Chapter 47 Xuan Ruyi used him and then discarded him at will.
Zhao Jian fell off the carriage and plunged off a cliff.
It was a remote and narrow road, but Zhao Jian insisted on taking it in order to get back to Ningzhou as quickly as possible.
Jiang Yunjin immediately dispatched more people to escort him back to Ningzhou, and also invited a doctor to accompany him for treatment.
A few days later, news came of Zhao Jian's injuries. His hands and feet had been broken when he fell off the cliff, and after a delay, it seemed there was no chance of them being set and healed. Even more tragically, he had accidentally cut his throat on some loose rocks during the fall. Fortunately, he survived, but he would never be able to speak again.
However, an accident left him unable to speak or write, and he would be bedridden for the rest of his life, unable to move.
Yet he remained conscious, aware that he could neither speak nor move.
This is worse than killing him.
Cui Yiluo's first reaction upon learning the news was that Jiang Yunjin was responsible, since he was the one who sent Zhao Jian away. However, just after leaving Shengjing and approaching Linzhou, an "accident" occurred, and coincidentally, Zhao Jian's voice was ruined, rendering him unable to speak.
It was clearly Jiang Yunjin who did this to protect the Jiang family's reputation. After all, Zhao Jian was a shameless scoundrel, unlike Jiang Yunjin who was a man of his word. Who knew if he would use this incident to threaten them again in the future?
However, when Cui Yiluo saw Jiang Yunjin's expression at the time, she was slightly surprised, and did not seem to know the truth.
Come to think of it, Jiang Yun adheres to the principles of benevolence and righteousness, how could he possibly be so ruthless? Perhaps it really was just a coincidence?
Cui Yiluo inexplicably thought of Cheng Feng falling off his horse again, as well as Chu Ke who was exiled. Although Jiang Yunjin exchanged the marriage proposal for Doctor Xu to come and treat Cheng Yi, Cheng Yi had only recently recovered. If Doctor Xu had treated him, how could he have recovered so slowly?
Such a ruthless style doesn't seem like Jiang Yunjin's style. Although he is astute, he wouldn't scheme to harm someone so meticulously. It would be more reasonable if it were her doing it.
Cui Yiluo calmed down, and then heard Lilan report that Yao had arrived.
Zhao Jian is the only son of Yao's elder brother, the only son in three generations. Now that he is in this state, it is tantamount to ending the Yao family's future generations. How could Yao not be anxious? She has come to Jixuezhai several times in the past few days to see Cui Yiluo.
Cui Yiluo only met Yao once, and Yao merely urged Cui Yiluo to quickly mention to Jiang Yunjin the matter of Cui Qi's promotion and Cui Jun's entry into the Imperial Academy.
Unaware that Jiang Yunjin had secretly given Zhao Jian 10,000 taels of silver, Yao Shi found Zhao Jian's sudden return to Ningzhou highly suspicious, and now that trouble had arisen, she naturally blamed Cui Yiluo. However, Yao Shi had not yet received any benefits, let alone a promotion or entry into the Imperial Academy. She had not even received a single ounce of gold or silver. Cui Qi was still lying in bed recovering from his injuries, and Yao Shi had lost Zhao Jian, whom she could use to threaten Cui Yiluo, making her even more restless.
Yao lost her composure, and Cui Yiluo gained the upper hand, after which she was easily dealt with.
But after this refusal, Yao couldn't sit still any longer.
Lilan received the message and reported back to Cui Yiluo: "Miss, the people over there said that Madam Yao dressed up specially and even had Cui Jun change into new clothes. She ordered people to keep an eye on the eldest young master's movements, saying that she would report to them as soon as he returned to the manor. I'm afraid Madam Yao is getting restless and plans to see the eldest young master in person, isn't she?"
Cui Yiluo casually added spices to the incense burner, "Such a blatant way of sending someone to keep an eye on when Jiang Yunjin will return to the mansion shows that she can't wait any longer."
Yao's side is full of her people, just like when she was a child in the Cui family, she was surrounded by Yao's people. Of course, Jiang Yunjin's movements will not reach Yao's ears, but Yao is never a fool. If her people don't report it, she will definitely go to the places Jiang Yunjin must pass by and keep watch. And tomorrow, Jiang Yunjin happens to be off duty.
"Keep a close eye on Yao; her next move will likely be to bring people directly to Jiang Yunjin's study to request an audience."
Li Lan should be taken down.
The next day, Lilan indeed reported that after having breakfast, Yao began to dress up and urged Cui Jun to also tidy his clothes. Her hurried appearance clearly indicated that she was eager to see Jiang Yunjin.
Yao was her stepmother and was known for her virtue. Anyone who didn't know the situation would think that Yao treated Cui Yiluo, the daughter left behind by his deceased wife, very well. Even though Jiang Yunjin had heard a few words from her before, he was not the kind of person who would make assumptions about others based on just one side of the story. He had always treated the Cui family with courtesy. When his wife's stepmother brought her younger brother to visit, he naturally couldn't refuse them entry, as he was bound by etiquette.
Cui Yiluo immediately went to the study.
Since that time she borrowed Jiang Yunjin's study to copy the family rules, the guards at the door have been sensible and naturally won't stop her from entering or leaving Jiang Yunjin's study. Moreover, Jiang Yunjin always keeps the door wide open when he is in the study. If he really doesn't want to see her, he can just give an order when he sees her coming, and all the guards will immediately stop her.
Just a few steps away, one could see the man in the room with his eyelashes lowered, sitting upright and writing with a pen. The sunlight outlined his broad shoulders and back, and when it shone on his pale profile, it made him appear as cold and aloof as snow on a high mountain, not allowing anyone to touch him.
But Cui Yiluo loved to drag him into lust. A few days ago, when she was pinning him down, she let her control his sense of touch. Watching his usually cold face become stained with desire was particularly interesting to her.
Unfortunately, it was just a flash in the pan, and things have remained the same for the past few days.
The man looked focused, but just as she reached the study door, he suddenly and opportunely put down his pen and placed it on the pen holder.
He didn't even look up, yet he knew perfectly well that it was her. He was so perceptive.
When Cui Yiluo stepped into the room, he finally looked up at her and asked, "What is it?"
She came to his study very few times, and the last time she came, she deliberately spilled the letter.
Cui Yilu smiled, and then, as before, turned around and closed the door.
After a very soft sound, the door closed tightly, shutting out everything outside. The study was sealed off, leaving only the two of them, and even sunlight could not penetrate it.
The situation was familiar; last time, after closing the study door, she had tried every means to seduce him, almost making him break his vow. Cui Yiluo wouldn't forget, and Jiang Yunjin, who always regarded the study as a dignified and solemn place, would not forget either.
Turning around, she saw Jiang Yunjin's eyes darken, his gaze deepen, and his voice turn slightly cold as he warned her, "This is the study."
Cui Yilu smiled slightly. Since he knew what she was going to do after closing the door, why didn't he stop her in advance? Didn't he know that she was very skilled at pushing her luck?
"My lord, I only wish to speak with you. Do you intend to let the guards outside hear me?"
Jiang Yunjin seemed to see through her motives. His expression turned slightly cold upon hearing this. After all, she had said she missed him last time, but it was only to get the letter.
Facing Jiang Yunjin's sharp, penetrating gaze, Cui Yiluo showed no sign of guilt, her smile radiant and lively on her voluptuous face.
Under his stern gaze, Cui Yiluo approached step by step, as if she had been seen through and was too lazy to hide anymore, and sat directly in his lap.
Her waist was instantly pinched, and he skillfully prevented her from pressing against his body, making her sit upright even more so than when she was sitting on a couch.
Jiang Yunjin's eyes darkened, and he asked in a serious tone, "What do you want to say?"
Cui Yiluo quickly sensed the mountain peak rising. Seeing the man in front of her seemingly oblivious, still with a cold and stern expression, she sneered inwardly. Just as she was about to speak and add more firewood, she heard hurried footsteps outside the door.
Yao's voice came into the room the next moment. As if afraid that Jiang Yunjin inside wouldn't hear it, Yao deliberately made her voice louder.
"My dear son-in-law, I've brought my younger brother Yiluo to visit you. I wonder if you're busy?"
Inside the room separated by a door, Jiang Yunjin's expression darkened completely as he looked down at the woman sitting in his lap.
His narrow eyes were cold and dark. Cui Yiluo was stared at like that, and she didn't know if he saw through her purpose for coming here, or if he was displeased that there were people outside and she was still sitting on his lap.
But since things had already come to this point, with Yao Shi and Cui Jun already at the door, it was even less likely that Cui Yiluo would stand up and open the door to let them in.
Jiang Yunjin's study was naturally designed for secrecy; as long as one kept quiet, no sound could be heard outside. Cui Yiluo sat atop the mountain peak, looking at him meaningfully: "Does my husband intend to let them in now?"
Jiang Yunjin's gaze turned serious, and his aura became forceful: "Cui Yiluo, get down."
Cui Yiluo laughed, "My husband is getting more and more comfortable calling me by my name now."
He frowned, his tone helpless: "There are outsiders here, don't cause trouble."
Upon hearing this, Cui Yiluo's smile deepened, and she leaned closer, as if bewitching him: "So, to my husband, I am no longer an outsider?"
Jiang Yunjin naturally wouldn't answer her question. His dark eyes darted around her, and she met his gaze with interest and without fear.
Just then, Yao's voice rang out from outside the door again: "My dear son-in-law, is he here? My brother Yiluo and I have something important to discuss with you. May we open the door?"
Cui Yiluo raised an eyebrow, watching Jiang Yunjin's increasingly cold expression with amusement. She gently nuzzled him, as if urging him on, and waited patiently for his reaction.
Jiang Yunjin stared at her, his eyes growing increasingly dark, his sword-like eyebrows lowered, and his temples trembled slightly.
"My dear son-in-law?" Madam Yao, who was outside the door, seemed to have taken a few steps closer, and her voice was also closer.
Clearly, the guards at the door, seeing that it was Cui Yiluo's mother who had come, and seeing the deathly silence inside the house, were unsure whether to stop her or not. Taking advantage of the guards' hesitation, Yao led Cui Jun directly to the door.
Yao had already reached the door. The room was not locked. With a gentle push, the door would open wide, exposing all the intimacy hidden in the darkness of the room to the sunlight.
Jiang Yunjin's face darkened further, his thin lips pursed, and he tried to push Cui Yiluo away with his hand gripping her waist. Cui Yiluo, however, seemed to be competing with him, refusing to admit defeat or get off his lap. The two remained locked in a stalemate, causing both of them to become breathless.
Outside the door, Yao was unaware of the undercurrents inside. Seeing no response from the study, she thought that she had been rejected by Cui Yiluo for many days. Now, she could only break through through Jiang Yunjin. After all, this high-ranking and powerful Grand Secretary was known for respecting his elders. As his mother-in-law, what was wrong with her asking him to support her wife's family?
This was her only chance to gain wealth and power.
Madam Yao hardened her heart and spoke directly through the door: "My dear son-in-law, it's really nothing important. It's just that Yiluo's father is currently bedridden and will likely need to recuperate in the capital for quite some time. We can't keep staying at the Jiang family's house and bothering him. How about this, my dear son-in-law, could you find us a house outside..."
Outside the door, Yao was still rambling on and on, each word clearly reaching the ears of the two people behind the door.
Cui Yilu scoffed inwardly and simply increased the intensity.
She slightly raised her face and gently touched Jiang Yunjin's Adam's apple.
"Husband, let them go."
Her waist was pinched even tighter.
Seeing that Jiang Yunjin's face was still dark and he had no reaction, Cui Yiluo added fuel to the fire, kissed him on the chin, hugged his neck, and grabbed his breasts, which then rose higher.
"Does my husband want them to come in?"
Yao and Cui Jun stood outside, ready to burst in at any moment, with countless guards around. Yao continued talking, and had already mentioned getting Cui Jun into the Imperial Academy.
She relentlessly seduced him in the room, even grabbing him, making his breath ragged, domineeringly arousing his desire, hoping he wouldn't listen to a single word, and becoming so consumed by lust that he couldn't bear to see anyone.
Jiang Yunjin's expression grew increasingly grim, his eyes swirling with a dark, stormy energy, and his aura was oppressive, exuding a dangerous aura that sent chills down one's spine.
Cui Yiluo, however, seemed oblivious, becoming more determined with each setback.
Suddenly, his waist was gripped tightly.
Just when Cui Yilu thought he was completely enraged by her, he suddenly looked up at the door and said in a calm voice, "I have something to do. Mother-in-law, please take your younger brother back first."
Cui Yiluo smiled. It's done.
Yao, standing outside the door, was stunned. Cui Jun, who had been tidying up for a long time, was also stunned upon hearing this. Neither of them expected Jiang Yunjin to refuse so ruthlessly.
Yao reached out, ready to push the door open. But just as she touched the door, a soft cough came from inside the room.
It's like a warning.
Yao's hand trembled, but she withdrew it. There was plenty of time in the future; if she offended Jiang Yunjin now, there would be no way to undo the damage.
"Then I won't disturb my son-in-law any longer, Jun'er, let's go back first."
Another set of footsteps sounded outside the door, then gradually faded into the distance.
As Cui Yiluo watched the door open, the sunlight shining through the window paper brightened again, and she couldn't help but smile.
Suddenly, her chin was pinched by long, slender fingers and turned back to face him.
She suddenly found herself in the man's dark and gloomy eyes. He gripped her chin sharply, his voice hoarse and filled with complex emotions that were hard to define: "Satisfied?"
Cui Yiluo knew when to stop. She lowered her arms from his neck and moved away from him, laughing, "Yiluo is only thinking of her husband. He is always upright in public, how can he ruin his image?"
Jiang Yunjin looked at her without saying a word.
The room fell silent suddenly, and the tense atmosphere that had just arisen seemed to vanish instantly.
"Then Yiluo will not interfere with her husband's official duties."
Just as Cui Yiluo was about to get up, her waist was suddenly grabbed.
The next instant, the man pressed down on her, his anger barely contained, and bit her lip.
This is the second time.
Use him and then discard him at will.
Author's note: I'm so angry! [doge emoji]
Sorry I'm late. I wanted to finish writing this part today, so it's a bit late. I'll add more tomorrow.
[Heart] Thank you to all the lovely people who watered the nutrient solution!
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