Chapter 3.2

After two days of traveling, they arrived at the foot of Daiyun Mountain. In this southern region of Jiangnan, the landscape was picturesque, with lakes and lotus ponds everywhere, cultivated for lotus seeds and water caltrops. The local girls chatted and laughed in their soft Wu dialect, creating a pleasant atmosphere. Spring was indeed the best time for sightseeing!

The two men knew how to enjoy themselves, but they didn’t come across as idle.

Yuhu, Tianlei, and Liu Ruoqian rented rooms at a large inn in the market center at the mountain’s base. Without resting, they went to a teahouse to drink tea. Watching them play chess, it seemed they planned to spend the whole afternoon there! The view from upstairs was serene; one side was mountains, the other a lotus-filled lake. In the distance, she could see a golden sea of clouds at the mountain’s peak, shimmering with sunlight. Climbing to the top would surely feel like soaring among the clouds, becoming an immortal.

She recalled the annoying Ke Shizhao’s insinuations about her husband and Liu Ruoqian’s close relationship. She believed that men could have deep friendships that shouldn’t change even after marriage. She wasn’t an unreasonable person; she knew how good Tianlei was to her, so why should she be suspicious? Ke Shizhao was the one with ill intentions, trying to disrupt their marital harmony. What a scoundrel!

Feeling bored, she stretched lazily. Suddenly, a commotion arose downstairs, and she wondered what was happening. Facing the back view, she couldn’t see if someone important had arrived at the front entrance.

As soon as she turned her head, she heard a crisp and clear female voice, “My two great masters, you dare to wait here in Daiyun County, my territory, for me to come and pay my respects? Hmph! Playing chess, how elegant!”

It was a glamorous woman dressed as a young widow, the kind of beauty that makes people drool at first sight. Her arched eyebrows and rosy oval face were as if carved from jade. Her features were delicate and striking, and her figure wrapped in black clothing was impeccable, clearly a sharp and capable person comparable to the Grand Madam in terms of presence.

The beautiful woman’s remark was directed at them because Qi Tianlei had rented out the second floor to prevent any disturbances.

Liu Ruoqian stood up, bowed, and smiled. “We brothers should have visited your esteemed residence, but knowing that Madam Shu wouldn’t be at home, we thought it better to wait for you here.”

Madam Shu’s black and white almond eyes glanced at him before turning to Li Yuhu. “Which family’s young lady is this? Such a lovely girl.”

Qi Tianlei pulled Yuhu into his arms. “She’s my wife, no longer a young lady! Yuhu, this is Madam Shu, whose maiden name is Lianhong. Lianhong, this is Yuhu.”

“Seems like we’re family then! When I was young and learning to write, I almost gave up on education because of my name. It’s such a hard name to write. You can just call me Madam Shu too! Being a widow, it’s not suitable to have a maiden name.”

Madam Shu was a straightforward woman, and in no time, she treated Yuhu as one of her own, ordering food and drinks to be brought up. She also received a large bundle from a servant, which turned out to be a stack of account books.

Such a beautiful woman, who didn’t seem much older than Yuhu, was already a widow? Yuhu was stunned, studying her closely. What a pity! So young and without a husband, that’s why she wore black and didn’t dress up. But her natural beauty needed no adornment; her powerful aura suggested she was a very successful businesswoman.

“Alright! No one leaves until these account books are reviewed!” Madam Shu commanded, setting up paper and pens and spreading out the account books to report on the business operations to the two men.

Liu Ruoqian sighed with a laugh, “Heavens! We’ve just arrived and haven’t even had a meal yet.”

“I’ve already ordered a feast; you’ll eat and drink well later. We won’t neglect our esteemed guests,” Madam Shu remained firm.

Qi Tianlei accepted his fate, picked up a pen, and began reviewing the account books. Yuhu watched silently, planning to ask her husband about her many questions tonight. She pulled out a packet of honey plums from her sleeve and began to eat, with the two men quickly joining in.

“Hmm?” Yuhu stared at the business name on the account book.

“What is it?” Qi Tianlei looked up at her.

“I remember, it’s ‘Hongtu,’ right?” She had recently learned to recognize many characters, and the names of well-known businesses in Quanzhou were among the first she learned. The ‘Hongtu’ business group was the rising star that Tianlei had mentioned, capable of competing with the Qi family.

Qi Tianlei appreciatively kissed her hand and caressed her face. “Yes, Madam Shu is the owner of Hongtu.”

She was surprised, not quite understanding the current situation.

Madam Shu laughed, “Yes, the nominal owner.”

Yuhu suddenly had some understanding but became even more confused. If she guessed correctly, Tianlei and Liu Ruoqian might also be behind Hongtu. What did this mean? What was Tianlei up to?

“Come, join us,” Qi Tianlei said, pulling her into the account book review. The purpose of this trip was to teach her these skills.

Yuhu almost groaned. She really disliked those densely written documents. However, Madam Shu, also a woman, was deft with the abacus, making Yuhu feel inadequate if she continued to be lax.

Forced to learn, she made rapid progress, but she was more curious about how the two men had met Madam Shu. Qi Tianlei loved making her guess rather than providing answers directly.

It was late at night by the time they finished reviewing all the account books. The moon had risen high when they finally stretched and went downstairs for the feast that had been prepared.

Madam Shu was indeed a lively and dashing woman, even outdrinking the men. After several cups of wine, her cheeks were only slightly flushed! Yuhu sipped slowly, feeling her husband was trying to get her to develop all sorts of bad habits, encouraging her to drink more. He loved seeing her tipsy.

Once business was set aside, Madam Shu became completely carefree, draping her arm around Liu Ruoqian’s shoulder. “Hey! You guys are really not giving me face! I have over twenty elegant rooms at my place. Are you avoiding me because you think I’ll neglect you or that I’m too poor?”

Liu Ruoqian lazily replied, “Neither! Just avoiding suspicion. As for my brother Tianlei, he’s married now, so it wouldn’t be appropriate to let Miss Xiubo get involved.”

“Hey! Don’t involve me!” Qi Tianlei was diligently shelling crabs for Yuhu to pair with her drink.

But Madam Shu wasn’t about to let it go. “What do you mean, ‘hey’? Miss Xiubo has waited for you for two years. You were willing to buy her freedom but wouldn’t let her serve you! She’s head over heels for you!”

Yuhu blinked, slightly drunk, and forgot to be reserved. Her hands dangerously climbed up Qi Tianlei’s shoulders, slowly moving toward his neck. “You bought a woman here?”

“I just didn’t want to see a good girl fall into ruin, so I bought her freedom, but…” Qi Tianlei liked seeing his wife jealous, but not when she was drunk. Before he could finish, Liu Ruoqian cut in, “Yes, yes! The girl is very beautiful. Every time we come here, Miss Xiubo rushes to serve him. It’s strange that she didn’t get the news this time! Madam Shu, where’s your right-hand girl?”

Madam Shu chimed in, fluttering her fingers coquettishly, “I knew there were two men and a woman this time, so I didn’t bring her out. While Miss Xiubo hopes to be a concubine, she shouldn’t be embarrassed to meet the primary wife suddenly. We have to see what Third Young Master Qi thinks first! Besides, newlyweds shouldn’t have another woman causing trouble. I say, Third Young Master, if you don’t want her, don’t treat her well. You’ve made her heart follow you for two years. Poor girl.”

“Qi Tianlei, you’re quite fortunate!” Yuhu growled, wrapping her arms around his neck, “If you dare to be good to any woman other than me, I’ll castrate you first.”

“Yuhu,” Qi Tianlei pulled her onto his lap, embarrassed and glaring at his “lifelong friend.” It was hard to find good people these days!

Madam Shu and Liu Ruoqian were both grinning, clearly enjoying the show. It was indeed a rare sight! For over three years, the gentle and indifferent Third Young Master Qi had always been the one watching others make fools of themselves, especially enjoying seeing Liu Ruoqian being chased by countless women and Madam Shu’s monthly knife-wielding episodes!

It was a rare and delightful opportunity to get back at him today, and they were savoring it.

“Yuhu, I don’t plan to marry any other women,” Qi Tianlei urgently reassured his wife.

Honestly, her grip was strong. Even if she didn’t strangle him, it hurt quite a bit.

Yuhu loosened her hold and asked, “What about men? Do you plan to marry a few for fun?”

“No!” Heavens, this was exasperating!

She switched to grabbing his collar. “I’m telling you, you can’t have other women! If you dare, I’ll kill you and then raise a hundred men to embarrass you.”

“He wouldn’t dare!” Liu Ruoqian added in a soft voice.

“Exactly! Look at Third Young Master Qi’s scared face; he wouldn’t dare!” Madam Shu echoed, covering her mouth with a handkerchief as she laughed.

Satisfied, Yuhu leaned her head on her husband’s shoulder, wrapping her arms around his waist. “Tianlei, even though you’re so mysterious, I really like you, you playboy. Don’t worry, I won’t bully you—I’ll help you fight bad guys. Don’t be afraid, I’ll protect you.”

This touching moment should have been romantic under the moon and flowers, not in front of two people who were thoroughly enjoying the spectacle! Qi Tianlei picked up his half-drunk wife, planning to retreat to the bamboo grove by the lotus pond in the backyard for some privacy. He told the two people ready to laugh, “Feel free to do as you please, just keep strangers away.”

“Hey, only ‘strangers’?” Liu Ruoqian teased.

“And you two and pigs,” Qi Tianlei shot back, turning the tables on them.

So, it was clear that the always weak-acting Third Young Master Qi wasn’t easy to deal with; he could be sharper than anyone when necessary!