The Foolish Husband of the Landlord's Family (GL)

Chapter 10: Little Lin

Lin Kong was startled by Jiang Yuan's stern rebuke, blinking her innocent eyes, and timidly called out, "Wife…"

With soot smudged on her face and her mischievous tone, she did look a bit like a ruffian. However, her foolish demeanor and stuttering voice quickly dispelled any sense of threat.

Jiang Yuan sighed inwardly. Dressed in men's clothing, even in simple coarse fabric, her naturally delicate features now gave her a striking, handsome appearance.

Turning away, she said coldly, "I'm a man now. Stop calling me 'wife.'"

She couldn't believe she'd just been teased by a fool.

Seeing that Jiang Yuan was not pleased and had not called her "Kong'er," Lin Kong shrank back, asking softly, "What should I call you then?"

She really preferred calling her "wife."

After a moment's thought, Jiang Yuan replied, "Keep calling me A'Yuan."

Relieved it wasn't something else, Lin Kong happily asked, "Then what will you call me?"

Jiang Yuan glanced at Lin Kong's soot-smeared face, a faint smile in her eyes, and said seriously, "From now on, I'll call you Little Lin."

Let's see if you dare tease again!

Lin Kong: "…"

They traveled for half a day more, nearing the main road leading to the city gates, with fields appearing alongside. Jiang Yuan noticed numerous footprints on the dirt path.

This road led solely from Liuping Village, a predominantly poor area, especially in winter. Such traffic was unusual…

Pondering, Jiang Yuan frowned, "Let's get off the cart."

"Wife, why are we getting off? Is there something wrong under the cart?" Lin Kong jumped down, peering beneath the ox cart.

Jiang Yuan eyed the haystacks nearby, "I told you not to call me 'wife.' Close your eyes first."

She often asked Lin Kong to close her eyes, fearing she'd be startled by the disappearing items.

"Oh." Lin Kong obediently covered her eyes, "A'Yuan, are you doing magic again?"

Without replying, Jiang Yuan swiftly stored the grain and embroidery in the vortex, leaving only empty bags and straw to protect the grains.

Opening her eyes, Lin Kong asked curiously, "A'Yuan, where did you make everything disappear to?"

Every time, she'd close her eyes, and upon reopening them, the cart was empty.

"That's a magic secret, can't tell you," Jiang Yuan said, stuffing some hay into the bags before sitting on the cart, "Get on quickly, and don't talk."

Sensing Jiang Yuan's seriousness, Lin Kong scrambled onto the cart. Without the heavy load, the ox moved much faster.

As they neared the main road, a group of bandits appeared.

"Stop the cart, we're robbing you! This road's mine, these trees are mine. If you want to pass, pay the toll, or you'll face bloodshed," bellowed a bearded leader, brandishing a large, swinging blade. His companions echoed his call, "Robbery!"