Chapter 36

Chapter 36

Under the dim yellow canopy, Xiaoluo Lan applied the ointment to herself. Opening the white jade bottle released a mild medicinal scent. She poured some into her palm, where the white cream quickly melted from the warmth, bringing a cooling sensation to her reddened skin and significantly easing the burning pain.

Every time she applied the ointment, Xiaoluo Lan paused to listen for any sounds outside. She had been frightened by Lord Zhou’s unexpected actions in the afternoon.

Fortunately, by evening, Lord Zhou had returned to his usual demeanor.

After applying the ointment and fastening her undergarments, Xiaoluo Lan looked at the herbs in a small basket. These were what she had bought during the Dragon Boat Festival to make sachets for her daughter. There were some common herbs left, like mugwort, angelica, and fragrant herbs. Now just a jumbled mix of leftovers, she hesitated but eventually gathered them into a scrap of cloth, stitching it into a small sachet and placing it under her pillow.

She decided to use whole herbs for Lord Zhou; after all, he had helped her.

“Mother.” Xiaoling Snow came looking for her mother early in the morning and joyously sniffed the new sachet.

“You can alternate between the two,” Xiaoluo Lan said, smiling as she pulled her daughter close. “Yesterday, Mr. Luo said that carving Lord Zhou’s character on the soap could give us a thirty percent share, but I’ve decided we only need ten percent, and we’ll give the remaining twenty percent to Lord Zhou.”

“Mom, I thought of this as soon as Luo Jinhoo mentioned it,” Xiaoling Snow said eagerly. “We can't protect the soap recipe anyway, and it’s better to let local merchants handle it. With Lord Zhou as the Governor of Youzhou behind the soap, no one will dare to interfere.”

“I planned to find you in the afternoon but ended up napping on the bamboo mat because of the cool breeze,” Xiaoling Snow slapped her forehead.

Xiaoluo Lan inwardly startled, thankful her daughter hadn’t come earlier and seen Lord Zhou's unexpected visit. She gently took her daughter’s hand, softly saying, “Don’t worry, Lord Zhou has already agreed.”

“That’s good,” Xiaoling Snow, hugging her mother’s arm, her eyes sparkling: “Hey, we’re leaving our mark in this world.”

“When we have the money, I’ll buy a horse and learn to ride,” Xiaoling Snow shared her plan.

“Good,” Xiaoluo Lan was more than happy to see her daughter with a hobby. She remembered her daughter wanting a men’s round-neck robe. Next time they went to buy herbs, she planned to buy several men’s robes for her to wear.

The prospect of an incoming silver coin steadied Xiaoluo Lan’s previously drifting heart, easing her worries.

When Luo Jinhoo met Lady Xiao again, his smile was even more amiable. He took the recipe given by Miss Xiao, quickly realizing it was a luxury item affordable only by the upper class. Just the inclusion of lard would be costly for ordinary families, let alone adding salt, which was regulated and sold by the government. Though salt prices in peaceful Youzhou were reasonable, it was still a luxury to use it in bathing. The special soap required flower juices, fragrant powders, and several other ingredients, including one for slight skin whitening that needed additional medicinal herbs - all beyond the reach of ordinary merchants.

But with the governor as his backer, Luo Jinhoo felt emboldened. He had started as a lowly servant’s son from a small place, making his way out with a handful of servants to make a name for himself.

Chapter 36

Under the soft yellow light of the canopy, Xiaoluo Lan applied the ointment. The white jade bottle released a faint herbal scent as she opened it. The white cream melted quickly in her palm's warmth, soothingly cool when spread on the red marks, significantly reducing the stinging pain.

Xiaoluo Lan paused each time she applied the ointment, listening for any sounds outside. She was still frightened by Lord Zhou’s unpredictable behavior earlier that afternoon.

Fortunately, by evening, Lord Zhou had returned to his usual self.

After applying the ointment and adjusting her undergarment, Xiaoluo Lan gazed at the herbs in a small basket. These were leftovers from the Dragon Boat Festival, used to make sachets for her daughter. The remainder, including common herbs like mugwort, angelica, and other fragrant plants, was now just a mix of scraps. Hesitating slightly, she gathered them into a piece of cloth, sewing it into a small sachet, which she placed under her pillow.

She decided to use whole herbs for Lord Zhou’s sachet, in gratitude for his help.

“Mother,” Xiaoling Snow came early in the morning, delightedly sniffing the new sachet.

“You can alternate between them,” Xiaoluo Lan said with a smile, pulling her daughter closer. “Mr. Luo said yesterday that carving Lord Zhou’s character on the soap would give us thirty percent profit. But I’ve decided to take only ten percent and give the rest to Lord Zhou.”

“Mom, I thought of that too when Luo Jinhoo mentioned it,” Xiaoling Snow said eagerly. “We can’t protect the soap recipe anyway, and it’s safer to let local merchants handle it. With Lord Zhou’s backing as the Governor of Youzhou, no one will dare to meddle.”

“I meant to find you yesterday afternoon, but I dozed off on the cool bamboo mat,” Xiaoling Snow tapped her forehead.

Xiaoluo Lan was relieved her daughter hadn’t come earlier, which could have led to an awkward encounter with Lord Zhou. She took her daughter’s hand and said softly, “Don’t worry, Lord Zhou has already agreed.”

“That’s great,” Xiaoling Snow said, her eyes shining as she hugged her mother’s arm. “Wow, we’re actually making our mark in this world.”

“Once we have enough money, I’ll buy a horse and learn to ride,” Xiaoling Snow shared her plans.

“Alright,” Xiaoluo Lan agreed, happy to see her daughter with an interest. She remembered Xiaoling Snow's wish for a men’s round-neck robe. They would buy several men’s robes and other necessary items when they exchanged the silver notes.

The prospect of incoming funds settled Xiaoluo Lan’s heart, alleviating her worries.

When Luo Jinhoo saw Lady Xiao again, his smile was even more cordial. Accepting the soap recipes, he quickly realized they were luxury items affordable only to the upper class. The inclusion of lard alone was a luxury for ordinary families, not to mention the addition of salt and other costly ingredients.

“Yes, mother and I planned to go downtown for some fun,” Xiaoling Snow replied crisply.

Zhou Xu’s smile deepened. “I happen to be free today. Allow me to escort you both.” Mounting his horse, he led the way: “Let’s go.”

Xiao Luolan, accompanied by her daughter and Fang Yun, boarded the carriage, the wind bell tinkling with the horse's steps, chiming even without a breeze.

Xiao Qingxue opened the carriage window, gazing outside through her veil hat. They lived in Xinchang District, a residential area with broad stone roads allowing three carriages to travel side by side, which impressed her greatly.

Zhou Xu rode his horse with a straight back, holding the reins loosely yet firmly, followed by ten of the Lei family's cavalrymen, each in light armor and carrying a sword, silently trailing behind their leader.

The carriage moved at a leisurely pace, and Zhou Xu rode alongside it.

Xiao Qingxue noticed that Mr. Qingshan, who was usually beside Master Zhou, was absent.

Zhou Xu, seeing the lively Xiao Qingxue, struck up a conversation: "What would you like to buy in the market, Miss Xiao?"

"I want to buy a horse and learn to ride," Xiao Qingxue replied from the window. "And some new clothes. But first, we need to exchange some money at the money exchange."

Zhou Xu found her request amusing, "Learning to ride can be hard and dangerous. You might get kicked before even mounting, or fall and break a bone, or worse, sustain a serious injury."

Xiao Qingxue was startled by his words, and Xiao Luolan's expression changed.

Zhou Xu, unable to see Xiao Luolan's face clearly through the veil hat, sensed her anxiety from her suddenly tightened grip.

"So, Miss Xiao, no need to rush buying a horse. I have many gentle mares at my horse farm in Langge. I'll personally select one for you and arrange for an experienced female rider to teach you, ensuring your safety."

Seeing Xiao Qingxue's disappointment, Zhou Xu added, "However, you can buy a few riding robes in the meantime."

Xiao Qingxue's eyes widened, and she smiled, "Master Zhou, you talk just like my mother. She also said to buy riding robes first, and some boots too."

Zhou Xu glanced at Xiao Luolan and smiled, "It shows that both I and your mother care about you a lot."

Xiao Luolan, listening apprehensively, feared Zhou Xu might say something suspicious and felt compelled to interject, "Qingxue, Sect Leader Zhou is right; we should go to Langge to buy horses."

"Okay," Xiao Qingxue, not particularly urgent about it and realizing there was no riding field in the Dou residence, decided to put aside the idea for the time being.

Zhou Xu and his entourage headed straight to the West Market.

Shortly after they left, two young men riding splendid horses, followed by hundreds of men, entered Taiyang City Gate. The guards, intimidated upon seeing the Zhou family's iron token and hearing the young men's names, dared not obstruct them. The leading young man, with a long whip at his waist, led the group into the city, causing passersby to hurriedly make way. After inquiring for directions, the group headed straight for the Dou residence and knocked on the door.

The doorkeeper opened the door to see an unfamiliar young man.

A young man, about eighteen or nineteen, dressed in brocaded white robes, his features handsome and striking, smiled and said, "This must be the Dou residence."

Dou Haitao, accompanied by his eldest son Dou Shengming, hurried over. On seeing the entourage of robust guards and servants behind the young man, Dou Haitao felt a surge of apprehension and greeted with a bow, "I am the master of the Dou residence. May I know whom this young gentleman seeks?"

Dismounting, the young man replied, "My name is Zhou Yanzhi. I'm here to see my uncle. I heard he's temporarily staying at your Dou residence. Is it true?"

Upon hearing the surname Zhou, before Dou Haitao could speak, Dou Shengming stepped forward and bowed, "Greetings, Young Master Zhou. The military governor has stepped out."

"Where did my uncle go?" asked Zhou Yanzhi.

"I am not certain," replied Dou Shengming.

Xu Yunkun emerged from behind Dou Shengming, recognizing the younger Zhou, he stroked his beard, "Young Master Zhou, weren't you studying at the Nanji Academy? What brings you to Taiyang?"

Seeing Xu the Judge, Zhou Yanzhi greeted him with a bow, replying cheerfully, "Greetings, Judge Xu. I found my studies too dull, so I brought some people and left."

Xu Yunkun's mouth twitched in amusement at Zhou's audacious explanation for truancy. He wondered if the boy feared his father's reprimand. His gaze lingered a few seconds longer on the exotic-looking young man beside Zhou, then shifted away, remarking indifferently, "The military governor has gone out with Lady Xiao."

Zhou Yanzhi had heard of Lady Xiao but raised his eyebrows slightly at Xu's choice of the word "accompany."

It seemed Lady Xiao was even more favored than he had imagined.

With an unchanged smile, Zhou Yanzhi said, "I understand. Ah Mu, follow me to find my uncle. The rest of you, find accommodations nearby."

A youth with light yellow curly hair from another ethnicity responded, "Alright."

As the two rode away, Zhou Yanzhi, now alone with the exotic young man, slung an arm around his shoulder and remarked in a brotherly tone, "Hey, I never thought my uncle would one day accompany a lady on a shopping spree. I must take a good look at Lady Xiao when we find her."

The young man from another ethnicity remained silent. Some remarks were permissible for members of the Zhou family but taboo for outsiders, especially for someone of a different ethnicity.

The western market was expansive, bustling with eateries and taverns, alive with the constant flow of people.

The carriage stopped at Huitong Money Exchange.

Xiao Luolan, accompanied by her daughter, went inside to exchange currency, soon obtaining a hundred pieces of broken silver. Xiao Qingxue weighed the money bag, feeling it was about seven or eight jin. Fangyun had specifically brought a wooden cash box. Xiao Luolan took out a purse, giving her daughter some pocket money, and carried some herself, while the rest was placed in the cash box.

Their carriage traversed the main streets of the western market, with passersby keeping their distance from the guards armed with swords.

Zhou Xu directly led Lady Xiao and her entourage to the Jiangnan Clothing Store.

The shopkeeper, upon seeing such important customers, beamed with joy and led them to the third floor, while Leishan and his cavalrymen guarded all the exits.

Some customers on the first and second floors, recognizing the Lei family, started speculating about the identity of the visitors. Among them, many women glanced curiously at the plainly-dressed Lady Xiao and Xiao Miss.

The lady in front, her face veiled with a white head cover and layers of gauze obscuring her features, exuded a breathtaking aura. She wore no extravagant jewelry, just a single rose tucked at the temple, effortlessly exuding charm. Her unadorned hands, like smooth, melting snow, sparked envy and admiration among the women of the Jiangnan Clothing Store, some of whom knew of her connections with Governor Li.

Yet, none dared to speak openly about it at that moment.

Xiao Miss, with a figure slender and delicate like a February lotus, her skin fair and moist, also had her face hidden, but surely the mother-daughter pair were both blessed with beauty.

Xiao Luolan ascended the stairs stiffly, with Xiao Qingxue uncomfortably aware of the stares, her steps faltering. Reaching the third floor, both sighed in relief, and Xiao Qingxue removed her veil, patting her chest and exhaling deeply.

Fangyun poured water for her mistress and the young miss.

Zhou Xu smiled and said, "Miss Xiao, the third floor is filled with women's dresses and riding attire. Why don't you pick something out?" The shopkeeper also smiled invitingly, "Our store's clothing is the most popular among noblewomen in Taiyang County. We have everything you could want."

Xiao Qingxue's interest was piqued upon hearing this; she had long wanted to switch to a more practical round-neck, slit robe.

Xiao Luolan also removed her veil, "Then I'll join you in looking around."

"Please, this way," the shopkeeper said with a warm smile.

Xiao Qingxue, eyeing the wide array of garments, picked up a light blue round-neck robe and a vermilion one, wanting to try both. The shopkeeper led them to a private room, with Fangyun following to assist her.

Zhou Xu approached and asked, "Lady Xiao, don't you see any clothes you like?"

Xiao Luolan glanced at the garments, "I have enough clothes to wear."

Zhou Xu picked up a cyan-green round-neck robe and offered it to Lady Xiao, "Why not try this one? This color suits you well."

Xiao Luolan looked at Zhou Xu, feeling very nervous as they were the only two left on the third floor, "No, thank you for your kindness, Head Zhou."

"Miss Xiao wishes to learn horse riding; don't you want to try as well, Lady Xiao? It would be convenient to wear riding attire while riding," Zhou Xu inquired.

Xiao Luolan, aware of the convenience of being able to ride a horse but wary of Zhou Xu, cautiously declined with an excuse, "I'll think about it after Langge checks out the horses."

Holding the cyan-green robe, Zhou Xu truly felt it suited Lady Xiao perfectly, reminiscent of spring water, the very color of the robe.

The more Lady Xiao refused, the more Zhou Xu wanted to see her in it.

Zhou Xu leaned closer to Lady Xiao, catching the scent of her Snow Cream, his eyes narrowing slightly before he asked softly, "Are you sure you won't try it?"

Xiao Luolan shook her head, firmly deciding not to wear it.

Zhou Xu suddenly said, "Lady Xiao, yesterday afternoon I..."

Recalling the incidents of the previous afternoon with Head Zhou, Xiao Luolan quickly covered his mouth with her hand, her daughter still changing in a nearby room. She nervously glanced to the right, ensuring no one heard, then glared at Head Zhou.

Holding the cyan-green robe, Zhou Xu, noticing Lady Xiao's angry gaze, coaxed softly, "Lady Xiao, just try it on for me."

Xiao Luolan, her face flushed with anger and fearing more shameless words from Head Zhou, reluctantly took the round-neck robe and entered the fitting room.

After waiting outside without seeing Lady Xiao emerge, Zhou Xu knocked on the door, calling, "Lady Xiao?"

Her voice came quickly from inside, "Don't come in."

Zhou Xu frowned, "Is something wrong?"

"Nothing, I'll be done soon," replied Lady Xiao, her breathing slightly hurried.

Zhou Xu calculated that Lady Xiao's monthly cycle shouldn't have started yet, wondering what she was nervous about. Could there be a thief in the room? Although he knew it unlikely, as he hadn't heard a second person's breathing, this thought still made him grip his whip tightly.

Pushing the door and finding it locked, Zhou Xu's brow furrowed deeper. With him outside, why would Lady Xiao lock the door? He jumped through a window from the outside, making his presence known, "Lady Xiao."

Xiao Luolan, startled by the sudden noise, spun around to see Head Zhou, who had appeared from nowhere.

Zhou Xu quickly scanned the room, finding no one else, and then set down his whip.

Upon seeing Lady Xiao, he paused in surprise.

Lady Xiao stood barefoot on the floral mat, her previous dress laid on a chair beside her, wearing the cyan-green robe which was somewhat disheveled due to ill fit.

Xiao Luolan, her face beet red, covered her front with her arms and turned away.

It took Zhou Xu a while to approach, then he apologized, "It's my fault for choosing the wrong size. Please, Lady Xiao, change out of it."

"The full moon must be trembling and pitifully confined in such a small piece of fabric," Zhou Xu thought to himself.

Xiao Luolan, with her head lowered, said, "I'll change by myself. Please, Head Zhou, step outside."

Zhou Xu could only see the back of Lady Xiao's neck and the tips of her ears flushed crimson, set against the cyan-green fabric like blooming peach petals, affirming his belief that this color indeed suited her perfectly.

Compelled as if by an unseen force, Zhou Xu stepped forward and gently embraced Lady Xiao, feeling her body tremble sharply.

"Have you used Snow Cream, Lady Xiao?"

Xiao Luolan bit her lip, taking a while before nodding faintly.

"No wonder I smelled Snow Cream," Zhou Xu said in a hoarse voice, "I'll close my eyes. Please change your clothes, but do it near me."

Zhou Xu lay back on the embroidered couch, closing his eyes. His keen hearing picked up Lady Xiao's hurried and anxious breathing as she changed out of the cyan-green robe and back into her dress.

Upon opening his eyes, Zhou Xu looked at Lady Xiao standing beside him.

Her temples were damp, cheeks flushed, a vision of delicate beauty, appearing both pitiable and adorable in his eyes.

Zhou Xu pulled her onto the couch, arranging Lady Xiao to sit on either side of him, her skirt sprawling over him, blooming like a flower on his body.

Xiao Luolan, trying to stand, was interrupted by her daughter's voice from outside the door.

Zhou Xu felt Lady Xiao tense up instantly. Before he could speak, she hastily covered his mouth, her fingertips pressing so hard they turned red.

Zhou Xu, eyes downcast and lips curving into a smile, always knew Lady Xiao was deliberately keeping their relationship hidden from her daughter.

What exactly was the nature of their relationship?

Lady Xiao was a married woman, and he was a man drawn to such women. Now, together in the same room, her indifferent to him, yet he harbored feelings for her. If given the chance, the dignified and proper Lady Xiao would unlikely be with someone like him, for she was, after all, a married woman.

Slowly, Zhou Xu pulled Lady Xiao's hand away, kissed the palm of her hand, and the rustling of the spreading skirt seemed like a trembling flower, which Zhou Xu tenderly kissed.

He was willing to be a humble servant under her skirt.