Wei and Jin did not submit to Zhou

Chapter 28 I Don't Care

On the return journey, Shi Shouxin took the Zhiguan Pass and then crossed the river at Mengjin to Luoyang. As he boarded the boat, his hand never left the hilt of his sword.

This frightened the boatman so much that he dared not look back the whole way. He rowed the boat to the other side with trepidation. After Shi Shouxin and the other two got off the boat, he held the five-zhu coins in his hand and felt as if he had been through a lifetime. He sighed that he had been spared.

After the boatman left, Shi Shouxin stared blankly at the Mengjin ferry crossing for a long time without leaving.

"My lord, Luoyang is not far to the south, why did we stop?"

"The greyhound asked in a low voice."

Xu Ying, dressed in a cloth robe and disguised as a man, also looked at Shi Shouxin. Although she didn't speak, the question she wanted to ask was the same as Xi Gou's.

Throughout their journey, Shi Shouxin took excellent care of her without ever straying from her affections, which saddened Xu Ying, making her regret her past mistake in choosing the wrong man. If her ex-husband, Lü An, had possessed even half of Shi Shouxin's responsibility and wisdom, how could she have ended up in this predicament?
Xu Ying had been hoping all along that Shi Shouxin would hold her in his arms at night, and then she would offer him a kiss. She was sure that the two of them would become more and more addicted to kissing, and eventually they would do *that*.

After returning to Luoyang, she would follow Shi Shouxin and be his concubine, which would be quite nice.

Unexpectedly, Shi Shouxin deliberately kept his distance from her. Even the servant Xigou couldn't stand it anymore and repeatedly advised Shi Shouxin not to waste the opportunity and not to hesitate when he should take action!

Xu Ying felt that she had already hinted very clearly, implying in her words and actions that it would be fine for her to become Shi Shouxin's concubine, and that everything would be arranged by her.

"At Mengjin Ferry, the passengers on the ferry are afraid, and the boatmen who row the boat are also afraid. If the wind is high and the waves are rough, a whole boatload of people will die. If only a bridge could be built here."

Shi Shouxin crossed his arms and said with some emotion.

“My lord, the river at Mengjin Ferry is so wide that it would be easy to build a pontoon bridge, but there are grain transport boats upstream, so the pontoon bridge cannot last long.”

If it were a regular bridge, it would be difficult to drive wooden piles into the middle of the river for support.

The greyhound asked curiously.

He followed Shi Shouxin as an "apprentice" for two years, and could be considered a semi-engineering expert. The most difficult part of building the bridge at Mengjin Ferry was how to lay the foundation for the bridge piers in the middle of the Yellow River!
Once this problem is solved, everything else is no big deal!
Xu Ying secretly glanced at Shi Shouxin, and was overwhelmed by his magnanimity. Her heart was pounding, and she was already somewhat flustered.

This is a true great man!

"Alright, let's go home first. When I see Yang Gong, I'll talk to him about building the Mengjin Bridge. If it can be done, it will make things much easier for the people on both sides of the strait."

Shi Shouxin sighed and turned to leave.

Xu Ying quietly pulled Xi Gou aside and asked in a low voice, "What kind of person is Ah Lang's wife?"

The greyhound looked her up and down, then muttered under his breath, "The First Madam is so kind. Many people felt it was a pity that she married down back then. Ah Lang is grateful for the First Madam's kindness, and the two are so close that they even share clothes. Don't overthink it; it's not your place to think about that."

Hearing this, Xu Ying felt a bitter taste in her mouth and fell silent. What else could she possibly think of? Shi Shouxin's father-in-law was the Censor-in-Chief!

Seemingly hearing the greyhound grumbling, Shi Shouxin turned and roared at the servant, "Other people's servants are all leading the way, but what are you doing muttering behind them? Come and lead the horse!"

The greyhound hurriedly stepped forward, not daring to say a word. Shi Shouxin waited for Xu Ying to come up and said to her, "You've got blisters on your feet these days. Get on your horse, we'll be in Luoyang soon."

Shi Shouxin crossed his hands, indicating to Xu Ying to step on them and mount the horse.

"I am not used to riding a horse, please help me lift me up."

Xu Ying said softly, a sly glint in her eyes.

Left with no other choice, Shi Shouxin lifted Xu Ying onto the horse by her plump, peach-like buttocks. Once on the horse, the young woman's cheeks were already flushed with embarrassment.

Some men are not only handsome and masculine, but also possess an irresistible personal charm.

Xu Ying wasn't sure if she had a chance, but if she did, she definitely wouldn't let it go. Having suffered a great loss once, she was determined to try this time, even if it meant becoming a concubine.

As evening fell, the group finally returned to their home on the outskirts of Luoyang. The greyhound ran and shouted, as if afraid others wouldn't know Shi Shouxin had returned home.

Li Wan, still wearing her apron, rushed out of the courtyard. She didn't see Xu Ying riding on horseback at all; upon seeing her, she jumped onto Shi Shouxin, and the two hugged and spun around for a long time.

"Look at my husband, has he lost weight? He's so tanned, you little hound, you must have been slacking off! Didn't I tell you to take good care of him?"

Li Wan, hands on her hips, pointed at the thin dog, only then noticing that there was a woman sitting on the horse that Shi Shouxin was leading!
"Eh?"

The smile on Li Wan's face gradually disappeared, but Shi Shouxin stepped forward, pinched her cheek, and whispered, "I was almost killed on the way back this time. Let's go inside and talk about it. This lady on horseback will stay tonight, and I'll take her to see Master Yang tomorrow."

Upon hearing this, Li Wan immediately turned from worry to joy, and took Shi Shouxin's hand as she ran into the bedroom.

Xu Ying skillfully dismounted, seemingly effortlessly mounting and dismounting on her own.

Watching the two of them walk away happily, she seemed to understand why Shi Shouxin hadn't touched her on those lonely nights.

After dismissing the servants, Shi Shouxin, along with Xu Ying and Li Wan, sat down at the dining table in the main hall of the house.

"Besides Ji Kang, another person I sent the recruitment documents this time was named Lü Xun."

This Xu Ying, Madam Xu, was Lü Xun's sister-in-law. Well, she used to be, but not anymore.

To please me, Lü Xun drugged Xu Ying and brought her to my bedroom, asking if I would like to have sex with her.

I was worried that Lü Xun would harm me, and I was also afraid that Xu Ying would be violated by him, so I pretended to be nice, and then…”

Shi Shouxin recounted everything in detail, like beans spilling from a bamboo tube. Li Wan stared wide-eyed, her face filled with disbelief.

In her mind, Sima Yan, who was like a fly buzzing around, was annoying enough. But compared to Lü Xun, Sima Yan was a person of high moral character.

At least back then, Sima Yan was just playing around, peeping at people bathing and such. If Sima Yan were truly shameless and used despicable means to get Li Wan into bed, it wouldn't have been difficult for him.

“Lady Li, everything my benefactor said is true. I have been divorced and have no face to go home. Fortunately, my benefactor has saved me.”

I would gladly serve as a slave or maid.

Xu Ying pleaded in a low voice.

The words were already quite explicit, and Li Wan wasn't stupid. She sighed and said, "Then you can stay at home and become my husband's concubine. I get quite bored at home alone, and it would be good to have someone to chat with."

It was fate that they met, and Li Wan wasn't unreasonable. Unless a man in office was infertile, which family wouldn't take a concubine?
Even if it's just for the sake of continuing the family line, taking a concubine is still necessary.

She is the only legal wife in the family now, with no concubines. If word gets out, outsiders will gossip about her.

"You're deciding for me whether or not I should take a concubine?"

Shi Shouxin stared blankly at Li Wan and questioned her.

"Well, I'm not against it, what more does Ah Lang want? Isn't it good to have another person in the family?"

Li Wan complained with a wronged expression.

"You're overthinking it."

Shi Shouxin waved his hand and looked at Xu Ying seriously, saying, "I promised to make proper arrangements for you, but proper arrangements do not mean taking you as a concubine. Tomorrow you will come with me to the Yang family, and there will be arrangements there."

"I will obey my benefactor's orders."

Xu Ying said in a low voice, inwardly groaning.

What kind of situation is this? The wife has agreed, but the husband doesn't!

But there was nothing she could do.

The more Shi Shouxin acted this way, the more she felt she couldn't live without him; otherwise, who else could she trust?

This feeling of wanting but not getting has almost driven her crazy along the way.

Xu Ying was practically naked in bed with Diamond Keeper now, confident that her great husband had long understood her intentions.

He deliberately pretends to be stupid!

It's hateful! Everyone wants good things. I hate it! I hate it so much!
"You'll stay in the guest room tonight. There's no strange person in the house, so you don't need to worry about what happened at the Lü family's place."

Shi Shouxin looked at Xu Ying and spoke gently.

……

The next morning, Shi Shouxin, feeling refreshed, noticed that Xu Ying had dark circles under her eyes and asked with some confusion, "Did Madam Xu not sleep well last night? The bed at home should be quite comfortable."

"After a long journey, the sudden comfort feels a bit strange."

Xu Ying chuckled awkwardly.

Last night, Shi Shouxin and Li Wan made love by torchlight in their bedroom. This man, who was "serious" in front of Xu Ying, became a different person when he saw his beloved wife. During their lovemaking, he even said that he couldn't see his wife's beauty when the lights were off.

The two were making love in bed with such passion that they were practically burning the house down!

Xu Ying peeked out the window for a long time before realizing that the so-called man who could remain unmoved by a woman's advances did not exist.

Far from being dull, Shi Shouxin was exceptionally skilled in sexual matters, displaying a variety of techniques that broadened Xu Ying's horizons. However, the fact that Shi Shouxin only avoided sexual relations with an "outsider" like himself didn't mean he wasn't satisfied with his sex life with his wife.

"Where is Madam Li?"

Xu Ying asked deliberately. Shi Shouxin waved his hand gently and said, "She's a little tired, she'll be fine if she sleeps a little longer."

Yes, how could I not be tired? I feel tired just watching from outside.

Xu Ying inwardly scoffed, quite envious of Li Wan. She obediently followed Shi Shouxin, and the two entered Luoyang City. Xu Ying looked around; this was her first time in Luoyang, and the first time she had ever seen such a large city.

Upon arriving at Yang Hu's residence, they found him practicing swordsmanship in the courtyard. He had no official business to attend to today and didn't need to go to the Imperial Household Department at all.

Upon seeing Shi Shouxin arrive with a charming young woman, Yang Hu quickly pulled him to his side.

"I dare say so. I do have a wife, but she is from the Xiahou clan. My father-in-law offended the Sima clan when he fled to Shu, so I cannot let her come to Luoyang. I don't want the General to have any bad thoughts."

I, Yang, have no interest in women. This young lady is beautiful; you can take her as a concubine yourself. As long as Lady Li agrees, no one will say anything.

It would be really inappropriate for Yang to keep a mistress here. Whether you give her to me or she stays here as your mistress, it's not good.”

Yang Hu thought that Shi Shouxin was afraid to take a concubine but also reluctant to part with her, so he placed the beautiful woman with him for convenience. However, this kind of thing could not be done. He was very familiar with Li Yin and Shi Shouxin and his wife. They would see each other all the time. If the matter were exposed, everyone would be in deep trouble.

“Master Yang, it’s not like that. This is a long story. I wanted to let this woman meet your elder sister and see if she could take her in.”

Shi Shouxin lowered his voice, trying his best not to let Xu Ying hear him.

Yang Hu suddenly realized something and nodded thoughtfully. In fact, Yang Hu also felt that the maidservant next to his sister Yang Huiyu was indeed a bit vulgar.

He's fine with getting things done, but he completely doesn't understand the stuff about "cultured people."

The beauty before me, judging from her demeanor, clearly comes from an official family; she would be more than qualified to be his sister's maid, grinding ink and copying books.

"My elder sister has gone to the General's mansion and may not be back for a while."

Yang Hu said thoughtfully, "It seems that Yang Huiyu had something to discuss with Sima Zhao today, and left the residence early this morning."

The three chatted and played cards at the same time. It was the "Three Kingdoms Cards" that Shi Shouxin came up with. There were fifty-four cards in total. The rules were similar to those of Dou Dizhu (a popular Chinese card game).

Xu Ying was very smart; she understood the rules after hearing them only once, and afterwards, the three of them fought back and forth.

This made Yang Hu look at her with newfound respect.

In Yang Hu's mind, Shi Shouxin was also an extremely intelligent person. Xu Ying's ability to win at cards showed that this woman was not stupid.

Before long, Yang Huiyu returned, fuming.

Today she went to the General's Mansion to persuade Sima Zhao not to let Zhong Hui lead the troops in this campaign against Shu.

After much persuasion, Sima Zhao only said one thing: "Sister-in-law, you've actually come to advise me too? Hundreds of people have already tried before you. But the only person who truly supports my campaign against Shu and is of sufficient standing is Zhong Hui! Who else should I choose?"
Yang Huiyu was speechless. She could persuade Zhong Hui not to lead the troops, but recommending someone else would likely arouse Sima Zhao's suspicion.

Some things cannot be said, and some suggestions cannot be made, so Yang Huiyu left after giving a few perfunctory replies.

"Oh, you're back from your trip to Hedong? Absence makes the heart grow fonder, why aren't you at home with your wife? What brings you here?"

Yang Huiyu glanced at Shi Shouxin, a fleeting look of joy crossing her face.

But the words he spoke were sarcastic and somewhat bitter.

“Sister, Shi Gandang has something to ask of us. This is not the place to talk. Let’s go to the study to discuss it.”

Yang Hu suggested in a low voice, feeling that his older sister's words were a bit impolite. Shi Shouxin hadn't done anything to her, so why did she have to be sarcastic the moment they met?

"Alright, the General is really going to drive me crazy today."

Yang Huiyu complained, and the group went to the study in Yang Hu's residence.

She glanced at the charming Xu Ying, then at the indifferent Shi Shouxin, completely bewildered by what was going on.

"You're not thinking of taking a concubine, and your wife disagrees, so you've come here to ask someone to mediate, are you?"

Yang Huiyu asked with a strange expression and a flippant tone, a hint of inexplicable anger in her heart.

"No, the thing is this."

Shi Shouxin recounted everything that had happened at Lü Xun's house to Yang Hu and Yang Huiyu. After he finished speaking, the two looked at Xu Ying with expressions of disbelief on their faces.

Such despicable and vile things are usually just rumors in the underworld; this is the first time they have heard of someone they know experiencing something like this.

Is everything Shi Gandang said true?

Yang Huiyu's face was ashen as he looked at Xu Ying and asked.

As the saying goes, "One's environment shapes one's temperament and upbringing," and as Sima Shi's second wife, and someone who could offer advice to Sima Zhao, Yang Huiyu's aura was undeniable.

Xu Ying instantly felt the pressure. This woman was not as easy to talk to as Shi Shouxin's legal wife, Li Wan.

“Every word Shi Engong said is true. He is completely innocent and has never overstepped his bounds. He was even polite and courteous throughout the journey.”

Xu Ying stated this with absolute certainty.

She suddenly remembered the strange feeling she had when Shi Shou Trusted her to mount the horse yesterday, and her round buttocks were pressed down by his large hand. She couldn't help but blush.

“Madam Yu, this Madam Xu is very pitiful. She has been well-versed in poetry and literature since childhood and is skilled in writing and painting. If she were to serve you, she would surely do her best and be grateful.”

I hope you will take me in.

Shi Shouxin bowed to Yang Huiyu, his attitude extremely humble.

The address of "Yu Niangzi" filled Yang Huiyu with immense pride. She glanced at Xu Ying, then at Yang Hu, and asked the latter, "What does Uncle think?"

"This demonstrates a willingness to take full responsibility, which is excellent."

Moreover, I feel that this matter might encounter further complications, and it would be good for Madam Xu to have her elder sister's support.

Yang Hu nodded.

"Please step aside for a moment. I have a question to ask Shi Gandang before we decide."

Yang Huiyu gave instructions to Yang Hu.

Since she had said so, Yang Hu had no choice but to lead Xu Ying out of the study and wait outside.

After they had all left, Yang Huiyu asked, "This woman's affection for you is written all over her face. Why don't you take her as a concubine? The relationship started with you, so it should end with you. She practically wants to throw herself into your arms. Can't you see that?"

Yang Huiyu's words were remarkably insightful.

Xu Ying has only been someone's wife a handful of times; at heart, she's still a young woman, or even just a girl who loves to daydream.

A young woman's love and hate are written all over her face; they are hard to hide.

Yang Huiyu put herself in Xu Ying's shoes. If she were Xu Ying, and suddenly encountered such a change, she would probably fall head over heels in love with the man in front of her.

"I saw it coming a long time ago, but... I'm afraid this matter isn't over yet. If I take her as a concubine, wouldn't that confirm the Lü family's slander against me?"
If the Lü family uses this as leverage afterward, I will have no way to defend myself. I am not alone now; I have a wife and two children.

How can we not consider their safety?

Shi Shouxin said very seriously.

What can I say about you? You're a pretty quick-witted person, so why didn't you think of running away back then?

Yang Huiyu retorted with a stern face, her words carrying a hint of reproach. She seemed not yet satisfied and continued to press further:
“We can all testify for you. If the Lü family tries to slander you, they will definitely suffer the consequences.”

Are you worried that if you run away, Lü Xun will talk badly about you everywhere?

Fearing that Shi Shouxin wouldn't believe her, Yang Huiyu made a point of emphasizing it.

In reality, this slander was only meant to deceive his younger brother Lü An; outsiders wouldn't believe it.

Because to catch a thief red-handed, you need to catch them in the act of adultery! If you haven't caught them in the act, what's the point of being convincing?

"If I had left then, Madam Xu would have been killed, and she would have been raped and violated by Lü Xun without any chance of escape."

A true man stands tall and upright; how could he do something so cowardly? How can I leave without rescuing Madam Xu from the jaws of death?
As for what others think, I don't care; let them say what they want.

Shi Shouxin said confidently.

"Yes, that's how a real man should be."

"Then I'll keep Madam Xu. I do indeed need a maid who can write and paint."

Yang Huiyu nodded with a smile, seemingly in a much better mood, with a hint of barely perceptible smugness.

Shi Shouxin didn't know why the other party had become so cheerful, but this hurdle should be over.

He couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

(End of this chapter)