Chapter 1145: Keep Your Identity Close (Part 2) [Requesting Monthly Tickets]
"You—you, you're doing just fine!"
Cui Zhi no longer concealed his murderous intent.
The shockwave emanated from him, violently impacting all directions. Pure mental pressure surged towards Shen Tang like a needle attempting to pierce her brow. An ordinary person would be crippled or killed in such a blow! Shen Tang remained calm, her body as immovable as a mountain.
Not only that, she also made sarcastic remarks.
"With such a narrow-minded attitude from Patriarch Cui, I don't need to worry about the family. As the saying goes, actions speak louder than words. Regardless of the initial intentions, I am still a meritorious person who escorted Lady Cui to visit her family safely. Even if I didn't work hard, I still deserve credit, right? But Patriarch Cui only sees that I am someone from the family. He was provoked by a few words and wanted to kill me to silence me. Such pettiness is truly laughable."
Shen Tang danced even more recklessly and arrogantly in Cui Zhilei's minefield.
Cui Zhi's face darkened, as if he had been sprayed by a squid: "What a sharp-tongued and scheming loyal servant!"
"It is my honor to receive a 'sharp tongue' comment from Patriarch Cui." Shen Tang's eyebrows and eyes relaxed with a smile, and there was a hint of smugness in his eyes and brows, which can be described as "a petty person who has achieved success"!
Seeing this almost caused Cui Zhi to break his years of self-control.
You mean... going back to your hometown to visit relatives?
This means that Cui Hui is only coming back to see her relatives and then leaving. Cui Zhi knows perfectly well who her relatives are. Perhaps he has a place among them, but her children, mother-in-law, and brother-in-law definitely come before him. He himself is just passing through.
The next question was: "Where do you go after your visit to relatives is over?"
The answer seems to be on the verge of being revealed.
This also made Cui Zhi's jealousy, which was churning inside him, almost tangible.
Shen Tang feigned ignorance, but actually struck at Cui Zhi's sore spot: "Where to go after the visit is only for Miss Cui herself. Perhaps she will continue to wander the world, looking around to clear her mind, or perhaps she will come to her senses and be willing to forgive her parents and reconcile. From what I've seen recently, the southwest is not peaceful either, and it is really not suitable for an ordinary woman like Miss Cui to live in. The northwest Kang Kingdom is peaceful and secure, free from the disturbances of the Ten Crows of the Northern Desert and the scourge of warlords and bandits. Even ordinary people can live and work in peace, making it very suitable for Miss Cui to settle down."
After that, it's a matter of being in a good position to benefit. Shen Tang didn't say this aloud, but that didn't stop Cui Zhi from figuring it out for himself.
At this moment, Cui Zhi's face darkened even more.
It looked like being sprayed from all directions by a hundred or eighty squid.
"Reconcile?" Cui Zhi gritted his teeth, turned and left. "Tell Qi Yuanliang to stop daydreaming!"
Did Qi Yuanliang not have a wife?
Why are you staring at his wife?
Shen Tang tilted her head and watched Cui Zhi disappear down the corridor, then pouted.
Mimicking Cui Zhi's words, he said in a sarcastic tone, "Oh right, tell Qi Yuanliang to stop daydreaming!"
Tsk, thankfully this was just a quick-thinking fabrication by her to clear Cui Hui of suspicion—compared to "spy," the identity of "secret guard sent by a suitor" is not so sensitive and can cover up a lot of things—otherwise, based on Cui Zhi's actions, Cui Hui would be in confinement for his fourth pregnancy and he wouldn't even know where he went wrong! He wouldn't even be able to catch up with the good news!
While not all doubts have been dispelled, the crisis has been averted.
Shen Tang returned safely.
She walked slowly, which worried Cui Mi, who rushed back after receiving the news.
"Sister Chen, are you alright?"
What could possibly be wrong with me?
"I just heard from the servant that Father was looking for you... Did he talk to you about something? Don't listen to what he said. It's my own choice to like you. If he's like the Queen Mother of the West, drawing a line across the Milky Way to separate us, then you—you should elope with me!" Cui Mi's words were truly shocking, immediately leaving Shen Tang petrified. The boy hurriedly tried to explain, "I, I didn't mean that... I meant that the Cui family rules are very strict, and Father dislikes these unconventional behaviors the most. If you elope with me, it'll be a good way to make him angry!"
Shen Tang fell silent.
Cui Mi's words were absolutely outrageous.
Upon hearing this, Cui Zhi estimated that there could be thousands of cuttlefish!
She patted Cui Mi on the shoulder and earnestly educated the naughty child.
“The one who is betrothed becomes a wife, the one who elopes becomes a concubine.”
Don't spend your time daydreaming about eloping at such a young age.
She struggles to support herself, so where would she find the spare money to support a pampered young man? Shen Tang decisively rejected the young man's advances: "Although I like younger men, someone as young as you is not for me. It feels like a crime."
"Just because of age?"
Shen Tang bluntly stated, "And another reason is that I'm poor."
She sighed, "I have no savings, how can I start a family?"
Cui Hui arrived shortly after.
Hearing the conversation around the corner of the corridor, she slammed on the brakes and stopped abruptly, her lips nearly twitching. She didn't know whether to praise her youngest son for his sharp eye, spotting the most formidable woman in the world at a glance, or to feel sorry for him, knowing he was destined to run into the toughest obstacle.
Cui Mi said earnestly, "But I have money."
Cui Hui nodded secretly; Er Mi's words were indeed true.
In wealthy families, the food, drink, and lodging of the children are all taken care of by their families. As long as they don't have any extra spending hobbies, their monthly allowances and gifts received during holidays accumulate over the years to a considerable amount. Under normal circumstances, this is enough for two people to live comfortably for a lifetime.
Unfortunately—
Cui Mi encountered Shen Tang.
She said, "Don't even mention the little bit of wealth you have, even if you gave me all the money from the Cui family, it wouldn't be enough to fill my hole."
The hole is really, really big.
Unless the world is unified, the hole will continue to expand until the sky collapses and the earth cracks, and everyone in the world goes to see the Great-Grandmother.
Cui Mi's first reaction was disbelief, thinking she was being lied to: "Sister Chen, could you tell me where the hole came from?"
Borrowing money from loan sharks all over the country, with interest compounding every three to five years?
Shen Tang avoided the topic, and Cui Mi was certain that this was her excuse.
The young boy looked hurt.
Forced into a corner, Shen Tang had no choice but to confess the truth, saying with a heavy heart, "Since you insist on hearing the answer, I'll tell you. This matter dates back many years. At that time, I was working away from home to support my family. My family, unaware of the dangers, took in an old man. I was young and reckless, didn't know the consequences, and fell for him. Every penny I earned from hard labor over the years went to support him, paying off debts year after year, only to incur debts again just when things seemed to be running out. The hole is too big! You're too young, you can't handle it, and you don't understand its weight..."
Yes, she spent all her money on older men.
He worked tirelessly to repay the loan for the other party, paying back as much as the other party owed. Even Wang Baochuan would call him her ancestor.
This answer shocked Cui Mi beyond measure.
His expression froze at that strange moment.
"But...but didn't you say you liked younger people?"
Shen Tang smiled and said, "Yes, I do like younger people, but liking is one thing, reality is another. I not only like younger people, but I also like gold and silver jewelry. However, when I meet someone worthy, gold and silver jewelry is not my first choice."
Xun Hanzhang is indeed powerful because he spends money on in-game purchases, but he can become stronger by spending money.
Cui Mi is very young, but this kid has impure intentions.
Her true identity isn't so easy to uncover.
"He is not a good man."
Cui Mi's eyes were misty at some point, and her eyes were slightly red.
"But I do it willingly."
As long as she spends enough money, she can even go head-to-head with a level 20 Marquis without fear. What limits Xun Zhen's potential isn't her talent, but her financial resources. Being expensive isn't Xun Zhen's weakness; it's her strength!
Cui Mi ultimately managed to suppress his emotions.
Realizing he had lost his composure, he quickly apologized and took his leave.
As an observer, Cui Hui had mixed feelings.
She knew, of course, that Shen Jun was still single and had no strange old man by her side. Shen Jun was just trying to put an end to Cui Mi's hopes once and for all; a short, sharp pain was better than a long, drawn-out one. Even so, Shen Jun shouldn't tarnish his own reputation.
Shen Tang naturally knew that Cui Hui was nearby.
Even she, who is usually thick-skinned, felt a little embarrassed.
She always regarded Cui Hui as an equal, while Cui Hui's son, Cui Mi, was a junior. The fact that her equal son asked her to elope with him to spite his biological father, and that Cui Hui overheard it, made it impossible for her to remain calm.
But Cui Hui also liked to reflect.
Are you worried that your divorce might have left a shadow on your child?
The Cui family's educational methods certainly cannot raise normal people.
Shen Tang: "..."
Cui Hui apologized to Shen Tang first, then hurriedly went to find her son, concerned about the young man's mental well-being. She left in such a hurry that she disappeared from sight. Shen Tang slapped his forehead: "I forgot to tell Ke Wu... But, it shouldn't be a big problem, right?"
Cui Hui had already used Qi Yuanliang to provoke her ex-husband.
His words just now were nothing more than adding insult to injury.
That night, Cui Zhi got completely drunk in his study; that night, the guards were terrified and went to ask the mistress to persuade the head of the household.
That night...
Cui Hui felt like his back was about to give out.
Can anyone tell her why this guy surnamed Cui becomes such a different person when he's drunk?! He's so clingy and affectionate, he's practically asking for trouble! He cries at the drop of a hat… Do all men surnamed Cui have some kind of problem?
When I woke up, my hangover brain was throbbing so badly it felt like it was going to explode.
After a quick wash, I heard from the servants that my mother was at home.
Cui Hui was so frightened that his heart skipped a beat.
When did Mother arrive?
I've been here for over an hour, but I heard my daughter was still fast asleep because she wasn't feeling well, so I went to see my two grandchildren first. They're having tea now. The old lady has devoted herself to Buddhism in recent years, and she has a calm and kind face, looking younger than her actual age.
She could guess what was going on just by looking at her daughter's mental state.
"Didn't you and Zhishan get divorced?"
"They got divorced, but there's a saying: 'drunken promiscuity'."
The old lady paused in her hand, which was holding prayer beads, and said helplessly, "I can't interfere in your relationship with Zhishan, but please remember one thing: if you don't intend to get back together, it's best to be careful. You're not young anymore, and having children is not easy."
Cui Hui scratched his head: "She won't get pregnant."
The contraceptive methods used in Kangguo could have benefited countless women.
The old lady nodded, saying that as long as her daughter knew what she was doing, that was fine.
Cui Hui frowned and asked, "Why is Mother here?"
The old lady said, "We have to give them some face."
It wasn't about giving Cui Zhishan face, but about giving herself face. Cui Zhi was respectfully inviting her, his former mother-in-law, to reunite with her daughter and catch up. If he didn't give her face, it would be awkward for both of them.
Using force to get your ex-mother-in-law to come out won't sound good.
Suppressing his anger, Cui Hui changed the subject.
“Mother, I saw Father in the North.”
The old lady suddenly stopped holding the prayer beads, then resumed her normal posture after a while, and sighed, "How is he doing these days?"
Cui Hui said, "He's alright, but he hasn't remarried."
Whether he remarries or not is none of my business...
"What if Father comes looking for us one day?"
If we meet again in this life, it will be at his grave.
The old lady wasn't speaking out of anger; it was the absolute truth. Chaotic times not only bring war and turmoil, but also extreme poverty. Even a common cold can be fatal, and life expectancy is generally very short. Her age would be considered advanced in years by ordinary standards.
Maybe three to five years, maybe eight or nine years.
When they met again, she lay buried beneath the yellow earth, while he stood tall in the world.
As for things like love and romance, she had long since become indifferent to them. Relationships between people are also about fate; once that fate is broken, it can never be rekindled. Any relationships that can be rekindled are merely lingering connections.
"My daughter knows."
The old lady remained calm.
Cui Hui then said, "Mother, please help me with something."
Each member of the Cui family has their own worries.
Cui Xiong was the first to notice his younger brother's unusual behavior.
I found out that he had been rejected after confessing his feelings.
Thinking of going to comfort him, he saw his younger brother fishing for the carp that their father raised in the yard. These fish had long been kept stupid and were easy to catch, so it was not interesting at all: "Second brother, I know a quiet and secluded place that is perfect for wild fishing."
Cui Mi said, "I won't go."
Cui Xiong sat down in front of him, blocking his view: "Really not going?"
Cui Mi said, "I won't go."
Cui Xiong asked in surprise, "This time the injury is so deep?"
He had known for a long time that his younger brother dreamed of meeting his soulmate, but he just thought the other was daydreaming.
Cui Mi glanced sideways: "I was just thinking."
Cui Xiong crossed his arms and leaned against the railing: "Thinking?"
Cui Mi said, "Let's think about who Sister Chen really is."
As they were talking, a fish took the bait.
"In this vast sea of people, how can I know who she is?"
Cui Mi slapped the fish until it was stunned and threw it into the fish basket: "There are a few suspects, but I don't know if Father knows about them."
"How many? Is her identity that mysterious?"
"He can ride on auspicious clouds to save people from suffering." But he is just one of the masses, so how can he not be considered a savior?
Cui Xiong knew immediately that his second brother was being mysterious again.
"Not telling Father?"
“Tell Father? There’s no need.” Cui Mi threw some fish food into the water, and a bunch of carp gathered around, sensing the movement. He put away his fishing rod and put his arm around his brother’s shoulder. “Good brother, didn’t you say there was a quiet, secluded place suitable for wild fishing?”
"Tsk, you want to go again?"
"Fishing is more fun when you're catching smart fish." A group of fish that have been kept in captivity and become stupid are so muddy that they don't even taste good when cooked.
Just like the ignorant masses under this sky.
As the two brothers walked away, faint conversation could still be heard: "...Good brother, you must take Father's words as a warning."
"...What did you see this time?"
"Seeing you being played like a fool by a woman."
"...Show some respect, you have to call her sister-in-law."
"..."
"...Why don't you speak?"
"..."
Meanwhile, in the northern lands, the former capital of the Gao Kingdom.
Shen Tang suddenly opened her eyes.
Seeing the unfamiliar tent top, she raised her hand to shield her eyes. After a while, she still didn't hear the PTSD-inducing shout, "Stop playing dead, get up!" All she heard was the orderly patrolling of soldiers outside. She struggled to her feet, looked down at her extremely familiar hands, and burst into tears of joy: "Finally back!"
|ω`)
Cui Hui and Cui Zhi were still connected despite their estrangement, while Cui Xiao and his wife were completely severed ties, separated by a deep-seated blood feud.
PS: Tang Mei will be able to switch between the two identities of Wu You Zi Xu in the future, which means that she has truly achieved the freedom of 007.
(End of this chapter)
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