Chapter 3, The Daughter of the Dong Family

He is not a person with grand ambitions; being content and finding joy in simplicity has always been his motto. However, this does not mean he can accept the role of a lowly servant with equanimity. In this era of strict hierarchies and clear class distinctions, the life of a commoner or a household servant is something that a modern ordinary person cannot even imagine. He wishes to break free from this circle, yet he is like a fly stuck on glass, with a bright future ahead but unable to find a path he can take.

Ding Chengye felt displeased upon hearing this. By nature, he was a man of indulgence, particularly fond of virtuous married women. In his view, although respectable women did not possess the same skills in flattery as those in the pleasure quarters, they offered a unique and intoxicating allure, which is why he was most passionate about this pursuit

From the inherited memories, he became aware of his obscure origins. In his previous life, he worked at the grassroots level for several years, changing communities several times. He had witnessed and heard many heartless acts committed by parents: a scoundrel father who made his mentally disabled daughter eat food waste, a biological father who beat his five-year-old son, left by his ex-wife, to the point of fractures and tortured him by pouring boiling oil into his mouth, and a beastly mother who, fearing that a burden would delay her remarriage, forced her biological son to drink pesticide.

In the afternoon, the winter sun had a hint of warmth. Ding Hao wandered into a secluded courtyard. After a moment of contemplation, he recalled that this was the place where Madam Zhen of the Ding family wove and tailored fabrics, and he intended to turn back. Just as he turned around, he happened to see two people standing across from each other under the corner corridor ahead. Ding Hao stopped in his tracks and glanced over. From the back view, the tall figure seemed somewhat familiar, wearing a cotton padded robe with a blue base and bamboo flower patterns, a colorful silk belt adorned with a piece of jade that was green and translucent, and a fur hat made of marten. Upon closer thought, he remembered that this was indeed the Second Young Master Ding, whom he served in this lifetime. A hint of bitterness involuntarily appeared at the corner of Ding Hao's lips.

The second young master www.hetushu.com.com! The young lady Luo Dong'er, who had been called by her given name, felt both shy and angry, her tone slightly elevated: "Although the Dong family is poor and of humble status, we are a family of integrity and honor. You, the second young master, are the son of a wealthy family, well-educated and courteous, with achievements to your name. How can you utter such words? If this were to spread, would I still have a place in society? Second young master, please step aside; I must leave." Her tone slightly elevated: "Although the Dong family is poor and of humble status, we are a family of integrity and honor. You, the second young master, are the son of a wealthy family, well-educated and courteous, with achievements to your name. How can you utter such words? If this were to spread, would I still have a place in society? Second young master, please step aside; I must leave."

From childhood to adulthood, he has always been able to obtain whatever he desired. If it were not for his father's strict upbringing, he could have freely spent money to indulge in brothels, and his father would have turned a blind eye. However, if he were to know that his son was forcibly taking another man's wife, he would never let it slide. Therefore, out of caution, he has not yet forcefully taken the purity of this beautiful widow.

I am not interested! The confrontation between Dong and Luo gradually replaced the flustered and shy expression with a resolute demeanor

However, Ding Er Shao had tossed and turned all night, completely drained by the seductive skills of the red maidens at Quhua Pavilion, and at that moment, he could not muster the desire to mount a horse and gallop. When he called Ding Hao to inquire, it was merely a formality; the Ding family courtyard had nine entrances and exits, becoming increasingly luxurious the further one went inside. The hierarchy was clear, with doormen, servants, long-term workers, short-term workers, lower servants, and those serving in the inner and outer courtyards, all distinctly categorized. The Ding family courtyard had a well-defined class structure and formidable barriers; a mere servant from the outer estate had no qualification to enter the inner estate to see him. When he called Ding Hao to inquire, it was merely a formality; the Ding family courtyard had nine entrances and exits, becoming increasingly luxurious the further one went inside. The hierarchy was clear, with doormen, servants, long-term workers, short-term workers, lower servants, and those serving in the inner and outer courtyards, all distinctly categorized. The Ding family courtyard had a well-defined class structure and formidable barriers; a mere servant from the outer estate had no qualification to enter the inner estate to see him

However, the wickedness of those beasts is plainly written on their faces. And what about Master Ding? Both are his flesh and blood, yet he shows kindness to one, while treating the other as a stranger. The reason is simply that one is legitimate and the other is illegitimate, one born of his proper wife from a well-matched family, while the other is the result of his drunken misconduct and the humiliation of others. One is the heir to his legacy of incense and literature, while the other is a disgrace to his genteel image. This person truly has a clear sense of love and hate

After Ding Hao woke up, his high fever miraculously subsided, leaving him only physically weak. The steward of the outer courtyard showed mercy and granted him two days off to rest. During these two days, Ding Hao wandered around the Ding residence, gradually becoming familiar with many people and things that had only existed in his memories. He had adapted to this current identity and was able to effectively use the persona of the original Ding Hao, who was dull and timid, to conceal his true existence. However, his heart was restless, constantly hoping to find a path that was different from the original Ding Hao.

However, after repeated setbacks, Ding Chengye's patience had been completely exhausted. He tore away his refined demeanor, revealing a fierce and menacing look in his eyes, and shouted angrily: "Luo Dong'er, you are well aware of the extent of the Ding family's influence in this area and throughout Bazhou City. Do you think this young master lacks women? My interest in you is a blessing for you..."

The young married woman across the way lowered her head with a slight blush and said: "Second Young Master, your esteemed household has a few pieces of fabric that need to be used during the festival. Aunt Li entrusted me to weave and embroider them, and I have just completed them. I was worried about delaying their use in the household, so I have just delivered them to Aunt Li."

In front of Young Master Ding Er, there stood a young woman dressed in a light blue shirt and a delicate silk skirt. This woman appeared to be around seventeen or eighteen years old, wearing a light blue long shirt with a front opening, and over it, she had a floral-patterned jacket. In the depths of winter, she must have been wearing a cotton garment underneath, but whether it was due to the well-tailored clothing or her innate beauty that could not be concealed, her waist, tied with a slender plum blossom knot belt, appeared to be gracefully slender. Her crow-black hair was adorned with a simple wooden hairpin, and her plain attire bore no embellishments. Yet, as she stood there, elegant and poised, one could not help but feel a refreshing vitality emanating from her, as if it were seeping into one's heart.

Outside, water drips and freezes, yet his room is as warm as spring. Inside, there is a large concealed copper cauldron, from which smoke-free beast charcoal emits waves of heat, making him feel the warmth even while wearing a loose thin robe. A maid dressed in a delicate silk shirt is sitting on his lap. This beauty, clad in a narrow-sleeved spring gown, accentuates her wonderful curves of a full bosom and slender waist.

Ding Hao has died. After this news spread through the Ding family courtyard, which is characterized by its intricate comings and goings, it barely caused a ripple. Although Ding Hao's background is a taboo topic within the Ding family, the old villagers still know a bit about the past events. They merely sighed softly and murmured, "This poor child, it is better that he has died, better that he has died, the sooner he dies, the sooner he can be reborn..."

He marveled while reaching out to grasp the wrist of the young woman, whose delicate wrist slipped through his fingers with a gentle grip. Startled, she quickly withdrew her hand, escaping from his grasp, and then stepped back hurriedly, raising her eyebrows slightly in displeasure.

This young woman had delicate hands as slender as orchids. Ding Chengye felt a lingering smoothness at his fingertips, which stirred his lustful thoughts even more. In his slightly wicked gaze, there was an added intensity. He raised an eyebrow and said softly, "Madam Dong, why are you so afraid of me? Could it be that... you cannot see my feelings for you?"

Ding Chengye laughed and said, "I have long heard that the embroidery skills of the Dong family young lady are renowned in this area. My family's seamstresses cannot compare at all. Whenever there is a valuable needlework or embroidery piece, the seamstresses are afraid of ruining it and always hand it over to the young lady to do. It seems that this is indeed true. How is it that your hands are so skillful?"

Young Master Ding Er had his back to Ding Hao and did not see him. He was gazing at the alluring young woman before him, a charming smile and a book adorning his handsome face. He said warmly, "Madam Dong, I called out to you from afar, but you walked away so quickly that I almost lost sight of you. What brings you here?"

Infidelity requires a sense of romance, with elements such as music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, as well as refined conversation, all serving as mediums of affection. Ding Chengye, with his handsome appearance and extensive literary knowledge, is adept at appreciating the beauty of nature, playing the zither, and excelling in games like dominoes and cuju. He embodies the qualities of a sophisticated and charming gentleman. Any virtuous woman he sets his sights on would readily submit to his subtle advances. However, little did he know that this seemingly invincible romantic figure found himself at a loss before this village woman. Luo Dong'er was impervious to both soft and hard tactics; despite his eloquent persuasion, she remained unyielding.

However, for him at this moment, these are not the main issues. Even if he could foresee some developments in the trends of the world, such changes would take hundreds of years and would not help alter his current situation. He is merely a lowly servant in the Ding family courtyard, at most able to live for a hundred years. This is the unchangeable reality he faces, regardless of whether he knows five hundred years into the past or five hundred years into the future

Ding Hao has come back to life. This news did not cause a stir in the vast Ding family courtyard, which is even larger than a Zhuangzi. Even those who were not very clear about his background remarked, "This Ding Hao really is a person whose worth diminishes as his life persists; indeed, it is better to live poorly than to die well..."

The young woman, her face flushed with embarrassment, spoke in a soft and gentle voice: "Second Young Master, please conduct yourself with propriety; the Dong family has a husband."

Ding Chengye said proudly: "So what? Even if the short-lived man with the surname Dong has long since passed away, does he have the qualifications to compete with me, Ding Er Gongzi, for a woman? Luo Dong'er, do you know how much I like you? Even when I am surrounded by the most beautiful and charming girls in the Quhua Pavilion, the one I think of in my heart is your image. At your flower-like age, can you really endure the pain of loneliness? Why not... just submit to me, and as long as you are with me, a lifetime of glory and wealth will be yours. At your flower-like age, can you really endure the pain of loneliness? Why not... just submit to me, and as long as you are with me, a lifetime of glory and wealth will be yours."

It was that Ding Ershao, who returned from the Quhua Pavilion, loosened his clothes, took a comfortable hot bath, and while sipping on fine ginseng soup, upon hearing the news of Ding Hao's death and resurrection, laughed three times and said: "This kid really knows how to endure. I’ve heard that those who have faked their deaths often take a stroll on the Naihe Bridge, and they can remember some scenes from the underworld. I should call him over to tell me about it."

You... Ding Chengye's heart was ablaze, momentarily forgetting the consequences. He immediately thought of embracing this charming young lady and kissing her passionately to quench his thirst. Perhaps if she faltered just once, it would lead to a complete collapse, fulfilling his desires entirely. However, just as he shrugged his shoulder, someone behind him coughed and dryly said, "I have met the second young master."

Having fallen to this state, what should he do? In this era, he has hardly left the Ding family courtyard, and most of the information from the outside world comes from the servants of the household. From the limited data he has gathered through their accounts, he realizes that this world differs significantly from the history he is familiar with. Geographically, the northern part of the Song Dynasty is also home to a powerful nomadic tribe, with the sea to the east and various small states and nomadic tribes to the west. However, the developments in detail do not quite align. Ding Hao suspects that someone may have traversed back to a historical era before recorded history, thereby altering the entire pattern of the world and its historical development to some extent, resulting in a somewhat ambiguous situation. This world differs significantly from the history he is familiar with. Geographically, the northern part of the Song Dynasty is also home to a powerful nomadic tribe, with the sea to the east and various small states and nomadic tribes to the west. However, the developments in detail do not quite align. Ding Hao suspects that someone may have traversed back to a historical era before recorded history, thereby altering the entire pattern of the world and its historical development to some extent, resulting in a somewhat ambiguous situation.

She originally had a beauty of seven or eight points, and with a clever application of makeup and appropriate attire, she immediately appeared to possess full allure. Young Master Ding Er embraced her soft and fragrant body, leering as he reached into her impressively ample bosom. The woman, filled with springtime feelings, cast him a sidelong glance and giggled, causing the magnificent waves of her chest to undulate continuously.