Seeing that Feng Yuan no longer tried to defend himself, the imperial inspector Lin made his decision.
Using fake "blood swallows" had almost cost the life of a pregnant woman and her unborn child. Moreover, he had schemed to ruin the innocence of a good - family girl. For these multiple crimes, the assets of the Feng family and the Dingtai Restaurant were confiscated, and Feng Yuan was flogged thirty times and imprisoned.
Although Lian Ji didn't mean to harm anyone, by a strange twist of fate, she had also almost caused a death and was not blameless. Considering that she was a woman, the flogging was waived, but she was fined a hundred taels of silver as a mild punishment to serve as a warning.
Lian Ji was quite obedient. She paid the fine honestly and sent many small trinkets like cloth tigers and longevity locks to the premature - birth woman's mansion, which completely appeased the woman, and the matter was thus settled.
Su Buchi seemed dissatisfied with this decision. Before he could speak up, Li Ying quickly tugged at the corner of his robe and stopped him.
It was obvious that the imperial inspector Lin didn't want to punish Lian Ji severely. Although they didn't know the inside story, openly questioning it would probably lead to trouble.
After the three of them left the yamen, Li Ying quickly grabbed Lu Xunguang and asked, "Lian Ji didn't recognize you just now, did she?"
Although Lian Ji had been submissive, only focused on pushing the blame onto Feng Yuan, she presumably hadn't noticed. But Li Ying still didn't want Lu Xunguang to take risks.
Lu Xunguang said in a deep voice, "Don't worry. I was just a little servant beside Uncle Su today. Lian Ji is so arrogant that she didn't even look at me."
Li Ying felt relieved. Only then did she realize that in her concern for Lu Xunguang, she had left Su Buchi, who had rushed here all the way to testify for her, aside.
"Uncle Su, thank you so much today. If it weren't for your help, I might have suffered a great deal by now."
Su Buchi smiled gently and just waved his hand indifferently. "It's nothing. It's just a small matter. You don't need to take it to heart."
He intentionally kept a bit of distance from her.
Li Ying originally thought he was avoiding suspicion on purpose. But when she saw that his ever - present folding fan was now put away, she suddenly came to her senses.
This uncle Su, who was so elegant and clean - loving, had just held the wooden box full of swallow droppings to identify Feng Yuan. Now, his body must be contaminated with filth.
Su Buchi did this because he didn't want her to smell the slightest bit of filth, nor did he want to offend her.
Li Ying felt extremely ashamed.
How disrespectful!
What on earth did she do to deserve such a noble and spotless young master to overcome his cleanliness obsession and help her testify?
Fearing that Uncle Su might be unhappy, Li Ying casually found an excuse and hurriedly bid farewell. She went straight to the largest clothing store in the town.
"Bring me your best plain - colored clothes!"
Without hesitation, Li Ying placed a silver ingot in front of the shopkeeper. The shopkeeper recognized her and quickly and respectfully presented a moon - white long robe.
Li Ying felt that the material was really as soft as moonlight and flowing water, and it was also adorned with many cloud - pattern embroideries. It was very elegant, and she was sure Su Buchi would like it.
She also picked out two delicate headbands and sashes, as well as a pair of cloud - walking shoes, and then asked the shopkeeper to wrap them up.
"Boss Li, do you want to take a look at the newly - arrived fabrics? They are all the fashionable styles in the capital. They are just right for making autumn clothes."
While packing up, the shopkeeper warmly greeted her.
Li Ying saw that there were indeed a few girls bustling around comparing the colors. Remembering that A Man and Mian Mian had grown a lot, and Granny Sun's old clothes should be replaced, she nodded and didn't hesitate at all. She also ordered several sets of clothes.
She picked up the long robe prepared for Su Buchi. After walking a few steps, she thought for a moment and then stopped. She selected a bolt of dark - blue brocade and took it with her.
Back in the village, when Su Buchi saw her coming with the brand - new clothes, he understood her intention.
He took the long robe and said with a smile, "Miss Li, you've spent too much. What I did today was just a simple act. It was all thanks to A Xun's secret planning. You should thank him instead. I really feel unworthy of such a generous gift."
Li Ying said softly, "Uncle Su is as noble and spotless as the bright moon and clear breeze. It was out of concern for me that you got involved in the dirty scheming and intrigues in this world of fame and fortune. I really feel bad about it. If you're really not angry with me, please accept this small token of gratitude."
Her words were so sincere that Su Buchi couldn't decline anymore.
After she left, he closed the door of his room. Then he cast a soft look at the moon - white long robe, gently stroked the cloud patterns on the lapel, carefully scented it with sandalwood, and put it away in the camphor - wood wardrobe.
After bidding farewell to Su Buchi, Li Ying went straight to find Lu Xunguang.
He had already guessed that she had rushed away to buy a new set of clothes as compensation for Su Buchi. Now seeing her coming back with a smile, he casually asked, "Have you given the new clothes to Uncle Su?"
Li Ying could tell that although he pretended to be magnanimous, there was still a faint hint of jealousy in his words, which made her feel amused.
She pretended not to understand his jealousy and said seriously, "We are the younger generation. Isn't it only natural for us to show respect to our elders? Moreover, Uncle Su helped us, so of course I should reciprocate."
Hearing the words "younger generation" and "elder", Lu Xunguang felt refreshed, but he deliberately continued to keep a straight face and asked her.
"A Ying, since the time when Feng Yuan sent hooligans to harm you before the Wulin Conference, I've been secretly planning. Today, I even caught his right - hand man, threatened and bribed him, and finally got him to turn against Feng Yuan. Does that count as a contribution? Uncle Su got a thank - you gift. What about mine?"
He seriously asked her for a thank - you gift. Li Ying scolded him gently and said with a soft smile, "The weather will turn cold soon. I've selected the fabric and plan to make a cloak for you myself. Stand still quickly and let me take your measurements."
Lu Xunguang didn't expect her to be so dedicated. Immediately, he composed himself and stood still obediently, spreading out his arms like a stiff wooden stake.
Seeing his appearance, Li Ying suddenly had the urge to tease him. She rummaged in her bosom for a while, frowned, and said, "Oh, it seems I can't take the measurements today. I forgot to bring the ruler..."
Seeing Lu Xunguang's eyebrows visibly sink a bit, she tiptoed and whispered in his ear, "However, I can also use my hands to measure."
She spread out her palm and slowly measured from Lu Xunguang's left shoulder to his right shoulder inch by inch with her thumb and index finger. Her fingertips slid down from his chest to his abdomen.
Lu Xunguang's body, which was as stiff as a stone, began to burn uncontrollably under her measurement.
"Don't move. If you move, the measurements will be inaccurate, and the clothes won't fit."
Seeing his Adam's apple roll like a newly - hatched chick, Li Ying deliberately teased him.
She put her arms around Lu Xunguang's waist, looked at him seriously with the two pools of water in her eyes, and gently placed a fair index finger between his eyebrows.
"Well... If I want to make a headband, I should also measure the distance between your eyebrows..."
Her breath was like the fragrance of orchids. Every word made Lu Xunguang's heart flutter. Seeing that she still showed no sign of stopping, his eyes darkened, and he reached out and clasped the back of the restless little woman in his arms.
"Perhaps A Ying is not good at needlework. I don't know when I'll be able to wear this cloak. How about giving me some other rewards first?"
When Li Ying finally struggled out of his arms out of breath, the man finally smiled contentedly. Then he asked seriously, "A Ying, although Lian Ji suffered a setback at your hands this time, she probably won't let it go easily. What are your plans next?"