When Zhuang Li returned to the courtyard holding his brother's hand, Mrs. Zhuang was standing behind the stone wall that Zhuang Lao Er had just built, using a wooden block to prop her feet. She called out, "Ergen, Ergen, Tian'er picked up a pheasant in the mountains today. Bring Dabao and Erbao over to eat some chicken."
Zhuang Jiuge looked at her in shock, as if he hadn't recognized his own grandmother overnight.
When had she ever cared about her parents working so hard outside? She always secretly hid the goodies Zhuang Tianer found and only ate them when the four of them were away. Why did her attitude change completely now?
It seems that money is a good thing, it can even buy family affection. Thinking of this, Zhuang Jiuge suppressed all his expression, shook his head and walked into the east room, feeling bored for a moment.
When Mrs. Zhuang saw the two brothers, she quickly called out, "Dabao, Erbao, come and have dinner. Grandma saved some chicken for you. We're still a family from now on, so please don't be estranged..."
However, before she could finish her words, someone on the opposite side pulled the wooden block off her feet.
Then, Zhuang Laoda's stern voice came through the wall: "Mom, stop shouting. From now on, the second child is the second child, and I am me. We can't live together. Go back to the house!"
"You blockhead! Who is mother doing this for? Is your one hundred taels of silver enough for you? Most of it has been spent on buying the land. Haisheng still has to go to school in the future. Where will the more than ten taels of silver a year come from?" Old Mrs. Zhuang scolded angrily.
"Mom, let me say something unpleasant. Without our Tian'er, who knows what will happen to the second son in the future! Don't look at how prosperous he is now. He may be in big trouble in a few days!" Boss Zhuang forgot to hide his sinister tone.
Zhuang Li raised an eyebrow at this. He had assumed Zhuang Tianer had sent the hypnotized villagers to spread the news, but he hadn't expected it to be Zhuang Lao Da himself.
It seems that Zhuang Tianer did not grow up to be this vicious and greedy person for no reason. She has inherited the true teachings of Boss Zhuang.
Mrs. Zhuang seemed convinced and said regretfully, "Why didn't such a great blessing fall on our Tian'er? Our Tian'er has a noble destiny and can bear it. Their family has a poor destiny, so all that money is useless. No, I have to tell Zhuang Lao Er to quickly prepare a dowry for Tian'er! Otherwise, when he gets into trouble, our Tian'er will get nothing."
As she spoke, Mrs. Zhuang climbed up onto the wooden block again, poked her head out, and shouted, "Ergen, Ergen, you said before that you would prepare a dowry for Tian'er. Do you still mean what you said? Come out and take care of this!"
Now, Boss Zhuang stopped pulling his mother and instead showed an expectant expression.
Zhuang Lao Er couldn't stand it any longer. He pushed open the door and strode out, cursing in a gruff voice, "I'm not going to give her a dowry! She's an evil spirit. I don't care if she dies!"
Zhuang Li, who originally wanted to go into the house, now stood still, leaning against the pear tree in the yard, watching the fun lazily.
Zhuang Jiuge sat by the window, holding a book and reading intently, completely unaffected by the noise.
Liu Chunhua came out of the house and said sarcastically, "Zhuang Tian'er is so lucky. She's God's biological daughter. She's getting married. You should ask God for a dowry!"
Old Madam Zhuang's eyes bulged out in anger as she threatened, "I advise you to quickly prepare a dowry for Tian'er and treat her well. That way, she'll share her blessings with you and save you from misfortune. You're too fragile to handle wealth and glory! Have you forgotten how Donkey Egg hanged himself? You don't want your family to be torn apart, do you?"
"Mom, are you still my mom? How could you curse your own children and grandchildren like that? Whose fate are you saying is unbearable? Whose family are you saying is ruined?" Zhuang Er clenched his fists tightly, but he couldn't do anything to Old Madam Zhuang. After all, this was a society where filial piety was paramount.
The villagers who had heard the commotion and rushed to watch the show advised Zhuang Lao Er through the courtyard gate: "You'd better hurry up and prepare Tian'er's dowry. You've received such a great benefit, you should treat Tian'er well. Tian'er's good fortune will protect your family, otherwise good things will turn into bad things."
"Yes! Apart from Tian'er, who else can bear such a great blessing? Maybe your family's fortune is also due to Tian'er! You should give her some of it."
"The amount of blessings God has given you is limited. You have received blessings that do not belong to you, so naturally you must contribute some of them."
"Zhuang Lao Er, don't be so stubborn. Without Tian'er, your family will be in trouble!"
The completely brainwashed villagers tried to persuade Zhuang Laoer one by one.
Mrs. Zhuang struck while the iron was hot and said, "We don't want the extra ones. I only want the night-shining pearl! Give it to Tian'er!"
Zhuang Tianer rushed out of the house and said firmly: "Grandma, please come down quickly. I don't want Second Uncle's things! We have separated and should live our own lives. Grandma, you better be obedient." As she spoke, she pulled Old Lady Zhuang down and kept apologizing to Zhuang Lao Er across the courtyard wall.
She was so well-behaved and sensible that the villagers outside the yard felt even more indignant for her and scolded Zhuang Lao Er for being short-sighted and selfish.
Zhuang Tianer sent Old Madam Zhuang back to the house. When she turned around, the embarrassment on her face instantly turned into viciousness.
She sneered inwardly: "Go ahead and make a scene. In a few days, when Zhuang Laoer's family is killed by thieves, you will be even more convinced and obedient to me. My status as a blessed star from heaven will surely bring this village under complete control. Do you really think I'd be interested in Zhuang Laoer's family's meager wealth?"
Outside, a woman with an unusually loud voice warned Zhuang Lao Er, "If your family doesn't treat Tian'er well, you'll definitely be in trouble in the future! Tian'er's blessings can protect you, but if you actively push away her protection, something extremely bad might happen! Be careful!"
As soon as the man finished speaking, a series of horse hooves, wheels, falcons whistling, and hounds barking rang out outside the house. Then, amidst all the noisy sounds, an extremely majestic and deep voice came: "What bad thing will happen to the young master's family?"
The moment Zhuang Tian'er heard these words, the hairs on her body stood up. A mysterious feeling surged from the depths of her heart, invading her thoughts and filling her mind with an extremely strong murderous intent.
She immediately walked out of the yard, but saw a prince standing at the door of Zhuang Laoer's house.
Why could Zhuang Tianer tell at a glance that the other person was the prince?
Because he had a golden crown on his head; he wore a bright yellow luxurious gown embroidered with four-clawed dragons; around his waist was a belt inlaid with emerald, white jade, pearls and gems; on his feet were golden dragon-patterned boots; behind him were hundreds of heroic guards, all riding tall horses, holding hunting dogs with puffed muzzles and claws in their hands, and ferocious falcons standing on their shoulders.
With this attire, this style, and this display, who else could it be but a prince? And whose territory was Bazhou?
Thinking of this, the words "King of Qi" suddenly appeared in Zhuang Tianer's mind.
This man is the King of Qi, the God of War in the North. He commands a large army and holds immense power, even the Queen Mother and the Emperor must yield to him with respect! In Bazhou, he has the final say; a single stomp of his foot turns the land in Bazhou upside down.
Descriptions of the King of Qi flashed through Zhuang Tianer's mind, and the inexplicably surging murderous intent instantly transformed into a tormenting fear. Even if she had the incredible luck to be reborn, she couldn't possibly handle such a powerful figure!
She stood there stiffly, looking at King Qi in disbelief.
The woman being questioned by the King of Qi was nearly frightened out of her wits. Even though she had never seen the world, she knew that not everyone could wear a bright yellow dress embroidered with coiled dragons.
The villagers who came to watch the excitement knelt down in unison, shouting in trembling voices such as "Greetings, Your Highness. Best wishes, Your Highness."
Zhuang Laoer, who was so angry just now, now stood there in a daze. Liu Chunhua gently pulled him, and he knelt down belatedly.
The originally noisy little village became deathly silent because of the arrival of King Qi, with only the falcon flying overhead occasionally making a loud and long cry.
Zhuang Li first helped his parents up, then walked slowly to the door and chuckled, "You came so quickly." As he spoke, he looked at the King of Qi's extremely formal attire, and the corners of his red lips rose uncontrollably.
In order to see me, this person must have taken out all the gorgeous clothes in the bottom of the box.
The King of Qi had lost a lot of weight, and the formal dress he had worn a few years ago was no longer wearable, so he had to ask the embroiderer to make it again without delay. He was therefore very uneasy, fearing that the alterations might not be done carefully enough and that it would look inappropriate.
He stood with his hands behind his back and quietly tugged at the fabric behind his waist to make his front look neater.
Zhuang Li caught a glimpse of his little action and almost laughed out loud. He suppressed his laughter for a long time before asking in a calm tone, "Are you here to seek treatment from me?"
The King of Qi nodded and said, "Yes."
"Your illness requires long-term treatment and cannot be cured in a day or two, so I have to live with you so that I can take care of you at all times." Zhuang Li said truthfully.
Hearing this, the King of Qi could barely contain his inner ecstasy. He pursed his lips, afraid to burst out laughing. After the surge of emotion in his heart subsided, he spoke in a hoarse voice, "Then we'll live together."
"You won't be used to living in my small courtyard." Zhuang Li pointed to the dilapidated brick house behind him.
"If you can get used to living here, then I can get used to living here too." King Qi said quickly.
Zhuang Li couldn't possibly let the King of Qi stay. With this huge Buddha statue guarding the area, how could those thieves dare to steal?
Then he pointed to the West Mountain in the distance and said, "There's a house with five courtyards over there. Ask someone to find out who owns it. We can buy it and live together."
"We can buy it and live together"—the words, similar to "we'll stay together from now on," melted into the King of Qi's already numb and dead heart like honey. His self-control finally vanished into nothingness, and he turned to look at the guard commander with a joyful smile.
The guard leader bowed and said, "I'll ask someone right away."
A guard standing behind him slapped his forehead and said, "No need to ask, that's the prince's villa. I've been there once with the prince."
The Crown Prince is the son of the King of Qi, and his things are also the King of Qi's things. This way, everything will be easy.
The King of Qi immediately turned around and looked at Zhuang Li eagerly.
Hearing the word "Prince," Zhuang Li's mood instantly plummeted. But when he saw the man's eager gaze, a wave of pity welled up in his heart. He rubbed his brows, sighed softly, and then waved his hand, saying, "Help me move in. We'll stay there tonight."
"Why don't you help the young master move?" The King of Qi stepped aside and let his guards enter the courtyard. Finally, he pointed to the several large boxes he had dragged with him and said softly, "These are all gifts I brought you. I wonder if you like them."
"What are they?" Zhuang Li walked up to him and asked in a light tone.
One of them is a prince and the other is a commoner, but when they stand together, there is no distinction between high and low. They look more like good friends who have known each other for many years, or even close confidants.
"They are all gold, silver, jewelry, silks and satins. I came here in a hurry this time and didn't bring anything good. I will go to the capital with you some other day, return to the palace, and take a look in my storehouse. You can pick out whatever you like." The King of Qi said these words softly, and he hardly concealed his eagerness to please the young man.
Zhuang Li glanced at him and hummed softly through his nose.
The sound was so natural, so intimate, like she was acting coquettishly, with a tingling sensation.
The King of Qi felt instantly satisfied. The fatigue and pain from riding his steed vanished completely. He touched his chest and felt his dying heart begin to beat again, even stronger than before.
The guards quickly emptied out the belongings of the second branch of the Zhuang family, and respectfully sent Zhuang Lao Er and others onto the carriage and took them to the villa in the West Mountain.
As the King of Qi mounted his horse and prepared to set off, Zhuang Li immediately grabbed his wrist and ordered, "You are not allowed to ride the horse. Come ride in the carriage with me."
Thinking of being able to stay alone in the carriage with the young master for the entire journey, the King of Qi immediately dismounted and promised with a smile, "Okay, I'll accompany you." Finally, he pinched the young master's slender waist, lifted him into the carriage, and personally lifted the curtain, reminding him, "Be careful not to hit your head."
He waited until the young master was settled in the carriage before jumping in.
The wheels rolled slowly. Zhuang Li leaned out of the car window and pointed at the courtyard where the second branch of the Zhuang family lived. He said, "We don't want this house anymore. Let's tear it down."
The dozens of guards who had not yet left immediately went in and quickly dismantled the beams, walls, doors, windows, and other items. This thwarted the eldest wife's plan to occupy the entire courtyard while the second wife was gone.
This mighty team gradually disappeared in the dense jungle, until the sound of wheels completely faded away and all the falcons in the sky flew away. Only then did the villagers who were kneeling on the ground support each other to stand up.
Someone murmured absentmindedly, "Who said Second Zhuang's family had a bad fate? Didn't you all see how the King of Qi treated Zhuang Li as a distinguished guest?"
Everyone was stunned at first, then all showed awe. With the King of Qi protecting them, how could Zhuang Laoer and his family be so unlucky? They could handle such a great blessing!
Boss Zhuang stood stiffly at the door, looking at the official road leading to Xishan with a distorted expression.
Zhuang Tianer had already hidden herself back inside when no one was paying attention. She didn't want anyone to see her extremely frustrated expression. She felt like something was out of her control.
Old Mrs. Zhuang stood there for a while, then suddenly slapped her thigh and chased along the official road towards the West Mountain, shouting, "Dabao and Erbao, bring your grandparents with you."
You're asking for trouble! She already said we shouldn't split up the family!
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