Chapter 329: Act as You Please

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  Chapter 100: Abducted (Part 1)

The eaves, trees, and wooden frames on both sides of the street were adorned with various lanterns - some shaped like animals, some like flowers, and others depicting landscapes. Each one looked exquisite, dazzling the onlookers.

Young girls gathered together to admire the lanterns, pointing out unique ones and discussing them in hushed tones. Along the Quanshui River, many people squatted on the wharf to release river lanterns. Lotus-shaped river lanterns dotted the calm water, shining amidst the lanterns on both banks, creating a poetic scene.

Watching these scenes, a faint smile appeared on Mo Yan's face. Immersed in such a profoundly ancient setting, she couldn't help but realize that she had truly become a "person of ancient times" as described in her past life's books.

"Sister, look! That rabbit lantern is so cute!" Xin'er exclaimed excitedly, tugging at Mo Yan's arm.

Mo Yan snapped out of her thoughts and followed her gaze. Not far away, hanging high on a wooden frame, was a lifelike rabbit lantern with a chubby body, red eyes, and long ears, indeed adorable.

"Do you like it? Then, sister will buy it for you!" Xin'er's eyes lit up, nodding vigorously. "Yes, I like it, I like it very much."

Zhen'er also couldn't resist the temptation, shaking Mo Yan's right hand eagerly. "Big sister, Zhen'er likes that yellow tiger lantern. Can you buy it for me too?"

Mo Yan smiled and agreed, then turned to Li Yan, who was walking beside her. "Liyue, do you fancy any of these lanterns?"

Li Yan, who had been looking around, suddenly realized and shook her head quickly. "Sister Yan, I don't have any preferences. Just looking at them is enough for me."

Seeing that she wasn't fixated on any lantern in particular, Mo Yan believed her and pulled her siblings to the stall. Pointing at the two lanterns, she asked the shopkeeper, "How much for these two lanterns?"

The middle-aged shopkeeper, who had a very auspicious appearance, smiled and said, "Miss, these lanterns are not for sale. However, each lantern has a riddle on it. As long as you can guess the riddle by paying ten wen, you can take the lantern home."

Ten wen for one riddle? Mo Yan thought for a moment and didn't find it expensive, considering the condition of guessing the riddle correctly.

She took out twenty wen from her purse and asked the shopkeeper to take down the riddles for both lanterns.

"'Chitu'?" Mo Yan read the rabbit lantern's riddle first, then smiled. "This one's simple. It's the word 'gallop.'"

"You guessed it so quickly! Miss is indeed clever!" The shopkeeper praised profusely and quickly took down the rabbit lantern.

Mo Yan smiled and handed it to Xin'er, who happily took it and held onto the lantern pole, looking around with joy.

"Big sister, quick, guess the tiger lantern's riddle." Seeing this, Zhen'er couldn't wait any longer, afraid that the lantern he liked would be guessed by someone else first.

Mo Yan patted his head, then opened the riddle on the yellow tiger lantern. "'Seven fairies married, leaving one,' forming an idiom?"

This one was a bit tricky.

Several idioms immediately flashed through Mo Yan's mind, but none seemed to match.

Seeing the siblings guessing the riddles, Mo Qingze, who was following behind, also became interested. Seeing his eldest daughter still pondering, he took the lantern riddle and glanced at it with a smile but didn't say anything.

Zhen'er, seeing that his sister didn't guess it immediately as before, became anxious. But not knowing himself, he had to turn to his father for help. "Dad, do you know what idiom it is?"

Mo Qingze didn't directly answer but instead asked his son, "What are the 'seven fairies'? How many are left after one is married?"

Zhen'er immediately answered, "The seven fairies are heavenly immortals, and six are left after one is married!"

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  Chapter 99: Lantern Festival (Part 2)

"Mmm-hmm!"

The three kids nodded vigorously, afraid that any delay might lead the adults to change their minds.

The Lantern Festival was held at night and didn't affect the Mo family's business. On the fifteenth day of the lunar month, Mo's business continued as usual. Upon learning that the Mo family planned to go to Quanshui to see the lanterns at night, families like Lin Da's, who had children, were also eager to join.

However, considering the distance from Liuyang Village to the city and the fact that they couldn't afford to stay overnight in an inn, they had to give up the idea.

As it was the Lantern Festival, families usually gathered to eat tangyuan (sweet rice balls). Mo Yan went to the rice shop and bought a lot of glutinous rice flour, giving Lin Da and a dozen others three catties each. She also asked them to take the remaining thirty-odd catties back to Liuyang Village to share with Zhang Da and the others.

Lin Da and the others were both surprised and delighted, not knowing how to express their gratitude.

Glutinous rice was expensive, and ground glutinous rice flour was even more so. Before the exodus, they could only afford a small amount of glutinous rice flour each year for making tangyuan, often accompanied by steamed sweet potatoes.

To give away such valuable glutinous rice flour so easily could only be done by the generous Mo family.

Mo Yan smiled and accepted their thanks, saying, "You've helped my family sincerely, so I won't treat you unfairly. This little gift isn't worth mentioning."

Lin Yong had helped the Mo family a lot, so Mo Yan took this opportunity to thank him and had Lin Da bring some prepared tangyuan and a mother chicken from their space to him.

As for Old Mo and the others, Mo Yan simply ignored them.

After the Lunar New Year, for reasons unknown, Mo Yongfu hadn't come to help again, and Mo Yan didn't ask. As for the Old Mo family, the only ones she cared about were Wu Shi, San Ni'er, and Xiao Shi Tou. As for the others, she simply didn't bother.

In the evening, the two families sat together happily to eat tangyuan. However, Li Zhong smiled somewhat awkwardly. Over the past few months, his face had always carried a faint sorrow, and even his hair had turned much whiter.

Taking advantage of the situation, Mo Qingze suggested that Li Zhong come along, and Li Zhong, not wanting to reject his kindness, agreed, especially since his granddaughter also wanted to go.

So, after clearing the bowls and chopsticks, the group returned to their rooms to change into clean clothes. Finally, they extinguished the lights in their houses, locked the doors, and gates, and took a donkey cart to Quanshui.

Quanshui was a river that crossed the eastern market. The river was wide enough to accommodate small pleasure boats, while on both banks were various shops and establishments, making it a famous commercial area in the capital.

During major festivals like the Lantern Festival, countless literati and elegant gentlemen would ride on pleasure boats, cruising along Quanshui, composing poems and verses, creating a lively atmosphere.

Today was no exception. By the time Mo Yan and the others got off the donkey cart, the streets were already crowded with people. Delicate pleasure boats shuttled back and forth on Quanshui, and the faint sound of string and woodwind instruments could be heard.

At this moment, the sky was completely dark, with only countless cold stars twinkling above. However, thanks to the bright lanterns that were being lit, the streets seemed as bright as day. The Lantern Festival had officially begun...

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 Chapter 830: Farewell

The next day, the members of the Lu family returned to the county town, taking with them the things they wanted to bring along.

Xu Dali stayed behind. Early in the morning, he arrived at the manor and began familiarizing himself with the registration tasks under Shu Yu's guidance.

Xu Dali was indeed quick to understand, and grasped the concept through her demonstration.

She showed him the process of registering the land-clearing team, and by the time the hunting team arrived, Xu Dali was already able to handle it. Although his movements were not very proficient, there were no major issues.

This task was simple. Initially, Shu Yu only wanted to pass the time and was planning to leave soon, so she didn't expand on other tasks.

But Xu Dali had plenty of time on his hands. If he did well in this Zhuangzi, he might have a long-term and legitimate task in the future. He wouldn't have to worry about food and clothing, and his life could improve.

After receiving their tools, the other teams left, but the members of the Third Team stayed behind.

Fang Xiyue was the first to rush forward, her voice filled with excitement. "Ah Yu, you really became the village lord?"

"Doesn't it seem that way?"

Fang Xiyue shook her head. "No, no, no. The first time I saw you, I knew you wouldn't stay in Zhengdao Village. Yesterday, when we were descending the mountain, we heard about what happened to you, and I was stunned. I originally wanted to find you, but my mother said that your parents had come over, and there must be a lot of things to discuss, so she told me to find you later."

She actually had a lot to say to Shu Yu, but in the end, she didn't know what to say.

In the end, she could only say, "We don't know if we'll be able to meet again in the future, Ah Yu, take care of yourself."

"You too. Be especially careful when hunting on the mountain, don't get hurt. I've prepared some medicine for you. Come to my house in the afternoon and get it. There are also some family matters that I've discussed with your mother, and they will be delivered to your house when the time comes."

Fang Xiyue nodded repeatedly. "Okay."

Ma Lu and the others also approached, but they didn't have as much reluctance as Fang Xiyue. They were simply filled with emotion.

"Village Lord Lu, congratulations."

"Thank you." Shu Yu nodded to them. It was a brief acquaintance, and she hoped that everyone would be well.

After chatting excitedly for a while, the members of the Third Team quickly left to go up the mountain.

They heard that Shu Yu would be leaving in two days, so they planned to hunt more animals today. With the good weather these two days, they could dry the meat and take it with them on the journey.

Shu Yu didn't refuse and watched as they left. Then she turned around and continued discussing some matters with Xu Dali.

In the afternoon, the members of the Third Team returned before the evening bell.

A group of people entered Shu Yu's house with the game they caught, and seeing that the water barrels and knives were still there, they went straight to the riverbank to process the meat.

Watching them bustling with excitement, Shu Yu couldn't help but feel a tinge of reluctance.

Uncle Fang and Aunt Fang came over, and Shu Yu brought out the pots, bowls, ladles, and basins from the house that she wasn't planning to take.

Uncle Fang had recovered from his injuries, but after such a serious illness, his health wasn't as good as before. Instead of joining the hunting team, he went to the wasteland. He had taken a half-day leave especially for today.

In addition to the Fang family, the Zhang family also came over.

They helped tidy up and took some of the Lu family's belongings.

That night, Shu Yu slept at the Zhuangzi. The house was almost empty, and it wasn't interesting for her to stay alone.

The next day, Meng Yunzheng and Zhao Xi drove a mule cart to Zhengdao Village to pick her up and bring her back to the county town.

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 Chapter 829: Show Some Restraint

The two officials were filled with anger, so naturally, they were not gentle with Aunt Xue and roughly carried her all the way to the Shu family.

Aunt Xue was in so much pain that she broke out in a cold sweat, drenching her clothes.

After throwing Aunt Xue in front of the Shu family, the two officials said a few words, "Can't your family even take care of a concubine? She actually went to the village lord to question the content of the imperial decree. It seems that the tasks we've given you are too easy. Tomorrow, all you men should go to the mines."

Compared to the wasteland, the mines would naturally be even more grueling and exhausting.

The expressions of the Shu family members changed, and when they looked at Aunt Xue, their eyes were filled with hostility.

Aunt Xue looked at them in fear, knowing that she was finished.

After dealing with Aunt Xue's matter, Shu Yu went to comfort the emotionally agitated Ruan Shi with a smile. "Mother, you've already given her a beating, so don't let it bother you anymore. This kind of person isn't worth our effort and concern."

Aunt Ruan held her hand, her voice slightly choked. "You've never been willing to talk about what it was like living in the Shu family, and we didn't dare to ask. But today, that Xue said intentionally starving you, making you wear tattered clothes, and keeping you so thin that no one would notice you. We only now know how much suffering you endured."

Although their family didn't have a good life when they were in Shishi Village, San Ya and Da Hu used to be very thin.

But no matter what, their parents were by their side. When a child was wronged, their parents would speak up, and they had someone to rely on when they were helpless.

But what about Shu Yu? At that time, she didn't even know that Aunt Xue wasn't her birth mother. As a young child, she was most eager for parental love. However, the person she trusted the most turned out to be the one who treated her the cruelest.

That Shu Yu could become such a clever and capable girl was truly a blessing from heaven.

Shu Yu hugged Aunt Ruan. "All of that is in the past. I'm fine now, right? Aunt Xue has received her retribution, and I can consider my revenge fulfilled."

She believed that the Shu family wouldn't let Aunt Xue die too easily.

She could find some comfort for the current whereabouts of the young Shu Yu.

After accompanying Luo Erbai and Ruan Shi back to the Zhuangzi and waiting for them to calm down a bit, Shu Yu finally left.

Meng Yunzheng had been waiting for her outside. When he saw her coming out, he whispered, "Do you need my help?"

Thinking of the gruesome sight of Zhang Shu's tongue being cut and his eyes gouged out, Shu Yu turned her head to glance at Meng Yunzheng and smiled, "No need. Just watch. The Shu family won't keep her for long."

Meng Yunzheng didn't say anything else but still paid special attention to the Shu family over the next few days.

After escorting Shu Yu back, Zhao Xi and Da Ya found it strange. Why did those two talk for so long before coming back?

Zhao Xi's suspicious gaze fell on Meng Yunzheng, strongly suspecting that this guy might have done something bad.

Therefore, as they walked back to the Zhuangzi, he specially warned him, "I'm warning you, Ah Yu hasn't come of age yet. You have to show some restraint and not tarnish the reputation of that girl, understood?"

Meng Yunzheng cast a sidelong glance at him. "What? You haven't become part of the Lu family yet, and you already consider yourself a brother-in-law?"

Zhao Xi, "..."

Forget it, he couldn't argue with him. He especially doubted Meng Yunzheng's act of pretending to be dumb during that time.

Moreover, back then, he could still act crazy and play dumb and retort against him a few times.

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 Chapter 328: Qisang

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 Chapter 327: Collision

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 Chapter 98: Lantern Festival (Part 1)

If these people had approached her politely and reasonably to discuss the matter of the eighty taels for building the ancestral hall, Mo Yan wouldn't have been reluctant. However, her family's money didn't just fall from the sky. Anyone would feel uncomfortable being the last one to know about such a matter, only to be pressured by a group of people to cough up a large sum of money. If people got used to this kind of behavior, who knew how many troubles they would ask her family to solve in the future?

Helping others should have its limits. People like these couldn't be indulged, or else they would come to her family for help whenever they encountered difficulties. Were they asking for help or not? If their appetites were catered to, there would be countless troubles in the future!

Fortunately, Mo Fang, the clan chief, wasn't completely foolish and knew when to stop. Otherwise, Mo Yan would have established a separate family shrine, only honoring their own direct ancestors and cutting off ties with these people as an independent entity. Such a thing was not impossible.

In the blink of an eye, it was the seventh day of the first lunar month, and the market reopened. Not only could businesses open their doors for business, but even small vendors could set up stalls on the streets and alleys, and Mo's vegetable business resumed.

After eating rich foods for this period, many families grew tired of them and wanted to eat more plain vegetables to cleanse their palates. Moreover, with the addition of several new types of vegetables from the Mo family, business improved compared to before the lunar new year, with total daily income reaching more than eighty taels. Every time they returned home, the family gathered around the table to count the money, truly getting hand cramps from counting.

"Dad, tomorrow is the Lantern Festival. I heard that Quanshui has a lantern festival every year, and it's very lively. Let's go and see!" Xin'er said excitedly, sharing news she had heard from the neighbors.

Before Mo Qingze could speak, Zhen'er asked eagerly, "Second sister, is what you said true? Will there be acrobatics and riddles at the lantern festival?"

"There should be. I heard it's very lively, with people everywhere!" Xiner said uncertainly.

At this moment, Li Yan chimed in, "My hometown also has a lantern festival every year. Wealthy families would invite opera performances, and there would be acrobatics on the streets. People from all over would come to see, and it would be so crowded that you could barely move. It's indeed very lively."

Hearing this, Mo Qingze frowned. "Crowds can lead to accidents. It's better not to go. If you want to have fun, wait a couple of days, and I'll take you around then."

Mo Yan nodded in agreement and said to the disappointed siblings, "I've also heard that children get abducted at the lantern festival every year. You two are still young and good-looking. With the crowds and chaos, it's possible for abductors to target you. Let's not join in the excitement."

This wasn't meant to scare the siblings. After a few months of drinking from the Spirit Spring water and their natural good looks, the two kids were tender and attractive, making them easy targets for abductors.

Although Dad and big sister disagreed, the two kids couldn't resist the temptation of the lantern festival. Xin'er tugged at Mo Qingze's sleeve and pleaded, "Dad, let's all go tomorrow. We'll stay close to you and won't run around. Abductors wouldn't dare to snatch people openly, right?"

Zhen'er also clung to Mo Yan's arm, blinking her big eyes and pleading, "Big sister, dear big sister, please agree this time. If not, tie a rope to Zhen'er, and Zhen'er won't get lost."

The two kids were usually well-behaved and never made excessive demands. This was the first time they begged so earnestly, making Mo Yan and Mo Qingze unable to bear refusing. In the end, they agreed to their request.

Since the whole family was going, they naturally couldn't leave Li Yan, a little girl, at home.

Therefore, Mo Yan repeatedly warned, "It's settled then. Tomorrow, you three must stick close to the adults and not wander off. If you can't do it, you won't be allowed out again in the future."

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  Chapter 97: Mo Yan's Strategy (Part 2)

Mo Yan glanced deeply at Mo Dashan, already categorizing him in the "avoidance" list.

Mo Dashan felt a chill as he was being looked at, as if he had lost something important. He opened his mouth to say something, but Mo Yan shifted her gaze to Mo Fang, the head of the clan.

"Clan head, do you also think that all this silver should come from my family?" Mo Yan asked, her gaze stern, and then turned to the expectant clan members.

Mo Fang, feeling extremely dry-mouthed under Mo Yan's intense gaze and the silent expectation of the clan, stuttered, "This... this..."

"Clan head, wasn't this something we all agreed on earlier? Why are you hesitating now?" Mo Dashan interjected impatiently when he saw Mo Fang's hesitation.

Seeing Mo Fang remain silent, Mo Dashan's expression changed, unable to contain his impatience.

The few who had supported Mo Dashan before dared not speak up now that the clan head hesitated. On the other hand, those who had never agreed with the idea from the beginning stood aside, mocking Mo Dashan for being foolish.

Under Mo Dashan's urging, cold sweat began to form on Mo Fang's forehead. He glared at the incessantly chattering Mo Dashan and growled, "Shut up, I know what I'm doing!"

After roaring, he forced a smile on his face, somewhat apprehensively saying to Mo Yan, "This matter is just a heads-up for you. You should be prepared in advance. How can we expect your family to provide all the silver? Building the clan hall can wait a year or two. As long as you keep it in mind, it's fine!"

From Mo Yan's words and Mo Qingze's silence, Mo Fang knew this matter was unlikely to succeed. Although he felt unhappy, he also understood that this wasn't Mo Jia Village, and Mo Qingze's family was no longer as poor as before. He could only make amends and not offend them.

"Alright, I and my father will definitely keep this in mind. When the time comes to build the clan hall, we will contribute money and effort without question. Clan head, you can rest assured," Mo Yan said graciously, feeling satisfied with Mo Fang's tactfulness, and her tone towards him became much warmer.

Mo Fang couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief upon hearing Mo Yan's response. The tension on his face eased considerably.

"Now that everything's been clarified, we should go back. In the future, when you visit Liuyang Village, you can come to my house as guests. We're all relatives, so there's no need to be formal."

"Clan head, you're too polite. We'll definitely come in the future! But it's almost noon now. How about having lunch before we leave?" Mo Qingze politely insisted.

Mo Fang, feeling embarrassed after making a fool of himself, didn't dare to stay for lunch. He made an excuse about having urgent matters at home and insisted on leaving.

Taking advantage of their polite exchanges, Mo Yan fetched a piece of cured meat from under the eaves and handed it to Mo Fang with a smile, "Since Clan head doesn't want to stay for lunch, you must take this cured meat. Otherwise, you won't be able to leave our house today."

Others looked at the at least five kilograms of cured meat with envy, but Mo Fang smiled bitterly, had to accept it, and said meaningfully to Mo Qingze, "You've raised a good daughter. I must say, she's even better than you!"

This girl, sometimes tough and sometimes soft, used this cured meat to make it clear to these people: she would give it if she was willing, and they could take it only if she was willing. If not, no one could take advantage.

Mo Qingze didn't get angry at all, accepting Mo Fang's praise with a smile and immediately launching into a chatterbox, eager for everyone to know about his daughter's various virtues.

The person being praised lowered her head to feign shyness but felt relieved in her heart.

Mo Fang was still a smart person. Dealing with smart people undoubtedly made things much easier. There shouldn't be any more incidents like this in the future!

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 Chapter 326: Harmonious Coexistence

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