Jiliang finally lost his temper, his chest heaving with anger. Qiaoyun was afraid he might harm his health, so for the past few days, she had been coaxing and indulging him, trying to keep him from overthinking. But now? She had his best interests at heart, yet he was lashing out at her because of those people.
“Qiaoyun, this is my family matter. Can you just stay out of it? Even if they’re scoundrels, I can’t just abandon them. They raised me, and I owe them. From now on, don’t you dare show any disrespect to my parents again.”
Qiaoyun found it utterly ridiculous, her voice dripping with disappointment: “Jiliang, have you lost your mind? You’re using the food I swallowed my pride to get from my family to show filial piety to people who don’t even respect you. I have no issue with you taking care of your parents, but what about Jikun? He’s perfectly capable—he has hands and feet, can eat and move. Why should you still be responsible for him? Are you a dog? Only remembering the food but not the beatings? Have you forgotten how he belittled you? I can see you’re not happy about it either. We’ve barely had a couple of good days, and now you want to ruin it all? If you had money, would you just hand it all over to them?”
Jiliang thought Qiaoyun was being utterly unreasonable. What was wrong with being filial to his own parents? It was just a small favor for Jikun—why was she so petty? Not wanting to argue further, he turned and headed inside.
Qiaoyun knew from his reaction that he was dismissing her, treating her like she was just making noise. Her heart ached with frustration and hurt. Did Jiliang not understand that all she wanted was a peaceful life with him? His attitude was truly disheartening. Suddenly remembering something, she shouted toward the house: “I forbid you from going to see Elder Brother Jicheng, you hear me? It must be that good-for-nothing Jikun causing trouble again, embarrassing everyone day in and day out.”
There was no response from inside. What more could she say? Time flew by, and summer arrived before they knew it. The days grew hotter, and Jiliang sweated easily. Worried he might be uncomfortable, Qiaoyun wrung out a cloth and brought it to him, only to find him lying facedown, sulking. This man—she cared for him too much, always yielding to him, which was why he took her for granted.
The villagers all knew Jicheng had left early in the morning and wouldn’t return until evening. Jiliang waited until the sun was nearly down before leaving home to find him. People said blood ties could never be severed, but he didn’t believe that. Disliking Jicheng was one thing, but he firmly believed in filial piety. A person couldn’t be ungrateful. Qiaoyun only saw how his parents mistreated him, but what about the good times? One couldn’t be too calculating—if he had something, he would give it to his parents.
Jicheng had just returned home. Watching Chunfu walk unsteadily, his heart ached with worry. Softly, he asked, “Still not feeling well? Should I go—” Before he could finish, his face flushed red. He was so flustered—how could he ask a doctor about such a thing? People would laugh at him.
Chunfu shook her head. “I’m… fine. Wash your hands and serve yourself. Don’t forget to bring out the pickled vegetables—they’re just right now.”
Obediently, Jicheng ladled out the noodles, pouring over them the vegetable broth Chunfu had prepared. It looked delicious, and knowing she didn’t like spicy food, he added just a bit of vinegar before placing the bowl in front of her and handing her chopsticks. Then he served himself. Truth be told, their life wasn’t much better off. The generous-looking broth was only because Chunfu had eaten sparingly during the day, saving the better meal for dinner. Food always tasted better when shared with someone you cared about, and with all the work, there was little energy left for elaborate cooking.
Jicheng had eaten most of his bowl when he stood to fetch Chunfu some noodle soup, smiling as he said, “When I have time, I’ll catch a fish to make soup. It’ll be good for your health.” He thought chicken soup would also be nourishing, but glancing at their two still-small chickens, he sighed—it would be a while before they laid eggs.
Chunfu looked up and noticed Jiliang lingering outside their yard. She nudged Jicheng to look. When he turned, his smile vanished, replaced by a cold expression. After a pause, he called out, “What are you doing out there? If you have something to say, come in.”
After hesitating, Jiliang strode in. Seeing Jicheng mid-meal, he said, “Keep eating. I’ll just say a few words.”
Chunfu couldn’t just sit there. With a light laugh, she offered, “Have you eaten? There’s more noodles—should I make you a bowl?” Whatever issues Jicheng and Jiliang had, a guest was a guest, and she didn’t want to be a poor host.
Jiliang remained expressionless, devoid of any courtesy. Gruffly, he replied, “No need. You—why did you hit Elder Brother? My father has no money—where’s he supposed to get the funds to treat his injuries? We’re brothers. Was it necessary to go so far?”
Jicheng had just sat back down with his soup when he heard this. Slamming his hand on the table, he made the bowls jump. Chunfu startled, knowing he was furious, but this was between brothers—she couldn’t interfere.
“What? You came here to demand justice? You really never fail to disappoint me. Did Uncle never teach you to ask what happened before accusing someone? Get out. I don’t want to see you.”
Jiliang paled but stubbornly insisted, “You can’t just beat someone and walk away. There has to be some reasoning.”
Qiaoyun, who had been cooking at home, stepped out to find Jiliang missing. Guessing he’d gone to his brother’s, she was livid. Tossing aside her apron, she rushed over just in time to hear his words. Without waiting for Jicheng’s response, she stormed in and smacked Jiliang’s back hard. “Can we even keep living like this? Are you so stubborn you’ll only listen to them? Elder Brother, don’t mind him. He’s just got too much free time and needs a good thrashing.”
Jicheng was silent for a long moment before exhaling wearily. “Jikun came to my house last night and behaved inappropriately. I wasn’t home at the time, so I beat him. It’s not something I’m proud of, and I don’t want to talk about it. Did Uncle even tell you what happened? Leave. Don’t stand there being an eyesore. And don’t come back—you’re not welcome here.”
Qiaoyun panicked, wringing her hands anxiously. “Elder Brother, don’t take it to heart. He’s just soft-hearted and gullible. You two are real brothers—that Jikun is nothing but trouble, hopelessly useless. I can see you and Sister-in-law are reasonable people. In this village, it’s family who help each other survive. We’ve been foolish in the past, Elder Brother. Please don’t be angry.”
How could Jicheng not care for his brother? Back then, their parents had been desperate. Uncle had begged tearfully, saying he had no one to care for him in old age, and it would ease the family’s burden. The guilt had never left Jicheng—he couldn’t let go. What infuriated him was Jiliang’s stubborn blindness. He wasn’t asking him to cut ties with Uncle, just to use some judgment. Was it so hard to tell good advice from bad? Fine. He was done wasting his breath.
“Stubborn as a mule, always thinking people are out to get him. Whatever. Just go home. And don’t come charging over here making a scene—it ruins the mood.”
Suddenly, Qiaoyun understood: Elder Brother Jicheng had lost all respect for them. And it was all Jiliang’s fault. How could he be so blind? Turning to Chunfu, she pleaded, “Sister-in-law…”
Chunfu could only smile. “It’s late. You should head back. He’s had a long day and is in a foul mood. Let him cool off first.”
She could hear the frustration in Jicheng’s voice. Though he wouldn’t admit it, she knew he still cared for his brother. Who’d have thought his own flesh and blood would confront him so harshly? It was no wonder he was upset.
Only after the couple had left did Jicheng sigh. “Jiliang must’ve accumulated great merit in a past life to marry someone like Qiaoyun. I hope he appreciates his luck. He’s just… whatever. Why should I care about other people’s problems?”
But he didn’t go up the mountain that day. After sitting outside for a while, he went to rest. Chunfu found it amusing—this man was so stubborn, pretending he didn’t care when he clearly did. They say dragons have nine sons, each different. Jiliang wasn’t Jicheng. His intentions were good—he wanted to wake Jiliang up—but Jiliang was fixated on Uncle and Aunt. Even a deity couldn’t change that.
After tidying up outside, Chunfu returned to find Jicheng already in bed, lying stiffly—clearly awake. Feeling mischievous, she teased, “Aren’t you going to prepare my foot bath today?”
Jicheng bolted upright, scrambling to fetch water. “Sorry, I forgot. I’ll do it now.” As he swung his legs off the bed, Chunfu grabbed his arm, her eyes twinkling with laughter. Realizing she’d tricked him, he tapped her nose playfully. “You little troublemaker.”
With a tug, he pulled her up. She yelped as she tumbled into his arms, swatting his chest. “Are you trying to scare me to death? What if you’d dropped me?”
Jicheng chuckled, holding her tighter. “As if I’d let that happen. I carry heavier loads than you every day—I’ve got the strength.” Without waiting for her to ask, he voiced his frustration: “I know Mother couldn’t bear to part with Jiliang. Maybe I was the selfish one. If I’d been the one to leave with Uncle, things wouldn’t be like this. I don’t believe I’m cursed—I just couldn’t be bothered to argue.”
Chunfu felt a flicker of unease but refused to believe Jicheng could bring misfortune. She’d been with him long enough without any ill effects. Tilting her head, she asked, “Could it be that Uncle and Aunt found some quack priest to spout nonsense? They’ve always been petty. No wonder they went after Jiliang. It’s outrageous, but they know you care about him—they’re counting on you giving in for his sake.”
Jicheng stroked her hair absently, savoring its silkiness. Resolved, he shrugged. “Let them scheme. This is the last time. If they show up again, ignore them. See if they dare step foot here without your permission. I don’t need my brothers’ help. We’ll live by our own efforts—feast when we prosper, endure when times are lean. It’s none of their business.”
Chunfu said nothing more. So this man was the truly petty one. She’d never intended to mediate anyway. With Jiliang’s weak will, even if Uncle wronged him a thousand times, a few tearful words would melt his resolve. He’d probably never wise up. The more you tried to help such people, the more it hurt you.
On the way back, Qiaoyun vented her anger by hitting Jiliang repeatedly, drawing stares from villagers enjoying the evening cool. She couldn’t care less. “Are you brain-dead? I told you Jikun was trash, but you wouldn’t listen. Now you’ve made a fool of yourself—happy? Can’t you think before acting? Jikun got what he deserved. I’d have beaten him worse. Jiliang, this is my final warning: if you meddle in Jikun’s mess again, we’re done. I’ll pack up and go home. If you want to ruin your life, don’t drag me down. Make sure the divorce letter is clear.”
Jiliang endured her tirade silently. When she finally paused, he muttered, “I never wanted anything to do with Jicheng’s family. What was all that groveling for? You made us look pathetic. I’ll find work tomorrow—out of sight, out of mind, and away from your nagging. Go home first. I need to talk to Father.”
Qiaoyun rolled her eyes. “What heroic deed have you done now? Can’t be bothered with you. Useless, but full of pride.” With that, she hurried off—dinner was getting cold.
Jiliang sighed. He knew he’d lost his grip on Qiaoyun. Her earlier outburst showed no respect for him. Resentment simmered. If this continued, she’d walk all over him. As the man of the house, shouldn’t he have the final say? Since when did a woman call the shots?
Approaching his home, he saw a group emerging—his parents obsequiously escorting a burly, well-dressed man with a fearsome face. The stranger looked every bit the thug. Once they’d left, Jiliang hurried over. “Father, Mother, who was that? He looked vicious—not another debt collector, was he?”
Uncle Ji’s gloomy mood had lifted. Though annoyed by Jiliang’s tone, he held back, smugly declaring, “Who knew Jikun would turn out so well? Let Dongpo Village see—my son saved a life! That man came personally to thank his savior. Now we’ve got money for medicine and food. Unlike you, useless as ever. Why are you here? Eavesdropping?”
Jiliang shook his head, his voice resigned. “I went to see Jicheng. He said it was Elder Brother’s fault—that’s why he hit him. Father, Elder Brother went too far. She’s his lawful wife—what right did he have to harass her? Elder Brother isn’t… hopeless. He should marry properly.”
Uncle Ji’s irritation faded at the last remark. It aligned with his thoughts. Boss Lin had brought ten taels of silver—a fortune! Soon, they’d be among the village’s wealthy. Finding Jikun a wife would be easy. Turning to his wife, he ordered, “Find a matchmaker. Look for a pretty, virtuous girl from a good family—someone filial, not like that Qiaoyun, daring to glare at her elders. I couldn’t stomach it. Back then, we had no choice but to let her into the Ji family.”
Jiliang frowned. Qiaoyun wasn’t bad—plain but hardworking and devoted, better than some delicate flower. He wanted to defend her but held his tongue, not wanting to provoke his father further. His silence didn’t spare him a lecture, though. His father berated him relentlessly, and he stood there, not daring to breathe too loudly.
“What kind of man are you? Letting Qiaoyun rule over you—who does she think she is, making decisions for you? Spineless! With a disobedient woman, fists are the answer. Once she learns her place, she won’t dare defy you. Must I teach you everything?”
Jiliang disagreed inwardly. He and Qiaoyun had been married for years. Aside from their differing views on his parents, they got along well. Without the elders interfering, they could’ve lived peacefully. But seeing his father’s temper, he nodded meekly. “Understood.”
Inside, Jiliang found Jikun bruised and battered, his triumphant grin grotesque amid the swelling. Without looking up, Jikun boasted, “We crawled out of a pile of corpses together. That barbarian nearly stabbed him to death—I bashed the guy’s skull in with a rock. Who’d have thought he’d strike it rich as a merchant? At least he remembers who saved his life.”
Uncle Ji chimed in gleefully, “True loyalty’s rare these days—even family can’t be trusted. Sometimes strangers are better than kin.” He shot Jiliang a glare. “Don’t mention that ungrateful Jicheng again. Useless and cruel—look what he did to my A-Kun!”
Jikun turned his swollen face toward Jiliang, sneering. “What’s Jicheng worth? I’ll make him pay. He’s just a foreman at some town job. My friend manages that estate—one word from me, and he’s out on the street. Let’s see how he feeds his pretty little wife then. Cross me? No chance. Anyone who offends me pays—if I can crush them, I will.”
Even Uncle Ji shivered at Jikun’s venom. Hesitantly, he said, “Don’t go too far. He’s still your cousin—no need to make outsiders laugh at us.”
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