Chapter 141: How Are They Everywhere?
Of course, it could also be possible that they were too timid to head into the mountains.
However, the village's Chief and Junior Officer organized everyone to enter the mountains together. Everyone shared what they found, and no one starved to death.
Even if some households had family members who were either old, weak, sick, or disabled and could not enter the mountains, the Chief would still distribute food to them. They could scrape by and survive like this.
"I saw An Clan Village organizing people to enter the mountains today," she remarked.
She did not expect to gather much good stuff with Qian Jiyun around. She only hoped to find some herbs to plant in her Microcosm.
"They didn't enter the deep mountains," Qian Jiyun said.
The villagers dared not venture deep into the mountains as they could not fend for themselves against the wild beasts there.
Even he did not dare to enter the deep mountains alone. That explained why he was worried about An Jiuyue and did not want her to live on the mountain. However, he knew she would not listen to him.
…
There were many medicinal herbs in the mountains, especially deep within.
Although they were not particularly valuable herbs, they were good enough for An Jiuyue, who wanted to grow them to earn points. She could also use them to treat some common illnesses.
"Master, there are medicinal herbs everywhere!" Wei Na could not resist exclaiming as it watched her throw bundles of medicinal herbs into the space.
An Jiuyue rolled her eyes. "How are they everywhere?"
Qian Jiyun had gone to chase after a deer, and she took the opportunity to rush to find more herbs and throw them into her space. It was not because there was an abundance of medicinal herbs.
"Do you think we're walking inside a medicinal herb garden? We're deep in the mountains! The trees are tall, and the forest is dense. We can't expect to find a lot of medicinal herbs here—finding some is good enough."
After Wei Na heard what she said, it looked at the medicinal herbs in the space with disdain.
"That's true."
The medicinal herbs did not look very healthy as they had been dug out from the bushes and were shielded from the sun. Furthermore, there had been prolonged rain recently, so the leaves had turned yellow.
"These herbs are drooping. They don't look good," it remarked.
"You…!"
When it saw that she was about to reprimand it again, it quickly added, "However, they will grow well after they're planted in your space. Don't you agree, Master?"
"Please dig up more herbs while your man is not around. I would really like to help you if I could leave my space," it continued helplessly.
While it could take care of everything in the space, it could not do anything outside.
An Jiuyue retorted angrily, "Do I need you to remind me?"
She did not know when Qian Jiyun would return, but she knew she had to take advantage of this to find more herbs, of course.
…
The people in the An Clan Village were calm as nobody had contracted the disease.
However, some appeared to not want this peace anymore as they were tired of eating wild vegetables and boiled fish.
"Mother, we have to think of a way to earn money. We can't continue living like this, right?"
Chapter 142: A Pitiful Person
At noon, Old An's eldest son saw the bowl of wild vegetable and bland fish soup on the table before him and smashed it.
He really did not want to live like this anymore.
"Didn't you say that Minister He wants to buy An Jiuyue's son? Why don't we steal An Jiuyue's son and sell him while no one is paying attention?
"We can at least get some money for some food!"
"Shut up!"
Old An perked up when he heard what his eldest son said. He immediately roared in anger.
"An Jiuyue is the An Clan Village's benefactor now. The Chief and the Junior Officer will not spare anyone who dares to cause trouble for her. Are you trying to kill our family?"
He lectured his eldest son.
"Father, how can you say that?"
An Er was unhappy to hear that and spoke up for his eldest brother.
"We're doing this for An Jiuyue's sake. Think about it—she's just a woman. How can she raise so many sons?
"She might as well take the opportunity to sell her son while he is still valuable to Minister He.
"At most, we'll give her a tael of silver after we sell her son. She's just a little girl. So what if we sell her son?
"Will the Chief and the Junior Officer insist and push the blame on us if we don't admit to it?"
"That's right, Father. I think you're just too timid." An Da nodded hurriedly, agreeing with his younger brother.
"An Jiuyue, that little girl, will never dare to complain to the Chief and the Junior Officer. What's wrong with us selling her son?
"Every family lacks food and water now! Giving her a share of the money we'll earn from selling her son is already good enough for her! What else does she want? If she's so capable, she should give us money to eat and drink!
"If she's not, she will have to sell her son. She has so many sons anyway. It doesn't matter!"
"You… you all…"
Old An grew angry listening to his sons' twisted logic.
But when he looked down at the bowl in his hand, the pungent smell of fish was too much for him and he did not want to eat it anymore.
He thought, it'll be good if we really can sell An Jiuyue's son for some money. We won't have to suffer like this.
We can give some of the food we buy with the money earned to An Jiuyue too.
1
However, Old An wanted to save face. He could not possibly tell others that he wanted to sell An Jiuyue's son to save his life, right?
"You can't do this. An Jiuyue is also a pitiful person."
Despite saying that, his tone lacked confidence, which gave his sons and daughter-in-laws the courage to refute him further.
"You don't have to worry about this. I'll bring our sons to settle it. I guarantee that everything will be settled. If An Jiuyue dares to say anything, then she better not blame me for being merciless!"
Aunt Wang patted her chest and promised her family.
She had completely forgotten how An Jiuyue threw her down from the treehouse. She had also forgotten that time when she witnessed An Jiuyue's bloody hands holding a snake's head.
Chapter 143: It's Breathing, It's Alive
Her two sons would not want much as long as they could have a good meal anyway.
"You… You guys… Sigh, you… I really can't control you anymore." Old Man An pretended to sigh. He left his fish soup untouched and stood up to return to his room.
He thought that if he could really sell An Jiuyue's child, he would not have to drink such foul fish soup anymore.
"Mother, Father has agreed."
When the two sons watched their father leave, they looked at their mother happily.
"Hurry up and go to An Jiuyue's place to take a look. She must have run out of money after the flood, right? Let's talk to her about selling her children. She might even be grateful to us."
"Don't worry, I'll go to An Jiuyue's place later to check things out."
There was a look of determination in Aunt Wang's eyes. She was ready to go all out just to eat good food.
"We have to make her hand over that brat this time. If she doesn't sell him, we'll snatch him. I don't believe that we can't win against her!"
She did not know that Qian Jiyun and Qian Yiyun were living in An Jiuyue's house. She felt that she could snatch An Jiuyue's child if she went all out with her two sons.
In fact, she felt that she might even be able to snatch more than one child. An Jiuyue had so many children around her—it would be difficult for her to keep an eye out for everyone.
"I'll go and take a look first. If she doesn't agree to it, we'll snatch the child tonight while everyone in the village is asleep!"
She told her sons.
"Alright!"
An Da and An Er's eyes sparkled.
As long as they sold An Jiuyue's child, they would be able to live a good life.
2
"I'm curious, though. Why does Minister He want An Jiuyue's children? Is it because they're good-looking?"
An Da could not resist asking.
"That's right, Mother. What's going on?" An Er also asked, puzzled.
"I heard that many people in town are throwing their children away. Minister He can pick up a child easily. Why does he want An Jiuyue's son?
"Is it because An Jiuyue's son is good-looking? Or because he is especially obedient and sensible?"
"Well…"
Now that they mentioned it, Aunt Wang found it puzzling too.
However, she was a snobbish woman who only cared about money.
"Why should we care so much? It's fine as long as we can get the money. As for why Minister He wants An Jiuyue's son, what has that got to do with us?"
1
…
Qian Jiyun, who had gone to chase after a spotted deer, returned quickly.
"What are you…"
When An Jiuyue heard his approaching footsteps, she retracted her hand that was about to place the herbs into her space and looked up in the direction of his voice.
Qian Jiyun was not carrying a spotted deer, but two young deer. It was obvious that they had just weaned.
"Why did you catch this?"
She placed the herbs into the bamboo basket and strode over to ask him.
I don't eat such young deer. I didn't expect Qian Jiyun to even… Wait!
"It's still breathing. It's alive?"
Chapter 144: Is There No Place to Raise Them?
s
She realized that the two young deers in his hands were still alive when she approached him. He must have knocked them out.
"The big spotted deer is not far away. These two are small. I knocked them out, but their vitals are not injured. We can still raise them. Do you want to raise them?"
Qian Jiyun glanced at the two deer in his arms calmly and asked her.
An Jiuyue was silent.
She wanted to raise them—if she had the ability to.
However, she had yet to unlock the pasture in her space. She did not have enough points for it.
Moreover, even if she attained the pasture, she could not casually raise the deer that Qian Jiyun caught. That would expose her secret!
"Well… We don't have space at home to raise them."
The corners of her mouth twitched as she looked at the two deers longingly.
Although she had yet to unlock the pasture, she could still construct a small fence around the deer and raise them temporarily.
They would be just right to rear in the pasture when she unlocked it. However… one should not covet other people's things.
After all, they were not hers.
"Is there no place to raise them?"
Qian Jiyun looked at her in confusion.
"I thought you could keep them with the rabbits and pheasants from before. Spotted deers are omnivorous."
An Jiuyue was extremely shocked.
She had raised all the rabbits and pheasants she caught in her space secretly.
So, this guy already knows about it? Have I been exposed long ago? Then why am I sneaking around?
"What are you talking about? I don't understand."
She asked, face stiffened as she still tried to struggle against him.
"Master, do you not understand? He already knew!" Wei Na muttered softly in the space.
It also felt that it was only a matter of time before An Jiuyue would be exposed. Although she had not been entering the space as often after Qian Jiyun's arrival, she did enter the space frequently in general.
However, Qian Jiyun was not a simple person. Even a spatial soul like Wei Na sensed that.
It would be strange if he did not discover her secret.
"Shut up!"
An Jiuyue snapped internally.
I don't understand. Where did I go wrong? How did Qian Jiyun discover it so quickly?
I did think he would find out sooner or later, but I didn't expect him to find out so quickly. Did I sleep talk at night?
"You…!"
"Martial artists are very sensitive to the vital energy around them. Your energy will occasionally disappear and reappear suddenly when you're home. I think… Well, since you don't want to raise the deers, I'll set them free."
Qian Jiyun did not explain further. He looked down at the two deer in his hands.
He was a martial artist, who had been on the battlefield all year round, and was more sensitive to the vital energy around him. If he could not even notice when she disappeared and reappeared, he would have been trampled on the battlefield.
Of course, he had no intention of investigating his wife's secret. He simply thought that if she liked raising these small animals, he would catch more of them for her.
Of course, it was fine as long as she did not tire herself out.
If she did not like it, there would be no point in capturing these small animals.
"Yes! I want to raise them!"
Chapter 145: Tricked Her Like a Monkey
It would be a waste not to raise them now that they were caught. Moreover, they were small spotted deers—they were much better than those rabbits and pheasants.
Since she could no longer keep her secret, there was no need to hide it anymore. It was good too. She would not have to be so careful in the future. Entering the space had been inconvenient.
She picked up the two deer and threw them into the space. After ensuring they lost consciousness, she asked the man.
"Um, when did you discover it?"
"Probably when you put the mushrooms in," Qian Jiyun replied.
An Jiuyue was silent.
Doesn't that mean he knew from the beginning?
I only thought he didn't know because he never mentioned it. So he tricked me like I was a monkey?
1
Did he feel a sense of accomplishment watching how carefully and pretentiously I hid my things? How can he not say anything!
"I don't have other intentions."
Qian Jiyun explained immediately when he saw that she was about to get angry.
He really did not have any other intentions. He simply felt it was too tiring for her to do all these things secretly. He might as well admit that he knew so that she could do what she needed openly in the future.
"Alright, I understand."
An Jiuyue sighed softly. What could she do? She had to live her life as usual.
Now that she could rear the small spotted deer, there would be more animals in her space in the future. She had to reclaim her pasture as soon as possible.
Since Qian Jiyun had already discovered her secret, she had nothing to hide.
An Jiuyue began to openly stuff the medicinal herbs into her space. She found many herbs in the mountains throughout the day.
She even found a few wild ginseng.
There were two large ginsengs. According to Qian Jiyun, they were estimated to be about 500 years old. Wild ginsengs like these were valuable in any era.
Although she could not grow the big ones anymore, she was ready to cook them when she got home.
Of course, she planted some of the smaller wild ginsengs in her space. When the wild ginsengs bore seeds next year, she planned to reclaim a piece of land and only grow wild mountain ginseng.
Medicinal herbs were scarce everywhere, so she had to prepare more.
"It's getting dark. Let's go back."
After walking in the deep mountains with An Jiuyue for an entire day, Qian Jiyun looked at the sky and said.
"Okay."
An Jiuyue nodded.
Although there were many things in the deep mountains that she wanted to gather, it was not easy. She decided to come back another day.
"I have to build a fence tonight. Otherwise, it will be difficult to rear the young deer."
She muttered to herself, wondering if Qian Yiyun would be able to take care of the five children alone.
Of course, Qian Yiyun did not have to take care of Rong'er and Zheng'er. They could even help her to take care of the three children. They should be able to handle it, right?
Little did An Jiuyue know that there was another person at the treehouse.
…
Qian Yiyun was playing with Lu'er in the treehouse. Rong'er and Zheng'er were taking care of Xing'er and Zhou'er, who were lying on the bed and sleeping obediently.
However, someone appeared under the treehouse before the sky turned dark.
"Jiuyue, An Jiuyue! Come down quickly! I'm Aunt Wang. I have something to tell you. Hurry!" Aunt Wang placed her hands on her hips, looking like she was ready to fight An Jiuyue.
Chapter 146: Aren't You Aunt Wang?
Qian Yiyun had been staying at her sister-in-law's place for some time. She was well aware of Aunt Wang's personality and knew why she was looking for her.
"Aunt Yiyun, that bad person is here again."
Rong'er and Zheng'er became afraid instinctively when they heard Aunt Wang's voice.
They still remembered how Aunt Wang had pushed their mother to the ground and her head was covered in blood.
Zheng'er might have been taken away if their mother had not woken up and thrown Aunt Wang out the house. Since Aunt Wang was here again, she must be up to no good again.
"Don't be afraid. I'm here."
Qian Yiyun placed Lu'er on the bed and asked Rong'er and Xiao'er to watch over him.
"Stay here and watch Lu'er obediently. I'll teach that old woman a lesson!"
With that, she turned around, left the room, and headed down the treehouse. She wanted to find out what that old woman wanted. Is she here to snatch the children?
There are so many kind people in the An Clan village. How can there be such a disgusting woman like her?
She must be that piece of rat poop in a bowl of warm porridge.
With her hands on her hips, Aunt Wang waited for An Jiuyue to come down. She wanted to threaten her to hand over her son obediently.
To her surprise, the person who came down was not An Jiuyue, but a familiar young lady.
"You…"
"Aren't you Aunt Wang?"
Qian Yiyun asked coldly with a fake smile.
She could not be bothered to pretend to be courteous towards such a vicious old woman.
The more polite someone treated her, the more she would be convinced she was blessed and everything she did was right—even if what she did was inhumane.
"Why are you looking for Sister Jiuyue in broad daylight?" she asked.
"Uh…"
Aunt Wang was stunned by her curt question and did not know how to respond.
She was here to look for An Jiuyue. She had made up her mind to threaten her into handing over one of her children, specifically either Rong'er or Zheng'er, whom Ministry Councilor He favored.
However, she did not expect Qian Yiyun, the daughter of a wealthy family, to live in An Jiuyue's house.
"Miss Yiyun! Didn't you… leave long ago?"
She remembered Qian Yiyun had already left with the others. Why is she still here? How esteemed must An Jiuyue be for Qian Yiyun to stay here?
"What does that have to do with you?" Qian Yiyun retorted coldly.
"I like this place. It's none of your business if I want to stay here for a year or so. Don't you agree, Aunt Wang?"
"Yes, yes."
Aunt Wang could only agree. How else could she have answered?
"Um… I'm looking for An Jiuyue. It's urgent. Is she around?"
She probed, hoping the young lady did not discover her intentions of selling An Jiuyue's son.
However, she thought about it again and thought it did not matter even if Qian Yiyun found out about it. This concerns An Jiuyue's child. What does this have to do with Qian Yiyun?
"Sister Jiuyue isn't here," Qian Yiyun said.
"She's not here?"
When Aunt Wang heard her reply, she came up with a brilliant idea.
Chapter 147: Waiting for You?
She thought it would be easier to trick Qian Yiyun into handing An Jiuyue's son over if Qian Yiyun did not know what happened between An Jiuyue and herself.
She rubbed her hands together secretly and looked at Qian Yiyun gleefully.
"It's okay if she's not around. Jiuyue told me to bring Zheng'er to town to broaden his horizons. I'm thinking of going to town to buy some things later, so I came to bring Zheng'er along.
"Miss Yiyun, why don't you bring Zheng'er down now so I can take him with me?"
Qian Yiyun was speechless.
Does this old woman want to die?
How dare she say such vicious things in front of me? Does she think I'm a three-year-old girl who is easy to deceive?
"Are you going to town, Aunt Wang? You're throwing your life away to broaden your horizons? You've got guts!" she praised, giving her a thumbs up.
"Uh…" Aunt Wang was stunned again.
"Miss Yiyun, what are you saying? What does going to town have to do with my guts?"
I'm just going to town. What's so great about that?
"How is it unrelated?" Qian Yiyun sneered and sized her up.
"The epidemic is spreading like wildfire outside the village. I'll ask the Chief and the Junior Officer how you can go to town tomorrow morning. Did they agree to this?
"But you shouldn't go, Aunt Wang. You won't be able to return if you do. You can only build a straw shed outside and wait until the epidemic is cured before you can enter again."
Aunt Wang paled. "Well…"
She had forgotten about this. Although the epidemic outside was severe, she always believed she was lucky and was sure she would not contract the disease even if she went to town.
"Miss Yiyun…"
"Also," Qian Yiyun did not give Aunt Wang a chance to speak and continued, "You're really amazing, Aunt Wang. The sky is already getting dark, yet you still want to go to the town. Could it be that you have a man waiting for you in town?"
"You—"
Aunt Wang felt her anger caught in her throat, almost passing out from it.
But what could she say?
She thought Qian Yiyun was an ignorant young lady from a wealthy family. She thought she could use a casual excuse to fool her easily and take Zheng'er away.
She did not know that this young lady was sharp-witted.
"I'm planning to leave today and stay in town for the night so that I can make it to the morning market," she explained awkwardly.
"Pft." Qian Yiyun snorted.
Are there people still selling vegetables at the morning market? Instead of keeping them to themselves during this epidemic?
Are they not afraid of death? Are they prepared to starve to death or contract the disease?
"Then you can go to the morning market yourself. Zheng'er will not be accompanying you," she said.
"How can this be?"
Aunt Wang thought Qian Yiyun seemed unaware that she wanted to sell Zheng'er.
But she panicked immediately when Qian Yiyun said she was unwilling to hand Zheng'er over.
"I discussed this with Jiuyue a while ago. She will be unhappy if she finds out that I went to town alone and did not bring Zheng'er along.
Chapter 148: They Will Like Him!
"She's the benefactor of our village. I have to complete what she instructed," she reasoned with Qian Yiyun righteously.
Qian Yiyun laughed. "So you know that Sister Jiuyue is the benefactor of An Clan Village?"
"Of course." Aunt Wang nodded hurriedly.
She thought if she played along and coaxed Qian Yiyun a little, the latter would be willing to hand Zheng'er over. She wanted to have Zheng'er before An Jiuyue returned.
If An Jiuyue ever came looking for her about this, she could deny having anything to do with this.
She would have nothing to do with this if Zheng'er went missing on Qian Yiyun's watch.
"Jiuyue is the most capable person in our village now. You can go to the village and find out about this, Miss Yiyun. Everyone knows that An Jiuyue—"
"If you know that Sister Jiuyue is your benefactor, how dare you target Zheng'er? Are you not afraid of getting struck by lightning?" Qian Yiyun interrupted.
She did not wish to waste her breath on her any longer.
"Was getting beaten up last time not enough for you? How dare you come here again to sell the children! Why don't you sell your grandchildren? I think your grandson is quite cute. I'm sure that family in town will like him!"
"I…"
Aunt Wang's heart trembled, and she did not know how to respond.
I didn't expect An Jiuyue, that tattletale, to blabber to an outsider like Qian Yiyun.
Why did she even tell her? My family was so poor we had to resort to selling children—that's a family scandal! How dare she blabber to an outsider!
"I… Miss Yiyun, I'm doing this for Jiuyue's sake. It's not easy for her to raise so many children, so I'm trying to lighten her burden.
"Besides, the family that likes Zheng'er is rich. Zheng'er will enjoy a happy life there. What's wrong with that?
"Jiuyue will also earn money from this. The other children will have enough food and clothing in the future. She won't have to worry about not having money to spend and food to eat anymore, right?
"I'm really doing this for Jiuyue's sake. Otherwise, many families in our village want to sell their children. An Jiuyue won't have this opportunity."
She persuaded earnestly, sounding like she was really thinking for An Jiuyue. She almost believed herself.
"As if!" Qian Yiyun glared at Aunt Wang.
"Sister Jiuyue can easily hunt wild boars and other animals on the mountain and sell them in town. The money earned can last them for a few years. Does she need your 'kindness'?
"You harbor dirty intentions, yet you speak so pompously. You're really something.
"Since you're so eloquent, why don't you go to the teahouse to tell stories? You can definitely earn a lot of money. Why don't I introduce you to someone? If a teahouse won't have you, I'm sure brothels will!"
1
"You—" Aunt Wang's face flushed red.
Why is this young lady so brutal with her words? I've really broadened my horizons.
"Miss Yiyun, I'm doing this for Jiuyue…"
"You're still saying that? Do you think I don't dare to get physical?"
When Qian Yiyun saw that Aunt Wang was about to counter, she attacked her at once. As long as she did not beat her to death, she saw it fitting to cause her to be bedridden for at least half a month.
Chapter 149: I'm Doing This For Your Good
"Ah! Help me!"
Qian Yiyun grabbed Aunt Wang by her collar and punched her in the stomach.
Before raining blows on her immediately. She had been on the battlefield with her brother and even fought with her stepmother back home. Dealing with people like her was a piece of cake.
She aimed every blow on areas covered by her clothes so they could not be seen by others.
Aunt Wang will come to understand unspeakable suffering when she cries and complains to someone but realizes that she cannot explain why she got hit. Moreover, I did nothing wrong too.
How dare she have designs on Zheng'er? Even if this matter escalates and involves Chief An, Sister Jiuyue is in the right!
"Mmph, help! Don't… don't hit me… I… I'll leave… Ah!"
Qian Jiyun and An Jiuyue was on their way back when they heard Aunt Wang's wailing. They walked closer and saw Qian Yiyun grabbing Aunt Wang and beating her up.
An Jiuyue narrowed her beautiful eyes menacingly as she looked at Aunt Wang, who was screaming from the beating.
This old woman is really something! I thought that teaching her a lesson twice and the Chief reprimanding her was enough. I didn't expect this. I guess some people won't know pain unless you break them.
In that case, I won't stand on ceremony.
"Yiyun, stop it!"
She hurriedly took a step forward and scolded Qian Yiyun.
An Jiuyue had thought of a perfect plan to make Aunt Wang and her family suffer. It would be difficult to carry it out if Qian Yiyun really beat her until she could not get out of bed.
"Ah! An Jiuyue! Save me! Save me!"
Aunt Wang looked at An Jiuyue as if she had seen her savior and broke free quickly when Qian Yiyun was stunned. She ran towards An Jiuyue.
Her face was drenched in tears and her body was in so much pain that she was limping.
But Qian Yiyun did not even touch her legs.
"Sister-in— Sister Jiuyue, this old woman wants to trick me into giving Zheng'er to her!" Qian Yiyun was aggrieved after her sister-in-law shouted at her!
Why is shouting at me? Shouldn't she be shouting at this vicious old woman?
Besides, I've always controlled my hits. I won't actually kill her. There's no need to worry at all. Did she shout at the wrong person?
"Jiuyue, I'm doing this for your good! Ministry Councilor He is the richest person in our town. Zheng'er will enjoy a meteoric rise in life if he becomes his son!"
Aunt Wang defended herself. I'm doing all this for An Jiuyue. Although I can benefit from it too, An Jiuyue's son will benefit from it the most!
"Aunt Wang, you've worked hard for my sake," An Jiuyue said with a smile.
"Of course."
Aunt Wang did not notice anything wrong and replied.
I worked hard! I haven't even tricked the child over but Qian Yiyun already beat me up. It hurts!
"I wonder how much money I can get from selling a child?"
An Jiuyue remained smiling and looked at Aunt Wang with sparkling eyes. She seemed as if she was in urgent need of money and did not minding selling a child since she had many at home.
"A lot! At least… five taels of silver!"
Chapter 150: Are You Really Selling Your Child?
Aunt Wang became excited when she heard what An Jiuyue said. She felt that An Jiuyue must have decided to sell Zheng'er because she had too many children and could not afford the high expenses.
In reality, Ministry Councilor He had offered 50 taels of silver during their negotiation because he thought highly of Qian Yizheng.
Nobody else would offer such a large sum of money!
"Five taels!" An Jiuyue's eyes lit up. "That's a lot!"
She could not help but sigh. She got her Lu'er with 100 copper coins, after all! Five taels of silver was a lot!
Aunt Wang saw she had a good chance now and grabbed the opportunity immediately.
"So you agree to it, right? If you're willing, tomorrow… No, I'll go to town and tell Ministry Councilor He now!"
"Well…" An Jiuyue drawled, looking hesitant.
"Jiuyue, don't hesitate. Five taels of silver is already a lot. How about this? I'll go to Ministry Councilor He's house to ask. I'll go now. If everything works out, I'll come and take Zheng'er away tomorrow."
Aunt Wang did not give her a chance to think and ran like the wind after saying a few words.
She was so happy that she forgot about the pain in her body and ran off quickly. She was afraid An Jiuyue would regret it and stop her from selling her child.
She did not notice An Jiuyue's deep gaze fixed on her back as her expression changed slowly.
Qian Yiyun trembled and asked An Jiuyue, "Sister-in-law, are you… really selling your child?"
"Hm?"
An Jiuyue only turned to look at Qian Yiyun after Aunt Wang disappeared from her sight.
"When did I say that?" she countered.
"Well…"
Qian Yiyun recalled the conversation between An Jiuyue and Aunt Wang and realized she had not agreed to anything.
"Then what are you…"
An Jiuyue replied matter-of-factly, "Whoever signs the indenture and takes the money will naturally have to sell their children. What does that have to do with me?"
Aunt Wang wanted to sell children to earn a large sum of money. How could An Jiuyue get in her way?
Aunt Wang's grandson was quite good-looking too. Ministry Councilor He should like him. Since she also said that a child would live a good life after joining Ministry Councilor He's family, then let her grandson live a good life.
Qian Yiyun's eyes widened. "Oh."
So things can be settled this way too! I'm sure Aunt Wang will accept Ministry Councilor He's money to secure this deal.
You have to hand over the child after you receive the money. Whoever receives it will naturally have to send their child away.
"Looks like we can't go into the mountains tomorrow." An Jiuyue sighed softly.
She had planned to go into the mountains to gather herbs over the next few days—what a pity.
She would have to delay that for a few days as this problem with Aunt Wang would not be settled so quickly.
"We can go after a few more days. I have nothing to do these days," Qian Jiyun said to her with a smile.
1
"Alright. I'll cook now."
An Jiuyue had no choice but to nod and go upstairs to cook.
Qian Jiyun followed, but he stopped in his tracks and side-eyed his sister, who was about to follow them too.
"Why are you coming along?"
1
"I…" Qian Yiyun gaped and did not know how to reply.
Chapter 151: Sign the Indenture
That's right. Why am I following my brother and sister-in-law? To disturb them? I shouldn't do that.
However, she felt something was amiss. After thinking for a long time, she finally understood and widened her eyes at her brother.
"Then I'll… No, that's not right. I have to go back up and take care of the children!"
Why else would I follow them up? The children are around. I have to take care of them. Who will take care of them if my sister-in-law is cooking?
My brother? Come on! It's already good enough that he doesn't despise them!
"Leave the children to me. Go and gut the deer," Qian Jiyun instructed.
Qian Yiyun followed her brother's gaze and looked at the spotted deer on the ground nearby. She could tell it was dead at a glance. The corners of her mouth twitched.
So did he come here with me to treat me like an assistant?
It's good enough that I'm taking care of the children, but now I have to gut this animal too?
"Brother, am I still your biological sister?" she asked.
"If you aren't my biological sister, would I let you gut the deer?" Qian Jiyun said and went upstairs.
Qian Yiyun was speechless.
Damn it! Did he think I would poison that deer?
Is there a brother who would diss his own sister like this? Why am I so unlucky!
However, she noticed her sister-in-law's attitude towards her brother had changed a little today. She seemed to be… closer to him.
She decided to gut the deer. Her brother would be responsible for winning her sister-in-law back. She would do all the dirty work instead.
"Alright, I'll do it."
"Yan Nuo is nearby," Qian Jiyun added before entering the treehouse.
"That's more like it." Qian Yiyun shrugged.
It would be much easier for her to gut the spotted deer with Yan Nuo around. After all, she now had an extra hand, right?
She had to find Yan Nuo quickly and gut the deer with him. She wanted to have some deer meat tonight. It must be delicious!
…
Aunt Wang was incredibly impatient.
In order to earn some money, she did not care about anything else. After returning home and discussing with her two sons, she sneaked out of the village with her eldest son at night.
As they were from An Clan Village, they knew the locations of everyone stationed for guard duty. No one noticed their departure.
They headed straight for Ministry Councilor He's house and finally signed the indenture after some bargaining. They even stamped their fingerprints and signed their names, receiving 50 taels of silver.
The two parties agreed for the child to be taken away tomorrow morning.
As Aunt Wang and her eldest son went home, they wondered why Ministry Councilor He was still so generous as to offer 50 taels of silver to buy Zheng'er.
1
However, since they obtained the money, they could not think about anything else—not even whose child they actually indentured.
Although An Jiuyue's child was from the same village, they had nothing to do with each other.
They took the silver happily and returned to the village secretly. When they entered the house, the family huddled in the room and started staring at the silver on the table.
An Da's wife had never seen so much money before, and her eyes sparkled like diamonds.
"Mother, why don't we keep all this money? We don't have to give any to An Jiuyue, that little b*tch."
She was unhappy when she remembered that a portion of the money would be given to An Jiuyue.
Chapter 152: Marry Her Into Our Family
She was reluctant to give even a portion of the money away.
"What are you talking about? Get lost!" Aunt Wang glared at her daughter-in-law.
She, too, was unwilling to give some of the money to An Jiuyue for nothing. They could buy a lot of things with five taels of silver.
However, they had to sacrifice something small to earn something big. They had to give five taels of silver to trick An Jiuyue's son into coming over tomorrow to make it easier for Ministry Councilor He to fetch him.
Would An Jiuyue give them her son if they refused to give her money?
Aunt Wang had initially planned to snatch the child away from her should she refuse to give him up. There were many people in her family, after all.
However, Qian Yiyun was living in An Jiuyue's house now. She would get them in trouble if she told the Chief and the Junior Officer about this.
"That's right! What do you know? Get lost!" An Da glared at his wife.
He only had eyes for the money on the table right now. This money could be used to buy a lot of delicious food.
"Mother, don't worry. When Ministry Councilor He takes the child away tomorrow, I'll bring An Er to snatch the money back. I promise I won't let An Jiuyue reap any benefits."
He was reluctant to part with the five taels of silver. Five taels of silver were enough to build half a house! How could he let An Jiuyue have that?
"Don't!" Aunt Wang shook her head immediately.
"I don't know what's going on, but that young lady An Jiuyue saved is still staying at her house. We won't get any good out of this if you do this with her around."
She was too excited to hear that An Jiuyue was willing to sell the child and did not notice Qian Jiyun standing beside her.
Therefore, she only knew that Qian Yiyun was staying at An Jiuyue's house. She was unaware that Qian Jiyun was there too.
"That pretty little girl is here too?" An Er's eyes lit up.
He remembered Qian Yiyun—she had delicate skin, was from a good family, and her brother was a general.
"Mother, is that little girl friendly? I'm not young anymore. If possible, I want to marry her into our family. What do you think?" he suggested.
He would be related to an influential figure and guaranteed a good life if he married Qian Yiyun.
"You?" Aunt Wang glanced at her second son and recalled how Qian Yiyun beat her up.
She was still in pain! She would have stayed in bed and not walked if it were not for the money.
She shook her head quickly.
"Don't even think about it. That girl is very fierce. She'll only beat you up everyday if you marry her. Moreover, her big brother doesn't seem like a simple person.
"Marry her if you want to die."
She did not think her son was unworthy of Qian Yiyun. She simply did not like Qian Yiyun's aggressive personality.
She would consider allowing Qian Yiyun into their house if she was more gentle and obedient.
However, she was too detestable in her eyes!
Chapter 153: Who Will Be More Miserable
"Then…"
"Stop talking about this. Get out! Get out!"
Without giving her second son a chance to speak, Aunt Wang kept the money on the table and chased everyone out.
She would never tell anyone where she hid her money. Even her husband was no exception, for he liked to drink and blurted out anything when he got drunk.
She was not wary of other people, but they had an outsider living with them. What if her eldest daughter-in-law learnt where she had hidden the silver and stole it?
She had to be careful.
"I have to hide the money first. We'll bring An Jiuyue's son over tomorrow morning. The money will only belong to us after Ministry Councilor He takes him away."
"Mother, hide it well. Don't lose it," An Da and An Er reminded her in unison.
The money was theirs. They were looking forward to buying food and having a good meal at home tomorrow.
They must not lose the money!
After hiding the money, Aunt Wang finally came out of her room and instructed her daughter-in-law to start cooking.
She was exhausted today. Not only did she get beaten up for nothing, but she also took a long trip to town and bargained with the butler in Ministry Councilor He's residence.
Even if it was now nighttime, she had to eat something good. Otherwise, she would not have the energy to do things tomorrow.
…
In the treehouse…
Yan Nuo took out a small cloth bundle and handed it to his master.
"Master, these are the silver that the woman received. There are a total of 50 taels."
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I have never seen such an arrogant person! She sold other people's children and spoke as if Madam would benefit greatly. Who gave her the cheek to do that?
No one in that family is good. I won't pity them even if they die.
Qian Jiyun glanced at the small cloth bundle and sneered. "That's quite a lot."
Selling the child my wife raised? In front of me? I've broadened my horizons.
"Master, don't you find it strange?" Yan Nuo asked when he saw that his master was not surprised.
The streets were filled with people pushing their children to others, but Ministry Councilor He wanted to spend 50 taels of silver to buy An Jiuyue's child.
He was certain something was amiss.
1
"What's so strange about that? We'll find out why tomorrow," Qian Jiyun said.
Yan Nuo nodded. "That's true."
Ministry Councilor He will probably explode if he finds out that he was tricked by Aunt Wang's family tomorrow, right?
Of course, Aunt Wang's family will die if they don't get a hold of Madam's child. Both parties are digging graves for each other. Let's see who will be more miserable!
He reckoned it would be Aunt Wang's family. After all, the rich and the poor were different.
"Shall I investigate Ministry Councilor He's background first?" he suggested.
"Go on." Qian Jiyun nodded.
He was just a ministry councilor in An Yue Town. Besides having some money, he probably did not have that much power.
However, investigating him would not hurt. Qian Jiyun did not want any future surprises.
"I'll take my leave." Yan Nuo turned around and left.
"Why are you leaving so late at night?"
An Jiuyue came out of another room and instantly noticed the small cloth bundle on the table.
Chapter 154: Let It Go?
"Tsk tsk… So this is the money they earned from selling my son?"
She chuckled, pitying Aunt Wang's family for their stupidity. Not only them, but Ministry Councilor He's family were just as silly.
One party dared to give money, and the other dared to accept it and sign an indenture.
"Take it. Use it to buy some snacks for Rong'er and Zheng'er," Qian Jiyun said as he glanced at the small cloth bundle.
He saw no reason to throw away the money he obtained. Besides, they wanted to cheat his wife of her money. He would not let those vicious people take advantage of them.
"That works too."
As An Jiuyue knew where the money came from, she looked at the cloth bundle in disdain at the thought that she would be spending it on her children.
But it was still money, right? She needed it and should accept it.
"Actually, there's no need to investigate Ministry Councilor He. I know what that old man is planning," she said.
She did not know what he was up to at first but understood when she saw the 50 taels of silver.
"Hm?" Qian Jiyun looked at her and raised his eyebrows in confusion.
"Last spring, my father brought me to town to sell wild animals. We happened to come across Ministry Councilor He, who was hit by a carriage. My father helped him up.
"I did feel that there was something wrong with the way that old man looked at me at that time—"
"He ought to die!"
Qian Jiyun cursed under his breath before An Jiuyue could finish her words.
So that's what he's planning! This Ministry Councilor He is really something! Let's see how far he'll go!
"Sister-in-law, that can't be right. It's been a year since then, right?" Qian Yiyun walked over and asked.
He should have made a move long ago if he wanted to. Why now? A whole year has passed.
An Jiuyue smiled and said proudly, "No one, be it from the town or the county, dared to do anything to me when my father was alive. My father never holds his fists back on anyone."
Unfortunately, her father, who doted on her, was no longer around.
"I see." Qian Yiyun understood.
They are bullying her now because her father has passed away. They think she has no one to back her up now.
"Big Brother, we can't let this matter rest," she said as she looked at her brother.
Qian Jiyun smiled coldly.
Let it go just like that? How is that possible? He has already set his sights on my wife. If I let it go just like that, what will I become?
1
"I'll take care of this," he said.
An Jiuyue opened her mouth to say something but did not say anything in the end.
Of course, she would not persuade them to let Aunt Wang and her family off. Since they dared to target her, they would have to bear the consequences.
However, she wanted to be the one to make them pay. She was certain that if Qian Jiyun were to do it, it would be simple and violent.
But making them suffer swiftly seemed too good for them, right? She still wanted to torment Ministry Councilor He slowly.
"Jiuyue, do you have something to say?" Qian Jiyun whispered when he saw her hesitation.
"It's nothing." An Jiuyue shook her head.
It was extremely chaotic outside now. She should save herself some trouble and let Qian Jiyun deal with them in his way.
Chapter 155: Can't Be Anyone Else But Her
"I heard that Ministry Councilor He started his career with the help of his late wife. He used to be very afraid of her family. I wonder how she died."
She had asked around when she was in town previously. Madam He was healthy and strong. She would chase Ministry Councilor He down with a stick whenever he provoked her.
It was rather strange for someone like that to die so abruptly.
1
Qian Yiyun was speechless. She gave An Jiuyue a thumbs-up.
Sister-in-law, you're really amazing!
"I'll have Yan Nuo investigate."
Qian Jiyun roughly understood his wife's intentions. She did not want Ministry Councilor He to die too quickly. She wanted to torment him slowly.
An Jiuyue touched her chin and murmured, "Also, Aunt Wang is quite close to Aunt Kang. Qian Jiyun, do you think Aunt Kang knows that Aunt Wang wants to sell our Zheng'er?"
Qian Yiyun was surprised.
So she wants to make an example of her! But Aunt Kang is truly horrid. My sister-in-law can take this opportunity to warn her so she will not stir up trouble for her in the future!
"Sister-in-law, you're really…"
She could not find the right words to describe her sister-in-law.
An Jiuyue gave her a vague smile without saying anything.
Can I just say that Aunt Kang definitely has a part to play in this?
Everyone in the An Clan Village knows that Aunt Wang wanted to sell Zheng'er. Aunt Kang definitely knows.
Aunt Wang came again. Her family must have support from someone with a high status in the village. Otherwise, they wouldn't have targeted us again. They would have waited for a few more days at least, right?
Someone has to be behind this. That person might not have ordered Aunt Wang to do this again, but they could have implied it through their words.
It is definitely not the Chief or the Junior Officer. Aunt Ju will not do such a thing either. The only person who will go against me is Aunt Kang, who the Chief reprimanded.
"It can't be anyone else but her," she said with a smile.
…
Just as An Jiuyue had expected, Aunt Kang was really involved in this.
Early the next day, someone saw An Da rush to the Chief's house excitedly with two fishes. He also had a handful of wild vegetables harvested a long time ago.
The Chief was still asleep, and Aunt Kang happened to be tinkering with something in the kitchen.
When she heard someone calling her from outside, she knew she succeeded.
She wiped her wet hands on her body hurriedly and walked out of the courtyard. She noticed the two fishes and a small basket of wild vegetables in An Da's hands.
Her expression darkened immediately.
Over the past few days, her husband, and even her daughter-in-law, scolded her because of An Jiuyue.
Who cares about wild vegetables? I want the money! Money! I can finally trample on An Jiuyue. How can I let this go just like that?
1
"An Da, why isn't your mother here?"
She looked at An Da unkindly and asked without looking at the items in his hands.
An Da might be useless, but he was astute. He knew what Aunt Kang was up to.
Chapter 156: More Unreasonable
There is no way we'll give her a share of our money! Even if my mother comes, she will not give it to her.
"My mother had to hurry to the village entrance to wait for them. Aunt Kang, why don't you come along?" he suggested.
Aunt Kang fell silent immediately.
She did not dare to go. Her husband, who was biased toward An Jiuyue only, would chase her out if she did. She did not want to risk it!
"There's no need for me to go. You guys should hurry up and settle this matter. Remember to give me what's mine. I won't tolerate those who like to play dirty."
Although she did not dare to go to the village entrance, she did not intend to let her money go.
"This is not over yet. If An Jiuyue refuses to give you her son, whoever receives the money will have to spit it back out.
"You might even have to cough up more money! Ministry Councilor He is not easily fooled."
Without waiting for An Da to respond, she snatched the fishes and wild vegetables from his hands and returned to her courtyard.
"Well…" An Da was dumbfounded.
I've seen unreasonable people, but I've never met anyone more unreasonable than her.
Is Aunt Kang not afraid that the Chief will find out about this and chase her out? Did she think this through to threaten us like that?
There was no way Aunt Kang did not think this through. However, nothing else mattered more to her than money.
Besides, she was certain Old An's family would not dare to do anything. After all, this was a very disgraceful matter. They would not be allowed to stay in the An Clan Village if the Chief and the Junior Officer found out.
Therefore, she had nothing to be afraid of. She would be more unreasonable than any other person. This was the only way to get the money!
Money was more reliable than husbands and sons in this day and age!
…
Soon, Aunt Wang arrived at the village entrance and met with Ministry Councilor He and his men.
"Oh? Ministry Councilor He, why are you here personally? You could've sent your butler on your behalf" Aunt Wang smiled so wide that her eyes narrowed to slits.
She did not understand what An Jiuyue's son had done to attract Ministry Councilor He.
He also had sons. In fact, he had two sons and even had grandchildren. She saw that they were quite fair and chubby yesterday.
She did not know why he wanted to buy An Jiuyue's son.
"You must be tired from walking all the way here. Do you want to have some tea at my house? You can rest your feet first," she offered fawningly.
Unexpectedly, Ministry Councilor He glared at her.
"Cut the crap and bring me to the child!"
He was in a rush. He heard that An Jiuyue cared a lot about her two sons and was sure she would not be able to escape from him as long as he had one of them.
1
"Okay, okay, let's go there now."
Since Aunt Wang could not invite him to her house, she had no choice but to accede to him and take him up the mountain.
She was certain no one was guarding the village entrance because it was early and time for a shift change. Hence, she dared to bring them up the mountain brazenly.
However, Aunt Wang was unaware that the villagers had grown warier of outsiders as the epidemic outside was worsening.
Chapter 157: Did This Man Beat Me to It?
Coincidentally, the men on duty arrived in time to witness Aunt Wang leading a group of strangers up the mountain.
"Oh no!" They were shocked.
Everyone in the An Clan Village knew Aunt Wang wanted to sell An Jiuyue's son.
"Is Aunt Wang, that vicious woman, targeting Jiuyue's child again?"
The two guards exchanged glances and found the confirmation in each other's eyes. They cursed Old An and his family in their hearts.
"Ju Zi, you guard the village entrance, and I'll go to the Chief and the Junior Officer. Jiuyue is our village's benefactor. We can't let her be bullied!"
"Alright. Go quickly." Ju Zi nodded and added, "Get the Chief and the Junior Officer to round up a few more people."
If it weren't for the fact that guarding the village entrance was also very important, he would have followed him. He really wanted to go and beat her up to vent his anger.
Aunt Wang is so shameless! I don't understand. If you want to sell children for money, you should sell your own children. Why are you selling other people's children?
How can you be so unreasonable? I've met bastards, but I've never seen someone so despicable! How can she sell other people's children as if they're hers?
…
Unaffected by Aunt Wang's family, An Jiuyue wanted to sleep in.
Qian Jiyun and the others were taking care of the children. Next to her, Lu'er was surprisingly obedient and sleeping with her. She really wanted to sleep a little longer.
However, someone had to disrupt her dreams.
Aunt Wang arrived with a group of people early in the morning. It was clear—she was here to snatch Zheng'er away.
In truth, Ministry Councilor He knew that buying An Jiuyue's child and using abuse as a threat to pressure An Jiuyue into becoming his wife was impossible.
Hence, he decided to use this opportunity to kidnap An Jiuyue.
The epidemic is serious now, and the village's population is decreasing every day. An Jiuyue's disappearance will be nothing.
At most, everyone will think she contracted the epidemic disease and ran away because she was afraid she'll be caught. Nobody will search for An Jiuyue either.
He thought he had a good plan.
But when he arrived at An Jiuyue's treehouse and saw a man chopping firewood with an axe, he was stunned.
"What's going on?" He turned to look at Aunt Wang with anger in his eyes.
Hasn't she been raising two children on her own? It hasn't even been long! Why is there a man here now?
1
Did I come too late? Did this man beat me to it? Damn it!
"I… I don't know."
Aunt Wang genuinely did not know. She was even more dumbfounded than him.
When did Qian Jiyun arrive? Why did I not know this? This man is not someone to be trifled with! I might die if I provoke him!
Ministry Councilor He gritted his teeth and snorted. "Hmph!"
So what if An Jiuyue has another man with her? I brought many people today. We can deal with one person easily.
How dare he snatch my woman? Dream on! I'll make sure this man won't be able to get up!
As for An Jiuyue, how dare that b*tch seduce another man behind my back? I'll teach her a lesson after I capture her!
Chapter 158: How Infuriating!
"Go take him down!" he ordered the servants behind him.
The servants heeded his orders, raising their arms and rolling up their sleeves immediately. They charged at him, full of dash.
But before they could even reach Qian Jiyun, Yan Nuo emerged out of nowhere and slammed them to the ground. None of them could get up.
Ministry Councilor He was shocked. There was no way he wouldn't be.
When did An Jiuyue have a man by her side? She even has a guard! A powerful guard, no less!
How am I supposed to kidnap An Jiuyue? My plans are doomed.
After taking a deep breath, he decided to take An Jiuyue's son first. He was sure she would marry into his family as long as he had her son.
It was only a matter of time.
He took a deep breath and asked Qian Jiyun, "Who… Who are you?"
Qian Jiyun ignored him and continued chopping the firewood. He did not even spare them a glance.
Ministry Councilor He had never been so angry before. He was about to explode.
But with all his servants on the ground, he did not dare to do anything to Qian Jiyun. He could only vent his anger on the people next to him.
He glared at Aunt Wang. "Hurry up and get An Jiuyue to hand over her son!"
"Alright, alright. I'll look for An Jiuyue now. Ministry Councilor He, please wait a moment." Aunt Wang quickly acceded.
She did not expect to see two men, whom she had met before, at An Jiuyue's house.
Suddenly, she recalled that there was someone next to An Jiuyue when she ran toward her after breaking free from Qian Yiyun.
Was Qian Jiyun already here back then?
Her face turned pale at the thought of this possibility.
However, it was useless to think too much now. She already accepted the money, and An Jiuyue's son must be handed over.
Hence, she mustered her courage and walked toward Qian Jiyun.
"Young Master Qian, why are you here? Where's Jiuyue?"
Qian Jiyun continued to ignore her. She grew embarrassed.
I'm older and considered his elder, but he didn't give me any face. How Infuriating!
But that's okay. I'm not here for Qian Jiyun anyway. Since he's not responding, I will look for An Jiuyue myself.
She glanced at the winding staircase under the treehouse and walked up.
This was not the first time she had gone to An Jiuyue's house. She was not afraid that An Jiuyue would do anything to her as Ministry Councilor He had brought many of his men with him.
But after taking a few steps up the stairs, she was quickly sent flying with a kick to the chest.
"Ah!" she shrieked, landing on the ground with a thud.
Qian Jiyun finally did something besides chopping firewood. He walked over quickly and happened to meet face to face with An Jiuyue, who had just arrived downstairs.
He took An Yilu from her arms and threw him to Yan Nuo.
4
Yan Nuo caught An Yilu in his arms, and they exchanged blank stares silently.
Chapter 159: Rather Ruthless
An Jiuyue, now empty-handed, was speechless.
What's wrong with carrying my child? What did Xiao Lu'er even do to Qian Jiyun?
Every time she carried Lu'er, Qian Jiyun would toss him to either Yan Nuo or Qian Yiyun. Alternatively, he would put him on the bed and let him roll around alone.
"You only know how to compete with children," she snapped at the man, raising her hand and pushing him away.
1
With a smile, An Jiuyue looked at Aunt Wang, who was still howling in pain. She walked towards her leisurely before squatting down.
"You, you, you…"
Aunt Wang was still howling when a shadow loomed over her.
She looked up and saw An Jiuyue. She finally remembered how An Jiuyue had thrown her down from the treehouse.
She also recalled the sight of An Jiuyue holding a bloody machete, a dead snake beside her.
She was frightened and did not dare make a sound anymore as she looked at her timidly.
"Aunt Wang, what happened to you? Did you fall because you're old and can't walk steadily? That's awful!" An Jiuyue exclaimed with a cold smile.
"You…"
Aunt Wang wanted to shout at her. An Jiuyue was the one who kicked her down!
But she was too afraid to say that. An Jiuyue dared to face the men in the village head-on with a machete. She would definitely hit her if she said that out loud.
"What… what do you want?"
"What do I want?" An Jiuyue smiled at Aunt Wang and sized her up.
"I didn't do anything. It's just… Aunt Wang, I heard that you're selling your child?"
1
"I… You…"
Aunt Wang opened her mouth to retort, but her eyes widened in horror.
She wanted to say that she was not selling her child but Zheng'er. It had always been Zheng'er—she and Ministry Councilor He had discussed this.
Didn't we agree on this yesterday? I've brought Ministry Councilor He here now. Why is she not cooperating at this critical moment?
She held her breath. She wanted to say everything.
However, An Jiuyue did not give her a chance. She continued to smile at her.
"I don't think our villagers are so starved that they're on the verge of death, right? I heard someone say they won't sell their children even if they have to eat tree bark.
"Tsk tsk… It seems your family is so poor you can't make ends meet anymore. You're actually willing to sell your adorable grandson!
"I didn't think your family had the heart to do this. To be honest, it's rather ruthless. I wonder if the other villagers will treat your family differently if they find out about this?"
Aunt Wang was gasping before she even realized it.
Why didn't I think of this? If the villagers find out, they'll drown us in their spits!
No one in the An Clan Village was so poor that they had to resort to selling their children. Her family was no exception. They still had wild vegetables and fish to eat, at least.
She looked up at An Jiuyue and then at Ministry Councilor He and the men behind him.
Chapter 160: Unappreciative of Aunt Wang's 'Kindness'
"I'm obviously selling your child. An Jiuyue, knock it off. Hurry up and hand Zheng'er over so that Ministry Councilor He can take him away!"
What was there to be afraid of? Ministry Councilor He had many hired thugs with him in case An Jiuyue refused to hand over the child.
She wanted to take advantage of his power and see what An Jiuyue could do to her.
"What are you waiting for, Ministry Councilor He? Send someone up the treehouse quickly. Those two brats must be upstairs. You can take both of them away!" she suggested.
However, Ministry Councilor He was already stunned by Yan Nuo's appearance. He did not dare to do anything.
His plump body trembled. Not only was he unappreciative of Aunt Wang's 'kindness', but he also despised her.
He knew very well that he had brought so many people here to kidnap An Jiuyue, and he believed that the man in front of him knew that very well too.
Otherwise, he would not have sent someone to take down his servants without saying a word.
"Ministry Councilor He," An Jiuyue called out to him as though she had just noticed him.
She turned around and glanced at him before stretching out her right hand to grab Aunt Wang, who was lying on the ground, by her collar. She approached him leisurely.
"What… what do you want?"
Ministry Councilor He took a step back instinctively and gulped.
He realized that the woman before him could not be trifled with. Although Aunt Wang was a woman, An Jiuyue must be pretty strong to lift her up with one arm effortlessly.
Then there's that man who looks like a pretty boy! I just want to leave this godforsaken place! Who said An Jiuyue has no one to rely on and can be bullied now that her father is gone?
That was probably him.
He used to think that he could easily have any woman he wanted. He only had to send a few thugs, and the women would be brought to his residence.
However, he regretted it now! He regretted it to his core and wished he could slap himself. Unfortunately, he could not because so many people were watching.
Would he even be able to live an easy life if An Jiuyue was sent to his residence?
She was definitely capable of fighting! In fact, she would fight everybody else—even him!
As expected, hunters, who were capable of living on the mountain, were no pushovers. An Jiuyue was just like her father, An Tu. She could probably kill without batting an eyelid.
He did not dare to provoke a woman like her. All he wanted to do now was take the money he gave to Aunt Wang and flee.
"Oh? You're alike." An Jiuyue smiled at his response.
What are they doing? They even asked the same question!
What do I want? I want to teach you both a lesson, of course! Since you dare to target me, why should I let you off easily?
A scheming glint entered her eyes as she set Aunt Wang down on the ground. She reached out and tugged at her messy clothes, only making them messier.
Aunt Wang felt her feet finally touch the ground. She was terrified.
The only person she could ask for help from was Ministry Councilor He, so she cried and looked at him.