Chapter 2397: Rewards for the Shu Family (Patreon)

Chapter 2397: Rewards for the Shu Family


Wu Shi had already been emotionally scarred by the Shu family's mistreatment, and her sensitivity had grown. Faced with these rumors and whispers, she had no choice but to endure passively. Even after returning to her maternal home, her sisters-in-law had become much quieter, and her young nephews didn't dare to go out to play anymore.


Now, she had been acknowledged by the Emperor, cleared of her criminal record, and even received a reward in silver. Wu Shi was ecstatic. Next to her, Aunt Fang quickly reminded her, and she took a deep breath, then kowtowed three times firmly.


She didn't go outside but just smiled happily at the Wu family members, waiting quietly on the side to continue hearing the county magistrate's announcements.


The Shu family members had become somewhat numb to the proceedings. Shu Quan was thinking that his turn would come sooner or later.


The county magistrate continued with the announcements, acknowledging the contributions of several villagers who had assisted in the operation. Finally, his gaze fell on the Shu family.


"Shu Quan, step forward to hear the decree."


Shu Quan's spirits soared, and he held his breath.


In this operation, Shu Quan had made significant contributions. If it weren't for his role as one of the masterminds alongside Shu Feng, he might not have received as many benefits.


However, the rewards given by the Emperor were exactly what the Shu family had desired.


The Shu family's second branch currently consisted of Shu Quan, Second Madam Shu, Liu Shi, and a thirteen-year-old illegitimate child, apart from the already-married Fourth Miss Shu Zhao and the Sixth Miss Shu Qing, who had returned to the capital with Hou Shi.


All of them had been cleared of their criminal records. Shu Quan received a reward of fifty taels of silver, and they were allowed to return to their original residence.


The Shu family let out a long sigh of relief, and their voices of gratitude were particularly loud.


After the county magistrate finished reading the decrees, he addressed everyone present. "The Emperor has shown great benevolence by pardoning your crimes. I hope you will all abide by the law and exercise self-discipline in the future, refraining from causing harm to others or yourselves. Tomorrow, please go to the yamen to handle your household registration documents."


"Yes, sir."


The county magistrate then turned to Shu Yu and Meng Yunzheng. "I have other matters to attend to and cannot linger here. If the county princess and Young Master Meng have any instructions, please feel free to inform Wang Changdong and Supervisor Yu."


"You are too kind, sir. Please go about your business. We are here just to visit friends," Meng Yunzheng said.


With a nod, the county magistrate took his leave.


As soon as he left, there was an explosion of noisy jubilation outside the estate. Many villagers from Zhengdao Village had been directly cleared of their criminal records, especially Wu Shi, who was surrounded by her brothers, proudly and triumphantly returning home.


Shu Yu smiled and turned to ask the members of the Xu and Fang families, "Now that the imperial decrees have been issued, and you will regain your freedom after completing the household registration documents tomorrow, when do you plan to depart for the capital?"


Xu Dali thought for a moment. "Zhensheng's health is improving, and now that he has a job at the Grand Court of Justice, we shouldn't delay for too long. We wouldn't want to cause any complications. Tomorrow, we'll go to the yamen and see if there are any escort agency carriages heading to the capital. We'll set out the day after tomorrow."


Aunt Fang hurriedly added, "And Ma Lu and Ah Yue can leave the day after tomorrow as well. Since you're all going to the capital, you can be companions on the journey."


This sudden announcement surprised Fang Xiyue. "Mother..." She had just come to terms with the idea of parting from her parents, and now they were leaving her without any buffer time?


Fang Xiyue's father waved his hand. "Zhensheng shouldn't be delayed in his duties at the Grand Court of Justice, and Ma Lu shouldn't delay Lord Qi's affairs either. Lord Qi has helped us so much, and we should do our best to carry out our tasks."