I started out with seven husbands, and I worked hard to support my family while crying.

Chapter 382: Old man, please speak

The officer said coldly, "Someone has accused you of practicing medicine without a license. Come with us!"

Fang Xiaoxiao was forcibly dragged away by those fierce-looking officials. When the fat man saw this, his eyes widened, and his round body, like a small mountain, suddenly rushed forward to try to stop them: "You can't take Miss Fang away, she is innocent!"

His face was flushed red with anger, veins bulged on his forehead, and he swung his two thick arms violently, as if he wanted to fight the officials to the death.

Pei Yan, however, remained calm and quickly reached out to stop the impulsive and irrational fat man. He shook his head slightly and said solemnly, "Fatty, don't be impulsive. Being impulsive now will only make things worse." Pei Yan's brows were tightly furrowed, and his eyes were full of helplessness and deep worry.

Fang Rourou was already crying her eyes out, tears streaming down her fair face. Her body trembled uncontrollably as she sobbed, "Xiaoxiao, what are we going to do?" Her hands were twisted together helplessly, her eyes filled with despair and fear.

Fang Xiaoxiao turned to look at the crowd, her expression surprisingly calm. She said loudly, "Everyone, don't be impulsive. I believe the truth will come out eventually." Her eyes were unwavering, like the brightest star in the night sky, and her voice was steady and powerful, carrying a reassuring strength.

The group arrived at the yamen (government office). The sun was blazing outside, but it couldn't warm the tense and oppressive atmosphere. A large crowd of onlookers thronged the entrance, whispering and discussing amongst themselves.

In the lobby, the man pointed at Fang Xiaoxiao with a vicious look on his face and shouted in a shrill voice, "It's her! She's practicing medicine illegally and disregarding human life!"

Fang Xiaoxiao merely tilted her head slightly, smiled gently, a smile tinged with disdain and composure. Her gaze swept calmly over the man, as if she were looking at a clown.

The crowd pointed and whispered among themselves, some with doubts, saying, "This Miss Fang doesn't seem like that kind of person." Others, however, had complete trust in Fang Xiaoxiao and said loudly, "Miss Fang is a skilled doctor and a kind person; she must have been wronged."

The new magistrate sat in the hall, but he knew perfectly well that Fang Xiaoxiao had a close relationship with the governor, so he dared not make any hasty conclusions.

He stroked his beard, frowned, and decided to ask for the reason first: "Why did you accuse Fang Xiaoxiao of practicing medicine illegally? Tell the truth, or you will not be let off easily!"

When the man heard the magistrate's question, his eyes began to flicker, his lips trembled, and he couldn't utter a coherent answer for a long time.

Upon seeing this, the magistrate's anger flared up instantly. He slammed his gavel down and shouted, "You audacious scoundrel, how dare you spout nonsense in court! Guards, give him thirty strokes of the cane!"

The constables pounced on the man like wolves, shoving him to the ground. The boards fell repeatedly, making a series of sharp cracking sounds, and the man's screams echoed throughout the hall.

Finally, unable to bear the pain of the paddle any longer, the man cried out the truth. It turned out that he harbored resentment and wanted to retaliate against Fang Xiaoxiao for her previous punishment of his inappropriate behavior.

After the truth came to light, the county magistrate declared Fang Xiaoxiao innocent and released her in court.

The moment Fang Xiaoxiao stepped out of the yamen, sunlight shone on her face. Fatty, Pei Yan, Fang Rourou, and the others immediately swarmed around her like a tide.

"Miss Fang, you've suffered!" The fat man looked guilty, his head bowed, not daring to look Fang Xiaoxiao in the eye.

Fang Xiaoxiao smiled and shook her head, saying nonchalantly, "I'm fine, everyone, don't worry about it."

Fang Rourou quickly wiped away the tears that hadn't dried on her face, and smiled through her tears: "That's great, Xiaoxiao, I knew you'd be alright."

After this incident, Fang Xiaoxiao's reputation grew even stronger, and people admired her integrity and courage. The restaurant's business boomed as a result, filling every day with guests.

The restaurant was bustling with activity that day, filled with laughter and cheerful conversation. Fang Xiaoxiao and Fang Rourou were busy in the lobby, their faces beaming with happiness and contentment.

"Sister Rou Rou, look at this business, it's getting better and better!" Fang Xiaoxiao said to Fang Rou Rou with a smile as she deftly served dishes to customers. Her forehead was covered with fine beads of sweat, but she didn't bother to wipe them away.

Fang Rourou smiled and nodded: "Yes, it's all thanks to you."

At that moment, a wealthy businessman dressed in fine clothes swaggered in.

"Miss Fang, I have long admired your reputation and have come today to sample your medicinal cuisine," the wealthy merchant said politely, his face beaming with a fawning smile.

Fang Xiaoxiao quickly went to greet her: "Welcome, welcome, please have a seat."

Before long, one delicious medicinal dish after another was served, each one a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate. After tasting them, the wealthy merchant couldn't help but give a thumbs up, praising them highly: "This taste is absolutely amazing! Miss Fang, you are truly a genius."

As time passed and night quietly fell, the restaurant remained bustling with customers.

"Oh dear, we're so busy!" The fat man was panting heavily behind the counter, wiping the sweat from his face with his sleeve.

Pei Yan helped greet the guests, running around sweating profusely and looking exhausted.

Looking at the lively scene, Fang Xiaoxiao felt a mix of emotions, including gratitude and satisfaction.

Just then, a mysterious old man slowly walked into the restaurant.

"Young lady, I have a favor to ask." The old man's voice was low and hoarse, and his eyes were full of expectation and pleading.

Fang Xiaoxiao smiled and asked, "Grandpa, please go ahead."

The old man said slowly, "My wife is seriously ill. I have heard of the miraculous effects of your medicinal diet. Could you please come to my house to treat her?"

After listening to the old man's request, Fang Xiaoxiao's eyes flashed with determination, and she agreed without hesitation: "Grandpa, don't worry, I will do my best."

After saying that, she took Pei Yan and followed behind the old man towards Majia Village on the outskirts of the city. Along the way, dust flew everywhere, the winding path was rugged and uneven, and the trees on both sides rustled in the breeze, as if telling the story of the hardships of the journey.

Finally, they arrived at Majia Village. The old man's house sat alone on the edge of the village; it was a dilapidated building, with peeling mud from the walls revealing rotten wood underneath. The thatched roof was sparse and looked as if it might fall off at any moment.

Stepping inside, a damp and rotten smell hit you, making you frown. The old man's wife lay quietly on a dilapidated and simple bed, her face as pale as paper, her eyes dull and lifeless, and she looked extremely haggard.