The village head was surprised by Li Yue Shu's quick wit and found the child to be exceptionally intelligent.
However, thinking of her family troubles, he felt pity for her. "Alas, it's your mother-in-law. She somehow heard about you being arrested and is spreading rumors throughout the village, saying you offended a noble and even if you're released, the noble won't let you go..."
Li Yue Shu's expression turned cold, her aura intensifying as if it could materialize.
She didn't necessarily need the villagers' help, but compared to strangers, people from her own village were more familiar.
She understood the villagers' concerns, but it still felt a bit uncomfortable that they shunned her like a plague over a few whispers.
The village head was startled by her demeanor and couldn't react for a long time.
His heart skipped a beat, and he said in a hoarse voice, "Actually... not everyone is unwilling to come."
Only then did Li Yue Shu notice the village head's unusual behavior and quickly restrained her emotions. "Someone is willing to participate?"
The village head coughed twice, suppressing his flustered feelings. "Uh... yes, it's Sun Ming Da and his wife."
Mentioning the couple, the village head sighed with regret. "The Sun family used to live quite well, but unfortunately..."
As if thinking of something, the village head paused and instinctively glanced at Li Yue Shu.
Li Yue Shu sensed his strange look and, before she could inquire further, heard him suddenly say, "Although Sun Ming Da's wife, Madam Zhou, hasn't studied medicine, Sun Ming Da broke his leg a few years ago, and she often helped with dispensing and brewing medicine. She has some foundation."
"Madam Zhou is the most diligent person in our village. As long as the daily wages are paid, she can do any job. Your work can be done at home, which is especially suitable for her."
From the village head's tone, it seemed he strongly hoped she would hire Madam Zhou.
Li Yue Shu asked with confusion, "Everyone in the village is avoiding me like the plague now. The Sun family is willing to learn medicine at this time, aren't they afraid?"
Mentioning this, the village head sighed regretfully. "Sun Ming Da broke his leg a few years ago and can't do anything. Old Man Sun has been bedridden for years, so it's up to Madam Zhou to support the family. She herself said that if they can't even survive, no one will care about these trivial matters."
Li Yue Shu was taken aback, feeling as if her heart had been struck by that last sentence.
After some thought, she decided to visit the Sun family.
The entire village shunned her like a plague due to Shen family's meddling, yet the Sun family was willing to take her work.
For this reason alone, she needed to pay attention to the Sun family.
However, after dealing with the Sun family's matters, she would settle the score with Madam Shen!
They thought they could isolate her in the village? It wouldn't be that easy!
The village head, unaware of her thoughts, felt a little embarrassed. "It's not easy for you to support your family alone. I thought I could help you, but I didn't expect..."
He sighed again. "Don't worry, they're afraid of getting into trouble, but I'm not! If they don't take your work, I will!"
He was old enough to have some judgment about people.
The third son of the Shen family's wife was definitely not an ordinary village woman, otherwise, she wouldn't have been arrested by the county magistrate for offending a noble, only to be sent back by the magistrate's carriage, safe and sound.
Li Yue Shu smiled gently and offered the village head a cup of tea. "Thank you for your trust, Village Head. After I visit the Sun family, I'll set a training time."
The village head was stunned. "You're going to the Sun family?"
Li Yue Shu was puzzled by his reaction but still nodded.
"This..." The village head hesitated, unsure how to phrase it.
Finally, he slapped his thigh. "Ah, I'll be direct with you. Sun Ming Da's leg was broken that year when he went up the mountain to find Shen Wei."
Li Yue Shu was surprised, having never expected this connection.
With nothing more to hide, the village head continued, "Shen Wei didn't return after going into the back mountain. I organized the villagers to search for him, and Sun Ming Da broke his leg at that time."
"Later, the Sun family couldn't afford the medical expenses. I took it upon myself to go to the Shen family to speak with your mother-in-law, but she'd rather smash her head against a pillar than pay, even considering separating the family."
He paused here, feeling a little embarrassed. "Speaking of which, the main reason you were bought by your mother-in-law was this."
Li Yue Shu hadn't known about these past events but didn't blame the village head.
Even without the Sun family, given the Shen family's nature, they would have kicked the four children out of the house anyway.
She smiled faintly. "Thank you for telling me so much, Village Head. I'll arrange the training after I've sorted things out. I'll have A'Yi inform you at your home."
Seeing her determination to visit the Sun family, the village head couldn't persuade her further but cautioned, "Madam Zhou has a strong personality. After all, Sun Ming Da's misfortune was due to Shen Wei. Be careful not to quarrel with her when you go."
He knew Li Yue Shu could also be stubborn and feared they might clash.
Li Yue Shu felt a mix of amusement and helplessness. "Don't worry, I won't."
The village head looked unconvinced. Despite Li Yue Shu's repeated assurances, as he was leaving, he still asked, "Perhaps I should accompany you to the Sun family?"
Li Yue Shu: "..."
Upon hearing she was going to the Sun family, Aunt Liu immediately objected, "No, you can't go. You don't know the past grievances between the Sun and Shen families..."
"I know, the village head has told me," Li Yue Shu said with some helplessness.
Shen Wei, who was playing with Shen Zhi Yu and Wei Ling, heard the commotion and turned his head curiously.
Li Yue Shu, not noticing him, explained, "Sun Ming Da's leg was broken because of Shen Wei, but for so long, even though our family has prospered, they haven't come to ask for anything. I believe they are not unreasonable people."
"Besides, I'm a doctor. I should visit the Sun family no matter what."
Although she hadn't met Madam Zhou, based on the village head's words, she could guess that she wasn't someone who would act recklessly.
Aunt Liu still disagreed, "If you must go, I'll accompany you!"
Li Yue Shu felt helpless but warmed by the sentiment.
Just as she was about to say something, Shen Wei suddenly appeared from somewhere. "I'm going too!"
He didn't know that someone in the village had broken their leg because of him and felt he should at least go and see.
Li Yue Shu was startled and looked at his expression, which seemed to convey, "Is there something fun happening?" she said with a hint of helplessness.
She poked Shen Wei's forehead as he leaned in. "I'm going to repay a debt of gratitude for you, not to play. Stay home obediently."
The warm, soft touch on his brow made Shen Wei pause. It felt as if it had pierced through his forehead and touched his heart, causing his heart to beat faster involuntarily.
Li Yue Shu didn't notice his reaction and heard Aunt Liu clap her hands decisively. "Shen Wei should accompany you! The grievances between the two families are mainly because of him, so he should go!"
Li Yue Shu had no choice but to take Shen Wei with her. Aunt Liu also insisted on packing a basket of eggs and pork for them.
As she saw Li Yue Shu off at the door, Aunt Liu still cautioned, "If Madam Zhou gets angry, bear with her a little, but don't let yourself be too wronged. If anything happens, run back quickly."
Li Yue Shu: "..."
She somehow felt like she was sending a child off on their first solo outing.