Chapter 61: Chapter 61: The Marriage

Although Xu Mingshan and Liu Guifang were secretly very satisfied, they still put on an angry face for appearances’ sake.

A few people sat in the main room, negotiating.

“Uncle, I’d like to discuss something with you. What happened today isn’t just my fault. I’m willing to compensate Xu Meiling with a hundred yuan for her losses, and I promise to keep my mouth shut and never spread this around. What do you think?” Chen Jianghe got straight to the point.

“What kind of nonsense is that? Do you think you can bully my daughter and just pay her off?” Xu Mingshan hadn’t expected the other side to try to shirk responsibility and slammed the table hard, startling Chen Jianghe.

Chen Jianghe mustered his courage and held up two fingers. “Two hundred yuan, that’s my absolute limit. It’s all the money I have, and I’ll give it all to Meiling. Consider it her dowry. We don’t have any feelings for each other, and we wouldn’t be happy together. This way, she can find someone better in the future.”

As soon as he said this, Xu Mingshan and Liu Guifang fell silent for a moment, but it was only a brief hesitation.

They could tell the difference between a one-time payment of two hundred yuan and the potential for many more two hundred yuans in the future.

If Meiling married an ordinary farmer, a two-hundred-yuan bride price would be the absolute maximum—most people would need a lifetime to save that much.

But Chen Jianghe could casually take out two hundred yuan. His family was wealthy. If she married him, she could have many more two hundred yuans. Wasn’t that even better?

“Who do you think you’re looking down on? My daughter’s reputation isn’t something you can buy with money!

Here’s the deal: either you marry her, or you eat a bullet. You choose!” Xu Mingshan said sternly, his face dark.

“Fine! You’re the ones insisting on this marriage—just don’t regret it later!”

Chen Jianghe knew he couldn’t escape today, so he resigned himself to agreeing. Being forced by Xu Mingshan and Xu Meiling made him very unhappy.

Xu Meiling wanted to marry him and live a good life? No way. She’d see how things turned out for her!

Xu Meiling had no idea that the man she loved now hated her to the core. She was still lost in beautiful fantasies about their future.

Next, they discussed the specifics of the wedding.

Now it was Liu Guifang’s turn to play the bad guy.

“Normally, the groom’s family would host the wedding, but since your situation is special, let’s just pick a good day and hold a simple ceremony in the village.

First, get the marriage certificate, then set a few tables for a lively celebration.

After you’re married, it won’t be appropriate for you to keep living at the educated youth spot. You might as well build a new house before the ground freezes. It doesn’t have to be big, just enough to live in, and it can be finished quickly.

In the meantime, you two can stay with us.

Oh, and about the bride price—just a token, two hundred yuan will do.” That last line was the key point.

Liu Guifang even acted like Chen Jianghe was getting a great deal, which made him laugh in exasperation.

So, their family wanted both the money and the person, not missing out on a thing! What a clever scheme!

In the village, the bride price for a girl was usually just a few dozen yuan—a hundred at most.

He’d offered two hundred before only as compensation, because he had no choice.

But now, for a village girl who was dark, ugly, and fat, to still have the nerve to ask for two hundred yuan—this was just too much.

“Xu Meiling is the one desperate to marry me. I don’t want to marry her at all. I won’t pay a single cent for the bride price. Marry me if you want, or don’t—it’s up to you!” Even a clay figurine has some temper. This family was just too greedy.

Chen Jianghe stood up, ready to leave.

Xu Meiling hurriedly grabbed his arm. “Brother Jianghe, my mom didn’t mean it that way. Don’t be angry. I don’t need a bride price, okay?”

Xu Mingshan and Liu Guifang almost spat blood. This daughter was hopeless—not only did she look like a pig, she was as dumb as one too.

In the end, they had to go along with Chen Jianghe’s terms: no bride price, but the bride’s side wouldn’t provide a dowry either.

All the expenses for the wedding and setting up the new home would be paid by Chen Jianghe himself, and he reluctantly agreed.

And so, the matter was settled.

The next morning, news that Chen Jianghe and Xu Meiling were getting married spread throughout the whole Xujiatun village.

Naturally, it was Liu Guifang herself who spread the word.

The Xu family seemed to have breaking news every day, each more explosive than the last, providing endless gossip for everyone in the village.

The pampered, well-dressed city boy Chen Jianghe and the chubby, plain village girl Xu Meiling—they were from completely different worlds.

Before, when Xu Meiling chased after him, everyone just saw it as a joke. No one ever thought she’d actually succeed. But things had happened so suddenly.

Liu Guifang personally invited everyone to come to their house for the wedding banquet in a few days—how could that be fake?

The whole village was speculating about what could possibly make Chen Jianghe willing to marry Xu Meiling.

At this moment, the person who most wanted to know the reason was Jiang Xue.

She got up early and specially steamed a bowl of egg custard for Chen Jianghe. Just as she brought it out of the pot, she overheard some of the other educated youths talking in the courtyard.

“Big news! I just went to return something, and Aunt Wang said that Comrade Chen Jianghe and Comrade Xu Meiling are getting married soon. Is it true?”

“What? No way! How could Chen Jianghe possibly like Xu Meiling?”

“Yeah, right.”

“What nonsense are you talking about!” Jiang Xue stood at the kitchen door, hands on her hips, shouting.

“I’m not making it up. Aunt Wang said the Party Secretary’s wife told her herself, and even invited everyone over for the wedding banquet.”

Jiang Xue’s heart was in turmoil—she couldn’t believe it, but she was afraid it was true.

She waited until the egg custard had gone cold. The other educated youths had all gone out to work before Chen Jianghe finally got up, looking sullen, and went to wash up.

He hadn’t been able to sleep for the first half of the night, worrying about how to break the news to his family, and only fell asleep in the second half when he was too exhausted to stay awake.

His parents had warned him many times not to marry a village girl, not to settle down in the countryside. They’d been working for years to get him back to the city, so he could marry after returning.

He’d always had Gu Qinghuan in his heart, and didn’t even consider Jiang Xue, let alone a village girl. Naturally, he’d never taken it seriously.

He never imagined he’d end up marrying a village girl. His family would scold him to death.

“Chen Jianghe, are you really going to marry Xu Meiling?” Jiang Xue couldn’t understand it. Chen Jianghe had always looked down on Xu Meiling, so why was he marrying her now?

Seeing that Jiang Xue already knew, Chen Jianghe felt a bit awkward and a bit guilty.

Jiang Xue had always treated him well. He’d even considered giving her a chance. His heart had already softened, and if just one thing had happened, they could have made things official.

But now, this had happened.

Still, he had no intention of telling Jiang Xue the truth. First, it would damage his own reputation. Second, he didn’t want the story to get out and give others leverage over him.

“Yeah.”

“Why? You clearly don’t like her! Why her, of all people? I admit I’m not as good as Gu Qinghuan, but Xu Meiling—what does she have?” Jiang Xue broke down when she heard his answer, shouting hysterically."

"Chapter 62: Persuasion and Use

""This is my business. It has nothing to do with you, and I don’t owe you any explanation.""

After brushing his teeth, Chen Jianghe turned and went back into his room.

Hearing this, all the energy seemed to drain out of Jiang Xue. In the past two years since she’d come to the countryside, her heart had been entirely tied up with Chen Jianghe. She’d turned down several men who’d shown interest in her.

Gu Qinghuan had also been worn down and left. She’d always thought that sooner or later, Chen Jianghe would be hers. Now, out of nowhere, someone else had appeared—someone she’d never even considered—and snatched away what she thought was already in her pocket. It was easy to imagine how she felt.

Just a few days ago, she’d mocked Xu Meiling for being a toad lusting after swan meat. Now, thinking back, she only felt ridiculous.

She’d invested so much at the start that she simply couldn’t accept this outcome. Deep down, she began to truly hate Xu Meiling and Chen Jianghe.

Today was the Mid-Autumn Festival—a day of joy for some, and sorrow for others.

Last night, Xu Huaizhi and his wife had argued with his parents, but in the end, they still didn’t get the result Lin Xiaomeng had hoped for. Liu Guifang would rather die than agree to split the family. This outcome was within their expectations.

Still, they managed to negotiate some benefits.

Starting this month, Xu Huaizhi would hand over only half his salary to the family; the other half would stay with his own household.

Previously, his entire salary had to be handed over to his mother for safekeeping, and they had to ask Liu Guifang for money whenever they needed it.

This was already a huge step forward. Lin Xiaomeng decided to take things one step at a time. Sooner or later, she would split off from the family.

After what happened yesterday, and with Xu Meiling’s marriage, Xu Huaizhi also supported Lin Xiaomeng’s decision to separate. He didn’t want his parents to mess up his children’s upbringing.

Although he could be selfish at times, he was generally a decent person, thanks to his grandfather who died young but had raised him for a few years and laid a good foundation.

Otherwise, who knows what kind of person Xu Mingshan and Liu Guifang would have raised him to be? Just look at Xu Huaiyu and Xu Meiling.

This time, the couple were united.

With Liu Guifang having to give up half her control over the family finances, and her once-easy-to-handle daughter-in-law now growing a backbone, she was far from happy and looked at Lin Xiaomeng with increasing displeasure.

Early in the morning, she started acting up, lying on the kang and bossing everyone around—one moment asking for water to wash up, then complaining it was too hot, then too cold, then the rice porridge was too hard. In short, she was being a total troublemaker.

Lin Xiaomeng was so angry she was grinding her teeth.

Xu Mingshan, on the other hand, was humming a tune in a good mood. His daughter’s marriage was settled, and to such a promising young man—he was delighted.

Xu Huaizhi took the opportunity to say, ""Dad, today’s Mid-Autumn Festival. Why don’t I go and bring Huai’an’s family over for a reunion dinner?""

He’d already heard the whole story from others yesterday. Honestly, it wasn’t all Huai’an’s fault. If he’d been treated that way, he might have resented it too. Their mother even went to his house to scavenge things.

""What for? That jinx! Yesterday he beat me up like this and didn’t give me a single cent!"" Liu Guifang shouted from the kang.

Xu Huaizhi frowned in disapproval. ""Mom, there’s no such thing as overnight grudges in a family. Besides, you were the one who pushed him over the edge. He’s sick, and he’s your own son. Why are you holding this against him?

""And anyway, you’ve kept all his money for years. When the family split, you didn’t give him a cent, just left him in the old house. Where’s he supposed to get money to pay for your treatment? I bet his wife is still supporting the family.

""Second Brother used to be the most filial. This time, he’s only acting like this because you broke his heart. Since his accident, you really haven’t treated him right.""

Xu Huaizhi was speaking fairly. Lin Xiaomeng tugged at his sleeve.

Who asked you to play the good guy? Yesterday he beat up your son like that.

Liu Guifang wouldn’t hear a word of it. Her dislike for Xu Huaian was so intense that Lin Xiaomeng even started to wonder—was Xu Huaian really her biological son?

How could this old woman dote on the eldest and youngest, but not care at all for the one in the middle?

Xu Mingshan, chewing on his dry tobacco pipe, looked thoughtful. He’d been angry yesterday and said things he didn’t mean.

If Second Son really stayed crazy, he’d just let him be. But now that he’d recovered, he couldn’t let him slip out of his control. What if he was useful in the future?

If nothing else, just look at the connections he’d built up in the army over the years. If they ever needed help, that could be a big advantage for the family.

With Meiling’s wedding coming up, there were plenty of things they’d need help with.

Second Son used to be a great hunter. At fifteen or sixteen, he’d already dared to go up the mountain and hunt wild boar. When the time came, he could secretly bring back some game for the wedding banquet, saving them the cost of buying meat.

They’d raised him all these years—he couldn’t just be a waste.

His wife was shortsighted; he had to think further ahead.

So he said, ""Fine, go and see him. Ask him to come over for lunch, and we’ll discuss your sister’s wedding and settle the arrangements.""

Xu Huaizhi happily agreed.

—

Last night, after Gu Qinghuan brought the children home, she made a point of praising Dabao by name.

Children fear authority, not virtue.

A person not only needs to know not to bully others, but also needs the presence not to be bullied.

Dabao did very well in this regard, and the whole family applauded him.

Dabao blushed shyly.

That night, after Zhong Zijun fell asleep, Gu Qinghuan slipped into her space. She’d been busy these past few days, always surrounded by people, so it hadn’t been convenient to enter her space.

The money from the last batch of Maotai liquor had already arrived, along with a flood of messages and comments—more than last time. Most people were just there to watch the excitement, and the majority were urging her to restock as soon as possible.

Looking through the comments, she didn’t find a single negative one—they were all glowing reviews.

Someone even commented, ""Are these positive reviews bought? How can there not be a single bad one?""

Gu Qinghuan didn’t need to defend herself; plenty of people were already speaking up for her in the comments.

After reading for a while, Gu Qinghuan started preparing to restock.

The wild goods she’d brought in earlier had been growing in her space for a few days, nourished by the spiritual spring water, and were ready to be put up for sale.

She had a mountain-like pile of wild mushrooms. She planned to keep half to dry for winter and to give as gifts—they were easy to store and mail. The other half would go up for sale.

There were also hazelnuts, another good thing. With a single thought, she harvested them all at once, and another pile appeared on the ground.

She decided to keep a third of the hazelnuts, which should be enough for the winter, and put the rest up for sale.

Then there was the patch of Korean pine. Pine nuts were a real delicacy—selling for dozens or even hundreds of yuan per pound in later years.

She’d harvested over a thousand pounds of pine nuts from that patch. There was no way her family could eat them all, so she planned to keep three hundred pounds and sell the rest.

Why keep so many? Well, in winter, it was nice to have something to snack on at home, and they also made great gifts.

She’d send some to her uncle and aunt in the far northwest, her younger brother in Beijing, and her cousin to let them all have a taste.

She also needed to prepare some for the cowshed. Thinking it over, three hundred pounds should just about do it."

"Chapter 63: Mid-Autumn Festival Shopping

Over the past few days since these fruit trees were transplanted, the fruits have visibly grown larger, especially the pears—they’re perfect for making frozen pears.

After thinking it over, Gu Qinghuan decided to leave the pears on two of the trees for her family to pick and eat as they pleased, and harvest the rest to sell.

The hawthorn fruits, which were previously sour and astringent, had, after a few more days, turned sweet and tangy—delicious, though not something you should eat too much of.

She set aside enough for her own family, planning to make candied hawthorn skewers for the kids during the New Year festivities—so festive!

There were only two jujube trees, and even after picking them clean, there were only about twenty-five jin of dates—just enough for her family to eat and to give some away as gifts, with none left over to sell.

As for the wild grapes, she could sell half and use the rest to make wine.

The wild black fungus mushrooms growing so well on the logs—Gu Qinghuan planned to harvest and dry them all, saving them for winter meals and letting the logs continue to produce more mushrooms.

Although it looked like a lot, once dried, there wouldn’t be much left, so she decided not to sell any.

After putting all the products she planned to sell on the shelves, Gu Qinghuan went straight back to bed.

She had no idea that as soon as her products went live, the internet practically crashed—everyone was scrambling to buy them.

Even though she’d listed a fair amount this time, with such a huge population, it was impossible for everyone to get a share. It all came down to speed—just like a Double Eleven shopping frenzy.

People didn’t even have time to check what they’d managed to buy, nor did they care about the price. The priority was to snatch something first and worry about the rest later.

Some people had bought before and knew how good the products were, some simply followed the crowd—if others had it, they wanted it too—and some were just curious.

In short, within seconds of being listed, all of Gu Qinghuan’s products were sold out.

Her cash box was suddenly stuffed with money.

—

Early the next morning, before dawn, Gu Qinghuan got up.

Today was the Mid-Autumn Festival. She planned to go to the commune to buy supplies for the holiday. Other than a bit of meat sauce, there was nothing left at home.

How could you celebrate a festival without some meat?

“Are you thinking of going to the black market for meat again? It’s too dangerous. Maybe you shouldn’t go! It’s fine if we don’t eat meat,” Zhong Zijun said.

She knew there was a small underground market at the commune where people traded goods—a so-called “black market.” She assumed that’s where Gu Qinghuan had gotten meat before.

After all, without meat ration coupons, unless you had connections at the meat processing plant, the only way to get meat was to pay high prices at the black market.

“Don’t worry, I know someone. There’s no danger,” Gu Qinghuan reassured her. She was determined to bring home something good to eat today.

The commune wasn’t far from Xujiatun—just about half an hour’s walk.

Xu Huaian, hearing the mother and daughter get up, also got out of bed.

“I’ll go with you.”

“No need. Your leg isn’t well enough for a long walk, and I can’t walk fast if I take you. I’ll just go by myself and be back in two hours.” (Besides, how would I ‘buy’ things if you were with me?)

Xu Huaian understood what she meant and didn’t insist.

“All right then, just be careful. If anything goes wrong at the black market, make sure you keep yourself safe first. As long as you’re okay, we can always start over.”

Because of her previous supply runs, Xu Huaian suspected she was making money by trading at the black market, so he reminded her out of concern.

Gu Qinghuan knew he misunderstood, but didn’t bother to explain.

“I know.”

It was Mid-Autumn Festival. While the able-bodied men were still earning work points, the women and children at home happily headed to the commune to shop for holiday supplies and have some fun.

Gu Qinghuan left before dawn and still ran into many villagers heading to the commune, chatting and laughing in small groups.

She walked quickly by herself, but was suddenly called out: “Hey, Huaian’s wife…”

She recognized the voice—it was Aunt Caihua.

“Aunt Caihua, what’s up?”

“Why are Chen Jianghe and your sister-in-law Meiling suddenly getting married?” Aunt Caihua asked in a low voice.

The nearby women all pricked up their ears, afraid to miss a word.

“What? They’re getting married? Who told you that?” Gu Qinghuan hadn’t heard anything about this. How was this different from her previous life? Was it because her butterfly wings had flapped too hard?

“Your mother-in-law! She came to my house before dawn, saying her youngest daughter was about to get married and inviting us to the wedding feast. By now, the whole village probably knows.

What, you didn’t know?”

“Who cares? It’s none of my business.”

Gu Qinghuan couldn’t be bothered with their drama.

The walk was about half an hour, but at her pace, she reached the commune in about twenty minutes.

Taking advantage of the small crowds, she first made a round at the supply and marketing cooperative, buying some kelp, steamed sponge cake, and today’s limited-supply mooncakes—all items that didn’t require ration coupons.

She was lucky to find seafood for sale today—probably because of the holiday.

Large shrimp were 0.4 yuan per jin, yellow croaker 0.35 yuan, hairtail 0.3 yuan, and salted fish 0.25 yuan per jin.

Gu Qinghuan didn’t hesitate—she bought three jin of large shrimp and three jin of hairtail.

She also got three jin of salted fish, since it keeps well and can be steamed with porridge—salty, fragrant, and delicious.

She didn’t buy yellow croaker, since she could catch as many as she wanted from the fish pond in her space—no need to spend extra money.

The principle was: spend where you should, save where you can.

It was a pity she couldn’t take out the high-end seafood from her space—no way the local supply could offer such luxury, and it would be suspicious. But having shrimp today was already a treat.

Of course, she didn’t need to buy meat—she’d already taken out a three-jin slab of pork leg and a two-jin piece of beef brisket from her space to thaw, ready to bring home.

After buying almost everything she needed, the supply cooperative was getting crowded. Gu Qinghuan squeezed out of the throng, stuffed everything into her bag, and carried it in her hand.

Actually, as she packed, she’d already put the heavy stuff into her space—the bag only had a few light things left, just for show.

After all, she was supposed to be recovering from an injury and couldn’t carry heavy loads.

Before leaving, she’d promised Xu Huaian and Zhong Zijun she’d only buy a little, which was the only reason they’d let her go. Now, her “little” had turned into a lot, filling most of her bag.

She was about to check the post office for any letters, but remembered it was a holiday and the post office was closed—she’d have to wait.

Her original body’s younger brother, Gu Lanting, wrote to her regularly and sometimes sent things.

Since it was Mid-Autumn Festival, he’d probably send a letter soon. Once the post office reopened, she’d send him some local specialties in return.

Before, her original self had been struggling just to get by and couldn’t spare any supplies to send back, so she could only accept her brother’s help.

On the way back, she found a secluded spot and entered her space.

She grabbed a handy fishing net, cast it once, and pulled up a perch—perfect for steaming.

The second cast brought up two carp, just the right size for making soup.

The third cast yielded a big mandarin fish—great for squirrel fish or braised fish, sweet or savory, both delicious.

That should be enough for today.

She also netted quite a few little river shrimp—must have been swept in when she collected water. Stir-fried, they’d be extra tasty, so she took those along too."

"Chapter 64: Delivering Supplies, Wang the Cripple

On the way back, Gu Qinghuan deliberately avoided people and quietly slipped into the cowshed in the neighboring village to visit her grandparents.

As she neared the place, she took out the supplies she’d prepared for them and stuffed them into a bag. She also grabbed an extra ten jin of rice and ten jin of flour, carrying them in her other hand. If she could have managed the weight, she would have brought even more.

Her grandparents were cleaning out the cow dung when they saw her approach. They quickly looked around to make sure no one was nearby before pulling her inside.

“Why are you here again? Is everything alright at home?” Cheng Shuying asked nervously.

“Everything’s fine. It’s Mid-Autumn Festival today, so I brought you some food and supplies,” Gu Qinghuan said as she started taking things out.

“Mid-Autumn Festival? Oh, right. Look at me, I don’t even know what day it is anymore. Getting old, I guess. But child, why did you bring so much? Put it away and take it back for your husband and the kids—they need the nourishment more than us old folks. We can eat anything, but the children are still growing,” Cheng Shuying said, trying to stop her when she saw how much she’d brought.

“Grandma, we still have plenty at home. This batch is just for you two. Technically, we should all be together tonight, but since we just gathered a few days ago, meeting too often might attract attention. So I thought I’d just bring you the ingredients instead, but you’ll have to cook them yourselves.

Here’s some kelp—soak it and slice it for a cold salad, it’s delicious.

Mooncakes—one for each of you. It’s a once-a-year treat, so have a taste.

There’s also ribbonfish, salted fish, and some prawns—special for the holidays, so I bought a bit of each.

This bass is perfect for elders—just steam it, it’s tender and has few bones.

Oh, and a crucian carp for soup. It’s a lot, but the weather’s getting colder, so it’ll keep. Don’t be stingy with it—eat it before it spoils.”

Gu Qinghuan handed things over while explaining every detail.

Seeing her insistence, Cheng Shuying didn’t refuse anymore.

“You’ve worked hard, Huanhuan. But don’t bring us so much next time. Be careful your husband doesn’t mind. We’re already much better off than before, and the work is easier too,” Cheng Shuying said, smoothing her granddaughter’s hair with concern.

“Don’t worry, Grandma. This was Huai’an’s idea, and I’m earning my own keep too—it’s not like I’m freeloading.”

Neither Cheng Shuying nor Zhong Weiqian tried to make her stay, since the cowshed wasn’t exactly a pleasant place.

After delivering the supplies, Gu Qinghuan headed home. As soon as she reached the main road, she ran into Duan Shengfa, who was with a young man.

Duan Shengfa quickly sent the young man away and pulled Gu Qinghuan aside to talk.

“Comrade Gu, visiting your grandparents again?”

“Yes, it’s Mid-Autumn Festival. Happy holidays to you, too.”

“Happy holidays. By the way, I have news about what you asked me to look into last time,” Duan Shengfa said in a low voice.

“Really? Who was it?” Gu Qinghuan hadn’t expected news so soon.

“It’s Wang the Cripple from our village. He’s an old bachelor with a congenital leg disability—over forty and never married. He never does honest work, always messing around with widows.

Yesterday, he got drunk and told someone himself that he’s taken a liking to your mother. He tried to... take advantage of her several times, but she always managed to avoid him and even scolded him for being shameless.

He couldn’t stand being rejected by someone living in a cowshed, so when your mother was working on the hillside, he pushed her from behind.”

Duan Shengfa had heard about this because the person drinking with Wang the Cripple was his own cousin, who told him right away. Duan Shengfa had specifically told him not to spread it around.

Gu Qinghuan felt a pang of sadness and distress.

She’d always known life in the cowshed was hard, but she’d forgotten that Zhong Zijun was actually still quite young—just in her early forties, dignified and beautiful, with a refined air. A woman like that, fallen into hardship, was bound to attract the wrong kind of attention.

Who knew how she’d managed all these years—caring for her elderly parents, working herself to the bone, and still having to guard against scoundrels. It couldn’t have been easy, but she’d never let on, probably not wanting them to worry.

Wang the Cripple, huh?

If you dare to harm others, you’d better be ready for payback.

This grudge—she would definitely settle it.

Seeing her silent and grim-faced, Duan Shengfa called out, “Niece? Comrade Gu?”

“Huh? Captain Duan, thank you for telling me. Otherwise, I’d still be in the dark.

Here’s a little something for you—please don’t mind.” As she spoke, Gu Qinghuan quickly pulled twenty yuan from her pocket—actually from her space—and stuffed it into Duan Shengfa’s hand.

Feeling the thickness of the bills, Duan Shengfa knew it was a decent sum. He grinned, wrinkles creasing his face. “You’re too polite, niece.”

But he didn’t hesitate to pocket the money.

This little Gu really knew how to handle things. He’d made quite a bit off her over time. It was a shame there wouldn’t be more chances in the future.

“Well then, Captain Duan, see you around. Happy holidays.” Gu Qinghuan swung her sack over her shoulder and walked off with a smile.

No matter how angry she was inside, she didn’t show it—her smile was calm and composed.

Duan Shengfa wondered if he’d misunderstood—wasn’t she looking for revenge?

It wasn’t until a month later, when he heard that Wang the Cripple had gotten drunk, rolled down a hillside, and crippled his other leg, that he realized—dogs that bite don’t bark.

One way or another, what goes around comes around.

He actually admired this girl—brave and clever, with a ruthless streak.

—

Meanwhile, Gu Qinghuan took more supplies from her space and stuffed them into her bag.

Now that Xu Huaian could go out, she didn’t dare take things out right at her doorstep, in case he saw and got suspicious.

So she got everything ready in advance.

Sure enough, as soon as she entered the village carrying her heavy load, she ran into Xu Huaian. He was sitting on a big stone outside the mill, as if waiting for someone.

When he saw her, he strode over without a word and took the things from her hands. “Let me carry that!”

Gu Qinghuan was happy to let him help. Even after giving her grandparents a good portion, what was left was still heavy.

Xu Huaian hefted the sack—it was pretty heavy. He knew she wouldn’t just buy a little. If he’d known, he would have gone with her.

Such a big sack—he wondered how she’d managed to carry it home, especially with her injured shoulder.

“Didn’t you say you’d only buy a little? Does your shoulder still hurt?” Xu Huaian asked, a hint of reproach in his voice.

Gu Qinghuan scratched her head and grinned sheepishly. “I accidentally bought too much. But I’m fine—my constitution is good, and the wound has mostly healed.”

That was actually true. Her shoulder was just scraped, and though it had looked bad at first, with ointment and the help of the spiritual spring, it had already scabbed over.

“I’m not upset you bought too much—I just worry you’ll hurt yourself and tear your wound again,” Xu Huaian explained, afraid she’d misunderstand.

“That’s what you’re here for! You even came to meet me at the village entrance—how thoughtful,” Gu Qinghuan teased.

The two of them walked home together, chatting and laughing like an old married couple. Anyone who saw them would think they were a perfect match."

"Chapter 65: Mid-Autumn Gathering

After Gu Qinghuan left in the morning, it wasn’t long before Xu Huaizhi arrived.

Xu Huaian politely invited him in, and the two sat together for a while.

Xu Huaizhi’s intention was clear: “No parent is ever truly wrong.” After all, their parents gave birth to him and raised him. He hoped Xu Huaian could let bygones be bygones and forgive their parents for how they’d treated him in the past.

Today was the Mid-Autumn Festival. Now that he was better, it was only right for the family to have a reunion dinner together.

Xu Huaian, however, had long since lost all hope in his parents, Xu Mingshan and Liu Guifang. The days when they could use him for everything and then kick him aside when he was no longer useful were over—there was no going back.

Still, Xu Huaizhi did have a point. If their family wanted to live peacefully in the village, they couldn’t afford to be saddled with a bad reputation. Otherwise, the gossip alone would drown them.

Xu Mingshan could disown him as a son, but Xu Huaian couldn’t be the one to turn his back on his parents.

Yesterday, things had escalated in the heat of the moment, and he’d let his emotions get the better of him.

As a rational adult, he knew he should handle these issues more tactfully.

So, after a moment’s thought, he agreed readily.

For one, he already had a plan for dealing with his parents: just turn a deaf ear and keep his distance—none of their business was his business anymore.

For another, he was curious to see what tricks the old fox Xu Mingshan was up to this time.

He was no longer the stubborn, naïve Xu Huaian of the past. Life had worn down his sharp edges and taught him to be more flexible.

Xu Huaizhi, thinking his brother had finally been persuaded, left in high spirits.

Xu Huaian picked up Gu Qinghuan and went home. The two of them discussed the situation and were completely on the same page.

Gu Qinghuan knew full well that Xu Mingshan, that old fox, would never let go of such a “fat piece of meat” as Xu Huaian.

In short, from now on, they would keep a respectful distance from the old house—play dumb in public, and live their own lives behind closed doors.

As for being invited over for dinner—why not? Free food always tastes better.

So, the two of them got ready to take the kids over for a free meal.

As for a Mid-Autumn Festival gift, they just grabbed a basket of wild greens on their way out. No point giving anything nice to those ingrates—it would all be wasted anyway.

Let them look down on it; maybe then they’d stop bothering them in the future.

Zhong Zijun would make do with a simple lunch at noon, and when they got back in the afternoon, the whole family would prepare a proper Mid-Autumn feast together.

Gu Qinghuan had brought back plenty of good ingredients today, and the two kids were already looking forward to dinner.

“When we get there, remember: talk less, eat more. Eat as much as you can, fill yourselves up—don’t worry about what they say. We’re just there for the food,” Gu Qinghuan instructed the kids.

“And don’t feel bad. Your grandma tricked a lot of money out of your dad over the years—enough for you to eat well every day,” she added.

“Got it, Mom!” The two kids looked like they were heading into battle, united against a common enemy.

Xu Huaian couldn’t help but laugh.

“What are you laughing at? You remember too—just listen and let it go, don’t meddle. I heard your sister is getting married soon, so your dad is probably up to something again. Inviting us over right after a fight? It’s obviously a trap—a Hongmen Banquet. Stay alert, or you’ll get sold and not even know it,” Gu Qinghuan warned.

Xu Huaian nodded quickly. “Yes, yes, we’ll do as you say. I’ve been kicked out with nothing to my name—I’m relying on you to take care of me now. I can’t do anything even if I wanted to!”

“That’s more like it! We’ll act poor on the outside and quietly make a fortune on the inside.” Gu Qinghuan snapped her fingers and tossed another wild green into the basket.

“A basket of wild greens is enough. Let’s get going, or we’ll be late and only get leftovers.”

As soon as the family reached the door, they heard Xu Huaiyu complaining loudly inside, “Dad, when are we eating? Why aren’t the crazies here yet? I’m hungry!”

Xu Huaian pushed open the door with a bang. “Xu Huaiyu, are you looking for trouble?”

Xu Huaiyu jumped in fright at the sudden appearance and quickly hid behind Xu Mingshan. “Dad…”

Xu Mingshan put down his pipe, coughed twice, and said slowly, “You’re here? Let’s eat.”

“Dad, it’s the holiday today. Things are tight at home, so we don’t have much to give you—just some wild greens. Hope you don’t mind!” Gu Qinghuan said cheerfully, holding up the basket without a hint of embarrassment.

Xu Mingshan was disgusted, but with other matters still to handle, he forced himself to swallow his displeasure. “Just put it there.”

Xu Huaiyu, who never bothered to hide his feelings, looked at them with disdain. “Second Brother, is your family really this poor? You actually brought wild greens as a Mid-Autumn gift? That’s hilarious.”

Xu Huaiyu’s words echoed Xu Mingshan’s own thoughts, so he didn’t bother to stop him, letting the brothers face off.

Xu Huaian looked at Xu Huaiyu, wounded. “All these years, haven’t you spent enough of the money I earned? Now that I’ve fallen on hard times, you’re looking down on me?”

“Let me ask you—these past few years, you’ve just lazed around at home. What have you done for the family?”

Xu Huaiyu was at a loss for words. He really hadn’t done anything—just slept in and hung out with his good-for-nothing friends.

He didn’t have a job, looked down on working in the fields, and, spoiled by Xu Mingshan and Liu Guifang, did nothing all day. He was always asking Liu Guifang for money. As for earning any? Not a chance—he was “still young.”

Xu Huaizhi heard the commotion and hurried out from the kitchen. Today, only Lin Xiaomeng was cooking, so he had to help out, even if it was just washing vegetables.

“Second Brother, you’re here? Both of you, enough—let’s not argue on a holiday.”

Xu Huaiyu snorted and walked away.

Xu Huaian couldn’t be bothered with him either.

Gu Qinghuan saw Lin Xiaomeng busy like a spinning top in the kitchen. After dawdling a bit, she went in to help.

Lin Xiaomeng turned and, unlike yesterday, wasn’t on edge. She even whispered, “The old man is scheming against both our families. Tell your man to watch what he says today—don’t get caught in their trap and drag us all down.”

The enemy of my enemy is my friend—for now, they could be tactical allies.

“Alright!” Gu Qinghuan thought Lin Xiaomeng was pretty impressive—flexible and resilient.

The two of them brought the food to the table.

It was a holiday, but Liu Guifang had only given them a few coins for the meal—stingy as ever. Lin Xiaomeng had to chip in herself, so they managed to buy a pound of meat and two blocks of tofu.

She made a big bowl of braised pork with vermicelli, another of braised tofu, plus stir-fried shredded potatoes and boiled cabbage. The main dish was a big pot of steamed multigrain buns.

All in all, not a bad meal.

Liu Guifang, supported by Xu Huaiyu, came out with a face as dark as the bottom of a pot, glaring fiercely at Xu Huaian’s family.

If it weren’t for the old man’s arrangements, she wouldn’t want to see them at all.

With so many people, they ate in the main hall.

The Xu family had strict rules—no one could start eating until Xu Mingshan, the patriarch, picked up his chopsticks.

As soon as the meal began, the whole hall fell silent, with only the sounds of chopsticks and chewing filling the air."

"Chapter 66: Family Discussion

Everyone was eating like they hadn’t had a meal in three days, completely focused on their food.

Thanks to his height and long arms, Xu Huaian picked out plenty of meat for Gu Qinghuan and the two kids. The whole family ate happily—after all, free food always tastes better. And to be fair, Lin Xiaomeng’s cooking was actually pretty good.

Gu Qinghuan wasn’t worried about Lin Xiaomeng playing any tricks. After all, the Exorcising Spring was the perfect counter to her Lucky Spring. If she dared to try anything, well, sorry, but she’d end up losing both her husband and her soldiers.

Fortunately, nothing happened during the meal.

The difference between people really shows at times like this. Xu Huaizhi only cared about feeding himself, not sparing a thought for anyone else.

Lin Xiaomeng looked at Gu Qinghuan with envy. Back when the second son was “crazy,” she hadn’t realized how considerate and caring he could be. In this respect, he was much better than Xu Huaizhi.

Liu Guifang kept shooting daggers with her eyes, her swollen, bruised face looking like something out of a horror movie.

“You all eat like you’ve been starving for days!”

Xu Huaian and Gu Qinghuan ignored her, focusing on their food. Liu Guifang’s words were like punches landing on cotton—no effect at all.

Xu Meiling, on the other hand, was anxious. She hadn’t even finished eating before blurting out, “Dad, about my situation—”

Xu Mingshan tapped his bowl. “What’s the rush!”

The dishes on the table were cleaned out, not even a drop of soup left—Xu Huaiyu even used bread to mop up the last bit.

Xu Huaian’s family was stuffed. It was rare to eat their fill at the Xu house—mainly because the old lady wasn’t up and about guarding the kitchen today.

Dabao and Beibei had never eaten their fill here before either, so today was a first.

And they even got to eat meat—what a treat!

After eating, the three kids went out to play. To be precise, Dacheng took the initiative to invite Dabao and Beibei to play with him.

After what happened earlier, Lin Xiaomeng had given her son a good talking-to. Though she doted on him, her past life’s experience taught her that children needed proper guidance to grow up well. Spoiling them would only turn them into useless troublemakers.

Gu Qinghuan agreed that kids shouldn’t be affected by adult matters, so she let them go play together.

As the daughters-in-law, Lin Xiaomeng and Gu Qinghuan naturally had to do the dishes. While they were in the kitchen, they kept their ears perked up, listening to what was happening outside.

The atmosphere in the main room was tense. Everyone was looking at Xu Mingshan, waiting for him to speak.

Xu Mingshan leisurely lit his pipe and took a puff, the smoke curling around him.

Only then did he speak slowly, “Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival. It’s rare for the whole family to be together, so let’s put the past behind us.

I have a happy announcement: Meiling’s marriage has been settled. The young man is Chen Jianghe, the educated youth.

This morning, I asked Blind Zhou to pick a date for them. It’s set for the day after tomorrow.

The groom’s parents won’t be able to make it in time, so we, as the bride’s family, will have to take charge. We’ll just set up a few tables in our courtyard—keep it simple.

All you siblings need to help out.” All the previous words were just the setup; this last sentence was the real point.

No one said a word.

“Chen Jianghe isn’t willing to give a bride price, so we won’t provide a dowry either—no need to look desperate.

But a girl getting married should at least have a nice outfit. The eldest daughter-in-law has good taste, so she’ll handle that.

As for where they’ll live after marriage, they’ll stay here for now, in Meiling’s old room. They don’t really lack anything, but for the wedding, we should have something festive. Third son, you buy your sister a pair of red double-happiness pillowcases, okay?”

“Dad, got it.” Xu Huaizhi, though he didn’t approve of the match, agreed readily—after all, as the eldest brother, it was his duty to help his sister.

In the kitchen, Lin Xiaomeng was biting her cheek in frustration. She’d told him a hundred times this morning not to agree so easily, but it went in one ear and out the other!

Xu Huaiyu quickly chimed in, “Dad, I’ll buy them.”

He didn’t have any money, so he’d end up asking Liu Guifang for it. In the end, it was still the family footing the bill, but he’d get the credit for being a caring brother. The old man really knew how to scheme.

The saying goes, “The emperor loves his eldest son, the common folk dote on the youngest.” It’s true.

Xu Meiling was happy to see both her brothers agree so quickly.

“Ahem, as for your mother and me, of course we’ll give Meiling some money for her dowry. We can’t let her go empty-handed.

As for the second son, I know you probably don’t have any money, so just help out with some tasks!” The old fox finally showed his hand.

Xu Huaian just looked indifferent.

“We’ll need to buy meat for the banquet, but even with all our family’s and Chen Jianghe’s meat coupons combined, it’s barely over a pound—definitely not enough. Just serving vegetables would be too shabby.

So we’ll have to rely on wild game from the mountains. Second son, you’re good with your hands—sneak into the woods these next couple of days and bring back some wild game for your sister’s wedding.”

So that was what Xu Mingshan was getting at.

Xu Huaian thought for a moment. “Dad, my hands and legs have been tied up for over a year. I’m not as nimble as I used to be—I might not be able to catch anything.”

Liu Guifang, seeing he was trying to get out of it, exploded, “You were plenty nimble when you hit me! You just don’t want to help your sister!”

Xu Huaian looked at her calmly. “Mom, I didn’t hit you on purpose—I was having an episode!

Besides, if I was still at my peak, do you think you’d be sitting here eating right now?”

Xu Huaizhi backed him up, “That’s true. When he first went crazy, it took more than ten people to tie him down, and everyone ended up black and blue.

He’s definitely not as strong as he used to be.” As he spoke, he glanced at Liu Guifang’s injuries.

Liu Guifang was so angry she was practically fuming.

“So you all think he didn’t hit me hard enough? Ungrateful brats!”

Xu Huaiyu, the mama’s boy, quickly said, “Mom, don’t get upset. It’s bad for your health.”

“Third son is the reliable one.”

Xu Mingshan tapped his pipe. “Alright, enough! Let’s all calm down.

Here’s the plan: second son, do your best. If you can’t hunt, you can still set traps. Whatever you can get is fine. Eldest, you go to the river this afternoon and catch some fish.

It’s been a long time since we’ve had a wedding in the family. We should at least do it properly so people don’t gossip.”

A complicated look flashed in Xu Huaian’s eyes.

Suddenly, Xu Huaizhi said, “Speaking of weddings, second brother and sister-in-law never had a ceremony. Why don’t we celebrate together this time?”

He meant well, but it was clear no one else was interested.

Xu Meiling was the first to object, “I don’t agree! I don’t want to share my wedding. If you want one, do it separately!”

Liu Guifang quickly comforted her daughter, “Don’t get upset. Who ever heard of holding a make-up wedding? It’s embarrassing.”

Xu Mingshan said nothing, but it was obvious he didn’t want to throw a wedding for the second son either. They were already living together, so why bother? It’d just mean spending more money.

Xu Huaizhi looked awkward. He hadn’t expected his good intentions to backfire and put his brother on the spot.

“We don’t need a ceremony,” Xu Huaian said directly.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Lin Xiaomeng glanced at Gu Qinghuan, expecting to see disappointment on her face, but she looked perfectly calm, as if she didn’t care at all.

As a woman, shouldn’t she want a proper wedding? Was Gu Qinghuan really indifferent, or was she just pretending?"

"Chapter 67: Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish, Hunting

Gu Qinghuan truly didn’t care. She and Xu Huai’an were never a real married couple to begin with—they were just getting by together.

Xu Huai’an promised he’d do his best, but whether or not he could find any game would be up to fate.

After happily mooching a meal, the two kids walked ahead on the way home, cheerful and lively.

Suddenly, Xu Huai’an asked nervously, “You’re not mad, are you?”

“Mad about what? The wild game? It’s nothing, we’ll just brush it off when the time comes. What, are they going to force you to go hunting or something?”

“No, I mean about the banquet. I said we didn’t need to hold one… You’re not upset, right?”

“That’s even less of a big deal. We’re just temporarily living together anyway, what’s the point of a banquet?” Gu Qinghuan replied, utterly unconcerned.

Xu Huai’an felt as if a bucket of ice water had been dumped over him, chilling him to the core.

Her intentions hadn’t changed—she just wanted to get by together. But he had quietly fallen for her.

When he was sick before, he thought he shouldn’t hold her back and only hoped she’d help look after the kids. But now, he found himself wanting more—he really was greedy.

Of course he wanted a wedding, wanted to give her the grandest ceremony, to marry her in style. But not together with Xu Meiling, and not now—the time wasn’t right.

Well, since she didn’t care at all, then it was fine.

Xu Huai’an’s face was full of disappointment, but Gu Qinghuan didn’t notice.

That afternoon, they started preparing dinner. Gu Qinghuan was the head chef, Xu Huai’an helped out.

Zhong Zijun was happy to take it easy, teaching the kids to read in the yard. No need for paper or pens—just a firewood stick to write in the dirt.

Today, the kitchen was better stocked than ever: pork, beef, big shrimp, mandarin fish, and plenty of vegetables.

Gu Qinghuan planned to make a sweet and sour squirrel-shaped mandarin fish—delicious, beautiful, and perfect for all ages.

The shrimp would be simply boiled and dipped in sauce to bring out their natural sweetness.

She’d also make twice-cooked pork, fish-fragrant eggplant, and tomato-egg soup. Four dishes and a soup—just right.

Gu Qinghuan’s hands moved skillfully and swiftly. With a few quick cuts, the mandarin fish was scored, coated in homemade batter, fried until golden, and plated to look like a squirrel.

Finally, she poured on a bright red sweet-and-sour sauce—absolutely gorgeous.

Xu Huai’an was stunned. “Did you learn this somewhere?”

This squirrel-shaped mandarin fish was no ordinary home-cooked dish—only a trained chef could make it look so effortless.

“I learned a little,” she replied.

The other dishes were all home-style and came together quickly.

Dinner was, as usual, eaten in the main room. Ever since Xu Huai’an recovered, they’d stopped eating on the heated brick bed—though in winter, it was still the warmest place.

The family wished each other a happy holiday, then dug in.

The squirrel-shaped mandarin fish was a hit—even Zhong Zijun, who’d eaten all sorts of delicacies, couldn’t help but praise it.

Xu Huai’an, who didn’t usually like sweet dishes, tried a few bites too.

The kids were even more enthusiastic. Beibei flattered her mom, “Mom, you’re amazing! This is the best fish I’ve ever had!”

“Really? Then you’d better eat more,” Gu Qinghuan smiled.

Zhong Zijun had trouble peeling shrimp, so she hadn’t taken any. Gu Qinghuan, busy chatting and eating, forgot to help her.

But Dabao noticed. Quietly, he peeled a few shrimp, dipped them in sauce, and placed them in Zhong Zijun’s bowl.

Dabao wasn’t as verbally expressive as Beibei, but he was more attentive and considerate.

Zhong Zijun’s eyes grew moist.

Fate between people can be truly mysterious.

A little kindness often brings genuine warmth in return.

“Thank you, Dabao. You eat some too,” she said.

At first, she’d just thought the two kids were pitiful and deserved some care. Now, she genuinely saw them as her own juniors to love.

After all, who could refuse such a thoughtful child?

Gu Qinghuan felt a pang in her heart. This child was so considerate—he must have suffered a lot to become so sensitive.

From now on, she would treat them even better, surround them with love.

After dinner, the family sat in the courtyard, admiring the moon and eating mooncakes—a rare, peaceful moment.

—

The day after the festival, Xu Huai’an was ready to go back to work, but Gu Qinghuan stopped him. His leg still wasn’t fully healed—no heavy labor yet, better to rest a few more days.

Since he couldn’t work, they decided to go up the mountain to gather wild goods—and maybe hunt a little.

As for the kids, they’d been invited out by Erdan early in the morning. With the autumn harvest underway, the children all went “gleaning” together—great fun.

Gleaning meant picking up leftover grain in the fields after the harvest. No matter how careful the adults were, some would always be missed, and the kids would collect it to bring home as food. It was an unspoken rule—every family’s kids could do it.

Zhong Zijun stayed home to watch the house.

Gu Qinghuan slung a water bottle over her shoulder, Xu Huai’an carried a basket, and off they went.

Xu Huai’an knew the mountains around Xujiatun like the back of his hand. Relying on his experience, he led Gu Qinghuan along a little-used path.

“You go out early in the morning just to get these? What are they?” Gu Qinghuan asked curiously, eyeing the dusty wooden blocks in his basket.

“These are hunting tools,” Xu Huai’an explained. He’d found them in the Xu family’s storeroom—they were things he’d used before.

They’d been tossed in a corner, gathering dust like trash—just like him, unappreciated.

“You really know how to hunt? Who taught you?” Gu Qinghuan was surprised—she hadn’t known he could hunt.

“I know a bit. I learned from an old hunter in the village years ago, and I practiced martial arts for a few years too.”

So that was it.

As they talked, they reached a patch of woods. Xu Huai’an put down his basket.

“There are lots of hunting tools—bows and arrows, darts, shotguns, ground cages, nets, and other things like hooks, clamps, and foot traps.

Today, we brought ground cages, clamps, and foot traps—the most common tools.

The foot trap is used the most. Whether you’re an old hand or a beginner, you can’t do without it.

Of course, besides tools, hunters usually set traps and train dogs to chase prey. Today, we’ll just try these tools out.”

Talking about his area of expertise, Xu Huai’an seemed to glow—focused and gentle.

Gu Qinghuan’s heart skipped a beat.

Xu Huai’an looked around the woods, poked about with a stick, then picked a foot trap from the basket and carefully set it at the entrance of a rabbit hole, covering it with fallen leaves.

A foot trap is made of serrated iron and a spring. Hidden on the ground, if an animal steps on it and triggers the mechanism, the spring snaps shut and the iron clamps catch the animal’s leg."

"Chapter 68: Encountering a Ferocious Tiger