Chapter 19 I Will Marry You When the Red Waves Rise
The dim candlelight in the stone lamp flickered violently, its rapid flashing. Through the hazy mist caused by the medicine, Cui Yiluo wondered if it was just her imagination, but she saw a deep, ruthless look in the man's eyes that she had never seen before, tinged with a hint of anger.
When Cui Yiluo saw his aggressive demeanor for the first time, she was slightly taken aback.
The next moment, he looked away, reverting to his composed and gentlemanly demeanor. His strong yet ardent hand supported her elbow, pulling her a short distance away and steadying her limp body.
His voice was lower and hoarser than before: "I'll take you back to your residence first, then I'll call the doctor."
Only now, through her sleeve, did Cui Yilu belatedly realize the heat of his palm.
But seeing his calm expression, no different from usual, she began to waver again.
Could it be that he didn't administer the medication at all?
But she had no other choice at the moment, so she could only pretend to be weak and nod, her fingers gripping his taut arm, as he helped her away.
"etc."
Suddenly, Yuan Ling interrupted from behind.
Cui Yiluo was anxious. Yuan Ling was full of cunning schemes, and she couldn't give him an opportunity. She wanted to pretend she hadn't heard anything and leave quickly, but Jiang Yunjin beside her stopped.
Her heart skipped a beat.
“Miss Cui appears to have been poisoned and was nearly forcibly taken away. Such a despicable thing happening at the banquet should be thoroughly investigated in my opinion. However, Miss Cui’s condition is not good, and I, Yuan, am armed. Perhaps I should escort her back, so that you, sir, can focus on investigating this matter without any distractions.”
Cui Yiluo felt it was ironic; if a thorough investigation was to be carried out, why didn't he arrest the men Chu Ke sent earlier?
Seeing that Jiang Yunjin did not answer, Yuan Ling smiled again and said, "You wouldn't distrust me, would you, Lord Ling?"
A chill ran through her. Yuan Ling was determined to hold her captive and expose her drugging earlier that day. But whether Jiang Yunjin had actually drugged her remained uncertain. He had no feelings for her and probably wanted nothing more than to get rid of her. If he really handed her over, how would she deal with Yuan Ling...?
Cui Yiluo turned to look at Jiang Yunjin; affected by the drug, her movements became slow.
When she looked over, she realized that Jiang Yunjin was staring at her intently, seemingly seeking her opinion, yet a sharp edge was inexplicably revealed in his gaze.
Almost instantly, Cui Yiluo grabbed his arm and pressed her full weight against it, saying urgently, "Cousin, please take me back to the manor. I'm worried about him."
Her voice was low, and her breathing was disordered, much like the ambiguous whispers between lovers.
But the men present were all martial artists, and they all heard it clearly. Yuan Ling's slightly raised smile instantly sank into a dark abyss, while Wen Feng's expression became complicated.
Jiang Yunjin's expression remained unchanged, he only hummed in response, but the oppressive aura around him inexplicably dissipated a little.
Cui Yiluo's pounding heart immediately calmed down. Could it be that he had actually given her the drug? Was sending her back to the manor also to find a doctor to administer the antidote? Cui Yiluo became even more uncertain.
Jiang Yunjin did not turn around to answer Yuan Ling; his tall figure cast a long shadow on the stone bricks by the candlelight.
His tone exuded an undeniable authority: "I appreciate Lord Yuan's trouble, but the people from the Jiang family should be escorted by me. Lord Yuan is the commander of the Yunyi Guard, personally appointed by His Majesty. He is capable and decisive, so it would be more prudent to leave the matter of finding out the truth to Lord Yuan."
After saying that, he ignored Yuan Ling's reaction and took the person away directly.
He was ruthless and decisive, leaving no room for Yuan Ling to negotiate.
With only a sliver of clarity remaining, Cui Yiluo glanced furtively at the man, who remained as calm as a mountain. Aside from the two fights with the thieves, this was the first time she had seen him shed his gentlemanly facade and reveal his sharp edge. His intimidating aura was imposing; no wonder he had risen to the position of Grand Secretary at such a young age.
The carriage stopped at the side gate. After Lilan helped Cui Yiluo into the carriage, she said she would go back and find a reason for Cui Yiluo to leave the banquet.
Leaving the banquet without a valid reason is indeed against etiquette, and the matter of Cui Yiluo taking Chinese medicine must be covered up.
But in the end, it was just a pretext. After all, if her personal maid wasn't around, she would "only" be able to rely on Jiang Yunjin.
While she and Lilan were going back and forth in tacit understanding, Jiang Yunjin, sitting on the cushion in the middle of the carriage, did not cast a glance at her or interfere in her affairs.
Lilan quickly disembarked from the carriage and, under Wen Feng's command, rode towards the Jiang residence.
As the carriage began to move, Cui Yiluo's body was burning hot under the influence of the drug, as if she had been thrown into boiling water. Her breathing was heavy and disordered, and she could be heard clearly. She only managed to hold on by gritting her teeth and struggling to keep from losing her last bit of rationality.
If she returns to the Jiang residence, even if Jiang Yunjin administers the medicine, she won't be able to get the antidote from him.
The Zheng family mansion and the Jiang family mansion are only three streets apart. She must make Jiang Yunjin turn around before she enters the last corner.
Whether he administers the medicine or not is no longer important; what matters is that he must provide her with the antidote!
Just as the carriage wheel passed over a gravel, Cui Yiluo seized the opportunity and leaned against the man sitting upright with his eyes closed next to her.
She let out a soft cry.
The next instant, she fell directly into the man's arms, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck, and was startled almost imperceptibly.
Only at that moment did she realize that the effects of the drug in his body had already taken hold.
Even through the thin layer of skin, his body was already ablaze with heat, the scalding heat almost burning her hand. Cui Yiluo's senses were amplified by the drug, and she instinctively flinched from the heat, letting out a cry.
She looked bewildered, as if she had just realized something: "Cousin, you... you were in that wine..."
Her breath hit his Adam's apple, like a spark falling into dry tinder, instantly igniting a wildfire that could not be extinguished.
The veins in his neck bulged instantly, and he closed his eyes in unbearable pain, his breathing becoming heavy and labored: "Get down."
As he spoke, he placed a strong hand on her waist, intending to push her away.
Even in this state, to still ask her to leave is truly remarkable.
With the first street about to be crossed, at this point, it was even less likely that Cui Yiluo would get off.
She struggled to dodge his hand, unintentionally shrinking closer to him, her mind hazy as she said, "Cousin, don't... don't touch me."
Suddenly, amidst her struggle, the man gritted his teeth and let out a muffled groan.
The medicinal properties had been fully activated, and the atmosphere inside the sealed carriage transformed into fiery heat, scorching the ever-rising body temperature.
Cui Yilu sat on his lap with her two slender legs together. He was tall, and her feet could not touch the ground. The hem of her light pink skirt intertwined with the hem of his snow-white brocade robe.
"Don't move!"
The man's stern shout rang out, startling everyone into another fright.
Cui Yiluo ignored him and clung tightly to his neck, watching through the misty fog in her eyes as he tilted his head back slightly, his jaw clenched.
Like someone long stranded in the desert thirsting for water, she looked helpless and on the verge of tears, pleading repeatedly, "Cousin, please help me, please help me!"
Instead, he pressed her body down even harder, his well-defined fingers digging into her waist so hard they almost sank in, turning white as if he wanted to snap her slender waist in two.
His body temperature rose higher and higher, and his hot breath mingled with hers.
"Get down!"
He persisted, his whole body tense, his voice sounding as if squeezed out from his thin lips.
"But cousin, I feel so weak and uncomfortable, cousin..."
Cui Yiluo moved closer, her red lips touching his already reddened neck, and as she spoke, she lightly brushed against it.
The next moment, she clearly sensed his restraint.
Only a few small lamps were lit inside the carriage. In the dim candlelight, the shadows of trees swayed wildly outside the window, and the carriage was about to pass the second street.
The man's eyes were tightly closed, completely obscuring his usually clear and calm gaze, and a thin layer of sweat beaded on his forehead.
But she insisted that he open his eyes.
One of her arms, which were wrapped around his neck, drooped down, and her trembling fingertips touched the side of his warm face, forcefully turning his head to the side.
"Cousin, look at me, look at me..."
She called out softly and indistinctly, and Jiang Yunjin suddenly opened his eyes sharply. His eyes were filled with an indissoluble blackness, beneath which was a fiery heat that swallowed all clarity.
Leaning weakly against his shoulder, Cui Yiluo's eyes were red-rimmed and filled with moisture. Her lips were bitten until they were bright red. She stared at him intently, as if he were the only person in her eyes: "Cousin Shenzhi..."
Suddenly, her waist was gripped even tighter, and Cui Yiluo instinctively cried out in pain.
But before the sound could even get halfway out, it was completely blocked between the lips and tongue.
His long, slender fingers gripped the back of his neck tightly, pressing him down forcefully.
The moment their lips and tongues intertwined, the flames erupted completely, like a giant wave crashing in, making it hard to breathe and impossible to suppress any longer.
Just before they turned the corner, she heard him instruct Wen Feng outside the carriage: "Go to Luoyun Lane."
Luoyun Lane is his private residence.
Cui Yiluo completely relaxed, powerless to resist, and was instantly and forcefully swept into the surging waves by the man.
Wen Feng stopped the carriage outside the dark house in Luoyun Lane. The house was empty, and the constant noise coming from inside the carriage made him uneasy.
That string is completely broken.
He wisely jumped off the carriage without saying a word and walked to the big tree at the end of the alley.
A moment later, in the deep darkness, a lean man alighted from the carriage, his arm supporting the woman's knees. The petite woman was completely enveloped by his figure, with only the shimmering pearls on her cloud-patterned shoes visible, trembling precariously in the night.
The man carried the person into the house in a hurried and unsteady manner.
Only when they heard two loud bangs from afar—the door being kicked open and then slammed shut—did Wen Feng step forward, bolt the gate, and stand guard outside the house.
-
In the brightly lit Zheng Guogong Mansion, people gathered in small groups, enjoying themselves and drinking to their hearts' content, unaware that anyone had left the banquet.
Xie Yingzhu left at that moment, rushing to the backyard.
A quarter of an hour ago, she sat alone in a corner of the mansion. Xie Xiyun seemed to have noticed this and had been distancing herself from her these days. The noble ladies of the capital were all shrewd and had also begun to distance themselves from her. She came to the banquet, but hardly anyone paid any attention to her, and the wine in the pot was almost untouched.
Just as she was feeling annoyed, Cui Yiluo's maid suddenly appeared, anxiously searching for someone. She said that Young Master Chu had something to discuss with her young lady and forbade anyone to follow her, but once she left, she couldn't find her.
Upon hearing this, Xie Yingzhu understood everything. Even if she didn't want to, she had to admit that Cui Yiluo's appearance was among the best in the capital. If it weren't for her lowly status and being betrothed to a difficult old man like Supervisor Cheng, many noble young men would probably defy their family rules to take her as a concubine.
But all men are like that; there will always be those who are obsessed with beauty and will do anything for it. Isn't Chu Ke one of them? Otherwise, how could he have been seduced into bed by Xie Xiyun, who had been betrothed to him since childhood?
After pushing Xie Xiyun into the water, her situation was already difficult. She was an illegitimate daughter, and Chu Ke was a step down for Xie Xiyun, but a step up for her. She had gambled everything by seducing him and sleeping with him, but now that he was entangled with her, he wouldn't be able to shake her off!
The backyard was large. Xie Yingzhu didn't expect to be so lucky. After wandering around a few corners, she ran into Chu Ke's personal attendant who was guarding the door.
The servant was immediately taken aback. He recognized her; he had always been the one to cover for her and Chu Ke when they secretly made love in the Xie residence. He clearly hadn't expected it to be Xie Yingzhu, not Cui Yiluo, and stammered, "Second Miss Xie... why aren't you playing in the front? Why are you in the back?"
Seeing his expression, Xie Yingzhu became even more certain of her guess: there was no sound inside as expected, so was it because the person had not arrived, or had it already ended?
She rushed past the servants and pushed the door open.
The door was flung open, revealing Chu Ke leaning against a small couch, his posture languid but his expression showing some anxiety. He looked over excitedly upon hearing the door open.
Upon seeing it was him, he looked surprised and disappointed, his tone revealing his irritation: "Why is it you?"
Xie Yingzhu strode inside, her gaze secretly sweeping over the gilded bronze Boshan incense burner on the table, a ruthless glint flashing in her eyes.
The aphrodisiac incense was really well prepared.
In just a few steps, Xie Yingzhu's eyes filled with tears: "Brother Ake, do you not want to see Yingzhu?"
Although Xie Yingzhu was not as beautiful as Cui Yiluo, she was still a pretty girl. When her eyes were filled with tears, she was even more charming. The irritation that Chu Ke felt immediately dissipated when she cried like that, and he just wanted to hold her in his arms and comfort her.
However, considering that Cui Yiluo would be brought over later, Xie Yingzhu would have opportunities at any time in the future, but if he missed tonight, he would not be able to get Cui Yiluo.
His expression, which had relaxed slightly, turned cold again: "I have other things to do. Listen to me and go back to the front."
To everyone's surprise, Xie Yingzhu, who had always been obedient to him, rebelled today, throwing herself into his arms and hugging him tightly: "Brother Ake, Yingzhu wants to stay with you. Yingzhu hasn't been with Brother Ake for several days..."
Chu Ke was even more irritated. The incense in the Boshan incense burner was already pungent. He had lit the incense to make things go smoothly with Cui Yiluo and to add some fun, but he didn't expect that she would be late in coming and he would feel uncomfortable from the stench.
Xie Yingzhu was gentle and held him tightly. Chu Ke couldn't help but recall their past interactions and became even more unable to restrain himself.
Chu Ke had absolutely no patience in front of a beautiful woman. With the fragrance wafting around him, he went with the flow.
The room was in turmoil, and Qing was barely able to contain herself when a loud bang was heard as the door was kicked open and a group of noble ladies and gentlemen burst in.
-
The sounds from inside the houses in Luoyun Lane didn't completely cease until dusk.
As the sunlight streamed into the tent and began to brighten, Jiang Yunjin awoke from his chaotic and decadent state.
The narrow corners of his eyes were tinged with red, and the usually cold depths of his eyes still held a lingering desire, though only a few strands remained, as if a complete transformation had taken place.
The brocade curtains were scattered and the bedding was in disarray, indicating what had happened.
The woman nestled in his arms seemed exhausted, still fast asleep, her slender arms wrapped tightly around his waist and abdomen.
Red marks dotted his fair skin, and the touch of Xi Yue Er instantly brought him back to last night.
The drug was potent. He, who had never made a mistake and was always calm and composed, lost control last night. He never knew he could lose control to this extent, and that his strength could be so great that he could so easily restrain her.
My thoughts returned, and my physical awareness returned.
Jiang Yunjin closed his eyes, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly in restraint. After a moment, he opened his eyes, raised his hand, and placed it on the shoulder of the person in his arms from an inch away. After a few breaths, he withdrew his hand.
His voice was still low and hoarse, "Miss Cui."
Cui Yiluo snuggled closer to him, frowned, and gave a soft hum, subconsciously saying, "No, I don't want it anymore."
Jiang Yunjin's eyes darkened. Last night, towards the end, she couldn't bear it anymore and began to resist, revealing the toughness beneath her gentle appearance, but she couldn't stop him at all and could only let him do whatever he wanted.
He showed no mercy whatsoever. It was as if a flood had been released; even though he knew from the beginning that this was the worst thing he could do, he still couldn't stop himself. Restraint and propriety were all suppressed by the pure rage.
He shouldn't have done that. People should be restrained by propriety and not indulge in lust. This should not happen twice.
The woman in his arms stirred again, and Jiang Yunjin's temples bulged with veins. He patiently helped the woman in his arms up, saying, "Miss Cui."
Cui Yiluo opened her eyes groggily after being called a few times. Her eyelids were red and swollen from crying, and her eyes were still filled with the mist from last night.
"cousin?"
The quilt was piled haphazardly on her body to cover the red marks. Jiang Yunjin restrained himself and carefully wrapped her up. He then picked up the wrinkled robe on the ground and put it on himself. Even after doing everything, he was still not used to being completely honest with her.
In the brief moment, Cui Yiluo's eyes gradually cleared, and looking at the mess before her, tears instantly streamed down her face.
"Last night...cousin, you..."
He said solemnly, "I will marry you."
Cui Yiluo looked up, her eyes blurred by tears, and met the man's unfathomable gaze.
She shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes, looking utterly pitiful: "Cousin, they came for me yesterday. They put the drug in my drink. I toasted you, which is why you were also drugged. Since I implicated you, how can I use this to blackmail you?"
"Now that we have consummated our marriage, we should hold a wedding ceremony. Don't worry, I will arrange the wedding as soon as possible."
This was exactly what Cui Yiluo wanted. She blinked her moist eyelashes and hesitated before saying, "But I'm getting married to Supervisor Cheng in a while. He just sent over my wedding dress yesterday..."
Jiang Yunjin replied quickly: "I'll handle it."
His broad back blocked most of the sunlight from entering the tent. Cui Yiluo suddenly remembered how many scratches she had left on it last night, probably too many to see.
But at this moment, he concealed himself with his robes, and his face returned to its usual cool and composed demeanor as he restrained himself from looking at her.
Boring. She preferred his out-of-control look last night, when his eyes were filled with love for Yu.
Thinking this, Cui Yiluo suddenly rushed forward and hugged him, the brocade quilt was spread out, and she softly pressed herself against him.
The man froze instantly when she hugged him, instinctively backing away. His hands twitched at his sides as if he wanted to push her away, but he couldn't touch her naked skin. In the end, he could only helplessly pull the quilt that had slipped down his back back onto his shoulders.
A smile played on her lips as she said, word by word, "Yi Luo believes in her cousin."
Jiang Yunjin did not answer her directly, but said, "It's half past Mao Shi (5:30 AM), let's go back to the manor first."
They left together last night. The drug was very potent, and they didn't send a message back to the mansion. However, Cui Yiluo's maid will return to the mansion to report that Cui Yiluo was taken away by him, and Lan Hui will not search for her extensively.
But since he didn't return home all night, Yu Li should give an explanation.
Cui Yiluo, nestled in his arms, lowered her gaze, then quickly snapped it back as if electrocuted: "But cousin, you..."
Jiang Yunjin looked away, his tone so calm that it betrayed no hidden malice: "It's nothing, let's go."
-
It was nearly dawn when they returned to the Jiang residence. To avoid attracting attention, the carriage stopped at the side gate.
Upon seeing Cui Yiluo return to the mansion, the guard at the side gate immediately ran to inform Lan Hui.
Sunlight shone on Cui Yiluo's fair profile. She bit her lip, her face slightly embarrassed: "Cousin, I'll go back to the courtyard now."
He grabbed my wrist.
"I'll be with you."
Jiang Yunjin spoke in a calm voice, with a reassuring force.
"good."
Cui Yiluo never intended to refuse. She kept Lilan so that Lan Hui and Old Madam Jiang would know that she had been taken away by Jiang Yunjin last night. Even if nothing happened, he would still have to take responsibility for her, and Lan Hui would definitely stand up for her.
She grasped his hand in return and smiled at him.
Despite the intimate contact, Jiang Yunjin still looked very uncomfortable and pulled his hand back.
Let's go.
The servants along the way saw them returning to the second son's courtyard together. The eldest son, whose hair was always perfectly neat, was now wearing slightly wrinkled robes, as if he hadn't changed them. The servants who noticed this felt as if they had discovered a shocking secret. They didn't dare to say a word and silently kept their heads down to work.
Upon hearing the gatekeeper's report, Lan Hui rushed to Cui Yiluo's courtyard. As soon as Cui Yiluo stepped into the courtyard, Lan Hui rushed up to her.
"Yi Luo, are you alright?"
Seeing Lan Hui looking anxious, as if she hadn't slept well all night, Cui Yiluo couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt.
She gently hugged Lan Hui, half her face hidden on Lan Hui's shoulder, her voice hoarse: "Aunt, I'm alright, I'm sorry..."
I took advantage of you.
Seeing that she was only slightly pale and had some dark circles under her eyes, and was indeed unharmed, Lan Hui was relieved. She then looked at her husband and nephew, who were always composed, standing beside Cui Yiluo.
"Shenzhi, what happened last night? Why did you suddenly take Yiluo away, and where did she go?"
Cui Yiluo lowered her eyes.
There was a moment of silence in the courtyard. Lan Hui frowned unconsciously as she looked at the few wrinkles on Jiang Yunjin's robe.
Then I noticed the slightly red cut on his lip, which stood out starkly against his pale skin, as if it had been bitten.
In a flash, Lan Hui's expression changed drastically.
Lan Hui broke out in a cold sweat instantly, "Shenzhi, you and Yiluo..."
Jiang Yunjin stepped forward almost immediately to shield Cui Yiluo.
“Aunt, it was my nephew’s drunken misbehavior that had nothing to do with my cousin. Please rest assured, I will take responsibility for my cousin. I will arrange the marriage as soon as possible, and I will also handle other matters properly.”
Lan Hui's face turned completely white in an instant, and her body went limp as she was about to fall to the side. The maidservant quickly caught her.
Cui Yiluo looked at him with a slight start, only to see his cold and resolute profile.
He made no mention of the fact that they were drugged before they did it, instead using the excuse of being drunk to take all the blame. Is it because the matter hasn't been investigated yet?
Lan Hui's hand, clutching the handkerchief, trembled as she glared angrily at the tall, imposing man: "You... Yi Luo and Supervisor Cheng are already engaged. Shen Zhi, have you considered Yi Luo's reputation in your actions!"
Jiang Yunjin lowered his head and bowed to Lan Hui: "This matter is entirely my fault, and I should take responsibility. I pledge my life to my aunt today, and I will definitely not let anyone ruin my cousin's reputation."
Cui Yiluo's heart skipped a beat.
Lan Hui pondered silently for a long time with a sullen face. Her husband and nephew were the most reliable people in their dealings. If it were any other matter in the past, she would not have suspected anything. But he did such a thing last night, and Lan Hui's heart, which had just been at ease, was now hanging high again.
Moreover, although Madam Jiang has not sought out a wife for Jiang Yunjin in the past two years, it does not mean that she has no requirements regarding family background. If the old lady disagrees, wouldn't her niece suffer in silence? And if Cheng Feng finds out about this, wouldn't her niece's life become even more difficult?
Lan Hui's face paled even more.
Lan Hui's expression changed several times. Jiang Yunjin seemed to see through her concerns and solemnly said, "I will go with my grandmother Chen Ming. Please rest assured, Aunt, I will definitely marry Yi Luo."
Cui Yilu stared at the stone bricks under the cloud-patterned shoes, but her mind was entirely focused on the conversation between the two. Jiang Yunjin's promise reached her ears word by word, and her tightly clenched hand loosened slightly.
Since her husband and nephew had never done anything out of line and had made repeated promises, Lan Hui's expression softened somewhat. Since the deed had already been done, the important thing was how to make amends.
She urged him silently, "If you hurry over now, you should be able to catch your mother-in-law just as she finishes taking her medicine."
Jiang Yunjin bowed respectfully and said, "Then I will go to Minghua Courtyard first."
He turned around and met Cui Yiluo's gaze directly behind him.
His gaze seemed to be reassuring, but before Cui Yilu could respond, he quickly left.
After Jiang Yunjin left, only she and Lan Hui remained in the courtyard.
Seeing Lan Hui's complicated and worried gaze, Cui Yiluo suddenly stopped speaking, "Aunt..."
"Yi Luo, have you thought it through?"
Cui Yiluo was surprised that Lan Hui's first words were this. She paused for a moment, then nodded.
It was designed by her alone.
Lan Hui looked at her for a long time, then suddenly sighed: "It's come to this, so be it. I hope it can be resolved smoothly."
Cui Yiluo understood what she meant, but compared to marrying Cheng Feng, marrying Jiang Yunjin through dishonorable means, even if it slightly damaged her reputation, was much better.
Lan Hui sighed again: "Shenzhi has been strictly disciplined by his parents since he was a child, and he has devoted all his energy to politics. You know how he treats people these days. He is not the kind of person who is caring... If you suffer any grievances in the future, you must tell your aunt. The only good thing is that you are now married into the Jiang family, so your aunt can take care of you more."
Cui Yiluo obediently replied, "Yes."
In fact, she didn't care at all whether Jiang Yunjin cared about her or not. A wife is only saddened by her husband's indifference if he has feelings for her. She had no feelings for Jiang Yunjin; she was only interested in his power and status. How could she possibly be upset because of him?
"By the way, Aunt, after I left yesterday, did the Duke of Zheng's mansion manage to cover it up?"
When this matter was mentioned, Lan Hui's smile faded slightly. "The Duke of Zheng's mansion has been in turmoil, but no one has paid attention to you and Shenzhi."
"trouble?"
"Last night, as the banquet was about to end, someone heard some strange noises coming from the backyard, and everyone rushed over. To their surprise, it turned out to be the eldest son of the Chu family, with a woman with him, and both of them were disheveled..."
Lan Hui didn't say anything more, but what she said was clear enough for everyone to understand.
"If that woman were anyone else, things might not have turned out this way, but she is the second daughter of the Xie family."
Cui Yiluo's face showed surprise, "Such a thing happened... What will become of the engagement between Young Master Chu and Miss Xie?"
Lan Hui assumed that Cui Yiluo and Xie Xiyun were on good terms, which was why she asked so many questions. She patiently replied, "Last night, the elders of both the Chu and Xie families rushed to the Duke's mansion. After this incident, the Chu family proposed that Miss Xie be the principal wife and Miss Xie the concubine."
Cui Yiluo couldn't help but reveal a hint of sarcasm on her face, "How can sisters share one husband? The Chu family actually made such a request?"
Lan Hui nodded in agreement, "Yes, this matter involves two daughters of the Xie family, so naturally the Xie family is unwilling. This morning, the Imperial Concubine summoned both families to the palace again, and we don't know what will happen now. However, last night, with so many eyes watching and so many voices, rumors have already spread outside, and I'm afraid this matter will not end well."
Although the Xie family is not as powerful or influential as the Chu family, Grand Commandant Xie is upright and strong-willed. He would certainly not tolerate such a humiliating demand to marry two women at the same time. Moreover, Chu Ke and Xie Yingzhu were caught in bed together, so his engagement with Xie Xiyun is probably doomed to fall apart.
Cui Yiluo let out a deep, satisfying breath.
Actually, she should thank Chu Ke and Xie Yingzhu. Their commotion drew everyone's attention to them, preventing them from noticing her unusual behavior. If it had been discovered that Chu Ke had drugged her, even if nothing had happened, it would have inevitably led to gossip later on.
Although her involvement with Chu Ke and Xie Yingzhu was merely a side effect, Lilan led Xie Yingzhu there, then led the servants of the Duke's mansion there, who in turn led a crowd...
But in any case, whether to go or not was Xie Yingzhu's own choice. Unfortunately, Xie Yingzhu didn't let go of this opportunity, which led to her being caught in bed with her lover.
It should have been done long ago. It's a pity that Chu Ke got off easy; he shouldn't have been alive.
-
After seeing Lan Hui off, Cui Yiluo immediately ordered her servants to prepare water.
The steam rising from the tub blurred the petals floating on the surface into vibrant red dots, much like the red marks on a woman's fair skin.
Through the shimmering water, Cui Yiluo looked thoughtfully at the finger marks on her ankle. After their first time last night, the effects of the drug wore off, but it seemed that it was just a matter of her constitution; the drug's effects came on quickly but also dissipated quickly. It was different for Jiang Yunjin.
He administered the medicine slowly, but its effects were exceptionally potent, and she couldn't recover even after two doses. Later, gripping the windowpane, her vision blurred, she couldn't tell whether it was the end of the third dose or the beginning of the fourth.
She succumbed to a drowsy sleep, and in her half-awake state, she felt him carefully wiping away the stickiness with a handkerchief. Unfortunately, she was too exhausted to open her eyes and see his expression, missing out on some of the pleasure. She imagined that after the effects of the medicine wore off, he would feel remorse and shame, yet feel compelled to comply with gentlemanly conduct.
Although she was wiped clean, she still needed to take a proper bath. Her bones were almost broken from the impact, and she was only able to relax by soaking in warm water.
When I came out after my bath, it was already past 9 a.m., and the intense sunlight shone through the window paper onto the floral carpet.
Cui Yiluo sat by the window, while Lilan stood beside her, helping her wring her hair with a towel. Her expression was a mixture of realization and surprise, and she lowered her voice but couldn't hide her rising tone: "Miss has finally overcome the difficulty."
Cui Yiluo leaned back in her chair to ease the slight soreness in her lower back. Upon hearing this, she shook her head: "Although he said he would marry her, Old Madam Jiang will not agree so easily. Besides, he is only doing it out of a sense of responsibility, and he is unwilling in his heart."
Lilan asked in confusion, "But isn't Young Master Jiang the most law-abiding? After such a thing happened between him and the young lady, the Jiang family rules forbid taking concubines. And with the Second Madam here, shouldn't Old Madam Jiang at least consider the Second Madam's feelings?"
Cui Yilu thought to herself that the most important thing was Jiang Yunjin's decision. The Jiang family had a clean and upright family tradition. Even if Old Madam Jiang disliked her, she would definitely have to give her an explanation after what happened last night. But if Old Madam Jiang insisted on making her a concubine, Jiang Yunjin would be caught between filial piety and propriety, and might actually agree.
She glanced at the sky. He had left for the old lady's place, and more than half an hour had passed, but there was still no news.
Suddenly, a maidservant reported from outside: "Miss Cui, Wen Feng, the young master's attendant, has arrived."
Wen Feng must have come on Jiang Yunjin's orders. Could he be here to deliver a message? But given Jiang Yunjin's personality, he should have come in person.
Cui Yiluo's mind raced as she had Lilan tie her hair into a simple bun.
After quickly tidying her clothes, Cui Yiluo had her maidservant welcome Wen Feng into the main hall.
"But your cousin sent you?"
Wen Feng handed over a porcelain box the size of a rouge box. Li Lan took it and opened it, and saw that it contained a white, lustrous cream that gave off a faint, cool scent.
Lilan asked instinctively, "Is this an ointment?"
Wen Feng was also confused: "I don't know either. The young master didn't say much, only that he would give it to Miss Cui."
Lilan closed the porcelain box, looked at Cui Yiluo, and after receiving a signal, carefully put the porcelain box away.
Cui Yiluo's lips curled up slightly. He was indeed a gentleman as always, immediately sending ointment after injuring someone. The purpose of the ointment was obvious, which was why he hadn't told Wen Feng its use.
but……
"Is my cousin still in the old lady's courtyard?"
Wen Feng's expression quickly turned troubled, and he stammered, "Young Master is resting in the Jade Bamboo Courtyard right now."
Now that he has returned to Yuzhu Courtyard, he must have already reached a conclusion with the old lady regarding the marriage. The fact that he did not send someone to inform her clearly indicates that he wanted to tell her himself.
Why didn't he come?
Wen Feng's words were vague, as if he was covering something up, and Cui Yiluo instinctively felt that something was strange.
"Is my cousin available right now? I'd like to see him."
"This... Miss Cui, the young master has official business to attend to. Would it be better if I were to deliver the note?"
Cui Yiluo suddenly lowered her eyes, her eyelashes glistening with tears. She clutched her handkerchief to her lips, her face filled with disappointment and sadness: "Wen Feng, does my cousin not want to see me?"
"No!" Wen Feng hesitated, then continued, "It's just that the young master..."
Cui Yiluo looked up: "What's wrong, cousin?"
Hearing the news, he was so anxious and worried that sweat was beading on his forehead. Under Cui Yiluo's tense and helpless gaze, he finally confessed everything, as if deflated.
"Young Master was beaten by the Old Madam!"
Jiang Yunjin was the most beloved grandson of Old Madam Jiang, and he had always been self-disciplined and cautious. So why was Old Madam Jiang so angry that she hit him this time? It was probably not because he had done something immoral that she punished him, but because he wanted to marry her.
Cui Yiluo's heart tightened.
Despite her insistence, Wen Feng still led her to Jixuezhai.
The door to the study was open, and the man sat upright, writing official documents. He wore only a loose, clean brocade robe, which was tied neatly so that not a single strand was visible.
From Wen Feng's words, Cui Yiluo learned that Jiang Yunjin was being punished with a ruler. The ruler was made of ebony, which was extremely sturdy and as thick as two adult men's palms. The first rule of the Jiang family was engraved on it to admonish the descendants.
When he was helped out after receiving the family punishment, his entire back was stained with blood, which looked particularly horrifying against his snow-white brocade robe. The timid servants were almost scared to death.
But right now he looked indifferent, and apart from being a little pale and wearing looser clothes than usual, it was almost impossible to tell that he had just been disciplined by his family.
Wen Feng's voice betrayed his guilt: "Young master, Miss Cui has arrived..."
Jiang Yunjin raised his eyes and glanced at Wen Feng indifferently. Wen Feng hurriedly lowered his head to avoid his master's oppressive gaze. His master had ordered him not to reveal that he had been punished, but he had stammered out most of it.
"Go down first."
His voice was calm, as if he were not surprised.
The door creaked shut, leaving only the two people inside.
His desk was piled high with official documents. Jiang Yunjin led her to the side of the study. When he lifted the bamboo curtain for her, Cui Yiluo looked up and stared straight at him. They made eye contact for a moment, and then he looked away.
Last night, after a passionate and intense lovemaking, once the tide receded and the sky brightened, he reverted to his desireless and indifferent self.
Although the side of the study was neatly tidied, Cui Yiluo still sensed a stronger sense of life there. It felt more like his living quarters.
A small table sat by the window, upon which lay a white jade chessboard. The game was still in progress, the black and white pieces gleaming in the sunlight. There was no one else in the Jade Bamboo Courtyard but him; he was playing alone. Cui Yiluo glanced at it briefly as she passed by; the game was only halfway through, the black and white pieces evenly matched.
Opposite the small table was a screen with a landscape and bamboo pattern, completely obscuring the view inside.
Jiang Yunjin led her around the screen, and Cui Yiluo then realized that behind the screen was a small couch with a rosewood tea table on it, which must have been his resting place when he was tired from handling official business.
The screen separates the outside, creating a closed space where even the air seems to stagnate.
With an air of explanation, Cui Yiluo heard him say in a low voice, "The study is simple, please forgive me."
So we could only bring her here to sit down.
Cui Yilu shook her head: "Why be so formal with me, cousin?"
After last night, they were no longer cousins.
Jiang Yunjin was clearly aware of this as well, and he pursed his lips slightly, his expression revealing a hint of unease.
He picked up the teapot on the coffee table, but just before the tea was about to spill, his well-defined hand was suddenly grasped by the woman's soft and smooth palm.
Cui Yiluo's eyes reddened slightly at the opportune moment: "Cousin, does your back still hurt?"
In fact, she could keenly sense the hesitation in his tea-pouring movements. She had witnessed how forceful he used to be, which showed how heavy the old lady's blow was this time.
Seeing him like this, Cui Yiluo couldn't help but feel uneasy, and her eyes also showed nervousness.
Jiang Yunjin looked at her, his tone reassuring: "Don't worry, the medicine has already been taken."
After saying that, he casually put down the teapot in his hand and withdrew his hand.
Cui Yiluo's hand loosened, and her heart sank. She had no idea how his conversation with the old lady had gone.
She said, on the verge of tears, "Cousin, I'm the one who dragged you into this last night's events, and today you were punished by the Old Madam because of it. If the Old Madam doesn't agree, I actually..."
Jiang Yunjin frowned slightly. "I've said before that I was also at fault in this matter. I've already sent people to investigate, and it was indeed Chu Ke who drugged your drink. You didn't do it intentionally, so the fault doesn't lie with you." He paused. "As for Grandmother, she has already agreed."
Cui Yiluo froze, glistening tears clinging to her eyelashes. After a few moments, she slowly said incredulously, "Cousin means..."
"I will marry you."
Finally receiving a clear answer from him, Cui Yiluo felt a slight sense of relief. Although the old lady disliked her and even beat Jiang Yunjin, she ultimately reluctantly agreed.
She knew that things would definitely not be easy after marriage, but at least she had gotten through this hurdle, and dealing with Cheng Feng would be much easier from now on.
As if he could read her mind, he added, "You don't need to worry about anything else; I'll handle it."
Cui Yiluo's eyes still held back the tears she had just gathered, but when she smiled, her eyes shone brightly. "Yiluo will do whatever her cousin arranges."
He pursed his thin lips, and his voice suddenly lowered: "Have you taken the medicine?"
Cui Yiluo was stunned for a moment before realizing that the medicine he was talking about was the white ointment with a cool scent that he had just ordered Wen Feng to send over, which was packaged in a small porcelain box.
With her butterfly-like eyelashes slightly raised, Cui Yiluo's beautiful eyes, brimming with autumn water, captivated the heartstrings.
"Not yet, that area... I'm having trouble applying the medicine, and I'm too embarrassed to ask the maid for help. Cousin, could you help me?"
Author's Note: Finally, it's a paid service! Thank you all for your support, little red envelopes are dropping! [Sprinkling flowers]
The next update will be tomorrow night at 11 PM. The chapter after that will be postponed to 11 PM the day after tomorrow because of scheduling issues, but the word count will still be high; I'll try to write as much as possible to make it up to you all!! [Kiss]
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