Rebirth of the Useless Young Master’s Counterattack Chapter 73

Chapter 73: Dream Eater

The store manager had seen Yuan Chengzhi before and knew he often visited Leshan Town. As for the reason, as an employee, it wasn’t his place to ask too much.  

"So it really is Young Master Mu! I thought I’d mistaken someone else for you earlier." Though still a student, Yuan Chengzhi was already involved in some business matters. Back then, Mu Lichuan had helped the Yuan family resolve a major crisis, making him their great benefactor.  

Mu Lichuan smiled faintly. "I just wanted to buy some clothes. The store’s name looked familiar, so I came in. I didn’t expect..." He trailed off, leaving an unspoken implication.  

As soon as he said this, Yuan Chengzhi noticed the stains on the floor and the expressions of the sales staff and the manager. He immediately scolded, "What’s going on here? Are you discriminating against customers?"  

His father had come from a rural background, and no matter how disheveled a customer looked, they had to be treated with respect. Though he didn’t know why Young Master Mu was in such a state, it didn’t change the fact that he was out gaining experience.  

Recently, the authorities in the capital had relaxed restrictions on "superstitious practitioners." As long as they didn’t threaten national security, they were free to act—though discreetly, to avoid causing public panic.  

"Young Master, we didn’t know he was your guest," the manager said, regret written all over his face. Anyone who earned such respect from the young master must have an extraordinary background.  

"You, all of you are fired," Yuan Chengzhi said coldly.  

"Young Master!" The manager and the saleswoman turned ashen.  

"Young Master Mu, why don’t you just take this store? Pick whatever clothes you want," Yuan Chengzhi said. He wasn’t a fool, without Mu Lichuan, the Yuan family would have collapsed long ago.  

His nervous tone amused Mu Lichuan. "What would I do with a clothing store? Besides, do you think I lack money? I just need a couple of sportswear sets to change into."  

"Young Master Mu doesn’t lack money, but this is the Yuan family’s apology," Yuan Chengzhi insisted, personally following the young man.  

Mu Lichuan shook his head, picking out two sets of sportswear. "No need. I was just passing by. How much do I owe? Why are you all just standing there?"  

The manager wasn’t stupid. He quickly led the young man to the fitting room.  

After changing into blue sportswear and a pair of sneakers, Mu Lichuan looked completely different—though his face and hair were still a bit messy.  

"How much?" Mu Lichuan had his own principles and wasn’t interested in petty favors.  

Yuan Chengzhi looked troubled, but the young man continued, "Let’s keep things separate. Some people just need a lesson, no need to push it too far." Besides, he could already tell those two would face their own troubles soon enough. No need to add to their misery.  

"That’ll be five thousand," the manager said under Yuan Chengzhi’s prompting.  

Mu Lichuan paid without hesitation. "You should get rid of that thing over there. It attracts unclean spirits." With that, he left, ignoring Yuan Chengzhi’s attempts to stop him.  

Yuan Chengzhi was filled with gratitude, and Mu Lichuan could sense it. He smiled slightly but didn’t dwell on it.  

After booking a hotel room nearby and cleaning up properly, he was about to sleep when someone knocked on his door.  

Mu Lichuan sighed and opened it. "Did you plant a tracker on me?" He had just reassured his great-grandfather, yet this man had somehow found him already.  

Mi Shen studied the young man. "Are you alright?" His recent dreams had felt so real that he’d investigated Mu Lichuan’s whereabouts—only to find he’d been missing for days.  

"I’m fine. Goodbye." Mu Lichuan moved to shut the door, convinced that his recent troubles were somehow tied to Mi Shen.  

Mi Shen blocked the door. "Mu Lichuan." His voice was calm, but his dark eyes burned with quiet anger.  

"What?" Mu Lichuan feigned a yawn. "Can we talk tomorrow? I’m exhausted." Even as a Foundation Establishment cultivator, he still got tired. The ordeal with the Nine Sails Ghost Banner had drained him, not to mention dealing with that dark practitioner.  

"Mu Lichuan, you’re not an ordinary person," Mi Shen said pointedly.  

"Not being ordinary means I don’t get tired? And since when do you believe in this stuff? I appreciate your concern, but let’s be real, most of my recent near-death experiences are probably your fault!" The last sentence dripped with resentment.  

Before knowing Mi Shen, he’d never faced so much trouble. And the attacks were escalating, if not for Xiao Mo, he’d be dead already.  

"Me?" Mi Shen looked genuinely confused. He didn’t understand karma, so he couldn’t tell if the accusation was true.  

Seeing his expression, Mu Lichuan sighed. "Your Highness, can we talk tomorrow?" Whether or not there was a tracker on him could wait.  

"Fine." Mi Shen nodded and let him close the door.  

Mu Lichuan collapsed onto the bed and fell asleep instantly—only to wake up in an office, listening to an employee’s report.  

"President Mu, these are the financial statements for this quarter," the middle-aged man said respectfully.  

Mu Lichuan was baffled. Had he forgotten something? He was President Mu? A CEO? With a loving wife and child?  

"Dismissed. I understand," he heard himself say.  

Rubbing his head, he drove home. A little boy waited at the doorstep. "Daddy! You’re back!" The child’s voice melted his heart.  

Mu Lichuan instinctively crouched down, picking up the boy and kissing his cheek. "I’m back. Was Ruirui good today?"  

"Very good!" the boy, Mu Tianrui, chirped.  

"This little one insisted on waiting for you after his nap," a gentle female voice said.  

Mu Lichuan’s eyes widened. "Mo Shanshan?" But she was dead, wasn’t she? Something was wrong.  

"Husband, why are you looking at me like that?" Mo Shanshan smiled, looping her arm through his as they walked inside.  

The domestic bliss should have warmed his heart, yet he felt hollow. What was missing?  

The years passed smoothly. By his fifties, his son had grown up, married, and started a family of his own. Life was perfect.  

"Husband, wouldn’t it be wonderful if things stayed like this forever?" Mo Shanshan rested her head on his shoulder, watching the sunset.  

The blood-red sky felt surreal. "Too bad you’re not my real lover," Mu Lichuan said coldly, standing up.  

"Husband, what’s wrong? After all these years as husband and wife, how could you—" Tears streamed down Mo Shanshan’s face.  

Mu Lichuan smirked. "Show yourself, Dream Eater!" 

[梦貘 (mèng mò): lit. Dream eater/dream tapir; fig. a mythical creature that devours dreams.]   

The Dream Eater, a creature of ancient legend, said to devour dreams and recreate them. This was his past life’s wish, but the Dream Eater could only replicate dreams, not emotions. A heart that had changed could never be copied.  

"Husband, what are you talking about? What Dream Eater?" Mo Shanshan’s smile was strained.  

Mu Lichuan formed a hand seal and struck out. The idyllic scene shattered into nothingness.  

He didn’t know why an ancient Dream Eater had invaded his dreams. Wasn’t this supposed to be a scientific world? Xiao Mo had said this was just the lower three realms, yet so many anomalies kept appearing. Did it mean something unpredictable was coming?  

"Kekeke… Mu Lichuan, you think you can break my dreamscape? You’re not strong enough. Die in your sleep!" The Dream Eater’s voice was triumphant.  

Mu Lichuan laughed, though his eyes remained icy. "Oh? What if I add this?"  

As a Foundation Establishment cultivator, destroying a dreamscape was difficult. If not for his last realization, he might have been lost forever.  

"H-How? How do you have the aura of national fortune?!" The Dream Eater panicked. Even ancient divine beasts avoided those blessed by dragon energy, the rules of heaven were not to be trifled with.  

"Did you not research before invading my dreams? Or are you just a cheap imitation of a real Dream Eater?" Mu Lichuan said coolly. The true Dream Eater had vanished long ago in the primordial era.  

Rebirth to Erase Dark History Chapter 63

Chapter 63

Yang Jiabo looked at Wei Feng, whose eyes were dull and spirits low, then at Wei Changdong and his wife, who wore worried expressions but hesitated to speak. After a moment of thought, he turned to Dr. Chen and asked, "Dr. Chen, how is Wei Feng's condition?"  

"The patient's injuries are severe. Although he has received treatment, the prognosis isn't optimistic, there's a possibility of permanent disability." Dr. Chen sighed inwardly. Another young soldier might have to leave the military due to injury.  

"If there were a good prescription, would there still be hope for Wei Feng's leg?"  

Dr. Chen had spent his life treating patients and had occasionally encountered cases where hospitals were powerless, only for the patients to be saved by rare prescriptions. But such cases were few. After some thought, he replied cautiously, "It's not impossible, but..."  

"But what?" Song Yufang pressed urgently.  

"The patient's injuries have already begun healing from the initial treatment. If too much time passes, even the best prescription may not help much."  

"I'll go invite that Dr. Wang." To save his son, Wei Changdong was ready to do whatever it took, no matter the means.  

"Uncle Wei, wait. I have a prescription here. Let Dr. Chen take a look first."  

Yang Jiabo stopped Wei Changdong and, under the couple's puzzled gazes, found paper and pen to write out a prescription from memory before handing it to Dr. Chen. Knowing what they were thinking, he explained, "This is an ancient formula I came across by chance, specifically for cases like Wei Feng's."  

With years of medical practice, Dr. Chen had often seen patients bringing so-called miracle prescriptions that were completely mismatched to their conditions. Especially with the rise of internet misinformation, self-diagnosing patients had become increasingly common.  

Initially, Dr. Chen had little expectation for Yang Jiabo's prescription, but his professionalism kept him from dismissing it outright. However, as he read the formula, his eyes brightened with excitement. "Quick, give me the patient's medical records!"  

"Here." Song Yufang immediately handed over the prepared documents.  

In the ward, everyone watched Dr. Chen with hopeful anticipation. Wei Feng's entire body was tense, he had been disappointed too many times since his injury. Yang Jiabo wasn't much better, though he had faith in the prescription, he worried it might not suit Wei Feng's condition, given that he was no medical expert.  

After a long examination, Dr. Chen exclaimed excitedly, "There's hope, he might really recover!"  

Hearing this, Yang Jiabo's anxiety finally eased. Fortunately it worked. He turned happily to Wei Feng, only to find him relaxed against the bedding, eyes shining unnaturally bright. Wei Feng hadn't been indifferent to his condition, he had just been putting on a brave face for those who cared about him.  

Dr. Chen still needed to study the prescription further and adjust it according to Wei Feng's condition. Wei Changdong led him to the office, with Song Yufang following to assist. Once the treatment plan was confirmed, they would procure the finest herbs for Wei Feng.  

Thus, the ward was left with only Wei Feng, barely concealing his joy, and Yang Jiabo, who pretended to be calm but was inwardly more excited than anyone.  

"Jiajia, thank you." Wei Feng spoke sincerely.  

"Between brothers, no need for formalities."  

"By the way, where did you get that prescription? It must have taken a lot of effort." Wei Feng committed this favor to memory, already planning to find out what Yang Jiabo had sacrificed to obtain it so he could repay him.  

Yang Jiabo grinned mischievously. "Actually, it's Dr. Wang's family secret. Given his temper, I just prepared for the worst."  

Wei Feng's eyes widened in disbelief as he scrutinized Yang Jiabo. The twist was unexpected. "After all this time apart, I really have to see you in a new light. You seem to know Dr. Wang well, how did you even get his family's secret formula?"  

"Really want to know?" Yang Jiabo teased.  

"Yes!" Wei Feng was burning with curiosity. Weren't family secrets supposed to be closely guarded?  

"It's actually simple." Yang Jiabo organized his thoughts. "Doctors are very protective of their prescriptions, especially critical ones. To prevent leaks, some use special symbols to replace certain drug names. But the hardest to guard against are the dispensers. Dr. Wang has always served private clients, and often, those handling his prescriptions were just experienced assistants, not even licensed pharmacists. Arrogant and dismissive, he never saw them as worth guarding against. If Dr. Wang had been willing to treat you properly, I wouldn’t have resorted to this. Stealing someone’s prescription isn’t right."  

In his past life, Yang Jiabo had been responsible for dispensing medicine for Dr. Wang’s patients. At first, he was just an experienced assistant, even after getting his pharmacist license, Dr. Wang still looked down on him. Yang Jiabo knew Dr. Wang well: proud, vain, and obsessed with status. Even when posing as humble during charity work, few ever earned his respect.  

Recalling Dr. Wang’s attitude, Wei Feng felt no sympathy. But the stark contrast between the two doctors made him sigh. "Who’d have thought they’d arrive the same day? Our military doctors are truly the best."  

Yang Jiabo nodded. Dr. Chen’s ethics were beyond reproach. "Dr. Chen is an excellent military doctor. Once you’re discharged, come recuperate at my place."  

"This injury will take at least half a year to heal. I don’t want to be a burden." Wei Feng shook his head.  

Yang Jiabo understood his concerns and laid out the facts: "Uncle Wei and Aunt Song are too busy with work, and their jobs make it impossible for them to care for you long-term. Besides, your home isn’t ideal for recovery. I have plenty of time, and my place is quiet and comfortable, perfect for recuperation. There’s also plenty of space; Dr. Chen could move in too."  

But Yang Jiabo had another motive: he wanted Wei Feng closer to the fleeceflower to see if it could aid his recovery. It was rumored to strengthen bones and muscles, it was even used in Dr. Chen’s medicinal wine, perhaps he could slice a piece and add it in.  

This was also him treating a dead horse as a live one. Though Wei Feng’s injury now had hope of recovery, they both knew in their hearts that even if his leg healed, he would never return to strenuous activity. His discharge from the military was already inevitable

[死马当作活马医 (sǐ mǎ dàng zuò huó mǎ yī): lit. to treat a dead horse as a live one; fig. to try every possible remedy in a desperate situation.] 

"As long as you don’t mind the trouble. I’ve heard your Wuquan Farm is like a paradise, just never had the chance to visit."  

"This time, you’ll stay as long as you want." Yang Jiabo waved generously.  

"Then I’ll thank you in advance."  

With the prescription, Dr. Chen soon finalized Wei Feng’s treatment plan. Wei Changdong and his wife were overjoyed, half-wishing they could adopt Yang Jiabo. They learned the prescription’s origin from Wei Feng and, while disapproving of the theft, were deeply grateful for Yang Jiabo’s efforts.  

The good news reached Wei Feng’s grandfather and Wei Jing. Old Man Wei, thrilled, vowed to thank Yang Jiabo and Dr. Chen in person once he recovered. Meanwhile, Wei Jing was already rearranging his schedule to take time off.  

Days later, Wei Feng was discharged. Yang Jiabo brought him and Dr. Chen back to his farm, having prepared a cleaned-out bamboo house next door for them and Gu Gong, a caretaker arranged by Song Yufang. It was already enough trouble for Wei Feng to move in, they couldn’t expect the Yang family to care for him too.  

As for Dr. Chen, retired and longing to return to his roots, but his wife, Liu Jianying, had refused to relocate. Wei Changdong, learning of her materialistic nature, enlisted a senior leader to persuade her, along with a generous fee, ensuring Dr. Chen could stay until Wei Feng improved.  

While everything fell into place, Dr. Wang waited in vain for the Wei family to beg for his help, unaware that someone with foresight and knowledge of his ways had already thwarted his plans.  

Yang Jianguo, knowing Wei Feng was coming to recuperate, eagerly prepared to welcome him. Grateful for Wei Jing’s past help, he saw this as a chance to repay the Wei family. He’d braced himself to meet Dr. Chen again, but the moment was still awkward.  

"Uncle Chen, it’s been a long time."  

Dr. Chen stared before exclaiming, "Jianguo? You’ve grown so much!"  

The middle-aged Yang Jianguo being addressed like a child only deepened the awkwardness.  

"Let’s head inside. Your rooms are ready, I’m sure you’ll be comfortable." Yang Jiabo stepped in to diffuse the tension.  

The bamboo house had three bedrooms, a living room, and a kitchen, each with an ensuite bathroom. Modifications had been made for Wei Feng’s wheelchair.  

Pushing Wei Feng into his room, Yang Jiabo revealed a space furnished with bamboo furniture, blending antique charm with hidden modern conveniences.  

Wei Feng looked around, amazed. "If I didn’t know this was your place, I’d think I’d time-traveled."  

"Can’t help it, I love classical styles. They’re soothing." Yang Jiabo opened the window, letting in a faint herbal scent that was refreshing rather than overpowering. "Your window faces my courtyard, so this room’s been unused."  

Wei Feng glanced outside at the densely packed, unidentifiable plants - hardly aesthetic but thriving.  

"I thought you were good with flowers. What’s all this?"  

"Relocated the flowers. These are all medicinal herbs now."  

"I heard you grow great herbs, but isn’t this a bit sparse?" Wei Feng doubted such a small patch could yield much. Unaware, most were meant for him.  

The Sweet little Fulang Chapter 193 Part 1

Chapter 193  

    Early the next morning, Shen Xuanqing went to Wang Mutou’s house. A squeaky table wouldn’t do for chopping meat, so he specifically picked out a good plank from the pile of timber in Wang Mutou’s yard.  

    The table needed to be made larger, and two meat-chopping blocks were also required, along with at least four wooden racks for hanging meat. To be safe, he directly ordered six, better to have more than not enough. These things had to be prepared properly so that after opening shop, they wouldn’t find themselves short of one thing today and lacking another tomorrow.  

    He explained everything carefully to Wang Mutou. If four racks were finished first, they could be delivered, and the remaining two could be made at a slower pace. Wang Mutou had worked with wood his entire life, and things like tables and racks weren’t intricate craftsmanship. He nodded and promised to do a proper job, reassuring Shen Xuanqing.  

    After paying the deposit, Shen Xuanqing said, “Uncle Mutou, I’ll take my leave now.”  

    “Alright, alright.” Wang Mutou tucked the broken silver into his pocket and saw him out, saying, “Once they’re ready, I’ll have Chengzi deliver them to your place.”  

    “Sounds good.” Shen Xuanqing agreed and left.  

    After settling with the carpenter, he still had to visit the blacksmith’s shop. Selling rabbits, chickens, and ducks was one thing, butchering larger animals like pigs and sheep required large iron hooks to hang the meat, as ropes wouldn't be strong enough. Along with the hooks, he also needed new knives - a butcher’s cleaver and a bone-chopping blade, at least two or three new ones.  

    As Shen Xuanqing walked home, he calculated in his mind that there would still be quite a bit of spending before the shop opened. But once everything was in order, the money would slowly be earned back.  

    It wasn’t yet spring plowing season, and remnants of ice could still be seen on the river. The wild grass along the banks hadn’t yet sprouted green tips, so it wasn’t yet time for cutting grass or digging up wild vegetables. He first headed to the main house.  

    Early in the morning, before the sun had risen, he, Shen Yaoqing, Wei Lanxiang, and Ji Qiuyue had already tended to  the livestock and cleaned what needed cleaning. Now, Shen Yaoqing was shoveling manure in the backyard, Ji Qiuyue was basking in the sun with the newly awakened Zhao’er in her arms, and Wei Lanxiang was carefully tying dried bamboo twigs into brooms.  

    The brooms were for the shop. Since they’d be selling meat and living there, they’d need to sweep and clean daily. As for feather dusters, their household had plenty, they could just take one along.  

    Wei Lanxiang, sitting there, heard movement and looked up, saying, “I’ve already had Guzi air out the bedding to take along. Your eldest brother mentioned there’s a small yard behind the shop. If there’s enough space to wash and air clothes, that’ll be fine. If not, we can always go to your master and shiniang’s place to dry them.”  

    Shops rarely hung laundry in front, it would block the entrance and interfere with business.  

    “Understood, Mother.” Shen Xuanqing agreed, then took Zhao’er into his arms and gently squeezed one of the little chubby hands. The plump little paw was so amusing that he couldn’t help but smile.  

    “Mother, next month when the weather warms up, I reckon there’ll be spring chicks for sale at the market. This year is different from before. Aside from Brother Yang’s needs, we’ll need fewer chickens and ducks, but the brothel will require a steady supply, and the shop will also need stock. We’ll need to raise more this year, fifty or sixty won’t be enough. We should aim for a hundred or so each. If I’m not home, you and Eldest Brother can buy some chicks and ducklings. Our yard is big enough, we won’t have trouble raising them. Buy as many as possible.”  

    Wei Lanxiang paused at her work. After hearing him out, she couldn’t help clicking her tongue. Their family already had a considerable number of chickens and ducks, yet now they needed even more. But then she reconsidered—nowadays, they had to deliver rabbits, chickens, and ducks to the brothel at least twice a month. The rabbits ranged from seven or eight to thirteen or fourteen, while the chickens and ducks could total over ten each per month. They really did need to raise more.  

    Earlier in the winter, they had kept twenty chickens and ducks unsold to lay eggs in spring and hatch chicks and ducklings. Last month, they had only delivered rabbits to the brothel.  

    “Even if we raise more than the brothel can take, it’s fine. We can just keep them in the backyard.” Shen Xuanqing finished speaking and bounced Zhao’er a couple of times, making the child giggle.  

    Chickens and ducks could be raised for two or three years without issue, old hens and ducks were precisely what made the best soups.  

    Shen Xuanqing lifted Zhao’er high into the air, pretending to toss him before quickly catching him again, delighting the child, who laughed without a trace of fear.  

    Tossing a child high required strength, those without it wouldn’t dare. Zhao’er, now a bit older and well-fed even in the womb, was chubby and sturdy, unlike other frail childs, so they could play like this without worry.  

    After playing for a while, Shen Xuanqing returned the child to Ji Qiuyue and said, “Later, I’ll pick ten more pairs of the larger young rabbits as breeding stock. Every two months, they’ll produce thirty or forty more. If the older breeding rabbits start declining, Eldest Brother can replace them as needed. During winter, we didn’t breed them for three months. Of the hundred or so remaining adult rabbits, we’ll reserve sixty for the brothel, that’ll cover the next three months’ deliveries. The remaining fifty or sixty will be more than enough for the shop.”  

    There were still twenty-six young rabbits, born from five mother rabbits in early winter. In another three months, they’d be just half a year old, plenty old enough to supply the brothel’s demand. To protect these twenty-some rabbits during winter, they had been kept in the woodshed with a brazier for warmth, lest they freeze to death.  

    Besides, rabbits weren’t like chickens and ducks, brothel patrons ate fewer of them. Keeping twenty in reserve each month sometimes wasn’t even fully used up, so this number was sufficient.  

    “If Brother Yang needs rabbits, we can send him a few. If the shop runs short, I can always take the dogs up the mountain to hunt more.” As he spoke, Shen Xuanqing rolled up his sleeves and headed to the backyard to pick out breeding rabbits.  

    Shen Yaoqing emerged from the rabbit shed carrying a manure basket and asked, “All settled?”  

    “Yes. Once they’re ready, Chengzi will deliver them.” Shen Xuanqing then added, “Right now, there are still empty rabbit hutches and cages. I’ll pick ten more pairs as breeding stock, better to have more than less.”  

    “True.” Shen Yaoqing nodded, then paused before asking, “In that case, we’ll need to build two more rows of hutches.”  

    Shen Xuanqing smiled. “Exactly. The weather’s been good these past few days, and we’re not too busy. After I pick the breeding rabbits, I’ll saw some wood.”  

My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 31 Part 4

"Huo Shu, you really learn fast. In such a short time, you’ve become so skilled you could practically start your own business."  

Butcher Qiao pulled a piece of meat from his basket and handed it to Huo Shu, grinning. "Look, this is from Lao Zhang’s family. They specifically asked me to give it to you, saying you did a great job!"  

Generally, when farmers hired a butcher to slaughter livestock, aside from paying the fee, they would also gift meat if they felt the work was well done, as a token of appreciation.  

Recently, whenever Butcher Qiao took Huo Shu along for slaughtering, the farmers not only gave meat to him, the master, but also separately to Huo Shu.  

Seeing this, Butcher Qiao was delighted as well.  

Huo Shu accepted the meat. "Master, you flatter me."  

Butcher Qiao replied, "I’m not just being polite, I know how capable you are."  

"In a couple of days, I’ll have to go to my father-in-law’s place in Nanyu County. He’s not feeling well, and your shiniang is worried, so she wants to take the kids back to see him. With the bandit unrest still unsettled, I’ll have to escort her there myself."  

[师娘 (shī niáng): lit. master's wife; fig. respectful term for one's teacher's wife]  

"While I’m away, I’ll leave the butchering work to you. As for the shop in town, I’ll have Fang He keep an eye on it. Though he’s a bit clumsy with his hands, he’s sharp-witted enough."  

Huo Shu replied, "Don’t worry, Master. If anyone needs help, I’ll go."  

Butcher Qiao nodded in satisfaction. "Good. You’ve worked hard most of the day, go rest now. I’ll head to the village head’s place and inform him."  

____

"Ah, the busy man! What brings you here today with time to spare?"  

When Butcher Qiao arrived at the Ji family, Ji Yangzong had just returned from notifying families with able-bodied men about escorting the grain to the city.  

He had just poured himself a cup of tea under the shed and was about to drink when he saw his guest arrive.  

"Busy as I am, it’s just trivial matters at home. You, as the village head, handle real village affairs, now that’s true busyness."  

"Enough, enough, let’s skip the flattery."  

Ji Yangzong called for Ji Taoyu to brew fresh tea.  

"So, what’s the matter?"  

Butcher Qiao plopped down under the shed. "With all this bandit unrest outside, my father-in-law happens to be ill. My wife and kids want to visit, so I’ll have to go with them."  

"When are you leaving? As I recall, your father-in-law lives in the county town down south. You’ll need to be careful at a time like this."  

"Exactly why I can’t let my wife and kids go alone, that’s why I’m going too."  

Ji Yangzong nodded. "This is your busiest season for business, but of course, you must visit if your father-in-law is seriously ill."  

"Here, Master Qiao, have some tea."  

Butcher Qiao quickly took the tea offered by Ji Taoyu and thanked him with a smile.  

Then he said to Ji Yangzong, "I came here specifically to mention this matter. I ought to contribute my share in delivering the village’s tax grain to the city, but unfortunately, the timing doesn’t work out."  

"No problem, family illnesses are always understandable."  

"There’s another thing. After I leave, I’ll hand over the butchering work in the village to my apprentice. Please help spread the word to everyone."  

Ji Yangzong’s eyes widened at this. "You mean Huo Shu?"  

"He’s only been with you for a few days. Are you really comfortable leaving everything to him?"  

Ji Taoyu had been about to go inside, but hearing Butcher Qiao mention Huo Shu, he changed direction and went to the side to flip the clothes that had just been hung out to dry, secretly listening to their conversation.  

"Huo Shu is capable! Don’t underestimate him. I barely had to teach him anything, he handles these tasks with ease."  

Butcher Qiao spoke with great pride, as if sharing in the glory. "When I took him to slaughter livestock, people even gave him meat afterward. After I leave, you can confidently have the villagers call on him. He’ll manage just fine!"  

Ji Taoyu narrowed his eyes. Was this really true?  

He distinctly remembered someone cutting his hand on the very first day of apprenticeship, moping around and claiming he was clumsy.  

"You must have taught him well."  

Seeing that even the picky Butcher Qiao praised Huo Shu so highly, Ji Yangzong also smiled.  

Butcher Qiao waved his hand. "It’s all thanks to your recommendation."  

"Let’s have a heart-to-heart as old friends. I think Huo Shu is a solid lad. He might seem a bit aloof, but he’s a good man."  

Butcher Qiao lowered his voice. "My second daughter isn’t getting any younger. Her mother is set on finding her a match in the city. But city folks have high standards, too many rules and pretenses. Sometimes, they’re not as good as the lads from the village."  

"Huo Shu doesn’t own much, but he’s hardworking. Later, I’ll hand over my shop to him. With someone to carry on the trade, I’ll have one less worry. These days are uncertain, even within the prefecture, things aren’t peaceful. Who knows what the future holds? Maybe someone like Huo Shu is the reliable kind."  

Ji Yangzong’s smile instantly vanished.  

He cleared his throat awkwardly and said, "That makes sense. But I think children's matters should still depend on their own wishes. Though parents arrange marriages through matchmakers, if the child isn't willing, wouldn't it all be for nothing?"  

"Kids are young and doesn’t know how to judge people or situations. If they happen upon someone smooth-talking and charming, they’ll think it’s a good match, completely unaware of the other’s true character. On the contrary, the quiet and dull ones are more reliable, they just suffer from not being good with words. If parents don’t make the decision for their child and instead let them act recklessly, wouldn’t that ruin their entire life?"  

Ji Yangzong forced a smile. "There’s some truth to that as well."  

On the side, Ji Taoyu pressed his lips together, fingers twisting the hem of his clothes, his brow furrowed.  

So the iron lump has turned into a fragrant pastry now.  

[铁窝窝 (tiě wōwo): lit. iron lump; fig. someone unremarkable or unrefined]

The Sweet little Fulang Chapter 192 Part 2

    Shen Xuanqing looked up and, seeing Lu Gu’s indifferent expression upon recognizing the deed, sighed with a wry smile. "You really don’t worry about a thing. Aren’t you afraid I’ll sell you off?"  

    Lu Gu held little Lingjun upright, patting the child’s back lightly. Hearing this, he didn’t panic at all. Instead, he gave Shen Xuanqing a puzzled look, because he didn’t believe those words for a second.  

    "If I were truly deceitful and tricked you into trusting me, with this deed in hand, I could pawn you off for some quick cash whenever I’m short," Shen Xuanqing said, placing the deed back at the very bottom of the box.  

    Lu Gu knew full well this was a joke. Little Lingjun rested on his shoulder, babbling softly. His eyes curved into crescents. "Even if you sold me, I wouldn’t leave. Besides, could you really bear to?"  

    Someone as simple-minded as him, unable to even hide his thoughts, how could Shen Xuanqing bear to sell him off? Whenever they went out, Shen Xuanqing worried he’d be cheated, so he either accompanied him personally or made sure Wei Lanxiang was around.  

    "If you truly could bear it, I’d leave when the time came."  

    Shen Xuanqing was about to say he could never bear it, who’d want such a foolish fulang anyway? Better he keep him himself. But then he suddenly heard Lu Gu’s words and immediately darkened his expression, his tone turning sharp. "Sell what? Leave where? Don’t ever mention this again."  

    Lu Gu’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. It was him who’d brought it up first, why was he suddenly angry?  

    Shen Xuanqing placed all the deeds inside the box, snapped the lid shut with a pa, and put on an extremely annoyed expression. After storing the box away and closing the chest, he sat on the edge of the bed with his arms crossed, seemingly sulking.  

    Standing there holding their son, Lu Gu watched his series of actions and, for some reason, was reminded of Guaizi.  

    Now that both yellow dogs were grown, their builds slightly smaller than Guaizi’s but still large, they sometimes played like puppies, nipping at each other. But when the play got too rough, either Guaizi or one of the yellow dogs would growl in anger, ready to fight. He’d witnessed this multiple times. On two occasions, it had been Guaizi who instigated the play-biting, yet he was the first to get mad.  

    Whenever he saw the dogs fighting at home, he’d grab a shoe and give their rumps a solid smack, scattering them. Or, as soon as Shen Xuanqing or Shen Yaoqing picked up a stick, the mischievous dogs would take the hint and pretend nothing had happened, separating without further tussling.  

    Of course, Shen Xuanqing wasn’t Guaizi or either of the yellow dogs. Lu Gu felt a little guilty for the comparison but couldn’t help secretly smiling.  

    Earlier, both had been joking. He didn’t understand why Shen Xuanqing was angry, but after a moment’s thought, he approached and stood before him, leaning forward to pass little Lingjun over.  

    Shen Xuanqing had initially wanted to turn away, but now he had no choice but to take the child—after all, it was his own child.  

    "I won’t mention it again, ever," Lu Gu said softly. He wasn’t skilled at coaxing others, but gentle words came easily.  

    His temper flared quickly but faded just as fast. Shen Xuanqing was mollified by this, though his earlier outburst left him feeling embarrassed. He sat stiffly upright, his posture rigid as he held the child without speaking—until he glanced at Lu Gu’s smiling face and couldn’t help smiling back.  

    "Originally, I kept the deed to guard against Du Hehua pulling some underhanded stunt to claim kinship. But now, just keeping that marriage certificate is enough. If she dares to show up, I’ll demand she produce Lu Wen. If she can’t, I’ll drive her out. Once we move to Jixing Town, we’ll be closer to the prefecture. We’ll nullify this deed, free you from servitude, and register your household at the yamen, just in time to register Lingjun’s as well."  

    Shen Xuanqing held his soft, fair-skinned little shuang'er, his handsome face alight with joy.  

    "Okay." Lu Gu was delighted. He hadn’t cared much about the deed, but if he could shed his servile status and be registered alongside Shen Xuanqing and little Ling ger in the household registry, how could he refuse?  

    In all his life, the farthest he’d ever been was Jixing Town. He’d heard that traveling beyond - dozens or even hundreds of miles to the border, required carrying a wooden pass as proof of being a law-abiding commoner. Soon, he’d have one of his own.  

    "On the way back, Eldest Brother and I locked up the shop. In a few days, once the table’s ready, we’ll take some wooden racks over and start setting up." Shen Xuanqing kissed little Lingjun and added cheerfully, "It’s just that the child’s still too young and can’t be apart from you. On opening day, if the weather’s warm, we’ll take the mule cart slowly, and you two can come along."  

    He meant that though the shop had been purchased just like that, it was a pity Lu Gu had to stay home with the baby. Little Lingjun was too small, and the journey would be too bumpy for them to tag along.  

    "Mm." Lu Gu nodded.  

    Shen Xuanqing continued, "We’ll likely open by month’s end. Ling ger will be six months old then. If we bundle him up well, it should be fine."  

    After all, this was their first time opening a business. Having Lu Gu and the child there would make the whole family complete, and all the merrier for it.  

    Little Lingjun, just awake and not yet swaddled, wore only thick clothes, leaving his limbs free to wave and kick energetically. His chubby little hands were small, and before anyone realized it, he’d grabbed a fistful of Shen Xuanqing’s hair, refusing to let go—all while giggling.  

    The sharp tug on his scalp made Shen Xuanqing tilt his head in pain. Lu Gu, who knew exactly how much that hurt, hurried to the rescue, carefully prying Shen Xuanqing’s hair free from little Lingjun’s grip. He stuffed a handkerchief into the child’s eager hands to wave around instead.  

    Though his scalp still stung, Shen Xuanqing paid it no mind. He continued cradling his son like a treasure, even planting a couple of kisses on little Lingjun’s cheeks and praising the strength in his tiny hands.  

    Once, when Shen Yan witnessed this, she had clapped her hands in delight. Back when her two elder brothers used to pull her braids, she’d always gotten mad. Now, it was their turn to suffer, what sweet revenge.

My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 31 Part 3

Seeing that Xue Yansheng was as kind to him as before, You Lingxiao felt slightly relieved: "Yes."  

No sooner had the You mother and son left than Xue Yansheng sent someone to investigate which physicians in the city had treated You Lingxiao.  

"My lord, if you’re concerned about You Juren, why not have the physician examine him directly? Why go through the trouble of investigating? There are many physicians in the city, it won’t be easy to find the right one."  

"He refused to let my physician examine him, but judging by his appearance, his injuries must be severe. Though there are many physicians in the city, only a few excel in treating bone injuries. It won’t take much effort."  

Xue Yansheng let out a heavy sigh: "These troubled times...nothing goes smoothly. In his condition, he likely won’t be able to sit for the spring imperial exams next year."  

"What about the matter concerning the young miss…?"  

Xue Yansheng didn't answer.  

By nightfall, the person Xue Yansheng had sent out returned with news.  

Upon hearing the physician’s diagnosis, Xue Yansheng’s chest heaved violently, his brows furrowed tightly.  

The sound of a teacup shattering followed.  

Xue Hanxue, who had just come to pay her respects, was startled: "Father, what’s wrong?"  

Xue Yansheng looked at his daughter and forced his anger under control.

"From now on, you must cease all contact with You Lingxiao."  

"Why!"  

Xue Hanxue walked toward Xue Yansheng in confusion: "Did Brother Lingxiao do something to anger Father?"  

"I heard from the servants that Brother Lingxiao came to the residence today and seemed to be injured. What exactly happened?"  

Mentioning this, Xue Yansheng felt a surge of anger: "He is now a cripple. Continuing to associate with him will only ruin the rest of your life."  

"W-what..."  

Xue Hanxue was struck by this terrible news and took two steps back in disbelief: "How could this happen out of nowhere? Father, is this true or not?"  

Xue Yansheng sighed: "Today, he came with his right arm hanging limp. I had a physician examine him, but he deliberately avoided it. Just now, the person sent to investigate retrieved his medical record. If you don’t believe me, see for yourself."  

He handed over a page of medical notes.  

Xue Hanxue stared at the black-and-white words on the paper, her hands trembling: "How could his hand be crippled? Who would dare attack a scholar like this?"  

"He claims it was the work of bandits outside, but he insists someone deliberately harmed him. Today, he came clamoring for me to seek justice for him."  

Xue Yansheng shook his head: "I originally thought he would miss this year’s spring examinations. Little did I know he would never set foot in the examination hall again."  

"Father..."  

As someone who had once harbored tender feelings, Xue Hanxue couldn’t help but feel heartache: "Can’t you help Brother Lingxiao? He is exceptionally talented."  

"These are troubled times. There’s no need to waste effort on a useless man."  

Xue Yansheng also felt regret. You Lingxiao was indeed gifted—otherwise, among the many ordinary scholars, he wouldn’t have singled out this one from a humble background, nor allowed his only daughter to associate with him.  

"Hopeless. Whether it was bandits or someone targeting him, he is now of no use. If he lacks even the caution to protect himself, even if he had entered officialdom one day, he would have amounted to nothing."  

Seeing his daughter’s stubborn attachment, he warned her: "Don’t forget he was already betrothed yet still entangled with others. Though such behavior is common among scholars and the education officials won’t interfere, it still sounds disgraceful if spread. Before, given his promising future, I could turn a blind eye and let him handle his affairs properly. But now, he is utterly unworthy of you."  

"Your grandfather has already sent a letter, and the Ministry of Personnel has been properly arranged. Once Father's term ends, he can be transferred back to the capital. Although you grew up with Father in his post and not in the capital, you must know that the capital is full of talented and well-born individuals. When the time comes, the family will help you choose a new match, it will only be better, not worse."  

Upon hearing this, Xue Hanxue opened her mouth but ultimately said nothing more.  

However, You Lingxiao had no idea that the mentor he believed favored him would so quickly decide to cast him aside like a discarded chess piece.  

While recuperating at home, he waited anxiously but received no resolution, his heart uneasy.  

Feeling that something was amiss, he thought that even if his teacher had great influence, he had not inquired much about the details of the attack, how could he have identified the culprit?  

After some consideration, he decided to visit again, but no matter what, he could no longer gain an audience with Xue Yansheng.

Not only that, but even Xue Hanxue, who had always loved going out for fun, could no longer be met. Seeing the increasingly hostile attitude of the Xue family's gatekeeper, it almost seemed like they were about to lay hands on him.  

You Lingxiao finally realized, the Xue family had already abandoned him.  

You Lingxiao felt as if the sky had darkened, utterly hopeless. Old wounds added to new illnesses, and he collapsed in bed, unable to get up again.  

[舊傷添新病 (jiù shāng tiān xīn bìng): lit. old wounds add to new illnesses; fig. one misfortune after another]  

The other branches of the You family came daily to clamor for money, leaving the family without a single day of peace.  

Seeing the You family in such a state, Ji Yangzong secretly gloated. Though he had no personal grudge against You Lingxiao and his mother, as the village head, he ought to advise them a little.  

But he had no time for that. Instead, he rallied the village's able-bodied men and, upon hearing that the bandit unrest outside was nothing to fear from Huo Shu, prepared to transport the grain to the city.  

As the year-end approached, the bandit unrest had caused many families inside and outside the village to slaughter their livestock - some to keep for themselves, some to sell for New Year's money, and some to have funds for self-protection. In short, more families than usual were slaughtering livestock this year.  

Huo Shu naturally followed Butcher Qiao around, busy from morning to night, sometimes working at one family in the morning and another in the afternoon.  

The Rebirth of Crazy ger Chapter 64

Chapter 64  

"..." The little ger's lively eyes held a hint of teasing, his soft lips glistening from the kiss, looking especially tempting.  

Yuan Heng's gaze darkened, just as the other spoke: "Come on, Brother Heng, A-Mu is a ger, and he's pregnant, what exactly are you thinking?"  

As the ger spoke, he seemed to find the situation incredibly amusing, laughing so hard his whole body trembled in the man's arms, shaking so much it made the man's heart race wildly.  

The man lowered his eyes to stare at him, his dark gaze filled with possessiveness. Unfortunately, Wang Jin had his face buried in Yuan Heng's chest and didn't see it.  

Laughing freely, he suddenly heard the man's low, husky voice: "Some gers also like other gers."  

"..." Wang Jin paused at these words, then laughed even more recklessly. After a while, he finally lifted his head, his bright eyes fixed on Yuan Heng as he said, "Then I could also say some beastmen like other beastmen! Brother Heng, you go hunting with Lai Yuan every day, I say there's something fishy between you two!"  

As if finding his own words hilarious, the ger couldn't help but curve his lips into an extremely radiant smile.  

His smiling eyes reflected Yuan Heng's figure, as if the ger's world contained only him.  

Yuan Heng's gaze darkened imperceptibly. Without a sound, he set the dish he was holding aside and wrapped his arms around the little ger.  

Wang Jin froze. The man's broad hands clamped around him like iron shackles. He looked up at the man, those usually gentle, light-colored eyes now held a feral intensity, the kind that only appeared in certain... moments.  

That gaze felt almost tangible, sweeping over every inch of his body, sending tremors through him.  

The little ger before him, flushed from their earlier teasing, had a rosy hue spreading all the way to the corners of his eyes, making him look as if he'd already been thoroughly ravished.  

Yuan Heng's eyes darkened further, his fingers tightening. Unable to hold back any longer, he lowered his head to kiss the ger...  

After the storm of passion, Wang Jin had melted into a puddle, completely devoid of strength.  

He could only let Yuan Heng carry him to bathe and feed him...  

During this time, Yuan Heng, lacking all restraint, took advantage of the thoroughly pliant Wang Jin several more times, as if only this could dispel the lingering sourness in his heart.  

Wang Jin was utterly drained. By the time he regained his senses, it was already the next day.  

The next day, the man didn’t go hunting, spending the entire day at home with Wang Jin.  

Before long, the two were tangled together again...  

After several days of this, Wang Jin’s body ached as if it had been run over by a carriage, covered in bruises and marks of unmistakable intimacy.  

The man never brought up the incident from days prior, but his actions made it abundantly clear that he cared very much!  

Finally, one morning, when the man pressed down on him again, Wang Jin weakly placed his soft hand on Yuan Heng’s shoulder.  

The little ger had no strength to begin with, and now his limp hand resting there didn’t feel like rejection—if anything, it seemed more like coy reluctance.  

The man’s eyes darkened dangerously. Beneath his calm exterior, a storm raged. Gently, he took that delicate hand, tilting his face to press closer once more.  

Wang Jin turned his head away, hurriedly protesting, "N-no more... Brother Heng."  

Yuan Heng didn’t speak, his gaze fixed intently on the little ger.  

The ger’s eyes had remained faintly red these past few days, as if he’d been truly overindulged, his voice even a little hoarse. Though the rasp made it even more enticing, Yuan Heng knew he’d gone too far.  

He took the ger’s hand, reluctantly pressing a light kiss to it. Watching the ger’s fingers tremble before quickly snatching back, the gloom in his heart finally dissipated.  

Under the ger’s flustered gaze, he pulled up the fur blanket to cover him, pretending displeasure. "Dare to get that close to anyone else again?"  

"N-no, I won’t!" Wang Jin shook his head frantically. Even if there had been nothing to begin with, he didn’t dare explain now, lest the man’s jealousy flare up again and...  

The ger’s head shook vigorously, his whole body curled under the furs, only his eyes peeking out - wet and pitiful. Yuan Heng’s heart softened. Leaning down, he nuzzled his forehead lingeringly before resolutely straightening and walking outside to douse himself with several basins of cold water.  

The ger had adored those feathers. Since the previous batch had been gifted to Mu ger, Yuan Heng decided to gather more. If he waited any longer, the birds would migrate, and they’d be hard to find.  

With this in mind, he prepared some food for Wang Jin, informed him, and left.  

Only after the man was gone did Wang Jin shakily push himself up, clutching his waist.  

This time, the man had been too ruthless...  

Rubbing his sore back, Wang Jin hobbled step by step to the doorway—just in time to see Mu ger approaching.  

The two gers hadn’t met in days, and now both flushed with awkwardness.  

Mu ger’s sharp eyes immediately caught the dense marks on Wang Jin’s neck, making his own face burn.  

Clearing his throat, he stopped several paces away. "A-Jin... My A-Yuan also went out."  

A simple statement, but in their current misunderstood context, it sounded loaded.  

Both froze. Mu ger quickly stammered, "I mean, A-Yuan left with Brother Heng. Before they left, I told them I’d come here. They know."  

"...Mm." The explanation only made it weirder. Wang Jin could only hum in response, his face growing hotter.  

Their beastmen’s baseless jealousy had left both gers deeply embarrassed.  

Fortunately, Wang Jin wasn’t one to stay flustered for long. After a moment, he brought out the fruits and honey his man had prepared and moved to his usual spot in the yard. Mu ger followed, sitting down - though with a deliberate gap between them this time.  

Wang Jin noticed but said nothing.  

"A-Jin! A-Mu! You’re both here!" Suddenly, a voice called from outside the courtyard. They looked over to see Yu-ger rushing in, arms piled with items.  

He dumped them on a nearby seat and plopped himself between Mu-ger and Wang Jin, slinging an arm over each.  

Wang Jin silently shifted away. Mu-ger tried to wriggle free but gave up and let him be.  

Frowning, Mu-ger said, "Yu-ger, what brings you here today? I heard you and Yue ger have gotten inseparable, always cuddled up at home."  

His tone carried unmistakably wariness.  

My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 31 Part 2

News of the You family’s misfortune spread quickly through the village.  

You Lingxiao’s right hand was shattered. Despite consulting several physicians in the city, recovery was impossible, the damage was permanent.  

You's mother blamed the You family for delaying the doctor’s visit, worsening his injury. She screamed that she would no longer shield the rest of the You family.  

The You family, seeing that their pooled funds for a city house had been stolen and hearing You's mother's outbursts, demanded she return their money.  

Propriety was tossed to the wind, the families quarreled openly, their angry voices echoing far and wide.

You's mother, like a madwoman, had several fierce fights with her sisters-in-law.  

The villagers were all too happy to watch the You family's dogs bite each other, saying that You Lingxiao was now suffering retribution for burning bridges and harming his benefactor, and that his ruined future was simply the heavens striking him down.  

[狗咬狗 (gǒu yǎo gǒu): lit. dogs biting dogs; fig. infighting or mutual destruction]  

[过河拆桥 (guò hé chāi qiáo): lit. to tear down the bridge after crossing the river; fig. to abandon those who helped you after achieving success]  

The turmoil refused to settle, and the commotion lasted for quite some time.  

You Lingxiao lay in bed day after day, taking medicine and having his dressings changed, disheveled and hollow-eyed. In just a few days, his face had sunken in, gaunt as a withered tree.  

He simply couldn’t believe that he had become a cripple overnight, as if it had all happened without warning.  

His right hand was ruined, which meant he could no longer write essays or sit for imperial examinations.  

Even with the scholarly title of a juren, even if an official post were to open up for him, as a cripple, he could never hold office.  

His path to an official career was utterly severed. Every time he thought of this, a piercing, suffocating pain gripped his chest.  

He had calculated everything, yet he had never foreseen that his future would be destroyed by becoming a cripple, not because he lacked diligence in studies or talent inferior to others.  

"Lingxiao, you must eat something. Your health is what matters most. Even if..."  

You's mother wept day and night, and after all the scuffles with the You family, she too looked sallow and exhausted. But compared to You Lingxiao on the bed, at least she could still walk and move.  

"No matter what, you are still a juren. If we manage things well, we can still live in wealth and honor."  

You Lingxiao swatted away the bowl of porridge brought to his lips: "What’s the point of living with this broken body?!"  

You's mother, startled by the spilled porridge, hurriedly took out a handkerchief to clean it up: "Lingxiao, if you die, then your mother might as well follow you!"  

"Mother, why me? Why did it have to be me?"  

You Lingxiao, his eyes bloodshot, demanded of You's mother: "Why did those bandits target me and not someone else? They were just commoners, I’m a juren!"  

"I even told them I was a juren, yet they still dared to maim me. Mother, do you think someone did this out of jealousy?"  

"Yes, it must be! It must be someone jealous of me!"  

As if he had found an outlet for his rage, You Lingxiao suddenly sat up in bed: "No, I must go find Lord Xue and demand justice!"  

You's mother looked at her son, who seemed to be in a daze, feeling both shocked and heartbroken.  

"Lingxiao, right now you should focus on recuperating."  

"No, I must seek Lord Xue to uphold justice for me!"  

You Lingxiao insisted on going to the city to report the matter to the authorities. Unable to dissuade him after several attempts, You's mother had no choice but to spend money to hire a carriage for the trip to the city.  

The mother and son didn't go to the prefectural yamen but headed straight to the Xue residence.  

The gatekeeper of the Xue residence was dozing off with his hands tucked in his sleeves. Startled by the sound of someone knocking, he opened his eyes and saw a haggard-looking mother and son at the door. Assuming they came to beg, he immediately scolded them: "Go away, go beg somewhere else! Don’t you see what kind of place this is?"  

"Xiao Wu, it’s me."  

Only when You Lingxiao spoke up did the gatekeeper recognize him.  

"So it’s You Juren! My apologies, this worthless eyesight of mine!"  

You Lingxiao had visited the Xue residence many times before, so the gatekeeper knew him well.  

But unlike the refined scholar of the past, today he looked pale as a ghost, with his arm in a sling. Even the most oblivious person could tell something had happened.  

"You Juren, what happened to you?"  

"An unfortunate incident. Could you kindly inform Lord Xue that we wish to see him?"  

The gatekeeper hurried inside to relay the message. Before long, only You Lingxiao was summoned to meet Lord Xue.  

You's mother was led to a guest room to wait. This was her first time in the Xue residence, and the sprawling estate - with its pavilions, towers, artificial hills, and flowing water, left her dazzled.  

The grandeur of the official’s mansion made her feel both awed and humbled, yet a sigh rose in her heart.  

"Good heavens! Lingxiao, what happened to you?"  

Xue Yansheng was already overwhelmed by the bandit unrest. When the gatekeeper reported the visit, he had initially refused to see anyone. But upon hearing that You Lingxiao had urgent business and recalling their past relationship, he eventually allowed him in.  

The sight of You Lingxiao’s ghastly pale face shocked Xue Yansheng.  

"Teacher, you must uphold justice for your student!"  

Upon seeing Xue Yansheng, You Lingxiao couldn’t even bother with formalities and immediately broke into tears:  

"On my way to the city, I suddenly fainted. When I woke up, not only had my money been stolen, but I was also beaten and left in the wilderness. If not for a kind-hearted passerby who brought me back, I would never have had the chance to repay your kindness, Teacher."  

Xue Yansheng’s expression darkened at these words:  

"You encountered bandits within our borders? How audacious! These outlaws dare to attack even unarmed scholars, utterly inhuman!"  

"I didn’t see the assailant’s face clearly, only a half-covered visage in my daze," You Lingxiao said. "It could have been bandits or someone hiring thugs, who knows? I beg you, Teacher, to seek justice for me!"  

"To dare lay hands on my student, I will certainly demand justice for you."  

Then Xue Yansheng looked at You Lingxiao’s arm: "How serious is your injury? Let the physician in my residence examine you. You’ve lost so much weight!"  

You Lingxiao hesitated slightly before replying:  

"Thank you for your concern, Teacher. My arm is not seriously injured, just dislocated. A physician has already treated it, and it should heal in a few days."  

Xue Yansheng’s brow twitched: "Very well. You must take care of your health above all else. Right now, the prefect is deeply troubled by the bandit unrest, and I must assist him fully. I will assign someone to look into your case separately, you won’t suffer this injustice in vain."  

"Go home and rest for now."  

The Sweet little Fulang Chapter 192 Part 1

Chapter 192  

    Lu Gu carefully examined the red deed stamped with the official seal. Over the past two years, he had followed Shen Xuanqing in studying the Three Character Classic and had since learned many characters. However, due to his pregnancy and later caring for the child, he hadn’t reviewed his books much in the past year. Some slightly more complex characters now only felt vaguely familiar at a glance, and he couldn’t recall how to read them. The only name on the deed he recognized firmly was Shen Xuanqing’s.  

[The Three Character Classic (三字经, Sānzìjīng) is a foundational Chinese Confucian text written in triplets of characters for easy memorization, covering topics like morality, history, education, and philosophy, traditionally used to teach children basic literacy and Confucian values.]

    A single thin sheet of paper represented a plot of land. His eyes crinkled with a smile as he turned to look at the property deed in Shen Yan’s hand beside him.  

    Shen Xuanqing took a sip of tea and said with a smile, "The official permits have all been processed. Once everything over there is tidied up, we can open for business."  

    Wei Lanxiang couldn’t read, but the sight of the red official seals on those papers reassured her that their family’s business was legitimate, filling her heart with joy.  

    The imperial court imposed regulations on shops. Shen Xuanqing had reported that the shop would be used for selling meat, hence obtaining the permit for a butcher’s shop. If they wished to engage in other businesses in the future, they would need to apply for separate permits.  

    Shen Yaoqing took his son from Ji Qiyue’s arms and sat down, holding the child. He said cheerfully, "A butcher’s shop is relatively simple, unlike other stores. We just need a sturdy chopping block and a few wooden racks for hanging meat. Most of the tall tables at home are either occupied or worn out. Why don’t we go see Uncle Mutou tomorrow and have him make us a solid new table?"  

    Uncle Mutou was the old carpenter from the neighboring village.  

    "Mm, that’s only natural. Chopping meat and bones requires heavy force, better to have a new one made," Shen Xuanqing nodded, then added, "Aside from tables, chairs, and stoves, we’ll also need to buy a few account books. From now on, we’re running a proper business. Keeping accounts and paying taxes mustn’t be neglected."  

    Bookkeeping wasn’t difficult. Both he and Shen Yaoqing were literate and knew arithmetic. Moreover, theirs was a small-scale business, so there was no need to spend money hiring an accountant.  

    Some rural folks were unwilling to pay for their children’s education, saying that since they were all digging in the dirt, there was no need to study those fancy classical texts. But now, the benefits of literacy were evident - it saved them labor costs. Plus, with these deeds and permits in hand, they could understand what was written on them, preventing others from pulling any tricks.  

    "Here." Lu Gu handed the land deed to Shen Xuanqing. Hearing about bookkeeping reminded him of how his mother had taught him basic counting and arithmetic when he was little. Though he only grasped the rudiments, fortunately, their family’s Erqing was skilled in everything.  

    He recalled once seeing the shopkeeper at the embroidery workshop using an abacus while keeping accounts. The memory of that day was still vivid, the sharp clatter of the beads sounded incredibly efficient. Without thinking, he asked, "We’ll buy account books, but what about the abacus?"  

    Shen Xuanqing took the land deed and the property deed from Shen Yan, stacking them together with the two permits. Hearing this, he chuckled and said, "I was just thinking ours is a small business, but now that you mention it, we really should buy an abacus. Once the account books start filling up with entries, mental calculations won’t be enough, we’ll need an abacus."  

    Lu Gu’s smile widened. It pleased him to know his words had been useful.  

    Shen Xuanqing finished the tea in his bowl and stood up to return to his room to store the deeds. Unexpectedly, as soon as he rose, he heard little Lingjun crying from inside, the child had woken up.  

    Lu Gu moved even faster than him, hurrying into the room to pick up little Lingjun, who had been napping for half the afternoon.  

    With Lu Gu handling the soothing, Shen Xuanqing wasn’t in a rush. He opened a chest and rummaged through the bottom, pulling out an old wooden box. The box wasn’t large, just the right size to lay a sheet of paper flat inside.  

    When he opened the old box, he saw several land deeds inside - the three contracts for the dry and paddy fields purchased from Old Man Lu and the Zhang family, as well as the land and property deeds for the new house, totaling five sheets.  

    He took them out, intending to neatly stack them with today’s four documents, but at the very bottom, he unexpectedly spotted Lu Gu’s deed of sale.  

    Shen Xuanqing’s hand paused. He had given this deed to Lu Gu two years prior, but Lu Gu had nowhere safe to keep it and had placed it back.  

    Back then, during the fight with the Lu family, he had been furious and impulsive, buying Lu Gu outright and drawing up this deed of sale. The black-and-white terms were crystal clear - Lu Daxiang and Du Hehua wouldn’t dare play tricks with it.  

    Later, on one hand, they were busy hunting and farming, rarely going to Yuqing Prefecture except to stamp the land deeds or sell fox pelts. On the other hand, he loathed the Lu family. Keeping the deed was also a precaution, if the Lu family ever dared to come demanding Lu Gu back or trying to claim kinship, this lifetime sale contract would shut them up. Lu Gu had been sold to their family and no longer had any ties to the Lu family.  

    Even the red marriage certificate between Lu Gu and Lu Wen back then had been kept by Wei Lanxiang. Lu Wen’s name and origin were clearly written on it. If Lu Wen ever caused trouble, that single document would be enough to land him in serious hot water.  

    As a rural hunter and farmer, Shen Xuanqing lacked the capital and connections to contend with the Li family. He could only think of ways to keep an ace up his sleeve.  

    Lu Gu, having soothed little Lingjun, noticed Shen Xuanqing standing motionless and asked curiously, "What’s wrong?"  

    As he spoke, he glanced at the paper in Shen Xuanqing’s hand, it was his deed of sale. After learning to read, he had carefully examined it once. To him, Shen Xuanqing was someone trustworthy and reliable. Though the deed had placed him in servitude, stripping him of even a household registration, he didn’t mind much. Besides, Shen Xuanqing had explained the reasons for keeping the deed and marriage certificate, so he harbored no resentment.  

The Sweet little Fulang Chapter 191 Part 2

Shen Yaoqing was also thinking along the same lines. Staring at the empty backyard, he said, "If we bring chickens, ducks, and rabbits here in the future, this backyard might be too small. I’m not even sure if the cages for the chickens and ducks will fit."  

"They’ll fit, they’ll fit," Hu Ping chimed in with an ingratiating smile. For days now, potential buyers had come to see the shop, but depending on their business, some found it too small while others thought it too big. No one had made an offer yet. With his debt repayment deadline approaching, he couldn’t afford to wait much longer.

He pointed to the back left corner of the wall and said, "Build a stove here, put up a thatched shed on top by borrowing the two walls, and you'll have a kitchen for cooking. The right side is spacious, it can definitely fit two or three rows of cages. If there are really too many, the left side along the wall can also hold some. As for the passageway, it depends on what you compare it to. It's narrower than the street, but two people can still walk side by side, it's not too narrow. Placing a few cages against the wall won’t be a problem. People can always get through. That’ll make it work."  

Since Yang Xian had only inquired about the price of the shop earlier, he didn’t yet know what business the Shen brothers intended to run. When he asked and learned it was a butcher shop, he quickly said, "Selling meat is just right. For Xixing Street and the nearby alleys, people have to go all the way to Changxing Street to buy meat. If you open a butcher shop here, business will naturally be good."  

Old Man Yang had already discussed this with Shen Xuanqing. They had specifically chosen this shop for its location.  

Speaking of which, Old Man Yang’s daughter, Yang Yujun, had married Qian the Butcher in Jixing Town. However, Qian’s family and shop were on the southeast side of Jixing Town, far from Xixing Street. Besides, Shen Xuanqing mainly sold rabbits, chickens, and ducks. He would certainly sell pork as well, but unlike other butcher shops, it wouldn’t be his main focus.  

What Hu Ping said was something Shen Xuanqing had already considered. Once the courtyard was tidied up, there would definitely be space for cages. He didn’t say much more, just glanced around the courtyard again before walking up to Old Man Yang and Yang Xian. In a low voice, he said, "Master, the shop itself is fine, it just needs to fit a cutting table and meat hooks. The backyard is a bit small, but if I’m going to start this business, it’s only the beginning. Who knows how things will turn out later? A small shop is fine as long as it makes money. We can think about a bigger shop later."  

Old Man Yang and Yang Xian thought the same way. They happened to find a shop in this location, with no competing butcher businesses nearby. Every business starts small before growing. Buying a large shop upfront would cost a lot of money, and if cash flow became tight, wouldn’t that be like hanging over a fire? It was better to be cautious and steady.  

"That’s what I originally thought too. Since you’re willing, let’s do it this way," Old Man Yang nodded in approval. Though he no longer handled business matters, among those present, he was the eldest and held the highest seniority, so they naturally had to consult him.  

Once Old Man Yang gave his approval, Shen Xuanqing looked at Yang Xian and Shen Yaoqing, both nodded in agreement . 

With that settled, he turned to Hu Ping and said, "Shopkeeper Hu, let's cut the case. How about forty taels?"  

"Too low, too low." Hu Ping’s face scrunched up. After a moment’s thought, he gritted his teeth and held up five fingers. "If you’re serious, add five more taels, forty-five taels. I won’t even mention fifty taels. Just forty-five. How about it?"  

He was desperate to sell so he could pay off his debts. Otherwise, it would become a huge problem later. Previous buyers had nitpicked endlessly, never giving a firm answer. He knew they were deliberately stalling, waiting until he was truly desperate so they could drive the price even lower, maybe even below forty taels.  

Seeing Shen Xuanqing frown slightly as if considering, Hu Ping steeled himself. His face twisted into a pained expression, looking even older than Old Man Yang. He forced a smile and said, "Just forty-five taels. As for the paperwork at the yamen such as permits, deeds for the property and land, I’ll arrange everything properly. Once it’s all written up, we’ll submit it to the prefectural office for approval. You won’t have to worry about any of that."  

Yang Xian glanced at him and smiled. "Shopkeeper Hu, I heard Dai Yongsheng came to see this shop?"  

Hu Ping’s face stiffened. He couldn’t even muster a smile now. He had fallen into a trap set by Dai Yongsheng’s men, losing everything he had. Dai Yongsheng himself didn't need to dirty his hands, he wouldn’t bother with such small fry like him. But if he could snatch up a cheap shop, he certainly wouldn’t hesitate. If Shen Xuanqing bought it, there might be trouble later. A timid person would’ve left immediately upon hearing Dai Yongsheng’s name.  

"Ah." He sighed heavily, his face bitter. "Fine, forty taels it is. But, it has to be in silver."  

Yang Xian patted his shoulder. "Naturally."  

After some more discussion, they settled the deal. Since Shen Xuanqing had brought the mule cart and it was still early, they could make it to Yuqing Prefecture that day. They sent Hu Ping home to fetch the deeds. With nothing left in the shop, he didn’t even need to lock the door, leaving Shen Xuanqing and the others to wait inside.  

After Hu Ping left, Shen Xuanqing turned to Yang Xian. "Brother, who is this Dai Yongsheng?"  

Yang Xian chuckled. "After you left last time, I came to ask around. Dai Yongsheng is the son of a gambling den owner, wealthy and influential. He sometimes drinks at my tavern, so we’re somewhat familiar. Your brother-in-law Qian grew up in Jixing Town and is on good terms with the Dai family. A small shop like this means nothing to them. You don’t need to worry. If Dai Yongsheng comes knocking, just mention me and Qian, and there won’t be any trouble."  

"We’re all honest businessmen here. We don’t do underhanded things. Forty taels is fair, Hu Ping won’t lose much. Besides, this is a willing transaction. The gambling den can’t interfere."  

The "Qian" he referred to was his brother-in-law, Qian the Butcher.  

Butchers might deal in the dirty work of slaughtering pigs and chopping meat, but they interact with all sorts of people. Ordinary folks consider themselves lucky if they can afford pork, so butchers naturally have closer ties to wealthy families. They were physically strong, earned more than most, and weren't squeamish about getting their hands bloody. A successful butcher is someone to be reckoned with.  

"So that’s how it is. Thank you for your trouble, Brother," Shen Xuanqing said with a smile.  

If not for these connections, neither Yang Xian nor Old Man Yang would have brought him here to see the place. Besides Qian the Butcher, Yang Xian himself knew many people from running his tavern. His younger brother, Yang Yi, was a teacher in town and also had some influence.  

With no tables or chairs outside, they went inside. There were only two chairs, so Shen Xuanqing let Old Man Yang and Yang Xian sit while he and Shen Yaoqing perched on the edge of the bed.  

The room was sparsely furnished, smaller than their village quarters, but it was livable.  

Yang Xian actually had full confidence in Shen Xuanqing. People tended to bully the weak and fear the strong. With his height, martial skills, and archery training passed down from Old Man Yang, few local troublemakers would dare pick a fight. His straightforward, honest nature meant he’d do well in Jixing Town.  

The four of them chatted and joked for a while. Old Man Yang was pleased that his disciple would be coming to town and even suggested bringing Lu Gu and Little Lingjun along. In old age, one naturally hopes to have family nearby.  

When Hu Ping returned with the deeds, they left the mule cart at the Yang residence and headed toward Yuqing Prefecture. After locking up the shop, they all set off together.  

The mule cart made the round trip, and by the time Shen Xuanqing drove home, it was already mid-afternoon.  

Shen Yaoqing sat on the other side of the cart, both brothers smiling. Shen Xuanqing carried several contracts, permits, and the shop’s keys in his pocket. From now on, that shop was his.