CH 20

Shen Yu’an was keenly observing Lin Chunyan’s varied expressions. In her past life, she had studied investigative psychology for a period of time due to her job.

Shen Yu’an was talking about the time when she had used her ability to control Wang Zhicai on their trip up the mountain, but it seemed that there were even more interesting things that had happened.

As she had suspected, after the two of them had crossed the forbidden line that day, Lin Chunyan had gone to find Wang Zhicai several times, and they had eventually ended up together as a matter of course.

When Ma shi saw Lin Chunyan’s expression and still didn’t understand what was going on, she angrily twisted her arm hard.

Although her daughter couldn’t compare to Shen Yu’an in terms of looks, she was still a lively and spirited girl from the nearby villages. Ma shu had kept her at home until now in the hopes of finding a good husband for her. But Wang Zhicai, though he was a scholar, came from a very poor family… how could Lin Chunyan just give herself away like that!

No, Ma Shu couldn’t let this slide. She had to go to Wang’s house and demand justice for her daughter.

Ma Shi left Shen’s courtyard with Lin Chunyan, her expression filled with panic and a hint of smugness, while she continued to curse and complain.

However, this time her target of insults was Wang Zhicai.

Originally, when Ma Shi and Lin Chunyan were seen entering the Shen family’s home, there were many people waiting outside, curious to know if the Shen family will sell some grain to them.

So when Ma Shi came out cursing and complaining, many people were still waiting, but the onlookers no longer remained at Shen’s doorstep. Instead, they followed Ma Shi as she moved on.

Just now, selling grain to the villagers took up a lot of time, and even lunchtime had passed. Fortunately, they had already taken turns eating while selling grain earlier.

“Second uncle Ming, third uncle Yun, come with me to town and buy two carts,” Shen Yu’an said.

It had been a few days since they had been to town, and they didn’t know what the situation was like now, so it was a good opportunity to find out.

“Okay, let’s go now. It’ll be dark soon if we wait any longer,” Shen Yun said.

The three of them did not ride the cart but walked to the town, arriving in less than half an hour.

The Xing’an town at this time was very different from the first time Shen Yu’an remembered it. There were few small vendors selling goods on the street, and even the passing pedestrians had a dejected look.

The three of them headed straight for the horse market, and the same guy who had received them last time was still at the gate.

The guy clearly remembered the simple-dressed girl whose temperament didn’t match her appearance.

Upon seeing them, the guy smiled and approached them, asking, “Miss, you’re here again. What are you looking to buy this time?”

“Two carts. Can you take us to see them?” Shen Yu’an replied briefly.

The guy didn’t think there was anything wrong with her attitude and led them to the place where the livestock were kept in the backyard.

Shen Yu’an glanced around and saw that there were only two cows, a mule, and a horse left.

There were no other options, Shen Yu’an took the remaining two cows and had the assistant help put them on the cart, one of which had a carriage attached.

She also thought about Xiaozhang, who was pregnant, and wanted to make her journey more comfortable if conditions allowed.

The cart frames were ready-made, and as long as they were put on the cows, they were good to go. Shen Yu’an looked at the guy, who was sweating profusely from the work, and kindly reminded him, “It’s best for you to be prepared ahead of time, given the recent chaotic times.”

The guy was taken aback when he heard this, thinking that since they had just bought two more ox carts, maybe they had also heard some news.

He gratefully smiled and said, “Thank you for your kindness, but today is our last day of business. Once the boss arrives, we’ll follow our master.”

“I’ll also give you a heads up,” he continued, “I heard that there are many refugees outside the county now, trying to force the county magistrate to open the granaries and distribute food. I’m afraid things won’t end well.”

Shen Yu’an replied, “Thank you for letting us know.”

After the carts were loaded, Shen Yu’an paid the money and left with Shen Ming and Shen Yun.

Not long after they left, a middle-aged man in a panic ran towards them. He had a pale complexion and disheveled clothes, and Shen Yun quickly stopped the carts to avoid hitting him.

Shen Yun frowned, he was about to tell him to be careful while walking, but was interrupted by the man’s panicked voice.

“The county town, the county town is broken, and the refugees have stormed into the county government office.”

Shen Yu’an was originally sitting in the carriage, but when she heard this, she abruptly opened the curtain and asked, “What’s going on? Explain it clearly.”

The middle-aged man watched Shen Yu’an come out from behind the curtain and felt the pressure emanating from her. He subconsciously recounted the situation as she had asked.

“There is a large gathering of refugees outside the county town. I was originally going to the town to buy food, but the refugees outside have gone mad. After they entered the city, they rushed to the county government office. When they couldn’t find the county magistrate, they started to steal other people’s food. The little bit of food I managed to buy was all taken by those refugees.”

Upon hearing this news, Shen Yu’an casually asked, “How much food did they steal from you?”

“Two…two catties of rice,” the man said casually.

Shen Yu’an turned his head and took out a cloth bag from the carriage, throwing it to the man. He instinctively caught it and looked at it, only to find that it was rice!

There was even more rice in the bag than what he had managed to buy in the county.

Shen Yu’an said a quick “Let’s go” before heading back to the carriage.

It’s unclear who the words were directed at, but both parties reacted.

Shen Ming and Shen Yun swung their whips in perfect harmony. The man looked gratefully in their direction before quickly running away.

By the time the bystanders realized what had happened, they found themselves staring blankly. Not only had the girl who gave out the food already left, but the middle-aged man was also nowhere to be seen.

The bystanders were regretful that they hadn’t reacted in time, but they didn’t dwell on it. They had all heard what the middle-aged man had said – the refugees had attacked the county town. Would they be coming to their area next? They needed to hurry back home and tell their families to pack up and run.

Meanwhile, Shen Yun was also discussing the matter with Shen Yu’an. He asked in confusion, “Yu’an, why did you give so much food to that man just now?”

Shen Yu’an had taught them from the very beginning not to act on their kindness indiscriminately.

Shen Yu’an said those things because she was afraid that their kindness might attract trouble. She was also worried that she wouldn’t be able to protect them on the road, so she had to make sure they understood these principles in advance.

She explained, “The little box that Grandpa gave us suddenly appeared, and it should be a way for me to thank him for telling us this news.”

The few pounds of food she gave to the middle-aged man just now were indeed a way to thank him for sharing this information with them.

“I see.” Shen Yun didn’t dwell on it too much. In his opinion, the little box belonged to his niece, and it didn’t matter what was inside or what she wanted to do with it. He was just curious when he asked about it.

But when he thought about what the middle-aged man had said, he asked with a somewhat heavy tone, “Should we tell everyone what that man said just now?”

“Let’s tell Lizheng’s family when we get back. Whether they believe it or not is not our concern. Let’s pack up and go home,” Shen Yu’an replied.

“Okay.” Shen Yun increased the speed of the cart, while Shen Ming hurriedly followed behind.