Chapter 7, Good Ways to Make Money

Crowded together with the gamblers, Miss Lan began to feel somewhat uneasy. However, after a few rounds of gambling, her luck turned out to be surprisingly good. A small piece of silver quickly transformed into a small pile. She attempted to bet against the dealer, and that small pile of silver turned into a large heap. For the first time, she earned so much money, and she was extremely happy.

Jiang Xiaohu blinked and leaned closer to Miss Lan's ear, smiling: "Darling, this is the rule, just bet with her... Oh no, I won't bet! I'm not betting anymore!"

Then we will open it once we earn more

As soon as the words fell, a sound like bells began to ring from above.

Then you still gave the money to that old woman

Good

You ... ...

The relationship between the two families of Lanjiang is well known to all. Although the Jiang family has fallen into decline, Miss Lan is still aware of her father's thoughts. She pouted and, in annoyance, kicked a pebble with her foot, saying, "He is so useless, I really can't stand it!"

Miss Lan, infuriated, let go of her hand and said: "Forget it, who cares!"

Seeing the person approaching, Miss Lan cast aside her worries, both surprised and delighted: "What brings you here!"

"No, we should go together," Miss Lan noticed something amiss and immediately narrowed her eyes, glaring at him warily. "You took the money, and you must be planning to run off to gamble again!"

Jiang Xiaohu said: "Really?"

Wow, my wife is really lucky!" Jiang Xiaohu cheered from the side

If you are not gambling with her, then gamble with me!

Basic sustenance is a significant issue, and the demands of the stomach are growing increasingly intense. After a moment's contemplation, Miss Lan removed her only piece of jewelry, which was a pair of tiny white jade earrings. Perhaps due to their inconspicuousness, they had not been stolen by thieves in the past.

Miss Lan expressed her anger regarding the matter, saying: "Did you not see how pitiful she is!"

At that moment, someone in the nearby alley waved to her: "Miss!"

Miss Lan has fallen silent. Since childhood, she has been accustomed to having everything handed to her, never having learned any means of making a living. However, if she does not earn money now, this little bit of silver will eventually be consumed.

Seeing her sulking, the maid smiled slightly and said, "Although I did not bring any silver, I did bring two pieces of jewelry that the young lady usually uses. If we are frugal, they can last for a few days."

The beauty in her red attire resembles fire, yet her skin is as crystalline as snow. With a glance and a turn of her eyes, it seems as if she could ensnare one's very soul. Just with this gaze, if she were to demand a life at this moment, there would undoubtedly be those willing to comply

In fact, it was not just him; all the men in the hall had stiffened their necks, their eyes fixed in the same direction, no longer paying attention to the cards and dice on the table. Even Miss Lan, who was also a woman, was left in a daze.

"I do not want that," Miss Lan insisted, "Xiao Hu will like me."

The master summoned me here

This is not the Yongcuilou, but rather the largest casino in the entire city, Qiufengtang

The maid shook her head: "The master said that men do not like fierce women. Once married, one should find ways to please their husband. What happened yesterday has already become a laughingstock, and from now on, Miss is not allowed to hit Jiang Xiaohu again"

This statement, neither too light nor too heavy, precisely struck at Miss Lan's innermost thoughts. She immediately jumped up from her chair like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, and coldly laughed: "Who is the old tigress! I won't gamble with you today, so what!"

The sound of "gugu" echoed, and it was unclear whose stomach was growling. Miss Lan stopped in her tracks and, feeling dejected, looked at Jiang Xiaohu and said, "Actually, I am quite hungry too"

Jiang Xiaohu coughed twice and quickly averted his gaze: "Has my wife found a solution?"

It has been done

Gradually, many people at this table have dispersed

Silver coins flow into the pockets, while the couple pushes for continuous victories in the gambling house. Onlookers, however, appear dejected and drenched in sweat, murmuring among themselves. They never expected that the seemingly useless Jiang Xiaohu would not only marry a beauty like a flower but also possess such remarkable gambling skills. Even if she were a fierce tigress, this young man still managed to take advantage of the situation

Wife, how many pieces of cloth can we buy with these few taels of silver

I have arrived

You dare to speak! Miss Lan pulled his ear.

How about we go gamble? " he said softly

Miss Lan's anger: "What!"

a moment

Indeed

Do you want to bet with him? All the men are greatly disappointed, cursing in their hearts, damn this useless fellow, he is quite fortunate in love!

The voice is soft and enchanting, neither too light nor too heavy, perfectly balanced, interspersed with soft laughter that is incredibly teasing and seductive to the ears. It feels as if a charming woman is standing close before you, draped in a thin veil, with her curves subtly revealed. Yet, you can only watch helplessly, unable to do anything. This sensation is both pleasurable and tormenting, stirring a deep yearning within.

Jiang Xiaohu murmured: "I am more pitiful than she is"

The young lady is so fierce towards Jiang Xiaohu, the master is now furious. The maid glanced at her awkwardly and hesitantly relayed the original words of Lord Lan, "Since the young lady refuses to listen, if she is to marry Jiang Xiaohu, she should properly serve her husband and not bring shame to the family, lest people mock the Lan family for its lack of upbringing"

So you won't gamble anymore in the future? Jiang Xiaohu felt disappointed

"Why only ask me?" Miss Lan said irritably, "You are a man, and that is of no use!"

Miss Lan was unconvinced: "But he is going to that kind of place..."

Wife, do you have a solution

"I dare not, I dare not," Jiang Xiaohu said with a mournful expression, covering his ears with both hands and crying out, "Don't twist it anymore, my wife. Look at me, I am already more pitiful than her, starving and still getting beaten."

Jiang Xiaohu glanced at her, sat down on a nearby stone, wrapped her arms around her knees, and looked quite dejected: "I am useless to begin with, so you might as well not follow me. Just go back."

Jiang Xiaohu expressed his concern: "If we run out of money, we will all starve to death"

Jiang Xiaohu pawned her earrings, while Miss Lan stood alone at the street corner, watching the faces pass by. As she recalled her past life, a deep sense of desolation arose within her. What saddened her even more was that now almost everyone in the city knew that the eldest daughter of the Lan family was a fierce woman, for last night she not only personally stormed into a brothel but also threw her husband out of the window with her own hands. A fierce woman, this was the most humiliating title for a woman!

I will not either

Miss Lan slowly lowered her head and said: "But you won't always be this useless"

The maid cautiously glanced at the mouth of the alley, confirming that no one was eavesdropping, before taking Miss Lan's hand and examining her closely, exclaiming: "In just two days of not seeing you, how have you changed so much? Where are your jewelry? Didn't you say you had money from doing business?"

He let out a loud cry and jumped away after being heavily stepped on the foot

Miss Lan glared at him fiercely and exclaimed, "Who else is coming?"

Being stared at so rudely by the men, she seemed unfazed, her piercing gaze solely fixed on Jiang Xiaohu

Jiang Xiaohu, hurry up!

After encouraging each other, the young couple was suddenly filled with confidence about the future. They sat side by side on a rock, deep in thought, searching for good ways to make money

"Nonsense, who is jealous!" Miss Lan's face flushed as she pulled Jiang Xiaohu and said, "We are not gambling today, find someone else!"

"I am not trying to rush you," seeing her get angry, Jiang Xiaohu was no longer afraid this time, murmuring, "Thank you for accompanying me these past few days, but following me will bring you hardship, and I do not want to see you suffer"

Then... what should we do

"Seven o'clock, again so small!" The crowd erupted in laughter

Then I will go earn money

Jiang Xiaohu lowered his head and said: "Following me will not lead to good days; I do not want my wife to go hungry every day"

No.

The two individuals simultaneously looked up and exchanged a glance.

Wife, I am very hungry

"Ke Xiao Hu doesn't really hate me," she murmured

This is quite a trick. Miss Lan, feeling proud, hesitated to mention that it was because she was thrown into the pond to feed the goldfish that she returned and diligently practiced with the dice, unexpectedly developing a remarkable gambling skill.

Then... shall we open a fabric store?

Jiang Xiaohu nodded repeatedly: "As long as my wife knows, that's good."

Little Lake, we cannot always rely on just getting by, otherwise you will become even more useless

It turns out this young man is not as fortunate as he seems, and all the men felt a sense of balance in their hearts, even experiencing a bit of schadenfreude, relieved that they did not marry such a domineering woman

Oh no! Amidst the cries of despair, Jiang Xiaohu, the character from the illustrated book, finally regained his senses and regretfully forced a smile, saying, "No more gambling, no more gambling..."

Deep in the alley

Miss Lan quickly lowered her head and said: "No."

No more gambling!" A delicate voice interrupted him, and Miss Lan gave him a sharp twist.

What should I do

In the dim light, the mingling scents of alcohol, smoke, and cosmetics create a pungent aroma that permeates the five spacious halls. Each hall is furnished with three large tables: one for Pai Gow, one for dice, and one for odd and even bets. Additionally, four men in black attire patrol the area, responsible for maintaining order and collecting a share of the stakes. Gamblers of all ages, both men and women, gather around the tables, each face glistening with sweat, displaying a range of emotions—tension, excitement, and despair. Young women adorned with jewels and pearls flirt and weave between the gambling tables, attending to familiar patrons. The scene is a vivid tapestry of human emotion and activity.

The maid reminded her again, "Miss, remember this, the old lady is waiting at home, I must return quickly"

The maid blinked: "The master said you married without permission and are not allowed to receive any silver."

Miss Lan was taken aback

The woman in red did not stop her; she merely glanced at the four men in black in the hall, revealing a look of confusion: "If you win, you leave, is this really a rule of Qiufeng Hall?"

Miss Lan finally came to her senses and noticed that less than half of the people at the table remained, while the others had gone to other tables to recoup their losses. She then quietly leaned towards Jiang Xiaohu's ear and expressed her intention: "I want to gamble a few more times to earn more silver to open a cloth shop, so that I won't have to come back to gamble in the future"

The concubine also guessed it, and she told me to say to the young lady, "Men all like that, just get used to it." The maid covered her mouth and laughed, "As long as the young lady wins her husband's favor, others will praise you for being virtuous."

Although Qiufeng Hall is an underground casino, its rules are very strict and fair. Coupled with the significant power behind it, no one has ever dared to cheat or cause trouble, which is why the business has grown so large. Now, upon hearing her say this, the men in black immediately stepped forward to block the two.

Great!

Jiang Xiaohu looked at her and asked, "Can you make sesame cakes?"

Miss Lan finally felt at ease: "What does Father want with me?"

Miss Lan hurriedly grabbed her: "Wait, do you have any silver on you?"

Miss Lan turned around expressionlessly and walked straight to the chair by the table, looking at the woman in red and coldly said: "I said I won't gamble, so I won't. If you refuse to leave, feel free to wait here."

Jiang Xiaohu raised her face to look at her: "If I remain this useless, will you still stay with me?"

She sadly held the earrings and looked at them for a while, then softly said: "This was given to me by my mother when I was fourteen"

"Let’s earn money the way others do," Miss Lan thought for a moment and pointed to an old woman selling sesame cakes in the distance, "How about we sell sesame cakes?"

Jiang Xiaohu seemed to be mesmerized, as if those two gazes were glued to her, unable to move. She could only foolishly nod her head, murmuring, "We bet..."

Jiang Xiaohu sighed again: "Look at us, we don't know anything. It's already good enough to earn a little; how can we earn more?"

Shall I wager with you, is that acceptable

Miss Lan stared at him for a long time, and suddenly let out a laugh, releasing him, her eyes curving like the crescent moon: "You are right, Xiao Hu, you do seem to be more pitiful than her."

Jiang Xiaohu tugged at her and whispered, "Wife, that's enough, if this continues, no one will dare to gamble with you in the future"

Upon hearing this sound, Jiang Xiaohu felt a sudden spring breeze unexpectedly sweep over his heart, leaving him utterly enraptured. When he finally laid eyes on the enchanting beauty approaching with graceful steps, he was even more spellbound, his gaze fixed and his spirit soaring far beyond the earthly realm, appearing completely lost in his surroundings

Miss Lan did not respond, remaining silent for half a day. Suddenly, she sat down beside Jiang Xiaohu, gently holding his hand and said: "It's alright, Xiaohu. As long as you wish to be useful, you will definitely become useful in the future"

The maid nodded

"Your wife is jealous." The woman in red covered her mouth, watching Jiang Xiaohu laugh heartily.

"My wife is truly impressive, she knows this as well," Jiang Xiaohu sighed and nodded, "Aside from gambling, I really don't have any other ways to make money"

Miss Lan blushed, and without much explanation, she asked: "How are my parents?"

Oh? The woman in red is not angry at all; instead, she smiles even more happily, looking at Jiang Xiaohu with sympathy, "So it turns out you married a tigress."