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[Chapter 38 – It’s really blinding!]
When confronted with this kind of sentence that could obviously be attributed to a hoodlum, Shen Xiao Shou firmly sent a slap over, “You better move further away from me!”
“This husband only agreed to come and catch the flower thief because of you.” Qin Shao Yu pinched his nose, “What, is there no reward at all?”
“You still need a reward?” Shen Qian Ling looked at him with cold and righteous eyes, “Have a bit of the bearing of a famous and proper sect. Upholding virtue, condemning evil, supporting justice, isn’t that your duty?!”
“Of course not.” Qin Shao Yu replied, “Whoever likes to care about other people’s matters can care about it, what does it have to do with me?”
Shen Qian Ling: “…”
Fine, I knew I shouldn’t have looked too highly upon you. Sure enough, the heroes acting on television are all fake.
Because the Li Family’s son was too weak, the two of them did not visit him that day, and returned to their room early after having dinner.
“We’re going to bed this early?” Shen Qian Ling pulled a face and knocked on the table. He was bored to death.
This would just be eight or nine o’clock at night before transmigrating, the colourful night life had just begun, it was really a waste to get into bed this early.
“Don’t want to sleep?” The corner of Qin Shao Yu’s mouth raised, “Why don’t we try thirty days, thirty times?”
Shen Qian Ling glared at him!
This person was truly ridiculous, and very shameless too.
“Or shall I take you out for a stroll?” Qin Shao Yu asked.
“It is pitch-dark everywhere, where would we go for a stroll.” Shen Qian Ling wasn’t interested.
“It’s better to have a stroll when it’s pitch-dark.” Qian Shao Yu smiled mysteriously.
Shen Qian Ling narrowed his eyes, “Your expression right now looks like it is really owed a beating.”
“In a rich family’s household, something fun will definitely happen eventually.” Qin Shao Yu rubbed his head, “Are you going or not? Perhaps we’ll be able to see some clandestine love affairs occuring.”
What is good about watching a love affair, it is truly an awful interest! Shen Xiao Shou said in high spirits, “Sure!”
Qin Shao Yu took some black clothes from the cabinet, “Change, white is too conspicuous.”
“Will I be able to wear your clothes?” Although he really did not want to admit it, both of their heights were certainly not equal! Shen Qian Ling grumbled.
He was a little unhappy.
This person must be showing off deliberately.
“It’s not mine, it was specially tailored for you.” Qin Shao Yu replied, “Anything could happen when travelling, so I prepared some night clothes for you in advance.”
“Really?” Shen Qian Ling was quite surprised when he heard this. Hearing about things like Night Clothes really filled one with a strong heroic feeling.
“Shall I personally help fu-ren to change?” Qin Shao Yu asked.
“Dream on!” Shen Qian Ling really did not give face, changing his clothes on his own behind the screen. He looked at himself in the bronze mirror again and again, feeling that the internal strength within his body seemed to begin to surge in an instant.
That’s why things like appearances are very important.
“Do you want a sword to go with it?” Qin Shao Yu tried not to laugh.
“Let me try.” Shen Qian Ling was in high spirits.
Qin Shao Yu picked up his sword and passed it to him.
Shen Qian Ling took it with one hand, and immediately stumbled.
Qin Shao Yu: “…..”
Shen Qian Ling flew into a fit of rage, “What are you laughing at!”
“I didn’t laugh.” Sect Leader Qin’s expression was very innocent.
“You were clearly smiling!” Shen Qian Ling threw the sword back to him, feeling attacked.
How could it be that heavy when he saw him hold it so easily.
“As long as fu-ren knows how to hold a pen, you can leave things like swords to your husband.” Qin Shao Yu was very calm.
Shen Qian Ling’s heart was full of contempt.
You native from the cold arms age.
“Let’s go.” After tidying up their things, Qin Shao Yu brought him out.
The shadow guards sighed again after they saw this, wearing night clothes in the middle of the night to run around other people’s houses, what should they do if this kind of thing spreads?
“Where are we going to watch the fun?” Shen Qian Ling asked in high spirits.
“The backyard of course.” Qin Shao Yu replied, “It is said Landlord Li has seven wives in total, the youngest one was married last year, she had just turned eighteen this year.”
Eighteen? Shen Qian Ling once again realised the meaning of the two words, ‘feudal society’.
“Where there are many wives and concubines, there are also many quarrels.” The corner of Qin Shao Yu’s mouth curved, “Naturally there will be fun things to watch!”
Shen Qian Ling praised him, “Young hero, you sure are experienced.”
Qin Shao Yu knocked on his head, and vaulted over the wall while holding him.
The Li Residence was quite large, however, Qin Shao Yu had incomparable skills in navigation, and it looked like he was practically in his own home.
“Are you sure that you haven’t been here before?” Shen Qian Ling showed some doubt.
Qin Shao Yu shook his head, “Of course I haven’t.”
“Then why are you so familiar with the routes?” Shen Qian Ling asked.
“Since I would be staying here, I would naturally need to know what kind of place this is.” Qin Shao Yu smiled, “Although this place is large, the layout is quite simple. One can remember much of it when they looked at the map just once.”
Surprisingly, that is even possible for him…
Shen Xiao Shou once again felt like he had been attacked.
Although he didn’t have a poor sense of direction, he was far from grasping this kind of “memorising the road with one look at a map” high end skill.
He really couldn’t help but have envy and hate.
“This is where the mistresses live in the Li Residence.”  Qin Shao Yu pointed at the numerous courtyards scattered ahead.
Under the shroud of the dark night, all the buildings were reduced to silhouettes. Several crimson lanterns swayed gently in the wind; it was quiet to the point of eeriness.
“Are we waiting here?” Goosebumps ran down Shen Qian Ling’s back.
“There’s no need to wait.” Qin Shao Yu smiled, “They’ve already arrived.”
“Who came…….oh!” Shen Qian Ling hadn’t finished his sentence yet when his mouth was covered and he was dragged into the bushes.
”Shh…..” Qin Shao Yu made a gesture for him to be silent.
Shen Qian Ling obediently shut up and looked around with his eyes wide open.
A figure in black suddenly flipped over the wall and landed into one of the minor courtyards.
There was really a person, Shen Qian Ling was shocked!
“How about it, I said there would be fun things to watch.” Qin Shao Yu was amused by his reaction.
“Love affair?” Shen Qian Ling asked him.
Qin Shao Yu nodded.
“But it’s still not that late.” Shen Qian Ling was puzzled; even if they rested early in ancient times, it was still ten o’clock in the evening. Shouldn’t this take place at midnight?
“It’s because it’s so early, the guards are relaxed.” Qin Shao Yu replied, “Of course Landlord Li is worried about placing so many delicate and refined concubines in the rear courtyards. He also thinks that something might happen, so he strengthens the patrols and inspections late at night. That’s why it’s during this time ー or early in the morning, when the sky is starting to brighten ー that it is the safest.”
Shen Qian Ling felt that his world views had been refreshed again.
Unexpectedly, there was so much knowledge to gain about love affairs.
You could really gain knowledge at any time.
“Do you want to go in and see?” Qin Shao Yu asked him.
“We’re able to?” Shen Qian Ling wanted to worship him!
In a society without TV, PC and PSP, having Sect Leader Qin makes up for this.
Moreover, it was also the live version.
“As long as Ling’er wants to, don’t mention the side courtyard in the Li Residence, even if it’s within the imperial palace, I can still sneak you in.” Qin Shao Yu said very calmly.
Shen Qian Ling: “…”
This kind of script to trick young ladies is quite sleazy.
But it doesn’t work on me at all.
The wall of the courtyard was very high, but with Qin Shao Yu here, this problem was clearly not an issue at all!
“Mmn…… Bo Tian…..” Just as the two of them were about to enter the courtyard, they heard a groan of ecstasy.
Shen Qian Ling paused immediately, before, he thought it would be quite fun because he hadn’t seen this kind of thing before, but once he really heard what was happening, it was a bit…..indescribable.
“Mmn……ah……ah……” Although the sounds inside the house had already been contained as much as possible, it was still unable to be concealed from two people squatting in the wall corner. Shen Qian Ling looked at Qin Shao Yu with an extremely distressed expression—— We should leave!
“You don’t want to watch anymore? Qin Shao Yu asked him silently, mouthing the words.
Shen Qian Ling nodded resolutely.
“In a moment there will be a good play to watch.” Qin Shao Yu spoke into his ear with a low voice.
Good play? Shen Qian Ling didn’t understand.
Hearing faint footsteps in the distance, the corner of Qin Shao Yu’s mouth curved. Holding onto Shen Qian Ling and landed on the abandoned two story building next door.
With a glance, they could see a bunch of torches were getting closer and closer; there were approximately ten people.
Shen Qian Ling’s eyes’ widened!
Catching an adultery in the act?
Qin Shao Yu spoke, “Having nothing to do all day, of course the only thing left to do is to scheme and fight against each other.”
The noises were getting closer and closer; The person inside the house had also clearly heard it, and jumped from the window to the wall of the back courtyard, flipping over it.
“Do you know who that ‘Bo Tian’ person that the woman called out is?” Qin Shao Yu asked him.
How would I know this! Shen Qian Ling was puzzled, “It couldn’t be the flower thief right?”
“Look at his martial arts, don’t talk about stealing flowers, even stealing food would be difficult.” Qin Shao Yu replied, “Li Bo Tian is Landlord Li’s second son.”
“Second son?” Shen Qian Ling sucked in a breath of cold air, so this is with his stepmother?!
“Open the door!” A woman screamed sharply at the door. In the middle of the night, the ‘bang’ sound of the brass ring knocking against the door was exceptionally terrifying.
“Guess who that is.” Qin Shao Yu said.
Shen Qian Ling’s lips twitched, “Not the wife or the concubine.”
Qin Shao Yu laughed lowly, “You’ve become smart.”
Shen Qian Ling glared at him, “What are you saying, I’ve always been very smart!”
The door creaked open and a languid woman came out, leaning against the door with a cold smile, “What’s the matter jiejie.”
“You slut!” The girl who knocked on the door said forcefully, “Search the place!”
The servants agreed and rushed into the house one after another, and as the commotion increased, several surrounding courtyards also lit up, with everyone coming out in succession to see what had happened.
“Achoo!” Shen Qian Ling’s nose was itchy.
Qin Shao Yu frowned, “Cold?”
“Not cold.” Shen Qian Ling said, “A small bug just flew into my nose.”
“Let’s return.” Qin Shao Yu picked him up into his arms.
Hey hey, I haven’t seen the climax yet, how could we return!” Shen Qian Ling protested, “Let’s continue watching it for a while ah!” Extremely nosy.
“What do we do if you catch a cold.” Qin Shao Yu didn’t allow any room for arguments and started returning once he wrapped him in a robe.
“Only half of the play has been performed!” Shen Qian Ling was hung up on it.
“The shadow guards will naturally tell us about it tomorrow morning.” Qin Shao Yu was very persistent.
Shen Qian Ling was confused, “Shadow guards?”
“Yes.” Qin Shao Yu said, “There’s nothing for them to do at night, they love to watch this kind of excitement more than you do.”
People who practice martial arts originally need less sleep, and with their good qinggong skills, the shadow guards of the Dominion of Shadow Chasers have already cultivated the habit of seeking out fun by themselves. Basically, where there is excitement, there are also the shadow guards! That the right chief talks in his sleep when he dreams, and that Fang Tang Zhu grinds his teeth while sleeping could not be considered to be secrets anymore. Only the Sect Leader and Hua Tang haven’t been heard; the Sect Leader because no one dares to, and the left chief is a lady who you naturally can’t harass——although sometimes she’s really like a man.
“Say, what is the purpose of marrying so many women?” Shen Qian Ling said puzzedly as he walked.
”The emperor has three palaces, six courtyards, and seventy two imperial concubines in his harem; ordinary people follow the examples of those above them. Three wives and four concubines could be considered to be normal.” Qin Shao Yu said, “Besides, the Li family is quite wealthy, it’s not too excessive.”
“Why don’t you try it? Shen Qian Ling enthusiastically advised him.
“Aside from fu-ren, the rest of the swallows and orioles in my eyes are——mmf!”
“You should just shut up.” Shen Qian Ling removed his hand from his mouth and shook off the goosebumps all over his body!
It’s a pity that you’re not an actor in a modern society.
With a smile in his eyes, Qin Shao Yu reached out a hand to pinch the back of his neck.
“Will the situation get worse?” Shen Qian Ling asked.
”Guess?” Qin Shao Yu raised an eyebrow.
“It shouldn’t?” Shen Qian Ling said, the adulterer had already run away, only a fool would admit that they are having an affair.
“That may not necessarily be the case.” Qin Shao Yu laughed, “Within these kinds of sprawling residence with many courtyards, there are many strange matters.”
It was probably due to proving Sect Leader Qin’s crow’s beak that on the morning of the next day, a big incident had clamorously occured in the Li Residence—— the seventh mistress had committed adultery and was caught by the second mistress and her people; a pair of wet, dirty trousers was found in the house and was being kept at a grain-drying area for interrogation.
“The person from last night ran without wearing trousers?” Shen Qian Ling heard this news after waking up, and had a slightly blank expression on his face.
“Why would they.“ Qin Shao Yu helped him wipe his face, “ Their belt was even put on neatly, what reason would there be to forget to wear their pants.”
“So the second mistress purposely framed them?” Shen Qian Ling sucked in a breath of cold air.
“This was something that existed originally, how could it be considered a set up?” Qin Shao Yu answered the question with another.
……..
This was true.
Shen Qian Ling sighed, “That seventh mistress is probably done for.” Adultery, this kind of heaven defying crime would give rise to bloodshed in modern times, let alone in the ancient days.
“You always have to bear the consequences of matters that you cause yourself.” Qin Shao Yu rubbed his head, “Shall I bring you out for breakfast?”
“…..are we not going to see that seventh mistress?” Shen Qian Ling asked.
“How can we interfere in other people’s family matters.” Qin Shao Yu said, “Moreover, the oldest young master in the Li family has always been sickly, and Landlord Li is getting old and has many ailments; the person in power is the second young master Li Bo Tian. Since it’s an affair to do with him, naturally it should be personally resolved by him.”
Shen Qian Ling immediately looked at him with an expression of worship. He had inquired about it thoroughly in such a short amount of time, young hero, you are truly deserving of the title of king of gossip.
Qionghua City was located towards the South, and so the air was humid, flowers blooming like a brocade. Droplets of water would fall from the eaves of the roof from time to time, disturbing the river basking in the warm early morning sun. A grandma was selling magnolia flowers by the street; everything was quiet and beautiful.
The two of them found a vendor’s breakfast stall in a remote alley and ordered wonton soup and duck blood vermicelli soup and added on crispy flaky shaobing sprinkled with sesame.
“Will there be people watching again?” Shen Qian Ling looked around.
“There won’t be.” Qin Shao Yu helped him wipe his mouth, “There are shadow guards blocking the alley entryway.”
Shen Qian Ling: “……”
That’s not good, how can other people do business now.
Qin Shao Yu took out an ingot of silver and put it in front of the vendor, “Is that enough?”
The vendor immediately beamed with joy, “Of course that’s enough, it’s enough even for one month. Both of you take your time to eat, take your time!”
Shen Qian Ling was silent.
This kind of nouveau riche feeling that was hard to get rid of.
Although this vendor was located deep in the alley, it was quite well known within the city. The people who woke up early in groups of twos or threes as usual, and suddenly saw dozens of people dressed in black with knives stationed at the front of the alleyway; they were all given a fright.
Only when the more courageous ones grouped together to approach them did they realise that it was Sect Leader Qin and young master Shen who were eating inside, not allowing anyone to disturb them. In order to compensate them, all the people who had come early to eat were able to redeem a thousand copper coins.
For ordinary people, this amount of money wasn’t considered too much or too little, and so within a period of time, word had passed around, and the people who were opening their stores, selling flowers, chopping wood, frying youtiao, to the vendors selling jianbing , everyone came in swarms to collect the money; lively and cheerful, this scene could be compared to the temples and monasteries on the Laba festival when they handed out free rice and congee.
“…..What is happening?” Shen Qian Ling walked to the exit after he finished eating and was startled by the noisy scene in front of them.
“Don’t have to care about it.” Qin Shao Yu gently pulled his hand.
“Can I ask you about something?” Shen Qian Link looked at him.
“Speak.” Qin Shao Yu nodded.
“What are you planning to use me for?” Shen Qian Ling had been struggling with this question for a long time.
“Of course it’s because I like Ling’er.” QIn Shao Yu said very smoothly.
“I’ll cut ties with you if you don’t answer properly!” Shen Qian Ling warned him.
Qin Shao Yu laughed while shaking his head, not speaking further.
Shen Qian Ling’s lips curled, really not sincere at all.
“It’s Sect Leader Qin and young master Shen!” Once the people gathering saw the two of them, they all shouted excitedly.
Ta Xue Bai galloped to them; Qin Shao Yu flipped onto his horse while carrying Shen Qian Ling in his arms, his movements handsome and suave, and unusually elegant.
“Wow!” Everyone was beaming with smiles.
There was money to take and a feast for the eyes to enjoy; they have really reaped profits, this morning was very satisfying.
Since Qin Shao Yu and Shen Qian Ling had already left, naturally the shadow guards from the Dominion of Shadow Chasers had no need to continue handing out money,and left after packing their things. The people who arrived late had gotten nothing, and were naturally in a bad mood. And yet the earlier people were still flaunting; the city became immensely noisy, the atmosphere being set abuzz.
“Where do you want to go?” On a quiet street, Qin Shao Yu asked Shen Qian Ling.
“Let’s go back.” Shen Qian Ling was listless, “Wherever we go, there are people watching, there’s no point to it at all.”
“Sect Leader.” One of the subordinates rode a horse quickly towards them.
“What happened?” Qin Shao Yu asked.
“It’s not really related to us.” The subordinate replied, “A pyre has been set up in the rear court of the Li Residence, they said that they want to burn the girl who committed adultery.”
“Burn to death?” Shen Qian Ling was startled when he heard this.
Although fornification was a great wrong, it didn’t require such a cruel punishment like being burned to death!
“Let’s go back to take a look.” Qin Shao Yu turned the horse around and headed towards the direction of the Li Residence.
By the roadside sitting in a three story teahouse, a man with a cold expression on his face was sitting by the windowside. He gazed attentively at the backs of the two people until they disappeared around the corner, his mouth curving into a sinister smile.
Notes:
Cold arms (white arm or cold weapons) refer to weapons that do not involve explosions or fire, usually as a result from the use of gunpowder. The opposite are hot weapons, which include those of guns, bombs, missiles etc.Stealing flowers: Euphemism for rape.Jiejie: 姐姐 – ‘older sister’, used to refer to females older than you. Similar to the ‘noona’ and ‘unni’ terms used in South Korea.Crow’s beak: 乌鸦嘴 – Person who makes inauspicious remarks; kind of like raising a flag.Duck blood and vermicelli soup: A traditional food from Nanjing city in Jiangsu province (coastal area which borders Shanghai). You can find a similar dish to this in Lithuania, Poland, and Belarus, called czernina. Link to recipe and photos. Shao bing: A kind of layered, unleavened flatbread from Northern China. Link to recipe and photos.Youtiao, jianbing: Chinese breakfast foods, the former being like a savory doughnut, and the latter being another traditional Chinese breakfast foods, similar to a savory crepe.Laba Festival: A traditional Chinese holiday that is celebrated on the 8th day of the 12th month on the lunar calendar where they eat Laba Congee. Wiki