Chapter 211: Husband, why not take a concubine?

Yun Tian also came.

He asked what had happened, then took Qiao Sheng and the others back for questioning.

Many villagers went along to watch the excitement.

They walked slower than an ox cart, and by the time they arrived the town magistrate had almost finished questioning.

Regarding what they did to their family.

The town magistrate thought for a moment before delivering the judgment.

"Bai Zhaodi, as Lan Yue Niang's sister-in-law, you did that to her and still refuse to admit it afterward—your crime is heinous. You are sentenced to one month in prison and twenty-five heavy beatings, and must compensate Lan Yue Niang's medical expenses with five taels of silver."

"Gao Shi and the others, as accomplices, each receive fifteen heavy beatings and fifteen days in detention."

"What!"

Hu Cuicui felt terrible, she blurted out: "Sir, you're being unfair to us—we didn't do anything; all of this was Bai Zhaodi's doing."

The town magistrate replied without expression.

"You may not have done anything, but you knew about this and covered for her, indulging her. Moreover, since Lan Yue Niang came to no harm, if she had, your guilt would be greater."

Hu Cuicui really hadn't expected it to be like this.

She lifted her eyes and said: "Sir, if I tell the truth, could we be spared the beatings?"

"What truth?"

The town magistrate asked, somewhat puzzled.

Bai Zhaodi said to Hu Cuicui: "Don't talk nonsense; if you dare to spout nonsense, not only will I not let you off, even your mother won't."

Hu Cuicui came to her senses and quickly changed her words: "Sir, I, I was just talking nonsense."

The town magistrate asked again.

Seeing Hu Cuicui still saying that, he stopped questioning, had someone bring the legal document for them to sign, then ordered them dragged out to be beaten.

Not long after.

Soon, miserable cries came from outside—Gao Shi and the others.

Shi Ren came up to Qiao Sheng and lowered his voice: "Aunt Qiao, they probably aren't telling the truth."

"It's fine."

Qiao Sheng could roughly guess what was going on.

She would figure it out.

Not long after leaving the yamen, before heading home Qiao Sheng went to the place where chickens and ducks are sold, buying over thirty eggs and ten hens.

Qiao Sheng actually wanted to buy twenty, but only ten were left.

Lan Yue Niang and they themselves had also raised some, though not many—they had raised sixteen, three died, leaving thirteen now.

When Qiao Sheng and they returned to the village, Lan Yue Niang still hadn't woken up.

Sat by the bedside.

Qiao Sheng kept watch for about two quarters of an hour, and Lan Yue Niang woke up.

"Lianhua..."

"Mother, you've finally woken up; wait while I bring you something to eat."

Qiao Sheng was about to leave.

Lan Yue Niang grabbed her: "You won't tell me—is something wrong with the child?"

"Mother, you're overthinking; it's not like that."

After Qiao Sheng answered, she had Qiao Hushui bring the child over for her to see.

Qiao Hushui was minding the child next door when he suddenly heard Qiao Sheng call for him to bring the child over; he gently picked up the child and came over.

"Husband, you're awake—quickly look at our daughter, she's so adorable."

"A daughter?"

At the moment Qiao Hushui nodded, Lan Yue Niang's tears suddenly flowed out.

"Why, why..."

Qiao Sheng didn't say anything for a moment, then stepped out.

After she left, Qiao Hushui softly said: "Husband, don't be so upset—our daughter is also our child, right? I don't despise her, I don't despise her..."

How could Lan Yue Niang not be upset?

She had given birth to five children in a row, all daughters.

"You don't despise her, but I do—I feel I've failed you. Husband, why not take a concubine? Our family is better off now; if you take a concubine, you might yet have a son."

(End of chapter)