Chapter 57:

Jicheng truly didn’t want to deal with Jiliang’s affairs. Even if they were brothers, everyone had their own way of living. Jiliang acted recklessly every day—what could he possibly do about it? After responding to Qiaoyun, he turned to go back inside. Just as he stepped over the threshold, he saw Chunfu lifting the curtain to come out.

Though her complexion had improved, it still carried a trace of pallor. Her plump, pink lips were dry and cracked, and her usually soft, clear voice was hoarse: “Qiaoyun has had it hard too. Just go and see. If he still refuses to change, we’ve done all we can. From now on, if anything happens, we’ll just turn a blind eye.”

Qiaoyun quickly chimed in, “Sister-in-law is right. Big brother, if Jiliang still refuses to mend his ways, forget about you—I won’t stay with him either. I’ve endured for the sake of our years together. He’s frail and can’t do heavy labor, so I’ve suffered more—I don’t mind that. But I can’t stand how he throws himself into things without considering whether he can handle them. I’ve never seen anyone so reckless, caring only for others and never himself. I’ve tolerated him time and again, but I can’t keep wasting my life like this.”

Jicheng’s heart softened under the gentle light in Chunfu’s small eyes. He sighed and said, “I, Jicheng, am not some worthless fool who rushes into other people’s messes. If it comes to blows, I’ll only step in to break it up—nothing more. Understood?”

Qiaoyun nodded, lowering her eyes and gripping the hem of her clothes tightly. “I’ll listen to you, big brother. All this trouble was caused by my father. We can’t let everyone act unreasonably.”

Chunfu wanted to go along, but Jicheng refused—the wind outside was strong, and what if she caught a chill? But he was helpless against her. The moment she pouted and frowned, his resolve melted. He went back inside to fetch her an outer coat and helped her put it on before leading her toward his uncle’s house. On the way, he couldn’t help but remind her, “Stay back later, so you don’t get caught in the mess. What business do you have getting involved in this? From now on, keep as far away as possible.”

Qiaoyun watched the two of them from behind. They looked no different from any ordinary couple, but the intimacy and understanding between them, the affection in their shared glances, filled her with envy. With a bond like that, how could they ever struggle? Unlike her, pouring all her heart into that family, only for Jiliang to throw it away like spilled water, time and again.

When Jicheng arrived at his uncle’s house, several burly men had already surrounded the family. Only Jikun was still talking, his forced bravado cracking under the weight of fear. Jiliang, meanwhile, was bowing and scraping to an old man, his obsequiousness making Jicheng’s eyes sting.

As he drew closer, he heard Jikun say, “Don’t think you’ll swindle a single coin from me. I’ve never even seen your daughter—whoever saw her can marry her. If you’re not picky, why not marry her off to him? Jiliang, you’ve got quite the luck—what only the wealthy could afford comes so easily to you.”

Jiliang immediately grew anxious and said sternly, “Big brother, enough. Uncle, we were indeed in the wrong here. But this was just a verbal agreement—it doesn’t hold. Let’s sit down and talk properly, no need to make things so tense.”

Uncle Ji also forced a smile. “Exactly. Though things got heated, I truly meant to form a bond with you. My son’s lost his head for the moment—don’t be angry, in-law. I’ll make sure he apologizes properly. Rest assured, once your daughter marries in, my wife and I will treat her like our own.”

Old Qi took one look at Jikun and knew he was worthless. His beautiful daughter paired with some aging, useless man? He’d sooner disgrace his own child. His tone remained firm. “Save the sweet talk. If you’d brought this one that day, I’d never have agreed. Let’s just settle this cleanly and quickly, so we don’t all have to go home in the rain.”

Everyone present knew these people were here to extort—they wouldn’t leave without getting something. Though it pained them to see their own villagers bullied, wasn’t Uncle Ji just as guilty of swindling? What decent family would stoop to such dishonesty? They’d sown this mess—let them reap it. Most feared getting dragged in, knowing they’d have to step in if fists flew, so they simply left to avoid trouble.

Chen Niu, watching the chaos unfold, felt a thrill of satisfaction. His grin widened as he spotted Chunju cowering in a corner, unsure what to do. What did he care? He was a grown man with no shame to lose. What kind of man was Uncle Ji? All smiles on the outside, filth within. He raised his voice and called out, “Jikun, let’s settle our business first, eh? It’s awkward for an outsider like me to watch your family squabble. That woman you saddled me with, plus the three taels of silver you promised—hand them over now, and we’ll go our separate ways. Oh, Brother Jicheng’s here too?”

Jikun had no intention of giving Chen Niu the money, but the sight of Jicheng’s face inexplicably unnerved him. He knew if Jicheng came for him, the beating wouldn’t be light. Flustered, he just wanted Chen Niu gone. He stormed over, grabbed Chen Niu by the collar, and hissed through gritted teeth, “Take the money and get lost. Don’t stir trouble here.”

Chen Niu grinned as he pocketed the silver. “Fine. I’ll take this woman to the village head first. She can come find you herself later.”

Jikun’s face twisted at the sight of Chunju. “Go on, take her. I don’t want to see her. Who’d marry a shameless woman like this? I must’ve been blind to get tangled with someone like her. Get out of my sight.”

Chunju refused to leave, bursting into loud sobs as she pointed at Jikun. “You damned bastard—heaven will strike you down one day! You ruined my home and now you wash your hands of me? Chen Niu, listen well—I won’t go to the village head. None of you will have peace if I don’t.”

Chen Niu sneered. “Didn’t think of this when you were cheating on me, huh? You brought this on yourself. Even if you don’t go, I can still divorce you. With this money, I can easily find a fresh young thing.” With that, he swaggered off, smug and heartless.

Chunju stood frozen under the crowd’s pointing fingers, then met the disdainful gaze of Aunt Ji. Her heart plummeted into an abyss. As Chen Niu said—who wouldn’t want a clean, pretty bride if they had the money? A woman like her, tainted and shameless, was something people avoided. But she couldn’t leave. Chen Niu was cruel, and she couldn’t return to her parents. She’d cling to the Ji family no matter what.

Chunfu edged closer to Jicheng, frowning slightly at Chunju. She couldn’t muster sympathy. In another era, no matter how tolerant, a woman’s infidelity would be unforgivable. Chunju and Jinjuan were different—their motives worlds apart. Though Jinjuan’s heart belonged to another, she’d sought a way out without crossing lines.

Old Qi’s eyes darted to the silver Jikun had handed the young man, and urgency flared in his chest. Mu Family Gully was poorer than East Slope Village—a few taels could buy them some comfort. He pointed at Jiliang. “I thought you were a decent young man, which is why I considered you for my daughter. But you’re just like your father—a cheat. I’ve nothing more to say to you. Your family’s in the wrong here. Since you’ve got silver to spare, compensate my daughter for her troubles.”

Jikun only had five taels left—giving any more would be like cutting his own flesh. He wasn’t some charity. He’d planned to head to town soon to make his money grow—nothing felt better than that. He scoffed, “Shameless, trying to extort me? Like a rabid dog biting anyone in sight? Don’t embarrass yourself here. What, is your daughter some peerless beauty? There are plenty of pretty women in our village—do I have to marry every one I glance at?”

Tempers flared, the silver-seekers growing more desperate. No sooner had the words left Jikun’s mouth than they lunged. Today, by hook or by crook, they’d get that money. Uncle Ji was no pushover either. If words failed, fists would do. He’d been fighting since childhood—one or two men were no match.

Jiliang tried to intervene but was shoved aside by Old Qi, stumbling into a burly man who mistook him for an attacker. The man grabbed his collar and raised a fist. Qiaoyun panicked, tugging at Jicheng’s sleeve. “Big brother, save him! He’s already hurt—another beating might kill him!”

Jicheng patted Chunfu’s shoulder, signaling her to stay put, then stepped forward and caught the man’s wrist. “Pick someone else to hit. He’s frail—you don’t want blood on your hands, do you?”

The man eyed Jicheng’s lean frame but sensed surprising strength in his grip. A fight wouldn’t end well for him—better to back off. He released Jiliang and rejoined his companions.

Uncle Ji, for all his experience, was no longer young. Most of the onlookers were women and elders who scattered at the first sign of violence. Surrounded by younger men, he took several hits before spotting Jikun already beaten bloody on the ground. Desperate, he shouted, “Jiliang, are you dead? Just standing there? Waiting for us to die so you can inherit? Get these people off me!”

Jiliang, still reeling from earlier blows, chest tight, had no strength left to help. But seeing his father falter and his mother weeping on her knees, he couldn’t just walk away. His gaze flicked to Qiaoyun, standing motionless in the distance. Her usually smiling face was blank, her eyes cold as they met his. A pang of dread shot through him—something terrible was coming. He could only offer her a pleading, wretched smile. She had to understand—this was truly the last time. He couldn’t bear his father’s pained groans.

Chunfu watched Qiaoyun’s clenched fists and sighed inwardly. Jiliang’s state today was partly due to Qiaoyun’s leniency. Most times, she’d just nagged at him, unwilling to strain their bond. Who’d have thought it would come to this? And Jiliang, thinking her endless compromises meant one more wouldn’t matter, had charged in recklessly. True, he couldn’t avoid this situation, but his blind obedience and moral blindness were unbearable. Time and again, his so-called filial piety only enabled harm.

Qiaoyun turned to Chunfu with a faint smile. “Sister-in-law, I’m sorry to trouble you and big brother. I’ll go to the village head—we can’t let this escalate.”

Chunfu squeezed her hand gently. “Try to take it easy. At least you still have your child. He’s innocent—think of him more.”

Qiaoyun returned the grip, her smile suddenly bright, as if none of this concerned her. “I need to think carefully. For my child’s sake, I must.” With that, she left.

Chunfu watched the chaos ahead. Jicheng had stepped in after all, though only to separate the brawlers. Grabbing Jiliang’s arm, he couldn’t resist scolding, “I’ve never seen anyone as foolish as you. Can’t you value yourself more? If you’ve energy to meddle in others’ messes, why not care for your wife and child? They’re the ones who cherish your life. Jiliang, even fools have limits—cross it, and you’ll disgust everyone.”

The village head arrived swiftly, rallying the village men. Outnumbered, the Mu Family Gully group finally backed off. Jicheng, done with the affair, pulled Chunfu toward home. She scanned the crowd but saw no sign of Qiaoyun—she could only hope she hadn’t done anything drastic. Before they’d even left the yard, Jicheng paused and turned back. Chunfu shot him a questioning look. He smiled. “Jikun never learns. I’ll have to rip that horn off his head, or he’ll just cause more trouble.”

Jiliang, meanwhile, frantically searched the crowd for Qiaoyun. With each fruitless glance, dread swelled. He was about to rush out when Uncle Ji barked, “Where are you going?”

“I have to find Qiaoyun—”

Uncle Ji’s temper flared. “Can’t you see we’re not done here? Since when is Qiaoyun so thoughtless? She’s a grown woman—she won’t vanish. Always causing trouble—a wife who eggs you on like this is better off divorced.”

Chunfu, overhearing, burned with anger. She tugged Jicheng’s sleeve. “How can Uncle say that? He’s the one constantly disrupting their lives, and now he blames her? This is too much.”

Jicheng soothed her briefly before striding over to Jikun, now battered and bruised. Contempt and coldness filled his eyes. Jikun, robbed of his last tael and nursing injuries, was in no mood for more trouble. Seeing Jicheng, he smirked defiantly. “What, here to beat me too? Go ahead—I’ll take it.”

Jicheng chuckled softly and patted his shoulder, seemingly casual but using all his strength. Jikun felt as though his bones were about to be crushed, grimacing in pain. “Jikun, I can’t be bothered to hit you now. But if I ever catch you stepping out of line again, don’t blame me for making sure you can’t stay in Dongpo Village. Even though we’re brothers, if you show no mercy, don’t expect any from me. Go ahead and test me if you don’t believe it.”

No one knew what Jicheng had said to Jikun, but the two brothers stood there—one brimming with energy and vitality, the other ashen-faced.

When Uncle Ji learned that Old Qi had taken silver from his son, he was furious. “Old Qi, you’ve got some nerve! Stealing from others—what’s the difference between you and a common thug? Even if you think you’re in the right, who’d dare marry your daughter with a greedy father-in-law like you? No matter how virtuous your daughter is, who wouldn’t be afraid of someone like you? Taking what isn’t yours—shameless!”

The village head scolded Uncle Ji, “Enough, calm down. Old Qi, let’s sit down and talk this through. We’re all poor folks—one tael of silver is enough to last half a year. How can you cut off someone’s livelihood? Even if you’re seeking justice for your daughter, you can’t just take a whole tael. Do you want to be the laughingstock of the village? Your daughter isn’t married yet—don’t ruin her reputation over this.”

Old Qi wasn’t entirely unreasonable. Though reluctant to return the silver, he thought of his daughter and grudgingly gave back one tael, keeping only half. His trip to Dongpo Village had served its purpose—he’d vented his anger, beaten someone, and taken some silver. He muttered a few half-hearted words to save face for the village head before leaving. But as he walked home, heavy raindrops began to fall.

What Old Qi didn’t expect was that after his return, all the suitors who had once come to propose to his daughter vanished—even the persistent ones. Much later, he learned that the incident in Dongpo Village had spread far and wide. People whispered that the seemingly kind Old Qi was actually a greedy man, and no poor family could afford—or dared—to marry his daughter.

As people hurried home, they couldn’t help but gossip. “What’s going on with Uncle Ji’s family this year? That Jikun is nothing but bad luck. Ever since he came back, trouble follows. If it were me, I’d have kicked him out long ago. What’s the point of keeping such a troublemaker? Uncle Ji just can’t bear to, but why doesn’t he treat Jiliang better? The boy’s so filial. The whole family’s got twisted priorities—ignoring the good and coddling the rotten. Honestly, Jiliang brought this on himself. If he had any backbone or sense, he wouldn’t meddle in this mess. Wouldn’t it be better to focus on his own life? What makes him think he can carry Uncle Ji’s family name? Does he even stand a chance?”

Jiliang ignored his father’s protests and rushed home, only to overhear these words. Despite the pouring rain, every syllable rang clear in his ears. Wasn’t this exactly what Qiaoyun had been telling him all along? Why had it taken him so long to understand? What had he been doing all this time?

“I actually admire Qiaoyun. Her husband’s got no brains, yet she still sticks with him. Jiliang’s practically useless now. The other day, I saw her doing heavy labor to earn money. What kind of man lets his wife suffer like that? In this whole village, Jiliang’s the only one shameless enough to live off a woman while meddling in others’ affairs. If I were married to a man like that, I’d beat him with a stick every day until he agreed to divorce me.”

“Exactly! Aunt Ji keeps complaining about Qiaoyun being unfilial, but they should be grateful to have such a daughter-in-law. They’re just too blind to see it. If ruining marriages didn’t bring bad karma, I’d shake some sense into Qiaoyun. The Ji family is hopeless. Jiliang isn’t even fit to polish Jicheng’s shoes. She’d be better off going back to her parents and marrying a hardworking widower.”

The two women soon ran off, but Jiliang stood frozen, his legs heavy as if weighed down by boulders. Every truth he’d avoided now lay bare before him, twisting his heart in agony. He never imagined his lungs would be damaged, leaving him unable to do heavy labor for life. If he’d known, he would never have gotten involved in Jikun’s mess. Even if Jikun had been beaten to death in the gambling den, he wouldn’t have cared.

He knew Qiaoyun had been finding ways to earn money in the village. At night, she’d murmur, “I wonder if Uncle Xiangcheng needs any female laborers. I’m strong enough to do the work… but never mind, I don’t want to embarrass you.” She scraped together every coin she could, proudly placing them in his palm with a smile that showed her little canine teeth. “See? I can earn money too. We’ll save up, bit by bit. Jiliang, don’t worry—I’ll never look down on you for not being able to work. From the day I married you, I vowed to stay with you for life. No matter what others say, I’ll take care of you. When we have children, things will get even better. Please, just stop interfering with them. They’re ungrateful—they’ll never see your worth.”

Rainwater stung his eyes, mixing with the scalding tears he could no longer hold back. How could he have been so blind? Only now did he realize—Qiaoyun was the only one who truly cared for him. She’d nagged him endlessly about Jicheng, praising his wife as kind, beautiful, and easygoing. She’d longed to visit them, to chat and work alongside her. If only he hadn’t been so stubborn, she might have had that small joy.

The closer he got to home, the emptier his heart felt. Breaking into a run, he burst into the house—everything was the same, but the one who’d always waited for him was gone. The dim sky mirrored the hopelessness in his heart.

Jiliang had never imagined that one day, Qiaoyun would truly leave it all behind.