Chapter Eighty-Four: Scheming Against Zhou Bao

The four most powerful martial artists in Yanggu County were the County Magistrate Zhou, Clan Chief Feng, Elder Wei, and General Zhao Manbow, all ranked at the fifth grade. The second tier consisted of sixth-grade martial artists. Once someone achieved the sixth grade, they would no longer serve under another, but instead forge their own industry and family. There were quite a few sixth-grade martial artists throughout Yanggu County.

He himself belonged to this second tier, although he had only revealed a seventh-grade strength in front of others. Still, he was considered a prominent figure in Yanggu County. The family estate needed to be constructed swiftly, and with the black-furred rat demon and the nest of weasels in the city, he would soon cultivate a batch of martial guardians for the estate.

Finally, with some effort, he would advance to the fifth grade, then the fourth! His ambition was to forge the foremost family in Yanggu County. Thereafter, he would hold sway over all, and his word would be law. The family would flourish, its lineage enduring endlessly!

Whenever Su Yang envisioned such prosperity, he felt that all his current efforts were worthwhile. Upon returning to the estate, he prepared to visit Silver Lotus's room and have a proper conversation with her.

“Master, you’ve returned?” As soon as he entered the courtyard, Peach Blossom, petite and delicate in form, walked toward him. Her eyes were especially large and bright, and her cherry lips, small hands, and jade-like feet were all tender and pink.

Peach Blossom was nearly two months pregnant; soon she would start to show. “How have you been feeling lately?” Su Yang stepped forward and lifted her by the waist. Her small body curled in his embrace, a blush rising on her cheeks as she said, “I only hope our child arrives soon—he will be the eldest son of the Su family.”

“You’ve worked hard. Once our child is born, I will surely dote on you.” With that, Su Yang kissed her forehead and carried her into the house. Inside, several other beloved concubines were reading, playing the zither, tasting tea, and embroidering; they all came out to greet him.

“Master, Peach Blossom is still with child, so please don’t overdo it!”

“Master, you’re back...!”

“Green Zither and Silver Lotus have both been anxiously waiting—one can’t concentrate on her music, the other is distracted with her embroidery. Master, don’t neglect them...!”

“Bottle is talking nonsense—I’m just tired from lack of sleep...” Pan Silver Lotus blushed and quickly retorted.

“Green Zither hasn’t even had her welcoming banquet yet. Spring Cherished and Plum Blossom, you two take the servants and make preparations. All the necessary supplies are at home. Have the household kill some pork and poultry from the yard,” Su Yang instructed.

“Understood, Master. You go ahead and be with Peach Blossom—she’s so impatient.” “Master, don’t worry, I’ll handle it.” “Thank you, Master.” The girls, Green Zither, Spring Cherished, and Plum Blossom, quickly agreed, and Su Yang carried Peach Blossom back to the room. It was still broad daylight, so he did nothing more. He simply spent time with Peach Blossom, chatting and displaying affection. Pregnant women must not be handled carelessly—one slip could lead to miscarriage, especially in the first and last three months, which are the most precarious. Peach Blossom understood this and behaved sensibly, which left her quite content.

—

That evening, the banquet was set for Green Zither’s formal entry into the household. From the neighboring courtyard, Willow Fragrance, Summer Lotus, and Spring Dawn were also invited. For each of Su Yang’s wives and concubines, Wang Spring Dawn felt a surge of jealousy, and regret grew in her heart. If only she had regarded Su Yang as her true husband from the start, perhaps he would have loved only her for life.

Looking at Su Yang’s elegant bearing and handsome features, Wang Spring Dawn’s heart grew heavier; this man was meant to belong to her alone. If things continued as they were, Su Yang would only accumulate more wives and concubines, especially once Zhang Clear Poetry entered the household. After that, he might not spare a thought for her.

Perhaps she should soon remove her mask before Su Yang and treat him better, hoping she might still have a place in his heart.

It had been two months since he married into the Wang family, rising from an ordinary man to seventh grade. Such talent! Wang Spring Dawn felt utterly inferior, especially since Su Yang also held a scholar’s honor; a man like that would only become more unstoppable, his success merely a matter of time.

“Sister, why do you keep staring at brother-in-law?” asked her curious younger sister, Wang Summer Lotus, while devouring banquet dishes nearby.

“Can’t food keep your mouth shut?” Wang Spring Dawn snapped, and Summer Lotus immediately fell silent, lowering her head to focus on her meal.

Willow Fragrance and Cherished Willow sighed helplessly at the side. If only things had been different—now it would be hard to win brother-in-law’s heart...

—

Su Yang enjoyed food and drink with the women of his household; it was rare for everyone to gather, and even the maids filled two tables. Candlelight flickered, and they chatted into the deep night before dispersing.

The atmosphere was wonderful, filling Su Yang with satisfaction. At last, he felt the warmth of home; all his past hardships were worth it, and he must strive even harder in the days to come.

The household poultry was somewhat lacking; he needed to find ways to replenish stocks. Relying solely on eggs and chicks would take too long. There were still a dozen families nearby, most guarded by eighth-grade martial artists, and all likely had plenty of live poultry. It had been long enough—no need to let them keep raising his birds. When time allowed, he should retrieve them all.

Yanggu County, Zhou Family!

Zhou Bao, a lesser son of the Zhou family, sat in his chair as his subordinate reported on Su Yang’s situation.

“Master, Su Yang was originally a poor scholar in Yanggu County. After marrying into the Wang family, he recently revealed eighth-grade strength, and took on two households, forming a separate Su family and accepting six concubines.”

“If Miss Zhang Clear Poetry marries him, she should become the Lady of the Su estate,” the informant said.

“Smash!” Zhou Bao slammed his teacup down, the crisp sound of porcelain shattering echoing as tea and leaves spilled across the floor. He clenched his fists, his body trembling with rage.

“What potion did that brat give Clear Poetry? He’s not only a mere son-in-law, but has so many concubines, and yet Clear Poetry is willing to marry him of her own accord?”

“He’s not worthy!”

Zhou Bao roared as he sat, saliva flying as anger burned in his chest.

“Master, he’s but an eighth-grade martial artist. I’ll arrange to have him dealt with,” the steward offered.

“No.” Zhou Bao stopped him. “Killing that brat won’t relieve my anger. If Miss Clear Poetry finds out, she’ll only despise me more.”

“Master, then what do you plan?” the steward asked, curiosity flickering across his face.