Chapter 33: Fishing

Chapter 33: Fishing

Immediately after, she swiftly flipped the branch and cast it towards the shore, landing a lively large crucian carp right in front of the Mo family's womenfolk.

"Sisters-in-law, please take care of the fish."

He Zhiran did not think much of it; to her, this method of fishing was child's play.

In her previous life, when she was on missions, she often had to camp in the wilderness, so learning some survival skills was only natural.

However, others did not share the same perspective.

Everyone was stunned by her smooth and effortless action, even the officials were left feeling inferior.

Every year, when they escorted convicts through this area, they knew there were fish in this river.

They had attempted to catch them before but never succeeded.

Thinking they would bring a fishing net next time, they always ended up forgetting.

As they watched He Zhiran catch her second fish, the officials couldn't help but secretly admire her skills.

The Mo family womenfolk had initially intended to discourage He Zhiran from exposing her feet, but seeing those two lively crucian carp before them, they had long forgotten their original purpose.

Especially Old Lady Mo, who comforted herself even more.

A woman's adherence to propriety was merely to avoid criticism and rejection by her husband's family. Anyway, He Zhiran was now their daughter-in-law. As long as the Mo family didn't mind, there was no harm in her showing her feet...

Since Mo Jiuye had chosen to awaken ahead of schedule, he saw no reason to continue pretending to be asleep. Thanks to Peng Wang, their wooden cart was parked in the shadiest spot, providing an unobstructed view of He Zhiran's fishing.

Peng Wang was stunned by He Zhiran's abilities and couldn't help commenting to Mo Jiuye, "You really have luck on your side, marrying such a capable wife just a day before your exile."

Mo Jiuye's heart was a jumbled mix of emotions at that moment.

He couldn't fathom how the sheltered He family's lady, whom he'd thought to be ignorant, possessed such exceptional skills that even many men lacked.

He shared the same thoughts as Peng Wang.

Although the method this woman used to catch fish seemed simple to an ordinary person, and he was capable of doing it himself, one would undoubtedly require a certain level of expertise to execute it effortlessly.

What made him worthy to have married such an extraordinary wife before his exile?

His curiosity about He Zhiran grew even more...

Li Rouer stood at a distance, glaring at the scene with intense jealousy.

She had never imagined that the foolish He Zhiran possessed such remarkable talents.

In front of her, Zhiran had always concealed her abilities.

The more she thought about it, the more bitter she felt. Frustrated, Li Rouer unconsciously found herself by the riverbank.

"He Zhiran, how shameless you are, wading into the river barefoot to catch fish in full view of everyone. Don't you fear being ridiculed?"

At that moment, He Zhiran had just caught her target and didn't immediately retort.

However, the women from the Mo family, upon hearing Li Rouer's sarcastic remarks, couldn't hold their tongues anymore.

Mo Hanyue stepped forward first, "Li Rouer, do you still think of yourself as a lady of noble birth? One who has everything handed to her on a silver platter? Please understand your status. You're merely a convicted criminal in exile.

Considering the situation, it's fortunate enough to have a full stomach, let alone bother with such etiquette. It's truly unfortunate."

If she possessed the skills of Sister Nine, Mo Hanyue would have long thrown off her shoes and socks to assist in the river. Especially since Sister Nine had become her great idol, Mo Hanyue would never tolerate anyone speaking ill of her exceptional Sister Nine.

The other sisters chimed in, each taking turns to criticize Li Rouer.

Just as Li Rouer was about to argue back, she felt a sticky and chilly slap across her face. The culprit turned out to be He Zhiran.

As she caught her third fish, she deliberately flung it directly at Li Rouer's face.

It landed squarely on her right cheek.

The Mo family members rushed forward to retrieve the fish as if it were a precious treasure, all the while laughing at Li Rouer. Even the surrounding officers who had been watching the spectacle couldn't help but chuckle.

Li Rouer felt her pride and dignity utterly shattered. She turned to the officers with a look of grievance.

"Sir Officers, doesn't He Zhiran's assault warrant your intervention? Can you allow this kind of behavior?"

One of the officers glanced at Li Rouer's soiled face and disdainfully replied, "You deserved it. Who asked you to be so impudent with your words?"

Li Rouer...

These officials must have been bewitched by He Zhiran's enchanting appearance.

Seeing that she could gain nothing from the situation, Li Rouer angrily stomped her foot in the direction of the Mo family before turning back to her own family's group.

However, she was met with ridicule from her two elder sisters.

"I thought your trip out would at least make you catch some fish like He Zhiran did!"

"You've truly embarrassed our entire Li family. Not only did you fail to catch a fish, but you were also mocked."

Back when she lived at home, Li Rouer had often been bullied by these two sisters. Back then, she had chosen to endure it, as she was a concubine-born daughter.

But now, with the whole family exiled, she felt there was no need to bear it any longer. So, she raised her hand and struck one of her sisters across the face.

"Don't forget, I am your elder sister. If I lose face, so do you."

Li Yuer and Li Ruer had never endured such humiliation, especially being struck by Li Rouer. The two of them simultaneously jumped up and pounced towards Li Rouer. At the same time, seeing their two daughters being bullied, their mothers also joined the fray. For a moment, chaos erupted at the Li family's resting spot, resembling a scene of chickens flying and dogs barking. The officials overseeing the event were content to watch the spectacle unfold and didn't intervene. It wasn't until Li Liang roared that the women of the Li family reluctantly stopped their quarrel. When they looked again, all of them were disheveled with scratches on their faces...

The commotion in the Li family's area did not disrupt He Zhiran's fishing. In less than an hour, she had caught over twenty crucian carp. Satisfied with the catch, she finally climbed back onto the shore.

Over there, the medicine had been brewed, and Second Sister-in-law brought a bowl to Xie Lin.

The Mo family members each received a bowl as well, and the officials were not neglected either.

Observing the remaining herbal residue, He Zhiran summoned Second Sister-in-law and asked her to send some to the Xie family too.

As for the others, she would not concern herself with them until their hostility towards the Mo family subsided.

Xie Tianhai personally came to express his gratitude to He Zhiran.

"Thank you for saving my grandson's life. The Xie family will forever remember this favor."

He Zhiran was indifferent to the notion of indebtedness; it was merely an effortless act on her part.

Her primary objective was to hope that the Xie and Mo families could resolve their misunderstandings sooner rather than later.

After all, the journey of exile was long, and constantly being met with hostile gazes was truly disconcerting.

Moreover, the Xie family is my second sister's natal home; two such close families should not continue to interact in this manner.

"Uncle Xie, my husband has already awakened today. If you have some free time tonight, perhaps you could come over to our side and have a chat with him."