Chapter 91: Double Happiness Arrives at the Door

  Congratulations on getting a monthly ticket

  After passing the 15th of the first month, Fan Yicheng brought his new wife, Yan Yuwei, back to the capital, dusty and tired.

  Xu Mingjin received the news early and went to the outskirts of the city to pick someone up. Since he didn't tell Xu Ruoyi, this trip only brought Yuzhu with him. After leaving the mansion, he called Yu Zhifu and his wife to go together.

  Time slowly passed, the sun gradually rose higher and higher, Xu Mingjin's forehead slowly sweated fine beads of sweat. Yu Zhu saw this and hastily handed over the water bottle she was carrying to Xu Mingjin.

  Xu Mingjin took it over and drank a few mouthfuls, only then did he feel a bit better.

  Xu Mingjin sat in the carriage, feeling bored and listless. Suddenly, she thought of the night she first arrived in Beijing, when two maidservants under Ye Niang's command were waiting for her here. At that time, seeing the two maidservants' pale faces, Xu Mingjin had assumed they were mistreated, but now she believed their words about having waited at the city gate for many days. Because people like this truly couldn't be described as tired.

  Xu Mingjin now feels extremely tired. However, Yuzhi, because she hadn't seen Xu Mingjin for some time, kept chattering away beside her, asking: "Miss, are you thirsty? Are you hungry?" Xu Mingjin didn't interrupt her, considering it had been a long time since they'd met, and she also kind of missed the maid's nagging. As for Yuzhi's questions, she simply responded with a series of "uh-huhs". Yuzhi didn't take offense to this either.

  The sun was high in the sky, and at the end of the main road leading to the city gate, there was still no sign of anything. However, Xu Mingjin and his group were getting a little hungry. Zhang Shuo suggested that he go to the most famous restaurant in Beijing to pack some food and bring it back for everyone to eat, but was rejected by Xu Mingjin. Zhang Shuo didn't understand why she refused, with puzzlement filling her eyes.

  Xu Mingjin said, "Such a long way, even if it's packed and brought over, the dishes would have gone cold and must be very unappetizing." She turned her head to Yu Zhu beside her and said, "Yu Zhu, didn't you bring some pastries made by Qiu Yun when we came? Are those enough for everyone to fill their stomachs first?" As soon as she finished speaking, she heard Yu Zhu say, "Miss, it's more than enough."

  Yu Zhuo said, and then took out a large food box from the corner of the car compartment, opened the lid, and saw inside red bean cake, green bean cake, sesame cake, osmanthus cake, and so on. There were seven or eight kinds in total, filling up the entire box. Autumn Cloud took out the top layer, and at the bottom was a roasted duck cut into small pieces, and a plate of braised chicken feet. Xu Mingjin looked very satisfied, smiled and said: "These are enough for us to eat. Let's fill our stomachs first, and when Uncle comes back, let him take us to the number one restaurant in Beijing for a big feast!" His voice was filled with unspeakable joy.

  At that time, Xu Mingjin asked Yuzhu to take out a plate and first took out some pastries and roasted duck claws to give to Zhang Shouzhi. Then, he had a casual lunch with Yu Zhi and Yu Zhu in the carriage.

  How many horse-drawn carriages have passed back and forth on this road into the city, yet not a single one of them is Fan Yicheng's carriage. Xuming Jin and others are almost asleep.

  It was past noon when Fan Yicheng finally arrived. Xuming Jin heard the news and immediately woke up, refreshed and energetic, he opened the curtain to take a look, and indeed saw Fan Yicheng's unique carriage slowly stopping on the main road, with Fan Yicheng helping a young and beautiful woman get out of the carriage. As soon as Xu Mingjin saw this, he excitedly got off his horse and shouted: "Uncle! Aunt!"

  Fan Yicheng heard Xu Mingjin's voice and turned his head with joy, while Yan Yuwei's face turned bright red as soon as she heard Xu Mingjin call out "Aunt". She lowered her head and didn't dare to look over. Fan Yicheng gently pulled her hand and the two of them walked up to Xu Mingjin together. Xu Mingjin smiled at the two of them and said, "Uncle, Aunt, where's the red envelope?"

  Yan Yuwei blushed and turned her head away, Fan Weichen chuckled and said: "Let's go back first! The red envelopes are in the luggage, I'll give them to you when we get back, don't worry, yours won't be missing!" Fan Weichen's words made several people burst out laughing. At this time, the number of people leaving the city suddenly increased. Xu Mingjin was after all the future second imperial concubine, and it wasn't good for her to stand here in such a public place. So, after a brief conversation, everyone got into their carriages and returned to Linglong Pavilion together. Several maids helped Fan Weichen and his wife move the luggage to the backyard.

  A few people sat down in the back hall. Xu Mingjin smiled and looked at Fan Yicheng, "Uncle, how was your stay at the Yan's for these few months? Did Yan Zhifu give you a hard time when you first went there?" Although Fan Yicheng had already married Yan Yuwei, Xu Mingjin still wanted to know how Yan Zhifu treated her uncle as his son-in-law.

  Fan Yicheng smiled slightly and looked at Yan Yuwei, the two people's eyes deeply affectionate, Fan Yicheng said: "Yuwei, you come and talk."

  Yan Yuwei's expression changed when she mentioned her parents, and she spoke freely: "Before we left the capital, I wrote a letter to my father telling him about my relationship with my husband. Later, while we were on the road, we heard the news that you, Jin'er, were betrothed to the second prince, and we were all very happy. I also wrote to my father about this matter. As a result, when we returned to Liu City, my father specially sent someone to wait for us at the dock." Yan Yuwei smiled shyly and said: "When we met, my father hugged me and cried bitterly, and he was also very polite to my husband. It wasn't until we returned home that I learned my mother had been ill for half a year, all because she missed me so much." As she spoke, Yan Yuwei's eyes reddened. Fan Daimin quickly pulled out a handkerchief and gently wiped away her tears for her. This action made Yan Yuwei's face flush again.

  Xu Mingjin also felt unbearable in her heart, and she anxiously asked: "What happened later?"

  Yan Yuwei composed herself and said, "When my mother saw me, she also burst into tears. Her illness was a heart condition. After I returned home, her condition gradually improved, but her body is still very weak. She's been taking medicine all along."

  Xu Mingjin said: "From what Auntie is saying, doesn't that mean that the two elders never opposed your marriage?"

  Since they were already husband and wife, being called "Aunt" by Xu Mingjin was only a matter of time. Yan Yuwei had originally prepared herself for this in her heart. At first, when Xu Mingjin called her "Aunt", she still felt shy, but after he called her that several times, she wasn't so shy anymore. At this moment, hearing Xu Mingjin call her "Aunt", Yan Yuwei smiled slightly and sat there with poise, without a hint of shyness on her face.

  Fan Yicheng smiled and said, "Didn't you ask me to give that jade pendant of the Second Prince to Lord Yan? I've been thinking about it on the way here, and although using the Second Prince's reputation isn't something a man should do, if I'm going to give it to her, I want to give Rain Wei the best. But all that can wait, for now, I'm just a merchant who has lost everything. Why would Lord Yan marry his daughter to me? Rain Wei's greatest wish is to marry me, so can't I sacrifice my worthless dignity for her sake? She's given up so much for me, and I'm only giving up this little bit for her."

  Yan Yuwei listened gently to Fan Yicheng's words, without speaking. Xu Mingjin looked at the gentle affection in Yan Yuwei's eyes and felt happy for her. It's always good for lovers to end up together.

  Yan Zhifu looked at the jade pendant of the Second Prince again, and also heard that my niece had already been betrothed to the Second Prince by imperial decree. He even asked specifically, and after learning that she was the daughter of my own sister, he was very polite to me. I stayed in their guest house, and Yan Daren would send someone to invite me over for a chat every day. Looking at his demeanor, I was more and more satisfied with him. I knew that this marriage was probably 90% settled. If it wasn't, he would have definitely sent someone to drive me away by now. However, later on, he asked me why I had taken so long to bring back Yuwei; if we had waited a few more days, perhaps even her mother would have passed away.

  "I thought for a moment and sincerely told him that at that time I had nothing, and I didn't want Yu Wei to suffer with me. Although I don't have much now, I can let her live a life of luxury and wealth like she did at home. In the capital city, no one would dare bully her, and I will never take a concubine. This lifetime, I will only be devoted to her. Although I cannot become an official or a noble, and give her the title of 'Lady', I can still make her happy."

  "Yan Daren's face showed a change in expression after hearing my words: "Young man, you can't talk big. I believe you can let Yu Wei live a life of luxury and wealth. Even if you can't earn a good living for her, it's not forced. But when you say you absolutely won't take a concubine, can you really do that?"

  "This is naturally possible! A gentleman's word is his bond, and it cannot be taken back even with a team of four horses. I won't make any vows either, they are all false. Lord Yan, if you don't believe me, shall I draw up a written agreement for you?"

  Yan Yuwei looked at Fan Yicheng with surprise and emotion: "How come I didn't know about the things you were discussing?"

  Fan Yicheng smiled and said: "These are all things that I discussed with your father-in-law in private. You wouldn't know about them, of course."

  Xu Mingjin asked: "Then what else did you talk about?"

  Fan Yicheng said, "After he knew my true feelings for Yu Wei, he focused on testing my knowledge. It was as if he was treating me like a student and questioning me. But I haven't touched books in years, only dealing with abacuses." Fan Yicheng sighed, "Fortunately, the foundation from when I studied is still there, so it wasn't completely impossible to answer his questions. After he finished testing me, he sighed and said, 'What a pity! If you hadn't gone astray back then and had continued to study hard for a few more years, you could have obtained a government position!' I replied, 'Now that I'm older, I just want to make money to support my family, I no longer have those grand ambitions.'"

  "Yan Daren was displeased as soon as he heard this: 'This is not right! There are people who can pass the imperial examination at a young age, but they are rare and few in number. Most people have to struggle for many years before they can pass the exam, and some people are still taking it even when they're middle-aged. Even white-haired old men are humble enough to seek knowledge. How old are you? You're not even thirty yet, and you're speaking too soon!' He said with a heavy heart: 'Yi Chen, although your past is not commendable, who can guarantee that they will never make mistakes in their lifetime? As long as you've changed, it's fine. Knowing one's mistakes and changing is the greatest virtue. Yu Wei said that you not only opened an embroidery shop in Liu Cheng, but also in the capital city. In a few years, you'll definitely be able to regain your family's business. But who made this possible? The future second imperial concubine, without her, there would be no you today. Shouldn't you do something to repay her? If you can pass the exam and become an official in the future, wouldn't that be a great help to her? A married-out daughter is only good if her natal family is strong, so she can live well in her husband's household. This is true for ordinary women, let alone Xu Liu Miss who will marry into the imperial family."

  Xu Mingjin smiled and said: "Did you agree with him?"

  Fan Yicheng said: "At that time, after hearing the words of my father-in-law, I was suddenly enlightened. But this matter is too big, and I didn't answer him immediately. Instead, I went back to think about it for a night and told him the next day. My father-in-law was very pleased and said: 'In that case, I can rest assured to give my daughter to you. However, although you have some talent, you still need to study hard.' I hastily agreed. Then my father-in-law said: 'Although Rain Wei's mother's illness has taken a turn for the better, she still cannot get out of bed. Let's discuss where and how to hold the wedding ceremony.'"

  "I'd like to hear more about it." I said respectfully. My father-in-law was pleased with my attitude, and he stroked his beard, saying: "You'll definitely be going to the capital after the new year, right?" I nodded. My father-in-law said: "Nowadays, buying a house and furnishing it would also be too late, besides, you'll be leaving after the new year, and the house will be empty again. It's a pity, so why not do it this way? You and Yuwei can get married at my place, I'm not asking you to join our family, first, there's plenty of space at home, second, after you two get married, living in the mansion, you'll be able to visit your mother more often, and her illness will also recover faster." I thought about it and felt that his arrangement was reasonable, but unfortunately, Jin'er, you and Mingxuan couldn't attend my wedding, it's really a pity.

  Xu Mingjin smiled and comforted him: "Although I and Mingxuan didn't attend our uncle's wedding, there were relatives of Auntie at the wedding, so it was still lively!"

  Fan Yicheng knew that she understood his ways, and he couldn't help but feel moved in his heart. Xuming Jin looked at him with disdain, smiling as she asked: "Uncle, was the wedding very lively?"

  Fan Yicheng smiled and said, "Of course it was lively! The county magistrate had specifically written my own name on the invitation card. And he made it clear that I am now a big boss in the capital! People from all over the countryside heard that the former wastrel of the Fan family had become a big boss and was going to marry the county magistrate's daughter, and they were all shocked, with their eyes wide open. Many people thought I had long died in some broken temple! On the day of the wedding, the whole town came out. Even those who didn't drink at weddings wanted to take a look at me, and when they saw me, many people were very surprised, almost unrecognizable."

  Xu Mingjin smiled and said: "So, Uncle, you've finally gotten a chance to show off! Now they should all be looking at you in a new light, shouldn't they?"

  "How dare you! " Fan Yicheng sneered, "In the past, they looked down on me so much, now one by one they come to fawn on me. I know that each and every one of them is only treating me like this because of Yan Zhifu's face. I just stayed at Yan Zhifu's house for a few months, passed the New Year and then left, who knows what they're trying to curry favor with! I rejected all of them!"

  Xu Mingjin smiled slightly and said, "That's how people are. When you're down on your luck, everyone will kick you while you're down. But when you're successful, everyone will rush to fawn over you and try to curry favor with you. It's just human nature."

  Yan Yuwei suddenly spoke up shyly: "Jin'er, I... can I ask you for a favor?"

  Xu Mingjin became curious, Yan Yuwei had never asked her for anything since they met, this was the first time she spoke up. Xu Mingjin thought to herself, it shouldn't be something difficult to handle, right? She would still be happy to help with small things, but big things... needed to be carefully considered. Xu Mingjin looked up at Yan Yuwei and saw that her face had a very troubled expression, and her heart skipped a beat: could it really be what she had expected? Was it something big?

  Yan Yuwei saw Xu Mingjin's expression and knew she had misunderstood, so she quickly explained: "Jin'er, it's not a big deal! You just need to help me ask one question, that's all."

  Xu Mingjin became curious: "What's going on? Tell me. As long as I can handle it, I'll definitely take care of it for you."

  Yan Yuwei suddenly became evasive and couldn't speak for a long time. The previous straightforwardness and boldness had disappeared without a trace. Xu Mingjin looked at her with suspicion, wondering if this was still the Yan Yuwei he knew before. Had she married someone and lost all her temper? That's impossible, right? Fan Yicheng on the side also asked in doubt: "Yuwei, is there something you can't tell me? I'll help you deal with it too."

  Yan Yuwei looked at him and thought to herself: Fool, if you could do it, would I still need to go ask Jin'er? Fan Yicheng finished speaking and probably also thought of this, awkwardly smiled and asked: "What's the matter?"

  Xu Mingjin was also looking at Yan Yuwei, waiting for her to speak.

  Yan Yuwei was stared at by Xu Mingjin and Fan Yicheng without blinking, feeling uneasy in her heart. But eventually she plucked up the courage to say to Xu Mingjin: "Jin'er, this matter is really hard to bring up, but for Father and Mother's sake, I have no choice but to say it!" She saw that Xu Mingjin's face didn't show any displeasure, so she put her heart at ease, just about to speak when Xu Mingjin smiled and said: "Aunt, I know what you want to say. Is it true that Lord Yan only has one daughter?"

  Yan Yuwei nodded, very surprised that Xu Mingjin was able to guess this. Xu Mingjin continued: "Lord Yan's term is almost up, right? Now his only daughter has married into the capital. Is Lord Yan thinking of asking me to ask the Second Prince about his next appointment? If it's in the capital, that would be great; if not, I hope the Second Prince can help mediate a bit, isn't that so?"

  Yan Yuwei's face turned bright red, she hadn't expected that Xue Mingjin had guessed almost correctly. She shook her head and said: "No, Father said being an official in the capital is not that easy, he just hopes to be able to stay close to me, even if it's just a small official position in a nearby state or county in the capital city. This way, whether it's him and Mother coming to see me, or I going back to see them, it will all be more convenient."

  Xu Mingjin nodded and said: "This is just a matter of one sentence, don't worry, I've taken note of this matter, I'll help you ask about it later."

  Yan Yuwei was overjoyed, she originally thought Xu Mingjin would agree to help her, but didn't expect him to agree so readily. She slightly opened her small mouth, clearly too excited.

  Fan Yicheng didn't expect that his father-in-law would have such thoughts. But this is also a common human emotion. Yan Zhifu just wanted to be reunited with his daughter, it's not a big deal. However, Yan Yuwei's expression was difficult to read, making him think that Yan Zhifu wanted his daughter to beg Xu Mingjin through the second prince's hands and get a high-ranking official position. Now he understands, Yan Yuwei probably never begged anyone in her life, so when she did for the first time, she felt embarrassed and couldn't speak up, which led to the misunderstanding. Fan Yicheng looked at Yan Yuwei with doting eyes.

  Yan Yuwei saw that neither Xu Mingjin nor Fan Yicheng seemed to blame her, and finally let out a sigh of relief.

  A few more words were exchanged and then Xu Mingjin took his leave and went back.

  Back to the Xu family from the Linglong Pavilion, Xu Mingjin wrote a letter stating what Yan Yuwei had asked for and handed it over to Yuzhu, instructing her to give it to Xuan Yuanze.

  As for this matter, Yu Zhu was a hundred willing to go. After listening to Xu Mingjin's instructions, the letter went out immediately.

  Xu Mingjin sat there, slowly eating a few pastries and drinking a sip of tea. Yu Zhu came back and handed her a letter. Xu Mingjin took it with great interest and opened it.

  Xuanyuan Ze told him in the letter that there was no vacancy in the capital for the time being, but a neighboring town adjacent to the capital was short of a governor, and the place was only ten miles away from the capital. He did have a way to get it for Yan Zhifu, but he didn't know if he was willing to go. After finishing the main topic, Xuanyuan Ze also wrote some poems missing her at the bottom, Xu Mingjin's face turned red after reading them, and she quickly put the letter back into the envelope.

  Xu Mingjin went to Linglong Pavilion the next day and told Yan Yuwei and Fan Yicheng about this matter. Yan Yuwei was overjoyed, saying: "Father had mentioned before that even if he came back to be a small county magistrate here, he would be willing. The governor wants him to come, and he has no opinion. It's only ten miles from the capital, it should take two or three hours to get there, it's really close. Father will definitely agree."

  Xu Mingjin smiled and said: "Aunt, even if they are willing, you should write a letter to ask them. Once it's confirmed that they're really willing, I'll go and have the Second Prince issue an imperial edict. It's just a matter of one or two months, there's no rush." After finishing speaking, Xu Mingjin looked at Yan Yuwei, waiting for her response.

  Yan Yuwei thought for a moment and also felt that this matter couldn't be rushed, so she agreed with Xu Mingjin's view.

  Fan Yicheng suddenly smiled and said: "Jin'er, I have two pieces of good news here. Which one do you want to hear first?" Yan Yuwei's face immediately turned red upon hearing this.

  Xu Mingjin looked at her expression and suddenly understood: "Let me guess, Uncle, are you going to be a father? Am I going to have a little sister or brother?" Xu Mingjin finished speaking and saw that Yan Yuwei's face turned even redder.

  Fan Yicheng nodded and said: "Yes! But there's still one more thing, can you guess again?"

  Xu Mingjin thought for a moment and said: "Could it be that Yuzhi is also pregnant?"

  Fan Yicheng smiled and nodded. Xu Mingjin jumped up laughing: "Uncle, you're pretty quick! I'm really too excited! It's been a long time since I've seen Yu Zhi, I'll go take a look!" As he spoke, he walked out. Fan Yicheng knew that she hadn't seen Yu Zhi for a long time and missed her, so he didn't stop her, but instead instructed his assistant to carefully prepare the carriage to send Xu Mingjin and Yu Zhu to Yu Zhi and Zhang Shuo's new home.

  "On the road, Yu Zhu excitedly said: 'Miss, Yu Zhi has had a child! This is too fast, isn't it?'"

  Xu Mingjin smiled and said, "Yu Zhi is thinking of giving birth to the child as soon as possible and then continuing to serve me in the Wang Mansion. But can I let a mother who has just given birth to a child serve me? At least not until the child is one year old."

  Yu Zhu couldn't help but laugh. The horse carriage was moving, but Xu Mingjin felt a slight unease and asked Yu Zhu: "Why hasn't it arrived yet after such a long time? It's usually very quick, what's going on today?"

  Yu Zhu's smile immediately disappeared as soon as she heard Xu Ming Jin's words. She pushed open the curtain with a serious face and found that it was not the road leading to Yu Zhi's new residence outside, nor was the driver the same person from Ling Long Pavilion. It was a stranger. It seemed that the man had already met with misfortune. Yu Zhu found that this path was desolate. Yu Zhi knew that she and Miss were being tricked, but didn't know who wanted to harm Miss?

  Jade Bamboo took advantage of the driver's momentary distraction to strike him in the back with her palm. The man immediately fell over, and Jade Bamboo quickly grabbed the reins and kicked him out of the carriage. She turned the horse around and headed back in the direction they had come from, but soon discovered that the end of the alley was blocked by several other carriages. There was no way for their carriage to get through.

  Yu Zhu's heart was secretly anxious, but she had to let the horse carriage stop. Xu Mingjin asked in the carriage: "Yu Zhu, why did you stop?" However, as soon as the words fell, a group of gray-clothed masked people walked out from the end of the alley, and the one in front was actually a woman, a very beautiful woman.

  Yu Zhu saw this and angrily said: "Qin Wu, what are you trying to do again?" She was very confused in her heart, why Qin Wu still wouldn't let go of their family's young lady even after she got married?

  Xu Mingjin heard Yuzhu shouting Qin Wu's young lady in the carriage, and he fully understood that this Qin Wu's young lady had not designed to her, so she finally took action personally. She sneered and thought: I'd like to see what kind of tricks you can use! Xu Mingjin lifted the curtain and was about to get off the carriage when Yuzhu stopped him, saying: "Miss, you'd better stay in the carriage! These people are enough for me alone!"

  As soon as the words fell, I heard Qin Wu's young lady, no, it should be Lin Shao's wife, sneering: "It turns out that the future second imperial concubine is just a tortoise hiding behind a maid! Haha!" The laughter was sharp and piercing, Xu Mingjin couldn't bear to cover his ears. But Lin Shao's wife didn't let go of Xu Mingjin, her eyes were like poisonous needles. She smiled coldly: "But what if you hide in the carriage? Do you think it's safe there? Ha! It's just a broken carriage, do you think it can hide you? Xu Liu's young lady? Open your eyes and look around, how many people are here!"

  Xu Mingjin became anxious. But Lin Shao thought that Xu Mingjin was already a turtle in a jar, everything was under her control, so she laughed wildly: "Xu Mingjin! Today is the day you die! Do you think it's impressive to be married by imperial decree? Even if you are married by imperial decree, you still have to live until then!"

  "Go ahead and have your grand spring and autumn dreams!" Yu Zhu sneered, thinking to herself: Fortunately, the Second Prince did not recall those twenty dark guards. She placed her right index finger on her lips and blew a loud whistle. As soon as the sound stopped, a group of dark guards wearing black clothes jumped down from both sides of the roof, all guarding in front of Xu Mingjin's carriage. Xu Mingjin was overjoyed when he saw this, it was simply a heaven-sent opportunity! Great!

  Mrs. Lin was shocked when she saw this scene. She took a look at the black-clad men guarding Xu Mingjin and found that their eyes were piercing, with thick murderous intent surrounding them. Even if she didn't understand anything else, she knew these were top-notch experts. Mrs. Lin regretted seeing this scene, wondering why she hadn't spent more money to hire some high-level experts. Although the number of people on both sides was roughly the same, Mrs. Lin knew that the ones she had hired were not even close to being high-level experts - just a bunch of local thugs. How could they possibly defeat Xu Mingjin's guards? It would be like hitting a stone with an egg. Mrs. Lin fell silent, and the people she had paid to come with her also fell silent. At a glance, these men knew that Xu Mingjin's guards were not something they could handle. As a result, everyone had thoughts of retreating.

  Xu Mingjin didn't make a move, and his hidden guards didn't launch an attack either. The people on the other side didn't move either, and both sides were at a stalemate.

  Xu Mingjin was finally helped down from the carriage by Yu Zhu. She looked at Lin Shao's wife. The moment she saw Lin Shao's wife, she suddenly let out a sigh of admiration: Qin Wu's Miss has become even more beautiful after becoming Lin Shao's wife! But why is this person still so vicious? One plan fails, and another one is born. Xu Mingjin had no sympathy for her at all, only deep-seated disgust.

  Mrs. Lin was also staring at Xu Mingjin, this woman, who was within arm's reach, and she seemed to be able to crush her with just one hand, trampling her underfoot and torturing her mercilessly. Yet, it seemed as if there was always something blocking her way, and every time she thought she had succeeded, Xu Mingjin would effortlessly dodge out of the way. Mrs. Lin gritted her teeth in hatred, while Xu Mingjin stood far away, laughing triumphantly.

  Mrs. Lin still had a point in her heart that she was unwilling to admit, which was that she envied Xu Mingjin from the bottom of her heart and was extremely jealous.

  Xu Mingjin spoke up: "Mrs. Lin, what exactly do you want?"

  I want you dead! I want to slap that beautiful face of yours! I want you to return my brother-in-law to me! I want to whip and torture you, only then can I vent my anger. Can you agree to this? Lin Shao was shouting loudly in her heart. When these words came out of Xu Mingjin's mouth without any emotion, she was enraged! Xu Mingjin's tone when saying these words was indescribably sarcastic! It was as if he was mocking her for being overconfident, and at the same time telling her that she was already Lin Shao, and this lifetime, she would never be with Xuan Yuanze again!

  Mrs. Lin's eyes welled up with desperate tears. Suddenly, an idea surged in her mind - if she couldn't have it, then Xu Mingjin wouldn't get it either! She recklessly ordered the gray-clad men beside her: "Kill her for me! You must kill her!" The gray-clad men hesitated for a moment, but ultimately followed her command and charged towards Xu Mingjin.

  The dark guard in front of Xu Mingjin did not wait for his orders and rushed forward, fighting with those black-clothed men.

  Jade bamboo tightly protected Xu Mingjin behind her and did not join the fighting circle, but her eyes stared at the fighting circle without blinking.

  Mrs. Lin saw this scene and thought that Yuzhu was just an ordinary maid, but she didn't think about it, Yuzhu's eyes didn't have a hint of fear, is this an ordinary maid? An ordinary maid would be lucky not to faint at this time. She saw the black-clad men busy fighting, no one noticed her, so she quietly moved her feet, carrying a dagger, and walked towards Xuming Jin.

  Xu Mingjin had been paying attention to the scene all along, and when she saw Lin Shao walking over, she kindly reminded her: "Don't come over! My maid knows martial arts!"

  Mrs. Lin refused to believe Xu Mingjin's words and continued to push forward. Yuzhu asked, "Miss, will I get into trouble if I kill her?"

  Xu Mingjin hastily said: "You can't act rashly! Behind them is the Qin family! Her aunt is my mother-in-law, if this goes wrong, I'll be the one to suffer in the future! Never mind, just subdue her."

  Jade Bamboo listened and felt discontented. After thinking for a moment, she said: "Miss, then I won't kill her, but giving her some minor punishment should be alright, shouldn't it?"

  This is acceptable. Xuming Jin also disliked this Lin Shao very much in her heart, so she nodded and said: "Okay."

  At this time, Lin Shao had already approached this side, she took out the dagger from her arms and held it high in her hand. In fact, the dark guards on that side had seen this scene a long time ago, but with Yu Zhu there, they didn't worry about Lin Shao being able to harm their master at all. However, when they made their move, their actions became more and more fierce, and the people brought by Lin Shao gradually fell to the ground and couldn't get up, fewer and fewer people were left. The remaining ones saw that things were not going well, took advantage of the opportunity to slip away, but how could those dark guards let them go? They killed one by one. Lin Shao was still unaware of this, with only one thought in her mind: to kill Xu Mingjin.

  However, Xu Mingjin saw that scene and smiled: "Mrs. Lin, turn your head and take a look, the people you brought with you are all lying down."

  "I wouldn't fall for that!" Mrs. Lin sneered, "You think you can use such a childish trick on me? I'm not an idiot!" But as soon as she finished speaking, she suddenly realized something was off - the sound of clashing swords behind her had stopped. The silence was terrifying. A huge sense of panic rose up in her heart, and she thought to herself: Could it be... that all the people she brought with her have been defeated? She tried to turn her head to look back, but found that her neck was stiff and couldn't move at all.

  Xu Mingjin saw Madame Lin's expression and knew she had already believed his words. Looking at her fearful appearance, Xu Mingjin felt great, but the next second he started to worry: such a young mistress, couldn't be beaten, scolded, killed or let go, what should he do with her? Forget it, better subdue her first. He threw a glance at Yuzhu.

  Jade Bamboo's divine inspiration allowed her to dodge Lin Shao's attack with a light palm strike, sending the dagger flying out of his hand and causing him to fall to the ground.

  "I say, can't you use a more advanced technique and not knock people unconscious every time?" Xu Mingjin complained: "This will leave marks."

  Jade Bamboo rolled her eyes and said: "There are many ways to make someone faint, anesthesia, knockout drops, being hit with a stick... I couldn't possibly use anesthesia, could I?"

  Xu Mingjin pressed his lips tightly together, looking at Lin Shao's wife on the ground, really didn't know what to do with her. Yuzhu looked at Xu Mingjin's troubled appearance and suggested: "Miss, why not just kill her? Find a place to bury her, no one will know, no one will be aware of it, and get rid of a big trouble!" The dark guards on the side all showed a very approving expression.

  Xu Mingjin disagreed, that was a life! Xu Mingjin couldn't do such a thing as trampling on human life. But she also hated Lin Shaonai to death, even after getting married, she still thought of ways to take her life! After thinking for half a day, Xu Mingjin felt that it would be better for Xuan Yuanze to handle this matter, after all, wasn't Lin Shaonai his cousin?

  Xu Mingjin said to those dark guards: "You take her back and let your master deal with her!" After that, he took Yu Zhu and prepared to leave.

  "You are our master!" The twenty dark guards said in unison.

  Xu Mingjin was startled, and she said with a mix of anger and amusement: "Then can you hand her over to the Second Prince? By the way, have a few people escort us two back."

  "Yes!" Those dark guards replied in unison. Then they divided into two groups, one group went to lift Lin's wife, and the other came to Xu Mingjin's face, looking at her and Yuzhu getting on the carriage. Xu Mingjin suddenly remembered and said: "What about that coachman? Yuzhu, did you just knock him out or kill him?"

  Jade Bamboo had already sat down in the driver's seat. Upon hearing this, he furrowed his brow and said: "He just fainted, that's all. How is it, miss? Do you still want him to drive?"

  Xu Mingjin smiled and said: "That's exactly what I mean. I don't believe he still dares to do anything to me now."

  Yu Zhu sighed and shook his head, getting off the carriage to find that carman. The carman had actually woken up early and saw the fight on this side, so he pretended to be dead by lying on the ground. Now hearing Xu Mingjin's order, he knew he couldn't escape today. He crawled out of the ground with his knees and feet, and knelt down in front of Xu Mingjin's carriage: "Miss, spare my life! Miss, spare my life! My family has an 80-year-old elderly mother at home, and a three-year-old child, please have mercy on me!"

  Xu Mingjin burst out laughing and said: "Look at you, you're only 16 or 17 years old, but your mother is over 80? She's too amazing, giving birth to you at the age of 60+, that's not simple!"

  That person knew he had misspoken and hastily said: "Yes, it's Grandma."

  Xu Mingjin remained noncommittal.

  Xu Ming did not bother to argue with him and directly said: "Drive me back to Xu Fu."

  That person didn't dare to complain, nor did he dare say anything else. He meekly got on the horse carriage and respectfully sent Xu Mingjin back to the Xu residence. Xu Mingjin didn't make things difficult for him and directly went in. That person was relieved in his heart: It seems that this Sixth Miss Xu is going to let him off. However, when he drove the carriage on the empty street, a dagger suddenly flew over and stabbed him right in the chest.

  Xu Mingjin returned to the Xu mansion, exhausted and weak all over, without a single ounce of energy left. Yuzhu helped her take a bath in the bathroom, and when she came out, the table was already filled with a full spread of dishes, steaming hot. Xu Mingjin was truly hungry at this point, walked over and sat down, Autumn Cloud served Xu Mingjin a bowl of duck blood noodle soup, smiling: "Miss, today's soup tastes not bad, try some."

  Xu Mingjin scooped up a spoonful, drank it, and then smiled: "Not bad." She slowly finished the soup in the bowl. When Qiu Yun was about to refill her bowl again, Xu Mingjin refused, saying: "One bowl is enough, Yuzhu, you and Qiu Yun come sit down and eat too!"

  Qiu Yun and Yu Zhu knew her temper, so they didn't say anything and sat down. Anyway, there were only the three of them in this house. No one else knew what was going on.