The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 113
by Little PandaCome, Zhao’er, Sit Here Next to Your Aunt.
Qu Sheng was holding Lin Xizhao’s hand so tightly that she couldn’t move. All she could do was look at Qu Sheng helplessly.
“The quality is excellent, and it’s the latest trend in the capital. It’s quite suitable for undergarments right now.” Seeing Mother Jin staring intently at Lin Xizhao, Jin Yunfei quickly spoke up to dissolve the awkwardness.
At her words, Mother Jin glanced sideways at Jin Yunfei, her expression souring slightly. But in the next moment, she smiled. “Then let’s get two bolts. I’ll have someone make a few pieces later, and we’ll have two made for Zhao’er and Sheng’er as well.”
When Qu Sheng heard Mother Jin’s words, she looked up at her. A moment later, she whispered something in Lin Xizhao’s ear. Lin Xizhao listened, then gazed at Qu Sheng, gently pursing her lips before nodding.
Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng walked before the two elders and curtsied. “Adoptive Mother, Aunt, it’s not often you get to visit the Capital City. Sheng’er and I have already booked a table at Hou Xiang Tower. Please continue looking around with Aunt for a while. This daughter and Sheng’er will go to the restaurant to make sure everything is in order.”
Jin Yunfei glanced at Qu Sheng, who was standing to the side, then smiled at Lin Xizhao. “Alright, alright. It’s rare for you two to be so thoughtful. Go on, then. Your aunt and I will look around a bit more.”
Lin Xizhao smiled and nodded. But before she and Qu Sheng could leave, Aunt Jin spoke up. “I’m tired after all this walking. Thoughtful or not, we’re all family. Let’s go over with the children.”
Hearing that Aunt Jin wanted to go with them, Lin Xizhao smiled. “That works too. We can come back after our lunch and have a good rest.”
Jin Yunfei could only agree. “Very well, let’s all go together.”
The four of them shared a carriage. Despite the heat, Lin Xizhao never once let go of Qu Sheng’s hand. In the carriage, Aunt Jin constantly tried to make conversation with Lin Xizhao, but her gaze kept drifting to their intertwined fingers.
Soon, they arrived at the restaurant. A waiter led the distinguished guests upstairs and into a private room.
“Come, Zhao’er, sit here next to your aunt.” After taking her seat, Aunt Jin began beckoning Lin Xizhao to sit beside her.
Lin Xizhao couldn’t very well refuse. She led Qu Sheng over and sat down.
The dishes were served quickly, and Lin Xizhao began to feed Qu Sheng.
“Sheng’er is a grown woman now. Why are you still feeding her, Zhao’er?” Mother Jin said, her expression tinged with disdain.
Qu Sheng looked up and shot her aunt a glance, not bothering to hide the disgust in her eyes.
It wasn’t just her; no one in the Qu family, including Jin Yunfei, liked this aunt.
The matter of the Jin father and son going to the Lin family to propose marriage a few days ago had been hidden from Jin Yunfei precisely because they feared she would interfere.
Never mind that Jin Mingjun was a widower; even if both he and Lin Xizhao were unwed, Jin Yunfei would never have wanted Lin Xizhao to marry into that family.
Her own nephew was fine, but that sister-in-law of hers… She had heard whispers that Jin Mingjun’s deceased wife had died at her hands.
After the wife gave birth to her second child, the mother-in-law had constantly found fault with her. Her family had come to the door several times, and while she had reined it in somewhat, she would secretly teach the children to resent their own mother. She had also provoked Jin Mingjun, claiming his wife was disrespectful to her, which caused Jin Mingjun to treat his wife with indifference.
Lin Xizhao glanced over and smiled. “Sheng’er may be grown, but I enjoy feeding her.” As long as Qu Sheng didn’t mind, she was willing.
Outsiders weren’t entirely clear on the matter of Qu Sheng’s simple-mindedness; even her maternal uncle from the Jin family couldn’t figure her out. When they had met as children, there was nothing noticeably wrong. Now that she was older and had come to the Capital City, rumors suddenly spread that she was an idiot, and they had tacitly accepted it based on what others said.
But Qu Sheng was always quiet and withdrawn in their presence and had never shown any signs of being an idiot, which was why Aunt Jin had made such a comment.
They had only been eating for a short while when, by some unknown messenger, Jin Mingjun arrived.
Jin Mingjun entered from outside, smiling as he greeted Jin Yunfei and his mother. Then, his gaze fell upon Lin Xizhao.
“Biaomei1, hello, Xizhao-meimei.” Jin Mingjun’s words were addressed to both of them, but his eyes were fixed solely on Lin Xizhao.
“My son, come sit by Mother,” Mother Jin said with a benevolent smile, beckoning him to her side.
Lin Xizhao nodded, her expression devoid of much warmth.
Seeing this, Jin Mingjun had no choice but to take two steps toward his mother. Mother Jin glanced at Lin Xizhao, who was still feeding Qu Sheng, and simply gave up her own seat, letting Jin Mingjun sit next to Lin Xizhao.
Once Jin Mingjun was seated, Jin Yunfei asked, “Weren’t you supposed to be accompanying your father on a visit to Lord Fang’s residence? Why are you back?”
Jin Mingjun smiled in response. “Father changed his mind at the last minute. We’re not going today.”
Jin Yunfei nodded in understanding. Before she could look away, she saw Jin Mingjun’s gaze land on Lin Xizhao once more.
“I don’t want any more,” Qu Sheng said, shaking her head as Lin Xizhao offered her another bite.
Lin Xizhao took out a handkerchief and gently wiped Qu Sheng’s lips. A moment later, Qu Sheng stood up, intending to pull Lin Xizhao away.
Qu Sheng had seen through this clumsy performance long ago. From the moment she heard Mother Jin was coming, she knew it was for Lin Xizhao.
As Qu Sheng stood and pulled Lin Xizhao to leave, Mother Jin quickly asked, “What’s wrong?”
Jin Yunfei could see that Qu Sheng was angry and smiled. “She’s probably full. Sheng’er can’t sit still.”
Mother Jin chuckled and looked at Qu Sheng. “But you can’t just leave. The elders are all here. Besides, Zhao’er was so busy feeding you that she hasn’t even eaten yet.”
With that one sentence, Mother Jin shifted all the blame onto Qu Sheng. Jin Yunfei gave an awkward laugh, just as Jin Mingjun spoke up. “Biaomei doesn’t have anything else to do. Why not let Xizhao-meimei finish her meal before you go?”
“How do you know I have nothing to do?” Qu Sheng shot him a sideways glance, her tone icy.
It wasn’t that Qu Sheng couldn’t speak in front of outsiders, just that she rarely did. Jin Mingjun was stunned for a moment. Just as he was about to ignore her words, he heard Lin Xizhao say, “I’m feeling a bit unwell. I mentioned it to Sheng’er earlier. Since Biaoge2 is here to keep you company, I will take my leave.” After speaking, Lin Xizhao bowed to Jin Yunfei.
“Ah.”
Just as Mother Jin was about to say something more, Lin Xizhao gave her a nod and turned to leave.
The two descended the stairs, only to be pursued by Jin Mingjun. He blocked their path, a strained smile on his face. “Xizhao-meimei, did I do something wrong? Why do you seem to dislike me so much?”
The moment Jin Mingjun approached them, Qu Sheng pulled Lin Xizhao into her arms.
Lin Xizhao didn’t exactly dislike Jin Mingjun, but for the past few days, whenever the Jins were present for meals at the Qu Residence, she and Qu Sheng would not attend. They had barely interacted. For him to suddenly ask such a question, it was clear he was getting a little too into his role.
“Biaoge, is there something wrong with your head? You and my jiejie3 are neither relatives nor friends. To come up and say she dislikes you, aren’t you thinking a little too highly of yourself?” Qu Sheng retorted bluntly.
“Hey, Biaomei, how can you say that? Xizhao-meimei is my paternal aunt’s adoptive daughter, so of course we have a familial connection,” Jin Mingjun explained, trying to smooth things over.
Qu Sheng snorted. “Biaoge, you’re really good at sticking gold on your own face4. If we’re truly related, why would you block my jiejie’s path in public like this? Have you considered how this might harm her reputation?”
If Qu Sheng hadn’t pulled Lin Xizhao into her embrace, Jin Mingjun’s hand would have reached her arm.
At her words, Jin Mingjun quickly took a step back, flustered. “It was my oversight. I just heard Xizhao-meimei say she was feeling unwell. Are you returning to your residence? I can escort you back.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Qu Sheng refused.
“Jiejie, let’s go.” When she spoke to Lin Xizhao, her voice softened slightly.
Lin Xizhao looked up at Qu Sheng. The coldness in her eyes from moments before when she looked at Jin Mingjun was now replaced with a smile, and she left with Qu Sheng.
The two didn’t return to the Qu Marquis Residence but went directly to Lin Xizhao’s small private courtyard. As soon as they entered, Qu Sheng ordered someone to prepare a meal.
Of course she cared whether Lin Xizhao had eaten. But in a situation like that, she knew she couldn’t have eaten well.
Night fell. The Xiao Residence.
Ever since Cheng Xi had kept her there that day, Xiao Bingying hadn’t returned home until noon the next day. As a result, she hadn’t been allowed to leave the residence for the past few days. She had sent a message to Cheng Xi, saying she would find a way to get out and see her in a few days.
Xiao Bingying sat in her room reading a medical text, the crisp sound of turning pages audible in the silence. Just as she was engrossed, a knock came at the door.
Hearing the sound, Xiao Bingying immediately went on alert. In the dead of night, no one would come except Xiao Tong.
She sat up straight and looked toward the door. She swallowed, her eyes filled with nervousness and fear.
Xiao Tong had been coming over frequently these past few days. Sometimes, he would even come to check on her after she had already gone to sleep. As Xiao Bingying was trying to think of an excuse not to open the door, it knocked again.
“Bingying, are you asleep?” Cheng Xi’s low, soft, and cool voice sounded from outside.
Xiao Bingying froze for a second. She quickly stood and walked to the door. The moment she opened it, she saw the person she had been longing for day and night.
Cheng Xi looked up at her, a faint smile on her lips. She glanced left and right before pushing Xiao Bingying into the room.
“What are you doing here?” Xiao Bingying was thrilled, still finding it hard to believe that the person before her was really Cheng Xi.
Cheng Xi closed the door behind her. Seeing Xiao Bingying still in a state of shock, she smiled. “A certain heartbreaker said she was coming to see me, but several days have passed without a trace. I came to give her a little reminder.”
“Xi’er…” Xiao Bingying heard the teasing in her voice. Her gaze roamed over Cheng Xi’s exceptionally beautiful face, but she didn’t dare reach out to embrace her.
Noticing Xiao Bingying’s unnatural expression, Cheng Xi’s lips curved slightly. She stepped closer and kissed her.
Xiao Bingying hadn’t been thinking of her, but she had been thinking of—and worrying about—Xiao Bingying.
Cheng Xi’s steps guided Xiao Bingying toward the inner chamber. When they reached the doorway, Xiao Bingying hooked her hand around the doorframe.
“What’s wrong?” Cheng Xi murmured, her slow advance interrupted as she kissed her.
“I…” Xiao Bingying was worried Xiao Tong might still come.
“You want to do it here?” Cheng Xi glanced at the space beside the door, then looked back up at Xiao Bingying. Her lips curled into a bewitching smile, her eyes crinkling at the corners. Her soft lips brushed against Xiao Bingying’s as she whispered, “That’s not impossible.”
Xiao Bingying was still captivated by Cheng Xi’s enchanting face. When she heard those words, her hand was guided by Cheng Xi to the sash at her own waist. In that instant, her mind went blank, losing all ability to think. She let Cheng Xi lead her, doing the things a lecher5 would do.
Cheng Xi knew what Xiao Bingying was worried about, but she had seen that the lights in Xiao Tong’s courtyard were already out when she arrived. Xiao Bingying never mentioned a word about the situation with Xiao Tong, which she could understand, so she didn’t press the issue. But she still felt she had to come protect her, to watch over her.
At the very least, to let her see her.
As dawn approached, Xiao Bingying was still diligently sucking on a soft peak, wanting to seize the tail end of the night for one more round.
But as Cheng Xi’s body began to respond again, she used both hands to hold Xiao Bingying’s head, refusing to let her go any lower.
When Cheng Xi had dressed and was about to leave, Xiao Bingying clung to her, refusing to let go.
“I’ll come see you again tonight,” Cheng Xi said, raising a slender, pale hand to caress Xiao Bingying’s cheek.
Xiao Bingying’s arms were wrapped around Cheng Xi’s delicate waist. Even though she heard her promise to return, she was still unwilling to let her go.
In her days of thinking about how to protect Cheng Xi and get her away from the Xiao family, she had forgotten about herself. She had forgotten that after Cheng Xi left, she would be all alone here.
“Alright, any later and someone will discover us,” Cheng Xi reminded her softly.
At her words, the reluctance in Xiao Bingying’s eyes remained, but the strength in her arms lessened slightly. Seeing her obedient compliance, Cheng Xi’s heart ached for her.
Her gaze shifted downward, landing on Xiao Bingying’s soft lips.
Kisses were never enough, but even stopping after a shallow taste6 could bring a great deal of comfort.
They kissed in the room for a quarter of an hour before Xiao Bingying reluctantly let Cheng Xi go.
At the small courtyard in the Capital City, Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng had not left since arriving yesterday and had slept in a little longer today. Last night, Qu Sheng hadn’t pestered Lin Xizhao; instead, Lin Xizhao had deliberately pestered Qu Sheng.
She could see that the Jin family wanted to get closer to her, and she could also see that Qu Sheng had been sulking7.
Naturally, Lin Xizhao couldn’t be blamed for such things, but she felt it was her responsibility to coax her little lover into a better mood.
Several days had passed since Qu Sheng’s first foray into carnal love8. Lin Xizhao had been counting the days, figuring she had rested enough, and finally put into action the matter that had been on her mind.
For countless days and nights, she had passively experienced the pleasure Qu Sheng brought her. She liked the feeling, but what she had never revealed was that she also coveted Qu Sheng’s skin, which looked so delicate it could be broken by a mere flick or a puff of air9.
Ever since that night a few days ago, whenever Qu Sheng held her in the evening, the image of Qu Sheng’s trembling body beneath her would appear in her mind.
So soft and pliant, especially the restrained way she would bite her own tender lip to keep from making a sound. In those moments, a desire would always rise in Lin Xizhao’s heart—a desire to shatter that restraint and let Qu Sheng ‘cheer’ for this pleasure without inhibition.
Last night, there had been three times. The first time, she had barely kissed Qu Sheng’s soft flesh before Qu Sheng surrendered.
Qu Sheng had been so shy her entire body had flushed red, and she refused to let her continue. It was only after Lin Xizhao let Qu Sheng do whatever she desired to her that she earned another chance.
When they woke up today, the moment Lin Xizhao looked at Qu Sheng, her cheeks instantly turned red.
She felt it was a little embarrassing to have surrendered so quickly to what was merely a feint from Lin Xizhao.
Lin Xizhao chuckled, her eyes curving into beautiful, pale crescents. She naturally knew what Qu Sheng was thinking, but this sort of thing shouldn’t be about winning or losing.
She loved Qu Sheng, but Qu Sheng loved her even more. Of that, there was no doubt.
Because even Qu Sheng’s body was telling her just how much it loved her.
The two got up and had their morning meal with Jin Mingyi. Jin Mingyi’s sleep schedule was always erratic; this was the earliest she had woken up in a long time.
The three of them sat down. Lin Xizhao glanced around and asked, “Where’s Zhu Ming?”
Jin Mingyi picked up a pair of jade chopsticks and took a bite of food before answering casually, “She went out early this morning. Said she had some business to take care of.”
Qu Sheng looked up at Jin Mingyi.
Catching her gaze from the corner of her eye, Jin Mingyi looked up and said, “Don’t keep looking at me like that. Ah Ming10 said it would be fine. She’s never been wrong when it comes to jade stones11.”
Qu Sheng naturally believed her. The Zhu family had made its fortune in jade; how could their daughter be anything less than skilled?
What worried Qu Sheng wasn’t a problem with the jade, but that in this part of the capital, Zhu Ming’an was a newcomer and might offend someone important.
After they finished their meal and the table was being cleared, a shop assistant from Jin Mingyi’s store came running in, stumbling frantically.
“Proprietor, Proprietor, this is bad…”
The incoming shop assistant could barely walk straight. Upon seeing Jin Mingyi, he collapsed to the ground, covered in injuries.
Jin Mingyi, showing no airs, hurried over to help him up. “Who did this to you?”
Leaning on her arm, the shop assistant replied, “It was… It was Kuang Pengtian.”
“Who?” Jin Mingyi frowned.
“The biggest salt merchant12 in the capital, Kuang Pengtian?” Lin Xizhao asked, stepping closer.
“Yes, that’s him!” the shop assistant nodded vigorously.
The man ran a casino that had once sheltered the deputy general who murdered Qu Ce.
“The audacity! He dares to lay a hand on my people? Where’s Ah Ming?”
“Shopkeeper Zhu was taken away by them. They said if we want to ransom a person, we have to bring ten thousand taels of gold,” the shop assistant replied hastily.
“Ten thousand taels?” Jin Mingyi’s eyes widened. The amount they had earned in all this time was only a fraction of that; ten thousand taels of gold was several times more.
“Let’s go! I’m getting my person back!” Jin Mingyi’s temper flared.
“Do you have the money?” Qu Sheng asked from behind her.
Jin Mingyi turned around, frowning. “They took my person, and now they’re asking me for money—”
“Kuang Pengtian keeps a large number of thugs. Do you think you can fight them?” Qu Sheng threw another bucket of cold water on her plans.
Jin Mingyi calmed down a little. She looked at Qu Sheng, her face falling. “Then what should we do?”
“Cold salad13,” Qu Sheng replied, clearly unwilling to help her at the moment.
“Hey.”
Qu Sheng went back inside. Lin Xizhao gave Jin Mingyi a look, gesturing for her to follow Qu Sheng into the room. Qu Sheng wouldn’t ignore this. Even without her connection to Jin Mingyi, she wouldn’t leave Zhu Ming’an in trouble.
Jin Mingyi’s eyes darted around before she entered the room.
“Biaomei, please help me. Look, I don’t know anyone here. If something happens to Ah Ming, how will I go on?” Jin Mingyi pleaded in a tearful, slightly feigned tone.
Qu Sheng looked up at her. “I told you not to gamble on jade stones, but you insisted—”
“I promise I’ll never do it again, just as long as we get Zhu Ming out. Please, Biaomei…” Jin Mingyi started to whine, which made Qu Sheng frown.
In the hands of these people, Zhu Ming’an should be safe after the first demand for money. But if too much time passed, she might lose an arm or a leg.
Qu Sheng didn’t dare delay any longer. She summoned Feng Qi and told him to return to the residence, take some silver notes to exchange for gold, and then have Qu Yu go and retrieve her.
This Kuang Pengtian only recognized money, not status. And Qu Sheng didn’t have many connections in the capital’s underworld.
After waiting for more than half a day, Qu Yu returned in the evening with Zhu Ming’an.
“Ah Ming.”
The moment Qu Yu brought Zhu Ming’an into the courtyard, Jin Mingyi rushed forward and hugged her, looking her over. “Are you alright?”
“I’m… I’m fine,” Zhu Ming’an stammered. Although she was a bit shaken, she seemed largely unharmed.
“It wasn’t Kuang Pengtian himself, but his fourth-in-command. When he learned we were from the Qu Marquis Residence, he only took half the gold,” Qu Yu explained to Qu Sheng.
Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao were also in the courtyard. Seeing that Zhu Ming’an was safe, they didn’t say much more.
Qu Yu followed them inside and explained the whole story.
The shop that Jin Mingyi and Zhu Ming’an opened had acquired and resold many jade stones. Someone heard that Zhu Ming’an was the best at appraising them, so they invited her to help for a fee of one thousand taels per appraisal.
Since there were no stones to appraise at their own shop, Zhu Ming’an thought she could earn some extra money and went. But who could have known she would ruin the business of Kuang Pengtian’s gang?
A man was about to buy a jade stone for fifty thousand taels, but after inspecting it, Zhu Ming’an gave him a subtle look, signaling him not to buy it. If he had, he would have lost his money. After this happened a few times, the gang targeted her.
“They originally didn’t want to let her go, but they changed their minds when they saw me. They want to cooperate with us.”
Qu Sheng poured Qu Yu a cup of cold tea. “No,” she replied, looking up. Zhu Ming’an could not be handed over. Kuang Pengtian and his men only pursued profit. Who knew how they would treat her after they were done using her? Even with their own people protecting her, it would be impossible to defend against every threat.
If something happened to her under the Qu family’s watch, they would have a hard time explaining it to the Zhu family.
Just then, Jin Mingyi and Zhu Ming’an also entered the room. Qu Sheng glanced at Jin Mingyi, then at Zhu Ming’an. “Miss Zhu, I think it’s time for you to return to Shoulin14.”
Zhu Ming’an looked up, unsurprised. The moment she heard from Jin Mingyi that Qu Sheng was Qu Jinian’s daughter, she knew the Qu family had recognized her long ago.
“I d-don’t, don’t, don’t want to go back,” Zhu Ming’an said, looking down guiltily.
Hearing Qu Sheng’s words, Jin Mingyi’s face was a mask of surprise, shock, and confusion. She was stunned when Qu Sheng called her “Miss Zhu.”
“How did you know she’s a girl? And why does she have to go back to Shoulin?”
“She is Zhu Baibing’s daughter, Zhu Ming’an,” Qu Sheng explained.
Zhu Baibing was the biggest merchant in Shoulin. During the year Qu Sheng had spent there, she had seen her briefly once, though she didn’t know if Zhu Ming’an remembered her.
But from the looks of it now, she did.
Qu Sheng had already sent someone to inquire about Zhu Ming’an, but they hadn’t reported back yet.
“Then I will write to your father and have him come and get you.”
“N-no, no, don’t! I… I beg you,” Zhu Ming’an said, looking up at Qu Sheng with pleading eyes.
Qu Sheng looked at her desperate expression, then glanced at Lin Xizhao. Seeing Zhu Ming’an’s reaction, Lin Xizhao figured she must have a secret that was hard to speak of. She exchanged a look with Qu Sheng and said, “Miss Zhu has had quite a scare tonight. Why don’t you go back to your room and rest? We can talk about this tomorrow.”
Zhu Ming’an would rather run errands with Jin Mingyi than go back. They shouldn’t force her. But the Zhu family didn’t know where she was and must be worried sick.
At her words, everyone dispersed. But it wasn’t long before Zhu Ming’an came looking for Qu Sheng again.
“If you have something to say, please speak freely,” Lin Xizhao said, inviting her in.
Zhu Ming’an entered the room but remained standing. She pursed her lips. “I… I… I ran away from an arranged marriage. I h-hope, h-hope…”
“You hope we won’t tell your father your whereabouts?” Lin Xizhao finished for her, seeing she was struggling to speak.
“Yes!” Zhu Ming’an’s eyes lit up, and for once, the word came out without a stutter.
Qu Sheng looked at her, studying her for a moment. “I remember your marriage was arranged last year. It hasn’t happened yet?”
“N-no, I r-ran away.”
“You don’t like him?” Lin Xizhao asked, puzzled.
“Mhm,” Zhu Ming’an nodded.
Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao exchanged a glance and didn’t press further. Qu Sheng turned to Zhu Ming’an, her tone softening slightly. “Go back and rest for now. I won’t tell your father you’re here.”
Zhu Ming’an looked at Qu Sheng, her eyes filled with disbelief. But when she saw Lin Xizhao nod, she felt a little more at ease.
“Th-thank you,” she said, bowing to Qu Sheng.
“Go and get some rest,” Lin Xizhao said in a gentle voice.
Zhu Ming’an glanced at Lin Xizhao, a hint of a smile on her face, then nodded and left.
As soon as she returned to her room, she was met with Jin Mingyi’s cutting sarcasm15. “Miss Zhu, did my biaomei agree?”
Zhu Ming’an knew she was wrong to hide her identity, but she still brazenly nodded. “Sh-she agreed.”
Jin Mingyi frowned, getting up from the daybed in the outer room. “Your problem is solved. Shouldn’t we solve ours now?”
“Wh-whatever you want.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Jin Mingyi asked, walking up to her, displeased.
Zhu Ming’an swallowed. “I… I apologize. I’ll a-accept any p-punishment.”
“Tch, how boring. Hurry up and come eat.” Jin Mingyi wasn’t that petty. From the first moment she saw her, she knew she wasn’t from an ordinary family.
She had thought she was the daughter of some family whose fortunes were in decline, but it turned out she was the daughter of Shoulin’s wealthiest man.
“Hurry up!” Jin Mingyi urged, seeing Zhu Ming’an standing there in a daze. She hasn’t eaten all day, isn’t she hungry?
At her voice, a smile quickly appeared on Zhu Ming’an’s face. She hurried over, sat next to Jin Mingyi, and used her jade chopsticks to place the chicken leg from the table onto Jin Mingyi’s plate. Jin Mingyi glanced at her, her stern expression finally breaking. She shot her a playful glare and began to eat.
Back in their room, Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng discussed the matter briefly. They decided to wait until the Zhu family found them, and even then, they would still need to get Zhu Ming’an’s consent.
Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng had no intention of returning to their residence tonight, but the Lin Residence sent someone to summon Lin Xizhao.
Seeing it was the household’s steward, Lin Xizhao asked, “Father has asked me to return. Do you know why?”
The Lin Residence steward blinked. “This old servant does not know, but the master said you must return with me.”
Lin Xizhao looked back at Qu Sheng, who also couldn’t guess why Lin Jianhai would suddenly summon her.
“I’ll go back with Jiejie.”
As soon as Qu Sheng spoke, the steward said, “The master only asked the Eldest Miss to return. He did not say Miss Sheng should come as well.”
The steward was putting it mildly. Lin Jianhai’s original words had been to forbid Qu Sheng from coming.
Qu Sheng frowned. Lin Xizhao also lowered her eyes in thought for a few moments before saying, “Steward Chang16, please wait a moment. I’ll just pack a few things and—”
“Miss, Eldest Miss, Miss Cheng Xi is here,” Feng Qi interjected.
Feng Qi would not normally interrupt someone so rudely. Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng glanced at them, and Lin Xizhao asked, “Where is she?”
Feng Qi glanced at the steward from the Lin Residence and stepped aside.
Cheng Xi was standing not far away in the courtyard.
Qu Sheng took one look and said to Lin Xizhao, “Jiejie, you should go back first—”
“No, we’ll go together.” For Cheng Xi to come so late, it must be urgent. And judging by Feng Qi’s reaction just now, it was likely serious.
“Steward Chang, please return first. I will come back to the residence as soon as I’ve dealt with this matter.”
“But, Eldest Miss…” The Lin Residence steward seemed troubled, glancing helplessly behind him. As he fixed his gaze on the small tree in the distance, he saw Cheng Xi’s unsteady figure and what looked like bloodstains on her clothes.
The author has something to say:
Jin Mingyi: “Family, we both ran away from our marriages. What a bitter fate.”
Zhu Ming’an: “It’s not bitter. I’d rather go begging than marry a man. What about you?”
Jin Mingyi: “…If you’re offering to feed me, I could consider it.”
Zhu Ming’an: “…”
Footnotes
- Hanzi: 表妹 | Pinyin: biǎomèi | Context / Meaning: Younger female cousin.
- Hanzi: 表哥 | Pinyin: biǎo gē | Context / Meaning: Older male cousin on the mother’s side.
- Hanzi: 姐姐 | Pinyin: jiějiě | Context / Meaning: Older sister.
- Hanzi: 往自己脸上贴金 | Pinyin: wǎng zìjǐ liǎnshàng tiē jīn | Context / Meaning: To sing one’s own praises; to aggrandize oneself.
- Hanzi: 登徒子 | Pinyin: dēng tú zǐ | Context / Meaning: A term for a lecherous man.
- Hanzi: 浅尝辄止 | Pinyin: qiǎn cháng zhé zhǐ | Context / Meaning: To not go deep into something.
- Hanzi: 生闷气 | Pinyin: shēng mèn qì | Context / Meaning: To brood or be angry in silence.
- Hanzi: 欢爱 | Pinyin: huān’ài | Context / Meaning: The pleasure of love; sexual intercourse.
- Hanzi: 吹弹可破 | Pinyin: chuī tán kě pò | Context / Meaning: Describes extremely delicate and smooth skin.
- Hanzi: 阿明 | Pinyin: Ā Míng | Context / Meaning: Alias/nickname for Zhu Ming’an.
- Hanzi: 赌玉石 | Pinyin: dǔ yùshí | Context / Meaning: A practice of buying uncut jade boulders, betting on the quality inside.
- Hanzi: 盐商 | Pinyin: yán shāng | Context / Meaning: A merchant officially licensed to trade in salt, often a very wealthy and powerful position.
- Hanzi: 凉拌 | Pinyin: liángbàn | Context / Meaning: A pun on “怎么办” (what to do?); a dismissive reply meaning “deal with it yourself” or “there’s nothing to be done.”
- Hanzi: 寿林 | Pinyin: Shòu Lín | Context / Meaning: The fiefdom where the Qu family resides; also home to the Zhu family.
- Hanzi: 冷嘲热讽 | Pinyin: lěng cháo rè fěng | Context / Meaning: Lit. “cold ridicule and hot satire.” To mock or criticize someone with sarcasm and cynicism.
- Hanzi: 常伯 | Pinyin: Cháng bó | Context / Meaning: The steward of the Lin Residence.
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