After leaving the Xu family, the hunter quickly brought the village chief.
Already overwhelmed with preparations for fleeing famine, the chief was fed up with Old Madam Xu’s constant troublemaking.
First, they sold their granddaughter. Now they were falsely accusing the hunter and doctor.
Who’s to say Xu Yaozong’s fate wasn’t the result of their own wrongdoing?
Moreover, the village would soon head north. The hunter’s strength and the doctor’s skills were crucial.
The chief couldn’t allow the Xu family to cause trouble now.
After scolding them thoroughly, Old Madam Xu finally behaved and let the doctor go.
However, the hunter and doctor now held grudges against the Xu family.
Their journey ahead would not be easy.
…
Back at the Liu family, Shen Qingge lay down to sleep, unconcerned about the Xu family.
Early the next morning, the Liu family began packing.
Shen Qingge took out 30 jin of rice from her space and mixed it with 70 jin taken from the Xu family—making 100 jin total.
When Liu Ji’an saw it, he asked, “What is this?”
“Rice. Consider it compensation for staying here.”
“…For this period? You’re leaving?” he asked.
“What else?”
She had only stayed because she was unfamiliar with the era and had nowhere else to go.
But it was temporary.
She had never planned to marry—and still didn’t.
To her, this was merely cooperation.
“…Do you have someone you like?” Liu Ji’an asked carefully.
Shen Qingge was confused but searched her memories thoroughly.
She found no such person and shook her head.
“No.”
Relieved, Liu Ji’an thought he still had a chance.
Looking at the rice, he said, “I will repay this a hundredfold in the future.”
She nodded.
They carried the rice to Liu’s mother.
The family was stunned.
“Dowry?” everyone exclaimed.
In this village, daughters were usually married off for money—dowries were rare.
Yet Shen Qingge brought 100 jin of fine rice.
Even the usually sharp-tongued Feng fell silent.
The children stared at the white rice, swallowing eagerly.
Liu’s mother held Shen Qingge’s hand.
“You’ve helped us greatly at this critical time. I won’t let you suffer losses.”
“When we settle in Yong City, we will repay you fully.”
Shen Qingge nodded, feeling satisfied with the Liu family.
At dawn, the Liu family set off with their belongings.
Over seventy households—more than two hundred people—headed north toward Yong City.
At first, they moved quickly while food was sufficient.
But over time, supplies dwindled, and exhaustion set in.
Even Liu Ji’an, still injured, began to struggle.
One night, while resting, Shen Qingge noticed his discomfort.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing…”
Ignoring him, she pressed his abdomen, causing him to wince in pain.
Without another word, she dragged him into the shelter and began removing his clothes to check his injuries.
Seeing her serious expression, Liu Ji’an joked, “In broad daylight… with my parents outside… isn’t this inappropriate?”
“… ”
Shen Qingge applied more pressure.
“Ah—ow—pain!”
“Shut up!”