Chapter 2

The sedan chairs passed each other, and Shunhua thought for a moment before promptly looking out the window. She saw the other party draw down the curtain, revealing a pair of snow-white, delicate hands, belonging to a young lady.

Lian Bi let out a laugh and said, "It is the day of the Spring Festival, and everywhere there are common folk gathering to join in the festivities. It is inconvenient to carry the sedan chairs. I see that although the alley is narrow, if two small sedan chairs squeeze together, they can barely pass through. Master, do you think this is appropriate?" He turned to look at Shunhua, seeking her opinion.

He actually had the patience to respond to such a boring question: "No."

"Good..." She showed a joyful expression, and then, after a moment, she quickly leveled up, raising her chin, impatiently saying: "No need, don't bother me with such childish tricks." She felt so tired! Did she really have to endure Choi Shun-hwa for a year? She was afraid that if she couldn't hold on for a few days, people would realize she was Xu Shun-hwa and take her to be burned!

The descendants of the Xu family are no longer allowed to leave the city gates of the capital. Now, there is only one descendant of the Xu family left, and she is not expected to live for more than a few years; she is currently at the Bai family home. Why do you mention her?

Bai Qi responded with a sound, clearly showing little interest in this matter

Her mind was in a state of confusion, as the life of Xu Shunhua flashed through her thoughts one by one. With her eyes tightly closed and tears welling up, she cried out loudly.

So, pushing... is not the case, right... is it not the case...

Not deceived? No problem, let's try again! She exclaimed, "I misread it; it turns out to be a woman!"

She noticed his gaze, straightened her posture, cleared her throat, and changed her words: "Hmph, just so-so"

Indeed, it is the sound of bells and the clatter of dishes! When Shunhua entered the hall, he noticed that the seating arrangement for the banquet followed the ancient customs of Beitang, with no chairs, only small food tables. The music and dance were simplified versions of the traditional sounds of bells and dishes, reminiscent of what Brother Baiqi had said about how Cui Shunhua had recreated the appearance of ancient feasts a year ago.

With a clang, the copper mirror shattered on the ground

Shunhua continued to hold the wooden box tightly, observing the man beside her, and suddenly asked: "Weichi, this teahouse is under your name, and the food is quite good. I will come here every day to get it. Would you be able to have someone poison it?"

Has Wei Chi ever been in charge before?

Displeased

However, Beitang's territory is located in the north, and some spices are only available in the south or in smaller countries. Bai Qi started from scratch and is indeed one of the four great wealthy families in the capital, but he cannot compare to Cui Shunhua, who comes from a naturally prestigious and wealthy family. His resources are limited, so today she did not specifically gather spices or recipes from the Cui residence, intending to visit Bai Qi with a gift in the name of friendship.

Wei Chi Gong looked at her strangely

Miss?" Lian Bi observed her anxious expression and called out cautiously.

If you come to visit me, will you bring this tea snack

The man exclaimed, "Cui, the householder, will be fine soon, will be fine soon!" He closed his folding fan and hurriedly rushed down the stairs, practically avoiding her as if she were a venomous snake or scorpion.

She inexplicably ran back to a year ago and for no reason became Cui Shunhua. As for Xu Shunhua a year later, at the moment she transformed into a spring swallow, she must have already passed away from illness

She briefly glanced over the other visiting nobles and wealthy families, who were either like Bai Qi and Wei Chi Gong or were waiting with a bloodthirsty look of great anticipation. She then turned her gaze to Qi Yuming, who was said to be upright among the four seasons of the capital. He furrowed his brows but did not speak to stop it; instead, the lady beside him was looking at her with a pleading expression.

The first and second floors of the teahouse are reserved by wealthy young masters, while on the third floor, Young Master Qi meets with Miss Yi Ren every year to discuss the Spring Deity. This year, Miss Yi Ren is the Spring Deity, and currently, only Young Master Qi should be on the third floor. Oh, and the head of the Wei Chi family is also present. Lian Bi exclaimed in surprise and quickly stepped aside to let Shun Hua ascend to the third floor

What are you looking at

"You predict that I will not live for more than a few years... So, did you poison me to make the prophecy come true?"

"Am I sick?" Shunhua said softly, "It seems so. Every time I see you, I get a headache. What should I do about this?"

The maid could not understand why, despite knowing that Young Master Bai was in the music hall, she still pretended not to know and continued to respond, "Young Master Bai is in the hall."

At home! Eighteen and nineteen years old, the young man with a flushed face and white teeth hurried out. Upon seeing Shunhua, he was momentarily stunned, then glanced at Weichi Gong, and immediately smartly performed a grand bow to express his apologies

Hmm. I have no recollection at all

There is only one audacious woman

She let out a sigh, looking at Bai Qi. Bai Qi remained silent, and she was led away in confusion by Lian Bi. She murmured, "The night banquet here is exactly the same as what Brother Ge described a year ago..." A year ago, Brother Bai Qi had returned from the night banquet and recounted it to her in detail, making her drool, to the point that she couldn't even drink her plain congee.

She immediately took a piece of the soft and fragrant red bean cake and put it into her mouth. It melted in her mouth, proving to be truly delicious and tasty

Spare my life, master! All the performers are kneeling on the ground

Wei Chigong sat cross-legged beside him for a moment, the hem of his robe trailing on the ground. He lowered his handsome eyes and said, "It is possible that he bumped his head and is momentarily unclear about his own identity, or he might be pretending."

Is this the main seat? Am I sitting here? She was taken aback and secretly glanced at Bai Qi. At least give her a hint

Upon hearing this, she reacted like a cat, quickly turning around. Upon seeing a man in the room, her cheeks sank in, and her mouth, shaped like an egg, remained open for a long time.

Bai Qi remained impassive

He quickly smiled and said, "Recently, the head of the family has become more graceful; she was already a rare beauty, and now she could transform into a celestial beauty. If Young Master Qi were to see her, he might be moved by earthly desires." After speaking, he properly withdrew his gaze.

In "The Four Seasons of the Capital," it is mentioned that Qi Yuming's beloved is an orphan and belongs to the lower-middle class in Beitang. However, it is precisely because Qi Yuming comes from a prestigious and wealthy family that she is able to enter high society with him

Shunhua secretly glanced at the two men beside her, and surprisingly, even someone as emotionally reserved as Yuchi Gong was intently watching the maiden... Oh dear, one must not let joy lead to sorrow. The first chapter of "The Four Seasons of the Capital" mentions that the maiden playing the Spring God will encounter...

Zhengduan glanced at her with a hint of surprise as the flower basket was brought up by Lianbi.

All of this is written in the first level of "The Four Seasons of the Capital". The horse unexpectedly suffered a cut, and Qi Yuming urgently rescued the beauty, while Shunhua witnessed it firsthand. However, when Wei Chigong leaped out of the window, he was too close to her, causing her to be pushed back a few steps. For a moment, she lost her balance, and the brocade box in her arms was thrown out of the window.

Wei Chi Shao, I manage the household with the intention of fulfilling others' wishes. Since the lady in question does not have feelings for you, why not let go? Wouldn't that bring joy to everyone involved?

Shunhua noticed that all of his usual smiles had vanished. Indeed, with the death of Cui Shunhua, Lianbi, being a eunuch, would have no good outcome unless he went into hiding in the countryside. It would be better to preserve Cui Shunhua, who still had wealth and honor to enjoy.

Isn't Bai Qi right there?" He pointed to Bai Qi sitting on the left side.

Then Lian Bi will automatically take the medicine at that time he said casually

Indeed, it is a good stomach! ... No matter how much she eats, it won't cause any discomfort, taking one piece after another ... . ... Her cheeks were puffed up, and as she reached for the last piece of the rice cake, she noticed an unusual silence. She glanced at Qi Yuming, then turned to the right to Wei Chigong, who, as always, without regret, stuffed the last piece into his mouth before saying:

Shunhua was first taken aback, but upon seeing his gaze, she immediately understood that the young lady he referred to was the one in the sedan chair. She instinctively asked, "Is this medicine for saving someone"

Suddenly attacked from behind, it is suspected that an object accidentally struck her, causing her to lean halfway out of the window; with this collision, her center of gravity was lost, and she was knocked out of the window.

Shunhua glanced at him and said softly, "It is not appropriate for a young lady to enter. Will Young Master Weichi not go in?" There was a clear sense of relief for her if this cunning man were to enter.

The territory of Beitang is situated in the north, unlike the south where people enjoy using incense to repel mosquitoes, and have developed various types of incense and incense pills as a result. In recent years, Beitang's capital has become known as the luxurious capital among the four nations, with many wealthy families' daughters becoming enamored with this artificially produced fragrance. The only woman in Beitang who uses such a variety of strong spices is...

Given the circumstances, even Shunhua, who is usually slow-witted, must realize that there is something amiss. Since she woke up tonight, she has felt that everything is out of place. It is not just that a strong woman from Beitang is running around without having slept and collapsed on the ground; even Bai Qi regards her as a stranger. Normally, she is only allowed to eat plain congee and light vegetables, so where did this lavish night banquet come from, with beef and lamb? The table is filled with meticulously prepared heavy sauces, all of which Bai Qi has forbidden her to touch.

The voice was faint; had it not been for the carriage passing by, with the windows facing each other, Shunhua would certainly not have heard it. She initially thought it was the other party talking to themselves, and then she heard the other party say:

Lian Bi rushed out from the teahouse, shouting:

The corner of his mouth still curled in a smile, his expression unchanged as he avoided her gaze, saying:

Shunhua obediently jumped down, but her legs were still weak. If it weren't for Yuchi Gong pulling her once more, she thought she would have prostrated herself before the injured horse in a grand gesture of respect.

What does this signify

After several days of contemplation, she finally devised a plan—first, to take the blame for Cui Shunhua, enduring as long as possible, perhaps even for a year... ? ... By the time a year passes and the death of Xu Shunhua arrives, she thought, the Ox-Head and Horse-Face should notice her unusual behavior and come to collect her soul, at which point, she would likely die once more

The direction in which she fell was precisely near Wei Chigong, whose face was like frost and whose eyes were filled with cold fire, staring directly at her as if he were angry at her disregard for human life, actually hiring someone to injure a horse

"Your place is not here, do not compete with us, Lian Bi, take her back to her seat," said Wei Chi Gong

"Who am I?" she asked herself hoarsely

Then will you bring this tea snack when you visit Bai Qi

Lian Bi smiled broadly, slightly turning her body to reveal Shunhua on the second or third step below. Upon seeing Cui Shunhua, the man's expression changed drastically, his lips trembled, and he said in a hoarse voice:

What is your purpose in paying such close attention to Xu Shi Shunhua

He glanced at Cui Shunhua, who had already leaned his head out of the window

Wei Chi Gong suddenly opened his fierce eyes

The Spring Goddess, adorned in the colors of spring, was about to pass in front of the teahouse. She frequently glanced at Wei Chigong and Qi Yuming, her heart racing, anxiously looking at the smiling young lady.

She hesitated for a moment and cautiously followed inside

He picked up the outer robe that was trampled under her feet and said: "What does it matter to me that you desire Qi Yuming? Do you think that by getting me into bed, you can catch her in the act?"

"Let us set off." She said

Wei Chi Gong raised an eyebrow slightly, first looking towards the men and women seated on the right side of the concert hall, then turning to the left side where Bai Qi was seated

"Do not call her the head of the household, for she is now a common girl." He said softly, "Lian Bi, you have prescribed a good medicine."

Lian Bi, looking down from a high vantage point, turned to glance at her. Because he was backlit, Shunhua could not discern his expression, only hearing him cheerfully say: "This medicine is indeed the life-saving elixir for that young lady."

Master, you probably do not remember that kind of small wealthy family, do you

Wei Chigong listened to her question without answering, as her gaze fell upon the jade hairpin. He then slowly turned to look at her, raising his eyebrows slightly to indicate his curiosity

In Beitang, men are not allowed to bind their hair, which can only be seen by their wives and concubines. She is not yet at that stage; she does not want it at all! Shunhua has always adhered to the principle of being able to know the affairs of the world without leaving her home. In order to keep up with the trends of Beitang, she is diligently studying the rules of the lives of the common people in Beitang.

"What are you doing here?" Her eyes widened as she looked at him... Was he disheveled? Did she see it wrong, or was that a man's chest muscle? Her gaze was fixated on his chest muscles. She was unsure whether to follow the example of a refined lady and faint right there on the ground.

A pair of captivating and strikingly beautiful eyes, unfamiliar yet exuding a sharpness

Is this year the third year of the Jianxi era? she murmured

The tone seems reminiscent of Bai Qi's former master. Does Cui Shunhua really like this kind of man

There is a cow on the bed

He had no time to waste with her here, so he got out of bed, retrieved his clothes from the floor, and said coldly

This is simply baffling, he thought, as he leisurely trailed behind.

Shunhua's heart skipped a beat, and with eager eyes, she quickly pressed against the window and exclaimed, "Is today the Spring Festival?"

Thank you very much. She smiled, wanting to sit by the window to enjoy the lively scene, but coincidentally, two young gentlemen occupied the best seats by the window. After a moment of hesitation, she chose to sit on the stool beside Weichi, trying to stretch her neck to look out the window, and she could still see everything clearly, which was very good

Perhaps, next time he will have the opportunity to subtly hint to her that a well-bred young lady with such a wide-open mouth could frighten people, and that her imitation is not convincing enough... Furthermore, her overly sharp eyebrows truly do not match her current frightened, rabbit-like appearance

In addition to being used during the proposal, the golden red embroidery thread is typically kept at the sleeve edges before the wedding night, to signify that the person is already betrothed. This has always been the custom among the men of Beitang. Now, is it true that Bai Qi Ge is wearing a rather splendid outer garment, indicating that she has been unconscious for a while? Has the Liu family sister been married into the Bai residence so soon?

He did not even move his head after seeing her, seemingly very focused on the luxurious scene in the concert hall

"Does Bai Qi like the tea snacks at this tea house?" she inquired

At present, she can only use a cold smile to fill the void... I am sorry, Miss Cui, I... I am inherently a good person, only understanding kindness and compassion, I will strive to do better

If it were not for the lingering hostility between her brows, Yu Chigong would have almost thought he was bullying a trembling little white rabbit. He paused for a moment, reflecting on the past, and could not recall her ever having such a pleading expression.

Her head slightly leaned into the hall, and it could no longer be pulled back out

You may ask him; how would I know what he eats

She took a sip of the warm wine, feeling the fiery sensation; surprisingly, her stomach could accept it. What was even more unbelievable was that usually, Bai Qi would only allow her to drink plain congee and forbade her from consuming heavily flavored food and alcohol. This time...

Qi Yuming finally turned his head to look at her

Lian Bi, with a thick skin, laughed and said

Shunhua stared blankly as Weichi Gong strode over from behind the table, standing tall and imposing, intentionally or unintentionally blocking the musicians and dancers who were kneeling on the ground. He said to Lian Bi, "Go fetch the mirror."

He slowly put on his undergarments, picked up the clothes on the floor one by one and put them on, and finally came before her, speaking coldly: "Step aside"

Wei Chi Gong pointed at her and said: "Take your mistress back... This commoner girl has bumped her head, fainted, and is confused about her surroundings. Take her back to her seat."

What exactly are you doing? His voice was filled with doubt

"Qier... I'm so cold... Why are you taking off my socks? If I catch a cold, I won't be able to get out of bed for a while..." She moaned a couple of times, her head weakly nodding back and forth, as if she could not control herself.

When she was young, her dear grandfather would let her sit on his shoulders, pretending she was the Spring Goddess, circling around the house for fun. The Spring Goddess was always the most beautiful girl chosen from wealthy families. It was not surprising that she would appear; last year it was the Bai family, and Bai Qi did not even mention her. She only learned afterward that he had hired another beautiful girl to play the Spring Goddess. At that time, she felt so regretful, even though she knew she was not suited for such physical activities. Nevertheless, she still wanted to ask her, this light beauty.

The courtyard here is arranged in a pleasing manner, yet she surprisingly ran in circles without being able to find a way out. This is her home; is she playing at jogging? How could she not find the exit even in her own yard?

She was frightened by those cold, serpent-like eyes, retreating in a flustered manner.

Shunhua's heart skipped a beat. ... Staying at home is the Xu family’s Shunhua, he ...? ... Did he really go to see her? How did he recognize her?

"During the times I have been ill, have you already married my sister-in-law?" How fast! She noticed that the cuffs of his outer garment had no golden red thread at all

She tightly held onto her wooden box, hoping that when she went to the Bai residence later, Brother Bai Qi would believe that she was Shunhua. She simply could not bear it alone and would go mad.

She turned back to see that he was still there, and an expression of immense terror appeared on her lotus-like face, still bearing that egg-shaped mouth

No!" Shunhua cried out in despair

"Dancer? Oh, I have always been a person of my word. Since it was not needed that day, there is no need to revisit it later." Jokingly, she added, "What does she need so many tricks for, to become the Thousand-Handed Guanyin? It scared me to death. She then added, 'However, if you provoke me with other matters in the future, that would be a different story.'

My master has been ill for the past half month, and has only just begun to recover today

Shunhua's face twitched, the flesh of her oval face shaking violently. Eating at the Bai residence was no different from before, was it? A bitter feeling arose in her heart, and upon noticing the hint of doubt in Lianbi's eyes, she quickly adjusted her expression and let out a cold laugh

The pain in her right arm prevented her from fainting immediately. She lowered her head to pull up her sleeve and saw that she had sustained a severe abrasion, though she could not recall when or where she had bumped into something.

Thank you for your advice, esteemed leader. Although the leader does not seek any return, if matters are handled properly, should the leader require assistance from me in the future, please do not hesitate to ask. As long as it does not concern him, I will do my utmost to fulfill the request

Cui Shunhua still found herself quite unlikable, she thought. She saw the small plates of tea snacks placed in front of everyone on the table, and her lips curled up in delight as she said to Wei Chigong

Moreover, it is said that the Xu family’s Shunhua of the Bai residence is not dead at all; she is merely gravely ill, and her soul has temporarily departed for a year. At that time, she will be able to return.

What about you? Do you like to eat sweets

Of course, this is thinking positively. In any case, she dared not let anyone discover that within Cui Shunhua was an innocent and kind young lady from a prominent family; otherwise, if she were to be sealed in a coffin and buried deep underground, she would feel guilty towards Cui Shunhua

She hesitated slightly as she looked in the direction he pointed, and after confirming that he was not deceiving her, she rushed breathlessly towards that place

She lowered her head and saw her lotus-like arms exposed as she hugged the wooden box tightly, unable to hold back her tears. Why does Cui Shunhua like to wear the deep robes of the Western Xuan? ... The sleeves of the women from Beitang are relatively narrow, so how could they expose their arms? Now she casually reveals them from time to time ...

He felt a sense of strangeness as he gazed into her beautiful eyes. Her gaze contained less hostility and more whispers of gossip from a few meddlesome relatives residing within them

He stood with his arms crossed and chest out, adopting a posture of observation

He was silent for a moment and said: "Is it amusing for you to mar a woman's face?"

Shunhua's hand trembled, nearly dropping the wooden box. Was it true that Cui Shunhua had once marred a woman's face? The corners of her mouth twitched, and no matter what, she couldn't move that hand even if it meant her life

Within the territory of Beitang, who would dare to drug him

Lian Bi smiled and said, "One must be agile in order to serve the master at any time"

Brother Bai is insightful. Yuchi Gong glanced at him

Indeed, she is too perceptive; she truly fears that one day, she might accidentally reveal her dreams while talking in her sleep and be discovered by him

Bai Qi is also wading through the murky waters once again? How many more people does she need to harm? Wei Chi Gong truly has the impulse to strangle this woman for the sake of peace in the world.

"Yes, yes, it was Lian Bi who misspoke. It was the master who said it, and it has nothing to do with the young lady." Lian Bi continued to smile cheerfully, while a maid beside her presented a silver tray, on which lay a gleaming dagger nestled among the silk cloth.

He is the young master of the Tao family, a small wealthy household from the South Gate

No

Her unfortunate Shunhua

Upon hearing this, Bai Qi adjusted his breathing. Wei Chi Gong indeed carried a hint of fragrance, which was not unpleasant but rather strong. He contemplated whether he could find a way to inquire about the fragrance formula from that woman in the main seat on another day. Shunhua had been ill for a long time, and the room often carried the scent of medicine. He had managed to grow some southern fragrant leaves by her window, but the aroma was ultimately not as rich as this deliberately crafted fragrance, failing to completely mask the medicinal smell in the room.

She was taken aback. "Push? No, it can't be..." She instinctively glanced towards the Weichi Teahouse.

But how did he also enter her dreams?

He lifted the bed curtain and saw a woman in a deep yellow gown sitting up slowly, cradling her head in her hands.

Shunhua disregarded the propriety of men and women not engaging in close contact, seized the mirror, and gazed into it.

May I ask, where is Bai Qi

Who is this...?

Once her illness improved, her appetite also returned. She trembled her delicate white fingers slightly, wanting to dip them into the crumbs on the small plate again, but with so many eyes upon her, she thought it would be safer to exercise a bit of restraint

"Where is my brother?" she asked tremulously

She considers herself a good person with a heavy sense of benevolence, having innocently invaded the body of another. She feels extremely guilty and wishes to return it to Cui Shunhua immediately, but how can she do so

The sedan chair turned into the teahouse and came to a stop. Shunhua tightly held the wooden box as she exited the chair, attracting the discreet attention of Lianbi.

Is everything alright at home? On her face, there was a hint of fear, as if she were afraid that something unfortunate might happen to her; he no longer had any support in the capital of Beitang.

She gently picked it up and brought it closer to her eyes

The young lady has accepted the items given by the head of the household and has already sent someone over

She had already seen Lian Bi's name in "The Four Seasons of the Capital"; he was the child chosen by Cui Shunhua to be sent into the palace as a eunuch. How could someone who had been made a eunuch smile so innocently? This must be a dream, right

Win or lose

Would you mind sharing a piece with me

Is she still ...? ... Zhuang Zhou, who dreamt of being a butterfly, is she Zhuang Zhou now, or is she a butterfly?

"Who else could you be? You are Cui Shunhua." A clear male voice rose from that table.

"Song? How? Has there been a problem that has even made you learn like a country bumpkin?"

He followed her gaze and stopped on the dancer, what is so surprising about that? Her eyes were filled with stars

At home, there are firecracker sounds ahead; it is likely that the Spring God is passing through this street. It would be better to first go to the Weichi Teahouse for a light meal

Lian Bi hurriedly walked over, and a maidservant brought warm wine.

Half a month later

A rich fragrance permeates the air

After hesitating for a moment, she missed the opportunity to stand out for the Xu family, hearing him give instructions to the other maidservants:

Your willingness to spare those dancers and musicians is a small improvement. I hope you can correct your actions in the future and refrain from causing harm again

"Go call Lian Bi out," he said, then turned to her and asked, "Don't you want to go in? Qi Yuming and Yi Ren are right inside." He pointed to the man and woman seated on the right.

A bolt from the blue struck her heart

The meals at Bai Qi's home are probably not very appetizing. It would be better to find something to eat nearby before arriving at his house. The food at the Bai residence is bland, and she has long since grown tired of it. Cui Shunhua has a very good appetite and can indulge in beef, chicken, and lamb. Over the past ten days, her stomach has been exceptionally satisfied. She suspects that this is the last favor bestowed upon the Xu family by heaven, allowing her to have a good digestive system to savor the delights of the world. However, there is one small issue: this morning, when getting dressed, it seemed that there was a little extra fat around her waist. She hopes that when Cui Shunhua returns, she will not hold it against her too much.

She recalled her suspicion of him poisoning her before she fell unconscious ... ? ... She secretly surveyed her surroundings, and everything in sight was unfamiliar. How could Bai Qi Ge have left her here?

"Today is the Day of the Spring Deity, we may have to take the small path," Lian Bi said, moving closer to the window with a smile.

Since there are ghosts in Lianbi's eyes, playing with her through glances indicates that Cui Shunhua often did the same with him in the past. Therefore, she cooperated a bit, raising her eyebrows and shaking them at him, collectively completing the "exchange of glances." As for the true meaning behind this exchange, he is free to interpret it as he wishes

Wei Chigong was sitting by the bedside, observing the lively scene on the street. Upon hearing the sound of Lian Bi, he turned his head and saw that it was Cui Shunhua, whose calm and serene expression remained unchanged.

She darted around like a headless fly, and thanks to her excellent physical condition, he almost thought she was quite interested in getting lost. From time to time, he kindly pointed her in the right direction while keeping his distance, observing what kind of secret tricks she was up to.

As he was pondering, she had already rushed to the end of the corridor, with the concert hall right before her eyes. She leaned against the column, clutching her clothes, taking small breaths.

She saw it! She saw it! Although it was just for a moment, she saw Qi Yuming quickly stepping aside to hide with Yiren. How inhumane!

Lian Bi stepped forward to meet Qi Yu Ming Dao

The sounds of metal and stone, as well as silk and bamboo, fill the hall without interruption. According to the current schedule, it should be the turn of the Cui family to perform the joyous dance. Is there anything unusual about this?

Bai Qi's subordinate paused and looked at him

Two small sedan chairs slowly passed by. Shunhua looked out of the small window and happened to meet the gaze of the other party's small window. She vaguely saw that there was a woman inside the sedan chair. When she withdrew her gaze, she suddenly heard a voice.

Lian Bi lowered the sedan curtain, responded, and said to the sedan bearers: "Go to the Bai residence, take the route along Da Bao Street."

Shunhua lifted her skirt and tried to squeeze in behind the small table to sit with him

Hmm," she mumbled. As usual, she allowed the other party to interpret freely

As the sedan chair was carried along, Lian Bi occasionally glanced into the window of the chair. She had to adjust her sitting posture to make herself appear more imposing. These days, she had already strayed far from the image of Cui Shunhua, and if this continued, the great secret of Cui Shunhua would soon be exposed.

The grand gate of the Cui residence slowly opened, and the sole head of the Cui family emerged, holding a heavy wooden box, glancing around slightly. When her eyes met the smiling Lian Bi beside the sedan chair, her heart skipped a beat. She also noticed the servants lined up to see her off, and feeling a pang of sorrow, she straightened her shoulders and stepped into the sedan chair with a slightly larger stride

She held the heavy burden, her back already hunched, yet she did not ask him to take it over, completely lacking the elegance of the past. If he did not know that it contained various spices, he would truly think that the box held a royal decree of immunity from death.

Wei Chi Gong cast a cold glance at him, causing Bi Li to immediately fall silent

Upon hearing this, Shunhua's face turned crimson. She raised her head and saw him, making a great effort to conceal her expression as she stepped back a few paces. She addressed a nearby maid, saying: "Please inform Young Master Bai Qi that Shunhua has regained consciousness and is in good health. Kindly ask him to come out and meet me." From her calculations, this household should have a renowned physician, as her elder brother Bai Qi had brought her here for medical treatment.

At this moment, Lian Bi smiled and cooperated with her game, responding:

"Miss, which side do you think has the better song and dance?" Lian Bi asked.

She is tall and striking, with a beauty that should befit a northern maiden, yet a hint of bitterness lingers between her brows, causing men to grow weary after a prolonged gaze. He noticed her eyes half-lowered, feigning indifference, while her ears were perked up, eagerly awaiting his response—such a clumsy and lowly method of inquiry was something he had never witnessed from her before

How could Cui Shunhua not know? How could she not know?

She leaned almost halfway out of the window, desperately trying to retrieve the wooden box. However, the box opened in mid-air, and various spices, formulas, and even precious small sachets scattered everywhere.

After finishing his conversation with the person in charge, he courteously led her upstairs. He smiled and said, "Madam, every year the Spring Deity passes through this street, and this tea house has the best view... Young Master Qi comes here every year."

Wei Chi Gong was taken aback, gazing at the horse beneath the lady. The horse was a selected gentle mare, but at this moment, perhaps due to the crowd being too dense, a butcher holding a cleaver, filled with festive spirit, stumbled forward, and the knife struck the horse's hindquarters

Wei Chigong's gaze was once again drawn to her... This woman... Is she truly out of her mind

There is no need to retreat into the alley; if we can squeeze through, that would be great. Shunhua should agree. Just then, recalling Cui Shunhua's arrogance, I was contemplating whether to move out of her basic cold smile technique when I saw Lian Bi exchanging glances with her.

He walked slowly to her side and looked inside; indeed, it was her family of twelve colors dancing and singing. He glanced at her again, and she wore an expression of complete astonishment

When she should have been angry, she sneered

She is already dead, yet Cui Shunhua is still alive. However, it is unknown where her soul has gone. If she had simply hanged herself, what if a wandering spirit were to occupy Cui Shunhua's body and refuse to leave? What then?

She reluctantly withdrew her gaze and looked at Bai Qi, her beautiful eyes sparkling. "Brother..."

Bai Qi glanced at Wei Chi Gong, who showed no expression, merely gesturing on his forehead to indicate that she had bumped her head, leaving her momentarily dazed.

So that is Qi Yuming and Miss Yiren? They truly are a match made in heaven

Bai Qi's expression remained unchanged, his gaze lingered on her eyes for a moment, not looking down, and then he heard her exclaim in surprise:

He lay in the richly embroidered red chamber filled with a warm fragrance, surprisingly bare from the waist up. A chill ran through him; just a moment ago, he had been in the hall enjoying the dance, yet now he found himself lying in bed, clearly having been drugged by someone.

Upon reflection, the panic of recent days subsided, and for the time being, clarity emerged. Regardless of whether one lives or dies a year from now, the primary task is to preserve the body of Cui Shunhua, the secondary task is to discreetly seek out the soul of Cui Shunhua, and finally... She wished to be a little selfish, allowing the Shunhua of the Xu family in the Bai residence to live more comfortably and pleasantly in the year that is about to pass.

A short distance away, Bai Qi and Wei Chi Gong heard her question. Bai Qi lifted the hem of his robe and sat down, asking: "What kind of nonsense are you up to now?"

The living secrets, Shunhua elongated her slender white ears

He rubbed his forehead, doubting whether he had seen it incorrectly

Does he still often bring snacks to the Bai residence? What is his intention? Shunhua inquired further

Qi Yuming glanced at her and said, "As long as it is better."

When Wei Chigong became slightly aware, he realized he was in the fragrant woman's bedroom

In his eyes, the woman is merely a powerless orphan, of no assistance to her husband. While Qi Yuming and Yuchi Gong temporarily turn a blind eye to romance and frivolity, he shall remain a mere observer

"Go down," he said

Upon hearing the words, Qi Yuming sensed that something was amiss. He and Yu Chigong both borrowed strength to leap out of the window. Originally, the two intended to carry the lady away from the horses, but seeing that they shared the same intention, Yu Chigong temporarily changed direction, grasped the reins, and made every effort to stabilize the injured horse that was trampling wildly, thereby preventing harm to innocent civilians

Wei Chigong then said: "Just now she took the initiative to mention the Xu family..."

It is truly beautiful, as if a fairy has descended to the mortal realm

Today, everyone appeared to fear her to some extent. She did not believe that the Xu family had any influence in the current Bei Tang, and even more so... She faintly felt that she was still dreaming, a dream of a world completely different from reality. Had she been dreaming from Chun Yan all the way to now

The sound of firecrackers grew increasingly loud, as Lian Bi led the bearers towards Wei Chi's teahouse. Along the way, the crowd was dense; had it not been for the prominent sign of the Cui family on the sedan chair, the curious onlookers would have already pushed them aside.

Lian Bi has long been accustomed to the ever-changing thoughts of the head of the household. Today, she is a commoner girl, so she must absolutely be treated as a commoner girl. He smiled and immediately led the way. "Indeed, there is a place for the young lady."

This was the first time Shunhua encountered such a situation where the common people automatically made way. She also witnessed the grandeur of the Cui family... Perhaps the real reason was their notorious reputation. Her delicate face flushed slightly, as she acted like a typical turtle hiding its head in the sedan chair, not daring to take another look at this bustling street

She opened her tearful eyes with a slight tremor, and indeed it was Wei Chigong, a man of humanity, who saved her. He cast a glance at her, and there was no ecstatic joy in his eyes after saving her; instead, there was only indifference and calm. It was evident that Cui Shunhua was not very perceptive, as he likely held the mindset of having done his best whether he succeeded in saving her or not.

Bai Qi smiled faintly. Having a younger sister, she would always pull him aside to talk about things that men simply do not understand, but he would never share such conversations with anyone else

A stunningly beautiful lotus face, also unfamiliar

Unclear. After a pause, he countered, "Have you seen it?"

He gently pressed the corners of his eyes to confirm that he was not deceived by the effects of the drug

Wei Chigong and Qi Yuming both turned to look at her, the former nodding slowly. "Please feel free."

Wei Chi Gong glanced at the woman seated at the main table, no longer surprised by her dignified posture akin to that of a lady. However, her gaze remained fixed on the beef and lamb on the table, and her efforts to conceal her salivation were truly masterful, easily leading him to believe that the woman sitting there had not eaten meat for quite some time

Her gaze followed that person until Lian Bi smiled and said

She certainly did not hire someone to harm Ma! Shunhua wanted to clarify, but then she heard him suddenly ask:

He looked towards Wei Chigong again. Wei Chigong did not leave, precisely because of the enchanting figure across from him. Spring was the season when the wealthy merchants of Beitang paid their taxes, and the enchanting figure followed Qi Yuming every day. It was rare to have a day to see her, so he naturally had to be there.

She has always refused to admit that she died from illness, but if she does not completely awaken herself, the future of this Cui Shunhua will also be at risk

She really wanted to cover her face and escape from this place. She gritted her teeth and said, "What are you looking at? Haven't you ever seen a beautiful woman before?"

In that case, you may proceed as you see fit

This is truly too stimulating, even more so than the past nineteen years of Xu Shunhua's life... Her heart cannot bear it, so please, heaven, show some mercy; she does not wish to occupy this fragile body. She is willing to take on Xu Shunhua's burdens until Xu Shunhua finds her way back. Considering her inherently kind nature, do not let her have any more chances to become a mere shell.

Indeed, miss, it is time to determine the outcome.

If you are willing to smile at the young lady, perhaps the situation will turn around, Bai Qi said

Bai Qi smiled: "Today, the ancient clock tolls and the feast is revived. I am fortunate to be present, and this wine is to be toasted."

He pondered for a moment and said softly: "You, a well-bred young lady, certainly put on a show of sophistication. The daughters of wealthy families in Beitang often dine with men, while common women do not. Are you trying to emulate the elegant ladies?"

Wei Chigong followed closely behind. She occasionally tugged at her skirt, imitating a country bumpkin as she stealthily glanced around. However, he had to admit that her demeanor was elegant and composed, lacking a bit of assertiveness, yet possessing more subtlety, increasingly resembling a refined young lady.

"Will Shunhua still need those dancers and musicians?" Qi Yuming suddenly asked

Poisoning?" He narrowed his eyes slightly, and under her terrified gaze, he pressed his hand against the side of her face. "What on earth are you doing? You have Qi Yuming in your heart; if you have the ability to win him over, then go ahead and do it. Don't drag me into this."

Bai Qi furrowed his brows and replied, "Thank you." He felt a slight sense of guilt in his heart; earlier, he had noticed that Wei Chi Gong was not in his position, and he speculated that it was that woman in the main seat who had manipulated the situation. He did not intend to intervene, believing that keeping his distance from her was the safest strategy.

Has the harm done to others ultimately harmed oneself? Shunhua, you should take a moment to truly savor this feeling

Shunhua replied affirmatively. In any case, she did not know where the life-saving elixir was, so it was better to hand it over to Lianbi

Qi Yuming slightly frowned, and then relaxed again

Lian Bi stepped forward and smiled, saying: "The master is an unparalleled beauty in the world, and everyone knows this. Shopkeeper, would you like a basket of flowers for the master?"

Wei Chigong lowered his gaze, the corners of his mouth curling slightly, as if he held the utmost disdain

I, I want to meet Qi Yuming ... ... "It's unfair, my lord! In the capital, she only knows Bai Qi Ge and him, nothing more. Qi Yuming has never even glanced at her; she only supports him as a supporting character, alright! ... Usually, when Wei Chigong visits, his expression appears cold, but his tone is very gentle and polite. There were a few times when his voice carried a hint of tenderness, and she even suspected that he had feelings for her, unlike today ...

He saw Wei Chi Gong rubbing his forehead, seemingly showing symptoms of a headache, and said: "If you are not feeling well, you might as well find an excuse to leave."

When that delicate body trembled, and the thunderous wrath was ready to strike, she still sneered coldly

Her heart skipped a beat, and she faintly sensed that Cui Shunhua was not being serious with the other party. Otherwise, why would that young lady cover herself so tightly when Cui Shunhua already knew who the other person was? It was clear that she was afraid others would notice that they had met before. Who could it be?

She is well aware that Cui Shunhua is not a good person, but when she actually encounters him, her heart is shaken beyond words. ... To send a complete person for castration, and then expose him in the capital, where everyone knows his appearance, is simply ... . ... Unless he leaves the capital, he can only seek a chance of survival beside Cui Shunhua

Wei Chigong cast a faint glance at her and leaned slightly towards Qi Yuming

Qi Yuming responded in a lukewarm manner: "Is Shunhua also here to see the Spring Deity? Then let us watch together"

Since you are aware of the fear that is a matter of life and death, do not hire someone to harm a horse again in the future

She stopped in front of the dining table of Bai Qi

Although Beitang Capital is the luxurious capital of the four nations, there are very few specialized masters of spices. Bai Qi purchased several formulas for spices from merchants for her, who is often ill, to lessen the strong medicinal smell in her room

He turned over and sat up, his long black hair cascading freely onto the bedding. He cursed under his breath, wondering where his hairpin had been tossed. What did that woman intend to do? Long hair unbound between men and women was only permissible for their respective spouses to see; even in a brothel, a man would not let his long hair down. Did that woman want to find another woman to take advantage of the situation and trap him?

He did not blink, pointing to the left, and said: "If you are looking for the door, the gate to the courtyard is over there"

He narrowed his dark eyes slightly, pondering what trick she was up to this time

"Bai Qi? Shunhua, how dare you even touch Bai Qi at this moment?" He took a step forward, and she nervously retreated several steps, ultimately backing against the door with no way to retreat further

Shunhua immediately understood that this arrangement had been made long before Cui Shunhua lost her composure. She did not know what this arrangement was, but she certainly could not ruin Cui Shunhua's reputation, resorting to the same old tricks while covering her mouth partially.

At present, Lian Bi is doing the same thing

No matter how much I dislike a person, I would never resort to such underhanded means to deal with them

Today, the summary of the day involves inviting dancers and musicians from the teaching workshop to perform alongside the twelve colors of the court in a dance and music competition. You ordered that if the twelve colors of the court lose, their hands and feet tendons should be severed, ensuring they can never play music or dance for the rest of their lives. Lian Bi laughed and clapped twice, causing the music and dance in the venue to pause.

She is, after all, a descendant of the Xu family, an ancient noble family of gold merchants. Although there are no longer gold merchants, the hierarchy of wealthy merchants in Beitang is as follows: small wealthy families, wealthy families, small affluent households, affluent households, and noble wealthy households. The Xu family, in this context, is considered a small wealthy family at the lowest tier. However, compared to Miss Yi, the name Xu should hold slightly more value. Is Wei Chi Gong attempting to insult the Xu family?

She was startled and lunged forward, wanting to retrieve it—after all, it had taken her several days and nights to collect! Some spices were exclusive to the Cui family, and there was only a small amount; she had brought them all to present to the Bai residence herself! It would take at least a year and a half to procure them from other countries, and the Shunhua of the Bai residence could not possibly wait for that!

Shunhua turned back to look at Lianbi, who was still smiling warmly as he led her upstairs. She took a deep glance at his back, feeling a bit cold as she hugged the wooden box tightly in her arms. ... When she was young, her parents always advised her that in order to deal with a person, one must first know their name, and then one would be able to address Xu Zhi, Xu Da, and Xu Hui ... . ... In short, it was a scathing rebuke directed at all the members of the Xu family throughout the generations

He recalled that just now there was a swelling on her forehead, could it be that she bumped her head and was talking nonsense

Oh, isn't this the eunuch Lian Bi, who can't even become a palace eunuch? Are you here to see the Spring God and pray for blessings? Why didn't you go and cling to that woman Cui Shunhua's thigh?

Wei Chigong said: "You can't say anything until she wakes up. After a couple of days, she will come looking for your sister, so be careful."

It seemed that something happened. Something wrapped around her waist and pulled, prompting her to change direction suddenly. She initially thought it was just an illusion caused by her near-death fright, but immediately afterward, she collided forcefully with a solid body.

Firecrackers crackled continuously in the streets, and someone shouted, "The Spring God has arrived." Shunhua hurried to the window to secure the best spot. Qi Yuming and Weichi Gong arrived at her sides, causing her heart to race. She glanced at the eldest son of the Qi family on her left, then looked at Weichi Gong on her right. Deliberately, she returned to the table to take a sip of tea before circling around to the other side of Weichi Gong.

Shunhua was bewildered, but she was drawn in by the words that she would not live for more than a few years, and she whispered:

She leaned slightly towards him. "Brother... I can't find my shoes. Right now, I'm barefoot..."

Is it not possible for me to visit the unparalleled beauty of Beitang?

This time she reacted quickly, using both her hands and feet to tightly embrace the other person. Benefactor, how refined! No amount of toil could repay such a tremendous favor! Shunhua did not need to open her eyes to know who her savior was, for the horse's nose was nudging her head and blowing air.

The sedan chair jolted and suddenly came to a halt. She regained her composure and leaned closer to the small window to take a look. The sedan chair had entered an alley, and a small sedan chair was approaching from the opposite direction

The wind howled, stinging her cheeks painfully, her wide sleeves flapping wildly, as if she were soaring through the clouds. Surely her fate could not be this dire! Having already faced death once, must she now fall to her demise a second time like a piece of tofu?

She gasped and quickly said: "No... I never said such a thing..."

As the carriage swayed slightly, Shunhua held the wooden box tightly, preferring to lose her reputation rather than casually discard the box in her arms. No, no, her life was not hers to waste; she still had to take care of it to some extent

Bai Qi regarded it as if it were nothing, drinking his wine alone

May I ask who the host of this place is? A series of intermittent questions came from the other end of the main table

As they reached the second floor, someone was about to go downstairs. Upon seeing Lian Bi, they smiled and said

"Master, you have asked many times, this year marks the third year of the Jianxi era in spring" said Lian Bi as she leaned closer to the carriage window

The procession of the Spring Deity has entered their line of sight, and Wei Chi Gong immediately looked at the lady on the white horse. She was dressed in a bright red feather robe embroidered with spring flowers, as if the Spring Deity had truly arrived. Suddenly, he heard someone sincerely praising her.

She raised an eyebrow. It turns out that this well-bred young lady has practiced; just her standing posture is already seventy percent similar.

Cui Shunhua noticed that he was no longer paying attention, and her expression changed again. It is said that Cui Shunhua acts domineeringly and according to her whims. In recent days, she has been practicing fierce eyebrows and fierce eyes late at night in front of the mirror. Although she has not yet perfected her skills, she has basically learned the art of cold laughter, albeit all of it is the same monotonous cold smile

She seemed to anticipate that Qi Yuming was waiting for her at the tavern, smiling sweetly in this direction

Who pushed you down

Bai, Bai Qi!

He watched her tugging at her skirt, barefoot, her demeanor graceful as she approached to inquire about the trembling maidservants

Is there really a place for the young lady Shunhua inside?

She wishes to allow Xu Shunhua from the Bai residence to enjoy some comfort in her final days, and at the same time, to clarify matters with Bai Qi, hoping that he can properly search for Cui Shunhua's soul and understand why she ended up in Cui Shunhua's body. If convenient, she also hopes to find a knowledgeable Taoist to see if it is necessary to place a talisman on her, just in case her soul departs, so that Cui Shunhua's body does not fall into the hands of others.

Shunhua bit her lip, pondering for a moment, and ultimately decided not to alter Cui Shunhua's decision. She could only temporarily take on the role for one year, and it was utterly impossible for her to impersonate Cui Shunhua for a lifetime. At this moment, if she made a change, there was no guarantee that unforeseen consequences would not be borne by the real Cui Shunhua in the future

Clearly, it is the face of Cui Shunhua, clearly it is the body of Cui Shunhua, yet she is indeed not this Miss Cui Shunhua. She lay in bed for three consecutive days, attempting to transform back from a butterfly to Zhouzhuang, but no matter how many times she woke up, she remained that butterfly from the dream

Wei Chigong was truly enraged ... Shunhua's expression was stiff, as she did not clearly catch his words, her gaze fixed directly on his casually hanging hair ... In the dim candlelight, the large red bed curtains behind him accentuated his stunning beauty, the glow of wine and color flowing over his dark hair ... She had a terrible headache

Her heart skipped a beat as she followed his finger to look at the couple.

Wei Chigong shouted: "Qin brother! Horse!"

Are we like sisters? She doesn't know, it's too difficult to impersonate Cui Shunhua. If she had known that this day would come, she would have definitely written to the behind-the-scenes financier of "Beijing Seasons" to first compose a biography of Cui Shunhua for her to study.

When she ran up the winding corridor following the sound of silk and bamboo, he no longer pointed the way. He slightly averted his gaze, casually sweeping over the places they passed, without any hidden strategists or henchmen in sight. She always acted solely for her own benefit; what outcome was she ultimately seeking by orchestrating this performance?

Respect me

Why haven't they noticed yet? The book doesn't say it like this! ... The book states that both of them were present and discovered it ...? ... If this drags on, will it be too late to save them? She hesitated slightly, leaned towards Wei Chigong, and whispered:

A cold... a woman's voice softly moaning and humming

Lian Bi was still scrutinizing her, and she gathered all her energy, responding with an unhappy cold laugh

She preserved the health of Cui Shunhua for a year, so it seems reasonable for her to seek a small compensation from Cui Shunhua

She looked at the dagger, with a vague shadow.

... ... No, but I have heard that she is a quintessential young lady from a prominent family, and she is known as the most beautiful woman in Beitang.

Wei Chigong glanced at her, slowly turned his head back, and Shunhua took advantage of the moment to slip out from under his shoulder, running away.

Lian Bi was somewhat taken aback, seemingly not fully grasping the true meaning behind her intense eyebrow movements. However, he quickly nodded intelligently and called out to the sedan chair opposite: "You may proceed, but be careful with your movements and do not bump into the sedan."

Hehe, be careful... with so many people around, it is easy for accidents to happen with the horses...

No, no, do not involve her in this matter! She merely saw this scene in "The Four Seasons of the Capital" and kindly brought it up! Do not refuse to help her just because of this! She will truly fall apart like tofu; it would be better if she had been taken by heaven earlier, at least then she would have departed in peace

Help! Lord Wei Chi!

"Did you not claim to be as close as sisters with her?" He crossed his arms and gazed at the charming figure on the horse, no longer looking at Shunhua

When it was time to be ruthless, she sneered coldly

Xu Shi Shunhua is a beauty, you must know that, right

This year is the third year of Jianxi in spring, but...! ... The day when Xu Shihunhua fell seriously ill and lost consciousness was in the spring of the fourth year of Jianxi!

Wei Chigong visited the Bai residence with pastries, which were most likely sourced from this tea house. The day when Xu Shihunhua, on her deathbed, saw but could not indulge in the pastries, was this very piece of auspicious red bean cake, and now her wish has been fulfilled. Taking another piece, she swallowed it with satisfaction. She thought she could ascend to heaven without any resentment

Lian Bi was startled for a moment, but smiled calmly and said: "Yes, this year it is organized by Young Master Qi, and the Spring God is represented by Miss Yi Ren. Given this leisurely journey, we could conveniently stop by Bai Shao's place for lunch at the Bai residence."

Lian Bi then said: "The medicine needs to be taken over a long period. Since that young lady has followed the head's advice, she can come to ask for more medicine when it runs out. Should Lian Bi take the initiative to provide it to her?"

After a while, she became drowsy again and muttered to herself: "... Where is the doctor? Has he come? You can't drag me along... Where is Brother Bai Qi? Why hasn't he carried me to bed... Who has the leisure to help me change my clothes, yet cruelly lets me get cold on the floor... I want to be a strong woman from Beitang, but in this cold, my right arm hurts so much... I want to be a strong woman from Beitang, but in this cold, my right arm hurts so much..."

Cui Shunhua? She quickly glared at Lian Bi

Shunhua stared at the dagger, and then she looked at Bai Qi for help

Shunhua secretly frowned again. Why do Weichi Gong and Lian Bi both think that Cui Shunhua is infatuated with Qi Yuming? What is the situation now? Is she really going to pretend to be infatuated with the eldest son of the Qi family on behalf of Cui Shunhua?

Shunhua's face twitched slightly as she said, "Your ears are truly perceptive..."

Lian Bi quickly took the mirror, and Wei Chi Gong was not able to catch it in time. Shun Hua stood up to snatch it, but her legs, having knelt for a long time, suddenly went numb, causing her to stagger a few steps. Fortunately, Wei Chi Gong timely grasped her shoulder to steady her

He was shameless, but she pointed out the shame, so Shunhua looked at the bed behind him and exclaimed in astonishment:

That... that Young Master Weichi... the gentleman has feelings, but I am currently still indifferent, and I am not yet at the point of offering myself to you..." She turned her head away with tears in her eyes, looking at the jade hairpin of the man not far away.

"It is highly inappropriate for a solitary man and woman to be together, absolutely inappropriate..." she stammered, "I am a descendant of the Xu family... although... although... I cannot just let anyone toy with... toy with..." Mentioning the Xu family, she straightened her back, but quickly softened again.

It's none of her business whether she hits her head or not. He picked up the jade hairpin from the ground, casually tied up his hair, and then adjusted his robe. With his hands behind his back, he walked out slowly. Then, his face showed a barely noticeable pause.

That sound is simply one of praise, like a dying person finally learning the last significant secret, feeling satisfied, content, having their wishes fulfilled, ready to ascend.

Does she really think that Qi Yuming is a child, and that she can deceive him with her sudden appearance as a virtuous young lady

"You can handle it as you see fit," she replied absentmindedly

There was indeed no one in the room, and Wei Chi Gong fell silent for a moment, truly unable to comprehend her thoughts. At this moment, he felt that everything was like a farce; she was the virtuous woman desperately trying to escape, while he was the villain forcing her into a life of shame. If he were not certain that the lady was not in the room, he would have thought she was putting on a performance for someone.

Who is that Xu Shi Shunhua?

Cui Dangjia, I... I thought you were still recuperating... I... I...

Zhouzhuang's little dream is lost in the butterfly, is she Zhouzhuang or the butterfly? Now she is Cui Shunhua, but what about the previous Xu Shunhua?

I apologize, but Bai Qi's education of the young lady has been very successful. She is indeed not familiar with Qi Yuming, and it is quite strange to stand this close.

"Do I need your concern for my affairs? Even if I wanted to scar the faces of a hundred women, no one would dare to intervene, hey, hehe!" She deliberately added two sinister laughs. She had practiced for a long time and originally did not want to flaunt it, but evidently, Cui Shunhua was worse than she had imagined. If she did not bring it out to assist her, she feared that sooner or later, people would see through her as a virtuous and good girl.

The incense here is too strong, causing headaches, but it is not a problem

"Step back, do not block my view," she said softly to Yu Chigong

"Your brother? Where did you get a brother from?"

... ...

She was so scared that she forgot to maintain Cui Shunhua's image and screamed miserably, "Help me!" She waved her hands desperately in the air and threw herself into the crowd of people running around with their heads in their arms.

This host is Cuī Jiā Shùn Huá, have you not heard of my master's name renowned in the capital city, Miss?

In this case, the rumor that he has been suffering from a persistent high fever for the past half month and has slightly lost some of his mental faculties seems somewhat credible. He pondered for a moment, unsure of the intent behind her question, and replied in a soft voice:

Shunhua, I respect you.

Bai Qi did not stay at home all the time, nor did he reside in other towns. He lived just three streets away. What significance is there in my specially bringing tea and snacks to see him

Her voice dropped slightly, and Wei Chi Gong paused in thought, turning his face slightly once more to look at her

Wei Chigong frowned. "Aren't you going in?"

Bai Qi Tai Ruo naturally rose, unobtrusively pushing her outside the seat, and smiled as he said

Lian Bi smiled and said: "Brother? This is quite profound. If the young lady wishes to acknowledge her elder brother, there are indeed very few who dare to hold such a position in Beitang. In Beitang, although such night banquets have been simplified considerably, only our family head would dare to do so. A year ago? Who would have dared? Young lady, your position is right here."