Chapter 91: The Marquis Gives You a Slap

It was just that Qin Keqing probably sensed his ill will and became even less willing to come to his side.

Jia Rong's complexion flushed; Qin Keqing had told him that Jia Zhen had overstepped some bounds, so he roughly knew some of the situation.

How could a father‑in‑law always have his daughter‑in‑law come to his side to serve!

Even once, when Qin Keqing was bathing in the room, Jia Zhen pretended not to see and tried to barge in.

Jia Rong naturally did not want her daughter‑in‑law to be humiliated, but Jia Zhen in Dong Fu has always been absolute.

He also often beats his own son; being so terrified of Jia Zhen, he truly does not dare to oppose him in the slightest.

Jia Rong wore a trace of timidity on her face, lowered her head, and stammered:

"Qin Shi has gone home! I heard Zhong Ge'er say that her father's health has been poor these days, so she returned home to visit him and may not be back for a few more days."

Jia Zhen heard this and became furious; having just drunk, a certain lewdness was stirring in his heart, and the matter with Jia Jing had frightened him, so he was about to seek pleasure and vent.

Who would have thought that at this moment, the daughter‑in‑law he had been longing for had actually gone home—simply absurd!

Jia Zhen stared at Jia Rong, his tone extremely displeased, and said:

"Since she is already a married woman, how can she keep running back to her natal home every few days!"

"I don't care what method you use; tomorrow you must bring Qin Shi back. My body has been a bit unwell these past two days, so let her come here to attend to me."

If it weren't already night, Jia Zhen would have whatever it takes made Jia Rong go today to fetch Qin Keqing back.

He understood in his heart that Qin Keqing's return home was mostly to avoid him; this was not the first time she had used an excuse to go back to her natal home!

Each time he pressed her a bit, Qin Keqing would find a reason to stay at her natal home for a few days.

But the beauty he coveted in Dong Fu has not yet been able to escape his grasp.

Even if she is his own daughter‑in‑law, who would dare to utter a single 'no'!

He had also roughly figured out Qin Keqing's temperament; she is a meek, submissive type.

This time she returns, he will completely break her defensive mindset, accomplish his aim, taste the flavor of his daughter‑in‑law, and make her know that no one in Dong Fu can defy his will.

When Jia Zhen thought of this, his heart grew increasingly heated, imagining Qin Shi's enchanting beauty and the thrill of the taboo, giving him a fresh excitement and impulsiveness he seldom felt.

As for what Jia Rong thought, he simply did not care.

Jia Rong saw Jia Zhen's displeased expression and felt a hint of fear in her heart.

But recalling Qin Keqing's repeated pleas to her, she steadied herself, knelt on the ground, and implored:

"Lord! Qin Shi's visiting her father is an act of filial piety; could you allow her a few days, and after a few days, the child will go fetch her back!"

Jia Rong did not immediately agree, only thinking of buying some time.

Perhaps once Jia Zhen's desire passes, Qin Keqing's return will be safe.

Jia Zhen, with a composed expression, rose from his seat, kicked the kneeling Jia Rong onto the ground, and spat a mouthful of saliva onto her face,

and shouted angrily:

"What nonsense! Once married, she must obey her husband; there's no room for her to make her own decisions! She must be brought back tomorrow; if not, your skin will be stripped!"

Jia Rong felt terror and fear mingling in her heart, and dared not raise any further objections.

He knew Jia Zhen was truly angry; daring to defy him again would inevitably bring a good beating!

She could only reluctantly nod and say:

"Yes! Yes! The child will definitely bring Qin Shi back tomorrow!"

Just as the two were speaking,

Outside the hall, a sudden clamor erupted, and then Ning Guo Fu's chief steward Lai Sheng, with a few young servants, hurriedly retreated into the hall.

"Tap tap tap tap…"

Zhu Que, clad in armor and bearing a long sword at his waist, led about twenty personal soldiers, their murderous aura blazing, and burst in.

Zhu Que took the central spot in the hall, while the other soldiers placed their hands on their waist blades, swiftly positioned themselves on both sides, standing upright, and surrounded Jia Zhen, Lai Sheng, Jia Rong and the others.

The atmosphere in the hall instantly grew solemn.

"Lord! The Marquis's personal troops forced their way in, saying they were looking for you; we servants couldn't stop them in time!"

Lai Sheng turned his head and reported to Jia Zhen.

In fact it wasn't that they couldn't stop them; they simply dared not obstruct.

Nowadays, who doesn't know that the Marquis of Xi Fu is a death god; even figures like Lord Linchuan are cut down on a whim, so we dare not block his troops.

If killed, there would be nowhere to appeal.

Jia Zhen at this moment had no time to attend to Lai Sheng and the others.

He looked at the solemn Zhu Que and the others, his pupils narrowing slightly, and a bad premonition arose in his heart.

Jia Jing's young master's soldiers arriving at Dong Fu now, with such a fierce bearing—could it be…

"Jia Zhen, the Marquis asked me to give you a message!"

When the scene was quiet, Zhu Que looked at Jia Zhen coldly and said:

"You're the Zhang Zhonglang Jiang of Third Brother Xinzhong, right? We've met before!"

"Third Brother, are you well? Today I heard something happened over at your side; I've been worried for a while!"

Although Jia Zhen felt a bit uneasy inside, at this moment he forced a smile and made polite small talk.

"Shameless! You rascal! Third Brother is also your call; you should address the Marquis!"

Zhu Que had no affection for Jia Zhen whatsoever and coldly rebuked him.

Jia Zhen was startled by Zhu Que's cold shout, his heart trembling, and his bad premonition grew even stronger.

The others in the hall also exchanged glances, secretly shocked: Lord Zhen has always wielded power in Dong Fu, never before has he been rebuked to his face.

But no one dared speak further, for this man before them was not only a subordinate of the Marquis of Xi Fu, but also a second‑rank earl of the court, whose reputation was formidable and not to be underestimated!

Jia Zhen took a deep breath, suppressing the fear, anger and all other emotions deep within his heart.

Although he felt the newcomer was hostile, the situation had already arrived, leaving no room for retreat.

He could only force another smile, nodding as he said:

"Yes, yes, yes! I don't know what words the Marquis has to convey?"

"Come closer, I'll tell you!" Zhu Que said lightly.

Jia Zhen had no choice but to approach Zhu Que, respectfully craning his neck to hear his words.

He thought to himself: Perhaps he'd heard rumors from the manor, and Jia Jing's son had sent him to scold me; anyway, it's not the first time I've been yelled at, so I'll hold my temper and endure it, waiting for a later chance to get revenge.

Everyone in the hall held their breath, waiting for Zhu Que to speak.

"Smack!"

A sharp crack rang out in the hall, and Zhu Que lashed Jia Zhen's weathered face with his scabbard.

It made Jia Zhen stagger and fall to the ground, his official's hat knocked awry, and his face instantly reddened and swollen.

"The Marquis told me to give you a slap!"

"Remember to behave properly from now on!"