Li Shu’s attitude grew haughty, no longer easy to bargain with.
Li Linsheng almost laughed in frustration. If it weren’t for the tung oil and her current usefulness, would he still be so polite? He had already lowered himself to show goodwill, yet she acted as if she didn’t know her place.
Still, anger aside, Li Linsheng wasn’t one to fly off the handle recklessly.
He could let her run wild for a few days. When it came time for him to get what he wanted, and the outside world wasn’t paying attention… he had his ways to make her live through the suffering of the past.
Even sending her to that old witch of the Qi family to be tormented to death—wasn’t out of the question!
“Words don’t need to be so harsh. We’re siblings, why be so precise?” Li Linsheng quickly changed his expression, smiling. “I know you’re upset, big sister. How about tonight I ask Mother to cook extra dishes, as my apology? How’s that?”
Li Shu couldn’t help but admire how quickly he flipped his tone.
This man’s shamelessness rivaled her own.
“Fine. I’m tired today. The information you want, I’ll tell you when I’m in a better mood. I’ll also speak well of you to Captain Ma, see if I can help. But you must promise me one thing—” Li Shu’s expression grew serious, as if considering sibling affection.
As for the information she was going to disclose…
Who knew what it would be?
It was nonsense for now. She just wanted a few quiet days and had to entice him first; how she explained it later… that would come in time.
Li Shu’s heart was broad and her face thick. As she spoke, Li Linsheng was surprised. For a moment, he even wondered if this was still the same girl he had known.
“What is it?” Li Linsheng asked, trying to contain his anger.
“I may have connections, but I’m poor. No money. You’ll give me five taels of silver. You’ve traveled often—you know friendship alone doesn’t suffice. If you want benefits, you must offer something in return. They only promised to protect my safety, not do anything else.” Li Shu continued her nonsense.
She didn’t actually need the silver, but by demanding it, she ensured Li Linsheng had to give something—and it made him anticipate her “information” all the more.
When he finally received the information, his trust would naturally grow.
Most importantly—she was broke.
Her space was empty, and her supplies sparse, which frustrated her greatly.
Previously, she had found eight taels at the Qi family, still too little. At the Li family… she could have transferred everything, but now wasn’t the time.
“What information needs five taels of silver? Don’t trick me!” Li Linsheng objected, worried she was pulling a stunt.
He pondered the limits of her resources. She had unknown friends and Ma family’s support—nothing more. He couldn’t act rashly; he needed to observe. Beyond those two factors, she had nothing. She just wanted him and Father to notice her.
Li Shu squinted, adding mysteriously, “It’s about the horse bandits.”
Li Linsheng’s heart skipped a beat. That made sense.
The horse bandits, like the barbarians beyond the Pass, were a constant threat in several cities inside Yunjiang Pass. Some roamed in gangs, some were scattered, but they frequently harassed nearby towns.
Ganhe Town often had horse bandit sightings.
If he could use them to achieve merit—even capturing one or two—it would guarantee a place in the city gate guards.
“The silver isn’t a problem, but… you must give me this information within five days. I can’t wait forever,” Li Linsheng decided. Spending a little silver was minor; the household had reserves. Besides, if Li Shu was still living under this roof, she wouldn’t dare deceive him.
Li Linsheng turned to Madam Zhou to get the silver.
“……” Madam Zhou thought her son was crazy—believing Li Shu could have useful horse bandit intelligence! Even if true, could it really help him gain merit?
But her grown son had his own mind, and she had to comply.
“You and your father are both fooled by her words!” Madam Zhou grumbled reluctantly, handing over the money.
Her husband, just back from prison, had promised to teach the girl a lesson—but outside, he defended her, saying the Qi family was malicious and wanted to kill her. He looked like a devoted father…
Wouldn’t it be better if Li Shu were gone? No more trouble in the house!
She certainly didn’t want Li Shu’s influence to grow in the father-son hearts. Seeing Li Shu always reminded her she was just a concubine-born.
“She’s so weak—could she really have killed someone? I suspected after Qi Yanfeng hit her, she bore a grudge. While the old woman was away, she conspired with outsiders to kill him, and they got the tung oil and silver in return. She took the blame!” Li Linsheng said, pocketing the silver as they returned to the room.
Madam Zhou’s heart raced. “And you still gave her money? Aren’t you afraid she’ll bribe others to act against us?!”
“No fear! I know martial arts! Besides, five taels for our family’s life? What a bargain! Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing—I want to see what useful information she can actually provide!” Li Linsheng said confidently.
Madam Zhou’s lips moved, but she said nothing.
Her son didn’t know the value of money yet. Five taels would last the household for months!
Soon, Li Shu received the silver.
Now, she had a total of thirteen taels—enough for basic necessities.
Since arriving, she had gone to prison for murder and was only recently free. The original mistress rarely went out, so Li Shu’s knowledge of the area was limited.
Her wounds had improved; as long as she avoided strenuous activity, she was mostly safe. To fully recover, she would need about two months.
She didn’t want to drag a frail body into the future. For the coming period, she needed stability.
That evening, the meal was indeed impressive.
Even better, after stabilizing Li Linsheng, Li Shu could move about the Li household more freely. She went to the kitchen and picked a sharp kitchen knife for herself.
Li Chutian returned, and the couple’s gazes were hostile and mocking.
Seeing this, Li Chutian seethed. “If I knew you’d become like this, I should have killed you back then!”
“No need to go back. You can still act now. You kill me, I’ll cut you—we’ll reincarnate together. Maybe next life I’ll be your father,” Li Shu said, flashing her knife. “Shall we spar?”
With a knife in hand, her confidence soared.
“What did you say?” Li Chutian’s facial muscles twitched. “Who taught you to speak such blasphemous words?!”