Chapter 557 - Chapter 557: Another Reward

Chapter 557: Another Reward

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

As the fight continued, one by one, the criminals were captured until only the middle-aged man remained.

Seeing his defeat imminent, he mustered all his strength to fend off Ge Lihua and leapt towards the wall.

Ge Lihua did not chase after him. She made a prompt decision and threw the sword in her hand at the middle-aged man’s back. The sword struck the middle-aged man’s back, causing him to fall to the ground.

Chu Xujin, observing Ge Lihua’s cold and elegant profile, couldn’t deny being mesmerized by her valiant figure.

Soon, all the criminals were successfully apprehended.

They were part of a counterfeit currency operation, and a large number of tools and unspent fake banknotes were found in their house, making it a clear case of being caught red-handed.

After the criminals were taken to the office for interrogation, they confessed without much struggle.

The county magistrate stamped the case closed and was extremely pleased with Chu Xujin’s performance. “Xujin, you’ve done a great service again. 1 will reward you handsomely.”

Chu Xujin bowed, “Your honor, the success of the operation is largely due to the insights provided by my fifth sister. Please direct the reward to her.”

The other constables who had assisted in the case agreed. The county magistrate was surprised but found it reasonable. “I will instruct the secretary to give your sister a reward of fifty taels. Everyone has worked hard and will be rewarded accordingly.”

“Thank you, sir.”

The county magistrate patted his belly and returned to the back hall in high spirits.

At the Chu Family Paper Mill.

“Fifth Sister.” Chu Xujin smiled, revealing a few white teeth. He looked very handsome.

Chu Qingzhi turned around, “Third brother, what brings you here?”

Chu Xujin, his eyes brimming with joy, said, “We’ve solved the case. I came to share the good news.”

“So soon?” Chu Qingzhi invited him to sit at the stone table in the garden, and Chu Feng brought them tea. “Brother Xujin.”

Chu Feng was the village chief’s eldest grandson. He was seventeen years old and looked talented. He knew how to read. Chu Qingzhi asked him to temporarily be the manager of the paper mill. If he did a good job, he would officially be the manager.

Chu Xujin patted a stool next to him, “Join us?”

Chu Feng politely declined, “There’s still a lot to do at the mill. I’ll join you back in the village.”

Chu Xujin nodded. “Alright, go ahead.”

After Chu Feng left, Chu Xujin excitedly shared details of the case with Chu Qingzhi. “Fifth sister, how did you think of starting the investigation from raw materials, ink, and blacksmiths?”

“It’s actually very simple…” Chu Qingzhi explained her thoughts to Chu Xujin in detail and even concluded.

Chu Xujin recorded Chu Qingzhi’s words on the paper. “Fifth Sister, 1 feel like I’ve improved a lot.”

“You’re new to this field, don’t be too hard on yourself,” Chu Qingzhi advised, taking a sip of tea. Then she asked, “Third brother, are you going to the capital with us tomorrow or with big brother and the others?”

After discussion, the family decided to travel to the capital in two groups. The first group included the four elders, Chu Qingyue, and Chu Qingzhi, and the second group consisted of Chu Xuhua and Shen Ruyue, with others joining as they wished.

“I’ll go with you; I’ve already requested leave.” His second sister’s wedding was important, and he wanted to be there to help.

“Is Lihua going too?”

“She’s coming with us. She also requested leave.” That’s why they were in a hurry to solve the case, as they had been returning home very late these past few days.

Following the conversation, Chu Qingzhi asked with concern, “Third brother, how are things progressing between you and Lihua?”

Chu Xujin scratched his head and felt embarrassed. “That… this can’t be rushed. I, I…”

Chu Qingzhi noticed Chu Xujin’s reaction and probed, “So, you two haven’t made your feelings clear to each other yet?”

Chu Xujin took a deep breath, “I’m afraid of being rejected.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled understanding^, given the conservative nature of relationships in ancient times. “Do you need my help with this?”

“How would you help?”

“Just ask her directly. If Lihua has feelings for you, you should confess and marry her.”

Chu Xujin blushed at the suggestion and hesitantly asked, “Could you please ask her? But be subtle about it…”

“I know how to handle it. Wait for the good news.”

“Okay.” Chu Xujin, his face red as a beet, quickly left.

Chu Qingzhi curled her lips into a smile. Which modern man wasn’t experienced in love? A young man like Chu Xujin, who was shy when talking about love, was really pure and cute.

In the Chu Village.

In the storage room, Chu Qingning and Chu Qingyan were helping to check Chu Qingyue’s dowry against a list.

The dowry had been prepared early to avoid any mistakes, so they were double-checking everything.

Chu Qingning approached Li Qingyu, “Mother, everything’s in order. We can lock it up now.”

Chu Qingyan joined them, “I’ve checked three times, no mistakes.”

Li Qingyu nodded and locked each chest with a padlock. They would only be opened on the day of the wedding.

After everyone left the storage room, Li Qingyu locked the door.

At this moment, Ning Yuting’s voice came from outside. “Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle Chu, Auntie…”

Li Qingyu’s face lit up upon hearing Ning Yuting’s voice. She was pleased with this son-in-law who was punctual in coming to pick them up. Her opinion of him rose even higher.

With a happy mood, she hurriedly walked into the central room and greeted, “Yuting, it’s been hard on you. Sit down and rest for a while.”

“It’s fine,” Ning Yuting replied, looking slightly travel-worn but maintaining a refined demeanor. “Auntie, I’ve come to escort you to the capital.”

Li Qingyu nodded, “We’re all ready. We can leave early tomorrow morning.”

Ning Yuting sat down and chatted with the elders. After a while, everyone returned home and gathered in the main hall to discuss the travel arrangements for the next day.

After an hour of discussion, everything was settled.

Chu Qingyue’s wedding was set for September 19th. Chu Xuhua and Shen Ruyue would travel to the capital on the 18th. Once they arrived, the rest of the family, who were going the next day, would leave the house under the care of Li Zhangjie and Hong Yujun.

Chu Qingzhi went to the old house to teach Auntie Zhang and others how to make soybean paste.

Auntie Zhang and the others were skilled cooks and quickly mastered the recipe after watching Chu Qingzhi. The soybean paste they made tasted almost identical to Chu Qingzhi’s.

The finished soybean paste was packed into small porcelain jars, each holding about ten catties, sealed with two layers of oil paper and red cloth.

The jars were labeled with the words “Soybean Paste” and an image of soybean paste. It was specially designed and made by Chu Qingshuang according to Chu Qingzhi’s instructions, though it was a bit expensive.

Considering the value, the jars could be recycled or kept by the customer for an additional fee if they chose not to return them.

The aroma of the soybean paste filled the old house, enticing passersby to take a deep breath and praise the smell.

Villagers had already begun to enjoy the soybean paste, with some even using it to mix with their rice, finding it exceptionally tasty..