Chapter 3, The Flower Guardian

Jiang Zhuliu hastily tried to chase after her, but Yuan Dong'er grabbed his collar and pleaded, "My lord..."

Yuan Dong'er had just been forcing herself to hold back; she did not dare to look at Jiang Zhuliu for fear that he would discover the tears in her eyes. Although she had endured much grievance, she did not want her husband to know, as that person held too much power, and she did not want her husband to encounter any further trouble. However, no matter how hard she tried to endure, upon Jiang Zhuliu's inquiry, the tears could not be stopped from falling.

Jiang Zhuliu curiously asked, "Dong'er, why are you carrying a pair of scissors in your arms?"

At that moment, a harsh, quacking voice suddenly sounded from outside the door: "Is my younger sister-in-law at home?"

A large stone that had been blocking Jiang Zhuliu's heart was suddenly removed: Yuan Dong'er had not been touched by that beast! Yuan Dong'er had not been touched by that beast! Jiang Zhuliu felt a surge of ecstasy in his heart. At the same time, he discovered a secret: unknowingly, he had become fervently fond of Yuan Dong'er, the girl he had spent less than half a day with, even though she was already someone else's wife

Jiang Zhuliu was deeply moved, unable to help but grasp Yuan Dong'er’s hand. What a strong girl she is; if there were even the slightest mistake in this situation, Yuan Dong'er would perish, and Jiang Zhuliu would never have the fortune to see her again

A stout man stood by the thorny wall, his face displaying an unhealthy pale hue, peering furtively into the courtyard. This man was Jiang Dahai. He had repeatedly encountered setbacks with Yuan Dong'er, which had already left him feeling irate. The harrowing scene from the day before, when Yuan Dong'er had attempted to commit suicide by stabbing her neck with scissors, had terrified him to the core, prompting him to flee. After running away, Jiang Dahai regretted his cowardice, questioning why he had been so timid. Regardless of whether Yuan Dong'er lived or died, he thought he should take advantage of her first. This time, Jiang Dahai was resolute; even if Yuan Dong'er intended to take her own life, he would force himself upon her. In any case, he was determined to violate her while she was alive and to desecrate her corpse if she were dead.

After kneading the dough, Yuan Dong'er bent down in front of the stove, ready to light the fire. Suddenly, with a thud, an object fell from her arms, landing right next to Jiang Zhuliu's feet. Just as Yuan Dong'er was about to pick it up, Jiang Zhuliu stepped forward and took it in his hand. It turned out to be a pair of scissors.

Seeing the jade-like figure in his arms weeping uncontrollably, his heart felt as if it were being cut by a knife. Although Yuan Dong'er was not his wife, he could not tolerate her being bullied in the slightest

Some say that you did not return because you were too ashamed to face the villagers and your ancestors, and thus became a monk; others say that you lost your mind after failing the provincial examination; and still others claim that you were captured by highway robbers on the road and taken to fill a pit.

Upon closer inspection, Jiang Dahai was taken aback; was this not Jiang Zhou, who was rumored to have died long ago? Although he looked rather peculiar, Jiang Dahai could assert with absolute certainty that this person was indeed Jiang Zhou. His fervent desire was instantly doused by a cold wave of realization, and he inwardly lamented his misfortune. In a one-on-one physical confrontation, Jiang Dahai was certainly no match for Jiang Zhou, and he was self-aware enough to recognize this. It seemed that he would not be able to win over Yuan Dong'er, the swan, and would have to think of other ways in the future. In a one-on-one physical confrontation, Jiang Dahai was certainly no match for Jiang Zhou, and he was self-aware enough to recognize this. It seemed that he would not be able to win over Yuan Dong'er, the swan, and would have to think of other ways in the future

Although Jiang Zhuliu was ninety percent sure that this short and stout man was Jiang Dahai, he still did not have complete certainty. What if he was mistaken? As he hesitated for a moment, Jiang Dahai had already run quite far away. Just as he was in doubt, he saw Yuan Dong'er standing pale at the kitchen door. Jiang Zhuliu pointed at the back of the short man and asked, "Is that Jiang Dahai?"

The flames in the stove cast a rosy glow on Yuan Dong'er’s delicate face, making her look exceptionally vibrant. Jiang Zhuliu watched this girl, who resembled Zhou Huimin, busily flitting about like a lark, and felt particularly happy. Although he was not Yuan Dong'er’s true husband, he could at least bring some temporary joy to this unfortunate girl. Jiang Zhuliu's plans had changed; he was no longer in a hurry to leave the Jiang family. If he left now, wouldn’t that be like pushing Yuan Dong'er into a fire pit? Jiang Zhuliu understood that as long as he stayed one more day in the Jiang family, Yuan Dong'er would be one day safer.

As Yuan Dong'er cried out, Jiang Zhuliu's heated mind suddenly cooled down. Jiang Dahai is the eldest grandson of the Jiang family's main branch, and now the Jiang clan is entirely controlled by the members of this main branch. Jiang Dahai's grandfather, Jiang Jinchuan, is the patriarch of the Jiang clan. Although it would be satisfying for Jiang Zhuliu to confront Jiang Dahai now, would the members of the Jiang main branch let him off afterward? Even if Jiang Zhuliu could simply pack up and leave, what would happen to Jiang's mother and Yuan Dong'er? If they remain in Jiang Village, wouldn't they be bullied by everyone? As the saying goes, a gentleman takes revenge; ten years is not too late. Jiang Zhuliu thought to himself that this matter required careful planning. He must devise a foolproof and secure way to deal with that scoundrel Jiang Dahai, ensuring that the members of the Jiang main branch would be unable to find the culprit even if they sought revenge.

As time passes day by day, there is still no sign of the official's reply regarding the map and the book. Some people are coveting my beauty, and one of them is Jiang Dahai, who has ill intentions. Yuan Dong'er maintained an expression of utmost calm, as if she were speaking of someone else's affairs. She scoffed mockingly, saying, "Once Jiang Dahai makes his move, it does have its advantages; it scares off the other few with malicious thoughts."

After discovering the secret in his heart, Jiang Zhuliu couldn't help but feel a flush on his face. He cleared his throat to mask his inner turmoil, and then recalled another question: "Dong'er, then tell me, what is the story behind the scissors? And how did you get the scar on your neck?"

Official! Yuan Dong'er tightly grasped Jiang Zhuliu's arm: "Jiang Dahai is the eldest grandson of the Jiang family's main branch and the most powerful person in Jiang Village. If something were to happen to you, who would my mother and I rely on? I can manage, but it is pitiful that our mother is over sixty and has yet to enjoy a single day of peace.

Upon thinking of this, Jiang Zhuliu shook his head and said, "Enough, enough, let this beast go for today"

Jiang Zhuliu suddenly noticed a scarlet scar on Yuan Dong'er’s fair neck, which looked shocking. The tender red scar indicated to Jiang Zhuliu that this injury had clearly been sustained just a day or two ago. Coupled with the scissors that Yuan Dong'er was hiding in her arms, Jiang Zhuliu realized that there must be some hidden circumstances behind this.

"What is going on? Tell me!" Jiang Zhuliu shouted loudly, "Which beast is bullying you? Tell me, and I will never let him go!"

Jiang Zhuliu suddenly stood up and rushed out of the kitchen, and Yuan Dong'er didn't even have time to stop him

Yuan Dong'er’s eyes flickered, not daring to meet Jiang Zhuliu’s gaze. She forced a smile and said, "I usually do needlework, so it’s convenient to keep it close to me."

Jiang Zhuliu, although a counterfeit husband, is a true protector of flowers

When Jiang Dahai first came to entangle me, he told me, "Sir, you are no longer in this world; otherwise, you would have returned long ago. He suggested that I might as well submit to him, ensuring that I would not have to worry about food and clothing for the rest of my life.

Jiang Zhuliu remained undeterred, determined to break free. He was not Jiang Zhou; even if he died, Jiang Zhou might return to care for Mother Jiang and Yuan Dong'er. Jiang Zhuliu planned to risk his life, making it clear to the people of Jiang Village that anyone who dared to bully Yuan Dong'er must die

Yuan Dong'er bit her lip and nodded slightly

Yuan Dong'er, seeing that she could not hold back Jiang Zhuliu, gritted her silver teeth and boldly said: "My lord, although Jiang Dahai has come to bully Dong'er, Dong'er has not allowed him to gain any advantage whatsoever."

Jiang, filled with doubts, could not extract any information from wwwhetushu.com and had no choice but to give up

At that time, I was mending old clothes, holding a pair of scissors in my hand. Seeing him spouting foul language, I told him to get lost, or else my scissors were not to be trifled with. Upon seeing my firm attitude, he retreated. Since then, I have carried scissors with me to guard against that beast's misbehavior

Yuan Dong'er’s complexion grew increasingly pale. After a brief pause, she looked up at Jiang Zhuliu, her eyes filled with pleading: "My lord, I can tell you. Please, do not let my mother know."

Yuan Dong'er had a somewhat pale complexion and no longer dared to look at Jiang Zhuliu. She brushed aside the floating ash beneath the stove, revealing the embers inside, then placed a handful of wheat straw over the embers. Next, she leaned over, tilted her neck, and blew forcefully, causing the flames to suddenly leap up. The firelight illuminated Yuan Dong'er's face clearly as she lay beside it.

"Shadonger, please never do this again in the future." Jiang Zhuliu affectionately stroked Yuan Dong'er’s long hair, saying, "You promise me, no matter what happens in the future, you must not die. I cannot allow you to leave me all alone in this world."

"Alright, alright!" Jiang took a couple of deep breaths to somewhat calm his emotions and said, "Fine, I won't raise my voice and wake Mother. But you must tell me what happened. Otherwise, I can't guarantee I won't wake her up."

Just the day before yesterday, that beast blocked my way outside again. I pointed scissors at my neck, and he said he didn't believe I would commit suicide, then he lunged at me. At that moment, I made a cut on my neck with the scissors, and blood flowed profusely. When that beast saw I was serious, he became timid and left in a hurry.

A month later, the Jiang brothers, Jiang Wen and Jiang Wu, returned, but there was no news of you. The clansmen in the village learned that the Jiang brothers had both passed the provincial examination, while you had failed to make the list. Consequently, everyone went to congratulate the Jiang brothers' family. Those aunts and sisters-in-law who often visited our home no longer came by.

Jiang nodded slowly and said, "Alright! I promise!"

These same people, when you were just about to take the exam, all praised you for your intelligence, believing you would surely excel. However, once they learned that you had not even passed the provincial exam, they all changed their tune, saying in the village that with your dull-witted head, it was a disgrace to even attempt the provincial exam. With your abilities, you are not even worthy to carry the shoes of the Jiang brothers

Yuan Dong'er nodded emphatically: "My lord, if Dong'er's pure body were to be defiled, I would have long since died. How could I have the face to live in this world?"

Jiang Dahai clasped his hands and turned to leave

What is your name?" Jiang Zhuliu coldly looked at the short, plump man in front of him, whose complexion was pale and ashen

Yuan Dong'er suddenly blushed; this was the most beautiful love confession she had ever heard in her life. She wondered what kind of magic existed in the outside world, as her husband, who was usually dull and full of Confucian teachings, had somehow learned to speak sweetly after going out. It seemed that his trip to participate in the provincial examination was not in vain; although he did not make the list, learning to cherish his wife could be considered a form of achievement.

"Where is that bastard? I will go find him right now." Jiang Zhuliu grabbed the kitchen knife on the cutting board and was about to rush out. Subconsciously, he had already regarded Yuan Dong'er as his wife. Jiang Zhuliu was a man, not a coward. If Jiang Dahai dared to bully his wife, Jiang Zhuliu would dare to take Jiang Dahai's life! No matter who Jiang Dahai was or how much power he had, Jiang Zhuliu was determined to eliminate him. At worst, they would perish together. No matter who Jiang Dahai was or how much power he had, Jiang Zhuliu was determined to eliminate him. At worst, they would perish together.

"Dong'er, what happened? Tell me, how is the injury on your neck? Who bullied you?" Jiang Zhuliu stepped forward and anxiously grabbed Yuan Dong'er's arm.

Wuwu... Yuan Dong'er tightly embraced Jiang Zhuliu and began to cry: "My lord, please do not ask anymore. Dong'er has not wronged you; I assure you that I have not done anything to disgrace the Jiang family's reputation."

What? Jiang Zhuliu suddenly stopped: "Are you saying that he has never touched you?"

I have heard these words countless times, yet I do not believe them. I know, my lord, that you will surely return safely. My mother and I pray to the Buddha every day, and no matter how much the villagers gossip, our unwavering faith cannot be shaken.

"Who is ruining the atmosphere?" As this thought just emerged in Jiang Zhuliu's mind, he suddenly saw Yuan Dong'er turn pale. In an instant, he understood that the visitor was most likely Jiang Dahai

Yuan Dong'er replied in a flustered manner: "Oh, I was in a hurry and forgot to take it out"

However, there is another issue: what if Jiang Zhou returns? Regarding this question, Jiang Zhuliu is actually reluctant to think about it. It is not that he is intentionally avoiding it; rather, there is no good answer to this question. For Jiang Zhou, he only knows that by staying, he can ensure Yuan Dong'er’s current safety. He cannot disregard Yuan Dong'er’s life because of concerns for the elusive Jiang Zhou.

"Sir, please do not wake Mother," Yuan Dong'er said with a choked voice. "I have never let her know; her health is not good. I am afraid that if she finds out, she will not be able to bear it"

Yuan Dong'er nodded and said, "My lord, you and the two brothers, Jiang Wen and Jiang Wu, went to Luoyang to participate in the provincial examination. At first, everything at home was normal, and no one came to disturb us. The women in the village often came to help, saying that in the future, when you achieve success and gain official titles, you must not forget to support your relatives."

Unbeknownst to her, Yuan Dong'er had quietly nestled into Jiang Zhuliu's embrace, her face adorned with a sweet smile as she savored the most delightful and warm moments of the past two months

Jiang Zhuliu looked at Yuan Dong'er, whose face was still pale with shock, and said with a smile: "Dong'er, don't worry. I know what is important and what is not, and I will handle it appropriately. Let's go back and cook for Mother first. Otherwise, she will wake up hungry later."

What a good little brat, actually coming to my door!

Jiang Zhou's home stood solitary on a hillside two hundred steps away from the main village of Jiangcun, inhabited only by his ailing mother and Yuan Dong'er. There was no need to worry about Jiang Zhou's sick mother; Jiang Dahai could easily send that old woman to the afterlife with a single kick. As for Yuan Dong'er, she was merely the flesh on Jiang Dahai's chopping block, a fish in his net; even if she screamed at the top of her lungs, it was unlikely anyone would hear her.

Yuan Dong'er immediately shifted her attention to Mother Jiang and obediently went to the kitchen to start the fire and cook.

That beast was still not giving up and came back several times. Seeing no other way, I took a pair of scissors and pointed them at my own neck, warning him that if he dared to come closer, I would die right there in front of him. He retreated in frustration.

"It is Jiang Dahai." Yuan Dong'er bit her lips until they bled

Yuan Dong'er saw that Jiang Zhuliu no longer took risks, and only then did she feel relieved

I am thirsty from walking and would like to borrow a bowl of water. Jiang Dahai chuckled dryly and said, "Brother Jiang Zhou has returned, hasn't he? You have been away for two or three months, right? This time you must have a lot to talk about with your brother and sister-in-law, so I won't disturb you."

Jiang Zhuliu asked: "Are you doing needlework? Weren't you just in Qinghua Town to get medicine? Why are you also carrying scissors?"

Jiang Dahai, with a hazy mind filled with sordid thoughts, shouted into the courtyard. Suddenly, a person rushed out from the Jiang family's kitchen; although this individual was dressed oddly, he was tall and robust.

Currently, Jiang Zhuliu faces an additional task. In addition to finding ways to earn money to resolve the living issues of Jiang's mother and Yuan Dong'er, he must also devise a plan to ensure Yuan Dong'er's safety. Until these two problems are thoroughly resolved, he will not leave the Jiang family