A Fifty-Thousand-Tael Silver Reward
Zheng Xing'an quickly waved her hand and said:
"Miss, you should probably pass! This kind of clothing isn't fashionable where we're from."
If I really went out dressed like that, wouldn't people think I was a freak?
Before Zhou Wanwan could speak, she heard a commotion outside.
"I heard Princess Liuli is in trouble! She was attacked by villains last night, and even her beautiful face was slashed..."
"Hiss—won't the King of Khotan be driven mad with rage?"
"The princess is the apple of his eye, and now she has suffered such humiliation and been disfigured. The king was furious on the spot!"
"This morning, the king dispatched all the city's elite troops to search every house and close all the city gates."
The chaos turned the entire city upside down; everyone was in turmoil, and no one dared to go out.
"This matter has really blown up a lot..."
Even Princess Liuli's original residence was emptied and moved out overnight.
Liuli sat on the only soft couch in the princess's residence, crying her heart out:
"Waaaaah... I have to find that damned girl."
I'm going to kill her, I'm going to throw her in a pig cage, I'm going to slash her face, how can I ever face anyone again?
The maids were trembling with fear.
Zhou Wanwan chuckled and said, "I'm afraid she received the gift I gave her."
Suddenly a soldier said, "The woman upstairs looks a lot like the woman in the painting, let's hurry and chase after her!"
Zhou Wanwan turned and ran. Everyone saw her jump out of the teahouse and then disappear.
Everyone rubbed their eyes and said, "I clearly saw someone fly out just now, where did they go?"
"I saw it too! Hurry and chase after him! I heard there's a reward of 50,000 taels of silver for catching him."
It's true what they say: people die for wealth, and birds die for food.
The entire Heavenly Demon City erupted in excitement. If they could capture this little girl, they would receive a reward of fifty thousand taels of silver!
Zhou Wanwan muttered curses:
"I was originally planning to go check out the casino."
"You could have visited the theater and even experienced exotic customs at a brothel, but now that's all gone."
The people from Heavenly Demon City were getting closer behind them. The Old Scholar Tree looked at the surrounding environment and said, "This place is quite nice, with beautiful mountains and clear waters. Let's wait for them here."
The Old Scholar Tree stood here with more than 30 subordinates, while those on the Heavenly Demon Ranking were all wandering around here.
"I clearly saw it right here, how could it disappear so quickly?"
"I definitely sensed someone's presence here just now, there's no mistake."
Suddenly, these people got entangled in the roots of the Old Scholar Tree.
The people were horrified and exclaimed, "What is this thing? It's just a vine! Why can't I break free?"
"I can't break free either! Impossible! I'm number 460 on the Heavenly Demon Ranking!"
The tree next to him swallowed him whole, and the Old Scholar Tree slapped its branch, saying, "Spit out your head! It's still useful!"
A human head emerged from the sandalwood tree.
In just a short while, more than 30 experts from the Heavenly Demon Ranking arrived in Heavenly Demon City.
The Old Scholar Tree ate the most powerful one, and the rest were divided up.
All the trees rested for a while before continuing their journey.
Zhou Wanwan lay in the treehouse and fell into a deep sleep.
The next morning, she rubbed her eyes and found that she had returned to the Cui Residence.
Red silk banners were hung at the Cui Residence; Cui Hongyuan was getting married soon.
Madam Cui the Younger looked at Zhou Wanwan with disdain and said, "Zhou Wanwan, where have you run off to again? You're just a crazy girl, always running around outside."
Madam Nie scoffed, "Indeed! I don't know what a child is doing running around like that."
Madam Cui the Younger looked at Zhou Wanwan and said, "I was originally thinking of taking a Hongyuan for my Hongyuan, but she doesn't even want him!"
Madam Nie looked at Zhou Wanwan and said:
"Zhou Wanwan, you should see for yourself. The Cui Family family is no ordinary family."
If you marry into the Cui Family, you'll live a life of luxury and never have to worry about food or clothing! Why are you so picky?
Zhou Wanwan chuckled and said:
"Wow! What a great opportunity! Why don't you two become even closer and let Nie Rou become Cui Hongyuan's concubine!"
"Your family absolutely cannot waste such a great opportunity."
Madam Nie's face turned pale and then red.
"You're talking nonsense! My Rourou is going to marry a high-ranking official or a wealthy and powerful man."
"Given your humble status, finding someone like the Cui Family is already quite an achievement."
Zhou Wanwan nodded and said:
"That's great, why don't you go yourself?"
My marriage is a matter for my family to decide. When did it become your place to make those decisions?
I came here as a guest, not to be mistreated.
Madam Nie looked at her and said:
"Zhou Wanwan, don't be ungrateful. Now that you're living in my house, I naturally have to think about you."
This marriage with the Cui Family is an exceptionally good match. I've already sent someone to find your parents; they'll be here this afternoon.
Zhou Wanwan never expected Madam Nie to be so shameless.
Madam Cui smiled and said, "My dear in-law, you're so kind. Let's go to the front hall and wait for her parents! What decision can a child make?"
The two went straight to the front hall. Once there, Madam Cui looked at Madam Nie and said, "I have to thank you so much! You insisted on bringing Zhou Wanwan into our family. That little brat is just too rich."
Madam Nie nodded. "We've been staying at your house, and we feel really bad about it. We plan to move out once Zhou Wanwan becomes your concubine."
Madam Cui looked at her and said, "Oh dear, there's no need to be in such a hurry. We're all family."
Madam Nie smiled and said, "Our house over there is almost finished being repaired. Shall I take you there to see it now?"
Madam Cui asked curiously, "Your family has so many houses! You must own several in our county, right?"
Madam Nie chuckled and said:
"Of course, there are more than ten sets!"
However, I prefer this one, and it's very close to your place. Let me show you around! And you can familiarize yourself with the location while we're at it."
To be honest, Madam Cui the Younger really envied Madam Nie. Madam Nie's family was very wealthy, and she had married Lord Nie, Lord Nie was no less well-off.
Her family was different; they had nothing.
Now, Madam Cui the Younger can only rely on her daughter for financial support.
Madam Nie smiled and led everyone towards her own residence. The journey was very short; it only took the time it took to drink half a cup of tea by carriage to reach the gate.
This mansion occupies a vast area, with pavilions and towers scattered in a well-organized manner, and upturned eaves reflecting the sunlight, exuding the grandeur of a wealthy family.
The courtyard is lush with beautiful trees, and several rare and precious trees with abundant branches and leaves make the courtyard elegant and grand.
Madam Nie smiled as she walked:
"We just moved here recently, and we're still putting away our suitcases and belongings. The yard is still a mess, so we apologize for any inconvenience."
Once everything is completely settled, I will definitely prepare some fine wine and food and specially invite you all over for a lively meal.
Madam Cui stepped forward a few paces, covered her mouth and chuckled softly:
"Oh my, in-law, I really didn't expect your courtyard to be so grand and beautiful!"
Once you've completely packed up, I'll have to swallow my pride and come stay for a few days, just to bask in your good fortune!
Several ladies nearby also crowded around, smiling and flattering:
"Indeed, this courtyard is both spacious and elegant."
Even the flowers, plants, and trees are rare treasures; this place is clearly a land of great wealth and prosperity!
"Once you've moved in, we'll have to come and bother you often."