CH 46

Xie Chong choked for a moment, his face full of helplessness, “Miss Zhou, you know that this official does not mean…”

“Since this is the case, the Lord should not interfere in this matter. I am pregnant. And as a mother, I will take care of my body no matter what so the child can be born safely. Don’t worry. I know what I am doing.”

Hearing these words, Xie Chong’s eyes fell on the woman’s belly. He did not know when – but at some point – her belly was slightly bulged. Although it was not obvious, it was somewhat different from its previous state.

“Forget it. Let this official send you back to the Herbal Store.”

This time, it was Zhou Qing who froze.

In the past, when she came to the Xie manor to blend herbs, Xie Yi was responsible for her transportation. After all, the man standing before her was the dignified third-rank official. Not only was the official position outstanding, but the three words “Jin Yi Guards” contained power, which was really frightening.

She didn’t hesitate in the slightest and refused bluntly, “How dare I bother the Commander? You have a disease in the marrow sea. You also finally got some free time. You don’t have to stay in the dark and humid Imperial prison. You should be able to rest. Why suffer from the rough ride?”

For Xie Chong, the jolting ride and trotting horse would not cause any impact. However, if he could not see that small, jade-like face, he would feel a bit disappointed in his heart. This feeling was both new and sour. In his more than 20 years of life, this was the first time he was so interested in a woman.

“Recently, the capital is not very stable. Most of the mountain bandits were caught, but there are still a dozen fish that escaped the net, roaming in the capital. Zhenshanhu thought Miss Zhou was the County Princess and this almost made you lose your life by mistake. Therefore, it is not guaranteed that they will not avenge their boss. Although Xie Yi is skilled, he is not very powerful. Why don’t you let this official personally send you back?” Xie Chong explained with a blank expression.

At that, Zhou Qing could not help but have some doubts. She had died once before. Naturally, she cherished her life more. And a few mountain bandits were not worth the trouble.

Thinking like this, she nodded, “Then I would like to thank the Commander.”

Xie Chong’s eyes glinted, his eyes becoming deeper and darker. In fact, what he said was a lie. The group of mountain thieves from the Puji Temple was now locked up in the prison. None of them slipped through the net. Even if Zhou Qing returned to the Herbal Store alone, she would be fine.

But when he saw the worried look on the woman’s face, his heart burned, and he lied.

The two walked out of the study side by side. At that moment, Xie Yi stood at the bottom of the stone steps. At the sight of the Commander, the guard’s face could not help but reveal a trace of astonishment. But thankfully, most of the Jin Yi Guards were sensible and were able to collect themselves in the blink of an eye.

Walking out of the mansion, Zhou Qing stepped on the low stool and got into the carriage. Meanwhile, Xie Chong sat outside, held the reins in his hand, and drove the horse slowly forward.

The small hand partially lifted the curtain. She suspected that she was dreaming. Otherwise, how could such a murderous Commander drive for her, a merchant girl?

The wheels rolled on the ground with a creaking sound. Xie Chong deliberately slowed down his speed. His sense of smell was keen. Even through the layer of the carriage’s curtain, he could smell the light fragrance of orchids.

Speaking of which – compared to the tranquilizing herb in the Xuande Furnace – this scent soothed him more. But it was a pity that Zhou Qing was a married woman and could not be with him all the time.

There was a scornful look in his black eyes. Xie Chong never thought that he would be jealous of a small recorder.

The person with the surname Luo had no ability at all. After staying in the Da Li Temple for many years, he was still a small, eighth-rank official. His monthly salary was not enough to support the family, not to mention Zhou Qing’s herbs.

He imagined those soft hands of hers. He could picture Zhou Qing arriving at the Luo household and having to cook soup and serve her in-laws. And the nameless fire in his heart burned even brighter.

Tightening the reins, the horse neighed and stopped at the door of the Herbal Store.

Zhou Qing got off the carriage, went to Xie Chong’s side, and said with a light smile, “Thank you for seeing me off. Tomorrow, I will come back to bother you.”

After that, she turned around and walked into the store. When she stepped over the threshold, she turned back and found that the man not only did not leave but was also staring at her with deep eyes.

Her heart trembled slightly. Unlike those ignorant boudoir women, Zhou Qing was a married woman. She carefully recalled Xie Chong’s attitude towards her, the countless times he saved and protected her. If it was because of the Xuande Furnace, it would not have reached this point at all.

Could it be that..?

The beautiful face revealed a complicated expression. She then hastened her steps back to her room. She took the medicinal powder and white cloth from the wooden box before bandaging the exposed wound and slowly exhaling.

She just hoped that it wasn’t what she thought it was. After all, a woman like her who crawled back from hell – full of filth – was unworthy of this kind of beautiful sentiment.