Chapter Seventeen: The Prelude of Love

  The sky had not yet lit up, and Hu Zhongren quietly returned to the door of Liu Qingqing and Xiaolian's resting chamber. He lightly knocked on the door, "Xiaolian, open the door." It turned out that he was afraid others would know they weren't living in the same room, so he came early to call at the door. Xiaolian, still half asleep, asked vaguely, "Who is it?" and immediately fell back asleep. The scene from last night was too stimulating, and she had spoken with Ninth Madame for a long time, so she felt extremely sleepy. Liu Qingqing quietly got out of bed from her side, went downstairs, and opened the door for Hu Zhongren. She knew what he was thinking and also knew that the Hu manor was full of dragons and snakes mixed together, with intrigue and infighting everywhere. So, without saying a word, she silently welcomed Hu Zhongren into the room and closed the door well. Liu Qingqing spread out a quilt on the floor mat, sat down on it herself, patted the quilt with her hand, indicating for Hu Zhongren to sit down and talk.

  Hu Zhongren nodded silently and sat down beside Liu Qingqing, who put her hands together and placed them on the left side of her ear, making a "sleep" gesture. Hu Zhongren shook his head. His eyes were bright and his spirit was high, without a hint of drowsiness. He mouthed: "Let's talk." He leaned in close to Liu Qingqing's ear and asked, "Tell me about your Biyu Buddha, how did you get it?"

  "It was passed down from my great-grandmother to my grandmother, then from my grandmother to my mother, and then from my mother to me." Liu Qingqing also leaned in close to Hu Zhongren's ear and said, "Why are you asking this? Didn't you suspect that the Biyu Buddha was given by your good friend Yue Qianshan to his fiancée?"

  "It was my misunderstanding, I apologize." Hu Zhongren took out a letter and handed it to Liu Qingqing. Liu Qingqing unfolded it and saw that it was written in ancient characters. Fortunately, she had practiced calligraphy with her grandmother when she was young, so she could barely make out the words.

  The content above is to tell Hu Zhongren that his fiancée is the daughter of Imperial Chef Lei Huan, a Kyoto noblewoman named Lei Qingqing. So, it won't be Liu Fengchun's daughter, Liu Qingqing. Also, he tells him that he might come to Kyoto himself and if so, he will marry Lei Qingqing then. At that time, he hopes Hu Zhongren can welcome them.

  "You just have similar names, but the surname is different. As soon as I saw your emerald Buddha, I lost my composure and thought you were the wife of a good friend." Hu Zhongren whispered in Liu Qingqing's ear, "Now, I can rest assured. Today, I'll take you two to Hong Cuishan Villa. Are you willing to go up the mountain with me?"

  Liu Qingqing shook her head.

  "Why?" Hu Zhongren's voice rose. Liu Qingqing quickly covered his mouth and carefully looked at Xiaolian, seeing that she was still sleeping, before whispering in Hu Zhongren's ear: "I'm going to the pawnshop today to redeem something, I made an appointment with Casimodo, one must keep their promises."

  "Who is Quasimodo?" asked Hu Zhongren in confusion. "I've never heard of this name, is Quasi a double surname?"

  Liu Qingqing smiled and said, "It's not a compound surname, it's the name I gave him. Because he is ugly, his original name is Ren Zhonghu. We agreed to go to the pawnshop together to redeem my phoenix coronet and silver tableware."

  "It was him after all," Hu Zhongren smiled and said: "Then there's no need to go, I'll just tell him directly."

  "Do you know each other? But he seems unfamiliar with you?" Liu Qingqing remembered that when Ren Zhonghu mentioned Hu Zhongren, he was very objective and polite.

  "That's because of the special relationship between them and me. What's your impression of them?" Hu Zhongren brushed Liu Qingqing's hair behind her ear, asking.

  "That Ren Zhonghu, although ugly, has a kind heart, chivalrous and righteous, with a sense of justice that touches the sky." Liu Qingqing thought about how Ren Zhonghu had treated her dumbness, accompanied her to Dangdang, and went to Liujiacun to gather information for her. Although they hadn't met many times, he had done so much for her, and for a moment, her heart felt warm and fuzzy.

  "Hu Zhongren ate and said: 'You like him now, right?' With a stinky tone."

  "How could that be? He actually said we're ugly together, told me not to despise him, but I told him at the time, no way, I don't have feelings for you. You know, this kind of thing is all about feeling, do you understand what I mean by feeling? Right, you don't understand."

  "How could I not understand?" Hu Zhongren's eyes were burning as he stared at Liu Qingqing, "I understand, if I didn't understand before, after meeting you, I understood. One inch of longing, one inch of ash."

  "Oh no, it's so sour!" Qingqing covered her ears, "I don't want to listen anymore."

  "Alright, I won't say anything. You tell me, what's your impression of Ren Zhongjie?" Hu Zhongren thought about Ren Zhongjie and how she was like in Liu Qingqing's eyes?

  "He's so wooden and calm, like an ice block. When we're together, there's nothing to talk about." Liu Qingqing thought for a moment, and didn't even have a deep impression of him. "I don't think he looks like Ren Zhonghu's brother, but more like his follower. Do you know them? Tell me about it."

  "Wait later. You go to ask Ren Zhonghu for silver now, and I'll help Xiaolian collect things here. Since you want to return the silver to the pawnshop, it's good that we can redeem it after dinner and then go to Hong Cuishan Zhuang." Hu Zhongren looked out of the window, the sky was breaking dawn, the rooster sang loudly, a new day began. There has never been a day that made him so excited.

  "Alright, I'll go find Dage after I'm done washing up." Liu Qingqing also saw the two maids holding the washing utensils waiting outside the door, and beckoned them to come in.

  Huzhongren washed his hands and face, then went to the stable to prepare the horse. Liu Qingqing woke up Xiaolian to comb her hair and dress up. Xiaolian apologized repeatedly for oversleeping.

  Liu Qingqing smiled and said: "Is it Hu Shaoying's bravery that makes you feel tired?"

  Xiao Lian's face turned red, and she couldn't say anything in front of the two maids, who were giggling.

  Xiao Lian took the opportunity to scold them, saying: "You two dead girls, you dare to mock me? Just wait and see how I'll tear your mouths apart."

  Liu Qingqing heard and knew the names of the two maids, but which one was Yingying and which one was Yanyan? With her back to them, she said: "Yingying, go to the stable and tell Hu Shao that I'll be going to the backyard to find someone. Tell him not to wait for me for dinner." Yingying responded with a sound and left. Liu Qingqing looked at the time and knew that the short and chubby one was Yingying, so the tall and thin one in front of her must be Yanyan. However, she didn't know about her relationship with the two of them, so she remained calm and let them show their attitude. She said: "Today we're going to Hong Cuishan Manor, are you two willing to go?"

  "But Miss's orders." Yanyan replied loudly. Looking at this tall and thin Yanyan, she seemed a bit more clever, maybe she could be cultivated into her own confidant.

  Liu Qingqing brought back the silver and saw that the four people were already waiting in the room, and breakfast was also placed inside. Liu Qingqing's eyebrows opened with a smile, her stomach had been growling with hunger for a long time, congee and light dishes, healthy and nutritious.

  Watching her devour the food, Yanyan took away the bowl and chopsticks. Hu Zhongren smiled and said: "Xiao Lian, bring out the things for Madame Jiuzi to take a look."

  Xiao Lian opened the package, and it turned out to be her own jewelry and silverware that she had pawned. Liu Qingqing took out the silver coins, silver notes, and pawn ticket, and Hu Zhongren glanced at them before taking the pawn ticket and tearing it up. "My wife spends a little money and still has to go to the pawnshop - isn't that humiliating for me, Hu? Today, with all of you as witnesses, these jewels are returned to you, and this silver and silver notes are yours to use."

  "Really? It's all mine, I'm rich!" Liu Qingqing was overjoyed and walked up to Hu Zhongren, giving him a kiss on each cheek and then another on his lips. "I've made a fortune!" The little money lover's true nature was exposed without reserve. Since childhood, when she used to have her fortune told by her grandmother, she had learned the habit of flattering people, making them happy beyond measure, and Hu Zhongren's heart was filled with joy.

  "These are for you, these are for you, and these are for you." Whoever sees it has a share. Liu Qingqing still has a heroic spirit, "A thousand pieces of gold scattered will come back again", who said this?

  Three people, Xiaolian, Yanyan and Yuanyuan, were overjoyed and thanked the Ninth Lady profusely. "Keep it safe, don't let your wealth be seen by others." Liu Qingqing said: "Xiaolian, go put these silver and jewels away." As she spoke, she also grabbed a handful of silver and stuffed it into her bosom, and all the silver notes were tucked into her chest.

  The collection is complete, and someone outside reports: "Hú Shǎo, your tab..."

  Young master is back and wants to see you."

  "Alright, tell him to wait in the main hall." Hu Zhongren hesitated for a moment "Xiaolian, don't go out, Jiufuren and Yanyan will come with me." The three of them arrived at the main hall. Yang Liuqing and Lao Furen were already seated in the main hall. Hu Zhongren paid his respects to Lao Furen. Yang Liuqing paid his respects to Hu Zhongren. "Cousin, congratulations, you're as slender as a beautiful flower." His tone was somewhat strange and awkward.

  "Thanks for your modesty, brother. You also know that I have a hidden illness and can't be away from women. Yesterday's matter was urgent and ruined your good thing."

  "It doesn't matter. As long as brother is happy, that's all that matters. Brother is happy, how do you plan to reward your little brother?" Yang Liuqing pressed on, Hu Zhongren showing a hint of displeasure, "After all, Xiaolian is also a maid in the Hu household, if I take her as my concubine, it..."

  Liu Qingqing smiled and walked forward "I don't know, Young Master Biao has taken a liking to which young lady? I can be the matchmaker."

  "Little sister-in-law is quick-witted and fast-talking. The person I want is far away in the sky, yet close at hand. It's you." Yang Liuqing smiled brightly in response.

  "You, you're so bold."

  The old lady also said: "Qing Er, you are joking too much."

  Yang Liuqing smiled again: "What are you panicking about? I'm talking about your little sister-in-law, the beautiful girl Yanyan next to you. She's a maid you brought from your mother's house, you won't miss her, will you? And you won't be worried, will you?"

  "Marrying Brother-in-law, we Yan Yan are overreaching, but I must ask the right person. Yan Yan, are you willing to serve Brother-in-law? You must listen to your own heart!"

  Everyone's eyes were focused on Yanyan, and she stood up straight, saying in a clear voice: "I am willing to follow Young Master Biao, and serve Young Master Biao."

  "Good, good, it's really great. Our Hu manor is having one happy event after another." The old lady felt a weight lift off her shoulders. "Tonight, Qing'er, you'll be sharing a bridal chamber with Yan Yan."

  "This is for the best, Mother. I plan to take Ninth Madame and Xiaolian to Hongcuishan Manor for a short stay today. The household will rely on my cousin to take care of it." Hu Zhongren said in a smooth tone.

  "All right, when will you set off?" asked the old lady.

  "The horses and carriage are ready, we're leaving right away." As they spoke, several people arrived at the gate, where the coachman was already waiting. Hu Zhongren mounted the sorrel horse himself, while Yingying and Xiaolian got into the carriage. Only Liu Qingqing remained standing in front of the gate, unmoving. Hu Zhongren looked at Liu Qingqing, "Why aren't you getting on? Don't you want to go?"

  Liu Qingqing said: "I want to be like you and ride a horse too."

  "Are you okay?" Hu Zhongren was skeptical. Liu Qingqing nodded vigorously. She thought to herself, My mom sent me to the Inner Mongolia summer camp to pursue her own movie star dreams, I've been riding for years, how could I not be good at it?

  Hu Zhongren had no choice but to dismount again and ordered the groom: "Little boy, go get that white horse for Madame Ji to ride."

  Liu Qingqing excitedly mounted the white horse, her heart blooming with joy. Imitating the ancient heroic woman, she bowed to everyone and said, "Please return, farewell for now."

  Hu Zhongren rode the jujube red horse, without saying a word, and led the way out of the manor. Really, thinking that one's words are worth gold. Who is he showing his cold face to? He couldn't help but stick out his tongue behind him, "Tch, tch!" Loudly shouting, he also quickly rode his horse out of the courtyard.

  Two men rushed out of the gate, one in front and one behind. The car driver's son hurriedly raised his whip to chase after them.

  Hu Zhongren slowed down his pace after running ahead for a while, waiting for Liu Qingqing to catch up, as he was slightly worried about her riding skills. Seeing that she was calm and composed, he felt delighted, wondering how many surprises this Liu Qingqing would bring to him. Recalling their previous encounter, he thought her martial arts were extraordinary. So he asked: "Who taught you your martial arts?"

  "My grandmother." She used to roam the world when she was young and learned a set of boxing skills for self-defense. When I was little, I grew up with her, so she taught me wholeheartedly, how's that, are you scared? Liu Qingqing has always been arrogant, although she was defeated by Hu Zhongren, but she didn't lose her momentum. She spoke as if she had defeated someone else and won the victory. To be fair, Hu Zhongren thought her kung fu was pretty good, and he found Liu Qingqing's proud appearance not only not annoying, but also interesting.

  "I'm so scared." said with a poker face. Liu Qingqing was furious, "How can you say something so insincere?"

  "That's good, I'm not afraid at all. Who was tied up like a rice dumpling?" Hu Zhongren laughed loudly: "Not convinced, let's go to Hong Cuishan Villa and have another try."

  "Good, I'm afraid of little dogs." Here we go again, we're talking about Liu Qingqing, can't you be less childish?

  Two people chatted and laughed, walking slowly. The horse carriage behind finally caught up. As they spoke, they had already reached the middle of the mountain, where they could see a corner of the eaves in the distance. This was a winding mountain road that turned south and west, with the road gradually narrowing and rising. As the road turned west, they saw a patch of bright red flowers in the distance, but couldn't tell if they were pomegranate or rhododendron. Liu Qingqing looked and became even more excited. She urged the horse to gallop, leaving Hu Zhongren and the carriage behind. Hu Zhongren shouted from behind, "Slow down, it's dangerous!" He quickly caught up, but just as he spoke, the horse in front let out a loud whinny, and Liu Qingqing was thrown into a thorny bush by the side of the road. Hu Zhongren rushed to her side, got off his horse, and looked at her - what a close call! If it weren't for a small tree blocking her way, she would have fallen to the bottom of the valley. Hu Zhongren picked up Liu Qingqing in his arms, and as he did so, a rolling rock was dislodged, tumbling down the mountain with a loud rumble that echoed for a long time. When he looked at Liu Qingqing again, her face was covered in blood, and it was unclear how badly she was injured. He felt for her pulse, but there was none.