Wife is hell

Chapter 13: How Does Widow Tang Control Jiang Mu?
In the living room.

Yan Wenxiu was very nervous.

She quietly wiped the sweat from her palms on her shirt and whispered an explanation to Tang Jinxian, who was sitting at the head of the table:

“My lord, my husband… he truly did not know beforehand that the prefectural and county governments had sent him to a neighboring county to assist in the investigation. He did not intend to shirk his responsibility or dare to assist you in the investigation…”

Yan Wenxiu was filled with anxiety.

He was afraid that Tang Jinxian had come to question him about this matter.

Although An Chenghu comforted her before leaving, saying that Lord Tang was reasonable and would not make things difficult for her.

But the other party was, after all, a high-ranking official from the capital, holding a position of great power and influence, whose temperament was difficult to fathom.

If he were truly blamed, how could a mere constable withstand the wrath of such a powerful figure?
"It's alright, I understand Officer An's situation and predicament."

Tang Jinxian spoke in a flat tone.

Hearing this, Yan Wenxiu finally felt relieved and quickly expressed her gratitude:
"Thank you for your understanding, sir."

"I have come here today specifically to see Mu Jiang."

Tang Jinxian picked up the teacup beside her, picked up the lid, and gently stirred the floating leaves.

The misty steam blurred the woman's beautiful features.

Yan Wenxiu understood the implication in the other party's words and tactfully said, "Then this humble woman will take her leave."

She gave Jiang Mu a look that warned her to be careful when speaking to her superiors, and then walked towards the door.

Seeing that Shi Shuangsui was still huddled next to Jiang Mu, touching her little head and stretching out her little hands to measure something, she picked up the little one and took her out of the living room.

"How's the investigation going? Any leads?"

Tang Jinxian got straight to the point and asked directly.

Jiang Mu briefly reported the results of the investigation over the past two days, saying:

"There are no concrete clues yet. However, I believe Uncle An's judgment that the murderer is most likely among the remaining three households."

Seeing Tang Jinxian frowning in thought, he tentatively asked, "Lord Chief, is there any progress on your end?"

Tang Jinxian blew on the tea leaves in her cup, but didn't drink it. She simply held the warm teacup in her palm and said softly:

"I have my own arrangements. If what you say is true, and the murderer is among the remaining three families, what do you plan to do after you find out?"

Jiang Mu was taken aback upon hearing this.

What do you mean by "what does he plan to do"?
Now that we've found the clues, the rest—the arrest and interrogation—should naturally be handled by you, the esteemed official in charge.

Do you expect me to provide a full-service package?

He coughed lightly and replied cautiously, "This humble servant is dull-witted and will follow the orders of the Commander."

Tang Jinxian stared at him for a moment, then gently closed the teacup lid and beckoned to him with a slender finger.

"come over."

"Ok?"

Jiang Mu didn't react for a moment.

"come over."

Tang Jinxian repeated, her beautiful face indifferent.

Jiang was puzzled, hesitated for a moment, but still did as he was told and went over.

He stopped about two meters away from the woman.

"Go a little further forward."

"what?"

Seeing the beautiful woman narrow her phoenix eyes, Jiang Mu had no choice but to take two more steps forward.

At this moment, the two were already close to each other.

He could even smell the mature and sweet fragrance emanating from her, like some kind of precious flower or tree, mixed with the warm scent emanating from her body.

The fragrance, like an invisible little hand, gently teased the tip of his nose.

"Take it."

Tang Jinxian handed over the teacup she was holding.

Jiang Mu had no idea what this woman was planning, and subconsciously reached out to take it.

Tang Jinxian rested her chin on her hand and leaned slightly against the back of the chair. Her originally elegant posture was made a little more languid by this subtle movement, but the pressure in her eyes did not diminish in the slightest.

Seeing that Jiang Mu was standing straight, she had to crane her neck to see him, and then made a downward gesture.

Jiang Mu thought the other person was going to whisper something confidential in his ear, so he bent down slightly.

Tang Jinxian continued to press down with her hand gestures.

Jiang Mu frowned and had no choice but to bend down even lower and get closer.

However, the beautiful woman did not lean in to listen; instead, she lightly tapped the armrest of the chair with her slender, jade-like fingertips, her lips parting slightly:
"So you really do whatever I order you to do?"

"Uh……"

Jiang Mu was speechless for a moment.

"Ok?"

Tang Jinxian raised her voice slightly at the end, carrying the pressure of pressing questions.

Jiang Mu was speechless.

Could it be that this woman came here today specifically to use him as a pawn?
After all, the murderer comes from an extraordinary family and has connections within the patrol office. Once he is caught, he will inevitably be drawn into the power struggle among the upper echelons.

The deeper a nobody like him gets involved, the faster he'll die.

Uncle An's repeated warnings were not without reason.

"What are you afraid of?"

Tang Jinxian seemed to see through his concerns.

She shifted her posture slightly, the expensive fabric of her dress clinging tightly to her supple waist, accentuating her smooth, flowing curves and fully exuding the charm of a mature woman.

Jiang Mu steadied himself and replied, "It is my duty to assist you in investigating the case, sir." "Not assist, but obey," the woman corrected calmly.

Jiang Mu did not respond.

It was only then that he truly witnessed the strength hidden beneath this woman's cold and beautiful exterior.

Her previous encounter in the cave might have made her feel a little uncomfortable when facing him, which is why she was slightly less assertive during their last meeting.

However, it was only today that she revealed the aura of someone in a superior position.

Clearly, she also wanted to use this opportunity to make Jiang Mu understand that she could easily manipulate a mere yamen runner.

At the same time, it may also be to eliminate some of the shame and passivity brought about by the previous "pet" experience.

“An Chenghu must have instructed you to hand over the follow-up matters to me after finding the clues, so that you could withdraw and protect yourself, right?”

Tang Jinxian has sharp, aggressive eyes.

Jiang Mu remained silent with his head down.

His gaze fell on the woman's exquisite sapphire blue embroidered shoes beneath her skirt.

The upper of the shoe is embroidered with colorful silk threads interspersed with gold and silver threads, featuring an auspicious pattern of "fish playing among lotus flowers." The shoe is delicate in shape, and although it is unbound, it is so small that it can be held in one hand.

One can imagine that her delicate toes, held together, must be exquisite and lovely.

"If I truly require you to apprehend the murderer, will you do it or not?"

Tang Jinxian pressed her for answers.

Jiang Mu simply raised his eyes and met her gaze frankly:
"Catching the culprit is not my duty, and I will not overstep my authority. However, I will do my best to help you find the murderer. As for whether we can bring him to justice, that depends on your ability."

The man's clear eyes made Tang Jinxian instinctively want to look away, but then she felt that showing weakness in front of her subordinates would be a loss of dignity, so she forced herself to remain calm and meet his gaze.

His tone remained calm:

"Don't worry, I wouldn't use you as a pawn to wade into troubled waters. However, I do lack capable people around me."

Jiang Mu suddenly leaned forward, a half-smile on his face:

"Does Your Excellency value my abilities, or... do you simply want to keep me under your control?"

The distance between the two instantly closed again.

You can even feel the orchid-like fragrance emanating from the woman's lips.

Tang Jinxian, who originally intended to control the situation, felt a sudden panic when she saw the handsome face approaching. Her carefully maintained aloof demeanor cracked slightly.

To cover her momentary unease, she subconsciously raised her hand and patted the handrail.

"presumptuous!"

The woman's pretty face was frosty.

The massive curves at the front of the garment undulated violently, like the rippling surface of a lake disturbed by the wind.

Jiang Mu smiled, straightened up, gently placed the teacup he had been holding back on the table, and cupped his hands in a respectful gesture:

"Please rest assured, Your Excellency, I will do my utmost to find the murderer."

As for your esteemed favor… this humble servant is of meager ability and lazy by nature, and I fear I am unfit for such a great responsibility. I can only fail to live up to your high expectations.”

The man's retreat made Tang Jinxian secretly breathe a sigh of relief.

The heaving of his clothes due to slight anger gradually subsided, and his breathing changed from slightly rough and heavy to light and quick.

She picked up the teacup on the table, as if wanting to take a sip to calm her emotions, but then slammed it down, her almond-shaped eyes glaring angrily at Jiang Mu:
"You have no right to refuse me!"

"Of course, your abilities still need to be verified, and I do not accept mediocre talents."

"As for what you said about wanting to control you... Hmph, you, Mu Jiang, are just a lowly constable. Even if you hide at the ends of the earth, it would be no difficult for me to control you if I wanted to!"

After saying that, the woman suddenly stood up and walked out of the living room.

With each step, the hem of her skirt swayed gently.

Occasionally, it drapes against the side of the leg, revealing a smooth and full silhouette.

The womanly demeanor she exuded contrasted with her imposing aura and serene expression, subtly revealing a captivating charm within her dignified and majestic bearing.

Jiang Mu rubbed his temples and shook his head slightly: "This woman, she just keeps trying to ride roughshod over me..."

Tang Jinxian walked out of the living room and saw little Shi Shuangsui squatting in the yard, teasing the big white goose.

"What's your name?"

Seeing the lovely little girl, Tang Jinxian walked up to her and asked.

Shi Shuangsui tilted her head back at the sound, but her view was completely blocked by the two towering mountains above, so she couldn't see the speaker's face at all. She said in a clear, childish voice:

"Auntie Da Nai Nai, my name is Sui Sui."

"Cough cough cough..."

Jiang Mu, who followed him out, choked on his own saliva.

What the heck is "Big Nana Auntie"?

Tang Jinxian's pretty face darkened, but in the end she didn't bother arguing with this brat.

She couldn't help but pinch the other person's soft, bouncy cheek, and corrected them in a cold voice:

"Call my sister."

"Oh, big sister Nana."

"..."

Tang Jinxian's face twitched, she turned around and glared at Jiang Mu, who was clearly trying to suppress a laugh, snorted coldly, and left the courtyard with a flick of her sleeve.

"This woman is out of her mind, why is she glaring at me?"

Jiang Mu muttered to himself.

He walked over and tugged at Shi Shuangsui's high bun, saying, "Don't be so rude, call me Big Watermelon Sister next time."

A big watermelon? Is it edible?

"What do you say?"

(End of this chapter)