Chapter 70: Since you're so proactive, I'll let it pass

  There is only one master in this Jin Wang Fu.

  So, when Zheng Er Bao's unique voice entered her ears, Xia Chu Qi's heart suddenly came alive in a certain place, her heartbeat became strong and rapid, blood rushed irregularly to the top of her head, and every nerve became tense.

  This is an extremely abnormal physiological reaction.

  But there is only one person who can make her have this physiological reaction - Zhao Zhu.

  But how did he come back? And, moreover, ran to the east wing. It is worth noting that although she had been living in Chengde Hall before, because of her cohabitation with Li Mo, Zhao Zun never set foot in the east wing.

  Ouch!

  The wooden door outside was opened.

  The curtain was lifted slightly, and a strong wine aroma rushed into the room.

  The man walking ahead, with a slightly drunken gaze, paired with his exceptionally handsome face, as soon as he entered the room, was like the bright moon in the dark night, illuminating this poorly lit attic. His elegant robe, due to his haste, revealed another kind of even more enchanting and suffocating oppression.

  "Everyone get out."

  His gaze fell on Xia Chuqi's body, and he coolly instructed.

  Uh...

  As expected, you're still so arrogant, running into someone else's home and acting wildly.

  On the seventh day of summer, her heart was depressed and she didn't dare to make a sound in front of so many people.

  Plum understood and winked at her, blushing and then left. Judging from her expression, she obviously misunderstood something, thinking it was to make way for her father to have a "crime space".

  Zheng Erbao, who was panting with exhaustion, didn't say a word and nodded his head before retreating, leaving only sighs in his heart. According to the ancestral rules, today he should be accompanying the emperor in the palace for the New Year's Eve ceremony and shouldn't have returned home. But this young master had drunk quite a bit of wine at the family banquet and claimed that he had a headache and wasn't feeling well, so he excused himself from the table and braved the wind and snow to return home. What was he thinking on this New Year's Eve?

  Only Li Mian hesitated for a moment. After Xia Chu gave her a reassuring glance on the seventh day of summer, she quietly left.

  In the ear room, there were only two people left.

  I stared at you, you stared at me, and for a long time there was no sound.

  He was choked with emotion, but Xia Qi finally couldn't help it and spoke up first.

  "Need me for something?"

  It seems there's a way out of this situation, so the old man raised an eyebrow and also spoke up.

  "Chu Qi, I'm giving you a chance to thank me."

  Has your brain been ruined? Xia Qiqi rolled her eyes and glared at him with a bad temper.

  "Are you drunk? What should I thank you for?"

  Zhao Zun's eyes narrowed as he took a step closer, "Don't you know?"

  Summer Seventh's lips pouted, head tilted back, "Don't know."

  Zhao Zun slightly narrowed his eyes, looking somewhat displeased. Xia Chuqi found it inexplicable, how could drinking wine change someone's personality? These past few days, the two of them rarely met, and when they did, he had an expression as if he didn't care about her. She hadn't offended him, so why was he giving her a cold face on New Year's Day?

  Thank you!!!

  After some deliberation, she suddenly remembered - Nanhong Chuangzhu.

  Good grief, he can't find a way to save face, nor can he find a way to save face? Even if there's something to ask of her, wouldn't it be embarrassing for his master? He has to say that he wants to give her a chance to thank him, with an air of proud and aloof arrogance.

  It's also funny to think about it, she was too lazy to argue with him, and waved that brocade box.

  "This? Alright, thanks. Don't know how many silver coins it's worth."

  Zhao You's face sank.

  Made an ugly face and looked down, seemingly acquiescing, hummed a sound, then disdainfully glanced at her.

  "Hurry up and comb your hair and change your clothes? Look at how sloppy you look."

  "What's wrong with you! Who bullied you?" Xia Chuqi was really annoyed, "I'm telling you, grandpa, whoever made you angry, go find them to vent your anger. Don't come looking for me in the middle of the night. I'm about to sleep, why are you still dressed so neatly? You're crazy!"

  "Hurry up! Grandpa is taking you out for a walk."

  The master obviously had no good temper, glanced at her, and walked out.

  "Grandpa is waiting for you at the door."

  What's wrong with you?

  The question marks in Xia's mind were getting bigger and bigger. But since they had brought her the South Red String Beads from the palace on New Year's Eve, and had taken the trouble to come back and educate her personally, giving her a chance to "thank" them, she couldn't afford to be too rude to them, could she?

  She got up lazily, changed her clothes, combed her hair, put on a hat, and walked out slowly with her arms around her, looking at him sideways.

  "Where are you going?"

  Zhao Zun turned his head and glanced at her, seemingly displeased with her men's clothing. He furrowed his brow but didn't say anything else, simply pulling her hand as he headed back to the main house, leaving him waiting outside while he himself went in and changed into a very ordinary... straight robe, emerging looking elegant and cool.

  "Haha, what are you up to?" Xia Chuyi's mouth twitched with laughter, "Why are you dressed so plainly? Is the Jin Wang Fu short of money again, and even the master can't afford to dress properly?"

  "What's all this talk?"

  He came over and dragged her away, Zhao Zhuang didn't even glance at him, still with a stiff face, his strides were extremely large, forcing her to almost run to keep up.

  Out of Chengde Temple, small snow is still floating.

  The Jin Wang Fu was decorated with lanterns everywhere, with intricate designs and numerous varieties, looking very festive. Before the seventh of July, she didn't have the heart to appreciate them, but now being led by his hand, looking at those courtyards that were uniquely lit up by the lanterns, her mood brightened up, feeling a strong sense of festivity.

  It feels like we're really celebrating Chinese New Year this way.

  The stable is quiet.

  Today is a holiday, the rules in the mansion are relaxed, everyone thinks that the master has gone to the palace and will not return, the night watchman in the stable has all gone out to gamble, there is no one left.

  "Hello..."

  Xia Zhong Qi stood in his shadow and found a bit of excitement in being a thief.

  "You're not thinking of sneaking me out of the house to have some fun, are you?"

  "A child can be taught!" Zhao Zhu casually patted her head, "But, you have to pay for it."

  "Alright, if you want to collect money, then just collect it. You take me out to play and collect as much money as you like, I'll accompany you and we'll call it even."

  Now she finally understands a bit and won't be cheated out of her money by him all the time.

  As expected, as soon as she spoke up, Zhao Zhuo curled his lip and untied the horse's reins, no longer objecting.

  Xia Chui Qi's eyes lit up, and she became excited again. She walked around to his side and asked in a low voice, "Just the two of us going out to play, without Er Bao Gong Gong and Yue Yu?"

  Zhao Zun gave her a "fool" look.

  "Is anyone else here?"

  "Oh yeah! Grandpa, you're really too handsome!"

  The joyful mood of the seventh day of summer was completely lifted, and she rushed over to hug his waist, making an effort to tiptoe up and gave him a peck on the cheek. She did it to show her friendliness and happiness, but that gentleman's body stiffened for a moment, staring at her for a long time without moving, even the big black horse looked at her with curious eyes.

  "Haha, did I scare you?"

  At the beginning of summer, I realized that my behavior was too unbecoming of a traditional woman.

  He winked at him and went to touch the black horse's face.

  "Big bird, long time no see, I miss you to death——"

  She was smiling and saying, but she really went to touch the horse's face with her own. Unexpectedly, before her face even touched it, the back of her collar tightened and she was lifted up by Zhao Zhuo, who unceremoniously tossed her onto the saddle.

  "Sit well."

  "Hey, must you be so ruthless and violent? You scared the big bird."

  "Keep your voice down!"

  He coldly drank down, flipped over and got on his horse, sitting behind her.

  One hand was wrapped around her waist, the other hand reached across her waist to grasp the reins, almost encircling her body, and then shook the reins with force, also slapping the large bird on the back. Xia Chuqi looked at this in confusion. The innocent bird let out a pitiful "cry" and carried the two people into the wind and snow, exiting from the rear gate of the Jin Wang Fu.

  Bang!

  Bang!

  New Year's Eve was indeed different from usual.

  The half of Beijing's sky is illuminated by fireworks in a kaleidoscope of colors.

  In this era, fireworks and firecrackers have become very advanced. On the narrow streets, men and women can be seen everywhere, crowded together, with lights in the midst of people and people amidst lights, filled with laughter and excitement. Everyone is wearing their newly made clothes, and even strangers will greet each other with a bow, ask how they're doing, and smile warmly as they enjoy the lanterns, scenery, and the capital city. Small vendors naturally won't miss this opportunity either, filling both sides of the road with stalls, hanging colorful lanterns that make the entire capital look incredibly prosperous.

  No wonder Zhao Zun wanted to change into casual clothes before coming out.

  If I were dressed in imperial robes, could this place still be so calm?

  She gave him a clear and direct look, for the first time feeling that this feeling was better than in modern metropolises.

  She looked around, fascinated by everything she saw. That expression caught Zhao Zhu's eye, and he slowed down his horse.

  "Haven't you seen it?"

  Is her emotions too obvious? She was seen through at once.

  With a pleasant mood, Xia Qi suddenly felt her mind go completely blank at this moment.

  "Yes, it's really too lively, I've never seen such a lively New Year's Eve."

  Zhao Zhu pursed his lips and didn't make a sound, pulling her closer to him. After walking for a while, he suddenly lowered his head again.

  "Is it cold?"

  His breath sprayed on her ear, like a feather, light, itchy, warm, mixed with the wine fragrance on his body, making Xia Chuyi feel embarrassed for a moment.

  "It's not cold, with so many people, where would it be cold?"

  She shifted her position with embarrassment and then became happy again.

  "It's great to celebrate the New Year!"

  The air was filled with the smell of gunpowder from the fireworks, and her eyes were filled with all sorts of New Year's goods. She was dazzled for a moment, occasionally saying that this one was good and that one was good, and also turning her head to take a look at Zhao Zhuo, looking at his face which was sometimes bright and sometimes dim under the light of the fireworks. Thinking that such a peaceful and prosperous world was all exchanged with the blood of him and General Da Yan's southern and northern battles, she couldn't help but feel some emotion.

  "The river is clear and the sea is calm, the times are harmonious and the years are abundant, it's indeed good."

  His voice was low and husky, his hand on her waist tightened slightly.

  This tightness also made her suddenly react, these eight not only represented the prosperous and peaceful world, but also came from that exquisite embroidery, which was embroidered by the crown prince's wife who had a deep relationship with him.

  "Is there a family banquet in the palace today? Have you seen her?"

  Just like all girls in their first love, she asked such a silly question.

  "Which one?"

  He knew it but asked anyway, she was taken aback for a moment and didn't expose him either.

  Sometimes men pretend to be stupid, which means they don't want to answer. Since he doesn't want to answer, it proves that he doesn't want to bring it up. He doesn't want to bring it up, maybe it just proves that his heart is not as concerned as she thought.

  Comforting himself with thoughts, Xia Zhi's awkwardness began on July 7th.

  To ease the awkwardness, she suddenly pointed at a bursting firework in the sky.

  "Hey, which one is so pretty? What's its name?"

  "Third Wave."

  "There's also such a name, haha, which one? The one on your left——"

  "Land rat!"

  "Haha, this is great, this name is so fitting."

  She was like Liu Laolao entering the Grand View Garden, walking and asking questions all the way, finding everything fresh and strange. And Zhao Zhen's face would sink a little more with each simple question she asked. Those two dark eyes also became even deeper and more profound.

  Xia Qi was so immersed in the New Year's atmosphere that she didn't even know what questions to ask, all of which were things that even the children of Ying Tian Fu would know. Her eyes sparkled brightly as she walked with Da Niao on a street lined with official residences, and she began to chatter excitedly again.

  "There, there, look at that place, let's go there——"

  ……

  ……

  Zhao Zhuang returned the horse to its owner.

  It was already half a time after they walked and squeezed up to the "Inviting Evening Building" by Fuzi Temple.

  This street is lined with shops, door to door, and the streets are too crowded. The business of "Inviting Evening Building" is also surprisingly good. To eat Qinhuai snacks, you have to line up?! For the first time, Jin Wang, who has always been a privileged class, is lining up to eat. He looked at her with a dark face, particularly unhappy, but he let her pull him here and there. After much difficulty, they finally found a window seat.

  "Delicious! Addictive."

  Gobbling down, Xia Qi's face was almost half-starved for two days, sat down to eat the tender and delicious duck meat baozi, listening to the elegant and beautiful Jiangnan silk and bamboo music, eating a small face red and excited, couldn't say it out loud.

  "Hey, why aren't you eating?"

  "Watching you eat..." Zhao You said faintly, adding, "It's really nauseating."

  She snorted, Xia Qiuli rolled her eyes in annoyance, "Stop hitting me, no appetite and you still brought me out? The grand feast in the palace is so delicious, why didn't you eat? Why did you rush back? Are you thinking of me in your heart? What's wrong with admitting it? Don't worry, I, Chu Qiuli, have self-awareness. It's not excessive to say that I can overturn a state or a city, let alone just the Jin Wang Fu."

  "You'll only tip over a privy." he retorted.

  "Which pot doesn't open, take which pot?" He was ruthless in mocking others, and Xia Chuyi's mouth wasn't merciful either. His mouth was full of oil as he picked up a small tangyuan with osmanthus filling and put it on his plate. "Want to mock me? No problem, as long as you give me money, it's settled. I've decided, from now on, every time you mock me, you'll have to pay me spiritual damages, let's see if you dare to speak!"

  "You're really calculating."

  "You're going to learn!"

  "Uncle... ignore you."

  "Awesome!"

  Two people kept teasing each other with one sentence after another, and the atmosphere became more and more harmonious.

  Summer begins on the seventh day, and my appetite is wide open. Scallion oil pancakes, five-color small cakes, chicken silk noodles, thin skin dumplings, smoked fish silver noodle soup, lard dumpling wrappers, goose oil pastry, soft fragrant cake... I ordered a plate of each, took a bite of each, and then drank several cups of Six An Maojian tea, which is nourished by rainwater. Admiring the scenery of Qinhuai River, I suddenly feel that winter has disappeared without a trace. The spring breeze is gentle, and my heart is carefree and joyful.

  No wonder men in ancient times were infatuated with the beauty of Qinhuai River.

  As expected! Cool——

  Time and again, I felt a sense of regret, and I don't know how many things from July 7th have been eaten.

  Finally, she patted her bulging belly, took his handkerchief to wipe her mouth, let out a satisfied belch, and loudly called the waiter over to settle the bill.

  "Coming!" The little servant had a towel on his shoulder, very diligent, and came quickly. "Two gentlemen, eat well? Scallion pancake three coins, five-color small cake two coins, chicken noodle soup three coins and five... Total is five taels eight coins silver. You two are here for the first time, no need to give tips, just pay five taels."

  "Five ounces? No problem." Xia Chuyi smiled generously. Turning her head again, she looked at Zhao Zhu who was standing still with a straight face everywhere.

  "Give me the money, what are you standing there for?"

  Zhao's face sank even further upon hearing this, "You didn't bring any silver?"

  On the seventh day of summer, she leaned against the table, her body leaning forward, staring at him with a pair of eyes, and whispered loudly, "In our hometown, when eating out, men always pay. Hurry up, don't cheat my money!"

  Zhao Zun stared at her with a strange expression, "Did you bring it or not?"

  Scolded by him like that, Xia Chuqi suddenly reacted, her small face changed in an instant, and her voice was almost squeezed out from between her teeth.

  "Don't tell me you didn't bring any money."

  Zhao's eyes were filled with a sense of naturalness and inevitability.

  "Your father never brings silver when he goes out."

  It's true, he is a prince, wherever he goes there are people who will give him face, where does he need to use silver?

  Unfortunately, when I left the house on the seventh day of summer, I changed my clothes but didn't bring any money. Now that we've had tea and eaten some things, although they look decent and don't seem like the type to eat for free, I'm sure the owner of this ancient wine shop isn't kind enough to let us dine for nothing.

  With a sheepish grin, Xia Chuqi squeezed an eye at the young waiter and sat down beside him, leaning in close to his ear, "Do you have anything valuable to pawn?"

  Zhao You gave her a weirder look, "Your family's stuff can't even be used as collateral."

  "Master, shall we run?"

  “……”

  Zhao's face turned even darker.

  Xia Chui turned her head back and smiled at Xiao Er Ge again, then whispered to him, "Afraid of losing face? Just turn around and return the silver later."

  “……”

  Zhao's face was still as dark, but she was much calmer than before.

  He pulled down his hat and Xia Qi was a bit speechless.

  In an era without mobile phones, even finding someone to help in an emergency was impossible.

  After some thought, she narrowed her eyes and looked up at the small second hand that had already turned black.

  "Hey little brother, tell your boss we'll bring the silver back later?"

  In this way, in modern society no one believes it, and even less so in ancient times. Before the little second had finished speaking, two men similar to modern security guards who were being kept in the Inviting Evening Building rushed over, one of whom was a sturdy and fierce-looking man with five big and three rough features, who slapped the table hard, startling the tea water into spilling everywhere.

  "Eating without bringing silver, who are you fooling? If you don't pay, we'll take you to see the officer."

  "I really forgot to bring it—" Xia Chuqi said with a sincere face, suddenly pointing at Zhao Zhuo, "Do you know him? Do you?"

  "We don't know!" The two men's tone became even more urgent.

  "Take a good look again." Xia Chuqi squeezed her eyes and reminded, "He is the current..."

  Taking advantage of those few people perking up their ears, she grabbed Zhao Zhu's wrist.

  "Grandpa, run quickly!"

  Zhao Zun's face turned black, and it was just that ugly.

  It's been dragged on until now by her, and even if I don't want to run, I have to run anyway.

  The floor creaked with the footsteps of several people, they ran very fast, but the person behind them chased after them just as quickly, shouting "Quickly, catch them! Those two little thieves who don't pay for their meals! Acting like big shots, if you can't afford it then don't come to the restaurant!"

  People in this era seem to have too much sense of justice.

  The people from the Wan Lou rushed out, and apart from the guys inside chasing after them, even the outsiders on the street saw the injustice and drew their knives to help with the chase. Normally, it would be easy for two people to run away. But today, the streets were crowded with people pushing against each other, making it impossible to get through. The crowd grew bigger along the way, but they couldn't fight back, after all, they were in the wrong. They also couldn't reveal Zhao Zun's identity, after all, they couldn't let him be labeled as someone who "doesn't pay for his meals".

  "Over there - quick - chase - "

  "Brothers, help out, block those two little thieves..."

  The roars behind grew louder and more frequent, Xia Qi ran swiftly, her mouth moving non-stop.

  "Is it fun? This kind of cops and robbers game, you haven't played before, have you?"

  Zhao Zhu didn't respond, but his eyes... She couldn't describe them, she just felt that he must want to kill her right now.

  She ran for a while, and then stopped to catch her breath, but she couldn't shake off the increasingly long tail behind her. It wasn't until they had just squeezed out of the crowded streets in front of the Lady Temple that they saw a group of officials with swords and armor emerging from across the way...

  "Sir, catch the thief——"

  This time on July 7th, I was really stunned.

  Once discovered by those people, Zhao Zun's lifelong reputation was completely ruined.

  She touched her bloated stomach as she watched those people chasing after her.

  "Grandpa, I'll go distract them, you find a chance to escape."

  Zhao Zhu was both angry and amused, but he just gave her a cold glance. Changing from being dragged by her to run helplessly before, he used force to pull her with his hand and suddenly picked her up at the waist, starting a frantic sprint and playing a game of cat and mouse with those people.

  He took the initiative and things were different.

  Very soon, the two of them slipped into a small alley with sparse human traffic. Before the pursuing soldiers arrived, he took a deep breath and carried her over a low wall into a courtyard. However, as she bumped against the wall with her buttocks, she let out a pained cry, struggled free, and fell heavily onto a haystack.

  There were still people shouting and chasing outside.

  Underneath was a thick layer of dry hay, and it seemed like there was still a smell of donkey dung in his nose.

  Two people jumped into someone else's courtyard where donkeys were raised.

  Under them was a layer of straw that had been trampled flat.

  In the midst of the noise outside, Xia Qi was pressed down by him, face to face, her heart racing.

  "Alas, how embarrassing!"

  As she spoke, she couldn't help but burst out laughing again.

  "But it's quite exciting, isn't it? You've never been a thief in your life, have you?"

  It was very dark here, she couldn't see Zhao Zhu's expression, nor did she hear him speak.

  Just as she was about to push him away, he suddenly reached out his hand and lifted her chin, gazing at her quietly. His even breathing puffed against her face, the warmth of his fingertips seemed to be branded into her heart like a hot iron. Xia Chuqi's heart skipped a beat, her eyelashes fluttering wildly as she realized what he was about to do, and with a chaotic mind, she closed her eyes, waiting for a fiery kiss.

  "There is grass on his head."

  He suddenly said in a low voice with a hint of slyness and brushed against her forehead.

  Xia Qi opened her eyes with a start and saw Xia Chu's embarrassed face.

  "Get me some grass, what are you hooking at my chin for?"

  "Does Grandpa see grass without lowering his chin?"

  "…Shameless!"

  Knowing she was being teased again, Xia Chuyi slapped his hand away and turned her face aside.

  "Want Grandpa to kiss you?"

  Zhao Zhuo said in a low voice, his throat slipped down, and the hand that had been resting on her cheek suddenly moved to the back of her head, grasping it tightly, and pressed down. Her head lowered, and his lips touched hers, warmly exhaling a burst of wine fragrance.

  "Grandpa didn't want to be close before. Seeing you being so proactive, he...thought about it."

  Just as Xia was about to retort in embarrassment on the seventh day of summer.

  As their lips touched, both of them let out a simultaneous sigh, as if they no longer had the mood to consider who was at a disadvantage. A kiss seemed to have been waiting for a long time, their lips tangled together, soft and warm, tongues entwined, smooth and cozy... The fireworks in the sky were still blooming, the donkey house below was warm and cozy.

  She was almost out of breath when he finally stopped kissing her.

  "Ah Qi."

  She nodded slightly with embarrassment, and Xia Chuqi's hands were tightly grasped on his shoulders, somewhat tense.

  "What's wrong?"

  She was afraid he would mention that request...

  What if he wants her here, how should she refuse?

  In her limited emotional knowledge, ordinary men and women generally go through a cruel and intense ambiguous love phase of you hitting me scolding, then holding hands, kissing mouths, and finally all end up on the "one bed" of becoming lovers. Although there is no bed here, he is a normal man, and it's estimated that he can't escape that eternal unchanging logic either.

  Thinking of that scene, Xia Qi's face flushed again, but she heard his faint voice.

  "There are more beautiful temple fairs on the side of Beiping Prefecture, and there is more delicious food."

  Her heart suddenly tightened, Xia Chuqi realized she had misunderstood again.

  But his words also suppressed her thoughts a bit.

  "Why don't you stay? The capital is wonderful!"

  She didn't hear him answer, and she guessed by herself, looking at his face in the dark.

  "Whether you stay or leave, your Emperor father won't let you off?"

  He looked at her, word by word, "The sword is cold in nine states, but it's better than being trapped in a border."

  She curled up her lips and Xia Qi took a deep breath, smiling easily.

  "Also, when were you planning on going over?"

  For a long time, he didn't respond. Soon, his wet lips pressed against hers again, and he kissed her forcefully before moving back and forth... The two people stuck their lips and faces together, emitting a hot and panting breath.

  With her innate feminine intuition, Xia Chuqi knew that such a simple kiss was no longer enough for him. His kiss deepened, his hands moved more excessively, and the strong force of his lips made her mouth ache slightly, that fiery passion almost burning her to exhaustion.

  "Zhao Zhu..."

  As the temperature was about to reach boiling point, she gasped and bit him.

  Their lips parted, and they stared at each other in silence.

  After a long time, when his breathing had calmed down, Xia Chuyi suddenly curved his lips.

  "Hey, on your left, there seems to be a piece of dog poop..."

  That's too destructive!

  Zhao Zhu's body stiffened slightly, and then relaxed. The hand that had originally rested on her belt slipped inside again.

  "What is this thing?"

  "Uh..." Xia Qi's heart was racing as she thought of that thing, her face involuntarily turning red. She wanted to laugh but had to hold it in, "It's just a carrot, don't be fooled! What did you think? Can I grow one?"

  He paused for a moment, as if he couldn't bear it?!

  Xia Ziyu smiled again, "I'm a big man, how can I go out without bringing carrots?"

  He coughed and seemed like he was about to collapse.

  It's the seventh day of summer, and the fire is getting stronger. "Don't worry, this thing is very useful, I even carved it with a knife, it looks exactly like the real thing, it can definitely be used to deceive people."

  He tightened his grip on her, apparently wanting to strangle her to death.

  "Haha——"

  Suppressing a low, dry laugh, without hearing him speak, Xia Chuqi was quiet for a while before flashing him an extremely good-looking smile, only in the darkness, she guessed he couldn't see it either.

  "Going to Beiping for a tour, isn't that a good thing? Why are you looking so gloomy?"

  He suddenly hummed and changed the subject very quickly.

  "If you don't go to Beiping Prefecture, how will you repay the silver you owe me?"

  “……”

  She's worried about him, but he's still thinking of her money?

  She glared at him fiercely, in the donkey courtyard under the night sky, smelling the smell of donkey dung and listening to the sound of silver, Xia Chuyi suddenly felt that the dialogue between the two people had nothing to do with romance. And the guy in front of her was simply a hateful person, three points more disgusting than herself.

  Will you die if you say something nice?

  She raised an eyebrow slowly as she stared at him.

  "It seems I don't owe you anything anymore. Didn't we settle everything last time? Trying to deny it?"

  "You will owe me." Zhao Zun stared at her, saying it very calmly, "Starting from today."

  "What does it mean?"

  On the seventh day of summer, Xia's heart was entangled and she felt depressed, wanting to vomit blood.

  Is there such an unreasonable person? Hasn't even borrowed yet, already counted as owed?

  "Don't be afraid, even if you can't pay back the silver, I won't take your life. You can just use your body to repay the debt." He said it very calmly and even emphasized 'using your body to repay the debt' to show the authenticity and feasibility of this matter.

  Xia Chuqi coughed slightly on the seventh day of summer.

  It is said that if one has no shame, they will be invincible in the world.

  "She couldn't help but sigh, 'Grandpa, there's no one on earth who can match up to you.'"

  ……

  ……

  That night, walking back to the mansion, it was already deep into the night.

  On the seventh day of summer vacation, lying on the bed in the attic, I couldn't forgive myself.

  Why didn't she seize the good opportunities in her previous life to find someone to talk about love and gain some experience? If she had experience in love, she would know how to deal with that shameless person. And she wouldn't be like now, with a mind as dull as lead, being led by the nose by him.

  That night, she had a nightmare. She dreamed that she had turned into a big water buffalo, pitifully plowing the fields with a nose ring tied to her nose and a rope tied around it, trudging through the muddy ground, carrying a heavy plow, walking and walking but unable to reach the end of the field. The surroundings were eerily quiet, and the person leading her had a pair of deep, bottomless eyes and a very nasty tone...

  "Don't you want an ordinary life?"

  "Mooooo... mooooo..." She was speechless.

  "Living in seclusion from the world, with women tilling and men weaving, this is all there is."

  "… Humph!" She wanted to die!

  She was shouting in her heart, and suddenly felt a pinch on her face.

  "Zhao Zhuo, I'm going to die with you——"

  "What's going on?"

  Li Mo's voice came from above her head, suddenly pulling her back from her dream.

  She opened her eyes and looked at Li Mo's suspicious face in front of her, and she unhappily let out a yawn.

  "What's going on? Early in the morning, pinching people's faces."

  "It's already noon! Lazy worm—" Li Mo glanced at her and then lowered his head, lowering his voice, "Your goods have arrived."

  Xia Chiqi's sleepiness was completely driven away as her mind suddenly lit up.

  The word "cargo" was a private term used exclusively by her and Li Mo.

  It's just that those people's names aren't very convenient to mention casually.

  "Have both goods arrived?" she asked.

  Li Mian nodded, helped her up, got dressed, washed and made herself up.

  ……

  ……

  In the guest hall of the front yard, Yuè Yù had already brewed tea.

  "His Highness Prince Changsun and his wife, please wait a moment, Dr. Chu will be right out."

  Zhao Mianze's expression remained warm and gentle, polite and courteous, "Thank you."

  Yu'e's face was expressionless, her figure standing quietly to one side, only smiling, "Your Highness Longsun is being polite, I'm just a lowly servant, it's only right that I do what I should."

  Zhao Mianze looked at her with a hint of a smile, his eyes flashing with a faint light.

  "You were originally not meant to be someone's subordinate, what a pity!"

  "Your Highness, Prince Longsun." Yuer smiled slightly. "I am willing to be a slave and servant, I don't blame others. As the saying goes, 'not dirty or clean, not reduced or increased, not born or destroyed.' If my heart is at peace, then I have nothing more to ask for. If my heart is free, then I will be even more open-minded. It's not necessarily about getting something, even if it's just silently waiting, it's still the blessing given by heaven."

  Her voice grew smaller and smaller as she spoke, until it was almost a whisper.

  It's as if... comforting myself.

  Zhao Mianze's face wore a faint smile as he gazed at her, his eyes taking in the gentle warmth on her face that was devoid of any hint of resentment or grievance. Suddenly, he let out a soft laugh and said, "Don't forget, people are inherently selfish. Once you're trapped, where does your freedom come from? If you're not careful, you'll become just like beasts, fighting and killing with others without even realizing it."

  Her eyes dimmed slightly, but Yuè Yù kept a polite smile on her face.

  "This humble servant is dull-witted and cannot understand the wise words of Young Master Changsun..."

  "There's nothing, just a sudden realization." Zhao Mianze stopped looking at her, calmly picked up his tea cup and took a light sip. The composure in his eyes was not even slightly disturbed, which made Yuemeng pause for a moment.

  "Your Highness, Crown Prince..."

  She opened her mouth and had just said a few words when footsteps were heard outside, and she stopped smiling and paused in mid-sentence.

  "It must be the doctor from Chu who has arrived, I'll lead the people out first."

  At the door, Yuè Yù brushed past Xiā Chū Qī, glanced at her, and with a faint smile, nodded to Zhào Mián Zé before leading two little maids out of the hall.

  Xia Zhiqiu was secretly sneering in her heart, but on the surface, she was extremely respectful.

  She slightly bowed her head and made a courtesy.

  "The Crown Prince and his concubine have paid their respects."

  Zhao Mianze just gave her a faint glance, nodded slightly, and the smile at the corner of his lips was left for Xia Wenqiu.

  "Qiū ér, let Dr. Chǔ take your pulse for you?"

  Xia asked Qiu with a smile full of emotions, "Good."

  Lowering her eyelids, Xia Qi didn't have the interest to look at their affectionate glances, she only moved a small stool and sat beside Xia Wenqiu, slightly rolling up her sleeve, took out a white silk handkerchief from the medical box, and gently placed it on her wrist.

  Suddenly, her gaze paused for a moment.

  The hand in front of me is very beautiful. Clean, tender, and fair-skinned, with about two-inch-long fingernails on the fingertips, trimmed to perfection, and even painted with a thousand-layer red color, not inferior to modern nail art at all. Unfortunately...

  "Chu Medical Officer, why are you stunned?" Xia asked Qiu with a smile.

  "Hehe, nothing much." With a gentle smile, Xia Chuqi placed the silk handkerchief on her wrist and his fingers touched her pulse, saying in a polite tone, "Your Highness Changsun and the concubine are noble people, there's no need for you to take your own pulse, just send someone to inform me and I'll come immediately."

  Xia asked autumn with a smile at the corner of her lips and looked gently at Zhao Mianze.

  "Mian Ze said, it's been a long time since he came to the 19th uncle's mansion. He happened to come and visit him. Unfortunately, the 19th uncle has not returned to the mansion yet, and it is unknown whether he can see him today."

  Xia Chui smiled and let go of Xia Wen's hand, "Can't they see each other every day in the imperial court?"

  Xia Wenqiu was stunned by her question, and Zhao Mianze coughed lightly to help her out of the awkward situation, then steered the conversation back on track.

  "Minister of Chu, how is Autumn's condition?"

  "The pulse of the imperial concubine is weak and faint, with a deficiency of blood and qi..." Xia Qi's eyebrows furrowed slightly as she spoke in an extremely serious tone, "It seems that the previous miscarriages have left behind a lingering illness. I'm afraid it will take some time to recover before she can conceive again. Your Highness, Long Sun, I suggest that during this period of recuperation for the imperial concubine, you should restrain yourself and not share a bed with her. Otherwise, if conception occurs but the fetal energy is unstable, another miscarriage may occur, causing damage to her body and potentially leading to lifelong infertility."

  In this era without condoms, it seems like the only way to avoid pregnancy is to live in separate rooms.

  She spoke very professionally and calmly, but the faint smile on her face made Zhao Mianze stunned, and also made Xia Wenqiu's face turn red. Moreover, those words like "receiving sperm" were something they had never heard of before.

  Zhao Mianze coughed slightly and nodded his head, his eyes deepening a bit.

  "The Chu physician has no objection, so he drafted a prescription."

  She slightly curled her lips and Xia Chuqi smiled as she stood up.

  She had just gotten halfway up when she sat back down again, as if suddenly remembering something, and looked at Xia Wenqiu.

  "Madam's face is breathtakingly beautiful, radiant as the spring flowers, bright as the autumn moon... why is there such a big scar on her wrist?"

  She finished asking, and the two men and women opposite her were stunned.

  Xia asked autumn slightly nodded, gave her a very constipated expression, as if thinking of some painful past again, sentimental to no avail. But her appearance made Zhao Mianze look heartbroken, leaned forward, gently stroked her back a few times, and comforted her warmly.

  This situation makes Xia Chuyi want to laugh.

  Does it matter?

  At the beginning of summer, Qī pulled up the corner of his mouth and said, "Whatever, I'm just casually asking, if it's not convenient..."

  "There's nothing inconvenient about it."

  Zhao Mianze interrupted her, raised his head and smiled slightly.

  "When I was young and mischievous, I never had a peaceful moment. One time, I was taken by my father king and the imperial uncles to accompany the emperor on a hunting trip. At night, I suddenly got restless and sneaked out, falling into a hunter's trap... Autumn child almost lost her life trying to save me, and that's how she injured her wrist."

  That year?

  Hunting?

  Pitfall...

  A few words entered his mind, and on the seventh day of summer, his ears "buzzed" with a loud noise.

  It was as if I had been struck by lightning, and suddenly a fragmented picture emerged...

  The night is dark, the wind is swift, and there are no stars in the sky.

  A young man struggled desperately in the trap, shouting loudly for help...

  A little girl secretly followed, tore open her gorgeous skirt...

  The four sides of the pit were all soft and muddy, making it impossible to climb...

  The little girl pulled him up with all her might, and the two hands finally came together. The boy took a deep breath and climbed up, while the little girl fell down due to his strength...

  The mud on the top of her head, smashed into her face, and the warm blood on his body also splashed onto her face... The back of her head "thudded" against the stone block in the pit.

  A sharp pain came, in the endless darkness, the boy was screaming.

  "Hold on tight, quick, grab hold of me, I'll pull you up..."

  "What's wrong with you...... Speak up......"

  "Wait for me, I'll go find someone to save you... I'll be right back..."

  The boy's voice was hard to hear, like it was in the midst of a changing tone, coarse and rough, but in the night wind, it clearly entered the little girl's ears...

  Before she fell into a coma, the little girl's lips curled up into a smile.

  "I'll wait for you, come back..."

  A smile that seemed to have been separated by thousands of years appeared clearly in Xiaozhi's mind.

  The corners of Xia Chui's lips curled up, and she smiled too.

  Just like Xia Chu in those years.

  The ruthless abandonment Xia Chu had suffered, the desolate nights, the resentful sighs, the unfulfilled longing, and the painful entanglements were all because of that night when his passionate cry burst forth like fireworks above her head. That night, his blood had ignited her life, but also led her into hell.

  She once looked forward to the fireworks blooming again as beautifully as they did at New Year's, but she didn't expect that after the fireworks burned out and fell back to the ground, everything would become different.

  She wants to catch it, but can't.

  She wants to let go, but can't...

  In the end, she fled into the Deathly Dark Mountains.

  But the young man who made her wait for his return had taken someone else as his darling...

  Digression

  Old monk is here to recite scriptures again - from the moon ticket bowl. Haha, no lottery girl, hurry up and draw a lottery, drew the moon ticket into the bowl - Momo Da, everyone is very powerful, the moon ticket is on the list, now it's in an ambiguous state, crawling forward between second and third place.

  Acknowledgments:

  Dear [Qing Lan 00], upgraded to San Ding Jia - Zhuang Yuan Lang, muah muah, thank you dear.

  Dear [ckf333], upgraded to Yuanyuan, wooden horse, take a bite.