Chapter 14

The Qian family has fallen on hard times.

The only daughter of the Qian family’s head was arrested by the authorities for toying with an honorable man. The Qian family head brought several boxes of gold and silver treasures to the government office to plead for mercy, but was driven out by the constables.

Not only that, but the Qian family’s business was also affected. Customers somehow received information that the Qian family’s goods were of inferior quality. After inspection, they indeed discovered many substandard products masquerading as genuine ones. Many business partners lost faith and terminated their contracts with the Qian family, turning instead to cooperate with the Qian family’s arch-rival, the Qin family.

When Zi Yi reported this to Xu Lu Cha, Xu Lu Cha merely gave a cold laugh and said, “Serves them right.”

Zi Yi asked, puzzled, “Young Master, you’ve given up on Miss Qian, but what about the master’s side?”

Xu Lu Cha picked up his teacup, took a sip of tea, and said leisurely, “Without the Qian family, there’s still the Qin family. This time I’ve helped the Qin family so much, allowing her to successfully frame the Qian family and win many clients, she will naturally be grateful to me.”

He put down the teacup and looked at Zi Yi, “Later, go find Qin Long and tell her to handle things more carefully. If it’s exposed later, her fate won’t be any better than the Qian family’s.”

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

Xu Lu Cha’s previously 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 to 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 kept a cold face and didn’t answer, standing up and returning to his room.

…

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

He recalled the soul-consuming ecstasy of that day, and that person’s gentle, soothing voice…

Xu Lu Cha angrily punched the bed. The more he tried not to remember, the more clearly that day’s scene replayed in his mind.

Damn it! His virginity was supposed to be saved for his future wife-master, all his alluring appearances were supposed to be reserved for his future wife-master to see.

She was just a small constable, what right did she have to see his enchanting body? What right did she have to hear his seductive moans?

Even if she helped him, so what?

She had seen all of him!

He wouldn’t be satisfied until she was dead!

Xu Lu Cha frowned and suddenly sat up.

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

“Young Master Xu, I helped you not for your gratitude…”

He also thought of how Zhang Meng had taken a very long detour while carrying him back to the Xu mansion, just to avoid being discovered by others.

And when he bit her neck until it was a bloody mess, she didn’t make a sound, and after returning to the Xu mansion, she even had Zi Yi prepare hot water for him.

Xu Lu Cha lay back down on the bed helplessly.

It was hard to hate such a fool even if he wanted to.

Xu Lu Cha punched the bed hard. Although there was shame in his eyes, the killing intent had lessened somewhat.

Fine, he would spare her life this time. But if she displeased him again next time, regardless of whether her intentions were good or bad, he would not let her off.

…

Zi Yi was pacing back and forth at the entrance of the government office. As soon as Zhang Meng came out, she saw him and was somewhat surprised, as ordinary people rarely lingered near the government office unless they had grievances to report.

“Zi Yi?”

Zi Yi looked up and hurriedly walked towards her: “Constable Zhang, could you not go out for the next few days?”

“Why?” Zhang Meng was puzzled.

Zi Yi became hesitant and stammered. After some hesitation, he still said, “If you trust my words, 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 government office and neglect my duties out of fear. Thank you for your reminder, I’ll be a bit more careful.”

Zi Yi hurriedly said, “Don’t go out alone these days, it’s best if you patrol with other constables, alright?”

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

She smiled and said, “I’ve been wanting to give this to you for a while, but haven’t seen you these past few days. All the magic tricks you like are in here. You can practice them well, and we can have another friendly competition next time.”

Zi Yi took the handwritten booklet and nodded.

He opened the booklet and found that the steps for the magic tricks were very detailed, with accompanying illustrations. His hand tightened slightly, and he closed the booklet, cherishing it very much.

“Thank you, Constable Zhang.”

He held the booklet, hesitated for a moment, as if wanting to say something to Zhang Meng, but in the end said nothing. He bowed to Zhang Meng and turned to leave.

He didn’t return to the Xu mansion, but went to the territory of the Green Tiger 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, having sworn to serve 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.

But this time, he really couldn’t bear to see Zhang Meng get hurt.

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

…

Zhang Meng had originally planned to go on patrol by herself, as she always liked to patrol alone. But this time, hearing Zi Yi’s words, she still went back to find Zheng Shu to accompany her.

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

Although Zheng Shu didn’t say a word to her the whole way, completely treating her like a cabbage, Zhang Meng, having been used to cold violence from being around Zhong Huo for a long time, didn’t feel awkward.

The street was very peaceful and serene, the sun fierce and scorching. Passersby were all wearing light and thin clothing, yet still sweating profusely. They walked hurriedly, seeming to rush to find shade and cool off.

The business under big trees and in teahouses was very good.

Although the weather was so hot, there was one person wearing a black robe, with a sun hat on their head, and a veil hanging from the brim of the hat covering their entire body. Their strange attire attracted the attention of many passersby.

Although Zhang Meng also found it strange, she didn’t pay much attention. But the children on the street were curious, and several of them mischievously pounced on the person and snatched away their hat.

When the person’s face was revealed, it scared those children to tears.

“Ghost!”

The children ran away crying and shouting. The person lay on the ground, covering their face with both hands, trying to hide their appearance, but was still surrounded by passing pedestrians.

Zhang Meng’s heart skipped a beat, and she hurriedly walked over.

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