Chapter 101: Your Man Is Back!
Every trip into the forest was fruitful. There were wild rabbits, pheasants, and roe deers. In fact, she caught a pair of male and female goats last time! There were even two little lambs.
She would not have to consume points to exchange for milk powder in the Points Mall in the future. She stored the goats and lambs in her space to rear them.
It was almost time to return home, so she carried the roe deer home. She could not place it in her space because her two children were with her. They had been guarding the roe deer she killed and picking mushrooms.
"Zheng'er, Rong'er, it's getting late. We should go home. Your younger brothers are waiting."
"Mother, there are so many mushrooms here. Are we coming to harvest them tomorrow?" Zheng'er looked up at her and asked.
To be honest, she was not short of mushrooms. The mushrooms in her space were enough to pile up into a mountain. She had exchanged many of them for points in the Points Mall, but she still had many left.
If Qian Yiyun was not here, she would dry the mushrooms to sell them in the future.
She could only store the mushrooms in her space for now. Thankfully, they would not spoil in her space.
"Okay, let's come back tomorrow." An Jiuyue smiled and nodded, waving at them. "Come here quickly. I hunted a roe deer today, so I can't hold your hands. You have to walk on your own."
"Mother, we've grown up. We can walk and take care of our younger brothers," Rong'er said gently.
She told them they would have to take care of their younger brothers after Qian Yiyun left. They knew that their mother could not stay home all day either, as she had to earn money to raise them.
They were sensible children and wanted to share the burden with their mother.
Although they could not go hunting in the forest to earn money now, they knew that they could at least take care of their younger brothers so that their mother would have one less thing to worry about.
"Mother, we're all very obedient," Zheng'er added.
"Yes, you're all very obedient. You're all my good sons," An Jiuyue replied with a smile.
…
An hour later, An Jiuyue, with a roe deer on her back and two children in tow, was approaching the treehouse when she was notified by Wei Na.
"Master, your man is back!"
An Jiuyue was surprised.
My man? He's not my man!
"I'll block you out if you continue spouting nonsense!"
She did not expect Qian Jiyun to come at this time. She wondered if he would leave with Qian Yiyun, allowing her to be free to do whatever she wanted.
2
Zheng'er ran towards Qian Jiyun, who was chopping firewood. He looked up at him and asked, "Uncle Qian, what took you so long to come?"
He knew that Qian Jiyun and Qian Yiyun were siblings.
Uncle Qian must have come to fetch Aunt Yiyun home, right?
Although he accused Qian Jiyun of taking his time, he was rather unhappy that he was here. He wanted Qian Yiyun to stay with them and not leave.
"Zheng'er, come here, let me hug you."
1
Qian Jiyun had overheard the conversation between An Jiuyue and the two boys. He put down the axe in his hand and glanced at her.
He walked over, took the roe deer from An Jiuyue, and placed it by the straw shed. Then, he removed the small basket on Zheng'er's back and picked him up.
"Rong'er, come over. I'll hug you too."
1
"Okay!" Rong'er put down the basket on his back and ran over excitedly.
"Mother, Uncle Qian is here! We have to cook more food tonight."
Chapter 102: You're Both Staying Here?
Rong'er nuzzled into Qian Jiyun's chest before turning his head to speak to his mother.
"Okay." An Jiuyue was initially stunned by her emptied hands. She simply nodded at her son after he called out to her.
For some reason, there was a sense of sourness in her heart.
They are father and son, after all. Despite only knowing each other for a few days, they are already intimate. I can't compare to that.
"I'll cook, but you'll still have to start the fire, Rong'er."
She knew that Qian Jiyun would have to leave eventually and did not want the boys to become too reliant on him. She had never asked her children to light a fire or wash the vegetables. This was the first time she initiated and called Rong'er to the kitchen with her.
Wei Na thought, that's what they call jealousy.
Rong'er did not suspect anything and nodded happily. "Okay!"
An Jiuyue looked at Qian Jiyun and asked, "You're here? When do you intend to leave?"
1
Qian Yiyun heard her question as she walked down the treehouse, nearly missing a step and tumbling down.
She rubbed the tip of her nose, feeling sorry for her brother. He had just arrived, but her sister-in-law was already chasing him away. She seemed wary of men.
"Sister Jiuyue, my brother said that he has settled his matters. You saved us, so I wanted to do something more for you. Aren't you reclaiming the mountainous land over there?
"Besides, we don't have much firewood left. We have to chop up more. My brother can do all of this."
Yan Nuo had already been chased away by Qian Jiyun. He was not allowed to return to the treehouse before Qian Jiyun could woo An Jiuyue back.
Upon hearing her words, An Jiuyue looked at Qian Jiyun in surprise. "You're both staying here?"
Did he discover something?
I thought he would leave with Qian Yiyun immediately or leave 1000 taels of silver as repayment for saving their lives.
But now he's moving in? What's going on?
"Yiyun likes this place, so I thought I'll let her stay here for a while longer." Qian Jiyun stared deeply into his wife's eyes.
Why did I not notice the wariness in her eyes when she spoke to me? It seems like I'm not attentive enough.
He added after some thought, "It's rare for me to have some leisure time too. Would you mind if we stay a little longer at your house, Miss An?"
An Jiuyue was silent.
Can I say that I'm very unwilling?
But Qian Yiyun has been here for so many days. If I'm unhappy about it, I should have expressed that a long time ago instead of waiting until now, right?
"I only have three rooms in my house. As you can see, there are… a lot of people here now."
Qian Jiyun raised an eyebrow.
Is this an indirect rejection?
"Well…"
Rong'er's voice interrupted them. "Mother, it's okay. Xiao Zhou and Xiao Xing can sleep with Aunt Yiyun. Xiao Lu can sleep with you, and we can sleep with Uncle Qian."
1
Xiao Lu1 was the nickname for the little boy that An Jiuyue found while buying cabbages. She named him An Yilu.
An Jiuyue was surprised.
These little traitors! Who raised you?
2
But then again, what kind of luck does Qian Jiyun have? He has two good sons who are siding with him even before finding out he's their father! So ridiculous!
Chapter 103: Exploited By Her Brother And Sister-In-law
Don't they say that boys are closer to their mothers, while girls are closer to their fathers? Why are things the other way around here?
Wei Na heard her thoughts.
Just keep being jealous, Master. Anyway, why do I feel like this man is not staying here for the two children? Am I wrong?
"Do as you please." An Jiuyue raised her hand to wipe her face, glancing at the roe deer on the ground before returning to the treehouse.
It's not like I can stop them from developing their father-son relationship. I'll be struck by lightning if I do! Forget it. Since they want to stay for a little, so be it.
Rong'er slid down from Qian Jiyun's body and followed her. "Mother, I'll help you start a fire."
"Mother, I'll wash the vegetables for you." Zheng'er also went along.
Qian Jiyun's arms were instantly empty.
When the mother and sons headed upstairs, Qian Yiyun leaned toward her brother and asked softly, "Sister Jiuyue wants to chase you away. Can we even stay here for long?"
"Remember this: Zheng'er and Rong'er are my sons. Do you understand?" Qian Jiyun glanced at his sister and reminded her.
"Why?"
I understand that he wants to reunite with my sister-in-law, but why does he want to treat the two little ones as his biological sons?
4
It's not that she's a second wife that he took to replace a dead wife. Yet, she already has two step-sons soon after their marriage. Won't this hinder their relationship as husband and wife?
Why did my brother remind me to keep this a secret repeatedly?
3
"Think about it yourself." Qian Jiyun glanced coldly at his sister, turned around, and headed upstairs too.
"And gut that roe deer," he instructed without looking back.
Qian Yiyun looked at the roe deer on the ground. She widened her eyes instantly and turned to look at his back.
"Huh?"
Is this still my brother? Did he really ask me to do that?
She had gotten used to hardships after going through a lot with her brother over the past few years. However, she still wondered why she had to be the one to gut the animal now that her older brother and sister-in-law were around.
What is a younger sister? Is a younger sister meant to be exploited by her brother and sister-in-law?
"Big Brother, you should have let Yan Nuo stay!"
But she knew that would not be a good idea as there would not be enough bedrooms if Yan Nuo had stayed.
Her sister-in-law would definitely use that as an excuse to chase them away.
Hence, she had to do this alone.
Sigh… My life is so hard… Helping my brother woo my sister-in-law is not easy!
2
…
Inside the kitchen in the treehouse…
The two children were initially ready to help their mother in the kitchen but a couple of words from Qian Jiyun sent them running downstairs excitedly to watch Qian Yiyun gut the roe deer.
Only Qian Jiyun and An Jiuyue were left in the kitchen.
"I don't have much to do here. Go and look after the children," An Jiuyue instructed Qian Jiyun as if she was instructing Qian Yiyun.
Since he wanted to stay here for a while, he had to contribute and do something.
However, she felt a little awkward being in the same room as him, especially since they were alone. She did not know how to interact with him.
She might as well assign him to watch over Xiao Lu and the other two.
"I…" Qian Jiyun had many things he wanted to tell An Jiuyue.
He wanted to explain why she was chased out of the house. He also wanted to explain his relationship with that woman in the house.
Chapter 104: This Man Is Up to No Good
However, he kept silent when he watched her chop the vegetables.
He was afraid that she would accidentally cut her fingers in shock if he told her. He decided to keep it in and bring it up after dinner.
In the end, he agreed and went to check on the three children on the bed.
"Okay, I'll go check on them."
Wei Na remarked after Qian Jiyun left, "Master, I think things are not that simple. I don't think he's staying here because of his sister."
1
Although An Jiuyue did not notice his hesitation to speak, Wei Na observed him very carefully.
It refused to believe that Qian Jiyun had no other motives.
"Has your man taken a fancy to you? Maybe he's preparing to capture you to be his wife!"
An Jiuyue was silent.
She wanted to chop Wei Na up with the knife in her hand if she could! Capture me to be his wife? You ought to know better!
"Shut up!"
Wei Na gasped. Having read her mind, it hurriedly hid in a corner.
Master wants to chop me up… That's so cruel! Is it a sin to speak my mind?
…
Crash!
A porcelain bowl slipped out of An Jiuyue's hands and fell into the wooden basin, shattering with a crash. Water splashed up from the basin.
An Jiuyue reached out to pick up the bowl but accidentally cut her finger with the broken pieces.
"Woah!"
"Jiuyue!"
Qian Jiyun immediately rushed over and pulled her hand out of the wooden basin. He took out a handkerchief from his chest pocket and wiped her hand.
He frowned when he saw the blood on her finger and immediately took out some ointment to apply it to her.
He had wanted to talk to her about this when she was relaxed to prevent frightening her. He did not expect to still hurt her. He really wanted to slap himself in the face.
"Does it hurt?"
"N-no, I'm fine."
An Jiuyue retracted her hand. Her face was burning, and she turned her head away awkwardly.
Wei Na snorted softly in the space.
See? I knew it! This man is up to no good! He's really here for Master! But she didn't believe me earlier. Now we're screwed, aren't we?
"Master, he is definitely your man. Really."
An Jiuyue gritted her teeth and hissed at Wei Na, "I'll seal you away if you don't shut up!"
Wei Na hurried back to a corner, shivering a little.
Master wants to seal me away!
She is definitely capable of this. Women are not to be trifled with. Angry women? All the more!
An Jiuyue ignored Wei Na and did not want to bother herself with Qian Jiyun.
However, she recalled what Qian Jiyun had said moments ago and turned around to look at him involuntarily.
"What did you… say just now?"
Did I mishear him? Or did Qian Jiyun say that wrongly?
"Lan Zhengfeng went to Ming Gu County to be a county magistrate." Qian Jiyun looked at her seriously and spoke again.
An Jiuyue was not too emotional when she heard Lan Zhengfeng's name. After all, he had nothing to do with her in the first place.
However, she suddenly felt sorry for the Host.
As her father, Lan Zhengfeng refused to allow his daughter to return home after her husband died because he wanted to live a life of luxury. But look at him now.
Chapter 105: I Was Lucky and Did Not Die
As the former daughter of a county magistrate, she had heard of Ming Gu County. It was the poorest county in the country.
None of the county magistrates there held office for long. They either withdrew or were charged with all sorts of crimes and eventually beheaded.
County magistrates sent to Ming Gu County were usually those who had offended someone—and offended them big time.
An Jiuyue replied indifferently, "Where he goes is none of my business."
Both she and the Host no longer had anything to do with Lan Zhengfeng. The Host severed ties with him and even changed her name because she was thoroughly disappointed in her father.
Meanwhile, she never had any sort of relationship with Lan Zhengfeng.
"Are you here to take Zheng'er and Rong'er away?" she asked, looking at him.
From the moment she first heard his name. she had a feeling he would. They had a father-son relationship, after all. How could Qian Jiyun let them stay on the mountain forever after learning of their identities?
"Why would you think that?" Qian Jiyun took the cloth from her hand and gestured for her to sit down. "Let me do it. You sit over there and listen to me first."
An Jiuyue looked up and stared at his side profile. She wanted to reject him but found a stool and sat down in the end. She wanted to hear what he had to say.
1
"That woman back in that house was the reason for what happened four years ago. She was not my biological mother. She was only my stepmother, and she wanted me dead.
"I almost lost my life due to some secret schemes during that expedition. However, I was lucky and did not die," Qian Jiyun explained slowly as he washed the dishes.
"When I returned victoriously, I didn't think of you immediately because I found Yan Yan beaten up by that woman. She almost died."
1
It was a close call. Yan Yan would have been gone if he had not returned in time.
"The injuries on Xiao Yiyun…" An Jiuyue opened her mouth to speak, but she was at a loss for words.
She had seen the whip wounds on Qian Yiyun's arms. She had also asked about it, but Qian Yiyun only gave her some excuses.
I thought there were only wounds on her arm. Are there whip wounds all over her body?
"Yes. It was because that woman hit her."
Hatred was written all over Qian Jiyun's face when he mentioned his stepmother. He gritted his teeth as he spoke.
"I was only told later that you were chased out by that woman. The two children were also no longer around. I interrogated all the servants and found out that the woman sent people to abandon them in the deep mountains.
"As for you, your whereabouts were unknown."
He really had no idea where she went. For all the years she had gone missing, he had searched continuously. He never found her.
An Jiuyue pursed her lips.
"Of course, my whereabouts were unknown. Was I supposed to wait for those people to come after me?" she muttered.
"Hm?" Qian Jiyun narrowed his eyes and looked at her with confusion.
"Didn't you already know that I was chased out of my family's house?"
She looked up at Qian Jiyun, who was washing the dishes, and pursed her lips.
"After that, I secretly returned and asked around. It was not that Lan Zhengfeng didn't want to acknowledge me as his daughter. He already knew about everything early that morning and decided that once I returned, he would… kill me!"
Chapter 106: You'll Have to Wait
She said bitterly, a sarcastic smile on her face.
Lan Zhengfeng was only a county magistrate. He did not dare to kill his daughter in broad daylight. Instead, he planned to chase her away and send people to pursue her to kill her.
However, she was rescued by An Tu, who was on his way to the county to sell his prey.
"He accepted their bribe." Qian Jiyun narrowed his eyes menacingly.
1
He should have known that Lan Zhengfeng would have the guts to treat his biological daughter like that. She was not only his daughter but also his wife.
He would not have dared to do this to an ex-wife. He did it because he accepted their bribes!
Qian Jiyun had sent Lan Zhengfeng to Ming Gu County because he thought Lan Zhengfeng did not care about his relationship with his daughter. Such a person was not fit to be a parent, much less an official.
He never thought that he would kill his daughter to earn a fortune!
"He ought to die!" he cursed but glanced at An Jiuyue subconsciously.
He was used to deaths on the battlefield, but An Jiuyue was different. Besides, she was Lan Zhengfeng's daughter. He did not want her to notice his killing intent towards Lan Zhengfeng.
However, he did not notice any expression on An Jiuyue's face.
"After they chased me out of the Lan household, I wanted to find a place to settle down but was hunted by assassins. I was lucky to meet my father.
"I went home with him. He took me in as his daughter, and we've been living here. However, he passed away some time back."
There was nothing else to hide since Qian Jiyun already knew. She might as well tell him the truth.
"I've been looking for you all these years. I even sent people to wait by your mother's grave, hoping that you would come. You never came," Qian Jiyun said.
An Jiuyue was silent.
He sent people to wait by my mother's grave?
"Heh, you'll have to wait more then."
"Why?" Qian Jiyun asked, not understanding.
Shouldn't children go to their parents' graves on their death anniversaries? Wasn't it reasonable to assign people to wait there?
"I've relocated my mother's grave long ago," An Jiuyue retorted, "Did you think that I would allow my mother to be buried in the Lan family ancestral grave after finding out what kind of person Lan Zhengfeng is? I just never expected…"
She recalled what she had seen when she secretly relocated her mother's grave during the night. She was so angry she wanted to tear off a piece of Lan Zhengfeng's flesh!
"What happened?" Qian Jiyun asked.
His instincts told him that something terrible had happened.
Lan Zhengfeng was not someone who would treat his late mistress kindly. Perhaps he was wrong to have left so soon.
"Lan Zhengfeng did not put my mother's corpse in a coffin. He only wrapped her in a straw mat. The straw mat was covered with talismans used for black magic."
1
An Jiuyue took a deep breath.
Although the Host was the one who experienced this, she grew furious as she recalled the memory.
Qian Jiyun cursed through gritted teeth, "That bastard!"
There were many types of black magic. He did not know what Lan Zhengfeng wanted to do to An Jiuyue's mother, but he knew he was definitely up to no good.
Chapter 107: Married Couple
"I consulted some Taoist priests later. According to them, Lan Zhengfeng probably felt that my mother's death was mysterious since she had died from poisoning. He probably also thought that she should not be buried in the ancestral grave in the first place since she was only a mistress.
"But my mother saved you, and you were pressuring him, so he had no choice but to honor her death. Instead, he played hidden tricks.
"In short, he wanted my mother to die with grievances and avenge himself," An Jiuyue said.
1
Qian Jiyun took a deep breath and spat, "Lan Zhengfeng!"
She is my life savior! How dare Lan Zhengfeng treat her like this?
Even if she isn't my life savior, she still gave birth to a son and a daughter for him! How can he do such vicious things as her husband? This is proof of his awful character.
"I shouldn't have let him off so easily!"
I went too easy on him by sending him to Ming Gu County. Just you wait. I'll have plenty of time to torment this crazy thing!
"Jiuyue…"
An Jiuyue calmed herself down and asked, "When are you taking Zheng'er and Rong'er away?"
Qian Jiyun stayed silent.
When did I say that I'm taking them away? I'm trying to use them as an excuse to stay here!
"Jiuyue, Zheng'er and Rong'er are still young. How can they leave you?" he asked.
An Jiuyue fell silent.
He was right. Zheng'er and Rong'er had been with her for so many years. They could not bear to leave her, and neither could she. She already found it difficult to separate from the two babies even though she had only spent less than a month with them.
But what can I do? Their biological father is here looking for them. I can't keep them to myself, right?
1
"Are you going to leave them here with me?" she asked him.
Qian Jiyun was lost for words and reminded her helplessly, "Jiuyue, did you forget something?"
"What?" An Jiuyue asked.
"Jiuyue, we are husband and wife. We had our wedding ceremony. Have you forgotten that?"
Although they had not consummated their marriage, they had plenty of time. They could take their time. As long as she could remember that they were husband and wife, it was enough for him.
An Jiuyue was extremely shocked.
She had never thought about this. After all, she was not the Host.
However, she could not reveal that.
"So you want to live here?"
That can't be right. Qian Jiyun was already a great general four years ago. He must have earned a lot of military merit by now. How can he live in such a mountain?
Qian Jiyun coughed. Of course, he wanted to stay here.
However, he knew that he could not admit that to her because she would definitely explode.
She had just received so much information. He had to slow things down first.
"Jiuyue, you know that I'm a great general. I'm deployed for battle all year round. How can I stay here forever? I'll come over for a few days whenever I'm free.
"Besides, I told you that woman in my house is very vicious. I'll be worried about leaving Zheng'er and Rong'er in my home.
"But I can't bring them to the military camp either. They're still young."
Chapter 108: Not Easy to Fool
He added, "So after thinking about it, I still feel it is safest to keep them by your side. What do you think? Of course, if you're willing to follow me to the military base with Zheng'er and Rong'er, that would be even better."
1
An Jiuyue was silent.
He is basically forcing me to choose. But it is true that I still am his wife—that is undeniable.
2
The two children also belong to Qian Jiyun. I can't stop them from seeing their father, right? But it is also unrealistic to separate them from me.
"Then you can stay here for now. But let's make this clear first. I… I won't share a bed with you," she said, taking a step back.
Qian Jiyun nodded immediately. "Sure."
An Jiuyue was confused.
He agreed so quickly. Why do I feel like I got tricked? Something feels wrong. Very wrong.
1
Wei Na was hiding in a corner inside the space. It had been drawing imaginary circles but was now quietly watching its master fall for the words of a certain shameless man.
It's her fault for thinking about chopping me up! I am very resolute. Since she doesn't want me to say anything, then I won't! I'll let her fall for it!
But speaking of this man, he's actually not bad.
2
"Ahem, Jiuyue, I'll sleep with Zheng'er and Rong'er tonight. Are you okay with that?"
Qian Jiyun coughed when he saw her perplexed gaze. He quickly changed the topic so that she would not notice anything.
Sigh, it's no good having a wife so intelligent sometimes. It's not easy to fool her.
1
"They're your sons. Why would I mind?" An Jiuyue retorted.
"Okay." Qian Jiyun nodded again. "I've washed the dishes. If there's anything else you need, I'll do it."
"It's fine. Go accompany Zheng'er and the others. I'll boil some water," An Jiuyue said.
Since he's here to be with his sons, I'll let him do that. I don't need his help here anymore.
"I'll go over then." Qian Jiyun stood up and strode away.
"Brother, how is…" Qian Yiyun hurriedly asked when she saw her brother coming over.
However, she swallowed her words when she saw his cold gaze.
She just wanted to ask because she was afraid that he would be chased away by her sister-in-law.
Qian Jiyun stood next to her and reminded, "Remember to call Jiuyue 'sister-in-law' more often to help her get used to it."
1
He then picked up Xiao Lu'er, who was crawling on the bed, and sat him up. He even gestured for him to sit up straight.
"Why are you crawling around? Sit down."
Xiao Lu'er titled his head and blinked his large grape-like eyes at Qian Jiyun.
This uncle is a little fierce. He doesn't even let me crawl on the bed. Can Mother come over and kick him out?
3
Qian Jiyun waved at Zheng'er and Rong'er. "Zheng'er, Rong'er, come here."
"Uncle Qian." They crawled towards Qian Jiyun and rolled into his arms.
"Zheng'er, tell me, has your mother named your younger brothers? What are their names?" Qian Jiyun asked.
Zheng'er was stunned for a moment but answered, "She did. The third oldest is called An Yilu, and his nickname is Xiao Lu'er."
Chapter 109: Ignore Those Lunatics
He looked at Xiao Lu'er as he spoke. Xiao Lu'er, who heard his brother mention his name, rolled on the bed before crawling towards Zheng'er again.
Zheng'er continued, "The fourth one is called An Yizhou, and his nickname is Xiao Zhou. He's strong and sleeps very well. Mother said that he will definitely be as strong as an ox and grow tall."
Qian Jiyun tapped Zheng'er and Rong'er's noses.
"Zheng'er and Rong'er will also grow strong and tall in the future," he said.
"Okay!" Zheng'er clapped and cheered.
However, Rong'er was unhappy and pouted. "No way! I want to be refined and become a gentleman. I don't want to be strong like an ox. Mother said that's boorish."
"Pft!" Qian Yiyun was amused by his words.
"Alright, our Rong'er will definitely be an elegant gentleman loved by everyone in the future," she said to Rong'er.
Rong'er raised his chin proudly. "Of course."
"Uncle, the youngest one is called An Yixing, and his nickname is Xiao Xing. Mother said that he is very clever. He notices everything that happens outside," Zheng'er continued.
Qian Jiyun nodded. "I see."
…
Bang, bang, bang!
An Jiuyue was woken up by a series of hammering sounds under the treehouse early in the morning.
"Master, is someone trying to chop down this tree?"
Wei Na also heard the noises outside, but it had yet to take a look because it had just finished its work in the space.
An Jiuyue snapped, "I want to know too."
She was angry about being woken up!
She took a deep breath and glanced at Xiao Lu'er. He crawled around the bed and fell off after struggling to crawl over her. Picking him up, she got off the bed and opened the window to look downstairs.
"What are you doing? Are you not letting me sleep?"
An Jiuyue asked as she looked down to see Qian Jiyun, Qian Yiyun, Zheng'er, and Rong'er. Even the two babies were with them.
"Mother, Mother! Uncle Qian said that he wants to build a strong fence downstairs so that the wild beasts will not break into our house," Zheng'er raised his head and said to her.
He had told Qian Jiyun the night before about how a snake once entered their house. Qian Jiyun suggested building a fence and planting brambles around it to prevent the wild beasts from barging in.
"Sigh."
An Jiuyue carried the child in an arm and wiped her face with her other hand, before pulling her hair back.
"Come, Xiao Lu'er, let's ignore those lunatics and get dressed up!"
She returned to the bed and wrapped him up with cloth tightly. She wore her outerwear first before clothing Xiao Lu'er. They then headed downstairs to watch Qian Jiyun labour.
"Do you have nothing better to do?" she came to his side and asked, raising her eyebrows.
Qian Jiyun replied as he continued building the fence, "Let's make a fence. It's safer."
He was shocked by Zheng'er and Rong'er's story last night.
A large snake barged in in the middle of the night. They would have been doomed if my wife did not have some skills!
Although I'll be around often in the future, I can't be by Jiuyue's side all the time. She also has five children. This treehouse is not very safe for them.
Chapter 110: You Know How to Set Up an Array Formation?
Qian Jiyun would have bought the entire mountain if the emperor had not given it away. They could do whatever they wanted on the mountain. They could even build a house with gray bricks and tiles.
As he knew that Jiuyue would not be willing to leave this place for now, he could only think of setting up more safety measures here.
However, he was still determined to find a way to buy this forest.
"Building a fence is not a bad idea. We can plant some pumpkins and winter melons on it. We won't have to worry about food during autumn."
Wei Na was speechless. "Master, he's thinking about your safety, but you're thinking about food."
Is my foodie master growing air in the five plots of land in her space? She still wants to grow vegetables and melons outside?
"There is so much food in the space…"
"What do you know? Can we share the food in the space with everyone?" An Jiuyue retorted.
That is obviously impossible. So it's not wrong of me to plant vegetables and melons, right?
Qian Jiyun was surprised.
He wanted to plant brambles! Wild boars loved vegetables and melons. It would be even more unsafe for them.
"Jiuyue, why don't we grow something else? How about some byttneria? Its fruits are quite delicious—"
"Not practical," An Jiuyue interrupted him.
They are only fruits. I can find fruits everywhere on the mountain during the summer. There's no need to plant them.
"It's not easy for this tree to grow so big. It is only possible because there are no brambles around it. If you plant brambles, this place will be filled with brambles when I don't live here anymore. And this tree… Do you understand?"
She raised her eyebrows.
Brambles could not be eradicated. They might leave some roots behind even if they were uprooted. By then, wildfires would not be able to burn them away, and they would grow again in the spring breeze.
She could not allow such a big tree to be destroyed because of her.
Besides, she doubted the usefulness of brambles as they could be trampled by the wild beasts when they attack.
"People don't come to the mountain often. I'll set up an array formation by the side when I'm free," she added when she saw that he was still conflicted.
"You know how to set up an array formation?" Qian Jiyun raised his eyebrows in surprise.
"Yes." An Jiuyue nodded. "My father's family has a secret technique that he was never able to master. He taught it to me, and I learned it. There are many ancient array formations recorded."
Of course, that was a lie. How could that be true? Besides this wooden house, the only other thing her godfather gave her was a small box. In fact, it was a box without a key and could not be opened.
2
Wei Na thought, when did the Points Mall become your father, Master?
1
Now that An Jiuyue was reminded of the box, she had an idea.
The An Jiuyue of the past may not be able to open it, but that does not mean I can't. I'm a special agent. How can I not be capable of this?
1
I have to check out what my father left for me when I'm free.
"I see." Qian Jiyun did not say anything else after hearing her words.
She can do whatever she wants. I'll just send more people to protect her if need be in the future.
"Go ahead and plant more vegetables and melons then. Jiuyue, put him down. He's a young man now. You shouldn't carry him around every day. He should walk on his own."
Chapter 111: I Was Frightened
He suggested, feeling uncomfortable watching Xiao Lu'er laze in An Jiuyue's arms.
1
Upon hearing Qian Jiyun's words, An Jiuyue felt some disdain for him in her heart.
Young man? Xiao Lu'er is only a little over a year old. You'll only learn how to walk at two years old. How can I put him down to walk by himself?
"I'll carry him. We're on a mountain, and the road is uneven," she said.
There were many uneven rocks on the ground. He would definitely bleed a lot if he fell. It was not easy for her to raise a child here.
"I'll chop some wood later and make a chair for him," Qian Jiyun said.
It doesn't matter if it's our son—I can't let my wife tire herself out no matter what!
"Up to you. Talk when it's done." An Jiuyue ignored him and carried the child to play with Zheng'er and the others.
Aunt Ju and another auntie walked over from a distance. "Jiuyue."
An Jiuyue had just put the child down when she turned around and saw them. She walked over and asked, "Aunt Ju, Aunt Miao, why are you here?"
Aunt Ju looked at Qian Jiyun and asked An Jiuyue, "Jiuyue, why is Young Master Qian here? Is he here to fetch Miss Qian?"
"Something like that."
An Jiuyue replied vaguely and did not explain her relationship with Qian Jiyun. She could not possibly say that Qian Jiyun was here to visit his two sons, right?
"Aunt Ju, what's wrong? Why do you look so pale?" She quickly changed the topic.
"Sigh, I was frightened." Aunt Ju sighed heavily and lowered her voice.
"What happened?" An Jiuyue asked.
The wild beasts on the mountain did not descend the mountain. What frightened her?
She thought Aunt Ju was tired from climbing the mountain. After all, she had to walk on long stretches of mountain roads to get to her small treehouse.
If An Jiuyue had to take an hour climbing the mountain at her usual pace, Aunt Ju and the others, who do not climb up the mountain often, would take even longer.
"You didn't know, Jiuyue? I heard from the people from the county that several villages in town have contracted an epidemic disease. It's terrifying."
"An epidemic disease?"
An Jiuyue was shocked.
Epidemic diseases were no joke. Many people could die if it was not handled well.
"What about our village? Is everything alright?" she asked hurriedly.
"We're fine, we're fine." Aunt Miao quickly answered.
"The villagers listened to your suggestion and only drank water collected from the mountain. We even lined up to wash our clothes with the water collected. The houses are also cleaned up well. Everything is alright here.
"This is all thanks to you, Jiuyue. You're a great hero to our village."
She was almost scared out of her wits when she learned that other villages had epidemic diseases. She was relieved that she had listened to the Chief and the Junior Officer and did not go against An Jiuyue or slack off.
"That's not enough."
An Jiuyue thought for a moment and shook her head again. Her expression remained awful.
"There are epidemics in the nearby villages. Some of our young married women must have gone back to visit their parents, right?" she asked.
"Well…" Aunt Ju hesitated for a moment before nodding.
"A few very filial ones went back, but most didn't. They didn't dare to go back. Everyone is afraid of being infected by the disease. It's too scary."
Chapter 112: You're Being Too Polite
They did want to stop them from returning, but they could not possibly stop them from being filial to their elderly parents.
Hence, the women were allowed to return since they insisted.
"Jiuyue, what do you think? What should we do?" Aunt Miao asked.
"Huh?" An Jiuyue was stunned by her question.
What's the point of asking me? Am I supposed to go after the women with a fire torch and chase them back one by one?
Besides, they have left already. Isn't it more dangerous to rush them back?
"Aunt Ju, Aunt Miao, are you two here to ask me for my opinions?" she asked quietly.
"Yes, yes." Aunt Miao was a straightforward person. She nodded repeatedly. "Jiuyue, you're smart. Give us some ideas. What we should do next?"
"What nonsense are you spouting?" Aunt Ju elbowed Aunt Miao and rolled her eyes.
Even if they were here to seek advice, she felt that they should not ask so candidly.
An Jiuyue is a single lady, after all. It will be great if she comes up with a good idea. But if she does not, someone wicked might come knocking on her door to cause trouble for her.
"Jiuyue, the Junior Officer wants to ask if you have any good ideas for us. Then… we'll tell the others that they're his and the Chief's ideas. We'll try not to implicate you. How about that?"
After staying at An Jiuyue's house for a few days, she realized that An Jiuyue did not want to be troubled by others.
She liked being alone peacefully and did not like outsiders disturbing her.
Moreover, it was not that she could not give any suggestions. It was just that it was a thankless task to suggest a single idea.
If she suggested a good idea, the villagers would say it was her obligation. However, if things were to go wrong, they would blame her for it and probably cover her in spit.
They could not afford to cause trouble for a single lady like An Jiuyue.
"Aunt Ju, you're being too polite." An Jiuyue smiled.
She would not be so unreasonable as to withhold giving a small suggestion.
"Since you came here specially to ask me, I will share some ideas. I'll have to trouble you to tell the Junior Officer and the Chief."
Aunt Ju was the Junior Officer's wife, and although Aunt Miao was not the Chief's wife, she was his younger sister-in-law.
The Chief knew what his wife was like, so he discussed with his younger brother to send his wife instead.
Aunt Ju smiled when she heard that she was willing and quickly replied, "Okay, okay, go on."
"The fact that there are no epidemic diseases in our village is definitely something to be happy about. However, we can't be too happy. What if… just what if…
"What if the young married women bring their parents back to our village secretly because they cannot bear to see them suffer?
"Epidemic diseases may be asymptomatic at first. What if they bring the diseases to our village?
"We have to be on guard, and we have to be focused."
Aunt Ju and Aunt Miao became anxious when they heard her words.
"Then what should we do?"
Chapter 113: What Would You Do?
Such a thing had happened in their village. A young married woman once secretly hid her brother in their village because he had committed a crime back home. In the end, she attracted the attention of an official from the county government.
But that was still not too bad. At least it was not an epidemic disease.
"How about gathering all the able-bodied men in the village to take turns guarding the village every day to prevent outsiders from entering?" Qian Jiyun walked over and suggested.
Many villages were probably doing this now. Otherwise, it would be very chaotic.
Qian Yiyun walked over too and echoed her brother's suggestion, "That's right, Sister Jiuyue. It'll be fine if many people are guarding."
"That's a good idea, but there are drawbacks. Zheng'er, come here."
An Jiuyue nodded before shaking her head. She then summoned Zheng'er, who was playing at the side.
"Mother."
Zheng'er and Rong'er walked over together.
"Zheng'er, Rong'er, you heard what we said just now. What would you do if it were you?" She squatted down beside them.
Aunt Ju and Aunt Miao were dumbfounded.
What is Jiuyue doing? The two children are still young. What good ideas can they have?
"Jiuyue, what are you…"
Zheng'er thought for a moment and said softly, "I think Uncle Qian's idea is very good, Mother. But it would be even better if we also have a hidden sentry post."
"That's right, that's right, Mother."
Rong'er naturally agreed with his older brother. He nodded quickly, expressing agreement.
"You told us a few days ago that the most important thing when hunting is to set up a few traps. We can chase the smaller animals into the traps and lure the bigger ones by throwing some food inside the traps."
"Mother, Mother, I think there should be someone guarding for everyone to see, but there must also be someone guarding secretly," Zheng'er said to his mother seriously.
"That's right! Zheng'er and Rong'er are awesome. I'll cook something delicious for you later, okay?"
An Jiuyue nodded at them in satisfaction and encouraged them so that they would continue working hard in the future.
"Thank you, Mother," the two little ones thanked her in unison.
"Go and play. Keep an eye out for your younger brothers, especially your third brother," An Jiuyue instructed them and stood up after they left.
Aunt Miao thought for a moment and said, "Jiuyue, are you saying we should let people go into houses every day secretly? That can only be possible at night."
Although that would be a little troublesome, an epidemic was not a trivial matter. They had to do something no matter what.
"No." An Jiuyue shook her head.
"Zheng'er meant that the Junior Officer and the Chief should send some of the able-bodied men to secretly monitor the roads leading into our village every day. If anyone is about to enter the village, they have to quickly inform the others to stop them.
"Everyone who leaves the village, even those entering the mountain, have to register with the Chief or the Junior Officer to inform where they are going. They also cannot be away for too long.
"Also, what you suggested has to be done too, Aunt Miao. But it cannot be done in secret."
Chapter 114: What Will the Royal Court Do?
"We have to do that openly so everyone knows that there might be someone coming to check and monitor every household in the village anytime. We have to use extreme measures and not show mercy."
"Is that all we need to do?" Aunt Ju asked.
An Jiuyue raised her eyebrows. "Of course not. These are just some of my suggestions. If they are helpful, we will benefit greatly. There's a saying that rewards allure men to brave danger.
"How about this, Aunt Ju? Tell the Junior Officer and the Chief that if anyone finds an extra person in a house and reports them, the Chief or the Junior Officer can collect a piece of preserved wild boar meat from me on their behalf," she said.
Their eyes widened when they heard about the wild boar meat, mouths almost drooling.
"Alright, we'll go back now."
Aunt Ju nodded and was about to leave when she turned to look at An Jiuyue.
"Jiuyue, is everything alright here? I think you should let Young Master Qian and Miss Qian stay here for a few more days. It's really not safe out there now."
It was not safe due to the epidemic. What if they left and contracted the disease? It would be better for them to stay.
An Jiuyue was silent.
Even if it's safe outside, Qian Jiyun, this rascal, will not leave so quickly.
However, she was rather thankful. If not for the crisis outside, she would not have had an excuse for why Qian Jiyun and Qian Yiyun were staying at her house and even building a fence for her.
"Yes, I'm also thinking about letting them stay for a few more days. Zheng'er and Rong'er want to learn some martial arts too. They can become Big Brother Qian's disciples and learn some martial arts.
"The skills will be practical for living on this mountain in the future."
"Good, good, that's good," Aunt Ju replied repeatedly.
After some time, the two women left together.
"Actually, we can ask them to find a physician in town to prepare some medicine for epidemic diseases," Qian Jiyun reminded her.
An Jiuyue shrugged and replied, "I've told them about this last time."
A few families in the village had spare money to buy medicine. However, everyone believed that they would be safe if they did not leave their houses and would only go out if they had to make a necessary trip.
"Let's hope that the royal court can settle this matter as soon as possible," she said and went upstairs to cook.
This was not something an ignorant woman like her could handle. She was only concerned with having three meals a day. She had to eat breakfast, right?
Qian Yiyun walked up to her brother secretly and asked, "Big Brother, will the royal court care about this?"
"What do you think the royal court will do?" Qian Jiyun asked.
The people there, who set themselves high above the masses, had always trifled with the lives of the commoners.
When has anyone really cared about the lives of these poor commoners? Everyone knows how to say honeyed words, and no one is stingy with them. They say things the emperor likes to hear.
"Uh…" Qian Yiyun staggered at her brother's words.
If the emperor knew about this, it would be considered a great blessing if he sent a few imperial physicians to them.
However, if chaos broke out here, the royal court would only send troops to suppress it by setting fire to the village. They were capable of doing that.
In fact, there had been such records in history.
"Big Brother, are you not going to care about this?" she asked.
Chapter 115: What Do We Lack Most?
"This is not something we should get involved with," Qian Jiyun said.
Even if he wanted to do something, he could not do so openly. So how could he say that he would casually?
1
"Watch the children carefully. I'll take a look inside."
After saying that, he went upstairs.
Qian Yiyun pursed her red lips as she watched her brother leave.
That's right. Big Brother is only a military officer, after all. Even though he has been conferred a title of nobility, he should not be interfering in these matters. Besides, the royal court has not issued a decree for anything to be done yet.
…
An Jiuyue was writing a medical prescription in her room.
"Master, why did you do that? You offered not only suggestions but also wild boar meat!" Wei Na kept nagging in her mind.
"You're too long-winded," An Jiuyue said.
This rascal is about to become my housekeeper. It obviously sounds like a male spatial soul, but why is it like a naggy housewife?
"Do you think I'm willing? Will things be alright on the mountain if there is an epidemic in the village below? I can only live a good life here if nothing happens to them there."
Many people below the mountain were good, but some harbored ill intentions.
She could be caught off guard by those who contracted the epidemic disease and were unhappy to see others not suffering. She might also contract the disease unknowingly.
It would still be alright if she was the one who contracted the disease—she could be treated. However, there were children here.
No one could guarantee that the children would be safe from the epidemic disease.
"Then why are you also giving them a prescription to cure the epidemic disease?" Wei Na asked.
She is giving both the meat and prescription away freely! Master is suffering a huge loss this time!
An Jiuyue was surprised. She did not think she was suffering a loss.
"Wei Na, what do we lack most now?" she asked faintly.
"Is there a need to ask? Points, of course!" Wei Na replied unhappily.
They lacked points the most. The growth of plants and animals inside and outside An Jiuyue's space was too slow. If Wei Na was not merely a red dot, its hair would have turned white from stress.
"In that case, is there anything wrong with writing a prescription for the disease?" An Jiuyue asked.
"Oh!" Wei Na staggered and understood suddenly. "That's right! How could I forget? You can also earn points by saving people, Master."
1
This prescription could treat the epidemic disease and save people. If the sick took the medicine and recovered, their points in the Points Mall would increase rapidly.
"Master, you're amazing. You even thought of this." It flattered its master.
An Jiuyue was speechless.
Seriously, Wei Na…
1
She shook her head and finished writing the prescription. Just as she was about to put it away, she saw Qian Jiyun standing at the door.
She frowned slightly and questioned Qian Jiyun unhappily, "You… why did you come into my room?"
"I have not stepped into your room."
Qian Jiyun looked down at his feet. Indeed, he had not stepped into An Jiuyue's room.
An Jiuyue held her breath in shock and almost suffocated.
Although he did not enter her room, he watched her write the prescription by the door. She could only blame herself for not closing the door.
"Forget it. I can't be bothered to argue with you. Take this."
Chapter 116: Born to be My Natural Enemy?
She could not do anything about him. She walked up to him and slapped the paper containing the prescription on his chest.
Qian Jiyun did not tease her anymore either. He took the prescription and studied it.
1
"A prescription for treating the epidemic disease?" He raised his eyebrows and looked at her.
An Jiuyue shrugged and replied, "Something like that."
"This is a prescription I happened to obtain in the past. It was said that it's specifically used to treat epidemic diseases. However, its exact use varies for different persons and diseases.
"The prescription still needs revision. I've never met anyone with epidemic disease, so I don't know how to do that."
In truth, she had studied Western medicine. It would be easy for her to perform surgery on someone now. However, she was quite unfamiliar with Chinese medicine.
"Do you know any imperial physicians? Give this prescription to them and let them handle it. However, don't implicate me. I won't admit it if you tell others that this prescription is mine."
She made it clear first so that her prescription could not be traced back to her to save herself a lot of trouble.
It did not matter if she denied that the prescription was hers. She would be happy as long as the Points Mall recognized her actions and her points increased.
"Did you also put medicine based on this prescription inside the mountain spring?" Qian Jiyun guessed, looking at her earnestly.
He had smelt a faint medicinal scent when he went to fetch water at the mountain spring. He thought she prepared in advance and scattered medicinal powder.
An Jiuyue was silent.
What's this guy's zodiac? He's so sharp. Is he born to be my natural enemy?
1
"Not really. I only used a few medicinal herbs. It's not easy to find herbs on the mountain. Some of the herbs in the prescription can't be found during this season," she replied honestly.
There had just been a flood, and now, there was this commotion. With five children at home, it was naturally impossible for her to get these medicines.
Besides, she had limited money. She could not possibly starve herself to death for the sake of others. She was not that generous.
"Understood."
Qian Jiyun nodded and folded the prescription carefully before putting it away.
"Good. You should do what you need to do. I'll go cook."
With that, An Jiuyue closed the door and went to the kitchen. She had to lock the door every day and could not afford to relax for a moment anymore.
She was meant to work hard all her life. It was rather exhausting thinking, monitoring, and managing everything.
"Oh, right, one more thing."
She turned around by the kitchen door suddenly and looked at Qian Jiyun.
"The excuse I gave Aunt Ju and Aunt Miao just now is not a lie. I do hope that you can use this free time to teach your sons some self-defense moves. This is a good time for them to learn martial arts.
"Their bones will fuse after some time. It'll be harder to learn martial arts then."
"Alright, I will," Qian Jiyun replied.
…
The quiet days on the mountain passed quickly. Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
Not many climbed up the mountain over the past few days, so they did not receive any news from the village.
However, the village was far from peaceful.
"Another one! Why don't they care about the lives of our villagers?"
Chapter 117: I Will Enter Even If You Stop Me!
Aunt Ju stood outside the courtyard and watched as the village men chased an entire family of outsiders away. A woman cried miserably next to them.
However, no matter how miserable she was, no one sympathized with her. Everyone could see that the older men in that family had ashen faces and were coughing.
They did not even dare to take in those who appeared well, let alone sick.
The men covered their faces with white cloths and held broomsticks and rods as they faced the family, stopping them from entering the village.
When the woman saw that everyone refused to let her bring her family into the village, she knelt down before them.
"I beg you, Junior Officer, Chief. Please take pity on my parents. They've been chased out and have nowhere to go. Please let me bring my parents in."
But what was the use of kneeling down?
Without waiting for the Chief and the Junior Officer to say anything, a 50-year-old woman pushed through the crowd. Her face was also covered with a white cloth as she looked at her daughter-in-law with teary eyes.
"Don't blame me for being ruthless, Xing'er. Even if the Chief and the others agree to your request, I won't. If you really can't bear to leave your parents, go with them. I'll tell your husband to get you a divorce letter!"
Everyone in their village knew the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law never quarreled since the latter married into the family.
The daughter-in-law was always allowed to take whatever she wanted from her in-laws' house to send to her parents.
However, the situation was different now.
The epidemic was very serious. If she relented and allowed her daughter-in-law's family to enter, she would not be able to bear the responsibility if anything happened to the villagers in a few days.
"You…" The woman stood up in anger immediately.
"Mother, how can you do this? They are my biological father and mother! You're my mother-in-law. How can you not care about my parents? Do you still have a conscience? Think about it. I suffered so much after I married into your family.
"I served you and your family every day. Oh, but now that my family is in trouble, you want your son to divorce me? How can there be such a good thing?
"I will bring my parents into the village today. I will enter even if you stop me!"
"You…"
The old woman almost fainted from anger when she heard her daughter-in-law's words.
Suffering so much? So she feels wronged marrying into our family?
However, the old woman remembered that she was the one who did most of the chores at home. She was also the one who took care of her grandchildren. Why was her daughter-in-law, who barely did anything, the one suffering?
She toughened up and retorted, "If you dare to enter, I'll ask them to chase you out. I won't care even if they beat you to death!"
"You—" The woman felt her anger caught in her throat and pointed at her mother-in-law.
She thought that her mother-in-law would do as she said and plead for her after saying something harsh. She did not expect the old woman to be so difficult to deal with.
When did someone weak and gentle like her harden like iron?
Chapter 118: Set You on Fire!
She questioned her mother-in-law with a pale face, "Mother, are you really going to watch my family await our deaths outside? Are you allowing your grandchildren grow up without their mother and be bullied by their future stepmother?"
"I…" The old woman staggered, and her heart softened.
"Xing'er, or why don't you—"
"Or what? Tell her to get lost!"
The old woman was interrupted by an aged voice.
She turned around and saw her mother-in-law, an old woman with snow-white hair, standing behind everyone.
"Mother, why are you here?"
"You can't be foolish at a time like this."
The woman quickly questioned the old woman, "Foolish? Grandmother, your granddaughter-in-law's family is in trouble. As my in-laws, shouldn't you care?"
She had to distract them so they would not chase them away.
"Why should I care?" The old woman glared at her.
"Wang Xing'er, you keep saying that you're thinking about your family. But have you ever thought about what will happen to your son and daughter if you bring your family into the village to live here? What if they catch the epidemic disease?
"It is rightful to care about your parents. No one will stop you.
"But you can't harm an entire village for the sake of your parents. Besides, you don't even care about your husband and children. Since you can disregard their lives, why should we care about you?"
1
She was old and could perceive things more clearly. Her granddaughter-in-law seemed okay, but that was only limited to the chores at home—which her mother-in-law did.
Would she still be nice if she had to do all the chores instead? She might have thrown a tantrum long ago!
Someone yelled, "That's right! People like her can even harm her son but still want to seek our sympathy shamelessly. Hurry, we should chase them out. The longer they stay here, the more dangerous it will be for us."
Everyone began hitting the family with their weapons almost immediately.
Wang Xing'er quickly retreated with her parents and brothers. They fled for quite a distance.
Someone shouted at their backs, "Go away! Go far away! If we see you again, we'll set you on fire!"
Wang Xing'er trembled with anger, but she had no choice but to leave with her family.
"You! Just you wait! I'll definitely be back!"
This is all because of An Jiuyue! If she didn't come up with this stupid idea for so many people to guard the village, I could have brought my family in to stay with my in-laws!
3
I would have made sure that nobody would chase us out! But we can't even enter the village now.
They could only watch the peaceful village from afar.
"Watch out, An Jiuyue! I'll definitely take revenge on you!"
1
When the men heard this, they wanted to rush forward and beat her to death.
"Why did she involve Jiuyue in this? How can there be such a person like her? How shameless!"
Although it was An Jiuyue's idea, it was for the villagers' sake.
Chapter 119: I Won't Let Her Off Easily
Without An Jiuyue, the people from other villages might have already entered their village. They might have all contracted the epidemic disease too.
Although they sympathized with the people from other villages, the most important thing now was to save their lives. No one would have the ability to care for others if they, too, lost their lives.
The villagers were so grateful to An Jiuyue that those who criticized her previously stopped doing so.
Someone said, "Aunt Lan, your daughter-in-law is bad."
Aunt Lan could not say anything else and simply turned around to help her mother-in-law back inside.
"Everyone, let's go home and take a shower." Everyone turned around and left too.
Wang Xing'er saw from afar that all the men outside the village had left. Even her in-laws had left. The hatred in her heart grew, and she wished she could set fire to them.
Wang Xing'er's mother recalled what happened and sighed.
"Xing'er, I told you. Don't come here, we can stay in the straw shed in our village. Why didn't you listen to me?"
Although they had been chased out of their homes, they could live in straw sheds outside their village. The villagers would often come to deliver food to those who had contracted the disease. They were not completely homeless.
They could still go home after they were cured. Since they could go home, why did they have to come here?
Besides, if the people in their village would not let them stay, those from other villages would also refuse.
She had also heard from the men that no one in this village had contracted the epidemic disease.
They would be guilty of a heinous crime if the villagers contracted the disease because of them.
"Mother, how can you speak up for them?"
Wang Xing'er stared at her mother in disbelief. She could not believe that her mother was the one who said those words.
1
"Who am I doing this for? It's all for you! Look at Father's current state. If he can't rest well, he will die! This is all because my mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law are too selfish. They won't even help with such a small matter!
"Hmph! I'll teach her a lesson when this epidemic is over. I won't let her off easily!"
I'll definitely make life difficult for those afraid of death, especially that useless mother-in-law of mine!
"You—"
The old woman almost died of anger.
She turned around and looked at her daughter-in-law, who had not said a word on the way here. Instead, her daughter-in-law had been worried about her daughter's two children, afraid that they would spread the disease to them.
Her daughter-in-law had been considerate towards her and did not want to make things difficult for her.
But what about her own daughter?
Her daughter spoke terribly to her mother-in-law and did not even think of her children. It was not what a mother should be like.
"Xing'er, why did you become like this?"
She wondered if she had spoiled her daughter so much that she became so unreasonable and would not even care about her family.
"Mother, I haven't changed. They're the ones who… This won't do. They were heartless to me, so don't blame me for my disloyalty. I can't let them off easily!"
Chapter 120: Only Thought of Herself
Wang Xing'er did not feel that she had done anything wrong. Instead, she spoke spitefully while looking in the direction of the village.
"Father, Mother, go back to the straw shed in your village first. I'll be back soon."
With that, she ran towards the big mountain.
"Xing'er, Xing'er, come back… Ahem, ahem."
The old woman could not get her daughter's attention and could only watch as she ran away.
"Sigh, this is a family misfortune."
Wang Xing'er's father sighed as he watched his daughter leave.
"Father, don't say that. She is only doing this for our family's sake," his daughter-in-law placated.
The old man looked deeply into his daughter-in-law's eyes but did not say what was on his mind.
He knew his daughter was not doing this for their sake. She clearly did not wish to live in the straw shed with many others who had the epidemic disease. That was why she wanted to bring them to her in-laws' house.
But she should have known that her in-laws were not fools.
It would be a fatal mistake if they allowed her to bring people with the epidemic disease into the village to stay. Many people in their own village had already died from the disease.
"Let's go. Let's leave first. If she wants to come back, she can come back. If she doesn't, then forget it."
Shaking his head, he was helped back to his village by his son.
…
"Hmph, your wife is too inconsiderate." Wang Xing'er's in-laws had already closed the door and were chatting in the main hall.
"Father, Xing'er is actually… Sigh, even I don't know what to say about her."
The young man, who was criticized, sighed softly and turned his head away without saying anything.
What else can I do? She is my wife and the mother of my children. Although she is too vicious this time, I can't ignore her, right?
"Why don't we set up a straw shed at the village entrance and let Xing'er and her family stay there?" he suggested.
"Shut up!"
The old woman, Wang Xing'er's grandmother-in-law, slammed the table and looked at her grandson angrily.
"Do you think there's not enough going on? Did your wife ever think about you or your children when she brought her family over?"
"She—"
"She only thought of herself!" the old woman snapped, not giving him a chance to speak.
"Your mother has been the one doing all the chores. I asked your wife to do a little, but she dared to shout at me. What about you? Do you think it's right for your mother to serve your wife every day?
"We won't talk about that, but this right now is an epidemic! Is that a joke?
"Let me tell you this. I have no objections if you want to go through thick and thin with your wife. However, let's make one thing clear. If you leave this house today, don't ever come back. I don't have a grandson like you in my family!"
The young man looked up at her in shock. "Grandmother!"
What are you saying? Is it wrong for me to feel sorry for my wife?
1
"Don't call me that! I don't have a grandson like you!"