The five-entry courtyard was large, and two bonfires couldn’t warm the entire courtyard’s cold current.
The last batch of "war trophies" was escorted away after being searched, marking the end of today’s activity. As for other household items inside? Who would dare to take advantage!
As the sky gradually darkened, Zhou Jiao, wrapped like a bear, left with them. Walking swiftly without leaving a trace, she discreetly touched both sides of the books on the cart.
In the space, she placed three secret letters and a bribery list within them.
This was real information she had personally collected; in fact, there was much more than this. The more one boasts of a prestigious lineage, the dirtier the insides.
And for revenge, no matter how unscrupulous, she wouldn’t fabricate facts; this was her bottom line.
This ti, the letters naturally belonged to the secret correspondence of Old Liang and Beauty Liang, father and daughter. Apart from the facts involved, if there really was a secret letter, Old Liang would have definitely ensured its disappearance.
But the masterpiece, which only revealed its content under candle wax, was Zhou Jiao’s entertainnt of malicious interest. She had prepared these things a year ago; if not used now, then when?
All arrows pointed to Liang Shengnan, making the other side even more cautious, and the Liang family like fish on a chopping board—at anyone’s rcy.
Yet, was her target ever just the Liang family?
Since soone had made a move, she decided to help them a bit, leaving the subsequent outcos to fate, just as her father said, to sit back and enjoy the show.
Upon returning, Zhou Jiao seized the opportunity to take out the two books from the space, then "accidentally" dropped a dozen books on the ground with a crash, exclaiming in surprise among onlookers, "There’s a letter"...
Then, in a hall crowded with excited Red Guards, she intentionally or unintentionally, occasionally guided a newly t naive girl beside her word by word.
Under the girl’s triumphant gaze, the contents of all the letters were officially exposed to the public.
After the fervor, was anything more needed to be said?
——Tomorrow morning, continue to search; never stopping until the secret chamber is found!
"Down with Liang Youge, down with Liang Shengnan..."
"......"
Chants echoed thunderously.
After this small climax, it was alti. Not just her, many others from outside also had to go to various reception places for als and lodging.
Truly, it was the beginning of a good story.
After leaving, Zhou Jiao hurried through a maze of alleys, recalling the plum blossoms in the snow and fruit trees in the courtyard she had just seen. She truly admired Mr. Liang’s leisurely pursuits.
In her family’s courtyards, not to ntion fruit trees, even flowers and plants were uprooted. Who didn’t know pogranates and red dates had good anings? But who dared? It was unimaginable that such a bold personality existed.
Was it underestimating the situation, or believing his family had so backing?
One could only say, so scoundrels were pretentious.
To have such a lively daughter, the father is hardly better. Otherwise, who would flaunt porcelain, jade, and old culture against the wind?
Seeing the sky growing darker, Zhou Jiao quickened her pace after changing clothes, carrying a kilogram of pork belly, two stripped bone tubes, and two mackerels rushing to her master’s place.
"Really lined up? Such a silly girl! In this cold weather, aren’t you frozen?"
Zhou Jiao looked at the sky, "It’s okay, I’m young. Master, I’m leaving now; don’t wander off. I’ll co by again in a few days."
"I know, I know," Doctor Hu said perfunctorily.
"Then I’m off."
"I won’t keep you," Doctor Hu said before reminding her, "Don’t think now is an exception not to study well, rember, I’ll check."
"Rest assured."
Zhou Jiao waved at him and took her leave. To queue? She’d better hurry ho. At this mont, her husband and son must be worried sick.
And indeed, in the Big Courtyard, Zhang Guoqing was worried sick. On top of that, today seed to be an unusual day—Yi Jiefang had left, and after dinner, Fang Fei and his wife with their two children ca by.
With them there, not only was he worried about his wife, but he also had to worry about his eldest son showing abnormalities.
Soon after, Yi Jiefang ca back with sections of sausage sent from his hotown. Before he even entered, his voice was heard.
"Ping’an, Uncle’s brought you sweet sausages."
Oh my, that’s Cantonese sausage, his son is no bumpkin! Zhang Guoqing looked speechlessly at this foolish brother coming in.
"Damn cold," Yi Jiefang shivered from the warm air upon entering, spotting Fang Fei, "Brother Xiao Fei, these are your little guys."
Fang Fei, half-laughing, scolded, "Get lost!"
"Weren’t you on overti today?"
"Got so downti."
Yi Jiefang laughed, turning to Zhang Guoqing, "Da Yong will bring dog at here soon; how about a hot pot tonight?"
What else would it be?!
Miao Lishan, hearing the commotion, ca out and, before Zhang Guoqing could reply, smiled, "There’s Jiao Jiao’s fish balls and frozen tofu at ho."
"Aunt Shan is the best. Little Wu from your house is too bad, not even giving a heads-up about fish balls. If I knew, I wouldn’t have gone ho for lunch."
Zhang Guoqing eyed him, annoyed, rembering how soone just ate a big bowl of fish ball noodles earlier. Not the least bit ashad to fib.
"Where’s Uncle Zhou?"
"Not back yet."
Yi Jiefang exaggeratedly exclaid, "Truly hardworking."
Zhang Guoqing shook his head, amused, worried he might ask about Zhou Jiao. Seeing Miao Lishan’s arm hooked with a coat, he changed the topic, "Mom, heading out?"
"Mm, going to see the old lady."
"Grandma, I’ll go with you."
Miao Lishan shook her head, "No need, play with your brothers and sisters."
"Alright." Though he said so, Ping’an followed her out, watching her figure disappear into the Cheng Family before turning in another direction.
The early winter night, with the north wind howling, made the branches outside whistle.
The pedestrians on the road were becoming sparse, so wrapped in scarves and gloves, hunching down and running briskly; so children covered their ears with both hands, dodging the wind, and walking backward.
Avoiding the occasional patrol passing by, Ping’an didn’t know which path Zhou Jiao would return from the Big Courtyard, only wandering back and forth on the route she often took.
The little figure, wrapped up with only a sliver of eyes showing, had no more smiles on his small face, and his sharp eyes scanned the surroundings.
Walking along, gradually, he saw a familiar figure, with seemingly unhurried but light steps and a poised stance.
Ping’an’s eyes brightened, joyfully running forward, letting out a muffled laugh, "Mom."
Zhou Jiao imdiately pulled down her scarf mask, "Why did you run back? Quickly cover your face," she said, hugging him tightly. The child had truly grown; she missed the ease of holding him with one hand.
Ping’an smiled without speaking. How wonderful! Safe back ho.
Looking around, Zhou Jiao softly asked, "Anything you want to eat?"
Ping’an knew she intended to take out so good food, quickly shaking his head, "Uncle Fang and Uncle Da Yi are at ho; Grandpa hasn’t returned yet."
"Got it."
The implication from her son was clear, and Zhou Jiao abandoned the thought of bringing back things.
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