Zhang Xianglian turned around and saw three siblings of different heights, weights, and builds.
There was Zheng Ruqian, there was a long banquet, and there was Jiang Sheng.
They stood behind her, their faces displaying different expressions, but their eyes were filled with laughter, much like mischievous children who were secretly pleased after playing a trick on their elders.
"You three..." She patted her chest, a rare hint of reproach in her eyes, "Why are you here in the middle of the night? You scared us to death."
"My aunt didn't tell us how you ended up here," Jiang Sheng pouted, clearly unconvinced.
Now it was Zhang Xianglian's turn to be embarrassed.
She hesitated for a moment, but finally decided to tell the truth: "The mother and daughter were begging in Jiuzhenfang. I felt sorry for them, so I helped them out. The food they ate was leftovers from the previous meal, and it would be a waste to throw it away, so I gave them some."
“When Ruqian asked me to recruit pastry chefs for Jiuzhenfang, I thought about asking Sister Miao to come and help, but she was tied up with her child and there was really no way for her to help.”
Zhang Xianglian smiled forlornly.
There were too many women who had similar experiences to her, and she couldn't help but lend a helping hand. Unfortunately, her strength was too weak; at most, she could only offer them food, not even a place to stay.
Just like six years ago, when she wanted to adopt Xiao Jiangsheng, she was beaten and kicked by Zhou Zhiqiang. She had no choice but to leave the little girl in the dilapidated temple at the entrance of the village and occasionally take care of her.
Later, she got divorced, made money, and even opened Jiuzhenfang with Zheng Ruqian.
But that was just her life alone.
She couldn't help Miao Zhaoying, nor could she help the many women who suffered beatings, insults, and humiliation in their husbands' homes.
That's how kind people are; once they've escaped their own predicament, they always want to help more people escape it too.
Some may accuse them of being overly sympathetic, while others may complain that they are meddling in other people's business.
But that's just their nature, and that's where their brilliance shines.
Gentleness is innate, kindness is a choice.
Unfortunately, kindness cannot buy power. She cannot change the world, nor can she save countless Miao Zhaoyings. All she can do is take a deep breath and then let out a long sigh.
It seemed like resentment, or perhaps helplessness.
On the deserted street, the boy's clear, cold voice stood out sharply, "Auntie, why didn't you tell us?"
Zhang Xianglian was taken aback.
“Yes, Auntie, tell us there will always be a solution,” Zheng Ruqian echoed.
Even Jiang Sheng nodded seriously, "Many hands make light work. Whenever my second brother and I encounter difficulties in business, we always ask our brothers for advice."
Perhaps the brothers don't understand business, but they have their own unique ideas and insights, and they can always carve out a way out of a tangled mess.
“I…” Zhang Xianglian hesitated, “I was afraid of bothering you, afraid you would think I was being nosy.”
Theoretically speaking, she was meddling in other people's business.
But Auntie, it is precisely because of meddlesome people like you that the world has light and warmth, and that we have the little Jiang Sheng we know today.
There is nothing wrong with helping the vulnerable within one's means.
As long as you don't have bad intentions, as long as you don't cause trouble, and as long as you are clear-headed enough.
Even among those you've helped, there will be ungrateful people.
“I accept it all,” Zhang Xianglian said softly. “Helping is helping, I have no intention of getting anything in return, and I will never bother those who are unreasonable.”
It's clear that the aunt is genuinely afraid of causing trouble for the children.
Changyan finally felt relieved and said calmly, "Auntie can have that aunt sell her daughter before the divorce."
"Huh?" Zhang Xianglian looked up in shock.
Zheng Ruqian added from the side, "First, sell her to Jiang Sheng as a maid. Once her mother has saved enough money to redeem her, she will be freed."
After being sold, the registered household registration belongs to the individual, who is not under the control of either parent.
With no more reservations, Miao Zhaoying proposed a divorce, which would allow her to keep half of the money from selling her daughter—the least risky way to escape.
After figuring out all the intricacies, Zhang Xianglian was both surprised and delighted. "The children are so clever, you are all so clever!"
"I...I...I'll go tell Sister Miao right away." She turned to go back, but Jiang Sheng stopped her.
The little girl pretended to be mature, saying, "It's getting dark, Auntie should go back and rest first, what if we really run into bad people?"
"Yes, okay, I'll do whatever you say." Zhang Xianglian was so happy that tears welled up in her eyes. She took Xiao Jiangsheng's hand with one hand, and her steps became much lighter. "Come on, let's go home. Auntie will stew a big pork knuckle for you tomorrow."
The group of four walked with ease, and occasionally the clear laughter of a little girl could be heard echoing through the street, lingering for a long time.
Shortly after they left, the Imperial Guards on night patrol emerged from the darkness.
The two men who were in the lead held swords and looked at each other in confusion as they stared in the direction where Changyan and the others had left.
"Didn't you think that the way that child spoke just now was a bit like..." The thinner guard frowned in confusion.
The fatter one shook his head. "How could that be? They've been missing for so many years. We practically turned Fengjing upside down back then, but we still couldn't find them."
"Shh, let's not talk about it." The thinner guard fell silent. "This is a taboo of the imperial family; it cannot be spread."
"Let's go, let's continue patrolling."
The group carried lanterns and walked forward, both to check the cleanliness of Fengjing Street and to prevent theft and robbery.
In the blink of an eye, the New Year has passed.
Jiuzhenfang, a popular pastry shop catering to the general public, must open for business on the tenth day of the first lunar month.
Zhang Xianglian offered Miao Zhaoying a plan, and Miao indeed returned on the fifth day of the new year, suggesting that they sell Daya to raise some money.
The men in the family were overjoyed, praising her for finally getting it.
At this moment, the playboy Zheng Gongzi appeared, fanning himself with a folding fan. He first picked and chose, then reluctantly clicked his tongue and agreed to pay only ten taels of silver for Daya.
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