Chapter 44 Chapter 44 "How can I be so timid in the future..."
Jasmine didn't expect that the Duke would go to find the human traffickers without telling her.
There are no human traffickers.
How could it be found?
Therefore, when the Duke returned without work more than half a month later and asked Jasmine about it, Jasmine learned about it.
She was so scared that she almost had another seizure on the spot!
The Duke asked her in confusion, "I sent people to the place where I first encountered Qiang'er. Logically, there would be traces of human traffickers nearby. But I have been searching for several days and have found no clues. Where was Qiang'er kidnapped from?"
How could Jasmine tell the truth?
Her mind raced. She knew that if she fabricated a place, it would be easier to expose her. But if she simply mentioned her home, the Duke wouldn't know her true identity, and since the name Jasmine was fake, perhaps it wouldn't be a problem.
She had escaped from Santian Village and was pursued by the gang all the way to Huaicheng. Taking advantage of darkness, she hid in an ox cart carrying cow dung. When the cart stopped, it was still dark, and she had no idea where she was.
I ran all the way and met the Duke.
"I was kidnapped in Huaicheng, Yizhou. Tiancun, Huaicheng, Yizhou is also my home. There was a flood in my home, and my parents and brothers were all gone. I wanted to move to another place. Who knew that group of people would take advantage of the situation and rob me."
"Yizhou Huaicheng? That place is very remote. How did Qiang'er escape?"
"I used... a wooden stick to knock out the man guarding me. When they found me, they gave chase. I ran for a long time and finally escaped by hiding in a pile of cow dung pulled by an ox cart."
No wonder the Duke smelled the scent of the concubine the first time he saw her. He thought it was because she hadn't bathed in days, but it turned out to be the cow dung.
The Duke was deeply impressed by his concubine. She was small, thin, and dirty, and at first glance, he mistook her for a little beggar.
Looking at the concubine in front of him, the Duke felt extremely satisfied. It would be even better if the panic disorder could be completely cured.
Thinking of the consequences if my aunt hadn't met him, the Duke said firmly, "Don't worry, Qiang'er. I will bring the traffickers to you. You can do whatever you want to me."
What a resolute statement. Jasmine wanted to say, "Don't look for him anymore," but she didn't have the courage to say it out loud. She could only bite the bullet and nod, "Your servant will wait for you, Master."
Seven or eight days later, the Duke of Guo actually brought back a group of kidnappers who had been captured in Huaicheng, Yizhou.
But after Chunli interrogated them on the road for two days, the kidnappers admitted everything except kidnapping his concubine.
The Duke took his concubine to Jingzhao Prefecture to identify people. Jasmine was so scared that she hid in the Duke's arms and dared not look. She also said that she did not dare to look at them at that time and did not remember what the group of people looked like.
Of course, the kidnappers also insisted that they had never seen the concubine. How could they admit it if they really had never seen her?
The Duke was not worried, as all beggars in the world were the same.
Even if there is no evidence to prove that they kidnapped my aunt, they are indeed kidnappers.
The Duke handed a whip to the concubine and said, "Don't be afraid, Qiang'er. They won't get out again. Go ahead and beat them. Even if you cripple them, it won't matter."
This guy is quite kind!
Jasmine felt bitter, but she couldn't say it.
Jasmine had no choice but to move forward, holding the whip in her hand and shaking. She raised the whip, and the man in front of her closed his eyes in fear. When he opened his eyes again, he looked at the woman in front of him curiously.
Jasmine threw down the whip and ran, throwing herself into her grandfather's arms.
The Duke sighed, "How can I cope with such cowardice in the future?"
But it doesn't matter if Auntie doesn't dare to do it. After all, he will protect her in the future.
The Duke pulled the concubine away and told her to stand still: "Watch this, Qiang'er."
Then the Duke stepped forward, and the whip he used seemed to have thorns. In the dark cage, there was a whistling sound of wind and the candlelight flew.
In a blink of an eye, a row of crutches were beaten to a bloody pulp and were on the verge of death. The Duke threw away the whip, wiped his hands and returned.
"They will never be able to leave in this lifetime, and no one will dare to hurt Qiang'er in the future."
This was the promise her grandfather made to her.
Jasmine was shocked and frightened, but with a hint of sweetness in her heart, she nodded, "Yes."
But what the Duke didn't expect was that his concubine fell ill again that night.
This time, my aunt yelled, "Master, please don't hit me! I won't dare to do it again!"
My aunt was actually scared by him again!
The Duke was extremely worried about such a weak and timid concubine. It was the most worrying thing in his life.
The next day, the Duke went to ask Zhang Yuanpan how to deal with this situation.
Jasmine felt that her grandfather treated her better, so much so that it reminded her of the word "pampering."
Jasmine knew why.
The Duke of Heguo said, "I will get better soon. Don't worry, sir."
"How can I decide whether I get sick or not?"
The Duke didn't believe it. But after a long time, the concubine really didn't have another attack. The Duke finally put his mind at ease.
Although Jasmine was in the mansion, any hot-topic happenings outside would reach her ears without her having to ask.
I heard that Meng Ruyue got married. Her family arranged for her to marry off to a wealthy local man as a concubine.
People were laughing at Meng Ruyue for overestimating her abilities. Now, not only did she not marry into the Duke's Mansion, but she also got herself into trouble. With such a reputation, what good could she have if she married into a rich family as a concubine?
After hearing Shancha's story, Jasmine later learned that Meng Ruyue's situation at home was dire. Although she was a legitimate daughter, her parents, brothers, and herself all depended on her uncle, who was a magistrate.
In order to please Judge Meng and Madam Meng, her parents often humiliated her.
"... Auntie, you don't know. I heard that Meng Ruyue's parents often asked her to serve Madam Meng, and they also asked her to serve her cousin. It is said that she got pregnant and had a miscarriage. Anyway, the rumors are so convoluted that I don't know whether they are true or not."
Shancha shook her head and curled her lips. "How could there be such parents in this world? I don't think it's credible. Maybe it's all just a rumor. What do you think, Auntie?"
Jasmine nodded in agreement, but in her heart she felt that there was nothing unbelievable about it.
There are probably many parents like this in the world.
...
"...Erhei is willing to pay two taels, and he is young and able to work."
"Don't forget that the lame woman paid five taels! Once she gets married, the money and goods will be paid. You still expect her to work for you? Dream on! Of course I'll choose the lame woman..."
"Qin the dealer! You clearly accepted my betrothal gift, how could you accept a lame one?"
"Trader Qin, give me back the money!"
"Erheizi, stop smashing things. Listen to me. We can talk it out. Here, come here, and I'll tell you... Come to my house tonight, and I'll hold the door open for you..."
"Just once?"
"As many times as you want."
...
"Auntie, what's wrong with Auntie?"
A hand came to pull her arm, and Jasmine shuddered and pushed it away.
Shancha sat down on the ground, and Jasmine herself fell down as well.
When the Duke and Chunli entered the yard, they happened to see two people fall to the ground.
Two men strode forward, one supporting each side.
Chunli whispered to Shancha, "Why did you get into a fight with Auntie for no reason?"
Shancha said innocently, "I didn't. It was my aunt who pushed me."
Chunli went to see the Duke, but he only looked at his aunt. He held her cold, trembling hand in his and asked softly, "What happened?"
Aunt shook her head.
Jasmine was afraid her master would overthink things and inquire further, so she explained earnestly, "I was a little frightened after hearing what Madam Meng said. I'll be fine soon, so don't worry, Master."
The Duke and Chunli often traveled outside, but they did not come into contact with many high-class people, so they did not know what was going on with Madam Meng.
It was only after Shancha told the story that the two of them finally understood.
The Duke didn't understand why his concubine was so frightened. The Meng family girl was just getting married.
Even Shancha was curious about this. She couldn't figure out what was going on in her aunt's mind.
The Duke could only sigh in his heart that his concubine was too timid and weak.
The Duke thought of what Zhang Yuanpan said and told his concubine to express her fears. With someone to comfort her, her illness would naturally heal.
Then the Duke asked, "Is Qiang'er afraid because the Meng family girl was bullied by her cousin?"
Jasmine nodded without saying anything.
The Duke added solemnly, "Don't worry, evildoers will be punished. Who knows, my cousin might be in for some bad luck."
Evildoers will be punished? Her?
The Duke felt his concubine's hand tremble even more violently in his palm. He reflected, wondering if he had said something wrong just now. How could he have frightened his concubine again?
But after thinking for a long time, the Duke still didn't find anything wrong. He could only say: "The Meng family girl is just a coincidence. Don't worry, Qiang'er. Now that the Meng family girl is married, she will surely have a happy ending after all the hardships."
Jasmine didn't want to make her master worry because of her own affairs. She held the Duke's hand tightly with both hands and said, "I'm fine, Master, don't worry."
What should he do? His aunt used the same words to deal with people again, and the Duke felt even more uneasy.
The next day, Jasmine heard that Meng Tongpan's eldest son, the cousin who bullied Meng Ruyue, was arrested by the Jingzhao prefect on charges of accepting bribes.
That night, the Duke hurried to the concubine to report the victory. Yes, it was the Duke who was behind this!
But my cousin is indeed guilty.
"I thought at the time that this man, who could do such a heartless thing, must have done other things. Upon investigation, I found that it was true. Not only him, but even his father will not be able to escape this time. The Jingzhao prefect is secretly investigating. Once the truth is revealed, no one in the Meng family will be able to escape."
The Duke added, "And there's the daughter of the Meng family. She's already left the wealthy family."
Jasmine was just marveling at her grandfather's quickness. Just as she was unsure how to react, she heard his last words.
Jasmine was surprised: "Master went to see Madam Meng?"
The Duke smiled and nodded. "I sent Chunli to ask if the Meng family girl was willing to be a concubine to a wealthy family. If not, she could leave immediately. The Meng family girl immediately packed her bags and left with Chunli. However, she said she didn't want to go home, so I found a place for her to stay."
Jasmine was speechless.
The Duke asked her again, "Is Jian'er happy?"
He did it for her. Jasmine nodded: "I am very happy."
After a pause, Jasmine asked again, "Master, do you intend to keep Madam Meng as your wife forever?"
The Duke could tell the concubine's choice of words was inappropriate. He frowned, "It'll only be for the next two days. After that, she'll be on her own. I have no relationship with her, so how could I possibly support her?"
Jasmine: "But Madam Meng doesn't want to go home, and she's not welcomed by her family. How can she, an unmarried woman, support herself?"
Chunli hadn't thought of this, and the Duke was completely focused on solving his concubine's difficult and complicated problems, so he had never thought of this.
After a while, the Duke stood up and said, "I will send her back to the Meng family right away."
The Duke returned early today, before sunset. He didn't want to wait even a moment longer. He glanced at Chunli, feeling uneasy, and decided to go and see him off himself.
Jasmine guessed that the girl from the Meng family might not be willing to cooperate.
The Meng family girl was a habitual liar, and she was afraid her master would be deceived. Jasmine immediately stood up and said, "I will accompany you."
The Duke nodded without much hesitation.
As expected, Meng Ruyue refused to leave and even knelt down to beg the Duke for mercy and a way to live. Neighbors and passersby who didn't understand the situation gathered more and more.
Jasmine didn't get out of the carriage, but watched the movement at the narrow door through the window.
Seeing that the Duke's face was becoming increasingly gloomy and he was about to order people to drag the person away by force, Jasmine quickly got out of the car.
"Mrs. Meng."
Meng Ruyue heard a woman's voice and looked up in disbelief. Seeing it was her concubine, she was even more surprised and turned to look at the Duke.
It seemed as if he was asking why the Duke's concubine was also here.
Jasmine stood outside the gate, her voice clear and beautiful, each word distinct, saying, "Even if Madam Meng doesn't want to listen to her family and marry into a wealthy family as a concubine, she should have a thorough discussion with them. The Duke didn't save you, but the people of Daqi. If you refuse to leave now, you're putting the Duke in a difficult position."
There was a murmur among the crowd who heard this.
"So the Duke is this young lady's savior."
"I told you before, this lady has only been here for a day, it's impossible for her to be related to the Duke."
Meng Ruyue's face turned pale. She had originally intended to use public opinion to make it impossible for the Duke to do anything to her, so that he would keep her.
But she didn't expect that the Duke would bring his concubine with him.
And the inconspicuous concubine who was seen at the birthday party of the old Duke's wife that day was now so sharp-tongued.
With just two sentences, she was transformed from a young lady kept in the outer house by the Duke into a suffering commoner saved by the Duke.
She was unwilling to accept it.
She clearly had a chance. Meng Ruyue ignored her aunt and only looked at the Duke: "Why did the Duke save Ruyue from the dire situation?"
Without waiting for the Duke's reply, Meng Ruyue continued, "It wasn't anyone else, it had to be Ruyue. I believe you have feelings for Ruyue that are special. That's why the Duke couldn't bear to have Ruyue become that man's concubine, right?"
"No." Jasmine interrupted.
"I just want to talk to the Duke!"
"It doesn't matter who you say. The Duke saved you because he's kind-hearted. That day at the Duke's wife's birthday banquet, Madam Meng's actions were exposed. The Duke was worried that you would be blamed by your family upon your return, and secondly, he learned about the suffering Madam Meng endured at home. The Duke couldn't bear it, so he stepped in to save her. Who would have thought that Madam Meng would misunderstand? But Madam Meng should understand by now, right?"
The Duke looked at his concubine quietly, and asked Madam Meng, "Is this really the case?"
The Duke nodded without hesitation: "Indeed."
The Duke said, "Don't worry. I will send you back to the Meng family today. I will instruct the Meng family to treat you well."
Madam Meng was still in disbelief and still confused.
Jasmine didn't give her the chance to think of a bad plan. She exchanged a glance with Shancha, and each of them pulled Meng Ruyue up on one side and put her directly onto the carriage.
The Meng family is in Hengyang, and it takes at least half a day to get to Kyoto by car.
The Duke originally planned to explain things to her and then send someone to send her back.
But the concubine said first that she would personally send Madam Meng home, so the Duke did not say anything else.
Jasmine did it on purpose. Meng Ruyue came to Kyoto City with the Duke's men. To others, the relationship between Meng Ruyue and the Duke was quite subtle.
Meng Ruyue was forcibly sent back home, and who knows what might happen next. With her as the concubine and the Duke together to protect her, the matter will definitely be settled.
It was already late at night when they arrived at the Meng Mansion. While the door was still closed, Meng Ruyue, unwilling to give up, chased after the Duke and asked, "Did the Duke ever feel even a little bit of affection for me? Just a little bit."
The Duke put his hands behind his back and said without hesitation, "No."
Meng Ruyue completely gave up.
The Duke kept his word and solemnly reminded Meng Ruyue's parents not to bully her again. If the rumors got out again, he would not hesitate.
Look at what he said, which woman would not think too much and feel amorous?
Meng Ruyue's heart almost rekindled.
Mr. and Mrs. Meng also thought that the Duke had intentions towards their daughter, and kept asking him to come into the house to talk in detail.
The Duke remained unmoved, and no one could possibly shake him. The Duke said, "That's not necessary. My aunt is still in the carriage."
Mr. Meng and Mrs. Meng were stunned. Why was their daughter being sent back? Why did the Duke bring his concubine with him?
Jasmine had actually gotten off the bus earlier and was standing on the road in front of the car. With her hair in a short, round bun, she looked like a charming young woman.
Jasmine followed her grandfather out because she was afraid that the Duke would not be able to deny his relationship with Meng Ruyue.
Although it was late at night, if someone passed by and saw her, they would not become suspicious.
Seeing Madam Meng looking at her from time to time, Jasmine stepped forward and saluted.
"Hello, Madam Meng, hello, Mr. Meng."
"Aunt, you're welcome!"
She covered her face with her sleeves and yawned, too embarrassed to smile at Master Meng and his wife. Then she looked at the Duke with misty eyes and asked, "Have you finished speaking, Master?"
"That's all." The Duke nodded to Mr. and Mrs. Meng, said nothing more, and turned around and left with his concubine in his arms.
Only Mr. Meng and Mrs. Meng were left standing in front of the carriage, at a loss as to what to do and seeing them off.
I definitely can't go back to the city tonight. Before coming here, the Duke came to Meng's house and sent Chunli to take care of the inn.
The inn was not far from the Meng Mansion, and they arrived in less than an incense stick of time.
"...After I get up from my sleep, I'll take Qiang'er for a walk around here tomorrow."
Jasmine felt even more sleepy after being jolted by the car. The only thing that answered the Duke's question was a drop of drool from the corner of the concubine's mouth.
"Stubborn boy. I'm coming in."
"Um."
Jasmine thought, this guy is so funny. This main courtyard belongs to him. He can go in whenever he wants. Who dares to stop him?
But the next moment, Jasmine gasped and subconsciously reached out to push him away. But there was a wall in front of her, and she couldn't move at all.
Jasmine heard her grandfather's voice next to her ear: "Stubborn, it's me. Just bear with it."
Jasmine didn't know why, but she felt like laughing.
She closed her eyes, she was really sleepy, but that didn't stop her from stretching her arms and legs to cooperate with her grandfather in galloping.
When the sky turned light, the Duke was still not sleepy and was hugging his concubine happily.
Every time the session was about to end, the Duke was very reluctant to let it go. Now that he was not in the Duke's Mansion, the Duke decided to let loose for once.
When Jasmine woke up, it was already bright daylight. She looked around and realized that this should be the inn.
She turned back and saw her grandfather's handsome face sleeping soundly. A heavy arm pressed against her, but Jasmine didn't push it away. Instead, she burrowed deeper into his embrace.
After this hesitation, she froze.
She had been completely unaware of anything, but suddenly she felt something strange. Her face flushed crimson as she stared at her grandfather in amazement.
Just as she was about to retreat carefully, her grandfather suddenly opened his eyes.
"What are you doing?"
This guy is turning the tables? !
Jasmine was so scared that she tried to run away, but her grandfather suddenly grabbed her waist.
It was past noon when Jasmine got up. Her face was still red, and the Duke's was also a little red, but his skin was dark, so it was hard to see.
"Stubborn, I couldn't help it. I'm sorry."
Jasmine had heard this countless times, but every time she heard it, it felt fresh.
What else could Jasmine say?
Jasmine asked, "Master, I must not have slept well last night. How about you go back to sleep for a while?"
"Where's the stubborn one?"
Jasmine quickly added, "I slept very well. If you are not sleepy, let's go."
The Duke nodded.
I spent some time at the inn...let's call it lunch.
In the afternoon, Jasmine and the Duke went to the busiest street market in Hengyang Prefecture. It was not as prosperous as the capital, but it was full of the atmosphere of fireworks.
Jasmine ate snacks she had never eaten before and bought a lot of gadgets she had never seen before.
The Duke had no interest in these things, but seeing his aunt laughing in front of him, he was also very satisfied.
This is one of the few leisure times that the Duke has.
"Bai Xiang?"
Jasmine subconsciously turned her head to look over, her smile still bright. She paused for a moment, then turned away again.
He Congde saw a young lady who looked very much like the person in his memory. She had her back to him and said excitedly to the girl beside her, "I like this. I think it looks good!"
"This hairpin is obviously better looking. I like this one anyway."
He Congde shook his head. Not at all. Baixiang wasn't as lively and cheerful as the girl before him, nor was she as fair and plump.
It turned out that he really had recognized the wrong person.
He Congde walked straight forward and heard the man's voice behind him again: "If you like it, then take both. I'll put them on for you to try."
He Congde turned around and saw the tall and strong man holding a jade hairpin and putting it on the head of the girl he had mistaken for someone else.
He Congde shook his head and laughed. This time he was sure that he had really recognized the wrong person.
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The author has something to say: The second male lead is here!
This author is slow to warm up, and the second male lead comes late, sorry sorry!
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