Waiting until the salted peanuts were perfectly boiled, Lin Qingwan decreased the flame slightly. She let them simmer for a while before completely extinguishing the flame.

Lin Qingwan then snuggled on kang along with Yang Tiezhu, the two of them being lovey-dovey with each other. On the side, she let the salted peanuts sit in the pot for another 2 shichens. Anyway, they weren't complicated and didn't need much attention.

时辰 (shíchen): 2 hours ( one of the 12 two-hour periods of the day)

In the afternoon, Yao-shi and Yang Tiegen returned home and let Lin Qingwan know that the 200 jin of meat they had bought had all been used up. Now that Laweixian was selling quite well, this 200 jin would be sold in just five days.

The third branch's husband and wife returned to their rooms to rest. After a while, Yao-shi found that Lin Qingwan was cooking in the kitchen when they got up.

Yao-shi walked over and snatched the spatula from Lin Qingwan's hand, "I'll do, I'll do, you go and sit there."

Lin Qingwan gave a hollow smile, "I'm merely pregnant, nothing much…"

Yao-shi pushed her out, "The fetus tends to be unstable in the first trimester. It's good to be careful. I will do the cooking. You go and take a rest."

Lin Qingwan touched her nose and honestly walked out. Thinking of something, she turned around and ladled a half bowl of peanuts before walking out.

These two girls, Yang Erniu and Yang Sanniu, were busy playing at the corner of the kang, while Yang Tiegen was sitting on a small stool.

Ever since Yang Tiegen had stopped doing odd jobs, the third branch stayed in their room itself and only came to the second branch when it was time to eat.

Lin Qingwan placed the salted peanuts on the kang table and let the two girls take a few before holding the bowl to Yang Tiezhu and Yang Tiegen and had them take them as well.

"Try and see how they taste?"

Upon tasting it, Yang Tiezhu and Yang Tiegen both found it savory. Usually, they only eat raw ones every now and then or roasted ones from the town. However, they tasted usual and peanut-like. But the ones Lin Qingwan made had some special and unique taste, making the two find it novel and delicious.

Lin Qingwan, too, deshelled one for herself. After tasting it, she also found them good. The peanuts bought by Yang Tiegen were round and weren't shriveled. Not to mention her cooking skills were also pretty good. Lin Qingwan found these peanuts to be tastier than the ones she made in her past life. She wasn't sure if it was her misconception, but she felt the ingredients that went into it were good, and this might be one of the factors.

"I'm planning on selling these to restaurants in the town, along with Laweixian. What do you think?"

After a moment of contemplation, Yang Tiezhu replied, "This should go well with alcoholic drinks."

Yang Tiegen also nodded.

"Third brother, you just happen to go to the town to deliver the goods tomorrow, right? Take the rest of these too to Man Fu House, Zui Xian Restaurant, and Fu Yuan Restaurant for trial. Tell the restaurant managers that these cost 20 wen per jin. But this time we won't charge any payments. In case the results turn out pretty good, then we will proceed with the transaction on a payment basis."

Yang Tiegen acquiesced.

20 wen was not expensive. They bought these peanuts for 10 wen per jin. Not counting the salt and other condiments used, the profits earned for a jin would be 10 wens. However, the weight of boiled peanuts would be much more than the raw ones. Lin Qingwan reckoned that after boiling, in the end, the weight of those 5 jin peanuts bought by Yang Tiegen would approximately increase by 2-3 jin.

Post-supper, after Yao-shi washed the cutleries, the third branch's members retired to their room.

As Lin Qingwan was unable to sleep, she took out a fabric, intending to make a thick cloak for herself. Here, the wind was extremely piercing. No matter how thickly she dressed herself, she would still be frigid cold when she went out. But wearing a cloak would be different. With a hood over her head, she could guard herself against the chilly breeze.

However, Lin Qingwan didn't dare to make it too conspicuous. Thus she picked a jujube-red colored fabric. The color shade would be darker, and after draping over her shoulders, it would seem like she was wearing an oversized, big cotton-padded jacket.

Thinking that she wanted to do embroidery, Yang Tiezhu initially refused his wife from doing so. Later, he consented only when Lin Qingwan told him that she wasn't embroidering but was making a cloak for herself.

Lin Qingwan had only cut the fabric and stitched a few stitches when sleep enshrouded her. She let out a yawn, put down the fabric in her hand, wrapped herself into the quilts, and sunk into the sea of slumber.

She also didn't know what was wrong with her. Perhaps it was the cold weather, or perhaps it was due to pregnancy, but she always felt drowsy.

When she was making salted peanuts, she had taken a nap in between. It hadn't been long, yet she felt sleepy again.

True to Lin Qingwan's expectations, salted peanuts sold pretty well in the town. After the three restaurants successfully sold all the salted peanuts Lin Qingwan had sent them, the three ordered in different quantities depending on how the sales were in their respective restaurants.

Although salted peanuts didn't make as high a profit as Laweixian. But, even mosquito legs had meat*. Lin Qingwan didn't disdain these mosquito legs one bit. Especially in the current situation where she was very destitute.

*Something is better than nothing.

Meanwhile, Yang-shi also arranged enough grains for Lin Qingwan and others during this period. These were all accumulated from collecting grains from several households with few excess grains. Yang-shi had bought them with silver from them. Everyone was clear about the price, so there was no room for saying anything.

Yang-shi's sudden action of buying a lot of food grains, naturally, piqued many villagers' curiosity. After all, Yang-shi had farms under her name, which she usually gave to others for cultivation on lease. And every year, as a rent, she receives a certain quantity of food grains. Thus, Yang-shi had never been short of food.

And, of course, Yang-shi would not conceal it when asked by others. After all, she, too, found her younger brother and his wife's actions sickening and was seething with ire. Thus, she straightforwardly divulged the matter to others without covering up for the two.

Upon hearing the ins and outs of the matter, others suddenly realized the situation. But at the same time, they couldn't help but spurn Yang laoyezi and his wife.

The matter regarding Yang jia suddenly splitting up had resulted in quite a bit of rumor spreading around the village. Thus, most of the villagers were aware of why Yang jia split up and how Yang laoer and Yang laosan's families were separated.

老二 (lǎo'èr): second-eldest child in a family

老三 (lǎosān): third-eldest child in a family

But, this was someone else's family matter, and it wouldn't be good for them to interfere. Thus, they could only comment about it behind their back.

There was a heresy that when the Yang jia split up, they didn't give any food grains to their sons. And now, it hasn't been a month yet since the separation, yet they asked their son to give the next year's support in advance. Even though the Daxi dynasty heavily emphasized filial piety, the villagers felt the old couple had gone too far. After all, everyone was aware of the circumstances in which Yang Tiezhu and Yang Tiegen had to separate from the family. They were practically swept out of the family, with minimal house and 2 mu of land. Apart from this, not even a single grain was given to them.

亩 (mǔ): classifier for fields/unit of area equal to one-fifteenth of a hectare

Upon hearing this, everyone shook their heads one after the other. However, as an outsider, it wasn't right to interfere in other's family matters. After all, the father and mother have only sought their sons to ask for elderly support, which is—heaven's law and earth's principle—right and proper. But in private, the villagers couldn't help but condemn the old couple for being unethical and force their sons as such. Aren't they worried that if they cross the line in such a way, there wouldn't be no one to look after them?!

Upon hearing this comment, the person next to him added that the old couple still had two sons. But the people who were acutely aware of the inside story sneered in response, "Just those two, heh… you see, ah, with Yang laoer and Yang laosan's branches separated, in the future Yang jia would be very lively".

Yang Tiegen visited Yang-shi's place and carried all the grains back to the house and, without delay, handed over the two families' food grains and silver to He-shi.

Relief washed over He-shi's heart as soon as she received the food and silver. After He received the silver and food, he felt at ease. This time, not only did she wouldn't have to sell the grains in exchange for silver, but she also had enough silver in her hand.

Feeling over the moon, He-shi happily prepared the engagement gifts to be sent to Feng jia and agreed with them to have the marriage done at the start of the new year. However, all of these matters were irrelevant to Lin Qingwan and the others.

Furthermore, this while, Elder sister Yang visited again along with her kids.

The entire family, big and small, were all attired in tattered cotton-padded clothes; their complexions sallow and emaciated. He-shi personally received Elder Sister Yang and the group and invited them into the house.

Detecting the loud noises outside, Lin Qingwan opened the door and peeked out to see Elder Sister Yang returning yet again.

At that time, Yao-shi was also in the second branch's room. Seeing this, Yao-shi filled Lin Qingwan in regarding Elder Sister Yang's visit every winter and on her stay here for a while.

Though Yao-shi's words were implicit, Lin Qingwan could nevertheless conjecture the reason behind Eldest Sister Yang's visit. If not for anything else, at the least, the eldest sister could save firewood and rice. Or perhaps, it could also be to coax elderly couple and elicit sympathy from them for her children, benefiting one or two sets of clothing in the passing.

But, Lin Qingwan sometimes couldn't understand the thoughts of Elder Sister Yang's husband's family. To regularly send their daughter-in-law to her natal family in such a manner. Of course, it might also be possible that her husband's family weren't the ones making her do so rather it was Elder Sister Yang herself who came back on her own accord. But, if any other married woman returns to her natal family, with a flock of kids in tow, regularly, it's hard for people to not speculate that this might be her husband's family's idea.

Nonetheless, these matters held no significance to Lin Qingnwan. Thus, they didn't know if Eldest Sister Yang got her wish fulfilled this time.

Though Lin Qingwan regarded this matter as inconsequential, others didn't share her sentiments.

It was unknown what He-shi said to Elder Sister Yang, but she visited their room the same afternoon. Initially, she went to the third branch's room to meet them, but there was no one in the room. Reckoning that they might be in the second branch's room, she marched to this room.

At this time, the second branch's room was packed with people. As it was daytime, the door wasn't bolted. Anyway, with the thick curtain and the lightly closed door, the room's interior wouldn't be visible from outside.

Apparently, Eldest Sister was quite riled up, for she pushed open the door with a bang.

The moment she burst in, all eyes in the room fell onto her.

At this time, Yang Tiezhu, Lin Qingwan, Yao-shi, and the two little kids were all crowded on the kang, casually conversing while snacking on peanuts. But, such an abrupt loud noise froze all of their smiles and words, resembling a frozen TV screen.

Lin Qingwan's face sank, for she too was unaware what sort of expression she should have when facing this person.

Fortunately, Elder Sister Yang solved this dilemma of hers.

She didn't target anyone else rather she strode right up to Yang Tiezhu as she opened her mouth.

"Laoer, what's up with you? You actually made a ruckus and separated from the family just for the sake of a woman? Laosan, you too? You both are men, but are you being controlled by women?" Though her words were addressed to Yang Tiezhu, they were aimed at Lin Qingwan and Yao-shi.

Yao-shi was apoplectic with rage, unable to formulate any refute. However, Lin Qingwan was certainly not one to suffer losses.

Tossing the peanut husks in her hands onto the kang table, she refuted, "Later on, don't go on saying that your dimei's words are unpleasant. But before you march up to someone and criticize them, you had better go back and get a clear idea of the situation first. Don't just charge into others' rooms without knowing what is happening. We are unable to understand what your words mean."

弟妹 (dìmèi) : younger brother's wife

Elder Sister Yang was anything but a virtuous person. Usually, she might appear pitiful in the presence of the elderly couple, but when treating others, she had no patience. Besides, in her heart, her two younger brothers were her juniors and thought she could speak whatever she wished, let alone her younger brothers' wives.

"Why are you interrupting when I'm speaking with your husband?" Elder Sister Yang narrowed her eyes, disdain evident on her face.

Truthfully speaking, she was slightly scared of going against Lin Qingwan. The one time she went against her, she suffered a setback. She might as well suppress Yang Tiezhu, for she still had a grasp of this younger brother of hers.

However, the times have changed. Yang Tiezhu was also not silent and obedient to his family now in contrast to his former self. Particularly now, when his wife was pregnant and wasn't allowed to get angry. "Eldest sister, for whatever you had to say, my reply is the same as my wife's: before criticizing others, you had better go back and get a clear idea of the situation first. Don't just charge into others' rooms without knowing what is going on. We are unable to understand what your words mean."

At that moment, Elder Sister Yang was put on the spot. Her face turned livid from fury.

"Laoer, how come you have become like this? Are you so bewitched by this vixen that you are even disregarding our parents now?! What is this sl*t is regarded as that she, a woman bought from outside, is riding over your head?" She spat out with her shrill voice.

You are the vixen, you are the sl*t, your whole family is!

Initially, Lin Qingwan intended to sit back languidly and let her man vent her anger for her. But after being cursed by Elder Sister Yang, she couldn't sit relaxed anymore. Without any utterances, she directly lifted the quilt and got off from the kang.

Just as Yang Tiezhu was thinking about refuting his elder sister, his wife's movements startled him. He quickly moved to stop her, fearing that any big movements might affect fetus's stability.

"Wife, ignore her. I am fine with you riding roughshod over me. "

Yang Tiezhu's words instantly amused Lin Qingwan. Nevertheless, she sent him a glare as she swatted his hand away and steadily got off from the kang by herself.

After stepping off, she walked over to Elder Sister Yang.

Seeing her aggressive appearance, Elder Sister Yang was startled, unable to understand what she was up to. Consequently, this resulted in the scene where one stepped forward while the other retreated a step back. Lin Qingwan was forced out of the door in a blink of an eye.

She accidentally tripped over the small flight of steps and staggered as she stepped out.

"What are you up to?" Elder Sister Yang raised her neck and questioned fiercely akin to a sheep in a wolf's clothing.

色厉内荏 (sè lì nèi rěn): lit. show strength while weak inside (idiom); appearing fierce while cowardly at heart / a sheep in wolf's clothing

"I am not up to anything. I merely want to say that—when you marched right into my room and cursed me as a sl*t—can't I kick you out?" Lin Qingwan had regarded herself as an elegant lady. Thus, she can't do something very unlady-like, like exchanging blows with others. Let alone now when she was even pregnant.

But just because she had thought so wouldn't mean others also shared her sentiments. Frightened, Yang Tiezhu and Yao-shi quickly got down from the kang to stop her, dreading that Lin Qingwan might begin quarreling with Elder Sister Yang in her anger. Black lines* appeared on Lin Qingwan's face. Could it be that she gives such an impression usually? That can't be; her outer appearance obviously depicts gentleness, elegance, and virtuousness, ah!

(Not sure what this means. But I think she is slightly stupefied at their actions. As in this picture, though they are blue….)

As soon as Elder Sister Yang saw Yang Tiegen stride out, she yelled, "Lao'er, see how your wife is. She actually wanted to fight with me."

Upon hearing the commotion outside, everyone from the main room ran out. He-shi, Wang-shi, even Yang laoyezi, and several kids ran out. Yang Tieshuan was nowhere to be seen. Don't know whether he went to look for some temporary job or ran somewhere to play. Yang Xuezhang, who always let any matter drift unless they personally affected him, was also not present. Anyway, he was never one to go where the crowds were, and it was unlikely for him to mingle with them. After all, he was indeed a so-called 'scholar'.

Both sides were afraid to make a move. However, Lin Qingwan was very calm and composed.

She shook her finger in denial to Elder Sister Yang's earlier words while innocence gleamed on her face.

"Eldest sister, currently, I am pregnant. Why would I be crazy to go and have a fight with you?!"

Now, it was Elder Sister Yang's turn to have a face full of black lines. 'If not for fighting, then for whatever reason are you acting as such?' — A miniature figure in her heart couldn't help but roar!

When Elder Sister Yang saw a crowd of people around her, she felt her back straighten. Initially, she had run here to help the elderly couple vent their anger and win their favor in passing. Now it was perfect. She could just go in flow according to the current situation.

She didn't bother wrangling with Lin Qingwan anymore. Rather, she directly aimed at Yang Tiezhu once again.

"Laoer, you tell me. It just happens that our father and mother are also here. You tell me, just because of a…." initially, she almost let out a sl*t, but recalling the current situation, she quickly modified her words, "Just because of a woman, you don't want your parents anymore."

Over there, don't know what kinds of thoughts were brewing in the minds of He-shi and the group, for, unexpectedly, no one stepped out to stop Elder Sister Yang's words.

Lin Qingwan was overwhelmed with fury yet found the situation laughable. Good! Since you are itching for a skirmish, then let's have one.

"Elder sister, are you perhaps mistaken? Didn't I just ask you to get a clear idea of the situation before criticizing us? It is not that my family's Tiezhu doesn't want his parents…." Although in their hearts, they indeed harbor such thoughts regarding separation, on the outside, they were nevertheless 'victims' here, alright? "….Rather, it's the family, who disdain my family's Tiezhu for having a crippled arm and wanted to sweep us out, okay?"

The moment these words rolled out of Lin Qingwan's mouth, Yang laoyezi, who was standing in the main room and looking at the situation outside, also became flustered, let alone He-shi.

He-shi thickened her face to look calm and hauled Elder Sister Yang back to the main room.

But, Lin Qingwan was unwilling to let them brush off this incident just like that. Why? Because, later on, every time they felt unpleasant in their hearts, wouldn't they run here to make a commotion. In such a case, how would they be able to live comfortably?

Lin Qingwan, donning a woeful expression, wiped her non-existent tears.

"We are, after all, only juniors. If our elders want us to go out, what can we say? Since they despise us, we can only oblige honestly to their wishes and get out. How can we stubbornly keep staying at home and annoy them? "Her sobbing voice gave off a desolate and grievous feeling.

"Mother asked us to not come back even if we had to live off of chaff and wild herbs. Mother, don't worry, we will surely not burden the family…."

He-shi's old face froze, utterly dumbfounded. When did this old lady ever speak such words, ah? However, she herself couldn't be certain if she had spoken such words or not. Because that tone completely resembled her way of speaking, thus she was unable to spell out any words of refute.

Upon hearing this, Yang laoyezi, too, didn't doubt the source of these words wasn't his wife. Even Wang-shi didn't doubt even a bit. Because He-shi had the record of such instances. Furthermore, such heartless words were truly something He-shi would say. Wang-shi could even imagine the scene in her mind—He-shi, with hands-on her waist, squinted her triangular-shaped eyes as she spat, "You two trashes, quickly roll out of here for this old lady. In the future, even if you had to survive on nothing but chaff and wild herbs, don't implicate the rest of us… "

Lin Qingwan had beautifully poured a load of sh*t on He-shi's head. And the key point here was that He-shi had no chance but to accept this bucket full of sh*t, because everyone, including herself, believed that these words were spoken by her .

As Yang laoyezi remained standing by the main room door, dark clouds enshrouded his face.

"That's why, eldest sister—" Raising her voice, Lin Qingwan yelled to the staggering back of Elder Sister Yang, who was being hauled by He-shi, "You shouldn't say that we are unfilial, ah. Father and mother, be at ease. In the future, even if we have nothing but chaff and wild herbs to eat, we will certainly not burden the family. After all, we have already separated. "The implicit meaning being—in future if you have nothing but chaff and wild herbs to eat, that time, you also must not burden us.

Since the separation, this was the first time Yang laoyezi had spoken with the second branch. He had a long face; don't know whether he was ashamed into anger or if he was simply sad.

"Laoer, still not helping your wife in. Aren't you afraid the fetus might get affected?"

Lin Qingwan walked in without waiting for Yang Tiezhu to help her in. What's more, her man could not 'take' her into the room. Anyway, what she wanted to say, she had already said. She didn't want to remain outside and suffer in the cold wind.

Yang Tiezhu helped her while entering the door as if he were guarding an esteemed master. As soon as she entered the room, she burst into laughter.

Yao-shi also chuckled, "Second sao, you are awesome! That group of people was all rendered speechless."

"It ought to be like this. They were the ones who did such an ugly deed. Yet now they wish for Elder Sister Yang to come and make trouble here. Seriously? Where does such a good thing exist in this world?"

"Well, whatever Wanwan said was correct, now don't let this matter exasperate you and affect your health."

Lin Qingwan once again glanced at Yang Tiezhu, "Hurry up and get on the kang, don't pull your injury."

Not to mention the reactions of everyone here in the second branch and the ones in the main room, Elder Sister Yang seemed to have been severely reprimanded by He-shi upon returning. And, the very next day, she was driven out of the house by He-shi.

However, this forcible departure of Elder Sister Yang was not only because she had provoked Lin Qingwan, but also because currently, He-shi wanted to save the food at home as much as possible, ah!

Day by Day, the weather was getting chillier and chillier. A few days ago, there was even a snowfall, which only stopped at noon the previous day. A thick layer of snow blanketed the entire ground. Fortunately, there wasn't any snowfall today.

In the morning, after waking up, Lin Qingwan opened the door and squeezed her head out, only to be pushed back in by the frigid cold breeze outside. Abandoning her idea of going outside to have fresh air, she turned around and went back onto the kang.

However, no matter how cold it was outside, Lin Qingwan and the others couldn't stop making Laweixian either.

Thus began exhausting days where everyone arduously worked every day. As soon as Yang Tiegen saw the deteriorating weather and snowfall outside, he went to Yang-shi's place and built a snow-proof shed in the backyard. Dreading that inviting a carpenter from outside might lead to the spread of gossip, Yang Tiegen had to do the entire matter by himself, with Yang-shi and Yao-shi supporting him from the side.

It took them a full two days to make a simple shack, exhausting everyone to death. Soon after, they again began to prepare Laweixian to deliver it to the restaurants.

It was only yesterday that they managed to finish, and everyone could finally take a breather.

This while, seeing that everyone was busy, Lin Qingwan wanted to help them a bit but was asked by Yang-shi and the third branch to not meddle in. Because, for one, the weather outside was cold and the road was slippery. And two, Lin Qingwan was pregnant now. If, by chance, any untoward happened, the gains won't make up for losses.

With no other choice, Lin Qingwan could only remain indoors, cook meals for everyone, and do other trivial chores. Feeling apologetic for them, Lin Qingwan decided to double the dividends of Yang-shi and the third branch.

Yang-shi and the third branch couple were against it. But Lin Qingwan was adamant in her decision as she said if they refused it, she would not make laweixian anymore. Ever since Lin Qingwan had asked Yang Tiegen to deal with the outside affairs, he was the one doing all that. And all the inside affairs were done by Yao-shi and Yang-shi, while she became a mere arm-flinging shopkeeper, making her feel very apologetic and embarrassed. Now that the business was booming, she, an arm-flinging shopkeeper, was just sitting back and taking a greater share of profits while they were tiring themselves to death from overwork only to gain little profit. Thus she had always wanted to increase their dividends. Because, for one, she could be at ease after being fair. And two, they were not outsiders. If she didn't do anything in return, she wouldn't be able to eat and sleep with a relaxed mind.

甩手掌柜 (shuǎi shǒu zhǎng guì):lit. arm-flinging shopkeeper / fig. sb who asks others to work but does nothing himself

After a few rounds of persuasion, the third branch finally gave in. However, because they felt they were receiving a lot of dividends, the third branch's couple became even more motivated and diligent. Yang Tiegen even mastered the art of shopping around. After running to various pork sellers, he finally found a pork seller who agreed to sell at a minimal price. Furthermore, he even ran to other two small restaurants and successfully made a deal with them by himself.

货比三家 (huò bǐ sān jiā): the idiom usually means compare to different offers and buying carefully.

The result was immensely satisfactory and heartening. Although the amount ordered by the two small restaurants was not much, the business with them became stable. The per-day sales volume of Laweixian, which was only around 30 jin in the beginning, now increased to a little over 40 jin. Thus now, every time they prepared a batch of Laweixian, buying just a hundred jin of pork was no longer sufficient, and they had to buy several hundred jin of pork. Now they had a steady supply of pork too. Furthermore, they didn't have to go to the town to make a purchase every time. Rather the pork seller himself delivered the meat to the door.

Of course, to avoid other villagers getting wind of their business, they explained their issue to the pork seller. Every time he made deliveries, he would disguise himself. Furthermore, coupled with the snow and cold weather, there was hardly any person on the roads. In this manner, Lin Qingwan and others secretly earned money from making Laweixian without anyone finding out.

He-shi and Wang-shi had seen the third branch's husband and wife go in and out of the house all day long. But these two didn't think much about it and merely thought they were going to Yang-shi's place to curry favor with her.

Lin Qingwan returned to the house and began stewing spare ribs Yang Tiegen had bought the previous day, intending to make a nice appetizing dish today for everyone for their hard work.

She also had Yang Tiegen call Yang-shi for lunch. With such cold weather outside, Yang-shi would have to cook all by herself in the home.

Yao-shi lifted open the curtain and walked in. This door curtain was made by Lin Qingwan swiftly. She had wadded this curtain with a thick layer of cotton to guard against the cold breeze outside. Seeing its effectiveness, making the room warm and cozy, Yao-shi planned to make one for herself as well.

Fortunately for them, now their third branch was doing business with the second branch with Laweixian. Although the money they earned was not as much as Lin Qingwan, nevertheless, it was plenty. They could afford this cloth and cotton with ease.

While Lin Qingwan and Yao shi were occupied in the kitchen, Yang Erniu and Yang Sanniu came in, peeked a glance, and ran out again to play.

The snow out seemed to have given birth to burning enthusiasm within the kids. The two girls ran outside the yard and joined a group of kids to play in the snow. Seeing two kids' enthusiasm and glee, Yao-shi could only dress the two warmly before sending them out.

Truthfully, Lin Qingwan was also itching to join them, but—

Glancing at her stomach, she could only helplessly suppress her urge to play a snowball fight. Besides, even if she went out to play, those little kids would be disinclined to play with her.

She transformed the little indignance she was feeling for being unable to have a snowball fight into appetite. Thus, Lin Qingwan decided that she would not only make a spare ribs stew but also fry them.

Sweet and sour spare ribs—one of her favorite dishes in her past life…cough cough…

Once she was done cooking rice, Lin Qingwan began making sweet and sour spare ribs.

The recipe was quite simple. Just chop the ribs into small pieces, and add vinegar, soy sauce, and wine into them. Since cooking wine wasn't available here, Lin Qingwan added a little homemade wine. Finally, she added an adequate amount of salt and marinated them for about fifteen minutes. Afterward, she heated oil in a pan and stir-fried the ribs till they turned golden brown before scooping them out. In the same pan and oil, she added a bit of water and vinegar. When this mixture came to boil, she added a bit of sugar and allowed them to simmer until they turned viscous. While cooking, she made sure to constantly stir the mixture, lest they stick to the bottom of the pan.

Once the syrup was boiled to an optimal degree, she added the fried ribs into the pan and stirred them, allowing the sweet and sour sauce to evenly coat around the ribs. While continuously stirring the pan, she also added some soy sauce and salt simultaneously. She once again gave everything a good mix and let it cook for a few minutes. The dish was then ready to serve.

She served it in a dish and placed it on the table. Its bright red color, appetizing appearance, sweet and sour flavor not only won Lin Qingwan's palate but also the two little girls' as they cheerfully sang praises for it as children would naturally prefer sweet things. The rest of the people also tasted it but found it too sweet for their palate. Thus, this dish became the two little girls' and Lin Qingwan's 'exclusive' during lunch.

During the meal, with a smile, Yang-shi announced that her son, Daicheng, would be coming back for the new year along with his wife and children.

Lin Qingwan had never met Yang-shi's son. Yang-shi, too, has not mentioned him much. When she and Yang Tiezhu married, Yang-shi said that her son, Dacheng, won't be able to return for the marriage due to the store being quite busy.

At that time, Yang-shi had stuffed a silver hairpin into her trunk, saying that it was a congratulatory present from her son. She wanted to decline it, but Yang-shi adamantly insisted and gave it to her.

This time, upon hearing that Yang-shi's son was returning, Lin Qingwan and Yag Tiezhu both were quite elated.

As a kid, Yang Tiezhu would often visit Yang-shi's place and was naturally quite familiar with Yang-shi's son, Xia Dacheng. However, as Xia Dacheng was ten years older than Yang Tiezhu, he left for work when Yang Tiezhu was only seven years old. Thus, the times the two had met weren't many. Nonetheless, Xia Dacheng was truly quite good to Yang Tiezhu and always regarded him as his biological younger brother.

After lunch, Yang-shi left, saying that she still had to clean the house. Lin Qingwan and Yao-shi offered her their help, but Yang-shi refused with a smile, brushing it off as a trivial chore, "What's there to help, just a small matter, I will clean it in the afternoon itself. "The two thus dropped the subject.

A few of them gathered in the second branch in the afternoon and put on a fire pan to warm themselves while chit-chatting. Lin Qingwan also grabbed a few handfuls and roasted a few peanuts for the two girls to eat. Seeing them happy, she also brought over a few sweet potatoes and roasted them as well.

In the Daxi dynasty, both sweet potatoes and potatoes were found. Lin Qingwan remembered reading a few time-travel novels in a previous life, in which the female leads introduced sweet potatoes and potatoes in that era and became rich. However, Luoxia village already has them, and almost every household grew them in their families. Once Lin Qingwan saw these two familiar things here, she could only give out a hollow laugh, inwardly thinking that another gold finger was destroyed.

Since they ate peanuts and baked sweet potatoes in the afternoon, their dinner at night was light. Yao-shi simply heated the rest over spare ribs from noon and stir-fried a few vegetables. After a simple meal, everyone retired to their rooms.

A carriage was unhurriedly advancing through the official road Huaihe County to Luoyun Town.

Seated in it were four people: One was a middle-aged man, who was lying in the carriage with thick quilts under him. Another one was a woman of more or less the same age as the middle-aged man. She was continuously observing the man's facial expression attentively. Prepared to have the carriage driver go slower if he showed even a trace of pain. Among the other two, one was a youth, and the other was a young girl. Their age didn't seem to be much; the young man seemed to be 13-14 years old, while the young girl seemed to be only 10 years old.

These four people in the carriage were precisely the ones for whose arrival Yang-shi had been looking forward—her son, Xia Dacheng, and his family. At this moment, the four of them were on their way back to their old house.

"Daddy, is it still painful?" Xia Dacheng's youngest daughter, Xia Lanju, asked.

At this moment, Xia Dacheng's appearance cut an extremely sorry figure, with merely skin and bones, his complexion was extremely sickly.

"Daddy isn't feeling pain. Ju'er be good for a little longer. We will be home soon." Xia Dacheng weakly comforted his slightly terrified daughter.

Compared to Xia Lanju, Xia Dacheng's eldest son, Xia Hongzhi, was much calmer. Although his eyes were filled with uneasiness and seemed to be slightly muddled, the panic wasn't evident on his face.

After all, this year, he was 14 years old, much older than Xia Lanju. Moreover, he was a boy and has matured a lot. Not to mention, Xia Lanju was only 10 years old; for her to be able to endure now without breaking into tears was already a courageous feat.

Xia Dacheng, who was supposed to be full of mettle, falling into such a plight was beyond anyone's expectations. Even Xian Dacheng himself hadn't anticipated such an outcome.

He couldn't be compared to the kids of those wealthy families. However, as a kid born in a peasant's household in a village, he had managed to gradually climb up to an assistant shop manager. One had to say, the energy Xia Dacheng had invested was multiple-folds more than others. It wasn't something an ordinary person could achieve.

Perhaps in Huaihe county, his ability couldn't be regarded as much. However, in Luoxia town, or even in the surrounding ten li and eight villages, not a single person was able to attain his level. When mentioning Xian Dacheng, which villager hadn't praised this young man for being astounding. A mere man from a village with no background yet was able to mingle with the people to that stage. This wasn't something they could dare to imagine.

里 (lǐ): li, an ancient measure of length, approx. 500 m

十里八乡 (shí lǐ bā xiāng): 10 li and 8 villages, a large area

However, neither could any of them even imagine that Xia Dacheng could cut such a sorry figure.

Overnight, the owner of the store changed. The owner's several di and shu born sons vied against each other, implicating the subordinates under them in the process. At that time, he was promoted by the store's general manager based on his skill. Thus, naturally, he always followed all the instructions of the general manager. However, this was also the very reason that Xian Dacheng was implicated.

嫡 (dí): di means legitimate, a child born from the official wife

庶 (shù): born of a concubine

This general manager worked for di son, who was the owner of the shop at that time. But recently, this di son passed away from an illness. As for whether he truly passed away from an illness or because of some other cause was not something they, mere subordinates, could be aware of. They were only aware that the owner of the store had changed. Among the fight between the di and shu sons, a shu son emerged victoriously.

When immortals fought, the ones who suffered were the mortals. The same is the fate of Xia Dacheng and his immediate superior, the store's general manager.

It was justifiable that when the owner changes, naturally, he would like to insert his own people under him, replacing the previous employees. However, that shu son's means were too ruthless, for he actually wanted to eradicate everyone. It was unknown what sort of strategy he had used. But in the end, he reported Xia Dacheng and general manager in the county yamen, for bringing the store to losses. He had even produced a pile of evidence, proving them guilty.

衙门 (yámen): government office in feudal China/yamen

Xia Dacheng and that shop manager were imprisoned right away.

One certainly can't admit to something they hadn't done.

However, if the other person wants to fix you, can you protest?

After getting tossed in prison for a while, the general manager couldn't endure any longer in his old age and passed away. Xia Dacheng was grief-stricken and heartbroken, feeling extremely resentful. However, such emotions were of little use. If crying out one's injustices was useful, if one's grief and indignation were useful, then there wouldn't be any injustices at all in this world. And even the general manager wouldn't have to pass away in such a fashion.

Before passing away, the general manager advised Xia Dacheng to quickly plead guilty, for he wouldn't be able to bear it any longer and couldn't make it. Usually, in cases as this, where an employee had lost the funds, once the perpetrator pleads guilty, he would be punished with a penalty and flogged with a few hits. Furthermore, with his, the mastermind of this incident, passing away, Xia Dacheng won't be implicated much.

Saving one's life in exchange for some silver wasn't bad.

As for reputation? Who cared about his reputation when a person was about to be tossed to death?

Actually, the general manager had already figured it out and intended to admit his guilt. But, his old bones were unable to bear any longer. At the least, he didn't want to see Xia Dacheng, who he had personally promoted, to be trampled upon. The character 'official'* has two mouths. Since the other person had received money to fix them up, they could only wait in jail to die if they didn't admit their guilt. From where would mere managers like them, who only work under someone else, have the background to compete with them.

From my meager understanding of Chinese, what I deciphered is that this phrase's meaning is literal. Character official '官' has two mouths ( 口 ) in it if you had observed. Metaphorically it may mean that the words of officials are unreliable and changeable. If I am wrong, please feel free to correct me.

Thus, Xia Dacheng pleaded guilty. Consequently, he was sentenced to 20 hits with big planks to compensate for the losses inculcated to the store. Since the general manager had already passed away, and Xia Dacheng, an assistant manager, was a mere accomplice, he was fined 200 silver taels.

Xia Dacheng's monthly salary was but a few silver taels. Although, as a manager, he did have other additional income and saved a lot of silver these years; however, there were four people in the family. Furthermore, they were living in the county, and his eldest son was studying. Thus, his entire savings didn't amount to much. This astronomical amount of 200 silver taels made him lose his entire family wealth.

Even if he had lost his entire wealth, he could still start anew. But the new owner here was extremely malicious. Not only did he make him lose his entire wealth, but he also made him unable to continue in this field of work. Now, no one would dare to hire him, who had allegedly lost money at his previous workforce.

Xia Dacheng's wife was but an ordinary woman, without any connections or means. She could only try her utmost to bribe the jailer and visit Xia Dacheng twice. Then later, after the verdict was passed, when even after selling their house and pooling all the savings they had, the money wasn't enough, Zhou-shi had to sell all of her jewelry and valuables in the house. Only then was she able to gather 200 silver taels.

In exchange for Xia Dacheng with a body full of injuries, they lost their entire fortune. However, for Zhang-shi and the two children, this was better.

After all, a family without a man as a pillar is equivalent to hell.

After coming out of prison, Xia Dacheng was soon sent to the medical center to get treatment. Actually, there was no threat to Xia Dacheng's life. It was just that first he was tossed in prison, then was flogged twenty times. All of his wounds were just skin and flesh wounds and needed to slowly recuperate.

After paying the medical fee, Zhou-shi didn't have much left in her hands. After selling the small courtyard in which their family previously resided, Zhang-shi and the two kids stayed in a small inn. Now, they could not even afford to stay in the inn anymore.

Thus, Xia Dacheng, helpless, had no choice but to return to their old home in Luoxia village.

All these matters pertaining to Xia Dacheng were concealed from Yang-shi. Xia Dacheng was aware that his mother also could not do anything in this matter, and their family also didn't have any backing. Besides making his old mother worry over this matter, there wouldn't be any use to tell his mother about it. Thus, when Zhang-shi came to visit him in prison the first time, he asked her to not tell his mother.

But now, they could not hide it any longer. As long as they returned, the entire matter would inevitably be exposed. However, apart from returning to their village, they also didn't have any other alternative.

There wasn't much silver left in their hands, and they couldn't simply continue staying in the county hereafter. At the moment, they could only go back first, recuperate, and then think about what to do in the future.

Zhou-shi used the last bit of silver in her hands to hire a carriage to take them back to their hometown. Apart from their clothes, the family of four was practically empty-handed.

Xia Dacheng, who was lying in the carriage, felt extremely unresigned. But apart from accepting this misfortune as decreed by fate, he had no other choice. He was acutely aware that he would never have the opportunity to go back there again once he went back home this time. Recalling his ambitions and aspirations as a youth, a trace of mockery smile appeared on his face….

Peasants were merely peasants. No matter what sort of silk and satin they draped, their innate characteristic wouldn't be changed. A slight flip of the hand of a person with an influential background was enough to tumble them down, leaving them with a torn body and crushed bones. Perhaps it would be better for him to stay in his hometown from hereon. At the least, his wife and children wouldn't be implicated….

粉身碎骨 (fěn shēn suì gǔ):(idiom) lit. Torn body and crushed bones. fig. to die horribly / to sacrifice one's life

The carriage carrying the four people steadily drove them back to their hometown. However, their visage was devoid of joy and pride they usually had on their every arrival…..

By the time the carriage arrived at the Luoxia village, the night had already fallen. Xia Hongzhi first got down the carriage and shouted from the gates outside.

Dahei and Erhei, unfamiliar with him, began barking at him.

Yang-shi was just about to go to bed when she happened to hear someone yelling from the outside, followed by Dahei and Erhei's barks. Listening to this, she reckoned someone had come to look for her for some matter.

However, if it was an ordinary acquaintance, Dahei and Erhei wouldn't bark this fiercely.

After draping outer clothes, Yang-shi stepped out of the room. Only when she walked into the courtyard could she clearly hear her eldest grandson, Honzhi's voice.

"Is it Hongzhi?"

Xia Hongzhi replied from outside the yard, "Grandmother, it's me. We have returned. "

Yang-shi excitedly quickened her pace and opened the courtyard gates. There weren't any lights outside, apart from a faint light coming from a wind-resistant lamp hung on the side of the carriage. Upon hearing Yang-shi's voice, Zhou-shi too stepped down from the carriage before hugging her daughter, Xia Lanju, down as well.

As soon as she saw her mother-in-law, Yang-shi, Zhou-shi's eyes flooded with tears.

"Mother–"

This while, it had been very hard on Zhou-shi to be able to be adamantine. Her husband getting imprisoned had made her anxious to death to the point that her hair almost turned white. She didn't dare to let out the vulnerability she was feeling, dreading that it might beget panic within the children's hearts. Throughout the entire journey, she had been beside herself with apprehension. However, as soon as she saw her easy-going mother-in-law, she couldn't endure any longer.

Yang-shi hurriedly stepped forward to give her daughter-in-law a hug. "What happened? Why are you crying? Where's Dacheng?"

After crying a bit, Zhou-shi restrained her sobs, fearing that she might scare Yang-shi. She turned around to lift open the curtain and helped Xia Dacheng down along with the carriage driver's assistance.

Xia Dacheng's buttocks and back were seriously injured. Thus the two expended tremendous strength and care to cautiously help him down.

Nonetheless, even then, Xia Dacheng was tormented from shooting pain.

"Aiya, my child!" Yang-shi swiftly realized that the situation was anything but reassuring as soon as she saw this, and it wasn't time for her to break down. She hastened up to Xia Dacheng and supported him into the house. Xia Hongzi and Xia Lanju couldn't help them, so they silently walked to the carriage and collected their family's belongings.

The carriage driver had already received the fare in advance. Once he saw that his customers had safely been sent to their destination, he turned the carriage around left.

Entering the house, Yang-shi helped Xia Dacheng settle on the kang in the main room. This kang was where Yang-shi slept daily. Thus, its temperature was already warm and cozy. After asking her two grandkids if they had eaten anything, she headed to the kitchen to prepare something first for them, without asking about his son's injury.

Yang-shi made a big wok of noodles using mixed coarse cereals. Furthermore, she also extravagantly cracked a few eggs into it for her son, daughter-in-law, and grandkids to eat.

T/N: Here the Chinese term used for mixed cereals was 杂粮 (záliáng). Which usually refers to various minor coarse cereals other than five major crops (soybeans (豆), wheat (麦), broomcorn (黍), foxtail millet (稷), and rice). The mixed cereals include sorghum, millet, buckwheat, naked oats, naked barley, mung beans, kidney beans, fava beans, cowpea, lentils, job's tears, amaranth, and the likes. The same term was also used in chapter 44 part 1

Yang-shi was sharp-eyed. Even though she hadn't asked the children about it, and they haven't said anything, from her son, daughter-in-law, and grandkids' appearances, she could tell that she had suffered a huge ordeal.

Soon, piping hot noodles were served. The noodles were light yellow colored with chopped onions and two poached eggs sitting on top of the noodles in each bowl.

Zhou-shi and the kids had been starving for a long time. They had set off on the journey at noon and didn't have extra silver to have lunch. Hiring a horse carriage was expensive in and of itself. Additionally, their travel would extend into the night, increasing the price even higher. After paying the travel fare, the remaining bit of silver that Zhou-shi had in her hands was used to buy another pack of Xia Dacheng's medicine to take back home.

Zhou-shi brought a bowl of noodles over to Xia Dacheng, intending to feed him first. But Yang-shi took the bowl and went to feed her son, letting Zhou-shi eat her dinner first.

Zhou Shi and Xia Hongzhi both ate with relish. Only Xia Lanju found the dish unpalatable, as she found them a little rough when swallowing it.

Indeed they were rough. Most of the people in Luoxia village had coarse grains such as maize and sorghum as their staple food, for they were reluctant to eat refined grains and preferred to sell them. Although Yang-shi had a son who was earning well, she was frugal by nature. Thus, she usually ate a blend of coarse grains and refined grains. This time, when preparing the noodles dough, she specially added a bit more wheat flour. However, the noodles nevertheless had coarse grain flour in them and wouldn't be able to produce the taste that a wheat flour noodle gives.

Xia Dacheng and the family usually used refined grains in the county every day. How could they now get accustomed to eating coarse grains now? Every year when Xia Dacheng and his family visited here, Xia Lanju would find the food here unpalatable.

However, no matter how unpalatable it was, she still had to eat. Although Xia Lanju was only ten years old, she still understood the current situation at home was unlike that of the past. Their entire family might even never return to the county again and remain in the countryside forever, becoming a peasant that her friends in the county spoke of.

As such thoughts flashed through her brain, tears began to trickle from the eyes of the ten-year-old little girl. Fearing that her parents might discover it, she dared not utter a sound as only tears flooded out.

Xia Hongzhi was seated opposite his younger sister while he was eating noodles. Seeing her younger sister silently weep, he caressed her head. In his heart, he resolved to study hard in the future and take his entire family to the county again.

No matter how mature a 13-14-year-old kid was for his age, his thinking process was nevertheless simple and straightforward. The only way for a person from the rural side and without any background to advance forward was the imperial examination. But the path of the imperial examination wasn't easy. Thus, this kid, Xia Hongzhi, still has a very long way to go in the future.

On this side, Yang-shi fed her son noodles. When she watched her son wince while taking a bite, her eyes welled up with tears.

"Dacheng, my child, what terrible sin have you done for you to be in such a mess?"

Xia Dacheng let out a smile. But on his pale and weak face, it seemed unsightly.

"Mother, I'm fine. After I am done eating, I will explain it to you in detail."

Truthfully speaking, Xia Dacheng didn't know what to say to his mother. He was worried that she might find him someone unworthy of respect after he narrated everything to her. He was acutely aware that his mother certainly wouldn't think as such. However, returning home after a long time in such dire straits inevitably made one feel embarrassed and humiliated.

Yang-shi wiped her tears and silently fed her son without any utterances.

Post supper, Yang-shi arranged a room for the two children to settle down. After doing so, she walked back to the main room and sat in front of the kang, intending to listen to her son explain the ins and outs of the matter.

Glancing at Yang-shi's appearance, Xia Dacheng understood that he wouldn't be able to keep her in the dark anymore. It was impossible to hide it from the outset. Thus, he began retelling the recent happenings in detail without omitting anything.

'Pei!' While listening, Yang-shi couldn't help but curse at the malicious owner. Nevertheless, Yang-shi was clearly aware that in this matter, the best they could do was just curse him to relieve their anger; revenge wasn't something they could afford. They were all peasants; the other person could have them killed with just a flick of his finger.

Once she was done listening to the entirety of the matter, Yang-shi revitalized herself before comforting Xia Dacheng. She then tidied up the room and let the husband and wife have a good sleep.

Yang-shi's house was a roof-tiled three-bay house. Usually, Yang-shi used the kang in the main room. The east-side room was used by the Xia Dacheng couple whenever they came back, while the west-side room was used by Xia Hongzhi. And Xia Lanju used to sleep with her. But today, Xia Dacheng and his family came back unexpectedly in advance. Yang-shi hadn't lit the kang in the other two rooms. Thus, for tonight, Yang-shi arranged for the Xia Dacheng couple to use the main room's kang. For Xia Hongzhi, she placed him in the west room while she carried Xia Lanju to sleep in the east room along with her.

It was already late into the night, yet not a single person in the Yang-shi's home could fall asleep.

Initially, Xia Dacheng had thought his entire family returning would become a burden to Yang-shi quite a lot, making the days in the future challenging.

But to his astonishment, Yang-shi mentioned that he doesn't have to worry about trivialities and just properly recuperate, for there was still sufficient silver at home.

Xia Dacheng had a hard time believing it. He wasn't quite clear of how much silver his mother had. Every year he does provides her annual support. However, even though she has considerable savings, how long could it last to feed such a big family. Especially now that the family's fields were being cultivated by some tenants. Yang-shi's income source consisted of the little bit grains that tenant farmers hand her over, a few embroideries that she does in her leisure time, and the annual support he sends her as filial piety.

In order to convince her son, Yang-shi could only mention to him that she and Tiezhu's wife were doing a small business jointly and were able to make quite a bit of silver every day.

Piqued by curiosity, when Xia Dacheng further questioned her about what small business they were doing, Yang-shi detailed the entire situation. Hearing that his old mother was earning quite a bit of silver every day made Xia Dacheng feel relaxed in his heart, which has been on tenterhooks all along the journey. Although the money wasn't high, so long as they ate a bit frugally, it wouldn't be very problematic.

Once the worries in his heart eased, sleepiness overtook him. Although Xia Dacheng's injuries weren't fatal, they were nevertheless quite serious. It takes a hundred days for the fractured bones to knit and injured tendons to heal. Thus, he required at least a few months of bed rest.

Before leaving the county, Zhang-shi had his injuries examined at the medical center. The doctor there had prescribed him a wound-healing medicine and a few traditional Chinese medicines. Thus, Xia Dacheng doesn't have to go to the medical center again. It would be alright as long as he properly recuperated at home and regularly changed his bandages.

Yang-shi was a resilient one. Even though she had lost her husband at a tender age, she was able to raise her son to an adult. Thus, even in the current situation, she didn't crumble a bit in the face of difficulties. After bolstering herself up, she comforted her still perturbed daughter-in-law and grandkids.

After all, they had returned to their home. And at the very least, they wouldn't have to fear sleeping outside, shelterless without food and clothing. Besides, Xia Dacheng was merely injured and didn't threaten his life. Having such an outcome in and of itself was a fortunate matter for Zhou-shi. The entire family's hearts, which were beset with anxiety upon their arrival, finally calmed down as they began to prepare themselves for their future life here.

The Yang Tiegen couple had been coming over to Yang-shi's place almost every day as of recently. Thus, they got to know Xia Dacheng and his family's arrival this day. Glancing at the bed-ridden Xia Dacheng, baffled, they asked Yang-shi about the situation.

Yang-shi narrated to them the entirety of the matter without concealing anything.

Upon hearing Yang-shi's words, the Yang Tiegen couple was startled and quickly went back to let Yang Tiezhu and his wife know about it.

When Yang Tiezhu and Lin Qingwan heard the situation, they too were shocked beyond words and quickly set off to Yang-shi's house.

Ever since he had been afflicted with injuries, this was the first time he had stepped out of the courtyard gates. Lin Qingwan helped Yang Tiezhu dress thickly before stepping out. Garbed in a thick cotton-padded jacket, Yang Tiezhu didn't seem to be injured from outside. But he still couldn't move his shoulder, and his bandaged arm was tied in a sling over his chest.

During the last visit to the medical center for medication, the doctor had bandaged Yang Tiezhu's arm and shoulder, a little similar to the slings worn by patients with fractured arms in the modern era. It's just that there were no bandages in ancient times, so the doctor used a clean white cloth to fix Yang Tiezhu's fractured shoulder and then draped a cloth around his neck, letting his arm hang over his chest, to prevent any major actions from affecting the bone injury.

Lin Qingwan also dressed warmly. Yang-shi took her arm and supported her while walking, fearing that snow on the road might cause her to accidentally slip and fall down.

A group of people grandiosity marched to Yang-shi's place, attracting He-shi and Wang-shi's attention.

However, no one paid any heed to her. Even the honest Yang Tiegen also stopped talking to them whenever he saw them unless He-shi took the initiative to speak. But now, He-shi also didn't have anything to say to him. Ever since she got the hold of elderly support she needed, He-shi had reverted back to her former treatment of indifference and contempt.

Even Yang laoyezi wouldn't take the initiative to exchange a few words with them during the few instances they run across. Perhaps, he wasn't sure what to say to them, or maybe he simply felt too awkward.

At the Yang-shi's house, no sooner than she saw the two arriving, Yang-shi quickly arranged the seats for Yang Tiezhu and Lin Qingwan, the two vulnerable people, on the kang.

As there wasn't enough space on the kang to sit, Yang Tiegen and Yao-shi sat below.

Yang-shi then introduced Lin Qingwan to Xia Dacheng and his wife, Zhou-shi. Xia Dacheng was reclining on the kang. His wife, Zhou-shi, seeing them come in, greeted them along with Yang-shi, before sitting back on the edge of the kang beside Xia Dacheng.

After both sides exchanged pleasantries, Lin Qingwan began examining Xia Dacheg and his wife.

This was Lin Qingwan's first time seeing Yang-shi's extolled son. He seemed to be in his 30s and had a square-shaped face with thick eyebrows, appearing quite dashing. But at this moment, he seemed pretty gaunt with a sickly complexion, making this middle-aged man appear quite haggard. Zhang-shi was on a plump side with a round face and gentle temperament, while also exuding natural and graceful at the same time, appearing quite friendly.

Yang-shi then called out Xia Dacheng and introduced Lin Qingwan to them as Biao shen. Yang Tiezhu, Yang Tiegen, and Yao-shi had all met the two children long ago, only Lin Qingwan, who had only married this year, didn't have the chance to meet the two.

表婶 (biǎoshěn): wife of grandmother's sibling's son. 婶 (shěn) is used as an appellation for the younger brother's wife. 表 (biǎo) means relatives with a different surname/ family relationship via females

The two kids were brought up in the county thus had soft and tender skin, unlike the kids in the countryside. Nevertheless, the main point was that the two were very good-looking, beguiling Lin Qingwan to fall in love with the pair of this cute little shota and little lolita.

Taking out the small red envelope she had prepared earlier, Lin Qingwan handed them to the two kids.

From the side, Yang-shi grumbled for foolishly spending the money. Lin Qingwan disproved with a smile, saying that this was the rule. Here in Luoxia village, whenever the younger generation met the older generation for the first time, they would be given small red envelopes by the elders. Few put only a few copper coins in the envelopes, while others put dozens of them in it. Since Lin Qingwan and Yang-shi's relationship was quite close, she put small silver coins in it.

It wasn't much, just half a silver tael to each envelope, adding up to just one silver tael. But in Luoxia village, this could be considered quite generous.

"This is a little allowance given to you by your biao shu, and biao shen to you. Hongzhi can buy pen, ink, and the likes, while Ju'er can buy any playthings, she likes." Lin Qingwan was aware that Yang-shi's eldest grandson, Xia Hongzhi, was studying currently.

表叔 (biǎoshū): son of grandmother's brother or sister; 叔 (shu) is father's younger brother

The two kids bashfully thanked Lin Qingwan and moved to the side as the adults sat and conversed.

When the topic came to Xia Dacheng's situation, everyone let out a rueful sigh. Overnight, he fell from the heavens to the earth. The entire family's fortune was lost, not to mention the whole body littered with wounds. But beyond all these issues, the main point was that they couldn't even get justice. Even upon knowing that the other party wished to play with you, all you could do was to grit your teeth and endure.

A spell of dejection beset everyone in the room.

Zhou-shi, recalling the time her husband was sent to the prison and the feeling of dejection that overwhelmed her at that time, couldn't help but break into tears sorrowfully.

Lin Qingwan also felt extremely uncomfortable in her heart but didn't know how to comfort others. After all, it wasn't her who had suffered through it; any words of comfort would seem superficial.

Yang-shi quickly tried to break the ice and tried to lighten the atmosphere. "Alright, alright, it's pretty good that Xia Dacheng managed to safely come back. It's good that he was able to come back. What amount of money couldn't be earned in the future?!"

Everyone was aware that for Xia Dacheng to be able to come out, they had to lose their family wealth. More than ten years of careful hard work just disappeared overnight.

But what could they possibly do? Just as Yang-shi had said, having the person come back was a pretty good situation, unlike Xia Dacheng's senior, old general manager, isn't that so?

In order to brighten up the mood, Yang Tiezhu jested with a smile, "Elder Brother Dacheng, you and I both ended up injured!" Saying so, he slightly raised his bandaged arm.

Xia Dacheng smiled weakly: "Yeah, I'm even bedridden and can't move. It would be troublesome for mother and your saozi. They are even two kids." After saying so, unable to stop his cough, he covered his mouth and coughed.

嫂子 (sǎozi): older brother's wife / sister-in-law

Yang-shi rebuked, "What are you saying? We all are a family!"

"Precisely, Elder Brother Dacheng, this is nothing but a trivial matter. You just have to properly recuperate, soon you will be good as new. As you can't go to the county any longer, it would be better to do farming here. Once this lad, Hongzhi, is groomed properly, in a couple of years, you will become a high-ranking official's father." Yang Tiezhu comforted him.

His words amused everyone while Xia Hongzhi's fair face reddened to the max. Eventually, feeling a little embarrassed, he dashed to his room like a wisp of smoke.

Xia Dacheng nodded. He also wished the same. Currently, they could only go about like this. It doesn't matter if he tumbled down, unable to get up. He can't affect his family in any way.

Thus he soon revitalized himself and said, "This year, I plan to take back our land and cultivate myself. No matter how exhausting it is, I will make more money."

Yang-shi's family doesn't own much land, just about 3-4 mu. For this much, Xia Dacheng felt he and his wife would suffice. And with the two people doing it, it wouldn't be much exhausting either. After all, he and Zhou-shi both were from peasant households and had done this sort of work when they were young in their families. It's just that it had been years since they had done this sort of work and might prove slightly difficult initially. But at this moment, whether the work is exhausting or not was just secondary, for they can't starve their family.

亩 (mǔ): classifier for fields/unit of area equal to one-fifteenth of a hectare

As for the dividends his mother gets from Yang Tiezhu's wife's business, Xia Dacheng, who had always been prudent and careful, couldn't put on his complete hope for the family's livelihood on that alone. Upon cautious inquiry from Yang-shi, he had found out that this business could only be done for a few months. As for how the situation in the future was not something he could say. That's why he intended to take back the land for safety. After all, for rural people, the land was nevertheless their foundation. Regardless of how things turn out to be in the future, at the least, they wouldn't have to worry about starving. Furthermore, he also planned to fund his son's future studies, so having more income was always beneficial.

"This is a good idea. Taking back the land and cultivating yourself will give you more food every year. After all, tenant farmers hand out only 60% of the yield every year. If you can get the rest of the 40% too, you won't have to worry about the food." Yang Tiezhu seconded.

In Luoxia Village, a tenant farmer generally had to pay 60% of the harvest, while the taxes were paid by the landowner himself. Luoxia Village was a poor village, and most households were eager to cultivate as much as possible. Thus, very few families gave their land on lease. At that time, when Yang-shi leased her land, she didn't hope for much income. After all, she also can't cultivate much land all by herself. What's more, her son would also not agree to her doing farmwork all alone. When she leased out her land, she only hoped that she would be able to get sufficient food for herself.

After jesting for a while, Xia Dacheng, who had initially been at a loss for the future, gradually came up with a few ways, and the person too didn't seem to be gloomy any longer.

Taking in her son's improved complexion, joy filled Yang-shi's heart.

As it was almost noon, Yang-shi had Yang Tiezhu and others stay behind for lunch.

Lin Qingwan also didn't decline her invitation and went to the kitchen along with Yao-shi to help Yang-shi. However, Yang-shi refused her help and had Zhou-shi help her in the kitchen.

After a room full of people had a hearty meal, they all sat together and chatted for a while.

This while, Yang Tiezhu and Xia Dacheng, the biao brothers, continued to rekindle the relationship. While Lin Qingwan and Yao-shi also got acquainted with their biao sao, Zhou-shi.

表嫂 (biǎosǎo): wife of older male cousin via the female line

Zhou-shi was a wife Yang-shi had specially chosen for Xia Dacheng.

In his teenage years, Xia Dacheng set off to the town and worked as an assistant below others for a while. Later on, finding no prospects in the town, he departed to Huaihe county. There, he was merely an errand boy in the beginning. But later, with the virtue of his wit, diligence, and flexibility, he was taken everywhere by the then general manager to run errands.

Xia Dacheng single-mindedly worked to stand among his peers. That year he was just nineteen and unmarried. Every time Yang-shi mentioned marriage, he put the matter aside, saying he was busy. Indeed, he was quite busy at that time. In the end, the exasperated Yang-shi, had no choice but personally arrange all the marriage matters and notified Xia Dacheng after the wedding date was set to come back and marry.

Yang-shi observed this unmarried maiden, Zhou-shi, and her family for a long time. This Zhou-shi handled all the chores in the home diligently and was caring and considerate to her pair of younger brother and sister. Also, the entire family shared harmonious relations.

Having seen the upheaval caused by He-shi in Yang jia day in and day out, Yang-shi was particularly careful in picking a daughter-in-law. Not only did she inquire about her in many aspects, but she also personally went to see how she was. Only when she was certain that this family's maiden was perfect she had the marriage fixed with Xia Dacheng.

And just as she expected, after the couple married, their relationship was quite good. Furthermore, Zhou-shi was also very filial to Yang-shi, almost regarding her as if she was her mother. Yang-shi was also an easy-going person and loved her daughter-in-law as if she was her daughter. Thus, the relationship between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law was very much harmonious.

Later on, after Xia Dacheng developed in the county, Yang-shi sent Zhou-shi to the county as well.

Only when her daughter-in-law was pregnant with the first child did she return back. When the child reached three years old, her daughter-in-law and her grandson went to the county again to reunite with her son.

She was very reluctant to part with her grandson, but at the same time, she was unwilling to have him stay back as well. Yang-shi was aware of daughter-in-law's feelings of hating to stay away from her husband, yet restraining her longing in her heart to stay with her son. Only when Xia Dacheng returns for a new year celebration every year the whole family was able to reunite.

Yang Tiezhu and the others sat at Yang-shi's house till it was late into the afternoon before returning. Yang-shi wanted them to stay back for dinner as well, but they refused, saying that they would have a meal after going home. Besides, with Yang Tiezhu's current state, he would not be able to sit for a long time.

Hearing this, Yang-shi saw them out.

These few people, upon returning, rested for a while before cooking the dinner.

Post supper, both of the branches retired to their respective rooms.

Yang Tiezhu and Lin Qingwan washed their faces and laid down on the kang. While tucked in the quilts, Yang Tiezhu shared some of his childhood memories with Lin Qingwan.

In his childhood, it wasn't Yang Tieshuan, the eldest among the four, who took him to play, rather it was Elder Brother Dacheng. Whenever he had a scuffle with the other young boys and couldn't outwit them, he would look for his Elder Brother Dacheng to lend him a hand. But compared to the group of little kids, Elder Brother Dacheng was quite older in age, so it wouldn't be good for him to raise his hand against them. Thus, he could only intimidate the other kids….

Mentioning the awkward childhood incident of his where he couldn't win a fight and had to ask others for help caused the two of them to burst into laughter. Yang Tiezhu, too found the situation extremely laughable.

Xia Dacheng was almost ten years older than Yang Tiezhu. Yang Tiezhu was a frequent visitor of Yang-shi's place in his childhood. Xia Dacheng, too treated this biao younger brother as his biological younger brother. But, just after a few years, Xia Dacheng set off to the town to earn a living and later embarked for the county. The number of times he would return was very few. Nevertheless, though the two people only met a handful of times, they still shared a very good relationship. Every year, whenever Xia Dacheng returned, the two would sit together and have a chat over a few cups of wine….

While listening to Yang Tiezhu's words, Lin Qingwan would let out a chuckle whenever she heard any amusing anecdotes of his. However, a part of her heart was still mulling over Xia Dacheng's family's matter.

Yang Tiezhu could see that too, "Wife, are you pondering about Elder Brother Dacheng's family's matter?"

Lin Qingwan asked with a nod, "What are your thoughts regarding this incident? When the people above fight, the subordinates below get implicated. Fortunately, the elder brother is a wise man who knows how to submit to the circumstances. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been able to get out of the problem."

When Yang Tiezhu heard this matter earlier in the morning, he broke into a cold sweat. Even recalling the matter at this moment, he still felt lingering fear.

However, what could they do? They were but a group of mere peasants. How could they provoke those rich people?! Even after eating loss, they could only grit their teeth and endure!

"Alas—there's nothing they can do. There are too many powerful people with authority and power. If such people want to make things difficult for you, there's truly nothing you can do. Fortunately, elder brother knew to give up the wealth in exchange for his life. Otherwise, he would have been falsely charged this time."

"Alas—there's nothing they can do. There are too many powerful people with authority and power. If such people want to make things difficult for you, there's truly nothing you can do. Fortunately, elder brother knew to give up the wealth in exchange for his life. Otherwise, he would have been falsely charged this time."

How could Lin Qingwan possibly not understand this reason?

She pouted but didn't say anything. This wasn't the question of giving up on the wealth or being reluctant to give up on it. Rather the issue was that the owner was too vicious in his means. If he didn't want to use the old man, he could have replaced him with his own people. Does he need to be that cruel? The main reason behind forcing Xia Dacheng into pleading guilty wasn't it to make it utterly impossible for him to step into the business circle in the future? Who would dare to hire an employee who had a record of losing money at his previous employer's workplace?

Lin Qingwan's thoughts were far-reaching, while Yang Tiezhu's worries centered around Xia Dacheng's family's current situation and livelihood. Fortunately, his wife was a smart one and was able to see Laweixian. Otherwise, Xia Dacheng, who returned to his hometown in dire straits, would have had to struggle for his livelihood.

Thinking all of this, he hugged Lin Qingwan and said, "Wifey, you are still the smart one. If it weren't for your Laweixian's business, eldest gu's entire family's livelihood would have posed a great problem."

*姑 (Gū): father's oldest sister

Lin Qingwan gave Yang Tiezhu a smile without speaking anything as her heart sank.

At the moment, the situation was indeed good, but this Laweixian was only a seasonal business. That is to say, it could only be sold in the winter season. In her previous life, everyone began making sausages at the beginning of the twelfth lunar month. Of course, in certain areas where the climate is somewhat cold, they could begin making sausages in advance. Nonetheless, they could be done only in one season in a year.

Initially, Lin Qingwan merely thought of selling them in this season, accumulating a bit of silver, and then planning something else later on. But in the light of the current scenario, she found it slightly tricky. Their family's situation isn't bad. They still have a bit of silver in their hands. These savings can support themselves for the next few years even without income. But, this wasn't the case with Yang-shi's family.

Xia Dacheng was injured and bed-ridden. He needs to regularly take medicine and change the medicine and bandages, which need silver. And there was also the entire family's livelihood. Although their family owned a few mu of land, the number of people who could go into the fields and work wasn't many. Indeed, Xia Dacheng was sure in his prime of life, but he hadn't done such work in the past decade, and it might be slightly difficult for them in the beginning.

*亩 (mǔ): classifier for fields/unit of area equal to one-fifteenth of a hectare

Furthermore, she had observed Xia Dacheng's expression in the noon. He seemed to have thoughts of having Xia Hongzhi continue his studies. She had also heard from Yang-shi that Hongzhi that child was pretty good at academics. And this is another expense, where silver is very much needed…. How much silver goes in to raise the scholar? Lin Qingwan knew this well, having seen Yang jia's situation and their depleting wealth….

Of course, Lin Qingwan is not considering all these only for Yang-shi's family, but also for themselves.

After seeing Xia Dacheng's situation, she realized how unfair society was. Those who didn't have money can't afford to offend wealthy people. While the wealthy dreaded government officials. A county magistrate can destroy a family, while a prefecture governor can exterminate an entire family. Their family, who weren't even wealthy, not to mention government officials, couldn't even afford to offend a small landlord.

Isn't Xia Dacheng's situation the best example? Just because the rich people above were involved in the power struggle, he almost lost his life.

While at Yang-shi's place in the morning, Xia Dacheng also described some of his experiences in prison.

Thinking about this, Lin Qingwan felt chill all over. 'If a wealthy merchant wished to bully you, you don't have a choice but take it as that you were unlucky, and can't even resist a bit. Currently, the only thing that could give them a bit of sense of security was having more silver in their hands.'

Such thoughts hadn't occurred to Lin Qingwan in the past, for she had never seen the true darkness of reality ever before. After she got married into the Luoxia village, her life revolved around the village itself, and she had never got to experience the so-called world of business. Most importantly, she was pregnant at the moment. Naturally, her thoughts would change. Previously, it was only her and Yang Tiezhu, and the two had sufficient food to eat without starving. However, they were having a child at the moment, and the situation is different from that of the past.

Would she also be in the same situation as Yang-shi? Seeing her son covered all over with cuts and bruises, all she could do was just cry bitterly? A peasant with neither power nor silver would only be trampled upon if something happens!

This sort of feeling was truly horrible!

Lin Qingwan never had any great aspirations. Both in her previous life and this life, she only wished to have a smooth and steady life with days full of peace and prosperity, without any goals. But, now living in this place, she couldn't help but give birth to other ideas.

Becoming a government official is impossible. Not to mention, Yang Tiezhu was also not suitable for it. Thus, she can only make more money.

Lin Qingwan reclined down and nestled down on the firm arms of her husband reclined behind her. Perhaps, because he had been outdoors for a long time and felt tired, he soon slipped into sleep.

However, Lin Qingwan couldn't fall asleep. The string of words 'be vigilant in times of peace' appeared in her mind for the first time. These words brought several other thoughts within her….