Kidnapping and Killing the Hostage

"It's alright, madam, I'm not in pain. I'd like to help you with something. Would you like some persimmons?" Shitou's eyes sparkled. "I'll pick some for you. They might still be a little astringent right now, so you can take them home in a few days."

Gu Wanning couldn't refuse such expectations.

She smiled and nodded, saying, "Great! Thanks to you, otherwise I really wanted to eat it but couldn't get my hands on it."

She looked around for a bamboo pole, but when she turned her head, she saw the Shitou climbing the tree with a few quick movements.

Gu Wanning was startled. She wanted to shout but was worried about frightening him, so she could only say gently, "Shitou, slow down. Come down first, let's find a bamboo pole to knock down the persimmons."

"No need, madam, I can climb trees." Shitou smiled down at her.

Gu Wanning was terrified and didn't dare to say a word to him. She turned and ran into the courtyard, but bumped into Xu Weibei's arms, making her see stars.

"Uh--" Gu Wanning reached up to rub her forehead.

"Let me see. How old are you? So reckless. How many times have I told you to stay away from that Zhou Yaya!"

It's all Fourth Concubine's fault for leading Gu Wanning astray.

"Let go!" Xu Weibei's concern was always swift and sudden. "Let me see!"

Gu Wanning was in so much pain that tears streamed down her face, and she let go of his hand.

"I thought I'd bumped my head and gotten a bump, it's just a little red, nothing serious."

Gu Wanning: "..."

You're not single; you should entirely thank this society and the good fortune of being born into this world.

A clueless straight man is single by choice, but gets married because of his family background.

But she still needed his help, so she pointed to the Shitou and said, "My Marquis, he's climbing so high, it's very dangerous. Quickly call a few people to bring out blankets..."

"What are you doing with the blanket?" Xu Weibei also looked up at the Shitou climbing the tree, a rare hint of appreciation in his eyes. "This child has the potential to become a martial arts master."

Gu Wanning: "That's dangerous! What if he falls?"

He won't fall.

What if?

"What if you choke to death while eating or drink? Will you just stop eating and drinking altogether?" Xu Weibei couldn't stand her caring for everyone; in comparison, it seemed as if her own wounded world had been perfected.

Gu Wanning: Are you a contrarian?

Shitou was indeed very agile; he quickly picked five or six persimmons, scooped them up in his clothes, and brought them to Gu Wanning.

"Madam, I forgot to take the basket. I'll go get it again later," he said apologetically.

Gu Wanning grabbed his hand, "Don't go! You scared me to death. You're not allowed to climb trees anymore, okay? What if you fall?"

Xu Weibei snorted.

Shitou blushed, looking at her fair hands, too nervous to speak, stammering, "I... I just wanted to do something for Madam. I'm doing very well at the Estate, all thanks to Madam..."

"How wonderful!" Gu Wanning pulled him to sit down on the threshold, handed the persimmons to Er Ya, and instructed, "Go ask your First Concubine for some candy."

Ever since Jiaoniang came into the family, First Concubine always carried the child's favorite foods with her.

"As long as I have food to eat, I'm not afraid of being beaten." Shitou was content.

Gu Wanning looked at his rough little hands with a pang of heartache, "Is the work on the Estate tiring?"

Even the children can't stay still here.

"I'm not tired. Sometimes when I'm tired, a good night's sleep makes me feel better."

"Where are the others who came with you?"

"They've all acknowledged their parents and found new homes. The head of the village presided over the arrangements; the head of the village, Uncle Zhuang, is a very good person."

And what about you?

Shitou is such a well-behaved child, he won't be unwanted.

"I don't want to... what if my parents come looking for me in the future?" Shitou said softly.

Gu Wanning's heart suddenly felt a mix of emotions, both sweet and tender.

The First Concubine led Jiaoniang out, smiling, "Madam, did you look for me?"

"I saw Shitou." Gu Wanning smiled. "Did you bring any candy? Give Shitou a couple of pieces to sweeten his mouth."

Jiaoniang obediently opened her little purse and poured all the candy inside into her palm.

Although it was all of it, it was pitifully small, only three pieces.

Her First Concubine was worried about her and wouldn't let her eat too much sugar.

"Mother," Jiaoniang timidly, looking at Gu Wanning.

"Here's the Shitou."

But Shitou Tou refused, saying, "My hands are dirty."

Gu Wanning picked up a piece from Jiaoniang's hand and stuffed it into his mouth, then stuffed another piece into Jiaoniang's mouth.

Xu Weibei said, "What kind of strange candy is this? I've never seen it before."

Gu Wanning said, "Then, Your Marquis, please try it."

This is a type of candy she figured out herself, so naturally it's not available here.

Xu Weibei didn't refuse, but he didn't come over to take it either.

Jiaoniang stretched out her hand, not daring to pull it back, extremely nervous.

"Go give some to your father," Gu Wanning said, pointing at her.

Xu Weibei's face fell. "I won't eat!"

Gu Wanning gave him a disdainful look. Why was this guy acting so strangely?

This is really awkward.

If you don't want to eat, then don't!

She put the candy in her mouth, her cheeks puffed out, and said deliberately, "I made this myself; you can't buy it anywhere else."

Xu Weibei: "..."

The First Concubine looked at the two of them, unable to hide her smile.

Very nice.

It's different from what I dreamed of.

Things will get better and better.

Jiaoniang saw a butterfly, wanted to chase it but dared not.

Gu Wanning smiled and said, "Go ahead, let Shitou show you around the Estate."

Shitou was a little nervous.

Jiaoniang became even more nervous, and neither of the children made a sound.

In the end, it was the First Concubine who took the person away.

"My Marquis," Gu Wanning said to Xu Weibei, "I need someone to run errands. I want to take the Shitou back. Is that alright?"

If that doesn't work, then wait until she gets a divorce, and then come to the Estate to pick her up.

This child is truly heartbreaking.

Chapter 123 Kidnapping and Murder

"Take her back if you want; the manor won't miss her." Xu Weibei didn't take it to heart at all. "It'll make things easier for you to run errands."