Gong Xiaohua walked quickly over, kicking over the person dragging Gou Dan.
The other person smashed against the door sill behind him, hurting him enough to yell loudly: “Ow! The pain, who sneak attacked me? Do you know who we are?”
Gong Xiaohua was too lazy to bother with him. She pulled Gou Dan to the side, placing the medicinal materials in her hand next to him and urging him to watch them.
Then, using her hand like a blade, slashing and kicking, she knocked over and beat up all the others until they were sprawled on the ground, crying out loudly.
“Who are you? I advise you not to interfere in other people's business, otherwise you’ll regret it.”
“Sis Xiaohua, don’t bother with them, these people are nasty.” Gou Dan shouted.
”It's okay, Gou Dan.”
“Little b*tch, don't blame the young master if we don't go easy on you today.”
“Boss, this person looks a little familiar. It's like we've seen her somewhere before?”
"You coward, when have we ever suffered such humiliation! Get her!"
Just as he finished talking, they rushed towards Gong Xiaohua. But before they even got close, she had kicked them all away in just a few moves.
"Is this all you can do to cause trouble? If you dare come again, I'll beat you every time I see you. Now scram!"
Seeing that they were no match for her, they immediately lost their nerve. "Let’s go!" And fled in defeat.
After seeing the ruffians run away, several children gathered around. "Sis Xiaohua!”
”There, there.” Gong Xiaohua stroked the head of the youngest child.
Her younger biological brothers came over calling “Sis!”.
“Yes?”
“You guys okay?”
”All okay.”
"Xiaohua, what are you doing here?" Gong Dafu came over and asked.
“I had some things to take care of in town today and dropped by to see how you guys are doing. Who were those people earlier? Do they come here to make trouble often?”
"Those men are the profligate sons of respectable families in the capital and soldiers from the Xiyuan Army barracks. They wander the streets when they have nothing better to do, bullying common folk for fun.”
“And no one stops them?”
“They’re from powerful families, no ordinary person dares provoke them over some commoners. After Xiao Nan lost the use of his leg, there’s been no one here to look out for the place, so they just come and go as they please now.”
“I’ll start coming around more often from now on.”
“That would be great. At least they won’t dare cause any more trouble.”
“How’s business these days? Still doing alright?”
"Business has always been good. I’m planning to open another branch soon."
"Sis Xiaohua, our business is booming too! We rented the shop space next door and now run all kinds of ventures!" Gou Dan said proudly.
"Don't let his age fool you, Xiaohua. Gou Dan has a real head for business. He buys up exotic goods from outside traders, stockpiles them, and has people sell them off later at a nice profit. Made quite a bit that way." Gong Dafu laughed.
”Clever boy.”
"Sis Xiaohua, I got a good deal on a beautiful fur coat recently. I've been saving it to give to you for winter. It's sure to keep you nice and warm!"
"You’re all grown up now, Xiaohua. No need for children to buy you things. Just be good and grow up proper.”
“Sis Xiaohua, if it weren’t for you, there would be no us. You're like family, it's only right that we take care of you." The children looked hopefully at Gong Xiaohua.
Seeing this, Gong Xiaohua didn’t have the heart to refuse. "Alright, Sis will take this kindness, but no more spending money on me from now on, or I’ll get angry!”
”Okay, okay!”
"Gou Dan, no more business for today. Close up shop and rest these next few days.”
”Yes Sis.”
"It’s gotten late, I should head back now. I’ll come visit when I have time. If anything comes up, you can come find me at the Qins'."
”Thank you!”
As soon as Gong Xiaohua got back to the Qin manor, the steward told her Madam Qin was summoning her to the Fu Yun Academy.
Seeing that Gong Xiaohua had returned, Third Madam Qin complained, “After you came this morning and ate, you disappeared the whole day. A few of us waited here for you a long time.”
“I had to step out to handle something. What did you need?”
“I told Xiu Niang to take your measurements for some new clothes. The Hungry Ghost Festival is coming up soon, followed by the Princess’ banquet.”
“A banquet? No time, not going.”
“Don’t worry. It’s on your day off. Won't interfere with anything.”
“I still have plenty of clothes, no need for more.”
“You call those outfits of yours proper clothes? Not a single decent cheongsam.
Gong Xiaohua ?
After taking her measurements, Mama Li led in nearly ten unfamiliar women, some older, some younger.
“These are your new personal maids, servant girls, and housekeeper. Take them back with you.”
“There’s no need. The servants on Qin Chu’s side are enough. I don’t need more.”
“They’re all little errand boys. Not suitable for certain things. As the Qin family’s Fifth Lady, you can’t possibly have only a couple servants around. How embarrassing when you go out!”
“In the future, just order these maids to handle things. You don't always have to do them yourself.”
Gong Xiaohua: “One will be enough.”
“Take two. One for daily needs, another outside the house to run messages.”
“Do as you like.”
In the end, Madam Qin picked a tall, dexterous young woman, and a good natured looking granny.
Just then, the steward’s voice came from outside. “Madam, there’s someone from the Zhou family here to take the young miss back with them.”
“Hmph, suddenly so eager huh. Tell them I’m not going back unless they bring a divorce decree!”
“But his Old Ladyship already brought them in...”
“Nosing in where she shouldn’t. I can’t believe the audacity.”
“Younger sister, you shouldn’t talk like that. There’s an old saying that a couple should counsel harmony not separation. Chuqin has stayed at her maternal family’s long enough. Time she went back or it'll affect the newlywed’s affection.”
The Qin family matriarch came in from outside, followed by several Zhou aunties, one of whom was Madam Zhou’s confidant.
“When was it any of your business to interfere in my household matters?”
“I’m just concerned about my niece. Plus his Old Lordship already knows about this situation and said to bring Chuqin back to the Zhou family.”
“Using Father to threaten me?”
“I wouldn’t dare. These were his exact words. I’m only here as the messenger.”
“Eldest daughter-in-law, you should come back with us. Eldest Young Master still misses you dearly. All couples have tiffs.” Madam Zhou’s confidant said.
“Who do you think you are to be speaking here?”
“I...”
“Younger sister, you can’t defy Father’s wishes, can you?”
“So what if I do?”
“Then we’ll have to send someone more convincing.”
“You!”
“Come, bring Second Miss back to the Zhou house.”
Just as Madam Qin finished talking, several guards from Qin Xiang’s side came in, all highly capable men.
“You dare!”
“Pardon me, my lady.”
As the guards approached Qin Chuqin, Gong Xiaohua blocked their path.
“Fifth Lady, please don’t make this difficult for me. We’re only following orders.”
“You follow your orders, I obstruct mine. Where’s the difficulty? Let’s see if you can take her without going through me first."
The guards exchanged looks. “Excuse us!”
And so, Gong Xiaohua fought with the guards while everyone else watched wide-eyed and mouth agape, swallowing nervously at the intimidating scene. “Eldest Fifth really is fierce, even daring to fight Father’s men!”
