Chapter 21: She Is the Prettiest Girl in the Village

Luo Yunhe knew they were plotting against her, but she did not know to whom they intended to sell her, so she could only wait.

That morning, she waited at home until a series of knocks echoed at the gate. She walked over and asked, "Who is it?"

"My dear girl, didn't we agree this morning that I’d come to pick up the people?" a man with a raspy voice replied.

Luo Yunhe’s eyes darted around. "Yes, yes, that’s right. Did you bring the money?"

"I did, I did! We had an agreement, how could I not bring the money? It’s a fair exchange—money for people!"

After confirming the details, her instinct was to open the door, but then she remembered they were planning to sell her. She considered her own appearance...

"Wait a moment, sir, I'll be right there!" She dashed back into the house, found a handkerchief to cover half her face, and grabbed another to veil Su Ruyi’s face as well.

Once that was done, she opened the gate.

"Sir, I’ve already knocked them out for you. Come, come, they’re in the main hall—go take a look!"

The man was short, disheveled, and looked quite elderly; most notably, he walked with a limp. At this moment, his face was flushed with excitement. He followed Luo Yunhe into the main hall and saw the figures slumped over the table.

His eyes lit up, and he moved to inspect Su Ruyi’s face.

Luo Yunhe blocked him. "Hey now, sir, wait until you get home to see—it’ll be a surprise!"

Though the man was annoyed at having his view obstructed, he listened to her. He pulled a money pouch from his clothes and handed it over. Luo Yunhe took it and weighed it in her hand; it felt quite heavy.

"Wonderful! I’ve never been able to afford a wife in all my years, but today, I’ve finally gotten my wish!"

"Take them away quickly. Remember, you must marry her properly once you’re far away. Otherwise, if she charges you with rape, don't drag me into it! Also, what we're doing is illegal, so keep your mouth shut!"

"Yes, yes, yes, I hear you!"

"Oh, and sir, there’s an old woman here too. Do you want her? Take her back to work as a servant for your household; that would be useful!"

The man looked at the older woman to the side. Since her face was covered, he couldn't see who she was. "Forget it. I can't afford to feed that many people. One young one is enough."

"Come on, take her. This old thing doesn't eat much, and she’s a great hand at working the fields and managing the house. You’re getting her for practically nothing—just give me a tael of silver for her!" Luo Yunhe said with a smile.

The man thought it over, decided it made sense, and fished out another tael of silver, tossing it to her. Having secured the money, Luo Yunhe said nothing more.

The man picked up Su Ruyi and headed outside. As he carried her, his hands wandered over her body, his eyes gleaming with lecherous intent. Shortly after, he returned to pick up Su Chenshi.

"Damn it, this old hag is heavy!" he grunted, struggling under the weight. Veins bulged on his forehead as he cursed, but he eventually managed to load her onto the flatbed cart he had brought.

Luo Yunhe watched as the two lay flat on the cart, a faint smile on her lips. The man even covered them with a cloth.

"I’m taking them now, girl!"

"Go on then. Keep it a secret—I don't want to go to jail, and if you don't keep your mouth shut, you'll end up behind bars too!"

"Don't you worry!"

Watching the man push the cart away with a jaunty, carefree air, Luo Yunhe smiled as she tossed the silver in her hand. She had prepared for this long ago; she had even been wearing Su Chenshi’s clothes. Once they were gone, she quickly changed back into her own, smoothed her hair, and removed the cloth from her face.

"Heh, trying to scheme against me? Not a chance."

She glanced at Su Shan. He was still unconscious, but she didn't care. Since they had intended to sell her, the drug they used clearly wasn't lethal. He would wake up sooner or later, and as for whether his wife and daughter could save him, that was up to his own fate.

Luo Yunhe donned a crisp, floral-patterned outfit, pinned her hair up simply, wrapped a cloth around her head, and hung a basket over her arm before leaving the house.

As soon as she stepped out, she ran into a group of villagers heading to the fields with hoes over their shoulders.

Because she was remarkably beautiful, those who had never seen her before stared in wide-eyed shock at the sight of such a lovely young girl appearing in their village. The emerald-green outfit she wore gave her an air of vibrant spring, and every eye was glued to her. The men admired her beauty, the women scrutinized her clothes, and those fueled by jealousy glared at her with cold, resentful eyes.

Luo Yunhe felt the weight of their gazes, but she ignored them and walked on with graceful composure. Since she didn't know where the village chief lived, she decided to ask.

"Excuse me, ma'am, do you know where the village chief lives?" The Yue-Shang Village was quite vast, and with the houses packed so tightly together, finding the chief's home was a bit difficult.

"Oh, you're looking for the chief..."

"Miss, I know where the chief lives!" The men carrying hoes, upon hearing she was looking for the chief, immediately turned back.

Before the older woman could speak, she saw the men leering at the girl, and her expression soured. "Go on, get out of here, go do your work! What kind of behavior is this, staring like that?"

"Hahaha, don't be angry, ma'am! We were just surprised to see a new face, and since she’s looking for the chief, we naturally wanted to help!"

"That’s right, don't be mad!"

"Miss, if you want to go to the chief’s house, follow us. It’s not far, very easy to find..."

Seeing how enthusiastic the men were, Luo Yunhe felt a bit annoyed, but she didn't want to be rude, so she simply nodded.

And so, a group of men carrying their tools marched off with the beautiful Luo Yunhe in their midst, heading toward the village chief's house in a grand procession. The village women watching the scene looked absolutely livid.

Xiao Qing, who had come out early with a basin of laundry, witnessed the sight, and the flames of jealousy burned bright in her heart.

"Bah, harlot. Out here seducing men first thing in the morning!"