Zhao Xiu returned to the village, her skin torn and bleeding, only to be met with resistance from the entire village. They drove Zhao Xiu and her daughter out.
Zhao Xiu wandered the streets with Xiao Cao, not knowing where she should go in this world. She could only hold Xiao Cao and sigh.
Xiao Cao wanted to find Li Rou Niang, but how could Zhao Xiu have the face to look for her now? She got her wish and really left Zhao Er Gou, but how could she live after leaving like this?
Finally, Zhao Xiu gritted her teeth and left the county town with Xiao Cao. She took the necessary documents and prepared to return to her original Zhao family village to start anew.
Rongniang was also beaten black and blue, and limped back to the Wu residence, only to be told that Wu Yong had resigned from his official post, sold everything, sold the house, and left with Xiaorou, without telling her where they went.
Rongniang sat at the door, weeping uncontrollably, feeling extremely unwell. Her parents rushed over and pulled her home. It turned out her father had betrothed her to a butcher, who reportedly already had five children; she was his third wife.
The first two were beaten to death. Rong Niang, oh no, now she has reverted to her identity as Zhao Daya. At this moment, she was helpless and had no one to turn to. Before her injuries had even healed, she was tied up and thrown into the bridal sedan chair.
As for Zhao Ergou, he developed a high fever after being beaten. He didn't last three days and died just like that. It's truly heartbreaking.
He was so lucky to crawl out of the corpses and survive, yet in the end, he silently brought about his own demise.
Heaven spared his life, but he failed to seize the opportunity, and it is unknown whether he regretted it before he died.
Qian Ruyi, in her prison cell, desperately wanted to contact her parents. The constables, having no other option, contacted the Qian family, only to find that Master Qian was already traveling and not at home; it was Qian Duobao who came instead.
Qian Ruyi saw Qian Duobao sneer: "You hate me, don't you? Duobao, do you hate me to death?"
Qian Duobao shook his head and said, "You are no longer important to me, so I don't hate you. I just feel sorry for you."
There's something I've never understood. You could have been the eldest daughter of the Qian family, so why did you choose to present yourself like this?
"Don't you understand? Your mother is a high-ranking lady, and you are the legitimate child of the Qian family. You were born with a silver spoon in your mouth and are destined to inherit the family's vast wealth. How can you understand me, a child who was never expected from birth?"
My father never knew I existed. I watched my mother die in my arms before he brought me back. Seeing your life of luxury while I was starving and cold in the mountains, how could I not hate you? No matter how hard I tried, my father never saw me.
If I don't do something, then I'll be like the air—nobody cares, nobody pays attention!
"That's not how it is. Your mother originally arranged several marriages for you, but you rejected them all. Your mother originally treated you like her own son, but you repeatedly framed me, which broke your mother's heart."
It was your own doing that led to your expulsion from the family. We, your mother and I, have never harmed you; on the contrary, you have done so time and again.
Your father wasn't uncaring. Even though he kicked you out of the house, he still gave you enough money to live on for the rest of your life. But you squandered all that wealth, and what did you get in the end? It's laughable. You still don't understand, and you're just here complaining and blaming your bad luck. I really wasted my life coming here.”
As Qian Duobao turned to leave, Qian Ruyi finally couldn't hold back and rushed forward. She reached out and grabbed Qian Duobao's robe, saying, "Duobao, I was wrong, Duobao. Please save me! Think about how good I was to you when we were little. Please save me, okay? I don't want to die."
Qian Duobao forcefully pulled out his robe and turned to leave. At the door, he said, "If you hadn't begged me, I would have respected your stubborn foolishness, but now that you've asked, I understand you're a ruthless person."
But I will give you a proper burial after you die. I hope that in your next life you will be a good person, which would fulfill our sibling bond.
"Qian Duobao, you'll die a horrible death! I hate you all!" Qian Ruyi shouted at the end!
Li Rouniang came out.
"Mom~" The three children surrounded her, and the mother and daughters were reunited, crying and laughing.
Xiao Shan watched from the side, and Li Rou Niang went over and hugged him. Xiao Shan felt Li Rou Niang's unconditional love for him and felt warm inside.
"Rou Niang." Old Man Mo stepped forward, and Li Rou Niang called out to him.
"It's good to be back. Hurry home and get ready. We'll give you a proper welcome." Zhang Niangzi said, stepping forward to help Li Rou Niang. The group returned to the pastry shop in a grand procession.
"Come, come, step over the brazier before you come in to ward off bad luck." Madam Liu prepared the brazier.
Then Da Ni and Er Ni took mugwort dipped in water and symbolically patted Li Rou Niang from head to toe.
"Rou Niang, go change your clothes quickly. I'll prepare the food," Zhang Niangzi said with a smile.
Actually, it was made by Madam Liu; she just used it as a way to present it to the Buddha.
Da Ni, Er Ni, and the others also obediently helped out. Li Rou Niang felt incredibly happy watching everyone busy at work.
Li Rouniang entered the bedroom, where a new dress was hanging.
"See? My taste is pretty good, isn't it!" Madam Zhang rarely took such a careful step when choosing a product.
"Thank you, Sister Zhang!" Li Rouniang said sincerely.
"Don't be so polite!" Madam Zhang waved her hand. "Hurry up, or the food will get cold and won't taste good!"
"I understand," Li Rouniang replied with a smile.
After everyone was seated and just as they were about to eat, Li Si and Zhang San came over.
"Why are you so late? We've been waiting for you!" Madam Zhang stood up.
At this moment, Li Si suddenly appeared behind him, revealing Lord Gu: "Lord Gu has arrived."
Upon hearing this, everyone rushed to greet them. Li Rouniang was the first to step forward and express her gratitude: "Thank you, Lord Gu, for your keen insight and for restoring my innocence."
"Then you've thanked the wrong person. The person you should thank isn't me," Lord Gu said with a smile.
Li Rouniang looked up at Lord Gu, puzzled. Lord Gu continued, "This case originally stalled after it reached Zhao Ergou. I originally intended to exile you, thinking I could investigate it more slowly over time. Unexpectedly, General Mo arrived, and he ordered these people to investigate the pharmacy as a breakthrough."
It wasn't just Zhao Ergou's pharmacy that was investigated, but all the pharmacies in the town! This led to the discovery of the maidservant of Qian Ruyi buying medicine. Of course, Young Master Qian also played a significant role; he located the upstream supplier of Zhao Ergou's pharmacy. With their combined efforts, they managed to turn the tide and uncover the true culprit.
"Then I'll trouble you to thank General Mo for me." Li Rou Niang was still unaware of the connection between General Mo and her.
"If Madam Li wishes to express her gratitude, she should do so in person. He's here; he's right outside the door," Lord Gu said with a smile.
Upon hearing this, Li Rouniang hurriedly walked towards the door, only to see a familiar figure standing at the entrance.
Before the man could turn around, Li Rouniang was already in tears.
Mo Bei is back.
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