Chapter 181: The Pleasures of the Private Chamber

Li Qing’an thought of bras. Although there were bustiers and underbust garments in ancient times, they did not have the health benefits of bras. Looking at those women who bought dresses, all in their twenties, they all appeared listless and sagging after giving birth, their femininity completely lost.
Watching those full, firm breasts and thinking about how they might sag in a few years, Li Qing’an felt as if a work of art had been shattered—what a sin!
He turned and returned to the mansion. Butler Jiang had already heard that his master was back and hurried to greet him, “Master has returned.”
Li Qing’an nodded and smiled, “Has anything happened at home while I was away?”
“Nothing much. Just many young ladies coming to Miss Wuyi to learn the zither, so it’s quite lively here.”
“Have the kitchen prepare a sumptuous meal tonight. I and the soldiers missed the Dragon Boat Festival, so let’s make up for it today.”
“Sure, I’ll arrange it right away.”
Li Qing’an quickened his pace toward the inner chambers. He had been in Beiting for several months, spending most of his time on official duties and rarely having time to spend with his family, especially Wuyi. He had neglected her since arriving in Beiting, not spending as much time with her as they had during the journey there.
Li Qing’an’s mansion covered a large area. Besides the main building, the back courtyard had four or five more courtyards. With few people around, it used to be very quiet. Everyone lived together, but after adding over twenty maids, the population in the back courtyard increased, and they started living separately.
The Ruoshi and Ruhua sisters lived in one courtyard. Remembering that Ruoshi had recently had some good news, Li Qing’an decided to visit her first. The courtyard was quiet, with fallen flowers everywhere. Clothes hung on the clothesline, and in a corner, two brightly colored silk strips were tied to two long thin ropes.
A maid named Chuntao was sweeping the fallen flowers when she suddenly saw a man enter. She was startled at first but recognized him as the master. Frightened, she quickly stood at attention. Li Qing’an smiled and waved his hand, signaling her to step back.
He walked to the door but suddenly stopped, hearing two people talking inside—it was Ruoshi and Wuyi.
“Sis Wuyi, you really want to set up a branch of the opera troupe? Are you joking?”
“How could I be joking? Actually, one of the main reasons I came to the Western Regions was to learn the six-stringed zither. But your elder brother Li deceived me. I asked many Turks, and no one has ever seen such a zither. Since I can’t learn it, I’ll teach others to play it. At least I’ll have something to do and won’t be so bored.”
“Your elder brother Li wouldn’t deceive you. Otherwise, how would he know how to play it? Maybe only people from Persia can play that kind of six-stringed zither.”

“Maybe so! I remember his instrument as an ancient Persian lute.”
Suddenly, Rushi whispered with a poetic tone, “Sister Wuyi, your elder brother gave you his six-stringed lute. ‘Lute’ and ‘affection’ sound similar! What kind of affection is he giving you?”
“Stop talking nonsense. Six-stringed lutes have nothing to do with affection. Don’t get ideas.”
“Hehe! Why are you blushing, Sister Wuyi? Whether there’s a connection or not, you and I know well.”
Li Qing’an, who had been eavesdropping outside, felt awkward. He turned to leave quietly but knocked over a large copper basin leaning against the wall with a loud clang! Startled, he closed his eyes. The two women inside almost simultaneously asked, “Who’s there?”
Li Qing’an could only cough awkwardly and say, “It’s me!”
“Elder brother, is that you?”
Rushi exclaimed in delight, rushing out with joy and excitement on her pretty face. Wuyi also slowly came out, standing behind Rushi and stealing a glance at him.
Li Qing’an scratched the back of his head and smiled, “I just got back today. I saw Ruhua selling things at the door just now—it was quite interesting.”
“Oh, her! She had a whim and started doing it a couple of days ago.”
With Wuyi present, Rushi became reserved and too shy to hold Li Qing’an’s hand. She quickly said with a smile, “Elder brother, come in quickly. Don’t stand at the door.”
“Rushi, then I’ll go back first.”
Wuyi suddenly felt like an extra. Feeling a bit upset, she forced a smile and said, “I won’t disturb you two being affectionate.”
With that, she headed for the door, but quickly glanced at Li Qing’an. A hint of resentment flashed in her deep, beautiful eyes before she hid it again.
“Wuyi, I’ll teach you a new piece tonight—called ‘Moon River’.”
“Moon River!” Wuyi repeated it softly twice. Her eyes lit up as she smiled at Li Qing’an. “Then it’s settled. Teach me to play it tonight.”
She swayed her slender waist and walked away gracefully.
Li Qing’an watched her go before entering the room. It was his first time in Rushi’s new room. The room was simply furnished—on the snow-white walls hung a sandalwood pipa, her most cherished possession, which Li Qing’an had bought for her the year before last. Against the wall was a bed covered with a sky-blue gauze curtain. By the window was a desk, with two armchairs beside it, each with a cushion. There was also a bookshelf with dozens of books, along with some small ornaments like jade vases and flutes.
Li Qing’an sat down at the desk and saw a stack of calligraphy practice sheets. He picked them up with interest. “Rushi, are you practicing calligraphy?”

Rushi was pouring tea when she smiled and said, “Yes! Sister Wuyi writes very beautifully. I’m learning from her!”
Li Qing’an picked up the writing draft but froze—there was a letter pressed underneath, with an envelope that read, “For Brother Qing’an.”
“Is this for me?” Li Qing’an asked with a smile as he picked up the letter.
Rushi let out a cry, put down the teapot, and rushed over to snatch the letter. Li Qing’an hid his hand behind his back while using his other hand to wrap around her waist, laughing, “Is it a secret?”
Rushi lost her balance and ended up in his arms. Her face turned red with shame as she still tried to take back the letter. “Brother, you’re not allowed to read it. It’s meant for me.”
“I don’t have to read it, but you have to kiss me.”
Reluctantly, Rushi kissed his cheek. Li Qing’an shook his head and pointed to his own mouth. Rushi’s face flushed even more, her eyes filled with shyness.
“You naughty guy!”
She wrapped her arms around her lover’s neck, turned her head, and pressed her delicate lips to his. Her soft, lilac-like tongue slipped into his mouth.
Li Qing’an’s desire surged. As he sucked on her sweet tongue, his hand delved into her dress, caressing her smooth, delicate skin without restraint. Rushi’s breathing grew heavier, her gaze blurred. Li Qing’an’s hand moved downward, firmly rubbing her full, round buttocks—smooth and highly elastic. Suddenly, he felt a thin ribbon. Rushi raised her head and pleaded softly, “Brother, I’m on my period. I can’t serve you.”
“I know.”
His hand moved upward, gripping her full breasts. Then he noticed another difference between Rushi and Ruyhua—one was like an upside-down jade bowl, round and smooth, while Rushi’s were like proud cones, soft yet firm. But one thing was the same: neither of them was wearing a bustier.
“Did you deliberately not wear a bustier knowing I was coming back today?” Li Qing’an whispered seductively in her ear.
“Of course not! I just didn’t want to wear it in the room.”
Taking advantage of Li Qing’an’s distraction, Rushi snatched the letter and flew away like a little bird. Li Qing’an failed to catch her, furious.
“She stirred up my desire and then ran away.”
Rushi turned back with a charming smile. “Wait for me!”
She hid the letter but picked up a piece of green silk from the pillow and hid behind the curtain.
“What are you doing?” Li Qing’an asked, walking over with a smile.
“Don’t come here!”
Rushi hurriedly tried to stop him, but Li Qing’an was already in front of her. She was changing into a bustier—her shirt had just been removed, and the green silk straps were hung around her neck, revealing her delicate, creamy-white body.
“We’re already married. What does it matter?”

He smiled and went up to tie the knot at the back for her, then stepped back to take a look. The bandeau covered her chest and belly, revealing her snow-white arms and smooth, delicate back, as pure as jade. A poetic image of her wearing a bra suddenly popped into his mind, and when he compared it with the bandeau before him, he shook his head, thinking the bandeau had more of an Eastern charm.

However, the bandeau could be improved to have health benefits. With that thought, he chuckled and said, “What I mean is, there should be a sturdier half-moon-shaped support inside the bandeau to hold up the breasts, so they won’t sag and will always look like they do now.”

“Mm! I can give it a try,” Ru Shi nodded gently. As long as her lover liked it, she was willing to do anything.

At that moment, Li Qing’an’s flirtatious gaze fell again on her dress, reminding him of that thin strap, which led him to evilly imagine something from later times. He pulled Ru Shi into his arms and whispered a few words in her ear.

Shamed, Ru Shi buried her face in his chest and mumbled, “What’s there to see?”

“But I want to see.”

“I’ll show you at night.”

“I want to see it now.”

“O-Okay then! Go close the door.”

Ru Shi weakly pushed him away, giving him a coy glance. Li Qing’an quickly went over to lock the door and closed the windows as well, darkening the room instantly.

“Just sit there. Don’t come over.”

Ru Shi hid behind the curtain and fumbled with her clothes. After a while, she slowly stepped out, too shy to lift her head. She still wore the bandeau on top, but her dress was off, revealing her long, fair, delicate legs. A narrow red strip wrapped around her thighs, with thin ropes tied to both ends and fastened around her waist.

“Turn around!” Li Qing’an ordered in a hoarse voice.

Reluctantly, Ru Shi turned around, revealing the red strip nestled between her round buttocks, disappearing into them. Her plump, fair, and smooth buttocks made Li Qing’an’s nose almost bleed—just as he had imagined, it was a thong!

“Brother, is it okay now?” Ru Shi pleaded softly. “There are maids outside! If we close the windows and doors during the day, they’ll laugh at us.”

“Come here!”

With a resentful look in her eyes, Ru Shi still slowly walked over and said in a quiet voice, “Brother, I really can’t do it today.”

“I know that, of course.”

Li Qing’an smiled as he pulled her onto his lap and fiddled with her enchanting ‘thong,’ whispering mockingly, “Make one like this in the future and show it to me at night.”

Rushi gently bit her lip and whispered, “Then I’ll only wear it for you alone. Please don’t let Ruhua and the others know.”
“Don’t worry!”
Li Qing’an took her hand and led her to a particularly firm area, but his gaze flicked toward the jade flute on the bookshelf, giving her a hint.
Rushi followed his gaze and immediately blushed furiously, turning away in refusal. Li Qing’an pulled her hand again, so she had no choice but to pinch him and nod obediently.
…
Fifteen minutes later, the doors and windows of Rushi’s room were opened. She was already dressed and peeked outside into the courtyard. It was quiet, with no one around; the maid had long disappeared somewhere.
Slightly relieved, she went behind Li Qing’an and gently massaged his head. “Brother, how long will you stay home this time?”
“I can only stay for three days. I still need to visit Xizhou. I’ve been in Beiting for so long yet haven’t been there yet!”
Hearing that her beloved would only stay for three days, a hint of disappointment flashed in her eyes. Li Qing’an patted her hand and smiled, “It doesn’t matter. The trip to Xizhou isn’t an official inspection. I can take you both with me.”
“Really?” Rushi was overjoyed.
“Of course. How could I, the governor of Beiting, deceive you, a young woman? Bring the dance dress too. I’ve neglected her a bit lately.”
“I’m glad you understand.”
Rushi sighed and said softly, “The dance dress is really pitiful. You should care more about her. Since you brought her to Beiting but ignore her, that’s unfair of you.”
“As you know, I really don’t have time.”
Just then, a maid ran up to the courtyard entrance and shouted, “Master, Mr. Yan is asking for you. He says it’s urgent.”
“Can’t I have even a moment of peace?”
Li Qing’an stood up helplessly, stretched lazily, and smiled, “Let’s have a family reunion dinner tonight. Go tell Ruhua that if she wants to be a merchant, I’ll give her a better opportunity. Close the shop early today.”
With that, he strode outside with his hands behind his back.
…
Mr. Yan’s family lived in the east courtyard, which was quite large, with thirty or forty rooms, most of which were empty. Mr. Yan’s wife and daughters had been brought from their hometown. He had no sons, only two daughters—one twelve and the other ten—both of whom were learning the zither from Wuyi.
When Li Qing’an entered the courtyard, he saw his eldest daughter helping her father walk slowly around. Mr. Yan’s tendons had been severed, and it was almost impossible for him to recover fully. He could only regain some walking ability through gradual exercise.
“Mr. Yan seems to be doing much better.”

Li Qingan walked over with a smile. When Yan Zhuang turned around and saw it was him, he also smiled and said, “My legs feel a bit stronger these past couple of days.”
He then said to his daughter, “Let’s stop here for today. Help your father inside.”
Yan Zhuang’s eldest daughter was named Yan Xiaomei. She had originally been intended to be married to An Lushan’s nephew, but due to Yan Zhuang’s situation, the marriage fell through. With a red face, she greeted Li Qingan, “Uncle Li!”
“Hehe! Xiaomei is getting more and more beautiful. How do you like Beiting?”
Yan Xiaomei nodded. “As long as I’m with my father, I like anywhere.”
Li Qingan said thoughtfully, “Well said. Family reunion is more important than anything else. It seems I need to speed things up and bring over the families of the soldiers from the interior one by one.”
They entered the room. Yan Xiaomei helped her father sit down on the couch and covered his legs with a blanket before stepping back.
Yan Zhuang smiled, took a stack of documents from the small table, and handed them to Li Qingan. “This is the investigation of the Suiye Han-Tang Society over the past month. As I expected, this Han-Tang Society has ulterior motives. They have substantial financial resources and have been actively recruiting members in Beiting and Hexi over the past month or two. According to the information I have, at least 600 people in Beiting have joined this Han-Tang Society in just one month, and they’ve even infiltrated the military.”
Li Qingan frowned as he flipped through the documents, asking doubtfully, “What exactly do they want?”
“I don’t know what they want either, but I have a feeling that the Han-Tang Society is just a cover. There’s likely another secret organization within it.”
“A secret organization?”
“Yes! A highly secretive organization, with the Han-Tang Society serving as their cover.”
At that, Yan Zhuang took out a list and handed it to Li Qingan. “Governor, you might as well use forceful measures to force them to reveal their true intentions.”
Li Qingan took the list and glanced at it. It listed some well-known shops in Beiting. He let out a soft hum and smiled faintly. “I’d like to go take a look first.”