Chapter 81: Dumpling

Seeing that Dong Yun was now able to get out of bed, Pear Blossom no longer stayed by her side every day. However, she couldn’t stop thinking about what Zheng Sange mentioned during Zhang Chunjing’s wedding.

That matter was like a massive stone, weighing not only on Dong Yun but also on Pear Blossom’s chest, making it hard to breathe.

If the investigation into the former maids and guards of the late Princess Mingyue ever extended to Jinyang County, Dong Yun’s already precarious life would become even more perilous.

Over this period, Pear Blossom had been running around tirelessly, hoping to utilize the system to catch wind of any clues related to the investigation.

To this end, she specifically sought out Murong Jin to understand the structure of the Zhenfu Division. The “Nanzhen Fusi (Southern Bureau)” primarily handled internal discipline and military regulations, while the “Beizhen Fusi (Northern Bureau),” personally appointed by the emperor, acted as his blade, possessing ultimate authority to arrest, interrogate, and even execute without oversight.

There was no doubt that Dong Yun’s case would fall under the jurisdiction of the Beizhen Fusi.

Murong Jin’s uncle, Murong Qingshan, was affiliated with the Nanzhen Fusi. Therefore, when Dong Yun sought help from Madam Jiang, she entrusted only Fubao to her care, carefully avoiding mentioning her own predicament. After all, this matter was beyond Murong Qingshan’s reach.

Before long, ominous news spread like a dark cloud. From County Magistrate Zhang Xian, they learned that Lu Jin, a deputy officer of the Beizhen Fusi, would soon lead a team of twenty officers to Jinyang County.

Upon hearing this, Pear Blossom’s first instinct was to take Dong Yun and flee again.

But she quickly realized that if they escaped, leaving their two families behind in the village, the arrival of the Beizhen Fusi would undoubtedly bring calamity upon their loved ones.

This was the true source of Dong Yun’s deepest fear and the reason she adamantly pushed Pear Blossom away.

Meanwhile, the surrounding towns, overwhelmed by an influx of refugees, were growing increasingly tense. Even the once peaceful Daliushu Village was not spared. Several households near the village entrance had already been raided by refugees and bandits, though, fortunately, no one was harmed yet.

The entire village swiftly entered a state of alert. However, what worried the villagers more was the rapidly depleting grain supplies. Under the pressure of early tax collection, their stored food for the next six months was dwindling to critical levels. If they paid next year’s taxes in advance, they would have nothing left to eat.

Forced to buy grain in the market, they found that prices were skyrocketing.

Panic spread like wildfire, and villagers gathered in the drying yard of the Muramasa’s house, voicing their concerns.

“We’ve only got a few stones of rice left at home. We sold the rest. If I had known grain would be this expensive now, I wouldn’t have sold it so early!” someone lamented, pounding their chest.

“Hmph, easy for you to say. If you’d kept it until now, would you have been willing to sell it? And after selling, how would you have paid the taxes? Would you spend a fortune to buy it back?” another retorted.

“Ah, the Muramasa warned everyone to stock up on grain, but you didn’t listen. Now look at the situation! While prices aren’t completely out of control yet, hurry up and buy some to store. If it goes up even more, we’ll be in real trouble,” someone else advised.

Muramasa glanced at Pear Blossom in the crowd, his feelings complicated. Back then, her suggestion about stockpiling grain was something he passed along to the villagers, but he hadn’t taken it too seriously. Still, he had stored some away. Now, seeing the current situation, he wouldn’t sell even a single grain if he had known.

Pear Blossom had already advised on stockpiling. Those who didn’t listen weren’t her concern—she had no intention of being the village’s saint.

What concerned her more was the issue of roaming refugees, so she said, “Apart from food, we can’t ignore the problem of refugees. Right now, their disturbances are small-scale. But when more people from the north arrive, forming groups of a dozen or more, it won’t just be petty theft. People might lose their lives.”

As soon as she said this, the faces of a few families at the village’s edge turned pale. They hurriedly turned to Muramasa, pleading, “Third Master, you have to make a decision! We haven’t slept for days, worried we might wake up to a knife at our throats.”

Muramasa sighed, helpless. He turned to Pear Blossom and said, “Pear Blossom, my girl, what do you think we should do?”

While others might not recognize Pear Blossom’s capabilities, Muramasa wasn’t blind. From leading wolves away to rescue people, to standing up to the gambling den thugs, to becoming the disciple of the Longwei Dart Bureau’s chief and saving Lord Xia’s granddaughter, this girl had proven herself time and time again. To Muramasa, all the village men together didn’t measure up to her.

Muramasa’s deference made the smarter villagers realize something. Wasn’t it Pear Blossom who had convinced him to approve stockpiling grain? One by one, they turned to her.

Pear Blossom said, “For now, the only solution is for each household to send one or two strong men to take turns guarding the village entrance. If anyone approaches, sound the gongs to wake everyone so we can defend together. This way, the refugees will know our village is prepared and won’t dare to harass us easily.”

Some agreed, while others remained silent. Those near the village entrance supported the idea—they’d finally get some peaceful sleep. But families further inside thought the refugees wouldn’t venture so deep, so they were reluctant to send people, especially with spring plowing around the corner. Losing one worker would hurt their productivity.

Pear Blossom saw through their thoughts and said, “Right now, only a few small groups of refugees are bothering the families near the entrance. But once their numbers grow, no matter where your house is, you won’t escape being looted. Saving manpower now, only to risk your life and property later, isn’t worth it.”

Her father, Dagen, stepped up to support her. “Our house is at the foot of East Mountain, the deepest part of the village. We’ll definitely send someone to stand guard.”

Muramasa quickly added, “Dagen, not only should your family send someone, but since you’ve served in the military, and Pear Blossom has trained under Master Murong, the two of you know martial arts. Please help train the others. If bandits do come, we can’t let ourselves be slaughtered like sheep.”

Pear Blossom’s loyal supporter, Old Zhang, chimed in. “We need not only guards at the entrance but also patrol teams. It’s fine during the day when we can see who comes, but at night, someone could sneak in. Without patrols, we won’t even wake up before we’re killed in our sleep.”

Hearing this, everyone felt a chill down their spines. Those hesitant before now expressed their agreement.

At that moment, Mrs. Zeng shouted, “Our family only has widows and orphans! We have no strong men to send. What are we supposed to do?”

Everyone turned to her, and Zeng Guangjin, standing beside her, felt embarrassed. Blushing, he quickly said, “Mother, I’m a man, and I count as able-bodied. Muramasa, include me when assigning duties.”

Mrs. Zeng protested, “No! You’re a scholar, unfit for manual labor. Just focus on your studies!”

A woman nearby mocked, “It’s just me and my three kids, but I’m willing to guard the village. Why should a man like him hide behind women?”

Another chimed in, “You scholars talk big about fame and titles, but in reality, you don’t work, relying on your mothers and wives to support you. Even if you become officials, you’d still hide behind the common folk!”

“Exactly! We women aren’t allowed to study, and now you won’t even help guard the village? That’s pathetic!” Other women joined in.

Mrs. Zeng couldn’t bear the insults and prepared to argue, causing an uproar. Zeng Guangjin, red-faced, pulled her aside. “Mother, stop! Studying is indeed for becoming an official. But it’s also to serve the people and the nation. In times of chaos, if a scholar can’t fight, then he must set down his books and stand at the front—that’s what a real man does! If you stop me, I’ll burn all my books and never touch them again!”

His voice was almost a roar, revealing his deep emotions. Mrs. Zeng, fierce with others, didn’t dare defy her son. Tearfully, she retreated to a corner, wiping her eyes.

Xia Xunyan, watching from the sidelines, turned to Dong Yun and said, “Mrs. Zeng may seem unreasonable, but she’s raised two fine sons.”

Dong Yun could only respond with a sigh.

Xia Xunyan looked at the girl in the crowd, the one whom the villagers pinned all their hopes on, and asked, “What was your first impression of her? Is she the same now as she was back then?”

Dong Yun shook her head. “When I first saw her, she was just a dark, skinny little girl, bullied all day by the Xiang family. She didn’t even have a single coin to treat her mother’s illness—she was pitiful.”

Now, she had grown tall and strong, intelligent and resilient, transforming from a fragile sapling battered by storms into a flourishing tree with strong branches.

Xia Xunyan chuckled. “Do you know what impression she left on me when I first saw her?”

Dong Yun shook her head.

Xia Xunyan said, “Calm, composed, and decisive. In the blink of an eye, she plunged a dagger into two men’s throats. I can sum it up in three words: fast, precise, ruthless!”

Dong Yun knew Pear Blossom had killed two men to save Xia Xunyan, but since she hadn’t witnessed it herself, she had assumed there had been a struggle. Hearing Xia Xunyan’s description now left her stunned. She couldn’t help but shift her gaze to the girl in the crowd.

This didn’t resemble the gentle and thoughtful Pear Blossom she knew at all!

“Mingyue, I don’t know why, but I always feel this girl is extraordinary. Maybe one day in the future, she’ll bring us an incredible surprise.”

Dong Yun listened to her words, folded her arms, and looked at the girl in the crowd without commenting.

Before long, the villagers had decided on a specific plan. Of the seventy-two households in the village, each was required to contribute one person to the defense effort. Families with only one laborer could be exempt during busy farming seasons, while families with extra hands could earn an additional five copper coins per day per person. The funds for this would come from the village’s public coffers.

Though the pay was modest, after a couple of days, it was enough to buy a pound of meat. Many villagers were willing to participate.

Two people would stand watch at a time, and patrols would be conducted in groups of five, split into shifts for the first and second halves of the night. This way, each group only needed to lose half a day of sleep, which wouldn’t disrupt farming work too much.

As for training, instead of the usual chatting and joking after meals, it was replaced with drills.

The novelty of the idea intrigued the villagers, and they all agreed to it.

Surprisingly, after a few days of training, they found that not only did it improve their health, but it also strengthened the village’s sense of unity. Complaints about the arrangement stopped altogether. Some people, if delayed by personal matters, would rush to join the drills, afraid of falling behind others.

The training was primarily overseen by Dagen, as Pear Blossom had other tasks to attend to.

Dagen, who had served in the military for nearly twenty years, found training as easy as drinking water. His commands were so well-executed that even some elderly men and women couldn’t resist joining in. They waved their arms and moved with the younger crowd, hoping the exercise might help them live a few more years.

Meanwhile, Pear Blossom instructed the system to monitor the village’s surroundings. It was to alert her immediately if any strangers approached.

Although the village had watchtowers, mountain bandits and vagrants were unpredictable. It was impossible to ensure every movement was caught.

Given that the host’s safety was at stake, the system dared not slack off.

That night, Pear Blossom received 20 attribute points as a reward. The system explained it was because her initiative had boosted the villagers’ morale and unity, making it a highly significant contribution.

Pear Blossom allocated 8 points to intelligence, 7 to physique, and the remaining 5 to reputation.

The system said, “Host, your current stats are: Intelligence 51, Physique 38, Reputation 49, Favorability 11, for a total of 149 points. Just one more point, and you can draw a prize!”

At the mention of the prize draw, Pear Blossom recalled the previous rewards, such as fertility pills and beauty elixirs, and her enthusiasm instantly waned.

The reward shop was filled with useless items. Well, not entirely useless—at least the eggs from the old hen were delicious. The hen had hatched several broods of chicks, and now those chicks had grown and started laying eggs too. Though they weren’t as prolific as the old hen, they reliably produced one or two eggs a day.

The family had even built a massive coop to house the chickens, and now they had more eggs than they could eat.

Better than nothing, she supposed.

…

The people of the Jingwei Division were known for their secrecy, and their movements were hard to track.

From County Magistrate Zhang Xian and Master He, Pear Blossom learned that Lu Jin, a deputy commander from the Northern Jingwei Division, was expected to arrive in the Songlin and Jinyang areas around late February. However, the exact time and destination remained unknown.

Pear Blossom could only ride her horse day after day across the vast fields of Jinyang County, relying on the system to search for traces of the Jingwei Division.

After days of fruitless effort, she unexpectedly discovered that the Xiang family, who had been driven out of the Daliushu Village, had settled in Xiping New Village. This village was near Songlin County and not far from the Baihu Village. After moving to the new village, Xiang Dalang idled his days away, much to his family’s disdain. Somehow, he managed to connect with people from the Baihu Village and even joined them.

The Baihu Village, a former bandit hideout, had spent years laundering its image, sustaining itself through businesses like gambling and brothels. However, with the recent turmoil and economic decline, ordinary people could no longer afford such luxuries, and the stronghold’s business had withered. Especially after losing over ten thousand taels of silver in Jinyang County a few months ago, the stronghold’s funds were depleted, and they returned to their old ways of robbery.

Xiang Dalang, having joined the stronghold, quickly rose in favor due to his ruthlessness and sycophancy. He became a trusted subordinate of a minor leader, his notoriety growing with his increasing depravity.

Pear Blossom had originally planned to teach Xiang Dalang a lesson, but she hadn’t had the time recently. Now, upon learning more about him through the system, she was so enraged that she itched to ambush and shoot him with an arrow, ridding the people of this scourge.

However, an unexpected thought made her change her mind.

The town’s inspection forces were moving from north to south, and they would inevitably pass through Baoxi Village, the northernmost village of Jinyang County. Baoxi Village was home to Luo Rong, who had served in the military with Zheng Sange and Zeng Dayou in the same squad. Zheng Sange became a personal guard to a senior officer, while Zeng Dayou and Luo Rong became imperial guards in the Beijing. Due to his age and health issues, Luo Rong retired and returned to farming, staying in the village ever since.

Upon learning this information, Pear Blossom formed a plan.

This plan might temporarily resolve the current predicament.

That was—diverting the trouble elsewhere!

Her teacher had spoken of such strategies before, and now seemed the perfect time to put theoretical knowledge into practice.

Her immediate task was to set up the plan and confirm the exact time the inspection forces would reach Baoxi Village.

Pear Blossom kept this plan a secret from Dong Yun, not wanting to worry her. If it succeeded, it would serve as her “pledge of loyalty” to Dong Yun, proving that Pear Blossom was both courageous and intelligent—someone Dong Yun could rely on.

She wanted Dong Yun to believe that she could protect their family and keep them safe for a lifetime.

She also refrained from sharing her plan with Murong Jin or anyone else, as she had no way to explain how she had obtained such confidential information about the inspection forces.

When she went out every day, she didn’t tell her family where she was going. The Xiong family assumed she was at the escort agency, and the agency thought she was staying in the village due to Dong Yun’s presence. This arrangement conveniently allowed her to act freely.

To Pear Blossom’s slight relief, Dong Yun’s attitude toward her had changed since her injury healed. She no longer avoided her like before. Sometimes, they could even have peaceful conversations.

With the current threat looming, Pear Blossom noticed that Dong Yun seemed more relaxed than usual, assuming she had resigned herself to her fate and decided not to flee. This made Pear Blossom feel even worse, spurring her to investigate further. For two nights, she even slept near Baoxi Village and Baihu Village.

On this rare day back, after washing up, she headed to Dong Yun’s place.

As she approached the courtyard, the enticing aroma of lard wafted through the air. She went straight to the kitchen and saw Dong Yun frying meatballs, but Fubao was nowhere in sight.

Seeing Pear Blossom enter, Dong Yun asked without looking up, “Have you eaten yet?”

Pear Blossom nodded. “I’ve eaten, but I’d still like to try your fried meatballs.”

Hearing this, Dong Yun picked one up and offered it to her. Pear Blossom quickly opened her mouth to catch it, biting down gently and nodding enthusiastically. “Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—delicious!”

Dong Yun couldn’t help but smile at her praise and handed her another.

Pear Blossom was overjoyed. Dong Yun hadn’t smiled at her like this in a long time. Ever since her failed attempt to make Pear Blossom leave, their relationship had been distant. Now, seeing her smile again, Pear Blossom was thrilled and more determined to execute her plan flawlessly.

“I need to go out for a couple of days,” Pear Blossom said. “I might not return until the day after tomorrow. Be careful at home, and if you hear the gong at the village entrance, hide in the usual spot with Fuzi.”

Dong Yun nodded. “I understand. The world outside is chaotic now—take care of yourself.”

Pear Blossom acknowledged this, washed her hands, and helped with the meatballs. Together, they quickly fried a large bowlful.

“Why so many meatballs at once?” Pear Blossom asked.

Without looking up, Dong Yun replied softly, “You’re always out. I wanted to make some for you to take with you.”

Pear Blossom was both surprised and delighted. “Really? I wish I could take them all.”

“If you like, take them all,” Dong Yun said.

Pear Blossom shook her head. “I’m only gone for two days. I’ll be back soon. No need to take so many. I’ll come eat them here when I’m back.”

Dong Yun smiled faintly and said no more.

When Fubao returned from Mrs. Zeng’s place, she greeted Pear Blossom enthusiastically and insisted she help her bathe. Afterward, just as she was getting ready for bed, Mrs. Zeng came to take her away.

Fubao protested, pouting, “No! I want to sleep with Mother!”

Mrs. Zeng, her expression sour, didn’t even glance at Dong Yun. She picked up the little girl and said, “Grandma’s old, and her feet are cold. You’re warm, just right to keep Grandma warm.”

Fubao pouted unhappily. She had been sleeping with her grandmother for three or four days and much preferred her soft, fragrant mother. But Dong Yun had taught her to be filial from a young age, so despite her reluctance, she followed Mrs. Zeng.

Pear Blossom watched in confusion and asked Dong Yun, “What’s going on? If she doesn’t want to, why not let it go?”

Dong Yun calmly replied, “It’s just a small matter. If the elderly want to sleep with their granddaughter, why not let them?”

Pear Blossom thought this made sense and said no more.

But thinking about how Fubao wasn’t around and Dong Yun was alone in the house, she couldn’t help but feel restless. “Sister, can you help me review my studies tonight?”

Dong Yun, who was tidying up, paused slightly and then said, “Alright.”

Thrilled, Pear Blossom quickly set up a small table, arranging brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones. She eagerly looked at Dong Yun, her excitement palpable.

Dong Yun brushed her hair back and said, “You take your time first. I’ve been busy cooking and am covered in grease. Let me shower, and I’ll teach you when I’m done.”

Pear Blossom nodded obediently, “Alright, sister, go ahead.”

When Dong Yun finished her shower and returned to the room, Pear Blossom was kneeling on the couch, diligently practicing her writing.

It had been several months since she started learning, and Pear Blossom had recognized more and more characters. Her writing, which had initially been messy and childlike, had become increasingly neat and orderly. Though still immature, her progress was evident—not just from innate talent but also her own hard work.

Dong Yun quietly approached and sat beside her, her gaze falling on the text Pear Blossom was copying: “As for the prolonged effort, once the understanding becomes clear, one comprehends the essence of all things, their subtleties and complexities, and fully realizes the potential of the mind…” (From The Great Learning).

“This passage suits you well,” Dong Yun remarked. “With sustained effort, there will come a day when you’ll achieve clarity. A clumsy bird flies early.”

Pear Blossom looked up, blinking. “Sister, are you calling me clumsy?”

Dong Yun shook her head. “No, I’m just lamenting that you started learning late. If I’d only started recognizing characters at your age, I’d probably still struggle to write my own name.”

Pear Blossom gazed at her and suddenly bit her lip. “Sister, I know how to write your name.”

Dong Yun raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Let me see.”

She recalled how, when Pear Blossom first began learning characters, she had asked about Dong Yun’s name. But back then, before they could write it down, the wind from outside had blown out the candle, and the moment passed.

Reflecting on the past, Dong Yun felt both nostalgic and flustered, her ears turning red.

Seeing Dong Yun watching her, Pear Blossom dipped her brush in ink and carefully wrote four large characters on the sheet beside her earlier work.

Yuwen Mingyue!

Dong Yun’s heart skipped a beat. Instinctively, she reached for the paper, but Pear Blossom was quicker, crumpling it and tossing it into the candle flame. The thin paper quickly turned to ash, the inked characters disappearing into a wisp of smoke.

“Sister, it’s alright,” Pear Blossom said gently, taking her hand in reassurance when she noticed Dong Yun’s face change.

Dong Yun lifted her head, staring at Pear Blossom. After a moment, she nodded. “I know… I know… I’m fine.”

Lowering her head, she leaned softly against Pear Blossom’s shoulder.

“Sister, you just showered, but your hands are still cold,” Pear Blossom murmured, pulling Dong Yun into her embrace.

Held close, Dong Yun felt warmth return to her body, but an empty, weightless sensation lingered. Unable to stop herself, she whispered, “Pear Blossom, hold me tighter…”

Hearing such a plea, Pear Blossom’s heart ached. She scooped Dong Yun fully into her arms and hugged her tightly.

As the pressure of the embrace calmed Dong Yun slightly, she trembled, turned her head, and suddenly kissed Pear Blossom’s lips.

Pear Blossom’s heart pounded as if it would leap from her throat. Her entire body tensed as she supported Dong Yun’s head, pressing her closer and parting her lips to deepen the kiss.

She feared Dong Yun might pull away at any moment.

Caught off guard by the intensity, Dong Yun let out a soft sound and clung tightly to Pear Blossom’s neck.

Now aware of Dong Yun’s emotions and desire for comfort, Pear Blossom couldn’t bear to let go. She tightened her hold, lifted Dong Yun, and carried her to the bed.

Once Dong Yun was laid down, Pear Blossom broke the kiss and leaned her forehead against hers, whispering, “Sister, I’m not leaving tonight.”

Dong Yun let out a faint hum in response.

“I won’t sleep on the wooden couch. I want to share the bed with you,” Pear Blossom softly insisted, making an unreasonable request.

Another faint hum answered her.

Pear Blossom felt heat rush through her, but recalling the door was still open, she gently pulled away and said, “Let me close the door first.”

Dong Yun released her, lying back on the bed as her chest rose and fell rapidly.

Pear Blossom quickly shut the door, extinguished the oil lamp in one motion, and climbed back onto the bed. Moving swiftly, she lowered her head to find Dong Yun’s lips, which parted slightly to welcome her.

Pear Blossom suddenly remembered a booklet Murong Jin had given her and regretted not studying it more thoroughly. However, the single page she had read remained vividly in her mind. Following its guidance, she untied Dong Yun’s belt and perfectly recreated the scene described. Her blood surged with exhilaration.

Dong Yun hadn’t expected such boldness. Though she understood the general idea, she was inexperienced. The intensity left her trembling and overwhelmed, her entire being shaking uncontrollably.

It was too much to handle, yet she couldn’t bear to let go. When Pear Blossom paused, Dong Yun instinctively pulled her back.

Meanwhile, the system in Dong Yun’s mind, overwhelmed by an endless blur of static, sighed in defeat and shut down.

As Pear Blossom indulged further, she discovered the bedding beneath them was already damp. For the first time, she truly believed the saying that women were made of water. Though she was still clothed, she wasn’t in much better condition herself.

Seeking fairness, she quickly discarded her own garments and fully embraced the moment.

Dong Yun, though reserved, let out soft, broken sounds. She only spoke when Pear Blossom’s touch grew too heavy, whispering pleas for gentleness.