However, when those words came out of Mo Jiuye's mouth, Li Rou'er found it difficult to accept for a moment.
This was the man she had once liked. How could he say such things?
"Mo Jiuye, do you know how much this woman didn't want to marry you?
She was worried that marrying into the Mo Family would turn her into a widow like your eight sisters-in-law. She didn't hesitate to come to me for strategies to annul the marriage.
Also, she has always been selfish and irresponsible. Such a woman doesn't deserve your protection."
Although Mo Jiuye hadn't spent much time with He Zhiran, he already had some understanding of her character and how she treated the Mo Family.
"As Mo Jiuye's woman, it is only natural for me to protect her even at the cost of my life. It has nothing to do with you."
Li Rou'er was completely provoked by Mo Jiuye's words.
She slowly stood up, pressing the pointed part of the stone against Xie Lin's neck.
Her still swollen face looked even more ferocious.
"Since that's the case, I don't intend to waste any more words. I'll give you two choices.
First, let me leave. Once I'm in a safe place, I will spare this kid's life. Second..."
"No need to say it. We will never let you leave," He Zhiran coldly interrupted Li Rou'er.
At that moment, several government officials arrived at the scene.
Seeing Li Rou'er holding Xie Lin hostage, they reprimanded her
"Li Rou'er, do you know what awaits a fugitive?"
Li Rou'er no longer felt any fear in her heart at this moment. She realized clearly that if she couldn't escape successfully today, she would only face death.
"Hahaha... I don't care what awaits me. I haven't committed any crimes. Why should I endure all this?"
As she spoke, she forcefully scraped the pointed part of the stone against Xie Lin's neck.
Blood flowed down Xie Lin's collar.
Xie Lin was still just a child. Feeling the pain, he instinctively struggled.
However, the more he struggled, the harder it was for Li Rou'er to control her strength, causing his wound to grow larger and larger.
At the same time, Li Rou'er, holding Xie Lin, was gradually retreating.
Seeing this, He Zhiran and Mo Jiuye disregarded the presence of the government officials. They both raised their arms and shot two hidden arrows toward Li Rou'er's forehead.
In the blink of an eye, Li Rou'er's forehead was pierced by the two feathers, and she fell backward instantly.
With his swift lightness skill, Mo Jiuye swiftly caught the little guy and then turned around to carry him away.
Back at their original positions, Zhang Qing stepped forward to remove whatever was stuffed in Xie Lin's mouth.
But when he saw what he had in his hand, he immediately became repulsed.
"Where did Li Rou'er find this stinky sock? It's making me sick..."
The Eighth Old Zhou felt that the smell was somewhat familiar. He then looked down at his own foot, which was not wearing a sock.
"This seems to be my sock."
"Ugh..." Zhang Qing couldn't control his urge to vomit anymore.
"Cough, cough, cough... Zhou Lao Ba, your socks are definitely poisonous..." Zhang Qing coughed while venting her dissatisfaction.
Having her stinky socks exposed, especially in front of He Zhiran, Zhou Lao Ba felt a deep sense of embarrassment.
Fortunately, everyone's attention was not focused on Zhou Lao Ba at the moment.
Looking at Xie Lin's flushed face, He Zhiran couldn't determine whether it was due to difficulty in breathing or the stench of the socks.
Regardless, the child was definitely not feeling well.
Moreover, there was a wound on his neck caused by a stone scratch. Although it didn't look too serious, it needed to be treated promptly.
So, He Zhiran quickly untied the hemp rope binding Xie Lin's hands and feet, then took out a water pouch from her waist and fed him some water.
"Officials, we have found the person. Let's hurry back!" she said.
In front of so many people, she couldn't use spatial items to help Xie Lin with his wound.
Besides, they had already promised Peng Wang that they would return before dawn, regardless of whether they found the person or not.
With this in mind, He Zhiran didn't want to stay for even a moment. She picked up Xie Lin and started walking back.
Mo Jiuye and Zhou Lao Ba almost simultaneously rushed over, intending to take Xie Lin from He Zhiran's arms.
Zhou Lao Ba was a beat slower than Mo Jiuye, and Xie Lin had already been embraced by Mo Jiuye.
Then, without looking back, he continued walking side by side with He Zhiran.
Watching the beautiful couple ahead, singing and accompanying each other, Zhou Lao Ba intentionally slowed down his pace and refrained from disturbing them.
However, the inexplicable sense of loss in his heart was known only to himself.
Leaving two officials to handle Li Rou'er's body, the rest of the people hurried back to the camp.
Throughout the journey, He Zhiran thought about how Li Rou'er, such a malicious woman, had died. It was really letting her off easy.
But it was also good, sparing herself from unnecessary trouble. It could be considered as avenging the original owner of the body.
The group quickly returned to the camp.
Seeing Xie Lin being carried back by Mo Jiuye, the Xie family members crowded around.
When Xie Lin saw his relatives, tears welled up in his eyes again, and he reached out his little hand towards Lv, wanting to be held.
Lv, crying, approached and reached out her hand to take Xie Lin.
Just as she was about to inquire about what had happened, Lv turned her head and happened to see the wound on Xie Lin's neck.
"Lin'er, how did you get hurt? Quickly tell Mother, who hurt you... sob, sob, sob... my poor child," Lv exclaimed in shock.
Upon hearing Lv's exclamation, all the Xie family members ran to check on Xie Lin's condition.
He Zhiran pushed through the crowd and said, "Everyone, don't worry. I have some medical supplies with me. Give the child to me, and I'll take care of his wound."
Upon hearing this, Lv couldn't care about other things. She grabbed He Zhiran's arm and was about to leave.
"He Zhiran, let me go with you," Lv said.
He Zhiran planned to use the spatial items to treat Xie Lin's injuries. How could she let an outsider come along?
She spoke softly, "The space inside the tent is small, and it will be crowded for the three of us. Besides, treating external wounds won't take much time. I will return Xie Lin to you soon."
After hearing He Zhiran's words, Lv also found them reasonable.
She cautiously handed Xie Lin over to He Zhiran.
"Then I'll trouble you," she said.
"No trouble at all," he replied.
He Zhiran took Xie Lin back to his own tent.
Xie Lin had always been a well-behaved and sensible child. Despite being frightened by Li Rou'er, he didn't cry or make a scene in front of his family.
Furthermore, he understood that Aunt He was treating his wounds, so even though it hurt, he didn't cry and endured the pain.
With Xie Lin facing away, He Zhiran quickly tended to his wounds and bandaged them.
When she came out of the tent with Xie Lin, Zhang Qing had already recounted the incident to everyone.
Upon hearing that Li Rou'er had kidnapped Xie Lin and escaped, Li Liang was so angry that he nearly fainted.
He slapped Zhu in the face and angrily reprimanded her, "It's all because of you! You can't even keep an eye on a person and let her escape."
After learning that Li Rou'er had been killed by Mo Jiuye and He Zhiran working together, Zhu had been crying non-stop, even contemplating following her.
Despite being slapped by Li Liang, she remained indifferent, shedding tears without any reaction
Li Liang saw her like this and became even angrier. He kicked at her, "Don't cry. Having given birth to a daughter like that, what face do you have to cry?"
Zhu seemed to have been kicked awake. She casually wiped away a tear, got up, and unexpectedly threw herself towards He Zhiran's direction.
"He family, give me back my Rou'er's life!"
Mo Jiuye and The Eighth Old Zhou saw He Zhiran was in danger and both moved to stop Zhu at the same time.
Only to see The Eighth Old Zhou fiercely whip Zhu's body while Mo Jiuye kicked her, sending her flying several meters away.
Zhu heavily fell to the ground, stirring up dust. A mouthful of bright blood sprayed from her mouth.
It was clear how heavily she fell from the kick...
None of the Li family members went forward to help Zhu up as they saw her miserable state.
Zhu covered her lower abdomen, loudly gasping for breath.
Only to see her painfully get up again. This time, she did not attack He Zhiran again. Instead, she used all her strength to run towards the riverbank.
Peng Wang yelled, "The criminal is trying to jump into the river, stop her!"
Several officers quickly ran over. Just as Zhu had one foot over the river, she was pulled back up.
Zhu failed to jump into the river and instantly went mad.
"Let me go, let me go find my Rou'er!"
As she spoke, she bit at the officer who was grabbing her collar.
The officer felt pain and instinctively let go of her. Only to kick her heavily once he came to his senses, kicking her until she fell back down.
Zhu already had internal injuries from Mo Jiuye's kick. Falling down again now, she lost consciousness.
The officers called for the Li family members to carry Zhu back.
For now, the farce came to a temporary end. Peng Wang immediately made a decision.
Prisoners escaping was no small matter. All family members' crimes will be increased by one level.
As for the specifics, he and these officers had no authority.
Especially since the Li family's property confiscation and exile was personally decreed by the Emperor. Li Rou'er's crime was equivalent to deceiving the ruler.
With such a big matter, Peng Wang did not dare to delay. He immediately sent The Eighth Old Zhou along with four officers to escort all of the Li family members back to the capital for retrial.
Upon hearing Peng Wang's decision, the Li family members instantly became spiritless.
Especially Li Liang. Having mingled in court for over a decade, how could he not understand that escapees during exile would have their crimes increased by one level?
By being brought back to the capital this time, even if their entire clan is not beheaded, they would likely face life imprisonment charges.
Thinking of this, Li Liang's legs turned soft.
He stumbled to Peng Wang and kneeled on the ground with a thud.
"Official, please show mercy and spare my family this once. I beg you...I beg you..."
With such a big matter, how could Peng Wang possibly let his heart soften just because Li Liang kowtowed to him several times?
"Come, pull Li Liang away. Pack up and set off immediately."
As soon as he finished speaking, several officers came over and roughly pulled Li Liang back to his original spot.
Peng Wang loudly ordered the frightened Li family members, "Get up, I'm sending all of you back to the capital."
Li Liang was forcibly taken back, disheartened.
He clearly knew in his heart that the Li family was thoroughly finished this time...
The Eighth Old Zhou and the other officers were ready. Seeing the Li family members hesitate to move, they took out their whips from their waists and swung them around.
The Li family feared returning to the capital city but feared the officers' whips even more.
In order to avoid physical suffering, they could only obediently follow them back to the capital.
Luckily, with their starts and stops these past few days, they did not make it very far.
As long as they do not delay the journey, The Eighth Old Zhou and the others would be able to turn back in four to five days.
Peng Wang simply ordered everyone to wait here until The Eighth Old Zhou and the others came back before continuing on.
Seeing the outcome of the Li family, everyone sighed.
It seemed that escape plans really could not be made. Not only would it implicate their families but there would not even be a way out.
Li Rou'er was a prime example. She died but that was not enough, she also dragged that entire family down with her...
By the time the Li family members disappeared from everyone's line of vision, the sky had completely brightened.
When He Zhiran and Mo Jiuye returned to their own campsite, their sisters-in-law had already started preparing breakfast.
This body had not been physically trained much by the original owner so it was rather frail. He Zhiran now panted heavily, feeling extremely fatigued. Even if she wanted to help her sisters-in-law, she likely did not have enough strength.
Old Lady Mo saw her state and quickly said, "He Shi already worked hard searching for Xie Lixin. For breakfast, there is no need for you to do anything to help. Let your sisters-in-law take care of things.
From now on, we will have to depend on ourselves for food and clothing. Let them train more."
He Zhiran also did not force herself, "Then I will listen to mother. I'll rest a bit, I really am quite tired."
As she spoke, she had already lifted her fists and rhythmically punched her shouldered
Mo Jiuye saw this and walked over to ask, "Do you need help?"
Right now, He Zhiran truly needed a massage.
"Do you know how to massage?"
Mo Jiuye instinctively looked down at his own hands.
"I can try."
Old Lady Mo quickly spoke on her son's behalf.
"Our Jiuye is best at massaging. His father was often away at war, leaving his body full of problems. Jiuye has learned to massage his father since he was young. Other than using a bit more strength, it is quite good."
He Zhiran raised her brow in disbelief towards Mo Jiuye, "I did not expect that you had this skill."
Mo Jiuye was teased by his wife and his face reddened slightly.
To prevent her from noticing anything strange, he had already lowered his head and arrived behind He Zhiran.
His sharp and long hands were placed on her shoulders, very skillfully kneading them.
After only a few kneads, Mo Jiuye could not help but sigh.
"Eat more in the future, you're too skinny. It's just bones. I don't even dare to use much strength."
"Where am I skinny? I think this is good."
For the original owner's figure, He Zhiran was quite satisfied.
Although she looked rather thin overall, the parts that should be full were plentiful.
This kind of figure would have been envied by everyone in her previous world.
"Still too thin." Mo Jiuye continued to think so.
He Zhiran was about to retort when she saw Peng Wang come over with Zhang Qing.
Seeing Mo Jiuye massaging He Zhiran, Peng Wang's heart stirred to tease them.
"Yo...you little couple are quite harmonious."
At his words, Mo Jiuye's face instantly reddened.
He wanted to stop the massage and continue after these people left. However, seeing He Zhiran's enjoyment, he could not bear stopping.
Thus, his hands continued to stay on her shoulders without moving for the moment.
He Zhiran did not feel like there was anything wrong about this. Furthermore, she did not see that Mo Jiuye was embarrassed.
"It was feeling good, don't stop!"
Only then did Mo Jiuye react. His face red as he continued to serve his wife.
He Zhiran once again felt her body relax in comfort. Only then did she look at Peng Wang.
"Official Peng, did you come over for something?"
"Mm. I just led people to bring all those wolves back. Right on fifty. I was thinking that most of these wolves were killed by you two. So I came to ask what you plan on doing with them
He Zhiran had a sudden realization. If Peng Wang hadn't mentioned it, she would have almost forgotten about killing the wolves last night.
Hearing Peng Wang ask her how she handled it, He Zhiran didn't get carried away and forget her current identity.
Peng Wang is a decent official who considered their wishes.
If it was one of those unscrupulous officials, they wouldn't care who killed the wolves. They would just take them into town to exchange them for silver. Wouldn't that be great for them?
Therefore, He Zhiran did not overstep. Instead, she asked back, "What does Officer Peng plan to do?"
Peng Wang spread his hands and told the truth.
"If this was in the past, after killing so many wolves, I wouldn't have considered whose credit it was. I would have directly taken them into town to exchange them for silver."
Hearing this, He Zhiran and Mo Jiuye felt it was honest enough.
Frankly, they were just exiled criminals under these officials, surviving on their mercy. For Peng Wang to say this to them meant he no longer saw them as criminals.
This kind of person was definitely worth befriending.
In fact, when Peng Wang asked this question, He Zhiran already had a plan in mind.
Now that she understood Peng Wang's thoughts, she no longer held back.
"Officer Peng, even if you take the wolves into town to exchange for money, you probably wouldn't get much, right?"
Peng Wang nodded. "Last year, we killed two wild wolves on the road. We took them into town and got one or two taels of silver each."
He Zhiran raised her eyebrows. "You took the wolves to a fur shop?"
"Yeah. The fur shop owner said no one eats wolf meat so he only bought them for the fur price."
Actually, Peng Wang felt one or two taels per wolf was pretty good. After all, it was free money and he wouldn't complain about less.
Moreover, they had killed so many wolves last night. At one or two taels each, they could still get fifty taels!
He discussed it partly out of respect for the two of them, and partly thinking that if they agreed to his proposal, he could ask them to split the silver later.
However, judging by He Zhiran's attitude, she didn't seem to approve of taking the wolves to the fur shop to exchange for silver.
"If I can make these wolves more valuable, would Officer Peng be willing?"
"Why would I not be willing?" Peng Wang answered without thinking.
Getting an affirmative answer, He Zhiran instantly became spirited.
The comfortable massage would have to wait. She stood up abruptly.
"Let's go process the wolves now."
Mo Jiuye was also curious how He Zhiran would make the wolves more profitable.
So he followed along.
He Zhiran called over the Xie Family and Fang Family men.
Then she looked at Peng Wang, "First Officer Peng, we need to skin these wolves."
Hearing this, Peng Wang had already guessed He Zhiran's plan. She would just sell the wolf pelts separately. A pelt could still sell for one tael.
But the wolf meat was worthless. Where would the extra profit she mentioned come from?
Even if he didn't understand, he still chose to support He Zhiran. He wanted to see how this woman would turn the useless wolf meat into treasure.
He ordered the officials to take out their daggers and hand them over to He Zhiran.
He Zhiran casually picked up a dagger and nimbly started skinning a wolf by the hind legs.
Seeing this, Mo Jiuye also picked up a dagger to help.
The Xie and Fang men followed their example and started working.
He Zhiran reminded them to be careful not to damage the pelts, or they would sell for less silver.
The bolder women also came over to help. By breakfast time, they had skinned twenty wolf pelts.
With the Li family sent back to the capital for reassignment, the He family stood out even more among the exiles.
As they ate their black sesame buns, the He family looked with envy at the others busily working together, even regretting opposing the Mo family earlier.
Now they were stuck gnawing on those choking black buns, and completely ostracized...
Indeed, the Mo, Fang and Xie families were used to such stares and simply ignored the He family, not even glancing at them.
The officials had no choice but to look at the He family, especially cautious after what happened with Li Rou'er, making sure to check they were all present whenever they looked over.
In contrast to the He family, the treatment of the other three families was completely different. Although their meals could not compare to their former luxury, they were very content to eat this well on the exile journey.
Seeing the harmonious relations between the other families and officials, and even enjoying fragrant meals, the He family's eyes burned with envy.
But everyone was used to such stares and directly chose to ignore them.
After breakfast, seeing that those people could now independently skin the wolf pelts, He Zhiran left them to it and went to get busy with something else.
She called the women over and they cut the wolf meat into thumb-thick strips, then secretly took out some seasoning from her space and started marinating it.
While marinating the meat, the other women continued cutting it up. He Zhiran took Mo Jiuye to the riverbank.
If she remembered correctly, when she was filling up the waterskins by the river yesterday, she saw a very thin slab of bluestone there.
Dragged by his wife to the riverside, Mo Jiuye was still confused.
He wondered if she still wanted him to massage her, but didn't dare with so many people around, so brought him somewhere more secluded?
Just as Mo Jiuye was figuring this out, thinking that this time he would definitely put in more effort to massage his wife, he saw He Zhiran point to a bluestone slab on the riverbank and say: n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om
"Let's take this slab into the river to wash it, then use it to dry jerk the meat."
Wash the slab?
Jerk meat?
For a moment, Mo Jiuye's thoughts couldn't keep up.
Seeing He Zhiran had already moved to lift up one side of the slab, Mo Jiuye finally understood.
He pulled He Zhiran aside without another thought, then exerted his strength and shifted the slab to the riverbank.
He Zhiran tore off some tough grass and deftly squatted by the river scrubbing the bluestone slab.
No choice, they had to make do in this special period.
Mo Jiuye followed her example, helping to scar
Before long, the two had scrubbed the bluestone slabs clean and propped them up on the spot.
By this time, the first batch of cured wolf meat was just about ready. He Zhiran brushed some oil on the bluestone slabs and neatly arranged the wolf meat on top.
Mo Jiuye was squatting to one side, adding firewood under the slabs.
The husband and wife worked together seamlessly. Before long, the tempting aroma began to drift through the air, making everyone's mouths water.
Peng Wang came running over, following his nose.
He Zhiran picked up a piece of roasted dried wolf meat and gave it to him.
"Master Peng, try this and tell me if dried meat that tastes this good can fetch a good price."
Peng Wang couldn't wait to pop the dried meat into his mouth and chewed it carefully.
"Tender and delicious, rich wolf flavor, this is the first time I've had such chewy meat. It's a rare delicacy."
This was Peng Wang's heartfelt evaluation.
He Zhiran was delighted that the first batch of dried meat had been approved. She happily picked up a piece and stuffed it into Mo Jiuye's mouth.
"Husband, you try it too."
In an unintentional move, her fingertips gently brushed Mo Jiuye's lips.
Mo Jiuye shuddered slightly, feeling his heartbeat quicken by half a beat.
Unconsciously, he touched the place He Zhiran had brushed, not knowing why he suddenly felt elated.
To cover up the awkwardness, Mo Jiuye chewed the dried meat seriously.
Soon, He Zhiran's sweet voice rang in his ears again.
"Husband, is the dried meat tasty?"
"Yes, very tasty." At this moment Mo Jiuye's mind wasn't on the dried meat at all, unable to carefully evaluate it like Peng Wang. But it really was very tasty.
He Zhiran didn't look at Mo Jiuye's expression. She thought his simple answer was just his cold personality, and didn't think too much of it.
She looked at Peng Wang again: "Master Peng, do you still think this is worthless wolf meat?"
"No, absolutely not. This dried meat will definitely fetch a good price in the city."
Peng Wang seemed to see countless coins raining down on him already.
"Good. Let's dry all the wolf meat into dried meat this way and take it into the city to sell.
Also, while the sunshine is good, dry those wolf hides too. If handled properly, I guess we can sell them for some extra silver."
Hearing He Zhiran speak knowledgeably, Peng Wang admired her even more.
He really didn't know how much this woman had stuffed into her little head to have so many ideas.
"We'll do as you say."
Peng Wang simply lingered here instead of leaving. This tasty dried meat, he had to have his fill first.
After all there was so much wolf meat, he eating a little wouldn't matter...
As Peng Wang ate, he seemed to remember something. He turned and ran off.
Soon he returned, tenderly cradling a gourd of wine.
He uncorked the wine, but instead of drinking it himself, he offered it to Mo Jiuye.
"How can you have such delicious dried meat without wine? You drink first."
In the army, Mo Jiuye often ate meat and drank wine in large mouthfuls with the officers and soldiers.
Recalling that feeling, he didn't refuse but accepted the wine gourd, just about to take a swig when He Zhiran stopped him.
"You're still injured. No alcohol."
At her words, Mo Jiuye's hand froze in mid air still holding up the wine gourd.
But soon he returned the wine gourd to Peng Wang.
"My wife is right, I'm injured and shouldn't drink."
Peng Wang looked at them with some amusement, and meaningfully teased:
"I didn't expect our prestigious Duke to be so afraid of his wife."
Of course Mo Jiuye knew Peng Wang was joking, but he still said seriously: "Be careful with your words, sir. I'm just an exiled convict now, no longer any Duke."
Peng Wang also realized his words were inconsiderate.
"In that case, I won't call you Duke, and you needn't call me Sir either. If you don't mind, just call me Brother Peng."
Mo Jiuye wasn't fussy. And he quite approved of Peng Wang's character.
"Brother Peng."
Peng Wang took a big gulp of wine and guffawed. "Ha ha ha... Good. From now on you're my brother Mo, and Lady He is my sister-in-law."
Having a closer relationship with the captain of the guards was something He Zhiran had been hoping for.
She roasted the dried meat even more enthusiastically
Following the alluring aroma, the sisters-in-law and Mo Hengyue soon arrived too. He Zhiran busily invited them to try the dried meat.
They simply couldn't stop eating after one taste.
It was so delicious, not just on the road in exile, even back in the capital they had never eaten anything so flavorful.
The sisters-in-law felt bad that He Zhiran was working so hard. After carefully learning her dried meat roasting technique, they took over for her.
He Zhiran stretched lazily, then brought some roasted dried meat for everyone else to try.
Whoever tasted the delicious dried meat sang its praises.
In her delight, He Zhiran simply declared unlimited rations of dried meat for today.
By nightfall, due to limited tools, only a third of the meat had been dried.
Mrs. Zhao was worried the wolf meat would spoil if left too long, and volunteered her women to work through the night.
Mistress Xie also said the Fang family would rest tomorrow morning and they would continue work.
At this rate all the dried meat could be done by tomorrow nightfall.
The weather was muggy this season. To prevent spoilage of the curing wolf meat, He Zhiran led people to move it riverside.
The temperature there was relatively lower, better for preservation.
After a busy day, they could finally rest.
After washing up, He Zhiran returned to the tent.
Mo Jiuye said caringly, "Rest early. You worked the hardest today."
He Zhiran thought Mo Jiuye would say something more, but he didn't.
Since he didn't bring it up, she would.
"The Lis will probably reach the capital tomorrow."
"Mm. When they reach the capital, news of the person who died in the hut will quickly reach my enemies." Mo Jiuye's tone was extremely indifferent, as if the matter had nothing to do with him.
He Zhiran didn't understand his attitude.
"Aren't you worried they'll send someone after us again?"
"It's not something we can prevent." If he hadn't been busy with He Zhiran all day, Mo Jiuye would have likely spent the whole day pondering this issue.
But he didn't want her bothered over it too, which was why he deliberately acted so indifferent.
Given their current situation, with things like this all they could do was passively take the beating and counter when possible.
Taking the initiative to attack would not be so easy.
They couldn't even catch the ringleader.
With Li Rou'er dead, peace had returned for all of two days before having to worry about enemies striking again.
But He Zhiran was never afraid of such things.
Just some invisible troubles? Let them come!