The richest woman committed a crime with her child - Chapter 39

Shen Youting’s indifferent gaze lingered on Xu Mei’s face for a fleeting moment before he spurred Swiftwind into motion.

Xu Mei arched a brow, rolled up her ledger, and waved at Luo Jiusheng. “Let’s go.”

Steward Liu hurriedly added, “Young Miss, be cautious in all matters. Send word if anything arises.”

She patted his shoulder. “A day’s trip at most, Uncle Liu. Don’t fret.”

The carriage rolled out, Luo Jiusheng seated beside the driver. Half an hour later, they arrived at Guo Village on the eastern outskirts of Yingtian Prefecture.

A plump middle-aged woman waited at the village entrance. Spotting the carriage, she called out, “Young master! Are you sent by Miss Xu?”

Luo Jiusheng dismounted. “Are you Auntie Guo?”

“Yes, yes!” She bustled over, her voice booming. “Young master, I met Miss Xu last month when delivering goods. Has she not come today—”

“Auntie Guo.” Xu Mei lifted the carriage curtain with a smile.

“Heavens, Miss Xu, you’ve grown even lovelier!” The woman gaped at her beauty. “Tsk tsk, such a vision! And your hairpin, this gauzy fabric—exquisite! If I were a man, I’d thank eighteen generations of ancestors to wed you.”

Long accustomed to such praise, Xu Mei merely chuckled. “Are the goods ready?”

“Prepared since last night, awaiting your inspection!” Auntie Guo pointed to a building labeled Guo Family Ancestral Hall. “See? The girls are all waiting inside.”

Indeed, over twenty young women peered their way, surrounded by curious matrons.

“Thinking a noble miss like you shouldn’t mix with outsiders, I only had their mothers accompany them,” Auntie Guo simpered.

“Thoughtful of you.” Xu Mei glanced at Luo Jiusheng. “I’ll need Clerk Luo to tally the accounts. Will that be acceptable?”

“Of course! Our village girls aren’t fussy about such things.”

“Good.” She handed the ledger to Luo Jiusheng. “Cross-check the quantities.”

“Understood.”

Auntie Guo introduced Xu Mei to the group. Most girls wore coarse cloth, their plain attire magnifying Xu Mei’s radiance. Many shrank under her gaze, speaking timidly during the inspection.

Luo Jiusheng, however, drew more attention.

One matron even inquired about his marital status on behalf of her daughter.

“I’m unwed,” he replied courteously, “but my heart is already spoken for.”

The woman’s matchmaking dreams shattered instantly.

With extensive embroidery to review and precise records demanded, the process dragged. Two hours in, only twenty workers’ items were logged, leaving eight remaining.

Not wishing to starve the group, Xu Mei funded a lavish meal through Auntie Guo and the driver.

While waiting, Xu Mei examined random pieces—unnoticed by a comely girl in modest dress who ducked behind a pillar at the sound of arrogant voices outside.

“Zhao Qinglian!” a man bellowed. “Your father said you’re here selling wares? Quit hiding! I’m here to meet Yingtian’s First Beauty, not play games!”

Xu Mei’s hands stilled. First Beauty? Me?

She turned to see a sallow-eyed youth swagger in with four lackeys—Luo Yangming.

“Well, well!” His gaze locked onto her, igniting with hunger.

Xu Mei rose, wary.

“How’d such a jewel end up in this backwater?” He circled her. “Heard the First Beauty Xu Mei was collecting goods here… Surely it’s you?”

Luo Jiusheng, dozing in a corner, sprang up. “Mind your manners!”

“Who the hell are you?” Luo Yangming kicked him viciously.

Though dissipated by debauchery, his military training made him far stronger than the bookish clerk. The blow doubled Luo Jiusheng over.

Villagers who’d witnessed Luo Yangming’s past brutalities scattered in terror.

Zhao Qinglian, the girl hiding behind the pillar, bit her lip—torn between intervening and recalling his cruelty. She withdrew further.

“I’m conversing with the First Beauty,” Luo Yangming sneered. “What right have you to interrupt?”

Clutching his stomach, Luo Jiusheng spat blood. “You’ll… regret this…”

“Bastard!” Another kick landed. “Few who threaten me live to tell of it.”

“Miss Xu, run!” Luo Jiusheng gasped.

As Luo Yangming raised his foot to crush the clerk’s skull, Xu Mei yanked his sleeve. “You want me? Then stop this nonsense!”

He swung instinctively to strike her.

“Dare you?” Xu Mei’s glare turned lethal. “I don’t care whose son you are—touch me, and that hand is forfeit.”

Her beauty now burned with ferocity.

“Ha! Expected a delicate flower, but you’re a fiery one!” His slap veered into a caress toward her cheek.

Xu Mei dodged—then slapped him hard across the face.

(End of Chapter)