Wife Doting Addiction：My Abducted Tsundere Husband

Chapter 120: A Young Girl Means No Harm

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio  Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

The three of them drank past noon. The two brothers of the Su Family had gotten themselves thoroughly intoxicated, blurting out nonsense endlessly. Zhu Hecheng bade two of the ladies from the tavern to escort them to another room to rest, before leading his managers out of the Drunken Joy Pavilion.

Henceforth, Zhu Hecheng constantly sent invitations to the two brothers of the Su Family. After multiple interactions, they became more cordial with one another, just like old friends.

The two men from the Su Family had come to assume that their newfound wealth had changed their social standing, and consequently, attracted Zhu Hecheng’s attention. They started strutting around with the heads held high.

Each of them also nurtured multiple ladies at the Drunk Joy Pavilion. They often lingered outside and rarely returned home. As a result, their money slowly trickled into the Drunken Joy Pavilion like flowing water.

Due to their failure to keep their husbands in check, the two mistresses shed tears on numerous occasions. They secretly started to lament, regretting their decision to accept the sales racks that the Ji Manor had accorded to them

That afternoon, after Ji Yuxian had his lunch, he stalled Su Jiu and forbade her from leaving. Instead, he got her to take an afternoon nap with him.

It was impossible for them to fall asleep easily when both of them occupied the same bed. Su Jiu had been disturbed by Ji Yuxian for a while before she was hit by drowsiness. She nestled herself in his embrace and fell asleep.

Ji Yuxian, on the other hand, messed around to the point that he was emotionally aroused. He was left with an insufferable longing as he clung on to the girl tightly with his arms to fill in that void. His breathing became unsteady as he kissed her roughly and intensely, but soon restrained himself and pecked her gently instead, in fear that she would be stirred awake and throw a tantrum. It was a present need to soothe the turbulence that arose in his body.

Suddenly, chattering and footsteps sounded from outside the estate, disturbing the afternoon peace of that autumn day.

Ji Yuxian knitted his brows, only restoring his composure when he confirmed that Su Jiu, who was laying in his arms, wasn’t awakened.

The racket outside gradually became louder, and the voice of a woman could barely be made out.

A layer of displeasure formed between the man’s brows. He gently transferred Su Jiu to the bed and covered her with a thin blanket before walking out.

Outside the bedroom, Jin Feng immediately went over, intending to report something. The moment Ji Yuxian’s elongated eyes swept past his figure, Jin Feng instantly understood and shut his mouth. He brought Ji Yuxian out of the courtyard.

Once they were quite a distance away from the bedroom, and it was certain Su Jiu’s sleep would not be interrupted, Jin Feng opened his mouth to report, “The girl who lost all of her yarn under our carriage that day claims that her cat has entered the Cloud Pavilion. She has been pestering us, insisting that she must come in and search for it. The guards at the entrance did not permit her entry without Master’s permission, but she stubbornly refused to leave. It was becoming out of hand, so I could only send a few men in to help her search for her cat.”

Ji Yuxian wrinkled his forehead slightly and asked, “Why has her cat run into the Ji Manor? Does she reside in the manor?”

“Yes! This girl is the Third Young Mistress’ younger sister from her maternal side. Her name is Ren Yu. She entered the manor to accompany the Third Mistress! She just arrived yesterday, and it was the Second Mistress who gave her permission!” Jin Feng related.

Ji Yuxian nodded his head faintly. “Let her search for her cat, and get her to leave quickly!”

“Yes!”

Jin Feng sounded an acknowledgment, but just as he was about to pass down the orders, he saw a white shadow sprint by his eyes. It scurried up a neighboring begonia tree and disappeared.

Two or three guards ran over, each holding a net for catching cats. When they saw Ji Yuxian, they hurriedly paid their respects.

“Go then!” Ji Yuxian said.

The few guards ran under the tree, only to hear the pitiful cry of a cat. As it turned out, the cat had gotten itself stuck in the cicada net and was trapped inside.

In the autumn, the sound of chirping cicadas was an annoyance, and every tree in the estate had sticky cicada nets installed. That cat had haphazardly darted in and gotten itself trapped, leaving it to cry at a high pitch.

Jin Feng observed that Ji Yuxian’s expression was one of irritation. He immediately ordered, “Make haste and get that cat down!”

“Yes!” One of the guards took a long pole and attempted to nudge the cat down.

“Don’t!” Suddenly, a desperate plea was heard. A girl wearing pink ran over like a gust of wind. She shouted a little anxiously, “Don’t hit it, that’ll scare it!”

Ji Yuxian’s phoenix eyes swept over. It was the same girl who waited next to his horse carriage yesterday.

The girl could not wait, and at the same time, was worried that they would hurt her cat. She ignored the guards blocking her and wiggled through a space between them. The two guards behind followed her in, and at the sight of Ji Yuxian, they cowered. “Your subordinates have failed our duties!”

Ji Yuxian waved his hands and dismissed the two men.

Ren Yu walked up to Ji Yuxian and blinked her big black eyes. She asked a little bashfully, “You are Big Brother Ji, right?”

When Ji Yuxian heard the way she addressed him, a hint of insipidity flashed by his eyes. He parted his lips and retorted, “If you’re staying in the manor, you are not allowed to infringe this place. Don’t let your cat frolic around either!’

Ren Yu obediently nodded her head.

She smiled innocently and nibbled her lips. “Then, Big Brother Ji, don’t let those people hurt Snowball, okay? It’s usually very docile, but it’s not used to being here. It only dashed into this place because it was scared!”

How the girl spoke was adorable and pure, and one could not bear to excoriate her.

Ji Yuxian nodded his head curtly, and ordered Jin Feng, “Help her get that cat down!”

Jin Feng sounded an acknowledgment before leaping up the begonia tree. He grabbed the cat, together with the sticky net.

The girl watched in astonishment. She drummed her fingers against her cheeks and said daintily, “This Big Brother is really awesome. He could fly just like a deity!”

When Jin Feng heard her acclamation, he chuckled and passed the cat to her. “Hold it well, don’t lose it again!”

Ren Yu’s eyes curved into a smile. She nodded her head repeatedly while stroking the white fur on its back gently. She nestled her oval face against the cat’s face, and spoke to the cat just like she was coaxing a child, “Snowball, did you hear what Big Brother just said? In the future, you can’t run around at whim, if you do, you won’t have any fish to eat!”

That cat had nuzzled itself snugly in her arms and calmed down. It meowed meekly.

Ren Yu faced Ji Yuxian and Jin Feng and clasped her hands together. She grinned. “Thank you for your help, Big Brothers. I shall take my leave!”

After she said this, she whirled around and turned back. The skirt that fluttered behind her was as colorful as flowers.

Ji Yuxian also turned back. He asked nonchalantly, “How is Ren Zhi’er’s illness?”

Jin Feng replied in a low voice, “Without your order, her condition remains the same!”

Ji Yuxian’s lips hooked upwards into a chilling smile. “She helped me once, so I allowed her to keep her life. But if she manages to recuperate to full health, her mind will wander. So, just let her illness remain as it is!”

Jin Feng nodded her head. “Yes!”

Ren Yu returned to Ren Zhi’er’s Plum Breeze Estate. Her maidservant Taozi was just about to go out to find her. When she saw Ren Yu, she immediately heaved a sigh of relief. “Where did Miss go, you left for so long!”

Ren Yu raised her eyebrows and walked briskly into the estate with Snowball in her arms. She uttered coquettishly, “Not telling!”

Taozi watched her family’s Miss with a smile and followed behind her.

“Has my older sister taken her medication?” Ren Yu asked.

“The medication has just been brewed. It still needs to be cooled!” Taozi responded.

“Then I shall go over and take a look! Older Sister does not like Snowball, bring it away and help bathe it. It ran up a tree just now, so it’s probably filthy!” Ren Yu passed the cat in her arms over to Taozi.

“Yes, Miss!” Taozi carried the white cat back into the room. Ren Yu smoothened out her clothes and entered Ren Zhi’er’s bedroom.

“Older Sister!” Ren Yu rang out with a crisp voice before she even stepped through the door.

Ren Zhi’er was currently partially reclined on the low bed, taking a nap. When she heard the voice, she frowned and opened her eyes just in time to see Ren Yu hop in. She rebuked, “You are already more or less 15 years old and considered a young lady. Can’t you be a little more dignified!”

Ren Yu remained completely unbothered. She sat at the side of the bed with her legs dangling and pouted. “I got it!”

Ren Zhi’er had already been bed-ridden for an extended period of time. Her cheeks were pale. Although her cough had improved with the change in season, she still appeared as weak and frail as before.

Ren Yu raised the medicine bowl and blew over it before carefully feeding Ren Zhi’er. “The doctor said that you have to drink this medicine while it’s hot!”

Ren Zhi’er caught a whiff of that sour and bitter odor, and could not help but wrinkle her brows. She forced herself to pry open her lips and swallow a mouthful, before urgently popping a candied sweet into her mouth.

While Ren Yu was feeding her medicine by the side, she asked curiously, “Older Sister, I’ve stayed in the manor for two days already. Why haven’t I seen the manor’s Young Mistress?”

Ren Zhi’er used a handkerchief to dab the corner of her lips before answering, “Most of the time, the Young Mistress resides at the Cloud Pavilion. Over there, no one is allowed to casually step in, so obviously you haven’t seen her!”

“Oh!” Ren Yu pupils turned and she asked again, “What does the Young Mistress look like? Does your Eldest Master like her?”

Ren Zhi’er’s raised her eyes to look at her. She smiled and said, “You are an unmarried lady, why do you ask such a thing?”

“People are just curious! Older Sister, quickly describe her to Yu’er!” Ren Yu clung onto Ren Zhi’er sleeves and wheedled.

Ren Zhi’er placed the bowl of medicine down and said, “I see that you’re too free. If you have nothing to do, you should just go home lest you catch this illness from me!”

The two sisters were born from the same mother. Ren Yu had a vivacious and clever personality and was also the youngest in the family. Ren Zhi’er had always cherished this younger sister of hers.

Ren Yu puckered her lips and sat on the edge of the bed. She whispered, “I don’t wanna go back! Father and mother wanted me to accompany Older Sister. I want to wait till Older Sister gets better before going back!”

Ren Zhi’er was a tad tired and closed her eyes in repose. She responded indifferently, “Then you should quieten down, and don’t disturb me!”

“Got it!” Ren Yu tugged on the thin blanket next to her and covered Ren Zhi’er with it. She shifted her body and looked out the window to peek at the Persian silk trees that were in full bloom with a smile.

At the Cloud Pavilion, Su Jiu slept till around six pm before waking up. The moment she opened her eyes, she caught sight of Ji Yuxian. He was sitting right next to her, reading a book in his hand.

The afternoon sun seeped into the room, reflecting on the man’s maroon robe, just like a formation of unraveling red clouds. The silver thread embroidered above was like a shimmering ray of light, emphasizing the man’s jade-like countenance while enshrouding his tranquil and elegant androgynous beauty.

The man’s long and narrow eyes looked over. He smiled dotingly. “Awake?”

Su Jiu nodded her head before adjusting her head on his thigh. Since she had just woken up, her voice was a little raspy and lazy and was charming to the ears.

“You didn’t go out?”

Ji Yuxian’s long and graceful finger stroked her brows. “I didn’t. You’re home today and that’s rare. So, I was unwilling to leave!”

Warmth burst from the depths of Su Jiu’s heart as she asked indolently, “What time is it?’

Ji Yuxian replied, “Around four pm.”

Su Jiu stretched lazily and put on her shoes before getting up.

Ji Yuxian stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. His chin rested on her shoulders as he murmured intimately and seductively towards her ears, “Where are you going?”

“I have matters to discuss with Chang Huan at the trading company.” Su Jiu conveyed.

“You’re going at such a late hour? What time will you get back?” Ji Yuxian was a little dismal.

“Not sure, I’ll be back once we finish our discussions!”

“Then I’ll wait for you to have dinner!” The man tilted his head slightly to plant a kiss on her earlobe.

Su Jiu retreated as she stared at him, before dashing forward and pressing her lips against his. She smiled. “Okay!”

Greed grew in the man’s heart, and he locked her in his embrace to extend this kiss.

In the time it takes to finish a cup of tea, Su Jiu finally left the room. She rubbed her lips, which was slightly swollen at this point, and took big strides out.

Once she made it to the gates of the estate, she saw a girl standing at the side begging the guards, “Big Brother guard, please let me go in. I’m a woman and I don’t know martial arts. I also have not brought any weapons of any sort. Are you still scared that I’ll hurt your Master?”

“We’re just complying with the rules. Miss should just head back!” One of the guards’ face was flushed red at the pleas of the pretty little girl. Still, he barred her entry into the estate.

Su Jiu walked over and the few guards immediately paid their respects. “Young Mistress!”

Ren Yu widened her eyes and stared at Su Jiu. She was dazed while she stammered, “So it was you…. it was you…”

Su Jiu chortled. “Lady Ren!”

Ren Yu immediately broke into a brilliant smile. “Greetings to the Young Mistress!”

Su Jiu smiled faintly. When she saw the lunch box in her hands, she asked, “Is something the matter?”

“Mm!” Ren Yu nodded her head obediently, her smile child-like and without ill-intentions. “Yesterday at noon, Big Brother Jin helped me to catch Snowball. I brought some cakes that I made all by myself for Big Brother Jin to thank him!”

As it turned out, she was looking for Jin Feng. Su Jiu raised the tip of her eyebrow and smiled lightly. “It just so happens that Jin Feng is in today. You can go in!”

When the two guards heard what Su Jiu said, they immediately took a step back to the side.

Ren Yu’s eyes shined luminously, she parted her lips with a smile, “The Young Mistress is the best!”

Su Jiu pressed her lips into a smile and walked out of the estate.

Ren Yu stood in place motionlessly. Once she saw Su Jiu walk into the distance, she turned to face the guards and stuck out her tongue at them before stepping into the estate.

The estate was blanketed with silence. The aged trees provided shade, and the pavilions cast shadows on the ground. Every step she took was a splendid sight. The previous time when Ren Yu entered, she had done so in a haste. But this time, she had the luxury of taking in the scenery from all angles. The more she took in the sights, the more she grew to like the landscape of this courtyard. Since she was not in a hurry to find Jin Feng, she plucked out a lotus leaf and teased the koi fish in the pond, before finally making her way inside.

She walked up the steps and followed the winding corridors, and made her way deep into the estate. When she saw an open window upfront, she stealthily sneaked over and hid her head behind the window before taking a peek in.

On the couch beneath the window, the back view of a man could be seen engrossed in reading. His black hair was as smooth as silk, and a red robe hung loosely on his body, carrying an air of nobility.

The girl’s face reddened slightly. She placed the lunch box on the ground and tiptoed her way to the back of the window. Then, she stretched out her arms and covered the man’s eyes.

At home, she always messed around with her brothers in the same manner, and every time, they would be amused by her tricks.

Suddenly, someone grabbed her wrists. The man did not turn his head around and only asked in a low voice, “Why haven’t you left?”

Ji Yuxian was immersed in reading. He had heard some movements behind him and assumed that it was Su Jiu who had returned to tease him. After all, no other girl in this estate would have the guts to play with him like this.

Ren Yu stood, transfixed. That man’s gentle voice was completely different from her previous two encounters. His tone carried a sense of doting, causing one’s heart to pound.

In that moment of hesitation, Ji Yuxian realized that something was not right and turned around.

Ren Yu got a fright and immediately retracted her arms and kneeled on the ground. She used her other arm to cover her face with the jade green lotus leaf.

Ji Yuxian walked out and saw the girl hiding beneath the window. His complexion darkened. “It’s you again!”

Ren Yu gulped and stood up. Her hand continued to grasp the lotus leaf, embarrassment evident on her pretty face. “I… I came to find Big Brother Jin Feng!”

“What for?” Ji Yuxian questioned.

“He helped me rescue Snowball, I am very grateful to him.” While the girl said this, she picked up the lunch box that was lying on the ground and passed it to Ji Yuxian. “I made these cakes myself!”

Ji Yuxian wrinkled his brows slightly. “Then why have you stopped here?”

“I… I…” The girl’s face was flushed red and she hurriedly continued, “I recognized the wrong person! I thought… I thought you were Big Brother Jin Feng!”

Ji Yuxian knew she was lying, and his complexion became even more stern. “Get out!”

The girl bit her lip, tears welled in her eyes, causing it to shimmer. She responded softly, “I’m sorry. I did not intend to disturb you. You don’t have to be so fierce! I really did come to look for Big Brother Jin.”

Ji Yuxian took a deep breath and retorted noncommittally, “Put that lunch box there then. I’ll get someone to pass it to Jin Feng!”

The girl immediately flashed a bright smile. “Thank you, Big Brother Ji!”

Once she placed the lunchbox on the floor, Ren Yu puckered her lips and blinked at Ji Yuxian prettily, before picking up the lotus leaf and skipping merrily down the stone stairs to head out.

Ji Yuxian’s eyes fell on that lunchbox and deepened. He summoned Mo Yu over and asked her to pass the lunchbox to Jin Feng.

Jin Feng was taken by surprise when he saw that lunchbox, but he did not dwell on it and shared the pastries inside with a few other guards.

When Su Jiu reached the trading company, she caught sight of a carpenter making adjustments to the sales racks on the lower floor. Those racks were set aside specifically for long-standing establishments to sell their merchandise.

She stood at the side for a while and gave him pointers to construct the shelves according to the type of goods they were meant for display. After that, Su Jiu made her way upstairs.

Once upstairs, she heard Nangong Bi yapping away. She must be caught in an argument with Chang Huan yet again.

Su Jiu stepped in and realized that Qiao An was there as well, sitting at the corner drinking tea. Chang Huan was feeling frustrated after being bothered by Nangong Bi. He plugged his ears and reclined partially on the wooden chair, pretending to sleep.

“Su Jiu!” Nangong Bi was the first to realize Su Jiu’s presence and immediately rushed forward to welcome her. “Why have you only come now? I’ve already been waiting for half a day!”

As if he was a drowning man who had just caught sight of a lifesaving branch, Chang Huan whined emotionally, “Boss, you’re finally here. I was almost tormented to death by this girl!'”

“Puh!” Nangong Bi expressed her scorn. “Who asked you to call me an ignorant brat!”

Qiao An walked over and poured Su Jiu a cup of tea. “Boss! I’ll go and help Chang Huan sort out the account books, you can sit and accompany Miss Nangong!”

“Alright!” Su Jiu replied.

Chang Huang and Qiao An hurriedly took their leave.

“Su Jiu, my heart is very unsettled right now. I didn’t know who to tell, so I could only find you!” Nangong Bi immediately corrected her arrogant demeanor just now, and suddenly rested her chin on her hands with a sigh.

“What happened?” Su Jiu asked.

Nangong Bi nibbled her lips, as though she was too embarrassed to speak. It was only after a pause that she continued, “Last night, I eavesdropped on my father’s conversation outside the study. He said that at the court session yesterday morning, Prince Zhao sought the Emperor to arrange a marriage for him, and for me to be his concubine!”

Prince Zhao? The Second Prince?

Su Jiu watched Nangong Bi’s expression and asked, “You’re not willing to?”

“Of course I’m not willing to. Although there is no consort in Prince Zhao’s manor, there are already two concubines and one lady-in-waiting. I don’t wish to get married and have to fight with those other girls over a man every day!” Nangong Bi groaned coldly.

Su Jiu blinked her eyes. When she looked back at the three concubines that Ji Yuxian kept, she thought that there was nothing much to it!

“If you’re not willing, why not just let your father know!” Su Jiu took a sip of tea and said casually.

“Ay! Su Jiu, you don’t understand. If it was the Emperor who arranged the marriage, even my father would have no authority to refuse!” Nangong Bi’s petite face was dejected.

“Prince Zhao is not good?” Su Jiu did not think that having concubines was a big issue. As long as she didn’t like them, she could simply beat them up and toss them out.

Nangong Bi’s scrunched her face and whispered, “I’ve only met Prince Zhao a few times. His looks can be considered outstanding, and he seems pretty amiable as a person. But I know, he does not actually want to marry me. He has only set his sight on the military might my father and brother commands, which will be beneficial for his fight for the crown. Since he doesn’t harbor any sincerity in his marriage to me, if I do marry him, he will not treat me well. So, I have decided that I cannot marry him!”

Su Jiu’s eyes flashed, not expecting such a development. She pondered for a while and said, “Then go and tell your dad. If the Emperor knows that you’re not willing, he won’t force you!”

Nangong Bi shook her head, “If the Emperor wants me to marry his son, why should he care about what I feel? Ay, he’s the Emperor and what he says is final. My dad is only a minister and cannot change his decision…”

“Oh,” Su Jiu voiced her realization. Even such an influential family with generations of public officials like the Nangong Family had no way out.

“Then what do you intend to do?”

Nangong Bi knitted her brows even more tightly and was completely different from her usual cheery self. She bit her nails and contemplated deeply. Suddenly, she raised her head with a smile. “Why don’t you marry me instead!”

“Pui!” Su Jiu spat out her mouthful of tea.

“Su Jiu, what do you mean by this? Do you not like me? Do I look that ugly?” Nangong Bi was displeased.

“That’s not the case… that’s not the case…” Su Jiu used her sleeves to wipe her mouth and hastily shook her head.

“Since you like me, then you can go and propose marriage to my family. My brother admires you and will convince my father to agree. As long as I already have a marriage at hand, the Emperor will no longer arrange a marriage for me!” Nangong Bi conjured that she had come with a ‘good idea’ and assumed that she had a solution to the problem. The more she spoke, the happier she became.

“Impossible, I can’t marry you!” Su Jiu dashed Nangong Bi’s hopes and stated resolutely.

“Why is it impossible? Is it because you already like someone else?” Nangong Bi asked with a frown.

Su Jiu shook her head, “That’s not it… it’s that…”

“What do you mean by that? Su Jiu, you have always been straightforward in the way you handle things. Since you said you like me, why are you making such a fuss?” The way Nangong Bi spoke was like rapid fire – fast and urgent.

Su Jiu was considering whether to let her know that she was female. After a moment of hesitation, she said, “I am already married to someone else!”

“Ah?” Nangong Bi stared at her, dumbstruck.

“That’s right!” Su Jiu nodded her head continuously. “I have already married a wife!”

“Where is she? Why have I never seen her?” Nangong Bi widened her eyes in disbelief and continued to stare at her.

“In… in the countryside!” Su Jiu randomly made up a lie.

“So, it turns out you’ve already married a lady. Why did you leave her all alone in the countryside?” Nangong Bi blinked and questioned.

“She’s used to staying at home, and doesn’t like coming to the city.”

“Oh!” Nangong Bi was a little disappointed. She sighed and muttered to herself, “You’re already married. You’re younger than my brother, and my brother isn’t even married yet! Then what should I do?”

“I think you don’t have to fret over this. Prince Zhao has proposed marriage, but since the morning court session, the Emperor has yet to agree. This means that he has his qualms. If not, he would have agreed there and then!” Su Jiu chided.

“You’re right!” Nangong Bi nodded her head, she said in realization, “That’s right. Since the Emperor has not agreed, what am I worried about?”

Nangong Bi felt a sense of relief and broke into a radiant smile. Her simple-mindedness was restored, and she reverted to her usual behavior.

They sat together for a while, and seeing that the sky was turning dark, Nangong Bi took her leave.

It was only when she left that Qiao An and Chang Huan returned to the reception area, and breathed a sigh of relief.

Qiao An asked, “Miss Nangong, what is the matter?”

Su Jiu nodded her head and repeated the incident about Prince Zhao proposing marriage.

Qiao An furrowed his brows, and closed his eyes to contemplate for a moment before speaking, “Prince Zhao has set his sights on the Nangong Manor’s military authority!”

Su Jiu nodded her head. “Nangong Bi mentioned the same thing just now!”

Qiao An smiled slightly. “Even Miss Nangong could deduce such a thing, I’m sure the Emperor understands as well. I heard that in the past few days, the Emperor has constantly summoned Prince Rui to his study to discuss matters. It looks like Prince Zhao is becoming more desperate. However, by revealing his desperation, it will plant doubts in the Emperor’s heart. This move that Prince Zhao has made is to his detriment!”

“Then, will the Emperor set the marriage between Nangong Bi and Prince Zhao?” Su Jiu was still concerned about Nangong Bi’s marriage.

Qiao An shook his head. “Probably not!”

Su Jiu set her heart to rest and thought of Xiao Lie. “Since the Emperor favors Xiao Lie, will he pass the position of the Crown Prince to him?”

“Prince Rui handles his tasks steadily and has earned the Emperor’s favor, but the Empress and Imperial Concubine Xian will not just watch idly. No one can ascertain who will attain the position of the crown prince until the very last moment.”

Su Jiu nodded her head, her heart still secretly hoping that Xiao Lie could become the Crown Prince.

She seemed to understand that although he viewed everything with indifference, he was still unwilling to fall behind others.

Once they finished deliberating Nangong Bi’s matters, the few of them continued to discuss the trading company collaboration with other businesses.

Shengjing City’s history goes back a long way, and within the city, there were many longstanding establishments. Chang Huan had personally gone out to discuss business with them. Apart from Guiyuanzhai, another winery and a dye factory had already struck a deal with them.

As business at the trading company continued to soar, it attracted the attention of everyone in Shengjing City. Hence, every time Chang Huan went out to discuss collaboration, it always went smoothly, and those merchants agreed to their conditions in a heartbeat.

Once this matter was made known, Chang Huan did not even need to step out this morning before two merchants came knocking at his door to express their willingness to sell their products at the trading company.

The first floor had temporarily installed eight rows of shelves, so naturally, Chang Huan could not agree to every request. He could only select the most suitable products.

After the few of them finished their discussions, they realized that the sky was turning dark. Su Jiu and Qiao An took their leave downstairs.

When evening came, the sky suddenly became gloomy and the sound of thunder reverberated. Within a few seconds, a heavy downpour descended.

The wind howled furiously and the rain pattered down torrentially. If one looked skyward, the rain appeared like a cascading waterfall.

The heat of the sixth month was wiped away in one clean sweep, and it was no longer suffocating. Su Jiu stood along the corridor, her skirt had unknowingly been drenched through.

Ji Yuxian came over from his study and furrowed his brows faintly when he saw the girl in the corridor. He walked over swiftly and scooped Su Jiu into his arms. When he saw her soaked with rainwater, he reprimanded her softly, “Are you that silly to stand here and get wet in the rain? Where are Mo Yu and the rest?”

After he said this, he turned around and summoned the servants.

When Su Jiu saw his anxious expression, she hastily maintained, “Don’t shout, it has nothing to do with them. I just felt exceptionally bored indoors!”

Ji Yuxian’s handsome face carried a sense of helplessness. He held her in his arms and brought her inside.

“Every moment that I don’t see you, I get worried!”

Su Jiu shrugged her shoulders and did not bicker with him. Instead, she entered the room obediently.

Until the middle of the night, the wind calmed down a few notches. The rain, however, continued to fall and seemed to get progressively heavier. As they hit the windowpane, the pitter-patter it created roused everyone from their sleep.

The rain continued to pour for three days. Su Jiu was not able to leave the manor and spent the day reading, writing and playing the zither with Ji Yuxian. Currently, she was able to perform an entire piece with familiarity.

That day in the afternoon, the rain had reduced to a drizzle. It fell onto the eaves of the roofs and dripped down like pearls of water, forming tiny dewdrops on the leaves of the fauna.

Since the weather was gloomy, the rooms that were plunged in darkness had long been lit up with lamps.

The dim candlelight further accentuated the tranquillity of the rainy night.

At the Plum Breeze Estate, Ren Zhi’er must have been affected by the humidity of the rain, for her chest started to swell with discomfort. She took several sleeping pills and fell into a deep sleep.

On the tabletop, a single candle had been lit up. Its flame was feeble and small, barely giving off any light, as though a small breeze could easily extinguish its fire.

In the murkiness, Ren Zhi’er thought she heard someone’s voice outside the room and sobered up. She realized that her body was cold all over and tried to call for her servants, but not a sound came out from her throat.

Just as she was about to try getting up on her own, she heard Ren Yu’s maidservant, Taozi, whisper in a low voice.

“Miss, where did you go in the rain?”

Ren Yu happily replied, “The pond will be filled during the rain. Master brought us all to go and appreciate the lotus and catch fish. We caught a really big one!”

When Ren Zhi’er heard this, she was stunned. Master? A hint of dejection flashed past her eyes.

How long has it been since she last saw the Master?

It seemed as though ever since Xie Ying passed away, she had been sick and never saw Ji Yuxian once.

She was sick and bed-ridden, and yet, the Master had brought her younger sister out to admire the lotus. That’s right, Ren Yu was energetic and well-liked by everyone. Naturally, she looked better than her sickly appearance at the moment.

Back at home, mother and father doted on Ren Yu more.

Ren Zhi’er’s mind started to wander. She felt as though her chest had been compressed by heavy rock, constricting her to the point that she felt suffocated. After a gasp of air, she coughed violently a few times.

Ren Yu, who was standing outside, quickly went in and sat at the side of the bed to pat her back. “Older Sister, you woke up?”

Ren Zhi’er looked up to see her own sister’s beautiful, flower-like countenance, and then looked at her haggard and pale complexion in the mirror. Her heart squeezed and she slowly closed her eyes.

“Taozi, go quickly and bring my sister’s medicine over!” Ren Yu shouted.

“Yes!” Taozi sounded in acknowledgment and walked out.

“Yu’er, my illness will get better in a jiffy. You should go back home!” Ren Zhi’er leaned against the soft cushion and conveyed weakly.

“I’m not going! Mother wanted me to accompany older sister, how I can just go back?” Ren Yu pulled the blanket over Ren Zhi’er and gently leaned on her shoulders. She recalled sentimentally, “Older Sister, do you still remember? Before you got married, we always slept on the same bed. You would recite those stories from the opera scripts. Ren Yu likes it best when she’s with Older Sister!”

When Ren Zhi’er heard this, she recalled her life back in the family and went into a trance. Back then, she loved reading those stories of silly men and pining women who were not destined to love. She had wished that one day, she would be able to marry such a gentleman. It was unknown when she started to forget all the desires of her youth.

Ren Zhi’er lifted her hands and stroked Ren Yu’s face with a faint smile, “Yu’er, in the future, you must marry someone who loves you. It’ll be best if you like him as well. You will only lead a peaceful and happy life if you support one another and teach your children together.”

Under the shadow of the bed canopy, Ren Yu’s face reddened. “It’s fine as long as I like him. In the future, he will like me too!”

Ren Zhi’er froze. She lowered her head and stared at her. “Do you have someone you like?”

Ren Yu’s watery eyes turned and she hastily denied, “I don’t! I stay indoors from morning till night. I haven’t even seen a single man, so how would I come to like anyone?”

Ren Zhi’er looked suspiciously at her. She was about to question further when Taozi parted the pearl curtain and walked in. “Third Young Mistress, the medicine has cooled. It’s time to drink it!”

Ren Yu immediately stood up to receive it. “Let me feed the medicine to Older Sister!” She grasped the medicine bowl and sat at the bedside, gently bringing the spoon to Ren Zhi’er’s lips to feed her slowly.

When she saw Ren Yu’s dedication, Ren Zhi’er assumed that she had been overthinking things. Her younger sister was only being playful, and since her intentions are pure and child-like, she would not have any feelings for Ji Yuxian, right?

It must be because she never slept well at night, causing her to be over-suspicious.

After she drank half a bowl of medicine, Ren Yu suddenly opened her mouth to ask, “Older Sister, last night you had a dream. You kept shouting ‘Xie Ying, don’t come here!’ Who is Xie Ying?”

Ren Zhi’er’s complexion changed slightly and quivered as she asked, “I shouted ‘Xie Ying’?”

Ren Yu nodded ignorantly. “Yes, you shouted the same thing two nights ago!”

“Cough!”

“Hack! Cough!”

Ren Zhi’er suddenly coughed incessantly, coughing out all the medication that she had just consumed. Her complexion was frighteningly pale.

Ren Yu hurriedly patted her back. “Older Sister, what’s the matter?”

Ren Zhi’er shook her head. Fear was evident in her eyes as she gripped the blanket tightly. The horrifying scene of Xie Ying hanging by the neck surfaced in her mind once again. She shrieked and burrowed her head under the blanket. Her body was shaking uncontrollably.

“Older Sister!”

“Older Sister?”

Ren Yu placed the bowl of medicine down and scurried over to lift her blanket. “What’s wrong?”

“Don’t touch me! No one is to touch me!” Ren Zhi’er screamed in alarm.

“Older Sister, I’m Yu’er!” Ren Yu climbed on the bed and hugged her.

After a moment, Ren Zhi’er finally calmed down. She clung onto Ren Yu and begged in fear, “Yu’er, sleep next to me tonight!”

Ren Yu’s eyes shined radiantly and she nodded her head. “Alright!”

It was late at night. Ren Zhi’er’s mental state was unsettled, and she had long stripped her clothes and fell asleep. Ren Yu slept on the outer side of the bed. Before she went to bed, she had placed a cup of water on the bedside table, just in case Ren Zhi’er was thirsty in the middle of the night.

Beyond the window, the rain had stopped; who knows when. The air was blanketed with silence, and even the candlelight on the tabletop had gradually dimmed.

At midnight, Ren Yu suddenly stirred awake. As she listened intently, she seemed to hear some sort of object hitting against the window.

She pried open the bed curtains carefully and peeked out. The sound seemed to become even clearer. As it turned out, someone was hitting the wooden frame of the windows rhythmically. Though the sound wasn’t loud, it caused chills to run down one’s back.

Ren Yu’s complexion changed and she urgently shook Ren Zhi’er awake. “Older Sister! Sister! Wake up!”

“Take a look at what’s outside the window!”

Ren Zhi’er opened her eyes groggily and asked, “What’s wrong?”

“Older Sister, take a look outside the window!” Ren Yu voiced out in alarm.

Ren Zhi’er got up slowly and gazed out of the window under the dim shadows. A thud sounded, as though something had collided. The vague sound of an infant crying could also be heard.

Ren Zhi’er’s complexion instantly became as pale as a sheet. She grabbed Ren Yu, her entire body trembling. “What’s…. What’s that?”

Ren Yu was also extremely frightened. “I’m not sure. It shouldn’t be a ghost, right?”

This question immediately unnerved Ren Zhi’er, causing her soul and spirit to jump out of her body. She clutched her pillow and flung it at the window and shrilled hoarsely, “Go away… go away!”

In the chaos, Ren Yu grabbed the cup of water on the table and splashed it on the window, soaking the paper windows. Suddenly, a pasty white face emerged from the soaked windows, casting a shadow. The ink-black pupils widened, its tongue drooping to its neck. The candlelight flickered, heightening the paranormal and ghastly sight – its appearance matched Xie Ying’s appearance exactly when she hung herself.

Ren Zhi’er’s head buzzed, her eyes blanked out and she fainted over directly.

“Older Sister, Older Sister!” Ren Yu howled in alarm.

The ghastly face on the window disappeared in an instant, leaving behind a hole that allowed the wind to holler through.

Ren Zhi’er’s maidservant, Nian Xiu, was sleeping outside the room. At that moment, she was roused awake. When she saw the scene before her, she panicked.

Ren Yu shouted a few times. Realizing that Ren Zhi’er remained unconscious, she turned her head back and ordered, “Don’t tarry, quickly summon a doctor!”

“Yes! This servant will go immediately!” Nian Xiu hastily ran out.

The other servants who were on night patrol also entered the room. Ren Yu instructed, “Quick, go get the Eldest Young Master over. Tell him that my older sister has fainted and it’s an emergency!”

When the subordinates heard this, they were scared silly. A few of them went to the main courtyard to invite Ji Yuxian over.

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When they heard that Ren Zhi’er had been involved in an accident, Ji Yuxian and Su Jiu went over to the Plum Breeze Estate together.

Inside, Old Gu was already there performing acupuncture on Ren Zhi’er.

The moment Ren Yu saw Ji Yuxian, she lunged forward and hugged his arms. Her eyes were brimming with tears as she related wrongfully, “Big Brother Ji, Yu’er is frightened. Just now something kept banging against our window. Ren Zhi’er and Older Sister were frightened out of our wits!”

The girl was only wearing her innerwear and was covered by a sheer outer robe. Her black hair was scattered on both sides, and her tender face was completely overtaken with fear. It drew pity.