Life returned to normal. On the third day of Mu Jiaojiao’s illness, Shan Cha finally had time to meet A Liu.
“Our young mistress has caught a cold.”
A Liu then learned that his master’s beloved was sick.
However, Mu Jiaojiao was still worried about Zhan Qiyu’s health and sent Shan Cha to inquire.
A Liu answered truthfully, “Master rested for a day, then went to study with Master Guan. He’s fine now.”
But Shan Cha wasn’t so reassured, “Are there any aftereffects? Did the doctor say he needs more medicine?”
These were all instructions from the young mistress.
After A Liu’s assurances, Shan Cha relaxed.
Since she saw Shan Cha, A Liu also inquired about her injuries. Shan Cha patted her undeveloped body and said, “I’m fine. I’m healthy.”
But A Liu, a head taller, looked at her like a little sister and touched her head.
This displeased Shan Cha, who insisted on returning the touch. But her short legs couldn’t outrun A Liu.
She bent over, breathless, “A Liu, did you do something you shouldn’t have? You’re like a different person!”
She refused to admit that A Liu had become much stronger; she only said he was different.
The spirited young man, due to his nightly self-cultivation, was already different from ordinary people. His bones and muscles were changing rapidly. With more time, his martial arts skills would be renowned.
“Want to learn? Call me brother, and I’ll teach you.”
The two young people tussled again. Madam Zhan, who was making dumplings in the kitchen, smiled, thinking there might be more than one happy event in the future.
Where there’s laughter, there’s sorrow.
Chen Lishi sent a calling card to the Qin family. The Qin matriarch, upon hearing that they were merchants, was unwilling to associate.
“Why are you bringing all these low-class people to me? Don’t bring them up again.”
Qin Fenghang, passing by, heard that the Chen family was visiting. He didn’t think much of it and went to act cute to his mother.
Madam Qin had only one son and one daughter, and doted on her son.
Lately, her son had been constantly talking about the Mu family’s vixen, annoying her.
She sipped her tea, unwilling to engage with her son.
“Mother, I love my cousin. Let me marry her first.”
A young maid nearby had red eyes. She had once been pursued by the young master, but after a few months, he grew bored and ignored her.
Seeing him wanting to marry another woman, she was heartbroken.
Madam Qin despised the Mu family’s low status, but her niece was exceptionally beautiful; all the maids in her house combined couldn’t compare to Mu Jiaojiao.
She deliberately teased her son, “You can do whatever you want with the women in the house, but you must marry into a prestigious family.”
Then she softened, “Yan’er, you serve the young master tonight. Let him think clearly.”
Yan’er, who had been tearful, immediately smiled. If she could serve the young master tonight, she could pour out her grievances.
But Qin Fenghang didn’t care for the women in his house; he was bored with them. Nothing mattered more than his cousin.
He took out a small knife and pressed it to his neck as a threat, “Mother, if you don’t propose marriage, your son will die today!”
Her usually rebellious son suddenly used this tactic, scaring Madam Qin. She had spoiled him rotten!
She knocked her teacup to the floor. Looking at the gleaming knife, she gritted her teeth, “Fine, I’ll go today!”
Qin Fenghang succeeded, immediately throwing the knife aside and hugging his mother, “Mother is the best!”
Madam Qin had a splitting headache but was helpless against her son. She had to go through with it.
After noon, the Qin family, carrying several boxes and a matchmaker, went to propose marriage.
The Chen family’s servants immediately reported this to Madam Chen, mistakenly believing it was a proposal for Chen Xing’er. She was so happy she almost fell off her chair.
“Xing’er, hurry and get dressed. The Qin family is here to propose marriage.”
Chen Xing’er was bewildered. She thought the young master was fickle and would make a grand gesture. She didn’t expect him to propose so quickly.
She and her mother hurried to dress up and sent someone to call Mr. Chen back. Such an important matter required his presence.
But they waited and waited, with no one coming.
Unable to bear it, Madam Chen sent someone to inquire.
It turned out that the Qin family went to propose marriage to the Mu family.
Chen Lishi collapsed to the floor. She cried about her daughter’s misfortune; how could every man like that vixen?
Chen Xing’er then realized that Qin Fenghang liked Mu Jiaojiao and must have mistaken her that night.
She gritted her teeth, hating Mu Jiaojiao. It was all her fault.
A fierce hatred welled up in the girl’s heart, feeling cheated.
“Mother, that Mu woman ruined me. She can’t get away with it!”
The Chen mother and daughter went to the Mu family to stir up trouble.
Meanwhile, the Mu family’s main hall was as lively as a market, with Madam Qin and Madam Mu, sisters, engaged in a fierce quarrel.
It started with their children’s marriage but turned into a reckoning of past grievances.
“That embroidered cloth, I looked better in it, but you took it first!”
“Hmph, you couldn’t wear that jade bracelet, but you forced it on, pretending I didn’t see your swollen hand for days!”
These sisters, who had been competing since childhood, finally let loose.
Qin Fenghang couldn’t stop his mother. What started as a marriage proposal turned into a vendetta.
His beautiful cousin seemed further away than ever.
In the medicine-scented bedroom, Shan Cha, mimicking Madam Mu, served her young mistress.
The still-sick Mu Jiaojiao laughed until her stomach hurt. Was her mother so petty, remembering things after twenty years?
But she was also pleased; the Qin family was indeed no good, with Madam Qin spoiling her son and letting him bully countless good women.
“Miss, how did you know the Qin family wasn’t good?”
She wiped the young mistress’s hands and face and asked.
Mu Jiaojiao acted mysterious, winking, “Heaven’s secrets cannot be revealed.”
At the height of the sisters’ quarrel, Chen Lishi arrived. Seeing the opulence of the Mu mansion, she felt jealous.
The Mu family was just in small business. Why were they richer than hers? The screens were even inlaid with gold threads.
Chen Xing’er was also stunned. The Mu family’s exterior was unremarkable, but the interior was exquisite and delightful.
Madam Mu, as the mistress, was unfamiliar with the visiting mother and daughter. Chen Xing’er bowed slightly, “Madam Mu, I’m Jiaojiao’s friend.”
It was normal for daughters of similar ages to be friends.
But Qin Fenghang couldn’t sit still. He knew who this girl was and didn’t expect her to show up.
But he refused to admit it.
“Jiaojiao is sick today and can’t see guests. Come back another day.”
But Chen Lishi sat down firmly. As Chen Xing’er’s mother, she had to make things clear to the Qin and Mu families.
“We didn’t come for Miss Mu but for Master Qin.”
Chen Lishi’s attire was clearly inferior, but her demeanor was strong.
Qin Fenghang hid behind his mother, seeking support.
Seeing this, Madam Qin understood. Now wasn’t the time to discipline her son; she needed to get rid of them first.
“Madam, we have nothing to do with your family. And I’m here to propose marriage to the Mu family. Come back another day if you have something to say.”
She took a sip of tea and looked at Chen Xing’er, whose beauty was only comparable to her maids.
Chen Xing’er’s face flushed. She looked to her mother, wanting her to help.
“Hahaha, this is hilarious! You Qin family are so bold! Stealing women from the emperor! Are you not afraid of dying?” Madam Chen wasn’t a pushover and blurted it out.
Madam Mu was furious. She feared an incident, had concealed the matter, and hadn’t mentioned it during the argument, only for this stranger to reveal it.
“Madam Chen, Hang’er is my nephew. You can tell me; I can help.”
Madam Mu deliberately avoided mentioning her daughter, intending to help Chen Xing’er.
“Miss Xing’er, did my nephew promise you forever and then back out?”
Chen Xing’er was embarrassed and choked on her water.
Qin Fenghang immediately denied, “Aunt, I didn’t! Except for my cousin, I wouldn’t like any other woman. My heart knows!”
Swearing was his specialty; it was easy and wouldn’t cause any trouble. The maids in his house had all heard it.
The tearful girl cried, pointing at him, speechless.
Her mother slammed the table and said to Qin Fenghang, “Since you won’t admit it, I’ll wait for Xing’er to give birth to your son and then sue you!”
Shan Cha, eavesdropping, was shocked and hurried back to tell her young mistress. The gossip was too explosive to keep to herself.
The reclining Mu Jiaojiao was also stunned. She then realized that her cousin and Zhan Qiyu’s cousin were together.
How did she mix up the pairings!
How would she compensate her Brother Zhan for a beautiful wife!
She was guilty!
Very guilty!
Author’s note:
Mu Jiaojiao, your Brother Zhan only wants to marry you. When will you realize it!
