Chapter Forty-Nine: Out of Money

Zheng Yongli was not opposed to his granddaughter falling in love or getting married. Despite her youth, Zheng Weiwei was a perfectly normal young woman. For a nineteen-year-old girl to experience a couple of romances was nothing out of the ordinary.

Nor did he look down on Yan Xuan. In fact, whether in appearance or character, Yan Xuan was a fine young man.

However, the Zheng family was no ordinary household; “fine” would never be enough to meet their standards.

...

The people of the Nether Sect issued ruthless threats, yet their stance remained unyielding. They believed that those of the mundane world had no right to lay a finger on the secret realm. Even when faced with hundreds of martial artists, they showed little sign of pressure.

Upon hearing Luo Chongxun’s words, Li Zhang and Zhao Zhen both turned pale. After all, unless it was the end for her, Liu E would never summon Lü Yijian and the others to the palace. In other words, for Liu E to call them in at this moment likely meant she intended to give her final instructions.

Lü Tianming ignored the commotion and pressed on with his journey. Though time was not yet pressing, he saw no reason to clash with these martial artists—such conflict would be meaningless.

“Father—” But just then, Li Deming heard a cry of pain beside him. His son, Li Chengyu, was struck by a bullet and fell from his horse, landing right in front of him. Yet Li Chengyu was not dead; he reached out, hoping Li Deming would pull him up. If father and son could share a horse, perhaps he might yet survive.

Zhang Xing knew she could not hide anything from Mengfei. Hearing Mengfei’s words, she rolled her eyes dramatically and immediately joined her in a playful banter.

“You knew I was going to call, but instead of waiting obediently, you spent all that time talking to someone else? Truly no manners at all,” Jiang Yu said disdainfully, continuing to hold her phone, waiting.

“Hmph! Don’t think I don’t understand you men. Always eyeing what’s in the pot even as you eat from the bowl!” Liu Xuanran sneered coldly.

Li Zhang could only smack his forehead in resignation. He had intended to deduct the costs and calculate their net profit, but Douzi hadn’t kept any records. He’d been a bit careless himself, but one thing was certain—they had made a tidy sum today.

“Is it just like the colorful cube Father gave you?” Miaoyuan asked again, persistent. Lately, Zhao Zhen had often been toying with a Rubik’s Cube, and sometimes Miaoyuan would help him, though she still did not know its true name.

That face was truly bizarre—gaunt, deathly pale, and covered in countless wrinkles...

Lin Yi lowered his head in silence. He truly did not know how to shoulder this responsibility, yet he was already determined to do so.

“Red packets are for giving! Open the door for your red packet!” There were a few knocks at the door—Ke Dong’s voice. He had been dragged to the front by Li Wenyan to handle his wife.

“But...” Xiao Ranjie wanted to say more, but realized that if he continued, he might ruin everything. He could only force a smile, make a respectful gesture, and escort the Fourth Prince out.

Once the others had finished their business, Xiao Huanyu and Xiao Huanxue entered the Lady’s chamber. They arrived to see Haitang kneeling on the floor, her face streaked with tears, a wad of soft cloth clenched between her teeth, and a bruised arm outstretched. The Lady, teeth gritted, was pinching Haitang’s arm mercilessly.

“Alright! She really is carrying my child. Are you jealous that I’m going to be a father, or what?” Dongfang Qiu suddenly spoke, a note of boastful indignation in his voice.

Pale daylight filtered into the room. Wan’er slowly turned her head, her gaze lingering in the sudden stillness as she carefully studied the silent Martial Emperor.

“Yan, stop right there!” Wen Zi stood in the living room, head held high, and sternly rebuked Li Wenyan, who was idly making his way upstairs.

Xiao Lingxiao wiped the sweat from her brow, frowning. “Let her be mad if she wants to; it’s none of our concern.” With that, she waved her hand, shooing Bao Rong’er out.