Chapter 96◇

◎Who exactly misunderstood?◎

Shi Fusheng's smile cracked, and his clear voice became tinged with a hint of gritted teeth: "Yes, that's right, I'm drinking artificially fanned drinks."

After saying that, he increased the force of his fan, and his smooth hair flew around in the wind, making him look somewhat fierce.

Duan Jingchuan's lips twitched, swallowing the laughter that was about to burst forth from his chest and stomach, and said seriously, "Brother Shi, then we shall part ways here. We shall meet again if fate allows."

He had been thinking about how to get rid of Shi Fusheng, whose presence always made him uneasy.

It wasn't that he doubted Feng Ran would treat him differently, but rather that he feared his appearance would bring uncontrollable changes to their peaceful life.

Now that it has been confirmed that he is from Ancheng, he naturally will no longer follow them. Duan Jingchuan was happy to see this happen and couldn't wait to say goodbye.

Shi Fusheng looked at Duan Jingchuan with great interest, who was radiating a kind of "I'm very happy" aura. He mischievously said, "I've finally met my sister, so I should spend more time with her. Doesn't my brother-in-law welcome this?"

The way he was called "brother-in-law" gave Duan Jingchuan goosebumps. He resisted the urge to shrug. He sensed a hint of seriousness in Shi Fusheng's joke and knew that he was determined to stick with them. So he said no more, making it clear that while he wouldn't kick him out, he definitely wouldn't welcome him.

Feng Ran had just adopted a group of younger brothers and sisters, when unexpectedly, an older brother appeared out of nowhere. She rolled her eyes, then suddenly raised her palm and said matter-of-factly, "Brother, you missed your sister's wedding, so shouldn't you make up for it with this gift?"

Shi Fusheng almost laughed out of anger. He had seen firsthand how shameless his adopted sister was. But was it really that easy to take what he had?

"Little sister, how can you be sure you'll only get married this once in your life? I'll make it up to you when you get married next time."

Upon hearing this, Duan Jingchuan revealed a horrified expression, as if he wanted to devour Shi Fusheng.

Shi Fusheng didn't care at all, and even looked at Duan Jingchuan provocatively, as if to say: Yes, that's right, I am instigating your wife to have an affair.

Ignoring the tension between the two, Feng Ran said with unusual seriousness, "Even if I get married several times, I will only have this one husband. Just say that you are a fake brother who is trying to get close to me so that you can freeload off me."

As soon as he finished speaking, the two men, who were on the verge of exchanging blows, both changed their expressions.

Duan Jingchuan's influence was like a gentle spring breeze and nourishing rain, like a newly sprouted seedling bursting with vitality.

In contrast, Shi Fusheng's nonchalant expression turned serious, and his gentle voice carried a warning, "Are you sure?"

Feng Ran nodded without hesitation.

Shi Fusheng stared at Feng Ran for a long time, so long that Feng Ran became a little uncomfortable. He suddenly smiled with relief, "Alright, now that you're my older brother, I should give you a congratulatory gift. Take this and don't take it out of your sight easily."

A bright red object was casually tossed over, and Feng Ran caught it with her backhand. As soon as she touched it, she felt its warmth on her fingertips, as if a warm current was flowing through her limbs and bones.

Feng Ran stretched out her palm and saw a bright red stone about the size of a thumb lying in her hand. The faint white patterns resembled auspicious clouds, making it look particularly familiar and filling her with joy.

Duan Jingchuan was surprised that the other party had casually tossed the gift over. Fearing something was amiss, he quickly stepped forward, only to see Feng Ran staring intently at the bloodstone in her hand, as if she were being drawn into it.

Under the sunlight, the bright red bloodstone seemed to flow slowly as if it were alive. Duan Jingchuan had a strange feeling that Feng Ran, whose complexion had not been good recently, had a blush on her face.

Seeing that Feng Ran really liked the stone, Duan Jingchuan said apologetically to Shi Fusheng, "Madam is childish, and I'm sorry to have troubled you with the expense. I will prepare a generous gift another day to thank you for the stone."

After giving the stone away, Shi Fusheng breathed a sigh of relief and casually waved his hand, "No need, it originally belonged to her, I was just keeping it safe for her." Then, as if thinking of something, he smiled and raised an eyebrow, "Brother-in-law, be less jealous. Don't stop my sister from taking it just because I gave it to her."

Duan Jingchuan was no fool; he had long ago discerned that Shi Fusheng and Feng Ran likely had some past connection. The exact nature of their relationship was hard to guess, but they certainly knew each other's backgrounds. This stone was clearly beneficial to his wife's health; how could he harm her because of his own petty motives?

Shi Fusheng was too lazy to listen to Duan Jingchuan's polite nonsense anymore. He was getting annoyed with the kid and said bluntly, "Consider this stone my food expenses from now on. From today onwards, wherever you go, I will follow."

Duan Jingchuan said gently, "It's perfectly reasonable for an elder brother to stay at his younger sister's house."

Shi Fusheng raised his eyebrows high and said jokingly, "You're quick to change your tune, kid. No need to flatter me. I still don't really like you. My sister is a bit silly, so don't let her down."

Duan Jingchuan's expression was firm. "That's natural."

Shi Fusheng twitched the corner of his mouth, really not wanting to see this kid acting innocent after getting a good deal, so he turned around and went to find a room to rest.

The bloodstone naturally had a hole, and Duan Jingchuan personally made a knot and tied it around Feng Ran's neck.

Feng Ran joked, "Could it be because I share the same origin as it? After wearing it, I feel so happy that I could swallow a cow."

She had been forcing herself to stay awake these past few days, but after wearing the stone, it seemed that all her lost energy and spirit returned in an instant, and she was in even better shape than before.

Taking advantage of the fact that no one was around, Duan Jingchuan asked in a low voice, "Does Madam really have no recollection of him at all?"

Feng Ran knew that Duan Jingchuan was asking about Shi Fusheng, but unfortunately she really didn't remember him. She just felt a strange sense of familiarity with him, and she could sense that there was something about him that was attracting her, which is why she reached out to ask for it.

The moment she got her hands on the bloodstone, she knew it was exactly what she wanted.

Things in the world don't necessarily have to be understood clearly. Seeing Feng Ran's confused expression, Duan Jingchuan didn't press the matter. As long as his wife was healthy and by his side, the other mysteries didn't matter to him.

Duan Jingchuan's trip to Ancheng wasn't just about accompanying Feng Ran on sightseeing; since he was there, he wanted to do something meaningful.

The snow disaster at the end of last year affected a wide area. Although Ancheng escaped the disaster because of Shi Fusheng, this was not a long-term solution. Duan Jingchuan fell into deep thought as he listened to Wu Da's report.

“Young master, Ancheng is a place with little wind and little rain. In the summer, the sun is scorching. Although the land is fertile, people often go hungry due to drought. In the past, people relied on fishing for a living, but in recent years, there has been a significant shortage of fish in Songjiang. I am afraid that people’s lives will not be easy in the future.”

Wu Da himself had no sense of national or patriotic sentiments. He was just a beggar born on the street, and being able to eat his fill and stay warm was the pinnacle of his pursuit.

Over the years, he has been managing the businesses under Duan Jingchuan's name, and his life has been quite prosperous. This trip to the North for disaster relief is simply to follow Duan Jingchuan's instructions.

But as he helped more and more people, he gradually came to understand what ability and responsibility meant. Perhaps it was because someone had handed him a ladder when he was in the abyss, and after he climbed to the top, he also wanted to use his strength to help more people.

The other affected cities are under the protection of the imperial court. Although Ancheng is not outwardly troubled, internal problems are beginning to emerge. If precautions are not taken early, a major disaster will occur.

However, his abilities were limited, and he couldn't think of a better way than relocating the city, which was absolutely impossible. As a border stronghold, with 30,000 soldiers stationed here, how could he abandon the city? He really couldn't think of a way to resolve the food shortage crisis that Ancheng was about to face.

Duan Jingchuan, who also felt he had little experience with farming, didn't know much about it. He tapped the table with his long fingers for a moment and then said, "I already know about this matter. How is the treatment of the disaster victims here?"

When this was mentioned, Wu Da smiled and said, "Young master, this place was once the garrison of the Marquis of Dingbei. Before we even made our move, they had already evacuated and properly resettled the disaster victims. When we arrived in Ancheng, we told the garrison our purpose and simply handed over the supplies to the local garrison. The disaster victims have now all returned to their homes."

Duan Jingchuan nodded. He never questioned his father's ability to lead troops into battle, and he believed that a strong general had no weak soldiers under his command. Before he came to Ancheng, his father had told him that the garrison commander of Ancheng was his former subordinate, and if it was convenient, he could go and take a look.

It just so happens that Ancheng is freezing cold and there aren't many places to visit. Why not take my wife to visit the border guards? It would also be a way for my father to pay a visit to his old friends.

The next morning, Feng Ran and Duan Jingchuan, each on horseback, carrying a letter and tokens, headed to the border guard. They weren't in a rush, and Duan Jingchuan and Feng Ran rode leisurely side by side.

"I'm sorry to trouble you, Madam. It's not appropriate to bring any attendants with you this time," Duan Jingchuan explained gently, explaining that it was just the two of them traveling alone.

After all, going to the border guard post is not like visiting relatives, so naturally you can't bring your family along.

As for why Feng Ran was brought along, there are two reasons. First, Feng Ran is the heir apparent's wife of the Marquis of Dingbei's household and the future mistress of the household, so it is not considered impolite for her to go in this capacity.

Secondly, this was also something that Lord Duan specifically instructed, saying that Feng Ran should go to the military camp to see if she was interested in it.

Duan Jingchuan was fully aware of Old Marquis Duan's plans and knew they wouldn't succeed, so he let him go. There was no other reason; if he were to go to the border garrison himself, he probably wouldn't be bothered to even take the step.

Taking advantage of the horse's docility, Feng Ran leaned to the side and snatched Duan Jingchuan's hand, playing with it in her palm. "My husband often says such formal things. What's so tiring about this? I was worried that my riding skills weren't good enough and that I would slow you down."

Duan Jingchuan smiled and shook the two hands that were clasped together. "It was my oversight. I should have ridden with my wife on the same horse, so that it would be more convenient for her."

Feng Ran blushed and threw Duan Jingchuan's hand back. She spurred her horse forward a few steps and muttered softly, "I'm not a lecherous devil. Who told you to have impure thoughts the moment you touched me?"

Honestly, she only liked to touch him, not actually want to do anything. Duan Jingchuan's scent was fatally attractive to her; was it wrong for her to want to inhale and get close to him? It was clearly his ulterior motives; every time she got close, he wanted to have a deeper conversation with her.

Duan Jingchuan regretfully rubbed the remaining warmth on his hands, his smile almost reaching his ears.

The rising sun cast a pale purple halo around their figures, making them look like a perfect couple.

Duan Jingchuan and Feng Ran left, and the happiest person was Shi Fusheng. No one could control him. He hugged Huang Que in his arms and ran away, just like a child trafficker.

Huang Que's gaze suddenly rose, and she involuntarily wrapped her arms around Shi Fusheng's neck, her voice trembling as she asked, "Where are you taking me, Young Master Shi?"

Shi Fusheng chuckled, his laughter utterly lewd, a stark contrast to his handsome appearance. "There's a place in the east of the city that makes human flesh buns. They specialize in picking out delicate little kids like you. If I sell you, I'll never have to worry about food or drink again."