His eyes filled with hatred. They had been betrothed since childhood, but she despised his lack of political maneuvering and forcibly broke their engagement, having her servants beat and expel him. His father, unwilling to curry favor with her family, was falsely accused, stripped of his position, and died of grief. Now her father had been beheaded, and she and her female relatives were being sold like cattle. He would repay every insult and humiliation she had inflicted upon him.
The auction began quickly, with Ning Ruan being the first to be put up for sale.
“One thousand taels!” Liang Fu immediately bid the highest price, raising it from two hundred taels fivefold. The other bidders withdrew, allowing him to take her.
“It’s you?” Ning Ruan raised her chin disdainfully. “My family will rescue me soon. What are you to dare buy me?”
Without hesitation, Liang Fu slapped her, throwing her to the ground. Blood trickled from her mouth as she covered her face in shock.
After a moment, she screamed, “How dare you hit me? Who do you think you are?”
Liang Fu grabbed her collar, lifted her, and delivered another heavy slap, causing her to pass out.
He stuffed her into a sedan chair and returned home. Once inside, Ning Ruan awoke and began cursing loudly. Liang Fu’s hatred deepened; rather than crying, she was still cursing, diminishing his satisfaction.
As they entered the room, her clothes were torn, exposing her skin. Her moon-white waistband was embroidered with bright red peony flowers and a colorful butterfly.
Liang Fu’s eyes darkened. This woman was both enticing and infuriating. He gritted his teeth and said, “You say I wouldn’t dare? Heh, I’ll show you what I’m capable of!”
Ruan Ning’s heart skipped a beat as she covered her cheek and cried out, “It hurts so much, can you give me some hemostatic medicine?”
The flame in Liang Fu’s lower abdomen was finally extinguished. He picked up his clothes, threw them on, kicked the door open, and stormed out angrily.
