Chapter 198: Coercion
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
Rong Che was in high spirits, seated beside Lu Yan Shu. His gaze often wandered to Madam Xu, his smile constant and blissful throughout the evening as though he were in a pleasant stupor.
Nearby, Lu Chao Chao, affectionately known as Fierce Bun by her family, was delightfully occupied with her feast—nibbling on roasted lamb in one hand and gripping a chicken drumstick in the other. Her belly was pleasantly round. “[Dis life… even the gods wouldn’t wanna swap with me],” she murmured, savoring each bite.
Rong Che laughed softly. “Little one, do you even know what it’s like to live like a god?”
Chao Chao’s interest quickly faded. “Nuh-uh,” she responded in her baby-like manner.
As everyone relished the food and drink, watched the fireworks, and basked in the evening’s joy, Madam Xu made it even more special by tripling the usual monthly wages for the household servants and hosting a grand feast that spread cheer throughout the mansion.
“Feeling confident about the upcoming royal examination?” Rong Che inquired casually.
Lu Yan Shu’s eyes twinkled with determination. “I won’t let my family down. I’m putting my all into it.”
However, the mood at the Lu residence was far from celebratory.
Madam Pei’s expression was dark as a young maid hesitantly approached her. “Madam, the old lady has had another accident. She’s asking for you to help clean her up.”
With a frustrated slam of her teacup, shards flew, nicking the maid’s face. Yet, the young girl remained silent, stifling any cries of pain.
“Why am I the only one she relies on? I’ve catered to her day and night. What more does she want from me?” Madam Pei’s face was drained from exhaustion.
Holding back tears, the maid replied, “We’ve tried others, but the old lady just cries and screams.”
Madam Pei knew this was deliberate torment. Cursing under her breath, she then asked, “Where is Jin Niang? It’s New Year’s Eve. Why hasn’t she organized the watch night?”
The maid bowed her head. “Young Mistress is ill.”
“Useless girl,” Madam Pei muttered, suspecting her daughter-in-law, Jiang Yun Jin, was shirking her responsibilities. Since marrying her son, Lu Jing Huai, Jiang Yun Jin had never shared a room with him. Madam Pei worried her son might be impotent, which filled her with anxiety.
“Mother, should we seek help from the abbot at the Protectorate Temple?” Lu Jing Yao suggested softly.
“He once said I have a noble destiny. He might help us determine if we’ve angered any spirits,” Lu Jing Yao added, clinging to hope.
Madam Pei’s face brightened. “Yao Yao, you’re brilliant! Why didn’t I think of that?”
“He gave grandmother a prayer bead before you were born. He must hold you in high regard.”
“Sadly, the abbot is on a pilgrimage and won’t return until March,” Madam Pei sighed, wishing she could summon him sooner.
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
Meanwhile, Lu Jing Huai, having returned to the mansion, stood awkwardly before Jiang Yun Jin.
“Jin Niang, could I borrow some money?” he asked sheepishly. “I need it for the royal examination preparations next month.”
Jiang Yun Jin gave a gentle smile. “Husband, we are one. There’s no need for formality. After tonight’s vigil, I’ll give it to you first thing in the morning.”
“Tomorrow morning?” Lu Jing Huai realized this meant sharing a bed tonight. He clenched his fists, hiding his disgust, and managed a forced smile. “Thank you. I’ve been unjust to you these past days.”
That night, Lu Jing Huai looked at Jiang Yun Jin with a fervent gaze that melted her displeasure. They spent a passionate night together.
Come New Year’s Day, Lu Jing Huai didn’t even wait to greet Madam Pei. He rushed out with 3,000 taels.
Jiang Yun Jin felt hollow, as if the night before had been a mere dream. Upon waking, Lu Jing Huai had reverted to his usual aloofness.
“Has he fallen for someone else?” she pondered, heart aching. “Follow him and see where he goes. Make sure he doesn’t notice.”
Lu Jing Huai, looking nervous, avoided using the family carriage and didn’t bring a servant. He sneaked into a secluded alley in a rundown part of the city.
Three imposing men awaited him. One kicked him in the chest as soon as he appeared, knocking him to the ground.
“Trying to fool us? We waited all night for some pocket change?”
“Do you want us to freeze to death?” another spat. “Give us the money now!”
Embarrassed, Lu Jing Huai handed over the 3,000 taels. One of the men counted it, eyeing him suspiciously.
“You promised to leave the capital and keep this secret!” Lu Jing Huai said desperately.
“Think we’ll just leave because you ask?” one sneered.
“But… if you can satisfy us, we might consider leaving you alone,” another chimed in, smirking. “We heard you just got married.”
Fear and anger surged through Lu Jing Huai as he felt their menacing presence.
“Really? You’ll leave?” he asked, voice cold.
One man wiped his hand across Lu Jing Huai’s face mockingly.
A maid, hidden nearby, covered her mouth in shock, her eyes wide with fear. [Did she really hear everything?]
“I heard your wife is the daughter of a high-ranking official. Imagine if she knew…” one man taunted.
Clenching his teeth, Lu Jing Huai responded, “This is the last time! I’ll… make sure you’re satisfied!” His voice was laced with venom, eyes filled with a murderous glare.
The men laughed, patting him on the cheek before leaving.
Lu Jing Huai stood in the falling snow, covered in a white layer, his life starkly different from Lu Yan Shu’s—filled with relentless obstacles and seemingly no way back.
Man…
Wow…I was accidentally…almost right about his experience *shock*