Chapter 73.1: Pantothenic Acid

Pear Blossom was finally able to be with the woman she had longed for, feeling satisfied. She took Fubao next door to wash her face, applied a homemade fragrant ointment from Dong Yun, and then carried the young girl to the kitchen.

The pancakes were ready, with two eggs inside and some vegetables wrapped around them, emitting a delicious aroma.

Fubao also had a small bowl of noodles, so the two of them sat down at the table, holding hands to eat together.

Fubao looked at the pancake in Pear Blossom’s hand, smelling the delicious scent, and wanted to try it. Pear Blossom brought it to her lips, and the young girl took a small bite. However, she found it too hard and pushed it away.

Pear Blossom, on the other hand, ate it with gusto. For her, anything made by her sister was delicious.

Dong Yun, seeing how much Pear Blossom appreciated her food, felt naturally happy, her face always wearing a faint smile.

After finishing their meal, Pear Blossom reluctantly left, intending to go back and get her bow and arrows to head up the mountain.

Seeing her return so soon after stepping out, Mrs. Xiong immediately guessed she had gone to Dong Yun’s house again. Unable to resist, she asked, “You’ve been cooped up for days, and today you finally leave the house, but you’re heading out before dawn just to see her?”

Pear Blossom noticed her mother’s inquisitive gaze, and for a moment, her heart skipped a beat. But she quickly regained her composure and replied casually, “Yes, what’s wrong with that?”

“She has a family and children. Do you think she won’t be annoyed that you’re running over there so early?”

“She’s not annoyed with me!”

Mrs. Xiong, seeing the affectionate tone in her daughter’s voice, remembered how Pear Blossom had been so considerate and attentive to Dong Yun—helping her, keeping her company, and even carrying firewood down the mountain every day. The way she treated Fubao was like she was her own child.

The more she thought about it, the more she felt something wasn’t right.

Though Dong Yun had saved her life, this seemed to be a little too much. If things were really like this, then her husband should be clinging to their daughter as well.

“You’re treating her too well, better than you treat me!” she couldn’t help but feel a little jealous.

Pear Blossom was almost speechless, “Haven’t I been good to you? Have I neglected your food, clothes, or money?”

“I’m not talking about that. The way you’re so eager, it’s like those men in the village chasing after the widows. You’re so anxious.”

Pear Blossom was embarrassed and upset at her mother comparing her to the bachelors in the village. “Mother, listen to yourself! I’m your daughter! I’m a girl! How can you compare me to those disgusting men? Is that fair?”

Mrs. Xiong sighed, “It’s because you’re being too overzealous. No wonder I said that.”

Pear Blossom retorted, “Is it because my father doesn’t care about you, that’s why you’re here saying all this? I’ll go find him!”

Mrs. Xiong blushed, pulling her daughter back. “What nonsense are you saying? Your father does care about me!”

In fact, in recent days, he had been extra attentive, and she wasn’t sure whether it was because his health had improved or something else, but his gaze toward her had become more fiery.

“Well, since you still have time to worry about me, fine, I’ll go. But don’t forget, I’m going hunting up the mountain.”

“Oh, this child—can’t you at least sit down and talk for a while? Fine, I’ll make you a pancake. Eat it before you go.”

Pear Blossom waved her hand. “Don’t bother. I’ve already eaten at Sister Dong Yun’s house.”

After that, she went inside to grab her bow, knife, and headed straight for the mountain.

Mrs. Xiong watched her daughter’s retreating figure, shaking her head, before returning to the house.

Later in the afternoon, the family was working in the fields when Zhang Sanye, accompanied by a few village elders, came to find them.

Nowadays, most of the household matters were handled by Mrs. Xiong, and the people outside the village were familiar with their situation. After some small talk with Dagen, Zhang Sanye’s gaze shifted to Mrs. Xiong. With a warm smile, he said, “Pear Blossom’s mother, the village has been looking for a teacher for some time now, but we haven’t found anyone suitable. The boy Jin Ge’er hasn’t been going to the academy recently. The village was thinking of asking him to teach at the school for a few days. But after that incident, he’s felt unworthy to be a teacher. No matter what we say, he refuses.”

He paused before continuing, “The elders want to ask you if you can help inquire with Miss Xia. She is currently teaching Daniu and Erniu. Could you see if she could spare some time to teach all the village children? Of course, we’ll continue searching for another teacher, and once we find one, we won’t bother her anymore. We’ll also pay her the full amount for her fees. Do you think this is possible?”

Mrs. Xiong was caught off guard by the request.

To be honest, she wasn’t trying to monopolize Miss Xia. She understood her own children’s talents and worried that if there were too many students, it might tire the teacher.

Seeing the hesitation in her face, Zhang Sanye quickly added, “I’m just asking. If Miss Xia isn’t willing, we won’t bring it up again. Is that okay?”

Mrs. Xiong thought for a moment and then said, “Okay, I’ll ask her. If Miss Xia prefers peace and doesn’t want to teach too many children, we’ll drop it.”

She thought to herself: Miss Xia is the granddaughter of Xia Xiang, a renowned official who cares deeply for the country and people. Surely Miss Xia has a similar heart. What if she’s willing to teach more children? If I turn her down without asking, won’t I be damaging her reputation? It’s better to ask her directly and let her decide.

Zhang Sanye, hearing this, was overjoyed. He immediately said, “That’s wonderful! I’ll go ask her personally.”

Mrs. Xiong then tidied up the farming tools and said to Dagen and Daniu, “It looks like it’s going to rain. Let’s go back for today. We’ll come back tomorrow to finish the work. It’s getting cold, so let’s go home and warm up by the fire.”

Dagen listened to his wife speak and immediately stopped what he was doing. The whole family, carrying their belongings, walked with Zhang Sanye and several village elders towards the foot of the Eastern Mountain.

Upon hearing the request from Zhang Sanye and the others, Xia Xunyan thought for a moment before responding, “It wouldn’t be impossible for me to teach, but I have one condition: the village school must also be open to girls. Any girl who is willing to learn should be allowed to attend.”

The village elders quickly responded, “That’s not a problem at all. Several of my granddaughters want to learn to read. As long as the teacher doesn’t mind, we would be more than happy to have them attend.”

So it was settled. As for the salary, Xia Xunyan said, “I have been staying at Pear Blossom’s house for the past few days, and I feel guilty for overstaying my welcome. Since a study hall has already been built next to the school, I will move there to live from now on. As for the salary, all I need is for you to cover my two daily meals.”

Such a humble and selfless person, not concerned with fame or fortune, made the village elders smile broadly.

Zhang Sanye hurriedly said, “Teacher, don’t worry. The 1,000 taels of silver Pear Blossom gave us earlier still has over 100 taels left. We will take some of that to buy you pots, bowls, and bedding. The families will also send grain, and students will bring it to you. How does that sound?”

Of course, a person has to eat, so Xia Xunyan agreed. However, since she couldn’t cook, she would have to figure something out later.

When Mrs. Xiong heard that Xia Xunyan was moving to the study hall, she felt a sense of loss. After all, having such a talented teacher stay at their house made the whole place feel magical. Plus, she could always ask for extra tutoring for her children. Who wouldn’t like that?

But since the teacher insisted on moving, it wouldn’t do to insist on her staying.

Xinghua was especially reluctant. Over the past few days, she had spent the most time with Xia Xunyan and genuinely liked this talented teacher. She wished she could be by her side at all times to learn.

Xia Xunyan smiled gently, “Once the school schedule is set, you can attend the school and study. That way, we can see each other every day. There’s nothing to be upset about. Besides, when I first move into the study hall, I might need you to accompany me for the first few days.”

Xinghua immediately became excited: “Yes! Teacher, I can even cook for you!”

Xia Xunyan shook her head and laughed, “I can’t trouble you with that. You have your own things to do at home. You shouldn’t be running around for me.”

Mrs. Xiong quickly said, “It’s no trouble at all. Let her stay with the teacher. There’s not much work at home, and there’s still Daniu and Pear Blossom to help.”

Just as they were discussing this, the heavily pregnant Mr. Liu arrived with his fourth son, Liu Youtie.

They entered the yard looking for Dagen.

Zhang Sanye and the others were about to leave, but seeing the situation with the Liu family, they felt something might be amiss, so they decided to stay and watch.

Mr. Liu got straight to the point without any hesitation, directly bringing up the matter of proposing for Pear Blossom. He spoke confidently, as if this great fortune had already been secured for the “big fool,” and that everyone else should be envious.

“My in-laws used to be a deputy officer in the state capital, a high-ranking official. I don’t expect you to understand, but even the county magistrate has to bow respectfully when he meets them. Although he has retired, his eldest son is still working in the state office. The one proposing to Pear Blossom is their eldest grandson. He passed the scholar exam at seventeen and is as clever as can be. If Pear Blossom marries him, she won’t have to do any work and will just live a life of luxury!”

Mrs. Xiong sneered, “Such a great match, and you’re not offering it to your own granddaughters, but you’ve come here to us? We can’t possibly be worthy of such a proposal!”

Mr. Liu was taken aback by Mrs. Xiong’s words, his face growing dark. He retorted angrily, “Men speak, women should not interrupt!”

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Xiong turned and walked away, clearly not wanting to engage any further.

Dagen, seeing the situation, quickly intervened, saying, “Father, in our family, the wife makes the decisions. You should either talk to her or not at all. Telling me won’t help.”

Mr. Liu shot a glare at Dagen and Liu Youtie muttered an insult under his breath, calling him a coward.

The two men reluctantly turned to call after Mrs. Xiong. Mr. Liu said, “Fine, fine. It’s the same whether I tell you or not. Pear Blossom is my granddaughter, and I will make the decision about her marriage. In a couple of days, I will have someone come and take Pear Blossom to their family.”

Mrs. Xiong was immediately furious. She spun around and raised her voice, “What do you mean, you decide? We’ve made it clear that we’re no longer involved with you! We won’t take a single cent from you, and you have no right to meddle in our matters! Now, you’re deciding my daughter’s marriage for us? This is completely unreasonable!”

“You—” Mr. Liu was clearly flustered. “You’re just an ignorant woman! The Xu family is a prominent family, and they have officials. Marrying into that family is a blessing for your whole family!”

His words, claiming it to be a good match, sounded as if he truly believed it was a favorable union. Xia Xunyan, who had been silently observing, finally spoke up with a calm tone, “Since they’re an official family, a prestigious family, their primary concern would be a proper match in terms of social standing. Are they planning to make Pear Blossom a concubine?”

Mr. Liu, who had no courage to argue with Xia Xunyan, could only smile awkwardly and explain, “It’s the second wife, the secondary wife, but she’ll be the one to marry Pear Blossom.”

Mrs. Xiong was enraged by this response. She grabbed a nearby carrying pole and charged toward him, shouting, “How dare you, Liu! My Pear Blossom is a proper young lady, a disciple of the old head of the Longwei Dart Bureau, and you have the audacity to suggest she become someone’s concubine? Are you even human—are you even human?”

Mr. Liu tried to dodge, but he was struck by several blows from the carrying pole, wincing in pain as he fled in all directions.

Dagen, fearing things would escalate, hurriedly stepped forward to hold his wife back, urging, “Wife, please, let’s talk calmly…”

Liu Youtie took the opportunity to grab the carrying pole and said, “You, woman, are truly unreasonable! No matter what, he is your father-in-law. How can a daughter-in-law strike her father-in-law? Do you believe I’ll drag you to the yamen?”

As soon as the words left his mouth, a cold voice came from the gate: “Who dares to drag my mother to the yamen!”

Everyone turned to look, and there stood a tall young girl at the entrance, whose mere glance made people feel a surge of fierce energy.

The girl had a large, conspicuous curved bow on her back and was carrying a heavy wild deer over her shoulder. Blood was still dripping from the deer’s neck.

She had a rope tied to her arm, with the other end attached to a goat, and her clothes were stained with blood. A lamb’s head peeked out of a cloth bag tied to her chest, bleating loudly.

A large machete dangled from her waist, swinging as she walked, and with this murderous aura, she entered the courtyard.

Seeing her intimidating appearance, the crowd was so stunned by her presence that no one dared speak for a moment.

Pear Blossom tossed the wild deer, which weighed over a hundred pounds, onto the ground. She untied the rope from her arm and handed the lamb to Erniu, saying, “I caught it on the mountain, take it to the sheepfold and feed it some grass. The lamb’s hind leg was bitten by a wolf, we’ll put some medicine on it later.”

She then spoke to Dagen, “Dad, when you have time, process the wolf skin. You can make a vest for Mom.”