Are Chapter 78 all fake?
"Hmm, the cat from last time is back in the yard..."
Niu Tielan gripped Qu Maoze's right hand, staring at the obvious knife marks on it, listening to his earnest nonsense, a feeling of indescribable unease settling in her heart.
She should have guessed, she should have guessed long ago: if there's anything that can keep a person unchanged for over ten years, or rather, that can transform a person into another...
Only Gu remains.
She had noticed something during the last martial arts competition between the dojo and the gym: Hu Wuzi from the martial arts gym fell so swiftly because of a tiny, inconspicuous Gu worm.
However, at that time, she was more focused on whether he was actually Qu Maoze.
He is
Everything makes sense.
Niu Tielan listened to him continue making up nonsense, then let go of his hand and directly placed her hand on his face, carefully feeling around.
His skin wasn't rough like most men's; it was flawless, fair, and smooth. His nose was high and straight, his brow bones slightly prominent, giving him a dignified and gentle appearance, yet also a hint of sharpness that made people hesitant to provoke him.
Like a righteous deity in a folk tale, or a mysterious knight-errant who saves the protagonist's life in the end.
That year, Ruan Jinling easily believed him and, having just escaped from the girls' garden, followed him to his residence.
She didn't know who was behind the girls' school, but they were definitely not simple people. She also didn't know Qu Maoze's background, but he was certainly not simple, and it would be difficult for him to confront anyone.
Those who sent them out are involved in too many things.
She was afraid that if she told anyone, Qu Maoze would be implicated, and she was also afraid that if she exposed herself, she would be abandoned. So she stopped thinking about anything, silently gathering information about the outside world, waiting for the right moment to leave.
How could a sixteen or seventeen-year-old girl, who had been confined to the garden for years, be so resolute in the face of the handsome, god-like man who had 'saved' her?
Before long, the two of them got together in a rather haphazard way.
Without names, titles, matchmakers, or betrothal gifts, it was all settled with a simple, almost comical, moon-gazing greeting.
Niu Tielan didn't know whether to say that she was too easily fooled back then, or that the person in front of her was cunning and adept at deception.
Her emotions fluctuated, and her eyes reddened.
Sixteen years later, she touched that face she had spent so much time with again, and this time, she could sense something different.
She forced a smile, her voice hoarse: "So it's all fake, right?"
Qu Maoze had already stopped talking and was quietly watching her. In fact, he should have stopped her when she touched him.
See? Otherwise, things would be like this now.
He sighed softly, pressed down on her hand as she tried to pull away, turned his head slightly, and asked, "Is it fake? I think it couldn't be more real."
Niu Tielan felt the warmth of the skin beneath her hands, and a strange sadness welled up inside her.
It was indeed very real. If she hadn't been investigating with suspicion, and if the red thread curse on her body hadn't reacted, she wouldn't have believed that the face before her was fake.
Niu Tielan felt a pang of sorrow in her heart. She raised her eyes, tears welling in her eyes, and asked, word by word, "Who exactly are you?"
But actually, she didn't need him to answer further; she had already made up her mind. She just wanted to hear him admit it himself.
Qu Maoze released her hand, gently wiping away the moisture from the corner of her eyes with his knuckles. His voice remained soft, but now carried a serious and solemn tone, each word deliberate and clear.
"Qu Maoze, Qu Maoze is me, I am Qu Maoze."
Niu Tielan slapped his hand away, wiped her face roughly with the hem of her clothes, lowered her head, turned and left, her steps hurried and disordered.
She didn't want to know his plans; she just wanted to hear him admit his identity.
Just those two simple words
Just two words
That's all
Can't hear
...
Qu Maoze stood there, watching her staggering figure, and sighed inwardly.
He lowered his eyes, silently followed her, and took her hand.
Niu Tielan flung him away forcefully, his voice hoarse: "Get out of my way. It was just a fleeting affair anyway. Since you're not dead, I don't need to feel guilty. From now on, you go your way, and I'll go mine..."
creak
The door beside her opened, and Niu Tielan looked in surprise. The next second, she was pushed inside, and with the door slamming shut, she was pressed against the wooden table.
The lips and tongue, hot and piercing, plunged in like sparks from an oil lamp, igniting a fierce fire effortlessly.
Niu Tielan weakly supported his strong arm, her eyes blurry with tears, and hoarsely cried out in anger and shame, "You bastard."
Qu Maoze gripped her slender waist tightly, his knuckles gently rubbing against her, burying his face in her skin and chuckling softly in a hoarse voice: "You wouldn't want to know how much of a bastard I am."
...
In the front room, Song Jin absentmindedly watched as she teased the golden monkey in its cage.
This area in front is a display cage where about ten pets are kept every day—cats, dogs, insects, snakes, you name it. But usually, they choose the best and most expensive one to put in front.
For example, this monkey, and the cat and sheep from before, are all of top quality, worth at least three figures, and their prices are undeniably high.
However, Song Jin's items were different each time she came, indicating that these things could be sold within three days at most.
If you calculate it that way, this clinic can make a lot of money, and as one of the people behind it all, Song Qingzhi's wealth is unimaginable.
Song Jin, who had spent most of her savings on buying the shop, clicked her tongue and slapped the hand she was holding with the golden monkey.
The pale golden monkey, delicate like a little doll, stared blankly at the hand that had been patted, then looked at Song Jin, its round, golden eyes filled with bewilderment.
It waved its hand: "Squeak?"
Purely subconscious, Song Jin touched her nose, felt guilty for a moment, but quickly became righteous.
"What's wrong? Can't I fight anymore? Don't be so petty, you little monkey."
"Squeak?"
Something's not right. It's been hit, so why is this person making that face?
The golden monkey scratched its head, finally realizing what was happening. It pounded on its cage and cried out in anger.
"Squeak squeak squeak"
Apologize, apologize
Good grief, Song Jin was already in a bad mood, so she slapped the monkey, pointed at its nose, and sneered: "Don't push your luck, monkeys should know their place. If you keep causing trouble, I'll buy you up and make you into a whole monkey feast, skin you up and make a specimen, stir-fry the monkey meat, eat the monkey brains raw, and make a cold dish with the monkey hands..."
As she spoke, she smacked her lips, indicating that she was starting to feel hungry.
Golden monkeys naturally don't understand human speech, but monkeys are inherently intelligent, and golden monkeys are among the most intelligent of all, possessing the sharpness of a five-year-old child.
It could see the threat from Song Jin and squeaked in fear.
It's covered in fur and can't eat...
Song Jin was satisfied. She patted its head reassuringly, took out a snack bag, and handed it two pieces of dried fruit.
These dried fruits were all taken from the Song family; they taste really good. She always takes a bag of sweet fruit with her when she goes out.
This slap and this sweet treat
The golden monkey shrank to the back of its cage, timidly munching on dried fruit, its bright golden eyes curiously observing Song Jin.
It's beautiful and the top star of the day, so although there are quite a few onlookers, almost none of them are as direct as Song Jin in taking action.
After all, it's really expensive.
Top-tier courtesans like them, even the lowest-paid ones, live in those five- or six-cubic-meter sandalwood cages, and wear gold badges around their necks.
Especially this one, with a value exceeding four figures, is the most expensive pet Song Jin has seen in recent times.
Even if most people couldn't afford it, they would still think twice.
A trinket worth thousands of taels of silver—how can you just fight over it like that?
Song Jin had no idea about these things. It was just a broken monkey; she used to catch as many as she wanted in the mountains. Of course, one this beautiful was indeed rare.
Seeing that it liked dried fruit, she gave it the rest.
The golden monkey was delighted, clutching the dried fruit and bowing to her, making a "squeak squeak squeak" sound.
Song Jin raised an eyebrow: "She's quite perceptive."
Seeing that she liked it, the golden monkey stood up and bowed to her in a very proper manner. Under Song Jin's admiring gaze, it then did a backflip.
Thankfully, the cage was quite large.
Song Jin patted its monkey head and then took out a strip of meat for it.
The golden monkeys were even happier, wagging their tails joyfully like little puppies, which was quite endearing.
Song Jin stroked her chin: "Sigh, it would be better if you could lower the price a bit."
Golden monkey: "Squeak squeak"
Song Jin shook her head again: "That won't work either. My wife at home has a terrible temper. If I bring her back, she might just devour me, and all my money would be wasted."
Golden monkey: "Squeak?"
The monkey was cute, and Song Jin really had nothing else to do, so the two of them squatted there, one saying something and the other making a sound, which was quite eye-catching.
Her mother was still nowhere to be seen, and Song Jin had almost run out of snacks, so she took out the last one and put it to her mouth to chew.
"Does the young lady really like this little monkey?"
A deep male voice came, slow and gentle, and quite pleasant to the ear.
Song Jin turned her head to look. The newcomer was around twenty years old, tall and thin, wearing a jade crown and white robes, holding a white fan. He was very handsome and quite a good-looking man.
but
She had two people who liked to wear white clothes by her side.
Song Xingzhi, the charming playboy, may not be a very good person, but his looks are undeniable, and he exudes an extraordinary air. Just standing there, he embodies the dashing and debonair charm of a playboy, the quintessential example of a charming young master, flawless and undeniable.
The deceased father, who should have died long ago but has risen from the dead, often wears white. His appearance is, to say the least, remarkable enough to attract the attention of a young lady like Yang Yanjun who secretly investigated him several times. His demeanor is also dignified and composed, every gesture exuding a relaxed and confident air, truly a gentleman.
Compared to him, the man in front of her, who was an eight out of ten, looked only seven, especially since he also had the air of a scholar.
She hates people who study the most.
Deduct another point
It's just average, barely watchable.
Song Jin yawned and said listlessly, "It's alright."
The man in white walked towards them. He was thin, with a pale face and purplish lips. Despite his scholarly air, he exuded a sickly frailty.
Song Jin tilted her head: "Are you unwell?"
She simply didn't study medicine day and night with Old Liu, but through two lifetimes of learning, she dabbled in various things, acquiring a broad but not in-depth understanding; she could roughly glean some knowledge from everything.
But that's all I watched.
The man in white paused for a moment, then said with a hint of disappointment and a low sneer, "You could even tell that, young lady? Looks like I'll have to make up for today's medicine when I get back."
Song Jin: "It's clearly because I have a good eye."
The man in white smiled apologetically and walked towards the cage: "It's my fault for not speaking properly, please don't be angry, young lady. I saw you've been here for a long time and was just curious. I hope you don't think I've been presumptuous."
Song Jin shrugged: "I don't own the shop, you can look wherever you want."
The man in white walked over, stood by the cage, and held out his hand, revealing two cracked walnuts in his palm. His voice was gentle: "Eat up, little monkey."
The little monkey squeaked but didn't move, cautiously watching Song Jin.
Song Jin raised an eyebrow: "Eat your food, why are you looking at me? Don't act like I'm your master, I can't afford a little thing like you."
The man in white couldn't help but smile: "This little monkey is very clever. It was captured from the North Ridge and is very affectionate. It's said that one day, a hunter got lost and injured in the mountains, and this little monkey suddenly appeared and led him out of the mountains."
Song Jin scoffed: "And that's it? Some people really are worse than animals."
The man in white sighed softly, "What you say is true, young lady. This little monkey is very intelligent, but unfortunately it has been mistreated. Why don't you take it back with you?"
Song Jin turned her head: "Huh?"
This little thing costs over a thousand taels of silver. How could it be a forced sale?
The man in white smiled wryly: "I would like to take him back to my house, but I'm not well, and too much contact with his fur will trigger my illness. It would be a waste to let the servants take care of him, as he's so intelligent. I see he likes the young lady, and she likes him too; she'll surely be able to take good care of him."
Song Jin's lips twitched: "I don't have any money."
The man in white smiled: "How about I give it to you, young lady? I can't bear to see it all alone here."
Song Jin pouted: "So she's a delicate flower like Lin Daiyu."
Man in white: "What?"
Song Jin shook her head: "If you can't bear to do it, then take it back yourself. I'm not raising it for someone else."
She's heartless
These little creatures would be pitiful in their little cages in the opera troupe, but living in such a big cage where a person could sleep, why does she worry about them?
One thousand taels of silver is enough for those little brats who are about to freeze to death to grow up safely, get married, and start a family.
Song Jin clicked her tongue twice, tugged at the little golden monkey's whiskers, and sighed, "You're lucky, aren't you?"
Golden monkey: "Squeak squeak"
The man in white sighed softly, "I was presumptuous, young lady."
Song Jin: "Just knowing is enough."
The man in white's eyes darkened, and he cupped his hands in greeting, saying, "My name is Chu Cheng'an. May I ask your name, young lady?"
Song Jin raised an eyebrow and turned her head: "You don't know me?"
Chu Cheng'an feigned surprise and gave a wry smile: "I'm not in good health, and I usually stay at the academy and rarely go out. If I have offended you in any way, I hope you will forgive me."
Seeing his sincere expression, Song Jin didn't make things difficult for him and said, "My name is Song Jin."
Chu Cheng'an paused for a moment, then asked cautiously, "Yes, the Song family's Song, and the Jinse's Jin?"
Song Jin raised an eyebrow: "It's that Song Jin."
It seems her reputation spreads quite quickly.
Chu Cheng'an was taken aback and immediately began to bow.
Song Jin waved her hand: "Alright, alright, stop fussing around, watch your monkey."
After saying that, she started playing with the monkey, glancing towards the back door as she did so. It had been almost 45 minutes, why hadn't her mother and the others come out yet? Did they have so many little secrets they couldn't let her know?
She seemed a little distracted.
Chu Cheng'an stood to the side, carefully observing her. Seeing that she completely ignored him, he pondered for a moment and then cautiously said, "Miss, you are not quite the same as what's being said outside."
Song Jin: "Oh, how is it different?"
Chu Cheng'an looked a little embarrassed and tightened his grip on the fan: "You are even more beautiful than the rumors say. I saw you on my previous two visits, but I never imagined you would be a princess."
Song Jin raised an eyebrow: "Oh, you have good taste and know how to talk. But even if you say that, I'm not going to raise monkeys for you."
Chu Cheng'an said helplessly, "I meant everything I said."
Song Jin praised, "You have a very good eye."
...
The two people stood by the wooden cage and started talking.
Chu Cheng'an knows these animals quite well; he's been here often and knows all the small animals in front and behind him like the back of his hand. He just can't really touch them, probably because he has a bit of asthma.
She was a frail and sickly beauty.
He resembled her mother somewhat, and being articulate and knowledgeable, Song Jin's attitude towards him became much gentler.
The two points that were deducted can be added back.
The two, one frail and refined, the other lively and energetic, stood in front of the cage, chatting and laughing.
The elderly couple, who had temporarily returned to peace in the backyard, came out and immediately saw this scene.
Qu Maoze's smug expression vanished, his lips curled into a smile, and his eyes turned slightly cold.
Niu Tielan, who was initially somewhat angry, calmed down. Seeing his unpleasant expression, she lightly added insult to injury.
"My Jinjin has really grown up; she's reached marriageable age. That's wonderful."
Seeing this, Qu Maoze smiled again, resuming his usual demeanor, though his eyes betrayed a hint of sternness. He said softly, "Madam is still a beautiful young woman, and our daughter is naturally still very young. These things are far too early to discuss."
Niu Tielan chuckled: "Really? Next year is my coming-of-age ceremony, and the year after that should be about right."
Qu Maoze's smile grew increasingly fake: "Women in the capital usually marry at eighteen."
Niu Tielan smiled: "That's about right. Next year I'll be of marriageable age, and then I'll start thinking about it. After dating for a couple of years, I can take care of my granddaughter too."
Qu Maoze looked down at her and saw that although she was defiant, her thoughts were genuine.
He felt a pang of sadness: "...Our children don't necessarily have to get married."
Upon hearing this, Niu Tielan's almond-shaped eyes sparkled, her eyebrows curved into a smile, and she chuckled, "You're right, we can even come to your door. You know what, our Jinjin is just so lovable. Back home, she has two childhood sweethearts, and even after coming here, people want to come to our door in no time."
Qu Maoze: "There are too many people with ulterior motives. Marriage is a major life event, and the wife needs to be extremely cautious."
Niu Tielan: "I think so too, but Shenzhi is indeed very outstanding. He is good-looking, good at fighting, has a high official position, and is good at speaking. He fell in love with Jinjin at first sight. Don't you think they are a good match?"
"Yeah?"
Qu Maoze remained silent for a long while, then forced a smile and gritted his teeth: "General Song actually has this intention too? Our Jin Jin is truly lovable!"
Niu Tielan smiled, her eyes crinkling: "I think he's a good person, right? My daughter and I have benefited from the Song family; although we're not related, it's like we're becoming even closer."
Qu Maoze couldn't hold back any longer. He pulled her close and whispered in her ear, "Just kissing me is enough."
Niu Tielan's smug expression vanished, replaced by annoyance and embarrassment. She shoved him away forcefully, glared at him fiercely, and stormed off towards Song Jin, brushing past him with a cool voice.
"Aren't you leaving yet? All you do all day is play your monkey tricks. Why don't you just turn into a monkey and hang up there yourself?"
Song Jin, who had been waiting anxiously for her elderly mother for half a day, froze on her face with a smile.
No, what did she do wrong this time?
Song Jin pouted, immediately identifying the culprit. She glared fiercely at Qu Maoze and quickly followed.
"Your Majesty, wait for me!"
Qu Maoze, who had been glared at repeatedly, watched their retreating figures and instead laughed, leisurely walking to the golden monkey cage.
The little golden monkey clung to the cage, squeaking and looking towards the door; it clearly adored Song Jin.
Qu Maoze asked leisurely, "Does the young master like this little monkey?"
Looking at the distinguished man before him, who also seemed to have a close relationship with Song Jin and her daughter, Chu Cheng'an hesitated before asking, "The little monkey is very intelligent. I am Chu Cheng'an, and who is this young master?"
Qu Maoze didn't answer him, but chuckled lightly: "I thought you gentlemen had ulterior motives. Since you like monkeys, that makes things easier."
Chu Cheng'an became increasingly cautious.
The person in front of him looked extraordinary, but why hadn't he heard of such a person before? Could it be that this person is coming...?
Qu Maoze didn't care what the young man thought. He waved his hand, and a shop assistant came over. He then said directly...
"Put the blame on Song Qingzhi, and send this little monkey to the Song residence for Miss Song to play with."
Chu Cheng'an was taken aback: "What do you mean by this, young master?"
Qu Maoze smiled and said, "It's nothing, I just wanted to tell you a lesson: it's common to not be able to get what you like."
Chu Cheng'an: ...
Qu Maoze ignored his reaction and hurriedly ran outside. After looking around, he quickly spotted the mother and daughter in the crowd and followed them.
He watched the mother and daughter holding hands affectionately, and just looking at them softened his heart, filling him with an overwhelming warmth.
His life was filled with hardships in the first half and bloodshed in the second half. Amidst the clash of swords and the death of many acquaintances, no one could say for sure whether he would be the next to die.
He had long since given up hope and had no desire to get involved anymore. Twenty years after the establishment of the new dynasty, he had personally witnessed the people living well every day and the country enjoying peace and prosperity.
That's enough
I just didn't expect this kind of accident.
An unexpected event he dared not even dream of.
Qu Maoze smiled gently, his eyes soft, and quietly watched the mother and daughter's retreating figures, following them at a distance that was neither too close nor too far.
"So annoying," Song Jin muttered, clinging to her mother's arm. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, who seemed to be haunting her. "Mom, do you think I should go and chase him away?"
Niu Tielan said coolly, "Why don't you come with me? I'm annoyed by you now."
Song Jin was furious: "How wronged I am!"
Niu Tielan Hehe
Is it unfair? Absolutely not. Those eyes, that face—it's indisputable. Just thinking about those months we spent together, sharing a bed, and now we have a child, and I still haven't seen her face...
She pulled Song Jin aside and walked away by herself.
Song Jin pouted, and without thinking, leaned over and took the other person's arm again.
Niu Tielan pulled again
She clings
The mother and daughter went back and forth, and in the end, they couldn't help but burst out laughing.
Niu Tielan: You're so annoying.
Song Jin chuckled and said, "But they were born from you too."
Niu Tielan smiled, shook her head, and pulled the person along as they continued walking.
The Beast Taming Hall was located in the East District. Since they were already there, Niu Tielan naturally wanted to check out the shop they had bought at great expense.
The nearest shop is a liquor store, only three blocks away, a little less than 15 minutes' walk.
Zui Gui Lou is the easiest shop to open; a simple layout change and a new signboard are all it takes. As for the newly commissioned wine jugs, they haven't arrived yet, but that doesn't affect the drinking experience, so it's already open for business.
Since the owner hadn't changed, there wasn't much of an opening ceremony; it was just the same as before. However, business was noticeably different.
Before they even got close, the mother and daughter saw that the area in front of the wine shop was crowded with people, and on either side were little kids dressed up in new clothes.
One by one, they carried small baskets containing small wine jugs, calling out their wares.
"The new store is having a promotion: buy two packs and get one pack free, plus a free flower and hairpin with every pack you buy!"
"Free to try, or your money back if you don't like it."
"One penny a cup"
...
Song Jin looked at the six familiar little brats over there and couldn't help but raise her eyebrows.
It's one thing for Ningning and Brother Fu to be here, but they live right next to the nearby wine cellar. Why are those kids from the Shangyang Village Orphanage here too?
The mountains aren't enough for them to cause trouble, so they're running to the city to play some kind of adventure?
This is a liquor store, not a kindergarten.
Bar?
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