Liu Fengjiao was startled; she knew Chen Zhancai's character well.
With his character, he'd never learn anything good. It's better to stay here and live a comfortable life than to go to Anyang with him and waste your time.
Moreover, after spending several months with Wang Qizhang, she had become inseparable from him and had no desire to let Chen Zhancai touch her body again, nor did she want to have any connection with Chen Zhancai.
She released Chen Ruolan's hand and shook her head in refusal, "Ruolan, I can't go to Anyang with you. You are now the wife of the county magistrate, and I am truly happy for you."
But if your father and I both go to your place, it would be improper and inconvenient.
"Let your father go with you, so he can study hard and pass the imperial examination as soon as possible, then our family can be reunited."
Chen Zhancai only cared about wealth and luxury. When he heard Liu Fengjiao say she wasn't going to Anyang to enjoy a life of luxury, his face immediately fell.
“Fengjiao, what are you saying? What’s unreasonable about it? No matter how high the magistrate’s rank is, if he marries our daughter, he’s our son-in-law. A son-in-law is like half a son. Why are you being so polite with your son?”
Liu Fengjiao's eyes turned cold. Chen Zhancai was, at heart, a lazy, vain, and dissolute scoundrel who indulged in all sorts of pleasures.
With the county magistrate as his backer, how could he let go of such a good opportunity?
She was afraid that if he went to Anyang, he would bring shame to her daughter. But if she stopped him and let him stay in Qingshui Town, with his shameless nature, he would bother her again and again, which would be even more upsetting.
Well, Ruolan is now the wife of the county magistrate, so she can keep him in check. It's better than letting him stay in Qingshui Town and cause trouble for her.
Thinking of this, Liu Fengjiao forced a smile.
"Zhancai, I'm not just being polite to Ruolan. I have my own plans. As you know, when Jiye and I were going through our most difficult time, it was Elder Wang who took us in."
He can't find anyone to work here right now, so it wouldn't be reasonable for me to just go with you.
Besides, I've never traveled far before, and I really don't want to leave Qingshui Town. Why don't you go by yourself?
Chen Zhancai said with a gloomy face, "Fengjiao, you're overthinking things. Just go and enjoy yourself. Why worry about so much?"
“Father, my mother is kind-hearted and doesn’t want to owe Wang Qizhang a favor. Since she wants to stay, let’s not make things difficult for her.” Chen Ruolan could see that Liu Fengjiao’s mind was made up, so she didn’t force her anymore. “Mother, since you insist on not going with your daughter, you can just bear with it for a while. After Chen Qingqing dies, I will take over the sugar shop and buy you a courtyard and a few maids. Then you won’t have to work for others anymore.”
Although Liu Fengjiao had heard about Chen Qingqing's clinic treating the dead, she never expected that it was related to Chen Ruolan. Her face was filled with shock.
"Ruolan, what do you mean? Is Qing's matter related to you?"
Chen Ruolan nodded, her face filled with ruthlessness. "Mother, don't worry about it. In short, this time I'm going to make that bitch Chen Qingqing die."
Liu Fengjiao felt a little worried. "Ruolan, that brat is very wicked. You must not fall into her trap. I'm afraid you can't beat her."
"Mother, don't worry. I am now the wife of a county magistrate. That wretched girl is just a merchant. What can she do against me? I can kill her as easily as crushing an ant."
"Alright, Mother believes you." Liu Fengjiao nodded and smiled. "I'm relieved to know you're still alive. Don't delay your business, you should hurry on your way."
Chen Zhancai's eyes were glued to Liu Fengjiao's luscious red lips, his desire barely concealed; he longed to relive their marital bliss.
Ever since marrying Ruhua, Liu Fengjiao has never let him touch her body again. Every time he tries to fulfill his duties as a husband, Liu Fengjiao refuses, and her reasons are surprisingly varied.
He felt that he had hurt her feelings. Liu Fengjiao cared about him and was still being petulant with him, unaware that he had already been cuckolded.
He looked at Liu Fengjiao with intense eyes, hoping she would change her mind.
"Fengjiao, staying here will only make you a servant. Are you really not going to Anyang with your daughter to enjoy a life of luxury?"
Liu Fengjiao smiled faintly, concealing the deep disappointment in her eyes, and kindly reminded him, "I won't disturb Ruolan's life anymore. You are able to enjoy happiness with your daughter, so you must cherish it, study hard, and don't let your daughter's filial piety go to waste like before."
Chen Zhancai looked impatient. Everyone would advise him to study hard, but studying can't compare to the joy of playing. Now that he has the means, he should enjoy himself while he can.
"You don't need to say more, I know what I'm doing."
After saying that, he looked at Chen Ruolan and said, "Ruolan, didn't you have something to do back in Anyang? Let's get going!"
"Mother, we're leaving now. You and Jiye take good care of yourselves. Your daughter will definitely come back to see you when she has the chance."
After Chen Ruolan finished speaking, she waved goodbye with reluctance.
Anyang Prison
Chen Qingqing had just finished lunch and was about to lie down for a rest when a jailer rushed in like a whirlwind, panting heavily as he said...
“Miss Chen, a few more prisoners have been brought in. I heard from the bailiffs that those three seem to be from your village. I think you should know them, so I came to tell you.”
Upon hearing this news, Chen Qingqing felt a jolt of fear, a bad premonition rising within her. "Where are those people now?"
"They're just outside. The constables and Warden Sun are handing over duties. They'll be in shortly."
"Okay, I understand. Then hurry up and tell Warden Sun to bring those three men to me." After saying that, Chen Qingqing casually handed him a few taels of silver.
These days she has truly come to understand the saying that money can make the devil turn the millstone; no matter where you are, as long as you have money, there is nothing you cannot accomplish.
The jailer's eyes lit up when he saw the silver, and he nodded and bowed repeatedly, "Yes, Miss Chen, I'll go right away."
Chen Qingqing had prepared herself mentally, but seeing who came still made her feel a little uncomfortable.
The moment Chen Zhanshan saw Chen Qingqing, he turned pale with panic. "Qingqing, didn't Dabao say you weren't tortured? How did you get beaten up like this?"
Madam Lin was also stunned, her heart aching as tears streamed down her face. "My poor daughter, how much suffering have you endured!"
"Qing girl, are you alright?" Wu Cuihua asked, her eyes filled with concern.
Seeing their anxious expressions, Chen Qingqing looked down at herself and realized they had misunderstood. She quickly explained.
"Father, Mother, Sister-in-law, I'm fine. The bloodstains on my clothes and the injuries on my face are just painted on."
Hearing her say that, the group took a closer look and realized that it was indeed paint that had been applied.
Lin was still a little worried. "Qing'er, are you... are you really alright?"
Chen Qingqing was eager to know who was behind it all, so she quickly said, "Mother, don't worry, I'm really fine!"
After saying that, he looked at Chen Zhanshan and asked, "Father, what exactly happened? Why did they arrest you?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com