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Madam Li came out of the house and greeted her warmly, “Miss, it’s time to eat. Come and sit.”

Today, they had invited only Chu Qingzhi, wanting to make her feel comfortable.

Li Yunqing, leading Chu Qingzhi into the main hall, said, “Sister Qingzhi, please take a seat.”

“Okay.”

Madam Li had prepared a table full of dishes, showcasing her excellent culinary skills. The dishes were not only visually appealing but also incredibly fragrant. “Miss, please help yourself to whatever you like.”

Chu Qingzhi, with a smile, nodded and politely said, “Thank you for working all morning to cook so many dishes.”

Madam Li waved her hand dismissively, “No trouble at all, let’s eat.”

As they settled around the table, the meal began at a leisurely pace.

In the Tao Residence.

Tao Zhenfeng ate his lunch and asked his subordinates, “Has Li Changjiang gone begging yet?”

The servant hurriedly replied, “Young Master, Li Changjiang has been working at the Chu paper mill for over a month now. He hasn’t begged for anything; in fact, he’s been earning a hefty salary and living quite comfortably.”

Upon hearing this, Tao Zhenfeng’s temper flared, “Don’t they know Li Changjiang has a grudge with me? Is this Chu family deliberately opposing me?”

The servant timidly said, “Young Master, the owner of that business is Chu Qingzhi…”

Tao Zhenfeng scoffed, “Is Chu Qingzhi so remarkable? I am the magistrate’s nephew. In Shuiyun County, who wouldn’t show me some respect?”

The servant whispered, “Young Master, Chu Qingzhi is no ordinary person. It’s best if we keep our distance.”

Tao Zhenfeng glared at the servant, “Coward, if I back down now, more and more people will disrespect me in the future. What, do you want to see me looked down upon?”

The servant still advised, “Chu Qingzhi really is a tough nut to crack, Young Master. Sometimes, stepping back opens up a whole new world.”

Tao Zhenfeng, infuriated by his servant’s attempt to boost others’ morale while dampening his own spirit, slammed the table, “Get out! I don’t want to hear this. Go gather my men. Today, I shall see for myself whether Chu Qingzhi is really that capable.”

He had heard of Chu Qingzhi’s reputation. It seemed that merchants in Shuiyun County and the surrounding areas all gave her some respect. He had long been jealous of Chu Qingzhi.

Just a girl, why did she command so much respect? He had been looking for an opportunity to confront her, and now it had arrived.

Seeing his young master disregard his advice, the servant had no choice but to comply, though he planned to keep his distance later, “Don’t be angry, Young Master. I’ll gather the men right away.”

“Hurry up!”

Half of the people in the Tao residence served Tao Zhenfeng. When they heard that he wanted people, they immediately gathered for him.

Coincidentally, a servant out buying supplies saw Chu Qingzhi visiting Li Changjiang’s home and quickly reported back to Tao Zhenfeng.

Tao Zhenfeng patted the servant’s shoulder, “Well done!” Then, with a wave of his hand, he commanded, “Everyone, follow me.”

With Tao Zhenfeng leading, a formidable group marched towards Li Changjiang’s home.

At the Li family.

After the meal, Chu Qingzhi thought about the surgery she had to perform in the afternoon and bid farewell. Little did she know, just as she reached the main gate, she was greeted by a mob blocking her path. The Li family’s faces paled at the sight.

Tao Pengnan pointed at Li Changjiang, “I never imagined a brute like you would stoop to living off a woman!”

Li Changjiang stepped forward, shielding Chu Qingzhi and his family behind him, “Whom I rely on for my livelihood is none of your concern, Young Master Tao. Please, don’t block my doorway.”

This bold defiance was new for Li Changjiang, who, in the face of Tao Pengnan, had always opted for a less confrontational stance, preferring to keep a low profile.

This change seemed to infuriate Tao Pengnan, his eyes blazing with anger, “Grown wings, have you? Daring to talk back to me now? Have you forgotten who your benefactors are, that you’re now betraying them for a new master? Li Changjiang, you’re nothing but an ungrateful cur!”

Li Changjiang replied coolly, “Mind your words, Young Master Tao. I’ve not forgotten my old employer’s kindness, nor have I forgotten how they drove me to desperation. I fail to see how, by avoiding the Tao residence, I’ve offended you.”

Tao Pengnan, avoiding the real issue, countered, “So, running to Chu’s paper mill to oppose us isn’t betrayal? Have you forgotten that without the Tao family, you’d be nowhere?”

Li Changjiang, with a clear conscience, retorted, “I’ve always been diligent and loyal to the Tao family.”

Pointing at Chu Qingzhi, Tao Pengnan accused Li Changjiang, “And now, assisting Chu’s paper mill, you pose a significant threat to our business. How is this not betrayal?”

Li Changjiang argued, “I’m not involved in paper making at Chu’s. You’re making baseless accusations!”

Tao Pengnan sneered, “Do you think I’m a fool? If you’re not making paper, are they just keeping you for decoration?”

Chu Qingzhi, annoyed, interjected, “Are you his father? Must he report everything to you? If you have something to say, say it. If not, get lost!”

Tao Pengnan felt a crushing pressure from Chu Qingzhi’s words and stumbled back, “You… must you oppose me, Chu Qingzhi?”

Chu Qingzhi was unhappy. “You’re the one going against me now!”

Tao Pengnan found himself unable to confront Chu Qingzhi, overwhelmed by her aura, stuttering, “I, I…”

With a stern look, Chu Qingzhi offered him an ultimatum, “Leave on your own, or I’ll throw you out.”

No one had ever spoken to Tao Pengnan like this. He ordered his men, “Attack!”

What followed was a spectacle. Chu Qingzhi moved with ghost-like agility, sending Tao Pengnan and his men flying, landing outside in a heap, groaning in pain.

Onlookers marveled at Chu Qingzhi’s slender legs, wondering how they possessed the strength to send grown men flying.

Chu Qingzhi walked towards the entrance of the alley and stopped in front of a bunch of men. “The next time I find out that you’re looking for trouble with my people, I don’t mind letting the entire county see how you were beaten up.”

Trapped at the bottom, Tao Pengnan, barely breathing, conceded, “I dare not.”

Chu Qingzhi walked away, her foot accidentally stepping on Tao Pengnan’s hand, eliciting a scream of agony.

The crowd dispersed, wary of becoming the target of the young master’s vindictiveness.

A servant quickly helped Tao Pengnan up, asking, “Are you alright, young master?”

Tao Pengnan, his face purple with rage, ordered a retreat, “Return!”

The servant asked brainlessly, “Aren’t we going to find trouble with Li Changjiang?”

Tao Zhenfeng slapped the servant’s head. He was about to die of anger. “I want to find trouble with you!”

The servant lowered his head and did not dare to speak.

The group of people helped each other out.

In the military camp.

Chu Qingzhi went to the courtyard to meet up with her two disciples. Then, she brought three disabled soldiers to the military camp and prepared to operate on them.