kvmb Chapter 169 Return
Chapter 169 Return
Liang Qingcheng looked a little nervous: "Please speak, my husband."
Qin Jiu said, "We are all brothers on Chongming Island. There is only a division of labor, not a hierarchy. I wonder if I can take care of you, Princess? Please choose two maids you like and let the others return to Bianjing. Is that alright?"
Liang Qingcheng visibly breathed a sigh of relief: "Is this it? I'll do whatever my husband says."
Liang Qingcheng kept calling him "husband," which made Qin Jiu feel a mix of emotions: "Your Highness is very understanding and reasonable, and I admire you very much. Your Highness, please rest first. I have something to discuss with General Xue."
As soon as Qin Jiu opened the door, two maids waiting outside greeted him in unison, "Young Master?"
Qin Jiu instantly regretted it. He wasn't sure if the maid was guarding Liang Qingcheng or him. He had stayed on Chongming Island for too long and had forgotten the rules of wealthy families.
Seeing Qin Jiu hesitate, the maid tentatively asked, "What are your orders, young master?"
Qin Jiu could only say, "I'm not used to having someone watch over me while I sleep. You all go and rest."
The two maids exchanged glances, and one of them said, "If the young master wets the bed at night or wakes up crying, he can call me at any time so as not to disturb the princess and the young master's rest."
Liang Qingcheng stood by the table behind him, watching him, while two maids at the door glared menacingly. For the first time in his life, Qin Jiu felt trapped in a dilemma.
Having gone through the years of having a child out of wedlock, Liang Qingcheng was no longer the impetuous and arrogant young woman she once was. She walked over and said, "You must all be tired. You can leave now. With your father taking care of you, what is there to worry about?"
The maid on the left said hesitantly, "Princess, the Eldest Princess instructed..."
Speaking of her mother, Liang Qingcheng immediately became impatient: "Are you serving me or my mother? Does she have any say in this matter? If I tell you to leave, then leave."
The maid dared not insist any further, and the two bowed and withdrew.
Liang Qingcheng called out, "Xiaoya."
The two maids stopped in unison. The maid on the left asked, "What are your orders, Princess?"
Liang Qingcheng said, "Tell the wet nurse that you will come with me tomorrow, and the rest of you will return to the Duke's mansion. If my mother asks, just say that I have a husband to take care of me, and I didn't know that my father was taking care of me, so I don't need so many people to serve me."
Xiaoya replied, "Yes, Princess."
After the two women left, Liang Qingcheng turned to Qin Jiu and said, "Husband, you have something to discuss with General Xue. You should go quickly."
Qin Jiu was caught in a dilemma, unsure whether to leave or stay.
Liang Qingcheng didn't press him further: "General Xue should be resting now. It would be better if you had something to say tomorrow morning."
Liang Qingcheng walked to the bedside, took off her clothes, stepped over the edge, and lay down on the innermost side of the bed. She yawned widely and whispered, "So sleepy. Husband, I'm going to sleep now."
The sleepless nights before the wedding, the long journey today, and the final moments of the three-bow marriage ceremony all contributed to Liang Qingcheng's deep sleep.
From then on, Liang Qingcheng's life was free from her mother's endless nagging and pressure to get married, and she was far removed from all kinds of stares and suspicions.
Even in prison, Qin Jiu didn't forget to protect her reputation, proving he's a responsible and dependable man. Looking at Qin Jiu's attitude towards Bu Zhi, he'll likely be a good father in the future.
Regardless of Qin Jiu's feelings for her, Liang Qingcheng was content with what he had done so far. As for the future, life was long and there was no rush.
Qin Jiu took off his clothes, turned off the light, and lay down on the outer side. In the darkness, he opened his eyes, thinking of Liang Qingcheng and Jingzhao Manor.
The harsh words he uttered in the prison cell were not his true intention; it was Duke Liang who first insulted his mother. Fortunately, Liang Qingcheng was mature enough not to hold it against him.
Xue Yunting's demand for money from Jingzhao Manor must be because Prince Rui had already visited Jingzhao Manor and failed to reach an agreement with his father, so he turned his attention to him.
Those who are at the height of their power never imagine the day they will fall from grace. Those who are riding high never foresee the day they will fall from grace. In this world, who can remain sober-minded while enjoying prolonged glory?
Jingzhao Manor has been in its prime for far too long. Merchants and scholars cannot even be compared to it, let alone royalty. If he cannot persuade them, Xue Yunting will surely force him to relinquish his position as manor lord.
The next day, Nian Yao and Qin Jiu's group headed south, while the guards and maids led several large carriages of dowry back to Bianjing in the north.
Qin Jiu carried Bu Zhi, while Xue Yunting carried Duan Mingzhu as they rode horses. Because Bu Zhi was small and Duan Mingzhu was unwell, they didn't dare to go too fast.
Nianyao arrived at Chongming Island on the fifth day of the Lunar New Year. Everyone went to the pier to welcome them. Xuesong, Jingsong, Huzi, and Bamei were at the front, while Xu Lai stood at the back.
Liang Qingcheng, holding Bu Zhi's hand, accompanied Qin Jiu to the dock. Along the way, Qin Jiu and Liang Qingcheng had clearly become more familiar with each other.
Tiger looked at them and asked Nianyao, "Husband... Gang Leader, who are they?"
Xuesong and Jingsong stared at Qin Jiu. His figure and gait were incredibly familiar, but his face…
Nianyao said, "What are you looking at? Don't you recognize Qin Jiu?"
Tiger was so shocked that his mouth dropped open. Xuesong and Jingsong exclaimed in unison, "Qin Jiu?!"
Nianyao said, "It's the real deal, he's even younger than both of you."
Xuesong and Jingsong looked at each other, then jumped up, ready to rush forward. Qin Jiu hugged Buzhi to his chest, blocking their way: "Buzhi, call him Uncle."
She was very well-behaved: "Hello, Uncle."
Xuesong and Jingsong clenched their fists and glared at Qin Jiu.
Qin Jiu put aside his ignorance, bowed deeply, and said apologetically, "Brothers, I have offended you in the past, and I am truly sorry. I have brought my family back with me, and I hope you will take good care of me in the future."
Xuesong loosened his fists and picked up Buzhi: "We always thought you had something wrong with you. Uncle Liu even secretly asked the young master several times. Turns out your son is already so grown up... Qin Jiu, you're a real scoundrel..."
Jing Song said, "This kid is quite similar to Lao Qin."
Nianyao said, "If it doesn't look like him, Ninth Brother won't recognize him."
Nianyao spoke without thinking in front of her brothers, only realizing Liang Qingcheng was right next to her after she finished speaking. Nianyao looked at Liang Qingcheng, who smiled.
Xu Lai then stepped forward and asked, "Chief, why isn't the young master here?"
Nianyao walked towards Xianzhou Garden: "He started a relationship with her and then abandoned her, leaving his wife behind..."
Nianyao wanted to say he would abandon his wife and children, but then he remembered he had no children.
Xu Lai turned to look at Qin Jiu, who quickly said, "Uncle Xu, rest assured, the young master's affection for the gang leader is as clear as day, and he would never abandon his wife."
"Heaven and earth can bear witness?" Nianyao replied, "There's no one else in the world like me who can go up the mast and down to the sea. There's absolutely no way he would abandon his wife."
Tiger rarely praised Nianyao: "The gang leader is invincible, young master is indeed reluctant to part with her."
Nianyao asked in surprise, "It's been so long, and you've even learned to flatter people now?"
Tiger said, "As the saying goes, a tree without bark will surely die..."
Nianyao gripped her longsword tightly, her eyes filled with murderous intent.
Tiger laughed loudly and ran off with Eighth Sister, causing the brothers to burst into laughter.
Nianyao's nose inexplicably stung. No matter how prosperous Bianjing was, or how nice the Xizhai was, it couldn't compare to the lively and welcoming atmosphere of Chongming Island.