Chapter 39 - Sample the Kitchen Skills of My Sister-in-Law (2/2)

The guards regarded her with undisguised contempt. The young master couldn’t even walk without help. Who did his wife think she was? Even if they forced themselves on her, what could one man-and a cripple-do to stop them?

“Please cooperate with us, Young Mistress!” The guard’s tone invited no argument. Without waiting for a reply, he stretched out a hand to search her body.

Jiang Shaocheng gave a brief cough. Immediately, He Lei brandished a dagger and stabbed the guard who had dared to touch Tang Qiu.

It had all happened in a flash.

Tang Qiu’s eyes widened. She grabbed Jiang Shaocheng’s wheelchair and retreated back a few steps. Meanwhile, the other three guards were left reeling, shocked that He Lei would be so bold as to resort to violence in the Jiang household. They reached for their weapons, ready to retaliate, before a man’s

voice halted them.

“What’s going on? What’s all the commotion about?”

“Second Young Master…” the guards cried out in unison, with the exception of the one who was groaning in pain on the ground.

Jiang Ming laughed. He didn’t even spare a glance at the wounded man. “Brother! What are you still doing outside? Come on in.”

“That was our plan all along,” Tang Qiu called back, sarcasm dripping from her voice. “Who knew that we would be stopped by these guard dogs here? It’s about time you showed up, Second Young Master!”

‘Tang Qiu’s temper, when contrasted with her delicate beauty, only endeared her further to Jiang Ming. He made a show of chastising the guard curled up on the ground. “What’s the matter with you? My elder brother comes home, and you refuse to let him into the house?”

‘The three guards rushed to help the injured man up and lowered their heads in apology.

“Come in, brother.” Warm hospitality oozed from Jiang Ming.

Jiang Shaocheng coughed. He looked at his brother-braving the chill to welcome them in, his voice thick with kindness. “What else would I do, after coming all this way? The only problem is that some people must get their fill of bloodshed before they’re satisfied. It seems I have no choice but to assist

them in the matter.”

Jiang Ming’s smile tumed forced. He stared at the man in the wheelchair before him, wondering if he was truly as severely ill as he appeared to be.

Tang Qiu pushed the wheelchair into the house, giving an aloof snort as she passed Jiang Ming. He clenched his jaw. One day, he swore, he would see that woman broken before him

There was a maid in the living room when they entered. She let out a cry of alarm when she saw Jiang Shaocheng’s burn scars, turning tail and fleeing.

Tang Qiu scoffed. Turning to Jiang Ming, she said, “What a large and important family the Jiangs are. I’ve never seen a servant behave like this before. How enlightening.”

Her sarcasm was not lost on Jiang Ming. He laughed good-naturedly. “Don’t mind her, sis-in-law. She’s new and has yet to abide by the rules. You, on the other hand, sound like you know your courtesies. In that case, go make me a cup of tea.. Let me sample the kitchen skills of my sister-in-law.