Chapter 162: I'll call her right away

Half an hour later.

Si Yechen's car stopped at the gate of the Villa on the Other Shore.

He looked up and saw that Ou Yan's room was still lit with warm light. He got out of the car, took out his phone, and dialed the familiar number.

"Yan Yan, haven't slept yet?"

"Yeah." Ou Yan had just finished showering and was drying her hair with a towel. "Is everything taken care of?"

"Yes, I was planning to come find you directly after getting off the plane."

He had learned about her hand injury related to the Yin family... dealing with it took some time.

"Come to the window."

At this hour, he couldn't disturb her by going in. Since it was hot and he couldn't bear to have the girl leave the air-conditioned room, he went to the sweltering balcony.

So he could only watch her from afar.

Ou Yan went to the window and saw Si Yechen standing by the car, looking in her direction.

His figure was tall and straight, although she couldn't see his features and expression clearly, Ou Yan could feel the tenderness and indulgence in his voice when he spoke.

"Did you eat well while I was away?"

"Yes." Ou Yan's hair-drying motion was casual and beautiful.

"Be gentle, your hand is injured."

Ou Yan's motion froze for a moment. "How did you know?"

"I watched the competition video." Si Yechen's gaze softened. "I didn't expect my Yan Yan not only to save lives and play the piano but also to make such beautiful clothes."

"Beautiful?" Ou Yan didn't think the additions she made during the competition were that attractive.

But since Si Yechen said they were beautiful, she offered, "I'll make you a few sets another day."

"Really?" Si Yechen's voice held some surprise. "Then wait until your hand heals before making them for me."

"Okay."

He could tell that Yan Yan's design talent was definitely above Yin Panpan's.

However, during the competition, she had been holding back her brilliance, letting Yin Panpan shine.

"If anyone bullies you in the future, you must tell me immediately."

"Okay."

"I brought some supper. After we finish, you should rest." Si Yechen looked at the girl through the window gently. "If you see anyone still awake, ask them to come down and get it. I won't ring the doorbell."

To avoid disturbing others' rest.

"Don't come down." Si Yechen added, "You're injured, you shouldn't be carrying things."

"Okay." After Ou Yan hung up, she instructed Aunt Lan.

Aunt Lan didn't expect Young Master Si to have prepared so much supper. She couldn't carry it all with both hands. She smiled and asked, "Young Master Si, aren't you coming in for a while?"

"I'll visit another day." When Si Yechen looked inside, his eyes held a trace of affection.

Aunt Lan understood, "It's late, you don't want to disturb Mr. Li and Mrs. Li?"

Not wanting to trouble the elderly couple, even if he missed Miss Ou Yan, he would endure it...

Si Yechen's gaze softened, "Aunt Lan, the bag outside contains medicine. Yan Yan injured her hand. Later, I'll trouble you to apply some ointment for her."

"Miss Ou Yan injured her hand?" Aunt Lan suddenly remembered. No wonder Miss Ou Yan had been eating with her left hand tonight!

Everyone in the house knew that Miss Ou Yan could use both hands well and was very capable, so when she used her left hand to hold chopsticks, no one paid much attention to this detail...

But how did Young Master Si know?

"Don't worry, I'll make sure to apply the medicine for Miss Ou Yan later."

"Thank you."

"Not at all, not at all... Young Master Si is so considerate! Have a safe journey, and drive slowly~"

When Aunt Lan brought the things into the living room, Li Yuanfu happened to see them. He asked, and only then did he realize that his future son-in-law had prepared so much supper for them.

Dozens of delicately packaged boxes filled the dining table.

Ou Yan:...

Wasn't it just supposed to be "a little"?

Li Yusha, on the side, was jealous. She had heard that Si Yechen had gone abroad yesterday and had just returned today to prepare so much supper for Ou Yan?

Looking at the logos on the packaging boxes, these suppers cost at least six figures!

This countryside girl, besides playing a bit of piano, making some clothes, what's so great about her!

Why does Si Yechen care so much about her!

"Miss Yan Yan, let me see your hand." Aunt Lan wanted to check the injury, but Ou Yan pulled her hand back. "Is there something wrong?"

"This is the medicine Young Master Si prepared for you. He told me to apply it to you later..." Aunt Lan took out the medicine from the bag.

There was also a note inside, written by Si Yechen, instructing which ointment to apply first, which one next, and what to do last.

He wrote down the whole process.

Now, Li Yuanfu and Song Qiaoying knew about Ou Yan's hand injury and felt touched by Si Yechen's thoughtfulness and concern for their daughter's condition.

"Baby Yan Yan, what happened? When did you get hurt?"

"Why is it so swollen? Did you fall or were you bullied?"

Ou Yan retracted her hand. "It's nothing, just accidentally bumped into something."

Because the competition video wasn't leaked, Li Yuanfu and Song Qiaoying didn't know about her injury. Combined with Ou Yan's usual discretion, no one paid attention.

"Why didn't your older brother tell us?" 

"I'll call Dr. Li right away."

Seeing Li Yuanfu pick up his phone, Ou Yan said, "No need, Si Yechen has prepared the medicine."

These medicines looked precious and couldn't be found in ordinary pharmacies.

It wasn't possible for his car to have all of these regularly.

Ou Yan guessed that he might have stopped by his own house on his way and then brought them over to her.

"Let's eat first." Ou Yan handed the chopsticks to her parents and then sat down, using her left hand to hold the chopsticks.

Li Yusha, who was nearby, was filled with jealousy. Without being invited, she sat down and sweetly said, "Since we have so much, let's share the burden with Sister! Sister, Brother-in-law is so good to you! You're so lucky!"

"Now that you know he's your brother-in-law, please change your address in front of your friends." Ou Yan ate her food casually and said indifferently.

Everyone was stunned when they heard this.

Li Yusha bit her lip, looking pitiful. "Sister, what do you mean? I don't understand..."

"Didn't you claim in public that Si Yechen is your fiancé?" Ou Yan raised her eyebrows, unimpressed. "Your friend believed it and came to speak up for you today."

Li Yusha was thunderstruck, "Which friend? She must have misunderstood something! What's her name? I'll call and explain."

"Fine." Ou Yan didn't stop her, raising her eyebrows, "Go ahead, it's from the Mu family."

Mu Qing???

Li Yuanfu and Song Qiaoying were about to say something when Li Yusha hurriedly said, "How can she bother you like this without reason? Brother-in-law and I are already in the past... Maybe in her mind, she thinks Brother-in-law and I are a couple... She's being so foolish as a friend! She's mistaken! I'll call her right away!"

Zhang Mama hurriedly said, "Miss Yusha, it's late. Don't disturb Miss Mu's rest..."

 Chapter 227: Thoughtful Chu Heng

Next Chapter ▶▶

 Chapter 226: Courtesies Extended

Next Chapter ▶▶

 Chapter 225: Spontaneous Decision

Next Chapter ▶▶

 Chapter 731: Song Xin's Death

Song Xin recognized him too, although she wasn't sure if he recognized her. But she felt a sense of panic.

With a husband and a son, her life was happy and peaceful, and she didn't want anyone to disrupt that tranquility.

Nevertheless, she hurried home and wrote a letter, urgently asking someone to deliver it to Meng Pei, who was currently away on a caravan trip.

Then, with a serious expression, she explained everything about the past to Meng Yunzheng, not caring about the potential impact and shock it might have on him as a ten-year-old.

She only knew that if she didn't speak up now, she might never get the chance.

After doing all that, Song Xin planned to leave with Meng Yunzheng. Anywhere would be better than staying and waiting for a violent end.

However, she didn't have the chance. That same evening, their house caught fire, and both mother and son slept soundly, completely unaware.

It was Song Xin who woke up first, choking on the smoke. She realized she had been drugged.

The fire was already raging, and Song Xin felt weak, but she tried to wake Meng Yunzheng and desperately dragged him towards the exit.

Unfortunately, just as they reached the doorway, they were stopped by the trusted subordinate who had seen her in broad daylight.

He probably didn't expect Song Xin to wake up. Since the fire couldn't kill her, he had to take matters into his own hands.

Song Xin knew that she was in dire straits, but she couldn't let anything happen to her son.

She told the subordinate that the child was their master's, that she was already pregnant when she left.

The subordinate hesitated, and in the end, he killed Song Xin and took Meng Yunzheng away.

When Meng Yunzheng woke up, the subordinate was no longer around. Only the neighbors told him that their house had caught fire, and his mother hadn't escaped and had been burned to death. He was the only one saved.

Meng Yunzheng learned the truth in broad daylight. How could he believe that the fire was just an accident?

He knew exactly who the culprit was.

But shortly after, news came from the caravan escorts who had accompanied Meng Pei, saying that they had encountered bandits on the road, and his father had unfortunately perished after rolling off a cliff. His chances of survival were slim.

The consecutive blows were too much for a ten-year-old child to bear, and he fell ill.

The funeral arrangements for his parents were handled by his younger uncle, who rushed over from their hometown.

By the time Meng Yunzheng recovered from his illness, more than a month had passed.

Rumors began to circulate outside, accusing him of being the cause of his parents' deaths.

Meng Yunzheng wasn't sure what that man intended to do. He was afraid of implicating his uncle and got into an argument with him due to the rumors. He distanced himself from him.

Then, not long after, it seemed that investigations into his date of birth and the events surrounding his parents' marriage confirmed Meng Yunzheng's identity.

The man who came for him was Gong Qiu, the current Assistant Minister of Works.

He told the Meng family that Meng Yunzheng was his child, born from his concubine, Song, who had been with him at the time. They had encountered bandits during a pilgrimage outside the city, and Meng Pei had saved them.

Gong Qiu claimed that Meng Pei, attracted by Song Xin's beauty, had forcibly taken her away against her will and threatened her with the child in her womb to marry him.

He also said that Meng Pei had been unable to have children all these years because Song Xin refused to let him touch her.

The Meng family didn't believe Gong Qiu's words, but they couldn't forget the events from ten years ago, especially Meng Pei's immediate plans to marry Song Xin upon bringing her back and their subsequent trip to the south, which coincidentally aligned with Gong Qiu's claims.

Next Chapter▶▶

 Chapter 730: Meng Family of Three

What if Meng Pei went on the caravan trip to the south, leaving the girl alone at home, and someone took an interest in her?

Therefore, ten days later, Meng Pei married Song Xin.

Song Xin was already three months pregnant, and if she stayed within everyone's sight, her condition would soon be noticed.

Fortunately, she had been thin before, but after staying at the Meng family for about ten days and eating well, people simply thought she had gained some weight.

After getting married, Meng Pei set off for the south, and Song Xin accompanied him.

This time, Meng Pei only brought a few people with him, and they were not important escorts from the caravan, nor were there any elders from Meng Pei's family.

Therefore, throughout the journey, Song Xin hardly ever got off the carriage, and no one said much about it.

Even when she occasionally got off, she would wear a thick winter cloak that could hide her slightly visible baby bump.

When they arrived in the south and delivered the goods, Meng Pei suddenly "fell ill" and couldn't start the journey back home.

He had no choice but to stay and recuperate, with Song Xin taking care of him, while the others returned first.

As a result, they ended up staying for over a month.

Later, the elders in the family received a letter from Meng Pei, stating that Song Xin had become pregnant and was not fit for traveling back. He also mentioned that he intended to stay in the south for some time and establish a branch of the caravan there.

This successfully created a time difference, and the elders in the family had no idea how many months Song Xin had been pregnant.

The couple stayed in the south for a year, and it was during this time that Meng Yunzheng was born, seven months after their marriage.

Meng Pei wrote a letter explaining that Song Xin had accidentally collided with someone, resulting in the premature birth of their child. Due to the premature birth, Song Xin would have difficulties in future pregnancies.

This was the explanation they provided to the outside world, but in reality, Song Xin had suffered from weakness in her body before, and her pregnancy had been fraught with obstacles from the beginning. Although the child wasn't born prematurely, it was indeed a difficult birth.

Despite both mother and child being safe in the end, Song Xin knew that she couldn't have another child for at least ten years.

Song Xin felt sorry for Meng Pei, but he was grateful and happy. He treated Meng Yunzheng, who resembled Song Xin so much, as his own biological child, showering him with love and providing him with the best education.

Because of Meng Pei's presence, Meng Yunzheng laid a solid foundation in martial arts during his early years.

Meng Yunzheng was intelligent from a young age, and Meng Pei considered himself content with having a son. Wherever he went, Meng Yunzheng accompanied him. He sent him to learn martial arts and study, always happy and eager to pass on all his skills to him.

"When I was young, I had no idea that I wasn't my father's biological child. My parents kept the truth hidden, and only they knew it in their hearts. The three of us lived as a family, not wealthy or prestigious, but content and warm."

Meng Yunzheng paused and smiled bitterly. "Unfortunately, that kind of life ended when I was ten years old."

He took a deep breath, his eyes suddenly becoming sharp. "After my father established the branch of the caravan in the south, he mostly stayed there, trying to avoid the people and events in the capital city. As a result, the main family business was completely

entrusted to my younger uncle, who settled in a small county and managed a small-scale caravan there. However, even in such a small place, there were still encounters with certain people."

Although the Meng family hadn't set foot in the capital city for ten years, that man harbored ambitious plans to expand his influence in the south.

One of that man's trusted subordinates had seen Song Xin before. Although ten years had passed, and Song Xin's appearance had changed, that subordinate still recognized her from when she used to wash clothes by the river.

Next Chapter▶▶

Chapter 43: Husband and Wife


Qiu Yue had enjoyed favor by Concubine Lin's side for a long time. When the paddle struck for the forty-second time, she breathed her last, blood flowing down the stool. Madam Wen felt somewhat reluctant in her heart, but since she had made up her mind, there was no turning back.




Thinking of this, the slight reluctance in her heart was erased by the rightful authority of the mistress.




"Give ten taels of silver to her family, and since she's dead, send the body back to them."




"Madam is merciful." Zhu Jin exclaimed, and all the maids and servants in the courtyard knelt down and echoed her words.




After this incident, no one in the courtyard dared to mistreat the legitimate mistress and her legitimate son again, unless they didn't want to live.




After Feng Jinxu returned to the mansion and heard about this incident, he felt somewhat dissatisfied with Madam Wen's harsh methods. However, when he saw Huanhuan beaten black and blue, unconscious, his opinion gradually shifted towards Madam Wen.




As the Deputy Minister of Justice, he had seen many case files and coupled with his naturally impartial character, after the maids and servants who had been detained for half a day heard that Qiu Yue had been beaten to death, they madly confessed, shifting all blame onto Concubine Lin.




No one knew who started it, but one by one, they revealed Concubine Lin's past acts of arrogance and abuse of power.




With each revelation, Feng Jinxu's expression grew more serious. By the end, his face was as dark as the bottom of a pot and veins bulged on his forehead.




He had previously favored Concubine Lin out of spite against Madam Wen. Later, she had become gentle and obedient, and even bore him a son, which had earned her some genuine affection from him.




He never expected to give her such great authority, only for her to become so unruly in the backyard.




Even the servants under her command had dared not speak out against her and had even helped her.




He had thought the household to be disciplined, but he had not expected such a woman to emerge under his nose.




There was a hint of complexity in his gaze as he looked at Madam Wen.




Had she endured all these years like this?




He pulled her to sit beside him, furrowing his brows and looking at her. Although he didn't speak, Madam Wen already understood his thoughts.




She comforted him softly, "Master, I'm fine. It's just a pity for those under her. They followed their mistress, endured grievances, and almost lost their lives."




After saying this, she sighed deeply, recalling many past events.




Fu Yi clenched his fists tightly on the side. If that woman wasn't the master's concubine, he would have killed her long ago.




How could he bear to see his sister, whom he had cared for for many years, beaten to the point of being bedridden?




But this was in the backyard, and neither the master nor the mistress had spoken. As a subordinate, he couldn't act on his own. So, he had to ask the master to punish Concubine Lin to ease his hatred.




He immediately knelt down and begged the master to intervene for his sister.




"Master, Huanhuan ended up in the mansion as a slave because our stepmother arranged a marriage for her arbitrarily. We lost our mother when we were young and our father remarried. We thought we had a family, but we didn't expect her to harbor evil intentions and use my sister's lifelong happiness in exchange for wealth and status. My sister refused, so she sought refuge with the Feng family."




When he reached the heartbreaking part, even his eyes turned red.




"It's also my fault for being careless as an elder brother. I almost caused her harm. If... if my sister can survive this ordeal and wake up, may I ask Master and Madam to be merciful and release her from slavery? I will take good care of her and ensure she doesn't cause any trouble to Master and Madam."




After finishing his plea, he fiercely knocked his head three times, and when he rose again, his forehead was swollen and red.




Madam Wen, seeing his protective attitude towards his sister, was reminded of her own siblings. She was the eldest daughter of the family and had been staying in the Eastern Capital with Feng Jinxu after getting married and she hadn't returned to Shu Province for many years.




Feeling sorrowful for a moment, she expressed sympathy, "Today was originally an unjust disaster. Don't worry, once Huanhuan recovers, I will release her from slavery."




Moved by Madam Wen's assurance, Fu Yi felt a deep respect for the unremarkable Madam Wen.




Feng Jinxu's face darkened as he thought of Concubine Lin, feeling increasingly disgusted.




"Summon Lin Lang here. I want to hear what she has to say!"




Soon, the two matrons from the Lin family brought Concubine Lin over. In the hall, the master and mistress sat high above, while the maids and servants knelt below, their faces ashen. When the maid by the door saw Concubine Lin enter, she immediately started pleading.




"Mistress, save me, please! I've always followed your orders. Please save me!"




The other maids rushed forward like drowning people grabbing at straws, frantically begging for help. Concubine Lin's hair bun was disheveled, her clothes wrinkled, and she exuded an air of destitution.




"Master, please save me, please."




She appeared teary-eyed and aggrieved, completely different from her arrogant demeanor in the courtyard just moments ago.




Feng Jinxu watched expressionlessly, while Fu Yi beside him wished he could devour her bones and drink her blood.




Zhu Jin and the other senior maids wore mocking expressions. Finally, justice had caught up with Concubine Lin after so many years of arrogance!




"Separate the people, give these maids and servants ten lashes each, and find someone to sell them off early tomorrow morning."




His tone was stern and uncompromising, and with Concubine Lin's own safety in question, there was no way she could save them.




The crying maids and servants now realized they had been blinded by greed and had chosen the wrong mistress.




"Master, Mistress, Mistress, I was bewitched by that maid, Qiu Yue. She said Huanhuan was opposing me everywhere and even claimed she was bought by Mistress to seduce you. So, I acted out of impulse. It's all because I care about you, Master, that I did this. Please, Master..."




She cried as if her heart was breaking, shifting all her faults onto the deceased Qiu Yue, and putting on a pitiful act.




This time, Feng Jinxu was thoroughly disappointed in her.




There was no trace of the pity he once felt for her in his eyes. He looked at her as if she were a street performer, completely unmoved.




Seeing this, Concubine Lin panicked and crawled towards Feng Jinxu.




"Master, Mistress, I was deceived into causing such trouble. Please, even if you won't look at me, please forgive me this once, for the sake of our son, Yunli."




Thinking of his son, Feng Jinxu's usually impassive expression finally softened slightly.




"Enough. You should be grateful that Yunli is protecting you. From today onwards, stay in your courtyard and don't leave. If there's another incident, I'll send you to the farm and you won't be allowed to see Yunli anymore."

Next Chapter ▶▶

 Chapter 161: Tit for Tat

Yin Xiong felt it necessary to make the trip; perhaps someone had truly taken an interest in his daughter's beauty...

Upon closer inspection, his daughter did indeed have fine features, though he had been a bit rough earlier; her face was swollen from the blows.

Thirty minutes later...

The Si family's car parked in front of a deserted warehouse on the outskirts.

Mrs. Yin was a bit afraid, clutching her husband's clothes tightly. "Why does this place look so desolate? Is this where we're meeting? I have a bad feeling about this..."

"You know nothing!" Yin Xiong shot her a look, removing her hand. "Don't crease my clothes; we're meeting Young Master Si shortly!"

"Ah Xiong, let's go back..."

"You women are short-sighted!" Yin Xiong scanned the surroundings. "Sometimes, men just want something different! You wouldn't understand!"

Yin Qing couldn't wait to get out of the car.

She had deliberately done up her makeup like a young girl.

Confident, she believed her enchanting appearance would surely captivate Young Master Si. Before entering the warehouse, she even deliberately loosened one of her shoulder straps, revealing a hint of allure.

Yin Xiong glared at his wife, as if to say, "Even our daughter knows better than you!"

Once inside the warehouse, they discovered it was eerily empty, with only Si Yechen seated on a chair, and Qing Mu standing beside him. Other than that, the place was barren.

The light streaming in from the high windows was ominous.

"Master Si, please save me..." Yin Qing immediately knelt before Si Yechen, tears streaming down her face. "I made a mistake, and now my family is in trouble... If you save me, I'll agree to any conditions!"

"Oh?" Si Yechen's lips curved into a merciless smile. "Any conditions?"

Yin Qing thought Si Yechen was genuinely interested in her and hastily nodded. "Yes, of course, I'll do anything you ask, I won't go back on my word."

Yin Xiong bowed low, looking fearful and respectful. "My daughter lacks discipline; I dare to ask Young Master Si to help me discipline her..."

If Si Yechen wanted to conduct business here, it would be best. If successful, Yin Xiong could not only retain his wealth but also elevate his daughter's status.

Killing two birds with one stone!

Si Yechen raised his hand, and Qing Mu pulled out a knife, tossing it in front of Yin Qing.

With a clatter, the Yin family of three saw the gleaming knife and froze, bewildered...

Did Si Yechen want to play dangerously?

"Injure her hand in return for the harm done," Si Yechen's eyes gleamed coldly.

The family finally understood; 'her' referred to Ou Yan!!!

Si Yechen was here to stand up for Ou Yan?!

"Master Si..." Yin Xiong trembled in fear. "Miss Ou Yan is your..."

"My fiancée," Si Yechen stated calmly.

Yin Xiong felt like he'd been struck by lightning, unable to speak.

Mrs. Yin's face drained of color. Ou Yan was Si Yechen's fiancée? This was more than bankruptcy for the Yin family!

"You harmed her last time and now you're troubling her again..." Si Yechen's cold gaze seemed to emanate from hell. "Do you think she's easy to bully, without anyone to rely on?"

Upon hearing this, Yin Xiong viciously slapped Yin Qing twice. "You ignorant girl! What did you do to Miss Ou Yan last time? I'll kill you!"

Mrs. Yin dared not protect her daughter, watching in horror as her husband struck their daughter repeatedly.

"Dad, please, I'll talk, I'll talk, don't hit me..." Yin Qing cried, her makeup smudged, "On Uncle's anniversary, Ou Yan... stood up for Panpan, I... I was wrong, I really know I was wrong..."

"You fool!" Yin Xiong slapped her twice more.

Yin Qing finally realized why so many bodyguards had resigned on that day; it was because of Si Yechen...

This was terrible, what could they do now?!

Offending Si Yechen was far worse than offending Li Yihan!

"Mr. Yin." Si Yechen's voice was as cool as water, his eyes glinting with coldness. "You injured my fiancée twice. Is it too much to ask for your daughter's hand?"

Yin Xiong, near tears, said, "It's not too much, it's not too much... You ignorant girl, why are you still standing there? Don't you want me to help you? Do you want me to assist you?"

"Ah Xiong?" Mrs. Yin couldn't bear it; she truly couldn't. "Young Master Si, I beg you, Ah Qing is still young, we can leave the city as a family and never return..."

"Injure Miss Ou Yan and think you can leave? Wishful thinking!" Qing Mu's voice was icy. "You have 30 seconds."

Yin Qing wept bitterly, shaking her head, staring at the knife on the ground, unable to move.

The timer began.

With a determined heart, Yin Xiong picked up the knife and approached his daughter step by step. "You shouldn't have touched Young Master Si's people!"

"Xiong..."

"Dad, no..."

With one swift motion, Yin Qing's right wrist gushed blood, tendons and bones exposed...

"Ah—"

The piercing scream echoed through the warehouse.

Mrs. Yin rushed forward, embracing her injured daughter, crying in agony.

Yin Xiong wiped the blood from the knife onto himself, respectfully and fearfully offering it forward. "Young Master Si, is this enough? Can we let this matter pass?"

"You ask Master Chen like this, as if Master Chen threatened you to harm your own daughter."

Hearing Qing Mu's words, Yin Xiong bowed even lower. "No, no, it was my daughter's fault; everything has nothing to do with Master Chen."

"Twenty-two last night, bullied my fiancée once." Si Yechen's voice was displeased. "Bring them in."

The twenty-two thugs from last night were already beaten to a pulp, barely clinging to life.

Seeing their hired men in such a state, Yin Qing shivered in fear, the intense pain from her wound making her almost black out.

"How many of our men do we have?" Si Yechen softly asked Qing Mu behind him.

Qing Mu respectfully replied, "Twenty-two in total, Chen Ye."

"Whether you leave here alive depends on your own luck." Si Yechen stood up and left, Qing Mu giving them a cold glance before following Si Yechen.

Yin Xiong finally realized Si Yechen was resorting to tit for tat.

His daughter had let twenty-two thugs bully Ou Yan last night, so today, Si Yechen had twenty-two of his men take care of them.

But their family of three lived pampered lives, powerless; how could they resist Si Yechen's men?

Plus, the twenty-two thugs on the floor...

 how could they possibly fight back?

The warehouse door opened, flooding light inside.

Si Yechen and Qing Mu walked out, while the twenty-two men walked in...

"Young Master Si, please spare us..." Yin Xiong knelt, but the warehouse door mercilessly closed...

Before long, the warehouse resounded with heart-rending screams...

  Chapter 160: Please Go Once

Upon hearing this number, Ou Yan had no intention of accepting it. "I have my own."

"Take it." Li Yihan stuffed the card into her hand. "Use it freely, don't burden yourself psychologically."

"I can't spend so much."

"Then save it. When you get married in the future, big brother will give you more." Li Yihan's gaze softened. "Consider it as pocket money from big brother."

On the side, Li Yusha was furious!

Pocket money!

Twenty billion pocket money!!

"When you're tired one day, don't want to work anymore, just tell big brother, big brother will support you." Li Yihan's voice softened, "If there are other companies under the group that you are interested in, just say so, they're all yours."

Li Yusha: !!!

"Thank you, big brother." Ou Yan wasn't interested in any companies herself; she was too busy with her own affairs. But Li Yihan's words indeed warmed her heart.

"Big brother has been in the country these past few days. If there's any place you want to go, or anything you want to do, you can find big brother. Big brother will accompany you."

Li Yusha was both angry and unwilling! Yesterday, she asked big brother to accompany her shopping after the competition ended, and big brother said he was busy!

How come he had time to accompany Ou Yan?

Big brother's favoritism is too obvious!

"What's your phone number?" Li Yihan opened his phone.

Ou Yan recited a string of numbers.

After Li Yihan saved it, he called her again, "This is big brother's phone number. If you need anything, just call anytime, and big brother will answer. Don't worry about disturbing big brother's rest or work."

"Okay."

Li Yihan also added her on WeChat. "If it's inconvenient to talk on the phone, or if you're embarrassed to say something, you can also message me."

A rare smile curved Ou Yan's lips, genuine from her heart. "Thank you, big brother."

"We don't say thank you within the family." Li Yihan's gaze softened. "Rest early. If you need anything, just find me."

"Okay." Ou Yan watched his figure leave before closing the door.

Li Yusha, hiding in the corner, was both envious and resentful. Why should big brother be so partial to that wild girl just because they share the same bloodline?

You shouldn't have appeared in this family in the first place, Ou Yan. Your arrival ruined everything for me!

I'll make you realize that this family isn't as welcoming as you think!

As soon as Ou Yan entered the room, she received a call from Si Yechen.

"Yan Yan, I'm back in the country." Si Yechen called her as soon as he got off the plane. "I have some things to deal with temporarily, I'll come to see you later."

"Okay." Ou Yan's voice softened too. "You're busy."

"Yeah, miss you." Si Yechen's voice was filled with longing. "See you later."

"Okay."

After ending the call, Si Yechen watched the competition video handed to him by Qing Mu. The injury on Ou Yan's right wrist was particularly obvious. His eyes grew colder. Who dared to touch her?

Yin Family.

Yin Xiong slapped Yin Qingqing fiercely, furious. "You dared to provoke the Li Family's people? Are you crazy?"

"Dad..." Yin Qingqing cried in grievance, "I didn't know Ou Yan was from the Li Family... Doesn't the Li Family only have Li Yusha? Where did Ou Yan come from? I had no idea..."

"Are you still making excuses?" Yin Xiong slapped her again, "Now the Yin Family is going down because of you!"

"Enough, enough, the urgent matter now is to find Ou Yan and apologize in person!" Mrs. Yin protected her daughter in haste. "Even if you beat her to death, it won't help."

"Apologize?" Yin Xiong laughed angrily. "Do you think she lacks your light apology? Li Yihan said, even if our Yin Family's lives, over twenty people, are worth less than his sister's one hand! Your apology means nothing to him!"

"Now what?" Mrs. Yin thought for a while. "We can't just sit and do nothing, right? That Ou Yan seems to be friends with Yin Panpan..."

"You think I didn't try?" Yin Xiong said, thinking about hitting his daughter again. Mrs. Yin quickly pulled Yin Qing away.

"You just speak, don't touch her!"

"Ask this disobedient girl what she has done!" Yin Xiong pointed at his daughter, angrily saying, "On the anniversary of my brother's death, this disobedient girl took people to the grave to make trouble, splashed paint, and even attempted to defile my sister-in-law and niece!"

Mrs. Yin quickly gave her daughter a stern look, as if to say, 'Can't you do these things more discreetly? You're so clueless!'

"This disobedient girl has turned out like this because of your indulgence! Now the Yin Family is finished... Are you satisfied?"

Yin Xiong closed his eyes in frustration, helpless. If it were another family, they might find a way to ease the situation, but the Li Family is known for pampering their children!

Whether it's their son or daughter, they are all the treasures of Li Yuanfu and Song Qiaoying. Not to mention harming their daughter's hand, even touching a single hair of theirs means seeking death!

At this moment, the steward hurriedly ran in to report, "Master, Madam, the Si Family's car is here! Si Yechen wants to invite you for a visit."

Si Yechen???

Yin Xiong remembered. At the charity dinner not long ago, he had the honor of toasting Si Yechen, saying a few flattering words...

Although Si Yechen didn't pay attention to him at the time, didn't even glance at him, but...

Maybe afterwards, Si Yechen remembered his flattery, learned about his current situation, and deliberately came to help generously?

Thinking like this, he was overjoyed and hurriedly said, "Si Yechen invited us to his place?"

"Yes, he sent a message, saying he wants you, Madam, and Miss Yin Qing to come over."

Yan Qing suddenly remembered, "Dad, could it be about the charity event last time..."

She attended that charity event too. Although Si Yechen didn't look at her directly when Dad took her to toast, maybe later he suddenly remembered her beauty...

She was quite confident in her appearance!

"In that case, what are we waiting for, let's go..." Yin Xiong hurriedly straightened his clothes, glanced at the red handprint on his daughter's face, and hurriedly said, "You fix your makeup on the way. Let me make it clear first. This matter started because of you. If Si Yechen wants you to compensate with your body, if he agrees to save us..."

"Dad, don't worry, I will sacrifice for this family!" Yin Qing wiped away her tears with a smile, even if she couldn't be Si Yechen's partner, being his lover was enough to gain attention.

It was Mrs. Yin who was a little worried, "I heard that there's an engagement between the Li Family and the Si Family. Li family and Si Yechen are good friends. What if they've come to help the Li Family vent their anger..."

"Vent their anger? How else can they vent their anger? We were already going bankrupt. Can Si Yechen make us more miserable or poorer?"

 Chapter 224: Invitation

Next Chapter ▶▶

 Chapter 223: Soft Fragrant Cakes from the Oven

Next Chapter ▶▶

 Chapter 729: Getting Married

After all, even Meng Pei himself was confused about the situation. Although he trusted his friend, he was cautious when it came to Song Xin, fearing that he might unintentionally harm her by making assumptions.

It wasn't until he saw that Song Xin hadn't regained consciousness and noticed her injuries that he secretly sought a doctor's help.

That's when he learned that Song Xin was pregnant.

Meng Pei felt numb all over. Song Xin was actually married!! It pained him greatly, but when he thought about it, she was already seventeen years old, so getting married wasn't unexpected.

Despite feeling uncomfortable, Meng Pei did his best to take care of her.

When Song Xin woke up, he asked for her home address, intending to send her back.

But Song Xin couldn't dare to return. Whether it was to her family's home or that small courtyard, it was no different from walking to her death.

She refused to leave and even feared the soldiers who were conducting a comprehensive search for the assassins from the Liu residence. At one point, she showed signs of a miscarriage.

Meng Pei was worried about her safety but didn't ask too many questions. He continued to take care of her.

Originally, they were supposed to rest in the city for two days and then return to the caravan, but it was evident that the situation didn't suit Song Xin. Moreover, she had no household registration, and the city's scrutiny was strict. If they were to set off, they might be caught.

So Meng Pei let the others from the caravan return first while he stayed behind.

He ended up staying for half a month.

The chaos caused by the assassins in the capital city settled down. Meng Pei gradually learned about some of Song Xin's experiences. He harbored a deep hatred for the person who had mistreated her but had no idea of their identity.

Considering that Song Xin had escaped from the Liu residence, he speculated that the person might have been the lustful man from the Liu household. Unfortunately, that person had died in the assassination that day, which saved him.

Now the priority was to help Song Xin leave the capital city.

Having traveled extensively over the years, Meng Pei had built up a considerable network of contacts. Being reliable and trustworthy, he thought he could arrange for a false household registration. Recently, there had been a disaster in a certain place, and many refugees had lost their household registrations and needed to reapply for them.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Meng Pei left the city and hurried to the town affected by the disaster. He arranged a new identity for Song Xin and then took her away from the capital city.

They had escaped danger, and Song Xin felt a sense of relief.

But there was still one issue to address—the child in her womb...

Meng Pei couldn't bear to leave her alone to find a place to live and give birth and raise the child. What if they encountered more danger? He couldn't reach her in time.

Moreover, Meng Pei had hidden intentions in his heart.

After a long conversation with Song Xin, he proposed to her.

Once they returned home, they immediately prepared for their marriage.

Meng Pei's parents had passed away, with his uncle having died three years ago, and he had just completed his mourning period four months ago.

His uncles and relatives had already begun looking for suitable young women for him, but he unexpectedly brought back Song Xin. Before his uncles could express their opinions, Meng Pei had already sent people to buy the necessary items for the marriage.

His uncles wanted to advise him, but they couldn't resist the fact that Meng Pei was already the head of the caravan. Over the years, he had developed a decisive personality, and within the caravan, he held a unique position.

Moreover, Meng Pei had already mentioned that in another half month, he would be heading south to transport a batch of goods. It would take three to five months before he returned. If they didn't get married now, they would have to wait for at least another half year.

He didn't want to complicate matters.

Seeing Song Xin's slender yet beautiful appearance, his uncles thought there was some merit to Meng Pei's decision.

Next Chapter▶▶

 Chapter 728: Meng Pei and Song Xin's Encounter

Meng Pei's family operated a caravan business, and at that time, they happened to be transporting goods to the capital city and planned to rest there for two days before returning.

The place where he was staying wasn't far, and he heard the commotion while half asleep. He followed the crowd and walked towards the source of the noise.

That's when he encountered Song Xin.

In fact, Meng Pei had seen Song Xin before. He was still a teenager when he accompanied his uncles on a caravan trip for the first time. At that time, he was hot-headed and would fight anyone who attempted to rob the caravan. After the robbers fled, he ignored his uncles' advice and chased after them.

As a result, he got separated from his uncles and lost his way. He had no money left and was exhausted. When he finally reached the city gates of the capital, he couldn't enter the city at all.

Helpless, Meng Pei had no choice but to ask someone to help him enter the city and find his uncles, delivering a message for him.

However, he was covered in bloodstains from his encounter with the bandits, and no ordinary people dared to approach him, let alone deliver a message for him. What if the person helping him was a bad person? What if he was a rebel and sending the message was just a way to contact his accomplices?

No one was willing to help him, and Meng Pei, tired and hungry, almost fainted at the foot of the city wall.

At that time, Song Xin was on her way back from working at a farm outside the city, urged by her parents. She saw him looking like he was about to die. He was a young man around her age, and she mustered up the courage to hand him half a steamed bun.

Then, she helped Meng Pei deliver the message.

The incident left a deep impression on Meng Pei. He had thought of finding her to repay her kindness, but Song Xin didn't leave her address, and she only tell him her name. Even when delivering the message, she hurriedly said a few words and left. The uncle she met at that time had passed away a year later.

Since then, only Meng Pei knew what she looked like.

Therefore, when he saw Song Xin again, even though she looked extremely emaciated and disheveled, Meng Pei recognized her at a glance.

However, it was apparent that Song Xin didn't remember Meng Pei anymore.

After escaping from the Liu residence, she was somewhat panicked and didn't know which way to go. She just wanted to run to a place with fewer people.

But she was too exhausted, and with her pregnancy, she was physically drained and unsteady on her feet. She accidentally bumped into Meng Pei.

Seeing that he was tall and strong, and a man, Song Xin regained some clarity in her panic. She mustered all her strength to escape, but Meng Pei quickly grabbed hold of her.

Song Xin struggled, and Meng Pei hurriedly explained that he wasn't a bad person and called out her name.

Only then did Song Xin recognize him as the young man from years ago. She was at her wit's end, and at this critical moment, this man who she had helped once became her last lifeline.

She pleaded with Meng Pei to take her away and not let the people from the Liu residence find her.

Although Meng Pei didn't know what had happened to her, he couldn't refuse when the person he had been worried about for four years clung to his arm so helplessly.

Song Xin fainted, and Meng Pei

quickly carried her away from the vicinity of the Liu residence.

For the past few years, Meng Pei had been searching for Song Xin, so after his Uncle's passing, he took over the caravan business and intentionally set their route to the capital city.

Therefore, Meng Pei was quite familiar with the capital city and even had a friend there whom he considered a life-and-death companion.

He couldn't bring Song Xin back to his lodging for fear of being seen by other members of the caravan. Instead, he took her to his friend's house.

His friend lived alone, which made things convenient.

His friend asked about Song Xin's situation, but Meng Pei couldn't say much.

Next Chapter▶▶

Chapter 42: Subduing



Amidst the confusion, the maids from the Second Gate brought the estate physician. Yunxu whispered to the young miss, "Miss, it seems like Huanhuan is being controlled and can't speak, so I took the initiative to ask the estate physician to come and take a look."



Feng Jinyao nodded, sensing that something was amiss.



"Let the physician go and check on that maid. Is there still hope?"



Given the order, the estate physician naturally paid more attention. Poor Huanhuan was beaten to unconsciousness. Seeing this, Concubine Lin couldn't help but wish for the maid's immediate death.



Without evidence of her death, she could say whatever she wanted.



After a careful examination, the estate physician discovered that Huanhuan had indeed been silenced by acupressure points, but her unconsciousness was due to a severe head injury, possibly causing internal bleeding in her brain.



Upon hearing this, Feng Jinyao looked at Concubine Lin as if she had already pronounced her death sentence.



"Help her inside and treat her well. Also, report today's events to my elder brother without omitting a single word."



"Yes!"



The maids kneeling nearby trembled with fear at Feng Jinyao's predicaments, fearing they might be the next ones to be sold off.



Concubine Lin was suddenly thrown into chaos upon hearing that her husband would be informed of the situation.



Soon, Madam Wen received the news and hurried back from Yunhai Courtyard.



Upon entering, she saw the scene and was so frightened that she covered her mouth and took two steps back.



But soon, she regained her composure and said to Feng Jinyao beside her, "I apologize for the embarrassment. Let me handle this. You should go back and rest."



Family matters should not be aired in public. Although Feng Jinyao was not an outsider, it was still inappropriate for her to always handle such matters. Otherwise, as the rightful wife, she would appear too weak.



Feng Jinyao nodded. She had come today to speak with her elder brother, but since he was not here, and her sister-in-law wanted to assert her authority over the servants, she needed to use some harsh methods. It was not appropriate for her to be present, so she left with Yunxu and the others.



After bidding farewell to Feng Jinyao, Madam Wen's gaze towards Concubine Lin changed from passive acceptance to firmness and even a hint of authority.



"Mama Lin, Guan Mama, help Madam down to rest. Be careful not to let anyone harm her. Otherwise, when my husband returns, it will be hard to explain."



"Don't worry, Madam. With so many witnesses, Madam will be fine. Even if there's a bump or bruise later, it will be her own doing."



Lin Mama and Guan Mama were both trusted aides of Madam Wen, sent over to assist her in case she couldn't handle things on her own. Little did they know their first task would be to clean up the mess left by Concubine Lin.



They spoke without mercy, with one on each side, supporting Concubine Lin they walked her to the back courtyard.



How could this happen? Wasn't Madam Wen always weak and easily bullied? Didn't Madam Feng dislike her? Why would she send her trusted aides over? And the master, would he be disgusted with her because of this? What should she do from now on? A series of questions flooded Concubine Lin's mind, but unfortunately, there was no one to answer them.



Qiu Yue, who had just been fiercely loyal to her mistress, now wished she could find a hole to hide in. A maid approached Madam Wen and whispered a few words in her ear, causing Madam Wen's eyes to fill with anger.



She could overlook many things from the past, but being used and insulted, even her child was affected. Concubine Lin had crossed the line.



Now, Madam Wen realized that retreating would lead to a deep abyss. Even if it was for her son's future, she had to abandon her past weakness.



So, she made up her mind to deal with Qiu Yue.



"Qiu Yue, you've been serving Madam for several years, haven't you?"



The maid Qiu Yue couldn't discern Madam Wen's intentions from her calm tone and answered, albeit nervously.



"When Madam was punishing the servants in the house, you not only didn't stop her, but also instigated and added fuel to the fire. Since you have such great ideas, then don't blame me for being merciless."



Every word was a death sentence for Qiu Yue.



"Someone, gather all the servants in the courtyard. Today, in front of everyone, let's show them what happens to someone who plays both sides, instigates conflict, and maliciously slanders others. Beat this maid to death so that everyone can see who is in charge here."



After hearing this, Qiu Yue broke out in a cold sweat, completely petrified.



Was this still the same Madam Wen as before?



The people around didn't dare to move. Although Madam Wen was the main wife, the master had been ignoring her for years and it was Concubine Lin who received more love and affection from him. If the master found out that they were helping Madam Wen clean up Concubine Lin's powerful maids, would there be trouble?



Zhu Jin and Yuegui exchanged glances, understanding the thoughts of the maids. So, they sternly scolded them.



"Unbelievable! So you think you can defy Madam's orders? Should we report this to the mistress and have all of you punished?"



As the head maidservant, Zhu Jin naturally had to be strict.



The maids, realizing that Madam Wen had found support in the mistress, were immediately stirred into action. They quickly gathered all the servants in the courtyard and lined them up beside Qiu Yue.



When the paddle was brought in front of Qiu Yue, she finally realized the severity of the situation and begged for mercy.



"Madam, I won't dare anymore, I won't dare anymore. Please spare me, Madam."



At this moment, there was no trace of the arrogance she had previously shown.



But it was too late.



Accustomed to rough language, the maids had strong hands. Some of them even had grudges against Qiu Yue, so they showed no mercy. Soon, she was tied to a bench and the punishment began.



Outside, the sound of the paddle hitting flesh grew quieter and quieter until only the sound of the paddle remained.



Inside the room, Concubine Lin wanted to rush out, but she was guarded by Lin Mama and Guan Mama like gatekeepers, and there was no chance for her.



"Mamas, please let me out. Madam wants to beat Qiu Yue to death!"



Unfortunately, the two women were unmoved, not even a flicker of emotion on their faces.



The sound grew fainter, and soon, only the paddle's sound remained.



For the first time, Concubine Lin felt doomed, knowing that this time she would fall hard. She pondered how to regain her footing in front of the master.



The maids and servants in the courtyard remained silent, afraid to speak up.



Those who had conflicts with the maid now felt relieved, thinking she deserved to be beaten to death for her arrogance in front of Concubine Lin.



But those who had received Concubine Lin's favor in the past were now anxious, feeling like Qiu Yue's fate today might be their own tomorrow, trembling with fear.



In their hearts, they had both admiration and fear for Madam Wen.



It seemed that the situation in the main courtyard was really changing and they should think about who to sincerely support in the future.

Next Chapter ▶▶