Description
[Not Serious Version Synopsis]:
As soon as Lin Ze opened his eyes in this parallel world, he found himself holding a young man. Thinking he was dreaming, Lin Ze decisively devoured the person in front of him, who seemed enticing.
The next day, upon waking up, he realized that the "dream" was real!
It turns out that the young man beside him is his husband, using modern terminology…
[Serious Version Synopsis]:
Transported to a world as a destitute and foolish poor scholar, Lin Ze faces a fierce mother, a cunning younger brother, and a helpless original body that can't shoulder responsibilities or lift a finger. Now, in order to please his "former lover turned future younger sibling," he has to sell off his hardworking and capable husband.
This infuriates Lin Ze, a single dog from the modern era.
In his previous life, he never found a suitable bride until his death, and now this original body wants to sell off his wife? And the wife is an obedient, sensible, hardworking, and exceptionally beautiful young man who is perfect in his eyes.
To sell off such a good wife, whom the original host doesn't touch or like, is an earthly tragedy that he absolutely cannot tolerate!
From then on, the sour scholar from Heba Village transforms into a knowledgeable, money-making expert who dotes on his wife, while also being an ambitious rural man.
Villager A (in shock): He's here again! That Lin guy from the Lin family is walking around with his wife and carrying his child. Everyone, quickly come up with words of praise for his wife and son, or we'll be beaten again!
Villagers (whimpering): Oh no, we have to come up with a different compliment every day, without repeating, racking our brains to bully people…
Villager B (in awe): It's over, it's over! That Lin guy passed the imperial examination and has come back to our county to become the county magistrate. Everyone, quickly line up and clap your hands to welcome him, or else we'll be beheaded!
Villagers (whimpering): Oh no, why won't this guy leave us alone…
Note:
Main focus: Fluffy romance! Mutual pampering between the seme and uke.
Three genders: Ger, Woman, Man, in this world.
Farming, business, and imperial examinations are included, but the power and nobility of the court are briefly mentioned. The main focus is on making money, building infrastructure, and pampering the husband.
WARNING: content of non-consent/r*pe, not too explicit
YOU'VE BEEN WARNED
In the dim and hazy night, Lin Ze felt as if he had entered a simple farmhouse courtyard.
"Hus, husband, you're back…"
A person emerged from the open door, their appearance blurry and indistinct, but their voice sounded pleasant, albeit with a hint of cautiousness.
Lin Ze felt dizzy, reeking of alcohol, and his body was parched as if it had been scorched by fire.
The person standing in front of him seemed to be the remedy for his thirst. He grabbed the person's hand and stumbled forward, eventually crashing onto the bed with a thud.
"Husband, what are you doing? Let go, please…"
The person he held onto struggled vigorously, sounding both anxious and afraid, evoking a sense of pity.
Lin Ze couldn't make sense of what was happening. The surroundings were dimly lit, coupled with his dizziness and blurry vision, making it impossible to see clearly.
He casually pulled at something, and then he saw a vague figure before him, with a pale, delicate body and a smooth, firm touch in his hand.
In the dim light of an oil lamp, he vaguely saw what appeared to be a house made of mud bricks, with old-fashioned furnishings. The bed and the cabinet resembled the kind he had seen in rural areas—old and worn-out.
Where was this rundown place? Wasn't he supposed to be in a hotel room?
He distinctly remembered having dinner with some clients and then returning to his room to sleep. Tomorrow, he had a flight to board to another city for a meeting. Once the project was completed, he could finally take a long vacation…
Lin Ze's head was pounding, and he speculated that he might be dreaming. He had been working too hard recently.
But before he could dwell on it further, the struggling body in his arms once again captured his attention.
"No, husband, please don't…"
The voice, filled with a crying tone, sounded pitiful and helpless, yet it also ignited the primal instincts within a man.
Lin Ze couldn't quite make out what the voice was saying, but upon hearing it, an inexplicable fire ignited within him. The erratic struggles and movements were nothing but temptation for a thirsty and burning man.
The flat chest and neutral voice made it clear that the person before him was a man, which coincidentally matched his preferences. Vaguely, it seemed like the person was even calling him "husband"…
Lin Ze couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement and amusement.
How could he be having such a dream? And one involving "role-playing" at that. He wasn't a person driven by desires. He would go to bed exhausted from work and wake up only when morning arrived, with his mind filled with work projects and clients. How could he have such a dream?
But for a thirty-year-old unmarried man without a partner, indulging in such wild thoughts and dreams was… incredibly stimulating and tempting.
Lin Ze was an ordinary modern person.
Coming from a moderately well-off family, he wasn't much different from the average person in every aspect except for his sexual orientation. He went to school, graduated, and got a job. Occasionally, he faced minor problems, but everything went smoothly for the most part, except for not being married.
Of course, he had thought about getting married, but he liked men, so it was impossible for him to marry a woman and burden her for a lifetime.
His parents wouldn't accept him bringing home a man, and most people in his social circle were fond of playing around. It was difficult to find someone who would wholeheartedly settle down. Thus, he had resigned himself to being a lifelong bachelor.
Usually, his dreams revolved around work-related worries, but today he had unexpectedly had a "pleasant" dream.
Overwhelmed by uncontrollable desire, Lin Ze's mind became muddled. In a dazed state, he didn't have time to think further and leaned down to kiss the person beneath him…
"Um!"
What followed was an intense and satisfying exchange.
In his blurred consciousness, Lin Ze ignored the pain of the nails scratching his back and unabashedly devoured the "feast" before him, like a glutton who could never be satiated, causing the person on the bed to nearly lose their voice from all the shouting…
He faintly saw a peculiar change in a small mole on the arm that clung to him—it transformed into an exquisite lotus pattern.
This dream is quite fantastical.
Lin Ze thought as he drifted off to sleep.
"Pa! Pa! Pa!" "Bang, bang, bang!"
"Damn it! It's already bright outside, and no one's in the kitchen to cook! The water barrel isn't filled either! Where the hell is everyone?"
"Eldest, open the door quickly and let your wife come out to work. It's already this late and he's still sleeping. Do I have to serve you? Aren't you afraid of shortening your life? There's no one lazier than you in the village!"
Once again regaining consciousness, Lin Ze was awakened by a series of knocking on the door and the shrill and spiteful voice of a woman.
Yes, "shrill and spiteful" was the only way to describe it.
Annoyed by the disturbance, Lin Ze furrowed his brows. His head was still throbbing from a slight hangover, and the banging and noise made his headache worse. He made a mental note to complain later.
What boss*? What wife? They don't need to surprise me so early in the morning. Is the manager of this hotel out of his mind?
This was the first time in all his business trips that he has encountered such a hotel. They really know how to be unique.
"Shut up! Stop knocking!"
Annoyed, Lin Ze shouted. No one would be in a good mood if they were to be rudely awakened from a deep sleep.
Besides, he had an important meeting today and needed to be well-rested. He had set an alarm to wake up, and it wasn't the time yet.
The person outside the door either had the sense to stop or was shocked into silence. The sound abruptly ceased.
Lin Ze also didn't have the mood to care anymore. He was about to turn over and continue sleeping when… he also froze.
A warm touch, delicate skin. It felt like he was embracing someone tightly, with his arms and legs tightly holding the person in his embrace. His body felt a sense of satisfaction and comfort, as if he had just released his pent-up desires.
The person in his arms seemed to be struggling and wriggling, but because he held them too tightly, they couldn't break free.
This situation… didn't seem right.
Finally realizing something, Lin Ze abruptly opened his eyes and met a pair of beautiful phoenix eyes, cold and bright, staring back at him. There was someone in his bed!
"How did you end up in my bed?!"
Lin Ze was so scared that he almost fell to the ground when he sat up. He looked incredulously at the skinny long-haired boy in front of him, his mind going blank, not even noticing the change in his surroundings.
It's not surprising that he was startled. Anyone would lose their composure if they woke up in the morning and found a naked person beside them.
If it were a woman, he wouldn't be as panicked. After all, he couldn't do anything to a woman. But if it were a young man, Lin Ze was flustered. He immediately remembered the "erotic dream" from last night, and the scenes from the dream were vivid in his memory.
That dream was real. He had slept with a stranger boy in the dream, ignoring the other's pleas and behaving like an animal…
Staring at the ambiguous marks on the slender boy's body as if he had been abused, Lin Ze's mind was buzzing. He really wanted to slap himself hard and turn back time!
Although his family was just an ordinary middle-class family in modern times, both his parents were university professors with a conservative mindset. They had strict discipline, and if they found out he was fooling around outside, they would definitely not spare him.
Moreover, despite his usual rebellious behavior, the men in the Lin family were actually traditional when it came to relationships. He had never even thought of having a one-night stand.
Lin Ze's mind went blank.
"…"
And in front of him, Zhang Xiu huddled in the corner, too afraid to speak.
He tried to shrink his body as if he were invisible, trembling, ready to be slapped or punched at any moment.
He knew that when "Lin Ze" woke up, he might get angry. Ever since he entered the house (got married), even if he just spoke a few words to "Lin Ze", the other person could become disgusted and start cursing. Now, in this situation, who knew how angry the other person would be?
Last night, he struggled, but "Lin Ze" was too strong, and he couldn't resist.
He didn't know what had happened to "Lin Ze" last night, why he would… After all, even when "Lin Ze" was drunk before, he wouldn't touch him. His heart was only for Zhang Yinzhu.
And two days ago, he clearly heard "Lin Ze" discussing with the second-hand dealer in the village about selling him to a brothel. An intact (virgin) boy was worth more than a deflowered one.
Now that they had consummated the marriage, he couldn't fetch a good price. "Lin Ze" would definitely be furious. This husband of his never reasoned with him.
Zhang Chen cowered in the corner, staring at Lin Ze, afraid to make a sound, fearing that an angry Lin Ze would suddenly attack him.
He dared not speak, and Lin Ze was still in a state of confusion and blankness. The room fell into a strange silence.
What seemed like a long time was actually just a psychological journey of less than a minute.
Outside the room, the person who was startled by Lin Ze's shout finally reacted. The sharp and sarcastic voice resounded again as a middle-aged woman in a cloth dress kicked open the door and rushed in.
"Lin Ze, you unfilial child, how dare you tell your mother to shut up! This is outrageous! Sleeping in and not doing any work, and you dare to argue with your mother? Is this what you've learned from going to school? No wonder master (fuzi, teacher) only accepted your younger brother and not you. But you're still dissatisfied. You…"
The voice abruptly stopped.
Chen Shuju stared at the chaotic scene in her eldest son's room, clothes scattered everywhere, and Zhang Xiu cowering in the bed with ambiguous marks all over his body. She opened her mouth wide, more shocked than when her son was impatiently shouting just now.
Didn't her eldest son dislike Zhang Xiu and refuse to consummate the marriage for so long? But now, this…
But that didn't matter now. She didn't want to deal with her eldest son at the moment. What mattered now was that the meal was not prepared, and her second son hadn't eaten breakfast. How could he review his lessons later?
The provincial exam was only two months away. If he didn't take care of his health during this period, what would happen if it affected her second son's performance?
With these thoughts, Chen Shuju didn't feel embarrassed to barge into her son's room at this time. She walked over and grabbed Zhang Xiu's arm, pulling him off the bed, scolding him with a stern face.
"You lazy bum! Go fetch water and cook! Your Zhang family claims you're hardworking, but it's all nonsense! You only know how to be lazy and have forgotten all the rules. Hurry up and cook, dare to let my second son go hungry, I'll deal with you later!"
Don't be fooled by Chen Shuju being a woman; rural folks, regardless of gender, had strength.
Zhang Xiu had always been weak and frail, and he was already in a weakened state after being tossed around all night. He couldn't resist at all and was pulled out, falling to the ground, with a few more injuries.
This commotion naturally snapped Lin Ze back to his senses.
Looking at the unfamiliar decorations and the woman's attire, Lin Ze had a bad premonition, but it wasn't the time to think about it now. The boy who fell to the ground had scraped his knees and elbows, bleeding.
But the sharp-tongued woman was still scolding, a textbook example of abuse.
Although he didn't know the circumstances yet, regardless of what happened, he was responsible for him since they spent the night together. He couldn't just stand by and watch him get beaten.
He grabbed a piece of clothing and draped it over Zhang Xiu, then directly pushed the scolding woman out of the room.
"Go away. Find someone else to fetch water and cook. Don't come knocking on the door again while I'm here."
Lin Ze stared coldly at Chen Shuju and warned her.
Although they didn't know each other, based on the insults and curses the woman shouted while beating someone just now, he could vaguely guess that 'he' and the woman were likely family members.
As for his current situation, being in the information explosion era of modern times, anyone who has watched TV or used the internet could almost guess what had happened.
Transmigration, there was no other explanation for it except this term.
There were still many unfamiliar fragments flashing through his mind, like memories, but he didn't have the time to comprehend them at the moment. However, judging from the current situation, things didn't look optimistic. Anyone who had a sharp-tongued woman like her in their family wouldn't have an easy life.
Although his elderly intellectual parents had taught him manners and etiquette since childhood, Lin Ze had a flexible mindset deep down.
He always adhered to the principle of "if someone makes him unhappy, he will make them uncomfortable." Whether it was in the open or in secret, whether it was overt or covert, he didn't mind playing tricks. Otherwise, how could he, at such a young age, climb to the position of a regional manager in the company?
Meanwhile, Chen Shuju, who was pushed out of the door, snapped back to her senses and became furious.
It was bad enough that her eldest son was usually useless and brought shame to the family. Now, he even dared to drive her out of the house. She was his mother, she had the right to wish for his death. How could this unfilial brat have the audacity to lay a hand on her?
"Unfilial son, what's with your attitude? It's one thing to be lazy, but to actually lay a hand on me. This is defying the heavens. Oh my, what bad luck have I encountered to give birth to such an unfilial child? If I had known, I would have drowned you in a cesspit when you were born. Oh my…"
Chen Shuju had always been the fiercest and most outspoken woman in the village, starting from her days as a young girl until her marriage. Whenever she encountered something, she would first wail and throw a tantrum.
If it were anyone else, she would dare to directly rush forward and beat them. After all, it was her son, and it was only natural for a mother to discipline her son. Ever since her eldest son was expelled from the private school and his future became uncertain, she had been dealing with him in this manner. She never really liked her eldest son in the first place.
But now, with Lin Ze in front of her, his cold warning gaze felt like a knife. It was different from the timid "Lin Ze" from before. Chen Shuju inexplicably became afraid and could only wail without daring to approach.
The Lin family's yard wasn't small, and such a loud wail couldn't go unnoticed by the others in the house. After a series of noises, the people who were still sleeping and those working in the backyard were all drawn to the commotion. There were a middle-aged man holding a sickle, looking like he had been working just now, a fair-faced young man, a delicate young girl, as well as an elderly couple.
Except for the middle-aged man who had a sickle in his hand and seemed to have been working, the young man, the young girl, and the couple, judging from the clothes they were wearing and their yawning, were obviously disturbed from their sleep.
"Mother, why are you making such a fuss early in the morning? People are still sleeping. Wang Mama (granny, grandmother, elderly woman) said that girls should sleep more to have tender skin. You won't let me use pearl powder and don't even let me sleep, favoring only my brother from childhood to now, hmph…"
The delicate and pretty girl who came out of the west room was unhappy about being disturbed from her sleep.
Wang Mama, who worked as a maid in a wealthy household, had some knowledge of beauty and health. As long as she said that eating or using something would make one more beautiful, the girls and boys in the village would follow suit. Lin Xiaolian loved beauty the most, so naturally, she would do everything as instructed.
The others who came out of their rooms also didn't look pleased, mainly because no one liked being disturbed from their sweet dreams early in the morning.
Chen Shuju was even more displeased. As the female head of the household, her eldest son had suddenly turned against her, and now her daughter was challenging her authority. She was extremely angry.
After giving the girl a fierce glare and scolding her as a "stupid girl," Chen Shuju then grabbed the middle-aged man, who was holding a sickle and with a stern face standing next to her, and continued to cry and wail.
"You, the head of the family, finally showed up! The eldest son has become unfilial and is defying the heavens. He even dared to hit his mother. When it was time for him to get married, you refused to split the family*, and now he's becoming more arrogant…"
"Ah, I'm so unlucky. I gave birth to such a debt collector (someone who is believed to bring misfortune for the family). I worked hard to send him to a private school, but he was expelled for being useless. And now that he's married, he stays at home and freeloads. He expects us old folks to serve him. What kind of ill luck is this? Wah, wah…"
Chen Shuju's cries and scolding knew no boundaries, not sparing anyone, regardless of their relationship. She could even scold herself when she got angry enough.
The family members were already used to it. They knew not to take her words too seriously. Besides, although Lin Ze was disappointing, he wouldn't dare to disrespect or harm his parents.
But Lin Ze was not well-liked in the family, and Chen Shuju was fierce. So while everyone understood, no one stepped in to speak up, and they were impatient with the crying and wailing early in the morning.
Only Lin Sangui understood roughly what had happened. He had just asked Chen Shuju to call Xiu Ger (Zhang Xiu, the shou, and "Ger" refers to man who can give birth) to help with the chores.
"Enough with the crying early in the morning. Don't I know our eldest son's temper? Did he dare to hit you? I asked you to call Xiu Ger to help with cooking, so why did you start arguing with our eldest son again? The provincial exam is coming soon, and our eldest son needs to review. If you keep causing a ruckus, go back to your parents' house!"
Although the future looked bleak for their eldest son, he was still the long-awaited eldest child in Lin Sangui's heart, so he still held some position.
Chen Shuju was already furious, and upon hearing this, she raised her voice and shouted.
"What? You want our eldest son to take the provincial exam? Old man, do you have money to spare? He has that strange illness. Every time he takes an exam, he collapses in the examination room. Sending him there would be a waste of money. I've already prepared that money to buy books for our second son. No one should think of taking it away…"
The cost of traveling for the provincial exam was at least ten taels, and it wasn't easy for a farmer's family to earn money. Both of Lin's sons were studying, and their belts were already tight.
After listening, the fair-faced young man standing in the east wing, Lin Jianwen, the second son of the Lin family, remained silent and lowered his gaze.
Lin Xiaolian didn't intervene because no matter who got the money, it wouldn't go to her. However, the elderly couple next to her also became anxious upon hearing this. The old lady followed suit and shouted.
"Sangui, what Shuju said is right. It would be a waste of money for your eldest son to participate in the provincial exam with his strange illness. Keep the money for Jianwen to buy books! I agree with this. If you don't listen, don't consider me your mother!"
"I also agree!"
The old man next to her chimed in and stirred up trouble.
Lin Sangui felt suffocated and had no choice. He couldn't reason with these family members, so he gave up trying to communicate and turned to Lin Ze, saying.
"Eldest son, don't take your mother and grandparents' words to heart. I'll figure out the money for the provincial exam. You focus on reviewing and preparing. Has Zhang Xiu woken up? There's too much work to do in the house. We need someone to help…"
The sturdy farmer, with his rough and calloused skin, slightly bent his waist and spoke cautiously and in a pleasing tone.
After observing this family's temperament for a while, Lin Ze had roughly grasped the situation. However, he hadn't organized the memories of the original owner yet, so for now, he decided to remain calm and not make any moves until he understood the situation clearly.
"Xiu Ger is still asleep. We… We consummated our marriage last night, so he won't be able to work today."
Lin Ze thought for a moment and explained in his own words, using the local language as much as possible.
From the conversations he heard earlier, he deduced that the boy he encountered earlier might be his "bride." Although he was somewhat surprised because this place seemed like ancient times, when it was unexpected for two men to openly marry, the way they spoke indicated that he was probably right.
Sure enough, Lin Sanguigui on the other side not only didn't doubt it, but also showed delight on his face.
"Con, consummated the marriage? Great, great! No need to work today. Let Xiu Ger rest well in the room."
It wasn't easy for his son to sleep in the same room as his husband every day, and now they were finally having their wedding night. This was the first time in the history of the village.
It seemed that the eldest son had finally come to his senses. Moreover, on the next day of their first night, he made sure his husband couldn't get out of bed. Excellent! It truly showed that he possessed the skills in that aspect, despite his lack of experience.
The other people in the courtyard also widened their eyes, as if they had heard some extraordinary news.
"Alright, everyone disperse. Xiaolian, quickly get dressed and help your mother prepare the food. Make a separate steamed egg for Xiu Ger…"
Lin Sanguigui gave his enthusiastic instructions.
Lin Xiaolian and Chen Shuju, who were ordered to work, were not pleased.
It was just a wedding night, not a big deal. In rural families, after giving birth, the daughter-in-law would immediately go back to work in the fields. It was nothing special for Xiu Ger to take a day off.
But in Lin Sangui's mind, his eldest son not consummating the marriage was indeed a big deal.
Moreover, if Lin Ze didn't consummate the marriage, it would mean that he had given up on Zhang Yinzhu. Zhang Yinzhu was about to marry the second son, and it would be embarrassing for the eldest son to still have feelings for his sibling-in-law. It would also be unfair to his second son.
Thinking this way, Chen Shuju reluctantly accepted her husband's arrangement and went back to the room to fetch the eggs, for the sake of her second son.
Lin Sangui was the head of the household, and his words carried weight. As soon as he spoke, the courtyard emptied in an instant, finally becoming quiet…
Lin Ze had no desire to deal with the people from the Lin family anymore. Thinking about the boy inside the house covered in bruises, he went to the well to fetch a bucket of water, then found a cloth and some ointment for bruises before returning to the room.
He did want to have hot water, but it seemed that there were no facilities here, so he needed to heat it temporarily. Fortunately, the weather was hot now, so using cold water to wash himself was not a problem.
In the room, the thin and pale boy remained sitting on the ground, still wearing his clothes. His expression was vacant, and it was unclear what he was thinking.
Upon seeing him enter, the other person's face immediately showed a startled expression. He had intended to be friendly and help the boy clean up the bruises, but now it seemed impossible. The boy trembled in fear when he saw Lin Ze, unable to control his body, and quickly retreated to the corner, hugging his legs with a wary and frightened look, as if Lin Ze were a fierce beast ready to devour him.
Lin Ze had never seen anyone look at him with such fear before.
Although others in the industry jokingly called him a cunning shark (clever, sly person), and his two younger siblings referred to him as a bad embryo (mischievous person) that needed to be guarded against, as if he were some terrifying person, but no one treated him like a flood beast (aggressive). As long as he wasn't competing with them or snatching projects, he had a good reputation and was well-liked.
He speculated that the boy was so afraid of him probably because of his behavior last night, or maybe he was afraid of the original owner of this body.
Originally, he had planned to be kind and help the person clean up the bruises, but now, with the boy trembling at the sight of him, he couldn't be sure if he would scare him again.
There was also the fact that he had indulged in a "feast" last night, and seeing the boy's body with marks from last night… It made him a bit agitated.
Forget it, to avoid losing control and turning into a beast again, Lin Ze could only put down the bucket of water and ointment in his hand. He stared at the boy's tender body and spoke with a tinge of regret,
"You clean yourself and apply the ointment. Once you're done, I have something to discuss with you."
After speaking, Lin Ze turned around and closed his eyes, trying to organize the unfamiliar fragments of memories that kept popping up in his mind.
It wasn't about being a gentleman or worrying about same-sex relationships. He had already slept with him without any feelings attached.
The main issue was his lack of self-control. The vivid images from last night were still fresh in his mind. This young and vigorous body, combined with his attraction to men, meant that he needed something to distract himself from his solitude and desires.
The previous "Lin Ze" had never shown any warmth or tenderness towards his partner, except for disgust, scolding, and a cold attitude.
Lin Ze's unusual behavior astonished Zhang Xiu. However, upon hearing Lin Ze's words, Zhang Xiu immediately thought of "the other person's" (the previous "Lin Ze") upcoming plans. The astonished look on his face vanished, replaced by a feeling of uneasiness and a tingling sensation in his nose.
Carefully, he approached and picked up a bucket of water, absentmindedly wetting the cloth to cleanse the marks on his body. Zhang Xiu told himself not to cry, but his tears seemed beyond his control.
Lin Ze wanted to sell him. What should he do?
* split the family: in general, after the sons marry, they go out of the parent's house. The parents can choose to live separately or with a son of choice (mainly the eldest). This is important because this means being financially independent. In this case, the mother does not want to support the protag (paying food expenses) and leave him to fend for himself (they more likely won't give a piece of land for the protag couple).
I'll fix in chap 1, but I think the shou's name is Zhang Xiu.
There were too many unfamiliar fragments of memories in his mind. Lin Ze exerted a great deal of effort to integrate these memories into his own consciousness.
His guess was correct. He had truly traveled through time and inexplicably found himself in this ancient world called 'Da Ji', a dynasty that never existed in history.
Apart from the existence of a new biological group (sex) called the 'Xiao Ger', not much else has changed in the customs and traditions of this place.
As for what Xiao Ger was, Lin Ze was truly shocked. It turned out to be a type of person with a physical structure indistinguishable from ordinary men but capable of bearing offspring!
And the young boy he slept with last night was supposedly the husband he formally married, in other words, his wife…
His original name was also Lin Ze, the eldest son of the Lin family in Heba ("Riverside") Village, Qingshan ("Green Mountain") County. He was 22 years old this year.
Interestingly, the Lin family was quite well-known in the surrounding area. It was quite remarkable for a small farming family to have sent two sons for education. In ancient times, studying was an expensive endeavor. How much effort and sacrifice did it take, tightening their belts and living frugally?
In the early years, no one had high expectations, but coincidentally, the Lin family's ancestral grave was favorable (good fortune), and they unexpectedly produced two successful scholars. It was as if the ancestral spirits were bestowing blessings upon them.
Unfortunately, the good fortune did not last. The eldest son of the Lin family, that is, the original body, suddenly fell ill with a peculiar disease. Every time he took the local examination, he would be carried out horizontally (passed out) from the examination hall within half a day.
Many doctors were consulted, but it was of no use. If this illness couldn't be cured, then his path to success in the imperial examinations would be cut short.
Furthermore, while studying at a private school, the original owner of the body got drunk and mistakenly entered the room of the Master's daughter, almost tarnishing her reputation. In anger, the Master expelled him from the school, bringing shame upon him.
After experiencing these setbacks, facing the disdain of the villagers and the disapproval of his family, the original self's temperament became sensitive and gloomy. However, apart from studying, he had no other skills. So he continued to self-study at home, enduring humiliation and carrying heavy burdens, determined to try again.
Unfortunately, the strange illness that caused him to 'faint during exams' could not be cured, no matter how much he struggled. It was simply a waste of money.
Moreover, the Lin family was not originally wealthy, so the focus of support and hope gradually shifted towards the second son.
In addition, the original self's mother, Chen Shuju, had always favored the second son. After causing a scene, not only did the original self have to endure constant contempt, but even the girl he liked was "switched" by his mother and became his younger brother's bride, while he married another Xiao Ger from the Zhang family.
This completely drove the original self insane with anger.
However, the matter of "switching" brides was a private affair between the Lin and Zhang families. It was in accordance with the orders of their parents and the words of the matchmaker. It did not violate any laws or regulations. Even if he went to report it to the authorities, it would be futile. The original self was forced to marry Zhang Xiu, the Xiao Ger from the Zhang family.
Due to the resentment in his heart, the original self deeply despised Zhang Xiu.
After their marriage, not only did he refuse to consummate the marriage, he vented all his frustrations onto Zhang Xiu. He would insult and beat him, and his mother would watch indifferently as Zhang Xiu worked, treating him like a punching bag.
Zhang Xiu was also not favored within his own family. As a paternal orphan living with his widowed mother's relatives, he had no one to support him, so how could he dare to resist?
In ancient times, it was considered justified for a husband to discipline his wife. Even if some people in the village disagreed, they would at most offer a few words of advice. If the Zhang family did not speak up, and with a sickly mother as his only supporter, this young man could only passively endure the abuse.
Recently, as the wedding date of the second son and the Zhang family's girl approached, the original body planned to elope with his beloved and intended to sell Zhang Xiu to gather some money.
This idiot did not even consider whether the girl would truly be willing to elope with him. If the girl really wanted to elope with him, would she have not resisted when they were exchanged in the first place?
Since the original body contracted the strange 'examination disease' and had no hope of passing the imperial examination, the Zhang family's girl slowly distanced herself from him. Even if they met, it was only because she could not bear to let go of the jewelry and money he gave her.
The true love and affection the original body believed in were nothing more than a joke and foolishness in the eyes of others.
Ironically, this idiot was happily preparing for it. After discussing the price with the pawnbroker last night, he came back drunk and stumbled, hitting the back of his head on the way and losing his life.
When 'he' woke up again, 'he' had become the modern-day him.
Due to the effects of alcohol, he was dizzy at the time and did not realize what was happening. He thought he was dreaming, so he vaguely pulled the boy named Zhang Xiu onto the bed and slept with him, engaging in wild activities throughout the night…
After integrating the fragments of memories in his mind, Lin Ze particularly wanted to grab the original body, that bastard, and beat him up.
What kind of person was this? When his own life was not going well, he vented his anger on others.
Even if he did not like Zhang Xiu, he still brought him home (married him). The person served him respectfully as his husband. If he did not like it and wanted a divorce, it was fine. But how could he have the heart to brutally beat someone? How could he have the heart to sell someone? And sell them to a brothel, no less!
If it were not for him coincidentally coming over, even if Lin Ze died, considering the nature of the original body's mother, Zhang Xiu would definitely not have a good ending.
What would his parents think if they found out that he had become such a pathetic abusive man?
But it was probably too late now. He wondered how the news of his "death" would be received at home. Fortunately, his younger brother and sister had grown up, and they had each other for comfort and care. His parents should be able to overcome their grief quickly.
Lin Ze made an effort to build himself up mentally and adapt to reality as quickly as possible.
When he opened his eyes and turned around, the boy was still there, pale-faced, washing himself.
For a young man, the aftermath of such an encounter was not as convenient as it was for a girl. It was even more uncomfortable if it was his first time, and last night, with Lin Ze's uninhibited actions under the influence of alcohol, they had been intimate for most of the night. Zhang Xiu now felt sore all over, especially in that area—it had been ravaged.
When Lin Ze turned around, Zhang Xiu was shamefully cleaning himself, with the door wide open, directly facing him. The sight almost made Lin Ze's nose bleed!
"…"
Zhang Chong was startled too, but more than the embarrassment of being seen naked, he was afraid of "Lin Ze."
Almost reflexively, he threw away the cloth in his hand and curled up in the corner, hugging his legs, his eyes filled with fear and terror, his body trembling uncontrollably.
He had truly been scared by "Lin Ze." This refined scholar might look weak, but when he actually used his hands, he was no lighter than the men who did the heavy lifting (farming).
When "Lin Ze" started taking out his frustrations on him, Lin San Gui would intervene and try to persuade him to stop. "Lin Ze" could not defy his father, but once they were alone behind closed doors at night, he had no reservations. If his mood was slightly off, Zhang Xiu would suffer.
Zhang Xiu had thought about running away, but he did not have any money. He could not choose that path unless it was absolutely necessary.
Tears flowed uncontrollably, but he had to tightly cover his mouth to stifle any sound. Otherwise, he would not receive pity, but rather more severe beatings…
The boy's restrained and frightened appearance touched Lin Ze, and the tears that fell drop by drop weighed heavily on his chest.
According to his memories, Zhang Xiu had just turned eighteen. In the modern time, he should be enjoying his youth, full of sunshine, listening to rock music and playing basketball all day long. But here, he had married early, been forced to work hard, and suffered beatings daily.
Looking at the ambiguous traces and the frail body with old wounds, Lin Ze felt both heartache and secretly despised himself. He had been single for too long. How could he still have such desires at a time like this?
"I didn't mean to last night…"
Lin Ze forced himself to go over and carried the person onto the bed before speaking to explain.
Thinking about the past of the original body was pointless now. It was him in this body, and he had… Anyway, no matter what, he had to take responsibility.
Love might not be the right word for such a short time, but feelings could be nurtured through interaction. This boy's appearance was quite to his liking, and he would not mind getting involved with him.
If it worked out naturally in the future, everyone would be happy. If not, they could just break up and he would give the other person a sum of money to settle their life. They could part amicably.
However, he seemed to have some misgivings about the fear left by the original self in the boy.
Hearing his words, Zhang Xiu trembled even harder, unable to hear the "explanation" he (LZ) came up with. Instead, he trembled and nodded quickly, taking the blame upon himself.
"I know, you were drunk last night. It was all my fault for not pushing you away. I will tell the people in the village that I seduced you while you were drunk. I won't let Zhang Yinzhu misunderstand you. It's all my shamelessness…"
Zhang Xiu apologized quickly with his head lowered and speaking rapidly.
He did not want it to be this way, but if he did not do this, "Lin Ze" would definitely not let him off. After all, in "Lin Ze's" heart, he was waiting wholeheartedly for Zhang Yinzhu. Even if he married Zhang Xiu and Zhang Yinzhu was Lin Jianwen's fiancee, he would not give up.
It was not pleasant to hear these words, but when he immediately recalled the memories of the original self, Lin Ze could understand Zhang Xiu's reaction.
On the night Zhang Xiu married into the family, the original body harbored deep resentment and gave Zhang Xiu a very nasty warning, saying that he should obediently work hard and not dare to call himself his husband. His main wife could only be Zhang Yinzhu. If Zhang Xiu dared to sleep in his bed or call himself his husband, he would be beaten to death…
In short, every time he beat and scolded Zhang Xiu, he would repeat these words. If Zhang Xiu dared to argue or resist, then he could expect even harsher treatment.
Lin Ze really did not know what to say.
Just how unlucky was Zhang Xiu to have married into the Lin family! Even if he married a poor man at random, it would be better than being in the Lin family. Someone like Zhang Xiu, who was obedient and hardworking, was the most favored daughter-in-law in a rural family.
"Forget everything I said before, it's all bullshit. Let's get along well from now on."
Lin Ze felt a bit frustrated.
How did he end up in such a stupid and pathetic body? With the various "previous offenses" of the original body, could the boy in front of him still like him?
If he put himself in the boy's shoes, he would probably want to take a knife and vent his anger by killing this kind of husband in the middle of the night!
"…"
Zhang Xiu stared at him but still did not dare to speak. His body had stopped trembling, but judging from his expression, he clearly did not take the words seriously at all.
Zhang Xiu did not take the words to heart, and Lin Ze did not insist either.
After all, he currently could not explain to the other party that he was not the original 'Lin Ze'.
Seeing Zhang Xiu's fearful and guarded demeanor, Lin Ze temporarily gave up on communication and silently wetted the cloth to help him clean his body.
There was no bathtub or shower here, and many areas could not be cleaned by oneself alone. Assistance from someone else was necessary, which he overlooked just now.
When Lin Ze wiped his body and arms, Zhang Xiu could barely endure his movements out of fear. But when Lin Ze's hand moved towards the sensitive area, Zhang Xiu trembled and could not hold back, shrinking his body.
After shrinking, Zhang Xiu regretted it. His actions clearly carried a sense of resistance and defiance, which was definitely a challenge to 'Lin Ze's' temper.
He quickly tried to make amends and explained, "It's dirty there, I… I can clean it myself…"
While speaking, Zhang Xiu cautiously observed Lin Ze's reaction, ready to protect himself at any moment in case of an attack. However, he did not expect that his vulnerable, startled appearance, standing there naked, would not provoke thoughts of violence but rather a desire to overpower him.
Lin Ze's eyes darkened, and he did not hand over the cloth.
"Don't move. Since you can't see it, I'll wipe you."
His tone was dominant and brooked no refusal. The hand that was originally slowly wiping his body quickly moved to the area that had been mistreated.
He had already done everything he should not have done last night, so there was no need for pretense now. He was helping his future wife clean his body, yes, it was a very serious matter.
"…"
Zhang Xiu's face turned crimson as his sense of shame finally overcame his fear of 'Lin Ze'.
Zhang Xiu did not know how other couples in the village interacted, but subconsciously, he felt that the current situation was even more embarrassing than what happened last night.
Especially now, it was daytime, and there was Lin Ze, with his eyes fixed on him, a dark and serious gaze that seemed to be playing a rogue.
Zhang Xiu had no idea what to do and felt somewhat helpless.
Lin Ze caught a glimpse of his flushed face and inexperienced reactions, and his mood inexplicably brightened.
He thought to himself that this little guy had a talent for seduction. He had always been quite detached and uninterested, but since meeting this boy today, he had entertained countless wicked thoughts. The bewildered and blushing expression on Zhang Xiu's face was just too adorable.
However, at this moment, he finally got a clear look at Zhang Xiu's appearance.
The original host had never taken a good look at Zhang Xiu, and his memories were hazy. Just now, he had only glanced briefly and thought he looked delicate and was the type he liked.
Now, upon closer observation, Lin Ze discovered that this boy was even more beautiful than his initial impression.
Apart from the sun-kissed complexion due to working in the countryside all year round, his features were delicate and exquisite. His lips had a hint of pink, not too thin or thick. He had beautiful phoenix eyes, and his pupils gleamed with a cold, shining black light. He was incredibly attractive.
If placed in modern times, this boy would undoubtedly be discovered by talent scouts and signed to a contract.
Especially the red cinnabar mole between his eyebrows, which represented his identity as a Xiao Ger, added a touch of seduction for some reason. Lin Ze could not find the right words to describe it other than "beautiful."
Speaking of the cinnabar mole, Lin Ze recalled the fantastical scene he saw on Zhang Xiu's arm last night.
The cinnabar mole between the eyebrows represented identity, while the cinnabar mole on the arm represented chastity. If the Ger broke his chastity, the cinnabar mole on his arm would transform into a small lotus pattern, indicating that the other party could conceive offspring.
Although Lin Ze, as a modern-minded person, did not attach much importance to chastity, any man would still hope that his girlfriend/boyfriend's first man would be himself.
Lin Ze stared at the beautiful young man in front of him and felt like he had stumbled upon a treasure.
However, seeing the boy so afraid of him, he could not help but curse the original host in his heart once again before setting aside the cloth and picking up the ointment. As he applied it to the boy's knee, he said,
"Don't worry, I won't sell you out or hit you again. Just consider me having come to my senses. Let's live a good life together… in a romantic relationship."
Lin Ze made an effort to control his emotions and not appear too abrupt. He kept his voice calm and composed.
However, after being single for thirty years and finally finding a suitable person to enter into a romantic relationship with, directly skipping all the formalities, he could not hide his inner joy. The upturned corners of his mouth indicated that he was in a very good mood.
Zhang Xiu was not aware of his inner thoughts, but upon hearing him say that he would not sell him, a glimmer of brightness appeared in his dim eyes.
"You really won't sell me?"
His tone carried a mix of uncertainty, surprise, and hopeful anticipation.
As for the idea of living a good life together, Zhang Xiu did not even dare to dream about it. The entire village knew about 'Lin Ze's' infatuation for Zhang Yin Zhu. It was an open secret, and everyone privately referred to him as the head of the Lin family with a passionate heart.
During the early days of their marriage, Zhang Xiu might have fantasized about a happy married life with his husband, but these past six months had shattered any such illusions. Now, his biggest hope was simply to live well and outlast 'Lin Ze,' to see who would outlast the other.
Anyway, with 'Lin Ze's' infatuation for Zhang Yin Zhu, once she officially became his younger sister-in-law, the bitter literary scholar would definitely experience heartbreak and lose hope in life, dying before him…
Although Zhang Xiu had grown up surrounded by bitterness and hardships, he did not indulge in self-pity. Deep down, he was resilient and had an open mindset.
Fortunately, Lin Ze had no idea what Zhang Xiu was thinking in his heart. Otherwise, it would surely infuriate him to the point of spitting blood. After all, he was 'Lin Ze' now!
Seeing Zhang Xiu finally show signs of liveliness, Lin Ze felt quite satisfied.
"Well, I won't sell you. Take a rest for a while. I'll go check if the food is ready in the kitchen. I've already informed my father, so you don't have to do anything today."
Tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, and in the future, Zhang Xiu will not have to work anymore. No matter how useless Lin Ze was, he could not let his wife suffer.
Besides, what kind of work did Zhang Xiu do anyway? Carrying water, cooking, chopping firewood, working in the fields, and so on. And on top of that, he had to wash the entire family's clothes. Didn't the other members of the Lin family have hands? If Zhang Xiu needed to wash clothes, he (ZX) could only wash them for him (LZ)!
Lin Ze was well aware of the situation in the Lin family through his memories. He was not the true eldest son of the Lin family, so he did not consider enduring humiliation or carrying heavy burdens.
Regardless of who it was, as long as they did not provoke him, everyone could live peacefully. But if someone dared to provoke him, they should not blame him for not being polite. Even if the ancient laws and regulations were strict, he had plenty of ways to handle things.
After tucking Zhang Xiu in with a thin blanket, Lin Ze left the room and headed to the kitchen.
Zhang Xiu remained stunned in his bed, still processing what had just happened. This was the first time he had received such a normal treatment from "Lin Ze" since coming to the Lin family. It was also the first time someone other than his mother had covered him with a blanket.
Lin Ze… Did he lose his mind? He seemed different from before.
Zhang Xiu stared at the closed wooden door, unable to sleep. Although it was a bit hot under the blanket due to the current weather, he could not bear to uncover himself.
Thinking back to last night's scene, the redness on his face would not fade away.
In the kitchen, Lin Ze's third younger sister, Lin Xiaolian, and the original body's mother, Chen Shuju, were preparing the meal.
Since Zhang Xiu entered the household, the two of them rarely stepped foot in the kitchen. It had been a long time since they cooked, so their culinary skills had become rusty, and they were now in a state of panic and confusion.
The Lin family had neither too many nor too few members. In total, there were eight people, but there were very few who were actually capable of doing work.
Those who were not studying were elderly, so the real labor force consisted of Lin Sangui and Zhang Xiu. Except during busy farming periods when the entire family worked together in the fields, they (non-working members) mostly took any opportunity to be lazy.
The elderly couple, Mr. and Mrs. Lin, may not be expected to work due to their age, and it was understandable to let them enjoy their retirement. However, it was concerning that the younger and stronger individuals in the family were also not actively contributing.
Aside from Lin Sangui, the original body, and Zhang Xiu, Chen Shuju, Lin's second son, and Lin Xiaolian would not lift a finger unless absolutely necessary.
In Chen Shuju's words, she had toiled for half a lifetime and deserved to enjoy her retirement. Lin's second son was an educated person and should not be doing manual labor. As for Lin Xiaolian, although she was a daughter, she inherited her mother's beautiful face, which meant she could marry someone from the town in the future and do less work.
In short, the kitchen was a mess, and Lin Xiaolian and Chen Shuju were struggling to cook.
However, the problem was that the original body was also studying. Even though he later became despicable after his personality changed, he still helped with the work in the fields whenever he had time. How could a poor scholar truly have leisure time to study?
This was also one of the reasons why the original body held an important position in Lin Sangui's heart. The eldest son not only studied well but also showed understanding and empathy for his father's hardships from childhood to adulthood.
If it were not for Lin Sangui's ability to make some simple stir-fried coarse tea, the Lin family would not have been able to support the education of two sons. They might have ended up starving.
To be honest, after understanding the situation, Lin Ze could not quite comprehend why the characters of the Lin family varied so greatly. In the end, it could only be explained by the saying "the nine sons of the dragon are all different."
In the kitchen,
"Eating, eating, eating! That's all you know, just like a pig!" Chen Shuju could not contain her anger when she saw Lin Ze appear. She slammed the basin down heavily and then twisted Lin Xiaolian's arm as she scolded. However, her glaring eyes were directed at Lin Ze, clearly pointing fingers and criticizing him.
Although she favored Lin Xiaolian more than Lin Ze, Chen Shuju valued her second child the most in her heart. So, Lin Xiaolian often bore the brunt of her scolding.
In the past, it was "Lin Ze" who suffered, but today, Lin Ze's cold and indifferent demeanor inexplicably made her hesitate to approach him. Following the principle of proximity, Lin Xiaolian became the unlucky one.
However, Lin Xiaolian was not someone who would passively accept mistreatment. Inheriting some of Chen Shuju's hot-tempered nature, she immediately resisted.
"Mother, if you want to scold someone, go directly to that person. Why do you always bully me? If I could turn into a pig, I would gladly do so. Being your daughter is worse than being a pig…"
Chen Shuju not only showed favoritism but also had a biased view towards males over females. Lin Xiaolian's life was only slightly better than that of the wretched original body. She had been oppressed by Chen Shuju's favoritism since she was young, to the point where she no longer considered Chen Shuju as her mother.
Lin Xiaolian did not cooperate and confronted Chen Shuju head-on, which infuriated Chen Shuju to no end.
Lin Ze could not be bothered with this so-called mother and went straight to uncover the pot to get the steamed eggs for Zhang Xiu.
He had not forgotten Lin Sangui's instruction to steam an egg for Zhang Xiu. His wife had a tough night, so she deserved a good meal. If it were not for the lack of ingredients in the Lin family, he would not have wanted to settle for just one egg to appease his grievances.
However, when he uncovered the pot and saw only half a bowl of steamed eggs… Lin Ze's face darkened.
He was already annoyed at waking up in the body of an abusive husband today, and now the head of the family, Lin Sangui, had instructed him to steam an egg for his wife, but someone deliberately left him only half. It seemed like they were intentionally provoking a family conflict.
"Who steamed this egg?"
Lin Ze raised his eyelids, his voice calm but filled with a cold undertone. He looked around at Lin Xiaolian and Chen Shuju, his gaze piercing.
It was not just about an egg; it was a matter of someone daring to mistreat his wife, a major international incident in the Lin family. The men of the old Lin family (Lin family of the protag of modern times, and not this one from the ancient times) had to be meticulous about every detail.
Both Lin Xiaolian and Chen Shuju felt their scalps tingle under that gaze.
Once they regained their senses, without hesitation, Lin Xiaolian took a step back and decisively pointed the finger at Chen Shuju.
"Elder brother, it was mother who steamed it!"
In times of great adversity, everyone tends to look out for themselves, and this principle applies not only to romantic relationships but also to any relationship that undergoes a test. Lin Xiaolian had now taken this principle to the extreme without hesitation, betraying her own mother.
However, while this action revealed her flawed character, a significant part of the blame layed with Chen Shuju herself. After all, Chen Shuju had always favored her son, and her fondness for her daughter was based solely on the fact that she was beautiful and could marry into a good family to support her son.
Lin Xiaolian was not a fool; on the contrary, she was quite intelligent. She knew that her mother only saw her as a tool for her son's benefit and had lost the filial affection that children typically had for their parents.
Chen Shuju was so enraged that she almost spat blood. She was so furious that all she could muster was a single curse, "You wretched girl!"
But now she did not have time to scold her further. Lin Ze's cold and piercing gaze from across the table left her no room to ignore it, sending shivers down her spine.
"What's wrong with the eggs I steamed? I even added soy sauce to them. Why are you looking at me like that, you unfilial child? Are you trying to hit me? I am your mother!"
Chen Shuju shouted angrily, albeit with a forced bravado.
It was quite frustrating, to say the least. Under normal circumstances, she would have already grabbed a broom to teach her eldest child a lesson. However, today, for some unknown reason, her eldest child's timid appearance and piercing gaze made her feel a chilling sensation, sending a shiver down her spine.
But she could not show her fear on her face, or else who in the family would still fear her?
Chen Shuju began to pep herself up, and her sharp-tongued nature was immediately activated. She started hurling sarcastic insults, shouting all sorts of offensive words. Her grimacing face made it seem as if she was cursing some archenemy.
According to traditional customs, the eldest son in a family should be favored by the parents, but that was not the case in the Lin family.
Chen Shuju seemed to have never been fond of the original host since childhood, and it became even more evident after giving birth to her second son. If it were not for Lin Sangui, as well as the original host's talent and bright prospects in studying, Chen Shuju might have considered giving away the original host for adoption. This was something that had been brought up by the other party.
When the original host's future became bleak due to the mysterious illness affecting his exam prospects, Chen Shuju completely revealed her ugly side and made no effort to hide her favoritism.
"Just giving that useless and lazy Xiu Ger half a steamed egg is already considered my maternal love! Why does a Xiao Ger eat so well? All this food is meant to nourish the second son's body. What if he doesn't eat enough and it affects his provincial exam? Unfilial child, wretched brat! What does Zhang Xiu, that star of misfortune, eat…"
Seeing that Lin Ze remained cold and motionless, Chen Shuju arrogantly believed that her eldest son was still afraid of her, and she continued to berate him with great enthusiasm.
Little did she know that her last sentence was digging her own grave.
Before she could finish her sentence, her voice was abruptly cut off as Lin Ze kicked over the nearby slop bucket with a loud "bang." The wooden bucket shattered and rolled over, splashing slop water in Chen Shuju's direction, drenching everything around her.
While Lin Xiaolian had been on alert and quickly moved away, Chen Shuju was completely caught off guard. The thunderous sound left her frozen in place.
"Ah! Damn you, you cursed beast! How dare you lay a hand on me!"
Once she regained her senses, Chen Shuju's sharp voice reverberated throughout the entire kitchen.
This was different from pushing her out of the room in the morning. This time, it was a real physical altercation. The wooden bucket was even kicked and broken, which cost several dozen coins. Not to mention her clothes, it was truly defying the heavens!
However, before she could continue her howling, her voice got stuck in her throat and could not come out.
Lin Ze picked up a knife—a dark, vegetable-stained kitchen knife—with a slow and deliberate movement that inexplicably exuded a menacing aura.
"W-What are you planning to do? I-I-I'm your mother, if you kill me, you'll be beheaded…"
Though Chen Shuju was usually sharp-tongued, she had never encountered someone who would kick, overturn, and wield a knife like this. She could not help but feel that Lin Ze was not just bluffing her; he truly had the impulse to harm her.
Even though Lin Ze had not done anything yet, she felt her heart about to jump out of her chest. It was as if her eldest son had been possessed by an evil spirit today.
She was so easily intimidated just by someone holding a knife, a clear case of bullying the weak and fearing the strong.
Lin Ze sneered, forcefully striking the knife onto the chopping board on the wooden stool, his gaze cold and stern as he stared at Chen Shuju.
"I have a bad temper, so it's best for you not to provoke me, especially when it comes to Xiu Ger. If I hear you say a single bad word about him again, don't blame me for being impolite. I'll sneak into your room at midnight, dismember you, and toss your limbs into the mountains. Once the wild wolves devour you, there won't be any evidence left for the authorities to find…"
"You dare!" Chen Shuju screamed in anger. This cursed beast actually wanted to slaughter her.
"It seems like you're eager to go to the mountains right now…"
Lin Ze forcefully yanked the knife embedded in the wooden stool and swiftly threw it.
The sharp kitchen knife narrowly grazed Chen Shuju's head, generating a gust of wind that whistled past her ears. Finally, the knife landed on the stack of firewood behind, standing upright in it.
Accompanied by the dull thud of the knife hitting the firewood, Chen Shuju's legs gave way, and she sat down on the ground.
Lin Xiaolian's face also turned pale in fright. She met Lin Ze's pitch-black gaze and quickly trembled, taking a submissive stance. "Big brother, I didn't see anything!"
It was too terrifying, too terrifying. Today, her elder brother dared to throw a knife at their mother, dealing with her (LXL) would be even easier…
The commotion in the kitchen reached the outside.
"What's happening? What's going on?"
Lin Sangui, who was outside, heard the noise and rushed over. The kitchen disturbance was so loud, and Chen Shuju's piercing screams were hard to ignore.
However, he did not know the specific details since the house had poor sound insulation. Besides Chen Shuju's loud voice, Lin Ze's voice had been quite calm throughout, and Lin Xiaolian had not spoken more than three sentences.
The kitchen bore signs of a dispute or even a fight. Lin Sangui had a bad premonition.
The relationship between his wife and eldest son had always been poor, and it had worsened over the years. Today, the conflict had escalated to the extreme. The obedient and filial eldest son had actually dared to push his mother in the morning. This situation was seriously abnormal.
The cold expression on Lin Ze's face had not faded, indicating that he was not in a mood for conversation. Lin Sangui felt a bit uneasy and could only turn to Lin Xiaolian for answers.
"Xiaolian, what happened?"
Lin Xiaolian was also terrified, her voice trembling as she spoke,
"I-It's, it's mother! She insulted big brother again, withholding the eggs meant for sister-in-law's nourishment. She called big brother a misfortune, and sister-in-law, an unlucky star…"
As she spoke, she stole a glance at Lin Ze's expression, fearing the worst. She did not dare to reveal the specific details, but using Chen Shuju as a scapegoat did not put any pressure on her conscience.
After all, she had not lied. Today, her big brother was so terrifying, and in their father's heart, his position was significant. It was better to offend their mother than their father and big brother.
Lin Xiaolian was very savvy in reading the situation.
Upon hearing Chen Shuju once again picking a fight with their eldest son, Lin Sangui became so enraged that he directly called his wife by her full name.
"Chen Shuju, do you really want me to divorce you?" This troublemaker just can't stay calm for a single day!
"It's not true! Waaah, husband, it's, it's this unfilial brat! He wanted to kill me! This damn thing wanted to murder someone…"
Chen Shuju sat on the ground, seething with anger and grievances, crying and making a scene.
Whenever Lin Sangui called someone by their full name, it meant he was truly angry. Though she was usually domineering and aggressive, Lin Sangui was still the man of the house, and she could not overpower him at crucial moments.
But today, it was not her stirring up trouble. It was Lin Ze, that little brat, who actually threatened to cut off her limbs and throw them into the mountains to feed the wolves. Was he still acting like a son? He was like a cruel and evil devil.
However, given that she often exaggeratedly cursed in her usual rants, few people would believe what she said.
Lin Sangui became even more skeptical. His eldest son was an educated person; how could he possibly wield a knife?
And did not Xiaolian just say it? It was this wife who provoked their eldest son. Ze had been melancholic for years because of the imperial examination, and this wife dared to call him a misfortune. Wasn't she deliberately poking at his pain?
Even if the eldest son did take a knife and say something about wanting to harm someone, it must have been this wife's provocation. He understood the character of his wife.
"You're still cursing! What kind of person are you? I don't need to understand! Can Ze bully you? It's impossible, even if the sun rises from the west! You're Ze's mother, so what are you cursing like a beast all day long? You're just a meddlesome troublemaker!"
Lin Sangui was also furious. This wife had unjustly and falsely accused their eldest son, tarnishing his reputation as an "unfilial" child. If such rumors spread, he could forget about studying any further.
He could not resort to physically assaulting someone, so he could only turn to Lin Xiaolian beside him and give instructions.
"Xiaolian, go call Uncle Li next door for help. I'm going to take your mother to the ancestral hall and have her kneel there for a few days to reflect…"
A couple of days of reflection should not be a big problem. The issue was that if the village women saw his wife kneeling in the ancestral hall again, she would be subjected to their disdain, indicating a problem with her moral character.
When Chen Shuju had suggested having their eldest son adopted in the past, she had been sent to kneel in the ancestral hall for two days. It resulted in her being shunned by the village women for several years. If she had to go through it again, there would be hardly any women in the village willing to talk to her.
Chen Shuju became anxious.
"You old lunatic, have you gone mad? You want to send me to the ancestral hall for the sake of this brat? It was him who tried to kill me! He threw the knife at me, nearly taking my life!"
"Even if the eldest son did take a knife, it must have been because you provoked him. Even rabbits bite when they're desperate."
Lin Sangui put on a stern face, as he absolutely did not believe that their eldest son could be as vicious as his wife claimed.
Chen Shuju remained silent.
Lin Ze was not surprised by Lin Sangui's reaction. Although Chen Shuju favored their second son, Lin Sangui valued the original host greatly. It was evident from the fact that he continued to provide money for the original host to participate in the provincial examinations, even after the original host developed a strange illness.
Initially, Lin Sangui had opposed the idea of swapping the bride, but Chen Shuju and the elders in the Lin family caused such a ruckus that the Zhan family insisted on the swap. Lin Sangui always felt guilty for mistreating the original host, and over the past six months, he had been making amends by treating him with utmost respect.
It was precisely because of this that Lin Ze dared to brandish the knife to intimidate Chen Shuju.
Otherwise, in ancient times where respect for elders was paramount, even if he had not done anything, as long as Chen Shuju went out and accused him of being unfilial, he would have faced dire consequences. However, if Lin Sangui stood up for him, the situation would be different.
The original host was too foolish to understand why he had been having a run of bad luck all these years, but Lin Ze had figured it out from his memories.
"Father, there's no need to send her to the ancestral hall. Call the village chief and the elders from our clan to come to our house. I want to separate from her and cut off all ties with her and our second brother!"
Without even looking at Chen Shuju, Lin Ze cracked two more eggs into a bowl and steamed them, speaking to Lin Sangui at the same time.
