Chapter 857: Chapter 856: Some Rejoice, Others Grieve
The so-called âwomen dress for those who please them,â and Madam Zhou is no exception. After a crying scene, she cleaned her face, reapplied some face powder, and even asked Qiu Xiang to put on some makeup for her.
Qiu Xiangâs smile froze slightly, but she still followed Madam Zhouâs instructions, applied makeup, restyled her hair, inserted a few pieces of jewelry, and changed into a new dress. Wu Lihong was sitting in the outer hall drinking tea and, upon hearing the tinkling of ornaments, he involuntarily looked up. His gaze fixed on her, his eyes turned fiery.
Compared to the simple and delicate appearance he saw under the peach blossoms that morning, the newly dressed-up Madam Zhou now exuded charm and grace, dignified and gentle, with smiling eyes.
Faced with Wu Lihongâs fiery gaze, Madam Zhou unusually felt a bit shy and slightly lowered her head.
"You may leave!" Wu Lihong stood up and took Qiu Xiangâs hand, waving away the bothersome presence of Qiu Xiang.
Qiu Xiang bowed respectfully, took two steps back, and then exited.
"Mei Niang, you, you are truly beautiful." Wu Lihong sized her up and down and said, "This outfit really suits you."
Madam Zhou heard this, and her face turned pink like the peach blossoms outside the window. She playfully said, "Whatâs beautiful about it? Iâm not young anymore."
"No, not old at all, very beautiful." Wu Lihong rubbed her hand, feeling a tingling sensation in his heart.
These words were not to flatter Madam Zhou but came from genuine feelings.
Madam Zhou was not extraordinarily beautiful, but she had good skin. The tough days of the past year had honed her well; without disputes, her days were comfortable, making her appear naturally younger.
But within the Wu Family, Wu Lihongâs concubines, there were those more beautiful, charming, and young; yet they were confined to the back residence, constantly embroiled in conflicts and schemes, how could their days be peaceful? They always had a kind of menacing look.
Just like his first wife, once a captivating person, now even she has become somewhat twisted.
And Madam Zhou was his sweetheart from youth, not seen for many years, the reunion stirred emotions and her current appearance captivated him.
The saying goes that domestic flowers are less fragrant than wild ones, that a wife is less than a concubine and a concubine less than a secret affair. Faced with Madam Zhouâs gentle beauty, Wu Lihongâs inherently manly lust ignited fiercely.
"Mr. Wu, where have you been all these years? And now..." Madam Zhou sweetly leaned against him for a while before asking about his circumstances.
Wu Lihongâs smile turned stiff but then unfolded, saying, "I am now the Minister of Rites in the imperial court. This time I came back because I was ordered to prepare the Empress Dowagerâs birthday gifts."
"Youâre an official now?" Madam Zhou was greatly shocked, but her heart was full of joy.
"Yes."
"Mr. Wu, thatâs wonderful. Youâve become an official!" Madam Zhou said excitedly, "I just knew you would be outstanding."
Wu Lihong smiled, feeling quite proud, "Thatâs right."
Seeing the worship in Madam Zhouâs eyes, Wu Lihongâs vanity was further satisfied.
Madam Zhou indeed admired him. She liked scholars, especially since this one in front of her was the man sheâs adored for half her life. He achieved success, isnât it a blessing for her and her daughter?
From now on, they need not fear having no support.
"Mei Niang, we havenât seen each other for years, letâs take a walk. That Peach Grove we just saw was beautiful." Wu Lihong stood up.
Madam Zhou could not refuse, and very willingly held his arm as they went out.
In another Floral Hall, eyes watched as the two walked hand in hand, their well-matched appearance stirring joy in some and sorrow in others.
The one joyful, of course, was Zhou Xuennian; the more Wu Lihong was enamored with Zhou Yingmei, the more advantageous it was for him.
The one who was worried, naturally, was Fu Gui. He never imagined the young girl from years ago would transform into such an alluring woman, and seeing the masterâs demeanor, he surely wouldnât give up. What chaos would ensue at home? Oh, worry!