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[Chapter 39 – A deep residence with big courtyards! Many quarrels!]
Qin Shao Yu and Shen Qian Ling hurried back to Li Residence, and saw that it was heavily guarded at the front door, with at least three times the usual protection around the courtyards. The crowds in the street whispered to one another, trying to guess what on earth had happened.
“Sect Leader Qin, young master Shen.” The steward naturally recognised the two of them, he had already ordered his men to open the door when they were some distance away.
“Why have the defenses suddenly been strengthened?” Qin Shao Yu asked knowingly.
”Ai.” The steward sighed and said with a difficult expression on his face, “This matter is difficult to talk about, please forgive me Sect Leader.”
“What is difficult to talk about?” A person walked out from the corner of the courtyard, responding coldly, “Since they’ve done shameful things, would they still be afraid of others talking about it?”
“Yes yes, what the Second Young Master said is right.” The steward repeatedly bowed while nodding his head, trying very much to kiss up to him.
“Go do your tasks.” That person dismissed the steward, then turned his head and said respectfully, “I am Li Bo Tian, we’ve met before Sect Leader Qin, young master Shen.”
Is this what is called, speak of the devil.
Shen Qian Ling didn’t think that he would meet him so unexpectedly and so he couldn’t help but take another look.
Looking at him, he was putting on airs, and wore a brocaded robe, a silver headpiece, and a jade pendant; it was completely in line with the appearance of the descendant of an influential family. He didn’t look like the type of person to commit that kind of deed at all.
“What was the Second Young Master referring to?“ Qin Shao Yu asked.
”Sect Leader is unaware.“ Li Bo Tian sighed, “My father had married a new mistress just before New Year’s. Who knew that before long, she would actually have a secret affair with someone, practically losing all the face of the Li family.”
Shen Qian Ling’s heart was immediately full of dislike towards him. Removing yourself so cleanly from the situation, are you still a man.
“Then how does Li Residence intend to handle the adulterer once you’ve caught him?” Qin Shao Yu continued to ask.
“When my mother brought people over there, the man had realized and fled.” Li Bo Tian calmly replied, “Only leaving behind some dirty things.”
You can still keep such a straight face? Shen Qian Ling had a rare moment of wanting Qin Shao Yu to beat up this person.
“I’ll bring Ling-er to the rear courtyard to take a look.” Qin Shao Yu went around Li Bo Tian and walked inside.
”Please remain here, Sect Leader.” Li Bo Tian chased after the two of them and barred their way, “This is a private matter of the Li family. I hope that Sect Leader will not interfere with it.”
“Not possible.” Before Qin Shao Yu had said anything, Shen Qian Ling had already aggressively opened his mouth, “I must go and see.”
Li Bo Tian was a little surprised. In the rumours, the youngest son of the Shen Family was clearly said to be elegant and refined, why was he so interested in matters of other families now?
“Ling-er wants to go; are you still going to block our way?” Qin Shao Yu asked him.
“Of course I wouldn’t dare.” Li Bo Tian felt rather embarrassed, “It’s just that our family’s methods are quite harsh, I’m afraid that it might frighten Young Master Shen.”
So it turns out that you actually know that it’s harsh? Shen Qian Ling felt that it was not worthwhile for that little mistress; adultery was already a great mistake, yet the other party in this adultery had to be a person with a human face and a beast’s heart.
“Let’s go to the rear courtyard.” Shen Qian Ling looked solemnly at Qin Shao Yu.
Sect Leader Qin smirked, grabbed Shen Qian Ling’s waist and leaped, landing on the roof instantly.
Li Bo Tian was anxious, “Sect Leader Qin!”
Before he could finish his sentence, the two of them had already disappeared from his sight.
The people at the rear courtyard were coming and going, with servants moving firewood hurriedly. A woman was tied to the wooden stake; clearly, the shadow guards’ who spoke of “ the plan to burn her to death” were not empty words.
“Are you certain you want to rescue her?” Qin Shao Yu asked by his ear, landing on the second storey of a bamboo building
Shen Qian Ling replied quietly, “Don’t tell me that you also think that her sin deserves death?”
“This matter has nothing to do with me.” Qin Shao Yu pinched his cheeks, the corner of his mouth lifting, “I will listen to Ling-er.”
“Even if I become an evil spirit, I won’t spare you all in the future.” The girl screamed and cursed.
“Light the fire.” A stern looking middle aged woman gave the order. With hair the colour of ash, lips a deep red, and an emerald green jade bracelet around her wrist, she was clearly someone with a high status.
“Save her first.” Shen Xiao Shou really couldn’t bear to watch a young woman be burned to death just like this.
Qin Shao Yu nodded, and was about to use qinggong to fly over with him, when his brows wrinkled slightly.
“What’s wrong?” Shen Qian Ling was nervous. Seeing that the tongues of the flame had already risen, it was important to not hesitate at this moment, saving her first was more urgent.
“It’s too late.” Qin Shao Yu sighed, “She bit her tongue and committed suicide.”
“Ah?” Shen Qian Ling was dazed for a moment,  and turned to look at the bonfire, his back then turning cold.
“Don’t look.” Qin Shao Yu covered his eyes, helping him to obstruct the view of the face covered with blood.
Shen Qian Ling grabbed onto his clothes at the waist, not speaking for a long time.
Qin Shao Yu patted his back, “Let’s return?”
Shen Qian Ling nodded.
Qin Shao Yu grasped his waist tightly, bringing him back to their residence.
Having seen a life extinguish right before him, even though she had done something wrong, Shen Qian Ling’s heart was still indescribably stifled. He sat on a chair, not speaking a word.
“What are you thinking about?” Qin Shao Yu crouched in front of him.
“…..I don’t feel well.” Shen Qian Ling looked at him, “If we were a bit earlier, maybe she wouldn’t have to die.”
“How can there be so many ‘ifs’ in everything.” Qin Shao Yu took out a towel from his bosom and helped him wipe away the cold sweat from his palm, “Even if we really were at fault, what we neglected to do was only a drop in the ocean of the whole matter. The people most responsible would be her parents who abandoned her, selling her to the Li Family’s decorated pleasure boat; Landlord Li who covets the charm of women; Li Bo Tian who had the affair with her; as well as herself.”
“Although what you said is right, there was still a chance to save her.” Shen Qian Ling sighed.
“Don’t think about it anymore.” Qin Shao Yu stroked his head, “Do you want to rest for a while?”
Shen Qian nodded, and had just stood up when a person outside the house reported that Landlord Li was seeking an audience.
“I will go as well.” Shen Qian Ling said.
“If we have to go, we should wake up first before going.” Qin Shao Yu carried him and placed him gently on the bed, “I’ll accompany you.”
“……then what about Landlord Li?” Shen Qian Ling asked.
“If he likes to wait, then just let him.” Qin Shao Yu helped him untie his headtie, “Your complexion is too pale, I’m worried.”
Shen Qian Ling hugged the blanket, trying hard to chase the bloody scene away from his head.
And Landlord Li, who was pacing around in the front hall, was once again cruelly notified by the shadow guards —— Sect Leader Qin and young master Shen are sleeping again, so I’m afraid they won’t be able to come for the time being, I guess you’ll have to wait.
When Landlord Li heard this, his heart felt suffocated, how can they be sleeping everyday.
Even if they were young, they shouldn’t always play so crazily.
“Father.” Li Bo Tian walked over, “Why is there a crowd of people outside？”
“They’re all people who have had their flower picked by the flower thief.” Landlord Li replied, “Your older brother’s disposition has always been reserved. With just a few words from Sect Leader Qin, I’m afraid it would upset your brother again. Anyway, it’s all to do with the flower thief, asking them would be the same.”
Li Bo Tian laughed, “Dad truly cares about big brother.”
“There’s no choice, Bo Jin’s body has always been in bad health.” Landlord Li sighed, “Sect Leader probably won’t be coming for now. Pass down my order, let them take a break and have some tea.”
Li Bo Tian nodded, “I’ll take care of this matter.”
“How are the matters in the rear courtyard?” Landlord Li asked.
“Grandma has already taken care of it.” Li Bo Tian replied, “As for who the other person is, the guards who were on duty and the part-time workers were all asked, and all said they hadn’t seen them.”
Landlord Li sighed, “Such a disgraceful matter for our family If this matter is spread around, it’ll truly be humiliating.”
“Father doesn’t have to worry about these matters.” Li Bo Tian helped his father to a chair, “Finding the flower thief who harmed big brother is more important.”
“You also have to be careful.” Landlord Li grasped his hand, “And your third younger brother, you must properly protect yourselves. You must never be plucked by them.”
Li Bo Tian didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, “Third brother and I know some martial arts at least, dad can be rest assured.”
“I still don’t know if Sect Leader Qin will be able to catch that depraved thief.” Landlord Li was deeply worried.
“All the people in this city are watching.” Li Bo Tian spoke, “Even if he’s not doing it for big brother, and even if he’s just doing it for the Dominion of Shadow Chaser’s reputation, no effort should be spared still.”
At this very moment, the Sect leader Qin who had high expectations placed on him by people, was currently helping Shen Qian Ling to massage his acupuncture points himself.
On the table, the faint fragrance of flowers dispersed from the incense burner; the effect was especially calming.
“It aches.” Sprawled across the bed, Shen Qian Ling shrunk his neck.
“Aching means that your meridians are blocked, I have to press them some more.” Qin Shao Xia was extremely professional.
“Don’t press anymore.” Shen Qian Ling giggled, “It tickles.”
He finally smiled….... Sect Leader Qin rubbed his head, smiled along with him as he replied “Then let’s massage somewhere else.”
“Change to where?” Shen Qian Ling asked.
Qin Shao Yu turned him over, stretching out a hand to pinch his belly, “You’ve gained weight recently.”
“Shut up.” Shen Xiao Shou’s self esteem was struck, and kicked a leg out at him.
“Do you know what is inside here?” Qin Shao Yu pointed at his stomach.
Shen Qian Ling replied, “Fat.”
One shouldn’t mind the details.
“Pfft.” Qin Shao Yu laughed.
“Laugh my ass.”  Shen Qian Ling climbed up to find an upper garment to wear, “I despise you, you discriminate against fat people.”
“How could I discriminate against fu-ren.” Qin Shao Yu pressed him back down on the bed, “I was asking you if you knew what the name of the acupuncture point was.”
“Of course I wouldn’t know.” Shen Qian Ling mumbled, I only know ren du er mai and to press the temple while massaging your eyes.
“It’s the Kai Yuan point.” Qin Shao Yu explained, “If a martial arts practitioner massages this spot more often, their internal energy can be greatly improved. If an ordinary person presses this spot, it would also have the effect of strengthening the body.”
“Really?” Shen Qian Ling expressed some doubt.
“Why don’t you let me press it for you to see?” Qin Shao Yu said, “After an hour, you’ll feel more relaxed and that the turbulent energy within your body has been drained.”
……
Shen Qian Ling thought for a moment before readily accepting his proposal.
He wouldn’t lose anything anyway.
Thus, Sect Leader Qin calmly laid down next to him, stroking his tummy with one hand.
Not only was it soft and tender, it was also very warm; it was truly very nice to touch.
“Why does this acupuncture point not ache then?” Shen Xiao Shou asked.
“This point is different from the others, you can’t use too much strength to press it.” Qin Shao Yu spoke some nonsense calmly , “Otherwise it will be damaged.”
How could this be damaged? Shen Qian Ling was startled, “What happens if it is damaged?”
“Your liver and guts will be cut into pieces.” This sentence was truly shocking.
“Ah?” Shen Qian Ling’s tummy immediately tensed, “Then I don’t want to have it pressed anymore.”
“It’s too late.” Qin Shao Yu boasted shamelessly, “Once you start massaging the area, you can’t stop. Otherwise, both good and bad will both be destroyed. You can now only lay down obediently for an hour.”
Shen Qian Ling: “…..”
“Why don’t we talk about happier matters?” Qin Shao Yu asked again.
“Shut up.” Shen Qian Ling said sternly “You have to press it properly, make sure you don’t get distracted.”
Qin Shao Yu: “…”
“If you massage me to death, I’ll become an evil spirit and haunt you everyday. Shen Xiao Shou made a fist with both hands, a distant look in his eyes.
Qin Shao Yu: “…”
Pfft.
Notes:
人面兽心: Idiom – meaning ‘two-faced’ 九牛一毛: Idiom – lit. ‘One hair from nine oxen’, means ‘a drop in the ocean’画舫: A decorated pleasure boat is a brothel that operates using a boat (ie on water rather than land)丢人现眼: Idiom – to make a show of yourself, to disgrace yourself秦少侠: Qin Shao Xia, another title/name for Qin Shao Yu, with Shao Xia meaning young hero任督二脉: Ren du er mai – Ren and du are two main acupuncture points that run through your body. Link按太阳穴轮刮眼眶: This exercise is to help relax your mind and is a bit of a running joke in China. It’s part of a set of exercises that is taught to children and done sometimes in schools before/after classes for students (in some schools, in the morning as well)开元穴: Another acupuncture point located on your lower stomach. In Chinese acupuncture, pressing this point is said to relieve swelling around that area.肝肠寸断: Idiom – lit. livers and guts will be broken into pieces. Fig. is broken hearted.
In SQL and QSY’s case, QSY is probably ambiguously teasing SQL by meaning both, while SQL takes it literally.玉石俱焚: Idiom – lit. ‘To burn both jade and common stone’, means ‘to destroy both good and bad alike’