Bai Li’s Dream – Chapter 146

Chapter 146: Opening Up

Zhou Jingyun felt that the Imperial Street was long, and he was running slowly, but for those who were looking down from a high place, the young man in the crimson official robe almost reached the carriage in the blink of an eye.

Shopkeeper Cai watched in astonishment.

He never thought Zhou Jingyun would run like this in public.

All the nine demeanors of a gentleman were gone.

This could be reported to the Censor for impropriety.

But seeing Zhou Jingyun running straight to the carriage and meeting the eyes of the woman who lifted the curtain, Shopkeeper Cai couldn’t help but be moved.

A gentleman also feels like three autumns have passed in a day when he is away from his beloved.

So eager to come here.

The Marquis’s Heir and the Young Madam are really… well, whether the Young Madam is truly devoted or not, we won’t discuss for now, but the Marquis of Dongyang’s Heir is really not afraid to show his deep affection in public.

Shopkeeper Cai glanced sideways at Shangguan Yue and saw that Young Master’s face was very ugly. He even raised his hand and hammered the windowsill, baring his teeth, not knowing whether his hand hurt or his heart ached.

Young man, turn back before it’s too late.

Zhuang Li looked at Zhou Jingyun, who had stopped in front of the carriage. Because of his running, he was panting, his face flushed, and his meticulously combed hair was a little disheveled.

He was tall and stood in front of the carriage, blocking her view of the Imperial Street.

“Marquis’s Heir, the Young Madam came here specifically to pick you up.” Chun Yue said happily from the side, “Marquis’s Heir, you saw her from so far away?”

Zhuang Li squeezed out a smile at Zhou Jingyun: “I came from my aunt’s house and thought you might be done with your work, so I waited…”

Zhou Jingyun nodded: “I’m done, let’s go back.” After saying that, he lifted his robe and got into the carriage.

Zhuang Li hurriedly moved inwards, while Chun Yue hastily squeezed out from the side, leaving the carriage to the couple.

There was a bit of commotion in front of the carriage.

The officials at the street corner, who had regained their senses, asked one after another, “Jingyun, is this your wife?”

Zhou Jingyun nodded, not wanting to say more: “Excuse me first.”

It was normal to be inconvenient to talk with a female family member present. The officials looked at the woman hidden behind Zhou Jingyun in the carriage, smiled, and bid farewell.

The curtain fell, cutting off their view. The coachman urged the horse forward, and the carriage rattled away, surrounded by guards.

“So it was because a beauty arrived.”

“This is the first time I’ve seen Marquis Zhou run so wildly.”

“Zhou Jingyun was old-fashioned when he was young, but now that he’s in his twenties, he’s become youthful again.”

There was much discussion on the street as everyone savored the scene just now. This would become a new topic of conversation for the next few days.

Shen Qing walked to the street corner, listening to everyone’s laughter.

“The Marquis’s Heir and this new wife are really lovey-dovey. The little wife actually came to pick up the Marquis’s Heir.” The little eunuch also gossiped enthusiastically, “It is said that this little wife is of humble origin and an orphan. She’s quite capable of capturing the Marquis’s Heir’s heart. I wonder what she looks like—”

He craned his neck to look in the direction Zhou Jingyun had left, but only saw the back of the carriage.

Shen Qing also looked over, a faint smile on his face.

What a coincidence, I almost saw her. The thought flashed through his mind, then he paused. Perhaps it wasn’t a coincidence?

The dream he had woven for Madam Zhuang had become blurred. It was the Young Lady Bai, who had been questioned about the past, who triggered the dream.

No, after experiencing this dream, he should no longer call her Young Lady Bai.

Shen Qing looked at the departing carriage.

The Madam, awakened by the dream, was confused and bewildered. Although she had not fully recovered, she followed her instinctive memory and came to see the Imperial City? Perhaps, she also came to see him.

It was a pity that before he could see her face clearly, Zhou Jingyun blocked him and took her away first.

Shen Qing looked at the departing carriage, a hint of regret in his eyes, and the smile on his lips spread again.

Look how scared Zhou Jingyun was, running wildly regardless of his demeanor to stop her.

Now that she’s awake, can he still stop her?

✿✿✿

✿✿✿

After the carriage had traveled for a while, Zhou Jingyun’s breathing calmed down, and he felt the thin layer of sweat on his body cool down.

Zhuang Li poured tea from the brazier prepared in the carriage. Zhou Jingyun took it and listened to her chatter in his ear, telling him what she had said to her aunt, what she had played with her sisters, what she had eaten…

Zhou Jingyun raised his head and interrupted her: “Next time, go home early, don’t come here to pick me up.”

Then he saw the smile on the woman’s face freeze, as if she was a little surprised. The next moment she lowered her eyes: “Okay, I understand.”

It was not good to say it like that, as if he disliked her very much.

How could he dislike her?

It was just that now…

Zhou Jingyun took a deep breath: “I mean, it’s cold, there are many people, it’s not convenient for you to come here.”

Although it was perfunctory, it was also a reason. Zhuang Li raised her head and smiled: “I was reckless. I forgot my identity. It’s very dangerous to come to such a place. Next time, if I want to pick up the Marquis’s Heir again, I will tell you in advance.”

Her smile was well-behaved, her expression peaceful, and with a bit of sudden realization.

Yes, her identity was still a fugitive.

It was also right to understand it this way.

She should not be angry at his blunt words just now.

Zhou Jingyun sighed inwardly and softened his voice a bit: “Yes, I, I’m very worried, afraid that something might happen to you.”

Zhuang Li said with a hint of apology: “I made the Marquis’s Heir worry.” She smiled again, “Maybe I’ve been living too comfortably with the Marquis’s Heir, so I became negligent.”

Zhou Jingyun smiled at her: “Just be careful next time.”

Zhuang Li’s eyes brightened again, and she held up the lantern to show him: “Look, my aunt gave it to me.”

The previous topic was thus dropped. Obviously, she didn’t care and continued to share the day’s events with him.

Zhou Jingyun nodded with a smile: “It’s beautiful.” He added, “I was going to buy you a lantern too, but because it’s inconvenient for you to go out, we can only enjoy the Lantern Festival at home…”

Zhuang Li nodded repeatedly: “Okay, the Marquis’s Heir can buy it back, and we can watch it at home, it’s the same.”

Zhou Jingyun hummed in agreement. It was indeed inconvenient to go to the streets today. Thinking of Shen Qing’s figure, his hand clenched involuntarily.

“Tomorrow morning, I will go to the streets to pick out beautiful and interesting ones.”

“Okay, I’ll be waiting for the Marquis’s Heir.”

He talked to Zhuang Li, his eyes fixed on the curtain, his mind in turmoil.

From Zhuang Li’s actions, it could be seen that she was unintentional, a spur-of-the-moment decision to pick him up.

But it was too much of a coincidence.

If he had come out a little later, or walked slower, Shen Qing would have met Zhuang Li.

Was this really a coincidence?

Was Zhuang Li coming to pick him up arranged by Shen Qing? That terrifying and bizarre illusion…

Zhou Jingyun’s hand rubbed gently on his knee, Zhuang Li’s voice in his ears fading in and out.

Zhuang Li looked at Zhou Jingyun’s unconsciously furrowed brows and slightly downturned corners of his mouth, and laughed self-deprecatingly in her heart.

What a pity.

She almost saw that Shen Qing.

But she didn’t expect Zhou Jingyun to rush over.

She couldn’t say what she felt, surprised, yet not surprised.

✿✿✿

Since Shen Qing and Zhou Jingyun knew each other, had dealings, and wanted to keep it from her, and Zhou Jingyun had placed so many people around her to watch her, how could she easily see someone she shouldn’t see?

If it weren’t for the unexpected appearance of Shangguan Yue, she wouldn’t even know this person existed.

Seeing Zhou Jingyun’s solemn face that he couldn’t conceal even with his best efforts, she had alerted the enemy today. She would have to be more cautious in the future.

Zhuang Li lowered her head and sorted through the things she had brought back from Aunt Xue.

Silence fell in the carriage.

Chun Yue, sitting outside the carriage, couldn’t help but look back, but the thick curtain blocked her view.

The Marquis’s Heir seemed very happy to see the Young Madam, he even ran over.

When they first got into the carriage, they were talking and laughing, why did they suddenly become quiet?

The carriage passed through the bustling street and returned to the Marquis of Dongyang’s Residence.

Zhou Jingyun got out of the carriage and helped Zhuang Li down. The maids and servants were behind, packing up their things.

“When we left earlier, my mother said she was tired and wanted us to eat separately tonight.” Zhuang Li said, then chuckled, “Obviously, she’s still angry with you.”

Zhou Jingyun smiled: “It’s okay, I’ll appease her.”

Zhuang Li asked again: “How about we have clear soup noodles?”

Zhou Jingyun nodded: “Anything is fine, eat what you like.”

Zhuang Li hummed: “I stewed chicken soup yesterday, it’s perfect for noodles today.”

The two chatted about household matters as they walked inside, but Zhou Jingyun’s pace became slower and slower, as if he was absent-minded.

“Marquis’s Heir.” Zhuang Li called out.

Zhou Jingyun raised his head and looked at her.

“If you still have things to do, go to your study and take care of them.” Zhuang Li said with a smile.

His preoccupied look was completely unconcealed? Zhou Jingyun thought to himself, it was not good to be with her in this state, he should go to the study.

He nodded: “Okay, I’ll go to the study and work for a while.”

Zhuang Li curtsied to him and continued walking forward.

Zhou Jingyun looked at Zhuang Li’s retreating figure and, for some reason, suddenly felt a sense of melancholy.

What should he do next?

Keep guarding against her like this, even though he didn’t even know how to guard against her…

Today, Zhuang Li had already reached the street corner.

What about next time?

Would she be taken away directly?

Would she really become what Shen Qing said she would be?

What about her then?

She would disappear from the world.

Zhou Jingyun watched the figure of the woman in front of him, walking farther and farther away—

“Zhuang Li.” He couldn’t help but call out.

Zhuang Li turned around, her expression smiling, with a questioning look.

Zhou Jingyun didn’t say anything. He strode over and grabbed her wrist: “Come with me to the study.”

Zhuang Li was stunned, but Zhou Jingyun didn’t give her a chance to speak, pulling her along in large strides.

Chun Yue hurriedly tried to follow.

“You don’t have to follow.” Zhou Jingyun said.

Chun Yue subconsciously looked at Zhuang Li. Zhuang Li nodded to her, indicating that she didn’t need to follow.

Chun Xiang and Chun Hong, who came to greet them, quickened their pace and ran over, “What’s wrong?” “Where are the Marquis’s Heir and the Young Madam going?”

Chun Yue gave them a reassuring smile: “It’s okay, they’re going to the study.” She then instructed them, “Go and take the things that my aunt gave us from the carriage back.” After saying that, she chased after Zhou Jingyun and Zhuang Li.

Her heart was pounding. Even if she wasn’t allowed to follow, she had to wait outside the study at least.

The Marquis’s Heir’s expression was really… not good.

Feng Er and the maids in the study were also driven out.

Zhou Jingyun closed the door and turned to look at Zhuang Li, who was standing in the room.

Her expression was calm, one hand gently stroking her wrist…

He had been pulling her all the way here, he might have used too much force.

Seeing Zhou Jingyun looking at her, Zhuang Li smiled and looked around: “I’ll pour the tea, where is the Marquis’s Heir’s tea?”

Zhou Jingyun motioned for her to sit down: “I’ll do it.” After saying that, he went to make tea.

Zhuang Li sat on the chair and looked around the room. The study was made up of three rooms connected together, extremely spacious. The east side was the desk and bookshelves, the west side was separated by a screen into a bedroom with a nanmu bed and tall cabinets piled against the wall.

The furnishings in the room were not luxurious, white walls, black furniture, blue curtains, simple and elegant.

By the window in the bedroom was a qin, and on the wall hung a sword.

Qin.

Zhuang Li’s gaze narrowed slightly.

He really could play the qin.

“The tea here is a little strong.” Zhou Jingyun brought the tea over and handed it to her.

Zhuang Li reached out and took it: “I’m not picky about tea.” She took a sip and looked at Zhou Jingyun again, “The Marquis’s Heir asked me to come, is there something you want to say?”

Zhou Jingyun was silent.

Silence fell in the room.

Just as Zhuang Li was about to find a topic to start a conversation, Zhou Jingyun raised his head and looked at her.

“I don’t know how much you know.” He said, “I don’t know the whole story either, I can only tell you what I just learned.”

What? Zhuang Li was a little surprised. It seemed that he really had something to say…

“Something’s wrong with Madam Zhuang.” Zhou Jingyun looked at her, “The letter you sent her was intercepted halfway. The person who intercepted it gave it to me and warned me not to let you and Madam Zhuang communicate. I don’t know what happened, so I sent Jiang Yun to see Madam Zhuang. He sent back news two days ago that Madam Zhuang is being monitored and her behavior is abnormal…”

The woman in front of him held the tea, her expression changing from surprise to bewilderment…

Zhou Jingyun paused for a moment, looking at Zhuang Li.

“I’m a little disorganized, I don’t know if you can understand.” He said, “This matter is related to someone. Did you ever see a man named Shen Qing when you were with Master Zhuang and his wife—”

Before he finished speaking, Zhuang Li, who was sitting, suddenly stood up, threw the teacup on the table, and rushed over to hug his waist.

Zhuang Li looked petite, but her sudden impact was quite forceful. Zhou Jingyun was caught off guard and took a step back. He subconsciously supported her shoulders to steady himself.

This…

He looked down at the woman clinging to him, feeling the strength of her arms, forcefully, tightly, hugging his waist.

“Ah Li….” He was a little at a loss, “What’s wrong?”

Why did she suddenly hug him?

Zhuang Li buried her face in his chest, feeling his warm body, his strong heartbeat.

“I thought… you were the same as them.” She murmured.

That’s great.

He was different.