Chapter 36

Luo Xueqing cast a cool glance at Chang Zijun. After the ordeal with Fan Youliang, no amount of betrayal could truly shake her anymore. Still, she had let down those who genuinely cared for her.

Magistrate Ding, seeing the matter had reached its conclusion, waved his hand and said, “Escort Fan Youliang and Lady Luo… back to the county office.”

“Yes!” Two constables immediately stepped forward, one in front and one behind, politely surrounding Lady Luo and inviting her to follow them.

Chen Hao clenched his jaw, his eyes red-rimmed with emotion. This grown man took a sudden step forward and called out, “Xueqing…”

Her body trembled slightly. She paused but didn’t turn around. Softly, she said, “When I return… if you can accept that I once married another…”

She hadn’t finished speaking when Chen Hao rushed to answer, “I don’t mind. I… will never mind.”

A faint smile tugged at Luo Xueqing’s lips. She turned her head to look at Chen Hao. The curve of her eyes reminded him of that moment in childhood—of the little girl on a swing, smiling like a carefree sprite, leaving him utterly dazzled. She laughed lightly and said, “You really are a fool.”

Chen Hao stood frozen, unable to hold back as he raised a hand to cover his stinging, tear-filled eyes. Though Fan Youliang was vile, there was one thing he’d said that rang true: It was because Chen Hao hadn’t worked hard enough, couldn’t make Xueqing choose him from the start. That’s why she had to endure pain that should never have been hers. It was his fault—for failing to protect the one person he couldn’t bear to see tarnished.

Luo Xueqing looked away and resumed walking with the constables. As she passed Yun Shuang, she said quietly, “Miss Yun… If we hadn’t met under such circumstances, I think we might have become close friends.”

“There’s still a chance.” Yun Shuang turned to her with a smile. “Lady Luo, I’ll be waiting for you to return to the Luo residence.”

Surprised, Luo Xueqing looked at her and smiled back. “Alright.”

With that, she didn’t linger and slowly disappeared from sight.

Yun Shuang watched her leave, then turned to Steward Li and said softly, “Steward Li, may I have a word with you in private?”

Steward Li’s expression was complicated. When this woman had accused Lady Luo of being a criminal, he had already walked to the stairway. The suffering Lady Luo now faced—it could partly be traced to this woman.
Yet he couldn’t place full blame on her. Besides, Lady Luo genuinely seemed to like and admire her. He finally let out a quiet sigh and nodded. “Of course.”

The two left the main hall and settled in a secluded corner. Yun Shuang didn’t bother with pleasantries; she got straight to the point. “Although that missing-person notice was posted at Fan Youliang’s request, it bore the official seal of the Luo family. Now, even though things have unfolded far beyond expectations, I did manage to bring Lady Luo back. I’d like to know—when will your household honor the promised reward of one thousand taels of silver?”

Steward Li had more or less guessed what she wanted to ask. He nodded. “The Luo family has been doing business for many years—we value integrity above all. That one thousand taels, of course, should be given to Miss Yun. Once I’ve returned and settled our affairs, I’ll immediately send someone to—”

“Wait a moment, Steward Li. I have a rather presumptuous request.”

Yun Shuang paused and said, “I’m willing to take only half of the reward.”

Steward Li, an experienced and sharp individual, instantly picked up on her meaning. His eyes narrowed slightly. “Given how things have unfolded, our Lady said plainly before she left that she hoped to become a close friend of yours upon her return. If there’s anything you wish the Luo family to assist with, just say so.”

For an ordinary commoner, earning five hundred taels might take several lifetimes. The fact that Miss Yun was willing to give up such a large sum without hesitation meant that what she truly wanted must be of greater worth—certainly exceeding five hundred taels.

Yun Shuang couldn’t help but smile. She appreciated dealing with clever people. “To be honest, I’m just a simple peasant woman. There’s no man in my household to take charge, and I’m raising two young children on my own. If I were to suddenly have such a large amount of silver, I don’t know if life would improve—but it would undoubtedly attract wolves and leopards. If it were just me, I’d fight through anything—gods or demons, no matter. But my two children have no way to protect themselves, and I don’t want them facing danger. I’m only taking five hundred taels because I want to shamelessly propose a cooperation with the Luo family. I hope the family will publicly declare that, due to the twin misfortunes of Lady Luo and Fan Youliang, the promised reward could not be fulfilled—and that my identity remains concealed. At the same time, I hope the Luo family can assist me in finding a safe and comfortable residence in the county town of Shanyang, as well as in hiring two reliable maidservants and a few guards. Next, I intend to start a small business in Shanyang County. While I’m running it, I also hope to receive the Luo family’s support.”

After all, even if she were to take the full reward of a thousand taels of silver, holding onto it wouldn’t be enough. Besides, living off savings until they run dry is the most foolish way—she needed to find a way to keep the money moving, to let money grow more money. By willingly giving up half the reward, she could gain the Luo family’s backing. In the future, running a business in Shanyang would be like having a powerful shield behind her.

Steward Li couldn’t help but silently admire this woman’s wisdom and foresight. The requests Yun Shuang made were effortless for the Luo family to fulfill. A thousand taels in hard silver was a substantial sum, even for them, especially given the recent troubles. Any reduction in unexpected expenses would ease their burden. He nodded. “Naturally, that’s no problem. However, as per Master’s will, the affairs of the Luo family are now overseen jointly by Mr. Chen and me. I’ll need to consult with him before I can give you a definitive answer.”

Seeing how accommodating Steward Li was, Yun Shuang lifted the corners of her mouth in a smile. “Very well. Just send someone to inform me when the time comes.”

“But… you’re planning to move away from your original village, aren’t you? Even if we publicly claim the reward was not given, if you suddenly relocate, people will become curious about the source of your newfound wealth.”

“That’s why I’d like to request one more thing—please find me a nominal landlord so it appears that I’m only renting the property.”

Yun Shuang smiled. “As for everything else, I’ll handle it myself. You needn’t worry, Steward Li.”

Rather than suddenly becoming rich and attracting attention, it was far better to give the impression her wealth had been earned gradually. That way, she could buy more time to prepare properly.

Steward Li also chuckled and sighed, “With a lady as clever as Miss Yun, I truly have nothing to worry about.”

After a few final courtesies, Steward Li took his leave. With the turmoil in the Luo household, he and Chen Hao had their hands full.

As Yun Shuang wrapped things up, the weight of the case finally lifted from her shoulders. She personally escorted Steward Li out of the Yiyuan Inn. Just as she was preparing to leave, she saw Jiang Xiao and Magistrate Ding striding out of the inn together. She paused in her step and turned to glance at him.

Though he’d said she didn’t need to share the reward with him, it was because of this man’s help that the case had been solved so smoothly. Whether out of sentiment or propriety, she felt she owed him a thank-you.