On the evening of the second day, Xue Ling and Bi Liu arrived in front of a magnificent mansion.
Xue Ling knocked on the shiny brass door knocker. A small door opened and a middle-aged man poked his head out, "Who are you looking for?"
"Is this the Zhao Residence?" Xue Ling said coldly, "Does Miss Hong Xiu live here?"
"Madame?" The middle-aged man said, "Why are you looking for her?"
"We are her sisters. Please inform her," Xue Ling took out a visiting card from her sleeves and handed it over.
The gatekeeper took it and said, "Please wait for a moment," and closed the small door.
Xue Ling looked at the door and said, "This Field Officer Zhao seems to be very rich."
A field officer was a small official in the city who was responsible for arresting thieves. It was similar to the captain of the criminal police in the future. It was not a high position but not a low one. Logically, he would not have so much money to buy such a big mansion.
"He should be from a rich family," Bi Liu said.
The two of them discussed for a while and the door opened with a squeak. A graceful young woman in silk clothes stood at the door and looked at them with a smile. She came out and greeted them, "Sister Bi Liu, Sister Xue Ling."
Behind her, the four maids in colorful clothes followed her out and surrounded her.
Bi Liu and Xue Ling greeted and the young woman in silk clothes quickly helped them up. She smiled and said, "Come in and talk!"
She was beautiful and elegant. She was the former lady of the New Moon Brothel, Hong Xiu.
At this moment, she was full of joy and her smile was like a flower.
When she first entered the New Moon Brothel, her parents died and she had no relatives. She sold herself to bury her parents. The owner of the New Moon Brothel pitied her and took her in.
She usually felt lonely. She was envious of others who had parents and siblings. Suddenly, her companions from the New Moon Brothel came to visit her. She felt especially warm and happy.
The three of them entered the door and went around the screen. They passed through three moon doors from the side of the hall and came to the back garden.
The autumn wind was chilly and the chrysanthemums were blooming.
The three of them sat in the pagoda. There were maids brewing tea. They ate fruits and chatted happily.
"We should greet Madame first," Bi Liu smiled.
Hong Xiu waved her hand and smiled, "She went to uncle's house."
"Oh?" Liu was surprised, "Why did he leave?"
"Maybe you think I'm an eyesore." Hong Xiu smiled bitterly, "Who asked me to be so sinful and to end the Zhao Family's lineage?"
"It's not like your husband is the only one in the Zhao family." Liu said, "Isn't there still your uncle?"
"So, she went to live with First Uncle." Hong Xiu shook her head and said, "I am unfilial. It seems that I have driven away my mother-in-law."
"What about your husband?" Liu said, "He won't be angry with you too, right?"
"He —?" Hong Xiu smiled, "He is fine."
"That's good." Liu said, "I heard that brother-in-law doesn't treat you as well as he used to."
"He is filial to his mother. There is no other way." Hong Xiu said, "I do not blame him."
"That's good." Liu nodded her head lightly, "Our relationship is still there. Then I won't wrongly follow him."
Hong Xiu pulled Bi Liu's hand, "Bi Liu, if you follow my precept, you should redeem yourself as soon as possible. Don't wait until you are older to marry."
"It's still too early for me." Liu smiled.
Xue Ling said, "Sister Hong Xiu, brother-in-law didn't bully you, right?"
"When a husband and wife are together, there are not many who treat each other with respect. It is inevitable that we will quarrel." Hong Xiu said, "I will also anger him. Although he is a martial arts practitioner, he has never hit me."
"It seems that brother-in-law is a good person." Xue Ling smiled, "What is his official position now?"
"Field Officer. His official position is not high. He is busy all day long." Hong Xiu shook her head and smiled, "When he gets home, he will be exhausted."
"Then we should change brother-in-law's official position." Xue Ling said.
Hong Xiu smiled, "He is already very lucky to be able to be an official. He is straightforward and does not know how to flatter others. He is not liked by his superiors."
"I see …" Xue Ling nodded her head gently.
Liu said, "Xue Ling, do you have any ideas?"
"There is no other way. The House of High Dukes and the Town Defense Prefecture are not allowed to collude. Master has warned me before." Xue Ling spread her hands.
Hong Xiu's bright eyes turned and she smiled, "Which master?"
"The Chief of the House of High Dukes, Master Chu Li," Liu said.
"Chief Chu Li!" Hong Xiu was surprised, "Your name is well-known. I often heard from my husband that Chief Chu Li is a genius. At such a young age, he is already rank two. He is the fastest to be promoted in the House of High Dukes."
Liu smiled, "Chief Chu Li is indeed a genius. It seems that Sister Hong Xiu did not suffer much. The sisters are relieved."
"It is still okay." Hong Xiu sighed, "We are a group of weak women. We are really lonely and have no one to rely on. It is okay to suffer a little."
Xue Ling said, "Why can't Sister Hong Xiu have children … I shouldn't have asked this, right?"
Hong Xiu shook her head bitterly, "The doctor said that my body is weak. He can't see anything else. I can only slowly recuperate. It is useless to take medicine all day long."
"Come to the House of High Dukes another day." Xue Ling said, "Master has a good relationship with High Official Guo from the Hundred Herb Courtyard. I will ask Elder Guo to take a look at you!"
"Okay!" Hong Xiu quickly agreed.
She was about to go crazy. Without children, she would have no one to rely on for the rest of her life. When she and her husband were old, they would not even have someone to take care of them.
She used to like to go shopping and join in the fun. Now, she did not go out all day. She cooped herself up at home. When she saw other people's children on the street, her heart would be in pain.
As long as there was a glimmer of hope, she would grab it.
They had endless things to talk about. When the lanterns were lit, Xue Ling and Liu did not stay for dinner. They said goodbye and left. They agreed that Hong Xiu would go to the House of High Dukes tomorrow.
Not long after they left, Hong Xiu's husband, Field Officer Zhao, returned home.
Field Officer Zhao was handsome and tall. He entered the living room and sat down. Hong Xiu personally served him tea, "Husband, you must be tired."
"Today is considered peaceful." Field Officer Zhao sighed, "Did your sisters come today?"
"Yes, Liu and Xue Ling from the House of High Dukes."
"The House of High Dukes?"
"Chief Chu Li's maid."
"What a powerful background. Why is she here?"
"She is good friends with Liu. Liu is teaching her how to dance."
"It seems that your backer is really the House of High Dukes." Field Officer Zhao laughed.
"If you bully me in the future, I will tell Sister Xue Ling!" Hong Xiu pursed her lips and smiled, "Let her find Chief Chu Li to help me!"
"How would I dare to bully you!" Field Officer Zhao laughed.
"I want to go to the House of High Dukes tomorrow." Hong Xiu sat beside him, "Xue Ling said to help me find High Official Guo from the Hundred Herb Courtyard. High Official Guo is a miracle doctor!"
"In my opinion, let's not waste time. After a few years, we can just adopt someone from Big Brother's side," Field Officer Zhao said.
"We are still young. High Official Guo's medical skills are excellent. Maybe he can cure me."
"… Sigh, you. Alright, I will listen to you!"
—
The next morning, Hong Xiu could not hold back her impatience. She first went to Liu's house. After meeting up, she went to the House of High Dukes.
When Xue Ling saw her coming, she directly invited Elder Guo to the East Garden.
Guo Mulin did not refuse because of Chu Li. He came over to take Hong Xiu's pulse.
The three women sat in the pagoda, their bright eyes staring at him.
Guo Mulin touched his beard and frowned, "It's quite troublesome … How about this, let your Master come back and perform the Nine Transformation Meridian Reforming Technique on her."
"That's not a problem," Xue Ling said, "Will she be cured after using the Nine Transformation Meridian Reforming Technique?"
"She is congenitally weak. Her meridians are weak and her physique is poor. After the Nine Transformation Meridian Reforming Technique, she will find a method to nourish her body and mind.
"Thank you, Elder Guo!" Hong Xiu quickly said.
Guo Mulin waved his hand and said, "You don't have to thank me. Only Chu Li can perform the Nine Transformation Meridian Reforming Technique. If you want to thank someone, thank him!"
Xue Ling said, "Then how long will it take for Sister Hong Xiu to recover?"
"After a month of performing the technique and with the help of medicinal pills, there should be no problem," Guo Mulin said. "Don't worry. If it wasn't for Chu Li, there is no way to cure your illness. With the Nine Transformation Meridian Reforming Technique, it will be a piece of cake!"
Hong Xiu nodded excitedly.
Xue Ling smiled and said, "Sister Hong Xiu, don't worry. Master is not back yet. I will inform you once he comes back."
"Thank you, Sister Xue Ling!"
"What are you thanking me for?" Xue Ling smiled and said, "Sister Hong Xiu, come often in the future. Let's play together."
"Okay," Hong Xiu smiled and said.
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