Чистая вода и прекрасные горы

Глава 11

The name Nalan Qingqian is indeed awe-inspiring, because her absence only adds to her mystery and makes people hesitant to act rashly.

Qiu Ming had just finished collecting the red silk when the door was suddenly kicked open, and a woman dressed in red rushed in, sword in hand, looking furious.

"Qiu Minghao—you lecherous thief."

Qiu Ming grabbed her shoulder, and the sword fell to the ground.

I stared at them, stunned.

"Xiaoman, what's wrong?" Qiu Ming asked anxiously.

"When are you going to get rid of this philandering habit of yours?" The woman glared at me fiercely. Then she turned to look at him.

“Miss…” I coughed.

"Shut up. You think I can't tell just because you're pretending to be a man? If you want to steal my man, do it openly. You're using such despicable methods to seduce me. I think you're not even as good as the girls in Qingfeng Garden—you vixen."

I was startled and turned my head blankly, looking at Qiu Ming as if I couldn't understand. "What...what did she say about me?"

Qiu Ming looked embarrassed and whispered, "Xiao Man, you've misunderstood. There are too many people here. Let's go home and talk, okay?"

"What can't be said in public?!" The woman seemed even angrier. Qiu Ming gave an awkward, apologetic smile. Only then did I realize that Qiu Ming, the head of the 18 households and 23 shops, was actually... henpecked. Madam Qiu Ming... there probably aren't many women like her.

A crowd gathered around, pointing and whispering amongst themselves.

Lady Qiuming picked up her sword and glared fiercely at her man. "Will you talk or not?"

Qiu Ming lost his confidence, "What's there to say? We're completely innocent..."

I hurriedly nodded in agreement, while Madam Qiuming clenched her fist. "Fine, I'll take you two adulterers to the government office and convict you of adultery."

A chill ran down my spine. This was terrible. If I went to the authorities, by midday, everyone in the capital would be spreading rumors that Princess Yi, the seventh wife of the Prince's mansion, was having an affair with another man behind her husband's back. My days would be filled with darkness.

Truly, a woman's heart is the most poisonous...

Before I could even react, I felt someone trying to pull me out, and I clung to the doorframe, refusing to let go. Qiu Ming pleaded tearfully.

"Stop—" A unique, clear voice came from the crowd.

A figure in white gradually emerged from the crowd, holding a folding fan, exuding elegance and charm...

"Isn't this Eighth Master?" Madam Qiuming said with a disdainful look, one hand still on my shoulder.

The young man stepped out of the crowd, a smile on his face, exuding an extraordinary air.

"Madam, please grant me the honor of bringing my concubine back to your residence." The young master's smiling face, with its curved eyebrows, was looking at her tenderly. His smile seemed to glow softly, radiating infinite gentleness.

Lady Qiuming, who must consider herself beautiful, was almost stunned when she saw his smile. She then glanced at me and asked, "Your...concubine?"

He slowly stepped forward, his jade-like index finger pointing distantly—

"Yes, she is my...concubine, Eighth Prince."

In an instant.

All the light, all the gaze, all the breath were directed at me.

Although it was inexplicable, I immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

Ignoring the jealous, resentful, and astonished glares, she simply stared at the unfamiliar man with a gentle, flower-like smile, knowing what to do. "Husband... I have done nothing wrong to you..."

He smiled gently, his white robes gleaming like snow, and the hint of approval and appreciation in his eyes seemed to be communicating with me.

"Of course I know... With me by your side, how could you possibly be interested in those ordinary women? Didn't I tell you to wait at the entrance of Xiaoyao Residence? How could you just walk into someone else's house like that?" He showed a slight displeasure, speaking with an air of seriousness.

I suppressed a laugh and said sadly, "How was I supposed to know it was at the door? I thought Grandpa was sitting inside waiting for me."

At this moment, Mrs. Qiuming breathed a sigh of relief and murmured, "Is that all?"

Before I could even reply, Qiu Ming pulled her into his arms. "Of course, Madam. When have I ever lied to you?"

"Let's go back together..." A hand reached out and tugged at my sleeve.

The carriage swayed and rocked along the way, while the young master inside leisurely fanned himself. It was only early spring, so why was it so hot?

"Young master... thank you for today." I said with a hint of apology.

He straightened up, looked at me with a smile, and used his fan to prop up my chin. "You really shouldn't have been with that kind of man."

I chuckled. "Young master, you've misunderstood. Don't you see how I look dressed like this? How am I supposed to go looking for men? I'd be more likely to take advantage of women."

He stared at me intently, a hint of surprise flashing in his smiling eyes.

I straightened my clothes, glanced out the window, and estimated that we were almost at Nanshikou.

"Who are you?" I stared at him intently.

He was taken aback, somewhat surprised, "My name is Lu Xiu..."

The name sounded familiar, and I smiled.

"No matter what, I will remember this kindness. When we arrive at Prince Ning's residence, please let me know."

"To Ning..." he called to the coachman, then suddenly paused, "Ningshuo Prince's Mansion...you're from Seventh Brother's residence?"

I was stunned, thinking to myself that I was doomed. Just now, Qiu Ming was calling him Eighth Master.