How could someone be unhappy living in a matriarchal society?

Chapter 76 Sister Zhao Qing

Lin Qing crossed his arms and held his head high. Coupled with the bright red shirt he was wearing today, he reminded Chu Ci of a proud rooster.

"That's not up to you. Men, tie her up and take her home," Lin Qing said smugly.

Seeing that the situation was not good, Chu Ci immediately stepped out of the door and closed it behind him.

She gripped the knife tightly, her eyes warily fixed on the menacing female guards before her, while gently turning the hilt to flip the blade over.

After all, she didn't want anyone to die in front of her house, and cleaning up the scene was just too much trouble.

One of the tall, strong female nurses rushed forward first, trying to grab Chu Ci's shoulder.

However, Chu Ci reacted quickly, swinging his knife and striking her forearm accurately.

With a sharp crack, the female nurse let out a painful scream, fell to her knees, and turned as pale as a sheet.

Lin Qing was quite frightened by this sudden turn of events. She took a step back in a panic, her face showing fear.

Chu Ci gently tapped the blade, producing a crisp clinking sound.

She turned her head and stared coldly at the group of female nurses, issuing a warning.

“I advise you not to go looking for trouble, or I will not hesitate to break your arms and legs.”

The guards exchanged glances but didn't dare to step forward. Lin Qing was furious. "What are you all good for? My mother paid you! If you can't catch her, get out of here!"

The nurses had no choice but to rush forward again.

Chu Ci kicked the man in the front in the stomach, then used his knife to injure the thighs of the others.

In the blink of an eye, everyone collapsed to the ground, unable to get up.

Upon seeing this, Lin Qing's eyes widened in fear, and she stammered, "You...you..."

Chu Ci held the knife to Lin Qing's neck, his eyes like those of a wild beast poised to pounce, his voice icy and chilling: "Take your people and leave, or I'll kill you too."

Lin Qing was stared at by her, and she felt as if she had been frozen in place, not daring to even breathe.

"You...you...you can't kill me! My mother...she's the owner of Lin's Cloth Shop. If I die, she won't let you get away with it."

Chu Ci was extremely impatient. He brought the knife even closer, the blade already slicing through Lin Qing's skin, drawing out a trickle of blood. "Then get lost!"

Lin Qing had never received such a threat before, and tears streamed down her face. She was quickly led away by a guard.

The other guards also left with the two.

After the group left, Chu Ci sheathed his sword, clapped his hands, and acted as if nothing had happened.

She then opened the door and went inside.

Shi An was still busy in the kitchen, completely unaware of what had just happened outside the door.

Chu Ci walked to Shi An's side, gently hugged him, kissed his cheek, and said tenderly, "My husband, you've worked hard."

Shi An's cheeks flushed slightly, and she smiled shyly as she replied softly, "It's not hard work. I enjoy cooking for my wife."

The Chu Ci (Songs of Chu) is filled with emotion: "Having such a husband, what more could one ask for!"

Upon hearing this, Shi An was immediately amused. "My wife has become quite eloquent lately."

Chu Ci shrugged, indicating that he was simply expressing his feelings and his true thoughts.

Shi An was delighted to hear this, picked up a kitchen knife, and prepared to cut the meat, saying, "Today I'll make Dongpo pork for my wife."

"Wow!" Chu Ci's eyes lit up instantly, and she asked excitedly, "Is today some special day? There are such sumptuous dishes."

The Dongpo pork that Shi An made last time left Chu Ci with an unforgettable memory. Its unique texture and intoxicating flavor were simply amazing!

Shi An gave Chu Ci a playful glare, saying with a hint of displeasure, "Why do you say that? Haven't I ever cooked anything delicious for you?"

Chu Ci quickly smiled and coaxed, "I made it, I made it. The usual dishes are all delicious, but Dongpo pork is especially delicious."

Shi An snorted, somewhat satisfied. "The ingredients for Dongpo pork are hard to find. It requires the tenderest part of the pig, with a good balance of fat and lean meat. You can't find the right cut at the butcher shop every day. I was lucky to find some today."

Chu Ci watched as Shi An skillfully cut the meat into four large pieces and then began marinating it. She couldn't help but admire her husband's culinary skills, as he did every step so perfectly.

The thought of enjoying delicious Dongpo pork at noon put him in a great mood, completely dispelling his previous annoyance at being bothered.

After a satisfying meal, Chu Ci patted her stomach contentedly and helped Shi An clear away the dishes.

After they finished tidying up, the two went to take a nap together.

However, just as they lay down, a knock on the door suddenly sounded.

Chu Ci sighed helplessly and could only put his outer robe back on before opening the door.

The door opened, and Hu Ji was standing outside, looking anxious.

"Miss Chu, we're in trouble," Hu Ji said with a serious expression.

Chu Ci raised an eyebrow: "What is it?"

Hu Ji took out a portrait and handed it to Chu Ci: "This person is Zhao Qing's older sister. She came to our Lotus Town three days ago. She is very likely here for you."

Chu Ci took the portrait and examined it carefully. The woman in the painting had a beautiful face and a hint of heroism between her brows. She did indeed resemble Zhao Qing in some ways.

She frowned slightly and asked, "Zhao Qing has an older sister?"

Hu Ji nodded and continued, "According to our informant, she is currently staying in Hua Lou, room number one in the 'Heaven' tier."

Chu Ci thought for a moment, indicated that he understood, and then said to Hu Ji, "Thank you for telling me this information."

Hu Ji quickly cupped his hands and said, "This was all ordered by the town mayor; we were just following orders. Miss Chu, I'll be going now."

Chu Ci waved his hand: "Okay, goodbye."

Hu Ji turned and left. Chu Ci watched his figure disappear through the door before slowly putting away the portrait.

Back in her room, Chu Ci found Shi An sitting by the bed waiting for her.

Upon seeing her return, Shi An immediately went to greet her and asked, "What's wrong, my lady? Who's here?"

"It's Hu Ji, a constable from the yamen."

Upon hearing the word "government office," Shi An's expression instantly turned grim. "Is there another wanted criminal?"

Chu Ci shook her head and said calmly, "No, it's Zhao Qing's sister who's here."

Upon hearing this, Shi An panicked. He instinctively grabbed Chu Ci's arm and said with a worried expression, "My lady, she wouldn't be here to take revenge on you, would she?"

Chu Ci smiled slightly and reassured her, "Don't worry, we don't know her intentions yet. Let me go and meet her first."

Shi An frowned deeply, somewhat disapproving: "But, wouldn't it be too dangerous for you to go see her?"

Chu Ci gently patted Shi An's hand, "Don't worry, it's not certain who's in more danger."

Chu Ci's internal strength has now recovered to about 80%, and she is very confident.

"Alright, I'll head over now, but before that, I need to take you to the clinic."

Shi An knew that Chu Ci had her own thoughts, so she didn't say anything more, but simply instructed, "Okay, then my wife must be careful. I will be waiting for you at the clinic."

Chu Ci nodded gently: "Yes, don't worry."

After settling Shi An in, Chu Ci left the inn and headed to Hua Lou.

She arrived at the door of room number one, raised her hand and gently knocked on the door, her face expressionless.

After three knocks, the door slowly opened.

Standing at the door was a woman with a beautiful face and regular features. She looked Chu Ci up and down, then took a small step back.

Chu Ci stepped into the room without hesitation.

After closing the door, Zhao Yi quietly watched Chu Ci and gestured for her to sit down.

Then, she walked to the table and poured tea for Chu Ci and herself.

Chu Ci did not reach for the cup, because her experience of being poisoned in her previous life made her wary of anything unknown that might enter her mouth.

"Are you Sister Zhao Qing?"

Zhao Yi nodded. Her eyes were brownish, and when sunlight streamed through the window and fell into them, her pupils shimmered with an amber-like light.

Chu Ci keenly noticed this detail, his brows furrowed slightly, and he narrowed his eyes as he asked, "You're not from Ningguo, are you?"

“I am.” Zhao Yi picked up the teacup, took a small sip, and then slowly put it down. “But my father is not. Zhao Qing and I are half-brothers.”

Chu Ci quietly looked at the woman in front of him, unable to sense any murderous intent from her.

After a moment of silence, she also reached out and picked up the glass in front of her, taking a sip of water.

"You've come to avenge Zhao?"

Zhao Yi shook her head. "Zhao Qing deserves to die, but it's a pity I couldn't kill her myself, and she brought shame to her family." Her words revealed a deep sense of helplessness and regret.

Chu Ci frowned slightly, pondering to himself.

She hadn't expected Zhao Yi to be so resolute in his attitude towards Zhao Qing, even to the point of wanting to kill her with his own hands.

"Then why did you come?" Chu Ci decided to press further, wanting to find out Zhao Yi's true purpose.

Zhao Yi raised his head and stared at Chu Ci, as if trying to see into the depths of her heart through her eyes.

"I want to see you. You're no ordinary person, given that you were able to kill her."

"Oh, I see..." Chu Ci was a little surprised.

This person traveled all this way just to see her?

Chu Ci paused, gathered her thoughts, and then asked, "So, why have you come?"

Zhao Yi took out a token from his person and handed it to Chu Ci.

"Here, keep this safe." Her tone was serious and earnest.

Chu Ci took the token and examined it carefully.

The token looks very exquisite, with some strange patterns and words engraved on it.

"This is...?" She looked at Zhao Yi with a puzzled expression, waiting for her explanation.

"General Yuchi asked me to give this to you."

Chu Ci's heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean?"

Zhao Yi took a deep breath, seemingly preparing for what he was about to say.

"Zhao Qing was once a soldier under General Yuchi, but she ran away after committing a crime. General Yuchi was never able to capture her himself, and this became a thorn in her side. Now, you have removed this thorn for her, so she owes you a favor. If you encounter trouble or need help in the future, you can use this token to go to the General's Mansion to seek her assistance."

After saying this, Zhao Yi breathed a sigh of exhaustion, turned her gaze to Chu Ci, and asked her with her eyes whether she understood what she meant.

Chu Ci nodded thoughtfully, indicating that he understood.

After waiting a while, she quietly gazed at the expressionless woman before her and asked, "Can I leave now?"

"Wait a minute," Zhao Yi called out to Chu Ci. "Like General Yuchi, I owe you a favor. Is there anything I can help you with?"

Chu Ci paused slightly, a thoughtful look flashing in her eyes, then raised her head and looked directly into Zhao Yi's eyes: "What do you do?"

Zhao Yi's answer was concise and clear: "I am General Yuchi's subordinate."

Chu Ci nodded and continued, "How are your horsemanship and archery skills?"

Zhao Yi replied succinctly, "It's acceptable."

"That's how it is." He picked up the teapot for the first time, poured Zhao Yi a steaming cup of tea, and handed it to her.

"I am about to take the provincial examination and need someone to teach me riding and archery."

Although Chu Ci knew how to ride a horse, it was all self-taught and she felt she needed proper training.

Zhao Yi took the teacup, took a small sip, and said, "It's fine."

This word, like a promise, weighed heavily on the heart of Chu Ci.

"When will we start training? When is a convenient time for you?" Chu Ci asked.

"I can only stay here for a month at most. It will be more convenient in the afternoon," Zhao Yi replied.

Actually, she wanted to sleep in this morning.

Chu Ci readily agreed: "Okay, then let's meet at the horse farm in the East Market at Shenshi this afternoon."

Zhao Yi nodded in agreement.

Having solved another provincial examination subject, Chu Ci was in a very good mood and said, "That's all for now, I'll be going now."

Zhao Yi nodded again, then stood up and saw Chu Ci out.

On her way downstairs, Chu Ci recalled her conversation with Zhao Yi and thought to herself that this woman really didn't like to talk.

After leaving the building, Chu Ci turned around and suddenly saw Hu Ji squatting on the ground. She asked with some confusion, "What are you doing here?"

Hu Ji carefully examined Chu Ci from head to toe and found her unharmed. He couldn't help but admire her: "Has Zhao Yi been dealt with by you?"

Chu Ci waved his hand and said, "No, she's not here to cause trouble."

"Huh?" Hu Ji was taken aback and asked, puzzled, "Then...then who is she...?"

Chu Ci thought for a moment before choosing his words, “She came... um... to teach me riding and archery.”

"???" Hu Ji looked completely bewildered, not understanding what Chu Ci was saying at all.

Chu Ci patted her shoulder and asked softly, "You said the mayor sent you to inform me that Zhao Qing was coming here, right?"

Hu Ji nodded and replied, "Yes."

"Could you have misunderstood? Was the mayor very serious when he told us this news?" Chu Ci asked, frowning.

Hu Ji thought about it carefully, then replied, "It seems like dealing with everyday chores, nothing special."

Chu Ci nodded slightly, indicating that he understood.

"You can go back now. Nothing serious happened here; it was just a misunderstanding."

Hu Ji immediately agreed, bowed to Chu Ci, and then turned and left.

Chu Ci watched her departing figure, and after a moment, he turned and headed towards the East Market.