Chapter 222: Chapter 223: Letting Off Steam

With Li Cuicui running interference, Gu Yuanfeng never found a chance to speak, no matter how much she had to say.

As they left the village entrance, Ancient Wen Heng saw a figure quickly duck into the bushes.

Jin Qianqian noticed it too. "I think I just saw my former sixth brother-in-law. Do you think he knows Sixth Sister gave birth?"

Ancient Wen Heng sneered. "He’s trying to crawl back to her. And I suspect the He Family was the one who cooked up that whole adoption scheme."

"But don’t people in this era value blood ties above all else?" Jin Qianqian’s expression instantly soured. "What a devious plan."

Ancient Wen Heng glanced at the patch of tall grass. "No matter how devious their plans are, it’s all a waste of effort as long as we don’t fall for it.

But I guess it’s a blessing from the heavens. It’s saved us a lot of trouble."

Jin Qianqian saw a corner of clothing that hadn’t been fully hidden. She smirked, gestured for Ancient Wen Heng to stop the cart, and raised her voice. "I just saw something run into the bushes!"

"Probably just some snake or insect!" Ancient Wen Heng didn’t understand what she was up to, but he was willing to play along.

Jin Qianqian picked up a few rocks from the roadside. "Well, I’ll throw these and see. What if it’s a wild rabbit or something?"

Ancient Wen Heng bent down and picked up two larger rocks. "Let’s give it a try, then. Sixth Sister just gave birth, so it would be perfect for her recovery."

The two exchanged a look and threw their rocks in unison. All that could be heard was the THUD, THUD, THUD of rocks hitting the ground, but if one listened closely, a few muffled grunts could be heard in between.

Jin Qianqian picked up a dozen more rocks and tossed them all over in one go, then clapped her hands clean. "Looks like I was mistaken. You’re right, where would you find a wild rabbit by the main road? It was probably just some little critter. It’s long gone by now."

"Let’s go. You’re a grown woman acting like a child. Look, you’ve gotten your hands dirty." Ancient Wen Heng took out his handkerchief to clean Jin Qianqian’s hands.

Having vented her frustration, Jin Qianqian felt refreshed in both mind and body. She hummed a little tune, sitting comfortably on the donkey cart. With a flick of the whip in Ancient Wen Heng’s hand, the donkey began to pull the cart forward with a gentle sway.

Only after the donkey cart was far away did He Tiping, who had been hiding in the bushes, emerge, clutching his head. He spat in the direction of the cart. "Damn it, that hurts!"

But he quickly remembered the news he had just overheard, and his face broke into a wide grin. "Yuan Feng gave birth? No wonder that woman didn’t come out today. I have a son!"

He ignored the bumps now swelling on his head from the rocks and limped back toward his own village.

"You say she gave birth? A boy or a girl?" Mrs. He Zhou glanced up. "Don’t tell me it’s another money pit."

"Mother," He Tuliang stopped Mrs. He Zhou. "Second Brother, it’s a son, right?"

But He Tiping looked completely blank. "I only heard she gave birth. I forgot to find out if it was a boy or a girl."

"Honestly, how can you be so stupid?" Mrs. He Zhou looked at him with disgust. "Hurry up and go find out!"

"Right!" He Tiping immediately turned and ran back out, failing to notice his own elder brother watching him with a mocking expression.

"That useless Second Brother. It’s been so long and he still hasn’t secured a status for that little brat," Mrs. He Zhou said, glancing at her eldest son. "Didn’t you go to the county seat last time? Is her seventh brother really that wealthy now?"

He Tuliang nodded. "He built a massive house. Even our old landlord’s fortune isn’t half of his.

I heard a lot of people talking about it. They’re planning to open some kind of workshop, too. The Gu family is really on the rise.

If Second Brother can convince that wife of his to have the child adopted under Lao Gouqi’s name, the He Family’s fortunes will be reversed." A greedy expression appeared on He Tuliang’s face at the thought.

’As long as the child’s status is settled, he would find a way...’

The more beautiful his current fantasy, the greater his disappointment would be when He Tiping returned.

* * *

「Dao City」

Ancient Wen Heng had just checked into an inn and was about to take a short nap when a waiter brought a meal to his room.

"Was this sent to the wrong room?" Ancient Wen Heng didn’t think any of his fellow students would be so generous. Besides, everyone had just checked in; it was impossible for the food to be served this quickly.

"Mr. Lu had us prepare this in advance. It’s all to welcome you, Mr. Gu."

"Lu Ping?"

The waiter nodded. "Yes, sir."

"What? Can’t it be me?" Lu Ping appeared at the doorway, a fan in his hand, flicking it up and down.

"I just didn’t expect your information network to be so good. How did you know for sure I’d arrive today?"

Lu Ping walked in and gestured for the waiter to leave. "Did you forget what my old man does for a living? Getting a little bit of news like this is a piece of cake."

Ancient Wen Heng saw his smug expression and shook his head with a smile. "Why are you in Dao City right now? Didn’t you follow Prince Bai to Sea City?"

Lu Ping walked over and sat down across from him. "Prince Bai went back to Shangjing long ago. I was bored over there, so I thought I’d come back and join in on the fun with you."

"Is Prince Bai also preparing to take the provincial exam?" Ancient Wen Heng looked at Lu Ping with a smile. "It’s just as lively in Shangjing."

Lu Ping shook his head in alarm. "A humble commoner like me should just obediently stay in a small place like this. In the capital, the moment you step outside, you run into this powerful noble or that relative from some government office. They’re all people you can’t afford to offend."

"Are you really that timid?" Ancient Wen Heng refused to believe his explanation. "Tell me the truth."

Lu Ping completely deflated. "My grandmother sent eighteen express letters in a row. I was basically dragged back here."

"Your marriage arrangement again?" Ancient Wen Heng ladled a bowl of soup for himself and took a sip while it was hot. "You got this as takeout from Tianfu Restaurant, didn’t you?"

"Of course. Thanks to you, my purse is a lot heavier these days. I can’t be too stingy, can I?" Thinking about the different treatment he received this time he came back, Lu Ping grinned so wide his eyes narrowed to slits.

"You should eat up now. Once you get a wife, you probably won’t be this free anymore." Ancient Wen Heng said with mock seriousness as he picked up a piece of chicken for himself. "When are you planning the wedding banquet? Remember to send me an invitation."

"Look at you, making fun of me the moment you arrive," Lu Ping said. The thought of all the banquets he’d attended recently made his head spin. "Your brother here is going through hell. I only managed to get out for some fresh air these past two days by using your arrival as an excuse. Let’s not talk about such depressing things right now."

"In that case, let’s just eat and not talk business today," Ancient Wen Heng said, pouring him a cup of tea. "Let this tea be a substitute for wine. Thank you for your hospitality, Brother Lu."

"It’s my pleasure. But actually, I came today to ask for a favor."

Ancient Wen Heng held up a hand to stop him. "We agreed. Just eating, no business."

Lu Ping, "..." ’Who agreed to that with you?’

Ancient Wen Heng, "..." ’I knew there was no such thing as a free lunch. Whatever, I’ll just eat first.’

"You must have guessed," Lu Ping said, his own appetite whetted by how heartily Ancient Wen Heng was eating. He didn’t forget to speak while he ate.

Ancient Wen Heng replied, "So what if I’ve guessed? The answer is still those two words: Not happening!"