At this moment, the kerosene lamps in the warehouse lit up, and there were several people outside holding torches.
Shu’er smiled as though she were speaking to someone.
"Lord, we have many good things here. If anything catches your eye, feel free to choose."
After saying this, she suddenly stopped, exclaiming, "Oh!"
"Someone come, there’s been a thief!"
Niu Qian was stunned too. He abruptly turned his head towards the people from the Third House and discovered Shu’er had actually brought the government officer to the warehouse!
Everyone was now face-to-face.
How could she still manage to summon the government officer at this late hour?!
Shu’er was momentarily stunned but then shouted, "Boss Niu, you all actually came to the warehouse to steal!"
And just like that, the conclusion was made!
Niu Qian’s face was filled with panic and fear, reminiscent of when he was caught years ago.
Shu’er looked at the government officer, shoved twenty taels of silver into each one’s hands, and showed an aggrieved expression on her face.
"Lord, you must give us justice."
Niu Qian and his group looked slightly grim, not expecting such a coincidence.
Under normal circumstances, even if caught, they could deny thoroughly and have a chance of escape.
Could Shu’er and the others possibly do anything to them?
But they never thought Shu’er would be so vicious, even bringing the government officer over.
Now caught with the stolen goods in front of the officer, it was impossible for them to deny.
But Niu Qian couldn’t just resign himself to this fate, and he hurriedly tried to explain.
"Lord, listen to our explanation. This is all a misunderstanding."
Shu’er sneered, "Misunderstanding? How so? Even if you didn’t come here to steal, you’re still trespassing, not to mention being found in the warehouse with items belonging to us of the Third House."
"Caught red-handed with stolen goods, are you treating us of the Third House as fools or treating the Lords as fools? The Lords are discerning; how could you gang of rascals deceive them?"
With these words, Niu Qian stared wide-eyed, knowing that he was never a match for Shu’er in wordplay.
Not only did her words convict them, but she also praised these two officers a bit, making both of them feel a bit flattered.
The officer shouted, "You little thieves, always up to no good, now you even dare to steal from others’ homes. If we let you off, wouldn’t more become victims!"
"Someone come, arrest them!" ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ novel⦿fire.net
The Third House people immediately stepped forward to arrest anyone they could, and took the chance to beat Niu Qian and his group, especially Zhang Chao’s group of four, even striking painful spots.
The past grievance was finally avenged.
Zhang Chao felt refreshed, letting out a long sigh of relief.
Seeing they were serious, Niu Qian could only wear a mournful face and confess, quickly kneeling down and kowtowing.
"Lord, have mercy, we were just momentarily confused."
They’d stolen so many items; if the officers locked them up, they’d face severely harsh punishments.
Perhaps, even their limbs would be severed.
Alternatively, if conscripted, they’d be mere cannon fodder.
In his injured state, let alone earning merits, survival seemed difficult.
Blade and sword have no mercy, and the Dazi are so fierce.
Having taken the money, along with Shu’er gifting them a jar of fermented tofu, the officers were elated and promptly took Niu Qian back.
"Rest assured, we are always fair and just, and will ensure justice for everyone."
"This scoundrel has previously been recklessly powerful in Yuhua Valley, and we cannot let them continue their evil ways."
Shu’er promptly cupped her hands and flattered these men.
"To have such benevolent Lords, it is truly fortuitous for us residents of Gulan Mountain."
The officers nodded endlessly, extremely pleased with the praise.
Even their departing steps seemed somewhat lighter.
Only when the officers had left did Yinxing gaze at Shu’er with admiration.
"Miss, you truly foresaw everything."
Honghua also looked at Shu’er with some respect.
Today, when Shu’er saw that Niu Qian’s group had no intention of returning to Yuhua Valley, she had Zhang Chao keep an eye on them. After dinner, an hour later, she went herself to find officers stationed at the Deserted Mountain.
Saying she had prepared some good food, inviting the officers to see if they liked it, offering to send them more if they did.
Those officers were naturally delighted, as Shu’er’s culinary skills surpassed Zhang Feng’s.
She timed it just right, not too early nor too late, at the precise moment when Niu Qian’s group was caught red-handed stealing the goods.
Anyone else wouldn’t have handled the timing so well.
And her expressions, even the surprise, seemed so genuine, while everyone else was terrified the officers might detect something unusual and just stared at the ground throughout.
Niu Qian had two brothers waiting outside, luckily sparing them from disaster.
With a smile on her lips, Shu’er saw these people off. It was just a matter of time.
Tang Qingrou had been waiting in the straw hut of the Big House for a long time, but Niu Qian hadn’t returned, making her quite anxious.
What a waste; such a small task took him so long and still wasn’t done.
As she reached the entrance of the Big House, she saw Niu Qian’s two brothers, Big Bull and Erhu.
These men were strong indeed, yet at this moment, they wore a look of panic.
Tang Qingrou hurriedly stepped forward, smiling gently.
"Big Bull, Erhu, what’s wrong? Where’s Brother Niu?"
The two men hurriedly answered, "While taking things from the warehouse, they ran into the officers when they arrived at the Third House, and now they’ve been caught with the stolen goods. They surely face a fate of limb severance."
"It’s very late now; we have to return to Yuhua Valley."
Tang Qingrou took a staggering step back, her face pale.
She never expected Niu Qian would actually be captured.
His martial arts were so high, his Qinggong so adept.
How could he have been caught?
More importantly, her relied-upon ally has fallen.
She had completely offended the people of the Third House, and the Tang Family has removed her from the family records, leaving her no retreat.
What will she do in the future?
Currently, perhaps the most powerful in Yuhua Valley is Big Bull.
She stepped over, tears brimming as she leaned against Big Bull.
"Brother Da Niu, I’m all alone here, I’m so scared."
Big Bull felt a surge of joy in his heart; he’d always been interested in this woman. Now, with Niu Qian detained, and this woman showing interest in him, he took her in.
But that night as they returned, Tang Qingrou was tormented terribly by Big Bull. Niu Qian had been gentle, whereas Big Bull treated her like a prostitute.
Tang Qingrou urged Big Bull to cause trouble for the Third House.
Big Bull initially agreed, but the next day, upon hearing that Niu Qian and his group had been conscripted due to the theft, the people of Yuhua Valley dared not make any moves.
Big Bull also lost his nerve, continuing to enjoy tofu but avoiding trouble.
Tang Qingrou grew so anxious she developed blisters on her lips.
She had thought she had turned the tables, yet now realized it was far from the case.
Shu’er likely had been waiting for her to gloat, only to take away her support.
This move to sever the foundation left her as a rootless vagabond, likely facing increasingly difficult times ahead.
Shu’er, always Shu’er—she wished she could dismember Shu’er a thousand times.
Yet every time, each act of retaliation seemed heavier, leaving her worse off.
She’s lost so much while that woman thrives.
How can she be reconciled to this?