When Qi Yu was called out, he simply said, "This year's harvest was poor, and we couldn't pay the taxes. So I told the magistrate that perhaps we could get the bandits to pay some of the taxes."

After he finished speaking, the green snake looked at him more directly.

The government probably thought that Li Xiaoxiao's disturbance of the mountain bandits was a good excuse to get rid of them. In addition, this man must have told the government about the wine that Lady Dong had sent to the mountain bandits, which made the bandit leader faint. The government thought that they could get rid of the mountain bandits with minimal effort, obtain a large amount of tax revenue, and gain a good reputation. That's why they agreed.

These bandits have been causing quite a stir lately, with many women being victimized. The government can't really ignore it, but they've been taking bribes from the bandits for years, so how can they easily wipe them out?

Only she, who knew the inside story, knew these things. How could Qi Yu have guessed? Rumor had it that he was clearly just a live-in son-in-law who only knew how to do laundry and cook.

However, Shan Yunfang, who was standing to the side, asked curiously, "Sister Xueqing, how did you know that it was your benefactor's husband who reported it to the authorities?" As soon as she asked, the other sisters also opened their eyes wide and looked at Chen Xueqing with curiosity.

"Fang-meimei, who was the only one in this entire group coming down the mountain?"

"Yes, my benefactor's husband, but what does it matter? I still don't understand." Shan Yunfang was the youngest child among them, only fourteen years old this year. If she hadn't been tainted by these bandits, she would be at the age of youthful ignorance.

Chen Xueqing patted her head. "Simply put, most people wouldn't dare to offend the government. The only one with some knowledge in the area is my benefactor's husband. Besides, there probably aren't many people who know that Li Xiaoxiao is on this mountain. Including Madam Dong, the only one who is worried about my wife is my benefactor's husband."

Shan Yunfang nodded, seemingly understanding but not quite. Qi Yu, on the other hand, was holding Li Xiaoxiao in a daze, staring ahead as if he were thinking about something. It was not hard to see the anger and undisguised coldness in his eyes, as if he was plotting something big.

As the group descended the mountain, several women arrived at the foot of the mountain. Chen Xueqing, however, had some unspeakable troubles. "My benefactor, sir, would you mind staying at your residence for the night? I have no problem with that, but my sisters and I are all homeless. My benefactor mentioned before that she was going to open a shop, and we sisters could help sell some cosmetics. We'll just stay for tonight, and we'll find our own place to stay tomorrow."

Qi Yu nodded. "Yes, there are extra rooms at home. Just have the steward arrange them when we get back." Shan Yunfang smiled happily upon hearing this. "My benefactor husband, that's wonderful! Thank you so much, my benefactor husband."

The women sitting nearby also expressed their gratitude, but Green Snake simply explained, "I helped my master distribute firewood and secretly added something. I have already recognized Li Xiaoxiao as my master."

He Chunying tentatively asked, "Green Snake, since you have the ability to escape from the stronghold, why are you still staying here?" Most importantly, why didn't you help the other sisters before? Of course, she could only keep these questions to herself.

The green snake's green eyes squeezed between its fleshy crevices, revealing a hint of mischief and ruthlessness. "I wasn't trapped in the stronghold; I just stayed there voluntarily. If any of these men dare to touch me, I'll poison them on the spot. My room is full of poison. I follow my master only because I admire his strength. I'm not like you weak creatures."

That ugly face actually revealed a lot of disdain, and He Chunying was so angry that she immediately flew into a rage, "Green Snake, don't you have any sympathy? No wonder none of the women in the camp like you."

The five of them were like sisters, helping each other in their daily lives. How could she swallow this insult from Green Snake? Gui Sujuan put her arm around He Chunying's shoulder and said, "Forget it, Chunying, don't say anything more."

Gui Sujuan was the oldest among them and the most composed. Her face was covered in scars. After being captured and taken up the mountain, she disfigured herself, but she still could not escape the clutches of the bandits.

The women instantly became gloomy. If they couldn't find good work, they would probably have to become maids or washerwomen, earning only a few hundred coins a month, or perhaps begging on the street corner.

They remained silent the entire way, except for Li Xiaoxiao who slept the whole time. When they finally arrived at the Li family home, all the sisters stared in surprise at the house in the distance.

They had heard on the mountain that the Li family had become rich in the last few months and had inexplicably made a lot of money. Looking at this big courtyard, they wondered how much money had been spent. Although the house was not very luxurious, the blue bricks and white tiles were much better than the straw house.

Uncle Luo saw the man to the door, and Qi Yu took out twenty coins from his sleeve and handed them to Uncle Luo. The two wolves in the house saw Qi Yu coming and ran over to greet him, making low howling noises.

The women were terrified, recognizing the creature before them as a wolf. Manager Hu emerged from the room with a polite smile, saying, "Miss, there's no need to panic. These two little fellows are probably just missing their master."

As soon as he finished speaking, the two wolves were about to pounce on Qi Yu. The man's cold gaze swept over them, and the two wolves became much more docile, sniffing around the women.

"Master Qi, the meal has been prepared inside. Please come in, ladies. It's still chilly in early spring." As soon as Steward Hu finished speaking, Bai Yi, who had been expressionless the whole time, and Bai Han, who was smiling broadly, came out of the room.

"Hello, sisters." Bai Han is a cheerful child. Qi Yu, who was holding Li Xiaoxiao, warmed her face when she saw Bai Han. "Han'er, you are very cute today too."

Because Bai Han was a talkative person, as soon as everyone sat down at the table, Bai Han kept asking questions, which made the sisters even more affectionate. On the other hand, Qi Yu held Li Xiaoxiao and gently said in her ear, "Wife, it's time to eat."

The old lady sitting in the seat of honor couldn't help but cover her mouth with her long sleeve and laugh. Everyone saw the old lady sitting in the seat of honor and greeted her politely. Butler Hu explained from the side, "This old lady is Aunt Li Xiaoxiao. We can also call her Aunt."

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