Chapter 22 Chapter 22 Jinjiang First Release
Chapter 22
Tonight, I don’t know if the Buddhist beads Cui Jue gave me really worked, or if Su Li was too exhausted after a day of hard work.
This time she didn't have nightmares and slept well until dawn.
The next day, an unexpected guest came to Mudong Pavilion.
She was a tall, elderly woman, who looked to be in her forties or fifties. She wore her hair in a bun, had a solemn expression, and was not smiling.
She was followed by several maids, a doctor, and even Aunt Qingxia.
Su Li glanced at Aunt Qingxia's attitude towards the elderly maid, which was respectful and even a bit flattering, and she couldn't help but feel a little surprised.
Who is this person that even Aunt Qingxia is afraid of?
Su Li looked at the person who came calmly.
I saw that the clothes she was wearing were plain in pattern, but they were made of high-quality dark-flowered satin. Around her neck was a white fur scarf, the fur was dense and sharp, without a trace of other colors. Such a large amount of fur was definitely not ordinary rabbit fur, but probably expensive snow mountain mink.
Such a noble maid makes people feel uneasy.
Su Li didn't dare to offend easily, so she smiled gently and asked, "Aunt, you came to Mudong Pavilion, but do you have any instructions?"
The older woman glanced at Su Li. Although there was no contempt in her eyes, there was some arrogance of a superior. She didn't say anything, but just nodded at Qingxia.
Aunt Qingxia hurried forward and introduced Su Li, "Madam Su, this is Aunt Huirong. She has served in the mansion for many years and has extensive experience. She is a veteran of the Cui family. Aunt Huirong came to Mudong Pavilion today to help Madam Su make some winter and spring clothes, and to check on her pulse."
Su Li guessed that this was also the grace of the Cui family, and every young lady in the courtyard should have a share. She did not doubt it and welcomed the guests in obediently.
Huirong glanced at the furnishings in Su Li's room, her eyes fixed on the pearwood table.
Su Li knew that she was curious. Why were there only high tables and chairs in the room, but no cushions or desks for sitting on the floor?
Su Li was not used to the nobles kneeling on the ground in an elegant manner. Her legs and feet felt numb from the pressure. She was used to sitting on a high stool and eating at the table. Although this was a bit vulgar, she didn't care at all.
Therefore, Su Li did not explain too much to Aunt Huirong. After leading her to a seat, she ordered Qiu Gui to serve tea to Aunt Huirong.
The tea brewed by Su Li is all fragrant petal tea.
Each flower was picked by Su Li herself and placed in a bamboo basket to dry.
After the sun-dried osmanthus and jasmine are brewed with boiling water, and then some cliff honey and malt sugar are added, it tastes extremely sweet and delicious.
But Aunt Huirong obviously didn't like it. She took a sip, frowned, and looked gloomy.
Qingxia was startled and lowered her head to wait for instructions from her superior.
Su Li also found it strange. Guests should follow the host's wishes. It was unheard of for guests to criticize the host's etiquette. She kept silent and slowly watched the ins and outs of it.
It has to be said that the eldest branch of the Cui family is so powerful that it is above all other branches. Even an old servant dares to show such a cold face to the guests.
After a long while, Aunt Huirong finally spoke: "The flower tea is too sweet and not enough to soothe the throat. Madam Su, you can brew some refreshing tea for her in the future."
Su Li felt that Huirong was being a bit nosy. Although she was a distant relative staying there, it was Mr. Cui who sent her there, and it was not the right of a servant to comment on her daily life.
Hearing this, Su Li laughed and said, "Aunt is right, but I'm young and I still like to eat some sweet fruit cakes. The tea soup is too bitter and I can't swallow it. Forget it."
Huirong's face was rejected like this. Perhaps it was the first time she was contradicted by someone. She looked up in surprise and glanced at Su Li.
The young lady looks delicate and pretty, but her words are sharp and she is very tenacious, able to achieve great results with little effort.
I think it is because the young lady is young. Although she comes from a poor family, she has been pampered at home for many years and can't stand any bullying.
Su Li has a bad temper, but Huirong doesn't bother with her.
"Please, Madam Su, extend your hand. I will have the doctor feel your pulse."
Su Li did not resist. She reached out her hand and placed the back of her hand on the pulse pillow, allowing the old woman to take her pulse.
Everything was going smoothly until Huirong asked, "Madam Su, when do you have your period every month?"
Su Li almost spit out the scented tea she had in her mouth.
She glanced at Huirong suspiciously.
It's strange. Why ask about the date of menstruation in addition to asking about the pulse?
She didn't say that she had lower abdominal discomfort, nor did she say that she suffered from difficult and complicated gynecological diseases. If that was the case, why did Huirong ask her when her period would come?
Su Li had only heard that before a couple got married, the man would send someone to inquire about his menstrual period, so as to avoid confusion about the wedding date and the couple being unable to have sex that night...
Su Li: "Why does Aunt Huirong ask this?"
Huirong glanced at the doctor, who explained, "It's freezing cold, and most women suffer from damp, cold hands and feet. Since we're checking your pulse, I'll prescribe some uterine-warming and nourishing herbs for you... These Qi-tonifying and blood-tonifying herbs shouldn't be taken during menstruation, as they increase blood flow. Once you've informed me of your date, I'll have the servants deliver the herbs accordingly."
Su Li nodded: "I usually have my period at the beginning of the month."
The doctor solemnly wrote down the date, asked her if she had back pain on the first day, looked at her tongue coating, and wrote down the date after her period ended.
Ping An finished taking his pulse, but Hui Rong was still reluctant to leave.
She seemed to be a very outgoing person. She carefully looked at the furnishings in Su Li's house. She saw that Su Li used simple and low-key things and did not like luxury. She was satisfied, but also felt that it was a little petty.
Especially since the young lady only has a maid to serve her, it is too shabby.
Huirong turned to Qingxia and said, "Send some maids to Madam Su. It's such a big courtyard, but there's only one maid. What a shame!"
Qingxia nodded timidly: "Yes, yes!"
Su Li was shocked when she saw this.
What was going on? This Aunt Huirong could actually command the arrogant Qingxia and even control the whereabouts of the servants in the Cui family's inner chambers... I'd never heard of this person before. Who was she?
Su Li still has important things to do in the future, so she doesn't dare to place too many people from the Cui family in Mudong Pavilion.
She softened her voice and explained to Aunt Huirong, "Thank you for your concern, Aunt. I'm used to Qiu Gui at home. She's taken care of everything in the house for years. I'm afraid it would be difficult for an outsider to serve her. I know your kindness and I'm very grateful, but I've always liked quietness and am a light sleeper. With so many people in the yard, I'm afraid I won't be able to sleep well at night. Let's put this matter aside for now."
Su Li's words were just an excuse. Aunt Huirong was an old woman who had lived in the house for many years. How could she not understand?
Seeing her resistance, Huirong did not force her.
After Huirong measured Su Li's clothes, she gave her a few more instructions.
"Madam Su, the fragrance of osmanthus is too strong. Using it to fumigate clothes might displease the elders in the mansion. You can try bamboo or plum fragrance instead..."
"Madam Su, if you want to take care of your hands and feet and keep them warm and ward off the cold, why not take some of the pear blossom cream from the mansion and wipe them on them? Oh, I'll have someone bring some to you later..."
"Madam Su, the elders in the mansion have always liked quietness and have a very regular daily routine. They get up at 1 a.m. to eat and serve, and go to bed at 1 p.m. at night. You should also go to bed early according to this time..."
Aunt Huirong's words became more and more strange, and Su Li suppressed her temper and listened to her.
If Su Li hadn't known about the strict family rules of Wudong Cui's family, she would have thought Huirong was ordered to teach her how to win favor...
Finally, Aunt Huirong left. Su Li winked at Qiu Gui and whispered to her, "Let's see if Aunt Huirong will go to other courtyards to give lectures."
After a pause, Su Li stuffed a handful of silver into Qiu Gui's hand and ordered her to go to each room and courtyard to inquire about the origins of this aunt.
Su Li returned to the room and waited anxiously.
At night, Qiu Gui came over to answer.
"Madam, I heard that this Aunt Huirong was the aunt who came with the eldest lady during her lifetime. She even took care of the eldest young master for a while when he was young. Their master-servant relationship was closer than that of a wet nurse! But she has been guarding the eldest lady's former bedroom, watching over the deceased master's tablet. Why would she suddenly come out to take charge?"
Qiu Gui was puzzled, but Su Li's face suddenly turned pale.
Su Li stroked the teacup in her hand, bit her plump lips, and lowered her curled eyelashes, "Perhaps it was the eldest master's instruction."
After a moment, Su Li asked again, "Did Aunt Huirong go to the other courtyard?"
Qiu Gui slowly shook her head, "I haven't heard of it... Even Aunt Huirong's visit to my wife's courtyard was kept a secret by Aunt Qingxia. Not a single word of it leaked out."
At this point, even Qiu Gui, who was slow to react, realized something was amiss. She cautiously closed the door and whispered to Su Li, "Madam, what does the eldest master mean by this?"
Su Liqiu frowned deeply.
She thought about it carefully.
Huirong recorded the days of her menstruation in a book.
Winter was almost over, and she still had to take note of her measurements and make winter clothes for her. This meant that the tailors and embroiderers had to work hard to make them as quickly as possible so that Su Li could wear them right away.
And Huirong also talked about the preferences of the elders of the Cui family, such as the fragrance of bamboo, plum, and orchid, and even the time they woke up in the morning... Every single thing, wasn't it talking about Cui Jue?
Who else could possibly influence Cui Jue's mother's dowry maid? Only Cui Jue!
Su Li suddenly felt creepy. What exactly did this young master want to do?
In this way, Su Li spent a few days in anxiety.
Finally, on this day, Mr. Cui sent his confidant to tell Su Li that Cui Jue had agreed to take over the second branch of the family, and only waited for Su Li to go to Shuyue Pavilion to inherit the family line.
However, Su Li had never revealed her identity before, and she wondered if her rash meeting with Cui Jue would anger Changsun.
But after thinking about it carefully, Mr. Cui felt that his grandson was quite humble and polite towards the young lady, and Su Li and Cui Jue had a brief romance, and the man was always kind to women. He thought Cui Jue would not blame her too much, and he could also understand Su Li's difficulties in concealing her identity.
Since this was the case, Mr. Cui let Huirong take full responsibility for the adoption.
They have sex three times a month, scheduled on the fertile days in the middle of the month. Aunt Huirong will come to take Su Li to the guest room in Shuyue Pavilion for sex.
Su Li thanked Mr. Cui for his arrangement, but she smiled bitterly in her heart. She felt as if the root of her tongue had been bitten by Coptis chinensis, and it was extremely bitter.
How could Mr. Cui know Cui Jue’s true character? He had never been strangled by Cui Jue!
Su Li thought that she had seduced Cui Jue time and again before, which had already made him disgusted. Now she wanted to let Cui Jue know that she was his brother-in-law. She would definitely be strangled to death by him!
Cui Jue has never been a man who is gentle with women!
But it just so happened that Aunt Huirong had been waiting for a long time, and tonight happened to be the fifteenth.
Su Li felt dizzy and suddenly felt something was wrong. She didn't know what to do tonight...
I can't, I can't really go to Shuyue Pavilion and die...
But Su Li knew that she had no way out.
When she was captured by the Su family and taken into their home and threatened with her grandmother's life, she had no way out.
The Su family's sons' successful careers were entirely due to the support of the Cui family at court. Even when their stepmother, Zhou, was away meeting guests, she was still highly regarded by prominent officials throughout the county, as she was related to the second branch of the Cui family... All the splendor and benefits came through the fingers of the Lanhe Cui family.
If marrying into the second wife can bring so many benefits, what about marrying into the first wife's family? Wouldn't that be a step up to the top?
Now that there is an opportunity in front of them to force Su Li to marry into the Wudong Dacui family, how can they give it up... Even if Su Li dies, they will have no fear and no regrets!
Su Li took a deep breath. She couldn't just run away, could she? Forget about escaping the Cui family mansion, which was surrounded by private soldiers. Even if she escaped in broad daylight, she wouldn't be able to save her grandmother. Su Li could imagine what the Zhou family would do to force her back. They would attack her grandmother, even if it meant chopping off her hands and feet, or cutting off her food and water. As long as they could trick Su Li back, as long as the old lady was still alive, that would be enough.
This cannot be done.
Su Li was at her wit's end. After thinking it over, she decided to follow Aunt Huirong's instructions and go back to her room to dress up carefully, hoping that Cui Jue would be more negotiable at night and allow her to serve him, so that the two of them could spend the night in peace.
I just begged Cui Jue to calm down, not to rush into a rage and kill her with his sword. I just begged him to spare her life, to give her a little more time to escape...
Su Li returned to her room, she smiled faintly, and with Qiu Gui's support, she stepped into the hot soup covered with flower petals and fragrant dew.
After taking a bath, Su Li changed into the clothes brought by Aunt Huirong.
The thin silk has a pine frost green background and is permeated with the fragrance of bamboo.
It was the color and fragrance of the clothes that Cui Jue liked.
Su Li did not resist. She let the maids help her change clothes and tie her hair.
Finally, Su Li put on a thick, windproof fur cloak and resolutely stepped into the wind and snow, heading towards Shuyue Pavilion.
This time, Su Li did not enter Shuyue Pavilion through the main gate, but followed Aunt Huirong around in a big circle and entered the yard through a side corner door.
She was taken to a simply furnished guest room.
The room looked like it had just been cleaned, with traces of water still lingering.
There were no women's belongings in the room, only a bed with green curtains, a chicken-wing wooden table, two high chairs with brocade cushions, a pomegranate embroidered screen, and a rosewood bathtub filled with hot water behind the screen.
There were also some bottles and jars of ointments on the table, a basin of steaming boiling water, and a brand new white handkerchief draped next to the copper basin.
All the items used are simple in style.
If Su Li had not been to Cui Jue's residence before and knew that his living furniture was very plain and simple, Su Li would have thought that such a simple decoration style would be Cui Jue's first way to show her power.
There is a floor heating in the house, so even though it is windy and snowy outside, it is warm as spring here.
Su Li had been coming here in fear and was already sweating. She took off the cloak she was wearing and hung it on the screen beside her.
Su Li's mouth was dry. Before she could take a sip of the tea on the table, the door was pushed open.
The carved wooden door was open, and salt grains and snowflakes poured in, carrying with them the bitter and cold scent of grass and wood.
It was the scent of orchid on Cui Jue.
Su Li couldn't help but shiver her shoulders, frightened out of her wits.
Su Li raised her pair of bright almond-shaped eyes and mustered up the courage to look at the tall figure standing outside the door.
Since the man agreed to the appointment, he agreed to have sex with Su Li.
But he was dressed neatly. Not only was his fox fur cloak covered with snow, but he was also holding a cold sword between his slender finger bones.
The man stood outside the door with a slender figure. His eyes were majestic and cold as ice. There was no trace of ambiguity, let alone any wandering thoughts.
His face was solemn and he was clearly furious!
Seeing this, Su Li climbed up the door panel inch by inch using her finger bones, pressing her fingertips against the hard wooden board, feeling so numb that she could hardly feel anything.
Cui Jue didn't move, and Su Li didn't dare to move either.
The man took another step forward and crossed the threshold.
Su Li stepped back repeatedly and unexpectedly fell onto the edge of the bed.
With a click.
The teacup in his hand fell to the ground and shattered into powder.
Su Li's head was buzzing. She inexplicably thought of the auspicious words "May everything be safe and sound" that people in Quanfu would say when "the newlyweds offer tea and accidentally break the cup".
She didn't know if she could be safe, but seeing that Cui Jue was so difficult to deal with, the possibility of her being crushed to ashes by him seemed greater.
"Young Master..." Su Li's face was pale. She smiled at him miserably, trying to arouse his sympathy.
Cui Jue glanced at her and said nothing.
The young lady had just finished a sip of tea, her plump, cherry-like lips radiating a delicate beauty from the water. She wore a green shirt embroidered with mandarin duck grass, the collar slightly open, revealing a slightly bulging chest. Her slender waist, barely slender enough to be held in one hand, was accentuated by a silk ribbon studded with sea pearls, accentuating her delicate features.
Su Li's clothes were transparent and her sleeves were wide, so her delicate white wrists could be seen with every move she made. Her body was covered with pearly luster and the silk was not enough to cover her body.
In order to have intercourse and borrow sperm, she had made all the necessary preparations.
Cui Jue walked slowly into the house with his long legs. The man raised his sleeves slightly and closed the door tightly with the wind.
Cui Jue did not sit down, but maintained a distance from Su Li, looking at her quietly.
Su Li's heart was beating fast, like a drum.
She was like a rabbit being strangled by a lone wolf, her eyes filled with fear and anxiety. She was waiting for Cui Jue to pronounce her death sentence...
Cui Jue pursed his lips coldly, the long sword in his hand swirling with silver waves, and said something meaningful.
"Su, you have been looking forward to this day for a long time, haven't you?"
Su Li was speechless.
She suddenly felt a little regretful for coming here...
It was obvious that Cui Jue was not here to give her a child, but rather to kill her.
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