He Zhen’s sudden attack surprised Gu Xingzhao. She hadn’t expected her to act so swiftly and decisively. After all, when she had first given He Zhen the stun baton for self-defense, the woman could barely hold it steady, worried it might accidentally kill someone. But look at her now—using it with ease and precision, leaving her attacker stunned but unharmed.
Everyone in the courtyard was shocked by what they had just witnessed. The silence was palpable, with only the sound of their own breathing and heartbeats filling the air. They hadn’t seen exactly what He Zhen had done, only that she had stretched out her hand, and the larger of the two intruders had collapsed.
The younger of the two, still standing, widened his eyes in terror, emitting muffled cries through his gag. He believed his brother had been stabbed and killed, and now, filled with grief and fear, he internally wailed for his brother.
As He Zhen turned her gaze towards him, sheer terror overwhelmed the younger intruder, and he fainted on the spot.
He Zhen stood there, somewhat bewildered. “Was that really necessary? I haven’t even touched him yet.”
The maids and guards around her marveled silently. Their mistress was truly formidable—she had managed to scare the thief into fainting without even laying a hand on him.
Gu Xingzhao couldn’t help but admire He Zhen in her heart. There was no need for Liu Xiangbai to worry; his wife, who appeared delicate, could easily hold her ground. She was far more capable than anyone in the courtyard, and Gu Xingzhao gave her a mental thumbs-up for her composure.
The intruders were quickly tied up and hauled off, ready to be handed over to the night patrol.
Once everything was settled, He Zhen returned to her room and placed the stun baton aside. Her hands were still trembling, and her heart raced. Even though she had anticipated something like this happening, facing it in reality was terrifying. No one could remain entirely unafraid in such a situation.
Only she knew how badly her hands had been shaking, but she had forced herself to maintain her composure. If she had shown fear, it would have invited further trouble in the future, encouraging others to try and take advantage of her.
At least for now, she had made it through this ordeal, and it would send a clear message to those lurking in the shadows: not just anyone could break into her home.
Sitting down on the edge of her bed, He Zhen couldn’t help but worry about the intruder. Had she hurt him too badly? What if he died? Would the authorities investigate, and would her household be implicated?
She suddenly felt she had acted too rashly.
“You did well.”
The divine voice echoed in the room, and He Zhen instinctively looked at the paper tube on her desk. Her heart raced. Had the deity seen everything?
And did the deity think she had handled it well?
Gu Xingzhao, watching from her end, had initially thought He Zhen was fearless, but now realized that He Zhen had been putting on a brave face. It was only natural to feel fear, even when prepared.
Sensing He Zhen’s anxiety, Gu Xingzhao spoke in a soothing tone, “Those men were wicked and deserved punishment. You handled it perfectly. There’s no need to worry.”
The divine reassurance brought immediate comfort to He Zhen’s troubled heart, and she felt her fears ease.
“Why have you come here?” He Zhen asked, surprised. The deity had never appeared so late before. Could it be that her situation had caught the deity’s attention?
Gu Xingzhao explained, “I came to check how many fireworks were left in stock. I didn’t expect to encounter such an event. It’s good that you were prepared, and sending those men to the authorities was a wise choice. You’ve proven to be just as capable as I imagined. I feel confident leaving the fireworks business in your hands.”
He Zhen blushed slightly at the deity’s praise. “You flatter me, my lord.”
Gu Xingzhao chuckled, “I checked the warehouse earlier; it looks like there’s not much left. Business has been good lately, hasn’t it?”
He Zhen nodded. “Yes, several merchants from outside the city have placed large orders. It seems word of the fireworks has spread beyond the capital.”
“That’s excellent. But make sure to establish solid contracts with these merchants to protect yourself from any future disputes,” Gu Xingzhao advised.
He Zhen nodded again. “Don’t worry. The Xu family reminded me of this a few days ago, and they even sent someone skilled in handling contracts to assist me.”
Gu Xingzhao raised an eyebrow, amused. “The Xu family really is kind-hearted.”
“They are,” He Zhen agreed. “I’ve heard that their only daughter married into the Lu family and is currently part of a group being exiled. It’s hard to believe such a good family’s daughter has to endure such hardship.”
Sensing that He Zhen was indirectly asking about the Xu family, Gu Xingzhao responded, “Their daughter is doing well, actually—eating well, drinking well, and has even gained some weight.”
He Zhen couldn’t help but smile at the deity’s jest. It was hard to imagine anyone thriving while in exile, but the deity’s words were oddly reassuring.
Gu Xingzhao nearly laughed out loud, recalling that Xu had indeed gained weight, but she wasn’t the only one.
“Have you not seen your husband in some time?” Gu Xingzhao asked, changing the subject.
He Zhen’s expression softened, and she nodded slightly. “It has been a while.”
Lately, she had been so busy with external business that she stayed up late most nights. Her daughter had mentioned dreaming of her father several times.
Gu Xingzhao suggested, “Why not rest now? Perhaps you will dream of your husband tonight.”
And perhaps she could see how much weight Liu Xiangbai had gained.
He Zhen had been planning to look over her accounts, but at the deity’s suggestion, she agreed. “I’ll do that.”
Gu Xingzhao smiled. “I’ll send a new batch of fireworks tomorrow. They’re a new design, and you can decide how best to promote them. But for now, rest well. I won’t disturb you any further.”
He Zhen quickly thanked the deity and saw her out.
That night, Liu Xiangbai finally saw his wife again in a dream. Her face looked more haggard than before, and as he gently touched her cheek, his heart ached. He felt a lump in his throat as tears welled up in his eyes. “Zhen’er, you’ve lost weight.”
He Zhen noticed that her husband’s once-chiseled face had become rounder. After a pause, she commented, “And you’ve gained weight.”
Liu Xiangbai blinked, momentarily speechless.
He cleared his throat, embarrassed. Ever since receiving the special visor and coming to an understanding with the Lu family and their deity, his appetite had improved significantly. And with the deity frequently sending delicious food, he had indulged a bit too much.
Now, he felt uneasy. He looked at his wife cautiously. “Do you… not like it?”
He remembered how his wife used to compliment his lean frame, saying it gave him a refined, scholarly air.
But now that he’d gained weight, would she no longer find him attractive?
He suddenly thought of Lu Yang, who didn’t seem to be in the best of terms with his wife, Xu. What if He Zhen felt the same way about him?
Panic began to creep in.
He Zhen circled her husband, noting that not only had his face filled out, but his entire body seemed more robust. It was true, the deity hadn’t been exaggerating—her husband had indeed been eating well.
Seeing the worried expression on his face, she chuckled softly. “You were too thin before. It’s good to have some weight on you now. After all, out there, you need to stay strong.”
Liu Xiangbai felt a wave of relief, though he couldn’t quite shake the feeling that his wife was skirting the truth. She must think he’s gained too much.
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