Chapter 19 I Will Marry You
The dim candlelight in the stone lamp swayed violently, flickering rapidly. Through the hazy mist caused by the medicinal properties, Cui Yiluo didn't know if it was an illusion, but she saw a hint of deep and fierceness in the man's eyes that she had never seen before, and a hint of resentment.
It was the first time Cui Yiluo saw him being aggressive and she was slightly stunned.
The next moment, he looked away, his calm and composed demeanor restored. His strong, yet burning, palm grasped her elbow, pulling her away and steadying her limp body.
His voice was even hoarse than before: "I'll take you home first, and then call the doctor."
Only then did Cui Yiluo feel the heat of his palm through his sleeve.
But seeing that he looked calm, just like usual, she began to waver again.
Could it be that he didn't give out the medicine at all?
But she had no other choice at the moment, so she had to pretend to nod weakly, grasping his tense arm with her fingers, and was about to be carried away by him.
"etc."
Yuan Ling suddenly interrupted from behind.
Cui Yiluo was anxious. Yuan Ling was full of sinister intentions, and she couldn't give him a chance to take advantage of her. She wanted to pretend she didn't hear anything and leave quickly, but Jiang Yunjin beside her stopped.
Her heart skipped a beat.
"Miss Cui appears to have been drugged and nearly taken away by force. Such a despicable act at the banquet deserves a thorough investigation. However, Miss Cui's condition is dire, and Yuan has military support. It would be better if I could send her back, so that you can focus on investigating this matter."
Cui Yiluo just felt it was ironic. If he wanted to conduct a thorough investigation, why didn't he arrest those people sent by Chu Ke just now?
Seeing Jiang Yunjin didn't answer, Yuan Ling smiled again and said, "Your Excellency, you won't disbelieve me, will you?"
She felt a chill in her heart. Yuan Ling was determined to hold her captive and uncover the truth about her drugging her today. However, she still had doubts about whether Jiang Yunjin had actually given her the drug. He had no feelings for her and was probably eager to get rid of her. If he really handed her over, how would she deal with Yuan Ling...
Cui Yiluo turned to look at Jiang Yunjin. Under the influence of the medicine, her movements became slow.
When she looked over, she found that Jiang Yunjin was looking at her seriously. It seemed that he was asking for her opinion, but there was an inexplicable sharpness in his eyes.
Almost the next moment, Cui Yiluo immediately grabbed his arm, put all her weight on it, and said hurriedly: "Cousin, please take me back home. I am worried about him."
Her voice was very low and her breath was disordered and chaotic, like the ambiguous whispers between lovers.
But the men present were all martial artists, and they all heard it clearly. Yuan Ling's slight smile instantly sank into a dark valley, and Wen Feng's expression became complicated.
Jiang Yunjin's expression remained unchanged, he just hummed, but the pressure around him inexplicably dissipated a little.
Cui Yiluo's heart suddenly dropped. Did he actually give her the medicine? He had also sent her back home to find a doctor to give her the antidote. Cui Yiluo was even more uncertain.
Jiang Yunjin didn't turn around to answer Yuan Ling. The candlelight cast a long shadow on the stone bricks.
His tone revealed an intimidating tone that brooked no argument. "Thank you, Lord Yuan, for your trouble. However, I, Jiang, should be the one escorting the people from the Jiang Residence. Lord Yuan is the Commander of the Yunyi Guard, personally appointed by His Majesty. He is a man of strategy and judgment. It would be safer to leave the task of uncovering the truth to Lord Yuan."
After saying that, he didn't care about Yuan Ling's reaction and took the man away.
The killing was decisive and flawless, completely cutting off Yuan Ling's room for negotiation.
Cui Yiluo, with only a shred of clarity left in her, secretly glanced at the silent man. Aside from the two fights with thieves, this was the first time she'd seen him shed his gentlemanly facade and reveal his true edge. His aura was intimidating, a testament to his young age, to his position as Minister of the Central Secretariat.
A carriage stopped at the side door. After Lilan helped Cui Yiluo into the carriage, she said she would go back and find a reason for Cui Yiluo to leave the banquet.
It is indeed against etiquette to leave the banquet without reason, and the matter of Cui Yiluo's Chinese medicine needs to be covered up.
But in the end, it was just an excuse. After all, if her personal maid wasn't around, she would have "only" to rely on Jiang Yunjin.
While she and Lilan were communicating with each other in tacit understanding, Jiang Yunjin, who was sitting on the cushion in the middle of the carriage, did not even glance at her and did not interfere in her affairs.
Lilan quickly got off the carriage and rode to Jiang Mansion on Wenfeng's horse.
The carriage started moving. Cui Yiluo's whole body was burning hot due to the effects of the medicine, as if she had been thrown into boiling water. Her breathing was heavy and disordered and could be clearly heard. She only gritted her teeth and held on with great effort to prevent the last bit of her sanity from being swallowed up.
If she returned to the Jiang Mansion, even if Jiang Yunjin gave her medicine, she would not be able to get the antidote from him.
Duke Zheng's Mansion and the Jiang Mansion were only three blocks apart, and she had to ask Jiang Yunjin to turn around before driving into the last corner.
It doesn't matter at this moment that he doesn't give her the medicine. What matters is that he must give her the antidote!
The carriage wheel just happened to pass over a piece of gravel. Cui Yiluo seized the opportunity and fell towards the man who was sitting next to her with his eyes closed and his back straight.
"cousin--"
She cried out softly.
The next moment, she fell directly into the man's arms, subconsciously hugged his neck, and was almost stunned.
At this moment, she realized that the medicine in his body had already taken effect.
Through the thin layer of skin and flesh, he had already been on fire inside, and the heat coming through almost burned her hand. Cui Yiluo's five senses were amplified by the medicine, and she was burned so much that she subconsciously trembled, and Nu Qiao screamed.
She looked confused as if she had just realized something: "Cousin, you...are you in that wine..."
All her breath hit his Adam's apple, like a spark falling into dry wood, instantly spreading a raging fire that could not be extinguished.
The veins in his neck instantly tensed up, and he closed his eyes in unbearable pain. He could no longer suppress his breathing and let out a heavy breath: "Go down."
As he spoke, he put his strong hands on her waist and tried to push her away.
Even after it has come to this, you still ask her to leave. You are really patient.
They were about to pass the first street, and at this point, it was even more impossible for Cui Yiluo to get off.
She struggled to avoid his hand, unintentionally shrinking closer to his arms, and said in a hazy voice: "Cousin, don't... don't touch me."
Suddenly, as she struggled, the man gritted his teeth and groaned.
The medicinal properties have been completely ignited, and the air in the closed carriage has turned into fire and heat, burning the rising body temperature.
Cui Yiluo sat on his legs with her long slender legs together. He was tall and her feet could not touch the ground. The hem of her light crimson skirt was entangled with the hem of his frosty brocade robe.
"Don't move!"
The man's harsh shout startled everyone again.
Cui Yiluo didn't listen to him and clung to his neck tightly. Through the mist in her eyes, she saw him unable to restrain himself from slightly raising his head, his jaw clearly tensed.
Like someone trapped in the desert long thirsty for water, she looked so helpless that she was about to cry, and she kept begging: "Cousin, please help me, please help me."
But what he got was that he pressed her body even harder, his bony fingers almost sinking into her waist, pinching her waist with such force that they turned white, as if he wanted to directly break her slender waist that could be held in one hand.
His body temperature was rising, and the hot breath he exhaled mixed with hers.
"Get down!"
He still persisted, his whole body tense, his voice seemed to be squeezed out from his thin lips.
"But cousin, I feel weak all over and feel so uncomfortable, cousin..."
Cui Yiluo moved closer, her red lips touching his already red neck, and she nudged it lightly as she spoke.
The next moment, she clearly sensed his forbearance.
Only a few small lights were lit in the carriage. In the dim candlelight, the shadows of trees swayed randomly outside the window. The carriage was about to pass the second street.
The man closed his eyes tightly, his usually clear and calm eyes were completely covered, and a thin layer of sweat seeped out of his forehead.
But she insisted on asking him to open his eyes.
She lowered one of her arms from around his neck, and with trembling fingertips she touched the side of his warm face, forcing him to turn his head.
"Cousin, look at me, look at me..."
She called out to him vaguely and softly, and Jiang Yunjin suddenly opened his eyes sharply. There was a ball of thick ink in his eyes that could not be dissolved. Under the thick ink was a hot fire that swallowed all the clarity into the hole.
Cui Yiluo leaned weakly on his shoulder, the corners of her eyes reddened, her pupils filled with moist water, her lips bitten until they were bright red. She looked at him intently, as if she only had eyes for him: "Cousin Shenzhi..."
Her waist was suddenly pinched tighter, and Cui Yiluo subconsciously cried out in pain.
But before the sound could be uttered, it was completely blocked between his lips and tongue.
The back of his neck was firmly grasped by long fingers, and he pressed down hard.
The moment their lips and tongues intertwined, the flames erupted completely, like a huge wave, making it impossible to breathe and unable to suppress it anymore.
Just before turning the corner, she heard him tell Wen Feng outside the carriage, "Go to Luoyun Lane."
Luoyun Lane is his private residence.
Cui Yiluo completely relaxed her body and was instantly swept into the fierce surge by the man without any resistance.
Wen Feng parked the carriage outside the dark house in Luoyun Lane. The house was empty, and the constant noises coming from the carriage made him feel uneasy.
The string was completely broken.
He tactfully jumped off the carriage without saying a word and walked to the big tree at the end of the alley.
A moment later, in the dark night, a thin man got off the carriage and put his arm on the woman's knees. The petite woman was completely covered by his figure, leaving only the crystal pearls on her cloud-shaped shoes visible, trembling in the dark night.
The man carried the person into the house in a hurried and chaotic manner.
It was not until he heard two bangs of a door being opened and closed in the distance that Wen Feng walked forward, locked the door, and stood guard outside the house.
-
In the brightly lit mansion of Duke Zheng, people were gathered in groups of two or three, all having a great time and drinking to their heart's content, and they didn't notice anyone leaving the banquet.
Xie Yingzhu left at this moment and hurried to the backyard.
A moment ago, she was sitting alone in a corner of the mansion. Xie Xiyun seemed to have noticed that she had become distant from her these days. The noble ladies in the capital were all shrewd people, and they also began to distance themselves from her. She came to the banquet, but not many people were willing to pay attention to her, and the wine in the jug was hardly touched.
She was feeling depressed when Cui Yiluo's maid suddenly appeared, anxiously looking for someone. She said that Master Chu wanted to talk to her daughter about something and no one was allowed to follow him. But when she left, she couldn't find anyone.
Xie Yingzhu was puzzled by this. Even if she didn't want to, she had to admit that Cui Yiluo's appearance was one of the best in the capital. If she weren't of low status and betrothed to a difficult old man like Cheng Jiancheng, there would be many young men from aristocratic families who would disobey their family orders and take her as a concubine just for her.
But all men are like that. There will always be some who will be obsessed with beauty and will do anything for it. Isn't Chu Ke one of them? Otherwise, how could he be seduced by Xie Xiyun and rolled onto the bed even though they had been engaged since childhood?
After pushing Xie Xiyun into the water, her situation was already difficult. She was a concubine's daughter, and Chu Ke was a slight step down from Xie Xiyun's status, but even more so from her perspective. She had seduced him and slept with him, risking everything, but since he was hooked on her, there was no way he could get rid of her!
The backyard was very big. Xie Yingzhu didn't expect her luck to be so good. After walking around a few corners, she ran into Chu Ke's personal attendant who was guarding the door.
The attendant was immediately horrified. He recognized her; he had always protected her when she and Chu Ke had been having an affair at the Xie Mansion. He obviously hadn't expected that it wasn't Cui Yiluo who was coming, but Xie Yingzhu. He stammered, "Xie... Second Miss Xie, why are you in the backyard when you're not playing in the front?"
Seeing his expression, Xie Yingzhu became more certain that there was no expected sound inside. Was it because the person had not arrived yet, or was it already over?
She rushed past the servants and pushed the door open.
The door was pushed open, and Chu Ke was seen leaning on a small couch inside, his posture lazy, but his expression revealed some anxiety. When he heard the door open, he looked over with excitement that he could not hide.
Seeing it was him, he looked surprised and disappointed, and his tone was hard to hide his irritation: "Why is it you?"
Xie Yingzhu walked in quickly, his eyes secretly sweeping over the gold-inlaid bronze Boshan furnace on the table, a hint of ruthlessness flashed in his eyes.
Aphrodisiac incense, well prepared indeed.
After just a few steps, Xie Yingzhu's eyes were filled with tears: "Brother Ake, don't you want to see Yingzhu?"
Although Xie Yingzhu was not as beautiful as Cui Yiluo, she was also a pretty lady, and she looked even more charming when tears filled her eyes. Chu Ke's irritability was immediately dissipated by her crying, and he just wanted to hug her in his arms and comfort her.
But considering that Cui Yiluo would be brought here later, Xie Yingzhu would have a chance at any time in the future, but if he missed tonight, he would not be able to get Cui Yiluo.
His expression, which had relaxed a little, turned cold again: "I have something else to do. Be obedient and go back to the front."
Who would have thought that Xie Yingzhu, who had always obeyed him in everything, would rebel today. She threw herself into his arms without caring about anything else and hugged him actively: "Brother Ake, Yingzhu wants to stay with you. Yingzhu hasn't seen Brother Ake for several days..."
Chu Ke was even more annoyed. The aroma in the Boshan incense burner was already pungent. He had lit the incense so that he could get things done with Cui Yiluo smoothly and to make things more interesting. He didn't expect that the person was late, and he was made uncomfortable by the fumes.
Xie Yingzhu was gentle and hugged him tightly. Chu Ke couldn't help but think of the past with her and couldn't control himself anymore.
Chu Ke had no endurance in front of the beauty. The fragrance was lingering in the air, and everything that followed went smoothly.
The tent was in turmoil, and just when Qing could no longer control herself, there was a loud bang, the door was kicked open, and a group of noble ladies and gentlemen rushed in.
-
It was not until the sky was slightly dark that the noise in the house in Luoyun Lane completely stopped.
When the sunlight that shone into the tent became brighter, Jiang Yunjin suddenly woke up from his confusion and despair.
The corners of his narrow eyes were tinged with red, and his usually cold eyes were still tinged with desire that had not yet subsided, only a few strands, but it seemed as if a drastic change had taken place.
The brocade curtains were disheveled and the bedding was scattered everywhere, indicating what had happened.
The woman nestled in his arms seemed extremely tired and was still fast asleep, her slender arms wrapped around his waist and abdominal muscles, clinging to him perfectly.
There were red marks dotted across her fair skin, and Xiyueer's touch brought him back to last night.
The drug was powerful, and he had never made a mistake before. He was usually calm and composed, but he lost control last night. He never knew he could lose control so much, and his strength could be so great that he could easily restrain her.
Thoughts return and body awareness awakens.
Jiang Yunjin closed his eyes, his Adam's apple rolled slightly in restraint. After a moment, he opened his eyes, raised his hand, and placed it on the shoulder of the person in his arms from an inch away. After a few breaths, he took it back.
His voice was still hoarse, "Miss Cui."
Cui Yiluo shrank into his arms, frowned, snorted softly, and subconsciously said: "No."
Jiang Yunjin's eyes darkened. At the end of last night, she could no longer bear it and began to resist, revealing a toughness beneath her gentle appearance, but she couldn't stop herself at all and could only let him do whatever he wanted.
He showed no mercy. It was like he had let loose a floodgate. Even though he knew from the beginning that this was the worst thing to do, he couldn't stop. Restraint and propriety were all suppressed by Chun Chao.
He shouldn't be like this. People should be treated with courtesy and not indulge in love. This has happened once and cannot happen again.
The girl in his arms, Qiao Ruan, moved again. Jiang Yunjin's forehead veins bulged. He patiently helped the person in his arms up, "Miss Cui."
Cui Yiluo opened her eyes hazily after being called several times. Her eyelids were red and swollen from crying, and there was still mist in her eyes from last night.
"cousin?"
The quilt was piled messily on her body to cover the red marks. Jiang Yunjin restrained himself and wrapped her carefully, then picked up the wrinkled robe on the ground and put it on himself. Even after doing all this, he was still not used to being honest with her.
During this interval, Cui Yiluo's eyes gradually became clear. Looking at the mess in front of her, tears rolled down her cheeks.
"Last night...cousin, you..."
Before she could finish, she was interrupted by a stiff male voice.
He said solemnly: "I will marry you."
Cui Yiluo raised her eyes, and through the misty tears, she met the man's obscure gaze.
She shook her head, tears about to fall down her cheeks, looking very pitiful: "Cousin, they came for me yesterday. The drug was put in my wine. I offered you a drink and that's why you got poisoned. Since I'm the one who implicated you, how can I use this to threaten you?"
"Now that we are married, we should go through the formalities of marriage. Don't worry, I will arrange the wedding as soon as possible."
This move was exactly what Cui Yiluo wanted. She blinked her moist eyelashes and said hesitantly, "But Cheng Jiancheng and I are getting married soon. He just sent me the wedding dress yesterday..."
Jiang Yunjin answered quickly: "I'll handle it."
His broad back blocked most of the sunlight that shone into the tent. Cui Yiluo suddenly remembered how many scratches she had left on it last night, and she was afraid that it would be impossible to see.
But at this moment, he covered himself with his robe, and his face regained its cold and calm look, restraining himself from looking at her.
It was boring. She actually preferred his out-of-control look last night when his eyes were full of love.
Cui Yiluo thought about it, and suddenly rushed forward to hug him, spread out the quilt, and rubbed her body against him.
Actually, it was all right to be polite. Wasn't it because she saw that he was so stubbornly sticking to etiquette that she dared to drug him? After what happened last night, he would definitely marry her—even if their backgrounds were so different, even if she was someone else's fiancée.
The man's body stiffened instantly when she hugged him. He stepped back subconsciously, and his hands moved at his sides, as if he wanted to push her away, but he couldn't touch her naked skin. In the end, he had no choice but to pull the quilt that had slipped down his back back to his shoulders.
The corners of her lips curled up, and she said word by word: "Yiluo believes in cousin."
Jiang Yunjin didn't answer her directly, but just said: "It's half past the hour of Mao, let's go back home first."
They left the table together last night. The effect of the medicine was so strong that they did not bring any message to the mansion. However, Cui Yiluo's maid would return to report that Cui Yiluo was taken away by him, and Lan Hui would not make a big fuss to look for her.
But after all, he didn't come home all night, so Yuli should give an explanation.
Cui Yiluo in his arms lowered her eyes, then quickly retracted them as if she had been electrocuted: "But cousin, you..."
Jiang Yunjin looked away, his tone so calm that no hidden ferocity could be seen: "Nothing, let's go."
-
It was almost noon when we returned to the Jiang residence. To conceal our whereabouts, the carriage stopped at the side door.
Seeing Cui Yiluo returning home, the guard at the side door immediately ran to inform Lan Hui.
The sunlight hit Cui Yiluo's jade-white face. She bit her lip, looking a little embarrassed: "Cousin, I'll go back to the yard first."
He grabbed my wrist.
"I'm with you."
Jiang Yunjin spoke in a calm voice, with a reassuring force.
"good."
Cui Yiluo had no intention of refusing. She kept Lilan to let Lan Hui and Old Madam Jiang know that she was taken away by Jiang Yunjin last night. The man and woman were alone and had not returned home all night. Even if nothing happened, he would have to be responsible for her, and Lan Hui would definitely stand up for her.
She held his hand in return and raised her lips to him.
Although they had clearly had the most intimate contact, Jiang Yunjin still looked very uncomfortable and pulled his hand back.
"Let's go."
The servants along the way saw them returning to the courtyard of the second house together. The eldest son, who was always so neat that not a single hair was out of place, was now wearing a slightly wrinkled robe, as if he had not changed it. The servants who noticed this felt that they had discovered a shocking secret, and they dared not say a word. They just kept silent and lowered their heads to work.
After hearing the report from the guard, Lan Hui rushed to Cui Yiluo's yard. As soon as Cui Yiluo stepped into the yard, Lan Hui rushed up.
"Yiluo, are you okay?"
Seeing Lan Hui looking so anxious as if she hadn't slept well all night, Cui Yiluo couldn't help but feel a little guilty.
She hugged Lan Hui gently, half of her face hidden on Lan Hui's shoulder, and said in a difficult voice: "Aunt, I'm fine, I'm sorry..."
Took advantage of you.
Lan Hui was relieved to see that she was only slightly pale and had some bruises under her eyes, indicating that she was indeed unharmed. She looked at her nephew, who was always steady and composed, standing beside Cui Yiluo.
"Shenzhi, what happened last night? Why did you suddenly take Yiluo away? Where did you go?"
Cui Yiluo lowered her eyes.
There was a moment of silence in the courtyard. Lan Hui frowned subconsciously when she saw the wrinkles on Jiang Yunjin's robe.
As her niece, who was known for her cleanliness, why wouldn't she change out of yesterday's clothes, unless...
Then I saw the slightly red cut on his lip, which was very obvious against his cold white skin, as if it had been bitten by someone.
In a flash, Lan Hui's expression changed suddenly.
Lan Hui broke out in a cold sweat, "Shenzhi, you and Yiluo..."
Jiang Yunjin stepped forward almost the next moment and stood in front of Cui Yiluo.
"Aunt, it was my nephew who misbehaved after drinking. It has nothing to do with my cousin. Please rest assured, I will be responsible for my cousin. I will arrange the marriage as soon as possible, and other matters will be handled properly."
Lan Hui's face turned pale instantly, and her body went limp and she was about to fall to the side. The maid quickly supported her.
Cui Yiluo looked at him in surprise, only seeing his cold and resolute profile.
He didn't mention that they were drugged, but instead used the excuse of being drunk to take all the blame on himself. Was it because the matter hadn't been fully investigated yet?
Lan Hui's hand, clutching the handkerchief, trembled as she glared at the tall man standing tall. "You... Yiluo and Cheng Jiancheng are already engaged. Shenzhi, have you ever considered Yiluo's reputation when you act like this?"
Jiang Yunjin lowered his head and bowed to Lan Hui. "This is my fault alone, and I should be held responsible. I guarantee my life to my aunt today that I will not let anyone ruin my cousin's reputation."
Cui Yiluo's heartbeat paused slightly.
Lan Hui thought silently for a long time with a gloomy face. Her nephew-in-law was the most cautious in his dealings. If it had been something else in the past, she would not have been suspicious. But he did something like that last night, and Lan Hui's heart, which had just been relieved, became heavy again.
Besides, even though Madam Jiang hadn't chosen a wife for Jiang Yunjin in the past two years, that didn't mean she had no requirements for family background. If Madam Jiang disagreed, wouldn't her niece have to suffer in silence? If Cheng Feng knew about this, wouldn't her niece's life be even more miserable?
Lan Hui's face turned even paler.
Lan Hui's expression changed several times. Jiang Yunjin seemed to see through her concerns and said solemnly, "My nephew will talk to Grandmother Chen Ming. Please rest assured, Auntie, I will definitely marry Yiluo."
Cui Yiluo stared at the stone bricks under Yuntou's shoes, but her mind was completely focused on the conversation between the two. Jiang Yunjin's promise came into her ears word by word, and her secretly clenched hands loosened slightly.
Her husband's nephew had never done anything out of line, and now that he had made promises again and again, Lan Hui's expression eased a little. Things had already happened, and the important thing was how to remedy the situation.
She secretly urged: "You hurry over now, I think you can catch up with mother-in-law in time to finish her medicine."
Jiang Yunjin bowed politely and said, "Then my nephew will go to Minghua Courtyard first."
He turned around and met Cui Yiluo's gaze behind him.
The look he gave her seemed soothing, but before Cui Yiluo could respond, he quickly left.
After Jiang Yunjin left, only she and Lan Hui were left in the yard.
Facing Lan Hui's complicated and worried eyes, Cui Yiluo suddenly stopped what she had prepared, "Aunt..."
"Yiluo, have you made up your mind?"
Cui Yiluo didn't expect Lan Hui's first sentence would be this. She was stunned for a moment and then nodded.
This was designed by her.
Lan Hui looked at her for a long moment, then suddenly sighed, "It's come to this. Let's just forget it. I hope it can be resolved smoothly."
Cui Yiluo understood what she meant, but compared to marrying Cheng Feng, marrying Jiang Yunjin in a dishonorable way was much better, even if it meant a slight loss of reputation.
Lan Hui sighed again, "Shenzhi has been strictly disciplined by his parents since he was young, and his energy has been completely focused on state affairs. I think you've seen how he treats others these days. He's not a caring person... If you suffer any injustice in the future, you must tell your aunt. The only good thing is that you're now married into the Jiang family, so your aunt will always be able to take good care of you."
Cui Yiluo responded obediently: "Yes."
In fact, she didn't care whether Jiang Yunjin cared about her or not. A wife who has feelings for her husband would be sad because her husband doesn't treat her attentively. She had no feelings for Jiang Yunjin at all. She liked his power and status. How could she be upset because of him?
"By the way, Auntie, after I left yesterday, was the situation at Duke Zheng's Mansion covered up?"
Lan Hui's smile faded slightly when she mentioned this. "There was trouble in the Duke Zheng's mansion, but no one paid attention to you and Shen Zhi."
"trouble?"
"Last night, as the banquet was about to end, someone heard some strange noises in the backyard, and everyone rushed over. Unexpectedly, it was the eldest son of the Chu family. He was accompanied by a woman, both of them disheveled..."
Lan Hui didn't say anything else, but everyone understood.
"If that woman was someone else, perhaps things wouldn't have gotten so embarrassing, but she happened to be the second daughter of the Xie family."
Cui Yiluo's face showed surprise. "Such a thing has happened... What should we do with Master Chu and Miss Xie's engagement?"
Lan Hui assumed Cui Yiluo and Xie Xiyun were close friends, so she asked a few more questions. She then patiently replied, "Last night, the elders of both the Chu and Xie families rushed to the Duke's Mansion. After this incident, the Chu family proposed that the eldest Miss Xie be the principal wife, and the second Miss Xie be the concubine."
Cui Yiluo couldn't help but reveal a hint of sarcasm on her face. "How can two sisters share the same husband? The Chu family actually made such a request?"
Lan Hui nodded in agreement. "Yes, this matter involves the two daughters of the Xie family, so naturally the Xie family will not agree. This morning, the Imperial Concubine summoned both families to the palace, and we don't know what to do at the moment. But last night, everyone was watching, and the rumors have spread. I'm afraid this matter will not end well."
Although the Xie family is not as powerful as the Chu family, General Xie is a man of strong character and will not tolerate such a humiliating request to marry two women at the same time. Furthermore, Chu Ke and Xie Yingzhu were caught in bed together, so his engagement with Xie Xiyun is likely to be broken off.
Cui Yiluo breathed a sigh of relief.
Actually, she had Chu Ke and Xie Yingzhu to thank. Their commotion had kept everyone's attention on them, so they hadn't noticed her unusual behavior. If anyone discovered that Chu Ke had drugged her, even if nothing had happened, it would inevitably lead to rumors.
Although Chu Ke and Xie Yingzhu's affairs were handled by her, Li Lan led Xie Yingzhu forward, and then led the servants of the Duke's Mansion, who in turn led everyone else...
But no matter what, whether to go or not was Xie Yingzhu's own choice. Unfortunately, Xie Yingzhu did not miss this opportunity, which led to the result of being caught in bed with her husband.
It should have been done long ago. Unfortunately, Chu Ke got away with it. He shouldn't be alive in this world.
-
After seeing Lan Hui off, Cui Yiluo immediately ordered her servants to prepare water.
The petals floating on the surface of the bathtub were blurred by water vapor, and became bright red dots, just like the red marks on a woman's snow-white skin.
Across the shimmering water, Cui Yiluo gazed thoughtfully at the finger marks on her ankle. After their first encounter last night, the drug had worn off, but it seemed it was simply due to her peculiar constitution that the drug's effects wore off as quickly as they started. It wasn't the same with Jiang Yunjin.
He dispensed the medicine slowly, but once he did, it was so strong it had a strong effect that it took two attempts to cure the disease. Later, she clutched the window pane, her vision blurring, unable to tell if it was the end of the third cycle or the beginning of the fourth.
Unable to resist the drowsiness, she fell into a deep sleep. Half asleep, she felt him wringing out his handkerchief and meticulously wiping away the stickiness. Unfortunately, she was too exhausted to open her eyes to see his expression, thus missing out on some pleasure. After the drug wore off, he must have felt mortified and embarrassed, yet he felt compelled to do so out of respect for gentlemanly ethics.
Although she was wiped clean, she still needed a careful bath. Her skeleton was almost broken, and she could only relax by soaking in warm water.
When I came out of the shower, it was already 9:00 PM. The scorching sunlight shone through the window paper onto the floral carpet.
Cui Yiluo sat by the window, while Lilan stood beside her, holding a towel and helping her twist her hair. She looked surprised and excited, and even though she lowered her voice, she couldn't hide her rising tone: "The girl has finally overcome the difficulties."
Cui Yiluo leaned back in her chair to ease the slight pain in her waist. She shook her head and said, "Even though he wants to marry her, Madam Jiang won't agree so easily. Besides, he's just being responsible and he's reluctant."
Li Lan was puzzled. "But isn't Mr. Jiang the most well-behaved? After what happened with the young lady, Jiang family rules forbid taking concubines. And with the Second Madam around, shouldn't Madam Jiang at least consider the Second Madam's face?"
Cui Yiluo thought that the most important thing was Jiang Yunjin's decision. The Jiang family had a clean reputation. Even if Old Madam Jiang disliked her, she would definitely have to give her an explanation for what happened last night. But if Old Madam Jiang insisted on making her a concubine, Jiang Yunjin would be caught between the dilemma of courtesy and filial piety, and might actually agree.
She glanced at the sky. He had just left for the old lady. More than half an hour had passed, but there was still no news.
Suddenly, a maidservant reported from outside the house: "Miss Cui, someone from the eldest master's side has arrived."
Wen Feng must have come here on Jiang Yunjin's orders. Could he be here to deliver a message? But given Jiang Yunjin's personality, he should have come in person.
Cui Yiluo thought quickly in her mind while asking Lilan to tie her hair into a simple bun.
After quickly tidying up her clothes, Cui Yiluo asked her maid to welcome Wen Feng into the main hall.
"But your cousin sent you?"
Wen Feng handed over a porcelain box the size of a rouge box. Li Lan took it and opened it. She saw that it was filled with a white, lustrous paste that gave off a faint cool scent.
Lilan subconsciously asked, "Is this ointment?"
Wen Feng was also confused: "I don't know either. The master didn't say much, just said to leave it to Miss Cui."
Lilan closed the porcelain box and looked at Cui Yiluo. After receiving the signal from her eyes, she put the box away carefully.
Cui Yiluo's lips curled up slightly. He was truly a gentleman as always, immediately sending the ointment after the person was injured. The ointment's purpose was obvious, so he hadn't told Wenfeng its purpose.
but……
"Is my cousin still in the old lady's yard?"
Wen Feng's expression quickly became awkward, and he began to stammer, "The young master is resting in Yuzhu Courtyard right now."
Since he returned to Yuzhu Courtyard, he must have reached an agreement with the old lady on the marriage. He did not send Wenfeng to inform her, obviously wanting to tell her in person.
Then why doesn't he come?
Wen Feng's words were vague, as if he was hiding something. Cui Yiluo had a feeling that there was something strange.
"Is my cousin free right now? I want to see him."
"This... Miss Cui, the young master still has official business to attend to. How about having a subordinate pass on the note?"
Cui Yiluo suddenly lowered her eyes, her eyelashes stained with crystal tears. She pinched the handkerchief to cover her lips, her whole face filled with loss and sadness: "Wenfeng, does my cousin not want to see me?"
"No!" Wen Feng hesitated, "It's just that the young master..."
Cui Yiluo raised her eyes: "What happened to my cousin?"
Wen Feng was so anxious and embarrassed that sweat broke out on his forehead. Under Cui Yiluo's nervous and helpless gaze, he told everything in a deflated manner.
"The young master was beaten by the old lady!"
Jiang Yunjin was Madam Jiang's most beloved grandson, and he had always been self-disciplined and prudent. But this time, Madam Jiang was so angry that she beat him up? Perhaps the punishment wasn't because he had done something immoral, but because he wanted to marry her.
Cui Yiluo's heart tightened.
At her insistence, Wen Feng still took her to Jixuezhai.
The door to the study was open, and a man sat upright, writing on a document. He was wearing only a loose, clean brocade robe, tied neatly so that not a single piece of clothing was visible.
From what she heard, Cui Yiluo knew that Jiang Yunjin was hit with a ruler. The ruler was made of ebony, which was the strongest wood and as thick as two palms of an adult man. The first rule of the Jiang family's rules was engraved on it as a warning to future generations.
When he was helped out after receiving the family punishment, his entire back was covered in blood, which was particularly terrifying on his frosty brocade robe. The timid servants were almost frightened to death.
But now he looked indifferent. Apart from his slightly pale face and looser clothes than usual, it was almost impossible to tell that he had just been punished by the family.
Wen Feng's voice couldn't hide his guilty conscience: "Sir, Miss Cui is here..."
Jiang Yunjin raised his eyes and glanced at Wen Feng lightly. Wen Feng hurriedly lowered his head to avoid his master's intimidating gaze. His master had ordered him not to tell anyone about his punishment, but he was trembling with fear.
"Go down first."
His voice was calm, and he didn't seem surprised.
The door creaked shut, and suddenly there were only two people left in the room.
The desk was piled with his official documents. Jiang Yunjin took her to the side of the study. When he lifted the bamboo curtain for her, Cui Yiluo looked up at him straight. After staring at each other for a moment, he turned his eyes away.
After a passionate night, when the tide receded and the sky brightened, he returned to his indifferent state.
Although the side of the study was neatly arranged, Cui Yiluo could still detect the heavier traces of life in it. This was more like his living place.
By the window stood a small table, upon which lay a white jade chessboard. The game was still unfinished, the black and white pieces gleaming in the sunlight. He was the only one in Yuzhu Courtyard, so he had to play alone. Cui Yiluo glanced past, seeing only halfway through the game, the black and white pieces evenly matched.
On the opposite side of the small desk is a screen with a landscape and bamboo pattern, which completely blocks the scene inside.
Jiang Yunjin led her around the screen, and Cui Yiluo realized that there was a small couch behind the screen with a rosewood coffee table on it. It must be where he rested when he was tired from handling official business.
The screen separated the outside world, forming an enclosed space, and even the air seemed to be condensed.
With the intention of explaining, Cui Yiluo heard him whisper: "The study is simple, please forgive me."
So I could only take her here to sit down.
Cui Yiluo shook her head: "Cousin, why are you being so distant with me?"
After last night, they were no longer the cousins they once were.
Jiang Yunjin obviously realized this as well. He pursed his lips slightly, and his expression revealed a bit of discomfort.
He picked up the teapot on the coffee table, but just before the tea was about to pour out, the back of his bony hand was suddenly grasped by the woman's soft and smooth palm.
Cui Yiluo's eyes reddened at the right moment: "Cousin, does your back still hurt?"
In fact, she could keenly sense the stagnation in his action of pouring tea just now. She had seen how strong he was in the past, which showed how ruthless the old lady was this time.
Seeing him like this, Cui Yiluo couldn't help feeling a little uneasy, and her eyes were filled with nervousness.
Jiang Yunjin looked at her and said soothingly, "Don't worry, I've already taken the medicine."
After saying this, he casually put down the teapot in his hand and withdrew his hand.
Cui Yiluo's palms relaxed, and her heart felt heavy. She had no idea how the conversation between him and the old lady went.
She was about to cry and said, "Cousin, I was the one who implicated you last night, and today you were punished by the old lady for this matter. If the old lady doesn't agree, I actually..."
Jiang Yunjin frowned slightly. "I told you, I'm also at fault in this matter. I've sent people to investigate, and it was indeed Chu Ke who drugged your wine. You didn't do it intentionally, so the fault isn't yours." He paused. "As for my grandmother, she's already agreed."
Cui Yiluo was stunned, tears welling up on her eyelashes. After a few breaths, she said slowly in disbelief, "Cousin, what you mean is..."
"I will marry you."
Finally receiving his clear answer, Cui Yiluo felt a slight sense of relief. Although the old lady disliked her and even beat Jiang Yunjin, she ultimately reluctantly agreed. She knew that marriage would be difficult, but at least now that she had gotten through this hurdle, dealing with Cheng Feng would be much easier.
As if he could see through her thoughts, he added, "Don't worry about the rest. I'll take care of it."
Cui Yiluo's eyes still held the tears that had just accumulated. She smiled with eyes that sparkled, "Yiluo, I'll follow your cousin's arrangements for everything."
He pursed his lips and his voice suddenly dropped: "Have you used the medicine?"
Cui Yiluo was stunned for a moment, then realized that the medicine he was talking about was the white ointment with a cool smell that he had asked Wenfeng to send to her just now. It was packed in a small porcelain box.
Cui Yiluo's butterfly-like eyelashes were slightly raised, and her beautiful eyes were filled with autumn water, which touched people's hearts.
"Not yet. That place... It's inconvenient for me to apply the medicine, and I'm embarrassed to ask the maid to help. Cousin, can you help me?"
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The author has something to say: I am finally in v, thank you for your support, and drop a small red envelope [scatter flowers]
The next update will be at 11pm tomorrow night. As for the chapter after that, it will be postponed to 11pm the day after tomorrow because I have to post a clip. However, the number of words will not be less. I will try to write more to compensate you guys! ! [Kiss]
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