Chapter 62: Moving like a ginseng (4) Tongtong baby. ...
There's no such thing as resurrection. Lu Guanque was certain he'd drunk poison and fallen into a coma, and he was also certain Su He wouldn't let him live. But now it seemed someone had tampered with the medicine.
As for who it is, the person in front of me is the answer.
Lu Guanque was sitting on a chair, his hands hung with iron chains and his feet locked with shackles and splints. He could hardly move his whole body, otherwise he would feel piercing pain.
He frowned slightly, avoided Zheng Wanruo's fiery gaze, and began to think about how to escape from here.
Zheng Wanruo felt a strange tightening in her heart when she saw him bow his head. After hearing those words in the Puyuan study, she had gone to great lengths to lock Lu Guanque there, intending to wait for him to wake up and then elope with him. But now, even though he was awake, she felt a little hesitant.
Why didn't he react at all?
Shouldn't he thank her? Thank her for saving him?
Lu Guanque's face was pale, almost like a dead person. The faint light and shadow cut through his profile, making him look very cold.
Zheng Wanruo bit the inside of her lip and took off her cloak, revealing a jacket and skirt identical to Meng Xuanli's. She stood there quietly, "Aren't you surprised that you're awake?"
Lu Guanque noticed her approaching and looked up. Seeing her skirt, his expression suddenly turned cold, and he almost wanted to kill her. Such a blatant provocation must have other purposes.
He gritted his teeth, his voice filled with anger: "No matter how much you imitate her, you are still not her."
Zheng Wanruo wasn't annoyed at all. Instead, she walked forward, picked up a chair, and looked him straight in the face. "Imitation? That would only be considered imitation if she were still alive."
"Lu Guanque, you might not know this yet. Meng Xuanli is dead. Her death was extremely tragic."
Zheng Wanruo raised her hand, hooked a strand of hair, and said leisurely: "I know you don't believe it, but it's spread like this outside. They also say that the person who killed her is called... Su He."
"Oh, by the way, even your uncle De accidentally died while trying to protect her."
Zheng Wanruo sighed softly and pretended to feel pity: "They are all pitiful people."
Lu Guanque didn't believe it at first, but after hearing Uncle De's name, he began to waver.
He had once asked Uncle De to help Meng Xuanli in secret, without anyone knowing. Now Zheng Wanruo knew about it...
There is only one thing, that is, Ali was really killed by Su He.
Thinking of this, Lu Guanque's nose felt sore. This was the word he least wanted to hear, or rather, it was like a heartache to him.
But what he understood more clearly was that what he saw was not necessarily the truth, and what he heard was not necessarily the reality. He had to go out and see Ali's body before he could determine whether she was alive or dead.
She's not dead, he told himself.
Lu Guanque raised his eyes, his gaze penetrating: "Zheng Wanruo, why did you trap me here?" He knew the reason, but not the result.
Zheng Wanruo clapped her hands and said softly, "Why? Because I can't bear to see you die... just like you can't bear to see her die."
Lu Guanque frowned and continued to wait for her to reveal a flaw.
Zheng Wanruo turned her head away, as if lost in memories, with a thin glint of water in her eyes: "That day at Puyuan, I heard what you and Su He said."
"I heard you agree to his ridiculous conditions. I also heard you... you were willing to exchange your life for hers."
When she got emotional, tears fell silently: "For her, you fooled me again and again, and even in the end, you let me be your cover..."
"Lu Guanque, why? Why can't you see me? We knew each other first."
Lu Guanque's hands were chained, and he felt a stinging pain in his wrists and a sense of powerlessness. He said sharply, "Want to know why? Untie this, and I'll tell you."
Zheng Wanruo laughed, wiped her tears, and her expression returned to its strange state: "I can untie it for you, but... you have to agree to my request."
Lu Guanque would not agree: "What request?"
Zheng Wanruo suddenly stood up, leaned close to him, and said softly: "Look, now all those who were hindering us are dead, and we can be together forever."
"I want you to promise me that you will never leave me." Zheng Wanruo narrowed her eyes, stared at him, and forced him to tell her the answer in her heart.
There was a deep look in Lu Guanque's eyes. He did not refute, nor did he show any anger.
He met Zheng Wanruo's eyes and spoke with varying emphasis: "Okay, I promise you."
"But you have to be more like her." Changing attitude suddenly would definitely arouse Zheng Wanruo's suspicion. He deliberately mentioned imitation in order to make her convinced of his words.
Zheng Wanruo was stunned for a moment, then smiled and confirmed, "Really? Say it again? You really...will never leave me? Lu Guanque, tell me quickly, quickly!"
Lu Guanque smiled faintly, his expression calm: "I will never leave you, but you must be like her." Don't even think about it. He cursed inwardly.
"That's nothing. Look at what I'm wearing today." Zheng Wanruo looked delighted and turned around to show off her skirt. "Does it look like her?"
Lu Guanque said calmly: "The hair is not the same, but everything else is the same." Like a fool.
Zheng Wanruo touched her hair and found it was covered with pearls and jade. She smiled awkwardly and whispered, "Then you should have a good rest first. I... I will come to see you in a few days. By then, you will look more like her."
Lu Guanque ignored her. He looked at her back, his eyes cold. He knew he was now a prey, and he couldn't escape by force.
Enraging her would not only make the situation worse, but might even implicate Ali.
He had to get her to let her guard down.
Seeing that Lu Guanque believed Meng Xuanli was dead and promised her that he would never leave, Zheng Wanruo left the cellar contentedly.
The iron gate was locked, and a heavy and thick iron chain bound Lu Guanque's wrist. He tried to move his arm, but found that he couldn't even loosen it.
Lu Guanque gritted his teeth and used all his strength to try to break free, but the iron chain was like a mountain, motionless. He took a deep breath and began to observe the structure, size, and thickness of the iron door.
After a long time, Lu Guanque relaxed his body, looking at the moonlight coming through the window, his mind filled with Meng Xuanlidu's face and voice.
"Lu Guanque, I love you."
"Lu Guanque, don't leave me."
"Lu Guanque, it's me who doesn't want you."
…
Lu Guanque had always believed that as long as he died, she could live, even though she hated him. However, he was not dead now, and she didn't know whether to live or die.
Lu Guanque frowned, feeling sorry for her feelings for him. A lingering pain lingered in his heart, and he muttered silently, "Ali, you must still be alive, right?"
"When I get out, I will find you and never push you away again."
"OK?"
#
The twelfth lunar month is coming to an end, and the festive atmosphere is getting stronger and stronger. Although Lingnan does not have wind and snow like the Eastern Capital, the damp and cold air really makes people more annoyed.
As Meng Xuanli's age grew, her movements became increasingly inconvenient. These days, she either stayed indoors or basked in the sun on the porch.
After Liu Lian had taken care of his mother's funeral, he often came to visit her. His reasons were always different, like needing help with some heavy chores around the house, or making a delicious soup that he wanted to bring to Meng Xuanli.
Gradually, he became familiar with them. Meng Xuanli was no longer as distant towards him as before. She could see that Liu Lian had a good character and was a down-to-earth and kind scholar.
On New Year's Eve, Liu Lian came early and helped Fuyao to paste up Spring Festival couplets, hang up peach charms, and clean the yard inside and out.
In the afternoon, the sun was warm, and Meng Xuanli was sitting under the porch reading a book. When Liu Lian saw this, he also moved a small stool and sat not far away. Although he held a book in his hand, his eyes fell on her face from time to time.
Liu Lian knew about Meng Xuanli's past and the origin of the child in her womb, but he still couldn't control his heart.
Maybe, he liked her the first time he saw her, he thought.
Liu Lian sighed unconsciously while lost in thought. Meng Xuanli noticed he was being watched but didn't look up. "If Young Master Liu passes the imperial examinations in the future, he will surely be a good official who advocates for the people."
Her voice was calm and approving.
Liu Lian came back to his senses, his face flushed, and he immediately smiled and said vaguely: "Madam Meng, you are too kind. The matter of fame and honor has not yet been determined."
He bit his lip, hesitated for a moment, then looked at her boldly, very nervous: "Actually... if I could find someone who understands me and live a simple life with them... it wouldn't be a bad thing."
Meng Xuanli paused for a moment, then slowly raised his head and looked at Liu Lian. His cheeks were slightly flushed, his eyes were clear, and he looked both young and sincere.
Meng Xuanli was silent for a moment, then said gently, "Mr. Liu, you are a good person. You will definitely meet a good girl who truly loves you in the future."
"But that person won't be me," she emphasized.
Liu Lian's smile was like grains of rice, stuck to his face, motionless.
Meng Xuanli noticed his disappointment and paused for a moment before returning his gaze to the book. "Mr. Liu, you deserve someone better. Don't waste your thoughts on me."
"After leaving Dongdu, I stopped thinking about these things. Sorry."
Even so, Liu Lian still had some hope. He spoke with difficulty, "Madam Meng, why do you have to be so decisive? There's still a long time to go, and nothing is certain."
Meng Xuanli didn't look up, nor did he respond.
Liu Lian looked at her for a long time, then stood up silently and said with a bow, "My words just now may have been a little abrupt, but they were all from the heart. I hope Madam Meng will not blame me."
"Madam Meng, please take care of yourself. I...I'll take my leave now."
He turned around and took a few steps. Then, as if thinking of something, he turned back and said loudly, "I will show Madam Meng with my actions."
Hearing his receding footsteps, Meng Xuanli looked up and smiled, his gaze distant and calm.
She knew Liu Lian's intentions and was grateful for his help during this period, but she knew in her heart that some people could not be replaced, and some roads could only be walked alone.
Her heart had long been silent. Now, she only wanted to protect this child and Fuyao and live a good life in Lingnan.
She didn't want to think about anything else, nor did she dare to think about it.
#
At the same time, heavy snow fell in Dongdu, and the cellar of Zheng Mansion was colder than usual.
Zheng Wanruo brought the food box and wine. Her eyes were bright. She fiddled with the dishes and chopsticks while chattering about the excitement outside.
Lu Guanque sat on the chair, but the chain on his left hand was still attached. He glanced calmly at her sleeves, where a bunch of brass keys were hidden, perhaps the keys to the iron door.
Lu Guanque had a blank expression on his face, his brows lowered, and he suddenly spoke: "...Another year has passed." His voice was hoarse and sounded a little fragile.
Zheng Wanruo paused, looked up at him, a little dazed. "Many years ago, it was also a snowy day. I accidentally broke the Queen Mother's jade ring. You saved me. Do you remember?"
Lu Guanque's tone was vague, and he just said "hmm". In fact, he had no recollection of it at all, but now, he could only pretend to be polite.
Zheng Wanruo's eyes lit up. Although his voice was not loud, she heard it.
She tilted her head slightly to meet his eyes, feeling a little moved: "I thought you didn't remember anything, I thought you never noticed me, but...it turns out you remember."
Lu Guanque's eyes flickered, and he smiled, replying, "Yes, I remember everything."
Zheng Wanruo pursed her lips, her joy overcoming her rationality, and she couldn't wait to ask, "Am I like her today?"
Lu Guanque put down his wine glass, paused, and said with an ambiguous tone: "It looks like it, most like it today. I hope...it will be this similar in the future."
Zheng Wanruo pursed her lips, her cheeks flushed, and looked at him tentatively: "You promised me before that you would not separate from me, is that true? You won't lie to me, right?"
"We won't break up. I didn't lie to you." Lu Guanque said bluntly, "But if we keep going like this, it doesn't seem to be working."
Zheng Wanruo nodded in agreement. "I've thought about this a long time ago. Let's put all this behind us. You're no longer the Duke, and I'm no longer the Miss Zheng."
"Let's go to a place where no one knows us and live a peaceful life. Okay?"
Lu Guanque looked at her fiery eyes and realized the time had come. He replied indifferently, "Okay."
"It's just that..." He changed the subject, revealing a worried look, "If General Zheng knew about this, it might not be appropriate..."
Zheng Wanruo burst into tears of joy, shook her head, and said firmly, "No. I'm the only one at home now. My father has returned to his hometown to worship his ancestors. He probably won't be back until March next year."
"Oh, really?" Lu Guanque's eyes moved down to the wine glass, "But how do we get out?"
Seeing him thinking so much about the future, Zheng Wanruo thought that he was sincere.
She sniffed and whispered, "This cellar is abandoned. Few people know about it. The exit is behind the wardrobe, very hidden."
"There are very few people in the mansion right now, and some are staying up all night drinking in the front yard. When the time comes, we'll go along..."
Lu Guanque listened attentively, taking note of every word she said.
After a long moment, he looked at Zheng Wanruo with a gentle gaze, and said thoughtfully, "Tomorrow morning, there will be a lot of people coming and going in the mansion, so it's an opportunity."
"Go back first and prepare some money and clothes. Then... we'll leave."
Zheng Wanruo nodded repeatedly, suddenly stood up and was about to hug him.
Lu Guanque smiled and refused: "Wanruo, I told you that you can't get too close to me, otherwise you won't be like her anymore."
Zheng Wanruo's hand hovered in the air, then retracted. She knew that Lu Guanque was thinking about their future, so his daily life and diet were taken care of by the servants during this period.
"Okay, okay, I'll listen to you. As long as you don't leave me, I won't get too close to you. I'm very obedient."
Lu Guanque had iron shackles on his feet. He deliberately moved and said, "Wanruo, turn around. I want to see your hair."
Zheng Wanruo turned around as she was told, and almost at the same time, Lu Guanque accidentally tripped her, causing her to fall forward suddenly. Her sleeves fluttered in the wind, and Lu Guanque quickly stretched out his right hand and stole the key without anyone noticing.
With a loud bang, Zheng Wanruo fell to the ground. She had her back to Lu Guanque and could not see his face clearly.
The two were far apart. Lu Guanque's voice was gentle, but his eyes were cold: "Why did you fall?"
Zheng Wanruo's cheeks flushed, and she stumbled to her feet, feeling a little embarrassed: "I accidentally tripped over my skirt..."
She bit her lip, not wanting Lu Guanque to see her like this, so she simply turned her back to him: "I'll go back first, I'll come... to see you tomorrow."
"Okay, don't sleep too late." Lu Guanque held the key and reminded her with a forced smile.
The sound of the iron door being locked was heard, and the cellar fell into silence again.
Lu Guanque took off all his disguises, took a deep breath, and very slowly, used a long-whetted wire to grope for the position of the lock core.
Time passed silently, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.
"Click." With a sound, the iron chain on the left wrist opened.
The heavy chains slid to the ground, feeling heavy. Lu Guanque stretched his wrists and then opened the shackles. The numbness and tingling made him almost unable to stand.
Lu Guanque held onto the stone wall and stumbled to the door, using the stolen key to probe the iron door's lock. Perhaps because he was too eager, he took longer to search this time.
When he opened the iron door, the cold air outside rushed in, which refreshed him.
Lu Guanque slipped out of the cellar silently like a cat in the dark night, followed the route Zheng Wanruo said, avoided the guards, hid his body, and completely disappeared in the Zheng Mansion.
It was cold outside, and by the time Zheng Wanruo finished packing, it was already dawn. She lay on her side in bed with her eyes closed, too excited and agitated to fall asleep.
It was not until the sound of the night watchman's drum was heard outside that Zheng Wanruo quietly got up. After washing up, she carefully went to the backyard.
However, when she saw that the door was ajar, her heart sank. She rushed to the closet and found that the cellar was empty.
He lied to her.
He had been lying to her from beginning to end.
That so-called response and that gentle attitude were all fake.
"ah--!!!"
Zheng Wanruo stared at the chains on the ground and screamed. Her voice was shrill and filled with overwhelming hatred.
She would never let him go.
#
It was April and Lingnan was beginning to get hot and humid. Meng Xuanli lay in bed late at night, unable to sleep.
She stood up to pour tea, but saw Fuyao rushing over and opening the door: "Madam, did you hear the sound?"
Their courtyard was in the west of the town, relatively secluded, but Meng Xuanli heard cries and the sound of horse hooves: "Is it bandits causing trouble?"
"I'll go out and take a look later." Fuyao walked forward and raised her hand to pour her some water.
Meng Xuanli was nearing her due date and felt heavy. She was uneasy after hearing about this unexpected change. Just as she was about to take the tea, she felt a sharp pain in her abdomen.
The tea bowl fell to the ground, and porcelain pieces scattered everywhere.
"Madam, what's wrong with you?" Fu Yao saw that Meng Xuanli's face was pale, her brows were furrowed, and her breathing was rapid.
Meng Xuanli gritted her teeth, lowered her head and panted: "I'm afraid I'm about to give birth... Go find the doctor and the midwife, go quickly..." The pain in her contractions was beyond her expectations, and she subconsciously grabbed the corner of the table, trying her best not to fall down.
The cries outside the house were getting closer and closer, as if they were right next door. Going out at this moment would be like walking into a sea of swords and sabers, but she didn't care about that in such a critical situation.
Fuyao forced herself to remain calm and comforted her, "My lady, please hold on. I will definitely call the doctor and the midwife." After that, she helped Meng Xuanli to the bed and left her with a hidden arrow.
In just a moment, Fuyao hurried away, and only Meng Xuanli was left in the room.
The dim light of the oil lamp illuminated her profile, making her look rather miserable. Her sweat was dripping down, soaking her hair and clothes.
His ears were filled with cries and wails. Due to the strong impact, Meng Xuanli lay on the bed, fighting inside and out, as if walking on the edge of a cliff and could fall into the abyss at any time.
Are she and her child going to die here?
Tears welled up in her eyes, and her consciousness gradually faded. In her blur, she seemed to see the snow in Xuzhou, the streets of Dongdu, and the figure who had left her behind...
The wind was blowing rapidly, and Meng Xuanli's heart became heavier and heavier. She opened her mouth, but there was only pain and sobbing.
With a "bang", the gate of the courtyard was knocked open.
Almost at the same time, weapons clashed and the sound of fierce fighting was heard in the yard.
Meng Xuanli's heart was in his throat, but soon the sounds of fighting stopped and the footsteps became clearer and clearer.
Meng Xuanli knew it was a bandit. She struggled to hold onto her hidden arrow, biting her lip to keep from making any sound. As soon as the man pushed open the door, she would shoot him dead with one arrow.
Time passed like water, the door did not open as expected, and the bandits did not come in as expected.
Meng Xuanli loosened her teeth and couldn't help but breathe heavily. The air hit her face. Doubts flashed through her mind, and she felt that the other party was still lying in ambush.
Meng Xuanli closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and decided to continue to fight with the opponent.
Sweat streamed down her neck. She seemed to hear the door bolt being gently inserted and something being dragged over.
Then, the footsteps moved away, as if they were staying in the courtyard.
Meng Xuanli's grip loosened slightly, and waves of excruciating pain washed over her like a surging sea, leaving her no time to ponder who it was. The silent guardian outside the door, like the moonlight tonight, brought her much comfort.
I don't know how long it took, but outside the yard came the sound of hurried footsteps and shouts: "Madam, Madam, we are back."
The heavy object against the door was removed, and Fuyao rushed in with several sweaty midwives and a frightened old doctor.
"Hurry and prepare hot water and clean cloths," one of the midwives instructed as she drew the curtains shut. "Don't worry, Madam Meng. We are all experienced."
Fuyao was still in shock and spoke incoherently: "Yes, I'll go right away."
Under the guidance of the midwife, Meng Xuanli moved her eyelids slightly and used all her strength.
Tears, sweat, and blood mixed together. She looked at the window through the curtain. There was no one there, but she knew that it was that person who saved her.
Finally, when the sky was getting light, a childish cry made everyone breathe a sigh of relief.
"It's a girl, Madam Meng!" several midwives shouted happily. Meng Xuanli was exhausted, and she forced her eyelids to hold open, looking blurryly: "...Thank you, madams... In the future, I will definitely..." Before she could finish her words, she fell asleep due to fatigue.
In the evening, when Meng Xuanli woke up, Fuyao came over and put a soft pillow under her. Then she waved to the outside and the midwife brought the child in.
Meng Xuanli's throat was choked with emotion. When she saw the wrinkled little face, she felt a mixture of emotions. She sniffed and said in a weak voice, "Let me hold you."
"The girl and the lady look very similar, especially their eyes." Fuyao sat on the edge of the bed, her eyes full of joy.
Meng Xuanli gently kissed her forehead and thought for a moment: "It's April now, and the baby was born in the early morning..." She looked at Fuyao: "The child's name is Meng Qinghe, and his nickname is Tongtong. What do you think?"
Fuyao nodded vigorously and said with a smile: "Tongtong, Tongtong, I guess our girl has a lively personality."
Meng Xuanli pursed her lips: "That's not necessarily true." Her eyes traced Tongtong's face and found that the child's chin and lips were a bit similar to that person's.
Meng Xuanli kissed the child again, raised his eyes and winked. Fuyao's smile did not stop. She stood up, paid the consultation fee, and sent the doctor and midwife away with many thanks.
When she came back, Fuyao remembered what happened last night and hurried in, whispering to Meng Xuanli, "Madam, the officials have dealt with the bodies in the yard."
Meng Xuanli's hand paused, and she didn't respond. She thought of her panic at that time, and inexplicably felt a sense of fear: "Now, is it safe outside?"
"When the government officials came, I overheard them saying that the bandits didn't dare to kill anyone and only robbed a few families of their money. Unfortunately, the ones who came to our yard were killed."
"They deserve it." Fu Yao pursed her lips.
Meng Xuanli looked at the child, feeling a complex emotion. She sighed, "So, that person last night must have been someone who saw injustice and came to the rescue."
"As for who it is, we don't know. But I guess it's someone from the underworld."
Fuyao's eyes lit up and she nodded repeatedly, "My lady, your guess is correct. I observed them quietly and found that the wounds of those people were basically fatal."
"The person who took action must be someone from the underworld." Fuyao emphasized.
Meng Xuanli remained silent and said nothing.
Fuyao suddenly thought of something and stood up with a "thump": "My wife's medicine is still simmering on the fire. I have to go and take a look." After that, she ran out in a hurry.
Meng Xuanli's palms were warm, his gaze fell on the child's face, and he murmured, "Tongtong, do you think that person is not dead?"
-----------------------
The author has something to say: Welcome baby Tongtong!
The next chapter opens Volume 4.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
