Chapter 418: Vigilance (2)
Chapter 418: Vigilance (2)
Du Shi, his former wife and the mother of his three children. She had eloped with another man years ago. At first, he was indeed humiliated and resented her for disregarding their marital bond and abandoning their children. Despite this, he didn't want his children to grow up harboring hatred for their mother, knowing it would do them no good.
Therefore, even amid the village gossip, he never spoke ill of Du Shi in front of the children. In fact, before she left, Du Shi had been a good mother to the children, fulfilling her responsibilities. He couldn't deny this out of spite.
Over time, as he came to understand his uncle and aunt's characters, his resentment towards Du Shi faded. If he hadn't been so focused on his studies and spent more time with his family, Du Shi might not have felt the need to elope.
As a husband who failed to protect his wife and children, leaving them to endure hardship, he felt he had no right to blame Du Shi for abandoning them.
Though he no longer harbored hatred, he wished never to see Du Shi again, as if she had never existed. But fate played a cruel joke on him when he encountered her in the capital, along with the man she eloped with.
Their life as a family of four had finally settled into some semblance of peace, and he didn't want any more disruptions. Encountering those two, he could only quietly avoid them and pretend he hadn't seen them. He never intended for his children to know, but now his daughter's suspicion was aroused. How was he to explain this?
Seeing his father's pained expression, Mo Yan became even more puzzled. Who could have caused such a reaction? Not wanting to push her father further, she quickly stepped forward to comfort him, "Dad, I was just asking casually. If you don't want to talk about it, it's okay. As long as no one is causing you trouble, I have nothing to worry about."
Mo Qingze was torn, unsure whether to reveal the truth. But his daughter's words, full of concern and understanding, filled him with a mix of relief and guilt. If it weren't for his past mistakes, his children wouldn't have been motherless and subjected to ridicule...
Unaware of her father's inner turmoil, Mo Yan saw his relieved expression. Despite the curiosity gnawing at her, she dared not press further.
Thus, both father and daughter had seen Du Shi but chose not to disclose this to the family. This decision led to a future unexpected encounter, one that caught everyone off guard...
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This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://eternalnovelhits.blogspot.com
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With the village regulations established, Yang Bao eagerly gathered the villagers in his courtyard to announce and explain each rule.
Ancient people had a strong sense of clan consciousness. Although most of Liuyang Village's residents were refugees who had left their original clans, they had been bound by clan rules before. Therefore, Yang Bao's village regulations didn't come as a surprise. They believed the rules were not meant to constrain any one person. Instead, those who were honest and law-abiding felt their interests were better protected, making life in Liuyang Village more secure.
However, when Yang Bao sternly enumerated the offenses of Wang Dali and his accomplices and announced their punishments, the villagers were shocked, and Wang Dali and his group loudly protested their innocence.
But their crimes were well known, and their cries for justice went unheard. Most villagers understood the village chief's intent to make an example of them, and though they murmured among themselves, no one spoke up for Wang Dali and his accomplices, who had brought this upon themselves.
Thus, the decision to expel Wang Dali and have the others work for the Mo family for half a month stood firm.
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In the capital, it had snowed for half a month straight. The snowfall finally ceased, and people who hadn't yet bought their New Year's goods eagerly flocked to the bustling streets, spending their money with smiles despite the war in the north driving up prices by ten to twenty percent. Many families with limited funds had to tighten their belts to ensure they had all they needed for the festivities.
Compared to the sunny, bustling capital, the northern frontier, ravaged by war, was somber. The incessant snow and heavy accumulation hindered military operations, leading to a temporary ceasefire. The troops of Da Chu, stationed in the recently recaptured Yunxia City, prepared to celebrate the New Year before resuming their decisive battle with the Barba tribe.
After inspecting the defensive arrangements, Xiao Ruiyuan, dressed in black and gold armor, returned to his study at the temporary command center, looking weary. Not seeing Mao Mao's figure, he frowned deeply.
It had been six days...
The rhythmic tapping of his finger, an unconscious habit when he was anxious, echoed in the room. The last time he did this was when he couldn't find any leads on the Crimson Python.
Hidden in the shadows, Xiao Jiu, Xiao Ruiyuan's bodyguard, was all too familiar with this gesture and couldn't help but worry. Without orders from his master, he remained unseen.
But Xiao Ruiyuan, having a sudden thought, coldly asked the empty space, "Any news from the capital?"
Xiao Jiu appeared like a ghost in the center of the study, kneeling on one knee. "Master, there's no news from the capital. However, an hour ago, someone infiltrated the study and has been captured. We await your orders."
Xiao Ruiyuan's eyes narrowed, a sneer forming. "Daring to infiltrate in broad daylight, they've got some nerve. Did you find out who sent them and for what purpose?"
Xiao Jiu lowered his head, speaking with remorse, "Master, I failed. I only know he came from the capital. I couldn't get him to reveal who sent him or his objective."
Xiao Ruiyuan raised an eyebrow. Whoever withstood Xiao Jiu's severe methods must have been well-prepared, indicating the complexity of the matter. "Bring him in. I'll question him myself."
Xiao Jiu obeyed, signaling to the shadows. Soon, a dark-clad guard brought in a bloodied man, his clothing tattered.
The guard dropped the man to the floor and stepped aside, watching the prisoner closely to prevent any sudden moves.
The man, heavily injured, twitched slightly and groaned in pain.
Xiao Ruiyuan's gaze darkened as he considered the possibilities and dismissed each one.
As long as the Barba tribe's army threatened, the schemers in the capital wouldn't dare move against him. The timing of this infiltration was indeed intriguing.
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