Chapter 151: Peace in the Cheng Residence
Inside the Cheng residence, in a quiet bedroom, Cheng Yishi gently held her younger sister, wiping away her tears.
Cheng Qingyu had been crying for a long time. Finally, she choked back a sob, her head bowed in shame. “It’s my fault… I shouldn’t have said those things to you, Sister. I’m so ashamed.”
“You were wrong, and your words hurt me deeply.”
Cheng Yishi took a deep breath and said softly, “But I understand that you were influenced by that foul energy, your mind clouded. As your elder sister, I forgive you. Don’t ever think about harming yourself again.”
Cheng Qingyu’s heart ached, and tears welled up in her eyes again.
She felt so guilty…
She knew how hard her sister had been working these past few days.
She had always admired and respected her sister’s diligence and dedication, seeing her busy figure and serious expression.
Managing such a large household and handling complex business matters was no easy feat for a woman. Just a glimpse of the account books made her head spin and her eyelids droop. She realized how much effort her usually quiet and reserved sister had been putting in.
Her hard work and sacrifices were unknown to most.
And the pain and sorrow hidden behind her gentle smile…
She could never forget the empty and heartbroken look on her sister’s face at their father and Xinyin’s funeral. She had wanted to comfort her, to offer her a hug.
But now, she had…
“Sis… ter…”
Cheng Qingyu gasped, her face stained with tears, and drifted off to sleep.
Cheng Yishi continued to stroke her sister’s face, her eyes downcast, her expression unreadable.
…
As night fell, the Cheng residence was illuminated by lanterns.
Lin Tianlu returned from the bamboo grove and followed a maid’s directions to the bedroom. He saw Cheng Yishi emerging from behind a screen, dressed in clean clothes.
“Miss Cheng, how is your sister?”
“She’s asleep. She should calm down after a while.”
Cheng Yishi removed the jade hairpin from her hair, letting it cascade down her shoulders. She blinked her beautiful eyes. “You suddenly disappeared earlier, Sir. Did you find anything?”
“I followed the lead and found a strange old man.”
Lin Tianlu said in a deep voice, “Although I defeated him, I don’t know what faction he belongs to. I couldn’t eliminate him completely.”
“Don’t worry, Sir. After encountering you, he won’t dare to act recklessly again.”
She smiled apologetically. “You just returned from your trip, Sir, and I haven’t even had a chance to greet you properly. I’ve made you run around so much…”
“There’s no need for apologies.” Lin Tianlu sighed softly and gently stroked her hair. “You’ve lost weight, Miss Cheng.”
Cheng Yishi tried to maintain her composure, but seeing the concern in his eyes, she bit her lip and leaned against him, closing her eyes. “Let me… rest for a while.”
…
A while later…
They were embracing on the bed. Cheng Yishi’s color had returned, and she looked at him with a playful smile. “I should have known that you and Madam Mao wouldn’t be able to resist each other during your trip.”
While they were whispering sweet nothings, Lin Tianlu had told her about their journey and the events that had transpired in Jianggai County.
Lin Tianlu’s face was filled with guilt. “Miss Cheng, I’m truly sorry about…”
“Sigh~ It’s already happened. There’s no need to dwell on it.”
Cheng Yishi smiled easily. “Madam Mao and I have already discussed this. Although we’re not exactly close, I’m willing to accept her, even if it’s just for your sake. She’s gentle and kind, and it’s better than having constant arguments in the future.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled. “So you two have already talked about this?”
No wonder they both said the same thing.
“Women are sensitive about these matters, Sir. Do you expect us to discuss our private affairs so openly in front of you?”
Cheng Yishi glared at him playfully. “Even if I don’t mind, Madam Mao would be mortified.”
“My apologies.” Lin Tianlu tightened his embrace. “I didn’t know you two were already taking care of each other.”
“…There’s no need to be so gentle and apologetic.”
Cheng Yishi’s expression softened, her eyes warm as she caressed his face. “Although your words were brief, I understand the urgency of the situation. I’m just glad that you and Madam Mao returned safely. But—”
Her smile turned suggestive. “How was Madam Mao? Did you enjoy yourself?”
“Cough, cough! Miss Cheng, you…”
“As women, we can’t help but be a little competitive~”
Cheng Yishi traced circles on his chest with her finger, her voice seductive. “Tell me, Sir, so I can know what it’s like to be with her.”
Lin Tianlu felt a headache coming on. He chuckled awkwardly. “There’s no need to compare, Miss Cheng.”
“Hmph~ You’ve become quite smooth-tongued, Sir.”
Although Cheng Yishi was teasing him, her smile was genuine.
Her eyes flickered, then her expression turned serious. She patted his chest gently. “Alright, I’m feeling much better now. You should take care of the remaining matters, Sir, and restore peace to Changling. I’ll visit you later tonight.
And as for that fox woman, Yun Yue, I’m looking forward to meeting her.”
Lin Tianlu smiled and stroked her cheek. “You’ll be surprised when you meet her.”
“Then I’ll be waiting with anticipation.”
Cheng Yishi’s eyes sparkled, and she leaned forward and kissed him lightly, her face flushing slightly. “Go now.”
“Alright.”
Lin Tianlu didn’t linger. He released her and quickly left the room.
But as he opened the door, he saw the familiar maid standing outside, her eyes wide and curious.
“Don’t mind me, Sir. I was just waiting outside.”
“Why are you…”
“Hmm? Is it over already?”
The maid blinked, then bowed respectfully. “I’m here to help the Eldest Miss bathe and change.”
Her words seemed to have a double meaning.
Lin Tianlu was about to nod and leave when he heard a soft murmur from behind him. “Why did Master leave so quickly? Could it be that the Eldest Miss was too exhausted from his… attentions?”
“Ahem!”
“Ah… Have a safe trip, Sir.”
The maid quickly bowed again, her expression unchanged.
This girl could truly say the most shocking things with a straight face.
Lin Tianlu chuckled and glanced at her. He saw Cheng Yishi emerging from the room, her face flushed as she playfully pinched the maid’s cheeks. Satisfied, he left the Cheng residence.
…
After he was gone, the maid rubbed her cheek and whispered, “Eldest Miss, are you really okay with that Madam Mao…”
“She’s a good woman, a good wife. She’s much better than me at being gentle and caring.”
Cheng Yishi’s expression softened. “I’m relieved that she’s taking care of Sir.”
“But Eldest Miss…”
“Don’t gossip. I had a long talk with Madam Mao. Although we have different personalities, she’s… quite likeable.” Cheng Yishi chuckled. “Besides, I don’t want to be known as a jealous woman. If she can be so tolerant, I won’t lose to her.”
The maid nodded, pretending to understand.
Then she murmured, “That’s good. Otherwise, Eldest Miss, you might be… exhausted by Master one day. It would be a pitiful sight to see you crying and begging for mercy. It’s good to share the burden.”
Cheng Yishi: “…”
Her face flushed with embarrassment, and her lips twitched. “You cheeky girl!”
Seeing her raise her hand, the maid quickly covered her backside and ran away, hiding around a corner. She peeked out and said, “You’re just trying to get rid of me after using me, Eldest Miss! I even taught you all those techniques…”
“S-stop it! I won’t hit you!”
“Mm, you’re so kind, Eldest Miss.”
“You… I’ve spoiled you too much.”
Cheng Yishi sighed, adjusting her clothes. She glanced around the courtyard. “How is the situation at home?”
“Everything is peaceful. No one asked about what happened today. We managed to keep it quiet.”
“Tell Yuqing and Xiudan that they can go out tomorrow.” Cheng Yishi said softly. “It’s been hard on them, being stuck at home these past few days. Give them some spending money and buy them some jewelry as compensation.”
The maid blinked. “Eldest Miss, you… have never been so kind to your sisters before.”
“We’re still sisters. I’ve been too cold to them.”
Cheng Yishi turned and walked away. “Go and tell them.”
“Mm.”
The maid stood there, watching her leave, her heart filled with warmth and joy.
The Eldest Miss was finally emerging from the shadow of their broken family.
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