Chapter 19: I Happen to Have Some Connections

Chapter 19: I Happen to Have Some Connections

She felt like a monkey in a circus.

Her face flushed red with shame and anger as she screamed hysterically, "Whether you admit it or not, you're trying to cling to Brother Xie Yan."

Lu Mingchao clapped her hands and shook off the crumbs on her cloak, "Are you done?"

"Actually, I'm really easy to get along with and quite reasonable. I don't resort to violence easily."

"But, I just realized that when you were screaming just now, you didn't quite seem human."

More notorious than the rascally monkeys at Mount Emei, where even dogs would get a couple of slaps passing by, and not even a master could enlighten them.

Lu Mingchao stepped forward quickly, grabbed Feng Jinyu's wrists with one hand, and slapped her with the other.

I don’t start trouble, but if someone provokes me, they’re asking for it, and I won’t hesitate to respond.

Feng Jinyu was stunned by the slap and flailed in resistance.

Lu Mingchao calmly pulled a hammer from her cloak and weighed it in her hand.

A hammer?

A hammer!

Everyone stared at Lu Mingchao in stunned admiration.

How does that cloak manage to hold everything?

Lu Mingchao ignored them and said seriously, "Miss Feng, you insulted me first. As a weak woman, I can't stoop to using those low-class words, but I still need to protect myself."

"A fair and understanding judge would understand my necessity."

"But don't worry, even if you break your hands, legs, or lose your teeth, I'll find a doctor from the Huichuntang in the county to treat you properly."

She wanted to set an example to deter any future strange looks or remarks.

Feng Jinyu forcibly stopped in her tracks, fearfully watching the eerie hammer in Lu Mingchao's hand, afraid it would land on her any second.

While others might push and pull hair during a fight, Lu Mingchao, despite her gentle appearance, was ready to throw a hammer at the slightest provocation.

Lu Mingchao lazily lifted her eyelids, her eyes sharp and her voice cold, almost chilling, "From now on, I don't want to hear any more gossip about my and Xie Yan's marriage."

"My parents agree, he's willing to marry me, and I'm willing to marry him. It doesn't violate any laws."

"We stand upright and sit straight, openly and with integrity."

"You know how important a woman’s reputation is. How can you just spout off without thinking about the consequences?"

"If any more slander reaches my ears, even if it costs me everything, I’ll track down those responsible and make sure they pay the price, including jail time."

"I happen to have some influential connections, and Xie Yan has enough resources to back me up."

Xie Yan, breathless from rushing over, stood at the doorway, watching Lu Mingchao from a distance.

His fiancée, who looked so delicate and fragile, was radiating a strength that seemed to light up the room.

It was an aura that cut through the darkness, moving forward with unwavering courage, attracting others like moths to a flame.

If the Xie family were still around, Grandmother, Father, and Mother would surely take great pride in knowing he found such an excellent wife.

How lucky he is.

"Father, is she the mother who's about to come into our family?"

Xie Yan was accompanied by a slender, sharp-featured young boy.

The boy, around ten years old, had an unusual maturity and calm steadiness in his gaze.

"Huaiqian, she's going to be my wife," Xie Yan declared firmly.

Xie Huaiqian remained silent, still gazing across the gap at the young woman holding a large hammer that seemed disproportionate to her frame.

He wondered if the scenes described in poetry—where one person stands firm against thousands—were like what he was seeing now.

Insults, malice, scrutiny, and fear—all were like passing clouds, leaving him unharmed.

She’ll probably be a good mother, he thought.

Xie Huaiqian lowered his eyelids, suppressing the surging emotions.

"Huaiqian, come inside with me," Xie Yan's deep voice was filled with pride.

Lu Mingchao hadn’t really expected Xie Yan to show up. After all, he lived so far away that by the time he got the news and made it here, the whole thing would’ve been over, with her having already won.

So she didn’t notice the commotion at the door and kept talking to herself, "But hey, for friendly neighbors, I’ll return their kindness and help out wherever I can."

"I hope we can all get along just fine from now on."

It feels so good to talk while holding a hammer!

"Aunt Lu, Big Brother, Mingchao."

Lu Mingchao turned to Xie Yan, surprised.

Wait, who can explain how Xie Yan got here so quickly?

Is he some kind of super-speedster?

The hammer in her hand suddenly felt too hot to hold—she couldn’t keep gripping it, but she couldn’t drop it either.

Her image!

Lu Mingchao couldn’t help but groan inwardly.

Hold on...

Who’s that kid standing next to Xie Yan? He looks about the same age as her!

Is that his son?

She’s still playing pretend, and Xie Yan already has a kid?

Oh my God, is Xie Yan way too mature?!

Is this some kind of special ability?

Lu Mingchao’s eyes widened in confusion as she swallowed hard, trying to keep her composure.

The moment Feng Jinyu saw Xie Yan, her usual abrasive demeanor melted away, and she turned shy and bashful. "Brother Xie Yan," she said, her voice soft.

Xie Yan remained expressionless and ignored her.

Courtesy is something that depends on the person. Showing respect to someone who smeared Mingchao would be like throwing Mingchao's dignity on the ground to be trampled on.

After all, respect is earned by those who show it; you can’t expect respect from someone who doesn’t give it.

As for Xie Yan's performance, Lu Mingchao gave a nod of approval, though not without reservation.

Xie Yan's cold indifference was the last straw that shattered Feng Jinyu's remaining self-control. "Brother Xie Yan, you can't be deceived by Lu Mingchao's appearance."

"She is unreasonable, hot-tempered, and loves to use violence. She definitely won't be a good stepmother and won't be able to take care of the three children."

"Huaiqian, you should persuade your father." Feng Jinyu tried to pull on Xie Huaiqian's sleeve.

Xie Huaiqian evaded her without any attempt to hide it, his cold and stern expression mirroring Xie Yan's.

Feng Jinyu didn't care and continued, "Look, she dares to slap people and use a broken hammer to intimidate others. Once she enters the household, just imagine how arrogant and domineering she will become. Will any of you have good days then?"

"But, I'm different."

Xie Huaiqian said, "You’re certainly one of a kind. You have a filthy mouth and an overly optimistic imagination."

Lu Mingchao blinked. This young boy has potential.

Xie Yan stepped forward, protecting Lu Mingchao and Xie Huaiqian. "I know exactly what’s going on here. There's no need for you to twist the facts and manipulate the truth."

"I’m relieved that Mingchao can take care of herself."

These were his true feelings. Mingchao could choose to live under his protection or choose to stretch her wings freely.

"You should be thankful that I don't hit women."

"However, I do hit men."

Lu Mingchao blinked, waved the hammer in her hand, and poked her head out. "I can step in and handle things if needed."

"I’m being serious here."

He is not my biological son.