Chapter 36: How Could There Be Any Mind Left for Other Thoughts

Chapter 36: No Mind Left for Anything Else

Shen Changdong led the cook out of Qixia Courtyard. Seeing that there was no one around, he boldly stepped forward and said, "Pardon me, may I ask if you are already betrothed?"

The cook covered her face and giggled. "Master Shen, please don't tease Chunniang. I was married early this spring. How could I possibly deserve to be addressed as 'miss' by you?"

During the meal earlier, they had already exchanged names.

Shen Changdong feigned surprise. "Is that so? You look no older than sixteen, yet you are already a wife. I wonder who is so fortunate to have such a beauty for a spouse?"

"Master Shen is always joking," Chunniang laughed again. "My husband is the proprietor of the mutton soup shop in this neighborhood. If you have no other business, please settle the payment for the soup. If I return too late, my husband will be displeased."

"Easily done, easily done." Shen Changdong reached into his sleeve, pulled out a purse, and took out a substantial piece of silver.

"That is too much," Chunniang said, waving her hands. "I didn't bring any change, and I cannot break this. Do you have smaller silver pieces? Even copper coins would do."

"No need for change. You served me very well today; consider the rest a tip." Shen Changdong weighed the silver in his hand.

"This... how could I possibly accept this!" Chunniang repeatedly declined.

"If I say it's for you, it is yours." Shen Changdong took a step forward and pressed the silver into her hand.

After a moment, Chunniang felt something was wrong. Shen Changdong was taking the opportunity to hold her hand and would not let go. Feeling both angry and ashamed, she abandoned the silver and turned to run away.

"Don't be shy, Chunniang. I will bring the payment to your shop myself tomorrow," Shen Changdong shouted after her. This act was nearly an open molestation, showing just how unscrupulous he had become within the Qian household. However, he did not notice Gu Youzi peeking from not far behind, who then quietly slipped away.

The following afternoon, after lunch, Shen Changdong found a way to leave the estate. Unlike usual, he did not bring a crowd of attendants, but left quietly on his own, not even taking his personal servant. Gu Youzi watched him from behind, and as soon as he left, she followed him secretly.

Shen Changdong arrived at the old market entrance and found a rather inconspicuous mutton soup shop. The sign and furnishings were quite worn, clearly an old establishment, and only half the door was open. He pushed his way in brazenly.

"Customer, we are closed. My husband has gone out to collect mutton..." Chunniang was wiping the table and spoke without looking up.

Hearing this, Shen Changdong felt a surge of joy—it was as if he had been given a pillow just as he was getting sleepy. He raised his hand and latched the door shut behind him.

"You, why are you locking the door..." Chunniang looked up in terror, shocked to see him. "Why is it you!"

"Little lady, I came to deliver your money." With no one around, Shen Changdong dropped all pretense of his beastly nature and moved in on her immediately.

"You—don't come any closer! My husband is a butcher; he slaughters several sheep every day. If... if he finds out, he will kill you!" Chunniang retreated in a panic.

Had Shen Changdong been more observant, he might have noticed that despite the panic on her face, there was not a trace of fear in her eyes. Unfortunately, blinded by lust, he saw only her graceful figure and felt his blood boiling, leaving him with no mind for anything else. As for the butcher, if he was obedient, a bit of silver would suffice to send him away; if he was not, he would be beaten into submission. He had done such things many times over the years.

He walked forward with a grin as Chunniang backed away, eventually retreating into the kitchen at the back, right up to the stove where there was nowhere left to go.

"Little lady, why are you running? Big brother won't hurt you..." Shen Changdong laughed as he approached.

"Don't do this, my husband is coming back..." Chunniang struggled in terror.

"I’ve heard that some men like to have their fun right by the cooking hearth, and today I shall enjoy the novelty!" Shen Changdong’s face was flushed, his eyes gleaming. Watching the panic-stricken woman before him, he acted like a cat playing with a mouse, becoming unhurried and deliberate.

Suddenly, Chunniang grabbed the small stool used for tending the fire and smashed it against his forehead. Taking advantage of his momentary distraction, she scrambled away. Shen Changdong let out a cry of pain and gave chase.

Chunniang screamed as she ran up to the loft. The shop was on the ground floor, and the loft above served as their simple living quarters.

"You little bitch, you dare hit me!" Shen Changdong touched his forehead and, seeing no blood, felt relieved. His eyes turned fierce as he looked at her. "Feisty! I like that!"

"You, don't come over here," Chunniang retreated until her legs went weak, and she collapsed to the floor.

Shen Changdong lunged at her without a word, pinning her hands above her head, ready to do as he pleased. "Let me go! Let me go!" Chunniang struggled and pushed with all her might, then bit him hard on the arm when he wasn't looking.

"Ah!" Shen Changdong cried out in pain and slapped her across the face. "You wretched woman, you refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit!"

Just at that moment, a heavy pounding on the door echoed from below.

"Chunniang, open the door! Why are you keeping it locked in the middle of the day?" a man’s rough voice boomed.

Shen Changdong froze. Chunniang shivered. "My husband is back! Go, hurry, leave!"

"Where can I go?" Shen Changdong was starting to feel fear. Had he brought his men, he wouldn't care; he would have taken her right in front of the butcher. But alone, he had to be cautious. If he were truly killed by a reckless butcher, it would be a heavy price to pay.

The thirty-six stratagems: running away is the best one.

"The back," Chunniang pointed behind the bed. "Jump out that window."

Shen Changdong peeked; the latticed window was small, but he could just manage to squeeze through. He felt a sense of relief, but turned back, unwilling to let it go. "This isn't over. You hit me, you bit me—I will come back to settle the score sooner or later!"

"Chunniang? Are you in there?" the voice outside shouted again. "If you don't open the door, I'm going to smash it down!" With a loud "bang," the butcher, losing patience, kicked the door hard.

"Hurry and go!" Chunniang, terrified, pushed him toward the window and shouted loudly, "Don't smash it! I'm coming!"

Shen Changdong looked down. The area below was cluttered with large water vats and piles of firewood—it was completely packed. He was in a dilemma. If it were mud, a jump wouldn't matter, but with all that debris, what if he suffered a serious injury?