Bang!
A loud noise drew curious and inquiring glances from passersby.
The carriage suddenly began to shake violently, with thumping sounds occasionally mixed with a man’s rapid breathing. From the outside, it was quite a spectacle!
Some recognized the Hua family’s carriage, and excited whispers spread through the crowd.
Inside the carriage, the two were grappling fiercely. An Jiu desperately wanted to use a killing move, but she knew that murdering the Prime Minister’s son in public would lead to a manhunt. Not only would she be unable to join the Konghe Army, but with her current abilities, she likely wouldn’t evade capture for long. So she couldn’t act recklessly.
Hua Rongjian, who had spent years in the company of courtesans, had never fought with a woman before meeting An Jiu. Of course, no woman had dared to lay a hand on him either. For some inexplicable reason, every encounter with An Jiu ended in a scuffle. Yet, fighting with all his might seemed ungentlemanly, while holding back meant taking a beating.
Ultimately, Hua Rongjian believed it was all because she was too violent, always ready to throw a punch.
“Mei Fourteen, let’s call it quits,” Hua Rongjian suggested.
Hearing this, the people on the street grew even more excited! It seemed it wasn’t Young Master Hua being aggressive, but the formidable woman!
In the relatively conservative Song Dynasty, this was quite the gossip material!
The carriage driver felt extremely awkward and quickened the pace. After about fifteen minutes, they finally passed through the city gate.
“Young Master, we’ve left the city,” the driver reminded.
Hua Rongjian smoothed his clothes and glared at An Jiu. “Shrew.”
“If you have something to say, say it quickly. I’m busy,” An Jiu replied, adding a long string of words in one breath. “The Mei family is practically extinct now, with no value to exploit. You don’t need to pester me. Besides, there are several eligible Mei daughters left. You can marry any of them. I was never interested in marriage, to begin with, and I’m even less interested in marrying you.”
“Who says the Mei family is extinct?” Hua Rongjian ignored her last sentence. “Not only is the Mei family not extinct, but the Lou family isn’t either, at least not yet.”
An Jiu thought briefly and realized he was referring to the Mei and Lou family members still in the Konghe Army. The Hua family wanted to utilize this force. They didn’t care how many Mei family members were left publicly.
More importantly, there was a crucial point An Jiu hadn’t considered: people have always feared being rootless. Especially for those existing like ghosts, the Mei family members in the Konghe Army wouldn’t let the Mei family disappear. If An Jiu were the only one left, they would make her the family head, making marrying her even more useful.
The same applied to the Lou family.
“We’ve received news that the Emperor intends to issue a decree for an arranged marriage. It’s a Mei family daughter named Mei Rushan. Have you heard of her?” Hua Rongjian smiled, speaking of a chilling scheme. “She’s also from the main Mei branch, currently serving in the Konghe Army’s Imperial Guard, stationed at the palace.”
“They occasionally serve in the Emperor’s bedchamber. She’s using the title of Mei Tenth Miss. Quite disgusting, isn’t it?” Hua Rongjian expressed extreme dissatisfaction with the Emperor’s handling of the matter.
Mei’s Tenth Miss was Mei Ruhan, who had once been close to Mei Ruyan and had perished during the attack on the Mei family.
Daughters of noble families were usually kept secluded. Outsiders only knew their rank, not their given names, so calling Mei Rushan “Mei Tenth Miss” wouldn’t raise suspicions. Moreover, with an imperial marriage decree, it would be so regardless of the truth, and even if someone discovered the truth, they wouldn’t dare expose it.
When those in power act shamelessly, whoever resists suffers.
“You find it disgusting?” An Jiu questioned his logic. “When you visit brothels, the women you sleep with have been with countless men. Don’t you find that disgusting? Also, you’ve been with so many women, that whoever marries you would find it quite revolting. For someone like you, what’s the basis for finding others disgusting?”
“Tch! Who says I must be sleeping when I take off my clothes? Can’t I just be bathing? Does visiting a brothel necessarily mean doing that? Which eye of yours saw me visiting prostitutes?” Hua Rongjian was displeased with An Jiu’s sharp words. “Is being romantic the same as being a scoundrel?”
“When you need to relieve yourself and happen to see a latrine, you wouldn’t just go in and come out without using it, would you?” An Jiu didn’t believe a word he said. “Physiological needs must be met. No one’s judging you. I’m not interested in this topic. Get to the point.”
Hua Rongjian felt a surge of anger he couldn’t express. He exhaled heavily and said, “My elder brother’s first wife was a spy sent by the Emperor. Later, when my sister-in-law developed feelings for my brother and betrayed the Emperor, she was secretly executed…”
Hua Rongtan was a devoted husband. Even knowing his wife was a spy, he still loved her dearly after marrying her. At first, it was just for show, but over time, genuine feelings developed. He was a reserved man, but his care was like a gentle, silent rain. Once he committed to a woman, he did his utmost to protect her. Unfortunately, facing imperial power, he was ultimately powerless. To this day, he still grieves for not being able to protect his wife back then.
After listening, An Jiu stared at him and commented impartially, “So it was one bad apple spoiling the whole barrel. I’ve misjudged the Hua family.”
She was implying that he was the bad apple.
“A dog’s mouth can’t produce ivory,” Hua Rongjian, now somewhat numb to her insults, continued, “Recently, due to the assassination attempts on the Mei and Lou families, the Emperor has temporarily withheld the marriage decree. So I want to marry a Mei daughter before that happens. If both my brother and I marry Mei women, the Emperor will surely be suspicious.”
He was betting that the current Emperor lacked such resolve.
Hua Rongjian leaned back, assuming an arrogant posture. “As for the other surviving Mei daughters, I’ve managed to glimpse them all, and you’re the most attractive.”
“And then?” An Jiu asked.
“Marrying me certainly has its benefits,” Hua Rongjian said. “I can help your mother escape from the Konghe Army.”
This was a shortcut, and it would be a lie to say An Jiu wasn’t tempted at all. After all, she knew little about the Konghe Army and wasn’t confident in rescuing Mei Yanran. However, she had never considered trading herself, and couldn’t immediately judge her feelings on the matter. “I’ll think about it.”
“Take your time, there’s no rush,” Hua Rongjian smiled, pouring a cup of tea, as if certain she would agree.
An Jiu stood up and jumped off the carriage.
Hua Rongjian paused, hurriedly set down his teacup, and leaned out, calling after An Jiu’s retreating figure, “Don’t take too long though!”
In the desolate wilderness of early spring, withered grass swayed in the wind. Hua Rongjian watched the slender figure on the road, who didn’t look back but raised a middle finger.
“One day or one month?” Hua Rongjian thought she was indicating how long she needed to consider.
An Jiu quickened her pace, ignoring him.
Hua Rongjian urged the driver to catch up with her. “I’m asking you a question! Would it kill you to answer?”