Chapter 10: Jiang Wan’s Sincere Dinner Invitation

The moment Wu Zhuo caught sight of Liu Can, his brow furrowed deeply, and the hands he had clasped behind his back now emerged in front of him. He had never imagined that such a minor player could be connected to Liu Can in any way.

He cupped his hands politely and said, “What nonsense is this? Could this person be one of your Captain Liu’s soldiers?”

Only then did Zhao Mang turn to look at the middle-aged man surrounded by the crowd, a flicker of suspicion crossing his mind. The man had fierce, knife-like eyebrows that were strikingly prominent, and his eyes were sharp and penetrating. His burly frame made him stand out like a crane among chickens.

Seizing the moment of tense standoff, Xiao Han hurriedly jogged to Zhao Mang’s side. Zhao Mang finally voiced the question that had been nagging him, “You said you invited the brigade commander, so why has the captain come instead?”

Xiao Han feigned a knowing smile and teased, “Isn’t it just because your brother Xiao’s reputation is so grand?”

At this, Zhao Mang lightly punched Xiao Han’s chest with a soft fist. “I know you well enough. Just be honest—what’s really going on?”

Seeing Zhao Mang unmoved by his joke, Xiao Han felt bored and reluctantly said, “It’s really not because of you—it’s all because the eldest Miss Jiang pulled strings to bring him.”

“Disappointed?”

“Not at all!”

Zhao Mang’s expression shifted to one of realization. In truth, he had already suspected as much but had sought confirmation from Xiao Han. With his current record, there was no way he would attract the attention of any captain. Even Xiao Han’s claim that the brigade commander would come had left him doubtful.

The two of them slowly passed by Liu Can, who neither glanced nor acknowledged Zhao Mang in the slightest. Liu Can then spoke slowly, “Zhang Mo dared to forcibly take advantage of the eldest Miss Jiang. His death is not enough to atone. Do you think I’ll let him off?”

Wu Zhuo glanced sharply at Zhao Mang, who had quietly stepped behind Liu Can, his hands tightening slightly. He was deeply displeased that Captain Liu had inserted himself into the matter.

“If Captain Liu insists on protecting Zhao Mang, then this matter will be dropped,” Wu Zhuo declared. Without another word, he summoned two men and slunk out of the government office.

Before leaving, Wu Zhuo shot a sidelong glance at Zhao Mang, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. This was a grudge that had now been firmly established.

...

At the Agricultural Commissioner’s residence, Li Huai’an sat before his desk, examining official documents.

Below, Wu Zhuo stood with a bowed posture, sweat streaming down his temples. His voice trembled as he reported, “Honorable Commissioner... I... I have failed in my duties and humbly ask for your punishment...”

Li Huai’an did not pause his work; his face remained calm, his eyes fixed on the documents without change. He spoke casually, “It’s no big deal. If it’s not done well this time, just try again next time.”

“A mere soldier is hardly worth your worry,” he added nonchalantly.

Hearing this, Wu Zhuo did not relax but continued standing respectfully, sweat dropping heavily from his temples.

After a moment, an idea occurred to him, and he quickly voiced his thoughts. Li Huai’an raised an eyebrow upon hearing Wu Zhuo’s suggestion and finally nodded in approval.

“Very well, then go ahead and handle it.”

Only then did Wu Zhuo feel a great weight lifted from his chest and hurriedly leave the residence.

Just as Wu Zhuo departed, Zhang Luoshui, who had been hidden behind the hall, stepped out gracefully like a lotus flower. Her delicate figure silently approached Li Huai’an from behind and slowly began massaging his shoulders, speaking softly to soothe him.

“Master need not be angry. Zhao Mang is but a mere soldier—not worthy of your concern. If we cannot find fault with him, we shall find his weakness.”

Li Huai’an raised his brows upon hearing this, finding this plan far more intriguing than Wu Zhuo’s suggestion. He called someone over to give Wu Zhuo new orders.

Once arrangements were settled, Li Huai’an took Zhang Luoshui’s hand, smiling broadly as they walked openly through the official quarters.

...

At that moment, Zhao Mang was entirely unaware that his sister was in peril.

Supporting Zhao Mang, Xiao Han staggered as they exited the government office, when a maid approached them with measured steps.

She bowed politely and then respectfully said, “My lady requests that Young Master Zhao come for a brief meeting.”

Only then did the two notice a luxurious carriage waiting at the street corner.

Xiao Han smiled slyly at Zhao Mang, “Your luck with the ladies has arrived~”

Before he could leave, Zhao Mang quickly grabbed Xiao Han’s arm. “Brother Xiao, please handle the matter with the brigade commander seriously!”

Xiao Han nodded quickly in agreement, then took a few strides and disappeared from Zhao Mang’s sight.

The maid’s voice sounded again, “Young Master, please, this way~”

Zhao Mang followed the maid to the carriage.

As he settled inside, the carriage began to move.

Jiang Wan had changed into a much more dazzling outfit, completely unlike the modest appearance she had first worn.

Her tight robe perfectly revealed her figure, each curve enticingly outlined.

Her bosom, nearly bursting forth, added a tantalizing allure.

Zhao Mang recalled the fragility he had sensed when rescuing Jiang Wan, and his thoughts grew restless.

Noticing Zhao Mang’s captivation, Jiang Wan blushed slightly and shyly said, “Young Master Zhao... why do you look at me so?”

Startled by her voice, Zhao Mang realized how foolish he must have appeared, caught in her beauty. He hastily composed himself and regarded Jiang Wan calmly.

“Miss Jiang Wan, what is it that you wished to discuss with me?”

Jiang Wan’s eyes dimmed with a hint of disappointment but she spoke softly, “Have you made any progress regarding the rental of a place to stay?”

Zhao Mang’s face grew awkward as he adjusted his sleeve. “That... the rental has not yet been settled.”

“Do you have a better place in mind?” Jiang Wan tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and smiled gently. “Before, we were strangers, but now that you have saved my life, I am willing to rent my courtyard to you.”

“Would you be interested?”

A pleased expression crossed Zhao Mang’s face. “Of course I am. But what conditions do you have?”

Jiang Wan smiled softly. “Naturally, there are conditions. The courtyard can be rented to you at half price, but I must also live there, sharing the same courtyard with you.”

“Would you be willing to accept that?”

Zhao Mang’s brow lifted in surprise. What did this young lady mean? A female landlord and our happy life together?

He dared not imagine it—this was the most beautiful prospect that had come his way since his transmigration.

Shaking off the thought, he quickly nodded, “Since you do not disdain me, I see no objection.”

“Only... I worry that our daily lives will intersect frequently. I hope you will understand.”

Jiang Wan adjusted her collar, revealing a flash of her fair neck.

“In that case, I shall consider your agreement made.”

“Please join me for dinner tonight, so I may properly thank you for saving my life.”

Zhao Mang was taken aback, thinking, Just a meal?

“...”