Chapter 63
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Chapter 63:
Li Chunzhou was a bit surprised that Mi Hongbao had just left yesterday morning, yet a letter had already arrived this afternoon. If Mi Hongbao was already at the front lines, it meant that the distance between the two places was probably less than a day’s journey…
She unfolded the letter and began reading it word by word.
Lady Chun, open and read the letter…
I have arrived at Dianhuai County. The weather here is similar to Shengjing. Surprisingly, there is a large area of lotus flowers planted in the county seat, endless in sight. Seeing this scene makes me think of you.
It’s very cold at night. The soldiers in Daliang were hastily mobilized this time. Many soldiers were shivering from the cold at night. They have been on the front lines for half a month. The front line has been constantly defeated, resulting in many deaths. I saw some young soldiers quietly crying because they missed home, but I didn’t cry.
…
Everything is fine on my side. Don’t worry. As long as Grandfather and I are here, we will definitely not let them step into the capital.
Shouchang, June 22nd
Li Chunzhou couldn’t help but smile as she read. After finishing reading, she folded the letter paper back neatly, put it back in the envelope, and stored it in a box.
Night fell in a peaceful atmosphere. Qi Leyuan was thrown outside again, while Li Chunzhou had already been lying in bed early, ready to sleep. Today was one of the rare peaceful days in her life.
Li Chunzhou was not anxious at all about the Oiran Contest tomorrow, but Mama Li couldn’t help but worry for her.
As night fell, Mama Li brought four or five maidservants to Li Chunzhou’s room. She had them bring various sets of clothes and jewelry for Li Chunzhou to try on, picking out the outfit she would wear tomorrow in advance.
Li Chunzhou cuddled under the blanket and lazily said, "Mother, I don’t want to participate in tomorrow’s Oiran Contest."
"Oh dear," Li Sanchun sat by Li Chunzhou’s bed, kindly pulled her up and said, "Why are you in a bad mood again for no reason? This is a big deal for your future. If you can find a good family, I would be happy even if I close my eyes… I know you are still upset about Fan Nuo from yesterday, but Lady Chun, all good things must come to an end. Fan Nuo is moving forward to her own bright future, can I stop her?"
Li Chunzhou pursed her lips, refused to talk, and looked dejected. Mama Li felt sorry for her, hugged her and comforted her for a while, then helped Li Chunzhou sit up and changed her clothes.
Li Chunzhou let Mama Li dress her up like a well-behaved doll.
Mama Li let her choose, and Li Chunzhou casually picked a set.
Li Sanchun sighed and gestured for the maids to put away the other clothes.
Li Chunzhou opened her box, took out various gold and silver jewelry that she rarely wore, and gave them to the maids in the room. The girls glanced at Mama Li nervously, and when she nodded in approval, they happily accepted the gifts.
Li Chunzhou was always generous, even more so than some stingy guests.
Watching their happy faces, Li Chunzhou realized how money can bring joy and shallow happiness to others. She quietly looked at their smiles, reassuring herself that she had no regrets – no regrets for bowing to the powerful and sacrificing her pride for money and status.
After everyone had left, Li Chunzhou could still hear happy chatter.
Li Zhexuan came over and rubbed her face, whispering, "Lady Chun, I’m hungry… so hungry."
A hint of impatience appeared on his usually calm face, Li Chunzhou realized that Li Zhexuan hadn’t eaten anything for days.
"A’xuan is a good child, I know you’ve been patient…" Li Chunzhou comforted him, "But for now, go take a bath, change your clothes, do you understand?"
Li Zhexuan nodded obediently and went out to fetch water from the well.
When he returned, he was only wearing white shorts, bare-chested. In the flickering candlelight, Li Chunzhou saw shadows cast by Li Zhexuan’s eyebrows and nose, giving his face a mysterious and deep look in the quiet night.
Li Zhexuan had a tall and muscular figure, his body designed by genetics to be pleasing to Li Chunzhou.
Li Zhexuan kneeled at the edge of the bed, leaning towards Li Chunzhou, his dark eyes showing no emotions, just quietly gazing at her.
Though it was a warm summer night, the cold water from the bath left Li Zhexuan with a chill. Li Chunzhou’s hand on his bare shoulder trembled slightly as she leaned in to kiss his cold lips.
Two people were kissing in the soft bed, they kissed for a very long time before separating. Li Chunzhou felt her thin lips were almost being sucked dry. Like a drowning person, she gasped for air as she emerged from Li Zhexuan’s embrace.
Li Zhexuan, with messy black hair and slightly blushing face, looked at her directly and hoarsely said, "Even hungrier… Lady Chun…"
His Adam’s apple bobbing up and down, the desire in his eyes almost overwhelming, Li Chunzhou hesitantly bit her lip, feeling a slight pain in her mouth.
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***
Early the next morning, the grand "Oiran Contest" began with the sound of morning drums.
The streets were already crowded with the carriages of many noble guests who came to watch the event. The absence of Xiangru Court’s theatrical troupe performing this year made the scene a bit less lively.
Li Chunzhou, feeling listless, allowed Chihong to dress her up as usual. She pinned a large white peony behind her head, then lifted her skirt and headed upstairs.
Here is a background introduction to add more words. You can skip it if you want to.
The sun was shining brightly in the sky, making it a clear blue day. The heat made the distant view look wavy. The sun reflected off the golden rice fields, making them look like they were covered in gold. Under the shade of trees, a lush green grass field looked like a green carpet, swaying with the breeze and creating a refreshing sound as the leaves rustled.
The creek sparkled under the sunlight, shimmering and shining. Willow trees along the shore swayed gracefully in the gentle breeze, their branches and leaves moving as if dancing lightly. The sound of cicadas filled the air, like a lively symphony of summer. In the distance, the hills were surrounded by a faint mist, giving them a hazy and beautiful appearance.
In the hot summer, everything was growing vigorously, and the earth was full of vitality and energy. It was a sunny and vibrant season, as if the whole world was covered by the sun. However, the heat didn’t diminish the beauty of the girls from Spring Flowers Tower. Their cheeks were rosy, eyes bright, and sweat beads glistened on their foreheads like a crystal necklace.
The girls wore light, flowing dresses that fluttered in the breeze, making them look elegant and graceful, like fairies. Along the way, Li Chunzhou saw groups of girls walking with light steps, their skin slightly flushed with sweat, adding to their charm.
In the summer sun, the sweat did not hide the beauty of the girls, but added a unique charm and allure, like the most beautiful scenery of summer, like enchanting paintings to admire.
This was the liveliest day of the year at Spring Flowers Tower, where scholars and courtesans gathered, reciting poems, drinking, and singing.
The selection process involved voting. Each audience member was given a blank ballot to write down their chosen Oiran. The girls from Pingkang Alley competed for the top three spots in the first class, thirty spots in the second class, and the rest of the vote-getters were listed in the third class.
After the voting was done, the selected girls’ names would be announced on the spot.
Li Chunzhou smiled at everyone who greeted her, but she didn’t care much about these scattered tickets, because Li Chunzhou knew that as long as her name appeared on the list of candidates, the Second Prince would take care of everything for her.