling him and saying these words, Cui Zhijun knew that he didn't want to talk to them too much.
After saying this, Cui Zhijun walked away.
Zou Shuangtong watched Cui Zhijun leave without trying to stop him. She knew when to stop.
Then Zou Shuangtong whispered to his younger sister, "Did you see it? This is the legitimate son of Lord Yue Ji Feng Qing that your elder sister told you about. Look, isn't he a hundred times better than those old men, scoundrels and fools that our bitch instigated our father to marry you? Even if he becomes a concubine, seeing a man like this every day will make him happy, right?"
"Mm. This Erlang is indeed handsome, tall, and has a gentle voice. I am satisfied, and I want to marry him..."
The little sister of the Zou family blushed as she spoke, and began to daydream.
The two sisters are exactly alike.
Cui Zhijun was so cold to them, but Zou Shuangtong actually made a big promise for Zou Shuangqiao. "You little bitch, you didn't want to when I first told you. Do you think I can lie to you like they did? I've been planning everything for you. Mother is gone, and you're the only sister I have."
"If I don't help you, who can I help——"
"Just focus on getting Brother Yun now. Don't be afraid of anything. We have the old lady backing us up. I don't believe that scoundrel in his family can do anything to us. When the time comes, you can hook up with Brother Yun, marry into that family, and give him a son. Why would you worry about us sisters having a hard time? I'm sure even those people in our family who flatter the powerful and look down on the weak will be servile and polite to us. Maybe we can even step on the people in that family and vent our anger on our eldest sister."
Zou Shuangtong has wild ideas.
But amidst her excitement, she suddenly looked sad and grabbed her younger sister's arm, sighing, "Little sister, your brother-in-law is a heartless man with many concubines, and he's always flirting with other women outside. My pregnancy is also disappointing. Not only did I throw away half my life for Sheng and Yu, but I'm also pregnant with a girl. Now the eldest brother from the second house has married a county lady, and he treats you like a servant all day long. You're having a hard time in the Bo's Mansion, and I hope you can help you to be proud of yourself."
"You must not let me down."
"Eldest Sister, I think you don't want to miss this opportunity and go home to marry those lousy people they randomly arranged for you, right?"
What Zou Shuangtong said was actually all for herself.
But the drama of sisterly love was brilliantly performed, and Zou Shuangqiao also had her own calculations. Just as Zou Shuangtong said, in order to avoid such a fate, she would definitely fight to marry into the Bo Mansion. "Eldest sister, don't worry. As long as I am here, I will never let you live like this again."
"Little sister, your words are enough for me, the eldest sister."
The two sisters were moved by themselves.
But are they really interested in Cui Zhijun?
If the halo of legitimate birth bestowed upon him were to disappear, would they still flock to him like they do now?
The answer is obvious.
After Cui Zhijun lost his halo, the only person who could still see the light in him was Tai Shizheng.
Unrealistic aspirations returned to reality. Zou Shuangqiao looked ahead, unable to help but recall Cui Zhijun's attitude. She asked, "But, elder sister... why do I feel like this Erlang has the words 'not interested in women' written all over his face? Will he not fall for it... and what should we do then?"
Zou Shuangtong smiled when she heard this. She felt that her younger sister was naive and didn't understand men at all.
"Oh, little sister, don't underestimate a man like Brother Yun who is more serious. In fact, he is like a beast in his heart. When he gets fierce and unrestrained, he can't control himself at all. They have been holding back for too long, and all they need is a chance to release. And as your eldest sister, I don't believe that there is any man in this world who would refuse to eat the meat that is delivered to his mouth--"
"Just get ready."
When Zou Shuangqiao heard this, he gently pushed Zou Shuangtong.
"Oh, elder sister~"
Her soft and tender voice drifted into the ears of Taishi Zheng, who was walking home behind her. Zheng looked around and asked: What's going on?
Then she looked up and saw the two sisters not far away. Zheng saw that she couldn't hide away, so she walked forward boldly, "Mrs. Uematsu, what are you doing here?" Zheng stopped in front of the two, surprised by the two faces that looked a bit similar, "Who is this——"
Zou Shuangqiao was also surprised by the sudden arrival of the person in front of him.
She subconsciously looked at her elder sister, and Zou Shuangtong whispered to her younger sister in her ear, "She is Brother Yun's wife."
Upon hearing this, Zou Shuangqiao immediately turned to look at Taishi Zheng, scanning her calmly. Of medium height, well-proportioned figure, bright eyes, and a delicate face, this person exuded a confidence that most people rarely possessed.
But Zou Shuangqiao refused to admit defeat. She could see that Taishi Zheng lacked some of her alluring charm.
"Brother Yun's wife, this is my little sister."
Zou Shuangtong picked up Taishi Zheng's words, "Shuangqiao, this is Erlangjun's wife, Second Young Master's Madam Taishi Zheng."
Zou Shuangqiao was still looking at Taishi Zheng in the previous second, and in the next second he pretended to be delicate and greeted him.
"Shuangqiao, pay your respects to the Second Young Master's wife."
It must be the "good posture" that he practiced in the Zou family.
Zheng's eyes widened as she looked at the person in front of her. Who was this person? The Zou family's sister? Wasn't that the person Zou Shuangtong had mentioned at the last Kuaixue Banquet that she wanted to show Cui Zhijun? How could she be here? Why was she here?
Zheng's head was buzzing, she didn't know who had this new plan.
I thought the last incident would be over, but I didn't expect that they would surprise me.
Seeing Taishi Zheng silent, Zou Shuangtong rolled her eyes and pretended to casually say to her, "Hey, my goodness, I don't know what fate brought us here today. My sister and I just spoke with Brother Yun here, and Brother Yun agreed to help my little sister review the books and judge the poems, and then we ran into you, my cousin, coming this way. Look, my cousin, are you busy today? Why don't you two go together?"
Zou Shuangtong's words were malicious and she just distorted right and wrong.
But she only said three-tenths of what she said, leaving the rest blank. This was Zou Shuangtong's way of making Taishi Zheng speculate wildly and sowing discord between the couple. But without waiting for Taishi Zheng's reaction, Zou Shuangtong dragged Zou Shuangqiao and hurriedly said goodbye to Taishi Zheng. "It's getting late, and I have to take my younger sister to pay her respects to the old lady, so I won't chat with you. We'll have plenty of time to meet each other later. Cousin, we're leaving."
"No, you—"
Zou Shuangtong left, leaving Taishi Zheng disheveled in the night. The words Zou Shuangtong hadn't said clearly began to linger in her mind... What did she mean by that? What was her intention in meeting again sometime?
How come there was a fire in my backyard just one day after I went out?
-
The Zou sisters walked away, stopping on a side road where Taishi Zheng couldn't see them. Zou Shuangqiao immediately chuckled softly, "Sister, I see that Taishi Zheng isn't very powerful, aside from her good family background. Why are you so afraid of her?"
Zou Shuangtong glanced at her sister. It was not a good thing to be careless. "Afraid? What do you know? She looks innocent and harmless now. But if she has any intentions, she can be very bad. After all, I, your eldest sister, originally-"
I've been fooled by her.
Zou Shuangtong held back her words, unwilling to embarrass herself in front of her younger sister. But Zou Shuangqiao was curious, "So what's going on? Could it be that she's plotting against her older sister?"
"How is that possible? Has your elder sister ever lost to anyone in the Zou family before?" Zou Shuangtong flatly denied it. She turned to warn her younger sister, "In short, when you see this Taishi Zheng, you need to be very careful. Don't believe what she says, and don't let small things lead to big losses."
Zou Shuangqiao didn't understand, but she nodded in agreement.
Taking his elder sister's arm and walking slowly with her, Zou Shuangqiao said, "Elder sister, I heard that Erlang Jun and Taishi Zheng were just a matchmaker's arrangement. Judging from Erlang Jun's cold and aloof look just now, he probably wouldn't like a woman like Taishi Zheng. Don't worry, elder sister, I will definitely work hard to stay by your side."
"I won't let my eldest sister down."
Zou Shuangtong walked through the dry grass, narrowed his eyes and did not answer.
At that moment, the two sisters laughed, but their thoughts were different and turbulent. As they walked out of the garden, they turned around and heard someone call out, "Shuangtong, Aunt Shuangqiao? Why are you here?"
Zou Shuangtong's smile froze instantly, but Zou Shuangqiao turned around and smiled sweetly, "Brother-in-law~"
-
Tai Shi Zheng felt suffocated by these two sisters.
She walked through the corridor and returned to the path outside the Yinzhu Yatang. Zheng stopped only when she bumped into Cui Zhijun, who was about to ascend the steps into the courtyard. She looked up and fiercely stared at the man in front of her, who was looking down at her. Cui Zhijun's demeanor suddenly changed when he saw the person coming, and he called out softly, "Little Zheng."
Zheng, however, pinched her waist and questioned him, "Cui Erlang, have you met the Zou family's little sister just now?"
"How do you know?"
Cui Zhijun didn't understand what was going on, so he answered truthfully. However, Zheng snorted and walked away.
What's going on?
Cui Zhijun was a little confused, but he still subconsciously took a step forward to chase after him.
Arriving at the courtyard, Zheng sat down on the porch, looking angrily at the person who stepped into the courtyard behind her. Her profile, illuminated by the light, looked incredibly cute in Cui Zhijun's eyes. Cui Zhijun walked up to Taishi Zheng and asked tentatively, "Madam, are you... angry?"
Zheng didn't answer, she just stared at Cui Zhijun. At the end, she asked angrily, "What do you think, Cui Erlang? What do you think of meeting the little sister of the Zou family? Do you like her?"
"What does this have to do with liking someone?" Cui Zhijun was puzzled.
Zheng asked jealously, "Don't like her? Then why did you agree to help her review books and poems? Are you very familiar with her?"
"When did I agree to help her? Besides, I have no relatives or friends with her, so why should I help her?" Cui Zhijun was still confused.
Zheng was so angry at the idiot in front of her that she reached out and pushed his thick chest, "You didn't agree? Cui Jilang, don't lie to me. Zhisong's wife told me in person that you agreed to help her the first time you met her! Cui Zhijun, you idiot! Do you even know what her little sister came to our house for?"
Cui Zhijun vaguely guessed that something was wrong.
But when she saw the anxious look on the person in front of her face, she couldn't help but shake her head pretending to be ignorant.
Seeing this, Zheng shouted, "She was brought here by Third Aunt and the others for you to see!"
"See each other? See what?" Cui Zhijun continued to play dumb. He watched helplessly as his wife's jealousy was about to burst out of her head, "See... See... See my wife, what else can we see..."
Cui Zhijun was suddenly amused by the tone of the person in front of him.
Zheng felt even more aggrieved when she saw him like that, "Cui Zhijun, I'm so angry, and you're still making fun of me——"
Cui Zhiyun knew when to stop.
He stroked his robe and sat down beside Zheng. "Xiao Zheng, if I tell you, she did ask me for something, but I clearly refused her. I also told her that my wife can also read books and judge poetry, so if she has anything to ask, she can come to you instead of me. Do you believe me or her?"
Cui Zhijun remained calm and composed.
His calm words, like a gentle breeze, soothed Taishi Zheng's anxiety. Zheng calmed down, turned to look at the people around her, and chose him without hesitation, "Of course I believe you."
Cui Zhijun smiled knowingly, "Then what is Madam still worried about?"
One word says it all,
It seems like there's really no worries...
Zheng's anger may not be due to anything else, but simply due to Cui Zhijun's attitude. Fortunately, Cui Zhijun gave her enough sense of security.
"I was so angry that I lost my mind." Zheng answered timidly.
Cui Zhijun sat upright in the corridor, his body straight. He spoke frankly, "Xiao Zheng, no matter how we met and got together, I can tell you with certainty that I will not take a concubine. And if... if one day we have a disagreement and go our separate ways, I will choose to let you go. Instead of entangled with each other. I hope for the best for both of us."
My mother’s painful life is the most true portrayal.
Cui Zhijun wasn't saying Tao Fengqin was bad; on the contrary, she was a very good person. His mother wasn't bad either. Yet, these two people had been entangled between their father for half their lives, ultimately leaving them both torn apart. And after the resentment built up, there was no longer any affection left.
Cui Zhiyun always felt that it was not necessary.
But Zheng said, "Cui Erlang, do you believe that we will never reach the day you mentioned?"
Zheng heard helplessness in Cui Zhijun's words and wanted to hold Cui Zhijun's hand. However, after going through so many things and recognizing Zheng's kindness and purity, Cui Zhijun no longer felt repulsive to her and he consciously extended his hand.
The word "Dengtu" was Cui Zhijun's biggest misunderstanding of Taishi Zheng.
"I believe it."
Cui Zhijun chose to cross his fingers with him, and the two warm palms faced each other in the cold winter night.
Zheng laughed, "So sure?"
Cui Zhijun looked back, remembering that night, remembering the first time in his life someone said such words to him.
"Because you said you would be my lifelong friend."
Zheng nodded. "You remember it quite clearly. I thought you had forgotten it long ago."
Cui Zhijun didn't respond. He couldn't say sweet words, he just stared at her blankly. He might have asked her where she'd been today, what she'd eaten... but it was clear that such questions didn't fit the current atmosphere. He remained silent.
Zheng exhaled bursts of air, which fell in front of her eyes. She was the first to speak: "Erlang, I went to look at the shop with my sister-in-law and others today."
Cui Zhijun raised his head and asked, "Have you made up your mind?"
Zheng nodded. "Yes, I really want to help Sister Bao Nian. She doesn't want her life to end up like that. You said, if I hadn't encountered this, it would be fine. But seeing it with my own eyes, it means it's destined for me, for us. I won't lose anything by helping her."
"What do you think?"
"I just rely on..." Cui Zhijun didn't finish his words.
Zheng then responded, "It's up to the Madam, right? Cui Erlang, can you be a little more patient? I'm tired of hearing all this talk! Your wife is out and about in public, and you don't object at all? If this happened in another family, wouldn't the man be furious?"
Cui Zhijun was confused, "Are you asking me to make a scene too?"
Zheng pouted.
Turn your head away and ignore him.
"Xiao Zheng, let's not talk about anything else. Is there anything you need my help with regarding the shop?" Cui Zhijun reached out and shook her arm, and Zheng's shoulders relaxed. "Yes, there is... but it's with my mother-in-law. If she knew I was running a shop outside, would she... scold me?"
Cui Zhijun didn't need to think about it and just said, "Yes."
"Ah? What should I do then?" Zheng was a little discouraged.
Cui Zhijun said soothingly, "Since you've made up your mind, just go for it. All beings are equal, and it shouldn't be said that just because you're a woman you can't do what you want. Besides, what you're doing is very meaningful. As for mother, don't worry. Just remember that I'll take care of everything."
Cui Zhijun did not ask about many details, and Tai Shi Zheng said whatever he wanted to say.
Cui Zhijun only needed to know that Taishi Zheng had handled this matter with a sincere heart from beginning to end. As for the rest, he should also fulfill his responsibilities as a man. Yu Yuelan was his mother, so why should Taishi Zheng bear so much for him?
Cui Zhijun felt that this did not make sense.
Having opened her heart to the people around her, Taishi Zheng felt much better. She leaned leisurely against Cui Zhijun's shoulder, gazing at the fading moonlight, her heavy eyelids drooping.
After a busy day, she felt a little sleepy.
After more than a decade of wandering, Taishi Zheng finally found his dreamland beside Cui Zhijun. Cui Zhijun didn't look back, he just stared at the empty courtyard and said to the person beside him: "I don't have classes tomorrow, Xiao Zheng, you..."
The light snoring disturbed Cui Zhijun's mind, and Zheng fell asleep.
What he wanted to say was silenced. Wuyan stood up and carefully carried the person horizontally in his arms. Cui Zhijun silently pushed the door open and walked into the house.
If he wants to say anything, it's not too late to say it tomorrow...
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