Chapter 3, the Lu family proposes marriage amidst a cacophony of drums and gongs

That golden auspicious object is not a good thing

The moonlight in Liangqiao Hutong is pale and desolate

Yu Zifan, with a pale face from being scolded, retreated from the room. Seeing that no one was around, he stealthily slipped along the wall and exited through the back door. If others were to see him, it would undoubtedly lead to misunderstandings. The third concubine is a person who understands propriety and would not engage in disgraceful acts that tarnish the family reputation. However, she is also someone who values her image; the youthful romantic escapades are, after all, matters of the past. If they are like scars, it is better not to uncover them, allowing them to fade away.

Liangqiao Hutong

... ...

She is a typical Shanghai woman, with a pair of slender and shrewd phoenix eyes, petite in stature, and her waist in a qipao seems as if it could be grasped with a single hand. Her lips are very thin, like two blades, making the old shopkeeper too intimidated to speak and retreat to calculate the accounts.

The muscles on my face twitched painfully a couple of times. Perhaps Qin Shiyue was secretly killed, dying without a sound. However, at this moment, I could not afford to make wild guesses and disrupt my composure, so I comforted her by saying: "It won't happen. First, have some snacks to conserve your strength. I am now the future young mistress of the Lu family, and in order to save you, I must return and discuss long-term plans with my father."

I didn't say anything at all. " Yu Jie suddenly laughed again, her eyes flickering with light and darkness.

I am the mistress of the Ye family. If you recklessly barge in like this, and the maids were to see you, it would surely bring me trouble. It was you who personally pushed me through the gates of the Ye family, and it has been over ten years. I do not understand what it is that you are so concerned about. Let us each take care of our own affairs and not give others a reason to laugh at us. " The third concubine snorted coldly.

This is a paradise for flies, mosquitoes, and cockroaches

Ah? Sister, do you know Miss Jin?

Upon returning from Baxiangqiao, the accompanying housekeeper burst into the hall in a flurry, grabbing the butler's sleeve, her nails digging into the flesh. The sweat on her forehead and the flush of her face were quite unusual. With a trembling voice, she asked: "Butler, has the young lady returned?"

The servants of the whole family hurriedly left the house, and the butler ran to the police station with a photo of Taotao. Father called the chief, stating that as long as my little daughter is found, money is not an issue

Yu Zifan peeked cautiously from the doorway, and seeing that no one was around, he slipped along the wall concealed by the trees and entered the large house

"Lingyue, you still hate me." The melancholy in Yu Zifan's eyes could indeed touch a woman's heart. Upon closer inspection, he must have been a handsome youth with pearly white teeth and a bright smile ten years ago. At that time, the third concubine was just beginning to experience love, having seen few handsome young men while guarding the tailor shop, so it was only natural for her to be captivated by him.

Let them speak on behalf of Dad, so that he can feel a bit more at ease

Miss Jin let out a sigh and said, "This is how it is when young people are together; isn't it all about love at first sight these days?"

I suddenly remembered the purpose of my visit to Liangqiao Hutong and urgently needed to push him away: "You should leave quickly, I have things to do. My father will be coming around here; he will arrive at 2 AM. It's almost midnight now, you should go quickly."

The sunlight was glaring, dazzling to the point of making one feel dizzy, and the discomfort of staying up late was indeed hard to bear. However, in such a troubling situation, it was better to find some peace and rest. Yu Jie and I each returned to our rooms and slept for a while. Suddenly, I heard the sound of rain pouring outside the window, and the autumn wind blew open the window, bringing the cool air into the white gauze curtains.

Mother was so coaxed by him that it seemed as if I were to be married off tomorrow, and she even shed a few emotional tears. Only the third concubine remained rational, sending the steward out to reward the group of soldiers who accompanied the dowry. By the time Father returned, Lu Xingjiu had already left for half an hour. The second concubine was smiling and eagerly asking me for jewelry, and upon seeing Father, she exclaimed: "Master, we do not know how great the Lu family's fortune is, but this dowry is indeed a grand affair, like water spilled out; our Bingqing will certainly not suffer any loss by marrying into such a family."

"My little ancestor, please stop swaying, it's making me dizzy." The urgency in mother's eyes was evident, and the white silk handkerchief was already soaked with the sweat in her palm: "The bride price from the Lu family has already been brought to the front door. Regardless of whether you agree or not, at least give us a clear answer. The whole family is waiting for you!"

Yue Xiaoman and Yu Ziyang, along with other ambitious individuals trapped in dire circumstances, were rescued. I stuck out my tongue, packed my belongings, and went to the Lu Mansion with my father. The dead were all soldiers; they were unharmed, enjoying Bi Luo Chun tea at home. I declined, saying that school still had classes, and since there was nothing wrong, I would not delay. Lu Xingjiu countered, "Aren't you on leave from school?" Caught off guard, I calmly told him that I was learning piano and etiquette, so I still needed to attend classes. I declined, saying that school still had classes, and since there was nothing wrong, I would not delay. Lu Xingjiu countered, "Aren't you on leave from school?" Caught off guard, I calmly told him that I was learning piano and etiquette, so I still needed to attend classes.

Forget it, I cannot consume such coarse tea either

Before the old shopkeeper even entered, a woman's sharp voice could be heard from inside: "It's Jin Feng and Yin Feng. Fu Bo, you fall asleep as soon as you start watching the shop. It seems you really are going to return to your hometown to retire!"

I will accompany you

She giggled delicately and said: "The second young lady truly is a person of high status who forgets things easily. A few days ago at Jiuxiang Tower, I, Jin Ruyi, even ran into you, yet you do not recognize me now"

I just heard the girl say that the third concubine is exhausted and has gone back to her room to rest My heart skipped a beat and, as if guided by some unseen force, I followed her

The third concubine swayed twice and nearly fainted. The maid rushed over to support her inside to rest. She waved her hand and said: "It is already dark, the child has lost their way and cannot find home. Everyone must go look for them; we will surely be able to find them."

Indeed, how could I be so foolish

The two sisters secretly felt pity for each other as the crescent moon gradually faded in the deep blue sky, soft as swan velvet, leaving only a morning star in the heavens. Perhaps this atmosphere felt oppressive, and Yu Jie’s voice, like swaying water plants, stirred the waves of dawn: "Let me tell you something strange. Yesterday, I went to the Lu family with Du Ai, but I just sat in the car while Du Ai went to negotiate with my future brother-in-law."

That is certainly the case

Aunt San Yi Tai stayed up until the afternoon without sleeping, and upon hearing Tao Tao's name, she began to cry again. Mother shot me a glare, signaling me not to speak out of turn. Yu Jie had already gotten up and pulled me back upstairs. Around noon, the postman delivered a letter, stating that a sum of 50,000 cash dollars was required to be deposited into a designated account. Only in this way could Tao Tao's safety be ensured. Father had already gone to the bank and did not dare to alert the police.

I lowered my head and mumbled for quite a while before finally forcing out a stiff reply: "Mother, I accept this marriage proposal."

This is the French Concession, of course I am here. Why are you no longer pretending to like me, little liar?" Qin Shiyue leaned against the wall and lit a cigarette. The crimson glow flickered, and the thin smoke made me cough. I coughed so hard that tears streamed down, sparkling like a spark in the cool moonlight

Qin Shiyue extinguished the cigarette and said, "My apartment is nearby, why don't we go up and sit for a while"

It is too dangerous for you to be alone

Are you referring to the Moon of the Qin Dynasty

I had intended to personally deliver the gift again, but as soon as I stepped outside, I encountered members of the Lu family carrying the betrothal gifts at the entrance of the alley. Children, attracted by the sound of gongs and firecrackers, rushed out of their homes, chasing after the red envelopes. Leading the group was Zhang Shun, the captain of the Four Little Teams, while Lu Xingjiu sat in the back of the carriage, his smiling face visible through the glass.

The plump rat scurrying at my feet startled my maid, causing her to tremble in fear

Through the window paper, Yu Zifan leaned against the edge of the bed, his face filled with panic: "Rest assured, I saw that no one came in. Yuzhen has already returned to the shop, and I truly couldn't put my mind at ease about you, so I came to take a look."

I only fear that it is not as simple as getting lost

Do not! This will harm my sister.

I am looking for him regarding another matter, is he available

My younger sister has been kidnapped, and the exchange will take place at 2:00 AM

I sat listlessly on the swing in the back garden, not knowing when Yujie also came out to sit beside me and enjoy the flowers together

"Bingqing, what on earth is going on?" Mother appeared somewhat embarrassed, as in their antiquated mindset, it was only the uncultured families that had frivolous women who fell in love at first sight.

Wasn't the moon during the Qin Dynasty locked up with you?

"How wonderful! That is your husband's family. How could I, Ye Guangrong's daughter, be so lacking in manners?"

That is because you care about him, which makes it difficult for you to analyze situations calmly. If you truly fall in love with someone like I do, you cannot let go and do the things you should be doing. Even knowing it is wrong, you will still repeatedly make mistakes. Suddenly, a gloomy cloud rose between Yujie's brows, and her beautiful eyes seemed to sparkle with starlight

I am certainly not some young lady of the Lu family, are you here at this late hour pretending to be a ghost to scare people

Great! Great!

On that day, the second young lady came to my shop, but I was not there. Yu Zhen was lacking in manners, and I hope that the third aunt can convey my apologies.

The old shopkeeper put on his reading glasses, squinted his eyes with great effort, and managed to lift his drooping eyelids. He let out a gasp from his throat: "Oh, isn't this the second young lady of the Ye family? What brings you here? My old eyes are failing, so let me invite the young master out."

Yue Xiaoman's old-fashioned father fell ill upon learning that his daughter had been arrested again. Her superstitious mother claimed that the house was unclean and spent a large sum of money to hire a Taoist priest to perform rituals, causing unrest throughout the entire street. The father sent precious medicinal herbs and tonics through a maid, only to have them returned unopened by that old-fashioned man. He instructed the maid to convey that, in any case, his daughter was unlikely to escape death this time, and the two of them had no expectations left; it would be better if she died.

Hello, may I ask if Yu Zifan is here

Indeed, having money makes things easier. The entire family sat in the living room all night, while the sumptuous dinner prepared by the cook was heated again and again, yet no one touched it. In the early hours, Du Ai brought Yu Jie back, and she was startled to see so many people. Upon hearing that Tao Tao was missing, Yu Jie became anxious, her eyes reddening, and said, "I thought all those police outside were here to catch criminals." It seems that having money truly facilitates matters; that chief is no fool.

The horse, adorned with silver shoes, walks on the clear stone path, producing a sound as melodious as playing the piano. Yet, my mood is as heavy as a sky shrouded in rain.

While watching the play halfway through, Taotao started clamoring for walnut pastries from Babaozhai. So, the old lady took Taotao out to buy some. However, there were many vendors selling sugar figurines and bamboo dragonflies along the roadside at Baxianqiao. The child was just playing and sat by the roadside watching cricket fights. The old lady thought that the young lady was usually quite well-behaved and never ran around, so she felt at ease entering Babaozhai to buy snacks. When she came out, she could no longer see the young lady.

You ... ...

The housekeeper was perplexed, seeing her act so recklessly in front of the second young lady and the third concubine, and awkwardly brushed her off: "Isn't the young miss under your care? Didn't she go to the theater with the madam, the second concubine, and the young master?"

After a long silence, Yu Ziyang suddenly raised his head and said: "Miss Ye Er, I would like to ask you to make a trip to our Yu family. When you see my elder brother, please help me tell him not to come again, as it is merely a waste of money on those despicable guards."

The third concubine let out a cold laugh and said, "As soon as these few boxes of betrothal gifts were brought in, the second sister became as cold as ice towards us, and I have rarely seen her being affectionate."

Ye Bingqing, what a coincidence, are you out to enjoy the moon?

Are you saying that you are restricted because you fell in love with Du Ai

The woman who entered had elegantly arched eyebrows and, with just a touch of light powder, appeared captivating. She wore a particularly exquisite qipao, adorned with blooming luxurious pink peonies on a golden silk brocade base, and the golden high heels accentuated her legs, making them look straight and elongated

I am not afraid

The six large boxes of betrothal gifts were lined up in the hall, containing jade artifacts and jewelry, fine silk, gold bars and bricks, ancient calligraphy and paintings, precious medicinal materials, and even several acres of real estate. Lu Xing, with his refined demeanor and courteous manner, captured the hearts of the Ye family women in just a few short minutes. Especially the second concubine, who had never been so sensible, was solely focused on praising me, not uttering a single harsh word.

That little girl is Ye Taotao

Seeing that woman sway her hips as she entered, the maid beside her, aware of the fickleness of human relationships, rolled her eyes and said: "It's a waste that the master takes care of their business every year. Our second young lady comes over, and they can't even offer her a cup of tea; they are truly stingy to the extreme"

Ye Bingqing, no, you should now be called Mrs. Lu, what are you doing here so late at night

The young lady from Baxiangqiao has gone missing

"Who exactly are you?" I tilted my head, forgetting the pretense of feigned shyness, looking at him with innocence: "You don't seem like a spy, yet you don't appear to be a good person either. You are not an ordinary teacher. You were rescued by someone from the French consulate; you must be quite extraordinary."

Lu Xingjiu said to Du Ai that Qin Shiyue had already been taken away by the people from the French consulate. He certainly would not joke about his father's official hat. But when did Qin Shiyue get involved with the French?

Caution ensures the longevity of the ship, and my sister still needs to remind Du Aido to be on guard.

I was so frightened that I hurried home, feeling momentarily at a loss. I thought this matter was just a casual remark from the old man on the road, but I did not expect them to find my home so quickly, and it was a case of acting first and reporting later. My mother instructed the steward to stand outside for a while, saying that we should prepare properly before opening the door to welcome guests. My father went to the shop to collect debts, leaving behind a house full of women, with no one to take charge.

Yu Ziyang asked me to pass on a message: do not go see him anymore, to avoid wasting money

The cell is quite quiet, with many people lying inside, barely alive, separated by iron bars. The air is filled with a strong smell of burning and blood.

The long-standing stories of the third concubine

Indeed. The second aunt replied with a smile in her eyes: "Since ancient times, it has been said that a man should marry when he grows up, and a woman should marry when she matures. Which woman does not follow the orders of her parents and the matchmaking of others? As long as you, elder sister, speak up, this matter will be settled. Bingqing is still young and does not understand the situation; she does not realize the gravity of offending someone like Colonel Lu, and she does not know how much trouble it will cause for our father!"

"I wondered why she was so familiar, and it turned out to be Miss Jin." I warmly invited her to sit down, and the servant brewed some tea. I explained the situation to the family, noting that Yujie was originally a well-educated and refined young lady, yet she had rushed upstairs holding her skirt like an uncultured wild child.

Yu Zifan entered the bedroom of the third concubine uninvited. Outside the door, he heard the third concubine's short gasp, followed by her lowering her voice to say: "How did you get in? Hurry up and get out!"

The Yu family is not some idyllic paradise, and besides, I have only encountered them during the New Year, delivering messages and then returning. Aunt Ling, do not worry.

Thud

Mother and the second aunt followed in and immediately inquired whether Tao Tao had returned. The old woman collapsed to the ground with a thud, only knowing to cry, murmuring, "I can't go on living, I can't go on living, this is truly going to take my life."

I sighed: "The world is in decline, and people's hearts are no longer as they used to be; their hearts have turned into those of wolves and tigers."

"Zifan just left, and I am his wife. During the New Year, we always go to pay our respects to Lord Ye and Lady Ye. I heard you just returned from abroad, so you naturally haven't met me before." The young mistress of the Yu family covered her mouth and smiled, showing no intention of inviting me in: "I wonder what Miss Er is looking for Zifan for?"

Suddenly, the sound of a teacup shattering echoed indoors, and the face of Young Lady Yu turned pale immediately as she scolded, "It must be that unfortunate cat knocking things over again. It’s troublesome for the Second Miss to make a trip in person; I will inform Zifan when he returns." I could only sense that this woman was greatly disturbed, as if she harbored some unspeakable secret. Although there were clearly people in that room, they chose to hide away and avoid guests, leaving the woman to speak.

I ran downstairs without even putting on my shoes, asking, "What happened? Has Tao Tao been found?"

My mother at home simmered a pot of free-range chicken soup, and prepared a few exquisite pastries. I hurriedly took my maid and rushed to the Lu family to see Qin Shiyue and Yue Xiaoman. Along the way, I carefully considered my approach; if anyone tried to stop me, I would adopt the demeanor of the future young mistress of the Lu family and scold them mercilessly. Fortunately, those sycophants were perceptive and greeted me with flattering smiles, inviting me inside.

The Decline of the Yu Family Shop

Every time someone mentions our family, it leaves me quite astonished

In the evening, the father of the third concubine came over, bringing a large horse-drawn carriage for father, and also providing new qipaos for the two wives and two young ladies. The fabric was trendy foreign cotton, with vibrant colors. Yu Zifan and his young mistress came to pay their respects to father, saying that the young lady was blessed and would surely be fine.

Father watched the concubines bicker, and no matter whom they scolded, it was never a pleasant sight, so he simply went upstairs to avoid the annoyance. Mother came out to mediate: "Let’s all say a few less words. The business is facing difficulties, the foreign goods have flooded the market, and the master is already quite troubled. The marriage of Bingqing is too sudden; when we married into the Ye family, the master gave us a dowry that was no less than this. We should not behave like inexperienced companions, only knowing how to complain and cause embarrassment. The steward has taken the items upstairs to avoid the sight of them." The marriage of Bingqing is too sudden; when we married into the Ye family, the master gave us a dowry that was no less than this. We should not behave like inexperienced companions, only knowing how to complain and cause embarrassment. The steward has taken the items upstairs to avoid the sight of them.

Originally, I saw Yu Zifan walking out with his wife through the front door. When I went to the backyard to fetch some clothes, I saw him coming in through the back door. The third concubine had never been able to get along with the second concubine and could not stand her singing those dance songs in a high-pitched voice. So, she simply moved out to live in the large house in the backyard. The large house was originally where Yu Jie and I lived when we were young. Ever since I went abroad, Yu Jie felt scared living alone, so she moved in with my mother.

The moon of the Qin Dynasty

The third concubine once said that Yu Jie is a ripe red cherry, sweet, well-behaved, and considerate. In contrast, Bing Qing is an unripe plum, appearing cute and delicious, yet stubborn and cold. However, the Yu Jie before me makes me feel that she merely uses her bright exterior to conceal her rawness; taking a bite would only result in a sour taste that makes one want to spit it out

"I never said I was a spy. Since you like me so much, I will tell you. " Qin Shiyue rested her hand behind my ear, and a faint scent of green tea wafted through the air: "I am a Chinese national with French citizenship, so the soldiers of the Kuomintang have no right to kill me. I am a liberal, and I help whoever I want. Didn't I just send a message to the revolutionaries, asking them to rescue Yue Xiaoman and Yu Ziyang?"

Third Aunt could not contain her impatience and said: "How could our Bingqing and Young Master Lu have mutual feelings after just one meeting?"

As dawn approached, the second concubine could no longer endure and went upstairs to rest. The servants searched all night, returning with faces full of disappointment. My heart sank little by little, feeling that this was a bad omen. The swing in the garden was covered with a thick layer of dew, and the air was chilling to the bone

The old shopkeeper raised his head, picked up his reading glasses, and asked leisurely: "Is it an order? Our young master is busy; if the quantity is small, just come to me, and the prices are clearly marked"

Lu Xingjiu is indeed quite hypocritical, pretending to be mutually affectionate, casting a lingering glance at me, and saying to my mother: "Aunt Ye, you can rest assured, I will take good care of Bingqing."

Miss Jin, who originally made a living by selling smiles, was not overly concerned about her reputation and continued to smile radiantly: "I just heard this lady say something good, that marriage is determined by the parents and the matchmaker. Originally, Young Master Lu and Miss Er were in love with each other, but young people do not like these old traditions. However, both the Ye family and the Lu family are prominent families, and we cannot allow others to gossip. We still need to follow the proper etiquette, with a formal engagement and a chosen auspicious day to settle the matter. Originally, Young Master Lu and Miss Er were in love with each other, but young people do not like these old traditions. However, both the Ye family and the Lu family are prominent families, and we cannot allow others to gossip. We still need to follow the proper etiquette, with a formal engagement and a chosen auspicious day to settle the matter. This is a matter that must be addressed while the iron is hot.

Yu Jie shook her head: "It seems that you are truly concerned about that Qin Shiyue, which is why you have made such a foolish mistake. Since there are revolutionaries reporting him as a spy for the Kuomintang, and now the ones capturing him are from the Kuomintang, what are you afraid of? I have been with Du Ai for so long, and I know some of the rules among their higher-ups. The identities of these spies are kept absolutely confidential, except from the highest leaders. As long as I tell Du Ai the contents of the secret letter, it won't be difficult for him to ask for someone from Lu Dapang, as his father is a major general." The identities of these spies are kept absolutely confidential, except from the highest leaders. As long as I tell Du Ai the contents of the secret letter, it won't be difficult for him to ask for someone from Lu Dapang, as his father is a major general.

The butler, holding the newspaper, asked with a tense expression: "Sir, the newspaper reports that there was a shooting at the Lu Mansion, resulting in many casualties, and two of the Second Miss's friends were rescued. The two families are now in-laws; should we go over to take a look?"

It is also that watery night, also a narrow alley, also the bright moon overhead, and also this person in front of me. Where did he suddenly appear from? He comes and goes without a trace, as if blown in by the wind, and perhaps will be blown away by the wind. He remains so clean and handsome, like what? Like the moon in the sky

The old maid was so frightened that she fell ill, only able to babble foolishly. Mother, being kind-hearted, did not blame her and had the steward send her back to the countryside to recuperate. A new maid named Zitao arrived at the house, nimble and with delicate, elongated features. The dishes she prepared were also delightful, and her words were particularly considerate. Upon entering the house, she quickly won the favor of the master and mistress, leaving the other servants envious but unable to compete.

Pah, who is your future brother-in-law

"It was indeed the case, but the next day a few Frenchmen came and took him away. As he was leaving, he told us not to worry, that someone would definitely come to rescue us." Yue Xiaoman said, "Could it be that Teacher Qin has met with misfortune and is already dead?"

Ye Yujie has a heart as clear as a mirror

Yue Xiaoman and Yu Ziyang were confined in the same cell; neither of them had been subjected to torture, but they emitted a foul odor due to not having bathed for several days

It seems that those guards have also gained quite a few benefits, no wonder they haven't even used any torture instruments. Naturally, I have never been to the Yu family, so I asked my third aunt when I got home. She used to have a lot of dealings with the Yu family's fabric shop when she worked at the tailor shop. The tailor shop ordered little, and the master of the Yu family was unwilling to deliver, so she had to go pick it up herself. When I told her I was going to the Yu family, my third aunt cautioned me carefully: "Don't stay too long once you get there, just say what needs to be said and come back. The master hasn't had dinner at home for a long time; he has finally found some leisure time. Your mother and the second aunt took the children to Baixian Bridge to watch a play and will return early for dinner, so don't delay too long." My third aunt cautioned me carefully: "Don't stay too long once you get there, just say what needs to be said and come back. The master hasn't had dinner at home for a long time; he has finally found some leisure time. Your mother and the second aunt took the children to Baixian Bridge to watch a play and will return early for dinner, so don't delay too long."

My heart suddenly became clear; it turns out I had once again gotten myself into a deadlock. As long as I focus on those who are not revolutionaries, I will not be at a loss for what to do.

Young Master Lu!

Zitao prepared breakfast, and the whole family can finally enjoy a meal in peace

All probing gazes drift towards me. My heart feels as if it is filled with a nest of ants, crawling restlessly and anxiously. I tell myself to remain calm. Right now, Yue Xiaoman, Yu Ziyang, and Qin Shiyue are all in his hands. If I were to rashly refuse the marriage, it would undoubtedly bring disgrace to the Lu family. At that point, it would be difficult to help them. I must be out of my mind; Qin Shiyue is a true spy. He sent someone to kidnap me to extract information about the meeting by the willow bridge on July 7th, and he really told all of this to Colonel Lu. Yet, I am constantly worried about his safety. I must be out of my mind; Qin Shiyue is a true spy. He sent someone to kidnap me to extract information about the meeting by the willow bridge on July 7th, and he really told all of this to Colonel Lu. Yet, I am constantly worried about his safety

Qin Shiyue looked at me angrily, her hands clenched into fists: "Am I really that useless in your eyes?"

Has something happened

Ye Yujie spoke a truth that left me so astonished I nearly fell off the swing, my mind going completely blank. Seeing my reaction, Yujie couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh: "You, a clever little spirit, actually did something so foolish. How could you casually toss such a thing into the wastebasket? That day, my earring fell into the paper box, and I was merely searching a bit more carefully, my curiosity getting the better of me, and there you were, with your torn letter in two pieces, right in front of me."

I was so anxious that I could almost jump up: "Sister, you must not speak carelessly about such matters, otherwise Qin Shiyue could easily lose her life."

I sighed, my features contorted with melancholy: "I also wish she would lure Lu Xing away, but that pretty boy seems to be under some kind of spell, and he really came to propose. Now my good friends, as well as my... teacher, are all in his hands. If I refuse him, it will be difficult to save them later."

Having seen her, she frequents the bustling Shanghai and the Paramount, and almost every wealthy young man has some connection with her. She is beautiful and possesses some cunning; there were wealthy merchants who wanted to take her as a concubine, but she rejected them all. Ye Yujie said indignantly: "She even seduced my Du Ai, but he certainly looks down on that kind of woman."

Hmph, why should I carry your message? Get out of here, lest someone sees and it becomes difficult to explain

I snatched the newspaper, the sign of the Lu Mansion was riddled with bullets, and there were several dark puddles of blood outside the door, looking quite chaotic

Do not flatter yourself, still respectfully addressing her as the third concubine, bowing and kneeling to pay your respects during the festive seasons. Do not come again in the future

The second concubine's face turned alternately pale and flushed from the scolding, and she turned to go back upstairs to sleep soundly, not forgetting to take two pieces of jewelry with her as she left

Ah

I screamed as I rushed into Qin Shiyue's embrace, tears pouring out like a breached dam

"If it is a kidnapping, then there is nothing to fear, as the kidnappers only want money." Yu Jie said angrily, "However, to kidnap such a small child is truly a heart of a snake and scorpion."

What is it, are you so happy to see me that you cannot speak?

"His long legs are his own concern; where he goes, how would I know?" Yu Jie said, "Now you can rest assured, your Mr. Qin has already escaped danger. However, that fat man on the road must hate the Du family to death. At first, it was Du Ai who snatched away the daughter-in-law he had his eyes on, which was already humiliating enough, and then he was blocked at the Du mansion demanding his people. People like him, small-minded as they are, will definitely not let it go easily. But even if he dies of anger, it won't change anything; no matter how much he bears a grudge, a colonel still has to bow and scrape when he meets a major general."

Isn't he a spy? Bingqing, why are you still so concerned about him? It could very well be a ploy by that fat man Lu, just to make you the daughter-in-law of the Lu family

The third concubine was just about to retort when, unexpectedly, someone suddenly walked in from the outer hall. The butler wiped his cold sweat and said, "Madam, this young lady insists on coming in..."

The ransom for Taotao has been paid, and when the courier delivered the newspaper, he also brought another letter. The letter stated that at 2:00 AM, in Liangqiao Hutong, no one should be brought along, otherwise the young lady would be left with no way out. The family read it with trepidation, but in any case, Taotao is still alive

"Do not worry, Du Ai has also sent someone to look for it, and it will definitely be found." Yu Jie was merely comforting me; she was also so worried that she couldn't sleep.

The Yu family shop is located at the entrance of the alley, and the red paint on the signboard has already become worn and chipped. Recently, foreign goods have flooded the market; although foreign cloth is more expensive than the locally produced cotton, the fashionable and novelty-seeking people of Shanghai always perceive items brought from across the sea as more valuable. The old shopkeeper, leaning on the counter, is taking a nap, and the lack of business indeed dampens one's spirits

The dilapidated earthen wall alley is inhabited solely by local poor residents. This is a dead-end alley, so much so that even the old man selling candy is too lazy to take a stroll inside.

Where did he go

Yue Xiaoman rushed towards me nervously and said, "Bingqing, why are you here? Is there any news about Teacher Qin?"

There was the sound of a hard object falling to the ground, coming from the deepest part of the alley. This was a dead-end alley, as if someone had thrown something in from the other side of the wall. Qin Shiyue and I exchanged a glance, then slowly walked deeper into the alley. At first, there was a small shadow huddled against the base of the wall. As we approached, we saw that it was a little girl, tightly bound all over, sitting at the base of the wall, her tongue stretched out long, her face ashen, and her eyes rolled back to reveal only the whites, as if accusing the murderer who had taken her life.