The Aloof Lord's Mysterious Wife
Chapter 616: If You Sell the Mermaid Pearls, You’ll Not Only Get a Beating

Chapter 616: If You Sell the Mermaid Pearls, You’ll Not Only Get a Beating

Ye Siheng smiled, "How could that be? Isn’t the emperor a true dragon among men?"

"What true dragon among men? If I truly had the mandate of heaven, I wouldn’t be in such a position..." Emperor Muwu felt annoyed again at the thought and said, "Don’t perform such formalities in the future!" He certainly didn’t want to hear any thunder.

"It’s just thunder; it won’t strike down," Ye Siheng said dismissively.

Suddenly, he had a clever idea and smiled mischievously, "Or should I kneel before you, Your Highness?"

That might actually lead to a strike.

Seeing Ye Siheng about to kneel, the thunder outside grew louder. Emperor Muwu was horrified and rushed to Ye Siheng, refusing to let him kneel.

"I want to die a natural death, not be struck by lightning!" he said fiercely. "If you keep joking like this, everything I promised you earlier will be nullified!"

Ye Siheng had to stand up straight. "Then don’t forget."

"Got it!" Emperor Muwu replied, his tone filled with resentment.

There were no secrets in the Capital.

Emperor Muwu was stripped of his title and had his estate reclaimed by the court. As night fell, the news spread throughout the Capital.

Although Emperor Muwu was quite carefree, he still sent someone to the Duke’s residence, citing health issues as an excuse to avoid attending Chu Shuo’s wedding banquet.

Chu Hanlin knew that the Xie family had undergone significant changes, and Emperor Muwu likely couldn’t bear the blow, not wanting to become a laughingstock, which was why he didn’t want to attend.

Since that was the case, he couldn’t force the issue.

As night fell, Chu Shuo needed to get up early the next day to welcome the bride, so Chu Hanlin didn’t clarify things with his son.

However, when they woke up the next morning, Chu Hanlin and his wife were so busy they completely forgot about it.

This was largely thanks to Chu Shuo’s efforts.

With Emperor Muwu’s approval, Chu Shuo went all out, setting up nearly a hundred tables for the banquet.

Fortunately, Chu Shuo’s team was well-organized, preventing chaos.

However, the common folk learned from somewhere that Chu Shuo had spent a considerable amount on food and clothing, and the couple had to not only welcome guests but also accept gifts from the people.

"Big Brother and Sister-in-law!" Chu Hanming arrived with Lady Tian. "Oh my, why is it so busy? If I were still living here, I could help you both out!"

Chu Hanlin shot him a glare.

Every time the second brother returned, he made it clear, both openly and subtly, that he wanted to move back.

But Chu Hanlin remained unyielding, pretending not to understand: "We haven’t changed residences. You know the layout of the house. Even if you move out, you’re still a member of the Chu family and can help entertain guests."

Chu Hanming sulked, muttering, "Big Brother, if you need my help, just say I’m a member of the Chu family. If I cause trouble, you can just say I’m not. How can you treat me like this?"

Chu Hanlin retorted, "On your brother’s wedding day, you wouldn’t want to be beaten or scolded, would you?"

Chu Hanming was irritated and genuinely wanted to argue with his elder brother in front of everyone.

Lady Tian subtly pinched him and shot him a warning glance, then cheerfully congratulated Chu Hanlin and his wife.

"Big Brother and Sister-in-law, don’t worry, Second Master and I will help entertain the guests right away."

Madam Shen smiled and said, "That would trouble you, Sister-in-law."

Though Chu Hanming was unwilling, Lady Tian still dragged him inside.

According to custom, they were supposed to pay their respects to the Grand Lady first.

But on the way there, the estate was not only festively decorated but also filled with all sorts of lavish displays that almost blinded him in the sunlight.

"Heaven has no eyes!" Chu Hanming pounded his chest. "That second brother is too wealthy! If he gives me just a bit, we won’t have to worry for the rest of our lives."

Lady Tian retorted, "If we save a bit, we won’t have to worry."

"Living frugally has no fun at all," Chu Hanming said. "We can endure hardships, but what about Ying’er? Is she supposed to marry in poverty?"

Lady Tian’s face turned cold. "Don’t cause trouble. Now that the Grand Lady has taken Ying’er back and is raising her, it means the Grand Lady will surely prepare a dowry and find her a good husband."

Chu Hanming pouted, feeling somewhat guilty. "I’m just worried Ying’er will forget us if she stays here too long."

Lady Tian spoke plainly, "If you keep her by your side, she might indeed forget you. After all these years, don’t you know how the Grand Lady and your brother are? Their children are raised well. Second Master, just don’t add to the chaos."

"Fine, fine," Chu Hanming waved his hand.

Lady Tian had been lecturing him in his ear, and he had become quite used to it.

Turning a corner in the corridor, they happened to see Chu Yan walking towards them with Chu Nanying.

"Father!" Chu Nanying, dressed in splendid festive attire, had improved a lot after some time of recovery, her complexion rosy.

Even when happy, she walked properly and greeted Chu Hanming and Lady Tian with respect.

The two looked at her with satisfaction.

At this moment, Chu Hanming believed Lady Tian’s words—his daughter would have a bright future staying at the Duke’s residence. Given his own nature, Lady Tian, coming from a humble background, couldn’t possibly teach their daughter to be knowledgeable and dignified.

Their daughter was already nine years old; in a few years, she would be of marriageable age, and he couldn’t afford to hold her back at this time.

"Ying’er seems to have grown taller," Chu Hanming said, noticing that his daughter wore a bejeweled necklace and had gold bracelets on her small wrists.

Even her hairband was adorned with two mermaid pearls!

Mermaid pearls!!!

He had only seen them in auctions, each worth a fortune, and he never expected his daughter would wear them.

"This... this is a mermaid pearl..." he exclaimed, his voice trembling with excitement, his eyes wide.

Chu Nanying was already used to it. "It was a gift from Second Brother."

"Really! Second Brother is such a good child." Chu Hanming wiped his hands before reaching out to touch the smooth, lustrous mermaid pearl.

It was the size of a pinky nail...

This single pearl was worth at least three thousand taels of silver!

Chu Yan approached and reminded, "Second Uncle, don’t get any bad ideas. If these two mermaid pearls end up at a pawn shop tomorrow, you’ll not only get a beating but also lose your hands and feet."

He smiled, a bit coldly, and added, "You might even lose your life."

Chu Hanming shivered. "I never had any bad intentions! Fifth Brother, you’ve been promoted and favored by the emperor, but that doesn’t mean you can be disrespectful to your elders!"

It was strange; in just half a year, Chu Yan seemed completely transformed, no longer the timid person he used to be. He spoke confidently and assertively.

Chu Yan remained unyielding, saying, "I’m not being disrespectful to Second Uncle, just reminding you. After all, you just stared wide-eyed."

Chu Hanming was infuriated. This wasn’t a reminder; it clearly accused him of being greedy, as if he was sure to steal the mermaid pearls to sell them!

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