When the Cannon Fodder Meets the Love-Brained Female Supporting Character - Episode 35

Qin Wan emerged from the night.

Jiang Nan asked her, “Have you seen your parents?”

Qin Wan nodded silently.

“Did they confess their crimes?”

Qin Wan shook her head. “No, they refused. They wouldn’t admit to anything.”

Jiang Nan asked, “How did you deal with them?”

A trace of confusion flickered across Qin Wan’s face. “Didn’t we hand them over to the authorities? They were sentenced to death. Why ask me how I dealt with them?”

Jiang Nan and A-Jiu exchanged a glance. She smiled faintly. “Qin Wan, you might not know the saying, money can make the devil turn the millstone.”

She took out a gold ingot and dangled it in her hand before looking at Qin Wan. “What do you say?”

Qin Wan understood immediately. Grinding her teeth, she said, “I want them to die horribly just like me. No, worse than me. I want them shattered to pieces!”

Jiang Nan chuckled and said to A-Jiu, “Go negotiate with the jailers. Tell them to bring out the torture tools; the tiger bench, finger presses, everything. The evidence is solid; their denials are just delaying the process. If they wrap this up within three days, five gold ingots like this will be theirs. Go.”

A-Jiu replied, “Understood.”

Qin Wan made to follow, but Jiang Nan stopped her. “I’ve brought a renowned physician from the capital to see you. Meet him first.”

Overjoyed, Qin Wan said, “Thank you, Sister.”

The two entered the hall.

A physician was already seated inside, meditating with his eyes closed. Upon seeing them, he immediately stood and bowed.

“Physician Huang, this is the severely injured person I mentioned. Please examine her.”

Physician Huang nodded and hurried over to take her pulse.

His expression turned grave. “These injuries are indeed severe. Do you have sensation in your limbs?”

Qin Wan nodded. “Yes, but every step I take is excruciating.”

The physician pondered. “Let me try something.”

The next day.

The woman who had managed the accounts for Qin Xin’s caravan arrived, escorting Wan Fu and Wan Lan. Furious, she said, “My lord, we’ve uncovered the truth! These two were the ones behind it!”

That day, she had deliberately delayed announcing the last three names. Sure enough, Wan Fu couldn’t hold back and asked if there were any omissions.

Feigning ignorance, the woman said she couldn’t find the list and asked if they had seen it.

Guilty, they claimed they hadn’t but remembered a few names left unread.

The woman said she thought there were none left and had burned it.

Panicked, the two blurted out the three names they remembered.

Jiang Nan said, “They must have falsified the records for their cousin Wan Jie’s sake. In that case, Wan Jie should also be stripped of his quota.”

The woman nodded. “That’s only fair.”

The several cartloads of tea originally destined for Wanbao Teahouse were intercepted by their men at full speed.

Meanwhile, Wan Jie was still inside Wanbao Teahouse, boasting to his peers.

Jiang Nan arrived, her eyes brimming with amusement. “Do you still have Longjing tea today?”

Wan Jie frowned. “Why are you here again? The Longjing hasn’t arrived yet. Go somewhere else.”

“What about transferring the shop?” Jiang Nan pressed.

“Don’t even think about it!” Wan Jie was livid.

Unfazed, Jiang Nan said, “You might change your mind soon.”

A short while later, Wan Jie’s man rushed back, panting. “Boss, it’s bad! Qin Xin’s caravan refused to give us the tea!”

Wan Jie slammed the table in frustration, exclaiming, “What! Why is this happening?”

The man replied, “They said we acted dishonorably first and refused to do business with us. They even drove Wan Fu and Wan Lan out of the caravan. They should be back soon.”

Wan Jie’s eyes burned with anger. “Who did this?”

“It seems the order came from the caravan’s newly appointed deputy captain,” the man said.

Wan Jie stood up. “I’m going to find her right now!”

By then, Wan Fu and Wan Lan had already arrived at Wanbao Teahouse.

Wan Fu looked grim. “Cousin, the plan fell through.”

“You two are nothing but trouble!” Wan Jie pointed at them and scolded.

Wan Fu shot back, “If it weren’t for you, would we have made such a mistake and gotten kicked out?”

Suddenly, Jiang Nan spoke up, “Save the arguing for later. Wan Jie, have you changed your mind now?”

Wan Fu and Wan Lan turned at the sound of her voice. When they saw Jiang Nan sitting in the shop, their expressions twisted as if they had swallowed a fly. After a long pause, they finally managed to speak, “Deputy Captain…”

Wan Jie froze.

Deputy captain?

Then it hit him. He whipped his head around to stare at Jiang Nan.

How could she be the deputy captain? A sense of impending doom washed over Wan Jie.

The tea deal was completely ruined now.

“Jiang Nan, don’t even think about it! I’d rather burn this shop down than hand it over to you,” Wan Jie spat venomously.

Jiang Nan’s smile faded slowly. “Suit yourself.”

She turned and walked out.

This shop was hers for the taking! If she could establish herself here, her tea business in Qu City would be halfway to success.

What kind of merchant didn’t have ambition?

Jiang Nan suddenly realized she hadn’t seen Xiao Ran much these past couple of days.

A thought struck her. The system’s earlier meddling. If Xiao Ran wasn’t in Yang City, she would inevitably run into numerous men, leading to all sorts of “coincidental” encounters.

The mere idea made Jiang Nan’s chest tighten.

When Xiao Ran was around her every day, it was fine. But the moment she was out of sight, Jiang Nan’s mind would start wandering.

Two days were more than enough for many things to happen.

Jiang Nan had intended to return to the inn, but before she knew it, she found herself outside Xiao Wan’s residence. Coincidentally, she ran into Xiao Wan, who was just heading out on an errand.

Xiao Wan was surprised to see her, then covered her mouth with a knowing smile. “You’re here to see Ran’er, aren’t you? She just left and isn’t home right now.”

Just left?

After bidding farewell, Jiang Nan wandered around the area.

Meanwhile, Xiao Ran was carrying a basket of fruit to deliver to Jiang Nan when she ran into Xiao Yun strolling down the street.

Xiao Yun spotted her and brightened. “You haven’t left yet?”

Xiao Ran nodded. “There’s been some trouble. We’ll have to stay a while longer.”

Xiao Yun toyed with a small trinket in her hand. “Are you going to see Miss Jiang? Take me with you.”

Xiao Ran frowned, visibly displeased.

When Xiao Yun saw her silence, a hint of mockery crept into her tone. “Miss Xiao, you like Miss Jiang, don’t you?”

Xiao Ran didn’t answer.

“But Miss Jiang doesn’t seem all that fond of you. She seems more interested in the people around her.” Xiao Yun’s grin widened.

Xiao Ran was unfazed. “Even if she doesn’t like me, I’ll still like her. Just being allowed to stay by her side is enough. Even if Sister Jiang likes a hundred people.” It wouldn’t matter.

Xiao Yun’s smile froze.

She had forgotten this woman was impossible to reason with.

Jiang Nan happened to step out just in time to hear the last part: “Sister Jiang likes a hundred people.”

She stiffened.

Absolutely unnecessary.

Why on earth would she like a hundred people?

Suddenly, Jiang Nan noticed an older woman behind Xiao Ran, carrying a basin of black dye with an unfriendly expression as she strode purposefully toward Xiao Ran.

Sensing trouble, Jiang Nan quickly stepped forward and pulled Xiao Ran aside.

A splash of liquid came flying toward them. Thanks to their timely evasion, most of it landed on the ground, though a few droplets still splattered onto Jiang Nan’s clothes. The black dye stood out starkly against her blue dress.

As the older woman passed Xiao Ran, she spat on the ground before walking away.

Jiang Nan grabbed her arm. “Explain yourself before you leave. Why did you throw dye on someone?”

The woman sneered, “Because someone here is seducing another woman’s fiancé, of course.”

Xiao Ran’s face paled slightly.

“Jiang-jiejie, I didn’t. That man insisted on inviting me to accompany him, but I refused,” Xiao Ran explained.

Jiang Nan nodded.

This was clearly the system’s doing.

The woman shouted, “Lies! You were the one who sought him out!”

Jiang Nan turned to her. “Did you see it with your own eyes?”

The woman planted her hands on her hips but couldn’t answer.

Jiang Nan pressed further, “If you know the man was the one making advances, why aren’t you scolding him instead?”

“I’ll deal with her first, then him,” the woman retorted defiantly.

Jiang Nan asked, “Where is your fiancé now?”

The woman glared. “What do you mean, my fiancé? He’s my daughter’s!”

Jiang Nan continued, “Then where is your daughter’s fiancé?”

“What’s it to you?” the woman snapped.

“So, we can teach him a lesson together. If he’s already engaged yet still harassing my girl, I’ll hire a couple of strong men to beat him up. No need for you to worry,” Jiang Nan said, crossing her arms.

My girl.

Xiao Ran caught those words, her heart fluttering like a startled deer.

The woman took a step back, and Jiang Nan matched her. Seeing Jiang Nan was serious about following her, the woman panicked and tried to flee.

A-Jiu clamped down on her arm, preventing her escape.

Jiang Nan said, “Apologize to this girl before you go.”

The woman glared hatefully but remained silent.

Jiang Nan waited patiently.

A-Jiu tightened his grip, and the woman winced in pain, fearing her bones might snap if he squeezed any harder. Frantic, she blurted, “I’m sorry, miss. It was my fault.”

“Not enough,” Jiang Nan said.

In her desperation, the woman smeared the remaining black dye from the basin onto her own clothes, then looked at Jiang Nan pleadingly.

Jiang Nan gave A-Jiu a nod.

A-Jiu released her and muttered, “Get lost.”

The woman scurried away with her head down.

Xiao Ran explained the situation to Jiang Nan. She had gone to pick fruit by the South Water Fragrant River when she encountered the man. He repeatedly asked her to accompany him, but she refused each time, eventually losing him by blending into a crowd.

Someone who knew the man must have spread rumors to the older woman.

Xiao Ran hesitantly suggested, “Jiang-jiejie, my aunt’s house is nearby. Let me help you clean the stains?”

For some inexplicable reason, Jiang Nan agreed.

Xiao Yun, who had been observing from the sidelines, suddenly popped up and said to Jiang Nan, “So, Miss Jiang, you haven’t left yet?”

Jiang Nan ignored her and followed Xiao Ran.

Xiao Yun tried to trail after them.

A-Jiu blocked her with his scabbard, pressing it against her chest. “Why are you sneaking after my mistress? Watch yourself, or I’ll drag you to the magistrate.”

Reluctantly, Xiao Yun stopped, watching them walk away.

They arrived at Xiao Ran’s aunt’s residence.

Xiao Ran led Jiang Nan into her own chamber, took out a handkerchief from the cabinet, and handed it to Jiang Nan to wipe away the stain.

Jiang Nan dabbed at it, only to see the black smudge not fading but spreading further outward, growing from the size of a fingertip to that of a thumb.

She moistened the cloth with a bit of water and tried again, but the stain remained stubborn.

Jiang Nan sighed regretfully, “Looks like it’s a lost cause.”

The dress wasn’t cheap, and she couldn’t help but feel a pang of heartache.

Xiao Ran studied the stain thoughtfully for a moment before saying, “Sister Jiang, let me try something.”

She retrieved a needle and thread, blushing as she moved closer to Jiang Nan.

Jiang Nan was wearing a ruqun that day, and the black stain was right at the collar of the upper garment too awkward to remove. This was the excuse Xiao Ran had quickly conjured for herself.

At first, Jiang Nan didn’t understand her intention, but as Xiao Ran leaned in, took hold of her collar, and began threading the needle, she realized Xiao Ran meant to embroider over the stain.

The distance between them gradually narrowed. Xiao Ran’s hair nearly brushed against Jiang Nan’s chin, a few stray strands tickling her face.

The faint scent of flowers once again drifted into her nostrils.

It seemed they were getting closer and closer.

Jiang Nan’s back pressed against the table behind her, leaving her no room to retreat. Her throat tightened as she swallowed quietly, her breath growing increasingly heated.

Outside, the rustling of leaves in the wind was crisp and clear.

The soft hiss of the needle and thread passing through fabric.

Jiang Nan could hear none of it. She could only feel those jade-like hands moving the needle back and forth across her clothes.

Those delicate fingers occasionally grazed her, brushing her shoulders, her neck. Her skin tingled with each touch.

She didn’t know how much time had passed when suddenly, the girl in her arms leaned closer, pressing her face near Jiang Nan’s collarbone, her warm breath ghosting over her neck.

Jiang Nan’s heart skipped a beat, and she hurriedly asked what she was doing.

She was startled to find her own voice had grown slightly hoarse.

The beauty lifted her limpid eyes; usually so clear, now tinged with a hint of allure. Her jade-like face was faintly flushed, her thin lips as glossy and tempting as a ripe peach.

“The thread…” She held out the strand in her hand.

Ah. She needed to bite it off.

Jiang Nan nodded hastily, turning her face toward the window, hoping the cool breeze would soothe the heat on her cheeks.

Xiao Ran slowly drew nearer, her forehead resting against Jiang Nan’s neck, sending shivers down her spine. Jiang Nan’s heartbeat roared in her ears.

This moment was unbearable.

Unbidden fantasies began to flicker through Jiang Nan’s mind.

The more she thought, the hotter her breath became, her body even growing slightly restless.

Xiao Ran bit off the thread, her face flushed as she tied a knot. “D-done.”

Jiang Nan looked down. The dark stain had been replaced by a pale blue phoenix. Though hastily sketched and filled in, the embroidery had saved the dress.

The small phoenix at the collar added a touch of elegance to the ruqun, making it even more exquisite.

She truly was clever with her hands.

Jiang Nan thanked her.

Xiao Ran lowered her head shyly, a loose strand of hair escaping her updo and falling against her fair, smooth neck.

A warm fingertip gently brushed her cheek, tucking that stray lock behind her ear. But the hand didn’t withdraw instead, it lingered at the back of her head, then pressed lightly, guiding her forward.

Xiao Ran’s heart pounded so fiercely it felt ready to leap out. She lifted her gaze to meet Jiang Nan’s.

Their eyes locked.

Jiang Nan’s gaze swept over her face, finally settling on her honey-glazed lips as his eyes darkened slightly.

Seems so sweet…