Chapter 147: Stand Out

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 Chapter 586: Situation

Especially the question about the servant's favorite food made him feel that the other party was just asking random questions to make things difficult for him.

If it had been the Song Lu of the past, he would definitely have been resentful and would have argued his case.

But now his pride had been worn down considerably and he was more humble. Without any questioning, he agreed to these tasks and left.

Once Song Lu left, Luo Qisheng quickly entered the study and wrote a letter, which he had someone deliver to Chu Heng.

In the days that followed, Ye Muyu hoped for a letter every day.

Since the clan demanded that its members restrain themselves and not cause trouble and to stay as low-key as possible, after praying for Chu Heng's success in the imperial examinations, the Chu family in the village quieted down.

Even Ziluo went to learn double-sided embroidery at regular intervals.

Even Chu Xing stopped going out to do business and stayed home every day to finish the recently repaired house.

The men in the clan worked during the day and made Zhuge Suo in their spare time.

The Zhuge Suo nearby weren't selling anymore, but Chu Xing had discussed with Chu Heng to have the caravan sell them, so the clan could still make some money.

The boys continued their studies.

And every household in the clan gained an inconspicuous servant.

Even in her own home, there were two simple and honest servants who lived in Luchuan's house. One named Liu Hai usually went to the county with Zhang Shu to gather information.

The other named Han Zhuang helped with chores at home.

And Ye Muyu tried to stay at home as much as possible, hardly ever leaving the house.

Days passed by incessantly.

Ye Muyu learned some news every day through Zhang Shu.

At first, Zhang Shu brought back news about Song Lu: "Madam, this servant has learned that Song Lu goes to the Wang family every day. It is said that Song Lu hopes that the Wang family will not hold a grudge against his family. Now, everyone in the county knows that Song Lu has offended the Wang family, and even his classmates dare not contact him too much."

"Besides going to the Wang family on time every day, he also goes to the bookstore to copy books to earn some money. He also rented the most dilapidated house in the county."

Ye Muyu knew that Song Lu had already started taking action and she hoped he would succeed.

Then, two days later, Zhang Shu brought back more news.

"Today, when Song Lu came out of the Wang family's house, he seemed to be limping a bit. Later, this servant followed him and saw him go to the pharmacy to buy medicine for bruises and injuries."

Ye Muyu's pupils contracted. "Where is he injured?"

"It's his knees and chest. It seems that the knee injury is from kneeling, and the chest injury is from being cut by some sharp object." Zhang Shu also admired Song Lu a bit. He didn't want to be the son-in-law of the Wang family, but for the sake of his family, he was willing to beg like this, even sacrificing his dignity. It had to be said that he was definitely the top scholar among them.

"Secretly send him some medicine. Go find Doctor Qi from the village and ask him to give you some of the medicinal wine he researched last time." Ye Muyu said, handing over some silver coins.

Zhang Shu nodded in understanding.

Speaking of the medicinal wine, this was something that Chu Heng had told her about before he left. He had given the prescription for the medicinal wine to Lu Sangqi, asking him to research it.

Ye Muyu only knew then that Chu Heng had already colluded with Lu Sangqi, otherwise he wouldn't have given him the prescription for the medicinal wine. When she wanted Chu Heng to take Lu Sangqi with him the next day, she woke up to find that Chu Heng had already left. She then realized that Chu Heng had deliberately left Lu Sangqi behind.

It was all for the sake of having a doctor at home without having to go to the county and be seized upon by the Wang family.

Next Chapter ▶▶

 Chapter 585 Willing to Do

Song Lu's pupils contracted, confirming his suspicions. Indeed, it was his weakness that led him to not even dare to consider dealing with the Wang family. Now, Chu Heng's attitude had slapped him in the face, stirring up his dissatisfaction with the situation.

"It's okay, I'm willing." Song Lu's voice this time was more determined than ever.

He wasn't afraid. On the contrary, he was happy to be able to contribute.

"Good, in that case, I'll have Zhang Shu take you to the county. You'll be informed of the specifics of what to do." Ye Muyu naturally wouldn't refuse such a helper.

After that, the two didn't say much more, watching Song Lu and Zhang Shu get on the mule cart and leave.

Hu Shi didn't know the details and asked, "Madam, did Scholar Song really come to apologize?"

"Of course." Ye Muyu nodded.

Hu Shi hesitated and asked, "Why did he come so late? Don't you think it's too late?"

"And, why didn't he explain things to the old house? He just left like this. I wonder what the old lady and the others at the old house think."

Ye Muyu hesitated for a moment. "Um, I actually forgot about that..."

"What does this have to do with Madam? It's because Scholar Song didn't think it through himself. Let me tell you, if it were Master, he would definitely explain it to Madam in person before leaving." Hu Shi admired Chu Heng from the bottom of her heart. No one could compare to him, undoubtedly.

Ye Muyu rubbed her nose, feeling a little guilty. "Actually, he didn't mean to."

"Even so, he's too careless..."

Ye Muyu cleared her throat and quickly changed the subject. "Didn't we say we were going to make pumpkin dumplings today? Let's go and make them."

"Madam, I'll go prepare the ingredients..." Hu Shi's attention was indeed diverted.

Ye Muyu looked at the sky and could only hope in her heart that Chu Heng's actions would go smoothly.

On the other side, Song Lu quietly entered the second courtyard with Zhang Shu and met with Luo Qisheng.

Zhang Shu only said that he was brought here by Madam, then left.

Luo Qisheng looked at Song Lu and asked, "What does Madam mean?"

"Madam promised to let me help Mr. Chu, and I can enter the Wang family's house without arousing suspicion." Song Lu immediately explained his value.

He knew that he was already in a position to make amends, and this steward didn't seem to get along well with Madam Chu, so he naturally wouldn't waste words.

Luo Qisheng squinted. "How can I trust you?"

"This is a token from Madam Chu." Song Lu quickly handed the piece of paper to Luo Qisheng.

Luo Qisheng took it and saw the familiar numbers on it, believing most of it. He quickly took the note and said without changing his expression, "I trust Madam, but I don't trust you. Since you're willing to help, I'll give you a few tasks first. If you complete them, then I'll believe you."

"Okay."

"You go to the Song family and tell Mr. Wang..." Luo Qisheng quickly gave him several unrelated tasks. Some were to go to the Wang family, some were to inquire about the biological mother of Miss Wang, and one was to find out what the gatekeeper at the Wang family liked to eat.

Although each sounded related to the Wang family, when looked at separately, they couldn't be connected.

Next Chapter ▶▶

Chapter 1084: Is Shu Yu Trying to Seduce People?

Shu Yu frowned as she looked at the man in front of her. Even though staying on the deck provided better air, it also attracted the attention of others.

Just like the man in front of her.

The man introduced himself, "I am surnamed Yao. May I know the girl's name? I was on the second floor enjoying the view when I happened to see the girl reading here. I assume the girl is also knowledgeable and talented. Which famous work do you like the most?"

As he spoke, he glanced at the other book Shu Yu had placed aside and smiled as he read the title on the cover, "Nan Lou Dong Qing... A legend?"

When he saw the last two words, his expression momentarily twisted, and he looked at Shu Yu in surprise, "Miss, are you..."

"The young master wants to read too? I'm sorry, I don't have many novels with me when I'm traveling. I don't have any extras to give you. If you want to read, you can buy a couple of books the next time the ship docks. I heard this novel is quite popular lately, and the bookstores in the city should have them. It's easy to find."

Young Master Yao, "..."

At that moment, Ying Xi hurried over and stood in front of Shu Yu, giving Young Master Yao a "Make way" look.

Where did this person come from? Her miss already had Master Meng.

Putting aside the little bit of interaction they had with Master Meng in their childhood, her miss was so outstanding that only Master Meng was worthy of her. Others should step aside, especially this young man in front of them.

Ying Xi raised her hand and forced him to step back two paces, saying, "Young Master, don't linger here. Our Miss wants to read, please don't disturb her."

Young Master Yao was either intimidated by the novel or shocked by Shu Yu's words, but he really did walk away after being pushed back by Ying Xi.

Ying Xi was stunned for a moment. She thought she might have to draw a dagger to get him to leave.

But it was a good thing he left. She sat back down beside Shu Yu.

Shu Yu chuckled and gave her a thumbs-up.

Both the master and servant were unaware that two people were standing behind the window on the second floor, watching them from above.

One of them said with some annoyance, "What's wrong with Brother? That woman is obviously trying to flirt with people while staying on the deck. What good girl would show up in such a place, holding a book and reading? Doesn't she get seasick? She's obviously pretending. Brother is usually so clever, how could he fall for it?"

The other girl said softly, "I saw her maidservant coming out from below the deck just now. I think they are staying in the cabins below and came up to get some fresh air on the deck."

"Sister Jiayi, you don't have to make excuses for her. We all know the identity of people staying in the cabins below. I bet that's why she wants to stand on the deck and get acquainted with a wealthy young man."

The more she talked, the angrier she became. "Look at my brother. He actually fell for it. Just wait, there will be more young men going up to talk to her later."

She was right; two more young men did come up to Shu Yu later.

Shu Yu was in the prime of her life, good-looking, and had a carefree and unrestrained appearance, which was different from most young ladies nowadays.

It was rare to have such a beautiful sight on the deck, naturally attracting attention.

Shu Yu was getting annoyed, but fortunately, the two young men who came later were gentlemen. After hearing that Shu Yu didn't want to be disturbed, they didn't appear again.

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Chapter 312: Wu Shi Jumps into the River, Xiao Ruiyuan Comes Searching (7)

Xin'er also felt extremely relieved. If something really happened to Aunt, their cousins would be pitiful, and that old woman would definitely come to trouble her sister. Thank goodness, thank goodness!

"Oh right, are Old Mo and eldest uncle not dealing with this matter?" Mo Yan asked in confusion. These two men might be foolish, but they wouldn't let Hong Shi strip her daughter-in-law's clothes, right?

Xin'er shrugged, "eldest uncle and second uncle went into the city to find work. We don't know where they are now! Grandpa also went somewhere and isn't at home, so who else can stop that crazy woman?"

Mo Yan furrowed her brow. This matter probably wasn't over yet. She wanted to go and see Wu Shi, but at this critical moment, Hong Shi might say something unpleasant. It's better to wait a bit longer!

In the evening, Li Zhong and his granddaughter returned home. Learning that business was much worse than the previous few days, Mo Yan was not surprised. After all, the price was 20% higher than other shops', and it was a new shop. If the sales were still good, she would be surprised.

"We sold nearly eight taels of silver, which is really good. I thought three or four taels would be good enough!" 

After tallying up the accounts during dinner, they found out they had sold seven or eight taels of silver, which surprised Mo Yan.

Li Zhong, however, was not satisfied. "Compared to the first three days, it's much worse. If it continues like this, we won't earn much silver in a month."

Mo Yan looked at the number of grains sold in the account book and smiled, "Grandpa Li, you are too impatient! There are plenty of wealthy people in the East Market. As long as we establish the reputation of our Mo family's fragrant rice, we won't worry about not having customers. Grandpa Li, just wait and see."

Li Zhong felt a little embarrassed. He wanted to manage the shop well and didn't want Mo Yan to be disappointed. Indeed, he was a bit too eager. A grain shop's business takes time to build up.

Seeing him relax, Mo Yan mentioned asking two new help at the shop again, and briefly mentioned Wu Shi's incident of almost jumping into the river.

"If something like this happens, I don't know if my cousin will go tomorrow. If he doesn't, Grandpa Li, you can take there aunt Cai's son first and let him get familiar with it."

Li Zhong nodded in agreement.

The two worried things did not happen. The next day, Li Zhong opened the courtyard gate and found Tie Tou standing in the corner, not knowing how long he had been standing there, his face frozen blue from the cold.

Knowing that he was Tie Tou, Li Zhong quickly pulled him in, "You silly child, why didn't you knock on the door? What if you caught a cold?"

Tie Tou sniffed and smiled foolishly but didn't say anything.

Li Zhong had heard Mo Yan mention his temperament before, so he didn't blame him. He pulled him into the kitchen and let him sit in front of the stove to warm up.

Seeing that he was wearing thin clothes, and the outermost clothes were patched up, Li Zhong thought for a moment, went back to his room, and took out a new cotton jacket and a new coat that he hadn't worn yet and gave one to him.

"These are still new. If you don't mind the old style, just make do with them."

Tie Tou stood up hastily, wanting to give them back, and stammered, "I-I can't accept them." They were brand new clothes, how could he accept them!

"If I ask you to wear them, you will wear them. If you dislike them, you might as well throw them into the stove and burn them." Li Zhong pretended to be impatient and left, closing the kitchen door behind him as he left.

Next Chapter▶▶

 Chapter 191: Don't Hurt Master Zhan Again

She did not force people with her gaze, nor did she question with an accusatory tone.

The more plain her tone and the unruffled look in her eyes, the more it could sting one's eyes.

Zhan Chen's silver-gray eyes slightly contracted, looking at her with a somewhat fixed gaze, his emotions surging in his chest. "Maybe just a moment ago, it was my strong personal desires and humble wishes that wanted you to stay, but now, I simply want to protect your safety."

Jiang Chenchen calmly maintained eye contact with him. "I trust you so much. Shouldn't you trust me a little too? If I'm just a person being confined, do I really have any value left in this world? Am I really so fragile in your eyes?"

Facing her gaze, devoid of any harmful intent, Zhan Chen couldn't resist and sat down in the wheelchair, struggling with his emotions. His face turned deathly pale, and he seemed to be trying to convince himself, but he clearly couldn't let go with magnanimity.

Suddenly, he lowered his gaze and let out a bitter laugh. "What to do... I still can't do it. How can a despicable person like me, how can I be your family, your brother?"

His face turned incredibly pale, blood oozing from the corner of his mouth. In the pitch-black night, the scene was truly frightening.

Jiang Chenchen realized that she still couldn't persuade him. His obsession was indeed deep, reaching an unreasonable level.

While she could choose to ignore him, find an opportunity to leave, even though there were many people guarding downstairs, it was still possible. But Zhan Chen's condition was too abnormal.

And she, aspiring to become a medical practitioner, how could she ignore someone in distress?

She called for help, pushed the wheelchair downstairs, but before she could take a few steps, Ning Yi and the doctor rushed towards them. They heard the abnormal sounds from Zhan Chen's body transmitted through the instruments and came immediately.

Behind them were several armed individuals.

Jiang Chenchen's attempt to escape was obviously futile in the face of guns.

Meanwhile, Zhan Chen's condition was not good, and he had fainted.

The doctor's face changed. After placing Zhan Chen on the bed, emergency treatment was administered. He was quickly taken to their private hospital. Nearly half the night had passed, and dawn was approaching.

Zhan Chen finally recovered, his face pale, sleeping soundly, and his body once again filled with tubes.

The doctor pulled Jiang Chenchen aside, earnestly advising her about Zhan Chen's current state of intense emotional fluctuations. It was extremely detrimental to his body, and she shouldn't stimulate him.

Jiang Chenchen silently listened. After the doctor's admonition, seeing her lack of reaction, he couldn't understand. What did Master Zhan see in this girl? Even though she was exceptionally beautiful, there were plenty of beauties here.

He couldn't say too much; otherwise, this girl might report to Master Zhan, and with Master Zhan protecting her, he might end up in trouble.

He sighed and turned away.

Suddenly, Jiang Chenchen stopped him. "Wait, I want to ask you a question."

"What is the reason for someone not being able to see the stars at night?" she asked.

The doctor stopped in his tracks, a bit surprised by her question, but he answered, "Some people suffer from night blindness and have unclear vision in the dark."

"Can it be cured?"

"That depends on a specific examination of the body to determine the cause. In any case, it requires a thorough analysis based on the specific situation."

"Oh, thank you."

Jiang Chenchen didn't ask any more questions and turned her gaze back to the person sleeping on the bed.

The doctor followed her gaze, pondering. Could it be that Master Zhan developed night blindness due to complications? He hadn't heard Master Zhan mention it. He would try to ask when he woke up. If necessary, he would conduct an examination.

He gave a couple more instructions and then left.

Beside the hospital bed, Ning Yi and two others were keeping watch. Jiang Chenchen didn't approach; she just stood not too far away.

Ning Yi glanced at Zhan Chen on the bed, then walked toward Jiang Chenchen. Lowering his tall figure, he softened his voice and said, "Miss Jiang, come out for a moment."

They walked into the rest area outside the ward.

Ning Yi frowned and said, "Please don't hurt Master Zhan anymore."

"I haven't," Jiang Chenchen replied.

"Master Zhan has always wanted you to stay. Can't you just stay by his side? Many women wish to get close to Master Zhan but can't even get a glance from him. Only you are special to Master Zhan. Staying here will only bring you a better life. Please don't cruelly hurt Master Zhan again. I beg you!"

Ning Yi, a tall figure standing over six feet, suddenly knelt down in front of her.

This sudden gesture surprised her slightly.

However, she did not utter any compromising words in response to his kneeling.

"I'm sorry, but I can't promise you," Jiang Chenchen said.

Ning Yi's face turned red with suppressed anger.

But he had done something unnecessary. If Master Zhan found out about this, he would surely face punishment.

Yet, he couldn't help saying, "If you make Master Zhan angry like this again, I won't let you off next time!"

He turned around and walked back into the ward.

Ditang walked to the ward door from the outer area. There were at least twenty guards outside.

They all seemed to be armed.

She walked to the window and looked outside. The private hospital had a good environment—quiet and secluded. There were even more guards dressed in black suits.

All of them were armed.

Another siege.

As daylight approached, a faint dawn light shone through the glass.

Jiang Chenchen closed her eyes. Having not slept all night, she returned to the sofa in the resting area, closed her eyes, and rested. Sleepiness overwhelmed her, and she leaned against the sofa arm, falling asleep.

She had a long dream.

In the dream, Zhan Chen was bleeding profusely, his face pale, forming a stark contrast with the vivid red blood. His body had a hole in the abdomen, and the blood kept flowing from it.

Zhan Chen reached out to her in the dream, trying to grab her hand, but he couldn't grasp anything, and his body fell backward.

In that white dream, blood filled her mind.

Jiang Chenchen was suddenly awakened by someone. Ning Yi's face appeared in front of her. "Master Zhan wants to see you."

Jiang Chenchen got up, walked to the bedside, and saw Zhan Chen looking weakly at her. His pale face tried to appear relaxed.

Jiang Chenchen felt a moment of confusion; the previous dream was too vivid, giving her a sense of displacement.

Approaching him, she confirmed that there was no hole in his body and no freely flowing blood.

"Chenchen..."

Zhan Chen's voice brought her back to reality. "Hmm?"

"I'm sorry. It was my selfishness that hurt you." Zhan Chen restrained the unwilling thoughts in his heart. "Stay with me for the last day. After tomorrow, I'll send you away."

Next Chapter▶▶

 Chapter 138: Questioning Life

In the following days, Chen Xue didn’t go out, pretending to be severely weakened, lying in the carriage.

In reality, she was in the space with Xiao Die, researching how to make delicious food.

Meanwhile, Master Chen and Madam Chen weren’t idle either, distributing ginger soup with the servants.

When they were in the county, they replenished their ginger stock. This time, although they bought a lot, it wasn’t given out for free.

Instead, it was an exchange.

This meant that people had to trade something for it.

But that something wasn’t money or other valuables.

Because Chen Xue and others discussed that a bowl of ginger soup only cost a few copper coins; it wouldn’t make sense to charge a few taels of silver!

Charging too little made the money pointless, and charging too much would cause dissatisfaction.

So, they decided to barter.

The exchange item was “knowledge”.

For example, if someone knew how to cook a certain dish, they could write down the recipe.

Or, if they knew a certain craft, they could document the technique.

In short, any skill or knowledge they deemed useful could be traded for a bowl of ginger soup.

Although some ancient techniques were considered priceless, it depended on the technique.

Since most of them were officials or from noble families, they didn’t care much about what common folks valued.

Moreover, many advanced techniques were often kept within noble families.

So, trading technology for ginger soup might seem unworthy, but in the freezing cold, a warm ginger soup was invaluable.

Especially since it was Chen family’s ginger soup.

Everyone knew Chen Xue was a fairy; they witnessed someone being brought back to life by the Chen family a few days ago.

Even if they hadn’t known at the time, they heard about it later, as the woman constantly went to the Chen family to thank them.

In short, the Chen family was seen as celestial beings, and anything they offered wasn’t ordinary.

So, they felt trading less valuable techniques for what might be a magical ginger soup was a huge win.

As a result, Chen family’s ginger soup was sold out within half an hour.

Fortunately, they bought over a hundred jin of ginger. Even if they saved dozens of jin for planting, they still had seventy to eighty jin left.

Seventy to eighty jin would last them more than half a month.

Compared to their investment, their return was worthwhile, with contributions pouring in continuously.

Chen Xue, though not going out, sat in the space watching the contribution points grow.

Fifteen thousand.

That was the current number of contribution points, equivalent to fifteen thousand taels of silver. Although it didn’t sound like much, in real silver, it could crush Chen Xue to death.

Chen Xue and others collected a lot through ginger soup, and instead of being angry, the people were more grateful to the Chen family.

Because after drinking the ginger soup, they indeed felt warmer and less prone to illness while traveling in the snow.

Moreover, no one froze to death afterward.

Additionally, Master Chen discussed with Xu Tian to let the elderly and children continue to ride in carriages to avoid freezing to death in the cold.

Xu Tian had no objection, and Master Chen even gave up two carriages for the elderly and children.

This time, when Master Chen gave up the carriages, no one complained; instead, they praised the Chen family for their kindness.

After a long journey, they finally reached a new post station.

Although everyone had enough clothes and food, traveling in the freezing snow was still exhausting.

At the post station, the yamen provided rooms for everyone to squeeze in, which was much better than sleeping in the snow.

The post station had not only large communal beds but also small rooms suitable for one or two people, or families.

Once Xu Tian revealed his identity, he was given a private room, and he also arranged several rooms for Master Chen’s family.

But Master Chen declined, saying his family would squeeze into one room and give the others to the prisoners, winning their goodwill once again.

Even the post station clerks were surprised; it was the first time they saw prisoners refuse rooms and prefer to squeeze together.

Actually, Master Chen and his family didn’t sleep in the room; they slept in the space, having gotten used to the beds there.

Moreover, the post station rooms weren’t well soundproofed, so their conversations could easily be overheard.

Early the next morning, just as the Chen family was about to leave the post station, they encountered a group of soldiers.

The Chen family’s guards immediately gathered, saying, “Master Chen, these are the general’s personal guards, probably here to collect the wound medicine.”

Only then did Master Chen remember that he had asked Xiao Qing to deliver Zhao Guang’s clues to Xie Yunshang, and also mentioned that they could send someone to fetch the wound medicine.

He didn’t expect Xie Yunshang to act so quickly.

Master Chen immediately found Xu Tian, asking him to lead the team to leave first. Xu Tian agreed without hesitation, leading the team away.

The post station clerks were bewildered, questioning their understanding of reality. Wasn’t the Chen family supposed to be prisoners?

What was happening?

Seeing Xu Tian and the yamen officers leaving with the prisoners while leaving the Chen family behind, the clerks were stunned.

However, when they saw Xu Tian leaving respectfully after Master Chen waved, they were even more surprised.

Especially seeing some yamen officers guarding the Chen family like bodyguards, their shock deepened.

Why did it seem like the entire exile team was listening to the Chen family?

Could the Chen family be important court figures?

Instantly, the post station clerks became eager, rushing over to curry favor with the Chen family, offering help.

Finally, after sending them away with difficulty, the Chen family met with Xie Yunshang’s personal guards.

Chen Xue directed them to move several boxes from their carriage, and the personal guards moved boxes from their carriage to the Chen family’s carriage under her instructions.

The Chen family’s guards were amazed, as they had no idea how so many boxes appeared in the carriage.

The carriage was small; how could it hold so many boxes? They had been with the Chen family all along; how could they not know about the boxes?

But they quickly adjusted, having witnessed too many astonishing things recently.

Having seen countless battles, they could normally keep their composure, but several times recently, they had their jaws dropped.

This time, they were only slightly surprised and quickly got used to it.

“Aren’t you going to check them?”

Seeing Xie Yunshang’s personal guards move so many valuable goods without checking the boxes of wound medicine, Master Chen was touched by Xie Yunshang’s trust.

“But you’re giving too many valuables!”

“This is the general’s order!” the personal guard replied. “Due to the snow and the urgent journey, we only have one carriage of supplies. The general said he would send more next time.”

“Um...”

Chen Xue, looking at the boxes full of gold, silver, and jewels, was speechless. The sight dazzled her, and hearing their words, she was left speechless. Truly, the wealthy were indeed wealthy.

Next Chapter▶▶

Chapter 311: Wu Shi Jumps into the River, Xiao Ruiyuan Comes Searching (6)

As everyone listened to her words, they rolled their eyes one by one. Was this the right attitude towards a mother-in-law?

But upon closer thought, there was nothing wrong with it. How Hong Shi treated Wu Shi on a daily basis, their neighbors could see clearly. If Wu Shi were as tough as Niu Shi, Hong Shi wouldn't dare to treat her like this, right?

Wu Shi's lifeless eyes moved slightly as she looked at Niu Shi, opened her mouth as if to speak, but her mind was blank, not knowing what to say.

Niu Shi, hands on her hips, rolled her eyes, "What are you looking at me for? If you put the effort you spent on seeking death into dealing with that old woman, she would be the one to die! If you continue to be useless like this, next time she might sell your eldest and third daughters so that lazy good-for-nothing Mo Yongxi have a dowry. If you don't believe me, just watch!"

Saying this, Niu Shi's eyes reddened, not only thinking of her sold-off biological daughter but also her fourth daughter.

Back then, that old woman wanted to sell her granddaughter. In order to prevent her from targeting her second daughter, she instigated the sale of her fourth daughter. At the time, she didn't feel anything, but when her second daughter was sold, she understood the pain. She felt guilty for the fourth daughter, who didn't know where she had been sold to.

Wu Shi also remembered her daughter, whose fate was unknown, and her eyes suddenly turned red. Unable to hold back, she burst into tears. Her mournful cries pierced through the air, making everyone even more sympathetic to this weak and pitiful woman.

After crying enough, under the persuasion of the crowd, Wu Shi finally dispelled the idea of seeking death, but she took Niu Shi's words to heart.

Several people helped the weak and trembling Wu Shi back home, and the worried Hong Shi finally breathed a sigh of relief. But she still kept scolding her for being unfilial, disobedient, deliberately seeking death, and conspiring with those women to harm her as a mother-in-law, almost starting a fight with those women.

After seeing off those kind-hearted women, Wu Shi's face darkened, she glared at the still cursing Hong Shi, and walked into her room, slamming the door shut with a bang.

Hong Shi was dumbfounded for a moment, then rushed up and slammed the door with a bang, cursing even more fiercely. But no matter how much she cursed, Wu Shi didn't say a word or open the door.

Niu Shi seemed to notice that something was different about her elder sister-in-law, looked at Hong who was still cursing, sneered, and swayed her hips back to her room.

In the future, there will be drama in this family!

Not long after, Old Mo, who heard the news, hurried back. As soon as he got home, he locked the door of the main room, grabbed Hong Shi's hair, and pressed her to the ground, beating her viciously.

This time, not only did he use his hands and feet, even the clothes-washing baton was broken. Hong Shi's screams, like a pig being slaughtered, echoed throughout half of Liuyang Village.

Mo Yongfu and his brother didn't find any work during the day, returned home disappointed, learned that their mother had caused trouble again, almost driving the eldest daughter-in-law to death, and were also furious, and didn't go to see Hong Shi, who had been beaten and couldn't get out of bed.

...

Mo Yan had just returned from the field and heard from Xin'er that her elder aunt had almost jumped into the river, which scared her into a cold sweat. Learning about the cause and effect of the matter, she felt extreme hatred towards Hong Shi.

Seeing her sister's mood was not right, Xin'er quickly comforted her, "Sister, you originally had a good heart. You can't blame yourself for this. It's all that shameless old woman's doing."

Mo Yan wiped the cold sweat from her forehead and exclaimed, "Thank goodness she was stopped, otherwise, sister, you would have had a hard time sleeping and eating for the rest of your life."

Next Chapter▶▶

 Chapter 90: The One and Only in This World

Sheng Mingsi nodded, his body exuding a cold yet gentle aura. Enveloped in these two extremes, he said, "It's for you."

There was something she hadn't seen—her initials engraved on it, making it the only and unique one in the world.

He designed it himself.

Even though he spent so much effort on it, he didn't mention it at all. He simply gave it to her, hoping she would like it.

"Shall I help you put it on?"

Jiang Chenchen nodded. "Thank you, big brother. I really like it."

Sheng Mingsi saw her straightforward and eager gaze, raised his eyelids, shifted his gaze away, picked up the necklace, and stood behind her to put it on.

She gently gathered her black, long hair with her hand, revealing a slender, radiant neck.

The necklace shone more brightly against her skin, which was already luminous.

Standing behind her, his dark eyes deepened. "Done."

Even his throat felt hoarse halfway through.

Jiang Chenchen let go of her hair and looked down at the little rabbit pendant on her chest, growing happier the more she looked.

She turned to Sheng Mingsi. "Is this very expensive?"

Sheng Mingsi lowered his gaze. "Not as valuable as your gift."

"So, we both like each other's gifts, right?"

"Yeah."

"This has been such a happy year." Jiang Chenchen said on the surface while thinking in her heart that she hoped every year could be like this.

"It's late. Let's go to bed."

"Okay."

As Jiang Chenchen went downstairs, she remembered that he had come back very late, so she asked, "You came back so late today. Did something happen?"

"There's something at home," Sheng Mingsi replied without wanting to elaborate.

His mother, accustomed to luxury, pride, and dominance, suddenly fell ill on the thirtieth night, fainting on the floor. Sending her to the hospital revealed nothing serious, but the long-buried issue in his heart was something no one could dispel.

...

Early the next morning, Jiang Chenchen got up and listened to the movements outside her room.

Hearing footsteps outside the door, she quickly opened it and looked out.

Sheng Mingsi was startled by her sudden appearance, raised an eyebrow, and asked, "What's wrong?" But he quickly noticed where her gaze was and looked elsewhere with a natural expression.

Early in the morning, he had put on the red sweater she gave him. Except for his childhood, he hadn't worn such a bright red for a long time, even though it felt a bit awkward.

But now, he was reluctant to take it off.

Jiang Chenchen approached, looking all around. "I didn't expect it to fit so well. Brother Ah si, you look really good in red."

Sheng Mingsi: "..."

He didn't know how to feel about being praised for being good-looking by a girl.

"If you want to go out today, I'll have Wu Bi take you. I need to go back home for a while," Sheng Mingsi said.

"Can I go with Lili?" Jiang Chenchen remembered the phone case she bought before. At that time, he thought she bought it for the male celebrity, but later, he found out it was for Xia Changli.

"It's up to you. Just be careful outside."

Sheng Mingsi returned to the old house. Gu Mingmei was having breakfast at home. When she saw him take off his coat, revealing the red sweater, her eyes widened.

"Are you Ah si? My dear brother?"

"Wrong person."

"Uh, that's not it. The tone you just used is the annoying one only my brother has."

"Where's Ms. Sheng?" Sheng Mingsi asked.

"Asleep, tossed and turned all night." Gu Mingmei restrained her expression. "Dad is already dead, but Mom still can't let go."

She looked up at Sheng Mingsi, who remained silent. Then she continued, "I'm afraid she won't be able to let go until she finds that illegitimate child. But after so many years, so many years of searching, there's no news at all. Perhaps he's already dead."

Sheng Mingsi didn't listen to her but made a call instead. The middle-aged man on the other end answered.

"Mingsi, I'll be right there."

Sheng Mingsi hung up the phone and looked at her. "Let Uncle Chu come. We need a professional in the psychological aspect."

Gu Mingmei shook her head. "It's useless. Unless we find that illegitimate child and kill him, she won't be completely at ease. But after so many years of searching, there's been no news at all. Maybe he's already dead."

Sheng Mingsi didn't listen to her, but instead of discussing it further, he went to make a call.

Sheng Mingsi put away his phone and then looked at her. "Murder is never a solution. Even if someone dies, the thorn in one's heart won't be removed. It will only sink deeper."

"I understand what you're saying, but Lady Sheng isn't you, and she isn't me either. None of us can persuade her. She has such strong obsession!" Gu Mingmei said with her head down, putting down the spoon, wiping her mouth, and then standing up. "Since you're back, I'll go out for a while."

"It's a New Year's date, you know?" She blinked at him and then left the spacious and ancient dining room.

The maid standing on the side finally had a chance to speak and whispered to him, "Master Mingsi, will you be dining?"

"No need."

He turned around and left, heading to his mother's room.

Sheng Qinghua lay in bed, and the thick curtains in the room made it feel like entering a dark world, with the rich scent of sandalwood lingering slowly.

He hated this feeling.

He reached out and turned on a dim light, walking toward his mother.

She seemed to be asleep.

He sat down beside her.

Although he moved very gently, it still startled her awake from her dreams.

She let out a hysterical scream.

"Bastard—"

Sheng Mingsi sat there with a cold and unchanging gaze, not moving.

It seemed like he had already become accustomed to her occasional madness.

Sheng Qinghua sat up, took several deep breaths, her forehead covered in cold sweat. She glanced at the person sitting by the bed.

With a cold tone, she scolded, "Who let you in?"

"I can leave immediately." Sheng Mingsi took out a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to her.

Sheng Qinghua snatched the handkerchief from his hand. "Are you all threatening me one by one?"

"No."

"Your father is already dead, and he won't even see me in my dreams! Whose fault is it? Whose fault!?"

Sheng Mingsi remained silent on the side.

Sheng Qinghua sneered and her tone was full of mockery. "Anyway, he's already dead, died miserably, turned into ashes, nothing left."

"But that illegitimate child! I can't let go of my hatred for him!"

She clenched the handkerchief in her hand, her eyes as deep as an abyss and bottomlessly black. "I must find him!"

Sheng Mingsi lowered his eyes, speaking coldly, "Why can't you let go?"

"Let go? Didn't you witness it when you were a child? Mingsi, you should understand your mother's pain."

Sheng Qinghua turned around, reached out and touched his face. "That girl by your side, her methods are not low. At the age of twelve, she could make the entire laboratory people perish in a sea of fire while she walked away unscathed.

Be careful, she might be deliberately approaching you. Do you know the pain of betrayal?"

"She's not." Sheng Mingsi removed her hand, his eyes and tone equally resolute.

Sheng Qinghua sneered at this, "Is that so?"

Next Chapter▶▶

  **Chapter 137: The Cost**

"Where is she?"

Watching Chen Xue carry the baby away, the crowd was curious but unable to see what she was doing inside the carriage.

"Could she really have a way to save the child?" someone whispered.

"Impossible!" Zhang Yiquan countered. "She’s probably stalling for time or planning to switch the child with another one."

"Nonsense!" someone immediately defended Chen Xue. "Where would she find another baby to switch in this snowy land?"

"Exactly."

"I think you’re just jealous and trying to discredit her."

"That’s right, I know him. His name is Zhang Yiquan, and he has a grudge against the Chen family. That’s why he’s slandering them."

"You’re talking nonsense," Zhang Yiquan retorted angrily. "If the Chen family can bring someone back from the dead, then I’ll..."

"Then you’ll what?"

"Not brave enough to say, huh?"

Zhang Yiquan indeed didn’t dare to bet. Deep down, he was a bit worried but didn’t want to lose face. "Just wait and see!"

As the crowd argued, they suddenly heard a cry—an infant’s cry. They looked toward the sound and saw Chen Xue carrying a baby who was wriggling and crying.

"My baby!" The woman, stunned at first, then filled with joy, rushed forward and stopped in front of Chen Xue.

Chen Xue handed the baby to her. The woman opened the child’s clothes, saw the familiar face, and burst into tears of joy.

"Thank goodness, thank goodness!"

Seeing the woman’s reaction, the crowd realized that Chen Xue had indeed brought the child back to life. 

The Chen family could actually revive the dead.

"Gasp!"

The crowd collectively inhaled sharply.

"Impossible! How can this be?" Zhang Yiquan staggered back, unable to believe it. The Chen family were ordinary people, not supposed to be capable of such miracles.

Why?

It didn’t make sense!

Zhang Yiquan felt his worldview crumbling.

Others who had sided with Zhang Yiquan now had sour faces and some even turned to flee, fearing retribution.

"Thud!"

Suddenly, Chen Xue collapsed to the ground.

"Miss!" Xiao Die, who appeared at her side, caught her just in time, her face filled with concern. "Are you alright?"

Chen Xue weakly waved her hand. "I’m fine, just exhausted."

While facing away from the crowd, she winked at Xiao Die, who understood immediately and turned to shout to Master Chen.

"Master, something’s wrong! Miss used up her lifespan to perform the celestial art and has fainted."

"What?"

"How could this happen!"

Master Chen’s expression changed dramatically. He rushed over to his unconscious daughter, his face full of anxiety.

"Xiao Xue, don’t scare me!"

Xiao Die continued to cry out, "Master, we need to take Miss back to rest. She said this secret art can only be used once in a lifetime, the cost is too great."

Master Chen panicked. Had he known the cost of this secret art, he would have stopped her. No matter how others might resent them, or how his reputation might suffer, he was a father first and couldn’t bear to see his daughter hurt.

Thoughts racing, he hurriedly carried Chen Xue back to the carriage.

"What’s happening?" Madam Chen was startled, seeing her husband bringing in the unconscious Chen Xue.

"I…"

Master Chen felt guilty, but before he could explain, Chen Xue "woke up," sat beside her mother, and started eating some pastries.

"Xiao Xue, you…" Master Chen was stunned.

"Miss is fine," Xiao Die said. "I’m sorry, Master, I made it up."

"I asked Xiao Die to say that," Chen Xue explained, pulling Xiao Die to sit down. "I was worried that if people knew I could revive the dead, they’d come to us endlessly for help."

"So I thought we should pretend that using this secret art comes at a great cost. That way, they might not come to us."

"And if they do, we can claim it requires a significant sacrifice to deter them."

"But," Chen Xue continued, feeding Xiao Die a pastry, "credit goes to Xiao Die. She came up with those words herself, not me."

She had briefly instructed Xiao Die on what to say before coming out of the space, but Xiao Die’s performance exceeded her expectations.

In the future, if anyone asked her to revive someone, she could use the excuse of needing to sacrifice her lifespan.

"You scared me to death!" Master Chen wiped the sweat from his forehead. "I nearly had a heart attack."

"Next time, give me a hint first, or I might really go mad."

Master Chen felt relieved yet jittery, knowing he could not bear to lose his only daughter.

…

The crowd, seeing Chen Xue faint and hearing Xiao Die’s shouts, realized that using this celestial art came at a great cost. They had thought it was easy.

Now they knew Chen Xue had to sacrifice her lifespan, and the art could only be used once in a lifetime, making it clear they wouldn’t have another chance. Even if they did, the Chen family wouldn’t use it again for anyone.

Seeing Master Chen’s frantic actions convinced them it wasn’t a performance, making them accept the high cost of this miracle.

"Serves her right!" Zhang Yiquan muttered in the distance, pleased to see Chen Xue faint. He secretly cursed her. While it was unexpected that the Chen family could revive the dead, he was glad it came at a high cost.

Zhang Yiquan’s mind raced, wondering if he should incite others to pressure the Chen family for more miracles, ensuring they faced consequences.

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