Li Luoxue tugged at Jiang Wanzhu's sleeve and said, "Don't ask why! Big sister is our savior. Aren't you going to listen to your savior?"
"I'm listening, I'm listening," Jiang Wanzhu said hurriedly.
Shen Yuan continued, "If your family asks, just say that you were sold to a mansion to work as a maid for two months, and that these injuries were inflicted by the master you served. Do you understand?"
"Got it!" Li Luoxue and Jiang Wanzhu nodded obediently.
Shen Yuan then looked at Xiao Ling. She had nothing to say to Xiao Ling. After thinking for a moment, Shen Yuan turned around, reached into her inner garment, and took out the half-gold coin from the pocket sewn inside her bodice.
Although Xiao Ling was only three years older than Shen Yuan, he was much taller than her. So even though Shen Yuan had her back turned, Xiao Ling could still clearly see where she had taken the gold from.
How could anyone hide gold in a bellyband?
Moreover, this piece of gold is not just gold; it is also his waist token.
Shen Yuan painstakingly sawed off a small piece of gold and handed it to Xiao Ling, saying, "You have some money left over from the consultation fee you gave me. Consider this your change. Take it and keep it for your travel expenses."
After saying this, Shen Yuan stuffed the small piece of gold into Xiao Ling's palm, then turned and walked into the courtyard, locking the gate behind her.
Xiao Ling watched Shen Yuan's retreating figure without turning her head, then slowly lowered his eyes, his gaze falling on the small piece of gold in his palm, which seemed to still retain the girl's body heat and fragrance.
When Granny Liu woke up and saw that Xiao Ling was no longer at the pharmacy, she assumed that he had gone out to buy something.
When Xiao Ling still hadn't returned by almost lunchtime, Granny Liu couldn't help but ask Shen Yuan, "Where did Young Master Xiao go?"
Shen Yuan said calmly, "His injuries have healed, and he's gone home."
"He's home?" Granny Liu was stunned. "Why so suddenly? He didn't say anything last night! If he had told me earlier, I could have made him something nice to eat on the way."
Granny Liu had no idea what had happened the night before, so when she suddenly heard that Xiao Ling had left, she found it hard to accept.
This child didn't even say hello to her!
Seeing that Granny Liu was not happy, Shen Yuan coaxed her, "The reason why Young Master Xiao didn't tell you was because he was afraid you would be sad."
"Well, well, all good things must come to an end." Granny Liu sighed softly and got up to go to the courtyard to keep busy.
Shen Yuan stared blankly at Liu Mama's hunched figure. Even though they hadn't known Xiao Ling for very long, why did they feel so down when they parted ways, as if they had lost a companion they could spend every day with?
Shen Yuan shook her head, stopping herself from thinking about it any further.
She went out to buy groceries for lunch.
When Shen Yuan arrived at the market, she saw a newly posted notice on the notice board. The person drawn on the notice looked somewhat like Xiao Ling. It was probably because the madam's description was not detailed enough, and the artist drew it very hastily.
The notice also stated that a reward of two hundred taels of silver would be offered for information leading to the capture of this fugitive.
After reading the notice, Shen Yuan, as usual, carried her vegetable basket to the market to haggle over prices.
As she expected, the authorities did indeed launch a large-scale manhunt for Xiao Ling. Fortunately, Xiao Ling left the city by carriage at daybreak.
Zuichunlou could get people from the yamen to come, but it couldn't get the military garrison to come, so Xiao Ling left the city without any hindrance.
It's just unknown who the owner of Zuichunlou is, that the government could make such a big show of arresting people.
In the wealthy man's mansion, after hearing the maid's report, Aunt Zhao smashed her teacup on the ground.
The room fell silent in fright. The maid who brought the news knelt on the ground, trembling. "Madam, the steward has already reported it to the authorities. I believe the thief will be caught in a few days!"
"Fool! That thief is so skilled, do you think they can catch him so easily? Instead of wasting time on him, we should cut ties with those dealers!"
Aunt Zhao covered her chest with a handkerchief, took a few deep breaths, and her tone calmed down.
"Go and pass on my message: from today onwards, all girls under the age of twelve in the building shall stay in the back courtyard to teach and do chores, and shall not be allowed to go to the front courtyard! As well, get rid of those girls of unknown origin as soon as possible!"
Only by covering up those shady deals before the thieves turn around and accuse them of trafficking children and forcing women into prostitution can they avoid giving others any ammunition against them.
After giving her instructions, Aunt Zhao sent the maid away.
She rubbed her temples in frustration, feeling that this year was truly an unlucky one.
Either the first wife, who had been unable to conceive for a long time, was suddenly diagnosed with pregnancy by the doctor, or her prized business had run into trouble and might get her into legal trouble, requiring her to send money to the government.
Seeing that Aunt Zhao was very agitated, Chu Qiuyue stepped forward to massage Aunt Zhao's shoulders and back, saying, "Aunt, please don't be angry, or you'll harm your health!"
As Aunt Zhao enjoyed her niece's service, she naturally relaxed. Leaning back in her chair, she lazily asked, "How are your brother's preparations going lately? Master has gone to great lengths for him these past few days, spending a lot of money to get in touch with the Prefect and Old Master Murong. He even paid for the Dao-enlightening Banquet specifically for him. He absolutely cannot let me down!"
"Don't worry, Aunt. My brother has been studying diligently these past few days. He's so smart and hardworking. As long as Mr. Murong has good judgment, he will definitely choose my brother!" Chu Qiuyue said with a smile.
Aunt Zhao nodded. She had been in the wealthy man's mansion for ten years, but had only given birth to two daughters and had no one she could rely on.
If Chu Yuning can successfully become a disciple of Master Murong, and in the future pass the imperial examination, become a high-ranking official, she will have a family she can rely on, and she won't have to worry about being without support!
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