Chapter 97

Chapter 97

Song Shi'an only kept his hand over his crotch for a moment before quickly pulling it back.

Covering his crotch is neither elegant nor necessary, making him look guilty.

He cleared his throat lightly and said with a serious expression, "What kind of talk is this? How could I ever do anything to betray my wife? It's absolutely impossible."

Jiang Chun hummed softly, "Nothing is absolute in this world. I believe you wouldn't do anything to betray me now, but who knows about the future?"

This statement was clearly reasonable.

After a moment of silence, Song Shi'an said gravely, "If one day I betray you, you need not hold back. Just castrate me."

Jiang Chun was not only the woman he adored and respected but also the great benefactress who had nursed his body back to health.

If he were to betray her, it would be an act of ingratitude, a case of crossing the river and destroying the bridge, less than human.

If he were less than human, then being castrated would be his just deserts, a fitting retribution, and he could blame no one but himself.

Jiang Chun's words were merely a casual joke. After all, if Song Shi'an really slept with another woman, she couldn't castrate him and then continue to live with him as if nothing had happened.

By then, he would likely be the brother of the Empress and the Prime Minister. Castrating him would mean she wouldn't be able to live either.

Yes, castrating him would be satisfying, but if that satisfaction came at the cost of her own life, it wouldn't be worth the cost.

Jiang Chun, although eccentric and a little mad, had a scale in her heart. She knew very well what could be done and what couldn't be done.

If he really betrayed her, she would simply give him a divorce letter and kick him out, then find a younger husband who is more obedient and better at coaxing her.

That's what she thought, and that's what she said, "Don't worry, I won't do that."

Song Shi'an was deeply moved by her words. Even if he were to betray her, she still wouldn't want to harm his body.

Then he heard Jiang Chun say coldly, "If you were defiled by another woman, I wouldn't bother castrating you; I'd just divorce you with a letter.

Then I'd find a younger husband who is better-looking, has a better figure, and is better at coaxing me."

While it might be hard to find someone better-looking and with a better figure than him, it doesn't matter.

After all, when it came to tough talk, as long as it could stab at the heart, it was effective.

And it was highly effective, immediately sending Song Shi'an into a frenzy.

His face darkened, and he suddenly raised his hand to pinch her chin, his phoenix eyes filled with black mist. The words he spoke were as if frozen in a thousand-year-old ice.

"Divorce me and then find a younger husband who is better-looking, has a better figure, and better at coaxing you?

Jiang Chun, haven't I treated you well enough? How can you still fantasize about other men?"

Jiang Chun slapped his hand away and said exasperatedly, "Stop being unreasonable. The premise of what I said was that you did something to betray me first.

If you betray me, do you think I would just swallow my anger and continue living with you, a dirty man?

Don't even think about it. I couldn't endure it for even a moment."

Song Shi'an said coldly, "See, you've already planned what to do if I betray you. It seems you don't trust me."

Jiang Chun gave him a dirty look and said irritably, "Whether I trust you or not has nothing to do with whether you betray me. What does that have to do with anything?"

Even if I trust you, you’d still betray me if you were going to.

If I don’t prepare in advance and think of a way out, when you betray me, I’ll be at a loss.

Jiang Chun, like anyone else, though her personality is independent and unrestrained, she too feels anxious and uncertain about the future.

Every time this happens, she would make plans in her heart, preparing various contingency plans for different scenarios, thinking of both the good and the bad.

This would bring her much peace of mind.

After all, having considered the worst-case scenario and planned for it, other issues seemed minor.

Song Shian said coldly, “Trust might not matter to other couples, but it matters to us, especially to me.

I need your trust, and I must learn to trust you.”

Jiang Chun sneered sarcastically, “Then you need to learn to trust me and not get upset every time I mention another man.

You need to understand that when I mention them, I’m just doing so, not harboring any ulterior motives.”

Song Shian also replied sarcastically, “Oh? What about wanting to find a younger husband who is better-looking, has a better figure, is younger, and more charming than me? Is that also just a casual mention with no ulterior motives?”

Jiang Chun argued, “Don’t talk without considering the context. The condition for wanting to find a younger husband who is better-looking, has a better figure, is younger, and more charming than you is that you first betrayed me.”

Song Shian tightened his grip on her waist, raised an eyebrow, and asked, “Have I done that?”

Jiang Chun also raised an eyebrow, “Have I found a younger husband?”

Then they both fell silent.

This noisy...

Jiang Chun: Arguing over the loan?

Song Shian: Bickering about borrowing money from pawnshops?

Song Shian released his grip on Jiang Chun's chin and then let go of her waist.

The atmosphere in the carriage fell into an awkward silence.

Jiang Chun sat quietly for a moment, then suddenly threw herself into his arms, wrapping her hands around his neck and planting a kiss on his lips.

She said with a playful smile, "Alright, alright, let's make up."

Song Shian's cold expression softened immediately, and he wrapped his arm around her waist, chuckling, "What make-up? We never argued in the first place."

Jiang Chun's mouth twitched.

She just wanted to move past this, but this guy was trying to act like he had amnesia.

She replied good-naturedly, "Fine, if my husband says we didn't argue, then we didn't argue."

Song Shian studied her face, judging that she wasn't being sarcastic, and finally curved his lips in satisfaction.

Then he lowered his head and captured her crimson lips, sucking, nibbling, and teasing them.

Jiang Chun took the lead, prying open his teeth with her tongue and slipping inside his mouth, playfully teasing his tongue.

She even drew it into her mouth, moving her lips up and down over it.

In just a moment, Jiang Chun had aroused Song Shian's passions.

Then she immediately broke free from his embrace, pointed at a certain part of his body, and mockingly turned the tables on him: "Husband, in broad daylight, how can you have such naughty thoughts? Tell me, are you ashamed or not?"

Song Shian gritted his teeth in anger: "You light the fire and then run away, and you blame the firewood for catching fire easily. Is there anyone more despicable than you in this world?"

Jiang Chun huffed: "Yes, there is. It's you. Just now you pinched my chin. I don't know if you left a red mark."

"If it's red, I'll tell Mother you're abusing me, pinching my neck, trying to strangle me."

Song Shian: "..."

He scolded with a smile: "Don't wrong me. Even if I'm angry and pinch your chin, I didn't use much force. It wouldn't hurt you in the slightest."

If he had hurt her, with her strength, she would have pushed him out of the carriage instead of letting him pinch her.

Jiang Chun, unreasonably domineering: "No matter what, you pinched me and it hurt. I say it hurt, and I'm the one being pinched, not you."

Song Shian pulled her onto his lap and gently rubbed her chin.

He spoke softly: "Alright, if my wife says it hurts, then it does. I was too rough and hurt my wife."

Jiang Chun: "..."

That sounds a bit off, doesn't it?

And...

She twisted uncomfortably and said with a scoff: "Why did you pull me onto your lap? It's all rough."

This movement made Song Shian gasp.

He quickly grabbed her waist and warned in a hoarse voice, "Don't move."

If she kept moving like that and tormenting him, he would lose control and want her right then and there.

Jiang Chun batted her large, almond-shaped eyes innocently.

Too bad the ancient carriage only had curtains and no doors like modern cars with tinted windows...

A little "car shake" wouldn't be out of the question.

Song Shian rested his head on her shoulder, calming his body's trembling, and hummed, "Now you're coming on to me again. What about finding a younger husband who's better-looking, has a better figure, is younger, and better at coaxing than me?"

Jiang Chun lightly patted his back and scolded with a laugh, "Are you reciting a book? I know you have a good memory and never forget anything, but there's no need to keep repeating it to me."

A broken record reincarnated?

Song Shian, looking pitiful: "I'm heartbroken and upset that you're thinking about another man. My heart is freezing cold."

Jiang Chun: "..."

Not a broken record, so now playing the pity card?

She fell for it again.

She couldn't help but gently stroke the back of his neck and cooed, "Alright, I was just talking nonsense. You actually took it seriously?"

Put your heart at ease. As long as you don't betray me, I won't betray you.

She severely criticized herself in her heart. Previously, when they were at Princess Xincheng's mansion, she had firmly resolved to change her habit of talking recklessly to avoid upsetting the jealous person that was Song Shian.

But soon after, she forgot about it and hit a nerve again.

Although one thing led to another, he could still control his strength even when he lost his temper, making sure not to hurt her. Yet, her words struck a deep chord in him.

When all was said and done, she was more in the wrong.

After finishing his business, he had rushed over to pick her up without delay, only to receive no praise and instead get her harsh words. Isn't that just unfair?

With a guilty conscience, she hurriedly said, “It’s my fault for speaking without restraint. I’ll try to change, though I may slip up.”

Let’s not promise too much.

Song Shian, seeing her acknowledge her mistakes, also hurriedly reflected, “I’m the one being unreasonable. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have spoken those words in response.”

The two of them exchanged a glance.

Jiang Chun laughed out loud.

Song Shian couldn’t resist a small smile as well.

A heated battle was thus dissolved into thin air, and the two of them made peace.

If Jiang Chun had to say, they were truly a perfect pair.

Even when arguing, they often ended up making up in a confused manner, and after reconciling, they would rush to reflect on themselves.

It was hard for them to fall out badly.

Song Shian suddenly heard the loud chatter outside and realized they had arrived at the East Market. He hurriedly asked Jiang Chun, “We’re at the East Market. Do you want to go for a stroll?”

Jiang Chun shook her head and thoughtfully said, “You and Brother-in-law Crown Prince have been working hard. You should go home and rest. We can come back and stroll when you’re on leave.”

Although Song Shian wasn’t tired, since she was being so considerate, he naturally had to appreciate it. “Alright, let’s go home then. When I’m on leave, I’ll accompany you for a good stroll.”

The two of them lovingly hugged the entire way.

When the carriage stopped at the Song family’s second gate, Song Shian’s official robe had been wrinkled and twisted by Jiang Chun sitting on it.

As luck would have it, the three sisters-in-law, along with Song Shichu and her two sisters, were standing at the second gate at that moment, seeing off Madame Zhuang’s elder and second sisters-in-law, as well as their daughters, Miss Zhuang Second and Miss Zhuang Third.

The moment Song Shian and Jiang Chun appeared, they immediately became the center of attention.

Song Shiying’s voice, pointing out an awkward detail, suddenly rang out, “Big Brother, why is your official robe so crumpled?”

“Cough, cough, cough.” Madame Li coughed three times and glared fiercely at Song Shiying.

Madame Li was truly at her wits' end with this daughter.

Because of her, she no longer felt confident in this household, dreading arguments with her sisters-in-law, who might use Yin’er as a point of contention.

After all, both the eldest sister-in-law and the third sister-in-law had daughters. Given Yin’er’s past of being sold into a brothel and her disability, if anyone were to bring it up, it would implicate the other sisters.

Yet Yin’er didn’t know to behave more discreetly and liked to hang around Shian’s wife, causing trouble without a second thought.

With such a disability and a reckless nature so similar to Shian’s wife, which respectable family would dare to take her?

She planned to marry her off to her natal family, the Li family. With her mother, the grandmother, protecting her, Yin’er wouldn’t suffer any grievances.

However, this matter is not something she can decide on her own. She must wait for the second master to return and consult him before discussing it with her elder brother's wife from her natal family.

Unfortunately, Song Shiying was unaware that her mother planned to marry her off to her cousin from her uncle's family; otherwise, she would have thrown a fit immediately.

Song Shian adjusted her clothes, calmly replying, “When you go on errands with the Crown Prince, you ride horses there and back. It’s no surprise the clothes get wrinkled.”

Then, she led Jiang Chun forward, greeting her two maternal aunts, Elder Madam Zhuang and Second Madam Zhuang. She also exchanged pleasantries with her two younger cousins, Second Miss Zhuang and Third Miss Zhuang.

The two Madams Zhuang, upon seeing their niece-in-law Jiang Chun, were all smiles on the surface, regardless of what they thought in their hearts. Each took one of her small hands and heaped praises upon her.

They also had the maids present the gifts they had prepared beforehand.

Jiang Chun had Gui Zhi and Gui Ye receive the gifts, smiling as she said, “Thank you, Elder Maternal Aunt and Second Maternal Aunt.”

She then reciprocated by slipping her hand into her pouch, discreetly retrieving two jade rings from her system’s inventory, and personally placed them into the hands of Second Miss Zhuang and Third Miss Zhuang.

With a playful smile, she said, “I happened to obtain these jade rings. Please don’t mind, younger cousins. You can wear them yourselves or reward them to others.”

Second Miss Zhuang and Third Miss Zhuang thanked her profusely, “Thank you, Elder Cousin-in-law.”

As it was cold outside, after exchanging a few pleasantries, the Zhuang family took their leave.

After seeing off the Zhuang family, on the way back, Jiang Chun looked around but didn’t see Zhong Wenjin.

She asked Song Shiying, “Where’s your second sister-in-law?”

Song Shiying replied, “Second sister-in-law went out to purchase some things.”

Jiang Chun understood.

Such haste suggests she really needed the money.

Jiang Chun nodded, “I see.”

As she turned to look at Song Shian, her peripheral vision caught the box in Gui Zhi’s hand, and her eyes sparkled with an idea.

She raised her voice, speaking to herself, “I can’t believe the two maternal aunts gave me gifts as soon as they met me. Why are they being so courteous? I’m not the type to fuss over a senior’s gift.”

“For example, my own mother and two aunts have been too busy to give me any gifts, yet I haven’t nagged them daily, have I?”

She wasn’t interested in the material value of the gifts, but gifts sometimes represented acknowledgment.

Without receiving gifts from the three sisters-in-law, not only might outsiders gossip, but even the household servants would look down on them.

A daughter-in-law not acknowledged by the family elders would face difficulties.

Of course, Jiang Chun wouldn’t face difficulties, and no servant would dare to mistreat her, but she was mainly worried about Zhong Wenjin.

Madam Zhuang remained silent.

Madam Li was speechless.

Madam Qiu was at a loss for words.

The three of them were left speechless.

Especially Madam Zhuang, who had already given away quite a few valuable items, including a valuable three-tailed phoenix hairpin just the day before.

She's still thinking about the meeting gift.

And when others "forget" to give it, she takes every chance to ask.

Yes, she doesn't constantly nag every day, but she does nag once every two or three days.

Madame Li initially did not intend to give the gift so soon, especially since Mother Co had not given hers yet, but she has always been strong-willed and had never been chased for debts like this before.

She immediately said, "I've been sick the past few days and didn't attend to this matter, but I'll send the meeting gift to you, my niece-in-law, later."

Jiang Chun immediately beamed with joy, "Thank you, Second Aunt! I've long heard that you are a straightforward and capable person, and now seeing you in person, it's truly well-deserved."

Madame Zhuang remained silent.

Madame Qiu also fell silent.

Seeing that the second sister-in-law had relented, Madame Qiu quickly added, "I've been meaning to find a proper meeting gift for Chun, which is why it's been delayed these few days.

Fortunately, I managed to find something suitable yesterday. I was planning to send it to you later."

Jiang Chun smoothly thanked her, "Thank you, Third Aunt, hearing you say that makes me look forward to it even more."

Both daughters-in-law had given their meeting gifts, so how could Mother Co, as the mother-in-law, not give hers?

But if she gave the gift now, where would her dignity as a mother-in-law be placed?

She was so angry she felt a toothache.

But Jiang Chun wasn't about to let it go, shamelessly adding, "Oh dear, I wonder if our Second Aunt has prepared a meeting gift for Second Sister-in-law?

If you give me a gift but not Second Sister-in-law, then I can't accept this meeting gift. If she finds out, the relationship between us sisters-in-law might become awkward."

Well, well, well, not only was she shamelessly asking for a meeting gift for herself, but she was also asking for her sister-in-law.

Madame Li's composure nearly slipped, forcing herself to say, "Of course, Rui's wife will also receive a gift. How could I, as an aunt, play favorites?"

Jiang Chun grinned, "As long as there's a gift for Rui's wife, that's all that matters. But, I am the elder daughter-in-law, so if Second Aunt wants to give me more, I believe Rui's wife definitely won't be jealous of me."

Madame Li: "..."

Gritting her teeth, she said, "Rest assured, I will treat both of you equally."

Madame Qiu also chimed in, "Of course Rui's wife will get her share, otherwise Rui would definitely come to me, this unfair third aunt, to complain."

The eldest son has always been steady and low-key, not one to fuss over such matters. Even if she didn't give Jiang Chun a gift, he would at most hold a grudge but wouldn’t confront her.

But the second brother was different; he was the type to say whatever was on his mind. If his wife didn't receive a gift, he would come to her and demand one.

Jiang Chun smiled contentedly, wisely choosing not to comment on her younger brother-in-law, Song Shirui, and only said, "I'm relieved to know there's a gift for Rui's wife."

Madame Zhuang ultimately couldn't bring herself to act in front of everyone and decided not to give her gift at that moment.

Instead, after dinner, as everyone enjoyed their tea, she had Shanhu bring two brocade boxes, giving one to Jiang Chun and one to Zhong Wenjin.

She said coolly, "The household has been busy and chaotic, and both your second aunt and the old lady have been sick in turns, so I didn't have time to attend to the meeting gifts. Here they are."

Jiang Chun immediately beamed with joy, "Thank you, Mother. I absolutely love the meeting gift you’ve given me."

Madame Zhuang’s lips twitched.

"The boxes haven't even been opened, and you're blindly saying you like it. Aren't you afraid I might give you an empty box?"

Zhong Wenjin, who had been roaming the West Market for a whole day, wore a bright smile and sincerely said, "Thank you for the gift, Mother."

Madame Li and Madame Qiu exchanged looks, anticipating the gifts from Madame Zhuang, their mother-in-law.

If the gifts were valuable, they might even swap them, so as not to seem too petty compared to the eldest daughter-in-law.

However, Jiang Chun and Zhong Wenjin both handed their brocade boxes to their maids without opening them right there.

With her goal achieved, Jiang Chun took a sip of tea and casually mentioned her visit to Princess Xinchang's mansion earlier that day.

She said with a smile, "Princess Xinchang is quite approachable. We conversed pleasantly and chatted for more than an hour."

Seeing that everyone was listening closely, she shifted the topic and shook her head helplessly. "But just sitting there chatting aimlessly is quite boring. It would be great if there were something that could pass the time without interrupting our chat."

In the Great Zhou dynasty, even leaf cards weren't a thing. When the ladies gathered, they could only pass the time by playing board games, arrow throwing, listening to storytelling, or watching performances.

Unfortunately, Jiang Chun didn’t know how to play board games or do arrow throwing, and Princess Xinchang didn’t enjoy listening to storytelling or watching performances.

So, they were left with just chatting.

Her remarks weren't meant to complain or show off, but to hint to Zhong Wenjin.

She hoped Zhong Wenjin would understand her meaning and introduce the ultimate pastime—mahjong.

Fortunately, Zhong Wenjin didn’t disappoint her. Understanding her intent, Zhong Wenjin’s eyes sparkled and she said, "I do know of a foreign item that perfectly fits your needs, Elder Sister-in-law."

Jiang Chun's eyes lit up immediately, and she exclaimed, "What is it? How much does it cost, exactly?

If it's not too expensive, Second Sister-in-law, could you get two sets for me? One for me to offer to Princess Xinchang, and one to leave here with Mother, so we can all play together."

Madame Zhuang huffed, "Playing with toys ruins one's ambition! Besides, is the main house a place for frivolous play? Don't make a fuss here."

Jiang Chun pretended not to hear and looked at Zhong Wenjin with anticipation.

Zhong Wenjin rubbed her nose, lying, "It's not expensive. A set of mahjong costs only five taels of silver.

But I'll need to check with a foreign merchant caravan that's familiar with that foreign monk and traveling doctor to see if they still have any in stock. Elder Sister-in-law, please wait for my message."

She felt like she was getting carried away.

When she was in the mountain villages, she worked diligently every day, and in over two years, she had only saved five or six taels of silver.

Now, she dared to sell a set of "ivory" mahjong from Pinduoduo Mall, worth 100 RMB, for five taels of silver.

And she had the audacity to say it wasn’t expensive.

She felt a little embarrassed looking at the eldest daughter-in-law's expression.

Jiang Chun, however, exclaimed, "Mahjong? A set for only five taels of silver? That cheap?"

Zhong Wenjin: "..."

She had forgotten that the eldest daughter-in-law was quite well-off.

Whether it was money she earned herself or what her husband earned, the eldest daughter-in-law had a whopping 1,900 taels of silver in hand.

Probably even more.

She couldn't possibly take all the money for herself without leaving some for daily expenses.

Compared to this huge sum of 1,900 taels, five taels is indeed insignificant.

Zhong Wenjin smiled shamelessly, “That foreign monk and the foreign merchant team are acquainted. The team leader gave me a friendship price. If a stranger were to buy it, the price would double, and they might not even be willing to sell.”

Jiang Chun played the supportive sidekick, praising her, “Thanks to you, Second Sister-in-law, otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to buy such high-quality and reasonably priced foreign goods.”

“High-quality and reasonably priced?” Upon hearing these four words, Zhong Wenjin couldn’t help but twitch the corner of her mouth.

She, a shrewd merchant, had now become an honest proxy buyer, which was quite ridiculous.

*

After returning to Dangui Courtyard, Jiang Chun had Guizhi bring over the brocade box that Madame Zhuang had given her.

Upon opening it, she found a set of gold-inlaid kingfisher feather jewelry inside.

She couldn’t help but exclaim, “Wow!” and said to Song Shian, “Mother has quite the generous gesture!”

Kingfisher feather jewelry, she had only seen it in museums in modern times.

In modern times, kingfishers were a second-level protected species; a five-year prison term was the consequence for hunting one.

If anyone were to give me kingfisher feather jewelry, she would immediately jump up and demand to know what grudge they had against her.

But things were different in the Great Zhou.

While kingfishers weren’t common, their numbers were still abundant, so whether it was imperial consorts or noble ladies, they all favored kingfisher feather jewelry, each owning at least one or two items.

However, even among high-ranking officials and nobles, it was uncommon to find someone like Madame Zhuang who could produce two complete sets of kingfisher feather head ornaments at once.

These weren’t just two pieces, but two full sets, each containing six or seven exquisite and elegant pieces.

Before Song Shian could respond, she smugly added, “Oh my, for Mother to be willing to give such precious kingfisher feather head ornaments, it shows how much she likes me as her daughter-in-law.”

Although there was a hint of rivalry with her other two sisters-in-law, such a gesture wasn’t necessary just for a simple competition.

Song Shian chuckled, reaching out to tap her on the nose, “You’re quite self-assured.”

Jiang Chun glared at him, “What did I say wrong? If Mother didn’t like me, would she be willing to give me such valuable kingfisher feather jewelry?

Unless, as in those storybooks, the kingfisher feather jewelry is coated with a slow-acting poison, meant to silently get rid of me.”

Song Shian was speechless, “Not to mention, if Mother wanted to get rid of you, she wouldn’t need to be so convoluted.

Even if she did have such thoughts, where would she find a slow-acting poison that works just by contact with your hair?”

His logic was so sound that Jiang Chun couldn’t argue.

She instructed Guizhi, “Store these ornaments carefully, make sure they aren’t dropped or damaged.”

Guizhi took the brocade box and retreated.

Song Shian looked up at her, his phoenix-like eyes sparkling as he leaned closer, smiling, “If you let me do as I please tonight, I’ll give you a big surprise afterward.”

Jiang Chun was about to scold him, but she held her words back.

She snorted arrogantly, “First, tell me what the big surprise is, and I’ll decide if it’s worth ‘selling myself’.”

They are a married couple, not a customer and a prostitute.

Jiang Chun glanced at him sidelong.

Song Shian locked eyes with her.

After a moment, he conceded and said, "I got the deeds to those eight shops and two estates today."

Jiang Chun's eyes lit up like a spotlight, and she seized his robe, her voice quivering as she asked, "Really?"

Those were eight shops in the capital and two estates in the suburbs, which together could sell for over ten thousand taels of silver.

Of course, she definitely wouldn't sell them.

Shops in the capital, especially those in prime locations, were mostly owned by prominent families.

These were real estate assets that could be passed down to future generations; they were rarely sold.

They were scarce and highly sought after.

After all, it was easy to sell them, but buying them back would be difficult.

After a brief moment of joy, she adopted a stern expression and huffed, "You said you'd hand over the shops and estates for me to manage, but now that you've got the deeds, you're starting to negotiate terms with me.

Isn't this breaking your promise? Not very gentlemanly of you."

Song Shian's eyes curved into a smile as he said with a meaningful look, "If I were a gentleman, I fear you wouldn't be happy."

Jiang Chun: "..."

Cough, he had a valid point.

If he were like those Confucian scholars, treating each other with respect even in the bedroom, sticking to the most conventional positions during intercourse, she really wouldn't be happy.

She leaned against the backrest of the Luohan bed and gave him a sideways glance, humming, "Tell me, what mischief are you planning?"

Song Shian stood up, walked over, and leaned in to whisper a few words in her ear.

Jiang Chun's almond-shaped eyes widened, and she looked at him with a complicated expression, "You, really, you're quite the trickster."

At the same time, she couldn't help but wonder in her mind: Who is the modern one here, you or me?

*

As complicated as it was, Jiang Chun still agreed to his request.

Cough, whether she got the shops or estates wasn't the point, the key was her husband rarely asked for anything; how could she bear to disappoint him?

Fine, no more pretending, yes, she wanted the shops and estates.

They were worth at least seventy to eighty thousand taels of silver; who wouldn't be tempted?

So, after their bath that night and lying down on the canopy bed, Song Shian first covered her eyes with a red sweat towel.

Then, with another towel, he tied her hands to the bedpost.

Yes, Song Shian's request was to play a bondage-forced "love" game.

City people really know how to play, Jiang Chun was too tired to keep saying it.

Jiang Chun very cooperatively let out a terrified scream, "Ah! Let me go! Let me go quickly! Someone help! Save me!"

Song Shian leaned in, his voice icy cold: "All the servants have been knocked out by me. Even if you scream until your throat is raw, no one will hear you."

Jiang Chun suddenly remembered an internet meme from her previous life and, unable to hold back, shouted, "Hoarse throat! Hoarse throat! Hoarse throat!"

Song Shian: "..."

"Pffft." He tried hard to suppress it, but eventually, he couldn't hold back and burst out laughing.

Despite being "kidnapped" by a villain, she was still so amusing. He was truly impressed.

He reached under the mattress and pulled out a Western dagger used for warding off evil. Without unsheathing it, he pressed the sheath against her neck.

He coldly threatened, "Behave yourself, or you might lose your life."

Jiang Chun pretended to be scared: "I, I, I will obey, don't kill me. I'm in the bloom of youth and really don’t want to die."

Song Shian drew the dagger, cut the ties of her undergarment, and roughly pulled it off, tossing it to the ground. He then proceeded to pull off her underpants.

Jiang Chun whimpered, "No! Please, don't take off my underpants! My husband is a jealous maniac. If he finds out I've been seen by another man, he'll definitely divorce me..."

Song Shian's mouth twitched. Was she insulting him even as she begged for mercy?

He roughly yanked off her underpants, smirking, "Then don't let him know. If you don't tell, I won't tell, and he'll never find out."

Jiang Chun: "..."

Do you find it amusing to cuckold yourself?

Jiang Chun lightly kicked her feet, "No, I can't betray my husband! Get away from me, don't touch me!"

Song Shian's hand reached towards her front and he roughly fondled her.

Jiang Chun, unable to see with her eyes covered, found her senses heightened. Experiencing both pain and intense stimulation, she still remembered to act, whimpering and cursing, "Don't touch me, ah! You bastard, let go!"

Song Shian's cold expression remained unchanged, his actions unceasing.

He tormented her until she was breathless, tears welling in her eyes, dark patches forming on the red sweat towel from the dampness.

Only then did he release her and move lower.

Again, with even more force than usual.

Jiang Chun let out a cry that was both pleasurable and agonizing.

And this was just the start of the "torture."

Song Shian was an extremely patient man, resulting in Jiang Chun’s sweat towel being drenched with tears from the ordeal.

She alternated between crying and screaming, like a madwoman gone wild.

When they finally joined as one, it was even more intense.

Song Shian, like an ox plowing a field, feared the ground wasn’t being tilled deeply or thoroughly enough, and exerted all his strength.

Jiang Chun fainted three times before he finally climaxed.

Nearly tortured to death, Jiang Chun clutched the pouch containing ten property deeds and land titles, her hoarse voice lamenting, "Money is hard to earn, and shit is hard to swallow."

Song Shian had someone bring hot water and used a warm towel to clean her body. Hearing her words, he remarked, speechless, "If you want to curse me, do so, but don’t drag yourself into it."

If I’m shit, what is she? A stray dog?

No need to insult yourself like that.

Jiang Chun kicked him with her foot, huffing angrily, "You lecher, I've seen your face, you're done for!"

Song Shian grabbed her fair foot and kissed it, chuckling softly, "What are you saying? I don’t understand."

Jiang Chun "Hmph"ed, "Oh, so it's my husband who has returned. Forgive my poor eyesight, I didn’t recognize you."

Song Shian deliberately teased her, "Since my wife can’t see, should I find another way to help you recognize me?"

Jiang Chun, still feeling a dull ache from his previous roughness, immediately spat at him, "Dream on!"

Song Shian cleaned her up, carried the basin to the door, and asked the maid to take it away.

Then he climbed onto the bed, pulled Jiang Chun into his arms, and said contentedly, "I really enjoy our marital relations with you."

Jiang Chun said sarcastically, "Why did you suddenly say that? We didn’t have marital relations today."

Song Shian pinched her slender waist gently and chuckled softly, "Oh, we didn’t. I just felt nostalgic and remembered the past."

Jiang Chun pouted.

Keep pretending all you want.

But she didn’t dare bring up the topic again, afraid that if they continued talking, he might get worked up and force her into another round.

Role-playing is fun, but too much of it is tiring.

So she quickly changed the subject, "Once my sister-in-law helps me get the mahjong set, I’ll teach you how to play."

Song Shian’s lips twitched.

There were too many issues with that statement.

Logically, if she doesn’t even know what mahjong is, how could she know how to play?

And how could she teach something she doesn’t know herself?

Clearly, she does know how to play.

Could it be that my sister-in-law, like her, is also a lost soul from somewhere unknown?

And there’s a high possibility that they come from the same place?

Indeed, he guessed that the mahjong set was brought out by his sister-in-law, and there was no foreign trade caravan.

Even the wandering foreign monk who supposedly gave her all sorts of strange items probably didn’t exist.

It was likely that his sister-in-law also had the ability to summon objects from afar.

Although both had the ability to summon objects from afar, Jiang Chun could only fetch items from the Great Zhou, while his sister-in-law could fetch items from their original world.

And the items from their original world were clearly superior to those from the Great Zhou.

This was the real reason why Jiang Chun was trying so hard to win over his sister-in-law.

Forgive his poor judgment, he hadn’t noticed anything unusual about his sister-in-law in his past life.

It's not that she hides well enough; it's because of my own status that I can't interact with her much, nor do I think too deeply about it.

On the contrary, the second sister-in-law is even less adept at hiding herself. A little pondering on my part would reveal countless flaws.

Unfortunately, Song Shirui, this foolish younger brother, is rather careless and rarely suspects his wife. Unless the second sister-in-law confesses herself, he might never discover the truth in his lifetime.

He sighed lightly.

I, as his elder brother, must lend him a hand and cover for his wife more.

After all, I'm already accustomed to covering for Jiang Chun, so it's not a difficult task.

Otherwise, if the second sister-in-law were to be exposed and retract her claws, settling down to be the second madam of the Song family, it might not affect the second brother much, but Jiang Chun would be heartbroken.

Because in that case, she wouldn't be able to obtain items from the "hometown" through the second sister-in-law anymore.