Chapter 293: Chapter 293: Silver Necklace
That night, only one of the Qi Family’s carriages returned from the city.
The driver was Qi Quanjin.
Several things were unloaded from the carriage, all delivered to Qin Minglang’s house.
The next day, Qi Quanjin did not go to the city. Instead, he appeared as if nothing had happened, continuing to work alongside everyone else.
Some, out of concern or curiosity, inquired about the child’s matter, but Qi Quanjin only gave a bitter smile and shook his head, saying nothing more.
Just as everyone was wondering and speculating, thinking that this matter might just settle as is, that evening, before sunset, a team of soldiers suddenly arrived in Yongping Village.
All those working were startled, each one automatically stopped what they were doing and gathered together.
Qi Quanjin, clad in a dirty short outfit, stepped forward to the village entrance.
Leading the troops this time was Liu Qinghe.
However, beside him was a middle-aged man dressed like a scholar.
"Is Village Chief Qi Quanjin of Yongping Village here?"
This time, Liu Qinghe didn’t greet as usual but instead adopted a serious, businesslike tone.
Upon hearing this, Qi Quanjin immediately knew the matter had come to light. He stepped forward, cupped his hands, and bowed, "I am here, commoner at your service!"
"Village Chief Qi Quanjin, hear the command! According to the thorough investigation by Lord County Magistrate, a murder poisoning case is closely connected to Yongping Village."
"Village Chief Qi Quanjin, gather everyone immediately, and see that no one is left out!"
Upon hearing this, the villagers who had been watching the commotion were all startled.
Murder poisoning?
They could somewhat understand murder, but what’s the meaning of poisoning?
Could it be that Chen Xiaomei had recklessly poisoned the two little Qi children?
Qi Quanjin promptly complied, and immediately called on the villagers to gather everyone.
By then, it was already evening, the light on the mountain was unclear.
Qi Quanjin specially arranged for Qi Ercai to lead several boys to guard the construction site on the mountain, while allowing the others working to return to the village to eat and rest.
Everyone found nothing wrong with this arrangement, and now it conveniently allowed for everyone to be gathered.
Qi Quanjin reported how many were at the mountain construction site, naming all from the Qi family, the only outsider being Mrs. Wang Sr., who had gone up the mountain with Qu Laodi to deliver meals.
Liu Qinghe nodded upon hearing this, and announced loudly, "Now, we will take Chen Ergou, Wang Erma, and Tian Sanqiao who were working in Yongping Village. Those whose names were called, step out!"
"Why, why do you need to take me away? I won’t go, I won’t go!"
A woman suddenly shouted, turning to flee.
But she was surrounded by others, to run, she could only break through the others, but it was not easy.
Before she crossed the crowd, soldiers stepped forward to subdue her, dragged her like a dead dog to the front of the crowd.
Chen Ergou and Wang Erma’s reactions were smaller than the woman’s, but ultimately, they too knelt on the ground like dead dogs.
Soldiers stepped forward to place shackles on the three of them, then stuffed them into the last prison carriage.
After handling everything, the middle-aged scholar who hadn’t spoken much stepped forward, took a tray from an attendant behind him, and brought it to Qi Quanjin.
"This is..."
Qi Quanjin was puzzled.
He recognized the person, having been to the county government several times, had seen him before, he was the steward of the county government, surnamed Qian.
Mr. Qian pushed the tray forward, and said loudly, "Village Chief Qi Quanjin is a man of justice, as righteous as the heavens, yet now has been schemed by villains, almost causing disaster to his family’s two young children. Upon knowing this, Lord County Magistrate was greatly saddened, and has specially prepared a small gift as an expression of his heartfelt sympathy. Village Chief Qi, please accept it, it is Lord County Magistrate’s kindness."
"This, this... how, how..."
Qi Quanjin, in his anxiety, didn’t know how to express himself.
Mr. Qian said, "Lord County Magistrate cherishes the people like his own children, and Village Chief Qi is such a righteous person, please don’t decline anymore."
As he spoke, Mr. Qian winked at Qi Quanjin.
Qi Quanjin understood, hurriedly received it with both hands.
After handing over the items, Mr. Qian returned to his own carriage.
Liu Qinghe then said, "Village Chief Qi, tomorrow at noon, the magistrate will open a public trial of this case, city folk will be there to witness. If Village Chief Qi wishes to see it, remember not to miss the hour."
After speaking, Liu Qinghe cupped his fist, nodded, and rode away directly.
Watch!
Must watch!
Not only to watch, but to watch carefully, listen clearly!
Why those people wanted to harm their children, and why they wanted to poison Mr. Yin.
When the people from the government were far gone, Qi Quanjin then spoke to those present, "Everyone knows what happened the day before yesterday. Tomorrow is the public trial day by the magistrate, I’ll give everyone two days off. You can go to the city to watch or go home to relax. Wages will be given as usual for these two days, alright, everyone disperse!"
With a wave of Qi Quanjin’s hand, the crowd scattered in trios or pairs.
Everyone discussed the trial.
In the city, at the secondary courtyard.
Yi Meng looked at the daughter sleeping soundly, thought a bit, and slipped into the space.
"Little Bai, are you there?"
Yi Meng called twice, and soon saw a small white snake twisting in an S shape, crawling towards her.
Though still a bit uncomfortable, Yi Meng squatted down and said to Little Bai, "I want you to go out and protect Manbao, until she grows up, then you can return to the space to recuperate, can you?"
After such an incident, Yi Meng could no longer fully calm her mind.
Even as the granddaughter of the Heavenly Dao, it’s not certain she can grow up safely and smoothly!
Though Yi Meng knew her daughter’s life wouldn’t really be in peril, experiencing something like this again might truly break this old mother’s heart.
Little Bai tilted its head, seemingly not understanding Yi Meng’s intention.
Yi Meng sighed, and had to recount the events.
As soon as she mentioned Qi Manman being drugged and taken away, Little Bai shot towards Yi Meng’s leg and quickly wrapped around her wrist.
No need to guess now, clearly indicating it wants to go out with her.
Yi Meng endured the discomfort of goosebumps all over, lightly petted Little Bai’s head, "When Manbao turns sixteen and becomes an adult, I’ll surely let you come back in. During these years, if you want to drink the spiritual spring water, just come to me."
"Hiss hiss!"
The little white snake flicked its tongue, as if responding.
From that day on, Qi Manman’s neck adorned a silver necklace.
In this era, everyone dressed conservatively regardless of age, otherwise, seeing such a silver necklace might really frighten someone.
But to prevent scaring her mother-in-law, Yi Meng explained Little Bai’s existence.
