Chapter 4: Everyone Plots to Seize Her Family's Fertile Land
Xu Zhichun and her nephew-in-law Liang Mingxuan exchanged shocked looks.
Abandoned?
What did they mean by abandoned ? Hadn't the five acres of rice already been planted? All that remained was to watch over the fields and ensure they didn't dry out. After two months, she'd weed them, apply manure and fertilizer, and wait for the harvest.
How could Aunt Zhang speak with such arrogance, her tone dripping with false concern?
And that so-called share she mentioned who knew how much they'd actually give if the land truly fell into her hands?
In truth, the first and second wives of the Liang family had taken advantage of Liang Minglang's absence over the past two years. The original Xu Zhichun hadn't dared to make a scene. Liang Minglang had once argued with the village chief about the money for Mingxuan's studies, but eventually handed it all over to him. Later, unable to endure the bullying from the two wives, he sold the pigs and the autumn harvest and gave that money to the chief as well.
The first and second wives were furious, but they didn't dare say anything.
As for how much silver Liang Minglang had given the chief, Xu Zhichun's memory was fuzzy she couldn't recall exactly.
Still, it had been a considerable amount. And before leaving, Liang Minglang had hunted several wolf pelts in the mountains to sell for extra money.
They had always lived frugally, tightening their belts just to survive. As long as nothing major went wrong and Mingxuan passed his exams, they hoped he could one day become a juren a certified scholar.
Xu Zhichun smiled and was about to speak when Aunt Bai arrived.
Zhichun, are you feeling better? I came to check on you!
Zhang immediately rolled her eyes in annoyance.
Xu Zhichun stepped forward to greet her with a polite smile.
Oh, Second Aunt! You came empty-handed? Why didn't you bring anything?
Bai froze on the spot: ...
Xu Zhichun coughed lightly. Sorry, Second Aunt, I'm not very good at talking.
Bai snorted, her mood souring instantly. She felt the younger woman had done it on purpose.
Zhang laughed mockingly. I think Zhichun is right! How could you come visit your injured niece-in-law without bringing even a single egg? Couldn't you at least bring a few?
Bai shot back coldly, And what exactly did you bring, sister-in-law?
Zhang replied with pride, Our families are different. I have three sons, one daughter, and a grandson. My youngest is still studying, so our household expenses are huge! You, on the other hand, only have two sons neither in school and no grandchildren. Don't tell me you can't spare a few eggs? You're just stingy!
Bai's temper flared immediately. Zhang's smug tone made her face twist with anger.
What's that supposed to mean? Why are you meddling in my family's affairs? And about your Mingxiang he's two years older than Mingxuan but nowhere near as capable! You're just afraid to admit it!
Shut your mouth! Zhang snapped. My Mingxiang is a brilliant student much better than Mingxuan! You're no scholar, what do you know? Just wait when my son becomes an official someday, don't come begging him for help!
Zhang couldn't stand anyone saying her youngest wasn't smart, so she glared at Bai fiercely.
Xu Zhichun rubbed her temples, exasperated. If you two want to fight, do it elsewhere. Why drag Mingxuan into it? He's just a child!
Worried that the boy might be hurt by their words, she gently patted his shoulder and whispered, Don't listen to their nonsense, Mingxuan. Your aunt knows you're the best.
The boy looked at the two quarreling women, then turned to Xu Zhichun with calm, clear eyes.
Yes, I know.
Xu Zhichun smiled warmly. Good boy.
She had been eager to finish cooking the chicken for lunch, but seeing that neither aunt intended to leave, she finally interrupted:
Ahem if you two have nothing better to do, why don't you go home and continue your argument there?
Zhang and Bai both turned to glare at her, their faces dark with frustration.
This wretched girl really doesn't know how to talk! How annoying!
But what she said was true so neither could come up with a retort.
After a long pause, Zhang finally huffed, Fine, I'm leaving! But what we discussed earlier still stands!
Bai frowned. What did you discuss? Why didn't I hear about it?
Zhang sneered. It's none of your business. Why should I tell you?
Xu Zhichun spoke calmly, Aunt Zhang said she wanted to take over my rice fields, but I refused. I can handle them myself. I don't need help.
Both women's faces turned red with anger.
Shut up! Don't be so ungrateful! Zhang barked. Those rice fields are top-grade! Do you want to ruin them? We're offering to help out of kindness. You think we'd steal from you? The deeds are in your hands! You heartless girl!
Xu Zhichun's tone hardened. No I don't need your help! This is my land, and I'll decide what to do with it. If any of you dare touch it, I'll go to the village chief myself. My husband just left, and now you want to bully his widow and nephew? Are you trying to drive me to death?
It was partly an act but an effective one.
After all, life in the village was like theater: survival depended on performance, and she was ready to play her part.
Her acting was so convincing that her emotions flared too high; her wounds throbbed painfully. Dizzy, she clutched her head and gasped.
Liang Mingxuan rushed forward. Aunt! Aunt! If something happens to her, I'll go straight to the village chief!
Zhang froze she suddenly remembered that Xu Zhichun had just survived a fall from a cliff and barely escaped death the day before. Fear crept in.
She's just upset! Don't talk nonsense! If she doesn't appreciate my kindness, then fine! Don't come begging for my help next time!
Muttering curses, Zhang stomped away.
Bai let out a relieved sigh and forced a smile. Alright then, niece-in-law, I'll be going too. If you ever need help, you know where to find me.
And with that, she hurried off as well clearly unwilling to stay any longer.
Zhang had been too impatient. Couldn't she at least wait a few days?
Trying to monopolize the land was impossible and now she'd just made things worse.
Mingxuan tried to help Xu Zhichun back into the house, but she waved him off with a smile.
I just got too angry, that's all. I'll be fine. Let's finish cooking the chicken good food helps you recover faster. You need nourishment too. Remember, health is the foundation of study. Without it, you can't succeed.
Her words warmed Mingxuan's heart. Aunt, you must take care of yourself too. Don't get angry.
Alright, alright, I won't. I promise.
They quickly chopped up the chicken, preparing it for the pot.
Farm-raised chickens were lean and tough, their meat flavorful and free of grease a luxury compared to modern times, when such chickens would cost triple the price of those from poultry farms.
Still, Xu Zhichun felt there wasn't enough to eat.
She walked to the garden, picked a few radishes, washed them, cut two bundles of leeks, and smiled faintly.
After lunch, she thought perhaps she could sneak back into the warehouse later to bring out some more chicken.
(End of Chapter 4)