Dritte Ehe

Kapitel 45

Because they were not only a prominent family in the border region, but also had the ability and prestige to mediate disputes between various ethnic groups, whenever the imperial court or martial arts figures wanted to do something in the border region, they would go through "Tongjiazhuang" to find out or explore the way.

"It seems that Shao Chu's love of drinking is still as strong as ever. I thought that deciding to settle in the Central Plains and leave Nan Yuan and her twin brother, who she grew up with, would affect her mood!"

Tong Shou, inside the pavilion, poured wine for Yan Shanshan, often sighing with an enigmatic smile at his close friend's personality.

"She was born with a lot of affection but not much sorrow. She wasn't delicate at heart. The only things that would bother her were having her fun disturbed or her carefree life restricted. Sentimentality wasn't part of her indulgent lifestyle." Yan Shanshan knew this friend and playmate well, who could be considered her childhood confidante.

"She's a girl after all, so she should have some of the delicate features of a girl."

"Don't judge Shao Chu's words and actions by common sense, especially since she doesn't understand the thoughts of a girl."

"Shao Chu is of marriageable age. Even if she doesn't want to, does the Su family have no plans?" If things continue like this, she might not even feel that being a woman has anything to do with her anymore.

Tong Shou looked at the empty branches on the lake and recalled the figure who had just been lying on his back with one arm as a pillow, holding a pipa in one hand and closing his eyes. He seemed to really intend to fall asleep on the lake. The several empty wine bottles in succession showed that the owner of the figure was completely unconcerned.

"Among the friends she made in the underworld, the only man who knew her true identity and gender was Brother Tong, who repeatedly considered that she was a woman."

Fu Yaofeng treated Shao Chu like a brother, without any gender-related barriers.

"Perhaps it's because I've held and comforted her since she was little that I can't help but worry about it."

When Su Shaochu and Su Xuechu were young, their family decided to send them to live outside the Great Wall to avoid the turmoil in the Central Plains. They first lived in "Tongjiazhuang" for a few months. At that time, Su Shaochu, who was weak and sick, received the most care and attention from those around him because of his identity.

It's hard to imagine that the little girl who used to be surrounded by medicine pots has changed so much since leaving the Central Plains. As she has grown up, the "sickly little girl" look of the past is no more. The only thing that remains the same as when she was a child is her cleverness and intelligence, which has turned into a reserved calmness as she has grown up. Her calm and cheerful conversation is full of a carefree attitude towards the world.

"Although it's a bit shocking, the Su family does intend to let Shao Chu freely choose the life she wants to live." Yan Shanshan smiled and spread her hands. "The Mingzong sword master said that Shao Chu only has three parts of a woman's gentleness in this life, and the rest is indulgence and capriciousness. I think this kind of personality is better suited to enjoying life while it lasts than to major life events."

The Mingzong swordsmen of Nanyuan always had a mixture of admiration and regret for their disciple, Su Shaochu. They admired her extremely high talent and comprehension of martial arts, but also lamented that she had almost wasted her time playing around.

"Does the swordsman mean that Shao Chu only has a bit of a girlish appearance?"

"That's about it. Anyway, living a carefree and decadent life is Shao Chu's decadent ambition since childhood. If this ambition were a little more girlish, it would only seem more absurd."

"If she intends to stay in the capital for a long time, she should be less outrageous. It's better for her to behave herself under the emperor's nose."

“How can there be fun without absurdity? You know Shao Chu has always loved to cause trouble.” She gave him a look that said, “You really don’t understand her.” “Besides, with this kind of nature, does Tong-ge really think she wants to stay in the capital obediently forever?”

"Wasn't it her own decision to return to the Central Plains and reside permanently in the capital?"

"That's because Aunt Xian is going back to the Central Plains to heal her injuries and recuperate. Also, the two elders of the Su family miss their twin sons who have been away since childhood very much. They hope that even if Shao Chu and Xue Chu can't be by their side at the same time, at least one of them can come back for a reunion. Xue Chu has always been obsessed with the realm of swordsmanship and loves the secluded Meixiu Mountain. Her taciturn personality is not suitable for the capital. That's why Shao Chu decided to come back for a visit."

"I'm afraid this 'playing around' will lead her all the way into the palace, and given what she's set out to do, it's definitely not just about playing around!"

"It seems Brother Tong knows her quite well." Yan Shanshan laughed. "When Shao first returned to the capital, she did want to use the background and influence of the Su family and the Crown Prince to enter the palace... by taking a roundabout approach."

“Take a detour.” Tong Shou chuckled at her nonchalant statement. “No matter what, the taboo of her being the sixth son of the Su family will not change. It’s better to keep a low profile than to be high-profile.”

"Keep a low profile?! That goes against the three things Shao Chu loves most in his life." Yan Shanshan listed them off: "A sumptuous banquet with music and dance, the joy of getting drunk, and being surrounded by lovely people and things. None of these are suitable for keeping a low profile."

"Fortunately, even if Shao Chu wanted to do the first two things in a high-profile manner, she had principles. She only did music and dance and unrestrained drunken singing for specific people and things. Only lovely people and things were something she enjoyed anytime. Now she felt that there were many lovely people and things in the palace."

"The palace is not like the common people's world; if you're not careful, even something cute can turn into something scary."

"Terrible! Which side?" Yan Shanshan smiled brightly, but her beautiful eyes flashed with a strange light. "Her elegant appearance, extraordinary wit, and sharp words and actions, combined with her tender heart and nonchalant indifference, create a charm like a wine brewed in a deep, still pool. The beautiful surface of the lake is always alluring, making you ignore the whirlpools beneath. Once you fall in, you might have to pay with your life."

Yan Shanshan got up and walked to the pavilion, gazing at the lake. Her beautiful face as she turned back was filled with a scheming smile.

"Don't you think that people who possess these things are another kind of terrifying extreme?"

"It seems that Shanshan really likes this kind of scary stuff." She said this with great enthusiasm, full of anticipation for returning to the capital.

Tong Shou knew that the person Su Shaochu valued most, besides his twin brother Su Xuechu, was Yan Shanshan; the two could be considered another kind of "childhood sweethearts". Whenever Su Shaochu returned to the Central Plains, they would always play together. Outsiders who did not understand had long believed that this "golden couple" would surely be a happy marriage in the future.

“Brother Tong really needs to be careful. Don’t get too drunk on this jar of wine. If you don’t have a comparable alcohol tolerance, you’ll just end up getting drunk on one of them.” Yan Shanshan sat down in front of him again and poured him a cup of tea instead. “You might as well drink some tea to sober up, because the owner of this jar of wine is definitely the most heartless person in the world.”

Facing her all-knowing eyes, Tong Shou smiled with a hint of helplessness yet a profound meaning.

"Knowing that I might just be one of the drunkards, I am quite self-aware and don't want to suffer for it."

“That’s true. Compared to the other person who took active action after finding out her gender…” Yan Shanshan rarely showed sympathy. “However, Shao Chu got what he wanted… a name that would never be recognized.”

"I think Li Shufang would never want to see Shao Chu again in his life, given that kind of title and...status. However, I completely agree with what you said. The owner of this jar of wine is definitely the most heartless person in the world."

***Exclusively produced by Fengmingxuan*** ***

The afternoon mist cascaded down the mountainside, instantly enveloping the mountain paths, leaving only a hazy white view.

The faint sound of a pipa drifted from the riverbank, its strings echoing through the woods like a whispered confession. The strolling passerby couldn't help but stop, reaching out to gently push aside the branches and leaves. There, on a large rock in the stream, sat a young man in white, playing a sandalwood pipa.

A gentle breeze rustled through the branches and leaves, making the sunlight that pierced through the light mist appear like scattered pink shadows, casting a soft, pale glow. The yellow flowers covering the slope resembled a yellow brocade spread out on the green grass, highlighting the handsome young man on the stone, who seemed almost otherworldly, ethereal and otherworldly.

The gentle sound of flowing water echoed the notes of the pipa strings. The young man lowered his brows and continued to play with ease. His long fingers gathered the strings, plucked and strummed, creating endless melodies. For a moment, the scenery of mountains, forests and streams in the mist seemed to blend with the sound of the strings into a painting. Even the most knowledgeable person couldn't help but be mesmerized.

Although the face was difficult to see clearly in the fog, one could still vaguely discern its handsome elegance, especially its serene and detached "stillness" and its detached "coldness," as hazy and ethereal as the fog itself.

"Can fine wine truly intoxicate one? I find beauty and wonderful things even more intoxicating." Su Shaochu put down his sandalwood pipa, his light and cheerful voice carrying a touch of leisurely melody.

The sound, which seemed to be heard, made the person behind the branches squint. He remembered the loud singing coming from the "Lingbi Lake Courtyard" in Tongjiazhuang.

"It's still the same here; every autumn afternoon, mountain fog rises." The wild forest along the riverbank is within sight, and faint green hues can still be seen through the fog. "Purple-edged yellow crabapple, this flower always blooms along the riverbank at this time of year."

The yellow flower sea along the stream is dazzling under the sunlight, and now, shrouded in a light mist, it has a unique charm.

The fog thinned, and the sunlight became more penetrating, making the white-clad figure and face of the young man sitting gracefully on the rock with one knee bent even clearer. This also made those watching from behind the branches and leaves stare intently, wanting to see everything about this otherworldly young man.

"Your men are clearly at the southern border, yet they haven't shown up. Are you trying to avoid us by sending this little brat today?"

A cheerful laugh rang out again. Su Shaochu looked toward the bamboo forest where the sound was coming from. A small black shadow darted past and climbed into the foliage very close to the boy, its small eyes clearly peering out.

"It seems your master really doesn't want to see me, or rather, he's afraid to see me." Taking out some dried fruit from a small pouch at his waist, the hidden golden figure immediately leaped out and excitedly climbed onto Su Shaochu's shoulder.

"The little golden monkey has always been your beloved little fellow. You even went so far as to let it run out to see me, which is clearly an apology." Stroking the little monkey that was rubbing against his cheek, Su Shaochu was extremely pleased and fed the little guy some dried fruit. "Hehe, then don't blame me for keeping you by my side as a guest for a few days."

She has always been most irresistible to lovely people, things, and animals. She had long wanted to keep this clever and cute little golden monkey by her side, but its owner wouldn't let it go. Today, her wish has finally come true.

"But this Shu Fang really lost without any generosity. He should also consider that, given the current relationship between the two sides, he can't hide forever!" Su Shaochu sighed helplessly, her nose twitching.

Shu Fang? Is he the famous Meteor Swordsman Li Shu Fang from the martial arts world? It is said that his swordsmanship is unparalleled, and his personality is equally unique, hence the title "Double-Swordsman".

Who is this young man who can make the Meteor Sword dodge? The onlookers frowned in thought.

"Little fellow, your master once told me that you are not only intelligent but also extremely perceptive, and your speed is comparable to that of someone who has mastered superior lightness skills. Sigh! Let me think of what you can do to prove it."

Patting the fluffy monkey perched on his shoulder, Su Shaochu smiled and whispered, "I think..." He raised his eyebrows and glanced behind him, slowly curving his lips into a smile, "...help me find the person hiding in the shadows—"

With a flick of his wrist, Su Shaochu sent the golden shadow on his shoulder leaping swiftly toward a large tree hidden behind lush greenery on the shore. At the same time, a barely perceptible sound of a sword being drawn echoed from the shadows.

"Third Young Master—Third Young Master—"

Shouts of someone searching for someone came from the woods. A middle-aged, fat man, dressed in the official robes of a local magistrate, led a group of officials and ran into the woods, sweating profusely. But before they could get close, a figure in white had already arrived, followed by another figure staring at the white-clad figure.

Almost in the blink of an eye, the scene before them left everyone completely stunned!

Beneath the large tree, a man of noble bearing, dressed in magnificent brocade robes, held a struggling, howling golden monkey in his hand. The man's face was almost flawless, and the exquisitely carved earrings and crown added to his alluring charm. His slightly narrowed expression exuded a formidable majesty.

"Third...Third Prince, what...what's going on?" The middle-aged, fat county magistrate's eyes widened in shock, fearing that if the young nobleman in front of him suffered any harm, he would be responsible for the execution of his entire family.

A few steps away from the flamboyant man known as the Third Young Master, an elegant young man in white robes pointed at him with a fan, looking up at him with his head held high. The atmosphere between the two was obviously strange, but neither of them made a move, because behind the young man in white robes, another indifferent swordsman in blue robes had already pointed his sword tip at the young man's neck.

As the little golden monkey charged out, she heard the sound of a sword being drawn in the air. Su Shaochu immediately rushed out, but the opponent's abilities exceeded her expectations, and there was also an extraordinary expert following in the shadows—

As the sharp sword tip reached behind Su Shaochu, the folding fan at her waist also came into her hand. She flicked the fan handle, revealing a hidden blade that pointed at the person holding the little golden monkey. A delicate balance was formed between the three parties!

As their figures crossed paths and their eyes met, a flash of amazement crossed the man's eyes. Upon recognizing him, Su Shaochu's handsome face froze for a moment before he cleared his throat and said, "Um, I... I am truly sorry for offending you, young lady."

She was adorned with dazzling jewelry; even the ladies of high society couldn't match her so well in gold and silver, and she looked so radiant and beautiful. Even her jet-black hair was more flowing than a woman's. It would be a shame if she weren't a "beauty."

"How dare you! How dare you! This is an important person, how can you, a mere brat, offend him?" The magistrate finally came to his senses and shouted angrily.

"With such a skilled swordsman by your side, why would you need to hide behind a tree and be a lowly spy?"

From the moment he saw Su Shaochu, the handsome and charming man's eyes were glued to her, never leaving her for a moment. Her teasing and banter only fueled the burning passion in his eyes, and he slowly smiled with an air of mystery and depth.

"How can you find fun playthings if you don't act like a scoundrel?" He gently played with the struggling little golden monkey in his palm, ignoring its struggles and screams. His burning gaze locked onto Su Shaochu, and he smiled slowly and meaningfully, "Little guy, you dare to be so insolent to me? Are you too ignorant, or too arrogant?"

"Perhaps it's just ignorance meeting something ridiculous. After all, it's unreasonable to argue with a little guy like that, so it can't be blamed for thinking it's met a companion." Su Shaochu raised his eyebrows and smiled, responding with a sarcastic remark without any anger.

"How rude! How presumptuous!" The portly magistrate was furious at being treated so disrespectfully, especially since the other party continued to be disrespectful to the "honorable Third Young Master." He clenched his fists and jumped up and down in anger. "Do you know who's standing in front of you?! Kneel down and confess your sins!"

"Confess?!" These two words amused Su Shaochu greatly. "Yes, sir, I, a mere ignorant little monkey, have inadvertently provoked a ridiculous big monkey. I apologize for the conflict between the two monkeys."

"Damn it—you brat, are you out of your mind?! Guards—" Hearing the white-clad youth utter such blasphemous words, the fat magistrate's face flushed with rage. Just as he was about to order his men to arrest the man, a cold, indifferent voice said—

"Step back!"

"Third, Third Young Master, please don't be lenient with such unruly people. This humble official will certainly... Yes, yes, I will immediately step aside."

When the handsome and charming man spoke, the fat magistrate was still a little stunned, thinking that the "noble third young master" had taken pity on him. He hurriedly patted his chest, wanting to show his mercy, but under the sharp gaze of that man, he was immediately frightened and shrank back to the side, wiping away cold sweat, and dared not utter another word.

"Feng Yan." The elegant man waved his hand to dismiss the blue-clad swordsman. "This young master has a skilled swordsman protecting him, and so do you."

The man sensed a powerful expert hiding somewhere in the woods. When the white-clad youth made his move and Feng Yan drew his sword, the person in the shadows emitted a strong sword aura, deliberately alerting the swordsman to his presence.

"No problem." With the threat behind him gone, Su Shaochu withdrew his hand, a faint smile never leaving his lips, and met the other's scrutiny with nonchalant ease.

As soon as she saw the velvety golden monkey, she was certain that the monkey's owner must also be present. With the Meteor Swift Sword, what was there to fear about anyone's sneak attacks that could harm her?

"Oh dear! Shufang, since you're not such a heartless bastard, fine! I'll settle the score with you next time I don't get it this time. At most, I'll make you kneel down instead of beating you up, hehe." A figure hidden deep in the forest suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.

"Young man, tell me your origins, and I will release this little monkey."

"Oh, how grateful I am!" she said lazily, crossing her arms and clearly expressing her bewilderment.

"You brat, do you know who you're talking to—you… answer me properly." After receiving another indifferent glance from the "noble third young master," the fat magistrate smiled obsequiously and shrank back to the side.

"What a handsome young master, both in personality and appearance, so 'beautiful' it's breathtaking." The elegant man picked up the little golden monkey in his palm, seemingly gazing at it with great affection. Suddenly, his large hand tightened, causing the little creature to squeak in pain. His eyes, however, were fixed on Su Shaochu, filled with a wicked smile. "It truly makes this young master's heart itch... I really want to hold you in my palm, just like this little golden monkey!"

"Oh, she's really unlucky," Su Shaochu sighed inwardly. She came to the southern border to find some fun, but before she could, she was found by someone, and someone she least wanted to meet at that.

Even though the other party didn't actually harm the little guy, the little golden monkey seemed to know how terrifying the person who captured it was. Its small body trembled in the palm of his hand, making Su Shaochu feel reluctant to let it go.

"Alright!" She clenched her arms, ready to speak. "Well, it's like this. I come from humble beginnings. My parents each have their own businesses. My father is a bandit king who robs unscrupulous officials. My mother forces women into prostitution and preys on the daughters of the powerful and wealthy. My siblings are all outlaws, each with a name earned through bloodshed. I am the only one who is truly incompetent. I have always been ignorant and narrow-minded, so I have never known how powerful and wealthy officials can abuse their power."

His self-narration, which was almost mocking, was clearly heard by those around him. This refined-looking young man in white was not only not of humble origins, but also had a distinguished background, because every word he uttered was sarcastic.

"Shaochu──"

Just as everyone's attention was focused on the young man in white, a surprised shout suddenly came from behind!

"Uncle!" Su Shaochu saw the old master of the Tong family leading a group of people, rushing over with a panicked expression.

"Tong Zhenwu!" Just as the noble man frowned slightly at the newcomer, the little golden monkey in his palm seized the moment of relaxation and leaped out, heading towards Su Shaochu.

"What's wrong? You didn't offend this... young master, did you?"

They had finally managed to send this distinguished young master away, but when they heard that Shao Chu had taken the wine and run out of the manor and hadn't returned for a long time, they anxiously led people to look for him. Sure enough, they saw the situation he least wanted to see. They hoped that nothing had happened to him, otherwise how could he face his friend?

"Oh dear! Uncle, what you're saying makes it sound like I'm causing trouble everywhere." Su Shaochu sighed and patted the little guy who was curled up in her arms and trembling.