Chapter 1226 - 20: The Pearl Collector and the Princess
Chapter 1226: Chapter 20: The Pearl Collector and the Princess
"Fine then, do as you see fit. But let me be clear: if something goes wrong, you explain it to your brother yourself. I’m against this whole thing." said the County Magistrate. He was greedy for money, not for women. He had no idea who his son took after—running around all day like a rutting boar, chasing women everywhere. His wife had had to wipe his son’s ass over these stupid messes more times than she could count. Hopefully this time nothing major would happen. That muddle?headed woman!
After the County Magistrate finished, he didn’t even touch the tea his wife had poured him. He got up and went straight back to his room.
Only after his figure disappeared did the County Magistrate’s Wife spit and curse, "Cowardly as a mouse."
"Ma, then how did you fall for Dad in the first place?" the County Magistrate’s son asked.
"Back when your dad was young, he was a poor scholar. His looks were passable, and he put on this act of being modest and courteous. That’s how I took a liking to him. Turns out he reeked of money through and through." The County Magistrate’s Wife let out a cold snort.
"Isn’t that just you two sharing the same hobby?" the son laughed. Both his father and mother liked money. His mother, besides money, also had a taste for power. As for himself, he had a particular fondness for beauty.
"Forget it, don’t mention him—spineless coward. We’ll pick a time and have that mute girl snatched. Once the rice is cooked and turned into meal, hmph, I’ll see what they’ve got to be smug about then." The County Magistrate’s Wife sneered.
"Alright, Ma. Then where are we going to cook this rice? You know me—I don’t have those people’s thrill?seeking quirks. I don’t like doing it outdoors." The son curled his lip. "It’s cold out there, and if someone sneaks a peek, what about my dignity?"
"Then we’ll drag her back to our residence." The County Magistrate’s Wife slammed the decision down.
"Fine. An early bridal chamber isn’t bad either, hahaha." The son burst out laughing.
...
Li Anqing paced back and forth in the room, his face full of anxiety.
"It shouldn’t come to anything, right? We’ve clearly turned them down." Wang Linglan watched Li Anqing walk to and fro, her own heart starting to flutter with unease.
"Why did they come to propose in the first place? Isn’t it because they see my daughter as a money tree? You know perfectly well what sort of scum that whole family is. I don’t think they’ll let this go. Ah Hai isn’t back yet, otherwise we could have arranged their marriage." Li Anqing said frantically.
"But, Anqing, we already refused. Can they still force a marriage?" Wang Linglan was puzzled, wondering if her husband was worrying himself sick over nothing. Being this worked up and scared—could the County Magistrate’s lot really storm into their home in broad daylight and snatch a bride by force?
"They actually can." Li Anqing frowned. "Pack up your things. Tonight you’ll take Qinghe and leave under cover of darkness."
"Anqing?" Wang Linglan stared at Li Anqing in shock. Did it have to be this urgent?
"Do as I say! Quickly!" Li Anqing barked.
"Alright." Wang Linglan jumped, frightened, and hurried to her feet. It was the first time Li Anqing had spoken to her in such a harsh tone.
Li Anqing gripped that Jade Pendant in his hand—the one Tang Zhishi had given him. If only Tang Zhishi were here now. He could tell Tang Zhishi’s family background was anything but ordinary. If he were around, how would the County Magistrate dare set his sights on their family?
That night, Wang Linglan quietly took Li Qinghe and slipped out through the back door.
Seeing his wife and daughter off, Li Anqing finally breathed a little easier. He had them go seek refuge with a relative first, then they could see how things looked after some time. If it didn’t work out, they would just move away.
Only the next morning, Wang Linglan came running back in utter disarray, panic?stricken, crying as she told Li Anqing that their daughter had been taken by bandits!
Li Anqing felt his vision go black.