Chapter 75: Slaughtering Pigs

The wedding was handled simply, and everyone gradually took their seats.

Although the bride’s family didn’t place much importance on the marriage, her elder brother and a cousin still came along as company. Zhang Chunjing quickly invited them to sit at the main table.

Unexpectedly, the cousin suddenly asked, “Is there someone in your village called Zeng Dayou?”

Zhang Chunjing paused in surprise before replying, “Yes, he went off to join the army before, but later he died. His wife and child are here today for the feast. Why, do you know Zeng Dayou?”

Third Brother Zheng replied, “Yes, I enlisted with Zeng Dayou back then. Later, our squad distinguished itself, and we were all promoted. I became a captain’s personal guard, so I didn’t have to go to the frontlines. But I accidentally injured my leg and had to retire. I remember Zeng Dayou being promoted to the princess’s guard unit. How did he end up dead?”

Hearing this, Dong Yun, who was sitting at another table, froze, her chopsticks trembling slightly in her hand.

Xia Xunyan noticed her reaction and grabbed her wrist under the table, whispering, “Stay calm. Maybe he’s just bringing it up casually.”

Zhang Chunjing replied, “Well, times are chaotic now. For people like us at the bottom, it’s easy to lose our lives if we’re not careful, let alone for someone working as a guard, always in the thick of things. It’s normal for accidents to happen.”

Third Brother Zheng shook his head. “Zeng Dayou was highly skilled. He wouldn’t die so easily.”

“Why don’t you ask his wife? Maybe she knows something,” Zhang Chunjing suggested, gesturing toward Dong Yun.

Third Brother Zheng glanced at Dong Yun’s back but quickly refused. “She’s a widow. It wouldn’t be appropriate for me to ask about such matters. But you’re right; for those of us walking on the edge of a knife, accidents are inevitable. Look at me—my leg was pierced, and now I limp when I walk.”

Lowering his voice, he added, “I’d never heard that guy got married, but at least he left a child behind in this world.”

Zhang Chunjing said, “You’ve been separated for so long. It’s no surprise you didn’t know he got married.”

Third Brother Zheng nodded. “True. But recently, I’ve been hearing rumors about someone investigating the former guards who were promoted. It’s all very secretive, and I don’t know what’s going on.”

Dong Yun listened to their conversation, her body stiff and unresponsive. She mechanically picked up food and put it in her mouth, but it all tasted like wax.

Only when the feast ended did she rise, pulling her daughter along to leave Zhang Chunjing’s house with the other villagers.

Xia Xunyan was still staying at Pear Blossom’s house and planned to move to Shulu (Study house) after the New Year. Dong Yun’s earlier behavior left her deeply worried. Normally composed, she now seemed anxious, following closely beside Dong Yun and her daughter.

Pear Blossom and her mother walked a short distance behind them, all heading toward the foot of East Mountain.

But Pear Blossom’s face was clouded with anger. No matter how much her mother spoke to her, she refused to respond, her mind replaying the scene she had just witnessed.

When she got up to serve herself a second bowl of rice, she had passed by Dong Yun’s table. Pretending to glance casually, she saw the teacher holding Dong Yun’s hand tightly under the table, refusing to let go.

She thought back to her own experience in Dong Yun’s home, when she had secretly held her hand under the table because Fubao was present. Palm pressed against palm, the memory of that moment still lingered sweetly in her heart.

But it had only been a few days since she had told Dong Yun not to like anyone else. And now Dong Yun was holding hands with the teacher under the table.

It was utterly ridiculous!

A wave of jealousy and bitterness welled up in Pear Blossom’s heart, like a sharp file scraping back and forth—both sour and painful.

“Why aren’t you answering me? What’s wrong with your ears?” her mother scolded irritably.

Ahead, Dong Yun carried Fubao as she walked hurriedly. The road was muddy from recent rain, yet she moved unusually fast, a stark contrast to her usual demeanor.

Pear Blossom assumed Dong Yun was avoiding her, which was why she walked so quickly.

Watching the elegant figure of Dong Yun and her child disappear ahead, Pear Blossom felt an increasing bitterness and gradually slowed her pace.

In Dong Yun’s arms, Fubao faced Pear Blossom’s direction. Uncomfortable in her mother’s hold, she called out for Pear Blossom, wanting her to hurry up and carry her instead.

But no matter how many times Fubao called, Pear Blossom didn’t respond. She even stopped in her tracks, allowing the distance between them to grow.

Fubao, upset that Pear Blossom wasn’t coming, began to cry, but Dong Yun paid no attention, nor did she turn back. She continued walking briskly toward home.

Seeing her daughter’s distracted and forlorn state, Pear Blossom’s mother asked, “What’s wrong with you? Did you have a fight with Fubao’s mother?”

When her daughter didn’t answer, she took it as confirmation. “It’s normal for close friends to argue now and then. Give it a couple of days, and things will be fine. Besides, she’s done a lot for our family. If it’s nothing serious, you should be more understanding.”

Pear Blossom remained silent, her eyelashes lowered.

It wasn’t until they reached the end of the village and saw that Xia Xunyan had entered Dong Yun’s courtyard that her face, which had slightly recovered, turned as pale as paper again. She no longer cared what her mother said, quickened her pace, and rushed home.

In the west courtyard of the Zeng family, Dong Yun stood by the window, silent.

Xia Xunyan said, “Perhaps it was just a simple inquiry, no need to take it to heart. Otherwise, it’s always like this, every day, like a bird startled by the mere twang of a bow, never at ease.”

Dong Yun turned around, her gaze cold and hollow: “I’ve long been a bird startled by the bow. I’ve been thinking these past few days, living in such fear and anxiety, it’s better to just die swiftly.”

Xia Xunyan hurriedly said, “Never think that way. As long as you’re alive, there is hope. To speak of death before the final moment is to show disrespect for life.”

“So many people have been harmed because of me, their lives taken away, and I’m still alive. Is this respecting life?”

“Everyone’s life has meaning. At least for many people, your existence is meaningful. You just haven’t found the true meaning of your life yet.”

Dong Yun’s lips curled into a sarcastic smile: “The world is indifferent, treating all things like straw dogs. What difference does it make whether one lives or dies?”

Xia Xunyan shook her head, “No, your existence is of great significance to many of us. At least to me, to the late empress, Princess Hua Rong, and the eldest princess, your life is of great importance. If nothing else, go to Xisai, to the eldest princess. She’s been hoping for you to go for a long time.”

Upon hearing “eldest princess,” Dong Yun’s face changed drastically, and her voice carried deep disgust: “Don’t mention that person again. Even if I die, I will never go to her fief for refuge.”

Xia Xunyan sighed helplessly: “Everyone knows the difficulties of the eldest princess. Don’t you understand? Now, besides her, who else can stand against Yuwen Jing? If you want a moment of peace, Xisai is undoubtedly the most suitable place.”

Dong Yun suddenly became agitated, “You want me to compromise with that faithless, heartless person? I’d rather die! If she had taken Fifth Aunt to Xisai back then, Fifth Aunt wouldn’t have married that sickly man from the Duke of Qing’s family in anger. She wouldn’t have become a widow. After Yuwen Jing rose to power and asked her to return to the capital to bring Fifth Aunt back, she refused, and Fifth Aunt became a pawn in the power struggles, marrying General Wei. General Wei died; Fifth Aunt, for my sake, went to marry the Jiezhu in the Northern Territories. Her fate is unknown.”

“Whenever I think of these things, I can’t bear it! If Yuwen Jing hadn’t provoked Fifth Aunt, she wouldn’t have ended up like this. She and Yuwen Jing fought over Xisai, but it was Fifth Aunt who suffered. I’ll never forgive her in this life!”

After saying this, she was reduced to tears.

Xia Xunyan watched, heartbroken, and embraced her to comfort her: “I know, this is hard. Those alive suffer more than the dead. You’ve borne so much.”

Dong Yun’s emotions overflowed, and she cried for a long time on her shoulder.

When her emotions finally began to settle, she pushed Xia Xunyan away and said, “You and Fifth Aunt are no different. Three years ago, I was waiting for you to head south by the Weishui River, but instead, I received the news that you married the General Zhennan. I thought the sky had collapsed. The guards rushed me across the river overnight, without any hindrances. I knew it was your deal with him, trading yourself for a pass to allow me to head south.”

“But did you think I would be grateful to you? You thought everything you did was for my good, so I could live. But no one ever asked me if I was willing. You always sacrificed for me without a word. Do you know how much pain I’ve suffered? How much torment I’ve endured?”

“I no longer dare to die. If I die, I would be betraying all the sacrifices people have made for me. Fifth Aunt told me to find a place to live in anonymity, to live an ordinary life. I did it, but now, just two years later, everything repeats. I don’t want to run anymore. I’m tired. If Yuwen Jing wants my life, take it.”

Xia Xunyan, usually so calm and peaceful, now had red eyes. She shook her head: “If you die, what about Fubao?”

Dong Yun gave a bitter smile: “In times of chaos, how many families are broken, how many wives and children are scattered? If there is a famine, the dead will be everywhere. If I were born in those places, I would have turned to dust long ago. Compared to those people, I’ve lived many more years. If Fubao can live, then let her live. If not, then she’ll die with me. Even if we are nothing, at least we can accompany each other on the road to the underworld.”

Xia Xunyan’s heart ached deeply upon hearing this, but she did not give up: “But what about Pear Blossom? What about us? What will happen to us?”

Mentioning the girl, Dong Yun gave a soft smile, her eyes showing a touch of gentleness: “That silly girl, staying away from me is her greatest blessing.”

…

That night, Pear Blossom tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Every time she closed her eyes, the image of Dong Yun and Xia Xunyan holding hands under the table appeared in her mind.

She thought about how the two of them had embraced and entered the Zeng family’s small courtyard. She also recalled the day when Master He had come to arrest someone, and at that time, Sister Dong was alone with the teacher. What kind of relationship did they have?

She thought about summoning the system to ask about their conversation, but as soon as this thought arose, she suppressed it.

If Sister didn’t want her to know, she shouldn’t pry into it. What was the difference between this and the actions of a villain?

Moreover, the system seemed to have its own consciousness. If she gave such an order, it would easily discern her thoughts. So, she discarded the idea.

But the pain in her heart wouldn’t go away. Did Sister really not like her anymore? Had she fallen for the teacher?

If it were anyone else, Pear Blossom might have some confidence. But if it was the teacher, she felt she had no chance. She wasn’t as ethereal and beautiful as the teacher, nor as learned. All she had was brute strength.

Which one to choose, the crude, rural village girl or the noble, accomplished woman from Kyoto? Isn’t it obvious?

The more I think about it, the more I feel discouraged and sad.

But deep inside, there’s still a glimmer of hope, because that day, my sister said she wouldn’t fall for anyone else again. Perhaps her relationship with the teacher wasn’t as I imagined.

However, the image of them holding hands under the table still lingers in my mind.

If I hadn’t experienced such ambiguity and fluttering emotions, perhaps Pear Blossom would have thought that holding hands was no big deal.

But now, having gone through it, I understand the feeling of palms pressed together, how it can be so captivating and stirring.

Tossing and turning, I finally fell into a deep sleep, but when the rooster crowed in the backyard, I jolted awake, shivering all over.

I gave up on trying to sleep and got up to get dressed, wash up, and practice martial arts in the yard. Watching the sky brighten, I finally went to squeeze goat milk.

By the time I was done, Mrs. Xiong got up and scolded me, “You stay up all night, practicing martial arts in the middle of the night, do you want to kill yourself?”

I ignored her and left with the bamboo tube.

Mrs. Xiong sighed helplessly.

In the west wing, Xia Xunyan had also been disturbed by the noise. Her conversation with Dong Yun the day before kept her awake all night, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. The slightest noise outside would wake her up. Thinking about how Dong Yun had treated Pear Blossom recently, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of shared pain.

For a while, she didn’t know how to comfort her, nor how to break the current impasse. She could only silently pray that the emperor’s men wouldn’t come to the village too soon, giving them some breathing room.

Pear Blossom walked toward Dong Yun’s house in the morning dew, just like a few days ago. She hung the bamboo tube with goat milk on the door handle and was about to leave when she heard the wooden door creak open slowly.

Her heart trembled, and she turned to see Dong Yun’s beautiful face behind the door.

Pear Blossom was both startled and happy, but recalling the distance between them these past few days, she didn’t dare to speak first. She just looked at her nervously.

Dong Yun’s next words, however, were like a bucket of cold water, extinguishing the last trace of hope in her heart. “You don’t need the goat milk anymore. Take it back. Don’t bring it again.”

In an instant, a cold sensation spread from her heart to her limbs. Even the morning breeze felt like a biting chill. Pear Blossom’s body shook uncontrollably, and her lips trembled as she squeezed out a few words, “Sister… it’s for Fubao, Fubao drinks it.”

Dong Yun said, “No need, Fubao won’t drink it either.”

Pear Blossom felt as if something had stabbed deep into her heart, tearing apart her flesh and blood, the pain indescribable.

She could almost confirm that Dong Yun said this to sever all ties with her.

She couldn’t accept this outcome, but she couldn’t change Dong Yun’s decision. She wanted to know why her sister didn’t want her anymore. Even if it wasn’t the same kind of love, she would be content just guarding her from afar. She didn’t even need to ask for much, not asking for hugs or kisses, just being her friend, simple and straightforward.

Yet Dong Yun wouldn’t even give her that chance. After saying those words, she closed the door without hesitation.

Pear Blossom stood there, staring at the tightly closed wooden door, dazed, until after a long while, hot tears rolled down her cheeks.

What she didn’t know was that after Dong Yun closed the door, she didn’t walk away. She just leaned against the door, unmoving, until the footsteps outside gradually faded. Only then did her body slump weakly to the ground.

It took a long time before she got up, dragging her heavy steps toward the kitchen to start the fire and cook.

The firewood inside had burned out, so she went outside to look at the neatly stacked wood. Her heart, which had just begun to settle, hurt again, and she felt pale with pain.

Carrying a few logs into the kitchen, she grabbed the small axe to chop the wood.

After several attempts, she couldn’t split it. One forceful swing caused the axe handle to break off and fly straight toward the cabinet. With a series of sharp cracking sounds, several porcelain bowls were shattered. She had used too much force and stumbled forward, falling to the ground.

The coldness of the ground seeped through her clothes into her skin, but it couldn’t compare to the coldness in her heart. She slowly rose, noticing that her hand was scraped. She expressionlessly blew the wood chips off her hand, grabbed a broom, and cleaned up the broken pieces, tidying the floor.

When she brought the broken axe back, she found that half of the handle was still stuck in the socket.

She tried hammering it out for a long time, but to no avail. She had no choice but to use a hatchet to chop the wood. But the wood was too large, and the hatchet got stuck, neither going up nor down. No matter how hard she tried, it wouldn’t split. She suddenly felt exhausted.

She helplessly sat on the ground, hunched over, and tears as big as beans fell onto the ground, mixing with the dust. Soon, it formed a damp trail.

---

The next day, on New Year’s Eve, the Murong family arrived from the city and came to Pear Blossom’s house at the foot of East Mountain. Early in the morning, Dagen and his son went to Zeng’s house to drive the pigs back.

Murong Jin personally took the first stab at the pig, satisfying his desire to slaughter a New Year pig.

The Qin family and Zhang Laowu’s family also came to help. The men worked quickly, and soon the pigs were cleaned up. In the yard, several large pots were already steaming, while the skillful women were busy making blood sausages and chopping meat, preparing for the upcoming feast.

Zhang Sanye and several village elders also arrived, sitting with Murong Jiutian, chatting.

Daniu and Erniu took Murong Jin’s three younger brothers around the village, visiting their newly constructed school. When they heard that the former prime minister’s granddaughter would be the teacher, the eldest brother, Murong Xiu, was so surprised his mouth fell open.

“Impossible! Miss Xia is a well-known noblewoman in Kyoto, and she was once a companion to Princess Mingyue. It is said that during the reign of the late emperor, she even participated in the imperial examination. After her essays were reviewed by the Grand Tutors, they were praised as more outstanding than that year’s top scholar. It’s a pity that women in our dynasty cannot hold official positions, otherwise, Miss Xia would have certainly made a name for herself.”

The two brothers, Daniu and Erniu, were astonished to learn of the talents of the female teacher in their household and secretly vowed to focus more in class next time.

As for Pear Blossom, today, because the master’s family had come, it wasn’t enough to just slaughter the pig. There was still some venison left from the hunt, and she had also gone up the mountain yesterday to gather a few wild ducks, plump rabbits, and some valuable mushrooms.

The skillful sisters-in-law had already started preparing the feast.

By lunchtime, four large round tables were filled with delicious dishes. The men sat at two tables, with Murong Jiutian, the village chief, and others seated at the main table. The women were also divided into two tables, with Mrs. Jiang, Xia Xunyan, and Murong Jin sitting together, while the village’s sisters-in-law and children sat at the other table.

Murong Jin looked around and suddenly asked, “Where’s my cute little niece?”

Mrs. Jiang raised an eyebrow and said, “Niece? I’ve never heard of you having such a relative.”

Murong Jin smiled and explained, “There’s a beautiful sister next door who looks just like me. Everyone says we are like sisters, so her daughter is naturally my niece!”

Mrs. Jiang, hearing this, couldn’t help but roll her eyes. “Stop making things up. Since she’s your sister, why didn’t you bring her over to greet me, your aunt?”

Murong Jin had originally planned to have Pear Blossom call the person, but after hearing her mother’s words, she immediately playfully responded, “Alright, I’ll go get her right now.”

Pear Blossom had, of course, heard their conversation, but she remained silent. As expected, Dong Yun wouldn’t come; she was currently avoiding her at all costs.

However, to Pear Blossom’s surprise, Murong Jin returned, holding Fubao in her arms, with Dong Yun following behind.

Dong Yun was dressed in ordinary daily clothes, but her bright and charming face was hard to ignore, especially her graceful presence. While the country folk thought her appearance was simply lovely, Mrs. Jiang froze upon seeing her.

When Dong Yun arrived, her gaze scanned the crowd. Her eyes first fell on the girl in the corner, but in the next instant, they shifted to the graceful woman standing in the center. Their gazes met, and Dong Yun lowered her eyelids first and walked forward with composure, elegantly greeting her.

Mrs. Jiang smiled, but a sharp glint flashed in her eyes. “Jin’er said you two look alike. I didn’t believe it at first. But now I can see the resemblance. If I didn’t know I had no sisters, I would think you were the beautiful niece my sister gave birth to!”

Murong Jin proudly showed Fubao to her mother. “Right? Isn’t this little one adorable?”

Mrs. Jiang looked at the delicately sculpted child before her, feeling a mix of emotions. She reached out and took Fubao from Murong Jin. “So you are Fubao. You’re really adorable.”

Fubao blinked her big eyes and asked, “Who are you, Grandma?”

Mrs. Jiang couldn’t help but laugh at her innocent words. She pinched Fubao’s little cheek and said, “I’m Mrs. Jiang.”

Murong Jin added from the side, “Mrs. Jiang is Auntie’s mother.”

Fubao tilted her head, thought for a moment, and then happily said, “Mrs. Jiang is Auntie’s mother, Mrs. Xiong is Pear Blossom’s mother. Wow, everyone has a mother, and Fubao has a mother too!”

Everyone laughed at her innocent words. Seeing that everyone was seated, Xiong hurriedly urged everyone to start eating.

The men had already started exchanging cups and following the drinking rules, making the atmosphere lively.

Each table had a small stove in the center, where charcoal was used for grilling and cooking, keeping the dishes hot and steaming.

Once everyone was seated, Pear Blossom squeezed in beside her teacher, Mrs. Jiang. Murong Jin, seeing that she hadn’t sat with Dong Yun, curiously asked, “Hey, why are you sitting over there?”

Pear Blossom replied, “It’s the first time Teacher has come to our house. I’m afraid she might not be able to reach the food, so I sat next to her to help serve her.”

Mrs. Jiang smiled. “You’re such a considerate child, but if she can’t reach the food, she can just stand up. Do you really need to serve me?”

Pear Blossom gave a shy laugh but didn’t move her seat.

At this moment, Fubao, from the opposite side, pouted and said, “Pear Blossom, I can’t reach the food.”

Pear Blossom’s heart tightened at those words, and her nose felt a little sour. However, before she could respond, Dong Yun spoke up. “What would you like to eat? I’ll serve it for you, dear.”

Fubao, pouting, didn’t want to cause trouble and casually pointed to some duck meat.

Mrs. Jiang asked, “Where is your hometown, Yun? Your speech doesn’t sound like you’re from Jinyang County.”

Dong Yun replied calmly, “I’m not from here, I’m from Nanping County. But my grandfather was a scholar and taught in the northern regions. My siblings and I learned to read under his guidance, so we’ve picked up a bit of a northern accent.”

Mrs. Jiang nodded. “I see. I didn’t realize such talented people came from Nanping.”

Dong Yun smiled slightly and humbly said, “You flatter me, Madam. It’s my sister, Jin’er, who’s truly beautiful. She must have inherited her looks from you.”

Several people glanced at Murong Jiutian, smiling.

Murong Jin, however, was the one to speak up. “My mother remarried, and I followed her to this family.”

Her tone was casual and composed, making anyone who heard it feel an instant liking toward this gracious young woman.

Dong Yun received the answer she wanted and smiled, lowering her head to focus on eating.

Mrs. Jiang, however, gave her daughter a glare, clearly unimpressed.