Chapter 97 (Second Update) Crooked Upstairs and Crooked Downstairs

 

Lai Da had run away, but the onlookers among the common people continued to discuss.

 

“Ah, these siblings are really pitiful, running into such a scoundrel like Lai Da!” someone sympathized.

 

“You pity them now? You didn’t step up to help just now. It’s useless to comment after the fact,” someone scorned the apparent hypocrisy.

 

“Look, the Liu family is a good household, but why do they have such unethical servants? Ah, I’d say, Master Liu is just too kind, too good to the people below, nurturing each one with ill intentions,” someone defended the Liu family.

 

“Yes, look at Lai Da. Just because he established a little connection with the Liu family, he’s acting so recklessly!” someone expressed indignation.

 

“Ah, we can’t afford to provoke someone with connections. Let’s go home.” Someone decided to leave after watching the commotion.

 

“Who was that noble person who took action just now? Looks unfamiliar.” Others were still curious, trying to gather information.

 

Jinxiu Alley was not far from where the incident happened, and the discussions of the crowd drifted into the shop. The shopkeeper hoped to bring the guests upstairs to avoid the embarrassing rumors.

 

“Boss Jing, Mrs. Jing, our boss already sent someone to tell me to keep a few pieces of fine silk from Qingzhou for you to have a look. Shall we go upstairs?” The shopkeeper suggested, hoping to shift the focus.

 

“No need to be so formal, lead the way. Let’s see what you have.” Jing Yi readily agreed, supporting Chuxia as they ascended the stairs.

 

Upstairs, the shopkeeper carefully presented a dozen or so pieces of silk from a crimson double-door cabinet for them to choose from.

 

The silks were sleek and gorgeous, with colors even more vibrant than the fine cloth. After inquiring with the shopkeeper, Jing Yi felt the texture, finding it genuinely soft, light, and comfortable—perfect for the delicate skin of a child.

 

“Shopkeeper, where is this silk from?”

 

“In response to your inquiry, this is Su embroidery from the south.”

 

The radiant fabrics dazzled the eyes, and eventually, Jing Yi and Chuxia chose four styles of silk.

 

One piece was in sky blue with auspicious cloud patterns, intended for matching couple outfits for him and Chuxia, along with a set for the baby. Another piece in dark blue was chosen for outfits for both parents and the baby. A light yellow with scattered floral patterns was picked for Chuxia and the baby. Finally, two elegant light gray pieces were selected for three sets of outfits for his brothers, along with a set for the baby.

 

“You, with your biased eyes, won’t let anyone’s fabric go unnoticed.” Chuxia playfully teased his husband.

 

“Hey, how can you say that? It’s about letting our little ancestor grow up wearing clothes from various families,” Jing Yi bantered with a playful smile.

 

Chuxia could see through it; the stern father in their family would be him.

 

After buying all the required silk, fine cotton, and other fabrics, the shopkeeper was all smiles.

 

Today was indeed a big deal!

 

Unexpectedly, the owner of the Jing family was so generous. Just the precious silk from Qingzhou alone accounted for five pieces. They better serve them well.

 

After completing their purchases, Jing Yi and Chuxia didn’t hurry to leave. They took a break on the second floor, waiting for Renhe while casually chatting with the shopkeeper.

 

“Shopkeeper Wang, who is this Lai Da? Why is he so audacious?”

 

“Oh, it’s not right to gossip behind people’s backs, but he’s just someone whose actions are detestable. I heard Lai Da is from a nearby village, where his parents make a living through farming. Originally, he wouldn’t dare to be so arrogant. But, you know, he has a good uncle. I heard his uncle works as a second-level manager in the Liu family’s secondary residence. They say he even treats the yamen’s officials like brothers.”

 

The shopkeeper spoke of his arrogance, but his tone indicated he wasn’t particularly bothered.

 

Lai Da’s background was supposed to only intimidate ordinary villagers. In the shopkeeper’s eyes, he wasn’t worth much attention.

 

“Heh… in the mountains, there’s no tiger, so the monkey claims to be the king. But why doesn’t the Liu family do something about it? Are they shielding him?” Jing Yi probed slowly.

 

“Oh! It’s not suitable to say that. The Liu family is known for being benevolent. They distribute porridge every year and I heard they regularly send their staff to visit poor neighborhoods, helping the impoverished people,” the shopkeeper changed his tone, showing admiration for the Liu family.

 

“But speaking of it, the Liu family is also unlucky. A kind family that observes vegetarianism and Buddhism, yet they keep hiring such bad servants. Throughout the year, it’s either occupying fields or harassing virtuous families. All these incidents involve their household. Last year, there was even a wicked servant falsely using the Liu family’s name to force virtuous women into prostitution. Luckily, Master Liu discovered it early and took decisive action against his own kin for justice.”

 

“In these past two years, several of them have been dealt with, all of them involving his family. I feel sorry for Master Liu!”

 

Jing Yi and Chuxia exchanged a glance, realizing that the situation was a bit tricky. They didn’t know it before, but the Liu family seemed to have a good reputation among the common people.

 

However, it’s a common saying that if the upper beam is not straight, the lower beam will be crooked. There couldn’t be so many villains coincidentally gathering in their household. Too many coincidences could only mean premeditation, and their household was just a breeding ground for such wicked individuals.

 

But it wasn’t surprising that the people of Fuyang Town couldn’t see through it. After all, Mr. Liu knew how to present himself and create a positive image.

 

However, Jing Yi believed that more than just their Jing family could see through his true nature. They couldn’t escape punishment every time, and there would be a time when they couldn’t find someone else to take the blame for them.

 

As the saying goes, “Those who chase after geese all day will eventually be pecked by the geese.” Patience was key. If needed, their Jing family could play the role of the fuse.

 

Thinking deeper, Jing Yi wondered why the Liu family sent their servants to visit poor neighborhoods regularly, ostensibly to help the impoverished. There might be some dark secrets hidden in this benevolent act.

 

Jing Yi thought that this behavior seemed more like scouting and observing, searching for potential targets.

 

Regardless of whether the speculations were true or not, he decided to take preemptive action and send someone to investigate. If things got too complicated, he would seek help from Dean Wen.

 

“Master, I’m back.”

 

The hurried footsteps abruptly stopped on the second floor as Renhe, standing in the doorway, knocked politely before reporting.

 

Jing Yi glanced at him. Why was he in such a rush, as if a rabbit being chased?

 

Renhe, like a wooden stake, stood at the door. Though not short for an eighteen-year-old, his rigid posture made him appear even taller. However, that didn’t stop a young ger from following closely behind.

 

Jing Yi raised an eyebrow. What was this, a performance of offering oneself or selling oneself to save a father?

 

“Master, it’s not what you think. I took the person to the clinic to find a good doctor. The doctor said it would be troublesome but treatable. After that, I returned, but he insisted on following me!”

 

Renhe explained nervously, trying to clarify, though he didn’t know what he was stuttering about.

 

Before he could finish, the thin young ger suddenly rushed past him, knelt on the floor with a “bang.”

 

“Master, please don’t blame the benefactor. It’s me who insisted on following him back.”

 

The young ger’s fiery temper had calmed down, and he lowered his head with a pleasing expression. His eloquent tongue continued to chatter away, saying, “Thank you for the intervention of the benefactor’s master. I told my sister that I would sell myself to save my father, and I must fulfill that promise. Since you and the master are our benefactor’s masters, you are our family’s master. We have nothing valuable but our strength, which we are willing to use to serve both of you as labor. Please accept my bow!”

 

With that, he promptly and crisply kowtowed three times, and Chuxia’s hand, reaching out to stop him, hadn’t yet moved.

 

Observing this, Jing Yi spoke directly, “Selling oneself to save one’s father should be a willing choice. We don’t need that now. Go back and take care of your father along with your sister.”

 

“Master, please take us in. Our family consists of either women or young gers, and now we’re being targeted by that Lai Da. We have no way out.”

 

“Knowing that Lai Da is targeting you, and you still want me to take you in?”

 

“I’ve thought about this. If you take us in, we can handle all the dirty and tiring work. When Lai Da comes looking for trouble later, Master, you won’t need to say much. I’ll take the blame. I only ask that you continue to take care of my sister and father afterward.”

 

The thin young ger’s eyes were resolute, carrying an air of determination. It seemed like he had made up his mind and was willing to bear the consequences.

 

Jing Yi didn’t respond further, and his expression suggested he wasn’t pleased with dealing with this matter.

 

Renhe opened his mouth but ultimately didn’t say anything. In any case, he could spare some time to visit and take care of this family himself. Since they had encountered each other, everyone was in a difficult situation.

 

Although Chuxia felt sympathetic, considering the unknown danger posed by Lai Da, he didn’t interfere with Jing Yi’s decision. Unacquainted individuals couldn’t be compared to the safety of his family.

 

Just as the young ger was becoming increasingly desperate, Jing Yi finally gave him good news, “You’re in luck. The master is expecting a child, and we’ll need someone to take care of things. After the baby is born, we’ll need help again. Can you handle that?”

 

“We can! We can! To be honest, my mother used to be half a midwife in the village. After my mother passed away, he stopped because he was afraid of offending others. He was only half of one.” The young ger spoke rapidly, realizing he mentioned something taboo and quickly stopped, looking at Jing Yi cautiously.

 

“We don’t have so many restrictions in our family. As long as people are honest and upright, it’s enough.” After Jing Yi finished speaking, he instructed Renhe, who had been standing there dumbly, “Don’t just stand there. Take him back to the clinic. Ask the doctor if it’s necessary for his to stay for observation. If not, hire a carriage and take them directly to the manor.”

 

“Yes, Master. What about you and the master?” Renhe asked.

 

“My wife, of course, I’ll drive him back. Don’t worry about it.”

 

After saying this, Jing Yi helped Chuxia, whose legs had gone a bit numb from sitting, by squatting down and massaging his calves. Chuxia pulled him up in embarrassment, and the two of them went downstairs in a playful manner, hugging and holding each other.

 

Left behind on the ground, the young ger stared in amazement. The master who had just been like the King of Hell was now completely different when facing his husband. The impact on the young ger was significant; he had never seen such an affectionate couple in the countryside.

 

“Cough, cough, the masters have a good relationship, so don’t even think about it!” Renhe looked at the young ger who was dumbfounded on the ground, feeling inexplicably unhappy. He mumbled as he turned away.

 

“Pah! You’re the one thinking about it!” That’s how quick-tempered people are. After spouting off, he realized he had criticized the benefactor and mumbled in a small voice, “Even if he’s the benefactor, he shouldn’t slander me.”

 

“Cough! Okay, my bad. Let’s go to the clinic.” Renhe apologized.

 

“Um…”

 

What’s with this sticky and awkward atmosphere?