A ragged cub at the beginning

The box was full of gold ingots. If it were smashed, Fang Xiwan would probably die on the spot.

He wanted to smash this crazy woman to death, smashing her brains out. He opened his eyes wide and waited for that moment. It must be very exciting. Zhu Xiaoting raised a malicious smile, but the box in his hand was knocked open by a strong force. He was already unstable, and was knocked down, falling heavily to the ground. He saw a pair of black boots. They were unique to the yamen runners and could be seen every day.

He thought: This is really the end.

Tang Xu saw the yamen runners go in and arrest people, so she quietly returned home. Qi Yue was not at home, so she walked to Tang Ling's room and knocked on the door, "Sister, are you back?"

"Here." Tang Ling's voice sounded a little strange, and it seemed that he had something in his mouth.

Tang Xu asked curiously: "Sister, what are you doing?"

There was no more sound from inside. Tang Xu felt something was wrong and tried to push the door, but it was locked. She walked around the door twice and looked towards the backyard. The window of this room seemed to be at the back. She walked over quietly and looked inside through the crack of the window that was not closed tightly.

Tang Ling was changing the dressing on the broken wound, and when he noticed the sight slipped away, he threw a dart. Tang Xu suddenly ducked his head and squatted down, and the dart hit the window with a dull sound, "Sister! It's me! You're injured! You're bleeding! Do you want to see a doctor?"

"It's okay, go away." Tang Ling wiped the blood from the wounds he could reach and prepared to apply medicine.

Tang Xu ran to the front again and knocked on the door vigorously, "Sister, please open the door, I'll help you! Is this the injury you got today?" She didn't see clearly just now, she only saw a lot of blood.

"No, go away." Tang Ling said again.

Tang Xu paused for a moment, feeling that she couldn't just ignore it. Even if the injury wasn't today, it was possible that the injury got worse when she was saving people. She stood outside the door and said, "Open the door, open the door, open the door..."

Tang Ling was annoyed by her, and felt like there was a mosquito buzzing in her ear. She threw her clothes on, walked over and opened the door. Before she could say anything, Tang Xu bent over and squeezed in, with a smile on his face, "Let me help you apply the medicine, and I can also help you bandage."

Tang Ling stared at her expressionlessly. It felt like two minutes before Tang Xu threw the medicine bottle over and sat on the ground. She looked at it and found that the medicine bottle looked very familiar. Wasn't it the medicine that made her want to roll on the ground after applying it? "This medicine hurts so much. Is there nothing else?"

Tang Ling stared at her without saying anything. Tang Xu shrank his neck and stopped talking. He walked over and gently took off her clothes. There were cuts, whip wounds, and puncture wounds on her back. Tang Ling probably couldn't reach them, so these wounds were not cleaned.

Tang Xu then carefully wiped away the blood with a cloth. The intact wounds made her scalp numb. Some were almost healed, while others healed and then split again. She poured medicine powder on them one by one with shaking hands. It was obviously the medicine that made her jump in pain, but Tang Ling seemed to have no feeling. If the muscles near the wound had not trembled slightly, she would have thought that Tang Ling had no sense of pain.

There weren't many wounds on the chest, but they were very noticeable on the fair skin. Tang Ling had cleaned them before, so now she just had to pour the powder on them. Tang Xu's movements were very gentle, and she didn't have the heart to use force when wrapping the bandages. After doing all this, she was almost sweating. "Change the medicine twice a day, right? I'll come again tomorrow morning."

"No need, I can do it myself." Tang Ling took out another all-black top from the small bag and put it on.

Tang Xu pretended not to hear, looked at the empty room and said, "Go to my room and sleep. You are so seriously injured that you can't sleep on the floor."

"No, go out." Tang Ling sat down in the corner, leaned against the wall and closed his eyes, obviously refusing to communicate.

How could Tang Xu watch a patient sleeping like this, but she couldn't drag her away either. Firstly, she couldn't beat her, and secondly, she was afraid that the wound would open again.

She returned to her room and pulled out two thick quilts. These were the thick quilts that Dong Wanwan had prepared for her for winter use. Each quilt weighed seven or eight kilograms and was better to put on the floor. However, with Tang Ling's back in such a state, she probably couldn't lie down at all.

Tang Ling did not refuse the quilt, mainly because she was afraid that Tang Xu would recite the scriptures again.

Tang Xu smiled, took a shower and went to sleep. He had to open the business tomorrow, so he must not be unable to get out of bed by then.

The loud sound of firecrackers blasted, and another new store opened on Guixiang Street. Passersby stopped and covered their ears, only to see a heroic-looking woman standing at the door of the new store with a smile on her face, holding up a bamboo pole and lifting the red silk on the plaque.

Keep this moment.

What is this for sale? Why is it a woman? Someone asked in confusion.

But he soon found out. The woman at the door of the new shop was holding a paper tube rolled into a hammer shape and said loudly: "Dear fellow villagers, don't miss it if you pass by. Our new shop has just opened, and the main business is portraits. Each person is 15 cents! On the first day of opening, everyone will get a 20% discount. You can take your own portrait home for only 12 cents! Whether you want to paint yourself, your parents or your wife, it's all 12 cents per person! With only 12 cents, you can keep your current appearance and the appearance of your loved ones!"

After Tang Xu finished shouting, he applauded himself.

Some people thought this woman was interesting and clapped their hands. One person led another, and soon the whole place burst into warm applause.

"I'm the only artist in the shop, and my work schedule is limited. I can only accept ten customers a day! First come, first served! The price won't be the same tomorrow!"

Hearing that there were only ten people, many people became anxious and walked into the store in two or three steps.

Tang Xu was behind the counter receiving customers and answering their questions. Those who were sure they wanted to be painted now could pay and start right away. She took the people to the back screen, and Dong Wanwan took her place to receive other people. If anyone wanted to be painted later, she would give them a number plate and tell them when they could come.

Where are Qiyue and Fang Zijun? Fang Yuanqin is at home taking care of them. Dong Wanwan knows that Tang Xu is opening a business today and insists on coming to help. Fang Yuanqin rests his chin on his hand and looks at the children in the yard. He doesn't know why he can't go out to make money by selling goods and has to stay at home to take care of the children.

But when he thought about the wages Tang Xu paid him yesterday, he started to chuckle again. This was much more money than working hard in the wind and sun, running around.

It was almost lunchtime, but the store was still busy. Many customers had shown their support at the Zhu family's door last time. Tang Xu shook his wrist, which was aching from the intense painting.

Seeing that it was getting late, Dong Wanwan told Tang Xu to go back and cook. She had been talking all morning until her mouth was dry and her throat was hoarse. Tang Xu had been sitting there without moving, her hands constantly drawing. Seeing her shaking her wrists several times, Dong Wanwan felt distressed and could not help but persuade her, "Take a rest after drawing this."

"It's okay. I have another one scheduled this afternoon." Tang Xu said with a smile, "Sister Wan, you've worked hard. Don't cook. Just buy some food. Pay for it yourself."

"I just made some money. It won't be a big deal for me to go back and make it. You can go back and eat it later or I'll send it to you." Dong Wanwan asked.

"Let's eat in the restaurant. It will be ready after these busy days." Tang Xu said without turning his head.

Seeing that the guests were there, Dong Wanwan didn't try to persuade them. She sighed and went back.

Wang Xiaofang knew that Tang Xu had opened a shop next door. She was impressed by the girl's ability to make money and took out the drawings that Tang Xu had drawn for her. She had originally thought that these could not make money and put them aside. After all, who would be willing to buy this?

Now I am somewhat tempted. This girl is so good at making money. She opened a shop in just a few days. Why not try her method? Maybe I can make a lot of money.

She took out the blueprint, and since her daughter was free, she asked her to follow it. Her husband took a look and said nothing more.

July brought lunch, and he leaned against Tang Xu, saying in a baby voice how much he missed his mother. Tang Xu held his little face and kissed him hard a few times, and hurried to finish the meal before the guests with number cards arrived.

When July came, I didn't want to leave, so I moved a stool and sat next to the counter.

At this time, a carriage drove in front of the door. A girl got out of the carriage and saw July sitting there with her chin in her hand. She was so cute that her heart trembled. "July."

"Aunt Luhuan!" Qiyue looked up blankly and saw that it was an acquaintance. He jumped up and went to greet her. He remembered this aunt! She gave him a lot of delicious food!

"Little Qiyue, it seems like you've grown taller?" Luhuan said with a smile.

July nodded and said, "I've grown taller. I'm as tall as my mother." He raised his hand to compare. In fact, he had no idea whether he had grown taller or not, but if others said he had grown taller, then he must have grown taller.

"Haha, where's your mother?" Lu Huan asked, "I just went to your house and found out that your mother has opened a shop?"

"Here." Tang Xu stuck his head out and continued drawing for the guests.

"Business is good? Money is coming in." Lu Huan said with a smile.

"Hahaha, I'm grateful for your words." Tang Xu laughed, "The painting that Young Master Zhou wants has not been completed yet. I've been busy these days, so it will be delivered the day after tomorrow at the latest."

"No hurry, I'm here to deliver some things to you, not to rush you to finish the painting." Luhuan asked the driver to move the things out. Cloth, snacks, tea, and sugar filled the counter.

Tang Xu apologized to the customer and asked him to wait for a moment. He stood up and stopped Lu Huan, "Didn't you say that you don't need these?"

"That won't do. If I had known your shop was opening, I would have stocked up more." Lu Huan retreated to the door and waved to Qi Yue, "Goodbye, little Qi Yue."

July raised her hand and waved, "Goodbye, auntie."

"Boss Tang, is Young Master Zhou the same Young Master Zhou from West Street?" asked the customer who was waiting for a painting.

"It's that one." Tang Xu looked at these things worriedly, sat back and continued painting.

"You are still drawing for Young Master Zhou?" The guest's eyes widened.

"Yes, it's rare that Young Master Zhou thinks highly of me." Tang Xu smiled.

"That must be because you have talent!" The customer thought happily. He and Young Master Zhou bought paintings from the same artist. How proud he would be if he could tell others about it!

Tang Xu stopped talking. His wrist was getting more and more painful.

Dong Wanwan came over to help after she had finished cleaning the house. Tang Xu gave her the house key and asked her to help send the things back.

Dong Wanwan naturally responded and ran over to call her husband and son to help move the things.

Qiyue followed behind with snacks in her arms, eating as she walked, and not forgetting to feed Fang Zijun. Dong Wanwan and Fang Yuanqin didn't want his snacks, saying that it was inconvenient to bend over while holding things.

After painting the last customer, Tang Xu counted the money she earned. It was three hundred yuan, and her hands were almost broken. Painting rich people's colored portraits was more profitable, so she took the money and closed the shop.

When they reached the door of Fang's house, Dong Wanwan invited her to eat. She hesitated for a moment, Tang Ling's wound had not healed yet, she couldn't let her starve, so she had to go back and cook for her.

"What's wrong? Are you tired? Aren't you hungry?" Dong Wanwan asked with concern.

"Well, I don't have much appetite." Tang Xu nodded.

"Then I'll pack some for you. You can take it back and heat it up when you're hungry." Dong Wanwan said.

That's great! Tang Xu nodded quickly and counted out thirty coins. Dong Wanwan packed the food and brought it over, and she quickly stuffed the money in.

"What are you doing! This is not allowed!" Dong Wanwan refused to accept it.

"Sister Wan," Tang Xu frowned, "I can't let you work for nothing. My brother-in-law is at home, and I feel embarrassed about the small amount of money. You two help take care of the children and cook, so this is very little."

"How can it be too little? It's too much! Sanping works so hard every day and only earns one or two taels of silver a month. I have such an easy life, how can I ask for so much in a day!" Dong Wanwan counted out ten coins and said, "This is enough for me. Go back quickly."

"No, stop talking to me. My wrist hurts so much, I want to go back and apply some medicine." Tang Xu pushed the money away, pulled July and ran away.

"Hey, this girl!" Dong Wanwan picked up the few coins that fell on the ground. "It's only a few dollars a day. I can't move after sitting there all day. My wrist hurts so much. How can I take her money?"

Fang Yuanqin was listening nearby. "Just take the money she gave you. If you need anything, help her out. I don't think she likes you to refuse. Let's do more work. It won't be a shame to take the money."

Dong Wanwan glared at him, and Fang Yuanqin quickly buried his head in his food. Fang Zijun looked left and right, and saw his mother turned to him, imitating his father's way of eating. "They just eat and eat, as if they have never eaten before!"

Tang Xu returned home and delivered a portion of the meal to Tang Ling's door, "Sister, it's time to eat." It was as if there were prisoners locked up in the room, who were only delivered three meals a day and were not allowed to come out.

"Yeah." Tang Ling hummed.

"Sister, I got some cloth today. Last time I said I would make clothes for you. Come and pick some and let Sister Wan make them for you. You see, the one I'm wearing was made by her." Tang Xu knocked on the door again.

Tang Ling was not interested in clothes, so he opened the door, took the food and said, "Whatever."

"I'll ask my neighbors to buy ready-made furniture for your room tomorrow and have it delivered directly to me then." Tang Xu stretched his head to take a look into the room. The quilt looked used, so that was good.

"Well, I'll go out when they come." Tang Ling nodded indifferently.

This means that he doesn't want to see people, so Tang Xu doesn't force him.

After dinner, I applied hot water to my wrist and put on some plaster.

The children all came over actively. There were already four sets of tables and chairs in the room. The happiest one was Zhao Yunniang, whose smile never faded. Her father listened to Aunt Xu's advice and asked the doctor to help make the medicine into pills, so that her mother could finally take the medicine on time. With the help of Aunt Xu and Aunt Wan, she could eat delicious food every day, and she got out of bed by herself today!

She now has a table and chair, and can write with Qiyue and the others. She has been envious for a long time. Mother said that Aunt Xu is their benefactor, and they must repay her in the future.

During the break, Tang Xu took the children to play in the yard. Du Yun came over and chatted: "Zhu Wuqing and the mayor's house caught fire, and many children appeared at the door with bruises all over their bodies. Did you know?"

Tang Xu met his gaze, tilted his head and smiled: "Good news."

Du Yun looked at her smiling eyes, which sparkled in the moonlight and made people unable to look away. He paused, looked away, and continued: "Zhu Wuqing and Zhu Tou were seriously injured and relied on medicine to hang on. Almost all the bones in their bodies were broken. Zhu Xiaoting was caught by the yamen runners. Madam Zhu reported that Zhu Xiaoting used his position as the mayor to kidnap, imprison and abuse young children. Even his own son was killed. In the dry well in the backyard of Zhu Wuqing's house, six bodies were found, two adults and four children. In the garden in the backyard of Zhu Xiaoting's house, the bodies of eight young children were buried, including his own son." Du Yun's face was expressionless, but his eyes were also full of anger.

Tang Xu couldn't help but grit her teeth. These beasts deserved to die! They didn't even let their own son go! Zhu Xiaoting was worse than pigs and dogs! She should let Tang Ling kill them all!

Du Yun paused and said, "All the people from Zhu Wuqing and Zhu Xiaoting's families are detained and awaiting trial, but someone mentioned that there was a man in black that night and notified them to pick up the child."

Tang Xu stared at Du Yun and asked, "What do you want to say?"

Du Yun sighed, raised his hand and tried to stroke down the fuzzy hair on her head that was blown up like dandelions, but in the end he just squeezed his palm and let it go. "You are a girl, do you know how shocking what you did is?"

Tang Xu said dissatisfiedly: "You look down on women? If it were a man, it wouldn't be shocking?"

Once she said this, it was equivalent to admitting that it was her doing. Du Yun shook his head and laughed under her stare. This was too easy to say, but she didn't seem to realize that she had let the cat out of the bag. "That's not the case."

"What are you laughing at?" Tang Xu stared at him. If she was not satisfied with the answer, then... what would happen? She didn't know.