First Assistant's Petite Wife Has Space

by Usui Takumii

not mine, readwn dot org.

4. 46 to 60

Chapter 46: Lying with Eyes Open

Translator: CokeZero Editor: Rainystars

Lady Zhao sighed after she told the story. The worst thing about living by the foot of the mountain was that there were lots of poisonous animals and anyone could easily get bitten.

Lu Jiao's eyes darkened. She had tended to Xu Duojin's wound so he shouldn't end up paralyzed. However, it looked like he was going to get some persisting symptoms.

If he consumed the medicine as per her prescription, he would be fine. Sadly, the Xu family obviously didn't trust her and she had no reason to eagerly go to them with the prescription.

Lu Jiao and Lady Zhao separated after they spoke briefly. Lu Jiao took the cold noodles and dishes to the east bedroom for the whole family to eat together.

The four little ones ate on the table while Lu Jiao fed Xie Yunjin.

As Xie Yunjin ate, he stared at Lu Jiao, "Your prescription actually works?"

Lu Jiao raised an eyebrow, "You don't have to believe me if you don't want to."

Xie Yunjin noticed that she was in a bad mood and blinked a few times, "Something bothering you?"

Lu Jiao glanced over to Xie Yunjin. Under the dim light, the man's handsome face was engulfed by a layer of subtle coldness that made his skin appear as smooth as jade.

Deep inside his gaze however, there were traces of warmth.

Was he worried about her?

Surprised, Lu Jiao stared at Xie Yunjin, which caused him to look away.

Lu Jiao suspected that she was overthinking and sighed, "I am just annoyed. I wanted to help that family but they only found me bothersome."

She didn't need to explain for Xie Yunjin to know she was referring to Xu Duojin's family.

Right after she came down the mountain, Lu Jiao went to look for paper and brush just so she could write out the prescription as soon as possible. In the end, the Xu family didn't believe her and sent the wounded into town to get treated.

Xie Yunjin raised an eyebrow, "It's because you never revealed yourself to have such a skill before. That's why nobody believes you. If you give everyone more time, they will learn to trust you."

He then suddenly turned towards Lu Jiao again, "Is your prescription really that effective? The wounded won't lose teeth, lose hair, or get a slumped back? He won't be paralyzed?"

Lu Jiao nodded confidently, "As long as treatment targets the poison in question, the patient shouldn't suffer from long term symptoms. A lot of doctors are not able to come up with effective treatment because they don't have a good understanding of the type of snakes. For example, ringneck snakes are considered to have fast spreading venom that attacks others' nervous system. So, when coming up with a treatment plan, centipedes and scorpions must be used. Most people don't dare to use those and that's why they cannot get rid of the poison in their body fully.

Other snakes, such as cobra, are considered inflammatory. Once bitten, the patient may get infected very easily and their wound can quickly evolve into another disease. When that happens, the doctor must pay attention to what the most deadly symptom is. From there, medicine can be prescribed."

Lu Jiao's eyes lit up as she spoke knowledgeably. Though her face was rather large, it didn't affect her confidence and dazzlingness.

Xie Yunjin stared at her and could not at all remember how much he used to hate her.

As he stared, he couldn't help but wonder, what kind of person was this woman in her previous life?

Not only was she knowledgeable towards medicine, she was also an expert with snake venom. Ah, right, before, she also took the fishbone out of Xie Xiaobao's throat. All of this information indicated to him that this woman likely was a doctor before.

Xie Yunjin couldn't help but to ask, "Other than snake venom, what other illnesses can you cure?"

Lu Jiao froze and started to ponder. Was this a good opportunity to tell him that she was a doctor? It started to feel like she was going to get exposed sooner or later.

Lu Jiao thought about it and gawked at Xie Yunjin with much honesty, "I know a little bit but not too much."

Before Xie Yunjin could ask more questions, she continued in her serious tone, "Do you know how I know so much?"

Xie Yunjin remained silent and raised an eyebrow. Then, he took a big bite of the noodles Lu Jiao was feeding him. Silently, he thought, 'Let me see just how many stories you can make up'.

Lu Jiao explained whole-heartedly, "When I was young, there was a widowed grandma who escaped to my village. Most of the villagers didn't like her and didn't speak to her. I noticed that she never had enough food so I would visit her with food regularly. After we became close, she started to teach me medicine. That grandma was a doctor and a good one at that."

The excited manner she exhibited while telling the story almost fooled Xie Yunjin.

Xie Yunjin's lips stretched up. Now he learned another skill of this woman's – to lie with her eyes open. She was so good he almost fell victim.

Lu Jiao didn't know what Xie Yunjin was thinking. Seeing that his expression didn't change, she thought her lies worked.

She sighed in relief. So she managed to explain how she knew medicine.

It was true that there was a widowed grandma who lived in the Apricot Flower Village. It was also true that the original host enjoyed hanging out with her.

The thing was, everyone who lived in the Apricot Flower Village was very busy. Even children were asked to fetch hay for the pigs. Since the original host was often sick and had nobody to play with, she had no choice but to hang out with the grandma.

Of course, the details as to what happened could be kept a secret. After all, that grandma died four to five years ago.

Lu Jiao's mood lifted and she grinned at Xie Yunjin, "I only know some surface level knowledge. I'm no expert."

Just then, Xie Yunjin suddenly asked, "If the grandma knew medicine, she must also know how to read. How come she didn't teach you how to read? Reading can help with learning, right?"

Lu Jiao was stunned as her brain worked extra hard to find an answer.

"I do know how to read. Really, I just don't know a lot. I was too focused on having fun when I was young so I didn't take learning too seriously. That's why I don't know how to read well."

To prove that she knew how to read, she went to pull a book off the shelf and worked hard to find characters that she knew the meaning of.

"This is: man, book, painting, help, shell, pen, death, storage, car, long, insect, light."

Lu Jiao quickly went over the characters she knew and smiled at Xie Yunjin.

"See, I can read."

Under the dim light, the woman's chubby face somehow softened and cuteness seeped through her visage.

Xie Yunjin cursed at himself for having those thoughts. Just what kind of evil existed inside that woman's body? How could he find her cute? Was his brain damaged?

But to silently watch this woman pull tricks out of her sleeve was rather fun.

Intrigue and interest crawled up Xie Yunjin's normally cold face. His brows and eyes now looked like they had been carefully sketched.

Lu Jiao became lost in his eyes but she quickly retracted her gaze. This man was not to be messed up – she better watch how she behaved.

The four little ones finished eating and were in a very good mood. The Fourth Born rushed over to butter up his mom.

"Mommy, your cooking is number one in the world!"

Lu Jiao instantly giggled, "How many people's cooking have you had? How can you claim my cooking is number one?"

The Fourth Born's eyes shaped into crescents as he smiled. His gaze was full of soft light, "Even if I end up eating many many people's cooking, mommy's cooking will remain the best."

He then called out the other three babies, "Don't you guys agree?"

Chapter 47: Kill Poison with Poison

Translator: CokeZero Editor: Rainystars

The Second and Third Born started to flatter as well, "He's right. Mummy, everything you cook tastes good."

"The stir-fry dishes are good. The noodles are good. The braised pork is good. Everything is good."

The three little ones continued to flatter her and showed no sign of stopping.

Behind them on the bed, Xie Yunjin was silent. He now had the feeling that his sons were starting to become similar to that woman – dumb.

Lu Jiao felt over the moon thanks to the three little ones. She smiled and said, "Tomorrow morning, I have to go to your grandma's place. Before I leave, I will make your lunch – sweet and sour ribs with vegetables. I promise you that you will be happy with the food."

After she spoke, however, the originally happy four little ones went silent. They turned sullen and the color disappeared from their faces.

Lu Jiao's heart ached at the sight. She went to sit by them, "What happened? Why are you not happy?"

The Fourth Born shot Lu Jiao a look and pouted. He looked to be on the edge of crying.

It was obvious that he was sad but he refused to cry.

Lu Jiao couldn't help but pull him in for a hug, "What's happened to you?"

Behind them, the Second Born blurted out, "Mommy, he's worried that you won't come back."

The First Born pinched him.

The Second Born turned his head towards the First Born, "I'm not lying though. He is worried that she won't come back."

The Fourth Born started to cry after he was exposed. With his lips pointed down, he admitted his fear.

"Mommy, is it possible that you won't be coming back? Is it possible that you are going to abandon us?"

Lu Jiao saw just how sad the little guy was and patted his back caringly, "What crazy thoughts you're having? I'm going to come back as early as tomorrow afternoon. I will bring back tasty treats for you."

The Fourth Born then said with red eyes, "As long as mommy comes back, we don't need food."

The Second and Third Born nodded, "That's right."

This mommy was pretty decent. They were okay without eating as long as she came back.

You might think they didn't know this, but they knew that children without mothers were pitiful.

Of course, they didn't want that evil mother from before. They want this nice mother of theirs.

Lu Jiao scanned the children and discovered that all four of them appeared very worried. She couldn't help but go ahead and soothe them.

"Stop worrying. I will come back. Your grandma's place is not far from here. If I don't come back, I'm sure your father will send someone to go look for me. If you don't believe me, ask your daddy."

The four little ones looked over to Xie Yunjin, who now had a headache.

He was thinking about his separation from Lu Jiao. If his legs heal and he separates from Lu Jiao, the four children likely would create havoc. So…?

Xie Yunjin was thinking hard silently. However, he still nodded, "Your grandma's house isn't that far from ours. Your mother wouldn't just leave you. Just what's going on inside your little heads?"

The Fourth Born then asked sadly, "If grandma's house isn't far, how come she isn't bringing me? I want to go too."

Lu Jiao was contemplating how to explain to him why when the noises of a group of people approaching interrupted their conversion.

Based on the sound of the footsteps, lots of people were here.

Confused, Lu Jiao peeked through the window, and at the same time, someone walked in through the door.

The person who led the group was Xu Duojin's wife, Zhang Chunhua. Her eyes were as swollen as peaches.

Once she entered, she started to cry towards Lu Jiao, "Yunjin's wife, do you have a way to save my Duojin? Please save my Duojin."

Lu Jiao was not happy with this. But before she could speak, a kind-looking man walked up from behind Zhang Chunhua.

Lu Jiao recognized him right away. This was the man she met at Baohe Tang. She remembered that he was the newly hired doctor there.

What was he doing here?

Qi Lei now stood beside Lu Jiao and spoke emotionally, "I heard from them that you have a way to get rid of ringneck snake poison. They said you can make sure the patient does not lose hair, and teeth, get slumped back or become paralyzed. Is that true?"

Lu Jiao nodded, "That's right."

Qi Lei was now excited and subconsciously, he started to rub his hands together, "Can I take a look at the prescription you came up with?"

Qi Lei was a little worried as he asked because many people were not willing to reveal their prescriptions.

Would this woman be willing to share that knowledge?

Lu Jiao didn't hesitate, "Of course."

She then fetched for them the prescription she came up with earlier, "Here it is. I had it written up this morning, thinking that they would come for it. In the end, they didn't come to me and sent him away to town."

Zhang Chunhua and the others from the Xu family were embarrassed. They never heard from anyone that Lu Jiao knew medicine so they didn't dare to waste time and sent Xu Duojin to Baohe Tang.

They heard that Baohe Tang recently got an amazing doctor so they sent Xu Duojin there. Who knew that the doctor there said he could not promise that he could treat the patient fully.

It was Old Man Xiao who kept telling them that Lu Jiao had a way to make sure the illness is fully treated.

In the end, they came here. This doctor from Baohe Tang was more excited about the prospect of no long-term symptoms than the family itself and followed them here.

Inside the room, Qi Lei took over the prescription Lu Jiao had. After he read it closely, he pointed at two of the items in shock, "Ten scorpions and centipedes? Isn't that a little much?"

"I've taken a look at brother Xu. The toxic level in his blood was very high so we must go heavy with the scorpion and centipede. It's using poison to kill poison. If we don't do that, we don't get to clear the poison fully. Ringneck snakes' venom is very fast spreading so the prescription will not cause harm. Follow the prescription for several days and the patient should be healed."

Qi Lei nodded continuously after hearing her words, "I see."

Qi Lei then thought of other snakes and asked, "Then, can the same prescription be used for other kinds of snake venom?"

Lu Jiao thought about it, "Only for similarly fast spreading venom. You cannot use it for venom that causes inflammation. Snake venom can be categorized into different types and you must correctly typecast it first. If you get it wrong, you don't get to detoxify the venom."

Qi Lei seemed to have understood, "Got it."

He then looked over to Lu Jiao hopefully, "Can I take this back with me? Do not worry, Baohe Tang will compensate you for using your prescription. We wouldn't make you do all the work for free."

The most important thing here was that he wanted to be able to use her other prescriptions. With those, he could save a lot of lives.

Those words of his delighted Lu Jiao. Right now, the one thing she lacked was money. The look of thrill was now on her face, "Go ahead then."

"Okay."

Zhang Chunhua and others from the Xu family all thanked her and left with Qi Lei.

The Xie household quieted down again. In an even better mood now, Lu Jiao came back to the table to eat her cold noodles.

Because of the interruption, the four little ones forgot to be sad.

The Fourth Born came to stand by Lu Jiao and looked up to her with stars in his eyes, "Mommy, you're amazing."

Chapter 48: Greedy for Food

Translator: CokeZero Editor: Rainystars

The Third Born also came over and asked in a hurry, "Mommy, can you really cure snake venom?"

Lu Jiao nodded, "Yes, snake venom isn't the most difficult poison to cure."

The Second Born was in awe, "Mommy, once I grow up, I want to be as great as you."

The Third and Fourth Born all nodded and the atmosphere in the room lightened up.

After Lu Jiao ate, she went to wash the dishes. While cleaning, she realized that their home didn't even have a proper table and several chairs.

Lu Jiao couldn't help but sigh. Once she comes back, she'll have to get some tables and chairs made.

Though she was going to leave this place in two to three months, she needed a place to sit.

The four little ones had been eating while standing since there were no proper chairs or a table with an appropriate height.

After doing the dishes, Lu Jiao heated up Xie Yunjin's medicine and went to feed it to him. While feeding, Xie Yunjin remembered to ask Lu Jiao about her morning trip up to the mountains.

"You went hunting this morning. Did you get anything?"

Lu Jiao suddenly remembered that she kept the deer and the deer's blood in her space.

It would be difficult to secretly take it out now so she shook her head, "No. I didn't get to hunt after running into Xu Doujin. It's okay. Tomorrow morning, I'll go up the mountain first and get something before I head home."

Xie Yunjin cautioned, "Be careful."

Lu Jiao nodded, "I will."

After Xie Yunjin finished his medicine, he said, "Once you get home, I will teach you how to read and write."

Lu Jiao was stunned. Teach her how to read and write? How great.

Was this guy really that great?

Lu Jiao narrowed her eyes at him and wondered what his intention was.

Before she could speak however, the Second, Third, and Fourth Born all came running.

"Mommy, you don't need daddy to teach you. We can teach you."

"Daddy's already taught us how to read the Three Character Classic."

The Fourth Born hogged onto Lu Jiao's legs and refused to let go. His heart-shaped eyes were practically shooting out lights.

"Mommy, I know how to read, I know how. I will teach you."

On the bed, Xie Yunjin's face was dark as he stared at the three little ones. He had so few things to look forward to and his own sons stole them away from him. Was this fun for them?

Just then, the First Born walked over from the other side of the room and demanded, "You want to teach others just because you know Three Character Classic? Aren't you ashamed? I think daddy should be the teacher. Once he's done teaching the Three Character Classic, he'll have to teach the Hundred Family Surnames, then the Thousand Character Classic."

Xie Yunjin chimed in, "Exactly. Are you sure you are able to teach all that?"

The three babies wilted, "Fine, daddy can teach."

They only knew the Three Character Classic.

Seeing how crestfallen they were, Lu Jiao giggled, "What if we all learn from daddy together?"

The three babies' eyes lit up. This time, even the First Born perked up as everyone started to gawk at Xie Yunjin.

Xie Yunjin thought that was doable. Before, he went into the county daily to study and had no time to teach his sons. Now that he was stuck at home, he could focus on them. Though he couldn't move much and was bed ridden, his lips worked well.

Xie Yunjin agreed immediately, "Okay, then it's settled."

Lu Jiao was happy about this. Once she learns how to read, she would be able to write her own prescription. Not bad at all.

"Once I come back from my mother's, we can start studying."

"Okay."

After the family of six agreed on this, Lu Jiao took the four little ones out to get bathed.

After several days of recuperation, the four little ones were no longer as jaundiced. Though still slender, their skin and hair had brightened up and gotten smoother. Lu Jiao was very much in love as she stared at them.

She realized, after baths, that the four little ones were out of pants. For the summer, the children only had two sets of clothes. Ah no, more like one set of top and pants, then one simple shirt.

She had to think of a quick way to get them some clothes.

Lu Jiao put them in their clean shirts and asked them to sleep in the east bedroom.

She then washed up their dirty clothes so they would have something to change into tomorrow.

While washing the clothes, Xie Erzhu came over to help Xie Yunjin use the washroom.

By the time Lu Jiao finished washing, Xie Erzhu was also done.

Lu Jiao took out a bowl of pork and grabbed a handful of candy. She went to the east bedroom and shoved them to Xie Erzhu.

"Second brother, bring these back to your wife and daughters."

Xie Erzhu refused and continued to wave around his hand, "There's no need, no need! They ate last time and were pretty happy."

Xie Yunjin said, "Take it, brother."

Xie Erzhu wanted to argue more but Lu Jiao had put everything in his hands, "Alright. It's late. Go home and rest."

Xie Erzhu looked at Xie Yunjin then back at Lu Jiao. Since they both appeared genuine, he finally accepted.

"Then… then I will take these."

His sister-in-law's cooking was far too delicious. After his daughters ate her food last time, they mumbled for more.

Lu Jiao smiled, "No problem. Go home and rest. Ah right, how come Daya and Erya haven't visited and played with the kids?"

Xie Erzhu sighed deeply, "We have pigs and chicken at home. Daya and Erya have to gather hay and feed the animals. They have no time."

This topic dampened Xie Erzhu's mood. He felt ashamed when it came to his daughters.

His own sister, Xie Lan, was so lazy that his eldest daughter, Daya, had to wash clothes for the whole family.

This depressed Xie Erzhu but he didn't know how to say no to his parents.

Inside the room, Lu Jiao observed Xie Erzhu's aging and stressed face. She felt bad for him and wondered if she could somehow help him.

Since it was late, Xie Erzhu carefully left with the pork and candy.

Behind him, Lu Jiao reminded him, "Second brother, be careful. Don't be seen."

If the family saw, another fight would break out.

Lu Jiao looked back at Xie Yunjin.

Xie Yunjin frowned deeply and the air around him was frigid. It was obvious that he was thinking about his ruthless parents.

Despite the evilness of his parents, as their children, there wasn't much they could do to object.

Xie Yunjin calmed himself down and slowly revealed, "Honestly, I did suggest to Second Brother that he should go into town and start a business. I've even given him money to kick it off and told him to take his family.

My Second Brother, however, is far too honest and simple-minded. He's not meant to start a business. My second sister-in-law is the same. They're meant to be farmers."

Lu Jiao suggested, "If he is fit to farm, then you can buy some land and ask him to take ownership of it. That would take care of him financially; he would have something to do everyday; and he would be able to grow independent and get away from your parents."

Lu Jiao's suggestion provided a very good direction for Xie Yunjin. He pondered deeply.

Lu jiao ignored him and went to get a blanket from the west bedroom so she could go to sleep.

The moment she came back and put down the blanket however, a weak and fragile voice suddenly spoke up.

"Mommy, I want candy too."

Chapter 49: What a Mom Stealer

Translator: CokeZero Editor: Rainystars

Lu Jiao turned her head and saw that none of the babies went to sleep. They all stared at her wide-eyed.

Lu Jiao realized that it was because they saw her giving Xie Erzhu candy and wanted some as well. But, it was late at night. If they eat candy now, their teeth would rot.

The boys, however, goggled at her like puppies, making it impossible for Lu Jiao to say no. So she ended up giving them a piece of candy each before she lectured them in a serious tone.

"From now on, I will give you two pieces of candy a day. But, you are not allowed to have it at night. If you eat candy at night, worms will eat out your teeth and your teeth will hurt. Got it?"

Her lecture scared the four little ones and they stared at the candy they had in hand.

They wanted to eat it but didn't dare. What a difficult position to be in!

Lu Jiao chuckled, "Once is okay. But there won't be the next time, okay?"

Lu Jiao thought that it was really bad that there was no toothbrush or toothpaste yet. She wondered if she could make some herself so the whole family could start brushing their teeth.

The Second, Third, and Fourth Born instantly shoved the candy into their mouths.

The First Born wasn't in a hurry. He took the package off the candy and delivered it to Xie Yunjin's lips, "Daddy, you eat."

The other three babies felt bad then. They had already ate their candy. What to do?

The three babies wanted to spit out their candies.

Scared they might actually do it, Lu Jiao quickly jumped in, "It's okay, your daddy doesn't eat candy. You guys eat."

Xie Yunjin agreed, "I don't like candy. You eat."

The four little ones obviously didn't believe that. How could daddy not like something as yummy as candy? The four children turned to Lu Jiao in unison. Though they didn't ask, their eyes told Lu Jiao that they wanted her to feed Xie Yunjin one.

Helpless, Lu Jiao pulled another out of her sleeve and fed it to Xie Yunjin.

Xie Yunjin truly didn't really like candy – he found it too sweet. But since the four little ones were staring and not letting this go, he had no choice but to take it.

Lu Jiao then ordered, "It's late. Finish eating your candy and go to sleep."

The four little ones were tucked into the bed by their dad. As they happily sucked on their candy, they discussed.

"This candy is so sweet."

"Mommy said we get two a day starting tomorrow."

"I have decided that I will eat one tomorrow and save one for later."

Lu Jiao didn't mind them and lied down to sleep. She's going to travel home tomorrow and it was going to be a long day.

However, as she lied down, Xie Yunjin spoke up.

"You can sleep in the west bedroom."

He's been feeling much better these past few days. Plus, his brother helped him go to the washroom so he won't need Lu Jiao overnight. It wasn't good for her to sleep on the floor every day.

His words excited Lu Jiao. She happily got up.

The floor was damp and heavy. Sleeping on it everyday would get her sick so she preferred not to.

Though the wooden bed in the west bedroom wasn't the most comfortable, it was better than sleeping on the floor.

Lu Jiao got up and rolled up her blanket.

Up on the bed, the Fourth Born got up as well, "Mommy, I go sleep with you."

The First, Second, and Third Born all turned to gape at him. What a mom stealer.

Lu Jiao didn't mind that but she wasn't sure if Xie Yunjin would. She turned to him.

He didn't end up objecting and simply said, "Then, you take him and sleep in the west bedroom."

The other three didn't ask to go as well.

Lu Jiao picked up the Fourth Born with one arm, took the blanket with the other and went to the west bedroom.

The Fourth Born put his arms around Lu Jiao's neck and smiled sweetly. The other three babies couldn't help but bitterly glare at him. Hmmph, all he knew how to do was hog their mom for himself.

Inside the west bedroom, it was the Fourth Born's first time sleeping with Lu Jiao. Ever since he started having memories, he's never slept with his mother. The little guy was overly excited and couldn't fall asleep.

They were sleeping on a wooden bed but somehow, he found this bed to be more comfortable than the bed in daddy's room.

He curled up beside Lu Jiao and his heart-shaped eyes squished into crescents as he admired her happily, "Mommy."

Like a puppy, he pulled himself closer to Lu Jiao.

Lu Jiao sighed. The original host didn't treat the babies well but she was their mother after all. The moment she started to behave like a mother, the babies became defenseless toward her.

It was telling just how important the mother figure was to children.

Lu Jiao hugged onto the Fourth Born, "Okay, let's go to sleep."

But the Fourth Born couldn't fall asleep! He excitedly called out again, "Mommy."

Lu Jiao answered, so he called her again. He just wanted to call out to her.

When Lu Jiao saw how restless he was, she became a little troubled. She cuddled him and said, "What if I tell you a story."

The little fella blinked, "Okay mommy, tell me a story."

So Lu Jiao told him a short bedtime story, "Then I will tell you the story of who is stronger.

One day, a monkey ran into a deer. Both animals claimed to be stronger and argued non-stop. Just then, a chicken walked over and said, 'You need to stop fighting. Tomorrow, we will hold a competition to see which one of you is stronger.'

The next day, they got an elephant to be the judge of the competition. The elephant said, 'Do you see that river in front of us? Across the river is an apple tree. Whoever crosses the river first to pick an apple wins.'

The monkey and the deer ran to the river but the monkey didn't know how to swim across the river. The deer made it through but the deer didn't know how to climb the tree to get the apple. The monkey shouted at the deer, 'Get me across the river and I will go up the tree to get the apple'.

So the deer helped the monkey across the river. Once there, the monkey climbed up the tree and picked a giant apple. The elephant announced, 'You two tie in this competition.'"

The intention of Lu Jiao telling this story was to teach the baby a lesson on how everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses.

Who knew that the little guy didn't care about that. He had sneakily put his own little legs on top of Lu Jiao's body and was now swaying them around. He thought Lu Jiao didn't notice and was giggling in secret.

"Mommy, how come the monkey and deer can speak? I've never seen that. Our puppies don't speak."

Lu Jiao grew frustrated, "Enough now, go to sleep."

The Fourth Born was overly excited and grew tired. After he heard Lu Jiao's words, he cuddled against Lu Jiao's chest and went to sleep.

Those in the east bedroom were ready to sleep but they heard talking from the west bedroom. The three babies quickly realized that Lu Jiao was telling the Fourth Born a story and became interested.

The Second Born grunted, "Who doesn't know how to tell a story? Daddy knows."

The Third Born pouted, "But it feels like the story is good. The Fourth Born is laughing."

The First Born made an executive decision, "Tomorrow, we ask her to tell the story to us too."

The Second and Third Born nodded, "Good idea."

Chapter 50: Whoever Lies Becomes a Dog

Translator: CokeZero Editor: Rainystars

It was late and Xie Yunjin urged them, "Go to sleep now."

The three babies stopped conversing and closed their eyes.

Xie Yunjin listened hard to noises from the other bedroom. It was quiet so they must've gone to sleep too.

He then carefully checked out the three babies beside him. They now looked clean, their skin was no longer jaundiced, and they were much more active and gleeful now. So it appeared that children needed their mother's love the most.

The next morning, Lu Jiao got up super early. She made some porridge and stir-fried some vegetables with mushrooms.

After breakfast was done, she packed them and started to make lunch. She braised the ribs first, then stir-fried the eggplants and steamed some rice. Once the rice was done, she put the ribs and eggplant on top so the steam could keep everything hot.

She really needed to get her hands on more pots and pans. She only had one usable pan and it was damaged. She had to get at least two good ones.

She started to heat up Xie Yunjin's medicine when she heard the babies' voices.

The Third Born was chasing around the Fourth Born and asking him what bedtime story he heard last night.

The Fourth Born retold the story very cleanly to the others.

The four babies then started to discuss the story together in the yard.

Soot and Marble made their way to their masters' feet and whimpered for attention occasionally.

At once, the home grew lively.

Lu Jiao couldn't help but smile. Just then, the four little ones ran to the kitchen and surrounded her.

"Mommy, how come the monkey and deer know how to speak?"

Speechless, Lu Jiao stared at them. So the four of them had the same way of thinking.

The Second Born very kindly provided explanations for her, "Mommy, it is because they became possessed. Right?"

Lu Jiao wanted to roll her eyes but decided to maintain her respectful image as their mother and endured. She explained to the children.

"This is simply a story. The point isn't that the animals know how to talk. The story is made up by people. The reason why people make up stories is that people want to send a message. For example, the message from the story I told is that everybody has their own unique weaknesses and strengths. We cannot only see our strengths and deem ourselves the strongest."

The four little ones exclaimed after they heard the explanation. However, the Second Born was not satisfied, "So that's what it is. Then why not use people in the story? Why must it be about monkeys and deers?"

He then lowered his head to look at Soot and Marble and got an idea, "Say, do you think Soot and Marble know how to speak?"

Lu Jiao ignored them. She poured out the medicine and divided it into two bowls. She put one bowl on the side to cool, and when the children weren't looking, she snuck the other bowl into her space.

"Okay, go wash face and wash hands so we can eat breakfast."

Lu Jiao had taught the children how to wash their own hands and faces earlier so they knew how to do that independently now.

Lu Jiao carried breakfast to the east bedroom. She told the children to eat themselves so she could feed Xie Yunjin.

"After breakfast, I am going to leave for my mother's. As for lunch, I am keeping it in the pot. When I leave, I'll ask the Second Grandmother to come over and feed you when it's lunchtime."

Lu Jiao suddenly remembered the last time she was away. She came back to the four children beaten and Xie Yunjin vomiting blood.

She glanced at Xie Yunjin and noticed that after conditioning him this past while, he was no longer as pale and his energy level had picked up. Even so, if someone were to come here to beat the four little ones, he couldn't exactly do anything about it.

Lu Jiao was worried and Xie Yunjin noticed. He asked, "What's wrong?"

"I'm away and leaving one wounded and four weak at home. What if bad guys invade again?"

The Fourth Born stood up, "Mommy, then don't go to grandma's."

The other three nodded in agreement and gaped at Lu Jiao.

Lu Jiao ignored them and continued to discuss with Xie Yunjin, "What if I ask the Second Brother to come today?"

After she said it, she decided against the idea. If Xie Erzhu was here, Lady Ruan would be the first to come.

Lu Jiao added, "Okay no. How about I go ask Xie Xiaobao to come over and spend some time here? If anyone tries anything, I'll ask him to run out and shout for people to come."

Last time, Lu Jiao divided up the silver she got from Widow Li. That event tempted many villagers. She was certain that if someone tried anything again, more villagers would think to step out and be on her side.

Xie Yunjin saw how anxious she was and didn't stop her, "Sure."

The four little ones were very disappointed.

They didn't want her to go. What if she left and never came back?

The babies were very worried and didn't find the porridge tasty anymore.

Lu Jiao finished feeding Xie Yunjin and took out the dirty bowls. She then got some porridge for herself.

The children weren't done eating yet. Lu Jiao scanned around and found all of them to be in a bad mood. She knew they were worried she would abandon them.

Lu Jiao was secretly happy about that. They haven't spent that much time together but the children were already attached. Not bad at all.

She didn't want to see them sad though so she calmly comforted them, "Why are you acting like this? Are you worried I won't come back?"

The four little ones all looked up to her. Lu Jiao put down her bowl and patted their heads, "Don't worry. I'll come back in the early afternoon."

The Fourth Born went to Lu Jiao and stared at her with watery eyes, "Mommy, if you don't come back. I will cry. I will cry until you're back."

The First, Second, and Third Born looked at him in shock. Was he for real?

The Second and Third Born thought about it and then decided, "We will cry with him."

The First Born walked to Lu Jiao and extended his hand. Lu Jiao didn't understand so she just stared at him.

With a serious face, the First Born announced, "Pinky promise me. Whoever lies becomes a dog."

Lu Jiao was speechless. Who taught him all this?

However, when Lu Jiao saw how serious he was, she knew that he wouldn't trust her if she declined. So she too extended her hand and hooked her pinky against his.

The Second, Third, and Fourth Born all gaped at the First Born, "First Born, are you lying or telling the truth? Liars become dogs?"

The First Born was nothing but serious, "It's real."

The other three were no longer worried then. Happily, they requested, "Mommy, can you bring us the next time you visit grandma?"

They've never visited.

Lu Jiao agreed right away, "Sure!"

The four babies finally stopped obsessing over this. If their mom lies, she would become a dog. She wouldn't want that so she's definitely coming back.

Lu Jiao ate her food, washed the dishes, then fed Xie Yunjin medicine. She then left to ask Xie Xiaobao to keep an eye on the children in case someone causes trouble again.

Xie Xiaobao agreed. Lu Jiao gave him three pieces of candy as a thank-you gift.

Xie Xiaobao happily went to spend time with the quadruplets.

Feeling better, Lu Jiao put on her basket and left for her mother's home.

The Fourth Born, who was already playing with Xie Xiaobao, suddenly rushed out of the front gate and started crying out loud. While crying, he waved around his little arm, "Mommy, promise you will come back!"

Chapter 51: Trouble Caused by Money Lending

Translator: CokeZero Editor: Rainystars

The Second and Third Born were playing with Soot and Marble. Due to the commotion the Fourth Born made, they grew scared and ran to the front gate as well to cry, "Mommy, if you don't come back you're going to become a dog."

Lu Jiao's face dropped and she quickened her steps. She was only visiting her mother. Why did they act like it was life and death?

The next time she goes home, she will bring them to save herself the emotional hassle.

The Apricot Flower Village was the neighboring village. The two villages, however, were separated by a mountain. In order to go home, Lu Jiao had to detour by taking the small road on the north side of the mountain. Because of the detour, it took at least two hours for her to get home.

The original host did not have the physical capacity to make the trip. Lu Jiao, however, didn't mind. She roamed her way to the Apricot Flower Village.

Nothing unexpected happened on her journey.

Similar to the Xie Village, the Apricot Flower Village was a large village. The Lu surname was prominent here so the moment Lu Jiao appeared, everyone greeted her.

Lu Jiao answered them without rushing, earning her many compliments. Everyone praised her to be the fitting image of a scholar's wife and commented that she was very different from before.

Lu Jiao followed her memories. Her home was right in the center of the village and it was easy to find.

The Lu family yard was large. The building itself, however, was rather damaged. There were three old mud houses in the middle, and three small rooms on each side. At the front of the yard was a fenced area where chickens were raised.

Lu Jiao was checking out the yard when someone walked out from the center mud house.

This guy was her younger brother, Lu Gui. The moment Lui Gui saw Lu Jiao, he frowned unpleasantly, "What are you doing back home?"

Lu Jiao's face dropped. Honestly, she knew that this brother didn't like her and she didn't have much to say about him either. If it weren't for Lady Tian, she likely wouldn't come back.

Towards these Lu family members, she didn't feel any familial ties.

Collected, she started to walk towards him, "This is my home. Why can't I come back?"

Lu Gui was angry to hear those words, "Because of you, the entire family is unhappy. What more do you want?"

Lu Jiao knew right away that the family found out Lady Tian gave her money in private.

Silently, Lu Jiao sighed in relief. Thank god she came back today with money. If she didn't, Lady Tian would get bullied even more.

Lu Jiao strolled into the living room. Lu Gui extended his arm to block her path but she glared at him, which scared him off.

The family, however, was astounded at her arrival. Everyone from the different rooms all converged together in the living room.

Someone came out of the east bedroom – Lu Jiao's father, Lu Danian.

Lu Danian was a little angry when he saw Lu Jiao. However, he still greeted her, "Jiaojiao, what are you doing home?"

Lu Jiao didn't even acknowledge him.

Lady Tian from the east bedroom heard the noise and sat up straight right away, "Jiaojiao? Is Jiaojiao back?"

Lu Jiao walked to the bedroom with her basket, "Yes, mother, I'm home."

Lady Tian was on the bed and looked a little weakened. Her eyes were very red, a sign that she had cried.

Lu Jiao grabbed her hand and asked, worried, "Mom, what's wrong? Are you sick?"

Lady Tian shook her head, "It's nothing. My health is good. It's been tiring doing housework these days so I'm lying down to rest."

She didn't want to talk about it and merely checked out Lu Jiao from head to toe. She found Lu Jiao to be slimmer and her heart ached, "Jiaojiao, why have you lost weight?"

Lu Jiao rubbed her own face. She's been eating less and moving more so she lost a little weight. However, since she was very chubby before, the weight loss wasn't obvious. Who knew Lady Tian could tell right away?

"Mom, it's good to be thinner. Thinner looks better."

Lady Tian's eyes reddened even more, "Jiaojiao, life must've been hard for you. That entire household now relies on you. It must be hard."

She then patted Lu Jiao's head and asked, "How come you found time to come here today? What about Yunjin? What about the four babies?"

Lu Jiao smiled, "I've asked others to take care of them. Don't worry."

Lu Jiao then pulled out 10 taels of silver from her sleeve and put it in Lady Tian's hand, "Mom, I was worried that the family isn't happy with you because of the five taels of silver you gave me. So I came to return the money the moment I earned something."

Why would Lady Tian accept that? Determined, she shoved it back.

"Yunjin needs medicine. Take it back and buy him medicine. I have money."

Lu Jiao knew very well that Lady Tian was so exhausted because the family had been treating her poorly. Or else there was no way she would be lying here in the middle of the day.

Lu Jiao leaned in and whispered into Lady Tian's ear, "Mom, I found a ganoderma up in the mountains and sold it for 200 taels of silver. I have money now. Here's 10 taels of silver – five to return the ones you gave me, and five for you to spend on yourself."

Lady Tian was in disbelief and gawked at Lu Jiao, "Really?"

Lu Jiao convincingly nodded and Lady Tian was overjoyed. Her face flashed with color.

But she didn't take the whole 10 taels of silver, "I'll just take the five."

Lu Jiao wanted to argue with Lady Tian, but she frowned at her, "Just give me five for now. You are in need of silver. Once Yunjin's legs heal, I will keep whatever money you give me."

Since Lady Tian appeared so serious, Lu Jiao knew she wouldn't take the money. No choice, she put the silver back.

Lady Tian got out of bed and went outside. Currently, in the Lu family's yard, stood Lu Danian, their three sons and two daughter-in-laws.

Lady Tian showed off the five taels of silver to Lu Danian, "Here you go. Jiaojiao came to return the money."

She then added, "I must've been blind back then to think that you would protect me if we married."

Lu Danian didn't expect Lady Tian to get so angry publicly. Awkwardly, he stuttered, "Jiaojiao, it's not that we don't want to help. We are just too poor."

Lu Jiao's eldest sister-in-law, Sun Mei, sighed in relief at the sight of silver. She smiled, "Sister, it's just that mother didn't tell us before lending out money. We only lectured her a little."

The second sister-in-law, Hu Xiang chimed in as well, "We know we were wrong. We didn't necessarily mean that you needed to return the money right away."

Lu Jiao glanced at the original host's brothers, Lu Ping and Lu An. It looked like everyone here today had blamed Lady Tian over five taels of silver.

The expression on Lu Jiao's face was no longer pleasant. So the whole family came together to bully Lady Tian.

She scanned around the yard and said, "Mom lent me five taels of silver behind your backs – that is wrong. If you want to blame someone, blame me. I am here today to apologize to all of you. After all, this whole thing started because of me."

Lu Jiao apologized in a serious manner to the entire Lu family, making everyone's face redden. Everyone here felt like they'd been slapped.

After Lu Jiao issued the apology, she spoke up again. This time, however, her voice was cold.

"I have more to say. If mom lent me five taels of silver for me to spend lavishly on unnecessary food and drinks, you can blame her. However, she lent me the money to help out her son-in-law, who's bedridden due to injuries. What kind of crime did she commit for lending me that money?

You are my family. Since you are not willing to help during my rough patch, then I will offer you nothing when my situation improves."

Chapter 52: Teach them a Lesson

Translator: CokeZero Editor: Rainystars

Lady Tian's eyes reddened. Other than the fact that she lent her daughter money to help out her son-in-law, she had another intention. If her son-in-law could heal enough to sit up straight, then as a scholar, he would be able to accept pupils in the future and become a teacher. All the children from the Lu family could go study under him. Even if they don't end up scholars, they would have more options in life if they learned how to read.

Sadly, the entire family was short-sighted and all blamed her for lending out money.

She could make peace with her sons and daughters-in-law whining. But her own husband blamed her too.

That was the part that hurt Lady Tian the most. She married Lu Danian back then because he was a humble and responsible man who treated her well. If he didn't, she never would've married him. She knew from a young age that this man wasn't going to be good at making big money.

All she wanted was a tranquil life. Yet in the end, not only was he incapable, he even complained and blamed her when something bad happened.

The more Lady Tian looked at Lu Danian, the less attractive she found him.

Lu Jiao skimmed across the yard and continued coldly, "Since you are so unhappy with mother, I am going to take her away. Other than her three sons, she also has a daughter. I will take care of her from now on."

This time, Lu Ping, Lu An, and Lu Gui's faces all dropped. If their mother ended up being taken care of by her only daughter instead of her three sons, the whole world would curse them to death.

Lu Jiao turned to Lady Tian, "Mom, come and live with me."

Lady Tian was angry and only wanted to get away so she nodded, "Sounds good."

This time, Lu Danian's face changed, "Tian Hua, what are you doing? I simply complained a little. Do you have to react this way?"

Lu Jiao glared at him angrily, "Those closest to you hurt you the most. Your whining is the reason why mom is so sad. She's been with you for so many years and never complained about you. But in the end, you complained about her."

Lu Danian's expression changed as he didn't expect his own daughter to lecture him. But he didn't dare to curse in front of Tian Hua.

Lu Jiao went back to the east bedroom and got her basket. She originally brought with her a basket full of stuff – a deer, a wild rabbit, over five pounds of rice and flour, plus a pound of candy.

Who knew the Lu family treated her mother so poorly? Why should she give them all this good stuff now? She rather toss all this food to dogs.

"Mom, let's go."

Lady Tian went to her room to pack. Inside the yard, everyone became flustered. Lu Danian went inside the bedroom to sweet-talk his wife.

Pity that Lady Tian was really furious this time. She only packed two sets of clothes and headed out with Lu Jiao.

The Lu family's three sons blocked them. Lu Gui angrily criticized Lu Jiao, "Lu Jiao, you should be talking sense into mother instead of fueling the fire. Just what are you doing?"

Lu Jiao was impatient as she shouted back, "As mother's sons, you make her sad. From now on, she lives with me."

Lu Jiao didn't truly want to cut ties with the Lu family. She just wanted to teach them a lesson so they stop taking advantage of Lady Tian.

If she didn't do this, they may get into the habit of blaming Lady Tian when anything goes wrong.

Of course, she had to set them straight today.

Lu Jiao pushed Lu Gui away and then left with Lady Tian.

Behind them, second sister-in-law Hu Xiang sharply saw Lu Jiao's basket full of stuff. She even managed to see that there was meat in there.

Hu Xiang was greedy for the goods and jumped in to soothe, "Mom, please don't be angry. We were wrong. It was our fault. Sister, stop being angry. Help us calm down mom."

Lu jiao didn't even acknowledge her and walked on

Behind them, Lu Danian's face was scrunched up and he was extremely anxious. He's been married to Lady Tian for so many years and they've never separated. Now, Lady Tian was leaving out of the blue and he didn't know what to do with himself.

Lu Gui decided to pursue Lu Jiao.

But this time, he didn't dare to stop them and only followed from a distance.

In the front, the adrenaline for her own impulsive decision wore off, and Lady Tian started to worry.

If she went to her daughter's place, wouldn't her son-in-law get angry? What if he got mad at her own daughter?

Lady Tian regretted her own decision. Everything was okay so why did she freak out in front of Lu Jiao? Back then, when she saw the silver, all she could think of was to hit the men with it.

Lady Tian looked over to Lu Jiao, "Jiaojiao, is it bad for me to go to your home with you?"

Behind them, Lu Gui heard that and instantly opened his mouth, "Mom, let's go home. Come, let's go back."

Lu Jiao, however, grabbed onto Lady Tian and acted spoiled, "Mom, your son-in-law is bedridden. I have to take care of him and my four children. It's so tiring. Can you come and help me out? Ah right, last time, I went into town to buy things and because nobody was home, the four babies got beaten up by someone. If you can come with me, you can help keep an eye on everyone when I'm away."

Lady Tian's heart ached after she learned of that. She agreed immediately and ignored her son.

Her eldest and second eldest sons were prime examples of men who forget their mothers after they married.

Only her daughter would fight on her behalf.

Lady Tian knew that her daughter offended the whole family to help her out.

"Okay, then I will go and help you out."

Behind them, Lu Gui's face turned ugly. Just what was happening? By now, he had realized that his sister was not to be messed with.

Lu Jiao continued to pretend Lu Gui didn't exist. She pretended to dig into her basket, and took out two pieces of baked goods from her space. She handed Lady Tian a piece and kept one for herself.

"Mom, eat some. I bought some red bean cake last time."

Lady Tian declined, "I'm not hungry. Save it for the babies."

Lu Jiao forcefully pushed it into Lady Tian's hand, "Eat. We don't lack food at home."

She then explained, "Mom, I now know how to set traps and hunt. See, this is a deer that fell into my trap. And that is a wild rabbit. I originally brought all this for you guys but since they have been treating you poorly, I am taking all of this back. Tonight, I will make a spicy rabbit dish for you."

Lady Tian stared at the deer in Lu Jiao's basket in awe. So her daughter managed to earn money from ganoderma and she learned to hunt? Oh wow, how amazing.

When did her daughter become so amazing?

Lady Tian inquired while still in awe, "Jiaojiao, when did you learn all this? Tell me."

Lu Jiao thought about it, "I learned it all from Yunjin's books."

"No wonder people need to learn how to read. Books are great things. Even my own daughter is learning from them and making money."

Lu Jiao pushed the cake into Lady Tian's mouth, "Mom, eat. We really don't lack food at home."

"Alright, alright."

Lady Tian ate happily and didn't even peek at her own son.

Lu Gui watched them eat in jealousy. He himself was famished and felt like his front stomach was touching his back.

Because of that five taels of silver, nobody even cooked a proper meal these past few days. He was a young man and he's been starving.

Now, these two women acted like he didn't exist, he sure was sad.

He marched towards them and tried to befriend Lu Jiao, "Sister, do you have more? Give me one."

Lu Jiao glared at him and snickered, "Don't call me that. I'm not your sister."

Chapter 53: How Shameless are you

Translator: CokeZero Editor: Rainystars

Lu Gui was dumbfounded and looked over to Lady Tian. Lady Tian chortled and shoved the rest of the cake into her mouth.

Lu Gui turned bitter. Was she his birth mother? He must've been adopted, that must be it.

Lady Tian finished her cake. Lu Jiao then snuck out two giant peaches for herself and Lady Tian.

Just to spite her son, Lady Tian didn't decline and the two ate happily.

Before, Lu Gui was hungry and felt like he needed food. Now, he simply wanted the peach. The peach smelled sweet and he could see how juicy it was. How tempting.

He's never had such a giant peach before and was certain that this didn't come cheap. Did his sister get rich?

The daughter and mother ate red bean cake and giant peaches and were no longer hungry. They walked back to the Xie Village without another break.

Behind them, Lu Gui was starving and didn't even have the strength to walk anymore. Like a puppy, he called out to Lu Jiao, "Sister, my best sister, please pity your brother. I was wrong before. I was at fault. I won't ever act unreasonably in front of you anymore. I promise you that I will respect you."

Lu Jiao stopped walking and stared at Lu Gui, "You think I am angry because you don't treat me well? No. I don't care that you never treated me well. You don't have to like me. I don't like you either. We are really not that different. The key is that you disrespected mother and that makes me so angry."

Lu Jiao's words touched Lady Tian, who wiped away her tears.

See, she was right to spoil Jiaojiao. At the end of the day, daughters were the ones who stuck around. If it weren't for her daughter today, she may end up getting bullied to death.

Lu Jiao didn't plan on truly ignoring Lu Gui for the rest of her life. She just wanted to teach Lu Gui a lesson so he stops disrespecting Lady Tian.

She didn't care how Lu Gui treated herself. After all, she never considered him to be a real brother.

"Okay, I'll give you a piece of cake. If you ever hurt mom again, I will truly cut you off."

Since they were close to the Xie Village now, Lu Jiao took out a piece of red bean cake and gave it to Lu Gui. So thankful, Lu Gui almost kelt down. Ahh, red bean cake was just so delicious.

The three of them walked all the way back to the Xie Village.

Before she reached home, she saw a crowd in front of her yard.

Her face changed color instantly and she subconsciously formed fists.

Could it be that someone came over again to bully Xie Yunjin and the four babies?

If that were the case, she won't be so forgiving today.

Lu Jiao's face was dark. Beside her, Lady Tian also noticed the group of people by Lu Jiao's house.

Along with Lu Jiao, Lady Tian rushed towards the gate.

The moment the three of them got up there, someone noticed Lu Jiao and updated her.

"Yunjin's wife, you have guests visiting. They appear to be very honorable guests, as they came on a horse carriage."

The Xie villagers were poor so it was already a luxury to get a ride on the ox cart. Visitors who come in on a horse carriage always end up being a spectacle.

Lu Jiao sighed in relief. It was okay as long as they weren't here to take advantage of Xie Yunjin and the four little ones.

Lu Jiao didn't have time to check out the horse carriage. She led Lady Tian and Lu Gui into the garden.

The Xie Villagers gossiped loudly. Someone from the crowd said, "I think they're Yunjin's classmates."

"They brought so much stuff. I saw food and textile."

"Yunjin's mother and sisters all came as well."

"They must be getting ideas. They shunned out their son and now they're here after seeing visitors with gifts."

When these people saw Lu Jiao, they shouted at her, "Yunjin's wife, hurry and go inside."

Lu Jiao nodded at everyone as a way to greet them. She then brought Lady Tian and Lu Gui inside.

There was a pile of items on the ground.

Inside the east bedroom, Lady Ruan's sullen voice could be heard, "Thank you so much for visiting my third son. To have you as his classmates made his study journey worth it."

She then started to sob as if she was really sad.

Right after that, Xie Lan's voice arose, "Yeah, after my third brother got injured, my mother couldn't sleep well and could barely eat. She's lost weight."

Outside the room, Lady Tian exploded. Unable to contain herself, she busted inside and unloaded her anger on Lady Ruan.

"You old hag, how shameless are you? You moved out your injured son and now you're playing the victim? Where do you get the audacity?

Look around this home, there's absolutely nothing here! How can you talk like this?!"

Inside the east bedroom, the four little ones saw Lu Jiao and excitedly dashed over. The Fourth Born hugged onto Lu Jiao's leg, "Mommy, you're back!"

His heart-shaped eyes blinked with much joy.

The Second and Third Born were also smiling. Though the First Born didn't express much, the relief in his eyes was hard to hide.

Lu Jiao patted the four little ones' heads and then went to greet the visitors.

There were four young men here today, all around the same age as Xie Yunjin. One wore a robe made of brocade, and his hair was neatly brushed back. It was obvious that this was the young master of a wealthy family. The other three looked rather common. However, without exceptions, they all carried a studious and educated demeanor with them.

When the visitors saw Lu Jiao, they were taken aback. Given how outstanding Xie Yunjin was, they expected his wife to be extraordinary. Who knew she turned out to be a chubby woman.

The four of them showed signs of sympathy. However, very quickly, they politely stood up to greet Lu Jiao.

"Yunjin's wife."

Lu Jiao nodded and greeted back calmly, "Thank you, young masters, for visiting my husband."

The four of them were surprised at how confident she appeared. If it weren't for her appearance, they would've believed her to be a young lady of a good family.

Lu Jiao ignored them and looked over at Xie Yunjin.

She saw that Xie Yunjin looked annoyed and the air around him was cold.

Lu Jiao asked him, "Are you okay?"

Xie Yunjin's face relaxed a little and he waved at Lady Tian, "Mother-in-law, you are here."

Lady Tian nodded. On the other side of the room, Lady Ruan's face appeared rather ugly. With fury resting in the corner of her eyes, she glared at Lu Jiao and Lady Tian.

She only came to pick up things after she heard that Lu Jiao left home today.

She thought that she could take the gifts Xie Yunjin's classmates brought and use them for Yunhua and Xie Lan's dowry.

She didn't expect Lu Jiao to come back so quickly. It didn't matter though. Her being here wasn't going to stop Lady Ruan from taking the stuff. If Lu Jiao dared to object, she would teach her a lesson.

Lady Ruan frowned deeply as gloom clouded her.

Chapter 54: It's Better to have a Dog

Translator: CokeZero Editor: Rainystars

Lu Jiao ignored Lady Ruan. After she greeted the classmates, she left the room.

First, she put her basket into the kitchen and snuck the deer and rabbit into her space. She didn't dare to access her space in front of Lady Tian and Lady Ruan before. However, if she waited any longer, her meat would spoil.

After she was done, she poured a few cups of sugar water.

Xie Yunjin's classmates took a long journey here and should at least get some water.

Though the cups were old and chipped, it was the thought that mattered.

Lu Jiao placed the cups on the small table and brought everything into the east bedroom.

"Young masters, please drink up. Our living conditions are not the best – please forgive us."

The classmates checked out the stuff Lu Jiao brought and found the cups to be exceptionally clean. The table also was without dust or stains.

Though their house was missing lots of normal household objects, everything was organized and clean. Even the clothes Xie Yunjin wore were freshly washed.

He was bedridden but there was no foul smell.

This meant his wife was diligent and a good person.

The four men thanked Lu Jiao and each poured themselves a cup of water.

It was rude to refuse water when it's been brought to you.

After everyone took a cup, she poured some to feed Xie Yunjin.

Inside the room, Lady Ruan and Xie Lan rolled their eyes and silently cursed at how fake she was being.

Lady Ruan's eldest son-in-law, Chen Liu, said loudly, "Third-sister-in-law, you should pour some water for mom at least."

Lu Jiao smiled and looked back at her, "I am out of cups. Should I take some from your house?"

Chen Liu was taken aback. The four classmates noticed the strange vibe and decided it wasn't wise to stay. They stood up to pay respect.

"Yunjin, then we will get back first. We'll find another time to visit you."

Darkness flashed across Xie Yunjin's eyes. Since they were leaving, he gestured to Lu Jiao, "Send off our guests."

Lu Jiao stood up. The leader of the pack, the young man in a brocade robe, said kindly, "I am Yunjin's classmate, Han Tong. I currently study at Qinghe County School. If you need anything, you can come and find me."

Lu Jiao thanked him, "Thanks. Once Yunjin is healed, I will ask him to personally visit you and thank you."

Some hope flashed across Han Tong's eyes. The others, however, didn't take her seriously. How could a handicapped man heal?

They didn't say much else and left the room. Outside, the villagers started to chitchat.

Han Tong and his classmates then rode away in their horse carriage.

Lu Jiao turned to go back to the living room. Before she even entered, she heard Xie Lan's delighted voice, "Mom, this textile looks lovely. Give it to me as my dowry, what do you think?"

"This multi-colored desert is perfect for your brother. Also, this tea. I can tell these are quality products."

The mother and daughter duo acted like everything here was theirs and picked their favorites.

Lu Jiao entered the room and coldly ordered, "Put everything down and get out of my house."

Lady Ruan's face changed color. With fury, she snapped at Lu Jiao, "You want to take possession of my son's stuff?"

Lu Jiao was so angry she laughed, "At your age, can you be less shameless? You didn't take care of your paralyzed son and now you have the audacity to take his stuff?"

Lady Ruan's face was insanely cloudy as she gritted through her teeth, "He cannot use this stuff. If he could, I wouldn't take them."

Then, she pointed at some medicinal ingredients from the pile, "He could use the medicine. We won't touch that. The other stuff won't be useful for him so why is it wrong to give everything to his brother? That's his blood-related brother."

Lu Jiao chuckled yet again, "It's better to have a dog than to have a brother like that."

Lady Ruan loved her youngest son the most. To have him compared to a dog made her lunge violently at Lu Jiao.

Lu Jiao was too lazy to talk reason. They were shameless bastards and nothing could get through to them.

Lu Jiao grabbed Lady Ruan with one hand and started to drag her outside.

Xie Lan screamed, "Lu Jiao, you dare to disrespect your mother-in-law."

She then chased after them and whilst chasing, she still remembered to hold onto the roll of textile she had her eyes on.

Lu Jiao got Lady Ruan outside and turned around to block Xie Lan. She grabbed the roll of textile out of her hand and then dragged her outside.

"Get the **** out of here."

Behind them, Chen Liu was greedy for all the goods in the room but didn't dare to move. She could tell that Lu Jiao was not to be messed with and decided to do what she could with words.

"Lu Jiao, you're a daughter-in-law. Your husband's mom is your mom. How can you hit your mom?

Those gifts from classmates… keep what you need. You may as well give what's useless to you to mom to show respect."

Lu Jiao coldly stared at Chen Liu and pointed outside as a way to tell her to leave.

Chen Liu's heart ached but didn't dare to stay. She knew if she stayed, that woman would beat her out.

Inside the yard, Lady Ruan had collapsed onto the ground and now slapped her own thigh while she cryied, "Everyone, come here and watch a daughter-in-law hit her mother-in-law. She eats all the good food and leaves nothing to her mother-in-law. Such unfilial women should be fed to the pigs.

Oh my lord, how can my life be so hard? I worked so hard raising my children just to be bullied by my daughter-in-law. I may as well die."

Inside the room, Lu Jiao could hear Lady Ruan speak disgustingly. She was angry and wanted to step out to teach her a lesson. Suddenly, Xie Yunjin's voice arose.

"Lu Jiao, come in here."

Lu Jiao turned and went to the east bedroom. She then unpleasantly looked over at Xie Yunjin.

How did this paralyzed man end up with a mother like that? How unfortunate.

Even if he does end up becoming the First Assistant, it must be exhausting to have a mother like that.

Xie Yunjin's eyes were frigid and so was the air around him. He stared at Lu Jiao and said in a low voice, "Lu Jiao, that's my mother out there."

Lu Jiao's face dropped. What did he mean by that? Was he implying that she needed to treat his mother better and give her all those goods?

Ha… Well, if that was what he wanted, she could make it happen.

Lu Jiao angrily tried to walk out, but Xie Yunjin continued to speak, "She's your elder. If you fight against her, you're at a disadvantage. No matter how right you are, as a daughter-in-law, your reputation will be tarnished. It's not worth it for you to get hurt over someone like that."

Lu Jiao raised an eyebrow. So he wasn't worried about his mother but was worried about her reputation.

Lu Jiao knew that what Xie Yunjin said was logical. No matter how out of line Lady Ruan was being, as her daughter-in-law, she will get a bad reputation for fighting back.

Xie Yunjin stared at Lu Jiao darkly and whispered, "Hit her where it hurts. Everyone has a weakness. My mother loves my fourth brother the most."

He then closed his eyes as if resting.

At the door, Lu Jiao's eyes brightened. That was true. She couldn't do much to Lady Ruan but that didn't mean she couldn't beat up Xie Laosi. Xie Laosi was a deadbeat who always hid behind his mother. If she beat him up, nobody could say she did anything wrong. After all, she was Xie Laosi's third eldest sister-in-law.

Chapter 55: Leave you Sooner or Later

Translator: CokeZero Editor: Rainystars

Lu Jiao smiled brightly at the thought and left the room. Once she reached the door, however, she made a sad face.

In front of the door, Lady Tian watched Lady Ruan in disdain, "You witch, what right do you have to come over here and ruin my daughter's reputation? My daughter has such a bad rep because of you! I don't understand how you have the audacity to come over here and ask for things. Look around, look at this home, there's practically nothing here."

Sadly, Lady Ruan had rolled to the ground and was whimpering with her eyes closed.

"I cannot live like this anymore. My son and daughter-in-law are so unfilial. Just let me die!"

In front of the gates, a lot of villagers watched the show.

Lots of people criticized Lady Ruan but of course lots of people blamed Lu Jiao. They saw how much stuff Yunjin's classmates brought – it seemed fair to distribute some of that to Lady Ruan. She was the mother after all.

Back inside the yard, Lady Tian wanted to say more. However, Lu Jiao walked over and grabbed her hand. She then stared at the crying Lady Ruan.

"Mom, it's not that I don't want to give you anything. It's just that I need to sell everything in town so I can buy Yunjin medicine. Right now, the most important thing is to treat Yunjin's legs."

Her words made many villagers sigh and they stopped blaming Lu Jiao.

Yunjin's wife had a hard life – having to take care of a paralyzed husband.

Lu Jiao ignored the villagers and continued, "Mom, tell me honestly, it was your fourth son who asked you to come here and take all the gifts, right? He refuses to leave his brother alone until he dies! In order to prepare for his marriage, he manipulated you into shunning your own son.

And now, he saw his brother's classmates come with gifts so he manipulated you to come and get those gifts."

Just then, the noises of crying came from behind.

Lu Jiao turned around and saw that the four little ones were all crying. Even the First Born, who never cried, teared up.

The First Born complained, "Grandma, you don't like us, do you? You only like our fourth uncle. Before, the fourth uncle had eggs to eat every day but we never got to eat any. Fourth uncle got sugar water every day, but we never got to drink any. Fourth uncle had new clothes to wear, but we never got to wear any."

The quadruplets got sadder as they talked. Seeing them sad made Lu Jiao sad. She leaned down and comforted them.

"Good boys, don't be sad."

As she hugged them, the First Born whispered in her ear, "We are pretending."

Lu Jiao's face went dark. The four of them were all crying!

Before the door, the mother and boys looked miserable, which made many villagers sad. All of them started to complain about the Xie family's fourth son, Xie Yunhua.

In the past, the Xie grandparents always talked trash about Lu Jiao and said Lu Jiao stole food from her sons, hit her sons, and refused to make them new clothes.

In the end, it was all Xie Yunhua's fault.

Lady Ruan heard their words and immediately fell into a bad mood. Her face turned dark and she screamed at the quadruplets.

"Shut up, you heartless boys! Did you forget how your fourth uncle used to give you food?!"

The quadruplets cried harder. How sad!

The four little ones were already articulate for their age. Now, under duress, they somehow became even more well-spoken.

Enduring through the sorrow, the First Born stared at Lady Ruan with his eyes red, "That food was bought using silver my father gave you. My father gave you silver so you can buy us food. Yet you used it all to buy fourth uncle food. The fourth uncle ate eggs, drank sugar water, ate cakes, and wore new clothes. We didn't even get basic food."

The Second Born wiped away his tears using his own sleeve, "Grandma, you have such a poor heart. All the good things we had were given to the fourth uncle and the little aunt. We never got to eat anything! Ahhh, our lives are so hard. How did we end up with such a grandma?"

The Third Born added, "The fourth uncle got to dress pretty every day yet we had nothing to change into. We look so ugly."

The Fourth Born saw what was happening and it scared him. However, his brothers were all acting so he had to too.

He glanced at his mother and the sight of her calmed him down. He chimed in and howled, "The fourth uncle never did anything. Every day, he just ate and played. Ahh, grandma, you told us to dig for worms and feed them to the chickens. If we didn't do it, we didn't get food."

Inside the yard, Lady Ruan's face could not get any darker. She clenched her teeth and she got off the ground to hit the quadruplet.

"You bastards! I am going to hit you to death! How dare you ruin your uncle's reputation!"

The quadruplet ran to the back to hide. Lu Jiao protected them from the front and yelled, "Mother, your fourth son is trying to destroy my family. If he dares to treat us this way, as his older sister-in-law, I dare to teach him a lesson. I am going to beat up that greedy lazy bum."

She then walked towards the gate, obviously going to find Xie Yunhua and hit him to death.

Lady Ruan chased after her and cursed, "Lu Jiao, I dare you to hit my fourth son! I dare you!"

Lu Jiao temporarily stopped so Lady Ruan could catch up. Lu Jiao stared at her, "If he dares to manipulate you to cause trouble on my turf, I dare to teach him a lesson."

In front of the trellis, the Second Grandma came over to soothe down Lady Ruan, "Go home, stop this. This is ridiculous. Yunjin's still bedridden."

Lady Ruan wanted to fight more but the Second Grandma pulled her away. This way, Lady Ruan didn't fight it.

She was really scared that Lu Jiao would actually beat up her son. She heard that Lu Jiao beat up Shen Xiaoshan last time and he ended up lying in bed for three full days. The key thing was that there was no open wound on his body as evidence. If Lu Jiao really did run to her house, then her youngest son may suffer.

Lady Ruan left angrily and cursed as she walked.

Behind her, Xie Lan and Chen Liu stared in disbelief. They were leaving already? What about the stuff? They weren't going to try to get the stuff anymore?

Lu Jiao glared at Xie Lan and Chen Liu.

These two women were scared but didn't want to give up on the goods. So they spoke up in turn.

"Third sister-in-law, look at how much stuff you got. Just give some to mother – it's no big deal. If you guard them without sharing, others may blame you."

"Sister-in-law, I saw a lot of food in that pile. You should give half of it to your parents-in-law. That's what good wives would do."

Lu Jiao pointed at those two women mockingly, "I told you, I am going to sell everything. Get out of here. If you don't, I will throw you out."

Xie Lan and Chen Liu were furious but helpless. They walked outside the gate and cursed, "You heartless b!tch. Sooner or later, I will convince my brother to leave you."

"What an unfilial daughter-in-law. The Xie family has no room for you. You have so much good food to eat and refuse to share with your parents."

Behind them, Lu Jiao responded unpleasantly, "I have no objections to paying respect to my parents. But everything they have, they feed it to you and their fourth son. Are you my mother or are you my father?"

Chapter 56: More Silver!

Translator: CokeZero Editor: Rainystars

Outside the gate, the villagers gradually left. As they left, they discussed Xie Yunhua.

They've never heard much about Xie Yunhua. Though today, they learned that he was a lazy character who never worked.

At 17, he never worked and only ate the best food and wore the best clothes.

The villagers searched their memories and realized that Xie Yunhua was white and fat. Meanwhile, Xie Yunjin's quadruplets were as skinny as chickens.

The villagers used to believe Lady Ruan and thought Lu Jiao ate everything. However, now that they thought about it, Lu Jiao was already chubby when she married into the Xie family.

She was fattened up by her own parents. Xie Yunhua however, was the only chubby and pale one in the entire Xie family.

Plus, all this information was exposed by the quadruplets. The children were so little and there was no way they would lie. So, the conclusion was, Xie Yunhua was a lazy and greedy man.

After everyone left, Lu Jiao got some water for the quadruplets to wash their faces with.

The four little ones did well today. Lu Jiao was satisfied.

The Fourth Born happily crowded Lu Jiao and asked for praise.

"Mommy, was my acting convincing?"

Lu Jiao giggled and pinched his nose, "Convincing. It was so convincing. But, who asked you to do all that?"

The Second, Third, and Fourth Born all looked over to the First Born. The First Born sneered and left.

Lu Jiao watched him go and thought of Xie Yunjin. So this father and son pair were sly and tactful.

The memories of Lady Ruan made Lu Jiao pity Xie Yunjin. How did he end up with such a mother?

Could it be that they weren't biologically related? Or else why would a mother treat her own son this way?

Just then, Lady Tian and Lu Gui walked over and worriedly stared at the three kids, "Are you guys okay?"

Lu Jiao shook her head, "It's fine. They're very clever."

Since it was late, Lu Jiao thought it was time to cook dinner.

She went into the kitchen, took out some deer and rabbit meat from her space, then came out. She asked Lu Gui, "Lu Gui, help me kill the deer. We'll eat deer and rabbit for dinner."

Lu Gui's eyes brightened at the mention of meat. He nodded, "Sis, I will help you right away."

Lady Tian went to help Lu Gui with the animals.

Lu Jiao brought the three kids to the living room so they could organize the gifts Yunjin's classmates brought. When she reached the room, she heard Xie Yunjin's cold voice.

"Was everything you said true? Your fourth uncle ate eggs, candy, and cake at home but didn't give you anything? Your grandma made you dig worms for the chickens and refused to feed you unless you complied?"

The First Born responded properly, "You never asked us about the fourth uncle. You've only ever asked if our mom hit us or stole our food. You never asked us about uncle specifically. Plus, grandma told us not to say anything about the fourth uncle. She told us if we said anything, we wouldn't get food."

His son's words made Xie Yunjin's handsome face lose color.

He always thought his boys were skinny because the original host stole the children's food. Now, he realized it was because of his own mother's ruthlessness.

To make sure his children had enough to eat, he often brought money home.

However, every time he went home, his mother would tell him that the children were skinny because Lu Jiao stole their food.

Only now did he find out that all the silver he brought home was fed to his fourth brother. It was no wonder he ended up chubby and bright-skinned.

Xie Yunjin felt like he's been living like a blind man. He focused all his negative energy on Lu Jiao and overlooked so many other aspects and details in his life – such as why his children were so skinny yet his brother was so chubby.

Since he studied in the county, he only got one day off a month and never fully saw through the situation. On top of normal school work, he also made some friends with classmates and would travel with them to other cities in order to study more knowledge. When he took those trips, he would leave home two to three months at a time.

Those thoughts pained Xie Yunjin. Only now did he realize that he had contributed to his children's suffering.

"It's all my fault. I can't believe I never noticed."

Outside the bedroom, Lu Jiao organized the pile of gifts. She discovered that everything Xie Yunjin's classmates brought was beneficial. There was a lot of food such as cake, candy, and tea. There were also textile and medicinal ingredients.

The medicinal ingredients were of high quality, such as ginseng, fallopia, apiaceae, and red sage.

Lu Jiao took all the medicine to the bedroom, "The gifts your classmates gave you are very expensive. Other than all the food, these medicinal ingredients are worth quite some money."

Xie Yunjin looked up at Lu Jiao. The sight of her face made him frown so deeply that the atmosphere turned horrifying.

It took him a moment to remember that she was no longer the woman she used to be. That thought relaxed him a little.

He glanced at the medicine and said mindlessly, "My classmate Han likely brought those. Don't mind it. He doesn't lack money."

Lu Jiao understood right away that classmate Han was from a wealthy family and he had a close relationship with Xie Yunjin.

Lu Jiao searched her memories. When she read the novel, there was one character known as classmate Han. Sadly, she never read this novel too carefully and it focused on the protagonists. Xie Yunjin was the antagonist and not that many details were written about him.

Xie Yunjin looked at Lu Jiao and said, "Come over here."

Lu Jiao raised an eyebrow. Thinking that maybe he needed water, she walked over to him, worried.

"Do you need some water?"

Xie Yunjin shook his head and then fetched something from under the pillow to give to Lu Jiao.

Lu Jiao took it over. Ah, it looked to be a bandars note.

She carefully checked out the amount and found it to be 150 taels of silver.

She was shocked, "Where did you get so much money?"

Xie Yunjin explained to Lu Jiao, "Three years ago, I partnered with classmate Han and opened up a bookstore across from our school in the county. This is my share of the profit. We go over our books once every six months. That's when he pays me my half. This note was brought by him today."

He actually has always kept some money with classmate Han. He knew there might come a day where he'd need it.

Classmate Han didn't know Xie Yunjin was wounded by a horse carriage and therefore, didn't know to come to visit with his money.

When he received the news, he immediately showed up with the money.

Originally, he brought 500 taels of silver. However, Xie Yunjin only took 150. He decided to keep the rest with classmate Han.

Chapter 57: Go Ahead, Take the Money and Run

Translator: CokeZero Editor: Rainystars

Lu Jiao was astounded, "If you had money, why didn't you ask someone to get the money when you got hurt?"

Xie Yunjin responded unpleasantly, "I was injured and passed out at the time. When I woke up, I couldn't find the appropriate person to do the leg work."

The reason why he partnered up with classmate Han to start a business was that he wanted a backup plan for himself and his children. He didn't want others to know.

He never trusted his own parents and that second brother of his was far too na?ve. If he knew about it, he likely would've exposed it to his parents. Plus, when he was paralyzed in bed, he barely had the will to live, let alone get treatment.

As for the money that was being kept by classmate Han, he was not at all worried.

He's told classmate Han before that he was making money for the four little ones. He planned on sending them to school once they were older. If he really did die, classmate Han would've used the money to get the kids an education.

But now, for his four little ones, he has decided to get his legs treated. Even if treatment fails, he will need to stay alive and take care of his children until they're adults.

Lu Jiao listened to all this and didn't say anything. She was mostly surprised that Xie Yunjin would reveal his backup plan to her. Wasn't he worried she would have evil intentions?

"Aren't you scared that I would take this money and escape?"

Xie Yunjin's lips curled up, "Why don't you go ahead and give that a try?"

Lu Jiao's scalp felt numb. Though she was here through transmigration, after these days here, she has learned that she would not win in a game against the future First Assistant.

Lu Jiao dryly chuckled, "I'm just joking. Just where could I possibly run to?"

However, if Xie Yunjin was willing to give her the money, it meant he didn't hate her as much as before. Then, once his legs heal, they can separate in peace.

That thought made Lu Jiao very happy. She smiled at Xie Yunjin, "Don't worry. I won't take any of this for myself. I'm going to spend it all on this family."

If there are any left over when they separate, she will return it to him.

Xie Yunjin didn't say much and reminded her, "We have nothing at home. You can buy whatever is deemed necessary. If the money's not enough, I can get more."

Lu Jiao grinned, "It's more than enough."

She still had over 100 taels of silver left from selling her ganoderma. That plus today's money, she had over 200 taels of silver. That was more than enough to last her until their separation.

Lu Jiao stared at Xie Yunjin while her mood was over the moon, "Are you hungry? I will bring you something to eat."

Before Xie Yunjin could answer, she turned to leave. At the same time, she waved at the four little ones, "Children, come. I will give you some yummy snacks."

The four little ones peeked at Xie Yunjin, who kindly said to them, "Go ahead."

The four little ones happily followed Lu Jiao. Very quickly, happy chatters started to spread throughout the yard.

"Take a look and let me know what you want to eat. This is a walnut cookie, these are different flavors of jelly, this is red dates cake, and this is glutinous rice flour cake."

Lu Jiao introduced the different types of snacks to the four little ones. Growing up, the four little ones had never seen such well-packaged goods. They felt overwhelmed and didn't know what to eat first.

So Lu Jiao made their decision for them, "Let's eat the walnut cookie first then."

The quadruplets violently nodded, "Okay!"

Lu Jiao gave each of them half a cookie, "It's easy to get bloated eating cookies, so we will eat half each. That way, we save some stomach for dinner as well. Tonight, I will make you deer meat and spicy rabbit. What do you say?"

The four little ones' eyes lit up like stars in the constellations. Their little faces radiated with happiness.

"Sounds good, mommy!"

Lu Jiao first broke a cookie in half and gave it to the First Born, "Give half to your daddy so he can try it out."

The First Born nodded and ran to give it to Xie Yunjin. Once there, Xie Yunjin didn't decline and carefully tasted the walnut cookie.

Earlier today, his mother's actions made him feel dejected. But now, the atmosphere at home made him feel relaxed and happy.

This was what a home should look like — a kind and gentle mother with her obedient and filial sons.

Outside the room, Lu Jiao continued to divide up the cookies. She herself ate half as well. She had no intention to save everything for the children and not enjoy anything.

After that, she took some to Lady Tian and Lu Gui.

Lady Tian declined and said she was too busy dealing with the rabbit and had no time. So Lu Jiao shoved it into her mouth.

Lady Tian's heart felt so sweetened by her daughter's actions. This was why everyone recommended having daughters over sons.

Lu Gui didn't think so much and simply ate his share. At the same time, he silently exclaimed over how his sister was living the good life and eating the good food.

Lu Jiao didn't care for Lu Gui's thoughts and ended up organizing all the gifts.

Xie Yunjin remembered how he saw Lady Tian and Lu Gui and asked, "How come the mother-in-law and brother-in-law are here?"

Lu Jiao naturally didn't want to tell him about the fight back home. She grinned, "I'm scared of the four little ones getting bullied while I'm not at home so I asked my mom to come and help me for a few days."

Xie Yunjin squinted his eyes. He knew very well that she was lying.

No matter how lovely his mother-in-law was, there was no way she would ditch everything and come help her daughter. Something must've happened to the Lu family. Was it all because of the five taels of silver?

Xie Yunjin didn't ask anymore. That was the Lu family's business and he had no right to interfere.

Dinner was extravagant. Not only were there braised deer meat and spicy rabbit, but there was also stir-fried pork with leek, as well as sweet and sour cabbage.

Lu Jiao also made Xie Yunjin a bowl of steamed eggs.

The food was great. The only flaw was the lack of furniture at home. The family only had a small and broken table – they didn't even have chairs.

This afternoon, the long benches Xie Yunjin's classmates sat on were borrowed from the Second Grandma's place. At night, Lu Jiao had to return them.

It was not like every family had benches to spare, she had to return them so they could sit.

Because of that, other than Xie Yunjin, who ate in bed, everyone else ate standing up.

Xie Yunjin felt like this was ridiculous and said to Lu Jiao, "Tomorrow, go to the Village Leader's place to see if they have any logs. If they do, ask uncle Youcai to make us some tables and chairs."

Lu Jiao raised an eyebrow, "Uncle Youcai is a carpenter?"

Xie Yunjin nodded and apologetically looked over to Lady Tian and Lu Gui, "I'm sorry for this poor hospitality."

Lady Tian and Lu Gui shook their heads, "It's nothing."

Lady Tian had experienced it all. She could tell that her daughter and her son-in-law were now at peace. This made her very happy. She didn't care if she ate standing up or sitting down.

After dinner and cleaning up, another problem arose. Lady Tian could sleep with Lu Jiao in the west bedroom, but what about Lu Gui?

Lu Jiao asked Lu Gui to sleep with Xie Yunjin just for the night.

However, Lu Gui refused, "My brother-in-law is wounded. To sleep beside him would poorly affect him."

Lu Jiao suspiciously stared at Lu Gui. She was almost certain that Lu Gui refused the suggestion because he was scared of Xie Yunjin.

"If you don't sleep with your brother-in-law, where will you sleep?"

Chapter 58: Calamity Tests Sincerity

Translator: CokeZero Editor: Rainystars

Lu Gui thought about it, "Get me a mat. I'll sleep outside for the night."

It was summer and it would be fine to sleep outside.

But Lu Jiao didn't have any mats he could use. Out of the two here, one of them was as old as the house and could not be used. The other one was just as pathetic.

Lu Jiao once again exclaimed over how poor this family was.

In the end, Lu Jiao asked Lu Gui to crash with Xie Xiaobao in the Second Grandma's house.

Lu Jiao, Lady Tian, and the Fourth Born shared one bed, while the other three slept with Xie Yunjin.

It was rather late so Lu Jiao brought in the Fourth Born to get ready to sleep. However, behind her followed three little tails.

How weird. Lu Jiao stared at them. They've decided to sleep with her tonight instead of their dad?

"You want to sleep with me tonight?"

The First Born shook his head and said, "We want to listen to the story. We'll go after."

Lu Jiao understood. So they heard how she told the Fourth Born a story last night and now they want the same treatment.

Lu Jiao didn't decline. She crawled onto the bed and asked the four kids to do the same.

Since there were too many bodies, nobody could lie down and they sat in a circle.

Lu Jiao thought about it and told them a story about a three-legged animal who loved to sing.

"There lived a frog who had three legs in the grass. Every day, it would sing a happy song while preying on pests…"

Lu Jiao had to pause here, as the Fourth Born blinked at the three other babies and explained, "This is a made-up story. Frogs do not really know how to sing."

Lu Jiao's face dropped. The First Born glared at the Fourth Born in a serious manner, "No talking."

The Fourth Born stuck out his tongue then quieted down.

Lu Jiao continued. This was a really short story and she finished quickly.

The four little ones didn't get enough of it and wanted more. The First Born said to Lu Jiao, "This story isn't as long as yesterday's."

So he wanted another one.

Lu Jiao ignored him and ordered them to sleep, "I will tell you guys a story every night. Don't get greedy! If you do, I'll stop telling you stories. Go sleep now!"

The four little ones didn't dare to object and went separate ways to sleep.

Inside the room, Lu Jiao finally laid down but found Lady Tian to be staring at her. She didn't seem to recognize this daughter of hers anymore.

Lu Jiao's heart skipped a beat. Could it be that she realized something?

Just then, Lady Tian exclaimed, "Jiaojiao, you're so much smarter now than before. You have even learned to tell stories. Even I thought the story was interesting."

Lu Jiao sighed in relief and whispered, "It's all from books."

Lady Tian couldn't help but compliment, "No wonder the rich send their kids to school. Those who know how to read are just different from those who don't. Ah, Jiaojiao, how many characters do you recognize now?"

Lu Jiao's face froze. Could she say that she's forgotten all the characters the original host learned? Though she had memories from the original host, those memories weren't hers. So it hurt her head trying to remember a few characters. She was lucky that Xie Yunjin offered to teach her.

Lu Jiao grumbled, "Yunjin said once he gets better, he'll teach me how to read. Then, I'll learn all the characters I don't know now."

Lady Tian was successfully distracted. Now, she only cared about how her daughter was going to learn from Xie Yunjin. Did that mean her son-in-law now cared for her daughter?

Lady Tian's mouth stretched into a smile. She knew it! Calamity tests the sincerity of a marriage. Her daughter was doing all she could to care for her husband, how could her husband not be touched?

"That's so great. So great."

Lady Tian didn't hear a response. Looking back, she saw that Lu Jiao and the Fourth Born had both fallen asleep cuddling.

Lady Tian closed her eyes and slept with a smile.

The next day, Lu Jiao got up and heard Xie Yunjin call for her from the east bedroom, "Lu Jiao."

She thought he wanted water and went over quickly, "What is it? Do you need water?"

On the bed, Xie Yunjin leaned to the side and stared at her excitedly.

"Look, I'm leaning forward and I don't feel nauseous. Do you think my head injury is starting to heal?"

Lu Jiao was truly happy to hear that. This meant Xie Yunjin's concussion had subdued.

This was great news! This meant they could perform surgery very soon.

"Your head injury is getting better. That's such good news."

Xie Yunjin couldn't even express how happy he was. His normally calm and handsome face was painted with liveliness. It made his visage look jade smooth and shiny.

However, that only lasted a little while. Soon, the color on his face faded.

Xie Yunjin remembered how Doctor Zhou from Baohe Tang told him that his legs were the most injured. If they don't find a doctor who could perform surgery, he would be paralyzed for life.

Lu Jiao observed the change in his expression and knew he felt terrible. She stepped up and said to him, "This is very big news. It means your life is no longer in danger. Without nausea, you can do some light exercises."

Lu Jiao's brain raced hard to figure out a way to perform surgery on Xie Yunjin.

She could tell him straight like it was. He may not believe her and may think she was there to hurt him. Or worse, he may suspect that she was not the real Lu Jiao.

After all, in the Zhou Dynasty, doctors who could perform surgeries were as rare as a phoenix's feathers.

Even if she did know medicine, logically, there was no way she would know how to perform surgery.

She had to figure out a way to do this.

Lu Jiao grinned ear to ear, "I'll go pour you some sugar water."

Inside the room, the four little ones happily surrounded Xie Yunjin, "Daddy, are you all healed?"

"You are going to be okay?"

Xie Yunjin looked at the four wide-eyed children, who gaped at him with anticipation. A smile found Xie Yunjin's face.

Even if he never walked again in this lifetime, as long as movements no longer made him nauseous or made him puke, he could sit up straight slowly. Then, after some time, he could start a tutoring business. It won't be a problem for him to raise the four children.

Xie Yunjin felt his anxiety subside. With gentle light in his eyes, he softly said to the four little ones, "I will be okay. You don't have to worry about me anymore."

The four little ones cheered in response. Outside, Lady Tian and Lu Gui had heard the good news from Lu Jiao. They too were over the moon.

"Son-in-law, this is great news. No nausea means your head is healed. After more medicine, I'm sure you can start to sit up straight."

The more Lady Tian thought about it, the happier she got. Once he could sit up, he would be able to start a teaching business. Then, this household would be able to generate income and they could properly raise their children.

Xie Yunjin nodded at Lady Tian. Everything his mother-in-law's done has earned his respect.

Everyone here was happy today.

Lu Jiao thought they needed to celebrate. So not only did she make porridge for breakfast, but she also made egg crepes and some side dishes including wood ear mushroom salad, and eggs with peas.

She didn't have enough pots. If she had an extra one, she would've cooked more.

Though breakfast was delicious, everyone still ate standing up. This time, before Xie Yunjin could speak, Lu Jiao spoke up.

"After breakfast, I will go and ask Uncle Cai if he has any wood or logs. If he does, I will ask him to make us a table and eight chairs."

Chapter 59: Would Saying more Words Kill him?

Translator: CokeZero Editor: Rainystars

Xie Yunjin nodded. There was now much less coldness on his face. His entire persona appeared gentler and softer. He was born handsome, and now with warmth around his eyes, he was truly enjoyable to look at.

Despite his good looks, Lady Tian and Lu Gui found him too scary to get close to.

Lu Jiao had no idea why they were so afraid.

After breakfast, Lady Tian helped heat up Xie Yunjin's medicine.

Lu Jiao planned to bring the four kids to the Village Leader's place to look for Uncle Youcai.

However, the mother and her children didn't even get to leave their gate when a horse carriage arrived. Behind the horse carriage was a crowd of people.

Lu Jiao remembered what happened yesterday and her temples pulsed. Who was it now? Xie Yunjin's classmates again?

The man who stepped out of the carriage wasn't Xie Yunjin's classmate – it was Doctor Qi from Baohe Tang.

Other than Doctor Qi, there was also Xie Duojin. Though Xie Duojin hasn't fully healed, he could already walk with someone's help. The darkness on his skin had faded enough that nobody could tell he was bitten by a snake.

The sight of Xu Duojin triggered lots of discussions.

"I heard Duojin was bitten by a snake?"

"I heard that too. But he looks fine right now?"

"I heard that many people become disabled due to snake poison. Even those who don't end up losing hair or teeth."

Everyone gossiped while Xie Duojin and his family went up to Lu Jiao.

Xue Duojin's wife, Zhang Zhaodi, supported him as he walked. She bowed towards Lu Jiao, "Thank you Yunjin's wife for helping my husband with the ringneck snake venom."

Many others started to thank Lu Jiao as well.

Lu Jiao brandished his hand, "I'm glad you are okay. Go home and rest. I'm sure the poison hasn't been fully expelled. If you take your medicine as instructed, I think it'll only take you another three days to heal up."

Xu Duojin thanked her again. Then, he waved at his wife, Zhang Zhaodi. Zhang Zhaodi took out some silver, around five to six taels, and shoved it into Lu Jiao's hand.

Lu Jiao declined, "I don't want money. I only did what was right."

She didn't want money because Xu Duojin was one of the villagers and her neighbors. Plus, he was so poor. She was certain that the money here was all his savings and there was no way she would take that. She wasn't in desperate need of money right now. She had more than 100 taels of silver from her ganoderma and Xie Yunjin just gave her another 150 taels.

Ah right, Doctor Qi also said he would compensate her for sharing her prescription.

Lu Jiao's gaze landed on the soft-spoken Doctor Qi.

Doctor Qi responded with a smile.

Xu Duojin listened to Lu Jiao but didn't take back the silver. He tried to convince her, "Use this money to help brother Yunjin. Once you get more money, you can return it to me."

Lu Jiao shook her head, "I can make my own money. If I run out, I will go borrow some from you. How about that?"

The Xu family took back the silver then. Zhang Zhaodi helped Xu Duojin walk home.

Outside the trellis, many villagers greeted the Xu family. A portion of the crowd went to the Xu family while the rest remained outside Lu Jiao's house. They all spoke about Lu Jiao, surprised.

Lu Jiao knew how to cure snake venom? Ringneck snake at that.

Someone remembered how Lu Jiao helped Xie Xiaobao with the fishbone that was stuck in his throat. Back then, she easily took out the fishbone for him.

So it appeared that Yunjin's wife knew medicine and was a doctor.

Qi Lei ignored the villagers and continued to talk to Lu Jiao, "Ms. Lu, can we talk?"

Lu Jiao invited Qi Lei into her home. The villagers knew this young man was a doctor from Baohe Tang and thought Lu Jiao invited him in to check out Xie Yunjin. They all stood outside to watch the show.

Qi Lei said to Lu Jiao as they walked inside, "Last time, you mentioned that there are many types of snake venom."

Lu Jiao nodded.

Qi Lei then genuinely requested, "I want to buy more prescriptions from you. I wonder if that's okay? Ms. Lu, rest assured, I'm not buying the right to your prescriptions. You can of course continue to use them. I just want to be able to use them as well."

"Sure, I can give you three different prescriptions."

"Then, how about I give you 300 taels of silver for those?"

Lu Jiao agreed. Why would she say no to money that was already on her door? That would earn her a lightning strike!

Plus, these prescriptions could help save lives. Even if she wasn't getting paid for them, she would let Doctor Qi use them. But, since he offered money, she wasn't going to say no.

Lu Jiao smiled, "Of course. Doctor Qi, come on in."

Since the paper and brushes were in the east bedroom, Lu Jiao invited him into the east bedroom.

The moment they walked in, Xie Yunjin's cold voice arose, "Who is this?"

Lu Jiao walked to the bed and explained, "This is Doctor Qi from Baohe Tang. He wants to buy my prescriptions so I brought him in here."

"Oh."

Xie Yunjin checked out Qi Lei. This doctor sure was young and appeared kind. His face radiated with happiness and friendliness.

Though friendly, Xie Yunjin didn't care for him at all. So, coldly, he muttered.

"Okay."

Lu Jiao's lips twitched. Would saying more words kill him?

If it weren't for the people around, she would've rolled her eyes at him

Inside the room, Qi Lei stared at Xie Yunjin in shock.

He had asked Ling Feng to look into Lu Jiao's background and therefore knew she had a husband who was bedridden. He also knew her husband was a scholar.

However, he never expected her husband to be so handsome. Though bedridden, he remained graceful. He leaned against the headboard and his black hair draped around his shoulders. His features were exquisite and his eyes almost appeared painted.

However, the look in his eyes was rather sharp, which made it impossible for people to undermine him.

If this man wasn't injured so gravely, he could've gone far.

Qi Lei pitied him.

Lu Jiao had retrieved some paper, ink, and brushes. She placed them on the small broken table and said to Qi Lei.

"I'll talk, you write."

Qi Lei was in shock and thought he heard wrong, "I write?"

On the bed, Xie Yunjin shifted his gaze to Lu Jiao and his lips curled up sarcastically, obviously laughing at her.

Lu Jiao was terrified that he would sell her out and let everyone know that she couldn't read. She glared at Xie Yunjin and then said to Qi Lei, "I'll tell you the ingredients, you can write them down."

Qi Lei no longer doubted his hearing and responded, "Okay."

He sat down on the little chair made out of rock and started to write.

Lu Jiao first introduced to him the different types of poison, "You need to first identify the type of snake poison. For example, coral snake, ringneck snake, and many banded krait venoms are neurotoxic. Those bitten would experience severe neurological symptoms that you will need to counter with a heavy load of scorpions and centipedes.

Gloydius and cobras venoms are cytotoxic. Those bitten may quickly develop infections that can eventually evolve into worse diseases.

Rattlesnake, vipers, and copperhead venoms are considered hemotoxic. Those bitten get disoriented and have severe nausea ."

Chapter 60: A Nice Surprise

Translator: CokeZero Editor: Rainystars

After Lu Jiao explained the types of poisons, she explained how to detoxify each type. After Qi Lei wrote everything, she continued, "If the snake poison is mild and common, then use the recipe for neurotoxic snakes minus the centipedes and the scorpions."

Qi Lei nodded. The recipes she's shared could help him cure basically all snake bites. This was remarkable.

Qi Lei was overwhelmed with happiness and generously took out a bandars note worth 300 taels of silver.

Lu Jiao was happy to see that and kissed the bandars note.

More money. Not bad at all.

In front of the door, the quadruplets peeked into the room. Lu Jiao gestured for them to come inside and patted their heads.

"I have money now. Whatever you want to eat, whatever you want to play with, just tell me."

The four little ones smiled. Ah, their mommy has made money! How amazing!

Qi Lei watched this peaceful image of a mother with her children. He felt somewhat envious.

Behind them, Xie Yunjin wanted to hide his face behind his hands. How stupid looking. This was embarrassing.

Now that Qi Lei had gotten what he came for, he had no plans to stay. He gave Lu Jiao another look and said, "Ms. Lu, I will get back to it then."

"I'll walk you out."

After giving Xie Yunjin a nod, Qi Lei walked out of the house with Lu Jiao behind him. Xie Yunjin watched the two leave and for some reason, found the image of them irritating. His face turned cold.

Lu Jiao had no idea what he was thinking and walked Qi Lei all the way to the gate.

In front of the trellis, several people rushed over and knelt before Qi Lei.

"Are you Doctor Qi from Baohe Tang? Please help me save my Erdan."

"Doctor Qi, my Erdan has had a high fever for days. We brought him to Huichun Clinic and they gave him some medicine. However, he got better only for a few hours before heating up again. My child is dying. Doctor Qi, please save my child."

"Please."

Qi Lei listened to them and gently responded, "Please get up. I will go take a look with you."

He then glanced at Lu Jiao, "Do you want to come with?"

Lu Jiao shook her head. Xie Yunjin hasn't even had his medicine yet. She needed to take care of him.

Plus, a child with fever was not an illness Qi Lei couldn't handle.

Lu Jiao walked back to the kitchen. Inside, Lady Tian and Lu Gui gaped at her in awe.

"Jiaojiao, you know how to cure snake bites?"

"Sister, when did you learn all this?"

Lu Jiao's eyes darkened a little, but she was quick to answer, "Mom, do you remember Grandma Huang, who lived behind us?"

Lady Tian nodded, "You used to go over to her house frequently."

Back then, her daughter was often sick and she didn't want her to help with farming. So, whenever Lu Jiao got bored at home, she would go visit Grandma Huang.

Lady Tian didn't want her to go. Grandma Huang was very weird and isolated. She was also a refugee from somewhere far away. Lady Tian was scared that her daughter would get badly influenced or even get hurt.

Who knew that her daughter would end up hanging out with that Grandmother for several years.

Inside the kitchen, Lu Jiao continued calmly, "Grandma Huang knew medicine. All those years I went to hang out with her back then was so I could learn medicine."

Lady Tian was shocked, "How come you never told us that?"

Lu Jiao grabbed Lady Tian's arm, "Grandma Huang asked me not to tell anyone. She didn't want to spend time seeing patients."

Grandma Huang was no longer around so there was no way for anyone to fact check.

It was true that Grandma Huang enjoyed gathering and picking strange and unknown flowers. She would make tea or cook with them. That part of her lifestyle fit the story Lu Jiao told.

Lady Tian was shocked for a while but that quickly turned into happiness, "That means, Jiaojiao, you can treat patients?"

Lu Jiao nodded, "Yes, mom."

Lady Tian was ecstatic, "That's great! Once Yunjin can start sitting up and teaching, you can earn money by helping the sick. Ah, your lives will get so much easier."

Inside the kitchen, Lu Gui looked over to Lady Tian and then back to Lu Jiao. Something felt wrong. If this sister of his that such a skill, how come she never showed it off before?

Lu Jiao gave Lu Gui no chance to speak, "Ah, right, you should go back after lunch. Mom can stay with me."

Lu Gui tried to butter her up, "My dear sister, I can stay and help you out. I'm in no rush to go back."

It was better for him to stay and help convince mother to go home than going back home alone. His father may just beat him up if he went back alone.

Lu Jiao found this odd, "Aren't you working in town? How can you just not show up? Does your boss know you aren't going to be there?"

Lu Gui's face darkened and he said, depressed, "That job was over for me a while ago. The boss replaced me with one of his relatives."

Lu Jiao stared at him. She remembered her plan of teaching the Lu family how to make tofu. If she could make that happen, Lu Gui could just help out at home rather than work for someone else.

However, Lu Jiao had no plans on sharing that just yet. Let this little guy be depressed for a while.

Lu Jiao took the heated-up medicine and went outside, "Mom, I'll go feed Yunjin his medicine."

Inside the east bedroom, the four little ones crowded around Xie Yunjin and happily chatted.

"Daddy, mommy made money. We have money now. Now she can afford you a doctor."

"Daddy, you're going to heal soon. Once you're healthy, you can go back to studying and eventually get a good job."

"You can then play with us again and take us into town."

The four littles were over the moon as they chitchatted, oblivious to the fact that having money didn't mean their dad's legs would heal.

Xie Yunjin's face was a little dark but he faked a smile, "Okay."

Lu Jiao came in with the medicine. The four little ones ran to her happily and raised their heads towards her, "Now that we have money, daddy will get better?"

Lu Jiao nodded, "Yes, so you should happy! Go outside and play with Soot and Marble. I'm going to feed your daddy medicine."

The four little ones aggressively nodded. Their delicate soft faces were full of joy and the fear they used to carry evaporated.

Once they left the room, Lu Jiao went up to Xie Yunjin.

"After another two to three days of taking medicine, you'll likely be able to sit up. Then, you can do some light exercises in bed instead of doing nothing like now."

These days, Xie Yunjin's been taking high-quality medicine. She's also added some red sage, ganoderma, and spiritual stream water in there. That was why he healed faster than usual.

After the medicine was downed, Lu Jiao suddenly remembered the deer blood she kept in her space. She chuckled, "Wait for me, I have a nice surprise to give you."

She then left with the empty bowl. Behind her, Xie Yunjin raised an eyebrow and pondered what the nice surprise Lu Jiao referred to could be?

He pondered until Lu Jiao returned with a giant bowl of blood.