Chapter 44 A Thousand Knots: He's Holding Her
Cui Yiluo invited the group into her private residence, deliberately concealing the truth from Jiang Yunjin, only to have it all revealed by an unexpected fire. Whether Jiang Yunjin believed her or not, she couldn't tell at all; she had never been able to understand him.
With the truth revealed, the house in Luoyun Lane was mostly burned down again, and it would probably take at least a year and a half to be repaired. Jiang Yunjin respected his elders, and the Cui family members were frightened by the sudden fire. Cui Yiluo's father, Cui Qi, was even seriously injured. Naturally, he could no longer settle the Cui family members outside.
Cui Yiluo was unwilling, but things had suddenly developed to this point, completely beyond her control.
Moreover, the Jade Bamboo Courtyard could easily accommodate four people. Each household's courtyard was not small. For example, the second household had a son and a daughter. Cui Yiluo had lived with the second household before and still found the courtyard spacious. In addition, the first household's couple had both passed away, and they only had one son.
Whether intentionally or unintentionally, the small courtyard that Jiang Yunjin arranged for the four people was not very close to their bedrooms.
It was already late at night, and the servants were all moving quietly. But with all the commotion of making arrangements and calling a doctor to treat Cui Qi, it was bound to be quite loud, and it was likely that the news would reach the old lady's ears again tomorrow.
Her father was burned in the fire, and as his daughter, Cui Yiluo had to put on a show of respect, so she could only wait by the side for the doctor to treat her.
But what she didn't expect was that Jiang Yunjin had been with her all along, and he personally arranged everything for the night.
Although she knew that his respectful and courteous manners stemmed from his reverence for his elders, Cui Yiluo had to admit that she felt inexplicably at ease when he stood beside her.
Cui Qi was particularly badly injured; the fire burned a lot of his flesh, and he will probably have to stay in bed for half a month before he can get out of bed and walk.
This means that Cui Yiluo has no way to get rid of this family in the short term. Moreover, was the fire really an accident? And why was only Cui Qi injured, while the others, whether it was Yao Shi or Zhao Jian, only suffered minor burns at most?
Inside the bedroom, Cui Yilu stared at the lotus lamp on the small table, her eyes stinging from the firelight. Only when she heard the sound of the bathroom door opening and closing did she shift her gaze to Jiang Yunjin, who had finished changing into his nightgown and was approaching through the bamboo curtain.
Despite having toiled through most of the night, he showed no signs of fatigue. He stood tall in the candlelight like a pine tree on a snow-capped mountain, his dark eyebrows and handsome, fair face radiating coldness. His gaze was fixed on her, his eyes suppressing emotions, yet revealing a complex mix of feelings.
Cui Yiluo bit her lip, stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his waist and abdomen, her soft body instantly embedding itself into the man's strong and lean frame.
"Thank you for tonight, my husband," a soft voice rang out.
The man paused, and then Cui Yiluo felt his hand, which was hanging down by his side, move. One hand pressed on her waist and wrapped around her.
She subconsciously looked up, but could only see his chin and neck, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly.
He was holding her.
He had never responded to her hugs or holding hands when they were on the bed before. Did he not know what this meant?
Or perhaps, tonight's fire only made him feel a little sorry for her, but would such a cold-hearted person feel pity for a woman?
He wrapped one arm around her, his warm breath gently brushing against the top of her head, embracing her like lovers, their intimacy and tenderness even in the dead of night.
She inexplicably craved this feeling. Cui Yiluo tightened her arms around his waist, pressed her cheeks closer to his hard chest, and merged more deeply with him.
"Don't worry about your family's affairs; I'll handle it with you. If anything happens during the day, send someone with information to deliver a message to me in the capital."
His voice flowed like a clear spring through the night. Cui Yiluo's eyelashes fluttered slightly, and the thought resurfaced. Did he already know?
But in the end, she didn't ask or answer. She didn't dare gamble that her pity would outweigh his rules and etiquette.
Jiang Yunjin didn't say anything more, but simply wrapped one arm around her, gently embracing her soft and petite figure.
-
The following day, when Cui Yiluo went to pay her respects to Old Madam Jiang, she was indeed asked about the Cui family.
According to custom, the Jiang family should have hosted a banquet for the Cui family, but Cui Qi was injured in the fire and was bedridden, so the banquet could not be held for the time being. The old lady of the Jiang family did not mention whether to hold the banquet after Cui Qi recovered, which was exactly what Cui Yiluo wanted.
Clearly, Old Madam Jiang had no intention of receiving the Cui family. Therefore, she did not inquire further, only offering a few superficial words of concern and sending some tonics.
He wouldn't go to visit them in person, since Jiang Yunjin is the head of the Jiang family and represents the entire family.
Cui Yiluo breathed a sigh of relief. With Old Madam Jiang's situation resolved, she only needed to deal with Jiang Yunjin while Cui Qi was recuperating, and then she could focus on dealing with those other people.
After paying her respects, she went to the small courtyard of the Cui family.
When Yao saw her arrive, she hurriedly greeted her with a beaming smile, her attitude changing so quickly that even Lilan couldn't help but show disdain.
Cui Yiluo ignored her attentiveness and simply sat down in the hall.
"Please tell me in detail what happened last night when the fire started."
Yao's smile faded, but thinking of the wealth and glory to come, she held back and recounted what had happened the night before.
“Last night after dinner, Jun’er was playing pitch-pot with Jian’er in the courtyard, and I went out of the room. Only your father was in the bedroom. Suddenly we smelled something burning, and then we heard shouts for the water to be turned on. We then discovered that there was a fire. Your father seemed to have been unconscious in the bedroom. The fire was too big and the well water could not put it out. We could not open the door and were trapped in the fire. Fortunately, the city guards arrived in time.”
Although Yao was ruthless, she couldn't help but feel lingering fear after this ordeal.
Upon hearing this, Cui Yiluo frowned: "Did the bedroom catch fire first, or did the house next door catch fire first?"
"I don't know. When we found it, the surroundings were already engulfed in fire. Your father was in the bedroom the whole time. He only said that he saw the fire outside the door and that's why he couldn't open it."
After he finished speaking, the hall fell silent for a moment.
Yao assumed it was an accident, but seeing Cui Yiluo remain silent, she became somewhat impatient and changed the subject: "But Yiluo, look, your father is getting old, and he's so badly injured this time. Since you're now married into a prestigious family like the Jiang family in Shengjing, why don't you talk to your son-in-law and ask him to find your father some official position in the capital, even a sixth or seventh rank would be fine. Also, send your younger brother to the Imperial Academy, so our family can be reunited in Shengjing. And if your brother gets an official position in the court later, he can help you. What do you say?"
Cui Yiluo raised her eyes slightly, her gaze cold and unreadable.
Madam Yao smiled and continued, "Your mother always felt that Supervisor Cheng was not good enough for you, but as you know, our family is not of high social standing. It was only because of your shrewdness that you were able to marry someone like the Grand Secretary. Now that you've made it big, you wouldn't abandon your parents and younger brother, would you?"
The hall fell silent for a few moments.
Seeing that Cui Yiluo remained silent, Madam Yao couldn't help but lose patience and said, "Jian'er is just here in the capital for fun. Don't worry, Yiluo, we'll stay in the capital and send him back to Ningzhou. That matter is long gone, and my son-in-law will never know about it, will he?"
Cui Yiluo's gaze fell on her, and it was sharp and cold, making Yao feel a chill in her heart. She had never seen Cui Yiluo look like that before.
After a long pause, Cui Yiluo smiled and said, "Since Mother has brought Zhao Jian here, what can I say? However, my husband is a fair man, and I'm afraid he won't agree."
Yao looked anxious and was about to speak again, but was interrupted by Cui Yiluo.
Cui Yiluo's expression was a half-smile: "However, after being a daughter for so many years, how can I not repay my mother? Mother, please take good care of Father these days and don't worry about anything else. Mother doesn't want to end up with nothing, does she?"
After pondering Cui Yiluo's words for a while, Madam Yao suppressed the fierceness in her eyes and smiled gently, "Alright, then I'll leave this matter to you, Yiluo. I believe my daughter is a smart person and knows how to make the right choice."
After all, Zhao Jian's affair had blown up, and the one who suffered the most was Cui Yiluo. They only lost some reputation, but they still had their son Cui Jun to rely on. If Cui Jun became successful in the future, he would still take them to enjoy wealth and glory. But what about Cui Yiluo? She went from being the glamorous wife of the Grand Secretary to a disgraced and abandoned woman. The difference was so great that Cui Yiluo probably found it much harder to accept than they did.
Anyone with common sense knows which option to choose.
Yao's smile held a hint of certainty and pride.
Meanwhile, in a farmhouse on the outskirts of the city, it was already September. The lush greenery had turned golden, and the leaves fell on the moon-white robe of the man sitting upright on the stone bench under the tree, adding a touch of brightness.
Long, slender fingers gently pinched the leaf and brushed it to the ground.
"It seems that he's really in a hurry this time. He used to stay hidden in the shadows, but this time he's gone to such lengths to make a big scene. However, compared to your wife, he is indeed more direct and more dangerous."
As Xiao Jing spoke, he changed the subject: "But Shenzhi, didn't you send people to keep an eye on Luoyun Lane on the very first day they entered the city? Why were the city guards the ones who rescued them last night?"
Jiang Yunjin said calmly, "As expected, Your Highness cannot be fooled. It's just that the fire isn't strong enough to cause any trouble. We'll just have to wait a few more moments."
Xiao Jing breathed a sigh of relief. After all, Cui Qi had deliberately indulged Yao Shi's mistreatment of Cui Yiluo. If Jiang Yunjin deliberately refused to save her for the sake of his wife, causing Cui Qi's death, that would be disastrous.
"However, the Cui family is currently staying at your residence, so they probably won't dare to make another move. In your opinion, how should we proceed this time?"
Jiang Yunjin lowered his eyes and said, "In my opinion, now is not the best time. Although the Fifth Prince is in seclusion to reflect on his mistakes, it has not diminished his power. In the end, His Majesty will suppress the matter. Acting too hastily will be disadvantageous."
He said solemnly, "Yi Luo is my wife. It will not be difficult for the Cui family to come to Shengjing in the future."
Xiao Jing was taken aback: "You mean, we should put this on hold for now?"
"The fire broke out last night, and those in the court who are interested should have already taken note. I think that rather than revealing this matter first, it would be better to weaken its power and leave it until the end."
Xiao Jing nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed, if this matter were revealed prematurely, Father would surely try every means to suppress it. It's better to strike a decisive blow when it's at its weakest." After saying that, Xiao Jing suddenly smiled and said, "However, you're worried about your wife, aren't you?"
Jiang Yunjin remained calm, showing no embarrassment at being caught out, and said in a gentle tone, "She doesn't know these things, and she probably won't be able to accept them right away."
Xiao Jing chuckled and said, "When I said that before, you said I was overthinking it. Now you're being so generous. It seems that love really can change people. Even you would scheme so much to protect someone."
Jiang Yunjin slowly poured tea into Xiao Jing's cup, "I heard that Your Highness has recently sent people to search for rare treasures. Is it to give to Miss Xie?"
Xiao Jing was stunned for a moment, then said frankly, "She and I were childhood sweethearts, and now the engagement has been broken off. What's wrong with that? Chu Ke has already taken her half-sister into exile. I heard that before the exile, her half-sister cried and made a scene at home, even blaming her. She must have been feeling terrible. I used to be concerned about her engagement, but things are different now. If I don't speak up now, won't I miss this opportunity?"
Xiao Jing was extremely frank and straightforward. Jiang Yunjin did not answer, but lowered his eyes, seemingly lost in thought.
-
As dusk crept up the white walls and gray tiles, the entire courtyard was bathed in a warm, yellowish light.
Under the flower trellis in the courtyard, Cui Yiluo turned a page of the account book and said calmly, "Did the small kitchen send out dinner?"
“Yes, Madam Yao was quite disappointed to hear that the eldest son had not returned to the manor and could not dine with him.” Recalling Madam Yao’s words during the day, Lilan sneered, “Madam Yao really dares to think so big, making such an outrageous demand. She really doesn’t know her own limitations.”
Cui Yiluo closed the ledger and smiled, "They came all this way for this very reason, didn't they? What did Zhao Jian's messenger say?"
"Don't worry, young lady. Everything at the gambling den has been taken care of. Zhao Jian lost several hundred taels today and will probably be coming to you in the next couple of days."
Cui Yiluo casually poured herself a cup of tea. "He lost several hundred taels in one day. My cousin is really a worry."
However, Zhao Jian was even more anxious than Li Lan. Shortly after the meal, he sent someone to tell Cui Yiluo to go to the corridor at the back of the courtyard.
Cui Yiluo instructed Lilan to lead the guards to hide in the shadows and walk towards the corridor.
Before turning the corner, Cui Yiluo picked up a withered leaf that had fallen on the railing and threw it on the ground. Lilan had a lot of people with her, so it wasn't convenient for her to hide here. The place where they were hiding couldn't see this corner, and there was no guarantee that there wouldn't be others hiding here eavesdropping.
"My cousin is here."
The moonlight was pale, and the night could not conceal Cui Yiluo's beauty; a single glance could steal one's soul. Zhao Jian's eyes lit up, and he couldn't help but regret not being more careful back then. If only he could have gotten closer...
Cui Yiluo stopped a few steps away and said with a faint smile, "My cousin said that if I didn't come, I would go to find my husband. How could I not come?"
Zhao Jian chuckled awkwardly, yet also managed to suppress the beauty's smugness. "Cousin, I don't want to upset anyone, after all, we are cousins, aren't we? So I'll be frank, three thousand taels."
Cui Yiluo was immediately shocked: "Three thousand taels? I've only just married into the family, how could I possibly come up with such a large sum?"
Zhao Jian chuckled, “Cousin is indeed modest. You’ve already managed to snag a man like the Grand Secretary. If you can’t come up with a mere three thousand taels, surely your husband can? I’ll say it again: if you’re powerless, then I’ll have to go to the Grand Secretary.”
Cui Yilu panicked and hurriedly said, "Don't go looking for my husband. I'll go back tonight and think of a way."
Seeing that she agreed, Zhao Jian's smile widened. "I knew my cousin had a way. Tomorrow at Ruyi Tower, I'll wait for you in a private room. You absolutely must come, or else..."
Zhao Jian curled his lips into a playful smile, his chubby cheeks bunching up.
Cui Yiluo's eyes flashed coldly, but her face still showed panic: "Okay."
Seeing her pitiful appearance, Zhao Jian's heart fluttered, and he couldn't help but want to step forward. Just as he was about to touch her hand, she turned her body away and avoided him.
"Cousin, my husband is going back to his room soon, so I'll be going now."
Upon hearing Jiang Yunjin's name, Zhao Jian regained some composure. He looked around and realized that now was indeed not a good time. Tomorrow, the private room would only be for the two of them, and he had prepared aphrodisiac incense. Wouldn't that make things even more enjoyable?
He thought he could get money, get close to a beautiful woman, and use this to blackmail Cui Yiluo in the future. After all, he hadn't even touched her the last time, but things would be completely different after tomorrow.
Thinking of this, Zhao Jian couldn't help but smile again, "Then cousin, you should go back quickly, don't keep Lord Ling waiting."
Looking at Zhao Jian's lewd face, Cui Yilu felt a wave of nausea and almost couldn't keep up the act.
She casually responded, but then heard some noises coming from the corner of the corridor behind her, so she quickly turned around and went to investigate.
But the fallen leaves she had just tossed aside remained untouched on the ground. Cui Yiluo stared at the leaves, her brows furrowing. Had she misheard something due to her nervousness?
"Cousin, what's wrong?"
The sound of Zhao Jian's footsteps followed his husky, flippant voice from behind.
Lilan and the others couldn't see this place, so Cui Yiluo didn't dare to linger. She replied that everything was alright and quickly left.
Back in her room, Cui Yiluo was still thinking about what had just happened, but the fallen leaves on the ground were the best proof. If someone had come and gone, how could the leaves have remained completely still?
Cui Yiluo calmed herself down; the most important thing right now was to resolve tomorrow's matters.
Just then, she heard a noise from the door. Cui Yiluo glanced at the sky and realized it was still early before Jiang Yunjin's usual time to return to his room, so she quickly stood up.
The bamboo curtain was lifted, and the bright candlelight cast the man's familiar figure onto the wall. The man's tall figure stood beside the door.
Cui Yiluo felt completely at ease, her expression softened, and she stepped forward to hug him.
"My husband."
His body was lean yet full of strength, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist, and holding him gave people a sense of security.
Jiang Yunjin's body stiffened involuntarily when a soft object suddenly entered his arms.
Just like last night, he raised a hand, placed it on her waist, and embraced her.
"Is there anything going on in the house today?"
Cui Yiluo bit her lip, and after a few breaths, she pressed herself against his chest, her voice muffled: "It's nothing, everything is fine."
The hand on her waist tightened, almost as if he wanted to hold her in his arms. Cui Yiluo waited for a while, but he didn't make any further moves.
A deep, husky voice came from above his head: "Okay."
-
The following afternoon, Cui Yiluo received news that Zhao Jian was already waiting in the private room.
She carefully applied the medicine to the dagger again. The sunlight shone on the dagger, emitting dazzling fragments of light. The cold light reflected on Cui Yiluo's beautiful face, and a cold chill appeared in her pretty eyes.
She picked up a wooden box from the side, which contained three thousand taels of silver notes.
Having racked up a huge debt at the gambling den, but with counterfeit banknotes in his possession, and surrounded by "those people" who are all tall and skilled in martial arts, what will become of Zhao Jian?
Cui Yiluo smiled slightly, her red lips curving upwards, and led Lilan and her guards out the door.
Last night, she subtly inquired about Jiang Yunjin's whereabouts and learned that he had no official business to attend to today, so she was not worried about running into him.
This matter will surely be resolved smoothly.
After traveling for a while, the carriage arrived at Ruyi Tower.
Wearing a veil, Cui Yiluo was led by a servant from the building to Zhao Jianding's private room.
Cui Yiluo and Lilan exchanged a glance, then slowly pushed the door open.
The door creaked open, revealing a waft of incense from the incense burner in the room. The rising smoke obscured the silhouette of the man sitting on the couch, making him appear and disappear indistinct.
Cui Yilu stared at those familiar, cool, dark eyes and brows, completely stunned.
"My husband..."
The room was filled with a rich, fragrant aroma that inexplicably made one feel slightly restless.
Author's Note: Thanks to "Cousin" for the assist before logging off [doge emoji] Everyone, be on time tomorrow night!
Because of her upbringing, A-Luo lacks a sense of security and is used to being independent, making it difficult for her to fully trust someone. In fact, A-Luo already trusts her cousin quite a bit, but it will take some time before she can be completely honest with him.
[Heart] Thank you for the nutrient solution you all provided!
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