Chapter 36 Torrential Rain "Did you sleep well?"
Zhu Qing was stunned, staring at Feng Huaihe's smiling handsome face, she could hardly believe what she had just heard.
"you……"
Feng Huaihe moved the hand that had been lifting her chin back, and like pinching a cat, gently tightened his grip on the back of Zhu Qing's neck, pushing her toward the bed without uttering a word.
“Your mother has just been buried, shouldn’t you be observing mourning and abstaining from meat for three years? How can you do this to her departed soul, ah…”
Zhu Qing was pushed in the lower back, and her body lurched forward uncontrollably, falling face-first onto the soft couch.
Before he could get up, Feng Huaihe pressed down on him from behind. His body still carried the chill of the night, but his breath on his ear was so hot it tickled his ear canal: "I didn't say I was going to do anything to you, so why are you even saying sorry to the dead?"
As soon as he finished speaking, his slender fingers reached Zhu Qing's waist, hooked her belt, and pulled it away.
She glanced sideways in alarm, only to see Feng Huaihe's eyes filled with lust. Before she could see his face clearly, he reached out and turned her face back, as if he didn't want her to see him.
"Have you read all the storybooks I showed you?" His voice, as calm as ever, came from behind me.
Zhu Qing gasped, "I...I only saw a little bit..."
"Having only seen a little bit, that doesn't seem enough."
Feng Huaihe said gently, "After all, you've seen too little and know too little. Even if you observe mourning and abstain from meat, you might not be able to endure it."
After saying that, he lifted Zhu Qing by the waist and flipped him over, turning him face to face.
Feng Huaihe's hands were always used to write official documents.
Now he uses his hands to do other things. As Zhu Qing watched, she thought inappropriately, "Intelligent people are different; they can make people cry out in despair with such ease."
Zhu Qing, who had been wailing and screaming, could no longer utter a sound. Exhausted, she fell asleep, and her last thought before losing consciousness was that she had truly misjudged the situation and underestimated Feng Huaihe's abilities. This was beyond what she could simply accept by gritting her teeth...
Rather, it's the range of things she can't accept even if she cries a liter of tears.
After I fell into a deep sleep, I felt that the whole world became quiet, beautiful, and colorful.
Zhu Qing had never been so happy since she fainted. It felt like spring was in full bloom, she had faith in her heart, hope for the future, and everything was going well!
But her hope was quickly shattered. Just as dawn was breaking, Zhu Qing felt a warm, slippery sensation enter her mouth. She was awakened by the hot, deep kiss. Opening her sleepy eyes, she saw the person on top of her and felt as if the sky had fallen.
Her voice was hoarse from shouting: "Can you rest for a while?"
The shameful memories of last night returned, and Zhu Qing pushed him away forcefully. Feng Huaihe withdrew from her kiss, leaned on her, and looked at her with a smile, saying, "Did you sleep well?"
"..."
"Now that you've remembered, you should know how to make sweet flower soup, right? Get up, tie my hair up, and make me another bowl of sweet flower soup. In exchange, you can make a wish."
Feng Huaihe got up and sat on the edge of the bed, picked up the robe hanging on the rack and put it on.
Several bright red scratches marked her bare arms, a testament to Zhu Qing's efforts. Zhu Qing blushed and turned her head away in shame and indignation.
"I won't bind it, nor will I cook it; you can forget about it." A triple refusal.
Feng Huaihe sighed regretfully, "If none of these work, then I can compromise and just tie my hair up."
He walked to the dressing mirror, took back the wooden comb, and handed it to Zhu Qing, saying, "I've already made a concession; you should consider it."
He wasn't making concessions at all; he was clearly making a huge request that the other party couldn't possibly agree to. After being rejected, he would then concede to a small request, which would greatly increase the probability of her agreeing.
This is the modern psychological phenomenon of the demolition effect, and he actually mastered it!
Zhu Qing turned her head away and ignored him, determined not to let him succeed.
Feng Huaihe maintained his original attitude and handed the comb closer, "If you don't agree, then I'll stay with you at Xihuatang all day, how about that?"
Zhu Qing glared at him.
"Or I can continue sleeping. I don't want to go to the Feng residence early in the morning to deal with those trivial matters anyway." With that, he put the comb back and went back to lie down on the couch.
Whether he really wants to come back to lie down or do something else, only he himself probably knows the answer.
Zhu Qing frantically grabbed his hair and said, "Fine, fine! I'll tie it up for you!"
Zhu Qing tried her best to ignore the marks he had left on her body, dressed herself, grabbed the comb, and pressed him down to sit in front of the dressing mirror.
Zhu Qing quickly tied his hair into an afro.
She was part of the Big Bang movement, which was super popular in the 1990s, and she was always the center of attention wherever she went.
Feng Huaihe looked at his hair, which was sticking up high in the mirror, and poked it in surprise. "Is this a hairstyle that's popular on the moon?"
Zhu Qing crossed his arms and said smugly, "Of course! It's a hairstyle that many girls like. If you walk out with this hairstyle, everyone on the street will call you handsome!"
"Handsome?" Feng Huaihe repeated the word softly, "Does it mean good-looking?"
"Smart!" Zhu Qing gave him a thumbs up: "If you like it, I'll braid your hair every day from now on. Besides being handsome, people will also praise you as a spirited young man. If this were in our area, you'd be the most handsome man in the whole city!"
Feng Huaihe observed her expression and felt that her smile didn't seem to mean that.
Zhu Qing saw him looking at her probingly and was worried that he would expose her, but Feng Huaihe said nothing, only nodded and got up to leave.
He seemed to remember something, turned around and said, "I will be staying at the Feng residence for the next few days to handle the funeral arrangements. You stay here and behave yourself. Don't keep anything from me, okay?"
"What could I possibly be hiding from you?"
"For example, they might have some ulterior motives, like figuring out how to escape with your family or something."
Alarm bells rang in Zhu Qing's mind, but she forced herself to remain calm: "Where? Who can escape your clutches?"
Whether Feng Huaihe believed it or not, he just smiled slightly after hearing it and said, "These next two days, take a good look at the storybook I gave you a few days ago. When I come back, I will test you."
A whole host of question marks flashed before Zhu Qing's eyes. She asked in surprise, "How is this supposed to be tested?"
Feng Huaihe did not answer directly, but gave her a meaningful look before leaving.
Zhu Qing scratched the back of his head, feeling like something was off.
-
After having a full meal in the afternoon, Zhu Qing felt sleepy and took a nap in Xihuatang. When he woke up, it was dusk, and the sky was full of rosy clouds. He had just washed his face when he heard his elder brother Zhu Zhengyang's voice outside.
"Manman, Daddy's back!"
Zhu Qing looked out the window and saw Zhu Zhengyang pick up Manman, who rushed out of the house, and then lead Nie Zhen, who had followed him, saying, "There have been things going on in the army these past few days, so I came back late."
Zhu Qing followed them out, and just as they arrived at the small courtyard where Nie Zhen's family lived, Zhu Feichuan and Uncle Zhu Yu also returned.
In less than a quarter of an hour, the whole family had gathered, and Zhu Qing's original plan to feign illness could now be put on hold.
As more people gathered, the room became noisy. After they chatted for a while, Zhu Qing finally had a chance to say, "Based on the information I gathered from Feng Huaihe these past few days about the state of the world, the plan has changed. We will have to leave here in three days at the latest."
After a moment of silence, Zhu Zhengyang was the first to agree: "Okay, I don't want to stay in the Shence Army anymore. There's nothing to do all day, yet everyone fawns over me. It's really strange. Qingqing, was it when you arranged for me to join..."
Zhu Zhengyang still believed that the letter that asked him to take up a post in the Shence Army was written by Zhu Qing.
No one doubted anything that happened today. Ever since Zhu Qing received those boxes of things from Tian Lingzi, everyone acknowledged her abilities.
Zhu Yubo also said, "The doctors who came to treat Yunmeng's heart disease are good, but they don't understand her constitution. I have already sent them away and am focusing on studying her and Qingqing's symptoms. If we need to leave Chang'an, I can take her with me at any time."
After saying that, she thanked Zhu Qing for helping her get Zhuo Yunmeng out of that greedy family.
Zhu Feichuan echoed that his trade route was going smoothly, and although he wasn't going to Jinyang, he would be leaving Chang'an for a while.
He added, "Chen's illness suddenly got better, and he even said he wanted to go out and find work. He just left yesterday! I asked him about it, and he said it was Qingqing who found the miracle doctor. Qingqing, you are really amazing! Now Sangguo doesn't have to take care of him anymore. I plan to take Sangguo with me on this business trip."
Hearing them say that, Zhu Qing had a strange feeling, as if Feng Huaihe had arranged things for them quite well.
But no matter what, she couldn't just submit to Feng Huaihe like that, becoming a captive, only waiting to do things with him every day.
Zhu Qing thought for a moment and realized that they could all get away in time, so he immediately announced: "I will make the final arrangements tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow we will leave together as a family. In order not to attract attention, we will split into several groups. Each of you will take the people you need to take and follow the routes I have assigned. Then we will meet up in Luzhou."
She recalled everything. The biggest event that happened in Chang'an during this period was Huang Chao's capture of Tongguan. The roads were safe, and there was no war on the route to Jinyang for the time being.
Now is the best time. Going separately will not be dangerous, and we can avoid attracting Feng Huaihe's attention. Even if he catches us, he won't take us all down.
This is the best solution Zhu Qing can think of right now.
Fortunately, they didn't ask any more questions and just listened to her arrangements.
Zhu Qing was relieved of a worry, and without Feng Huaihe's disturbance that night, she slept much better.
Zhu Qing slept soundly and refreshed, and when she woke up the next day, she was thinking about how to get Tian Jiuzhu away.
Just then, Tian Jiuzhu pushed the door open and came in, telling her that she had to go to work and that the food was prepared in the dining room.
She also said she would be working overtime tonight and would be back late.
Zhu Qing sighed, saying that Tian Jiuzhu was the person she had ever met who loved working the most. Unless there was an emergency, overtime was not common in ancient times, yet she actually found work to do for herself.
She called out to Tian Jiuzhu, "There's a pomegranate tree in front of my window in Qingxi Village. Take some people and help me transplant it here. Don't let them have a bunch of people guarding me. I'm not going to run away."
Although she couldn't see anyone around her, she knew that there must be many people watching her from the shadows.
Tian Jiuzhu didn't say whether or not to evacuate people, but only said, "I'll transplant you here tonight. I'm going to go on duty now."
-
After leaving Xihuatang, Tian Jiuzhu went straight to the Feng residence.
Today is the day of Li's burial. There are fewer guests at the Feng residence than in the past few days. Tian Jiuzhu found Feng Huaihe in Li's courtyard.
He was sorting through Li's belongings when he heard Tian Jiuzhu's report. He paused and asked, "The pomegranate tree?"
Tian Jiuzhu nodded. "She also said to evacuate people. I think she might want to do something, so I came to remind you."
Feng Huaihe pondered for a moment and said, "Just do as she says."
Even Tian Jiuzhu could see it, so how could he not? He was just giving her some time to make a scene.
Once she's had enough of her tantrum, she'll be able to stay obediently by his side.
"Yes. Then what about what you promised me?" Tian Jiuzhu asked, still uneasy.
After Feng Huaihe appointed her as a judge, he approached her again to make a deal. He helped her get rid of Tian Lingzi, and in return, she helped Feng Huaihe persuade Zhu Qing and take care of him.
Although Hua Ning in the secretary's office was cheerful, she was not meticulous or considerate enough. Feng Huaihe trusted Tian Jiuzhu's abilities more.
But many days have passed, and Tian Jiuzhu has still not heard any good news from Feng Huaihe.
Feng Huaihe then said, "Don't worry, I will do what I promised you. When Tian Lingzi takes His Majesty to Xingyuan, you can leave on your own. From now on, the path you take will be entirely up to you."
Tian Jiuzhu responded and was about to go to the headquarters to take her duty when she heard Feng Huaihe say, "After this, let her do whatever she wants. Even if she wants to run away, you don't have to stop her. I'll make the arrangements myself."
"yes."
-
Zhu Qing stayed in Xihuatang for two days in fear and trepidation.
The pomegranate tree has been transplanted, and Tian Jiuzhu is going to work as usual. She also said that those people have all left as Zhu Qing requested.
Zhu Qing was skeptical, but Tian Jiuzhu didn't reveal more, instead firmly stating that they had withdrawn.
Besides believing, there was nothing Zhu Qing could do.
There has been no news from Feng Huaihe, presumably because he is still busy with many matters after Li's burial. Zhu Qing couldn't help but think that the time was ripe.
She had already exchanged the currency and divided the money into three different routes for her family: Zhu Zhengyang's family on one route, Zhu Yubo and Zhuo Yunmeng on another, and Zhu Feichuan and Chen Sangguo on a merchant route to leave Chang'an.
May Qing travel alone.
She had mainly prepared for the worst. If Feng Huaihe noticed in time and came to arrest her, she would at least be able to prevent her family from falling into his hands again and being used as leverage against her if she went alone.
Zhu Qing made all the arrangements and finally carried out the operation on the bright moonlit night of the third day.
The groups of people even set off at different times; Zhu Qing's group was the last one to depart.
Zhu Qing left the city before the city gates of Chang'an.
She rode her horse for most of the night, and it was already dawn, but she hadn't yet entered the next town. The surrounding area was a quiet wilderness, so Zhu Qing could only find an inn to rest.
The post station system was originally well-established during the prosperous Tang Dynasty, but during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, when the social order collapsed, the post stations gradually, or the system itself, deteriorated, and anyone who paid money could stay there.
Zhu Qing took some money with her before leaving home. After handing it over to the post station, she was assigned a small, square room.
After traveling for half a day, Zhu Qing was sore all over. She followed the person into the house, who pointed to the kettle on the small table and said, "The water has just been changed and is clean. You can use it if you are thirsty, young lady."
Zhu Qing thanked the man, and after he left, she quickly locked the door, poured herself a bowl of water, drank it down in one gulp, and then fell asleep on the small bed, exhausted.
I didn't even care to see what the room looked like back then.
Zhu Qing prepared several different outfits, planning to change into a grandmother's outfit after leaving the post station, then a grandfather's outfit when she arrived in Luzhou, and finally disguise herself as a man when she arrived in Jinyang.
The bundle only contained enough clothes for the grandmother to wear for the journey; if it contained too much, the bundle would be too bulging and attract attention.
Zhu Qing had been traveling in her original identity the whole way. If Feng Huaihe had come looking for her, he could only have traced her back to the post station. He might have spent a lot of time there and would never have guessed that she had already changed clothes and run away.
Once she arrives in Jinyang, she will be able to gain Li Cunxu's trust by using her ability to foresee the course of history and assist him. Even if Feng Huaihe finds her again, she will be able to contend with him.
Thinking of this, Zhu Qing felt a little more at ease and fell asleep.
Zhu Qing slept very soundly, and despite having something on her mind, she inexplicably didn't wake up early.
When Zhu Qing woke up, it was already afternoon. The roof was rattling loudly. Zhu Qing got up and opened the window, and sure enough, a blast of cold rain hit her in the face.
Summer is rainy, and it's raining again. Autumn is approaching, and the rain will be colder than before.
Zhu Qing felt a chill and quickly closed the window. He planned to find an inn to get some food and then set off as soon as possible.
Zhu Qingyi turned around and saw a bow hanging on the opposite wall.
The bow was exquisitely crafted, with several red beads inlaid on its body. Zhu Qing didn't recognize what they were, but they shone brightly, exuding a cold, murderous aura.
The image of that bow was etched into Zhu Qing's mind.
She instantly felt her blood boil, a sense of horror rushed to her head, and her limbs froze.
How did Feng Huaihe find this place and quietly hang this bow in her room? Was it there before she arrived, or was it secretly hung up after she arrived? If the latter, why didn't she hear a sound?
She didn't even want to eat. She had brought medicine with her, intending to soak it in the hot water and drink it, but now she had no plans for anything. The only thought in her mind was to leave this place as soon as possible.
She wasn't afraid of Feng Huaihe, but she was afraid of his oppressive and sinister nature, and of his methods in bed. Although she didn't have any particular feelings for him, she was unwilling to have sex with Feng Huaihe in such an ambiguous way.
Zhu Qing didn't even bother with her baggage, pushing open the door empty-handed. Just then, she bumped into someone coming from the side corridor. Seeing her rush into the rain, the person called out with concern, "Young lady, the rain is too heavy. Aren't you going to use an umbrella?"
Zhu Qing didn't stop, rushed into the rain, and led his horse out of the stable.
The horses had been fed beforehand and were full of energy.
Zhu Qing mounted his horse and spurred it onto the muddy road washed by the rain.
The rain kept pelting her face, cold and painful at the same time. Zhu Qing cursed inwardly; she had never hated rain so much.
Every time it rains, something unpleasant happens between her and Feng Huaihe.
Zhu Qing was jostled on horseback, and rainwater got into his eyes, causing some pain and blurring his vision. He freed his hand from the reins and wiped his eyes.
When they looked again, they suddenly saw a figure standing under a big tree in front of them. He was wearing a light green robe with wide sleeves, holding up an oil-paper umbrella, standing in the pouring rain. His posture was upright, and the umbrella leaves covered his face, so his appearance could not be seen.
The instinct to avoid hitting anyone made Zhu Qing suddenly rein in his horse.
The horse neighed, raised its front hooves high and then put them down, standing still and carrying Zhu Qing as it spun around in place.
Zhu Qing stared intently at the person under the tree from horseback.
He slowly moved the umbrella aside, revealing a gentle, smiling face. "You're not feeling well, how could you get soaked in such heavy rain?"
The torrential rain pounded into the muddy road, splashing up countless dirty drops of water that stained the hem of his grass-green clothes. In the roaring rain, his upright and unyielding appearance was punctuated by a bright smile.
The heavy rain, falling like a curtain, separated the two. Zhu Qing's limbs were ice-cold, and cold sweat broke out on her lower back.
How can he still laugh?
-----------------------
Author's Note: One more chapter to go, promptly at 10 PM. [Please!]
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com