Transmigrated into the Scumbag Ex-Wife of the Prime Minister - Chapter 66

The night was deep and quiet, with a bright moon hanging high in the sky.

Qi Zhenshu was organizing the books and supplies she would take with her, as she was set to travel the day after tomorrow.

Seeing this, Lu Sheng paused her step just as she was about to enter, stopping at the doorway, quietly watching her pick out the necessary books and place them in the book-trunk.

Qi Zhenshu’s departure to Qingzhou for studies was a planned event, and Lu Sheng had long been aware of and prepared for their temporary separation.

But at this moment, seeing Qi Zhenshu organizing the book-trunk, a sour feeling of reluctance to part surprisingly welled up in her heart.

Qi Zhenshu had her head slightly bowed, her expression calm and placid, and her movements were unhurried, each book being stacked neatly and orderly.

As the pile of books grew higher, the reluctance in Lu Sheng’s heart also grew fuller and more intense.

Suddenly, she didn’t want Qi Zhenshu to go to Qingzhou anymore; she wished Qi Zhenshu would just stay and keep her company forever.

Perhaps influenced by the original novel’s plot, Lu Sheng always felt that once Qi Zhenshu walked out of this room and left Binhe County, she would walk further and further away, begin to spread her wings and soar, flying higher and higher, to a horizon Lu Sheng could no longer reach.

And they would no longer have the days of constant companionship they had in the past.

But such a self-indulgent thought only flashed through her mind. Studying for the imperial examinations, serving the people, and governing the world was what Qi Zhenshu wanted to do; it was her ideal.

She couldn’t keep Qi Zhenshu confined to her side out of her own selfishness. She could give Qi Zhenshu a stable life, but she couldn’t satisfy her pursuit of her ideals.

The Qi Zhenshu in the book would pass the imperial examination, rise all the way to Chief Grand Secretary, become a capable minister governing the world, and realize the aspirations in her heart.

Although she knew the plot might have changed, Lu Sheng still did not want her own selfish desires to become an obstacle to Qi Zhenshu’s self-realization.

Qi Zhenshu did not follow the original plot of falling in love with Princess Yongning amid adversity after being betrayed and harmed by the original host; instead, she and Lu Sheng were of one heart and mind, which Lu Sheng already felt extremely fortunate for.

Perhaps Lu Sheng had been standing for too long, as Qi Zhenshu noticed the figure in the doorway from the corner of her eye.

She stopped her movements, turned her head to glance, and asked softly, “Tangtang is asleep?”

“Mhm.” Lu Sheng hid the chaotic emotions in her heart, pretending as if she had just arrived, and casually strolled over to her side.

She leaned her body to glance at the book-trunk, trying to distract herself, “Are you taking this much?”

The half-human-height book-trunk was almost full, and she saw a thick bundle of Xuan paper and a large inkstone standing on the side.

Lu Sheng frowned and said, “Don’t bring the paper and inkstone. Just buy new ones when you get to Qingzhou. Don’t you think they’re heavy?”

“It’s more convenient to take them with me,” Qi Zhenshu explained.

The prices in Qingzhou were quite a bit higher than in Binhe County. Qi Zhenshu was accustomed to being frugal, so she had bought a lot of paper in advance.

“How is carrying them all that way convenient? Buying them directly in Qingzhou is the most convenient.”

As Lu Sheng spoke, she took out the paper and inkstone, quickly put them back on the bookshelf behind her, and tucked them in, “These can stay at home for Tangtang to practice calligraphy, so they won’t go to waste.”

Having lived with her for half a year, Lu Sheng knew perfectly well that Qi Zhenshu was trying to save money. Since they started making distilled spirits and opened the wine shop, their finances had become quite comfortable, but Qi Zhenshu remained thrifty, reluctant to throw away many things she had used for a long time.

Just like making clothes a few days ago, if Lu Sheng hadn’t noticed and brought it up herself, this person probably would have just patched them up and continued wearing them even after they were worn out.

Seeing her meticulously putting the items away, as if afraid she would snatch them back, Qi Zhenshu found it particularly amusing.

“Don’t take this either.” Lu Sheng put away the paper, then carefully inspected the book-trunk, took out a porcelain brush washer, and used her incessant nagging to completely dispel the emotions accumulating in her heart.

“Buying one doesn’t cost much, and carrying this is heavy. You can’t be too frugal when you’re away from home, you know?”

“When you go to Qingzhou, you can’t just eat vegetarian meals all the time, got it?”

Watching the person picking and choosing through her book-trunk, Qi Zhenshu’s typically cool eyes warmed up, and her whole being felt as if it were soaking in warm water, cozy and comfortable.

“You must eat meat at least once a day, got it?” Lu Sheng instructed, placing the brush washer back on the table.

Remembering that this person was not very fond of meat, Lu Sheng added, “If you don’t eat pork, eggs or chicken are fine, fish is also fine—in any case, you must eat some kind of meat.”

“If your body’s nutrition can’t keep up, you’ll lack energy, and how can you study well then?”

“Definitely don’t be reluctant to eat just to save money.”

“And for things you’ll use, when you get to Qingzhou, first go buy a new quilt. Sleeping with an inn’s quilt occasionally is fine, but it’s not good for your health over a long period.”

“Don’t be reluctant to spend money. The wine shop business is doing quite well, there’s no need to save this little bit.”

The smile in her eyes grew fuller, and her body subconsciously moved closer to the person who was chattering endlessly.

The firelight flickered, reflecting in her clear and bright eyes. Light and shadow intertwined on her cheek, casting a soft glow—subtle and faint, yet warm like the rising sun.

Little by little, inch by inch, it occupied Qi Zhenshu’s eyes, until nothing else could be contained.

“Oh, right, did you bring…” Lu Sheng’s words were cut short by the sudden closeness of the person behind her.

Qi Zhenshu took a step forward, held down the pair of busy little hands, and her voice was low and hoarse.

“Lu Sheng.”

“You.” Lu Sheng turned her head, and with just one glance, she fell into Qi Zhenshu’s deep, dark pupils.

The firelight reflected in the depths of her profound eyes, a swath of orange-red, seemingly melting into a river of blazing gold. Lu Sheng felt instinctively that her heart had skipped several beats.

The chaotic emotions that had accumulated in her heart due to the imminent parting were instantly cast to the back of her mind.

The distance between the two grew shorter, and the surrounding air silently became thicker and stickier. A warmth brewed uncontrollably, igniting their every breath.

Her slightly stunned eyes were like a frightened fawn in the woods—beautiful, and making one want to capture and possess her, no matter the cost.

Qi Zhenshu followed her deepest instinct, leaned in, wrapped her arms around Lu Sheng’s waist, pulled her closer, and bent down to get nearer.

The scent of soapberry mixed with the fragrance of ink grew closer, and warm breath misted Lu Sheng’s cheek.

Her heart rate suddenly accelerated, thumping faster and faster, as if it was about to leap out of her chest in the next second.

The scene before her grew dimmer. In the final moment before darkness descended, Lu Sheng could not hold on and nervously closed her eyes.

Damp, warm breaths intertwined, and her lips were covered by a slight coolness—soft, gentle, and fragrant.

Time seemed to stop at that instant. Everything around them was perfectly quiet. Apart from the faint clear fragrance and the softness on her lips, Lu Sheng could perceive nothing else.

The warm, soft touch slowly withdrew, and Lu Sheng opened her eyes, speechless.

Huh?

Just a light touch like that?

And that was it?

Lu Sheng raised her head in surprise, only to see the person who had just initiated the kiss now looking down at her, her head slightly bowed. Her dark eyes were full of gentle longing, shining with scattered flecks of light, her pearly teeth lightly biting her lip, and a faint blush bloomed on her face that was usually as calm as still water.

This simultaneously dominating and bashful expression made Lu Sheng’s heart skip a beat. Driven by the instinct to escape danger, she subconsciously lowered her head, avoiding her gaze.

Although she avoided her sight, Lu Sheng could still feel that scorching heat, and all the throbbing in her heart turned into shyness.

Waves of heat crept up her cheeks, making her too shy to lift her head. She simply braced herself, lowered her head, and pressed it against Qi Zhenshu’s shoulder, so she could no longer see her face.

Sensing her shyness, a smile played on Qi Zhenshu’s thin lips. The heat in her eyes gradually subsided, and she tightened her bent arms, holding the person close in her embrace with her head still lowered.

Lu Sheng followed her movement, obediently stood on her tiptoes, and wrapped her arms around Qi Zhenshu’s waist.

The two warm bodies leaned against each other, their cheeks affectionately touching. Their breathing was steady and soft, devoid of primal urgency, filled only with unrestrained, gentle fondness.

Through the thin layer of clothing, they felt the rhythm of each other’s heartbeats slowly intertwine, and then gradually synchronize.

After an unknown amount of time, Qi Zhenshu raised a hand and placed it on her back, breaking the silence in the room.

“I’m not Tangtang, don’t worry about me.” Her clear, gentle voice was still slightly husky, like the mist-laden morning breeze of spring, softly sweeping across Lu Sheng’s heart.

“Mhm.” Lu Sheng replied muffledly, suppressing the surge of emotion rising in her throat, and slid out of her embrace, “Then you have to promise me not to be hard on yourself just to save money.”

“I understand,” Qi Zhenshu said, her brow curved in a smile.

Lu Sheng was momentarily dazzled by her smiling expression. Then, seeing Qi Zhenshu’s clear, unwavering eyes, a sudden sense of unfairness rose in her heart.

Look how calm she is—how could she be so easily stirred up again by just one little provocation?

Annoying! It’s all Qi Zhenshu’s fault for being so beautiful.

Why is Qi Zhenshu so pretty?

She already looked extraordinarily refined when she kept a straight face, but when she smiled, she was devastatingly gorgeous. How could Lu Sheng possibly resist?

Since she couldn’t win the psychological battle, Lu Sheng felt frustrated. She deliberately put on a serious face and asked, “Have you brought enough money?”

“Yes, I have.”

After calculating the wine shop’s monthly profit, Lu Sheng would keep a portion for her own daily expenses and hand the rest of the income over to Qi Zhenshu for safekeeping.

She claimed it was because she was afraid of spending recklessly, but in truth, Lu Sheng was worried Qi Zhenshu would be too embarrassed to ask her for money if she wanted to buy something, so she simply gave it all to her to manage.

“How much silver did you bring for yourself?” Lu Sheng raised an eyebrow, looking at Qi Zhenshu suspiciously.

Qi Zhenshu glanced at her, saw her ‘fierce and intimidating’ look, her eyes flickered, and she turned her gaze away, saying softly, “Twenty taels.”

“Twenty taels?” Lu Sheng raised her voice in dissatisfaction.

She knew it. The money Qi Zhenshu brought was definitely just enough for a very frugal existence. From the third month to the eighth month for the exam, Lu Sheng had previously calculated that including travel expenses, room, and board, at least thirty taels were needed for a slightly comfortable life.

“Twenty taels? Are you planning to skimp on lodging? Or are you going to eat grass every day?” Lu Sheng tilted her head, deliberately making Qi Zhenshu look at her face, and asked with wide, staring eyes.

“I’ve inquired, and there are lodgings near the academy for people to stay, and the price is not high,” Qi Zhenshu could not avoid the question and had to explain softly.

“The kind with a communal bed?”

Lu Sheng directly hit the nail on the head. Qi Zhenshu lowered her eyes and explained quietly, “The beds are separate.”

“Even if it’s not a communal bed, what if your roommates have smelly feet, grind their teeth, or snore? How will you be able to sleep well at night?”

Hearing this, Qi Zhenshu couldn’t help but frown. Lu Sheng seized the opportunity to add, “If you don’t sleep well, you’ll have no energy the next day, and how will your studying be efficient then?”

Qi Zhenshu fell silent, tacitly agreeing with Lu Sheng’s words.

Lu Sheng turned around and took out the family’ savings wooden box from the side cabinet of the desk.

She opened the lid and looked. There were still two ten-tael banknotes and some loose silver inside, which made her even more exasperated.

They clearly had money, yet she wasn’t taking it.

She proceeded to take out two books from Qi Zhenshu’s book-trunk and tucked the ten-tael banknotes inside.

When traveling, it was more sensible to keep the money separated.

After putting the books back into the book-trunk, she turned around and held out her hand to Qi Zhenshu.

“What are you doing?” Qi Zhenshu asked in surprise.

“Your money pouch.”

Qi Zhenshu lowered her eyes and obediently took out her money pouch and handed it to her.

Lu Sheng opened it and saw only three or four taels of loose silver. She looked up at her in astonishment, “Didn’t you say you had twenty taels?”

“The banknotes are tucked in the books,” Qi Zhenshu glanced at the book-trunk and curved her lips.

Lu Sheng was secretly delighted.

The two of them were quite in sync.

She put all the loose silver from the money box into the pouch before handing it back to Qi Zhenshu with satisfaction, admonishing her in a ‘fierce’ tone, “You are not allowed to skimp on spending! Go rent a single room house later, got it?”

“We must leave some household expenses at home,” Qi Zhenshu disagreed.

“I still have money on me.” Lu Sheng pressed the money pouch into her hand, “Don’t you worry about the house. There will definitely be enough to spend.”

Seeing her firm attitude, Qi Zhenshu could only concede and put the money pouch away.

Lu Sheng nodded her head, very satisfied.

This Lu Sheng, who planned everything for her and was unwilling for her to suffer even the slightest grievance, was truly too heartwarming. Qi Zhenshu took a step forward, held her hand, and called her softly, “Lu Sheng.”

“Hmm?” Lu Sheng looked up.

“Thank you.”

Thank you.

Thank you for being you.

Qi Zhenshu’s tone was sincere, and her dark eyes were deep, stained with endless tenderness.

In the moment their eyes met, Lu Sheng almost drowned in that dense, inky blackness again.

If this continued, they really wouldn’t be getting any sleep tonight.

After all, she was mindful that Qi Zhenshu had to leave the day after tomorrow. Lu Sheng forcibly pulled back her reason, suppressed the faint reluctance in her heart, and took a deep breath internally.

“We’re wives, you know, why be so polite?” Lu Sheng said, squeezing her hand, then glanced at the sky outside and reminded her aloud, “It’s getting late. Get some rest.”

“Mhm.”

The two held hands and left the room. Just as they reached the doorway, Lu Sheng suddenly came to her senses, remembering that she still hadn’t done the thing she originally came to find Qi Zhenshu for.

Support