The Legend of Chu Qiao - V1C20
Prologue 1- Major Chu Qiao
Prologue 2- A Storm is coming
Prologue 3- Time's up!
Editor's note: Zhuge Clan Estate (SiHeYuan)
1- Royal Hunt
2- Zhuge, Wei, Mu, Jue, Che... and Yan
3- Fifth Brother
4- Fate is a Bitch!
5- Bloody Heart
6- Bastards
7- Snakes
8- Boundaries
9- Rocks and Plum Blossoms
10- Thank You, Sisters!
11- My name is 'None'
12- The Lantern Festival
13- Liar, Liar!
14- Everything Happens for a Reason
15- Ambushed by a pervert. Saved by a prince.
16- Insomnia
17- Reckless Revenge plot
18- I Remember Everything
19- Rats!
20- Yan Xun in danger. Zhuge Yue suspicious. Chu Qiao plotting.
Chapter 20
Yan Xun in danger. Zhuge Yue suspicious. Chu Qiao plotting.
Yan Xun in danger. Zhuge Yue suspicious. Chu Qiao plotting.
In the study, Zhuge Huai maintained a serious demeanor as he addressed Zhuge Yue, "Fourth brother, what are your thoughts on this situation?"
Silence enveloped the room, and not a sound could be heard. Zhuge Huai frowned and tapped Zhuge Yue on the shoulder, who appeared lost in contemplation. "Fourth brother?"
"Yes?" Zhuge Yue lifted his gaze, seeming detached as he replied, "King Yan's family is finished. Yan Xun is in danger."
"Exactly," Zhuge Huai agreed, nodding. "King Yan holds a high position, making him an easy target. The Bahuta family has been eyeing the Yan Bei territory for some time. It’s clear that King Yan will face the fallout from all this. Moreover, the Master of Sheng Jin Palace seems to prefer trusting outsiders over his own brothers."
At that moment, noise erupted from outside, breaking their conversation. Zhuge Huai called out, "Zhu Yong, what’s happening out there? It’s quite loud."
"Master, it’s coming from Tao Ran courtyard. The Seventh Miss and Tao Xiang are in a dispute. The fourth and third ladies have gone to intervene," Zhu Yong reported.
Zhuge Huai scowled, exclaiming, "It’s absurd that they can’t stop fighting." Zhuge Yue remained silent, instead taking a sip from his teacup and lowering his head.
"Master, the Third Miss requests that both you and the Fourth Master come to Tao Ran courtyard. She says it’s an urgent matter that requires your assistance."
Zhuge Huai responded with irritation, "What could possibly be so urgent that we need to intervene? Are they not embarrassed? Tell them I’m too busy."
"Master, the Third Miss is threatening to use family laws and is considering... punishing Tao Xiang," Zhu Yong added.
Zhuge Yue slammed his teacup down and urged, "Big brother, we should go. They might really need our help."
With a resigned sigh, Zhuge Huai followed Zhuge Yue out of the study.
Tao Ran's courtyard was in chaos. The ladies were shouting at each other, refusing to back down. Yet, amidst the anger and hostility, there was a strange sense of satisfaction—finally, that disgraceful seductress had gotten what was coming to her!
The Seventh Miss stood triumphantly in the center of the yard, mocking Tao Xiang, whose attire was disheveled. With a smirk, she declared, "Who would have thought such a scandal could unfold in the Zhuge household? The old Master has always treated you with kindness, and this is how you repay him? How shameful!"
The Third Miss was thirty years old. She was covered in fox fur, had good composure, and gave an elegant aura. Her face was falsely regretful, and she added, "Tao Xiang, the old Master, originally said that when he came back, he would make you his concubine. Unfortunately, look at what you have done today. This is not something that would be tolerated."
"My Lady, why waste your effort talking to her? Just beat her to death and be done with it. Her existence dirties our Zhuge household's name."
Tao Xiang's face was pale. Her arms covered her chest while she knelt on the ground. Her clothes were torn and tattered, her eyes had no expression, and she was trembling. Occasionally, she stole a glance at the man beside her. He was also shaking uncontrollably. His face was even paler than hers.
When Zhuge Yue stepped into Tao Ran's courtyard, the situation greeted him. After listening to the Seventh Miss's explanation, Zhuge Huai's eyes glinted, and he started to think intensely.
"Third Master!" Once Housekeeper Zhu spotted Zhuge Huai, he immediately rushed forward while crying, knelt, and said, "It was she who seduced me first. She sent me a letter to ask for me. Once I arrived, she started removing her clothes to seduce me. But I clearly remember your grace and Fourth Master's kindness towards me; I only want to serve the Zhuge clan. How could I even think of doing such a shameful thing to you? Just now, I was trying hard to reject her. I was… I was wronged. I had no idea what she was up to. This is a misunderstanding."
"You! Do you have any heart? It was you…"
"You still dare to make excuses!" The Seventh Miss slapped Tao Xiang across her face and said coldly, "You are such a bitch! Do you dare to use such despicable tactics to slay my character? In the end, you only ruined yourself. Serves you right!"
“Brother! Where are you going?" Zhuge Huai was confused when he saw Zhuge Yue turn around and walk away, so he asked his question aloud.
"Big brother, I have something urgent to address. I'll come back to you later." After that one sentence, Zhuge Yue hastily left Tao Ran's courtyard and hurried towards Qing Shan's courtyard.
Bang! Zhuge Yue swung open the gate of Qing Shan courtyard and saw Huan'er along with a few maidservants watering the garden. As soon as they noticed him, they quickly stepped aside and bowed respectfully. Zhuge Yue didn't acknowledge them and proceeded directly to the servants' quarters. While walking, he asked, "Where did Xing'er go? Did anyone see her?"
"Xing'er said that she didn't feel well, so she went back to her room to rest," one of the maidservants replied.
Huan'er, standing there, was scared that Xing'er would be punished, so she hurriedly said, "She was picking tea with us for the whole day and had just left."
Zhuge Yue looked gloomy and walked towards Chu Qiao's room. Yue Qi[1] followed quietly along and said, "Xing'er helped out in the kitchen for a full day, and she did not leave the Qing Shan courtyard."
Bang! Zhuge Yue again flung open Chu Qiao's door and walked right in, his face gloomy. He saw the pale-looking child lying in bed as if she were sick. Zhuge Yue was slightly surprised and hadn't expected her to be in her room. Seeing her lying there, he was relieved and sighed heavily, as if a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders. For some reason, he even felt a bit at peace.
"Fourth Master?" The child sat up, alarmed. Her voice was weary, as if she had just woken up. "Did Xing'er do anything wrong?"
Zhuge Yue started, shook his head, and said awkwardly, "No, I heard Huan'er say that you were sick, so I came to check on you."
"Oh." The child nodded her head and replied, "The Young Master came to check on me with so many other people. Xing'er is very thankful."
Zhuge Yue's face started to turn red, and he didn't know how to respond. He stood there awkwardly. To break the silence, he pretended to clear his throat and coughed.
Zhu Cheng noticed Zhuge Yue's awkwardness and quickly came to help. He said, "Xing'er, the Young Master, came to see you; shouldn't you get up?"
The child stumbled and nervously bit her lip but didn't move.
Zhuge Yue started to become suspicious. After what happened today, she had to be very careful if she wanted to escape. This said, her clothes would surely leave traces of her. Right after hearing the news, Zhuge Yue immediately rushed back so he would not be much later than the person who planned this. Now that she was so nervous, could she be hiding something under the blanket?
"Xing'er," Zhuge Yue approached, his gaze locked onto the child's face, and commanded, "Pour me a cup of tea."
The child, clearly anxious, bit her lip and replied, "Young Master, could you step outside for a moment? Xing'er will serve you shortly…"
"No," Zhuge Yue said firmly as he moved towards the bed, his slender fingers pulling the silk blanket away. His deep black eyes pierced into the child's large ones. "No. I want it now," he insisted sternly.
A gasp of shock rippled through the room as the small, delicate child clutched her chest, burying her face in her arms. Her slender shoulders trembled, with her long black hair cascading over them. She was unclothed!
Zhuge Yue's heart raced as he grabbed the blanket, his face flushing a deep red with embarrassment. He swiftly turned around and shouted at the astonished onlookers, "What are you all doing? Get out!"
The servants, jolted out of their stupor, hurriedly exited the room.
Zhuge Yue hastily draped the blanket over Chu Qiao, his voice trembling as he urged, "Quickly put on your clothes!"
Soft sobs came from behind him. Frowning, Zhuge Yue said with impatience, "Forget it. Just stay in bed." Without another word, he strode out and firmly closed the door.
Silence enveloped the room, and not a sound could be heard. Zhuge Huai frowned and tapped Zhuge Yue on the shoulder, who appeared lost in contemplation. "Fourth brother?"
"Yes?" Zhuge Yue lifted his gaze, seeming detached as he replied, "King Yan's family is finished. Yan Xun is in danger."
"Exactly," Zhuge Huai agreed, nodding. "King Yan holds a high position, making him an easy target. The Bahuta family has been eyeing the Yan Bei territory for some time. It’s clear that King Yan will face the fallout from all this. Moreover, the Master of Sheng Jin Palace seems to prefer trusting outsiders over his own brothers."
At that moment, noise erupted from outside, breaking their conversation. Zhuge Huai called out, "Zhu Yong, what’s happening out there? It’s quite loud."
"Master, it’s coming from Tao Ran courtyard. The Seventh Miss and Tao Xiang are in a dispute. The fourth and third ladies have gone to intervene," Zhu Yong reported.
Zhuge Huai scowled, exclaiming, "It’s absurd that they can’t stop fighting." Zhuge Yue remained silent, instead taking a sip from his teacup and lowering his head.
"Master, the Third Miss requests that both you and the Fourth Master come to Tao Ran courtyard. She says it’s an urgent matter that requires your assistance."
Zhuge Huai responded with irritation, "What could possibly be so urgent that we need to intervene? Are they not embarrassed? Tell them I’m too busy."
"Master, the Third Miss is threatening to use family laws and is considering... punishing Tao Xiang," Zhu Yong added.
Zhuge Yue slammed his teacup down and urged, "Big brother, we should go. They might really need our help."
With a resigned sigh, Zhuge Huai followed Zhuge Yue out of the study.
Tao Ran's courtyard was in chaos. The ladies were shouting at each other, refusing to back down. Yet, amidst the anger and hostility, there was a strange sense of satisfaction—finally, that disgraceful seductress had gotten what was coming to her!
The Seventh Miss stood triumphantly in the center of the yard, mocking Tao Xiang, whose attire was disheveled. With a smirk, she declared, "Who would have thought such a scandal could unfold in the Zhuge household? The old Master has always treated you with kindness, and this is how you repay him? How shameful!"
The Third Miss was thirty years old. She was covered in fox fur, had good composure, and gave an elegant aura. Her face was falsely regretful, and she added, "Tao Xiang, the old Master, originally said that when he came back, he would make you his concubine. Unfortunately, look at what you have done today. This is not something that would be tolerated."
"My Lady, why waste your effort talking to her? Just beat her to death and be done with it. Her existence dirties our Zhuge household's name."
Tao Xiang's face was pale. Her arms covered her chest while she knelt on the ground. Her clothes were torn and tattered, her eyes had no expression, and she was trembling. Occasionally, she stole a glance at the man beside her. He was also shaking uncontrollably. His face was even paler than hers.
When Zhuge Yue stepped into Tao Ran's courtyard, the situation greeted him. After listening to the Seventh Miss's explanation, Zhuge Huai's eyes glinted, and he started to think intensely.
"Third Master!" Once Housekeeper Zhu spotted Zhuge Huai, he immediately rushed forward while crying, knelt, and said, "It was she who seduced me first. She sent me a letter to ask for me. Once I arrived, she started removing her clothes to seduce me. But I clearly remember your grace and Fourth Master's kindness towards me; I only want to serve the Zhuge clan. How could I even think of doing such a shameful thing to you? Just now, I was trying hard to reject her. I was… I was wronged. I had no idea what she was up to. This is a misunderstanding."
"You! Do you have any heart? It was you…"
"You still dare to make excuses!" The Seventh Miss slapped Tao Xiang across her face and said coldly, "You are such a bitch! Do you dare to use such despicable tactics to slay my character? In the end, you only ruined yourself. Serves you right!"
“Brother! Where are you going?" Zhuge Huai was confused when he saw Zhuge Yue turn around and walk away, so he asked his question aloud.
"Big brother, I have something urgent to address. I'll come back to you later." After that one sentence, Zhuge Yue hastily left Tao Ran's courtyard and hurried towards Qing Shan's courtyard.
Bang! Zhuge Yue swung open the gate of Qing Shan courtyard and saw Huan'er along with a few maidservants watering the garden. As soon as they noticed him, they quickly stepped aside and bowed respectfully. Zhuge Yue didn't acknowledge them and proceeded directly to the servants' quarters. While walking, he asked, "Where did Xing'er go? Did anyone see her?"
"Xing'er said that she didn't feel well, so she went back to her room to rest," one of the maidservants replied.
Huan'er, standing there, was scared that Xing'er would be punished, so she hurriedly said, "She was picking tea with us for the whole day and had just left."
Zhuge Yue looked gloomy and walked towards Chu Qiao's room. Yue Qi[1] followed quietly along and said, "Xing'er helped out in the kitchen for a full day, and she did not leave the Qing Shan courtyard."
Bang! Zhuge Yue again flung open Chu Qiao's door and walked right in, his face gloomy. He saw the pale-looking child lying in bed as if she were sick. Zhuge Yue was slightly surprised and hadn't expected her to be in her room. Seeing her lying there, he was relieved and sighed heavily, as if a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders. For some reason, he even felt a bit at peace.
"Fourth Master?" The child sat up, alarmed. Her voice was weary, as if she had just woken up. "Did Xing'er do anything wrong?"
Zhuge Yue started, shook his head, and said awkwardly, "No, I heard Huan'er say that you were sick, so I came to check on you."
"Oh." The child nodded her head and replied, "The Young Master came to check on me with so many other people. Xing'er is very thankful."
Zhuge Yue's face started to turn red, and he didn't know how to respond. He stood there awkwardly. To break the silence, he pretended to clear his throat and coughed.
Zhu Cheng noticed Zhuge Yue's awkwardness and quickly came to help. He said, "Xing'er, the Young Master, came to see you; shouldn't you get up?"
The child stumbled and nervously bit her lip but didn't move.
Zhuge Yue started to become suspicious. After what happened today, she had to be very careful if she wanted to escape. This said, her clothes would surely leave traces of her. Right after hearing the news, Zhuge Yue immediately rushed back so he would not be much later than the person who planned this. Now that she was so nervous, could she be hiding something under the blanket?
"Xing'er," Zhuge Yue approached, his gaze locked onto the child's face, and commanded, "Pour me a cup of tea."
The child, clearly anxious, bit her lip and replied, "Young Master, could you step outside for a moment? Xing'er will serve you shortly…"
"No," Zhuge Yue said firmly as he moved towards the bed, his slender fingers pulling the silk blanket away. His deep black eyes pierced into the child's large ones. "No. I want it now," he insisted sternly.
A gasp of shock rippled through the room as the small, delicate child clutched her chest, burying her face in her arms. Her slender shoulders trembled, with her long black hair cascading over them. She was unclothed!
Zhuge Yue's heart raced as he grabbed the blanket, his face flushing a deep red with embarrassment. He swiftly turned around and shouted at the astonished onlookers, "What are you all doing? Get out!"
The servants, jolted out of their stupor, hurriedly exited the room.
Zhuge Yue hastily draped the blanket over Chu Qiao, his voice trembling as he urged, "Quickly put on your clothes!"
Soft sobs came from behind him. Frowning, Zhuge Yue said with impatience, "Forget it. Just stay in bed." Without another word, he strode out and firmly closed the door.
·········⋆༺𓆩❀𓆪༻⋆·········
Chu Qiao lifted her head to check if he had left the room. Her eyes were intense, and her face was calm. There was no longer a trace of sadness or humiliation. Chu Qiao lifted the mattress beneath her and threw the dirty clothes, covered in dirt and soil, onto the floor.
Sure enough, Zhuge Yue was overly cautious. He came so quickly that she did not have enough time to put on other clothes. But this was also good because no one would dare come to her room in the afternoon anymore. This gave her ample time to execute the next steps of her plan.
Chu Qiao lowered her head and smiled lightly. It was satisfying to see such a guilty expression on his young face.
It was time for them to pay.
Just after she changed into her new clothes, there was a knock at her door. Huan'er dashed over, bubbling with excitement, and exclaimed, "Xing'er, I have some great news! Do you want to hear it?"
Because of her small stature, Chu Qiao's feet dangled above the floor as she sat in the tall chair. After taking a sip of tea, she poured herself another cup and replied, "Not really."
"Xing'er!" Huan'er huffed playfully. "Why do you look so uninterested? Don't you want to hear it?"
Chu Qiao smiled subtly, without showing her teeth, and said, "Just go ahead and tell me. Regardless of my interest, I know you'll share it anyway."
"Alright, I won't argue with you about this," Huan'er smiled back. "But you’ll find this quite exciting! Housekeeper Zhu is accused of having an affair with a girl favored by the Master, and the Seventh Miss caught him. Even the Third Miss, Third Master, and Fourth Master heard about it. That girl was thrown into the lake, and Housekeeper Zhu was punished with fifty strokes! Isn’t that wonderful news?"
Chu Qiao's hand, holding the teacup, suddenly went still. She sat with narrowed eyes, slowly controlling her emotions and stifling her wit. With a nod, she said, "It certainly is good news."
Huan'er retorted, "Right? Housekeeper Zhu has always abused his power and mistreated us. We've all suffered at his hands. He was likely the reason the children from your Jing family were sent to the second Grand Master. Today, even the heavens could no longer tolerate him, which is why he received such punishment."
Chu Qiao's expression remained somber as she replied gently, "He was involved with the Master's favored mistress, and receiving only fifty strokes seems quite lenient for such a disgrace."
"Who says it isn't? The Seventh Miss even complained to the Fourth Master because she thought the punishment was unfair. Unfortunately, our Fourth Master usually doesn’t concern himself with matters like this. Housekeeper Zhu has always been in service to him, so that's how it is."
Chu Qiao nodded, acknowledging her understanding. "Alright, I appreciate you sharing this, Huan'er."
Noticing that Xing'er appeared a bit off, Huan'er asked with concern, "Xing'er, are you feeling alright? Do you want me to call a doctor for you?"
“No, that’s not necessary.” Huan'er left, puzzled about why Xing'er looked so upset.
Sitting quietly in her chair, Chu Qiao slowly bit her lip. Now, she needed to devise new plans.
[1] Zhuge Yue’s aide.
A lieutenant is an official military rank (a junior commissioned officer), whereas an aide (or aide-de-camp) is a personal administrative assistant assigned to a high-ranking official. A lieutenant can be assigned to be an aide, but not all aides are lieutenants.
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