Long Er was still angry and said, "You upset me, and you're not even affectionate. Are you deliberately trying to make me angry?"
This time, Ju Mu'er replied, "How could I dare to upset my husband? Since you like me to be close to you, I've mustered up my courage and will try it myself." After saying this, without waiting for Long Er's reply, she asked again, "Husband, is this pressure good? Does it hurt here?"
Her husband almost laughed at her antics, especially since she had "taken liberties" with her nonsensical remarks. He coughed and deliberately put on a serious tone: "I'm thirsty."
Ju Mu'er quickly replied, "I'll go pour tea for my husband."
She quickly poured tea and returned, presenting it to him with the cup: "Please enjoy, my lord."
His wife's obsequious behavior finally softened Long Er's expression slightly. He took the tea, drank it, then ordered her to pour him another cup, which he also drank. Then, in a stern voice, he said, "Tell me yourself, what did you do wrong?"
Ju Mu'er blinked. Why was her husband still not letting her off the hook after all this time? And had she even said she was wrong?
Ju Mu'er touched Long Er's back and continued to massage his shoulders earnestly: "My husband is right to teach me a lesson."
Long Er frowned, seeing through her effortless maneuvering. "I did teach her a lesson, but I haven't even started. I'm asking you where you went wrong. Tell me, where did you go wrong?"
What did she do wrong? What if she feels she did nothing wrong? Perhaps she acted impulsively and recklessly, but she saved an innocent girl, so she feels her impulsive act was entirely justified.
But Master Long is not easy to deal with.
So Madam Long decided to temporarily back down.
“My lord, I was wrong. I should have obediently returned home after buying the things, instead of going out for snacks. After eating the snacks, I should have obediently returned home, instead of hearing the bandit's voice. After hearing the voice, I should have obediently returned home, instead of worrying about the other girls' safety. Even if I was worried about their safety, I should have obediently returned home, instead of deciding to investigate on my own…”
"Stop, stop. Are you trying to amuse me again?"
"Is my husband happy?"
"No."
"This proves I wasn't joking; I was being serious. Don't interrupt, my husband."
Long Er glared at him. How did it turn out that he was the one who interrupted?
Unfortunately, glaring was ineffective. It was a wasted effort!
Ju Mu'er continued, "Husband, I sincerely admit my mistake. You are a magnanimous person, please forgive me this time. I accept the punishment: confinement to my quarters. Starting the day after tomorrow, I am forbidden from leaving the mansion until you allow me to go out. What do you think?" As she spoke, she shook Long Er's arm. Long Er felt that her expression was saying: Husband, look, I can also be charming.
But what exactly is wrong with this statement of admitting punishment?
Long Er narrowed his eyes and thought for a moment, then reached out and flicked her forehead. "You originally said that once you bought the new piano, you would teach Bao'er to play it properly, which means you planned to stay home. How can that be considered a punishment?"
"Although the punishment wasn't severe, it should still be taken into account."
Cough cough, she still has the nerve to say the punishment wasn't severe. Long Er really wanted to pinch her, but he picked on her mistake again: "What do you mean by starting the day after tomorrow? Are you planning to turn the world upside down tomorrow?"
"Now that this has happened today, I should go to the prefectural government office tomorrow to report the incident and the details to the prefect, so as to help him solve the robbery. I also want to go and see Miss Ding again. Of course, I can't act on my own. Husband, please take some time out of your busy schedule and take me there."
"Hmph, I don't even need to handle things like chasing and beating bandits. Going to the government office and the Ding residence is so simple, why would I be needed?"
"My lord, I've already admitted my mistake."
When will he ever stop?
"Is he truly admitting his mistake? Then why does his acceptance of punishment sound so insincere?"
"Then..." Ju Mu'er gritted her teeth, her face flushed, and whispered, "Then punish me with family discipline?"
"Using family discipline is the master's right, so how should it be considered punishment?"
Ju Mu'er blushed. Even this wasn't enough? She bit her lip and remained silent; she had a temper too.
Her embarrassed and annoyed expression amused Long Er, cheering him up. He suppressed a laugh, pulled her into his arms, and made her sit on his lap, then breathed into her ear: "Want me to use family discipline? In broad daylight..."
"Husband!" Isn't he ashamed!
"We've only been married a short time, and my wife is already thinking about using family discipline. This is truly thanks to me. Since my wife likes this, I suppose my efforts haven't been in vain. Very good, very good."
"Second Master!" The more she said, the more inappropriate it became. She knew she shouldn't have brought this up; he took advantage of her slightest provocation and wouldn't back down even when she had the chance.
Ju Mu'er pouted; she had a temper too.
Long Er held her earlobe in his mouth, stroking the heat on her face, feeling quite pleased. "Long Ju Shi, considering this is your first offense, I, the magnanimous one, will not hold it against you..."
Haven't you made enough of a fuss, sir!
"If you are truly repentant and sincerely beg me, I will consider granting your request to take disciplinary action against the family."
Who would beg for that? My lord!
"Hmm? You want it so badly? Then tell me. If you beg, I won't hold it against you, even in broad daylight." Not only did he not hold it against her, he also caressed Long Ju's soft breasts, holding her tightly and letting her feel his heat. He truly didn't care about being in broad daylight.
"Husband!" Ju Mu'er grabbed Long Er's collar, forcing herself to suppress her overflowing shame, and said, "I did something wrong and should be severely punished. Husband, you must not be soft-hearted and give in to me. If you are lenient with me now, what will happen if I forget the lesson later?"
Long Er's smile froze. What did she mean?
"Since you have seen through my schemes, my lord, please do not indulge me. I should also discipline myself and punish myself. Let me lie alone in the cold and desolate night and sincerely repent."
Ryuji's smile vanished completely.
A lonely pillow? Is she alone or is he alone? Is this a lesson for her or a punishment for him?
Second Master Long was displeased, extremely displeased. He hadn't even held her audacity against her today; he'd only teased her a little, so why was she so ruthless?
He was burning with desire, and she poured cold water on him like this, threatening him that if he didn't comply, she would commit more crimes in the future.
You won't let him touch you, you won't allow family discipline, and you still want him to sleep alone?
This is outrageous!
Master Long gritted his teeth. If he couldn't establish his authority as a husband and his authority wouldn't be respected, he wouldn't be a Long!
Master Long lowered his head and kissed his Lady Long. He couldn't argue with her, but could he not even touch her?
Ju Mu'er was startled by his rough actions, but then breathed a sigh of relief. It had finally worked; he had finally stopped nagging. She wrapped her arms around his neck, letting him part her lips and entwine his tongue with hers. Although she was ashamed to admit it, she knew in her heart that her husband's intimacy and tenderness truly pleased her.
Long Er clung to her tighter and tighter, wishing he could melt her into his own body. He suddenly picked her up, strode to the bedside, and quickly pressed her onto the bed. He undressed her, pressed his lips against hers, and said, "Let me give you a taste of sweetness, then I'll punish you by making you sleep alone. That way you'll know what it's like to suffer."
Ju Mu'er didn't speak or dare to laugh, but blinked and took the initiative to kiss him. When Second Master Long was at his most imposing, she had to go along with him. She was truly the virtuous Lady Long.
Long Er grew increasingly hot and excited, though he still had a lot of things to do. He decided to punish his disobedient wife first before dealing with other important matters.
Just as he was parting her clothes and biting her collarbone, there was an urgent knocking at the door. Li Ke's voice rang out: "Second Master, I have something to report."
Long Er was taken aback, realizing that Li Ke wouldn't act this way unless it was something urgent. But with Ju Mu'er beneath him, her face as beautiful as a peach blossom and her beauty as fiery as fire, he truly didn't want to let go even a little bit.
Just as he stood there for a moment, Li Ke called again from outside the door.
Long Er nearly choked on his own spit. He lowered his head and bit Ju Mu'er hard, saying in a vicious voice, "It's all your fault!"
Ju Mu'er couldn't help but laugh.
Long Er jumped off the bed, straightened his clothes, and saw a smile on her lips. He became even angrier, leaned in and bit her again, then forcefully pulled down the bed curtains, blocking her view.
The door opened, and Li Ke, his face grave, paid no heed to Long Er's dark expression as if he had been robbed, and reported directly: "Second Master, Guard Luo has returned and reported that the government office says they have not received any prisoners."
Upon hearing this, Ju Mu'er sat up abruptly.
Long Er frowned as well: "Were you robbed on the way?"
Li Ke shook his head hurriedly: "Guard Luo said that after we left, he was gathering information when he saw several constables rushing over. He then reported to them that the prisoner and the body had been handed over to other constables for escort. Unexpectedly, those constables said they should have been the first to arrive. Guard Luo felt something was amiss, so he and the constables rushed back to the government office. Upon inquiry, no one knew anything about the prisoner's escort. By all accounts, they should have arrived by now. However, the constables on duty all reported their destinations, and none of them had been to Shuizi Lane in Ding'an Street. The constables that Guard Luo encountered were indeed the first to arrive."
Long Er's face darkened. Ju Mu'er sat on the bed and gasped.
"It was my negligence. I was careless and failed to notice that the three constables were imposters."
59☆ Two women meet to discuss their doubts
Having reached this point, Long Er had no choice but to think things through. He instructed Li Ke to make a trip and gather as much information as possible. He himself would need to consider the matter further before going to the government office in person.
Li Ke accepted the order and left, while Long Er returned to the inner room.
He lifted the curtain and saw Ju Mu'er sitting there blankly, her face pale. He felt a pang of heartache. He sat down beside her, stroked her hair, and buttoned her clothes.
Ju Mu'er suddenly grabbed his wrist and called out, "Second Master."
Long Er pulled her into his arms and softly comforted her, "Don't panic, things will be cleared up eventually."
Although he told her not to panic, Long Er himself was still feeling scared when he thought about it now.
The robbery was suspicious. Whether it was the kidnapping of Ju Mu'er and the others, or the sudden death of the eight people who were arrested due to poisoning, everything seemed strange.
Long Er had always kept this matter in mind and never gave up the investigation. But Long Er couldn't deny that his married life had been too comfortable and pleasant, and he had indeed let his guard down.
In this matter, the person Long Er suspected the most was Yun Qingxian.
As for the enmity, Yun Qingxian wanted to marry Ju Mu'er but failed, so he wanted to ruin her marriage and reputation, which was a very valid motive. And using kidnappers to abduct her would indeed achieve this goal. However, he did not expect that Long Er would be able to find Ju Mu'er in time, nor did he expect that Long Er would accept a girl whose reputation had been ruined as his wife.
Ding Yanshan's identity is that of Yun Qingxian's sister-in-law. This relationship is neither too close nor too distant; allowing the robbers to abduct her would not cause Yun Qingxian any loss, yet it would also absolve him of any involvement. It was indeed a ruthless and ingenious move.
Therefore, Long Er ordered the Long family's spies to keep a close eye on Yun Qingxian. Unfortunately, Yun Qingxian remained behaving normally, and even outwardly appeared to be actively investigating the robbery; however, he hadn't yet uncovered any results, and Long Er hadn't found any incriminating evidence against him. In other aspects, the Long family's spies also failed to find any clues.
The government office also treated this case as a top priority and was investigating it seriously. However, neither Yun Qingxian, Long Er, nor the government office made any progress.
Today, Ju Mu'er went out on the street without any guards.
She had returned safely, and the robbers had been arrested, so while Long Er was nervous, he was even more furious at Ju Mu'er's audacity. He thought he could put the matter aside for now and focus on their intimacy. But now, hearing that someone had dared to impersonate an official and take the robbers away, even managing to fool Li Ke, Long Er was terrified.
He was too careless.
If anything goes wrong today, if his Mu'er is even slightly unlucky, then perhaps...
Long Er closed his eyes; he dared not think further. He held Ju Mu'er tightly in his arms.
But then Ju Mu'er said, "Second Master, I want to go to the Ding residence to see Miss Ding right now."
Ryuji thought about it and agreed.
Long Er brought Ju Mu'er to the Ding residence, expecting to have to use a lot of persuasion to see Ding Yanshan, since she had just returned from her ordeal and the Ding family had plenty of excuses to refuse guests. But to their surprise, when they arrived, Ding Yanshan was making a scene, insisting on going out to the Long residence to find Ju Mu'er.
As luck would have it, Ju Mu'er herself delivered herself to her door for her to meet.
Ding Sheng looked grim, and Long Er guessed he must also know about the bandit being taken away by the fake constable. Long Er felt that Ding Sheng had been suspicious of Yun Qingxian lately. According to his intelligence, Ding Sheng had frequently found excuses to reprimand his son-in-law. However, Yun Qingxian was a composed man; even in these situations, he remained calm and collected, handling matters meticulously, and Long Er couldn't find any fault with him.
Ding Yanshan wanted to speak with Ju Mu'er alone, so Long Er and Ding Sheng drank tea together. The two men were wary of each other and didn't discuss anything serious. However, what Ding Yanshan said to Ju Mu'er greatly surprised Ju Mu'er.
"I think my brother-in-law did this." Ding Yanshan locked herself and Ju Mu'er in a room alone and went straight to the point.
Her frankness surprised Ju Mu'er. She remained calm and didn't respond.
Ding Yanshan continued, "You think so too, don't you?"
Ju Mu'er did not answer.
Ding Yanshan sneered: "Ju Mu'er, you're quite shrewd. I had my suspicions before, but I didn't dare to think too much. But what that scoundrel said today confirmed my suspicions. You must know something, otherwise you wouldn't be so careful."
"Since this concerns Miss Ding's family, I shouldn't speculate."