Chapter 30: This Hate Will Never End (4) Disguise and Scheme
It’s April on earth, and all the flowers in the garden are in bloom.
The morning breeze blew by, and Meng Xuanli, wearing a Tianshui green silk skirt, stood in the corridor, her eyes fixed on the distance.
Now she has no one to rely on in Dongdu City. Her father, the only relative she can consider, is far away in Xuzhou and cannot help her at all.
So she pretended to be unconscious and had amnesia that day in order to dispel Lu Guanque's suspicion and vigilance, to be submissive, and to carefully plan her escape route.
After all, everyone around her was Lu Guanque's spies, and her clothes, hairpins, earrings, and even rouge, something only girls could afford, were all bought by Lu Guanque himself.
Apart from her heart, she was now completely "possessed" by him. Thinking of this, Meng Xuanli couldn't help but smile. She wanted to escape. The right time and place were one thing, but the right people were another.
But... these maids all came from the Duke's Mansion. She didn't know each of their specific names, where they lived, or why they came here.
At this time, the sound of arguing in the garden could be heard faintly. Meng Xuanli thought for a moment and felt that this was an opportunity, so he walked down the stairs.
Qiu He, who was beside her, glanced at her and reminded her, "It's just some trivial matters. Princess, you should go back. If the prince knew about it, he would blame me for not doing my best."
Meng Xuanli pursed her lips, smiled softly, and said in a clear voice: "I haven't been to the garden for a long time, and I'm really bored. I want to listen to the voices of people, and I will go back in a while." After that, she quietly approached the garden, hid behind the woods, and listened carefully.
"You have time to gossip but no time to move things? Hurry up, the prince has ordered that all the things in Pu Garden must be moved to the Duke's Mansion before sunset today."
"Sister, we can't understand why Chengju suddenly caught fire. Also, how long have we been in Puyuan? And we have to move back to the Duke's Mansion? The prince is really good at making things difficult for us servants."
“…”
Meng Xuanli had listened to them for a while, and ignoring Qiu He's surprise, he walked behind them and asked softly, "What are you doing here?"
Upon hearing this, everyone quickly turned around and knelt on the ground. The leader glanced at them and whispered, "May the Crown Princess be safe... We are discussing how to move these things to save time and effort."
"Thank you for your trouble. Everyone, please get up." Meng Xuanli nodded and said casually, "We've prepared some tea in the inner courtyard. You can all go have a cup and rest for a while before moving."
After hearing this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief, saluted with a smile, and dispersed.
Seeing them walk away, Qiu He held Meng Xuanli's hand and sneered, "The Crown Prince's Consort has seen and heard enough. It's time to go back to the house."
Meng Xuanli brushed her hand away and pointed curiously: "Isn't there another person over there?"
When the group was whispering, Meng Xuanli noticed the little maid huddled in the corner. She looked no more than fourteen or fifteen years old, her head lowered and silent, focused on her own work.
Meng Xuanli approached and asked with concern, "Why don't you go with them?"
The little maid looked up, bowed, and replied, "This servant is not tired yet."
Her accent didn't sound like someone from the Central Plains. Meng Xuanli noticed there was dust on her face and gently brushed it away. "What's your name?"
The little maid was stunned for a moment, then replied, "My servant Anxiang."
"Anxiang..." Meng Xuanli smiled and said, "It's really a good name."
"I see you're good-looking, nimble, and very organized." Meng Xuanli smiled. "It just so happens I'm in need of someone who's meticulous. From today on, you'll stay by my side and serve me."
"Princess, this is absolutely not allowed."
Qiu He hurried forward and glanced at An Xiang: "The people around you are all carefully selected by the prince. If this girl comes, I'm afraid the prince will be unhappy."
"Really?" Meng Xuanli turned around slowly, feigning surprise. "Then I'll go ask him."
"Shi..." Qiu He shrugged, as if she had thought of something, and then said softly, "How can you trouble the Crown Prince's wife with such a small matter? I'd better let this servant tell the Crown Prince."
Meng Xuanli knew she would say that and patted her shoulder: "Tell the nanny in charge first and ask her to arrange a new room for Anxiang."
"The prince is right there, and he can't run away? Don't you agree, Qiu He?"
Qiu He seemed a little flustered and smiled awkwardly: "The princess is right, I will go right away."
Meng Xuanli stood there, watching Qiuhe's gradually disappearing figure, his eyes dim, as if he was playing a game of chess.
#
In the evening, just as the sun was setting, the entire Duke's Mansion was stained with a layer of rosy glow, like an antique embroidered screen with beautiful gold patterns.
This courtyard is called "Tangli Residence", and its meaning is self-evident. Meng Xuanli stared at the book on the Luohan bed, but his mind was thinking about the direction of escape.
If she fled to Xuzhou, she was afraid she would endanger her family there, and she didn't want to go back. If she fled outside, where would be the best place to go? Qiantang or Jinling? But Lu Guanque was extremely powerful, and there was no guarantee that the news would leak out there...
etc.
Meng Xuanli suddenly thought of something and quickly put down the book. He raised his eyes and smiled, "Qiuhe, the prince hasn't returned at this hour. Go and ask around to see if something has happened in the palace."
"By the way, call Anxiang in and ask her to rub my shoulders."
Qiu He was indeed beaming with joy, and said cheerfully, "I'll go right away."
After a while, Anxiang walked in and gently closed the door. Meng Xuanli looked at her and thought that this girl really had a delicate heart.
"The Crown Princess summoned me here alone, presumably because she has something important to say. Now that everything is quiet, you may feel free to speak."
"You get up first." Meng Xuanli put down his book and laughed heartily. "Go get a drum stool and sit down to talk."
Seeing Anxiang's eyes so bright, Meng Xuanli saw his former self for a moment, and then smiled and said, "I heard that you just entered the Duke's Mansion last month?"
"yes."
"Where is your home?" Meng Xuanli poured a cup of tea and handed it to her.
Anxiang took it carefully and whispered, "I am from Lingnan."
"Lingnan is a mountainous region with long and arduous journeys. The journey here must have been very arduous," Meng Xuanli said, taking a sip of tea. "But if you're from Lingnan, why did you travel all the way to the Eastern Capital?"
An Xiang's expression was as calm as water as she said truthfully, "My family is poor, and we suffered a flood a few years ago. I can't even afford a decent dowry."
"To survive, I came to the Eastern Capital alone, hoping to find a job here. When my contract expires, I can save some money and return home in glory."
"It's a pity that you've suffered so much at such a young age." Meng Xuanli shook his head, understanding, and asked directly, "So, do you want to go home now?"
Anxiang raised her eyes suddenly and nodded: "But now, I can't go back..."
"Why not?" Meng Xuanli thought for a moment and said gently, "You are so smart, you will naturally understand what I mean."
Seeing her standing there in a daze, Meng Xuanli smiled and said, "Why did Chengju catch fire? Why did the prince move back here? And why can't I go out freely?"
"Anxiang, you must have had doubts in your heart for a long time." Meng Xuanli leaned against the table on the kang, supporting his chin with his hand, and looked at her dimly. "If you feel that what I said just now is abrupt, go back and think about it. When you have figured it out, come back and tell me."
After a moment, Anxiang bit her lip, placed the teacup on the table, and immediately knelt down, saying in a resounding voice, "If the Crown Prince's Consort is willing to help this slave return home, this slave is also willing to serve her."
"good."
Meng Xuanli clapped his hands and chuckled, then stood up and helped her up: "As expected of someone I like, you are indeed courageous."
She patted her shoulder and whispered, "This matter is known only to heaven and earth, you and I, and you must not tell anyone else. I will find a way to retrieve your indenture, and you, just wait for my instructions."
"I understand."
#
The night was hazy and the inner room was silent. Meng Xuanli, wearing a goose yellow gauze pajamas, lay on the bed on his side, thinking about the conversation with Anxiang in the afternoon.
She had read in "Taiping Huanyu Ji" that Lingnan was too hot, full of malaria, and had complicated road conditions, so it was not a good place to settle down.
But it is in places like this that people around Lu Guanque will not find her.
Meng Xuanli lifted the quilt. If she went to Lingnan, she would not only need to prepare enough money, but also some medicine. As for dry food and self-defense items, it would not be too late to wait until she drew a route map.
Just as she was thinking about it, she felt a heat on her back. Meng Xuanli opened her eyes wide, then slowly turned around and said softly, "Husband, why did you come back just now?"
Lu Guanque's face was calm. He tapped her cheek and looked into her eyes carefully. "What were you thinking about just now? Why were you so lost in thought?"
Meng Xuanli propped herself up, placed her hands on his shoulders, and pouting, she complained, "I wanted to sleep, but I just arrived at the Duke's Mansion and I'm a little scared..."
Seeing him so calm, Meng Xuanli's heart skipped a beat, but she maintained a confused expression: "Looking at me like that makes me even more scared."
After knowing that she had lost her memory, Lu Guanque always led her everywhere, whether in bed or under the bed. Sometimes, he even didn't want her to recover her memory. It was also very good to deceive herself like this.
But today, he heard that Meng Xuanli had found a maid to be by his side and was very happy, but now he didn't say a word about it. It seemed that he had a secret.
Lu Guanque chuckled, pulled her over and pressed her on his lap: "Tell me what you did today."
So that's why. Meng Xuanli put her arms around his neck and buried her head in his neck, revealing a jealous girlish look: "Did Qiuhe tell you?"
Lu Guanque lowered his eyes and said calmly, "Yes."
"I knew it." Meng Xuanli pretended to be angry and was about to push him.
Lu Guanque frowned and put his arm around her waist: "What's wrong? Is there something wrong?"
"Nothing." Meng Xuanli turned her head away, not looking at him, and said resentfully, "She's quite nice. She wants to tell you everything and can't wait to see you every day."
After hearing this, Lu Guanque suddenly smiled and touched her lips: "Yes, she is fine."
Meng Xuanli turned her face away from him, pretending to be angry: "She is so nice, just go and kiss her. Don't hug me, I feel very uncomfortable."
"What's wrong with you? Hmm?" Lu Guanque said with some amusement, "Ali was a little jealous when she saw her looking for me, so she found a little maid, right?"
"No, why would I be jealous?" Meng Xuanli triumphantly raised her eyebrows, avoiding his hot breath and humming, "If you want to like someone, just like them. I can't control you."
"Well, if you put it this way... I'll take her as my concubine tomorrow. What do you think?"
Meng Xuanli was stunned for a moment, and met his eyes, not knowing whether it was true or false: "Tomorrow is nothing. If you really like me, let's go tonight." After saying that, she was about to break free from his hand.
Lu Guanque grabbed her hands and placed them behind his waist. Meng Xuanli's body was out of control and she leaned forward slightly. At that moment, Lu Guanque's kiss fell heavily on her lips.
"Why can't you control me? In the whole world, you are the only one who can control me." Lu Guanque kissed her deeply, breathing heavily, "I won't take any concubines. If you don't like her, I will just send her away."
Meng Xuanli's cheeks flushed, and her eyelashes fluttered. "How can I manage you if you don't even listen to me?"
"I'll listen to you. I'll listen to you from now on." Lu Guanque put her on the bed and suddenly distanced himself from her.
Meng Xuanli's breathing was rapid, his eyes were blurred, and his lips were crystal clear. He thought he had seen through some flaw, so he turned cold.
Just as he was thinking about how to respond, Lu Guanque brought over a bowl of pear soup and said softly, "It's freshly made. Come on, drink it while it's hot."
Meng Xuanli's heart calmed down, and then he smiled: "I want you to feed me."
"Okay, I'll feed you." Lu Guanque sat on the edge of the bed and took a bite. "It's not too hot."
This bowl of pear soup looked very clear and tasted sweet but not greasy. Meng Xuanli drank it slowly and heard Lu Guanque say something cryptic, "I've made this many times before, but it's never been as sweet as this."
Meng Xuanli frowned and followed his words, "How did you do it this time?"
"First, gently peel the skin of the snow pear, then draw some well water, put it in, and boil it over a low fire."
Meng Xuanli nodded and said casually, "So simple?"
Lu Guanque smiled and continued, "During the boiling process, add some honey or rock sugar, and then gently stir the pears. If you want to drink it quickly, press the pear chunks with a spoon to break them up, letting the pear juice and honey flow out, and then fully blend them with the well water."
"Finally, the pear soup should be shiny like this. That's it."
Meng Xuanli waved her hand and said, "I'm full. I don't want to drink anymore." As she said that, she was about to find a handkerchief to wipe her mouth.
Seeing the situation, Lu Guanque put down the bowl, leaned over and kissed her lips, spilling out her juice: "So soft."
Meng Xuanli's body trembled slightly. She pushed him away, lowered her head and said softly, "Go take a shower."
"Um."
When Meng Xuanli saw him walk behind the screen, he hurriedly wiped his mouth with a handkerchief.
She lay back down on the bed, deeply worried that if she continued like this, she might get pregnant. If she took the child away, not only the child's life but her own would be in danger. And what about Jiahe? What would she do then?
Meng Xuanli shook his head. The situation was in a mess now. The most urgent thing was to find some contraceptive soup. But how could he hide it from Lu Guanque?
Just as he was thinking, Lu Guanque's hair fell down, he extinguished the candle, and got into bed in the dark: "Ali is waiting for me?"
He held her back tightly, and warm steam flowed down the back of her neck. Meng Xuanli looked into the darkness and muttered, "You're so hot."
"It's a little hot." Lu Guanque hummed, took off her pajamas, and pressed against her, "Don't bear it."
Meng Xuanli's nerves were tense, and he couldn't help but tremble. He said vaguely: "Lu Guanque, I want you to kiss me..."
After that, Lu Guanque came out and held her in his arms. Meng Xuanli had already moistened up and was not in pain. She put her arm around his shoulders, her face bright and clear: "We agreed to listen to me."
"Well, I'll listen to you." Lu Guanque hugged her and kissed her passionately, "Please."
"Please, sister."
Meng Xuanli completely softened, unaware of where she was, aware only of the riot of falling petals and a gentle breeze. Lu Guanque held her, the curtains swaying gently, billowing crimson waves...
#
At dawn the next day, Meng Xuanli's hair was drenched in sweat as she leaned against Lu Guanque, silent. She had to drink the contraceptive soup today. Otherwise, like last night, she feared she wouldn't be able to control herself in the future.
Noticing that Lu Guanque had woken up, Meng Xuanli mustered up her courage and whispered, "Husband... I dreamed of someone last night. She said I was cruel and hadn't visited her in Changsheng for a year."
"Why is that?"
When Lu Guanque heard about Changsheng Temple, he immediately woke up and said in a low voice: "It must be Ali's mother."
He nuzzled her ear. Meng Xuanli felt a little itchy. She carefully turned around and looked into his eyes: "Can I go see her today?"
"Since I woke up last time, I even forgot about my mother. If it weren't for this dream, I'm afraid my mother would be even more sad."
Seeing her like this, Lu Guanque fell silent and said softly, "I'm on vacation today. I'll go with you."
"Yeah." Meng Xuanli clung to him, his eyes fixed on the curtain, as if he had succeeded.
The sky was tinted gray through the mist. They dressed, had their meal, and then set off.
When they arrived at Changsheng Temple, Meng Xuanli looked up and saw a Taoist monk in gray sweeping the floor in front of the steps under the plaque. When he saw them coming, he nodded in greeting.
Meng Xuanli smiled and slowly walked into the temple. The candlelight in the main hall flickered. She stood aside and thought about the purpose of her visit - to lure the tiger away from the mountain, delay Lu Guanque, and let Anxiang go out to buy contraceptive pills.
Seeing that she was silent, Lu Guanque leaned over and whispered, "This is your mother's tablet."
Meng Xuanli paused for a moment, knelt on the cushion, kowtowed lightly, and said silently in her heart: Mother, if you are still in heaven, you must help your daughter escape from Dongdu safely.
Escape from Lu Guanque.
After a while, Meng Xuanli heard the sound of a wooden fish in the corner of the hall, and suddenly thought of the green mountains behind Changsheng Temple with many light bamboo leaves.
She had read in medical books before that this bamboo leaf had mild medicinal properties and could be used as a contraceptive after being boiled and taken.
She stood up gently and looked at Lu Guanque: "The scenery here is nice, can we take a look around?"
Lu Guanque said "hmm", but refused to let go of her hand. Meng Xuanli was not annoyed and let him pull, just to buy some time.
When they arrived at the back mountain, Meng Xuanli sat in the pavilion, supporting his chin and gazing quietly at the distant mountains and forests.
Lu Guanque stared at her intently and said, "You loved this mountain scenery so much in the past. Now that you're here again, do you remember anything?"
Meng Xuanli frowned, tilted his head, and feigned surprise: "I've been here before? When?"
"When calling Guanque brother."
"Oh... I can't remember."
Meng Xuanli touched her forehead and took a deep, refreshing breath. As expected, Lu Guanque had deliberately agreed to her request, constantly testing her to see if she would reveal herself.
Seeing her frown, Lu Guanque said after a moment, "The wind is picking up. Let's go back."
Meng Xuanli nodded, slowly stood up, and held Lu Guanque's arm with one hand.
The two were walking on the stone steps when suddenly, a young Taoist priest bumped into Meng Xuanli's shoulder. She was about to speak when she noticed a piece of paper in the palm of her left hand.
"Are your eyes behind the back?" Lu Guanque put his arm around Meng Xuanli's shoulders and scolded him coldly.
The young Taoist priest looked very guilty and kept saying, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, is Madam okay?"
Meng Xuanli smiled slightly and shook his head: "It's just a small matter, little Taoist priest, don't worry about it."
Seeing that Lu Guanque was about to say something, Meng Xuanli hurriedly said softly, "Husband, my feet are a little tired. Can you carry me down the mountain?"
Lu Guanque was indeed getting better. He said "hmm" and picked up Meng Xuanli without saying anything else.
Along the way, Lu Guanque held her tightly. Meng Xuanli's palms were sweating, and she was afraid that the note would get wet, otherwise she would not know who wrote it.
It was not until he returned home that Meng Xuanli opened his palm. Just as he was about to look, he heard hurried footsteps in the corridor.
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