[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-i-am-the-xu-family-s-son":3,"chapter-i-am-the-xu-family-s-son-i-am-the-xu-family-s-son-chapter-97":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","I Am the Xu Family's Son",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2307875,4510,"Chapter 97: Fragile, Unable to Save Herself【Thank You All for Your Support","i-am-the-xu-family-s-son-chapter-97",97,"\u003Cp>Most passersby merely glanced, but upon seeing the men dressed in silk surrounding a woman, they pretended not to notice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some curious onlookers stood aside to watch, but offered no help.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few who could not bear it tried to intervene, only to be stopped by their wives or elders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who knew what powerful figures stood behind such well-dressed people?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing glanced from his horse, about to order Qingyun to handle it, when—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh!!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A scream rang out from the alley.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A woman rushed out, clutching her clothes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She passed directly in front of Xu Zaijing’s horse, causing the steed to nearly spook.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Xu family’s horses continued forward, blocking the exit from the alley.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young men chasing her were abruptly halted by the Xu family’s mounts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the attire of the riders on horseback, some sharp-eyed youths swallowed their curses and tried to detour, though a few still opened their mouths to insult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, they were used to bullying people in Bianjing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing gently tugged the reins; his horse obediently stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A single glance silenced the would-be insulter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The men had no choice but to detour a short distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man who had screamed inside the alley now stumbled out, rubbing his belly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You little pest, singing in a brothel—why play the virtuous one with me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The woman had already reached the street, running while glancing back; when she saw the noble youth on horseback blocking her pursuers, her eyes lit up and her thoughts turned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mmm~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The woman stumbled onto the street, rose, then hurriedly covered her clothes again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bystanders on the roadside, especially men,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>some quickly turned away, avoiding improper sights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>others turned away but stole glances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most instantly brightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wow!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, so big!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“White!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some even stroked their beards, scanning the fallen woman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason was simple:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>when she rose, her garment had slightly parted, revealing a corner of her full green belly-band.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The belly-band was emerald green, contrasting vividly with her fair skin, strikingly alluring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though not a stunning beauty, the woman was above average, especially her eyes—deeply sympathetic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just looking at her, you felt genuine emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young nobleman who had emerged from the alley, rubbing his belly, froze mid-motion, eyes locked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gah!!! Catch her! You little tart, how dare you be so seductive!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I must tame this enchantress!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What are you staring at? Riding a horse and acting high and mighty? Get out of my way!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because she had fallen, the woman rose slowly, as if dazed; seeing the men closing in, she edged toward Xu Zaijing’s horse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaiend could only urge his horse backward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing someone step forward, those in the crowd who disapproved began voicing their objections.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The woman, still clutching her collar, summoned her emotions and gazed pitifully at the Xu brothers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She seemed fully immersed in her role—the fallen beauty rescued by a hero.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But no one applauded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had indeed made eye contact—but with Xu Zaijing’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing’s vision was sharp; he had seen every flicker of her gaze in those few breaths, especially before she fell!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A woman fleeing for her life wouldn’t have time to study the brothers’ clothing, would she?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wouldn’t she just run as far as possible?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So when she looked to Xu Zaijing for pity, she met eyes bright with mockery—no compassion, no curiosity, no lust, only scorn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The woman froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was nothing like what she encountered on stage!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ignoring Xu Zaijing’s gaze, she cried: “Help! Help! Hero, save me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaiend watched, captivated; he looked up and met his younger brother’s impatient stare. Xu Zaijing looked back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaiend read warning in his brother’s eyes—and saw Xu Zaijing’s slight headshake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Which family are you from? Snatching a common woman in the street?” Qingyun barked from horseback.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Me? My father is Commander Li Gang of the Tianwu Army Camp! I advise you—don’t meddle just because you’ve got money!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing glanced at his elder brother: “Is there such a person?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There was. Drank the soldiers’ blood—got dragged off.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go home. Prepare for your father’s funeral.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You little brat, your mouth—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Crack!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The whip lashed across his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clutched his cheek, too stunned to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingyun retracted his whip: “Clean up your tongue!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The woman, now standing, saw Qingyun’s action—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>her eyes brightened further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingyun’s attire clearly marked him as a servant, yet he acted so boldly—beating the son of a Tianwu Army Commander without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young men accompanying Li Gang’s son, quick to read the signs, began stepping aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You lot, leave this woman alone—don’t bring trouble upon yourselves!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingyun glanced at Xu Zaijing; Xu Zaijing lightly spurred his horse and rode away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The commander’s son opened his mouth to speak, but his companions silently pointed to the Xu brothers’ personal guards behind them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could only leave grumbling: “Damn bastard, cursing my father! Ouch, that was brutal!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his master’s motion, Qingyun called from horseback:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You little woman, I’ve driven off your harassers—why aren’t you leaving?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The woman ignored Qingyun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She quickened her pace and chased after the Xu brothers:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Master! Your servant thanks you for your rescue! Without you, I would have lost my purity! Your great kindness—I cannot repay you! Young Master! Wait for me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Miss, cease your pursuit, or you’ll bring trouble upon yourself,” Qingyun said, then spurred his horse with several Hou Fu retainers to catch up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing slowed his horse ahead, waved Qingyun over, and whispered into his ear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingyun nodded firmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing she couldn’t catch up, the woman slowed her pace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She begged a length of hemp rope from the roadside, tied it around her waist to secure her clothes, glanced at the direction, and followed them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingyun halted his horse mid-path, watching the distant figure trailing behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clicked his tongue, shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he pulled his horse to the roadside and nodded toward a few idle men in the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The men understood something was afoot and hurried over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingyun tossed them a few strings of copper coins, pointed back, and spoke briefly to their leader.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The men snatched the coins, bowed respectfully, and nodded repeatedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing and his elder brother reached Quyuanjie, entered the gate, and saw Gu’s carriage parked near the stable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the main lady’s courtyard, they found Qingcao chatting with Qingzhi at the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She hurriedly bowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When did you arrive, sister?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just recently, Young Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The brothers entered the main hall, bowed, and Xu Zaijing sat on a side chair, watching his silent mother and sister, blinking to urge them to continue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, the courtyard has grown quiet?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Mother. Your son-in-law says he’s preparing for the imperial exam after the New Year and can’t be disturbed—so lately, the entire Hou Fu has been calm. But—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yi Jie has seen less of the Marquis lately, and she’s slowly begun missing her father.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sigh, what a mess this is! Your mother-in-law has been deeply troubled lately—you should go comfort her more, don’t add to her burdens!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mother, rest assured, I’ll do exactly that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Big brother, Xiao Wu, where did you two go today?\" Pingmei asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing said: \"Let Mother explain.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your father has held his military post long enough—he’s gotten the lay of the land by now, and today he moved to reorganize,\" Sun Shi said, glancing at Pingmei.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pingmei immediately asked: \"I’ve heard these past days that the Bao family, relatives by marriage to the Hu Yan clan, aren’t they under Father’s command? Has something bad happened?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing said: \"Big sister, it’s nothing. That commander just barely made it into the tent on time—he only shook a bit from riding too long on horseback.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pingmei looked at her mother and her elder brother, then her eyes flickered as she said: \"Yes, with distant relatives like that, we really shouldn’t cut ties completely.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Shi smiled slightly at her husband—her father-in-law had only informed the Bao family when he rode out to the Tianwu Army; if the Bao general made it to roll call, he must have galloped all the way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pingmei ate her meal at the Xu household,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Shi then selected several fine gifts bestowed by the Empress from the family treasury and gave them to Pingmei to take to the Gu household, along with an invitation for Bai Shi to visit the Xu home more often.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day, news of the Tianwu Army’s reorganization spread throughout Bianjing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the twelfth lunar month, as the New Year approached, many officers had been imprisoned and punished, and many families were entangled—it was no small matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several families had seen changes in their marriage arrangements due to this: some had fallen into decline, others had risen in status.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With changed social standings, naturally, things had shifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some censor-officials had submitted memorials accusing Xu Minghua of stirring up trouble for no reason at year’s end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Minghua was about to speak,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>when the Duke of Ying directly bowed in court and asked the censor:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When war breaks out, do you pick the date?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The censor replied: \"It’s the end of the year—can’t they just have a good New Year with their families?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’ll post one chapter first,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wrote from ten last night until two forty this morning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wrote skipping ahead—my mind’s a mess right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If there are typos or awkward phrasing, please leave a comment; I’ll fix them when I wake up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This chapter has been lightly edited and posted this morning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The remaining six thousand characters will be posted after the author sleeps and revises them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Should be out before twelve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tomorrow will likely begin the prelude to the main plot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Remaining tip balance: 2000 Qidian coins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It might take until the day after tomorrow to hit ten thousand, since it’s a major pacing chapter—I’m afraid cutting it now would sever an artery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I accidentally posted it as public by mistake—my head’s scrambled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1662,"2026-06-20T10:32:38.675Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","0e531a582efead2eaf012fbf65ef5aed8438e88f3dde2ffdf1aa9cc4aec00e45","i-am-the-xu-family-s-son-chapter-98","i-am-the-xu-family-s-son-chapter-96",790,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fi-am-the-xu-family-s-son-cover.jpg"]