Longevity: Starting From Getting Down The Mountain And Marrying A Wife

Zhong Mansion.

Early in the morning.

Li Yangshi hurriedly walked into Dongcao's residence.

"Dongcao, my sister!"

"You didn't show up when I came to look for you last night. Where were you?"

"Sister-in-law Liu!"

Dongcao, with her head resting on the table and her entire face pressed against it, weakly straightened up and forced a smile. "I went to visit Sister Xiahe yesterday. I'm sorry for making sister-in-law come all the way here."

Li Yangshi blinked and smiled, asking, "What's wrong, little sister? You look so bitter and resentful."

"Just right!" Dongcao approached and pulled Li Yangshi to sit down. "Sister-in-law, help me come up with a solution!"

Li Yangshi looked at the table and saw a paper form. "What is this..."

Dongcao frowned and said, "Yesterday, before my husband left, he told me that he needed to focus on his cultivation and asked me to rearrange the sisters' sleeping arrangements. Sister, I'm going crazy!"

Li Yangshi picked up the form and looked at it, her mouth slightly agape. She raised her hand and lightly tapped Dongcao's shoulder, speechlessly chuckling, "Of course you have to rearrange! Three times a day, every day, how can Uncle have time for anything else?"

"What do you think Uncle is? His body will break down! All of you, even if you need it, you still have to take care of Uncle's body!"

Dongcao looked at her, hesitated for a moment, and said, "No, my husband is... um, very strong in this aspect. He used to request three times a day, mainly depending on his own schedule. We sisters would come whenever he called, sometimes more than three times!"

Li Yangshi was stunned. She had heard Jiang Ping mention some things before, but she never expected it to be so powerful. So brave!

After a pause, she asked, "So now, how does Uncle want you to change it? What are his requirements?"

Dongcao sighed, "Set aside three days a month, once a day. But sister-in-law, look at our mansion, there are fourteen sisters! Plus Jingqiu and fifteen others! There will probably be more in the future. How can we arrange it?"

"Three people per month, rotating every five months. In the fifth month, after the rotation is complete, there will be a gap of four months. Sisters like Eldest Sister, Second Sister, Fourth Sister, and Qingyao Sister should definitely be given preferential treatment and scheduled more times!"

"Also, sometimes my husband will specify which sister he wants, so we have to consider the time. In this way, some sisters may not have a chance all year round. That will definitely cause complaints against me!"

Li Yangshi nodded and shook her head. "For the women in a big mansion, once a year is already good. I haven't served in bed for more than three years since my husband passed away. It's been over six years now, and I'm still fine!"

Dongcao was stunned and asked, "Why? Sister-in-law is the legitimate wife of the Li Mansion and has the trust of Master Li. How could it be like this?"

Li Yangshi pursed her lips and said, "Master only favors the Fourth Room. After the Fourth Room came in, he hardly ever looks for us."

Dongcao blinked. She had heard that the Fourth Room of the Li Mansion was killed by the recently returned Li Henian, but she didn't know what secrets were hidden behind it. "So, sister-in-law, these years... haven't they been very difficult and hard to endure?"

As experienced individuals, they naturally understood the taste of it. At the age when they needed it the most, without nourishment, it was indeed agonizing.

Li Yangshi smiled lightly, "What's the big deal? Just endure it. If it's really unbearable, take care of yourself."

Saying that, Li Yangshi looked at Dongcao with a serious expression. "Dongcao, sister-in-law sincerely reminds you. Now that Uncle has put you in charge of the backyard, with such a large group of people, if any problems arise, you can't escape the responsibility!"

"In a big mansion with deep courtyards, women in seclusion can't withstand loneliness. It's easiest for them to have wild thoughts and cause problems. You must keep a close eye on them and be vigilant!"

Li Yang lowered her voice and said, "Men are most afraid of this. If they are caught cheating, it will be a big deal. It's related to Uncle's reputation!"

Dongcao's heart tightened. "I understand the seriousness! I have chosen three maidservants specifically to help me, and they will be vigilant!"

Li Yang continued, "When the house in Cangbao Street is renovated, it will be much more convenient to move there. The front and back yards will be separated, with the women staying in the inner courtyard and the male servants not allowed to enter or leave..."

"If the women want to leave the house, they must report it. The time, location, who they will see, and when they will return must all be clear..."

"In addition, you must give them tasks to do if they have nothing to do. They must not be idle. Don't be afraid. Uncle trusts you. If anyone dares to gossip, Uncle will support you..."

"Also, you have to show your authority. Whoever is at fault must be punished, and the punishment should be severe..."

"Thank you, sister-in-law, for teaching me!" Dongcao listened attentively, nodding repeatedly. She knew the responsibility was great. Although she was exceptionally intelligent, she was only twenty years old and lacked experience.

Li Yang leaned in and whispered a few words.

Dongcao's eyelids twitched. "This... isn't it good? Thirteen Sister hasn't done anything wrong..."

Li Yang said seriously, "You have to establish your authority. It's better to prevent problems before they happen. Trust me, not only can you do it, but you can also do it in front of Uncle."

Dongcao made eye contact, changed the subject, and smiled, "Sister-in-law, you seem to be very concerned and dedicated to the affairs of the Zhong Mansion. Is there some hidden reason?"

Li Yang's heart stirred, pretending to be shy, "What hidden reason could there be? I'm doing it for Uncle... for the good of the Zhong Mansion!"

"Uncle?" Dongcao smiled cunningly, remembering the day when the other party was called to the study by her husband during the family meeting. Since then, she hadn't been on good terms with her eldest sister.

"Sister-in-law, tell me about it. I want to have an idea too."

Li Yang hesitated for a while, pursed her lips, and blushed, "Don't tell anyone. Uncle hasn't agreed yet. When Master left, he entrusted me to Uncle's care..."

Dongcao had an expression of "I understand." This was another addition.

If Zhong Yan were here and saw this scene, he would surely widen his eyes and sigh, "What a clever scheme! They even conspire against me!"

Li Yang turned her eyes and patted Dongcao, "Alright, let's talk about the matter of serving in bed. I have an idea. Let me know if it's feasible."

"Really? Please tell me, Sister-in-law!"

...

...

Fuyang Town.

Li Liushi paced back and forth at the door, finally hearing the sound of the opposite door opening, and immediately opened her own door.

"San Dao, good morning!"

"Ziying sister-in-law, good morning!"

"San Dao, are you going out?"

"Yes, I'm going for morning exercises."

"Training martial arts is indeed hard. You have to persevere and be consistent every day. Has Uncle gotten up? I need to talk to him about something."

"Since you're awake, sister-in-law, do as you please."

She bowed, watching Yan Sandao disappear, and Li Liushi adjusted her hair and clothes. She took a deep breath and walked up to knock on the door.

"Come in."

Li Liushi quickly scanned the room, closed the door, and stepped forward to bow: "This humble one, Ziyin, has met Uncle. Good morning, Uncle!"

Zhong Yan, sitting cross-legged on a wide chair, opened his eyes, stood up and slightly bowed, smiling: "Good morning. Sister-in-law didn't sleep well, your complexion looks a bit off?"

"Yesterday, I rode a horse and had some scares. Thank you for your concern, Uncle."

In fact, she waited for Zhong Yan until very late before going to sleep, little did she know that Zhong Yan and Yan Sandao were out in the wilderness having an in-depth discussion during their class.

After speaking, she took the initiative to walk to the table and pour tea and water.

"Sister-in-law came early for something?"

Li Liushi smiled and said, "Uncle is busy with cultivation, and I haven't had the chance to see you in the Zhong Mansion for a long time. So I took the opportunity to come and disturb you. I hope you can forgive me..."

Zhong Yan waved his hand, "Since sister-in-law has moved into the Zhong Mansion, we are family. There's no need to be so polite and distant."

"Yes, I have been too formal."

Li Liushi hesitated for a moment, and went straight to the point, "Seeing Jingqiu grow up day by day, she will be sixteen in a few months. A mother knows her daughter best. I know her feelings, at the age when a young girl's heart begins to flutter, she has been thinking about you for a long time."

This is a marriage proposal.

But Zhong Yan also understood, watching her purse her lips in contemplation.

It must be said that Liu Ziyin is a quick-witted person. Not to mention her appearance, mature and charming, she also has extraordinary talent. Even the young Li Jingqiu has received her true teachings, making remarkable progress.

In terms of status, among the women in the Zhong Mansion, Li Liushi is the highest.

The characteristics of the three branches of the Li Mansion are very obvious. The first branch, Li Yangshi, is cunning and capable. The second branch, Li Qiushi, is gentle and weak, more inclined towards Buddhism. The third branch in front of him is somewhat intelligent but lacks initiative.

Li He gave him these three people, they are not his legitimate children, but if they are to stay in the mansion, they must be trained, otherwise the backyard will easily catch fire.

Li Liushi cautiously glanced at him, her heart uneasy as she lowered her head.

Actually, she wasn't so anxious originally, since the matter was already settled. But she couldn't resist Li Yangshi's persuasion, which made her also become anxious, thinking that it would be more secure for her daughter to give birth to a child for the Zhong Mansion.

Zhong Yan walked towards her step by step.

Li Liushi held a handkerchief in her hands, twisting it in front of her abdomen, her eyes gradually showing panic. She took a step back to steady herself, and the handsome face in front of her was getting closer and closer.

But Zhong Yan leaned close to her ear and whispered with a smile: "Compared to Jingqiu, I'm more interested in you."

Thump thump~

Buzz buzz~

My heart is pounding so hard it feels like it's going to explode, and my mind is buzzing with a momentary blankness.

He is so close, his masculine aura hitting me in the face.

Li Liushi's body feels weak, her entire face flushed and burning hot.

Waiting for Zhong Yan to step back.

Their eyes meet, their gazes intertwining.

In an instant, both of them have the same image in their minds - the scene when Li Liushi, acting as if she was self-sufficient, was caught by Zhong Yan amidst the schemes of the many wives and concubines of the Li family.

Could it be that at that time, Li Liushi panicked and couldn't control the strange feeling in her heart?

Zhong Yan squints his eyes, a wicked smile playing at the corners of his mouth, reaching out and grabbing her soft arm.

A low exclamation.

A long time.

[Insight into cultivation techniques +1, experience in talismanic arts +3, progress in cultivation +1]

Li Liushi's gaze is hazy, her face filled with satisfied happiness as she collapses onto the chair.

Zhong Yan glances over and asks, "When you came to Fuyang this time, did Yang Liu'er ask you to do anything else?"

It's obvious that the person chosen to act in that play wasn't just anyone.

Li Liushi is experienced and open-minded, and her appearance and beauty are passable.

Li Yangshi can be said to have gone to great lengths.

Upon hearing the question, Li Liushi immediately gets up and kneels on the ground, "Sister Liu'er only asked this servant to handle the accounts properly, there's no need to deliberately separate the fields and tenant farmers of the Zhong and Li families."

Zhong Yan chuckles, "Is it that there's no need to deliberately, or deliberately no need?"

There's a big difference between the two.

But no matter what, Yang Liu'er's goal is to tightly connect the Li and Zhong families, making them inseparable.

It's not a bad thing either.

"Brother Dao entrusted me before his death, I will take care of you for the rest of your lives once you enter the Zhong family. Don't think about these trivial matters anymore, they only bring trouble."

"Yes! This servant remembers!"

Li Liushi is delighted, lifts her eyelids, and immediately gets up to help Zhong Yan straighten his clothes.

"I will be able to finish the accounts today, when shall we return to the city?"

However, Zhong Yan says, "Wait until we move to Cangbao Street, then we'll hold a wedding banquet for Jingqiu."

Li Liushi is slightly stunned, but quickly nods, "Yes, this servant understands. This servant doesn't need any status in the Zhong family."

...