Chapter 061: Be Obedient, Spare Yourself Some Suffering

Chapter 061: Be Obedient, Spare Yourself Some Suffering

This was indeed a solution. By submitting these two diagrams to the Ministry of Defense, this person would be credited with a great service, and it would also help cover up the private casting of weapons.

Chu Li remained silent.

Jiang Chen sent someone to deliver a message, saying that Qian Yunxi had followed the County Magistrate’s wife to a courtyard in the west of the city. Ruan Qinghuan and Chu Li exchanged glances; it seemed that her guess was correct. Wu Quan couldn’t wait any longer.

They called Jiang Ming and the people Chu Li had brought, instructing them to proceed according to plan. Jiang Qi prepared the carriage and headed towards the west of the city.

They couldn’t show their faces for this matter and had to wait in the carriage for news.

The Bao family’s carriage quickly turned into an alley and then hurriedly exited, seemingly in a rush to leave. When the wind lifted the carriage curtain, Qian Yunxi was not inside.

Even if Chu Li were slow-witted, she could guess what might have happened. However, she didn’t expect the magistrate’s wife to be so bold as to scheme against the Qian family. After all, former Minister of Revenue Qian had once held a third-rank position in the capital.

This showed that with the protection of the Second Prince, the Wu family had likely become the de facto rulers not just in Lu City but in the entire Zhenjiang Prefecture.

Chu Li, skilled in martial arts, wanted to go and take a look but was held back by Ruan Qinghuan. “We can’t be the ones to act.”

Chu Li sighed reluctantly; she really wanted to beat up the Wu brothers herself.

Just then, several suspicious individuals sneaked over from the other side. They were clearly not part of their arranged group. The carriage was parked on the inner side of the turn, making it hard to see clearly, but Ruan Qinghuan felt a sinking sensation in her heart.

In the room, Qian Yunxi patiently helped Mrs. Tong with a design. Mrs. Tong secretly observed the heavenly beauty of Qian Yunxi. No wonder Young Master Wu was determined to have her. A girl from the capital was indeed different.

Her skin was like snow, and her eyes were like water. Not only did she look noble, but she also exuded a delicate and graceful aura. Any man who saw her would likely be unable to look away.

“My body is weak, and I fell ill during the continuous rainy days. I will send some more rouge and cosmetics to the girls among my relatives another day.”

Qian Yunxi smiled gently. “Mrs. Tong jokes. You’ve been a loyal customer of the rouge shop. This small favor is nothing more than a simple task.”

“Indeed, a girl from the capital, so gracious. Please continue drawing. I’ll come back after taking my medicine.”

As soon as Mrs. Tong left the room, her smile vanished, replaced by a look of worry. The magistrate’s wife had dumped this hot potato on her. If anything went wrong, the Tong family would also bear the brunt.

Although she called the magistrate’s wife her sister in private to maintain this relationship and make business easier, today’s matter was quite risky.

She couldn’t refuse, or she would offend not only the magistrate’s family but also Young Master Wu.

Who in Lu City didn’t know that Young Master Wu was the one who truly held power?

Mrs. Tong sighed helplessly. Fortunately, the Wu family genuinely wanted to marry Miss Qian. Even if they had to make the best of a difficult situation, it wouldn’t be a big issue.

Soon after Mrs. Tong left, the door was pushed open again. Thinking it was Mrs. Tong, Qian Yunxi softly said, “I’m almost done. Please wait a moment, Madam.”

The moment Wu Quan saw Qian Yunxi, his eyes lit up. He was no longer the delicate scholar he appeared to be. His heart raced.

Unconsciously swallowing, he rubbed his hands as if afraid to startle her and softly said, “Miss Qian?”

Qian Yunxi’s hand holding the brush paused, causing a large ink blot to spread on the design. Her entire body panicked when she saw Wu Quan and hid behind the table, demanding, “How is it you?”

Her voice trembled with fear.

Little did she know, her trembling, fragile demeanor, like a startled rabbit, made Wu Quan even more eager. He truly loved Qian Yunxi deeply and had wanted to bring her into his residence ever since she returned to Lu City.

However, Minister Qian had just resigned, and the Second Prince had warned him not to act rashly, so he waited until now. Coincidentally, his wife passed away last year, freeing up the position of the main wife and saving him the trouble of divorcing.

“Miss Qian, don’t be afraid. I was discussing some matters with Master Tong and accidentally entered the wrong room. I didn’t expect you to be here. It’s quite a coincidence, isn’t it?”

Only an idiot would buy into his BS.

Qian Yunxi wasn’t dumb. Remembering how the County Magistrate’s wife had called her here, she realized this had all been planned from the start. Seeing Wu Quan’s predatory look, it was clear he hadn’t stumbled upon her by accident.

She tried to stay calm. "You said you had something to discuss with Master Tong—better get going before you waste any more time."

"No rush. I’ve said my piece. Actually, I’d like to have a chat with you." He then picked up the ruined draft that had been stained with ink and pretended to regret it. "Miss Qian, you’re clever and talented. This draft is so lifelike. Sorry I scared you. What can I do to make it up to you?"

"No need. It’s just a draft. I’ll draw another one."

Wu Quan set the ruined drawing on the table and started inching toward Qian Yunxi. For every two steps he took, she also took two steps, and they circled around the table like this.

Wu Quan smiled. "Miss Qian, don’t worry. I’m not going to hurt you."

Qian Yunxi didn’t say anything. She knew dragging this out wouldn’t end well. Her eyes glanced toward the door. It was some distance from the table, but if she was fast enough, she might be able to run out.

Wu Quan sighed. "Miss Qian, just as you stepped out earlier, I’ve already sent a betrothal gift to your family, and your father accepted it."

"Who is your father-in-law? I’m not marrying you." When she heard about the marriage proposal, Qian Yunxi felt even more desperate to escape.

In contrast, Wu Quan was unhurried. "Our marriage may not be an imperial order, but Consort Qi wants it to happen. Why fight it, Miss Qian? You’ll only make things harder for yourself."

Qian Yunxi’s eyes reddened. Her father and mother’s compromise had been because of this very pressure, hadn’t it?

With the weight of Consort Qi and the Second Prince’s influence, her father was now just a commoner. How could he fight against them? Even when he was still in court, he couldn’t stand against those in power.

Seeing her pitiful state, Wu Quan felt a pang of sympathy. "Miss Qian, you’re a sensible person. No matter how much you protest, it won’t change this outcome. Why not embrace this good marriage and be happy?"

Qian Yunxi clenched her teeth in hatred. She would rather die than marry this beast. She knew all too well what kind of family the Wu family was. They were far from virtuous; they were more like a family of deceit and evil.

Gathering all her strength, she dashed toward the door. If she could just break it open, she could leave this room. But with all her force, the door didn’t open, and she was thrown back, landing right in Wu Quan’s arms.

Qian Yunxi struggled with all her might, but it was futile. The difference in strength between men and women was too great, and Wu Quan, who had martial skills, easily half-dragged and half-carried her to the inner side of the room, near the bed. In her desperation, Qian Yunxi bit him, causing Wu Quan pain. He raised his hand to strike her, but his palm stopped just before it met her flushed, red face.

In the end, he couldn’t bring himself to hit her, but his voice turned icy: "You’re mine either way. Just cooperate and it’ll be easier on you."