Chapter 3: The Wealthy Family, Hehe

The Xu family in Xuanwu City, who dealt in silk and cloth, owned thousands of acres of mulberry and cotton fields, making them one of the richest families in the region.

Xu Qianqian, the Xu family's daughter, was a top beauty in all of Xuanwu City, excelling in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Not only in Xuanwu City but also among the noblewomen of the entire Nujiang Prefecture, she stood out as an outstanding figure.

Since the age of fifteen, she had helped her father manage the family business, showing remarkable intelligence and capability. She also befriended many daughters of high-ranking officials and nobles, helping the Xu family smoothly integrate into the upper echelons of Nujiang Prefecture's society.

Such a young lady, possessing beauty, talent, and wealth, was the dream lover of countless young men. Even if she were to become a wife in another family, it would be far from the reach of the foolish Shen Lang. Despite his striking good looks, he and Xu Qianqian were worlds apart.

However, no one could have predicted that a year ago, Xu Qianqian suddenly fell gravely ill. Her father, Mr. Xu, sought out all the doctors in the vicinity, but none could cure her. She was on the brink of death.

At this time, a Taoist priest approached the head of the Xu family, saying that Xu Qianqian was not ill but possessed by an evil spirit. The only way to save her was through a marriage to ward off the evil, transferring the misfortune and evil energy to the groom.

Mr. Xu, of course, did not believe this, but with Xu Qianqian on the verge of death, he had no choice but to try. He publicly announced a search for a groom throughout the entire Nujiang Prefecture.

Previously, countless young men would have fought to win this marriage. Even if Xu Qianqian were dying, many would still vie for the position of groom, considering the Xu family's immense wealth. But the Xu family's search for a groom was to ward off the evil spirit, and no one dared to step forward, fearing the curse.

Everyone loved beauty and wealth, but life was more important.

Shen Lang, a low-IQ boy from another world, had seen Xu Qianqian once two years ago and had been infatuated with her ever since.

While other young men might have admired Xu Qianqian, Shen Lang revered her like a deity.

After being expelled from school, he spent his days drawing and writing on the muddy ground, most of his drawings being portraits of Xu Qianqian.

When he heard that Xu Qianqian was seriously ill and needed a man to marry her to ward off the evil, he rushed to the Xu family without hesitation, declaring his willingness to marry her, without consulting his parents.

His parents and younger brother, of course, were against it and rushed to the Xu family to stop the marriage, but it was too late. Shen Lang had already married the critically ill Xu Qianqian. Even so, his family insisted on taking him back, but the Xu family refused and drove them away.

At the time, the Xu family's steward offered Shen Lang's father, Shen Wan, fifty gold coins, but he threw them back, refusing to take the money for selling his son.

Thus, Shen Lang became a son-in-law in the wealthy Xu family.

A handsome but intellectually challenged young man from a poor village entered a wealthy household.

Of course, Shen Lang did not marry into the Xu family for wealth and status; he did it to save his dream lover, Xu Qianqian, even though the idea of a marriage to ward off evil seemed absurd.

But something strange happened. After the marriage, Xu Qianqian not only recovered but became even more beautiful and charming.

This left the entire Xu family in disbelief and overjoyed.

Shen Lang did not take any credit for this. He continued to stay in his small courtyard, reading and drawing.

The Xu family's attitude toward him became complex. They were happy that Xu Qianqian had recovered, but Shen Lang was still a foolish and poor country boy, unworthy even of touching Xu Qianqian's fingertips.

The servants and maids began to gossip more, calling him a toad lusting after a swan, a poor boy with delusions of grandeur. Their disdainful looks toward Shen Lang became more obvious.

The food sent to him became worse, first cold, then spoiled. Despite his humble background, Shen Lang had been pampered by his parents, and the food in the wealthy Xu family was worse than what he had at home in the countryside.

Moreover, he was forced to live in the woodshed without a bed, sleeping on a mat on the ground.

Shen Lang, with his low intelligence and simple nature, would not complain or report the mistreatment. He would silently endure it.

Later, Xu Qianqian discovered this and was furious. She ordered the servants who mistreated Shen Lang to be punished, each receiving several lashes. She also announced publicly that anyone who dared to mistreat Shen Lang would be expelled from the Xu family.

Thus, Shen Lang returned to the luxurious courtyard and received excellent meals. Xu Qianqian even visited him every few days to talk to him, making these days feel like heaven to Shen Lang.

Despite being married for several months, he had not even touched Xu Qianqian, let alone shared a bed with her. But just being able to see her and hear her voice made him incredibly happy and content.

However, about half a month ago, Shen Lang suddenly fell seriously ill. Xu Qianqian sought out several renowned doctors, but none could diagnose or cure his illness. He grew weaker each day, on the verge of death.

Until today, he died, allowing the soul of Earth's Shen Lang to possess his body.

Thus, his short life was a complete and utter tragedy, a foolish tragedy!

...

Shen Lang sighed inwardly.

Then, he realized that his mind contained not only the memories of the two individuals but also something else.

Something mysterious and profound. He focused his mind, trying to explore it.

At that moment, footsteps were heard from outside.

"This waste of space should be dead by now. He's really tough, managing to hold on for so long!"

"It's better if he's dead, so he won't delay our young miss."

"Indeed, such a useless waste of space, a poor country boy, even dared to marry our young miss. How could he possibly deserve such a blessing? It's no surprise he's dead."

"But even if he's dead, it was worth it. Our young miss is like a celestial being, showing him such care and concern every day."

"Our young miss is just too kind, spending half an hour talking to him every day, even though he's mentally challenged."

Xu Qianqian had ordered that no one was to mistreat Shen Lang, or they would be expelled from the Xu family. So, the servants and maids did not dare to mock him openly. However, seeing that Shen Lang was on the verge of death and no longer able to hear them, they gradually became bolder.

The servants and maids laughed as they opened the door, checking on Shen Lang every half hour.

"Let's see if he's dead yet!" one maid said, covering her nose as she entered.

The next second, the maid let out a gasp of disbelief, staring at Shen Lang.

Just over an hour ago, Shen Lang had been on his last breath, his face lifeless. Now, not only was he not dead, but he was sitting up in bed, looking somewhat more spirited despite his weakness.

"You, you're not dead?" the maid blurted out.

"No, I'm not dead," Shen Lang replied.

The servants stared at his face in shock. After a moment, the lead maid said, "Quick, go tell the master and the young miss that Shen Lang is not dead."

Then, the servants and maids hurried out.

...

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