A Miserable World (continued)

The First Concubine, filled with worry and pleading eyes, cried out, "Madam—"

"Alright, let's go. In any case, I hope you figure it out yourself in the end. Even if I think you're being unreasonable, I won't make the decision for you."

When it comes to a life-altering event, only you can be responsible for yourself; you bear the good and the bad yourself.

The First Concubine bowed to her again before leaving.

Gu Wanning leaned against the window, resting her chin on her hand, lazily watching the beautiful crabapple blossoms in full bloom in the courtyard.

Knowing that Qin Lie wasn't a bad person, and that her First Concubine and he had some unspoken feelings for each other, she felt much better.

Yesterday she wished she could transform into a righteous defender, act on behalf of heaven, and kill Xu Weibei; but today she feels, well, since the other party isn't a bad person, Xu Weibei isn't unforgivable either.

If self-righteousness and acting on one's own initiative are crimes, then prisons would be overcrowded with stupid, clueless men.

On second thought, people are actually results-oriented.

The First Concubine's attitude towards Qin Lie influenced her judgment of Xu Weibei's behavior.

Er Ya came in from outside, sweating profusely. She picked up her precious large palm-leaf fan and waved it repeatedly. "Madam, I've finished."

Gu Wanning: "... Okay."

She doesn't know if doing this to hurt Qin Lie is the right thing to do.

Because of the regrets in his dream, Qin Lie and his First Concubine might become a loving couple in the future.

Er Ya didn't understand Gu Wanning's dilemma, and downed two more large cups of cold tea. "It's so hot, I'm dying of heat. Shitou and the other kids are overjoyed with the money, saying they'll definitely spread the news."

The Shitou was the little beggar that Gu Wanning had helped out of kindness that day.

"When Shitou sees me now, he's like a little puppy, wagging his tail with joy," Er Ya said. "I'm quite familiar with him, and I know they're all being controlled by someone. They get beaten every day if they don't get their money back."

Gu Wanning sighed.

People are as worthless as weeds.

If my father's reforms can truly improve people's lives, freeing them from abandoning their own flesh and blood, and ensuring everyone is well-fed and clothed, then that would be a truly meritorious deed.

"And there's something even more terrifying," Er Ya continued, "Shitou secretly told me that those children who really can't get money might be maimed, so that someone will take pity on them. If that doesn't work, then no one will care about them, and they'll be left to fend for themselves."

Gu Wanning had heard of such things before.

But this time, it was close contact, and the rule of law here is destined to bring more tragedies like this.

This weighed heavily on her heart.

She didn't know what she could do to change this messed-up reality.

"Only today did I realize that Madam's act of giving money to the Shitou was truly a great act of merit. I was so short-sighted, only thinking about being cheated, never imagining that I was accumulating merit by following you, so that I wouldn't be reborn as an animal in my next life. Amitabha."

Gu Wanning chuckled at her words, "Don't worry, you're so kind-hearted, I'll definitely let you be reborn into a wealthy family as a young lady in your next life."

"I think it's better to leave someone like you, Miss. Although my family is poor, everyone in my family loves me. Although they do favor my younger brother, at least my sisters and I are treated equally."

Gu Wanning: "You shouldn't hit someone in the face!"

"But to be honest—" Er Ya scooped a piece of ice from the ice chest and put it in her mouth to cool down.

Gu Wanning glared at her. "How many times have I told you? That ice is unsafe to eat."

"How is it unclean? I'm fine." Er Ya didn't care at all, crunching on her ice. "The eldest young lady is actually quite good to you, after all, she pays for you. If you really encountered something bad, then she'd have to take money from your pocket."

Gu Wanning recalled what her First Concubine had said: Gu Wanqing had also pawned the calligraphy and paintings her father had given her, so she figured Gu Wanqing's life wasn't easy either.

Therefore, the two hundred taels of silver she gave me was indeed a very good thing.

I wonder if Gu Wanqing is starting to feel embarrassed now.

She had to remember this and find a way to remind Gu Anqi.

However, it's still a bit tricky.

Since it concerns Gu Wanqing, her family probably thinks she's just being jealous again.

Ugh, this is so troublesome.

"Madam, what are you thinking about?"

Gu Wanning snapped out of her reverie. "Oh, it's nothing. I was just thinking, could I help Shitou and the others?"

It's the same principle as with the matter of the First Concubine. She can't help all the persecuted women in the world, but she will help those around her as much as she can within her power.

"I've thought about it, but it's not easy to help," Er Ya said. "The man who treats Shitou and the others like a cash cow, although he often beats and scolds them, Shitou and the others have figured out his temper..."

If we go to the authorities, whether it's the Gu Residence or the Marquis's Residence, they can definitely arrest that person and rescue the children he's controlling.

However, rescue is only the first step; what's next?

Without proper arrangements, they will fall into the hands of bad people and become tools for making money.

Despite the darkness before them, they could at least grope their way through life.

If they choose another approach, they might find themselves in an even worse situation.

"I heard there are twenty or thirty children. They're all different ages and have all sorts of temperaments. To be honest, most of these children have been misled, they're difficult to manage, and they don't want to put in any effort."

After thinking for a moment, Gu Wanning said, "The Estate needs people to do the work, right? These young boys should be able to help out with errands and light tasks."

"I'm worried that someone might steal or do something illegal, and be difficult to manage. If this is someone you sent, what do you think about having the people in the Estate handle it? How would they manage it?"

They themselves came from the Estate, Er Ya's father was the village head, so the questions they thought of were all very practical.

Gu Wanning said, "Then I'll think about it some more..."

She probably angered Xu Weibei last night.

When this person is provoked, they're capable of anything.

So what if it's an arranged marriage?