Chapter 40: Chapter 40
Chapter 40
"Take it easy, Xiao Heng. They’re not here to cause trouble, just asking when you’ll start cultivating the fields so we can come and help," Grandfather Mu said, holding no grudges even though Mu Heng hadn’t appreciated their kindness.
At this point, for the old man, Mu Heng’s family was his hope.
Even though they had separated households, the blood of the Mu family still flowed in their veins. At the very least, Xiao Long was guaranteed to become a scholar, thanks to the 100 silver taels and the knowledge from his granddaughter-in-law.
So, the old man was very friendly at this moment.
"There’s no need, I’ve checked my schedule, and I should be able to finish by myself," Mu Heng waved his hand.
He wanted no favors and preferred not to associate too much with these people. He knew they would never be satisfied. Right now, they pretended to be close to him because they saw an opportunity to become scholars, but what if they failed to meet their expectations one day? Wouldn’t they turn against him then?
"Xiao Heng, when my father says this, you shouldn’t be prejudiced anymore. You’re on your own anyway, letting them help would surely finish the work faster," Second Uncle spoke calmly. He came with them today because he genuinely wanting to help.
The other party had educated his three children to literacy. Every day they came home, they would recite the characters like young scholars. How could a father be unhappy about that?
Moreover, if that knowledge were converted into money, it would amount to many taels. Not everyone would willingly share such knowledge with others, if it weren’t for Yu Qian teaching their children before they even asked, he would have thought that she did it reluctantly, yet the children had learned it before the adults even knew.
So, in truth, this was a real favor from the house of Mu Heng.
"It’s okay, Second Uncle. What we’re going to plant are just ordinary vegetables, mainly for our own consumption. If there’s surplus, we might sell it," Mu Heng said, following the agreement he had with Yueqian.
"Hmm? For your own consumption? Aren’t you keeping a lot of land for produce selling purpose?" Grandfather Mu was a bit puzzled.
Because Yueqian owned a lot of land, at least 200 mu should be allocated for Mu Heng’s use. Yet, Mu Heng was saying he would just grow vegetables for personal consumption?
"Yes, it’s not that much. Just 100 mu is set aside for our consumption, which will all be turned into vegetable plots. With just the produce from the rented land, we should have enough to get through the winter," Mu Heng said.
The Mu family was momentarily taken aback, thought that was a waste. Why didn’t Mu Heng be greedier and keep at least 500 mu for cultivation? If produced well, he could become very wealthy. But if he rented out this 500 mu, at most, he’d only get back the equivalent produce of 100 mu. In their view, Mu Heng was wasting a potential income of 400 mu.
Certainly, this was the thinking of those who worked hard, the thinking of the poor who wouldn’t risk a little to achieve something greater.
For Yueqian, however, she valued the time and comfort more than the potential produce of 400 mu that was lost. If Mu Heng kept all the land and worked it all, wouldn’t that mean he’d earn a lot? But would he be too exhausted to even sleep? Would he be too exhausted to the point of losing all his energy just by opening his mouth to eat?
Yueqian did not want it to be that way.
Originally, her idea was to not keep any land for personal cultivation at all. If they leased out all their land, they could comfortably live off the passive income. However, this idea had to be gradually introduced to Mu Heng. After all, men have their pride, and if Mu Heng knew he was completely redundant, and that the income-generating land belonged to his wife, where would his pride stand?
She intended to slowly push him towards other sources of income. For someone like her, who has been around money-making from birth, making money is not difficult. If she needed money, she just had to reach out her hand.
But the time was not right yet. She let Mu Heng try on his own first, to build his pride in his own way. Having just become his wife, a good wife must also know how to preserve her husband’s face.
"As I said, the land we have is not too much for me to handle on my own; I won’t trouble you all," Mu Heng said.
"Oh, is that so..." The elder, who had brought people along with good intentions, was now hesitating. Yueqian, seeing the goodwill of the other party, then spoke up.
"I appreciate your kindness, but this is a time when we need to hurry and prepare the vegetable plots. The early morning is valuable. You all should go and work on preparing your own plots; I saw Aunt Liao’s family hurrying off earlier. Any later and the sun will be hot," Yueqian said, providing an out for the Mu family.
"That’s true, then we’ll take our leave now. Call us if you need anything." Grandfather Mu looked at Yueqian before departing.
They all went back. The children still glanced back at Yueqian with a sense of regret. They had to work hard on the farm now and wouldn’t have free time for lessons anymore.
Not that Yueqian didn’t understand that look, but there was nothing she could do. They really should help their parents on the farm, as they had limited options. She planned to let them come back for lessons after the farm work had eased, or have Xiao Long and Huan’er help tutor them, as a way for those two to review the lessons as well.
After all the guests had left, Mu Heng finally found the time to start weeding. Today, Yueqian would go to the town again with the children. She planned to buy a cart and horses, using the excuse of selling her old clothes. Last time, she had bought clothes that the villagers liked to wear and had been wearing such clothes herself recently. It wouldn’t be strange to say she wanted to sell off her finer clothes for this purpose.
Originally, Yueqian wanted to go alone so the children could stay home and cook for Mu Heng, but he was too concerned for his wife. So, he insisted that the children go with the young woman. As for the food, he could eat what was left from breakfast. Thus, Yueqian decided to make dumplings again, as it was easy to just warm up some broth and pour it over them. There was also cooked rice, in case the dumplings weren’t enough.
After splitting up, Yueqian immediately took the children to the cart. They were all very excited, as it wasn’t often that they got to go into town. Yueqian had also told them that once she owned the cart, they would be able to visit town more frequently, and they would have more work as well, helping her sell vegetables at the market.
Since everyone else was busy with their farming plot that day, only she and the two younger siblings were in the cart, allowing them to have a fun and lively chat along the way.
Yueqian’s first stop was to buy a horse. She purchased a high-quality horse for 9 silver taels, and the cart cost 3 silver taels. It was a price that common people could not easily afford. The total of 12 silver taels was an amount that an average family would earn over a whole year.
After buying the horse and the cart, the cart could not be dragged around the market, so she only led the horse around. Yueqian asked the owner to attach leather pouches on the sides, allowing it to carry items along the way.
Ordinarily, most women would not have the skill to handle horses, and even the average men in the village did not know how to ride. But Yueqian was no ordinary. During her time at the Qin Manor, she had been exceptionally mischievous and took the opportunity to learn skills that other women did not, sometimes even chasing after the Young General on horseback.
This clearly showed how skilled she was at horse riding.
Therefore, leading the horse around the market was no difficult or troublesome task for her.
Yueqian took the children to buy their favorite foods, and also bought rice and fresh goods. But the most important task for the day was to buy small chicks to take home.
Since the chicks did not yet require a coop, Mu Heng suggested that Yueqian first buy ten. Once they grew and started laying good eggs, they could consider buying more. For now, a simple coop would suffice, and they could expand it if the results were good.
Xiao Long and Huan’er were delighted to see the little chicks, so they each carried five in cages themselves, even though Yueqian had suggested placing them on the horse’s back. They even named them with numbers they had learned.
As they walked, selecting various items, Yueqian paused slightly upon seeing a familiar symbol. She had previously written to them that if they arrived, they should wait at a certain place. Who would have thought that the other party would arrive earlier than expected? Fortunately, she had brought along two books she had written; otherwise, she would have faced criticism.
It was unfortunate that she had not brought out the liquor yet; they would have to fetch it from her house.
"Children, come with me first to the place I have purchased. Today we already have guests there," Yueqian told them. The children exchanged glances but nodded in agreement.
The beautiful woman led the two younger ones along the path, moving away from the bustling area. Soon, they stopped at an old tavern, but there were more than ten horses below, and the sounds of many happy people could be heard. It seemed that the people inside were enjoying themselves quite a bit.
Yueqian smiled, recalling the familiar atmosphere, but she paused when Xiao Long pulled at her clothes’ hem.
"Sister-in-law, there are many men’s voices inside. This could be dangerous for you and Huan’er," Xiao Long positioned himself protectively, his eyes filled with caution. The voices that came out were only men’s. How could his sister-in-law enter such a place?
"It’s alright, Xiao Long. The people inside are my own contacts." Yueqian stroked his hair. But before anyone else could speak.
A man who saw them from inside came out. He was a man in his mid-twenties, with a large, muscular body befitting a man. His face was handsome, sharp facial features. When he saw Yueqian, he immediately gave her a happy smile.
"Qian’er! It’s really you!" He was so happy. He jumped down from the second floor of the old tavern, showing how strong he was.
"Brother Dong Dong," the young woman gave him a warm smile. The two had not seen each other for months, which felt like years. Normally, they would meet every morning, so the reunion made them could not help missing each other.
Dong Dong, whose real name was ‘Wu Yuandong’, was the adopted son of a master from the Arts Institute, hence he was very close to Yueqian. They were like siblings, having known each other since they were children. How stubborn Yuan Dong used to be, Yueqian knew best, and just how mischievous Yueqian was, Yuan Dong also knew all too well.
"I’ve missed you so much. Suddenly being sent so far away. If you hadn’t sent word, I would have confronted the Qin family!"
Chapter 41
"I’ve missed you so much. Suddenly, being sent so far away. If you hadn’t sent news, I would have confronted the Qin family!" he exclaimed in annoyance. His words caused the two children nearby to feel immensely shocked.
Xiao Long immediately strode, pulling his petite sister-in-law away from the other, eyeing the young man with utmost hostility. Huan’er did the same. The little girl even positioned herself defensively in front of her sister-in-law.
"Don’t mess with Sister-in-law."
"Yes, Sister-in-law is married. It’s not appropriate for men and women who aren’t married to each other to be so close."
The children shouted. Just how Wu Yuandong jumped down was already attracted people’s attention, now, with the children filled in their brother’s role, added to the amusement.
"Qian’er, these kids..." Yuan Dong looked at his close younger sister. He looked at those children with affection, admiring their bravery, yet he felt an urge to tease them to tears.
The man with stern demeanor eyed the children with an angry look. Huan’er was extremely terrified. She was feared since she knew there were many men around, and they were children, with their sister-in-law who was small. At first, she wanted her sister-in-law to leave quickly, but she already knew the man.
Seeing their sister-in-law standing next to a muscular, handsome man who looked every bit the part of a wealthy individual made them feel like their brother had a formidable rival.
"Brother Dong Dong, these little ones are my husband’s younger siblings. This handsome young man is Xiao Long, and the beautiful young lady is Huan’er. Kids, this is Brother Yuan Dong; you can call him Brother Dong Dong like I do. He’s been a great big brother to me back in the capital." Yueqian introduced her family to the brother she respected.
She understood what the children were thinking but had no intention of cheating on her husband. Inside, she felt calm and free from guilt.
Brother Dong Dong didn’t see her as anything more than a sister. They had known each other since childhood, well enough not to consider it a romantic relationship. Otherwise..., the old man, father of Brother Dong Dong, might have arranged their marriage long ago, even before the incident occurred.
"Oh, the man who accepted a hundred silver taels to marry you, huh!" Yuan Dong scoffed, recalling the situation.
He looked down upon the man who lacked dignity. Even if Yueqian insisted that she was willing to leave the Qin family to be with this man, in Yuan Dong’s eyes, it wasn’t right!
Normally, a man should bring a bride price to propose to a woman, not take money from her and then take her as a wife. No matter how poor he was, such actions seemed like leeching off a woman, didn’t it?
Moreover, his actions amounted to collaborating in destroying a woman’s pride and tarnishing her honor, didn’t they?
"Brother Dong Dong," Yueqian called his name softly, aware of what her brother-like friend must be thinking. However, this was the path she had chosen. Moreover, marrying Mu Heng was more a fortune than misfortune for her.
"You don’t need to comfort me. You married that dishonorable man, what else can I say? Did you separate a husband and wife like that? Hah! No matter how much I dislike him, I wouldn’t sabotage the plans you’ve laid out," he spoke, sounding like a child arguing with his mother that he is grown up and knows better.
"Thank you, Brother Dong Dong, for understanding. Besides, I’m very happy with them. My husband takes good care of me, never lets me do any hard work, and the kids are very helpful and not mischievous at all. Everyone understands things," Yueqian spoke of the merits of her new family to Yuan Dong.
This relaxed his discontentment, and the burly man softened his gaze as he watched the little ones who had earnestly defended their sister-in-law.
"Even though this marriage may not be just, I’m glad that you will no longer be bullied," he said joyfully, knowing how difficult Qin Yueqian’s life had been before. Even though her mother was the principal’s wife, the household was far from peaceful, with constant strife and competition. That’s why Yueqian told them she chose this path—to escape from those evil people.
Let it be. Even though he might not agree with something, seeing Yueqian happy, what more could he do?
"Miss Qin, are you well?" asked a man who followed them down, fanning himself with a bird’s feather fan, his demeanor that of a learned scholar.
"Ah, Uncle Luan, you’re here too," Yueqian saw him, her eyes filled with respect.
Uncle Luan, or Luan Taichun, a tutor at the Arts Institute, was a man of great learning who enjoyed writing intriguing literature, making them kindred spirits in their fields. Yueqian sold modern novels that were accessible to many, while Luan Taichun continued to win the hearts of older scholars with his eloquent words.
Yueqian was very close to him; Uncle Luan often gave her advice on her novels, and they frequently exchanged views. Whenever Yueqian visited the Arts Institute and didn’t go to see him, he would surely feel slightly upset.
"Of course, I would come. You’ve been gone for months; I wondered if you had any new work. I came here wanting to be the first to read them," he said like a willful elder. Yueqian chuckled softly before pulling out books from her shirt.
"I certainly have it, just that this time people at my home have also started practicing calligraphy. If sold cheaply, they should still be acceptable, right? May I entrust these books to you?" Yueqian handed over two well-bound novels of her own, along with four more textbooks that Mu Ying had transcribed.
Luan Taichun examined the calligraphy in the transcribed textbooks. Even though the handwriting was clearly that of a beginner, the firm strokes intrigued him. He traced his finger over each character then looked up at Yueqian.
"The person who wrote this is quite interesting. With a good teacher, he could develop rapidly," Uncle Luan spoke seriously to Yueqian.
"Yes, he is steadfast and open to learning, truly. It’s unfortunate that he was born in such a rural village," she nodded, agreeing with him. Luan Taichun glanced at the characters again, seemingly contemplating something.
However, seeing them, Wu Yuandong could not help but interrupt.
"Don’t plan too far ahead just yet. I came here not only to see you and leave someone for you, but also to tell you something important." As Wu Yuandong said this, the old man seemed to remember as well.
His thick eyebrows, completely white, knitted together, signaling just how significant the news they had just received on their journey was.
"Let’s go upstairs to discuss this matter," Yueqian told them.
Huan’er, still standing in front, grabbed the hem of her sister-in-law’s shirt, not trusting to let the beautiful sister-in-law enter the place, fearing there might be dangers or traps inside.
"It’s alright, Huan’er. Brother Dong Dong and Uncle Luan have been looking after me since I was a child. If anyone is to harm me, it certainly wouldn’t be them." Seeing their sister-in-law affirm this, the children agreed to let her go, though they remained vigilant.
They had never encountered so many people before, and as part of a newly arrived group, they were somewhat dirty and disheveled, making them look unreliable and potentially dangerous.
"We’ll talk in the room. Let the kids go find something to eat first." Wu Yuandong wanted to discuss important matters, which were obviously meant to be kept confidential from them. The two children were initially reluctant to leave their sister-in-law but agreed when Yueqian reassured them with a serious expression. However, they were still concerned.
Yuan Dong led Yueqian into a room that had been tidied up, a stark contrast to the old and dirty exterior, suggesting they had only just arrived. This accelerated travel was due to the news received en route.
"What has happened?" Once already sat, Yueqian asked with a grave expression.
She had a premonition that this was a matter of great fear, so she did not wait or casually chat about something else.
"About that former fiancé of yours..."
"Former fiancé? The Young General?"
"Yes, him," Wu Yuandong said, annoyed.
He had thought his younger sister-like friend’s troubles would end once she sacrificed her reputation to marry a poor man who had taken money to marry her. But it turned out the turmoil was not over.
On hearing the news, he wanted to rush back and stealthily eliminate the Young General, regardless of the consequences, even if it meant imprisonment or execution. He wouldn’t regret it.
It was unfortunate that his return might not have been timely enough to warn the younger sister he adored, so he had hurried here as fast as possible. At least if Yueqian was forewarned, she might escape the wicked clutches.
"Brother Dong Dong, what has happened?"
"Just a few days ago, a spy working for your scoundrel ex-fiancé sent word. He’s ordered his men to gather bandits to raid and kill as many people as possible in the village where your husband lives, with specific instructions to kill any man who goes into the forest. Seemed like he wants to kill your husband." Wu Yuandong looked at the delicate face of the young woman as he spoke,
her thin brows knitting together in thought. Even if Wu Yuandong couldn’t hear Yueqian’s internal voice, he could guess she was pondering why her ex-fiancé would do this.
The old man sitting with them thought similarly, having had more time to think on their journey. So, he said what was on his mind.
"His hatred is too great. He seems to want you to become a widow and then be sent back to the capital, where you’ll live under the scrutiny of many, a widow in the capital, with your previous scandal. Either way, you’d suffer tremendously." Uncle Luan said, reflecting on the plan of the person known as the general of the kingdom.
"Is that what will happen? Even if my husband dies, shouldn’t I stay in his house, in this village, until I die?" Yueqian frowned, not understanding.
A woman who is married should belong to her husband’s family; how could she be sent back to the capital?
"That would be the usual case, but this time he plans to bring the army himself to suppress the bandits," Luan Taichun said, as they had also considered this possibility. But ultimately, it would be manipulated by the arrival of the other party!
