Chapter 76: The Fierce Battleground Between My Friend and My Subordinate

Xu Wenshan had returned home. Not to the “Strange Tales Studio” in Xiyuan, but to the old Xu family estate.

It was almost laughable—the reason for his return was simply that his old house was too small, and he had brought back too many people with him; there was nowhere to accommodate them.

He planned to renovate the old cottage into a grand residence, complete with a wine cellar and a basement where he could cultivate in peace.

But during the days of renovation, there was truly nowhere to stay, so he had no choice but to return to the Xu estate and ask his father for help.

“This young lady is Miss Xu. She’s the daughter of the county magistrate… Yes, she prefers men’s attire, and that should be respected… Why did she come to our home? I met her by chance, and we became friends. She had a small falling-out with her father and is staying here for a few days.”

“This one, who looks a bit muddle-headed, is a new servant I took in from the county. Not very bright, but good-hearted… Hey, stop eating while I’m talking.”

“This quiet one is also a new servant. She was once a young lady from an official’s family, but her family got into trouble, so I bought her… You all know, the fall from grace is too much, so she’s a bit traumatized and doesn’t like to talk. Just don’t order her around too much.”

After introducing the girls he’d brought, Xu Changshui and the concubines applauded, then all picked up their chopsticks to eat. Wenshan’s own mother even invited Miss Xu to sit at the head of the table, continuously offering her dishes. Watching this, Xu Wenshan grew uneasy, suspecting they had misunderstood something.

After the meal, Xu Changshui called Xu Wenshan aside and asked, “What’s the story with you and that Miss Xu?”

Wenshan replied solemnly, “I already explained—we’re just friends…”

“Nonsense! Since when do young ladies visit as guests and stay in your house? Do you think your father is a fool? Did you elope with her?”

“No… absolutely not.”

No matter how hard Wenshan tried to explain, Xu Changshui still eyed him suspiciously and said, “There are three rooms in the side wing. I’ve already asked the servants to clean them out. Arrange for the girls to stay there.”

“Wait… Three rooms? There are five of us—not even counting my old room, that’s not enough…” Xu Wenshan counted on his fingers, trying to make his father see reason.

“My son! You need to hurry up!” Xu Changshui patted Wenshan’s shoulder with a look of deep concern and left.

“Wait…” Wenshan was at a loss.

After pondering for a while, Xu Wenshan decided to take Xu Jing to his own room—the best room in the house.

“The bedding is aired out every day; it’s all new. The water is in the kettle on the table. Turn left and walk fifty steps to the latrine. If you go out at night, remember to take a lantern. There’s tinder in the wardrobe,” Wenshan meticulously explained.

Suddenly, Xu Jing stepped in front of him.

“I thought you were just an ordinary fur merchant.”

Wenshan replied, “I am. In Shaxian, I’m just a regular fur trader.”

Xu Jing gritted her teeth. “But after watching your family for a day, I see gold and jade on the table, fine clothes and delicacies—this is the life of the gentry. With so much wealth, why would you peddle furs?”

Wenshan coughed lightly. “Even a mountain of gold and silver can be exhausted if you sit idle. It’s perfectly reasonable for me to do some business on the side…”

Xu Jing grabbed his sleeve. “But all of this was planned, wasn’t it? You’re the one who stole the family’s fortune, aren’t you? Tell me—why did you bring me to your home? Wouldn’t it be easier to just let me die somewhere and silence me for good?”

Gently, Wenshan pried her clenched fist from his sleeve. “Actually, I brought you here because I want to open a school, and I need a teacher.”

Xu Jing saw through his excuse and dejectedly lowered her hand, pushing Wenshan out the door. “Go. I need to be alone.”

“All right…” he agreed.

Right in his presence, Xu Jing shut the door and bolted it.

She was clever—not so easily deceived—but at least he could keep her settled for now. Next, Wenshan went to arrange Lu Ze’s quarters.

He intended to spend the night in Lu Ze’s room.

The reasoning was simple: though things had been muddled, he and Lu Ze had once been as husband and wife. Although since taking her under his wing they had slept in separate rooms, he felt there was but a thin veil between them, one that could be pierced at any moment.

Besides, she was the smallest in stature among them and took up the least space.

He liked having the big bed to himself.

“Lu Ze, can I ask you something…?”

“What is it?”

“Could I sleep here with you tonight?”

“No.”

To his surprise, Lu Ze refused without hesitation.

Wenshan was astonished. “You never said I couldn’t sleep with you before!”

“You never asked before.”

“No, I mean the very first time we met—you ran straight into my bed…”

Lu Ze blushed. “That time doesn’t count.”

“It doesn’t…” Wenshan scratched his head. “So do I really have to go stay with Xu Jing tonight…?”

“No,” Lu Ze answered just as firmly.

“Then where am I supposed to sleep?”

Lu Ze pushed him out the door. “Figure it out yourself.”

With that, she closed the door.

Wenshan felt there was something off about Lu Ze tonight, but he couldn’t put his finger on it.

He had always thought her a sweet and gentle little demon, never one to get angry. But tonight it seemed her one sore spot was sharing a bed.

After settling Saya, Wenshan didn’t even consider spending the night with her.

Just the thought of lying next to a giant insect was enough to give him nightmares.

At least this time, he wasn’t outright turned away. As he stepped out, Saya looked up and, in her awkward voice, mumbled, “Th…thank you.”

Finally came the task of arranging a place for the silly spider to sleep.

“This will do. Go to bed,” Wenshan said, pointing to the bed.

Seeing the spider’s confused face, he asked, “Mind if I sleep here too?”

“Uh, ah? N-no…”

“Good.” Wenshan climbed in and quickly claimed his spot. The spider, hugging her pillow, lay down at his feet and soon began to snore.

Listening to her soft snores, Wenshan felt as if he’d adopted a dog, not a spider.

Still, having such a simple, guileless presence in the group was a blessing. At least with her, he never had to worry about schemes or grudges.

But by the middle of the night, Wenshan reconsidered. The spider didn’t just snore—she kicked in her sleep. When he woke in the morning, her smelly feet were right in his face.