Chapter 111: Shot to Kill, Silence the Mouth

Li Qingluo and the two others simply had a meal at the Hall of Abundant Blessings.

That meal wasn't cheap; it cost Li Qingluo two taels of silver.

When Deng Mama paid the bill, Li Qingluo's heart still ached quite a bit.

In the past, this was something she wouldn't even dare to think about.

Nowadays, just one meal could actually consume that much.

Que'er, however, said: "Miss, what's this? We've already been restrained. Those young masters and misses going out often spend five taels, ten taels, or even dozens or hundreds of taels on a single meal, which is quite common."

Li Qingluo: "Do taverns make that much money?"

She knew that some eateries and street-side snack stalls had ordinary prices.

Put that in a tavern, today she only ordered a few dishes, yet the price had been multiplied by who knows how many times.

Seeing her interest, Que'er asked: "Miss, do you want to turn our tea house into a tavern?"

Before Li Qingluo could express her opinion, Deng Mama added: "This tavern indeed makes money. However, according to what this old servant knows, this year, of the ten new taverns opened in Jinling City, eight have failed to last three months before closing their doors. Miss, do you know why?"

Li Qingluo showed an interested look: "Granny, do tell."

Deng Mama: "If one wants to open another tavern in Jinling City, it's truly not easy. A tavern needs a customer base, distinctive dishes, décor, chefs, and so on. Most importantly, it must stand out to break through the encirclement of those old taverns in Jinling City."

"Moreover, Miss, don't look at Jinling City's prosperity; most taverns and shops are in the hands of wealthy families. In the mansions of officials and nobles, who doesn't have ten or twenty shops?"

"The young masters wield power in officialdom, while the mistresses navigate the business world with ease, manipulating the entire trade of Jinling City—no exaggeration."

"Miss, don't underestimate these ways."

Li Qingluo: "What's become easy again? I will consider this matter."

The master and servant trio disembarked, preparing to head home.

As Li Qingluo was about to board the carriage, suddenly a woman, panicked and pale, shoved her cart forward and rushed straight at her.

"Make way, quickly make way——"

Li Qingluo and the two others immediately dodged, but the carriage was frightened, let out a series of whinnies, and lost control.

Li Qingluo, fearing the runaway carriage might hurt someone, immediately shouted: "Granny! Quickly stop the carriage!"

Deng Mama sprang forward and chased after it, while that woman tripped and fell together with the runaway cart onto the ground.

Que'er kindly went to help her up; the woman muttered thanks, but as she rose she suddenly changed expression, drew a dagger, and lunged at Que'er——

"Watch out!"

At the critical moment, Li Qingluo also drew the dagger from her sleeve and thrust it out to block the sword for Que'er.

"Miss!"

Que'er shouted angrily, drew her soft sword from her waist, and immediately clashed with the woman.

Li Qingluo gripped her numb wrist and did not join the melee.

She felt a strange sensation, as if this incident were deliberately aimed at her.

She kept standing aside, watching Que'er not suffer a loss, and only then secretly let out a breath of relief.

However, the crowd of onlookers grew larger, and some even pressed up behind Li Qingluo.

Just then, Li Qingluo heard a voice from behind that only she could hear clearly: "Among this crowd, there are still many of our people. One or two, you can handle; but many, can you really protect your lives?"

"Second Miss, if you want them to live, come with me."

Having said that, the person turned and walked away toward the rear.

Li Qingluo coldly stared at that retreating figure—it was another woman.

She glanced at Que'er again, ultimately not foolish enough to follow and leave, but instead gripped her dagger tightly and charged forward.

Since Li Qingluo began practicing martial arts, she had never truly engaged in combat with another person.

Usually, aside from sparring with Granny and Que'er, she had no idea how dangerous it would be to cross blades with an outsider.

So, as soon as she engaged, she simply unleashed a killing move!

As for the opponent's threat?

Go eat dog shit!

Trying to lure her away would inevitably make it impossible to lightly harm her life; furthermore, the opponent has yet to reveal their identity or what they truly want from her, so they will surely comply!

Li Qingluo acted swiftly, coordinating with Que'er, and in a few moves subdued that woman.

The crowd instantly surged, and Li Qingluo suddenly felt a chill, sensing that at least a dozen pairs of eyes were fixed on her……

Just then, an angry shout came from ahead: "Who's causing trouble here?! All of you, scatter on orders of this official!"

Li Qingluo looked up and saw Li Chao Jing riding a tall horse toward her.

And Li Chao Jing, upon seeing Li Qingluo in male attire, was also filled with shock.

"Luo'er!!"

On the back of another horse behind Li Chao Jing sat Zhuang Wei, his hands bound.

Upon seeing Li Qingluo, Zhuang Wei also flashed a look of surprise in his eyes.

How could she be here?

Or still in this guise!

Moreover, this attire of hers looked so familiar to him.

Furthermore, if he hadn't been mistaken just now, it seemed she was engaged in combat with someone!?

Li Qingluo also hadn't expected such a coincidence to run into her emotionless father.

But this turned out to be just right.

She hurriedly brought Que'er, escorting that woman forward: "Father. Just now this woman came at me with ill intent; we have already subdued her. Please, Father——"

Before Li Qingluo's words finished, a 'whoosh' sounded from the heavens, and that woman had already been struck by an arrow.

She rolled her eyes and collapsed, breathless in an instant.

The street instantly erupted in chaotic shouts.

Li Qingluo was immediately shielded in the center of the circle by Que'er and the attendants and guards accompanying Li Chao Jing.

"Protect the young lady—"

"Assassin!"

That woman was already dead, obviously silenced.

Li Qingluo stared at the corpse, dazed, a chill of terror spreading through her heart...

They kill people—have they become so brazen?

Returning to the Jiangjun Fu, Li Qingluo sat in the Hongfenguan for a long time before asking Deng Mama: "Grandmother said she would find me a new martial arts teacher; has anyone been chosen?"

Deng Mama: "Yes, but young lady, don't rush; that person will need some time before returning to Jinling."

Li Qingluo stared ahead, eyes vacant: "For the time being, we had better not go out lightly."

Deng Mama agreed, sighing inwardly.

Knowing today's events, she fears it will cast a shadow over the young lady's heart.

Li Qingluo then said: "Grandma, please make me another set of sleeve arrows; next time I want to wear more concealed weapons that are both protective and easy to carry."

Deng Mama smiled instantly: "Yes, my good young lady."

The next day, Chun Xing from the front courtyard came to summon Li Qingluo.

"Young lady, the master says he went to Zui Xian Lou today and bought eight-treasure duck and drunken goose; please come to the front courtyard to dine with him."

In both her previous life and this one, Li Qingluo has never shared a meal with her biological father.

Why would he suddenly summon her for a meal today?

Thinking of Li Chao Jing having bound Zhuang Wei this afternoon, Li Qingluo did not want to go.

However, the Zhongyi Hou Fu has yet to finalize its marriage alliance with the Li family; it seems Li Qingzhu's return has made the match uncertain again.

Li Qingluo naturally wanted to kick that Zhuang Wei far away.

She also wanted to know what Li Chao Jing was thinking now.

So, after a moment's hesitation she agreed: "All right, I'll go shortly."

Chun Xing left, and Que'er entered.

"Young lady, I've found out: the third young master of the Zhuang family ran out of the Zhongyi Hou Fu again today, and our master happened to catch him red‑handed!"

"The master has already sent a letter to the Zhongyi Hou Fu, but they replied, asking him to help look after the young master for a few days, preferably giving him a hard time."

Li Qingluo instantly regretted agreeing to Li Chao Jing's invitation for tonight.

Could it be that Zhuang Wei will also have to eat this meal?