Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Two constables forcefully ushered Ms. Zhang into the dismal confines of the death cell.
Despite her weariness, Ms. Zhang clung to the belief that her hard-earned store would remain secure. Her faith intensified as her brother, accompanied by a band of rescuers, appeared on the scene.
Chen Linâer, having been acquitted, gazed through tear-filled eyes, finding solace within her heart. A newfound chapter awaited her.
Recollections of advice from Qin Zhenzhen echoed in her mind.
âDonât belittle yourself for past mistakes. Your worth is not defined by your history with Wang Nian. Embrace self-respect, and others will follow suit.â âOnly by holding yourself in high regard can you expect others to do the same.â
âLeave the misfortunes behind, embark on a fresh journey. Youth is on your side, and a promising future awaits.â
Chen Linâer, San, and their companions returned to her dwelling.
Since Ms. Zhangâs incarceration, Chen Linâerâs house had become a refuge. It surpassed Ms. Zhangâs residence in both space and allure.
Inside, Ms. Zhangâs children and their grandparents wept.
Ms. Zhangâs eldest son, absent from the house, had likely ventured into the mountains to spread the news.
The youngest son, aged ten, clung fearfully to his grandfather, trembling visibly. Witnessing his motherâs torment and subsequent confession haunted him. He had overheard the grim pronouncement of his motherâs impending decapitation within three days.
Though aware of his elder brotherâs journey into the mountains to secure help, the young boy couldnât shake the fear that, if help did not arrive, they would be left orphaned.
The prospect of a parentless existence was too dire for him to fathom.
Wang Nianâs father shot a hostile glare at Chen Linâer. âWhat brings you here?
Youâve already taken my sonâs life, and now youâre after my daughter-in-law? Wang Nianâs mother, even more irrational, grabbed a broom, poised to strike Chen Linâer.
âYou wretch! You lured my son and caused his death. Yet, you have the audacity to live in this worldâ¦â
Just as she raised the broom, Liu Dazhuang, who had accompanied Chen Linâer, swiftly snatched it away.
Poxed Face Wang produced a document and recited the crimes of Wang Nian and Madam Zhang.
âWang Nian and Ms. Zhang stand accused of grave offenses, with Ms. Zhang facing a death sentence. Since Wang Nian is already deceased and buried, there wonât be a public decapitation for her. Ms. Zhang is scheduled for execution in the market at noon in three days!â
âThe residence and shop occupied by Chen Linâerâs family will be returned immediately.â
âPlease take stock of your belongings and vacate Chen Linâerâs house with the children. â
Wang Nianâs son and daughter erupted in louder sobs.
Wang Nianâs parents, in a state of grief, adamantly refused to leave, their cries mixing with bitter accusations.
âEveryone, bear witness! The former governor passed a clear judgment, and Chen Linâer has confessed. Now sheâs pointing fingers at my son and daughter-in-law!â
âItâs evident that this wretch, Chen Linter, must have seduced the new governor to manipulate the caseâ¦â
Overwhelmed by frustration, Chen Linâer seized the broom from Liu Dazhuangâs grasp and swung it forcefully at Wang Nianâs parents.
âItâs the fatherâs negligence that led to this! If you hadnât supported your son and daughter-in-law, my family wouldnât have fallen victim to their actions.â
âDespite knowing that your son and daughter-in-law engaged in illicit activities with ill-gotten gains, you shamelessly basked in their false displays of filial piety!â
âWith the truth laid bare for all to see, you still have the audacity to spew baseless accusations against the governor!â
âIâll beat the two of you senseless! Youâre nothing but disrespectful, old scoundrels!â
âIâll beat you to the ground! Itâs astonishing that our family ever considered you two as decent peopleâ¦â