Chapter 506

They clearly like Que'er to death.

But they cannot act like a petty person who breaks a promise.

So they don't even have a chance to express their feelings to Que'er.

Li Qingluo sighed for the three of them.

From this it was clear Que'er could absolutely handle these matters properly on her own, so Li Qingluo let it go and stopped worrying about it.

In the blink of an eye, crabapple blossoms were already in full bloom everywhere in the Southern Peace Imperial City.

Just as Li Qingluo had guessed, Southern Peace then opened two more women's taverns in succession.

But none of them could maintain a steady stream of customers like Li Qingluo's Flower Pavilion Tavern.

There were even signs of a gradual return, becoming increasingly popular.

Only because only Li Qingluo truly embodied the principle of 'women exist only for freedom'.

Those taverns were merely putting up a gimmick.

Someone saw a male cook in the back kitchen.

Someone also ran into a wealthy young master who had deliberately come upstairs to peep.

Worse still, some women discovered that their portraits were being sold and circulated in the market.

Upon closer inspection, it turned out they had all been leaked from the Full Moon Tavern!

Some young ladies from influential families inevitably had their elders go demand justice.

Soon, the Full Moon Tavern's reputation reeked like rotten fish and shrimp in the hearts of Southern Peace's women.

Not long after, the Full Moon Tavern was completely converted into a men's tavern.

They used the same trick, but this time they did the opposite, allowing only men to enter and spend money.

But soon, the tavern shut down completely, as dead as a fish on a chopping block.

Because places where men can enter and have more variety are everywhere.

Who would want a dull, unoriginal tavern that only serves food?

Any place without women is too boring for these worldly men.

And the other new women's taverns only copied the superficial aspects of the Flower Pavilion Tavern; although they didn't die out completely, for now no one could reach the Flower Pavilion Tavern's standing.

As the saying goes, details reveal the truth; Li Qingluo's sincere women's world, meant for all women under heaven, ultimately passed the test of all women in Southern Peace.

The Flower Pavilion Tavern gradually went onto the proper path.

Li Qingluo also gradually reduced her visits to the tavern.

Moreover, Nan Gongdi had been gone for over half a month, so Li Qingluo suddenly found herself idle at home, feeling as if she had nothing to do.

Coincidentally, Zheng Mama had bought a batch of new maidservants and returned from outside.

"Miss, you happen to be home today, so why not take a look at them all?"

"Pick a few to serve at Tangdi Residence for cleaning and attendance; the other courtyards still need several more, and I'll arrange them all one by one."

Li Qingluo didn't have a preference for which maid was better.

She simply kept those she felt a connection with.

In the end she chose four; Deng Mama had them each state their name and age, then took them away to be instructed.

Having rare free time, Li Qingluo personally went to the kitchen to make a hearty dinner.

Who would have thought that, just as spring began, cooking a meal would make her sweat all over from the heat.

Seeing that the time was still early, Li Qingluo went to the washing room to take a bath.

She had just put on a clean dudou when the door made a 'bang' sound.

"The son-in-law is back."

Que'er said from outside.

Li Qingluo hurriedly grabbed the outer garment beside her to put on, but before she could tie the sash, the door was pushed open with a 'creak'.

Li Qingluo quickly turned her face away and pulled her clothes together.

Duan Rongshi: ……

"What are you doing?"

He reversed his hand to shut the door tightly and then bolted it.

Li Qingluo, blushing, said: "It's too hot; I'm changing clothes to take a bath."

"How come you're back so early today?"

Since their last conversation, the two of them had not found another opportunity to continue discussing that matter of Zong Zhenglangri.

Each day he rushed back and then rushed off again.

If she didn't know he was just going to do legitimate business, Li Qingluo would have wanted to send someone to investigate what scheming he was up to.

Duan Rongshi tightly embraced Li Qingluo from behind, who was still not fully dressed.

He helped her take off her clothes piece by piece.

"Luo'er, do you still want to continue listening to what we talked about last time?"

He said, having already lifted his hand to turn Li Qingluo's face toward him, and then lowered his head to kiss her.

Li Qingluo: "Mm… uh… since it's like that…"

"Let go of me quickly…"

"It's not yet bedtime… Ah Shi, let go quickly…"

Duan Rongshi completely blocked her mouth.

Not allowing her refusal: "I'm hungry; let me eat first, all right?"

An hour later.

Li Qingluo lay on the bed, panting, unwilling to move.

It was Duan Rongshi who tidied himself up, then went to call Zheng Mama over.

Bring the dinner in.

Zheng Mama smiled and said: "Yes, son-in-law."

By the way, tonight's dinner was also personally made by the young lady for you, son-in-law.

There's the lily porridge and crystal steamed dumplings you love, son-in-law. Originally the young lady said she would keep them warm in the small kitchen and serve them to you when you came back at midnight, but unexpectedly you came back early today!

Just right, you and the young lady can now have dinner together.

Duan Rongshi gave Zheng Mama a friendly nod, then went inside to coax his beloved wife, who had been rather tormented today.

Li Qingluo simply didn't want to pay attention to him.

Nowadays, he is becoming increasingly unrestrained in bed.

The initial restraint and forbearance have now seemingly erupted completely, finally revealing his true nature.

Knowing that she was becoming more accustomed to this, he began to act without restraint.

But he is simply too busy these days, so he doesn't have many opportunities.

But whenever there is an opportunity, Li Qingluo simply cannot escape his repeated demands.

It was she who first demanded to consummate the marriage.

Nowadays, the one who somewhat regrets having consummated the marriage is herself.

Li Qingluo has unspeakable suffering.

It's not that she dislikes this.

On the contrary, when they first started, she was still eager to research new things with him each day.

But nowadays his endeavors stretch ever longer, and each time it ends, Li Qingluo's waist feels like it will break.

Even someone as healthy as she is finds it hard to withstand, showing his licentiousness.

"Luo'er, Luo'er?"

"Do you want to hear what I told you last time?"

"My injury is healed now, so you've completely stopped caring?"

"Look, what is this?"

"Luo'er, today I have already received an invitation for you."

"You may have to work hard for me in Nan'an, Luo'er."

Li Qingluo instantly opened her eyes, extending her jade arm from the curtain.

She tied her sash, then carefully examined the invitation Duan Rongshi handed over.

"A middle-ranking general's mother-in-law's birthday? Ah Shi, you've started receiving invitations from officials' households in Nan'an?"

"You're really impressive!"

Her eyes flowed with genuine joy and admiration.

Now, relying on the Huaxie Wine House, she has also managed to steady her footing in Nan'an for the time being.

And he, relying on his own abilities and scheming, has begun to gradually step into Nan'an's circle of power and influence.

Although it is still far from that center now, surely with his speed it will certainly not take more than two years.

Just half a month ago, the news of Prince Su of DaLiang dying in battle spread throughout the three regions of the continent.

Some lamented it, some celebrated it, and some analyzed whether it was true or false.

Even at the Huaxie Wine House, women were discussing this matter.

"I heard his fiancée, who had not yet entered the palace, also went missing, her fate unknown. Do you think she might have died for love of him?"

"To live and die together, even as ghosts never to part?"

Li Qingluo, who happened to be passing by:?

How could she herself not know about this?