Chapter 542: Chapter 546 You’re Late_1
After returning from the town, Qin Longyun immediately sent someone to deliver a message.
The person who came was named Chen San, a guard who had come as part of Chen Yiling’s dowry.
"Fourth Master, Madam, my lord is currently looking for evidence of collusion between the Yin Family and Xuan Eagle Stronghold. The situation is perilous, and my lord has instructed the two of you not to get involved anymore."
Getting entangled with the Xuan Eagle Stronghold would complicate matters; it was certainly not something that two commoners could handle.
Qiao Duo’er’s eyes twitched as she suddenly understood the origin of those people.
That fierce killing intent had been accumulated over years of banditry and looting.
In other words, after saving Tan Zhenghong last time, they had once again crossed paths with the mountain bandits.
Qiao Duo’er said helplessly, "Please go back and tell Lord Qin that Yin Yinyue wanted to forcibly take the mask powder formula, and the people she brought should be from Xuan Eagle Stronghold. Furthermore, we have clashed with them."
"Have either of you been injured?" Chen San asked anxiously.
Tan Zhenghong shook his head, "The people brought by Yin Yinyue were not enough. We were still able to handle it."
"Lord Qin has discovered that the Third Master of Xuan Eagle Stronghold has long admired Yin Yinyue and is likely aiding her secretly. Xuan Qing is cruel and cunning, skilled at using hawks. My lord will send someone to protect you, but you must also be very careful."
Qiao Duo’er quickly refused, disliking the feeling of being watched.
In her view, the mountain bandits were nothing but a ragtag bunch, not worth her full attention.
If anyone foolish came their way, she’d simply take them out.
Chen San explained, "I know that both of you are quite capable, but the mountain bandits are numerous and strong, so an extra layer of protection wouldn’t hurt. Our men will disguise themselves as ordinary villagers, blending in with Big Willow Village, patrolling the outskirts during the day and keeping watch at night, without disturbing your lives."
Only then did Qiao Duo’er nod her head—if they didn’t disturb her, then anything would be fine.
Despite the hidden protection, Tan Zhenghong was still worried.
He decided not to go hunting anymore and stayed with Qiao Duo’er all day long.
Both of them spent their days in the small courtyard, tending to poultry, reading, writing, and occasionally experimenting with cuisine, enjoying a leisurely and comfortable life.
The only thing Qiao Duo’er was dissatisfied with was having too much time on her hands, as Tan Zhenghong would carry her off to the room at every turn, leaving her exhausted every day.
Fortunately, Sun Erhu’s wedding day was just a few days away, and they could finally switch up their daily routine.
Early that day, Qiao Duo’er dragged Tan Zhenghong to Sun Erhu’s Home.
Aunt Huang was known for her kind heart, and she had come early to help set up the evening banquet.
"Auntie, you should go rest for a bit," Qiao Duo’er said, feeling sorry for her.
She had delivered braised meat to the Huang Family twice and settled accounts once. Each time she saw Aunt Huang, she looked more haggard, and this time was no exception.
If this continued, Qiao Duo’er feared Aunt Huang wouldn’t last much longer.
Life depended on that bit of spirit within the heart—once it dissipates, life would follow.
Aunt Huang’s movements in picking vegetables didn’t slow a bit, "This little bit of work won’t tire me out. You don’t mess with it; you’ll get your hands dirty."
"Isn’t it okay to just wash my hands later?"
Qiao Duo’er sat on a low stool to help, remembering Uncle Huang and Aunt Huang’s assistance in her heart.
The two women worked together and soon began chatting idly.
"How is Brother Zhong’s situation?" Qiao Duo’er asked curiously.
Aunt Huang said with guilt, "It’s our fault, your uncle and I. If we had known, we would never have bought her that gold bracelet. Now, Zhong Zi is determined to divorce his wife, and we can’t persuade him otherwise." 𝔫𝖔𝖛𝖕𝔲𝔟.𝔠𝖔𝖒
Who would have thought that after scrimping and saving, even taking out their emergency fund to buy the bracelet, it would still be criticized for not being of good enough quality.
They truly had married a thankless wolf!