Sixty-five private upstairs

  Zou is indeed ruthless and poisonous. Since he has already made himself hated after this incident, why not just replace him?

  Wouldn't it be better to ruin one's own reputation? Is it just because she can't control herself? But what benefit would she get from ruining her own reputation?

  Do you know that Liu Jie and Ba Jie have already tentatively settled their marriages, but they haven't gotten married yet? Isn't she afraid of changes?

  "Girl, don't be distracted, be careful not to cut your hand..."

  "Hiss——"

  Just as Qing Xing's reminder was finished, Jiu Jie felt a sharp pain in her fingers, and when she looked down, blood beads had already appeared.

  "Girl..." Qing Xing was both heartbroken and helpless, hastily handing her a handkerchief to cover herself.

  "Alright, I'm not that pampered!" Jiujie pushed her away and stood up, gazing at the lush greenery outside the window.

  "Come out and take a walk with me!" she said, turning her head to Qing An.

  "Uh..." Qing Xing was taken aback, her gaze falling on the exquisite embroidery on the Luo Han bed.

  The ninth sister naturally knew what she meant and laughed, "My heart is not clean, I can't embroider it!"

  Qing Xiang was taken aback again, then looked at her with a worried face, "Ba Niang..."

  "Alright, don't ask anymore, let me tidy up properly!" But Ninth Sister shook her head.

  "Oh..." Qing Xing nodded and then went to get the light pink scarf she wore on spring days, wrapping it around her before the two of them left together.

  Strolling in the corridor, smelling the sweet and refreshing air that belongs to spring, Jiuniang's mood was not as joyful and happy as before, but instead filled with heaviness.

  "...I didn't hear the details, only heard Aunt Zhang asking how to ruin your reputation, you who were raised in a deep boudoir and never left the house. Then I heard my mother laugh and say 'don't worry, I have a plan'. Later, I heard footsteps outside and both Aunt Zhang and my mother fell silent. I also hid under the round table... But, Ninth Sister, I really did hear clearly that it was you they were talking about - Ninth Sister. And that day when the dog bit the embroidered shoes, Mother must have had something to do with it too. When she came back that day, she scolded for a long time and smashed all the tea cups and saucers. I was hiding behind the curtain at the time, she didn't see me. Later, Sixth Sister came and she dared not smash anything anymore, saying it was an accident..."

  “……”

  " Ninth sister, there's something else, actually I...I've wanted to tell you for a long time, but never had the chance. You and Sixth sister don't get along, so I didn't dare come to see you. Mother...Mother still wants you to be Sixth sister's companion..."

  Ba Jie's words floated back into her mind again.

  The eighth sister, this little mute who is as wooden as a blockhead, actually knows how much, she's not clear, and probably the Zou family isn't clear either.

  Zou's meticulous and careful nature, yet she failed to prevent the rebellion, probably because she never thought that her obedient and docile little softie would also resist.

  To be honest, the eighth sister may not have been so unlucky if Zou's family had chosen a healthy man for her and arranged an ideal marriage, she might not have come to tell herself these things.

  She didn't say that she would let herself be a companion for Liu Jie's dowry, and yet she really didn't believe that she couldn't find an opportunity to remind herself.

  After all, isn't it risky? And isn't someone like Eighth Sister most afraid of risks?

  She understands!

  In fact, after all is said and done, Zou's actions were still too much, she just picked up this fisherman's benefit!

  But what's the use of picking up this fisherman's advantage, she is still at a loss, under the short eaves, the enemy is both powerful and despicable, she can't defend against it.

  Maybe... maybe Zou has already taken action...

  The idea scared her so much that she broke out in a cold sweat and her footsteps also came to an abrupt halt.

  I remember that some time ago, the daughter of a Hanlin university scholar was involved in a scandal. She rarely left her house, but somehow her intimate undergarments ended up in the hands of a servant. A private letter was discovered, and she was accused of having an affair. The daughter couldn't defend herself and was so ashamed that she took her own life.

  Will her elder sister-in-law also think of this trick?

  It's not necessarily like that, she can also... hire a man to sneak into her house and frame her for having an affair.

  Or else...

  The more she thought about it, the more frightened she became. She didn't dare to think anymore, her footsteps becoming heavier and heavier until finally, she stood still with a sigh, squatting down.

  "Miss..." The green apricot walking in front turned around, looking at her with surprise, but when she saw the tears all over her small face, she was immediately frightened. "Miss, you... what's wrong?"

  She took a deep breath, shook her head and said, "I'm tired, I want to go back!"

  Qing Xing was taken aback by nature, but seeing his own daughter stand up and turn around resolutely, he could only quickly follow up.

  "Good girl!"

  Suddenly, a slender figure in a large red fox fur coat appeared from afar, it was Cui Qiao.

  "Sister Cuī Qiāo, what's keeping you busy?"

  Qing Xing knew she was in a bad mood and didn't wait for her to speak up, hastily going forward with a smiling face to greet her.

  "Ah," upon hearing Qing Xiang ask this, Cui Qiao's face immediately fell. "It's nothing, really. Eldest Aunt has arrived, and she told me to go tell the kitchen to add more dishes, so we can keep some food for Uncle."

  "Oh..." Qing Xing immediately nodded and glanced at her.

  Her eyebrows didn't move, her face didn't change color, she just secretly smiled in her heart.

  Jiang and Zou conspired together to change the person she had chosen to be her sixth sister's escort, so naturally they would have to go back on their agreement with Yan.

  Yan's family didn't say anything at first, but Jiang's family, in order to comfort Yan's family, immediately sent someone to tell Jiang Yuxing that they had arranged for a certain wealthy family's illegitimate daughter to marry him. However, unexpectedly, things took a turn and the girl from that family suddenly fell ill and died after the engagement was settled.

  How disgusting!

  Moreover, that family still refused to withdraw from the engagement and wanted to replace their own foolish daughter with the original one to marry Jiang Yuxing.

  Yan would never let his only son marry a fool, so he resolutely withdrew.

  But unexpectedly, the family was so ashamed that they spread the word outside, saying that their daughter was originally fine, but after getting engaged, she got sick and died. In fact, it was Jiang Yuxing's wife who had been killed by him.

  What you said about this thing... Ah!

  That Yan family again, tracing back to the source, attributed this matter to the Jiang family, and almost every day they came to the Jiang family's place, crying and making a fuss.

  Jiang's temper has flared up, and now even An doesn't dare to visit him. Every day, he lies in bed, claiming illness, but this still can't stop Yan's harassing footsteps.

  Cuiqiao soon walked away, and Jiuniang also returned to her own room.

  Looking at all those ancient and familiar things, Jiu's eyebrows, which had just relaxed, furrowed again.

  Laughed at others for half a day, but still have to face one's own problems at this moment?

  What should I do? Must think of a way, can't always be passive and take the beating...

  "Miss, Mrs. Zhou has arrived!" Just then, Qingtao pushed open the door and walked in, followed by Mrs. Zhou.

  "Mother Zhou, come and sit down quickly!" Jiujie had no choice but to temporarily put aside her thoughts and hurriedly invited her.

  "Miss, don't be in a hurry, I'm here on the orders of Madam to deliver tea leaves to you. Take a look, this is authentic Wuyi tea, brought back by Young Master from the south."

  That week, Mother waved her hand at Jiu Sister and then took out a package from the table, saying something while secretly glancing at Jiu Sister's face.

  Jiuer's eyes widened slightly as she smiled, "Really? Then I'll have to savor it carefully."

  "Hehe..." Mother Zhou also smiled and said, "Just look, you'll know that Ninth Miss likes this. That's why Eldest Aunt took out these tea leaves and mentioned to the mistress to give some to Miss as a gift."

  Jiuer heard this but just smiled and didn't say anything, turning around to instruct Qingtao to boil water and make tea.

  That week, a hint of embarrassment flashed across Mother's face, but she quickly calmed down and smiled as she bid farewell.

  The ninth sister politely declined and had Qing Tao send her off.

  "Miss, it's been a long time since we received anything from Master Biao." After seeing off Old Mother Zhou, Qing Tao helped Jiu Si'er pour tea while muttering to herself.

  But after finishing speaking, she found that Jiu Jie didn't respond, and the whole person was in a daze. She couldn't help but call out again, "Miss..."

  "Who says it isn't?" But unexpectedly, Jiu jie suddenly retorted back at her.

  "Uh..."

  "Green Peach, go and find that agricultural book sent by Fourth Master!"

  "Miss, you...do you want to read a book?" Qing Tao was taken aback once again.

  "Hurry up!"

  ……

  "Eldest Aunt has just left, and Madame must be still in a temper, for even Old Mother Zhou was sent out." At dusk, Qing Zhi hastily ran into the house and said to Jiu Si'er who was embroidering by the window.

  "Oh!" Ninth Sister raised her head, smiled slightly, put down the needle in her hand, and called out to Qing Tao who was talking to Lü'e outside, "Qing Tao, come in!"

  Qing Tao immediately went into the house upon hearing this.

  "Take that book you found for me this afternoon and come with me to Third Madam's place." said Ninth Sister.

  "Uh..." As soon as these words came out, it wasn't just Qing Tao who was stunned, but also Qing Zhi and Qing Xing, who was busy helping her sort out the threads.

  "Me?" Qing Tao pointed at herself.

  "Is something wrong?" The ninth sister nodded.

  "No!" Qing Tao hastily shook her head and then went to fetch that agricultural book.

  Qing Zhi didn't speak, while Qing Xing looked at Jiu Jie Er in surprise, "Miss, why don't you go to San Furen's place again tomorrow? It's probably not a good time now..."

  "This is exactly what I wanted!"

  "Uh... how about I let Qing Ci accompany you instead..." Qing Xing said.

  "What I want is a lively and spirited young girl like Qingtao!" Jiuniang said again.

  "Ah......" The two little maids couldn't help but look at each other in dismay.

  The ninth sister didn't say anything more, hooked her lips into a smile, turned around and went out the door with Qingtuo who had already fetched the book back.

  "Madam let the girl in, come on, please!" As expected, Jiu didn't get rejected and after Zhou's mom finished passing on the message, she came out to invite her in.

  She hastily thanked Mrs. Zhou and then followed her into the house.

  "Mother, I heard you're ill? Xiaojiao has come to visit!"

  Xiang Fei opened the bamboo curtain and saw Jiang Shi sitting on the kang with a sullen face, Jiu Siao hurriedly went forward to greet her.

  "It's nothing serious!" Seeing her, a faint glimmer seemed to flash across Chiang's face, and the gloominess had unknowingly dissipated a bit. "Come, come sit next to me quickly!"

  "Oh!" The ninth sister immediately went and sat down next to Jiang's family as she was told.

  Jiang immediately instructed Zhou's mother to order the young maids to serve tea and snacks.

  "All right, Mother, don't bother Aunt Zhou anymore. I knew you were ill and still came to visit, mainly because there's something important to discuss!" The Ninth Sister hastily added.

  "What's going on?" Jiang was taken aback.

  "Yes!" Ninth Sister immediately took out that agricultural book, flipped it open to a certain page, and said, "Mother, take a look at this!"

  Jiang immediately put down his face, "Are you here to test me? You still don't know, I can barely recognize a few big characters, unlike you guys."

  Her tone was full of sarcasm, and Ninth Sister's heart was secretly curling her lip, but on the surface she immediately put on a sincere and fearful expression. "Mother, I'm sorry, how could Ninth Sister dare to have such thoughts? It's just that... seeing the road to wealth makes me so happy that I forget myself."

  "Get rich?" Jiang was taken aback upon hearing this.

  "Yes, Mother, take a look, there's an illustration here—" Ninth Sister hastily pointed it out to Madame Chiang.

  "Huh... trees? How can they make us rich?"

  "Mother doesn't know, this is called Golden-edged Wintergreen, also known as the Female Chastity Tree..." So Jiujiu began to tell Jiangshi in detail about how the tree was parasitized by white wax insects and then the white wax insects produced white wax.

  Jiang listened carefully, but still didn't quite understand, so he asked Jiuniang questions while listening.

  "It's like... just like raising silkworms, actually many people at the time of White Dew will go to the mountains to collect wax and sell it to wax merchants, this is what they call white wax." It seems that Jiang Shi, the daughter of a big wax merchant, also has limited knowledge about wax production.

  "Uh..."

  "This," Jiu Jie'er hastily blurted out, "Big Brother must know..." But before she could finish speaking, she hurriedly closed her mouth and lowered her head in silence.

  Jiang's eyes also flashed with a hint of embarrassment, but soon Jiang smiled again and pulled Jiu's hand. "Your brother-in-law happens to be free these two days, why not let him come over tomorrow? You talk to him, he is knowledgeable about literature and familiar with business, you just need to mention it to him and he will understand!"

  "Uh..." Jiuniang hesitated.

  "Hey, we're not outsiders either, what's wrong with talking business?" Jiang immediately smiled.

  Jiujie nodded after hearing what Jiang said.

  She nodded and Jiang immediately smiled.

  What she didn't know was that Jiu also smiled in her heart...

  ……

  "Miss, how can the third madam agree to let you see young master Bao? He's an outsider, and besides...and after what happened last time, they should be even more careful to avoid each other. It really isn't proper..."

  Just as Qing Xing was about to continue speaking, Jiu Jie interrupted her, "With Mother present, what's improper? Besides, we're discussing official business!"

  Qing Xiang wanted to say something else, but Jiu Jie'er urged her again, "Hurry up and help me find clothes!"

  The green apricot remained still, gazing at her.

  "You're such a petty scholar!" Jiujie scolded her, then said, "Alright, alright, I won't let you serve anymore. You're so slow and sluggish, go call in Qingtuo instead!"

  "Miss..." Qing Xing hurriedly said.

  "Right, you go and help me run an errand. On the table there are two paper packages with names on them, they're two new bars of soap. Go and help me deliver them to Sixth Sister and Eighth Sister. Remember, don't get it wrong!" Ninth Sister instructed her again.

  Although Qing Xing was unwilling even if you paid her a hundred pieces of silver, she still had no choice but to go.

  Soon, Qingtao came in to help Jiuniang change her clothes.

  Qing Tao didn't have so many worries, on the contrary, she deliberately dressed up Jiu Jie Er to look pretty.

  Because this young girl had her own thoughts, at that time, Mother Zhou always said that the young master had a crush on the girl, and she thought that the young master would be heartbroken after hearing that the old lady had rejected this marriage, but who knew... Who knew that as soon as he mentioned another family's daughter, the young master agreed.

  "That girl from that family is really pretty and charming, no wonder Yuxing took a liking to her at first sight." The third madam deliberately said this in front of the girl.

  Perhaps Third Madame has exaggerated, but there is an undeniable fact: Young Master has specially returned from the south to take a look at that family's daughter and nodded in approval; otherwise, how could they have settled on the engagement so quickly?

  She just let that young master see that her own daughter is not inferior at all.

  Last year, our little girl was still young and immature, but this year she has changed a lot. She's grown taller, her figure is more developed, and her small face is becoming increasingly fresh and beautiful.

  It's just that girls don't usually dress up, but if they dress up properly, humph, let him regret it to death.

  "Green Peach, this dress... won't it be too flashy?"

  Jiuer looked at the rain-washed, sky-blue, rose-patterned satin jacket with a matching skirt, as well as the silver-thread embroidered quilted skirt, and couldn't help but frown.

  "Girl, you're not pretty at all! You can't see that the tenth and sixth girls are so beautiful in their clothes, but you always wear dull gray colors!" The little girl retorted.

  "Uh..."

  "This pin is also going to be brought along, as well as the pearl flower..."

  After dressing up, Jiuniang looked at the elegant and moving figure in the mirror, and couldn't help but feel a moment of genuine dizziness.

  At this time, she really grew up and became more beautiful.

  Only she didn't know... what lay ahead of her on this path...

  "Alright, miss, let's go!" Qing Tao said with a smile as she urged her mistress on.

  "Wait a minute!" But Jiu Jie didn't move, until the door was pushed open and Qing Zhi rushed in hastily, whispering two sentences in her ear, she nodded and stood up.

  Qing Tao only heard the words "those few old women", didn't understand, and wanted to ask.

  "Green Peach, go get me a cloak!" Ninth Sister ordered her again.

  The little girl didn't ask any more questions and put all her thoughts into choosing a scarf.

  On a sunny afternoon in spring, the sun shines everywhere, the leaves are lazy, and people are also listless.

  Jiujie led Qingtao to just stand under the corridor when Zhou Mama came up and took Jiujie into the house.

  After several months, Jiu finally saw Jiang Yuxing again.

  The young man's demeanor remains unchanged, the eagerness in his eyes remains unchanged, but Jiu Jie'er can no longer feel that heartbeat under the warm winter sun.

  "Hello, Brother!" Jiuniang hastily greeted Jiang Yuxing.

  "Good sister!" Jiang Yuxing returned the courtesy.

  "All right, you two kids, stop with the formalities. Come on, Brother Xing, take a seat, and Ninth Sister too!" The lady sitting in the main seat, Madam Jiang, immediately said with a smile.

  "Yes, yes......" Mrs. Zhou also said, while hurrying to instruct the little maids to serve tea and pour water.

  After some small talk, Jiujiu took out that book on agriculture again and asked Jiang Yuxing to read the entry about the female chastity tree.

  Jiang Yuxing indeed knew a lot and soon began discussing and analyzing with Jiujie, and also mentioned several locations of the female chastity tree and some good suggestions.

  Indeed a businessman, business opportunities everywhere!

  The ninth sister couldn't help but praise in her heart and then talked about artificial insect breeding...

  Watching the two of you coming and going, Jiang couldn't help but smile with her mouth closed. If they were to put the two together again, would the old lady jump out and object again?...

  "Madam, the little maid outside the door said that Old Lady is not feeling well and asked you to go take a look..." But at this time, Mrs. Zhou rushed in hastily and anxiously told her.

  "Is it? Hehe..." Jiang heard and smiled, just in time!

  ……

  Digression

  The next chapter is wonderful!