Chapter 232: Jealousy And Rivalry
After leaving Silver Ingot Bridge, Chen Shun’an suddenly realized that it was already late.
He had been “missing” for two days.
Most of that time had surprisingly been spent at Scholar Ma’s home, comprehending that Northern Star Draw and Add Lu Chen Secret Method.
Out of caution, after Chen Shun’an had fully memorized and comprehended the secret method’s contents, he burned it to ashes.
He then took out Chicken Head Sweet Water, circulated Flying Immortal Strength, and invigorated the qi and blood of Scholar Ma and his wife, clearing their hidden injuries.
Although in truth it did nothing for Scholar Ma’s heart deficiency ailment, it could at least somewhat reduce his illness and pain.
Returning to the Nine Great Families, at the vermilion gates of Mianyi Residence, copper lions guarded the house, lanterns hung high, casting a warm glow on the accumulated snow.
Chen Shun’an had sent a message to Zhao Guangxi’s residence during the day, arranging for Wan Niang and the other family members to return home.
So at this moment, upon entering the residence, Mother Liu immediately came forward with a respectful expression.
“Master, you’re finally back. It’s dark, and the eldest madam and young madam have already gone to bed. I’ll go wake the two madams right now.”
“No need. Just boil some hot water. After I bathe, I’ll go to Wan Niang’s room myself.”
“Yes.”
Mother Liu didn’t dare to argue and immediately scurried off to the kitchen to light the fire.
The first bath water for the master returning home after many days could only be boiled by me, Mother Liu!
No other maidservants were allowed!
Chen Shun’an strode in, passing through the carved wooden screen wall, walking under the covered walkway, and entering the back courtyard with measured steps.
After all, it was a four-courtyard mansion, too big—even Chen Shun’an wasn’t quite used to it yet.
In the past, that rundown flat house had just a palm-sized courtyard and a few rooms, only a few steps away, no need to go around corners?
This was the trouble of happiness, waking up every day in a grand courtyard spanning several acres.
And now, after walking dozens of steps, Chen Shun’an finally returned to a separate courtyard specially prepared for him—
Shuying Courtyard.
A tall pine tree stood in front of the gate, its canopy elegant and full.
Beneath the tree was a tile basin fish tank containing a few goldfish.
Chen Shun’an was a sentimental person and had brought over everything he could, so naturally the pine tree and fish tank were no exceptions.
‘Creak~’
He pushed the door and entered.
This room had originally been used by the former owner for quiet recuperation and cultivation; with a separate courtyard by the pond in front, it was exceptionally serene.
And under Chen Shun’an’s instructions, all the furnishings inside had been completely replaced.
The main hall had no round table in the center; instead, a cushion was laid out alone for convenient seated cultivation.
Only by the window facing the pond was there a resting couch, casually covered with a large gold-heart green satin seat cushion, soft to the touch, suitable for sitting or lying.
Along the west wall stood a row of nanmu wood multi-treasure shelves, displaying some martial arts secret manuals and rare curiosities; on the east side was a screen, behind which a green gauze cabinet was partitioned off as the inner chamber.
Such furnishings looked both lavish and refined!
In no time at all.
A group of young maidservants filed in, carrying buckets, making the bed, and serving Chen Shun’an as he bathed and changed clothes.
Mother Liu didn’t come, knowing she was past her prime and didn’t want to spoil Chen Shun’an’s interest.
Chen Shun’an removed his clothing, letting his arms hang naturally over the edge of the wooden bucket, leaning back as the steaming heat instantly filled the entire room.
“Master~”
“Master, is this pressure right?”
“Master, let me rub your back~”
“Sir, have a grape from me…”
The several maidservants seemed rather restless, dressed scantily, occasionally revealing glimpses of their fair tender flesh.
These maidservants knew who the master of the house was and knew that their lives, fortunes, and futures were in his hands.
So it was impossible for them to be willful or capricious, let alone pursue any equality or freedom.
Those who pursued such things were already dead.
They only exerted themselves to the fullest to please Chen Shun’an.
It seemed that just a glance from Chen Shun’an would grant them whatever they desired.
This was one of the Sacred Dynasty’s bad customs.
The maidservants in the residence could basically all develop into bed-warming maidservants.
Some even indulged in extravagances like beauty paper or human flesh backgammon.
After the bath, Chen Shun’an calmly stood up, letting the group of maidservants wipe his body.
Perhaps they saw something astonishing.
The maidservants’ faces instantly flushed red.
【Wish +2】
【Wish +2】
【Wish +3】
“You may all go.”
Chen Shun’an’s indifferent voice sounded.
A hint of regret flashed in the eyes of the several maidservants as they silently withdrew.
Chen Shun’an was fully aware of these maidservants’ intentions.
But he had no interest.
To be precise, after slaying the six thieves, he could already control his own desires to the point of perfection.
Retracting and releasing at will, unburdened by external things.
As long as Chen Shun’an willed it, even if a million heavenly nymphs, naked and bare, danced the Heavenly Demon Dance before him and used seductive arts…
Unless Chen Shun’an’s cultivation gave out first, he could endure it.
Moreover, these maidservants had weak fates and might not withstand his “affection.”
“Brother?”
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
Wan Niang, wearing a small garment with a robe draped over, her jade hairpin accentuating her gentle face, walked in.
She was also holding a plate of pastries.
“So late, and you haven’t slept?”
Chen Shun’an lit an oil lamp and said casually.
“I slept lightly and heard the sound of boiling water, so I knew brother was back…”
Wan Niang, now nearly the matron, no longer needed to boil water or cook, yet seemed to retain some of her old habits.
Waiting for Chen Shun’an to come home.
“Sleep together tonight.”
Chen Shun’an nodded.
Wan Niang seemed to think of something, her face slightly reddening, but she shook her head and, after handing the plate of pastries to Chen Shun’an, said,
“Brother, you’d better go to Qingchen first. After all, she’s only just arrived not long ago.”
Chen Shun’an smiled lightly, suddenly reached out, scooped her up horizontally, and headed toward the bed.
“Why be modest? Staying here first, then going to her, isn’t it the same?”
It had been a long time since he sacrificed his looks to harvest wishes.
Truly slacking off.
……
Late into the night.
Chen Shun’an slipped away, casually taking some pastries from the table, and headed to Qingchen’s room.
“Who is it?”
A slightly panicked voice suddenly came from the boudoir.
Then the voice’s owner quickly calmed down, seemingly realizing the identity of the unexpected guest.
Rustling sounds arose as Qingchen seemed to be dressing.
Chen Shun’an sat upright at the tea table outside the screen, in no hurry, drinking one cup of tea, two cups, three cups…
Until he had drained the full pot of tea, Chen Shun’an finally couldn’t hold back.
Wait, had he come here to drink tea?
How many layers of clothes did Qingchen plan to put on?!
Moments later, Qingchen emerged, dressed in a water-green soft satin qipao with a plain shawl draped over, wrapped up tightly from head to toe.
Her features were delicate and refined, possessing an elegance and grace that Wan Niang could hardly match.
It was just…
She was dressed too conservatively, as if guarding against Chen Shun’an.
Chen Shun’an smiled and said,
“Qingchen, I specially brought these pastries for you.”
Qingchen didn’t take them, just glaring at Chen Shun’an, her voice slightly cold as she said,
“Is this just for me alone, or do all the sisters in the courtyard have some?”
