071 Competing with Chrysanthemums as the Weapon

Chapter 071: An Explosive Chrysanthemum

In the latter half of the night, when even the city walls ought to have been slumbering, a clear clang of the gong rang out, rousing the light sleepers first.

"The county magistrate, Sun Chiqiang, has harmed his own son!"

What? Those who slept more deeply were shaken awake by those beside them. "Listen, isn't that Liu the Cripple from the Hundred Flowers House? Sun Chiqiang harmed his own son? What's going on?"

The curious wasted no time in throwing on their clothes and stepping outside, just in time to see Liu the Cripple striking the gong as he made his way toward the county magistrate's yamen, crying out every three steps with practiced regularity, "The county magistrate, Sun Chiqiang, has harmed his own son!"

Behind him, more than twenty courtesans from the Hundred Flowers House, led by Madam Mu, strode through the gray pre-dawn darkness, all seemingly clad in mourning attire.

But as they approached, the townsfolk of Pingcheng, who had opened their doors to investigate, found their eyes nearly bursting from their sockets. Those weren't mourning robes at all, but rather the same revealing, vibrant gauzy dresses those women usually wore—only now in white! Shoulders bared, bosoms exposed, thighs revealed; from afar, the details were obscured, but up close, the sensual display was enough to make any normal man lose control in an instant.

Before the mind could even process what was happening, legs moved of their own accord, following the spectacle.

At the head of the procession, Madam Mu's face radiated murderous intent. "Sun Chi, you heartless beast! Even a tiger spares its cubs, yet you dare lay hands on your own flesh and blood. Did you think the old woman would still cower before your tyranny as I did in Kaifeng? If anything happens to Jin'er, Sun Chi, just you wait—I’ll blast your chrysanthemum to bits, you bastard!"

Next to her, Zhu Xishi brandished a butcher’s knife with matching ferocity. "If anyone dares touch my husband's rear, I'll geld him like a boar with a single stroke!"

The townsfolk trailing behind staggered at this display. No wonder their recent attempt to chase this family of troublemakers out of Pingcheng by public opinion had failed. Just look at this fearsome unity between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law: one threatens to obliterate a chrysanthemum, the other to perform a castration—the target being none other than the county magistrate, Sun Chi! Well, with the Zhao family’s business finally settled, the tea houses had been lacking fresh gossip. This promised to be a spectacle worth watching!

As the procession wound through streets and alleys, their numbers swelled with each step, until a grand entourage stood before the yamen’s main gate.

The great doors were firmly shut, the silent front courtyard undisturbed. Yet from the rear courtyard, flames shot skyward—pure, unadulterated flames. Apart from the crackling of the fire and the sharp hiss of water being thrown onto it, not a single human voice broke the tense quiet.

Fang Rulai, amidst the crowd of courtesans, watched with a somber smile. Sun Chi was truly imaginative; even now, he could carry out a silent, highly disciplined operation. The hurried footfalls passing to and fro, though urgent, were orderly. So, had they already suppressed the prison break?

Madam Mu paused at the bottom of the steps before the gate. "Daughter-in-law, go knock."

"Yes, ma’am." Zhu Xishi stepped forward, squatted with all the confidence in the world, and drove her butcher’s knife straight into the seam between the doors. With a forceful downward chop, the latch behind the doors snapped.

She withdrew her blade and kicked the door. "It’s done, we—"

Before she could finish, a constable rushed out. "How dare you! What country bumpkins are you, barging in here—"

Madam Mu didn't even spare him a glance. With a half turn, she called over her shoulder, "Which lady's client is this? See to him at once! If you’re slow, I’ll dock your wages!"

A buxom courtesan stepped forward, her chest gleaming pale in the night. "Constable, I’m Pomegranate. Don’t you remember me? Just because I didn’t recognize you with your clothes on, you can’t pretend you don’t know me now that I’m clothed too."

Sashaying over, Pomegranate pressed the flustered constable against the door. "So, this is your official uniform? I must say, you look absolutely dashing in it! My heart’s all aflutter—here, feel it for yourself!"

"You… I… but…" The constable, face beet-red, stammered helplessly. He tried to draw his sword in protest, but at the sight of her exposed chest, his strength deserted him entirely.

Madam Mu snorted with disdain and waved her hand. "Let’s go!"

Upon entering, three or four more constables appeared, drawn by the commotion. "Who are you people? This is no place for the likes of you! Leave at once!"

Madam Mu flicked her handkerchief. "Ladies, tend to our guests. Serve them well and you’ll be handsomely rewarded!"

The courtesans’ eyes lit up, and they swarmed forward eagerly.

"Constable, I’m Peony. The mood tonight is just perfect. Care to try that new trick you mentioned last time?"

"Constable, I’m Mallow. It’s been ages since you visited! Mallow won’t have it—Mallow demands you make it up to her right now!"

"Constable…"

Their coquettish voices sent shivers down to the bone. The constables, who had meant to assert their authority, instantly blushed, their hearts racing and legs turning to jelly. Their swords? Long since forgotten, replaced by slender waists or soft, pale bosoms.

Fang Rulai covered half her face with a silk scarf, signaled Madam Mu with her eyes, and together they slipped through the throng, slipping away.

Thanks to dear zengfengzhu for the flowers and encouragement. Happy New Year! May all your wishes come true!

Also, the rowdy kids from my relatives are here again… So, I’ll be taking it easy for the next couple of days, just 1,500 words each day. Once the third day of the new year arrives, I’ll get back to 4,000 words per day. Hope you all understand!

My apologies—please eat and drink well, everyone!

This book is an original release.