Chapter 31:

The knocking grew increasingly urgent, startling the little dog that had been sleeping soundly in its kennel. It had already learned to guard the house, letting out crisp barks with its small voice.

Chunfu clearly felt Jicheng’s body stiffen and nudged him. “Why don’t you go take a look? No matter what, he’s still your own brother. Don’t leave yourself with regrets.”

Jicheng remained silent for a long while before letting out a heavy sigh. He got up to dress and said softly, “I’ll be back soon. You go back to sleep. I’ll lock the door from the outside—don’t light any candles.”

Chunfu murmured in agreement, then added, “Don’t forget to bring some money with you. Consider it a gesture from you as his elder brother.”

Jicheng replied with a curt “Got it” before stepping out. Chunfu listened as the sound of their footsteps faded into the distance, leaving her alone and restless. Her mind swirled with chaotic thoughts, and it took nearly two hours before she finally drifted off to sleep.

Uncle Ji hadn’t expected Jicheng to agree so readily. His wrinkled face lit up with relief as he hurried along the uneven path under the moonlight, panting heavily. “I wouldn’t have come to you if I had any other choice. Jiliang was fine earlier, but just before bed, he started coughing up blood. Your aunt was terrified.”

Jicheng frowned. “Has a doctor been called? What did they say?”

Uncle Ji hemmed and hawed, avoiding a direct answer. Jicheng suddenly stopped and said sternly, “What’s the meaning of this, Uncle? Didn’t you say it was a matter of life and death? Why aren’t you giving me a straight answer? If this is how it’s going to be, I’m turning back. I’ve got work tomorrow.”

Afraid Jicheng would really leave, Uncle Ji grabbed his sleeve in a panic. “I—I was just flustered, lost my head for a moment. Go on ahead to the house. I’ll fetch the doctor right away.”

Watching his uncle’s retreating figure, Jicheng felt an inexplicable discomfort. What kind of parent didn’t call a doctor first when their child fell ill? What was Uncle Ji playing at? Since Jiliang had been adopted by him, shouldn’t he have treated him as his own son? Had he really cast Jiliang aside now that he had a biological son?

Entering the small courtyard, Jicheng saw a single room lit by an oil lamp. It had been nearly a decade since he’d last visited his uncle’s home, and he assumed it was Jiliang’s quarters. But when he pushed the door open, he found his aunt weeping bitterly beside a stranger—Jikun.

The moment she saw Jicheng, she stood and clutched at him, sobbing. “Your cousin’s fate is so cruel! Those damned bastards beat him half to death—his eyes are ruined, his legs useless. How is he supposed to live like this? Your uncle and I are old—who knows how much longer we have? When we’re gone, you must look after him. He’s your cousin, after all!”

Jicheng bit back the urge to retort that Jikun had brought this on himself. Seeing the young man sleeping soundly, he looked up at his aunt. “Aunt, Uncle said Jiliang was coughing blood and asked me to check on him. Which room is he in?”

Wiping her tears, she pointed to the western room. “They’re in there…”

Without waiting for her to finish, Jicheng strode over. Before he even reached the door, he heard Qiaoyun’s furious voice. “Your parents are heartless wretches! Now that their precious son is back, they’re pinching every penny from us—won’t even let us light a lamp to save money. What’s so great about that crippled, blind wastrel? Keeping a lamp burning all night won’t change a thing! Jiliang, are you all right? Do they even see you as their son? After all the suffering you’ve endured for them, this is how they repay us. Jiliang? Jiliang! Why are you coughing blood again?”

A fit of violent, wrenching coughs echoed from inside, making Jicheng’s heart clench. Jiliang wasn’t even eighteen yet—if this illness took root at his age, it could ruin his life. Blood was thicker than water, after all. Pushing the door open, Jicheng said sharply, “What’s the point of sitting in the dark? Go ask Aunt for a lamp. Is this really where you want to pinch pennies?”

Qiaoyun stood to leave, but Jiliang stopped her, gasping weakly. “Times are hard. Don’t blame Mother. We should save where we can.”

Furious, Qiaoyun snapped, “Are you really this dense? Can’t you see how they favor him? Everything of value in this house—the land, the livestock—has been sold off to pay his gambling debts, including the money you’ve slaved for over the years. Where’s your spine? I told you not to hand everything over to them, but you wouldn’t listen. Now we’ve got nothing left—happy? Your father didn’t even mention calling a doctor for you. What if this kills you? What am I supposed to do then? When those loan sharks were beating that good-for-nothing, why did you have to step in and take that kick to the chest? Does anyone here even care about you? Does anyone appreciate what you’ve done? Big Brother, say something! If he keeps being this naive, I can’t live like this!”

“Enough nonsense,” Jiliang rasped. “Father was just scared… I’m young and strong. I’ll be fine.” But his voice wavered—even he didn’t believe his own words. Yet when he looked at Jicheng, his elder brother, he stubbornly clung to the pretense of filial piety. After a pause, he asked, “Why are you here, Big Brother? It’s so late. You shouldn’t leave Sister-in-law alone at home.”

The distance in his tone stung. Jicheng chuckled dryly. “If Uncle hadn’t banged on my door, I wouldn’t have come.”

Just then, Dr. Han’s voice carried from outside. Clearly irritated at being summoned so late, he scolded, “Why didn’t you mention Jiliang when I was here earlier for Jikun? Ji the Second, you can’t just abandon one son for the other. If you hadn’t begged and pleaded to adopt the third brother’s boy back then, their family might not have ended up like this. Don’t lose your decency and become a laughingstock.”

Uncle Ji merely offered an awkward smile, refusing to engage. He ushered the doctor inside, only to fly into a rage at the sight of the darkened room. “Couldn’t even refill the lamp? Do I have to do everything around here? Should I chew your food for you too? What rotten luck brought such a lazy daughter-in-law into this house—no consideration at all! Thank heavens the moon’s bright tonight, or you’d have tripped and cost us even more. Dr. Han, please, come in.”

Qiaoyun, eyes brimming with tears, went to fetch oil from her mother-in-law. Even after explaining it was her father-in-law’s order, she endured a torrent of sharp-tongued complaints. Hardworking and practical, she felt suffocated in this household. It was clear now—no one here could be relied upon. If she and Jiliang wanted a stable life, they’d have to break free. But given their current situation, that seemed impossible. Her fate was cruel—penniless, with no hope for the future.

Once the lamp was lit, Dr. Han finally noticed Jicheng and nodded before examining Jiliang. After a long pause, he said, “His lungs are injured, but thankfully not severely. I’ll prescribe some medicine, but he must rest and avoid strenuous labor until fully healed. A relapse would worsen his condition. He’s young—there’s still a long road ahead.”

Uncle Ji’s eyes widened in alarm. “No heavy labor? This family depends on him! How long until the medicine works?”

Dr. Han scoffed. “At least a month. Pay my fee now. You know my rule—no credit.”

Having spent every last coin on Jikun’s debts, Uncle Ji turned to Jicheng with a forced smile. “Could you lend me the money? I’ll pay you back when things ease up.”

Not wanting to air dirty laundry in front of outsiders, Jicheng handed over his last ten coins. If this helped Jiliang, it was something—whether the younger brother appreciated it or not. As Chunfu said, a clear conscience was enough.

“Father, I’m fine. Just a little tight in the chest. I’ll find work in a few days,” Jiliang insisted, though resentment simmered beneath his words. He didn’t know if it was hatred, but every encounter with Jicheng stirred this bitterness. As a child, he’d gone willingly with his uncle and aunt. Even now, he couldn’t understand why his parents had given him away—why not Jicheng? In his eyes, Uncle Ji was his real father. Harsh as he was, he was still better than the parents who’d discarded him.

“Quiet! Rest. If you ruin your health, people will say we neglected you,” Uncle Ji snapped.

Seeing no further reason to stay, Jicheng said, “I’ll head back. I don’t like leaving Chunfu alone. Dr. Han, I’ll walk with you.”

But Uncle Ji pulled him aside, his unusually meek expression betraying ulterior motives. “Jicheng, you’ve seen how things are here. We’ve sold everything. Your cousin was tricked into gambling—those loan sharks threatened to kill him if we didn’t pay. He’s my flesh and blood; I couldn’t let him die. Now it’s just me, your aunt, and Qiaoyun keeping this family afloat. Jikun’s treatments alone cost a fortune, and now Jiliang… It’s too much. He’s your brother—you’ll cross paths in the future. Could you lend us the money for his medicine? Once he’s better, he’ll work it off.”

Jicheng almost laughed. His uncle saw him as a fool. Jikun was a bottomless pit—Jiliang would never shake that burden, especially with his blind loyalty. Why help a lost cause? Besides, Chunfu’s idea had merit, and he wouldn’t dampen her spirits.

“You overestimate me, Uncle. You know how things are for me. My parents left me nothing. I barely scrape by as it is—marriage cleaned me out. I’ve got nothing to lend. It’s late; Dr. Han’s family must be waiting. We’ll take our leave.” Without further pleasantries, he and Dr. Han departed.

As they walked away, Uncle Ji’s shouts followed them. “Your own brother won’t lift a finger for you, and you still defend him? Why can’t you sweet-talk him? Where’s the money for your treatment? I’m useless—can’t afford a doctor. Don’t blame me!”

Qiaoyun’s wails pierced the night, a jarring disruption to the silence.

Dr. Han sighed. “Stay out of your uncle’s mess. He’s looking for a scapegoat—don’t volunteer. Harsh as it sounds, Jiliang’s too stubborn. Even if you help, he won’t thank you. But you know that.”

Jicheng smiled wryly. “I know. I’ve got my limits.”

At Dr. Han’s doorstep, they parted ways. Walking home alone under the chorus of crickets, Jicheng exhaled heavily. Jiliang’s heart wasn’t with him—there was nothing he could do. From now on, he’d focus on Chunfu and their future. Others’ troubles weren’t his to solve. Growing old together, with children to rely on—that was happiness enough.

Back home, the dog stirred but settled after recognizing his scent. Chunfu slept undisturbed. Gazing at her peaceful face in the moonlight, Jicheng smiled and lay down.

At dawn, Chunfu woke to his movements. Yawning, she mumbled, “Is it time already? When did you get back last night? How’s Jiliang?”

Amused by her drowsy state, Jicheng dressed and summarized the night’s events. “We can’t help them. Lending money would be throwing it away—how would we live then?”

Chunfu giggled. “Won’t Jiliang resent you? He’s still your brother. But fine, I won’t pretend to be noble. They’ve never been kind to you—why spare them a thought? Oh, buy some sugar and fruit when you can. And don’t forget your lunch.”

“Got it. Sleep a little longer.”

But Chunfu was wide awake. After Jicheng left, she tidied the yard and sat under a tree, lost in thought. Liansheng’s wife, spotting her, called, “Up so early? Come gather pigweed with me.”

Chunfu had nearly forgotten about their pigs. Hurrying to lock up, she grabbed a basket and followed. Early-rising women greeted Liansheng’s wife warmly but faltered upon seeing Chunfu, their awkward silence speaking volumes.

When others remained silent, there were always a few restless ones who took advantage of Liansheng’s wife not being around to mock Chunfu: “Chunfu, does your Jicheng really let you come out to work? Wearing such clean clothes—what if they get dirty? Oh my, is this the hairpin Jicheng bought for you? And those pearl flowers too—can you let me take a look, sister-in-law?”

“Why ask a fool? If you want to see it, just take it. Didn’t Xiuhua and Li Xiu’e bully her all the time before? What can she do? Some people are just born with a lowly fate. If you don’t dare, sister-in-law, I’ll take it myself.” The speaker was Cen Niu’s wife, Chunju, clearly still holding a grudge over Jicheng’s interference, which had cost her family dearly.

Chunfu curled her lips into a cold smile. She had often done this kind of work back at her parents’ home. Her grip on the sickle tightened. If these women dared to touch her things, she wouldn’t hesitate to retaliate.

Just as Chunju approached Chunfu, a sturdy, dark-skinned woman walked over from a distance and blocked Chunju’s path. “Luo Chunju, don’t go too far. Try bullying my sister-in-law, and I won’t hesitate to fight you.”

Chunfu turned her head in surprise—it was Qiaoyun. She frowned slightly.

Chunju laughed at her. “Qiaoyun, don’t go around claiming relations. Your father said he wouldn’t associate with Jicheng anymore. Calling a fool so affectionately—aren’t you afraid of being laughed at?”

“Still better than you, who only bullies the weak. Who I acknowledge is none of your business. Chunju, don’t think others don’t know what you’re up to. Your petty schemes can’t fool me. You’re just mad that my brother exposed how your Cen Niu pushed Liansheng. Trying to cover it up with excuses—how pathetic.”

Qiaoyun’s eyes widened like an angry man’s. Chunju, small and frail, wilted under the pressure and muttered as she walked away. The other women who had been eager to join in the bullying scattered too.

Liansheng’s wife hadn’t noticed Chunfu falling behind until a familiar woman nudged her and pointed out that Chunfu was surrounded. She strode over just in time to hear Chunju’s words and immediately flew into a rage. Blessed with a naturally loud voice and unafraid of embarrassment, she wanted the entire Dongpo Village to hear her. “Luo Chunju, you and your deadbeat husband are cut from the same cloth—sneaky and dishonorable. Picking on Chunfu—what kind of skill is that? Aren’t you ashamed at your age? Or are you just jealous because Chunfu is prettier than you? Has Cen Niu been gone for days again, leaving you with no one to vent your anger on?” She burst into laughter.

Chunju’s face darkened at the jab. Liansheng’s wife was notorious in Dongpo Village for her temper. Though she looked gentle, when angered, she wouldn’t hesitate to fight even men. Few dared to provoke her. Even with her secrets exposed, Chunju could do nothing. The anger she had bottled up for so long had no outlet. As she walked toward a less crowded area, she tripped over some wild grass and fell, drawing unabashed laughter from Liansheng’s wife.

“Do less evil, and maybe heaven won’t punish you. By the way, making such a fool of yourself—do you think your mother-in-law will let you off easy?”

Chunfu watched as Chunju and her cronies slunk away, feeling vindicated. Did they really think they could bully her just because she seemed weak? She wasn’t some pushover. Though village squabbles often dragged ancestors into the mix, this was mild compared to what Chunju had brought upon herself. Chunfu hadn’t even uttered a word.

Qiaoyun noticed Chunfu’s delicate movements and how little grass she had cut. She swiftly cut a large bundle and placed it in Chunfu’s basket. When Chunfu looked at her, Qiaoyun flashed a bright smile. “You have to be quick. Too many families raise pigs here—if you’re late, others will take all the grass. Come out earlier next time, sister-in-law. I can help you. I’ve sold all my pigs, so I have nothing to do at home. Helping you would pass the time.”

Chunfu still remembered the scene at her wedding, when this woman had shouted at Jicheng. Now she was acting so meek—who knew what she was plotting? Chunfu gave her a faint smile and returned to her work.

Qiaoyun had heard villagers say Jicheng doted on his wife to the bone. She had also seen how gently he spoke to her—clearly, he cherished her. Unable to resist, she took two steps forward and said awkwardly, “Sister-in-law, is Big Brother still angry about what Jiliang and I did that day? We didn’t want to cause trouble at your wedding—it’s bad karma. But Jikun owed money to the gambling den, and they threatened to kill him if he didn’t pay. Father set his sights on Big Brother’s things and forced us to go. We didn’t dare refuse—Father hits too hard. That time Jiliang disobeyed him, he was beaten half to death. We were scared, so… I’ve realized now—when Jikun is around, Jiliang and I are treated like outsiders. All the work falls on us. Jiliang was beaten so badly he needs medicine to recover, but Father kicked him out to the fields this morning. It hurts to see. They spoil that wastrel while skimping on our food and forbidding us to light lamps at night. Father’s plan is clear—he wants us to serve him and his family for life. We’re not his children—we’re just his servants.”

Chunfu frowned. She had heard of families who, after adopting a child and later having their own, would abuse the adopted one. Her uncle’s behavior was no different. But this wasn’t her place to interfere. After a moment’s thought, she said quietly, “You should tell Jicheng this. He’s the head of the family. I’ll just say this—if you don’t want to live like this anymore, you need to find a way out yourself. Relying on others is temporary, and you’ll always be at their mercy. As for you and Jiliang causing trouble at our wedding—it did upset me.”

Qiaoyun’s eyes widened in shock. “Sister-in-law… you’re not a fool?”

Chunfu chuckled. “I never said I was. If others think I am, let them. It’s getting late—I should head back. Thank you, but next time, I’ll manage on my own.”

As Chunfu walked away with Liansheng’s wife, Qiaoyun couldn’t help but laugh. The whole village thought Chunfu was a fool, but they were the real fools—blind to the truth and mocking others, finding joy in their ignorance. How ridiculous.

With only three days left until the flower-viewing party, Chunfu had to hurry to prepare everything to avoid last-minute chaos. Having fewer people at home made things easier. After a simple lunch, she went up the mountain alone with her basket, though she was nervous and carried an axe at her waist like Jicheng. She encountered nothing frightening, gathering wild vegetables and finding new mushrooms where she had picked them before. Drying mushrooms couldn’t stop—she relied on selling them in winter for extra money.

Today, her main goal was to gather more raspberries. This opportunity weighed on her, and she feared mishaps. She needed something impressive to make the young ladies remember her. She picked fresh berries, leaving the unripe ones for three days later when they would be perfect—a stroke of luck.

Not daring to linger alone on the mountain, she left as soon as she had what she needed, unaware that Chunju, visiting a friend, had seen her. Chunju followed her to the Ji family’s yard and scoffed at the ordinary items Chunfu brought out, assuming she was so poor she had to forage for food.

By sunset, when Jicheng returned, Chunfu had already heated water for him. As she watched him wash, she asked, “Were those things expensive? How much was the sugar? You’re so clever—how did you know to buy unripe fruit? If they were ripe, they’d spoil by the time of the party.”

Jicheng handed her the towel to wash his back and chuckled. “I didn’t know. No one buys unripe fruit, so the seller gave me a good deal. Should I buy like that next time? Oh, you’ll be going to town that day, right? Zhou Jing wants to ask a favor—can he follow you into the garden when you deliver the goods? You know he’s had his eye on Miss An for a while. If it’s too much trouble, forget it.”

Chunfu paused. “We’ll see. I don’t know how things will go that day. Change your clothes and come try the porridge I made. I hope you like it.”

She had spent the afternoon preparing it. Jicheng was curious but puzzled when he saw it was just a bowl of rice porridge. “It’s just plain porridge. What’s different about it?”

“Try it first.”

Though it looked like plain rice porridge, it carried the familiar tang of raspberries, blending perfectly with the rice. When Jicheng nodded in approval, Chunfu beamed, though she lamented that honey would have made it even better—both tastier and healthier. She considered making fruit porridge, deciding to wake up early to prepare it. The cool morning air would keep it fresh, and she could nap on the way to town. The thought energized her, and she couldn’t help but smile.

Jicheng shared her joy. “I remember a beehive up in the mountains. I’ll fetch some honey in a couple of days.”

Worried about bee stings, Chunfu shook her head. “Never mind. It’s fine without honey.” She hesitated over whether to tell Jicheng about Qiaoyun’s visit but decided against it. If Qiaoyun was serious, she’d approach Jicheng herself. This was a family matter, and Chunfu didn’t fully understand the grudges involved. Best not to meddle.

“Where did you learn all this? It feels like you know things no one else in the village does—like you’re not from here.”

Chunfu hadn’t expected Jicheng to notice. She didn’t know how to explain why she could suddenly make things others couldn’t fathom. Some truths could never be shared, and he wouldn’t understand. Gazing into his clear eyes, she said softly, “Maybe heaven pitied me and blessed me so my life would be better. Do you think I’m strange?”

Jicheng let her delicate hands caress his face, enjoying their softness. Seeing her cautious expression, he shook his head with a smile. “Why would I doubt you? My wife becoming clever and skilled only makes me happier. No one in the village compares to you—you’re the most beautiful.”

Chunfu, who took pride in her appearance, always kept herself neat and tidy. With Jicheng busy from dawn till dusk lately, she had time to experiment with hairstyles using the mirror he had bought her. She had devised a charming yet dignified updo, though she felt she sometimes looked too mature for her age.

Flattered, she withdrew her hands and clasped them together shyly. “Eat before it gets cold.”

As Jicheng ate, he thought happily that with no disturbances tonight, he might finally get a good night’s sleep.