CH 19

Because she had to prepare An Shen herb every three days, Zhou Qing really couldn’t think of where to get blood from. Thus, she merely cut the tip of her finger that wasn’t usually used, squeezed out the blood beads, and then bandaged it. She didn’t want to leave numerous wounds on her body, so the flesh which had just healed was injured again. The continuous stabbing pain, although not unbearable, did not stop.

Zhou Qing was born with white skin and exquisitely delicate knuckles. Because she fiddled with herbs for years, a thin layer of calluses formed on the pads of her fingers, with light pink nails and the tips sprung like a sprout. It could be described as pleasing to the eye.

It was a pity that the white cloth ruined the view.

While she was making the herbs, Xie Chong was sitting behind the desk; his physique was tall and robust like a mountain, more like a rock, unmoving. The handsome and profound face also did not show the slightest change, as if no one else was in the study.

Xie Chong felt a bit strange. He initially thought the scent of the An Shen herb was relieving the pain at his medullary sea. However, at the moment, the herbs had not yet been lit; he was only watching Zhou Qing’s movements, and he felt a sense of calmness, and he didn’t know the reason.

“Why is Madam Luo injured?”

Hearing the commandant’s low voice, Zhou Qing’s hand trembled and nearly threw the herbal tray out. She had long guessed that her identity could not be concealed from Xie Chong, but hearing him address her as “Madam Luo,” her heart still rose in panic.

She understood that Xie Chong had already found out about Luo Yu.

It was normal for men to be especially concerned about their wives’ chastity. So in her previous life, Xie Chong always thought that the person he had spent the night with was Luo Xinyue, not her, Zhou Qing. Moreover, in this life, two children have not yet been born; Zhou Qing didn’t know if there would be any changes.

Her throat felt a little dry. Zhou Qing unconsciously stretched out her pale pink tongue, and licked her dry lips, dazedly replying, “I was cooking dishes yesterday, and I accidentally cut myself.” While speaking, the woman’s pair of watery eyes were slightly flickering with an imperceptible embarrassment. She was obviously lying.

But it wasn’t like Xie Chong to pursue the root of the matter. He slightly nodded and didn’t further question her.

After the herbs were ready, a burst of green and purple smoke ignited in the Xuande Furnace. Zhou Qing was kneeling on the futon, her knees slightly numb, she reached out and rubbed the joints, but she didn’t dare move too much. Only because, right now, the dark eyes of the commander were tightly closed, and his frowning face had a trace of fury. Any person who looked at it would be frightened, and she didn’t know whether it was because he killed too many people.

After a full two-quarters of an hour, the commander opened his eyes. He abruptly stood up and took a few steps toward Zhou Qing; the flying fish patterns on his robe were strikingly apparent, and the corners of the coat almost touched the woman’s face.

A faint aroma rushed in between the nose, not quite the same as the smell of the herbs, but lighter as if the flower buds contained honey, sweet but not greasy.

The sudden approach of Xie Chong startled Zhou Qing. She thought of the corpses carried out from the imperial prison, her legs were a little weak; she secretly despised herself for being useless. She hurriedly stood up from the cushion, backed away, lowered her head, revealing the slightly red ears. Softly, Zhou Qing asked, “Does your Excellency have other orders?”

The shallow fragrance gradually faded away, Xie Chong’s thick eyebrows slightly furrowed; the bottom of his eyes was teeming with a trace of displeasure. But he was someone, whether happy or angry toward the people, who wouldn’t conspicuously show his thoughts. He said: “This official has released the news, said the Zhou family’s Herbal Store was very sensible, and took the initiative to present the former dynasty’s Xuande Furnace.”

Hearing those words, Zhou Qing was delighted, pursed her lips, and smiled as two pearl-like swirls appeared on her cheeks. Her voice full of sincerity, “My sincerest gratitude for the commander’s help. I am grateful, such a great kindness, if possible I would not forget this kindness even in the next life and would repay this debt.”

Xie Chong narrowed his eyes, “Why wait for the next life? This official is very fond of the herbs made by Mrs. Luo, as long as you keep coming to the Xie House to mix herbs.”

People would say that the Jin Yi Guards were all cold-blooded and ruthless, like killing machines. And in the past, Zhou Qing also thought so. But at this time, it seemed that Xie Chong, although felt evil in her heart, wasn’t cold-blooded. Such a person carried countless curses, regarded by all as the evil ghost Rakshasa, such injustice.

Silently thinking about it, the woman’s face couldn’t help but reveal some concern. Xie Chong swept his eyes to see her concerned gaze. He secretly sneered.

“Today’s task has been completed. Mrs. Luo may go back first. Xie Yi, prepare a carriage to send the guest out.”

The wooden door of the study was pushed open, and the guard in black clothes walked in. Seeing the cold and solemn face of this person, Zhou Qing estimated that he was also from the Zhenfu Division. Otherwise, he would not be like this.

“Many thanks, my lord.”

Zhou Qing gave her thanks, followed Xie Yi, and walked outside. The bamboo-green carriage stopped at the door. As soon as she entered, the guard drove the carriage forward. It did not take long to reach the front of the Herbal Store

She lifted the curtain and got out of the carriage, and there was a commotion in her ears.

The person’s eyes were red as he roared, “How can Master give away such an important treasure as the Xuande Furnace? You really didn’t treat me as your disciple. For twenty years, how can you be so cruel?”

Hearing those accusations, Zhou Qing understood why Wang Lu would make a scene at their threshold. The reason why he was able to receive benefits from Liu Zhaoqu’s hands was that the Liu family wanted to get the Xuande Furnace. Now that the herbal ware was in the hands of the commander, even if he lent Liu Zhaoqu ten times more courage, he wouldn’t dare be calculative against Xie Chong.

Father Zhou’s pale face was thick with disappointment. Although he agreed to banish Wang Lu from the store, he did not expect the eldest apprentice would now have this kind of virtue. For his benefit, he deceived his teacher, performing the most evil and sinful act.

With dainty hands behind her waist Zhou Qing quickly walked to her father. A cold smile appeared on her beautiful face, mercilessly saying,, “Wang Lu, Xuande Furnace is the Zhou family’s treasure. We can hand it over to whoever we want. Do we have to go through you and ask for your consent? Didn’t you go to the Shen Xiang Pavilion to help? Why did you come here to make trouble again?”

Even though Zhou Qing’s features were stunning, in Wang Lu’s eyes, they were no different from an ugly monster full of mange. If she hadn’t deliberately instigated it, the master would not have been ruthless enough to drive him out and send the Xuande Furnace away.

Earlier, Boss Liu promised he would give him 500 taels of silver after completing the matter and then give him Xique as his concubine. Who would have thought that after only two or three days, all these magnificent dreams would be shattered? It was all because of this bitch, Zhou Qing.

The more he thought about it, the more furious he became. Wang Lu gritted his teeth. His hideous look was comparable to a beast.

Father Zhou frowned, side-stepped in front of his daughter, and sighed, “We had been teacher-disciple for many years. This Zhou has a clear conscience. Since you are good friends with Boss Liu, do not return in the future.”