Chapter 49 "Wife" Sings, "Husband" Follows!

  That's not someone else.

  It was indeed Ning Wang Zhao Xi who fell off his horse and broke his leg in Jin Cheng Fu as rumored.

  When he saw Zhao Zhuo's carriage approaching, he made a polite bow with his hands clasped together.

  "Goodbye, Nineteen, it's been a tough road."

  As soon as he heard this title, Xia Chuqi roughly guessed the man's identity.

  With curiosity, she lowered her head and stole a glance from the curtain opened by Zhao Zun. At first glance, it seemed to be a figure of extreme luxury and extravagance. The brocade cloak, the jade-inlaid belt, completely overshadowed the people waiting around.

  Unfortunately, it's just about clothes.

  To be honest, Ning Wang completely subverted Xia Chuyi's original impression of the "Kangxi Emperor's numerical military team" when she learned that the Da Yan dynasty had many princes.

  It turns out that princes aren't all handsome either.

  Zhao Xi was probably around thirty years old, and he didn't look bad, his figure was quite tall and big, but that slightly protruding belly, at a glance, it was the air of wealth and luxury, which made him look like a "white and tender pig's trotter".

  If there's anything annoying about him, it would be those eyes that seem to hold a cold and gloomy aura.

  At first glance, Xia Qi thought he looked exactly like a big villain from TV dramas.

  With a comparison in her mind, she opened her eyes again and her gaze fell on Zhao Zun's side profile.

  Those reliefs generally have a beautiful small style, natural elegance, and are unmatched.

  Suddenly, she had an epiphany - no wonder everyone said that the current emperor doted on Consort Gong.

  Third Prince Zhao Xi was born of the empress, being the eldest son of Emperor Taizong and Empress Ma.

  The Nineteenth Prince Zhao Zun was a son born of a concubine, and was the child of Consort Gong.

  From a son, one can see his mother; by comparison, unless that old emperor was blind, wouldn't he have spoiled the wrong person?

  Alas!

  In this world where beauty is everything, she has to work hard.

  She had a tummy ache, but Zhao Zhuang seemed to have no intention of getting off the bus. He just slightly bowed his head and said faintly, "Third Brother fell off his horse a few days ago, he's not feeling well, why did you come all the way here?"

  The worried look on Ning Wang's face timely concealed the chill at the bottom of his eyes.

  "Isn't it said that Nineteenth Brother encountered danger in Jinsha Village, Guan County? Third Brother, I've been worried sick, how could I care about my own safety? I couldn't rest day or night. If Nineteenth Brother hadn't specially come to Jincheng Prefecture to visit me, how would he have gotten into such a situation?"

  Zhao Zun's face relaxed slightly, but the gentle emotions did not reach his eyes.

  "Third Brother is being considerate. It's windy outside, let's talk inside." As he spoke, his voice suddenly turned cold, "Zheng Er Bao, what are you still standing there for? Don't you know that the Third Prince is not feeling well? Hurry up and have someone escort him in, and first settle him down in the courtyard of the post house."

  "Yes, sir."

  Zheng Er Bao got kicked in the butt today, and was wrongly accused. He's still confused now, but obediently accepted his orders and left.

  Zhao Zhuang put down the curtain of the horse carriage, his face changed and became cold and hard. He didn't say anything else. The golden lacquered black-painted horse carriage slowly drove into the city gate that had been opened.

  That imposing manner, that majestic appearance, and that awe-inspiring presence made Xia Chuqi secretly purse her lips.

  What is he doing?

  People at that time attached great importance to the distinction between nobility and inferiority, and it had always been the case that the legitimate was noble and the illegitimate was humble. However, a discerning person could see that although Zhao Zun was the youngest son of the old emperor by a concubine, his attitude towards the third prince Zhao Xi was on the surface impeccable, giving him full face, but in reality there was not much reverence in it.

  But if he didn't respect him, why did he go to Jin Chengfu's house a few days ago to pay his respects?

  The emperor's family affairs are indeed hard to understand.

  There are some things in my mind, like a maze, turning around.

  Even if Xia Zhichu was curious now, she didn't dare ask at this moment.

  Before returning, she had her period and kicked Zhao Zhu off the carriage with one foot, tearing his cloak to make "traditional sanitary napkins". Although from then on, Zhao was intimidated by her sentence "Shout again, I'll take it out and return it to you", and because of his own dignity as a king, he didn't publicize the matter, but also didn't say another word to her, obviously still holding a grudge in his heart.

  "Grandpa, still angry?"

  In the swaying sound of the carriage, she tilted her head, curved her lips, and playfully teased him.

  "We've arrived, get out." Zhao Zhu's face was cold and unpleasant.

  Xia Chuqi smiled and let out a soft "oh", her eyes darting towards him.

  "You're like this, didn't I tell you before? I had no choice, what's called an emergency plan, don't you understand?! Alright, if you're really unhappy, wait till I'm done with it, then you can take it to someone to wash and mend it, maybe it can still be worn for another three years, what's the point of being so worked up?"

  She finished speaking extremely quickly, and Zhao Zhu's face had already turned black to the extreme.

  Seeing this, Xia Qi didn't dare to delay any longer and prepared to jump off the carriage with her body bent. But just as she had taken one step out, her small body suddenly stopped, and she turned back to him with a smile, walking over to grab the remaining piece of his cloak in her hand.

  "What a good material, it's a pity to lose it? Don't worry, I'll personally mend it and return it to you."

  "Get out of here!"

  Lost his temper again, really infuriating.

  Biting her lower lip tightly, Xia Chuqi held back her breath and didn't laugh out loud. With a "whoosh", she jumped off the carriage and ran all the way to the gate of the West Wing before she couldn't help but burst into laughter, doubling over at the waist.

  My goodness, we finally won one game today!

  The overturned serf wants to sing a song, then continue and intensify it, best to infuriate the despicable Zhao to death.

  She waited until she was happy enough, then stood up straight and took a step towards the western wing of the courtyard, shouting loudly.

  "Dummy, I'm back."

  Almost at the same time, a sturdy man burst out of it.

  She had barely caught a glimpse of him when she was tightly hugged by the fool.

  "Grass, where have you gone? I've been searching everywhere for you and couldn't find you. I thought you didn't want me anymore."

  "Haha, it's all right, I'm not going back, am I?" Xia Chuqi patted his arm, comforting him like a child, and with great difficulty, managed to pry open his stubbornness, deceiving him with the story of a rotten wolf grandma, before laughing and pulling him inside.

  "Little grass, are you hungry? Did the wolf grandma give you anything to eat?"

  The fool was a practical person, he believed whatever she said. But being asked so honestly by him, Xia Chuqi couldn't help but burst out laughing.

  "I was full, and Wolf Grandma... couldn't beat me. Later he was angered to death by me, and I managed to escape."

  "Pitifully, she let out a soft 'oh' sound. After she sat down on the bed, the fool rubbed his slightly red and swollen eyes and whispered, 'Grass, let's go back to the village, okay?'"

  "Why?" Xia Qi asked, tilting her head to look at him, "What's wrong? Don't you like it here?"

  The silly-looking man furrowed his brow, his whole face looking foolish, but he answered seriously, "Yesterday I heard Sister Mei say that in the old well in our village, a big stone was found... and on the edge of the stone was Liu's wife, the one who secretly touched me... she's dead... crushed to death by a ghost..."

  Xinzhī shǎzi is a very kind person. Xia Chuqi naturally wouldn't tell him that Liu's death was related to her.

  Actually, she originally found Fan Zongliang just wanting to take the opportunity to teach that woman a lesson, and didn't really think it would lead to loss of life.

  She pursed her lips, and Xia Chuqi didn't say much to the fool. She just smiled, got up, pressed his shoulders down onto the stool, and comforted him, "Liu's wife is a bad person, that was heaven punishing her. You don't have to be afraid."

  The fool hung his head low and didn't utter a word for half a day.

  "I'm not afraid, I'm worried."

  "Hey, what's on your mind? Worried about something?"

  "Grass..." The fool didn't lift his head, continuing to droop with a big brain, muttering to himself, "I think we should go back to the village, I miss Third Aunt... And besides, Third Aunt told me last time that when we get back, she'll help us arrange our marriage."

  Get married?

  On the seventh day of summer, Xia's mind suddenly flashed, "Fool, I..."

  The words stopped here.

  She didn't know how to explain it to the fool and she didn't want to marry him.

  Of course, it's not because he is a fool, but because that's not what she pursues and needs. She can treat fools as relatives, regard them as children, or raise them. However, she is an independent modern woman with thoughts, even if she travels through time, she will absolutely not replace Xia Cao to compromise her love...and marriage.

  After some thought, she decided to tell the truth.

  "Fool, I won't marry you."

  The fool was taken aback for a moment, looked at her, thought for a long time, and then hung his head again, muttering to himself.

  "You actually like Prince Jin? Wanting to be his daughter-in-law?"

  "Who told you?"

  "They all said... they all said you were Prince Jin's person. I said you were my daughter-in-law, but none of them believed me."

  Her heart suddenly felt a pang, Xia Chuqi who was always smiling and joking, this time unusually serious, sat beside him like an elder, slowly explaining, "Fool, this matter has nothing to do with him, I won't marry him, I don't like him. But I didn't know how to tell you. For two people, they need to have love before getting married, what is love? Alright, I don't know either. But the good feeling you have towards me, it's not love, and yours towards me isn't either, it's just habit, do you understand?"

  The fool shook his head, pitifully grasping her hand, with red-rimmed eyes.

  "Grass, don't you want me anymore?"

  "Isn't it stupid? How is this possible?" Xia Chuyi sighed heavily, looking up at the sky.

  If she really wants to abandon him, why drag it out until now and suffer those unjust accusations? And let Zhao's cheap person grasp her tightly?

  If she was alone on Qixi Festival, where couldn't she live?

  She took a deep breath, staring into the fool's eyes. "Like this, I'm telling you, although I can't be your wife, I can be your sister, your family, your reliance. I won't abandon you, we'll always be together, understand?"

  As soon as he heard the phrase "always together", the fool became happy again.

  He smiled with a grin, "Alright. San Auntie said that being together all the time means we're husband and wife. Cao Er, you and I are also husband and wife."

  "...The seventh day of summer has no words."

  "Grass, Wang Ye's place is good, but there's no Third Aunt... I still want to go back to the village..." The fool muttered again, secretly glancing at her emotions, seeing that she didn't make a sound, and wanting to try to persuade her.

  "Third Aunt was very good to me, she's a kind person. When I'm hungry, she gives me food; when I'm tired, she carries me on her back..."

  It's as if he had fallen into some kind of emotional state, the fool's voice was a little low, and his emotions weren't very good either.

  But his words gave Xia Chuqi a fright.

  "What did you say? Third Auntie carried you on her back and ran away with you? You're such a big lummox, how could she possibly carry you?"

  The fool shook his head, "I don't know."

  "What time is it?"

  The fool shook his head, "I don't remember."

  She sighed and said helplessly, "That fool, what do you remember? Do you even remember who your parents are?"

  His eyes showed a brief confusion, and the fool seemed to be trying hard to think and recall.

  But in the end, he still shook his head.

  "I've completely forgotten."

  The seventh of July is even more pitiful for him. It can be seen that this fool has also been driven to the point of having no way out, and has escaped in desperation, becoming a miserable person with a broken family.

  It's just that Third Aunt is usually so capable and sharp-tongued, yet unexpectedly able to selflessly take care of the fool until he grew up, which isn't easy.

  She thought for a moment, walked to the door and took a look, saw no one, then came back and squatted down, comforting the fool, "We can't leave for now. But don't worry, fool, it won't take long before I can take you away from here. We won't live in that drafty house anymore, we won't eat coarse noodles made of rough flour, and no one will dare to bully you again. Just wait a little longer, okay? Be good... listen to me?"

  "Oh, okay..." The fool hesitated for a moment and asked again, "Then will you still be my wife?"

  The question has come back again.

  "From now on, I'll help you find a wife? A pretty one, with big eyes, who can bear children."

  "No, I want you." The fool shook his head vigorously.

  "...In the early summer of July, there is a feeling of encountering soldiers as if one were a scholar."

  Fortunately, the fool is not a person who uses his brain well. She thought for a moment and changed the subject, diverting his attention.

  "By the way, silly, I wasn't here for the past two days. How have you been? Has anyone bullied you here? Are you full?"

  "Full." The fool really took the bait, and once his attention was diverted, he forgot about marrying her as his daughter-in-law. "I've been eating well these past two days, and no one dares to bully me. Sister Mei said that if anyone bullies me, Master Wang will have their head on a platter, so they don't dare anymore. Sister Mei brought back lots of big white buns, and delicious steamed meat, and she even gave me fruit to eat. She's really good to me."

  This fool, although he may seem a bit silly, but whoever truly treats him well, his heart is actually very clear and straightforward.

  On the seventh day of summer vacation, she listened to him reporting on the situation over the past two days in a manner similar to that of a primary school student meeting with his parents, and her uneasy heart finally settled down upon hearing those trivial matters.

  This is what life should be like.

  That coffin board, that torrential rain and flood, is simply a human hell.

  ……

  ……

  "Plum, thank you."

  When Mei Zi returned to the Western Courtyard from the Front Courtyard, Xia Zhi had already settled in and cleaned up. He had washed the dirty pants and "poncho-style sanitary napkin" that he had soiled on the horse carriage and put on a new one. With a pleased smile, he patted Mei Zi's shoulder and thanked her.

  Plum Blossom giggled and said, "What are you thanking me for?"

  "At the beginning of summer, Qī (the seventh day) smiled and said, 'My silly husband has caused you trouble.'"

  "Chu Qi, don't be at odds with me. Look, at my face." Mei Zi happily spun around in front of her, "Have you discovered anything?"

  The acne on her face has noticeably decreased, and the red spots that used to be there have also faded a lot.

  Xia Zhi Qi naturally discovered it, but intentionally teased her, furrowing his brow, "Nothing, what did you discover?"

  Meizi is a very innocent girl, pouting her mouth, with a round and white small face, like a red apple. "Haven't you noticed that my face looks good? Chuqi, this is all your credit, so I should help take care of the fool. Besides, the fool is actually very kind, he even helps me with chores, rough work, heavy work, whatever work there is, he rushes to do it, huh, not as foolish as I imagined."

  She rubbed her shoulders heavily and Xia Chuqi blinked her eyes, "Then, I'll just have to thank you silently?"

  Plum blossom chattered on like a little sparrow, talking nonsense for a few more sentences, before suddenly seeming to remember something, opening the carved wooden box she had brought in earlier, taking out what was inside while laughing and saying.

  "Chu Qi, this is what Yue Jie told me to bring to you."

  Xia Chuqi raised an eyebrow, turned her head and asked, "What's that?"

  Meizi glanced at her with envy all over her face, "Hey, your husband is really good to you. When will I have such good fortune?"

  "What? What does it have to do with him?" Xia Chuiqi was even more confused.

  "Hey, drink up! This is a bowl of fresh ginger and red sugar water, personally brewed by Sister Yuè Yú. She said it was Grandfather's orders for you. And these... are all the papers that Sister Yuè Yú prepared for you. Oh yeah, Chǔ Qī, have you started your period?"

  What's going on?

  These two words made Xia Chuyi so angry that she wanted to slap her forehead.

  That's it. My mind was like a short circuit before and I couldn't think of anything.

  How can Zhao Zilong be so kind?

  She also prepared ginger and brown sugar water for her, and also prepared paper? She rummaged through the things Mei Zi took out, and when she saw that pale white, soft and thick stack of paper, she was stunned.

  In this era, such paper can be considered a high-end product.

  Her heart racing, she turned to Mei Zi and asked, "Did Big Sister Yue give this to you? Didn't she say anything else?"

  Meizi looked at her with a tilted head, "What are you talking about? Yuer sister is a good person and wouldn't say anything, let alone that it was grandfather's order, what could she possibly say?"

  Forget it, this girl just doesn't get it.

  "It's nothing. Thanks."

  "Chu Qi, I came to Qiwu last year, although there was also grass paper, but it's still habitually filled with grass ash, which is easier and more convenient... But who can be as luxurious as you? The master is really biased. This paper is all made by the imperial court, in the mansion, only the master can use it for wiping, look at this, it's so soft, I don't even want to use it..."

  As she said this, she suddenly blinked her eyes and looked over excitedly as if she had thought of something.

  "Chu Qi, is it true that you really... with Grandpa... did that?"

  At the beginning of summer, she put away all those things and took that bowl of red ginger sugar water without hesitation. She sniffed it as usual according to her habit before pouring it down. But when Mei Zi said this, she couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time.

  "What's wrong?"

  "Sleepy," said Mei honestly.

  With a snort, Xia Chuqi almost spat out the water in her mouth.

  "Xiao Meizi, when did you become so naughty?"

  He put down the Qingci pot and patted Meizi's shoulder on the seventh day of summer, but didn't explain anything to her.

  Not for anything else, but because this girl was born with a mouth like an eight trigrams gossipmonger, no matter what words reached her mouth, it wouldn't take long to spread. She didn't even need to think about it and could predict that by tomorrow, the little maids in the courtyard would all know that Master had prepared red sugar water and sanitary napkins for her.

  Today, a big shot came to the post station again. Mei Zi said there would be a night feast tonight, and she didn't dare to stay any longer.

  Before leaving, she instructed Xia Qi again, "By the way, Chu Qi, Moon Yu's sister said that Grandfather ordered you to rest in your room today and not run around."

  No way!

  Is it just a rhetorical question?

  She raised an eyebrow in surprise, "Why?"

  Plum blossom moved her lips, guessing that she didn't want to tell her at first, but unfortunately she had already made up her mind, and if she didn't say it, she would feel suffocated. After a slight hesitation, she leaned in close to her ear again and whispered softly.

  "Chu Qi, I'm telling you, don't go spreading it around. That Prince Ning... he has a special fondness for pretty and delicate young maidservants... I heard people talking about it when I was in the capital. In Prince Ning's estate, aside from the princess consort, there are over a hundred concubines and dozens of young maidservants..."

  "Oh my goodness!"

  This summer vacation really was terrifying.

  So Ning Wang is a man who sleeps with both men and women?

  No wonder she felt that he was a man who had been drained of his vitality by wine and women the moment she saw him.

  Goodness gracious, with so many young maidservants around, it's a wonder he doesn't ruin his health.

  But then she thought again, almost subconsciously, and suddenly felt it was unthinkable.

  Nowadays, three heroes are competing for dominance, if Ning Wang is such a person, how can he possibly have one-third of the world?

  A man who can't even discipline his own private life, how can he discipline others?

  She was thinking, but Mei Zi continued to hum, "I guess, Master is afraid that you'll be seen by him, in case Ning Wang wants you to go with him, it would be hard for him to refuse..."

  Xia Zhong Qi rolled her eyes and teased her.

  "You really think I'm a white lotus flower? Praised by everyone who sees me? Get back to work!"

  Plum blossom spat out her tongue and went to do her errand.

  On the seventh day of summer, I found a fool to play with for a while, and then went out to investigate, only to find that not only did Ning Wang come, but also Dongfang Qingxuan came back soon after.

  Thinking of the crimes he had committed before being kidnapped, Xia Chuyi's heart was like holding a rabbit, always feeling that something was not done thoroughly.

  At such a night banquet scene, she didn't see him, how could her heart be at ease?

  The Eastern witch is back at the relay station again, she suffered such a great loss, can she afford to let him off easy?

  I'll take revenge for sure... On July 7th, I must get it back...

  She acts on impulse and doesn't suit a mundane life.

  She had a plan in mind, and although her feet were bound, she was still preparing to "attend the banquet".

  However, Mei Zi's words also reminded her. She thought to herself: What if that Prince Ning really had taken a liking to her?

  So, for the sake of her family's safety, she specially tidied up in the house for about two quarters of an hour, drew thicker eyebrows, adjusted her skin tone to be darker, and transformed into a short, thin, and dark-skinned young man with no presence at all, before preparing to leave the western wing.

  The Xipaiyuan was originally a residence for the attendants of the Prince of Jin's mansion and is actually quite spacious.

  As she walked from the east wing towards the gate of the courtyard, she passed by a small house and suddenly heard Yu'e's voice coming from inside.

  "You silly girl, how can I praise you? It's just that your temperament is too honest and sincere. You've waited for the prince for two years, this kind of devotion... others may think what they want, but as for me... alas, it really pains me to see you like this."

  "Big Sister Yuè Yù..."

  Another voice is soft and gentle, isn't it just the oriole's song that blocks the imperial carriage in Chongning County?

  "Ying Ge never dared to have any thoughts of leaving Your Highness's side, she just wanted to follow you around, serve tea and water, make the bed and fold the blankets, to repay Your Highness's kindness to her... She really didn't dare think that Your Highness would want her body... Alas... No matter what... She has made up her mind to die following Your Highness's side... But, Your Highness wants her to serve that... that Chu Qi..."

  As she spoke, she became choked with sobs and began to cry.

  It turns out that on the seventh day of next summer, it will be known why those things were not sent by her, but by Mei Zi.

  It turned out that she had mistakenly "rescued" someone who didn't even appreciate it and was actually bothered by her.

  Then, she heard Yu Ruo's soft voice comforting her, "What are you crying about? Silly girl. Isn't serving Chu Qi okay? Although Chu Qi likes to joke around, she has a good temperament and is easy-going, unlike our master, who isn't someone who cherishes his concubines. If you really give him your whole heart, it might not be a good thing."

  "Yue Yu sister... Ying Ge wo... I, I truly admire Your Highness, and hope that sister will fulfill..."

  "Yue Yu's voice trailed off, somewhat hesitant, probably because she was thinking that if Ying Ge were to be fulfilled, who would fulfill her own desires? "Ying Ge, don't cry, I understand what you're thinking. But... well, don't look at me as the one in control of things in the backyard, but I'm also not the one who makes decisions. You need to think from a different perspective, being alone here and avoiding having to entertain guests at Chun Feng Lou is actually a good thing! As for opportunities... they'll come slowly... you're so beautiful, even if Master is blind, he might still take a liking to you... it's not impossible..."

  It's not true that on the seventh day of summer I'm not used to hearing people talk about walls...

  But all she heard was that the two women were pouring their hearts out to a certain man, wanting to serve him with their bodies but unable to do so.

  She shook her head and lost interest in listening further, as she was speechless about the feudal society's thoughts on women.

  But as soon as he stepped out of Xipei Courtyard, thinking of that songbird, she suddenly had another idea.

  At night, there was a banquet at the post station, and she didn't know if others would come or not, but Yuan Xiaogongzi would definitely be there.

  Sneaking around, they found Mei Zi and passed on the message. Because of their "friendship" in the Divine Machine Camp, Yuan Yu arrived at the designated location before long.

  He walked over from afar, with a faint smile on his lips, wearing a round-collared robe made of dark blue brocade, slender and elegant in figure, truly a dignified and refined appearance... a scoundrel.

  "Oh no, cousin, you're thinking of your big brother, aren't you?"

  "Go, go, go, not in front of everyone." Xia Chuqi was quite familiar with him and didn't treat him like a noble, so he used a buddy-like tone to pull him around the back of the house, checking their surroundings carefully before smiling slyly at him, "Cousin, I have something good to discuss with you."

  "What's going on?" The smile on Yuan Xiaogong's face expanded a bit, "But that firearm, have you made any new discoveries..."

  "Don't stir up trouble, I've got a belly full of anger here."

  Yu Xiao Gong Ye's face stiffened, "Hmph, I knew you were looking for me, it can't be anything good."

  "I understand. However..." Xia Chuqi smiled mischievously, "This time, it's really a good thing."

  She let out a soft "oh" and Yuan Yu gave her a sideways glance, saying "Speak."

  On the seventh day of summer, "Brother Good" elbowed him and lowered his voice, "You know about the grievance my cousin suffered two days ago, right? As my cousin's brother, can you swallow that breath? Must not be, right? I think you must want to avenge me now, so my cousin has made arrangements for you, you just need..."

  She went on and on, saying a lot of nonsense, which made Yuan You jump with fright.

  "Cousin... we're close, right?"

  "Right, good." Xia Chu nodded.

  Yuan You wiped away a cold sweat, "Fortunately, we get along pretty well, and the person you want to deal with isn't me."

  "Then will you do it or not?"

  Yuanyou glanced up at the sky, nodded heavily and said, "Alright, that Eastern goods, I've been displeased with him for a long time. Dare to be better-looking than me? Can he be spared?"

  After coughing heavily, Xia Qi Qi pulled him back on track and rearranged the plan meticulously before smiling slyly and saying, "Of course, Big Brother is so good to me, I won't let you work in vain. Once it's done, I'll definitely reward you handsomely."

  "What are you trying to bribe me with?" Yuan Xiao Gongzi's eyebrows slightly curved, clearly not very convinced.

  On the seventh day of summer vacation, he made a bow and said with a smile, "A big beauty, I guarantee you will like it."

  Yuan You's eyes lit up, "Really?"

  "Of course it's true. Only..."

  She dragged out her voice and narrowed her eyes slightly before saying, "You don't mind sleeping with your nineteenth uncle's woman, do you?"

  Yu Wei smiled and Yu Shu teased her, "My nineteenth uncle has only one woman... just you, are you going to let me sleep?"

  He kicked it towards He Yao's vulnerable spot, and Xia Chuqi let out a cold snort.

  "You little rascal, if you don't mind being a eunuch, come on."

  ……

  ……

  Night falls.

  The restaurant in the post house was brightly lit and extremely lively.

  Inside, the fine wine and delicacies on the case table, several gentlemen pouring wine and serving dishes with beautiful women, the scene, the whole house was filled with a faint fragrance.

  On the seventh day of summer, when I was hiding outside the door and peeking inside, it only took one glance to be captivated by the beauty within.

  A certain Zhao Zhuo. Wearing a soft armor under his elegant and luxurious robe, he had an air of cold pride that was absolutely different from the noble and aristocratic bearing of Prince Ning who had been raised in luxury and pampered.

  A Dongfang Qingyun. The handsome face under the big red robe doesn't need to be described, just talking about the innate and bone-penetrating demon charm, one person sitting in a place, but like a whole house full of fresh flowers blooming.

  Another Yuan You Xiao Gong Ye. Although he is the most unorthodox, the young master's indulgence in romantic affairs has been excessive, with a pair of mischievous phoenix eyes that occasionally glance upwards, full of amorous charm, yet also uniquely handsome.

  Even the last one, Chen Daniu, the left general of Jin Weijun, who sat at the end with a honest and kind face, although his name was a bit rustic, but he didn't look bad. In terms of temperament, although not as cold and overbearing as Zhao Zun, nor as enchanting and seductive as Dongfang Qingxuan, nor as arrogant and uninhibited as Yuan You, he also had a unique boldness and straightforwardness that only a hot-blooded man who has fought on the battlefield can have.

  These few men entered the banquet together, adding to those who were either full-breasted and slender-waisted, or elegant and refined, or delicate and charming, or enchanting and alluring beauties, as if it were a feast of beauty.

  It's simply...

  On the seventh day of summer, I woke up to find the room full of beautiful women.

  Several old men drank wine and talked about worldly affairs, making a lively scene.

  She was dazzled by the flowers.

  "Old Nineteen, Third Brother, I really don't understand. The Emperor issued an imperial edict with his left hand and another with his right hand, ordering you to return to the capital to report for duty, but you're not happy about it. What's so enjoyable about being in a place like this?"

  Qinggang County is not considered a small county town, but no matter how big the county town is, for a king who has come from the capital, it is all just a tiny place that cannot enter the eyes of Ning Wang.

  Zhao Zun's eyes were cold and detached, and he said lightly, "I should have returned to Beijing long ago, but unfortunately I was ambushed by a group of thieves as soon as I entered Ling Water County, and I suffered serious injuries. I really couldn't travel, so I stayed here."

  Seriously injured?

  As soon as Zhao Jianren suddenly mentioned that matter, Xia Chuyi's heart couldn't help but feel a little uneasy.

  At that time, he took the old Sun head secretly to the reeds by the Qingling River to treat his wounds. Wasn't it just because he didn't want others to know that he was seriously injured?

  Why say it now?

  The only reasonable interpretation is that his initial concerns have already disappeared.

  Zhao Xi listened and seemed to be quite surprised, even the wine cup that had already been raised to his lips was put down, and a pair of eyes tensely stared at Zhao Zun.

  "Who is behind the Nineteenth Route Army? Are they those barbarian bandits?"

  Zhao Zun pursed his lips and gave him a cold glance, "I don't know."

  Zhao Xi angrily said, "That small country of Wu dared to offend me, the great Yan, and still doesn't know life from death. It's all because you, Lord, are too kind-hearted and gave them a chance to barely survive, withdrawing our troops on your own initiative. And yet they still dare to do such despicable things?"

  With a slight pause, seeing Zhao Zun's expression was cold and distant, Zhao Xi let out another long sigh.

  "Brother Nineteen, how can Third Brother speak well of you? Such a major event, why didn't you report it to the Emperor?" As he spoke, he glanced at Dongfang, who was smiling lightly with her shallow lips, and his gaze seemed to sweep over her. "You concealed the truth and didn't report it, but instead let those with ulterior motives in the imperial court suspect that Old Nineteen is holding onto power, occupying the strategic locations of Shu, and has treasonous intentions..."

  The corners of his mouth rose slightly, but Zhao Zun's expression remained unchanged.

  "At that time, I was seriously injured and didn't know if I could survive to return to the capital. And those Northern Di, Western Rong, Wuna, and Eastern Yi's Japanese slaves were already eager to move, fearing that once this matter got out, they would surely offend our Great Shun Dynasty's rivers and mountains, it was really unavoidable to conceal it."

  On the seventh day of summer, I suddenly realized something.

  Zhao Zun's explanation is indeed reasonable and makes sense.

  In that case, doesn't it mean that those surrounding countries don't dare to offend Da Yan, just because they fear Zhao Zhu?

  Bullshit!

  She was secretly scolding in her heart, but Ning Wang Zhao Ji's performance inside was really exaggerated.

  He only saw him lift his big sleeves, stand up straight and give Zhao a long bow, saying in a moving tone, "Old Nineteen, I've wasted so many years reading the books of saints and sages, but military strategies are completely unknown to me. I don't understand the harm in them. Your heart for the country and the people is evident to heaven, while those who oppose you in court have hateful hearts and should be punished."

  "Third Brother worries too much." Zhao Zun lazily took a sip of wine, "It's all for the sake of our great ancestor's foundation, just differences in political views."

  Zhao Xi was taken aback for a moment, then burst out laughing.

  "That's right, Old Nineteen was absolutely..."

  Zhao Xi didn't know what he was thinking of, and as soon as he sat down in his robe, he got up again and personally poured a cup of wine for Zhao Zun. "When I was still in the capital, I heard that Old Nineteen, you captured Wu Na Gongzhu. Where is she now? Can you let San Ge see her?"

  As soon as this was said, the birds in the courtyard fell silent.

  Everyone knows that Ning Wang is a lecher, but surrounded by beauties, he can still think of his brothers while satisfying his lust, this behavior really makes people sigh in admiration.

  "The sun hides behind the sleeve, and spring is lazy to put on makeup. It's easy to find priceless treasures, but hard to get a loving husband." The Eastern Qingxuan, who had been leaning lazily in one place, smiled without speaking, his narrow and long phoenix eyes sparkling as he swept his gaze over the crowd, then suddenly smiled lightly: "Third Prince is concerned about that U Na beauty, why not make Nineteenth Prince's wish come true?"

  Zhao You's eyes coldly swept across Dongfang Qingxuan, probably having gotten used to the King of Ning's lustful nature, and didn't reveal even a hint of emotion.

  "That person has been imprisoned in the camp, guarded by General Chen's men. At that time, she will be escorted back to Beijing together."

  "Is that so......" Zhao Xi's expression seemed to be a bit regretful, "I've long heard that the king of Wunuo only has one princess, who is born with a beautiful and clever appearance, gentle and elegant. Having been imprisoned in the camp for a long time, I'm afraid she will lose her beauty, what a pity, really a pity."

  She said a string of "what a pity"s, with an air of being ravished by Zhao Zhen, which made Xia Chuyi sigh in his heart.

  It's better to be a man, having a roving eye is called being romantic, unlike being a woman, slightly showing some intention doesn't necessarily mean wanting to possess, yet can be scolded for being immodest and losing virtue.

  "Little slave, come here."

  She was lost in thought when Zhao Zhu's voice suddenly came from inside.

  He found out after all.

  Of course, she also deliberately let him find out.

  Xia Chuqi softly murmured "uh-huh" and slowly walked in with small steps, not daring to glance at his expression.

  "Grandpa..."

  "Don't be disobedient." Zhao Zhu's complaining voice sounded quite casual.

  Put your mind at ease, Xia Chuyi raised his eyes and met his gaze. This Zhao scoundrel originally looked like a hateful person, and with that hint of pampering, it was simply a temptation that made people sink.

  But she was still sober. In that person's bones, there would always be only estrangement and indifference.

  "Others just want to come and see the excitement!"

  Bowing her head and speaking in a low voice, Xia Qiuzi signaled to him with her eyes, her voice too soft to be heard.

  She always thought that if she had to say which part of her body was the most outstanding, it would be her voice. The sound of a yellow oriole coming out of a valley, soft and gentle, as soon as it came out, it was like clear water dripping on stone, crisp and clear. If she didn't care about losing face and let out another coquettish sound, just listening to the sound without seeing her face would be enough to make a man's bones go weak.

  No sooner had he spoken than Ning Wang's face turned around at once.

  What a pity, such a nice voice is paired with such an ugly face.

  He paused for a moment, and his face showed obvious disappointment, "Old Nineteen, is this...?"

  He didn't dare believe Zhao Zun's eyesight would deteriorate to such an extent.

  Unfortunately, Zhao Zun slightly raised his lips and calmly acknowledged, "It's indeed my little slave."

  That disgusting sound that made Xia Chuqi almost rush out and vomit before coming back.

  It's rare for Zhao Ziyu to like acting so much and doing it so well, it's simply too in line with her purpose this time.

  She slowly walked over and stood beside him. Zhao Zhu's eyes also never left her deliberately smudged face.

  "Are you hungry? Want something to eat?"

  "Good grief! Summer Qi's heart cursed him, but his mouth was very flattering, "No, I'm not hungry.""

  Zhao's eyes gleamed faintly under the lamp shade, "What's wrong? Is your stomach hurting again?"

  “……”

  Do you have to act so carefully? She lowered her head, pretending to be embarrassed.

  "It's okay, it doesn't hurt much anymore."

  Zhao Zhu carefully sized her up for a moment, then stretched out his hand and said, "Come sit beside me."

  She obediently knelt beside him.

  As a result, the moon Yu who was originally serving him there was naturally squeezed away.

  She took two steps back and hid herself in the shadow of the lamplight, her beautiful eyebrows sinking downward.

  Zhao Zun held her hand tightly with one hand and patted her head affectionately with the other, saying somewhat helplessly.

  "I'm feeling unwell and resting, but you're rushing over, aren't you looking for a scolding?"

  On the seventh day of summer, she was held by his hand, and felt that the heat in the palms of those two people touching each other was constantly fermenting, slightly sticky, before she pretended to smile coyly.

  "Does Grandpa dare scold me?"

  Zhao Zun squeezed her hand and said, "Of course I don't want to."

  Xia Zhong Qi's heart skipped a beat, and she took advantage of the situation to pinch his wrist. The pinch was extremely hard.

  "Grandfather, since there are so many people here tonight, Chu Qi would like to offer everyone a toast."

  She doesn't quite understand the rules of this era, thinking it's still modern times, when eating, everyone can go toast.

  Those present understood, but their faces were all stiff and pale.

  No matter how much Zhao You loves her now, after all, she has no status at all and can't even be considered a concubine. What qualifications does she have to toast on behalf of the people present?

  In the midst of everyone's astonishment, only Zhao Zun's face remained calm and unruffled, his large hand grasping hers tightly, his dark eyes narrowing slightly as he swept a somewhat apologetic glance around the room at the others.

  "It's all because I've been too indulgent towards her in the past, treating her like a child."

  Zhao Xi looked at him doting on that black ghost, strongly enduring the discomfort in his stomach, and glanced at Xia Chuqi again, his eyes darkening.

  "It should be so, such a lovely person, accustomed to it, naturally it should be."

  Before he could finish speaking, his gaze had already shifted away.

  He didn't seem to have any interest in Xia Chuyi's current appearance. This made her secretly laugh to herself and pinch Zhao Zhu's hand, indicating that she agreed with him going out to toast. However, Zhao Zhu ignored her. It wasn't until she secretly stretched out her hand again and pinched his thigh that he leaned over, making a "five" gesture in the dark, meaning 50 taels.

  On the seventh day of summer, I think this guy is really dark.

  Thought for a moment, blinked and nodded in agreement.

  She's already deeply in debt, so what's one more loan?

  After clearing his throat, a satisfied smile appeared on Zhao Zun's cold face.

  "Now that our little slave has spoken, you can go and pour wine for the masters."

  It was already the seventh day of summer, and in my heart I cheered secretly, but on my face I remained composed. I picked up the wine jug from Zhao Zun's case table, and with the etiquette I learned from Yuè Yú, I did a perfect ten out of ten. Slowly, I came down from the main seat, first walked to the front of Ning Wang, and smiled as I poured him a full cup of wine.

  "Your Highness, King Ning, please have some wine."

  Zhao Xi didn't pay much attention to her appearance and didn't give her a second glance.

  Xia didn't care about his opinion, and walked back to Dongfang Qingxuan's side, her small hands slowly tilting the white jade wine jug to fill his cup.

  "Grand Commander, have some wine."

  The Eastern Blue Mystic Phoenix's eyes narrowed slightly, just as she was about to speak, when Zhao Zun spoke calmly from the main seat.

  "Come on, Third Brother, Mr. Dongfang, Xiao Hong, Big Niu, for the prosperity and stability of our great Yan country, let's have a drink."

  The King of Jin has proposed it, others naturally agree.

  The Eastern Blue Mystic's lips slightly curved upwards, his eyes hooked out a smile, and he followed the crowd in raising his wine cup.

  On the seventh day of summer, he went to Zhao Zun's place. His eyes secretly scanned Dongfang Qingxuan, watching as he downed a cup of wine in one gulp. Only then did he feel at ease - this big demon, you'd better not harm me, or else I'll make sure you lose face in front of everyone soon. It would be best if you could let out a loud fart and do a striptease dance, so all the old and young masters here can feast their eyes.

  The wine-colored culture has been passed down for thousands of years.

  In the midst of a banquet where beautiful women flitted about, music and laughter filled the air, sleeves and skirts fluttering. However, except for Ning Wang Zhao Xi and Yuan Xiao Gongzi, who was not bound by conventional rules, there were no scenes of beauties clustering around anyone else at the table. The gentlemen chatted amiably, as if they were old friends reunited after many years. Yet none of them mentioned the thousand-year-old stone tablet in Langyuan Village or the breach of the Xunjiang Dam. This was probably what officialdom was all about.

  In early summer, I occasionally glance at the eastern blue sky.

  The dose of medicine in the wine she gave was quite sufficient, how could there still be no movement?

  Could it be that he is a legendary martial arts master who can use his inner power to force out toxins? No way!

  She had been waiting for a while, getting somewhat impatient, when she saw Dongfang Qingyun's face slowly flush with beauty unparalleled, one of her slender fingers gripping the wine cup stiffened slightly, and a hint of cold light flashed across the bottom of her eyes, only to be replaced by a shallow smile as she stood up, sweeping her red robes.

  "Your Highnesses, Left General, Right General, Qing Xuan had a bit too much to drink today and is feeling somewhat unwell. I'll take my leave first, please continue drinking slowly, goodbye."

  The Eastern Great Demon was born with good looks.

  Moreover, at this moment, he was slightly drunk, and his phoenix eyes, which were as misty as silk, seemed to hold a pool of sentimental spring water peach blossoms, with innumerable charms that couldn't be expressed, and enchanting allure that couldn't be depicted. That scene made Ning Wang's heart flutter, and the wine in his cup spilled a few drops onto the table. When he came back to himself, he smiled awkwardly.

  "Please feel free to do as you like, sir."

  Zhao Zhu also didn't say much, and only Xia Chuqi sighed silently in her heart.

  The Eastern Great Demon was poisoned by her aphrodisiac, and that enchanting and seductive appearance should be the ultimate beauty of coquetry. Such a wonderful scene couldn't be performed in front of everyone? She really didn't think that this guy's endurance would be so strong. She thought that the "Three Sons' Dan" she personally concocted, which was taken with wine, could not be resisted even by gods, let alone men.

  What a pity!

  A flash of crimson robe, like a red cloud, disappeared into the Food Color Pavilion.

  As he left, it seemed like the spring colors in the house had faded a lot.

  On the seventh day of summer, I saw a flicker of regret in Ning Wang's eyes.

  She secretly smiled and continued to play the role of a wine servant, pouring a round of wine for Prince Ning, Yuan Xiaogong, and General Chen Daniu before calmly walking back to Zhao Zun's side and sitting down. She put down the wine jug, lowered her voice, but spoke in a tone that Prince Ning could hear, saying...

  "Grandpa, I did something bad."

  "Hmm?" Zhao Zun raised an eyebrow.

  "I put aphrodisiac in Da Doutou's wine, and it seems like he's starting to feel the effects..."

  "You really ask for a beating." Zhao Zun's eyes flickered slightly as he rebuked in a low voice, also suppressing his tone.

  "Who let him bully me? Serves him right, best if a man takes care of him."

  "Hey, you!"

  Two people bumped heads together, whispering to each other, their feelings were so good it was like they were one. Using the phrase "wife and husband" to describe them wouldn't be an exaggeration! But who would have noticed? Under the table, Xia Chuyi's hand that had pinched Zhao Zhu's leg so hard, and Zhao Zhu's hand that gripped her waist tightly, both used great force.

  As Xia Qi expected, after hearing her words, Ning Wang Zhao Xi, who was notorious for his lustful nature, lit up with excitement, and the wine cup suddenly slipped from his hand and fell to the ground, shattering with a loud "crash".

  He also got up in time, with drunken eyes and dazedly supported the case, his body swaying back and forth.

  "Old Nineteen, Third Brother, I'm in high spirits today. Originally, I should have had a long conversation with you and drunk through the night. But I've come from Jincheng Prefecture, and after rushing along the way, I'm feeling somewhat fatigued. My injured leg is also aching, so I think I'll go rest first."

  Zhao You's expression was calm, "Third Brother is right, it was Younger Brother's consideration that was not thorough."

  He said, raising his voice slightly, giving a faint command.

  "Zheng Er Bao, take Ning Wang to rest in the palace."

  Looking at Zhao Xi's back, who was still swaying and needed to be supported by others in order to walk steadily on the road, the doting expression on Zhao Zun's face disappeared, and his indifferent eyes stared at Xia Chuqi.

  "One hundred and seventy taels."

  Digression

  Dear [yx335555], congratulations on becoming a jinshi (a high-ranking scholar-official), thank you for your support, muah muah.

  Rooooar! I believe by now, everyone has some "whys" in their hearts... why is it like this, why is it like that... hmm, the explanations will come later, and they'll be dissected one by one. Trust me, it'll be worth watching. If you really can't stand it anymore... hehehe, sorry, no refunds! And don't even think about hoarding those monthly tickets - come and grab them, dear ones!

  Yesterday was a bit busy, so I didn't carefully proofread this chapter for errors. If there are many mistakes, please bear with me and I'll correct them when I have some free time.