Chapter 25: What Conditions Can Be Set Now?

Chapter 25: What Conditions Can Be Set Now?

Everyone turned to look, only to see a group of officials and constables surrounding Peng Wang with solicitous concern.

Peng Wang was still somewhat weak at the moment, but it didn't hinder his ability to speak.

"Zhou Laoba, what exactly happened to me?"

"Boss, you were poisoned by a snake."

Upon hearing this, Peng Wang carefully recollected the events leading up to his unconsciousness.

First, he felt a numbing sensation in the area on his calf where the snake had bitten him, which gradually spread.

After that, he found it difficult to breathe, and then everything went black.

"I wasn't killed by the snake venom?"

To verify that all of this was real, Peng Wang pinched his own cheek.

Only after confirming the pain did he believe it all to be true.

Zhang Qing stepped forward. "Boss, you're really not dead."

"Peng Wang, who saved you from the poison?" Peng Wang looked around, making sure he was still in this desolate wilderness. Where could these people have possibly found a doctor?

Zhou Laoba pointed in the direction of the Mo family. "It was Mo Jiuye's new wife, He Zhiran."

At the mention of He Zhiran, Peng Wang recalled her warning him.

Recalling these events, Peng Wang felt a twinge of guilt.

Back then, he had scolded her for her kind reminder.

Scanning his surroundings, his gaze finally landed on the large bundles they had brought from the capital.

"Old Eight, go and give each Mo family member two white steamed buns. Also, ask them if they have any other requests. As long as they're reasonable, try your best to fulfill them."

Zhou Laoba knew that Peng Wang was a grateful man.

It was clear that he didn't wish to owe the Mo family any favors, for the road ahead was long, and their duties as guards forbade them from showing excessive mercy to the prisoners.

As they saw Zhou Laoba approaching with a bag in hand from afar, the Mo family women grew anxious.

Zhou Laoba placed the bag before everyone.

"Our leader said he'd give each of you two white steamed buns."

Upon hearing this, the Mo family couldn't help but swallow their saliva. They were ravenously hungry.

Despite this, they all refrained from reaching out, their gazes instinctively turning towards He Zhiran.

He Zhiran was also famished, but her composure surpassed that of the others.

She remained silent, instead fixing her eyes on Zhou Laoba, knowing there was more to come.

"Our leader mentioned that the He family saved his life, and that any requests can be made now."

Upon hearing that they could make demands, the women of the Mo family's eyes lit up. Did this mean their future lives would improve? He Zhiran hadn't expected Peng Wang to proactively offer her the chance to make demands. She also considered the possibility that Peng Wang wanted to repay his debt of gratitude all at once, so that their relationship would return to normal after that. In that case, she had to seize this opportunity. Even though He Zhiran already had an idea in mind, she still looked towards Old Madam Mo. It was never appropriate to overstep one's elders. He Zhiran's behavior won Old Madam Mo's favor once more and further solidified her trust in this daughter-in-law. "You're the one who saved him, so it's up to you to decide what you want. Just don't be too greedy," said Old Madam Mo. She knew that her daughter-in-law was a wise woman and would surely consider things more thoroughly than she could. All she needed to do was give a gentle reminder.

With that said, He Zhiran didn't intend to be overly polite anymore.

She also strongly agreed with Old Mo's words – not being greedy and leaving room for the future was the best approach.

"Sir, our request isn't much. We only hope that when we pass through the next county, you'll allow us to purchase some supplies."

At present, this condition was more than enough for He Zhiran.

She had ample silver in her possession; all she needed was to stock up on daily necessities. Everything else could be negotiated.

Zhou Laoba found it hard to believe that after being given the chance to make a request, He Zhiran had only asked for such a small favor.

There was no need to report this matter to Peng Wang; he could make the decision himself.

"No problem, I'll grant your request. We'll pass by Yunlai County tomorrow noon, and we'll resupply there. At that time, I'll assign someone to accompany you while you shop."

"Alright, thank you, Sir." Upon having her request granted, He Zhiran didn't show excessive excitement; instead, she replied calmly.

"Is that all you want?" Zhou Laoba didn't hurry to leave.

He Zhiran hadn't intended to be greedy in the first place, but judging from Zhou Laoba's expression, it seemed that he was disappointed with her demands.

"I'll have what you mentioned earlier, and also the snake we killed today," she said, taking advantage of the opportunity.

Zhou Laoba frowned. "Why would a woman like you want such a thing?"

"Many parts of a snake can be used for medicinal purposes," He Zhiran replied, avoiding the main issue. She couldn't reveal her intention to make poison.

"I can agree to that as well."

Seeing Zhou Laoba's willingness, He Zhiran didn't intend to prolong the negotiation.

"That's all my requests," she said.

"Alright, I'll go back and inform our leader right away."

In Zhou Laoba's mind, He Zhiran had saved Peng Wang's life, so her demands were rather insignificant.

After reporting the matter to Peng Wang, he took the initiative to fetch a few water pouches and the silver ring snake.

"These water bags are meant for sale to convicts, but judging by their destitute appearance, they probably can't afford them. I might as well gift them to you.

We also have some white steamed buns that might spoil if not eaten soon, given the hot weather. We'll bring you more tomorrow morning."

With that, Zhou Laoba tossed the water bags and the silver ring snake in front of He Zhiran before turning to leave.

He Zhiran promptly distributed two buns to each person.

Though the white flour buns weren't unpalatable, without any side dishes, they were too dry to swallow easily.

An idea struck He Zhiran, and her gaze fell on the package that He Yuanming had given her.

Since she hadn't had the chance to open it yet, no one else knew its contents.

She reached into the package with one hand while her consciousness entered the space.

There, she had recently purchased braised beef, already sliced and stored in the refrigerator.

The packaging for the braised beef was a plastic bag, which couldn't be displayed without raising suspicion. In a hurry, she couldn't find the common oil paper used in this era.

Forced by circumstances, He Zhiran resorted to grabbing a generous handful of braised beef with her hands.

In these extraordinary times, being too particular was mere fussing. As long as the food was tasty, who cared about hygiene...

"Mother, sisters-in-law, little sister, this is the braised beef my parents sent me today. Enjoy it with the steamed buns."

Upon seeing He Zhiran holding a large portion of the beef in her hand, everyone's eyes lit up.

But their upbringing reminded them that ladies shouldn't eat so crudely, especially not with their bare hands.

Just as they were torn, Old Madam Mo spoke up.

"At a time like this, we should set our rules aside."

Old Madam Mo was a clear-minded person. She was the first to acknowledge reality and, by saying this, she was attempting to accept their new situation.

After all, they were no longer the ladies of a prominent family.