The Wu family mansion was shrouded in gloom, filled with the sound of weeping.
Wu's mother was disheveled and cried her heart out, fainting several times. The entire Wu family was in chaos.
Mr. Wu's face was ashen, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white.
He only had one son, whom he cherished since childhood. He was waiting for his son to carry on the Wu family line and continue the family tradition, but he died so mysteriously. He was unable to avenge his son!
With his son's body barely cold and his wife crying uncontrollably, Mr. Wu felt a lump of anger stuck in his chest, unable to rise or fall, causing him pain in his internal organs.
Now he knows that the person who opposed him last night was the manager of the infamous Gan Ji restaurant. Thinking that it was because of these two scoundrels surnamed Gan that his family was in such a state, Mr. Wu wished he could tear them to pieces and cut them into a thousand pieces!
By this time, news of the Wu family's affair had already spread. A person who usually fawned over the Wu family, upon learning of this, hurriedly came to curry favor.
Seeing the Wu family's gloomy and dejected appearance, he first cried along with them, then asked Wu's father:
"Uncle, is it really only possible that my brother's matter can be left like this?"
Mr. Wu slammed his hand on the table, making the teacup rattle loudly.
"That's it? My son is dead, and you're just going to let it go like that? When has the Wu family ever suffered such humiliation!"
The man's eyes darted around, and he leaned closer to Wu's father, whispering, "Uncle, I have an idea..."
Mr. Wu glared at him and said, "Spit it out!"
"Didn't they say that the vile woman who murdered my brother has already turned herself in to the village head?"
They say money makes the world go round, so I think we should send some silver to the official in charge there and have him secretly tamper with things on the way to transport that slut so he can get rid of her..." He made a throat-slitting gesture.
He then continued, "To the outside world, we'll just say he died of illness. No one will know, and who will be able to find out?"
Mr. Wu's eyes lit up; this was a good idea! He immediately prepared a generous gift and went to visit the village head in person.
Little did he know that the new village head was a slippery character, and more importantly, he clearly remembered that the previous village head had been dismissed for accepting bribes.
Moreover, he had heard that Gan Li had a close relationship with the county magistrate, so how could he dare to bend the law for personal gain at this critical juncture?
He didn't want to end up in jail before he even had a chance to settle into his new position.
So, before Wu's father even entered the house, the village head, citing being too busy, didn't even dare to see him and had someone send him away!
Frustrated and humiliated, Mr. Wu returned home, even more agitated. Had his son died in vain? He was unwilling to accept it!
So he spread the word that he would reward anyone who could avenge his son! He refused to believe that in such a large town as Cangxi, no one could avenge his son!
When the news reached Chen Danian's ears, he was worried about his son Chen Yaozu's studies.
After Chen Yaozu was expelled from Fengxian School, no other school in the town wanted to accept him. Chen Danian asked around for help, but to no avail, simply because he had no money to bribe anyone.
Now, upon hearing about Master Wu's reward, he hatched a plan; perhaps this was a good opportunity to turn his life around.
So he dressed up and came to the Wu family in a secretive manner.
Master Wu had long heard of Chen Danian's reputation but did not trust him. However, Chen Danian confidently stated that he was a scholar who was well-versed in the law and that while others might not be able to handle this matter, he had a solution.
Upon reflection, Mr. Wu realized that Chen Danian's character was questionable, but his title of Xiucai (a successful candidate in the imperial examinations) was genuine.
Thinking of this, he asked with some skepticism, "What method do you have?"
Chen Danian analyzed, "Since ancient times, it has been a matter of life and death for murder. But Gan Tao killed someone and got away with it. Ultimately, it's because Young Master Wu himself behaved improperly."
He had no relation to Gan Tao, yet he trespassed on her property with malicious intent. Even if he were killed, he would hardly receive any sympathy from the authorities.
Upon hearing this, Mr. Wu felt that Chen Danian's words made sense and quickly asked, "Then what do you suggest we do?"
Chen Danian smiled slyly: "Simple, as long as Young Master Wu is not at fault, then it must be someone else who is."
"What do you mean by this?" Mr. Wu looked at Chen Danian with a puzzled expression, seemingly understanding but not quite.
Chen Danian leaned close to Wu's father's ear and whispered a few words.
Upon hearing this, Mr. Wu's eyes lit up: "Great idea! I'll leave this matter to you. You'll definitely get a share of the profits after it's done!"
Chen Danian was overjoyed and immediately set off for Yuxi Village.
The events of the past two days still linger in people's minds, and a faint shadow seems to hang over Yuxi Village, making it appear somewhat deserted at the moment.
Chen Danian walked along the village path, disguised, but still nervously looked around, afraid of being recognized.
Fortunately, he had been here a few times before when he and Ganli were still married, so he was quite familiar with the place. He tried his best to choose the almost deserted paths and avoided the villagers along the way, and finally found Gan Tao's house.
He stepped forward and knocked on the door. After a long while, he heard a weak but wary voice from inside: "Who is it?"
Chen Danian lowered his voice and said mysteriously, "I heard that your family had some trouble a few days ago, so I came here specifically to help you!"
"Help me?" Gan Tao Niang's heart skipped a beat, but she didn't believe it and was even a little scared: "I don't know anything and I don't need any help. Go away, go away!"
Chen Danian became anxious upon seeing this: "Gan Tao killed someone, and it was the young master of the Wu family. Do you think you can get away with it by doing nothing?"
You think the people in your village are helping you now, but actually they're only doing it because of Ganli and your daughter!
"Once this matter fades away, no one will care about you anymore. Even if the Wu family secretly kills you and your sons, no one will stand up for you!"
Gan Tao Niang was already crying in fear. Hearing the voices coming from outside, the content of those words made her legs go weak.
Chen Danian listened intently, pressing his ear close to the screen. When he heard sobbing coming from inside, he knew his intimidation had worked. He smiled smugly, then changed the subject, continuing:
"Actually, I came here today on behalf of the Wu family. They are willing to give you a chance. As long as you do as I say, they will agree to let you and your sons off the hook!"
Not only that, you can't stay in this village anymore, can you? I can promise you, after this is done, I'll give you a sum of money, and you can go wherever you want, and you'll never have to be gossiped about behind your back for the rest of your lives again!
Upon hearing this, Gan Taoniang's expression shifted repeatedly, her heart filled with inner turmoil.
She thought of her sons—she could bear it herself, but did she really want her sons to be ashamed for the rest of their lives?
Taking the money and then flying far away is the best way out!
Thinking of this, Gan Taoniang bit her lip, turned around and opened the courtyard gate...
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