Chapter 13: The Tender Affection of Two Sisters

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Zhao Mang held Qin Zhenzhen’s hand, shielding her behind him. Listening to Xiao Han explain the reasons for the family split, a weight lifted from his heart. His goal of separating the family had finally been achieved. No longer would he have to be entangled with these bloodsuckers.

At this moment, Zhao Wuji, who had been silent for some time, slowly spoke with a smile. “Officer Li Tian, the Zhao family members are so lawless, even attempting to evade taxes. They deserve a proper punishment.” He paused briefly, then wiped his mustache. “What do you think?”

Li Huai’an’s expression soured slightly. He had originally planned to use the grain tax as an excuse to crush Zhao Mang today. But unexpectedly, the ruthless soldier Zhao Wuji had barged in. Now, in front of everyone, he was forced to be used as a pawn. It was utterly humiliating.

To make matters worse, his only weapon, Wang Wu, was absent from the courtroom. He was like a mute suffering in silence, unable to voice his grievances. Helpless, he ordered, “Members of the Zhao family, for their lawlessness, each shall receive five strokes of the cane! They must pay the owed grain tax within five days.”

“If payment is not made by the deadline, they will serve one month of forced labor!”

After speaking, he turned to Wu Zhuo with a scolding tone, “Next time, if you can’t handle such matters properly, just quit. Don’t make me clean up your mess, you fool!”

After venting his frustration, he bowed slightly to the camp commander Zhao Wuji. “Since the matter is settled, I will not keep you any longer.”

Faced with Li Huai’an’s dismissal, Zhao Wuji paid no mind, merely glancing at Zhao Mang. Zhao Mang understood his meaning. With his goal accomplished and the Zhao family punished, he no longer lingered and turned to leave.

Those Zhao family members still kneeling below begged desperately for Zhao Mang to plead for them, to cover their debts. Zhao Mang ignored them all.

Li Huai’an watched Zhao Mang exit his official hall, rubbing his neck as a cold gleam flashed in his eyes. This was originally a task assigned by the Zhang family. Now that Zhao Mang had embarrassed him, there was no way this matter would be forgotten so easily.

Zhao Wuji then bowed to Li Huai’an. “Well then, I shall take my leave.”

With that, he turned and left the military tax office with Xiao Han. After exchanging a few words with Zhao Mang at the door, he instructed him to report for duty in three days, then hurried back to camp with Xiao Han.

……

Zhang Residence.

Zhang Mo’s father, Zhang Shirong, frowned deeply as he read a secret letter in his study. Anger surged within him. His original intention was to have his worthless son win over the eldest daughter of the Jiang family to restore the Zhang branch family. He had never imagined his son to be so useless—not only was the advantage taken by others, but his son had died in the process.

Watching a mere farmer rise to the rank of squad leader from the militia, he felt he had lost both man and soldiers.

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Pacing back and forth in his study, Zhang Shirong seemed to have come to a decision after a moment. Sitting at his desk, he hastily wrote a letter.

“Send this letter to the army immediately!”

……

In the small courtyard, Zhao Mang looked up at the Liuxiang Courtyard above and found it quite amusing. He hadn’t visited for a day, yet Jiang Wan had put up a sign.

Knocking on the door, he noticed more guards than before—likely because the previous incident had frightened Jiang Wan.

When the maid opened the door and saw Zhao Mang, she quickly led them to the inner hall. Jiang Wan had been waiting there for some time, although not solely for Zhao Mang. At that moment, he was reviewing the Jiang family’s ledgers.

Jiang Wan was exceptionally capable, having taken charge of managing the family’s shops early on. In the western district of Sha City, more than half belonged to the Jiang family.

Zhao Mang thought to himself, no wonder the Zhang branch sought her out—a shrewd, capable, beautiful, and lively young lady. To say he didn’t like her would be foolish.

Watching Jiang Wan still organizing the accounts, Zhao Mang quietly called out, “Miss Jiang Wan, you’re truly dedicated!”

Hearing this, Jiang Wan smiled briefly. But when she saw Zhao Mang and Qin Zhenzhen together, that smile quickly vanished.

After a moment’s thought, Jiang Wan swiftly composed herself, pursed her lips, and declared her claim.

“Mang Gege, who is this young lady you’ve brought? Why have I never seen her before? If I had known you would bring a lady, I wouldn’t have waited here!”

“Hmph... And from now on, when you see me, you must call me Wan’er!”

Although Zhao Mang had lived two lives, he had never encountered such a display. He laughed heartily and teased, “Wan’er, are you jealous?”

Jiang Wan slammed the ledger on the table, pouting, “No! I’m not jealous at all!”

Seeing this, Zhao Mang put down Qin Zhenzhen and went to Jiang Wan’s side, gently lifting her up. “Wan’er, where would I go? You are all equally important to me!”

Just as he finished speaking, he felt someone tugging at his clothes from behind. Turning, he saw it was Qin Zhenzhen, looking up at him with innocent eyes.

She said in a plaintive tone, “Mang Gege, have you forgotten me?”

Turning back, Jiang Wan shifted her head aside and snorted coldly.

Zhao Mang felt a headache coming on and helplessly pleaded, “Alright, you two, stop fighting and let’s get to the matter at hand.”

“Wan’er, I will be reporting for duty at the camp in three days. During this time, I’ll entrust Zhenzhen to your care.”

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Perhaps knowing Zhao Mang wouldn’t neglect either of them, Jiang Wan was not overly demanding. She leaned her head on Zhao Mang’s shoulder.

“There is great danger on the battlefield, Mang Lang, you must be careful. You haven’t even married me yet!”

Saying this, Jiang Wan clung tightly to Zhao Mang’s arm.

“I won’t allow anything to happen to you.”

Zhao Mang wrapped an arm around each of them, feeling content. “Don’t you know how capable I am?”

Jiang Wan blushed and lightly punched his chest. “You big bad wolf, what nonsense are you spouting?”

Zhao Mang laughed heartily. “I mean my strength is formidable; a few Tibetan bandits are no match for me.”

He ruffled Jiang Wan’s hair teasingly. “Where are your thoughts going?”

Jiang Wan looked slightly embarrassed, then stood up, freeing herself from Zhao Mang’s embrace. With a serious gaze, she said, “Since you’re soon leaving for Dunzi Peak, I noticed you don’t have a proper weapon.”

“I’ve already ordered someone to prepare one for you.” She added firmly, “You must come back in one piece.”

Zhao Mang couldn’t help but marvel at his luck despite his hellish start. He said softly, “Wan’er, knowing you is my greatest fortune.”

The sun set swiftly. Night fell, and Zhao Mang quietly slipped into Jiang Wan’s room.

He had intended to climb through the window but found the door open, so he entered openly.

Approaching the bed stealthily, he was captivated by Jiang Wan’s softness, reluctant to leave her side.

After some intimate moments, Zhao Mang held Jiang Wan warmly in his arms.

Suddenly, a soft voice came from outside the room.

“Mang Gege... are you in Wan’er’s room?”

Zhao Mang tensed, unsure how to respond.

Jiang Wan chuckled softly, “He’s…”

Zhao Mang’s heart tightened at her pause. He gripped her firmly and declared, “No! You should go back to sleep now.”

Sure enough, after a while, there was no further noise outside.

At that moment, Zhao Mang recalled his sister’s matter and asked Jiang Wan to help find Qin Zhenzhen’s family. Jiang Wan murmured a vague agreement.

……

Time passed like a fleeting horse. Before long, the day arrived for Zhao Mang to report for duty.

In recent days, Zhao Mang trained martial arts by day and exercised his body at night. His strength had grown immensely. Before, he could lift a cauldron; now, he could perform more intricate feats with it.

He had not been very familiar with the bow and arrow, but now he was mastering it, with only practical combat to perfect.

After packing all his belongings for the army, he bid farewell to the two at Liuxiang Courtyard and hurried toward Dunzi Peak.

The sky was clear and bright when he set out; by the time he reached the camp, dark clouds had gathered…