Chapter Twenty-Four: Then Let Us Part Ways

Li’s fleeting moment of longing was immediately quelled by Yang’s words.

Indeed, if she were to follow her daughter to Lotus Village, life would become difficult—not only for her daughter but for herself and her son as well.

“Mother, don’t worry. I’ll try to persuade Xiao Yao,” she replied.

Yang looked at her sensible daughter-in-law with deep guilt. How had she ended up with such an ungrateful son? Other families’ sons struggled to find wives, yet her own had such a good one and didn’t appreciate her in the slightest. At times, Yang wondered if her eldest son’s mind was defective.

“All right, all right. Don’t you worry either. In the future, we can live elsewhere and not with Da Cai,” she assured. “Our family still has a small house in the village. We can stay there—it’s further away from here.”

Dangling from the tree, Gu Da Cai watched his money being taken away. When Gu Xiao Yao mentioned wanting to use the silver for Li’s medical treatment, he was nearly beside himself with rage.

“You think that moving somewhere else means I won’t follow you?” he shouted. “Let me tell you, Li—you’ll never get rid of me. Unless you die, I’ll always be right behind you, even as a ghost!”

Yang, who was just trying to comfort her daughter-in-law, was abruptly contradicted by her eldest son’s outburst.

Watching his wild, twisted expression, Li wished she could silence him forever. She drew back, shoulders hunched, as the pain in her wounds flared up.

In a quiet corner, Gu Xiao Yao glanced at Chu Chengjin’s pale face and spoke bluntly.

“I want to bring my mother and brother back to Lotus Village. Don’t worry—we won’t eat the Chu family’s rations. I’ll prepare food for them myself.”

“I know this request may be a bit much, but we can make a trade,” she continued.

Gu Xiao Yao was certain Chu Chengjin harbored secrets. From the moment she’d awakened, she sensed the Chu family was just an ordinary household. ‘Mother-in-law’ Liu was the epitome of a wicked mother-in-law, and his two brothers were no better—one was bold and shameless, the other timid as a mouse.

“Oh? My wife wants to make a deal? I’m listening,” Chu Chengjin replied, coughing softly. Though he smiled, there was no warmth in his eyes as he looked at her.

Despite the pressure he suddenly radiated, Gu Xiao Yao’s expression remained unchanged as she laid out her terms.

“I can keep silent about what happened on the mountain. Would that suffice as an exchange?” she asked.

Chu Chengjin’s fingers twitched at his side. Gu Xiao Yao reached out, tugging his sleeve, her fingers brushing the short blade hidden within.

“Though you’re formidable, your health isn’t suited for fighting right now. I may look small, but I’m not weak,” she said.

The two were locked in a silent contest in the corner, though to others it appeared as if Gu Xiao Yao was merely tugging Chu Chengjin’s sleeve in a playful manner.

Faced with her forthrightness, Chu Chengjin suppressed his murderous intent. Suddenly, he found this ‘wife’ quite charming—interesting, even.

“Deal. You may bring them to Lotus Village, but from here on out, you must handle everything yourself,” he said.

Chu Chengjin knew well that even if she wished to accomplish this, it might not be easy. Many people cling to old ways until the end, unwilling to take a single step forward.

“I’ll resolve everything that comes next. You needn’t interfere,” she assured him.

Once he agreed, Gu Xiao Yao released his sleeve, and the two emerged from the corner together.

Gu Da Cai’s earlier tirade had not escaped her notice. Without disentangling herself from the Gu family, even stepping out of this courtyard would be no easy feat.