“Are you asleep?” Tian Tian softly asked.

In the darkness, Xu Mu reached over and took her hand. “What’s wrong, wife?”

Tian Tian held onto his hand in return. “I want to speak from my heart.”

Xu Mu paused, as if already anticipating what she was about to say. After a moment, he replied, “It’s late. Let’s rest. We can talk tomorrow.”

It was clear he was trying to avoid the conversation, not wanting to continue this topic.

Since Tian Tian had already made up her mind to talk openly with him, she wasn’t going to let him brush her off so easily.

“Husband, I know you don’t want to hear this, but as your wife, there are things I have to say.”

Xu Mu remained silent.

Tian Tian continued, “Husband, you studied diligently for over ten years. I believe you once had grand ambitions—to serve the people, bring prosperity to the country, and secure a place in history, leaving a legacy for your family. But the darkness and corruption of the official world have hindered your dreams. I understand that you don’t want to remain obscure, which is why you’ve sought other ways to rise through the ranks.”

“But, husband, if becoming a high-ranking official means climbing over the bodies of countless people, even if you reach the top, would it really be worth it? What fault do the common people have? They are honest, kind, and vulnerable. In times of disaster, they have nothing but their prayers to the heavens, and their only hope is the local officials like you, their ‘parental official.'”

“I never wanted to say this, but tonight, I saw a different side of you—a man with compassion and humanity, not just a greedy, deceitful villain. That’s why I dare to ask you to become an official who cares for the people as if they were your own children.”

Tian Tian took a breath, her voice steady but full of conviction. “I know these words may seem harsh, but corrupt officials never meet a good end. One misstep could lead to crimes that not only destroy their own lives but also implicate their families. Instead of bringing glory, it could bring ruin and shame that lasts for generations. Is that really what you want, husband?”

Xu Mu remained silent, not responding.

Tian Tian pressed on, “I don’t expect you to change the entire system or bring justice to the empire. I just hope that, whatever we do, we can live without guilt. Even if we never achieve wealth or high rank, at least we can live in peace, with joy in our hearts.”

Still, Xu Mu said nothing.

Tian Tian sighed softly. She had said everything she could, and saying more would be pointless. It was all up to him now, to decide how to proceed.

After waiting a long time without a response, Tian Tian felt a deep sense of disappointment. Sometimes, silence was the most telling answer. That night, she lay awake, unable to sleep, her mind heavy with thoughts.

Xu Mu, too, did not sleep. His thoughts were a chaotic swirl, and he couldn’t find peace.

The next morning, as they were getting dressed and freshening up, Xianglan rushed in with a worried expression. “Master, Madam, there’s bad news. The pregnant woman’s mother-in-law is not doing well.”

Tian Tian was shocked. “What happened? She was fine last night when she made the chicken soup! How could things turn so bad so quickly?”

Xu Mu also turned to Xianglan, waiting for her explanation.

With a heavy heart, Xianglan explained, “This morning, she ate ‘Guanyin soil’ and has been in terrible pain ever since, rolling on the ground. Her face has gone pale, and everyone says she might not make it.”

Tian Tian couldn’t waste any time. “Let’s go. We need to see her.”

Xu Mu added, “I’ll go too.”

Despite the tension between them from the previous night, Tian Tian didn’t argue. If he wanted to come along, he could.

When they arrived at the old woman’s house, they saw a crowd of villagers gathered outside the thatched cottage, discussing her condition in hushed tones.

When the villagers saw Xu Mu and Tian Tian, they immediately bowed. “Greetings, Master and Madam.”

Xu Mu nodded slightly, while Tian Tian quickly asked, “How is the old woman?”

Someone hurried to answer, “She’s inside, writhing in pain. Her face is as white as paper. We’re afraid she might not survive.”

“Did anyone call for a doctor?” Tian Tian asked urgently.

There was a brief silence before one of the villagers shook their head. “No.”

Tian Tian grew even more anxious. “This is a matter of life and death! How could you not call a doctor?”

One of the villagers replied, their voice full of resignation, “Even if a doctor came, there’s nothing they could do. Besides, there’s no medicine available right now. The doctor wouldn’t be able to help.”

“Xianglan, send someone to fetch a doctor immediately,” Tian Tian ordered. Even if the doctor didn’t have medicine, if the old woman had any chance of survival, Tian Tian would find a way to get the necessary supplies.

Tian Tian and Xu Mu quickly entered the house to check on the old woman.

Inside, there were many people—her pregnant daughter-in-law sat clutching her belly, crying uncontrollably. The old woman’s husband and son crouched beside her, trying to comfort her, their eyes filled with tears. When they saw Xu Mu and Tian Tian, they immediately stood and bowed.

Tian Tian, however, was focused on the old woman, who was writhing in pain on the floor. The sight of her suffering, after having been so kind and cheerful the night before, was heartbreaking.

Tian Tian knelt beside her, trying to help her up. “Granny, how are you feeling?”

Xu Mu stood nearby, watching with concern. The old woman had been kind enough to make chicken soup for him the night before, and he couldn’t help but feel affected by her suffering.

Her son explained in a pained voice, “Mother was so hungry she couldn’t resist eating some ‘Guanyin soil.’ That’s why she’s in so much pain now.”

Tian Tian was confused. She turned to him and asked, “But with the grain rations I distributed, surely she didn’t need to resort to eating Guanyin soil?”

While the grain rations weren’t enough to fill everyone’s stomachs, they should have been sufficient to keep people from starving. There was no reason for her to have eaten the soil.

Seeing the old woman’s suffering, Tian Tian quickly instructed, “We need to bring a large basin of water and have her drink it. The soil is still in her stomach, and if we can make her vomit it out, she might still have a chance.”

Xu Mu immediately ordered Zhou Nan, “Do as the Madam says.”

“Yes, sir.” Zhou Nan rushed outside and returned with a large basin of water.

Everyone watched anxiously as Zhou Nan carefully helped the old woman drink bowl after bowl of water.

“Will this really work?” someone in the crowd muttered.

“The Madam suggested it, so it must work,” another villager replied confidently.

Before long, the old woman’s stomach was so full of water that she couldn’t hold it in any longer. She vomited out a large amount of muddy ‘Guanyin soil.’ Tian Tian saw this and knew there was still hope. She instructed Zhou Nan to continue.

After about half an hour, the old woman had finally vomited out everything from her stomach. Once the water she expelled became clear, Tian Tian let out a sigh of relief.

The elderly woman was too weak and had passed out.

Tian Tian instructed the others to help her rest while she began investigating the root cause of her eating Guanyin soil.

The pregnant daughter-in-law knelt on the ground, her large belly making her grief even more evident. “Madam, my mother-in-law ate the Guanyin soil because of me and the child in my belly,” she cried, gently holding her stomach, her face full of sorrow. “During this time of disaster, we never intended to keep this child, but my parents-in-law have been saving every scrap of food for me, and that’s the only reason the baby has survived until now.”

The husband knelt beside his wife, his face equally filled with sadness. “To be blunt, we don’t have any hope in the imperial court anymore. We know that you and the lord have been doing everything you can to support us common folk, even though it must be extremely difficult. We’ve heard about how the madam has sold her dowry, her clothes, and jewelry. No one would sell those things unless they were utterly desperate.”

“My parents, thinking of our unborn child, would go hungry themselves. When they couldn’t bear the hunger, they’d eat Guanyin soil just to have something in their stomachs. As long as they didn’t eat too much, it wouldn’t endanger their lives. My father, being a man, sometimes received extra food from my mother. So, while he’s also eaten the soil, his condition isn’t as severe as hers.”

Tian Tian felt a surge of mixed emotions, and tears streamed uncontrollably down her face. She couldn’t stand hearing such heart-wrenching stories.

Xu Mu, too, felt his heart heavy with sorrow. He was human, with flesh and blood, and hearing such stories stirred him deeply.

The husband continued, “In fact, it’s not just our family. Almost every household with elderly members is like this. Many of the older generation have eaten some Guanyin soil, even though no one wants to. But they’re left with no choice. For the sake of their children and grandchildren, they have to.”

Tian Tian wept, and so did the others in the room. Many of the elderly in the village also cried, for no one truly wanted to die. But to ensure their descendants survived, they had to make that sacrifice. If they died, they wouldn’t need food, and perhaps their children could last until the spring planting season.

Soon, the doctor arrived. Tian Tian urgently asked him to check on the elderly woman. “Fortunately, she managed to throw up the Guanyin soil from her stomach, so her life isn’t immediately in danger. But without the proper medicine, there’s nothing more I can do. If she eats the soil again, she will not survive.”

“What medicine do you need? The lord and I will find a way to get it,” Tian Tian asked quickly.

“I’ll write up a prescription right away, but it will take time to nurse her back to health. Whether she can pull through or not will depend on her fate. Eating Guanyin soil has severely damaged her body. Even if she survives this time, her lifespan may be shortened. It’s impossible to know for sure if she’ll recover fully,” the doctor explained.

“I understand,” Tian Tian replied with a nod.

Xu Mu then spoke up, “Doctor, please check the other elders in the village who’ve eaten Guanyin soil. In fact, anyone who has consumed it should come for a checkup.” He turned to Zhou Nan and instructed, “Assist the doctor with anything he needs. Do whatever it takes to help.”

“Yes,” Zhou Nan and the doctor answered in unison.

The doctor requested a room to examine the villagers. He began by having the men lift their shirts so he could check their stomachs, followed by the women. Zhou Nan, meanwhile, went around the village gathering everyone who had eaten Guanyin soil and brought them to the house for the examination.

Gradually, a large group of people gathered. Nearly half the village came, most of them elderly, women, and middle-aged villagers. The only ones who hadn’t eaten the soil were a few of the stronger young men and children.

Tian Tian and Xu Mu stood at the door, watching the doctor as he examined the villagers. The stark contrast between their emaciated bodies and their swollen stomachs was gut-wrenching. Tian Tian couldn’t help but cry even harder as she thought about the sacrifices these villagers were making for their children.

Xu Mu felt just as troubled. His heart was anything but calm.

At that moment, Xianglan approached and reported, “My lord, madam, the old woman has regained consciousness.”

“I’ll go check on her,” Tian Tian said, quickly heading to the old woman’s room.

Xu Mu followed her inside.

As they entered, they overheard the pregnant daughter-in-law crying by the bedside. “Mother, father, husband, let’s end this. I don’t want to keep this child anymore. We can’t afford it,” she sobbed.

Her husband sat beside her, head bowed, silent. He loved the child, but his mother was his mother. If they kept the child, his mother would surely continue eating Guanyin soil to survive. He was torn between two impossible choices.

The elderly woman, still weak from her ordeal, spoke softly. “Chun Niang, what nonsense are you saying? This is our precious first grandson. He’s almost six months along now—how can we just give up on him?”

Her husband sighed deeply but said nothing.

Chun Niang cried, “There’s simply not enough food. The extra food we’ve had has come from my parents-in-law skipping meals. I can’t bear to see them survive on Guanyin soil for the sake of an unborn child. I don’t want to be responsible for their deaths.”

Earlier that day, watching her mother-in-law in such pain had terrified her. She couldn’t justify the loss of two lives for the sake of an unborn child. “This baby may be six months along, but even the county madam has had to sell off her jewelry and dowry. I know that she’s at the end of her rope, and soon, the grain will run out. If the adults can’t survive, how can we expect a baby to?”

Her reasoning was painfully clear. Even if the baby were born, there would be no way to properly care for it, and the strain on the family would be unbearable. Better to lose the child now and save her in-laws.

The family’s anguish was palpable. They all knew the truth of her words, and they wept together.

Standing at the door, Tian Tian was overwhelmed with sorrow. There was nothing she could do to help. She had reached the end of her resources. If Xu Mu refused to step in, the grain supply would soon be exhausted, and no one would survive.

Just then, Xu Mu stepped forward, passing Tian Tian and entering the room. His voice was firm and resolute. “This child must live. He is a miracle for Longping, surviving in the womb even through this disaster. How can we give up on him now?”

The family stared at him in shock.

Tian Tian was equally stunned. By saying this, Xu Mu was effectively taking responsibility for the survival of the people. It meant that the entire county had a chance to survive.

“You can rest assured,” Xu Mu continued. “I will take responsibility for this child. If you need anything, go to the Xu residence and speak with my wife. She will make arrangements. And from now on, no one needs to eat Guanyin soil. I will do everything in my power to ensure that you all make it through to the spring planting season.”

Tears filled Tian Tian’s eyes, and she couldn’t hold back her emotions. She had been waiting for this moment—she had finally waited long enough.

The family was overwhelmed with gratitude and immediately knelt to thank Xu Mu. Even the elderly woman in bed tried to get up, but Xu Mu stopped them, insisting that such formalities weren’t necessary.

“Why are you crying, wife?” Xu Mu asked, noticing her tears and hurrying over to wipe them away.

Tian Tian smiled through her tears. “I’m just so happy. So, so happy.”

Leaving the family in Zhou Nan’s care, Xu Mu took Tian Tian’s hand and led her outside. “Thank you, wife. I’ve finally come to my senses.”

“Thank me? For what?” Tian Tian asked, tilting her head to look at him, her eyes bright with tears but sparkling like stars.

“Thank you for the words you said to me last night,” Xu Mu replied. “Today, when I saw those elderly villagers with their swollen bellies, and that old woman nearly dying from the Guanyin soil, I felt a deep sorrow. I can’t imagine how many more elders in Longping are suffering like this. And when I heard that the pregnant family wanted to abort the child, something in me suddenly clicked. If rising through the ranks means sacrificing the lives of the people, what’s the point? The people have done nothing wrong!”

Xu Mu paused, his voice filled with emotion. “I grew up in a merchant family. Merchants are always looked down upon, the lowest class of all. As a child, I secretly vowed to pass the imperial exams and become an official, so no one would ever look down on me again. I wanted to be a good official and make my family proud.”

“But the allure of the officialdom blinded me. I lost sight of my original ideals. Today, seeing the suffering of the people opened my eyes. Fame and fortune are fleeting. I want to follow my heart and do something real for the people. Otherwise, what would be left of me after I’m gone, except

an empty shell?”

Tian Tian felt as if she were dreaming.

“Husband, are you sure? You’ve truly made up your mind, and you won’t change it?” she asked, hardly daring to believe it.

“Yes, wife. You said it yourself—corrupt officials never meet a good end. I don’t want you to live in fear for me, and I don’t want to raise a child to become another corrupt official. Even if I remain a humble county magistrate all my life, I’ll do my best to ensure that the people live in peace and security. I’ll strive to create a place where they can thrive. The only regret I have is that you’ll have to suffer alongside me.”

Tian Tian’s smile bloomed like a flower. All her efforts over the past month hadn’t been in vain. She had finally seen the light at the end of the tunnel. “Husband, I’m not afraid of suffering with you. If you truly live up to your words, even if I spend my entire life with you, facing all the hardships, I will gladly endure it.”

The couple didn’t linger much longer in Liu Village. After confirming that the old woman’s condition had stabilized, they returned to the county.

True to his word, the first thing Xu Mu did upon returning was to allocate a large sum of money to send people out to purchase grain from other regions.

With Xu Mu stepping in, the situation in Longping County temporarily stabilized. Tian Tian, exhausted after more than a month of hard work, was ordered by Xu Mu to return home and rest. She had grown visibly thinner from all the running around, and Xu Mu couldn’t bear to see her toil any longer.

Tian Tian was indeed tired, and now that the refugee crisis was temporarily resolved, she was glad to take a few days to rest at home.

Half a month later, Xianglan rushed in to report something.

Tian Tian immediately became alert. “Xianglan, what’s wrong? Why are you so flustered?”

Xianglan, grinning, said, “Madam, there’s a rumor going around that I thought was quite interesting, so I hurried over to tell you.”

Tian Tian sighed in relief. “You scared me with your rush.”

Xianglan, still smiling, continued, “Recently, the lord has been organizing donations, but it wasn’t going very well. Yesterday, he dealt with a wealthy merchant, listing nearly dozens of crimes, and had him thrown in jail. Today, nearly every wealthy family in Longping has donated half of their fortunes. Isn’t that fascinating?”

When Xu Mu returned home that evening, Tian Tian brought up the story during dinner. Xu Mu chuckled and said, “If I didn’t make an example out of one of them, those wealthy folks wouldn’t have willingly donated half their fortunes.”

He continued, “With just my silver alone, how could I support tens of thousands of people in Longping County? It would last at most one or two months. Aside from providing food, there are also medical supplies to account for, and the expenses are enormous.”

Xu Mu added, “Over the years, I’ve carefully kept records of every crime committed by the local wealthy merchants and landlords in Longping. I kept it all in mind for a day like this, when their donations were needed. In these times of disaster, they wouldn’t voluntarily donate their money. After all, wealth is hard-earned, and without drastic measures, the people of Longping would starve or die from lack of medicine.”

Tian Tian understood, though she couldn’t help but note Xu Mu’s cunning. However, it was this very cunning that had saved all of Longping. His methods were far more effective than her previous attempts at inviting the wealthy wives for dinners to request donations. Now, those wealthy families had no choice but to donate, and they didn’t dare flee Longping. If they did, Xu Mu’s evidence could ruin them. Thankfully, he had used these tactics for a just cause—otherwise, she couldn’t imagine how terrifying he could be.

“Husband, your strategy is brilliant, but you’ve made enemies of the wealthy families,” Tian Tian expressed her concern about potential retaliation against Xu Mu.

Xu Mu was well aware of this. “Right now, saving the people is our top priority. We’ll deal with everything else later. This was a last resort; there was no better option.”

Tian Tian understood and lovingly placed some bamboo shoots on his plate. “You’ve worked so hard, husband. Eat more.” Indeed, Xu Mu was exhausted. Since returning from Liu Village, he hadn’t come back home once, staying outside the whole time to manage the crisis. It was only today that the couple had finally reunited.

Though Xu Mu had been mildly worried about the wealthy families, seeing his wife’s tender care made his heart warm. His gaze lingered on her, filled with desire, making Tian Tian’s face blush bright red.

“Husband, focus on eating,” she scolded, casting a bashful glance at him. But to Xu Mu, she looked incredibly alluring.

The two had only enjoyed a brief period of intimacy around the New Year, but after their argument, they had kept their distance. It had been nearly two months since they had been close.

He had missed her, missed her intensely.

“Alright, I’ll eat,” Xu Mu said, quickly finishing his meal. To Tian Tian’s surprise, he finished even faster than she did.

Her face turned an even deeper shade of red, understanding what Xu Mu’s eagerness signified.

“Husband, you’re looking very handsome today,” Xu Mu teased as he admired his bashful wife, her peach-like cheeks exuding warmth. He couldn’t help but praise her out loud.

“Such sweet talk,” Tian Tian murmured, continuing to focus on her meal.

After dinner, they both went to wash up. Tian Tian spent a little extra time in her bath today—after all, she had missed Xu Mu, too.

“Husband, are you waiting for me?” Tian Tian asked shyly as she entered the room.

The moment Xu Mu saw her, he eagerly put down the book he’d been pretending to read. Waiting for her like this was truly torturous.

Tian Tian gave a soft “hmm” in reply.

She was already naturally beautiful, but after her bath, dressed in plain white undergarments, with her cheeks flushed and her hair slightly damp, she looked even more alluring, exuding a subtle sensuality.

For a young man like Xu Mu, who had recently married, how could he resist such a sight? The moment he approached her, he scooped her up in his arms. “Wife, let’s go to bed.”

Xu Mu was too impatient, and Tian Tian’s already rosy cheeks deepened with color. But at this moment, she wasn’t one to spoil the mood. She leaned her head gently against his chest, silently giving her consent.

Xianglan, blushing furiously, quickly made herself scarce, discreetly closing the door behind her.

The room filled with tenderness and affection, the details of which need not be elaborated.

The next morning, Xu Mu was reluctant to get out of bed, holding Tian Tian’s hand with deep emotion. “I’ve tasted many delicacies in my life, but now I truly understand what is the finest in the world,” he said, his gaze locked on her.

Tian Tian had never experienced such flattery, and whatever sleepiness remained vanished. Embarrassed, she wanted to disappear. “Husband, don’t you need to go to the county office? Stop talking nonsense!”

“I might say many things, but about this, I’m absolutely sincere,” Xu Mu replied.

Tian Tian didn’t bother responding, instead helping him get dressed. She called for Xianglan and a few other maids to assist as well.

Perhaps Xu Mu felt entirely content, for he had a faint smile on his face even as the maids helped him wash and dress.

Watching his expression, Tian Tian couldn’t help but recall his mischievous side, thinking to herself how he could be such a scoundrel.

“Husband, try to come back early tonight,” Xu Mu said before leaving, his tone full of affection.

Tian Tian: “…”

After Xu Mu left, Tian Tian went back to bed for a nap. She hadn’t gotten much sleep the night before and was completely exhausted. Truthfully, she had missed him as well, and once things got started, there was no stopping.

Xu Mu’s methods proved effective. After the wealthy families had donated half their fortunes, the disaster situation in Longping was finally stabilized. Though everyone still lived frugally, compared to other areas of Yuzhou, Longping was like a paradise.

The people were content and extremely grateful to Xu Mu and Tian Tian. Now, the townsfolk spoke of Xu Mu as a rare and excellent magistrate and praised Tian Tian as a virtuous and kind lady.

One day, Xu Mu returned to the Rose Garden, and Tian Tian noticed a faint hint of worry on his brow. She couldn’t help but ask, “Husband, what’s wrong?”

Lately, with the crisis alleviated, Xu Mu had been in good spirits, often smiling when he returned home. Seeing him troubled today felt unusual. Could something have happened with the people again?

“Husband, are you worried about the people?” Tian Tian asked.

Xu Mu shook his head, gazing at his wife, whose beauty had only grown in recent days. “Don’t worry, it’s not about the people.”

“Then what is it?” Tian Tian didn’t understand but wanted to know. In their marriage, there should be no secrets.

Xu Mu sighed and decided to speak plainly. “My father-in-law sent a letter. The eldest daughter will be getting married soon, and he’s invited us to Yuzhou to attend the wedding.”

Tian Tian nodded. “A wedding is a significant event in a woman’s life. We should definitely attend. But why the troubled expression?”

Xu Mu forced a smile. “You’re overthinking it, wife. I was just thinking about something else.” To change the subject, he said, “Is dinner ready? I’m feeling a bit hungry tonight.”

Tian Tian laughed. “It should be ready soon. I’ll have them serve it right away.”

The couple enjoyed a pleasant dinner, though Xu Mu smiled throughout, Tian Tian, as his wife, could sense that his heart wasn’t fully in it.

That night, surprisingly, Xu Mu didn’t touch Tian Tian. Normally, he wouldn’t rest until well past midnight.

Over the next few days, the worry in Xu Mu’s expression grew heavier. Tian Tian wanted to ask but sensed that Xu Mu was avoiding the subject. The day soon arrived when they were to set off for Yuzhou.

For her sister’s wedding, Tian Tian had prepared some gifts. Though Longping had just stabilized and they weren’t living lavishly, the gifts were thoughtful, considering the circumstances of the disaster.

As the couple rode in the carriage toward Yuzhou, Tian Tian noticed that the closer they got, the more distracted Xu Mu seemed. She had already asked him many times, and since he hadn’t wanted to share, she decided to stop asking. Whatever

he felt was appropriate to tell her, he would. What he didn’t want to say, she likely wasn’t meant to know. So she focused on her own thoughts, giving him the space he needed.

Upon arriving at the prefect’s residence, they followed the usual protocol, paying their respects to the prefect and his wife before Tian Tian went to visit Lady Liu, her mother. Xu Mu, meanwhile, joined the prefect in the study for official matters.

Lady Liu was delighted to see her daughter and pulled her aside to chat, making sure she was doing well. Only when she was satisfied that Tian Tian was leading a good life did she relax. “Recently, Yuzhou has been plagued by disasters, and it’s been a chaotic time. The prefect hasn’t been leaving the residence, clearly avoiding getting involved. But I was amazed to hear that your husband had spent a fortune to help the people in Longping. It truly changed the way I see him,” Lady Liu said, holding Tian Tian’s hand with pride. “You’ve grown into a woman of great virtue, helping the people like this. You’re far better than I was at your age.”

Lady Liu had come from a humble farming background and understood how hard life was for the common people. Seeing her daughter and son-in-law do something so selfless made her proud, even if it pained her a little to think of all the money they had spent.

After chatting with her mother for a while, Tian Tian went to congratulate her elder sister, Wang Ruoxue, on her upcoming marriage, where she met up with her second sister, Wang Yufang, and the three of them exchanged pleasantries and congratulations.

Wang Ruoxue, being the legitimate daughter, was indeed treated generously by Prefect Wang. Her dowry filled her entire courtyard with a sea of red, an overwhelming display of wealth. It was as grand as the legendary “ten miles of red dowry.”

Tian Tian couldn’t help but reflect on the stark contrast between the luxurious items in the courtyard and the hardship faced by the common people outside. The disparity was a clear representation of the saying, “The rich feast in mansions, while the poor freeze to death in the streets.”

Wang Yufang was filled with envy, her eyes practically green with jealousy. However, she didn’t dare say anything openly. After all, Wang Ruoxue was marrying the son of a high-ranking official in the capital, a member of the Shuntian Prefecture. Wang Yufang, though engaged to Tang Zidang, knew she would need to maintain a good relationship with her elder sister, as there would be many instances in the future when she’d rely on her.

Tian Tian, on the other hand, remained calm. After all, Xu Mu had already given away countless wealth during the crisis—far more than this extravagant dowry. Moreover, she didn’t feel the need to cling to Wang Ruoxue. After this, with long distances between them, who knew how many more times they’d meet in their lifetime?

At that moment, a servant came rushing in, interrupting the laughter of the three sisters. “Third Miss, something terrible has happened to the Third Master!”

Tian Tian’s face immediately changed, and she stood up quickly, a sense of foreboding rising in her heart. “Wasn’t my husband in the study discussing matters with Father? How could something have happened? Speak clearly—what’s going on?”

Wang Ruoxue and Wang Yufang were equally surprised, their eyes fixed on the servant, waiting for more information. After all, Xu Mu had just arrived in Yuzhou, and this was the Prefect’s residence—what could possibly have gone wrong for their brother-in-law?

The servant knelt down and recounted the scene, “I’m not sure what Third Master said in the study, but it angered the Prefect greatly. He flew into a rage and ordered the Third Master to be thrown out of the residence. When I saw him being thrown out, his forehead was bleeding profusely…”

Tian Tian trembled, her face turning ashen. “Why would Father harm Xu Mu? Do you know the reason?”

Wang Ruoxue and Wang Yufang were equally shocked. They never expected their father to throw Xu Mu out of the house. He had always liked Xu Mu, so this public humiliation was nothing short of a disgrace.

Even Xianglan was taken aback, her face full of disbelief.

The servant shook his head. “I don’t know, Madam.”

“Where is the Third Master now?” Tian Tian asked urgently, unable to imagine how Xu Mu, with his pride, would react to being thrown out by his father-in-law. She feared the worst.

“He’s still kneeling outside the main gate.”

As soon as the servant finished speaking, Tian Tian didn’t bother to excuse herself and hurried toward the main gate.

Wang Ruoxue and Wang Yufang exchanged worried glances before quickly following her.

The news had already spread throughout the residence. The Prefect’s wife, Lady Liu, and the entire household knew what had happened, and there was much murmuring and gossip among the servants.

Lady Liu had wanted to go see what had transpired immediately, but the Prefect’s wife had sent someone to stop her. As always, Lady Liu didn’t dare defy the orders, even though she was deeply worried.

Tian Tian practically ran all the way to the gate. Even before she got there, she could see from a distance that Xu Mu was kneeling outside, his face as pale as death. Zhou Nan was kneeling beside him, trying to tend to his head wound. Blood-soaked cloths littered the ground, creating a terrifying sight.

The servants stood in neat rows on either side of the gate, maintaining their formal positions. None of them dared to assist.

“Xu Mu!” Tian Tian ran over, her voice trembling with tears. Since arriving in Yuzhou, she had sensed something was off with Xu Mu. She never expected her bad premonition to come true so quickly.

“Wife, you’re here.” Xu Mu’s voice was weak, likely from blood loss, but he still managed to smile at her.

Zhou Nan quickly stood and bowed to Tian Tian.

Tian Tian gave a brief nod, then knelt in front of Xu Mu, her eyes filled with anguish. Just an hour ago, he had been perfectly fine. Now, he was in such a wretched state, his forehead gashed so deeply that the bone was visible. Tears filled her eyes as she gently supported him. “Does it hurt, husband?”

Xu Mu, still smiling, shook his head and patted her hand to comfort her. “It doesn’t hurt.”

“Zhou Nan, have you sent for a doctor?” Tian Tian asked urgently.

“Yes, Madam. The doctor is on his way.”

Tian Tian nodded and then tried to help Xu Mu stand. “Husband, you’re injured so badly—don’t kneel anymore.”

Xu Mu gently refused her help. “Wife, let me continue kneeling. Don’t try to help me up.” He believed that kneeling might be the only way to appease his father-in-law. He couldn’t afford to lose Tian Tian.

Tian Tian was confused. “Husband, what happened between you and Father in the study? Why did he get so angry?” Her voice broke as she looked at the wound on his forehead. “Why did he hit you… and then throw you out of the house?”

No matter what Xu Mu had done, Tian Tian couldn’t understand why Prefect Wang would humiliate him in such a way.

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