Chapter 14

The Qian family had fallen on hard times.

The only daughter of the Qian family’s patriarch was arrested by the authorities for toying with good men. The Qian family patriarch brought several chests of gold, silver, and treasures to the yamen to plead for leniency but was driven out by the constables.

Not only that, but the Qian family’s business was also affected. Customers somehow got information that the Qian family’s goods were mixed with inferior products. After inspecting the goods, they indeed found many counterfeits posing as genuine products. Quite a few business partners lost heart and terminated their contracts with the Qian family one after another, turning to cooperate with the Qian family’s arch-rival, the Qin family, instead.

When Zi Yi reported to Xu Lu Cha, Xu Lu Cha only sneered coldly and said they deserved it.

Zi Yi was puzzled, “Young Master, you gave up on Miss Qian, so what should we do about the master?”

Xu Lu Cha picked up the teacup, took a sip of tea, and said leisurely, “Without the Qian family, there’s still the Qin family. This time, I helped the Qin family so much, allowing them to successfully frame the Qian family and win over many customers. Naturally, they will be grateful to me.”

He put down the teacup, his eyes looking at Zi Yi, “Later, go find Qin Long and tell her to handle the matter more properly. When things are exposed, her fate will be no better than the Qian family’s.”

Zi Yi nodded in agreement. After a while, he said a bit embarrassedly, “Young Master, these past few days, Constable Zhang has been collecting taxes together with Constable Zheng. Zi Yi doesn’t dare to disturb her. I heard that she finished collecting taxes yesterday, so she might be free today. Should Zi Yi go find her this afternoon?”

Xu Lu Cha’s originally somewhat gentle face suddenly turned cold. He slammed the teacup on the table with a bang, startling Zi Yi.

“Young Master…”

Xu Lu Cha said coldly, “Go find Sister Long and have her teach her a lesson.”

“Ah!?”

“No need to kill her, just cripple her.”

“Young Master!” Zi Yi cried out in shock, “Why?”

Xu Lu Cha’s face was cold, and he didn’t answer. He stood up and returned to his room.

…

Xu Lu Cha lay on the bed with his hand on his forehead, looking at the light green gauze bed curtains expressionlessly.

He thought of the soul-consuming, bone-melting pleasure that day, and that person’s gentle, soothing voice…

Xu Lu Cha fiercely pounded the bed. The more he didn’t want to recall, the more vividly the scenes of that day replayed in his mind.

Damn it! His first time was supposed to be saved for his future wife-master. All his charming appearances were supposed to be reserved for his future wife-master to see.

Just a mere constable, what right did she have to see his alluring body? What right did she have to hear his enchanting moans?

Even if she helped him, so what?

She had seen his appearance!

He really wouldn’t be satisfied until she was dealt with!

Xu Lu Cha frowned and abruptly sat up.

For some reason, he suddenly thought of Zhang Meng’s low sigh.

“Young Master Xu, I didn’t help you for your gratitude…”

He also thought of how Zhang Meng carried him on her back, taking a long detour to send him back to the Xu Residence, just to prevent him from being discovered by others.

Moreover, when he bit her neck until it was a bloody mess, she didn’t make a sound. After returning to the Xu Residence, she even told Zi Yi to prepare hot water for him.

Xu Lu Cha lay back on the bed weakly.

He couldn’t bring himself to hate such a fool even if he wanted to.

Xu Lu Cha fiercely pounded the bed a few times. Although there was still shame and anger in his eyes, the murderous intent that chilled people to the bone had lessened somewhat.

Forget it, he would spare her life this time. If she displeased him again next time, regardless of whether her intentions were good or bad, he would definitely not let her off.

…

Zi Yi was pacing back and forth at the entrance of the yamen. As soon as Zhang Meng walked out, she saw him and was a bit surprised because aside from those with grievances to file, commoners rarely lingered near the yamen.

“Zi Yi?”

Zi Yi raised his head and hurriedly walked over to her, “Constable Zhang, could you please not go out these few days?”

“Why?” Zhang Meng was surprised.

Zi Yi started to stammer. He hesitated for a moment but still said, “If you trust Zi Yi’s words, then don’t go out.”

Zhang Meng pondered for a moment and asked, “Could it be that your young master wants to find someone to deal with me?”

Zi Yi was startled and hurriedly shook his head in denial.

Zhang Meng smiled, “Zi Yi, patrolling the streets is my job. I won’t hide in the yamen and neglect my duties out of fear. Thank you for your reminder. I’ll be more careful.”

Zi Yi hurriedly said, “These few days, don’t go out alone. It’s best to patrol the streets together with other constables, alright?”

Zhang Meng nodded, “Okay, I will. Thank you.” She took out a handwritten book from her sleeve and handed it to Zi Yi.

She smiled, “I had wanted to give it to you long ago, but I couldn’t find you these past few days. The magic tricks you like are all inside. You can practice them well. Next time, we can have another exchange.”

Zi Yi took the handwritten book and nodded.

He flipped open the book and found that the steps for the magic tricks were very detailed, even with illustrations. His hand tightened slightly, and he closed the book with great care.

“Thank you, Constable Zhang.”

Holding the book, he hesitated for a moment, seeming to want to say something to Zhang Meng, but in the end, he didn’t say anything. He bent his knee and bowed to Zhang Meng, then turned and left.

He didn’t return to the Xu Residence but went to the territory of the Qing Hu Gang. He told Sister Long about Xu Lu Cha’s order to teach Zhang Meng a lesson.

He had never disobeyed Xu Lu Cha’s words before. He had once sworn to be loyal to him for life because if it weren’t for Xu Lu Cha, he would have died nine years ago.

And he was indeed the person Xu Lu Cha trusted the most.

It was just that this time, he really couldn’t bear for Zhang Meng to be harmed.

Even if he felt guilty for disobeying Xu Lu Cha’s words, even if he would be punished and beaten by Xu Lu Cha when he returned, he still wanted to protect her.

…

Zhang Meng had originally planned to go out and patrol the streets by herself. She had always liked patrolling alone. But this time, after hearing Zi Yi’s words, she still turned back and asked Zheng Shu to accompany her.

Zheng Shu was originally in charge of tax collection. Upon hearing her request, she was unwilling to accompany her. But later, for some unknown reason, she suddenly agreed.

Although Zheng Shu didn’t say a single word to her the entire way, completely treating her like a big cabbage, Zhang Meng was used to the cold violence from being with Zhong Huo for a long time and didn’t feel awkward.

The streets were very peaceful and tranquil, and the sun was fiercely scorching. Pedestrians were all wearing thin clothes, but they were still drenched in sweat from the heat. They walked hurriedly as if rushing to go to a shady place to cool off.

The businesses under big trees and in teahouses were doing very well.

Although the weather was so hot, there was a person dressed in a black robe with a sun hat on their head. The cloth veil hanging down from the brim of the hat shrouded their entire body. Their strange attire attracted the attention of many passersby.

Although Zhang Meng also found it strange, she didn’t pay too much attention. But the children on the street were curious. A few children mischievously pounced and snatched away the person’s hat.

When the person’s appearance was revealed, it frightened the few children to tears.

“Ghost!”

The children cried and ran away. The person lay on the ground, covering their face with both hands, trying to conceal their appearance, but they were still surrounded by passing pedestrians.

Zhang Meng’s heart skipped a beat, and she also hurriedly quickened her steps to approach.