Period drama: Old Cao's carefree life

Chapter 168 Yesterday's Newcomer Makes the Old Ones Out
The following day, Cao Weida went to the Rui residence and discussed matters with Old Master Rui.

In the afternoon, a red sedan chair brought Ru Qiulan to the second courtyard house in Sesame Alley.

Before Ru Qiulan got married, only Old Master Rui was reluctant to part with her, his eyes filled with tears. The Rui family couple watched coldly, even impatiently, as if they were sending away a jinx.

After all, in their eyes, with the second son's wife gone, all the family property would belong to them once Old Master Rui died.

That evening, Cao Weida finally got to enjoy the flavor of Feng Lazi, and the taste was indeed unforgettable.

On the third day, Ru Qiulan was also brought in by him. Then, someone who was both expected and unexpected suddenly visited.

"Cao Sang, congratulations! This is just a small gift, nothing more."

"Mr. Meize, why didn't you let me know you were coming? I could have greeted you in advance!" Cao Weida greeted him with a big smile, guessing in his heart that this man must have brought good news.

Mei Zeping pretended to be unhappy and said, "Cao Sang, you're not being fair. You don't treat me like a friend. How could you not tell me about such a joyous occasion as marrying a concubine?"

"What, I've shamelessly come to your door asking for a drink at your wedding, and you don't welcome me, Mr. Cao?"

“Mr. Mei Ze is always joking, I’m so happy for him, how could I not welcome him?” Cao Weida hurriedly waved his hand and said with a wry smile, “As you can see, I didn’t invite anyone. The main thing is, I’m taking concubines every few days, I can’t invite them every time I take one, outsiders would think I’m just trying to get dowry money.”

These words made Mei Zeping burst into laughter. "Your trick really sounds like you're trying to scam money from me."

"However, there's a Chinese saying, 'A fair maiden is sought after by a gentleman,' and another one... oh right, food and sex are human nature!'"

"We're all men, I understand! When you meet a girl you like, you naturally want to have her, since it's not like you can't afford to support her."

It's good that he likes women; people with weaknesses are easier to control. If someone is without desires, he wouldn't feel at ease with them.

"Hehe, we are indeed kindred spirits!" Cao Weida winked and then gestured, "Please sit down, we have a great guest, I must have a good drink with you."

"However, according to Chinese tradition, newlyweds cannot leave the bridal chamber immediately after entering the house, and the newlyweds cannot be allowed to come over to offer toasts. Please don't complain."

“What are you saying, Cao Sang? Being in China, we should naturally abide by Chinese traditions. Besides, it’s not as enjoyable for two grown men to drink with a woman by our side.”

"Thank you for your understanding, Mr. Umezawa. Here, let me toast you."

The two toasted each other, and Mei Zeping was a little tipsy. Finally, he was ready to get down to business. "Cao Sang, today is your big day. Let's stop here and not disturb your wedding night. Otherwise, your wife will blame me for being inconsiderate."

He made a joke, which made Cao Weida awkwardly touch his nose and laugh again before saying, "I have another matter to discuss today, and I think you know what it is."

Cao Weida nodded. "I suppose it's about the cooperation we discussed last time?"

He thought to himself, "Even a fool would know that Mei Zepingba couldn't possibly be looking for him about anything other than a collaboration."

“That’s right,” Mei Zepingba said, having drunk quite a bit of alcohol. He poured himself a cup of tea, took a sip, and moistened his slightly dry throat.

"After our last conversation, I went back and explained the matter to my superiors. Actually, I should have come yesterday, but as you know, such a big thing happened the night before last, and the whole of Beiping was in a frenzy. The superiors were completely overwhelmed."

Cao Wei Da's expression was strange. "Mei Ze-kun, if I remember correctly, haven't you and the army always had a tense relationship?"

"Shouldn't you be gloating over their misfortune? Why are you getting worried for them instead?"

Mei Zeping gave a bitter smile, "Because one of our naval rear admirals also attended the banquet and unfortunately died, the entire high command went crazy, so..."

“Cao Sang, no one outside knows about this. I only told you because I truly consider you a friend. Please don’t tell anyone else.”

"Don't worry, I absolutely won't tell anyone. I'm a tight-lipped person." Cao Weida thought to himself, "Good heavens, Wu Jingzhong and his men actually killed a naval rear admiral?"
This rank is on par with that old devil Dai Li.

It's likely that Wu Jingzhong and his accomplices themselves didn't even know they had killed a major general. Otherwise, given Baldy's boastful nature, he probably would have already published it in the newspapers, wanting everyone to know.

Of course, Cao Weida would not reveal this matter. If the news were to leak, wouldn't it be blatantly telling others that he was the one who spread the information?

He looked miserable and said, "Actually, I'd rather you hadn't told me this, Meizawa-kun. If the news leaks out, I'll be in deep trouble, like mud stuck in my pants."

Mei Zeping chuckled, "Don't worry, Cao Sang, no one will spread this news. Even if they do, they definitely won't blame you."

This matter actually had no intelligence value; it was merely a matter of face for the Japanese navy. He believed Cao Weida was a smart man and wouldn't do something so unwise. "Alright, let's put this matter behind us and talk about cooperation."

"I have been entrusted by all the officers to represent the Imperial Japanese Navy stationed in Beiping, Tianjin and other areas to reach a commercial cooperation agreement with Mr. Cao. The next step is to discuss the profit sharing."

Mei Zeping explained his needs, and Cao Weida nodded after listening. "Personally, I have no objections, but since it is your navy and army that are carrying out comprehensive trade cooperation, I have to report to the army."

"I will convey the news as soon as they come up with a reasonable profit-sharing plan."

It's quite funny, really. The Japanese army and navy were always at odds and wished the other bad luck. Even though they had agreed to make money on the same trade route, neither side was willing to sit down at the negotiating table to negotiate face to face. Instead, they had to find a middleman to relay their messages.

And this middleman was naturally Cao Wei Da.

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Mr. Cao. I hope you'll take good care of me in business in the future."

"Not at all, Mr. Meize, you're too kind. It's my honor to be able to help you. I will do my best to help you since you trust me!"

After seeing Mei Zeping off, Cao Weida leaned back in his chair and smoked.

Wearing her pajamas, Ru Qiulan came over carrying a bowl of hangover soup. "Master, have a bowl of hangover soup to warm your stomach."

"It's no fun drinking by myself," Cao Weida said with a mischievous grin, pulling her into his arms. He stroked her silk nightgown, feeling the smooth, undulating fabric, and planted a big kiss on her cheek.
"Come on, here's your chance to please your husband. He doesn't like domestic food and prefers imported food."

When Ru Qiulan first heard the word 'imported,' she really thought it meant foreign goods. But after Cao Wei Da taught her, she completely understood the meaning of 'imported.'

Now that she heard the master say that word again, how could she not know what it meant?
She gave him a charmingly reproachful look, then pushed his face away with her jade-like fingers.

"Tonight, you belong to Sister Liu, so I dare not break the rules."

"Want some 'imported' hangover soup? Let Sister Liu feed you herself."

"A moment of spring night is worth a thousand pieces of gold, so don't keep Sister Liu waiting too long."

hiss~~
Cao Weida took a deep breath. Ru Qiulan was indeed worthy of being the same actress as Feng Lazi. Especially since they were both raised in wealthy families, her noble air and unique mature charm were simply too alluring!
But thinking of his mission tonight, he gave her a vicious peck on her alluring lips.
"I'll let you off the hook today, but starting tomorrow, you'll see how I deal with you!"

His mouth was parched from the stimulation, so he grabbed the bowl and gulped it down. He then helped her up and slapped her on the bottom, sending ripples through her skin.
"Alright, I'm off to be the groom!"

As he walked out, he hummed a rhyme: "A new bride every day, a new groom every night, mothers-in-law all over the country~~"

"Pah! You old scoundrel, you've got some fancy ideas." Ru Qiulan touched her bottom, her eyes rippling like autumn waves, and gave him a charmingly flirtatious look before swaying back to the bridal chamber from the previous night.

She was reluctant to part with it, after all, she had tasted the forbidden fruit for the first time, and the feeling was indeed irresistible. But who could blame her when yesterday's new love became today's new love, and now there was another new love? She could only stay alone in her empty room.

Cao Weida arrived at the new house, where Liu Rusi was sitting on the bed wearing a bright red cheongsam.

Her jet-black, glossy hair was styled into a bun with a hairpin in place. With the slightest movement, the pearl hanging from the hairpin swayed from side to side.

Today, Liu Rusi wore light makeup, and beneath her slender willow-leaf eyebrows, a pair of shy yet joyful eyes looked at Cao Weida.

"My beauty, have you been waiting long?" Cao Weida sat on the edge of the bed, lifted her chin, and looked at her with a smile.

Liu Rusi bit her rosy lips, "Brother Wei Da..."

Cao Weida pointed a finger at her lips and said, “From now on, you have to call me Master. Come on, say it.”

"Master~~" Liu Rusi said shyly and reproachfully. Since she joined the Military Intelligence Bureau, she had never imagined that she would marry someone else and become a concubine.

She had no idea how angry the Military Intelligence Bureau and her father would be if they found out.

However, she did not regret it, even though it all happened because of a moment of impulse.

But now she is actually very glad that she acted impulsively. She felt a sense of security from the master that she had never felt before. The master’s care and affection for her moved her heart and soul.

"Master, it's late, we should rest."

These words were undoubtedly the signal to charge forward, and Cao Weida pulled her into his arms.
In the next room, listening to the sobbing sounds, Ru Qiulan, lying in bed, involuntarily rubbed her legs together, letting out intermittent moans. She tossed and turned for a long time, unable to fall asleep.
(End of this chapter)