Chapter 11

“Cha’er, you’ve been ignoring me these past few days.”

Qian Mu had a face full of grievance as she reached out to hug Xu Lu Cha.

Xu Lu Cha subtly avoided her embrace. Fidgeting with his handkerchief, he said with worry, “Lu Cha only wanted to test your affection, but didn’t expect you to take a liking to another man so quickly.” Qian Mu quickly replied, “Heaven and earth can attest to my feelings for you. It’s all that Xiao Chou’s fault for seducing me. But I have no feelings for him at all.” Xu Lu Cha sneered coldly in his heart, but showed a shy expression, “I only hope you won’t betray Lu Cha.” Disgusting.

This kind of lustful, foolish woman was simply garbage, yet still considered herself suave and elegant.

Xu Lu Cha frowned with disgust. After accompanying her for half a day, he felt like he would vomit up his dinner from the night before.

If it weren’t for that stubborn old hag valuing and being wary of her, he would have wished to never cross paths with her again until they were both old and dead.

The peddlers on the street hawked their wares with shrill voices, noisy and clamorous.

Xu Lu Cha crushed the jewelry at his feet with a stomp.

“What are you doing!” yelled the stall owner.

Seeing the stall owner in coarse linen clothes, with dark skin and an ugly face, Xu Lu Cha felt disgust in his heart.

The stall owner glared at him angrily, “You ruined my goods, pay for them!” Xu Lu Cha took out a silver ingot from his money pouch and threw it in front of the stall owner.

The stall owner took the silver, his anger diminishing greatly. Although he had a fiery temper, he was an honest man. He took out a few copper coins from his sleeve, “Here’s your change, watch your step in the future…” Xu Lu Cha didn’t spare him a glance and turned to leave.

The stall owner had no choice but to pocket the copper coins. What he didn’t expect was that two days later, his hands broke out in countless, densely packed blisters, itching unbearably.

“Constable Zhang.”

When Lin Hao opened the door and saw the person with a blade at their waist, he quickly hid his blister-covered hands behind his back without a trace.

Zhang Meng gave him a small nod and smile, “How come I haven’t seen you at your stall these past few days?” Lin Hao’s black face reddened slightly as he said in a low voice, “Feeling a bit under the weather.” Zhang Meng replied, “You need to take care of your health too. Even on your own, you have to learn to look after yourself.” Zhang Meng had a good reputation. Even the notoriously ill-tempered Lin Hao was very honest and gentle around her.

In fact, the main reason for Zhang Meng’s visit this time was to buy jewelry. Jin Yue would soon return to the government office to see her. Zhang Meng felt very guilty for not attending her wedding ceremony and wanted to buy a set of jewelry as a gift for Jin Yue and her husband, as a blessing for them. After some thought, she felt that Lin Hao’s jewelry was more exquisite and trustworthy.

Zhang Meng explained her intentions to Lin Hao, who immediately went to the inner room to bring out the jewelry boxes.

Zhang Meng happened to notice his hands and was startled, goosebumps rising all over.

“Lin Hao, your hands…”

Lin Hao paused and hastily hid his hands behind his back.

…

Xu Residence.

“Young Master Xu, two days ago, did you compensate silver to Lin Hao, the jewelry seller?” Zhang Meng unfolded a piece of paper, a silver ingot lying quietly on top.

Looking at the silver ingot on the paper, Xu Lu Cha nodded, “Yes.”

Zhang Meng had thought he would deny it. She had even found witnesses ready. Seeing him admit it so straightforwardly, she only paused briefly before continuing, “Then do you know that after touching your silver, Lin Hao was poisoned?”

Xu Lu Cha showed a somewhat innocent and surprised expression, “Poisoned?”

Zhang Meng said, “I had the doctor examine this silver ingot. It was smeared with poison.”

Xu Lu Cha apologetically said, “I took the wrong silver. Those poisoned ingots were meant for dealing with bandits… I’m willing to apologize to Mister Lin and provide the antidote.”

Zhang Meng replied, “That’s good then.”

After taking the antidote and leaving, Xu Lu Cha let out a disdainful snort.

Disgusting, ugly man. Just wait for those equally disgusting hands to rot away.

Zi Yi followed behind him and spoke up uneasily, “Young Master, that poison originally had no antidote. It would heal on its own in a few days. Why did you give Constable Zhang the so-called ‘antidote’?”

Xu Lu Cha said, “If you anger me, don’t even think about escaping unscathed.”

…

Zhang Meng looked at the antidote in her hand, frowning with unease. In the end, she sent the antidote to the doctor for examination. Even though the doctor said there was no issue, Zhang Meng still felt unsettled.

Although she had no prejudice against Xu Lu Cha, since everyone had their own way of living, as long as he didn’t harm others, she wouldn’t do anything to him.

However, she had no choice but to be wary of him.

When she handed the antidote to Lin Hao, she advised, “First apply the antidote to a small area and observe for a few days. If that spot truly improves, then apply it to the whole hand.”

Lin Hao nodded.

Two days later, Jin Yue returned to the government office, bringing many gifts.

Jin Yue sat on Zhang Meng’s bed, her face full of happiness.

“Zhang Meng, let me tell you, men are such wonderful things. So gentle and adorable. I really wish I could cling to him all day, not wanting to leave for even a moment.”

As Zhang Meng unwrapped the gifts, she responded, “You’re just lucky to have met a good man. Do you still remember that case from half a year ago? That man not only had multiple mistresses, but also murdered his own wife-master for property.”

The smile on Jin Yue’s face instantly vanished into a blank expression. “Don’t talk about such ominous things.”

Just as Zhang Meng was about to apologize, Jin Yue’s expression changed again to one of blissful shyness.

“Zhang Meng, let me tell you, our A-Zhe is so pitiable.”

Zhang Meng: “…”

Jin Yue continued, “He didn’t even know how to consummate the marriage! If I hadn’t read a few erotic books, we wouldn’t have been able to do that… Hehe.” Jin Yue laughed bashfully.

Married women will probably start telling dirty jokes now, Zhang Meng thought. In modern times, all the other women at the company besides her were married. She had gotten used to their constant raunchy jokes.

“Zhang Meng, I heard from A-Zhe that men are not allowed to read erotic books or inquire about matters between men and women from a young age. If they get caught, it would ruin their reputation.”

Jin Yue hugged her knees, resting her hands on top. “So they don’t know that place has other uses besides excretion. You know, when A-Zhe’s thing hardened, it almost scared him to death…”

Zhang Meng let Jin Yue’s words go in one ear and out the other as she sampled each of the snacks Jin Yue brought one by one.

“Zhang Meng, hurry up and find a man too. That thing between men and women is so pleasurable…”

Zhang Meng took a sip of tea and rummaged through the bundle, pulling out a bag of pastries. She took a bite and commented, “I still think the ones from Yingyue Teahouse taste better.”

Jin Yue snatched the pastry from Zhang Meng’s hand, her face full of excitement. “How about I introduce A-Zhe’s younger brother to you?”

Zhang Meng shook her head without hesitation.

Jin Yue stayed the night at the government office before returning. Zhang Meng gave her the packaged jewelry as a gift. Jin Yue was touched, “Have you seen how poor you are? Yet you still buy me things.”

Zhang Meng patted her shoulder, laughing, “Next time when I get married, you can give me a gift then.”

Jin Yue nodded, “I will. But speaking of your marriage, Zhang Meng, let me tell you, A-Zhe’s younger brother is really good. Although he’s only twelve or thirteen, he’s quite handsome and sensible…”

Zhang Meng helped carry her bundle to the carriage, turning back to say, “You’ve been going on about your husband all night. Don’t you want to go back and see him?”

Jin Yue got on the carriage and sat down, still speaking, “His younger brother is called A-Yue, very outstanding…”

“Sister Liu, we can go now. Be careful,” Zhang Meng said to the middle-aged woman driving the carriage.

The woman in brown clothes nodded with a smile, raising her horsewhip. “Hiya!”

The carriage moved forward steadily. Jin Yue still couldn’t give up, turning her head back to shout at her, “Give it some serious thought!”

Zhang Meng waved at her with a smile.

The midday sun was still scorching. Zhang Meng gripped her blade as she patrolled the streets.

Lin Hao still hadn’t come out to set up his stall. When Zhang Meng passed by his house, she stopped by to check on him.

The door opened from the inside. Seeing that it was her, Lin Hao turned sideways to let her in.

Zhang Meng quickly shook her head, “I won’t come in. I still need to patrol the streets. I just wanted to see how your hands are doing.” Lin Hao hesitated for a moment before extending his hands for her to see.

Although Zhang Meng had a fear of densely packed things, she still endured the goosebumps all over and carefully examined his hands.

His hands were not as red and swollen as before, and the blisters had reduced quite a bit.

She asked, “Did you apply the antidote?”

Lin Hao shook his head, “I applied it once, but after applying, it felt very painful, so I washed it off.” Zhang Meng said, “I see that your hands have improved a lot. Maybe it’s better not to apply the antidote for now and see if it can heal on its own.”

…

“Young Master, are you not going to visit Miss Qian today?” Zi Yi placed a white chess piece on the board with a “clack,” saying in boredom.

Xu Lu Cha fanned himself with a folding fan, his beautiful eyes full of disgust. “Visit her? Just looking at her for a moment makes me want to vomit.” Zi Yi scattered the chess pieces, “But Young Master said you wanted to use her to intimidate the old master.”

Xu Lu Cha snorted coldly, “With the previous accompaniment, it’s enough to make her hopelessly devoted to me.” He paused and looked at Zi Yi, “I told you to get close to Zhang Meng. Why haven’t you gone to find her?” Zi Yi’s face reddened, “Zi Yi doesn’t dare face her.”

Xu Lu Cha looked at him expressionlessly, his clear eyes chillingly cold.

Zi Yi quickly stood up and said nervously, “Zi Yi knows his mistake. Zi Yi will go find her right now.” Xu Lu Cha waved his folding fan, “Zi Yi, you better not have any improper thoughts about Zhang Meng. I’m having you get close to her because she has value, not to betroth you to her.” Zi Yi hastily shook his head, “Zi Yi has never had any feelings of admiration for her.”

Xu Lu Cha said, “Zhang Meng is on good terms with Zhong Huo. As long as you win her heart, Zhong will stand on our side.” Thinking of Chen Yue, Xu Lu Cha’s expression turned cold.

“Cha’er! Is Cha’er in?”

Qian Mu pushed and shoved the servants blocking the courtyard, “Let this young lady in! Or else you’ll be sorry!” Seeing the handsome young attendant in purple emerge from the inner courtyard, Qian Mu’s eyes lit up, “Zi Yi, tell your Young Master to come out. I want to see him.” Zi Yi said calmly, “The Young Master is unwell and can’t be exposed to wind. Miss Qian, please go back for now.” Qian Mu glared, “You’re lying. Cha’er was fine a few days ago.” Zi Yi shook his head, “The Young Master is indeed unwell. Please understand, Miss Qian.” Qian Mu became furious, “This young lady must see Lu Cha today!”

She kicked down the young attendant blocking her and took out a knife, viciously slashing it in the air, “This is a dagger that can cut through iron like mud. Whoever dares block this young lady, this young lady will slaughter him!” The young attendants scattered, trembling. Zi Yi’s expression changed slightly as he said sternly, “If you hurt anyone from the Xu residence, Zi Yi will report to the officials and have Lady Zhong punish you!”

Xu Lu Cha came out from the inner courtyard, his face pale and slightly out of breath. He said, “Zi Yi, don’t scare Miss Qian. It’s my good fortune that Miss Qian wants to see me.” As soon as Qian Mu saw Xu Lu Cha, she quickly suppressed the savagery on her face and spoke with grievance, “Cha’er, you’ve been ignoring me again these past few days.”

Xu Lu Cha lowered his eyes, tears quickly welling up. He choked out, “Lu Cha also misses Miss Qian dearly, but Lu Cha has been unwell these past few days, unable to go out or be exposed to wind…” His jade-white fingers curled slightly as he covered his mouth with the back of his hand, coughing incessantly.

Qian Mu quickly covered her nose and took a few steps back.

“It seems Cha’er is indeed quite ill. Have you called for a doctor?” Xu Lu Cha couldn’t stop coughing and was unable to speak. Zi Yi, who was standing beside him, spoke up, “The doctor came yesterday and said it was a cold.” Qian Mu frowned, feeling very unwilling in her heart, but could only suppress her emotions, “Then Cha’er should rest well.”

…

“Miss Qian, why the long face? Want to go again?”

The naked man lay beside Qian Mu, his left hand fingers twirling her black hair while his right hand slowly caressed her bare back.

Qian Mu fondled the man’s member, saying lewdly, “Once you men have a taste, you really can be so cheap.” The man’s lips curled up, “Does Miss Qian not like it?”

Qian Mu tightened her grip, eliciting a low moan from the man.

“Of course I like it very much,” she said.

As long as she took a man’s virginity, he would be hopelessly devoted to her.

She stuck out her tongue and licked her lower lip.

She hadn’t tasted Xu Lu Cha yet.

Thinking about how Xu Lu Cha would be hopelessly devoted to her, unable to resist, she couldn’t help but get excited.

☆、