Reborn Four Gorgeous Consorts

Washing Vegetables

Gu Yaolin's words not only startled Zhao Li—she had not expected such harshness from the seemingly aloof and detached young man—but also surprised his two brothers, who were momentarily at a loss for words.

Even as he spoke, Gu Yaolin felt a dryness in his mouth. He licked his lips, acutely aware of the rapid beating of his heart. "Eldest Brother, Third Brother, Zhao Li, under the guise of her position, has committed countless atrocities, each more egregious than the last. If this continues, she may one day drive us to our deaths, and Mother will not survive either..."

"But, but..." Gu Yaoyu, regaining his composure, stammered, "Second Brother, if we... if it is discovered that we have killed our wife..."

In the Divine Maiden Empire, where women held dominion over men, a wife could claim innocence with a mere apology and compensation after murdering her husband. However, should a husband do the same, he would face severe punishment, or even be consigned to a life as a military p********e, a fate most dire.

"If it is discovered, I shall bear the full brunt of the consequences!" declared Gu Yaolin.

"Are we not brothers? Do you think Third Brother and I would allow you to shoulder this alone?" Gu Yaoting's voice was grave as he regarded his brother. Gu Yaolin averted his gaze, his lips set in a stubborn line.

"This matter requires careful deliberation; do not act on impulse, Yaolin," cautioned Gu Yaoting.

"Yes, Second Brother, do not take such a step alone," implored Gu Yaoyu, tugging at Gu Yaolin's sleeve, his eyes pleading. "If our wife were to die, at worst, we would be sent into servitude, and at best, we would be confined to widowhood, unable to leave home for three years. How then would we work and earn a living? What would become of Mother?"

And that was assuming the cause of their wife's death remained undiscovered.

"... " From her hiding place, Zhao Li gazed deeply at Gu Yaoyu.

Remarkable, this gentle youth, whose foresight surpassed even his elder brother's, had already considered the aftermath of such an act.

After a few more words, the Gu brothers decided to depart, as they had ostensibly left to purchase provisions and could not linger. Thanks to Zhao Li's timely concealment, they did not realize they had been observed during their discussion.

Zhao Li abandoned her plans for foraging.

She sank to the ground, leaning against a tree, her brow furrowed. The original Zhao Li was indolent, a drunkard, a gambler, and a tyrant, rotten to the core. Had she not inhabited this body, she might have applauded the brothers' resolve to free themselves from such torment.

The problem, however, was that she was now 'Zhao Li,' and it would be her life that ended should they act.

With a heavy sigh, Zhao Li looked up at the sky.

—What a mess the original Zhao Li had left for her to clean up.

Although, according to the brothers' conversation and considering the matriarchal society, her immediate safety was not in peril, a sword still hung above her head. She feared that one day, a scene reminiscent of a notorious moment from her past life might unfold—

"Drink your medicine, Daliang."

Finding a bitter humor in the situation, Zhao Li rose, dusted off her clothes, and returned home with the wild vegetables she had gathered.

Chu Chen's surprise was evident when he saw Zhao Li return with a bundle of wild vegetables. Yet, perhaps due to his experience in the pleasure house, he quickly composed himself, plastering a false, ingratiating smile upon his face, praising her efforts lavishly.

Zhao Li's previous attitude had made Chu Chen uneasy, and now he was determined to ensnare her once more with flattery. He had long seen through Zhao Li, but his need for freedom and his lowly status as a former pleasure boy, compared to the strength of the Gu brothers, compelled him to curry favor with her.

He needed to keep Zhao Li interested without giving too much away, lest she discard him like a worn-out garment.

Thus, since his redemption, Chu Chen had not engaged in any true intimacy with Zhao Li.

The freshly picked wild vegetables, still caked with earth, Zhao Li began to wash in a water basin. Chu Chen, volunteering to help, received a portion of the greens. His initial offer, however, was merely lip service, and he found himself hesitating before the task.

With cheeks puffed, he delicately pinched the cleaner parts of the greens, setting them aside, and hastily washed his hands. As he rolled up his sleeves, he cast furtive glances at Zhao Li, truly working, and wondered.

Strange, for the lazy Zhao Li to actually be doing something herself.

His eyes darted, and he slowly tore the greens, piece by piece, pondering.

Could it be... that this scoundrel had some new scheme?

Chu Chen debated whether to inform the Gu brothers, knowing he needed to maintain Zhao Li's interest while also securing the support of the Gu brothers, as Zhao Li was ultimately unreliable.

Unaware of Chu Chen's suspicions, Zhao Li was lost in thought, contemplating how to change her husbands' perception of her and what to do next. Since the original Zhao Li had not contributed to the household, she resolved to start with finances.

First, she must earn money...

"Wife, I'm done washing!" Chu Chen's voice interrupted her thoughts. Turning, she met his gleaming black eyes, and for a moment, the allure of his delicate features stirred something within her.

Ahem.

It was no wonder the original Zhao Li had spent to redeem Chu Chen.

Regaining her composure, Zhao Li glanced down, and upon seeing the state of the greens, her lips twitched. The once whole wild vegetables were now shredded, and clearly, the force used in washing had rendered them into a pitiful, tattered state.

"..."

She should not have overestimated Chu Chen's capability.

Yet, facing Chu Chen's expectant expression, Zhao Li, with a deep breath, offered a reluctant compliment, "Not bad."

Chu Chen's face bloomed with a radiant smile.

Ha! He knew it. He simply didn't want to do the work, but when he did, he was quite capable.

When the Gu brothers returned and saw that Zhao Li had not only foraged but also washed the wild vegetables, their shock was palpable. Without thinking, Gu Yaolin blurted out, "We have no money!"

Gu Yaoting instinctively clutched his purse, eyeing Zhao Li warily, while Gu Yaoyu subtly positioned himself to shield the area where Gu Yaoting kept his purse.

"...I do not seek money; I am merely hungry and foraged these greens," explained Zhao Li.

The Gu brothers' expressions conveyed their skepticism, and their vigilance only increased after dinner.

"... " Glancing at Chu Chen, who feigned nonchalance, Zhao Li pretended not to notice the whispered exchange between Chu Chen and Gu Yaoyu during dinner. Inwardly, she sighed, recognizing the arduous path ahead to alter their perceptions.