Chapter 555 - 557: You Quack
Chapter 555: Chapter 557: You Quack
It took Gu Yuanjin and his brothers less than half a day to take care of these matters.
It was just that on the way back, there was an extra person following behind the ox-cart.
Chen Family’s heart was still twisting in pain. Just a few hours ago, she had been a woman of some means, but in the blink of an eye, she had become a lowly slave.
Lifting her eyes to the laughing and joking Gu Family members on the carriage, a vicious glint flashed in her eyes.
’It’s fine if I follow them back,’ she thought. ’Once I become their father’s concubine, I’ll pay them back double for all this hatred and resentment.’
Unfortunately, her wishful thinking was misguided. They had just left the city when she was led to another carriage.
Before she could even resist, two matrons pinned her down.
Gu Yuanjin pulled the indenture from his robes and stuffed it into the hands of one of the matrons. "Have you found a place for her?"
The matron carefully took the indenture and inspected it thoroughly before saying, "We have a branch in West City. The men over there are all short on wives."
"A tender young thing like her will be a hot commodity over there."
Gu Yuanjin said, "Then find a good family for her."
"Of course. Many men spend their life savings to get a wife like this. They’re bound to treasure her like gold."
"Mr. Gu, you are truly kind-hearted, to be so benevolent even to a criminal slave."
Gu Yuanjin didn’t want to say any more. He only told Chen Family to take care of herself, then turned and left.
At this moment, Chen Family finally understood that the Gu brothers had never intended to take her back with them. "Let me go! I want to see Grandpa Gu!"
"You can’t just sell me off like this! How will you explain this to Grandpa Gu later?"
"Quiet down," said the matron holding her down, expertly stuffing a rag into her mouth. "Your indenture is in our hands now. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll behave. We’ll do as Mr. Gu asked and find you a good family."
"But if you cause too much trouble, with a pretty face like yours, we’ll just sell you to one of those filthy places."
"Why waste so many words on her? We’ve seen plenty of ambitious slaves like this."
"Her indenture is in our hands now anyway. No matter how much of a fuss she makes, it’s useless."
"But are we really going to do what Mr. Gu said and sell her to a farming family far away?"
"Let’s find one a little farther out. He gave us the indenture for free, so we can do him this small favor..."
Chen Family’s mind went completely blank. She let the two matrons lead her this way and that, and by the time she settled down again, she was already the wife of an old farmer deep in the mountains.
「 」
Once his leg was re-bandaged, Gu Dashishi impatiently asked Huang Zhong’an, "Doctor, how’s my leg?"
Huang Zhong’an replied irritably, "If you had just stayed put and rested yesterday, you might have had a fifty percent chance of walking again."
"But now, even if you summoned an Imperial Physician from the palace, he probably wouldn’t even have a ten percent chance of success."
"How could that be? I’ve broken my leg before, and it healed just fine."
"You quack! If your skills are no good, just say so. Stop trying to scare me."
"Where’s the eldest? Where are they? Tell them to get the carriage ready immediately. I’m going to Dao City. Doctor Chu Dongnan will definitely be able to heal me."
Huang Zhong’an shook his head. "In your current condition, it’s best not to move. Since you no longer trust me, don’t bother sending for me again in the future."
For Mr. Gu’s sake, he didn’t want to argue with such a person.
’If I didn’t have to maintain certain relationships in this county, did he really think I’d be willing to travel all this way to see him?’
Li Cuicui shot Gu Dashishi a glare, then turned with a smile to Huang Zhong’an. "Doctor Huang, please don’t take him seriously. I know it was a long trip for you. I’ve already had the kitchen prepare a meal. This way, please."
Huang Zhong’an helped his attendant organize the medicine box. "Thank you for your trouble, Madam Gu."
"Not at all, it’s the least I can do. You’ve worked hard..."
...
Gu Dashishi had been agitated since yesterday, and now, after hearing the doctor’s words, he deeply regretted turning over.
He looked down at his re-bound legs. Even though he wanted to vent his fury, he didn’t dare move too much.
Now, seeing Li Cuicui ignoring his plight and having the presence of mind to invite that quack for a meal, he felt even worse.
"I’m hungry! Tell the kitchen to hurry up and bring my food."
In front of outsiders, Li Cuicui always gave him a modicum of respect. "I’ve already asked Granny Song to prepare something special. It will be brought to you shortly."
When he saw the two dishes and one soup placed before him, he felt like he was about to breathe fire.
"What is this garbage? Boiled cabbage, boiled white radish... and what is this soup? There isn’t a single drop of oil in it!"
Granny Song said, "Grandpa Gu, your body needs a light diet right now. If you’re not satisfied, I can go make a couple of other dishes."
Gu Dashishi replied, "Then go make me a plate of braised pork, some stir-fried chicken, and a pork rib soup."
Granny Song shook her head. "Those are all very rich and oily dishes, Grandpa Gu. How about I make you some boiled pumpkin and add some lightly stir-fried tofu instead?"
Gu Dashishi stared at her intently. "Then go see what they’re eating out there and bring me some of their food."
Granny Song hesitated. "Well, the Madam had me stew an old duck soup, make red-braised chicken, and stir-fry a plate of cured meat... None of those are suitable for you, Grandpa Gu."
Gu Dashishi wanted to shove the small table off the heated bed, but when he saw Luo Gang standing behind Granny Song, he swallowed his anger.
It wasn’t that he was a coward, but he knew that for a long time to come, he would have to rely on Luo Gang to take care of him.
If he angered the couple, they might make him suffer in secret.
He weighed his options. The old woman at home was not on his side; she might even clap and cheer if she saw them mistreating him.
In this helpless and isolated situation, he could only endure it silently. "Then go get your Madam. Even if I have to eat light, it doesn’t have to be like this! What do you think you’re raising? A rabbit?"
Li Cuicui had just seen Doctor Huang off and now swept through the curtain. "I’d rather be raising a rabbit. At least every part of a rabbit can be used. What use are you?"
"You... You injured me on purpose yesterday! Believe it or not, I’ll have Third Uncle stand up for me!"
"I really have spoiled you rotten over the years. You’re this old, and you still need to run to someone else to fight your battles for you?"
Li Cuicui looked at him with contempt. "Anyway, this is the menu from now on. If you’re not satisfied, go ahead and flip the table."
Gu Dashishi was about to do just that when Li Cuicui added coldly, "If you flip it, you don’t eat. Missing a few meals won’t kill you anyway."
"You’re a cripple now anyway. If you don’t eat or drink, it’ll just save us the trouble."
Gu Dashishi wished he could just slap Li Cuicui across the face. "I’m only in this pathetic state because you, you wench, don’t know your own strength!"