76 Love in the Air

Nyoi-Bo StudioNyoi-Bo Studio

Xiao Lie looked down at the translucent white jade, still warm from the heat of Su Jius body. He tugged at her arm and pressed the jade into her palm. His gaze was unwavering as he spoke. Ill leave it with you for now.

Su Jiu arched an eyebrow, confused. Why? Before, hed relentlessly chased after her in pursuit of the jade. It must be very important to him. But now that shed given it back, he didnt want it anymore?

Hmmm. Give it back to me when I ask for it. He retracted his arm and added in a low voice, Take care of it and dont lose it!

I cant guarantee that. If, one day, I find myself without money, I may pawn it for silver! Su Jiu said half-jokingly with a shrug.

A trace of a smile glimmered in Xiao Lius eyes, but he didnt speak. He knew that, even if she wanted to pawn the jade, not a single pawn shop in Shengjing City would dare take it.

Here, eat some meat! Su Jiu let the subject of the jade go. She carelessly tucked the precious stone back into her pocket, then picked up her chopsticks, and offered Xiao Lie some meat.

Hot steam rose from the soup pot. As they were drinking warm wine in the cold, the two of them didnt find it cold at all. Su Jiu ate until she was stuffed. Satisfied, she put down her chopsticks. It was getting dark. Xiao Lie rose and bid her farewell. Most of the customers downstairs had already dispersed, leaving only a few drunkards playing games.

Su Jiu escorted Xiao Lie to the door. She saw the horse-drawn carriage, dark wood with red paint, parked outside. It was not particularly eye-catching, but it was certainly elegant.

Are you going to stay in the shop? Xiao Lie asked before stepping onto the carriage.

Su Jiu nodded. During the daytime, most likely.

Xiao Lie bowed slightly. Without another word, he turned and stepped onto the carriage.

Su Jiu stood on the stone steps and watched the carriage disappear into the distance. Then, she walked back into the restaurant.

Qiao An approached her and asked, Who is that man? How do you know him, Chief?

He had an aura of elegance and air of nobility, which ordinary citizens lacked.

Hes an advisor in Prince Ruis manor and Nangong Shus friend, Su Jiu answered casually, omitting the details of the silver theft.

Prince Ruis manor Qiao An muttered to himself.

He wrinkled his brow. Only an advisor, yet the man had such a noble air! Last time, when Su Jiu had snuck into Prince Ruis manor to steal the Boneless Ginseng, perhaps this man had also somehow been involved.

Su Jiu sat down on a chair. Chang Huan walked over and poured her a cup of tea. He grinned and said, Chief, I found out who was causing that commotion here earlier.

Really? Su Jiu put her cup down, interested. She eagerly asked, Who?

I followed them and saw them walk into the Wanfu Tavern, Chang Huan replied.

Qiao An sat down beside Su Jiu and said in a lowered voice, Wanfu Tavern is a restaurant in Shengjing City owned by the Zhu Family. Its on this street.

The Zhu Family? Su Jius gaze wavered slightly.

Yes!

The Zhu Family, like the Ji Family, was a merchant clan that worked directly for the imperial family. Their power in Shengjing City was vast, and they were its most influential merchants, aside from the Jis. The Zhu Family owned many banks and restaurants, including the Wanfu Tavern. The Wanfu Taverns manager must have been envious of the bustling business at the Qingyuan Tavern, so he sent men to stir up ruckus for the competing business. Now that the two firms had clashed, the two families were also in conflict.

The Ji Manors Second Mistress is an illegitimate daughter of the Zhu Family and the younger sister of their current head, Qian An explained softly. Based on my understanding, the Jis and the Zhus are business competitors, despite being tied together through marriage.

Su Jiu nodded. But if the Ji and Zhu families were competitors, then whose side was Second Mistress on?

Today, the men from the Wanfu Tavern werent able to gain the upper hand. Im guessing theyll try again in a few days. Be careful, everyone! Su Jiu warned.

Dont worry, Chief!

They continued working until nighttime. Su Jiu and Chang Huan returned to Ji Manor and saw Nanny waiting anxiously by the front door. Nanny rushed towards Su Jiu as soon as she saw her approaching.

Miss, Second Mistress came again today, she said. This is the second time you werent home when she came to visit. Second Mistress is growing suspicious.

Suspicious of what? Su Jiu talked as she walked.

Miss, you dont have any close friends or family in Shengjing City, yet you leave the manor every day. Second Mistress has reason to suspect your whereabouts.

The Sus had distant relatives from two families in Shengjing City, but they were not very close and hadnt contacted each other in years. Second Mistress knew these details about the Su Family and knew that Su Jiu would not visit these distant relatives. So what was Su Jiu doing every day?

Su Jiu slowed her pace. What did Second Mistress say to you?

She didnt say anything. But I fear that she will secretly investigate you. Nanny walked close to Su Jiu and spoke in a lowered voice.

Su Jiu chuckled coldly. Then let her investigate! She wanted to see what Second Mistress could learn from investigating her. If she discovered that Su Jiu was a bandit, would she die of shock?

Miss, you only married into the Ji Manor recently. Your status here is fragile, so you must be careful. I suggest you stay in Ji Manor for the next few days.

Su Jiu thought about it for a moment, then agreed. Very well. I understand.

They returned to the Perched Phoenix Pavilion and found Mrs. Fan waiting for them at the door. Mrs. Fan quickly paid her respects to Su Jiu and said, Young Mistress, youve returned! Just now, Eldest Young Master sent a servant here to deliver a message. He said that once you return, go to the main courtyard.

Su Jiu started. Could it beJi Yuxian was waiting for her to dine with him?

Ill go take a look. You two can head back without me, Su Jiu said to Nanny and Chang Huan.

Chang Huan immediately stepped forward. Ill come with you, Miss!

No need. Su Jiu quickly headed over to Cloud Pavilion, where Chief Housekeeper Yu was waiting.

As soon as she arrived, he led her to the study. Young Mistress, Eldest Young Master is waiting in his study.

So, Ji Yuxian wasnt waiting to dine with her? Su Jiu was even more curious about why Ji Yuxian had asked her to come. The night grew darker. Lanterns lit up the corridors and illuminated Su Jius ink-black hair. The light shining in her hair glimmered like moonlight.

This way, Young Mistress! Chief Housekeeper Yu called.

He pushed open the door and respectfully stood to the side. Su Jiu nodded her head and stepped in. The study was illuminated by gentle, yellow candlelight. It was even more serene than during the daytime. Ji Yuxian stood behind the gold-rimmed nanmu desk, practicing calligraphy. He heard footsteps approaching. His lips curved into a smile, but he didnt look up. My wife, youve come!

Under the dim candlelight, his fiery red robes and pale face glowed ever so slightly. He looked as if he were separated from the mundane world, lone and unapproachable. Su Jiu stood an arms length away from him.

Why did you summon me? she asked quietly.

Come here! Ji Yuxians voice was gentle. It resounded like a zithers strings.

Su Jiu took a few steps forward and gazed down at his calligraphy. The characters looked as effortless as flowing water and moving clouds. Su Jiu found them unusually beautiful. Of course, she couldnt read a single word.

Help me grind ink, Ji Yuxian suddenly said.

Grind ink? After a moment of surprise, Su Jiu replied, Oh. She moved closer to the desk and looked at the ink stick and inkstone. Her heart raced. How was she supposed to grind ink? She had sharpened knives before, but shed never ground ink.

Ji Yuxian looked over at his frozen wife. He smiled. Whats the matter?

Su Jiu clenched her hand, which was hidden in her sleeve, into a fist. She looked at him and answered honestly. Idont know how.

Ji Yuxian started. He stared at her. You dont know how?

No. When I write, a servant girl grinds the ink for me. Ive never ground ink before, Su Jiu lied.

Ji Yuxian stared at her, not revealing whether he believed her or not. He nodded with a smile. In that case, why dont you learn how to grind ink for your husband? He added some clear water to the inkstone and put the ink stick in Su Jius hand. Grind this stick against the inkstone in circular motions.

Oh. Su Jiu did as told.

Dont do it so forcefully! Ji Yuxian instructed. Maintain a proper posture and keep your palm parallel to the inkstone! Add some more water, but not too much!

Ji Yuxian continued writing as he taught Su Jiu. After a time, she really looked like she knew what she was doing.

My wife, youve been leaving the manor frequently these past few days? Ji Yuxian suddenly asked.

Su Jius hand, still grinding ink, stopped momentarily. She replied, seemingly without a care, I have. Ive just moved to Shengjing City, so Ive been looking around.

Thats good. You will be living in Shengjing City, permanently. You should become familiar with the place, Ji Yuxian said casually.

Su Jiu gazed at Ji Yuxians chiseled profile and felt more confused than before. Hed summoned her to his study at such a late hour only to have her grind ink. Didnt he have a servant girl to do this?

Su Jiu wasnt paying attention to the inkstone. Accidentally, she let her hand slip. The ink stick slid away, spattering some ink across the paper on which Ji Yuxian had been writing. Su Jiu inhaled sharply. She quickly reached out a hand to wipe off the ink, but it only spread more and more. The entire paper became an inky blotch. The calligraphy Ji Yuxian had been working on all night was utterly destroyed.

Su Jiu wiped her ink-stained hands on her robes. Feeling guilty, she avoided Ji Yuxians eyes. Im sorry.

Ji Yuxian looked at the blotch and inhaled deeply. He put down the brush and leaned closer to Su Jiu. He smiled. What were you thinking so intently about? Tell your husband!

His alluring eyes fixed on her. He blocked the candlelight, but his eyes were even more captivating than the flame. Su Jiu subconsciously moved back a step. Her eyes flashed. Nothing.

Ji Yuxian moved forward a step, and his arms trapped Su Jiu between his chest and the bookshelf behind her. He leaned down. His warm breath brushed against her ear as he said in a husky, seductive voice, Nothing?

Su Jiu looked into his glimmering eyes. Her heart skipped a beat, and she entirely forgot what she was going to say. They gazed into each others eyes. Ji Yuxian tipped his face forward. He brushed her cheek with his mouth, slowly moving towards her lips.