After I got out, I heard that the driver who caused the accident was still being watched, so I went to take a look.
Upon seeing Qu Xiaodie, the man apologized profusely once more.
"My lord, I really didn't mean it. This donkey has never heard firecrackers before. When it suddenly heard them, it was terrified. I tried my best to pull it but couldn't hold on. Please, my lord, have mercy and let me go!"
I'm willing to pay for that guy's medical expenses!
Seeing that the man seemed honest and kind, and that he was quite remorseful, and considering it was a joyous occasion and none of the children were injured, Qu Xiaodie decided not to pursue the matter further. Therefore, she said...
"Since you sincerely apologize, let's leave it at that. But since you did injure someone, just give the compensation to Chen Da directly. Be more careful when catching the train next time."
"Yes, yes, thank you for your kindness!"
After Qu Xiaodie finished speaking, she left. The man got up, found Chen Da, apologized symbolically, and gave him two taels of silver. There were too many people around today, so it wasn't a good place to talk. The two exchanged glances and left.
The banquet outside the mountain was extremely lively. Since chefs from four different restaurants were invited, each dish had a different flavor and style. People simply stopped sitting down, took a bite at one table, moved to another table to eat a few dishes, and then discussed with their companions which dish was the best.
Many people frankly said that after eating a lavish meal at a restaurant today, they couldn't even stomach their own simple meals when they got home!
Perhaps because Xie Yushu had prepared enough food, no matter which table we sat at, we were always able to eat. Moreover, with guards carrying knives maintaining order, the scene was not chaotic at all; on the contrary, it was a joyful and peaceful one.
At the villa, Xie Yushu had a few drinks with Han Zhongyu and the officials from the government office, exchanged a few polite words, and then let them eat on their own. Since she wasn't there, they felt more at ease as if they were family.
After leaving here, she went to visit the women of the official family. To be honest, Xie Yushu didn't know any of these women. She could only say some polite words to express the host's welcome.
However, given Xie Yushu's status, even if she didn't say anything, these people would shower her with compliments without reservation.
Xie Yushu smiled and made a few perfunctory remarks before handing the task over to Qu Xiaodie. She then returned to the inner courtyard, changed into casual clothes, and took her hair down, replacing it with the most comfortable updo. Dressing up in formal attire might look nice, but it was too much of a hassle!
After noon, the music ended and everyone left, and the villa returned to its peaceful state.
Han Zhongyu was bewildered today. He was a man who always acted with restraint, but his subordinates got him drunk and he had to be helped to his courtyard to sober up.
Xuanyuan Che was in poor health. After joining in the fun for a while and getting tired, he went back to his own courtyard to rest.
Outside, Wang Wu led his men to clean up the mountains again, while Qu Xiaodie went to Xie Yushu to tell her about the donkey cart accident that morning.
Upon hearing this, Xie Yushu also felt that something was amiss.
"The lawn is so big, how did they happen to park near Chu Jinyu and the others?"
Moreover, there had already been firecrackers going off for half a day, along with a Yangko dance troupe, a lion dance troupe, and a cacophony of gongs, drums, and firecrackers. The donkey hadn't been startled at all, so how did it happen to be startled by a few children?
Even more coincidentally, the two guards who were with the child disappeared, and Chen Da happened to be passing by!
With so many people and things going on in the morning, Qu Xiaodie didn't have time to think too much about it. But Xie Yushu's words made her feel even more that something was wrong.
"Could it be that they deliberately came for these children?"
But wouldn't it be easier to threaten us if they just kidnapped the children?
Xie Yushu pondered for a moment and said
"What if children are just tools for them to gain benefits?"
That threat of abduction pales in comparison to the promise of gratitude!
Qu Xiaodie heard this
"You mean, someone wants to use these kids to make a move against us?"
money?
Or do you want to split the deal?
Xie Yushu's analysis
"It's not someone else, but Chen Da, or rather the Chen brothers. Although this matter is not big, the only one who will ultimately benefit is Chen Da!"
He saved several children. Even if we give him money, we can't completely sever this so-called relationship. If this isn't a conspiracy, at the very least we should both be grateful.
He can actually do a lot with this gratitude!
For example—become a guard at the mountain resort!
It will be much more convenient to walk around the resort then.
Didn't Hongmei plead for him a few days ago?
If he did this on purpose, Hongmei will probably have to talk to you again in the next few days.
Just wait and see!
Qu Xiaodie felt a pang of sadness upon hearing this and sighed.
“That girl Hongmei just wouldn’t listen to advice!”
You can probably guess who this Chen Da is, right?
What brought you here?
Xie Yushu was also worried. She had put a lot of effort into raising these young girls, and she didn't know where Hongmei would end up!
She would rather Hongmei resign with dignity and go out to pursue love than face her betrayal.
And now, it's not so much betrayal as falling in love with someone who seems like the wrong person. There's nothing I can do but advise him. He sighed softly, furrowing his brow.
"It's hard to guess who they are, but their purpose is probably the repeating crossbows."
If it's about money or buying and selling, then we can talk about it openly and honestly.
Hongmei, try to persuade her first and see if you can calm her down. After what happened today, it's clear that Chen Da and his group are not just three people; otherwise, how could they have coordinated so perfectly?
The enemy is in the shadows, while we are in the light. Even if we manage to take down Chen Da, there's no guarantee that Li Da or Wang Da won't come along.
"Why not turn the tables on them?"
Qu Xiaodie was puzzled
"How exactly do you intend to turn the tables on them?"
Xie Yushu thought for a moment and said
"Since they want the repeating crossbows, they will definitely go into the manor, tell everyone, hold a secret internal meeting, and put the repeating crossbows into the armory first."
If Hongmei asks you to plead for Chen Da again, you should agree and find an opportunity to let the three Chen brothers in.
However, don't tell Hongmei that we suspect Chen Da. The young girl is blinded by love and might just go and tell Chen Da directly.
You need to come up with an excuse yourself.
At the same time, have Zhao Hu secretly deploy defenses around the armory. This matter must be kept strictly confidential; no one except you and the personnel involved in the deployment should be told.
I'll go find Xuan Yuanche later and have his men keep a tight watch outside the manor.
If he really came for the repeating crossbows, then we'll wipe them all out in one fell swoop.
"Hongmei, it all depends on her choice. I hope she's not confused!"
They've come through thick and thin together, from nothing to something. They've experienced so much disappointment and anticipation, and together they've created this paradise-like home. Especially in this patriarchal society, it's so precious for a woman to have a place free from oppression and exploitation, where she can grow freely!
They had come this far together, and their bond was no less than that of blood sisters. Neither of them wanted to lose the other halfway through. However, when it came to choosing between sisterly affection and the safety of the entire manor, or even the safety of the entire Great Qi, this was already the biggest concession Xie Yushu had made.
Qu Xiaodie naturally understood this principle, but she still felt uneasy and sighed.
"I'll talk to Hongmei about it."
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