Learning the Truth
Lily Evans chatted warmly with Mrs. Charlotte Evans, growing more comfortable as they talked. Mrs. Charlotte glanced at Lucky, who was quietly standing behind Lily, and smiled, "Lily, your husband is truly a good man. I can tell you’re a lucky woman."
Lily blushed and quickly glanced at Lucky. "I think Uncle Charles Evans is a caring man too. You’re blessed as well, Mrs. Charlotte."
After a long while, Uncle Charles Evans came out of the main hall, his eyes red from crying.
Lily sighed, wrapped up a big piece of cured pork from the kitchen, and handed it to Mrs. Charlotte Evans. "Take this home and make some pork porridge for Jindou and Yindou."
"Mom, does Uncle Charles know about his childhood now?" Lily asked Margaret Evans as she entered the room.
Margaret Evans nodded. "You can’t hide the truth forever. When Charles first returned, the Evans Family Elders were greedy for his silver and kept everything secret—even the village chief didn’t dare let Charles pay his respects. But after the flood destroyed the house and Charles lost his money, the true colors of the Evans Family Elders showed. Charles isn’t a fool; he noticed things weren’t right. Recently, he and his wife have been walking around the village, and it’s hard not to overhear bits and pieces. He was suspicious but couldn’t believe his own parents could be so cruel, so he finally came to ask me. I saw he wasn’t blindly loyal and didn’t want him to keep slaving away for the Evans Family, so I told him the truth."
"He looked so heartbroken. I’m afraid he’s finally given up on the Evans Family Elders," Margaret sighed.
"Everyone has their own fate, Mom. You were kind to tell him the truth, but whether he’s grateful or not is up to him," Lily sighed too. "Enough of the sad talk. Tomorrow, Lucky and I will go to town to buy a few maids and servants for you. From now on, you won’t have to lift a finger—just enjoy life!"
Margaret’s face lit up with joy. She chuckled, "If I stop working, I’ll go stir-crazy! Enough talk, I’m off to feed the chickens in the backyard. Ah, poor old hens we lost in the flood! I’ll have to raise these new chicks well so my daughter can have fresh eggs every day!"
The next day, Lily and Lucky went to town to buy help. Lily had never bought servants before, so she thought it best to ask Manager Zhang of Fragrant Pavilion for an introduction to a broker.
The couple was walking down the street when suddenly, a strong scent of powder and perfume wafted by. Lily looked up and saw a three-story building ahead with a sign reading 'Yixiang Courtyard.' Several heavily made-up young women stood at the entrance, trying to attract customers.
"Wife, what kind of place is that?" Lucky asked curiously, eyeing the scantily clad girls.
"It’s not a good place. Don’t look, and keep your distance from now on," Lily replied.
"I’m not looking, I’m not looking. None of them are as pretty as you," Lucky said, uninterested in the girls wearing so little. His big, deer-like eyes stayed fixed on Lily.
They had only walked a few steps when a commotion erupted from Yixiang Courtyard. Suddenly, two girls—one older, one younger—ran out.
The older girl was about eleven or twelve, and the younger only seven or eight. Both were bruised and looked terrified, fleeing out the gate and sprinting down the street.
"Catch them!" Madam Xie, the brothel keeper, barked, arms akimbo, ordering several strong men to chase after the two girls and drag them back.
The older girl clung protectively to the younger, sobbing, "Madam Xie, my sister is only seven—she can’t serve customers! I’ll take her place instead!"
Madam Xie snorted coldly. "Xiaolan, that customer wants a seven-year-old! Who do you think you are, deciding who serves? I’m telling you now—neither of you will escape tonight! I’ll make sure you both lose your innocence!"