I Transmigrated and Already Had a Wife - Chapter 39.1

“Don’t move. You just said uncle…” Lin Muwan gave her a push.

Jiang Zhou scratched her head, wondering why she hadn’t forgotten. How was she supposed to explain this? If she told the truth, Lin Muwan definitely wouldn’t believe her. If she didn’t, she was being pressed for an answer. So, taking the path of least resistance, she decided to fully indulge her scoundrel nature, pecking Lin Muwan’s face repeatedly. The faint scent on Lin Muwan’s body infiltrated her nostrils, and Jiang Zhou, immersed in the fragrance, completely forgot about Zhao Mao’s matter.

This scoundrel!

Lin Muwan’s hands were trapped against her chest in a tight embrace, and she couldn’t push the person away. She was secretly annoyed. Who knew the scoundrel would then bury her head in her neck? Fearing that Jiang Zhou would thoughtlessly leave another mark, she grew anxious and bit down on her shoulder.

Immediately, a yelp echoed from the room.

‘Is the Young Miss playing so openly?’ The serving maids on night duty all blushed and lowered their heads, quietly moving further away, as if Jiang Zhou’s cry still lingered in their ears, causing them extreme embarrassment.

Lin Muwan was furious and turned her back, refusing to acknowledge her.

This scoundrel. During the day, she made me so embarrassed in front of Mother that I couldn’t lift my head, and now she dares to provoke me again at night.

She truly wanted to kick her out of bed.

“Wife.” Seeing that she was angry, Jiang Zhou knew exactly what she was upset about. Her heart was filled with regret and self-reproach. She truly couldn’t help herself just now; Lin Muwan was too fragrant and too soft. She was genuinely drawn to her and kissed her there impulsively.

She was about to try to argue, but just as she opened her mouth, Lin Muwan’s light and even breathing reached her ears. She quietly got up and leaned over, only to find that she had already fallen asleep.

Sigh. They had been up late last night, and today, sharing a carriage with Mother Lin, she surely couldn’t rest properly. Jiang Zhou felt instantly heartbroken. She tucked the blanket around her, lay back in her own spot, and reached out to pull the person back into her arms.

A charcoal brazier was lit in the room during winter, making it warm and cozy. She closed her eyes and slowly drifted off to sleep, holding the person beside her.

By the next day, Old Madam Zhao knew early on that Lin Muwan had gone to the front courtyard overnight. She felt a pang of regret and viewed Jiang Zhou with increasing displeasure.

Just a poor country bumpkin.

Her dissatisfaction extended to Lin Muwan as well.

After breakfast, Lin Muwan was called to the study by Zhao Mao. As soon as she entered, she encountered Zhou Huo.

Zhou Huo lowered his head and quickly left.

Lin Muwan turned back, confused. “Wanwan is here. Come in quickly.”

“May I ask why Uncle called for me?”

Zhao Mao motioned for her to enter. “Ah, it’s nothing really. I know you’re leaving in two days, and I just wanted to talk to you.”

Lin Muwan didn’t suspect anything and sat down in a chair.

Zhao Mao said, “I know you’re very worried about your father’s situation, but the current political climate in court is complicated. Several of the Emperor’s sons are restless. Your father has always maintained a neutral stance, and at this time, no one is willing to step forward and speak on his behalf. I haven’t been in the capital for many years, so I truly lack influence.” As he spoke, he shook his head, his expression a mixture of regret and heartache.

Lin Father, as the second-rank Minister of Revenue, was in charge of the country’s economic lifeline. Whichever prince took control of the Ministry of Revenue would essentially gain control of the national treasury. Father was aware of this, which is why he maintained neutrality and refused to align himself with any prince.

Lin Muwan pursed her lips. “What is your advice, Uncle?”

Zhao Mao: “Why not choose a virtuous and talented one among the princes and align yourself with him? That way, he can help mediate and get your father released sooner.”

Lin Muwan’s expression froze slightly. She clenched her palms tighter, feeling uneasy. “But Father’s side…”

“This is the only way now. Besides a prince, who else would dare to raise this matter with His Majesty?”

Lin Muwan lowered her head. The thing her father would rather die than do—how could she do it? Even if her father were rescued, it would violate his original principles as an official.

Her eyes darkened. She didn’t want to make a hasty decision. “Uncle, please allow me to consider this further.”

Zhao Mao smiled. “Of course. This is a major matter. You should think it over carefully. Once you’ve made up your mind, I will certainly help you, even if it means risking my own fortune.”

Lin Muwan frowned. Uncle seems very eager to push this matter forward.

Suddenly, she recalled Jiang Zhou asking about her uncle yesterday. Although she didn’t know Jiang Zhou’s previous identity, she knew she wasn’t one to speak nonsense. She remained cautious and tentatively asked, “Does Uncle know which prince might be able to help?”

Zhao Mao chuckled. “Aligning with any prince right now won’t do. Why not choose the Crown Prince? He is virtuous and the son of the central consort. His words carry more weight than the other princes.”

The Crown Prince is virtuous?

‘Why is Uncle leaning toward the Crown Prince? Among His Majesty’s sons, shouldn’t the Fourth Prince be considered the most virtuous? Father praised this prince more than once. As for the Crown Prince, Father’s evaluation was that he only indulges in pleasure. If such a person were to inherit the throne… would the people have good lives?’

‘How could Uncle, after so many years in court, not know this? Is it just because the Crown Prince’s words carry more weight?’

Lin Muwan pursed her lips.

However, Uncle and Father have always been close, the two families had frequent contact, and there was also Mother’s relationship…

What should I do?

Lin Muwan’s hands, clenched in her lap, tightened further. Although she didn’t want to believe it, suspicion began to creep into her heart.

People are like this: once suspicion takes root, they magnify all problems related to that person infinitely. Lin Muwan’s thoughts were always meticulous, and she repeatedly considered this matter.

Yet, she didn’t know how to respond to Zhao Mao.

Fortunately, Zhao Mao didn’t press further, offered a few words of homely advice, and let her leave.

Lin Muwan left the study and went straight to her grandmother’s courtyard. Zhao Mao’s study was not far from there; separated by a small flower patch, it was just past an archway.

Lin Muwan arrived at Mother Lin’s room and talked with her, subtly probing for information about her uncle’s recent years.

Zhao Mao inherited her grandfather’s military merit and gained the title of a minor general in the military camp. He wasn’t prominent in the talent-rich army until the court suddenly mobilized troops to suppress bandits. Zhao Mao was one of the minor generals in this campaign. Breaking from his usual performance, Zhao Mao showed courage and resourcefulness in this campaign. After returning to the capital, he was rewarded and gained some military power. Then, three years ago, he was suddenly appointed by the Emperor as the governor of Qingzhou, commanding all military affairs in the region.

Qingzhou bordered the state of Yan and was often plagued by war. Strangely, after Zhao Mao arrived, the state of Yan clearly became docile, seeming to tuck its tail between its legs. Over time, the local people even nicknamed him “General of Peace.”

Lin Muwan should have been happy about her uncle’s fortune, but she had an indescribable feeling. Before leaving, the mother and daughter shared some more intimate words.

The date to depart for the capital was set for the day after tomorrow. During the day, Lin Muwan was either with Mother Lin or her grandmother, leaving Jiang Zhou with nothing much to do.

She invited Zhao Shigao to go out and stroll around. Although Qingzhou was not as prosperous as Linyang, it was known for its open and simple local customs, and the market was rich in local characteristics.

Jiang Zhou had no money on her, so she could only window shop.

Sigh, she regretted not saving some money for herself.

Now, she couldn’t even afford to buy things for her wife.

She sighed silently.

“Does brother-in-law like that?” Zhao Shigao leaned in, his gaze fixed on the sweet pastry in front of them. It smelled sweet, making one involuntarily salivate, but he didn’t like sweets himself.

If Jiang Zhou liked it, he wouldn’t mind paying for it.

Jiang Zhou turned her head, a hint of expectation in her peach blossom eyes. “Does Cousin also want some?”

Zhao Shigao: “…”

When did I say I liked it? Reluctantly, under her expectant gaze, he bought two servings. Jiang Zhou hugged her portion, beaming like an idiot.

Zhao Shigao, however, stuffed his portion into Zhou Huo’s hand, saying awkwardly, “You eat it. I don’t like sweets.”

With that, he stepped away to the next stall.

Jiang Zhou glanced at Zhou Huo, then at the distant Zhao Shigao. The atmosphere between the two was strangely awkward.

What kind of master buys something they don’t eat and gives it to a subordinate?

Before she could think much about it, the sound of gongs ahead caught her attention. She saw two people dressed as servants walking towards them, each holding a gong. They walked and beat the gongs, shouting, “Tonight, the Yuhuan Brothel will elect the courtesan queen! All gentlemen are welcome to attend and watch!”

In no time, a crowd gathered. Jiang Zhou gathered from the crowd that the Yuhuan Brothel was the local pleasure house, and they were holding a courtesan queen election tonight. Beating the gongs was just a way to attract customers.

She wasn’t interested in such things. She was a married woman, and how could those women compare to Lin Muwan? Just thinking about Lin Muwan’s ethereal beauty made her heart pound.

She might not be interested, but others were. Zhao Shigao leaned closer, ready to put an arm around her shoulder. Their heights were similar. As his hand approached, Jiang Zhou’s eyes narrowed slightly, and she turned to avoid his hand.

Zhao Shigao didn’t seem to notice and continued enthusiastically, “How about it? Let’s go watch the excitement tonight. The Yuhuan Brothel only holds an election once every three years. I missed it three years ago when I first came to Qingzhou and regretted it for a long time, especially after hearing about the courtesan Ruyi—her dance is said to be devastatingly beautiful.”

Zhao Shigao’s expression almost had him drooling.

Jiang Zhou frowned, feeling a little repulsed, but since the person in front of her was Lin Muwan’s cousin, she couldn’t flatly reject his good intentions. She politely declined, “I’ll let Cousin know after I inform my wife.”

Zhao Shigao: “…”

Is this the kind of thing you discuss with your wife?

He pouted, looking regretful. Although he didn’t know his cousin-in-law very well, he knew that if you went home to discuss this with your wife, it would certainly be shot down.

He looked like he had discovered a new continent, his gaze running over Jiang Zhou.

Jiang Zhou heard his inner thoughts clearly, closed her eyes briefly, and chose not to argue with him.

Going shopping with the wrong person was a form of torture. Suddenly, she felt sympathy for Zhou Huo, the personal attendant behind Zhao Shigao, and couldn’t help but look at him more closely.

Zhou Huo caught her gaze, suddenly looked up, and their eyes met in the air. Jiang Zhou quickly looked away, feeling like she had been caught red-handed.