Failed to Report to the Authorities

Shen Lantang had lived one life as a commoner and another in wealth. She had suffered grievances and shed tears, but she had never truly endured hardship. Her palate and stomach had grown particular. She could work if she had to, but eat this food? She might be willing, but her tongue and stomach weren't!

The Gao family noticed how long she went without touching her chopsticks and how little she ate. They knew she wasn't used to the food, but to them, a meal with hard staple food and even meat on the table was already fine hospitality.

"Is the food not to your taste, young lady?"

"No, no," Shen Lantang said quickly.

"I just have a small appetite." With that, she shoveled rice into her mouth. She found that the hard rice was easier to swallow than the meat, whose fishy taste she could barely stomach.

Uncle Gao sighed. "It's our fault we don't have anything better to serve you two. I'll go into town tomorrow and bring back something tasty."

"There's no need, Uncle Gao. I really do have a small appetite." Feeling guilty, Shen Lantang explained herself again and again.

"That's right," Xie Jin added.

"My wife has never eaten much. Look at me—I'm enjoying it, aren't I?"

He picked up a large piece of meat and put it in his mouth. Xie Jin had never been picky about food, and Uncle Gao and Aunt Gao had both seen that. They had thought a wealthy young gentleman would be difficult to care for, but he turned out to be remarkably easy to feed. He ate whatever they gave him and never complained about drinking that dark medicine. Uncle Gao and Aunt Gao were delighted by it.

"Yes, yes. In that case, we won't press you. Eat