Chapter 11. One hundred liang
"One hundred taels! Where can our family get so much money?" Old Mrs. Chen exclaimed as if in an anxious wind swept over. Although the family had 30 acres of fertile land, the imperial court's taxation wasn't light. The people needed to raised were also many. On top of that, there were two grandsons studying in the county academy. The total amount of money that can be saved every year was only seven or eight liang. "Besides, wouldn't it be enough for the two of you to pay a share of money to buy the paper? Then, you two brothers to read it together?" Old Mrs. Chen's money tracking skill was top-notch. Every penny saved was a penny.
However, Yue Wen Tao hesitated for a while before muttering: "My classmate said that everyone must pay money..."
Yue Chang Shou, who was sitting on the side, also frowned and said, "One hundred taels isn't a small amount. Wen Tao, are you sure that the money can really be put into use? If you get deceived, that's a big deal."
Yue Da Fu began to smoke tobacco pipe. His heart was in a knot. One hundred taels wasn't a small sum. However, the future of his two grandsons was also the hope of the whole family. This was simply worrying.
Seeing that everyone didn't seem to object, Yue Wen Tao hurriedly aimed for the victory: "No, it won't. My classmate is the distant nephew of the magistrate family. Since he said that, there is an eighty percent possibility. Grandfather, if we can become a Tongsheng in beginning of spring, then we can go to the official body to take the exam in autumn. After passing the official exam, we will become a Xiucai. There are still two years before the next provincial exam. If we misses this opportunity next year, I am afraid that we will wait another three years..."
"That's right! Grandfather, that's five years!" Yue Wen Li, who was sitting beside him, received his brother's signal and hurriedly helped to persuade.
If they miss it, they have to wait another five years! Must point out, Yue Wen Tao's words hit the spot in Yue Da Fu's heart. One end was one hundred liang of silver and the other end was the whole family to endure for another five years. Yue Da Fu contemplated it for a while and then slapped his thigh hard: "It's settled. One hundred taels it is then!"
After hearing to Yue Da Fu's decision, Yue Wen Tao brothers widened their eyes with joy. While a gasp was frightened out of old Mrs. Chen: "Old man, have you gone crazy? How can there be so much money at home!" Years and years of working hard to save the silver and only accumulated more than a hundred liang of silver. Yue Da Fu was going to hollow out this family!
"You ignorant old woman, don't you understand priority? This money is used in the right way. As long as two children get admitted and gained a rank, they will have as much money as they want in the future, right?" Yue Da Fu glared at old Mrs. Chen who was reluctant to pay the money, "Hurry up and get the money."
The family took out money to buy papers and clear the way for their sons. Yue Chang Fu was naturally elated and hurriedly persuaded old Mrs. Chen: "Yes, Mother. Think how the two children will get admitted to ranks and become officials in the future. You are the old Madam. Won't people line up to give you money at that time?"
On the other hand, Yue Chang Lu and Yue Chang Shou brothers felt a little uncomfortable. They haven't split off yet and everything was categorized as public fund. But if they were to separate the family, they can get twenty to thirty yuan each, right? Yue Chang Shou was fine with it. He opened a shop in the county town. He can earn twenty to thirty liang a year. However, Yue Chang Lu, who only got one or two silver coin after a month of hard effort, how could he be pleased with one hundred yuans being taken out?
After coaxing his mother, Yue Chang Fu noticed his second younger brother's glum face. He turned his head to persuade him: "Second Younger Brother, although the money is a little much, but think how your second branch has no son yet. If your nephews get admitted, they will also be your support in the future. After all, we are one family, right?" He smiled very sincerely as he drew him a big cake: "When your two nephews become officials in the future, you will be the Second Master. You can dump that wife who can't give birth to a son. When the time comes and have power in hand, how many golden-flowered girls can be up to you to chose? Would you still be afraid that you won't be able to birth to a son?"
Have to say that the people in the first branch were all strangely smart. They were very apt at persuasive speaking. After a while, both Old Mrs. Chen and Yue Chang Lu were coaxed by first branch. At Yue Da Fu's urging, old Mrs. Chen sluggishly entered the inner room. After a while, she took out a dozen or so pieces of sycee silver and returned out: "There is only so much silver in the family. Take it all and go toss around!"
Seeing their grandparents frankly take out one hundred silver liang, Yue Wen Tao brothers were overjoyed. Especially Yue Wen Tao. He was fifteen this year and hadn't achieved Tongsheng yet. If he didn't mediate around, he won't be able to pass the Xiucai exam. Now that he got this one hundred liang, he was sure that he will smoothly pass Tongsheng test in the spring of next year!
After giving the money, Yue Da Fu educated a few words earnestly: "Work hard in the academy. And live up to your family's expectations of you."
"Yes. Don't worry, Grandfather. We will study hard, get a rank as soon as possible and bring honor to my Yue Family!" Yue Wen Tao eyed at the sycee silver scattered on the table and felt complacent. As if pooling the money together will allow him to win tomorrow.
The night was cold as water. The light in the main room of Yue House was like beans. The room full of men from the Yue family concluded the matter of taking out one hundred silver liang to clear the way for the two studying grandsons.
Yue Chang Shou dragged his exhausted body back to the east wing's lower room. As soon as he entered the door, Mrs. Han greeted him: "What were you discussing so long?" As she spoke, her hands didn't stop. She helped her husband take off his outerwear and wet the handkerchief for him to wipe his face, "Look at your worried look. What happened?"
Yue Chang Shou and Mrs. Han had been married for many years. The husband and wife had a strong relationship. He knew that Mrs. Han had much more ambition than ordinary women. Many times it was Mrs. Han who made the decision on the business matter. So he didn't hide it from her: "Wen Tao brothers said that they found a connection to send money to the county magistrate. Fifty liang of silver per person."
After taking the handkerchief that he had used to wipe his face, Mrs. Han was slightly startled: "We have a shop in the county town and can save twenty to thirty liang in a year or so. Father and Mother actually agreed to taking out one hundred in a go?" Although Yue Family treated these two student grandsons as hot stuff, Mrs. Han felt bribing the county magistrate by emptying out the family was an unreliable.
"The whole family's hopes are placed on Tao'er and Li'er, how could they disagree?" Yue Chang Shou feebly slumped on the kang, "I looked at the silver that my mother took out. Many of them were scattered change. The scattered pieces of silver must have been all the money in the family, right?" In fact, one hundred liang was a huge sum of money in a rural household. After all, twenty liang was enough to build a large and spacious blue-brick house. An acre of high-grade fertile land was only six liang of silver. What's more, there were so many people in Yue Family to feed. Yue Da Fu and old Mrs. Chen were still able to save more than one hundred silver. It was indeed somewhat capable.
After finishing the work at hand, Mrs. Han lay down beside Yue Chang Shou: "Family Head, why don't we give Father and Mother some money tomorrow?"
"How much money does our family have? Both sons are studying in the academy. You He is getting older. In the future, your sons will marry a wife. And You He's dowry. Which doesn't need money?" Yue Chang Shou vetoed Mrs. Han's idea without thinking. "Furthermore, the family hasn't been separated yet. The money we hand over to the family each year isn't small. There's a possibility that majority of today's one hundred liang is given by our family!"
Yue Family hadn't split yet. Although third branch lived in the county, they sent back three to five silver liang every year. Although their parents hadn't separate the family, Yue Chang Shou's family lived in the county and raised three children. If they didn't hide some private fund, they might not be able to live their life.
What her husband said was reasonable. Mrs. Han sighed slightly and stopped talking. The husband and wife were silent for a while and went to rest.
Back to Yue Chang Lu's side. After coming out of the main room, he went back to the west wing with one foot high and one foot low. When he thought of his parents taking one hundred silver liang out to clear the way for Eldest Brother's two sons, he felt uneasy. Seeing Little Ninth, who was on the kang and smiling at him, he stretched out his hand without thinking and slapped her: "A money-wasting thing. Only knows to eat all day long!"
Little Ninth, who was originally jolly, didn't expect her father to hit her directly. The pain on her face made her cry with a "WAA". The cry quickly attracted You Jin, who went out to fetch water for Yue Chang Lu to wash his feet. You Jin hurried in with a water basin: "Father, the water is just right. Wash your feet and take a rest." After putting the basin in front of him, she hugged little Ninth and sat in a corner far away from him as she softly coaxed.
Seeing the eldest daughter like this, Yue Chang Lu barkingly sat on the kang and took off his shoes. As he washed his feet, he kept scolding: "Ge Laozi, only know to eat or cry every day. Money-wasting thing, I will kill you if my son is cried away by you!"
Mrs. Su was in the inner room and heard the movement outside. She forced herself to get out of bed, walked to the door, and leaned against the door frame: "What's wrong, family head? Little Ninth is insensible, then I'll teach her slowly. No need to be so angry?"
Looking at Mrs. Su's sallow face and stick-skinny body with only bulging belly, Yue Chang Lu became even more infuriated: "How can you teach? Look at these good daughters you have raised. Each one of them had all grown great ability. I can only earn so much money by working hard outside for a day. And when I get home, I got to suffer anger due to them?"
Mrs. Su was scolded until her eyes turned red. She took a breath and walked to Yue Chang Lu and squatted down to help him wash his feet: "I know that family head is working hard outside. After washing your feet, go to bed earlier. Little Ninth is insensible. I will teach her well tomorrow."
Seeing that she didn't fight back and yielded to him, Yue Chang Lu's machismo in his bones was greatly satisfied. He yelled at her to hurry up with the feet wash. He didn't latched on Little Ninth anymore.
After Yue Chang Lu washed his feet, he went back to lie down on the kang in the room. You Jin had put Little Ninth, who had cried until herself to sleep, into the quilt. Only then did she find out Little Fifth who was currently lying in the quilt, watching her with wide eyes. She lowered her voice and whispered: "Third Elder Sister, I just overheard under the corridor of the main room that my grandparents gave one hundred liang to Eldest Cousin Brother. Saying that he was going to give it to the county magistrate to get some kind of leeway!" When Little Fifth and the others came back from Mrs. Han's room, they passed by the main room. After Little Fifth went to the outhouse toilet and came back, she secretly laid under the corner of the main room and listened to the words inside. Now she quietly told her third elder sister.
You Jin gently patted Little Fifth's little head and copied her hushed tone: "You can't tell others about this. It's a little secret between Little Fifth and Third Elder Sister, okay?"
"En!" Although Little Fifth was only seven years old, her temperament was a little more wild. Still, she was very sensible and listened to You Jin's words.
"Okay, it's very late. Little Fifth sleep early. There is still a lot of work to do tomorrow!" After coaxing Little Fifth to sleep, You Jin also fell asleep. Tomorrow was old Mrs. Chen's 50th birthday. Although it wasn't going to be a big event, the married-out daughter will come back. It was estimated that it will be busy.
Chapter 12. Celebrating birthday
The morning mist had yet to dissipate. Chill already began to set in in the morning after the Mid-Autumn Festival. The early-riser You Jin wore a quilted coarse clothes with several patches. She gave Mrs. Han a greeting before heading out with a bamboo basket on her back. Today was old Mrs. Chen's 50th birthday. She gathered the pigweed in the mountain while it was early. If not, the pigs at home will have no pigweed to eat today.
"You Jin, you're going up to the mountain so early. Aren't you afraid, little girl?" The youth behind, who was also carrying a bamboo basket, caught up with You Jin. It turned out to be Lin Family's Lin San Lang.
"Third Uncle Lin." Although Lin Family's third son was only six or seven years older than her, he was a generation higher. You Jin respectfully called Third Uncle.
Lin San Lang followed You Jin's footsteps: "It just so happens that I'm going to gather pigweed. We can be each other's accompany?"
He was considering how a little girl would be afraid to go up the mountain alone and kindly suggested to go together.
You Jin shook her head. Although it was said that the barrier between men and women in the countryside was not as strong as in the city, there was still the possibility of gossip when walking together: "Third Uncle, you go first. I have to wait for Second Uncle Zhuang's Qiao Qiao."
Seeing that she stopped and said she was waiting for someone, Lin San Lang didn't press on: "Okay. Then pay attention to safety. Third Uncle will go first!"
Standing on the spot, she waited for Lin San Lang's figure to gradually disappear in the morning fog. It didn't take long for Qiao Qiao to jog all the way to the meeting place chosen by the two: "You Jin, I'm here!"
Qiao Qiao was thirteen years old this year. A sturdy, cute little girl. She had a good relationship with You Jin. The two of them went up the mountain to forage pigweed from time to time. They can be regarded as a companion.
"Then let's go!" Upon her arrival, the two went up the mountain together. Now that it was getting colder. The pigweeds on the mountain were getting less and less. It was estimated that it will start snowing in a month or two. Then the pigweeds will be gone.
The two little girls climbed up the hill one after the other. Soon, they found the pigweed. The two of them were cutting the pigweed as they chatted: "You Jin, what are your family going to do? Why are Third Uncle's family and your two cousin brothers from Eldest Uncle's family back?"
Yesterday, the majority of the villagers witnessed Yue Chang Shou and others entered the village in a mule cart, but they didn't know why. Qiao Qiao was also very curious, so she asked.
"My grandmother is celebrating her birthday. So they all come back." You Jin's action was clean cut. A handful of pigweed entered into the back basket one after another in a short while. The back basket was filled up soon: "Qiao Qiao, hurry up. My grandmother is having a birthday celebration today. There is still a lot of work at home waiting for me to do!"
Seeing You Jin already filled the back basket with pigweed, Qiao Qiao hurriedly speed up her hands and feet and soon filled the back basket. When the two of them walked home with pigweed on their backs, the sky in the east began to glow with golden light. The sun was coming out. After separating from Qiao Qiao at the intersection, You Jin returned home with a heavy basket on her back. As soon as she opened the courtyard door, she heard old Mrs. Chen yelling at people. Sure enough, can hope for her to improve her temper on her birthday...
Putting the pigweed at the door of the pigsty, she went to old Mrs. Chen's front to replace the scolded Yue Yin and Yue Zhu: "Grandmother is celebrating her birthday today and you two still make Grandmother mad. Go do what you're supposed to do now!"
She took the food from You Yin's hand and hurriedly drove the two younger sisters away. She turned her head again and merrily spoke to old Mrs. Chen: "Younger sisters are still young. Grandmother, you're the adult, got to be the bigger person. Besides, you having your birthday today. You have to be happier!"
Standing at the corridor with her hands on hips, old Mrs. Chen stared at You Jin, who was smiling like a dog. Then she swept her gaze to the row of money-wasting goods standing at the door of the west wing. She snorted heavily before returning to the main room. Today was her 50th birthday. She can't be angry with this group of money-wasting thing for nothing.
Although it was a birthday celebration, Yue Family was only a rural household. They just ate a better meal than usual and boiled ten red eggs. This was considered a birthday celebration. Old Mrs. Chen's married out daughter brought back two grandsons to celebrate their old mother's birthday. They also brought back two old hens. It made old Mrs. Chen so delighted that she boasted that her daughter being promising.
Yue Chang Hong married the only son of a wealthy family surnamed Ge from a relatively wealthy village on the edge of the town. The year she married into Ge Family, she gave birth to a big chubby boy. Later, in total, she continuously gave birth to two sons and a daughter. This made her position stable in Ge Family, which had only one son for three generations. What's more, her man was a hen-pecked husband. Like this, Yue Chang Hong's life in Ge Family was very comfortable.
Ge Jin Bao, the son-in-law of Yue Family, was a thin middle-aged man. He jollily spoke, "Today is Mother's 50th birthday. Although our family doesn't have much money, we should be filial to Mother when we should." These words were pleasing and fully express one's filial piety. Old Mrs. Chen was coaxed to happiness.
At lunch, old Mrs. Chen showed a rare display of generosity. One of the two old hens that her daughter brought over was slaughtered. Then some potato was chopped up and simmered together. Adding the unfinished pork that Yue Chang Shou brought back yesterday, it can be regarded as having two meaty dishes. Although there were many Yue Family's members, they can taste a meaty dish. Everyone was satisfied.
As for the birthday's red eggs, old Mrs. Chen followed her usual biased way of allocating: she first took one for herself. Next, she gave one to each of her four grandsons. Then she gave one to each to Yue Da Fu and their sons. Exactly ten eggs were divided up. Even her daughter and son-in-law didn't get a single egg, let alone second branch's seven granddaughters.
Seeing old Mrs. Chen and others peeling the shells of red eggs, Little Ninth, who was sitting in You Jin's arms, smacked her lips. She really wanted to eat eggs! "Third Elder Sister, egg, egg!"
Before You Jin could react, old Mrs. Chen threw the egg shell she was holding in her hand. Then she gave Little Ninth a vicious look: "Money-wasting good still wants to eat eggs!"
You Jin picked up all the eggshells she had sent over and threw them under the table. She coaxed Little Ninth, who was scared to tears, as she made amends with old Mrs. Chen: "Little Ninth is still young. It's just a slight craving, She's insensible. Don't be angry, Grandmother. I'll take her back now." Little Ninth was still young. Although she was beaten by old Mrs. Chen before, how can she, a child that had just started talking, hold grudges? Due to wanting to eat egg, she got frightened by the sour look of old Mrs. Chen and hid in You Jin's arms as she started crying.
"Every day, it's either crying or eating! Simply a disaster for the family! Money-wasting goods!" Old Mrs. Chen disliked second branch's granddaughters the most. Now seeing Little Ninth cry, the annoyance in her heart grew. But thinking how today was her own birthday and daughter's family came back, she resisted the urge to beat the other party. You Jin hurriedly carried the little one back to the west wing to coax her. If she continued to cry in front of old Mrs. Chen, she might sort Little Ninth out!
Seeing that old Mrs. Chen was still scolding and nagging, Yue Da Fu's face was a little unsightly. There were still outsiders, his son-in-law and his family present today. How could they lose sense of proportion? So he spoke out to halt her: "Enough! Think of what day it is today?"
Seeing that Yue Da Fu open his mouth, old Mrs. Chen stopped grumbling. Still, she resented the money-wasting girls from second branch. If it weren't for that lazy and greedy money-wasting thing acting up, how could she get scolded by the old man in front of her children? The resentment in her heart increased by three thirty percent.
Seeing that she was unhappy, Yue Chang Hong hurriedly changed the subject and told old Mrs. Chen about the current gossip in the city. Women were all gossiping creatures. So old Mrs. Chen's mind was diverted by her. The awkward atmosphere slightly returned back to normal. The family peacefully and merrily chatted and laughed. Only the remaining five daughters from second branch sat in their place in a daze. Motionless and silent.
The next day after old Mrs. Chen's birthday, third branch and the two grandsons from first branch all returned to the county city. After sending away two grandsons, old Mrs. Chen's heart was up and down: "Old man, what to do if we spent so much money and it doesn't work?"
One hundred liang was almost all of the family's asset. The money they had saved for decades was given away at once like this. It was normal for old Mrs. Chen to be restless.
Resting on the kang as he smoked tobacco pipe, Yue Da Fu frowned slightly. He was a little worried, but still felt it was worth a try: "I think Wen Tao isn't a child that would lie. Since he dares to ask us for so much money, then there is really a way. If the Tongzi exam can be passed next year, then spend the money."
"But Family Head, this Tongzi exam cost 100 liang. Then in the future, if they are going to take the official exam and the provincial exam, how can our family take out the money?"
Although the old Chen has never read books, he has heard a lot of it. The gossip about the difficulty of being a scholar is naturally worried that more money will be required for the exam in the future. "Now our family has only seventeen to eighteen silver liang left. If they want to spend more money, we can't." Old Mrs. Chen directly bared the bottom to Yue Da Fu.
Puffing the tobacco pipe, Yue Da Fu's expression appeared a little heavy: "There will always be a way. If it doesn't work, everyone can eat a few mouthfuls less of rice and save some food to sell for money."
Yue Family got a lot of land. So their food was more than the people around. These years, they had relied on selling some food every year to save some money. But one hundred silver liang! Yue Da Fu was also very distressed when he thought about it. The three sons were all working outside. Old Third was in the county all year round. Every year, he sent back a few silver liang every year. Old Second was honest and never hid any private fund. While Eldest couple was sly and must have hide a lot of fund.
Old Mrs. Chen sternly rolled her eyes at Yue Da Fu who didn't manage the house and didn't know how expensive things were, "It's not so easy to save on food. Let's not say the rest, just the seven money-wasting things from old Second's family. Who knows how much food they need to eat in a day!"
Thinking of those several money-wasting things that only knew to eat, old Mrs. Chen's chest felt stifled with anger. Her eyes spun a few times before coming up with an idea: "How about during the autumn harvest in a few days, drive the second branch's money-wasting things to the field to do work? The little ones can't work it. The half grown You Jin and You Yin can add up to one short-term worker?"
Yue Da Fu didn't have much affection for second branch's granddaughters. In addition, You Jin went against her elders a few days ago and attracted Lizheng over. Although Yue Da Fu didn't have act up on the surface, there was still a thorn in his heart. The child was so rebellious. How will she be in the future? After thinking about it, he agreed with old Mrs. Chen's suggestion: "But they're still a child. Do as much as they can."
Seeing that Yue Da Fu agreed, old Mrs. Chen beamed. One must know the autumn harvest was a very tiring thing. A half-grown girl will shed a layer of skin even if she doesn't die. She smiled and helped Yue Da Fu stuff the tobacco pipe: "This way, it can save a lot of money on hiring short-term workers!"
Chapter 13. Setting plan into motion/ Idea comes, action followed
A few days after old Mrs. Chen's birthday, the first frost came down. The crops outside the village had already heavily drooped their heads, waiting for the joy of harvesting from the people who had worked hard for more than half a year.
Yue Da Fu carried a hoe and led Yue Chang Lu along the field ridge. The father and son had just returned from the field. Yue Da Fu's wrinkled face was full of joy: "This year has been a good year. The rice is almost ripe. Let's start harvesting tomorrow!"
Now that almost all the family's assets been taken out by Yue Wen Tao brothers, a bumper harvest meant they could sell more for money. Yue Da Fu would naturally be delighted.
Yue Chang Lu followed his father half a step slower. There was a hint of joy on his face that had been through the wind and frost for many years: "I will go to work in the town after collecting the grain. I think I can accumulate some money for the winter."
Yue Da Fu glanced at his son who was still a little gloomy despite having a smile on his face. He sighed in his heart. Thinking how old Second's family had only seven granddaughters, he couldn't help shaking his head.
Mrs. Chen just happened to finish cooking the meal when the father and son got back. Since the family lost 100 silver liang, old Mrs. Chen became even more frugal: the rice was originally brown rice, but now it had been replaced with watery coarse grains congee. There was no meat nor fish in the dishes. A small bowl of pickled vegetable and a few plates of vegetables that was fried until it look limp and unappetizing.
Still, old Mrs. Chen didn't dare to starve Yue Da Fu. Once Yue Da Fu washed his hands and sat down at the table, a bowl of thick coarse grain congee was placed in front of him. Then Yue Chang Lu, first branch's Yue Wen Wei, and old Mrs. Chen got half the bowl of thick porridge. As for Mrs. Chen and eldest branch's Yue You Ting, they can still get some dry goods. While, second branch's seven granddaughters have a bowl of watery congee each.
Yue You Jin felt that she manage. However, her several younger sisters were still so young. If they were badly starved, what to do in the future? But looking at the smug expression on Old Chen's face, Yue You Jin knew that she was waiting for her to start something so she can teach a good lesson! She immediately changed her mind. Holding a bowl of watery congee with a scatter of grain, she fed Little Ninth one bite at a time. Then she constantly extended her chopsticks over to the vegetable dishes on the table.
When You Jin clipped the vegetable for the third time, old Mrs. Chen sternly stretched out her hand and used the chopsticks to hit the back of You Jin's hand so hard that a "snap" rang out: "You money-wasting thing are the reincarnation of starving ghosts. Only eat and not work. Aren't you afraid of being stuffed to death!"
Old Mrs. Chen's sudden accusation not only frightened Yue You Yin, You Zhu, You Bao, and the others, but also scared Little Ninth, who was in You Jin's arms, into tears. Little Ninth's cry wasn't loud, but it still attracted the attention of the next table Yue Da Fu: "I work hard outside every day and can't enjoy peace for a while when I get home! How do you manage the family?"
Although his words were blaming old Mrs. Chen, his dissatisfied eyes glared at Yue You Jin.
Yue Chang Lu was very sensitive to the matters at home, especially when it was about the money-wasting things. Just as Yue Da Fu's disapproval finished, he stood up before You Jin could respond and slapped the back of her head with his palm: "A money waster who knows how to cry all day long!"
You Jin was stunned by his action. Only felt a burning pain at the back of her head. She swayed a few times before falling down. You Yin, who was sitting next to You Jin, noticed something was amiss with her elder sister. She hurriedly supported her: "Third Elder Sister!"
The several younger sisters looked at You Jin in panic, for fear that something was wrong with You Jin. You Jin came back to her senses. She stretched out a hand and patted You Yin to reassure her. Then she lowered her head to admit her mistake: "Little Ninth cried because she suddenly got a scare. I'll take her away now."
She picked up the skinny and weak Little Ninth and left the dining table as she glanced coldly at Yue Chang Lu.
Yue Chang Lu was frightened until his heart slightly felt unsettled by her poisonous gaze. He soon recovered. Would a money-wasting thing who didn't even grow her pubic hair yet dare to do anything? Thinking like this, he sat back and continued to eat.
You Jin returned to the west wing with Little Ninth, who was quietly sobbing. When Mrs. Su, who was half lying on the kang, saw it, she forced herself to sit up: "What's the matter? Why are you crying out of the blue?"
The left hand held Little Ninth's not-so-fleshy bum and the right hand gently patted her back to coax her. At Mrs. Su's question, she just shook her head gently. After Little Ninth cried herself to sleep, You Jin put her on the outer kang where the sisters normally slept. Then she lifted the door curtain that had been washed white and entered Mrs. Su's room and briefly told her what had just happened.
"Your grandmother is soft-hearted despite her sharp mouth..." Mrs. Su explained with such self-deceiving words that couldn't even deceive herself. There was a bitter smile on her dry and sallow face, which was due to long-term malnutrition: "Don't blame your father. It's Mother who can't give birth to a son, so you sisters suffer..."
"Mother! It's not your fault!" Seeing that Mrs. Su was taking the blame on herself again, You Jin looked at her with a serious look: "It's not your fault that you can't birth a son!"
Can't birth a son was to connected to male's side. But You Jin can't explain XY chromosome to Mrs. Su. She can only try to brainwash her again and again that it wasn't her fault.
Seeing that Mrs. Su remained silent, You Jin sighed in her heart. Then she asked Mrs. Su the old reoccurring question again: "If our family split off, would it be better than now? Or if Mother took us away from Yue Family? The few of us won't starve to death."
The first time Mrs. Su heard her daughter say this was the year before. Her daughter was only nine years old at the time. Because her mother-in-law had thrown the newly born Little Ninth into the mountain and You Jin secretly rescued her. Little Ninth survived. However, You Jin was beaten all over by old Mrs. Chen. At that time, she asked with a nearly dying breath: "Mother, why don't you take me and my sisters away. It would be better than now even if you starve to death after leaving the Yue family! "
After that beating, You Jin seem to have grown a lot overnight. No, more like she revealed her emotions that were originally restrained and buried in her heart to Mrs. Su. Mrs. Su's shock and disbelief response from hearing such shocking words at the very beginning had become calm now. Occasionally she would dream in the middle of the night the feasibility of what her daughter said!
Hearing her daughter mention this again today, Mrs. Su sighed and replied, "You and your younger sisters are still young. And I have always been in poor health. If I really leave Yue Family, forget about getting married in the future. Even surviving is a difficulty, right?" How could Mrs. Su not know that Yue Family was only good-looking on the outside, but the inside was rotten long ago. But what can they do? She neither had a maternal family that can support her on separation. Nor did she have the skills and courage to raise herself and her daughters. At least in Yue Family, her daughters can grow up and marry.
However, You Jin shook her head: "Mother, I will be twelve years old soon. And younger sister will be ten years old. We can support you and younger sisters. As long as you are willing, we can survive even if we eat grass and bark."
You Jin had been in this world for almost 12 years. Although her current physical quality wasn't as good as her previous life, her ability to survive in the wild and keen perception was still present. Rely on mountain to eat, rely on water to drink. In conclusion, there was a way to live.
"Jin'er, do you really think we can live without Yue Family?" Mrs. Su had lived for nearly 30 years in her life. Although her childhood years in maternal family was difficult, her parents had worked diligently to raise her sisters. Unexpectedly, her maternal family suddenly changed overnight. Both parents passed away and the family's house and land were all divided up by the uncles in the clan. Even Mrs. Su herself and her two elder sisters were both sold as goods through marriage by their father's biological eldest brother. That's why Mrs. Su was so disliked by old Mrs. Chen after she married into Yue Family. Old Mrs. Chen felt from the bottom of her heart that Mrs. Su was a servant bought back into the family with money.
Mrs. Su's life was only happy during the time when her parents were still there. After her parents left, she had been living under the control of others. Now facing this kind of decision that she didn't know what to do. But, she inexplicably trusts this young and mature eldest daughter.
"Mother, as long as you want to take us away from Yue's house, I will have a way to raise my younger sisters. Not only will I support them, but I will also save them a dowry so that they can marry out with great fanfare and live a happy and prosperous life." You Jin looked at Mrs. Su with shining eyes. As long as Mrs. Su can strengthen her belief and leave with her and her younger sisters, she will definitely find a way to find an opportunity to make Yue Family willingly separate with Mrs. Su.
Mrs. Su sighed: "Even if I wanted to, how could your grandparents and your father agree?"
Mrs. Su wasn't as optimistic as You Jin. She had been in Yue's house for more than ten years. What difference did enduring for a few decade more make?
When You Jin finally heard Mrs. Su budge, she was relieved. She happily walked to her side and squatted down. She gently touched Mrs. Su's already bulging belly, raised her head, and squinted her eyes: "Don't worry, Mother. I will have a way."
Seeing her so confident, Mrs. Su couldn't help but hold a little expectation in her heart: "Okay, if you can, Mother will take you and your sisters away from Yue's house. Our family will start over elsewhere."
Chapter 14. Autumn Harvest
Because Yue Family spent a lot of money, they gritted their teeth and spent some money to hire two short-term laborers to help as there were 30 mu of grain waiting to be harvested at home.
Maybe Heaven knew that the farmers were going to have autumn harvest, it gave face and provided enough sunshine. In the cool autumn morning, the white light climbed over the eastern hillside. Every household in Cuifeng Village had already brought their families with farming equipment in hand to the fields outside the village.
There were few idle months for the farming family. The children of the farm family matured early. Four or five-year-old children were walking a little slowly behind the adults. They carried basket to the field to pick up the ears of rice. A small child can pick up half a jin of rice ears in a day. For people who were already short of food, it was more or less an income.
In the early years, because the family was in good condition, Yue Da Fu didn't care about this bit of food. What's more, using some grain to earn a good reputation was profitable. So he didn't stop the children in the village from going to his own fields to pick them up.
Old Mrs. Chen had always felt heartaches about these bits grain. But in the past, because of Yue Da Fu's adhering to his word personality, she could only grit her teeth and endure it. But now that almost all of their family's asset had been hollowed out, old Mrs. Chen wished to break a copper coin into eight pieces to use. How could she be willing to let other pick their own field's grain?
Therefore, she prepared baskets for sisters You Zhu, You Ling, and You Luo early in the morning that day. Her sinister eyes scanned the three of them and threateningly scared them: "If you don't fill up the baskets today, forget about eating tonight!"
You Jin and You Yin were part of the main force that do the cutting in the fields. Old Mrs. Chen sternly glared at them before twisting her butt around to fill a gourd full of water for Yue Da Fu.
You Bao was almost drowned in a bucket by old Mrs. Chen's when she was born. Although she was rescued later, her body was still damaged. On the other hand, You Zhu was stronger and didn't sustain any root illness. Therefore, You Jin begged Old Mrs. Chen for You Bao to stay at home to take care of Little Ninth. You Bao also needed to assist Mrs. Chen on making lunch. While the three sisters who were assigned to picking up rice ears had to carry baskets and hurriedly followed behind You Jin to work in the field.
At this time, the sun had yet to fully come out. The autumn wind carried a hint of chill, which didn't feel uncomfortable when it blew on people. On the contrary, it blew away the sleepiness from getting up early. You Jin became much more energetic and brought her three younger sisters into the field. She warned again: "Don't snatch with other children, understand? You Zhu, you are the elder sister, you must take good care of You Ling and You Luo. You can't let your sisters go to the river, understand?"
You Zhu nodded seriously: "Third Elder Sister, I will take good care of Little Seventh and Little Eighth."
Although You Zhu was only seven years this year, she had been picking up rice ear with a basket since she was five years old. While, this year was Little Seventh and Little Eighth's first time. You Jin can't help but worry about it.
After You Jin watched You Ling and You Luo obediently follow You Zhu in looking for ears of rice in the already cut field, she temporarily felt relieved. She grabbed the sickle and walked to You Yin's side, where half a row of rice were already cut. The two sisters stood together and bent down with pursed lips. They cut the rice without saying a word.
The sun climbed over the hillside. It didn't take long to go from a small sun that glowed softly like a duck's egg to a scorching hot sun. Only an hour after the sun came out, the people who were harvesting rice in the fields were already sweating like rain.
Squinting her eyes at the sun that wasn't far from the hill at the east, You Jin wiped the sweat dripping from her forehead with the sleeves of her white-washed coarse clothes and swallowed hard. Then she looked over at the three younger sisters who were still picking up rice ears not far away. She buried her head in cutting rice again.
You Jin had been taking all kind of work at Yue's house since she was a child. Right now, it hadn't reached the hottest time. It was within her tolerance range. On the other hand, You Yin, who had already fallen behind You Jin, couldn't bear it. Originally bent over to cut rice her, suddenly sat down. She whisperingly cried out, "Third Elder Sister..."
You Jin, who was still cutting the rice, heard the feeble voice and hurriedly looked back. It turned out that You Yin, who became dizzy from the poisonous sun, had already slumped on the ground and called out to her weakly.
You Jin put down the sickle in her hand at once, walked to You Yin in two steps instead of three steps. She carried her on her back and headed to the root of the old locust tree by the field before putting her down. You Jin took out the gourd of water she carried with in the early morning and urged You Yin to take a few sips of water. She wiped the sweat off You Yin's withered little face: "You Yin, are you alright?"
Out of the daughters in Yue Family, only You Jin didn't get abused by old Mrs. Chen when she was born because she was the eldest and the fact that Yue Chang Lu had waited for two years before expecting the first child. Although she was thin, she was much sturdier when compared to the several younger sisters.
You Yin was completely out of strength. She leaned against the old locust tree and gradually regained her breath in the shade. Showing a weak smile, she spoke: "Third Elder Sister, I'm fine. I'll rest for a while. Quickly go harvest the rice!"
You Yin was afraid that Father will see Third Elder Sister accompany her and come over here to scold her.
When You Jin saw her like this, she knew that she must be suffering from heat stroke. You Jin knew that what You Yin said made sense. If the rice area that was assigned to her and You Yin weren't cut today, there will be no meal tonight. She responded, "Then you have a good rest here. If you are dizzy, don't walk around and drink more water."
Then she went back to the field and continued to cut rice.
On the other side of the field, Yue Da Fu saw the situation on You Jin's side from a distance. Although he didn't say anything, he glanced over and expressed his dissatisfaction just right. Yue Chang Lu had developed a sensitive and irritable temperament over the years. He noticed his father's strangeness and followed Yue Da Fu's line of sight. It turned out that two money-wasting things were slacking and hiding under the tree to enjoy the shade. Immediately, he wanted to go over to teach the two money-wasting things a lesson.
"What are you doing, old Second!" Yue Da Fu didn't feel bad for his two worthless granddaughters. He was just afraid that his son would teach his children outside and let the villagers see a joke: "There are people everywhere, coming and going. Don't mess around!"
Yue Chang Lu naturally understood what his father meant and gloomily nodded: "Father, I'm just going for a drink."
Seeing that he understood what he meant, Yue Da Fu stopped talking.
On the other side, Yue You Yin had only rested for less than a quarter of an hour and Yue Chang Lu came over with a gloomy face. In fact, Yue Chang Lu wasn't originally bad-looking. He was naughty when he was eight-nine years old and accidentally made a long incision from inch from the brow to the direction of his ear. His look was disfigured. Because of this, Yue Chang Lu's aura became more and more dark. His gloomy face gave a little scary vibe all day. So later, when he sought marriage, the matches with a few potential family failed. Later, old Mrs. Chen saw Mrs. Su and felt her appearance was still proper. So she spent one liang silvers as a betrothal gift to "buy" Mrs. Su from her uncle's hand. Like this, Yue Chang Lu can be considered as settling down.
Yue Chang Lu managed to marry a wife with bright eyes and bright teeth. In addition, Mrs. Su had life in her eyes and her hands worked diligently. Old Mrs. Chen was satisfied with her when they first got married. The young couple lived very a fulfilling and happy life. But two years later, the sister-in-law who entered the door of Su Family later had already given birth, while Mrs. Su's belly had no movement. Old Mrs. Chen's face became more and more ugly. The gloom that had disappeared came back again.
It wasn't until the third year of marriage that good news came out of Mrs. Su's stomach. Then she gave birth to You Jin. At that time, Yue Chang Lu felt that as long as his wife could give birth, he could give birth to a son sooner or later, so he still liked You Jin. But in the past few years, Mrs. Su Shi's belly has swelled and deflated, deflated and swelled. She gave birth seven daughters one after another in six pregnancy. But still no son. Old Mrs. Chen's expression was getting worst year by year. Yue Chang Lu's temper was getting worse year by year. After Mrs. Su gave birth to the twins, Yue Zhu and You Bao, Yue Chang Lu started domestic violence against Mrs. Su and developed up to now. As long as something went wrong or received angry outside, he will either beat Mrs. Su or the few daughters when he came back.
Therefore, when You Yin saw her father walking towards her with a dark face, she involuntarily shrank before timidly greeted, "Father."
Yue Chang Lu picked up the gourd prepared for them by old Mrs. Chen from under the old locust tree and first gulped a few sips of water. Then he covered the gourd, slammed it on You Yin, and scolded in a hushed voice: "Only knock to eat or slack off every day! If you don't work, believe it or not, I will beat you to death!"
Although Young Yin was on guard, she still didn't dare to resist when Yue Chang Lu smashed it over. The gourd hit her thigh and You Yin immediately teared up from pain. But she didn't dare to say anything. Trembling, she supported herself with the old locust tree and stood up. Then she limped back to the edge of the field where she had just cut the rice. Seeing that her father didn't notice, she reached out and wiped the tears from her face.
Chapter 15. Autumn harvest (part 2)
You Jin was far away and her back was facing them. So she didn't notice the movement at the old locust tree's side. However, once You Yin walked to the field and a sobbing sound could be heard. She hurriedly looked back: "Why did you run over again. Didn't I tell you rest?"
You Yin didn't expect to be heard by Third Elder Sister. She quickly put down her sleeves that was wiping her tears and whispered, "I've had enough rest. I came to help Third Sister to harvest rice together."
But how could You Jin believe it when looking at her pale and withered face? Tuning her head, she glanced at Yue Chang Lu, who was walking into the field from the direction of the old locust tree. You Jin knew what was going on: "Was it Father who drove you to the field?" Yue Chang Lu wasn't human! You Yin was only nine years old. How much can she harvest when she enter the field? Even his daughter was his seed, right? Was it necessary to kill his own daughter like this?
You Jin stood up with a "whoosh", dropped the sickle in her hand and strode to the old locust tree. Yue Da Fu and the others harvested the grain from the ground on the other side of the old locust tree. You Jin and her younger sisters were on this side.
Walking to the edge of the old locust tree, she stopped at a distance of more than ten meters from Yue Da Fu before shouting: "Grandfather! It's too sunny. You Yin is getting dizzy and has no straw hat. Can you let her rest for a while?" You Jin shouted loudly on purpose. Everyone who was working in the nearby fields heard it. There were a few nosy people glanced over to watch the drama.
The three younger sisters in the distance heard Third Elder Sister shouting that Fourth Elder Sister was dizzy, so they all ran over with baskets and flocked around You Yin: "Fourth Elder Sister, are you alright?"
Yue Chang Lu had just sorted out his second daughter and saw that his father's face was better. He didn't expect that his eldest daughter would have the courage to quickly attract disdain and made him lose face in front of his father. He broke into a fierce scolding: "The whole field have people working. Why is it just you guys so delicate? How had it been and you already want a break?"
With an audience, You Jin wasn't afraid of Yue Chang Lu taking actions. After all, Yue Family had a habit. That is, they love face. So she responded loudly: "My younger sister didn't eat breakfast today. Grandmother said that there are no more straw hats at home. The sun is very poisonous. You Yin is still young, so it's normal to not be able to stand it!"
"I say, Uncle Da Fu, how much work can little girls do? Let her rest for a while. If the sun damaged her, you adults will have to worry about it,no?"
Next to Yue Family's field was the Yue Clan's field. That family's daughter-in-law listened to You Jin's words and spoke, "This Autumn Tiger isn't something trivial. Even with straw hats on, we all have a headache. You Yin is only eight or nine-year-old, how can she bear it?"
After being told that by a later generation's daughter-in-law, the people in the nearby fields also intentionally or unintentionally glanced at Yue Da Fu father and son who were wearing straw hats. Yue Da Fu's shriveled mouth opened and closed twice. Taking in other people's watching eyes, he couldn't help feeling that his throat was dry and hoarse. He stuck out his tongue and licked his slightly chapped lips before finally replying: "Then let her rest a moment."
"Ai! Thank you, Grandfather!" You Jin smilingly yelled out her thanks to Yue Da Fu. Then she gratefully glanced at this aunt who had just spoken for her before returning to the field and pulled You Yin out again: "Have a good rest. Don't come out to bask in the sun."
You Yin was pressed down to sit on the locust tree's root by her. As if a needle had grown out of the ground to pierce her, she twisted around uncomfortably. Her face displayed a slight anxiety and panic on her face: "But Third Elder Sister, if Father..."
You Jin pressed her down hard and told her sit on the tree roots with peace of mind. She whispered: "Grandfather and Father both are face-loving people. With so many people listening to it just now, Grandfather won't let Father come over even if Father want to come over and tell you off." You Jin grasped the temperament of Yue Family very well.
She gave each of the three younger sisters a few sips of water and instructed: "If you feel that the sun is too harsh, you can find a cool place to rest for a while. Just don't get sunburned, understand?"
You Zhu, You Ling, and You Luo nodded in unison: "En! Third Elder Sister, we understand!"
Then they held hands and headed to the already harvested area.
After hearing what Third Sister said, You Yin sat down with a slight eased mind. When You Jin saw that she was no longer making a fuss, she instructed her to sit here and watch the three younger sisters, who were picking up rice ears not far away. Only then she held the sickle and went back to cutting the rice.
Over at Yue Clan's field, the elder paternal cousin brother of Yue Chang Lu, Yue Chang He sent a blaming gaze at his wife, Mrs. Zhou, who liked standing up and said in a hushed voice, "Why are you trying to provoke them? Don't you know what kind of people this family is?"
Yue Da Fu liked to act as head taller in front of the villagers. However, they all lived in the same village and lived close. In addition, his father, who passed away early, had some disputes with Yue Da Fu. It was no secret in the village how the girls in Yue Family were treated at home. His woman still rushed to help speak for them .Wasn't this offending Yue Da Fu?
"I just don't like the way they look at the girls as cumbersome and money-wasting things! If there are no girls, where would someone find someone to birth children and take care of housework?" She retorted: "Look at those girls. All of them are in rags. Just a few years old baby and are made to work in the fields without any straw hats. Then look at the males in Yue Family. All of them wear fine cotton clothes like the city people and act like masters. They are all the seeds of your Yue Family and their hearts are too biased!"
Though her words were spoken harshly, her movements weren't delayed. The sickle in her hand was fast. As she talked, another piece of rice were cut.
Seeing that his woman became more and more energetic and her voice was getting louder and louder, Yue Chang He hurriedly grasped her: "Come on, enough. Just told you off a bit and you start singing like you're in an opera?"
He stood beside his woman and whispered: "I know you have a good heart, but that Yue Family's old aunt isn't a vegetarian, so don't offend the other party for a few girls."
Mrs. Zhou rolled her eyes at him angrily. Still, she pouted and agreed, "I'll save it."
A small ruckus started without warning and quickly turned the page like this. The sun was rising higher and higher. The burning sun ray shone on the people to the point they feel pained. After the long enduring wait until the noon, You Bao staggeringly set off from the village with two pots in hand.
During the harvest season every year, farmers mostly consume some filling food in the fields in order to save time and then continue to work after a short rest. By the time You Bao delivered the food, You Jin's clothes were soaked with sweat and the water in the gourd had been empty. Her throat, which was so dry and hoarse that it was about to smoke, was slightly sore.
Placing the earthen pot under the old locust tree, You Bao shouted to the field: "Grandfather, Father, it's time to eat!"
Then she turned around and shouted to her few sisters: "Third Elder Sister, Zhu Zhu, it's time to eat!"
You Yin, who was resting at the roots of the tree, helped You Bao quickly take out the food in the pot. Harvesting was a very exhausting and high-intensity labor. Generally, people grit their teeth and add some meat to the meal to give the family's strong force some strength-replenish during the harvest rush. Naturally, Old Mrs. Chen would give Yue Da Fu nourishment.
Everyone in Yue Family sat in a circle under the old locust tree. The two temporary laborer accepted the two bowls of watery coarse grain congee handed over by You Yin and smilingly gave their thanks. You Bao untied the burden on her back. Inside it was the today's noon's flour pancake.
It can be said that old Mrs. Chen's display of biased was to its max in these kind of small matter: Before You Bao headed out, old Mrs. Chen pointed at You Bao with the fire stove stick in her hand and fiercely lectured her: "These two pancakes are for your grandfather and your father. Each of you get half a piece of pancake. If I found out that you dare to divide it randomly, wait and see!"
You Bao recalled the fire stick that Grandmother was waving like so vividly like a tiger and naturally dared not to violate it: First she handed the two pancake made with a lot of white flour and filled with meat to Yue Da Fu and Yue Chang Lu. Then she gave the two temporary laborer each a black coarse meal pancakes. Finally half a pancake for each of the five sisters who came out to work.
The two day laborers took the black flour pancakes, looked at each other, and said nothing. They just ate the pancake with half-watery coarse grain congee. The few kids were used to this kind of treatment and had no comment. They started to eat the pancakes. You Jin held the black flour pancakes and broke it in half. She handed the half to You Bao: "You Bao, you can eat some too."
You Bao obediently shook her head and refused: "Third Elder Sister, you eat. I came out after eating at home." Third Elder Sister worked hard in the field. It was fine for her to be hungry. If Third Elder Sister go hungry, she won't have the strength to work. Maybe that will make Father angry again and he may beat Third Elder Sister again.
You Jin shoved the pancake directly into You Bao's empty hand and smilingly took a bite of the rough black-floured pancake: "How could I not know you? Hurry up and eat it!"
On most days, she protected her younger sisters at home. All of them were starved one meal and fed one meal. Since she wasn't protecting them today, would old Mrs. Chen have food for You Bao? That was simply impossible!
You Bao was indeed hungry. She looked at Third Elder Sister with red eyes and then nodded vigorously: "En!" You Jin helplessly shook her head in mirth. Her younger sisters were all good, but they all had one problem: easy tear duct flow. They can cry at every turn. But she can understand. After all, they were still children!
After everyone finished their lunch, You Jin smilingly discussed with Yue Da Fu: "Grandfather, why don't you let You Yin help You Bao take the pots and chopsticks back and bring some water back on the way? It's a hot day. Everyone can't work without drinking water."
You Bao was weak. It was too tiring to carry so many things. And it happened that You Yin was also afraid of hindering Yue Chang Lu's eyes. It was better to let her go home once. She can take a small break.
After Yue Da Fu finished eating, he sat under the old locust tree and smoked a few puffs of his tobacco pipe. Hearing what You Jin said, he narrowed his eyes and stared at bewildered You Yin who was standing her. Then he spat out a long mouthful of white smoke: "Go early and return early."
"Ah! Got it!" You Jin beamed brightly and nodded obediently. Then she divided the pots and other objects brought by You Bao into two parts. The two sisters carried the two pots one after another and headed back with the gourd.