“Xingyue, she really isn’t the same mother as before.”
Chen Xingyun held Chen Xingyue’s hand, speaking softly as she explained Xiao Ying’s background and the events of the past two days in detail.
The more Chen Xingyue listened, the more astonished she became. Was this woman truly possessed by a ghost? But according to her elder sister’s account, she seemed quite decent.
Today’s observations confirmed that although somewhat aloof, she had a good heart and was truly remarkable.
If not for her, elder sister would have been sold off, and she herself would still be serving as a maid in the Zhao Residence.
Yet she still found it somewhat difficult to accept, after all, this person felt too unfamiliar.
As for grief—there was absolutely none. She had wished for that vicious woman from before to die sooner.
Throughout the journey, she cautiously observed Xiao Ying, fearing the woman might suddenly revert to her former self.
“Mother, where are we going next?” Chen Xinghai asked.
“To the mayor’s house.”
After redeeming Chen Xingyue, there was still Chen Xinghe to consider. The boy had been sold to the mayor’s household two years ago, and the original host’s memories of him dated from that time.
All she recalled was that he was gaunt, aloof in temperament, but exceptionally intelligent.
“Mother intends to redeem Xinghe as well?” Chen Xingyun’s face lit up with joy.
If this were true, their family would be reunited once more.
“Mm.” Xiao Ying nodded.
As they spoke, they arrived near the mayor’s residence.
The mayor’s house was also located in a bustling area. Though not comparable to the Zhao Residence, it was among the few wealthy households in town.
Two guards stood at the entrance. Just as Xiao Ying approached, her sleeve was suddenly tugged.
Turning around, she found it was Chen Xingyue.
Meeting her gaze, Chen Xingyue immediately withdrew her hand, looking somewhat embarrassed.
“Take this.”
She extended her hand, offering the ten taels of silver to Xiao Ying.
Xiao Ying was surprised. Was she worried she didn’t have enough money? Quite the tough exterior with a soft heart.
She couldn’t help but smile and say, “This is your medical compensation and wages. Keep it for yourself.”
Chen Xingyue was stunned. That was ten taels of silver—was this woman really refusing it? Did she still have enough money to redeem Second Brother?
“Let’s go.”
Without further explanation, Xiao Ying continued toward the mayor’s house.
Chen Xingyue grew anxious. Chen Xingyun pulled her aside and whispered, “Don’t worry. If Mother says to keep it, then keep it for now.”
Reluctantly, Chen Xingyue pocketed the ten taels of silver, feeling a thrill—it was the first time she had ever carried so much money.
“What business do you have here?”
Unsurprisingly, the family of four was stopped once again.
Xiao Ying stated her purpose as she had done before. The two guards were quite surprised to learn she had come to redeem Chen Xinghe, though their attitude was somewhat better than that of the Zhao Residence guards.
“You’re Young Master Xinghe’s mother? Why haven’t we seen you here before?”
One of them inquired probing, his tone carrying a note of respect toward Chen Xinghe.
Now it was Xiao Ying’s turn to be surprised. Young Master Xinghe? She hadn’t expected the boy to be doing so well.
“We’ve been impoverished these past two years, too ashamed to visit him. Recently, I managed to save some money, so I wanted to redeem him,” she replied calmly.
The man nodded, noting their shabby clothing indeed reflected their difficult circumstances.
“Wait here for now. I must first report to the master.”
“Thank you for your trouble.”
Before long, the guard returned.
“The master is waiting for you in the main hall. Follow me.”
Xiao Ying’s steps remained composed. Chen Xinghai and Chen Xingyun also felt more confident, handling the situation better than they had at the Zhao Residence.
Chen Xingyue had stayed at the Zhao Residence for over half a year and was bolder than the other two. The thought of soon seeing her second brother made her beam with joy.
The town head of Hongye Town was surnamed Liu, named Liu Cong.
This man had a decent reputation, considered upright and responsible—at least there were no rumors about him like those surrounding Zhao Yuanwai.
His attitude toward receiving them was entirely different; he invited them into the main hall.
As soon as they entered the main hall, Xiao Ying saw a middle-aged man in his early forties sitting upright inside.
The man had a square face and a moderate build, appearing somewhat stern when not smiling. This was Town Head Liu Cong.
“Master, this is Madam Xiao,” a servant reported.
“Understood, you may leave.”
Liu Cong waved his hand and subtly observed Xiao Ying and the four of them.
Yes, this was the woman who had sold Xinghe to his family two years ago.
At the time, his household was hiring a study attendant. Seeing that Chen Xinghe was clever and somewhat literate, they bought him.
Over the past two years, Xinghe had indeed not disappointed them. Studying alongside Zhao’er, he had even outperformed him.
“I am Xiao Ying, greetings to the Town Head.”
Xiao Ying cupped her hands in a salute, her tone fairly gentle.
Liu Cong was surprised. He remembered this woman being nothing like this when she sold her son two years ago.
She had been fawning and obsequious, her eyes full of greed—the very picture of an unreasonable, selfish shrew.
The person before him now seemed proper and polite. Though her clothes were shabby, her confident and composed demeanor was unmistakable, a stark contrast to before.
He wondered what she had experienced these past two years to bring about such a change.
But that was none of his concern. A mother coming to redeem her son—no one could object to that.
“So it’s Madam Xiao. Please, have a seat. Someone, bring tea.”
Liu Cong invited the four to sit. Xiao Ying thanked him and sat down with the three children in turn.
Maids served tea and pastries. The three Chen siblings couldn’t help but swallow, their eyes repeatedly darting to the exquisite, fragrant treats before them—they had never seen anything so delicate and sweet before.
However, without Xiao Ying’s permission, they dared not eat, afraid of losing face.
“I heard Madam Xiao has come today to redeem Xinghe?”
Liu Cong had been observing the four of them and asked with a smile.
“Indeed. Is Xinghe here?”
Xiao Ying didn’t know what exactly Chen Xinghe’s situation was here and could only inquire first.
Liu Cong said, “Xinghe has gone to the academy. He won’t be back until youshi (5–7 p.m.).”
Hongye Town did have an academy, but very few could afford to attend. Tuition alone cost one tael of silver per month, adding up to over ten taels a year.
Thinking about it, Chen Xinghe had really gotten a bargain.
Xiao Ying pondered. She couldn’t wait until youshi, or it would be dark by the time they returned.
“Might it be possible to have him called back early?”
“Such an important matter does require informing him.” Liu Cong nodded. “I’ll have someone fetch him right away.”
Hongye Town was quite small, and the academy wasn’t far from the town head’s residence—only a quarter-hour’s walk.
“Thank you, sir.”
Seeing that the other had been consistently gentle and polite, Xiao Ying’s impression of Liu Cong was quite favorable.
After all, if he had been like Liu Yuanwai, it would have been troublesome. Though the town head held no specific official rank, his authority was considerable.
They waited for roughly half a shichen (about an hour). During this time, the maids refilled their tea twice. With Xiao Ying’s permission, the three children each ate a small piece of pastry, finding it incredibly delicious.
Approaching noon, Chen Xinghe finally returned, accompanied by a slightly taller adolescent boy.
This was Liu Zhao, the youngest son of Liu Cong, for whom Chen Xinghe served as a study companion.
“Father, I heard Xinghe’s mother has arrived.”
The moment Liu Zhao entered the courtyard, he bounded and jumped like an unbridled wild horse, brimming with curiosity.
Chen Xinghe remained much more reserved, his expression indifferent as he followed calmly behind.
Both wore blue-and-white academy robes, their fair and handsome faces bearing the distinct air of scholars.
Xiao Ying could tell at a glance that Chen Xinghe was indeed living well here—the Liu family had not mistreated him.
He had grown significantly taller compared to two years ago, now matching the stature of a typical twelve- or thirteen-year-old boy.
His features had also matured somewhat, his skin fair and smooth, clearly untouched by manual labor.
As she observed Chen Xinghe, he was also staring at her, his indifferent eyes briefly flashing with a trace of disgust and hatred before quickly vanishing.