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墨書 Inktalez
As Liu Qingxi was preparing to leave once again, Liu Qingju called out to her, "Second Sister, wait a moment!"
"What is it, Xiao Ju?" Liu Qingxi was a bit puzzled as she didn't often chat with this cousin.
"Second Sister, I need to talk to you about something. Can we find a quiet place?" Liu Qingju twisted the hem of her clothes, her emotions a mix of nervousness, entanglement, and fear.
In a secluded corner, the scorching sun felt like it would roast someone alive. The already stifling weather made Liu Qingju's heart race, and with her face flushed red, she managed to say, "Aunt is planning to sell Xiao Yan!"
"What???" Liu Qingxi stood there in shock!
"Second Sister, I'm not lying. I just overheard her discussing it with Uncle at home." Fearing that Liu Qingxi wouldn't believe her, Liu Qingju hurriedly recounted every word she had heard from Liu Laoda Wang.
"I understand now, Xiao Ju. Don't tell anyone else about this for now!"
"I know, Second Sister, but I'm scared!" Tears welled up in Liu Qingju's eyes. "Will Aunt sell me too?"
"No way, no way! You still have your parents to protect you. Don't think too much about it. Go help Grandpa and Grandma with their work. Second Sister will think of a way!"
After sending off the anxious Liu Qingju, Liu Qingxi snapped back to reality from her initial shock. She forced herself to calm down; she couldn't panic—she absolutely couldn't panic.
"No one can help me; I can't let Xiao Yan leave me!" This was Liu Qingxi's conviction at that moment. "No wonder Aunt hasn't caused any trouble these past few days; the conspiracy is here."
Liu Qingxi knew very well that given Wang's character and usual behavior, Two Taels of Silver would definitely sell Liu Qingyan. However, she didn't know who Wang intended to sell her brother to.
"No matter who it is, it won't do!" At that moment, Liu Qingxi felt the helplessness of being isolated and unsupported.
After thinking it over, Liu Qingxi made up her mind. She set down her basket and said to Yan, "Grandpa, I'm going out for a bit!"
She took out all the money she had painstakingly saved up recently and carefully tucked it into her clothes; this was all she had to gamble with at the moment.
Ten Li Pu was a poor village with no shops selling goods. It took Liu Qingxi three or four miles to reach the neighboring village where there was a small store.
This family had previously been peddlers but later settled down and sold common items like needles and candies at home. "Aunt, how much are these candies?"
"Which one do you want? This ordinary Malt Sugar costs twelve wen per pound, and there's a better quality one for fifteen wen per pound. These pastries are from the town and are ten wen per pound. Which one do you want?"
Liu Qingxi couldn't help but grimace inside after hearing this. The rough-made candy was so expensive, almost as much as pork.
However, she knew that these candies and snacks were a rare treat for ordinary families.
"Aunt, I'll take one pound of Malt Sugar and one pound of these pastries!" Liu Qingxi reluctantly parted with her precious copper coins.
After buying her items, Liu Qingxi did not return to the cave but headed straight to the center of Ten Li Pu. After nearly a month of observation, she knew this was the home of Village Chief Zhang Wuliang.
Most people in this village had the surname Zhang, so they all had some degree of familial relation. The position of village chief was usually passed down through generations.
The old village head would pass it on to his son, and then to his grandson. The current village chief, Zhang Wuliang, was in his thirties and had three sons and two daughters. His family was relatively well-off in Ten Li Pu.
Liu Qingxi quickly recognized Zhang Wuliang's house. Compared to the dilapidated earthen houses of others, Zhang Wuliang's home was much tidier, although it wasn't made of bricks or tiles.
"Is anyone home?" Liu Qingxi called out as she peeked inside.
In the yard, only a few small children were playing. One boy who looked about seven or eight years old looked up and asked, "Who are you? Who are you looking for?"
"I'm Liu Qingxi, just arrived in Ten Li Pu. I'm looking for the Village Chief; I have something to discuss!"
"Oh! Are you the one living in the cave over there?" the little boy asked innocently.
Everyone around here lived in earthen houses, and only one outsider lived in the cave at the east end of the village. They had heard adults talk about it but had never seen Liu Family before.
After Liu Qingxi nodded, the little boy stood up, brushing off the dirt from his hands. "Wait a moment; I'll go get someone!" He also told the two younger children nearby, "You can't run around!"
After a short while, a woman who looked to be in her thirties came out from behind. The little boy could be heard saying, "Mom, it's that sister looking for Dad!"
"Young lady, what do you need with our headman?"
Liu Qingxi recognized her as the village chief's wife: "Aunt, is Village Chief home? I need to talk to him about something. I'm Liu Qingxi, daughter of Liu Laosan from the Liu Family at the east end of the village!"
She introduced herself first: "Aunt, sorry for bothering you; please give this to my siblings!"
Understanding that one should not bite the hand that feeds them, Liu Qingxi knew this principle well. As soon as Liu saw what she brought over, her expression softened considerably: "Just tell me what you need; no need to be so polite!"
She spoke evasively, but her hands naturally accepted the items.
"Wait a moment, I'll go call someone!" Liu felt pleased inside, as the weight of the two items in her hands was not light. Each of these two letters would cost at least twenty coins; who would usually be willing to buy them?
The little girl was perceptive; if she could help a bit, she would. The key was that these two items would satisfy the cravings of several children at home for a long time.
Liu Qingxi knew the consumption level of the people in Shili Pu Village, which gave her confidence that her bribe of over twenty coins was not insignificant.
Perhaps Village Chief Zhang Wuliang was nearby working, as he returned in less than the time it takes to burn an incense stick. "Qingxi, what do you need me for?"
It should have been Liu who spoke on the way and introduced her identity. At this moment, Zhang Wuliang's tone was gentle, and calling her "girl" expressed his recognition of Liu Qingxi.
"Village Chief, I know it's inappropriate to bring this up with you, but I have no choice. My aunt wants to sell my brother, but my parents died while fleeing from disaster. He is my only brother; I hope you can help!"
Just as Liu Qingxi said this, her words were interrupted by Zhang Wuliang: "It's not that I don't want to help you; it's just that this is your family's matter, and I can't interfere!"
In general, although the Liu family had settled in Ten Li Pu, they were still outsiders and did not have deep connections. Zhang Wuliang did not want to get involved in such matters.
Liu Qingxi naturally understood his thoughts: "Village Chief, you don't need to say anything personally; if it comes to a dispute, I hope you can speak fairly!" This was her simplest request.
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