211 Are we a Better Match?
Zhao Lingfeng noticed how Lu Jiao was focused on the business names and explained, "I originally wanted to incorporate your name in the pharmacy business name as well. But I couldn't figure out one that works well. I ended up making the decision to call it Mingren Pharmacy. Do you mind? Of course, if you don't like it, we can change it. When the time comes, the three of us can go to the government office again."
Lu Jiao smiled and shook her head, "It's great. I'm just surprised that you managed to add my name to the oil mill and cosmeceutical store."
Zhao Lingfeng sighed in relief. It appeared that he did the right thing.
"All three businesses rely on your secret formulas. Using your name is the right thing to do. If I had a way to add your name to the pharmacy, I would've."
Zhao Lingfeng talked about all this nonchalantly. Lu Jiao's mood, however, grew brighter and brighter as she beamed from ear to ear.
Qi Lei glanced at Lu Jiao, then at Zhao Lingfeng. He silently exclaimed over Zhao Lingfeng's slickness. Who knew Zhao Lingfeng was so good at making Lu Jiao happy?
Was he interested in her? Qi Lei narrowed his eyes.
Lu Jiao got out of her seat. Behind her, Zhao Lingfeng suggested, "Let's get some good food for lunch to celebrate our first pot of gold."
Thanks to that woman, he was able to save so much start-up capital. With the money already earned, he'll be able to open three separate businesses. He'll even have some money left over.
The more Zhao Lingfeng thought about it, the happier he felt. His gaze softened and also turned hot. If people didn't know he was viewing her as the God of Wealth, they would think he was in love with her.
Everyone around him thought he had some poor intentions.
Lu Jiao thought of the four little ones and waved her hand, "That's okay. I have children to take care of."
She then left and Zhao Lingfeng watched her go. Quickly, Qi Lei pulled Zhao Lingfeng aside.
"What's the meaning of this?"
Zhao Lingfeng stopped smiling and snapped his head at Qi Lei, "What's the matter?"
Qi Lei lowered his voice, "Are you trying to steal Scholar Xie's girl?"
Zhao Lingfeng's tone was unfriendly as he stared at Qi Lei strangely, "What's going on inside your head every day? She's going to be our money tree. Of course, we have to be nice to her."
He then suddenly came up with a question. How come everyone thought that he was trying to steal Scholar Xie's wife? Could it be that he and Lady Lu were a better match?
That thought refused to leave his mind.
Zhao Linfeng stared Qi Lei deep in the eyes, "Are you saying I am a better match for Lady Lu?
Zhao Lingfeng thought about it and decided that marrying Lady Lu wouldn't be half bad. Not only was she pretty, but she was also very capable. More importantly, she was very good at raising children. All her kids were so well-behaved.
Zhao Lingfeng remembered his five-year-old daughter, Zhao Yuluo, and his head hurt.
Zhao Lingfeng was the third young master from the official residence of the marquees of Yongning and his life was hard. Five years ago, his concubine mother schemed to get him together with the daughter of the second steward. He had no choice but to appoint her as his first wife. Sadly, she died while giving birth to a daughter.
Being a man, Zhao Lingfeng had no idea how to raise a daughter which resulted in his daughter growing up with very poor manners.
The thought of his daughter gave him a headache.
Now that Qi Lei brought up Lu Jiao, he thought of the four little ones that Lu Jiao brought over last time. They sure were obedient.
Inside the great hall, Qi Lei's face darkened and he warned, "Zhao Lingfeng, my Master has a husband and children. Don't do anything rash. If I find out you tried anything, I will warn young master Bingming and ask him to send you back to the city."
This was an effective statement that reminded Zhao Lingfeng that he was here for business, not leisure.
Zhao Lingfeng raised an eyebrow, "You're thinking too much."
After Lu Jiao left, she asked Manager Li to give her a ride back home.
Manager Li organized that quickly. Lu Jiao bought a lot of food while in town and comfortably got home in the horse carriage.
At home, the four little ones squatted near the trellis and pitifully stared at the road.
When they saw the horse carriage, they cheered and rushed to greet their mom.
They scared the wheeler and he had to stop the horse right away.
Lu Jiao got out with all the stuff she bought and was immediately circled by the four little ones.
"Mommy, you're back! We've been waiting for you."
"Are you tired? Come and sit and rest."
The Third Born ran to the kitchen to get Lu Jiao some sugar water.
The Fourth Born waited for Lu Jiao to sit down. Then, he grabbed a stool for himself to sit down on and rubbed Lu Jiao's shoulders.
Lu Jiao laughed. She felt like the emperor.
"It's okay. I'm not tired. You must be hungry. Did you eat anything?"
Lu Jiao took out four pork buns and gave them to the children to munch on.
The little ones were in no rush. They shoved the buns back into their mom's hands, "Mommy, you must be hungry. Eat up."
Just then, the Third Born came back with sugar water, "Mommy, sugar water is here."
Lu Jiao took it and gulped it down. The four little ones giggled.
Lu Jiao sensed that the children were more attentive than usual. It appeared that her separation from Xie Yunjin had traumatized the four little ones. They seemed to worry she would abandon them and were constantly nervous.
Lu Jiao decided to not plan too many things over the next two days. She wanted to spend a lot of time with the children so they could build more confidence and stop worrying about her leaving.
"Okay, eat the meat buns. Give one to your dad. I'm sure he's hungry too."
Only then did the four little ones think of their father. The First Born took a big pork bun and went inside.
Inside the east bedroom, Xie Yunjin sat at his desk. Though his books were open, he hasn't flipped through a single page. The four little ones stayed outside to wait for Lu Jiao all morning. Worried that they would run off, Xie Yunjin kept an eye on them cautiously. Now that Lu Jiao came back, he felt more relaxed.
However, when the First Born came in with the pork bun, Xie Yunjin's eyes lowered again and he read.
"Daddy, mommy bought you a pork bun."
The First Born continued to wink at Xie Yunjin. Hurry up and compliment his mom! Hurry up and exclaim how cool his mom is!
Sadly, Xie Yunjin emotionlessly took the meat bun and didn't say a word.
The First Born was depressed. Silently, he mumbled, "My dad may be book-smart but he is not smart with everything else. He's rather stupid."
Afterward, he ran back outside. Once he was in the living room, Lu Jiao waved at him to hurry and eat some buns.
"For lunch, how about I make you some fresh noodles in hot and sour soup?"
The noodles yesterday ended up in the trash given what happened last night. She would have to make fresh food again today.
The four little ones grinned and agreed, "okay mommy."
After a moment, however, the First Born spoke up again, "If you're too tired, then don't cook. We can eat something easy."
The other three also nodded in agreement, "Yeah, if you're tired, you don't have to cook."
212 Hunting in the Mountain
Lu Jiao smiled and patted their heads, "How tired can I get from making noodles? Alright, I'll go cook while you eat the pork buns."
"Ok, Ok."
The four little ones nodded happily. Once Lu Jiao left to cook, the four little ones ran back to the east bedroom with their buns.
The First Born stared at Xie Yunjin, "Daddy, how come you don't know how to compliment someone? Should I teach you?"
The Second, Third, and Fourth Born circled Xie Yunjin, "Daddy, we can teach you."
The Second Born blurted out, "You can start off with, 'Ah, Jiaojiao…'"
Xie Yunjin gawked at him in shock. Who taught him that? How was he able to talk like that so easily?
Xie Yunjin's head hurt and interrupted, "I'm tired. I'm going to rest."
He then went to sleep without any desire to hear more from the children.
The four little ones were disappointed but had no choice but to let their dad rest. Oh well, they'll teach him another time.
After lunch, Lu Jiao bathed the four little ones and napped with them. Before the nap, she even told them a story.
The four little ones were exceptionally happy. With their mother, they chatted chirpily.
Since it was rather late, Lu Jiao hustled the children to sleep, "You have to study later. After you're done studying, I'll take you into the mountains to set traps and catch prey."
The four little ones happily cheered, "Okay! Then we sleep now."
The children fell asleep quickly. Lu Jiao patted each of them for a bit.
There is still a year until Xie Yunjin goes to the Capital City for his exam. She still had a year with them. By the time they move to the Capital City, the children's personalities should pretty much be fully formed. They shouldn't still end up as villains.
Lu Jiao closed her eyes and slept a little as well. Once awake, Xie Yunjin started to teach the four little ones how to read.
The four little ones were intelligent with good memorization skills. They were able to learn much faster than the children from the village. Therefore, they finished studying the Hundred Family Surnames and started the Thousand Characters. The village children were still on the Hundred Family Surnames.
While the children studied, Lu Jiao organized the kitchen and cleaned everything. She then got some bamboo tubes and filled them with cold boiled water.
Once she was done, the children were finished with their studies. Then ran to her excitedly, "Mommy, we are done studying. Daddy said we can go into the mountains early to hunt."
The reality was that the four little ones told Xie Yunjin about Lu Jiao's plan to take them into the mountains to set animal traps. Since the four little ones went through a major emotional roller coaster yesterday, Xie Yunjin let them off easy so they could go play with Lu Jiao.
The four little ones were extraordinarily happy today and they beamed so big their mouths looked like pistachios.
"Mommy, let's go right now!"
"Sure, put your baskets on. Inside are snacks and water I prepared for you, as well as your bows and arrows."
The four little ones happily put on their baskets. Lu Jiao put on her old one as well. The five of them went on their way to get themselves some prey.
Behind them, Xie Xiaobao and the other children who were still studying cried silently. They were all studying, yet why did those four get to end early to go play? Why did the rest of them have to stay? This was unfair!
Xie Yunjin continued to teach the children. When he lifted his head, he caught sight of Lu Jiao and the four children leaving with their baskets.
Xie Yunjin's heart felt stuffy and his expression became sullen. The children around him didn't even dare to breathe heavily after they saw his face.
Lu Jiao didn't know about all that and took the children into the mountains.
Today, she brought with her a shovel. The natural hole she found and used as a trap got filled by a giant boulder that slipped off the mountain. Today, she had to dig a new hole.
Since she decided to take the children with her to set traps and get prey, she might as well dig herself so the children get to experience the fun of trap setting.
The five of them climbed up the mountain, ate some food, drank some water, then started to dig.
While Lu Jiao dug with the shovel, the four little ones enthusiastically pulled at the mud as a way to indicate that they were helping.
Lu Jiao let them be. The mother and her sons finished digging a hole, then stuck sharp bamboo parts inside.
The four little ones excitedly stared at the trap, "Mommy, we can get prey after this?"
The trap Lu Jiao made today included layering the top with fresh grass. A trap that looked like this made it easy for animals to fall for it.
"I'm sure we'll catch something."
She had meat soaked in spiritual stream water as bait. Once the animals smell that, they'll for sure come.
After everything was done, Lu Jiao took the children to a nearby hill and waited.
The four little ones excitedly sprawled on the grass and watched the trap.
The four little ones whispered to Lu Jiao, "Mommy, can we really catch wild rabbits and chickens?"
"Mommy, how much can we catch?"
"What if we catch too many and can't eat it all?"
The Fourth Born snapped her head at Lu Jiao, "Mommy, didn't you say we are going to visit grandma? If we catch too many, let's give some to grandma!"
The mention of grandma made all four children look toward Lu Jiao.
Growing up, the four of them had never visited their mother's side of the family. They were very interested to do that soon.
Since the children were so eager, Lu Jiao agreed, "Sure, tomorrow, I'll bring you to visit grandma."
The children cheered, "Great, tomorrow we get to visit our relatives!"
"Yay! We're going to grandma's house! Yay!"
"I'm sure grandma and uncle miss us!"
"We will bring grandma chicken, rabbit, eggs, and vegetables. Mommy, what do you think?"
The Fourth Born was very excited, which made Lu Jiao smile and pat his head, "Of course."
Just then, ahead of them, a 40 to 50 pound wild baby boar popped its head out.
Lu Jiao shushed the children, "Look, a wild boar."
The children focused ahead and really did see the boar. Delighted, they were fixated on the boar and watched as the boar sniff its way toward Lu Jiao's trap.
Quickly, the boar fell into the trap and shrieked in pain.
The children were nervous and agitated, "Mommy, I can't believe we caught a boar!"
Lu Jiao was very happy as well. She's been wanting to make toothbrushes for the children and capturing a baby boar was perfect for that. Fully grown boars' fur was too hard. Baby boars' fur was perfect.
Lu Jiao was about to bring the children to the trap to get the boar when two wild rabbits jumped over and also fell into the trap.
Too excited, the children didn't wait for Lu Jiao and ran over.
Worried they might fall into the trap, Lu Jiao shouted for them to slow down.
"Don't fall in! The bamboo inside is very sharp. You'd get hurt."
She chose moso bamboo for the trap as the bamboo is known to be sturdy. She even specifically chose to use older bamboo tubes, which made their tips sharp and hard.
213 Let's go Together
The four little ones slowed down after they heard Lu Jiao's warning. Lu Jiao hurried up and followed them.
The baby boar didn't die but it did get hurt. It struggled inside the trap. The two wild rabbits fell between the bamboo sticks. They weren't injured but were stuck and couldn't move.
Lu Jiao carefully carried up the wounded pig and the wild rabbits.
The four little ones excitedly circled the animals and talked about them non-stop.
Since the baby pig was so badly hurt it could barely move, Lu Jiao wasn't worried that it would hurt the four little ones.
"You guys stay here and keep an eye on the boar and rabbits. I'm going to get some mint around the area."
Once she made toothbrushes with the baby boar's fur, she naturally needed to make some toothpaste as well. Sadly, baking soda was not a thing right now, so she could only make toothpaste with herbs.
The four little ones agreed immediately, "Sure mommy, go ahead."
Lu Jiao didn't go far. She found some mint nearby and planned on adding wrinkled giant hyssop, aconite, figwort, and sunflower petals to it to make toothpaste. A paste made out of those ingredients would clean the teeth, freshen the breath, and kill germs and other toxins.
Once Lu Jiao got the mint she needed, it was already late. She placed the boar and rabbits into her basket and led the children down the mountain.
The four little ones were thrilled and asked Lu Jiao, "Mommy, can we keep the rabbits?"
The rabbits were very cute and the four little ones were tempted to keep them as pets.
Lu Jiao thought about it and didn't decline, "Sure. If you want to."
Since they already have two dogs and a sheep, what are two more rabbits? They could keep them if they wanted.
"However, if you decide to keep them, you have to take responsibility for them. You have to remember to feed them fresh grass."
"We know!"
By the time the five of them got home, it was already dark. Lu Jiao told the children to go play while she cooked dinner.
The four little ones held onto the two rabbits and excitedly ran to the east bedroom to report to Xie Yunjin their achievements of the day. They also told him about how Lu Jiao planned on making them toothbrushes.
Now that the four little ones' spirits were back up, Xie Yunjin finally stopped worrying about them so much.
After the four little ones showed him the rabbits, they brought up the matter of tomorrow's visitation.
"Mommy said we can go visit grandma tomorrow. Daddy, you should come along."
The First Born stared at Xie Yunjin expectantly.
Xie Yunjin's face clouded over as he thought it over. Logically speaking, he shouldn't tag along tomorrow given that he had given Lu Jiao a divorce letter. Technically, they were no longer involved. However, he remembered how Lady Tian gave them silver without hesitation when he was wounded.
Xie Yunjin felt that it would be best for him to go with Lu Jiao tomorrow. Ever since they got married, he hasn't paid the Lu family a visit.
The Lu family must be the topic of gossip around the Apricot Flower Village. However, Lady Tian never blamed him. He should really go and thank her personally.
Xie Yunjin answered, "Sure."
The First Born was over the moon, "Then, we can all go together tomorrow!"
The First Born ran out to tell Lu Jiao.
Xie Yunjin knew what he wanted to do before he did and called for him to stop, "First Born, I'll tell your mom about this myself. Don't tell her for now."
If the First Born told Lu Jiao, she might overthink it and question his intention. So it was better for him to personally address this.
The First Born smiled and nodded to show that he understood.
Xie Yunjin asked the four little ones to go make a nest for the rabbits.
The four little ones ran outside to do as told.
During dinner time, Xie Yunjin casually brought up plans for tomorrow to Lu Jiao, "I heard from the First Born that you will be taking them to your mom's tomorrow?"
Lu Jiao nodded, "Yes, the four little ones want to visit Apricot Village. Since we won't be home for lunch, do you want me to leave you some food in the pot?"
Lu Jiao looked up at Xie Yunjin, who nonchalantly announced while drinking porridge, "I plan on coming with you."
Lu Jiao stared at Xie Yunjin in shock. They were separated. Why would he go with her?
Xie Yunjin could tell how much Lu Jiao detested the idea of him tagging along.
Xie Yunjin's gaze darkened and he explained, "Ever since we married, I've never visited the Lu family. I thought your parents blamed me for that. However, not only did your mother not blame me, she even brought food and money to me when I was injured. I really think I should personally thank my in-laws."
Xie Yunjin's explanation was reasonable and logical and it didn't contain any personal feelings or selfish intentions.
Lu Jiao didn't know what to say. He was being righteous and generous. If she objected now, she would appear small-hearted. Plus, she knew that Xie Yunjin's visit would give the Lu family much face.
However, they were going to separate in the future.
She said to Xie Yunjin, "But we are…?"
Lu Jiao stopped given that the four little ones were here. She looked back down.
Naturally, Xie Yunjin knew what she was trying to say and his eyes grew gloomy.
"That's a future matter. I should at least visit now to make sure they know I'm not trying to avoid them."
Since he's said all that, Lu Jiao felt like stopping him would make her seem petty. The guy just wanted to go to thank her parents.
Lu Jiao finally gave in, "Sure. If you want to come, come. Will your legs be okay?"
Xie Yunjin's tense mood relaxed a little and his face softened, "I'll be okay."
The two didn't continue the conversation. However, the four little ones watched them talk nicely to each other and were now smiling hugely. Their eyes sparkled as they stared at their mom and dad.
After dinner, Lu Jiao boiled water for Xie Yunjin to clean himself with. Now that his legs were pretty much healed, he was able to clean himself.
Lu Jiao also boiled water to bathe the four little ones with. After bathing, she told them a bedtime story before going to sleep.
Before sleeping, Lu Jiao thought of a problem. Xie Yunjin's legs were no good and the four little ones were little. How were they going to get to the Apricot Flower Village?
"Xie Yunjin, how are we going to get to my mom's place tomorrow?"
Xie Yunjin's already thought of that problem. Before, the Lu family would come to visit by taking the small roads on the north side of the mountain. However, there was no way the family could walk that road. They had to go the long way.
"Tomorrow morning, go to the Village Leader's place and ask to rent the oxcart. We'll take the large south road to get to the Apricot Flower Village."
Xie Yunjin's suggestion made some memories return to Lu Jiao's brain. There was a south road that connected the Xie Village and the Apricot Flower Village. However, that road went through several mountains. On foot, it would take most of a day to arrive at the Apricot Flower Village. Therefore, the Lu family normally took the shortcut when visiting.
"Okay, I got it. I'll ask the Village Leader tomorrow morning."
"Okay."
Lu Jiao left.
The next day, Lu Jiao woke up extra early. Unexpectedly, the four little ones, who normally would still be deep asleep, were already awake.
Lu Jiao laughed, "How come you're awake so early today?"
The Fourth Born excitedly announced, "We are going to grandma's house!"
The other three also giggled along. The more Lu Jiao watched them, the funnier she found this to be. So it appeared that no matter the era or location, children loved to visit relatives.
"Then you guys box a little bit while I go to the Village Leader's place to rent their oxcart."
The four little ones asked, "Mommy, we are going to go to grandma's house on the oxcart?"
"That's right."
214 Tear up your Mouth
When the Village Leader Xie Fugui heard that Lu Jiao had a use for the oxcart today, he let her have it right away. He even warned Xie Tieniu to not go too fast given that there'll be Xie Yunjin and four little ones.
Lu Jiao thanked him and went home to cook breakfast. Breakfast was simple, porridge with egg pancakes. Lu Jiao cut up some cucumbers to go with the egg pancakes.
The four little ones were a fan of eating egg pancakes this way and complimented the food.
After breakfast, Xie Tieniu's oxcart arrived.
Lu Jiao asked Xie Xiaobao to take care of the dogs, sheep, and rabbits. In exchange, she promised him good food once she returns.
Xie Xiaobao slapped his own chest to show confidence.
Lu Jiao also packed some eggs and vegetables with her. The 40 to 50 pounds baby boar plus eggs and vegetables were a generous gift.
The oxcart headed to the Apricot Flower Village.
On the way there, the four little ones asked Lu Jiao about the toothbrushes, "Mommy, weren't you going to make toothbrushes? How come you didn't?"
Lu Jiao explained, "I plan on using the boar's bones and fur. I've cut off the fur but the bones will have to wait until we are done eating tonight."
The four little ones stared, "How do you make toothbrushes with a bone?"
Lu Jiao explained, "You sharpen the bones into a handle. At the top of the handle will be lots of holes where the pig fur will go to. Then a toothbrush is made. You'll know what I mean once you see one."
Lu Jiao described the most basic form of a toothbrush. That was as good as it got in this era.
The four little ones were excited, "Then we'll make one when we get back."
Lu Jiao agreed, "Sure!"
The mother and sons chatted happily. At the front, Xie Tieniu couldn't help but exclaim, "Third aunt, you know a lot."
Lu Jiao waved around her hand, "Not that much."
On the side, sat Xie Yunjin. He was leaning against the cart, making everyone think he was taking a nap. In reality, he was emotionlessly studying Lu Jiao.
This woman's beautiful face was all smiles. Every movement she made carried much grace and elegance, practically forcing him to observe her.
Sadly, this flower-like woman was truly ruthless.
The memory of how unhesitant this woman was about their separation made Xie Yunjin close his eyes in depression.
No matter how he thought about it, he couldn't understand it. This woman knew how hard life would be for divorced women yet she still persisted in doing it. This meant she would much rather deal with the hardships than stay by his side. Was he that bad of a man?
Many times, Xie Yunjin lost all his self-esteem.
At the same time, he was also aware of the fact that this woman was not the woman he once knew. He simply didn't know her thought processes.
Xie Yunjin comforted himself again and again. Oh well, if she was so determined to leave, he'll let her.
The oxcart made its way to the Apricot Flower Village.
In the beginning, the four little ones talked to Lu Jiao with excitement. Later in the trip, the swaying of the cart made them sleepy and they fell asleep.
Lu Jiao also shut her eyes to rest until the oxcart pulled into the Apricot Flower Village.
Before they arrived at the Lu family home, other villagers stopped the cart. The people getting in their way were the grandma and grandpa who once visited Lu Jiao to get her medical opinion.
"Ah, isn't this the miraculous doctor? How come the miraculous doctor managed to find time to visit our poor little village? This village doesn't dare to welcome a character as high up as the miraculous doctor."
On the cart, Lu Jiao and the four little ones were startled awake. They darted their gaze toward the people talking.
Lu Jiao recognized them.
The woman was spitting around and gesturing dramatically to talk trash about Lu Jiao to those around her.
"You have no idea what a scam she is! She's not a miraculous doctor, she's a con artist! Others may not know, but we know her true colors! She's lazy, fat, and seduces men. How dare she pretend to be a doctor!"
"Everyone's been lied to! Today, I'm going to reveal to everyone her real self!"
Lu Jiao started to feel cold and was about to jump out of the cart. The four little ones, however, were already shouting angrily, "You're a bad person! My mommy never lied to anybody! She's a great doctor!"
"Yeah, my mommy cured many people! Everyone knows how good she is!"
"You're the scam! How shameless!"
The old woman who heard the four little ones' words pointed at the children and cursed, "The old one is a scam, the little ones are a scam too! Nobody from that family is good!"
Lu Jiao jumped out of the oxcart and pulled over the old woman. Coldly, she snapped, "Try and curse another word at me. I will sew your lips together with needles."
The woman was so shocked by Lu Jiao's reaction, she didn't know what to do.
Xie Yunjin also got out of the oxcart then. He stepped in front of the old woman and looked down at her, "You think cursing at others is not a crime? Cursing provokes people. If you are sent to the government, you would be asked to slap yourself as a punishment."
The Apricot Flower Villagers were stunned by both Lu Jiao and Xie Yunjin. Some of these villagers were once helped by Lu Jiao's medical knowledge. They stepped out to scold the grandma, "Your mouth sure is stinky. Why would you curse at them?"
"You've always stirred up trouble. It's a bad habit. If you don't improve, you'll get in trouble."
As everyone discussed, Lady Tian, Lu Danian, and her two daughters-in-law arrived. She was cleaning at home when someone told her that Lady Lin was cursing at her daughter and son-in-law.
Lady Tian immediately brought people with her to the scene. When she saw that Lady Lin was speaking poorly of her daughter, she lost it.
Lady Tian jumped onto Lady Lin, "You b!tch! You bastard! You moron! You dare to take advantage of my daughter and son-in-law?! Are you seeking death?!"
Lady Tian was tall and large while Lady Lin was short. She ended up getting beat up on the ground.
Before, they ran to the Xie Village to ask Lu Jiao for a consultation because she did it for free. If Lu Jiao charged patients, they never would've gone.
Who knew Lu Jiao would kick them out without taking a look? Lady Lin was angry and upon returning home, spread the rumor that Lu Jiao was a scam. Lady Tian ended up bringing some people to beat her up. Lady Lin obviously didn't learn.
After the fight, Lady Tian pushed Lady Lin's face into the ground, "If you dare to talk trash about my daughter again, I will tear your mouth into pieces! Try to talk then!"
Lady Lin struggled but she was far too weak. She ended up screaming, "Someone's killing me! Help!"
Lu Jiao went to pull up her mother. She didn't want to cause trouble the moment she arrived, "Mom, it's okay. Let's not spend energy on her. She's just a rabid dog."
Abruptly, Lu Jiao snapped her head towards Lady Lin, "If a rabid dog bites around, we can beat it to death."
215 Moving into the City Together
Lady Lin wanted to curse, but the look on Lu Jiao's face was so intimidating that she didn't dare.
Lady Tian ignored her and grabbed Lu Jiao to walk back to the oxcart. There, the Lu daughters-in-law had picked up the four little ones and praised them endlessly.
"Ah, who's this good-looking fella? Let me see. Which family does this baby belong to?"
Each of the aunties carried two of the boys. Behind them, Lu Danian jealously stared and wondered if they could spare him one to carry.
The four little ones were truly good-looking, even more handsome than his Huzi.
Lady Tian asked Xie Yunjin, "Son-in-law, your legs have healed?"
Lady Tian smiled so widely her lips could barely close.
Only when she mentioned Xie Yunjin did the others realize he was here as well.
They discovered that his legs have healed. The villagers have heard rumors that Lady Tian's son-in-law was a good-looking scholar. Today, they finally saw him for themselves. The rumors were true – this scholar looked like a painted portrait. His legs have also healed, which meant he could now take the exams to become a government official.
Now, many people started to flatter Lu Jiao. Lu Jiao was too lazy to talk to them.
Xie Yunjin was also too lazy to acknowledge the random villagers who were trying to butter him up. He was, however, very respectful toward Lady Tian.
"Thanks to you, my legs are mostly fine now."
Lady Tian knew Xie Yunjin's legs would be fine but to see it actually happen made her so happy. She couldn't help but cry out of joy.
Lu Jiao finally stepped up and comforted her, "Mom, what's the matter?"
Lady Tian wiped away her tears, "I'm too happy, way too happy. Come, let's go home. I'm going to cook you all delicious food."
The four little ones spoke up at the mention of food.
"Granny, my mommy caught a baby boar. We can eat pork today!"
"Yes, mommy said to save the bones so she can use them to make our toothbrushes."
Lady Tian didn't know what toothbrushes were. She was just so happy that her son-in-law could walk again and her daughter was now respected. All these things were great news!
"Come, come, let's go home."
The family headed back to the Lu family home. Behind them, the villagers all exclaimed over the Lu family's good luck. Not only did they suddenly gain knowledge of tofu making, but they also got a son-in-law who will one day become an official. It would be better if they don't wrong the Lu family going forward.
Though everyone's always known about the Lu family's scholar son-in-law, nobody took him seriously. They all heard that Lu Danian and the scholar son-in-law didn't like Lu Jiao and that was why Lu Jiao and Xie Yunjin never visited.
Today, not only did he visit, he appeared to treat Lu Jiao well. They wouldn't dare to wrong the Lu family now.
Many people voluntarily greeted Lady Tian and the Lu family. Lady Tian suddenly felt proud and spoke more confidently.
Once the group got home, Lu Gui came out to greet them.
When Lu Gui saw the four little ones, he extended his arms and snatched them from their aunts.
"Ahh, you're here to visit your little uncle. Did you miss me?"
The First and Second Born exchanged glances then grinned in unison, "Yeah! We missed you so we came to see you!"
"Okay, okay, let's go inside."
Lu Gui went inside with the two children. Behind them, Lady Tian unhappily scolded, "Did you not see your sister and brother-in-law? You need to greet them properly!"
Lu Gui turned his head and called out, "Brother-in-law, sister."
Xie Yunjin and Lu Gui nodded. The two of them then asked Xie Tieniu to come in with them. Xie Tieniu asked Lu Jiao, "Third aunt, do we need to carry all this stuff in?"
Inside the cart was a basket containing a baby boar, eggs, and vegetables.
Lu Jiao was about to go take the stuff when Lu Danian grabbed the baskets, "Let me, let me."
Lu Danian carefully offered. Before, for five taels of silver, he blamed Lady Tian. In the end, not only did his daughter forgive him, she even taught the family how to make tofu for a living. He felt ashamed and he was worried that his daughter blamed him.
Lu Jiao wasn't mad and thanked Lu Danian, "Thanks, dad."
Lu Danian shook his head, "It's okay. It's not heavy."
Thinking that it was already late and the family hadn't even eaten, Lu Danian said to Lady Tian, "Hurry and make some food for our daughter and her family."
Lady Tian quickly delegated the tasks to her daughters-in-law.
The first and second aunts went to cook in the kitchen.
Lu Jiao and Xie Yunjin followed Lady Tian and Lu Danian to the living room. Once everyone sat down, Lady Tian made some sugar water for everyone.
Lu Jiao gave some to Xie Tieniu, who didn't decline. After six hours of riding the ox, he was thirsty.
Lady Tian thanked Xie Tiniu, "Thank you."
Xie Tieniu scratched his head, "There's no need to thank me. Thanks to the third aunt, my village is far more prosperous today than before. Everyone's lives are improving because of my third aunt."
Lady Tian was proud to hear that, "It's good that Lu Jiao is able to help out the village."
Xie Tieniu wasn't good at talking and could only laugh.
Lady Tian turned to Xie Yunjin, "Son-in-law, your legs are fully functional now?"
Xie Yunjin nodded, "Thanks to your kindness, I am doing fine now."
He even stood up and respectfully bowed to Lady Tian. Lady Tian asked him to straighten up, "We are a family. Why are you being so polite? Sit down, sit down!"
Lady Tian glanced at her son, Lu Gui. Last time, Lu Gui told her that Xie Yunjin was not as courteous as he used to be and actually became very friendly.
Today, however, Lady Tian felt like he didn't change from before at all.
Lu Gui found this strange as well and shot Xie Yunjin a few looks. He felt like his brother-in-law's gone back to the way he was before. He acted all distant and not that friendly anymore.
Lu Gui frowned. Was he wrong to feel how he felt the last time he visited?
The family quickly returned to their happy conversations, "Once you get better, are you going to continue your studies in the city?"
Xie Yunjin nodded, "Yes, next year is the provincial exam. In a while, I'm going to be moving into the City of Xian to study."
Lady Tian nodded immediately, "Of course. It's no time to act complacent."
Just then, Lady Tian turned to Lu Jiao, "Once my son-in-law goes back to studying, you can bring the four little ones and live with me. I'll help you out with the kids."
The four little ones looked at Lu Jiao. Before Lu Jiao could speak, Xie Yunjin spoke, "I plan on bringing them with me when I move into the city to study."
Everyone inside the room opened their mouths, "You're bringing them with you?!"
216 Good Looking Cousins
Lu Jiao also turned to stare at Xie Yunjin in shock. However, she understood what he was thinking very quickly. Xie Yunjin and her were considered separated and he had no intention of giving her custody of the four little ones. Therefore, he must learn how to take care of the four little ones rather than figure it out after Lu Jiao leaves.
Lu Jiao understood him and she didn't hate the idea. She planned on moving into the city anyways.
The three businesses she planned to start with Zhao Lingfeng will be opened in the City of Xian. Plus, she already decided to buy land in the Qinghe District.
Since her life will mostly be in the City of Xian, it was good for her to move there.
Inside the living room, Lady Tian peeked at Lu Jiao. Since Lu Jiao didn't really react, she figured the couple had discussed this beforehand. She asked caringly, "Don't you need to rent a house before moving?"
Xie Yunjin nodded, "Yes, I'm going to ask people to help me look for a place to rent. When the time comes, the children and Lu Jiao will come with me."
Lady Tian felt like this was a good idea. This way, the family didn't have to separate.
Lu Danian also thought that was a good idea. Only Xie Tieniu was worried. If the third aunt moved to Xian City, what about the leeches they were going to raise?
He then remembered Xie Erzhu and stopped worrying. It was likely that Uncle Erzhu already learned all the necessary skills. They didn't need to worry.
Once the four children learned that they could accompany their dad into the city, they were thrilled. They struggled out of Lu Gui's arms and ran to Xie Yunjin to confirm excitedly, "Daddy, are you for real? We can move into the city with you?!"
Xie Yunjin patted their heads, "Yes, let's move into the city together."
"Then, can I go play at your school?"
"Of course."
"You promised you'd take us to visit the city."
"Once we move there, I'll show you around."
"Okay!"
The four little ones' eyes curled into crescents. Just then, from outside the living room, a few heads popped in to stare.
When Lady Tian saw them, she called out to them, "Huzi, Taozi, come in and say hi to your aunt and uncle."
Five-year-old Huzi and two-year-old Taozi walked. Taozi had recently learned how to walk and enjoyed running after Huzi. Right now, they were both messy in the hair and dusty on the face.
The two children ran inside and greeted, "Auntie, uncle."
The soft and cute-looking Taozi attracted Lu Jiao's attention. Little Taozi looked somewhat like Lu Jiao, which garnered much of Lu Jiao's affection. She gestured for Taozi to come to her.
"Are you Taozi?"
Taozi's large eyes blinked as she nodded, "I'm Tao… Taozi, on-ti-e."
Lu Jiao took out a handkerchief to dust off the dirt on Taozi's face. Taozi stared at Lu Jiao with her large eyes. What a kind on-ti-e."
Lu Jiao then got out some candy for Taozi. Behind her, Huzi pouted in anger. Luckily, he didn't come to take the candy for himself.
Lu Jiao didn't plan on giving the kid a hard time. She grabbed more candy for Huzi.
Huzi rushed over to snatch them away. His little face finally calmed down.
Lady Tian asked Huzi to take the children to go out and play.
"Huzi, take your little brothers to go play in the yard."
Huzi's face dropped and he glared coldly at the four little ones, "Hmmph, I will not."
He then ran away.
Because of those four cousins of his, he got beaten up by his mother many times. His mother told him she didn't want him anymore and wanted to toss him into the trash. She would rather take one of the little cousins from his aunt's place to replace him.
He had finally put faces to these cousins. He didn't think much of them. They were pretty looking, like girls. Boys who do not look like boys did not deserve playtime with him.
Taozi stumbled her way over to stare at the four little ones. These four cousins sure were good-looking.
"Taozi will p-play. Taozi will play with you."
Taozi then grabbed the First Born's hand, "Big brother, let's go p-play!"
The First Born looked towards Lu Jiao, who smiled, "Go ahead and play with your cousins in the yard."
Lady Tian also grinned, "Go and play. But don't go far. It's almost time for lunch."
"Okay, grandma."
The four little ones went out with Taozi. The adults in the living room started to chat again. This time, they talked about the Lu family's tofu making business.
"I've been doing as you instructed. Every day, I make around 300 pounds of tofu. The three brothers each take 100 pounds to sell. The crumbs are fed to the pigs. Whatever's leftover is sold to the villagers."
Lu Danian then added to Lu Jiao, "Thank you Jiaojiao, for coming up with this business for us. We really need to thank you."
Lu Jiao shook her head, "I'm happy that your lives are easier."
Just then, she remembered that when Lu Gui visited, she had told him about the leech-keeping business. She figured that the Lu family would definitely want in. who knew that the Lu family would never send messages? Lu Jiao turned to Lu Gui, "Last time, I told you about the leech-making business. How come I never heard back?"
Though the tofu-making business was great, there were three brothers and they had the manpower to do something more. She didn't expect that they would say no.
Lu Gui was about to speak when the first and second aunts walked in.
"Mom, food is ready. We made some noodles and two dishes. The boys must be hungry so they should eat now. We'll cook more dishes for dinner."
Before Lady Tian could answer, Lu Jiao answered, "Sure. Thank you, sisters-in-law."
The sisters-in-law waved their hands, "Sister, no need to be so polite with us."
They've been finding their young sister-in-law maturing. She was no longer unreasonable and feisty like before.
Lu Jiao didn't say more. They were a family and there was truly no need for so much etiquette. She called Xie Yunjin and Xie Tieniu to have lunch, then went into the yard to get the boys.
The four little ones were very intrigued by their grandma's donkey and the stone mill. They sat and observed for a long time.
When they returned to the living room, they said, "Mommy, grandma has a donkey and a stone mill. Taozi said they are used to make tofu."
Lady Tian grinned and hugged the boys, "This afternoon, I'll make you soybean milk."
"Okay!"
After lunch, Lady Tian was worried about Xie Yunjin's legs and asked Lu Gui to give Xie Yunjin a place to rest. Xie Yunjin hesitated but didn't say anything more.
Lady Tian then asked Lu Danian to take Xie Tieniu to rest. Lu Danian happily accommodated.
The aunts picked up the four little ones with much excitement, "Come, come, come play with your aunt and uncle."
The two women planned to carry the boys around town and show them off.
Behind them, Taozi pitifully chased after her own mother, "Mommy, me, me, what about me?"
Sadly, her mother had forgotten about her own daughter.
Back in the living room, Lady Tian pulled Lu Jiao into her room and the two chatted in low voices.
"I heard from your brother that the last time he visited, Yunjin was very warm towards him and acted like they were family. How come today, he went back to treating me courteously? What happened?"
217 Eat Deliciously, Drink Spicily, and Live Comfortably
Lu Jiao blinked. Last time, Xie Yunjin was warm towards Lu Gui because he thought of Lu Gui as his brother-in-law. Now that they've basically separated, the Lu family was no longer related to him. Of course he had to be polite and distant.
Of course Lu Jiao didn't want Lady Tian to find out about their pending divorce. She smiled, "Lu Gui was wrong. He's always been cold. It's not like you didn't know."
Just then, Lu Gui walked in and blurted out, "Sister, I feel like my brother-in-law is acting differently from last time. Last time, he was so warm and nice and treated me like family. Today, he's reverted back to his courteous self. What happened?"
Both the brother and the mother now stared at Lu Jiao. Lu Jiao grinned, "You were overthinking last time. He's always been like this. You should know."
Lady Tian glanced at Lu Gui, who scratched his head. Was he wrong last time?
Lu Jiao changed the subject quickly and asked Lu Gui, "Last time, I asked you to ask the family if anyone wanted to learn leech keeping. How come I never heard back?"
Lu Gui forgot about Xie Yunjin and answered Lu Jiao, "Sister, the second brother and I planned on visiting you in the next few days to discuss this."
"Oh, well let's chat now."
Lu Jiao was intrigued. Lu Gui was about to speak when more footsteps arrived and two more people came in. It was Lu Jiao's other two brothers, Lu Ping and Lu An.
Lu Ping and Lu An greeted happily, "Sister, you're here."
Lu Jiao nodded, "Where have you been?"
"We were delivering the tofu crumbs we sold."
Lu Ping and Lu An pulled up two chairs and sat by Lu Jiao and Lady Tian.
Lu Jiao studied the three Lu brothers and said, "Though the family now started to make tofu, I figured that since there are three of you, you have the capacity to do leech keeping as well. How come none of you reached out?"
This time, Lu An, the second brother spoke up, "Sister, we had a meeting about this. Lu Gui and I have some thoughts that we wanted to talk to you about. We haven't gotten a chance to visit. Since you are here, we can talk about it now."
Lu An paused there and looked towards Lu Jiao, "Sister, I know you're a capable person. I'm wondering if you're able to find me a job somewhere else? I don't want to spend the rest of my life in the countryside."
Right after he spoke, Lady Tian grabbed Lu Jiao's hands, "Jiaojiao, if that troubles you, ignore him. He's been obsessed with the city and is determined to get out of here."
Lady Tian didn't like the idea of Lu An leaving this place. The outside world was not a kind place. However, Lu An has always been slick and always had lots of ideas he wanted to try out. No matter what she said, he wouldn't listen to her.
Lu Jiao didn't think Lu An's desire to get out was bad. There were so many different kinds of people out there and everyone had their own ideas. It was normal to not want to stay in the countryside.
"Then, what do you want to do?"
Lu Jiao thought of the three businesses she was going to open with Zhao Lingfeng. Other than the oil mill, the cosmeceutical store and the pharmacy both needed spiritual stream water from her. She'll need someone to get the water from her when the time comes.
That person must be a reliable one and that person will need to interact with her a lot.
She was a woman. Therefore, if she interacted a lot with any man, there were bound to be rumors. If that someone were Lu An, however, then there would be no gossip about her.
Was Lu An reliable though? Lu Jiao didn't really know him. Later, she'll have to interrogate Lady Tian to make sure. As a mother, Lady Tian's been honest with everything to Lu Jiao. She would never say anything that hurts her.
Now that Lu Jiao's got an idea, she started to check out Lu An almost calculatingly.
Lu An's brain spun fast and he knew by the look on Lu Jiao's face that she's got an idea.
She stared at Lu Jiao and straightened his back, "Sister, don't worry. No matter what it is that you want me to do, I'll do it. I would never let you lose face."
Lu Jiao waved her hand, "What you're promising me is the bare minimum. More importantly, are you honest? Are you reliable? Do you have good morals?"
The customers the three businesses will have will mostly be other businessmen and entrepreneurs. If Lu An had no morals, lots of bad things would happen.
Lu An knew then that Lu Jiao actually made plans for him. He excitedly vowed, "Jiaojiao, don't worry. I would never cause you any trouble."
Lu Jiao thought about it and said, "Okay, then I have some ideas. I'll keep an eye out for you."
Lu An stopped talking now. He knew that his sister had temporarily agreed to help him but it will depend on how he behaved. If he was able to prove himself, she would get him something to do.
Lu An was ecstatic. He's always been weak physically and enjoyed thinking up new business ideas to make money. Sadly, his family was poor and had no capital for him to build anything from the ground up. The news today was great news.
Lu Jiao ignored Lu An and went to look at Lu Gui. After all the time she's spent with Lu Gui, she's aware now that he was honest, sincere, and hard-working.
Lu Jiao wasn't worried about Lu Gui.
"What about you? What are your thoughts?"
Lu Gui's lips stretched into a smile, "I want to follow you."
Lu Jiao thought she heard him wrong, "What?"
Lu Gui said it again, "I know you're a woman of fortune. I'm a little dumb and I don't want to stay in the countryside. So, I want to follow you wherever you go. Right, sister, once brother-in-law becomes an official, you will need a steward or something. I will go and be your steward."
Lu Jiao rolled her eyes at him. What was he talking about?
"What are you saying?!"
Lu Gui grabbed Lu Jiao's arm and swayed it around, "Sister, let me follow you. I'm not very capable but I know that being loyal to the capable ones means there's meat to eat."
Lu Jiao was dizzy from the swaying and slapped him away, "Be serious."
Before Lu Gui could fight for himself more, Lady Tian spoke up, "Jiaojiao, since Lu Gui is willing to help you, you should let him. You're seeing patients and soon Yunjin will go back to school. It's going to be hard to make sure the four little ones are taken care of. Since Lu Gui is willing to go with you, you can let him and have him look after the kids."
Only then, did Lu Jiao seriously consider Lu Gui's suggestion, "You really want to follow me?"
Lu Gui's expression was serious as he nodded to indicate his sincerity.
If he followed his sister, he would be able to eat deliciously, drink spicily, and live comfortably. Why would he try and pave a path for himself? He had no ability or money.
Lu Jiao thought about it and realized that it was a good suggestion. She still had to take care of the four little ones for a year and she would be worried about giving that job to a stranger.
Soon, she would be busy with the three businesses on top of seeing patients. She also wanted to buy farmland and plant herbs. Basically, she had a lot of work and she'll be busy. At least with Lu Gui, she wouldn't be worried about leaving the four little ones with him.
Once the four little ones move to the Capital City with their father, she'll still have lots going on. Then, she'll just give Lu Gui something else to do. He could manage the farmland or manage one of the businesses. She may even have the ability to start other new shops for him to look after.
In summary, she was going to be a busy woman and she wasn't worried that Lu Gui would end up bored.
"Are you sure you want to follow me?"
Lu Gui's eyes brightened and he nodded, "Yes."
218 Did you Kick out my Son-in-Law?
Lu Jiao then thought, if Lu An and Lu Gui both leave, then only her first brother's family would remain. Wouldn't her mother be too busy then?
"Mom, if they all leave, you would get even busier."
Lu An and Lu Gui both glanced towards Lady Tian. Lady Tian wasn't a fan of the idea of her sons leaving. As a mother, she wanted her sons to stay by her side so she didn't have to worry about their safety. However, they were adults now with their own ideas and she wasn't about to hinder her sons' growth.
Lady Tian nodded, "If I can't handle it, we'll hire someone."
Lady Tian then added in a serious tone, "However, if you both leave here, you must understand that that makes your eldest brother the man of the family. You can come home and stay here, but once your father and I are old, we are going to give everything we have to your eldest brother."
She had to make sure this was clear so there was no conflict in the future.
Just then, Lu Ping spoke up, "Mom, you don't have to give me everything."
Lady Tian ignored him and only looked at Lu An and Lu Gui. They both nodded.
Those two brothers spent a lot of time mumbling ideas to each other. Lu Gui told Lu An again and again about how Lu Jiao was a person with great fortune and luck. This made Lu An obsessively confident about Lu Jiao. He, too, thought that if he followed Lu Jiao, he'd be able to make way more money than what this family can offer. Therefore, the two of them nodded without hesitation.
"Mother, we understand."
Lady Tian stared at Lu An angrily, "You better talk about this with your wife first. Or else she may fight you later."
Lady Tian then ignored these worrisome sons and asked them to leave so she could talk to Lu Jiao privately.
Inside the bedroom, the mother and daughter started to whisper. Lady Tian asked Lu Jiao if her relationship with Xie Yunjin had improved.
Lu Jiao didn't know how to answer. Should she tell Lady Tian that she was basically a divorced woman now?
"Mom, everything's good. Don't worry."
Lu Jiao then asked Lady Tian about the tofu business. Lady Tian was excited to talk about it. Once she was done talking, she even took out the silver she earned to show Lu Jiao. She had around 30 taels of silver with her – all profits.
Lady Tian shoved the money into Lu Jiao's hands, "We made all this money all thanks to you. I'm going to give it to you. When we make more, I'll give it to your first brother. Lu Gui and Lu An can make their money."
Lu Jiao was touched as she stared at the 30 taels of silver. She had a lot of silver herself and didn't need that 30. She originally wanted to give Lady Tian some silver.
Now, she knew that even if she tried to give Lady Tian anything, she wouldn't take it. If Lady Tian ever needed money, she'd give it to her then.
Lu Jiao shoved the money back to Lady Tian, "Mom, I earned some money seeing patients. I don't need this. Save all this for your retirement."
Lady Tian whispered, "You really made money?"
Lu Jiao nodded and told Lady Tian about the hundreds of taels of silver she earned. She didn't dare to tell her the true amount. Despite so, Lady Tian became so proud of her daughter.
After they chatted some more, Lady Tian got up to make dinner. It was the first time her son-in-law visited, she had to make sure lots of food was served for dinner.
Lu Jiao wanted to help but Lady Tian pushed her to the west bedroom, where Lu Jiao used to stay.
"Go and take a nap. I don't need you to help out around here. At home, you're a valued guest!"
Lu Jiao went to the west bedroom. She thought Xie Yunjin was resting, but he wasn't. He was looking into the yard with his hands behind his back.
Lu Jiao asked in surprise, "How come you're not napping?"
Xie Yunjin turned around, "Is this where the old Lu… where you used to live?"
Thinking that this was the bedroom of that woman exasperated Xie Yunjin. Sleeping here? He didn't even want to stay here.
However, he couldn't say that to anyone so he could only endure the negative emotion he felt.
Though he no longer hated that woman, the thought of her put him in a bad mood.
Xie Yunjin truly detested the old Lu Jiao. He hated her appearance, her aura, and her way of treating the kids.
Inside the room, Lu Jiao naturally didn't know what was going on inside Xie Yunjin's head. She nodded, "Yes, I used to live here. Then, I got married. But my mother never let anyone else take over this room."
Lu Jiao sat on the bed. When she saw Xie Yunjin continue to stand, she couldn't help but ask, "Why don't you sit? Standing so long isn't good for your legs."
Though he could walk now, he needed lots of rest.
Xie Yunjin also couldn't stop himself and responded, "I don't want to stay here. Can you let me stay in Lu Gui's room?"
Lu Jiao understood. They've separated so he didn't feel comfortable staying in her room.
Lu Jiao smiled. Suddenly, she felt like Xie Yunjin had much self-awareness.
It was her bad this time. She had forgotten.
"Sure, I'll take you to Lu Gui's room."
The look in her eyes as she looked at Xie Yunjin was now almost praisingly.
Xie Yunjin found her strange. Just what was this woman thinking now?
The two of them left the room. Inside the yard, Lady Tian was trying to catch a chicken. When she saw them, she asked, "Jiaojiao, why aren't you resting? Why are you taking my son-in-law out here?"
Lu Jiao pointed at Lu Gui's room, "I'm taking him to Lu Gui's room. I don't like to share a bed. Too hot."
Lady Tian's eyes widened at her, "You're high maintenance."
She then turned to Xie Yunjin, "Don't blame her. She's always been picky like this."
Xie Yunjin looked at Lu Jiao. He was the one who didn't want to sleep in that room yet she took the blame.
This time, Xie Yunjin didn't flatter himself and think that it was because Lu Jiao liked him.
The memory of Lu Jiao's decision to divorce made him cold again. He went into Lu Gui's room.
Lu Jiao didn't think much of it but Lady Tian noticed the change. What happened?
Lady Tian grabbed Lu Jiao's hand, "Did you kick him out?"
Was that why he appeared to be in a bad mood? Lu Jiao laughed and yawned, "Mom, I'm going to nap."
She then left and went back to her room. Behind her, Lady Tian helplessly sighed.
For dinner, the Lu family cooked two tables full of food. They invited the Apricot Flower Village's leader, the Lu family Clan Leader, Lu Jiao's grandparents' family, and her second uncle's family.
The men sat at one table and the women sat at another. The four little ones sat with Lu Jiao and the women.
At the men's table, the Clan and Village Leaders, Lu Jiao's grandpa, and second uncle were all very respectful towards Xie Yunjin.
This scholar was famous in the entire Qinghe District. During the prefectural examination, he placed first. The magistrate personally praised him and even rewarded him with 100 taels of silver.
219 Mommy and Daddy Sleep in Separate Rooms
Everyone thought he was going to take the provincial exam two years ago but he ended up skipping it. It was most likely that he would take the upcoming exam.
Many people commented that he was such a great student and that he would likely place highly on the provincial exam. Once the exam was done, he would have earned himself the title of a provincial elite! Ah, no, if he scores well on the provincial exam, he will be taking the imperial exam in the Capital City. Then he will officially become an important member of the bureaucracy.
Because of this potential, many people did their best to talk Xie Yunjin up and flatter him.
Xie Yunjin came today to earn face for the Lu family. Therefore, he didn't act at all impatient toward these people. Occasionally, he would even flatter back. This made the leaders view him highly and thought of him as both good-looking, well-spoken, and basically perfect.
Even though Xie Yunjin didn't drink, the leaders didn't blame him and allowed him to drink tea instead.
While the men chatted, the women's table got boisterous.
The first and second aunts loved the four little ones the more they looked at them. They wished they were their sons.
The second aunt's daughter, Taozi, didn't think much of it. She wished she had a brother.
Huzi's little face, however, drowned in despair. Sadly, nobody at the table acknowledged him and he wanted to cry.
His mother threw daggers with her gaze to tell him that if he cried, she could beat him to death.
Huzi didn't dare to cry. Lately, he's been beaten up a few times and he's learned that crying didn't work. So he no longer cried and only glared at the four little ones.
The first and second aunts then cheered Lu Jiao with tea in replacement of alcohol, "Thank you, little sister, for thinking of us and helping us. We've handled things poorly in the past and we apologize. I hope you will forgive us."
They then drank the tea. Lu Jiao mindlessly waved her hand, "We're family. I don't mind."
It was because they really didn't do anything bad to her. Because she taught them how to make tofu, the entire family was so appreciative of her. Lu Jiao felt that this proved them to be grateful people.
Lady Tian watched all this and was more than content. She continued to get the four little ones, Huzi, and Taozi more food. Everything that's happening now was truly wonderful. She felt like marrying Lu Danian back then was the right decision. If she didn't marry him, she wouldn't have her three sons and her daughter. Mostly her daughter. If she married someone else, then she wouldn't have Jiaojiao.
Lady Tian smiled at her daughter and her eyes gleamed with happiness.
At the men's table, the Leaders got up to cheer Lu Jiao with alcohol.
"Jiaojiao, you're a great kid. Not only are you a doctor, but you also taught everyone how to harvest herbs and I heard that you're teaching people leech keeping? You're so capable. Don't forget about us in the future!"
Lu Jiao glanced at the leaders and slightly grinned. She didn't answer.
She didn't have a good view of the Apricot Flower Villagers. There was that old couple who stirred up trouble at her home. Then today, that couple blocked her oxcart and cursed at her. Yet everyone in the village only watched and nobody stepped up to help.
This meant the villagers weren't very good people. Lu Jiao was in no mood to acknowledge these kinds of people.
Lu Jiao didn't answer. An old woman sitting nearby pushed her. This old woman was the original host's grandma.
"Jiaojiao, the leaders are talking to you. Hurry up and answer them. Tell them you'll teach us how to keep leeches too. We heard leech keeping can make a lot of money."
Lu Jiao's face dropped right away as she glared at the old woman. Who did that grandma think she was?
"It's not even for certain if the leeches will survive. If something went wrong, who will take responsibility?"
Lu Jiao's tone wasn't kind. The grandma's expression turned unfriendly.
Lady Tian angrily said to grandma Lu, "Mom, if you're done eating, you can go home and rest."
Lady Tian didn't get along with her mother-in-law because she didn't like Lady Tian much. Before, she wanted her older son to marry her in-law's niece but her son ended up marrying Lady Tian.
In the end, her younger son married the niece and grandma Lu now lived with her younger son's family.
Grandma Lu was about to get angry and explode on Lady Tian when Lu Jiao interrupted, "Grandma, are you drunk?"
Her face was cold as she stared. Grandma Lu was a little scared of the look on Lu Jiao's face. Then, when she remembered who Lu Jiao's husband was, Grandma Lu shut up.
Lu Jiao turned back to the leaders, "There are lots of risks involved with leech keeping. I don't think you're able to take responsibility for any failures."
The leaders felt like they lost face but didn't dare to get angry. They went back to their seats, suppressing their rage.
The atmosphere wasn't as great after and dinner ended soon after. Lu Danian walked the guests out.
When it was just the Lu family left, Lady Tian unleashed, "Every day, she thinks about how to squeeze money out of other people. Something's wrong with her."
She was naturally referring to grandma Lu. The aunts cleaned up quietly and didn't comment. Their mother-in-law hated her mother-in-law. The two of them were nemesis.
The aunts knew, however, that that old woman wasn't nice and preferred her younger son.
She lived with her younger son yet asked this family to contribute. Other than food, she always asked for money by saying that she was sick and needed to see a doctor.
Now that the family was making money selling tofu, she would get "sick" every other day. Thankfully, Lady Lu was tough enough to say no and set that grandma straight.
Lu Jiao pulled on Lady Tian's hand and comforted, "Mom, don't be mad. Just ignore her."
Lady Tian finally felt a little better. Since it was late, she went to boil water for the family to wash up with.
After bathing, it was late. Lady Tian rushed them to go to sleep.
Lu Jiao was faced with a challenge. How do they sleep tonight? Back at home, Xie Yunjin took two children and slept in one room. She took the other two and slept in the other room. How do they arrange their sleeping situation tonight?
Lu Jiao decided to take two of the boys and sleep in the original host's old room. Xie Yunjin can take the other two boys and sleep in Lu Gui's room. As for Lu Gui, he could find somewhere in the village to sleep. It was his village and he naturally could find a spot.
Before Lu Jiao could speak, Lady Tian hugged the four little ones, "Babies, how about two of you guys sleep with me and your grandpa tonight? The other two can sleep with your little uncle."
The four little ones declined. The Fourth Born grabbed onto Lu Jiao, "Grandma, I don't want to sleep with you. I want to sleep with mommy."
Lady Tian's eyes flickered. Back in the Xie family, her daughter and her son-in-law slept apart. That was not good.
Lady Tian picked up the Fourth Born and soothed, "Fourth Born, sleep with me so your mom and dad can share a room."
Lu Jiao's face fell into shock and she subconsciously looked behind her. Xie Yunjin was in the corner and coldly stared at her.
Lu Jiao snapped her head back to tell Lady Tian that sleeping together was not necessary when the Fourth Born shouted, "Grandma, my mommy and daddy don't sleep in the same room. They sleep in separate rooms."
220 Her Son-in-Law has an Eye Disease
Lady Tian now wanted the Fourth Born to sleep with Lu Jiao even less. She argued, "Fourth Born, parents should sleep together. It's good for their relationship."
Just then, the First Born, who's been quiet, asked, "Grandma, parents should sleep together?"
"That's right."
Lady Tian looked at the First Born. That kid was smart.
"Your mom and dad should sleep together. How about you sleep with us tonight?"
The First Born agreed and ordered the other three, "Tonight, we'll sleep with grandma, grandpa, and third uncle. Mommy and daddy can sleep together."
Only then, will their relationship improve and only then, will they not separate. That was the only way for them to keep their mom.
The Second and Third Born understood the intention behind this. The Fourth Born seemed to have understood but he didn't want to be apart from his mom. He pouted.
The First Born glared at him and the Fourth Born finally quieted down.
Lu Jiao quickly said, "Mom, Xie Yunjin isn't comfortable in my room."
Lady Tian offered a solution right away, "Then you two sleep in your brother's room. Your brother can sleep in your room with the kids."
Lady Tian then looked towards Xie Yunjin, "Son, what do you say?"
Xie Yunjin could tell that Lu Jiao hated the idea. He replied, "Mom, the children are used to sleeping with Lu Jiao. They might be uncomfortable since this is a new place for them. Why not let the children be with Lu Jiao tonight? Once we are home, we can rearrange."
Lu Jiao decided this guy was pretty ethical and nodded, "That's right. He's right."
Lady Tian saw the look on their faces and grew suspicious. She narrowed her eyes, "Is something up between you two?"
Lu Jiao froze, then shook her head. She didn't want to expose their separation so late at night. Xie Yunjin's visit today brought the family so much happiness. How sad would they be to find out that they've actually separated? Lady Tian would break down.
Lu Jiao didn't want her to feel sad so she shook her head. Xie Yunjin didn't answer.
Lady Tian pushed Lu Jiao to Lu Gui's room, "Hurry up and go to sleep. There's nothing more to discuss."
She then looked at Xie Yunjin, "Son, you should sleep as well. It's late."
There wasn't much left for Xie Yunjin to say except to follow Lu Jiao into the room. The two entered the room and exchanged glances. Xie Yunjin was the first to speak, "Don't worry. I won't take advantage of you."
He then checked out Lu Gui's room and announced, "You sleep on the bed. I'll sleep on the floor."
Lu Jiao was satisfied with the suggestion, "Okay."
The two got busy then. Lu Jiao searched around for bedding. She wasn't able to find anything thick enough to put on the floor and only found an old and ripped blanket.
She laid it out on the ground, "There's no more blanket to use for warmth. What to do?"
Xie Yunjin took out his outer layer robe and covered himself with it.
"This will do. It's late. Sleep."
Lu Jiao agreed and went to bed.
However, she was just about to fall asleep when footsteps arose outside the room. Xie Yunjin's expression changed. He scrambled off the ground, threw the blanket under him onto the bed then crawled into bed himself. He laid there lopsided and pretended to be hazy but awake.
Lady Tian walked in then. Though both of them were in bed and her son-in-law acted as if he had just been woken up by the noise, Lady Tian still saw the old blanket on the bed right away.
It was summer and the thick blanket wasn't necessary. So it was used by her son-in-law to sleep on the ground.
The four little ones had mumbled to her about how her daughter wanted to separate from her son-in-law. It appeared that they were speaking the truth.
Lady Tian was unspeakably sad and her eyes turned red.
Lu Jiao was awake and saw that Lady Tian was watching her with her eyes red.
Lu Jiao asked, "Mom, what's wrong?"
Lady Tian said, "Come out."
Lu Jiao got out of bed and followed her mom into the yard to talk.
"What's happening? The Fourth Born told me you wanted a separation. Is it true?"
Lu Jiao froze. She didn't expect the Fourth Born to tell Lady Tian that. That little guy's mouth was not very well sealed.
Lu Jiao thought about it as she stared at Lady Tian. Then, she whispered, "Mom, he doesn't like me."
Lady Tian was stunned and couldn't find any words to say. She was sure that calamity brought people closer. How come that wasn't the case for her son-in-law?
Lady Tian knew that her daughter liked Xie Yunjin and felt hurt. She hugged Lu Jiao, "My Jiaojiao, how did you end up with such a heartless man?"
Lu Jiao felt bad. However, then she reminded herself that Xie Yunjin truly didn't like her. So she wasn't really lying.
Lu Jiao comforted Lady Tian, "Mom, I've thought it through and I'm okay with it. If he doesn't like me, he doesn't like me. I'll be okay by myself."
Her words made Lady Tian cry harder. She choked, "This is all my fault. I didn't raise you well and that's why you fell for that man's appearance. If all those past things didn't happen, you wouldn't be married to him."
Lady Tian's cries pained Lu Jiao as well. She patted her back, "Mom, he said he'll give me half a year. He's going to try and see if he'll fall for me in the next six months. If he still doesn't like me after six months, then we'll call it quits."
Lu Jiao wanted to give Lady Tian some time to accept what was coming next. It worked well. Lady Tian felt better when she heard that and she stopped crying.
She studied Lu Jiao and just couldn't understand what her son-in-law was thinking.
"My Jiaojiao is such a great woman, why doesn't my son-in-law like you? What kind of person does he like?"
Lu Jiao chuckled and took Lady Tian's hand, "Mom, feelings between men and women cannot be explained sometimes. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, wouldn't you say?"
Lady Tian has been through a lot and naturally knew that. She was just sad that her amazing daughter couldn't be loved by her son-in-law. Did her son-in-law have an eye disease? It was such a pity that her daughter was going to be divorced at such a young age.
Lady Tian's eyes turned red again and she patted Lu Jiao's head, "Jiaojiao, if you divorce, what will you do? The world isn't fair to women. If you divorce, you'll be laughed at and mocked. Your life will be difficult. I don't want to see you so sad."
Those thoughts felt like knives stabbing into Lady Tian's heart.
Lu Jiao felt worse and worse. She hugged Lady Tian and consoled her, "Mom, don't worry. Maybe things will change over the next six months. Don't spend energy being sad over something that hasn't happened. Even if we do end up separated in six months, so what? I am rather capable, you know? I plan on finding you an even better son-in-law."