In ancient times, the powerful and wealthy seized power step by step.

Zhu Qingyu was overwhelmed with mixed feelings when Zhang Ruohua held her hand.

That little girl who only loved eating, drinking, and looking pretty has really grown up.

She clearly didn't say anything explicitly, but Zhang Ruohua was so perceptive that she understood everything immediately.

Zhu Qingyu took Zhang Ruohua's hand and led her to the trunk, saying:

"Third sister, the Emperor has issued an edict ordering your second brother to raise funds to build Huiyi Temple. We can't go back yet. Going back before we've raised enough money would be disobeying the imperial decree. Don't worry, I'm just going out for a short while, and I won't be going out again. Perfect timing, come here and help me with my hair. I'm really not good at doing these things, and it's giving me a terrible headache."

Given that Gu Zhao had twice criticized her attire in person, Zhu Qingyu, as a responsible client, felt that she should at least tidy herself up and change into the brocade he had specifically mentioned, along with Zhang Ruohua's ornate aesthetic, to express her sincerity, lest she go to the appointment looking disheveled and anger him again.

The Emperor ordered Zhang Shen to raise funds to build Huiyi Temple. The question of how much money was needed to meet the quota was determined by the Ministry of Revenue, which was in charge of the matter, or rather, by Gu Zhao.

Whether he tightens his grip or loosens it, he holds the Zhang family's lifeline in his hands.

Therefore, Zhu Qingyu still hopes that the two of them can have a peaceful and dignified ending, which would be better for everyone.

Zhu Qingyu casually took out a set of brocade clothes from the trunk and changed, then sat down at the dressing table and beckoned to Zhang Ruohua:

"Third sister, come help me, just do something quick, anything will do."

Doing these things was Zhang Ruohua's daily routine. What she liked most was to spend time in the house, whether she had something to do or not, matching pretty clothes with pretty jewelry. She never got tired of it and could play with it from morning to night.

Dressing up her beautiful sister-in-law used to be one of her hobbies. Every time she dressed up Zhu Qingyu, the little girl would get very excited and chatter away around her.

But today, Zhang Ruohua didn't say a word from beginning to end. She came over with her lips bitten and silently combed her hair, put on jewelry, drew her eyebrows, and applied makeup.

Zhang Ruohua's aesthetic preference leans towards bright and vibrant styles.

Under her skillful touch, Zhu Qingyu saw herself in the mirror, and even her facial features seemed clearer.

Zhu Qingyu hesitated for a moment:

"Third sister, didn't you draw me too beautifully? How about making it more casual?"

It's just to show my sincerity; that's enough. It proves that I've dressed up for you, so there's no need to make it so elaborate.

Zhang Ruohua finally spoke:

"It's because my sister-in-law is beautiful, not because of my drawing. I haven't even done anything yet."

Alright, maybe Zhang Ruohua's skills have improved again. Let's leave it at that for now.

As the two were talking, Wang's mother ran over to announce:

"Madam, someone is looking for you outside."

Zhu Qingyu stood up:

"Okay, I understand."

Before leaving, Zhu Qingyu went to see Zhang Shen and touched his forehead.

The medicine he took at noon has worked, and his high fever has subsided somewhat. If all goes well, he should wake up tomorrow.

If she had returned early enough, perhaps even earlier than Zhang Shen had woken up, then he wouldn't have known she had gone out unless he specifically asked.

Although he would find out sooner or later, the difference between hearing it from others and witnessing it firsthand, and the resulting psychological impact, was still significant.

After he and Gu Zhao cut off all contact, he would no longer have the opportunity to witness it firsthand.

At Shenshi (3-5 PM), while Master Zhang was unconscious on his sickbed, Madam Zhang stepped out of the house.

An inconspicuous carriage was parked at the entrance, and the driver, as expected, was Xiong Kun.

Xiong Kun jumped down from the carriage, pulled the curtain closed for her, and called out:

"Please, Madam Zhu."

At this hour, Gu Zhao should theoretically still be in the cabinet, but when Zhu Qingyu got into the carriage, she was surprised to find Gu Zhao sitting inside, still wearing his court robes.

Zhu Qingyu was somewhat surprised:

"Lord Gu, are you leaving work so early today?"

Logically speaking, tomorrow is the day off, and today is the day to be on duty. Could it be that Lord Gu left early?

It was a very simple question, just like asking if you've eaten today, but for some reason, Gu Zhao kept staring at her without saying a word for a long time.

Zhu Qingyu hesitated and said:

"Or is it that Lord Gu needs to go back to his duty and needs to reschedule...?"

Before he could finish speaking, Gu Zhao suddenly stood up. Taking advantage of his height, long legs, and long arms, he reached out and grabbed Zhu Qingyu's hand that was resting on the curtain. Like a beast hunting its prey, he dragged her inside.

The sound of hairpins and ornaments falling to the ground reached Zhu Qingyu's ears. Suddenly, everything went dark, the world spun around her, and her head hit the carriage wall. Gu Zhao was already biting her lips and kissing her.

Too sudden, too unprepared, and Gu Zhao's kiss was too fierce, Zhu Qingyu was a little breathless for a moment, and put her hand on Gu Zhao's chest, trying to push him away.

Gu Zhao held her down to prevent her from moving, and kissed her forcefully for a while before asking breathlessly in her ear:

"Zhu Qingyu, do you want to break the contract?"

Zhu Qingyu finally caught her breath:

No, you.

Gu Zhao didn't give her a chance to speak at all. After getting an excuse, he dragged her onto his lap, held her firmly, cupped her face, pried open her teeth, and began to conquer her again.

This time, Zhu Qingyu was prepared. In his arms, she opened her mouth slightly and let him do whatever he wanted, being very docile.

Even so, Lord Gu was still not satisfied:

"Zhu Qingyu, you said you'd treat me like a husband this time, don't go back on your word! Was this how you treated him too? I can get him out, and I can send him back in, don't try to fool me. I want you to respond to me, from now on, respond to me, call me husband."

Zhu Qingyu didn't really understand why Gu Zhao had to specifically mention Zhang Shen at this time.

But he did make a request; he only wanted her to take the initiative, not to be a black sheep in a colorful way. She was a qualified second party and could do it.

Zhu Qingyu hugged Gu Zhao's neck, leaned in, kissed the corner of his mouth, and said:

"My husband."

With just this little bit of proactive touching and a soft murmur, Gu Zhao lost control and chased after her, kissing her again.

In the cramped, sealed space of the carriage, their breaths mingled intimately, their lips locked in a passionate embrace.

Outside the carriage window, the sound of the horse-drawn carriage speeding by drowned out everything else.

The snow started falling again on the day of Lidong (the beginning of winter), and it fell heavier and heavier.

The night is still long here.