Chapter 52: Zhou Laoba’s Intentions

Chapter 52: Zhou Laoba's Intentions

Seeing this, the Xie family members turned to look at Second Aunt's mother, Qiu Shi, hoping she would display the same assertiveness as the Fang family's matriarch and say something similar.

That way, when they received favors from the Mo family again, their hearts would be more at ease.

Qiu Shi looked around hesitantly, unable to make up her mind.

Second Aunt knew her mother's character best; she had always followed her father's lead and would never dare to take charge in such matters.

"Mother, there's no need for you to be troubled. We'll show our gratitude through our actions in the future."

Qiu Shi nodded repeatedly. "Fang'er is right, that's exactly what I was thinking."

He Zhiran had taken these actions with the approval of Mo Jiuye, and also because she considered that with so many people together, they could look out for one another.

The journey of exile was long; who could guarantee that they wouldn't need each other's help?

"Your aunts' words are too severe. In times of adversity, we should support each other without bearing too much burden."

The elder sisters-in-law also chimed in, each with their own opinions, quickly rekindling the lively atmosphere.

By the time He Zhiran had procured thirteen pieces of oilcloth and the twenty-six tents were completed, it was already dinner time.

Coincidentally, the officials who had escorted Li Hu to the yamen returned at that very moment.

He Zhiran intends to distribute the tents to everyone while they are all gathered.

The female members of the Xie and Fang clans took their tents, sufficient for their own use, and left first.

The six tents belonging to the Mo family were also folded up by their sisters-in-law and taken back home.

What was left was meant as bribes for the officials.

He Zhiran intended to visit Peng Wang and check on Zhou Laoba's condition at the same time.

After inquiring with the guards on duty and learning that Peng Wang had been staying in Zhou Laoba's room, she headed straight there.

Peng Wang rapped on the door and invited her in.

Indeed, Peng Wang was a man of clear likes and dislikes. Although he had treated He Zhiran kindly these past two days, it was nothing compared to this moment.

Upon seeing He Zhiran enter, Peng Wang stood up and bowed deeply to her.

"Mrs. He, I'm expressing Old Eight's gratitude for saving his life."

This was different from when he was poisoned by a snake. Back then, he was barely conscious and didn't witness the perilous situation firsthand.

As such, Peng Wang's appreciation for He Zhiran saving his life wasn't as profound as Zhou Laoba's rescue.

He had personally witnessed someone whom many had given up on being revived by He Zhiran.

Even though the method of saving him was somewhat indelicate.

Of course, that was only from his perspective.

He felt guilty towards his wife...

In the face of Peng Wang's bow, He Zhiran did not dodge.

No one knew better than she that if Zhou Laoba had not encountered her, he would have long become a water spirit.

After Peng Wang finished his salute and stood up straight, he resumed his lofty demeanor.

"Madam He, is there something you need from me?"

He Zhiran was not surprised by the dramatic change in Peng Wang's attitude within less than a minute. Instead, she admired his character.

"Peng Magistrate, I just had the womenfolk set up some tents, including for the officials. You can send someone to collect them later. Besides, I wanted to check on Magistrate Zhou's condition."

With that said, He Zhiran looked at Zhou Laoba, who lay on the bed with his eyes tightly shut. Something puzzled her – Zhou Laoba's face was particularly flushed.

"Has Lord Zhou caught a fever?"

Peng Wang had been tending to Zhou Laoba in the room and was well aware that the elder had no fever at all.

However, when Peng Wang's gaze followed He Zhiran's words and landed on Zhou Laoba's face, he was also stunned.

"Old Eight, are you feeling unwell? Why is your face so red all of a sudden when you were fine just now?"

Upon hearing the two of them, Zhou Laoba felt his face grow even hotter.

At this moment, he wished he could find a hole to crawl into.

Seeing Peng Wang's 'devilish hand' reaching towards his forehead, Zhou Laoba dodged and managed to speak with difficulty.

"I'm not feeling unwell, and I don't have a fever either."

Peng Wang became even more confused.

"You're not feverish, then why is your face so red? Since Madam He is here, just tell her if anything is bothering you; she can take a look for you."

At the mention of "He's family," Zhou Laoba's face flushed even more, and he could practically feel the heat scorching his skin.

Relying on her knowledge as a healer, He Zhiran was certain that there must be something amiss with Zhou Laoba's health.

Without hesitation, she approached the bed and placed her hand on Zhou Laoba's wrist to take his pulse.

Aside from a slightly elevated heartbeat, everything else seemed normal...

He Zhiran racked her brains, trying to think of all possible reasons for Zhou Laoba's condition.

Peng Wang watched He Zhiran intently, awaiting her diagnosis of his friend.

Suddenly, Zhou Laoba shot up from the bed.

"I'm not sick."

"Peng Wang, what's gotten into you? Don't do that, you almost gave me a heart attack," Peng Wang said, patting his chest in relief.

Zhou Laoba didn't bother explaining to Peng Wang but instead struggled to meet He Zhiran's gaze.

His words stumbled slightly as he spoke.

"Miss... Miss He, I... I've heard that it was you who... kissed me to revive me.

I... I understand the great importance of a woman's chastity, but you... you are already a married woman. It wouldn't be proper for me to speak of taking responsibility for you.

O... Of course, if Mo Jiuye were to disdain you and insist on divorcing you, I... I could also... take you as my wife."

With that said, Zhou Laoba turned his head away guiltily, no longer daring to look at He Zhiran.

He Zhiran...

What kind of calamity had she brought upon herself?

It was only about saving someone, so why did things escalate to such lengths?

Moreover, she hadn't even kissed Zhou Laoba in the first place.

Peng Wang was also angered by Zhou Laoba's words.

Never in his wildest dreams did Peng Wang expect that, despite his lengthy explanation, Zhou Laoba still couldn't grasp the truth.

"Peng Wang here has already made it abundantly clear, hasn't he, Old Eight? It was I, I who kissed you awake, not He Zhiran. Why can't you believe that?"

Given the damage this incident might cause to He Zhiran's reputation, Peng Wang felt it necessary to clarify matters.

At this moment, He Zhiran was deeply troubled.

She vented her frustration inwardly before composing herself and speaking calmly.

"Magistrate Zhou, I saved you out of my duty as a healer. It was indeed Magistrate Peng who kissed you awake; I merely taught him the proper method."

Seeing this, Peng Wang steeled himself to continue explaining. "Old Eight, surely you don't doubt me? I went as far as kissing a grown man like you just to save your life."

He Zhiran chimed in, "With what Magistrate Peng and I have said, what more is there for you not to believe?"

He Zhiran had intended to tell Zhou Laoba not to entertain thoughts he shouldn't, but she realized such words might be hurtful, especially towards an officer who held authority over her. Thus, she chose her words carefully.

Zhou Laoba turned nonchalantly, casting a glance at He Zhiran before looking back at Peng Wang.

"Boss, the brothers all claim to have seen Lady He kissing me with their own eyes. Whose word should I believe?"

He Zhiran and Peng Wang spoke almost in unison.

"Listen to me."

"Listen to me."

Peng Wang sighed. "I was right by your side then. Nobody knows the situation better than I do."

Despite already believing in both of them, Zhou Laoba was still stubborn.

"Although I trust what you're saying, many people saw Lady He kissing me. It would tarnish her reputation."

Seeing that Zhou Laoba was not swayed, He Zhiran lost her temper instantly.

When she got angry, she tended to act impulsively.

"Zhou Laoba, I have made myself abundantly clear. Henceforth, I request that you refrain from dwelling on unnecessary matters. Furthermore, my reputation is not a concern for you to entertain."