Mr. Jing and His Little Husband

Chapter 103

Chapter 103: Hundred-Day Banquet Part Two@@@@

Jing’s old estate had been expanded just after last year’s autumn harvest. Although it was still a courtyard upon entering, it had been enlarged.

Besides the main house facing south, the eight side rooms were primarily occupied by Jing’s servants. Additionally, there were two storage rooms and a woodshed, storing items that weren’t frequently used in the main residence.

Lai Da and the two thugs he brought were detained in the woodshed of the old estate. At the moment, Jing Renyi was keeping an eye on them with two young men.

The servants, trained over the past few months with proper food, clothing, and regular exercise, had developed robust physiques and acquired some combat skills. Although it was three against three in the small woodshed, the confrontation was entirely one-sided.

With a creak, the courtyard door of the old estate was pushed open, and Jing Yi, accompanied by Steward Tong and others, walked in.

“Lai Da, long time no see. You’re still so wretched,” Jing Yi said, settling into a chair brought by Renyi. It seemed he intended to have a lengthy conversation.

“Hmph! Surnamed Jing, let me tell you, release us immediately!” Lai Da shouted, struggling despite being bound.

“Hehe! You know who I am! Did you come here for me?” Jing Yi asked calmly.

“Master Jing loves to take advantage of people. Hurry up and release us!” Lai Da shouted, continuously attempting to break free.

“Haha! Are you rushing to meet your doom on my son’s joyful day? And now you want me to release you? Check with others; am I known as a charitable person? Do you not know the consequences of crossing me?” Jing Yi responded.

“Haha! Those little guys may fear you, and I can make sure you won’t have it easy!” Lai Da continued with his absurd remarks.

“What do you want to say? Is it your uncle or the Liu family?” Jing Yi asked.

“You know it! So, I advise you to release me, let the siblings bow down respectfully to me, and I won’t pursue this matter further. I’ll consider the past settled!” Lai Da spoke cunningly.

Hearing this nonsensical speech, Jing Yi sighed, realizing that it’s tiresome to converse with someone who doesn’t understand the situation.

Helpless, he turned to Renyi and instructed, “Make him understand the situation. Let him know what ‘the situation is stronger than individuals’ means.” Jing Yi then walked to the hall in the north, leaving the woodshed.

After about a cup of tea’s time, Jing Yi adjusted his mindset and walked back into the woodshed. He couldn’t avoid talking to the fool.

“How’s it going? Does my Jing family’s ‘good fruit’ taste good?” Jing Yi asked with a smiling face.

“Master Jing, just tell me what I need to do to be released,” Lai Da replied with a swollen face and a bruised nose, seemingly begging for mercy. However, his eyes kept rolling, indicating that he wasn’t fully convinced and was afraid of getting beaten.

“You’re acting as if I forced you to come here. The right path is available, yet you chose the path to hell,” Jing Yi said.

“Fine! It’s my bad luck this time! I beg you; don’t bother with me, Master Jing. If my uncle finds out, it won’t be easy for you, right?” Lai Da revealed his true nature again while speaking.

Moreover, he didn’t want any misunderstandings with Chuxia. If he got the wrong idea, he’d immediately report this “Miss Lian” to the yamen for attempting to ruin someone’s family!

“Hmph! Alright, I get it. You’re innocent. Go to the yamen only when necessary,” Chuxia said, suppressing his laughter after hearing Jing Yi’s exaggerated description. He continued to playfully scold his husband, “Keep it up!”

After some playful banter, the couple enjoyed the buffet together, lavishing affection on each other without caring about the onlookers.

When they were about seventy to eighty percent full, they finally remembered their son. After searching for a while, they found little An An sitting in Third Aunt’s arms like a little emperor, being pampered and entertained by the older generation.

His round eyes were fixed on her plate, estimating that the glossy braised pork was probably the target of his small hand reaching out eagerly.

Realizing his futile efforts after a while, he didn’t cry or fuss. Instead, he tilted his head, revealing a shameless smile to her, using his little dimples to charm her.

“Hmm... Quite clever.”

“Looks like he has a good appetite.”

“Husband, I heard from Mother that children can start eating other foods at around four months.”

“That’s great! Our little lord can finally spare his little feet.”

Time would prove that Jing Yi had relaxed too early.

After the lively and joyous hundredth-day banquet and gathering, life in the Jing family returned to tranquility.

Speaking of tranquility, it carried a hint of sweetness. Even Jing Yi heard about it; a few couples had formed during the gathering.

The Jing family’s servant system had long been publicized, and with the higher ranks came a reward of emancipation. This goal motivated many young individuals, as it meant less hesitation in their pursuits.

Although achieving this goal might take years of effort, they were all still young and unafraid of hard work. Moreover, the emancipation they earned was not for themselves but to provide a broader and freer future for their descendants.

In light of this, Jing Yi specifically instructed Steward Tong regarding the new servant policy.

“Let them know that if they truly succeed, I’ll handle the marriage ceremony, but it must not be forced on anyone. In the future, I’ll build several small and large courtyards in the village and near the estate. Those in need can purchase them from me at 60% to 80% of the market price based on their employee rank. Consider it a staff welfare benefit. It doesn’t matter if they are married or unmarried, men, or women.”

Once this news spread, it immediately caused a sensation, even more so than emancipation, stirring people’s hearts.

After all, many who had sold themselves were solitary and struggling. The Jing family’s generosity, irrespective of emancipation, was already something they appreciated. However, having their own house meant something different – it was not just about shelter but providing them with a true home of their own.

As the Jing family members worked diligently toward their goals, urgent news spread across the states.

On this day, everything was about to change.

The Emperor, has passed away.