Prefect Qin remembered that there was a prince in the current dynasty named Xiao Jinheng.
Due to court struggles and the machinations of treacherous officials, the Emperor had sent Xiao Jinheng out of the palace.
Many people had tried to find this prince but had returned in failure.
Someone in Dashui Village was named Xiao Jinheng; could it be that prince?
That would be too much of a coincidence.
“Little Sweet Treasure, do you know where that Imperial… that Young Master Xiao lives?” Prefect Qin asked.
He had a strong premonition.
The background of this Young Master Xiao was definitely not simple.
After all, who among the villagers would give their child such an elegant name?
Xiao Jinheng, meaning a prosperous and constant journey.
Farm children were mostly named things like Gou Sheng, Caogen, Chunhua, or Big Eyes.
Little Xi Tian pouted her lips, “Noh, he lives next door!~”
Prefect Qin’s eyes crinkled into a smile upon hearing this.
Oh my, there were too many surprises today.
He was overwhelmed with joy.
Little Xi Tian pouted, her expression somewhat surprised.
Why was Prefect Qin so excited?
Had he discovered the brat’s identity?
In fact, Little Xi Tian had already been suspicious when Xiao Jinheng gave her the token…
Madam Gu, Old Man Yun, Prefect Chen, and the village chief entered the house.
“Prefect, your subordinate has arranged a banquet at Xiangding Pavilion in the county town. Please dine there!~”
Prefect Chen cupped his hands and bowed, his attitude humble and polite.
Old Man Yun grinned heartily, “Why go to all that trouble? Today, the Prefect’s two daughters and my humble daughter have escaped danger and returned safely. This is a double blessing!~”
With that, Old Man Yun called out, “Eldest daughter-in-law, Huaihua, Xier, quickly prepare food and drinks. Let’s have a lively celebration…”
Since the villagers had helped search for people last night, Old Man Yun and Madam Gu should indeed host a banquet to thank them.
Prefect Qin had no objections and cupped his hands towards Old Man Yun, “Then we shall trouble you!”
Seeing that Prefect Qin intended to stay for the meal, Prefect Chen, unable to leave first, also stayed.
The group left, and the room fell silent once more.
Chen Xiaoran twisted the embroidered handkerchief in her hands and murmured, “Sister Xi Tian, I was wrong before. Can you… can you forgive me?”
To correct one’s mistakes and do good is the greatest virtue.
This was taught to her by her father.
If it were her mother, she would definitely not allow her to step into Dashui Village again.
Little Xi Tian pursed her lips and smiled.
She took out two pairs of Galaha from her small satchel.
Galaha were actually the joints of sheep’s legs.
Paired with a flowery pouch, they could be tossed and caught, making for a very interesting game.
Second sister-in-law was the champion of Galaha in the entire Dashui Village; no one could beat her.
Toss the pouch into the air, use your hands to catch the Galaha or strike a pose.
When the pouch falls, you can catch it perfectly.
The village women loved this game the most.
“Sister Xiaoran, come and play with us!~” Little Xi Tian beckoned.
Chen Xiaoran’s face lit up with joy, and she walked over with a smile.
The Qin sisters sat on the kang, looking curious.
They had never seen such an item before, and it seemed very fun…
Thus, the four young ladies gathered around the kang table, playing and laughing.
Outside the house.
Liu Cuirong pulled Madam Gu to the horse stable, her eyes darting around.
Madam Gu shook her off, displeased, “Second daughter-in-law, what are you doing? Don’t you see the kitchen is busy?”
Not only was she not helping, but she was always so mysterious.
Ever since Madam Gu took in Jin Huaihua and Hu Xier, Liu Cuirong had been coming to curry favor with her every few days.
Today she would buy some candy, tomorrow she would give a wooden hairpin, tirelessly.
Liu Cuirong forced a smile, “Mother, are those two young ladies really the Prefect’s daughters?”
How could their family be so lucky?
It was one thing for Prefect Chen’s daughter to come looking for her sister-in-law to play with.
But how did the Prefect’s daughters also come?
Although Liu Cuirong didn’t know how high the Prefect’s official rank was.
It was definitely higher than Prefect Chen’s.
Madam Gu: “……”
This second daughter-in-law was eyeing the Prefect’s daughters again.
“Why are you asking about this?” Madam Gu asked irritably.
Based on her understanding of Liu Cuirong, she would surely bring up money again.
After all, Qin Yiyi and Qin Fenglan were saved by Little Sweet Treasure.
Prefect Qin, being such a high-ranking official, would surely give some reward!~
As expected, Liu Cuirong opened her mouth and said, “Oh, Mother, why are you so stubborn?”
“Little Sweet Treasure saved Prefect Qin’s two daughters. That’s a tremendous contribution!”
“She fed them, gave them medicine, and served them meticulously.”
“Someone of Prefect Qin’s status and position, shouldn’t he show some appreciation?”
Liu Cuirong said anxiously, spitting a stream of saliva onto Madam Gu’s face.
Her mother had strong opinions on matters of right and wrong.
Why was she playing dumb in this situation?
Did she have a vendetta against money?
Madam Gu: “……”
Her greedy heart was unrepentant.
Always asking for money, without shame.
“Second daughter-in-law, is the family starving you or freezing you?” Madam Gu asked coldly.
Liu Cuirong was slightly stunned and turned her face away, “Well… not really!~”
“If you’re not starving, then why do you need so much money?”
“Do you know that sometimes human connections are more useful than money?”
Madam Gu was extremely annoyed. She hated lecturing Liu Cuirong the most.
This troublesome daughter-in-law was her heartache.
Several times she had woken up from sleep in anger.
Liu Cuirong pouted, “I’m just thinking about letting the family live a good life!”
“Saving a life is not a small matter, and besides, Little Sweet Treasure saved two daughters at once.”
“If Prefect Qin has any conscience, he shouldn’t come empty-handed!~”
Madam Gu was too lazy to argue with her about these things.
She directly warned, “Second daughter-in-law, I advise you not to have any ideas about those two girls, or I’ll kick you out!~”
“Go, help your elder sister-in-law with the work, and stop blabbering here!”
Thinking about these useless things all day, wasn’t she tired?
Liu Cuirong mumbled a few words and reluctantly walked into the kitchen.
The banquet would take some time to prepare, and Prefect Qin, bored in the courtyard, decided to visit Young Master Xiao next door.
Prefect Chen saw this and eagerly followed…
“Prefect, have you also noticed something unusual about Young Master Xiao?” Prefect Chen asked softly.
Prefect Qin shot him a glance, “Don’t spread such talk outside. If you cause trouble, be careful of your official hat!~”
A prince of a nation, living in a rural village.
If this matter were to get out, it would surely cause a huge stir.
Officials were ranked one above another.
Especially old foxes like Prefect Chen.
Of course, he knew what should be said and what should not be said.
“Your subordinate understands!”
The two arrived at the gate of the courtyard and suddenly smelled a faint fragrance of wood.
Prefect Qin was a little curious and reached out to knock on the door, “Is anyone home?”
A moment later, Granny Jin opened the door and poked her head out.
She only recognized Prefect Chen and did not know the man beside him, so she asked, “Who are you looking for?”