?

  At the end of the time, Qin Que followed her father, Dr. Qin, out of the hospital, and as soon as she walked out the door, she felt a burning sensation, someone was staring at her, raised her eyes to take a look, and her husband, who had been thinking about her day and night, was smiling at her with a smile while holding the reins of his horse.

  Qin Que's joy soared, and she exclaimed: "Husband!", taking two small steps forward before stopping and turning back to look at her father, who was followed by a group of medical students.

  Zhou Xuan smiled and stepped forward to pay his respects, saying: "Father-in-law, your son-in-law has returned, and I have come especially to welcome you back to the mansion."

  "Ha ha, my son-in-law, you take care of the sparrow now. I won't need your escort anymore. We'll talk more when we get back to the mansion. I'm leaving first, you and the sparrow can come back together." He got into his carriage alone, the wheels creaking as it drove away.

  Zhou Xuan laughed and said: "Father-in-law is really humorous." Patted the saddle: "Que Er, come up."

  Qin Que smiled and leaned against Zhou Xuan's shoulder, sitting sideways on the saddle bridge, thinking that her husband would lead the horse for her again. Unexpectedly, Zhou Xuan grasped the reins with both hands, jumped up agilely, straddled the back of the saddle, wrapped his arms around her, held the reins, and shouted "Drive!" The horse's hooves clattered as it galloped away.

  Qin Que's face suddenly turned bright red. Ah, riding the same horse with so many people watching, it was too embarrassing! Husband always being so unscrupulous!

  The students at the hospital were all stunned, watching the beautiful Dr. Qin being taken away in the arms of this thick-browed and fine-eyed guy, their mood suddenly becoming very depressed. This little brat surnamed Zhou was simply shamelessly showing off!

  Qin Que said in a low voice: "Husband, isn't this going too far?"

  Zhou Xuan smiled and said, "What's wrong with that? Are you afraid of getting a cold? I'm your husband. As soon as I got back home and didn't see my little sparrow, I rushed to come pick you up. This place is half a city district away from Zhu Que Fang, Little Sparrow wouldn't want me to walk all the way back, would she?"

  "None, none, husband is really good."

  Zhou Xuan chuckled and hugged his young wife, riding a horse over the Guanyin Bridge, heading south along the main street. Along the way, passersby cast sideways glances. Qin Xiao's fame was great, and everyone recognized her. Zhou Xuan's reputation wasn't small either - he was Zhou Qiujue's son, Lin Du's nephew. But even if they were a loving young couple, they couldn't ride together like this, showing off in the streets!

  The magpie was so ashamed that it couldn't lift its head up.

  Zhou Xuandong said: "The customs of Jiangzhou are not prevailing, and it is rare to see strange things. Compared with Hongzhou, it is backward and needs to change its customs."

  Qin Que suddenly discovered that a thin and weak scholar had been following her and Zhou Xuan, with an extremely unpleasant expression on his face. She quietly asked: "Husband, where is your sword slave? There's someone who has been following us, could he be up to no good?"

  Zhou Xuan burst out laughing: "He's called Lao Si, the younger paternal cousin of Jian Nu. He lost to me in a game of chess last night. As per our agreement, he'll temporarily serve as my bodyguard for three days. If he performs well during this trial period, I might consider making him an official Zhou Manor guard, along with Chong Nu and Cha Nu."

  Zhou Xuan glared at him with a scowl, but last night's chess game was indeed lost without a word to say. He had no choice but to endure it and wait until after the tea fight to show off his skills.

  Returning to the Zhou residence, Qin Que noticed that the atmosphere in the mansion was different. The servants and maids were all beaming with joy, as if they were celebrating a holiday. It seemed that her husband was indeed very important, for his return had brought new life to the entire estate.

  On the way, Zhou Xuan had already told Qin Que about Yang Xiaoyin's situation. Qin Que didn't think much of it. Not to mention official families, even wealthy merchants would keep concubines at home. They could be called out to perform and entertain guests during banquets. The status of a concubine was slightly lower than that of a wife, relying on their beauty and artistic skills to please their master. Qin Que had initially thought she was just an ordinary concubine, but when he saw Yang Xiaoyin in the needlework room, he couldn't help but be shocked: this concubine was too beautiful!

  The sheep's small brow was full of good fortune, cherry lips trembled, but no words came out.

  Zhou Xuan said: "Afterwards, Xiao Chen lived in the fifth advance, and there was a room in the east wing with all kinds of musical instruments, which were given by Xu Cishi and others last time. From now on, they will all be managed by Xiao Chen."

  The servant came in to invite the young master and miss to have dinner, Zhou Xuan knew that Yang Xiaojin liked to be alone, so he let the servant send the meal to Yang Xiaojin's room in the future, and also assigned a small maid to serve her.

  Qin Que saw all this and felt a little jealous in her heart.

  At dinner time, Dr. Qin smiled at Zhou Xuan and said: "My son-in-law, I think today's dishes are exceptionally delicious. Is it because the cook knew you were back and made an extra effort?"

  The whole family laughed.

  Zhou Xuan talked about his experience on the trip to Hongzhou, and with just one cricket, he won 7,000 taels of silver back, leaving Qin Doctor and his wife stunned, repeatedly sighing that their son-in-law was born with a prosperous destiny.

  Zhou Xuan settles the grudge and naturally won't say anything about the affairs of the Zhen Nan Du Hu Fu, preparing to bring that fake mountain bandit to see Lin at the Du Hu Fu later.

  After bathing and just about to go out, Lai Fu rushed in and said: "Young master, your sworn brother and Miss Lin Er have arrived."

  "Ah, Hei Shan Ge is back from the capital!" Zhou Xuan hastily went out to greet him and saw Lin Hei Shan walking towards him with a big smile on his face. "Xuan Di has moved into a new house, but as his older brother, I haven't had a chance to congratulate him yet. If it weren't for my younger sister-in-law showing me the way, I wouldn't have been able to find it. You said you were going to Hongzhou the day before yesterday!"

  Lin Hanyu, still dressed in her usual attire, felt an inexplicable surge of excitement upon seeing Zhou Xuan, but immediately became annoyed and thought: "You didn't even tell me you were going to Hongzhou, how unreasonable! Are you afraid I'd want to go with you? Who cares!" She drew out her voice and said: "Hei Shan, my father has already acknowledged Zhou Xuan as his nephew, so Zhou Xuan is now my brother. You are my nephew's grandson, so what should you call Zhou Xuan?"

  Lin Heishan already knew about this matter and didn't feel embarrassed at all, but rather found it interesting, and couldn't help but burst out laughing.

  Zhou Xuan said, "Lin Deputy Director, take a look at Hei Shan Ge's temperament. How can you compare to him? You're so narrow-minded - wait, let me tell you some great news first. I'll talk to Hei Shan Ge for a bit." Then he pulled Lin Hei Shan aside and told him about the grudge against Wei Jue Zhi.

  Lin Heishan's face grew increasingly solemn as he listened, and finally said: "Xuan Di, immediately follow me to see Commander Du."

  Zhou Xuan let Lai Fu drag the fake mountain bandit out of the woodshed, drive to the Du Hu Fu, and the four fools followed helplessly.

  Lin Han Yun recognized Si Chai, and was surprised again. Zhou Xuan explained that they had turned enemies into friends, and this time they went to Hongzhou thanks to his care for "Can't Say".

  "Lin Deputy Dong, you don't know yet, our 'Super Autumn War Hall' fierce insect 'Mo Bu De' is now the most powerful in Hongzhou."

  Lin Han asked hurriedly: "How did Weizhou conquer Hongzhou?"

  "Hongzhou's annual Chongyang Festival insect fight, do you know? The scale is truly grand, with over a thousand beetles participating in the battle. Do you know who this year's champion of the insect fight is?"

  "Ah, you say so, is it 'untouchable'?"

  "Wow, Vice President Lin is really clever, he guessed it right on the first try."

  Lin Han's eyes sparkled as she shook Zhou Xuan's arm and said, "Quickly tell me. Quickly tell me. How did our 'untouchable' team win the championship? You have to tell me about every single game."

  Zhou Xuan said: "This matter is a long story. I'll go see Lin Bo first and then come to the Jiunan Mountain House to tell you, guaranteed to make your blood boil."

  Zhou Xuan had the four fools wait outside the gate, while Lin Heishan picked up the fake mountain bandit who was tied up and led Zhou Xuan in big strides to the top of the flagpole hall.

  Lin listened to Zhou Xuan's account, his brow furrowed deeply. He first ordered someone to take the fake mountain bandit and throw him into the death cell. Then he said: "Xuan nephew, you've gotten yourself into quite a bit of trouble! This Wei Bo is someone I know well - he has a narrow mind and is ruthless. Fortunately, you have the Three Chis protecting you, so you were able to return safely. Now that you're in my Jiangzhou, Wei Bo can't touch you even if he wants to. Don't worry too much about it. I'll immediately write a letter to Wei Bo explaining your relationship with me and the Lin family, as well as your friendship with Li Daxian. I'm sure Wei Bo won't dare make any reckless moves after that. However, you've already made an enemy of the Town South Protectorate, so be careful in the future - if Wei Bo gets another chance, he'll definitely come after you again."

  Zhou Xuan thanked Lin Bo and left the Jin Jie Tang with Lin Heishan. Lin Hanyun and others were waiting outside, so they went together to see Jingyi Xianzi at "Jiunan Mountain House".

  Jiangzhou also had three days of continuous rain, and it only cleared up this afternoon. When the three people arrived at "Nine Difficulties Mountain House", a full moon was just emerging from the clouds, casting its clear light all over the small courtyard. Under the moonlight, the Taoist nun's robes and bamboo hairpin were quietly elegant, like a cluster of chrysanthemums, simple yet pleasing to the eye.

  Zhou Xuan, Lin Heishan and Lin Hanyun entered the tea room and sat down. Lin Hanyun was eager to ask Zhou Xuan about the "untouchable" champion's story.

  Zhou Xuan glanced at Jingyi Fairy, and Jingyi Fairy said: "Tonight we won't talk about the Way of Tea. Master Zhou, why don't you tell us about your experiences in Hongzhou? I'd like to hear them too."

  Zhou Xuan then told about the poetry contest at Tengwang Pavilion, the insect fight on Baika Zhou, and drinking chrysanthemum wine on Mei Ridge. He spoke with great eloquence, painting vivid pictures with his words. Lin Huan's eyebrows danced with joy as she listened, but suddenly her face changed, and with a sob in her voice, she said: "This sounds like so much fun, yet you didn't take me along! Zhou Xuan, I hate you!"

  Zhou Xuan made a bitter face and stared at Jingyi Fairy, Jingyi Fairy smiled softly and said: "Han Yun, don't be childish, after the New Year, you can have fun with Zhou Gongzi in the capital."

  Lin Han thought of going to Beijing and suddenly became cheerful again, looking forward to the New Year.

  Zhou Xuan said: "I bought gifts for Uncle Bo, sister Dao Yun and younger sister Han Yun in Hongzhou. I didn't bring them today because of the rush, but I'll send them over tomorrow."

  Jingyi Xianzi said softly: "People outside the female path, why bother Master Zhou to spend money buying gifts, just give them all to Han Yun."

  Zhou Xuan smiled and said, "It's useless to give it to her, she would still find it annoying - a set of tea utensils and a vase. The tea utensils might not be precious, but that vase is quite good, with a subtle and delicate beauty, truly a masterpiece among flowers."

  Lin Han Yun asked: "How much silver was spent on buying this vase?"

  Chow Hsun said: "The price is not high, but it's not common."

  Lin Han Yun said: "I knew you'd only buy some cheap stuff to fool us sisters, the 'Warmth and Beauty' jade pendant my sister gave you is priceless..."

  "How excessive!" Jingyi Xianzi rebuked, "Why are you being so petty and calculating like a merchant, always bringing up the gifts you gave in the past, making Zhou Gongzi laugh at you."

  Lin Han said with a smile: "I was originally a businessman, wasn't I? Didn't I partner with Zhou Xuan to open 'Super Autumn War Hall'? By the way, Zhou Xuan, how much silver did you win in total by saying 'untouchable'?"

  Zhou Xuan was on guard against the merchant's cunning, and sharply said: "There are over 2,000 taels of silver, and several hundred taels were spent on buying gifts."

  As expected, Lin Hanyun said: "Let's just say 1,500 taels, you, me, and Abu will split it equally among the three of us."

  Jingyi Xianzi hastily said: "Han Yun, you're just a child, what are you dividing silver for? It's not like you!"

  "What a little kid! I've gone through the rituals and I'm Vice Chairman Lin, of course I'll get a share!"

  They all came to divide the spoils, and Zhou Xuan was speechless.

  "Zhou Gongzi, your tea competition is approaching, how can the ladies assist you? You must make arrangements."

  Zhou Xuan said: "It's September 19th, there are still four days left, don't worry, as long as Daoyun sister helps me, I will definitely win him."

  ……

  Zhou Xuan and Si Chī returned to the Zhou residence in Zhuque Lane, where Si Chī also lived from now on. He stayed in the same courtyard as San Chī. "Mō bù dé" was also raised by him. Although he didn't admit it in his heart, he had actually become Zhou Xuan's protector and insect slave.

  Zhou Xuan sat in the needle room for a while, and Qin Que was also chatting with the needle on this side.

  Zhou Xuan asked about the progress of the needle and thread clothing store. The needle said: "The ten autumn dresses that you hand-painted last time, I have all been cut out and given to the twenty tailors who were invited, each style has already been sewn into ten sets."

  "Great, after I and Lao Si have a tea fight, our clothing store will grandly open. The opening ceremony has been wonderfully planned by me, guaranteed to be sensational in Jiangzhou City. From then on, rich ladies and misses of Jiangzhou will take pride and beauty in wearing the clothes from our store, first we'll monopolize Jiangzhou's clothing industry."

  Look, it's getting late, Zhen said: "It's not early, husband and Que'er sister hurry up and rest." As she spoke, the corner of her mouth curled up, and she gave a soft, charming smile.

  Qin Que felt embarrassed and wanted to leave first, but was pulled back by Zhou Xuan, who asked: "Don't go yet, it's better for me to interrogate you two together. Have you forgotten what you promised me before I went to Hongzhou?"

  "My husband said something, we don't remember." The two little wives chimed in unison, very much in sync.

  Zhou Xuan burst out laughing: "It seems that you both remember your husband's words, hmm, very well-behaved. Now I'll check if you two are wearing the small underwear that our Australian wives must wear?"

  "Need to check again? How to check?"

  "Of course it's true what you see."

  Her face turned red and her ears were burning, she said in a low voice: "Husband, we've both already put them on, no need to check anymore, right?"

  Zhou Xuan was overjoyed and asked: "Really put it on? Who can prove it for you?"

  Pointing at Qin Que, he said: "Her."

  Zhou Xuan nodded and asked: "Then who will testify for Que Er, can't Needle prove it again? Both sides are testifying against each other, that's perjury."

  "Let's let Master Zhen prove it himself, shall we?" said the sparrow wife.