A Jin thought to himself, what nonsense. Tao Lengshuang isn't like that, so how could you, a fake, be?
"You shouldn't be dwelling on this useless matter right now. You should be thinking about how to return to the Sheng family. More importantly, you need to secure the Sheng family's assets and prevent them from being snatched away by others."
Sheng Li was indeed distracted. She said angrily, "Give me a few people, and I have plenty of ways to get my things back."
Hearing this, A Jin felt much better. He arranged for about ten people for Sheng Li. The more Sheng Li caused trouble, the better.
Sheng Li, with her ten or so followers, arrived at a grain shop belonging to the Sheng family. Without a word, she ordered her subordinates to loot and smash: "Take it all. If you can't take it, break it."
"My possessions, I'd rather give them to a cat or a dog than to anyone else."
The shopkeeper and employees saw Sheng Li and her group storm in aggressively. The shopkeeper quickly had an employee go to the Sheng family to explain the situation and another to report to the Jingzhao Prefecture yamen.
"Sheng Li, what are you talking about? You've been expelled from the Sheng family. The Sheng family's assets have nothing to do with you," the shopkeeper shouted indignantly.
The gathered onlookers heard this and began to scorn Sheng Li.
"It's Sheng Li again. Doesn't she feel uncomfortable unless she causes trouble every day? She's simply too wicked."
"I really don't know where Sheng Li gets the nerve to say such things. She was expelled from the Sheng family long ago. Everything in the Sheng family has nothing to do with her."
"She's shameless, that's how. You all know what Sheng Li has done. Any family that has a daughter like her is cursed for eight lifetimes."
Hearing this, Sheng Li roared with a hateful expression, "I am the only child of the Sheng family. Everything in the Sheng family belongs to me. No one has the right to expel me from the Sheng family."
"You bunch of lowly wretches, dare to say another word and I'll wipe out your entire families. Get lost!"
Sheng Li was already deeply disliked by the common people. Now, with her arrogant words, she instantly ignited the anger of the onlookers.
"Beat her!"
The crowd surged towards Sheng Li. Some even picked up carrying poles and other weapons, and began to beat her mercilessly.
"Who do you think you are, to call us lowly wretches? How noble are you?"
"Look at your pig-like ugliness. Just looking at you is disgusting, and hearing you bark like that makes me even more nauseous."
Sheng Li had brought about ten followers, but these ten were no match for dozens or hundreds of common people. Before long, everyone, including Sheng Li, was beaten and injured all over.
Afterward, Sheng Li and her group were all arrested and thrown into prison by the constables of the Jingzhao Prefecture yamen.
No matter how Sheng Li cursed and threatened in prison, not a single jailer paid her any mind. Some jailers, angered by her, even whipped her.
One day, in prison, Sheng Li overheard two jailers talking.
"Did you hear? Sheng Li was poisoned, which is why she's become so stupid and volatile."
"Is that true? Who would poison Sheng Li? She has no value now."
"You're an idiot. Before, she was the only child of the Sheng family and had the Cheng family as her in-laws. Everyone had to show her some respect. Look at her now, having lost everything. It's all because of this poison."
"I still don't understand. Wouldn't it be better for the person to use Sheng Li to gain control of the Sheng family? Why scheme against her like this?"
"I heard it's someone who has a grudge against the Sheng family. The Sheng family has offended many people over the years. Those people couldn't deal with the Sheng family, so they targeted the Sheng family's only child."
"So that's how it is. Hey, I heard someone helped Sheng Li? The person who helped her is the one who harmed her?"
"I don't know about that. But, who in this world would help you for no reason, without asking for a single coin or any benefit? Even a fool knows there's something fishy."
"Isn't Sheng Li just a fool? Her life used to be so good and comfortable. She insisted on causing trouble every day, believing what others said, and brought herself to this state. She deserves it."
Hearing this, Sheng Li collapsed onto the ground, her mind buzzing. Yet, she had never been so clear-headed.
Yes, A Jin and the others asked for no money and no benefits. They wanted nothing yet went to such lengths to help her. This clearly indicated a problem.
Then why did she agree to cooperate with A Jin back then?
Recalling A Jin's words about being able to solve all her troubles and problems, and her own self-righteous arrogance at the time, she understood everything.
But, the most hateful were her parents.
If her parents hadn't explained things clearly to her, managed her properly, and helped her resolve these matters, she wouldn't have ended up like this.
It was all her parents' fault!
When she got out, she would use A Jin to deal with her parents, reclaim her assets, and then slowly settle accounts with A Jin.
Sheng Li's fantasies were beautiful, but by the time she got out, it was almost the New Year.
...
After a rare period of peace, and with the New Year approaching, Tao Lengshuang and Shen Ershen were busy preparing, all hoping for a good year.
Tao Lengshuang's intention was not to have a grand celebration, but for the three families to gather and have a lively time. Not having a grand celebration could avoid many complications.
While making pickles in the kitchen, she heard Shen Ershen's slightly loud but joyful voice.
"Mo family, your husband is back!"
Tao Lengshuang's face lit up with joy. She put down what she was doing, wiped her hands on her apron, and went to greet him. "You're back?"
Mo Lingxi, dusty from his travels, handed his bundle to Xiao Feng. He spoke with Tao Lengshuang as they walked back to the house.
"I have to leave on the afternoon of the first day."
He shook the snow off his boots at the doorway before entering the house and taking off his thick outer coat. "How has the family been recently?"
Tao Lengshuang hung up his outer coat and poured him a bowl of hot water. "The secret guards have already told you everything, why are you still asking me?"
Mo Lingxi took a large gulp of hot water, feeling much warmer. "I just want to hear it from you."
Tao Lengshuang smiled at him playfully, not mentioning the family matters. "How is your situation?"
Mo Lingxi's expression turned serious, and he couldn't help but sigh. "The situation is even worse than we found out. Many officials are hiding the real situation, or reporting that the situation is not serious."
Tao Lengshuang understood the reason. Seeing that Mo Lingxi was not in a good mood, she started talking about the New Year.
"For the New Year, we're planning for the three families to have a reunion dinner together and have a good lively celebration. It'll be a way to ward off bad luck."
Mo Lingxi's handsome face softened. "That's good. The New Year should be celebrated with liveliness."
"By the way, your pills are in high demand. Should we increase the production?"
Tao Lengshuang couldn't help but sigh, realizing that it was indeed easiest to earn money from women, especially those in the palace.
Since gaining this income, her life had visibly improved. However, her future was still uncertain.
The money needed in the future was too much, and it wasn't just about having money.
"I'm thinking of adding another type of pill... Let's not talk about that for now. Are you tired? If you're not tired, would you accompany me to the mountains? I have something to show you."