After Rebirth, She Becomes the Revenge Queen
Chapter 146 - 145: I’ll Take the Risks Myself

Chapter 146: Chapter 145: I’ll Take the Risks Myself

Cheng Chili stood in the front hall of the Ning Family, surveying the residence.

The courtyard had an appearance of age. Although grand and impeccably kept, it was ultimately a civilian’s home.

He thought of the Liang Family’s gate; though the main house’s gate was about the same size as this residence, it was embellished with red lacquered doors, towering walls, an impressive façade, and a high threshold, exuding wealth and authority in every detail.

The Ning Family’s house, apart from its area and decoration, did not adhere to any regulation, coming nowhere near one-tenth of the Liang Family’s splendor.

Who would have thought that Liang Ning, who once lived in the most exquisite courtyard of the Liang Family, enjoyed the finest amenities at home, and even though not an official military officer was one who had achieved merits for the nation and received commendation from the Empress, with fine clothes and a gallant horse she journeyed across the land, now dwelled humbly in such a place.

Cheng Chili couldn’t help but feel a sourness in his nose, feeling unjust for Liang Ning.

Reflecting on his childhood, with his father and elder brother on campaigns while his kind-hearted yet negligent mother raised him wildly, Liang Ning, as an elder, felt responsible for his care, and due to their close age difference, shed any elder’s airs, heavily influencing his behavior and speech as a child.

Currently, he and many others who she had cared for had achieved some success, all respectfully addressed as "Young General" when out in the world, yet Liang Ning, who should still be above them and graciously addressed as "Aunt," had now become a merchant’s daughter of humble status.

Last time they reunited in a tavern, she even had to endure teasing when everyone got drunk, which deeply pained him, making him bury his head on the table and weep.

Fu Zhen stepped through the door, dismissing everyone except Yang Tong and Zhang Cheng, who stayed afar guarding the entrance.

She said, "Li Er."

Cheng Chili immediately stood up, took two steps back, and knelt down with a loud bow: "Aunt, please accept your nephew’s respect!"

Though Fu Zhen had met him many times, she couldn’t help but feel stirred seeing him like this.

She helped him up with both hands, saying softly, "Times have changed. Now, I am Fu Zhen of the Ning Family, why cling to past formalities?"

Cheng Chili gazed at her with tearful eyes: "When I was lost in the dunes in the Northwest, it was you who rode your horse to find me at midnight, saving me from the wolf pack. When I went to battle with my father and hurt my limbs, it was also you who tended to me day and night, administering medicine."

"If you had truly passed away unexpectedly, I could only lament the short bond between us."

"But you were harmed by treacherous people. Thinking of the kindness Aunt bestowed upon me, yet failing to repay even a fragment on your behalf, how can I forgo this bow?"

In her youth, Liang Ning, proud of her illustrious family, aspired to aid her brothers in their duties. She never hesitated in offering help, with many she genuinely cared for, far beyond just Xu Yin.

Cheng Chili, the same age as Liang Zhi, was originally expected by their families to be playmates, supporting each other. However, Liang Zhi followed Liang Ning everywhere, and so Cheng Chili followed likewise, and Fu Zhen treated him like a real nephew, knowing he was sincere at heart.

Although Cheng Chili, who benefited from her kindness, now had achievements and cherished the past bond, only Xu Yin among many beneficiaries was ruthless enough to harm her, showing she did not err in treating people sincerely.

She said, "You came so quickly? Did you notice anything behind?"

"Rest assured, Li Er dared not be negligent. I circled this alley several times before coming in."

Fu Zhen nodded, and only then took a closer look at him, laughing and saying, "Earlier, there were many people, so I didn’t dare scrutinize you, but now I find you’ve grown tall and strong, increasingly valorous. I imagine if you encounter a wolf pack again, you won’t need Aunt to lead the rescue."

Cheng Chili blushed: "Not at all, nephew just grew in size, but the brain is still dim, not as reliable as having Aunt beside for guidance."

"Aunt, you must not leave again. Once we catch the culprit, I will surely prepare a grand reception, personally leading the team with the second brother to welcome you back to the Liang Family!"

Fu Zhen asked: "Zhi Er told you everything?"

Cheng Chili nodded: "He told me the fire in Baihe Temple was orchestrated by a villain. Aunt barely escaped, but there is no evidence of the enemy’s identity yet. Hence, Aunt’s identity must not be revealed, to avoid alarming the enemy."

"—Aunt, anyone who could handle matters so precisely is no ordinary person, and since Aunt is skilled, yet the foe successfully harmed you, it definitely could not be a stranger!"

Fu Zhen gazed at him: "You have not spent those years in the camp in vain."

However, Cheng Chili cared not for her affirmation, he stood up vigorously: "Who is he? Please tell me, Aunt!"

Fu Zhen lifted her head and looked at him intently: "If you are this impatient, I can’t speak a word."

Cheng Chili clenched his fists and stood glaring, but after a moment he finally calmed down, biting his lip and dropping his shoulders: "Fine, let’s not speak for now."

"I may believe I won’t leak it, but Aunt’s safety allows no room for error. Even if I am useless, I must at least ensure your safety risks are first handled by me."

Fu Zhen looked at him for a moment, then smiled: "I heard you’ve made achievements in the north these few years, very brave. If you had no strategy within, how could achieving success be easy? If you guess later, you may come to me for confirmation."

Revealing everything to the Liang Family was necessary while the Cheng family wasn’t involved in the affair. If Cheng Chili was observant, he might guess some clues in the future. If not, telling him would also be pointless.

She picked up the tea: "We haven’t seen each other for many years, and I’m unfamiliar with the affairs in the court or the camp. Today, stay for dinner, and let’s catch up well. If I’m right, Zhi Er will likely come over later."

"I recall you like Sichuan cuisine, and I specially instructed someone to visit a shop this morning to hire a Sichuan chef for today."

Hearing her switch to domestic matters, Cheng Chili felt a deep intimacy, and couldn’t help but care for her: "Are you adapting to life here, Aunt? Is there anything that your nephew can do to help? I will spare no effort, go through fire and water to get it done!"

Fu Zhen laughed: "It hasn’t come to going through fire yet. But I do have a concern currently."

Cheng Chili stood tall: "Please command!"

"I exercise secretly and follow a nutrient-rich diet daily. My strength and constitution have recovered considerably, and there’s no avoiding needing martial skills."

"But since the original Miss Fu was frail and couldn’t fight, I need to find a reason for this skill."

"If you have a suitable instructor, find one for me—that way, I can spar with him, and if asked later, I have a plausible story."

"No problem!" Cheng Chili said, "Why don’t I handle this myself? Although second brother is more suitable, he must avoid suspicion publicly. I have the pretext of you giving ginseng to save my mother, so I can say I’m repaying you!"

Fu Zhen considered: "That works."

Having a General from the Capital Camp as an instructor, her rapid martial arts improvement and some understanding of military strategy seemed plausible.

With a purpose to showcase his martial skills, Cheng Chili regained spirit: "I’ll come by tomorrow noon! Anyway, fifth brother has been leaving early lately, looking hurried but not telling us where he goes..."

(Any tickets left?! Still have tickets?! Monthly tickets, Xiaoxiang tickets... all kinds of tickets, plus high scores! If so, I won’t go out to play this afternoon, and add more updates!)