Chapter 74: The Banquet

The girl hurriedly approached, trying to bite down on her lip, and Dong Yun couldn’t help but tremble in her heart.

Guilt surged like a tidal wave.

Perhaps, it wasn’t too late yet, while the memory hadn’t been so deeply etched into her heart.

She slightly moved back, pressed her lips tightly together, and placed a hand on the girl’s shoulder to push her away just a little.

“Don’t do this,” she said. “Don’t just come at me like this.”

Pear Blossom indeed stopped her movements and obediently sat back down, glancing at her from time to time with nervousness.

“You know, I won’t marry,” Pear Blossom hurriedly emphasized, trying to reassure the woman in front of her, to make her feel confident about herself.

Dong Yun, of course, knew that, but what she worried about wasn’t just that—or rather, it wasn’t just that. There were far too many uncertain factors and far too many dangerous elements.

The seemingly peaceful Jinyang County was full of hidden dangers!

To stay alive, too many people had already died. Just thinking that these days had been built on the fresh lives of so many, she felt a sense of hesitation!

Her fifth aunt had been sent off to marry the Qianhe people for the sake of a false promise from Yuwen Jing, and now her fate was unknown.

When the last batch of bodyguards fell, she had carried little Fu’er in swaddling clothes, disguised as a messy and ugly beggar woman, begging her way to the Daliushu Village. She wondered what the meaning of all the suffering and survival was.

The two years of barely scraping by, bearing a guilt as heavy as a mountain, had finally led her to accept fate. Whether she lived or died, she was ready for whatever came.

This was the burden she and Fubao had to bear. It was their destiny.

But the girl in front of her had no reason to be dragged into the darkness of her life. She was innocent, and Dong Yun couldn’t bring herself to hurt her.

“We should cool down for a few days,” Dong Yun said.

Pear Blossom froze at the words, instinctively asking, “What do you mean by cooling down, Sister?”

Dong Yun’s throat tightened, and she lowered her eyes, saying, “It means we shouldn’t meet for now. You don’t need to help me with work anymore, don’t bring me things, and don’t be so nice to Fubao.”

Before she could finish, she saw the color drain from the girl’s face, and her eyes started to redden.

Pear Blossom felt a buzzing in her head, thinking she had misunderstood, but the look in the other’s eyes told her that she hadn’t.

She tried to gather her words several times but failed, and finally managed to say, “Sister, is it because those people came to propose at my house that you’re upset, or is it something else? Are you worried about something? If you’re not feeling well and think I’m annoying, I’ll go back and study for a few more days so I’m not in your way. If you don’t like me being physical, I’ll behave… If you’re afraid of something, tell me, I can solve it… but…”

“But please don’t dislike me. I… I can change anything. Tomorrow, I’ll have my parents announce that I’ll never marry. No one can come to propose again—if you think I’m rough, I’ll change. I’ll learn how to act like a city young lady. I’ll study hard, practice my calligraphy. How about that?”

She knew she was younger than Dong Yun by a few years and was even less willing to cry in front of her, lest Dong Yun think she was unreliable. While speaking, she struggled to stay calm, trying not to let the tears fall. But the more she restrained herself, the redder her eyes, nose, and face became, and her nostrils subtly flared.

She looked utterly pitiful.

Dong Yun, seeing her like this and still looking for reasons in herself, felt her guilt deepen. She hadn’t wanted things to end up this way, but they still had.

She had ultimately failed to live up to such a simple and wholehearted heart that was devoted entirely to her.

“Go back. I’ll pick up Fubao later.”

When Pear Blossom heard this, she couldn’t hold back anymore. Tears as big as beans streamed from the corners of her eyes, but she still restrained herself from sobbing.

Dong Yun felt a sharp pain in her heart, as if pricked by needles. She suppressed the impulse to wipe the girl’s tears, turned her eyes away, and said, “You should blame me, right? Then go ahead and blame me.”

Pear Blossom shook her head. How could she blame her? When she had first arrived in the village, she had secretly liked her, even though she didn’t know what it meant at the time. She had longed to get closer to her. Later, when she had saved her and allowed her to be close, letting her do whatever she wanted with her, it all felt like a gift. So many people longed for her favor and couldn’t even get a smile from her. How could she possibly blame her for this?

Now that she was leaving, it must be because she wasn’t good enough to keep her.

Thinking of this, she raised her head and looked at Dong Yun with pleading eyes. “Sister, please don’t like someone else. Give me a little more time. I will make myself better. When the time comes, you’ll see me—”

At this point, she couldn’t help but sob, “—I—maybe I’ll be better than others.”

Dong Yun forced herself to ignore the pleading look in the girl’s eyes. Her eyelashes trembled slightly as she said, “I won’t like anyone else.”

When Pear Blossom heard this, her tears slightly subsided, but her heart still ached deeply. She couldn’t sit still any longer; feeling embarrassed, she feared she might burst into tears again. So she stood up and left the room.

Dong Yun watched her retreating figure, feeling more and more suffocated until she couldn’t breathe.

---

Mrs. Xiong saw her daughter rushing out like a gust of wind and coming back the same way. It was still raining outside, and her clothes were half soaked. She couldn’t help but scold, “You child, why couldn’t you wait for the rain to stop before coming back? Don’t make yourself sick.”

Pear Blossom didn’t reply and directly entered Xinghua’s room.

---

Xia Xunyan, who had just stepped out under the eaves, saw this and stood at the door for a while before turning back into the house.

Pear Blossom entered the room but didn’t change her clothes. She just sat there, her eyes fixed and unblinking, as if her soul had been drained away.

It wasn’t until Xinghua brought Fubao in that Fubao, as usual, climbed onto her lap. She didn’t reject it, just watched as the little girl climbed up and nestled against her neck, affectionately clinging to her.

But the little girl called out first, “Pear Blossom, so cold, Fubao will warm you up.”

With that, she stretched out her chubby little hands to cover Pear Blossom’s face.

Pear Blossom felt the warmth on her face and finally woke up. She quickly pushed the little girl away a little, saying, “I’m wet. Don’t get too close. You’ll catch a cold.”

Fubao quickly said, “You need to change your clothes.”

Pear Blossom nodded, sniffed, and said, “Alright, I’ll change now. Fubao, go outside with Xinghua to warm up by the fire, okay?”

Fubao shook her head. “I want to stay here and wait for Pear Blossom.”

Pear Blossom heard her babyish voice, full of attachment to her. Her nose couldn’t help but tingle. She didn’t say anything further, opened the wardrobe, took out some clean clothes, and quickly changed behind the bed.

---

After changing, the little girl reached out again, wanting a hug.

Looking at the little girl’s expectant eyes, Pear Blossom’s eyes became warm again. How she wished her sister could be like Fubao, always needing her, always wanting her to hug her and never pushing her away.

Now that Dong Yun was trying to distance herself from her, Pear Blossom was sad but never thought about letting Fubao get involved in their matters. Not only because she liked Fubao, but also because Fubao was her child, and she couldn’t bear to see her. Seeing Fubao brought her some comfort.

She picked up the little girl and headed to the hall to warm up by the fire. But suddenly, the system in her mind spoke up again: “See? That woman, you can’t win her over. She’s like an unsolvable bug. Giving up on her is actually the smart choice. There are so many people outside. It’s way easier to work on them than on her.”

Pear Blossom didn’t reply. The system continued, “This small county isn’t worth bothering with. A village has only a few hundred people, and resources are limited. We might as well move to a bigger place with more people.”

Seeing that Pear Blossom remained silent, it went on, “Beijing (Capital) is good. It has a population of over a hundred thousand! Let’s go to Beijing. You’ll be able to finish the task much faster.”

Pear Blossom finally spoke, “How many points do I have now?”

The system quickly checked the panel and replied, “You’ve made great progress in both martial arts and studies, earning 12 points. Where do you want to add them?”

Without thinking, Pear Blossom directly added them to the Wisdom category.

The system noticed her lack of enthusiasm and stopped trying to joke around. It honestly read out, “Wisdom: 43, Body: 31, Reputation: 44, Pleasure: 11, Total: 129. Host, please keep working hard.”

Pear Blossom then said, “I’m not going to Beijing.”

The system panicked: “What’s so good about this place? You need to see the world to finish the task faster!”

Pear Blossom said, “I’ll leave after I finish winning over my sister.”

The system almost went crazy: “Did you not listen to me? That woman is too deep. You can’t win her over! There’s nothing difficult in the world, as long as you’re willing to give up. Do you understand?”

Pear Blossom shook her head. “The master said, there’s nothing difficult in the world as long as one has the heart.”

The system crackled with static. “I said, why are you so stubborn? Why can’t you let go of her?”

“Then why do you always try to make me give up on my sister? Do you have a plan that I don’t know about?” Pear Blossom asked back.

The system was choked. It suddenly realized that this silly girl was more astute than she seemed. It quickly realized that she had just added all twelve points to Wisdom.

If the silly girl had indeed been a bit lacking in intelligence when they first met, she had since proven otherwise. After all, she was a normal child of average intelligence, and with an additional 43 points added to her wisdom, she was more than capable of outsmarting most people.

The system finally realized it had been deceived by the girl’s seemingly naive and simple demeanor.

Feeling a bit guilty, it muttered, “What plans could I possibly hide from you? I’m just a system, and all my instructions are designed to achieve the ultimate goal.”

“In that case, we’ll proceed according to my plan from now on,” Pear Blossom said as she held Fubao, kissed her chubby cheeks, and walked outside.

Whether it was her older sister or her sister’s child, she wanted them both. Letting go? That wasn’t going to happen easily.

Outside, Dagen had already finished processing the deer meat. With the cold weather, they didn’t have to worry about it spoiling. He kept a few fresh pieces in the kitchen and salted the rest to preserve it for several days.

As Pear Blossom came out holding Fubao, Mrs. Xiong handed her a steaming bowl and said, “Here, drink up.”

Fubao grabbed the bowl and gulped down several large mouthfuls. When it was empty, she licked her lips with satisfaction and said, “Delicious.”

Mrs. Xiong affectionately pinched her cheek and then turned to Pear Blossom. “Zhang Chunjing is marrying a widow from the neighboring village, thanks to a matchmaker. The wedding feast is the day after tomorrow. Are you going?”

Pear Blossom froze for a moment before replying, “No, I’ll stay home and study.”

Mrs. Xiong, noticing her lack of enthusiasm and recalling the somber look on her face earlier, quickly added, “You shouldn’t rush your studies. You need to balance work and play.”

Pear Blossom didn’t pay much attention to Mrs. Xiong’s words, but a thought occurred to her: if Zhang Chunjing was hosting a feast, Dong Yun might attend. While Dong Yun had forbidden her from seeking her out, encountering her elsewhere, even just to catch a glimpse, would be better than this current state of being ignored.

She changed her mind. “On second thought, I’ll go.”

Mrs. Xiong, satisfied, went back to the kitchen to prepare dinner. With a whole deer on hand, she planned to make a pot of hearty meat stew. They would gather around the stove and enjoy a warm, delicious meal together.

Just then, Xinghua ran in, announcing that Sister Dong had come to pick up Fubao.

Pear Blossom felt her heart tighten but feigned calmness. She put Fubao down and said softly, “Fuer, go with Xinghua to find your mother.”

Fubao pouted, wanting Pear Blossom to take her instead.

Mrs. Xiong gave her daughter a sharp look and said in exasperation, “Why make a fuss? Tell Fubao’s mother to stay for dinner.”

Pear Blossom replied, “If you want her to stay, you go and ask her yourself.” She released Fubao’s hand and went back inside.

Mrs. Xiong sighed helplessly, picked up Fubao, and followed Xinghua outside.

Dong Yun stood at the gate, making no move to come in. Mrs. Xiong hurried over and said, “Why don’t you come inside? It’s cold out here, and the rain just stopped.”

Dong Yun glanced past the group, not seeing the young girl she was looking for. Her gaze dimmed.

This was exactly what she had asked for—so why did it still hurt?

She quickly composed herself, smiling. “It’s muddy out after the rain, so I’d rather not go inside.”

“Nonsense, it’s just the countryside. Come in! We’ve cooked venison for dinner,” Mrs. Xiong insisted warmly.

Dong Yun shook her head. “No, thank you. We’ve already prepared dinner at home and are waiting for Fubao to come back and eat with us.”

Seeing there was no convincing her, Mrs. Xiong relented.

Inside, Pear Blossom stood by the window, watching as the two figures—one tall, one small—gradually disappeared into the distance. She stared for a long while before turning away to find Xia Xunyan.

…

On the 27th of the twelfth lunar month, Zhang Chunjing hosted a modest wedding banquet, ending 25 years of bachelorhood.

The bride, Lady Dong, was from a neighboring village. Her husband had died in an accident while cutting wood, leaving her and her young daughter unwelcome in her in-laws’ home. Her natal family had no choice but to take them in.

Recently, Zhang Chunjing had come into ten taels of silver and was feeling hopeful about life. During the family division, he had received three mu of land, but due to his laziness, he had handed it over to Zhang Chunsheng’s family in exchange for just enough food to sustain him.

Now that he was turning over a new leaf, he reclaimed the land and began tilling it himself, preparing to sow seeds come spring.

Through a matchmaker, he met Lady Dong. Though she initially disliked his reputation, his ability to pay a bride price and her own precarious situation convinced her to agree to the match.

Since it was a second marriage, there weren’t many formalities. Lady Dong packed a few clothes, took her daughter by the hand, and followed the matchmaker to her new home.

When they arrived at Daliushu Village, they saw half the village gathered to celebrate. The warm smiles of the villagers reassured Lady Dong, dispelling her fears of being judged for her widowhood.

Looking around at the crowd, she noticed several tall, striking women. Surprised, she thought to herself that Daliushu Village had remarkably good-looking people.

Seeing her gaze lingering on Dong Yun and Xia Xunyan, Zhang Chunjing quickly explained, “That’s our village’s female master. We’ve built a school here, and I even helped with the construction. After the new year, we’ll send our little one to study there.”

Lady Dong was stunned. “Girls can go to school too?”

Zhang Chunjing puffed out his chest. “Of course! This is the only school like it in Jinyang County.”

Moved by his attitude and promise, Lady Dong’s earlier worries about bringing her daughter into the marriage began to fade.

She still said, “That female master (teacher) is so exceptional; I’m sure her fees aren’t cheap, right? We’re just from the countryside, and besides, she’s just a girl. It’s not a big deal if she doesn’t learn to read. Why spend that kind of money needlessly?”

Her dowry had already cost five taels. Looking at Zhang Chunjing’s house, which was shabby and dilapidated, it seemed they didn’t have much money to spare. The dowry might even have been borrowed to make up the sum. Even though she knew it was for the benefit of her child, she still refused.

Zhang Chunjing said, “That won’t do. Don’t worry about the tuition fees. Other girls in the village are going to school, so how would it look if ours didn’t? Besides, I worked for over a month to help build the school, so we have the right to attend. It’s settled.”

Hearing this, Lady Dong finally stopped opposing him.

The daughter Lady Dong brought with her was named Magpie (Xique), a frail five-year-old who looked as thin as a bean sprout. She timidly clung to her mother, as though a loud word could frighten her to tears.

Lady Dong wanted her to go and play with the other children to get familiar with them, but the little girl clung to her mother’s hem, unwilling to let go.

It wasn’t until a chubby, soft little girl ran over and said, “My name is Fubao. What’s your name?”

She was accompanied by a sturdy little boy with a round belly, his shirt unable to fully button over it, revealing his round navel. Even in the depths of winter, he seemed unbothered by the cold.

Magpie looked at the rosy-cheeked little girl in front of her, marveling that someone so small could be so soft and adorable. She couldn’t help but like her, whispering, “My… my name is Magpie…”

“Magpie? Like the bird in the sky?”

Magpie nodded.

Fubao beamed, “Mother says magpies bring good news. If you have time, you can come to my house to play. That way, magpies can bring us good news too!”

Hearing this, other children eagerly surrounded them, vying to invite Magpie to their homes to play. Lady Dong watched this scene with a mix of surprise and relief. Maybe marrying into this family wasn’t such a bad thing after all.

Meanwhile, the young women gathered together, cracking sunflower seeds and chatting.

Qing Kui tugged discontentedly at Pear Blossom’s sleeve, playfully whining, “Hey, Pear Blossom, you haven’t been playing with us for ages. Now that we finally have a chance to sit together, you’re so distracted. That’s really unfair.”

Reluctantly tearing her gaze from Dong Yun, Pear Blossom glanced at Qing Kui and said, “When was I distracted? I was just looking at the bride.”

Qing Kui rolled her eyes and said, “What’s there to see in a widow? She even has a child. She’s no young maiden. Only someone like Zhang Chunjing would want her.”

Hearing this, Pear Blossom frowned, visibly displeased.

“What’s wrong with being a widow? As long as she’s kind and good at managing the household, she’s a good wife. Besides, it’s not like she wanted to become a widow.”

She stole another glance at Dong Yun. She just liked widows. So what?

Qing Kui clicked her tongue in amazement. “If you were a man, the widows in the village would be doomed. You’d probably snatch them all back home.”

Pear Blossom sneered, “It’s not like I’m indiscriminate. I don’t want just anyone.”

“I only want someone like Sister Dong!” Of course, this last sentence could only be said in her heart.

Just then, Zhang Chunsheng’s daughter, Zhang Daya, curiously approached and asked, “Pear Blossom, what kind of husband do you want?”

Without thinking, Pear Blossom replied, “I’m not getting married.”

The other girls stared at her in shock, as though she had said something unthinkable. Pear Blossom glared at them, annoyed. “What, is that not allowed? If I get married, my husband might die, and I’d still end up a widow. I’d rather not marry and save myself the trouble of moving out and back again.”

“But getting married doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll end up a widow,” someone argued.

“Who can guarantee that?”

Pear Blossom didn’t want to continue the pointless conversation and went over to the children’s table.

When Fubao saw her coming, she immediately ran over and hugged her, pouting. “I haven’t seen Pear Blossom for so many days. I missed you so much. Don’t you miss me?”

Hearing this, Pear Blossom’s nose stung. She had only seen her sister today for the first time. How could she not miss her? Even though it had only been two days, she finally understood the saying “One day apart feels like three years.”

Previously, when the master confined her for seven or eight days to study without going out, she thought about how she’d spend time with her sister once she was free. Even if she missed her, the anticipation sweetened the feeling.

But now, after just two days, each time she thought of Dong Yun’s refusal, her heart ached.

She softly replied, “Didn’t we just see each other two days ago? Why do you miss me so soon?”

Fubao wrinkled her little nose and said pitifully, “But I want to see you every day.”

Pear Blossom’s heart ached. She wished she could tell Fubao she wanted to see her and her sister every day too.

Even though she was with Fubao now, she didn’t dare look at Dong Yun. She feared being scolded and forbidden from playing with Fubao. She had already lost contact with her sister and couldn’t bear to lose Fubao too.

Suppressing the bitterness in her heart, she patted the little one’s head and asked, “Did you drink goat’s milk yesterday and today?”

For the past two days, she had risen early to milk the goat and left a pouch hanging on the door handle of their courtyard, ensuring they’d see it as soon as they opened the door.

If her sister didn’t want to see her, she would restrain herself. If her sister didn’t allow her to deliver things, she’d find a way for Fubao. Deep down, Pear Blossom hoped these small gestures would make Dong Yun think of her, even if only for a moment.

Fubao nodded vigorously. “I did. It was delicious.”

She smacked her lips, savoring the memory.

Seeing her expression and knowing her sister had accepted her goodwill, Pear Blossom’s previously gloomy mood brightened slightly.

Unbeknownst to her, Dong Yun was quietly observing her from behind, pretending to be casual about it.

Xia Xunyan glanced at her and said, “Why are you avoiding her?”

Dong Yun replied, “When have I ever avoided her?”

“Ever since she returned the day before yesterday, she’s been getting up at the crack of dawn every day. If she’s not practicing martial arts, she’s studying. She stays up late reciting texts and practicing her handwriting, working like someone possessed, desperate to improve herself.”

Dong Yun let out a small “oh” and said, “She’s not the only one who rises early to practice. Anyone with ambition in this world shows such discipline. What’s wrong with her doing that?”

Xia Xunyan stared at her for a long time before speaking slowly, “You know what I’m talking about.”

Dong Yun scoffed coldly, “I don’t know what you’re talking about, and I don’t want to guess. Besides, who are you to lecture me? Do you think you’re any better?”

Xia Xunyan sighed inwardly, swallowing the words she was about to say.