Chapter 38 – Mysterious Long San
In the following days, Fengning was not troubled by too many incidents. Naturally, she could no longer be a street performer, so every day, she would just accompany Bao’er…….or play hide and seek with Bao’er and Long San…….or fall into a daze wondering what to do.
She discovered that Long San is indeed a shrewd man. He would always make one feel nervous one minute and then nothing would happen following that. He would tighten his hold one minute and then loosen the next minute which made people feel overwhelmed and followed his wishes very naturally.
Fengning felt that she must not make a decision so hastily. After waking up from a knock on her head, she had to face problems one after another and it had not been easy for her. In the past, she had held an optimistic outlook but facts had proven it was all foolishness.
She believes Long San is sincere but can sincerity be able to overcome the cruel reality? She does not know. The only thing she can vouch for is that she is also sincere. She hopes to be with Long San and being with him feels so happy but she still feels hesitant and afraid. Therefore, Long San must be feeling the same as well and if he cannot hold on, then according to her, it’s afraid she would not be as strong as that time when she ran away with Bao’er.
Long San did not force her to make a decision so Fengning just allowed herself to indulge in a state of indecisiveness. She felt she was selfish because while enjoying the comfortable life he gave her and enjoying his pampering and love, she was planning for her retreat and self-protection. She did not even dare to think about what will happen to Long San since she could not even take care of herself, let alone take care of him.
However, what gave her the biggest headache was actually Bao’er.
Ever since Bao’er thought she had a chance to gain a father for herself, she was very accommodating to Long San in every way. She would always let Long San comb her hair and never looked for others because she assumed her uncle likes to comb her hair. During meal times when Long San told her not to be picky over food, she would immediately swallow the food even though she dislikes it. Long San also told her not to disturb her mother while her mother is sleeping, so she endured and did not pester Fengning.
Fengning observed and noted everything with anxiety. She spent a lot of time with Bao’er so she could steal back Bao’er’s heart. However, Bao’er still kept talking about what uncle said and what uncle did, and every day, she would even ask whether Buddha had agreed. Fengning felt a little annoyed. She felt there was no reason for her as the mother to lose to an uncle.
However, on this day, Long San suddenly announced that he was leaving on a long trip.
Not only did Bao’er feel anxious but even Fengning was also surprised.
“Uncle, are you going to look for a baby?” Bao’er asked.
“No, Uncle already has Bao’er so Uncle won’t look for other babies.” Long San picked up Bao’er and rubbed her little face.
“Then are you going to look for Buddha?” Bao’er continued to ask.
“Mm……there may be a chance we’ll meet. When Uncle sees Buddha, Uncle will ask on behalf of Bao’er.”
“After you’ve asked Bao’er will get a father, is that right?” She blinked and looked at him full of hope.
“Wait for Uncle to return and discuss it with your mother.”
“Can’t Uncle discuss it now?”
“Alright, Uncle will do it now.” Long San handed Bao’er to Auntie Cao and went to look for Fengning.
At this time, Fengning was so anxious that she was turning around in circles. Upon seeing that Long San was here, she asked straight to the point.
“Will you be coming back?”
Long San smiled and pulled her over to kiss her.
“My wife and child are here, where else will I go if I don’t come back?”
All this while, Fengning had been feeling ill at ease as he was showing this kind of casual attitude. She pushed him away and glared at him.
“This wife and child are not yours just because you said so.”
“Right, right…….it’s only true after you have consented.” He pulled her into his arms again.
“How long will you be gone? What are you going to do?”
“The earliest will be two months and the longest will be three months.” Long San seemed pleased with her questions and replied happily. “The matter is very complicated and can’t be explained within a short time. Wait for me to come back and I’ll tell you.”
Fengning frowned and said. “If you’re injured with missing arms or legs, or if you’re accompanied by another girl upon your return, then don’t enter this door.”
He smiled. “Alright.”
After thinking for a while, she said. “If you are still not back in three months or more, then don’t enter this door.”
His smile became deeper and he placed his forehead against hers.
“If I can come back in less than three months then you will have to allow Bao’er to call me Father.”
“That can’t be done.”
“Why not? It’s not fair just to punish without a reward.”
“Who is talking about fairness with you? All this while, I never spoke about fairness.” Fengning acted shamelessly. “I will only do whatever makes me happy or whatever I’m willing to do.”
He tilted his head and imitated her tone. “Alright……then you will have to wait for my return to see how happy I am and how willing I am.” The ambiguity in his tone made Fengnng blush.
Outside the door, Xiao Zhuzi called. “Third Master, someone is here to look for Master.”
Fengning narrowed her eyes and tugged on Long San’s lapel. “If that someone is a woman, then you don’t have to come back.”
He burst into laughter. “They know there’s a killer here, so they won’t dare to come. Come, I’ll take you to meet my friend.” Pulling her along, they walked out.
In the courtyard stood a tall and sturdy man dressed in black with a face covered with a beard. He was carrying an ink-black broad sword behind his back and standing there, he exuded a majestic aura like he was the owner of the house.
Upon seeing Long San, he shouted. “Elder Brother!”
(Elder Brother here is just a way of addressing Long San and he is not blood-related to Long San.)
His voice was strong and deep as it vibrated loudly and Fengning trembled with sudden shock. After taking a closer look, the Big Beard was clearly older than Long San.
Long San smiled at him and said. “Brother Zhong.”
Then he pulled Fengning forward and with his arm around her waist, he led her to the big man.
“Feng’er, this is my good brother in Jianghu, his name is Zhong Sheng…….and this is my wife.”
Fengning was about to protest that she is not his wife but Zhong Sheng had already called out to her loudly. “Greetings to Sister-in-law!”
This time his voice was even louder than when he called Long San ‘Elder Brother’ just now and Fengning had to resist the urge to cover her ears.
Long San said to Fengning. “I’m afraid that you and Bao’er won’t be able to take care of yourselves while I’m away on this trip, so I asked Brother Zhong for help. If there’s anything, you can speak to him. Later get Xiao Zhuzi to clean up the West Wing and let Brother Zhong stay there. When I’m not here, you have to take care of our guest.”
Fengning opened her mouth and was about to speak when Zhong Sheng clasped his hands into fists and bowed.
Again in a loud voice, he said. “I have to trouble Sister-in-law.”
Fengning frowned. She was thinking that this person did not give others a chance to speak and was about to open her mouth again when Zhong Sheng added.
“This humble one is a crude man and requests for nothing else but just to eat a bit more rice. Three bowls of rice at every meal with meat will be enough.”
When Fengning heard, she was stunned while Long San laughed loudly as he hugged her and said. “Brother Zhong is an upright man and is trustworthy. You must treat him well. It’s time for me to leave.”
He returned to his room to get his baggage and after tying the sword to his back, he hugged Bao’er and bid her farewell. Then he left Zhong Sheng behind in the house and went away.
When Zhong Sheng noticed an additional child was looking at him, he clasped his hands into fists and said. “Miss Bao’er, this humble one is called Zhong Sheng.”
Bao’er blinked and hid behind Fengning. At the same time, she tugged the clothes behind Fengning’s waist and secretly peeped at the weird uncle.
Fengning waited until Long San had left and with both arms folded in front of her chest, she raised her head to look at the tall and huge Zhong Sheng. Just as she was about to speak, Zhong Sheng again spoke first. “Sister-in-law, do you have any orders for me?”
Fengning was once again robbed of the chance to speak and felt very upset. Pursing her lips, she was about to speak when Zhong Sheng said again.
“If there is anything, just tell me. I and Elder Brother had once shared a life and death experience and have a good relationship. Therefore, as long as I can do it, I will do my best.”
Fengning closed her mouth and just stared fiercely at Zhong Sheng. Her glare gave him an inexplicable feeling and he started to say. “Sister-in-law…….”
Before he could finish the sentence, Fengning stretched out her hand to gesture for him to stop. When he saw her hand, he finally closed his mouth.
Fengning said. “Can I speak now?”
He wanted to open his mouth but upon seeing Fengning waving at him to stop again, Zhong Sheng looked at her hand then closed his mouth and nodded vigorously.
Fengning was satisfied and told Bao’er to look for Xiao Zhuzi. Then she asked Zhong Sheng. “Long San instructed you to come and look after me or keep watch over me?”
Zhong Sheng widened his eyes and Fengning said fiercely. “Tell me the truth otherwise I won’t give you any food!”
As soon as he heard, his eyes widened even more. “How can you not let anyone eat?”
His reaction gave Fengning a good feeling. It turned out that this trick could still be used to deal with others. She said proudly. “This is my house, naturally I can decide whether to feed you or not.”
Zhong Sheng frowned and his voice sounded aggrieved. “Elder Brother didn’t say to keep watch.”
“Then what did he say?”
“Elder Brother only said that I must remember where Sister-in-law goes to and what you do, whether you eat and sleep well, whether you are sick, not let Sister-in-law go away on a trip and not let outsiders bully Sister-in-law. Then I must write to him about Sister-in-law’s movements and situation.”
Zhong Sheng told her everything in one breath without pausing.
Fengning nodded. “Very good…….I’ll instruct Auntie Cao to stew knuckles for you tonight.”
“Sister-in-law, I didn’t say all this because I want to eat stewed knuckles. It’s only because Sister-in-law asked so I replied. Elder Brother didn’t say I can’t tell Sister-in-law, so when Sister-in-law asked, I said everything and it’s not for the stewed knuckles. If Elder Brother had instructed me not to tell anyone, even if Sister-in-law doesn’t give me food, I still won’t say anything.”
She waved her hand impatiently. “Why are you talking so much? Do you still want to eat stewed knuckles?”
“Yes!” He replied decisively.
This time, Fengning smiled. “Since Long San didn’t instruct you not to say anything, then tell me……..what is Long San going to do on this trip?”
“Elder Brother didn’t say.” Zhong Sheng answered honestly.
She frowned.
This Long San……what is he planning to do and why is he acting so mysteriously?
Long San did indeed have a lot of matters to handle but first, he had to make a trip back to the Long Mansion.
“What are you suspicious of?” Long Er was the one who asked.
When Long Er saw Long San had returned home without bringing Fengning back, the uneasy feeling in his heart subsided by half. In the end, Long San ran to the kitchen and asked the servants…….before Fengning fell into the water and injured herself, did she come to the kitchen to cook and make snacks?
The answer he received was a ‘Yes’.
Long Er also knew about this because when Long San was not at home in the past, Fengning had made snacks several times and sent them to him to curry favor. She had always emphasized that the snacks were made by her.
But why is Long San bringing this matter up again now?
“At present, I’m still not sure yet. There seem to be a lot of differences between Fengning and the Fengning that we knew in the past but I can’t think of a reasonable explanation. In the past, it was just a feeling that there is a difference and both martial arts and temperament could hide her disguise. And we had never paid attention to her appetite and preferences, so we actually can’t do a comparison with the present Fengning. But the matter of making snacks is truly very different.”
“Are you saying that the present Fengning is a fake?”
“I can’t be sure. Just based on this matter of her inability to make snacks alone can’t be taken as proof. Since she is sick, perhaps she might have forgotten a thing or two about the things she knew in the past.”
“If she is fake, when did they switch? Is it possible for the couple from the Feng Family not to recognize their daughter?”
“If they look the same and we insist that this is Fengning, the Feng Family’s husband and wife will naturally not think much of it. After all, Fengning is sick and many unusual things become reasonable. They were busy arguing and fighting with us, therefore they didn’t have much contact with Feng’er.”
Long Er stared at Long San and suddenly said. “Long San, are you trying to make yourself believe that this Fengning is another person and not the Fengning who had ruined our family’s ethics and plotted to obtain our family’s wealth? Is it because you won’t feel so much pressure in this way so you can be with her?”
Long San looked directly into Long Er’s eyes and said. “Second Brother, while I was searching for them, all along the way I was still struggling in my heart. However, when I saw Feng’er working so hard standing on the street performing her martial arts while the pitiful little Bao’er was hugging a little basket asking……. Uncle, can you give me money?……..that time, I made up my mind that no matter who that woman is, no matter what she had done in the past or how much trouble she would give me in the future…….the present her is the person I want.”
Long Er could not utter a word for a long time and finally, he said. “You’re too soft-hearted.”
“Second Brother, there will be a day when you will also meet someone who will make you soft-hearted. That time, the things that you think you can’t tolerate will all become less important compared to her.”
“I won’t.”
“Just wait and see…….Second Brother, wait and see…….”
“You don’t have to plan for me. Since you’ve decided on your wife and child, then you’ll have to deal with it. As for your Eldest Brother, I won’t explain to them so you will have to do it yourself and there is also the Feng Family, so you’ll have to settle that as well.”
“Yes, I understand.”
“What do you intend to do now? The divorce letter has been written, the Genealogy Book has been updated and now you’re marrying her back into the family again?”
Long San said. “I’ve thought about it. To make Fengning feel at ease and make her follow me with dignity and willingly, the only way is to solve all the mysteries. She once recalled the man with a square face and triangular eyes who pushed her into the river had mentioned that she was too nosy. I think I should follow that clue to investigate.”
“But didn’t you say that the man is already dead?”
“That man is dead but his identity has been found. He was one of the killers from Jue Hun Lou, an assassin organization in Jianghu and his name was Lu Yan. Jue Hun Lou is located at the border between Xia Country and Xiao Country but no one knows its exact location. I asked someone to investigate Lu Yan’s activities or targets during the period before Fengning fell into the water. If we have those information and find out what Fengning got involved in by being nosy and attracted those murder attempts, then we might be able to figure out this matter.”
Long Er nodded and Long San said again. “There is still one more thing I have to ask from Second Brother.”
“Except for that woman’s affairs, I can help with everything else.” Long Er had to say those unpleasant words first.
Long San said. “Now, I am only concerned about Feng’er’s matters.”
Long Er twitched his lips with dissatisfaction and Long San said. “I request for Second Brother to deal with the Feng Family on my behalf. According to Feng’er, Madam Feng once told her that the reason Fengning married into the Long Family was because of enmity. I had thought about it. That year when the Feng Family suddenly came and caused a fuss, we had always thought that they came in search of benefits. Therefore, they came to snatch away the Long Family’s business, forced a marriage between the two families, and stole the Long Family’s treasure. However, if it is as what Feng’er said and it was all because of enmity in the past, then the direction of our previous investigations was completely wrong.”
“But the Long and Feng families in our grandfather’s generation had a life and death relationship. After that, the two families lost contact and even our parents did not communicate with them, so how can there be any feud?”
(Life and death relationship is the bond of friendship between two or more people developed after experiencing a life-threatening situation together. The relationship is so strong that they are willing to put their lives on the line for each other in times of danger. This is especially so when the people involved are sworn brothers.)
“That time they left very suddenly……so doesn’t it seem as though something odd had happened?”
Long Er thought about it and sighed. “Alright, leave that to me.”
Long San smiled and said. “Thank you Second Brother. I will be leaving in a while.”
“Where are you going again?”
“The investigation on Lu Yan has not been completed but I received news that another killer of Jue Hun Lou was killed inexplicably. I’m going to see if the two matters are related or it is related to Feng’er.”
Long Er frowned. “Women are troublesome!”
Chapter 38 – Mysterious Long San
In the following days, Fengning was not troubled by too many incidents. Naturally, she could no longer be a street performer, so every day, she would just accompany Bao’er…….or play hide and seek with Bao’er and Long San…….or fall into a daze wondering what to do.
She discovered that Long San is indeed a shrewd man. He would always make one feel nervous one minute and then nothing would happen following that. He would tighten his hold one minute and then loosen the next minute which made people feel overwhelmed and followed his wishes very naturally.
Fengning felt that she must not make a decision so hastily. After waking up from a knock on her head, she had to face problems one after another and it had not been easy for her. In the past, she had held an optimistic outlook but facts had proven it was all foolishness.
She believes Long San is sincere but can sincerity be able to overcome the cruel reality? She does not know. The only thing she can vouch for is that she is also sincere. She hopes to be with Long San and being with him feels so happy but she still feels hesitant and afraid. Therefore, Long San must be feeling the same as well and if he cannot hold on, then according to her, it’s afraid she would not be as strong as that time when she ran away with Bao’er.
Long San did not force her to make a decision so Fengning just allowed herself to indulge in a state of indecisiveness. She felt she was selfish because while enjoying the comfortable life he gave her and enjoying his pampering and love, she was planning for her retreat and self-protection. She did not even dare to think about what will happen to Long San since she could not even take care of herself, let alone take care of him.
However, what gave her the biggest headache was actually Bao’er.
Ever since Bao’er thought she had a chance to gain a father for herself, she was very accommodating to Long San in every way. She would always let Long San comb her hair and never looked for others because she assumed her uncle likes to comb her hair. During meal times when Long San told her not to be picky over food, she would immediately swallow the food even though she dislikes it. Long San also told her not to disturb her mother while her mother is sleeping, so she endured and did not pester Fengning.
Fengning observed and noted everything with anxiety. She spent a lot of time with Bao’er so she could steal back Bao’er’s heart. However, Bao’er still kept talking about what uncle said and what uncle did, and every day, she would even ask whether Buddha had agreed. Fengning felt a little annoyed. She felt there was no reason for her as the mother to lose to an uncle.
However, on this day, Long San suddenly announced that he was leaving on a long trip.
Not only did Bao’er feel anxious but even Fengning was also surprised.
“Uncle, are you going to look for a baby?” Bao’er asked.
“No, Uncle already has Bao’er so Uncle won’t look for other babies.” Long San picked up Bao’er and rubbed her little face.
“Then are you going to look for Buddha?” Bao’er continued to ask.
“Mm……there may be a chance we’ll meet. When Uncle sees Buddha, Uncle will ask on behalf of Bao’er.”
“After you’ve asked Bao’er will get a father, is that right?” She blinked and looked at him full of hope.
“Wait for Uncle to return and discuss it with your mother.”
“Can’t Uncle discuss it now?”
“Alright, Uncle will do it now.” Long San handed Bao’er to Auntie Cao and went to look for Fengning.
At this time, Fengning was so anxious that she was turning around in circles. Upon seeing that Long San was here, she asked straight to the point.
“Will you be coming back?”
Long San smiled and pulled her over to kiss her.
“My wife and child are here, where else will I go if I don’t come back?”
All this while, Fengning had been feeling ill at ease as he was showing this kind of casual attitude. She pushed him away and glared at him.
“This wife and child are not yours just because you said so.”
“Right, right…….it’s only true after you have consented.” He pulled her into his arms again.
“How long will you be gone? What are you going to do?”
“The earliest will be two months and the longest will be three months.” Long San seemed pleased with her questions and replied happily. “The matter is very complicated and can’t be explained within a short time. Wait for me to come back and I’ll tell you.”
Fengning frowned and said. “If you’re injured with missing arms or legs, or if you’re accompanied by another girl upon your return, then don’t enter this door.”
He smiled. “Alright.”
After thinking for a while, she said. “If you are still not back in three months or more, then don’t enter this door.”
His smile became deeper and he placed his forehead against hers.
“If I can come back in less than three months then you will have to allow Bao’er to call me Father.”
“That can’t be done.”
“Why not? It’s not fair just to punish without a reward.”
“Who is talking about fairness with you? All this while, I never spoke about fairness.” Fengning acted shamelessly. “I will only do whatever makes me happy or whatever I’m willing to do.”
He tilted his head and imitated her tone. “Alright……then you will have to wait for my return to see how happy I am and how willing I am.” The ambiguity in his tone made Fengnng blush.
Outside the door, Xiao Zhuzi called. “Third Master, someone is here to look for Master.”
Fengning narrowed her eyes and tugged on Long San’s lapel. “If that someone is a woman, then you don’t have to come back.”
He burst into laughter. “They know there’s a killer here, so they won’t dare to come. Come, I’ll take you to meet my friend.” Pulling her along, they walked out.
In the courtyard stood a tall and sturdy man dressed in black with a face covered with a beard. He was carrying an ink-black broad sword behind his back and standing there, he exuded a majestic aura like he was the owner of the house.
Upon seeing Long San, he shouted. “Elder Brother!”
(Elder Brother here is just a way of addressing Long San and he is not blood-related to Long San.)
His voice was strong and deep as it vibrated loudly and Fengning trembled with sudden shock. After taking a closer look, the Big Beard was clearly older than Long San.
Long San smiled at him and said. “Brother Zhong.”
Then he pulled Fengning forward and with his arm around her waist, he led her to the big man.
“Feng’er, this is my good brother in Jianghu, his name is Zhong Sheng…….and this is my wife.”
Fengning was about to protest that she is not his wife but Zhong Sheng had already called out to her loudly. “Greetings to Sister-in-law!”
This time his voice was even louder than when he called Long San ‘Elder Brother’ just now and Fengning had to resist the urge to cover her ears.
Long San said to Fengning. “I’m afraid that you and Bao’er won’t be able to take care of yourselves while I’m away on this trip, so I asked Brother Zhong for help. If there’s anything, you can speak to him. Later get Xiao Zhuzi to clean up the West Wing and let Brother Zhong stay there. When I’m not here, you have to take care of our guest.”
Fengning opened her mouth and was about to speak when Zhong Sheng clasped his hands into fists and bowed.
Again in a loud voice, he said. “I have to trouble Sister-in-law.”
Fengning frowned. She was thinking that this person did not give others a chance to speak and was about to open her mouth again when Zhong Sheng added.
“This humble one is a crude man and requests for nothing else but just to eat a bit more rice. Three bowls of rice at every meal with meat will be enough.”
When Fengning heard, she was stunned while Long San laughed loudly as he hugged her and said. “Brother Zhong is an upright man and is trustworthy. You must treat him well. It’s time for me to leave.”
He returned to his room to get his baggage and after tying the sword to his back, he hugged Bao’er and bid her farewell. Then he left Zhong Sheng behind in the house and went away.
When Zhong Sheng noticed an additional child was looking at him, he clasped his hands into fists and said. “Miss Bao’er, this humble one is called Zhong Sheng.”
Bao’er blinked and hid behind Fengning. At the same time, she tugged the clothes behind Fengning’s waist and secretly peeped at the weird uncle.
Fengning waited until Long San had left and with both arms folded in front of her chest, she raised her head to look at the tall and huge Zhong Sheng. Just as she was about to speak, Zhong Sheng again spoke first. “Sister-in-law, do you have any orders for me?”
Fengning was once again robbed of the chance to speak and felt very upset. Pursing her lips, she was about to speak when Zhong Sheng said again.
“If there is anything, just tell me. I and Elder Brother had once shared a life and death experience and have a good relationship. Therefore, as long as I can do it, I will do my best.”
Fengning closed her mouth and just stared fiercely at Zhong Sheng. Her glare gave him an inexplicable feeling and he started to say. “Sister-in-law…….”
Before he could finish the sentence, Fengning stretched out her hand to gesture for him to stop. When he saw her hand, he finally closed his mouth.
Fengning said. “Can I speak now?”
He wanted to open his mouth but upon seeing Fengning waving at him to stop again, Zhong Sheng looked at her hand then closed his mouth and nodded vigorously.
Fengning was satisfied and told Bao’er to look for Xiao Zhuzi. Then she asked Zhong Sheng. “Long San instructed you to come and look after me or keep watch over me?”
Zhong Sheng widened his eyes and Fengning said fiercely. “Tell me the truth otherwise I won’t give you any food!”
As soon as he heard, his eyes widened even more. “How can you not let anyone eat?”
His reaction gave Fengning a good feeling. It turned out that this trick could still be used to deal with others. She said proudly. “This is my house, naturally I can decide whether to feed you or not.”
Zhong Sheng frowned and his voice sounded aggrieved. “Elder Brother didn’t say to keep watch.”
“Then what did he say?”
“Elder Brother only said that I must remember where Sister-in-law goes to and what you do, whether you eat and sleep well, whether you are sick, not let Sister-in-law go away on a trip and not let outsiders bully Sister-in-law. Then I must write to him about Sister-in-law’s movements and situation.”
Zhong Sheng told her everything in one breath without pausing.
Fengning nodded. “Very good…….I’ll instruct Auntie Cao to stew knuckles for you tonight.”
“Sister-in-law, I didn’t say all this because I want to eat stewed knuckles. It’s only because Sister-in-law asked so I replied. Elder Brother didn’t say I can’t tell Sister-in-law, so when Sister-in-law asked, I said everything and it’s not for the stewed knuckles. If Elder Brother had instructed me not to tell anyone, even if Sister-in-law doesn’t give me food, I still won’t say anything.”
She waved her hand impatiently. “Why are you talking so much? Do you still want to eat stewed knuckles?”
“Yes!” He replied decisively.
This time, Fengning smiled. “Since Long San didn’t instruct you not to say anything, then tell me……..what is Long San going to do on this trip?”
“Elder Brother didn’t say.” Zhong Sheng answered honestly.
She frowned.
This Long San……what is he planning to do and why is he acting so mysteriously?
Long San did indeed have a lot of matters to handle but first, he had to make a trip back to the Long Mansion.
“What are you suspicious of?” Long Er was the one who asked.
When Long Er saw Long San had returned home without bringing Fengning back, the uneasy feeling in his heart subsided by half. In the end, Long San ran to the kitchen and asked the servants…….before Fengning fell into the water and injured herself, did she come to the kitchen to cook and make snacks?
The answer he received was a ‘Yes’.
Long Er also knew about this because when Long San was not at home in the past, Fengning had made snacks several times and sent them to him to curry favor. She had always emphasized that the snacks were made by her.
But why is Long San bringing this matter up again now?
“At present, I’m still not sure yet. There seem to be a lot of differences between Fengning and the Fengning that we knew in the past but I can’t think of a reasonable explanation. In the past, it was just a feeling that there is a difference and both martial arts and temperament could hide her disguise. And we had never paid attention to her appetite and preferences, so we actually can’t do a comparison with the present Fengning. But the matter of making snacks is truly very different.”
“Are you saying that the present Fengning is a fake?”
“I can’t be sure. Just based on this matter of her inability to make snacks alone can’t be taken as proof. Since she is sick, perhaps she might have forgotten a thing or two about the things she knew in the past.”
“If she is fake, when did they switch? Is it possible for the couple from the Feng Family not to recognize their daughter?”
“If they look the same and we insist that this is Fengning, the Feng Family’s husband and wife will naturally not think much of it. After all, Fengning is sick and many unusual things become reasonable. They were busy arguing and fighting with us, therefore they didn’t have much contact with Feng’er.”
Long Er stared at Long San and suddenly said. “Long San, are you trying to make yourself believe that this Fengning is another person and not the Fengning who had ruined our family’s ethics and plotted to obtain our family’s wealth? Is it because you won’t feel so much pressure in this way so you can be with her?”
Long San looked directly into Long Er’s eyes and said. “Second Brother, while I was searching for them, all along the way I was still struggling in my heart. However, when I saw Feng’er working so hard standing on the street performing her martial arts while the pitiful little Bao’er was hugging a little basket asking……. Uncle, can you give me money?……..that time, I made up my mind that no matter who that woman is, no matter what she had done in the past or how much trouble she would give me in the future…….the present her is the person I want.”
Long Er could not utter a word for a long time and finally, he said. “You’re too soft-hearted.”
“Second Brother, there will be a day when you will also meet someone who will make you soft-hearted. That time, the things that you think you can’t tolerate will all become less important compared to her.”
“I won’t.”
“Just wait and see…….Second Brother, wait and see…….”
“You don’t have to plan for me. Since you’ve decided on your wife and child, then you’ll have to deal with it. As for your Eldest Brother, I won’t explain to them so you will have to do it yourself and there is also the Feng Family, so you’ll have to settle that as well.”
“Yes, I understand.”
“What do you intend to do now? The divorce letter has been written, the Genealogy Book has been updated and now you’re marrying her back into the family again?”
Long San said. “I’ve thought about it. To make Fengning feel at ease and make her follow me with dignity and willingly, the only way is to solve all the mysteries. She once recalled the man with a square face and triangular eyes who pushed her into the river had mentioned that she was too nosy. I think I should follow that clue to investigate.”
“But didn’t you say that the man is already dead?”
“That man is dead but his identity has been found. He was one of the killers from Jue Hun Lou, an assassin organization in Jianghu and his name was Lu Yan. Jue Hun Lou is located at the border between Xia Country and Xiao Country but no one knows its exact location. I asked someone to investigate Lu Yan’s activities or targets during the period before Fengning fell into the water. If we have those information and find out what Fengning got involved in by being nosy and attracted those murder attempts, then we might be able to figure out this matter.”
Long Er nodded and Long San said again. “There is still one more thing I have to ask from Second Brother.”
“Except for that woman’s affairs, I can help with everything else.” Long Er had to say those unpleasant words first.
Long San said. “Now, I am only concerned about Feng’er’s matters.”
Long Er twitched his lips with dissatisfaction and Long San said. “I request for Second Brother to deal with the Feng Family on my behalf. According to Feng’er, Madam Feng once told her that the reason Fengning married into the Long Family was because of enmity. I had thought about it. That year when the Feng Family suddenly came and caused a fuss, we had always thought that they came in search of benefits. Therefore, they came to snatch away the Long Family’s business, forced a marriage between the two families, and stole the Long Family’s treasure. However, if it is as what Feng’er said and it was all because of enmity in the past, then the direction of our previous investigations was completely wrong.”
“But the Long and Feng families in our grandfather’s generation had a life and death relationship. After that, the two families lost contact and even our parents did not communicate with them, so how can there be any feud?”
(Life and death relationship is the bond of friendship between two or more people developed after experiencing a life-threatening situation together. The relationship is so strong that they are willing to put their lives on the line for each other in times of danger. This is especially so when the people involved are sworn brothers.)
“That time they left very suddenly……so doesn’t it seem as though something odd had happened?”
Long Er thought about it and sighed. “Alright, leave that to me.”
Long San smiled and said. “Thank you Second Brother. I will be leaving in a while.”
“Where are you going again?”
“The investigation on Lu Yan has not been completed but I received news that another killer of Jue Hun Lou was killed inexplicably. I’m going to see if the two matters are related or it is related to Feng’er.”
Long Er frowned. “Women are troublesome!”
