Rebirth of an Old Farmer: Escape from Famine with Children and Grandchildren

"My son is just too soft-hearted!"

She suddenly ordered: "Go and see if Concubine Liu is awake now. If she is, come and tell me."

The little girl quickly did as she was told.

After the people walked away, Mrs. Liu looked around and made sure that there was no one around. Then she took out a small paper bag from her bosom and sprinkled all the powder inside into the chicken soup.

After waiting for a moment, she poured the prepared chicken soup into the bowl.

At this time, the little girl who was in charge of the fire came in again. When she saw Old Lady Liu, she timidly stood by the door.

Old Madam Liu glanced at the obvious freckles on her face, and her expression softened a little: "This is the chicken soup I made specially for Aunt Liu in the back."

"When Juqing comes, ask her to take it there."

"Don't touch a single drop of the rest. Save it for me to drink at noon. Remember?"

The fire-making girl immediately nodded in agreement.

Only then did Mrs. Liu leave with satisfaction.

Soon, Juqing returned to the kitchen, but found that Mrs. Liu was not there.

The fire maid quickly reminded: "Sister Juqing, the old lady said that this bowl of chicken soup was specially made for Concubine Liu and asked you to deliver it to her."

Ju Qing was stunned for a moment, then responded, "Oh, okay."

After saying that, he picked up the chicken soup and turned to walk towards the backyard.

"Aunt Liu? Grandma made some chicken soup and sent me to bring it to you."

Inside the house, Aunt Liu had just gotten up from her bed and was waiting impatiently for the maid to help her wash and dress up. Upon hearing this, her eyes suddenly lit up.

She pulled the curtain open and walked out: "What did you just say? Grandma stewed it for me herself!?"

Ju Qing smiled lightly: "That's right!"

"You are the only one who has such a blessing in the backyard. The soup is still hot, drink it quickly."

Aunt Liu was surprised at first, but then she was filled with joy: "Oh, I'll drink it, I'll drink it right away!"

She carefully took the chicken soup and smelled the rich aroma, her heart filled with pride.

The old lady scolded those people in the east courtyard yesterday, and today she brought me chicken soup.

Think about the betrothal gift returned by County Magistrate Ren, and the meaning is self-evident.

Aunt Liu drank the chicken soup almost reverently.

Ju Qing took the empty bowl and bowed, "I will take my leave now."

After saying this, he turned around and was about to leave.

Unexpectedly, before he could even leave the house, a shrill scream suddenly rang out from behind him: "Ah!"

Juqing's face turned pale and he suddenly turned around and rushed into the house. He saw Aunt Liu, who had been so cheerful just now, now collapsed on the ground, bleeding from all seven orifices, and died in a miserable state.

Juqing slipped and fell to the ground.

Soon, the news that Aunt Liu in the backyard had died of poisoning spread like wildfire.

Liu Zijing received this unfortunate news early in the morning. He glared at the two maids kneeling in front of him with his eyes wide open.

One is Juqing, and the other is Yue'er who is beside Aunt Liu.

Yue'er was trembling all over. "From yesterday to this morning, she was fine. Aunt Liu even asked me to bring breakfast later."

"Before I even left the house, Sister Juqing showed up, bringing a bowl of chicken soup. She said it was a special gift from Grandma for Auntie..."

"Auntie just finished drinking the chicken soup and then she collapsed..."

Yue'er cried as she spoke, and Liu Zijing's face became even gloomier.

The servant quickly stepped forward and covered Yue'er's mouth.

Liu Zijing then turned to Juqing: "Juqing, what do you want to say?"

Juqing was in a trance, her face pale, her body as frail as a willow swaying in the wind. She looked up at Liu Zijing blankly, and Liu Zijing felt a little pity for her.

He said gently, "Tell me the whole story. It's okay. I will seek justice for you."

However, Juqing did not respond immediately.

Her gaze swept over to Old Lady Liu beside Liu Zijing and met her deep, dark eyes.

Juqing lowered his head instantly.

Everything suddenly became clear, and Juqing couldn't believe that this kind old man could be so cruel!

She originally thought that the old lady would at most give Aunt Liu a lecture and ask her to move out.

Who would have thought that she would take someone's life directly!

Or use your own hands!

Juqing felt cold all over and almost fainted when looking at Liu Zijing.

What could she say? Should she accuse the old lady of poisoning?

Ju Qing was sure that if he really said that, the next one to die would be himself!

Seeing Juqing trembling on the ground, Liu Zijing's expression became more and more serious.

"Juqing!"

He couldn't help but raise his tone, and Juqing on the ground trembled suddenly, his face as pale as paper.

Old Lady Liu witnessed this scene and secretly cursed the girl for being a waste.

In desperation, he could only whisper: "I don't think this girl did it."

She's been busy running around for me these past few days, and she's genuinely a sensible child with a good heart."

"Besides, I asked her to deliver the chicken soup. Who would be so stupid as to blatantly poison someone right under their nose?"

After hearing this, Liu Zijing's expression softened a bit: "Mom, you have a point."

"Juqing, since the old lady guaranteed you, did you meet anyone when you delivered the chicken soup?"

This question completely confused Ju Qing.

She looked at Old Lady Liu, unable to guess her intentions, and could only shake her head honestly: "No, I didn't meet anyone..."

"So the matter is not in our house."

Old Mrs. Liu suddenly changed the subject.

Juqing suddenly realized and looked up at Old Lady Liu, only to see a hint of warning in her eyes.

So that was the plan!

Juqing felt like he had grasped the key to the problem.

It turned out that Mrs. Liu was not targeting her, but was looking for trouble with the woman selling chickens!

In that instant, Ju Qing didn't care about what kind of conflict the chicken seller had with Old Lady Liu. She seemed to have grasped the last straw and said anxiously, "It's that woman!"

"The woman who sold the chicken to our family!"

Liu Zijing looked confused: "What do you mean? Please explain it in detail."

Ju Qing swallowed nervously. "These chickens weren't bought from the usual market. The other day, the old lady and I saw a woman selling chickens at the back door. They looked quite plump, so we bought them."

"Looking back now, it seems strange. Most villagers take their chickens and ducks to the market to sell, but why was she hanging around in the backyard?"

"That must be the idea!"

The more Juqing spoke, the more certain she became, as if she had seen the woman poisoning him with her own eyes.

"Master, think about it, our house has never had any problems in all these years, but there is a problem this time. It must be that woman's doing!"

Old Mrs. Liu nodded hesitantly: "Yes, that's what happened..."

"But that woman looks familiar to me. Juqing, do you know where she's from?"

This really stumped Juqing.

But she immediately made up a story: "I don't know, but I told her to deliver a chicken every day. She will definitely come again tomorrow!"

Liu Zijing was still a little confused: "If she really poisoned me, and she's already done it, wouldn't it be suicide if she comes back tomorrow?"

Juqing was speechless.

Fortunately, Old Lady Liu chimed in, "So we absolutely must not let the news leak out."

"Let's keep the news of Madam Liu's death secret for now. Let that woman relax her guard. If she has any suspicions, she will definitely come back tomorrow."

This is a solution.