Because of some feedback, I changed Summer Painting (Xiao Wan’s bodyguard/eyes and ears, the other half of Yun Yan) to the Hanyu pinyin 畫夏 Hua Xia. I started in the last chapter but forgot to notate it. I may go back later and update it in the story. 

Read the comments section first.

[Translator/Editor: otwentyfirst]

[Host: justreads.net]

[October 22nd, 2018]

Ji Xiao Feng’s att.i.tude towards Xiao Wan warmed up considerably by lunchtime. She was very solicitous and encouraged Xiao Wan to eat more.

Outwardly Xiao Wan pretended to be touched by the consideration her mother-in-law showed her, but inwardly she was laughing at Ji Xiao Feng’s lousy acting skills. She was fully aware of the other party’s goal and the pretense involved. Ji Xiao Feng’s acting was just that bad.

“Shumo, you’re too thin. Eat more.” Xiao Wan picked up a nice fatty piece of pork s.h.i.+ny with oil and dropped it in Ji Shumo’s bowl, completely ignoring his look of disgust at the meat. Then she pretended to suck on her chopstick as she pulled it across her mouth, as if to savor every last drop of flavor, Read for free at justreads.net or at any of the available aggregator sites with google translator. Very easy to do! before she used the same chopsticks to pick up more food for him. She knew Ji Shumo preferred to eat light vegetarian dishes so she made sure to dip into every single dish that he would normally eat.

Ji Shumo not only hated eating dishes that were too greasy, he also found it disgusting when meat grease contaminated other food. He was a serious freak about his food, so it grossed him out to see Xiao Wan dip into all the dishes with her saliva coated chopsticks. Bile rose in his throat as he looked at the pile of food Xiao Wan placed in his bowl. His appet.i.te disappeared and his face paled.

In contrast to Ji Shumo, who had put down his chopsticks stiffly, Xiao Wan ate with gusto. Her table manners were abominable; she held a hoof in her left hand and a wing in her right, alternating her bites between each, her head moving left then right, left then right. She was so unrestrained that even Yun Yan and Hua Xia[notes] hid their faces in their hands in embarra.s.sment.

After gorging herself on all the meat available she asked Ji Shumo why he wasn’t eating his favorite sauteed winter melons.

Ji Shumo’s face looked calm but his eyes had a glazed tortured look. Xiao Wan deliberately held his gaze putting him on the spot, forcing him to answer the question. He could only stare at her chopsticks as though mesmerized.

She suddenly reached over and picked up a winter melon and brought it to Ji Shumo’s lips. “Come Shumo, ah...”

Ji Shumo eyed the winter melon pressing against his lips. He could clearly see the damp spot of saliva on the chopstick and it made him break out in gooseb.u.mps. Read for free at justreads.net or at any of the available aggregator sites with google translator. Very easy to do! Unable to hold it in he pushed her hand abruptly away and leaned over to the side to throw up the contents in his stomach. However since he didn’t eat anything there was only saliva and spit that came out. His pathetic form would have normally melted her heart.

This time around though she purposefully patted his back with her greasy hands. Slowly and firmly caressing him and wiping away all the oil and grease onto his robe. She knew how much he abhorred her touch. “Shumo… what happened? Where does it hurt?”

Ji Shumo tried to avoid her greasy claws but she only s.h.i.+fted her target to his face. Oh dear G.o.d… he wanted to vomit again.

Xiao Wan grabbed Ji Shumo’s Read for free at justreads.net or at any of the available aggregator sites with google translator. Very easy to do! face firmly and looked him up and down. Suddenly in amazement she said, “No appet.i.te, vomiting, such symptoms… It seems I’m to blame for last night…”

It was as though a bolt of lightning struck him. Ji Shumo uncontrollably shook before sinking into his chair finally out of her grasp.

With a sigh and a smile Xiao Wan said, “Maybe it’s your stomach that bothers you. Do you want to see a physician?”

Ji Xiao Feng’s heart nearly stopped. She quickly jumped in with, “It’s probably just the grease. Shumo has never been good with greasy things. There’s no need for a physician.”

The Ji family had eaten their meal absentmindedly, hardly touching anything. Ji Xiao Feng barely finished speaking before servants began clearing the table. Xiao Wan was the only one who ate till she was full. Satisfied she leaned back in her chair and let out a loud burp.

Ji Shumo looked at her with clear pain in his eyes. Oh! That look made her incredibly happy. This happiness made her hungry again. She really wanted to eat and drink more!

While Xiao Wan was relaxing Ji Shumo went back to his room with his father. The only ones left in the dining hall were Ji Xiao Feng and her three daughters.

Ji Shumo was the youngest of his siblings and the most loved by Ji Xiao Feng. She went to great lengths to nurture his growth. Her work was rewarded as Ji Shumo earned an excellent reputation and was held in high regard. Countless people offered for his hand in marriage, but Ji Xiao Feng shot them all down. Only a n.o.ble lady was worthy of her son. She had even hoped he would become a royal concubine, Read for free at justreads.net or at any of the available aggregator sites with google translator. Very easy to do! however the possibility that he would be bullied cooled her to the idea. Consequently she went through Ji Shumo’s list of admirers looking for the one most infatuated with him.

Xiao Wan fit the bill perfectly. She had pursued Ji Shumo for three years and in those three years had gone out of her way to get in Ji Xiao Feng’s good graces. Read for free at justreads.net or at any of the available aggregator sites with google translator. Very easy to do! Although Ji Xiao Feng looked down on Xiao Wan because of her horrible reputation, Ji Xiao Feng still pretended to treat her like a confidant and friend, easily exploiting Xiao Wan’s gullibility to benefit the Ji House. Having Ji Shumo marry Xiao Wan was perfect. In this way he would become the main husband and gain better access to the wealth behind the Xiao House.

Ji Xiao Feng rose from being an a.s.sistant of the ninth rank to a fourth ranked one thanks to her gifted son and stupid daughter-in-law. Her House also gained two highly profitable shops and countless valuable antiques and gifts. Xiao Wan was so enthralled by Ji Shumo that she came with him for the bride’s return home visit. She would use Xiao Wan’s love for Ji Shumo to fulfill her own desires. Now was the perfect time to broach the subject.

“Wan-er, Shumo’s eldest sister here is incredibly talented, quick-witted and clever. She’s capable of so much more. But alas she’s just a low level a.s.sistant of the ninth rank stuck serving at the academy…” Ji Xiao Feng heaved a big sigh and glanced over at Xiao Wan waiting for her to pick up on the cue. Who would have guessed she would pull a look of confusion instead? Ji Xiao Feng had to grind her teeth and continue further. Read for free at justreads.net or at any of the available aggregator sites with google translator. Very easy to do! “I heard the a.s.sistant Minister position in the Ministry of Public Works is open. Perhaps you can put in a word or two…?”

Xiao Wan nodded but said, “It’s too much to jump from a ninth rank a.s.sistant directly to a fourth ranked one. Isn’t there a seventh ranked vacancy in the Ministry of Revenue? Mother-in-law works there, why not try to get her a position there instead of going to a different department?”

Xiao Wan snickered silently. The Ministry of Public Works was a huge department with oversight in quite a few fields including engineering, artisa.n.a.l work, field work, water irrigation, transportation and more. In short it was a huge part of the government. An a.s.sistant ministry position would be cushy and lucrative.

Ji Xiao Feng wanted to put her incompetent daughter in a high position in the Ministry of Public Works because it meant she and her house would gain even more wealth and power. Read for free at justreads.net or at any of the available aggregator sites with google translator. Very easy to do! In her previous life Xiao Wan had picked up on Ji Xiao Feng’s hint and immediately rushed to fulfill it. In the process she caused her own mother a lot of grief resulting in a huge argument between the two. How could she make the same stupid mistake twice?

Ji Xiao Feng’s smile froze awkwardly on her face at Xiao Wan’s rejection. She had tried to get her daughter into the position at the Ministry of Revenue but her application was rejected after a short investigation. This was why she thought of Xiao Wan and her mother. How could they not get the even better position at the Ministry of Public Works if they used Xiao Yurong’s influence as the third highest ranked official?

Ji Xiao Feng knew Xiao Wan failed the provincial level examinations. Despite this, Xiao Yurong was still able to get her daughter a seventh rank position in the Ministry of War. It was a cushy position with practically no obligations. If a lazy good for nothing like Xiao Wan could get a position like that, how could she herself be willing to let her own daughter remain as a small ninth rank a.s.sistant at the university?

“Sis can’t you talk to Aunty about it?” Read for free at justreads.net or at any of the available aggregator sites with google translator. Very easy to do! Ji Shumo’s eldest sister couldn’t help but voice her thoughts eagerly. If you can do this then Shumo will surely have a whole new level of respect for you. You’ll be our family’s great benefactor!”

Xiao Wan snorted surrept.i.tiously. Ji Shumo was no longer her achilles ankle. If they thought they could use him to manipulate her they were in for a rude awakening!

A refusal was just on the tip of her tongue when she saw Ji Shumo approaching. His cold eyes stared at her expectedly. In a heavy voice she said, “Shumo, this request… if I could grant it for you I would. But Shumo, you’ve really overestimated me.”

Her refusal was completely unexpected.

“I want to help eldest sister-in-law but you know mother doesn’t interfere in these matters. Even if she did and sister-in-law got the position, there will be gossip about how she only got it because she went through the back door. This will reflect poorly on her as she continues her career being an official. Next month is the imperial exams, if sister-in-law has the ability then taking the exams will be best. At that time sister-in-law,” Xiao Wan turned to her and continued with, Read for free at justreads.net or at any of the available aggregator sites with google translator. Very easy to do! “you can showcase your case abilities and earn the position of a.s.sistant minister based on your own merits.” Trying to get something for nothing? I’m not that stupid anymore.

Shumo’s eldest sister had partic.i.p.ated in the provincial part of the imperial exams but had failed to do well. Her face turned green at Xiao Wan’s proposal because of this. What ability? She didn’t have any. In fact she was as idle as Xiao Wan. Becoming a ninth rank official was the best she could do.

Watching her brother rise in fame had her itching to gain more. She wanted to ride on his coat-tails and use the Xiao House’s influence to do so. It was why she was treating Xiao Wan like she was an honourable guest the entire visit. After all that, Xiao Wan was still refusing!

The faces around the table turned ugly. Ji Shumo was particularly stunned as Xiao Wan had always treated his desires like they were the most important things in the world. Her refusal was clear and blunt, leaving no wiggle room to negotiate.

Ji Xiao Feng laughed awkwardly before switching to a different topic. Addressing Xiao Wan she said, “Your second eldest sister-in-law’s shops are doing really well and can benefit from expansion. Raising capital for another two branches...” She let her voice trail off to give Xiao Wan the opportunity to jump in. Read for free at justreads.net or at any of the available aggregator sites with google translator. Very easy to do! Xiao Wan was a silly spendthrift so Ji Xiao Wan knew she would offer the money.

Xiao Wan didn’t take the bait and instead said, “Oh! Opening a branch would be good.”

“It’s just that money is a little tight for it… wouldn’t Wan-er…?”

“How much money do you want to borrow?”

At “how much” Ji Xiao Feng broke out in a big smile but the word “borrow” made it disappear.

“If mother-in-law doesn’t have enough money and is interested in borrowing the funds, I can lend some. After we formalize a promissory note I’ll find a way to get the funds from the treasurer at the my House later tonight.”

“A promissory note?” Ji Xiao Feng was dumbstruck.

Xiao Wan shyly nodded. “I know mother-in-law is dissatisfied but I had to spend a lot in order to arrange my wedding with Shumo. My savings are spent right now. Money is a little tight for me as well, so I’ll have to require a promissory note from you.”

She wasn’t faking either. The old her had spent a small fortune on the lavish wedding, on top of that she also spent a great deal in the months leading up to the wedding. Just the two shops alone were rather expensive. Her mother had refused to give her the money so she was only able to successfully purchase it through scrimping and saving her own funds. It was worth it to see the smile on Ji Shumo’s face. Read for free at justreads.net or at any of the available aggregator sites with google translator. Very easy to do! After that she had given them even more money, nearly wiping out her own savings in the process.

It wasn’t until later that Xiao Wan discovered all 3,200 silver she worked so hard for was gambled away by Ji Shumo’s eldest sister.

Ji Xiao Feng gave Ji Shumo a meaningful glance when she saw that her efforts to extort money from Xiao Wan failed. Xiao Wan gleefully ate a piece of fruit while pretending not to see the exchange. She was trying to think of a way to get the two shops back from them.

While Xiao Wan made her plans, Ji Shumo was communicating silently with his mother through eye contact and slight gestures. He turned to Xiao Wan and smiled sweetly at her. “Wife… darling wife. Does it have to be a loan? Aren’t we family? Why split hairs over such a small thing?”

It was rare for Ji Shumo to play the charming husband for Xiao Wan, calling her “darling wife” in such a sweet and endearing manner. Xiao Wan simply raised her eyes to him enjoying it. She stretched her hand out to his waist and roughly pulled him over to her. With a sigh she said, Read for free at justreads.net or at any of the available aggregator sites with google translator. Very easy to do! “Shumo, recently I’ve spent money too recklessly. Mother is angry she docked my monthly salary. The promissory note just makes it easier for me to get the money from the treasury and show mother where the money is going. I can show that I’m using it for you and not for fooling around.”

How despicable! She really does want force us to borrow the money.

Xiao Wan spoke with some hesitancy. “Since we don’t have sufficient money on hand, it will be better to take it slow and not open a new branch. Don’t you agree?”

Ji Shumo was so angry he threw Xiao Wan’s hand off his waist. “Why are you lying?” Ji Shumo asked in irritation. “You have so many valuable antiques and artwork. Selling just one or two would bring in enough funds. How can you say you have no money?”

Xiao Wan’s face sank.

“This wife. You say you love me but yet you’re so unwilling to part with even a single silver for me? Is this how much you love me?” Ji Shumo had a very hurt look in on his face.

Oh, you want to play? OK. I’ll entertain you in that game. Xiao Wan sighed. “Shumo, if you need money I’ll gladly give it to you. All I ask in exchange is a promissory note…”

She not only circ.u.mvented his questioning, but brought the responsibility back to him. He stood up unable to stay calm. The bruises on his own wrist from her hold the other day caught his eye and he was reminded of how Xiao Wan had walked into the Ji House empty-handed without a single gift. His body trembled in anger at the memory. Read for free at justreads.net or at any of the available aggregator sites with google translator. Very easy to do! His trembling didn’t affect Xiao Wan at all though.

It was obvious to everyone that her priorities had changed, that the blind stupidity that made her so easy to manipulate was no longer there. They couldn’t help but be extremely angry at this turn in events and it showed clearly on their faces.

Xiao Wan couldn’t stand the way they looked. They acted as though it was their right to get money from her. She cleared her throat and spoke. “Shumo, it’s late. Let’s go back home.”

Ji Shumo declared. “You can go. I’m staying!”

Xiao Wan’s heart sank in disappointment but she smiled anyway. “Are you sure you want to remain here? You want me to return home, alone, without you?”

“Yes!” Ji Shumo nodded his head without looking at her.

There was a limit to her patience. She could get angry too! How did she endure his ridiculous temper tantrums before? Well one thing was for sure, she wasn’t going stand it Read for free at justreads.net or at any of the available aggregator sites with google translator. Very easy to do! anymore. He had behaved in this unreasonable spoiled way for so long that Xiao Wan wondered what it was she actually found so sweet and endearing about him.

Her old self tolerated his behavior in the past because she had been blinded by love; even if he was unreasonable she would put up with it and do whatever it took to soften his anger. In some ways she even found the challenge satisfying.

The her now still loved him, but that love was mixed with a newfound sense of resentment and anger. A strong feeling of irritation came over her as she watched him play his part in the farce.

Right now she had to put up with it because he played a vital role in her own plan. She needed to appease him in order to maintain the situation. With that in mind she smiled and said, “Ji Shumo, as your wife I’m willing to accede to any of your requests…”

Ji Shumo’s heart relaxed at her words. She was finally going to grant his request regarding the shop.

Xiao Wan continued, “I will certainly not refuse your request. Normally the husband home visit would end before sunset, but if Shumo wants to stay and chat with mother and father-in-law some more then obviously I’m not going to refuse. I really want to stay and accompany you, but it’s tradition that a newlywed’s Read for free at justreads.net or at any of the available aggregator sites with google translator. Very easy to do!house shouldn’t be left empty the first month of marriage. So dear husband I will be returning first…” Xiao Wan smiled and waved her hand as if to settle the matter. “Just send word to me when you’re ready to come back home and I’ll come and pick you up.”