County Magistrate Wu did not blame the Xu Household. Had they been weak, not even a chicken or dog in all of Dongxi would have survived by now.
That he had spared some members of the Wu Household was probably out of consideration for Wu Rushan.
"It was fate. Fate!"
Tears gathered at the corners of County Magistrate Wu's eyes as he murmured under his breath.
Outside the gates of the Wu Household's estate.
"Third Brother, if you hear anything about my mother, Madam Zheng, or my younger brother Rufeng, remember to send someone to the Xu Household to tell me. Whether they're alive or dead, I must know."
"Rest assured, Fifth Sister. Affairs at home are in such a tangled mess that I hardly know where to begin, so I won't see you and Brother Mingyuan off."
"Farewell."
Xu Mingyuan cupped his fists, then helped Wu Rushan into the carriage and departed.
"My dear, what's done is done. Don't dwell on it. You mustn't grieve too deeply. If you damage your mind and spirit, it will harm the baby." Xu Mingyuan held Wu Rushan's delicate hand, gently stroking it.
"Thank you for your concern, husband."
The Fang, Wang, He, and Cao Households had been caught red-handed by the authorities as they wantonly slaughtered members of the Wu Household. All their descendants were implicated, and their assets and businesses, including farmland and shops, were confiscated.
Half a month later.
The members of the Fang, Wang, He, and Cao Households were publicly executed. More than half the onlookers clapped and cheered.
Their businesses, meanwhile, quietly passed into the Xu Household's hands.
After such a catastrophe, the Wu Household could no longer maintain its many businesses in Qingjiang County or its surrounding farmland. Following County Magistrate Wu's advice, Wu Ruliang transferred them