711 Unhappy
Su Xiaolu did not even eat much of her favorite food.
She felt especially uncomfortable. Her entire body felt uncomfortable, and her mood was especially bad.
Su Xiaolu couldn't eat anymore. She put down her bowl and chopsticks and smiled at Su Sanlang, Madam Zhao, and the others. "Father, mother, Masters, Brother, Sister-in-law, I'm done eating. My stomach hurts. I'll go back to my room to rest first."
With that, Su Xiaolu stood up and left.
Su Sanlang looked worried. "What's wrong with Xiaolu? Darling, go and take a look."
Madam Zhao was about to nod when Sun Baoqian stood up and said gently, "Mother-in-law, I'll go. I'm about the same age as Xiaolu and we are old friends. I'll go talk to her."
Su Hua nodded slightly at Sun Baoqian. Needless to say, Sun Baoqian knew what he was thinking.
They were all family. There was no need to thank her.
After Sun Baoqian left the table, Old Wu said calmly, "I've already explained what I should explain to you. I hope you can keep what happened this afternoon to yourselves and not tell the girl."
"Yes, we know."
Su Sanlang sighed.
He and Madam Zhao were actually still confused. Not long after he returned home in the afternoon, the Wisdom King, Zhou Zhi, came over. For some reason, he angered Old Wu. Old Wu even hit him and said strange things like "she's way out of your league".
This made them feel like they were in an uncomfortable situation. No matter how they tried to mediate, it didn't seem right.
After the Wisdom King left, Old Wu told the couple that they were not allowed to tell Su Xiaolu about this. There would be trouble. As for what trouble it was, not telling them was for their own good. The couple did not understand and could only nod.
Su Xiaolu was Old Wu's only disciple. All these years, everyone had seen how much Old Wu doted on Su Xiaolu. Anyway, Old Wu would not harm Su Xiaolu. They would just listen to him.
Now, for some reason, Su Xiaolu was unhappy. Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao were worried, but they also deeply understood that they could no longer share the child's worries.
"You guys eat. I'm full."
Old Wu looked at Su Chong and Su Hua. He pursed his lips and didn't say anything. He believed that they all understood.
Old Wu stood up and left.
Gui You was silent. Not long after, he stood up and left too.
Su Sanlang looked at Su Chong and Su Hua and said gently, "Chong, Hua, you've all grown up. There are some things that Father and Mother won't ask you about. Father and Mother believe that no matter what happens, you have your own answers in your hearts."
"Father, mother, don't worry. It's just a small matter. It has nothing to do with Xiaolu."
Su Hua stood up and said calmly.
Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao looked at him worriedly, clearly asking silently again. If it had nothing to do with Xiaolu, why was she unhappy?
Su Hua could not answer and could only pretend not to understand.
Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao did not ask further. The couple stood up and returned.
After Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao left, Su Chong frowned and couldn't help but say, "Brother Hua, as long as Xiaolu is happy, there's nothing wrong with it."
Su Hua frowned and said, "Brother, it's not that simple. If that's the case, why did Uncle-Master stop him like that? It's like we don't know how much Uncle-Master dotes on Xiaolu, but he has always stopped her on this matter. Even your Master is against it."
Old Wu was not a pedantic person. Su Hua believed that he would not be stubborn. There must be a reason why he had to do this.
Su Chong fell silent.
They all knew that Zhou Zhi liked Su Xiaolu, and they were all stopping him from liking Su Xiaolu.
Su Xiaolu was ignorant and did not know much about such things. Even though she had been with Zhou Zhi for so long, she really only treated Zhou Zhi as her Fourth Brother. Calling him Fourth Brother was like a cocoon binding Su Xiaolu, making her unable to see through the relationship between a man and a woman.
After a while, Su Chong looked at Su Hua and said, "Brother Hua, are you prejudiced because of his disabled body?"
Zhou Zhi's body was disabled and he was not liked by his mother.
His mother's family abandoned him and was afraid of him. Su Chong thought of him and felt pity for him. After entering the court as an official, he had seen some ways of the world. He knew very well that it had not been easy for Zhou Zhi to get to where he was today.
Because of a ridiculous prophecy, he had been harmed all his life. Now that his legs were crippled, did he not even have the right to love someone?
"Brother, I believe that the two Uncle-Masters are not such superficial people. Now that the world has changed, he's no different from an ordinary person. The two Uncle-Masters don't want to say it for their own reasons. We just need to know that they're protecting Xiaolu."
Su Hua looked at Su Chong seriously and said. Su Chong had pity for Zhou Zhi. If he didn't say it bluntly, Su Hua was worried that he would do something wrong.
Su Chong fell silent. After a while, he looked at Su Hua and smiled. "I understand. I won't ruin anything."
He felt that Zhou Zhi was a good person, and he did not dislike the idea of Zhou Zhi becoming his brother-in-law. He did not need to gamble with Su Xiaolu's feelings.
Su Xiaolu's safety was more important than anything.
Su Hua turned around and left.
Su Chong sighed. Lin Yaoyao reached out and held his hand.
"Don't think too much. Marriage is predestined. Sometimes, it can't be stopped. Besides, Xiaolu might not be unhappy because of him."
Lin Yaoyao comforted Su Chong. Su Chong was pure and kind. Such a person was simple-minded, but it was easier for him to be heartbroken.
"Yaoyao, am I too stupid?"
Su Chong felt a little uncomfortable. He could feel that Su Hua understood.
He also wanted to share his family's burdens, but his brother refused to say much.
Lin Yaoyao smiled and said gently, "You're not stupid. If you were, how could you have studied so well? Second brother didn't tell you because he must have considered it carefully. His heart aches for you."
Su Chong was comforted, but he also thought about it. He knew that Brother Hua's heart ached for him, but how could he not?
--
Su Xiaolu returned to her room and fell asleep. She had never felt so uncomfortable.
When she was young, because of the spiritual spring in the Space, she had almost never fallen sick. Even if she caught a cold, she would not be tired. She would be fine after less than a day. What was wrong with her?
Sun Baoqian knocked on the door. "Xiaolu, can I come in?"
Su Xiaolu replied, "Second Sister-in-law, come in."
Sun Baoqian entered the house and saw Su Xiaolu lying on the bed. She looked worried. Ever since they met, when had she not seen Su Xiaolu full of energy? She had never seen her so listless.
Sun Baoqian walked to the bed and sat down. She asked softly, "Xiaolu, did you encounter anything when you went out today? You don't look too well."
Su Xiaolu did not want her family to worry. It seemed that her acting skills were not good. Her family could tell that she was feeling uncomfortable. She shook her head and said, "No, I went to the pharmacy in the afternoon to buy a lot of good herbs. I even went to the Imperial Hospital to discuss with imperial physician Qin. Then, I came back."
712 Period
Su Xiaolu refused to admit that she had something on her mind. As she dealt with Sun Baoqian, she thought of a reason.
When her stomach hurt a little, she frowned and said awkwardly, "Actually, my stomach hurts. I might be having my period soon. It's my first time, so my emotions have been affected a little these few days."
Sun Baoqian saw Su Xiaolu frown and cover her lower abdomen. She quickly asked, "Is this your first time? Is it very painful? If it is, let Elder Wu take a look. It's said that doctors can't treat themselves. Let him take a look."
Sun Baoqian believed her. She did not expect Su Xiaolu to still not have her period at the age of 14.
Although it was a little late, it was about time it came. Sun Baoqian recalled that when she first had her period, she was also inexplicably frustrated and did not feel good no matter what. Her stomach still hurt, so she was even more unhappy. Her condition was similar to Su Xiaolu's now.
"No need. I'll be fine after a nap."
Su Xiaolu found an excuse. Her mood was soothed and her smile was sincere.
Seeing that Su Xiaolu was no longer frowning, Sun Baoqian felt that something was wrong, but she did not know what was wrong.
Su Xiaolu's emotions came and went quickly. She had already returned to normal.
"I'm going to turn 15 after the new year. I didn't notice it before, but I only remembered when my stomach hurt. I haven't had my period yet, which made me depressed and made my family worry about me. However, all women have this hurdle. I have to survive it too."
The more Su Xiaolu spoke, the more relaxed she became. With the strange feeling in her heart out of her mouth, everything became natural.
Su Xiaolu looked at Sun Baoqian and asked in embarrassment, "Second Sister-in-law, when was the first time you had your period? Did it hurt?"
Sun Baoqian smiled and said, "The first time I had my period was when I was 13 years old. At that time, I didn't have much of an appetite and I wasn't in good spirits. My heart seemed to be stuffy and my stomach hurt slightly. My mother comforted me and said that all women would have to face this. Then, one day, it suddenly came."
Sun Baoqian thought for a moment and added, "Just like you now."
"Xiaolu, don't worry. Every woman will have it. As long as you don't eat anything cold and spicy for the next few days, it won't hurt. It'll pass quickly."
Sun Baoqian was very gentle. She told Su Xiaolu everything she knew, including how to make her period pad.
Su Xiaolu was not good at needlework, but women made these things on their own. That was about it.
"Thank you, Second Sister-in-law. I'll be careful."
Su Xiaolu listened seriously. She was very grateful to Sun Baoqian for comforting her.
Seeing that Su Xiaolu was fine, Sun Baoqian heaved a sigh of relief and got up to return to her room.
After Sun Baoqian returned to her room, she took some things. Before she could even talk to Su Hua, she came to Su Xiaolu. These were all clean period pads that she had made.
Sun Baoqian even taught Su Xiaolu how to use it. Su Xiaolu remembered it seriously.
After giving her instructions, Sun Baoqian returned to her room to rest.
Sun Baoqian returned to her room and closed the door. She heaved a sigh of relief and turned to walk into the room. "Xiaolu is fine. Don't worry."
Su Hua unbuttoned his clothes. "Thank you, Qianqian. Is Xiaolu worried about something?"
Sun Baoqian walked to the dressing table and sat down. As she untied the hairpin, she said, "No, she's maturing, so she's depressed and getting emotional for no reason. It's Xiaolu's first time having her period, so her stomach hurts a little. She's listless, so she looked a little depressed."
"Ahem."
Su Hua coughed lightly. He did not expect Su Xiaolu to not have her period yet. It turned out that they were all thinking too much.
That's right. Su Xiaolu treated Zhou Zhi as her Fourth Brother. How could she have feelings for her brother? What they had was just the relationship between siblings.
"I'll have to trouble you with these things in the future. Sister-in-law is the same as Master. She only cares about academics. Mother has to take care of Yu, I'm afraid she didn't think of this. You're the most thoughtful."
Su Hua unbuttoned his clothes and walked to the mirror with only his undergarments on. He bent down slightly and looked at the woman in the mirror.
Sun Baoqian blushed and nodded in agreement. "Don't worry, I've thought about it. I'll take care of Xiaolu."
After being married for two years, Su Hua treated her too well. He was gentle and never went to brothels or bars with others. How could she let him down?
Sun Baoqian knew that Su Xiaolu was not good at needlework or cooking. She had already decided to prepare a lot of period pads for Su Xiaolu during this period of time. It could last Su Xiaolu for more than a year.
--
Su Xiaolu fell asleep after Sun Baoqian left. She did not sleep peacefully.
Her dream pulled her back to her previous life, when she first had her period.
At that time, she was already in her second year of middle school. She knew that girls would have their periods.
Many of her female classmates had it, but she didn't. She knew she was healthy, but she was just later than others. She knew her period would come, but she didn't know when. There was a relay baton race in that physical education class. Her pants were stained red with blood as she ran at full speed.
A boy mocked her. "Look, look, Su Xiaolu used all her strength and even bled." The boys roared with laughter. The girls surrounded her with concern and asked Su Xiaolu if she needed help.
It was useless for the teachers to stop the boy. The boy only said in a very casual tone, "Teacher, it's just a joke."
Only Su Xiaolu's face was red. She was humiliated and angry. After calming down for a few seconds, she walked up angrily and punched the boy's stomach. She said fiercely, "This is my full strength, do you understand?"
Her heroic feat made the heckling boys instantly shut up. At the same time, the girls applauded and cheered.
Su Xiaolu turned around and returned to the dormitory to change.
When she woke up from the dream, it seemed to be a sign. Su Xiaolu felt that her period was here. She got up and could already smell the blood.
The ancient menstrual pad was actually a modified version of the sanitary pads of the future.
It was not as easy to leak as cloth. There was also oilcloth that was leakproof at the bottom.
Su Xiaolu changed according to Sun Baoqian's instructions and was no longer sleepy.
It had been a long time since she thought about her previous life.
Now that her period was here, she recalled some memories of her previous life. The unfinished dream surfaced clearly in her mind.
She still remembered that it was her grandfather and Master who said to her with the kindest smile, "Girl, you're a big girl now. We have to buy some braised meat and some good wine to celebrate."
However, now, she had no one to complain to. Su Xiaolu released Mantis Shrimp from the Space and asked Mantis Shrimp, "Guardian Beasts can travel through time and space to protect the world. Can you go back in time?"
Mantis Shrimp was originally sleepy, but it perked up when it heard that. It looked at Su Xiaolu intently and its cute voice entered Su Xiaolu's sea of consciousness. "Yes, yes. Xiaolu, do you want to see someone?"
713 Xiaolu, Help Me
He wanted to be partners with Su Xiaolu too much, but Su Xiaolu might not agree.
Now that Su Xiaolu suddenly asked this question, she must have someone she wanted to see. This was a chance to show off.
"Yes, I really want to see someone very important to me. He took care of me in my previous life. He passed away before I could repay him."
As a result, she spent many years alone. Every time she thought about it, she was filled with regret.
"Then when I grow up, I'll take you back to see him."
Mantis Shrimp took the opportunity to say this. It was good for people to have a goal. If they had a goal, they would have the motivation to improve.
It would take him hundreds of years to grow up. If Su Xiaolu did not cultivate diligently, she would not be able to live for so long.
If she wanted to go back and see the person she missed, wouldn't she have to cultivate hard?
"I'd like that."
Su Xiaolu stroked Mantis Shrimp's head and stroked it down its glossy fur. She immediately felt much better.
"How comfortable. Xiaolu, don't stop-"
Mantis Shrimp liked it very much when Su Xiaolu touched it. It quickly fell asleep against Su Xiaolu.
Su Xiaolu looked at Mantis Shrimp, which was like a newborn puppy, and smiled. She didn't feel lonely with such a little thing around.
Because of her period, Su Xiaolu did not go out for the next few days.
She did not practice the sword either.
She occasionally basked in the sun and teased her nephew.
She ate, drank, and slept well. When the family saw this, they were finally relieved.
On the 17th of November, Su Xiaolu's period was over.
She began to practice her sword. Chen Shi had already made some progress in his sword practice. When Su Xiaolu recovered, she would have time to train him. Together with Chen Xing, she would make medicine in her free time. She did not feel much, but it was already December.
The first snow covered the entire capital.
Su Xiaolu woke up very early. When she woke up, it was just dawn and no one at home was up yet. She was no longer sleepy. She pushed open the window and saw that it was white outside and the snow was still falling. She was in a good mood and got up from bed.
She flew up to the eaves and found a good spot to sit down, ready to watch the snow.
In the morning, the entire world was peaceful. There was not even a breeze.
There was only the sound of snow falling.
Su Xiaolu sat alone on the eaves. She reached out to catch the snowflakes and couldn't help but mutter, "It's almost the fifteenth year."
She looked at the black and white eaves, then at the snow-white street, and then at a figure standing in the alley. Su Xiaolu was stunned.
She couldn't help but fly towards that person.
Zhou Zhi had been standing in the snow for a long time. His hair and shoulders were covered in snow. When he saw Su Xiaolu, he smiled. "Good morning, Xiaolu."
He hadn't seen her in a month. He couldn't stand it anymore.
"W-what are you doing here?"
Su Xiaolu found it a little difficult to understand. Why was Zhou Zhi standing here?
Zhou Zhi looked at Su Xiaolu's face. He did not answer and only smiled gently.
"Are you cold?" Su Xiaolu looked at Zhou Zhi. His eyelashes were frosted. Su Xiaolu felt a little strange. She tugged at Zhou Zhi's sleeve and called out, "Fourth Brother."
Zhou Zhi smiled. "I'm not cold. What have you been doing recently? Why didn't you come to my residence to see me?"
Zhou Zhi raised his hand and swept away the snowflakes on his body. In the end, he suppressed his feelings.
Now that he was still disabled and Su Xiaolu was still young, it would not be good for both of them to reveal his feelings now.
He calmly asked about her daily life.
"I didn't do anything after returning to the capital. I just went to see my sister and practiced my sword techniques at home. I taught Chen Shi and Chen Xing and bought some herbs to make medicine. I'll detoxify you after the new year. I should prepare some herbs in advance."
Speaking of this, Su Xiaolu was calm. After she finished speaking, she looked at Zhou Zhi.
Su Xiaolu hesitated for a moment before asking Dao Seeking, "Fourth Brother, what about you? I heard that Princess Sindili chose you. Do you like her..."
"I don't."
Zhou Zhi interrupted Su Xiaolu before she could finish.
"I didn't see her."
Zhou Zhi spoke calmly. He looked into Su Xiaolu's eyes and saw surprise and disbelief in them.
Zhou Zhi lowered his eyes and hid his thoughts. He said softly, "Father's decree is not what I want. I don't like that princess. I prepared that princess for Big Brother."
Su Xiaolu was even more surprised. Wasn't Zhou Zhi's eldest brother Zhou Heng?!
What he had prepared for Zhou Heng was for Princess Sindili to enter the palace. If she entered the palace, her sister would inevitably be hurt.
Su Xiaolu wanted to ask why, but before she could, Zhou Zhi had already explained.
"Princess Sindili doesn't like men. She has a lover, and her lover is a woman like her. He's her maidservant. Jiang Wei, the future Crown Prince can't have the officials talk behind his back, so your sister can't be the only one in the harem, but he wants to keep his promise. Only by taking in some women like Princess Sindili can he keep the promise and stop the officials from talking."
Zhou Zhi explained to Su Xiaolu. He did not want Su Xiaolu to think of him and the princess together at all.
Su Xiaolu understood after hearing that. She seemed to have something to say, but when she opened her mouth, she felt that there was no need to say it.
It was already very good for Zhou Heng to do this.
"But now..."
Su Xiaolu remembered that Princess Sindili seemed to have chosen Zhou Zhi. She was puzzled again. What was going on?
Zhou Zhi smiled and said, "Xiaolu, I need you to help me with something."
"What?"
Su Xiaolu was even more confused.
Zhou Zhi raised his hand and brushed away the snowflakes on Su Xiaolu's head. In just a short while, a lot of snow fell on Su Xiaolu.
"Sindili chose me because I'm disabled. She heard that I don't get close to women and that I'm not in good health. It's rumored that I won't live past 25 years old, so she had her eye on me. She thought that as long as she endured for a few years and passed away, she could legitimately be a widow and live happily with her maidservant, Jiang Wei."
Zhou Zhi's careful explanation made Su Xiaolu understand the princess's intentions.
"Nonsense. Who said that you won't live to be 25 years old? When the poison is cured after the new year, you can live to a hundred years old. Moreover, now that the spiritual energy has recovered and the age of cultivation has arrived, you can live more than a hundred years."
Su Xiaolu said firmly. With her around, how could Zhou Zhi not live past 25?
Zhou Zhi chuckled. "That's why I need you to help me let that princess know that I won't die so early and not to waste time on me."
Su Xiaolu also looked at him seriously. "How can I help?"
"It's very simple. Treat me as the divine doctor."
Zhou Zhi looked into Su Xiaolu's eyes and said word by word. Very few people knew that Su Xiaolu was detoxifying him. This was the best way to stop Princess Sindili from pestering him. Although he had other ways, he wanted to use this one.
He wanted to see Su Xiaolu often, so this was the best solution. He could not walk forth. He wanted Su Xiaolu to approach him and be by his side.
714 Answer
"If Sindili knows that you can cure me, she will naturally give up."
Zhou Zhi's voice was gentle like a feather that brushed past Su Xiaolu's heart.
"No problem. I agree."
Su Xiaolu agreed without thinking.
"Then I'll have to trouble you to visit me more during this period of time."
Zhou Zhi smiled and concluded this matter before Su Xiaolu could come back to her senses.
"It's fine. I can help you recuperate during this period of time."
Su Xiaolu wanted to detoxify the poison in him. Zhou Zhi was still too thin. She could give him acupuncture to make him have a bigger appetite. In that case, she would have to go to the Wisdom King's Residence often.
"Xiaolu, then I..."
Zhou Zhi wanted to say that he would go back first, but before he could finish speaking, the Su family's door opened.
Old Wu carried a basket on his back and said angrily to Su Xiaolu, "Girl, pick herbs!"
Su Xiaolu felt that it was a little sudden, but looking at Old Wu's angry expression, she did not know what was wrong with him.
Zhou Zhi smiled at Su Xiaolu. "Go ahead. I'll wait for you back at the residence."
Su Xiaolu looked at Old Wu, who was walking in front without looking back. She nodded and jogged after him.
Gui You came from behind. He glanced at Zhou Zhi and did not speak.
Zhou Zhi nodded slightly at him and respectfully greeted him "Senior".
Gui Lu walked to Zhou Zhi's side and stopped. "Don't pester her. There are thousands of women in the world. Why would the Wisdom King be obsessed with her?"
Zhou Zhi's eyes darkened. He said in a low and hoarse voice, "There are thousands of women in the world, but none of them are her."
Only Su Xiaolu was the sun.
"I don't understand. Why can't I?"
Zhou Zhi looked at Gui You, his deep eyes occupied by stubbornness. He wanted an answer. Why couldn't he?
He cared about Su Xiaolu, so he cared about everyone Su Xiaolu cared about. He hoped that they could acknowledge him, and he worked hard to treat everyone well.
But why couldn't Gui You and Old Wu change their minds?
Gui You looked into the distance and said calmly, "The Great Dao doesn't allow for it. You will be an obstacle to her."
After saying this, Gui You did not say anything else. He turned around and left, chasing after Old Wu and Su Xiaolu.
Zhou Zhi stood on the spot and looked up at the sky. There was no joy or sadness on his face. He was such a smart person. Gui You only gave him a few words and he understood everything.
The Great Dao was the heavens.
Obstacle meant death.
No wonder they didn't agree. If it were him, he wouldn't either.
Zhou Zhi turned around and left without any joy on his face.
Old Wu walked in front angrily. Thinking of Zhou Zhi, he gritted his teeth and mumbled, "Evil".
Su Xiaolu tilted her head and smiled. "Master, what did you say?"
Old Wu snorted. "Nothing. I was scolding a dog."
"Oh."
Su Xiaolu followed Old Wu. Alright, so be it.
Gui You followed them.
The three of them went out of the city to pick herbs. Su Xiaolu already had a lot of herbs in the Space, so she played around most of the way.
There were very few wild fruits in winter, but they were all especially delicious.
After getting a chicken, the three of them surrounded it and roasted it.
After roasting it, Su Xiaolu peeled off the burnt parts and gave Old Wu a big drumstick. She smiled sweetly. "Master, here."
Old Wu looked at Su Xiaolu and his anger subsided. He was not angry with Su Xiaolu to begin with.
Seeing that Old Wu was in a good mood, Su Xiaolu immediately felt that this burnt roasted chicken was delicious.
Speaking of which, the master and disciple were really easy-going. They liked delicious food, but they did not mind such disgusting food.
Su Xiaolu couldn't help but smile foolishly.
"What a heartless girl."
Old Wu took a look and muttered.
"How many more times do you need to detoxify that kid?"
Old Wu asked.
"One more time. I'll try to resolve it completely after the new year, but it's a little risky, so I still have to go to Qinghai to try to catch the big Kun."
Zhou Zhi's poison had to be cut off completely from the roots. If the remaining poison was not removed, his newly grown legs would be damaged by the poison, and the poison could not be transferred and controlled elsewhere.
"Then after detoxifying him next year, we won't have to come back every year when we go out. It's time for you to go out and train well. At that time, we won't be accompanying you."
Old Wu said earnestly. In the next few months, he would just have to endure it. When the time came, she would go far away and make more new friends.
Su Xiaolu was puzzled. "Master, why can't I go with you?"
Old Wu rolled his eyes at her. "Have you ever seen someone bring their parents along when they go out to train? You have to learn to distinguish good from evil and make friends yourself. Apart from the Li Dynasty, there are also the Jin Dynasty, the Yan Dynasty, and many other small countries. For example, Qi Lu, Nan You, and so on. You've seen too little. When I was young, I spent more than 20 years on the road."
Old Wu described the vast world. He hoped that Su Xiaolu would be able to travel far away when the time came.
"The world is so big."
Su Xiaolu sighed. Old Wu had actually been to so many places. Just listening to him made her excited. She also wanted to go and see all the good and bad of the world herself.
In her previous life, she was too homely and had never been to many beautiful places in her country. Now that she thought about it, she still felt regretful.
She didn't want to have any more regrets in this life.
"You're the only one in your family who's free. Go and see more of the scenery that they can't see. Only then can you be broad-minded. Don't be stuck in one place forever."
Old Wu smiled gently. He wanted Su Xiaolu to be a forthright and unrestrained woman. She could let go of anyone and anything.
He guided Su Xiaolu up bit by bit.
Su Xiaolu nodded and said seriously, "Master, don't worry. I will definitely cherish this hard-won freedom."
Her parents could not sever their ties with their children and grandchildren, so it was impossible for them to travel the world. Her eldest brother, a military officer, and her second brother, a scholarly minister, all had families and ties and worries. Her sister was even more so. None of them could travel further away to see the scenery. Only she was free and her wings were gradually growing.
Naturally, she had to fly high and far away.
"That's better."
Old Wu was in a good mood.
The three of them returned home at night.
At night, Su Xiaolu sank her consciousness into the Space and watched Mantis Shrimp nibble on the Interface Stone tirelessly. Now, every Interface Stone was bitten by it.
Su Xiaolu couldn't help but ask, "Why did you take a bite of every one? Can't you eat one after another? From the looks of it, this isn't a good habit."
Mantis Shrimp flipped its stomach and moved its head against Su Xiaolu's hand. It burped cutely and defended itself in a childish voice, "Xiaolu, this was actually not my intention. It's all the fault of my family. I'm marking them. After I licked them, the other Guardian Beasts will find it difficult to eat. This is actually the same as you people. Children love to mark their things."
715 Don't Want to
"Are there any other Guardian Beasts?"
Su Xiaolu was surprised and stopped touching Mantis Shrimp.
Mantis Shrimp moved its butt and then said in a childish voice, "Of course. The world is very big, and so is the universe. There must be more than one Guardian Beast protecting the world. If there's only me, I'll be exhausted."
With that, Mantis Shrimp nudged Su Xiaolu's palm with its head. "Xiaolu, you have to cultivate well. When I grow up in the future, I can bring you to see such a vast world. Don't you want to go back to the past? Then you have to work hard."
It was a good thing to be broad-minded. It was one step closer to its goal.
Su Xiaolu pondered and touched Mantis Shrimp. She smiled and nodded. "Okay, I'll work hard."
After interacting with Mantis Shrimp in the Space for a while, Su Xiaolu left the Space to sleep. She now took the time to enter the Space every day to see Mantis Shrimp and interact with it.
In her heart, Mantis Shrimp was her partner.
The next morning, after dinner, Su Xiaolu told her family and went out.
Old Wu instructed her, "Come back early for dinner."
Su Xiaolu nodded.
When she arrived at the Wisdom King's Residence, Jin Wu was guarding the door. When he saw Su Xiaolu, Jin Wu greeted her respectfully, "Miss Su, you're here. Miss Su, please come in."
Su Xiaolu was about to go in when a delicate shout sounded from behind.
"Wait!"
It was a woman. Her tone was a little special. Her long, flaxen hair had already revealed her identity. It was Princess Sindili.
Behind her was a maidservant. The maidservant had an ordinary face and her eyes followed Sindili.
As Su Xiaolu examined Sindili, Sindili was also sizing Su Xiaolu up. Sindili walked up to her and asked indignantly, "Why can she go in but I can't? Which family's young lady is she from? I want to compete with her!"
Sindili sized up Su Xiaolu and treated her as a competitor. She held her head high and puffed out her chest. She was full of momentum and shouted that she wanted to compete with Su Xiaolu.
Su Xiaolu explained politely, "I'm just a doctor. I'm here to treat the Wisdom King."
"Treat him? Can his illness be cured?"
Sindili frowned. She had chosen Zhou Zhi because his identity was suitable and he looked sickly. If his illness could be cured, wouldn't her plans be in vain?
If Zhou Zhi wanted her to sleep with him and give birth to children for him... Sindili frowned when she thought of this. A trace of sadness flashed across her eyes, and she looked at Su Xiaolu expectantly, waiting for her answer.
"It can be cured."
Su Xiaolu's short answer shattered Sindili's fantasy. She subconsciously blurted out, "Impossible."
She had asked around about Zhou Zhi. His legs were disabled, he was seriously ill, and his entire body was full of poison. It was rumored that he would not live past 25 years old.
"Nothing's impossible."
Su Xiaolu retorted calmly. She had worked so hard to save Zhou Zhi's life because she hoped that he could live a long life. She was about to do it, and she could do it too.
"Can he really be cured?"
Sindili refused to believe it and asked again. Before Su Xiaolu could answer, she said to herself, "You must be afraid that he will punish you, right? That's why you said that."
"Princess."
Jiang Wei reminded her when Sindili lost her composure.
Sindili also realized that she had lost her composure, but she still looked at Su Xiaolu expectantly.
"No, I can really cure him. Besides, in this world, only I can cure him."
Su Xiaolu told Sindili firmly. She was not lying.
"Who-who are you?"
Sindili took a few deep breaths before calming down. She looked at Su Xiaolu and asked for her identity.
"I'm Su Xiaolu, from the Minggu Medical Sect."
Su Xiaolu cupped her hands at Sindili politely. She had not forgotten that Sindili was the candidate Zhou Zhi had chosen to help Zhou Heng out. In the future, she would have to share her sister's burden, so Sindili should be her friend.
"It's the divine doctor."
Sindili was very disappointed. She did not expect Su Xiaolu to be a divine doctor.
"Your Highness, let's go back first."
Jiang Wei held Sindili and said softly to her.
Sindili looked at Su Xiaolu again and finally followed Jiang Wei back to the neighboring residence.
Only then did Su Xiaolu prepare to enter the Wisdom King's Residence. Seeing that Sindili had left, Jin Wu said to Su Xiaolu, "I don't know what's wrong with this princess. She pestered our master, but our master didn't see her a single time."
"Fourth Brother hasn't seen her even once. Isn't that bad?"
Wasn't this princess arranged by the emperor?
Jin Wu smiled and shook his head. "There's nothing wrong with it. Master arranged for someone to take care of her. Anyway, it's fine as long as we don't neglect her."
This was a mission, so it was naturally impossible for him to ignore it. Zhou Zhi only used the excuse that his body was inconvenient and asked his subordinates to accompany her.
The diplomatic mission had nothing to say. After all, everyone knew that the Wisdom King was not in good health.
Jin Wu brought Su Xiaolu to the main courtyard and left.
Zhou Zhi sat in the pavilion and boiled hot tea on the small stove. He warmed his hands on the stove and glanced at Su Xiaolu with a smile. "Xiaolu, come and have a cup of hot tea."
Zhou Zhi was wearing white clothes and a white fox fur coat. He looked lazy and comfortable.
Su Xiaolu sat down and watched Zhou Zhi pour tea for her.
Neither of them spoke for a moment. They just held their teacups and drank slowly.
"The Li Dynasty is brave and good at fighting. Recently, it has been a troubled period. As it's a neighboring country, the envoys of both countries do not want to fight. They both want to wait until they find out the new order before making plans. I found out that she likes the same sex, so I thought of a way to get her to come over."
Zhou Zhi said calmly. After saying that, he smiled self-deprecatingly and added, "But I didn't expect her to do the opposite."
Su Xiaolu listened. She thought for a moment and said, "What if she doesn't want to enter the palace?"
Entering the palace meant that she would have no freedom and had to abide by many rules.
"Xiaolu."
Zhou Zhi called Su Xiaolu. He looked into Su Xiaolu's eyes and said, "Xiaolu, I did not think of that."
Zhou Zhi took a sip of tea and took a deep breath. "In that case, I have to change my plan."
Su Xiaolu was interested. She asked curiously, "Fourth Brother, what are you going to do?"
Zhou Zhi smiled. "Let's get straight to the point. Benefits are equal. Let's come to a compromise."
Since they were using each other, they would each take what they needed.
Su Xiaolu nodded. This was a good idea. After all, Princess Sindili's visit was only for two months. It was not good for things to get too complicated.
"This matter will be resolved in a while. Although it's fake, it's still a marriage in name. Your sister still has to understand this. When you're free, you can visit the palace to see her more. She doesn't have anyone in the palace who knows her well," Zhou Zhi looked at Su Xiaolu and said gently.
Zhou Heng wanted to be the emperor, but he also wanted to be with Su Xiaoling for the rest of his life. The path they took was naturally bumpy. Sometimes, even if they understood and trusted each other, they would still feel uncomfortable. Su Xiaoling came into the palace for Zhou Heng. He was afraid that she would fall into a bad state and cause Su Xiaolu to be heartbroken.
716 Bewitching
"Yes, I will. Thank you for telling me, Fourth Brother."
Su Xiaolu nodded. Zhou Zhi knew best since he grew up in such a place.
Su Xiaolu believed him. Thinking of her sister, Su Xiaolu was also worried. All she could do was try her best to accompany her and comfort Su Xiaoling. However, the actual path was still for Su Xiaoling to walk on her own. There were still many tests that belonged to her and Zhou Heng.
From the moment she chose this path, no one could accompany her forever.
Family. When she turned back, home was still there.
They were siblings. Blood was thicker than water. When they grew up, they would also be each other's support. However, they would not be the only ones in one another's lives.
"Fourth Brother, are you cold? If you are, let's go back to your room for acupuncture."
After drinking the tea, Su Xiaolu prepared to give Zhou Zhi acupuncture.
Zhou Zhi smiled and shook his head. He said, "No, I want to see the snow here."
After putting down the chair, he could lean against it lazily.
Su Xiaolu was very focused when she performed acupuncture. Zhou Zhi either looked at her or looked at the needles.
When some needles were on his face, Su Xiaolu would move closer. Her breath was right in front of him. At such a close distance, he saw her fair face. Even the layer of hair looked especially cute.
"Xiaolu, can you eat lunch with me?"
Zhou Zhi spoke softly. After Su Xiaolu performed the acupuncture on him, he felt a little sleepy. The corners of his slightly drooping eyes made him look even more lazy.
Su Xiaolu nodded. "Okay, go to sleep first."
"Okay, if you're bored, go to the study and choose a book to read."
Zhou Zhi smiled slightly and closed his eyes to sleep after saying this softly.
Su Xiaolu covered him with a blanket and got up to look for a book in the study.
Zhou Zhi liked to collect books. Su Xiaolu recalled that when she detoxified him last year, she had seen a book about an Immortal Supremacy. She looked for it and found it. She took out two books and read them.
There was hot tea on the small stove. She sipped her tea and read it, occasionally breaking into laughter.
The jealous Immortal Supremacy was a little cute.
He had the appearance of an immortal and was dressed in all white.
Su Xiaolu's gaze landed on Zhou Zhi. This suited Zhou Zhi very well. She couldn't help but think that if Zhou Heng had never pushed his bones, he should look similar to this. Although he was also good-looking now, compared to Zhou Zhi's appearance, Zhou Heng's appearance looked ordinary.
It was very quiet, with the occasional sound of snow falling.
Su Xiaolu put away the needles when it was time.
At noon, Su Xiaolu and Zhou Zhi ate a pot in the pavilion. Su Xiaolu liked the feeling of cooking while eating. It was very warm. Her stomach was warm, and so was her heart.
She watched Zhou Zhi eat a lot and inexplicably felt a sense of accomplishment.
After dinner, Su Xiaolu stood up to say goodbye and went home. Zhou Zhi smiled and made a small flower for Su Xiaolu. It was red and had a faint fragrance. It was like a rose but it was not a rose.
"Thank you, Fourth Brother."
Su Xiaolu took the flower and walked home.
The snow-covered capital had a different kind of cold beauty. The red flower in her hand was also a beautiful scenery in the eyes of the hurried pedestrians.
When she was about to reach home, Su Xiaolu put the flowers into the Space.
When she returned home and saw that Old Wu was still practicing his sword, Su Xiaolu went over to practice with him.
She went to the Wisdom King's Residence in the morning and gave Zhou Zhi acupuncture, and stayed for lunch. In the afternoon, she went home to practice her swordsmanship.
For the next few days, she did not meet Princess Sindili at the Wisdom King's Residence.
In the blink of an eye, it was late December.
One day, there was a knock on the door of the Su family's house. Madam Zhao opened the door with the child in her arms. When she opened the door and an unfamiliar face, she became vigilant. "Who are you looking for?"
Sindili imitated the etiquette of the Great Zhou Dynasty. After bowing slightly to Madam Zhao, she said, "Madam Su, my name is Sindili. I want to see your youngest daughter, Su Xiaolu. Can you help me tell her?"
Sindili was very polite. Seeing that she was polite and did not have any ill intentions, Madam Zhao said calmly, "Then please wait a moment."
Perhaps her daughter knew her, Madam Zhao thought.
She came to the backyard and saw Su Xiaolu teaching Chen Shi. She stood at the side and looked.
Su Xiaolu saw Madam Zhao and said to Chen Shi, "Shi, practice by yourself."
With that, Su Xiaolu walked towards Madam Zhao and said, "Mother, why are you here?"
Usually, Madam Zhao would not come over when they were practicing their swordsmanship with Little Shiyu. If she came over at this time, something must be up.
Madam Zhao smiled and nodded. "Xiaolu, a woman is looking for you outside. She said her name is Sindili."
Madam Zhao did not know that Princess Sindili was from a foreign dynasty.
Su Xiaolu was surprised. She did not know why Sindili was looking for her. After thinking for a moment, she smiled at Madam Zhao and said, "I know her. I'll go out and take a look."
"Yes, go ahead."
Madam Zhao nodded. She was relieved to see that there was nothing wrong with Su Xiaolu's expression.
Su Xiaolu went out. Sindili was waiting outside with her maidservant, Jiang Wei. When she saw Su Xiaolu come out, worry flashed across her beautiful eyes. She asked pleadingly, "Miss Su, can we talk? It's about your sister."
Su Xiaolu did not know why Sindili was looking for her, but after hearing the last sentence, Su Xiaolu understood.
Thinking of what Zhou Zhi had said a while ago, Su Xiaolu guessed that Zhou Zhi should have gone straight to the point and talked to Sindili.
Su Xiaolu nodded. "Sure. There's a teahouse not far from the outer street. Let's talk there."
Sindili nodded.
Su Xiaolu glanced at Jiang Wei. Their gazes only met for a few seconds before Jiang Wei avoided her.
Jiang Wei knew martial arts, and she was not weak.
However, Sindili was an ordinary person. Sindili was not a martial artist.
One was a princess, and the other was a maid, but they were in love.
Su Xiaolu could not imagine how this happened, but be it in ancient times or in the future, love between people of the same sex was obscure. It was difficult for the world to tolerate them.
At this time, women often had a harder time than men.
When they arrived at the teahouse, Su Xiaolu booked a private room. After sitting down, Su Xiaolu spoke first. "What does the princess want to say to me about my sister? Please say it."
Sindili fidgeted as she placed them on the table. She looked at Su Xiaolu with her deep beautiful eyes and seemed to be conflicted and struggling. After a while, she made up her mind and said, "Miss Su, your brother-in-law is the current Crown Prince. He grew up with your sister. Can you tell me how they got along when they were young?"
"I want to hear how they fell in love and got together. Is that okay?"
Sindili looked into Su Xiaolu's eyes and said her request.
Sindili's eyes were especially beautiful. They were a rare lake blue, deep and charming. It was not an exaggeration to say that she had the most beautiful eyes in the world.
Su Xiaolu felt an indescribable attraction. She wanted to take a few more glances at her eyes. It was as if she had fallen into them, making it impossible for her to refuse. She only wanted to agree.
At this moment, a cute voice jumped out of her sea of consciousness. "Xiaolu, Xiaolu, don't be bewitched by her. Wake up."
717 Bewitching 2
Mantis Shrimp's call woke Su Xiaolu up.
She did not move and did not know martial arts. The seemingly ordinary Princess Sindili's eyes could actually bewitch people.
What she wanted to know was not anything important. There was no need to do this at all. She would tell her anyway.
Su Xiaolu could understand why Sindili bewitched her. After all, people could lie. She could only trust herself. Moreover, the capital was unfamiliar to Sindili. She did not have a deep relationship with Su Xiaolu and did not trust her.
"Xiaolu, she's bewitching you. Wake up. Don't look at her eyes."
Mantis Shrimp sounded anxious.
Su Xiaolu replied in her heart, "I know. Don't worry. I know what I'm doing."
"Oh! Then be careful."
After Su Xiaolu responded, Mantis Shrimp was no longer worried.
Su Xiaolu kept looking into Sindili's eyes. She did not speak or look away.
Sindili pursed her lips and asked gently again, "Xiaolu, can you tell me?"
Only then did Su Xiaolu slowly say, "Sure. My sister and my brother-in-law grew up together. They liked each other a long time ago..."
Su Xiaolu slowly told Sindili everything she remembered.
She did not know when Su Xiaoling and Zhou Heng fell in love. Perhaps it was when he occasionally picked up drumsticks for her, or when they secretly made little snowmen when the snow fell, or perhaps it was the accumulation of affection over the years that turned into love.
She didn't know when they realized that it was love, so those countless warm things were all love.
"They really love each other."
Sindili did not know that Su Xiaolu had been awake. She thought that her bewitchment had taken effect. Hearing Su Xiaolu's story, Sindili also looked envious. After she sighed, she could not help but reach out to hold Su Xiaolu's hand and say, "Xiaolu, I'm very easy to get along with. Can you say more good things about me to your sister? I won't snatch her husband away. I just want to live my life quietly. In ten years, just let me escape at the right time."
Sindili also revealed her intentions to Su Xiaolu.
She hoped that Su Xiaolu could help her pull strings so that she could become friends with Su Xiaoling as she wished.
This way, she and Su Xiaoling would help each other in the future. She could also live a quiet and stable life. When the right time came, she would leave under the guise of illness and leave the palace. She would break free from the shackles of her identity and go far away with the person she loved.
This was her dream.
"Please, Xiaolu?"
Sindili begged gently.
She looked harmless, but Su Xiaolu felt it. As long as she looked into Sindili's eyes, there was a force guiding her. It made her feel that no matter what request Sindili made, she should agree.
Su Xiaolu nodded. "Okay, I'll talk to Sister."
Su Xiaolu agreed. At the moment, someone had to share the pressure on her sister, and Sindili was a good choice.
However, Su Xiaolu would also tell Su Xiaoling about Sindili's abilities.
After all, the human heart was unpredictable. She had to be vigilant.
"Thank you. I'm sure we can be very good friends."
Sindili smiled. When she smiled, she was really beautiful. Su Xiaolu looked at her smile as if she had seen spring bloom, making her feel very good.
"Xiaolu, we're friends now, right? If anything happens in the future, I'll look for you again. When the time comes, you have to help me, okay?"
Sindili had achieved her goal. She smiled sweetly and made plans for the future.
Su Xiaolu also smiled and nodded. "Okay."
"Thank you. I'll see you then."
Sindili smiled gently. She had achieved her goal and said goodbye to Su Xiaolu.
Su Xiaolu nodded. She acted as if she was bewitched. She should be going home now.
Su Xiaolu and Sindili separated and went home.
Su Xiaolu did not know that after Sindili watched her leave, her body swayed. Jiang Wei, who was beside her, quickly supported her. Jiang Wei's eyes were filled with worry. "Princess."
Sindili smiled and shook her head. "I'm fine. I'm just a little tired. She's very powerful, so I spent a little more energy."
"Princess, we don't have to take this path."
Jiang Wei's gaze darkened. It was very difficult for them in the Li Dynasty, but it was the same in other countries. After all, the Li Dynasty was still their country.
If Sindili was unwilling to marry, they could get another princess.
Sindili had a heaven-sent ability. It was not difficult for her not to take the path of marriage.
However, Sindili shook her head and said, "But I'm a princess. My status is extraordinary. Even if I don't do this, I have to get married, and I don't want to give myself to any of them. I'm yours. The Crown Prince of the Great Zhou Dynasty is a devoted person. He's unwilling to marry anyone else, and I'm unwilling to get married either. Our alliance would be the best. I will prevent the person he loves from rumors, and he will promise to give us a quiet and stable life. In ten years, we'll be free."
Sindili knew that Jiang Wei's heart ached for her, but how could she bear to make her sad?
Even if it was difficult, they had to work hard to be together.
"I don't deserve this."
Jiang Wei swallowed. How could she deserve this?
"Jiang Wei deserves this. Jiang Wei is the best."
Sindili looked at Jiang Wei with love in her eyes.
"Jiang Wei will protect the princess to the death."
Jiang Wei lowered her head. She only had her body to serve the princess for the rest of her life.
"Let's go back first. It's almost the new year. This year, we'll set up the new year ourselves and have New Year's Eve dinner together."
Sindili smiled at Jiang Wei. In the Li Dynasty, they were not so unrestrained. In the short two months in the Great Zhou Dynasty, she was the happiest and most relaxed. She was going back after the new year. She cherished every day here.
Sindili held Jiang Wei's hand. Jiang Wei did not struggle.
The two of them returned together.
Su Xiaolu returned home and entered the palace after telling Madam Zhao. She wanted to talk to Su Xiaoling. Su Xiaoling should know about Sindili.
This was an act of last resort.
When Su Xiaolu arrived at the inner hall, Su Xiaoling was playing with the two babies. She did not look sad.
Seeing Su Xiaolu come, the two sisters looked at each other. Su Xiaoling smiled slightly with deep helplessness. Su Xiaoling asked Dou Fu and Hui Xiang to carry the children away. The inner hall was quiet. Only she and Su Xiaolu were there.
Su Xiaoling spoke first. "Xiaolu, you know, right?"
Su Xiaolu nodded. "Yes."
Su Xiaoling lowered her eyes and smiled. "Brother Heng has already done a lot for me. He's done his best. I feel a little uncomfortable, but I'll adjust myself. Xiaolu, don't worry about me. I trust Brother Heng, so don't worry."
Princess Sindili would not share her lover with her. She was content, but it was normal for her to feel uncomfortable. Only then did she understand that in a person's heart, there was no room for even a speck of sand. Not to mention being tainted by others, she could not even take a second look.
718 Don't Look at Her Eyes
"Brother Heng also told me about Princess Sindili."
Su Xiaoling smiled at Su Xiaolu. This was the path she had to take. She hoped that her family would not worry about her.
"Sis, he has no choice."
Su Xiaolu leaned against Su Xiaoling, as intimate as before Su Xiaoling was married.
"What I want to tell you is to be careful about Princess Sindili. Don't keep staring into her eyes. Her eyes have the ability to bewitch people. She can easily order people around."
Su Xiaolu told Su Xiaoling about Sindili's ability and told her to be vigilant when dealing with Sindili in the future. She would not harm others, but she had to be wary of others.
"Bewitching?"
Su Xiaoling was surprised. Such an ability shocked her.
Su Xiaolu nodded. "Yes, you can say that it's a kind of mental manipulation. If you're not cautious, you'll fall into her trap easily."
"Okay, I understand. I'll be careful."
Su Xiaoling smiled at Su Xiaolu and gave her a reassuring look.
Su Xiaoling looked at Su Xiaolu with concern in her eyes. "Xiaolu, did that princess..." use her superpower on you?"
Su Xiaolu smiled, revealing her white teeth. "Yes, this should be her trump card. She won't let anyone know easily. When you meet her, just be more careful."
Bewitching people was an ability, but it was not omnipotent. As long as one was focused and determined, they would not be easily bewitched.
Using one's thoughts to control people consumed a huge amount of mental energy. Everyone had a wall in their hearts, and no one was unguarded. Therefore, breaking through a person's wall required a lot of mental energy. Then, one had to control it. There could not be any accidents.
Sindili needed one to look into her eyes and repeatedly use words to bewitch them. It was enough to prove that her ability was not very strong.
"Okay, I'll be more careful."
Su Xiaoling nodded in agreement.
That afternoon, Su Xiaolu accompanied Su Xiaoling in the palace. At night, Zhou Heng returned to the hall.
The three of them had dinner together. After dinner, Su Xiaolu left the palace and went home.
Su Xiaoling sent her to the entrance of the hall and stood side by side with Zhou Heng. When she could no longer see Su Xiaolu, she turned around and returned to the inner hall with Zhou Heng.
"Xiaoling, it's been hard on you."
Zhou Heng felt a lot of helplessness in his heart. These things that he could not control would have added pressure to Su Xiaoling in another form. He felt very guilty.
Su Xiaoling smiled faintly and shook her head. "I'm not tired."
Brother Heng's heart ached for her, and so did hers.
It was also very difficult for Brother Heng to shoulder the entire Great Zhou Dynasty.
If they were all ordinary people, she believed that they would definitely be very harmonious and happy. But now, they had to face too much. Su Xiaoling did not dare to guess what would happen in the future.
There were too many variables. It was just that now, they were working hard to support each other.
After returning to the inner hall, Zhou Heng went to see the two little girls.
He doted on the children. Even though the two children were only a few months old, they recognized him and knew that he was their father. They smiled when they saw him and wanted a hug.
He had two daughters. The elder sister, Zhou Wei, was more reserved, and the younger sister, Zhou Xuan, was lively. When she saw him, she made a sound and even reached out her hand, looking like she wanted a hug.
Zhou Heng picked up Zhou Xuan. After that, he put her down and went to carry his eldest daughter again.
Su Xiaoling watched gently from the side, gradually feeling at ease.
--
Su Xiaolu left the palace and went home. She did not disturb her family and returned to her room.
She lay down and sank her consciousness into the Space and played with Mantis Shrimp for a while before going to bed.
On the 25th of December, Chu Jin got married.
Su Xiaolu went to the wedding banquet. Chu Jin had many friends and toasted very well. He did not have any brothers and the Chu family did not have any relatives here. The matter of blocking the wine was all thanks to Su Chong, Su Hua, Qi Xingfeng, and Qi Xingzhi. The wedding banquet was very lively. Su Xiaolu went home after the banquet.
Another three days passed. On December 28th, less than ten days after she saw Princess Sindili, Su Xiaolu obtained confirmation from Zhou Zhi.
Princess Sindili chose to become Crown Prince Zhou Heng's secondary consort.
After returning to the Li Dynasty after the new year, she would officially come back to the palace in June.
After the matter was settled, it would not change. Unless Princess Sindili died in an accident, the wedding date would not change.
When Su Xiaolu returned home from the Wisdom King's Residence, Madam Zhao was a little unhappy.
At night, there was a knock on Su Xiaolu's door. She opened the door. Madam Zhao smiled and said, "Xiaolu, can mother come in?"
Su Xiaolu nodded and moved aside.
Madam Zhao entered the house and hesitated about how to speak. After a while, she sighed and said sadly, "Xiaolu, if this princess wants to enter the palace, what will happen to your sister? Can she take it?"
How sad would it be to share a husband with someone else?
As a woman, no one was willing to share their husband with others. Those who could do it had swallowed countless grievances and endured the pain in their hearts.
Su Xiaolu saw that Madam Zhao was sad. She held Madam Zhao's hand and sat down. She said to Madam Zhao, "Mother, it's not like that. Listen to me."
The fewer people who knew about this, the better.
She should not be telling Madam Zhao, but Su Xiaolu could not bear to see her worry. After thinking about it again and again, Su Xiaolu told Madam Zhao.
Madam Zhao listened quietly. She swallowed and revealed a bitter expression.
After hearing Su Xiaolu explain the process, Madam Zhao said, "They've suffered too much. Sigh..."
Madam Zhao could not tell what she was feeling. She was happy and worried. She was very gratified that Zhou Heng was loving, but this tested their relationship too much.
Although they were putting on an act for outsiders to see, she might take it seriously sometimes and become paranoid.
"Mother, don't worry. Sister knows what she's doing."
Su Xiaolu comforted Madam Zhao.
Madam Zhao nodded and smiled. "Your brother-in-law is thoughtful. In that case, Mother will be at ease."
At least for now, Zhou Heng was thoughtful. If anything really happened in the future, Su Xiaoling would have grown many years older. Her mind would also change.
If only she had chosen an ordinary family for Su Xiaoling sooner back then.
"Mother, let's keep this to ourselves. This is best for Sister. Even Auntie should not know about it."
Su Xiaolu instructed Madam Zhao. The Su and Chen families had a good relationship and did not hide anything from each other. However, this matter was not like other things. Su Xiaolu believed that Madam Zhao understood the severity of the matter.
Madam Zhao nodded. "I know."
"I'll go back to my room. You should rest early."
Madam Zhao stood up and left.
Madam Zhao returned to her room. Su Sanlang was waiting for her. Seeing that Madam Zhao's expression had softened after returning, Su Sanlang was relieved. He patted the bed and said gently, "Darling, come and sleep. I've warmed the bed up."
719 The Fifteenth Year
With that, Su Sanlang slept outside and left the warm inner side to Madam Zhao. He did not ask further. He was just using his actions to tell Madam Zhao that he will always be by her side.
Madam Zhao's heart warmed. She took off her coat and went to bed.
In the blink of an eye, it was New Year's Eve. The family had also received many New Year's gifts.
Su Chong and Su Hua's friends in the imperial court had all sent over gifts.
Sun Baoqian took care of the logistical matters at home. All the New Year's gifts were recorded and she returned gifts. She was the one who handled them.
On this point, Lin Yaoyao was very grateful to Sun Baoqian. She didn't know how to do this, so she poured tea for Sun Baoqian so that she could drink a cup of hot tea.
"Sister-in-law, it's been hard on you."
Lin Yaoyao said softly.
Sun Baoqian smiled and shook her head. She said jokingly, "I know a lot about family matters. It's a little hard on me, but I'll have to trouble Sister-in-law to teach my children in the future."
Sun Baoqian did not have a child yet. At the mention of children, she could not help but blush.
She had not given birth for two years and her mother, Madam Lian, had urged her to have children many times. She had no choice but to tell Madam Lian about Su Hua's plan. Madam Lian was shocked and surprised. After understanding it, Madam Lian sighed and stopped rushing her.
When Sun Baoqian returned, Madam Lian asked more about their relationship.
So now, when she talked about children, she couldn't help but feel shy.
Lin Yaoyao smiled and nodded. "Alright, leave it to me in the future."
The sisters-in-law looked at each other and smiled. They got along well and were both very gratified.
Sun Baoqian thought about how Madam Lian often sighed and said that she was lucky. Sun Baoqian laughed. Wasn't she lucky?
The sisters-in-law chatted for a while before Lin Yaoyao left. Sun Baoqian continued to deal with the records.
She had full control over this family. Her mother-in-law respected her, and so did her sisters-in-law. She had also carefully arranged the lives of everyone in the family and was grateful to each other. It was really good.
Su Hua did not take concubines, which made her even more enviable among the officials' wives.
After the New Year's Eve ceremony was arranged, the New Year's Eve dinner was almost ready.
Every year, during New Year's Eve, the family would gather together and liven up.
As usual, they paid New Year's greetings and received red packets.
Su Xiaolu had also prepared red packets this year. She wanted to send red packets to her nephew, Su Shiyu.
Sun Baoqian looked at the chubby child with envy.
When Su Xiaolu saw this, she smiled and did not say anything. Actually, when she came back this year, Su Hua had already asked her to remove his acupoints.
If everything went smoothly, Sun Baoqian would be a mother next year. However, looking at Second Sister-in-law, she should not know it yet.
After the New Year's Eve dinner, Su Xiaolu followed Chen Shi and Chen Xing out to shop.
The capital on New Year's Eve was extremely lively. It would be lively all night.
There was delicious food, fun things, fireworks, and so on.
Su Xiaolu went crazy with the two children because she was still young.
Chen Xing wanted to eat candied hawthorns. The three of them got one each and bought rabbit lanterns to place by the moat.
There were many people setting up the lanterns. Chen Xing smiled cleverly and said, "Sister Xiaolu, I know a place with very few people. It can allow our lanterns to drift very, very far away."
"It's just relatively remote."
Chen Xing was a little hesitant, but he looked at Su Xiaolu hopefully. His sparkling eyes were clearly saying, "Let's go, go."
Su Xiaolu pinched Chen Xing's cheek. "Let's go. We're not afraid of being remote."
They were all people with martial arts skills. They were not afraid no matter how remote it was.
Chen Xing's eyes were filled with happiness as he jumped to lead the way.
It was on the other side of the moat. There were people here, too, but very few indeed.
The three of them arrived above the moat and circled down the other side of the path. It was quiet here. No one came here to set off lanterns. Only occasionally, people would pass by in a hurry on the bridge.
"From here, there will be thousands of rivers and streams of the Great Zhou Dynasty."
Chen Xing was very proud. He was the one who discovered this small secret passage. He didn't even tell his brother.
Su Xiaolu stroked Chen Xing's hair. "Thank you, Little Xing."
"Sister Xiaolu, let's quickly release the lanterns. If we go out from here, our lanterns won't be salvaged by others. Only then will our wishes be fulfilled."
Chen Xing revealed his white teeth and smiled.
The three of them lit the small candles in the lanterns and gently put them down. The lanterns carried a little candlelight in them and quickly flowed into the distance.
The three small lanterns went far away.
The three of them decided to return.
There were footsteps on the bridge. Su Xiaolu thought that there were people passing by, but in the next moment, the footsteps stopped and a voice came.
"Young Master Sun, why did you ask me to meet you? What do you mean?"
The woman's questioning tone seemed to be filled with resentment. She sounded like she was crying, but she also sounded aggrieved.
Su Xiaolu reached out her finger and pulled Chen Xing and Chen Shi to make a shushing gesture.
The three of them stopped in tacit understanding and stood quietly in the shadows under the bridge.
She hadn't meant to eavesdrop, but she'd accidentally bumped into them. Now that she was going up, it would be awkward with so many people up there, so the best thing was to wait for them to finish talking and leave.
Not long after the woman spoke, a man's voice sounded.
"Ah Li, I, I heard that a man has recently come to your house. Your parents intend to matchmake you. Is that true?"
The man's voice was gentle as he asked softly, anxious.
In the darkness, Su Xiaolu was as surprised as Chen Shi and Chen Xing.
They were all familiar with this voice. It was Sun Baoqian's younger brother, Sun Baoshan. Chen Shi and Sun Baoshan were in the same school. He could tell immediately.
Now, it was even more impossible to go up.
After Sun Baoshan finished asking, the woman fell silent.
After a while, the woman spoke again. "It's true."
After hearing the answer, Sun Baoshan panicked. He said anxiously, "Ah Li, can you wait for me a little longer? Don't agree, okay?"
"Young Master Sun, how long will I have to wait? I'm turning 17 after the new year. How long will I have to wait? Father and Mother have already been mocked because of me. You and I haven't got together yet. If there are any changes in the future, what should I do?"
In front of Sun Baoshan, a beautiful woman looked at him in a daze and asked.
Faced with her question, Sun Baoshan pursed his lips. He swallowed and said, "Ah Li, I'll participate in the imperial examination this year. I want to give you something better. I don't have anything now. I don't want to make you suffer."
He was 19 years old this year. He had studied for so many years, and it was time for him to work hard. Facing the woman he liked, he did not want to aggrieve her. He had nothing now, and she would suffer to be with him.
"Young Master Sun, if you like me, come to my house to propose marriage within three months after the new year. If you don't come during this period of time, I won't wait for you. I like you, but I can't make a stupid bet. I hope you like me because I'm Chu Li. I like you only because you're Sun Baoshan, not because of what kind of family background you have or what kind of family background I have. We both have a good family background. This is a good thing, but if we want to be together, we need the sincere feelings of walking towards each other. Do you understand?"
Chu Li looked at Sun Baoshan and said seriously.
720 Feelings
She believed that if Sun Baoshan really liked her, he would come and propose marriage. If he didn't, she would have misjudged him. A sincere love was never true just because he said it was. He needed to prove it. If he couldn't prove it now, how could he endure the test of the countless years in the future?
Although Chu Li lived in the back residence, she was not a woman who would lose her judgment just by listening to others.
Her fate with Sun Baoshan came from a coincidence a few years ago. Sun Baoshan found her and sincerely apologized to her before the two of them met. In the past few years, they had exchanged letters and gradually got to know each other.
She liked Sun Baoshan and was willing to marry him. However, if Sun Baoshan was unwilling to propose marriage, she would never say it.
As a woman, she adhered to her duty and stopped being polite. She was brave, but that first step had to be taken by Sun Baoshan because she had her parents, brothers, and sister-in-law behind her. She could not do anything that would damage her family's reputation.
"Young Master Sun, it's getting late. I'm leaving first."
Chu Li glanced at Sun Baoshan and bowed politely before turning to leave.
She knew that Sun Baoshan was watching her.
Chu Li did not turn around until she completely disappeared from Sun Baoshan's sight.
Sun Baoshan stopped on the spot for a while. He chased after Chu Li and escorted her out from afar. He only relaxed when he saw Chu Li and the maidservant leave safely.
After Sun Baoshan left for a while, Su Xiaolu, Chen Shi, and Chen Xing came out. The three of them tacitly did not discuss this matter and went home together.
Thinking of Sun Baoshan, he was going to be 19 years old after the new year. It was time for him to get married.
Su Xiaolu did not pay much attention to this matter.
After New Year's day, the new year began.
On the first day of the new year, the two sisters-in-law were going home to visit their families. Eldest Brother and Second Brother accompanied them.
Su Shiyu was also brought along.
After discussing with Chen Hu, Su Sanlang decided to gather for dinner.
Su Xiaolu accompanied Chen Shi to practice his swordsmanship. She seemed to see her past self, who had once practiced martial arts, in Chen Shi. She would not stop until she was exhausted. She had taught Chen Shi. She was his sister and Master.
Madam Qian and Madam Zhao were chatting casually. Daniu and Erniu were pregnant. Now that Chen Daniu and Chen Erniu were gathered in Furongzhou, Madam Qian had the intention to go to Furongzhou and accompany her two daughters to give birth before coming back.
They had already done their best with the imperial dishes. They had participated in the palace banquet this year. The final outcome was already set.
They could also relax a little. Madam Qian wanted to go to Furongzhou to accompany her two daughters.
Of course, Madam Zhao supported her. She told Madam Qian not to worry and to leave Chen Shi and Chen Xing to her.
The two of them chatted and laughed. Su Xiaolu felt that they were especially gentle. Madam Qian and Madam Zhao had similar personalities. More importantly, they understood each other's emotions.
Gui You and Old Wu were drinking and playing chess in the house. Occasionally, they could hear Old Wu shouting that he wanted to repent.
Su Xiaolu felt at peace. She realized that this was the meaning of the word 'home'.
In the afternoon, there was a knock on the door.
Su Xiaolu flew over to open the door. After the door opened, Su Xiaoling and Zhou Heng smiled at her with their children in their arms.
Su Xiaolu was overjoyed. "Sis is back."
Su Xiaolu turned to Madam Zhao and shouted, "Mother, Sister and Brother-in-law are back. There's also Xiaowei and Xiaoxuan."
Su Xiaoling and Zhou Heng came back to visit their relatives, making their 'home' very perfect.
Hearing Su Xiaolu's shout, Madam Zhao and Madam Qian came out together. Su Sanlang and Chen Hu also came later.
Madam Zhao looked at Su Xiaoling's family of four and instantly teared up. She smiled with tears in her eyes. "Quick, come in."
"Sanmei-Heng."
Su Xiaoling and Zhou Heng brought the children back. This was too surprising for Madam Zhao. This was the first time Su Xiaoling had come to visit her family after she got married, just like ordinary people.
Madam Zhao had not seen Zhou Wei and Zhou Xuan since they were born. A few months had passed. The red and ugly children back then had already grown up to be lively. Their skin was fair and tender, and their big clear eyes looked at people as if they could speak.
Zhou Heng greeted them respectfully. "Mother-in-law, Father-in-law, it's my fault for not bringing Xiaoling back to visit you often."
Su Sanlang sighed, but shook his head and said nothing.
Madam Zhao wiped her tears and said, "Come in and sit. Let me take a good look at you."
They couldn't blame Zhou Heng, but as parents, they missed Su Xiaoling, so they couldn't lie to themselves about the blame in their hearts.
They knew etiquette, but they couldn't control the deep longing in their hearts.
"Xiaowei, Xiaoxuan, do you remember Auntie?"
Su Xiaoling leaned in front of the two little girls. In the unfamiliar environment, Zhou Wei was especially quiet, but Zhou Xuan looked around, curious about new people and things.
Zhou Xuan was not afraid of strangers. After a while, she reached out for a hug.
Su Xiaolu hugged her.
Madam Zhao carried Zhou Wei over and coaxed her softly. Zhou Wei clenched her fists and pursed her lips. She did not cry, but she did not relax either.
With the arrival of Su Xiaoling and Zhou Heng's family, it became lively. They talked about the past and many things. Even if they had to talk about it every year, they would never get tired of it.
Su Xiaolu was especially happy. She prayed in her heart that they could meet like this every year.
Dinner was early. No matter how reluctant they were, Su Xiaoling and Zhou Heng had to return to the palace.
Su Xiaolu sent them off.
The carriage was by the street. Seeing them get into the carriage, Su Xiaoling lifted the curtain and said gently to Su Xiaolu, "Xiaolu, go back."
Su Xiaolu nodded. She watched the carriage leave before returning home.
When it was dark, Su Chong and Lin Yaoyao returned with the children. Su Hua and Sun Baoqian had yet to return. Not long after Su Chong and the others returned, a manservant from the Sun residence came to pass a message that Su Hua and Sun Baoqian were going to stay at the Sun residence tonight.
They were reporting to their family.
After Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao found out, they were relieved.
Su Xiaolu recalled what happened last night and was puzzled for a moment. However, she could not go to the Sun residence to eavesdrop. After washing up, she returned to her room to sleep.
--
At this moment, in the Sun residence, Sun Baoshan had already told his parents, sister, and brother-in-law the whole story. He had also expressed his intention. He wanted to marry Chu Li.
Sun Ziqian and Madam Lian were silent.
Sun Bocheng sighed and said, "Baoshan, Grandpa and your parents aren't trying to stop you. It's just that the difference between us and the Chu family is too great. Chu Leizhen is a fourth-grade general. His only daughter definitely can't be married off at a low price. If this was three generations ago, our Sun family was also a military family. After accumulating merits for several generations, our Sun family and the Chu family were also compatible then."
Unfortunately, the Sun family was declining and had few children. Now, they had long distanced themselves from the powerful courtiers and only engaged in the business world.
Some of the favors the Sun family had once made were almost used up when they supported Su Hua.