Chapter 51 - Impudent Scoundrel ◇
◎Uncle Log is truly terrifying◎
The moment the Hua family's gate opened the next day, they found Sanshu already squatting there, his entire being covered in dew. Aunt Mei was startled and took a few steps back, asking what he was doing here?
Feeling a bit bashful, he scratched his head and said, "My wife told me that Miss Lian'er asked me to come and haul goods. I was so excited that I couldn't sleep half the night, so I hurried over early."
Aunt Mei glanced at the courtyard outside, spotless without a single weed. Then she saw a pile of freshly pulled grass with soil still clinging to their roots. Her lips twitched. "You pulled these too?"
Sanshu grew even more embarrassed. "I came early and did it on a whim."
Summer days naturally dawned earlier. Aunt Mei had to rise early to cook, but when she looked up, it wasn't even fully daylight yet. She could only imagine how early this fellow must have arrived; perhaps he had come in the middle of the night.
Opening the door to let him in, she said, "Lian'er hasn't woken up yet. These days, she's been busy until very late. The Old Lady doesn't allow us to disturb her, saying she needs more rest. You'll have quite a wait."
Sanshu maintained a cheerful smile, assuring her that it was no problem.
"I'll go help them with something for a while. I can wait patiently; there's no rush."
Arriving in the middle of the night, he wasn't being impatient at all.
Aunt Mei secretly chuckled to herself but decided against exposing this naive country bumpkin.
In the family, only she and Little Guo'er were responsible for the kitchen duties. However, she woke up early, while Guo'er, being a child, slept more. Thus, at that moment, no one else was awake. She turned and walked towards the kitchen, while Sanshu rolled up his sleeves, strolled around the courtyard, and took care of feeding the chickens and pigs for them.
By the time he finished these tasks, Aunt Mei had cooked the meal, and the family began to rise one by one.
First, Hua Zhan got up and practiced with a wooden sword in the yard to loosen his muscles. Then, Mrs. Chen helped the elderly matriarch out.
Upon Hua Zhan's appearance, Sanshu heaved a sigh of relief. He didn't dare engage in much conversation with Uncle Mu's concubine, but with Uncle Mu, he felt more at ease, given their shared history of horse-drawn carriage rides. Thus, he sat on the steps beneath the eaves, watching him practice swordplay. When Uncle Mu finally paused, Sanshu approached to strike up a conversation.
"Uncle Wood, your sword dance is exquisite. What technique is that?"
A mere mention of the word "dance" caused Hua Zhan to frown. He murmured softly, "A move that kills."
Sanshu was startled, instinctively taking a half-step back. Though Uncle Wood's tone was calm and his voice didn't rise, Sanshu felt an inexplicable fear in that moment. A chill ran down his spine, prickling the hair on his arms. He rubbed his arm and chuckled, "Uncle Wood, you're really something..."
He then recollected that Uncle Wooden, once an imperially high-ranking and power-wielding marquis, was rumored to have seen battlefields himself. The skills in his hands were genuine, lethal techniques capable of taking lives.
"Sword dancing is for entertainment, while sword practice is for killing. A day without practice makes the hand rusty."
Hua Zhan's latter remark only served to intimidate the young man to the point of weakness. If not for the task entrusted by Yu Lian, he would have fled on the spot.
Uncle Wooden was terrifying, truly terrifying!
After casually correcting himself, Hua Zhan walked to the well, drew some water, and freshened up before returning to his room for breakfast. He called out to Sanshu as he did.
Sanshu leaned against the doorframe, too scared to enter. He whispered, "What's going on?"
"Whatever Uncle Wooden asks me to do, I'll do it. Just don't kill me," Sanshu pleaded.
Hua Zhan responded, "...Have you had breakfast yet?"
At that moment, Aunt Mei entered from behind, carrying a basket of steamed buns and giggling silently. "He came to our house before dawn; he mustn't have eaten yet."
So, Hua Zhan invited him to join them for breakfast.
"Looking for my daughter-in-law?"
Sanshu still stood by the door, too timid to enter, yet foolishly nodded in agreement.
Hua Zhan didn't start eating upon sitting down; she would wait until the entire family was seated before picking up her chopsticks – it was a matter of etiquette.
Turning back, she invited Sanshu into the room, "Have a seat and let's talk."
With a pained expression, Sanshu tiptoed into the room. Seeing only two long benches by the table, he understood that there was only enough space for his family. He didn't dare to take a seat directly, occupying the host's place out of politeness, and more importantly, Uncle Wood was still sitting there!
He fetched a small wooden stool from outside and sat down, placing his hands obediently on his knees. With his head bowed and motionless, he was more well-behaved than when he was a child attending the village school, fearful of being punished by the teacher's ruler.
When the matriarch and Mrs. Chen finished their ablutions and joined them, they saw the young man sitting there meekly, exuding a hint of vulnerability. They suspected that Hua Zhan might have upset him, and both shot concerned glances in her direction.
Hua Zhan: "..."
The family sat down, but no one reached for their chopsticks. Aunt Mei brought over a large pot of porridge and served each person a small bowl. As she was about to serve Yu Lian, the matriarch glanced at her granddaughter-in-law's room and stopped her, "Lian'er has been exhausted lately. Let's wait for her; there's no rush to serve."
No sooner had she finished speaking than the door opened, and Yu Lian emerged, calling out to her grandmother and parents. Noticing that she had risen early, a rarity for her, the elderly matriarch's heart ached as she exclaimed, "Why didn't you sleep more? Lian'er, you should rest longer; your father is keeping an eye on those matters for you."
These past days, how has Granddaughter-in-law managed to carry on alone with all these matters, the old matriarch has been watching closely. While she is astonished by her granddaughter-in-law's capability, she feels even more pained for her.
For a young maiden to be burdened with so many responsibilities, how could she not feel weary?
One could only wonder how the couple from the Wei Duke's residence, Yu Sanlang and his wife, had raised their daughter to possess such qualities. Perhaps in the bustling capital, her character might have been indistinguishable, but here in the countryside, amidst challenging conditions, it became evident what kind of granddaughter-in-law they had.
She innately possessed the ability to handle any situation with ease.
Be it constructing houses or taming wilderness, even if she was previously clueless, she could now manage these tasks efficiently, grasping the overall direction. Even at her youthful age, she wouldn't have dared to claim that she could have managed similarly back then.
When Yu Lian returned from her ablutions in the courtyard, she noticed the grandmother's gaze filled with affectionate tenderness, and she instructed Aunt Mei to serve a bowl of steamed egg custard.
"I've asked Aunt Mei to prepare one for you every day, Lian'er. Eat well and take care not to exhaust yourself."
The twins watched eagerly from across the room. Little Guo'er, understanding her sister-in-law's hard work, refrained from showing any envious expressions and echoed, "Eat up, Sister, it will strengthen your body."
If Yu Lian were aware of the grandmother's thoughts, she might have smiled wryly. How could this workload compare to her past? When she worked for the capitalists, without connections or background, she, as a fresh graduate, had to strive relentlessly just to make a name for herself, all for the sake of promotion and salary increments. That was true hardship – enduring humiliation during the day and studying late into the night to gather information for the company's benefit. She had researched company policies, scouted talents discreetly, and made countless efforts behind the scenes. Compared to those days, her current situation was mere child's play.
Now, she was effectively the boss and employer, with the villagers working for her. She merely oversaw and directed the general course of things; it couldn't be considered exhausting. Moreover, knowing that she was creating a comfortable environment and home for her future, she found joy in the process. How could she complain about being tired?
As the family gathered for dinner, the grandmother called for Aunt Mei to serve a portion to the young man sitting nearby, encouraging him to enjoy his steamed buns slowly.
Sanshu truly broadened his horizons; he learned that in Uncle Wood's family, they only began eating when everyone was present, unlike in his own home or any other in the village, where meals were consumed as soon as hunger struck, like ravenous wolves pouncing on their prey. Who would waste time? Upon seeing the white rice porridge, steamed buns, and even a serving of steamed eggs on the table, who wouldn't devour them eagerly?
Seeing Aunt Mei offering him two large white steamed buns, he hastily waved his hands, declining.
"I'm not hungry, I've already eaten." Steamed buns made from refined flour were precious. Even those sold for a coin at the village bakery were smaller than these by half. How could he have the heart to consume them?
Yu Lian then noticed Sanshu's presence. "Eat first, we'll talk later after you finish."
Yu Lian hadn't expected Sanshu to arrive so promptly. Originally, she had anticipated Hua Sanduo's return within a day or two.
After the meal, she spoke with Sanshu, asking him to drive the carriage into town to find Hua Sanduo, sparing him the need to make another trip back.
Sanshu immediately agreed, "Miss Lian'er, don't worry, I'll do my best."
Driving the carriage was Sanshu's favorite task. Fondly patting the horse's head, he ignored its snort and cheerfully drove the carriage out of the Hua family courtyard, at a time when the villagers were all busy working.
Upon seeing Sanshu driving the carriage, they cast envious and curious glances his way. Those nearby asked what he was up to.
"Did Lian'er give you some task to do?"
Sanshu grinned widely with delight. "Yes, I went to town to run errands for Miss Lian and help her transport goods."
This job was excellent. Driving the carriage only required him to sit on top while the horses did the work, as long as they behaved. Besides, with such a grand carriage, he drew many envious gazes along the way.
Dashu's wife was also surprised. Her sister-in-law hadn't found employment, yet she had somehow arranged a job for her husband?
In Town —
After circling around for quite a while, Sanshu finally found Hua Sanduo. At that moment, he was sprawled across a table at a roadside tavern, snoring loudly. The waiter's brows were knitted in distress. Seeing Sanshu looking for someone, his eyes lit up. "Is this your brother? Take him away, take him away! He came here to drink with a bunch of people yesterday. Everyone left, but he refused to go, falling asleep right here! Isn't he causing trouble for us?"
Sanshu's eyebrows furrowed in anger. Miss Lian trusted Hua Sanduo so much that she had given him such an important task, yet this was how he repaid her?
He had taken Miss Lian's money to drink and not only delayed the business but also wasted silver. It was utterly outrageous!
With a sour expression, he walked over and shook the drunken Hua Sanduo awake. "If you don't get up now, I'll drag you straight to see Miss Lian! How could you do this? Have you finished the tasks Miss Lian entrusted you with? How could you get drunk here all night?"
Half-asleep, Hua Sanduo recognized Sanshu from their same village. He burped, releasing a stench of alcohol that wrinkled Sanshu's face in disgust.
"Hua Sanduo?" he slurred. "Why are you here?"
Chapter 52: An Incident ◇
◎ Her grandson's wife was actually slapped by a country hag! ◇
"I wonder why I'm here?"
"Explain yourself first! How many days has it been? Have you finished your errands or not? Did you spend all the money Miss Lian'er gave you on alcohol? Let me tell you, if you did such an immoral thing, you won't even need Miss Lian'er to deal with you; Uncle Two will take care of you."
Then he recalled Uncle Wood's deadly martial arts skills and added, "If you're not afraid of death, go ahead and mess around. Miss Lian'er used to say that you have connections and are cunning but have a good character. I never thought you'd be so irresponsible, neglecting your duties for wine!"
The waiter chased the bickering pair away. As they walked, they continued to argue. When they reached the carriage, Sanshu helped Hua Sanduo up, determined to take him back to the village to give an account to Miss Lian'er!
Hua Sanduo refused to get in, which made Sanshu suspect that the man was too ashamed to face her.
He held tightly onto Hua Sanduo's arm. "If you're not going back, then what do you plan to do? Keep drinking?"
Hua Sanduo forcefully shrugged him off, almost falling to the ground. Fortunately, he caught himself on the carriage just in time. Heading out, Sanshu assumed he was trying to escape and followed after him. The two tussled all the way to the steamed bun shop.
Hua Sanduo took out some copper coins to buy buns, only then climbing into the carriage.
In the carriage, Hua Sanduo bit into a steamed bun hungrily while he said, "Do you really think I want to drink? Alcohol harms the body; it's not worth it. Do you really think I'm that foolish?"
"Why did you drink all night and even get drunk at the tavern then?"
He was trying to fool who? Only an alcoholic would do something like that!
Hua Sanduo finished the three buns he had bought in one go without asking if Sanshu wanted any. He had never been one for politeness.
After eating, he spoke slowly, "The green bricks in town cost twenty percent more per cart than in the county. Miss Lian'er's house is huge, with a large courtyard, so she must need countless green bricks. I did some calculations: if I can save twenty percent on each cart, how much silver will I save once the entire house and courtyard are built? A mere sum for alcohol cannot compare to that."
Sanshu still didn't understand. "What... does that have to do with the money spent on alcohol?"
Hua Sanduo looked at him as if he were an idiot. "Who am I, Hua Sanduo? Just a village ruffian, an unknown nobody. While I can barely manage in town, I have no connections in the county. What should I do without connections? Important figures wouldn't give a second glance at someone like me, a country bumpkin. So, I can only drink with these lowlifes and ask for guidance."
Sanshu finally understood and felt quite embarrassed. He was an honest man, so he apologized to Hua Sanduo, admitting he had jumped to conclusions.
"I shouldn't have thought that you used Miss Lian'er's silver to buy alcohol."
Hua Sanduo, seemingly out of nowhere, pulled a withered dog-tail grass from his pocket and placed it in his mouth. He said lazily, "I'm used to you fools. In the end, my reputation is poor, so it's not surprising that you'd think that way."
Sanshu was eager to explain, but Hua Sanduo waved his hand to stop him. He was not someone who cared much about others' opinions. If it weren't for the fear that this simpleton might really drag him back and report him to Miss Lian'er, he wouldn't bother explaining at all.
He raised an eyebrow and countered with a question, "Why are you here? What are you doing here?"
"Does Miss Lian'er not trust me?"
Sanshu stammered, "No, it's just that Miss Lian'er asked me to come and assist you. She said you'd need the carriage to transport goods after your discussion, so I came early."
Hua Sanduo glanced up and down at Sanshu before suddenly speaking, "Go back. Leave the carriage behind. I'll drive it."
Sanshu, after much effort, had secured this task from his wife and Miss Lian'er; how could he possibly leave so willingly? How could he endure the humiliation of being sent back in his carriage because of Hua Sanduo's single command? For the moment, he put aside his manners, his eyes widening as he declared, "I'm not leaving. Since Miss Lian'er has entrusted me with a job, I must see it through. There's no way I'm going back."
Hua Sanduo: "I know how to drive the carriage. Your presence, Miss Lian'er, would only add to the expense. If you're wise, you'd return to avoid wasting others' silver."
Sanshu argued forcefully, and the two engaged in a heated debate for quite some time. Eventually, they returned to the village in their carriage, their argument spilling right in front of Yu Lian.
Sanshu felt rather aggrieved. "Miss Lian'er, this was the task you entrusted to me. I've been sincere in my efforts, wishing to carry it out diligently. Hua Sanduo is simply too overbearing. He must be hiding something, fearing that I might hinder his plans."
Hua Sanduo removed the blade of grass from his mouth, adopting a more respectful demeanor in front of his employer, Yu Lian. He frowned and countered, "I am capable of driving the carriage; there's no need for an extra idle hand. Hiring another person would only be a waste of silver. Miss Yu Lian, you're not running a charity, so how can you afford to squander money?"
Yu Lian studied Hua Sanduo carefully. The man was slender, probably due to his inclination to shirk work, making him fairer than the other villagers. His large eyes, accentuated by his thinness, gleamed with enthusiasm whenever the topic of silver came up.
She had hired Hua Sanduo because she appreciated his cunning nature. Though his laziness and cunning were frowned upon by the diligent villagers, Yu Lian saw potential in him as a merchant.
If he were born in modern times, he would be an adept capitalist, embodying traits like self-interest, laziness, a preference for shortcuts, love for money, calculative nature, and a knack for cunning schemes.
These traits, which might be deemed undesirable among laborers, made Hua Sanduo well-suited for the world of commerce.
Of course, his character was crucial. After observing him closely, Yu Lian found that despite his bad reputation, Hua Sanduo's integrity was acceptable. Although he disliked hard work, he never shortchanged his wife, ensuring she was always fed even if it meant sharing his own meals. Though he had his quirks, his moral standing seemed sound, which was why she entrusted him with the purchasing tasks.
She didn't mind if Hua Sanduo profited a little from their transactions as long as he carried out his duties effectively, saved her more silver to buy better materials, and earned a fair share for himself.
Hua Sanduo, being astute, likely understood this. As for Sanshu, who only handled transportation, his lack of knowledge about the goods wouldn't hinder Hua Sanduo's profit-making, provided Hua Sanduo could negotiate effectively with outsiders to secure lower-priced materials.
What truly surprised Yu Lian was how meticulously he economized, unwilling to let Sanshu help to save on labor costs... This man was so frugal that he wouldn't spare even himself, a true embodiment of a penny-pinching capitalist in today's world.
After some thought, she intervened in their dispute, saying, "Each person should focus on their specialized tasks. Just because you can drive doesn't mean Sanshu shouldn't work. Everyone has limited energy and capabilities. Hua Sanduo, just ensure the purchasing is done efficiently, and leave the rest. Sanshu is diligent; he can be a great help to you."
Influenced by Yu Lian's persuasion, Hua Sanduo reluctantly agreed. After all, it wasn't his money being spent. Nevertheless, he still found Sanshu somewhat irritating. As Sanshu accompanied him, driving the carriage and assisting in business transactions, their collaboration gradually improved, fostering a better rapport between them.
Just as they had settled the matter with Hua Sanduo and Hua Sanshu, someone rushed over in a panic, shouting, "Lian, something terrible has happened to Miss Yu Lian! Someone was hit by a wooden beam and has fainted, bleeding profusely!"
Yu Lian's heart raced, and she hurriedly rushed to the scene. Not only her, but even the matriarch and Mrs. Chen were alarmed, all dashing towards the construction site out of concern for human life.
The matriarch was so anxious that sweat drenched her forehead. She repeatedly chanted "Amitabha Buddha," hoping that the person would be unharmed.
Should an accident resulting in a loss of life occur on their construction site, their house would undoubtedly not be built. Moreover, they would be implicated in a legal case, and the goodwill they had painstakingly established within the village might crumble. Their ability to live peacefully in the future would become a daunting challenge.
Worse still, the one struck was an only son, a rare occurrence in the village. His aging mother had given birth to several daughters before finally bearing this son at nearly forty, making him the very lifeline of their entire family.
The man was named Hua Baogui, barely twenty years of age. His mother and newly wed wife were prostrated on the ground, weeping bitterly. Yu Lian's brows knitted tightly together as she observed.
Thoughts raced through her mind, silently declaring, "Major trouble is impending."
Despite the perilous journey she underwent while transcending time, she emerged unscathed, with events unfolding favorably along the path she desired. Though life in the countryside was somewhat challenging, her endeavors proceeded smoothly, and she had yet to encounter any significant troubles.
Now, the true ordeal has arrived.
Recalling news of construction site accidents from her previous life, Yu Lian had stumbled upon a situation that any employer would dread, and this was in ancient rural China with extremely primitive medical facilities.
What should she do if something terrible happened?
Before she could ponder more, Yu Lian arrived at the scene. Just as she steadied herself to kneel down for a closer look, the old woman crouching on the ground suddenly sprang up and shoved her, causing her to fall onto her backside. The stirred-up dust blinded her.
Yu Lian blinked and pulled out a handkerchief to wipe her eyes. Through her tears, the old woman cried and pointed at her, scolding, "Just because you're a lady from an esteemed family, you think you can get away with taking lives? I see that your whole family is a curse! Building this house has brought nothing but misfortune to my son!"
"If anything happens to him today, I'll sacrifice my own life just to take a bite out of you! My precious child, my heart and soul, it took so much effort to raise you to twenty years old. You've just married, and we haven't even seen any grandchildren yet, and now this calamity befalls you!"
The old woman attempted to attack again, but was held back by those nearby.
Dashu's wife had been standing nearby. She hadn't managed to rush over to intervene when the old woman struck, but now that Ma Dafen and others had restrained the old lady, Dashu's wife quickly helped Yu Lian to her feet and brushed off the dust from her clothes.
Mrs. Chen and the grandmother hurried over, their eyes bulging with fury at the sight before them. She, the wife of the East Yuan Marquis and grandmother to his heir, had just been struck by a peasant woman!
Chapter 53: Settling Scores ◇
◎ Let us now account for the injury inflicted upon my mother! ◎
The matriarch felt an overwhelming sorrow, remembering only one phrase: A fallen tiger is bullied by even a dog!
In times past, her East Yuan Marquis House, located at the feet of the emperor, basked in glory, with all seeking to curry favor. Who dared provoke them? Let alone lay a hand on her granddaughter-in-law?
Mrs. Chen was also weeping in fear.
Just then, the daughter-in-law standing beside the matriarch suddenly leaped up. Seizing the opportunity while Dashu's wife helped Yu Lian with her clothing and Yu Lian's eyes were still closed, defenseless, she pushed Yu Lian again. This time, her hair was caught, and her palm raised.
As that slap was about to land, Mrs. Chen abruptly released the matriarch's arm, mustering all her courage to rush forward and embrace her daughter-in-law, redirecting the blow to her own head.
Being a country woman who had grown strong from labor, fueled by anger and the desire for revenge, the force of Mrs. Chen's slap, combined with her delicate constitution, caused her to faint onto Yu Lian.
Only then did Yu Lian open her eyes, her face turning cold at the sight. She asked Dashu's wife for help to steady her mother-in-law, then stepped forward herself.
She was always known for her smiling demeanor, never putting on airs, and comporting herself with grace. No one had ever seen her like this before. The startled Hua Baogui's wife instinctively took two steps back. Yu Lian seized her wrist and twisted it, leaving the woman frozen on the spot, terrified that Yu Lian would retaliate. Her own mother-in-law was also scolding from behind.
Yu Lian was not in the mood to argue with these people. In the face of life and safety, everything else could wait.
She coldly released Hua Baogui's daughter-in-law's hand, her gaze stunning the mother and daughter into silence. As Yu Lian walked over, those surrounding Hua Baogui subconsciously made way for her.
Ma Dafen and a few villagers from the team rushed over, standing protectively behind Yu Lian, fearing that the aggressive mother and daughter would attack again.
One of them grumbled, "Miss Lian didn't even invite you. You insisted on coming over here and meddling, only to end up causing more trouble and injuring yourself. I don't think it's Miss Lian's fault; Hua Baogui was just being stubborn and reckless."
Yu Lian sighed inwardly but had no time to dwell on this. She stepped forward to examine Hua Baogui's injuries. It seemed he had hit his head, blood trickling down the back of his skull, leaving a dark red stain on the ground.
If it were his forehead, Yu Lian might have been more at ease, but the back of the head was the most vulnerable spot and critical to the brain. The risk was significant.
She turned to the others and asked, "Is there a doctor in the village? Someone, go fetch them quickly."
Dashu's wife replied, "There's only a barefoot doctor, but he's been away for several days, gathering medicinal herbs."
"What do we do now? He's lost so much blood. Will he survive?"
At that moment, Hua Baogui's mother rushed over, wailing and screaming, trying to reach her son. Yu Lian, with a stern expression, held her back. "If you don't want your son to live, then go ahead and throw yourself at him. You can continue to make a scene, but if you delay his treatment, it will be your fault if he doesn't make it."
"Why blame me, why blame me? You ungrateful young lass, my son came with the best intentions to assist you, and now that something has gone wrong, you fault me, his mother? Was it my fault that I didn't stop him from doing this foolish act, insisting on helping out at your residence? He shouldn't have been so naive, my foolish son!"
Yu Lian was disinclined to waste her breath arguing with a rustic old woman. She turned and instructed a few swift young men to hurry after Sanshu and Hua Sanduo. The carriage was in their possession, and with no physician in the village, they would have to take the injured to the town for treatment. At this moment, the carriage was a crucial time-saving instrument that could mean the difference between life and death!
Several robust young men immediately rushed out, their urgency almost leaving afterimages behind. Everyone held their breaths and spoke in hushed tones, afraid of delaying anything. As Yu Lian had said, no one could afford to jeopardize a single life.
At that moment, Hua Zhan had just arrived, followed by a trail of villagers. He had brought the twin brothers to assist with the land clearance, where the fields were expansive and situated somewhat distant from the ongoing house construction.
Seeing his wife unconscious, being carried away, he furrowed his brows. Similar to his daughter-in-law's thoughts, now was not the time to dwell on other matters; the priority was to save her life.
Hua Zhan crouched down for a closer inspection. With his military background, he had some basic knowledge of treating external injuries. He promptly bound Hua Baogui's head wound with a cloth to prevent excessive blood loss.
At this moment, Sanshu arrived with a carriage. Under Yu Lian's guidance, a few men carefully lifted Hua Baogui onto it.
Yu Lian then climbed into the carriage herself, followed closely by Hua Zhan. The elderly woman hurriedly instructed her son, "Keep an eye on things. Whatever happens, make sure Lian'er doesn't suffer any losses."
Hua Baogui's mother-in-law also tried to join, but Yu Lian pointed at her daughter-in-law, "You come alone. The carriage can't accommodate that many people; we don't have time to waste."
Yu Lian also asked Dashu's wife to accompany them. As a local, strong, and capable young woman, she would be of assistance in whatever tasks lay ahead.
To make the carriage move faster, Yu Lian didn't allow more people to board. Sanshu cracked the whip, and the carriage sped towards the village's outskirts. Hua Sanduo ran behind, followed by the second uncle's youngest son. He recalled his father saying that Woodhead's ancestors had done a great favor to the village, so they should look after his family. With such a major incident happening, one of the three brothers needed to follow. Woodhead's family was unfamiliar with the area, and if they encountered a dishonest doctor or any other trouble, they might be at a disadvantage.
Moreover, Hua Baogui's mother was no easy person to deal with. By being there, he could provide evidence for Woodhead and his daughter-in-law, preventing them from being unfairly blamed in case anything went wrong. Knowing their temperament, it wasn't impossible for them to do so.
They managed to shorten the original two-hour journey by more than half, reaching their destination in just over an hour. Sanshu was on high alert throughout, never feeling so exhausted from driving before. With a life at stake, he pushed himself harder, fearing that any delay could cost someone's life, and he would never forgive himself if that happened.
Upon arriving at the town's most renowned clinic, Sanshu wiped his sweat and instructed them to carefully carry Hua Baogui out.
He rushed inside, shouting for the doctor to come quickly and save the patient.
This was the largest clinic in town, with branches in both the county and the capital. The hired assistants were efficient, promptly bringing a wooden stretcher to carry the injured man inside.
The doctor appeared to be in his late fifties or early sixties, with half his hair already white. After taking Hua Baogui's pulse, he asked what heavy object had struck him.
Dashu's wife, who was present during the accident, described it clearly: "It was a large timber used for constructing load-bearing pillars. He wasn't supposed to help, but he insisted and got into a scuffle. His hands slipped, causing the wood to fall from his shoulder and hit him right on the head."
The doctor stroked his beard and sighed, "He was just a fraction of an inch away from losing his life, and even now, it might be too late for rescue."
"Doctor, is there still a chance to save him?"
The physician replied, "It's up to fate now. I'll insert silver needles into his pressure points to stop the bleeding, then dress the wound. Afterward, give him a bowl of decocted medicine. If he makes it through tonight, there's hope. If not, you should immediately carry him away. Don't delay."
This outcome was much better than Yu Lian had anticipated. She had even thought that this rural town might lack reliable medical clinics or physicians. Besides, the journey from the village to the town could be a fatal obstacle for someone with a bleeding head injury; he might die from blood loss on the way.
Any chance of survival was the best they could hope for.
Hua Baogui's wife, being in a reputable medical hall, dared not scream or make a scene. Instead, she covered her face and wept quietly. The senior physician glared at her. "He's still alive. Why are you crying? If you want to bring bad luck, do it outside, not in my clinic."
After the physician scolded her, Hua Baogui's wife dared not utter a sound. Her tears were genuine. She had initially thought marrying Hua Baogui was a fortunate event. With so many elder sisters doting on him like a son, and his parents treating him as a treasure, all the family's benefits went to him. She would naturally enjoy endless advantages after marrying him.
Unexpectedly, only a year into the marriage, and without having children, Hua Baogui encountered such a disaster. If she became a widow, she would struggle to find a good remarriage prospect.
No one paid attention to the young wife's scheming thoughts. After thanking the physician, Yu Lian went to the front hall to settle the medical fees and consultation charges. She also requested an official receipt. As the physician didn't allow onlookers during the needle treatment, they retreated outside to wait. Two pharmacy assistants carried the tools, including needles and medicines, following the senior physician inside.
About an incense stick's time later, the senior physician emerged and instructed, "When the medicine is ready, administer it. Don't spill a single drop."
The apprentice prepared the medicine, and Yu Lian's payment covered the senior physician's consultation fee, which was the bulk of the expense. Then came the cost of the herbs and the apprentice's labor for decocting the medicine. In total, it cost her five and a half taels of silver.
Only at this point did Yu Lian have the mind to inquire about the previous events. The story was recounted in detail by Dashu's wife.
"It was my fault, really. Perhaps seeing that I was valued by you, Yu Lian, for helping out, my sister-in-law also found work for my third brother. Hua Baogui, who had previously failed to be selected, became envious and started buzzing around like a fly, touching things here and there. My eldest brother warned him not to cause trouble, but he wouldn't listen and insisted on assisting."
"Coincidentally, he saw them moving wood and rushed over to help, even though they didn't want his assistance. In the scuffle, he lost his footing and fell, and in doing so, he not only hurt himself but also collided with others. Several men were carrying a log on their shoulders, and it slipped down, hitting his head."
"I haven't even mentioned that he hit his own head, and several of those moving the wood also injured their feet. Just now, they all endured the pain for fear of delaying the work. He truly harms both himself and others."
Hua Baogui's wife, with her head bowed, wanted to refute but found herself speechless. If her mother-in-law were here, the old woman, with her thick skin and sharp tongue, might have had a few retorts.
Yu Lian looked at her and said, "Did you hear that? Hua Baogui brought this upon himself. He entered our construction site without my permission, leading to this accident. Therefore, the blame does not lie with me. Now, let's discuss the matter of you injuring my mother."
Chapter 54: Return ◇
◎ We must avenge our mother! ◎
"Your mother first shoved me, then you struck me with a slap. My mother stepped in to shield me. I was too occupied with saving lives earlier to settle the score with you then, but now I must seek justice for my mother."
Hua Zhan furrowed his brow. So this was how his wife had sustained her injuries. If it were a man standing before him now, he would have taken the culprit aside to teach them a lesson. But given that it was a young woman, his frown deepened even more.
Fortunately, the daughter-in-law was not about to let her off the hook, following up with, "The injury of Hua Baogui is in no way the fault of my family. On the contrary, I have gone above and beyond by providing manpower, carriage, and financial resources to transport him to the medical clinic for treatment. If Hua Baogui were to pass away, the blame would not rest on me; but if he survives, then he owes us a debt of gratitude. However, your deliberate act of harming me and my mother is irrefutable evidence. When time allows, I will accompany my father to the yamen to file a lawsuit against you for causing bodily harm."
She then turned to Hua Zhan and asked, "Father, when are you free?"
Hua Zhan replied, "I'm free right now. We can go anytime."
The exchange between the father-in-law and daughter-in-law seemed to confirm their decision to report the incident to the authorities. This frightened Hua Baogui's wife, whose face turned pale. She had accidentally knocked out Mrs. Chen with just a gentle push, and with so many witnesses present, she was sure to be held accountable. Would the officials send someone to arrest her?
Thinking of this, she tried to force a flattering smile, but it only made her look more miserable. "It wasn't intentional, Miss Yu Lian. You're from an esteemed family, so please forgive a small person like me this once? I promise to personally apologize at your residence when we return!"
Yu Lian didn't respond immediately. She continued toying with the documents, speaking calmly, "If I were to strike you and then apologize, would you accept it?"
Of course not! Who would willingly endure a beating and let it slide with just an apology? If she were to be struck, she would certainly rally her family to demand compensation before she'd be appeased!
After some thought, she gritted her teeth and said, "Shall I fetch a bone for your mother-in-law to make soup, to nourish her body?"
Yu Lian chuckled. "My family doesn't lack a single bone."
"A pound of fatty meat!"
"Two pounds! That's the limit!"
"Very well, very well, shall I offer you the old hen from my household that lays eggs?"
Yu Lian lifted her gaze to meet her father-in-law's, and Hua Zhan's furrowed brow remained unrelaxed, his eyes conveying a mixture of helplessness and confusion.
He had never imagined that the manner in which rural folk offered apologies and compensation could be so vulgar and inexpensive, with pork and hens, though crude and common, held as treasures in their hearts, yet still subject to haggling.
In days gone by, anyone who dared to offend Lady Hua Zhan would have to atone with humble apologies, kneeling and bowing with fear and trepidation, begging for forgiveness and compensation, even if it meant losing everything they owned. As long as they could avoid his wrath, preserve their life and rank, what value could mere worldly possessions hold in comparison?
Yu Lian proved more amenable to the rural lifestyle than her father-in-law. She promptly held up two fingers. "Two hens, one rooster, and a clutch of chicks. As for the other two pounds of meat and the bone, include those as well. My mother's constitution is delicate and frail; she needs gradual nourishment to regain her strength."
Hua Baogui's wife: "!"
Her eyes widened in disbelief. How could anyone be so shameless? Pushing and slapping were common occurrences in village disputes; women would even roll in the fields while fighting, slapping each other and pulling hair. What was a push or a slap compared to that?
Who would have thought Mrs. Chen was so delicate that she fainted from just one hit?
"Besides... my husband was only trying to help your family, and he got injured at your place. He lost so much blood. Your mother is fine, just fainted – a pinch on her Renzhong point would wake her up. I still need to keep those chickens to nourish him. The doctor said he almost didn't make it. Please, don't hold this against us."
Yu Lian: "You can either sue or compensate – choose one. If not for the fact that we're neighbors, I'd drag you to the courthouse right now."
Dashu's wife, quick-witted, interjected, "Third Brother, hurry up and get ready to take our master to the courthouse. It'll take some time to go there and back. Be swift about it."
Sanshu seemed dazed at first, but his older brother's nudge snapped him out of it. He rushed out, saying, "The carriage is outside, Miss Yu Lian. Are we leaving now?"
Yu Lian also made a move to stand, and Hua Zhan took a few strides towards the exit.
Hua Baogui's wife plopped down on the floor, weeping, "I'll pay! I'll pay, alright?! If my in-laws find out I gave away all our chickens, they'll kill me!"
A small smile tugged at the corner of Yu Lian's lips. Her words reminded Yu Lian that Hua Baogui's mother was no pushover. To avoid any potential accidents and disputes later, Yu Lian borrowed paper and pen from an attendant and personally wrote down the reason for Hua Baogui's wife's compensation: two hens, one rooster, and a clutch of chicks, et cetera.
After finishing the note, she asked Hua Baogui's wife to come over and sign it.
Hua Baogui's wife, though somewhat clever, initially refused, claiming she was illiterate and unable to write. Yu Lian then suggested that she could simply put her thumbprint on the paper.
With a twinkle in her eye, she said, "I won't deny my debt. I'll bring the chicken to your house right away."
Yu Lian replied, "Sanshu, let's go."
"Alright!"
Hua Baogui's wife grumbled, "...Stamp! Everyone in the village says you're kind-hearted and gentle, a lady with no airs. Why are you being so difficult and insisting on settling this with me?"
"I don't put on airs, and I'm kind because you're all my fellow villagers, part of the same clan and community as the Huas. Being related by blood means we're in the same boat, so I treat you kindly. But if someone acts unreasonably, harms my family, or bullies my loved ones, I will not let them off lightly."
Standing beside his daughter-in-law, Hua Zhan glanced at her profile. He saw her focused expression, her eyes shining with determination. He smiled slightly; her temperament reminded him of Hua'er.
Recalling his eldest son, he suppressed the smile on his lips.
Once Hua Baogui's wife reluctantly stamped her thumbprint, Yu Lian handed her a receipt from the medical clinic. "This is for five taels and half an ounce of silver. I've covered it for now. When you return, please bring the silver to our house."
Hua Baogui's daughter-in-law: "..." How could there still be more!
Being forced to sign the compensation agreement had already made her reluctant, but at least it didn't require spending any silver. The chickens were being raised by her mother-in-law, so it was just a matter of buying two or three catties of meat and bones, which she could afford with her personal savings. Compared to being beaten and imprisoned by the local authorities, she was willing to part with that money.
But five taels and half a tael of silver! Where would she get such an amount? Even if she did have it, she wouldn't be willing to spend it all at once - that was enough for her family's expenses for two or three years!
She stubbornly refused to take the receipt and dared not nod her head. She initially intended to argue her case and shift the blame onto Yu Lian, but when Hua Zhan gave her a glance, Hua Baogui's daughter-in-law immediately froze.
She stammered, "I don't understand this. You should talk to my parents-in-law about it." Her mother-in-law was domineering and stingy; no one except her son could coax a copper coin out of her. By pushing the issue to her mother-in-law, she had a good chance of avoiding the debt.
Yu Lian smiled slightly and put away the receipt, not in a hurry.
There would come a time for them to pay.
If the clinic hadn't insisted on seeing the silver before treating the patient, Hua Baogui's minor ailment wouldn't have cost him his life in such a critical situation. And Hua Baogui's wife didn't have that much silver on her. Yu Lian wouldn't have helped pay if that were the case.
But she wasn't truly naive. She wouldn't spend the money without expecting to get it back. Five taels and half a tael of silver could buy two high-quality sets of calligraphy tools or commission two fine swords from a blacksmith - both of which would be useful for the twin boys.
Yu Lian had originally planned to purchase some tools for her father-in-law after settling the house and land matters, if there were any remaining funds. The twins, who had been spoiled in the past, had forgotten most of what their former tutor had taught them as time passed, and their martial skills were barely beginner level. Her father-in-law spent his days doing mindless farm work, seemingly occupied but inwardly troubled, carrying unresolved issues. It might be better for him to train the twins, diverting his attention and perhaps improving his mental state.
The twins, crouching fearfully before their grandmother, suddenly sneezed. They could never have imagined that even at this critical moment, their eldest sister was still thinking of making them "suffer."
"Grandmother... what should we do? Will that person die? Will Father and Eldest Sister be arrested by the soldiers?"
The old lady seemed to have aged overnight. She had only wished for a peaceful life, but a life was lost in the process of building their house. She knew that regardless of whether it was their fault or not, if Hua Baogui died on their land, they would be implicated!
No matter how reasonable the villagers were and understood it wasn't their fault, with a life lost, if that family made trouble over time, they would be considered at fault, even if they were innocent. How could they then live peacefully?
Besides, all of Lian'er's money had been spent. If someone actually died, could the house still be built? She was afraid of disappointing Lian'er, who had pinned all her hopes on this place, wanting to establish a solid life here with her family. If something truly happened, she feared Lian'er would be heartbroken.
The old lady sighed. "They won't be arrested. Go and check on your mother. See if she's awake."
"Why did Mother faint? Who hit her? We must avenge Mother!"
The old lady patted her grandsons' heads. These two were really inferior to their eldest brother. They were brash but lacked wisdom. People said you could predict a child's future at three, yet they were already six or seven and still so foolish.
How could they compare to their big brother Dingdian?
The carriage didn't return until dusk. Sanshu accompanied his employer, his sister-in-law, and others, including the third son from his uncle's family, back home. He then drove the carriage back, as Lian'er had asked him to stay at the clinic tonight to keep an eye on Hua Baogui. If the man survived the night, he would bring him back; if not, he would retrieve the body.
Hearing the sound of the carriage, the elderly lady hurried out and called, "Jian'er, Lian'er, come in quickly."
Recalling something, she asked Aunt Mei to promptly bring out the dinner that was still warming on the stove. They had waited all day without eating, anticipating the arrival of her son, daughter-in-law, and their family.
Chapter 55: Eavesdropping
◎ He sorrowfully fabricated several more scenarios in his mind ◇
Upon returning home, Yu Lian and Hua Zhan first freshened up before entering their chambers to visit Mrs. Chen.
Mrs. Chen was already awake but still feeling unwell, thus she remained in bed and skipped dinner.
Yu Lian sat by her mother-in-law's bedside, tucking the blanket around her and pouring a cup of water for her to hold and drink.
Mrs. Chen's face was pale, and after a moment of silence, she looked at Yu Lian with a hesitant expression, as if she wanted to speak but couldn't find the words.
Yu Lian understood that although Mrs. Chen was timid by nature, she was still the wife of a nobleman and had a certain pride. Even if today's incident was an attempt to protect her daughter-in-law, the fact that it wasn't directed at her personally didn't alleviate the discomfort in her heart.
Taking the empty cup from her, Yu Lian placed it aside and said calmly, "Mother, don't worry. Tomorrow, when Hua Baogui's wife returns to the village, I'll make sure she comes to apologize to you."
Yu Lian felt that a refined lady like her mother-in-law, who seemed detached from mundane matters, would not be interested in material compensation such as chicken or meat. Thus, she didn't dwell on it and instead reassured her, "Lian'er won't let you suffer this injustice in vain."
Mrs. Chen smiled slightly, "It's nothing really..." But then, something seemed to cross her mind, causing her eyes to well up with tears once more.
Yu Lian: "Is there anything else bothering you, Mother? I'll ask Sanshu to come back tomorrow, and I'll take you to the clinic to see a physician."
Mrs. Chen shook her head. "I'm fine, no need to waste that money. What about that man? Can he be treated?"
This was the first time Mrs. Chen had shown concern for someone outside her family. Yu Lian, wanting to gradually involve her in village life, explained in detail.
"Hua Baogui wasn't originally hired by us. He saw the outcomes with Dashu's wife and Sanshu and attempted to profit from it, but unfortunately, his plan backfired, causing harm to both himself and others, leading to his current situation. The doctor says his injuries are severe; if he makes it through tonight, he may survive, but if not, he won't."
Mrs. Chen, already timid, covered her mouth at the news, taking a while before she spoke. "Then, what should we do? What if he dies?"
Even she knew that, regardless of any connection to their family, if a life were lost on their property, the consequences would be significant.
Yu Lian sighed. "Don't worry, it won't be our problem if he does. Father and I will handle it. Just focus on your health, Mother."
Hua Zhan had been standing by for a while, but his wife didn't glance his way, engrossed in her conversation with their daughter-in-law. After a moment of silence, he quietly left.
In the main hall, the elderly matriarch sat at the table, and the three children arranged themselves neatly nearby.
She beckoned her son over and asked for the details. Hua Zhan concisely recounted what his wife had said, then added, "Don't worry, Mother. Your son is here."
The matriarch nodded repeatedly. "Mother knows, my child. Though you're in a difficult situation now, your spirit and abilities remain. You can protect our entire family."
To uplift her son, the matriarch refrained from expressing her concerns and changed the subject. "Your foolish wife has truly surprised me this time. I used to think she was timid and couldn't handle responsibilities, but she bravely stepped forward to shield Lian'er during this crisis. For that, Mother will reward her handsomely."
"In a family, unity and mutual support are crucial for harmony and prosperity to endure."
"She's a fortunate fool. By risking herself for Lian'er, with Lian'er's character, she'll surely be treated like a birth mother in the future and be respected accordingly."
Hua Zhan smiled. "Your wife is an emotional person, much like Hua'er."
Upon mentioning her eldest grandchild, the matriarch pondered. "Perhaps it's because of Hua'er that she put herself in harm's way to save Lian'er. It shows her love extends to those Hua'er cared for."
In the room, Yu Lian hesitated before asking, "Mother... Why did you shield me?"
Mrs. Chen lowered her gaze, her fingers gripping the edge of the blanket tightly. Her eyes were red, though she managed not to cry. She spoke softly, "Though Mother doesn't possess great strength, I wanted to care for you on behalf of Hua'er... If Hua'er's spirit watches over us and sees you injured under Mother's watch, she would blame me for not protecting you well enough."
Yu Lian hadn't expected Mrs. Chen's maternal love to overcome her inherent vulnerability. Startled, she held her hand after a moment. "Mother, from now on, I'll protect you too."
Mrs. Chen lifted her head, looking at her daughter-in-law with tearful eyes. The two women gazed into each other's eyes for a moment before they both broke into smiles.
Outside, the matriarch called out, urging Yu Lian to come out for dinner.
Aunt Mei also knocked on the door, mentioning that she had brought food to serve Mrs. Chen. Only then did Yu Lian bid her farewell to leave.
The moment Yu Lian stepped out, the three children surrounded her with questions. "Is that person dead?"
"One of them said he deserved it, and we don't need to bother about him! Father also mentioned that he brought it upon himself."
Hua Zhan glanced down at the twins, who promptly covered their mouths, too afraid to continue speaking.
The two boys had been cautious not to be disrespectful in front of their biological father earlier, refraining from incessant questioning. However, they seemed to have quickly picked up the art of mimicking others.
After Yu Lian sat down, Hua Yan tugged at his sister-in-law's sleeve and whispered, "Did you buy us any treats when you went to the town, Sister-in-law?"
Yu Lian asked them to sit properly and focus on their meal. "Going to the town was a matter of life and death. How could it be taken lightly? Father and I didn't even have time for a sip of water before returning. You still expect treats?"
Hua Yan pouted but didn't say anything. He already knew this. If he and Hua Xing didn't tag along, their sister-in-law and father would never think of bringing them treats no matter where they went.
The food on the table was already served, with full bowls placed before Hua Zhan and Yu Lian, indicating hearty portions. The matriarch smiled warmly. "You've had a tough day. Eat more. Once all this is over, I'll ask Aunt Mei to prepare some extra delicious dishes to calm our nerves."
After the family finished their meal, Hua Qiushou, the eldest son of Second Uncle, rushed over. "My father has been preoccupied with this matter. When Third Brother returned and said that Hua Baogui's fate won't be known until tomorrow, he was deeply concerned. It seems the injury is severe. Well, my father mentioned that you all should rest assured. Although Hua Baogui's mother can be difficult to deal with, this incident isn't your fault. He will support you and prevent her from causing trouble."
Hua Zhan politely thanked Hua Qiushou and asked him to convey their gratitude to Second Uncle. Hua Qiushou's slightly tanned face flushed slightly. "Why are you thanking me? It's no big deal."
"Hua Baogui, that child... I've watched him grow up, and fundamentally, his character isn't bad. It's just that his parents and sisters have spoiled him, making him think he can do anything. If he doesn't get what he wants, he resorts to cunning and underhanded methods. If he survives this, it'll serve as a lesson and perhaps make him wiser."
"I heard from Third Brother that the medical fee was five taels and half? That was paid by Yu Lian, right? If everything is alright, we'll help you retrieve the money even if Hua Baogui's mother tries to avoid paying."
"But if... something happens, it would be difficult to ask for it."
If Hua Baogui died, the villagers would naturally sympathize with his family. Since he died on the Mu family's property, insisting on the payment could lead to accusations of heartlessness.
Yu Lian responded, "Life is a favor, death is a grudge. I understand that. If he dies, I don't intend to pursue the matter."
Hua Qiushou nodded. "I've conveyed all the messages my father wanted me to. Would you like me to join you in town tomorrow?"
Yu Lian shook her head. "I've arranged for Sanshu to keep watch tonight. Tomorrow, regardless of the outcome, bring Hua Baogui back to the village."
"That's a good plan. You're reliable, Yu Lian. No wonder my father keeps praising you at home. My mother says she's tired of hearing it; she wishes he'd come up with something new to say, ha ha."
After Hua Qiushou returned, the family washed up and retired to their respective chambers for sleep.
Yet, Yu Lian found herself unable to doze off. She sat by the window in the darkness, discontent with the gloominess of the room. She opened the window, revealing a clear night sky illuminated by a bright moon. Leaning her delicate, fair hand on her chin, she tilted her head slightly to gaze at the heavens.
She seemed lost in deep contemplation, remaining still for a long while.
Zhu Ying, with a grimace, endured mosquito bites without daring to swat them. Peeking discreetly at the young mistress from below, he couldn't see her eyes or expression from this angle. However, the sight of her staring at the sky in such a motionless manner stirred a poignant narrative in his mind.
He let out a long sigh inwardly, assuming that the young mistress must be troubled by the events of the day, perhaps even yearning for her husband.
How could such an incident occur if his Master, a formidable figure, was present? How could his Lady be subjected to the insults of such vulgar, peasant scoundrels?
Reflecting on the recent events, he now believes he should have waited before sending that last letter. He wonders if his Master has even received it. He should have held off and included these new developments, allowing his Master to understand the kind of life the Young Lady is leading.
Zhu Ying still has a homing pigeon at hand, but it's reserved for emergencies. He dare not release it casually, for if anything were to happen here, it would be difficult to report back to his Master. He will wait until he receives a response from his Master before dispatching the bird again. He is eager to see if his Master replies and what might be written in the return message.
If his Master has a conscience, they should commend him for his efforts in protecting the Young Lady.
Zhu Ying recalls how he spoke up for the Young Lady in his letters, feeling rather pleased with himself. He is certain that when the Young Lady learns of this, she will be grateful to him.
Yu Lian's mind was occupied, contemplating the worst-case scenario involving Hua Baogui. If he were to meet with an unfortunate end, how could she maintain stability and minimize losses?
After pondering carefully, she decided that tomorrow she would summon the foremen to guard their territories, forbidding outsiders from entering freely. Otherwise, any future incidents would undoubtedly be blamed on her.
Lost in these thoughts, Yu Lian suddenly sensed someone watching her. Glancing outside at the tree in her courtyard, she noticed it was a mature tree, its foliage too dense to reveal any observers.
A moment later, a cat's meow echoed in the night. Yu Lian smiled softly, realizing it was just a stray kitten.
The tranquil night, coupled with the day's events, sparked some interest within her. She prepared her ink, laid out paper, and began writing, her brush dancing across the page for a full incense stick's worth of time before setting it down. Once finished, she blew on the ink to hasten its drying and carefully stored it in a cabinet nearby.
Zhu Ying was astonished by the young mistress's sharp senses; she almost got caught. It had been a close call before as well.
After the young mistress finished writing and put away the document, Zhu Ying found himself fidgeting with curiosity. What had she written? Was it a poem expressing her feelings towards her master, or perhaps a record of daily affairs?