The rebellious son, already out of the capital, was in high spirits. The beautiful scenery along the way did not slow him down. He traveled ahead with minimal entourage, while his attendants and guards, carrying luggage, hurried to catch up with him on the third try.
Nevertheless, he was unaware that a bloody calamity was about to befall the ancient town of Guxian, thousands of miles away.
Two weeks before production, Jiang Shan made a special trip to the shop and convened a very important meeting with everyone. She wrote a detailed plan for the operation and management of the shop for the next three months, which arranged and explained the division of labor for everyone. As long as everyone followed the procedures in the plan, there would be basically no problems.
She needs to give birth and do postpartum recovery, which will take at least three months. She has also made a plan for the business strategy after three months. It is relatively simple, but the direction is clear. Even if she cannot participate fully, others can operate normally without affecting the shop's business.
With manpower, materials, and funds all arranged meticulously, Jiang Shan planned to remain silent for a while and then find a way to put pressure on the county government after the new magistrate took office.
In Jiang Shan's eyes, this was her biggest concession; after all, revenge is a dish best served cold. But she hadn't expected that her body could no longer withstand the immense pressure, and the baby was about to be born prematurely! She also hadn't expected that those evil hands in the darkness would once again reach out to her with all their might.
The family had planned to have a lively meal together at the shop, but Jiangshan's water broke, and Wang Si Niang's scream shattered the warm atmosphere.
"Young man Qiao, hurry and call the midwife, the master is about to give birth!"
Jiang Shan looked at the large wet patch on his pants. Although he was panicking, he said calmly, "I can't stay in the shop. I want to go home!"
It was already dark, and after such a bumpy journey, they didn't know if the pregnant woman could endure it, so Jiao's mother disagreed with returning to the Jiao residence.
But Jiang Shan was still hoping to make a fortune through this shop, and if some discerning families found out that she had given birth here, they would inevitably feel it was bad luck.
At Jiang Shan's insistence, the family hurriedly put her on a carriage and rushed to the Jiao residence.
The shop couldn't be left unattended. Even though Qiao Shi was in a state of turmoil, he had to tidy up the shop before returning to the Jiao residence.
The midwife was an experienced old woman introduced by Manager Yan. Yuan Wen not only brought the midwife over, but also invited Manager Yan over, just in case.
Childbirth in ancient times was never an easy event; it was a life-or-death struggle, a race against death and a battle against the Grim Reaper. Jiao's mother burned incense and prayed in the courtyard, Xue Zhen stayed by her side, offering comfort, Wang Siniang assisted in the delivery room, and several men paced back and forth in the courtyard. Tension and anxiety weighed heavily on everyone's shoulders.
Yuan Wen stood under a large tree near the gate in the courtyard, his heart filled with sorrow.
The young master is already on his way to his new post, but even he can't outrun Miss Jiang's sudden childbirth. Hearing Miss Jiang crying and wailing inside is more painful than being stabbed with a knife.
My lord, you must pray that Miss Jiang will give birth to her child safely!
On the rooftop, out of Yuan Wen's sight, a dark figure blended into the night, cradling a long sword and quietly listening to the commotion inside. Occasionally, he would glance at a dazed-looking man clinging to a crooked tree, looking as if he were neither alive nor dead.
The silent night could not conceal the loud cries of Jiang Shan, but it did conceal the sinful hands of death.
Qiao Shi absentmindedly arranged the clean dishes and was about to close the door when he suddenly remembered that there was still hot water boiling in the kitchen in the backyard. He rushed to the backyard and saw flames soaring into the sky.
His heart felt as if it were being squeezed, and he almost couldn't breathe. By the time he realized what was happening, the fire had already spread into the shop.
In a panic, he ran ahead shouting for help to put out the fire, then turned back, stuffed the handwritten plan in his pocket, and rushed to the backyard to fight the fire.
Several ghostly black figures carrying torches rushed into the shop, circled around, and, finding no one they were looking for, set fire to various places before leaving.
When Qiao Shi turned around, he saw the dark figure at the back of the group set the counter on fire. Without thinking, he grabbed the water ladle in his hand and roared as he charged forward.
"Help! Fire! Help!" The desperate cries quickly echoed throughout the street in the darkness.
The guard on the rooftop had excellent eyesight and hearing. He almost immediately located the fire and disappeared into the night after a few leaps.
Almost everyone in town knew about Jiang's Private Kitchen. Xue Zhen had only been looking out the door for a short while when she received reliable news that the shop was on fire!
"My father is still in the shop!" Qiao Sheng shouted, his eyes red, and turned to rush out.
Jiao's mother anxiously called out to Yuan Wen, "Quick, go and see your Uncle Qiao!"
Yuan Wen took two steps, then stepped back, staring intently at the dim light emanating from the room. He gritted his teeth and said, "I can't leave. I must stay here and protect Miss Jiang!"
"We'll be fine here. You go and put out the fire. We can't let anything happen to your Uncle Qiao. Go now!" Jiao's mother rushed to Yuan Wen and pushed him out forcefully.
"I'll bring some men with you!" Since Manager Yan had spoken, Yuan Wen had no choice but to reluctantly follow him out.
He prayed in his heart that Miss Jiang and her child would be safe, even if it meant losing ten years of his life!
When Qiao Shi was kicked into the sea of fire, he firmly protected his face.
He thought to himself that even if he were burned alive, he couldn't let his goddess see him looking disfigured.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
