Ever since Xiaofeng learned that Dabao could communicate with snakes, she had an explanation for the snakes’ sudden appearances and departures.
She knew that others definitely did not understand this.
Listening to Uncle Dog’s words, Xiaofeng said to Yecheng, "Help Uncle Dog look around. That snake is poisonous, and if it gets into the house and injures someone, it’ll be a serious matter."
Yecheng nodded and said to Ye Fei, "Take some people and look around nearby. If all else fails, sprinkle some realgar around the courtyard."
Snakes are afraid of realgar, and they don’t dare approach places that smell of it.
Upon hearing that they were going to sprinkle realgar, Dabao’s eyes twitched, and in his heart, he cried out, ’You better run, it’s not safe here, don’t come out and scare people for no reason.’
Ye Fei, along with a few men, followed Uncle Dog to search around but found not a single clue. Uncle Dog, however, brought back some realgar wine from home and sprayed it all around the house.
"That settles it, we won’t have to fear snakes visiting anymore. Sleep in peace," Uncle Dog, placing the remaining realgar wine in a place within Zhao Hu’s easy reach, said, "If a snake does come, there’s still some realgar wine left."
"Brother, my whole body hurts, you can’t just ignore me," Zhao Hu said in a muffled voice when he saw his elder brother leaving.
"Don’t worry, I won’t ignore you. Get a good sleep at home. You don’t like to work and prefer to sleep, right? Now’s your chance, you can sleep peacefully at home," Uncle Dog said before leaving, turning to Xiaofeng to explain, "He’s a bit off in the head, and usually likes to cause mischief in the village, making everyone dislike him. That’s why he lives here by himself. I didn’t expect someone would target this place."
Uncle Dog, seeming embarrassed, went on, "So, considering his current injury and state of mind, can you please not hold him accountable? Rest assured, we will strictly educate him about his future actions."
"I think he has a fractured pelvis, and without treatment, he might lie in bed for one or two years," Yecheng, who knew medical practices, noticed immediately what was wrong with Zhao Hu.
"Don’t treat him," Uncle Dog said, a hint of resignation in his voice. "Even when he’s healthy, he’s nothing but a headache for our village. Just leave him be. I’ll bring him food every day."
To Uncle Dog, this outcome seemed quite satisfactory.
Hearing Uncle Dog’s words, Xiaofeng and the others naturally did not meddle further.
Uncle Dog’s home wasn’t big, but the yard was full of homegrown produce. Aunt Dog, hearing the noise, was startled to see so many people in her house.
These people were dressed unusually, surely not ordinary folk, and she couldn’t understand when her husband had made such acquaintances.
"Old lady, pack some of our homegrown sweet potatoes and such for this young lady to take back," he said.
Aunt Dog glanced at Xiaofeng, then quietly pulled Uncle Dog aside, "Old Dog, who are these people? Didn’t you say you were going over to Zhao Hu’s? Why did you bring back so many people?"
"Zhao Hu colluded with others to rob this young lady. Luckily, her rescuers arrived in time, so nothing serious happened. Zhao Hu is now bedridden and will likely be for half a year, maybe a year," he replied.
"Well, it’s good that he can’t get out of bed; at least the village will have some peace for a while," said Aunt Dog, and went to pack the sweet potatoes after learning it was Zhao Hu who had caused the trouble.
After thanking Uncle Dog’s family, Xiaofeng and her group drove back home.
Since it was night, many villagers who had gone to bed awoke to the sound of cars outside, turned on their lights, and peered out their windows to see who it was.
They could only vaguely see a group of people passing through the village and then cars leaving.
On the way back, Xiaobao insisted on sitting with his aunt in the same car, so Xiaofeng had no choice but to let the boy and girl twins go with Xiaonian and the others, while she rode with Yecheng.
In the back seat, Yecheng looked at her, she at him, and they shared a smile.
Yecheng extended his arms and embraced her, "You have had to endure a lot recently."
Xiaofeng nestled into his arms without a word.
For the rest of the journey, neither of them spoke much.
Upon arriving at the Gu Family residence, they saw Men Chao with some people guarding the entrance. Seeing the cars arrive, Men Chao squinted his eyes.
Gu Yecheng got out of the car, extended his hand, and led Xiaofeng out.
The two stood in front of the car, looking at the person opposite them.
"I received news that the Young Madam of the Gu Family was in trouble, and all the Gu Family members went out to look for her. Worried about the Young Master’s safety, I sent people to guard the Gu Family’s gate, fearing a ploy to lure the tiger from the mountain that might endanger the Young Master," Men Chao said, glancing at Gu Yecheng who showed no signs of anything unusual, and smiled faintly, "It seems I was worried for nothing. Young Master Gu, it’s been a long time."