Chapter 111 – The Flower Thieves (Part Eleven)
Jiang Pengji coolly stared at the stream of comments and countless hefty donations flashing across the live broadcast screen. Most of them were pleas for her to step in and assist the innocently ensnared women, prompting a sardonic smile, but also a sense of silence within her.
It was quite the paradox: how could they revel in the misfortunes of others for entertainment, yet exhibit a form of genuine sympathy and action afterward? Truly, a contradictory bunch.
Jiang Pengji chose not to respond to the audience, instead casting an intrigued glance at Wei Yuan.
She suspected the Teacher was already lost in wild musings, perhaps thinking she was aware of his embarrassing secrets.
While it was true she did know, based on her previous demeanor, this situation could indeed be salvaged.
She took a step forward, her wooden clogs kicking the confined “zongzi” aside, forcing the perpetrator to roll over.
She softly asked, “Teacher, how do you plan to deal with this ruffian?”
At that moment, Wei Yuan’s face had turned a ghastly shade, as if on the brink of exploding; just a slight nudge would set him off.
“Kill him and feed him to the dogs! Why keep him to harm others?”
Wei Yuan instinctively replied, only realizing afterward how filled with fury his tone sounded—very uncharacteristic of him.
As for reporting this to the authorities? Haha, doing so would merely expose his own family’s disgrace to the world; he’d have no face left to live.
The “house maid” tied up like a zongzi and gagged let out high-pitched whimpers, seemingly begging for mercy upon hearing that.
“Killing and feeding him to the dogs, now that’s a good plan.”
Jiang Pengji smiled slightly, drawing scrutinizing looks from Feng Jin and Qi Guanrang.
The former quickly comprehended, having witnessed Jiang Pengji’s vicious methods before; he had no expectations of mercy from her.
Meanwhile, Qi Guanrang was a mix of shock and curiosity.
Shouldn’t this pampered noble child be indecisive, always preaching the virtues of compassion for women?
Yet here she was, entirely different, exuding a chilling indifference and ferocity that left others stunned.
“However, I came tonight specifically for this gentleman, so I hope you can forgive me, Teacher, and allow him to keep his dog life for the time being.” Jiang Pengji offered a gesture of apology, meeting Wei Yuan’s dubious gaze and clarifying, “Tonight, my father Liu Zhi and I were having a little drink at the Yingchun Tower when by chance we stumbled upon a scullery wench bullying the women in the establishment. At first, I paid no mind, but the more I looked, I felt that there was something off about that maid…”
Wei Yuan: “…”
Wait, did he just hear something powerful?
If his ears weren’t deceiving him, this kid just mentioned he and his father Liu Zhi…
This father-son duo went to a brothel for some drinks?
Qi Guanrang also felt his worldview forcefully refreshed.
Father and son together at such a place?
The noble circle truly was a mess.
Jiang Pengji dismissed their strange looks, knowing full well all the blame would rest on Liu Zhi’s shoulders.
“…I followed out of curiosity and witnessed a show akin to a magic trick. A gray-haired scullery maid, after disrobing the victims one by one, astonishingly transformed into a man in his thirties, all sharp features and angular chin. I intended to leave, but accidentally startled him, ultimately leading me to capture him. Upon inquiring, I uncovered a shocking truth. That’s why I must impose on you, Teacher, to scale walls in the dead of night; if I wait until tomorrow, I fear…”
Jiang Pengji summarized the events, polishing the coercion into an “inquiry” that sounded devoid of any brutality.
Once she finished, she produced a small bamboo slip she had obtained earlier and presented it to Wei Yuan.
“According to what I know, there are more men skilled in this disguise method lurking around, mixing into other people’s backyards. But why are they doing this? Perhaps to evade the grasp of the authorities. These individuals likely hail from Cangzhou’s Mengjun, having stealthily arrived in Hejian recently.”
Jiang Pengji wore an air of official business, almost explicitly stating to Wei Yuan that she had no clue about his backyard troubles.
Of course, it was merely a thinly veiled cover-up.
Though largely futile, it was better to cover up than to leave bare.
Wei Yuan took the bamboo slip, and as he read through its contents, his expression morphed from rage to pallid, then finally to silence.
Despite his silence, the smoldering flame within him burned even hotter than before.
“These vermin!”
After a long moment, Wei Yuan, nearly livid, hurled the bamboo slip away.
Jiang Pengji remained nonchalant, not even contemplating the idea of retrieving the slip.
What a proper document this was!
More like a pompous display of those culprits’ “glorious achievements”!
On such-and-such day, they set their sights on which noblewoman or young lady, masquerading as a woman to worm their way into the household, exercising patience to achieve their goals little by little. The document even detailed the women’s appearances, ages, and complexions, along with personal impressions post-encounter, summarizing the operation’s pros and cons.
And yes, it elaborated on personal experiences—how to silence victims or coax them into repeated encounters, and occasionally mock the male heads of household for failing to satisfy their own women, all while praising their own prowess.
Yet, that was not the central issue; the crucial part was the identities of these women!
A mere thirty percent were Cangzhou Mengjun’s ordinary women or widows; the remaining seventy percent were concubines belonging to wealthy merchants and gentry, or even unmarried maidens— all falling prey to these men’s vile grasp.
What’s worse, Wei Yuan even spotted familiar classmates among the entries.
The thought of such absurdities happening in the courtyards of acquaintances back in Cangzhou Mengjun ignited a rage within him, but also a hint of sympathy.
The only fortunate aspect was that he didn’t see any mention of his own courtyard; otherwise, facing his students would be impossible.
“These people were all from Cangzhou Mengjun, act brazenly, and their methods are exceptionally proficient. It’s clear this isn’t their first rodeo.”
What a joke; if they weren’t seasoned, they could never produce such concise reflections post-operation.
On the other side, Qi Guanrang had already picked up the slip, quickly glancing through it.
Once Wei Yuan regained some calm, he frowned, “If the contents are true, then the secrets involved must be astonishing.”
Jiang Pengji scoffed, “Is it just astonishing? Observing this slip, consider the materials and craftsmanship that went into creating it. Look at the handwriting; although it lacks the finesse of a master, one can tell there’s solid foundation behind it. Unless they studied hard and practiced diligently, how could they produce such skill? Moreover, these households are all prominent figures from Cangzhou Mengjun; while the courtyard may not be as solid as a lock, it certainly isn’t a place where ordinary servants could casually infiltrate. Unmarried young ladies and daughters of wealthy families, how could lowly maids possibly gain easy access?”
Wei Yuan remained silent as Qi Guanrang adjusted his posture, lightly fanning himself, his icy gaze alight with fleeting illumination.
Everyone understood in their hearts: these insects who thrived on wallowing in others’ backyards and degrading women had formidable origins!
More accurately, the leader orchestrating these misdeeds boasted an extraordinary identity.
