Chapter 288 The Fate of the Li Family

Although Li Yuan was not there, none of the remaining people in the Li family could escape. They were only exiled before and were still free, but now they have become slaves.

"Tell me quickly, where did Li Yuan go?"

Li Ye wet his pants. "Father-in-law, I really don't know. He said a few days ago that he was out on business. Maybe he heard the news early on. This guy didn't even tell us and just... ran away on his own."

The eunuch kicked him and said, "Why do you want to run away too? That's a capital crime."

However, the eunuch also heard some clues, "He heard the rumors a few days ago? Who told him?"

"I don't know, I really don't know." Li Ye said crying.

The eunuch frowned, "Who has been to your house?"

“No one has been here.”

"Who is Li Yuan close to?" the eunuch asked again. After all, the prisoner had escaped and it was difficult for him to explain, so he naturally had to interrogate him clearly.

"This...how should I know this? We know nothing. It's so unfair!" Li Ye cried out to the sky, but the eunuch was annoyed and simply had someone cover his mouth.

"Sir, if I say this, will it count as meritorious service?"

The eunuch sneered, "Okay, so you know."

His sharp eyes, coupled with the eunuch's unique voice, make people shudder.

Li Rong swallowed in fear, "I...I'm just guessing."

She lowered her voice, "Can we talk further?"

The eunuch nodded.

"Eunuch, do you know Concubine Rong?"

The eunuch looked at her fiercely, "How dare you! Are you trying to say that Concubine Rong tipped him off?"

Li Rong nodded vigorously and said seriously, "No, I mean, are you Concubine Rong's man?"

The eunuch's eyes moved slightly, and he guessed that this matter must be related to Concubine Rong.

But Concubine Rong was currently in the emperor's favor, and with the arrival of the Eighth Prince, he naturally had to think carefully before acting.

"What does it matter whether our family is or not? Tell us what you know, or I'll punish you severely."

Li Rong trembled with fear, "My third brother is Concubine Rong's man."

The eunuch's eyes lit up. It seemed that the person who leaked the information was indeed Concubine Rong.

"Our family knows about this."

"Father-in-law, father-in-law, can I not be..."

"Shut up, this is an imperial decree, do you want to disobey it?" the eunuch said coldly.

Li Rong wanted to plead for mercy, but was dragged away by the eunuch.

The Li family members were sold off and sent to different places. Originally, the women were to be used as court prostitutes, but Li Rong and Li Fengzhu were sick and were disliked by the madam, so they could only do the lowest jobs in the brothel.

Even at this point, the aunt and niece did not think about supporting each other, but instead tried to undermine each other, which was consistent with their usual practice.

Old Mrs. Li was old and paralyzed, so no one wanted her to be a slave. In addition, she was in poor health, so she died on the way to be sold. She was simply thrown on the road. Not to mention being buried, there was not even a mat to wrap her body.

As for the others, they were not much better off. Li Ye also wanted to escape, but he was discovered and his legs were broken. He died soon after.

Sun and Li Fenghua, mother and daughter, were not sold to the same party. Sun was already weak and had not been cared for after her miscarriage. After all the ordeal, her condition became even worse.

Li Fenghua was young but very thoughtful. She was used to doing some small things behind people's backs. When she was discovered by the head maid, she was severely punished. She held a grudge and in the end, she failed to take revenge and was even scratched on the face.

Only Li Yuan was not caught even though his portrait was posted everywhere.

But that’s all in the past.

As for the Gu family, since the mansion in the capital has been returned, there is naturally no reason for them to stay here.

However, the Gu family also has property here, so it is really difficult to give it up for the time being.

Song Qiang reluctantly said, "My shop is making money. It's only been open for half a year. Why don't you go back? I... I'll wait a little longer. I won't be able to sell it all in a short time."

"What are you selling?" Li Mumu tilted her head and said, "The shop is doing well and making money, so just stay."

"But...but we have to go back to the capital!"

"That won't delay us from opening a shop. We can open one in the capital and keep this one open."

Gu Lan also advised: "Second Aunt, you have such skills, are you still worried about not being able to open a business in Shangjing City? If you ask me, you will only make more money. As for me, the embroidery business in Shangjing City is not as good as here. There are so many good embroiderers there."

Song Qiang nodded. "Then let them work here first. I'll pay them more. They are all honest people. I still trust them."

"Lan'er, don't worry. If the embroidery fails, we can still do other things."

Gu Lan nodded. "I've thought about it. As long as I'm willing to make money, there's always a way."

"Even if you don't want to earn money, our family can still support you and your child. The emperor has returned everything he confiscated from our house."

Old Madam Gu was also very happy. After all, they still had her dowry. It was not just a matter of money, but a thought.

Just return it.

"Mom, do you have anything else to do? We're leaving tomorrow. If you have anything to do, please do it as soon as possible, otherwise I'm afraid I won't be able to make it in time for my sister and Yunhe's wedding."

Madam Gu shook her head. "It's nothing, I just can't bear to leave my fellow villagers here. Now that you're back, go do some shopping. We can treat everyone to a meal to thank them for their care over the past year. Without them, our Gu family wouldn't be where we are today."

"Got it. I'll go right away."

There happened to be many carriages, so Gu Mingyu brought his men and filled the carriages back.

At night, the Gu family's house was brightly lit and very lively.

Old Master Qin raised his glass, but before he even opened his mouth, his eyes turned red.

It is said that men don't shed tears easily, but when he opened his mouth excitedly, tears began to fall.

"I...I am happy, Mrs. Gu. I told you that you will have to go back sooner or later. I am really happy for you. If it weren't for you, our village would still be living from hand to mouth."

Old Madam Gu raised her glass. Before, when Gu Jian was around, she was always gentle and loving, but now, she was like a heroine who could stand on her own, speaking generously and appropriately.

The title of mistress of the Duke's Mansion is not an empty title.

"Village Chief, that's ridiculous! If you hadn't taken care of our family, we wouldn't know how we'd get by. We weren't the only ones helping everyone else; it was everyone who helped us first. We're just repaying your kindness."

"Don't say that! If you say that, we'll be even more embarrassed." Qin Ling's hands were shaking with excitement. "You guys came and helped us, saving lives and treating illnesses. What's the point of our little help to you?"

Qin Ling waved his hand and said, "You may not want to repay us, but we must not forget. If you have nothing to do in the future, come back often to visit us."

"Grandpa Village Chief, of course I'll be back. I have to bring everyone some watermelon and corn seeds from our family!"