Chapter 550: Fragrance

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Qin Zhenzhen found herself at a loss for an immediate response to the question posed. However, she couldnt help but contemplate, If it were a woman, the prospect of being consigned to a military camp as a military prost.i.tute would likely elicit strong repulsion, wouldnt it?

Su Bin calmly interjected, Excitement is a natural reaction. Its normal to resist such a proposition. But, did she antic.i.p.ate that, in the event of a successful case reversal and her survival, she would end up in a military camp?

Qin Zhenzhen wondered whether Chen Liner had received this information from someone else or if it was a conclusion she had drawn independently.

A young girl who escaped from the countryside, Su Bin continued, Upon arriving at her husbands home, she primarily engaged in domestic ch.o.r.es and had limited exposure to the outside world. Yet, she expressed these thoughts.

The notion of serving the country and being treated as expendable didnt align with the expectations for an uneducated woman. Su Bin began harboring suspicions about Chen Liners background.

Considering the unique challenges faced by women, Qin Zhenzhen a.s.serted, If you genuinely wish to a.s.sist Chen Liner in overturning her case, I am willing to meet with her.

Recognizing the distinctive approach needed for counseling, Qin Zhenzhen believed she could connect with Chen Liner in a way that Mr. Chen and Su Bin might not. She trusted Su Bins determination, knowing he wouldnt pursue this unless confident of success.

Su Bins commitment to overturning Chen Liners case was not solely about personal achievement. It was an opportunity to distinguish himself from the previous governor, demonstrating a genuine commitment to the well-being of the people.

In a strategic alliance with the Third Prince and Lin Yue, they aimed to use this case as a warning to the mountain bandits, urging them to refrain from descending into the valleys to wreak havoc. The message was clear: burning, killing, and looting would not go unpunished, and innocent civilians must be spared. Lin Yue and the others were prepared to handle any bandits who disregarded this stern warning.

Su Bins focus extended beyond the mountains boundaries, directing his attention to those individuals colluding with the bandits, wreaking havoc in the region. His commitment was clear: apprehend each wrongdoer and administer punishment commensurate with their crimes to restore a semblance of normalcy in Shanglin Prefecture.

Qin Zhenzhen sensed Su Bins intention to create distance between himself and

Chen Liner. Despite this, Su Bin hesitated to permit Qin Zhenzhens visit to Chen Liner, expressing concern for her well-being, especially considering her pregnancy.

a.s.serting her own resilience, Qin Zhenzhen insisted, You underestimate my strength. I wont let a few scoldings trouble me, especially at this crucial time.

Undeterred, she proposed, Ill go myself.

Explaining her motivation, Qin Zhenzhen shared insights gleaned from public discussions on Chen Liners case. Many believed Chen Liner was not colluding with w.a.n.g Nian but rather being targeted by him. Rumors suggested that w.a.n.g Nian and the mountain bandits had inflicted harm on her family, potentially leading to the fatal confrontation.

Some claim w.a.n.g Nian a.s.saulted her, Qin Zhenzhen continued, and that she retaliated due to suspicions of her familys harm.

Expressing her own curiosity about the cases intricacies, she declared, I want to understand the cause and effect of this situation.

Defying Su Bins reservations, Qin Zhenzhen visited Chen Liner the next day, bringing a basket of food. As the enticing aroma filled the cell upon unveiling the basket, Chen Liner, touched by the gesture, couldnt help but feel a surge of emotion, almost on the verge of tears.

The aroma stirred memories long forgotten, a fragrance she hadnt experienced in ages.

In the cell, each person was allocated three meals, consisting mainly of porridge and pickled vegetables, with an occasional morsel of meat. Rumor had it that Uncle Zhao, the cook, had sacrificed his own portion for her. Uncle Zhao, acquainted with Chen Liners father-in-law, couldnt bear to witness her endure hunger.

In the world of the cell, rules dictated that prisoners were not ent.i.tled to a full meal or the luxury of meat. The intent was to keep them perpetually hungry, with growling stomachs and blurred vision, rendering them too weak to contemplate escape. This strategy also made it more manageable for the vigilant bailiffs tasked with their watch.

These were the unspoken regulations within the confines of the government office..