Wei and Jin did not submit to Zhou

Chapter 35 Wealth and Honors Do Not Return Home

In the kitchen of Yang Huiyu's courtyard, Shi Shouxin was cooking while wearing an apron. Released today, he didn't go home, but went directly to the villa where Yang Huiyu lived.

The recipes for cooking are readily available. When Shi Shouxin went to Hedong last time, he learned a few tricks from the cook at the post station, and now he can use them.

The fermented shortbread is baking in the oven, and the fish balls made from fish meat, after being half-cooked in hot water, are added to the carp soup, making another delicious dish.

In the courtyard, Yang Huiyu and Xu Ying were playing shuttlecock in high spirits. The two of them were like children, their faces full of carefree joy.

Soon, the food was ready and served. Shi Shouxin took off his apron and sat down, only to see Yang Huiyu staring at him incredulously.

"Well, the dishes are a bit simple. Madam Yu must have eaten all sorts of good things, so please bear with it."

My cooking skills are so-so, I'm not exactly proud of them.

Shi Shouxin chuckled, saying that he learned his cooking skills from Li Wan, who had been cooking since childhood and had never stopped.

"It's not that I'm disgusted, but I'm just amazed that you're now an official. I've never seen an official cook before."

Yang Huiyu sighed.

This meal was prepared by Shi Shouxin to thank her for speaking out and mediating the dispute. Yang Huiyu joked: Actually, Ji Kang should have come here to cook a meal.

However, that famous scholar from Cao Wei probably thought that Sima Zhao had released him out of pity.

Both Shi Shouxin and Yang Huiyu were behind-the-scenes figures who turned the tide, unknown to outsiders.

On the day Shi Shouxin was released from prison, he and Yang Huiyu had a meal together that they had cooked themselves. Both of them felt a secret joy, and their relationship grew much closer without them even realizing it.

“Zhong Hui has already aroused the suspicion of the Grand General, and he himself must be aware of this. Young Master Shi, be careful of Zhong Hui. It cannot be ruled out that he will take advantage of the campaign against Shu to rebel and become the second Zhuge Dan.”

As Yang Huiyu served food to Shi Shouxin, she spoke with a worried expression.

"This is both a danger and an opportunity. With my current ability to lead troops, going to conquer Shu would be tantamount to suicide. The only way to gain merit is through Zhong Hui. Without merit, I cannot obtain a higher official position. If I can only serve as a minor official, how can I protect you?"

I have often worried about this, and this is a good opportunity to break the deadlock.

Shi Shouxin held Yang Huiyu's small hand and sighed.

"Don't worry, my lord, I will secretly do my best to help you."

Yang Huiyu said excitedly.

Xu Ying, who was quietly observing from the side and considering herself a lucky charm, secretly sighed in her heart: "My benefactor is really good at flattering women. He has Yang Huiyu completely under his spell with just a few words. He is clearly asking for an official position, but he makes it sound like he would go through fire and water for Yang Huiyu."

Fortunately, Shi Shouxin was a good person; otherwise, with his assets, who knows how many women he would have ruined.

Throughout the meal, Shi Shouxin subtly complimented Yang Huiyu. In addition, the dishes were novel to Yang Huiyu, so she enjoyed the meal very much and even had a better appetite than usual.

After the meal, Yang Huiyu led Shi Shouxin to the study, where Xu Ying, knowing the situation, discreetly withdrew to wait outside. Naturally, Yang Huiyu's affairs couldn't be kept secret from her, his trusted confidante.

However, to repay the debt of gratitude, Xu Ying always covered for her.

She knew that Yang Huiyu would surely fall for him both physically and mentally today. If any other man had tried to "conquer" Yang Huiyu in this way, she, as his maid, would have spoken up to warn him not to be deceived by such a scumbag.

But that man was her savior, so Xu Ying chose to be happy about it.

Upon entering the study, Shi Shouxin respectfully prostrated himself before Yang Huiyu.

"Why are you being so polite today, my lord?"

Yang Huiyu was in a great mood and asked in return with a smile.

“I, Shi, can tell right from wrong. Lady Yu must have gone to great lengths this time. I have never taken Lady Yu’s help for granted. In the future, I will definitely go through fire and water for Lady Yu without hesitation.”

Shi Shouxin said in a deep voice.

Yang Huiyu sighed softly, nodded slightly, and looked at Shi Shouxin with eyes full of admiration and affection.

She was so enthusiastic, but thankfully she didn't entrust her life to an ungrateful wretch.

"Yu Niang, you are too kind-hearted."

Shi Shouxin took Yang Huiyu's hand and gently massaged it.

Seemingly sensing some emotion, Yang Huiyu slowly leaned into Shi Shouxin's arms, quietly closed her eyes, and let him hold her.

After a long while, Yang Huiyu finally left his embrace, lowering her head shyly like a young woman. The image of a strong and capable woman she had projected in front of Sima Zhao had vanished without a trace.

Shi Shouxin's warm and affectionate way of getting close to her was more about emotional resonance, which made Yang Huiyu deeply infatuated and unable to extricate herself.

Shi Shouxin secretly observed Yang Huiyu, whose expression was somewhat unnatural. Remembering that tomorrow would be the day he returned to the military camp and that he might not be able to go home again, he immediately made up his mind.

Ji Kang's experience served as a wake-up call for him. In this world where right and wrong are indistinguishable, only self-reliance can ensure self-preservation; everything else is meaningless.

Shi Shouxin spread a piece of paper on the table, and Yang Huiyu, understanding his intention, quietly ground ink beside him like a maid.

He picked up his pen and wrote on the paper: Autumn waters fill the autumn ponds, autumn grasses wither in autumn. Autumn people drink autumn wine, autumn birds sing autumn songs.

Yang Huiyu's face showed surprise, her gaze softened, and she slowly hugged Shi Shouxin's arm.

Shi Shouxin has improved his calligraphy to a presentable level in the past two years, but Yang Huiyu comes from a family with a long tradition of calligraphy and his calligraphy is much better than his. Yang Huiyu still finds Shi Shouxin's calligraphy to be poor.

Then the beautiful woman covered her mouth and laughed, "Your poetry is alright, but your handwriting is not presentable. Why don't I transcribe it for you now?"

"There's still half left to write."

Shi Shouxin waved his hand, signaling Yang Huiyu not to rush.

He continued writing on the paper: You were born before I was born, and I was born after you were old. You regret that I was born too late, and I regret that you were born too early.

Upon seeing these four lines, Yang Huiyu's eyes instantly welled up with tears.

"Yu Niang".

Shi Shouxin called out softly.

Unexpectedly, Yang Huiyu hugged him tightly and burst into tears, pounding his back as she cried.

Shi Shouxin was also saddened, saddened for Yang Huiyu, and saddened for himself. But what he had to do today could not be stopped.

He absolutely had to win this woman over!

“Yu Niang, you are such a good person, how could Sima Shi have the heart to hurt you back then?”

Shi Shouxin stroked Yang Huiyu's back and sighed.

Yang Huiyu didn't answer, but cried even harder. All the grievances she had held back for so many years poured out like a flood from a burst dam, overwhelming all reason.

After all these years, finally someone understands her!
"I've always been afraid of hurting you, afraid of starting something and then abandoning it. Because once you embark on this path, there's no turning back."

Shi Shouxin took out a handkerchief and wiped Yang Huiyu's face, his heart filled with helplessness and melancholy.

He thought to himself: Now that things have come to this, I might as well go all the way down this path. All the karmic debts will have to be repaid in the future. But that's a matter for the future.

Life is full of disappointments; all we can do is to have a clear conscience.

"It's too late to turn back now."

Yang Huiyu murmured to herself, now she was absolutely certain that Shi Shouxin had truly mistaken her for Li Wan during that absurd night.

The two locked eyes, and Yang Huiyu was about to untie her belt when Shi Shouxin stopped her.

"You are my woman, and only I can take off your clothes!" Shi Shouxin said domineeringly, looking at Yang Huiyu.

Whether it was because this beautiful widow was particularly susceptible to this kind of thing or not, a charming smile appeared on her face as she obediently lay down on the bed.

Soon, the loose-fitting ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) slipped to the ground, revealing her fair and lovely shoulders.

Then her body, like a pure white jade, was gradually revealed to Shi Shouxin without any reservations.

"Yu Niangzi, you are so beautiful."

Shi Shouxin said in a low voice, staring intently at the beauty on the bed.

He understood exactly what Yang Huiyu needed: someone she could completely trust and rely on, and a youthful, unrestrained, and free-spirited romance.

And, love between men and women!
If Yang Huiyu asks for one hundred, Shi Shouxin will give her two hundred! He will make this woman a part of his life!

It's greed, but also responsibility.

"My love, don't turn off the light. I want you to look at me carefully."

Yang Huiyu, panting, hugged Shi Shouxin and whispered in his ear, her voice gentle yet alluring.

……

As dusk approached, Xu Ying, who was waiting outside the door, still couldn't get Yang Huiyu to come out. She pressed her ear to the window...
Xu Ying wanted to peek through the window several times, but she managed to restrain herself. So she hid in the gatehouse, dozing off, fantasizing about how Shi Shouxin and Yang Huiyu were being intimate.

Half-asleep, with her eyes half-closed, Xu Ying didn't know how much time had passed when someone suddenly patted her shoulder. Startled awake, she took two steps back, only to find herself nestled in Shi Shouxin's arms.

"It's me, don't be nervous."

Shi Shouxin held her shoulders and smiled gently.

"Oh, it's my benefactor! I was terrified."

Xu Ying breathed a sigh of relief, then her face turned red.

"Okay, I'm going home now. I have to report to the military camp tomorrow."

Shi Shouxin nodded slightly and said.

Without hesitation, Xu Ying asked, "Where is Lady Yu?"

"She's tired and asleep now. I left her a letter and won't disturb her anymore."

Shi Shouxin seemed to remember something, smiled casually, and did not say what was on his mind.

Sleeping with Yang Huiyu was something he had planned all along. Even if this widow were an ugly duckling, let alone a stunningly beautiful woman, Shi Shouxin would still do what he "should" do.

Saving Ji Kang was a debt of gratitude he could never repay, so he had no choice but to be direct, taking his relationship with Yang Huiyu to the next level. The two developed a real romantic relationship, and to some extent, their trust surpassed that of ordinary friends.

What else could she do? Yang Huiyu paid a political price, and it's only natural that she hoped for a return.

"My benefactor, it's not that I'm saying Lady Yu is bad, but what's wrong with you and her like this... if things come to light, how will we handle it?"

Xu Ying looked at Shi Shouxin with great sincerity and asked with concern.

"This is the path we chose, and since we've embarked on this path, we must bear all the consequences."

"I'm a man, I'll definitely protect her."

Shi Shouxin did not refute or defend himself, but spoke frankly and frankly.

"My benefactor, you are truly a great man."

Xu Ying sincerely praised.

"To live a simple life in this world is to have a clear conscience. As for right and wrong, I have no right to comment."

What happened between me and Lady Yu was definitely wrong, but now that things have come to this point, there's no turning back.

Shi Shouxin waved his hand and said it very frankly.

Xu Ying nodded, wanting the other person to stay the night, but didn't know how to bring it up.

Seemingly having guessed her thoughts, Shi Shouxin smiled and said, "I will give you an explanation after these matters are settled."

explain?

Xu Ying was stunned, and it took her a while to come back to her senses. Then, a look of surprise and disbelief appeared on her face.

"My benefactor, is it true?"

Xu Ying thought she had misheard.

“My relationship with Lady Yu must never be known to outsiders, but you knew about it the whole time, and even participated in it.”

In the future, how could Lady Yu possibly tolerate you?
Only the dead can keep secrets; she just hasn't realized it yet. Once she does, her gaze towards you will be different, her thoughts will be different, and you will become a real nuisance.

But if you become my concubine, the situation will be different; this is a fundamental change.

If you die because of this, it will be because of me, and I cannot stand by and watch you die.

Shi Shouxin explained patiently.

Xu Ying turned pale with fright. She gripped Shi Shouxin's hands tightly, unable to utter a word for a long time, whether from excitement or fear.

“You should take good care of Lady Yu. She… is still a naive child. Otherwise, you would have died long ago.”

Shi Shouxin sighed.

This sounded absurd, but for some reason, Xu Ying felt that Shi Shouxin's words were spot on.

"My benefactor, you have such a kind heart."

I can see it too; Lady Yu is completely infatuated with you.

Whatever you want, if she has it, she will give it to you.

Meeting you is the greatest fortune of her life; if it were anyone else, she would likely have been doomed.

Xu Ying said softly, her tone filled with envy.

"She was mistreated by Sima Shi her whole life, living in constant fear and trembling."

If I have the ability, I will definitely give her what she wants.

She is a pitiful person, and if I can avoid hurting her, I will definitely not do anything to harm her.

Life is short, only a few decades. Who doesn't want to live a good life? As her man, you should do something for her.

Have the coachman take me home; there's a curfew outside, and I can't get back without a carriage.

My wife is still waiting for me at home.

Shi Shouxin gave instructions to Xu Ying.

Outside the gatehouse, Yang Huiyu stood by the window, quietly listening to Shi Shouxin and Xu Ying chatting. A sweet smile appeared on her lips, yet tears streamed down her face.

(End of this chapter)