35 - Little Peasant Wife

The manager, upon hearing this, expressed some disappointment, saying, "Oh, it's like that, I suppose I've let my imagination run wild... Ah…" Seeing his reaction, Jing Aoxue thought for a moment, then said, "However, I've traveled to several countries and seen some novel things. Today, I could bring out one of them to offer as a gift, to make amends to you." Her words were pleasant to hear, and the manager naturally enjoyed the flattery. Upon hearing this, he immediately replied, "There's no need for such a compensation. What happened earlier was just a small matter, so it doesn't matter, haha." Jing Aoxue didn't take his words to heart; moments ago, his way of reprimanding Liang Hongyu was akin to a warning shot. She approached the table, borrowed pen, ink, and paper, and skillfully drew out some modern playing cards, teaching the dealer a few games. There were already card games at the gambling den, and the dealer, having played for years, immediately realized the potential of these new games. His gaze at Jing Aoxue was filled with admiration. The manager stood to one side and, having managed the casino for years, saw the market potential of these games, laughing joyously as he expressed his gratitude. He instructed the dealer to go and make the playing cards, saying, "Many thanks to you today, young friend Jing!" Jing Aoxue replied, "It's nothing. Since it's getting late, and my wife is still waiting for me by the town gate, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave." The manager, now absorbed with the new playing cards, planned to present them to the capital officials, which was no minor accomplishment. He was sent out of the capital under the pretense of scouting talent for the officials but was actually demoted. Growing restless in this remote town, he hoped this innovation could win favor from the higher-ups, allowing him to return to the bustling capital and reunite with his family. Grateful, he presented Jing Aoxue with a five hundred silver note as a token of appreciation. Jing Aoxue declined demurely, but the manager was insistent, and she did not want to upset him over this minor matter. Thus, she accepted it with a smile and left the casino. Seeing it was getting late, she asked the brawny man at the door, "Have you bought what I asked for?" The strong man nodded, handing over a parcel wrapped in black cloth, and teased, "Everything's ready, right here." Not paying mind to his knowing glance, Jing Aoxue took the parcel, bid farewell, and instructed the coachman to head to the general store street. Sitting in the carriage, she hesitated whether to examine the package now or wait until she got back to the village. Before she could resolve her dilemma, the carriage came to an abrupt halt. Seated inside, Jing Aoxue lurched toward the door due to the sudden stop. After barely steadying herself, she angrily yelled, "What kind of driving is that?" The coachman, feeling aggrieved, said, "But there was another carriage that suddenly appeared ahead. If I hadn't stopped, we would have collided." Jing Aoxue, still irritated, retorted, "The road is wide enough for both of us. Couldn't you pull to the side?" The coachman felt even more wronged and explained, "But it's the alley outside the casino, and their carriage was blocking the path entirely, not leaving even a gap for pedestrians. I couldn't..." Jing Aoxue rolled her eyes, threw open the carriage curtain, and said irritably, "I want to see who dares..." Before she finished her sentence, someone stepped out of the carriage ahead. The person had a cold demeanor, eyes gleaming like icy blades, and Jing Aoxue's scalp tingled as she awkwardly laughed and got off the carriage, whispering, "Wife, what are you doing here?" It was Shen Lüman, who had already approached Jing Aoxue, her gaze briefly and nonchalantly glancing at the casino in the distance. "Someone promised to meet me at the town gate, but after waiting, all I got was worry that someone might be in trouble with the likes of Liang Shengrong. I rushed over to find you thoroughly preoccupied here... with excitement." Jing Aoxue, despite Shen Lüman's sarcastic reprimand, was not annoyed; instead, she broke into a cold sweat and quickly explained, "I wasn't! I was just passing by to buy something when the casino thugs insisted I meet with their manager. I had no choice but to comply, for fear of implicating you and Liuer. So I braced myself to go in, and I really wasn't playing! You can ask the coachman; he was with me the whole time." Shen Lüman glanced at the coachman, who eagerly nodded. Inwardly, he thought, "Oh my, this woman is fierce! No wonder the young master goes to the red-light district to buy erotic pictures in broad daylight—must be to relieve frustration under the wife's severe rule, afraid to have an affair outside but longing for release… How pitiable!" Sharing this thought, he looked at Jing Aoxue with genuine sympathy. Jing Aoxue, baffled by his look, didn't care what he thought. Seeing Shen Lüman’s expression soften, she leaned against her, pretending to be aggrieved. "The people at the casino were so intimidating, I was scared. Luckily, you came." Shen Lüman gave her a side glance, "Alright, I believe you. Have you bought what I asked for? Let's head back to the village early." Jing Aoxue nodded quickly, then hesitated: "I didn't get a chance to buy it before being dragged to the casino. Let's head to the general store street now." Shen Lüman nodded, realizing it was their best option. She didn't bother returning to her carriage but told the coachman, "Wait by the town gate. My husband and I will buy some things and meet you there shortly." The coachman agreed and drove off. Shen Lüman glanced at Jing Aoxue, saw her innocent face, sighed, and climbed into Jing Aoxue's carriage. Jing Aoxue touched her nose, breathing a sigh of relief, thinking, "Good thing she's clever and wise; otherwise, today would have ended in chaos." She told the coachman to go to the general store street and climbed into the carriage. To her shock, as soon as she entered, she found Shen Lüman examining the black-wrapped parcel, having already unwrapped the outer layer. Jing Aoxue thought, "Oh no… Wife is about to see the racy books I bought. Her prowess and temper are formidable. How can I possibly explain this? Awaiting advice, desperate!" Chapter 27: Concealment Shen Lüman's curiosity got the better of her, which was why she ended up opening the package. As soon as she boarded the carriage, the conspicuous black parcel was positioned right in the center, impossible to overlook. After she settled into her seat, she picked up the parcel and weighed it in her hand. Judging by the feel, she guessed it contained books, assuming they might be intended for Liuer. She didn't overthink it, casually untangling the outer black cloth. Little did she know that her slow movements were sending cold chills down the spine of the person boarding the carriage after her. Jing Aoxue, not even fully seated, immediately reached out to grab the item from her hands. However, Shen Lüman was quicker, deftly sidestepping out of the way and looking up at Jing Aoxue in confusion. The woman who had been composed moments ago now seemed flustered and lost. There was definitely something suspicious! Narrowing her eyes slightly, Shen Lüman asked, holding the parcel, "What's in here? Why are you so nervous?" Feigning calm, Jing Aoxue replied, "I... I'm not nervous. It’s just that... you seemed more interested in that than in me, so I got... jealous!" Hearing that, Shen Lüman gave her an exasperated look, yet her heart was sweetly stirred. She lowered her head to hide her blush, removed the black cloth, and saw indeed there were a few books inside. The covers were completely blank, making it impossible to discern the genre at first glance. Jing Aoxue swallowed audibly, her heart threatening to leap out of her chest. Alarm bells blared in her mind, and she felt as though she stood at a crossroads with only two options: confess or face the consequences. Isn't it obvious? Confession brings leniency! Besides, her motives weren't nefarious; she was thinking about their mutual future happiness. It's not like she committed a heinous crime. Should she just endure in silence despite having a romantic partner? They say it's quite enjoyable. Maybe she could even persuade Shen Lüman to give it a try with her. But these thoughts couldn't be expressed openly. Even with her thick skin, she'd feel a bit embarrassed, and Shen Lüman, being even more reserved, might become furious with just a mere hint. Wasn't this an excellent opportunity, though? Accidentally uncovering an unknown racy book with her wife, opening a door to a new world by accident, and then exploring it practically could lead to ultimate harmony. How romantic! Surely she wouldn't come off as a ruffian, right?.. Right? Feeling unsure, Jing Aoxue actually began to hope Shen Lüman would open the book. Yet, this time Shen Lüman only briefly examined the outer layers without unfolding them, instead saying, "If these are for Liuer, we should take them back for her." Jing Aoxue was speechless. No, these aren't for Liuer! If those fell into her hands, Shen Lüman would tear her apart. Barely concealing her panic, she subtly suggested, "Aren't you curious to take a look first?" Shen Lüman cast a curious glance at her, sensing something was off ever since they boarded the carriage. With a sidelong glance at the books resting beside her, she asked, "So, you really want me to look at them?" Casually spoken, she didn’t expect Jing Aoxue to eagerly nod and earnestly say, "You're Liuer's mother. It's your responsibility to ensure something mysterious like this doesn't inadvertently fall into her hands. Who knows, it might contain harmful persuasion that could lead our lovely Liuer astray." Mid-sentence, she hastily shifted her argument, nearly biting her tongue. Instinct warned her never to let Shen Lüman know she had someone buy these. Sorry, but someone else would have to take the fall—better the casino manager than her. Hearing this, Shen Lüman lifted the book with the intent to open it, probing, "These weren't bought by you?" Jing Aoxue silently widened her eyes, watching as Shen Lüman casually flipped open a page. And then... My eyes are about to be blinded! Jing Aoxue truly wanted to open the door to a new world with Shen Lüman, but not to this bizarre realm!