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  Chapter 9: Napping and Offering a Pillow

During their rest, the Chen family sat under the shade of a tree. Although Chen Xue's parents were curious about where Xiao Xue got the fruit from, they didn't ask, even considering it might be the work of her mysterious master.

Chen Xue didn't explain either. Instead, she waited until everyone was distracted and handed something to her mother.

"Mom, use this to protect your skin from the sun."

Without Chen Xue saying anything, her mother noticed the box of jade peach blossom powder in her hand. It was currently in fashion, and there were several boxes of it in her room. She regretted not using it during the confiscation.

Surprisingly, Xiaoxue managed to bring it from the Path of Exile. Without asking too much, her mother applied it while nobody was paying attention.

With the scorching sun, it was necessary to be prepared to avoid sunburn. She usually applied sunscreen whenever she went out.

First, it was fruit snacks, then sunscreen. Chen Xue's mother couldn't help but wonder if they were exiled or just on a trip.

Especially since she didn't feel the weight of the shackles on her body, she didn't feel any pain from the exile.

No, it was the devastated scene around her that made her feel frightened and uneasy. She pretended to be tired to avoid suspicion.

Then Chen Xue's mother passed the sunscreen to Xiao Die to apply some, to prevent sunburn.

On the other side, Chen Xue had already started pulling grass everywhere, trying to collect points for the Space Exchange System.

Unfortunately, after recycling each item in the space twice, it stopped giving out exchange points, which dashed her hopes of earning more points.

"Tsk tsk, how pitiful!"

"The Chen family is indeed as poor as the rumors say, struggling to make ends meet."

As the people rested and ate, they couldn't help but notice that although Chen Yuan held a higher position than most of them, his family was definitely not as wealthy.

After all, only Chen Yuan was wrongly accused, while the others were truly exiled for embezzling disaster relief grain.

So, although their homes were raided, they still had a considerable amount of silver. Although the bailiffs took some, they still had a lot left, and they also bought many necessary items for the journey.

Therefore, as they were eating, they saw Chen Xue pulling grass, and they couldn't help but show sympathy.

It was said that country folks would pull wild grass and vegetables to eat. Seeing Chen Xuee's behavior, they thought she was doing it for food.

So, they started thinking about the rumors about the Chen family.

Although they didn't understand the Chen family, they knew Chen Yuan was not as corrupt as them, so they must not be as wealthy. However, they didn't expect them to be so poor.

The women had blamed the Chen family for their own misfortunes, thinking they wouldn't have been exiled if it weren't for them.

But seeing the Chen family's daughter scavenging for food, their resentment diminished, replaced by sympathy.

The bailiffs also noticed this scene and exchanged glances. They didn't realize the Chen family was this poor.

They had seen all sorts of people in their years as bailiffs, but this was the first time they encountered such poverty.

Chen Xue was unaware of the thoughts of the crowd. She enjoyed pulling grass, and she even collected snails and ants from the ground, all to exchange for points in her space.

After scouring the surroundings, she returned to her parents' side. Chen Xue's father didn't mind her grass-pulling, thinking she was just curious. After all, she had never experienced such hardships before.

"I'll go buy some food from the bailiffs."

Chen Xue's father stood up, but the movement aggravated his back injury, causing him to gasp in pain.

Since they were exiled immediately after their home was raided, they had no chance to prepare for the journey. It was Chen Yuan's friends who gave him some silver, but they didn't provide any supplies for the journey, probably because they were all men and didn't think about such details, or perhaps because they had never experienced exile.

Anyway, when Chen Yuan saw everyone else carrying packages, he realized the severity of their situation. They had nothing prepared, not even food.

"Sir, be careful!"

Beside him, Chen Xue's mother and Xiao Die quickly supported him. It was then that Chen Xue remembered her father's injury on his back.

"Dad, this is a healing ointment."

Chen Xue took out the ointment she exchanged from her space and applied it to his wound. It would heal within a few hours, and its effect was very good.

Chen Xue's mother didn't ask much and took the ointment, helping him apply it.

"As for food, Dad, Mom, I have a solution."

"I know," Chen Yuan nodded, stopping her from continuing. He looked at the servants guarding them and whispered, "Although I don't know what your plan is, we can only do it discreetly."

"Not only do we need food, but these servants also need it."

During this exile, although some servants were sent away, some were bought by the government, and some loyal servants chose to follow them. However, when the three of them talked, they deliberately kept their distance from the servants and guarded against eavesdropping.

Chen Xue had just crossed over and wasn't used to having servants other than Xiao Die, so she often forgot about the existence of the others.

Hearing her father's words, she didn't say much. After all, her father had a point. She couldn't magically produce a lot of food out of nowhere. While it was okay for her family, she couldn't be sure if the servants were trustworthy.

After her mother applied the ointment, Chen Yuan got up to find the bailiffs to buy some food. However, he realized he had no money on him and looked at his wife.

At this moment, one of the servants suddenly alerted them that a bailiff was coming. They all looked up to see a seemingly honest man carrying a large bundle. It seemed to be several smaller bundles tied together. They remembered him being called Xu Yuan from their previous conversation.

As Xu Yuan approached, he put the bundle down and greeted them, "Minister Chen."

Chen Yuan waved his hand, "That's all in the past. I'm no longer Minister Chen. What can I do for you, sir?"

"Minister Chen is joking. I know you were wrongly accused and will eventually regain your official position. Besides, I greatly admire you."

He had heard about Chen's financial situation and lack of funds, but considering Chen's integrity as a third-rank official, he couldn't help but admire him.

"Moreover, Minister Xue, Minister Fan, and others have entrusted me to take care of you."

Minister Xue was an imperial censor, and Minister Fan was Chen Yuan's friend who had given him a lot of silver before their exile.

"By the way, these are some things prepared by the gentlemen for Minister Chen's journey. They are too heavy to carry, so they are placed in the carriage to spare Minister Chen from exhaustion."

Xu Yuan, seeming very polite and kind, pointed to the bundle on the ground.

He had also seen Chen Xue pulling grass and felt sorry for the Chen family, so he quickly brought over the items that the gentlemen had prepared.

Seeing this, the Chen family showed joy. It was indeed a stroke of luck.

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  Chapter 8: Cruelty

The several bailiffs looked at each other, some of them didn't quite believe the rumors they had heard.

So, one of the bailiffs took advantage of Chen Yuan's distraction and searched his pockets, then shook his head at his companion.

He really had no money on him.

They didn't expect the rumors to be true!

Thinking of this, the bailiff couldn't help but look at Chen Yuan with some sympathy. Although he was just a lowly bailiff, he had at least dozens of taels of silver in his pocket, and could occasionally visit the brothels for entertainment.

While Chen Yuan, as a third-rank official, had absolutely no money on him, making it hard for people not to feel sorry for him.

Receiving sympathetic glances from the bailiffs, Chen Yuan felt complicated. He really wanted to explain loudly, "My family is not really poor."

He couldn't quite understand where these rumors had come from. He had only been imprisoned for a few days, but it felt like the world had turned upside down.

However, he turned to look at his daughter, and it seemed like she had just said their family was poor. He was puzzled.

Chen Xue had already prepared a simple reason. Simply put, since the Imperial Censor was present at the time, she pretended to be poor to prove that Chen Yuan was not corrupt, and the Imperial Censor believed her.

Chen Yuan suddenly realized that compared to other aristocratic families, their Chen family had only risen to prominence during his father's time, which was just over ten years ago. For an aristocratic family, they were indeed considered poor.

However, he also knew that overturning the case was almost impossible.

After the perfunctory check, the bailiffs heard one of them say, "What are you all standing around for? Hurry up and move on."

Crack!

As the words fell, everyone heard the sound of a whip.

The exiled group had hundreds of people, and the corruption case involved not only his Chen family but also other officials.

However, most of the servants had already been bribed, and only a few followed along in exile.

Moreover, unlike the Chen Xue's family, most of the others were not as decent. Many of them had received lashes and then were branded, so quite a few of them were being supported by their families.

Some couldn't withstand the lashes and died on the spot, which could be considered a release, sparing them from enduring the exile journey.

But regardless, everyone was shackled, walking with difficulty, including Chen Xue's family.

However, Chen Xue didn't want to endure this hardship. After all, wearing these shackles could easily cause abrasions on the wrists and ankles due to friction while walking.

Moreover, once injured, it was easy to get infected, especially in ancient times without penicillin, there would be no cure once infected.

So, Chen Xue had to spend a hundred taels of silver to exchange for Weak Water in her space, not the legendary Weak Water, just a name coincidence.

This bottle of Weak Water, when dropped on an object, would make it as light as a feather, which was very suitable for the shackles on her wrists and ankles.

Of course, she didn't forget to give some to her parents. After all, more things would be exposed in the future, so it was better to find a good reason to tell them.

Moreover, being in a different world and on the road to exile, only her parents could be relied on to protect herself.

The excuse she found was given to her by a senior. She had told her mother before that the things in the Chen mansion were hidden by a senior, and she had also worshipped the senior as her master, and these were gifts from him.

Ancient people were more superstitious and easy to believe in those mysterious things. Although they felt that the master her daughter worshipped seemed to be as powerful as a deity, they quickly accepted it.

"I'll pass!"

Chen Yuan shook his head, "Over time, everyone will notice that our wrists and ankles are not injured by the shackles, and it's easy to suspect. You are women, and no one dares to check if your wrists are really injured, but I am different..."

So, he would rather endure some hardship to protect his wife and daughter. They didn't need to suffer.

Chen Xue had actually considered this a long time ago. After all, she would have to bring out more food and other things in the future, and they would be exposed sooner or later. But thinking that they hadn't left the capital yet and there were eyes everywhere, it was better to be low-key.

Thinking about it, she cut a few pieces of cloth from her space and let her father tie them around his wrists and ankles. This way, they could avoid abrasions as much as possible.

On the road of exile, it was necessary to ensure good health in order to reach the destination.

Then, she turned to look at the maidservant Xiao Die, who had been quiet and not said a word. She suddenly seemed to be mute.

However, thinking that she was only sixteen years old and was suddenly exiled after her family was raided, it was normal for her to have trouble accepting it.

Xiao Die had grown up with the original owner of the body and was as close as sisters. Even though she didn't want to leave her, she insisted on following her and being exiled together.

With such a loyal little maid, how could she mistreat her?

So, Chen Xue also helped her with the shackles, dropping a drop of Weak Water. Xiao Die was very surprised but smartly didn't ask much.

"Crack!"

"Hurry up, why are you dawdling!"

Suddenly, Chen Yuan was whipped on the back, and he staggered, almost falling to the ground.

Angry, Chen Xue turned around and saw one of the bailiffs who had tried to extort them earlier, Zhao Guang. She had overheard their conversation earlier.

At this moment, he had a fierce look on his face, glaring at them, with a whip in his hand, as if he still wanted to act.

"I'm going, I'm going!"

Chen Yuan quickly protected his wife and daughter and caught up with the group. Although they hadn't fallen behind, Chen Yuan knew that it was easy to provoke trouble, especially when dealing with the underworld.

Seeing the Chen family blend into the crowd, Zhao Guang's face darkened. He was one of Guo Qiang's men, and this time he had received a task to kill Chen Yuan as soon as possible.

So, he looked for an opportunity to provoke Chen Yuan, forcing him to take action, so he could have an excuse to draw his sword.

As a bailiff responsible for exile, he had the right to take action when the prisoners rioted. He could then legitimately kill Chen Yuan to complete the task.

However, Chen Yuan unexpectedly endured it, which made Zhao Guang's face very unpleasant. They were still within the range of the capital, so he didn't dare to openly take action, but the pressure from above was urgent.

Thinking of this, he touched the poison in his pocket, sneering inwardly. There were plenty of ways to make someone die.

"We are still within the range of the capital now, so the bailiffs won't be too overbearing. But after a while, they will become even more ruthless, so let's try to keep a low profile and not provoke them."

While Chen Xue's mother was worried about her husband's injuries, Chen Yuan waved his hand, indicating that he didn't mind and reminded them.

Chen Xue nodded in understanding and continued to move forward with the others.

The shackles on her body became lighter, like foam, so she couldn't feel any weight at all, making it very easy to walk.

But it was different for the others in the group. They hadn't experienced this kind of suffering before, and they had also been whipped, so soon, some of them fell to the ground.

Seeing this, the bailiffs not only didn't forgive them but also waved their whips at them, urging them to get up quickly.

Seeing this scene, Chen Xue narrowed her eyes. It could be said that she saw the cruel side of ancient times for the first time.

Some things from her past life were useless in this world. If she wanted to survive in this world, she had to adapt.

However, before that, she decided to quench her thirst a bit.

"Mother, let me wipe your sweat for you!"

Chen Xue said, pretending to wipe her mother's sweat but actually feeding her a few green grapes.

Chen Xue's mother was indeed her mother. She reacted quickly. When she felt Chen Xue stuffing something into her mouth, she didn't suspect anything else, but immediately opened her mouth to cooperate.

Feeling the sweetness in her mouth, Chen's mother was puzzled. Where did Xiao Xue get these grapes? They were quite sweet.

As for Chen Yuan, Chen Xue didn't feed him but instead handed him the grapes and let him find an opportunity to eat them himself. Then she walked while nibbling on the grapes.

Oh, right, she almost forgot about Xiao Die's presence. After all, she didn't know why, but her presence was so low, perhaps because she didn't speak.

After feeding Xiao Die a few grapes, she continued to walk and nibble on the grapes.

She also planted grapes in her space, but it would take some time before they could be harvested. At present, the inventory was enough for her to eat for several days... if she nibbled on them like sunflower seeds.

Next Chapter▶▶

Chapter 122: His Protection

Because some people haven't arrived yet, the courtyard gate is not fully closed; it's slightly ajar, easily pushed open.

Bai Lu waited for a while; apart from the three knocks just now, there was only a gentle breeze blowing through the gap in the door.

No more activity outside the door.

On the ground outside the door, there's a bag. The plastic bag opens slightly as the breeze blows, revealing a few bottles of liquor inside.

Nothing too fancy—familiar pear-shaped glass bottles of white liquor, the familiar fragrance of baijiu.

In addition to the baijiu, there are also some peanuts in the bag.

Bai Lu is slightly stunned. Without surprise, these things should be a gift from Wang Hao.

In previous years, on Xiao Cheng's birthday, Luo Shiliu, Xiao Dazhuang, and Wang Hao took turns bringing liquor, vegetables, and meat.

In recent years, since Wang Hao got married and his money is managed by his family, Luo Shiliu and Xiao Dazhuang have silently arrived the earliest, bringing meat and vegetables while leaving the liquor for Wang Hao, who arrives last.

Wang Hao's mother has an uncle who sells liquor in town, so getting a few bottles on credit is not an issue.

Even though he arrived late, Wang Hao has never missed a year.

With all that happened this year, Wang Hao might feel caught between his brothers and his wife, afraid to come see Xiao Cheng, and perhaps Xiao Cheng wouldn't let him in.

So, he left these things...

Looking at the empty road outside, Bai Lu turns back and shouts to the kitchen, "Ah Cheng."

A tall figure walks from the kitchen towards her.

"Wang Hao is here."

Bai Lu smiles and holds Xiao Cheng's arm, pointing to the bag on the ground, guiding his gaze down.

Xiao Cheng, full of the aura of cooking, lowers his gaze from his arm to the ground, casually glances, then returns his gaze to the smiling face of the girl beside him. He lifts the bag with a light grip.

Turning around with her as he carries the bag, he casually drops a sentence, "Come in if you're here."

The figures under the wall pause for a moment.

After a while, he emerge from the shadows, his heavy steps seeming somewhat lighter as he walk towards the wide-open gate.

Just as he enter, the figures that jumped out from behind the door pat Wang Hao's shoulders, left and right.

"Always coming so late, trying to be lazy, huh!"

"Passing on the chicken and duck slaughtering and feather plucking to us, doing nothing yourself, just here to eat, right!"

"Not very handsome but thinks he's handsome, later at dinner, let big brother reward you a chicken butt!"

The force with which Luo Shiliu and Xiao Dazhuang pat his shoulders is definitely of prehistoric strength, making Wang Hao nearly stumble. However, the pent-up emotions in his heart are released in the lively atmosphere.

The warmth of the reunion, the delicious aroma filling the air, the camaraderie expressed in each bite and sip of the table full of delicacies.

A few rounds of toasts, and with some alcohol in their heads, words that had been kept hidden start to spill out.

"Ah Cheng, I toast you."

Wang Hao stands up from his seat, probably having had a bit too much to drink, his face a bit red, a bit unsteady, but his words are steady, "I... toast Xiao Cheng and Sister-in-law, wishing your business to prosper, a hundred years of good union, and lasting happiness."

The beginning is good, but the latter part...

Bai Lu awkwardly smiled, lifting the cup that Xiao Cheng had replaced, a myriad of words conveyed in a glass of orange juice.

In previous years, Xiao Cheng didn't eat vegetables, but this year he had been eating them continuously. Alcohol was not neglected either, and the expressions on his face from drinking were more apparent than usual, with joy lifting the corners of his mouth.

A glass of white wine encompassed all the good wishes.

Luo Shiliu and Xiao Dazhuang had just toasted a round and were currently indulging in eating and drinking.

Competing with Xiao Wei in devouring snails.

Wang Hao's wine glass was emptied and refilled repeatedly. His face, full of envy, looked at Xiao Cheng opposite him. "Cheng Ge, you must treat Sister-in-law well. Sister-in-law is so good, not only can she cook, but she also does a chestnut roasting business. Her personality is so gentle, virtuous, considerate, Sister-in-law is so good to you..."

Xiao Cheng's arm reached across the back of the chair where White Dew sat, resting on the chair handle. His large hand lightly grasped her shoulder.

An unspoken, possessive oath was evident, a definite answer conveyed with a sip of white wine.

Wang Hao, in sync, finished his drink in one gulp, let out a burp, and with a more bitter tone, said, "For what happened before, we apologize to Sister-in-law. We hope Madam Sister-in-law will not remember the past grievances of insignificant people."

"When Sister-in-law and Cheng Ge's chubby son is born, I will definitely prepare a generous gift, celebrate the nephew's birthday, and congratulate Cheng Ge and Sister-in-law..."

As these words fell, the entire room fell silent.

Xiao Wei, picking at snails, holding toothpicks and snails in one hand, lifting her head to look at Wang Hao, who was toasting with a filled glass, then glancing at the calm face of the eldest brother, and finally, looking at Bai Lu, who seemed a bit stunned.

In the end, her gaze shifted to the opposite side.

Luo Shiliu and Xiao Dazhuang were also momentarily stunned. After reacting, they seemed about to join in the congratulations.

But it was Xiao Cheng who interrupted with a sentence before them, "Hospital misdiagnosis, Bai Lu is not pregnant."

Xiao Cheng casually passed over this matter.

Bai Lu had organized an explanation for half a day, choked in her throat, swallowed it back, turned her head to look at the man sitting next to her with a clear side profile. Strangely, she felt a sense of being defended.

He was explaining for her.

The matter of her pregnancy was known only to a few of his brothers, and now it could be considered resolved.

Xiao Cheng's words were never questioned, and no one dared to ask more. Once he spoke, it was settled.

The smiles on Luo Shiliu and Xiao Dazhuang's faces stiffened for a moment. The congratulatory words that were about to burst out of their mouths were abruptly sealed by closed lips, cutting off the aftertones.

Everything that should or shouldn't be said was swallowed back.

Even Wang Hao, who had drunk a few more cups, looked puzzled and questioned, "Misdiagnosis? Sister-in-law is not pregnant? Could it be a mistake by the hospital? Sister-in-law and Chunli's pregnancies are not far apart. In another two or three months, the children will be born. Why doesn't Cheng Ge take Sister-in-law to the hospital for a check-up? This kind of thing can be big or small, hospitals make mistakes sometimes..."

"Eat, eat!"

Luo Shiliu picked up a chicken butt and stuffed it into Wang Hao's bowl. "Since Cheng Ge said so, he must have done a comprehensive check. You don't need to worry about it."

"Eat your meal well!"

Xiao Dazhuang actually had a little doubt in his heart, but before he came over, his mother, Liang Lixia, told him that whatever Xiao Cheng asked him to do, he should do it, and he shouldn't ask about things he didn't know.

So, he decided not to know about this matter, just like the ladder incident.

He picked up a duck butt and handed it to Wang Hao, "You've been praising Sister-in-law's cooking all night. Eat more; there won't be such a good chance in the future."

Learned how to pick food but hasn't learned how to talk.

Luo Shiliu was really heartbroken, raising his hand and filling Xiao Dazhuang's bowl with a big spoonful of snails, "Hurry up and eat your snails, what no chance, plenty of chances in the future!"

Wang Hao, who had drunk a few cups, stared at the chicken butt and duck butt in his bowl, lost in thought. After a moment, he lifted the swaying chopsticks, picked up a piece, and tasted it.

Chicken butt... it seemed quite delicious.

Xiao Dazhuang bowed his head and continued eating snails.

Xiao Wei also silently dug into his bowl of snails.

"The child will come in the future. Cheng Ge and Sister-in-law, don't worry. Let's eat, or the food will get cold." Luo Shiliu spoke casually to ease the atmosphere.

Next Chapter ▶▶

Chapter 121: It's All About Intentions

Bai Lu immediately let go of the explanation: "Just a bit of sweet seasoning, nothing strange."

Suddenly, a knocking sound came from outside.

The sun was leaning westward, its warmth not as intense as noon, but still not sunset cooking time.

They had arrived.

As usual, carrying big gifts, ready to be rejected and climb over the wall again.

Luo Shiliu held half a rack of pork ribs in his left hand, grabbing a large wing of a chicken with his right. Xiao Dazhuang held a duck wing in his right hand and a string of fish in his left.

Hanging on the banana vine, there was a five-six kilogram black fish, a six-seven kilogram big grass carp, and an additional string of six palm-sized crucian carp, tails swinging and bumping into the grass carp and black fish, yet not falling off the banana vine.

"Cheng Ge, sister-in-law."

Luo Shiliu and Xiao Dazhuang greeted: "We brought some side dishes, let's have dinner together tonight."

Common tone, casually mentioning side dishes, but the intention was hidden in the rare chicken, duck, and fish that ordinary families seldom see.

Bai Lu quickly pulled Xiao Cheng aside from the doorway: "Come in quickly, why did you buy so much, we have vegetables at home, no need to spend so much."

"Sister-in-law, you're being too polite. These are all small things we raised ourselves, didn't cost much. Let's just enjoy the meal together."

"Our cooking is not that good, just boiling things is enough. Every year, Cheng Ge criticizes us and doesn't let us in. I heard that sister-in-law is good at cooking, so this year, let's trouble sister-in-law, let us all enjoy a good meal. We've been envious of Cheng Ge for a long time..."

With Bai Lu opening the way, Luo Shiliu and Xiao Dazhuang smoothly entered without having to climb over the wall as in previous years.

Indeed, the timing was good this year, perfect timing.

Having a hostess at home makes a difference.

Finally, this year they can sit back and enjoy the meal!

"Go to the kitchen, boil water, slaughter the chicken, duck, and fish." Xiao Cheng shattered the illusion with one sentence.

Luo Shiliu: "..."

Xiao Dazhuang: "..."

The fleeting thought of luck was extinguished.

Good!

No problem, these are things they've done in previous years. Slaughtering chickens and ducks is the same, chop off the head, scald in hot water, pluck all the feathers, simple tasks.

Fish is not difficult either, a hit with a stick, scrape off all the scales, scoop out the insides, that's it.

Bai Lu's hands are for frying chestnuts, making delicious dishes, not for these trivial tasks, they understand.

Bai Lu wanted to help but was taken by Xiao Cheng to the vegetable garden to pick vegetables. He told her that Luo Shiliu and Xiao Dazhuang liked doing these heavy tasks, so she shouldn't compete with them.

Otherwise, they would get angry.

Luo Shiliu: "..."

Xiao Dazhuang: "..."

Thank you so much!

You're truly an exceptional big brother!

Xiao Wei could stay and help.

Help with boiling water, supervise the slaughter of chickens and ducks, and plucking feathers.

Before Wang Hao went to the police station, the ransom Chen Chunli didn't provide enough. Over three hundred yuan was pooled by Xiao Cheng, Luo Shiliu, and Xiao Dazhuang. Xiao Cheng owed the most, two hundred yuan.

After Wu Xiuyun's house was completed, the wages were paid. Wang Hao wanted to return two hundred yuan to Xiao Cheng today.

Chen Chunli disagreed when she found out and got angry: "Why return anything! Are you rich? After building a house for someone for a month, you think you're a big shot with only six hundred yuan? Buying rice, vegetables, and oil at home doesn't cost money? I gave birth and had postpartum recovery without spending money!"

"The two hundred yuan was Xiao Cheng's own contribution, not something I borrowed from him. Why return it! Luo Shiliu and Xiao Dazhuang are the same, it's their own money, not something I borrowed. No one needs to repay!"

"If Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu's roasted chestnut business is doing so well, earning so much money, why don't they give you a chance to cooperate? Don't give us any opportunities to work together, what kind of brothers are they!"

"Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu are so good to Wang Cuihua. After Xiao Zhongbiao died, the compensation from the big boss, it's definitely more than three thousand yuan! "

No matter what was said before or today, no matter how harsh Chen Chunli's words were, or even physical violence, Wang Hao still followed her, never hitting back or talking back.

When she indirectly accused Xiao Cheng of embezzling compensation money, his face instantly turned dark, and his tone became cold: "Don't talk nonsense!"

"You don't know who the big boss is. It's not what you think. The big boss could give three thousand yuan in compensation to A Biao because of Cheng Ge's face. If it weren't for Cheng Ge, the big boss wouldn't give a single penny."

Each time Xiao Zhongbiao was mentioned, Wang Hao's expression wasn't good, but the reaction wasn't as intense as this time.

Chen Chunli had been used to getting her way, how could she accept Wang Hao no longer passively accepting everything? She had a bigger temper than him: "Everything is because of Cheng Ge's face! Why doesn't anyone care about your face? After so many years of fighting and killing, everyone else has gained something, but you're the most useless, you have nothing!"

"If you want to repay the money, do it yourself. I don't have money. Don't come back asking me for it even if you steal or rob! If you want to get a penny from me, don't bother coming back!"

Wang Hao turned and left.

Chen Chunli's anger overwhelmed her. She kicked the chair at her feet, overturned the water kettle and cups on the table, and cursed loudly.

The cursing voice was isolated by the closed door.

The sun set.

The sky was filled with red glow, and smoke rose gently.

Xiao Cheng was cooking in the kitchen, and Bai Lu was stir-frying river snails. After putting all the seasonings in the pan, she covered it with a lid.

She went to the broken water tank in the front yard to pick some mint.

Xiao Cheng would be away for a long time tomorrow, so he asked Xiao Dazhuang to return the ladder. At this moment, Luo Shiliu and Xiao Dazhuang were in the utility room, one passing tiles, the other patching holes.

Xiao Wei was also working as a tile transporter.

After picking enough mint, Bai Lu washed it and was about to return to the kitchen.

Suddenly, a knocking sound rang out.

Next Chapter ▶▶

Feng Jinyao never expected that, after a massive fire, she would be reborn ten years in the past. At that time, she was the cherished jewel of her family, with her parents in good health and her elder brother and sister-in-law living harmoniously. She hadn't even been formally engaged to her seemingly charming but treacherous fiancé.

However, she was aware that the apparent tranquility around her was just an illusion. Storm clouds were gathering, and disaster was imminent. Her beloved parents would meet tragic ends, and her doting brothers would face misfortune. Even the influential Bai family, her maternal relatives, would not escape calamity.

Feng Jinyao swore to protect both the Feng and Bai families in this lifetime!

And so...

Her father, who was supposed to have met an untimely end, unexpectedly rose through the ranks and became a high-ranking official close to the emperor.

Her elder brother, destined for a tragic fate in the previous life, now achieved a high government position at a young age, earning the admiration of the people.

Her second brother, who was supposed to perish in sorrow, became a top scholar and entered the imperial cabinet.

Even the 17th Imperial Uncle, who had no connection with her in the previous life, unexpectedly approached her eagerly!

Novel Keywords: Rebirth of the Noble Daughter, No Pop-up Ads, Full Text Download of Rebirth of the Noble Daughter, Latest Chapters of Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

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Chapter 18: Arrival in the Capital

In the backyard of Xiangmanlou, Manager Wang watched as the helpers brought back basket after basket of large radishes. He couldn't help but stroke his beard happily. He immediately instructed the chef to cut open one radish the size of a basin. With a crisp sound, the radish easily split in half, and transparent juice flowed out along the knife, emitting a hint of sweet fragrance.

Unable to resist, Manager Wang took a bite of the radish. It was crisp and sweet, even more delicious than radishes that had endured frost and snow in winter. After tasting a few more bites, he looked meaningfully at Mo Yan and said, "I thought that even if radishes could grow this big at this time of year, they wouldn't taste good. I didn't expect your family to produce such delicious radishes."

Pretending not to understand his implications, Mo Yan replied innocently, "It's just that my family got lucky! We've tried before in previous years, but no matter how carefully we tended to them, we couldn't produce any. This year, we didn't pay much attention, yet we ended up with so many. I find it strange too!"

Manager Wang had wanted to see if she had any secrets he could buy from her. If so, he could pay a hefty sum to have his people cultivate them. Being able to offer radishes to customers in the summer would make Xiangmanlou unique in Longshi Town.

Seeing that he still seemed curious, Mo Yan suggested with anticipation, "How about I write down the process of growing these r

adishes? If Manager Wang is interested, I'll sell it to you for fifty taels of silver."

Manager Wang choked at her proposal, looking at her with an expression of speechlessness. He suddenly had no other thoughts.

Mo Yan lowered her head, smiling like a little fox.

Manager Wang was very satisfied with this batch of vegetables, especially the radishes. He offered a high price of ten copper coins per catty for them, which Mo Yan found quite satisfactory. Considering that during winter, one copper coin could buy two catties of radishes, ten copper coins was quite a lot!

After weighing the radishes, there were a total of 420 catties. This amounted to 4,200 copper coins just for the radishes alone. Adding the cabbage, tomatoes, and corn, which totaled more than 500 copper coins, Mo Yan received over 3,700 copper coins in total.

With one thousand copper coins equivalent to one tael of silver, Mo Yan left Xiangmanlou feeling pleased with four taels of silver and over seven hundred copper coins in her pocket.

Arriving at the dilapidated house at the end of the street, Mo Yan released another batch of vegetables. To avoid arousing suspicion from Manager Wang and causing trouble, she decided not to release any more radishes since there weren't many left in her space. Keeping them for herself wouldn't be a bad idea.

After completing these tasks, Mo Yan went to the seed shop in the street and spent more than ten copper coins to buy seeds for cucumber, eggplant, and green beans, among others, that were not available in her space. She then went to the market and bought ten catties each of potatoes and sweet potatoes to keep for planting. Finally, she spent over a hundred copper coins at the butcher's shop to buy six catties of high-quality pork belly, asking the butcher to divide it into two portions, one for herself and the other for Granny Ah.

It was still early, and there were many people trading in the market. Mo Yan easily found Granny Ah and helped her sell pears. Granny Ah's pears were plentiful and sweet, gradually attracting many repeat customers, and they could sell two baskets of pears every day.

After selling the pears, the two of them left the town, laughing and talking. When they parted ways, Mo Yan quickly put the meat into Granny Ah's basket without waiting for her reaction and ran off with her belongings, ignoring Granny Ah's loud calls from behind.

On previous trips to the town, Mo Yan had bought a lot of things and almost all the money she earned from selling vegetables went into buying them, leaving no silver coins to improve their lives. This time, she earned money to buy meat, finally allowing her family to have some meat.

Stomachs that hadn't seen meat for a long time were easily stimulated, leading to diarrhea. Mo Yan cut some lean meat and made a pot of tomato and pork soup. Despite having only one soup, it wasn't particularly tasty, but the family ate it with great satisfaction.

After dinner, Li Yan took the initiative to clean the dishes. The longer she spent with Mo Yan's family, the more grateful she felt towards them. She and her grandfather were going to the capital to seek relatives. Without someone to help them along the way, they might have starved to death. Although she knew that Mo Yan's family was kind-hearted and wouldn't abandon them, she didn't want to freeload without doing anything.

After resting for a few days, Grandpa Li's illness had improved significantly. However, due to his age, they needed to wait until he fully recovered before continuing their journey to avoid any complications.

Meanwhile, Mo Qingze had the idea of settling down in Longshi Town. It was unaffected by the drought, and people lived and worked in peace. It was a completely different world from the war-torn south. After discussing with Mo Yan, she thought about it for several days before ultimately vetoing the idea.

Although Longshi Town was small, its geographical location was excellent, situated on the official road, it was a must-pass place for merchants and travelers going north and south. This also meant that Longshi Town was wealthier than other towns nearby. If one wanted to settle down in Longshi Town or the surrounding villages, they had to grease the wheels with money. Bringing wealth to Longshi Town was the only way to gain acceptance; otherwise, settling there would be impossible.

Mo Yan had the space and could grow vegetables and grains to accumulate capital, but this was a lengthy process. Without fields to hide her activities, there was a high risk of her secret being exposed. She didn't want to take that risk, so she didn't mention these concerns to her father. The lack of silver coins alone was enough to dispel his thoughts.

In the following days, Mo Yan's cooperation with Xiangmanlou went smoothly. With an income of over five hundred copper coins per day, her purse quickly filled up. However, she didn't tell Mo Qingze about doing business with Xiangmanlou because it was hard to explain. Sometimes, under his worried gaze, she could only silently apologize in her heart.

After seven days, Mo Yan's collaboration with Xiangmanlou came to an end. When settling the final payment for the vegetables, Manager Wang gave her an extra five hundred copper coins because Xiangmanlou's business had improved significantly due to the vegetables from her space, earning them much more than just five hundred copper coins.

Mo Yan couldn't refuse, so she accepted it. Finally, under Manager Wang's regretful gaze, she left Xiangmanlou.

After returning the rented dilapidated house, Mo Yan went to settle the medicine debt she owed to the old doctor who had treated Grandpa Li. He was a good doctor with medical ethics, but when she didn't have money, there was nothing she could do. Now that she had money, she didn't want to owe him anymore.

Then, she went to the market and bought more than twenty chicks and two old hens. After throwing the chicks into her space where no one could see, she carried the old hens to find Granny Ah and forced them upon her as a repayment for her help.

Granny Ah was reluctant to accept them when she learned that Mo Yan and her family were leaving and wouldn't come back. Seeing that she couldn't refuse the old hens, she reluctantly gave Mo Yan the remaining half basket of pears to take with her on the road.

Mo Yan didn't refuse either and bid farewell to Granny Ah with the basket in her arms, tears in her eyes.

Back at the ruined temple, Mo Yan had her father slaughter the old hens and stew them into a delicious chicken soup. With the chicken soup, the six of them had their last lunch in the ruined temple, feeling full and satisfied.

After half a month of roughing it out, the six of them, dusty and weary, finally arrived safely in the capital...

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  Chapter 72: I'll Punish You and Hug Me for Another Minute

Li Yusha followed Si Yechen all the way until his car stopped near a company.

It was under the Li family's name, a clothing company managed by Ou Yan.

She guessed it right; Si Yechen was indeed here to see that rural girl!

Leaving her alone in the meeting room for a full two hours, he seemed to care about that country girl.

What's so special about her?

Could it be that in his world, where he's used to conventional heiresses, he occasionally wants a change of taste?

Si Yechen got out of the car, wearing a white shirt that made him exceptionally handsome. The surrounding scenery seemed dull compared to him.

He always had this effect—easily becoming the most dazzling star in any scene, effortlessly capturing all the attention around him.

His gaze was noble and aloof, until a certain figure appeared, and his eyes softened, like winter sunlight.

"Yan Yan."

"Did you wait long?"

Ou Yan had just arrived in front of him when he tenderly and dominantly pulled her into his arms.

"Missed you."

Finally embracing the girl he yearned for, his lips couldn't help but curl up, "Not long, just arrived."

"This is a public place; can you pay attention?"

If it were in the car as usual, she might tolerate it, but on the roadside, if they were seen by someone...

"No way, if I don't hug you for a while, I'll miss you more later."

Si Yechen described her delicate features with his gaze, the handsome face now adorned with an ordinary yet unseen tenderness and warmth.

"Is the company busy?" he inquired.

"Not really."

"Do you miss me?"

"..."

"Not busy, but you don't miss me?"

"..."

"You heartless little thing!" Si Yechen tightened his embrace, "I'll punish you and let me hug you for another minute, no protesting allowed."

"..." She suddenly felt that this guy was a bit childish. 

"Every time I go to the company, it's like disappearing from the world. If I don't find you, I miss you even more!" Si Yechen's tone sounded like he was coaxing.

Ou Yan, hearing this, felt a bit helpless. "There are many trivial matters to deal with."

"Will you miss me later?"

"..."

"Do you miss me?"

"..." 

"Miss me?" Si Yechen seemed relentless until he got an answer.

Ou Yan could only grit her teeth and say, "Yes."

Si Yechen's usually reserved and serious face seemed to blossom with radiance at this moment, satisfied and indulgent, smiling brightly enough to outshine the sun and moon.

"I'll miss you too." Suddenly, Si Yechen lowered his head and gently kissed her lips. His beautiful eyes still held lingering affection and tenderness, "I'll come pick you up after work."

"Okay." Ou Yan's face felt a bit hot. She picked up the items and was about to leave.

Si Yechen still held onto her hand unwilling to let go, "What to do, don't want to let go."

Whenever he saw her, he didn't want to care about anything else; he just wanted to be with her.

Before, Ou Yan didn't know that this legendary and cold-hearted President Si would act so affectionate in public. Now that she has witnessed it, she finds it amusing.

"Shall I help you carry them to the company entrance?"

"..." Ou Yan took back her hand, "In another hour, it's time to get off work. Let's go back."

"Yan Yan."

Ou Yan stopped in her tracks and turned to look at him.

"What I said on the Ferris wheel earlier was true."

He genuinely liked her.

He wanted to eat with her, shop with her, watch movies, take walks, look at the sea, and gaze at the stars, just like any other couple, day after day, being happy together.

Normally, Ou Yan wouldn't bother with him, but seeing his serious eyes at this moment, she faintly responded, "Understood."

Si Yechen watched her departing figure, quietly following her footsteps.

Ou Yan took a step, and Si Yechen took a step, maintaining a short distance between them. They continued this way until Ou Yan's figure entered the company building. Only then did Si Yechen stop, take out his phone, and call her.

In his own way, he silently guarded her and accompanied her.

In the car, Li Yusha was furious. If she hadn't seen it with her own eyes, she wouldn't believe that the usually aloof and silent Si Yechen would actively show such indulgence to a girl.

Since when did he become so enamored?

She resisted the immense envy and sadness, "Go back to the Li Mansion, chauffeur."

"Yes..." The driver was also shocked, still not able to comprehend. How could he have imagined that the progress of Mr. Si and Miss Ou Yan's relationship would be so fast...

At least for now, it seemed that Miss Yusha had no chance of intervening...

He hadn't started the engine yet when he noticed that Grandpa Si's car had arrived. He was puzzled, "Miss Yusha, it seems to be Mr. Si's car?"

Li Yusha looked up and indeed saw it!

Could it be that Grandpa Si also came to visit Ou Yan?!

Thinking like this, the car had already stopped, and the first person to get off was Steward Wen. Seeing Si Yechen at the company entrance, he was also surprised.

"Young Master, why are you here?"

 Chapter 136: Can I Kiss Him?

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