While Zhao Ya and his companions were trudging through the mountains and forests, in Wuxiang City, Zui’Er, who had just finished practicing for the day, was doing her needlework by the lamp.
She was making a pair of cloth shoes.
With meticulous stitches, she slowly sewed the shoes’ upper and sole together, truly putting her heart into it.
Finally, the pair of cloth shoes was completed.
Under the lamp, Zui’Er examined them closely, and after confirming there were no issues, she carefully put them away, intending to give them to Zhao Ya when he returned.
Then, Zui’Er absentmindedly stared at the calendar hanging on the wall.
"It’s been almost ten days since he left. I wonder where Ya is now; he should be almost home!" Zui’Er murmured softly.
These past few days, Zui’Er had been eagerly awaiting Zhao Ya’s early return, longing to see him every day.
As she was daydreaming, a sudden knocking at the door startled her.
Zui’Er was taken aback.
Who could it be at this late hour?
Could it be that Ya has returned?
In her puzzlement, Zui’Er picked up the long knife Zhao Ya had left for her and went into the courtyard.
"Xiaozui, are you home? It’s me, Mrs. Liu!"
A woman’s voice called from outside.
Zui’Er was surprised.
Among the surrounding neighbors, there was indeed a woman married into the Liu family, but they had no usual interactions, and why would she come so late?
Zui’Er quietly placed the long knife by the door, within easy reach, and then opened the door a crack.
Standing outside was indeed Mrs. Liu, her face full of smiles, holding a basket covered with red cloth.
"Mrs. Liu, is there something you need?" Zui’Er asked.
"Oh, it’s nothing much. My daughter-in-law just gave birth to a chubby baby boy today, and I’m going door to door delivering celebration eggs. Here, have some while they’re hot!"
As she spoke, Mrs. Liu lifted the red cloth, revealing eggs dyed red with red yeast powder.
She reached in, took a few, and stuffed them into Zui’Er’s hands.
Zui’Er breathed a sigh of relief.
Indeed, in Wuxiang City, there’s such a custom: if both mother and child are safe after childbirth, the family sends out celebration eggs to nearby neighbors for good fortune.
"Yes, congratulations, Mrs. Liu!"
Zui’Er didn’t refuse, accepting the eggs, and then took out a handful of copper coins to hand over.
"This is a small token for the child to buy a pair of shoes."
Mrs. Liu hesitated slightly before accepting with a smile but didn’t hurry to leave, instead glancing into the courtyard before asking with a somewhat respectful tone.
"Is Master Zhao not back yet?"
Ever since Zhao Ya advanced to the Second Realm and became an Escort Master at the Changlong Escort Agency, neighbors no longer called him Ya but Master Zhao.
Zui’Er nodded, "Yes, this time it’s a long escort, but he should be back soon!"
Mrs. Liu still didn’t leave, instead, she looked at Zui’Er’s slim waist with a smirk and whispered, "You’ve been with Master Zhao for this long, how come you’re not pregnant yet? Is there a problem?"
Zui’Er’s face turned crimson, a mix of shyness and annoyance welling up in her heart.
These women are indeed nosy, no wonder they’re called gossips.
Even the usually good-tempered Zui’Er was a bit upset, her pretty face turning stern as she spoke harshly, "We haven’t planned for a child yet. If there’s nothing else, please leave, Mrs. Liu, as I’m going to rest!"
Saying that, Zui’Er closed the courtyard door, bolted it, and went back inside, knife in hand.
Mrs. Liu, left standing outside, looked quite displeased as she spat viciously, cursing under her breath.
"Just a loose woman without a proper status, hitching onto a higher branch, acting all pretentious, and her man might not even make it back this time."
Saying this, she grabbed the basket and descended the steps, not visiting any other houses but instead looking around to ensure no one was watching before slipping into a deserted alleyway.
Meanwhile, inside, Zui’Er lay on her bed, tossing and turning, her mind troubled by the words of that woman.
In truth, she really had considered having a child. Her heart already wholly entwined with Zhao Ya, she felt that having a child with him would complete everything.
However, Zhao Ya firmly opposed the idea.
As he said, the world was unpredictable, and no one knew what the future held.
If they recklessly decided to have a child without sufficient ability to protect themselves, it would be highly irresponsible.
Since then, Zui’Er never brought it up again.
But today, Mrs. Liu’s words rekindled her concerns.
As Zui’Er lay on her bed, tossing and turning, Mrs. Liu walked into an abandoned courtyard and met a man with greasy hair and a bruised eye socket.
"How did it go?" the man eagerly asked.
"Reportedly, sir, I just took the opportunity to gather information, and that man surnamed Zhao hasn’t returned yet, leaving only this young woman at home," Mrs. Liu said, full of fear.
To her, this man who could leap across roofs and walk through courtyards as if they were unoccupied was clearly a master of the highest order.
Therefore, she dared not show the slightest disrespect when speaking to him.
Upon hearing this, the man’s eyes brightened.
"Good, if she’s alone at home, it’ll be easier. You didn’t arouse this young woman’s suspicion, did you?"
"Rest assured, sir, my daughter-in-law just gave birth to a big chubby boy for you. I used the opportunity of delivering eggs to scout it out thoroughly, no mistake about it." Mrs. Liu assured solemnly.
"Heh, speaking of which, your daughter-in-law isn’t bad, but no comparison to this Miss Tang." The man laughed, tossing a piece of broken silver over.
"Go buy something nice for your daughter-in-law; the rest is yours."
"Thank you, sir, thank you!" Mrs. Liu, ever greedy for money, gleamed at the sight of silver, repeatedly expressing her gratitude.
The man impatiently waved her off, "Go, go, and remember, not a word to anyone, understand?"
Mrs. Liu shivered all over and hurriedly said, "Don’t worry, sir, I’d never dare breathe a word, but sir, this man Zhao is quite capable, so be cautious if you intend to act against Miss Tang."
The man laughed dismissively, entirely nonchalant.
"I know this Zhao guy has some skill, but he’s not in town now, is he? Besides, I never stay in one place for long. Once I’ve done the deed and had my fun, I’m gone. Even if he returns, where will he find me?"
"Yes, yes, very good then. I’ll take my leave!"
Mrs. Liu left jubilantly.
Jiang Junyan looked at the woman’s fat, pig-like back with a trace of disdain.
Were it not for her daughter-in-law’s looks, he wouldn’t bother with such a vulgar woman.
But fortunately, due to this connection, he could meet Miss Tang by chance.
Thinking of that breathtakingly beautiful face, Jiang Junyan felt a burning heat in his heart.
Jiang Junyan was a true flower thief.
From a young age, enamored with beauty, he stumbled into a sect among the Lower Five Sects, specializing in light-body techniques and the making of incense and knockout drugs.