Chapter 2058: Hold On a Little Longer

Chapter 2058: Hold On a Little Longer

Lou Shi's mention of the strange occurrence wasn't about having fewer hoes at home, as Shu Yu had speculated. Instead, it was something else entirely.

"On the morning after that incident, Ruan Jinqian from the village entrance came to our house, looking for my father-in-law to mediate. He said the hoe had been stolen and wanted my father-in-law's help in recovering it."

A hoe was a valuable iron farming tool. While it might not compare to precious metals and gems these days, it was still a significant asset for ordinary farming households. Losing it was a big concern, especially when the hoe was relatively new.

According to Ruan Jinqian, he had gone to work in the fields that evening. Feeling tired, he had placed the hoe on the field's edge and sat down under a tree to rest and have a drink. In just a short while, when he returned to the field, the hoe was gone.

He initially thought he might have remembered wrong and searched the whole mu of land but couldn't find it even until it got dark. That's when he suspected it had been stolen. Ruan Jinqian had actually gone to Ruan Hai's house on that day, but Lou Shi didn't see him since she was inside the house and might have only heard some noise. At that time, Ruan Hai had gone out with Ruan Kewei, so Ruan Jinqian left.

He came back the next day to seek help again.

Ruan Chengqian listened in surprise, "So, Ruan Kewei took Ruan Jinqian's hoe to commit the murder?"

"If we assume the premise of a murder is correct, according to Ruan Kewei's behavior, he would be considered a crime of passion. Without prior planning, the weapon would generally be something easily accessible. The scene of the crime might be near the area where Ruan Jinqian lost his hoe."

Shu Yu stood up, saying, "In any case, we need to go to the scene first. Do you know where Ruan Jinqian's field is?"

Ruan Chengqian replied, "I know their fields, but I'm not sure which one he was working on that day."

"I know. It's the one at the foot of the mountain," Lou Shi said. "I overheard it that day, and my father-in-law also pretended to go along with Ruan Jinqian to look around, but they found nothing."

"Let's go take a look at that field near the mountain."

Ruan Chengqian was surprised that she wanted to go now, considering it was late at night. "Are you going now? It's very dark, and without proper lighting, we won't be able to see anything."

"I know, but since we're out, it would be a waste not to go. Let's check the terrain first."

Ruan Chengqian nodded, "Alright, I'll take you there."

However, seeing Lou Shi's injuries and her limp as she walked, Shu Yu told her to stay at home temporarily.

"We'll go, and you stay here to recover. We won't be coming back tonight, so don't return to the Ruan house for the next two days. If the Ruan family comes looking for you, you..."

Shu Yu paused for a moment, then whispered, "You pretend to be bedridden from your injuries. Make them pay for your medical expenses to go see a doctor in the county. If they refuse, go by yourselves. It's an opportunity to avoid this trouble."

Shu Yu was worried that Ruan Hai might take action against Lou Shi's family before the situation with the Ruan family was resolved.

She gave Lou Shi the address of the clinic run by Zhao Xikai in the county. "This is my brother-in-law's clinic. Even if you don't fake being severely ill, considering your injuries, it's a good idea to see a doctor. Discuss it with your parents; don't leave any real injuries behind."

Lou Shi took note of the information and thanked Shu Yu, "Thank you, County Princess."

"You don't need to worry. If Ruan Kewei has really committed murder, we won't let him get away with it. Even if he didn't, we'll bring Ruan Hai down to help you with your divorce. Just hold on a little longer."