Chapter Seven: The Overly Perceptive Village Chief

Bound and gagged, Madam Liu, upon hearing Gu Xiaoyao’s words, grew frantic, pressing her tongue desperately against the thing stuffed in her mouth. She whimpered and yelped like a dog, blinking furiously, her eyes pleading for the village chief to subdue this venomous woman.

“Daughter-in-law Chengjin, as the saying goes, ‘To err is human, to forgive divine.’ You’ve taught them a lesson they’re not likely to forget.” When stern words proved fruitless, the village chief could only attempt a gentler approach. After all, Madam Liu was notorious in the village for her shrewish temper; if he failed to rescue her today, she would surely be cursing at his gate come morning.

“If you want them to remember this lesson, then naturally, they should stay here a while longer,” Gu Xiaoyao replied. “Don’t worry, Chief. I have no intention of letting them die out here—I know what I’m doing. It’s a bitterly cold day, and it can’t be easy for you to come all this way. You’d best return home and rest.”

Though her words seemed polite, her expression was steely, leaving no room for negotiation. Earlier, when she had suffered so much, the chief had not once appeared to speak up for her. But now, with the two tied by the tree, he hobbled over with his cane.

“Ah, daughter-in-law Chengjin, you really are too stubborn…” the chief sighed, wanting to persuade her further.

“One should speak with a clear conscience, Chief,” Gu Xiaoyao cut in coolly. “When I was in trouble yesterday, I didn’t see you rushing over in such a hurry.”

“Today, I’m merely letting them receive a small lesson. There’s no need for you to linger here, pestering me to let them go.”

Hearing her mention the events of yesterday, the chief shrank back, guilt flickering across his face. He had only been thinking that since the new wife had just arrived in Lotus Village, she needed to be properly broken in, lest she try to escape. Lotus Village was so poor that every household yearned to buy a wife, so whenever a new bride arrived, the entire village watched her closely, fearing she would run away. On this matter, everyone agreed—without women, Lotus Village would have no future.

“I understand, I understand. I’m going home—I can’t meddle in your affairs any longer. When Chengjin comes back, you’ll see that my advice was for your own good,” the chief grumbled, gripping his cane with displeasure before turning on his heel and striding off with surprising speed.

Madam Liu and Chu Qingbai stared after the fleeing chief, so furious their eyes nearly bulged from their heads. Who would have thought the chief would be so cowardly, fleeing after only a few words?

“Mmm! Mmm!” Chief, come back!

“Mmm mmm mmm!” Damn it, so utterly useless!

Gu Xiaoyao ignored their muffled cries, her cool gaze sweeping through every corner. A faint aroma of food wafted to her nose.

The villagers who had gathered to watch, seeing that no one was going to intervene, soon lost interest and returned to their own homes and chores.

Following the scent, Gu Xiaoyao entered the kitchen and discovered, in the solid wood cupboard, a stash of food. She opened the cabinet and took everything out—some of the sweet potatoes had already started to mold. The corn was shriveled and dry. The only thing of any real value was a small amount of flour, enough to make noodles.

Looking over these provisions, Gu Xiaoyao washed the corn and sweet potatoes, then placed them in the pot and started a fire to steam them.

“Chengjin’s wife, are you home?” someone called from outside.

She didn’t respond at first, but when the voice called out again, she finally left the kitchen.

It was Aunt Huajin, who had spoken up for her earlier. Seeing Gu Xiaoyao emerge, Aunt Huajin greeted her with a beaming smile and lifted a basket filled with freshly boiled sweet potatoes.

“Chengjin’s wife, take these. I know you didn’t eat anything last night.”

Aunt Dou resented not being home at the time; otherwise, she would have given Madam Liu a proper scolding.