The Farm Girl and the Executioner (Rebirth) 105

Chapter 105: A Timely Arrival

As soon as Xue Dafu heard Lin Shuang say there was an ox-bezoar, he was instantly overjoyed. He left Doctor Yang at the clinic, took two apprentices, got on his horse, and rushed back to the village with her.

Xue Luan was at the apothecary and also came along.

Lin Shuang remembered what Jiang Huaizhen had told her before she left, so after they reached the village entrance, she had them wait for a while. After she had gone home to get her, they all rushed to Xinan Village.

Unexpectedly, as soon as the group arrived at Feng Er’s house, they saw a large crowd gathered at his door.

When they finally squeezed in, they found a few short and stout men and a few women surrounding Feng Er and his wife, cursing loudly.

From their conversation, it was clear that they were the Zhang family.

Ever since the old ox had charged into their vegetable garden and had bumped into the little boy the day before yesterday, the Zhang family had been forcing the couple to pay them back. Feng Er had not responded, so this family had taken advantage of the couple’s absence to come and take the ox.

Feng Er and his wife, having learned the secret of the old ox from Lin Shuang, had rushed back without even eating lunch and had just run into them coming to take the ox. The two sides were in a standoff.

The Zhang family wanted them to pay them back.

Feng Er, thinking of what Lin Shuang had told him, said that he could pay them back, but they had to go to a large clinic in the city for an examination, and they would pay however much the prescription cost.

How could the Zhang family be willing? They had gotten a case record and a prescription from some barefoot doctor and insisted that their son’s leg had been broken by the old ox, and they were forcing them to take the old ox.

Xu Huigu held onto the old ox’s rope and refused to let go. She said loudly, “We only recognize the results of the few large clinics in the city. We don’t recognize anything else. When the results come out, we will pay whatever we have to. This old ox has been with us for over a dozen years. We can’t just let it be taken away so unclearly.”

The eldest of the Zhang family was extremely anxious. He had already promised that Young Master Pan that as long as he got the old ox for him, the other would give him ten taels of silver.

Seeing that he was about to get ten taels of silver, how could he let go?

When he had come to their door yesterday, that Feng Er had already wavered. Who knew that after a night, he was unwilling again?

He could only suppress the anger in his heart and said, “Feng Er, are you trying to not get along in Xinan Village? You let your ox ruin someone else’s vegetable garden, and you also injured my son’s leg, and you don’t want to pay them back. What do you want?”

His wife also cursed, “Feng Er, we’re all from the same village. I didn’t expect you to do such a thing.”

The two sides were at a stalemate.

The eldest of the Zhang family felt that if this continued, he might not be able to get the ox. He stuck his neck out and said to his two younger brothers, “This one surnamed Feng is really going too far. If Ah Bao’s leg is not treated, it will be crippled. This old ox has to be given today, whether you want to or not—”

Hearing this, the second and third of the Zhang family rushed toward the old ox.

Xu Huigu screamed in fear.

Feng Er quickly stood in front, but was pulled away by the three of them. He stumbled a few steps and fell to the ground.

Xu Huigu was not much better. She was pushed by the third of the Zhang family and fell on a nearby rock. A large gash instantly appeared on her head, and blood immediately flowed out.

The few young children next to them were so scared they burst into tears.

Seeing this, a few of the villagers quickly came forward to stop them. “Old Zhang, you can’t do this. Can’t you just discuss things properly?”

“Didn’t I discuss it? I’ve been discussing it with them properly these few days. But they’ve injured someone and refuse to pay. What can I do?” the eldest of the Zhang family shouted with wide eyes. “Even if I go to the yamen and report it, I’m in the right!”

His wife put her hands on her hips and chimed in, “We originally said we wanted two taels of silver for medical expenses. Seeing that their family is so poor, we were kind enough to take this sick ox to offset it.”

“This ox is so sick, it’s just skin and bones. It won’t even sell for one tael of silver. Isn’t that merciful?”

The villagers felt that there was some truth to it, but they also felt sorry for Feng Er’s family. For a moment, they didn’t know who to help.

The three Zhang brothers were just about to grab the ox rope when they heard a “Wait a moment—”

The crowd parted, and a young woman in an indigo cloth dress led a few people in.

“Eldest Zhang, since you say that this old ox injured your child, a doctor has just arrived. Bring him out and let’s see how serious it is.”

The three Zhang brothers looked at the few people before them and instantly felt that they were not to be trifled with. They all became vigilant.

The eldest of the Zhang family subconsciously tightened his grip on the ox rope. “Who are you?”

Lin Shuang replied unhurriedly, “Passersby. It just so happens that Doctor Xue of the Everlasting Peace Apothecary is here. He heard that your child was injured and came to take a look on the way.”

Hearing the name of Doctor Xue, the villagers quickly chimed in, “It’s the Everlasting Peace Apothecary. Didn’t Feng Er just say that as long as a few of the big clinics in the city issue a case record, he will pay for it? And now one has come.”

“Doctor Xue is a good doctor. I’ve had the free soup medicine from their apothecary. I trust him.”

“I’ve sold medicinal herbs to the Everlasting Peace Apothecary. The price is fair. I also trust him.”

“What are you waiting for? Hurry up and bring the child out to see?”

The villagers urged one after another.

The eldest of the Zhang family’s square face had changed color. “The matter between me and Feng Er has been resolved. I’ll find someone to treat my child’s matter myself. I won’t trouble you.”

Lin Shuang said, “The matter between you and Feng Er has not been resolved. You are forcing a sale. They have not agreed.”

With that, she turned to look at Feng Er and Xu Huigu. “Or have you already agreed?”

The couple had just gotten up from the ground and shook their heads repeatedly. “No, we haven’t agreed. That’s our ox. You can’t take it away!”

Seeing that the situation was not good, the eldest of the Zhang family said no more and was about to leave with the old ox.

But he didn’t expect that a tall and beautiful woman had appeared in the middle of the road at some point, blocking his way.

He was already extremely anxious at this moment. How could he have the mind to be a gentleman? He gritted his teeth and shouted angrily, “Where did you come from, you dog, daring to block my way?”

The woman replied faintly, “I am not a dog. I am from the neighboring Whitewater Village. My name is Jiang Huaizhen.”

The crowd was instantly shocked. “That—isn’t that Little Jiang? Jiang Gui’s daughter, our county’s executioner.”

“I even went to the market to watch her behead someone before.”

“Oh my, a few days ago, the yamen rewarded a group of heroes who had saved people in the flood. She was the leader.”

Hearing her identity, the eldest of the Zhang family was so scared he shivered all over, and his voice was finally much lower. “You—it’s not right for you to block people for no reason. Don’t think that just because you’re an executioner, you can bully us common people. With just you alone, we’re not afraid of you—”

Jiang Huaizhen said, “Leave the ox. However much your child’s medical treatment costs, if the Feng family doesn’t pay, I’ll pay for him.”

As soon as these words were spoken, the villagers were excited.

“Little Jiang is so kind-hearted. Zhang Da, since she’s willing to cover for you, just let that old ox go. That ox is so sick, it’s not worth much.”

“That’s right. It’s rare for someone to stand up for you. You’re really blessed.”

The eldest of the Zhang family was about to grind his teeth to pieces. What did he want with the medical expenses? He wanted the old ox.

“I don’t care who you are!” he shouted with a stiff neck. “Anyway, the matter is settled now. I’m leaving. If you want to help, you can go and help Feng Er. I don’t need it.”

He wanted to leave, but Jiang Huaizhen was standing in front of him, motionless, and he couldn’t get past.

The eldest of the Zhang family was very anxious. He had already had someone go and invite Young Master Pan before he had left. The person should be at home now. If the ox that was in his hands flew away, then everything would be over.

Just as he was about to use brute force to break through, a lazy male voice came from behind the crowd.

“Oh, so lively?”

A man walked in from the crowd.

He was about twenty-five or twenty-six years old, of medium height. He was wearing a blue silk dress, and a green and translucent jade pendant was hanging from his waist. He had a good-looking face, but his upturned eyes always held a hint of contempt, as if no one was worthy of his attention.

At this moment, standing among a group of villagers in coarse short tunics, that silk dress seemed out of place.

Seeing the newcomer, the eldest of the Zhang family was as if granted amnesty and shouted at the top of his lungs, “Young Master Pan, that Feng Er has already agreed to give me the ox to treat my son’s illness. You can take it away quickly.”

“You’re talking nonsense!” Feng Er was anxious and squeezed over. “When did I agree to that? I don’t agree. I’ll pay for your son’s treatment. Didn’t you want two taels of silver? I’ll give it to you. Give me back the ox.”

The eldest of the Zhang family hadn’t expected this to happen, and his face instantly changed. “Who wants your silver! I’m just taking pity on you—”

Feng Er wouldn’t have it and took out the one tael of wages that Lin Shuang had given him in the morning. “I’ll give you one tael now, and I’ll raise another tael for you later.”

The surrounding villagers saw this and looked at each other.

“Stop arguing,” Pan Min snapped his fan shut, his gaze sweeping over Jiang Huaizhen, and he suddenly smiled. “Isn’t it just the medical expenses? I’m in a good mood today. I’ll do a good deed. I’ll give you twenty taels of silver, ten for your son’s treatment.”

With that, he looked at Feng Er. “Since you’re arguing over this sick ox, I’ll be kind and buy this sick ox from you for ten taels.”

“Now there’s no more argument to be seen.”

The onlookers were instantly in an uproar.

“Twenty taels! Young Master Pan is a living bodhisattva!”

“Feng Er, what are you still hesitating for?”

The eldest of the Zhang family’s eyes rolled—he could get ten taels either way, and he could also get a good reputation. He immediately beamed. “Young Master Pan is righteous!”

But Feng Er said, “I don’t agree. Our family’s ox is not for sale.”

Pan Min hadn’t expected a mud-legged man in patched clothes to refuse ten taels of silver. His face couldn’t help but darken, and his gaze swept over Lin Shuang and the others in cotton clothes next to him, and finally landed on Doctor Xue. Only then did he realize that something was wrong, and he sneered. “I was wondering who it was. It turns out it’s Doctor Xue of the Everlasting Peace Hall. It seems you’re also here for this ox.”

Doctor Xue cupped his hands. “Young Master Pan, it’s been a long time.”

Pan Min was Old Madam Qin’s own nephew. In these few years, he had been in charge of the external affairs of the Benevolence Hall, and Doctor Xue had met him a few times.

“Then let’s be frank. How much silver are you offering?” Pan Min said.

Doctor Xue shook his head. “No matter how much silver, we have to open it up and see how much is inside.”

Pan Min knew that he couldn’t get any advantage from Doctor Xue, so he turned to look at Feng Er. “Feng Er, it seems you’ve also heard that there’s something good in this ox’s stomach, but no one can guarantee that there is. I’ll give you one chance. One hundred taels of silver. You sell the ox to me. No matter if there’s anything inside or not, this one hundred taels is yours.”

“But you’d better think carefully. If you give the ox to them, and there’s nothing inside, then you won’t get a single coin.”

Hearing this, Feng Er was stunned.

One hundred taels of silver was something that their family couldn’t earn in several lifetimes.

Before noon, Xu Huigu had also said that even if this ox-bezoar only sold for half a qian, they would be satisfied.

Now someone was giving them one hundred taels, which was beyond their expectations.

And just as Pan Min had said, if there was nothing in the ox’s stomach, not only would the ox be dead, but the one hundred taels of silver that they could have gotten would also be gone.

He looked at Xu Huigu with hesitation, then turned to look at Lin Shuang.

Lin Shuang crossed her arms and said nothing.

He was in a dilemma and looked around, hoping that someone would give him an idea.

It was Xu Huigu who spoke. “Shuang’er, are you willing to buy our old ox for one hundred taels?”

Lin Shuang smiled. “I am.”

Pan Min hadn’t expected that things would develop in another direction, and his face also darkened. As if he had thought of something, he stared at Lin Shuang and asked, “Are you Lin Shuang?”

Lin Shuang nodded. “I won’t change my surname or my name. It is I.”

Seeing her admit it, a hint of cold light appeared in Pan Min’s eyes. He then turned to Feng Er, gritted his teeth, and said, “I’ll offer two hundred taels.”

This time, Lin Shuang didn’t make things difficult for the couple and said loudly, “I’ll offer two hundred and one taels.”

Pan Min: “Two hundred and thirty taels!”

Lin Shuang: “Two hundred and thirty-one taels.”

“Two hundred and fifty taels!”

“Two hundred and fifty-one taels.”

“Three hundred and two taels!”

“Three hundred and one taels.”

The people on the side were already so scared by the numbers they were shouting that they were dumbfounded.

Compared to his aggressiveness, Lin Shuang was very calm and composed.

Pan Min was very angry, but he was also helpless.

He couldn’t go higher than three hundred. He was sure that there was something in this ox’s stomach, but no one could say for sure how much. If it was less than one qian, the price of three hundred taels would be a loss.

And in front of Lin Shuang, there was also a Xue Shanwen. He knew that he couldn’t get any advantage today.

His face was very ugly. He snapped his fan shut and said to his few men, “Let’s go.”

The two or three followers behind him followed him and quickly left.

Seeing this, the eldest of the Zhang family quickly shouted at his retreating figure, “Young Master Pan—Young Master Pan—the one we were talking about—”

Pan Min said without looking back, “You good-for-nothing. You’ve made me run this errand for nothing. Can’t you just call me when you have the things next time?”

The eldest of the Zhang family’s face was flushed with shame. Facing the villagers’ questioning gazes, he didn’t know what to do for a moment.

Soon, the villagers figured out what was going on and pointed at the family.

His wife knew that things were not good. The ox that Young Master Pan had not been able to get for three hundred taels, how could they get it? So she said to Feng Er, “Feng Er, we don’t want your ox anymore. You said you would give me two taels of silver to treat my little Bao. You can give me the money.”

But as soon as she finished speaking, Feng Er’s second daughter appeared from somewhere, dragging a boy.

The boy was the son of the eldest of the Zhang family who had been injured by the ox. According to the Zhang family, he should be lying in bed, unconscious, waiting for the money to be brought back for treatment. But the Zhang Xiaobao before them was holding a candied haw, licking it while sniffing, and running happily with Feng Er’s second daughter’s hand.

His legs were perfectly fine. Where was there any sign of injury?

Feng Er’s second daughter let go of Zhang Xiaobao’s hand and ran to her mother. The mother and daughter exchanged a look.

Only then did Xu Huigu turn her head and look at the Zhang family with a furious expression. “Didn’t you say that Zhang Xiaobao was injured? Where is he injured?”

The villagers were in an uproar.

The few Zhang brothers shrunk their necks and looked at each other, unable to say a word for a moment.

The eldest of the Zhang family’s wife was so angry she slapped her son twice and cursed loudly, “I told you to be greedy—I told you to be greedy—why don’t you just die from being greedy—”

Zhang Xiaobao was beaten and ran all over the place. His two legs were pattering. Anyone with eyes could see if he was injured or not.

Xu Huigu said, “Your son is fine, but I’m not. You just pushed my head and made me bleed. You should also pay for it, right?”

The eldest of the Zhang family’s wife had no choice but to be a rogue. “Anyway, it’s true that Xiaobao was injured two days ago. We’ve spent a lot of medicine to treat him these two days, and there’s also that garden of vegetables. I haven’t even settled the score with you. Since that’s the case, we’ll just consider it our bad luck today, and it will be offset.”

With that, she dragged Zhang Xiaobao and squeezed out of the crowd and ran.

The remaining few of the Zhang family couldn’t stay any longer, put down the ox rope, and slipped away one after another.

The villagers looked at this farce and were in an uproar.

They still wanted to see how Feng Er would talk to these few people about this ox, and they also wanted to know what was hidden in the ox’s stomach. But Feng Er and his wife were leading the old ox and welcoming Lin Shuang and Doctor Xue and the others into their house. They couldn’t just follow, so in the end, they slowly dispersed.