11: Chapter 11 The Alluring Jade Maiden

The Li residence.

Outside the courtyard, the spectating commoners were packed so tightly that even water could not flow through.

"Is Squire Li... really beaten to death by Immortal Master Xu?"

"If he's not dead, he's close to it! Look at him lying on the ground, just like a dead dog!"

"He deserves it! All these years, the Li family has been bullying men and women; it's high time they got their retribution!"

The sound of discussion buzzed, but no one dared to take a single step into the Li Manor. The might Xu Changkun displayed when he killed the Old Man Yin Gu with just two punches was deeply etched into everyone's hearts.

Xu Changkun placed the chest on the stone table in the courtyard, his gaze sweeping over the people of the Li Manor—the maidservants, servants, and guards were all kneeling on the ground, trembling.

"From this day forth, the Li Manor's properties belong to me, Xu Changkun." His voice was calm yet carried an unquestionable authority. "Those who wish to stay will receive the same wages as before. Those who wish to leave may do so now and receive ten taels of silver as a severance fee."

As his voice fell, a silence filled the courtyard, followed by an explosion of grateful kowtowing.

"Thank you, Master Xu!"

"This humble one is willing to stay and serve!"

"Master Xu is benevolent and righteous!"

Xu Changkun nodded slightly. He needed people to manage these properties; balancing kindness with authority was the proper way.

Just then, the bead curtain of the inner hall chimed softly.

A woman dressed in a plain white ruqun walked out gracefully. She was about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, with skin as white as snow and eyes full of emotion. As she walked, her waist swayed gently, exuding a mature and charming grace.

She was Squire Li's most favored concubine—Yu Niang.

She walked up to Xu Changkun, gave a graceful bow, and said in a soft, melodious voice, "This concubine, Yu Niang, pays her respects to Master Xu."

Xu Changkun's gaze fell upon her. This woman was indeed exceptionally beautiful, especially those peach blossom eyes that seemed capable of stealing one's soul with a single glance. However, there was no spiritual light above her head—she was merely a mortal with mediocre talent.

"What is it?" Xu Changkun asked indifferently.

Yu Niang looked up, her eyes brimming with tears, adding to her pitiful appearance. "Since Master has taken over the Li Manor, I... I am willing to serve by Master's side as a slave or servant, with no second thoughts."

As she spoke, she leaned forward slightly in a humble and submissive posture. A faint scent of powder wafted over, carrying a hint of ingratiation.

The expressions of the people in the courtyard varied. Some were disdainful, some were envious, but most were just watching the show—this Yu Niang certainly knew how to adapt to the situation and cling to a new master.

A playful smile curled at the corner of Xu Changkun's mouth. How could he not see through this woman's intentions? She simply saw Squire Li's downfall and wanted to find a new backer.

"In that case, you may stay," Xu Changkun said flatly. "Tonight, come to my room."

A blush rose to Yu Niang's cheeks, and a flash of joy crossed her eyes as she submissively replied, "Yes, I obey your command."

This scene happened to be witnessed by Squire Li, who was slumped in the corner of the courtyard, breathing his last.

He was already at death's door, and seeing his most beloved concubine throw herself into the arms of his enemy in public caused his blood to boil with rage!

"Pfft—!" Another mouthful of blood sprayed out. Squire Li's eyes nearly burst from their sockets, and he let out a "he-he" rasp from his throat, unable to utter a single coherent sentence.

Xu Changkun glanced at him, his eyes showing no emotion.

That night, in a side room of the Li residence.

Red candles burned bright. Yu Niang knelt before the bed, her head bowed submissively, being as gentle as possible.

"Master..." her voice was soft and tender as she stepped forward to undress Xu Changkun.

Xu Changkun's gaze was calm. This woman was clever; she knew how to use her advantages to survive.

Meanwhile, in the woodshed outside, Squire Li, who had been tossed onto a pile of straw, felt his heart being pierced as he watched the silhouettes reflected from the eastern side room.

"He... he..." His eyes bulged as he stared fixedly in that direction, his eyes bloodshot, his venomous hatred almost overflowing.

But he didn't even have the strength to move a finger now; he could only lie there like a maggot, feeling the despair of being abandoned by everyone.

This kind of mental torture was a hundred times more painful than killing him!

Finally, as dawn was about to break, the light in Squire Li's eyes completely faded. His head lolled to the side, and he breathed his last.

Even in death, his eyes remained fixed on the direction of the eastern side room, unable to die in peace.

In the early morning, Xu Changkun pushed open the door and walked out, feeling refreshed.

Yu Niang respectfully saw him to the door, a hint of a flattering smile on her face. "Take care, Master."

Xu Changkun nodded slightly without saying much. Regarding Yu Niang, it was merely a matter of each getting what they needed.

He walked to the woodshed and glanced at the now-stiff Squire Li.

"I've let you off easy."

Xu Changkun said indifferently, then called for the servants to handle the funeral arrangements.

The matter with the Li family was settled. Next, it was time to meet the mastermind behind the scenes.

He turned his gaze into the distance, toward the direction of another major family in Qinghe Town—the Wang family.