The Young Master Becomes a Wife Chapter 3

Chapter 3: Regaining Consciousness

When Jiang Chenghan said he had been knocked unconscious, Kou Shijun immediately showed concern. Fortunately, Jiang Chenghan had only suffered superficial injuries and was fine, so Kou Shijun relaxed and then asked, "Do you still remember what the servant who led you looked like? If you do, we can find him and question him."  

Jiang Chenghan shook his head and said, "The servant was short and kept his head bowed the whole time. I didn’t get a clear look at his face."  

Kou Shijun frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then asked further, "Aside from the food and wine at the banquet, did you eat or drink anything else today at the Duke’s residence?"  

Kou Shijun had witnessed many underhanded schemes in his life, so as soon as he heard Jiang Chenghan describe his discomfort, he guessed that Jiang Chenghan must have been drugged—hence the question.  

Jiang Chenghan thought for a moment and replied, "Other than the banquet’s food and wine, I only drank a cup of tea that the servant brought while I was waiting for him. I didn’t eat or drink anything else. However, the teacup is now missing."  

Kou Shijun’s frown deepened, and he looked troubled. "The teacup was likely taken away and destroyed to prevent any traces from being found later. As for the servant who led you and served the tea, he’s probably untraceable now. But without evidence, how can you prove your innocence?"  

After speaking, Kou Shijun couldn’t help but glance at the Duke of Anguo, who had been silently listening the whole time. Jiang Chenghan’s account was merely his own word without any supporting evidence. Kou Shijun believed him, but the Duke might not.  

Jiang Chenghan was aware of this as well, which was why he hadn’t immediately tried to justify himself to the Duke earlier. Instead, he first requested a physician to examine Yan Jingshu.  

As a man of little influence, Jiang Chenghan knew the Duke wouldn’t take him seriously or easily believe him. But Yan Jingshu was different. Whether Yan Jingshu had been forced by him or if both of them had been framed would become clear once Yan Jingshu woke up.  

As for whether Yan Jingshu might falsely accuse him, Jiang Chenghan wasn’t worried. He and Yan Jingshu had no prior grievances, and the truth was something Yan Jingshu knew well. If Yan Jingshu falsely accused him, Jiang Chenghan wouldn't take it lying down, and Kou Shijun's support would add weight to his stance. If the matter escalated, it would bring no benefit to Yan Jingshu or the entire Duke’s household. Jiang Chenghan believed Yan Jingshu wouldn’t do something so self-destructive.  

Thinking this, Jiang Chenghan smiled at Kou Shijun and said, "General, there’s no need to worry. Once Young Master Yan wakes up, my innocence will be proven."  

Seeing Jiang Chenghan’s confident and relaxed demeanor, Kou Shijun felt slightly reassured. Besides waiting for Yan Jingshu to wake up, there was nothing else they could do for now, so he said no more.  

The Duke of Anguo remained silent the whole time, his expression unreadable. When Jiang Chenghan expressed his confidence, the Duke merely glanced at him, neither affirming nor denying anything.  

With no one speaking, the hall fell into abrupt silence. Before long, the elderly physician emerged from the inner chamber with his medical kit and addressed the Duke: "I have administered acupuncture to the young master. His fever has subsided, and he should regained consciousness shortly."  

"In that case, many thanks," the Duke said, rising to express his gratitude before subtly signaling to the steward beside him.  

The steward then took out a red envelope from his sleeve and handed it to the physician.  

At this moment, Kou Shijun stepped forward and said to the physician, "Doctor, if you would, please examine him as well." The "him" he referred to was naturally Jiang Chenghan.  

Even if the drugged teacup couldn’t be found, traces of the aphrodisiac should still be detectable in Jiang Chenghan’s body, which could corroborate his account.  

The physician naturally didn’t refuse and immediately proceeded to examine Jiang Chenghan. After observing, listening, questioning, and checking his pulse, the physician withdrew his hand and confidently informed everyone present that Jiang Chenghan indeed showed symptoms of having ingested an aphrodisiac.  

However, Jiang Chenghan’s constitution was much stronger than Yan Jingshu’s, so the effects weren’t as severe, allowing him to move freely now. Still, his vitality had been somewhat depleted, and he needed several days of proper rest.  

The physician’s words confirmed Jiang Chenghan’s account, greatly reassuring Kou Shijun. After thanking the physician, he also presented a generous fee. The physician was then escorted out of the residence by the steward’s men.  

Kou Shijun wanted to say something more to the Duke, but at that moment, a maid’s tearful, joyous cry came from the inner chamber through the draped curtains.

"Young Master, Young Master, you're finally awake. Master, the Young Master is awake!"  

"Shu'er is awake?! Wonderful—" The Duke of Anguo immediately turned and strode into the inner chamber.  

Considering that Yan Jingshu might currently be in an inconvenient state and unlikely to receive outsiders, Jiang Chenghan and Kou Shijun did not follow the Duke into the inner chamber but remained in the main hall instead.  

Arriving at the bedside and seeing that Yan Jingshu had indeed opened his eyes, the Duke's smile widened, and he repeatedly said, "Good, good, you’re finally awake. That’s all that matters."  

"...Father?" Yan Jingshu blinked, his gaze toward the man before him filled with confusion, as if he didn’t recognize him.  

"It’s me, your father. I’m here." The Duke assumed Yan Jingshu was still disoriented from just waking up and sat by the bed, soothing him gently. "Shu'er, don’t be afraid. Your father is here. It’s alright now, nothing to fear... Tell me, did that Jiang Chenghan mistreat you? If he truly wronged you, I will stand by you and make sure he pays for it."  

"How could that be?" Yan Jingshu frowned, puzzled by his father’s words. He didn’t want his father to think poorly of Jiang Chenghan, so he said, "Chenghan has always treated me well, never once mistreating me. Father, don’t misunderstand him."  

The Duke was stunned by Yan Jingshu’s casual use of "Chenghan." He had expected Yan Jingshu to accuse Jiang Chenghan of drugging and attempting to force himself on him, or perhaps, as Jiang Chenghan had claimed, that both had been framed. But he never imagined Yan Jingshu would speak of Jiang Chenghan with such familiarity and even defend him in front of him.  

This left the Duke deeply perplexed. After all, Jiang Chenghan had only returned to the capital from the northern border with General Kou Shijun less than ten days ago to celebrate the Emperor’s birthday. Meanwhile, Yan Jingshu had just returned home yesterday from his studies at Mushan Academy and hadn’t left the house since. Before today, the two should have had no opportunity to meet or know each other.  

He distinctly remembered that when Kou Shijun first brought Jiang Chenghan to the estate and he introduced Yan Jingshu, the two had clearly acted like strangers. Had they been hiding their acquaintance? But why would they do that?  

Unable to make sense of it, the Duke asked Yan Jingshu directly, "Shu'er, did you know Jiang Chenghan before today?"  

Yan Jingshu had just woken up, his mind still foggy and his body weak. His earlier response had been almost instinctive. Now fully awake, Yan Jingshu was deeply confused by the Duke's question.

Why is Father asking this? Of course I know Jiang Chenghan. We've been married for almost three years. How could we not know each other

Puzzled, Yan Jingshu was about to voice his confusion when something flashed through his mind, freezing him in place. After a brief moment of shock, he abruptly sat up, staring down at his hands with an expression of disbelief and dawning realization.  

Hadn’t I died? 

After finally uncovering clues about the people responsible for Jiang Chenghan’s death, he had been discovered, chased to a cliff by his pursuers, and ultimately fell to his demise. Had he somehow survived and been rescued, then brought back home?  

"Father, how did I end up at home? Who saved me? Who brought me back?" Overwhelmed with confusion, Yan Jingshu clutched the Duke’s sleeve and pressed for answers.  

The Duke had been waiting for Yan Jingshu’s reply, only to be met with questions instead. His son’s words only deepened his bewilderment, and he frowned slightly. "Shu'er, what are you talking about? Who saved you? Who brought you back? You’ve been at home all along."  

"What? How could that be? But..." The Duke’s answer did nothing to ease Yan Jingshu’s shock—if anything, it left him even more disoriented.  

Just then, the steward approached to report that a maid, sent by the Dowager Lady, had come to summon Yan Jingshu. The Marquis of Xinyang and his heir had received urgent news from their household and needed to leave early, so the Dowager Lady requested the Second Young Master to see them off.  

The Duke’s expression turned troubled. Yan Jingshu was still weak, he could barely get out of bed, let alone escort guests. He instructed the steward to inform the maid that Yan Jingshu was currently assisting him in entertaining an important guest and couldn’t leave. He asked the Duchess to handle the farewell instead.  

Today was his mother’s birthday, and she doted on her grandson. If she learned he was ill, she would surely come to see him. But with the matter of Jiang Chenghan still unresolved, the Duke feared the shock might harm her health, so it was better to keep it hidden for now.  

The steward left to relay the message, but Yan Jingshu was stunned once more.  

Is this real? Or am I dreaming?

His grandmother had passed away in autumn of the 26th year of Zhengde, the second year of his marriage.  

At that time, he had been far away in Yancheng, up north. By the time he received word of her critical condition and rushed back to the capital day and night, she had already been buried, and he hadn’t even been able to see her one last time. Yet according to the steward, his grandmother was still alive.

Seeing Yan Jingshu silent and dazed, the Duke grew concerned. He wondered if the aphrodisiac’s effects had been so severe that they damaged his mind. He had heard of cases where high fevers from illness left people mentally impaired. No longer eager to press for answers, he stood up, intending to consult the physician again.  

But Yan Jingshu grabbed his sleeve, his voice urgent and tinged with disbelief. "Father, what day is it today?"  

The Duke froze, studying Yan Jingshu’s expression carefully before replying softly, "Today is the third day of the seventh month in the 20th year of Zhengde, your grandmother’s 60th birthday. Don’t you remember?"

Rebirth of the Useless Young Master’s Counterattack Chapter 88

Chapter 88: The Source

Mu Lichuan walked forward without glancing sideways, as if completely uninterested in his surroundings. Yet, inwardly, he was keenly aware—the layout of this place was excellent, auspicious for descendants.

They claim not to believe in feng shui, yet when choosing a villa, they still prioritize favorable orientation.

"Student Mu, my husband and son… they don’t have ill intentions, they just have different views. I apologize on their behalf." Su Xiaoran knew her words wouldn’t undo the harm already done, but she believed Mu Lichuan wasn’t the type to hold grudges.  

Mu Lichuan nodded in understanding. "Auntie, I get it. I just hope I won’t be disturbed during the treatment." His tone was calm, yet carried a subtle sharpness.  

Since leaving the Mu family, he had acted freely, never betraying his true nature. This was crucial for his cultivation, it prevented the formation of inner demons.

[An inner demon (心魔, xīnmó) in cultivation refers to a cultivator’s psychological or spiritual obstacle—such as trauma, guilt, or desires—that manifests during meditation or breakthroughs, risking qi deviation or failed ascension if not overcome through enlightenment or mental fortitude]  

The path of cultivation was fraught with challenges. If one retreated at every obstacle, inner demons would take root, becoming a fatal threat during tribulation.  

"Yes!" Su Xiaoran tensed. She knew that when a master performed rituals, any disturbance could lead to failure or even backlash.  

As soon as Mu Lichuan entered Shao Xiaoya’s room, he sensed a faint, almost imperceptible trace of yin energy. Without his soul power, he wouldn’t have noticed it at all.  

The perpetrator's cunning was evident. They had exploited the girl’s weak constitution to place a "curse" on her. Most practitioners, unless highly skilled, wouldn’t detect anything amiss.  

At first, he had only sensed a vague yin energy around Shao Xiaoya, assuming it was residue from elsewhere. But upon seeing her physical condition and observing her a second time, he realized—the yin energy was emanating from her heart. It was subtle, yet gradually eroding her health, slowly leading her toward death.  

The perpetrator’s methods were meticulous. If Shao Xiaoya had died suddenly, suspicions would have been raised, making it harder for the curse-caster to escape blame.  

Shao Xiaoya’s room reflected her personality, everything was bathed in pink. The girl lay on the bed, her labored breaths coming in shallow gasps as if fighting an invisible foe in her unconscious state.   

"Student Mu…" Su Xiaoran hesitated, seeing the young man standing motionless by the bed.  

Mu Lichuan frowned. "The curse is rooted in her heart. If the yin energy is disturbed, the caster will sense it, and then—" He left the rest unsaid, but the implication was clear: Shao Xiaoya’s life would be at risk.  

Su Xiaoran paled. Her goal was to save her daughter, not endanger her further.  

"We must first locate the caster before breaking the curse." Mu Lichuan turned, his gaze steady as he looked at Su Xiaoran.  

Finding the caster wouldn’t be easy, but such curses required proximity, meaning it was likely a relative or neighbor.  

"Student Mu, whatever you need, just name it. I’ll provide everything." Su Xiaoran swayed slightly, but she trusted the young man had a solution.  

Mu Lichuan nodded. "Has your family offended anyone? Or rather—have you?" In his judgment, the caster was likely a woman. Only a woman’s meticulousness could produce such a method.  

Seeing the middle-aged woman’s confusion, he rephrased: "When did Shao Xiaoya first fall ill? Who had contact with her around that time?"  

"You’re saying… the one who cursed Xiaoya is someone I know?" Su Xiaoran fell into thought. Her daughter had been healthy as a child, though somewhat frail. But at age three, she collapsed while running. Doctors later diagnosed a deteriorating heart condition, warning against strenuous activity.  

"Exactly. The one who cursed her likely holds a grudge against you. I’m no deity, I can’t trace the past directly. To find them, we’ll need some tricks." He didn’t mention that the curse required Shao Xiaoya’s hair or personal belongings to take effect.  

Su Xiaoran led him to the guest hall. Shao Yu and his father dared not interfere, not after the mention of suicide. There was no room for regrets if things went wrong.  

"Many women envied me… but at that time, I was in poor health, mostly resting at home. Except… no, impossible." Su Xiaoran dismissed the thought outright.  

Mu Lichuan remained silent. In his experience, the most unassuming people often hid the darkest hearts. Some raised vengeful spirits—not for love, but for wealth and status. Judging a person by their outward behavior was unreliable.  

"Auntie, nothing is absolute. If you have any object belonging to that person, let me examine it." He broke the long silence.  

It was nearing evening, and he still intended to return for dinner with his great-grandfather. Family mattered most, everything else could wait.  

Su Xiaoran’s expression darkened. She removed a jade pendant from her neck. "This… a protective talisman she gave me, obtained from abroad."  

She believed in the supernatural, though her husband and son didn’t. She had treasured this gift from her sister.  

The moment Mu Lichuan touched the pendant, he sensed the yin energy sealed within. A barrier concealed it—only direct contact revealed its nature. "Auntie, I’ll need to test this. The pendant may be damaged."  

"Go ahead." Even emotionally reluctant, Su Xiaoran wasn’t foolish. The clues were adding up.  

The once-lustrous imperial jade darkened in his grasp, its emerald depths now showed faint black veins in his hands—irrefutable evidence of something sinister within.  

Mu Lichuan didn’t explain further. Though unfamiliar with formations, he could still use qi to trace connections. He produced a talisman—"Go."  

The yellow paper shot forward like an arrow, startling Shao Yiyun and his son.  

Mu Lichuan barely glanced at them before closing his eyes, his consciousness following the talisman’s path…  

"Dad… Mu Lichuan isn’t a fraud." Shao Yu had seen charlatan "masters" before—all theatrics, no substance.  

"Wait and see." Shao Yiyun was equally stunned. A piece of paper flying on its own defied logic, no one would believe it.  

Time passed. Beads of sweat formed on Mu Lichuan’s forehead, his face paling. Finally, he opened his eyes, voice hoarse: "The pendant and the curse share the same source."  

"To To break the curse, you must bring the caster here. Only then can we subdue the culprit without triggering any warning." He hadn’t expected the tracking to drain so much of his qi.  

Using soul power to purge the yin energy from Shao Xiaoya’s heart would only trigger a backlash, killing her. That was why he had expended such effort.  

Su Xiaoran swayed, her face ashen. "She—?"  

"Auntie, your health isn’t in immediate danger, but prolonged exposure to yin energy will shorten your lifespan." He had said what was necessary, the rest wasn’t his concern.  

Su Xiaoran steadied herself. "Thank you, Student Mu. It’s dinnertime, please stay as our guest."  

He declined. "I have other matters. Notify me once you’ve invited that person over." Better to prepare for the worst.  

Shao Yiyun, a soldier, had overheard enough. Stubborn as he was, his daughter’s health came first. Now he understood why his sister-in-law had done this.  

"Student Mu, we were blind before. We apologize sincerely!" Shao Yiyun bowed deeply.  

The deep bow from a hardened soldier like Shao Yiyun carried immeasurable weight.

"Mu Lichuan, I’m sorry!" Shao Yu added earnestly. He had been a fool to trust his aunt blindly.  

Mu Lichuan shook his head. "My abilities don’t require validation. As I said, it’s simply fate with Shao Xiaoya." His tone was detached.  

"Your aura carries too much killing intent. Do more good deeds, lest vengeful spirits haunt you. Kindness begets kindness, malice begets retribution." With that, he left.  

Truthfully, Mu Lichuan wasn’t one for theatrics, but after how they’d treated him, a little payback was fair. His temper wasn’t that forgiving either.

The Rebirth of Crazy ger Chapter 73 Part 5

Wang Jin glanced back at Mu ger, then at Lai Yuan and Xiao Ruo, both battered yet fighting desperately to hold the lizards back. His eyes stung, and tears fell without warning.  

"A-Mu... there’s no safe place left..."  

Mu ger’s eyes reddened... He hugged his stomach, silent.  

Of course he knew. His beastman was being torn apart by those monsters, only his sheer will kept them from advancing.  

And the ground kept shaking. Soon... more and more beasts would come...  

This place was lost. As for the leader’s area—even if they could reach it, the leader had wanted them gone from the start. There’d be no safety there either.  

"Let me go, let me go!" Yue ger thrashed.  

The lizards’ hungry stares filled him with terror.  

He had never faced anything like this. Always coddled as the tribe's favorite, he had never once stepped foot beyond the safety of the tribe.

He never expected that the struggle between the beastman and the beast was originally this brutal.  

Yet he didn’t regret it. He wouldn’t regret it even if it meant this person’s death. He only hated, hated himself for not running faster, for now putting himself in danger.  

The moment Wang Jin heard Yue ger’s voice, he felt sick. He raised his hand and slapped him hard with a loud smack. Yue ger screamed in hatred, "You hit me! You lunatic, how dare you hit me!"  

Wang Jin’s hand was already red from the force, and upon hearing this, he raised his hand for another slap: "I’m hitting you, and I should’ve done it sooner!"  

With that, he vented his anger by striking several more times, until his palm went numb.  

Mu ger had never seen such a ruthless Wang Jin before and was stunned into silence.  

Wang Jin had always been soft and gentle, making people want to protect him. Even when dealing with Ju ger before, his strikes were mostly in self-defense, and he mostly relied on threats. Rarely had he ever beaten someone so mercilessly, and he didn’t even care that his own hand was swollen…  

His eyes were bloodshot, his entire body radiating a vicious aura…  

"A-Jin…" Mu ger called softly.  

Wang Jin didn’t respond. After brutally beating Yue ger, he pulled out the hairpin from his head and suddenly stabbed it toward Yue ger.  

"A-Jin, no! The smell of blood will attract those giant lizards!"  

Wang Jin laughed at Mu ger’s words: "Isn’t that exactly what we want, his blood? This person dared to lure these beasts with raw meat, he should be prepared to be bait himself…"  

As he spoke, Wang Jin dragged Yue ger away from Mu ger. When Mu ger tried to approach, Wang Jin shook his head at him.  

Yue ger panicked, struggling and screaming desperately: "No! Let me go! Let me go!"  

He thrashed violently, and Wang Jin thought several times that he might lose control. But at the critical moment, his body seemed to awaken some hidden strength, firmly gripping Yue ger.  

Dragging Yue ger to a relatively distant spot, with a slope behind him, Wang Jin deemed the position suitable and stabbed him repeatedly with the hairpin, making blood gush out!  

Holding his wrist, Wang Jin pierced his artery, letting the blood flow freely…  

Yue ger screamed, but Wang Jin acted as if he heard nothing. The thick scent of blood caught the attention of the giant lizards, their crimson eyes turning toward Wang Jin.  

Several pairs of eyes, large as copper bells, stared unblinkingly at him. Wang Jin’s legs weakened. Seeing the lizards about to charge, he pushed Yue ger down the slope with one last forceful shove.  

"Thud, thud—" The ground shook violently as the giant lizards stampeded toward Wang Jin.  

Mu ger shouted: "A-Jin! Quick, come here!"  

"……" Wang Jin looked down at himself, his body was covered in Yue ger’s blood - his hands, clothes, and skin all stained…  

If he ran over now, wouldn’t he just lead the carefully lured lizards back again?  

Wang Jin shook his head faintly at Mu ger.  

Then, gritting his teeth and closing his eyes, he rolled down the slope himself.  

"A-Jin!!!" Mu ger cried out in shock, rushing forward, but Lai Yuan quickly grabbed him.  

"A-Yuan, A-Jin, he… Save him, hurry!" Mu ger sobbed.  

"……" Lai Yuan pressed his lips together. "I’ll secure you first, then come back for him."  

"Xiao Ruo, let’s go."  

Carrying Mu ger, Lai Yuan and Xiao Ruo quickly left.  

Soon, a dark swarm of giant beasts overran the area, reducing the house to rubble.  

Wang Jin tumbled down the slope, his body aching as if shattered.  

Since coming to this world, this was already the second time he had rolled down a slope.  

The first time, Yuan Heng had saved him. He didn’t know if he’d be so lucky this time.  

Miraculously, unlike last time, he didn’t faint from the fall. Instead, he heard a piercing scream.  

Forcing his eyes open, he saw Yue ger, his leg clamped in the jaws of a giant lizard.  

His shrieks were horrifying. The lizard seemed annoyed by the noise—after biting off his lower leg, it tossed him into the air. As he fell, another lizard caught him, sinking its teeth into his thigh…  

After several rounds of this, his legs were torn to shreds.  

Even though it was satisfying to watch, Wang Jin couldn’t help but feel fear…  

When those lizards came for him, would they be just as cruel? Would it hurt just as much?  

Wang Jin closed his eyes… thinking it might be better to just pass out…  

"A-Yue!" Just as he was lost in thought, a sudden cry startled him.  

He saw a swift tiger leap through the dark swarm of beasts, charging toward Yue ger.  

And that voice...it was the leader.  

Wang Jin suddenly felt like laughing.  

Even now, Yue ger still had someone coming to his rescue…  

The leader pulled Yue ger from the lizard’s jaws, but Yue ger was already barely breathing…  

The leader dragged him away, but the lizards pursued relentlessly.  

After a moment, the leader spotted Wang Jin, who was now too injured to move. He struggled to get up but failed.  

He had been bitten too, but for some reason, the lizards that bit him backed away after a few steps, as if he didn’t suit their taste. Still, their massive bodies jostled him as they ran past, each collision agonizing.  

"Leader…" Wang Jin called out. This man was the leader of the Danmu tribe. As a ger of the Danmu tribe, perhaps he would save him… But he had just hurt Yue ger… This man probably…  

Wang Jin held little hope, but suddenly, the leader rushed toward him. His eyes lit up—only for the man to shove him toward the oncoming lizards.  

"!" To save Yue ger, the leader was using him as a distraction!  

As expected of family!! 

Wang Jin gritted his teeth in hatred, his body battered to the brink of unconsciousness by the lizards’ collisions.  

Then, suddenly…  

He was enveloped in warmth, surrounded by soft fur, his vision filled with white…

The Sweet little Fulang Chapter 223 Part 1

Chapter 223  

    Seeing Lu Gu’s face turn pale in an instant, Shen Yaoqing had no choice but to say, “I’ll go ask the Qiu family today. They travel frequently for trade, so they must have more connections than us. That Qiu Laoda is used to venturing outside, and with Biaozi’s help, plus Erqing’s own considerable skills, he’ll surely be fine.”  

    Yet, in the face of the entire missing horse team, neither living nor dead bodies found, these words offered little comfort to anyone.  

    Sitting alone in the main room for a long time, Lu Gu still hadn’t regained his composure. Shen Yan opened her mouth several times, wanting to talk to him, but before she could speak, she nearly burst into tears herself.  

    Over the past few months, she and Lu Gu had been waiting together for Shen Xuanqing's return. Never had she imagined such a tragedy would occur. Just the other day, she had complained to Lu Gu, “Why doesn’t Second Brother even write a letter back?” The moment the words left her mouth, she saw Lu Gu’s face pale and knew she had spoken wrongly, she could only lower her head in silence.  

    “Sit here and eat by yourself. Auntie is making food for us. It’s cold outside, so don’t go out. And remember, don’t get too close to the clay stove—getting burned hurts.” She gently pressed Lingjun onto a small stool beside Lu Gu, breaking off a small piece of soft steamed bun for him to eat.  

    “Mm.” Lingjun nodded his little head, clutching the bun in his hand and taking a bite. He glanced at his aunt, then turned to look at his amu.  

    Though young, the child could sense the change in the family. Lu Gu had been in low spirits these past few days, and even Lingjun had stopped his usual mischief, staying obediently quiet.  

    Lu Gu remained lost in thought, unaware of what was even passing through his mind. He only snapped back to reality when Lingjun stood before him, lightly patting his knee.  

    “Amu, I’m thirsty.”  

    The child’s soft, delicate voice reached him. He paused before replying, “Alright, Amu will pour you some water.”  

    “Where’s Auntie?” he asked absentmindedly.  

    “Auntie’s cooking.” Lingjun stood on tiptoe, hands gripping the edge of the table as he watched Lu Gu pour water. The half bun was already finished.  

    “It's warm, just right.” Lu Gu handed him the bowl.  

    The weather was cold, so the clay stove had been placed beside the table. Lifting the kettle lid, he scooped some hot water. Hearing the sounds of Shen Yan cooking in the kitchen, he added, “Go play on the bed. Amu will tuck a tangpozi under the blankets for you, alright?”  

    Lingjun, busy drinking with both hands around the bowl, couldn’t answer immediately. Only after setting it down did he nod. “Okay.”  

    Today, he hadn’t run around or begged his amu to take him outside to play. Sitting here, the wind chilled his hands and feet, so burrowing into a warm bed sounded perfect.  

    Lu Gu led the child to the bedroom and settled him in before heading to the kitchen to help. He had Lingjun stay in bed because without supervision, the child might touch the clay stove. Unlike adults, a child’s tender skin could be badly scalded.  

    As he worked, he kept glancing toward the main room, afraid Lingjun might sneak out to play when the adults weren’t looking. Both he and Shen Yan appeared composed, but the kitchen was much quieter than usual.  

    On the second day of the twelfth lunar month, with only a month left before the New Year, Shen Yaoqing had been making inquiries everywhere. Early this morning, he hitched the mule cart and headed for Yuqing Prefecture with the families of several men from the horse caravan.  

    Lu Gu and Shen Yan stayed behind to mind the shop with Lingjun. No matter what, life had to go on. Besides, sitting idle at home would only lead to more anxious thoughts.  

    In the afternoon, a fulang came to buy a rabbit—only the meat, not the fur. Lu Gu let Shen Yan tend to the front while he went to the backyard to slaughter the rabbit.  

    Recently, with Shen Yaoqing constantly away, he and Shen Yan had taken care of Lingjun and become increasingly adept at slaughtering rabbits, chickens, and ducks.  

    Sitting on a small stool, he had already skinned the rabbit and was about to gut it when his hands became stained with blood. Suddenly, he heard the sound of a mule cart outside. Before he could stand, voices and footsteps erupted in a clamor. Shen Yaoqing had returned.  

    He froze, hands stilled, looking up blankly at Shen Yaoqing, who stood before him, nearly choking back a sob.  

    Over a month ago, near Tianying Ridge to the north, an herb gatherer had discovered a dozen corpses at the base of a cliff—most killed by arrows, with no identification tags on them. The sheer number of dead had terrified the gatherer, who reported it to the authorities.  

    But Tianying Ridge was far from Yuqing Prefecture, making the investigation difficult.  

    “We couldn’t find anything in the prefecture. Just as we were about to return, we ran into the Qiu family and learned the news. They sent someone to identify the bodies. Based on clothing and features, they were indeed from the horse caravan. The corpses were brought back yesterday and are being held at the prefectural office. I went to look… Erqing wasn’t among them.”  

    At this, Shen Yaoqing wiped his eyes, his voice slightly choked. “I’ll keep searching tomorrow. Qiu Laoda and Qiu Laosan weren’t there either. Their family is heading to Tianying Ridge’s prefectural office, and I’ll go with them.”  

    With Shen Xuanqing still missing, there was no hiding the truth. They could only speak plainly.  

    Lu Gu remained seated, unmoving even after Shen Yaoqing finished. Only when Shen Yaoqing tentatively called him, “Guzi?” did he react.  

    Gripping the knife in his hand, he pressed his lips together and silently resumed butchering the rabbit, never stopping his work.  

    Seeing this, Shen Yaoqing shifted his feet and sighed heavily before leaving.  

    Alone in the backyard, Lu Gu still didn’t speak, keeping his head down as he worked. Then, suddenly, tears splashed down.  

My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 51 Part 2

Hearing these words, Ge Liang was already somewhat displeased. Early in the morning, he didn’t feel like scolding anyone, and since people from both villages were together, causing a scene would only create discord.  

If the people from Hongli Village sided with him while those from Mingxun Village sided with Huo Shu, it would end up like two separate teams.  

Back in the military camp, he had hated small cliques the mosteach with their own hidden agendas. Now that they were out doing business together, if they still caused such trouble, how could they expect to make any money?  

"What’s the point of such discouraging talk now that we’re already out? Show some backbone, men."  

Ge Liang patted Tian Fu on the shoulder: "Alright, let’s go."  

Tian Fu took a deep breath and ultimately said nothing more.  

The rain had stopped late last night, and by this morning, not only had it ceased, but the ground had also half-dried.  

Dawn was about to break, tearing through the darkness and spilling morning light. Under the dim, gray sky, lanterns lit up along the streets, making the road still clearly visible.  

The cart wheels rolled over the cobblestone streets, heading toward the city gate.  

"Stop pushing! Stop pushing! Can’t you see we have to line up?!"  

As soon as the convoy approached the city gate, congestion arose ahead.  

Farmers and vendors from villages near the city had come early to sell vegetables and fruits, and the crowd had suddenly grown. With carts and horses trying to pass through (some entering, some exiting), the gate became temporarily jammed. Soldiers were mediating and directing traffic, so a queue formed.  

Ji Wenliang’s donkey moved briskly, bringing him slightly ahead. Just as he was about to join the line, two other carts loaded with goods cut in front of him.  

"Kid, our goods are valuable, top-grade porcelain from Tongzhou. If you break them, can you afford to pay?"  

The two men driving the carts even turned around to scold him.  

"Who’s pushing whom here? Have you no shame?!"  

"Oh ho, quite the temper, aren’t you?"  

The men on the cart retorted, "Why yell at us? Go ask the officials at the yamen if they’ll rule that we’re shameless."  

The two men burst into laughter.  

Seeing that Ji Wenliang was young and clearly inexperienced, they seemed ready to mock him further.  

A soldier directing the crowd ahead shouted:  

"What are you dawdling for? Move along!"  

Only then did the men relent, flicking their whips at their livestock to hurry out of the city.  

Huo Shu and Ge Liang, who were further back, hadn’t yet caught up. Seeing that the men had already left, they didn’t pursue them.  

Unexpectedly, after exiting the city, the two convoys ended up close together, moving one after the other along the same road.  

The two men who had cut in line earlier, realizing Ji Wenliang was part of a larger group heading the same way, suddenly dropped their earlier hostility.  

"So we’re fellow travelers! Our apologies, our apologies. Where are you folks headed?"  

Ji Wenliang, however, had no desire to engage with them, keeping a cold face and refusing to speak.  

The men then turned to Ge Liang, who had ridden ahead to lead the way, and repeated their question.  

Ge Liang smiled and said, "The official road is smooth and broad, we’re heading to Lianping Prefecture."  

He told half the truth and concealed the rest.  

"And where is your convoy headed, brother?"  

"What a coincidence! We’re also going to Lianping Prefecture."  

The man glanced at their goods and tilted his chin up. "You’re carrying goods from Tongzhou too, right? Porcelain from Tongzhou can fetch three to five times the price in Lianping Prefecture. A few more trips like this, and even a rundown thatched hut can be rebuilt into a grand tile-roofed house."  

Ge Liang replied, "Isn’t that the truth?"  

The man’s eyes flickered with a shrewd gleam as he studied their oxen, donkeys, and mules. "You all look unfamiliar, must be a newly formed team, huh?"  

Ge Liang deflected, "Brother, you must be an old hand in the porcelain trade."  

The man laughed. "No need to dodge my questions, brother. I’ve traveled this road many times. We’re all just trying to make a living. Since it’s your first trip, you might lack experience. I just wanted to offer a few words of advice."  

"The reason Tongzhou porcelain sells for so much more in Lianping Prefecture is because getting there means climbing a steep slope. The porcelain can easily get damaged from the jostling along the way."  

"After this rain, the road will be even worse. Rockslides and mudslides are common on the mountain paths. You’d better speed up and cross during the day. If you’re still on that road at night, it’s nothing short of a death trap."  

"And whatever you do, don’t camp overnight by the riverbank before the slope. Bandits lurk there, waiting for merchants. Many inexperienced traders have fallen victim, some lucky enough to escape with their lives, others not so fortunate."  

Ge Liang asked, "And the authorities don’t do anything about it?"  

"Pah! It’s right on the border between two prefectures. The officials just shuffle responsibility back and forth. None of them want to waste effort solving a problem that might credit the other’s record."  

"Well, that’s all I’ll say."  

With that, the man raised his voice and called to his own team: "Pick up the pace! We must cross Longwei Slope today!"  

His convoy cracked their whips, urging their animals to move faster.  

The man drove his cart to catch up with his team, waving at Ge Liang’s group. "Safe travels! We’ll go ahead!"  

The convoy ahead truly put all their effort into speeding up, disappearing around the bend in no time.  

The man had spoken loudly, so everyone heard his words. Now, unease settled in their hearts.  

They all turned to Huo Shu and Ge Liang: "Shouldn’t we speed up too? That man didn’t seem to be lying. The map already mentioned a treacherous mountain pass in Lianping Prefecture, hard to traverse and plagued by bandits. Better safe than sorry."

The Fulang's Modern Young Husband Chapter 8 Part 2

Fang Zichen's tone had been off from the start, sounding displeased.  

Zhao Ger pinched the remaining half of the sweet potato and stayed silent.  

Fang Zichen had a soft heart and cared deeply for others. Zhao Ger wasn’t foolish, he knew Fang Zichen was upset that he was working himself to the bone. Just last night, Fang Zichen had comforted him with kind words. But the family didn’t have much to eat, and Fang Zichen was picky, he couldn’t stomach wild herb porridge. Sweet potatoes tasted better, so Zhao Ger had thought to bring some back after helping out. He hadn’t expected to make Fang Zichen unhappy.  

"Why aren’t you saying anything?"  

Hesitantly, he mumbled, "Aunt He said if I worked more, she’d give me a few extra."  

But Aunt He’s original words had been more than that.  

She had meant for Zhao Ger to finish digging this entire field by noon.  

This wasn’t Zhao Ger’s first time working for her family. They’d agreed on three copper coins a day, but she wanted him in her fields before dawn and wouldn’t let him leave until the moon was high.  

Her skill in exploitation was top-notch.  

Hearing this, Fang Zichen almost laughed out loud.  

Were sweet potatoes so precious these days that they were worth working oneself to death for?  

"Take a break. I’ll help you later," Fang Zichen said. "That Aunt He or whatever her name is, she’s no decent person, squeezing people dry like this. Back when I had money, I’d have fed her a slap for sure."  

Outside, the heat was unbearable. Even under the shade of a tree, sweat poured out like it was free. Truthfully, Fang Zichen wanted to drag Zhao Ger back right now. But since they’d already worked all morning and half the sweet potatoes were dug up, leaving now would mean all that effort was for nothing - just free labor for Aunt He.  

No way!  

Absolutely not going back.  

He’d rather die under the sun than let those sweet potatoes go to waste.  

After resting for half an hour, Fang Zichen hoisted the hoe and returned to the field.  

Aunt He had already cut away the sweet potato vines, leaving the cracked earth bare.  

Fang Zichen had never done farm work before. Holding the hoe, he had no idea where to start.  

But he was a quick learner. He called Zhao Ger over to demonstrate a few swings. After watching twice, he was convinced he’d mastered the skill.  

"I’ll take over. You go rest," he said.  

"You got it?" Zhao Ger asked doubtfully.  

"Of course!" Fang Zichen declared confidently. "It’s not like it’s some high-skill job. Easy as pie."  

Zhao Ger watched his assured expression and said, "Just don’t split the sweet potatoes—"  

Fang Zichen swung the hoe down, and impaled three sweet potatoes clean through.  

Fang Zichen: "……"  

Well, some things really did require expertise.  

After working for barely five minutes, under Zhao Ger's increasingly anxious and indescribable gaze, Fang Zichen sheepishly handed the hoe back: "……This kind of technical work is better left to professionals like you. I’ll assist from the side."  

"Go rest," Zhao Ger said, glancing at Fang Zichen’s sunburned face before pursing his lips. "If I work fast, I can finish before dark."  

Looking at the half-basket of mangled sweet potatoes and recalling Zhao Ger’s "you talked so big but you’re this bad?" expression, Fang Zichen—whether from the sun or sheer embarrassment, felt his face burn. "You dig, I’ll gather. Hurry up, don’t stare at me. I know I’m handsome."  

He tried to salvage his pride, but his voice wavered. Zhao Ger’s lips twitched, but he said nothing, just gave a quiet "Oh" and went back to digging.  

Aunt He had taken the baskets home, so Fang Zichen piled the sweet potatoes on the ground. Guaizai ran over, offering to help. Fang Zichen pinched his cheek, his own throat parched and burning: "No need. Even I can’t take this heat. If you shrivel up in the sun, who’s gonna take care of me when I’m old? Be good, go wait under the tree. When I’m done, I’ll take you to catch bugs for your frogs."  

Guaizai pouted: "I can work!"  

"Yeah, yeah," Fang Zichen brushed him off. "Look—" He picked up a large sweet potato. "This thing’s as big as your head. Go take a nap under the tree. Try to wake up bigger than it."  

Guaizai stared at the sweet potato, unmoving. Fang Zichen coaxed: "As a man, do you know which two things must never be small?"  

Guaizai touched his head: "Dunno."  

Fang Zichen smirked and raised a brow: "Your head and your little brother, of course."  

"What?" Guaizai tilted his head, confused.  

"That little bird between your legs that hasn’t even grown feathers yet," Fang Zichen said.  

What—  

Guaizai’s eyes widened. He yanked down his pants—only to find nothing inside. "…Father," he said, face falling in disappointment. "No bird!"  

Fang Zichen: "Hahahaha, how can there not be? Without it, you’d be a eunuch! Hahaha—"  

Zhao Ger held back, then finally couldn’t resist cutting in: "Stop teaching him nonsense."  

Fang Zichen denied the accusation: "How is this nonsense? I’m teaching him about family matters. This is men’s business, don’t interfere if you don’t understand. It’s slanderous."  

"Come here," Fang Zichen beckoned Guaizai closer, tugged his pants, and flicked his little thing. "See? This is your little bird. It’s a man’s pride, protect it well. It’ll be useful later, got it?"  

Zhao Ger: "……"  

"Mm!" Guaizai didn’t understand, but that didn’t stop him from nodding.  

Fang Zichen studied his obedient face, thin and sallow but still strikingly handsome. Remembering how "gers" here looked just like men, he added: "Don’t let anyone yank your pants down. If they try, call them a pervert."  

Guaizai: "What’s a pervert?"  

Fang Zichen: "A bad person who gropes others’ butts for fun."  

Guaizai frowned and mumbled: "Father and Daddy aren’t perverts."  

Fang Zichen immediately agreed: "Of course I’m not!" He grinned at Zhao Ger, who met his gaze with an innocent, round face. The longer Fang Zichen looked, the more a mischievous urge grew in him. Tossing a sweet potato in his hand, he raised a brow and said in a deliberately provoking tone: "But whether your Daddy is one..well, that I can’t say."  

Zhao Ger: "……"  

Maybe it was exhaustion, or Fang Zichen’s dazzling smile under the sun, or the brief time they’d spent together giving Zhao Ger courage—before he knew it, his hand had already hurled a dirt clod the size of his fist through the air. 

Fang Zichen: "……"  

Fang Zichen froze.  

This ruthless?!

The Fulang's Modern Young Husband Chapter 8 Part 1

Chapter 8: Recognizing Family  

Three people squeezed onto one bed, Fang Zichen half-hanging off the edge, unable to turn over all night. Combined with the earlier beatings from the wooden stick, by morning, there wasn’t a single spot on his body that didn’t ache.  

Zhao Ger and Guaizai had gotten up before dawn. Fang Zichen scooped water from the jar to wash his face and sat bored on the doorstep.  

He had originally planned to go to town today, but after last night’s incident, Zhao Ger suggested waiting until the day after tomorrow - market day, so they could go with others. Fang Zichen didn’t mind and agreed.  

Having fallen asleep early, he woke up fairly early too. The sky was tinged with red, the sun just beginning to rise.  

On a summer morning, the mountain mist was thick. There was no land to tend at home, and the water jar was full. He had no idea where Zhao Ger had taken the boy so early.  

After about ten minutes, Zhao Ger returned with a bundle of firewood on his back.  

Guaizai walked beside him, arms full of muddy wild vegetables. Both their pant legs were soaked.  

Seeing the large bundle of firewood on Zhao Ger’s back, Fang Zichen knew he must have left at the crack of dawn.  

"Father!" Guaizai called out first.  

He ran over, pinched Guaizai’s cheek, and, ignoring Zhao Ger’s refusal, he took the firewood from his back. "Why go gather firewood so early?"  

Zhao Ger’s breathing was uneven from carrying the load all the way from South Mountain. "We ran out at home."  

"You could’ve called me. It’s so heavy, aren’t you exhausted?" Fang Zichen carried the firewood effortlessly, his steps light, his tone casual but warm.  

Zhao Ger’s tired, chilled body gradually warmed, his heart aching with unspoken emotions.  

"Not tired," he murmured, lowering his gaze as he held Guaizai’s hand and walked beside Fang Zichen. "I’m used to it."  

Fang Zichen glanced at him. "You’re not made of iron. That bundle was so big. From a distance, I only saw it, not you." He freed a hand to ruffle Guaizai’s dry, coarse hair. "Working so early, look—Guaizai’s pants are soaked. People will think I’m abusing my stepson!"  

Zhao Ger: "..."  

Fang Zichen: "I’m a good stepfather, you know."  

"..."  

The west room was empty and unused. Last time, the village chief had torn off the door to use as a bed plank, leaving a cracked piece about the width of a calf, which Hexi had tossed inside. Fang Zichen wanted to use that small plank to widen the bed. As he tinkered with it, Zhao Ger mentioned going out to work. Fang Zichen didn’t think much of it and just hummed in response.  

By mealtime, the bed was fixed, but Zhao Ger still hadn’t returned. Fang Zichen decided to cook porridge first. With little food at home and no breakfast, his stomach growled loudly. Just as he added water to the pot, Guaizai ran in from outside.  

His little face was sweaty, his clothes bunched up to form a pouch, revealing a small, soft, slightly sunken belly.  

"Father!" Guaizai called.  

Fang Zichen accepted it naturally, his gaze landing on the child’s flushed face without any discomfort.  

Human adaptability was damn strong. After just a few calls, he’d already settled into the role.  

Pointing at the bulging pouch, Fang Zichen asked, "What’s in there?"  

"Sweet potatoes," Guaizai said, his speech mostly fluent now, save for a few mispronounced words. "Daddy helped Grandma He with work, and they gave us sweet potatoes."  

"Sweet potatoes are yummy. For Father to eat."  

Fang Zichen laughed. "Not wasted catching frogs for you, then."  

Guaizai opened his makeshift pouch, revealing five fist-sized sweet potatoes - all damaged by the hoe, missing chunks, none of them intact.  

Sweet potatoes weren’t unfamiliar to Fang Zichen. Vendors outside his school used to sell roasted ones, fragrant and delicious. His second brother had bought some for him before—soft, sweet, and tasty.  

But with limited resources at home, Fang Zichen decided to wash them and toss them all into the pot.  

Boiled ones should be good too... right?  

Outside, the sun blazed at its peak. Guaizai had returned, so Fang Zichen assumed Zhao Ger would be back soon. But even after the sweet potatoes were cooked, there was no sign of him.  

Fang Zichen ate one, peeled another for Guaizai, and after the boy finished, packed the remaining ones into Zhao Ger’s old, broken vegetable basket.  

Squatting down, he asked Guaizai, "Shall we go find your daddy?"  

"Okay!" Guaizai looked at the basket. "Bring sweet potatoes for Daddy."  

"Remember where he is?"  

"Remember!"  

Though only three, Guaizai had been taken everywhere by Zhao Ger—gathering firewood, farming, foraging. If he were a bit stronger, he'd have trampled every inch of Xiaohe Village by now. There wasn’t a spot in the small village he didn’t know.  

Walking along the path, Fang Zichen soon felt dizzy from the heat, the air scorching his lungs. The wild grass on the roadside wilted under the sun, and the fields were empty. No one else was foolish enough to work in this weather.  

Well, almost no one.  

Fang Zichen picked up Guaizai, broke off a tree branch to shield them, and before long, spotted Zhao Ger toiling in the field.  

"..."  

...So there was someone that reckless.  

"Daddy’s there!" Guaizai called out. "Daddy~!"  

Zhao Ger, swinging a hoe, wiped his sweat and turned. Seeing Fang Zichen, he didn’t seem surprised.  

His sun-darkened face glistened with sweat, dripping steadily. His back was soaked, clothes clinging uncomfortably to his skin. The relentless work had left him weak.  

Leaning on the hoe, he swayed unsteadily.  

Fang Zichen rushed to support him.  

"I’m fine," Zhao Ger rasped, voice hoarse from thirst.  

Fang Zichen draped Zhao Ger’s arm over his shoulder and dragged him firmly into the shade, uncharacteristically angry. "Fine? You call this fine? Do you have to collapse and die before it counts as not fine?" He pulled out a bowl of water from the basket. "Drink. If something happens to you, I’ll be a widower. A newlywed, and my fulang drops dead, people will say I’m cursed!"  

Zhao Ger’s hand trembled as he took the bowl, staring wordlessly.  

"Why look at me? Will staring quench your thirst?" Fang Zichen urged. "Drink!"  

"Daddy~" Guaizai offered a peeled sweet potato. "Eat."  

"Good boy." Zhao Ger noticed two sweet potatoes left in the basket and glanced at Fang Zichen. "Have you eaten?"  

"Yeah," Fang Zichen said. "We cooked them, but you didn’t come back, so Guaizai and I ate first."

Zhao Ger lowered his eyes and took a bite. The sweet, sticky fragrance instantly filled his mouth: "I won't be back until evening. Aunt He’s family planted a lot of sweet potatoes this year."  

Most of Xiaohe Village bore the surname He. Fang Zichen had only been here for two days and, aside from the village chief and the Ma family, he hadn’t interacted with anyone else. He couldn’t tell who was who.  

Who exactly is this Aunt He?  

His tone turned heavy as he asked, "Where are they, then?"  

"It’s hot, so they went back," Zhao Ger replied. "They won’t return until the afternoon."  

Fang Zichen: "Then why didn’t you go back?"

My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 51 Part 1

Chapter 51

Early the next morning, before the sky had fully brightened.  

The caravan members gradually got up and began packing up in preparation for departure.  

A good night's sleep had truly restored much of their energy and spirits.  

When Huo Shu fetched breakfast from the kitchen and returned to the room, he also brought a boiled egg.  

Last night, Ji Taoyu had cried on his shoulder for a long while, and when he opened his eyes this morning, he noticed the person in his arms had slightly swollen eyes. The egg would help reduce the swelling.  

By the time he entered the room, Ji Taoyu had already gotten out of bed and was sitting by the table, gently wiping his eyes with a handkerchief.  

His swollen eyes felt sore and ached at the slightest touch.  

Just as he was blinking weakly, a hand suddenly covered his forehead.  

"I'm not sick."  

Ji Taoyu said honestly.  

Perhaps due to the half-month of morning exercises he had been doing, despite the exhaustion from traveling all day yesterday, he woke up feeling no real discomfort—just a bit sore.  

But after crying last night, he knew his eyes would be puffy in the morning.  

Even without a mirror in the room, he was well aware of how pitiful and sickly he looked after a night of tears. Anyone who didn’t know better might think he was seriously ill.  

Huo Shu felt the temperature under his palm and, detecting no abnormality, withdrew his hand in relief. "Eat something."  

Ji Taoyu wiped his hands clean. Knowing they couldn’t afford delays on the road, he quickly picked up the bowl of porridge and started eating.  

Meanwhile, Huo Shu sat beside him, cracking and peeling the eggshell.  

The peeled egg was smooth and flawless. For no particular reason, Huo Shu glanced at the little ger next to him, who was eating his porridge.  

Noticing Huo Shu’s gaze, Ji Taoyu blinked in confusion.  

He swallowed the porridge slowly.  

Thinking of his behavior last night, he felt a pang of guilt over his earlier bold declaration at home that he wouldn’t cause any trouble for Huo Shu on the journey.  

He cleared his throat. "Um… yesterday, I was just a little unaccustomed, so…"  

Seeing Huo Shu’s unchanged expression, he pursed his lips and raised a hand to his temple. "I promise I won’t be like that tonight!"  

Huo Shu looked at his furrowed brows and determined expression, it was no different from a child making a solemn vow to an adult.  

It was almost amusing.  

His expression softened as he pressed the peeled egg against Ji Taoyu’s eyelid, rolling it gently. "Hurry up and eat."  

"It’s normal to feel homesick when leaving home suddenly. You’ll get used to it after a while. Back when I left home for the north, I often missed home in the military camp, it’s nothing to be ashamed of."  

"You’ve never been away from home before. This is just another kind of tempering."  

Ji Taoyu tilted his chin up, gazing at Huo Shu, whose tone was calm yet gentle. A warm current flowed through his heart.  

Huo Shu hadn’t scolded him for last night’s episode. Instead, he had comforted him, how could he not be moved?  

Ji Taoyu nodded. "I already feel much better after waking up. Don’t worry about me."  

By the time the two finished packing and went downstairs, the others were nearly ready as well.  

"Excuse me, little brother, could you fill my water flask? Plain tea will do, no need for bitter tea in this weather."  

Ji Wenliang and a few others were by the staircase, asking the waiter for tea. When he looked up and saw the two coming down, he immediately noticed Ji Taoyu’s red-rimmed eyes and slightly reddened nose—he looked ill.  

"Brother Taoyu, are you feeling unwell?"  

Ji Wenliang quickly set down his flask and hurried over. "Did you catch a chill from the wind yesterday?"  

"No, I just didn’t sleep well last night."  

Ji Taoyu was too embarrassed to admit he had cried under the covers out of homesickness on the very first day, so he made up an excuse to brush it off.  

"Your voice is hoarse, and you still say it’s nothing? Maybe you should take some medicine."  

"Really, it’s nothing serious. Besides, I have medicine with me, if I feel unwell, I’ll take it."  

Only then did Ji Wenliang relax slightly.  

"Then give me your flask. I’ll get you some hot water for the road. Warm water is much better for your throat than cold."  

Ji Taoyu’s eyes curved into a smile as he nodded.  

"Are you really alright?"  

Ge Liang also asked when he saw them.  

Huo Shu replied, "He’s fine. Tell everyone to stock up on supplies if needed. Once everything’s packed, we’ll set off."  

With that, he led Ji Taoyu out to the carriage first.  

"If he’s already like this after just one day, who knows how he’ll be later."  

A man beside Ge Liang, who had just filled his tea, let out a deep sigh as he watched them leave.  

"He said he’s fine. Tian Fu, for a grown man, you’ve got quite the petty heart. How do you expect to find a wife like this?"  

Ge Liang teased him good-naturedly before adding patiently, "We should look out for each other on this journey. If you were injured or sick, and everyone gave you the cold shoulder, how would you feel?"  

Tian Fu grumbled, "I’m not some frail weakling."  

"I’m not here to save up for a wife, I just want to earn enough by harvest season to pay off my debts. But if someone’s constantly falling ill and slowing us down, we might as well have stayed home and farmed."

The Sweet little Fulang Chapter 222 Part 2

    "Let’s go back. It’s time to cook," Lu Gu said, finally tearing his gaze away from the street entrance.  

    Shen Yan knew what he was looking for. Second Brother had left in the eighth lunar month, and now it was already the eleventh month, three months had passed. Before leaving, he’d said he’d be back in three months at most, so he should return any day now.  

    Lu Gu had waited like this every day, even taking Lingjun to the town entrance under the pretense of running errands. Sometimes, he didn’t even bother with an excuse—he’d just stand there, staring down the official road. But half a month passed, and still, there was no sign of Shen Xuanqing or the caravan.

    It was snowing again.  

    Lu Gu stood under the eaves. His complexion had been poor these past few days, and he hadn’t smiled much.  

    The snow had started late last night and still hadn’t stopped by now. The sky was gloomy, and the snowflakes were large, piling up into a thick layer on the ground.  

    Shen Yaoqing was sweeping the courtyard, clearing at least a passable path.  

    On the white snow, Guaizi left a trail of paw prints where he walked. Since they hadn’t gone autumn hunting this year and he often stayed in town, he had been eating bones and meat scraps from the butcher’s shop, growing even fleshier and thicker-furred than in previous years. He wasn’t afraid of the cold at all. As a hunting dog, he remained lean and nimble—dashing like the wind, swift and full of vigor.

    Lu Gu watched the sky for a while but didn’t idle. He picked up a shovel to help clear the snow. After working for a bit, his body gradually warmed up.  

    Once the front yard was done, the snow was piled under the trees and in the vegetable plot. Just as he and Shen Yaoqing were about to head to the backyard, they heard the child inside calling for Amu.  

    Lingjun had grown older and rarely cried upon waking now. Sometimes, he would even get up on his own. Today, he must have felt cold and hadn’t left the bed.  

    "I’ll go." Shen Yan, who had been boiling water and heating breakfast in the kitchen, added firewood to the stove, clapped her hands clean, and headed inside.  

    Upon entering, she saw a small lump under the quilt. Smiling, she pretended not to notice and asked where their little Ling ger had gone. Little Lingjun, who had buried his head under the covers, couldn’t hold back for long and soon giggled.  

    Lu Gu was sweeping snow in the backyard when he saw the roundly bundled Lingjun run over and hug his legs. Only then did a smile appear on his face.  

    He set down the large broom, scooped up his little shuang'er, and kissed his chubby cheeks. "Auntie boiled an egg for you. You can peel it yourself later, alright?"  

    "Okay." Lingjun agreed, then noticed his eyelashes were wet and reached out a small hand to touch them.  

    Lu Gu’s eyes were covered by the tiny hand, and he blinked with a laugh.  

    His long lashes brushed against Lingjun’s palm, making the child giggle. After playing for a while, Shen Yaoqing, who had been shoveling snow, straightened up and said with a smile, "Come, let Uncle make a snow lion for you."  

    They had sold all the rabbits yesterday, leaving only five or six chickens and ducks. With the heavy snowfall making the streets hard to traverse, it wouldn’t matter if they went to the shop a little later. If anyone urgently needed to buy, the people from the nearby streets knew where they lived and would come knocking.  

    Lingjun played in the snow while watching his uncle build a small snow lion. Guaizi, seeing the child playing, also ran around in the snow, barking joyfully. The backyard was lively for a while.  

    Once the snow lion took rough shape - small and just for amusing the child, Shen Yaoqing didn’t bother with fine details. He still had to go to the shop.  

    "Ling ger, come peel your egg and eat." Shen Yan, sensing the two people might have something to discuss, called the child into the main hall. After playing for so long, his little hands were red from the cold.  

    In this weather, hens didn’t lay eggs well, making them precious. Lu Gu only ate one every few days, saving most for the child.  

    Half a month ago, thinking Shen Xuanqing should be returning soon, he had saved some eggs. Shen Xuanqing liked scrambled eggs, and after the hardships of the journey, he would need proper nourishment upon his return.  

    Shen Yaoqing leaned the shovel against the eaves. It wasn’t just Lu Gu, even he was starting to worry.  

    Before, when Luo Biao had gone north with the horse caravan, he’d returned within three months at most. Now, it had been three and a half months without any news.  

    When Shen Xuanqing left, he said he’d be back before winter to spend the season at home. Several snowfalls had come and gone, yet there was still no sign of him.  

    After a pause, Shen Yaoqing spoke. "Yang Xian mentioned that a cloth merchant he knows is heading to the prefectural city soon to restock. I was thinking of paying him to inquire there, maybe the caravan is delayed selling horses and won’t return until they’re done."  

    "That’s a good idea." Lu Gu nodded eagerly. He had only thought of watching at the town entrance, but the prefectural city had more people. Horse caravans often traveled between cities to sell horses, perhaps they were held up by that.  

    "Mm. I’ll stop by the cloth shop first. The butcher shop can wait." Knowing Lu Gu’s anxiety, Shen Yaoqing reassured him, "Don’t worry. Erqing will be fine."  

    "Mm." Lu Gu nodded firmly. A word of comfort eased his heart a little.  

    After breakfast, Shen Yaoqing left.  

    Before going, he met Lu Gu’s earnest gaze and smiled, saying a word to Shen Yan. Only after stepping outside did his expression darken, his heart heavy with worry.  

    Shen Xuanqing had always been steady. If he were delayed outside, he would’ve sent word to reassure them. If the caravan was selling horses in Yuqing Prefecture, that was their business, Shen Xuanqing would’ve returned on his own by now.  

    But these were just guesses. If he truly was delayed on the road, the cold and snow would make travel difficult.  

    As he walked, he tried to console himself. When traveling, unexpected delays were inevitable.  

    Paying someone to inquire was the quickest way. Yet even so, by the end of the eleventh month, there was still no news of Shen Xuanqing. In previous years, the horse caravan had traveled between Yuqing Prefecture and neighboring major cities, but this year, even the caravan hadn’t returned.  

    When Lu Gu learned that the Qiu family was also searching for Qiu Laoda and Qiu Laosan, he panicked completely.

The Young Master Becomes a Wife Chapter 2

Chapter 2: The Full Story  

The Duke of Anguo was not an impulsive or hot-tempered man, but when it concerned his own son, he couldn’t help but grow anxious and agitated. So much so that he had even forgotten to call for a physician, it was Jiang Chenghan who had to remind him. After listening to Jiang Chenghan’s explanation, though the Duke was still furious, he retained enough rationality to consider Jiang Chenghan’s words.  

Of course, he wasn’t about to fully trust Jiang Chenghan’s account just yet, but he was now half-convinced. After all, if what Jiang Chenghan said was true, the situation would undoubtedly be far more complicated.  

Given the decades-long friendship between the Duke’s estate and the General’s estate, as well as his own son’s reputation and future, the Duke ultimately calmed down and decided to wait until Yan Jingshu woke up before making any decisions.  

Seeing that the Duke, though still glaring at him, had stopped ordering the servants to tie him up and ceased his threats, Jiang Chenghan said nothing further.  

They didn’t have to wait long. Soon, the servant Jiang Chenghan had sent to fetch a physician returned, supporting an elderly man with graying hair and beard as they hurried into the room. “The physician is here, the physician is here. Doctor Zhao, quick, please examine our young master!”  

The servant was in such a frantic rush that he didn’t even notice the Duke’s presence as he half-dragged the old physician toward the bed.  

It wasn’t until the Duke stood abruptly at the commotion that the servant was startled, quickly releasing the physician to bow in greeting.  

Hearing that the Duke was present, the old physician also hurriedly cupped his hands in salute. But the Duke, too worried about his son, strode forward and grasped the physician’s arm before he could complete the gesture, pulling him toward the bed with urgency. “No need for formalities, Elder. My son has been unconscious for some time now, and we don’t know the cause. I must trouble you to examine him at once.”  

The old physician, having practiced medicine for many years, knew that the patient’s well-being came first. After acknowledging the Duke, he opened the medical kit he carried with him and took out a pulse pillow.  

Once a maid pulled Yan Jingshu’s hand out from under the embroidered quilt, the physician immediately began taking his pulse, simultaneously asking when the symptoms had started and whether there had been any prior signs.  

The servants and maids, unaware of what had truly happened, could only exchange bewildered glances, unable to provide an answer. Eventually, all eyes turned to Jiang Chenghan.  

Jiang Chenghan did know some details. After a moment of contemplation, he carefully explained, “I’m not certain exactly when Young Master Yan’s condition began. When I first saw him, he was already burning with fever, drenched in sweat, and barely conscious… At the time, I also felt somewhat unwell myself. Fearing the worst, I had no choice but to strike the back of his neck with my hand to knock him out…”  

At this point, everyone in the room stared at Jiang Chenghan in shock, no one had expected that he was the one who had rendered Yan Jingshu unconscious. The Duke, in particular, shot Jiang Chenghan a furious glare. How dare this man, after harming his son, still claim innocence so boldly and unrepentantly? Truly despicable!  

Jiang Chenghan didn’t miss the Duke’s glare, but he felt no regret.  

Given Yan Jingshu’s frenzied state at the time, if he hadn’t acted swiftly to knock him out, who knew what disgraceful scene might have unfolded? That would have only brought greater trouble upon himself.  

Knocking Yan Jingshu out had been for the young master’s sake, and his own.  

Now, with Yan Jingshu’s health at stake, Jiang Chenghan couldn’t withhold the truth, lest it delay proper treatment. Besides, since he had done it, he had no reason to shy away from admitting it.  

Jiang Chenghan continued, “…Feeling that something was amiss, I tried to call for help. But as soon as I forced the door open and stepped outside, someone struck me from behind, knocking me out. The next thing I knew, I was woken by a maid’s scream. What happened to Young Master Yan during that time, I have no idea.”  

Though Jiang Chenghan spoke matter-of-factly, the strangeness of his account was impossible to miss.  

The Duke couldn’t help but recall Jiang Chenghan’s earlier claim that both he and Yan Jingshu had been framed. After a brief deliberation, he suppressed his anger once more, deciding to wait until Yan Jingshu regained consciousness. After all, Jiang Chenghan wasn’t going anywhere, he could deal with him once the truth came to light.  

With the Duke silent, no one else dared to speak.  

After listening to Jiang Chenghan’s account, the old physician pondered for a moment before withdrawing his hand, having finished taking Yan Jingshu’s pulse.  

The Duke immediately asked, “Physician, how is my son?”  

“Do not fret, Lord Duke,” the physician replied, putting away the pulse pillow as he addressed the Duke. “The young master’s condition is not serious. He has merely ingested an excessive amount of an aphrodisiac, which caused the fever, sweating, and delirium. Though his vital energy is somewhat depleted, with proper rest for a few days and nourishing foods to replenish his qi and blood, he will recover fully.”  

“An aphrodisiac?!” Though he had already suspected as much, hearing the physician confirm it still sent a jolt of alarm through the Duke. Suddenly remembering something crucial, he pressed further, “Physician, then my son’s… my son’s body, has it…”  

The Duke wanted to ask whether Yan Jingshu was still untouched—after all, Yan Jingshu was a shuang’er. While shuang'er could take wives and sire heirs, if they were deflowered by a man before marriage, they would lose the ability to impregnate women or other shuang’er, leaving them no choice but to marry like women.  

The Duke was not one to favor sons over daughters. He cherished all his children, be they sons, daughters, or shuang’er. But Yan Jingshu had been raised as a boy from childhood, and he was so outstandingly talented. If he were forced to lose his innocence and marry as a result of today’s events, how could he possibly accept it?  

The mere thought made the Duke’s heart ache unbearably, and he struggled to voice the question, afraid of hearing an answer he didn’t want.  

Under normal circumstances, the Duke’s fragmented words might have left the physician puzzled. But having just diagnosed Yan Jingshu with an aphrodisiac, and seeing the red mole between his brows marking him as a shuang’er, the old physician understood the unspoken implication without further explanation.  

Stroking his beard, he chuckled reassuringly. “Set your mind at ease, Lord Duke. The young master is perfectly unharmed, not a single blemish or irregularity to be found.”  

Hearing this, the Duke’s heart, which had been clenched in fear since the maid’s report, finally settled back into place.  

“Good, that’s good.” The Duke exhaled deeply in relief, his face breaking into a smile. But as he looked at Yan Jingshu’s tightly shut eyes, he couldn’t help but ask, “Then when will my son wake up?”  

The physician, retrieving an acupuncture kit from his bag, replied, “Once I administer needles to regulate his qi and blood, clear his meridians, and dispel the remaining drug effects, the young master will awaken.”  

“I see. Then I must trouble you further.”  

“You honor me, Lord Duke.”  

As the physician began applying the needles, the Duke withdrew from the inner chamber. Jiang Chenghan followed him out to the main hall. He thought that by now, the Duke should be calm enough to listen to him properly.  

“Chenghan, what’s going on? Why are you here? And why is Lord Yan present as well?” Just as Jiang Chenghan was about to speak, a familiar voice rang out. Turning around, he saw a middle-aged man in his fifties stride across the threshold, followed by the servant who had taken Jiang Chenghan’s token to summon help earlier.  

The newcomer was none other than Jiang Chenghan’s superior - General Kou Shijun. He had been attending the banquet in the main hall when a servant suddenly approached him with Jiang Chenghan’s token, urgently requesting his presence but unable to explain why.  

Though puzzled, Kou Shijun knew Jiang Chenghan to be steady and not one to cause trouble, nor was he easily bullied. His curiosity outweighed his concern, but upon arriving and seeing the Duke’s grim expression, his heart sank. Had Jiang Chenghan truly landed himself in serious trouble?  

“General.” Recognizing Kou Shijun’s worry, Jiang Chenghan offered a reassuring smile before recounting everything that had transpired.  

The incident had begun when he followed a servant to change clothes. As it was his first time at the Duke’s estate and he didn’t know his way around, he naturally went where the servant led him. Never imagining he might fall into a trap, he hadn’t been particularly vigilant.  

Only after being led to a quiet, elegantly furnished room and waiting for some time - without the servant returning with fresh clothes as promised, did he hear strange noises from the inner chamber. When he went to look, he found the Duke’s second son, Yan Jingshu, lying on the bed in disheveled robes, clearly not in his right mind.  

At the same time, Jiang Chenghan’s own body grew inexplicably hot and restless, his head swimming with dizziness.  

Though unsure what had happened to himself or Yan Jingshu, Jiang Chenghan instinctively knew he couldn’t stay. He retreated from the inner chamber, intending to leave while he still could. But when he tried the door, he found it locked from the outside.  

Though weakened, he mustered enough strength to break the door open. The exertion, however, sent his blood boiling and his mind reeling further, leaving him so unsteady that he failed to notice the person lying in wait outside—until a blow from behind knocked him unconscious.  

The next thing he knew, he was awakened by a maid’s scream.  

As Jiang Chenghan spoke, Kou Shijun’s frown deepened. He never expected this matter to involve the Duke’s second son, Yan Jingshu. No wonder the Duke was here, looking so thunderous.