The magistrate of Changting County, relying on the fact that the emperor was far away and no one had ever bothered him before, was able to do whatever he wanted. Precisely because no one was restraining him, he became increasingly bold and arrogant, and the number of times he embezzled and accepted bribes increased, and the evil deeds he committed were too numerous to count.
He wasn't worried about being exposed, always believing that everything was under his control. Now, with the investigation by the Stars Sect's secret guards, all of the magistrate's misdeeds were easily uncovered.
In the end, he was confiscated, imprisoned, and executed in the autumn.
The whole process took only three days, and the catastrophic disaster that had been blocking the Chen family's way was resolved so easily.
“We will be leaving tomorrow. Aunt Bai, please keep this jade pendant. It has the royal mark on it. If you encounter any trouble in the future, you can use this pendant to plead with the officials. They will not dare to refuse you.” Xingxing handed a carved round jade pendant to Bai Yushuang.
Chen Tu and Bai Yushuang were extremely grateful. Words could not express their gratitude, so they could only give them more food to take on their journey.
The fact that Chen Yueru was told by the man surnamed Ye that he wanted to take her as a concubine really angered the Chen family. Chen Yueru is only nine years old this year and is still a child. That bastard is a real beast.
Yesterday, Xingxing had a serious talk with Bai Yushuang. She wanted to take Chen Yueru with her to the capital. "Although Ruru is still young and shouldn't be in a hurry to find a husband, it's still necessary to find a good man to settle down with. There aren't any good families in Changting County. Why don't we let her come to the capital with me? I'll ask my mother to arrange a good marriage for Ruru then."
Actually, Xingxing wasn't in a hurry to play matchmaker. She just liked bringing familiar people back to the capital so she wouldn't feel bored when she returned to the palace. Of course, if Chen Yueru didn't want to go, she wouldn't force her.
However, Bai Yushuang took Xingxing's words to heart and found them to be quite reasonable. The Chen family was now in decline, and it would be difficult for Ruru to find a good marriage partner. Moreover, they had only been in Changting County for a few years and did not know much about the people here. They were afraid they would not be able to find a good family to marry into.
Letting Chen Yueru return to the capital with the princess, regardless of whether she can find a good marriage, at least can raise her status, right?
After discussing it with Chen Tu, Bai Yushuang decided to let Chen Yueru return to the capital with Xingxing. Chen Yueru had no objection to this. She was always sensible. After listening to her parents' explanation, she readily agreed. This way, not only would her parents be at ease, but she could also go to the capital to play. Why not?
There are no more refugees on the streets now, and all places are busy with reconstruction and farming, presenting a thriving scene.
After a month and twenty days, Xingxing finally returned to the capital, bringing back a group of people she liked. However, in the end, apart from Chen Yueru, none of the others were willing to accompany her into the palace.
The Zhou family went to the Zhou Mansion, which was bestowed by the emperor, while the group from Xianwu Island went to the Zhu Mansion. Only Chen Yueru had no house to stay in, so she had to go to the palace with Xingxing. Although she was a little nervous about going to the palace, she was willing, after all, she also wanted to see what the palace was like.
"Brother Phosphorus, aren't you coming to the palace with me? You promised to stay by my side forever!" Xingxing glared at the white-robed boy with dissatisfaction.
“I’m fifteen now, and it’s not good for me to always live in the palace. There are so many concubines in the harem. For the sake of your father’s reputation, I should be more mindful of my behavior.” Zhu Lin’s eyes were smiling, but her tone was serious.
Hearing this, Xingxing sighed helplessly, "Alright, I understand. Ruru and I will go back to the palace first, and you can go back to your residence to rest. I will come to see you again in a few days."
Zhao Guihua thought for a moment and said to Xingxing, "Daughter, if you are bullied in the palace, come to us. Don't suffer alone."
"Yes, Mother, don't worry, no one dares to bully me." Xingxing is not a pushover who can be bullied. She is also very capable. In the past few years, in addition to disaster relief, she has also practiced martial arts in her spare time. Although her skills are not particularly good, she is more than capable of dealing with those concubines.
Meanwhile, Zhang Xiantao and Zhao Mingyue returned to the swamp forest. As they rode a large ox across the swamp, Zhao Shui and Song Zhaodi were waiting there. The couple had received a letter earlier, knowing that Zhao Mingyue had brought back someone she liked.
Zhao Shui and Song Zhaodi were both very happy, but they were also very angry when they learned that Zhang Xiantao's family did not agree to her marrying Zhao Mingyue and disliked his background.
What's wrong with Mingyue? She's good-looking, has a good temper, excellent kung fu skills, and good medical skills. What's there to complain about?
“People outside value social standing when it comes to marriage. Our family isn’t well-off, and we live in the forest. The maids and servants of the Zhang family gossip about us, saying that Da Zhuang and I look like savages, laughing at us for wearing animal skins, and laughing at us for not knowing manners.” Zhao Mingyue felt a little wronged. He had never been exposed to those things since he was a child, and he didn’t want to be bound by so-called rules and etiquette.
“If things are so bad outside, then we won’t go out. Our family lives in the swamp forest. We have everything we need here. Why should we deal with those malicious people outside?” Zhao Shui has never left the swamp forest since he was born until he was over thirty years old. He truly believed this.
Zhang Xiantao was also straightforward and disliked beating around the bush. She said directly, "That won't do. Although I like Mingyue and am willing to marry him, I don't want to live in the swamp forest. I want Mingyue to come and live with me outside."
"Since you like Mingyue, then stay for him. Why should he accommodate you?" Zhao Shui said with displeasure and a gloomy voice.
Zhang Xiantao, seeing that he was an elder, did not argue with him, but muttered, "Mingyue promised me, you can ask him if you don't believe me."
Zhao Mingyue nodded in agreement, “Dad, Grandma told me to go out and live a good life, and not to stay confined in the swamp forest anymore. Grandma also asked you to take Mom out with you.”
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