Chapter 56: My Person; Who Dares to Covet Her

"Correct!" A Lady from the crowd stepped forward, saying, "I testify: last time I glanced at a hairpin, I didn't want it, yet this person shouted for several thugs to intimidate me, forcing me to spend five hundred taels of silver to buy it back. I too wish to sue this person for forced buying and selling, swindling my silver."

The Shopkeeper was dumbfounded; he hadn't expected to run into Lady Lady Qingping today. He hurriedly knelt and begged:

"My Lady, please spare me this once. I was forced by circumstances; I was merely following orders from above."

Seeing Jun Jun Zijin remained unmoved and said coldly:

"If everyone uses 'forced by circumstances' as an excuse to do evil, would not the world descend into chaos?"

It turned out Seeing Jun Jun Zijin was actually Lady Lady Qingping. Wu De had known things would go wrong as soon as Seeing Jun Jun Zijin produced the county lady's jade tally; today he was likely to fall here.

A few days earlier, he had received news from the First Lady Wu's side, saying the Second Young Lady of the manor had returned and was no harmless sort, causing her such unrest she couldn't find peace. Yesterday, he received another message from the First Lady, saying the Second Young Lady was making a scene demanding the shop back, but with the household in an uproar, she probably had no time to attend to this place these past few days.

Yet he never expected this Second Young Lady to actually come here; she was a tough nut, and likely the other two shops wouldn't be saved either...

"You two, come with us!" The lead constable's face turned cold; he jerked his chin at his subordinates, and immediately several men stepped forward to drag Wu De and the Shopkeeper up.

Wu De struggled, shouting, "Let me go! You cannot arrest me! My Lady Crown Prince, I am truly your uncle!"

Seeing Jun Jun Zijin raised her eyes slightly, her expression cold: "Who you are will be determined by the yamen's interrogation. Besides, even if you truly are my stepmother's relative, a person who commits such numerous evils should be punished."

The lead constable waved his hand; below, the Shopkeeper was swiftly escorted away. Only when the two men's shouting grew fainter and fainter did Seeing Jun Jun Zijin nod slightly, bowing to the lead constable to express gratitude:

"Thank you, Officer Brother, for handling this matter with impartiality. If these two were allowed to continue acting recklessly and lawlessly, I fear the loss of silver by the people of Emperor Tianqi would be the least of it; I worry more that many others would suffer physical harm!"

"My Lady speaks too humbly," the constable said, his face beaming with smiles and his tone respectful.

"Being able to serve the My Lady is a blessing I earned over several lifetimes! It is my greatest honor! If My Lady has no other orders, I shall take my leave." Having spoken, he bowed deeply again.

Seeing Jun Jun Zijin nodded slightly and gave a glance to Han Xiao beside her. Han Xiao understood immediately, took out a heavy silver ingot, and silently stuffed it into the constable's hand.

The constable was stunned at first; upon seeing what was in his hand, his face instantly lit up with joy. He hurriedly tucked the silver into his chest, repeatedly thanking them, and patted his chest, promising Seeing Jun Jun Zijin and Han Xiao:

"My Lady, rest assured. I will do my utmost to handle this matter and ensure they are delivered to the prefectural yamen to await sentencing!"

Applause erupted from the crowd: "Good, good! Well done, My Lady!"

Many present had been swindled by Wu De; seeing this scene, they were naturally delighted, clapping and cheering for Seeing Jun Jun Zijin.

Seeing Jun Jun Zijin smiled slightly and said loudly:

"Everyone, please quiet down and listen to me. I know that previously, when Linglong Pavilion fell into the hands of villains, its conduct may have caused dissatisfaction and disappointment. Today, I have taken it back. Anyone previously forced to buy or sell by the Linglong Pavilion Shopkeeper, provided the items are undamaged and you can produce valid proof, may return to Linglong Pavilion for refunds. This after-sales service will last three days; please inform one another. Linglong Pavilion will reopen normally in three days. I hope everyone can grant me a measure of trust and give Linglong Pavilion another chance."

The crowd around grew larger. As soon as Seeing Jun Jun Zijin finished speaking, another round of thunderous applause rose. Everyone present heard this Lady Lady Qingping say that this shop was her mother's dowry shop; after her mother died, the land deed passed to the My Lady. Previously, it was managed by her stepmother, but somehow it fell into the hands of someone claiming to be the wife's brother of a Minister. They had truly witnessed with their own eyes the real owner of this shop, Lady Lady Qingping, dealing with the despicable villain; it was truly satisfying.

Now that Lady Lady Qingping had promised refunds and returns for that so-called after-sales service, everyone who witnessed this scene silently gave a thumbs-up to this Lady Lady Qingping in their hearts.

Not long after, Lady Lady Qingping's reputation for honesty and trustworthiness spread rapidly throughout the entire Jingcheng. In every street and alley, after meals and tea, people spoke of her with high praise, and Linglong Pavilion's business became booming. Of course, that is a story for later.

Several people drinking tea in the teahouse opposite Linglong Pavilion had taken in everything happening on the street, naturally witnessing the entire process without missing a single moment.

"Master, that girl is more arrogant than when we last saw her. I didn't know her martial arts were so good; I truly wish to spar with her." The speaker was Bai Yu.

Today that girl dressed well, her complexion was rosy, she was groomed properly, and actually looked quite good. Unlike the refugee look she had when we first met. What, that the Jun family's eldest young lady is our Emperor Tianqi's number one beauty and talented woman? Do those people have eyes on the back of their heads? Can't they see my My Lady, oh no, my Crown Princess's beauty and talent? As for martial arts, my Crown Princess is outstanding, surpassing all others, with exquisite techniques and graceful movements. Bai Yu nodded, criticizing the crowd's blindness.

Quan Quan Tianchen held his teacup, took a light sip, and smiled lightly:

"Sixth Brother, the girl you have your eye on is no simple one. You and her are truly well-matched."

Quan Quan Aoyu leaned back in his chair, his brows slightly lowered, gazing intently at Linglong Pavilion across the way. Every move, every word and action of that girl was seen and heard by him; unconsciously, the corners of his lips curved upward a bit. This girl truly gave him surprises everywhere.

"Master, our Crown Princess is truly a remarkable woman. Your subordinate's anesthetic and painkiller were stolen by that fellow Flying Eagle. When will you ask that girl for more?"

"I award it to you." Quan Quan Aoyu pulled out a bottle of anesthetic and tossed it to Bai Yu. Just for that phrase "Crown Princess," he deserved the reward; the corners of Quan Quan Aoyu's mouth curved upward again.

"Go, tell the Governor of Jingcheng, it is I who say this: some people will not learn to be obedient unless beaten." Quan Quan Aoyu said coldly.

"Your subordinate understands." Bai Yu's expression instantly grew stern, becoming serious; his figure vanished like lightning, disappearing without a trace in an instant.

Quan Quan Tianchen shook his head, a refined and gentle smile on his face:

"Sixth Brother, the situation in the palace is complex, with hidden currents surging. I know you have delayed asking His Majesty for a marriage decree because you do not wish to drag her into it. But that girl is already fourteen; next year she will reach her coming-of-age. You must hurry. Moreover, some things cannot be avoided simply by hiding her away!"

Quan Quan Aoyu's eyes darkened: "My person; who dares to covet her?"

Seeing Jun Jun Zijin naturally did not know her every move had fallen into Quan Quan Aoyu's eyes. Having finished all this, she summoned the clerk who had just reminded her.

Seeing Jun Jun Zijin looked at the clerk before her, her eyes carrying a measure of scrutiny, and asked:

"What is your name? Do you have anyone else in your family?"

"Replying to Young Lady, my name is He Dong. In my family, there is only my elderly mother, who has difficulty walking."

"Thank you for reminding me today. I only wonder why you chose to help me?"

The clerk scratched his head, smiling honestly:

"I am indeed a clerk of Linglong Pavilion. I do want to earn money to treat my mother's illness, but I cannot make money against my conscience."

"You are indeed an honest person. If I hire you as the Shopkeeper of Linglong Pavilion, there is one condition: you must sign a five-year indenture contract with me. During the contract period, you can only work for me. Of course, I will not treat you poorly. After five years, if you still wish to follow me, we will renew the contract; if you do not wish to follow me, I will set you free. Are you willing?"

Hearing these words, He Dong was first slightly stunned, then lowered his head, sinking into deep thought.

Seeing Jun Jun Zijin did not urge him, letting him deliberate carefully.

After quite a while, He Dong finally raised his head, looking at Seeing Jun Jun Zijin before him with firm and grateful eyes. He knelt on both knees and respectfully kowtowed.

"Your subordinate thanks Master for this great grace, granting me this opportunity and favor. From now on, your subordinate will be utterly loyal and wholehearted to Master, daring not to have even a shred of negligence. No matter what hardships or obstacles we encounter, your subordinate is willing to follow closely at Master's side, ready to brave fire and water for Master, without hesitation!"