Chapter 5: The Fierce Woman Entangles the Man

Although Chen Zhao thought this way in his heart, he still smiled and made a bow, saying: "It is my fault. Just now, I saw a few people walking from a distance and was wondering who the celestial-like young lady in the middle was. She looked unfamiliar, and only upon getting closer did I realize it was you, Miss. I was momentarily unable to restrain my feelings, and I hope you can forgive me for that."

Bai Zhi and Lian Qiao exchanged glances, feeling that the tone in their young lady's words was somewhat cold. After a pause, Bai Zhi said: "Whatever, let’s go out for a walk. There hasn’t been much happening at the manor these past few days, and the East Street should be quite lively."

"The day before yesterday, you accidentally pushed me into the pool, and I caught a cold and fell ill in bed. Granny Lan invited a doctor for me and personally apologized, asking me to forgive you. I have already forgiven you, so naturally, I will not drive you away." Jiang Ruan's voice was soft and gentle, carrying a refreshing coolness, but Chen Zhao felt a heaviness in his heart as he listened.

"Who asked you to come and apologize?" Lian Qiao glared at him, and Chen Zhao left with a smile

Jiang Ruan did not pay attention to the intricate thoughts of the two maids beside her, quietly walking forward. However, if one were to look closely, they could still see her fingertips slightly trembling.

Chen Zhao squinted his eyes and carefully scrutinized the girl in front of him. Jiang Ruan was only ten years old this year, her physique slightly juvenile, yet there was a certain depth to her, an unusual maturity. The presence of two entirely different qualities in one person made her particularly captivating. Even though she was just a ten-year-old girl, Chen Zhao couldn't help but swallow hard. He had seen some young masters in the Chu Pavilion with peculiar preferences, particularly fond of playing with young girls, yet he did not know what that experience was like.

Bai Zhi was taken aback and suddenly felt somewhat troubled

Bai Zhi could only nod, but her confusion deepened. The disparity between rich and poor in the East and West Streets was significant. The West Street, being the place where the poor lived and mingled, was naturally not as lively and prosperous as the East Street. Her young lady usually had no intention of coming to the West Street, so why did she suddenly have the whim to do so today? Bai Zhi felt increasingly unable to understand her young lady's thoughts, as if overnight, the young lady had grown nine more eyes in her heart. Just a glance from those dark black eyes made Bai Zhi feel a chill.

Jiang Ruan's usual attire is not as elegant as Chen Fang's. Chen Zhao rarely pays attention, and just a few days ago, he whimsically wanted to experience the taste of a noble lady. Unexpectedly, this lady turned out to be quite spirited, jumping into the water without a second thought, which now seems to have been a buildup of pent-up frustration. However, today, upon seeing her, he was pleasantly surprised. Perhaps it is the New Year, and with just a slight embellishment, her features appear exceptionally delicate. Most importantly, the calm and icy demeanor she exudes makes her seem like a completely different person.

West Street? Bai Zhi hesitated slightly: "Why are you thinking of going to West Street? It is mostly filled with beggars and commoners, and with the New Year approaching, it will be even more chaotic. It would be better for you not to go there. East Street has many cosmetics shops and restaurants, as well as some novel attractions. Why not take a stroll around East Street instead?"

Lianqiao was extremely pleased that Jiang Ruan had clearly become enlightened; compared to being submissive, having a master like this was much better. At least those individuals would not dare to openly bully her anymore.

Some matters should have been changed from the very beginning

"Oh dear, let's listen to the young lady and go to West Street," Lian Qiao patted Bai Zhi's shoulder. "With us around, what is there to fear? Moreover, it's broad daylight; there is no need to be overly concerned. If there truly is a problem, we servants will protect you, so you can rest assured, young lady"

Chen Zhao was taken aback for a moment, but then his gaze became infatuated. Since he had discovered that Miss Jiang was intriguing, he naturally would not let the opportunity slip by. There was plenty of time ahead, so there was no need to rush. With this thought in mind, he playfully bowed to Jiang Ruan again, saying: "It is all my fault, causing the young lady to become so thin. Since you are going out today, I shall not disturb you. I will come to apologize another day."

As soon as these words were spoken, not only did Lian Qiao change her expression, but Bai Zhi also turned pale with anger and said: "What nonsense are you talking? The young lady's reputation is not something you can tarnish!"

Chen Zhao returned today from outside, just in time to see a few people walking out of the courtyard. The girl in the middle looked delicate and pretty, which caught his attention. Upon closer inspection, he realized it was Jiang Ruan.

Jiang Ruan shook her head: "Go to West Street." Although her voice was soft, it was undeniably resolute, clearly indicating that she had made up her mind

Chen Zhao was somewhat puzzled, but then felt a sense of secret delight. He cast a proud glance at the two maidservants, thinking to himself that this young lady was indeed perceptive. However, it seemed that regardless of her status as a young lady, after staying in the countryside for so long, she had also lost her sense of propriety, integrity, and shame. At such a young age, she should understand these principles.

Indeed, Lianqiao followed up with, "I truly wish I could gouge out his two eyeballs! How disgusting!"

East Street? Jiang Ruan thought for a moment and shook her head: "No, let's go to West Street"

Chen Zhao took two steps back in astonishment: "The reputation of the bad young lady? Zhao has never thought of it this way. The young lady is of noble birth, how could Zhao dare to harbor such thoughts? I only hope that the young lady does not drive Zhao away, allowing Zhao to catch a distant glimpse of her, and that would be enough to satisfy me." He usually harmed virtuous young women, his words smooth and glib. If it were a typical young lady hearing this, she would either burst into tears on the spot or blush deeply. Yet today, things seemed somewhat unusual.

Chen Zhao was momentarily taken aback, but then saw Jiang Ruan speaking slowly and unhurriedly: "I certainly will not drive you away"

It will be revealed. Jiang Ruan said淡淡道: "He wants to watch me quietly from a distance, so let him watch to his heart's content."

Jiang Ruan quietly looked at him, her clear eyes resembling a winter cold pool, devoid of any warmth. Her gaze was icy, yet her lips curved into a shallow arc, as if she were watching a performance by a buffoon. There was neither shame nor tears, just a cool and indifferent expression, standing firm and unmoving.

After Chen Zhao left, Lian Qiao and Bai Zhi finally breathed a sigh of relief. Bai Zhi frowned and said, "Why did the young lady say that just now? He is a troublemaker, how can..."

Lianqiao and Baizhi were both taken aback; such a rogue could not be chased away in time. What did Jiang Ruan mean by this

Although the words were quite imposing, they had little effect. Chen Zhao was not afraid; he had heard about the status of this unfortunate young lady in the capital. From Zhang Lan's demeanor, it seemed that Jiang Ruan might have to stay on this estate for the rest of her life. If that were the case, it would be all the better if he could have some fun with her.

After Jiang Ruan fell into the pool, in order to divert attention, he only claimed that it was his own mistake that caused Jiang Ruan to fall. Upon hearing this, Chen Zhao was reminded of the recent need to avoid meeting her too often to prevent misunderstandings. But was Jiang Ruan's statement made intentionally or unintentionally? With this thought in mind, Chen Zhao took another careful look at Jiang Ruan. She saw the girl standing still, and the worn and dull clothing did not make her look haggard; instead, it highlighted her snow-like skin, eyes like polished ink, and brows like dark dye. The expression flowing between her brows surprisingly carried a kind of chilling allure. With this thought, Chen Zhao took another careful look at Jiang Ruan. She saw the girl standing still, and the worn and dull clothing did not make her look haggard; instead, it highlighted her snow-like skin, eyes like polished ink, and brows like dark dye. The expression flowing between her brows surprisingly carried a kind of chilling allure.

Lian Qiao could not tolerate Chen Zhao's lewd gaze fixed on Jiang Ruan. Her expression changed abruptly, and without a moment's hesitation, she exclaimed: "Impudent! Who allowed you to speak to your master in such an unruly manner!"