Chapter 83 Doghouse [New] What a hot potato!
Large beads of cold sweat streamed down Hu Tiehua's temples.
He had intended to hide until the effects of the drug wore off before leaving, but he didn't expect them to be so persistent in their pursuit.
Looking across the entire martial arts world, Hu Tiehua's martial arts skills were already top-notch, and dealing with these four young girls should have been more than enough. However, the alcohol in his drink contained a bit too much sleeping potion, and despite inducing vomiting, he still couldn't muster any strength.
Hu Tiehua hadn't forgotten that these four young girls were also a group of treacherous assassins. Although they didn't say it, Hu Tiehua could guess why they were chasing her.
He had promised the steward of Jade Sword Manor to escort Princess Jade Sword to marry King Shi. And these unkind young girls were there to cause trouble.
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"No," You Mingjiang answered decisively. With a flick of her wrist, she sprinkled in some bright green scallions and gently stirred the fish soup.
"Oh?" This time, it was a frail little girl who spoke. She blinked, looking pitiful. "But his bloodstains only disappeared here."
The four girls were quite aggressive.
Hu Tiehua, hiding in the treehouse, was so engrossed in listening that his beard almost stood on end. You Mingjiang remained silent, picked up a soup ladle, scooped up half a spoonful of fish soup, and gently blew on it.
What does it have to do with her?!
If you say it but don't believe it, why bother asking?
The girl with big eyes covered her mouth and giggled, "Sister, don't refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit!"
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Hearing this, Hu Tiehua felt a little flustered.
He frowned, fearing that his mistake might implicate the innocent passerby who was cooking fish soup under the old banyan tree.
A soft laugh came from under the tree.
"I don't want to drink alcohol," You Mingjiang said calmly. "I just want to drink fish soup."
Seeing that You Mingjiang was not cooperating, the healthiest and strongest of the four girls suddenly raised her foot and kicked the pile of firewood at the bottom of the pot with a "bang", sparks flew and smoke billowed.
Fortunately, You Mingjiang reacted quickly and covered the pot with the lid in time; otherwise, the milky white fish soup would have been ruined by ash.
You Mingjiang was a little angry.
Wasting food is the most shameful thing!
She glanced at the four of them and said with a grin, "Tsk, you guys have small faces but thick skin. I'm already being generous by answering. You're taking advantage of my kindness and keep interrogating me... Do you really think you're from the Six Doors? You look so pathetic, more like death row inmates waiting to be executed in the autumn than proper constables."
This attitude clearly angered them.
The four girls all frowned: "Say that again?!"
"If you're hard of hearing, go get it treated." The fish soup in the spoon was ready to drink, and You Mingjiang lowered her head and took a big mouthful.
The petite girl hadn't spoken until suddenly she reached out to overturn the pot of fish soup. Just then, You Mingjiang suddenly opened her mouth and spat out the fish soup like an arrow!
The fish soup hit the little girl right in the face.
"Ah!" The little girl covered her face with her hands, instinctively trying to hide it!
With a flick of her sleeve, You Mingjiang collected the pot and soup into a bamboo medicine basket. Then, she leaped into the air and delivered a beautiful spinning kick, sending her opponent flying several meters.
The other person staggered and fell a few steps, but was fortunately supported by the three people behind him, which helped him regain his balance.
The four men glared at her hatefully.
You Mingjiang took out a handkerchief and gently wiped her mouth: "Sorry, I can't help but feel like throwing up whenever I feel nauseous."
I didn't expect this woman to be so skilled in martial arts!
Hu Tiehua's eyes lit up, and in a flash, an idea popped into his head. Knowing he couldn't miss the chance, he quickly opened the window and shouted towards the pale blue figure under the old banyan tree:
"Wife"
This shout immediately revealed Hu Tiehua's location.
Several darts flew through the air, heading straight for the "doghouse" on the banyan tree. Before Hu Tiehua could react, You Mingjiang had already thrown out the tiger-shaped brace!
The tiger-shaped propeller flew out with a "whoosh," bouncing back and forth among the branches, trunks, and aerial roots.
"Ding ding ding!"
Tiger brace intercepted the dart, which bounced back along its original path, forcing the four men back several steps.
You Mingjiang reached out and caught the tiger-shaped brace that whistled back into his palm.
Great technique!
Hu Tiehua felt a surge of joy in his heart, and continued his act of feigning invincibility: "Wife, you've finally arrived—these crazy women have been begging and pestering me, insisting that I marry them! They wouldn't believe me when I told them I already had a wife!"
Unexpectedly, the four looked at each other, then stared at You Mingjiang and said coldly, "Are you his wife?"
This time, You Mingjiang finally recognized the voice. She raised an eyebrow, thinking to herself: Isn't this Hu Tiehua, Chu Liuxiang's good friend?
Hu Tiehua continued to embellish the story: "Good wife, quickly help your husband teach these ignorant young girls a lesson!"
After saying that, he touched his nose, coughed twice guiltily, and prayed in his heart that the other party would be willing to take his role.
To everyone's surprise, the other party coldly replied, "What are you shouting about?! If you shout again, I'll cut out your tongue!"
Hu Tiehua's heart skipped a beat, as if he had fallen into an ice cave.
The young girls immediately sneered, "Hu Tiehua, do you think we're three-year-olds? Everyone in the martial arts world knows you're a bachelor, where would you get a wife?"
After saying that, the four of them leaped up, intending to jump onto the banyan tree.
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Yu Mingjiang's eyes narrowed, and the Tiger Pole once again broke through the air!
"Clatter, clatter—"
Forced by the sound of the wind, the big-eyed girl twisted her body in mid-air to defend herself; the frail girl's ribbon missed its mark and she was hit on the shoulder instead; the petite girl was not spared and was injured in the back; the last healthy girl was also forced to stop her move to protect herself, and the four of them landed together, and the encirclement was easily broken.
The young girl in the lead said coldly, "Since you're not his wife, why are you meddling in other people's business?"
Tiger Propeller flew steadily back into You Mingjiang's palm.
With her fingertips gently stroking the tiger-shaped brace, You Mingjiang smiled and said, "Although I'm not his wife, I am his great-aunt. I'm really going to take care of things concerning his grandchildren."
Grandma?
Hu Tiehua was dumbfounded; this woman's ability to gain the upper hand verbally was no less than his own.
You Mingjiang raised his index finger, smiled, and twirled the tiger-shaped brace, calling out to the tree:
"My dear grandson, call me 'Grandma' first."
Unperturbed, he immediately seized the opportunity, poking half his body out of the doghouse: "Grandma, help—"
“Your filial piety is commendable, grant your request.” You Mingjiang responded and continued, “If it weren’t for these four distinguished guests, those standing before me today would already be beheaded. Who wants to try first? I will grant her wish.”
The four women exchanged glances, understanding each other's intentions. Their purpose was to thwart the capture and lure out Chu Liuxiang, not to kill him. Since a formidable opponent had appeared out of nowhere, a direct confrontation would be unwise; it was better to retreat for the time being. As long as Hu Tiehua was still on her way to the wedding, they would remain hunters lurking in the shadows.
Moreover, Chu Liuxiang is full of clever schemes and his whereabouts are unpredictable; Hu Tiehua is straightforward and more prone to impulsiveness. If Hu Tiehua is in danger, Chu Liuxiang will never stand idly by.
The four exchanged a glance, and suddenly pulled out a black sphere from their pockets and smashed it to the ground.
With a muffled thud, thick black smoke instantly billowed out, and when the smoke cleared, the four assassins had vanished without a trace.
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You Mingjiang flipped his hand and put the tiger-shaped support into the bamboo medicine basket.
She dusted off her sleeves, crossed her arms, leaned against the tree trunk, and chuckled, "Everyone's gone, aren't you coming down, my dear grandson?"
Hu Tiehua poked his head out of the window, looking around warily. Only after confirming that the four dangerous girls had left did he breathe a sigh of relief.
A wave of sleepiness washed over him, and he said in a hoarse voice, "Thank you so much, young lady... for saving my life..."
Sensing something was wrong, You Mingjiang leaped up into the tree.
She lit a tinderbox and quickly crawled into the small treehouse that Hu Tiehua called the "doghouse".
Upon entering the treehouse, one sees a disheveled man leaning against the window. His eyelids are drooping, his face is pale, and his eyes are red-rimmed, making him look like a drunkard who has been vomiting for half an hour.
She frowned and asked, "Are you drunk?"
Hu Tiehua forced a smile, his face stiff: "...It's just sleeping pills. I've already induced vomiting...I drank a bit too much."
You Mingjiang clicked his tongue and brought the tinderbox closer to him.
Hu Tiehua barely opened his eyes, looked the person up and down, and finally recognized the person in front of him.
He made a face, touched his nose, and said, "I knew that sounded familiar... It's you, Little Elder."
You Mingjiang squatted down beside him and poked his cheek with the end of a tinderbox, earning him a weak glare in return.
She smiled and said, "Little Elder? Master Hu's shout has made me known far and wide."
"I'm sorry, I was in a hurry just now..." Hu Tiehua was dizzy and shook her head. "Don't take it to heart, and don't take it to heart either... I'll treat you two to drinks another day."
He was referring to the time he called her "wife" and used her as a shield.
You Mingjiang glanced at him and reached out to feel his carotid artery: "Having another grandson is no big deal, is it? Your great-aunt is quite happy about it, and your great-uncle is even less bothered."
It's very hot.
But I didn't sweat.
My carotid artery was throbbing, and the pulse was very noticeable.
Hu Tiehua licked his lips, his mouth tasted bitter, and he chuckled uncontrollably, "Hehe... I'm already like this..."
You Mingjiang pinched his chin and poked the back of his tongue with a tinderbox.
Hu Tiehua mumbled, "My mouth... is numb..."
Tsk, judging from his appearance, he must have vomited and still had some sleeping pills left in his body, which is why he's so sleepy and can't fall asleep.
"My dear grandson, remember to thank your great-aunt." You Mingjiang directly inserted a three-inch silver needle into the Shenmen acupoint on his wrist.
"you……"
Hu Tiehua felt sleep calling him; his eyelids were heavy, and he couldn't open them no matter what he did, so he couldn't continue arguing with her. He leaned against the window and fell asleep, snoring loudly.
You Mingjiang hooked his toe, lifting his slumped body so he was lying face up: "Tsk, what a hot potato..."
Her relationship with Hu Tiehua was subtle; they were "friends of friends," somewhat familiar with each other, but not yet close enough to be intimate.
She could give Hu Tiehua a ride along the way.
You could also give Hu Tiehua some Coptis chinensis detoxification pills, leave him some water and dry food, and let him sleep there until dawn.
"Sigh, I might as well see this through to the end. After all, I'm your great-aunt."
With a final sigh, You Mingjiang grabbed Hu Tiehua by the back of his collar, hoisted him onto his shoulder, and leaped down from the tree.
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The next day.
The carriage curtains swayed gently, lifted by the wind.
The light suddenly became intense, falling on Hu Tiehua's eyelids. He frowned and opened his eyes amidst the jolts.
"Awake?" A clear, melodious voice came from the light.
Hu Tiehua squinted, struggling to move his eyes. Once his eyes adjusted to the light, he could finally see the half-smiling face in the halo of light, and he breathed a sigh of relief.
Thank goodness it was You Mingjiang, otherwise, we would have really fallen into the hands of those four girls.
Hu Tiehua lowered her head and saw that her wound had been bandaged, and she could faintly feel the coolness of the ointment. A blanket was draped over her stomach, and apart from a bitter taste in her mouth, the lingering effects of the sleeping potion had disappeared.
"Have some soup." You Mingjiang handed over a bowl of light green hot soup.
"Why is this soup green?" Hu Tiehua stared at the bowl of hot soup and couldn't help but shrink back.
"Crucian carp, tofu, licorice root, and mung beans."
Licorice and mung bean soup can counteract the effects of sleeping potion, but she was too lazy to make another soup.
So, You Mingjiang simply added mung beans and licorice root to last night's crucian carp and tofu soup and simmered it haphazardly...
These ingredients don't clash with each other anyway.
"I'm a pretty good cook."
You Mingjiang stirred the soup with a spoon. The boiled mung beans floated in the soup. Remembering the egg pancake incident, she quickly tried to cover it up, "Don't listen to Chu Liuxiang's nonsense. The egg pancake incident was just a prank on him... This soup is specially for relieving sleeping potions."
Hu Tiehua reluctantly accepted the bowl of soup.
He dared not breathe, forced his eyes closed, pinched his nose, and drank it all in one gulp.
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"Want some more?" You Mingjiang took the empty bowl and pretended to serve him another bowl of soup.
Hu Tiehua quickly waved his hand, not forgetting to crack a joke:
"No, that won't do. Let's leave the beautiful story of washing hands and cooking for Xiaolu. I'm afraid Xiaolu will get jealous again if she finds out."
"Wash your hands before cooking?" You Mingjiang scoffed, glancing sideways at him, and said indifferently, "Sorry, I didn't wash my hands."
Hu Tiehua paused, then clutched her stomach, feigning weakness: "Grandma, how could you lay a hand on your grandchildren..."
"Don't give me that!" You Mingjiang couldn't help but chuckle.
The two chatted and laughed, becoming more familiar with each other, and their inhibitions and barriers in conversation lessened.
She couldn't help but ask, "I think those girls last night didn't intend to kill you, they just wanted to capture you alive. Could it be that you, Master Hu, have some romantic entanglements? Even if you fall into their hands, nothing should go wrong, so why make yourself look so pathetic..."
Hu Tiehua could have waited until the effects of the sleeping potion wore off before subduing the four of them. Even if their motive was to blackmail Chu Liuxiang, he figured Chu Liuxiang would have a way to rescue him.
Hu Tiehua's expression turned serious: "Wrong, it would be a huge problem if we really fell into their hands!"
He doesn't have time to waste his precious time on such things.
You Mingjiang put away the bowl, rested her chin on her hands, and asked curiously, "Oh? I'd like to hear more about it."
Hu Tiehua stopped laughing, and his Adam's apple bobbed up and down.
He stared at You Mingjiang for a long time before cautiously speaking, "I think you are a genuine person."
You Mingjiang understood and quickly said, "Don't worry, I will keep my mouth shut and won't say anything."
Hu Tiehua's expression was solemn as he said in a deep voice, "Because I am escorting Princess Yujian to marry King Shi!"
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You Mingjiang hesitated and asked, "Which Jade Sword Princess?"
Hu Tiehua spoke cautiously: "She is the daughter of Mr. Du from Yujian Villa, a princess personally appointed by the Emperor."
Mr. Du of Jade Sword Manor was a renowned figure along the southeastern coast. The southeastern coast was frequently harassed by pirates and bandits, much to the annoyance of the imperial court. The court thus entrusted Mr. Du of Jade Sword Manor with the task of suppressing the bandits, with remarkable success.
Unable to establish themselves on land, the bandits went to sea to stir up trouble and sought refuge with "General Shi the Righteous" (or "General Shi the Heavenly King").
In recent years, his power has gradually expanded, and he has frequently associated with the Bat Prince and the Japanese pirates. The imperial court intends to arrange a marriage between them in order to appease and win over Prince Shi.
The old steward of Jade Sword Manor was an old acquaintance of Hu Tiehua, so he entrusted him to escort the princess to her wedding.
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You Mingjiang sneered, "What King Shi? In my opinion, he's just a shit king!"
Hu Tiehua felt helpless, but she had no choice but to go to the wedding. She murmured, "It's like a beautiful flower stuck in dog dung."
He didn't use the word "cow dung," because at least cow dung nourishes flowers and has great fertilizing power!
Since the last time she was forced into a marriage in a dangerous city, You Mingjiang's mind has become much more active: "If I were Mr. Du, I would definitely pretend to agree to the marriage first, and then take swift and decisive action when he relaxes his guard... Eh?!"
She realized that this was no simple wedding procession!
It was an assassination attempt!
You Mingjiang raised her head and looked at Hu Tiehua in shock.
This is a huge, hot potato!
Hu Tiehua is currently a hot potato!
It's still that silly sweet potato placed in the middle of the stove!
Once the furnace is lit, the fire will spread upwards, and Hu Tiehua, who accepted the task, will be the first to be roasted, followed by everyone who has recently been associated with him!
Including her, You Mingjiang!
Hu Tiehua belatedly realized this.
Cold sweat poured down his forehead.
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You Mingjiang immediately lifted the carriage curtain, untied the reins herself, and lightly leaped onto the horse's back, calling out to Hu Tiehua, "Mount up!"
Hu Tiehua crawled out of the carriage, used the momentum to leap, and landed steadily behind her.
"Giddy up!" You Mingjiang spurred the horse, and the steed galloped off.
"Where are we going now?" Hu Tiehua asked at the top of his lungs.
Without turning his head, You Mingjiang said, "Go find someone who can handle this hot potato."
"who?"
“Our old friend, Chu Liuxiang.”
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Author's Note: [Good Luck Lianlian] Mr. Du: The master of Jade Sword Manor in "The Legend of Chu Xinxin" has a very high prestige in the southeast coastal area. He is responsible for controlling the bandits in the southeast coastal area and has achieved remarkable results.
[Lucky Lotus] Shi Tianwang: A pirate leader whom the imperial court wanted to appease. Those bandits previously suppressed by Mr. Du, unable to survive on land, fled to the sea and sought refuge with Shi Tianwang. Shi Tianwang, known as the "Grand Marshal of Heavenly Righteousness," is skilled in using the art of creating clones (fraudulent version).
[Good Luck Lianlian] If I remember correctly, these four little girls belong to Leopard Princess. Leopard Princess is King Shi's concubine, whom King Shi snatched from Ishida Saihikozaemon. [Laughing and crying] Ishida Saihikozaemon hates him to death.
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