Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Even so, it was of no use. Xia Muxin was dealing in genuine domestic goods, which were significantly cheaper compared to the prices set by the Ouyang Family, who sold foreign products. The cost price was undoubtedly higher for them, especially with transportation fees included. Therefore, after comparing everything, Xia Muxin would not be at a disadvantage.
Moreover, she sourced her goods directly from the villagers. Although she paid market prices, the villagers were honest and straightforward, saving them the trouble of selling their goods themselves. In terms of weight and measure, Xia Muxin naturally gained a considerable advantage. Additionally, since everything in the workshop was from her own family, with minimal labor costs and overall expenses, she only needed to make a profit of three-tenths. This was many times better than those greedy merchants, so this time, she had no fear of any tricks from the Ouyang Family.
Soon, they boarded the carriage: Shen Muhan and his wife in one, while Shen Muqing and Yan Zhouwan shared another. They didn't carry much—mostly good tea that Xia Muxin had selected. The Shen Manor also had some attendants watching over things at the inn. Shen Muhan had brought two experienced hands from Qinan who had been there for a few days and quickly familiarized themselves with the business process. They praised Xia Muxin's business acumen endlessly. It was evident that both men had solid skills, which made Xia Muxin feel at ease. In the end, she couldn't help but give Shen Muhan a thumbs-up while teasing him that old ginger was indeed spicier.
Shen Muhan accepted her compliment with sincerity, causing Xia Muxin to close her mouth in satisfaction.
In her heart, she thought he must have skin thicker than a cutting board...
The group set off early in the morning. This time it wasn't as uncomfortable as before; after all, with Shen Muhan around, there was water to drink when thirsty and snacks to eat when hungry. If they felt tired, they even had someone to use as a pillow. Time passed quickly despite some playful teasing that almost led to an awkward situation.
The atmosphere in the other carriage was quite different. Yan Zhouwan and Shen Muqing were glaring at each other across the seat. Their feud over the melon peels had not yet cooled down. Most of it stemmed from Yan Zhouwan being frustrated with Shen Muqing's antics and choosing to ignore him instead. However, Shen Er Ye seemed oblivious; the more Yan Zhouwan distanced herself from him, the more he clung to her like a child seeking attention. After a few exchanges, Yan Zhouwan could only resort to calling him childish.
She had originally intended to share a carriage with Xia Muxin, but the couple seemed too engrossed in each other. Shen Muhan appeared to have anticipated her thoughts and had taken Xia Muxin onto the carriage first, leaving her watching their retreating figures in frustration while grinding her teeth in anger at Xia Muxin for forgetting her friends for love.
Suddenly, whether by design or accident from the driver, the carriage jolted violently on what should have been smooth ground. As Yan Zhouwan and Shen Muqing sat facing each other, Yan Zhouwan lost her balance and fell directly into Shen Muqing's arms. He seemed to have predicted this move; he immediately extended his legs and caught her securely in his embrace. His lips brushed against Yan Zhouwan's smooth forehead as they both felt their heartbeats quicken through their thin clothing—especially Yan Zhouwan, whose face turned redder than a monkey's bottom.
She couldn't even bring herself to lift her head.
"Um... could you get off me? I think my spine might break."
With a sudden crack, Shen Muqing let out a muffled groan, the veins on his forehead bulging as he spoke with a hint of tremor in his voice.
Yan Zhouwan paused, realizing that behind him were some iron tools that Shen Muhan had specifically bought. She wondered what had possessed that guy to insist their carriage needed more space, leading to the items being placed there. Seeing how they struggled to move them, they seemed heavy. The earlier crack couldn't possibly mean a broken bone, could it? The thought sent a shiver down Yan Zhouwan's spine. She quickly pulled away from him, disregarding any sense of propriety, and pressed his head down urgently.
“Let me see where it hurts!”
“I don’t know! Ever since that sound, my entire spine has been aching. Now everything hurts... Ouch...”
Her frantic movements sparked a mischievous glint in Shen Muqing's eyes as he furrowed his brows and cried out in pain.
The entire spine... Yan Zhouwan panicked. No matter how much she clashed with Shen Muqing, she never imagined he could be paralyzed or suffer something worse. She recalled Xia Muxin mentioning such things; if the spine were broken, it would be hard to heal, potentially leaving him paralyzed from the waist up. This was all information Shen Muhan had shared with her, and he had encountered similar situations before.
In a flurry of anxiety, she began to feel around Shen Muqing's back.
“Ouch... that hurts...”
“Ouch... that also hurts...”
“Ouch... still hurts...”
Each time she touched a spot that elicited a cry from Shen Muqing, she became more hesitant to continue, her palms growing sweaty.
Um... Boss, you really are wise; you even thought of this. Should I create an even more intense impact? Would the two of us spark some romantic chemistry...?
Ming Da, acting as the coachman, was currently covering his mouth with a smile, openly declaring that the boss was cunning.
"Oh dear, if I want to find a wife in the future, I must first bribe the boss and learn from him. Even if it means a deduction from my monthly salary, it would be worth it. Just look at Second Young Master Shen; a simple ploy seems to have him wrapped around his finger."
"What... what should we do now?"
Inside the carriage, Yan Zhouwan dared not fidget anymore, but she was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan. Shen Muqing kept his head down, his shoulders trembling as he gasped for breath. He was trained for combat, and getting injured on the battlefield was nothing new to him. However, seeing him shiver in pain indicated that his injuries were serious.
After a moment's pause, she lifted the curtain and called out to the driving Ming Da.
"Ming Da, could you please speed up the carriage? It would be best if we could catch up with Muxin and the others immediately."
The only one who could save him was likely Shen Muhan. Fortunately, she had become familiar with Xia Muxin's household and knew Shen Muhan's personal guards well enough that speaking to them didn’t feel so awkward anymore. In fact, she felt indebted to them.
"Sure thing, miss! Hold on tight..."
Upon hearing her request, Ming Da immediately perked up. He grabbed the reins and shouted to Yan Zhouwan before squeezing his legs against the horse's belly. The horse neighed loudly and took off running. Yan Zhouwan hadn’t expected Ming Da to take her words so seriously; in an instant, she was thrown back against the carriage due to its sudden acceleration.
This movement caused Shen Muqing to let out another muffled groan because Yan Zhouwan had collided solidly with his chest—her head hitting him directly. Shen Er Ye felt genuine pain this time; tears welled up in his eyes. He couldn’t decide whether to cry or laugh at Ming Da’s “wisdom.” Had Shen Muhan raised subordinates just as cunning as himself? The thought sent a shiver down his spine.
He felt like he had been played by Shen Muhan...
Feeling guilty for her actions, Yan Zhouwan didn’t dare to breathe too loudly. After a long moment, she looked up at Shen Muqing apologetically and said softly, "I'm sorry."
Shen Muqing, however, was very magnanimous and did not mock her or hold a grudge. Instead, he allowed her to do her job well, deciding everything only after catching up with Shen Muhan.
This declaration startled Yan Zhouwan, making her want to find a piece of tofu to throw herself against.
Yet, she obediently sat down across from him and steadied herself to avoid another incident that would embarrass her...
"Ming Qi, slow down a bit; I can't read like this."
At that moment, Shen Muhan suddenly spoke to Ming Qi, who was acting as the driver. Ming Qi frowned; wasn't she able to read ten lines at a glance? No matter the speed or environment?
But the boss's words were like an imperial edict; he dared not disobey. Although puzzled, he immediately slowed down. Xia Muxin, however, found it no trouble at all. She lay on Shen Muhan's lap, munching on snacks while gazing out the small window at the scenery, feeling relaxed and content.
After about a quarter of an hour, Ming Da caught up with the carriage. Yan Zhouwan was the first to lean out of the carriage and shouted for Ming Qi to stop. Realizing what was happening, Ming Qi skillfully brought the carriage to a halt. Xia Muxin rushed out first, while Yan Zhouwan hurriedly jumped down without talking to Xia Muxin. Instead, she gave her a slow glance before running over to another carriage. She pulled aside the curtain and stammered out the reason for her urgency.
Afterward, Shen Muhan and Shen Muqing shared one carriage while Xia Muxin and Yan Zhouwan shared another. It wasn't until Yan Zhouwan explained the whole situation that Xia Muxin nearly spat out her drink. Did Yan Zhouwan really think she knew Shen Muqing? Had her intelligence dropped? How could she engage in such childish antics? It was clear they were made for each other; no one would believe otherwise.
Of course, she didn't show any of this on her face. Instead, she comforted Yan Zhouwan earnestly, assuring her not to worry because Shen Muhan was a divine doctor who could cure any illness.
At the same time, she speculated that everything was a trap set by Shen Muhan and Shen Muqing. Otherwise, why would Shen Muhan have Ming Qi slow down at this moment? He must have been waiting for them because he understood that the longer they delayed, the more suspicious Yan Zhouwan would become. If that happened, not only would their efforts be in vain, but it might also lead to Yan Zhouwan's distrust and leave Shen Erlengzi without a bride.
She remembered that Brother Sheng from the village had an interest in Yan Zhouwan—one that was anything but ordinary.
It seemed that Shen Erlengzi had seen through his own feelings but wasn't skilled in wooing women. Perhaps he needed his brother's help. Little did she know that Shen Muhan had such a cunning side; it seemed she would have to teach him the rules of courting when they returned home.
Um... of course, the idea of marrying off his wife has always been a whimsical thought for Xia Muxin.
Shen Muhan has never admitted to it, and besides, isn’t marriage just about two people, before and after?
Before marriage, Shen Muhan was honest about the rules; after marriage, he became cunning and scheming. Of course, all these tactics were only used on Xia Muxin...
"It's fine, you won't die. Taking advantage and then acting innocent—can't even handle a little woman. Truly worthy of my Shen Family."
Meanwhile, in the carriage, Shen Muhan didn’t bother to check Shen Muqing’s injuries. He simply placed a stick on his back and gave him a slap on the back of the head, scolding him disdainfully.
Who told him not to be responsible? If he had taken charge when that incident happened back then, perhaps there would already be a child in her belly. Now look at him, needing to resort to such despicable means to gain her sympathy.
It truly reflects the saying: "Heaven's punishment can still be survived, but self-inflicted suffering cannot."
"Ugh... it hurts, brother..."
Shen Muqing hadn’t called him brother in ages, but at this moment, that word carried a hint of a spoiled tone, leaving Shen Muhan momentarily stunned. He paused before asking:
"Have you figured it out? Opened your heart? Don’t let that girl down. If your sister-in-law finds out, she’ll definitely skin you alive."
As brothers connected by blood, their bond was deep but rarely displayed in front of outsiders. Shen Muhan felt quite relieved that Shen Muqing was stepping out of the shadow of Zhou Zhou while also giving him a heartfelt warning.
Shen Muqing had long been accustomed to being away from his parents, living high above others. With a string of victories under his belt and being pampered by those around him, he had grown used to giving orders. Perhaps, before meeting Xia Muxin, he would have followed the traditional path of marriage arranged by his parents, even taking multiple wives. It was only after encountering the true treasure in his heart that he realized love required reciprocity, a one-on-one connection. He hoped Mu Qing could understand this.
“Brother... she is actually ‘Zhou Zhou,’ right?”
Shen Muqing recalled Yan Zhouwan's intense yet fearful gaze when they first met; it felt strangely familiar. However, because he was entangled with the notion that “Zhou Zhou” represented any woman showing him kindness as mere flattery, he had initially dismissed her feelings. But now, as their interactions deepened, he found himself not disliking her at all. In fact, after what had happened between them, she hadn’t even made him take responsibility. Gradually, he came to understand that if it weren’t for deep love, how could one allow such things to simply pass?
After Xia Muxin called her “Zhou Zhou,” he began to consider her more carefully and secretly investigated her background. However, the information was incomplete and elusive. Ultimately, if Shen Muhan hadn’t already known she was “Zhou Zhou,” he wouldn’t have gone to such lengths to bring them together. Shen Muhan understood him best. Seeing that Shen Muhan remained silent, he asked again:
“Brother, I want to know everything about her.”
Shen Muhan raised an eyebrow; at this point, there was no point in hiding the truth. Moreover, although Zhao Qiushui from the Zhao Family was dead, his two sons were still alive—one of whom could be disregarded since it was said an arrow had struck his sciatic nerve, leaving him paralyzed.
Zhao Weiran had been quiet for a while, but Tian Mingrui’s rivalry with the Retired Emperor over Jiao Jiao stirred things up in the court again. Zhao Weiran began to make waves once more. Of course, these matters were not Shen Muqing’s concern; however, they were his responsibility to manage. Thus, when necessary, he would lend a helping hand to bring down the Zhao Family’s influence completely.
At the same time, he began recounting Yan Zhouwan’s background—how she was the daughter of former County Magistrate Yan Zhiqing and how Zhao Weiran had caused her family’s downfall. He detailed how her family perished and how her brother's head was taken by dogs while she herself was branded with a Slave Character and sold into servitude. After enduring various dark experiences in life and witnessing humanity's depravity, she was eventually rescued by Xia Muxin. There was no need to elaborate further.
Upon hearing about Yan Zhouwan’s tragic past and experiences, Shen Muqing slammed his hand against the carriage wall in frustration, unable to calm himself for a long time. At that moment, he wished he could bring the heads of the entire Zhao Family before Yan Zhouwan for her to vent her anger.
As the sun gradually set in the west and dusk approached, Xia Muxin and her group finally arrived at Daimiao Village.
Perhaps someone had informed them in advance; the entire family was waiting at the door. Upon seeing them return, they joyfully asked questions back and forth. Xia Muxin skillfully handled each inquiry before they gathered for a grand meal—three tables filled with food—since Ming Yi and his family had also returned.
“Ming Yi’s children are growing up now; since they don’t need to go to battle anymore, why not build houses here in the village? I can have Ant find some capable brides for you all so you can live lively lives. A man should settle down and start a family.”
On the table, Aunt Xia casually mentioned something, causing Xia Muxin's subordinates to pause and turn their gazes toward Shen Muhan.
In truth, what his mother said was not wrong. Ming Yi and the others were of similar age to Shen Muhan, all of them promising young men. Now that Shen Muhan had become a commoner, they seemed determined to follow him. Rather than this, it would be better for them to settle down and start families; they could still follow Shen Muhan while having their own responsibilities. After all, regardless of whether they were orphans or had no relatives in this world, they still needed to carry on their lineage.
Meanwhile, at another table, Ming Yi and his companions exchanged glances, feeling somewhat lost. Did Aunt Xia think they were just freeloading here?
They were quite conflicted, hoping that their leader wouldn’t drive them away.
"What Mother said makes sense."
Shen Muhan understood that after so many years of living on the edge, it was these men who had stood by him. No matter when or where, they were willing to risk their lives for him. They had escaped death together multiple times. In his heart, they were no longer just subordinates; they had become brothers intertwined with his very being. Now that his mother brought it up, he felt he should do something for them. He turned his gaze toward Xia Muxin and said:
"Let you handle everything."
Uh...
Xia Muxin was taken aback. Why was it her responsibility to arrange things? They were all grown men; how could she manage that?
"You are the mistress of this household."
However, Shen Muhan's nonchalant remark pushed Xia Muxin into a corner. With no other choice, she gritted her teeth and turned to Ming Yi and the others to ask:
"Do you all want to leave our Extended Family?"
Indeed, they had become an Extended Family now; the daughter, son-in-law, and younger sister were all close and familiar.
"We don't want to..."
When Xia Muxin asked this question, the dozen or so brothers seemed to sense it simultaneously, shaking their heads in unison.
Xia Muxin understood. After pondering for a moment, she said, "You all must establish your own families, but my Husband cannot do without you. Over the years, even though he doesn't say it, he has long regarded you as brothers and family in his heart. So, you can decide the location yourselves—whether to build a big courtyard together or separate houses. At that time, your wives will work here with me, and you will still need to help my Husband. We will always be one family. Besides, with more mouths to feed, cooking won't be easy; you should find a wife to help my mother."
Xia Muxin's words were straightforward. She didn't want to drive them away; rather, she wanted them to have their own wives and children while still being close to the eldest brother. This way, they wouldn't have to worry about being bullied and would understand how to conduct themselves. In that moment, Ming Yi and the others were left speechless with excitement; they felt they had accumulated several lifetimes of fortune to encounter such a master.
"What your mistress means is what I mean."
Shen Muhan grasped Xia Muxin's hand tightly and pulled her down beside him, equally thrilled. He hadn't expected her to think so thoroughly and immediately expressed his agreement.
The others were overjoyed by Xia Muxin's last remark about finding wives to cook.
Currently, there were three tables set up; in the future, with a dozen people having wives and children, wouldn't that make five tables?
"Auntie, hurry up and settle your lifelong affair! Soon enough, we'll have a soccer team! If you give birth early, that child will be the captain—how impressive it would be for them to be the captain of these Little Carrot Heads!"
Seeing this, Xia Muxin couldn't help but tease, or rather, she was trying to gauge the situation.
She was quite satisfied with Er Dan Ge. If they were to get married in the future, she would definitely treat her aunt well. Besides, it was right at the door, so there would be someone to look after her.
"What is this girl talking about? Why are you young people's matters being brought up in relation to me?"
Xia Jihua blushed at her niece's teasing. She understood Er Dan's feelings, but how could she ever be worthy of such a person?
Xia Muxin wisely chose not to say anything further; otherwise, her aunt might just find a hole to hide in.
Instead, she thought about how she needed to put in some effort with Er Dan Ge.
"I'm the oldest here, so shouldn't I be the one to take charge as the team leader?"
At that moment, Small, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke up, her bright eyes eagerly looking at Xia Muxin.
"You’re already five years old this year; you’ll be going to school next year. Focus on your studies first."
- End of Chapter -
Comment 0 Comment Count