In the realm of legends, Pavilion Master Hong Xiu, known for her captivating beauty and venomous heart, has countless souls perishing beneath her soft whip.
It is said that Pavilion Master Hong Xiu is bold and uninhibited, with many suitors at her feet. Yet, she is fickle, easily bored, and lacks loyalty in her affections.
Once a daughter of a prominent family in the martial world, Hong Xiu was cast out at the age of sixteen for defying family rules and bearing a child. With a heart full of vengeance against society, she established the Red Sleeve Pavilion.
To Zhao Qixian, He Hongxiu indeed wields a whip with great skill. He has attempted to escape several times, only to be caught and brought back by her. In contrast, his swordsmanship pales in comparison to that of his ancestors. However, to claim she has a heart as cruel as a snake's? So far, aside from making him kneel on a washboard and write self-reflections, He Hongxiu has not truly punished him.
As for bearing a child at sixteen, that part is indeed true. He Wanwan, the little girl, follows him around all day, calling him "stepfather." His attempts to flee have been thwarted by her informing her mother. Whenever he adopts a stern expression, He Wanwan pouts with her round face, looking up at him with pitiful eyes: “Stepfather, do you not want Wan Wan anymore?” It’s rare to find such a persistent child who knows he is her stepfather! But those watery big eyes… how can one find them annoying?
Zhao Qixian helplessly lets He Wanwan drag him to the back garden to admire the scenery. It is late spring and early summer; amidst layers of lush green foliage, a striking splash of red stands out. He Hongxiu leans against the pavilion with a fan in hand, leisurely touching up her makeup as she gazes at her reflection in the lake. The weather is sultry; she wears a thin gauzy dress with her dark hair elegantly styled, resembling a begonia in spring slumber.
The legends about He Hongxiu possessing the beauty of sinking fish and falling geese are not unfounded. Zhao Qixian finds himself lost in thought.
He Wanwan tugs at his hand: “Stepfather, Mother is over there!”
He Hongxiu, skilled in martial arts and possessing keen hearing, turns at the sound and locks eyes with Zhao Qixian. A jolt runs through him as he hurriedly averts his gaze. Of course, He Hongxiu notices his momentary distraction. When He Wanwan successfully pulls Zhao Qixian over to her side, He Hongxiu has already adorned her face with what she believes to be her most charming smile.
“Husband, have you been well these days?” He Hongxiu steps forward to ask.
Zhao Qixian swiftly dodges her hand that reaches out to wipe his sweat: “Not bad.” (Except for the lack of freedom.)
He Hongxiu reads his expression: “Husband, let’s go out together someday and buy some treats for Wan Wan…”
Zhao Qixian silently complained, "With so many people in the villa, does the Governing Lord really have to go himself to buy something to eat? He Hongxiu, if you want to date me, at least come up with a better excuse."
Meanwhile, little He Wanwan was tugging at He Hongxiu's sleeve, calling out, "Mother, Mother..."
He Hongxiu waved her hand dismissively. "The Lord is speaking; children should not interrupt!"
After shaking off He Wanwan, He Hongxiu edged closer to Zhao Qixian, her hand subtly pressing against his chest. Zhao Qixian awkwardly looked up at the sky, trying to avoid He Hongxiu's gaze. With her relentless advances, He Hongxiu was practically hanging off him.
The previously ignored He Wanwan was quite displeased. "Mother, you're showing too much!"
Her clear voice startled a flock of birds perched on a nearby tree.
Known for her boldness, He Hongxiu instinctively clutched her collar and unexpectedly felt her cheeks flush slightly. Zhao Qixian found it curious; the legendary Pavilion Master Hong Xiu, known for her daring nature and numerous admirers, could actually feel shy?
A smile unconsciously crept onto his lips. Yet, her flustered and bashful demeanor was undeniably charming.
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