Chapter 41: Harvesting Rice

The next morning, sunlight broke through the clouds and spread across the land, casting a golden glow over the Xiong family’s new house and the ripened rice fields of Daliushu Village.

With the lively sound of firecrackers, the feast officially began.

A total of six tables were set. Now that the house was built and the rice in the fields was ready for harvest, Mrs. Xiong finally stopped worrying about running out of food. She took out half of the two taels of silver they had left to host the event.

Each table featured a dish of wild mountain chicken stewed with mushrooms, braised pork, stir-fried pork with green beans, and stewed rabbit. Additionally, there were several vegetarian dishes made from fresh vegetables contributed by the neighbors, stir-fried generously with oil. There was also a plate of wild leek scrambled eggs and a pot of cabbage and tofu soup.

This spread was considered extravagant in the entire Daliushu Village. The guests ate with great joy, savoring the food until their mouths glistened with grease. Everyone left with two pieces of candy, smiling from ear to ear.

The villagers, eager for meat, left no dishes untouched, so there wasn’t much cleanup to do afterward just washing the dishes and returning the borrowed tables and chairs to the Qin family and Old Zhang’s family.

The Xiong brothers, having completed their tasks, carried their empty shoulder poles back home. Mrs. Xiong wanted to pack something for her brothers to take back, but with the family’s bare-bones living conditions, there was nothing to spare, so they left empty-handed.

By the time the cleanup was done, it was already late afternoon. The family moved happily into their new home and settled into their respective rooms.

Dagen and Daniu, father and son, tore down the old sheds, finally giving the family a brief moment of rest.

That night, as everyone settled in to sleep, Xinghua peeked curiously around the door of Pear Blossom’s room.

Pear Blossom found it amusing and said, “Afraid to sleep alone?”

Xinghua hesitated and nodded. “But I still want to sleep in my new room.”

The two sisters had shared a bed since childhood, rarely spending nights apart, so it was no wonder Xinghua felt both anxious and reluctant.

Pear Blossom said, “I’ll sleep in your room with you. Once you’re asleep, I’ll come back to mine.”

Xinghua was thrilled and quickly grabbed her elder sister’s arm, leading her to her room in the east wing.

Meanwhile, in the main house, Dagen was chatting with Xiong.

Dagen said, “I promised the Zeng family we’d help harvest their rice. Mrs. Zeng came by again this afternoon to ask. Let’s go tomorrow. We have to help anyway.”

Mrs. Xiong replied, “If you’re not too tired, then let’s go tomorrow.”

Dagen said, “I didn’t do much today—just eating and drinking—so I had a full day of rest. But you’ve been busy with everything lately. Tomorrow, you and Pear Blossom stay home. Daniu and I will go. I noticed Zeng’s second son is back, so there are men in their house to help.”

Mrs. Xiong said, “I haven’t been that busy. We’ve managed like this for years. But just the two of you going might take all day. We should all go. Besides, Pear Blossom and Dayou’s wife get along well, and she wouldn’t want to stay behind anyway.”

Dagen thought for a moment and agreed, but he still reminded her, “You’re not in great health right now. Take it easy and rest when you’re tired. Daniu and I can handle it.”

Mrs. Xiong said, “Daniu’s just a kid. What can you expect from him?”

Dagen chuckled, “Kids need to learn to work at his age. When I was his age, I did most of the rice harvesting alone. Once the harvest is done, there’ll be plenty of time for him to rest.”

Mrs. Xiong gave him a glare. “You’re you, and he’s him. You had no parents to care for you back then, but Daniu has both parents. You can’t treat him like that.”

Dagen quickly fell silent.After lying beside Xinghua until she fell asleep, Pear Blossom tiptoed back to her own room.

Her bed was new, with a mat woven by her second uncle. It carried a fresh bamboo fragrance that was quite pleasant.

Although it was summer, the nights at the foot of the mountain had a slight chill. Pear Blossom draped a piece of clothing over her stomach but couldn’t fall asleep as her thoughts wandered.

Unable to resist, she called out to the system and asked, “System, what’s my current score?”

The system replied, “You earned ten points for saving someone on the mountain earlier. Those were added to your reputation. You also gained two points after apprenticing with Zuo Qi and completing three training sessions, which you allocated to physique. Your current attribute distribution is: Intelligence 19, Physique 22, Reputation 24, Affection 0. Total: 65 points.”

Pear Blossom took note of this while pondering Zuo Qi’s parting instruction—to learn to read.

For her, literacy wasn’t just a personal need; it was essential for Daniu, Erniu, and Xinghua too. Illiteracy meant a life tied to the land, while literacy opened up new paths. Like Xiang Laosan in the village—despite his broken leg, people sought him out to read and write letters, earning him a few coins.In the village, educated individuals always garnered more respect.

The local private school was long gone, and the nearest one was more than ten miles away, a major inconvenience.

This problem couldn’t be solved immediately, so Pear Blossom set it aside for now.

Her thoughts drifted to Dong Yun. That woman… For some reason, she seemed approachable, yet whenever Pear Blossom tried to get closer, it felt like there was an impenetrable door between them.

After some thought, Pear Blossom asked the system, “When you bound to me, you said that as long as I completed my tasks seriously and increased my points, I’d become universally loved. Is that true?”

The system hesitated momentarily, emitting a faint static sound before responding, “Yes, Host. When all four attributes reach 100, the mission will be complete, and you’ll win everyone’s affection.”

Hearing this, Pear Blossom’s wavering determination firmed up again.If she completed her tasks well, Sister Dong would be hers.

The next morning, when Pear Blossom got up, her parents were already dressed, each carrying a large sickle.

Xiong said, “There’s porridge on the stove. Your father and I are heading to the Zeng family’s to harvest rice. You and Daniu eat first, then come over. Make sure Erniu takes the cattle and sheep out to graze early, so they don’t miss their feeding. Xinghua can stay home to tidy up the house and practice sewing. She’s too frail to help, so she doesn’t need to come along.” Pear Blossom agreed and went to wash up.

After washing, she knocked on Daniu’s door and informed him about harvesting the rice. Hearing movement inside, she went to the kitchen for porridge.

The porridge was still warm, and there were pickled vegetables on the table, just right to pair with the porridge.

Daniu quickly washed his face, downed two bowls of porridge, then hurriedly changed into old clothes, grabbed a sickle, and headed to the Zeng family’s without waiting for Pear Blossom.

Pear Blossom finished her meal, then woke Erniu and Xinghua, passing along their mother’s instructions.

Rubbing her eyes, Xinghua asked, “Big Sis, did you sleep well last night?”

Pear Blossom nodded. “I slept well. Without someone kicking me in the stomach, it was quite relaxing.”

Xinghua blushed with embarrassment. “I slept well too! The mat smells nice, and the bed is comfortable. No squeaking and no crowding. It was so cozy!”

Pear Blossom flicked her forehead and said, “No one’s fighting you for your bed now. If we’re not back by noon, you and Erniu cook for yourselves.”

Xinghua was eleven years old. Recently, she had been busy helping her mother, assisting with chores, cooking rice, and preparing simple dishes. In this regard, she surpassed Pear Blossom, who still had no idea how much rice to cook or how long to boil it.”

Alright, I’m heading out.”…By the time Pear Blossom arrived at the field, her father and mother had already harvested a large section. Mrs. Zeng, Dong Yun, and Zeng Guangjin lagged behind, their combined efforts not even half of what the couple had accomplished.

Daniu, after cutting some rice, busied himself carrying the harvest. Wherever help was needed, he ran over.

Little Fubao played alone by the edge of the field, catching bugs.

When Mrs. Zeng saw Pear Blossom arriving late, her wrinkled face darkened with displeasure. “Your parents have been here for a while, but you dawdled so long. If you’d come any later, it would be lunchtime already.”

Faced with such a sour expression from her mother-in-law, Dong Yun could only sigh helplessly. Straightening her back, she gave Pear Blossom an apologetic smile.

Over the years, Pear Blossom had grown accustomed to hearing all sorts of remarks from the Xiang family. Mrs. Zeng’s scolding rolled off her like water off a duck’s back.

Passing by Fubao, she playfully tugged at the little girl’s pigtails before heading into the field. She made her way over to Dong Yun and squeezed in beside her.

Zeng Guangjin, who had been standing next to Dong Yun, quickly moved aside when Pear Blossom approached. “Brother Guangjin, how long will you be staying this time?” Pear Blossom asked.

Zeng Guangjin, now in his early twenties, had been studying away from home since the private school in their village closed. Other schools were too far, but his aunt’s home nearby had a school, and his two cousins attended it as well. Thus, Mrs. Zeng had sent him to study there, allowing him to come back only during holidays.

Years of academic life, coupled with limited physical labor and little sun exposure, had left his skin pale, making him appear frail as if a gust of wind could topple him.

However, tales of romances between ladies and scholars were popular at the time, and his refined demeanor made him quite appealing to young women. Yet for the Zeng family, having their only son look so delicate was frustrating—no wonder their family was always the last to finish harvesting, despite starting first.

Grateful for the extra help this year, Zeng Guangjin was naturally polite when Pear Blossom struck up a conversation. “I’m on a month-long autumn break and have to return to school by the end of October,” he replied.

Pear Blossom, recalling her plans from the previous night, asked, “How much does your school charge annually?”

Mrs. Zeng interjected harshly, “Why are you asking that instead of focusing on harvesting? No one in your family is suited for studying—Daniu and Erniu are hopeless in that regard. Just cut your rice properly instead of asking random questions!”

Hearing this, Pear Blossom’s parents, Dagen and Madam Xiong, who were working on the other side of the field, exchanged uneasy glances but remained silent.

Zeng Guangjin frowned and retorted, “Mother, why are you saying that? Asking a question doesn’t delay anything.” Mrs. Zeng, chastised by her son, fell silent begrudgingly.

Dong Yun, glancing at Pear Blossom, noticed her calm expression and silently breathed a sigh of relief.

Though she herself had long grown indifferent to her mother-in-law’s sharp tongue, hearing her scold the young girl made her feel uneasy and embarrassed.

Zeng Guangjin explained, “Different schools charge differently. Private schools are cheaper, costing about three to five silver coins per year. My current school charges three taels annually, not including the expense of books and stationery, which is also considerable.”

Pear Blossom was taken aback. No wonder most villagers were illiterate—education was an expense beyond the reach of ordinary families.

For her family, however, it wasn’t entirely unaffordable. The wild boar they hunted last time had sold for one tael and seven silver coins. If needed, she could hunt another to cover tuition fees for her and her siblings to attend a nearby private school.

The challenge was that the closest private school was far away, and private schools didn’t accept girls. Besides, her mother would never allow her to venture into the Wuyin Mountains again. Hunting large game in the nearby hills was nearly impossible.

Lost in thought, Pear Blossom continued working diligently, cutting stalks of rice with swift, precise movements. Her martial training—stances and endurance—proved useful now, making the labor much easier. With her strong arms and well-practiced form, she quickly cleared a patch of rice.

Dong Yun, fatigued after just a short while, looked at Pear Blossom, who worked tirelessly like a machine. She thought back to her earlier comments about Pear Blossom needing to grow stronger. In just twenty days, it seemed the girl had already undergone a transformation.

Her back was straighter, her legs sturdier, and her arms hinted at strength waiting to be unleashed.

It felt as though, with Pear Blossom around, even this endless field of rice could be harvested with ease.

As Dong Yun stood dazed, Zeng Guangjin spoke up nearby, “Sister-in-law, if you’re tired, take a rest on the ridge.”

Looking at her brother-in-law, Dong Yun noticed his face covered in sweat and realized the small pile of rice he had managed to harvest was not much more than her own.

She shook her head. “I just started not long ago. I’m not tired.”

As she spoke, she bent down and continued cutting the rice. Her slender waist curved gracefully, and the loose clothing outlined her round hips. Zeng Guangjin dared not look for long and quickly turned his gaze elsewhere.

Pear Blossom worked quickly, closing in on Dong Yun’s side as she continued cutting. The harvested rice got mixed together, and compared to theirs, Zeng Guangjin’s pile was pitifully small.

Dong Yun smiled faintly but said nothing, continuing with her work.

Just as they were fully engrossed in their tasks, a sneaky figure appeared at the edge of the Zeng family’s field. His eyes darted around before finally locking onto Dong Yun.

A high nose bridge, a pointed chin, and striking beauty—everything about her matched the description.

But the woman before him had her head wrapped in a cloth and wore a coarse, faded linen dress, looking no different from any other fieldworker. How could such a woman be associated with wealth or nobility?

Then he heard her mother-in-law scold, “You cut one handful and then stand to rest for another. How much can you harvest in a morning? You’re lazy on normal days, and now you still don’t know your limits. What bad luck brought us a daughter-in-law like you?”

Dong Yun, chastised by her mother-in-law, said nothing. She bent down and continued cutting the rice.Pear Blossom, however, couldn’t hold back. “Mrs. Zeng, why don’t you scold Brother Guangjin? He’s been working on that one patch for ages and still hasn’t finished.”

Mrs. Zeng, unhappy with Pear Blossom’s challenge, glared at her. “The second son has been in school for years. How can he have any strength? We women, once we marry into someone else’s family, are fated to toil inside and out. It’s our lot in life, so just accept it.” Pear Blossom wanted to retort, but Dong Yun stopped her, leaving her to bite her lip in frustration.

On the edge of the field, Mrs. Xiang had been observing the scene. She glanced at Fubao, who was chasing butterflies nearby, and the hope in her eyes slowly faded.

Pear Blossom, noticing Mrs. Xiang thanks to a prompt from the system, felt her anger from earlier reignite. She straightened up and walked toward the field’s edge.“What are you doing here, old woman?”Everyone turned to look at her.

Mrs. Xiang glared at Pear Blossom, the little girl she had tormented for over a decade. Remembering Pear Blossom’s swift efficiency at cutting rice earlier, jealousy flared in her eyes. She spat, “Just as expected from a lowborn—harvesting other people’s rice instead of your own. No matter how hard you grovel, no one will ever respect you.”

Mrs. Zeng, hearing this, bristled. “What’s it to you? You wicked old crone! You even dare to show your face here after replacing someone else’s son!”

Mrs. Xiang shot back, “So what if I did? Even the county magistrate hasn’t punished me. What can you do about it?”

“You shameless hag! Get out of my field! Go back and take care of your crippled son. Your whole family is rotten to the core. Disgraceful!” Granny Zeng shouted angrily.

Having failed to achieve her goal, Mrs. Xiang spat on the ground and shot a venomous glare at the couple. “A lowborn is a lowborn—always destined to be trampled on!” Before anyone could respond, she turned and stormed toward the main road.

Zeng Dageng’s chest heaved with fury. Pear Blossom narrowed her eyes, pulled a slingshot from her waist, loaded it with a small stone, and aimed at Mrs. Xiang’s left leg. The moment the stone was released, she tucked the slingshot back into her waistband and calmly resumed cutting rice.

Mrs. Xiang, hit in the calf by the stone, stumbled and fell into the roadside ditch.The fall was like lighting a powder keg. A stream of foul curses poured out of her mouth.

Pear Blossom pretended not to hear, silently counting in her mind. If the old woman cursed for a full fifteen minutes, she planned to deal with her the same way she had dealt with Xiang Wulang two days earlier—by knocking out one of her teeth.

Mrs Zeng, seeing Mrs. Xiang fall, was delighted and joined in the scolding. The two women hurled insults at each other, creating a lively spectacle on the field ridge.

Though Mrs. Xiang was furious, she was also wary of Pear Blossom’s slingshot. She dared not approach recklessly. After cursing until her throat was dry, she finally left, fuming.