Bai Suzhen, I really need to punish you properly.

Zhong Li lowered her head shyly and answered truthfully: "Brother Wang Xuan is upright and easy-going, and has always been considerate and thoughtful towards me."

Zhong Kui withdrew his gaze and landed on his younger sister's shy eyes, softly asking, "Brother is asking you, do you like him?"

As a judge in the underworld, Zhong Kui was busy with official duties and rarely had free time, so he could not visit his sister often.

Now that Zhong Li has reached marriageable age, his top priority upon returning is to find a good man for his younger sister to entrust her life to.

Wang Xuan and his siblings were all from Zhongnan Mountain, so they could be considered fellow townsmen. He also had a very good reputation among the people of Qiantang.

The only thing that Zhong Kui was unhappy about was that Wang Xuan had far too many wives.

Zhong Li blushed, her eyes darting away, and she whispered, "Brother, please don't interfere in my affairs."

Young girls are most shy about their feelings, so how can they say them out loud?

She had two concerns: first, she feared that if her brother Zhong Kui found out about her feelings, he would immediately approach Wang Xuan to discuss marriage.

Secondly, every girl in Wang Xuan's backyard was so beautiful that she inevitably felt inferior and was even more unsure of Wang Xuan's true feelings for her.

"My only concern right now is you, my little sister. Now that I'm back, I'll make sure you have a good life from now on, so don't be afraid."

Zhong Li bit her lower lip lightly, and after a long while, she finally uttered an "Mmm".

Zhong Kui then asked, "Tell me now, do you want to stay here or go back to your hometown?"

"I...I..."

She certainly had no reason to stay here, but she also had feelings for this place. If she chose to go back, she didn't know when she would see Wang Xuan again.

Zhong Kui smiled knowingly: "Looks like I shouldn't have come so early, brother."

Zhong Li, annoyed by her brother's teasing, lightly stomped her foot, her voice full of girlish coquettishness: "Brother~ what did you say?"

Zhong Kui asked, feigning seriousness, "How about we pretend I never came? You can continue staying here for now?"

"elder brother!"

Zhong Li drew out her words and gave a coquettish sigh.

How shameful it would be if such a petty thought got out!

"Alright, alright, I won't tease you anymore." Zhong Kui smiled slightly, then his expression turned serious. "But I've heard that this county magistrate has many wives. If you marry into that family, I'm worried you'll suffer."

If Zhong Kui hadn't realized that his younger sister had feelings for Wang Xuan, he wouldn't have even considered this marriage.

After his younger sister enters the family, he will have to share her husband with a group of women, and he worries that his sister will be neglected in the future.

Upon hearing the words "marry him," Zhong Li's ears instantly turned red, and she spoke in a soft voice, "All the ladies in the manor are very kind to me. They are all very good people, just like Brother Wang Xuan."

Zhong Kui gently shook his head: "But I'm still worried. I want to test his character."

Zhong Li quickly and earnestly advised, "Brother, there's no need for that. Wang Xuan and I haven't reached that point yet. Besides, I trust him. If Wang Xuan finds out, it will only make us look petty."

Zhong Kui had already made up his mind, and reassured her, "Don't worry, this is my idea, it has nothing to do with you."

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhong Kui disappeared.

"elder brother!"

Zhong Li called out softly, but received no response. Helpless, he quickly selected spices, paid the money, put them all into a sachet, tied the sachet tightly, and hurried to Wang Xuan's side.

Wang Xuan is talking to Xu Xian.

Upon seeing Zhong Li approach, Wang Xuan immediately stopped talking and gestured to Xu Xian, "Brother Xu, go ahead and get busy."

Xu Xian politely bowed and then turned to take his leave.

Zhong Li's eyes were like autumn waves, and his heart was in turmoil. He didn't know what method his brother would use to test Wang Xuan.

She handed over the sachet with both hands and said softly, "Brother Wang Xuan, this is something I knitted for you."

Wang Xuan accepted the exquisitely embroidered sachet and inadvertently touched Zhong Li's fingertips, causing Zhong Li to shyly withdraw her hand.

A sweet fragrance wafted over, and Wang Xuan smiled and praised, "Sister Zhong Li, you are truly skillful."

He thought to himself, "No wonder they didn't let me come along earlier; they were preparing a gift for me."

I wonder if Zhong Li could make white socks or white silk if he took out the Poisonous Lady's thousand-year spider silk.

It wasn't that Wang Xuan particularly liked these silk fabrics; it was simply that she felt Zhong Li's talent for needlework shouldn't be wasted.

Zhong Li lowered her eyes slightly, a hint of shyness in her voice: "It just might not be of much use to you."

After all, Wang Xuan is a cultivator who can fly through the air, so this mosquito-repelling sachet is hardly a useful item.

Without saying a word, Wang Xuan tied the sachet tightly to her waist, and looked at Zhong Li with a smile in her eyes: "Who said that? I like it very much."

Zhong Li's ear tips were slightly burning, and her fingertips shyly twisted the hem of her skirt.

The two walked back to the county government office side by side.

Wang Xuan casually asked, "Zhong Li, have you ever thought about what you'd do if those bullies harassed you when you went back to your hometown?"

Zhong Li asked softly, "Brother Wang Xuan, don't you want me to leave?"

Wang Xuan stopped, gently took her hand in his, and slowly lifted it up, saying softly, "I want you to stay."

Daoji had previously said that Zhong Kui might come at any time.

I will be going to the Nanzhao Kingdom in a few days to keep my appointment with Anu.

If Zhong Li really returned to his hometown, he wouldn't be running to Zhouzhi County every few days.

How can this possibly foster a deeper relationship?

What's more, there's a hidden rival over there, Du Ping.

Therefore, Wang Xuan naturally did not want Zhong Li to leave.

Zhong Li is pretty and elegant, kind and understanding, gentle and shy, skillful and dexterous, speaks softly and acts with meticulous care. Wang Xuan likes this girl from the bottom of his heart.

"Why...why?"

In the past, Wang Xuan would always hold her wrist, and his behavior was always measured. Now, his sudden grasp of her small hand made her feel flustered.

"You're all alone in your hometown, with no one to rely on, so you're bound to be bullied. Even if your brother is a judge in the underworld, he can't protect you forever. Here, with our protection, no one can bully you."

Wang Xuan paused, then smiled gently and said, "These are all high-sounding words. In reality, it's just that I'm reluctant to see you leave, and the ladies in the manor are also reluctant to see you leave."

Zhong Li shyly withdrew her hand gently: "But I can't stay here forever."

"Why not?" Wang Xuan retorted with a smile. "Your sister Bai used to live in Qingcheng Mountain, your sister Mingzhu used to live in Baoyang Lake, and your sister Xiaoqian used to live in Guobei County. Don't they all live here now?"

"It's different, they are yours, your wives."

Wang Xuan changed the subject, teasingly asking, "Who do you think was the person Daoji was who told your fortune just now?"

"I...I don't know."

Zhong Li was filled with shyness; how could she possibly answer that?

"If you want to know, I'll go with you to ask him, and I guarantee he'll tell you."

Zhong Li mustered her courage and whispered, "Even if I knew who it was, they might not like me."

"How could that be? You'll definitely like it."

The two continued walking slowly.

They all unanimously hoped that this journey could be longer.

Suddenly, a fierce wind arose ahead, churning and howling incessantly.

Wang Xuan looked wary.

He could tell at a glance that this was not a normal gale.

Whose subordinate is this?

They dare to act so recklessly in the city.

And they even blocked his way.

It seems they came straight for him.

Wang Xuan immediately grasped Zhong Li's hand tightly and instructed, "Sister Zhong Li, I will take you into my grotto first."

If a fight broke out, he wasn't entirely confident he could protect her.

"Brother Wang Xuan, be careful."

Zhong Li vaguely guessed that this was his brother's test, but he wasn't sure, so he could only give him his advice with a heart full of worry.

Wang Xuan sent Zhong Li into the cave, put two fingers together, condensed the true fire of the sun, and stepped forward, feeling somewhat angry.

These demons and monsters dare to cause trouble in Qiantang at every turn; they cannot be tolerated.

Meanwhile, Zhong Kui, hidden in the shadows, was equally bewildered.

What about my much older sister?

He had deliberately stirred up the demonic wind to create a dangerous situation, wanting to test whether Wang Xuan was responsible and whether he would abandon Zhong Li in times of crisis.

Now look what's happened, my sister has simply disappeared.

Thinking of this, Zhong Kui immediately ordered his five ghosts to leave with the demonic wind. Then, with a flicker, he transformed into the appearance of Bai Suzhen, pretending to have come from afar.

He had seen Bai Suzhen and Yan Zhi leave the county office earlier that day, so he naturally remembered what Bai Suzhen looked like.

When Wang Xuan saw Bai Suzhen approaching, he quickly said, "My lady, you've come."

"I sensed a strange wind blowing around here, so I came to investigate," 'Bai Suzhen' explained calmly. "Where is Zhong Li?"

"I was afraid there might be danger, so I took her into the cave first."

Wang Xuan did not suspect anything. He raised his hand and released Zhong Li from the cave.

Zhong Kui was secretly shocked and couldn't help but think more highly of Wang Xuan. He hadn't expected that Wang Xuan was so fortunate. Not only was he academically gifted and had extraordinary cultivation, but he also had the opportunity to possess a personal grotto-heaven.

It's quite remarkable that these two brilliant minds, the Crouching Dragon and the Phoenix Chick, both emerged from this small Zhongnan Mountain.

After Zhong Li came out, she saw Bai Suzhen and softly called out, "Sister Bai."

Bai Suzhen, however, lacked her usual gentleness. She reached out and removed the sachet from Wang Xuan's waist, asking in a low voice, "Where did this come from?"

Wang Xuan smiled nonchalantly: "Zhong Li gave it to me."

Bai Suzhen casually tossed the sachet to Zhong Li and said coldly, "You should keep this useless thing for yourself."

Zhong Li clutched the sachet in his hand, his face filled with confusion and helplessness.

Wang Xuan also looked astonished and incredulous: "Wife, what are you talking about?"

Seeing her sister heartbroken, Bai Suzhen was equally distressed, but she had to continue the charade. Her expression was cold: "This embroidery is crude, and the perfumes are gaudy and pungent. How can they be worthy of you?"

Zhong Li was speechless for a moment, her nose tingled, and tears were about to well up in her eyes.

Wang Xuan walked to Zhong Li's side, took the sachet from her hand, and carefully examined 'Bai Suzhen'. He asked, puzzled, "My lady, what's wrong with you today?"

Bai Suzhen, however, continued, "Miss Zhong, don't always hang around him. Men and women shouldn't touch each other. People will inevitably gossip if they see this. You should also know your place."

Zhong Li was embarrassed and ashamed. She lowered her head awkwardly, her eyes slightly sore, and deliberately kept her distance from Wang Xuan.

Upon seeing this, Wang Xuan suddenly realized that his wife was actually helping him out.

However, they didn't even give me a heads-up beforehand.

I must reward her handsomely when I get home tonight.

Yes, that tone is a bit too deliberate.

Can she trust Zhong Li?

He looked at Zhong Li's pitiful appearance.

Well, she actually believes that.

"It wasn't Zhong Li who moved closer to me, but rather I who moved closer to her," Wang Xuan scolded Bai Suzhen in disappointment. "My wife, you've always been kind-hearted. Even if you wanted to help us today, why use such harsh words to hurt Zhong Li?"

As soon as he finished speaking, he turned to Zhong Li, his gaze fixed on her. His tone was solemn yet gentle as he clearly expressed his feelings, word by word: "Sister Zhong Li, your sister Bai has no ill intentions. Do you like me? If you also feel for me, when your brother returns, I will prepare the betrothal gifts and ask him to accept your proposal. Are you willing?"

Zhong Li's cheeks flushed slightly, a mixture of shyness and panic. She looked at Wang Xuan, who was full of expectation, and didn't know how to answer for a moment.

"Sister Zhong Li, are you still bothered by what she just said?" Wang Xuan asked with a hint of reproach. "Wife, why don't you apologize to Sister Zhong Li right now?"

Zhong Li quickly shook his head: "No need, Brother Wang Xuan."

Then she stammered, "I'm willing."

Zhong Kui stood there, completely bewildered.

I really want to test what you would do if my sister were bullied by your wife in the future.

You're going to confess your feelings and propose right away?

My own sister agreed right away?

Zhong Kui's figure flickered, revealing his true form. His skin was dark and bluish-black, with a dark red divine mark on his forehead. His eyes were wide open, his eyebrows were raised and slanted into his temples, and his chin and cheeks were covered with a bushy beard, exuding a terrifying aura.

This time it was Wang Xuan's turn to be stunned, and she immediately shielded Zhong Li behind her.

What is this thing? I actually called it "wife" so many times just now.

Fortunately, they didn't do anything intimate in public.

Zhong Li was the first to call out, "Brother!"

Even though her appearance was different from before, Zhong Li still recognized her at a glance.

All the pent-up frustration she had just felt vanished.

So this was her brother's test... She knew it, Sister Bai wasn't that kind of person.

Wang Xuan asked in confusion, "Are you Zhong Kui?"

"Not bad," Zhong Kui said in a deep voice.

"Did you create that eerie wind just now?"

"I was trying to test you," Zhong Kui nodded. "Were you telling the truth just now?"

Wang Xuan said earnestly, "Heaven above and earth below bear witness, my feelings for Sister Zhong Li are truly sincere."

Zhong Kui raised the corners of his mouth with interest: "Do I look fierce to you?"

Wang Xuan shook his head: "Not...not fierce."

"Since you treat her so sincerely, I entrust her to you." Zhong Kui's gaze was sharp, and his tone was low. "If you betray my sister in the future, I will not be lenient with you. There are many ways to play in the eighteen levels of hell."

"Don't worry, big brother, I will treat Zhong Li well." Wang Xuan patted his chest, his tone sincere yet joking, "I won't be like you, heartlessly abandoning your sister in your hometown and ignoring her for years."

"You little brat!"

Zhong Kui was so angry that he blew his beard and glared at Zhong Kui. He really knew how to rub salt in the wound.

Wang Xuan continued her tirade, her tone full of complaints: "Big brother, you're really something, criticizing your own sister without holding back at all. You're so heartless. I feel sorry for her even though you don't, and you're even acting like my wife. Aren't you just trying to sow discord between them?"

Zhong Li gently tugged at Wang Xuan's sleeve and said softly, "Brother Wang Xuan, please stop talking."

"I'll let it go for your sake." Wang Xuan said magnanimously, handing over the sachet in her hand. "Your brother almost tore this sachet just now, could you tie it back on for me?"

"oh."

Zhong Li, blushing, tied Wang Xuan's clothes in front of her brother.

Seeing his younger sister's obedient appearance, Zhong Kui couldn't help but sigh, "Girls grow up and leave home."

"How about this, I'll pick an auspicious day and I'll officiate your wedding."

My sister can't stay in Wang Xuan's house without a proper status forever. Now that she's here, she should be taken care of right away.

Wang Xuan smiled and replied, "Brother, I remember the calendar. Tomorrow is an auspicious day, suitable for marriage."

"Is it really such a coincidence?"

"It's absolutely true. If you don't believe me, come back with us and you'll see."

Zhong Kui then transformed back into his gentle and refined scholar appearance, as the judge's attire was too eye-catching. The three of them walked together toward the county government office.

Zhong Kui took out a wooden plaque and handed it to Zhong Li: "Little sister, this is a peach wood peace plaque that I carved myself. Wearing it can drive away mountain demons and calm your mind."

"Thank you, brother."

Zhong Li smiled and accepted it with a smile.

Wang Xuan, acting very familiar, stepped forward and asked, "Big brother, do you have any for me?"

"I came in a hurry. If you want it, you can wait until next time."