The Female Cannon Fodder With Boundless Merits
Chapter 345 - 349: For the Monster (11)

Chapter 345: Chapter 349: For the Monster (11)

"Once you’re married and have money, we’ll get a better residence so you can comfortably focus on your studies..."

Mrs. Chu prattled on, a mix of complaints and expectations, as she held her son’s hand and spoke at length.

She had originally been quite satisfied with her son’s fiancee.

Pretty, gentle in temperament, knowledgeable, and most importantly, the daughter of an official’s family.

If it hadn’t been for the old master, who passed away long ago, owing a great debt to the Mu Family, and if the children hadn’t been betrothed at such a young age,

there’s no way such a fine match would have fallen into the lap of their Chu Family.

Who could have known that the Mu Family, once on par with the Chu Family, would rise step by step over the years, and now the difference between the two was like heaven and earth?

The Mu Family’s fortunes were ever on the rise, while the Chu Family had fallen into increasing decrepitude.

Mrs. Chu was previously delighted by the old master’s foresight, but now, as her son became more and more talented in his studies, and Miss Mu fell seriously ill, Mrs. Chu found herself less and less pleased with the marriage arrangement.

If it weren’t for the fact that raising a scholar was quite expensive, and the Chu Family had no savings, with Xiao’er heavily relying on the Mu Family, she would have likely considered dissolving the marriage contract long ago.

Many said that Chu Xiao had a talent for study, and indeed it was so. For a few years, his innate abilities remained hidden, squandering time in vain.

But now, it was as if his mind had unlocked all the marvels of extraordinary channels; it was practically divine assistance.

When engaging in scholarly pursuits, he was dazzlingly brilliant.

If it weren’t for the academy teachers insisting he refine his skills for another two years before sitting the imperial examinations, Mrs. Chu believed her son could have already seized the title of top scorer.

Chu Xiao was a fair and delicate youth, clad in simple attire that further highlighted his distinctive grace.

He truly possessed an excellent appearance.

Chu Xiao was unaware of his mother’s thoughts, but from her daily musings, he could generally discern her dissatisfaction.

In Mrs. Chu’s heart, her son was worthy even of a princess from the Imperial Palace.

As it happened, Chu Xiao now also possessed such confidence.

He did not voice any objections to his mother’s words.

He, too, felt that the small Mu household was no longer befitting for him.

Yet he had never considered calling off the engagement.

Scholars value benevolence and justice above all; the Mu Family truly had shown him favor.

In due course, giving Mu Xiu’er the status of being the legitimate wife of the Chu Family was also a way to repay her.

But his affection was all reserved for Cuicui.

A lovely wife and beautiful concubines, fame and wealth...

The thought alone filled him with delight and pride.

Cuicui was indeed his lucky star, his precious treasure.

Chu Xiao smiled and said to Mrs. Chu, "I understand, Mother. Don’t overexert yourself; go rest early. Tomorrow, I will go to the Mu Family and ask Xiu’er to send an old woman back here, so you can start enjoying some peace and quiet in advance."

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Chu nodded with satisfaction, the deep wrinkles on her face smoothing out completely, adding a touch of maternal gentleness to her stern features.

"Alright, we’ll do as you say."

"But remind Xiu’er that Cuicui will eventually be joining our family too, so ask her to be generous."

Chu Xiao replied, "Alright, I’ll mention it to her tomorrow."

He didn’t find his mother’s words strange in the least; in their eyes, taking in a sickly daughter, no matter how noble her family, was already a great act of charity.

After speaking with his mother, Chu Xiao returned to his study.

His study was the best environment in the Chu Family’s household.

Not only was the room spacious, but it also boasted a complete set of tables and chairs.

Chu Xiao, tired from reading, had even placed a soft couch by the window for his short rests and naps.

Closing the door of the study, Chu Xiao sat behind the desk and then pulled out a jade pendant he wore close to his body.

This jade pendant was a token of affection given to him by Cuicui.

He lovingly fiddled with it in his hands and, with a smile, carefully put it back inside his clothes.

In truth, he harbored a secret within his heart, unknown to anyone, not even to his mother or Cuicui.

For instance, his reputation as a prodigy in his studies, and likewise, his now boundless confidence...

All his ambition and confidence stemmed from the jade pendant he had interacted with moments ago.

No one knew of the strange properties of that jade pendant.

Chu Xiao thought back to an exceptional treatise he had seen in his mind and, after grinding some ink, started to write on the rice paper.

He had already anticipated the shocked and admiring gazes his peers and tutors would have upon seeing his brilliant work the next day.

Lost in thought, Chu Xiao’s face broke into an enchanted smile.

It was the look that had captivated countless young girls.

"People turn to kindness as water flows downwards, as beasts flee to the wilderness..."

Chu Xiao, who was rapidly writing, suddenly heard a clear, sweet voice in his study, a room otherwise empty but for himself.

He startled and abruptly looked up, searching all around.

"Who’s there?"

The jade pendant he had received was extraordinary, and even the peculiarities present in Cuicui, with whom he had been intimately entwined, had shown themselves to him. However, he had never wished to delve deeper into it.

With such unusual incidents occurring frequently, Chu Xiao was naturally aware that there existed many things in this world that he could not touch.

Such as, spirits in the wilds, little demons, entrancing ghosts...

He had also read a few books from the market about scholars and female ghosts, like the Stories from a Chinese Studio.

The sudden appearance of a woman’s voice set his imagination ablaze, and goosebumps covered his body.

"Who are you? Come out..."

Chu Xiao’s face, which had been reasonably handsome, was now twisted with fear, making it difficult to look at.

Su Li disdainfully turned her head away, spitting contemptuously at the taste of the green snake demon Cuicui.

She had really spent too much time in the wilderness—how could she have fallen for such a creature?

After spitting at the other party, Su Li’s gaze quickly moved away from Chu Xiao and onto the text spread out on the desk.

The words Chu Xiao had just written were something Su Li had seen in another world. Their general meaning was: It is in the nature of people to gravitate towards a kind and moral ruler, just as water naturally flows downward and animals run to the wild. The flowing of water and the fleeing of animals are natural; similarly, the people’s yearning for a kind and just ruler is determined by their natural desire to survive...

This was the writing of an ancient philosopher from another world. Here, it seemed to have become the rhetoric of Chu Xiao.

"Did you write this?" Su Li’s form slowly became visible in front of Chu Xiao.

Chu Xiao’s initial wariness gave way to a more relaxed expression, his eyes still occasionally filled with fascination as he kept glancing over at Su Li.

Compared to Cuicui, the original owner of this body was already more beautiful. After Su Li took over, she refined it further, undergoing a transformation that left her beauty indescribable by mere words.

She seemed to be the embodiment of beauty itself.

Chu Xiao’s eyes grew wide, and then he posed and preened, eager to present his best self before her.

Seeing that the Scholar had not answered, Su Li asked again, "Are these your thoughts and ideas?"

Chu Xiao, mistaking Su Li’s attention as enchantment by his literary flair, responded with feigned modesty, "I am unworthy. It is but a spontaneous composition by this humble scholar..."