Ger, So Proud

Chapter 113: Discussion

After Zhou Wen left, members of the inspection team gathered around the “celestial fruits” for a moment and then gradually withdrew.

“Sir, are we really sending these to the capital?” This bearded man was Zhao Qing’s trusted aide, and now only the two of them remained in the room.

“Why? Do you covet His Majesty’s celestial fruits?”

“I dare not!” The man panicked and quickly apologized, “This humble one’s only concern is that these celestial fruits are of great significance and are meant to be consumed. If… if something were to happen…”

“To present the celestial fruits and report the miracle to the heavens is our duty as subjects. As for whether these fruits are truly celestial, that will be judged in the presence of His Majesty. Furthermore, there are three fruits here, are there not?”

One fruit was used for testing, leaving two remaining.

Seeing that Zhao Qing had made up his mind, the man bowed and replied, “Then, sir, I will immediately prepare fast horses and guards to ensure the celestial fruits reach His Majesty as soon as possible.”

“Wait. I will personally escort the celestial fruits to the capital. You will handle all arrangements for my early return to the capital. As for the subsequent itinerary of the inspection team, Deputy Inspector Zhang will be in charge.”

“Sir…”

Zhao Qing interrupted him, “There’s no need to persuade me further. You stay with the inspection team and keep a close watch. If anything happens, send word to me. Remember, our Emperor values rules and regulations greatly.”

This statement carried a strong implication.

“Yes, sir. I will take care of it immediately.” The man appeared excited, though with a hint of apprehension.

After the man exited, Zhao Qing once again opened the jade box. The celestial fruits shimmered with light, and the rich fragrance made one impatient to consume them.

Zhao Qing was no exception, but suddenly, he snapped the box shut. “These are not something we can indulge in after all. Or perhaps…”

…

Zhou Wen successfully brought back news of postponing the re-examination of the case. With He Ze’s reassurances, the He family’s anxiety finally eased somewhat. Perhaps their joint planning of a matter of life and death, combined with Zhou Wen’s deliberate actions, had strengthened their relationship with He Ze. In their spare time, they even drank together in the prison cell.

Now, they were peers in their conversations, calling each other familiarly as “brother.” However, He Ze harbored no doubts; if anything went wrong with the celestial fruits, Zhou Wen would likely not hesitate to expose him. Nonetheless, He Ze didn’t mind, as it was only natural.

On that day, Lin Yu visited the prison cell once more.

It had been nearly two months since He Ze’s imprisonment, and Lin Yu’s belly was beginning to show a slight bulge.

Under Zhou Wen’s care, an extra bed of soft straw was added to the prison cell, along with a small table. The daily meals were also satisfactory. Lin Yu brought sour fish and plum blossom cakes made by Dad Li.

“I’ve been craving something sour these days. Dad made plenty. If you don’t like it, I’ll have Dad prepare a different flavor for you tomorrow.” Perhaps due to his pregnancy, Lin Yu exuded gentleness at this moment.

Holding him from behind, He Ze buried his head in the nape of Lin Yu’s neck, gently caressing his belly. “I’m sorry for putting you through this.”

“It’s nothing. During this time, the flower shop and carpenter’s shop at home have been closed. Besides taking care of me, my family is only worried about you. With you around, I have nothing else to worry about. It’s not hard.” Lin Yu shook his head.

“A few days ago, Grandfather and Granddad sent over twenty taels of silver. Now that you’re in prison, they’re afraid that the money won’t circulate well at home. However, there’s still money at home. Dad and Father returned the silver they borrowed. Cousin’s side has more people, but I see Father and them have become closer.”

“That’s good. Both Grandfather and Father have their own pride. Neither of them is easy to bow down, so it’s good this way.”

“Many uncles from the village have also sent things to our home. Originally, Dad didn’t want to accept them, but Father said it’s all heartfelt. He remembers everything and won’t let it go. Several clan elders also wanted to jointly write a letter to Mr. Zhou, vouching for you, but Father persuaded them to reconsider.”

“They… Forget it. When this ancestor in your belly comes out, we’ll spend money to set up a free school in the village, which can be considered repaying their kindness. I’m not cut out for studying, but who knows, maybe a future child of the He family will become a top scholar, shining and honoring our ancestors! Haha, maybe my son will become a champion.” He Ze laughed heartily, squatting down and leaning over Lin Yu’s belly.

“You have such beautiful thoughts!” Lin Yu glanced at him sideways, his eyes flickering with tenderness and expectation.

Taking a deep breath, He Ze reluctantly suppressed his unfavorable thoughts. A middle-aged man who had practiced abstinence for many years, the unleashed beast had not yet had a chance to enjoy itself before being locked back up—it was really not easy.

“By the way, He Dalang, Liu San, and the others also want to come see you. They’ve been busy lately, and there are some things I can’t easily mention. You should give them some reassurance.”

“Okay, bring them along next time you come.”

“Also, during this time, Luo Zhanming often visits our house. What do you think about him and Xiao An?”

He Ze stood up again, embracing him once more. “What else can I think? Luo Zhanming comes from a good family background, is a talented individual, and most importantly, he’s sincere and cares deeply for Xiao An.” Moreover, even though the Luo family was implicated in this case, they didn’t attempt to shift the blame onto the pharmacy’s manager or himself when Li Deming hadn’t shown his hand. This showed that although the Luo family was in business, they still had principles.

“My father and I have cleared his hurdle. Now, it’s up to An-ge himself.”

Lin Yu looked back at him and smiled, “I thought you wouldn’t bear to part with him.”

He Ze rubbed his nose, “Isn’t that human nature? But if I don’t let him go, I’m afraid Xiao An will resent me in the future.”

He Ze chuckled as he spoke.

“Dad Zhang’s health has improved a lot. Uncle Xu often sends his regards to me. I feel that they… will soon…” Lin Yu hesitated.

“Isn’t that a good thing? You used to worry that your Dad couldn’t get over that hurdle and would live a lonely life in the future. Now they are finally getting their happy ending. Aren’t you happy? Uncle Xu has waited for more than ten years. How many decades does a person have in their lifetime?”

“Yeah, you’re right. I just… have mixed feelings.”

“Don’t think too much about it. Uncle Xu and Dad’s relationship isn’t something temporary. Your most important task now is to take care of yourself and wait for me to come home.”

“Okay.”

Lin Yu nodded obediently and then talked about how well the medicinal fields at home were growing, reassuring him that he didn’t need to worry. He mentioned that Wang Fu and Wang Ji had been a bit listless lately, probably missing him. Dad bought a rabbit caught by villagers that day and brought it back for Xiao Sn to keep as a pet…

Lin Yu spoke whatever came to his mind. With He Ze’s assurance and his trust in him, compared to the unease he felt with the others, Lin Yu truly relaxed. He chattered away in his arms about these matters, feeling peaceful and relaxed.

He Ze listened quietly, occasionally responding and kissing him affectionately.

Time played its tricks unknowingly, and it was time for Lin Yu to go back when the Golden Crow was about to set in the west. Before leaving, He Ze took off the jade pendant around his neck and infused it with a lot of vitality.

After the incident with the “miracle,” his abilities had already reached level five.

“Wear this for now. I’ll prepare something for Father and the others when I get home.” Originally, he had wanted to prepare more fruits for his family to eat, but then he thought that consuming the fruits might change their appearance. It wouldn’t be good if others noticed, so he dismissed the idea.

However, with him subtly influencing them, slowly nurturing their bodies, was actually a better choice.

Each of those three fruits contained vitality accumulated over about ten years for one person. It was an inconceivable benefit that shouldn’t and couldn’t be exposed. As for the remaining vitality, it had all been absorbed into his own body for “storage,” convenient for “transfers” like the current situation when needed.

“Take care on the road.”

After seeing off Lin Yu, the prison cell returned to its silence.

—

On the other side, Li Deming was as restless as an ant on a hot pot.

He knew about the “miracle” in Qiongchuan County and had heard a bit about the divine fruit incident. After all, gossip spreads easily. Zhou Wen knew that so many people had witnessed that night’s event, and there was no point in trying to suppress the rumors.

Li Deming was quite regretful at the time for missing the once-in-a-century “miracle.” Later, he heard about the divine fruit from his friendly inspector in charge. The whole situation left him feeling uneasy.

Of course, he knew that once the divine fruit was confirmed, Zhou Wen would be on the path to great success!

But now that the divine fruit had been sent heavily guarded to the capital by Chief Inspector Zhao, and with Chief Zhao’s order to postpone the case of the refugees and his nephew Wang Fucheng, what should he do now?

“Just one last step, just one last step!”

Li Deming suddenly swept everything off the desk onto the ground in a fit of rage, his expression fierce and eyes almost bursting out of their sockets.

What could a small fry like him do? Chief Zhao’s orders couldn’t be changed because of him, and now Zhou Wen, who was about to rise to great heights with the presentation of the divine fruit, was not someone he could compete with.

What should he do now? If he were to retreat now… Yes, stopping now was still possible! First, cure his nephew. In the end, it would just be the lives of a refugee and a servant. As long as no one investigated, even if Zhou Wen came down hard on him, he might not necessarily fight to the end. As for Wang Fucheng, if he couldn’t save him, so be it! After all, he was just a nephew!

As his thoughts raced, Li Deming calmed down slightly. “Someone, prepare the carriage and horses!”

This matter couldn’t be delayed any longer. He knew that if the divine fruit failed to please the higher-ups, Zhou Wen might not only miss the chance for glory but he might also face dismissal and punishment. But so what! If he didn’t act, it would be half alive, half dead; if he did, both paths could lead to survival!

He couldn’t afford to gamble, nor did he dare.

After straightening his clothes, Li Deming walked out the door.

“Sir, it’s bad news! Young Master… Young Master has gone…”

“What are you saying?” Li Deming’s expression froze.

“Sir, Young Master… Young Master didn’t make it. Just now… he has already passed away.”

The servant’s words hit Li Deming like a heavy hammer, causing him to stagger instantly.