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Chapter 155: Chapter 155: Zhan Xincheng’s Conspiracy
Zhan Liluo heard her mother’s words and gave a bashful smile, thinking that with her mother’s intervention, her relationship with Mu Yan might just work out.
She was already past the usual age for marriage, yet she waited for Mu Yan, a woman as devoted as her deserved a reward.
After the mother and daughter left, Zhan Xincheng ordered his palanquin bearers to take him to a certain place.
In the suburbs of Ding’an City, there lay Luhua Mountain where the Heavenly Slaughter Sect, reputed as the foremost sect in the world, was located.
Not far up from the foot of the mountain was the entrance to the sect.
After sending a message, Zhan Xincheng arrived inside the sect.
"General Zhan, what brings you to my humble abode?" Sect Master Ouyang Song asked with a feigned smile.
Supported by his men, Zhan Xincheng approached Ouyang Song and said with a smile, "Visiting an old friend, I naturally have important matters to discuss."
"Please!" Ouyang Song led Zhan Xincheng to his training room.
"Xincheng, you’re one of us. Feel free to speak frankly," Ouyang Song said as he poured a cup of tea for Zhan Xincheng.
Zhan Xincheng nodded, "Then I’ll get straight to the point. The Martial Arts Examination is in a month, and I hope you can help me eliminate someone."
Ouyang Song smiled slyly, "Who might it be that has upset our Great General so?"
Zhan Xincheng narrowed his eyes, "Zhan Family’s foster daughter, Zhan Lan."
Ouyang Song poured himself a cup of tea, "This could be handled privately. There are various ways to torment a woman, to make her life worse than death without killing her..."
Zhan Xincheng said coldly, "That won’t do. My son was exiled to Ningguta because of her. If she were killed by someone, the investigation could easily lead to me. I want her death to be justified and public."
He first planned to eliminate Zhan Lan, and then Beicang would be next.
As for his father, Zhan Xinzhang, he had raised him after all, so he would not directly kill him.
However, he wanted his father to witness Beicang’s death in person, and thinking of this, Zhan Xincheng felt a sense of balance.
Ouyang Song chuckled sinisterly, "No wonder, your son’s issue is indeed infuriating. How much silver are you prepared to offer for Zhan Lan’s life?"
Zhan Xincheng held up one hand.
Ouyang Song scoffed, "Please don’t joke, Xincheng. I’ve heard of the woman you speak of. She’s no ordinary person. Under the Emperor’s watch, my man, during the competition, had to pay fifty thousand taels of silver to kill a man who had achieved first-class merit?"
Zhan Xincheng knew Ouyang Song was always profit-oriented, and with gritted teeth, he said, "Then make it one hundred thousand taels of silver."
Ouyang Song finally relented, "Alright, it so happens that my son is also participating in the Martial Arts Examination. Accidents happen in fights; life and death are predestined. Just let it be a mishap that takes Zhan Lan’s life."
Zhan Xincheng quickly asked, "How come it’s your eldest son? Isn’t the senior disciple Hei Yu around?"
Ouyang Song waved dismissively, "He has left the sect. What? Can’t my son handle a woman?"
Zhan Xincheng thought about it; although Hei Yu was not around, Ouyang Qingming, the eldest son, had received the true teachings of Ouyang Song and should not fail.
Thus, he took out the silver note amounting to one hundred thousand taels prepared earlier and nodded, "It’s not that, I only worry about Zhan Lan being cunning and potentially harming your eldest son."
Ouyang Song disdainfully said, "She’s hardly capable of that!"
...
After Zhan Lan returned to the backyard, she completely ignored Madam Li, angering her severely due to her attitude, but since she had forced Zhan Lan towards marriage first, it was probably genuine anger, thus causing her to act this way.
Zhan Lan returned to her room to get ointments as earlier in the morning, she and Zhan Hui had sparred, causing him to injure his wrist.
While she was on her way to deliver the medicine to Zhan Hui, passing by Beicang’s study, she overheard his voice.
"You see, Madam Li and Lan’er living together in such a small house in the backyard, I always feel guilty towards my deceased brother."
Next, Qin Shuang’s voice said, "Lan’er is pitiable, growing up without a father, and Madam Li has been widowed for years. It seems her temperament changed after waking up this time, why would she think of forcing Lan’er into marriage?"
Beicang sighed, "I see Rou’er doesn’t like Lan’er either. She was upset with me about this before, and I’ve been thinking about buying them a separate mansion and hiring some reliable servants to make me feel more at ease."
Qin Shuang said soothingly, "Rou’er does get a bit petty, jealous when we treat other children well. Maybe separating is a good idea... just not sure if Lan’er would agree."
Hearing their conversation, Zhan Lan rushed forward, her eyes souring and her throat tightening.
Her hands trembled as she held the ointment; so her real parents, just to pander to Zhan Xuerou’s emotions, actually wanted to split from her.
With a heavy heart, Zhan Lan walked towards her elder brother’s courtyard.
So much so that by the time she reached the doorway, Zhan Hui, who saw her, went unnoticed by Zhan Lan.
"Lan, what’s wrong?" Zhan Hui quickly approached her, asking.
Zhan Lan recovered her senses and smiled, "Nothing, just a bit tired."
She handed the ointment to Zhan Hui, "Big brother, don’t forget to apply this on your wrist morning and night."
Zhan Hui smiled and nodded, "Alright, I’ll follow your advice."
Zhan Lan casually asked, "How are you and Chu Yin doing lately?"
Zhan Hui pursed his lips, "She said she’s willing to wait for me..."
Zhan Lan raised an eyebrow, "Impressive, big brother, directly turning my handkerchief into your fiancée. If you two get married, guess you’ll have to thank me, the matchmaker, right?"
Zhan Hui’s ears turned red as he bowed, "I’ll definitely have to thank my sister properly!"
Zhan Lan left Zhan Hui’s courtyard with a smile, her expression immediately turning somber.
Proud and haughty, she didn’t want to wait until her father spoke up; rather than having them propose it, she preferred to leave on her own.
If her father thought of buying her a mansion, she’d rather find one herself.
In fact, she had considered setting up her own household before; after all, the backyard was too small, and if Xiao Chen sent messages, being caught by Madam Li would be unwelcome.
Now that she had the silver and the capability to establish her own household,
Zhan Lan went with Liu Xi to view mansions, uninspired by several.
They were either too large and ostentatious or too small and rundown; none were to her liking.
After a day of searching for residences, Zhan Lan and Liu Xi, with aching feet, headed home.
Before even entering the house, they heard Madam Li’s voice, "Xiao Tao, where did your mistress disappear to?"
Xiao Tao stammered, "Madam, I don’t know."
Madam Li shoved Xiao Tao, "What use are you if you know nothing!"
Xiao Tao staggered backward, and Zhan Lan steadied her from behind.
"What are you doing?" Zhan Lan’s gaze coldly met Madam Li’s.
Madam Li angrily said, "What’s the matter, a servant now that I can’t hit or scold, become a young lady of nobility?"
