Chapter 49 Tonight's wine seemed to be both enticing him to pluck it and drawing it from his heart...
Upon hearing this, Yao was shocked and staggered back a step.
Cui Jun rushed forward angrily, but Li Lan swiftly blocked him, preventing him from getting close. A few steps away, most of Cui Jun's earlier panic disappeared, replaced by anger. He was stopped by the guards beside him and pointed his hand directly at Cui Yiluo's face.
"Cui Yiluo, what nonsense are you spouting? You just don't want us to stay in Shengjing, don't you! Father's only burns haven't healed yet, and you're already cursing him to die. You're immoral, shameless, and despicable! I know you're afraid that our staying in Shengjing will hinder your position, afraid that I'll pass the imperial examinations and become a high-ranking official, surpassing your husband, aren't you? You don't want us to be happy because you're motherless, and you can't stand seeing the three of us living in harmony, and you can't stand seeing Father doting on me while not even glancing at you!"
Cui Jun was so angry that the fleshy parts of his face trembled. He was in the process of changing his voice, and his speech was very fast. These words came out in a rapid-fire manner, like the frantic cries of a startled wild duck.
Looking at Cui Jun's shameless, fat-headed appearance, Li Lan wished she could tear Cui Jun's mouth apart, but was stopped by Cui Yiluo.
Cui Yiluo seemed used to it, showing no resentment whatsoever. "Disgraceful and immoral, utterly shameless. If you had such literary talent in your policy essays, you wouldn't have to worry about failing the exam."
Cui Junru was hit where it hurt, and jumped up even more, "Cui Yiluo, how dare you talk to me like that? You don't even have a teacher, you can't even afford to buy books and have to borrow them from others, how dare you discuss scholarship with me!"
Cui Jun was yelling and shouting on the side, while Cui Yiluo directly told Lilan to tell the Cui family to pack their bags.
"etc!"
Suddenly, Yao's voice rang out inside the house, calling out to Lilan.
Cui Yiluo calmly turned her gaze to Yao Shi, only to see that the look of panic on Yao Shi's face had faded, and she had returned to her previous shrewd and calculating appearance.
“Yi Luo, I know you have grievances about your mother marrying you to Supervisor Cheng, but Yi Luo, there was nothing we could do about it. At that time, our family could not find a higher social standing than Supervisor Cheng. Besides, he was already old. Once he died, you could enjoy a peaceful and happy life. Your mother was thinking of you.”
Yao spoke earnestly, as if she were truly a pitiful mother misunderstood by her daughter.
"But now that you've married Lord Ling, we're all family. You know your father is reserved, but he's actually been very caring towards you all these years. Your mother was indeed somewhat negligent in disciplining you in the past. And about Zhao Jian, he's a cripple now, but your mother remembers everything that happened before and won't forget the grievances you suffered. After your father recovers and your brother enters the Imperial Academy, our family will live a good life in Shengjing, okay?"
Cui Yiluo stepped past the two men, glanced at Cui Qi, who was being held down on the bed by the servant, still trembling and pointing at Cui Yiluo with a look of terror on his face and incoherent speech, then turned her gaze to Yao Shi, who was half threatening and half pleading, and smiled.
"Don't you understand?"
Seeing the ruthlessness in Cui Yiluo's expression that Yao Shi had never seen before, she was startled and asked, "What?"
Cui Yiluo's smile faded, and she slowly said, "Do you think the fire in Luoyun Lane was an accident? Why were the three of you unharmed, while Father was seriously injured and nearly perished in the flames? And why, even with the intervention of the Yunyi Guards, has so much time passed and the source of the fire still not been found? Moreover, why didn't Father call for help even when the entire house was ablaze? Furthermore, today, Father almost disturbed the Emperor's presence, which has already attracted attention. Do you think you can still keep your lives if you don't leave Shengjing soon?"
Yao stood frozen in place, her expression gradually freezing as Cui Yiluo continued speaking, revealing a hint of lingering fear and horror, while Cui Qi behind her was still calling out "Ayi" repeatedly.
Although she couldn't guess everything, she knew those people were after Cui Qi. But...
A few moments later, she suppressed her shock and became somewhat calm and composed.
"In that case, it seems that your father is indeed no longer suitable to stay in Shengjing. He is ill again, and it would be more suitable for him to return to Ningzhou to recuperate and recover."
Yao agreed to send Cui Qi back to Ningzhou, and Lilan breathed a sigh of relief. However, seeing that Cui Yiluo's expression beside her had become even colder, she was startled. Sure enough, the next moment, she heard Yao say:
"Your father's matter has nothing to do with Jun'er. Jun'er is at a crucial stage in his life. The teachers all say that Jun'er is intelligent and quick-witted, and will surely become a great man in the future. Even the fortune teller says that Jun'er has extraordinary talent and is destined to be a prime minister. Now that Jun'er has entered the Imperial Academy, I, as his mother, will naturally take care of him in Shengjing so that he can study in peace. Yiluo, I will go and help pack your father's belongings in a while, and we will send him off to Shengjing safely tomorrow."
Seeing that Yao had so decisively abandoned Cui Qi in just a few moments, leaving herself and her son behind, even Lilan, who knew Yao was a ruthless person, couldn't help but be surprised.
The room was silent for a few breaths. Yao stared at Cui Yiluo with a faint smile, but her gaze was fierce, and she was secretly putting pressure on her.
Suddenly, a sneer rang out.
"Yao family, why would you think I would leave you in Shengjing?"
Cui Yiluo turned completely cold, appearing obscure and sinister in the slanting sunlight streaming into the room, making people afraid to approach her for a moment.
A hint of surprise flashed in Yao's eyes. She hadn't expected Cui Yiluo to so abruptly and bluntly tear off the mask.
"Tomorrow you will take Cui Jun and Cui Qi with you and leave. Don't even think about ever setting foot in Shengjing again. As for Cui Jun wanting to enter the Imperial Academy? Don't say I won't help him, Jiang Yunjin is even less likely to help him."
Jiang Yunjin was a fair and upright person, so it was impossible for him to use his power to send Cui Jun, who couldn't even write a single policy essay, into the Imperial Academy.
Cui Jun was about to jump up and speak again in a hurry, but Yao Shi held him down.
The pretense between the two had been torn off, and Yao revealed a sinister smile. "Cui Yiluo, aren't you afraid I'll tell your husband about Zhao Jian? Tell me, what if he finds out that you were not only defiled before marriage, but also attempted murder? And that you were the one who caused Zhao Jian's fall off the cliff, weren't you? You didn't kill him, but you crippled him. Tell me, if your husband knew you were such a ruthless woman, wouldn't he put aside his own family and send you to the authorities? After all, he's not like me; he won't let you off the hook."
Do you think you'll be able to see him?
Cui Yiluo spoke in a meaningful tone, then turned and left.
Madam Yao finally realized that Cui Yiluo had long been controlling her, otherwise how could she have only received news of Jiang Yunjin's return to the mansion at 9 PM for several days? She wanted to rush forward and grab Cui Yiluo immediately, but was blocked by several servants. She only managed to brush her fingertips against Cui Yiluo's plain embroidered rose shawl, grasping at empty air.
"Cui Yiluo!"
Yao's angry struggles and shouts came from behind, and Cui Yilu walked around the screen expressionlessly.
But suddenly, it entered into his dark, cold, yet familiar narrow eyes.
Cui Yiluo stood there, stunned.
The man's tall figure blocked the sunlight, completely covering her. His cold and stern face was composed, his brows and eyes were heavily lowered, and his whole body appeared dark and indistinct as he stood in the shadows.
Cui Yiluo's mind went blank for a moment.
When did he stand here? And how much did he hear?
But then she realized that even if he only heard a sentence or two, her ruthlessness in front of Yao had already been clearly exposed to him.
Footsteps sounded behind them, and it turned out that Yao had broken free from several servants and rushed out.
When Yao saw Jiang Yunjin, she was also taken aback, but then her face lit up with joy, and she excitedly ran to Jiang Yunjin's side.
Without Jiang Yunjin's instructions, no one would stop Yao Shi.
Cui Yiluo's expression grew colder.
"My dear son-in-law, you've come at the perfect time! You heard everything just now, didn't you? Although Yiluo is my daughter, I can't escape responsibility for raising her into this state, but today, I can no longer let you be deceived! Two years ago, my nephew Zhao Jian was seduced by her, and the two of them secretly had an affair. But when my nephew proposed marriage, she refused to agree, despising my Yao family for being weak. She even stabbed my nephew in the back, trying to kill him! If you don't believe me, you can send someone to investigate. Just a few inches to the right of his heart, and if it's a fraction more accurate, he'll be dead!"
Jiang Yunjin stood silently and did not stop Yao.
Looking at his cold profile, Cui Yiluo's heart sank.
Seeing this, Madam Yao became even more emboldened: "My poor nephew, he'll be bedridden for the rest of his life. He's only been in Shengjing for a short time, why would he want to go back to Ningzhou? And then, by sheer coincidence, he had an accident on his way back. You, my dear son-in-law, are always so intelligent, you must be able to see the clues. Yi Luo is so ruthless, and now she's even disregarding human ethics, forcing me and her father back to Ningzhou. My dear son-in-law, I have no other choice, you must help us."
As Yao spoke, she covered her face and wept. If one only heard her plea, anyone would probably think that Cui Yiluo was a vicious woman who killed her cousin, abandoned her parents, and was treacherous and utterly devoid of conscience.
Cui Yiluo stopped looking at Jiang Yunjin. She stood tall and straight in the hall, like a bamboo, unyielding. Her bright eyes were like ice, staring at the sun outside the door frame. The dazzling light hurt her eyes, and her fingers, hidden in her sleeves, unconsciously dug into her palms.
The fact that she had deliberately concealed the fact that she had stabbed Zhao Jian in the back was now laid bare before Jiang Yunjin.
She and Yao had completely torn off the mask of pretense they had maintained for over a decade, and there was no way she could get any benefits from her anymore. It was better to fight to the death; if she was to be sent back to Ningzhou, then Cui Yiluo would not have an easy time either.
Yao's outward sincerity, a mix of truth and falsehood, actually garnered her the most trust. Moreover, she wasn't wrong; she was indeed a ruthless and immoral woman.
Jiang Yunjin is humble, kind, and respectful, and he adheres strictly to etiquette, so naturally he could not accept someone like her.
But this is the real her.
"Are you done talking?"
Jiang Yunjin's cold voice rang out.
Yao paused, wiping away her tears, and looked up at Jiang Yunjin in surprise.
Jiang Yunjin's face was gloomy, his aura became sharp and oppressive, and a hint of ruthlessness was revealed in his eyes, which could not be seen in his usual gentle and refined gentlemanly appearance.
"The car is ready. Mother-in-law, please set off with Father-in-law and younger brother tonight."
His tone was indifferent, as if he had just made a casual decision, but his words, though clearly humble and gentle, revealed an unyielding and cold demeanor. The ruthless aura of a powerful figure who held the power of life and death sent chills down one's spine.
Madam Yao panicked completely and blurted out, "Son-in-law? You don't believe me? There's plenty of evidence and witnesses to prove it! Are you going to keep being fooled by that slut Cui Yiluo?!"
Jiang Yunjin frowned slightly, his eyes darkening. He glanced at Wen Feng, who immediately stepped forward and pulled Yao's handkerchief to cover her mouth. The other guards also restrained Yao.
Cui Jun's mouth was also covered, and all that could be heard was muffled struggling and shouting.
The sharp sounds instantly turned into whimpering struggles; the man's actions were swift and decisive. Cui Yiluo remained staring out the door, the surroundings a mess, yet she stood there expressionless.
Suddenly, a warm substance covered my clenched fist.
The man forcefully pried open each of her fingers that were digging into his palm, and then his large hand grasped hers.
Cui Yiluo seemed to have just come to her senses and reacted, but she also seemed not to have come to her senses yet, just staring blankly at Jiang Yunjin's movements.
Her palms were icy cold, and when they were suddenly enveloped in warmth, her hands trembled involuntarily. She instinctively tried to pull away, but her hands were held tightly, leaving her no chance to escape.
Let's go.
His clear, melodious voice flowed like a spring, reaching the ears with a touch of etherealness.
Cui Yiluo bit her lip and didn't speak, but Jiang Yunjin didn't seem to be waiting for her answer anyway, and took her hand and walked out.
The warm sunshine outside dispelled the chill in the shady room, making me feel a bit warmer.
Cui Yiluo thought that he would let go of her hand after walking a few steps, but to her surprise, he held her hand all the way back to Jixuezhai.
The door was closed tightly, and the familiar scent in the bedroom calmed Cui Yiluo down a bit, but she still felt a little dazed, her hand still being held firmly.
Aside from holding hands tightly on the couch, she had never held his hand.
Cui Yiluo dared not think about why she did this. In fact, under those circumstances, if he didn't take her away, was he supposed to stand there and listen to Yao Shi and Cui Jun's pointless insults? Or listen to the incoherent ramblings of the delirious Cui Qi?
Jiang Yunjin pulled her to sit down on the couch.
Sitting on either side of the couch, it was inconvenient to hold hands, so he naturally couldn't hold her hand anymore.
He let go of her hand, but did not leave. He simply stood in front of her, looking down at her.
"I have made arrangements. They will leave the Jiang residence shortly. I will send guards to escort your father back to Ningzhou. They will never set foot in Shengjing again."
His tone was calm and measured, carrying a steady strength.
Jiang Yunjin paused, then said, "As for the rest, you..."
"Does my husband not want to divorce me?"
Cui Yiluo abruptly interrupted him, then looked up at him. Her clear, watery eyes held no hope; she simply stared at the man before her, as if awaiting judgment.
Jiang Yunjin's face instantly darkened and turned cold, his voice also chilling: "Do you know what you're saying?"
Cui Yiluo gently curved her lips into a smile, her voice extremely soft and faint, as if it would dissipate with a breath: "Didn't my husband hear everything?"
"So you think I'll divorce you."
He spoke slowly, his tone revealing neither joy nor anger, his expression somber.
Cui Yiluo's tone held a hint of self-deprecation: "After all that Yao said, does my husband not believe a single word?"
Even a single sentence from Yao's words can demonstrate just how ruthless she is.
"Didn't I say that I would believe you if you told me?"
"What if I said that I did indeed stab Zhao Jian in the back?"
After Cui Yiluo finished speaking, she suddenly looked away, no longer watching his reaction, and stared at the white jade vase on the small table in front of the opposite window, where white camellias bloomed freely, pure and flawless, innocent and sincere.
The room remained silent for a long while.
"So you think I'll divorce you?"
Jiang Yunjin's voice rang out, tinged with coldness, revealing a hint of displeasure.
His eyes must have been dark and sharp at that moment, and Cui Yiluo suddenly dared not look up at him.
“You are clearly the victim, and what you did was a self-preservation measure taken in a dangerous situation. Why do you think I would divorce you because of this?”
His tone was authoritative, but Cui Yiluo kept her eyes straight ahead, not looking up at him: "Isn't my husband the one who values propriety the most? Even if Zhao Jian's actions were wrong, what I did was also against the law, wasn't it?"
"Yi Luo, I am not such a rigid person."
His voice suddenly carried a hint of helplessness, but more than that, it was resolute.
Cui Yiluo's eyelashes trembled slightly as she listened to him continue, "You were only sixteen at the time, and I know why you didn't report him to the authorities for legal punishment. This world is not fair to women. He did something wrong and should be punished. You did nothing wrong."
"As for anything else, I have never believed it either."
Cui Yiluo's heart suddenly skipped a beat.
She had assumed that Jiang Yunjin, knowing that she had not only stabbed someone but had also deliberately kept it from him, would certainly not accept it given his upright nature. She had even prepared to use her savings to help Lilan find a new way out.
But I never expected him to say that.
But he clearly heard everything from outside the screen. Even if he didn't believe Yao's words, what about what she said herself? She wasn't as gentle and virtuous as she appeared.
Cui Yiluo had been calmly accepting what was to come, but now he had completely disrupted her plans. She didn't know how to speak, and she was even less willing to look up.
"Since I married you, I have never thought of leaving you. Do not say anything more."
His voice trailed off at the end. After he finished speaking, he remained standing before the bed, seemingly waiting for her response. But Cui Yiluo remained silent.
Perhaps seeing that she remained silent for a long time, and having finished speaking, he felt he had nothing more to say, so he thought it best for them to calm down, or perhaps his patience had run out. Jiang Yunjin said in a low voice, "I'm going to the study."
After Jiang Yunjin finished speaking, he turned to leave.
My hand was suddenly grasped by slender, cold fingers.
Even though we had been holding hands for so long, her fingers were still so cold, as if they had no life in them.
Cui Yiluo pulled him up, stood up, and placed her hand on her slender waist, making it seem as if the two were embracing.
Then, she wrapped her arms around his neck and, under his deep gaze, tilted her head back and kissed his lips.
His hand, which was on her waist, froze for a moment, then his arm crossed and wrapped around her waist. He skillfully used one arm to pull the petite woman into his arms, and their bodies pressed tightly together.
Cui Yiluo was not as impatient as before. She gently licked his thin lips with the tip of her tongue. She closed her eyes and felt the man hug her. The arms around his neck tightened, and she pressed herself deeper into his embrace. Her lips pressed even deeper, as if enticing him to take her, or as if drawing a sense of security from him.
The man she was kissing also gently parted his lips, their tongues intertwining more deeply, skillfully hooking the tip of her tongue.
It was clearly a kiss, yet it felt different from every kiss before. He was responding to her just as always, sucking on her lips and entwining his tongue with hers.
The kisses of the past were her teasing, or perhaps a casual gesture during their intimate moments on the bed, tinged with desire. But now, their lips and tongues touching, it felt like his comfort, or perhaps another kind of entanglement.
Her lips were gently kissed, and Cui Yiluo raised her chin higher and kissed him more closely, while she also felt him lower his head even lower and press deeper into her mouth.
Author's note: A Luo's upbringing was complicated, so she doesn't trust her cousin so easily. It will take some time [hugs], but she is slowly starting to trust him.
Thank you to all the little ones who watered with nutrient solution! [heart emoji]
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
