VGAFH 90

It has been a busy month! Lots of drama in RL from people quitting at work and I filled in to participate in summer events to family trouble and career searching. Thank god I stock up some chappies, otherwise, I wouldn't be able to reach this month target release. Next month, I will have to drop back to the starting point, 4 releases.

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90. Rescue (part 2)

Madam Wang trembled in fury and ferociously shot daggers at Hua Jin Tao. If it weren't for personal maid, Yin Shuang's arm, there was a risk of flopping down due to anger.

"For real?" Master Wang's eyes lit up as excitement sprouted in his voice.

"Naturally, it's true!" Hua Jin Tao happily declared as she quickly bobbed her head. She said, "Master, do you want to go see?"

Master Wang pondered for a second. The important guest planned to leave Yun He County tomorrow, so the sooner this matter was settled, the better. Once the important guest is pleased, not only will the inventory be cheaper for his store but also,  the style will be more trendy. This meant big business!

"Let's go have a look!" At once, Master Wang became energetic. Then turned to Madam Wang, said, "You go sleep by yourself first! I have some matter to take care of!"

Madam Wang hated that she couldn't eat up Hua Jin Tao. But she knew she can't voice out objection at this time now that her husband has already spoken out. Otherwise, it'll have a reverse effect.

She pushed herself to raised the corner of her lips to bare out a smiling face. She inclined her head, responded, "Go then, Master! Don't catch a cold! Yin Shuang, quickly fetch a cloak over!"

Hua Jin Tao couldn't resist stealing a glance at Madam Wang. She curled her lips in disdain, 'What endurance she got! But so what? All she can do is endure!' 

Yin Shuang swiftly brought a silky brown feathered cloak with gold edge out. Madam Wang personally put it on Master Wang's shoulder, smiled, "Master, go ahead now! Rest early, don't tire yourself too much!"

Master Wang was very pleased with how virtuous his wife was. He nodded with an "En" an then took Hua Jin Tao with him.

After Master Wang and Hua Jin Tao left, Madam's expression sank with a snap. Carrying a scowl, she sat down and spitefully scolded, "That little slut is too arrogant. Sooner or later, this madam will do my most to vent out this vexation with interest as well! You go, check what tricks that slut is up to!"

Yin Shuang knew this instruction meant to go stealthily watch and eavesdrop. This wasn't the first time. She answered and hastily left.

Actually, Lian Fang Zhou woke up during the journey. It's just that she dare not act rashly.

She secretly sighed out in relief when she was laid in the room. She thought her opportunity to escape had arrived, but unexpectedly, that maid and old woman stood guard by her side.   Her mind cried out in distress. She can only continue to wait and see what happens.

   

"Master, it's here! Take your time!" Hua Jin Tao charmingly curled her lips slightly. Xiao Yao-er and that old woman hastily stood up to go open the door.

Lian Fang Zhou immediately relaxed the hand which was clenched at her side.  She dared not act carelessly.

Some footsteps came closer and mixed among it were a heavy rouge scent. Lian Fang Zhou slightly held her breath.

"It's her?" It was a middle-aged man's voice.

"Yes, Master. Do you think she's suitable?" An endearing young woman's voice sounded out. It was Hua Jin Tao, but Lian Fang Zhou doesn't recognize who she is.

After a moment, she heard the man grunt in satisfaction. He beamed, "Tao-er is very capable. This girl is quite dewy, her appearance is a good draw, and her skin is white! Haha, not bad, not bad at all!"

At these words, Lian Fang Zhou felt sick. She can approximately guess why they have captured her.

Hua Jin Tao began simpering and appealingly said, "Naturally, this concubine will put master's matter in first priority! Isn't this why this concubine dare not waste a single moment and hurry back so late in the night!"

  

Master Wang had lost his head in exhilaration and forgot to ask. Now that Hua Jin Tao reminded him, he then questioned in puzzlement, "If you didn't mention it, I would have forgotten. Out of nowhere, why did you persist on returning in the middle of the night?"

  

Hua Jin Tao paused. It goes without saying, she won't tell the truth. After all, the truth wasn't so pleasant to hear! She daintily complained, "Initially I planned to return early tomorrow morning! However, I couldn't get Master's matter out of my mind! Since I couldn't sleep, might as well come back! Master, is it wrong for me to come back ahead of time?"

"No! Not wrong!" Master Wang did not suspect anything with her explanation. He smilingly exclaimed, "It's that you're back! Haha, did you know,  Boss Xiao is going to leave Yun He County tomorrow afternoon? Originally, I was worried about what kind of present to prepare for him! Your return was perfect timing! Haha!"

Hua Jin Tao heard this and was overjoyed at the unexpected news, she clapped in delight and said, "Such a coincidence! This concubine and Master have, what that phrase--"

   

"Our hearts that beat in unison!" Master Wang heartily laughed.

"Right! Right! Our hearts beat in unison!" Hua Jin Tao delicately smiled. She continued to giving flatters, making Master Wang even merrier.

"Why is this person still asleep? What's happened?" Suddenly Master Wang slightly frowned in doubt and questioned.

Hua Jin Tao lightly coughed, and lightly brushed over it with a smile. "This matter was decided by this girl's elder. The girl is a bit unruly, so her elder decided it's much more convenient to have her unconscious! Master, didn't Boss Xiao say he likes lively girls? Isn't this just perfect! Hehe, it couldn't be that a big boss like him can't even tame a rural girl?"

   

Master Wang paused then laughed it off, not take it too seriously. He spoke, "Since it's like that, early tomorrow, wake her up. Send someone to help bathe her and change into pretty clothes. Need to dress up well!"

Hua Jin Tao quickly acknowledged with a smile. Afterward, she coyly called 'Master!' and then supported Master Wang to return to the bedchamber to rest.

After hearing these words, a fire welled up in Lian Fang Zhou's heart. Now that they were leaving, she secretly let out a breath and wished for them to hurry up.

Tomorrow morning, they'll send her over to whatever Boss Xiao's place. Afraid at that time, no matter whether she's awake or not, they will send her away. Meaning, the time she can use is quite limited.

 

However, Heaven has no eyes. At that moment, some dust floated down from the ceiling and landed on Lian Fang Zhou's nose. Her nose immediately started itching. She endured it with all her might, but in the end, she wasn't able to restrain herself. 'ACHOO!' A resounding sneeze resonated.

This sudden sneeze startled Master Wang, Hua Jin Tao and the servants. Few pairs of eyes simultaneously looked over at her.

  

"So, you were awake! It's great that you're awake!  Xiao Yao-er, Wu ma, you guys properly serve her! Miss Lian is an important person!" After coming out of her shocked state, Hua Jin Tao instructed with a sneer, clearly not taking Lian Fang Zhou seriously at all.

From her viewpoint, this was her own ground, so naturally, it was she who was in charge! Just an insignificant rural girl, how could she place her in her eyes?

Xiao Yao-er and Wu ma jointly responded, "Yes!"

Lian Fang Zhou's heart sank. She knew once this moment passed, she won't have another chance! Because she was on her own here, there was no one else that can help her!

She swiftly turned her body and sat up. Not waiting for everyone to react, she flew like a wind toward Hua Jin Tao. Without warning, she pushed Master Wang away, then pulled Hua Jin Tao over, prised a golden hairpin out of Hua Jin Tao's hair and held it to her neck. She yelled, "Don't move! Otherwise, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

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VGAFH 89

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89. Rescue (part 1)

“Quickly stand up!” Ah Jian swiftly bent down, forcefully pulled him up. Softly spoke, “Rest assured, I will definitely rescue her! Calm down, okay? This issue isn’t as big as the sky falling down!”

Lian Ze blanked out, raised his to gaze at Ah Jian and his mind slowly settled down.

“Really?” Brother Ah Jian said it’s not as big as the sky falling down. But in his opinion it was.
   
“En,” Ah Jian nodded and declared. “Let’s go, we return first! Have a discussion! You got to believe your sister. She’s not someone who easily let the people who schemed her do as they like.”
  
“En!” The knot in Lian Ze heart loosened a lot, he lightly dipped his head.
  
The two of them returned home, found Aunt Zhang was also there. Initially, they planned to head to Aunt Zhang's home and let them know not to worry them. Now it saved them a trip.
   
“You’re back! Oh, where’s Fang Zhou?” Aunt Zhang, Third Aunt, and the two little ones stood up. Not seeing Lian Fang Zhou, they all started wondering.
   
Lian Ze’s eyes reddened, lowered his head, his lips moved, but no sound came out. He was terrified that he would burst into tears when he makes a sound.

Ah Jian swept a glance at everyone then spoke, “Bump into trouble. But rest assured, I’ll save and bring her back……”
  
At word 'trouble' and 'save', Third Aunt and Aunt Zhang heart clenched. When Ah Jian finished, both their face whitened at once.
  
Lian Che and Lian Fang Qing half understood and half didn’t, but observing everyone expression, they knew something terrible happened. Both of their lips slanted, and couldn’t help but to start whimpering.
  
“That goddamn old b***h! Heartless b**tard! She actually committed this kind of wicked thing” Third Aunt broke into cursing. As she comforted the two little ones, she declared in vex, “I'm going to settled this with her now!”
   
“Third Aunt, you can't” Ah Jian rushes to interject. “Before Fang Zhou come back, don’t say a word about this matter outside and also don’t go causing trouble. When Fang Zhou return, we can discuss what to do!”

“Correct! What Ah Jian said is right! That how the matter should be handled!” Aunt Zhang unanimously agreed
   
Third Aunt paused, then it came to her.

If this matter was to be exposed, what reputation would she have left? Even though everyone knew deep down, it was Yang Family going overboard in the dissolved engagement matter and felt pity for her, but to say her reputation wasn’t affected at all would be a lie.

If including this matter, then it was really ---

“Alright! Alright! I was angered silly by that wicked woman!” Third Aunt nodded at once, anxiously said, “This, we better quickly save Fang Zhou ah! What should we do!”

With this said, Aunt Zhang started to be overwrought. Wang Ji Satin and Silk shop’s Wang Family was a well-known wealthy household in town. To go to their house to find her, let’s not mention they aren’t going to admit, even entering their gate was a problem.

“Let me handle that. I’ll enter town right now!”Ah Jian said.
   
Third Aunt and Aunt Zhang looked at each other, spoke words like ‘Be careful on the road!’. Aunt Zhang couldn’t resist asking, “It won't be easy to enter Wang Family’s gate. After you reached the town, do you have any plans?”

Of course, the plan is to enter high, leave high! However, Ah Jian didn’t voice it out, just uttered, “I have my own plan. You can rest assured!”

Entering the town in the middle of the night required the Village head’s written permission; otherwise, the town door won't open. Aunt Zhang and Third Aunt went to handle this matter, saying Lian Fang Zhou caught a fever and needed to invite a doctor from town. Zhang Li Zheng didn’t make it hard for them.
    
Ah Jian’s pace was fast, he entered town about two hours before dawn.

At this time, the streets already had early-rise ground sweepers, and a lot of roadside food stall had opened with the oil lamp on and was being busy.
    
Ah Jian very quickly found out the address of Satin and Silk shop’s Wang Family.

Wang Family’s inner yard has three part: a small garden, a left compound house, and a right compound house. It wasn’t enormous, but it already counts as a rare find in town.

Ah Jian did a simple inspection, then directly head to the stable.

Usually, the driver would live near the stable area as it is more convenient to look after the horse.
  
Ah Jian did not know why he knew these stuff, but he knew it as if it was a natural thing.

He captured the driver and interrogated the direction of the Wang couple and Hua Jing Tao’ s chamber out of him. After he made him faint, Ah Jian got closer to there while it was dark.

As for Hua Jing Tao, she had anxiously speed back to Wang Manor with Lian Fang Zhou, ordered Xiao Yao-er and rough old woman to place Lian Fang Zhou on a couch in her own room’s side room and instructed them to keep watch. While she, rushed to find Master to report happy news.
   
Master Wang and Madam had already asleep. According to rationality, Hua Jing Tao should have brought it up in the next morning, but she was too thrilled. Feeling that she made great achievement and what's more Master dotes on her, she became unbridled.
  
Madam Wang had long seen her as an eyesore. However, her Master likes her, so she can only endure.
  
It went without saying, the maid that took vigil outside Madam Wang’s room dislike Hua Jing Tao as well. So seeing her, who should be back tomorrow, returning in the middle of the night and also haughtily run over to Madam’s bed to find Master. Simply not placing Madam in her eyes!
   
The maid was deeply vexed and wasn’t willing to go notify. Inside and out, her words were pushing Hua Jin Tao away and shooing her away.  Hua Jin Tao was drunk on displaying her achievement, so how could she possibly leave? So she started arguing with that maid at the entrance.

As they dispute, they had woken up Master Wang couple with all the noise.
  
"What is happening here?  Which sane person would endlessly make noise in the middle of the night? If it spread out, what a sight it'll be!" Madam Wang wore a middle garment with a tangerine feather and embroidered outer robe on top and had her hair loosely rolled up. Because she just got out of bed, her two cheeks were still rosy. At the sight of Hua Jin Tao, she extremely furious and gave her a vicious glare.

Normally, Master Wang doted this young, beautiful concubine who knew how to be coquettish and showed worship. However, Madam's words were also logical. He pondered whether he spoiled her too much, so much that she acted like this!

"Why did you come back during the middle of the night? Still not returning to your room? If there's a matter, talk about tomorrow! Go!" Master Wang scowled in displeasure.
   
"Master!"  Hua Jin Tao didn't put Master Wang's expression in her eyes. She quickly grinned, "If it was normally, this lowly concubine dare not disturb Master.  This lowly concubine have an urgent matter to report to Master! Master, please let this lowly concubine speak, it'll only take a few sentences!"
   
"No matter how urgent,  it is in the middle of the night! Why not early tomorrow?" Madam Wang sneered, "Don't use such a small matter to play around! Master is already tired out after a day of work. With this din of yours, how can Master's body take it? Now you're saying you're in the right!"

Hua Jin Tao doesn't take Madam Wang's word seriously. She endured the scolding without changing her expression. Her pupils didn't slant toward her, rather the pair of pretty eyes eagerly looked at Master Wang.
  
Seeing Hua Jin Tao like this, Master Wand sunk into contemplation. Then said, "Speak, what matter do you have?"

"Master!" Madam Wang saw that Master Wand made her lose face in front of a concubine, she felt embarrassed as well as angry.

"Yes." While Hua Jin Tao's brows loosened and eyes smiled. She curtsied, then approached Master Wang and whispered into Master Wang's ear.  It was an obvious display of hiding from Madam Wang.

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VGAFH 88

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88. Interrogation (part 2)

Ah Jian no longer delayed. A 'crack' rang out, Mrs. Qiao's left arm loosely hung down, and in pain, she screamed out. 
  
"Speak or not!" Ah Jian coldly bellowed

Seeing Mrs. Qiao only moan out in pain, he turned his head to Lian Ze, spoke, "Stuff her mouth!"

Unhesitantly, Lian Ze grabbed a nearby cloth from the table, scrunched into a ball, and stuffed it into Mrs. Qiao mouth.
  
Ah Jian placed more strength, Mrs. Qiao's other arm snapped with a crack. He vigorously pushed her, making her fall to the ground. He icily uttered, "If you want to speak, then nod. If not, I'll twist apart your leg joint.  And, persist in not saying, break off your fingers one at a time! Don't believe, then give it a try!"

Lian Li saw the situation, his body stood there shivering.  Both of his legs weakened and dropped onto the ground paralyzed. He wanted to tell Mrs. Qiao to say it quickly, but his teeth clattered when he opened his mouth. Not a whole word was utter out.

It hurt so much that Mrs. Qiao's eyes teared up. She was wrong! Really wrong!

It hurt so much that it felt like she was dying. She had never thought it was possible for one to be in such pain.

Only till this moment, did she understand how incorrect her thoughts were! She believed the guy in front of her definitely have ways to force an answer out of her.

If he were being reasonable, he wouldn't do anything to her; but once he acts unreasonable, what else can she do other than honestly confess!
  
Because she doesn't want to keep being in pain, and even more don't want to become disabled.

Mrs. Qiao tried to look up at Ah Jian, continuously nodded with a teary face.

These were not tears of repent; instead, it's of pain!

Lian Ze swiftly bent down, pulled the cloth out of her mouth, anxious commanded, "Speak at once!"
  
Ah Jian stood there unmoving like a towering mountain, looked down at her from high up.

Mrs. Qiao retched out in disgust for a moment before taking deep breaths. With a face full of sweat and tears, she begged, "It hurts! Can you stop the pain for me first! Stop the pain!" 

Ah Jian remained there motionless, his expression was still cold and aloof.
  
Don't ask why, but he knew to deal with some people, one had to torture her to get the truth. And once she gets a chance to relax, bad water will appear in her stomach again (come up with evil thoughts).
   
Mrs. Qiao despaired. She finally understood that before she speaks the truth, Ah Jian will not stop the pain for her. At that moment, she dared not to demand conditions anymore, endured the pain and jerkily explained all she and Hua Jin Tao done clearly.
   
Before she finished, Lian Ze was so mad that veins popped on his forehead, his fists clenched so tightly that his joint whitened and reddened eyes glared at her with the intent of ripping her apart.
  
"How could you! How could you..." Lian Ze was infuriated to an unexplainable summit, and his mind was filled with resentment and desolate. But he did not know how to curse her.

"What did you say!" Lian Li was also shocked, looked at Mrs. Qiao in disbelief. His voice trembled, "You, you woman, you, what good thing you have done! You got big guts!" 

He had never thought Mrs. Qiao would be so bold. Even though he also dislike Lian Fang Zhou and the few kids and curse them private in couple discussion and said similar words but he never thought of doing it for real.
    
Ah Jian lightly patted Lian Ze's shoulder to remind him to calm down. He coldly watched Mrs. Qiao, "Is what you tell the truth? Not a word of lies?"

"None! None! It's the truth! Really!" Mrs. Qiao's conscious was fuzzy from the pain, and her sight became messy. She only felt her mind was fainting and blackening under the burst of pain assaulting her.
   
This feeling was like being in hell, so how could she possibly dare hide anything.

Ah Jian sneered, "Alright, then swear in the same way! You understand my meaning!"

The meaning was to do the same as she did with Hua Jin Tao, make an oath with her son's life.
  
At once, Mrs. Qiao swore, and despite the pain, she urgently looked at Ah Jian.

Ah Jian disdained her in his heart. He snorted, squatted down and 'Crack! Crack!' Her dislocated arms were returned to normal. He had the intention to teach her a lesson, so when helping her fix them, he purposely made her suffer.
    
"If something happened to my Sister, Surname Qiao, pay with your life!" Lian Ze glared at her with entirely red eyes, turned around to dash out.

Ah Jian icily glanced at them and also turned to leave.

Both of Mrs. Qiao's arm still ached, couldn't use much strength. Seeing that the person already left, her courage returned. After exhausting some effort to sit up on the ground, she squawked, "A beast that has no respect for elders, did you see what he said! That dog deserves to be struck by lightning!"

"You b****!" Lian Li suddenly rushed over, raised his hand, and 'Pa! Pa!' Left and right, he fiercely slammed her two slap, viciously voiced, "You actually dare do this without my knowledge! You, you want to cause the death of me!"
  
Mrs. Qiao covered her inflamed aching cheeks, tearfully clarified, "Didn't you also say by selling that dead girl, you can vent out anger! I successfully did it, why are you now blaming me instead?"

Lian Li threw back, "You call this successful? If it was successful, how could that brat bring that wild man to trespass into our home? If you did it well, how could you end up like this?"

Mrs. Qiao heard that her own man wasn't blaming her for doing this matter, but rather blaming her for not doing it cleanly and cause trouble. Her heart slightly relaxed, she quickly spoke, "How is it not a success? Hua Jin Tao must have reach town by now! Hmph, when they go knocking, the rice already become cooked! What can they do then? Other than accepting it? This matter isn't something glorious, so would they widely spread it around? When it gets out, they'll lose face!"

She venomous bit out, "Just risking one-time suffering to get rid of the detestable lass, this lady find it worth it!"

Mrs. Qiao spiteful scold as she crawled up from the ground, stumbled to sit on a nearby chair.
  
Lian Li glowered at her. His brows pinched as his mind fixed on something else, who knows what he was thinking.

Ah Jian caught up with Lian Ze, grasped his arm, and said, "Let's return first."

"But--"

"Listen to me, let's return first." Ah Jian's tone was firmer. He confidently declared, "Don't worry, even if they want to --, the soonest should be tomorrow. We still have time. Be calmer, nothing will happen to your sister!"
  
The road wasn't easy to travel during the night. When Hua Jin Tao reached home, it was nearly in the middle of the night. The distinguished guest must have already fallen asleep. It would be unreasonable to send someone over in the middle of the night!

"Brother Ah Jian!" When Lian Ze blanked out, he suddenly kneeled down toward him. Kowtowing, he cried, "Save my sister! Please save my sister!"

Lian Ze started sobbing, his shoulders quivered like a leaf in the autumn wind. His suppressed cry was like a whimpering kitten.

He had never come across this situation. He really didn't know what to do! At this moment, his mind was chaotic and frightened. That deep feeling of being at a loss and helpless made him go crazy!

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VGAFH 87

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87. Interrogation (part 1)

"What craziness has gotten into you! You--"

"Speak! Where my sister!?" Lian Ze sternly bellowed, his expression became frosty. A cold, severe stare landed on Lian Li, that gaze dying to dismember him.
 
Lian Li froze. His half-finished scolding literally came to a halt and felt foolish.

"Your sister? What does it have to do with us where your sister is! You saw for yourself, she's not at our home." Lian Li grumbled, his tone has calmed down. Initially, he wanted to say a few vicious words, but seeing Lian Ze was about to erupt into a rage, he judiciously decided not to say too much.
 
"You still deny it!" Filled with resentment Lian Ze glare at Mrs. Qiao. "Someone clearly saw you beckoned my sister to your home!"

"Mrs. Qiao's expression slightly changed, rushed to interject, "What nonsense are you saying! Unless I went crazy, then I would beckon her to my home! And also, I never went out tonight! It's dark, so who knows who went blind and started a rumor! They deserve to be struck by lightning for accusing this old lady!"

 Lian Li heard this, looked at Mrs. Qiao with suspicion, and there was an inkling of doubt in his mind. He can tell Mrs. Qiao was slightly nervous. What's more, when he came back, Mrs. Qiao was standing in the yard.

If nothing happened, why did she stand in the yard for no reason?

Lian Li left thoughts as thoughts, he won't help Lian Ze questioned his own wife. Especially under the situation where Lian Ze was so turbulent.

"You saw for yourself if your sister isn't at this hall, where can she be? If you don't believe me, you can call her!" Lian Li sneered.

Mrs. Qiao heard her husband sticking up for her, her heart slight settled. Her back became uptight and snorted.

"I don't believe you! I'm going to search!" Lian Ze's gaze was anxious as well as chaotic.

"Ha! What a funny joke!" Lian Li was mad, pointed at him, and said, "Who do you think you are? It's enough that you don't think of us as your elder, but you shouldn't also think of stamping us! Lian Ze, aren't you afraid of retribution?"
 
"I will definitely search!" Lian Ze'mind was focused on Lian Fang Zhou, so how could he bother with so much? As he spoke, he intended to dash in.

"Stop right there!"

"Rebelling! Rebelling! Actually rebelling!"

It goes without saying, Lian Li and Mrs. Qiao won't agree, they stepped forward to push and block.

Mrs. Qiao yelled, "You can't search our house, just because you want to. You must give us an explanation if you can't find anything!"

"Kill or cut, do whatever you like!" Lian Ze didn't even wrinkle his brow. He firmly believed Lian Fang Zhou was definitely hidden by them.

"Peh!" Mrs. Qiap spat at the ground, uttered, "Who would kill or cut. I don't desire your life! If you can't search her out, you must apologize and do three dogeza to us in front of everyone. Also, compensate us a hundred silver liang!"

If there's no cash at hand, we can also agree on selling the land and work to pay back.
 
Without any pondering, Lian Ze was going to agree, but Ah Jian found there was something fishy about the matter and lightly pulled him, said, "Stop!"

"What does this matter have to do with you!? What do you think you are! You, an outsider have no right to intervene in Lian Family's matter!" Mrs. Qiao discourteously pointed at Ah Jian and scolded.

Ah Jian's face was calm with no hint of anger, the glow in his eyes was restrained and so deep that one doesn't know where the bottom is. Mrs. Qiao glanced at him and became timid. She unconsciously dodged to the side. Remembering this was her home, she forcefully straightened her own back. A stance of not letting it drop.

Ah Jian steadily took a step toward her,

Instantly, Mrs. Qiao felt a mighty torrent of pressure pressing down on her, making her feel slightly suffocated. She subconsciously retreated backward and stammered, "What, what are you doing! You, you, don't come over!"

Ah Jian didn't bother responding her. In a few steps, he calmly stood an arm-width in front of her, asked, "Where is Fang Zhou?"
 
"How would I know! She's not my family, why bother with her!" Mrs. Qiao screeched back.
 
With a wave of a hand, Lian Li stood upright in front of Mrs. Qiao, glared at Ah Jian, "What are you doing? Do you have a right to speak here? You--"

Ah Jian raised his hand, pushed Lian Li to the side. Lian Li clearly saw his action was very light, but he stumbled back five-six steps before he could regain his stability.

"YOU" He yelled out in fury as he bolted to fight it out with him. Ah Jian swiftly looked over, icy cold eyes gazed at Lian Li, making his heart tremble and legs stood to the ground like a nail.

At this moment, he dared not go forward; instead, he wanted to run far far away!

What he doesn't was that aura was called killing intent and it was one reeked with blood.

Ah Jian turned his head back, still kept on staring at Mrs. Qiao. He lightly spoke, "I'll ask you once more, where is Fang Zhou?"

Mrs. Qiao's panic at the beginning and the forced calmness afterward did not escape Ah Jian's eyes.  And later on, when Lian Ze insisted on searching the house, her certainty let Ah Jian clearly deduce she knew where Lian Fang Zhou is, and it was definitely not in this yard or inside this house.

"I, I don't know," Mrs. Qiao was agitated and mad, so she freaked out and yelled in response.

Ah Jian fiercely grabbed her arm, Mrs. Qiao shrieked out, "What are you doing! What are you doing! Somebody! Save me!"

"Shout, keep on shouting. Best that you called all the villager to come to see the liveliness!" Ah Jian did not withdraw a single bit. Instead, it was just like he said, and the strength in his hand secretly increased.

Mrs. Qiao groaned out in pain. Gritting her teeth, she struggled as she cried out 'Let me go!'. She had lost her former tone.

Fine, even if she wasn't young anymore, she was still a woman! If someone saw her arm being gripped like this by Ah Jian, her name will be affected. And the one who gets laughed at and talked about would be her.

It was obvious that Ah Jian didn't care. However, she does and Lian Li as well.

"Still not talking!" Lian Li bellowed and suddenly forcefully pulled.

"Ah!" Mrs. Qiao shrieked in pain. With great momentum, her body turned and flung away. A clear clang rang out. A snow-white, shiny silver fell out of her pocket and cold light shimmered from it.

Staring at that silver, Lian Li quietly gasped and his expression was vicious when he glared at Mrs. Qiao.

"It's, it's my own!" Startled, Mrs. Qiao was panic-stricken.

"Is that so?" Ah Jian raised a brow, icily spoke, "You're not telling the truth! This piece of silver is around few liang, nobody would carry this much on them for no reason! If you still don't say, then don't blame me for being impolite!"

Mrs. Qiao betted on the fact that Ah Jian and Lian Ze had no evidence, so what can they do anything to her. Even though she was terrified and panicked on the inside, she just had to persist on denying, they can't do anything to her!

She was confident that they dare not take her life!
 
Lian Ze saw those few pieces of silver and heard Ah Jian spoke like this, he bolted over, seized Mrs. Qiao as he shouted, "What did you do to my sister! What did you do to my sister! "

"I have no time to be wordy with you. You won't talk, I have my ways to make you talk!" Ah Jian saw how she can persist on denying, he was also anxious. Seeing those nuggets, he immediately had a bad premonition.
 
Mrs. Qiao twisted her head to the side, sneered.

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VGAFH 86

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86. The search

When the time comes, gift her to the important guest, and he would take her away from Yunhe County. As to whether she becomes ox or horse, acting as a servant and slave, it got nothing to do with them.

“The person is here, the money? Pay me, then the person is yours!” Mrs. Qiao grinningly demanded.

Actually, even without money, she is willing to do it just for the sake of venting out. It goes without saying, receiving cash is even better!

Hua Jin Tao took a cluster of silver nuggets from the purse she always carried and handed to her. “There’s only more, never less! In the future, you can't renege!”
 
“Rest assured! We’re from the same village, familiar head familiar face, so how could I!”Mrs. Qiao affirmed.
 
“That is that this is this, it's better to state it clearly! I’m feeling uneasy. Unless you swear upon your family’s Lian Hai’s life, I won’t believe you!”

Because the two of them don’t know how to write, and this matter was short notice, and they can't find a suitable person to write the indenture. That's why it can only be a verbal agreement.

"To say this!" Mrs. Qiao heard Hua Jin Tao state this, her heart jumped for no reason, and wasn't very pleased. She had repeatedly promised Hua Jin Tao but didn't believe her, and what's more, Lian Li who went out visiting might nearly be back. She had hidden this matter from him, and if he bumps into this, there'll be a lot of trouble. Chances are he wouldn't agree!

Mrs. Qiao had no other way but to swear under Hua Jin Tao’s watch, while her mind cursed Hua Jing Tao.

“Then it's all  good!” Hua Jin Tao heart finally settled down. She merrily said, “I’ll leave now!”

With that, she ordered her maid, Xiao Yao-er to go fetch the driver who had hidden at one side to come in and help carry the person into the carriage.

For this matter, she found an excuse, told her family she got urgent matter and needed to return to the town that night.

Watching the carriage distancing from her own front entrance further and further away as she gripped the silver in her hands, Mrs. Qiao's lips curled up into a sneer. Through clenched teeth, she quietly remarked, "Dead girl, you're gonna get it good! Aren't you mighty? Try act mighty for me to see now!"

“What are you mumbling about?”
 
Out of nowhere, a voice appeared, causing Mrs. Qiao to jump in surprise. She patted her chest as she hastily looked up and saw Lian Li standing there, looking at her strangely. She snapped, “Dead old man, you nearly scared me to death in the dark.”

“What are you doing in the yard in the dark?”Lian Li oddly looked.

“Not, nothing!” Mrs. Qiao looked up toward the sky, evasively replied. “Just, just checking if tomorrow would be a clear day. Well, the sky is pitch black, humid and gloomy, afraid it’ll be an overcast day!”
 
Mrs. Qiao said as she turned to go into the house. She subconsciously gripped the nuggets tightly in her hand and silently hid it in her pocket.

At Lian Family Second branch, Lian Fang Qing already ran over to the entrance, swept a look outside a good few times, her mouth mumbled, “Why isn't Sister back yet? What’s taking her so long?”
 
“You're right! It's dark, so it couldn’t be that she fell on the road?” Third Aunt glanced outside and also commented.
 
“I’ll go look around!” Lian Ze couldn’t stay sitting anymore and stood up. Don’t know why, but he felt unsettled, and his heartbeat was also chaotic.

“I’ll come with you!” Ah Jian spoke.

"You guys, be careful!" Third Aunt grabbed a lit up stick which was wrapped with rosin, passed it to them to use the fire for illumination.

Lian Ze reached out to receive it.

Unexpectedly, when the two of them went to Zhang Li Zheng's home to ask, Zhang Li Zheng and Mrs. Niu were surprised and swiftly responded. "Fang Zhou? She already left for a long while now!  It couldn't be that she dropped into someone else house?"   

Lian Ze's face whitened, pushed to smile as he gave his thanks and left Zhang Li Zheng's home.

"So late in the night, my Sister wouldn't go visiting! My Sister never liked dropping by others home. What's more, besides Aunt Zhang's, she won't rashly go to another's home!" Lian Ze's tone filled with certainty. His mood became even more agitated and disorderly.

Ah Jian lightly patted his shoulder, warmly spoke, "Don't become anxious yet! We'll go to Aunt Zhang's home and have a look! Maybe your sister went there again!"

Lian Ze had no other ideas, so could only incline his head.

Once the two of them arrive at Aunt Zhang's home, they still didn't find Lian Fang Zhou. Lian Ze's expression became even more terrible. He anxiously cried out, "So late in the night, where would my sister go? Could it be something happened!?"

"Aiya! Ah Ze,  guard your tongue! Our village is always very peaceful, what things could possibly happen!" Aunt Zhang quickly interjected.

Ah Jian couldn't help frown as well, mentioned, "Fang Zhou is someone who let us know where she goes, maybe... she did bump into an accident or something. Aunt Zhang, must trouble you to help. Let's split up and look around each home. No matter if we found her or not, we'll meet up in thirty minutes."

Naturally, Aunt Zhang and the others were willing, nodded, and said, "Okay! Let Ah Juan stay at home, we'll go look!"

With no time lost, everyone split up to look.

Less than half an hour, Li San He stopped Lian Ze and Ah Jian at an entrance of someone house. He quickly notified, "Yao Family's aunt at village west said she saw your Aunt pulling Fang Zhou to her home! You guys check--"
   
"Her!" Lian Ze became angry. "To actually forget her house! For her to look for my sister, it's definitely nothing good!"
He thanked Li San He, and with Ah Jian, he hastily rushed over there.

 Li San Ge chased behind them for a few steps and loudly yelled, "Talk peacefully, don't be anxious! If you need any help, come to our home and ask!"

Lian Fang Zhou family's matter with her Uncle and Aunt family isn't something convenient for the outsider to stick into.  So, Li San He couple and their parents didn't follow.
 
Lian Ze twisted his head around and answered, then busily head over.

It was already late in the night, Lian Li and Mrs. Qiao boiled water and prepared to wash up and sleep.

When they heard yard door was thunderously knocked, both were startled.

Mrs. Qiao felt guilty, so was scared til nearly half of her soul left. But thinking back on how tonight's matter was done in complete secrecy, so even if those kiddies of the second branch ask, as long as she firmly denies, they can't do anything to her.

And what's more, Lian Fang Zhou that lass isn't here, meaning those kiddies lost their backbone. How can they create havoc?

"Who's there!" Extremely annoyed, Lian Li yelled on top of his lung.

Lian Ze was deeply infuriated, didn't bother speaking, use his arms and legs simultaneously and started to kick the door.

"Bastard, what do you want to do in the middle of the night!" Lian Li rushed out in towering rage and noisily pulled opened the door bar. When he saw Lian Ze and Ah Jian, he froze and could not vent out. With an icy expression, he bellowed, "Lian Ze, I see you are becoming more and more disrespectful--- Ai! What are you doing!?"
   
Without waiting for his sentence to finish, Lian Ze pushed him aside and directly barged inside.
 
Lian Li wanted to stop him but was held by Ah Jian and was pushed lightly to the side.  While he was staggering, Ah Jian followed Lian Ze in giant strides.

"What are you doing! Late in the night, you barge into my home for what? What madness are you having!" Exasperated, Lian Li rushed over as he burst into a holler.

Lian Ze did not find Lian Fang Zhou, abruptly stopped, his gaze coldly swept to the two people. "Where's my sister? What did you do to my sister!"

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VGAFH 85

Second July chap! This one makes me so mad!

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85. Fell prey to a plot.

After she left, Mrs. Niu couldn't resist blurting out, "From what I see, this girl might have become foolish! If there were really such a great matter, ordinary people like us would never have a chance! Don't whom she was deceived by, but her guts aren't small! Isn't she afraid of suffering a loss?  However, this way is good, haha, we'll sell our portion of forty-fifty jin to her. Not only do we solve a problem, but also earn a hundred wens!
  
Zhang Li Zheng gaze was deep, after pondering, he spoke, "We'll sell half of our share of seeds. For the other half, en, leave it to try ourselves!

"Ah? That can't do! Planting food is much better, why plant those unreliable things!" Mrs. Niu immediately widened her eyes and disagreed.

The couple had a round of argument. In final result of the discussion was keep two jin to experiment. After those cotton seedlings sprout out, Mrs. Niu found them more displeasing the more she saw it. And called her son to eradicate them all and change to soya bean. Zhang Li Zheng scolded her a bit and let it be.
  
After coming out of Zhang Li Zheng's home, Lian Fang Zhou was in a cheerful and excited mood. Her steps were more light-hearted. The evening wind carried a cold chill, but she didn't feel it.

Just the thought of the matter is in progress, she can't control her happiness.

'The seeds mater is mostly settled.  Next, need to look at the field, and then afterward, can check how much seeds is short... For the ground, got to hire a few people to give it a simple sorting out. Wait until after year-end when spring come, buy a few honest and hardworking ones.'

'Also, the spinning wheeling to spin the cotton, don't know if there is a big difference between the modern one. And the tool for cottonseed removal needs to be made as well.'
   
She had seen these things before in her previous life, but undoubtedly, she doesn't know how to make them. Have to inquire a professional craftsman, they should be able to make it according to her description!
  
Lian Fang Zhou couldn't help be thankful, due to her frequent visits to the countryside for data collection and research work in her previous life. And her interest toward the nearly extinct tools and skills. When she chanced upon them, she would always take a closer look and ask for an outline. Never thought it would come in handy now!

Imagining the vast profit gained from next year hefty harvest of cotton, Lian Fang Zhou's delight on her face deepened.

"Fang Zhou ah, it's you right!" Out of nowhere, a middle-aged woman's voice rang out, startling Lian Fang Zhou and affected her happy mood a lot.

Because the middle-aged woman that stopped her was Mrs. Qiao.

"Aunt ah, is there something the matter?" Lian Fang Zhou indifferently asked.

She had some suspicion, "Did she know I went to borrow money? Have ideas on it? Hmm, even Mrs. Niu had a faint idea, let alone Mrs. Qiao? Third Aunt, that blabbermouth! It was no use to repeatedly warned her!

"Hehe, there is a small matter!" Mrs. Qiao grinned and said. "It really cold here, let's go over to Aunt's place! Your Uncle and I have some things to say!"

"Aunt got something to say then say it here! It's late, I need to head back!" Lian Fang Zhou stated.

"Oh, why act so distant with Aunt? It's just a few steps away, why can't you go to Aunt's home? Don't worry, it's only a few words. Once said you can leave, it won't delay you a lot! What? Afraid hat Aunt would eat you?" Mrs. Qiao smiled. 

Lian Fang Zhou observed her. She felt Mrs. Qiao's attitude today was so nice that it was a bit odd!

She can't decline, and could only be pulled over there by Mrs. Qiao. Anyway, she had already made up her mind, 'If she wants to trick her and want money, no way!'
  
"Fang Zhou ah, mind your feet! It's dark here, don't trip over......"
   
Entering the courtyard, Mrs. Qiao nagged behind her back.

Lian Fang Zhou subconsciously looked down to watch the ground. Suddenly the back of her head was hit by something heavy, and her body swayed. She could only have time to glare at Mrs. Qiao fiercely before she flopped down and enter into the endless darkness.
   
"Dead girl, who told you to act so sharp-tongue! Act so mighty! Have a taste of this lady's might, hmph!" Mrs. Qiao casually threw away her wooden stick, clapped her hands, and sneered.
  
At this time, two people slowly came from behind a pile of firewood at the side. From silhouette, it was a young married woman and an accompanying maid.
  
"Is this appropriate? There won't be trouble, right?" The young woman quietly spoke.

"Don't worry!" Mrs. Qiao hearty laughed and said with complete confidence, "I'm her direct Aunt, I can decide! Hmph, also, it's allowing her to live in ease and comfort. Isn't it wonderful to be decked in gold and silver? It's better than digging the soil for food! Wait until she understands that, she'll thank me!" 

Finished speaking, the to exchange gaze and quietly burst into waves of laughter.
  
Wait until she understands. Might as well say what's done is done and raw rice is already cooked!
  
This young woman was the county town's Wang Ji satin and silk shop manager's concubine, called Hua Jin Tao.


 This Hua Jin Tao and the recently married to Yang Huai Shan, Hua Xiao Hua are cousins from father side. She came back yesterday to join in on Hua Xiao Hua's wedding feast.

Mrs. Qiao saw that Hua Jin Tao was wearing gold and silver, and wore make-up, looking neat and beautiful. Those shiny gold bracelets on her wrist were at least a width of a finger, appears to be very thick and solid. Also, she got a maid serving her. It's a difference between sky and ground to when she previously stayed at home. She couldn't resist envying.

A thought came to her, hypocrisy and audacity were birthed. She implemented several ideas to get closer to Hua Jin Tao. Her words filled with innuendo, the meaning was asking Hua Jin Tao, if she knew anyone in town looking for a concubine? She wanted to introduce one to Lian Fang Zhou.
  
Hua Jin Tao's mind moved. Her home received an important business guest. Two evenings ago during a drink, he mentioned to her family master that going to the store too much, now there's nothing fresh. He wanted to have a taste of an authentic countryside girl and half-jokingly asked master if he knows any connection?
  
Lian Fang Zhou? That girl got pretty good features; delicate brows, beautiful face structure and also pretty white skin. More importantly, she's authentic!

What's more, she's parentless, got her engagement dissolved by her cousin's husband family and lost her reputation. This matter was also decided by her direct Aunt. An excellent choice to mold. And even if by some tiny chance it was exposed, the blame won't fall onto her head!

Let alone, there's no one willing to help her seek justice!
   
It's like a godsend pillow when you're about to doze! Hua Jin Tao was overjoyed on the inside for a while.

However, she lived in the town for over a year now. She also learned about reading a person's thought from their face. Her mind was most definitely willing, but her expression doesn't show a hint of it. She just used some ambiguous words to bait Mrs. Qiao's appetite, making Mrs. Qiao enduring the itching in her heart.
   
In the end, it goes without saying the two came into agreement. And the Hua Jin Tao seized the hold, dropping the price very low to only five silver liang!

Hua Jin Tao was feeling thrilled on the inside. With just five liang, she bought a giant favor. Master will definitely dote her! That yellowed-face woman can go sleep in the storeroom!

As to whether Lian Fang Zhou is willing or not, both her and Mrs. Qiao doesn't think it's a matter!
   
Woman ma, no matter how strong personality they have, as long as their body been taken advantage by a man, they can only resign to one fate! Under the sky, how could there be so many chaste, fiery girl?
   
Pitiful Fang Zhou little sis, your firmly believed bitterness is finished, sweetness will begin ah--

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