77 Another Devious Scheme

Nyoi-Bo StudioNyoi-Bo Studio

They were very close. The candlelight cast flickering shadows in between them. It was quiet in the study, almost like time had stopped. Love was subtly in the air.

Ji Yuxian gazed deeply into Su Jius eyes. His thin lips touched the corner of hers, soft and cool. He longed to explore the kiss deeper

Achoo!

Su Jiu suddenly sneezed, spraying spit all over Ji Yuxians face. She stepped to the side and said accusingly, What are you doing so close to me?

Ji Yuxian was at a loss for words. He inhaled deeply and wrinkled his brow. My wife, what did you have for dinner?

Su Jiu replied truthfully, A chicken and two garlic cloves.

Ji Yuxian straightened his back and took some deep breaths with his eyes closed. He wiped his face with a handkerchief and managed to squeeze out a few words.

My wife, why dont you go back and rest?

Oh.

Su Jiu turned and walked away from the desk. She glanced back to say something but swallowed her words when she saw the expression on Ji Yuxians face. She quickly walked out the door. After leaving the study, she heard Ji Yuxian say from a distance, Prepare some hot water! I wish to bathe!

Su Jiu chuckled and cheerily left the main courtyard. She went to bed late and slept until the day was bright. When she woke, she opened the window, and a gust of frigid air rushed in. The world outside was a white blur. It had snowed during the night!

The snow on the ground was nearly a foot deep. All that remained of heaven and earth was endless white.

Nanny came in with hot water. When she saw Su Jiu standing near the open window, she quickly closed it. She covered Su Jiu with a blanket and said, Women should stay away from the cold. Miss, you must be mindful!

Su Jiu wasnt concerned. Practitioners of martial arts dont fear the cold.

In previous winters, theyd lived in dirt huts. The wind had blown in from all directions. It was so cold that drops of water immediately froze into ice. They didnt even have cotton winter clothes. At night, they slept under thin mats. Even so, they were fine.

Nanny wiped Su Jius face with a warm damp towel. She sniffled and asked quietly, Miss, where are your parents?

Su Jiu shook her head. I dont know. Her face revealed no change in emotions.

How much do you remember about your childhood?

My memories arent clear. When I was very young, I begged on the streets with a woman. Her last name was Zhang. Later, she died of illness, and I joined the Dragon Conqueror Gang.

Who are your parents? Where do they live? Dont you remember anything?

Su Jiu chuckled. They didnt want me. Why would I remember them?

Nannys hand, still holding the towel, froze momentarily. She turned away and soaked it in warm water. She said quietly, Perhaps you accidentally strayed away from them. Your mother may still be looking for you.

It was unclear whether Su Jiu heard her. She complained of an empty stomach and walked out of the room. Nanny gazed at Su Jiu with complicated emotions in her eyes. After a long while, she let out a gentle sigh.

Outside, it was still snowing. Su Jiu had planned on staying at Ji Manor for the next few days anyway. After breakfast, she and Chang Huan gathered around the fire and drank while playing dice. Meanwhile, in the Cloud Pavilions study, Ji Yuxian was busy flipping through the most recent financial records. When he saw the report for Juxian Tavern, he wrinkled his brow.

Why have revenues dropped so much lately?

Chief Housekeeper Yu, who was standing beside him, replied, The Juxian Taverns manager said that a new restaurant has opened across the street. Its called Qingyuan Tavern. Business at the Qingyuan Tavern is astonishingly good. Its affecting all the restaurants on the street.

Ji Yuxian continued his inspection of the accounts. He asked carelessly, Whos behind the restaurant?

Its unclear. I only know that the boss goes by Ninth Master Su. Chief Housekeeper Yu furrowed his brow. Yesterday, the Zhu Familys Wanfu Tavern sent men to cause trouble. They were thrown out.

Ninth Master Su? Ji Yuxians hand froze. He furrowed his brow. Why hadnt he known about this Ninth Master Su, and when did this person come to Shengjing City?

Chief Housekeeper Yu continued speaking, respectfully, I have already sent men to investigate Ninth Master Su. As soon as there is news, Ill report to you, Young Master.

Hmmm. Ji Yuxian nodded slightly and tossed Juxian Taverns records to the side. He turned his attention to other accounts.

Meanwhile, in the Lotus Pavilion, Ren Zier was busy helping Xie Ying take her medicine. Xie Ying, whod caught a cold after Su Jiu threw her in the water, had finally recovered some of her health. Still, anger burned in her chest. Her face remained frightfully pale.

The servant girl, Shaoyao, entered the room. Second Young Mistress, Eldest Young Master sent you top-quality thousand-year-old ginseng, she said carefully. He ordered me to make it into a soup for you.

Xie Ying leaned on a soft pillow. Her hair hung down casually, framing her pale face. She cheered up when she first heard Shaoyao but quickly resumed her unhappy mood. Why wont he come see me himself? she asked.

Ren Zier hurried to offer some words of comfort. These past few days, Young Master has been leaving early and returning late. He must be worried that seeing you late at night could aggravate your cold, so hes not come to visit. But every day, he sends a servant to deliver herbal medicines. This means he is thinking of you always, Sister.

Xie Yings expression brightened when she heard this. She chuckled. Shaoyao, who stood at her side with a lowered head, glanced at Ren Zier. She giggled quietly. Last night, Third Young Mistress sent servants to ask Young Master to her chambers. Its not surprising that she knows where he is at all times.

Ren Zier paled. She abruptly lifted her head and looked toward Xie Ying, who propped herself up with her arm. She glared at Ren Zier and said, Last night, Young Master went to your chambers?

No! Ren Zier cowered. No, he didnt. He said he was tired.

Bang! Xie Ying knocked the bowl out of Ren Ziers hand. She was green with anger.

B*tch! How dare you take advantage of my illness to seduce Young Master!

Ren Zier shuddered. She fell to her knees, shaking her head frantically. I wouldnt dare!

B*tch! B*tch! Xie Ying grabbed a pillow and struck Ren Zier with it. Her anger was so intense that it bordered on insanity.

Second Young Mistress! Shaoyao hurried over and patted Xie Yings back. Mind your health!

Xie Ying coughed and leaned back heavily.

Sister! Ren Zier took two steps forward and grabbed Xie Yings sleeve. She wept. I was afraid that Young Master would focus all his attention on Young Mistress. If she were to come into power, that would be a great disadvantage to you! I did it for you, Sister!

You b*tch! You still dare to challenge me? Xie Ying grabbed a piece of jade that was next to her and threw it at Ren Zier. She screamed, If you dare climb into Young Masters bed before I do, Ill tear you to pieces!

The jade piece struck Ren Ziers forehead, causing a bump to rise. Ren Zier wept on her knees. Second Young Mistress, calm your anger!

Shaoyao sat down on the bed and continued patting Xie Yings back. Xie Ying took a few moments to catch her breath. She glared at Ren Zier kneeling with coldness in her eyes. Ever since Ji Yuxian had married Su Yuejiu, hed not visited any of the concubines. Even though Xie Ying was unwell, she would not allow Ji Yuxian to touch another woman first. This dictated which of the concubines would bear his first son. More importantly, it dictated their future statuses!

Get up. Your weeping is making my head throb. After taking another moment to catch her breath, Xie Ying glared at Ren Zier while massaging her temples.

Yes! Ren Zier wiped her tears and shakily stood up.

Instead of wasting your energy trying to seduce Young Master, help me think of ways to get rid of Su Yuejiu! Xie Ying snapped coldly. Twice, she had been humiliated by Su Yuejiu. This time, she would be patient!

Ren Zier lowered her head and wiped her tears with a handkerchief. After a moment, she said, Su Yuejiu has hurt you twice in a row. From the looks of it, she is not as mild-mannered as the rumors say. We must devise a proper plan.

Xie Ying nodded. Do you have any ideas?

Ren Ziers eyes flashed. She leaned in close to Xie Ying and said in a low voice, Sister, you forgot someone. As long as she still shows her face, Su Yuejiu will mean nothing to Young Master.

You mean Xie Ying looked up.

Yes, Im talking about Lan Zhihui. If Su Yuejiu hurts her, Eldest Master wont stay uninvolved.

Xie Ying paused, deep in thought. She did not look thrilled. After all, in Ji Yuxians heart, none of them compared to Lan Zhihui.

Every fortnight, Lan Zhihui comes to Ji Manor to report and discuss business. I counted the days. The day after tomorrow, she will be here again. And when she arrives, we can. Ren Zier whispered in Xie Yings ear.

Ren Zier let out a cold chuckle. Even if we cant harm Su Yuejiu, this will humiliate her. Kill her edge!

Indeed! Xie Ying nodded in agreement. And invite Miss Shangguan here too. Since were acting, the more actors, the merrier!

Excellent idea, Sister!