Farm Tough Girl
Chapter 655 - 655 656 Slap in the Face_1

Chapter 655: Chapter 656: Slap in the Face_1 Chapter 655: Chapter 656: Slap in the Face_1 Zhao Jiangshui originally thought that Mr. Jin had specially invited him to a banquet for matters concerning the imperial court, but he didn’t expect it to be this kind of tiresome romantic affair. Zhao Jiangshui felt it was a waste of time and didn’t take it to heart, yet he completely underestimated Jin Qingqing’s thick skin.

“He must have rejected it because of family pressure. Otherwise, why would he turn down such a desirable marriage? To forsake a bright future and a wife like me, he must be a fool! I don’t believe it!” Jin Qingqing said with resentment.

As for Muniang, she had been rather free these days, making trips to the Dongxing Building when there was nothing else to do, thanks to the enthusiastic patronage of clients here in the capital. The acting troupe extended their stay for two plays, the first being The Condor Heroes and the second being Journey to the West, both of which left audiences in eager anticipation.

Now, after nearly two months, their performances were drawing to a close.

“We should be able to move on to the next stop by the end of this month. According to the original plan, there are about five more stops in the tour. At the latest, we should be back in Qinghua City by next summer,” Zhong Yulang said.

Muniang nodded, “Hmm, that’s not too bad. Once we part this time, I fear we won’t see each other until next year. Take good care of everyone. Once we return to Qinghua City, our reputation at Mei Garden will surely resound throughout the Daqian Dynasty. Qinghua City will naturally become famous nationwide and continue to prosper.”

Zhong Yulang understood Muniang’s intention and nodded, “When will Lady return to the capital?”

“Soon, I suppose. I don’t know yet. At the latest by next summer, naturally, I’ll return before you do,” Muniang said with a smile.

“Then what about Miss Qiao…”

“She’s free-spirited. Staying in the capital, I can’t be with her all the time, and she would find it boring. I discussed it with her a few days ago. She wants to broaden her horizons by traveling with you all. Take her with you and let her get exposed to more. I will eventually entrust Mei Garden to her management. You alone can’t handle everything on and off the stage. She has always been clever, and now that she’s older, she can help you out.”

Zhong Yulang, puzzled, said, “Is she not going to follow Mr. Zhao…”

Before he could finish, they suddenly heard a burst of noise from outside. Muniang was startled, thinking someone had come to cause trouble again, and quickly went out to see what was happening, with Zhong Yulang following immediately.

But to their surprise, it was Jin Qingqing’s voice that echoed from the hall!

“I said I don’t like you. Why do you pester me? Now everyone in the capital knows your joke. Do you also want me to be laughed at by others?” Jin Qingqing scolded.

Muniang raised an eyebrow. Who was pestering this girl? Didn’t she realize that she herself was the laughingstock of the entire capital?

Hot-tempered, lacking virtue and filial piety, isn’t Jin Qingqing overestimating herself?

Yet, when Muniang’s gaze landed on Feng Rui, her interest was piqued. It seemed enemies were indeed bound to cross paths; Feng Rui showed up to cause a scene even after being the subject of ridicule.

“Lady, what should we do? The Feng Family’s son and Miss Jin have started arguing, and no one can calm them down,” a servant said in a panic.

Muniang snorted lightly, “Calm them? Just wait until they start fighting and call the Capital Government Office to arrest them, claiming that someone is causing trouble.”

Zhong Yulang, servant: “…”

The play at Mei Garden hadn’t started yet, but everyone was eagerly watching the trite affair unfold, not feeling the least bit intrusive. The world is always full of onlookers.

“Qingqing, we’ve been close since we were children. How can you treat me like this now? Do you really have no regard for our past? We weren’t like this before. How could you have changed so much now,” Feng Rui said in anguished protest.

Muniang leaned on the railing, cracking a melon seed, “Listening to this really does make one feel bad.”

Zhong Yulang gave a sidelong glance, I really can’t see you being upset.

“Feng Rui, cut the crap! Can’t you stop being such an embarrassment? Now the entire theater is laughing at us, my reputation is almost completely ruined by you!” Jin Qingqing was somewhat frantic, after all she was a girl, where would she have the heart to make such a scene in public.

Muniang clicked her tongue, “Truly heartless, I actually feel pity for Feng Rui.”

Feng Rui said coldly, “Jin Qingqing, aren’t you just smitten with Zhao Jiangshui? What’s so good about that pretty boy? Just because he became the Number One Scholar, when he gets assigned an official rank, he’ll still have to start from the lowest levels of the court officials. Don’t get fooled by his sweet talk. Once you marry him, you’ll just be letting him get a great deal!”

Jin Qingqing lifted her head, “That’s still better than someone who’ll never be able to enter public service in their lifetime, I’m willing to marry him!”

Muniang choked on a sip of tea, coughing until her face turned red.

Immediately, a wave of speculation erupted around them.

“So it’s Miss Jin who has had her heart stolen by the new Number One Scholar! I knew it.”

“Ah, that new Number One Scholar is quite something, isn’t he? Even before he’s been assigned an official rank, he’s already cozying up to the Jin Family’s big tree, ensuring a smooth career path from now on!”

“It serves Feng Rui right, back then he stole someone else’s achievements, and now look, he’s had his woman stolen too.”

Muniang cursed, “Nonsense! If Zhao Jiangshui had eyes for this woman, Tianniu would truly be blind!”

While talking, she was about to charge down, but fortunately, Zhong Yulang pulled her back in time, “Don’t be impulsive, why get involved? These two are shameless in their little act, don’t forget your own status.”

Only then did Muniang remember she was in the Capital, representing the face of Marquis Chen Mansion, and really shouldn’t be messing around at will, so she said, “Quick, go call the government office! Say there’s a disturbance, and take these two shameless people directly to the government office!”

The servant hurriedly agreed and scurried off.

Muniang no longer had the mood to watch the play, she understood Zhao Jiangshui’s character, even if he was to “Change Heart” he wouldn’t choose this sort of person. But with Jin Qingqing making such a statement today, I’m afraid the whole Capital would spread this story, and everyone would think it was Zhao Jiangshui currying favor with the Jin Family!

“Qingya, go send a message to Zhao Jiangshui, tell him to deal with the mess he’s stirred up on his own. Don’t bring disgrace upon himself in public, and if he dares to spread any more nonsense, Tianniu won’t even think about getting married in this lifetime!”

Qingya agreed and hurried to Zhao Jiangshui’s residence.

The next morning, Zhao Jiangshui unexpectedly attended a banquet hosted by the noble young masters of the Capital, despite usually being too lazy to mingle with these spoiled youths. His sudden acceptance was truly surprising.

Yet with such a tempting opportunity, everyone naturally couldn’t contain their curiosity and brought up the exceedingly dramatic love triangle that was circulating in the Capital.

Zhao Jiangshui replied very calmly, “Nonsense.”

With no courtesy, he made Jin Qingqing’s face resound with a metaphorical slap.