Chapter 52: Young Miss Hua, You Have Yet to Thank Your Benefactor

Jiang Wan was in the middle of eating when Hua Xiao’s syrupy sweet voice reached her ears, causing the corners of her mouth to twitch slightly.

She seemed to finally understand why Hua Xiao hadn’t settled down somewhere already—probably because she hadn’t met the male lead, the Sixth Prince. Now, it looked like she had set her sights on Lin Tingyu.

It appeared that Jiang Wan’s actions had altered the plot somewhat. Not bad.

Lin Tingyu frowned, not really wanting to deal with Hua Xiao, but his good upbringing made him respond patiently.

“A life-saving grace isn’t something that can be repaid with a mere ‘thank you.’ If it weren’t for her, we might have become just another set of white bones in that mine.

Speaking of which, Miss Hua, you’ve never even thanked your benefactor.”

As he said this, there was clear disapproval in his eyes, making Hua Xiao feel inexplicably guilty.

“I…”

She stammered, “I am grateful in my heart… I just haven’t figured out how to express it yet.”

Yes, that’s it.

Hua Xiao felt deeply frustrated. Even if that woman hadn’t come to save her, with her modern knowledge, she definitely could have escaped on her own—it was only a matter of time.

So she didn’t feel much toward Jiang Wan. But since Lin Tingyu brought it up, she couldn’t leave him with a bad impression.

After a moment’s hesitation, Hua Xiao cautiously walked over and said, “Miss Jiang, thank you very much for saving my life earlier.”

“She’s already married.”

Song Jiuyuan coldly reminded her. Referring to a married woman as “Miss” was extremely improper.

Hua Xiao had just arrived and didn’t understand all these subtle rules, so she awkwardly corrected herself.

“Madam Song.”

“There’s no need for excessive words of gratitude—I appreciate the sentiment.”

Jiang Wan didn’t want to get entangled with her. Who knew if she had some damn protagonist halo? Jiang Wan felt she needed to keep observing.

Hua Xiao blushed and stole a glance at Lin Tingyu not far away, seemingly saying, See? I’ve already thanked her.

Jiang Wan: …

“Madam Song, there’s no way to truly repay such a favor, but I hope you’ll accept this small token of appreciation.”

Lin Tingyu walked over with a few steps, a servant behind him carrying a tray. On it were five dishes and one soup he had ordered from the inn.

Four meat dishes and one vegetarian—clearly, he was aware of their current identity and status, and was acting with discretion.

“Thank you!”

Jiang Wan smiled and accepted. A soft smile appeared on Lin Tingyu’s pale, jade-like face.

He had extremely handsome features and had clearly lost weight recently from exhaustion, looking a bit like a skeletal beauty.

But Jiang Wan knew, if this man put on some weight, he’d definitely be very handsome—a gentle and refined type that easily garnered goodwill.

At the very least, Jiang Wan had a good impression of him. Compared to Song Jiuyuan, who always wore a cold expression, this type was more her style.

As the two exchanged smiles, Song Jiuyuan inexplicably grew irritated and couldn’t help but speak up.

“Eat quickly. Rest early after eating. We still have a journey tomorrow.”

“Well then, I won’t disturb you further.”

Lin Tingyu smiled politely, then left with his servant. Hua Xiao quickly ran after him.

Song Jiuli couldn’t help but sigh, “That gentleman seems like a good person.”

“You can know someone’s face but not their heart.”

Song Jiuyuan replied venomously, leaving Song Jiuli speechless. “Big Brother, did I offend you or something?”

That tone was fierce.

Song Jiuyuan shot her a glance without replying, picking up his chopsticks and placing some stir-fried pork with green peppers into his bowl. A wave of gloom inexplicably welled up inside him.

She smiled so brightly at that man. Ever since the exile, she had never smiled like that at him.

“Ah!!!”

Suddenly, a sharp scream pierced the sky. Jiang Wan was nearly deafened.

When they all rushed toward the sound, they discovered the screamer was Madam Song (the second wife), and the reason was Shen Qian—collapsed on the table, motionless.

Apparently, Shen Qian had been tormented too harshly, beaten multiple times, and had even fought with Madam Song.

She must’ve suffered internal injuries and now lay lifeless on the table.

“What happened?”

Ren Bang put down his bowl and chopsticks and quickly walked to Shen Qian’s side. Madam Song panicked and quickly explained.

“We… we don’t know. She came back and didn’t say anything, just lay down to rest on the table.

We thought she was just tired and didn’t bother her… how were we supposed to know…”

Madam Song was terrified. Shen Qian had been summoned by a few constables earlier, and she looked awful when she returned.

But everyone hated her, so no one paid attention, and no one noticed her condition.

Hearing this, Ren Bang frowned, placing his fingers under her nose to check for breath.

As expected—none.

He pulled out a small notebook from his sleeve and recorded Shen Qian’s death.

“Take care of it.”

For the constables, this was a common occurrence. At his word, the other officers carried Shen Qian’s body away.

This scene left everyone a little somber. People of their status, thrown into the wilderness without so much as a proper burial.

“Actually, Shen Qian was quite pitiful.”

Song Jiuli sighed. Facing the blank stares of her family, she explained on her own:

“Of course, I’m not saying what she did was right—you’re all right, pitiful people often have hateful traits.”

Though these constables weren’t particularly kind, they hadn’t mistreated any women before. Shen Qian had just gone too far, and they’d been furious.

“As long as you understand.”

Song Jiuyuan gave her a cold glance, clearly displeased with her bleeding-heart attitude.

Madam Song patted her daughter’s head. “My dear girl, worry about yourself first.”

Everyone fell silent. Jiang Wan, however, remained composed. After the meal, Ren Bang learned there was a market nearby. The next morning, he would send someone to purchase supplies.

But this time was different. Everyone’s money had been confiscated, leaving them with barely anything, so there wasn’t much they could bring.

Chen Ce opened his mouth, wanting to say something. Probably because they had no money, he ultimately stayed quiet.

Jiang Wan remembered she needed seeds for her space, and immediately became interested. So the next morning, when Little Deng and Old Zhang departed, Jiang Wan quietly slipped out too.

“Jiang Wan.”

Sleeping next to Song Jiuchi, Song Jiuyuan softly called her name. Jiang Wan’s body stiffened slightly.

She turned around awkwardly, meeting Song Jiuyuan’s penetrating gaze, and hastily explained.

“Don’t worry, I’m not running away—just going to the market to buy supplies.”

“I know.”

His gaze was deep. If she had wanted to run, she wouldn’t have returned last time, so he believed her.

“Here… pawn this.”

Song Jiuyuan opened his palm. In the darkness, Jiang Wan saw a jade pendant lying in it.

Though she couldn’t clearly see its quality, her instincts told her it wasn’t ordinary. After all, it belonged to the main villain.

“No need, I still have some silver on me.”

She refused directly, but Song Jiuyuan was insistent. “Just take it. The weather’s getting colder—buy some warm clothes.”

He stuffed the jade pendant into her hand. Jiang Wan had no choice but to accept it. It was cool to the touch—clearly a very fine piece of jade.