Bai Li’s Dream – Chapter 135

Chapter 135: Secret Meeting

Shangguan Yue didn’t know when the banquet at Madam Xue, Elder Branch’s place ended. He and Xue Silang, one cup after another, quickly got drunk while talking about their newfound brotherhood and deep friendship.

Xue Silang was carried back to his room by the maids, while Shangguan Yue was carried onto the carriage.

“Hurry, hurry, he’s drunk like this. Don’t let Master Xue, Elder Branch see him, or he’ll scold him again.”

“Master’s temper is quite scary these days.”

“It was better when Madam was in charge.”

“You’re all silly. If you have something to say, just go and tell Madam secretly. Master listens to Madam the most.”

Accompanied by the servants of the Xue family gossiping about family matters, Shangguan Yue’s carriage swayed away.

The carriage drove straight into a courtyard. Through a hidden door in the courtyard was Yuqing Hall.

Shopkeeper Cai was already waiting in the courtyard. He helped Shangguan Yue down, worried about the strong smell of alcohol on him.

“Why did Young Master drink so much?”

Although Young Master ran a pleasure boat, as if immersed in a pool of wine, he rarely drank alcohol.

This was the first time he drank so much.

He really didn’t know what was so special about this Xue Silang.

He was supposed to go to the Shangguan residence today, but Young Master suddenly ran to the Xue family, saying that Old Madam Xue was considered an imperial relative, and he was about to acknowledge Princess Jinyu as his relative, so he might as well acknowledge Xue Silang as one too.

What kind of relative is the Xue family!

Entering the room, Shopkeeper Cai handed him strong tea, which Shangguan Yue drank in one gulp.

“I’m fine, I’m okay.” He said, his smile widening, “Very good.”

Coming to the Xue family today was very good.

He had someone keep an eye on Marquis Zhou’s Heir’s movements and learned that he went to the Xue family today. During the New Year period, the husband and wife would definitely visit relatives together.

So he came right away.

As expected.

Bai Li came to see him.

Although he didn’t see her face, he saw her words.

It could be seen that she was also looking for an opportunity to see him.

Shangguan Yue smiled again and lay down.

Bai Li wouldn’t always follow that Marchioness of Dongyang, would she?

It seems that the Marchioness of Dongyang does have a special constitution.

He would ask her when he saw her tomorrow.

He hoped he could say more tomorrow.

Yes, he needed to think about what to say in advance. The time she possessed someone was short, so he couldn’t waste it on rambling.

“Young Master, let’s go to the Shangguan residence tomorrow. Princess Jinyu will also be there. It will be a good opportunity to…” Shopkeeper Cai said from the side.

Before he could finish, Shangguan Yue waved his hand to interrupt: “I have something to do tomorrow.”

What else could he have to do? Shopkeeper Cai was stunned for a moment, but Shangguan Yue didn’t speak anymore. He covered his face with his sleeve as if he was sleepy, so Shopkeeper Cai didn’t ask any more questions and retreated.

Standing outside the door and pondering for a moment, he figured something out. Shopkeeper Cai called the guards who followed Shangguan Yue.

“Did Young Master see… uh, anyone when he went to the Xue family today?” He asked in a low voice.

The guard looked at him in confusion: “Anyone?”

Shopkeeper Cai had to say it: “The Marchioness of Dongyang.”

The guard stared at him: “Why would Young Master see another man’s wife? Young Master only drank with Xue Silang. He didn’t even see any of the Xue family’s young ladies.”

Shopkeeper Cai gestured for the guard to lower his voice: “It’s good that he didn’t see her, good that he didn’t see her.”

He was overthinking it.

Besides, if Young Master really had any intentions, he wouldn’t meet her privately when her husband was present.

✿✿✿

✿✿✿

The room of the Marchioness of Dongyang was crowded with people in the twilight. It wasn’t as busy as before the New Year in the first month. Adults and children were all free, and it was the time to show filial piety, so they came to pay their respects early.

There were also many relatives to visit today, and they all had to share their experiences when they returned.

Zhuang Li, unlike her usual quiet self, talked about what she ate and played at the Xue family, the behavior of the maids and servants, what Old Madam Xue and Master Xue, Elder Branch said, and even the makeup on Madam Xue’s face.

Zhou Jiuniang listened with wide eyes: “Sister-in-law is being too detailed.”

The Marchioness of Dongyang didn’t find Zhuang Li’s rambling annoying. She knew Zhuang Li wanted her to know that Madam Xue, Elder Branch was living a comfortable life now.

“It’s good that you had fun.” She said, looking at Zhuang Li, “Your aunt likes you very much.”

Zhuang Li stood up and picked up a cup of tea, slowly walking to the Marchioness of Dongyang: “Aunt is very good to me, and I should be good to Aunt too.” As she spoke, she turned the teacup in her hand, the tea gently rippling, circles of ripples spreading out.

The twilight in the room also swayed like water waves.

In the shimmering light, Zhuang Li looked at the Marchioness of Dongyang.

“So, I want to better regulate Aunt’s health…”

The Marchioness of Dongyang looked at her and slowly nodded.

If someone were to lift the curtain and come in at this moment, they would see that everyone sitting in the room was nodding along with the Marchioness of Dongyang, including the maids standing there. Everyone had smiles on their faces, and all eyes were on Zhuang Li.

“Then I’ll trouble you to make another incense medicine for your aunt.” The Marchioness of Dongyang said slowly.

Zhuang Li replied, “Yes.” She said, “Last time at Doctor Zhang’s place, when I was making incense sticks, I also tried a new prescription. Since it’s free during the New Year, I’ll make it tomorrow.”

She smiled as she spoke.

The Marchioness of Dongyang also smiled, and everyone in the room smiled.

“Good, good, thank you for your hard work.”

They said in unison.

But in the unison, a male voice sounded, a bit slow and halting.

“…I have to go to a banquet tomorrow.”

Zhuang Li turned her head, and everyone in the room turned their heads like her, looking at Zhou Jingyun sitting on the chair.

Zhou Jingyun’s expression was smiling like everyone else, but his brow was slightly furrowed, as if he was trying hard to think about something.

Zhuang Li looked at him, her voice like it was rippling out from the tea: “Marquis’s Heir can go to the banquet. Just send more people to follow me, so that my safety can be guaranteed, right?”

The Marchioness of Dongyang and the others chimed in: “Yes, yes.”

Zhou Jingyun’s brow relaxed, and he finally nodded: “Yes, yes.”

Zhuang Li withdrew her gaze, smiled, and handed the teacup to the Marchioness of Dongyang.

The Marchioness of Dongyang reached out to take it. As their hands touched, the Marchioness of Dongyang let out a light cough, the swaying twilight faded, and the tea became clear.

The next moment, “Why did Madam cough?” “These two days have been tiring.” A chorus of voices rose.

Zhou Jiuniang even climbed onto the bed and stood behind the Marchioness, gently patting her back.

The Marchioness of Dongyang smiled, indicating that she was fine, and looked at Zhuang Li again: “Sit down.”

Zhuang Li replied, “Yes,” and sat back down next to Zhou Jingyun.

The others in the room continued to talk about their visits to relatives and friends, chatting and laughing merrily.

“Young Madam, have some tea.” Chun Yue whispered beside her, handing her a cup of tea.

Zhuang Li took the teacup and looked down at the clear tea.

She used to respect the people in this family, but her arrival brought them the disaster of extermination.

So she restrained her instincts here, trying to go out less, appear less in front of this family, all in order not to affect them.

She never explored Zhou Jingyun’s dreams either. Only when she needed to hide her appearance or when she was very confused did she use her bewitching techniques on Zhou Jingyun.

But now…

Zhuang Li picked up the teacup and took a sip.

She told Zhou Jingyun before that Bai Li, this person, wasn’t very good.

She only said half of it and left the other half unsaid.

This “not good,” besides meaning she was born unlucky and brought misfortune to others, also meant that she wasn’t a good person.

✿✿✿

……

✿✿✿

When a faint light shone through the bed curtains, Zhuang Li heard Zhou Jingyun behind her turn over. She knew he was awake, or rather, that he could get up now after not getting much sleep.

He got up, footsteps sounded, as if he opened the window, a gust of cold wind blew in, and the next moment it was closed again. The footsteps stopped by the bed.

Zhuang Li turned over and asked in a voice that seemed to have just woken up, “Is it dawn?”

Zhou Jingyun lifted the curtain on one side and said, “Not yet. It’s snowing. Go back to sleep for a while.”

Zhuang Li propped herself up: “It’s snowing?” She smiled, “I’m not sleeping anymore. I slept well last night, I’m not sleepy.”

It was good that she slept well. Last night, she indeed didn’t move at all. Zhou Jingyun didn’t persuade her further and handed her a teacup from the side.

Zhuang Li reached out to take it and sat on the bed, drinking water.

The maids heard the commotion and asked from outside. The door opened, and cold air mixed with the bustle inside as the morning light gradually brightened.

“Although the snow has stopped, it’s even colder. We need to get thicker clothes.” Chun Yue rummaged through the cabinet and called Chun Xiang, “The charcoal fire over there isn’t enough. Bring two more foot warmers. Young Madam can’t move for a long time once she sits down.”

Chun Xiang and Chun Hong were both a little puzzled. Yesterday, they didn’t go to Madam’s place and didn’t know that Young Madam was going out. After hearing Chun Yue’s explanation, they suddenly understood.

“No wonder I saw Mama Ma drying the carriage early this morning.”

So everyone in the family knew that Young Madam was going out today.

Zhou Jingyun heard this and his expression became hesitant again.

He did remember this.

His mother asked him to have Zhuang Li make an incense medicine for his aunt.

He agreed at the time.

But he always felt something was wrong.

He had to rush to two banquets today. One was Shangguan’s invitation, which he couldn’t refuse. The other was a banquet hosted by the two people invited back by Princess Jinyu. He also wanted to see what impact these two people would have on the court.

Zhuang Li going out alone…

Although it was to the medical clinic, the road wasn’t far, Doctor Zhang was trustworthy, and there wouldn’t be many patients at the clinic during the New Year.

But…

Many things he thought were under control didn’t seem to be the case now.

“Marquis’s Heir, have you arranged all the guards?” Zhuang Li’s voice came.

Yes, there were guards. He arranged enough manpower. Zhou Jingyun nodded: “It’s arranged.”

A maid curtsied outside: “Marquis’s Heir, Feng’er said the carriage is ready.”

This was urging him to leave.

Zhou Jingyun looked at Zhuang Li again.

“You go ahead, Marquis’s Heir.” Zhuang Li stood up and reminded him with a smile, “Don’t drink too much.”

Zhou Jingyun nodded and walked out.

✿✿✿

✿✿✿

“Happy New Year, Young Madam.”

There were few people seeking medical treatment during the New Year. Zhang Shilin gave his disciples a holiday and stayed at the clinic himself.

Zhuang Li asked Chun Yue to take two food boxes from the carriage.

“This is the food cooked at home.” She said, then instructed the guards, “Accompany Doctor Zhang for a drink.”

Zhang Shilin sighed with emotion. This woman was very considerate. When he first met her, she seemed a bit aloof, but in reality, she was gentle and kind.

He joked, “Young Madam, it’s just borrowing the apothecary workshop. You don’t have to go to such expense. Just let us sell the medicine you make.”

Zhuang Li winked at him playfully: “This is a private order, not for sale. Doctor Zhang, you should have a few more drinks of the wine I brought.”

Zhang Shilin laughed heartily again and didn’t refuse. Two of the guards walked out carrying the wine and food and followed Doctor Zhang to the front shop. The others stayed behind. The Marquis’s Heir had instructed them not to let Young Madam out of their sight.

“I’m going to make medicine, so I can’t be disturbed.” Zhuang Li stood at the door of the apothecary workshop, looked at the guards, and said with a smile, “Just pretend I’m not here.”

The guards looked at her and slowly nodded, replying, “Yes.”

✿✿✿

✿✿✿

Learning from his last experience, Shangguan Yue didn’t let the guards follow him, lest she have to bother controlling two people.

He climbed onto the roof of Zhang’s Medical Clinic alone, wearing a white cloak, almost blending in with the snow on the roof.

He saw the guards standing outside the apothecary workshop, their expressions dazed.

The door of the apothecary workshop was open. Zhuang Li sat inside, resting her chin on her hand, looking at a burning incense stick in front of her, seemingly lost in thought. The maid beside her sat in front of a dustpan, picking up the medicinal herbs one by one and putting them down again.

Shangguan Yue raised his hand and made a bird call with his mouth.

The woman sitting in a daze immediately looked up, then smiled and gently waved.

Shangguan Yue leaped down from the roof and swaggered in, right in front of the guards.

The guards turned a blind eye, and the maid inside also focused on repeatedly picking up medicinal herbs.

If those couples who had secret meetings had this kind of method, wouldn’t it be convenient? Shangguan Yue couldn’t help but have this thought and chuckled.

Zhuang Li smiled as soon as she saw him come in. He was a little confused.

He certainly couldn’t tell her this thought. Shangguan Yue looked at the young lady in front of him and asked with some concern, “Is it because your magic power isn’t enough this time?”

This time, he didn’t see Bai Li’s clear face, but the Marchioness of Dongyang’s face, and her vision was dim and blurry.

Last time, it was because Shangguan Yue outside the dream couldn’t see her true appearance, so she deliberately presented it to him to recognize her.

Since they knew each other now, there was naturally no need to go through so much trouble.

Shangguan Yue could think whatever he wanted, she didn’t have time to explain too much.

“Ah, yes.” Zhuang Li just nodded and first said what she forgot to mention last time, “I can only see the four-year-old Li Yu in your dreams, but you won’t remember it when you wake up.”

Four-year-old… Li Yu. Hearing this name, Shangguan Yue felt a trance, as if it was a stranger. Zhuang Li’s voice continued in his ear.

“…Your dreams are very special and can help me.”

So that was it. He had such special dreams? He didn’t even know. Shangguan Yue smiled.

“Is that why I can see you?” He understood something else, looking at the blurry face in front of him, “So that’s why I had the chance for you to save me.”

He wasn’t wrong to say that. Zhuang Li smiled and said, “Yes, we can be considered to be helping each other.”

Shangguan Yue asked softly, “Did you come to the capital to seek justice for your family?” He paused, “You should know my true identity, right?”

She could even see the four-year-old Li Yu, so she must know who Li Yu was.

Zhuang Li nodded, indicating that she knew.

Shangguan Yue’s expression was apologetic: “I’m actually a criminal too, and I can’t help you at the moment.” He nodded again, “But I promise in the future… in the future, I will definitely clear your family’s name.”

“I’m not interested in clearing their name.” Zhuang Li said, “They’re all dead. Whether they’re guilty or innocent doesn’t matter anymore.”

Doesn’t matter anymore… Shangguan Yue was stunned for a moment, then nodded: “Yes, you’re right.” He gently stroked his sleeve, “Then, I will avenge you and your family, make those who killed you pay with blood, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, make their families ruined and their lives lost.”

Zhuang Li was a little surprised, looking at Shangguan Yue.

She could see his face clearly.

Shangguan Yue was smiling brightly, but his eyes were as cold as the thick snow on the eaves outside.

Zhuang Li suddenly laughed.

Although his vision was dim, Shangguan Yue still felt it and asked, “You laughed? Do you not believe me?”

The bright smile became a little aggrieved.

Yes, he had nothing now, he was nothing, he almost died, he couldn’t even protect himself, it was funny to say such wild words.

Zhuang Li hurriedly said, “No, I’m laughing because you’re not a good person, just like me.”

Not a good person.

These words were supposed to be scolding, but when Shangguan Yue heard them, he burst into laughter, the snow in his eyes melting.

“Yes, yes, I’m not a good person. I just didn’t die. If I had died, I would definitely be a vengeful ghost like you.”

Although I don’t have anything to promise now because of the slow updates, and I’m not asking for monthly votes anymore, I will look at the rankings. Thank you for the votes you cast, which have put me in a very good position.