Chapter 158: Away From Su Bin
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Qin Zhenzhen was already in a bad mood after being scolded by Su Bin.
She turned even more angry towards the village chief.
“Not because I simply pointed out a way for the villagers to make money, but because I actually made a substantial amount myself?” Qin Zhenzhen responded firmly.
The village chief was already aware that Qin Zhenzhen was not someone to be taken lightly, but he hadn’t anticipated her to retort so fiercely. He felt a twinge of anger rising within him, “You did attract the robbers, so I can’t help but think that way!”
He warned her, “You need to be careful not to involve innocent villagers!” Qin Zhenzhen sneered, “So you believe that having money is a grave sin?”
“Then let me ask you this, are the robbers at the border because the current Emperor is wealthy, and the treasury is secure, making foreign robbers envious? So, by your logic, does that mean the current Emperor is also guilty?”
“Stop talking nonsense!”
The village chief’s face flushed with anger. If news of this confrontation spread, even if the County Magistrate didn’t punish him directly, he would likely lose his position as village chief.
“Whether I’m speaking nonsense or not, the truth will reveal itself!” Qin Zhenzhen asserted firmly.
“As the village chief, and with the governmental subsidy, you should be working for the welfare of the villagers instead of blaming the victim for what happened to them!”
“I don’t expect you to solve the problem. Don’t worry, I’ll handle it, and you shouldn’t take knife away, as it might remove crucial evidence!” Qin Zhenzhen cunningly avoided handing over the knife.
Frustrated and unable to get what he wanted, the village chief was eventually forced to leave by Qin Zhenzhen’s persistence and clever tactics.
After lunch, Qin Zhenzhen and Fourth Brother returned to the Qin Village.
The news of the robbery at Qian Village spread quickly, causing great anxiety among the Qin Family upon learning that Qin Zhenzhen had been the victim.
When the Su Family returned, the Qin Family approached them to inquire about the incident, and Qin Zhenzhen recounted the entire ordeal.
Ms. Yang, feeling relieved, patted her chest and exclaimed, “Thank goodness for Su Bin’s Second Brother! Otherwise, you might have been taken away by the robbers!”
Though Qin Zhenzhen couldn’t refute that statement, she knew that if she were to confront the robbers directly, she could hold her ground. However, both she and her Fourth Brother were at a disadvantage because they lacked any weapons.
They had already discussed the need to carry a weapon with them for self-defense in the future.
She was going to keep the knife left by the masked man.
For one thing, they could find clues, and for another, they could be used as self-defense weapons.
That was a very good knife.
Qin Dalong asked. “Zhenzhen, are the rumors true?” “Elder Brother, which rumor are you talking about?”
After all, there were several versions of the rumor.
In the first version, it was suggested that Qin Zhenzhen’s success in selling seasonings had earned her a considerable amount of money, making her an attractive target for robbers.
In the second version, it was said that her perceived luck-bringing abilities had led superstitious robbers to attempt kidnapping her, hoping to make their banditry more prosperous by having her as their wife.
The third version implicated Su Bin’s behavior, as he had offended powerful enemies who sought revenge and wanted to hinder his path to the imperial examination.
During a previous attempt, someone tried to frame Su Bin by planting an Analects, but Qin Zhenzhen intervened to prevent it.
As a result, Su Bin’s enemies blamed Qin Zhenzhen for their failure and sought to humiliate her by kidnapping her, effectively causing humiliation to Su Bin as well.
Qin Dalong carefully listened to all three versions and found the third version to be the most plausible.
“They say you are a lucky star and that you even helped Su Bin with his setup issue…” Qin Silong commented.
Qin Zhenzhen shook her head and responded, “In truth, I’m not entirely sure which version is accurate.”
Despite her uncertainty, Qin Dalong, his brothers, and their parents firmly believed in the third version.. They earnestly advised Qin Zhenzhen, “You should come back home and distance yourself from Su Bin!”