The Eldest Daughter of a Rural Family
Chapter 823 - 176: Thick-skinned_3

Chapter 823: Chapter 176: Thick-skinned_3

Li Baoxiang was elated, knowing that Mo Heng was willing to study with him; this meant he could pass the examination this year. Although he felt somewhat embarrassed and resentful about not being allowed to stay in Liu’er Alley, he rationalized, "After all, Chang Yonglin grew up calling Pei Qin ’sister’ from a young age, so it doesn’t matter where he stays. Perhaps they think I am an outsider and fear that once I stay there, Bao Lian would take the opportunity to visit!"

At this point, Grandma Li fell silent.

Old Man Li scolded her, "They are not to be trifled with. Go to Zhang Shiqian’s house and tell Bao Lian not to ruin Baoxiang’s affairs. Wasn’t the last incident shameful enough?"

Grandma Li pursed her lips, "Bao Lian only asked him for a little help; if he didn’t want to help, that would have been the end of it. Instead, he embarrassed Baoxiang, which I think was deliberate!"

"Mother! I’ve finally got him to agree to study with me, so please don’t mess this up. If they hold a grudge and trip me up in the examination, my life will be over!"

"I know, I know!" Grandma Li responded with a hint of impatience.

After making arrangements, she went to Zhang Shiqian’s house to find Li Baolian.

Upon hearing that Li Baoxiang would study with Mo Heng in Liu’er Alley every day, Li Baolian’s eyes shone, "I’ll bring snacks to my brother!"

Grandma Li frowned, "I’m telling you not to go there! If you offend them and cause trouble for your brother, his academic future will be hopeless."

Li Baolian pouted, and soon her eyes reddened, "If you hadn’t forced me to marry Zhang Shiqian, even as his concubine, I could’ve been happy, and my brother’s future would’ve already been secured!"

Grandma Li regretted it too, but her daughter was already married off, and she couldn’t allow her to do anything improper, "With Pei Qin’s temperament, it’s obvious she does not tolerate others easily. It’s pointless to even think about it. Let me tell you, this time your brother is making a last stand, and if you ruin it for him, I won’t forgive you!" Her gaze turned stern as she spoke.

Dismissing her mother’s concern, Li Baolian lowered her head. If it were not for her brother, she would have never met Zhao Junchao and Zhang Shiqian, and she could have married Mo Heng with a clean reputation. That ferocious Pei Qin, who is only good at making money, how could a celestial being like Mo Heng ever stoop to her level!

Grandma Li reiterated her warning, telling her to take care of her brother and not to provoke Pei Qin and the others by going to Liu’er Alley.

After that, Li Baoxiang took up residence in Taiping Town. He ate breakfast on the street each day before heading to Liu’er Alley to study for two hours, then returned in the afternoon for another two-hour session.

Within a couple of days, Li Baolian brought over some snacks, claiming it was for her brother and also as appreciation for Mo Heng’s hard work in teaching Li Baoxiang.

Pei Qian heard and called out, "Summon Li Baoxiang!"

Lv Chun hurried to fetch Li Baoxiang.

Li Baoxiang came out looking upset, "Didn’t I tell you not to come here! What do you want?!"

"I came to bring you something to eat." Li Baolian lifted up the snack box in her hand.

Li Baoxiang scowled, "Get lost! If you mess this up for me, don’t bother coming back to our mother’s house again!"

Looking aggrieved, Li Baolian said, "I’m just bringing you some food." Besides, being with Mo Heng would benefit him too.

If you don’t have any shame, don’t blame me for not acknowledging you as my sister anymore!" Li Baoxiang spoke harshly before turning around and going back inside.

Li Baolian, stamping her foot in frustration, called to Lv Chun, who was closing the door, "Give this to my brother."

Lv Chun looked at her with incredulity. She couldn’t believe the nerve of this woman; even after being told off, she still dared to insist. "Mrs. Zhang! Since Young Master Li refused it, you should take it back!" She said, closing the door.

"If he doesn’t want it, give it to Young Master Mo!" Li Baolian retorted angrily.

In Lv Chun’s eyes, there was disdain. The only person in their master’s heart was his wife; they were deeply in love. She couldn’t understand where Li Baolian got the gall from—was she inherently promiscuous, daring to seduce their master despite having the audacity to do so!

Li Baolian left in anger, but shockingly, she came back the next day.

Li Baoxiang simply instructed his people not to open the door for her and to ignore her completely.

When the knocking persisted without an answer, Li Baolian was furious but dared not confront Pei Qin and Pei Qian as they left the house.

While leaving with Pei Qin for the workshop, Pei Qian caught a glimpse of Li Baolian loitering near Liu’er Alley. Her eyes gleamed, and she looked at Zhang Gengshan.

Zhang Gengshan understood her look, "Uh... Third Miss?" That expression indicated she was plotting something mischievous again!

Pei Qian glanced at Pei Qin ahead and signaled Zhang Gengshan with her eyes. When Pei Qin went to the workshop to check on the sauce vats, Pei Qian whispered some instructions to him.

Zhang Gengshan felt that Pei Qian was just too mean, and besides, if she spread the word, it would tarnish Young Master Mo’s reputation. "Perhaps it’d be better to find another way!"