Upon hearing this, the old man was extremely grateful but also sighed repeatedly.
"Old man, is there something difficult you’re hiding?" Yang Chuxia saw the old man’s wrinkled brow and asked.
The old man shook his head and only said, "My daughter and I rent a small house in the county town, where we are currently resting."
Yang Chuxia nodded, "Well, old man, get in the carriage and we’ll take you back to your place. Once you get there, you can pack your things and return to Wangquan Town."
Upon hearing this, the old man remained silent.
Yang Chuxia was somewhat puzzled. It seemed like the old man had encountered something, but she couldn’t keep asking if he wouldn’t tell.
Finally, they arrived at the courtyard of the house the old man rented – a mixed courtyard where several dozen families lived. Clothes, shoes, and bed sheets were hung out to dry everywhere in the house.
The old man’s room was in a corner. Just as he was about to push the door open, a woman’s voice inside shouted, "Who are you? Get out! Or I’ll call for help!"
"Little sister, don’t! Who will you call since your father isn’t here? Come to me, and I’ll take good care of you!"
The people outside all heard this voice. The old man kicked the door open and said, "Where did this little thief come from?" The old man now looked completely different from before.
When the door was kicked open from the outside, the person inside gave a start. Seeing the old man enter with dried blood on his forehead, he showed no fear and even smiled at the old man, "Father-in-law, you’re back?"
Such shameless words almost angered the old man to death.
His daughter was also blushing with shame.
"You shameless little thief!" Yang Chuxia cursed, "Fugui, go and see if Constable Hong is in the county. If he is, tell him there’s a scoundrel here harassing a good girl. If not, find the steward."
With that, Fugui quickly turned and left.
It was then that the thief’s face suddenly changed, "Hey, stinky girl, who are you? What business is this of yours?"
"Little thief, who are you to barge into someone’s house? Are you here to steal?" Yang Chuxia asked three questions in a row before adding, "I’ve been minding other people’s business all day, and this one isn’t any different."
"You..." The little thief was choked by her words.
Yang Chuxia looked the thief up and down, "Gosh, monkey cheeks, sly eyes, mouth like a pig’s intestines, nostrils that can fit scallions, a black mole near the eyes, extremely ominous features. And your dark skin like the bottom of a pot, absolutely unattractive. How dare you call yourself the old man’s son-in-law? You dare to call him ’Father-in-law’?"
After saying this, Yang Chuxia looked at the old man’s daughter. Seeing her, she thought what a lovely girl she was, with watery eyes like a delicate flower. No wonder she attracted such trouble.
She continued to the thief, "Just look at her, fair-skinned and beautiful, with a slender waist like a willow. Do you think you’re worthy of her? Do you have money or power? Don’t flatter yourself, knowing your own worth. Flirting requires having the right capital, doesn’t it?"
Compared to Yang Chuxia’s words, the little thief’s face turned red with embarrassment, and he lowered his head and suddenly ran out.
Both the old man and his daughter watched this scene in disbelief.
"Old man, it seems you can’t stay here anymore. Although the little thief has left, what if he comes back?" Yang Chuxia suggested.
Upon hearing this, the old man sat down on a nearby stool, holding his head in his hands, looking very upset.