Chapter 439: A Misunderstanding
“You’re too impulsive. We are nowhere near as powerful as Feng City. Choosing this path… you will regret it.”
Seeing that Yu Luo was finally showing some concern for him, Pei Jinchen couldn’t help but feel a surge of joy.
In the past, Yu Luo had always carried an air of aloofness, keeping others at a polite but distant arm’s length. Even after everything they had been through together, she remained somewhat detached.
But today, her attitude was different. It made his heart flutter.
“Ever since I settled in Feng City, our fates have been intertwined. You don’t need to worry about me, Xiao Luo. If Feng City becomes your enemy, then I will stand with you.”
Previously, his promise had been somewhat reluctant, but today, Pei Jinchen spoke with unmistakable sincerity and determination.
Thinking about the looming threats of the Lan Yue Dynasty’s ambitions and Feng City’s vendetta, Yu Luo suddenly realized that the danger surrounding her family was only just beginning.
After dealing with the bodies from Baiting Sect, Luo City once again fell into a temporary peace.
But this peace only existed because of the harsh winter in the wastelands. The bitter cold made it nearly impossible for people to go outside.
Considering that the Yu family’s extended relatives still had no idea that their sentence had been lifted, Yu Luo decided to inform them.
Even if they couldn’t leave during this brutal winter, come spring, the second and third branches of the Yu family would have no reason to stay.
“Hah! Telling them now is basically stabbing them in the heart—especially that opportunistic Yu Liang and his family. His two sons and grandsons might be fine, but that greedy Liu Lan and Yu Liang? Once they find out the main family left without telling them, do you think they’ll still want to cozy up to them?”
Hearing this, Ye Jiamei burst into laughter at the thought.
“No, no, Xiao Luo, I have to come with you! I have to see their reactions for myself!”
She made a move to stand up but completely ignored her visibly pregnant belly.
“Mother, you need to stay put! The snow is piling up outside. Why are you so eager to see the commotion? Just send Xiang Xiang instead. Even though she was technically sold into our family, we only did it to save her from her previous household.”
“That’s right, listen to Xiao Luo. Don’t go out in this weather. Call Xiang Xiang and let her decide if she wants to return or not.”
Before Ye Jiamei could protest, Yu Haojie quickly pressed her back down onto the chair.
He knew his wife all too well. If he didn’t stop her now, she would absolutely insist on tagging along.
“Fine, fine! I won’t cause trouble for you two. I’ll go find Xiang Xiang instead.”
Ye Jiamei wasn’t stubborn. With a huff, she turned and headed toward the back courtyard.
“Xiao Luo, let’s go.”
Yu Luo didn’t refuse. This trip wasn’t just about giving the news—it was also a chance to observe.
When the father and daughter duo arrived at Yu Liang’s teahouse, they were met with an unexpected sight.
Yu Liang, who had always maintained an air of superiority over them, was now wearing a wide, ingratiating smile.
“Haojie! You came just in time! Business has been slow lately. We’ll probably have to wait until March when the snow melts for things to pick up again. And with Feng City being overrun by beasts, there’s no telling if trade will ever return to normal in this wasteland. So, about that rent… Could you waive it for a few months? We’re family, after all. Surely you’re not so stingy about a few coins now that you’re the city lord?”
Before Yu Luo and Yu Haojie could even speak, Yu Liang was already putting on a pitiful act, shamelessly trying to get a discount.
Even Yu Shanhai, who had been working in the back, was caught off guard by his father’s audacity.
He had been feeling embarrassed enough, but now he wished he could dig a hole and crawl inside.
Yu Haojie had already done them a favor by letting them stay in Luo City and run a business. Their rent was collected every three months, whereas other merchants paid annually.
Yet Yu Liang still had the nerve to ask for an exemption?
“That’s right! We’re just running a small business. Haojie, you’re the city lord! Surely you wouldn’t haggle with family over a bit of rent?”
As if Yu Liang’s shamelessness wasn’t enough, Liu Lan chimed in with her own self-serving plea.
Yu Shanhai, who had just come forward to greet Yu Haojie and Yu Luo, froze mid-step, his face burning with shame.
“Father, Mother, what are you talking about? Second Uncle may be the city lord, but he still has thousands of people to feed. Luo City has its own expenses, and the soldiers need their wages. How could you ask for something like this?”
Yu Chunmu set down the tea he had been preparing and stepped forward, cutting off his mother’s complaints.
Hearing this, Yu Shanhai immediately stepped in, grabbing Liu Lan and pulling her behind him before she could argue.
He knew his wife too well. If he didn’t step in now, she’d keep pushing the issue.
Predictably, Liu Lan turned to snap at him but, upon seeing Yu Shanhai’s expression, she begrudgingly retreated to the counter, muttering under her breath.
“Father, how could you ask something like that? We knew the risks of running a business here. Let’s not bring this up again.”
Yu Chunmu sighed, his face filled with disappointment.
Yu Liang’s smile faltered. His son was actually scolding him?
He jabbed a finger at Yu Chunmu’s forehead, his anger bubbling over.
“Fine, fine! If you want to act high and mighty, then be my guest! Let’s see if we can afford the rent and food for this whole family once our savings run out!”
Watching the second branch of the Yu family continue in their ways, Yu Luo sighed inwardly.
“Enough. You might not even need to pay rent anymore. That’s why my father and I are here—to tell you some good news.”
Her words instantly drew everyone’s attention.
Even Liu Lan and Yu Liang, who had just been grumbling, perked up. Their eyes shone with barely contained excitement.
“Xiao Luo—no, no, we should still pay rent. We can’t take advantage of you like that!”
Before Liu Lan or Yu Liang could say anything, the ever-honest Yu Shanhai immediately tried to refuse.
His enthusiastic reaction made it clear—he had completely misunderstood what Yu Luo was about to say.
(End of Chapter 439)
