Chapter 44: The Vicious Wolf

“Third Sister...”
Su Yunqing lifted her eyes to look at him.
Cheng Ji’s expression was somewhat complicated, but a gentle smile remained on his face as he said, “I can ask my mother to recognize you as her daughter. That way, you can still rightfully be a member of the Cheng family. The Cheng family will protect you for life.”
Daughter?
No, the Cheng family already has Cheng Yuan; they don’t need another daughter. She must become the wife of the Cheng family, the eldest sister-in-law.
Cheng Ji’s current situation arose because of her. For both emotional and rational reasons, public and private, she must marry him.
Yet Cheng Ji seemed to be worried about her future, fearing his disability would become a burden to her.
Though they had not communicated much during her time at the Cheng residence, every few words exchanged when they met made her feel his sincerity and care.
Should she be honest with him?
“Big Brother,” Su Yunqing said, “Regarding marriage, it is a matter of parental arrangement. Now that Father has passed and Uncle Cheng is seriously ill, we have no right to break the agreement between them.”
A flicker of disappointment flashed in Cheng Ji’s eyes. “So, you’re willing to sacrifice your whole life for their contract?”
Su Yunqing was puzzled. “How can that be a sacrifice?”
Seeing her innocent question, Cheng Ji smiled bitterly.
She continued, “No matter what you’re like, I have the responsibility to take care of you. If Uncle Cheng wakes up, what he wishes to see is that we fulfill the promise between him and my father—not that there’s one more daughter.”
Cheng Ji said, “It should be me taking care of you, protecting you, but now, I...”
Seeing that she seemed to understand nothing, he could not directly express his concerns.
Su Yunqing spoke earnestly, “That doesn’t matter. As long as you live well, someday I will cure your illness. I promised I wouldn’t give up.”
After a moment of silence, Cheng Ji nodded, “Alright, I will live well.”

At the dining table,
Cheng Xiao had returned early, which was rare.
Madam Cheng picked food for him, “You’ve worked hard these days. I’m busy with your father and older brother’s illnesses and can’t spare the time. I’m thinking that once your brother gets married, I’ll hand over the family affairs to Qing’er, and I can assist you.”
Cheng Xiao replied, “Mother, you’re joking. How could I let you appear in public? Don’t worry, I’ve cultivated several capable people. It won’t always be this busy.”
Cheng Xiao’s demeanor was mature and steady beyond his years, without a trace of Aunt Zhang’s frivolity.
Madam Cheng sighed, “Having wealth without power is the greatest taboo in life. The bigger the tree, the more it attracts the wind. Recently, the Prefect hinted and sent someone to our home to demand donations again. The Cheng family has money but no influence; in the eyes of the officials, we are nothing but easy prey.”
Cheng Xiao put down his chopsticks, wiped his mouth, and asked, “What do you mean?”

“Mother wants you to take the imperial examinations next year.”
Hearing this, Cheng Xiao instinctively glanced at the seat once occupied by Old Master Cheng, feeling a lingering fear.
“Mother, Father warned us repeatedly not to enter officialdom.”
Madam Cheng said, “Taking the exam doesn’t mean you have to become an official. Your father is in no condition to control you anymore.”
Cheng Xiao remained silent.
Madam Cheng continued, “Our family has prospered for so many years because of your father’s status as a jinshi degree holder. The old masters respect him somewhat. If your father hadn’t fallen ill, how could Prefect Tian have dared to come for more donations after taking a hundred thousand taels? If you pass the exam, our family won’t be at the mercy of others.”
“Mother’s words are reasonable, but if Father finds out, he will certainly be angry.”
“Let him be angry. It’s better than waiting for the day when the officials find an excuse to confiscate our family property. Given the current state of the treasury and chaos in the bureaucracy, such a thing is not impossible.”
Cheng Xiao nodded without comment. “I will follow your plan.”
Madam Cheng sighed again, “Our family has so many estates supporting numerous tenant farmers, laborers, and staff. With the chaos outside, if the Cheng family collapses, who knows how many will become homeless and starve.”
Cheng Xiao said, “Mother is far-sighted. I admire you.”
Madam Cheng said seriously, “History shows that in every dynasty, those with wealth but no power never ended well.”
“Then I must find time to prepare for next year’s autumn examination.”
Madam Cheng nodded, “Don’t worry about the business. Once your brother marries, I will have time.”
She then turned to Su Yunqing, “Qing’er, the family will need your help more then.”
Usually, when they discussed affairs, Su Yunqing, like Cheng Yuan, only ate quietly without speaking unless asked.
Hearing Madam Cheng call her, Su Yunqing replied, “I’m afraid I’m too young and inexperienced to be of much help.”
Madam Cheng smiled, “I believe you can do it.”

After dinner, Su Yunqing and Zhuhua carried food boxes to Cheng Cong’s door.
“Knock knock...” Zhuhua raised her hand to knock.
“Who is it?” came the angry voice of Third Master Cheng.
Zhuhua said, “Third Master, Miss Su has come to deliver your meal.”
“Leave the food and go. Thank you.”
Zhuhua said, “Third Master, Miss Su brought ointment for you. Please open the door.”
“No need. If you don’t leave soon, don’t blame me for letting the dog out.”

At the mention of the dog, Zhuhua’s hand trembled as she held the food box.
Su Yunqing asked, “What’s wrong?”
Zhuhua frowned, “On the day you left, Third Master had someone buy a dog. It looks fierce.”
Su Yunqing was tired after a long day and did not want to argue. She instructed Zhuhua to leave the food box by the door, placing a bottle of external injury ointment on top, then left with Zhuhua.
Back in her room, she laid down, releasing the day’s fatigue and fell into a deep sleep.

Meanwhile, Cheng Cong stood at the table, eating while sneering.
Hmph, last time he said they couldn’t drive him away or enter the room to tease him, but now at the mention of the dog, he dared not say a word and fled quietly.
It seemed the dog was well chosen.
While eating, he watched a large, robust dog with a wolf-like hunger draped its legs on his dining table.
This was an imported breed, a Siberian sled dog, large and fierce.
Just as he picked up a rib to eat, the dog’s sparkling eyes reached out with a paw, swiped the rib, which fell to the floor, and the dog seized it.
Cheng Cong was indifferent. Since he kept it, what did it matter if it ate some meat?
He picked up another piece; the dog jumped and swiped it again. One by one, the entire plate of ribs vanished into the dog’s belly.
Sighing, Cheng Cong patted its head, “Fierce Wolf, your appetite is too big. I fed you raw meat, so why did you eat all my share?”
He named the dog Fierce Wolf, hoping it would be as clever and alert as a wolf, intimidating those around him from provoking him—especially Su Yunqing, who had bested him many times!
After today’s lesson of being wounded by Yueyuehong, from now on he would take Fierce Wolf everywhere to scare off anyone who tried to mess with him.
Fierce Wolf was full, but Cheng Cong was still half hungry. However, the thought of Su Yunqing running around in fear of the dog filled him with joy.
“Zhu Tong.”
A servant pushed open the door, standing nervously at the entrance, not daring to enter because of Fierce Wolf. “Third Master, any orders?”
Seeing Zhu Tong’s timid expression, Cheng Cong was pleased.
“Go to the kitchen and bring me some pastries. I’m not full yet.”
Hearing this, Zhu Tong fled the courtyard as if escaping a fire.