Farm Girl's Manor
Chapter 677 Framing Evidence (2)_1

Chapter 677: Chapter 677 Framing Evidence (2)_1

Ten older children had finally seized the opportunity and received their parents’ permission, so they were not willing to give up. They tried every possible method, coaxing and deceiving, until they eventually persuaded the little ones to return home.

The five beasts lead the way in the front, while Mo Yan had his younger brothers and sisters walk in the middle with the group of children, and he stayed at the end to prevent anyone from getting lost halfway. Fortunately, these rambunctious children were somewhat sensible and it was their first real adventure into the mountains, so they were exceptionally obedient.

It was now deep autumn, and much of the flora in the mountains had withered away, and creatures like snakes, insects, rodents, and ants were no longer as rampant as in the summer, so there was no worry about getting bitten by bugs or accidentally stepping on a snake.

The five beasts often ventured into the mountains and knew where to find trees bearing fruit that weren’t available in the Space or orchards, so they led Mo Yan and the others through the mountains in search of those wild fruit trees.

The fruits on some shrubs were also very delicious and easy to pick, delighting the group of children who rarely ate fruit. Holding little baskets, they couldn’t wait to pick and stuff the fruits into their mouths. Before long, their baskets were full, and their bellies were stuffed as well.

The mountain paths were treacherous, and it was easy to tumble down the slopes and get injured. With so many children, Mo Yan could not possibly keep an eye on all of them, so after digging up a few fruit seedlings and picking some medicinal herbs not found in the Space, she led the not-yet-satisfied children down the mountain.

Mo Yan had good eyesight, and as soon as she reached the mountain pass, she saw from a distance seven or eight villagers gearing up to climb the mountain, thinking they were the parents of the children who came to check because they were worried. Only when she approached them did she realize these people were specifically looking for her.

"Yan girl, you better hide the five beasts quickly. Several people have brought a government officer to the Mo Family’s home, insisting that your five beasts have bitten them, demanding that you hand over the five beasts and compensate their families with Five Hundred Taels of Silver each!" blurted out an articulate woman with an anxious expression.

Whether the five beasts really bit someone or those people intentionally came to swindle, such matters were never clear-cut. For now, if the five beasts were to hide, and the Mo Family could deny any responsibility, perhaps the matter would blow over.

Their own children had just been saved by the five beasts, so they had to stand by the Mo Family no matter what and not allow them to suffer any losses. Sneaking up the mountain to relay the message was their way of repaying the kindness, for keeping it to themselves would bother their conscience.

Mo Yan’s expression changed. Nobody knew better than she whether the five beasts had hurt anyone. Those people making trouble at her doorstep were obviously trying to extort them. If this issue was not resolved amicably, the villagers would surely deem the five beasts too dangerous and would no longer turn a blind eye as before. They might even band together and force her to dispose of the beasts.

No matter what, she absolutely couldn’t hide the five beasts, or others would think her family guilty, falling right into those people’s trap. She wouldn’t allow anyone to harm the five beasts, nor would she give those people Silver as compensation. She wanted to see just who was stirring up trouble, trying to harm her family.

Mo Yan took a deep breath and smiled at the concerned villagers, "Thank you all for risking warning us, but as my five beasts haven’t hurt anyone, how could I wrongfully hide them? If those people dare to falsely accuse the five beasts in broad daylight, I will seek justice on their behalf from those petty villains who came to extort us."

Seeing her determination, the villagers knew they couldn’t dissuade her and could only say, "Yan girl, we believe in the innocence of the five beasts. Don’t worry, if those riffraff really dare to do something to the five beasts, we’ll grab sticks and hoes and drive those troublemakers out of the village."

"Exactly, the five beasts are creatures of good nature and intelligence; we can’t let such scoundrels get away with it."