“In that case, I will have to thank you.” Fu Rou wore a frigid smile. Sheng Chumu was the same as the people from the Lu family. She must be blind to develop feelings for someone like him.
Sheng Chumu was beside himself in joy. “You don’t have to thank me. I will be satisfied if you give me a kiss.”
“Okay, I will give…” A kiss? If this person isn’t a hedonist, what is he? Fu Rou raised her hand and slapped him. “I will give you a slap!”
Sheng Chumu was stunned, as a bout of anger rose within him. Fu Rou spat in anger, “You are shameless and despicable!”
“I am despicable?” Sheng Chumu has had enough. He had never been insulted like this before. “I have been so understanding and caring towards you, giving you whatever you want. But what have you done? Depending on your mood, you ignore me, scold me and even slap me! Do you think you are a princess? Even the Princess does not dare to slap me!”
Fu Rou yelled out furiously, “Leave! I don’t want to see you ever again!”
“Fine, I will leave! I won’t put up with a tigress like you!” Sheng Chumu spun around sharply and left.
Fu Rou’s eyes were red as tears flowed down her cheeks while she covered her face.
A few moments later, Fu Yin and Fu Tao ran over.
Fu Tao shouted, “Second Sister!”
Fu Yin continued, “Did something happen to Brother Chumu? He suddenly dashed off angrily with his luggage—”
Fu Rou forced herself to sound indifferent as she interrupted them, “I don’t wish to hear that name anymore. In the future, no one is allowed to mention anything about him in front of me.”
Fu Yin immediately fell silent.
Fu Tao frowned as his hands slowly curled into fists. He immediately sided with his sister. His second sister hardly cried, was hardly unreasonable and hardly disliked anyone so much. Therefore, it must be Sheng Chumu’s fault. When Sheng Chumu brought him to the brothel to drink, he should have thought of it then. Only someone experienced would behave so naturally. Looking at his brother-in-law and Sheng Chumu, he decided that no man in this world was reliable. He was going to train and protect his sisters by himself. See if anybody dares to bully them then!
Chapter 6.1: Pirates
In a blink of an eye, autumn had arrived.
No one in the Fu family knew exactly what had gone down between Fu Rou and Sheng Chumu but they did not dare to ask. The atmosphere in the entire residence was silent, like still water.
However, one day, Third Madam’s shriek caused the still water to start bubbling. Without bidding his farewells, Fu Tao had left a note saying that he had gone to join the army.
Ever since Third Madam handed over the accounts book, she had given up trying to step over Fu Rou. All she wished was for Fu Tao to take over the family’s business so that she could live a happy and prosperous life. Back then, when Fu Tao wanted to learn martial arts, she was already unhappy. Now, the news of him enlisting was enough to break her heart. Although the country was peaceful now, there was always trouble at the borders. With war, there would always be deaths.
Fu Rou came over as soon as she heard the news. She looked on indifferently as Third Madam kicked up a fuss. Third Madam suddenly glared at Fu Rou. “Tao’er has always listened to you. You must have instigated him!”
Although Fu Rou did not instigate Fu Tao to enlist, it was true that she already knew about this. Fu Tao had actually gone to bid farewell to her. “Men aspire to make their own mark. Brother Tao has his own goals and wishes to pursue them. It is not necessarily a bad thing for him to leave.” Though she wanted to stop him, she was not able to.
Third Madam grinded her teeth. “I knew it! I just knew it! You are hoping that Fu Tao will meet with misfortune! You evil demon!” As she said this, she pounced forward but was blocked by Ziyun.
Old Master Fu reprimanded her, “Third Young Master is old enough to make his own decisions. This has nothing to do with Rou’er. Stop making a fuss and leave!”
Third Madam was still indignant as she was escorted out of the main hall by Old Maid Chang. However, instead of heading back to her residence, she turned and hid behind a wall to eavesdrop.
Fu Rou remained expressionless as she reported to her parents, “The dye ingredients are about to be transported from Zhanzhou and I wish to head over personally to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Firstly, Uncle Song has fallen sick and will not be able to go. Secondly, this shipment is huge and any mistake will cause our family to suffer a huge loss.”
Second Madam was unwilling. “The conditions on board the ship are tough, and the seas are not safe. How can a girl like you travel so far away?”
First Madam had a different view. “When it comes to the business, Rou’er knows best. Moreover, our family frequently travels the same route from Guangzhou to Zhanzhou. There shouldn’t be any accidents.” She then added on a more serious note, “Second Madam, take it as a trip to allow Rou’er to take a breather.”
Second Madam came to a realisation. Ever since Sheng Chumu left, her daughter has been depressed and lost weight as a result. She had no choice but to agree.
Old Master Fu added, “Speaking of Zhanzhou, I heard that they have been recruiting men for their army. Maybe Third Young Master headed over there. Rou’er, do keep a lookout when you are there.”
Fu Rou agreed to his request.
Outside the hall, Third Madam heard everything and thought of a plan.
Under the scorching sun, amidst strong alcohol and horses, Chang'an had a completely different summer vibe from Guangzhou. It was bustling and flourishing.
The Duke Lu Residence was, however, silent. Something was not right.
The two brothers, Chuling and Chujun stuck their heads into Sheng Chumu’s room.
Sheng Chumu sat behind his desk with a book opened in front of him.
“Elder Brother, why are you reading <<Analects of Confucious>>?” As the middle child, Sheng Chuling was the best at sensing people’s emotions. “Something is wrong! Something is very wrong!”
“Second Brother, you don’t understand.” Sheng Chujun had the craftiness and intelligence of the youngest sibling. “He must be using the cover of <<Analects of Confucious>> to hide what he is actually reading – Hehe—Chungong drawings.”
Sheng Chuling’s eyes filled with respect. “Elder Brother, you are the smartest. Even if father is in front of you, there is nothing to fear. Why have I never thought of this before? I thought something happened to you on your last trip. You didn’t look excited when you went to the brothel and came back home without spending the night.”
Sheng Chujun rubbed his chin. “Not really. Didn’t you see? Elder Brother’s new image has got all the beauties head over heels for him. Second Brother, should we also work out?”
Sheng Chuling rolled up his sleeves. “Let’s go!”
The two brothers did not see the frantic expression in Sheng Chumu’s eyes nor how distracted and fidgety he was.
Meanwhile, Madam Sheng was discussing the change in her eldest son with Sheng Xiaojing. Sheng Chumu had been spending his days in his room studying. At this rate, he might even pass the Imperial examinations in the following year.
Sheng Xiaojing burst out in laughter as he called for Junhui. “I have been fooled by that lad for so many years. If I fall for his tricks again, I will be the biggest pig head in Chang'an.”
Madam Sheng was displeased. “When Chumu returned, didn’t Prince Han meet with him? Prince Han tested Chumu on the military tactics and even praised him for his huge improvement. There is no reason for Prince Han to help lie for him.”