201 Walking Again
The next day, Lu Jiao's family woke up to a rather large crowd outside. Both the Clan and Village Leaders were there. When they saw that Lu Jiao and Xie Yunjin were awake, they led the group inside.
"It's been a month since Yunjin's surgery. We think he should be able to walk now?"
Lu Jiao glanced at the excited bunch and nodded, "Yes, he can start slow walking today. In another month, he should be able to roam around freely. Of course, activities such as horseback riding, swordplay, or running, need a longer period of recovery."
The leaders were so excited they couldn't keep their mouths closed. They circled Xie Yunjin and said, "Yunjin, try standing up and walking."
Xie Yunjin had been practicing recently. However, worried that walking might be too strenuous on his legs, he would only walk a few steps before he sat back down.
Xie Yunjin stood up in front of everyone and walked a few steps.
Everyone inside the yard cheered loudly.
"He can walk! He can walk!"
"Oh my goodness, Yunjin is doing great!"
"That Dr. Qi is a great doctor. He managed to cure someone who was paralyzed!"
"Yes, he's a capable guy. Yunjin's wife, however, is just as capable."
There were all kinds of chatter going on. It was very boisterous.
Lu Jiao wasn't interested. She's known for a while now that Xie Yunjin would be able to walk again. There was nothing to be this happy about.
The four little ones, however, were ecstatic. They smiled sweetly and their eyes squeezed into crescent shapes.
They hugged each other and jumped around, "This is great! Daddy can walk again!"
"Yes, he won't be unhappy anymore. He'll be happy every day from now on!"
"Once daddy gets better, we can go play in the county."
The villagers didn't stay long and slowly dispersed. These days, everyone in the village was busy and didn't have much time for fun.
After the villagers were gone, Xie Laogen and his family came. Xie Daqiang, Xie Erzhu, Xie Yunhua, and Xie Lan all came.
However, Xie Yunhua and Xie Lan appeared rather displeased. Back when Lady Ruan was around, they were spoiled and didn't have to do any work around the house.
Now that Chen Liu was managing the family, they could no longer just cruise. In the morning, Chen Liu would ask Xie Yunhua to get firewood from the mountains while Xie Lan helped her second sister-in-law with cooking or animal feeding. Sometimes, she would have to go into the mountains to harvest herbs.
Xie Yunhua and Xie Lan had never done all this work before. Now that they were this busy, the siblings were no longer chirpy.
No matter how mad they were, Xie Laogen didn't step in. The siblings had to endure.
Originally, Xie Laogen didn't want them to visit Xie Yunjin. However, they demanded to come along, as if they matured and grew responsible overnight.
They were now very clear in the head that in this family, their third brother's words were the most useful. It was time for them to butter him up.
The bottom line was, everyone in this family had their own agenda.
Xie Laogen saw Xie Yunjin in his wheelchair and said caringly, "I thought you would be able to walk a month after the surgery. How come you are still in a wheelchair?"
Xie Daqiang asked worriedly, "Third brother, could it be that you're not healed?"
On the inside, he hoped that his brother's legs wouldn't heal.
Xie Yunjin coldly glared at Xie Daqiang then said nonchalantly, "You're overthinking it. My legs are fine. I have already walked earlier this morning and need a break. I cannot walk for a long period of time yet."
Xie Daqiang was pretty happy to hear that, "That's great. That's great."
Xie Erzhu excitedly went up and pulled on Xie Yunjin's hand, "Third brother, I am so glad you can walk again. You can soon go back to studying."
The smile on Xie Yunjin's face widened at the sight of Xie Erzhu.
"Second brother, don't worry. I won't let anything happen to me again."
Xie Yunjin's gaze darkened. He was determined to drag out the person hiding behind all his misfortunes. He needed to make sure he was careful enough to not get himself into those difficult situations again.
Xie Yunhua and Xie Lan smiled and stepped forward to congratulate, "Third brother, it's great that your legs are now fine. You've always been smart. I'm certain that once you go back to school, you'll be a top scorer next year."
Xie Lan nodded and chimed in, "That's right. My brother's always been smart. Studying is an easy task for him."
Xie Yunjin was emotionless as he looked at those two. Their words had absolutely no effect on him.
Xie Yunhua and Xie Lan's hearts dropped. Did their brother hold a grudge? Would he be willing to help them in the future?
Xie Yunhua and Xie Lan couldn't help but feel anxious.
Xie Lan turned around and found Lu Jiao making breakfast in the kitchen. She grinned and offered, "My sister-in-law is cooking? Let me help her."
Rather than doing housework at her own home, she might as well come here and help Lu Jiao. That way, she can get on the good side of her brother and dodge the heavy workload in her own family home.
There was way more housework in the Xie family than here. Here, she wouldn't need to farm or harvest herbs. Sometimes, she'd need to wash clothes and cook for the whole family.
Therefore, Xie Lan preferred to help Lu Jiao.
Xie Lan went to the kitchen. However, Lu Jiao came out and blocked the door.
"I don't dare to ask someone as delicate as you for help. You should go home and help the first sister-in-law. If you decided to help me the moment the first sister-in-law became in charge, she'd think I made you come. I did no such thing."
Xie Daqiang's face was rather pleasant as he ordered, "Go back."
He finally acted somewhat like the eldest of the family. He was now the head of this household and he would make anyone who was lazy pay.
Xie Lan wanted to say more but Xie Yunjin spoke up, "I'm tired. I'll go rest."
Xie Laogen immediately voiced, "Then, go rest. Your health is the most important."
He then got the entire family to go back. Though Xie Yunhua and Xie Lan were unwilling, they had no choice.
Lu Jiao rolled her eyes at that family and continued to cook. Today, she prepared her children goat milk, fried eggs, and steamed buns.
The four little ones excitedly ran into the kitchen, "Mommy, daddy can really walk again."
"Mommy, can we visit grandma together then?"
The Third and Fourth Born expectantly stared at Lu Jiao after the Second Born asked.
Lu Jiao had forgotten about this promise. Honestly, she was willing to visit home with the four little ones. However, she didn't want Xie Yunjin to come along.
Now, the four little ones were asking the entire family to go together. What should she do?
202 We are going to Separate
Lu Jiao silently denied the idea right away. However, she didn't show it. She smiled at the four little ones and said, "Though your dad can walk again, he's not fully healed. It'll take some time."
The four little ones believed her easily.
The fact that Xie Yunjin walked today very much overjoyed the four little ones. Too happy to function, they quickly ran away again to play with Soot and Marble.
Lu Jiao brought breakfast into the living room.
Inside the east bedroom, Xie Yunjin wasn't resting in bed. Instead, he sat before the desk. This time, for the first time, he sat in a chair rather than in a wheelchair. He called out, "Lu Jiao."
Lu Jiao thought he needed something and went inside.
Xie Yunjin stared at Lu Jiao with a huge smile, very different from the calm and aloof face he showed the villagers earlier.
He was so so happy and excited to walk again and he wanted to tell someone. However, he didn't want that someone to be anyone but Lu Jiao.
"Lu Jiao, I can walk again."
Lu Jiao knew why he was this excited. To a person who once truly believed that he would spend the rest of his life bedridden, walking again might be the best thing that could happen to them.
Xie Yunjin was over the moon. Lu Jiao smiled at him, "Congratulations on being able to walk again. However, don't be too impatient. Take it slow."
Xie Yunjin's eyes brightened at her words.
He slowly stood up by his desk. His slender and straight frame made him seem like a pine tree. Though he wore a simple white robe, his graceful and elegant demeanor was overflowing.
Lu Jiao couldn't help but spend a few minutes looking at him. Not only did this man have a good-looking face, but he also had a nice silhouette. In this day and age, due to poor nutrition, most people were short. However, Xie Laogen was rather tall. Perhaps it was genetics.
Lu Jiao grinned and said, "Breakfast is ready. Come and eat."
She then turned around. Behind her, Xie Yunjin followed closely and ended up grabbing her hand.
Lu Jiao was a little stunned and froze in place. The man behind her suddenly pulled her into his arms.
Lu Jiao was in shock and didn't know how to react. What was happening? Was he so excited that he decided to give her a hug? No way. That wasn't the appropriate reaction.
Lu Jiao pushed Xie Yunjin away. Though Xie Yunjin was a man, Lu Jiao was strong and easily got out of his grasp.
Xie Yunjin stepped back but took Lu Jiao's hands. Still beaming in the most gentle manner, he asked, "What is it? Are you being shy?"
His response confirmed Lu Jiao's suspicion that something between them went wrong. Truly.
The way this man talked to her now was in a tone that husbands used to talk to their wives. It wasn't at all the tone used toward someone who will soon leave.
Lu Jiao's expression changed a little. She let go of Xie Yunjin's hands and inquired in a serious manner, "Xe Yunjin, what do you think you are doing?"
Xie Yunjin was a little surprised at the sincerity in her voice. However, he still mildly reminded, "We are married. We will have to come in contact sooner or later."
Lu Jiao couldn't help but point out, "But we are going to separate! How inappropriate is it to hug someone you're going to divorce?"
It was Xie Yunjin's turn to be stunned. He thought he heard it wrong, "What did you say?"
Lu Jiao bluntly repeated herself, "Didn't we agree on this already? I find you a doctor who can heal your legs and we'd separate after you're well again. Now that your legs have healed, we can separate."
Xie Yunjin's face dropped and the air around him quickly turned cold. All the warmth and excitement on his face evaporated. He stared at Lu Jiao and said, "Didn't we agree to not separate?"
Lu Jiao was astounded, "When did we say that?"
Xie Yunjin's mind buzzed and his head hurt. Bleakness filled his heart.
"Last time, I said to you, children shouldn't grow up without a mother and you said you understood what I implied."
The realization hit Lu Jiao hard. So he said all those things to tell her he didn't want to separate anymore? Oh my god, she thought he wanted to give her custody of the children.
"Can't you just say the words so it's clear? I thought that conversation was to tell me that you're giving the four little ones to raise on my own. I didn't even think that it was about our separation."
Xie Yunjin felt so cold when he heard Lu Jiao's words. However, he played it cool and tried again, "Then, do you understand what I meant now? Let's not separate. During the time I was bedridden, you genuinely cared for me and the four little ones. I appreciate your sincerity and I want to repay you."
Xie Yunjin's dark eyes were fixated on Lu Jiao.
He was terrified that Lu Jiao would reject him.
Because this woman's internal dialogues appeared to be vastly different from what he expected.
Lu Jiao listened to him closely and suddenly remembered the time she jokingly asked Xie Yunjin if he liked her.
If Xie Yunjin liked her, she would've been grateful for how he felt toward her. But this man said he didn't like her, yet he asked her to stay. Did he think of her as a nanny?
Lu Jiao wanted to curse at him.
Her own face turned cold and she stared back at him, "You seem to think that not separating from me is doing me a favor. I'm sorry, I don't see it that way. Please grant me a divorce letter as we agreed before."
Xie Yunjin looked ill at this point. The hard-to-swallow emotions overfilled him.
He looked at Lu Jiao and enunciated every word as he spoke, "Lu Jiao, do you know how hard life is for a divorced woman?"
This woman was not the original Lu Jiao. She might not be aware of how hard life can get here. She would be the conversational topic no matter where she went. People would take advantage of her and curse her all her life. Did she know all that?
Lu Jiao answered coolly, "I know."
Even in the modern era, life was hard for divorced women.
"No matter how difficult it may get, it passes."
Xie Yunjin looked at her in disbelief, "Then why must you demand a divorce? If you know life will be hard, why do you still choose that path? I don't understand what you're thinking."
Lu Jiao raised an eyebrow. It was because she wanted a life of her own. Perhaps in the future, she would find herself someone who truly connected with her.
She wasn't willing to sacrifice her entire life for the four little ones.
She was sorry, but she just couldn't do it. Though she really liked the children, she wasn't at the point where she was okay with giving up her entire life.
Lu Jiao said to Xie Yunjin, "Let's not talk about this more and just do as we agreed. We said we would separate once your legs healed. Of course, if you're willing, you can give me the divorce letter right now. I don't mind."
203 Daddy, Appease Mommy
Lu Jiao didn't want to discuss this anymore. She turned around to eat breakfast.
When she reached the door, she found the four little ones in a line by the door.
Their little faces were pale as they gawked at her in shock.
Lu Jiao's head ached. She forgot to check for the children.
The four little ones shot towards Lu Jiao and started to cry loudly, "Mommy, don't leave. We will be good children and listen to you well. Can you please not leave us?"
The four little ones' cries were heart-wrenching.
After all, Lu Jiao's parented them for a long time now and they've built a relationship.
She felt sad seeing them cry.
"Okay, stop crying."
The Fourth Born wrapped his arms around Lu Jiao and wailed, "I'm not going to let you leave."
Lu Jiao didn't plan on letting the four children find out about this so soon. She wanted to find some opportunities to mentally prepare them and have them accept her separation from Xie Yunjin.
She didn't plan for the four little ones to hear this accidentally.
Lu Jiao glanced at the children and warmly comforted, "We've talked about this before and agreed. You heard it right? I agreed to find a doctor for your dad and he agreed that once he healed, we would divorce. We agreed on that a while ago."
The four little ones kept on shaking their heads and refusing to listen.
Lu Jiao had no choice but to soothe them, "Stop crying. I haven't left, right?"
She then turned to Xie Yunjin, "How about you let me raise the four little ones?"
Xie Yunjin frowned at her gloomily and commented, "So, I'm the extra one?"
What did he do to her for her to dislike him so much?
Xie Yunjin's face was unspeakably cold as he sneered at her.
Lu Jiao made a face then went back to soothing the children, "Ah, don't cry. I'm discussing this with your father."
The Fourth Born continued to hog onto her neck and he was now out of breath from crying, "Mommy, can you please not leave?"
Though the children were little, they were extremely intelligent. Their mommy was so nice right now. If she left, their daddy would marry someone else and who knows how evil their stepmother would be?
They've also heard that fathers change once they marry someone new. Who knew what their father would turn into once he marries someone new?
The more the children thought about it, the louder they cried.
Lu Jiao's heart and head both ached. However, she couldn't stay with Xie Yunjin just for the children.
Not only was she not the original host, but she also had very different values from Xie Yunjin. Plus, in the book, Xie Yunjin ends up with a wife once he moves into the Capital City. Who knows if he would end up meeting that woman and fall in love with her at first sight? He might divorce Lu Jiao then. Worse, he might kill her.
Lu Jiao continued to comfort the children as she thought about it.
The four little ones noticed that no matter how hard they cried, their mother refused to change her mind.
Now flustered, the First Born shouted at Xie Yunjin, "Daddy, hurry and appease mommy. Don't let her leave!"
Xie Yunjin recognized something then. Lately, he kept on thinking that Lu Jiao did certain things because she liked him. It now looked like he was overthinking it.
He felt extremely embarrassed now and his face turned as red as a boiled shrimp. There was no way he was going to do what the children were asking of him.
His lips were pursed together tightly as his entire body screamed for him to get away.
The First Born noticed that he was ignored and turned back to Lu Jiao, "Mommy, don't leave. When I grow up, I will be filial. I will get you a title and make sure everyone else is jealous of you. I will marry someone nice in the future and we will be filial towards you together. I will have sons of my own who will also obey you."
He promised all he could.
The Second Born's eyes were swollen red as he pulled on Lu Jiao's sleeve, "Mommy, once I become a general, I will protect you and make sure nobody hurts you. I will beat up anyone who hurts you. I want everyone to know that my mother has a general for a son."
The Third Born choked and hiccuped, "Mommy, I still need to learn medicine from you. I want to treat the sick like you do. I want everyone to know how amazing my mommy is. Not only can my mom treat patients, but she can also help raise a very capable son."
The Fourth Born was crying so hard he could no longer speak. All his worst fears were becoming true. His mommy was leaving and they will have a stepmother in the future. He didn't want that.
"Mommy, don't leave. I'm going to make a lot of money. I will buy you silver earrings, silver bracelets, and new clothes. Ah, I will buy you helpers who can help you around the house so you don't need to do anything. Are you leaving because you're tired of doing housework?"
Lu Jiao felt a lot of pain as she listened to the children. She knelt down and hugged them, "Stop crying. I will discuss this with your dad."
She then asked, "Are you hungry? Let's go eat. I prepared a lot of good food."
Sadly, the four little ones shook their heads in unison and looked at her with their crying faces, "Mommy, we are not hungry. We don't want to eat."
Lu Jiao's heart hurt and her head ached. She peered at Xie Yunjin and suggested again, "Xie Yunjin, what if you give me the four children to raise? I promise…"
All Xie Yunjin could hear was how Lu Jiao only talked about the four little ones. He remembered his childhood and how his parents hated him and essentially abandoned him. Today, this woman was abandoning him too.
So much negativity arose in Xie Yunjin's heart. His gaze was now ice cold, "No."
He then headed towards the bed to rest.
Lu Jiao was left comforting the children, "Let's go eat. Today, we won't study and I'll take you into the mountains to hunt."
The four little ones continued to stare with sad puppy eyes.
The First Born opened his lips, "Mommy, I'm in a bad mood and I cannot stomach any food."
His mommy was still not promising that she'd stay. This meant she didn't want to. He was so sad and started to wonder if she didn't want to stay because of all the wrongdoings he did in the past.
Devastated, the First Born ran to the west bedroom. The other three followed while crying.
The four little ones crawled onto the bed and continued to wail.
Lu Jiao felt like she was being torn into two. Half of her wanted to convince herself to stay. Even if she didn't mix with Xie Yunjin, they could still coexist peacefully and she could take care of the four little ones.
The other half of her told her not to do that. She had her own life and her life should consist of more than the four little ones.
With her feet heavy, Lu Jiao headed to the west bedroom in order to soothe the children more.
Just then, some visitors arrived.
Lu Jiao looked outside and saw that it was the Second Grandma and Lady Zhao and they were accompanied by some villagers.
Lu Jiao didn't want people to hear about her private matters so she stepped out to greet them.
"Second Grandma, Lady Zhao, why are you here?"
The Second Grandma asked Lu Jiao caringly, "I heard the four little ones cry. It sounds like they're really sad. Did something happen?"
Lady Zhao nodded as well and everyone gawked at Lu Jiao for an answer.
204 Long Term Pain is Worse than Short Term Pain
Lu Jiao's lips twitched, "It's okay. I was impatient and said something mean. I angered the children."
The Second Grandma lectured Lu Jiao, "Your children are really good kids. They're obedient and respectful. Don't be too hard on them."
Lady Zhao nodded in agreement. The children's weeping hurt her too.
The other villagers also chimed in a little. They told Lu Jiao to not be too hard on them. They were good kids for their age. If they rounded up, they were four. Their actual age was only three.
Lu Jiao nodded and mentioned she will be more cautious. Only then did everyone leave.
Lu Jiao headed back to the west bedroom and offered to take the children into town.
The four little ones loved to go into town. There were lots of people and things to do there.
This time, Lu Jiao was unsuccessful. The children all sprawled out on the bed and buried their faces into the pillows as they continued to sob.
Lu Jiao's head hurt. She went to the east bedroom to talk to Xie Yunjin and convince him to give her custody of the children. She didn't want money and she could promise him that she would raise the children to be good men.
"Xie Yunjin, let's talk."
The man on the bed slowly turned his head towards her. His handsome face drowned in coldness and his dark eyes were foggy. The way he looked at her was like she was a heartbreaker.
Lu Jiao wanted to curse. What was this?
"The four little ones obviously do not want to accept our separation. I'm thinking, how about you give me the children to raise? Once they realize there was no chance that we'd reconcile, they will accept reality. Then, you can take them back."
Xie Yunjin answered emotionlessly, "Since you decided to leave, then leave cleanly. Don't give them hope. If you give them hope and leave anyway, you'll hurt them more!"
Lu Jiao thought it over and found him to be right. Xie Yunjin obviously wasn't going to give up custody forever. If she only raised them for a while and then sent them back, they would get hurt even more.
"You're right. I didn't think it through."
Lu Jiao then abruptly got up and left. Behind her, Xie Yunjin watched her leave.
This woman was far more ruthless than he thought. Though she always smiled on the outside, her heart was made out of steel.
She obviously liked the four little ones and cared for them like a real mother would. However, when she arrived at a crossroad, she unhesitantly chose to leave them.
Xie Yunjin closed his eyes and pondered. Were they really going to separate?
The thought of that depressed him and drained him of strength.
Lu Jiao left the east bedroom and didn't bother to go into the west bedroom. She went to the kitchen to get her basket and left home.
Her mind was a mess so she decided to harvest some herbs to calm herself down. She'll think about the future while she's out there.
She's always wanted to raise the four little ones for Xie Yunjin. It was obvious now that the children couldn't accept that they would separate.
Long term pain was worse than short term pain. She better keep her distance from them and they may heal faster.
Lu Jiao ran into several families while she harvested herbs. Many people heard about the children crying and asked Lu Jiao about it.
Lu Jiao used the same excuse as she did earlier and most people told her that she should go easier on the children. They were good boys.
Lu Jiao nodded.
Since so many people asked, Lu Jiao got annoyed. She ended up going deep into the mountains and by the time she was done, it was late afternoon. She remembered that the children didn't eat breakfast and she didn't know if they ate lunch.
Lu Jiao was worried and headed home. She hoped that after these long hours, the children would be calm by now.
If she talked to them now, she should be able to get through to them.
Lu Jiao returned home with the basket. The yard was quiet without much noise. Soot and Marble appeared hungry and were running around. When they saw her, they greeted her with licks.
Lu Jiao knew right away then that the children didn't have anything to eat. If they did, they would've given some to Soot and Marble.
Lu Jiao was helpless. She put down her basket and went to the west bedroom.
There, the children were missing.
Lu Jiao raised an eyebrow and went to the east bedroom.
Xie Yunjin was reading in bed. He still appeared aloof and distant. When he saw Lu Jiao, he only glared at her before we went back to his book. He didn't seem to want to talk.
Lu Jiao asked, "Did the four little ones come to you?"
Xie Yunjin shook his head. He wanted to ask her, if she cared about them so much, why would she leave them?
However, he quickly remembered her real identity. She wasn't who she used to be so she didn't owe him anything. On the contrary, he and his sons were indebted to her.
Xie Yunjin suppressed the exasperation he felt and said calmly, "They didn't come. They must've gone out."
Lu Jiao thought the children must've gone to play with the others given their poor mood and didn't pursue it.
Since the children haven't eaten, Lu Jiao cleaned up what was there before and went to cook fresh noodles for the children.
She's made noodles in hot and sour soup for the children twice before and they really liked it. Lu Jiao decided to make more of their favorite dishes.
However, by the time she was done cooking, the children still didn't return.
Lu Jiao was now worried. Where did the children go? Did they go out there and told everyone about her separation from Xie Yunjin? She really wanted to resolve this quietly and leave quietly. She didn't want the whole village to find out.
Lu Jiao decided to go search for the children.
After an entire round around the village, she still couldn't find them. She also asked many people and nobody saw them.
Lu Jiao was now really worried and ran into the east bedroom all heated.
"Xie Yunjin, something bad has happened. I don't know where the four little ones went. I went around the village and didn't find them. Nobody in the village saw them either. Where could they have gone?"
Xie Yunjin's expression changed and he quickly got out of bed.
Since he was going so fast, Lu Jiao couldn't help but to ask, "Be careful when you walk. Your legs aren't back to normal yet."
Xie Yunjin simply said, "I'm fine."
The two of them wanted to do another round around the village. However, when they got out of their own yard, they saw Lin Chunyan walk over with a full basket.
Lu Jiao subconsciously asked, "Chunyan, did you see my four little ones?"
Lin Chunyan answered right away, "I saw them. They went into the mountains with Xiaobao."
Then she gave Lu Jiao a strange look, "They didn't tell you?"
205 Let's go Find Grandma
Lu Jiao shook her head and pondered. Did the four little ones go into the mountains to look for her?
Lin Chunyan added, "The children looked rather sad. They were gesturing around as they walked with Xiaobao."
Lu Jiao jumped in, "What were they gesturing?"
Lin Chunyan copied what she saw. It looked like the children were trying to draw out the mountain.
Beside them, Xie Yunjin said in a low voice, "They are trying to go to your mother's."
Lu Jiao thought that was a real possibility. However, to get to her mother's, there would be no need to go into the mountains. They could simply go around it. The children went up the mountains, meaning they planned on cutting across.
Lu Jiao's expression dropped. So did Xie Yunjin's.
It was late and a boy barely a teen led four children into the wild. It was likely that they would run into animals. Plus, the mountains got so cold at night. Even if the children were lucky enough to not run into any animals, they could easily get sick.
The more Lu Jiao and Xie Yunjin thought about it, the more worried they got. Beside them, Lin Chunyan caringly asked, "Third aunt, what's wrong?"
Lu Jiao responded anxiously, "I think they're trying to go through the mountains in order to get to my mother's Apricot Village. However, to get to Apricot Village, we usually take the north road around the mountain. It's dangerous to go through the mountains."
Lin Chunyan was shocked. Her brother-in-law's child was also involved.
Lin Chunyan asked with apprehension, "What do we do then?!"
Xie Yunjin said, "We have to go find them."
He then tried to walk up the mountain. Lu Jiao stopped him, "Your legs aren't healed yet. You're in no state to climb a mountain. You should tell the Leaders what happened and get others to help."
Lin Chunyan also offered, "I will go find my in-laws and ask them to join the search."
Lu Jiao nodded then said to Xie Yunjin, "You should find people for us instead of going into the mountains yourself. You might hurt your legs if you're uncareful."
Lu Jiao then assertively turned around. Lin Chunyan also left to find her in-laws without another word.
Behind Lu Jiao, Xie Yunjin watched her leave. A thought flashed across his mind. What if he fell and broke his legs again? Would Lu Jiao stay then? The four little ones wouldn't be so sad if she stayed.
He quickly snapped back. Just what was he thinking?
Xie Yunjin leaped back to the village to form a search team.
The leaders and others soon learned the situation and assembled a group of people to go look for the children.
The mountains were a dangerous place at night. There were wild animals and it could get very cold there. It was easy for children to get sick if they spent a night.
Deep in the mountains, Xie Xiaobao led the four little ones forward. The five clueless children were oblivious about the danger and just how worried their parents were.
As Xie Xiaobao walked, he asked, "First Born, how come you thought of visiting your grandma?"
Earlier today, the four little ones noticed that their mommy went to harvest herbs instead of talking to them. So they decided to figure out a way to keep her around.
In the end, they decided to ask for Lady Tian's help. Their mommy listened to their grandma. If their grandma stopped their mommy from leaving them, she might just stay.
They only knew their grandma lived in the neighboring village on the other side of the mountain but they didn't know how to get there.
They thought Xie Xiaobao might know. So the four little ones lightly and quietly crawled out of bed and snuck out to find Xie Xiaobao. The First Born almost promised Xie Xiaobao that if he took them to their grandma's, he would give him one of their skateboards.
Of course Xie Xiaobao agreed and led the way.
Honestly, Xie Xiaobao had no idea how to get to the Apricot village. Since they said it was the neighboring village, he figured they just had to get across the mountains.
The five of them quickly started to climb. However, after some time, the four little one's legs felt sore and they could barely walk on.
Despite the pain, the four little ones pushed themselves forward. If they didn't find their grandma, their mommy would leave them. They had to find their grandma.
With that belief motivating them, the four little ones gritted their teeth and followed Xie Xiaobao.
However, in the end, all five of them were too exhausted to walk. They laid there in the forest to rest.
It was late now and the Sun had slowly set. The children started to get scared.
The Fourth Born was already scaredycat. When he looked into the dark forest and listened to the harsh wind around him, it stressed him out. He started to cry loudly and screamed, "I'm scared! I want to go home to my mommy!"
The Third Born also started to sob while the Second Born scolded harshly, "What are you crying about? Don't cry! We need to find grandma!"
The Fourth Born cried and weeped, "But, where is grandma? I want to go home! I miss my mommy."
The Second Born looked to the First Born, "What do we do now?"
He was honestly afraid also. The mountains at night were not a friendly place.
The First Born's always been the spine of the siblings. He did his best to remain calm and glance around the dark forest. By now, there was not the slightest trace of light.
The First Born tried to look forward.
Where was their grandma's house?
Not knowing what to do now, the First Born asked Xie Xiaobao, "Brother Xiaobao, what do we do?"
Though Xie Xiaobao was now 13, he was not an adult and didn't have good ideas. Plus, he was just as frightful. He remained collected and hoped he didn't show any fear.
"How about we head back? You can ask an adult to bring you to your grandma's."
The First Born was flustered and he was scared so he agreed, "Okay. Let's go back then."
The five of them turned around to walk the other way. Sadly, the forest was now so pitch black that they couldn't see where the roads were. The children stumbled and tripped. They were starting to lose track of each other.
In the end, all five of them started to cry. Xie Xiaobao asked everyone to hold hands and walk together.
It was safer that way. However, the group had lost their original courage and now wailed loudly.
Their cries mixed with the wind sounded rather eerie.
Lu Jiao had searched for a while. Behind her, many villagers split up to look for the children.
Since it was dark now, Lu Jiao carefully took out a flashlight from her space and used it as she went on.
The flashlight was rather effective and earned her much visibility.
Xie Xiaobao, who was trying to make his way back croaked when he saw the light, "First Born, look, what is that? It looks like a flame."
206 The Little Ones got a Fever
The First Born glanced over and thought it was really a flame.
Subconsciously, the children headed towards the light. After a while, the Second Born shouted, "The Fourth Born fell."
The Fourth Born wasn't able to get up after he fell and he ended up passing out. Not long after that, the Third Born also passed out.
Xie Xiaobao, the First and Second were truly nervous now. They circled the Third and Fourth Born, hoping to help them out. When they touched them however, they found the Third and Fourth Born to be burning up.
Xie Xiaobao called out loudly, "They're really hot. My mom said this means they have a fever. Those who get fevers cannot be saved."
His statement made the First and Second Born burst into tears. They never expected to not only fail to find their grandma, but for it to also cost the Third and Fourth their lives.
The two of them wailed in full sadness, "Third Born, Fourth Born, don't die!"
Xie Xiaobao couldn't help but cry after he saw them cry. He had so much regret right now and vowed to never leave home ever again.
Wuuuuu.
The forest was now filled with weeping sounds.
Lu Jiao continued her search with the flashlight. As she walked on, she felt like she heard crying. She stopped and listened carefully. There were definitely crying noises.
She guessed they were from the Third and Fourth Born.
Out of the four children, Xie Xiaobao was the oldest at 13. For those five children to walk in the forest in the dark was definitely terrifying.
Lu Jiao shouted loudly, "First Born, Second Born, where are you?"
"Third Born, Fourth Born."
Lu Jiao used all her strength to cry out those names. Her voice echoed in the mountains and reached the First and Second Born's ears.
The two of them looked around. The Second Born whispered, "I think I'm hearing mommy's voice."
The First Born listened for a while and confirmed that he heard it. Shooting up, the First Born screamed out, "Mom! We are over here!"
The Second Born joined in, "Mom! We are here! Come here!"
Xie Xiaobao was no longer scared now that the third aunt was here. He mustered the courage and screamed out, "Third aunt! We are over here! We are over here!"
Lu Jiao was ecstatic to hear a response. She followed the noise.
"Don't move you guys! Stand right where you are! I'll be over right away!"
When she arrived, the First and Second Born hugged onto her, "Mommy, it's terrifying out here. We are scared."
"I'm scared too."
Lu Jiao held onto the children and comforted them. The First and Second Born went through a lot today. Curled up against Lu Jiao, they didn't even have the strength to cry anymore. Quickly, they fainted.
Lu Jiao tensed up, "First Born? Second Born?"
She examined the children and felt that their foreheads burned hot.
Lu Jiao was agitated now. The children got a fever from the cold. She had to give them a shot to bring the fever down.
She abruptly took out syringes and medicine and jabbed the First and Second Born.
Xie Xiaobao let her know, "Third aunt, the Third Born and Fourth Born also got a fever. They passed out a while ago."
Lu Jiao's heart bled. She laid down the First and Second Born on the grass, then went to give the Third and Fourth Born a shot.
As she did that, she instructed Xie Xiaobao, "Shine this flashlight at a far away spot. Everyone is looking for you guys in the mountains. When they see the light, they'll come over."
Xie Xiaobao did as he was told and waved around the flashlight.
It didn't take long for the villagers to see the light and rush over.
Lu Jiao had given each child a shot. However, since there were four of them, she couldn't carry them all and could only lay them flat on the grass.
Once the villagers arrived, Lu Jiao asked them to help her carry the children.
"Let's go down the mountain."
Lady Zhao and Xie Laifu slapped Xie Xiaobao, "You bastard! Why would you take your little brothers into the mountains?!"
Xie Xiaobao started to cry. He was in shock as well and was scared to death. Yet the first thing his parents did was to slap him. He felt so wronged.
Xie Xiaobao explained, "The First Born said they missed their grandma and asked me to take them there. He said once they're there, he would give me one of their skateboards."
Lady Zhao tried to hit him again but Lu Jiao stopped her. This wasn't Xie Xiaobao's fault. It was the four little ones' fault for tempting him with a skateboard.
Lu Jiao said to Xie Xiaobao, "It's their fault. Once they're awake, I'll ask them to give you a skateboard."
The sadness dissipated quickly for Xie Xiaobao, "Third aunt, are you serious?"
Lu Jiao nodded, "Yes."
The group struggled their way down the mountain. On the way, someone became interested in Lu Jiao's flashlight, "Yunjin's wife, what is that? The light shoots so far."
Lu Jiao only took this out due to desperation. Now that people were asking, she had to make up some answers fast.
"I got it purely by accident. I don't know what it is. I heard it can light up places for a short while, then it stops working."
When the others heard that it would stop working eventually, they became uninterested.
The group got themselves out of the forest.
This time, Xie Xiaobao and the four little ones scared everyone quite a bit. Luckily, nothing too bad came out of it.
The four little ones got a fever, but Lu Jiao wasn't too worried after she gave them the shots.
Once everyone got down the mountain, the villagers helped Lu Jiao bring the children home.
At home, Xie Yunjin was nervously looking around. He originally wanted to join the search party but the leaders stopped him.
Though Xie Yunjin didn't end up going, his heart felt like it was being grilled. He was so worried that something would happen to the four little ones.
Now that they have returned, he sighed in relief.
Lu Jiao asked the villagers to place the children onto the west bedroom bed. She thanked them and everyone left.
Lu Jiao examined them and confirmed that their temperature was coming down.
She could finally breathe.
Xie Yunjin asked anxiously, "What happened to them?"
Lu Jiao sighed, "It was too cold out there and they got a fever."
Lu Jiao gestured for Xie Yunjin to sit, "Let's have a serious discussion."
With the way the four little ones' been acting, she didn't think it would be wise to leave right away. She had to figure out a plan with Xie Yunjin.
After what happened to the children, Xie Yunjin was now more cool headed. He sat down and stared at Lu Jiao.
207 Write me a Divorce Letter
Lu Jiao said to him, "Next year August, you'll be participating in the provincial exam. Then, you'll be visiting the imperial palace to take the imperial exam. How about this. I will help you until your provincial exam is over. Then, you can return and officially move to the Capital City with the children.
Lu Jiao didn't wait for a response before she continued, "However, I ask that you write me a divorce letter right now."
She was afraid that things might change and figured that it would be more beneficial to get her hands on the official letter first.
Inside the room, Xie Yunjin's expression was cold as he stared back at her. It was obvious however, that he had calmed down since this morning.
"Are you sure you want to separate?"
Lu Jiao nodded firmly to show that she was certain.
After this period of time, she thought she had gotten to know Xie Yunjin well. So much of his values and ways of thinking were traditional and common amongst men in this era. The only reason she was okay with co-existing with him all this time was because she knew they would eventually separate. Therefore, she let a lot of things go without putting up a fight.
If this man was her husband though, they would be bickering all the time.
On top of that, Lu Jiao did not forget about Chen Ying, the woman who seemed to be special to Xie Yunjin. In the novel, Xie Yunjin also had a fated wife.
All this information made it clear to her that he was not a man she should get close to.
Lu Jiao thought it over and looked towards Xie Yunjin, "My mind is clear. You're going to pass all your exams and become an official in the Capital City. I am someone who enjoys a simple life. If everything goes according to plan, I will be spending the rest of my life in Qinghe. We have drastically different paths planned for the future and a separation is the best option for us."
Xie Yunjin saw how collected and composed Lu Jiao was and knew then that she was determined to leave.
If that was the case, what was the point of trying to keep her.
"Okay, I can write you a divorce letter. However, don't forget what you promised. You have to help me take care of the four little ones until my imperial exam in the palace is over. If I do get that far that is."
"Okay." Lu Jiao agreed.
Xie Yunjin noticed how crisp her answers were and didn't feel too happy. Right now, he couldn't help but self-reflect. Just how awful of a person was he for this woman to want to leave him without second thoughts.
Xie Yunjin replayed the past several months over in his head and realized that he truly did not treat her that well. Though he knew she wasn't the person she used to be, he couldn't help but to hate her because of her face.
Was it too late to treat her well now?
Xie Yunjin thought about it then said, "I have two conditions. Only if they're fulfilled, will I write you the divorce letter."
"What is it?"
Since she was getting what she wanted, Lu Jiao was now much more soft spoken.
Xie Yunjin stated, "First, you cannot tell the four little ones about our separation. In the short term, we shouldn't let them know."
Lu Jiao nodded in agreement, "Don't worry about that. I will slowly set them up so they won't be shocked, but I will not let them know."
After all the commotions today, the children may just cause more trouble if they find out about this conversation.
Xie Yunjin then added, "Second, I am going to date the letter to six months later."
This meant the divorce letter would only become effective in six months. In the next six months, Lu Jiao would remain Xie Yunjin's wife.
Lu Jiao's expression changed a little and asked, "Why would you date it six months later?"
Xie Yunjin answered slowly, "If I give you the letter now, you may take away the children whenever you are unhappy. What do I do then? Don't worry, since I agreed to this, I will not give you a hard time later."
Lu Jiao was not happy with this result and tried to remain calm, "Do I look like someone who would do such a thing?"
Xie Yunjin knew Lu Jiao was not that untrustworthy. Regardless, it was safer to date the letter half a year later.
His gaze fixated on Lu Jiao, "Since you've decided to take care of them until my imperial exam, why does it matter when I date the letter?"
This time, Xie Yunjin didn't wait for Lu Jiao to comment before he continued, "Don't you love them? If you love them so much, why are you not willing to stay half a year for them?"
Lu Jiao looked at the four children who laid on the bed. After a whole day of ruckus, the four little guys had wilted and now looked like small and beaten bok choy.
Lu Jiao's heart ached. She turned back to Xie Yunjin, "How about three months?"
Xie Yunjin's face turned cold, "What's the difference between three months and six? Are you worried I would scheme and refuse to let you go? Don't worry, if you are not willing to stay, I will not force you."
Lu Jiao frowned unhappily. There was a big difference between three and six months. If he dated it three months later, she would be a free single woman in three months. If he dated it six months later, she would have to wait for half a year.
However, given where they were with this discussion, she knew there was really no point in arguing more about this. After all, she was willing to stay to take care of the children.
"Okay, then we'll do as you said. You can date it for half a year later. However, do note that during the next six months, we will behave as if we've already separated. We need to watch how we act around each other."
Her words caused Xie Yunjin to glance at her, "Are you worried I would take advantage of you?"
Before Lu Jiao could answer, he stared at her in a serious manner, "If you don't want to, I would never. I'm not that kind of person."
"Okay, remember what you are saying."
Lu Jiao then said, "Now, you can write me the divorce letter."
Xie Yunjin gaped at her. Under this dim candlelit room, the woman's beautiful face was so determined and so humorless. There was not the slightest trace of hesitation, which indicated just how certain she was about leaving him.
If that was the case, then he would grant her her wish!
Xie Yunjin got up to go to the east bedroom. This time, he didn't pause as he quickly drafted the divorce letter.
Lu Jiao read it through and decided that the letter had no problems – other than the later date of course.
Though the date was not ideal for her, at least she got the letter as she wished.
"I'm going to keep this then."
Lu Jiao put away the letter. Inside the room, Xie Yunjin peered down onto her and asked, "Why do you dislike me that much?"
Without waiting for an answer, he left.
Lu Jiao ignored him also. Now that he had written the letter, what more was there to say?
In the middle of the night, the four little ones woke up. When they saw Lu Jiao, they started to cry.
Lu Jiao instantly started to sooth them, "It's okay, don't cry."
The Fourth Born wrapped his arms around Lu Jiao's neck, "Mommy, don't go."
"Okay, I won't go."
The Fourth Born's eyes brightened. With his arms still around her neck, he asked, "Mommy, you're not going to separate from daddy?"
The First, Second, and Third Born all sat up to stare at Lu Jiao.
Lu Jiao looked back at the four pairs of bright and clear eyes. Not able to lie to them, she danced around the question, "Fourth Born, did you know that only when two people like each other, can they live together happily? Your daddy doesn't like me so how can we stay together? However, I have decided to give him half a year. If your dad starts to like me then, I will not leave."
The other side of her statement was that if their dad still did not like her, she would still leave.
This was part of her plan to cushion them for what was bound to happen. She will start to subliminally hint to them about their eventual separation.
The four little ones were not at all aware of what point Lu Jiao was trying to make. They excitedly looked at Lu Jiao and confirmed, "Mommy, if daddy likes you, you won't leave?"
"Mommy, you're so great. I'm sure daddy will like you. You're both capable and beautiful."
"Yeah, mommy, you're a miracle doctor! I'm sure daddy will like mommy."
208 The Four Babies Teaching their Old Dad
The Fourth Born was far more aggressive with his promise, "If daddy doesn't like mommy, I will leave with mommy. We will ignore him."
Before the west bedroom entrance, Xie Yunjin heard their conversation and couldn't help but narrow his eyes. Was it true that Lu Jiao wanted a separation because he didn't like her?
Xie Yunjin recalled the time when Lu Jiao asked him if he liked her. At the time, he seemed to have told her to not waste her time thinking about such things. It appeared that he gave the wrong answer.
Xie Yunjin self-reflected outside. Inside, Lu Jiao didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Just what were they talking about? Oh well, she will have to take this slow.
Lu Jiao looked at the four children and asked, "You must be hungry. I made some ginseng soup with eggs earlier. You all should have some and sweat it out. You'll feel better tomorrow."
The four little ones were truly hungry. After they heard what Lu Jiao offered, they happily agreed.
"Mommy, I want to eat that. I'm hungry."
"I'm also hungry."
Lu Jiao almost angrily flicked their foreheads, "Don't you dare to make such a fuss again!"
She then got up to leave and was startled by the person standing by the entrance.
Only upon closer look did she realize it was Xie Yunjin.
Lu Jiao couldn't help but glare at him. Why was he standing there trying to scare her instead of sleeping in the middle of the night?
Lu Jiao ignored him and went to the kitchen.
Behind her, Xie Yunjin debated but ended up following her. Once they arrived at the kitchen, he couldn't help but ask, "Are you asking to separate because I don't like you?"
If that was the case, he figured she shouldn't worry. He thinks he liked her somewhat.
Lu Jiao abruptly snapped her head around, "Even if you do like me, I wouldn't stay."
Without paying any more attention to the now moody Xie Yunjin, she went to fetch the ginseng soup.
Before the kitchen door, Xie Yunjin was now frigid. He watched as Lu Jiao worked. Repeating the words she just threw in his face, his heart seized and tightened.
Xie Yunjin left. Since she was so stubborn about leaving, then she could do whatever she wanted.
No longer in the mood to visit the four little ones, Xie Yunjin went to rest in the east bedroom.
In the kitchen, Lu Jiao originally was going to ask Xie Yunjin if he wanted any food. When she turned around, however, he was already leaving coldly.
Lu Jiao didn't call out to him. She scooped out soup for the children and went to feed them.
The four little ones each had an egg and drank half a bowl of soup. They then quickly fell asleep, exhausted.
Lu Jiao was also tired and fell asleep as soon as she laid down.
What a day!
The next day, the children seemed to have recovered for the most part. Though they weren't jumping around endlessly, they were in good spirits.
After the fever shot, soup, and eggs, they sweated through their shirts. In the morning, Lu Jiao boiled water and washed them up. After all the cleaning, the four little ones returned to their normal soft and cute selves.
Many villagers came to visit them. Only after they confirmed that they were safe and sound, did they go home to make breakfast.
Since so many people helped with the search last night, Lu Jiao was very thankful of the villagers. She walked every visitor out and thanked them personally.
The villagers all waved their hands and smiled, "Yunjin's wife, don't be so polite. You helped us plenty before."
"Yeah, no need to be so formal with us."
After everyone progressively left, the Village Leader's youngest daughter, Xie Xiaojuan, stayed and asked, "Third aunt, should I help you make breakfast?"
Lu Jiao declined right away, "There's no need. I can do it myself."
Xie Xiaojuan recently found herself a soon-to-be husband. Other than harvesting herbs, she had to sew pillowcases amongst other things. Lu Jiao didn't want to inconvenience her.
Xie Xiaojuan left after a few more exchanges with Lu Jiao, and Lu Jiao went to prepare food.
The four little ones ran to the east bedroom to talk to Xie Yunjin early in the morning. What was their purpose? Their purpose was to teach their daddy how to fall in love with their mommy. They had an amazing mommy, why would their daddy not like her?
The First Born stared at his dad with a confused look, "Daddy, do you truly not like mommy?"
Xie Yunjin pursed his lips and his expression was aloof. That face of his confirmed to the four little ones that he truly was not interested in her.
The children were not happy to find that out. The First Born quickly argued, "But mommy changed for the better. She's even better looking now. How come you don't like her?"
The Second Born chimed in as well, "Mommy is chubby like a little piglet. She also knows how to do everything. Why don't you like her?"
Xie Yunjin couldn't help but think of Lu Jiao's face and his expression softened somewhat.
However, the memory of how determined she was last night evaporated that softness. His face turned back to its normal cold and emotionless ways.
The Third Born was now furious and grabbed onto Xie Yunjin, "Daddy, you should like mommy! She's pretty and cute! Everyone adores mommy. How come you don't like her?"
The Fourth Born gritted his teeth and vowed, "If you don't like mommy and choose someone else, I will stop liking you! I'm going to follow mommy."
The Fourth Born's words garnered everyone's attention.
He chickened out a little but since he had already spoken the words, he straightened his back and threw up his fist, "I am telling the truth! The truth!"
He ran away after that remark. Behind him, the First, Second, and Third Born all gazed at Xie Yunjin.
Xie Yunjin frowned and explained, "Children, the thing with 'like' is that you cannot control it. Using yourselves, for example, you naturally have some things you like and some things you dislike. Can you control that?"
"For example, First Born, you like puzzles, like reading, but you don't like sports. You don't like to use bows and arrows. Can you force yourself to like those things?"
The First Born thought about it and became mute. It was true that he didn't like exercising or sports. He enjoyed reading and learning quietly. The reason he went tree climbing and arrow shooting was that his mommy taught him that even scholars need to be healthy. That was the only reason.
Xie Yunjin then looked to the Second Born, "Second Born, you like sports, like climbing trees and shooting arrows. You dislike reading and studying. Do you think you would like it if I made you study every day?"
Before the Second Born could say an opinion, Xie Yunjin turned to the Third Born, "Third Born, you like to look handsome and dress up in pretty clothing. If I force you to wear old and torn clothes, would you be happy? Therefore, you cannot control what you like."
After the lecture, the three little ones started to understand this concept a little more. More than that, the three children now know that their daddy truly didn't like their mommy.
Their mommy was such a great person. Why didn't he like her?
209 Profit Sharing
The three little ones stared at Xie Yunjin with their eyes red. Xie Yunjin inhaled deeply and finally promised, "I will do my best to like your mother. However, if I still do not like your mom after some time, you can't blame me."
The three little ones smiled happily and chose to ignore the second part of his comment.
Just then, Lu Jiao walked in, "Come out and eat."
Xie Yunjin glared at her angrily and meaningfully stated, "In the future, you should deal with this kind of stuff."
She had to tell the children that the reason she was leaving was that he didn't like her. That made Xie Yunjin responsible for this ordeal. If it were up to him, he would throw her under the bus and tell the children she insisted on leaving.
Lu Jiao knew what he was referring to right away and felt somehow guilty. Quickly, she glanced at the children, "Come and eat."
She then smiled at Xie Yunjin, "You too."
After Xie Yunjin thought about it for a night, he was now calm. Since Lu Jiao was determined to separate, he will grant her that freedom.
"Sure."
The three children had taken this time to murmur to the Fourth Born about the conversation they just had. Their daddy had promised to try and like their mommy.
The Fourth Born's mood lifted. The four children were now confident that they had resolved the problem and they were now in a great mood.
The family sat together and ate breakfast.
Since Xie Yunjin was not in the mood yesterday, he took another day off from teaching the village children how to read. Today, he was going to restart those lessons.
Lu Jiao cleaned up after everyone was done and took some time to clean up the house with the four little ones.
Just then, Baohe Tang's horse carriage arrived. Manager Li rushed out and said to Lu Jiao, "Lady Lu, we accepted a patient this morning that may need your consultation."
Lu Jiao nodded and went to tell Xie Yunjin and the four little ones, "Baohe Tang accepted a very sick patient. I need to go and take a look."
The four little ones became worried and started to shout, "Mommy, we will go with you."
This time, Xie Yunjin didn't ask to go with Lu Jiao. He was in no position to offer.
Though they were technically still married, Lu Jiao had made it clear to him that she wanted to behave as if they were already separated.
Xie Yunjin pursed his lips subconsciously and his face grew cold.
Lu Jiao didn't even look at him and only spoke to the four little ones, "I'm going to treat a patient. I'm not going to have fun. I will bring you next time I go into town for fun."
The four little ones were quiet. Lu Jiao patted their heads then turned to Xie Yunjin, "Keep an eye on them. I don't know if I will return by noon. If I don't, you can ask Chunyan to cook you something."
She then remembered that Xie Yunjin didn't like to speak to women from the village and added, "Do you want me to ask Chunyan?"
Xie Yunjin was expressionless, "Don't worry. I can deal with this kind of stuff."
After she left for good, the five of them would still need to eat.
Lu Jiao also thought of that and didn't say anything more before she left.
The four little ones watched her go and strangely, their eyes turned red as they felt the urge to cry.
Xie Yunjin saw this and comforted, "Your mom is going to treat the sick. It's not that she doesn't want you there. If she was going to do anything else, she would've brought you."
The First Born pressed his lips together before he finally admitted, "It's not that we want to go play. We are just worried that mommy isn't going to come back."
Now that those words were spoken, tears started to roll down the children's cheeks. The other three asked Xie Yunjin, "Daddy, do you think mommy is not coming back?"
Xie Yunjin's heart ached to see his children like this. However, he still did his best to comfort them, "No way. Your mom has always done as she promised. She would never leave you behind without a word."
The four little ones thought about it. That was true. Their mommy had always fulfilled her promises. Before, she had vowed to give their daddy a chance to like her.
The four little ones turned to stare at Xie Yunjin in unison.
"Daddy, let me tell you, my mommy loves it when people compliment her. You should compliment her whenever you have free time."
The Second Born quickly shared some ideas, "You can say things like, 'you have such a pretty face. Your cheeks are chubby and cute like a piglet."
Xie Yunjin ogled at him with a frown. Why was his second son so obsessed with piglets? Every time his second son talked about his mother, he compared her to a piglet. If Xie Yunjin took his advice and said those words, Lu Jiao would stomp him to death.
The Third Born added, "Daddy, you should tell mommy that she is very capable and is the best doctor in the world. I've heard others call her a 'miracle doctor' and mommy smiled so big her eyes disappeared."
The Fourth Born said, "Daddy, you should put flowers in mommy's hair and buy her new clothes to wear. Ah, yes, buy her good food too."
As he spoke, he became worried and gawked at Xie Yunjin, "Daddy, do you have money?"
If he didn't, he would have to make money first. Or else he wouldn't be able to buy mommy flowers and new clothes.
Xie Yunjin studied the children who were worried sick about him. His heart felt both sweet and sour — the thought of how determined Lu Jiao was to leave stung.
Oh well, since that woman wanted to leave, why should he overthink it? He would have to spend his future days with the four little ones.
Xie Yunjin said to the children, "I'm going to teach you in a bit. Hurry and get your books."
The four little ones temporarily forgot about the matter with Lu Jiao and went to get the books for everyone before the lesson started.
Inside Baohe Tang's horse carriage, Lu Jiao asked Manager Li, "What symptoms is the patient exhibiting?"
Manager Li smiled and shook his head, "Lady Lu, there's no critical patient today."
Lu Jiao was in awe, "Then why are you taking me to Baohe Tang in such a rush?"
Manager Li explained, "The owner did as you instructed and sold ice in the Capital City. He made some money and wants to share the profit. He also wants to discuss the other business ideas you had."
Lu Jiao's eyes lit up right away and she grinned.
This surprised Manager Li. It appeared that the owner was right.
The owner said that when Lady Lu found out there was actually no patient, she would get mad. However, the moment profit sharing is mentioned, Lady Lu's anger would turn to joy.
Though the owner and Lady Lu haven't interacted much, he seemed to understand her well.
Manager Li studied Lu Jiao a little and discovered that she had lost a sizable amount of weight. Compared to their first meeting, it was like sky and earth. Now, though her cheeks were still chubby, she was no longer considered fat, instead, she was curvy.
She was a beautiful person with smooth skin who acted with optimism and confidence. The aura she gave was colorful like a blooming flower.
Manager Li couldn't help but exclaim over how this capable and beautiful woman ended up married to Scholar Xie. If she was still single, she could marry the owner and be the wife of a young master.
210 Three Businesses
Lu Jiao wasn't aware of Manager Li's thoughts and said to Manager Li cheerfully, "Your owner sure is an interesting person."
Manager Li chuckled.
The horse galloped to Baohe Tang. Inside, Zhao Lingfeng and Qi Lei awaited.
Qi Lei bowed to Lu Jiao respectfully, "Master, you're here."
Lu Jiao nodded. Beside her, Zhao Lingfeng spoke up, "Lady Lu sure is difficult to invite over."
Lu Jiao ignored his provocation and confirmed with Zhao Lingfeng with interest, "I heard from Manager Li that you called me here today to split the money?"
She wasn't sure how much money they were talking about. Before, she planned to buy some land to farm medicinal herbs but she found out that her 5,000 taels of silver won't be able to get her much. Who knew that Zhao Lingfeng would come at the right time to deliver her money? She just had to find out how much.
Lu Jiao was focused on Zhao Lingfeng, who gave Qi Lei a look. Qi Lei was tempted to cover his face to hide. Before, Zhao Lingfeng had made a bet with him that Lu Jiao would be over the moon to hear about getting money. Qi Lei fought against that guess. She wasn't that greedy!
His master, however, showed her true colors right away.
Zhao Lingfeng smiled and took out an invoice from his desk. He placed it before Lu Jiao.
This was an invoice for the ice Zhao Lingfeng hired people to make. It included labor costs and material costs. In addition, the sales and profit figures were also laid out cleanly. Lu Jiao carefully looked through it and knew that it wasn't a fake.
It was the end of July and to have sold this much was considered a success. This has proven Zhao Lingfeng to be a very capable third young master and that he lived up to his positive reputation.
Lu Jiao couldn't help but giggle, "Not bad at all. Owner Zhao is truly an entrepreneur. I definitely don't need to worry about teaming up with you."
Zhao Lingfeng was glad to hear that. He knew that even though the two of them signed a contract, Lu Jiao would be able to get out of it if she really wanted to. Therefore, the whole ice-selling business was a test she gave for him to show his trustworthiness.
Lu Jiao's words today confirmed his guesses. Lu Jiao was genuinely going to base her future decisions on how well he performed with the ice selling.
Zhao Lingfeng finally relaxed. He took out a stash of silver certificates and gave it to Lu Jiao, "Ice selling made a little more than 60,000 taels of silver. However, I have rounded down since it's almost the end of July and we have some time to make more money. Here is your share of the profit – 18,500 taels of silver.
18,000 taels of silver is your share of the ice business. The other 500 is for saving the magistrate's daughter-in-law and her child. They gifted us 500 to thank us. I won't take my cut of that. It's all yours."
Lu Jiao's eyes lit up and the grin on her lips deepened. She patted the stash of silver certificates and announced brightly, "Owner Zhao, you're an honest businessman. I am certain that we will have a good time working together."
The reason why Zhao Lingfeng never fought against Lu Jiao for anything was that Lu Jiao's abilities truly earned his respect.
He was intelligent enough to know to keep the capable ones on his side. He wasn't someone who was short-sighted and greedy over small amounts of profits.
Color flashed in Zhao Lingfeng's eyes after he heard Lu Jiao's words.
"Whatever makes Lady Lu happy."
Lu Jiao then started to count the stash of certificates. She did feel that other people's gaze was awkward at all.
Zhao Lingfeng and Qi Lei were used to this and didn't mind.
Zhao Lingfeng then gave Qi Lei his 10% share.
"This is yours."
Qi Lei did not expect to earn so much money so fast. He felt at loss and ended up pushing his 6,000 taels of silver toward Lu Jiao, "Master, you can have this."
Since his master liked money, she can have it.
Lu Jiao rolled her eyes at Qi Lei, "Do your hands itch holding money?"
Since Lu Jiao refused to take it, Qi Lei turned to Zhao Lingfeng. Both Zhao Lingfeng and himself worked for the fifth young master. It felt wrong to take 6,000 taels of silver for himself.
Qi Lei thought about it and said to Zhao Lingfeng, "Then, I will take 10% of the profit leftover after the master's paid out."
He meant that he would only take 10% of the 70% left from the profit earned.
For example, today's 60,000 minus Lu Jiao's share of 18,000 would be 42,000. He would take 10% of that, which was 4,200 taels of silver.
Qi Lei took out that 4,200 and returned the rest. Zhao Lingfeng didn't comment while Lu Jiao stared at him like he was dumb, "You're an idiot for thinking you're making too much money."
That was his personality though and she was too lazy to say anything more.
Lu Jiao put away the stash and said to Zhao Lingfeng and Qi Lei, "Honestly, I want to buy some land to farm herbs. Would you know any places here in the Qinghe district?"
Zhao Lingfeng was more knowledgeable about this than Qi Lei. He asked Lu Jiao caringly, "Are you looking for land close to the city or close to the suburbs?"
He then speculated, "Near Qili, land cost around 42 to 48 taels of silver per acre. The suburbs are cheaper. You can get an acre for 24 to 30 taels of silver. Land in the center of the Qinghe district would cost at least 90 taels of silver per acre.
I would still suggest you buy at a central location though, specifically the City of Xian. Transportation is much more convenient. Plus, we plan on opening our three businesses there. You would be close to the businesses and it would be much more convenient."
Lu Jiao agreed. Establishing the three businesses in the City of Xian would be much more convenient than doing it in a small town. The Qinghe District had more roads leading into it and even had access to water. Everything she planned on making with her manufacturer will eventually be shipped out to different places. Transportation was key.
Since they were going to build their businesses there, it made sense for her to buy land there as well.
Lu Jiao looked at Zhao Lingfeng and said, "Then please keep an eye out for me. I want to buy at least 150 acres of land first for herbs."
Zhao Lingfeng nodded, "Okay, I'll look around for you. If there are any opportunities, I'll inform you."
"Okay."
Afterward, the group started to chat about the three manufacturers they planned on building. Zhao Lingfeng started the discussion by describing his initial ideas and asked Lu Jiao for her thoughts.
Zhao Lingfeng's plan was to buy 80 acres of land first in preparation. Lu Jiao upped that figure to 160. Her thought was that they may expand to other businesses and it would be better to get more land.
Zhao Lingfeng agreed right away after Lu Jiao spoke her thoughts. He indicated that he would start to prepare for this while Lu Jiao stated that he would draw out the plans for the oil press.
After everything was discussed and agreed upon, Lu Jiao got ready to leave. Zhao Lingfeng then gave her the contract that now had the government's stamp of approval, "This is our partnership agreement. I've gotten it stamped at the county office. Keep it safe."
Lu Jiao took it with respect. This involved her future assets. She read the agreement and discovered that Zhao Lingfeng had named the three businesses. The oil mill will be called Lu's Oil Mill. The cosmeceutical store will be called Jiao's Cosmetics. As for the pharmacy, it will be named Mingren Pharmacy.