Robbed by Bandits

Inside Su Li's room, the scene was one of delightful springtime intimacy.

Su Li struggled out of bed, gasping for breath. She had been too exhausted to feed this guy properly last night, and now early in the morning, here he was dragging her back again!

Really, it was utterly embarrassing!

But before she could catch her breath, she was pulled back under the covers.

"Wife, last night’s debt is still unpaid."

"I-I just paid it off!"

"What you just paid was from the night before last; last night’s is still unpaid!"

"???"

By noon, Su Li’s hands were sore, her mouth swollen, and she was utterly exhausted, vowing never to owe a debt again—this kind of accumulated repayment was killing her!

Too tired to get out of bed, Yuanbao had Bai Lu bring her meals in bed.

Madam Wang, unaware of the situation, thought Su Li was ill and hurried over to check on her. Embarrassed, Su Li didn’t know how to explain and just said she was exhausted from accompanying Wu Caiwei during childbirth.

Only then did Madam Wang relax and tell Su Li to rest well, urging Yuanbao to take good care of her.

As soon as Madam Wang left, Su Li pinched Yuanbao’s cheek hard, saying, "It’s all your fault! Look, I’ve lost all my dignity!"

By afternoon, the village chief came personally to visit.

The village chief rarely came in person, but Su Li greeted him herself. He said, "A Li, with winter coming, I guess the bandits are out of money and food, so they’ve started moving about. This morning I heard that on a small path in the mountain hollow next to our neighboring village, bandits robbed a big family. They not only took their silver but also tore off several thick cotton-padded clothes and pants, and even beat several men! Since the neighboring village is close to ours, I’m worried the bandits might attack us next, so I’m going door to door reminding everyone to go out selling vegetables in groups and carry weapons for protection. I’m telling your family especially to be extra careful with security."

Su Li thought for a moment, that big family this morning in the neighboring village... huh, isn’t that Zhang Wenpo’s family?

"Village Chief, was the family that got robbed Zhang Wenpo's?" Su Li asked.

The village chief made a surprised sound and said, "Yes, it was Zhang Wenpo's family. I heard the bandits tried to rob Zhang Wenpo’s money, but when she refused, they gave her a black eye. Luckily, she’s fine; the bandits only wanted money, not to hurt anyone."

Hearing this, Su Li couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought of Zhang Wenpo with a black eye. She thought to herself, "You all come to my house acting tough with your numbers, but how could you let bandits rob you? Why don’t you make a fuss now?"

After finishing his talk, the village chief went to congratulate Zhang Mu’s family on their new baby, then returned to the village.

At night, the village chief came again, this time on behalf of the Su family.

"A Li, your sister-in-law is about to give birth. Your grandfather asked me to borrow Liu Wenpo," the village chief said hesitantly. "A Li, even though your grandparents treat you badly, the child is innocent. Your sister-in-law is having her first baby, and without a midwife, there might be complications."

To prevent any mishaps after Wu Caiwei’s childbirth, Su Li had Liu Wenpo stay at home for a few extra days.

Hearing the village chief, Su Li readily agreed to lend Liu Wenpo to Liu Ru.

She disliked the Su family and didn’t particularly like Liu Ru, but she had no grudge against the child in Liu Ru’s belly. Besides, that child, from birth, would be her Su Li family’s servant.

When Liu Wenpo was about to leave, Su Li packed a few boiled eggs and some brown sugar for her to take to Liu Ru.

The Su family was now destitute, so there was little good food to give Liu Ru. These eggs and brown sugar would help boost her strength during childbirth.

Su Li had witnessed the pain of childbirth firsthand and didn’t want to quarrel with Liu Ru over past grudges at such a critical time. She wanted to ensure the child was born safely first.

Liu Wenpo carried the items away, and the village chief looked at Su Li with admiration, saying, "A Li, you’re truly a good person. Your kindness will surely be rewarded."