Chapter 56: The Rules ◇
◎ Hoping Eldest Sister-in-law can lead them out of this abyss ◇
Zhu Ying's efforts were not in vain. As luck would have it, just as the family was having breakfast one morning, his homing pigeon returned with a message tied to its leg. He read the letter while the family continued their meal, discussing the situation quietly.
Mrs. Chen was deeply worried and could barely eat her porridge. The matriarch, on the other hand, remained calm, eating and drinking as usual. She had come to terms with the fact that since their family was already at rock bottom after being stripped of their possessions, there wasn't much worse that could happen. If the young man truly met an unfortunate end, would it really render their entire family unable to survive?
"Mrs. Chen, don't despair. Our family being together is more important than anything else."
"If Yu Lian is truly that unlucky, Grandmother still has a bracelet that can be pawned to help that family, as a token of our goodwill."
Yu Lian had spent the previous night contemplating various scenarios and had a clear understanding of the situation. Consequently, she maintained her composure, sipping her porridge as usual, accompanied by a side of pickles and steamed buns.
"In the worst-case scenario, I'll contribute a few taels of silver to purchase a coffin for him. It would be a final act of kindness. Grandmother, Father, Mother, we owe them nothing. This disaster was unforeseen. If they persist in pursuing the matter, there's no need to show them any leniency."
"It would be best if everything turns out alright. Then, I'll settle scores with Hua Baogui properly. Not only will I demand compensation for medical expenses, but also address the incident where his mother and wife assaulted me and Mother."
The matriarch nodded in agreement, "Yu Lian, as long as you have a plan, that's all that matters. I know you're hurting because your mother took that blow for you, and you want to seek justice for her, right?"
Mrs. Chen smiled. "It's nothing... Lian, eat more." She then handed Yu Lian another steamed bun.
After breakfast, the family waited at home for Sanshu to return with the others. They expected him back early in the morning, but by noon, he still hadn't shown up.
Mrs. Chen grew increasingly worried, fearing something had gone wrong. The old matriarch also began to lose her composure.
But Yu Lian knew that regardless of the reason for the delay, Hua Baogui had likely survived. Otherwise, the clinic would not have kept a dying person there; they would have taken him back to the village as soon as possible. If he had not returned after such a long time, it was highly probable that he had pulled through.
When Aunt Mei started preparing lunch, Sanshu finally returned with the carriage. Though he looked displeased, his demeanor was relaxed, suggesting that everything was under control. Yu Lian knew then that her assumption about Hua Baogui's survival was correct.
As soon as Sanshu got off the carriage, he began to complain, "Hua Baogui's parents went to town yesterday too and insisted on riding our carriage back today. I thought it was fine for neighbors to share a ride, but once we reached the village, they ordered me to take Hua Baogui's sisters back to their husbands' homes. They shamelessly treated our carriage as if it were their own and treated me like their personal driver!"
"I didn't bother arguing with them and just dropped them off."
Yu Lian asked about Hua Baogui's condition, and Sanshu sighed. "The doctor said there might be some lingering effects, but his life is no longer in danger. Right now, Hua Baogui is half-awake and half-asleep, so it's hard to tell. I'm wondering if he's become foolish?"
"His head was hit. If it's damaged, he'll surely be foolish. There was someone in the village before who became foolish after a similar injury."
"The doctor said Hua Baogui's situation is uncertain, and he should stay in the clinic for a few more days for easier treatment. When Hua Baogui's mother heard how much money the doctor wanted, she asked about Miss Yu Lian. Apparently, she was hoping you'd pay. Fortunately, Miss Yu Lian and Uncle Mu weren't there at the time, or else that shameless old woman would have surely upset you. Since I was the only one present, what could she do with my two copper coins? She couldn't think of any other way, so she ignored the doctor's advice and insisted on taking him home for care."
"I suspect that if Hua Baogui truly is foolish, it'll be due to his own mother's negligence!"
The physician was skilled and proficient in acupuncture, with exorbitant consultation fees. Even though Hua Baogui's mother doted on her son, she would have to weigh the cost. Perhaps in her eyes, as long as he survived, it was merely superficial wounds, no different from common bumps and bruises, which could heal with time and rest.
Upon Sanshu's return and explanation of the situation, the matriarch and Mrs. Chen were relieved. As long as he didn't die, it didn't matter if he became foolish. If not for Yu Lian's prompt action in taking him to the clinic and paying the fees, would he still be alive?
With everyone unharmed, the family resumed their usual tasks, each attending to their own business.
Mrs. Chen had used the fabric Yu Lian bought to sew clothes for everyone. "Two outfits for each person. From the scraps, I've made shoes and socks. Lian'er, you're still young, so I recalled some beautiful patterns I saw in the capital before and embroidered them onto your clothes. When you finish your chores tonight, try them on and see if they fit. If not, I'll alter them for you."
Delighted with their new garments, the children eagerly carried them back to change, even Aunt Mei received two outfits, leaving her so astonished that she didn't know where to place her limbs. When had a lady of the house ever made clothes for a concubine?
She had previously observed that being a concubine in a farming family brought no fortune or leisure, only laborious tasks, making life seem devoid of pleasure. But now, she sensed a difference. Back when they were still part of the East Yuan Marquis's household, how could a mere concubine like her have dared to dream of receiving clothing personally crafted by the lady of the house?
Despite their current state of adversity, the family dynamic felt less hierarchical and more intimate. Even Lady Hua considered her when sewing clothes for the family. Aunt Mei's eyes welled up with gratitude as she said, "Thank you, Lady."
Yu Lian also received the clothes with a smile, putting them away before proceeding with her chores.
Instead of visiting Hua Baogui for silver, she went to the construction site of their new home. Summoning the foremen, Hua Dameng and Ma Dafen, she instructed them to gather everyone and explained the entire situation.
"It's fortunate that he didn't die. Miss Yu Lian, your kindness saved him. If not for you sending him to the town in your carriage yesterday, we might not have been able to save him. Relying on Madam Hua Baogui would have been hopeless."
The villagers generally agreed that Hua Baogui deserved what happened and that Yu Lian's timely intervention and efforts were crucial to his survival. However, Yu Lian knew that if Hua Baogui had died, the situation would have been different.
Her expression turned slightly solemn as she quieted them down. "Due to the incident with Hua Baogui, I have a few requests for you all. From now on, no outsiders are allowed on this construction site. Whoever sees someone entering should turn them away. If anyone insists on causing trouble, inform me immediately."
She directed her gaze at the two foremen. "I will pay you extra to take charge, but that also means you must manage the site properly. If anyone gets in, I'll deduct from your wages—five copper coins for each unauthorized person."
As Hua Dameng frowned, ready to speak, Yu Lian turned to the others. "For each person you catch, I'll reward you with one copper coin."
Upon hearing this, everyone eagerly rubbed their fists, keen on identifying the culprit.
Hua Dameng didn't get a chance to finish his words and led his group back with a frown.
Yu Lian kept Ma Dafen behind to inquire about the construction progress. Ma Dafen's face flushed slightly as he replied, "At first, we were quite behind. Hua Dameng is indeed skilled, and his team members are strong and efficient, completing tasks swiftly. I lagged significantly behind them."
"After some days of contemplation, I gradually figured out ways to coordinate their work, which improved the efficiency significantly. We've started to catch up slowly."
"Miss Lian, green bricks aren't inexpensive. If we only use them for the courtyard walls, we could save a considerable amount of silver." Rarely taking such initiative, Ma Dafen ventured a suggestion, scratching his head as he continued, "If you wish for a more comfortable living space, we could also construct it with a combination of bricks and tiles. It would still be quite impressive."
Yu Lian smiled and shook her head. "Hua Sanduo has already gone to discuss the purchase of bricks. He found a way to get them at a lower price. Hurry up a bit, don't fall too far behind."
Buoyed by the encouragement, Ma Dafen immediately gathered his energy and returned to rally the team for work. Yu Lian walked around, making sure there were no issues before heading to the land they were clearing.
The progress here was much faster than the house construction. The previously trampled wild grass had been turned over multiple times, revealing soft soil. From a distance, the area looked neat and appealing.
The villagers were accustomed to working in the fields, and they attacked their tasks with great enthusiasm. Even as they worked, they discussed Hua Baogui's situation. News traveled quickly in the village, and even those working knew that Hua Baogui had been sent home to recover from his injuries.
"Fortunately, Miss Yu Lian reacted quickly. His mother and wife only knew how to cry and throw tantrums. If not for Miss Yu Lian, he would have been long gone."
"I heard from Sanshu's wife that last night, these two old folks went to town as well. The doctor said he needed to stay for a couple more days for observation. Hua Baogui's mother was even hoping for Yu Lian to pay the medical bills. How shameless!"
"How much silver did Yu Lian give? That doctor from the clinic is quite influential, and the consultation fees must be expensive."
"It's said to be five taels and half of silver. Do you think Hua Baogui's miserly mother could come up with such an amount?"
"If she couldn't, would Yu Lian just consider herself unlucky?"
"One has to say, their family has really crossed the line. They made the mistake, yet they cling on persistently. Didn't Mrs. Chen, Yu Lian's mother-in-law, also get injured in the process?"
...
Yu Lian entered, and as people caught sight of her, they greeted her with smiles, causing the field to fall silent.
However, some still couldn't resist asking Yu Lian when she planned to confront Hua Baogui's mother to retrieve the silver.
"We'll go with you. That woman is notoriously difficult and has been a shrew all her life. Be careful, Lian," they advised kindly.
Yu Lian thanked them all with a smile. Looking around, she noticed her father-in-law working at the edge of the field, wielding his hoe without engaging in the villagers' chatter. He seemed almost invisible, blending into the background.
Beside him, the twins, dressed in their mother's newly made clothes, were laboriously digging with their small hoes, drenched in sweat. They caught Yu Lian's pleading gaze, hoping that their sister-in-law could rescue them from their endless toil. Their father dragged them here every day for pointless hard work – it was unbearable!
"Big Sister, do you have any tasks that need assistance?"
"Big Sister, Big Sister, has anyone been bothering you? Do you need bodyguards?"
Yu Lian: "..."
Chapter 57: A Visit ◇
"Learning martial arts alongside my father while tending to the fields."
Later that day, Yu Lian made a visit to Second Uncle's residence and sought out Uncle Qiushou for help. She wished for him to serve as a witness while they retrieved the medical expenses from Hua Baogui's home. At the time, Hua Qiushou was also working nearby. As the eldest son of Second Uncle and holding some influence, he was an appropriate person to assist in claiming the debt.
Without any further ado, Hua Qiushou readily agreed to take action. After all, this matter was not the fault of the Mu family; for instance, could one blame someone for building their house where it stood if he himself ran onto their land and accidentally met his demise? Clearly, that would be unjustified. Moreover, the person in question had been rescued, and the advance payment for medical treatment was no trifling sum—it was only reasonable to reclaim those expenses.
Second Master was assisting his wife in peeling garlic when he heard this. He glanced over and said, "Fei-er, just say it's my word, and ask Precious Father to return every single coin of your silver."
After Yu Lian expressed her gratitude to Second Master and his son, she was about to leave when Second Grandma called her back. "I've made some sweet cakes. Take them home for your children to try, my rascals have already ruined their teeth with sweets, yet they still clamor for more."
These so-called sweet cakes were made by mixing sugar powder with white flour, shaping them into round patties, steaming them until cooked, and then frying them until both sides turned golden brown, resulting in a sweet and soft treat.
As sugar and fine flour were both expensive commodities, peasant households rarely made such delicacies. For Second Grandma, it was an annual or biannual occurrence.
Noticing Yu Lian's curiosity, she chuckled and explained, "Yesterday, I was in high spirits because my daughter-in-law is pregnant, and it happened to be Bean's birthday. The children begged for sweet cakes, so I managed to acquire half a catty of sugar and indulged them."
Taking the sweet cakes, Yu Lian offered her congratulations. "Your sweet cakes are always delicious. Guo'er often mentions that Bean declares your sweet cakes as the best in the world. I'm sure my three children will be overjoyed when I bring them home."
Second Aunt seemed to be in a good mood and, as an act of kindness, also shared some of her drying garlic with Yu Lian, along with two bundles of green vegetables.
Yu Lian felt rather embarrassed. She had come to seek a favor but ended up leaving with more than she had expected. Once again, she marveled at how kind and generous Second Uncle's family truly was to them.
Upon returning home, Meiyi was already preparing dinner, with Little Guo'er assisting by tending to the fire. Yu Lian called Little Guo'er out, while the twins didn't need to be summoned; their keen sense of smell led them to the kitchen from somewhere, drawn by the aroma.
"What did you bring back, Sister? I can smell the scent of sweet biscuits," asked Little Guo'er, wrinkling her little nose and making a playful face at her two elder brothers. "You two are such gluttons."
Yu Lian distributed the sweet biscuits bestowed by her second uncle's wife, giving one to each person, and stowed away the remainder. These treats, with their high sugar and salt content, could easily spoil one's appetite for dinner if consumed excessively.
The twins received the sweet cakes with delight. Despite their size, equal to an adult's palm, the twins devoured them in just a few bites. With eager eyes, they looked at Yu Lian, hoping for more.
In their former days back in the capital's marquis residence, they wouldn't have so much as touched this sort of empty sweetness with a chopstick. Now, it has become a luxurious delicacy; one is not enough, and they crave another.
As Yu Lian was about to enter the room, the two of them gently took hold of one of her arms each, pleading, "Sister... we haven't had our fill yet."
Little Guo'er, being a ladylike young girl, ate with refined manners. She held half of the delicacy in her hand, nibbling on it gently and steadily. Remarkably, the twins showed some restraint and refrained from snatching their sister's treat.
Although they were greedy, they never stole food from others, which was a rare virtue. When faced with problems, they knew how to protect their family, and more importantly, despite the significant change in environment and diet from the capital to this rural area, the three children adapted well without ever being picky eaters.
Yu Lian patted the twins' heads. "Dinner will be ready soon. Let's leave the sweet cakes for Aunt Mei to steam for your breakfast tomorrow morning."
With that, she headed inside to have a chat with her grandmother.
Little Guo'er divided her half of the sweet cake into three equal parts, giving each person a piece. "Let's eat together."
Hua Yan and Hua Xing exchanged glances before popping the cake into their mouths. They wrapped their arms around Little Guo'er's shoulders. "Guo'er, you're so good. In the future, your brothers will look out for you."
Delighted, Little Guo'er asked, "How will you do that?"
Hua Yan replied, "You're a girl, and girls can easily be bullied, especially pretty ones. Don't worry, when you grow up, if anyone dares to bully you, we'll teach them a lesson!"
"That's right, teach them a lesson! Who would dare to bully our little sister?"
Hua Zhan returned with his hoe, overhearing their conversation. He glanced at his two foolish sons, initially saying nothing but giving them a look. Later, while washing his hands and feet in the yard, he overheard their exaggerated boasts. Passing by the room, he casually remarked, "You two? With your amateur skills? You couldn't even beat a cat."
Yu Lian watched the scene unfold from the doorstep, smiling. "Father, if you think Yan'er and Xing'er aren't skilled enough, why don't you take pity on them and train them? Teach them to become unbeatable masters, so they can protect our sister and family, and no one will dare to bully them."
"Yan-er, Xing-er, do you want to learn?"
Recalling the pain they endured when their father first taught them martial arts, the twins vigorously shook their heads, refusing the offer. However, Yu Lian followed up with, "Do you really not want to learn? If not, you'll be hoeing the fields your whole life, starting with a small hoe and eventually graduating to a larger one. From childhood to old age, will you be content spending your days in the fields?"
The twins' heads shook even more fiercely, their hands waving along with them.
Compared to practicing martial arts, farming was undoubtedly more exhausting. It involved wielding hoes under the scorching sun and harsh winds. In their minds, there was no greater hardship. Hence, during their recent experience helping their father clear the land, they looked at the villagers with immense admiration.
They could work all day without complaint!
The twins hastily asked, "If Sister learns martial arts, she won't have to farm, right? Then we choose to learn martial arts!"
That was Hua Xing's remark.
Hua Yan quickly smacked his brother's head and said, "What are you saying? Are we learning martial arts just to avoid farming? Of course not! We're doing it to protect our sister, our sister-in-law, our grandmother, our parents, Aunt Mei, and our entire family, aren't we, Sister, Father?"
Hua Zhan would believe his mischievous sons were sincere if bears could speak. He glanced at the two troublemakers indifferently but genuinely pondered the proposal in his heart.
He... always felt somewhat inadequate, with his two sons still young. He had never expected much from them, but upon serious reflection, should anything unexpected happen to him, who would take charge of the family in the future?
Even if a daughter-in-law is capable, she is still a woman. Without a male descendant to support the family, life in the village can be vulnerable to bullying and manipulation. It would be good for these two boys to learn some martial arts so they can protect their family in the future.
Yu Lian "believed" and said earnestly, "Yan'er and Xing'er are good children. After we finish our meal, I will reward you both with another sweet cake to share. Your sister-in-law knows that you are both loving and caring for your family, and that you enjoy farming, being very diligent, isn't that right?"
Enjoy farming? That was impossible, it would never happen in this lifetime! But the twins, in perfect unison, replaced the word 'dislike' that was about to slip out with 'like'!
Lying doesn't cost a silver coin anyway!
Perhaps their sister-in-law would be happy again and give them another sweet treat!
Yu Lian smiled and said, "That's perfect. You can learn martial arts from Father while also tending to the fields. Moreover, when the new house is built, and we move in, you will have a study room where you must also read and learn to write."
The twins: "?" They were confused and almost jumped up.
Hua Zhan nodded, "Tomorrow, rise at dawn and practice horse stance."
The twins: "..."
The next day, Yu Lian, Hua Qiushou, and Dashu's wife went together to Hua Baogui's house.
She addressed Big Tree's wife because she had witnessed the entire incident from start to finish and could serve as a credible witness.
Not wishing to arrive empty-handed, Yu Lian had brought a basket filled with roughly ten eggs, which she had specially purchased from someone else. Aunt Mei stared longingly at the basket of eggs, as if reluctant to part with them. One only realizes the cost of daily necessities when they're in charge of managing the household; even though she wasn't the head of the family, her role as the cook had made her well aware of the value of ingredients.
Once in the marquis's mansion, serving as a concubine, who could have foreseen that there would come a day when even gazing upon an egg would evoke a heart-wrenching reluctance?
Back then, in the mansion, there were dozens of ways the cooks would prepare eggs; even the simplest dish of scrambled eggs would be enhanced with finely minced meat and garnished with chopped scallions, sometimes even enriched with rare ingredients to be steamed. Dried seafood specialties from the southern regions such as shellfish were luxuries only accessible to high-ranking officials in the capital city. On one occasion, when the imperial court bestowed a batch of tribute items, an elderly lady within the household particularly enjoyed these delicacies. To cater to her taste, they were meticulously incorporated into steamed egg dishes. During that time, she had the privilege of partaking in this sumptuous fare several times, not realizing its true value but merely appreciating the heightened freshness and delectable flavors it offered.
Now, she felt an immense reluctance to part with the basket of unadorned, ordinary eggs! Normally, she would sparingly consume them, steaming two or three at a time to share with the elderly matriarch, Lian'er, and her three children.
It had been quite a few days since I last tasted the flavor of eggs.
Even though she was here to request money, Yu Lian had disguised her visit as a medical checkup for Hua Baogui. When Hua Baogui's mother opened the door, she saw Yu Lian's face and felt displeased. She had planned to leave her son at the clinic for a few days based on the doctor's advice the next day, but Yu Lian's absence forced her to take him away.
Looking down and seeing a basket of eggs in her hands, the woman's expression softened. She smiled and said, "You've come all this way, why bring gifts? You're too polite." As she spoke, she reached out to take the basket of eggs, almost snatching it away. She continued, "How did you know that our precious Baogui loves eggs? When he was little, our family hardly dared to eat one all year round, we saved them all for him. He ate one every day and grew up plump and fair."
Maintaining a faint smile on her face, Yu Lian inwardly disapproved of the family's distorted treatment due to gender bias. Was it simply because they had too many daughters that they treated their only son like gold?
As they entered the courtyard, before Yu Lian could see Hua Baogui, she heard a weak cry, "Mother, mother, ride the big horse."
"You're not my mother. Father, where are you, Father?"
Dashu's wife tugged at Yu Lian and signaled her with a meaningful look. Yu Lian paused and whispered, "Is she perhaps...simple-minded? Why does she seem odd?"
Chapter 58: Green Bricks ◇
◎ Tears were falling down ◎
As they entered the room, the light was dim, and on the bed, a person was flailing their limbs. Upon closer inspection, Hua Baogui lay in bed with a pale face, his head wrapped in white gauze. Despite this, he had the demeanor of a mischievous child, struggling to get up and play.
His wife held him down, preventing him from moving.
The elderly Lady Hua entered, addressing her son affectionately as her precious baby, saying she was right there, right beside him.
Hua Baogui's wife looked frightened and said in a daze, "Mother, don't you think Baogui is acting strange? He seems to be...crazy, he doesn't recognize anyone anymore."
How could the old lady believe that her son had become mentally impaired? She instinctively refuted, "How can my son be silly? He's fine, the doctor said that his wounds just need a few days to heal."
"Mother! He really is silly, look, he's even sucking his fingers!"
Only then did Hua Baogui's mother realize the severity of the situation. She stared intently at her son for a long while before collapsing onto the floor, wailing in despair, "Son, son, why are you silly now? Look at me, who is this?"
"Mother, mother, not father, father!"
"Wife, the wife just gave birth..."
Hua Baogui's wife and mother-in-law instantly broke down in tears. Soon after, Hua Baogui's father returned from his work outside and, upon hearing the news, he also hunched over and went out to the yard, squatting on the ground in a state of despair.
Yu Lian's lips twitched. How could she ask for money in this situation? Hua Qiushou suggested, "Lian, let's go back first. It's rather pitiful. If you insist on getting the money, it might seem heartless."
With no other choice, the three of them made their way home.
Upon returning, Yu Lian shared the story with Mrs. Chen. Being a kind-hearted person, upon learning that Hua Baogui had become mentally incapacitated, Mrs. Chen empathized as a mother herself. If her own son were to suffer such a fate, how much pain would she feel?
She hesitated and said, "Should we just let it go, Lian?"
Yu Lian thought about the coincidence: Hua Baogui had become 'crazy' just as they were due to visit to demand payment. It was uncertain whether he was truly insane or just pretending. After all, for peasant farmers, five or six taels of silver could last two to three years if spent frugally. It was not a small sum. If his family was unwilling to pay, they might resort to pretending in order to avoid the debt.
Shaking her head, she replied calmly, "Let's see how it goes."
The elderly lady chanted a few Buddhist prayers, saying, "If he is genuinely insane, I will have compassion for him and pray for the child. If he is pretending to evade the debt, Buddha will mete out punishment."
There were still many tasks to attend to at home, so they couldn't afford to get entangled with Hua Baogui's family over a few taels of silver. On that afternoon, Hua Sanduo and Sanshu brought in the green bricks and other materials to the village.
The spectacle was grand and flamboyant. The delicate carriages could barely accommodate a few bricks for fear of damaging them, so they were solely used to transport people. Hua Sanduo had negotiated with a merchant, who arranged for the delivery. A steady stream of ox carts carried the blue bricks into the compound, while some sturdy laborers were hired to shoulder their loads of bricks as well.
A spectacle of brick-laden carts stretched from the village entrance all the way to the riverside construction site, drawing curious villagers who, with nothing else to do, gathered to watch, their eyes filled with envy as they beheld the loads of green bricks.
"Goodness, so many green bricks! Her family must be planning to build a grand tile-roofed house with brick walls!"
"This is not all, I've heard that there's also a grand courtyard within which houses several smaller courtyards, and the number of rooms is plentiful indeed. There's even a dedicated bathing chamber for personal hygiene and a study room for reading and calligraphy practice. Could it be that they've essentially replicated their entire mansion in the capital here?"
"Ah, how inexperienced you are! A high-ranking noble household such as ours boasts far more than just a few modest courtyards. In the operas I've heard, the grand mansions of powerful officials and aristocrats feature not only gardens and artificial mountains but also lakes. Each individual dwells in their own expansive courtyard, while the servants, maids, and matrons have separate quarters for themselves. One could spend an entire day wandering within and still not reach the end!"
"So, does that mean their grand mansion is actually quite a downgrade from their previous residence?"
"Need I ask? If you were in their shoes, would you choose to live in an endless grand estate at the foot of the emperor's palace or a spacious blue-brick courtyard in a remote village?"
"Of course, living in the capital city under the emperor's shadow is incomparable to our humble dwellings here."
After these discussions, the villagers' envy, tinged with jealousy, subsided considerably. Reflecting on the family's past and present circumstances, it was like comparing heaven and earth. What's wrong with building a blue-brick house now? It could never match their former glory. If they had experienced such a disparity, they might not be able to maintain their composure or lead a normal life. Thinking this, the family earned their admiration.
At least, their mindset was commendably stable.
Yu Lian observed everything with keen eyes as Hua Sanduo supervised the workers unloading their cargo. Approaching him during a lull, she pointed at the villagers who were skillfully steering conversations away from sensitive topics, and smiled. "Your idea?"
Hua Sanduo raised a finger, grinning. "No need to thank me, just a tael of silver."
Yu Lian reluctantly handed over the money. Though known for his laziness, Hua Sanduo was undeniably resourceful. She hadn't expected him to recruit people to manipulate public opinion, making the construction of his large house less noticeable and envious.
In modern times, he would undoubtedly be a versatile talent, thoughtful, creative, and skilled in negotiation. Yu Lian already envisaged hiring him as a manager or overseer when she eventually used the land for business.
Feeling pleased with himself after receiving the silver, Hua Sanduo enjoyed working for Yu Lian. However, it wasn't the prospect of earning money that delighted him. He had a broader vision – Yu Lian's family came from an esteemed background, and despite their current situation, they still held some resources.
With their resources and knowledge, why couldn't they achieve greatness? Hua Sanduo had planned to showcase his abilities, hoping to gain Yu Lian's favor and ultimately rely on her support. The farm work didn't appeal to him; it was exhausting yet barely profitable. He couldn't even afford red sugar for his wife after childbirth, forcing him to humbly borrow from his elder brothers. He was determined to change this life.
With this resolve, Hua Sanduo shouted more energetically, instructing the workers to stack the bricks neatly.
"Green bricks aren't cheap, don't stack them carelessly. If they fall and break, you won't be able to afford the damages."
"To that one over there, handle it gently. Don't treat it like mud you can throw around. If it breaks, you'll have to pay for it. Everyone, be careful, understood?"
Yu Lian could read Hua Sanduo's intentions, but she appreciated his astuteness and diligence. An employee who could anticipate his boss's needs and execute tasks efficiently was invaluable. Even if he had ambition and ulterior motives, she'd still find him useful – efficient and worry-free.
She smiled and left the site in Hua Sanduo's capable hands, deciding to speak with the two foremen. The construction was already halfway done, and the basic structure was almost in place. Once the main body of the building was completed, adding bricks would be the final touch. She instructed, "We won't need the green bricks just yet. At this pace, we might need another two or three days? You must assign someone to keep a close watch on them day and night. I'm worried that some of these bricks might go missing."
Ma Dafen replied, "Living at my sister's isn't very convenient. Don't worry, Miss, I'll set up a makeshift shelter right here today. Starting tonight, I'll personally guard the site. I have a loyal and clever dog back home. Later, I'll ask my sister to bring the dog over from our family's place. With the dog by my side, everything should be safe."
Yu Lian heard this and said, "Alright. But you alone might not be enough. If something happens, you might not be able to handle it. Here's an idea: if anyone is willing to stay with you for the night, they can take the day off and still receive their pay."
Hua Dameng glanced at Ma Dafen, thinking to himself that although the man seemed simple-minded, he was actually quite cunning. Today's delivery of green bricks had made him realize that he had underestimated this family. They had resources, otherwise how could they afford to build such a grand house and hire so many workers?
He couldn't let himself fall behind, so he declared, "I'll stay too. I'll call my second and third brothers. They're as tall and strong as me, great at fighting. With them around, it'll be more effective than any guard dog."
Ma Dafen knew that Hua Dameng disliked him and was making a veiled jab. He turned his head, not wanting to engage in such squabbles. The timid feared the fierce, the fierce feared the ruthless, and the ruthless feared those who had nothing to lose.
Ma Dafen didn't see himself in any of these categories, so he didn't bother arguing with Hua Dameng. It wouldn't do him any good, as he had already experienced their underhanded tactics.
Although Hua Dameng wasn't exactly a pleasant person, Yu Lian believed that a fierce guard dog could be useful if properly utilized. Misused, it could turn against its owner, but when managed well, it could be a valuable asset. She didn't refuse and simply said, "Send them over. I'll pay each of them twenty copper coins per night."
Once the green bricks were neatly stacked on the ground, villagers from the village flocked to have a look. When the village chief built his house, not even his pile of bricks compared to this one. Yet, he had been so proud back then. Now, when comparing the two, it was clear that this family was truly constructing a grand courtyard with green bricks!
The villagers eyed the bricks enviously, with some even reaching out to touch and weigh them. The working laborers quickly intervened to protect the bricks. To ensure their safety, Hua Dameng and Ma Dafen each assigned a worker to watch over the bricks full-time, fearing that a brick or two might disappear.
This concern was justified, as they immediately spotted several attempting to steal bricks. They said, amused yet exasperated, "What use is it for you to take one or two bricks home? Aren't you ashamed of such petty theft?"
Upon closer inspection, not only were there people from their own village, but also from neighboring ones, drawn to the excitement. Most of those stealing bricks were outsiders; the locals felt too embarrassed to do so.
After work that evening, Ma Dafen and Hua Dameng indeed led a group to stay on the construction site. Around ten men, accompanied by two dogs, took shelter in a makeshift shed. Fortunately, it was summer with clear skies, and aside from an abundance of mosquitoes, the conditions were tolerable.
On the first night, nothing suspicious occurred. However, on the second night, they caught a group in the act. These individuals had set a fire to divert attention before attempting to carry away bricks. Before they could fill their baskets, Hua Dameng and his brothers pounced, pinning them to the ground. The two dogs joined in, biting the intruders.
Beaten and humiliated, the men wept uncontrollably, begging for mercy. Hua Dameng recognized the voice and flipped one of them over, asking someone to hold up a torch to illuminate the face. Upon closer inspection, he exclaimed in surprise, "Tongluo?"
Tongluo was the village chief's second son, several years younger than Hua Dameng. Now, his face was swollen like a pig's, tears streaming down. "Let me go! Let me go! I'll get my father!"
Chapter 59 - Compensation
◎ This is outrageous! ◇
After capturing the culprits, the group went to knock on Hua's family door late at night. Hua Zhan, being skilled in martial arts, had sharp senses and quickly opened the door upon hearing the commotion. Hua Dameng and the others held the few thieves, saying, "Where's Miss Lian'er? The village head's second son, Tongluo, led people to steal green bricks, and we caught them. Should we go to the village head's house now?"
Hua Zhan considered for a moment. "Tie them up in my courtyard and bring them to the village head's house tomorrow morning."
Hua Dameng and the others were taken aback. Although it wasn't cold in the summer, leaving them bound in the yard to endure dew, night winds, and mosquitoes seemed rather pitiful.
They showed sympathetic expressions and asked again, "Are you really going to do this?"
Wouldn't the village head be furious and potentially enraged enough to attack when he found out that his beloved second son had been tied up outside all night to be bitten by mosquitoes?
Hua Zhan nodded.
He glanced at Hua Tongluo and the others, then went to fetch a thick hemp rope that was previously used on the construction site for binding wood. It looked like a snake, and this kind of heavy-duty rope was so sturdy that even someone as strong as an ox wouldn't be able to break free.
Ma Dafen wasn't from the village, but when Hua Zhan threw the rope over, he immediately crouched down to start tying them up. His dexterity left Hua Dameng and the others with their mouths agape. The young men, led by Hua Tongluo, started shouting and threatening retribution as they were being bound.
Upon seeing this, Hua Dameng decided to join in and bind the other one as well.
Yu Lian, hearing the commotion, opened her window for a glance. She had a good idea of what was happening and, after rubbing her eyes, returned to her room to sleep.
As Father-in-Law had suggested, they tied them up for the night as a lesson. If someone dared to be a thief, they should also be ready to face the consequences. A single night was a light punishment.
The next morning, just as dawn broke, the village chief came knocking on their door.
It was only early in the morning that he realized his second son hadn't come home all night. After asking his eldest son, he learned that this foolish son had brought trouble upon himself.
Hua Zhan was practicing his swordsmanship when he heard the knocking and went to open the door, still holding his sword. His demeanor, fresh from training, exuded an intimidating aura that seemed to carry the sharpness of his blade. The village chief, who had been ready with a barrage of questions and demands, swallowed his words.
He opened his mouth, taking a moment before speaking, "Is my son Tongluo at your place? I heard Dameng say you bound him here all night?
"Where is he now? Even if my son was ignorant and made a mistake, you could have come to me. Whatever damage he caused to your tiles, I'll compensate you. Why did you have to tie him up all night and humiliate him?"
Hua Zhan halted in his steps. The village chief was not tall, while Hua Zhan was naturally towering. Standing close, with Hua Zhan looking down at him, he asked coldly, "Humiliation? If being caught stealing and bound by the homeowner counts as humiliation, then his act of stealing is a far greater disgrace to himself."
The village chief's expression turned awkward, and he took an uncomfortable step back. He didn't particularly like this family, and Hua Zhan, the head of the household, even less so.
In the countryside yet still so arrogant, does he think he's still that East Yuan Marquis from years ago?
A fallen phoenix, no matter how proud, is but a mere chicken! Can he really turn the world upside down?
These days, he had been observing them quietly. This family was clearly up to something major, expanding their farmlands and hiring workers with grandeur to build houses and clear new land. The sight of so many green bricks alone indicated a considerable expenditure. Wouldn't such extravagance draw attention?
In his opinion, after fleeing to the countryside, they should have kept a low profile and behaved honestly. Their constant showiness would sooner or later lead to trouble.
Hua Zhan pointed to the corner where a few individuals were sleeping curled up. "They're over there."
Upon seeing this, the village chief's expression darkened even further.
He had made quite a commotion, talking and pounding on the door, but his son was still asleep. The position he was in looked uncomfortable and pitiful; he must have been up all night, worn out from the previous evening's turmoil.
He demanded, "We're all villagers, sharing the same ancestors. Why must you make life so difficult for a younger generation? If he has done wrong, speak to me, his father, and I will discipline him accordingly. Why bother a child?"
In reality, Hua Tongluo was not young anymore, already at an age when he could marry and take on adult responsibilities. In the countryside, one was expected to shoulder the burden of supporting the family by this age. Yet, in the village chief's eyes, he was still just a child.
Hua Zhan replied, "My eldest son, at this age, was already in charge of the Ministry of Revenue, overseeing all agricultural and financial matters of the kingdom, serving as the emperor's right-hand man."
The village chief was indeed surprised. Was the one whose head was said to have been chopped off truly that outstanding? But no matter how remarkable he had been, he still ended up on the Yellow Springs Road, ultimately amounting to nothing. What was the point of it all?
Despite his inner disdain, he kept it well hidden. Rushing over, he roused his son and untied the ropes binding them. There were five in total, and among them were four other young men from the village who were close friends with Hua Tongluo.
Upon waking up, Hua Tongluo looked at his father with a distressed face, angrily recounting the situation, "Father, it was he who had me bound! It's utterly outrageous. I couldn't sleep all night, the mosquitoes were draining me of my blood. My body is covered in bites, it's unbearable. I kept calling for help, but nobody attended to me."
Not only did Hua Tongluo lodge a complaint, but the others also eagerly pointed at Hua Zhan, crying out to the village chief, "Chief, this outsider is utterly disrespectful. You must discipline him and make it clear that he can't just get away with anything in our village!"
Indeed, I've never seen someone so unyielding. We merely came for a stroll, and his people treated us as thieves. Just because he has silver, does that give him the right to bind people at will?
A few young men rambled on angrily, but Hua Zhan didn't bother to pay them any attention.
The village chief, hands behind his back, said, "You've heard it too. They had no intention of stealing bricks; they just went to take a look out of curiosity. It was all a misunderstanding. Considering we're all from the same clan, let's just drop the matter. I won't hold it against you for tying them up overnight."
With that, he moved to lead the group away.
Hua Zhan turned his head, his expression indifferent. "Hold on."
He still held the long sword in his hand, maintaining that composed yet intimidating demeanor that somewhat resembled the high-ranking officials and nobles described in operas. The rural youths were frightened and dared not utter another word.
Hua Zhan peered outside. "You're the village chief, responsible for all matters here. It's said that even the most upright official finds it difficult to meddle in family affairs. I've already sent someone to invite Second Uncle over for him to arbitrate."
The village chief's expression instantly soured. Second Uncle was highly respected and the only scholar in the village. His words carried great weight, and he often intervened in others' affairs, placing pressure on the village chief. Yet, his own father was Second Uncle's student, making him both a junior and a filial son. This hierarchy made him effectively afraid of Second Uncle. Whenever there was an issue, he would always yield to the old man.
Upon this thought, he said, "There's no need. We can handle such a trivial matter ourselves. There's no need to trouble Second Uncle; he's quite advanced in age..."
"Who's advanced in age? Even if I'm a hundred years old, as long as I'm alive, I can still discipline you!"
The village chief's face froze as he looked outside. Second Uncle entered with a group of people, mostly villagers who had heard the commotion and came to watch. The village chief felt deeply embarrassed, his face turning ashen.
Second Uncle led his group into the courtyard and became infuriated by the group of timid young men standing there.
"Well, speak up! What were you doing on Mu's property last night? Tell me everything honestly, from beginning to end. If you utter a single lie, be prepared to face the consequences."
The boys like Tongluo stuck to their story, insisting they merely went up out of curiosity and to take a look.
"Are we not allowed to see with our own eyes or walk with our own legs?"
Just then, Ma Dafen, who had been on duty the previous night, entered the courtyard with the others. Being an outsider, he didn't hold back in addressing the village chief's son. He raised his voice and declared, "Nonsense! You had baskets and poles, picking up the green bricks one by one to carry away. How is that not stealing?"
Another voice chimed in, "And you even set fire to steal bricks! How could you be so wicked? What did Uncle Wood do to deserve this? So greedy that you'd steal the bricks for someone else's house? You've disgraced the village chief!"
This person was bold enough to speak out. The village chief glanced over, but he turned away, ignoring him altogether. Just because he was the village chief, did that mean he could break the law and let his son get away with stealing?
This was utterly unacceptable.
With this person voicing their opinion, other villagers began echoing their disapproval, blaming the village chief for failing to discipline his son and mainly criticizing Hua Tongluo for his shameless act.
"Miss Lian'er is so kind, paying us generously without withholding a single coin. Yet, you do such a despicable thing. How terrible."
The village chief's temples throbbed with veins as he struggled to keep his temper in check. He pulled his son forward irritably and bellowed in a low voice, "Tell me, what were you doing last night? In front of your uncle, in front of everyone, explain yourself!"
Initially reluctant, Hua Tongluo gritted his teeth and said it was just curiosity, not a crime. But then, an unknown villager mentioned how their family had only used a few green bricks when they built their house, nothing compared to Miss Lian'er's. They must have been envious.
This comment ignited Hua Tongluo.
He blushed furiously, "So what if we used more bricks? What's wrong with that? You all act as if your houses are something to be proud of. She comes from a noble household, they have plenty of silver. It's none of your damn business!"
"If it weren't for your incessant comparisons, insisting on matching my family with theirs, I wouldn't have been so angry that I wanted to steal their bricks!"
Hua Tongluo's words left the entire scene in stunned silence.
All the villagers looked at him in disbelief. Was it really because someone had casually mentioned that the bricks used in his house were inferior that he had brought people to steal them?
That was utterly absurd!
The village chief clenched his teeth in anger, feeling utterly humiliated. Regardless of whether his son had truly acted out of frustration or was using this as an excuse to steal, he immediately pulled him back home, intent on giving him a thorough scolding behind closed doors.
Second Uncle spoke up, "Dog Egg, don't rush off just yet. It's your business if you want to teach your son a lesson, but since your son has made such a mistake, you must give Woodhead an explanation. Whether it's going to court, compensating with silver, or apologizing, you must choose one. You can't just let it slide; otherwise, there will be no rules or order in our village. If anyone can commit offenses without consequences, how can we ever have peace? As village chief, you should set an example and uphold justice, even if it means punishing your own kin."
The village chief gritted his teeth and managed to say, "How many bricks were damaged, and what's the cost? We'll pay double the compensation, no—three times the value."
Ma Dafen replied, "Not many were damaged, but the shed where we rested was burnt down. Only three or two bricks were actually broken."
Chapter 60: A Heart of Kindness ◇
Indeed, even a clay figurine possesses a modicum of temperament; how much more so for a former nobleman of high rank, such as the old marquis of the Hou Mansion?
By the time Yu Lian rose, the courtyard had already descended into a tumultuous commotion.
The village chief and his family had all arrived, standing protectively beside their second son. On the other side were the villagers who had gathered to watch, while her father-in-law and her husband's uncles' families were also present.
Upon seeing her emerge, the villagers called out, "Miss Lian'er, please tell us how this matter should be settled."
The village chief's expression grew even more unpleasant. "We'll double the compensation for the bricks. Your father has already spent a night tied to the courtyard as punishment. Let's consider this matter settled."
Yu Lian inquired curiously, "Who can explain what exactly happened?"
Someone promptly recounted the events of the previous night and continued, "Miss Lian-er, you're in charge here. What should we do about this?"
At that moment, Mrs. Chen, along with her three children, also got up and stood beside Yu Lian. The old lady usually didn't bother arguing with an unimportant villager, let alone over a few worthless blue bricks. However, she understood that without rules, chaos would ensue. If they let this incident slide without proper consequences, others might escalate their misdeeds in the future.
So, she refrained from interfering and allowed her granddaughter-in-law to make the decision.
Yu Lian posed a few questions. First, she asked for their names and whether they were all villagers. Second, she inquired about the ringleader. Lastly, she offered them a chance to redeem themselves by asking who was willing to work.
They secretly pointed at Hua Tongluo as the mastermind, leaving him furious yet powerless. With so many elders present and his father watching, he couldn't act out of line.
Yu Lian said, "I'm not short of a few copper coins for the bricks, but theft is beneath us. I'll give you the chance to make amends. From today, help with the house construction for three days. Hua Tongluo, being the main culprit, will work for five days. After that, we'll consider this matter settled. You'll also need to assist in rebuilding the damaged huts."
The corners of Hua Tongluo's mouth twitched. Free labor for three days? And the culprit had to work two extra days?
Ordinarily, people were paid twenty copper coins a day for such work, but they were expected to do it for free? Initially reluctant, they changed their minds when Yu Lian looked at the village chief. "If not, perhaps we should invite the authorities to settle this matter."
The village chief waved his hand and kicked the miscreants' behinds. "Do the work when told, or I'll send you to the authorities for punishment!"
This threat seemed less severe. In these times, nobody wanted to deal with the law enforcement. Besides, regardless of guilt, a visit to the officials usually meant a sound beating.
As a result, Yu Lian gained a few free laborers for three days.
She instructed Ma Dafen and Hua Dameng to supervise these men, pushing them to their limits, causing them great discomfort. The sight made other villagers realize the strength behind Miss Lian's kindness. Though merciful, she was not weak-willed. Normally easy to get along with, she would not let things slide if crossed.
Yu Lian continued, "Considering it's your first offense and we share a village, I won't involve the authorities. However, there will be no leniency next time; you'll be directly brought before them."
Hua Tongluo and his companions were thoroughly discouraged. The village chief shot a cryptic glance at Yu Lian, as if he wanted to say something. However, since his own son had committed the offense first and had done such an embarrassing act in front of everyone, persisting in the matter would only add to their humiliation.
Besides, Second Master was also present.
The brick incident had served as a lesson for the village chief's second son, Hua Tongluo, and others, setting a good example for the villagers and giving the Yu family an opportunity to establish authority. Thereafter, whether it was building houses or clearing land for farming, everything proceeded smoothly without any further disturbances.
Speaking of going to see the officials... Yu Lian recalled the matter involving Hua Baogui's wife. The promised compensation had yet to be delivered, despite her signing and sealing the agreement. These past few days, there had been no word from her.
Yu Lian sought out Dashu's wife and asked her to put aside her chores temporarily to remind Hua Baogui's wife about the matter.
Upon hearing that the village chief's son had almost landed Yu Lian in court, Hua Baogui's wife grew fearful. Although she knew that her in-laws would never agree to sacrificing their old hen as compensation, she secretly tied it up and delivered it in a basket. As for the meat and bones, she didn't bother with them, instead opting to give copper coins directly.
After giving the compensation, she hurriedly left. Yu Lian requested that she apologize to Mrs. Chen. With a sullen face, Hua Baogui's wife offered her apology, though her words seemed to reveal her inner turmoil.
"You won't be getting that five taels and half of silver either. Hua Baogui is now foolish, and my mother-in-law has been wailing and scolding every day. If Baogui were fine, perhaps after a few days of pleading, my mother-in-law might have agreed to pay. But now that her son is like this, all hope is lost. How can she give you the money?"
She had come to understand that she didn't want to go to court and couldn't afford to provoke Yu Lian. Thus, she had brought her share of the compensation, considering it a debt owed by her husband's family. After all, who had she acted on behalf of?
With Hua Baogui being foolish, she was still young and had not even given birth to a child. How could she sacrifice her entire life for him?
She's returning to her maiden home and plans to remarry!
With that, she left with her head held high.
Yu Lian exchanged a glance with Dashu's wife, who patted her chest in surprise. "My goodness, what has she gone and done? Hua Baogui's mother only has this one son, whom she spoils rotten. Lian, be careful; she might come after you."
How could Yu Lian be afraid of a shrew?
It was just a pity for such a fine young man.
Upon learning about the incident, the elderly matriarch said, "Forget about those few taels of silver that Yu Lian had. Consider it an act of kindness for their misfortune, a pity for their circumstances."
If even Hua Baogui's wife intended to divorce him and return to her family, there was no doubt that he was indeed foolish. How could she continue to put on an act when her wife was leaving him?
Yu Lian nodded in agreement. That was precisely her intention. Rather than quibble over a trivial matter, it was better to use that time for something more productive. She could earn back those few taels of silver sooner or later.
Arguing with a foolish shrew would only lower oneself to her level.
Sure enough, the following two days brought news of turmoil at Hua Baogui's home. With Hua Baogui now mentally incapacitated, his wife's family came to take her away, despite his mother's fierce objections. She stood at the village entrance, cursing for an entire day in anger.
While the villagers worked, they couldn't help but discuss the matter. They pitied Hua Baogui for losing his wits at such a young age, but were more concerned about Yu Lian's inability to retrieve her silver.
There was no way Hua Baogui's mother would give it back willingly.
Some even dared to ask if Yu Lian was giving up on it.
She shook her head. "We'll wait until he recovers." Even if she was being kind, she wouldn't do so for nothing. She needed the villagers to know that the Huas still owed her family, to prevent Hua Baogui's mother from causing trouble again.
Yu Lian's prediction came true. Hua Baogui's mother might have taken him to the town to see another doctor, who was also helpless. Desperate, she led a group of people to create a scene at Yu Lian's home.
She plopped herself down at the entrance of the Hua residence and wailed, "You heartless wretch! My son came to your house to help, and now he's turned foolish. The doctor says there's no cure, only fate. Now, his ungrateful wife has returned to her parents' place. He's still so young! What will happen to the rest of his life?!"
"I don't care! If not for your dilapidated house, my son wouldn't have helped, and nothing would have happened. He wouldn't be foolish now! You must take responsibility!"
Yu Lian: "..."
She looked down at the elderly woman throwing a tantrum, speechless. She had built her house honestly without stealing or cheating. Hua Baogui hadn't been forced to work for her; he had come voluntarily to "help". Now that he was foolish, why should she be held responsible?
Hua Baogui's mother made a scene at the entrance for quite some time.
The matriarch accompanied Mrs. Chen by the entrance, attempting to calm her down and suggesting they discuss matters indoors. However, could an unrefined peasant woman from the countryside be swayed by her words? The woman was there to create a scene and had no intention of reasoning. The elegant and refined matriarch, who had spent her entire life with composure, found herself at a loss against such a shrew.
As the commotion escalated, villagers began streaming in to watch the spectacle.
In a small village where everyone knew each other, secrets were hard to keep. Yu Lian's morning conversation with the laborers had already spread throughout the village by the afternoon.
They all praised her kindness for giving up the five taels and a half of silver without a second thought, and for her claim that she would wait for him to recover, even though he was now foolish. Didn't that imply she had no intention of taking him back?
Initially, there was some sympathy for Hua Baogui's mother, who had given birth to a son at an advanced age, only to see him become incapacitated. But witnessing her aggressive behavior, many villagers disapproved and found it difficult to bear.
Some advised her to desist, arguing that with her son in such a state, her primary concern should be to take him home and care for him diligently, hoping for any possible improvement. What was the point in creating such a commotion?
"You easily speak from a position of privilege. If your son were to become mentally challenged, let's see if you would still quarrel with this ungrateful girl!"
Addressed as an ungrateful wench, the granddaughter-in-law felt deeply offended. The matriarch herself had never dared to exert her authority as a grandmother in front of her granddaughter-in-law. How dare this rustic old woman from the countryside show such disrespect?
Even a clay figure has a hint of temper, let alone a former nobleman who once held a high position in the marquis's mansion?
The elderly lady requested Mrs. Chen to fetch her walking stick, which she then firmly struck against the ground.
"Have you quite finished with your foolishness? I've heard from the child Sanshu that Hua Baogui could have been saved. The physician advised you to stay at the infirmary for two more days; he promised that with timely acupuncture treatments each day, Hua Baogui would recover swiftly. However, out of concern for a mere amount of silver, and lacking my kind-hearted yet naive granddaughter-in-law to foot the bills and medical fees, you've grown miserly. Thus, you insistently brought Hua Baogui back home to care for him instead."
"Let me explain this to you in detail today. It is by the grace of my granddaughter-in-law that Hua Baogui still has his life. But his foolishness is the fault of you, his mother!"
Upon the old lady's words, the atmosphere fell silent for an instant. Hua Baogui's mother was also taken aback, halting in her tracks. After a while, she reluctantly retorted, "How could it be my fault? If you hadn't built this cursed residence, how would it have caused my son's foolishness?"
Her unreasonable behavior had even upset the villagers. They criticized her, "Hasn't everyone in the village built a house before? Her family has an official land deed with the government's seal. Why can't they build a house? Did Hua Baogui offer to help on someone else's land by herself and then blame others for the incident? Lady Hua Baogui, one cannot behave in such a manner!"
Miss Lian'er mentioned today that she was not going to argue with you about the medical fee, simply letting go of five or six taels of silver. It was she who saved Noble Lady Hua Baogui's life. Ignorance of gratitude is one thing, but how could you be so shameless?