Chapter 63: I’ll Find A Chance To Kill You Later!
Du Shiniang’s appearance was still somewhat inferior to Xinghong’s, but her looks were also rare and exceptional. In later generations, she would at least be rated at the campus beauty level.
Especially the temperament she exuded made Cao Weida extremely satisfied.
Xinghong was the small family jade type, while Du Shiniang was pure and ethereal, like blooming white snow, pristine and free of dust, giving one a desire to conquer her.
He couldn’t help but imagine in his mind the scene of Du Shiniang yielding to him in his arms—it was simply too wonderful!
With his index finger itching, just as he was about to explore further, Third Sister-in-law’s knocking came from outside:
“Cao’er, come out quickly. It’s broad daylight, not yet time to enter the bridal chamber. Wait a bit later; there will be plenty of time for you young couple to be intimate.”
The slightly teasing words made Du Shiniang blush furiously. She retracted her hand as if electrocuted and buried her face in the bedding, clearly too embarrassed to face anyone.
Cao Weida turned back helplessly, looking at Third Sister-in-law leaning against the doorframe, and said with a wry smile: “Third Sister-in-law, what are you saying? I’m just cultivating feelings with Shi Niang.”
“Yes, yes, yes, consider it you cultivating feelings.” Third Sister-in-law covered her mouth laughing and walked over gracefully, pushing him out with both hands.
“There will be plenty of time tonight to cultivate slowly. You, go entertain the guests quickly. If you stay longer, it won’t be proper. You’re the main character; without you showing up, how can the guests continue?”
“Hurry up; leave this to me.”
Fine, time to go out.
“I’ll have someone send food later. You’re tired; serve it and eat some together with Shi Niang.”
“Alright, I know you care about women. Hurry off.” Third Sister-in-law giggled.
After arranging for Du Shiniang, Cao Weida left reluctantly, the faint fragrance of her body still lingering at the tip of his nose.
After he left, Third Sister-in-law teased Du Shiniang: “See, didn’t Saozi tell you? Cao’er is a guy who knows how to care for people. His character is impeccable, and he can make money too. You just wait to enjoy blessings from now on.”
Du Shiniang, face buried in the quilt, responded with a mosquito-like hum. Third Sister-in-law sighed and continued:
“In these times, being good-looking isn’t always a good thing. With all the war and chaos, if you married an ordinary person, who knows what trouble might come up someday.”
“Though we’re not fated to be the main wife, following a family like Cao’er’s is still a kind of fortune.”
Du Shiniang slowly lifted her head, sorrow flashing in her eyes, along with relief.
Tell me, which woman wants to be someone’s concubine?
But reality is often like this: in prosperous times, beauty is an advantage, but in chaotic times, a woman without power or influence, especially if pretty, isn’t advantaged—it’s a source of disaster.
Why did the opera troupe buy her?
Wasn’t it because they saw she was delicate and, through bone fortune-telling, knew she’d grow into a beauty, so they signed her?
These opera house owners and pleasure place runners are all experts at bone-reading and physiognomy.
Now being favored by Master Cao is already a great stroke of luck for her.
Outside.
“Yōshi, Master Sang, greetings. What brings you today…” Duomen cupped his hands, but his eyes glanced at the gift box Sang Liuji was carrying.
Sang Liuji smiled and handed over the gift box. “Master Duo, this isn’t brotherly of you. We’ve worked together for so many years—we’re brothers.”
“Today your disciple Cao’er is taking a new wife; you should’ve at least notified me. I just heard from someone else and rushed over in a hurry. Hope I didn’t miss the time?”
Duomen was stunned for a moment, then smiled and took it: “What are you saying? We’ve been considerate of how busy you are these days with official duties. We didn’t want to interfere with the Imperial Army’s tasks, right? Forgive us, forgive us. Please, come in.”
Normally, he’d brush it off with a couple words, but today was Cao’er’s big day, so Duomen couldn’t easily dismiss him.
After all, the man had observed the proprieties.
“That’s too distant, isn’t it? Who are we to each other—pure brothers!” Sang Liuji showed no outsider demeanor, laughing heartily as he draped an arm around Duomen’s shoulder and walked inside.
Duomen’s mouth twitched, feeling utterly disgusted inside. Who the hell is brothers with you? We’re not the same kind of people!
Thick-skinned climber—does he think I don’t know he only rushed over after seeing Cao’er familiar with Ono Shiota and them?
“Haha, yes, yes, yes. Please sit inside; the banquet’s about to start. Eat and drink well. Master Lian, entertain him.”
“Sorry about this; I still need to stand guard here. I’ll drink with you later!”
“That’s a deal; I’ll wait for you!” Sang Liuji waved with a full smile, but as they passed, he secretly spat—what thing!
“Cao’er, when did you get involved with Xiaguang Garden?”
Cao Weida had just come out when Duomen pulled him aside and handed him a list, clucking:
“Look at this—quite the generous gift!”
“Two fifty-year ginseng roots, piles of deer antler, bird’s nest, sea cucumber, and five gold bars!”
“Yōshi, so generous?” Cao Weida raised an eyebrow. That woman Han Lu sure went all out.
“Who says otherwise? Cao’er, she wouldn’t be asking you to help them with something, would she?” Worry in Duomen’s eyes,
“Cao’er, we can’t do those no-asshole son things.”
“Master Duo, what are you thinking? Am I that kind of person?” Cao Weida gave a wry smile and whispered the story in his ear: “Here’s what happened…”
“Oh~~ So that’s it.” Duomen gave him a strange look. “You sneaky kid—quietly snagged next year’s courtesan.”
“I’ve heard of Xinghong’s fame early on. Plenty of dignitaries and nobles have been eyeing her. Didn’t expect you to take the whole pot.”
“No wonder you didn’t come back last night—you were out having fun.” Here, Duomen laughed and cursed jealously:
“You kid enjoying yourself while dumping all the work on your Master Duo. Is it you taking a wife or me?”
Cao Weida said nothing, just grinned sheepishly, making Duomen roll his eyes.
“Right, a bunch of kids just came, saying you told them to come help?”
“Yeah, street orphans. Felt sorry for them. We have some skills, so consider it accumulating merit.”
“At least you kid have a conscience.” Duomen smiled approvingly. This was the Cao’er he knew.
People need some humanity.
If everyone was like that bastard Sang Liuji, China would really be done for.
“Where are those kids?”
“There, helping Master He. You know, though small, they work without slacking.”
Cao Weida looked where Duomen pointed—sure enough, the little ones were washing dishes, carrying water, and one fifteen- or sixteen-year-old trailing behind Tian Zao, fawning.
Hmm?!
He Yuzhu?
Cao Weida was speechless. The kid was precocious in looks, and apparently in mind too.
Unfortunately, the flower has feelings, but the water flows heartless. Tian Zao wasn’t pleased by the fawning; she looked annoyed.
With her temper, if not for this being Cao Weida’s home and a wedding day, she’d have given He Yuzhu two black eyes for sure.
He Daqing, busy stir-frying, seemed to sense the gaze, turned to look, then followed Cao Weida’s line of sight.
Smack~~
He Daqing’s face turned iron-blue; he slapped He Yuzhu on the head. “You little brat, I told you to help, and you’re playing around here?”
“Go dump the swill right now! Slack off again, and I’ll beat you to death!”
He Yuzhu, not yet evolved into the later generations’ siheyuan war god, pouted aggrievedly. He’d been working the whole time, okay?
But facing his dad’s murderous glare, he didn’t dare retort and scurried off to dump the swill.
Cao Weida chuckled silently. He saw it: He Daqing wasn’t mad about no work, but about losing face in his benefactor’s home.
Shaking his head, he ignored it. “Master Duo, entertain outside first. I’ll go keep Ono Shiota and those little devils company.”
“Shh~~ Are you suicidal?!” Duomen jumped, quickly scanning around. “That mouth of yours—if they heard, you’d be done for?!”
“Heh, slipped out.” Cao Weida scratched his head dryly and bolted into the house.
Had to say, Master He’s craftsmanship was top-notch. Fengze Garden’s head chef lived up to the name.
Most guests were lowly patrolmen, few had been to big restaurants. They ate wildly.
Ono Shiota and them naturally weren’t at the table with lowly patrolmen; they were in a separate room. Including Cao Weida, just seven people.
“Here, Ono-kun, a toast to you, thanks for taking care of this lowly one! Without your care, there’d be no Cao Weida today. No more words needed—look ahead!”
Damn it, wait another year or so, when you’re useless, I’ll find a chance to kill you!
“Yōshi, Cao Sang, we’re friends. Friends should help each other. You’re too polite.” Ono Shiota, flushed from drink, was modest in words but smug on his face.
The food was great; he ate heartily, way better than Empire’s sushi.
Pity no women to accompany—otherwise perfect.
“That’s your broad mind. We can’t forget gratitude. Here, Fujita-kun, a toast to you too…”
You won’t escape either!
Damn, don’t think I don’t know you wanted to kill me then for a new white glove!
“Bureau Chief Xu, let’s drink. Without your discerning eye, I’d still be a little patrolman. No more words—all in the wine!”
This damn one needs some warming up. Not bad, can be befriended.
After the little devils left, he seemed to join the Confidential Bureau but lived until after Liberation.
