Despite the scolding from her parents, the third aunt allowed Cheng Baidong to take the man to the police station.
Fortunately, there were enough witnesses. Cheng Baidong also knew people in the Public Security Bureau and got a definite answer that the existing evidence was enough to convict him of hooliganism, which would result in at least three years in prison.
A joyous occasion should have been celebrated with happiness, but this unexpected turn of events occurred. Fortunately, Xiaoqiang had already driven the donkey cart to send off all the bride's relatives, otherwise the bride's family would have made a fool of themselves.
Auntie felt incredibly guilty, but Qiuju was understanding and didn't take it to heart.
Fang Qiao stayed at her third aunt's house with Xiao Jing until she fell asleep before leaving.
Xiao Jing's condition had been gradually improving, but after this fright, she reverted to her old ways. She was not only afraid of the dark and strangers, but also lost her appetite and showed signs of suicidal thoughts again.
They all understood that in this era, a woman from the countryside with a bad reputation could be treated however she pleased.
Just like that man today, even if he was caught in public, he could still turn the tables and accuse Xiaojing of seducing him.
If Xiaojing hadn't had her mother's love like her third aunt's, she might have been forced by her family to marry the man who had bullied her.
The man was unharmed and even got a wife for free.
Fang Qiao was extremely worried. She couldn't bear to see a vibrant life wither away, and an idea gradually formed in her mind.
After returning home, she told Cheng Baidong, "I want to take Xiaojing with me to Beijing."
Cheng Baidong had no objection: "Bring it if you want."
Anyway, the small courtyard allocated to him by his work unit was big enough, with three bedrooms and two living rooms, and there were also outbuildings in the courtyard, so he could live comfortably.
Fang Qiao's idea coincided with that of her third aunt.
My aunt didn't sleep all night, keeping her eyes open until dawn.
The next morning, after discussing it with her son and daughter-in-law, she went to Fang Qiao's house.
Without saying a word, he knelt down in front of her.
Fang Qiao was so shocked that she quickly helped her up: "Third Aunt, what are you doing? You are my elder, how can you kneel before me? This is too much of an insult to me."
"Xiao Qiao, your third aunt... needs your help today."
My aunt spoke with difficulty, "You've already helped me so much these past few days, and I haven't known how to thank you enough. I shouldn't have asked you about this before, but... I really don't know what to do. I know you're in a difficult position too, but with Xiaojing like this, I'm afraid that if she stays here any longer, the gossip around her will drive her to her death sooner or later..."
"Could you... could you take Xiaojing with you to the capital?"
Third Aunt knew that her request was too much to ask, after all, Beijing was the capital, not an easy place to go.
But she was terrified. She was afraid that if Xiaojing didn't leave soon, she would die in this man-eating place!
Even her maternal grandparents considered Xiaojing a thorn in their side, let alone others.
"Third Aunt..."
Third Aunt was hoping Fang Qiao would agree, but as soon as she opened her mouth, Third Aunt suddenly became afraid.
Afraid of hearing Fang Qiao's rejection, she blinked, and tears instantly streamed down her face like pearls falling from a broken string.
She hurriedly interrupted Fang Qiao, trying to explain and cover up her mistake: "Qiao, um, um... I, I don't want you to help for nothing. Xiao Jing can do everything, she can take care of children, sew clothes, and cook. If you take her with you, I'll have her be your nanny. You just need to take care of her meals. She has a small appetite and doesn't eat much; she won't eat much food in a month."
She shakily pulled out a handful of loose change, tightly wrapped in a handkerchief, from her inner pocket: "I have forty-eight yuan here. Twenty-nine of it was my betrothal gift to Qiuju, which she brought back as part of her dowry. Knowing my difficulties, she took out this money voluntarily. The rest is the money I received from relatives and neighbors at yesterday's banquet. I'm giving it all to you. Please, please give Xiaojing a way to live... Waaah."
As she spoke, Auntie San couldn't help but burst into tears.
The hearts of mothers are truly pitiful.
Fang Qiao sighed, "Third Aunt, don't cry, I promise. Actually, I already discussed it with Bai Dong yesterday, and we're going to take Xiao Jing with us. Even if you hadn't come to beg me today, I would have come to you anyway."
Third Aunt was completely surprised that Fang Qiao agreed so easily, and thought she had misheard.
She was stunned at first, then burst into tears of joy, holding Fang Qiao's hand and thanking him profusely.
Fang Qiao refused her third aunt's money.
When the day of departure arrived, her third aunt saw her and Xiaojing off in Cheng Baidong's jeep, and magically produced a large bundle from behind the door, stuffing it into the trunk.
Fang Qiao rolled down the car window and said, "No."
Third Aunt ignored her and waved her hand, signaling Cheng Baidong to drive away quickly.
"Hurry up, or we'll miss the train."
Cheng Baidong's train ticket was for a departure at 6:00 AM, and the journey took 11.5 hours, arriving in Beijing at 5:30 PM.
Because Xiaocheng Village is a half-hour drive from the county's train station, we had to set off before dawn.
The journey is long, so we'll travel light.
Fang Qiao held An An in her arms, while Xiao Jing held Tian Tian's hand.
Cheng Baidong only carried two lightweight leather suitcases; everything else had been stored in his personal storage space.
With Xiao Jing around, the big bundle given to her by her third aunt could only be carried in her hands.
The county's train station was just a small stop, with a stop time of only five minutes. From ticket inspection to boarding, you had to run as fast as you could, or a whistle would sound on the platform urging you to hurry up.
Cheng Baidong and Fang Qiao boarded the green train with Xiao Jing and the two children one after the other. Before they even found their place, the train had already started moving.
Fortunately, it was just dawn, and at this time of day, there weren't many people on the train, and the aisle where people were looking for seats was nearly empty.
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