Meanwhile.
Cheng Hao emerged from the makeshift privy and discovered Su Miaomiao was lost again.
He was anxious to find her.
However, his path was blocked by four or five girls, who giggled and addressed him.
"Young Master Cheng."
"It's been a while. I didn't expect Young Master Cheng to be married!"
"You'll break the hearts of many sisters. Your new wife isn't that attractive, is she? Unlike our Xiao Xiao sister, she's been fond of you for a long time, and she's a proper young lady from a good family. She excels at the zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting, surpassing all of us. She's gentle and virtuous, truly more than a match for you. What do you think?"
The girl speaking was only thirteen or fourteen years old, dressed elaborately. She was arrogant and always looked down her nose at people when she spoke.
As if she were very powerful.
This person was none other than the youngest daughter of the Jin family master, Jin Ruhua, and their most doted-upon youngest child. She was notoriously spoiled and overbearing, believing everyone should obey her.
She didn't even respect her own sisters, let alone others.
The four beside her, three of them adorned with gold and silver like her, with somewhat similar appearances, were other daughters of the Jin family master.
They were named Jin Ruqin, Jin Ruqi, and Jin Rushu.
Their looks resembled their beautiful mother, so they were naturally pretty and striking.
But their personalities were, to say the least, not commendable.
None of them were easy to deal with.
Even these three difficult sisters didn't dare to provoke their youngest sister. It was easy to imagine how bad-tempered and domineering Jin Ruhua was.
Cheng Hao, however, was unimpressed.
He asked directly, "Is there something you need?"
His first instinct told him he was about to be pestered again.
Jin Ruhua immediately became enraged. "Didn't you hear me talking to you just now?!"
Sorry, but he really hadn't.
Cheng Hao's mind was entirely on Su Miaomiao, wondering where to find her. He hadn't paid attention to their chatter. He couldn't be bothered to listen.
"Since there's nothing, I'll be going now."
Hearing this, Jin Ruhua understood that he hadn't listened to her at all. She stomped her foot in anger. Liu Xiao, beside her, tugged at her sleeve and said, "Since Young Master Cheng wants to leave, let him go."
The other good sisters naturally disagreed.
The eldest, Jin Ruqin, said, "Sister Xiao Xiao, you're too timid. If you had even half the cheek of that new wife, you wouldn't be like this!"
The second eldest, Jin Ruqi, also said, "Exactly! Her brazen behavior, pulling and tugging with Young Master Cheng in broad daylight, is improper. She's corrupting him. Young Master Cheng used to be a renowned gentleman. How could he be like this?"
The third eldest, Jin Rushu, chimed in, "Indeed. I think Young Master Cheng and Sister Liu Xiao are the most suitable match. A talented man and a beautiful woman. You are well-read, so you'll surely have enjoyable conversations with him and live in harmony. That's a match made in heaven!"
Unlike that new wife, who was careless and lacked any decorum. Rumor had it she could even hunt. While being able to provide meat was capable, it was too coarse.
Like a farm woman.
The three girls acted like matchmakers, constantly reassuring Liu Xiao, telling her to relax, and encouraging her to be bold. They were confident that Young Master Cheng would be hers.
Jin Ruhua listened and nodded in agreement, thinking her sisters were right. If she wanted to set them up, couldn't she succeed? It was bound to happen!
When she turned to find Cheng Hao to continue talking, she discovered he had vanished!
"This!! Hey! Why did he leave? You all stop talking, he's gone!"
Jin Ruhua stomped her feet in anger, yelling at her sisters, saying that if they hadn't been wasting time gossiping, he wouldn't have gotten away!
Jin Ruqin and the other two exchanged glances and sighed helplessly. It was all their fault, but knowing her temper, they didn't argue with her.
Liu Xiao's face turned crimson, and she quickly said to them, "It's fine, it's fine."
Jin Ruhua, however, grabbed her and gritted her teeth, "No way! You are my sworn sister! I will snatch back the person you fancy!"
She went on to say that their caravan was currently understaffed and weak. If they could form a marital alliance with the Cheng family, it would first grant her sworn sister's wish and second help their caravan, alleviating her father's depression.
It was a perfect plan that killed two birds with one stone. She was determined to make it happen!
Jin Ruqin also agreed, "Moreover, it can curb the arrogance of that new wife. Don't think she can enjoy happiness forever. Look at how smug she is!"
The other two sisters nodded vigorously. They simply couldn't stand seeing them suffering while that new wife was living so comfortably just because she married into the Cheng family.
Liu Xiao hesitated, wanting to speak but stopping. Finally, she remembered his indifferent demeanor and still felt a pang of regret. She had admired him for a long time, secretly keeping it in her heart, but unexpectedly, he had gotten engaged.
She was disheartened.
It was then that her good sister Jin Ruhua discovered this and berated her for a long time.
Saying she wasn't ambitious enough.
If she liked him, she should have told her parents, and they could have sent someone to inquire at the Cheng family.
If she had been bolder.
Perhaps she wouldn't be in such a predicament now.
Liu Xiao felt sad hearing these words, knowing she had already missed her chance. Now that the couple was so intimate, was there really an opportunity?
Jin Ruhua cast her a sidelong glance and said, "Cheng family's legitimate son, so many people are vying for him. Don't blame others. You missed your opportunity. Now a new opportunity is right in front of you. Are you still going to back down?"
Liu Xiao was internally conflicted. She knew it was wrong to interfere in someone else's relationship, but she truly desired him. Finally, she nodded, "I'll do as you say."
She thought to herself, she would only do this one wicked deed. If her wish came true, she would willingly repent and offer sacrifices to all the deities thereafter, praying for forgiveness.
Thinking thus.
Liu Xiao became resolute.
Jin Ruhua became happy, smiling with satisfaction at her, "Just wait! The eldest young master of the Cheng family always puts on a cold face to others, but he is completely devoted and gentle to his new wife. This shows that he is cold on the outside but warm on the inside. Since that's the case, you just need to warm him up, and he'll be yours!"
The other three sisters also chimed in. Anyway, they were bored during their escape, and joining the fun was quite interesting for them.
As for the horrors they had experienced earlier, they had long passed. They had stayed in the carriages and hadn't witnessed the terrifying scenes outside, only heard some sounds. But their minds subconsciously rejected such scenes, and they had almost forgotten them.
What about the servants who had died on the road? In the end, they only felt the lack of servants they were used to having. In a few days, they had gotten used to the new servants and completely forgotten the old ones.
They didn't lack food or drink. What did the suffering of the subordinates have to do with them?
Their minds were filled with wanting something to do.
Now, they were all very enthusiastic about this matter, just wanting to have fun.
Little did they know.
The original legitimate son of the Cheng family had a change of heart. It wasn't as if a mere marriage could bring about a complete transformation. The reason he was good to Su Miaomiao was simply because he was "Cheng Hao," and she was "Su Miaomiao." Unfortunately, they were completely unaware of this.