A nouveau riche might be like Luo Zhiheng right now, guarding a pile of glittering treasures and wealth, but worrying about how to squander it.
Fortunately, Luo Zhiheng wasn't foolish enough to flaunt her wealth. Carrying out a gold chest of this caliber would attract attention, especially with Luo Ningshuang eyeing her covetously. Her initial plan was to move the entire dowry to the Mu Prince's residence for peace of mind, but now the dowry had exceeded her expectations. She couldn't openly take it out anymore, or she might be beheaded tomorrow.
“None of these things can be touched. It’s too dangerous to take them out. The Mu Prince’s Mansion seems very safe now, but in reality, because of the war, it’s almost in the eye of the storm. I can’t take these things out and cause trouble. Besides, there’s nowhere to put so many things. Let’s leave them here for now,” Luo Zhiheng said calmly.
“However, we must come up with a complete solution for Luo Ningshuang. We can’t let her keep thinking about these things. I always feel that Luo Ningshuang seems to know something about this. She seems to care a lot about the dowry. Could it be that the things here have already been leaked?” Luo Zhiheng asked the wet nurse with doubt.
The wet nurse shook her head firmly and said, "Impossible! When Miss hid these things, you weren't even born yet. Even the general didn't know what was in this box. Only Miss and I knew about the dowry. The second young lady would never know."
The wet nurse was telling the truth, but they never imagined that Luo Ningshuang knew about it because she had personally witnessed Luo Zhiheng's dowry in her previous life. While others had a ten-mile-long red bridal procession, Luo Zhiheng's was a thousand-mile-long gold procession! Luo Ningshuang could never forget that magnificent and awe-inspiring scene, even after several lifetimes. She even thought that when she married Xia Beisong, she would bring that same dowry with her—it was the glory that belonged to her in this life!
Luo Zhiheng nodded, and then told her wet nurse her idea: not to take anything with her. Since the key was made with Luo Zhiheng's blood, no one else could get in. There were also warriors guarding the place, so there was nothing to fear. Besides, no one knew what the dowry was, so it was safe.
When she came up with her wet nurse, Luo Zhiheng was already calm and composed, which amazed the wet nurse, but she also felt it was only natural. The young lady had never had a concept of money since she was a child and didn't care about money at all, which was a good character trait.
Luo Ningshuang was indeed still outside the courtyard, looking very anxious, her usual calm and composed demeanor no longer present.
"Sister! How are you? Are you alright? I was so worried about you." Luo Ningshuang said hurriedly, but her eyes kept looking at Luo Zhiheng. Seeing that she didn't take out anything, Luo Ningshuang breathed a sigh of relief. These things were hers for life, and she couldn't let Luo Zhiheng have a single one.
Luo Zhiheng ignored Luo Ningshuang's feigned concern and instead instructed the warriors, "You all guard the courtyard. No one is allowed to enter. I'll leave the dowry here for now. No one is allowed to touch it. Otherwise, if I lose something, I'll chop off the claws of anyone who takes it!"
She was subtly referring to Luo Ningshuang, who of course understood, but feigned ignorance, secretly more pleased than angry. She was truly flustered and confused; how could Luo Zhiheng possibly take so much dowry with her? The Mu family mansion simply didn't have the capacity to protect the dowry; taking it out would only put Luo Zhiheng in greater danger.
Although Luo Zhiheng was foolish, her wet nurse wasn't stupid; she should have known the gravity of the situation. As long as they didn't take the dowry, she would have time to plot how to seize it.
Luo Zhiheng left the General's Mansion with her entourage, accompanied by Luo Ningshuang, who perfectly portrayed the role of a sensible and obedient younger sister. Luo Zhiheng ignored this, but her wariness towards Luo Ningshuang only grew stronger.
"He's out! Brother Feng, hurry and catch that bandit Luo Zhiheng!" A haughty voice suddenly rang out outside the General's Mansion. Li Xian'er pointed directly at Luo Zhiheng, who had just stepped out of the gate, her expression both smug and sinister.
"Take him down!" A cold, young voice rang out.
Immediately following, heavy footsteps sounded, and a group of black-clad armored warriors wearing ferocious ghost masks rushed straight towards Luo Zhiheng with a chilling killing intent!
Luo Zhiheng paused for a moment, then calmly stepped out from the threshold without changing her expression. Her wet nurse rushed out to protect her, and without the wet nurse making any move, the group of people seemed to freeze instantly, unable to move forward any further.
Even so, Luo Zhiheng was still surrounded by that group of people in a semi-circle.
She stood on the steps, looking down at the man who, though bathed in sunlight, exuded an eerie aura. He was as arrogant and haughty as ever, his gaze, held high above her as he rode his warhorse, filled with disdain as he looked down at Luo Zhiheng. Yet, at this moment, Luo Zhiheng could not see the profound astonishment and shock on the man's face behind his mask!
"It's you again? Did I steal your child or snatch your wife? Or did I dig up your ancestral graves? Why are you always targeting me? You don't know how to be gentle with women at all. You're always so cold-blooded. Do you lack maternal love? So you don't know how to be gentle and kind to people?" Luo Zhiheng said with a strange tone, looking both cute and wicked.
Li Yufeng instantly felt a terrifying sensation that his bones were about to go limp. Luo Zhiheng's gaze was incredibly lethal, filled with both anger and resentment. Although she was angry, she was still beautiful.
"You're Luo Zhiheng?!" It took Li Yufeng a long time to find his voice, which was filled with disbelief and frustration.
Such a beautiful woman is Luo Zhiheng? What the hell! Are you kidding me? Wasn't that notoriously vulgar Luo Zhiheng an ugly monster? He hadn't gone to watch the finals; he'd rushed back overnight from a mission to pick up Li Xian'er, his little darling. Li Yufeng was already quite annoyed, but now he wasn't just annoyed; he felt a complete upheaval. That Luo Zhiheng who'd given him nightmares for two days—unveiling her veil, shedding her vulgarity, was actually a stunning beauty?!
"It is indeed your great-auntie." Luo Zhiheng smiled without a trace of modesty, and said narcissistically and crisply, "Aren't you stunned by my beautiful face? Aren't you already regretting it to the core? Don't you think you are a really hateful and shameless little scumbag? Don't you think that you are blind to treat such a beautiful, charming, and lovable woman like me with such harshness and viciousness? Aren't you worried that you will be struck by lightning?"
Those who were still groaning from Luo Zhiheng's beatings fell silent, the servants who had been sent out fell silent, Luo Ningshuang fell silent, Li Xian'er fell silent, Li Yufeng... was on the verge of collapse!
How can there be such a narcissistic and self-important woman? Even if she's pretty, she's definitely not the most beautiful woman in the world. Even the stunningly beautiful Lady Zhuge never boasted like this, did she? Could she be any more shameless? Could she be any more pervertedly narcissistic?
Luo Zhiheng seemed oblivious to the chill in the air, and laughed arrogantly, "Don't be afraid, it's not too late for you to repent. I'll give you this chance. Hurry up and get your people out of here. I don't want to fight. Wouldn't it be better for everyone to keep things peaceful? I'm only giving you one chance. If you don't seize it, you won't have another one."
Luo Zhiheng gave the wet nurse a look, and the wet nurse stopped and retreated behind Luo Zhiheng.
Li Yufeng finally managed to pull his nearly hysterical nerves back from the jaws of Luo Zhiheng, that narcissist. His mask made him appear perpetually cold, but his voice was no longer steady; it was even tinged with exasperation as he roared, "You shameless, despicable hussy! Whose aunt are you? How dare you rob me in broad daylight! I, the captain, will arrest you and hand you over to the Ministry of Justice. Why aren't you apprehending her now!"
"Wait!" Luo Zhiheng shouted, raising her small face in a wronged manner. In an instant, as if possessed by a heroine from a Western romance novel, her eyes welled up with tears as she asked, "What are you saying? What are you saying? I don't understand, I really don't understand! I'm innocent, I'm wronged! My lord, my wise and mighty lord, your brilliance is like the sun and moon, illuminating the darkness of my life. Facing your handsome and dashing presence, I truly cannot muster the courage to lie anymore. I am so humble, I humbly beg you, tell me what mistake I made? But no matter what mistake I made, please forgive me, don't lock me in that damp and terrifying cell, so that I can never again look up at your cold, dazzling, and majestic light..."
Her raw and bold words seemed like a love monologue, as if a weak and timid girl was so brave and bold in front of the man she admired and loved. She was expressing her feelings, such youthful and beautiful poetic emotions, revealed on her small face—clean, bright, sad, and yearning emotions, so beautiful and poignant that it made one unable to help but feel pity!
Although they knew Luo Zhiheng was cunning and treacherous, and although they knew she was a cunning little fox who loved to lie, at this moment, when she presented a soft and gentle face to the world, heaven was their witness, and those men truly could not bring themselves to be cruel to her!
How could she be so wicked? She's so hateful, yet you can't bear to hurt her!
Even a smug young man like Li Yufeng couldn't help but feel his heart tremble. He had never heard of such a confession, nor had he ever seen a woman so bold and direct. But all of this seemed so perfect and natural coming from Luo Zhiheng. Why was his heart pounding so wildly?
"You, you, you...you vixen! You thousand-year-old vixen! You're not allowed to seduce my brother Feng! You're shameless!" Li Xian'er was stunned by Luo Zhiheng's words. She roared angrily, but in her heart, she wished she could remember everything Luo Zhiheng had just said.
How could someone speak like that? It sounds beautiful and impactful. If she said these words to Mu Yunhe, that handsome man she likes, I wonder if he would like her back?
Luo Zhiheng staggered and fell weakly into her wet nurse's arms. She closed her eyes in despair, her face pale. She shook her head helplessly. Her small face, hidden in the wet nurse's shoulder blades, made it impossible to see her expression, but her shoulders seemed to be trembling slightly.
Is she crying?!
Li Yufeng felt a tightness in his throat, and the words of rebuke, contempt, and hurt he wanted to utter instantly vanished. He even felt that Li Xian'er's words just now were simply... too much!
“Young Miss… what’s wrong with you? This isn’t like you at all…” the nanny murmured, her voice trembling slightly. Luo Zhiheng’s personality was such that if an enemy came, she’d slap them back. When had she ever shown this kind of 'weak and helpless' demeanor? Wasn’t this the domain of that hypocritical Luo Ningshuang? And Young Miss, you even praised Li Yufeng for his wisdom and might…
Even the wet nurse felt powerless to express her feelings. Do you even know what Li Yufeng looks like? You call him wise and mighty... Clearly nonsense. What idiot would believe your blatant, hypocritical praise? 149.
The wet nurse was wrong. Men can be incredibly irrational at times, like Li Yufeng, who was so ruthless. Yet, he was caught off guard by Luo Zhiheng's blatant confession and his mind went blank.
Luo Zhiheng's shoulders trembled as she pinched the wet nurse's lower back. The wet nurse understood and remained silent.
Luo Zhiheng mentally disgusted herself. How damn pretentious! Why do the women in those idiotic romance novels talk like that? And why are the men in those novels always moved by those words and completely bewildered? She always thought that was nonsense; might makes right, and if a man dared to disobey, he should be beaten until he obeyed.
But today, she suddenly wanted to give it a try. Luo Ningshuang could use such a weak and fragile mask to deceive a group of men, making them fall head over heels for her and willing to die for her. There was no reason for Luo Zhiheng to lose to that wicked Luo Ningshuang. Moreover, the angrier Li Xian'er got, the happier she became. Daring to covet her pure and innocent Xiao Hehe? She was asking for trouble!
So today, Luo Zhiheng decided to take the pathetic and weak loli route to see if she could resolve the situation without being powerless against Li Yufeng, while at the same time trying to infuriate Li Xian'er and strike a blow against Luo Ningshuang—a win-win situation.
"You...don't cry, I..." Li Yufeng's tense voice was somewhat at a loss, revealing his immature nature as a man.
Luo Zhiheng knew instantly that she had succeeded! She chuckled inwardly, thinking, "As expected, my charm is irresistible! I can charm both men and women, and even subdue my enemies..."
This kid probably doesn't know what happened in the court today, otherwise the Li family would definitely be home discussing how to deal with the emperor, how could they still be so carefree outside?
"Brother Feng! Are you crazy! How can you believe Luo Zhiheng's words? She'll cry? I think she's laughing, or shamelessly seducing men and then laughing to herself! Don't pay any attention to this infatuated girl, have you forgotten about her harassing and molesting men?" Li Xian'er roared angrily, afraid that her Brother Feng would be seduced by Luo Zhiheng.
Luo Zhiheng suddenly raised her head, her face filled with sorrow and sadness as she asked Li Xian'er, "Why do you always attack me with such vicious words? I didn't steal your fiancé; Mu Yunjin is on the battlefield right now. I didn't steal your championship either, because I eliminated you during the round-robin tournament. I didn't make a bet with you to make you lose and then demand the return of my dowry, because none of this concerns you. So why do you always try to smear me in front of my idol?"
Luo Zhiheng's ruthlessness is evident from these words. Every sentence questions Li Xian'er, yet every word alludes to Luo Ningshuang. While leaving Li Xian'er speechless, she humiliates Luo Ningshuang in front of others, and then absolves herself of all responsibility, making her appear innocent and pure.
The word "idol" made Li Yufeng's heart skip a beat again. He gripped the mahjong tiles tighter, and his voice, which had lost its original sharpness and sarcasm, sounded even more magnetic in its calm tone: "You're not here to steal anything?"
Luo Zhiheng's eyes widened suddenly, her face filled with terror and despair as she looked at Li Yufeng: "Has this always been how you think of me? You think I came here to steal things? This is my home. I was attacked by a group of people when I returned, and they even tried to grab me and beat me badly. How could a weak woman like me be a match for them? But I just don't understand, they're not stupid, how could they not know this is my home? Do I need to go through them to get back to my own home? I've already been very merciful by not reporting them to the authorities and having them all arrested, haven't I?"
Li Yufeng's voice turned cold: "They attacked you?"
Luo Zhiheng was in low spirits, then suddenly said in a self-deprecating voice, "Yeah, they almost caught me. I don't know how they knew I was coming back. But didn't you come here to catch me too? Didn't you never believe me either? Just now, didn't you arrest me without even asking any questions or letting me explain?"
Li Yufeng froze, unable to utter a single word.
"But can I know? Why do you hate me so much? Li Xian'er kept saying I was a robber, and you believed her? Do you know that I just came to take back what belongs to me? How did that make me a robber? Li Xian'er is naive and foolish, how could you be so stupid as to follow her? Do you know that your actions today will stain your life? Acting indiscriminately, without principles or rationality, and driven by emotions—these will all become obstacles on your path to success. I feel so sorry for you." Luo Zhiheng's voice grew softer and softer, as if she was truly worried to the point of despair.
Li Yufeng was stunned. As a member of the Li family, with royal blood flowing through his veins, his family had never had a habit of humility. Everyone was used to being domineering and took it for granted. But today, Luo Zhiheng suddenly said this, and he felt that she was right. He didn't know what to feel for a moment.
Feeling down and somewhat at a loss.
"Arrest all of them and send them to the Ministry of Justice for rigorous interrogation about their motives for causing this disturbance." Li Yufeng vented all his anger and an unknown rage on the group of people Luo Ningshuang had brought.
Screams erupted one after another.
Luo Ningshuang's face turned pale with anger! She was both anxious and furious. She had brought this group of people in a secret way, so she didn't have to worry about them revealing her identity. But if these people said that they had been hired to stop Luo Zhiheng, then someone would definitely think that she was behind it, and that wouldn't do!
"Sister! You have to stop Captain Li! They're all innocent people, and they only spoke rudely to you because they were protecting me. It's my fault too. If I had known what was happening outside earlier, I wouldn't have come out sooner, and Tang and the others wouldn't have almost hurt you," Luo Zhiheng said anxiously.
"Then why didn't you come out sooner?" Luo Zhiheng asked coolly.
Luo Ningshuang was instantly speechless! Luo Zhiheng's words were really ruthless and direct, to the point of making people lose face.
"Luo Zhiheng, you idiot! If Luo Ningshuang had known earlier, wouldn't she have come out already? Brother Feng, why are you helping Luo Zhiheng? She's obviously lying. Her eyes turn red when she looks at a man. How could she possibly admire you?" Li Xian'er was confused and thought that her own brother absolutely could not like that despicable Luo Zhiheng.
"Enough, Xian'er! You need to be more mindful of your words," Li Yufeng said in a low voice.
"Since you think I'm so worthless in Miss Li's eyes, then I can leave, right? I wonder if Captain Li still wants to arrest me?" Luo Zhiheng asked sarcastically.
"I won't arrest you as long as you don't do anything wrong." It took Li Yufeng a long time to say this. He really didn't know how to tell Luo Zhiheng. His behavior just now was obviously aimed at Luo Zhiheng. All explanations at this moment were pale and ridiculous.
"If Captain Li still doesn't believe me, you can ask Luo Ningshuang. Isn't she always a kind and upright woman in your hearts? She won't lie. Ask her if I'm here to take back what belongs to me?" Luo Zhiheng flattered Luo Ningshuang, and she would immediately attack if Luo Ningshuang lied even half a sentence.
Luo Ningshuang was speechless after being cornered by Luo Zhiheng. She could only nod with a kind smile, feeling very unwilling, and said, "Yes, sister just came back to get something..." Seeing Luo Zhiheng's lack of discernment, Luo Ningshuang immediately changed her words, "to take back what belongs to her."
For some reason, Li Yufeng suddenly breathed a sigh of relief and quickly said, "In that case, it must be a misunderstanding on my part."
"Can I leave now?" Luo Zhiheng asked weakly.
"Y-yes." Li Yufeng suddenly felt a sense of resentment. He felt like he had been led by the nose by Luo Zhiheng just now.
Luo Zhiheng straightened up, looking both delicate and stubborn. As she passed the man lying on the ground who hadn't gotten up yet, she accidentally tripped over his arm and almost fell. Exclamations arose all around, with Li Yufeng's voice being the loudest: "Watch out!"
A sharp cracking sound was heard, but it was drowned out by the shouts of the crowd. The man's screams were extremely agonizing.
Luo Zhiheng was also helped up by her wet nurse in a disheveled state. She kept apologizing to the people who had been trampled on, and then fled into the carriage in a sorry state.
The carriage curtain blocked everyone's view, and Li Yufeng's eyes were glued to the carriage until it was far away. Only then did Li Yufeng's voice turn cold and angry: "Take them all back. We must find out why they gathered a crowd and caused trouble at the entrance of the General's Mansion!"
"Brother Feng! How could you do this? You're actually helping that vixen? Have you fallen for her?" Li Xian'er questioned angrily, disregarding her status and location.
Li Yufeng's face instantly turned cold beneath his mask: "Li Xian'er, think before you speak. How can you say such things so casually? If you don't change your bad temper and your foul mouth, the Li family will be ruined by you sooner or later."
"How dare you talk to me like that? What right do you have to lecture me? My father hasn't even disciplined me yet!" Li Xian'er cried and shouted.
Li Yufeng didn't want to pay attention to her, but his mind was filled with Luo Zhiheng's tearful face. He never expected that a woman could look so beautiful when she was about to cry.
"Third Young Master! Young Miss! Something terrible has happened! Quick, quick, go home! The Old Master and Grandfather want you to come back immediately. Something has happened at home!" Horses were galloping towards them from a distance, and Grandfather Li's personal guard shouted loudly.
"What happened?" Li Yufeng asked anxiously.
"I'm not entirely sure. It seems the old master and grandfather were reprimanded by the Emperor in court. Apparently, Luo Zhiheng spoke ill of us to the Emperor, and now the Emperor is angry and has ordered the old master and grandfather to reflect on their actions behind closed doors," the guard said. 15895541
"What?!" Li Yufeng was speechless for a moment. He felt that he had been tricked by Luo Zhiheng, and his hatred for Luo Zhiheng overshadowed the inexplicable feeling he had just experienced.
Li Xian'er said sarcastically, "Good, that's great! See, this is what happens when you trust Luo Zhiheng! That bitch! After harming the Li family just now, she still has the nerve to seduce you, Brother Feng, you're the idiot! You've been played by that vixen."
"Shut up!" Li Yufeng roared, then suddenly glared fiercely at the carriage that no longer carried Luo Zhiheng, gritting his teeth and saying, "Luo Zhiheng, you just wait, I'll remember you!"
At this moment, Luo Zhiheng was laughing so hard she almost fell over, and said pitifully to her nanny, "Nanny, I'm so sad! How come there wasn't a single challenge? I only imitated Luo Ningshuang's mannerisms, and I actually got away with it! The Li family has disappointed me so much; they're all brain-dead idiots. Nanny, do you think I'm getting worse and worse? Oh no, what if Xiao Hehe doesn't like me being this bad? Waaah, I should actually be even worse and just kill those people to prevent future troubles, right?"
The wet nurse smiled kindly: "Miss, this is very good. You know how to be flexible and can effectively resolve some unnecessary disputes. The young prince knows your intelligence and will only like you more. However, you must never praise other men again. It's not good for your reputation, and the young prince will be angry if he finds out."
Luo Zhiheng said smugly, "No, Mu Yunhe stays at home every day. How could he know what's going on outside? But I won't praise other men in the future. None of the men here can compare to my little Hehe, who is clean, cute, and lovable."
Chapter 1 is here! There will be more updates today, my darlings! Give us your recommendation votes! Let's unleash Hua Sha's passion, and we'll have even more extra chapters! Please vote, leave comments, and give monthly tickets!
160 was caught red-handed!