72 - Little Peasant Wife

I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that request. If you have any other questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask! He was unwilling to give up and checked again. Inside, there were two pouches that were empty, with simple patterns, but Han Ju Ren noticed them immediately. Jing Ao Xue, standing to the side, remarked coolly, “Some people just can't change their ways... well, it's too crude a term to use, so I'll refrain. Back in the day, he took so much from me and still didn't feel grateful, instead turning around and accusing me. Now, I reckon he plans to take my stuff again. It's a pity he's a scholar!” Han Ju Ren's face flushed. Even though Jing Ao Xue didn't name names, everyone present understood who was being ridiculed. Han Ju Ren quickly dropped the pouches as if burned and flung them towards Jing Ao Xue. Shen Lu Man skillfully caught them, hanging them back at her waist. Jing Ao Xue lazily leaned on Shen Lu Man and said, “Honey, you're so capable, catching even such hidden weapons. It's lucky you’re here; otherwise, I might have been secretly harmed by him.” “You…” Han Ju Ren trembled with anger and said, “What nonsense are you talking about? They're just a few pouches! I don't believe they could kill you!” Jing Ao Xue rolled her eyes. “You never know. But I'm short on time. If there's nothing wrong, then I'm proven innocent. Can we go?” Han Ju Ren was reluctant, intending to pick a fight. But Jing Ao Xue suddenly raised an eyebrow, smiling brightly, and said, “If someone still wants to keep me here, that means he harbors illicit intentions. Honey, you saw it yourself; he wants to misbehave with me, you'd better protect me, or else…” Han Ju Ren was fuming with anger, shouting, “Get out!” Jing Ao Xue grinned and stood straight. “Should have said so earlier. Honey, let's go.” As they passed Han Ju Ren, he squinted and asked, “What’s that you're carrying in your arms?” Jing Ao Xue halted, looked down at her chest, and gave him a sideways glance. “Oh, those are just some people's body parts. You've got an extra couple of ounces below too, no big deal.” Her words were so blunt that everyone burst into laughter. Furious, Han Ju Ren stepped forward and said, “I know! I wasn't talking about that, but what you're carrying!” “Oh, like that? You should have been clearer. It's amazing someone as unclear as you became a scholar. Tsk, tsk, seems the imperial exams aren't that hard. Maybe I'll try someday.” She jested, but Han Ju Ren coldly said, “Stop blabbing and hand over what’s in your arms!” Jing Ao Xue's face turned impassive, a hint of her anger surfacing. It had taken a lot for her to get that item. Seeing her uncooperative attitude, the Bounty Hunter began to suspect it might be stolen property, thinking perhaps she was one of the mountain bandits they were hunting. Feeling helpless and noticing Shen Lu Man nudging her in encouragement, Jing Ao Xue reluctantly took out the scroll she had obtained earlier, handing it over to Han Ju Ren with a heavy heart. The Bounty Hunter approached and, together with Han Ju Ren, solemnly opened the scroll. In an instant, Han Ju Ren turned beet red. He threw the scroll at the Bounty Hunter, exclaiming, “In broad daylight, carrying such things is a disgrace to decency!” The Bounty Hunter took the scroll and glanced at it again. Unlike Han Ju Ren, he had been married with children for years, and not only had he seen such imagery, but he also had personal experience with it. He mentally admired Jing Ao Xue for her good taste; the depictions might be old-fashioned, but the art was exquisite. He wondered where she got it and thought of acquiring a set himself. He whispered to Jing Ao Xue, “Where did you get this from?” Jing Ao Xue looked at him speechlessly and replied, “It wasn’t bought, a friend gave it to me.” The Bounty Hunter felt it was a pity, his expression reflecting his thoughts, which further inflamed Han Ju Ren. But the Bounty Hunter understood that Han Ju Ren was making things difficult for Jing Ao Xue due to some personal grudge. Such misuse of power was disgraceful in his eyes, making him lose some respect for Han Ju Ren. Smiling at Jing Ao Xue, he said, “No worries. If you're not accomplices of the bandits, you're just ordinary folks. Better leave soon; the docks are not safe these days unless you have urgent business.” Jing Ao Xue gratefully smiled, saying, “Thank you for the warning. I’ll take my wife and leave now.” The Bounty Hunter chuckled, casting a meaningful glance at Shen Lu Man. She had blushed in embarrassment when Jing Ao Xue had shown the scroll, and being looked at made her uncomfortable. So, grabbing Jing Ao Xue, she quickly fled the scene. Han Ju Ren, seeing this, fumed, shouting, “There’s something off about her, why did you…?” “Evidence?” the Bounty Hunter asked indifferently, his tone somewhat irked. “Han Ju Ren, I respect you as a scholar and gifted youth. Thus, I give you some face. But you should never let personal grievances interfere with serious matters.” He looked coldly at Han Ju Ren and continued, “If your intent is not right, no great achievements will come to fruition. You're still young, Han Ju Ren, so think carefully about my advice.” Han Ju Ren’s face turned pale, watching the Bounty Hunter and his men leave for other patrols. Angrily, he vowed to himself: Jing Ao Xue! You'll pay for this! He originally intended just to cause her some discomfort but ended up frustrating himself the most. Though he had great ambitions and wouldn’t let someone like Jing Ao Xue stand in his way, this confrontation only made him more aware that she would always be a blemish in his life. Once he gained power, he vowed to rid himself of her. Unaware she'd made another formidable enemy, Jing Ao Xue and Shen Lu Man had arrived at the street where the Baicaotang was located. Before they could reach it, Liu Er sprang up from the entrance and ran towards them. Jing Ao Xue quickly embraced her. Despite being away only a day, it felt like eons since she last saw Liu Er. Remembering the children in the mountain bandit camp and the unborn child of the second leader, she hugged Liu Er tighter with anxiety, feeling deeply relieved. For the foreseeable future, no one would separate Liu Er from her sight, her fears too deeply seated. Shen Lu Man also made sure Liu Er was unharmed, noticing no signs of tears or distress, indicating she'd been fine. Liu Er pouted, leaning on Jing Ao Xue’s shoulder, unable to utter a word. She knew her mothers wouldn’t abandon her, that their departure was just business, yet she had been scared. That fear lingered until she saw them return. “Mother, aren’t leaving?” she asked nervously. Jing Ao Xue nuzzled her chubby cheeks. “Not leaving, never again. From now on, I'll keep you with me wherever I go.” Liu Er giggled under her touch, and Shen Lu Man said, “Let’s go inside and thank Doctor Gu Qing.” Jing Ao Xue nodded, and they entered Baicaotang. Seeing Gu Qing, busy diagnosing a patient, they waited patiently. Gu Qing noticed them in a heartbeat and, finishing with his patient, approached them with a smile. “You're back. Everything settled?” Jing Ao Xue touched her nose. “All settled. Thank you for looking after Liu Er. I mentioned treating you to a meal, and it's lunchtime now. How about a feast at the restaurant?” After pondering, Gu Qing nodded, and they headed to an eatery, ordering a sumptuous meal that left them all satisfied. Post-meal, as Jing Ao Xue sipped her tea, Gu Qing said, “Miss sent a carrier pigeon message yesterday, stating she successfully persuaded the official. The official agreed to come for treatment and should arrive in a few days. I’ll need your help then.” Jing Ao Xue replied, “Consider it done. I’ll do my utmost to assist.” Gu Qing exhaled in relief. Curious, Jing Ao Xue asked, “Can you reveal the identity of this official so I can be prepared?” Gu Qing hesitated briefly but decided, “I’m not concerned about telling you per se, just about you feeling uneasy when treating them. I regard you as a trusted friend, confident in your integrity, so I’m not worried about leaks…” He paused, seemingly uncertain how to continue. He then wet his finger in some tea and wrote a name on the clean table. Jing Ao Xue remained puzzled, but Shen Lu Man's eyes widened subtly, comprehension dawning on her face. Watching her reaction, Gu Qing chuckled, stroking his beard. “My friend, you really should pay more attention to your surroundings. You can’t ignore basic knowledge.” Jing Ao Xue smiled sheepishly, and after discussing some matters regarding herbs, they returned to Baicaotang. Jing Ao Xue purchased a few medicinal herbs and bid Gu Qing farewell, retrieving their carriage from the back courtyard before heading off. They stopped by a market street to buy some daily supplies before driving back to their village. An hour later, the three of them returned home. Jing Ao Xue jumped off the carriage and stretched, saying, "I'm exhausted. Honey, heat up some water; I need a bath. After I’m refreshed, let’s have an early night. Tomorrow, I'll set up formations in the fields, and then I’ll really start training." Hearing this, Liu Er looked up at her and nodded, "I want to train too." Shen Lu Man went to the kitchen to boil water, reflecting on the events at the mountain hideout. She realized that the mortal world wasn’t as peaceful as she had thought. Typically, cultivators avoided the mortal realm, not to mention these seemed to be Foundation Establishment cultivators—probably more than one. She was aware there must be a reason behind all this and hoped that in the strife of these higher powers, ordinary people like them wouldn't get entangled. If it came to that... Oh well, it was safest to improve her own cultivation level. Fortunately, she had bought cinnabar and yellow paper in town today; she could make more talismans every day to distribute among the family, ensuring they were prepared for anything. Jing Ao Xue lounged on the rocking chair in the courtyard, while nearby, Liu Er fed grass to her little rabbit and the horse. The little rabbit accepted her offerings without hesitation, its three-lipped mouth moving constantly. The horse, however, was rather proud and refused the tender grass Liu Er offered, only consuming the wild grass growing in the yard. After Jing Ao Xue's treatment and medication, the horse’s injuries had fully healed. It was still slender, yet capable of standing on its own once more. Its coat was white as snow, and its eyes were round and bright, exuding a natural sense of pride. It only showed gentleness towards Liu Er, sometimes approaching and rubbing its muzzle affectionately against her neck and cheek. Its heavy breathing tickled Liu Er's face, making her giggle. She hugged its lowered neck, chattering softly. Jing Ao Xue noted with satisfaction that Liu Er's stuttering had improved considerably. Although her speech was still somewhat faltered, the faster pace made her sound almost no different from others.