Chapter 35 Zhan Xingzhuo moves back to the main courtyard
Qingling's hands were very cold.
But when Zhan Xingzhuo held her in his palm, she felt as if she were wrapped in a wet, icy towel—cold and suffocating.
How could he have changed so drastically overnight, from that furious and gloomy man?
Qingling knew that once Rong Mama took over the affairs of the mansion, she would soon be able to detect the problem, and she would report back to the Grand Princess Deyang.
My aunt came here today probably because the Grand Princess sent someone to persuade her.
Did the Grand Princess also give Zhan Xingzhuo a warning, forcing him to come back and make amends with her?
But that doesn't seem right.
If Zhan Xingzhuo were obedient, he wouldn't still be at odds with the Duke's Mansion.
Qingling looked at the man with suspicion and tried to pull her hand back.
But Zhan Xingzhuo simply gripped her hand tighter, pulled her into his arms, and said gently, "Why are you looking at me like that?"
“We’ve never argued for so long before… I thought about it all night. Maybe it was because I was too focused on Zhi Ning and neglected your feelings, which broke your heart and made you say you wanted a divorce. It won’t happen again.”
"Qingling, let's make up, okay? Hmm?"
Yao Qingling pursed her lips, unable to nod in response.
That evening, Zhan Xingzhuo moved back from the outer study.
Qingling lay on the same bed with him, her whole body tense.
If his attitude were still as rude and harsh as yesterday, she could still kick him out; but since he bowed his head, admitted his mistake, and begged for reconciliation, she could no longer make a scene.
She was labeled as "unfaithful to her husband," which not only didn't benefit her, but also earned her the bad reputation of a wicked woman.
Zhan Xingzhuo's hand reached over and slipped inside her clothes. He noticed her tension, looked up at her, and chuckled gently, "Haven't slept together in a while, are you nervous?"
Yao Qingling was always shy and not very open in bed.
However, Zhan Xingzhuo didn't care about this.
In the darkness, his face was cold, his eyes were clear and devoid of desire.
He was simply doing something to please women, to repair his marital relationship in the fastest way possible.
During this period, the imperial court was debating how to judge the case of the General Zhennan killing surrendered soldiers. A heavy sentence would not satisfy the people and might cause chaos among the troops on the southern border; a lenient sentence would be disrespectful to the emperor's authority and would not satisfy the people.
The stalemate has lasted for a long time.
The appearance of that nursery rhyme gave the Censorate a new excuse.
Zhan Xingzhu was severely reprimanded by the Censorate, who accused him of protecting the remnants of the rebellion, abusing his wife for their sake, and turning against the Heavenly Gang!
Zhou Zhining went from being the daughter of a disgraced official to a remnant of a criminal!
Officials advocating for a lenient sentence argued that General Zhennan had rendered meritorious service to the country and should not be severely punished; even in such a serious corruption case, leniency was still shown.
These officials have been relentlessly pursuing the corruption case. To put it bluntly, it's a factional struggle.
However, Zhan Xingzhuo became the target of public criticism because he favored Zhou Zhining.
The corruption case, which was gradually subsiding, has become serious again due to the claim that the perpetrators are remnants of the crime.
After the court session, Minister Zhang spoke with Zhan Xingzhuo, and his attitude became cold.
Zhan Xingzhuo must be promoted to Vice Minister.
Only after being promoted can he wield more power, gain credibility, protect Zhou Zhining, and even... overturn the Zhou family's case.
But with the rise of that nursery rhyme, his goal was pushed further away.
He now has to keep Yao Qingling calm and make people see that he has not mistreated his wife and that he treats her very well... He has always been very good to Yao Qingling.
The man's gaze deepened as he stared directly at Yao Qingling, his eyes seemingly filled with anger and lust, and his kneading became heavier.
Yao Qingling held his hand, but he was too strong for her to push him away.
The face hovering above her was very blurry, but she sensed that Zhan Xingzhuo was not right.
"Ugh, it hurts—" Qingling whimpered, scratching a line on the back of his hand with her fingernails.
Zhan Xingzhuo regained consciousness and loosened his grip. Yao Qingling quickly pulled his hand out of his clothes.
She was breathing heavily, and rolled herself up in the blanket and moved to the side.
Zhan Xingzhuo lay down, his complexion returning to normal.
He pulled Qingling close, like a gentle and considerate man, and kissed her hair: "I'm sorry, I hurt you."
Qingling pursed her lips and remained silent for a long time before asking him, "What's wrong?"
She wanted to know the reason for the man's change, not to care about his emotions.
Zhan Xingzhuo frowned slightly and glanced at her.
She could sense his emotional changes.
Yes, Yao Qingling always put him first, and she could sense any unhappiness he might have.
But there are some things he can't tell her; even if she loves him very much, he won't share his thoughts with her.
Zhan Xingzhuo felt that when Yao Qingling asked, "What's wrong with you?", it meant that they had made up.
See, she still cares about him.
"It's nothing, just some work to worry about. Go to sleep." The man kissed her forehead again, then closed his eyes and fell asleep.
Qingling waited until his breathing became steady before pushing his hand away and stepping out of his embrace.
She was no longer used to having someone lying next to her, and it took her a long time to fall asleep.
Before going to sleep, she vaguely thought that Zhan Xingzhuo had lied to her again.
She should try to find out what's going on in the court.
Taoye woke Qingling in the morning, but Zhan Xingzhuo was no longer in the room.
Two maids came in to make the bed and help Qingling dress and do her hair.
Tao Ye carefully checked the bedding and, seeing no stains, breathed a sigh of relief.
She worried all night.
At the door, a maidservant came to urge, "Young Madam, Second Master is waiting in the flower hall to have breakfast together."
Second Master?
Yao Qingling began to take this title seriously.
In the past, servants, guests, and friends would call him Second Young Master or Second Young Master. The term "Second Master" has only recently come into use.
"Young master" or "young master" are terms of address for young men, implying a strong family background; "master" is a respectful title for a mature man with a certain level of control, conveying a sense of power.
Even after leaving the Duke's mansion, he can still navigate the world on his own and take responsibility for his own affairs.
Zhan Xingzhuo seemed to be intentionally showing off his control and power.
Yao Qingling paused slightly, pondering something.
Tao Ye glanced at the doorway and muttered, "So annoying... Miss, are you really going to Yongning Temple with the young master?"
They say they're praying for blessings, but it's uncertain who they're actually praying for.
Yongning Temple is far away, and a round trip would take most of the day. In addition, there's the time spent kneeling to pray and listening to the monks preach, so it takes more than a full day to go.
Miss is pregnant, and she must be very tired from sitting in the carriage for so long. Tao Ye is very worried.
"I've padded the carriage very softly; I hope everything will be alright." Tao Ye clasped her hands together and glanced at Qing Ling with concern.
Qingling touched her stomach, feeling exhausted just thinking about it. But Zhan Xingzhuo was adamant; if she didn't want to give herself away, she couldn't refuse too much.
"Everything will be alright."
After having breakfast, Zhan Xingzhuo and Yao Qingling went out together.
Minglu, leading his horse, waited at the door. When he saw the man come out, he stepped forward respectfully and said, "Sir, everything is ready."
Qing Ling turned her head and gave Zhan Xingzhuo a long look.
He nodded and hummed in agreement.
The servant carried down the horse stool, and Qingling stepped onto the horse stool to get into the carriage.
Zhan Xingzhuo supported her and gently instructed, "Madam, please slow down."
The neighboring houses were all official residences, and the servants coming and going all saw how the second young master of the Duke's mansion took good care of his wife.
There was no abuse of the wife; the young mistress just looked thinner, but had no injuries.
Unlike Zhou Zhining, who always tries to hide herself when she comes, with the wind lifting a corner of her veil and her face swollen like a steamed bun.
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