Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Hu Chi'er was honest and straightforward by nature. Without much thought, he clasped his fists towards Zhang Ji and said in a deep voice, "My lord, please tell me what you want. I'm not very smart and can't think of too many roundabout things. I'll do whatever you say without hesitation."

Zhang Ji nodded slightly, his expression solemn. He lowered his voice and spoke slowly, "Chi'er, this matter is of vital importance. Your first priority is to urge Zou Shi to dress her gracefully and elegantly, and then send her to accompany Ah Xiu. Once they are together and have made some moves, you and your brother Hu Che'er must quietly sneak into Ah Xiu's residence in the middle of the night and secretly remove all weapons and weapons. Then, you will stand guard outside the house. If you hear any movement from inside, or if Ah Xiu shows any unusual behavior, you must immediately restrain him. Do not allow him to commit reckless acts like self-harm. If he becomes overly agitated and uncontrollable, bring him directly to me. Remember, as soon as you bring him here, send someone to fetch Mr. Jia Xu immediately. Tomorrow morning, I will be waiting here for you brothers to escort Ah Xiu here."

Hu Chi'er scratched his head, his face showing hesitation, and he stammered, "My lord, wouldn't it be unfair to the young master to act this way?"

Zhang Ji frowned, his eyes suddenly became sharp, and his tone left no room for questioning: "Don't ask too many questions, just do as I say. If he resists strongly, I will tie him up and bring him to see me. I will never let him have the chance to hurt himself." Zhang Ji knew his nephew Zhang Xiu's temper very well. He was very loyal and righteous. If he couldn't get over it for a while and felt guilty about himself, he might do something extreme. If that happened, the consequences would be unimaginable, and he would regret it for the rest of his life.

Seeing that Zhang Ji had made up his mind, Hu Chier still had some doubts in his heart, but he dared not say anything. He had to accept the order and take his leave, and hurried to arrange everything.

Hu Chi'er shouted from outside Zou's door, "Madam, the lord's order cannot be delayed. Please hurry!" Zou, overhearing this from within, was overwhelmed with emotion. She had initially believed Zhang Ji's previous actions were merely a calculated test. After all, in these turbulent times, people's hearts were unpredictable, and political schemes were ever-present. But now, all signs clearly indicated that Zhang Ji truly intended to entrust her to Zhang Xiu.

As this thought struck Zou, a wave of shyness washed over her cheeks, a scorching heat that threatened to burn her. She knew her status was special, and such an arrangement was against propriety; how could she not feel ashamed? Yet, deep within the most secret corners of her soul, an indescribable emotion quietly grew. It was anticipation for the unknown future, perhaps curiosity about Zhang Xiu, or perhaps a faint hope for a turning point in fate.

She strode gracefully toward the bronze mirror, her figure graceful yet tinged with a sense of loneliness. Her gaze fell on the figure in the mirror. The face, with its brows as dark as distant black and eyes as bright as stars, remained unchanged, though a hint of melancholy and confusion lingered in the corners of her eyes. She gently raised her delicate hand, her fingertips trembling slightly as she touched the cloud-like hair, as if comforting the figure in the mirror, yet also silently bidding farewell to her past self. The past had been turbulent but stable, but now, with an uncertain future, she was about to enter a completely unfamiliar and uncertain situation. Every time she thought of this, Zou's heart was tangled, a tangled mess of anxiety about the impending changes, yet deep within her heart, she clung to a faint but tenacious longing.

At Hu Chi'er's repeated urging, Zou finally finished applying her makeup. Her figure was graceful, her steps light and graceful, her expression a mixture of anticipation and shyness, as if she were carrying a fawn, as she slowly made her way towards Zhang Xiu's courtyard. The night was as dark as ink, weighing heavily on the world. Only a few flickering lights cast a faint glow in the breeze, barely illuminating the path ahead.

When they arrived at Zhang Xiu's courtyard, Hu Che'er, who had been following Zhang Xiu closely, stepped forward quickly and stretched out his hand to stop Zou and her brother Hu Chi'er behind her. Hu Che'er frowned and asked with a puzzled look on his face: "Brother, what is going on? The young master has already gone to bed. It would be inappropriate to disturb him at this moment." Hu Chi'er's face was solemn, and he lowered his voice and said: "Brother, this is an order given by the lord himself. Let Madam Zou dress up carefully and come to accompany the young master. After they are in the same room, you and I need to sneak into the young master's room at midnight, when the night is deepest and everything is silent, and take out all those weapons. Then we need to guard outside the house. As long as we hear the slightest movement, we must confirm it. "We must ensure the young master doesn't do anything drastic. If anything unusual happens, bring him directly to the lord. We must also immediately send for Mr. Jia Xu." Hu Che'er's eyes widened, his face visibly troubled. He couldn't help but gasp, "Brother, this isn't an easy task. The young master has a fiery temper. If you blame me..." Hu Chi'er patted him on the shoulder and sighed helplessly, "Brother, the lord's orders are like a mountain pressing down on our heads. How dare we disobey? If we don't, you and I will surely suffer the consequences."

At that moment, the cold midnight wind howled through the courtyard, rustling the branches as if whispering about the unpredictable destiny. The sound of the wind seemed to add a touch of tension and unease to the awkward and delicate situation. The three of them remained frozen in the courtyard, the atmosphere as heavy as the deep night.

When Zou, Hu Chi'er, and Hu Che'er arrived outside Zhang Xiu's room, the still air was filled with the distinct rhythmic sound of Zhang Xiu's steady, powerful breathing. Zou stood before the door, her feet pinned to the ground, her heart filled with hesitation. Hu Chi'er, observing this, hurried behind her, whispering, "Madam, do not hesitate any longer. The lord is pressing us hard." Zou took a deep breath, straining to appear calm. She bit her lower lip, her delicate hand resting on the door.

At this moment, Hu Che'er glared at Zou with a fierce gaze and said in a muffled voice, "The master has instructed that the young master is young and inexperienced. Madam, please take the initiative." These blunt words caused Zou to blush instantly, a blush spreading rapidly like clouds across the sky. The two brothers, afraid to look directly at Zou's bright eyes and white teeth, did not notice her abnormality. Zou tried hard to suppress her panic, and replied with a slightly trembling voice, "I understand." Then, she gently pushed open the door and walked in with a slightly heavy step.

Inside the room, Zhang Xiu, drunk to excess, lay unconscious on the bed. Zou slowly approached the bedside, but Zhang Xiu remained unresponsive. In the dim light of a lamp, Zou's gaze fell on Zhang Xiu's remarkable and heroic features. Zhang Xiu had sharp eyebrows, bright eyes, and a high nose bridge. Even in his sleep, he exuded a unique masculine aura. As Zou watched, her heart fluttered. She had been married to Zhang Ji for a long time, but recalling the past, Zhang Ji had often treated her with a semi-forced attitude, completely incapable of tenderness. She had always been passive in their marital affairs, never experiencing any joy.

Now, facing Zhang Xiu's deep sleep, Zou felt a real dilemma. If she truly had sex with Zhang Xiu now, how would she face him later? But Zhang Ji's stern warning kept resurfacing in her mind. She knew Zhang Ji's ruthlessness and determination. If she couldn't accomplish this so-called "good deed" tonight, Zhang Xiu would learn of it tomorrow and feel guilty towards his uncle. To save Zhang Xiu's embarrassment and preserve his dignity, Zhang Ji would undoubtedly kill her. Zou's thoughts grew more and more terrified. Her hands unconsciously clutched the corners of her clothes, and beads of sweat formed on her forehead. In the cold night, she felt only a chill down her back, filled with fear and helplessness. Yet, she was helpless, left to struggle alone in this dilemma.

Zou climbed onto the bed with trepidation, her fingertips trembling as she gently lifted the delicately embroidered quilt. She took a deep breath, bit her lower lip, and then, with trembling hands, began to remove her clothes. Once she was dressed only in her undergarments, she carefully slid inside. Within the small bed, she could clearly smell the distinct scent of alcohol and masculinity emanating from Zhang Xiu. Her hands trembled as she slowly reached out to Zhang Xiu, unbuttoning his underwear. When her fingers touched Zhang Xiu's burning skin, a flash of electricity instantly coursed through her body. She froze in place, as if struck by lightning, momentarily at a loss for words.

Zhang Xiu, slumbering, was sweltering from excessive drinking. Zou's slightly cool body touched him, surprisingly comforting. He instinctively moved closer, extending his powerful arms to embrace her tightly. A faint scent of her body lingered in his nostrils. Though a virgin, Zhang Xiu, driven by instinct, unconsciously began to grope her in his sleep. His scorching hands roamed freely over Zou's skin, leaving her feeling a wave of arousal.

Zhang Xiu was still in a drunken stupor, as if trapped in an inescapable dream. He opened his eyes slightly, looking at the trembling Zou in his arms, his eyes hazy as he murmured, "Is that you, Auntie?" Zou blushed and hummed softly. Zhang Xiu, still shrouded in the thick fog of a hangover, his thoughts clouded, his ability to think and judge lost, as if still in a dream, he recklessly continued to tear at Zou's underwear. Thinking of Zhang Ji's chilling warning, coupled with Zhang Xiu's scorching body, his tight embrace and unbridled caresses, Zou suppressed her shyness and reluctantly cooperated with Zhang Xiu's unreasonable actions.

After a flurry of activity, Zhang Xiu finally got what he wanted while still asleep. Suddenly, Zou's delicate cry shattered the tranquil atmosphere of the room. The bed began to rock gently, creaking rhythmically, as if whispering about this unethical affair, woven together by power and fate.

Zou had already harbored a secret affection for Zhang Xiu, and this intimate moment brought home to her the stark difference between him and Zhang Ji. Zhang Xiu's gentleness and delicacy, like a spring, slowly flowed into Zou's long-scarce heart. With Zhang Ji, she had experienced only brutality and coercion, a constant pain. But now, with Zhang Xiu, she experienced for the first time the exquisite feeling of being cherished and nurtured, a joy that made her forget all past pain and humiliation. Her body and mind gradually lost themselves in this unique blend of emotions, as if she were in a warm and beautiful dream. She refused to wake, wanting only to savor this moment of tenderness and passion, leaving behind all the world's troubles and worries.