Falling into the mortal world

When Lan Qingqing saw Feng Caidie's tears, she sensed Feng Caidie's shame, confusion, and helplessness. At that moment, Lan Qingqing felt Feng Caidie's suicidal thoughts. Lan Qingqing never imagined that the Ning family could be so shameless, uttering such shameless words in public.

Lan Qingqing removed her veil, revealing her stunningly beautiful face. This was the first time Lan Qingqing had shown her face to others since leaving Menghua Tower. Lan's mother wanted to stop her, but it was too late.

Lan Qingqing handed the veil to Feng Caidie and put it on her head. Tears streamed down Feng Caidie's face. When everyone saw Lan Qingqing's stunning beauty, time seemed to stand still; the only sound was the rapid, pounding of their hearts.

When Min Nancheng saw Lan Qingqing in the crowd, he was completely stunned. The person he had been longing for was standing right in front of him.

But he couldn't take a step, and the reason was Lan Qingqing's belly. Lan Qingqing's belly was obviously four or five months big, so that time with her really wasn't the first time, just as she said.

This child clearly couldn't be the Fourth Prince's, which could only mean that the madam of Menghua Tower had deceived everyone, and that Honglian was no longer a virgin before that. But she clearly knew that Honglian was a prostitute, engaged in the business of prostitution, so why did her heart ache so much?

The pain was so intense that I couldn't breathe.

Someone in the crowd recognized Lan Qingqing and shouted, "That's Honglian, the most beautiful courtesan of Menghua Pavilion! I've seen her from afar before, my goodness! What incredible luck I've had today to actually see the legendary most beautiful courtesan!"

The crowd erupted in excitement upon hearing the name of the courtesan Honglian, but their excitement vanished when they saw Lan Qingqing's large pregnant belly, as if doused with cold water. After all, a woman of Honglian's exceptional talent would cost 100,000 taels of silver to spend a night with her.

The woman who could bear a child with a peerless beauty like Lady Honglian must be no ordinary person. The previous rumors that Lady Honglian of Menghua Tower had been redeemed by the Fourth Prince seem to have some truth to them. Naturally, everyone is more reserved in front of Lan Qingqing.

After Lan Qingqing tidied up Feng Caidie, the moment she turned around, all thoughts of love at first sight and her heart fluttered vanished.

In Lan Qingqing's bloodthirsty eyes, her beautiful, icy gaze radiated a suppressive aura, instilling only fear in those around her. Lan Qingqing moved with lightning speed, the sound of slaps echoing across the face of the man who had previously harassed Feng Caidie. The resounding slaps filled those around her with dread.

Before long, the man's cheeks were so swollen that even his own mother wouldn't recognize him.

Lan Qingqing's voice was like a ghost, devoid of any soul, as she said: Remember this is the consequence of your thoughtless words.

Lan Qingqing's words pierced the man's heart, scaring him so much that he scrambled away.

Although Ning Dazhuang was somewhat intimidated by Lan Qingqing's aura, he thought to himself that he was this brat's stepfather. What could a courtesan do to him? Perhaps to avoid trouble, he would just take this brat back with them.

This is the main street. This courtesan is clearly married. If she has any sense of shame, she won't argue with me in the street. After all, being a courtesan isn't exactly a respectable profession, and she'd certainly have to consider her husband's feelings.

Lan Qingqing stepped forward and said coldly: You are Feng Caidie's stepfather.

Ning Dazhuang was somewhat apprehensive, but he could only steel himself and say, "I am her stepfather. I sold this girl to Menghua Brothel. Now that you've bought her, I had no idea. So now I'm taking her home. This girl is getting on in years. She should go home and find a proper husband."

My original plan was to redeem him once I had some extra money at home.

"So I'm definitely taking this girl home today," Ning Dazhuang said shamelessly.

Lan Qingqing sneered, "Is that so? That's my fault then. Since that's the case, you know I paid money to redeem this. I don't do business at a loss."

Lan's mother and Lan Xiaotian both looked at Feng Caidie with some anxiety, thinking that Lan Qingqing had really returned to her.

Feng Caidie was much calmer this time. No one knew better than her that her daughter had paid a price to redeem her.

That family alone could never come up with the money to redeem themselves, even after several lifetimes.

Ning Dazhuang thought there was hope. Even if he had to spend some money to redeem the girl, it would be worthwhile. Master Zhang from the next village had passed away, and the younger generation in his family, remembering that he had always liked young and beautiful girls, inquired around to see if any girls were willing to be buried with him.

The imperial court did not allow living people to be buried with the dead, so the Zhang family could only inquire privately. The price was quite generous, and the master was satisfied. The master was willing to pay two hundred taels of silver. Ning Dazhuang was still regretting that he had sold Feng Caidie so early.

"Great! My wish has come true!" Ning Dazhuang was secretly rejoicing.

But Lan Qingqing's next words made Ning Dazhuang curse out loud.

It's not impossible to redeem Feng Caidie. However, the silver I paid to redeem her was over 35,000 taels. The jewelry, rare treasures, and silks added up to over 40,000 taels.

I can't let you ask for more. Just give me a round number, 70,000 taels. Once the money is in place, you can take her away directly. Lan Qingqing didn't say a word, but Ning Dazhuang was so angry that his teeth were grinding.

Lan Qingqing finished speaking.

Ning Dazhuang finally lost his temper and cursed, "You shameless woman, how dare you play me! You're nothing but a whore who's been ridden by a thousand men and slept with by ten thousand, how dare you try to fool me!" He was about to attack when Min Nancheng, who was in the crowd, quickly stepped forward to stop him. However, Lan Qingqing didn't give Min Nancheng a chance. She strode forward and grabbed Ning Dazhuang by the throat.

Ning Dazhuang hadn't expected this woman to be so fast. Being pregnant didn't seem to affect her mobility at all. The key was her strength; she didn't seem like a woman at all.

Ning Dazhuang was choked and unable to move. His face turned purplish-red from lack of oxygen. Just when Ning Dazhuang thought he was going to die...

Lan Qingqing released his grip and said coldly, "Remember, I, Lan Qingqing, am not someone who lets others bully me. For the sake of my unborn child's good fortune, I'll spare your life today. But if I ever see you in front of Feng Caidie again, I'll take your life." Her voice was chilling. Ning Dazhuang was so frightened that he forgot about his wife and children and ran away.

At that very moment, Ning Dazhuang sensed the approach of death. He was only one step away from it.

Lan Qingqing looked at Ning Shi, who was standing there dumbfounded, and said: What, you also want to take your daughter back?

Ning quickly denied it, saying, "No, no. I just wanted to say something to my daughter."

Lan Qingqing glanced at Feng Caidie beside her, and Feng Caidie nodded, indicating that she was willing to speak with Ning Shi.

Feng Caidie walked up to Ning Shi and said: "Say what you have to say now! Our mother-daughter bond was completely severed the moment you decided to sell me to a brothel."