Chapter 49.

Chapter 49.

"The su shan xue will melt if we don't eat it soon," Xiaoluo Lan said, blushing as she sat on the jade mat, next to Zhou Zhu whom she had just pushed away. She picked up the jade bowl with su shan xue from the desk, taking a bite to cool her flushed face.

Truthfully, she often found Zhou Zhu somewhat shameless for his age; young people usually weren't like him.

Xiaoluo Lan straightened her clothes, feeling relieved that they would leave Lu's mansion that afternoon. Despite the mansion's wealth, where everyone wore silk and jade and even the female servants dressed better than commoners, she was eager to leave.

"But Xiaoluo Lan is not used to it, just like her daughter thinks, sometimes she also talks about wanting their own house, not too big, just enough for them to live in."

"Let me have a look." Zhou Xu leaned over, "Does the lady like this dish? I will ask someone to bring another bowl." In the end, he added, "Crispy mountain snow is cold and not good for women's health if consumed in excess."

"Just this bowl is enough," Xiaoluo Lan said, looking at the ancient cold dessert. The bottom of this Crispy Mountain Snow tasted a bit like cream, served in a small jade bowl, with cherry jam and various dried fruits poking out on top, already half-eaten by them.

"Tomorrow there is a hair washing ceremony for General Lu's third daughter, I will attend for a while and then come back." Zhou Xu squeezed Madame Xiao's palm, "You and Qingxue wait for me on the pleasure boat."

Xiaoluo Lan was startled by Zhou Clan Leader's sudden affectionate address for her daughter, coughed once, and turned to look at him.

"What's wrong, is something amiss?" Zhou Xu, as if unaware, smiled and wiped off the cherry color from Madame Xiao's lips, "If the lady can call Qingxue, of course, I can too."

"Given our relationship, wouldn't it be too formal to always address you as Miss Xiao?"

Xiaoluo Lan's eyes widened in shock, her mind a mess. She had hidden so much that she didn't know where she might have slipped up again.

Zhou Xu chuckled, "Previously, Miss Xiao wouldn't have been so relaxed about letting us stay alone in a room." He initially just wanted to see if Madame Xiao and her daughter were settling in well, but didn't expect Miss Xiao to first smile at him and then chase after Cui Shizi. Such obvious behavior... Zhou Xu's thoughts became more active.

"Madame, is your husband truly still alive?" Zhou Xu looked intently at Madame Xiao, observing her mature peony-like beautiful face, then gently caressed it, "Or... have you already divorced?"

Otherwise, considering the close relationship between Madame Xiao and her daughter, for Miss Xiao to leave them alone together was unexpected. Zhou Xu still remembered how cautious Miss Xiao was when they first met.

Xiaoluo Lan panicked for a moment, her hand holding the gold spoon nearly lost its grip: "I..."

Before she could finish speaking, Zhou Clan Leader already had his hand on her waist, turning her to face him.

Zhou Xu stared intently at Madame Xiao, his pupils constricted, his smile no longer concealed: "Is he already dead? Were you deceiving me before?" That's right, Madame Xiao is a liar. She had deceived him once before; there was no trace of them in Chang'an, nor among the other prominent Xiao families.

Xiaoluo Lan frowned slightly, Zhou Clan Leader's strength was too great, causing a bit of pain in her waist. Seeing her in pain, Zhou Xu quickly let go of her and gently rubbed the spot, still unable to control his excitement in his voice: "Madame, is it so?"

Xiaoluo Lan felt somewhat frightened by Zhou Clan Leader's inexplicable excitement. She looked at the ancient middle-aged man before her, tall and burly, his narrow eyes fixated on her with a greedy, beast-like intensity, as if he wanted to devour her whole.

Xiaoluo Lan never understood the deep fascination Zhou Clan Leader had for her. From their first meeting to getting to know each other, it had only been a little over two months, a time too short, so brief that she always felt as if she was floating in the air, devoid of any sense of reality.

Sometimes she asked herself, could she fall madly in love with someone she had only known for a little over two months?

That was impossible. She tended to think that Zhou Clan Leader's interest in her was more lustful... Perhaps once he had her, he wouldn't cherish her. As for marrying her, as he had mentioned, Xiaoluo Lan fundamentally didn't believe it.

Xiaoluo Lan calmed herself down, placing the Crispy Mountain Snow back on the table, only for Zhou Clan Leader to immediately grasp her hands.

Zhou Xu sat cross-legged on the jade mat, leaning over to embrace Madame Xiao, letting her sit on his robe.

"I... I divorced my husband with my daughter," Xiaoluo Lan pursed her lips, revealing a part of the truth.

Zhou Xu was a bit disappointed upon hearing this, then followed by surprise. Divorce was also fine!

He didn't mind Madame Xiao's past at all; all that mattered was that she was his now.

"Madame, you've kept me in such agony," Zhou Xu kissed Madame Xiao's fingertips, whispering, "If I hadn't asked, would you have continued to hide it from me?"

Xiaoluo Lan's cheeks and ears grew hot. She only felt that after her revelation, Zhou Clan Leader became even more excited, and due to their sitting position, she could even feel his abnormality.

Xiaoluo Lan couldn't help but shrink back, but Zhou Clan Leader firmly grasped her waist, not allowing her to move even slightly.

"Not exactly," Xiaoluo Lan lowered her eyes, not daring to look at Zhou Clan Leader, her voice trembling, "I've told Qingxue... the two of us..." Her face turned red with embarrassment, feeling utterly ashamed: "We're in a relationship."

Although Zhou Xu heard the term "in a relationship" for the first time, he understood its meaning from the context – it was about love and affection, how could he not understand Madame Xiao's intention?

He became even more excited.

"Madame, you should have told me this earlier," Zhou Xu said with a smile.

Xiaoluo Lan's eyelashes trembled, her lips tightly pursed.

Zhou Xu felt overjoyed, wishing he could hide this delicate lady deep in his heart: "After all, I am in a relationship with Madame."

Xiaoluo Lan dared not confront her true inner feelings, merely responding softly.

Zhou Xu kneaded Madame Xiao's hand, feeling his heart and mind intensely stirred, wishing to return to the pleasure boat immediately to share a tender moment.

"Rest assured, Madame, I will treat Qingxue as my own daughter," Zhou Xu said, kissing Madame Xiao's fingertips, his voice slightly muffled, "I won't let her suffer the slightest grievance."

Xiaoluo Lan's heart was moved upon hearing this; this was what she wanted, hoping that in this ancient world, someone would be there to protect her daughter.

She looked at Zhou Clan Leader and withdrew her hand.

Zhou Xu looked up at Madame Xiao to see her lowering her head, her ears reddened, slowly leaning into his embrace, soft, peaceful, compliant, and gentle, like a flower fully blossoming in his heart, swaying his entire being.

Xiaoluo Lan could feel Zhou Clan Leader's body tense up, his breaths deep and heavy even through the dark robe, and his strong, muffled heartbeat, like thunderous drums, resonating in her ears.

As she embraced Zhou Clan Leader for the first time, it seemed his rapid heartbeat infected her, making her own heart beat faster.

Feeling the heat on her cheeks, Xiaoluo Lan let go and sat back down, somewhat awkwardly fixing her hair.

Zhou Xu leaned in with a smile, "Is Madame feeling shy?"

Xiaoluo Lan's face grew even redder, and she turned away, not looking at Zhou Clan Leader.

Zhou Xu's smile never ceased; he was genuinely happy. Sitting next to Madame Xiao, he took her hand, "When we return to Langge, I will give Qingxue a horse ranch. She can ride as much as she wants, and choose any of the fine horses from the north."

Hearing about her daughter, Xiaoluo Lan hesitated but then said, "No need, one horse is enough."

"Not enough, not enough," Zhou Xu pulled Madame Xiao into his embrace, "How can that be enough? Whatever I have, my daughter should have a share too."

Xiaoluo Lan, hearing Zhou Clan Leader naturally refer to 'his daughter', looked at this man somewhat spellbound. Would he really be good to Qingxue?

"Also allocate some elite troops to her, a few manors and estates, as well as houses and farmland. Let her ride horses and roam the streets in fine clothes," Zhou Xu said, stroking his stubble with a smile. "With me here, she can do whatever she wants in Langge."

"Of course, you too, Madame," Zhou Xu said, kissing Madame Xiao. "Don't worry about anything. You just need to wait to become my wife."

"No one can stop us from being together," Zhou Xu declared, confident and resolute, his demeanor calm and self-assured.

Xiaoluo Lan bit her lip, ultimately responding softly.

In the flower courtyard.

Qingxue sat in the pavilion, while Old Lady Cui and Young Master Cui talked nearby. Fangyun stood behind the young lady, fanning her.

Under the sunlight, Young Master Cui's hair appeared even whiter, matching his lean figure. He seemed like a celestial being close to attaining immortality, talking with Old Lady Cui, holding a scroll, and from their gestures, Qingxue guessed what they were discussing.

Young Master Cui suggested Old Lady Cui rest in the pavilion, but she insisted on standing under the sun with him. In the end, he couldn't win against his elder sister, and they both stood there together.

Qingxue chuckled and then asked Fangyun to pass the fan to Old Lady Cui.

Old Lady Cui smiled at the young lady. After the others had walked away, she said, "I wasn't happy when the lord assigned you to Madame Xiao's side."

Old Lady Cui glared at her brother, reprimanding softly, "You can't talk like that, especially in front of Lord Zhou."

"I'm only saying it in front of you," Cui Shizi replied with a gentle and warm smile.

"We're an official family, dependent on Lord Zhou. Regardless of our current status, given Lord Zhou's favor towards us, you shouldn't harbor resentment," Old Lady Cui frowned, her wrinkles deepening. "It was Lord Zhou's kindness that saved me from the music house. When our family's other children were either dead or disabled, Lord Zhou not only exempted us from the annual labor in March but also provided us with a home and let you study."

"Shizi, I know you're wise from a young age, but you must never lose your true nature," Old Lady Cui intended to be stern, but seeing her brother's white hair and frail appearance, she softened.

"Sister, I understand," Cui Shizi raised the fan to shade his elder sister, "I truly respect the lord. My concern was that you might be overburdened by being assigned to Madame Xiao." After all, it's common for nobles to mistreat servants.

"But now, it seems even better than before," Cui Shizi observed his sister, who looked healthier, and jokingly said.

"You child," Old Lady Cui replied. "Madame Xiao treats me very well. I just give orders, and the maids do the heavy work. How could I be overburdened?"

She patted her brother's hand to reassure him, "Madame Xiao is extremely kind. I don't have to perform formalities, we eat at the same table, and she even added soft foods for me. Miss Xiao always smiles when she sees me, very polite, sharing delicious treats with me. I'm living very well with Madame Xiao."

"I'm relieved to hear you're doing well, sister," Cui Shizi said, then shared his plans to teach Miss Xiao painting.

"That's wonderful," Old Lady Cui immediately smiled. "Madame Xiao is soon to be part of Lord Zhou's household. Miss Xiao will surely be treated with affection. With my brother as her teacher, his status will naturally rise. After all, who would disdain power and influence in this world?"

Only those who have experienced powerlessness understand the pain of being at the mercy of others, treated like fish on a chopping block.

"You teach well. I won't disturb you anymore. I thought something had happened to you when Fangyun came looking for me," Old Lady Cui said before heading towards the small building in the flower courtyard.

"Madame Xiao and the lord are inside."

Hearing this, Old Lady Cui turned back.

Cui Shizi handed the fan back to Fangyun and, after coughing into a handkerchief, said, "Miss Xiao, let's go look at the paintings."

"Sure," Qingxue happily agreed.

They deliberately chose a sunlit path through the flowers, the sun turning her cheeks rosy. Cui Shizi suddenly smiled.

"Miss Xiao, the young master is here," Cui Shizi reminded her.

Looking ahead, Qingxue saw Zhou Shenzhi approaching the garden, accompanied by a servant.

Seeing him, Qingxue felt a bit awkward and thought about taking another path.

"Miss Xiao," Zhou Shenzhi greeted with a smile, "Have you seen my father?"

Qingxue's face turned red, unsure how to respond to the kindness shown by Lord Zhou's son. She didn't mind her mother remarrying, but she lacked experience interacting with a brother. Seeing that he brought only a Zhou family servant and no outsiders, it seemed he regarded her as part of the family. Qingxue, somewhat tongue-tied, replied dryly, "Lord Zhou is in the pavilion."

"Please lead the way, Miss Xiao," Zhou Shenzhi said. "The feast is about to start, and I've come to notify my father."

"Oh, okay," Qingxue turned and then glanced at Cui Shizi.

Cui Shizi had already walked away, waving his hand from a distance to indicate they would look at the paintings another time.

Qingxue led the way, wondering how Zhou Shenzhi would react later.

They arrived at the small pavilion in the garden.

Qingxue was about to knock when the door opened.

Lord Zhou and her mother came out together.

"Father, General Lu asked me to inform you and Madame Xiao that the banquet is about to start."

Zhou Xu acknowledged with a hum, indicating he understood.

Xiaoluo Lan curtsied deeply, "Thank you for the message, Young Master Zhou."

Zhou Shenzhi stepped aside, "Madame Xiao is too polite."

Qingxue, seeing their mutual courtesies, felt an inexplicable urge to laugh.

Zhou Xu chuckled, "Madame Xiao can also address Shenzhi as 'Twelfth Young Master'; he's the twelfth in our family."

"As father says," Zhou Shenzhi nodded.

"Let's go," Zhou Xu said, walking alongside Madame Xiao.

Qingxue sensed that Lord Zhou seemed particularly happy today. She wanted to ask her mother about it, but seeing so many people around, decided to wait until the afternoon.

Zhou Shenzhi and Miss Xiao walked one behind the other, with him leading. He noticed his father subtly shielding Madame Xiao from the harsh sunlight, attentive and considerate.

His father's smile was warm and hearty. Madame Xiao, standing beside him, occasionally pursed her lips in a smile. The two seemed well-matched and harmonious, creating an indescribable atmosphere.

He was lost in thought when he suddenly heard Miss Xiao's muttering.

"My stomach is already full from dog food."

Zhou Shenzhi looked at Miss Xiao, puzzled, not understanding the meaning of her words.

Realizing she had spoken out loud, Qingxue lifted her skirt intending to run ahead, but halfway through, she turned back to see him standing still.

After a moment's thought, she ran back to him.

"Let's walk together," Qingxue said somewhat awkwardly. She didn't want to be a third wheel while her mother and Lord Zhou were in a romantic mood. Certainly, it wasn't because she thought Zhou Shenzhi seemed a bit lonely that made her come back!

Zhou Shenzhi laughed, "Alright." He noticed the small whip tied to Miss Xiao's waist and thoughtfully said.

"Miss Xiao."

"Hmm?" Qingxue turned, hands behind her back, to look at him.

Zhou Shenzhi smiled, "When we're alone, you can call me 'big brother'."

Having a sister might not be so bad, Zhou Shenzhi thought.