She is the Side Character! — Watch Her Change her fate!

Chapter 42: Chapter 42: The Young Master Is a Woman 42

Soon, Ah Chen received a letter from Ning Yuxin asking for help, concerning the disappearance of He Zheng’an.

After all, they were husband and wife.

Although their feelings were not deep, He Zheng’an was not a bad person, and usually showed her respect. Being the father of her daughter, his parents-in-law were also very worried. Upon learning of his disappearance, they arranged for people to search for him, while Ning Yuxin wrote to Ah Chen for help.

At that time, besides Ah Chen, she could think of no one else to turn to.

Ah Chen immediately replied to Ning Yuxin, assuring her not to worry, promising that He Zheng’an would be found.

After sending the letter, Ah Chen arranged for a few people to go to the place where illegal mining was happening, instructing them to look after him secretly. Once He Zheng’an’s spirit was tempered enough, they would rescue him. He deserved some hardship for daring to wander into the wilderness by himself; he was bold enough.

At this moment, He Zheng’an was toiling in the illegal mine, having been held there for three days. He was extremely hungry and had no idea how many lashes he had endured.

He had never suffered such hardships before in his life.

During the day, he would cry out miserably from the beatings, and at night, the hunger led him to weep softly.

He would be called to rise before dawn to eat a bowl of coarse food unlike anything he’d seen before, sometimes even foul in flavor, but he found it delicious due to his great hunger.

He longed for home, for the warm meals and teas there.

Even if his parents scolded him for being reckless, when he fell ill, they were more anxious than anyone else.

He also thought of Yuxin; though their bond was not especially deep, by her side he felt free and comfortable. She always knew what he wanted. She was gentle and considerate, never embarrassing him, the most perfect wife.

She would make him delicate little trinkets. Whenever he wore them out and people inquired, he might not say much, but inside, he was very proud.

Yuxin was also a talented woman, proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, far superior to the so-called talented women and libertine scholars he’d seen outside. Though he wasn’t literate, he felt her writings were unmatched.

He never boasted of these things to others; it felt uncomfortable to flaunt his wife’s talents to others.

And then there was Long’er, his beloved and precious daughter.

Thinking of her calling him ”Papa” so sweetly melted his heart.

In the dead of night, He Zheng’an lay on the hard, cold large bed, quietly sobbing, his face wet with tears.

This cursed place seemed like nowhere, mountains stretching endlessly around. During the day, looking out from the doorway, one could hardly see far.

He felt he might never return home.

No, he couldn’t give up.

He had to find a way to leave this damned place, then go to his brother-in-law to complain.

His brother-in-law was already Prince Ning Cang; shutting down an illegal mine should be easy, right?

Even if not, couldn’t his brother-in-law appeal to the man on the dragon throne? Though it was strange for men to be involved with each other, that was his brother-in-law’s business; it wasn’t something he could manage.

In hindsight, it might have been a blessing.

With that person involved, how could they not take down an illegal mine? No matter who backed them, they were doomed!

His brother-in-law was indeed very ruthless.

Those people messing with him were picking a fight with someone beyond their match.

Another half-month passed, and He Zheng’an’s initial hope had waned; he was despondent. However, he still hadn’t given up on escaping.

So many days passed; his brother-in-law probably wouldn’t come for him.

He’d have to find his own way out.

Only by getting out could he go to his brother-in-law to complain.

It wasn’t their fault they hadn’t found him; it was because the illegal mine was hidden deep in the mountains. Who would have thought he’d been captured by illegal miners?

He had to find a way out!

The suffering here was too much.

After half a month, He Zheng’an was darker, had lost significant weight, and bore many lash marks, even having fallen ill for two days. The overseers didn’t treat the captured laborers as humans; even when sick, they had to work as long as they could move. Not working meant getting beaten until they stood; nobody could endure it, they’d crawl to work if they had to.

Perhaps he was somewhat fortunate, having met two kind brothers who helped him; otherwise, he wouldn’t know what to do during those two days.

”My family has plenty of silver; if I get out, I’ll surely repay you.”

”And I have a powerful brother-in-law whose identity I can’t reveal. When the time comes, I’ll introduce you,” He Zheng’an murmured quietly, his eyes sparkling with hope.

Surely, he could escape, right?

He must not give up; his entire life shouldn’t be spent here.

He missed his family, his parents, Yuxin, Long’er, and those few guards he had dismissed for being too nagging...

The two kind brothers: ”...”

Two months later, Ah Chen saw that the time was ripe and surrounded the illegal mine with her people, rescuing the emaciated, beggar-like He Zheng’an.

”Brother-in-law! You finally came.” He Zheng’an cried as he ran toward Ah Chen, wanting to embrace her, but was blocked by Ying Fang’s sword. Looking pitifully, he dared not approach, with eyes red and tearful.

From now on, if anyone said anything bad about his brother-in-law, he’d lose his temper; this was his savior.

”You almost didn’t see me,” said He Zheng’an, not forgetting to repay the two kind brothers by pulling them over. ”This is my brother-in-law, you heard everyone’s address just now; yes, it’s indeed the current Prince Ning Cang.”

”Without these two brothers, I might not have met you...” Rubbing his hands together, He Zheng’an sidled up to Ah Chen and whispered, ”I promised them I’d introduce them to you, brother-in-law. Can you do me a favor and arrange some odd jobs for them? I’ll even pay their wages.”

The two kind brothers, skilled in martial arts, heard He Zheng’an’s words clearly and, thankfully, maintained a humble, honest expression.

”I see your physiques are quite good. After staying in the illegal mine for so many days, you’ve kept strong bodies. Why not stay and work with me?” Ah Chen’s gaze fell on the two, ”How about it?”

Of course, they were strong, having comrades outside secretly delivering food to them.

The two kind brothers quickly agreed; the Commandery Prince was indeed wise. Now, they could not only stay by the Prince’s side but could openly appear in the future without being questioned about why they were helping the Prince.

He Zheng’an didn’t expect this outcome, feeling proud.

But now he wanted to return home more than ever before.

Ah Chen had to handle the aftermath of the illegal mine incident; without some backing, the illegal miners wouldn’t be so brazen. Before coming, she had thoroughly investigated the situation and found it involved Court officials; she even discussed it with her family’s head last night.

Today, she still needed to go through some formalities; her presence here couldn’t be avoided.

”You take care and don’t fall for their tricks,” He Zheng’an urged before swiftly climbing onto a carriage. He even took the two kind brothers back, saying he’d treat them to a meal and repay them with silver.

With Ah Chen’s permission, the two followed along.