Chapter 61: Mad with Grief
◎Can you please move the knife aside...?◎
Most of the villagers stood on Yu Lian's side, speaking with fairness and reason. They did not side with Hua Baogui's family just because they were recent newcomers while the Hua family had been local powerhouses. This was, of course, due to Yu Lian's recent actions that had won her the villagers' hearts. Even those who hadn't benefited from her couldn't find any fault in her.
They had already paid a generous five taels and half an ounce of silver for medical expenses. Seeing that Hua Baogui had gone mad, they had no intention of asking for it back. What more did she want?
In an instant, Hua Baogui's mother became the target of everyone's criticism. Just as she was about to leave in disgrace, her daughters and their husbands arrived to support her.
Suddenly, Hua Baogui's mother regained her vigor. She sat down at the entrance of Yu Lian's courtyard, pounding her thigh and wailing once more.
"My child, my poor Baogui, you've been wronged and made foolish. Your good intentions led to disaster, and you gained nothing from it. Yet, nobody cares! It's a tragedy!"
"Silly child, oh silly child..."
When Hua Baogui's sisters saw their mother sitting on the ground, crying loudly and pitifully, surrounded by other villagers and the Hua family as if they were bullying her, they became enraged.
They quickly pulled their husbands over and stood in front of their mother.
Hua Baogui's eldest sister was plump and fierce. She snarled, "Is it wrong for our mother to come here and seek justice for my brother? Are you all flattering him just because he comes from the capital and has some wealth? You don't even know if he'll give you any benefits!"
Her second sister chimed in, "Exactly. If he were truly rich, he wouldn't haggle over a few taels of silver. He should have treated my brother properly and sent him back healed. Then my poor brother wouldn't be in this state now, unable to recognize anyone due to lack of funds."
"You're wrong, Second Sister. It's not that he lacks money; it's that he has a corrupt conscience. He doesn't have the kindness to treat our brother."
"Poor little brother-in-law has only been married for a year, and hasn't even had children yet. Now his mind is damaged. What will we do in the future? Without a brother to support us, once our parents pass away, little brother will be all alone. Who will help our poor little brother?"
The four sisters of Hua Baogui harmonized their cries, echoing their mother as they wept at Yu Lian's doorstep. Their husbands, likewise, appeared menacing, prioritizing family loyalty over reason.
Seeing this, the villagers refrained from commenting. As the saying goes, scholars can't reason with soldiers. They weren't scholars, and they were powerless against such ruffians. One shrew was already frustrating enough; four of them would make quite the spectacle, not to mention that it wasn't happening to their own homes!
Empathy filled the villagers' gazes as they looked towards the Yu family. Why did they have to build a house to attract such trouble? Hua Baogui had foolishly ended up with a disability on his own land, causing them an unjustified loss of five and a half taels of silver, and now his family was blaming them. Their misfortune was unparalleled.
Fortunately, the Huas had a kind heart and some financial means to endure this. Otherwise, the villagers might have fought back fiercely.
Yu Lian pressed her temples, trying to quieten them down. The women continued to cry, drawing more villagers to watch. Eventually, Yu Lian rushed into her house, grabbed a kitchen knife, and came out. With a swift motion, she stabbed the tip of the knife into the ground right in front of them.
Rolling up her sleeves, she squatted down and faced them, "Can we talk sensibly now?"
The group of brawling women froze, staring blankly for a moment, somewhat intimidated by the unexpected change.
She wasn't some refined young lady from the capital; why did she suddenly exude a bandit-like aura, which was rather unsettling?
Not only were Hua Baogui's family startled, but the other villagers were also taken aback. Mrs. Chen supported the elderly woman and whispered in her ear, "Mother, do you think Lian-er has been driven mad with anger?"
The old woman smiled slightly and shook her head. "As the saying goes, the fierce are afraid of those who have nothing to lose. These village harridans can only resort to bullying tactics; do they truly possess any courage?"
Yu Lian's hand rested on the knife handle, her gaze fixed intently on them. "Bullying, is it? You don't want to reason, do you?"
Hua Baogui's mother and sisters fixated on Yu Lian's hand gripping the knife handle, their hearts pounding in fear. They were terrified that she might, in a fit of anger or a momentary tremble, pull out the massive cleaver and charge at them with it.
It was true that Hua Baogui was foolish, and her family saw this as an opportunity to gain something for themselves. On one hand, they considered Hua Baogui's future livelihood, and on the other, who would refuse a free advantage?
But they never imagined putting their lives on the line! If this girl lost her mind and started wildly swinging the knife, who could withstand it?
Hua Baogui's eldest sister, outwardly fierce but inwardly most afraid of death, stepped forward to placate her, "Speak your mind calmly, we're listening. We'll reason things out, we'll reason things out..."
Yu Lian gave a cold smile. "Then let me reason with you."
Hua Baogui's eldest sister: "Could you perhaps move the knife aside...?"
Yu Lian's hand remained tightly on the knife handle, showing no intention of letting go. "Initially, I had no intention of dwelling on the issue of those five taels and half of silver. I thought, since Hua Baogui has suffered this misfortune, I would, out of village camaraderie, play the role of a good Samaritan. But today, you all insist on causing trouble, wanting to take advantage not just once but twice. Do you assume that kindness is a sign of weakness?"
"Yan'er, Xing'er, both of you go invite the village chief and Second Uncle here. Today, I'll make sure to have it out with them!"
It was at this moment that Hua Zhan arrived with his twins. The villagers had informed him that there was trouble at home, with the Hua Baogui family creating a scene. The few brothers-in-law were menacing, so he hurried back, fearing for his family's safety.
Upon returning, he saw his daughter-in-law standing with a kitchen knife stuck in the ground, reasoning with a few village harridans. A hint of amusement and admiration flickered in his eyes. He had initially imagined his daughter-in-law to be a refined and delicate lady, always maintaining elegance even in her efficiency. But now, it seemed that she was different from the noble ladies of the capital. She had her own set of principles, and while she avoided conflict normally, when provoked, she could unleash a force to be reckoned with.
This stiffness only made Hua Zhan appreciate her more. With a military background, he naturally leaned towards dealing with matters in a firm and decisive manner. In recent years, under the influence of his son, he had learned to adopt a more conciliatory approach. However, at heart, he still favored a more straightforward style.
Living in the countryside these days, amidst all these rural trifles, having to consider this person and that, he might not say anything explicitly, but inwardly, he is undoubtedly uneasy, his heart burdened with a subtle frustration.
Now, as he beheld his daughter-in-law's decisive and ruthless demeanor, a sense of relief unexpectedly lightened his heart. Instinctively, he tightened his grip on the hoe in his hand, musing to himself how much better it would be if it were a sword instead.
Twins proved useful in crucial moments. Upon hearing their sister-in-law's words, they promptly and obediently replied, "We'll go right away!"
None could fathom what Yu Lian was about to do, yet every single person present fell silent, their voices hushed as they were captivated by her imposing presence.
Hua Baogui's mother grumbled in a resigned tone, "How can you be so unreasonable, my child..."
Yu Lian held the kitchen knife in silence, and though this was the case, the group of vulgar women dared not utter a word, fearing to provoke her.
Yet, Hua Baogui's several brothers-in-law felt that their masculinity had been undermined by a woman. How could a group of grown men be intimidated by a mere female?
With a menacing expression, he was about to snatch the cleaver from Yu Lian. Upon seeing this, Hua Zhan stepped forward, positioning himself protectively in front of his daughter-in-law. In his hand, he held a hoe, yet it seemed like a weapon of a battle-hardened general returning from the fray, brandishing a sword stained with countless lives. His face, lately tanned slightly to a bronzed hue, wore an extremely indifferent look. Compared to his daughter-in-law's cold demeanor, he exuded a more profound disregard for others, as if they were mere nonentities.
This cold demeanor and imposing presence were enough to deter the rustic men from making any rash moves; they had heard that this man was once a War God Duke who had graced the battlefield in his time. Provoking him, they feared, could be even more terrifying than facing his daughter-in-law brandishing a kitchen cleaver.
Aunt Mei secretly smiled and, concerned that Yu Lian might be getting numb from squatting for too long, she brought out a small stool from the house for her to sit on.
In no time, the twins arrived with Second Uncle and the village chief.
They whispered in their sister's ear that they had bumped into the village chief and Second Granduncle on their way, as the villagers, sensing trouble, had rushed to alert them.
Two clan elders also joined them, one of whom was the same person who, on the day Yu Lian's family moved from the capital, had blocked their entry to the village alongside the chief, his face sour as he stood with his hands behind his back.
Yu Lian ignored the two elders and addressed Second Granduncle and the village chief, "The conflict between Hua Baogui's family and mine is well-known to everyone in the village. Today, with Hua Baogui's family causing a scene at my doorstep, I seize this opportunity to settle the matter once and for all. I kindly ask both of you to bear witness."
The village chief wore a stern expression and remained silent. He had just suffered a loss of face at the Hua family's, and his son was still working for free in their fields as an apology. It was only natural that he wouldn't have a pleasant attitude towards them.
Second Master nodded with a smile but looked at Hua Baogui's family with a less than amiable expression.
He then spoke in a solemn voice, asking Hua Baogui's four brothers-in-law to leave.
"This is an internal matter of Upper Village. As outsiders, it would be best if you don't interfere."
Years ago, no one in the village dared to marry into the Hua family, mainly because everyone knew they had four golden flowers and one son. Under their mother's influence, the four sisters doted on their younger brother as if he were their own child. If any of them married into another family, they would likely become a troublemaker who constantly benefited their natal home. As a result, no one in the village dared to wed them, and they all ended up marrying men from outside the village.
The village chief also frowned as he looked over. Although he disliked Hua Zhan's family, he disliked outsiders even more, especially those who interfered in their village's affairs.
He promptly spoke up, asking them to leave.
Upon the village chief's intervention, all the villagers came to their senses. Hua Baogui and his brothers-in-law were from other villages, and with their sisters married off, they could at best be considered half-villagers. Why should they be allowed to show off and bully those with the Hua surname within the village?
Regardless of the conflict between Hua Baogui's family and Yu Lian's, or who was right or wrong, it was ultimately an internal matter of the Hua family. It had nothing to do with outsiders, no matter how distant their relations might be. They didn't carry the Hua surname and thus had no right to meddle!
Thus, the villagers chimed in, one after another, requesting their departure.
"Delay any longer, and we won't hold back." There were over twenty Hua clan men from Upper Village present, not counting those who were occupied with their work and couldn't attend. No matter how fierce Hua Baogui's brother-in-law was, he was only accompanied by three others. How could they withstand the fists of so many villagers?
Seeing that their intimidation tactics had failed utterly, and that they were being forcefully restrained from leaving, even with their spouses in tow, the sisters of Hua Baogui felt a surge of sorrow. As married women living in other villages, they were not allowed to assist their own brother. What would become of their elderly parents and their lone sibling?
Refusing to depart, they nonetheless fell silent under the glare of the village head, Uncle Second, and the multitude of indignant villagers.
Chapter 62 - Matters of Importance
◎The house was finally completed.◎
Yu Lian said, "The incident involving Hua Baogui was an unforeseen calamity for my family. We have legal land deeds and the village chief's approval to build our house. It's reasonable and lawful, not affecting anyone else. Hua Baogui came to 'help' but only caused more trouble, injuring himself in the process. Others didn't hold him accountable for his injured foot since it was an accident. At that time, life was at stake, so I temporarily covered the five taels and half of medical expenses, as proven by this invoice from the clinic."
She presented the clinic's receipt to Second Uncle.
"No one's silver comes effortlessly. I don't mind being transparent with all of you. My family returned to our hometown out of necessity due to hardships and then encountered bandits, leaving us with very little silver. The original plan was to retrieve this money once we were back, but after hearing about Hua Baogui's condition, my grandmother and mother decided not to ask for the money back, considering it as a charitable act towards a fellow villager. However, Hua Baogui's mother and sister relentlessly caused trouble at my home, making it seem as if we harmed Hua Baogui and tarnished our reputation!"
"Today, with everyone here, I'll clarify everything and ask for witnesses. Initially, I had no intention of reclaiming the silver, but your bullying has gone too far. Hence, I now demand the return of this kindness. Please repay the five taels and half within a month. Furthermore, cease implicating my family in Hua Baogui's matter. Otherwise, we'll take it to the authorities to let them decide who is right or wrong!"
Hua Baogui's family was stunned. How did they end up having to repay the silver instead of gaining anything?
His mother grumbled, "No silver, Baogui is foolish now. Where would we get the silver from?"
Yu Lian looked at the village chief and Second Uncle. "If they fail to return the silver within a month, I will report to the local office and request the officials to intervene."
"This matter should have ended long ago, but they refused to let it go. Don't blame me for not considering our village ties anymore."
Even clay figurines have some temper, let alone a young lady from an esteemed capital noble family?
The villagers felt a mix of emotions and gained a deeper understanding. Although Yu Lian was known for her kind temperament, good heart, humility, and adherence to fairness, if someone were to push her too far without gratitude, they couldn't blame her for being ruthless.
They cast sympathetic yet somewhat Schadenfreude glances at Hua Baogui's family. This family was never satisfied. Now that Yu Lian was willing to let go of the medical expenses, they still acted shamelessly, trying to exploit the situation further. Could they really blame Yu Lian for retracting her kindness?
In those days, most commoners avoided conflict with the authorities, especially in a rural village like Upper Village, where people lived together as clans. They were accustomed to resolving disputes internally, with the village head, respected elders, and family leaders making decisions.
The village head himself disliked involving the officials. Despite his humble position, if he couldn't handle the village's affairs and had to summon the authorities, his tenure as village head would soon come to an end.
Frowning in displeasure, he rebuked, "What's the point of making such a fuss over a trivial matter?"
The second elder commented, "Even small matters must be handled justly. You need to deal with Dog Egg's issue properly."
An elder nearby added, "Those capable bear more responsibilities, but that doesn't mean it should be used in this context. As I understand, you mentioned your family fled due to adversity, and you don't have much left. All of you here have land and know how to farm; even without silver, you won't starve. Our situation is different. My grandmother is elderly, having enjoyed a life of comfort, and her health isn't good; she requires medicine frequently. My mother is frail and unable to work. Aunt Mei can manage the household, which is impressive enough. Our three children are still young and can't contribute much. My father-in-law has old injuries, and I am just a woman. Our family neither farms nor has any income, relying solely on this silver to survive. How are we better off than any of you?"
After Yu Lian finished speaking, the villagers fell silent. Reflecting on her words, they realized that despite their seemingly prosperous appearance, her family's situation was indeed precarious. They hadn't truly settled down and were no better off than other villagers. While others could grow their own food, her family had to buy theirs. Without silver, how could they possibly survive?
Initially, some villagers agreed with the elder's perspective, reasoning that since Yu Lian had more silver, it was only fair to give more. But now, they felt ashamed; that silver was for the family's livelihood, how could they have thought so selfishly?
The elder was left speechless, unable to retort.
The Hua Baogui family exchanged regretful glances, wondering why they insisted on causing trouble today. If they hadn't, none of this would have happened.
Hua Baogui's mother suddenly recalled something and said, "Didn't my ungrateful, wasteful daughter-in-law secretly give you our two egg-laying hens and their chicks? That heartless one has already returned to her parents' home. Give me back my chickens!"
Yu Lian replied calmly, "That is another matter altogether. When you pushed me down, your daughter-in-law followed suit. My mother stepped in to protect me but was struck unconscious. This is her compensation to us." She showed the agreement signed by Hua Baogui's wife to the elder, then to the village chief.
The village chief glanced at it, his lips twitching in silence. Impatient, he said, "Since a written agreement has been made, it stands as an ironclad fact. Let's not dwell on this further."
Hua Baogui's mother felt as if the sky was collapsing. Her heartless daughter-in-law had fled after giving away their chickens, and now she was being asked to pay such a large sum of silver. It was like losing more than what she tried to steal!
Disregarding who was present, she sat down and began to weep.
Only then did Hua Baogui's aged father rush over, his face etched with weariness. He awkwardly helped his wife up and scolded, "I told you not to come, I told you not to come, yet you insisted on creating trouble!"
Hua Baogui's mother glared at him. "You're just afraid of losing face. So you don't want the silver, then?"
"You're only trying to be the good guy now that it's too late! What were you doing earlier?"
Exposed by his wife, the old man felt even more embarrassed and awkward, standing there uneasily.
The village chief turned to Hua Baogui's father. "As the head of the family, since you've come, listen carefully."
He asked the villagers, "Who can attest to who is right or wrong in this matter? Who is willing to step forward as a witness?"
Dashu's wife raised her hand first. "I can attest. I was there from the beginning to the end. My third brother can also serve as a witness, but he's not here at the moment."
Ma Dafen was about to raise his hand, but the village chief said, "Outsiders don't count."
Scanning the crowd, he continued, "If more than five people are willing to testify for Hua Zhan's family, then we'll consider them in the right."
Second Uncle looked somewhat displeased. He knew the village chief was deliberately making things difficult for the Huas, but he couldn't find fault with his decision.
Yu Lian also frowned slightly. What she had said was the truth, and the whole village knew it. Yet, the village chief insisted on requiring five witnesses for it to hold weight. This would make it such that only those who weren't afraid of offending the Hua Baogui family would dare to come forward as witnesses. After all, they were all neighbors and would inevitably cross paths. Why would anyone want to risk alienating one side?
The three brothers from the second branch of the Hua family, Hua Qiushou, pondered for a moment before stepping forward as well. "We can also serve as witnesses."
This left only one person short.
All the villagers fell silent, looking at each other. Surprisingly, Hua Dameng stood up and declared loudly, "What's there to witness? Are their eyes blind?"
The village chief: "…."
With that, they had gathered the required five individuals.
Although the village chief intended to make things difficult for the Hua family, he was a man of his word. He immediately instructed someone to bring paper and pen.
After a moment's contemplation, he asked Hua Baogui's father, "Can your family afford to pay the five taels of silver?"
Hua Baogui's father's old face creased. Indeed, his family could scrape together the sum. Their four daughters had brought in substantial dowries when they were married, and their sons-in-law always brought gifts during festivals. With the income from their farm, they had accumulated a considerable amount of silver over the years. Even after marrying off their son, they still had more than half left, which they had planned to save for their grandson's marriage.
However, he couldn't just readily part with the money. He hesitated and said, "We'll have to gather and borrow some."
Upon hearing this, the four sons-in-law's expressions turned awkward. After being part of the Hua family for so many years, they knew the drill. Whenever their in-laws needed silver, they would inevitably turn to them for a loan, but the loans were never repaid.
The village chief said, "Very well, I'll give you a month to gather the silver and return it to the rightful owner. You know better than anyone how Hua Baogui lost his wits. Don't let me hear anymore about this matter, tarnishing others' reputation. If they come after you, I won't be able to protect you!"
Hua Baogui's father was a man of pride, and being openly warned by the village chief left him feeling embarrassed. He reluctantly agreed and shot a glare at his wife.
Hua Baogui's mother was utterly stunned.
Why did they have to pay silver when they hadn't even caused a disturbance?
The village chief wrote down the demand for Hua Baogui's family to repay five taels and half an ounce of silver within a month, and added a note that forbade them from using this incident to cause further trouble. Both parties then had to sign and seal the agreement for it to be valid.
Hua Zhan signed on behalf of Yu Lian, while Hua Baogui's father, unable to write, affixed his fingerprint. Yu Lian kept the document, feeling satisfied.
The Hua family slunk away, dejected and defeated.
After this incident spread throughout the village, combined with the previous issue involving the village chief's son, the Hua family had firmly established their position. It served as a stern warning to those who had harbored ill intentions towards the Hua family due to their grandiose construction project and labor recruitment.
There were no further disturbances until the house was finally completed, which happened shortly after the ten acres of land were fully cultivated.
Passersby in the village couldn't help but steal glances at the residence each day, their eyes filled with admiration and awe.
It was an enormous courtyard paved with green bricks, housing structures of the same material with red-tiled roofs, spacious and majestic. Those who ventured inside would emerge, eager to recount in detail the magnificent layout within.
"There are several bedrooms alone, each with its own private courtyard. Not to mention separate bathing chambers, a library... The attention to detail is incredible. Even the shelters for livestock, like pigs, chickens, and ducks, were constructed with leftover green bricks..."
Chapter 63: Sharing a Feast ◇
◎ Does the young madam think she picked up this fortune? ◎
Before moving into the newly built house, there was one crucial step: hosting a feast. On the day of the roof-raising ceremony, only Second Uncle's family was invited for a meal to celebrate. However, on the completion of the house, a feast was prepared for the entire village.
This gathering surpassed any previous housewarming or roof-raising feast in terms of festivity. Coincidentally, during the past month, Hua Baogui's family had steadily delivered five taels and a half of silver. Yu Lian added a few more taels, making it a full ten taels, allowing them to host an extravagant banquet.
There were a total of eighteen dishes - eight meat, six vegetarian, two staple foods, and two soups. Additionally, fruits and candies were laid out for the children passing by to enjoy a sweet treat.
On this day, the entire village gathered at Yu Lian's residence, not only lured by the promise of savory treats but also out of curiosity to see for themselves the house that had been extolled to the heavens by those who had laid eyes on it before.
In the newly constructed, spacious and bright kitchen, bustling activities were underway with intense energy. A dozen or so aunts and married women bustled in and out, washing vegetables and stir-frying dishes. Now and then, a curious child would slip in, drooling with longing, only to be scolded and chased away by the adults.
Mistress Mei was pacing about, ensuring that everything was in order and that no one was up to mischief. Suddenly, she noticed a boy of about ten years, loitering by the back door of the kitchen, his head bowed, his actions unclear. She called out, "Who's there? What are you doing?"
The young man either didn't hear or was oblivious to the call, for he gave no response. Still maintaining that posture, he continued to pace back and forth with his head lowered.
Lady Mei strolled over, folded her arms, and leaned casually against the doorframe. Tilting her head, she asked, "I'm talking to you. Who do you belong to, and what brings you here?"
Most of those who would come to the kitchen to search for treats were children under ten. Those over ten were usually more sensible and wouldn't casually wander into the kitchen, for fear of being scolded by adults and losing face.
The boy stiffened and didn't speak for a long time.
Then he suddenly bowed his head and ran off.
Madam Mei looked on in speechless confusion. What was that about? It was as if she had bullied the child.
San Shu's wife was also busy inside. She lifted her head and said with a smile, "Madam Mei, don't worry about it. His mother is fierce. If she finds out you spoke to her son, she might think you're a bad influence on him and cause trouble for you."
Madam Mei was confused. She hadn't heard of this person since arriving in Upper Village.
San Shu's wife continued, "How could you not have heard? On the first day you arrived, Second Master warned you about her. There's a widow in the village named Zhao who lives with her son. She believes her son is the reincarnation of a scholarly star and is determined to see him pass the imperial examinations and become an official to show everyone up. She's like someone with a mental illness; no matter how many times people tell her that her son is too young and hasn't even taken the preliminary exam, there's no way he could become a top scholar, she refuses to listen and can even get violent when provoked."
"This Widow Zhao has a stubborn and radical personality, so it's best not to provoke her. When the village school was destroyed by the village chief, she fought with him, claiming that he was hindering her son's education and his chance at the exams. No one in the village gets along with her family, and no one wants to argue with her. It's not easy for a widow to raise a son alone, and besides, widows often attract trouble. If anything happens, it could damage your reputation for no reason."
"Madam Mei, take my advice: ignore that boy if you see him. Otherwise, if his mother sees you with him, she might think you've done something to him, and then you'll have trouble on your hands."
Madam Mei listened in amazement. Were there really such families?
Yet, she was still puzzled. "If what you're saying is true... Usually, they barely interact with the villagers. So why did they suddenly visit our house today and even venture into the kitchen?"
Sanshu's wife also found it peculiar. "Let him be. That odd mother-son pair, who can understand them?"
These past few months, Aunt Mei has transitioned from initial discomfort and complaints to a state of complete settlement, seamlessly integrating into the new family dynamics of this rural household. Initially, she found the life of a country concubine unbearable – having to work hard without the luxuries and glory of a noble life. However, as time passed and she continued with her chores, she gradually grew accustomed to it.
Upon reflection, since arriving at this rural farming household, she has truly become an integral part of this family. In the past, within the Marquis's Mansion, she was merely an insignificant concubine, someone whose presence or absence held little consequence. Although she enjoyed splendor and luxury, what true distinction did her status hold from that of a servant? The home was not hers to claim; she had no voice, no sense of belonging. Living in her solitary courtyard, she felt unsteady and hollow, each day passing emptily.
Now, she was seated at the table for meals and entrusted with a portion of the household affairs. She had truly become a part of this family, albeit without the affection of her husband. Nevertheless, there was a peculiar sense of stability in this life.
Considering that her entire family was incapable of cooking, relying solely on her, the thought of them going hungry if she quit filled her with a sense of satisfaction.
Thus, over this period, Aunt Mei progressed from managing the kitchen to becoming adept at both household and external affairs. Mrs. Chen took charge of all the sewing and mending for the family, handling clothes and quilts with skill. The elderly matriarch tended to the pigs and chickens alongside the three children. Yu Lian oversaw the smooth operation of the entire household, while Hua Zhan, as the head of the family, dealt with matters outside. Each member had their designated role and kept themselves busy with their respective tasks.
With the new house now completed and the family settled in, life seemed to have found its rhythm.
Aunt Mei hoped that this harmonious existence would continue uninterrupted. Although the conflict with the Hua Baogui family had been resolved, it still caused some distress. Hearing that the widow Zhao was not someone to be trifled with, and considering her son's unusual behavior of visiting their kitchen on such a day, she sensed something amiss. She made a mental note to discuss her concerns with Yu Lian when they had some free time in the evening.
In the courtyard, Yu Lian and the elderly Mrs. Chen were attending to their guests.
The villagers of Shangyi Village were warm and polite. Even when they came to partake in the new home feast, each person would bring a vegetable or two, along with some eggs, whatever they could spare. No one would dare to arrive empty-handed.
With hundreds of households in the village, even if only one or two people from each family came, it would still be quite a crowd. How much silver would that require? Money was scarce, but bringing a small token was always possible.
Yu Lian stood at the entrance, watching the villagers approach with their offerings, their sincere smiles and hearty congratulations warming her heart. She felt a sense of joy and accomplishment. This was her family in ancient times, a home she had personally designed and supervised from start to finish. Here, she didn't have to read anyone's mood, nor did she need to fear being hastily married off by her original family's elders. She was free to do as she pleased, to live as she wished.
With this thought, she completely relaxed, her smile warm and gentle across her face.
Zhu Ying watched from the shadows, enduring the scorching sun. He felt bitter, realizing that this couldn't continue indefinitely. His master was too inhumane, asking him to keep watch and protect her from the shadows without considering the weather or conditions. Day after day, he faced the wind and sun, and at night, mosquitoes feasted on him. If this persisted, by the time he returned to his master, she might not even recognize him.
For if this continued, he would end up as a bruised and battered charcoal-black figure!
Despite the discomfort of the scorching sun, the sight before him brought a genuine sense of joy to his heart for his master's family, especially for the young madam. It hadn't been easy for her, and reaching this point meant they finally had a decent residence to call their own.
But upon reflection, how could it compare to the noble mansions in the capital, let alone the Duke's residence? In comparison, it was merely insignificant.
Yet, Madam Young was not the least bit disdainful. Her smile was so charming, and she was too easily pleased!
The thought of writing to his master resurfaced in Zhu Ying's heart. It had been quite some time since his last letter, and in the reply, his master had asked him to take extra care and sent along two banknotes worth a thousand taels of silver. However, he found no plausible excuse or opportunity to make contact with his master's family.
Would he throw the banknotes in front of Madam Yu, pretending she found them?
Did he take Madam Yu for a fool? How could such a backward and impoverished village possess large-denomination banknotes? The villagers might have never laid eyes on bills worth over a hundred taels in their entire lives. Selling off the entire village would hardly yield two banknotes worth a thousand taels.
As he couldn't find a suitable opportunity, the two banknotes still nestled warmly in his bosom. He planned to finish writing the letter and not wait for his master's reply. He needed to seize a chance to appear properly before Madam Yu's family soon. As for the banknotes... He would have to think of a way later.
Zhu Ying pondered in the shadows while the bustle continued below.
Visiting villagers put down their items and entered, amazed by the scene in the spacious courtyard.
Dozens of tables and chairs were set up for guests, though the inside of the house was unseen. Nevertheless, it appeared grand from the outside. The house was tall and wide, with a row of rooms stretching out. In the middle stood the main entrance, flanked by two side chambers. Beyond that were chicken coops, pigsties, duck pens, and a vegetable garden, all constructed with blue bricks. The roofs weren't made of haphazardly arranged mud and straw but elegant red tiles. Looking around, admiration and envy were the only emotions felt.
"One sight and you're impressed? Go inside and see for yourself. Their house is full of wonders. This is just the front yard. They have a backyard too, where the real big shots reside. It has several separate courtyards, each with everything one could need: study rooms, bathing chambers... Even the water for bathing comes from outside. They don't have to fetch water; just turn a tap, and the water flows in. Isn't that miraculous?"
Some adventurous souls sneaked in for a closer look, while the more timid asked Yu Lian for permission to enter.
Yu Lian smiled and nodded, allowing them to explore happily. If they didn't view it today, it wouldn't be appropriate to barge into someone's home after they moved in.
As the villagers arrived in succession and had a look around the house, the first dishes of the feast were being served.
At that moment, Hua Baogui's parents entered the scene with their mentally challenged son, empty-handed.
Hua Baogui's father's face was slightly flushed, while his mother walked in with an air of arrogance and righteousness, pulling her son along. She felt that Yu Lian's family owed them, as her son had become foolish due to their house. Not only did they not offer assistance, but they also demanded their silver and compensation – how despicable!
What was wrong with bringing her son to eat? This was a debt owed to her family!
Upon seeing the spacious courtyard filled with dozens of tables and chairs, jealousy surged within her. Who were they trying to fool? How could such a fine house be built without lacking five or six taels of silver?
Today, Yu Lian had invited the entire village for a feast. She hadn't specifically informed anyone or excluded anyone from attending. Despite some past conflicts with Hua Baogui's family, those issues were in the past. As the host, Yu Lian didn't wish to create a scene on this joyous day by turning them away. So, she pretended not to notice them and allowed the family to find a seat.
The first dish was pork and cabbage stew, followed by pork dumplings as the second course. Before the third dish arrived, the villagers' mouths were already glistening with grease. The first two dishes, rich in meat and generous in portion, had won their praise for the host's generosity.
"Take your time, there's more delicious food to come."
Chapter 64: In-Laws
◎In Hua'er's Dream, She Didn't Die◎
There were two main tables. One was occupied by Yu Lian's family and Second Uncle's family, while the other was reserved for the village chief and elders.
Midway through the feast, Second Uncle spoke with a smile, "Today marks the day that Uncle Baixi's descendants have returned to our village and built a new home. I represent everyone here in extending a warm welcome to them. I hope that all of us will look out for them in the future. A hundred years ago, we were all one big family, descendants of the same ancestor. Let's not forget our roots."
Second Uncle had said something similar when Yu Lian's family first arrived in the village. Back then, the villagers were either curious or indifferent, showing little response. However, after spending some time together, their feelings had changed. They now enthusiastically applauded, with some chiming in, "Of course, that goes without saying!"
"We all bear the same surname, Hua, and we're fellow villagers from the same clan. That makes us one family. If anyone dares to bully them, I won't stand for it!"
"Indeed, indeed!"
The atmosphere became lively, except for the table occupied by the village chief and the elders, which remained somewhat quiet and subdued.
Uncle Two glanced over and said, "Dog Egg, you're the village chief. Don't you have something to add?"
The village chief twitched the corners of his mouth, put down his chopsticks, and surveyed the crowd. "In my opinion, building such a grand house is a bit extravagant. How many people are there in your family? With such lavishness, don't come asking others for help when you run out of money to buy food and live. We're all poor folks in this village; no one can afford to lend a hand!"
The atmosphere fell silent, as no one had expected the village chief to dash their spirits with such a comment on this joyous occasion, without even a single kind word.
However, he quickly added, "It's commendable that you sought help from fellow villagers for the construction and land clearance, providing them with extra income... But perhaps next time, it would be best not to invite outsiders."
The Ma family, consisting of Ma Dafen, were the only "outsiders" present since Ma Dafen was the foreman and had fulfilled Yu Lian's instructions flawlessly. Hearing the village chief's remark, their faces darkened.
What did he mean by that? Were they being ostracized because Ma Dafen was from another village, hindering the locals from earning money?
But being a foreman wasn't a job for just anyone. Ma Dafen had diligently carried out his duties, never shirking or cutting corners. Why couldn't he be hired again?
Yu Lian smiled and replied, "If possible, we naturally prioritize our neighbors. But certain tasks require specific skills. Whoever is capable and does the job well should be chosen, regardless of where they come from."
In truth, the village chief had merely made an offhand remark. He hadn't been on good terms with the Hua Zhan family from the start, thus finding it difficult to interact with them as comfortably as with other villagers. On this celebratory day, he couldn't bring himself to say anything positive and had instinctively lashed out. Now, upon hearing Yu Lian's composed response, he felt displeased.
Nonetheless, he still possessed some sense of reason and realized his jab had been unjustified. Embarrassed, he refrained from further retaliation.
Next came a hearty meat stew, and the villagers eagerly dug in, effectively diverting attention away from the previous awkwardness.
This feast was sumptuous, a rare treat for the village after years without such an oily and satisfying spread. They ate from noon until the sun was almost setting, their bellies swollen with content. The savory broth of the meat dishes was ladled over white rice, leaving no scrap behind.
It provoked Lord Second and Lady to scold the group of inexperienced youngsters as if they were uncivilized beasts, utterly outrageous.
Yet, the more vibrant and lively this feast is, the better; it symbolizes a future of growing prosperity, abundance in food and drink, and an ever-present warmth of human interaction and vitality.
As twilight fell, most of the villagers had departed, leaving only a few aunties and married women to assist with washing the dishes, tidying the kitchen, and arranging the chairs and tables scattered around the courtyard and pots and pans.
Lady Mei joined in the preparations, acting as a general supervisor. She stood there, attentively overseeing everything, pointing at one item and gesturing to another. By the time she finished her tasks, the sky had turned completely dark.
Yu Lian ventured into the newly constructed bathing chamber for a much-needed soak, her first proper bath since arriving in this era. A large pool had been excavated within, and water was channeled in from a nearby river. As it was summer, the temperature requirement for the water was not too high. Yu Lian merely added some hot water to the pool, mixing it with the warmer river water, creating a comfortably tepid temperature perfect for both bathing and relaxation.
Leaning against the bathtub, she bathed slowly, contemplating how, if she found leisure time, she would take her children to the hill behind their home to pick wildflowers. She imagined scattering them in the bath, indulging in a rustic romanticism infused with the scent of nature.
In a playful mood, she hummed a few tunes. The melodies were disjointed, and she would switch to another song when she forgot either the tune or the lyrics. These were songs from her past life, and she sang whichever lines came to mind, without any semblance of structure.
Completely relaxed, she nearly dozed off in the water. Fortunately, Little Guo'er knocked on the door, calling out to her. "Sister, why have you been bathing for so long? Has the water turned cold? Grandmother and Mother are worried that you might catch a chill. They sent Guo'er to fetch you."
Looking at the hourglass beside her, Yu Lian realized that almost two hours had passed.
She responded to Little Guo'er and promptly climbed out of the bath, drying herself before changing into fresh clothes.
Exiting the room, the matriarch and Mrs. Chen were relieved to see that she was unharmed. The family sat together in their spacious and well-lit courtyard, chatting leisurely under the glow of the full moon above.
The matriarch said, "Reflecting on our life in the capital feels like a lifetime ago, so distant from now. But with this newfound stability, I can finally breathe a sigh of relief."
Mrs. Chen, unusually without tears, especially when reminiscing, smiled and said, "Mother, you always told me to look forward. That's what we should do."
The matriarch gave her a glance. "Don't you miss your son?"
Mrs. Chen replied, "What happened to Hua'er is in the past. If he's looking down on us, seeing that we're doing well and that Yu Lian is by our side, he would undoubtedly be comforted and happy. As his mother, that would bring me joy too."
Zhu Ying, on the rooftop, couldn't help but smirk. His living conditions had improved – the new house had a higher roof, reducing the number of mosquitoes.
But the feeling of being the only one who knew his master was still alive, yet unable to share it, left him with an odd sense of oppression.
When his master could finally be seen by others, he vowed to shout it out loud – his master was alive!
The matriarch nodded, pleased. "It's good that you can see things positively." She then turned to Yu Lian, taking her hand. "Lian'er, you've worked so hard these past days. Although I've often said so, each time I mean it from the bottom of my heart. From our journey from the capital to building our new home, acquiring our own fields, none of this would have been possible without your hard work and wise counsel. If Hua'er were still here, he wouldn't have let your efforts go to waste. I know him; he would have adored a fine young lady like you."
Yu Lian pretended to be bashful, lowering her head.
The elder lady smiled affectionately and asked, "Have you written to your parents since you arrived? I've heard that although your grandmother is quite forceful, Yu Sanlang and his wife treat you like a precious gem. If not for your determination to marry Hua'er and take care of us, they would surely have paved a bright future for you, no matter how difficult it was."
Yu Lian shook her head. "I haven't written to my father and mother yet. With the thought of parting forever, I didn't consider returning to the capital, nor did I know how to write to them without causing worry or stirring up longing in myself."
She paused before continuing, "Tomorrow, I'll write them a letter and tell them about our new home, the vast land we have, and that my life is without worries. That way, they can rest assured."
The elder lady nodded. "That's good."
"Hua Zhan, after Lian'er finishes her letter, you run the errand and deliver it to the post station."
Hua Zhan agreed and fell silent. He surveyed their new house, a large and clean courtyard with three pigs in the pigsty, clucking chickens and hens in the coop, and two almost fully grown geese nearby that would soon become full-grown and run around the yard, bullying the chicks.
Behind the house were neat and spacious rooms. The elder lady and he had their own quarters in the eastern wing, while Little Guo'er and Aunt Mei resided in another. The twins, still young, shared a yard with them, and the daughter-in-law had her separate courtyard. Lastly, the elder lady occupied the northern wing.
Though the house wasn't grand compared to their previous one, it was theirs, signifying that they were now officially part of Upper Village. He sighed, releasing the breath of refusal to accept his fate. He finally acknowledged his failure and that his family had truly fallen from the capital to the countryside.
Upon reflection, however, the fact that they had preserved their lives was already the best outcome.
Lately, he had been having ambiguous dreams. In these dreams, Hua'er hadn't died, but their family had been sentenced to a three-thousand-mile exile. Yet, on the journey, they all perished, victims of bandits – a ridiculous notion, as who would dare to rob an escorted exiled group?
Despite it being only a dream, Hua Zhan felt as if it had truly transpired. He often wondered if Hua'er had also experienced this dream, foreseen their fate, and thus chose to sacrifice her life to save them first. Later on, if not for his daughter-in-law suggesting they return to their ancestral village, accidentally leading the family out of the emperor's sight, they would have remained a threat. The emperor, for the sake of his reputation, would not have harmed them further, allowing the family to survive by chance.
Reflecting on these events, Hua Zhan believed it was a combination of luck and coincidence. It was already miraculous that they were alive; what more could they ask for?
"Zhan'er, when you deliver the letter for Yu Lian, don't forget to write one to your in-laws, expressing our apologies and sincerity. You must tell them that I, this old lady, along with you and Mrs. Chen, will take good care of Yu Lian and won't let her suffer. This will ease their worries. It has been so long; I wonder how much those parents must be fretting over their precious daughter."
Hua Zhan nodded. "Mother, I understand."
Mrs. Chen promptly said, "I'll sew a couple of outfits or something. Even though I've never met her, I believe she must be a remarkable person to raise a fine lady like Yu Lian. I don't have anything valuable on hand, but I can make two outfits for her parents as a token of gratitude."
Making clothes for the in-laws? How inappropriate! But considering they indeed lacked any impressive gifts, the old lady allowed her daughter-in-law to proceed.
Yu Lian, however, suggested, "Don't rush to send the letter. Our mountain behind the house is an excellent spot. When I'm free, I'll take Yan'er, Xing'er, and Guo'er up there to gather some wild produce. We'll dry them and send them to the capital. My parents in the city have never tasted rural flavors; it would be nice for them to try."
"That's a good idea."
"Are there any other arrangements for tomorrow?"
"There's not much. Once we finish preparing that land, I plan to go to town to search for seeds, see what we can plant. With the current scorching weather, it's not suitable for planting anything. Let's wait until it cools down a bit."
"Let Yilan decide for herself, my dear. None of us truly understand this matter. If it really becomes too confusing, we can always lease the land to the villagers as a simpler solution."
As the family chatted casually, Aunt Mei suddenly recalled something and said, "Yilan, during today's feast, that son from Widow Zhao's household lingered by our kitchen back door for a while. I'm not sure what he was up to, and when I asked, he didn't reply. He just took off in a flash."
Chapter 65: Saving Lives ◇
◎ It's been quite some time since we've seen that mother and son, hasn't it? ◇
The entire family didn't have a strong impression of Widow Zhao, to the point that even Grandma and Mrs. Chen asked in confusion, "Who is she? We've never heard of her."
Almost everyone in the village had come to the feast today, but no one had seen this person.
However, Yu Lian had a better memory and vaguely recalled her Second Uncle mentioning her before.
Aunt Mei immediately recounted what San Shu's wife had told her, adding, "They say that person is not someone to be trifled with. I'm afraid that if something happens, it might drag our family into trouble. That's why I thought I should tell you, Lian."
Yu Lian nodded, praising Aunt Mei for her attentiveness and consideration. Feeling somewhat pleased by the compliment from a younger generation, Aunt Mei was encouraged to continue, "People say that when things seem abnormal, there must be a reason behind it. For as long as our family has been here in Upper Village, we've never seen that mother and son, regardless of whether it was a major or minor event. Today, when we're hosting a feast, her son shows up alone, and not just anywhere, but specifically at the back door of the kitchen. That's what made me suspicious."
Yu Lian shared the same feeling. After pondering for a moment, she suggested, "It might be late, but I'm worried about potential trouble. If it's convenient for you, Father, could you gather a few villagers and go check on their house?"
Hua Zhan naturally agreed without hesitation. The twins also clamored, insisting they were little men now and wanted to join the trip. Hua Zhan didn't object and promptly set off with his twin sons.
Their home was situated by the river, a fair distance away from the village center. However, Hua Zhan was skilled in martial arts and moved swiftly. The twins lagged behind, shouting "Dad, wait for us!" amidst their excitement.
Hua Zhan turned around, each hand carrying one of his sons, hastening toward the village center.
Although he was a man of martial prowess, he was also thoughtful and considerate. Even with two sons by his side, he understood the importance of avoiding any semblance of impropriety. Realizing that Widow Zhao was a formidable figure with an abundance of controversies surrounding her, he took the precaution of enlisting several villagers along the way. Among them were the brothers Hua Sanshu and Hua Dashu, and as they passed by the village head's residence, he even called upon the Village Head to join their group.
The village chief made no mention of his conflict with the Hua Zhan family. Previously, due to the village school issue, the widow Zhao had caused a ruckus at his home, creating such a scene that she almost killed herself by banging her head at his doorstep. As a result, the village chief found the widow Zhao displeasing to the eye. In his heart, he didn't want to go, but as the leader of the village, it would be improper for him not to investigate if a villager was in trouble. What could he do if he didn't go himself?
She might as well send her second son along for the trip. That unfortunate son had worked for free at Hua Zhan's house for several days and now had the audacity to speak well of them – he was clearly siding with outsiders!
Hua Tongluo accompanied them, and as they were all grown men, they were joined by the widowed Zhao, who was an unmarried woman. Dashu and Sanshu, in turn, called upon their respective mothers and wives to come along, making for a lively procession heading to the widow Zhao's residence.
Though it was already dark, summer nights were not for early sleep, and most villagers had just finished their afternoon meal. They were lounging in their courtyards to escape the heat. Upon noticing the group approaching their gate, one of them hurried out to inquire about the matter.
Sanshu explained, "Today, the son of Widow Zhao spent some time in Uncle Mu's kitchen. Miss Yu Lian, out of concern, asked us to come over and check if everything was alright."
Some villagers found this peculiar. "Hasn't it been quite a while since we last saw that mother and son? Could something have truly happened?"
Lately, the village had been preoccupied with agricultural work, followed by the construction and land clearing for Yu Lian's family home. Consequently, not many had paid attention to her household.
Upon hearing this, many began to reflect and realized that indeed, they hadn't seen Widow Zhao for quite some time.
"Even if she avoids socializing, she still has to work, picking mushrooms and wild vegetables, weeding the fields, or washing clothes by the river. All these tasks require her to go out. So how come no one has seen her?"
The more they discussed, the more villagers felt that something was amiss. Though they didn't have a close relationship with the widow Zhao and their paths rarely crossed, they were all part of the same village. Besides, it wasn't easy for a widowed mother with an orphaned child. Their pace quickened, and a few more people joined them along the way, drawn by curiosity and concern.
The widow Zhao's house wasn't far, situated in the heart of the village. Upon arrival, Dashu's wife and his mother rushed to knock on the door, but after a while, there was no response, nor did anyone open up.
This raised alarm among the villagers. Suddenly, with a loud crash, Hua Zhan, sensing something was wrong, kicked the door open.
Everyone instinctively rushed inside.
The widow Zhao's husband had passed away early, followed by her in-laws. Her husband's relatives and siblings, having divided their properties, no longer cared about them and even tried to seize what little she had left, including the fields and houses her late husband had owned. Fortunately, the widow Zhao was not someone to be trifled with, and she managed to protect her possessions.
Her humble abode consisted of a small courtyard and house. After kicking open the gate, they entered the yard, and a few steps further led to the inner room. There was no separate kitchen; instead, the cooking stove stood right in the main hall, with pots, pans, and bowls haphazardly piled on a dilapidated wooden table. Not even a standalone cupboard could be found.
On one side should have been a dining table. Hua Zhan, observant as he was, gently touched the tabletop and discovered a thick layer of dust, indicating that no meals had been cooked here for days, at least not on this table or the stove.
The sight startled the villagers. The interior of the house was pitch black, devoid of life or light.
Dashu's wife was as courageous as any man, albeit impulsive. Sensing something amiss, she bravely ventured inward. To the left of the main hall were two separate rooms; one was occupied by Widow Zhao herself, while the larger one was for her son, who needed a quiet space to study.
Both Dashu's wife and Sanshu's wife knocked on the doors separately but received no response. They then decided to push them open and enter.
The inner rooms were equally pitch black, and for a moment, all they could hear was a faint, feeble cough from Widow Zhao's room. Her voice echoed, "Is that Tian'er? Tian'er...you're back?"
Only after lighting a fire torch did Dashu's wife step inside.
Upon entering, a pungent odor of dampness filled the air, exacerbated by the lack of ventilation in the room.
"Is that Sister Zhao?" Dashu's wife asked, "What's happened? Can you get up and speak?"
Moving closer, the torch illuminated Widow Zhao's face - deathly pale with a tinge of dark blue, a sight that startled Dashu's wife. She quickly asked, "What's going on? Are you ill? Why haven't you called a doctor?"
Hearing Dashu's wife's voice, villagers started trickling in. They saw Widow Zhao, emaciated and pale, clearly suffering from an illness for some time. Yet, despite her frail condition, her beloved son was nowhere to be seen attending to her.
Regardless of how much people disliked or criticized Widow Zhao, she had always doted on her only son, sparing no expense to provide for him, even working tirelessly to afford scholarly tools for his education. How could he not be at her bedside during her illness?
Annoyed, Dashu's wife asked, "Where is Hua Tianqu? Where has that boy gone? Leaving you to suffer like this?"
Widow Zhao coughed dryly, attempting to speak but failing to produce any sound for a long while. Feeling sorry for her, Dashu's wife hurriedly fetched a glass of water and helped her drink it. Only then did Widow Zhao regain her voice, speaking slowly, "Tian'er is a good child. When there was no food at home, he went out to find some. Later, he said he was going to the mountains to search for medicine for his mother..."
Her tears began to fall, and it was a wonder where a nearly dehydrated person found so many tears. They kept streaming down her face. "I couldn't persuade him, I couldn't persuade him... He's so young, where would he even look for medicine?"
Widow Zhao looked at everyone in the room. At such a weak moment, who cared about dignity? She pleaded with them, "Please, go and look for Tian'er... He's been gone for so long, hasn't returned. What time is it? Is it dark already? Please, help me..."
Sanshu's wife suddenly recalled the scene at Yu Lian's kitchen. The child had stood behind the kitchen, possibly planning to find something to eat for his sick mother. Upon returning and discovering that his mother was still ill, he must have decided to search for medicinal herbs for her.
"Where's the village's barefoot doctor?"
Widow Zhao didn't respond... Dashu's wife lit a firebrand and approached to shine it on her, only to realize that she had fainted from exhaustion. Touching her forehead, it felt scorching hot.
She immediately shouted, "Quick, save her first! Who can run fast and fetch the doctor? Dashu, you gather a few men and head up the mountain to look for Hua Tianqu. Inform Second Uncle and the village chief, ask them to mobilize the villagers."
It was already so late... A twelve-year-old boy, weak as a kitten, wandering alone in the mountains could encounter unimaginable dangers.
Although they hadn't seen any fierce beasts recently, there was no guarantee that one wouldn't appear in the middle of the night in the mountains, right?
Sanshu was swift on his feet. He immediately dashed off to the barefoot doctor's house. The village's doctor lived at the village entrance, next to Butcher Zhang's house. It wasn't too far or too close from the village center. If he ran quickly, he could reach there in half an hour.
By the time the village head arrived with the others, the barefoot doctor was being hastily carried on Sanshu's back, still clad in his pajamas with no time to change.
Sanshu pushed the man into the house, urging him to examine the patient promptly.
Outside in the yard, the village head stood with a somber expression, coordinating the village elders to search the mountains for the missing person. The advantage of a clan-based village became evident as everyone mobilized without complaint, even the typically idle Hua Sanduo and his companions. All were determined to locate the child swiftly.
The village head instructed, "Half of you go up the mountain to search, while the other half look around the village and the neighboring areas. Whoever finds them first, rush here to give the news. It's still early, we don't want this search dragging on until midnight; that would only complicate matters."
With the village head's orders, the elders sprang into action, scattering to search for the missing individual.
The barefoot doctor emerged, panting, and said, "You wait until the illness is critical before seeking a physician? This is not ideal. There's a particular ingredient missing from the treatment, and it might not even be available at the local pharmacy. We might have to venture to the county seat for it."