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

Chapter 17: Protecting the Middle Finger

"Ah Yuan..." Lin Kong called out nervously, noticing Jiang Yuan's troubled expression.

Jiang Yuan put away the paper and asked, "Where is that white-haired old man now?"

The only white-haired person they knew was Shopkeeper Bai from Tianyuan Tavern. It seemed she had been played by him, and Jiang Yuan was understandably upset.

Lin Kong looked around, puzzled, "He was here just a moment ago. When you arrived, Kong'er got distracted talking to you, and he disappeared."

Jiang Yuan scanned the area, exasperated, "Did he say anything else to you?"

"Um... he said you should visit him at Tianyuan Tavern when you have time, and that Kong'er should come too because they have delicious food," Lin Kong replied, excitement lighting up her face at the mention of food.

"Let's head to Tianyuan Tavern first, then find an inn," Jiang Yuan said urgently. She turned to Song Keyan, thanking her, "Thank you, Miss Song, for your help today. As they say, a great favor goes beyond words. I must take my leave. Until we meet again."

Though Jiang Yuan hoped never to cross paths with Song Keyan again, she knew it was wise to avoid conflict with those in power. Song Keyan wasn't evil, merely troublesome.

"Hmph! I doubt you know how to thank me properly. I'm magnanimous and kind-hearted, so I'll let it slide. I’ll find you again to settle accounts," Song Keyan huffed.

Listening to Jiang Yuan and Lin Kong's conversation, Song Keyan guessed that Lin Kong might have unknowingly signed something troublesome for Jiang Yuan. Seeing Jiang Yuan's urgency to visit Tianyuan Tavern, she chose not to take advantage of the situation.

Jiang Yuan, with Lin Kong, left Taixing Tavern for Tianyuan Tavern. Holding the paper in her hand filled her with unease.

She had just decided to avoid involvement with Prime Minister Song and Lord Jing, yet Shopkeeper Bai had used Lin Kong's naiveté to bind her with a contract.

Now owning the shop by Ziling Bridge, she was indebted to Tianyuan Tavern, meaning she would have to tread carefully in the future. She needed to clarify matters immediately.

If being beholden to others was the cost, she would rather find a way to break the agreement.

Lin Kong, sensing Jiang Yuan's silence, worried she'd upset her by signing the paper, "Ah Yuan..."

"Yes?" Jiang Yuan suddenly considered something, looking at Lin Kong with hope, "Kong'er, can you read?"

"Kong'er recognizes some characters," Lin Kong replied honestly, "But I've forgotten how to read others."

"Who taught you to read?" Jiang Yuan asked. Lin Kong, having turned seventeen after the New Year, should logically be literate, yet few in Liuping Village were. Lin's parents were simple farmers and couldn't read, relying on the village head for New Year couplets.

Lin Kong shook her head, "I don't know."

"Then how did you forget?" Jiang Yuan wondered, "When did you realize you could read?"

Lin Kong grimaced, shaking her head again, "Kong'er doesn't know."

Jiang Yuan sighed, "If you don't know, don't dwell on it. But don't listen to others blindly, and never put your handprint on paper without knowing what it is. You might get sold off one day without realizing it."