Chapter 78:

When they arrived at Qiaoyun’s parents’ house, Jiliang’s expression grew even more solemn. After some hesitation, he awkwardly stepped behind Jicheng and forced a self-deprecating smile. “Big brother, you should go in first. Qiaoyun’s family probably doesn’t want to see me at all.”

Jicheng glanced back at him. Jiliang looked like a child who had done something wrong and come to apologize, which softened Jicheng’s heart. A faint smile tugged at his lips. No matter what had happened or how much time had passed, Jiliang was still his younger brother. He lowered his voice and said, “You brought this on yourself. No matter how Qiaoyun’s brother treats you, you’ll have to endure it.”

The door was closed, but faint voices could be heard from inside. Jicheng didn’t want to barge in, so he called out from outside, “Is Qiaoyun home?”

Soon, light footsteps approached, and the door opened to reveal Qiaoyun’s smiling face. “Big brother, what brings you here?”

This was the first time Jiliang had seen Qiaoyun in months. She was still neat and tidy, wearing a floral-patterned cotton jacket, but she had lost weight and looked paler, perhaps because she wasn’t working as hard as before. The fact that she could still smile made him both happy and worried—happy that she seemed well, but worried that her calmness might mean she no longer cared. He hesitated, torn between stepping forward to speak to her and fearing that he had lost his chance forever.

Jicheng sighed. “Nothing urgent. Someone just wanted to see you.”

When Qiaoyun spotted the person behind Jicheng, her smile froze, but she quickly regained her composure and stepped aside. “Come in, big brother. Have you been busy running between town and home lately?”

Jicheng chuckled. “No, I took a break yesterday. From now on, I’ll have more time to focus on things at home.” As he entered, he saw a sturdy, kind-faced man sitting on a chair, smiling at them. Jicheng recognized him—Dajun, the man who would marry Qiaoyun after her separation from Jiliang. Nestled in his arms was his daughter, blinking her big, watery eyes at the newcomers.

Without turning around, Qiaoyun’s mother asked cheerfully, “Who’s here so early in the morning, Qiaoyun? The dates Dajun brought are really sweet.”

Qiaoyun glanced awkwardly at Dajun before lowering her voice. “Mom, it’s Big Brother Jicheng and… Jiliang.”

Her mother immediately turned around, her face darkening with anger. “What are you doing here?” Then she changed her tone. “Are you here to finalize the separation papers? Hurry up and get it done. You’ve already delayed my daughter for months—we haven’t even asked you for compensation.”

Qiaoyun went into a small side room and returned with a money pouch, handing it to Jiliang. “I didn’t touch your silver. Since you’re here now, I’m returning it exactly as it was. Jiliang, there’s nothing left to say between us. The sooner we settle this, the better for both of us.”

Jiliang couldn’t help but grab her hand holding the pouch, his voice hoarse. “Qiaoyun, is this really what you want? After all these years as husband and wife, you’re just going to throw it all away?”

Qiaoyun hadn’t expected him to touch her. The familiar warmth and grip reminded her that Jiliang wasn’t a crude man. Though he often failed to understand people, he had always treated her well, never raising a hand to her even in anger. She had dreamed of him night after night, but now that he stood before her, she couldn’t bring herself to look at him. She was afraid—afraid he hadn’t changed. Over the past few months, she had thought deeply. In the Ji family, she had always been the villain, and the same troubles kept repeating. She didn’t have the courage to go through it again. Her dark pupils contracted slightly, and the last traces of hesitation and doubt vanished.

Jicheng glared at Jiliang, who reluctantly let go. His hands clenched and unclenched at his sides, his lips pressed tightly together as he stared at Qiaoyun, searching her face for any sign that he could still salvage their relationship.

“Auntie, this matter between Qiaoyun and Jiliang has dragged on long enough. Jiliang knows he was wrong. Just now, he told me he found work in the county town and wants to take Qiaoyun with him. Far from his uncle’s family, life would be much better. Being husband and wife is a blessing cultivated over lifetimes—how can you just give up on it?”

Qiaoyun’s mother glanced sideways at Jiliang, who was dressed respectably. It seemed he really had made money—the monthly payments left on the windowsill were far more than what her eldest son earned. But remembering the day Qiaoyun had been carried home covered in blood, her heart ached. She said coldly, “Our Qiaoyun doesn’t have that kind of luck. Now that he’s doing well, wouldn’t it be better for him to marry someone younger? Move to the county town? I’d probably never see my daughter again before I die. There’s nothing more to discuss. Our family will be the villains here—I’m determined to end this.”

Jiliang’s face twisted in pain. He slowly walked over and knelt before Qiaoyun’s mother with a thud. “Mother, I was a fool in the past, acting without thinking and causing Qiaoyun so much suffering. They say old friends are best, and I never once considered leaving Qiaoyun. I thought my lack of ability was why she couldn’t live comfortably, so I went to the county town to find work. Now the shopkeeper sees my diligence and treats me well. Mother, I can give Qiaoyun a good life now. Why won’t you…?”

Jicheng turned to Qiaoyun. “Has Jiliang ever lied to you? Qiaoyun, I know better than anyone how foolish and thoughtless he can be. But he’s my brother. If he were still the same, I wouldn’t be here—I’d be too ashamed. On this freezing day, he stood outside begging me for help. Whether this works or not, I’ve done my duty as his elder brother. If you’re angry, vent it all on him now. Hit him, scold him—he won’t fight back. For the sake of his sincere remorse, give him a chance to make it up to you for the rest of his life.”

Qiaoyun remained expressionless, her lips pressed into a faint smile. “I know how much trouble you’ve gone through, big brother. I always wished I could get along with you and sister-in-law, but it wasn’t meant to be. I’ve thought long and hard about my situation with Jiliang. All these years, no matter how hard I worked in the Ji family, they never treated me kindly. I used to think it was fate, but now I realize how foolish I was. I don’t want to live like that anymore. I’ve exhausted all my patience on Jiliang—I have no strength left. I just want to end this cleanly so I don’t have to return to East Slope Village and face gossip.”

Jiliang heard the icy finality in her soft words, and it stabbed at his heart like a dull blade. His avoidance had cost him his last chance. Kneeling on the cold ground, he felt the chill seep into his bones as his mother-in-law dismissed him harshly: “I’m not the type to hold a grudge over a failed marriage, but Dajun is sitting right here. This scene is unseemly—you should leave before people start laughing at you. You heard it yourself: Qiaoyun has no intention of staying with you. What’s the point of clinging? Save your energy and find another wife who’ll slave away for your family.”

Jicheng had hoped to mediate, but Qiaoyun and her mother had made their stance clear. What more could he say? Though it pained him to see Jiliang so dejected, he could only ask Qiaoyun solemnly, “Are you sure? Once this is done, there’s no turning back.”

When Jiliang raised his eyes to her, Qiaoyun said firmly, “My mind is made up. Jiliang, our bond was shallow—it ends here. From now on, think more about yourself. Stop sacrificing for others and suffering because of it.”

Sweetie, the little girl beside Dajun, took two steps forward and grabbed Qiaoyun’s hand. She could tell the woman who would soon be her mother was fighting back tears.

Jiliang let out a low, bitter laugh. “I thought if you refused, I’d drag this out no matter what. But now I see it’s no use. I’ve wronged you too much, and we’ve had so few good days together. Arguing only breeds resentment—I don’t want us to be enemies. If leaving me will make your life better, I won’t cling to you and make you hate me. Let’s settle this today. We’ll go to the village head’s house now.”

Qiaoyun’s lips trembled slightly. Having chosen this path, she couldn’t turn back. She nodded. “Let’s go.”

As they were about to leave, Qiaoyun’s eldest brother walked in. Seeing Jiliang, he snorted. “I wondered who was here making noise. So it’s you, the one who’s been hiding like a coward. Made up your mind? What’s the point of dragging my sister along like this?”

Qiaoyun stopped her brother from continuing his tirade, shaking her head with a smile. “He’s agreed. Save your breath.” She knew her brother resented Jiliang’s failures, but further words were pointless now.

Her mother said sternly, “Eldest, go with them and get this settled. It’s been dragging on too long—it’s been weighing on everyone’s minds.”

A cold wind seemed to blow through Jiliang’s heart. He had never seen such resolve on Qiaoyun’s face before. With a self-mocking smile, he turned and walked out first. How could he have forgotten? Respect was one thing, but it didn’t mean Qiaoyun would relent for his brother’s sake. He had come here shamelessly to beg, and this was the result. He knew his brother wasn’t silver-tongued enough to sway the dead, and with Qiaoyun’s mind made up, any further stubbornness would have to come from him. But he wasn’t that kind of unreasonable man.

When they reached East Slope Village, Jiliang stopped and forced a smile at Jicheng. “Big brother, you should go home first. Sister-in-law needs looking after. I can handle the rest myself.”

Jicheng glanced at Qiaoyun, then patted Jiliang’s shoulder helplessly before turning back. Matters between husband and wife should have been settled from the start—not left to fester for months. But it was too late now. He strode home, where Chunfu was tidying up some preserved fish they had stored earlier. Seeing him return, she hurried over and asked, “Did it work? Is Qiaoyun willing to come back?”

Jicheng took the things from her hands, pulled her aside, and wiped her hands with a handkerchief. “Qiaoyun’s made up her mind—she won’t stay with him. They’re probably at the village head’s house finalizing the separation now. Ah, that useless fool… How many times have I warned him? Well, he’s learned his lesson. Let’s see if he dares to be so foolish again.”

What could Chunfu say? She had always liked Qiaoyun, who greeted her warmly as “sister-in-law” whenever they met. It was a shame she was leaving East Slope Village. Given time, everyone would have seen how kind and hardworking she was. But no amount of regret could mend their relationship. “I checked the preserved fish. Let’s keep some for ourselves and send the rest to Shopkeeper Wang. Before the weather changes, we should deliver them early. After resting at home for a few days, we’ll need to send fillings and jam to the shop.”

Jicheng sat her down and poured himself a bowl of water, leaning against the counter to drink. “I think we should buy a pack animal to help carry things. It’ll make trips easier.”

Chunfu sat down and immediately felt drowsy. Jicheng’s suggestion made sense—they had enough money lately to buy a helper, which would save effort. As he drank, Jicheng’s eyes lingered on Chunfu—her fair, gentle face and petite frame bundled in thick clothes, giving her a lively charm. In the past, when he was working, they rarely had time to talk. Now that he was free, they still didn’t have much to say, but the house finally felt full. Just lifting his head, he could see her—no longer realizing mid-thought that she wasn’t there.

Jicheng led Chunfu back to the inner room, where she picked up the fabric she had bought the day before and measured it out. She had learned from Liansheng’s wife how to make children’s clothes. Though the fabric wasn’t large, it was more expensive than adult clothing. Babies had delicate skin—coarse fabric might scratch them, and as the mother, she’d be the one heartbroken. Better to use good material from the start and save herself the worry.

“Children grow fast. That little fabric won’t be enough. Don’t strain your eyes—you mustn’t overwork yourself.”

Chunfu smiled. “I’ll just make clothes for his first year. Liansheng’s wife still has clothes her eldest daughter and second son wore. They’re keeping them for us. When our child is older, they’ll fit perfectly. ‘Wearing clothes from a hundred families, eating food from a hundred homes’—whether the old saying is true or not, it can’t hurt to follow it for the child’s health and safety.”

Jicheng smiled contentedly at Chunfu as time slipped by unnoticed. When he next looked up, it was time to cook. As he rose to start, Chunfu set down her scissors. “Let’s have noodle soup? I’ll chop some meat into it—” Before she could finish, Jiliang’s low voice sounded from the yard. Jicheng strode out and called him in.

“After all these years as brothers, we’ve never sat down for a proper talk. It feels like we wasted the past. I went to Old Wang’s place—he happened to have some braised offal, so I bought extra. Thought I’d impose on you for a meal.”

Jiliang’s face was pale—whether from cold or heartache, it was hard to tell—but his red-rimmed eyes betrayed recent tears. Jicheng was secretly pleased by his brother’s closeness. “In all these years, this is the first time you’ve come to my door asking to stay for a meal. Why would I turn you away? You’ve always been stubborn. Mom waited at home, hoping in vain for her wayward son.”

Chunfu let the brothers sit while she divided the braised meat onto plates, adding chopped scallions, garlic, salt, and vinegar. The fragrant mix was mouthwatering. She set the rest aside and brought it in. Originally planning meat noodle soup, the abundance of meat made her reconsider.

She stir-fried some greens and steamed the preserved fish, finishing quickly. When she carried the dishes in, she found Jiliang sobbing on Jicheng’s shoulder. Though his health had improved, he couldn’t handle heavy labor or intense emotions. To outsiders, Qiaoyun might seem plain, mismatched with Jiliang’s newfound respectability. But only he knew he had never cared about her looks. A woman so devoted, willing to live simply for his sake—he’d be hard-pressed to find another like her.

“How could she be so heartless? She used to dote on me—sneaking to cook for me at night when Mom forbade it, going hungry herself. But now she’s changed just like that.”

Jicheng patted his back. “What kind of man cries so easily? Aren’t you afraid of being laughed at? Since there’s no changing things, you’ll have to let go. Maybe it just wasn’t meant to be.”

Jiliang, still sniffling, didn’t notice Chunfu enter. He murmured, “I just can’t accept it. I thought if I earned more, she’d have a better life. That’s why I left in such a hurry. Who knew things would turn out like this when I returned? The shopkeeper has a small, run-down courtyard. When he heard I wanted to bring her here, he offered to sell it cheap. I imagined settling there and living well together—what a pipe dream.”

Jiliang rambled on about Qiaoyun’s virtues, though his words were tinged more with bitterness and regret. The scar on his heart would only fade with time.

Chunfu waited until the room fell quiet before entering. A man’s tears were precious—she didn’t want to embarrass Jiliang.

“What are your plans? When are you returning to the county town?” Jicheng asked. Seeing Chunfu bring in two bowls of noodles, he jumped up to take them, his eyes scolding. He could’ve called for her to let him carry them—what if she tripped?

Jiliang shifted aside, wiping his face with his sleeve. “I’ll leave in an hour. The shop’s busy—I can’t stay away long. I’d planned to take her with me straightaway. But with my family gone, I don’t want to stay here either. Life in the county town is fine—out of sight, out of mind. Come visit when you can, big brother. I’ll take you and sister-in-law to interesting places.”

Jicheng frowned. “We’ve only just started speaking heart-to-heart, and you’re running off so far? Don’t be stubborn—don’t drift out there all year. Visit them when you can. The old folks underground still worry about you. Don’t grieve them too long.”

Chunfu urged Jiliang to eat the fish. “You came for a meal, and I didn’t even prepare proper dishes. Next time, I’ll make a proper feast. I don’t have the right words to comfort you, but no matter what, don’t be too hard on yourself. Look ahead, hold your head high, and live well.”

Jiliang rubbed his nose, his voice hoarse. “Don’t worry, sister-in-law. I understand.”

Back at home, Ji Second Uncle and his wife waited long past mealtime for Jiliang’s return. Second Uncle puffed on his pipe. “It’s time to eat. Why isn’t Jiliang back yet?”

Before Second Aunt could answer, she looked up to see Jikun entering the yard with Chunju in his arms. “Heavens! It’s freezing—how could you bring my precious grandchild out like this? What if she catches cold?”

Second Uncle knocked the ash from his pipe and glared at Jikun, who hunched his shoulders. “What are you doing here? Did Jiliang go to your place?”

Jikun shook his head hastily. “No, I haven’t seen him. Dad, Mom, we’ve got no food left at home. We adults can go hungry, but not the child. We’re out of firewood too—can’t even heat the kang properly. The three of us are freezing like ghosts. Can we come back to stay?”

Seeing his father’s expression darken, Jikun assumed it was because of Chunju and quickly added, “Once the baby’s weaned, we’ll take care of her ourselves. She can go wherever she needs to.”