The journey was uneventful, and the three of them soon returned to the heavily guarded Young Marshal residence.
The guarding soldiers immediately stood at attention and saluted upon seeing them return.
At the same time, when their gazes swept over Su Nuohan, there was not only the usual respect, but also a hint of curiosity and scrutiny.
After all, their Young Marshal had always been aloof from women—decisive in killing, cold, and merciless.
Yet this Young Madam, despite her astonishing beauty, must possess some extraordinary qualities for their ice-cold Young Marshal to personally accompany her on a shopping trip.
The three entered the western-style villa and returned to the living room.
Madam Fu was leisurely drinking tea. When she saw them return, she glanced at the clock on the wall and immediately showed displeasure. She stood up and glared at Fu Chengyan.
“Why did you come back so early?”
Fu Chengyan opened his mouth, about to explain.
But Su Nuohan was faster. She stepped forward with a smile and gently said, “Mother, your daughter-in-law felt a bit tired and did not want to continue shopping, so we returned early.”
Upon hearing this, Madam Fu immediately became worried. “Oh? Tired? Are you feeling unwell anywhere?” she asked while carefully examining her.
Su Nuohan quickly shook her head with a smile. “I’m not unwell, Mother, please don’t worry. I was raised in the countryside and rarely had the chance to stroll like this. After walking for a while, I just felt a bit exhausted.”
Her tone was soft and slightly bashful.
Only then did Madam Fu relax. She nodded. “That’s good, that’s good. I’ll have the kitchen make you some chicken soup later to nourish your body.”
“Thank you, Mother.” Su Nuohan replied obediently, her eyes curved in a smile.
“Good, good. Come sit and rest.” Madam Fu affectionately pulled her to sit down, then personally poured her a cup of hot tea, her eyes full of warmth. “Here, drink some tea to ease your fatigue.”
“Thank you, Mother.” Su Nuohan accepted the porcelain cup and sipped gently. Her posture was graceful and obedient, but from the corner of her eye she unobtrusively glanced at Fu Chengyan, who still stood in place.
Madam Fu looked at her and showed a trace of self-blame. “It’s all my fault for not thinking properly. I only wanted you to go out and relax, but I forgot you grew up in hardship in the countryside and might not be able to endure fatigue.”
A warm feeling rose in Su Nuohan’s heart. She placed the teacup down and gently held Madam Fu’s hands with both of hers. “Mother, please don’t say that. If anyone is to blame, it should be me for being useless and making you worry.”
“Silly child, we are family. There is no need to speak like two households,” Madam Fu said, patting her hand with a satisfied smile as she refilled her tea.
Fu Chengyan stood quietly to the side, watching this “harmonious mother-in-law and daughter-in-law” scene. His expression remained unchanged, but inwardly he felt somewhat speechless.
He then said to Madam Fu, “Mother, there are still military matters to attend to. I will return to the study first.”
Hearing this, Madam Fu finally shifted her gaze away from Su Nuohan and glanced at him impatiently, waving her hand. “Go, go. All you ever think about is military affairs.”
Fu Chengyan nodded slightly. His gaze casually swept over Su Nuohan’s lowered brows before he called Qin Feng and turned to go upstairs.
Watching her son disappear around the staircase corner, Madam Fu let out a soft sigh. She turned back to Su Nuohan and said, “Nuohan, Yan’er has always been like this. He keeps a cold face all day and puts all his energy into military matters. Please be patient with him and don’t take it to heart.”
Su Nuohan raised her eyes and smiled gently, her tone considerate and thoughtful. “Mother, you are overthinking. The Young Marshal carries the nation on his shoulders and shoulders great responsibility. I only feel admiration for him. How could I blame him? I only hope I do not cause him any trouble.”
These words delighted Madam Fu greatly. She felt even more that her daughter-in-law was truly exceptional—not only beautiful and gentle, but also sensible and understanding. She was truly a blessing to the Fu family.
She held Su Nuohan’s hand and began chatting freely, talking about Fu Chengyan’s childhood stories and various household matters, clearly treating her as a true member of the family.
Su Nuohan listened with a smile, occasionally responding appropriately or showing just the right amount of curiosity, which made Madam Fu laugh continuously.
—Study Room
Fu Chengyan remained silent for a long while before finally looking at the solemn Qin Feng.
His voice was indifferent. “Originally, I thought that if the Nine Dragons Society behaved themselves and did not overstep, they could still be of use in the future.”
“But now it seems they have dared to lay their hands on children and engage in trafficking. It appears they can no longer be kept.”
Upon hearing this, Qin Feng’s expression turned serious. He frowned. “Young Marshal, I hope you will reconsider! The Nine Dragons Society has been entrenched in Pingjin for many years. They have many members and complex connections. With the current unstable situation, acting against them rashly could trigger widespread consequences and may not be beneficial to the overall situation.”
Fu Chengyan closed his eyes, his brows tightly furrowed into a deep crease.
How could he not understand Qin Feng’s concerns? The Nine Dragons Society was powerful, ruthless, and deeply rooted. If gathered together, their numbers were not inferior to a regular military unit. If armed, they could even resemble a full regiment.
Although they were a group of disorderly men, they were still compatriots, sharing the blood of Huaxia. If a large-scale purge were carried out, it would inevitably result in heavy bloodshed and shake the current situation. In that case, the various forces watching from the shadows might unite against him.
He took a deep breath, then opened his eyes again. His gaze was sharp as a blade.
“Forget it. Find an opportunity to visit the Nine Dragons Society’s headquarters and deliver a message: if they dare to harm civilians again or continue trafficking women and children, then there will be no need for the Nine Dragons Society to exist anymore.”
“Yes, sir. I will go when I find the right time,” Qin Feng replied respectfully.
“Mm.” Fu Chengyan tapped his fingers lightly on the table. “Also, send those fifty silver dollars to the Su family now.”
Qin Feng hesitated slightly. “Young Marshal, only fifty?”
This amount would be nothing more than a drop in the bucket for the current Su family. They would likely see it as humiliation.
A faint trace of cold mockery flashed in Fu Chengyan’s eyes. “Otherwise?” His tone was calm, yet unquestionable. “When you deliver it, tell them this is sent by the Young Madam out of old sentiment, specially meant to ‘assist’ them.”
Qin Feng: “……”
The Young Marshal’s move was truly… killing without a blade.
This was not assistance at all—it was deliberate humiliation.
And worse, it shifted the conflict toward the Young Madam. Sigh… poor Young Madam…
Qin Feng sighed inwardly and responded respectfully, “Yes, I will handle it immediately.”
He then exited the study room.
Meanwhile, at the Nine Dragons Society, news of the street killing had already reached one of its branches.
A minor leader, upon hearing that the burly man had been killed, was instantly enraged.
That man was his younger brother.
Without bothering to investigate Qin Feng’s identity or background, he immediately issued a retaliation order.