Transmigrated Into an Ancient Filial Piety Novel as a Scumbag Alpha (GL) - Chapter 50

Chapter 50

“Does that even need saying? We will naturally help you. If Ji Huan causes trouble, it’s just because she’s jealous of you,” Li Yulan thought for a moment and said.

“Big Sister-in-law really has her own ideas. When I get married in the future, I’ll definitely make sure Ji Dong and Ji Xi attend the best private school, so they both have great prospects later,” Ji Yuan continued to make empty promises. He hadn’t noticed before how capable his sister-in-law was at handling things. Whether he could keep those promises was another matter; for now, he just needed to get through tomorrow.

“Hey, then I’ll thank our third brother on behalf of Ji Dong and Ji Xi first,” Li Yulan said with a smile.

The whole family was in high spirits, and even Ji Mantun was persuaded, as if Ji Yuan had already married someone.

“Mother, then we need to prepare in advance, don’t we? It’s the first time a young lady from the county is coming. What food should we prepare for her?” Li Yulan was even more attentive than Liu Fengmei and hurriedly asked.

“We definitely need to cut some fresh pork, buy a fish, fry some eggs, and cook some vegetables,” Liu Fengmei thought for a moment and said.

“Mother, no need to go to such expense. She knows my family is poor. Preparing too much might actually be bad. Just add one dish of pork and one dish of eggs compared to usual. Also, it’s best if Ji Huan and the others eat with us in the dining room,” Ji Yuan thought for a moment and said.

“Alright, leave Ji Huan’s matter to us. You just take good care of Miss Yu,” Liu Fengmei said with a smile.

“Alright, Mother, I need to hurry back. Tingting wants me to accompany her here tomorrow morning,” Ji Yuan straightened his back and said, as if Yu Ting couldn’t do without him.

“Third Brother, then go quickly. Don’t delay important matters. Your big brother and I are here at home. Tomorrow, I’ll cook and let your third sister-in-law taste my skills,” Li Yulan’s face was full of unstoppable smiles.

When Ji Sen saw the eldest brother’s family being so attentive, he quickly chimed in, “Third Brother, don’t worry. Tomorrow, Xiuxiu and I will handle chopping firewood and fetching water. We’ll definitely help you make this a success.”

“Alright, then thank you, Big Sister-in-law and Fourth Brother. I’m still worried about Ji Huan. Please persuade her again. Even if she just stays quiet tomorrow, that’ll do,” Ji Yuan continued.

“Third Son, don’t worry. This is a big deal for the family. Ji Huan can’t mess it up. I’ll go talk to her myself later,” Ji Mantun thought for a moment and said.

“Alright, then I’m relieved.” After some more mutual flattery, Ji Yuan headed back to the academy.

Ji Huan looked at Jiang Yubai and Ji Qiao in the room and sighed, “I really don’t know what’s wrong with that Miss Yu’s head, jumping into a wolf’s den like that. I’m impressed.”

“Sister, what do we do tomorrow?” Ji Qiao looked at Ji Huan obediently, ready to follow her sister’s lead.

Ji Huan smiled, “Naturally, we tell the truth. Otherwise, that Miss Yu is really unlucky to be targeted by Ji Yuan and his gang.”

Ji Qiao nodded in agreement. Though she didn’t say it, she knew what kind of person Ji Yuan was.

At dinner, Liu Fengmei and Ji Mantun brought food to Ji Huan and the others. Ji Huan took the wooden tray and was about to close the door when Ji Mantun stopped her, “Ji Huan, wait. Father has a few heartfelt words to say to you.”

Ji Huan blocked the door, handed the food inside, and flashed a big smile at Ji Mantun, “Is that so?”

Ji Mantun smiled and nodded quickly.

“But I don’t want to hear them.” With that, Ji Huan pushed hard and closed the door.

Ji Mantun’s bl00d pressure shot up, and he could barely breathe evenly. He wanted to curse loudly, but for tomorrow’s sake, he gritted his teeth and held back. Taking a few deep breaths, Ji Mantun stood at Ji Huan’s door and said earnestly, “Ji Huan, tomorrow’s matter concerns whether our Ji family can rise to greatness. You must speak carefully. If you can’t, just don’t speak. You three just eat at noon tomorrow. You don’t need to do any work. After eating, you can go back. How’s that?”

Ji Huan was annoyed by his nagging and said coldly through the door, “I hate being disturbed when I eat. Father, if you want the house to turn upside down starting today, keep talking.”

Ji Mantun was furious but had to swallow his anger to keep Ji Huan from going crazy now, “Fine, Father just wanted to talk with you. You eat, and your mother and I will go back.”

Ji Huan ignored him and continued eating.

On the way back, Liu Fengmei grabbed Ji Mantun’s arm and whispered, “Why do I feel so uneasy? Will Ji Huan behave?”

“Take it one step at a time. If Ji Huan tries to speak tomorrow, you interrupt her. We can’t ruin the third son’s plans,” Ji Mantun instructed.

“Got it. I’ll talk to Yulan and Ji Sen later. I noticed Li Yulan is quite invested this time.”

“Isn’t that right? Didn’t Ji Yuan say he’d find the best private tutor for the eldest’s two kids?” Ji Mantun looked forward to the future but felt uneasy about Ji Huan, torn with conflicting emotions.

~~

At dawn, Ji Huan heard the roosters crowing outside. Living in the village had this downside: every household kept chickens, so even if you didn’t want to wake up, the roosters would rouse you.

Ji Huan sighed heavily, hugged the little rabbit in her arms tighter, rubbed her forehead against Jiang Yubai’s shoulder, and looked unhappy.

Jiang Yubai knew Ji Huan wasn’t fully awake and said softly, “Sister, sleep a bit more.”

Ji Huan sighed, “Can’t. I’m awake. The chickens in the backyard are too loud.”

She hugged the little rabbit tightly, stayed in a daze for a while, then reluctantly got out of bed.

In the courtyard, the Ji family was up unusually early, bustling with energy as if they’d been injected with chicken bl00d. Without Liu Fengmei’s urging, some went to fetch water, others volunteered to chop firewood, and even Li Yulan took over the kitchen duties.

Ji Huan snorted lightly and shook her head. These people were truly driven by profit.

Ignoring the Ji family’s frenzied behavior, she washed up with Jiang Yubai and took her for a morning walk around the village.

When they returned, Li Yulan had already prepared breakfast, and Liu Fengmei personally brought the food to Ji Huan and the others.

She knocked lightly on the door, her tone brimming with uncontainable joy, “Second Daughter, I brought your food.”

Ji Huan opened the door and saw Liu Fengmei looking at her with a joyful expression. Liu Fengmei had even changed her clothes.

When Liu Fengmei saw Ji Huan and Jiang Yubai’s clothes, she froze. How had she forgotten this?

The clothes Jiang Yubai wore were brought from her maternal home when she married, still decent. But Ji Huan’s clothes were terrible, with dozens of patches visible at a glance. If Miss Yu saw this, wouldn’t it leave a poor impression?

Thinking of this, Liu Fengmei handed over the breakfast and asked, “Didn’t I give you fabric before? Where are the new clothes?”

That piece of fabric Jiang Yubai had already turned into clothes for her and Ji Huan during her spare time, but Ji Huan still wore her old, patched clothes.

“Hey, Mother, don’t worry about it. Just take care of Ji Yuan,” Ji Huan said, closing the door.

Liu Fengmei wanted to scold her but feared that angering Ji Huan would ruin her son’s plans, so she held back.

Half an hour later, Ji Huan heard commotion outside.

Though the village had a few wealthy households with large fields, most people had only seen such luxurious carriages in the county, never in their village. So, village kids and idle adults followed the carriage, curious to see where it would go.

Soon, the carriage stopped, followed by six short-clad guards who seemed to be protecting the people inside.

Two maids got out first, placing a wooden stool to help the passengers disembark.

Ji Yuan stepped out of the carriage, quickly getting down, followed by Yu Ting.

Seeing the villagers’ gazes, Ji Yuan felt his back straighten. Didn’t they all look down on him? Now that he’d latched onto a wealthy Kunze, he was beyond what these muddy-legged villagers could compare to.

Aunt Yuan couldn’t hold back and asked, “Ji Yuan, what’s this?”

“Oh, this is Miss Yu, my friend. She’s visiting the village with me today. Everyone, please make way,” Ji Yuan said, gesturing politely to Yu Ting.

Yu Ting was curious about the village and found the villagers’ attire interesting.

Yu Ting, with her two maids, entered the courtyard with Ji Yuan, while the guards and coachman stayed outside to watch the carriage and horses.

The crowd buzzed with discussion.

“Hey, did Ji Yuan find a rich Kunze in the county?”

“Looks like it. That fancy carriage—her family must be very wealthy, right?”

“Yeah, Ji Yuan really hit the jackpot.”

In the Ji family courtyard, Ji Ming and the others were already waiting, enthusiastically welcoming Yu Ting and Ji Yuan into the dining room. Even Ji Huan, staying in her room, could hear the joyful voices of the Ji family outside.

Near noon, Ji Ming came specifically to call Ji Huan and the others to the dining room. Ji Huan didn’t refuse and went along.

When Ji Yuan saw Ji Huan and the others arrive, he quickly stood up and introduced warmly, “This is my second sister, Ji Huan, her wife beside her, and my fifth sister on the right.”

“Second Sister, Fifth Sister, Sister-in-law, hello,” Yu Ting said with a smile.

Ji Huan nodded faintly and sat at the table. Soon, Li Yulan and Liu Fengmei started chatting eagerly with Yu Ting. Ji Huan, watching the Ji family’s performance, ate peanuts at the table out of boredom.

Ji Yuan and the others seemed afraid Yu Ting would notice their side, constantly talking to her. Their enthusiasm overwhelmed Yu Ting a bit.

Finally, at mealtime, Yu Ting got a moment to catch her breath. The Ji family’s warmth felt strange, like how people who came to her home to ask her parents for favors acted—not like family or friends, but with a hint of flattery.

During the meal, Yu Ting could finally avoid responding to Liu Fengmei and Li Yulan’s enthusiasm. She glanced curiously at Ji Huan and Ji Qiao, “Second Sister and Fifth Sister don’t seem to talk much?”

Before Ji Huan could speak, Ji Yuan jumped in, “Oh, my second sister and the others are shy and not good with words. Don’t mind them.”

“How could I?” Yu Ting smiled at Ji Huan.

Ji Huan’s gaze shifted to Ji Yuan, and she sneered, “Ji Yuan, she’s asking us. Why are you so eager? Don’t want me to speak?”

Ji Yuan forced a smile, “Second Sister, don’t joke. How could I not want you to speak?”

Ji Huan snorted lightly, “Good. Some people need to keep their eyes open. Marriage isn’t a small matter. You need to understand each other slowly, not just look at appearances. After all, some people are gold on the outside but rotten inside.”

Ji Yuan broke into a cold sweat and quickly put some eggs on Ji Huan’s plate to interrupt her, “Second Sister, you’ve been too tired lately. Eat more.”

Ji Huan’s eyes met Yu Ting’s for a moment before she looked away. Any normal person could understand her words. If this girl was truly set on Ji Yuan, Ji Huan could only respect and wish her well.

After lunch, Li Yulan and Liu Fengmei’s enthusiasm gave Yu Ting a headache. Seeing Yu Ting’s slight displeasure, Ji Yuan quickly said, “Mother, Big Sister-in-law, Tingting must be tired. You go busy yourselves. I’ll keep her company.”

Liu Fengmei smiled broadly, “Alright, you chat, you chat.”

The dining room quieted down, and Yu Ting felt a bit better. Earlier, her head was about to explode. She even regretted coming to Ji Yuan’s village.

Seeing Yu Ting’s expression, Ji Yuan felt uneasy and explained, “Don’t mind them. Village folks are just this warm and hospitable. My mother and sister-in-law mean well.”

Yu Ting nodded and replied faintly, “I understand.”

But the morning’s socializing had drained most of her energy. Now she just wanted to walk around the village to get some air.

“I want to go for a walk to get some air. You don’t need to come with me,” Yu Ting said, standing to leave.

Ji Yuan hurriedly stood too, “How can that be?”

Realizing his words were off, he added, “I mean, country folks can be rough. I’m worried they might offend you. Let me walk with you.”

“No need. I’m not a porcelain doll. I’m just going for a walk and will be back soon.”

“Tingting, are you mad at me? My mother and the others really didn’t mean any harm. If you don’t like it, we’ll come back less often,” Ji Yuan continued.

Yu Ting shook her head, “You’re overthinking. I’m not mad, just want to take a walk. I have my maids, so you don’t need to follow.”

With that, Yu Ting left with her maids, leaving Ji Yuan with a dark, unclear expression.

He hurried to the kitchen, “Mother, Big Sister-in-law, you went overboard just now. You scared Yu Ting.”

“What? We were just excited and wanted to talk to her more. How did we scare her?” Liu Fengmei asked nervously.

She was very satisfied with Yu Ting. The gold hairpin on her head looked valuable, and her silk dress was luxurious. Seeing Yu Ting was like seeing her family’s wealth.

“Yeah, didn’t you tell us to talk more with Miss Yu and keep Ji Huan from interrupting?” Li Yulan said innocently.

“Maybe you were too enthusiastic, and it made her uncomfortable. She took her maids to walk around the village and told me not to follow,” Ji Yuan said, distractedly looking toward the courtyard gate.

“Then what are you waiting for? Go find her. Because of past events, our family’s reputation in the village isn’t good. Be careful someone gossips,” Liu Fengmei said urgently.

“Alright, but we can’t push too hard. I’ll go find her now. You wait at home,” Ji Yuan said and left the village.

Meanwhile, Yu Ting, recalling the dining room experience, felt her head throb. The Ji family’s constant chatter exhausted her. She walked with her two maids toward the village stream and happened to run into Ji Huan and Jiang Yubai passing by.

Yu Ting had wanted some quiet, but since they were Ji Yuan’s family, she couldn’t ignore them. Plus, Ji Huan’s words in the dining room seemed to carry deeper meaning.

“Second Sister, Sister Yubai, are you out for a walk too?” Yu Ting asked with a smile.

Ji Huan nodded, “Those people were too noisy. Couldn’t sleep anyway, so we came out to stroll.”

Yu Ting hadn’t expected Ji Huan to be so direct. Thinking of Ji Huan’s dining room words, she asked, “Second Sister, your words earlier seemed to mean something more?”

Ji Huan chuckled lightly, looking at Yu Ting, “What you see with your own eyes isn’t always true, and what you hear from others isn’t always false. Miss Yu, do you really think Ji Yuan is someone you can entrust your life to?”

Yu Ting’s brow furrowed slightly. Though she didn’t like the Ji family’s noise, she was still familiar with Ji Yuan. Hearing Ji Huan say this made her feel a bit displeased.

“Why not? If you have something to say, just say it,” Yu Ting said, looking at Ji Huan.

Ji Huan’s lips curved into a smile, and she spoke slowly, “Time reveals a person’s heart. You might not believe me no matter how much I say. If you really want to understand Ji Yuan and the Ji family, you can ask more villagers.”

Ji Huan took Jiang Yubai’s hand and smiled, “We won’t disturb Miss Yu’s sightseeing. We’ll take our leave.”

Yu Ting’s brows furrowed slightly. Ji Yuan’s second sister felt odd, as if she didn’t get along well with Ji Yuan.

While she stared at the lake in a daze, a female Qianyuan approached, carrying a fishing rod and basket, looking like she was about to fish by the river. Yu Ting, who enjoyed fishing, walked over.

Ji Wen was preparing bait when she saw the richly dressed Kunze approaching, “Miss, something up?”

“Nothing, just saw you preparing bait and came to take a look. I enjoy fishing too,” Yu Ting said with a smile, though she and her friends usually fished on boats in the county lake.

Ji Wen glanced at Yu Ting’s attire, doubting she was a fishing enthusiast, “Then watch from a distance, so you don’t get splashed.”

“How can you talk like that?” Before Yu Ting could respond, her maid got indignant.

“Oh, if Miss doesn’t mind, you can watch,” Ji Wen said, putting bait on the hook, casting the line far out, and sitting on a wooden stool she brought, waiting for fish to bite.

Yu Ting watched for a while, impressed by Ji Wen’s swift movements. Compared to her, Yu Ting’s fishing skills seemed like child’s play.

Seeing Ji Wen sit on her own stool and ignore her, Yu Ting sat on a nearby rock to watch. Her maid rolled her eyes, thinking how precious her miss was and how this rural Qianyuan lacked any charm.

“Miss, look at her.”

“Xiao Lu,” Yu Ting called, signaling her to stop. The maid shut her mouth grudgingly. Their miss was sought after by many, unlike this clueless Qianyuan.

“Are you from Dongniu Village?” Yu Ting asked.

Hearing the question, Ji Wen nodded, “Of course. I grew up here.”

“There’s something I’d like to ask you about,” Yu Ting continued.

“What is it? Ask away,” Ji Wen said, holding the rod and looking at Yu Ting.

“Do you know Ji Yuan? How is he regarded in the village?” Yu Ting asked, thinking of Ji Huan’s words.

“Ji Yuan? You’re the rich miss who came back with him this morning, right?” Ji Wen said, as if recalling something.

Yu Ting nodded, “Yes. Are you familiar with Ji Yuan?”

“Not really. He’s a scholar, thinks highly of himself, and looks down on us,” Ji Wen glanced at Yu Ting, sensing she wasn’t bad, and said, “I advise you to learn more about Ji Yuan before deciding. It’s not good to speak ill behind someone’s back, but I’ll warn you: Ji Yuan isn’t as good as you think, and neither is the Ji family. They used to exploit Ji Yuan’s second sister, Ji Huan. She did all the family’s work alone. Ji Yuan never lifted a finger at home, always using studying as an excuse. Except for Ji Huan, Ji Qiao, and Jiang Yubai, the rest of the family…”

Ji Wen stopped and shook her head.

“But he told me he works at home and studies hard at night. In the month we’ve known each other, Ji Yuan has been proper and upright,” Yu Ting said, frowning.

“Study hard? Studied for four years and still can’t pass the scholar exam? All effort for nothing?” Ji Wen, seeing Yu Ting’s disbelief, didn’t bother saying more, “Judge for yourself. Just don’t regret it.”

With that, Ji Wen quietly waited for fish to bite. Seeing Ji Wen stop talking, Yu Ting walked back with her maids, meeting several villagers along the way. When she asked about Ji Yuan’s character, they hesitated, wanting to speak but feeling it was wrong to gossip.

Finally, Aunt Yuan said directly, “Miss, you’re from a wealthy family. I’m not trying to gossip, but except for Ji Huan, Ji Qiao, and Jiang Yubai, the Ji family is hard to speak of. Ji Huan’s window paper was full of holes before, and when she asked Ji Yuan for some rice paper, he refused. She had to borrow from others in the village. The Ji family’s exploitation of Ji Huan is too much to list. If you’re set on Ji Yuan, I can only say think again.”

The more Yu Ting walked, the colder her heart felt. Dongniu Village’s view of Ji Yuan was consistent, and their hesitation about the Ji family made her roughly understand their reputation.

But thinking this way, she felt unwilling. Were all those scholar-beauty stories just lies?

Walking back to the stream, Yu Ting saw Ji Wen reeling in her line, a palm-sized fish flopping lively.

Ji Wen quickly grabbed the wriggling fish, and Yu Ting ran over, “You caught one so fast?”

Ji Wen held the fish steady, removed it from the hook, and smiled at Yu Ting, “This is the third one. Look in the basket.”

Yu Ting peered into the basket and saw three fish, including this one—far better than her and her friends’ skills. When she and Song Xue went lake fishing, they often caught nothing and had to buy fish from the boatman to pretend they’d caught them.

Seeing Ji Wen’s skill, Yu Ting’s eyes lit up, “Can I learn fishing from you?”

Ji Wen looked at Yu Ting’s clothes, “Your outfit isn’t suitable for fishing, is it?”

Yu Ting glanced at her silk dress and gold hairpin, feeling annoyed, “Can I come find you next time to play? Will you teach me to fish?”

Ji Wen looked at Yu Ting, thinking she was Ji Yuan’s Kunze, and shook her head, “Your family’s so rich. Just hire a fishing master in the county for a couple of days, and you’ll learn. Why bother coming to our village? It’s far, and a young lady like you wouldn’t be comfortable.”

Yu Ting hadn’t expected Ji Wen to refuse her, as Qianyuan in Qingyuan County usually flocked to her.

She looked at Ji Wen with some resentment, momentarily forgetting Ji Yuan. She and Ji Yuan were only in the getting-to-know-each-other phase, with no clear commitment. This trip to Dongniu Village wasn’t in vain; it gave her a new perspective on Ji Yuan. She decided to make things clear with him and cut contact.

Feeling an unexplainable relief, Yu Ting said, “We’ve talked so long, and I don’t even know your name. I’m Yu Ting. You?”

“I’m Ji Wen. Go back to the county soon. The night roads aren’t easy,” Ji Wen said, grabbing the hook and attaching bait.

Yu Ting’s gaze fell on Ji Wen’s hands—long, fair fingers with some calluses. She looked up at Ji Wen’s face—clear features, a hint of aloofness in her eyes, but a sly curve to her lips when she smiled. Even in the county, such a female Qianyuan would be considered very attractive.

Influenced by storybooks before, Yu Ting had a filter for Ji Yuan. Now, with the villagers’ accounts, that filter shattered. She realized Dongniu Village was full of remarkable people! Besides Ji Wen, Ji Yuan’s second sister Ji Huan and the female Qianyuan with Aunt Yuan were also striking. Such women would be popular in the county.

Yu Ting’s ears reddened slightly. Looking at Ji Wen’s expression, she explained, “Ji Yuan and I have only known each other a month. We just hung out sometimes, nothing improper. Since he’s not that great, I’ll stop seeing him after I return.”

Ji Wen, who had just cast her line, heard Yu Ting and looked at her puzzledly, “Whatever you do is fine, but it’s none of my business. No need to explain to me.”

Yu Ting stomped her foot in frustration, “Is that all you want to say to me?”

Ji Wen nodded, confused but certain. She didn’t know Yu Ting, so why was she explaining?

Yu Ting, ears red with anger, glared at Ji Wen and stormed off.

The maid, Xiao Lu, glared at Ji Wen and complained, “So clueless. County Qianyuan see my miss and aren’t as arrogant as you.”

With that, she hurried after Yu Ting.

Yu Ting felt great on her way back, but she didn’t want to stay at the Ji house. She planned to dress more simply in a few days and find Ji Wen to learn fishing. Her ears reddened again, wondering if there were storybooks about village Qianyuan and wealthy young ladies. She no longer cared for scholar-beauty tales.

Before reaching the Ji house, Ji Yuan ran up from a distance, “Tingting, where were you? I was looking everywhere.”

“Oh, just walking around. I’m tired and want to go back,” Yu Ting said, then added as if remembering something, “By the way, call me by my full name from now on. We’re just regular friends. Calling me Tingting isn’t appropriate.”

Now it was Ji Yuan’s turn to be shocked, “What? Regular friends?”

Seeing Ji Yuan’s expression spiral out of control, Yu Ting stepped back, “Yes, aren’t we just closer friends?”

“No, Tingting, did my mother and the others upset you? I’ll talk to them. Please don’t distance yourself over this,” Ji Yuan said, reaching for Yu Ting’s arm, but Xiao Lu blocked him.

“Master Ji, what are you doing?” Xiao Lu glared at him.

Ji Yuan gritted his teeth and held back, thinking that once he joined the Yu family, he’d sell off these annoying maids.

“Sorry, I lost my composure. Tingting, did someone in the village say something? Don’t listen to them. They’re jealous I can study in the county,” Ji Yuan explained urgently.

“Don’t call me Tingting. And we probably won’t see each other much from now on,” Yu Ting said. She’d been blinded by storybooks, thinking Ji Yuan could be a top scholar when he couldn’t even pass the scholar exam in four years. What was she thinking?

“No!” Ji Yuan’s forehead veins bulged. Realizing his outburst, he quickly adopted a gentlemanly demeanor, “No, listen to me. The villagers can’t stand seeing others succeed. We’ve been together a month. Don’t you know my character?”

Yu Ting seriously considered it. Honestly, Ji Yuan had been nearly flawless this month, but without the storybook filter, she felt something was off. He was too perfect, like a fake. No wonder Gu Yingying and Song Xue thought Ji Yuan was pretentious. Now she felt the same. She should’ve listened to her friends.

“You can’t know someone’s character in such a short time. We’re just regular friends. I hope you remember that, Master Ji. I’m tired today and will return home,” Yu Ting said, starting to leave.

Ji Yuan hurriedly followed, “Fine, I’ll escort you back.”

“No need. A Qianyuan and a Kunze riding together isn’t proper. Master Ji, spend time with your family,” Yu Ting said, moving to leave again.

Ji Yuan, growing desperate, grabbed her wrist, “No, you can’t just leave. We were fine before. We both know our feelings. Don’t you like me, Tingting? If you don’t like it here, we won’t come back after we marry. I’ll do whatever you want.”

Yu Ting struggled hard, shocked that Ji Yuan would grab her, “No, who’s marrying you? Let go!”

“I won’t let go. I’ve decided you’re my wife, my Kunze,” Ji Yuan said. If he’d known it would come to this, he should’ve forced a bond with Yu Ting when they were alone, sealing the deal.

“Let go! Help!” Yu Ting, a Kunze, was no match for a Qianyuan. Her two maids couldn’t stop Ji Yuan either. He seemed to release his pheromone, a strong briny scent spreading, nearly making Yu Ting collapse.

“Ji Yuan, are you crazy? Releasing pheromones on a Kunze in public is a serious crime. What are you doing?” Sweat dripped from Yu Ting’s forehead, the briny scent almost making her gag.

“I’m crazy. If I bond with you now, you’ll be my Kunze,” Ji Yuan said, his eyes growing fiercer.

Ji Wen, packing up by the river, saw Ji Yuan and Yu Ting entangled. She planned to avoid their private matter but heard a cry for help.

“Sister, help me! Ji Yuan’s trying to force a bond with me, Sister…” The voice was intermittent, as if struggling.

Ji Wen dropped her things and ran over. As she got closer, she smelled Ji Yuan’s strong Qianyuan pheromone. Her face darkened, “Ji Yuan, you’re insane.”

Releasing her own pheromone to suppress Ji Yuan’s, she protected Yu Ting with her scent. Ji Yuan, a frail scholar, was no match for Ji Wen physically. She punched his shoulder, making him release Yu Ting in pain.

Yu Ting’s body went weak, and Ji Wen caught her, “Are you okay?”

Yu Ting, sweating, shook her head at Ji Wen. It was close—she’d nearly been dragged into the woods.

Ji Wen handed Yu Ting to her maids, glared at Ji Yuan, and scolded, “You’re beyond saving. Releasing pheromones on a Kunze in public—lightly, it’s a dozen lashes; heavily, three years in prison.”

Stopped by Ji Wen, Ji Yuan realized how mad his actions were. He collapsed, pleading with Yu Ting, “I didn’t mean it. I just care about you too much, Tingting. Please, don’t tell anyone. I’ll treat you well from now on.”

“Can’t you understand, Ji Yuan? We’re done,” Yu Ting felt disgusted. Ji Wen’s peach scent had countered Ji Yuan’s briny odor earlier, but now, with the peach fading, she felt the stench on herself.

“No, Tingting, listen to me, listen,” Ji Yuan said, trying to reach for her again, but Ji Wen pushed him back to the ground.

He looked at Ji Wen wildly, pointing and cursing, “Are you jealous of me? Jealous that I’ve latched onto the Yu family? You’re all jealous. I don’t care—Tingting is my Kunze, mine…”