Chapter 35: Objective Achieved

Chapter 35: Objective Achieved

Unaware of Peng Wang's high appraisal, He Zhiran continued to concentrate on roasting the fish with her head bowed.

She had expected trouble from the officials due to her actions and was prepared for their response.

There was a reason behind her behavior.

They had only just left the capital, and there was still a long journey to the northwest. If she were to fawn over these officials from the start, making them believe that it was all in order, they might later demand more than necessary.

Moreover, He Zhiran wanted to test the limits of these officials, which would be beneficial for her in the future.

From the way they handled the distribution of the roasted fish, it seemed that these officials were quite reasonable. She now had a basic understanding of their character.

The second batch of crucian carp was also ready, consisting of ten fish, just like before.

He Zhiran took the initiative to present two fish to Peng Wang and Mo Jiuye.

Despite Mo Jiuye's injuries, which made it less suitable for him to consume fish, there was no other choice during this critical period. It would be unbearable for him to watch others enjoy their meal while he couldn't partake.

Moreover, He Zhiran had a firm grasp on Mo Jiuye's injuries; eating a single fish wouldn't cause any significant harm.

Peng Wang took a bite of the roasted fish, and his eyes immediately lit up. This was, without a doubt, the best roasted fish he had ever tasted in his life.

"Mo Jiuye, I told you your wife is remarkable, didn't I? Her skill in roasting fish is exceptional; you're truly fortunate."

"Indeed, the taste is quite good," Mo Jiuye replied casually, his thoughts swirling with even more complexity.

Each of He Zhiran's actions was not something one would expect from a well-bred lady.

However, it was precisely her uniqueness that had spared the Mo family from any suffering since they left the capital.

Mo Jiuye's heart was a jumbled mix of emotions. It was all his fault that his family was exiled, and now he had to rely on a woman to resolve their problems.

Unaware of Mo Jiuye's thoughts, He Zhiran distributed the roasted fish. Four officials were left without their share.

This time, she was quite polite. Having offered the food, she couldn't afford to offend them further.

"Gentlemen, I'll roast another batch right away. Everyone will have their turn."

Seeing how eagerly their comrades devoured the fish, the four remaining officers felt frustrated.

However, observing He Zhiran bustling about tirelessly, they eventually suppressed their anger and waited patiently.

After about ten minutes, the four officers finally received their much-anticipated roasted fish contentedly.

The others had already finished their fish, but watching them eat still made the onlookers' mouths water.

At that moment, the four men felt a sense of superiority. They savored the fish leisurely, basking in the delight.

He Zhiran reserved one roasted fish for herself and passed the remaining three to her second sister-in-law.

"Second Sister-in-law, please take these three fish to Uncle Xie and let them have a taste."

Her second sister-in-law's face was filled with disbelief.

"Ninth Sister-in-law, are you serious?"

He Zhiran replied with a smile, "Of course. Uncle Xie and Auntie are getting on in years, and they haven't had enough to eat these past two days. The roasted fish will help nourish their bodies. As for Lin'er, she's weak right now and needs some nourishment too."

Tears of gratitude welled up in the second sister-in-law's eyes. "Alright, alright, I'll deliver them right away. Thank you so much, Ninth Sister-in-law."

Watching her second sister-in-law rush off, He Zhiran found a shady spot to sit down, rest, and enjoy her roasted fish.

This action once again provoked countless envious glares.

Upon noticing these looks, He Zhiran didn't choose to ignore them.

Instead of retreating, she stepped forward to confront them all.

She wanted to see just how much these people despised the Mo family.

The Ho family was the first to react, with the two cart-pushing laborers leading the way. They all glared at He Zhiran, their mouths moving nonstop, clearly cursing her out.

Perhaps due to their fear of the officials, they didn't dare to raise their voices too loudly.

As a result, He Zhiran couldn't hear a word they were saying from where she stood.

The Li family was no less hostile than the Ho family. Every man, woman, and child directed their furious gazes at He Zhiran.

Especially Li Rouer; if looks could kill, He Zhiran would have perished countless times over.

She held the roasted fish higher in Li Rouer's direction and took another bite, an action that could drive anyone mad with rage.

Although the Fang family also watched He Zhiran, their expressions lacked the boundless hatred evident in the Ho and Li families' eyes.

He Zhiran observed carefully and noticed that their eyes seemed to plead with a tinge of unwillingness.

Let alone the Xie family, given that He Zhiran had saved Xie Lin's life before and now sent two roasted fish to her sister-in-law. This made their animosity towards the Mo family fade even more.

It seemed that just like the Xie family, the Fang family's enmity could be gradually reconciled as well.

Of course, it would be most appropriate for Mo Jiuye to handle this matter personally.

After all, only by confronting the parties involved could one provide a clearer explanation.

He Zhiran had already made up her mind and decided to discuss it with Mo Jiuye at a later time.

Just as she finished her roasted fish, Peng Wang called her over.

"Peng Sir, your fishing skills are impressive. Since you've stopped to rest, why not catch some more?"

He Zhiran raised an eyebrow with a hint of a smile, "Are you saying, Lord Peng, that you haven't had your fill?"

Caught in the act, Peng Wang's weathered face flushed red.

"Well... let's just say it was like that!"

In truth, even if Peng Wang hadn't mentioned it, He Zhiran had planned to do so anyway.

But she didn't want to miss any opportunity to gain favor.

"Magistrate Peng, I am but a humble woman. If not for ensuring my family could have something to eat, I wouldn't have dared to wade into the river barefoot in public to catch fish. Now that everyone has enjoyed the fish, please don't make things difficult for me any further."

Peng Wang's expression darkened at being turned down. However, the memory of the delicious roasted fish made him restrain himself.

"This time, you don't need to catch too many – just ten, ten will do."

He Zhiran pretended to lower her head in deep thought, appearing hesitant and indecisive.

Peng Wang grew anxious.

"In that case, if you catch ten more fish, I'll grant you one request within my power."

"Since Lord Peng has put it that way, it would be pretentious of me to refuse. Alright, I'll do it."

With her goal achieved, He Zhiran didn't dawdle and once again waded into the river, barefoot and sockless.

There were plenty of fish in the river, so catching ten was child's play for He Zhiran.

Before long, she flung ten fish onto the bank.

Her sisters-in-law didn't hesitate either; they promptly cleaned the fish by the riverbank and skewered them on sticks.

He Zhiran figured that since she was already in the river, she might as well catch more fish for an extra meal later that night.

So, after reaching the quota of ten, she didn't rush back to shore but continued fishing.

At this moment, Lady Zhao, Fang Chuanzhou's wife, approached Old Lady Mo.

She adopted an extremely humble demeanor.

"Madam Old Mo, it was our fault for insulting Duke yesterday. Please, do not hold it against us."

Madam Old Mo looked at her, unsure of her intentions.

"Madam Fang, now that Jiuye is no longer a Duke, you may simply address him by his name to avoid giving others an opportunity to exploit the situation."