......<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Inspector He fell asleep.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He was snoring softly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Even after the masseur left with his stick,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He still hadn''t woken up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Perhaps the fact that even a blind man could marry, have a job, and dare to hope for his child to be born and go to school, had both shocked and deeply satisfied him. For the first time in ten years, he fell asleep just as dusk was falling.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4
The Book Boy carefully reclined on a nearby couch, picking up some dried meat from the small table in front and eating it gently.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
There was no clinking of sses tonight, it was rather quiet, and no one asked him about the master''s preferences.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
For a long time, the master showed no signs of waking, his snoring growing louder.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The Book Boy slowly got up and went to the adjacent tea room, took down a book, brewed some tea, ate some snacks, and flipped through the book. The rain had stopped, and the night wasn''t so hot. A gentle breeze came through the window, and he could seemingly hear the sounds of children ying outside the walled courtyard.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
A littleter, someone brought over a bowl of hot noodle soup.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It didn''t wake Inspector He who was sleeping inside.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The Book Boy finished eating in the tea room, and then someone came to clear away the dishes and lit an incense stick, filling the room with a fragrant aroma.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This thousand-tael-per-night inspector''s suite seemed hardly worth it, but once you stayed in it, it feltfortable no matter how you used it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4
......<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jia also brought two distinguished guests to stay.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Young Master Liu was very generous with his money, and he had originally demanded the top-tier suite, but the woman beside him persuaded him otherwise.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The woman''s voice was very pleasant to hear. Jia felt his heart flutter just from the sound of it, feeling certain she must be a great beauty.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Young Master Liu booked two rooms.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Although Miss Qingqing had lost her memory, her every move still betrayed her noble origins, indicating her extraordinary status.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Liu Tong had been very polite to her throughout their journey.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The two chatted and asionally exchanged nces as they traveled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Liu Tong promised to take her to the Capital City.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Wan had been well taken care of throughout the journey, making her think that perhaps, regardless of those things in her dream, she shouldn''t go looking for Chu Xi. In this life, finding a man she liked and living a simple life might actually be very good.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Young Master Liu was generous, rather naive, and had some schrly pride.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The sun set, and a half-moon rose.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Although the two rooms weren''t the top-tier suites, they were still quite high-end, costing fifty taels of silver per night. They came with a set of cleansing cream, toothpaste, and shampoo, which could be used freely.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The candlelight in the room was very clean and bright.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The bathroom was fragrant.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
For women traveling, the most inconvenient things were grooming and using the toilet.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But in the inns of Jingzhou, one hardly wanted to leave. The bathrooms were sofortable, there was even a pot of flowers in the bathroom. Not precious ones, but they inexplicably made one feel at ease.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4
Jiang Wany alone on the bed, having washed off some of her makeup, still beautiful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Like a lotus emerging from the water.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
What she wore was bought on the road, since being in distress, she certainly hadn''t brought aplete wardrobe.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It was very luxurious, even more so than what she wore at home.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
At home, her father was devoted to Buddhism, her grandmother cursed daily, alwaysining of this illness or that pain, needing medicine to keep her going. Her brother''s funeral had cost a lot, hiring monks, the coffin, the cemetery, all were very expensive.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Thinking of this, Jiang Wan was suddenly startled, her brother had passed away, yet she was still thinking about the expenses after his death.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She felt a bit self-mocking, not knowing how she had fallen to this state.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She remembered when Aunt Yao was around, she always said she was an extremely kind-hearted girl.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She herself believed so too, she always felt distressed seeing others suffer, and would always give some alms.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She was also diligent in her studies and had no bad habits.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
As for the power struggles in her dreamter, she was just trying to survive, people often have many things they have no choice about.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She wasn''t a saint, she had all seven emotions and six desires, and had experienced both good and evil thoughts.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But was that wrong?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
All people are like this.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Wany on the bed, able to see the half-moon hanging in the sky through the window.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
A knock sounded at the door.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She got up to open it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Outside was Liu Tong, with an unremarkable-looking young girl.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Liu Tong nced at Miss Qingqing''s appearance and his face turned red, looking a bit flustered as he said, "Miss Qingqing, this, this is the maid I found for you. There have been many inconveniences along the way. Do you, do you want some tea? Would you like to freshen up and thene for tea?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Liu Tong''s face was red as he spoke, and it turned even redder when he nced at Jiang Wan midway through.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
At this moment, Jiang Wan wasn''t as carefully dressed as during the day, she was more casual, with her hair slightly disheveled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But this appearance was even more attractive.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Wan looked at the little maid who was lowering her head, and nodded in agreement.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She actually didn''t want a maid, worried about being recognized, but which youngdy from a good family didn''t have someone to serve her?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The maid came in very properly and carefully.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Miss, let me help you with your hair."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Wan didn''t refuse.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After grooming and changing into another set of clothes, Jiang Wan followed the maid out to the tea room that Young Master Liu had mentioned.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It was a tea house provided by the inn for guests, which could be closed and locked, forming its own space, with a view of the river outside the window, the scenery was beautiful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
There was a soft couch and a tea table.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
At night, there were boats on the river, the sound of string and wind instruments, and twinkling lights.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
When Jiang Wan arrived, Liu Tong was already brewing tea.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He was very serious about it, as he brewed, his long fingers touched the beautiful porcin cups, looking very nice.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Seeing Jiang Wan arrive, he immediately stood up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Qingqing, this is the popr way of brewing tea in Jingzhou. I''ve been practicing for quite a while. Let me brew for you, you''ll definitely like it."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Hot water poured over the tea leaves, creating steam.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The bottom of the cup that had held tea was especially fragrant.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She didn''t taste anything special from drinking the tea, but the fragrance of the cup was excellent.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Slightly hot, she held it in her hands and lowered her head to smell it gently.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The evening breeze wasn''t hot, blowing in from the window, gently lifting her skirt and the tips of her hair.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The tea fragrance flowed, and ambiguous feelings also flowed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Wan was very good at grasping that ambiguous yet open feeling, as if she was naturally adept at it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Liu Tong drank three cups of tea in one go, as if not afraid of the heat, then he finally gathered the courage to speak: "Miss Qingqing, to be honest, my family has already arranged a wife for me. After this trip, I will prepare to go back and get married. She is the daughter of my father''s superior, and our families are close. Sister Dong is also a good girl. I can''t let her down. I''ve observed your behavior and manners, your status must be extraordinary. If you have any difficulties you can''t speak of, I can help you. I shouldn''t have had inappropriate thoughts about you. I''ve been too greedy on this journey."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Wan was stunned for a moment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
At this moment, she only felt the aftertaste of the tea was very bitter, with no sweetness, only bitterness.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
There were only her and Young Master Liu in the room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She held the cup, stood up, and went to the window.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The window was open, the pleasure boats outside were like stars in the human world, twinkling, not bright enough to light up that patch of darkness.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Young Master Liu also stood beside her. Throughout the journey, no matter how ambiguous things got, Young Master Liu had always been very proper.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He avoided suspicion as much as possible.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
As soon as they arrived in the city, he immediately found a maid for her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Wan stood there, hearing Young Master Liu talk about Sister Dong, suddenly remembering such a girl, when the new emperor ascended the throne and the Crown Prince was selecting a consort.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
At that time, as the Empress''s niece, she wasn''t even considered as a candidate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Her aunt didn''t want her to marry Chu Xi.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
A girl surnamed Dong stood out, she was naive and innocent, when she smiled, her front teeth were uneven, with a particrly pointy little canine tooth, and very deep dimples.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Her skin was very white, her face round and chubby.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Very likable, and probably clever too, otherwise she wouldn''t have been chosen as a candidate for the Crown Prince''s consort.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But at the final stage, when it was down to just Miss Dong and Miss Zhang, with one to be chosen out of the two, Crown Prince Chu Xi clearly preferred Miss Dong, smiling at her several times.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
At thest moment, however, Miss Dong voluntarily refused, stating directly that she had someone she liked, "I grew up with Brother Liu as childhood sweethearts. He hasn''t let me down, so I can''t let him down either. Therefore, I can only refuse the Crown Prince''s favor."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4
At that time, a group of people looked at this Miss Dong as if she were a fool.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Wan was the same, thinking, how could a childhood sweetheartpare to being the Crown Prince''s consort? That would be the future Empress. The Miss Zhang beside her was cautious, yet this Miss Dong voluntarily refused.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Wan now stood by the river, remembering that scene.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Sheter entered the Crown Prince''s Mansion only as a concubine, never imagining that someone would directly refuse to be the Crown Prince''s consort.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She wanted tough.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
So it turns out that Miss Dong refused the Crown Prince for Liu Tong.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Round and round, round and round.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She had observed Young Master Liu throughout the journey, he was indeed a man of integrity, without any major ws.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The feeling she exuded was one of vulnerability, easily taken advantage of. If Young Master Liu liked her, he could simply take her back with him, where she would serve him tea and keep himpany. Yet Young Master Liu remained steadfast in his principles.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
At this moment, his confession to her implied that he had no intention of taking her with him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Wan had gone from being a widow to the Crown Prince''s concubine to the Empress.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Deep down, she was not one to admit defeat.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She envied the innocence and carefree nature of that young Miss Dong.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She had been jealous in her past life, and even now, thinking back, she was still jealous. How could someone so easily reject such an honor? Didn''t she regret it?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She stood by the window, her heart resolute.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She could nod and agree; Young Master Liu would likely arrange for her. She could go to the Capital City to find her mother, or seek refuge with her aunt - both seemed possible.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It was said that in the capital, because the current emperor was feeling unwell, the princes were all making their way back.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It was for this reason that she had seen Young Master Liu as a lifeline and had run away with him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But suddenly, she felt discontented.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Why should she settle for this?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She couldn''t believe that help without genuine feelings was as thin as paper, easily torn apart.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Even in her dreams, scenes of life-and-death struggles were prevalent.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She didn''t trust others.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Standing by the window, her beautiful eyes shed crystal-like tears.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
When she looked up at Young Master Liu again, she had be a tear-stained beauty, sorrowfully enchanting.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She tilted her head slightly to gaze at Young Master Liu. They were very close to each other. With tears streaming down her face, she gently bit her lip and looked at him. She said nothing, her gaze unfathomable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Liu Tong turned his head away, unable to look at her, feeling awkward and unsure.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
However, she leaned into his embrace.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She buried her head in his chest, her tears soaking his clothes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"I don''t know what to do, I don''t know how to act. I''m so scared, Brother Liu. If you leave me, what will I do? I''m just a weak woman, with no one to rely on. I only have you, no one else." Jiang Wan''s voice was filled with grievance, her body trembling slightly, soft, helpless, and alluring.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4
Liu Tong was nervous, not knowing where to ce his hands. His Adam''s apple bobbed up and down. With her soft body leaning against him, at this moment, Sister Dong''s deep dimples and smile faded away.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
His hands found their way to her soft waist, pulling her tightly against him, fitting together without a gap. He sumbed to the most basic physical desire.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He liked her, he admired her. From the first nce, seeing her beautiful, vibrant, wronged, vulnerable, noble - it was like a spell.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"I''m sorry, Qingqing. I''m sorry," Liu Tong said apologetically, flustered as he lowered his head to kiss her lightly, unable to resist caressing her, kissing her, embracing her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Outside the window, a song drifted from a passing boat:<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Since ancient times, beauty has been ill-fated,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Drifting east and west, hard to findpassion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0