Chapter 56: Either a Thief or a Scoundrel

Liu Lanzhi’s face darkened upon hearing those words, and her hand, gripping the chopsticks, froze in place.

In the past, she might have argued back, but ever since Madam Li had disciplined her, she no longer dared to utter a single word.

Madam Li took a sip of soup and responded to Young Master Li, “In a few days, just have her carried in through the back door.”

Young Master Li was overjoyed upon hearing this. “Thank you, Mother.”

Madam Li waved her hand dismissively. “You’re already married, so stop fooling around. This will be the last time.”

Young Master Li stood up, his plump face breaking into a wide smile, his eyes narrowing into slits. “Mother, I understand.”

With that, he wiped his mouth and turned to leave.

Liu Lanzhi remained frozen in place, no longer in the mood to pick up any food.

Madam Li shot her a glance and, finding her lifeless expression unappetizing, ordered her to withdraw immediately.

Liu Lanzhi quickly put down her chopsticks and hurriedly chased after Young Master Li.

“Husband, where are you going?”

Young Master Li cast a sidelong glance at her and said coldly, “Where I go is none of your business.”

Liu Lanzhi’s eyes turned red with grievance as she clutched his hand. “Husband, we are husband and wife, after all. You can’t treat me like this!”

Young Master Li’s face twisted with anger. “Husband and wife? This marriage was all your mother’s doing! If not for her meddling, I would already be at home enjoying my little bride!”

Liu Lanzhi was stunned. She bit her lip and looked up at him. “Husband… could it be that you fancy my stepsister?”

Young Master Li had been eager to leave, but her words made him pause. He turned back and sneered, “What do you mean by ‘fancy’? She was supposed to be my wife in the first place! Am I not allowed to desire what was originally mine?”

Liu Lanzhi gritted her teeth and said, “Husband, that Zhou family’s son has a crippled leg. I doubt my stepsister has even consummated the marriage with him. You still have a chance.”

Young Master Li raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “What chance?”

Liu Lanzhi spoke slowly, “You can take her from the Zhou family and bring her home as a concubine.”

Young Master Li chuckled and raised a brow. “Are you asking me to abduct a woman?”

Liu Lanzhi quickly replied, “How is it abduction? You just said it yourself—she was supposed to be your wife in the first place.”

Young Master Li found her words somewhat reasonable. After a moment of hesitation, he said, “Still, this won’t be easy.”

Liu Lanzhi glanced around cautiously before lowering her voice. “I’ll help you.”

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“Oh? You’ll help me? How exactly will you help me?” Young Master Li asked, looking at her suspiciously.

Liu Lanzhi lowered her voice and whispered a few words in his ear.

Hearing her plan, Young Master Li’s eyes lit up with excitement. He chuckled and asked, “Do you really think this will work?”

Liu Lanzhi nodded confidently. “Once the rice is cooked, even if it wasn’t meant to happen, it will happen.”

Young Master Li narrowed his eyes, pondering for a moment before slapping his hand on the table. “Alright, we’ll do it your way.”

Seeing that he agreed, Liu Lanzhi quickly added, “Husband, if this plan succeeds, can I ask you for a favor?”

“What is it?” Young Master Li asked.

Liu Lanzhi hesitated briefly before speaking in a choked voice. “Husband, could you treat me better? Don’t let Father and Mother bully me anymore.”

Young Master Li waved his hand dismissively and laughed. “Oh, is that all? Don’t worry. As long as you help me bring Du Wanchun into our household, I promise my parents won’t mistreat you anymore!”

Hearing this, Liu Lanzhi was satisfied. She began to fantasize about the day she would wield power in the Li household.

However, she was completely unaware that her misfortune was about to begin.

The Next Day

Early in the morning, Du Wanchun went up the mountain again with Aunt Zhou.

This time, they gathered a large amount of mint leaves. By the time they returned home, it was already midday.

As soon as they arrived, they noticed a servant from the Li household waiting at their door.

“Who’s there?!” Du Wanchun stepped forward and called out.

The servant bowed and respectfully asked, “May I ask if you are Miss Du Wanchun?”

Du Wanchun nodded. “I am. And you are?”

The servant replied, “I am a servant from the Li household. Our young mistress has sent me to deliver a message—she would like to invite you to visit the Li residence.”

“The Li residence?” Du Wanchun frowned in suspicion. She and Liu Lanzhi had never gotten along—why would she suddenly invite her over?

The servant explained, “The young mistress said that, for the sake of your sisterly bond, she wishes to have a gathering with you at the estate.”

Du Wanchun didn’t even need to think twice before outright refusing. “Go back and tell your mistress that there is no sisterly bond between us, and I have no reason to visit her.”

The servant was taken aback, looking somewhat troubled. “But the young mistress specifically instructed me to make sure you come.”

Du Wanchun ignored him, stepping past him and heading inside. With a firm tone, she said, “Even if she comes here in person, I still won’t go. Now leave.”

“But, Miss Du—”

Before he could say another word, Aunt Zhou cut him off sharply. “She told you to leave, so leave! If you keep talking, I’ll chase you out myself!”

The servant immediately lowered his head in submission. “Yes, ma’am.”

With that, he turned and left, looking helpless.

Du Wanchun followed Aunt Zhou into the house.

Aunt Zhou quickly shut the door behind them and said, “Wanchun, be careful. Something isn’t right with your stepsister. The last time I saw her, she was full of hatred toward you. Now, all of a sudden, she’s talking about sisterly love? There’s no doubt—she’s up to no good.”

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