Chapter 22: Pitiful
With no other options, Su Ning had to return and plead for help.
Her brothers were not at home, and Qin Zhenzhen was the only person she could turn to.
"Third Sister-in-law, will you help save my Fifth Brother?"
"I promise to treat you well in the future!"
Fifth Brother was already 12 years old, a grown boy. Having his pants taken off would bring long-lasting humiliation.
Qin Zhenzhen locked eyes with Su Ning. "How do you propose I save him?"
Su Ning couldn't hold back her tears.
"The best outcome would be if you can prove my Fifth Brother's innocence. If that's not possible, could you please lend me one liang to secure his release? We will definitely repay you!"
Their immediate goal was to ensure Fifth Brother wasn't humiliated. They would figure out the rest once Second Brother and the others returned.
Qin Zhenzhen didn't completely trust Su Ning's words.
According to the records, Su Cheng was portrayed as a thief.
Although the book mentioned that he fell into thieving due to bad influence, the possibility of having the "thief genes" lingered.
That's what the book claimed.
However, after carefully observing Su Ning, Qin Zhenzhen noticed no signs of deception.
"You truly didn't steal the corns?"
"No, I swear!"
Witnessing Su Ning's desperation and realizing she wasn't lying, Su Ning raised her hands in distress.
"If I'm lying, I'll marry the ugliest man alive!"
Qin Zhenzhen couldn't help but chuckle. She hadn't expected Su Ning to make such a drastic oath.
In the book, Su Ning's fixation on appearances made it the most severe vow imaginable for her.
Qin Zhenzhen believed her about 60%.
Regardless of whether Su Cheng had stolen the corns from their aunt's home or not, she planned to visit him anyway.
After all, she was their Third Sister-in-law!
Her goal was to mend their relationship.
Qin Zhenzhen was determined to meet Su Cheng's troublesome aunt.
If Su Cheng hadn't stolen the corns, she would find a way to prove his innocence. If he had, she would prevent him from being stripped naked.
On the way, Qin Zhenzhen asked Su Ning for more details.
There were other children present who were also cutting the grass, and some of them resembled Su Cheng.
Su Ning recounted the whole story to Qin Zhenzhen.
"Qian Duoduo is the only one who looks like my Fifth Brother."
"When we were cutting the grass, we were all scattered. I can't think of anyone suspicious."
"Qian Duoduo and my Fifth Brother have a close relationship. He's the only one who stood up for my Fifth Brother."
Qin Zhenzhen inquired, "Was Qian Duoduo with you at that time?"
Su Ning shook her head. "Not together, but he was nearby."
Qin Zhenzhen took note of that information.
However, since the story wasn't written in the book, Qin Zhenzhen couldn't determine who the true thief was.
They remained uncertain whether Su Cheng had actually stolen the corns.
They soon arrived at the scene of the incident.
By this time, there were already seven or eight children gathered, observing the spectacle, while a few adults were pointing fingers.
Ms. Lin's narrative had changed as well. She claimed to have witnessed Su Cheng stealing the corns in the mountains and later discovered five stolen corns in Su Cheng's sweet potato field.
He was caught red-handed, and he had no choice but to confess.
Su Cheng kept swearing and crying.
"I didn't steal the corns! I didn't steal yours!"
"I swear, if I were the thief, may I suffer a dreadful death!"
"That scoundrel must have hidden the corns in my field! Come out and confess!"
"May you meet a terrible demise and have no descendants!"
His voice was hoarse, and his eyes were bloodshot. He appeared truly pitiful.
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