After My System Went Bankrupt, I Found My Happy Ending with the General - Chapter 22

Luo Chuchen stared blankly at Liang Jue. After uttering “Let go,” Liang Jue’s eyes met Luo Chuchen’s, and for a moment, Luo Chuchen’s thoughts inexplicably scattered for a few seconds.

Inappropriately, Luo Chuchen thought that Liang Jue’s eyes resembled obsidian calm and gleaming, like a deep pool shimmering under moonlight.

The daze lasted only an instant.

Li Yuan was grimacing in pain, and without instructions, the servants were momentarily unsure of what to do.

Liang Jue didn’t waste words. He raised an eyebrow and said, “Not talking?” With that, he pressed his foot down again and swung his free hand, landing punch after punch with bone jarring force.

Li Yuan immediately let out another round of agonized howls, frantically shouting, “Do as they say and let go!” The servants hesitated briefly before quickly recognizing the situation and releasing Luo Chuchen and the other person.

Luo Chuchen shook his hands, feeling a burning pain in his wrists. Lifting his sleeves, he saw they were indeed red.

Shechuan scrambled up to support him and frowned at the sight of the red marks on his wrists, itching to kick Li Yuan, who was still on the ground.

Liang Jue lowered his gaze, carefully examining the red marks, and asked softly, “Does it hurt?”

Luo Chuchen replied, “It’s fine.”

But inside, his heart was pounding like a rabbit frantically hopping on a drum deafeningly loud.

On one hand, he felt incredibly awkward that Liang Jue had witnessed his helpless state. On the other, he was exhilarated by Liang Jue’s swift and decisive actions, his ears burning as if they were about to drip blood.

“Hmm,” Liang Jue withdrew his foot, grabbed Li Yuan by the back of his collar, and lifted his upper body while keeping his knees pinned to the ground. In a cold tone, he demanded, “Apologize.”

Li Yuan gasped for breath, sweat beading on his forehead. Ignoring Liang Jue’s words, he snarled, “Do you know who I am?”

“A stray dog?” Liang Jue pressed down on Li Yuan’s shoulder with one hand, his tone casual and unruffled.

“You!”

Furious, Li Yuan struggled a few times but couldn’t get up. He twisted his head around with effort, and upon seeing Liang Jue’s face, he was both shocked and enraged. “It’s you!”

“Twice now, and both times you’ve been up to the same tricks,” Liang Jue applied more pressure, causing Li Yuan to lurch forward, his upper body swaying dramatically.

Liang Jue repeated, “Apologize.”

For a moment, Li Yuan felt as if his shoulder blades were about to be crushed by the person behind him, the force so intense it made him break out in a cold sweat.

Unable to endure it for more than ten seconds, Li Yuan grew terrified that if he didn’t speak up, the person behind him would truly wrench his shoulder off!

Hanging his head, he gritted out each word through clenched teeth, “Sorry, I was out of line.”

Liang Jue remained silent and looked up at Luo Chuchen.

Seeing Li Yuan in such a state, Luo Chuchen’s earlier anger had mostly subsided. Shechuan tugged at his sleeve beside him, and Luo Chuchen nodded. “Let him up.”

As soon as the words were spoken, Liang Jue grabbed Li Yuan by the collar and tossed him aside like trash, sending him sprawling onto a nearby armchair.

Ignoring the pain, Li Yuan slumped like a lump of dough, breathing heavily as if granted a reprieve, his gaze fixed fearfully on Liang Jue. The servants hurried over to help him up, wiping his sweat and straightening his clothes.

When one of the servants touched Li Yuan’s right hand, he suddenly cried out in pain.

“My hand!” Li Yuan froze, momentarily forgetting to breathe.

Luo Chuchen quietly moved closer to Liang Jue, hiding slightly behind him, and whispered, “Did you break his hand?”

Liang Jue gazed darkly at Li Yuan’s hand, let out a noncommittal hum in response, and added, “Don’t worry, I didn’t break it.”

“Oh” Luo Chuchen, recalling the scene from moments ago, couldn’t help but feel a lingering sense of fear. He gently grasped Liang Jue’s wrist, receiving a reassuring pat in return.

Compared to the last time Liang Jue had kicked this person flying, Luo Chuchen felt far less cautious this time around. After all, they were in the right in this matter. Moreover, if it truly came down to status, Li Yuan’s standing was no match for either of them.

On the other side, several experienced servants tried for a while and confirmed that the wrist had indeed been twisted.

Clutching his own wrist, Li Yuan was both furious and terrified. Still, the presence of the servants surrounding him bolstered his courage somewhat. He raised his voice sharply, “I didn’t even do anything, and you resorted to such brutality do you believe I’ll take this to the authorities? I guarantee you’ll regret it!”

“Then go ahead and report us,” Liang Jue raised an eyebrow. “He Qi.”

He Qi responded with an “Aye!” and stepped forward, pulling a token from his sleeve. He displayed it in front of Li Yuan and his companions, smiling cheerfully. “When you report this, gentlemen, make sure you don’t get the names wrong.”

Li Yuan’s pupils contracted sharply, and a wave of overwhelming regret washed over him. “You’re Liang Jue!”

Liang Jue nodded, then pointed toward Luo Chuchen. “And this is the young marquis of Pingyang.””

“…!” Li Yuan’s face shifted between shades of pale and ashen, leaving him momentarily speechless.

After a long pause, he finally managed to say with difficulty, “Even so, you can’t bully others just because your rank is higher.”

Luo Chuchen was so exasperated he almost laughed.

He had no desire to continue arguing with this man. Frowning at Li Yuan, he said, “How amusing that you’re now twisting the truth. Just moments ago, you were flaunting your identity as the son of the Vice Minister of Revenue, acting all high and mighty. Didn’t it occur to you that there are countless people in the capital with more power than you? I have no idea where you got the nerve.”

Li Yuan, unwilling to concede, spat in contempt. “I misjudged you, but don’t think you can gloat for long.”

He had always prided himself on being sharp-eyed, never having misread anyone before. Luo Chuchen’s attire and demeanor had seemed to him like that of a young master from a family with little influence, raised in indulgence. Moreover, his evasive manner of speaking had clearly suggested a personality that shied away from trouble.

Such young masters, with their background and temperament, were the easiest to bully. Who could have known, who could have known

Who could have known that Luo Chuchen had such a fierce general backing him up!

Supported by his servants, Li Yuan struggled to his feet, still muttering curses under his breath. As he prepared to leave, he tried to glare at the two of them, but the moment his eyes met Liang Jue’s icy gaze, he shuddered and immediately fell silent.

Liang Jue said coldly, “If there’s a next time, it won’t be as simple as a sprained wrist.”

Li Yuan didn’t reply, quickening his pace as he hurried away from the pavilion.

He Qi watched their retreating figures, a hint of lingering excitement in his expression. “Are we just letting them go like that?”

Liang Jue glanced sideways at Luo Chuchen. “Given his character, he’ll likely incite his father to stir up trouble. Your uncle might not be able to keep this under wraps.”

“…” Luo Chuchen’s expression went blank for a moment he hadn’t considered that possibility at all. “Oh heavens.”

After a moment’s thought, Luo Chuchen sighed. “Well, it’s my fault for causing this. If Uncle scolds me, so be it. Someone like that deserves to be taught a lesson!”

If he hadn’t sent She Chuan and He Qi away earlier, Liang Jue wouldn’t have gone looking for them, and later, he wouldn’t have been left alone with She Chuan, giving Li Yuan and his group the opportunity to cause trouble.

“Speaking of which,” Luo Chuchen turned to Liang Jue with starry eyes, “you were so cool just now!”

Liang Jue froze for a moment.

After processing the compliment, he covered his mouth with his fist, turned his head away, and coughed lightly. “It was alright, I suppose.”

Luo Chuchen couldn’t resist showering him with praise: “That whole sequence was as smooth as flowing water you had that guy too scared to even move! That’s seriously impressive! Don’t you dare tell me it’s just basic skills, I was stunned watching you. Ah, if only I could do that too.”

Liang Jue coughed again, deftly sidestepping the flattery and reminding him, “Martial arts isn’t something you master overnight. Weren’t you just reluctant to walk to the other side of the lake for the banquet earlier?”

Luo Chuchen: “…”

His stream of compliments got stuck in his throat, and he didn’t feel like saying another word.

Pretending he hadn’t heard that remark after all, he’d already finished praising him,Luo Chuchen turned back and instructed Shechuan to pack up the painting supplies.

Shechuan unrolled the scroll and let out an “Ah,” his face falling. “Young master, the painting is ruined.”

When Li Yuan had arrived, Luo Chuchen had only thought to have Shechuan quickly roll up the painting, forgetting that he had been using a brush to apply colors just minutes before. The ink on the rice paper hadn’t dried yet, and after being rolled up, most of it had smeared.

Luo Chuchen looked at it and felt a pang of regret, wondering how he could salvage it, when suddenly he heard someone sigh behind him. “What a pity, indeed.”

Everyone turned in surprise and saw a middle-aged man with an immortal-like aura emerge from behind the red-lacquered pillar of Linyun Pavilion. Dressed in a black robe embroidered with crane patterns and sporting a long beard, he too was examining Luo Chuchen’s smudged painting.

Uncertain of his intentions, Liang Jue instinctively moved to shield Luo Chuchen slightly.

The middle aged man smiled. “No need to be so wary. I am Lu Yangqiu. I had intended to rest here at Linyun Pavilion before the elegant gathering, but I stumbled upon this incident. Though I didn’t witness everything, if that young man really intends to report this to the authorities, I can serve as a witness for you all.”

Luo Chuchen was startled so this was Lu Yangqiu! He quickly clasped his hands in salute. “Greetings, Master Lu. I am Luo Chuchen.”

“Oh, Luo Chuchen,” Lu Yangqiu examined him and nodded. “You’re Yin Zikun’s new disciple, aren’t you? Not bad at all. Your painting shows real talent.”

Remembering the earlier commotion, which Lu Yangqiu had mostly witnessed, Luo Chuchen felt a bit embarrassed and lowered his head. “You flatter me, sir.”

Lu Yangqiu chuckled. “The last time I saw your master, he mentioned you to me. Isn’t he coming today?”

Luo Chuchen replied, “My master has difficulty walking, so he gave me the invitation.”

Lu Yangqiu shook his head. “That’s just like him.”

After all that had happened, Luo Chuchen had considered returning home with Liang Jue, but now that Lu Yangqiu had appeared, he wasn’t sure whether to stay or leave and hesitated on the spot.

Luo Chuchen tentatively suggested, “The elegant gathering will begin soon. Perhaps we should take our leave and let you rest here in peace, sir ?”

“What’s the hurry?” Lu Yangqiu said with a smile, stepping into the pavilion past the carved railings on either side and stroking his beard. “Might I ask the young friend to lend me this painting for a closer look?”

“Please, sir.” Luo Chuchen gestured for him to proceed.

Lu Yangqiu carefully unrolled the scroll with both hands and studied it for a moment before suddenly asking, “Are you not planning to attend the upcoming elegant gathering, young friend?”

Luo Chuchen admitted, “I am lacking in skill and knowledge, and after what just happened, I no longer have the heart to paint.”

Lu Yangqiu sighed, “What a pity. This painting would have fit the theme of today’s gathering quite well.”

Luo Chuchen wasn’t sure whether to inquire further, fearing that if he probed too deeply, Lu Yangqiu might try to persuade him to stay.

Fortunately, Lu Yangqiu simply said, “Since the painting is already damaged, might I borrow it from you for just one day? I’ll have it returned to your residence tomorrow.”

“Of course.”

“Are you staying at the Pingyang Marquis Manor?” Lu Yangqiu asked.

Luo Chuchen shook his head, “I’m currently staying at my uncle’s residence Lord Chu Yuanzhu’s manor.”

“I see,” Lu Yangqiu smiled as he carefully rolled up the painting. “Thank you in advance, then.”

“I’m truly unworthy of such kindness,” Luo Chuchen hurriedly replied in a formal, scholarly manner.

After what felt like an eternity of polite exchanges, they finally packed up and took their leave.

On the painted boat returning across the lake, Luo Chuchen felt so exhausted that his body seemed to no longer belong to him. Gazing at the water, he let out a long sigh and said, “I don’t think I ever want to come back to this place again.”

Luo Chuchen’s constitution had always been weak, and after the day’s events, he was completely drained. He nibbled on some snacks in the carriage before drifting into a hazy sleep.

When he woke again, the world around him was still swaying gently, as if the carriage was still moving.

Luo Chuchen yawned and slowly opened his eyes, then suddenly froze.

Ah Had he been leaning on someone’s shoulder?

That “someone” was, of course, Liang Jue.

For some inexplicable reason, Luo Chuchen felt a sudden wave of tension. He stiffened imperceptibly and closed his eyes again, waiting a moment,

Wait, why was he nervous?

He had apparently been sleeping against that shoulder the entire journey. The life value indicator in his upper right corner was now full, prominently asserting its presence.

Luo Chuchen immediately found his justification this was clearly a legitimate benefit for him!

He cleared his throat, sat up straight, and asked with feigned nonchalance, “Where are we now?”

Liang Jue, who seemed completely unaware, replied, “We’ve already entered the city.”

The carriage window was half-open, revealing the familiar streets of the capital outside.

Luo Chuchen secretly yawned again, but halfway through, a sudden realization struck him.

“Why am I in this carriage?”

Liang Jue looked puzzled. “Hmm?”

Luo Chuchen blinked. “Didn’t we agree earlier that I would take my family’s carriage on the return trip?”

They stared at each other, then simultaneously fell into silence.

It seemed, perhaps.

They had forgotten about the Chu family’s coachman,

Liang Jue awkwardly turned his head away, while Luo Chuchen scratched his cheek in equal embarrassment.

“Well.” Luo Chuchen said, “Uncle will definitely hear about what happened today anyway. I’ll send someone to fetch him back later.”

Liang Jue: “I suppose that’s all we can do.”

Seeing Liang Jue’s embarrassed expression, Luo Chuchen suddenly burst out laughing.

Faced with Liang Jue’s “what are you laughing at” look, Luo Chuchen found it even harder to contain his amusement. Covering his mouth, he chuckled to himself for a while before explaining, “Looking at you now and comparing it to how you were beating someone up at noon the contrast is really quite adorable.”

The same person who had so fiercely pinned someone to the ground and punched them at noon was now sitting beside him, utterly embarrassed over forgetting such a simple matter.

Liang Jue: “…”

A belated blush crept up his cheeks. After watching Luo Chuchen laugh for what felt like an eternity, he finally became flustered and reached out to pinch Luo Chuchen’s cheek. “Alright, that’s enough. Stop it.”

Chu Yuanzhu only learned about what had happened at Yanying Mountain the following day.

In the morning, Luo Chuchen went to Yin Zikun’s place and, as expected, recounted the events of that day. When the conversation turned to his encounter with Lu Yangqiu, Yin Zikun became so engaged that he insisted Luo Chuchen stay for lunch.

By the time Luo Chuchen returned home, it was already past one in the afternoon.

Lu Yangqiu had sent the painting over earlier that morning, and the butler had already placed it on Luo Chuchen’s desk.

Luo Chuchen had just taken his seat and barely begun grinding ink when a commotion erupted outside his door. Chu Yuanzhu, visiting his small courtyard for the first time, pushed the door open with a frown and said, “Come with me.”

Luo Chuchen’s heart sank: the secret was out.

Seeing Chu Yuanzhu’s grim expression, he didn’t dare say a word. Setting down his brush, he followed Chu Yuanzhu all the way to the main hall.

Chu Yuanzhu motioned for him to sit and immediately asked, “Did you and Liang Jue beat up Li Yuan yesterday?”

Luo Chuchen answered truthfully, “Yes.”

Chu Yuanzhu sighed and asked, “How many times has that Li Yuan… harassed you? According to the butler, Liang Jue caught him once right after you arrived in the capital. Has there been anything else since?”

Luo Chuchen hadn’t expected this question and was momentarily taken aback. “Only those two times.”

Chu Yuanzhu furrowed his brow. “Then it shouldn’t be too difficult to handle.”

Luo Chuchen didn’t understand what Chu Yuanzhu meant. He then noticed Chu Yuanzhu giving him a once-over. “These clothes of yours Never mind.”

Luo Chuchen: ?

He was even more confused and glanced down at his own attire it seemed perfectly normal.

But then Chu Yuanzhu continued, “Li Yuan’s father has lodged a complaint with the Emperor. There’s no time to waste come with me to the palace.”