Chapter 22 You Must Be My Wife Even If You Die
The group of people who came in looked very aggressive, and the noise they made scared Su Chaochao who was in the room.
Su Wanwan believed that she had never done anything bad like murder or arson. It couldn't be that the affair between Uncle Pei and her mother had been exposed. Even if it was true, they shouldn't have looked for her.
She glanced towards the room guiltily and said, "I am Su Wanwan. What are you doing here, sir?"
The leading yamen runner's surname was Xiong. When he heard Su Wanwan admit it, he looked her up and down and felt that she was truly a vicious woman, a pretty woman with a skeleton in her arms. Otherwise, how could she do such a thing that would shorten her life?
"Someone accused you of forcibly occupying the identity of Pei Xiucai's wife from Peijia Village to defraud the imperial court of subsidies, and of abusing Pei Xiucai to the point that he was no longer human. Do you admit it?"
Xiong, the new official, couldn't wait to catch a few people to prove himself. Without caring about Su Wanwan's reaction, he called for people to arrest her.
"Hey! When did I do these things? Even if you want to arrest me, you have to provide evidence!" Su Wanwan dodged the hand of a yamen runner who was about to grab her arm, "Scholar Pei, why don't you just sit in the room and ask him whether I did those things or not?"
Because Pei Changfeng had difficulty walking, when Su Chaochao pushed open the door and walked out, a group of people had already surrounded Su Wanwan.
"Stop!" he shouted angrily, "Why are the government arresting my wife for no reason?"
"Your wife?" The yamen runner Xiong had never seen Pei Changfeng before, and frowned at him. "Mr. Pei is clearly bedridden and unable to speak. If you are not Mr. Pei, who are you?"
Widow Liu hurriedly said, "He is Pei Xiucai, how could he not be! If you don't believe me, go out and ask around. Everyone in the village knows that Pei Xiucai has woken up! Please release my daughter!"
Ordinary people who went to the yamen to file a complaint would be beaten with fifteen sticks. Yamen runner Xiong didn't believe that Wu Sanniang had the courage to do that. Besides, Wu Sanniang was Pei Changfeng's aunt, so she would not deceive the yamen.
"Okay, let's believe you are Mr. Pei. Then the woman next to you is really your wife?" The yamen runner Xiong looked at her with a gleaming look. "What if she staged this herself, poisoned you and then revived you to deceive the yamen?"
Su Wanwan was so angry that her chest hurt. She hugged Pei Changfeng's arm and said angrily, "If I'm not his wife, who else can I be? He was able to wake up thanks to my good service. Did the official hear these rumors from somewhere? How dare he wrongly accuse me like this?"
"I wronged you?" Xiong Yacha snorted, "Then do you have evidence that you didn't abuse Pei Xiucai?"
Su Wanwan was about to argue when Pei Changfeng patted her on the back and whispered something in her ear.
The servant Xiong looked at the two people whispering to each other and coughed unhappily.
Su Wanwan relaxed her brows and said to the yamen runner Xiong, "Sir, when I got married, my husband was already ill and unconscious. I used up my dowry to buy him medicine and take care of him until he got better. If you don't believe me, you can go ask the village chief or anyone in the village. They all know. I, Su Wanwan, have a clear conscience on this point."
When the yamen runner Xiong heard this, he thought to himself that something was wrong. Could it be that he had been fooled? So he called the village chief to ask about it. When he learned that the fact was just as Su Wanwan said, his face turned dark. He had been fooled by a woman. If this got out, how could he still stay in the yamen?
"Where's the family tree? Bring it here so I can see it."
The village chief was embarrassed and explained, "Mrs. Changfeng married in to bring good luck, and it was a busy farming season, so I didn't write Mrs. Changfeng's name on the list. I originally planned to wait until Changfeng was well before taking everyone to the ancestral hall..."
"So, Su Wanwan is not Pei Xiucai's legitimate wife?"
Widow Liu was anxious, "How can this not be counted? Our Wanwan married into the family, got married, and consummated the marriage. She has been diligently serving him for so long, how can this not be counted!"
It would have been fine if Widow Liu didn't say anything. But when Su Wanwan mentioned it, she felt aggrieved. It seemed that she had not consummated her marriage for so long and her marriage was not even recorded in the family tree.
"Master Xiong," Pei Changfeng gently held Su Wanwan's shoulders, as if to comfort her, and then said to Xiong Yacha, "Wanwan is indeed my wife. Although I was still ill at that time, we were married."
"Forget it." The yamen runner Xiong was at a loss for words. Even if he really caught Su Wanwan, he would not be able to get away with it when the adults decided on her.
Su Wanwan rolled her eyes and ordered Su Chaochao, "Go, pour some water for the officials."
After drinking the water, Xiong Yayi felt very annoyed. He didn't want to bother Pei Changfeng any more. He bowed to apologize and prepared to leave.
Su Wanwan pretended to complain casually, "I really don't know who is so stupid to ruin someone's reputation. I heard from my husband that there seems to be some kind of punishment for ruining someone's reputation... Alas, I would never dare to do that, and I even deceived the official."
After hearing her words, Xiong Yayi's mind worked for a moment and he immediately took his men back to the town.
Wu Sanniang sat in the room eating melon seeds, waiting smugly for Xiong Yacha to bring the man back.
She said, "I really don't know how that bitch will beg for mercy. It would be best if I took her in and gave her dozens of slaps. That would make me feel better!"
Zhou Chanyue was restless. The only thing she was sure of now was that Su Wanwan was not her cousin's real wife. That Xiong yamen runner was eager to show off his achievements. Impersonating the wife of a scholar was not a small crime. Once Su Wanwan was caught, her cousin would be able to live in her house.
Anyway, her cousin has woken up now, and her mother can’t stop him.
"Mom," Zhou Chanyue asked, "So when Su Wanwan is caught, should we bring our cousin over?"
"Why bring him back?" Wu Sanniang spat out a mouthful of melon seed shells. "Let him live in the village. Can't we just go there every few days? Bringing him back will take up space and look unlucky. I've heard that people won't die if they don't eat or drink for a few days."
"No, mother, think about it, what if my cousin dies accidentally? How can we get the money then?" Zhou Chanyue was anxious, "I'm getting married soon, mother, you have to save up some dowry for me. Besides, my brother is getting married too, so you'd better take my cousin over!"
Wu Sanniang sensed something was wrong, "Are you still thinking about that loser, you damn girl?"
"That's impossible! I'm really thinking about our family!" Zhou Chanyue stamped her feet. "If you don't listen to me, forget it."
"If you have any more thoughts, I will beat you or not," Wu Sanniang glanced at Zhou Chanyue, "That dead loser only has five taels of silver a year, and you still take him home to serve him? Bah, it's good enough to give him a bite to eat. I tell you, this money is for your brother to marry a wife, don't worry about it."
Zhou Chanyue gritted his teeth, knowing that Wu Sanniang was biased and it was useless for him to say more. He became anxious in his heart. If his mother didn't go to pick him up, his cousin would probably really hate them. Besides, now that his cousin had woken up, wouldn't it be a matter of time before he pulled himself together and passed the imperial examination?
The sun was burning like a furnace, and Zhou Chanyue's forehead was covered with sweat. "Mom, I'm telling you the truth. My cousin has woken up. I will definitely marry him after Su Wanwan is driven away. My cousin is such a good student, it's only a matter of time before I become the wife of a Shangguan. You should hurry up and bring my cousin to our home!"
Wu Sanniang paused while cracking melon seeds. "What? What did you say?"
"I said my cousin is awake!"
As soon as Zhou Chanyue finished speaking, Wu Sanniang slapped him in the face, "You idiot, why didn't you tell me?"
"Mom, why did you hit me? Go pick up your cousin right now!"
Wu Sanniang's body shook. How could Pei Changfeng wake up? She had clearly hit him on the head several times, and it was all bloody... How could he wake up?
Her hands were shaking. "Are you sure he's awake?"
"Why would I lie to you?" Zhou Chanyue was puzzled. "Mom, why are you so pale?"
Wu Sanniang calmed herself down and thought, nothing's wrong, just wake up. If she could kill Pei Changfeng once, she could kill him a second time!
"Bang, bang, bang"
The door to the Wu family yard was knocked. Wu Sanniang went to open the door angrily, "Who is it? Stop knocking! The door is broken."
As soon as she opened the door, the yamen runner Xiong looked at her with a sneer.
"How dare you, Wu Sanniang, lie to me!"
Wu Sanniang glared at Zhou Chanyue and explained in a flattering manner, "Master Xiong, I really didn't know Pei Changfeng had woken up. Did you capture Su Wanwan on this trip? My poor nephew has been bullied like this, Master, you must punish her severely!"
The bear guard looked at her and asked, "So what do you think should be the punishment?"
"It would be best if he was given dozens of lashes!" Wu Sanniang rubbed her hands. "Sir, are you tired? Come in and have some tea."
The bear guard waved his hand and said, "Come here, arrest this thief!"
"Mr. Xiong, why are you arresting me? You've arrested the wrong person!" Wu Sanniang struggled.
Zhou Chanyue asked quickly, "Master Xiong, did you misunderstand me? What did my mother do that made you arrest her?"
The bear yamen runner exhaled through his nose, "Your mother falsely accused the scholar's wife and went to the yamen to file a false complaint. These two crimes combined will get you thirty lashes."
"Thirty lashes of the cane!" Wu Sanniang's eyes rolled back and she fainted.
Zhou Chanyue's figure shook, "Master, my mother..."
"Okay, you don't have to say anything." The yamen runner Xiong was too lazy to say more to her. He asked people to pick up Wu Sanniang from both sides and go back to the yamen.
The neighbors around were pointing and talking. Zhou Chanyue couldn't afford to lose face, so he closed the door and went back into the house.
Pei family.
Su Wanwan was in a very bad mood. After dinner, she sat in the yard and looked at the stars.
The sky is full of stars, it looks like tomorrow will be another good day.
The night was still hot and humid, and Su Wanwan felt irritated, so it felt like a blister had appeared in her mouth, and it hurt a lot.
Pei Changfeng came out after washing up and saw her sitting there fanning herself slowly. He knew without asking that she was worried about something.
But Pei Changfeng was not a person who could comfort others. All he could do was sit not far away to keep her company.
Su Wanwan leaned on the bamboo chair, with one bare foot on a small stool, glancing at him.
"Husband, do you have anything to say to me?"
"Miss Su, are you worried about something?" Pei Changfeng asked in a gentle voice.
Su Wanwan got angry when she heard the name "Miss Su". What's the point of calling her "girl" or not? They have slept together for so long, but he still calls her Miss Su. It really makes her angry.
"Husband, can you please not call me Miss Su?" Su Wanwan raised her eyebrows slightly.
Pei Changfeng looked at her, as if asking her what she meant.
Su Wanwan pouted her red lips, "We are husband and wife now, can't you just call me Wanwan? It's so strange to keep calling me Miss Su. People who don't know would think I did something to you."
"Miss Su..." After being glared at, Pei Changfeng changed his words somewhat unnaturally, "Wanwan, are you worried about something?"
Since he asked, Su Wanwan had nothing to hide.
"I don't think you want to be married to me, do you?"
Pei Changfeng didn't say anything, which was considered as his agreement.
Su Wanwan paused in fanning herself. "Look at me. Why are you asking me this question? Hey, when are you going to add my name to the family tree? This isn't a solution. If something like today happens again, won't I be wronged again?"
Pei Changfeng shook his head. "Wanwan, listen to me. Many things are not as simple as you think. My enemies are not limited to Uncle Pei and his men. What I have to face is extremely dangerous and I cannot get involved."
Su Wanwan lowered her eyes, weighing the pros and cons in her heart. After a while, she raised her eyes and asked, "Will I die?"
"Yes," Pei Changfeng looked at her face, "but what is more terrible than death is a life worse than death. Wanwan, do you understand what I mean?"
Su Wanwan understood what he meant. To live a life worse than death was nothing more than being a living dead without dignity, just like Pei Changfeng before.
She is not a timid person. On the contrary, she is extremely assertive and courageous.
Pei Changfeng only saw Su Wanwan burst into a smile, "Don't be afraid, my husband, Wanwan will be with you no matter what happens."
The sunset glow in the sky was like a silk thread, and Su Wanwan's smile was like the divine fire falling to the earth, so brilliant and dazzling.
Pei Changfeng's heart palpitated slightly, but he laughed at himself, "It's impossible, stop talking nonsense."
He had been hurt by betrayal, whether it was his family or friends. These people had been with him for more than ten years, but they could betray him and bring him to an irretrievable end. What about Su Wanwan?
Pei Changfeng was grateful for Su Wanwan's kindness, but he didn't believe that she would really accompany him through fire and water.
Su Wanwan pursed her lips, "How can you trust me?"
Pei Changfeng said nothing, just looked at the ground quietly.
There seemed to be a wall in his heart, blocking anyone from entering.
The sky is dark blue and the Big Dipper is bright.
Pei Changfeng didn't want to separate himself from anyone, so he stood up and said, "It's getting late, Wanwan, go back to your room and rest. I'll clean up the utility room and move in tomorrow."
"Pei Changfeng!"
Pei Changfeng continued to move forward.
The silence tonight was eerie. The two of them were still lying in the same bed, but something felt different. They seemed closer and yet more distant.
Su Wanwan kept thinking about how to make Pei Changfeng believe her. She didn't like this feeling, it was too weird.
She was not sleepy, and neither was Pei Changfeng.
Su Wanwan tossed and turned, and when the rooster crowed, Pei Changfeng felt sleepy, but was awakened by Su Wanwan.
Su Wanwan had crawled into his quilt without him noticing, and she hugged him tightly, refusing to let go, like a scoundrel, "I don't care, I won't live if you abandon me anyway, if you're alive I'll haunt you like a ghost, and if you die I'll tie you up and make you my wife!"
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