Chapter 250: Madman and Madwoman 10

Ji Xiaosong looked at the contract and smiled. “Aren’t you afraid General Wu will take you to task for this, Young Master Wu? This courtyard isn’t cheap.”

“I’ll say it again. My father has plenty of children, and he’s had three wives over the years. The amount of silver he wastes daily is anyone’s guess, so it might as well be spent on something worthwhile. Besides, his granddaughter has done something so disgraceful, it’s only right that he cleans up the mess.”

After speaking, Wu Chufeng led Ji Xiaosong into the courtyard, introducing it as they walked.

“This courtyard may not be large, but it’s quiet, making it a suitable place for you to settle in for now. Since you’re new to the Capital City, living here will also be more convenient.”

Ji Xiaosong followed behind Wu Chufeng, her gaze sweeping over the courtyard’s layout.

It was a small, single-entry courtyard. Though not large, its layout was exquisite and suffused with an air of elegance.

The gate faced south, and just inside was a screen wall. The wall was carved with simple patterns, both blocking the view from outsiders and adding a sense of privacy.

Past the screen wall was a small patio. In its center grew an old locust tree, its dense branches and leaves blocking out most of the sunlight, making the area feel exceptionally cool.

To the east of the patio was the main house. Its doors and windows were carved with intricate patterns, giving it an air of classic elegance.

The main house was divided into three rooms: the central hall, with a bedroom and a study to its left and right.

The hall held a large square table and a few chairs, with several landscape paintings on the walls, creating a particularly refined atmosphere.

To the west of the patio was a side room. It was simply furnished with only a bed and a table, clearly intended for servants or temporary guests.

Next to the side room was a small kitchen, fully equipped with cookware. It was obvious that it had been prepared with great care.

To the north of the patio was a low wall with a small gate that opened into a little backyard.

The backyard wasn’t large, but a few flowers and plants grew there, giving it a vibrant feel.

In a corner of the backyard was a water well, its water so clear you could see the bottom. It was evidently the main source of water for daily use.

Wu Chufeng led Ji Xiaosong on a tour of the courtyard, his voice tinged with pride.

“So, what do you think? Not bad, right? It might not be big, but it has everything you need. You’ll be more than comfortable here.”

Ji Xiaosong nodded, a hint of approval in her voice. “It is indeed very nice. Thank you for going to the trouble, Young Master Wu.”

“Now that you have a place to live, let’s go get something to eat. We’ve been running around all afternoon, and I’m starving.”

Without waiting for Ji Xiaosong’s reaction, Wu Chufeng led her straight to the most bustling restaurant on the street, the renowned Drunken Immortal Pavilion.

The restaurant was a hubbub of voices and fragrant aromas. The waiters were so busy they were rushed off their feet.

Wu Chufeng was clearly a regular. A waiter greeted him the moment he walked in, his face all smiles.

“Young Master Wu, it’s been a while! What can we get for you today?”

Wu Chufeng waved his hand, his tone boisterous. “Bring us one of every signature dish you have! And two jugs of your finest Nu’er Hong wine!”

The waiter’s eyes lit up at the order. He immediately nodded and bowed.

“Right away! Please wait a moment, Young Master Wu. I’ll arrange it at once!”

Ji Xiaosong stood to the side, a flicker of amusement in her eyes as she watched Wu Chufeng order so extravagantly.

She didn’t stand on ceremony either, following Wu Chufeng directly up to a private room on the second floor.

The private room was elegantly decorated, with several scrolls of calligraphy and paintings on the walls and an exquisite tea set on the table.

After sitting down, Wu Chufeng casually picked up the teapot and poured a cup of tea for Ji Xiaosong, his tone teasing.

“Miss Ji, don’t be polite. Eat as much as you like. The food at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion is the best in the Capital City.”

Ji Xiaosong smiled faintly, her voice calm. “Don’t worry, Young Master Wu. I have no intention of being polite.”

Before long, the waiter came in carrying the dishes.

One after another, dishes perfect in color, aroma, and taste filled the entire table. The fragrant smell was mouth-watering.

Ji Xiaosong’s eyes widened in surprise as she looked at the table full of food. “Young Master Wu, can the two of us possibly finish all this?”

She counted—there were over thirty dishes!

Wu Chufeng laughed, his tone full of bravado. “Don’t worry, Miss Ji. I, Wu Chufeng, may not have many other talents, but I do have a huge appetite. You just eat. Don’t worry about what’s left over!”

Hearing this, Ji Xiaosong said no more and picked up her chopsticks to begin.

Though she appeared frail, her appetite was surprisingly large.

One dish after another, it wasn’t long before the two of them had swept the table clean.

When the waiter came in to clear the table and saw the completely empty plates, his eyes went wide with disbelief. “Young Master Wu, you… the two of you…”

Wu Chufeng waved his hand, a smug look on his face. “What, never seen people with big appetites before? Go on, bring us two plates of pastries!”

The waiter nodded and bowed profusely. “Yes, yes! Right away, Young Master Wu, please wait a moment!”

Ji Xiaosong watched the waiter scurry away, a hint of a smile in her eyes.

“Young Master Wu, it seems even the waiter was frightened by your appetite.”

Wu Chufeng roared with laughter, his tone teasing.

“Miss Ji, your appetite is nothing to sneeze at either! It seems we’re kindred spirits.”

The meal brought the two of them closer.

Ji Xiaosong was still thinking of her sister at the inn. After bidding farewell to Wu Chufeng, she changed her clothes and went to the inn to bring her younger sister, Ji Xiaohua, to the new courtyard.

When Ji Xiaohua stepped into the new courtyard, her eyes widened in utter disbelief.

Looking around at the exquisite screen wall, the cool patio, the classic and elegant main house, and the well with its crystal-clear water, she couldn’t help but ask in a low voice:

“Sister, is… is this really our courtyard?”

“Of course, it is. Look, here’s the contract. It’s all written out clearly in black and white.”

As she spoke, Ji Xiaosong handed the contract to Ji Xiaohua.

Ji Xiaohua took the contract and examined it carefully, her eyes filled with shock.

“Sister, this courtyard… how much did this cost? Where did we get the Silver?”

“Xiao Hua, don’t worry. This courtyard is compensation from General Wu’s family.”

Hearing this, Ji Xiaohua’s expression changed instantly. Her voice was laced with panic.

“Sister, why would General Wu compensate us? Then… what about Li Zhixiao? Aren’t we supposed to be getting justice from him?”

A cold glint flashed in Ji Xiaosong’s eyes, and her tone held a deeper meaning.

“Xiao Hua, don’t worry. I have my own plans for Li Zhixiao. This courtyard is just the first step. Next, I will make him pay an even greater price.”

“Sister, are you really sure about this? Li Zhixiao has now latched onto the General Mansion’s granddaughter. We… we can’t fight them.”

“Xiao Hua, trust me. I will collect on the debts owed by Li Zhixiao and Xiao Mumu, one by one. This courtyard is just the beginning.”