Chapter 1256: Loyal Dog Shou Rearing Rules 20

Zhou Guide was invited from the front courtyard, and "just in time" he saw this scene; he immediately stroked his beard and sighed.

"You little brat, it's good the marriage wasn't completely broken off; from now on, as the young master of the Xu Manor, you must discipline yourself and observe propriety, or you'll bring shame to Yu'er and the Xu Manor."

He spoke so fast he didn't give Zhou Zhihong a chance to react.

Immediately the hall erupted in an uproar.

Young Master Zhou actually is going to become the Xu Family's live‑in young lord!

"Dad! What nonsense are you spouting!" Zhou Zhihong stared in disbelief, furious inside that this old fool was more than enough to ruin things—he was practically a stumbling block on his path to success!

"Hmph, with your current state you could still become the Xu Manor's son‑in‑law young lord—go ahead and gloat, otherwise I'll see how you'll fall flat on your face later!"

Since learning that his son's body now houses a demon, Zhou Guide has stopped reflecting on his own failure to educate him; clearly his son is the best.

Zhou Guide flicked his sleeves and left, saying, "This matter is not up for discussion; if you're unwilling or try to escape the marriage, from now on you're no longer a member of my Zhou family, and don't even think about remaining a carefree young lord—go be a beggar!"

Humiliation.

This is outright humiliation!

Zhou Zhihong's eyes reddened with anger as he glared fiercely at Xu Huaiyu, "Are you doing this on purpose? If you can't win by clinging and fighting, you resort to this! You're truly despicable!"

The surroundings instantly filled with sharp intakes of breath; everyone wished they'd come without ears, otherwise who knows how they'll be investigated later.

Xu Huaiyu pressed his fingers, restraining the urge to slap; this body isn't a demon's—it must be defeated from within.

He lifted his head, forced a smile, imitating his cousin's arrogant demeanor: "Before the wedding you can scold me however you like, but I warn you—if you dare act this way after marriage, my Xu family will never let the people of the inner courtyard get away with it."

"By the way, there's one more thing I need to remind you of."

Xu Huaiyu's tone hid a sharp edge, and he gritted his teeth.

Even after learning from Uncle Zhou that Aunt still hasn't given permission for those concubines to serve, deep down he still minds it.

"Those concubines and maidservants you brought back to your courtyard—I've dismissed them all; as the young master of the Xu Manor, doing otherwise would be improper."

"Punishment is waived; just don't repeat it. As for the Drunken Dream Pavilion—it was also set up with Zhou family silver, so consider it part of your dowry. From tomorrow you needn't worry about it; leave it to the Xu Manor staff to manage."

Zhou Zhihong's face turned black; with so many eyes on him and the brother‑sister pair in the shadows pressing him, he couldn't waste more time arguing—he had to swallow this silent loss.

Those around also silently remarked, "No wonder he's the Heir Apparent's cousin—his manner is practically the same line!"

Jin Chen had no idea his gaze was being muttered about; he led his personal guard to sit, watching Zhou Zhihong rush to block Xu Huaiyu in front of him, hurling even dirtier insults at Zhou Zhihong, but it was all useless.

Truly pitiful.

"Master, have some tea."

Yajiu had no interest in anything concerning his master or outside the royal manor; he added tea with practiced ease, his brows and eyes gentle.

Like a sheathed poisonous blade, its softer side is shown only to Jin Chen.

"Sit and keep me company." Jin Chen patted the pear‑wood chair beside him, his tone aloof: "If you stand too long your legs will ache, and then you'll have to call the manor doctor."

It's just standing for a moment—how could your legs hurt?

Yajiu's lips curled into a faint smile as he obediently sat down; the moment he settled, a strong arm slipped around his waist, and he relaxed slightly, as if leaning on Jin Chen.

He had tested it before; the master seemed especially fond of this pose.

The master likes it, so he does too.

Sure enough, Jin Chen happily embraced the person, tossed a green plum to eat, kept watching the show, and then mused inwardly: since Zhou Zhihong's soul has already condensed, returning to his body can't be far off.

We should take this chance to give him a good scare!

His gaze held a hint of ill intent, fixed on Zhou Zhihong without moving, making him look unfocused and dazed.

Yajiu looked puzzled, while Zhou Zhihong looked terrified.

How can I feel that Elder Brother Chen can see me! Is it an illusion?

Zhou Zhihong stepped a little closer, then raised his hand to wave in front of Jin Chen's eyes; seeing no reaction, he thought he just wasn't close enough.

Thus Jin Chen watched wide‑eyed as he drew nearer and nearer, until half of his body had already stepped onto the table platform, making it look as if he'd been cut in half.

Jin Chen: "……"

Enough, you're scaring him too much.

He turned to his personal guard and said, "Later, after we return to the manor, have the steward summon a few female shamans."

Yajiu blinked, "Ah…?"

"What does the master want the shamans for?"

Jin Chen was very solemn, "Exorcise evil spirits—today this Heir Apparent has actually seen a ghost."

Zhou Zhihong: "……"

"So you really can see me!"

He burst into loud sobs, unable to recall how long it's been since he last spoke to anyone.

"Elder Brother Chen! These past months I've suffered terribly!"

He began to chatter on, as if he had endless things to say.

Jin Chen, whose ears were bearing the brunt of the disaster, closed his eyes and whispered through clenched teeth.

"If you keep yelling, you'll never be able to return to your body."

Zhou Zhihong immediately shut his mouth, not forgetting to add, "Elder Brother Chen, remember to tell Yu'er that I've always been by his side."

Jin Chen grabbed Yajiu's hand and pressed it to his temples, "Got it."

Zhou Zhihong was overjoyed and floated back to Xu Huaiyu's side.

Yajiu was extremely worried; the master really had seen a ghost and now started talking nonsense to the air.

When Jin Chen turned around, all he saw was Yajiu's look that defied description.

As if looking at a fool.

Jin Chen immediately frowned, defending himself: "This Heir Apparent has not been spouting nonsense."

"Mm, I believe you, master." Yajiu comforted him.

Jin Chen: "……"

Damn little guard.

He pulled Yajiu's shoulder into his embrace, his tone dangerous, "Clearly you don't believe me, yet you dare to lie to me."

Yajiu, already practiced, found a comfortable posture to lean on, looked up at him, and whispered, "Master, don't worry, Wancheng City surely has a powerful spirit medium; she'll recover soon."

Jin Chen pinched his face in anger, "I saw Zhou Zhihong's soul, not a ghost."

So that's how it is.

Yajiu quickly accepted, but his focus lay……

"Master… you and Young Master Zhou have a good relationship, that's why his soul can be seen by you."

The concern and loss in his tone, he himself hadn't noticed, but it was utterly obvious.

"What, are you jealous?"

Jin Chen finally laughed out loud, hugging the little guard and rubbing his cheeks, "Just a special talent; in all of Yangzhou, only Xiao Nine could catch the Heir Apparent's eye."

A brief sentence successfully made Yajiu forget the earlier unpleasantness.

His eyes barely concealed shyness, his heart fluttered, "Master, you're joking."

"Nonsense, this Heir Apparent never jokes."

【Detected Villain Heartthrob Value 5, accumulated 53!】

Jin Chen played with Yajiu's hand, his fingertip rubbing the thin callus formed over years from hidden weapons, wondering.

The Blackening Value just wouldn't budge.