Chapter Twenty: Chen Jiao Was Returned

Chen Qing first checked the Eye of Insight, which was another passive skill that would take effect as soon as it was acquired.

"How can he see through other people's lies and pretenses?"

Chen Qing rubbed his chin, thinking, "This skill is quite useful."

Human hearts are fickle, but with this skill, she was no longer afraid of being deceived.

Chen Qing's eyes darkened as she recalled how badly she had been deceived by her scumbag ex-husband in her past life, and realized that even the Eye of Insight might not be useful.

She still needs to be wary.

Next, Chen Qing checked the city-building blueprints and high-yield potato seeds he had obtained in his backpack. The former was a building blueprint that could be used to build a city that could accommodate 100,000 people. The blueprint was complex and detailed. If the city could be built according to the blueprint, Qibao Town would probably be no match for it.

Unfortunately, Chen Qing only had the blueprints; he didn't know how to build it. He decided to keep them for now, just in case they came in handy someday.

As for high-yield potatoes, that's even better. With natural disasters escalating and various natural calamities following one after another, and wars raging, reduced grain production is inevitable.

But once she had potatoes, as long as there was enough land and a sufficient population to grow them, she wouldn't have to worry about going hungry.

However, Chen Qing felt that these skills were all quite suitable for becoming a king and dominating the world!

Could it be that she's supposed to give it to Pei Xuan?

Chen Qing scoffed. Fine, she would never do something for someone else's benefit for nothing. Some stupid things are best left unsaid after one instance.

If anyone is to truly reign supreme, it has to be her.

While these skills are useful, they are still somewhat useless for Chen Qing at the moment.

She is now living under someone else's roof and doesn't know when she will be able to escape from Qibao Town. If she is not careful, she will be devoured by the panicked refugees.

Let's think about how to survive first.

By the time Chen Qing finished drawing the blind box, it was already noon. She got up to change her clothes, opened the window, and saw Pei Xuan practicing horse stance in the yard.

He actually persisted for the whole morning?

Chen Qing was somewhat surprised. Li Yi rushed over upon hearing the commotion, his eyes full of concern as he looked at the sweat on Chen Qing's temples: "Miss, would you like to eat?"

Chen Qing stared at Li Yi, seeing that his concern was genuine, and smiled: "Are you going to teach Pei Xuan martial arts?"

Li Yi turned and glanced at Pei Xuan: "His conviction is so strong that even I admire him. I am the young lady's man, and I do everything for her sake. If he can really learn to imitate her, then the young lady's safety will not be a concern when I am not around."

Will Hanxing Pavilion punish you for this?

Chen Qing reciprocated with the same concern for Li Yi.

Li Yi's eyes lit up slightly. He was clearly taller than Chen Qing, but he deliberately bent over when standing outside the window so that Chen Qing wouldn't have to look up when talking to him.

"I am not very skilled and have not been able to access the advanced martial arts in the pavilion. Even if I teach one or two people, no one will bother to complain."

As he spoke, he observed Chen Qing's expression.

Seeing that Chen Qing didn't look down on him, Li Yi still felt ashamed.

He mentioned to Chen Qing more than once that his martial arts skills were not high. Chen Qing was a little curious. In her opinion, Li Yi was already very powerful. What would someone even more powerful be like?

Could it be that he possesses magical powers?

Chen Qing was about to have lunch. Usually, Pei Xuan would go to the kitchen to prepare lunch for her. Li Yi was afraid of delaying her meal, so she quickly told Pei Xuan to stop.

"Alright, you've passed the test. I agree to teach you kung fu. Go and prepare lunch for the young lady."

As soon as he finished speaking, Pei Xuan's knees buckled, and he collapsed to his knees. He knelt in the snow, panting heavily, before struggling to his feet with trembling legs. "I'll go right now."

Chen Qing's lunch was also very simple: a mixed grain staple food and two ounces of duck meat. She really wanted to eat some green vegetables, but it was winter now, and there were hardly any leafy greens to begin with. Moreover, the city was locked down by heavy snow, and prices were soaring. The Liu family's kitchen had no vegetables available at all.

Chen Qing could only endure it for the time being.

Vegetables can certainly be exchanged from the system, but it's not worthwhile for Chen Qing.

The food prices in the mall aren't cheap either; it's more cost-effective to exchange for vitamin tablets.

Chen Qing remained calm and composed in the courtyard, while everyone in the Liu household was busy with wedding preparations.

Although the wedding was rushed, at least some red lanterns and red silks should be hung in the mansion.

The servants in the Liu household were unaware of the scandal that had occurred in the Chen family.

At this moment, Chen Jiao was locked in the room with the doors and windows tightly shut, and no matter how much she begged, no one answered.

As for Madam Zhang, yesterday she was the high and mighty Mrs. Chen, but now she has been thrown into the woodshed. She cried and begged Chen Zhenyan for forgiveness and tried to explain, but Chen Zhenyan slapped her seven or eight times, leaving her face bruised and swollen like a pig's head.

No man can stand being cuckolded, let alone Zhang with Chen Jiao involved...

The servants even saw it!

Where does this leave Chen Zhenyan, the head of the family, with his pride?

It was soon evening. In ancient times, weddings were held in the evening, hence the name "evening ceremony".

The wedding ceremony was decorated in a splendid manner. Chen Jiao, dressed in a red wedding gown and with a red veil covering her head, stood in the main hall waiting for the groom to come and greet her.

Liu Wei was overwhelmed by the rioting refugees and couldn't even attend his own son's wedding.

The sickly young master of the Liu family, who was to marry Chen Jiao, rode on horseback, with two guards by his side to assist him at any time. When he arrived at the gate of the villa, the matchmaker happily sang the words to welcome the bride.

To everyone's surprise, Chen Jiao seemed to be nailed to the spot, refusing to move an inch. Under the veil, tears streamed down Chen Jiao's face as she gritted her teeth, still hoping that her mother would come to save her!

Chen Qing also came to watch the commotion, but after looking left and right, he couldn't see Zhang Shi anywhere. Then he looked at Chen Jiao, whose handkerchief was soaked with tears!

Liu Wei's deputy also arrived. Seeing that Chen Jiao refused to move, he stepped forward and questioned, "Miss Chen, what do you mean by this? Do you not want to marry our salary?"

Chen Zhenyan was startled and stammered, "No, she's just overjoyed and doesn't want to leave her mother!"

As he spoke, he kicked Chen Jiao in the shin and threatened in a low voice, "You wretched girl, if you delay my business, I'll skin you alive!"

Her father, who used to dote on her, suddenly turned into a demon. Chen Jiao trembled and dared not disobey Chen Zhenyan's wishes. She was pushed forward step by step by the nanny.

When she stopped in front of Chen Qing, Chen Jiao recognized Chen Qing's shoes at a glance through the red veil. She gritted her teeth and said angrily, "Chen Qing! You're the one who made me look like this! You just wait, I will never let you get away with this!"

Pei Xuan stepped forward to block Chen Qing, keeping a wary eye on Chen Jiao to prevent her from suddenly attacking.

Chen Qing smiled indifferently.

"Little sister, congratulations on your marriage to a good man! It's just a pity the timing was rushed and the wedding was a bit modest. My wedding to the Zhao family's son will be much grander then, and I'll definitely invite you. Please don't refuse!"

Chen Qing's voice was full of pleasure, which made Chen Jiao so angry that her eyes rolled back.

Chen Qing! Chen Qing!!

She will definitely not let Chen Qing off the hook!

Fearing that Chen Jiao would cause trouble again, the two nannies quickly pushed her into the bridal sedan chair.

Chen Qing went out to take a look, and lo and behold, it was Young Master Liu on horseback—a familiar face!

She said regretfully, "If I had known she would marry Young Master Liu sooner or later, why did I ask Li Yi to cripple him? What a pity, what a pity, what a pity that my stupid sister will never enjoy the benefits of a man."

It turns out that Young Master Liu was the same lecherous man who tried to force himself on Chen Jiao in broad daylight that day.

Chen Qing disliked him and ordered Li Yi to cripple his genitals.

This time, after all the twists and turns, Chen Jiao is still going to marry him.

Seeing that she looked like a little fox, as if she was really annoyed, Pei Xuan quickly comforted her, "Sister Qing, don't blame yourself, they deserve it."

Chen Qing hooked his chin and smiled so hard his eyes narrowed.

As expected of her dog, it protects her in every way.

very good.

Despite the cold weather, Chen Jiao, dressed in a thin wedding gown, not only didn't feel cold, but was also sweating profusely from Chen Qing's provocation.

She clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug deep into her flesh, even biting her red lips until they bled.

"Chen Qing, I will definitely kill you! If I can't live well, you won't live well either!"

Chen Jiao's eyes were filled with hatred.

She was helped down from the bridal sedan chair and went through the wedding ceremony with Young Master Liu. She only saw her mother-in-law but not Commander Liu. Her mother-in-law was not very happy and was quite distant from Chen Jiao.

Immediately afterwards, Chen Jiao was led into the bridal chamber, where she sat on the edge of the bed, waiting for the groom to enter.

The door was pushed open, and the busy maids and nannies in the room went out. A man reeking of alcohol staggered in.

"My lady," Young Master Liu said, completely drunk, almost collapsing onto the bed.

Chen Jiao suppressed her disgust and said sweetly, "My lord."

"My dear wife, my little beauty, let your brother give you a kiss."

Why do those words and voices sound so familiar?

Before Chen Jiao could even have any questions, the red veil covering her eyes was lifted.

She also got a clear look at the face of the man she was going to marry.

Instantly, Chen Jiao's eyes widened in horror, and her mind was shaken.

It's him?!

Chen Jiao recognized the man in front of her as the scoundrel who had tried to humiliate her on the street that day!

Young Master Liu grabbed Chen Jiao and tried to bite her, but Chen Jiao reacted instinctively and slapped him.

"Smack!"

"You bastard! How dare you hit me!?" Young Master Liu showed no mercy and slapped her back.

The drunk man had a strong grip and slapped Chen Jiao, knocking her to the bed.

Chen Jiao covered her face, her eyes filled with stars. Unexpectedly, when Young Master Liu saw her like this, he felt that she looked somewhat familiar.

"Sigh," Chen Qing looked up at the boundless starry sky, wondering how her silly younger sister was doing.

No man can tolerate someone who is impotent.

If Young Master Liu recognizes her, who knows how he'll torture her.

If Chen Zhenyan wants to leave Qibao Town, he must leave his daughter with Liu Wei as collateral; otherwise, Liu Wei will not feel comfortable letting this fat sheep go back.

Chen Zhenyan spent a sleepless night, fearing that he would be released from Qibao Town after Chen Jiao and Young Master Liu consummated their marriage.

To everyone's surprise, early the next morning, Wang Zhong rushed over in a panic, shouting, "No...it's terrible! Master! The Third Miss...she's been returned!"

"What!?" Chen Zhenyan slammed his fist on the table and stood up, utterly unable to believe his ears. "What happened to Jiao'er!?"

As they were talking, two attendants followed closely behind Wang Zhong and carried in Chen Jiao, who was covered in wounds.

Liu Wei's deputy glared angrily at Chen Zhenyan: "Patriarch Chen, is this the good daughter you raised! My master said that if you don't want to be related to him by marriage, then let's call off the marriage!"

After saying this, the deputy general threw Chen Jiao to the ground and left the villa with his men.

Chen Zhenyan was completely bewildered and had no idea what was going on.

"Now that things have come to this, we can only find out when the Third Miss wakes up..."

Wang Zhong looked at Chen Zhenyan cautiously.

Chen Zhenyan's face looked worse than if he had swallowed a fly.

He gritted his teeth and said, "Wake her up by splashing her with water!"

"yes!"

A bucket of cold water was poured over Chen Jiao, who slowly awoke, her expression filled with an air of aloof indifference. Hadn't she died peacefully in Fuhua Palace?

Where is this?

With just one movement, Chen Jiao felt a sharp pain all over her body, which cleared her mind.

One memory after another assaulted her, and Chen Jiao was horrified to discover that everything had changed! Then, overwhelmed by those memories, her eyes rolled back, and she fainted.

“Master, the Third Miss is too badly injured and should not be subjected to any further stimulation. Why don’t we wait until she has recovered before asking her?”

Now that things have come to this, Chen Zhenyan has no choice but to accept reality.

Whatever happened, he had to go see Liu Wei as soon as possible to avoid any further complications.

Chen Zhenyan had someone find an expensive gift and hurriedly went to see Liu Wei, little did he know that this was exactly what Liu Wei wanted.

After an unknown amount of time, Chen Jiao finally woke up. The room was filled with the smell of medicine, and she heard a familiar sobbing sound beside her.

Chen Jiao saw the young Zhang Shi and called out, "Mother."

Her voice was hoarse. Zhang suddenly raised her head, her eyes red and swollen from crying, and exclaimed with joy, "My darling! My precious daughter! You're awake!?"

Chen Jiao nodded and gently patted Zhang Shi's hand. "Mother, I want to drink the porridge you cooked."

Zhang was overjoyed and immediately went to cook porridge for her.

After sending Zhang away, Chen Jiao finally had time to sort out her thoughts.

After she died of old age, she was reborn?

What exactly happened? Chen Jiao's expression was uncertain.

In her previous life, after Chen Qing married Pei Xuan, she did her best to help Pei Xuan become king. Chen Jiao was afraid that she would be overshadowed by Chen Qing, so she also insisted on marrying Pei Xuan.

She went to great lengths to seduce Pei Xuan and eventually became a concubine in his harem.

During this time, she and Zhang poisoned Chen Qing, causing her to be unable to conceive even after becoming empress. In the end, Chen Jiao gave birth to two sons and a daughter, and she was more favored by Pei Xuan than the fat and ugly Chen Qing.

It can be said that, apart from not having the position of empress, Chen Jiao obtained everything that Chen Jiao could not obtain.

Her son eventually became emperor, just as he had wished.

Who knew that when she closed her eyes and opened them again, she would find herself back at the age of sixteen!

This is truly a great thing! Chen Jiao's eyes were full of calculation. She remembered very clearly that the snow disaster was severe that year, and Pei Xuan was just a starving and freezing beggar.

If she had been kind to Pei Xuan earlier in her life, wouldn't she have been able to take away Chen Qing's position as empress?

The thought of this made Chen Jiao extremely excited. Every time she moved, her whole body ached as if she had been struck by lightning!

Chen Jiao then realized all the stupid things she had done!

They were completely fooled by Chen Qing!

However, she had been fighting with Pei Xuan's concubines in the harem for decades, so why would she be afraid of losing to the seventeen-year-old Chen Qing?

That ugly, fat pig-like woman, just wait until she's pinned down by her for the rest of her life and never gets to rise again!