Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
At that moment, Chen Linâerâs cheeks were already streaked with tears.
Qin Zhenzhen retrieved a handkerchief and delicately wiped away her tears. âWeâve decided to overturn your case and release you without any charges. You wonât be sent to the military camp.â
Chen Linâerâs intense reaction to the mention of being a military prostitute suddenly made sense. It appeared she had a haunting experience with it.
She had endured the most agonizing parting in the world, and it happened not once, but twiceâ¦
The pain was overwhelming.
No wonder she had contemplated ending her life.
Yet, she clearly departed with unresolved grievances.
âThank you, Mrs. Sulâ Chen Linâer accepted Qin Zhenzhenâs handkerchief, feeling the warmth it held. She shook her head, saying, âYou canât confront them!â
Qin Zhenzhen wiped her own tears. âIâve never attempted it before. How can I be certain it wonât work?â
Despite Qin Zhenzhenâs insistence, Chen Linâer held fast to her perspective.
âItâs not worth sacrificing lives for.â
Qin Zhenzhen imparted, âWeâre not alone. There are others. Unity is strength. No matter how towering a tree is, it will eventually fall.â
A spark of hope ignited in Chen Linâerâs eyes. Yes, with Governor Su supported by the General Manor and the Third Prince, overthrowing the Public House wasnât an impossible feat.
Curious, Qin Zhenzhen inquired, âIs Wang Nianâs confession still hidden?â
Chen Linâer affirmed, âYes, Iâve already buried it in the corner behind the house. Thereâs a loose stone there with a small hole inside. You can send someone to retrieve it.â
âThen, did you approach my husbandâs cousin, Wang San? He expressed a desire to seek justice for us and even attempted to raise awareness about the injustice, but he was forcibly driven away a few times.â
âIf you seek him out, heâll surely agree. Heâs a pitiable soul, the lone survivor in the family, bravely beating the drum to highlight the injusticeâ¦â
Qin Zhenzhen assured, âAlright, await our good news.â
As she was about to depart, Chen Linâer unexpectedly inquired, âIf I make it through, could you teach me how to cook these dishes?â
Qin Zhenzhen countered, âYou want to learn?â
Chen Linâer nodded resolutely. âI do.â
âIf Governor Su successfully resolves my case, I may escape death, but I understand I canât avoid consequences. I donât want to burden you further. I just hope that, after learning to cook, I can assist in the kitchen when sent to the barracks. I donât want to become a military prostitute.â
Qin Zhenzhen was touched by her compassion. Despite enduring immense suffering, Chen Linter remained thoughtful of others.
âI vow that youâll never be sent to the military camp. If it comes to settling the case, Iâll ensure your discreet release!â
Chen Linâer cried and smiled. âThank you, Mrs. Su!â
Qin Zhenzhen spent almost two hours in the cell.
Su Bin grew anxious.
Why were they conversing for so long?
His concern for his pregnant wife intensified.
Qin Zhenzhen scoffed at his worry. âWhy are you so on edge? Iâm simply listening to her story. It wonât tire me out.â
âHer life is truly difficult,â Su Bin sighed.
Qin Zhenzhen proceeded to recount everything that had transpired with Chen Linâer.
When it came to the revelation that the bandits in the mountains were being manipulated by the Public House, Su Bin remained unsurprised.
âThe Dragon Phoenix Hall just received intel confirming that the Public House has extended its influence to the banditsâ hideout.
âTheir intention is to transform the banditsâ lair into a covert training ground.â
âIt appears the Public House is no longer content with the status quo.â
âThey are vying for that position of power.â
âSomething significant might unfold in the capital soon.â
âLeaving the capital when we did was a prudent decision.â
âHowever, the path ahead for the Third Prince is even more challenging..â