Farm Tough Girl
Chapter 496 - 496 497 No Promotion_1

Chapter 496: Chapter 497 No Promotion_1 Chapter 496: Chapter 497 No Promotion_1 “I, too, find it strange, but you really shouldn’t underestimate that Madam Li. She’s not as weak and easy to bully as Dabao’s Mother. Even if the blood recognition test raised doubts about her being Xu Shuzhuo’s biological mother, her performance of crying, making a scene, and threatening to hang herself was such that Xu Shuzhuo could not withstand it. I heard she even planned to jump into the river, claiming that her unfilial son was going to drive her to her death, saying she couldn’t live like this any longer, and ultimately, she caused quite the disturbance.”

“Finally, Xu Shuzhuo helplessly spoke up, saying that no matter what, Madam Li had raised him for so many years and he couldn’t just abandon her. He stopped fussing about whether or not she was his real mother, saying that as long as they could live well from now on, he didn’t want to think too much considering his age.”

“And what of Dabao’s Mother?”

“Xu Shuzhuo personally supported her home. Dabao’s Mother had just given birth, and with all this turmoil, her health couldn’t take it; she was nearly fainting. Xu Shuzhuo felt guilty towards Dabao’s Mother and swore in front of the villagers that he would treat her well from now on. It seemed quite sincere, and it looked like there shouldn’t be any problems.”

Muniang breathed a sigh of relief internally, “Although Madam Li was let go like this, the incident of the blood test has still left a mark in Xu Shuzhuo’s heart. He will surely harbor some resentment towards his parents from now on. Saying he wants to start over likely means he wants to live well with Dabao’s Mother. From now on, in conflicts between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, Xu Shuzhuo will likely have to weigh things in favor of his wife a bit more.”

Qingya also said, “That’s for the best. I really can’t stand Madam Li. She completely treats her daughter-in-law like a servant on top of exploiting her daily. Xu Shuzhuo works as a blacksmith in the prefectural city and the money he earns is enough to make him quite well-off in Tupo Village. Yet, Madam Li wears nice clothes and eats well, while Dabao’s Mother’s clothes are mended with patches. Even the money Dabao’s Mother earns working in the embroidery room is taken away by Madam Li. Even if Xu Shuzhuo’s relationship with his wife is good, he always makes his wife yield. If I were to marry into such a family, it would truly be the end of me. Just thinking about it frustrates me!”

Muniang smiled wryly, “Are you already thinking about marriage? It seems we can’t keep a young girl like you. When you find a suitable match, bring him to me for a look, and I’ll marry you off.”

Qingya’s face turned red, “I was just speaking off the top of my head. I’m not getting married, Lady. Don’t tease me.”

“It’s just a pity that it’s not easy to find such a handy maid. After you get married, I’ll have to go through the trouble of finding a new one.”

Qingya was especially moved by these words. As Lady’s business grew bigger and she employed more and more people, Qingya was the only major maid by her side. As Lady’s stature rose, Qingya gained more respect as well. Thinking back to when she was sold to the Human Trafficker, she thought her life was over. Who would have known she could find such a good mistress? Now, she didn’t want to leave at all.

Qingya pouted and said, “Men on the outside are not as reliable as Lady. I’d rather depend on Lady for life to avoid being deceived and suffering again!”

Muniang laughed out loud, “So I’m comparable to men now, am I? Alright then, you’re still without a beloved now, but if you do find one and still remember me, that’d be strange. As for being deceived, the maids that come from my side only know how to bully others, how could they be bullied by others? If you dare disgrace me, I won’t let you off easy!”

Qingya laughed helplessly, “Yes, yes, I definitely won’t disgrace you, my Lady.”

Early the next morning, as Muniang stepped outside, she happened to come across Mr. Village Head loitering at the gate, which took her by surprise, “Mr. Village Head, what brings you here? If you have business, please come inside.”

The Village Head chuckled awkwardly, “No need to go in, I just so happened to have something to ask you about.”

“You may speak,”

the Village Head then said, “The Imperial Physician who came to our village yesterday, is he an acquaintance of yours?”

Muniang did not hide anything and nodded, “He is an acquaintance of my husband. It all started when the Imperial Physician happened to save my husband during his travels last time, and that’s how they got to know each other.”

This was a story Muniang had prepared beforehand. Since it was necessary for Doctor Xue to reveal his identity yesterday, Muniang naturally wouldn’t allow for more suspicions here.

The Village Head nodded repeatedly, “I see, that explains it. I heard from the villagers that he went to your home, and only then I realized he was your guest. Otherwise, who in Tupo Village could attract such an important figure?”

No wonder he wouldn’t go inside. It turned out he was afraid that he had offended Doctor Xue yesterday and, fearing Doctor Xue might be angry, dared not enter.

“Muniang, this is the first time someone as distinguished as this has come to our village. You must host him well. This is the honor of Tupo Village. In the future, when we say an Imperial Physician came to our village, it will bring glory to all the villagers,” the Village Head said with great earnestness.

If it had been before, Muniang would have readily agreed, but after the incident involving Dabao’s Mother, she suddenly felt a particular aversion to the phrase “for the village’s reputation.” In their eyes, was this reputation truly more important than life itself?

Muniang said, “Mr. Village Head, it would be best not to speak of the Imperial Physician’s visit. He came here discreetly, and if not for yesterday’s incident, he wouldn’t have revealed his identity. He doesn’t wish for his status to be known, so please don’t spread the word about this. You had better explain it clearly to the villagers to keep this a secret. Otherwise, if the Imperial Physician becomes angry and blames us, I won’t be able to speak in favor of Tupo Village.”

The Village Head’s face turned somewhat despondent. Clearly, it was a pity to miss this opportunity to make the village famous, but since the Imperial Physician had spoken, he did not dare to say more and immediately agreed.

“Is the Imperial Physician angry about yesterday’s incident? The villagers were quite disrespectful to him, and I’m worried he might be irate. I hope you can help explain to him on their behalf,”

Muniang assured him, “Don’t worry. The Imperial Physician is very open-minded, not one to quibble over details. I will naturally explain to the villagers as well.”

With a response from Muniang, the Village Head finally felt relieved as if a great weight, a Dashi, had been lifted from his heart. Although he couldn’t achieve his request, at least the Imperial Physician wouldn’t pursue the matter further, which was good enough. For such a high-ranking official from the capital, and one who serves in the palace, killing them would be as easy as turning his hand.

After receiving the Village Head’s warning, the villagers were told not to disclose Doctor Xue’s identity, but they still couldn’t help discussing it privately. Especially now that Qiao Muniang’s family was even connected to an Imperial Physician, they seemed very prestigious. Envy, jealousy, and hatred arose among the villagers, but their outward attitude towards Muniang became more respectful.