Chapter 2397: The Shu Family’s Reward

Ms. Wu was initially hurt by the Shu family and went through a period of self-doubt, becoming much more sensitive.

Faced with these rumors, Ms. Wu had no choice but to passively endure them. Even when she returned to her maiden family, several sisters-in-law were much more silent, and little nephews dared not go out to play.

Now, she has been affirmed of her merit by the emperor, freed from criminal records, and also received a reward.

Ms. Wu was ecstatic, and Aunt Fang quickly reminded her. She immediately took a deep breath and kowtowed three times solidly.

She didn’t go out; she just smiled happily at the Wu family outside the door, then quietly waited aside to continue listening to the county magistrate proclaim the decree.

The Shu family had already become numb. Shu Quan thought that’s just the way it was; eventually, it would be his turn.

Following this, the county magistrate announced the rewards for several villagers who had helped in this action, and finally, his gaze fell upon the Shu family.

"Shu Quan, step forward to hear the decree."

Shu Quan felt invigorated, holding his breath.

Shu Quan had also contributed considerably to this operation. If Shu Feng hadn’t been one of the masterminds, Shu Quan might have been able to gain some extra benefits.

Nonetheless, the reward given by the emperor was exactly what the Shu family wanted.

Currently, in the second branch of the Shu family, apart from Miss Four Shu Zhao who is already married, and Sixth Young Lady Shu Qing who followed Madam Hou back to the capital early on, there’s only Shu Quan, Second Madam Shu, Mrs. Liu, and a thirteen-year-old bastard.

This time, all of them were freed from criminal records. Shu Quan received a reward of fifty taels, allowing them to restore their original household registration.

The Shu family let out a long sigh of relief, and the gratitude they expressed was noticeably louder.

After the county magistrate finished reading the Imperial Decree, he addressed everyone present, "The grace of the emperor is immense, absolving you of your crimes. I hope you will abide by the law in the future and not do things that harm others and yourselves. Tomorrow, you will go to the Office to handle household registration documents."

"Yes, Lord."

The county magistrate then cupped his hands to Shu Yu and Young Master Meng, "I still have matters to attend to and cannot stay here for long. If the county magistrate and Young Master Meng have any instructions, feel free to convey them to Wang Changdong and Steward Yu."

"Lord is too kind, please proceed as you wish; we are just here to see friends," Meng Yunzheng said.

The county magistrate nodded and soon took his leave.

Once he left, there was an instant burst of lively noise outside the manor; quite a number of people from Righteous Dao Village were directly freed from criminal records, especially Ms. Wu, surrounded proudly and contentedly by her brothers, surged homeward.

Shu Yu smiled and turned to ask the Xu Family and Fang Family, "Now that the Imperial Decree has been issued, once you finish handling the household registration documents at the Office tomorrow, you will be free again. When do you plan to set off back to the capital?"

Xu Dali thought for a moment, "Zhensheng’s health has improved considerably. Since he now has a post at the central judicial office, we shouldn’t delay too long, lest something unexpected happens. Once we go to the Office tomorrow, we will see if there is an escort agency with carriages going to the capital, and then we’ll leave the day after."

Aunt Fang quickly said, "Ma Lu and Ayue can also leave the day after tomorrow. It’s just right that you are all going to the capital, so you’ll have company along the way."

Fang Xiyue was surprised, "Mother... I’ve just come to terms with separating from father and mother, and now there’s no time to buffer; we’re leaving directly?"

Father Fang waved his hand, "Zhensheng shouldn’t delay the central judicial office’s assignment, and Ma Lu surely shouldn’t delay Lord Qi’s matters either. Lord Qi has helped us a lot; we should all do our best to serve."