Country Maiden: Fields and Fortune-Chapter 54

53, Using Schemes (3 more)

Yuan Liuwang was also a clever man, and Xie Zhinuan’s refusal was quite obvious.

If he kept pestering her, it would only make Xie Zhinuan dislike him more, so he might as well step back and slowly plot.

With time, Xie Zhinuan would surely come to recognize his good qualities.

When they arrived in Zhao’an County, it was nearly noon, and they went straight to Yuanji Restaurant.

In the past, even when business wasn’t great, Yuanji Restaurant still had some customers, but today the doors were tightly shut, and the mule cart could only stop at a small side gate.

Madam Yuan had sent Azhu to wait at the side gate, and as soon as she saw the visitors, Azhu scurried inside.

Madam Yuan was discussing the matter with Second Master Yuan, two aunts from the Yuan Family, and their husbands.

The family had already agreed that, whether Xie Zhinuan consented or not, they had to deliver her to the County Governor’s Office.

For this reason, fearing that Xie Zhinuan might resist, they had prepared tea in advance. Once she drank the drugged tea, she wouldn’t have a chance to fight back, and by the time she woke up, the deed would be done beyond reversal.

The Lord County Magistrate had also agreed, as long as Xie Zhinuan was sent to the County Governor’s Office, Yuan Cheng would be released, and the chefs would be returned as well. With the Lord County Magistrate backing Yuanji, business would only get better.

Upon learning that someone had arrived, Madam Yuan gave Azhu a meaningful glance.

“…” Azhu trembled as she looked on.

She felt sorry for Xie Zhinuan, but if she didn’t do as her lady ordered, Madam Yuan would sell her.

Carefully glancing at Madam Yuan, she shivered and went to prepare the tea.

When Old Master Yuan and Xie Zhinuan entered and saw Yuan Liuwang, Madam Yuan’s brows were tightly furrowed.

Certain matters could be handled behind closed doors without outsiders knowing, without fear of losing face, but if they got out, one would be unable to show their face ever again.

Therefore, Madam Yuan was the first to speak, “Donghua, why don’t you take Brother Liuwang to rest first!”

“…” Donghua was momentarily stunned.

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Yuan Liuwang was also extremely surprised, looking at Xie Zhinuan, who was holding a bundle and carrying Routuan.

However, Xie Zhinuan had already stuffed Routuan into his arms, “Brother Liuwang, please take care of Routuan for me!”

It had the semblance of entrusting her child to his care.

“…” Yuan Liuwang hesitated for a moment, then reached out and took Routuan.

Before leaving, he cast a weighted glance at the Yuan family members.

No sooner had everyone left than Madam Yuan stepped forward, pulling Xie Zhinuan into an embrace while sobbing, “Zhinuan, you’ve finally come!”

“…”

Xie Zhinuan looked on indifferently as Madam Yuan put on a show.

She had always known this woman to be hypocritical but didn’t expect her to still perform such an act in front of her.

She wondered if the woman was truly mindless or just pretending.

Old Master Yuan furrowed his brows, Yuan Jiu, the Second Master, gave a light cough and said softly, “Sister-in-law, let Zhinuan sit first, and we can talk things over slowly!”

“Oh, right, right!” exclaimed Madam Yuan, hastily bidding Xie Zhinuan to take a seat and then respectfully inviting Old Master Yuan to sit.

“Azhu, bring the tea!”

Upon hearing the command, Azhu came up with a tray.

There were two cups of tea on it, one for Old Master Yuan and one for Xie Zhinuan.

As Azhu presented the tea cups, her hands trembled violently.

“Miss Xie, drink, drink your tea!” After saying this, Azhu dashed away.

Xie Zhinuan eyed the steaming tea, reached out to hold the cup, and took a light sip.

Ever since she consumed the Spatial Spirit Spring, her sense of hearing had become much sharper, and her sense of taste was different too.

With just one sip, she knew the tea had been tampered with.

“…”

Raising her eyes to look at the people sitting in the main hall, Xie Zhinuan suddenly spoke up, “Was this tea specially prepared for me? It does taste quite exceptional! What do you think, Grandpa?”

Holding a grave expression, she stared intently at Old Master Yuan.

This was her first and only chance for Old Master Yuan.

Having built her fortune from nothing, she was certainly not a fool, nor was she a softhearted saint.

Chapter 55