一夜情

“Are you that afraid of the members of the Kang clan?” asked Zhao Chuchu as she raised her eyebrows. “To the point that you dont even dare to receive treatment?”

In a low voice, Kang Xiuwan said, “The Kang clan knows that you saved me in Yuanjiang County. If you treat me, I am afraid that they will figure out your identity. The Xia clan is not the only clan that means to harm you. The Kang clan have similar plans as well.”

She didn’t tell Zhao Chuchu that her father had beaten her mother up while he was drunk because her mother didn’t want to invite Zhao Chuchu to Guangqing Province in the name of gratitude.

They had already been beaten up. She did not wish for her mother and herself to have suffered in vain. She would not let the members of the Kang clan know that Zhao Chuchu was in Guangqing Province.

Otherwise, she might cause Zhao Chuchu a great deal of trouble.

It was troublesome enough for Zhao Chuchu to deal with the Xia clan. Now, the Kang clan had also joined the fray!

Although Kang Xiuwan did not say anything, Zhao Chuchu figured out something from the former’s expression.

“If that is the case, I will come and find you later. You stay alone in a courtyard in the Kang clan’s residence, correct?” asked Zhao Chuchu. She did not pry any further. Kang Xiuwan was turning her down out of kindness. Zhao Chuchu couldn’t bring herself to trod on the latter’s good intentions.

“The Kang clan has many yard guards…”

“You don’t need to worry about that.”

“Why don’t you write me a prescription? I’ll arrange for someone else to find me the right herbs.”

“Sigh!” Zhao Chuchu let out a deep sigh. “Why don’t you trust me? Alright, that will be all. Your aunt should be back.”

Zhao Chuchu tidied up Kang Xiuwan’s attire as quickly as possible and helped her put on her bamboo hat. The moment she sat down, Aunt Liu came in.

In an instant, Aunt Liu’s eyes were on Kang Xiuwan. Seeing that the latter appeared to not have moved, she breathed easy.

“Miss Yuan, thank you,” Aunt Liu thanked Yuan Hui as she smiled. She was carrying the cloth that had caught her eye.

Yuan Hui smiled and replied, “As long as you like it, Aunt Liu. Sister Wan and I are close. Since Aunt Liu treats Sister Wan so well, I will naturally treat you

“It is only right that I treat Wanwan well. I am happy that she has a friend who looks out for her,” said Aunt Liu. “However, we need to get back to the Kang clan’s residence. I am afraid that Wanwan cannot spend time with you today.” “No worries. I am already delighted that I could meet Sister Wan today.”

Yuan Hui walked up to Kang Xiuwan and hugged the latter’s arm. Kang Xiuwan felt a sharp pain and drew a cold breath. She subconsciously pulled back her arm and said, “Huihui, I need to get back home.”

Yuan Hui heard Kang Xiuwan’s cry of pain. She quickly replied, “Okay, Sister Wan.”

Kang Xiuwan endured the pain as she bowed toward Zhao Chuchu. Then, she turned and left.

“Miss Yuan, I will be off,” said Aunt Liu as she quickly followed behind.

Yuan Hui looked at Zhao Chuchu.

Zhao Chuchu nodded her head and said in a low voice, “Her injuries aren’t minor.”

“She is the daughter of the first wife. Who would dare to do such a thing?” asked Yuan Hui in disbelief.

“Only the members of the Kang clan will know,” mumbled Zhao Chuchu as she looked toward the entrance.

Yuan Hui scowled.

Once Kang Xiuwan and Aunt Liu left and got inside the carriage, Aunt Liu nervously inquired, “Wanwan, what did you say to that woman? You know your father’s temper very well. Don’t go about sharing our secrets with strangers. If that happens, even Miss Yuan cannot vouch for you.”

“I said nothing,” said Kang Xiuwan as she sat still.

“Then, that’s fine. Wanwan, you should know whose word is law in the Kang clan’s residence. Although your mother is a member of the Xia clan and is the first wife, she is not the favored one now. You must understand the situation you are in. The Xia clan doesn’t seem to care much about your mother and

“I know. Thank you for the reminder, Aunt Liu.”

“Aye, no need to thank me. After all, I saw that you and your mother are pitiful like me. Sigh. Life for women is hard. I don’t wish to make things hard for you, but you better not cause trouble for me too.”

“Alright.”

“Wanwan, both of you actually still have a way out. As long as you are willing to take a risk, your mother’s life in this clan can be improved.”

Kang Xiuwan looked at Aunt Liu and asked, “What are you implying?

Aunt Liu smiled as she sat closer to Kang Xiuwan. She said, “Although my background is nothing to be proud of, if Wanwan wants to learn how to serve a man, I can give you a few pointers. Now, now, don’t get angry so quickly. Only by controlling a man in the palm of your hand can you get what you want.”

“You…” said Kang Xiuwan. She was furious. Although the Kang clan was merely a merchant family. she was still the daughter of a nobleman. How could she possibly learn such disgraceful things?

Aunt Liu said frankly, “I don’t mean to defile you. I just wanted to tell you that after you get married, if you wish to establish your standing in the family, then how your man treats you will be especially important. Don’t act too high and mighty. Isn’t pleasure in bed what men want the most?”

“Aunt Liu, please stop talking.”

“When I tell you these things, you feel as though I have sullied your ears.

Alright, forget that I brought it up.”

Aunt Liu stopped talking, losing interest in the topic.

She instead admired the polish on her own fingernails.

She did not want to lose such a carefree life.

If she couldn’t live, what use was a clean reputation?

This young maiden had never faced any hardships. She could not comprehend how far one could be pushed when forced to choose between life and death.

Xia Chengxuan was too soft-tempered. She was the first wife and was from the Xia clan, but she did not have any schemes and had never mistreated Aunt Liu.

Aunt Liu did not hate this mother and daughter. Compared to others, she hoped that Xia Chengxuan could continue being the first wife.

Unfortunately, her plan to use Kang Xiuwan so she could help Xia Chengxuan failed.

When she realized that another more capable woman might become the new first wife above her, Aunt Liu felt that her good days were numbered.

Although she was not intelligent, she knew her place. The position of the first wife would never come to her.

Due to Aunt Liu’s words, Kang Xiuwan was in a rage. She did not speak to Aunt Liu for the rest of their journey.

When they arrived at the entrance to the Kang clan’s residence, Aunt Liu looked at Kang Xiuwan and said, “Wanwan, sometimes we should not dwell too much on principles. You will not necessarily be rewarded for doing good. It is better to be more flexible as a person.”

“So, should I bite the hand that feeds me for my own interest?” retorted Kang Xiuwan.

“Bite the hand that feeds me? Why are you so pessimistic? Perhaps other people might also be waiting for such an opportunity. You dont need to turn them down straight away. Couldn’t you have written a letter to them in private to talk further about those matters? If the other party was actually waiting for this opportunity, wouldn’t you have burnt bridges?”

“Aunt Liu, are you acting as a lobbyist?”

“No, I only wish to make my life in the Kang clan better. Whatever Wanwan chooses to do, that is your prerogative. As an aunt, it is not right for me to intervene too much in your affairs. I am merely offering suggestions,” Aunt Liu smiled as she said this.

She then gave Kang Xiuwan a deep look and said, “Some matters do not need to be settled in such a straightforward manner.. You need to know how to take detours!”