61: rumor

Undercurrents

Zhu Changpo's confidants hid in the shadows, their gazes like hawks, closely watching every move of Situ Jun and Cherry. After the two disappeared, they quietly left and secretly reported what they had seen to Zhu Changpo.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Changpo's lips curled into a cold sneer: "I didn't expect this kid to be quite affectionate. However, affectionate people are often easier to get a handle on." A sinister glint flashed in his eyes. "Pass down the order to closely monitor his interactions with the female dependents in the manor, especially the women of the North Courtyard. As long as there's an opportunity, spread some gossip and ruin his reputation in the manor."

Night fell like ink, and the manor was enveloped in silence. In the bedroom, warm yellow lamplight gently spilled, adding a touch of tenderness to the room. Cherry leaned beside Situ Jun, her fingertips lightly tracing his chiseled jawline, her crimson nail polish gleaming under the light. When she tilted her head, her silken black hair brushed against his collarbone, bringing a tingling sensation.

Situ Jun looked at the faint blush around her eyes, remembering her playful demeanor in the bathroom just now, and his heart was filled with tenderness. His Adam's apple subtly bobbed, and he clasped Cherry's slender wrist with his backhand, his thumb unconsciously caressing her pulse. He softly said, "So mischievous, are you trying to make me unable to resist?" His voice was deep, carrying an almost imperceptible tenderness.

Cherry looked up, her eyelashes casting fan-shaped shadows beneath her eyes, her gaze as captivating as amber steeped in honey. She leaned close to his ear, her warm breath caressing his reddened earlobe, her voice tinged with a faint smile, her ending syllable rising: "Then does Master dare to accept the challenge?" As she spoke, her fingertips subtly hooked the hem of his shirt, where two buttons were undone, and gently swayed it.

Situ Jun's heart stirred. He raised his hand and gently pinched her nose. Cherry laughed and dodged, and amidst their play, Situ Jun's outer robe slipped from his shoulders. The moon-white skirt, embroidered with twin lotus flowers, spread out like flowing clouds on the bluestone floor, and her silk nightgown slowly slid down, revealing the simple inner garment beneath.

A sudden night wind blew outside the window, making the copper bells on the corridor chime. Situ Jun paused—moonlight streamed through the window lattice, gently scattering into the room, silvering Cherry's scattered dark hair. The few Hong Mei embroideries on the collar of her inner garment were faintly visible amidst the disheveled bedding, a breathtaking sight.

His Adam's apple bobbed. He tucked in Cherry's slipped garment and gently pulled her into his embrace. The scent of mint mixed with cedar wood lingered around them, gentle and reassuring. The moonlight filtered through the gauze curtains, casting their intertwined silhouettes on the wall, outlining a serene picture.

The inky night gently enveloped Situ Jun's small courtyard. The cicadas gradually ceased, and all things seemed to be immersed in this tranquility, with only the occasional chirping of insects adding a touch of vitality to the silent night.

However, the East Courtyard's assembly hall presented a different scene. Zhu Changpo sat upright in a carved armchair, the jade archer's ring on his hand gleaming coldly under the candlelight. He slowly toyed with the ring, his sinister eyes filled with calculation, as if plotting some unspeakable conspiracy.

A confidant hurried forward and whispered in his ear. Zhu Changpo's expression changed continuously with the confidant's words, at times frowning, at times sneering. A moment later, a chilling, cruel smile curled his lips, and a fierce glint flashed in his eyes, a light like a drawn blade, carrying bone-piercing coldness.

"Very good. Send people to spread the news, saying that Situ Jun behaved improperly with the manor's maids. Then have a few gossipy women fan the flames within the manor, making sure to blow this matter up!" Zhu Changpo's voice was low and cold, every word like a knife, as if he could already see Situ Jun's reputation ruined.

After receiving the order, the confidant disappeared into the night like a ghost. Meanwhile, Situ Jun's small courtyard was filled with warmth and tranquility. The two slept nestled together, a quiet and warm atmosphere permeating the room. Moonlight filtered through the window lattice, like a gentle veil, softly scattering upon them, adding a touch of romance to the serene night.

Cherry's face was flushed, with a faint smile on her lips, as if she was immersed in a happy dream. Situ Jun's arm was tightly wrapped around her, his face also beaming with contentment and peace of mind.

The next morning, the manor erupted. Rumors about Situ Jun's intimate behavior with the female dependents of the manor spread like a plague among the servants. Some exaggerated, making the matter sound unbearable, even spreading absurd claims about Situ Jun's overly close interactions with the women of the North Courtyard.

"Have you heard? Steward Situ actually has an unusual relationship with some of the women in the North Courtyard!" A servant lowered his voice, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

"How improper! Does such a person even deserve to hold a position in the manor?" Another servant said with a look of disdain, his words full of contempt.

All sorts of unpleasant words echoed through the manor, and soon reached the ears of Su Yunniang and Liu Xuaner. Upon hearing this, Liu Xuaner's face turned grim. She clenched her fists, her eyes full of anger: "Someone must be playing tricks behind the scenes! I need to go ask Situ Jun!" With that, she was about to get up and head to Situ Jun's small courtyard.

Su Yunniang quickly pulled her back: "Sister, it's probably not appropriate to go now. Rumors are rampant outside, and going will only make things worse. After all, gossip is a fearful thing, and it's not good for both the North Courtyard and the West Courtyard. We need to think of a countermeasure first, so that the villain's scheme doesn't succeed."

Liu Xuaner anxiously said, "Then what should we do? Situ Jun he..." Her voice was filled with anxiety and worry.

Su Yunniang pondered for a moment and said, "Sister, we can only wait here for Situ Jun to arrive, to see if we can clarify the whole story before deciding on a course of action." Su Yunniang's eyes were firm, as if she already had some plans in mind.

On the other side, Situ Jun was awakened by the chirping of birds outside the window. He slowly opened his eyes and lazily stretched. Cherry beside him was still fast asleep, her serene face bearing a hint of contented blush, her hair scattered messily on the pillow, adding a touch of lazy charm. Situ Jun gently brushed aside the stray hairs on her forehead and placed a kiss on her brow, his movements so gentle as if afraid to disturb this beautiful scene.

(Content had to be modified, please bear with it)