Fortunate Life of the Rural Beauty
Chapter 523 - 514: About the Law

Chapter 523: Chapter 514: About the Law

Chu Lingqi said, "Sister-in-law, you really are insightful. If you hadn’t woken us up, if we hadn’t been prepared in advance, the casualties would have been much greater."

Captain Li also said, "Yes, the wind was strong last night. If we hadn’t been prepared, I don’t know what this estate would have been burnt to."

Chen Afu quickly said, "Perhaps it was divine protection. I suddenly felt uneasy last night, always fearing that something would happen. Who knew, something really did happen." He then asked, "How are the injured? Are any lives in danger?"

Captain Li continued, "Of the four injured guards, one was stabbed in the stomach, one was stabbed in the back, and one had half of his right ear cut off. These three are not in serious condition. Only one had his left arm severed. He is crippled for life and can never be a guard again. The condition of the maid is the worst, half her face and body were burned ..."

Liao Chen ran back to the West Cross Courtyard weeping, not waiting to hear the rest.

Chen Afu asked about this on purpose in front of Liao Chen. It was not that Chen Afu was too cruel, but she had to know how many people protecting her were hurt because of her obstinacy. She had to be made aware that even though she held no ill will against anyone, there were people who wished to harm her, and she had to consider the well-being of those who loved and protected her. She couldn’t be too wilful.

Chen Afu then said to Chu Lingqi, "I am going to write a letter immediately for you to deliver to my father-in-law in person." Looking at Huajing Mountain with gritted teeth, she continued, "My father-in-law will settle this score. He served the court faithfully for many years, wearing himself to the bone. Yet his ex-wife, granddaughter, and so many other relatives were murdered and harmed time and again under the clear sky and in daylight... These people did not leave survivors, but everyone is not stupid. My father-in-law can guess who is behind this, and both the Emperor and the Crown Prince, who are even wiser, can guess as well ... Moreover, my mother-in-law’s son, my husband, Chu-er’s father is still on the front line risking his life for the court! No matter what, my father-in-law will demand justice from the Emperor..."

That said, even if it was the remnants of the Second Prince’s party who wished harm this time, the mother and daughter deserve to be the victims. They are so wicked, so selfish - just to satisfy their private desires, they pay no heed to the lives and safety of others, even if those others are important court officials.

Marquis Chu is forbearing, but not weak, nor easy to provoke. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have the ability to stand up to the Second Prince’s party single-handedly, gradually building up his own power, and assisting the Ninth Prince step by step to where he is now... Perhaps it is because of this ability that the Emperor is afraid of him.

Chu Lingqi nodded.

Chen Afu returned to her room, wrote a letter, and discussed things with Chu Lingqi. They had to tell the Marquis Chu the real situation, but when Marquis Chu seeks justice from the Emperor and the Crown Prince, it would be best to say that the injured maid was injured while protecting Chu Hanyan and the guards were injured while protecting Liao Chen... Marquis Chu is smart, he will know what to do.

After sending Chu Lingqi away, it was already around 9 a.m.

Chu Hanyan was terrified, she sat there in a daze, not speaking or eating. Chen Afu felt guilty, she should have let her go directly back to the Chu Mansion yesterday, rather than bringing her to the Luos’ estate. The poor child, why is she always involved in these awful incidents.

Liao Chen wouldn’t eat either, she kept reciting scriptures instead.

Chen Afu then ordered Manager Luo to ensure that the injured were well cared for and given additional compensation. Especially the disabled guard and the burned maid - not only should they receive medical care, but they should also be assured of a comfortable life. Starting this month until their death, they each should receive 800 coins monthly. This treatment is quite good, only the house managers and second-class maids receive this much each month.

After leaving Manager Luo and his people to handle the aftermath, Chen Afu led her group back to the capital city.

Just as Chen Afu was leading the little girl out of the gate of the Luos’ estate, she saw Mrs. Zhao being carried there by a sturdy old woman.

Chen Afu puzzled, asked, "Are you looking for me?"

Mrs. Zhao said with a crooked mouth, "You’re my own granddaughter, yet you don’t come and see me when you’re at my doorstep."

Chen Afu laughed, and said, "Old lady, you know better than anyone why I didn’t visit you. If you’ve become forgetful due to your age, let me remind you, you’ve done so many evil deeds with the intention to kill both my mother and me. If you wish me dead and I appear in front of you, that would be the height of disobedience."

After saying this, she led Chu Hanyan onto the carriage.

The old lady quickly said, "If you don’t come and see me, so be it! But at least give me some money."

Chen Afu looked back at the old woman, whose face was more horribly twisted than before. When she spoke, not only did she drool, but her mouth was also crooked to one side.

Chen Afu shook her head. This old woman had chased after riches and honours her whole life, even committing unspeakable acts. In the end, she ended up like this.

Chen Shiying was a filial son; she wouldn’t lack for anything. The fact that she didn’t hesitate to beg for money from her most hated person was probably due to her lack of security; she wished to hoard money.

Chen Afu signalled Hong Fei, who then handed a silver ingot to her.

After getting on the carriage, Chen Afu still heard Mrs. Zhao say, "Damn girl, you’re so rich yet so stingy. An old lady asks for a favor, and you only give two taels of silver."

Chen Afu opened the carriage curtain and said, "Then you should thank the Heavens for not letting you kill my mother and me. Otherwise, you wouldn’t even have these two taels of silver."

Mrs. Song and the maids all bowed their heads pretending not to hear.

As soon as they entered the capital city, Chen Afu didn’t go to Chen Ming’s house as she had initially planned, but instead took Liao Chen to the Chu Mansion. After this incident, Liao Chen should no longer be stubborn.

She asked someone to accompany Chu Hanyan to the main court. The little girl was so frightened that Chen Afu didn’t want to let her stay alone in her own yard.

Chen Afu personally took Liao Chen to Luomei Nunnery.

Liao Chen went straight into the Small Buddha Hall. She said to Chen Afu, "You go back and comfort Hanyan. She’s been frightened. I let her down. I’ve always ended up hurting her. You should return to the Capital City as soon as possible and don’t worry about visiting me anymore. Don’t worry, I will stay here. Even if other people say nasty things, I will not leave here until I am able to."

After saying this, she sat down cross-legged and began to strike the wooden fish.

An hour ago, the maid had just come back and reported that Liao Chen would return to stay. The ground heating and charcoal stove had just been lit for a while, the room was freezing cold, causing everyone to shiver.

Looking at Liao Chen’s rigid back, Chen Afu said, "Mother-in-law, please take care of yourself. The evil things were done by Lady Ma and Rong Zhao, you do not need to take their guilt upon yourself. Good begets good, and evil begets evil. It’s not that retribution won’t come, but the time hasn’t arrived. I believe their retribution will come soon."

Liao Chen seemed not to hear, and continued striking the wooden fish.

Chen Afu kneeled towards Liao Chen’s back, then left Luomei Nunnery.