Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
The more Ms. Zhang heard, the colder she became.
Before Su Bin issued the execution order, Ms. Zhang had already begun pleading for mercy.
âPlease spare me, Governor!â
âI have elders and children. Without me, they might all go and begâ¦â
âGovernor, show mercy, and spare my lifeâ¦â
âI donât deserve to dieâ¦â
Attempting to climb up to Su Bin, Ms. Zhang was halted by guards who urged her son to act swiftly.
âHurry and give her something to eat before itâs too late.â
With a mouthful of meat, Ms. Zhang suddenly burst into tears. âSon, daughter, you must be good people from now on. Donât follow in your father and motherâs footsteps, causing harm to others and yourselvesâ¦â
The four of them embraced each other, shedding tears.
At a quarter to one, constables took away Ms. Zhangâs child, shielding them from witnessing the impending execution.
The executionerâs swift motion took mere seconds from the order to the slashing of the blade. It was a smooth, efficient process.
Contrary to theatrical portrayals, there were no heroic interventions. No one descended from the sky to save the condemned.
Ms. Zhangâs long-awaited brother failed to appear for her rescue, leaving her unable to find peace in death.
The onlookers sighed in relief; at least, nothing went awry.
It appeared that the bandits in the mountains preyed on the vulnerable and shrank from confronting the formidable.
Upon learning that Governor Su had summoned the leader of the martial arts world and other renowned heroes, they quickly retreated, concealing themselves and avoiding any confrontation.
The concern lingered that once these heroes departed Shanglin, the bandits might emerge from the mountains to inflict further harm on the locals.
Observing Ms. Zhangâs public decapitation, Chen Linâerâs eyes welled with tears as she softly addressed the direction where her family lay buried. âMs. Zhang and Wang Nian are gone, but the evil in the mountains persists!â
She and Wang San made their way to the cemetery to honor their relatives, informing them of the new governorâs actions against Ms. Zhang. Mrs. Su assured them that Governor Su intended to address the menace posed by the malevolent figures in the mountains.
While uncertain of the specific method Governor Su would employ, Chen Linter believed in his commitment to eradicating evil for the well-being of the people. This prospect held the promise of genuine revenge.
In recent days, Chen Linâer had come to understand that she didnât need to embrace death to attain freedom. Mrs. Suâs wisdom resonatedâshe needed to live well.
Living well meant commemorating her family annually, burning offerings for their clothing and daily needs, ensuring their graves remained free of overgrowth.
With this realization, Chen Linâer felt a sense of relief. After paying her respects to her family, she entrusted the shopâs title deed to Wang San. âThird Brother, the shop is yours from now on.â
Wang San, taken aback, responded, âEven if you want me to manage it, you donât have to give me the title deed!â
Chen Linâer spoke earnestly, âYour efforts played a crucial role in securing my acquittal. These two shops are not merely for you to manage; I genuinely intend to gift them to you.â
Wang San hastily shook his head. âHow could I accept that? I only did what I could. I canât possibly take over your shop.â
âYouâre on your own. How will you make a living if you donât run the shop?â Chen Linâer replied.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
âIâm sincerely offering these two shops to you. Since the unfortunate events with Uncle, Aunt, and Cousin-in-law, youâve been disheartened and havenât found the spirit to rebuild the family.â
âItâs not because of your poverty. You lack land and strength to leverage.â
âI want you to sell these two shops, venture to the countryside, acquire land, start a family, and lead a regular life. This way, the Wang family wonât be without descendants..â