When the carriage stopped at Gan Kee, everyone inside rushed out instantly, their faces filled with apprehension.
The county seat is quite a distance away, so although the news has spread throughout the county, the town has not yet heard about it.
Therefore, everyone in the restaurant was absent-minded that day. Although they were still in the restaurant, their minds had already flown to the town with the carriage.
They had been eagerly awaiting the return of their loved ones, and before the carriage had even come to a complete stop, they all started asking questions at once.
"How did it go? What was the verdict in Gan Tao's case?"
"Oh dear, although I know Gan Tao is innocent, I'm still very anxious, afraid..."
Zhao was especially worried and asked her son, "Is Tao'er alright?"
She spoke with certainty, but her nervous eyes betrayed the fear in her heart.
Although she had some complaints about Gan Tao when she first came to work at the restaurant, it was all because of a past conflict with Gan Tao's mother, so she took her anger out on Gan Tao.
Honestly, that girl herself is a truly good girl!
Gan Quan was in a very good mood today. Seeing his mother's stubborn but soft-hearted demeanor, he made a rare sarcastic remark:
"Since Mother already knows, why are you still asking me?"
"You brat! How dare you talk back to your mother?" Zhao Shi said anxiously, reaching out to slap him.
Inside the carriage, Gan Li reached out and nudged Gan Tao:
“I told you long ago, my sister-in-law looks tough, but she’s actually very soft-hearted. She’s been worried about you these past few days.”
Gan Tao was deeply moved. She stood up, lifted the carriage curtain, and stepped out, smiling at everyone with tears in her eyes.
"I'm sorry to have worried everyone, I'm back!"
The cacophony of questions paused, then erupted into an even louder cheer, drawing the attention of passersby who turned to look.
Ganli knew everyone was probably not in the mood to work today, so she had already told them not to do business in the evening. However, it was still early, and although there was no one in the shop, there were still quite a few pedestrians outside.
Hearing the commotion, they all looked over curiously, and many even stopped to watch the excitement.
Gan Li, who had gotten off the carriage behind, saw this scene and instead of rushing inside, she gestured to her second brother, Gan Mingyi, to recount what had happened that day.
Gan Mingyi had been holding back for a long time. He had no idea whether his younger sister's actions had any deeper meaning. He just felt that today's events were truly fascinating.
Now that he had the word, he immediately began to recount the events that had occurred in the courtroom, his spittle flying as he spoke.
He spoke so vividly that no one thought to go into a restaurant to sit down and talk; they all stood there listening intently.
Ganli glanced at the passersby around her, shuffling along like a snail, her ears perked up like a rabbit's, and smiled smugly.
Regardless of the era, reputation is of paramount importance to women, a fact that Ganli disagrees with but has no choice but to abide by.
The Gan Tao case has had a huge impact. If this opportunity is not used to clarify the situation, the future consequences will be immeasurable.
...
It has to be said that Gan Li really admires her second brother. Although he gets a little excited when he speaks and his saliva sprays a bit far, his speaking skills are really good. He tells the whole story with twists and turns, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats.
Everyone listened with a mixture of heartache and anger, and some even wiped away tears.
In the end, everyone was still somewhat reluctant to leave, feeling sorry for Gan Tao while also condemning the things Gan Tao's mother had done.
The people working in the restaurant were all from Yuxi Village. When they learned that Gan Tao Niang's leg had actually healed long ago, they were all shocked and angry.
"Is this something a human being would do? Gan Tao works so hard just to support her family, and she's just pretending to be sick and enjoying herself without a care in the world!"
"I've never seen a mother like this before. This is truly an eye-opener."
"Alright, Gan Tao, although you've suffered a lot this time, as the saying goes, after hardship comes happiness. From now on, you'll have good days ahead!"
Everyone agreed with her words, and even passersby couldn't help but join in comforting Gan Tao.
The reason is simple: this girl is just too pitiful!
Seeing everyone comforting her, Gan Tao was deeply moved and bowed respectfully to them, saying, "Gan Tao has never done anything to deserve such concern from you all..."
Grandma Gan helped her up, tears still on her face, and gently patted Gan Tao's hand.
"Good girl, from now on, this is your home. Don't think about anything else. We don't need that kind of mother anymore!"
As she spoke, she couldn't help but shed tears again.
Old Man Gan laughed at her: "This is a happy occasion, why are you crying! You're sensible, what are you standing there for? Hurry up and bring out what we've prepared!"
Gan Mingli hurriedly replied, "I was prepared long ago! It's just that the second brother's story was so captivating that I almost forgot!"
As he spoke, he held up what he was holding—a large string of bright red firecrackers!
This is usually only set off during happy occasions.
Gan Tao was both surprised and touched. Before she could speak, Gan Li had already pulled her to stand in the middle.
Ganli said with a grin, "You'd better stand still and let these firecrackers wash away the bad luck on you."
After saying that, he didn't forget to tell Gan Mingyi to throw the firecracker far away.
The crackling sounds dispelled the gloom in everyone's hearts, and in the firelight, everyone's face was filled with smiles.
...
Old Man Gan prepared two full tables of dishes to celebrate Gan Tao's return home. Everyone sat around the table, and after a few rounds of drinks, Gan Li announced that Gan Tao would soon be going to the capital.
The matter of Princess Chang's search for the embroiderer was something Gan Li had only asked Gan Tao privately before, without publicizing it. Therefore, everyone was learning about it for the first time today.
Hearing that Gan Tao was about to go and do things for the Princess, everyone was extremely envious, but they also knew in their hearts that this was not because the shopkeeper was biased, but because Gan Tao herself had the ability.
Everyone congratulated Gan Tao, but in their hearts they felt that Gan Tao's mother was clueless.
—Isn't this a wonderful thing? I never imagined that someone would turn against their daughter just so she could be successful!
Hearing everyone's sincere words of advice, Gan Tao couldn't help but glance at the boy sitting opposite her.
Unbeknownst to her, the man was also looking at her.
Gan Tao was startled, her eyes instinctively shifting away, but then quickly turning back in the next instant.
She stared at him stubbornly, but saw that besides reluctance, his eyes only held joy—joy for her.
Realizing this, Gan Tao's last bit of unease disappeared, and she returned his bright smile.
...
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