Chapter 497: I Am a Matrilocal Son-in-Law, Very Easy to Bully, Come Bully Me Quickly

Chapter 497: I Am a Live-In Son-in-Law, Easy to Bully—Come Bully Me

The morning sunlight fell lazily upon Qi Yuan.

Chen Kangbao still had a piece of steamed bun in his mouth, chewing indistinctly.

In the Shen residence, on the training grounds, young men and women gathered in small groups, whispering among themselves.

“I wonder if I have the talent to be a weapon master?”

“If I’m chosen to go to Ye Mountain Lake and come up with a brilliant plan to repair the Weary Dragon Xuanyuan, how glorious would that be!”

“I heard last night that live-in son-in-law wanted to bathe the lady… Actually, I want to too…”

Some of these voices were spoken aloud, some were inner thoughts, but none escaped Qi Yuan’s ears.

When Qi Yuan’s figure appeared, among the many hearts on the training ground, thoughts about “bathwater” grew even more numerous.

Yet no one dared to say it to his face, for it concerned the lady’s honor.

Qi Yuan stretched lazily, his mind tangled with thoughts.

“My progress in playing the live-in son-in-law is too slow—I haven’t even poured bathwater for my mother-in-law.

These people have good self-restraint too; no one has come to bully me. How can I keep up the act?”

According to Qi Yuan’s reasoning,

if no one bullies the live-in son-in-law, how can the progress deepen?

Still, Qi Yuan’s appearance did draw many eyes.

Shen Baiting watched Qi Yuan, his gaze shifting, many thoughts flashing through his mind.

“Lingxuan is a national beauty—how could she marry such a worthless wretch?

Why doesn’t he die in Ninghe County?”

“Yesterday he made a scene in the Shen residence, and the family head didn’t even punish him—how infuriating!”

“Pity, he is after all the family head’s son-in-law, so I can’t offend him casually. I need to find some fool to provoke, send him to cause trouble for Qi Yuan.”

“Seeing him live so carefree makes me jealous!”

“Shen Baihu would be good, but last time I said to him… he said he doesn’t bully the useless.”

Shen Baiting’s thoughts were dark.

He had long found Qi Yuan disagreeable.

In fact, he regarded his own sister Shen Lingxuan as a goddess, with a fierce possessiveness.

At that moment, hearing Shen Baiting’s inner thoughts, Qi Yuan’s eyes lit up.

He had found… someone who could bully the live-in son-in-law.

“Old man, go get a wooden board…” he quietly instructed Chen Kangbao.

Hearing Qi Yuan’s words, Chen Kangbao quickly finished the bun and trotted away.

Then, under many gazes, Qi Yuan walked toward Shen Baiting’s little circle.

Shen Baiting frowned slightly.

Shen Baihu was surprised.

The people around looked puzzled.

“Greetings, Brother Qi!”

Regardless, they all addressed Qi Yuan as “Brother Qi,” with harmonious smiles on their faces.

Such was the privilege of being the husband of a favored wife.

Qi Yuan couldn’t help but sigh—some people truly came from great families, masters of pretense.

Especially Shen Baiting, who wished him dead in his heart, yet wore a genuinely amiable smile.

“I’m just a live-in son-in-law; I didn’t expect you all to be so kind to me.” Qi Yuan put on an innocent look.

“Brother Qi jokes. You are Lingxuan’s husband; we are all family. If not kind to you, then to whom?” Shen Baiting said with a smile.

“Alas.” Qi Yuan sighed mournfully.

“Does Brother Qi have some worry?” Shen Baiting asked solicitously.

“I’m lamenting that in great families, there’s too much scheming.

You clearly wish me dead, yet you greet me with a smile.” Qi Yuan looked at the young man before him.

Shen Baiting’s smile froze, then he put on a hurt expression: “Brother Qi is… slandering me? When did I offend Brother Qi, that you hate me so? Tell me, and I’ll change immediately!”

When it came to playing the innocent, Shen Baiting was far better than Qi Yuan.

The sight of him would make even a man feel pity.

Many people glared angrily at Qi Yuan, thinking he was bullying others.

In their hearts, a mere live-in son-in-law dared to be so bold.

Facing someone like Shen Baiting, who liked to scheme behind the scenes, ordinary people could do nothing.

Qi Yuan said calmly, “If you didn’t wish me dead, why would you provoke Shen Baihu, wanting him to attack me?”

At these words, Shen Baiting’s expression changed sharply.

Shen Baihu frowned deeply, thinking of something, and looked at Shen Baiting with tiger-like suspicion.

“Don’t talk nonsense—how could I provoke?” Shen Baiting was flustered. The words he had used to stir up Shen Baihu against Qi Yuan were known only to Shen Baihu.

Could Shen Baihu, with his honest brows and eyes, have told Qi Yuan?

Had he misjudged him? Was Shen Baihu also deep?

“Alas, Baihu, I misjudged you.” Shen Baiting looked pained. “When Lingxuan married Qi Yuan, I did have complaints—just drunken words. I never thought you would repeat them to Brother Qi!”

He quickly distanced himself.

He even sought agreement from others.

After all, many in the Shen family had complaints about Qi Yuan marrying Shen Lingxuan.

Of course, Shen Baiting’s resentment was even greater.

He was a collateral branch, considering himself outstanding.

Collateral branches could also marry into the main line.

He had just gained a chance to enter the Shen residence’s core, and upon seeing Shen Lingxuan, a fierce possessiveness arose in his heart.

He thought himself extraordinary, believing that given time he could win Shen Lingxuan, gain more resources, and eventually control the Shen family.

But then Qi Yuan appeared out of nowhere, ruining his plans.

Hearing Shen Baiting’s words, Shen Baihu’s expression shifted repeatedly.

At this, the other Shen family members nearby also spoke up for Shen Baiting.

“Brother Qi, Brother Baiting spoke some absurd words while drunk—please don’t take them seriously!”

Qi Yuan had married into the Shen family, and many of the younger men harbored resentment.

They also believed that Shen Baiting was just like them, but Shen Baihu had reported him.

At that moment, three or four young men came to plead for Shen Baiting.

Shen Baiting, hunched over, felt a surge of smug satisfaction.

"Hmph, Shen Baihu, with such petty schemes, how can you contend with me?"

He naturally assumed that Shen Baihu, out of jealousy, had informed on him, prompting the son-in-law Qi Yuan to come and cause trouble.

Just then, Chen Kangbao hurried over.

"Master, the sign!"

He handed over a wooden board.

A rope hung from the board, and Qi Yuan slung it around his neck.

He flipped the board over, and suddenly two lines of large characters appeared.

"I am merely a son-in-law, easy to bully!"

"Shen Baiting, if you want to bully me, go ahead—don't hide your intentions!"

Qi Yuan pointed at the large characters on the board, staring at Shen Baiting.

Those around, seeing this, were startled and found it baffling.

"Has this son-in-law... truly gone mad?"

"His actions are far too... erratic."

Indeed, Qi Yuan's behavior left them utterly perplexed.

Shen Baiting's expression shifted between gloom and uncertainty, looking very grim.

He hadn't expected Qi Yuan to seek him out and produce a board with such writing.

Beside him, Chen Kangbao blinked, for he remembered the board had no writing on it.

"Shen Baiting, I'm easy to bully—come on, bully me!" Qi Yuan said to Shen Baiting, his face full of anticipation.

The progress of the son-in-law Qi Yuan's role-play was stuck at 29%.

One step further, and he sensed a reward, which he eagerly awaited.

If only Shen Baiting would bully him, perhaps the progress would exceed 29%.

Shen Baiting took a deep breath: "Brother Qi, if you have any grievance with me, Baiting admits his fault and hopes Brother Qi will calm his anger!"

He bowed solemnly, apologizing to Qi Yuan.

Those around looked at Shen Baiting with sympathy.

"Alas, are you a man? If you want to bully me, just say it. Always pretending, like a hypocrite—aren't you tired?" Qi Yuan said.

Hearing this, Shen Baiting still wore a look of grievance: "Brother Qi, your misunderstanding of me is far too great!"

The onlookers turned to Qi Yuan, their faces tinged with resentment.

They seemed angered that Qi Yuan was bullying Shen Baiting so.

An outsider, yet strutting about so arrogantly.

Just then, a hurried voice came: "Brother-in-law, I've found Old Zhong's residence!"

The voice carried a hint of delight.

Shen Lingfeng ran over, tugging at Qi Yuan's arm.

His arrival seemed to pause the argument in the yard.

Hearing this, Qi Yuan looked at Shen Baiting: "Baiting, wait until I return, then you can bully me. I have matters to attend to first."

"Brother-in-law, what are you saying?" Shen Lingfeng was puzzled.

"Nothing, let's go to Old Zhong's first."

Qi Yuan pulled Shen Lingfeng along.

After all, Old Zhong's death was suspicious; Qi Yuan needed to investigate who was behind it.

This was also one of the tasks for playing the role of the son-in-law Qi Yuan.

Shen Baiting watched the backs of Shen Lingfeng and Qi Yuan, his expression shifting.

"How did they suddenly become so close?"

"This Qi Yuan is truly detestable. Is he playing the fool or what?"

"Hmph, righteousness is on my side. If I'm careful for a while, how can he contend with me?"

Shen Baiting thought to himself.

In the current situation, he was the victim. Even if it went to the council of elders, the advantage was his; he had no fear of Qi Yuan.

...

"Brother-in-law, I know you want to investigate Old Zhong's cause of death. I specially found you a helper. He's in Old Zhong's room now, examining the body." Shen Lingfeng spoke earnestly, like a child seeking praise.

"You've been thoughtful," Qi Yuan said.

"Hehe, working for my brother-in-law, I have to be diligent!" Shen Lingfeng said, then whispered, "Brother-in-law, I've already received seventeen replies today."

He said this proudly, showing off.

He had sent over a hundred letters, and now seventeen had replied.

"But Miss Li and Miss Lin didn't reply, alas..." Shen Lingfeng lamented.

"That means they're not meant for you. Don't bother with them anymore," Qi Yuan said.

"Alright, I'll listen to you, brother-in-law!" Shen Lingfeng responded.

Soon, the two arrived at Old Zhong's residence outside the Shen mansion.

The place was quite remote, the house small, dark, and damp.

A faint smell of decay wafted from within, mingled with an odor like that of a dead snake.

A coffin sat inside, its lid open, and a man dressed as a constable was frowning in thought.

"Lin Qinghe, how's the investigation? Who killed Old Zhong?" Shen Lingfeng shouted as he entered.

Lin Qinghe snapped out of his thoughts. He looked at Qi Yuan and Shen Lingfeng, his gaze lingering on Qi Yuan with some surprise.

Still, he answered truthfully: "The victim died too long ago; too few clues remain.

However, there is a small, clean cut at his throat. Based on my speculation, it was likely a sword master who killed him with a single stroke."

Lin Qinghe's expression was helpless.

Old Zhong had been dead too long; too few clues remained in this room.

Even if the finest detectives were brought in, it would be hard to identify the killer.

"Who killed him, framing my brother-in-law?" Shen Lingfeng asked.

Lin Qinghe shook his head: "I need time to investigate, to find more clues."

"Let me take a look." Qi Yuan spoke up at this point, stepping toward the coffin.

Lin Qinghe was somewhat surprised but said nothing.

"Brother-in-law, do you know how to solve crimes?" Shen Lingfeng asked from the side.

"Actually, I'm exceptionally suited for solving crimes," Qi Yuan replied earnestly. "If I were a constable, there would hardly be a case in this world I couldn't crack!"

If he hadn't ended up in this cultivation world, his superpower would have made him most fit to be a detective or a policeman.

Hearing this, Lin Qinghe felt a bit speechless inside.

He naturally recognized the young man before him as Qi Yuan from Ninghe County.

He hadn't expected Qi Yuan to have come out of the madhouse and returned to the Shen family.

But considering the Shen family's influence, this was only normal.

He knew Qi Yuan—ordinary, and somewhat useless.

How could he possibly solve crimes?

Now, spouting such grandiose claims was truly laughable.

"Brother Qi, do you know... why there's a missing piece of bone in Old Zhong's lower back?" Lin Qinghe asked casually, as if testing Qi Yuan.

"Is that important?" Qi Yuan glanced at Lin Qinghe. "It has nothing to do with his death. The fact that you're focusing on such details shows your skill is lacking."

Lin Qinghe was taken aback, caught between laughter and exasperation.

Couldn't this son-in-law, Qi Yuan, tell that he was trying to test him?

If he couldn't even recognize such a simple injury, how could he claim there was no case in the world he couldn't solve?

Qi Yuan paid no further attention to Lin Qinghe, his gaze falling on Old Zhong's rotting corpse.

He looked at the fatal wound on the neck.

Instantly, a piece of information entered Qi Yuan's eyes.

[This sword mark was made by Fang Shisan of the Radiance Society.]

"Brother-in-law, any clues?" Shen Lingfeng asked from a distance, not daring to come closer.

Lin Qinghe watched Qi Yuan, feeling helpless.

This man had only glanced at it, without even carefully examining or inspecting the corpse—how could he possibly find any clues?

"No clues, but I've found the one who killed Old Zhong," Qi Yuan said.

Lin Qinghe was stunned and asked instinctively, "Who's the killer? Could Brother Qi know him?"

"The killer is Fang Shisan of the Radiance Society. Does anyone know him?" Qi Yuan countered.

"Radiance Society? Fang Shisan?" Lin Qinghe was taken aback.

He had never heard of either name—could Qi Yuan be making this up?

"I've never heard of him," Shen Lingfeng shook his head.

"So none of you know him," Qi Yuan said flatly. "Let's go, we're heading home. Now that we know the killer, we just need to find him."

Shen Lingfeng's face showed admiration: "Brother-in-law, you're amazing! One look at the corpse and you know who the killer is!"

Beside him, Lin Qinghe remained speechless.

He wanted to refute Shen Lingfeng, but thought better of it—there was no need to argue with him.

After all, he was convinced that Qi Yuan was talking nonsense.

How could anyone look at a dead person and know who the killer was, especially when he didn't even know the killer or had ever seen him?

Could it be that the victim's bones had the killer's name carved on them?

"Brother Lin, please issue a wanted notice for this Fang Shisan of the Radiance Society!" Shen Lingfeng didn't forget to ask Lin Qinghe before leaving.

"...Alright." After some hesitation, Lin Qinghe nodded reluctantly.

(This chapter ends.)