Chapter 140 (Add 3000 words, refresh)

  Today, in the small gathering at the back of the government office, Su San got a bit drunk. Shu Yan sent someone from the Lei family to send An Yan and Su San back, Su San indeed drank a lot today, although he didn't show any signs of drunkenness, his whole body was filled with the smell of alcohol. An Yan looked at him with some helplessness, so she brewed some sobering tea for Su San to drink. This way, he would feel more comfortable, otherwise, he wouldn't have much appetite for dinner tonight. Just as she finished brewing the tea and was urging Su San to drink it, because it was made in a hurry and without much thought, the taste wasn't very good. Therefore, before Su San even took a sip, just smelling the aroma made him slightly furrow his brow.

  An Yan saw Su San's expression and was instantly charmed. If this were in the past, Su San would have definitely drunk it down without batting an eyelid. However, now that she had been trained by An Yan's various delicious dishes, Su San's taste buds and stomach had become somewhat spoiled. An Yan was very satisfied with this result. Because he couldn't bear to be apart from her, he wanted to slowly seep into Su San's life, making himself an indispensable part of it, impossible to separate. Thinking this way, An Yan smiled happily as he watched Su San wrinkle her brow and drink the hangover tea. He was secretly counting how many times Su San wrinkled her brow. Su San drank the dark, rich hangover tea from the white porcelain bowl with a very gloomy expression. He wondered what ingredients were hidden in this hangover tea that could combine to create such a color and flavor. He had thought that only delicious dishes could be born from An Yan's hands.

  "Hurry up and drink, I'll make you something delicious tonight as compensation."

  She stood on one side with a clever smile, looking at him with gentle eyes.

  Su San listened, and suddenly came to his senses. With a surge of energy, he directly drank the hangover tea. As he drank, he thought silently in his heart that although the taste of this hangover tea was indeed strange, he just treated it as if he were drinking water. The reason he made such a difficult expression was completely because he hoped to get more tenderness from the little woman.

  It's hard to imagine, but in just half a year, Su San is no longer the original wooden and cold Su San who only knew how to go on stage and kill enemies. Nowadays, he also knows how to move some small thoughts to promote the feelings of both people.

  "Brocade embroidery, a self-proclaimed Mrs. Li came looking for you outside."

  At this moment, Liu's voice sounded outside the room.

  An's words made Yan's face change color in surprise, and he quickly walked to the door, opened it, and saw Liu's smiling face.

  "Big sister-in-law."

  "Brocade, I see that Mrs. Li has a big procession, is it the madam of the Li Mansion you know?"

  Although she hadn't seen anyone yet, her mind had already made some guesses. It must be Mrs. Li, the mother of Li Yuzhu and also the mother of Li Yutong. This time, due to the Hundred Herb Hall incident, Yin Jiumei was sentenced to prison. If there wasn't any movement from the Li household, that would be truly strange. However, previously, she really hadn't thought of this possibility.

  She and Mrs. Li indeed had some affinity, now that Mrs. Li was speaking from the heart, she couldn't refuse too much. However, it was also impossible to let Silver Nine Maiden go safely at the same time. An Yan lightly furrowed her brow, feeling somewhat annoyed in her heart.

  "Is she now in the main hall?"

  An Yan raised an eyebrow and asked in a soft voice.

  "Yes, Xiuniang welcomed her into the main hall and offered tea and pastries. I also rushed to inform you, Jinyou."

  After hearing Mrs. Liu's words, An nodded in satisfaction, the two sisters-in-law were still very considerate in their dealings with others, and she had always been at ease.

  "Sorry to trouble you two sisters-in-law, I'll go over right away."

  An smiled and thanked him, then turned his head to Su San and said: "If you feel bitter in your mouth, go find some honey to moisten your tongue."

  When he heard this, Su San only thought the little woman was teasing him. He frowned and said seriously: "A man should not be afraid of a bit of bitterness."

  When she heard this, An Yan covered her mouth and smiled, with a sly glint in her eyes. Su San suddenly felt embarrassed, his face burning with shame, his eyes darting back and forth as he secretly sighed inwardly. This little woman was really clever, seeing right through his small-minded thoughts.

  "Honey? I have some over there, I'll go get it."

  On the other side, Mrs. Liu was puzzled and heard that Su San wanted to eat candied fruit, so she enthusiastically said on one side. This candied fruit was bought by Bai Ping when he went out to give to Pang Ya and Meng Meng as a snack, and now there are still some left. Since Meng Meng came, Pang Ya has become much more cheerful. Now the two little girls have companions, whether playing or learning, they seem to be full of energy. And Mrs. Liu is also a person who loves children, and she treats Meng Meng very well. As long as it's something that Pang Ya eats, Meng Meng won't be left out. The Bai family has always been straightforward, if they really accept someone, they will treat her with kindness from the heart. Meng Meng had experienced ups and downs since childhood and was a bit defensive towards strangers. But under the sincere treatment of the Bai family, those defenses gradually dissipated. Now Meng Meng also considers herself a member of the Bai family. Every time she goes out to play with Pang Ya, she always protects her and treats her like a little sister. An Yan often sees this and feels warmth in his heart.

  Su San heard Mrs. Liu's words and secretly felt a pang of sorrow in her heart, raising her eyes to gaze at An Yan with a mixture of sadness and frustration.

  An Yan was softened by Su San's glance, so she stopped teasing him and turned to Liu Shi, saying: "Sister-in-law, don't mind him, he's a big man, what's there to be afraid of? Let's go, Pangzi and Mengmeng should be back soon. Sister-in-law, you'd better hurry back and prepare some snacks. Those two little ancestors are late for a day, when they come back later, they will definitely be starving."

  Liu's family heard this and didn't entangle anymore, but instead really hurriedly made two small children's snacks.

  "Really, I'll go now, what should I do, have some soup dumplings or..."

  Liu said as she quickly walked towards the kitchen. Liu had always been like this, doing things in a swift and decisive manner, saying it was going to rain and then immediately taking action. As soon as she thought of something, she would go do it right away.

  An Wen watched as Liu's figure hastily retreated into the distance, and couldn't help but smile wryly to herself before turning around and heading in the direction of the main hall.

  As I entered the main room, I saw Mrs. Li sitting in the first seat on the left, accompanied by four maidservants wearing green dresses. At this moment, Mrs. Li's eyebrows were furrowed, and she was lightly sipping the tea in her hand.

  "Aunt is doing well, how come you have time to come to Jinxiu today, it's really making our humble abode shine."

  An's words were accompanied by a hint of a smile on his face, his eyes gleaming with a subtle light as he stepped slowly into the main hall.

  Mrs. Li's eyes narrowed, and she felt that the woman was walking towards her against the light, with every step having a refined and elegant quality, as if lotus flowers were blooming with each step. Previously, she had thought the woman in front of her was gentle and kind, but now, taking a closer look, she felt that this woman was stunningly beautiful, like the moon. Originally, she had mentally prepared herself on the road, thinking that as long as she played the emotional card, there would be a good chance of success. However, at this moment, all of Mrs. Li's confidence decreased when she saw the woman in person. The woman's calm and gentle demeanor made Mrs. Li feel stunned and slightly lost.

  An Yan walked into the main room and sat down in a superior position, smiling lightly at Mrs. Li: "Auntie came without prior notice to Jin Xiu, it's good to let Jin Xiu prepare. Now, this tea and pastry are temporarily prepared, delaying Auntie, Auntie can't blame Jin Xiu."

  An spoke with a flicker of her eyes, quite charming, and her words were lively, which suddenly made the atmosphere warm and cozy.

  At this time, Mrs. Li also didn't want to mention emotional things, so she continued: "Jinxiu is being too serious, I and Jinxiu are like old friends from the first meeting, and I have always treated you as my daughter. I came here just wanting you to come out and see me, this old lady, and talk with me, I am already very satisfied, so why would I care about those empty formalities?"

  "That's good, Jinxiu knows that Auntie is a very kind person."

  Soft words gently flowed from her lips, like warm water flowing slowly, leaving no trace wherever it went.

  "By the way, Auntie, even if you hadn't come today, Jinxiu would have still gone to the mansion to apologize to you."

  An Yan's eyes flashed and she spoke before Madame Li could open her mouth.

  Mrs. Li's heart skipped a beat, and she had an ominous feeling, but there was no way out, so she could only continue to speak along with An Yan's words, "What crime can be pleaded?"

  Mrs. Li's face showed a puzzled expression, An Yan slightly lowered her eyelids, and a hint of color flashed in her eyes.

  "I'm sure Auntie is aware of what happened this morning, Jinxiu was very moved, Auntie is so considerate of Jinxiu, but Jinxiu can't pretend to know nothing and just accept Auntie's kindness."

  An Yan raised her eyes, which were filled with emotion, and her expression was very sincere.

  Mrs. Li finally knew where the unease came from at this moment, and her heart was racing rapidly.

  Before she could even process what was happening, An Yan continued speaking, "Whether it's Yin Jiu Niang or Zhao Shi or Ruan Yu Qing, they will have the outcome they have today, completely deserving of their punishment. This matter is not just the intention of one person, but also the intention of the master of Qing Cheng and the people of Qing Cheng, it is what everyone hopes for. Jin Xiu was originally worried that she would offend her aunt because of this matter. Now, with her aunt being so understanding, Jin Xiu felt very grateful in her heart. Jin Xiu naturally remembered the good things about her husband, keeping them in mind and not daring to forget. If there is an opportunity, Jin Xiu will definitely repay her husband's kindness."

  Having finished speaking, he looked at Mrs. Li with a sincere expression.

  Mrs. Li's hand under her sleeve trembled slightly, indicating that she understood the implication. She hoped to keep quiet about this matter. Even if she spoke up, it would be pointless, as this was not something one person could decide on their own; it was up to the city master.

  It's also the intention of the people of Qingcheng. However, if she speaks up, it will not only be ineffective but also damage the relationship between the two. At the same time, if you don't speak up, she will still remember your kindness and find an opportunity to repay you in the future.

  Mrs. Li felt as if she had been choked, unable to go up or down, and was extremely uncomfortable. She had made mental preparations before coming, but now she hadn't even spoken a word of apology, and her retreat was already blocked. Mrs. Li originally felt anxious in her heart, but at this moment, she didn't know if she was being choked with anger, and for a moment, she spoke recklessly: "If you really knew how to be grateful, you wouldn't be so ruthless. Your Baicao Hall is actually nothing now, but on the contrary, it's because of that day's incident that your reputation has risen. Now, if you show a little kindness and let Jiuniang and the people of the Ruan family have a better life, what would happen?"

  As soon as these words came out, the atmosphere in the hall suddenly became a bit stagnant. An Yan's smile froze on his face, and his eyes had some awkwardness.

  Mrs. Li, who had always been quite respectful of her, thought that a woman like her should be the most understanding. However, at the same time, she also knew that Mrs. Li was also a mother and would do things beyond reason for her own child, which she could understand. But after her polite refusal, Mrs. Li suddenly looked angry and embarrassed. This attitude, she really hadn't expected.

  Mrs. Li, she still overestimated her after all. And at this time, it was inevitable that some disappointed emotions arose in her heart.

  Mrs. Li realized that her words were hurtful, so she quickly softened her tone and said: "Jinxiu, Auntie was really too anxious, so I spoke thoughtlessly just now. Jinxiu, don't be angry with Auntie."

  Mrs. Li's words fell, and An Yan's face did calm down a bit, but the sense of loss in her heart was hard to dispel. As for Mrs. Li, that feeling had also changed, and it could never go back to what it was before. Silently, An Yan had redefined Mrs. Li in her heart. She had given her an opportunity, but Mrs. Li hadn't cherished it, so it could only be said that their fates were just like that.

  "No, Jinxiu also knows that Aunt is anxious. But this matter Jinxiu can't make a decision on, it's up to Qingcheng City Lord Yu Lei to decide. Although Yu Lei and Jinxiu's husband Su San are good brothers, but now the situation has become settled, even if Jinxiu's husband intervenes, it would be in vain. Moreover, Aunt also knows that today many people of Qingcheng city are watching. If she were to go back on her word again, wouldn't that make City Lord Yu Lei lose face? Jinxiu wants to help her husband very much, but indeed can't do anything about it. Just now, Jinxiu discussed with her husband, but he shook his head, indicating that this matter has no room for change."

  After listening to An Yan's words, Mrs. Li only felt extremely disappointed in her heart. In an instant, the disappointed and sad face of her son Li Yutong appeared in her mind, she furrowed her brow, her gaze fell steadily on An Yan's face, as if measuring the credibility of An Yan's words. And An Yan was not evasive either, his eyes were clear and calm, looking back at her with a composed expression.

  Everyone was at a loss for words all of a sudden, and it was really unclear what to say at this point.

  However, after living for so many years, Mrs. Li adjusted herself slightly after a few breaths. She took out a silk handkerchief from her sleeve and carefully wiped the corners of her eyes, then said with some sadness: "Because of this matter, Auntie has been tossing and turning at home, unable to sleep at night. Her heart has been entangled, always thinking that she can't trouble you. Today, when she got up, her head hurt even more severely, but unexpectedly, she fainted and came to your place, saying all these nonsense words. Now, whenever Auntie thinks about it, she feels a lump in her throat. If you are angry with Auntie now, it's justified. Jinzhu, Auntie is really suffering. Now, I don't know how they are doing in the prison cell, Jinzhu, what do you think Auntie should do?

  How is it? Just cut off like this!

  He raised his eyes and said warmly to Mrs. Li: "Although we can't rescue them, it's still possible for Auntie to go visit them now."

  This can be considered as a compensation for their emotional debt, and it was her last bit of reparation.

  Mrs. Li did not suspect anything else, thinking that An Yan was just soft-hearted, so she immediately felt relieved and anxiously asked: "Can I take Yu Tong with me? You know that Jiu Niang is his future wife, and he's also anxious at this moment."

  "Alright, just don't make it a habit."

  Her calm and peaceful eyes were like a lake without any ripples, making it impossible for Mrs. Li to discern the meaning behind them, nor did she understand the implication of "this won't be an isolated case" at that moment. All she felt was that her heart, which had been shrouded in dark clouds, was slightly relieved, so she hastily got up and wanted to go back and tell her son Li Yutong this good news.

  "Aunt, you can go directly to the government office later, I'll let my husband talk to them first."

  An Yan also got up, still smiling and gentle in her words, but the expression in her eyes was cold and indifferent. Mrs. Li was immersed in her own happiness and didn't notice at all. Mrs. Li didn't even have time to say thank you, turned around and went out.

  An Yan stood still, facing

  The smile on his face slowly faded away, leaving behind a hint of calmness.

  She walked out of the main room and returned to her own room. At this time, Su San was sitting in a chair, staring out the window, not knowing what he was looking at.

  The door of the room had just been opened, and An Yan's footsteps hadn't even had time to step in when Su San suddenly turned his head around. That serious face softened instantly upon seeing An Yan, with a smile filling his eyes, "You're back so soon, did Mrs. Li go back?"

  As for Mrs. Li, An Yan's eyes flashed with a hint of coldness, "She told me to let Silver Nine and the others go."

  When Mrs. Li heard that it was about this matter, Su San's face also turned cold and said faintly: "Now talking about these things is too late. If she had known today, why didn't she take good care of Yin Jiuniang in the first place? Now, to say these things, it's really a bit suspicious."

  Su San's reaction was so big, it's absolutely not just a matter of fact, it's clearly because he remembered that Li Yuzhu's little white face is actually Mrs. Li's son, so he vented his anger in such an obvious way.

  An Yan didn't realize the deeper meaning at that time, but instead followed Su San's words and said: "I also think so, many things have causes and effects. Since she didn't advise Yin Jiu Niang well from the beginning, now that Yin Jiu Niang has made a mistake, she naturally should be aware of the consequences."

  Su San secretly rejoiced in her heart, the little woman had a very good impression of that small white face's mother, it would be best if she shifted her anger to that small white face, from then on not having any contact with Li Yuzhu, then he would have truly fulfilled one of his wishes.

  Just as he finished speaking, he habitually turned his head to look at Su San, and just in time caught the strange and unpredictable expression on Su San's face. That expression seemed to be a mixture of schadenfreude and melancholy.

  "Uh... Su San, are you okay?"

  She spoke with some uncertainty, her elegant eyes blinking lightly.

  Su San regained his composure and corrected the expression on his face, responding: "I'm just a bit disappointed, I didn't expect everyone in the Li family to be like this, it's really hard to say."

  This sentence, no matter how you listen to it, feels strange. Aren't they just Mrs. Li and Li Yutong? Why did they suddenly become the Li family all of a sudden?

  Su San realized she might have misspoken and hastily changed the subject: "So did you agree?"

  "Nature is not, but I don't have that kind of Bodhisattva heart. Today in the public hall, you also saw that Yin Jiu Niang was arrogant and domineering, where did she show any sign of remorse? Such a person, if released, wouldn't it be helping her to become even more arrogant? So, I politely declined. However, since I had called her 'Aunt' for some time, I couldn't be too impolite. Therefore, in the end, I agreed to let them meet once, and from then on, Li Fu Ren and I were just like that."

  Su San nodded and said: "This is great, it should be like this."

  An Yan finally knew where that strange feeling came from earlier. Su San seemed extremely excited about not being on good terms with Mrs. Li?

  This is why? An Yan's eyes sparkled as she had already figured out the underlying reason. An Yan felt a mix of helplessness and sweetness. This stubborn and proud man was indeed petty when it came to emotions. He had a narrow mind, was jealous, and occasionally liked to pick fights. However, towards Su San's little thoughts and actions, she inexplicably found them sweet and amusing. This was the man she liked, standing tall in the storm, creating a sky for her. In calm times, he was like a child, truly naughty and troublesome. But whether it was the former or the latter, she liked him just the same.

  An Yan gazed at Su San with some piercing eyes, and for a moment, Su San was made to feel somewhat unnatural by An Yan's gaze, which carried a hint of warmth. Even his ears turned slightly red. That appearance seemed very youthful, and it piqued An Yan's curiosity. This old man, who was already quite advanced in age, could still blush.

  In a burst of excitement, An spoke suddenly close to Su San's body, lowered his head and planted a kiss on Su San's cheek.

  Ouch!

  That warm, slightly damp sensation spread across An Yan's lips and Su San's face, stirring up ripples in the hearts of the two people, lingering on for a long time.

  Su San was stunned, rarely seeing An Yan being so proactive, and at this moment, he was somewhat at a loss.

  And Yan also froze, not knowing how he suddenly kissed her. The two maintained this posture, in the quiet and peaceful atmosphere, a warm and ambiguous feeling slowly flowed.