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Chapter 59: Kidnapping at the Door

The next morning, Du Wanchun woke up early and helped Aunt Zhou steam freshly picked mint leaves and honeysuckle flowers into floral water.

The fire for making floral water couldn’t be too strong—it needed to be steamed slowly.

Before dawn, Zhou Ruizhen had already chopped all the firewood in the courtyard and was now helping them light the fire.

After steaming three or four batches, the crystal-clear floral water slowly dripped into the ceramic jar placed beside the pot.

Aunt Zhou picked up the jar, took a whiff, and immediately beamed with joy. “Wanchun, come take a look! What do you think of this scent?”

Du Wanchun wiped her hands, walked over, took the jar, and sniffed it. “It has a light floral fragrance with a refreshing coolness. Smelling it makes one feel revitalized. It’s really nice!”

Hearing her praise, Aunt Zhou nodded with a satisfied smile. “That’s great! This floral water should sell well. Wanchun, let’s steam some more!”

“Alright, Mother!” Du Wanchun responded cheerfully, carefully placing the jar back in its spot.

Zhou Ruizhen added another pile of firewood to the stove.

By the afternoon, they had finished making a large jar of floral water.

Aunt Zhou held the jar and examined it repeatedly. Just as she reached the front courtyard, Aunt Wang arrived.

“Sister Zhou, isn’t your family planning to build a new house? I’ve brought Brother He over for you!”

Brother He’s full name was He Quanyi. His family had been masons for generations, and his craftsmanship was excellent.

He followed behind Aunt Wang with a bright smile and greeted them, “Big Sister Zhou.”

Aunt Zhou quickly welcomed them into the house.

Seeing the guests, Du Wanchun followed behind and poured them two cups of tea.

He Quanyi accepted the tea, glanced around the house, and began discussing the construction plans with Aunt Zhou and Du Wanchun.

Before long, they finalized the plan and set the date for demolition—the third day of the next month.

After He Quanyi left, Aunt Wang grinned and said, “Sister Zhou, building a new house will take at least two or three months. Why don’t you and the children stay at my place for now?”

Aunt Zhou pondered for a moment before politely declining. “It’s alright. The weather is getting warmer, so we can just set up a temporary shelter in the courtyard.”

Seeing that Aunt Zhou was unwilling, Aunt Wang didn’t press further. She chatted for a little while longer before heading home.

Du Wanchun got up and walked her to the door. “Aunt Wang, take care!”

Aunt Wang was very fond of Du Wanchun. Halfway down the road, she turned back and gave her a warm smile.

Watching her leave, Du Wanchun closed the door and was about to return inside.

Just then, three or four burly men suddenly barged in from outside.

“Is this the Zhou household?!”

They glared at Du Wanchun with fierce expressions.

Du Wanchun took two steps back and asked sternly, “Who are you?!”

The leading man sized her up and spoke in a cold voice. “Are you Du Wanchun?

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Du Wanchun furrowed her brows, growing wary, but remained silent.

Seeing her refusal to speak, the burly man guessed she was the one they were looking for. His tone turned harsh. “You’re Du Wanchun, aren’t you?”

“What do you want?” Du Wanchun asked while cautiously stepping backward.

Hearing the commotion, Aunt Zhou rushed out from the house and shielded Du Wanchun behind her. “Stop! Who are you people?! What are you causing trouble for in my home?”

The burly man glared at them and said coldly, “Someone paid us silver to invite Miss Du over for a little visit.”

“Who sent you?” Du Wanchun questioned.

The man squinted his eyes and smirked lewdly. “You’ll find out once you come with us.”

As he finished speaking, he gestured to the two men behind him. “What are you standing around for? Get her!”

The two men immediately pulled out large blades and advanced toward Du Wanchun.

At that moment, an arrow suddenly shot out from inside the house, striking one of the men squarely in the arm.

“Ahh!” The injured man cried out in pain, clutching his bleeding arm as he collapsed to the ground, writhing in agony.

The bearded leader and the other henchman recoiled in shock, taking two steps back. He then shouted angrily toward the house, “Who’s there?!”

Du Wanchun and Aunt Zhou were also startled and instinctively turned to look behind them.

Emerging slowly from the house was Zhou Ruizhen, holding a bow, with another arrow already nocked and ready to fire.

Under the dim shadows, his face was cold and ominous, his sharp eyes filled with fury. The arrowhead was aimed directly at the bearded man’s forehead.

The bearded man flinched, stepping back again alongside his remaining companion. “Who the hell are you?!”

Zhou Ruizhen advanced steadily, his voice deep and unwavering. “I’m her husband. If you want to take her, you’ll have to go through me first.”

A flicker of fear crossed the bearded man’s face. Gritting his teeth, he suddenly lunged forward, brandishing his blade as he charged straight at Zhou Ruizhen.

Zhou Ruizhen’s gaze turned icy. Without hesitation, he released the arrow in his grasp.

With a sharp whizz, the arrow pierced directly into the bearded man’s chest.

The man clutched his wound, let out a pained grunt, and collapsed to the ground.

Seeing that Zhou Ruizhen had no more arrows, the last standing thug stepped forward, blocking his path with a sneer. “You’ve got some skill, kid. But let’s see whether your bare hands are faster than my blade.”

With that, he raised his weapon and lunged toward Zhou Ruizhen in a swift, brutal strike.

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