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After taking a few steps and realizing she could walk, Liu Siniang thanked Su Zhi once again. She then bent down to tidy up the scattered corn stalks around. Earlier, she had carried a load of corn stalks on a back frame, but the rope had come loose, causing her to lose balance and fall. The back frame, a common tool among farmers, was easy to make—just a few wooden pieces and ropes. It was practical for carrying firewood and other items.
Shen Zi’an also had a back frame, which he had recently made. Su Zhi had witnessed him swiftly crafting one and using it to transport corn stalks for the chickens’ nests and enclosures. She found it incredibly convenient. While some women used the back frame to carry straw, they usually carried lighter loads. Liu Siniang, on the other hand, had carried a substantial amount, appearing heavier than the load itself.
“Liu Siniang, why are you carrying so much? You should carry less to avoid straining your back and waist. You hurt your foot earlier. Where’s your husband?” Su Zhi inquired. Observing Liu Siniang’s demeanor and tone, she suspected that Liu Siniang’s marital household likely had a formidable mother-in-law or husband. Otherwise, she wouldn’t give off an air of being mistreated. Such situations were common in ancient times, and Su Zhi’s intuition led her to believe she wasn’t far off in her assumptions.
Liu Siniang lowered her head and softly replied, “My husband isn’t at home.”
Su Zhi, sensing their newfound acquaintance, refrained from pressing further. Observing Liu Siniang’s downcast expression upon mentioning her husband, Su Zhi understood that she was truly facing difficulties. Choosing not to delve deeper into her personal affairs so soon, Su Zhi decided to allow their relationship to develop naturally over time.
“Xiaomei, why did you say your name is Su Zhi? If I didn’t know you were Xiaomei, I might have thought I got the wrong person,” Liu Siniang questioned as she securely tied the corn stalks with a rope. She noticed a difference in Su Zhi’s demeanor from their childhood encounters. Back then, Su Zhi seemed delicate and somewhat domineering, but now she exuded a comfortable aura, akin to a gentle breeze or winter sunshine. Could her transformation be attributed to her years spent in a convent?
“It’s a lovely name,” Su Zhi responded. She didn’t feel the need to elaborate further on her chosen name, as people in this era weren’t overly concerned with such matters. She had no intention of altering her identity; she simply appreciated being addressed by that name.
Liu Siniang, not one to pry, nodded in agreement with Su Zhi’s response. She remarked, “Su Zhi is indeed a lovely name. You’ve changed significantly during your time away, resembling someone even more refined than the young lady from Affluent family, Li’s household in our village… noble, yes, you look noble.”
Su Zhi smiled, about to respond when a coarse, harsh voice echoed from a distance.
“Alright, you lazy glutton, caught lazing around here!”
Liu Siniang visibly trembled, her sallow complexion turning pale. Su Zhi assumed the scolding was directed at Liu Siniang, considering there was no one else around. As they looked up, they saw an elderly woman approaching them with an imposing and intimidating air.
“You’ve been out for so long and still haven’t returned. So, you’re here idling away! Speak up, can your idle chatter bring in money? Can it put food on your table? Why don’t you just stop eating altogether, spend your days gossiping outside, and see if you can survive that way!”
The elderly woman continued her tirade as she walked, completely disregarding the presence of another person listening nearby. It seemed she had no intention of sparing any dignity for Liu Siniang.
With a pale face and lowered head, Liu Siniang softly pleaded, “Mother, I accidentally fell earlier. I didn’t mean to return late. I’ll go back now, Mother.”
Observing Liu Siniang’s trembling demeanor, Su Zhi felt pity for her. She wondered how such a gentle and capable woman ended up with such a mother-in-law. The future looked challenging for her.
The elderly woman, dressed slightly better than Liu Siniang, despite the worn clothes lacking patches, appeared neat. She was slim, with sharp triangular eyes and thin lips, exuding an air of toughness. Initially mistaking Su Zhi for a villager due to their similar clothing, the elderly woman had approached without hesitation. However, upon closer inspection and seeing Su Zhi’s veiled face, she took several steps back in shock.
“You… You’re the Fourth Daughter-in-law of the Shen family?! The harbinger of bad luck?!” she exclaimed.
Su Zhi raised an eyebrow, realizing that Liu Siniang had likely been prevented from meeting her due to this elderly woman’s interference. Now, with the woman showing such concern about her illness and reputation, Su Zhi found the situation quite intriguing.
“I am. Liu Siniang twisted her foot, and I helped realign the dislocated bones. She should avoid strenuous activities to prevent recurrence. Otherwise, you’ll have to seek a doctor, which costs money. Wouldn’t you prefer to avoid having a limping daughter-in-law?” Su Zhi explained.
Grateful, Liu Siniang glanced at Su Zhi, touched by her defense despite the scolding from her mother-in-law. She admired Su Zhi for her kindness.
However, the elderly woman showed no gratitude. Glaring with her triangular eyes at Liu Siniang’s foot, she scoffed, “Don’t try to deceive me! A rustic woman like you playing doctor? Ridiculous! This lazy one simply sprained her foot, and you fooled her into thinking it was a dislocation. She’s a fool, easily deceived. I’m not that gullible. Dream on if you think I’ll owe you, the harbinger of bad luck, any favors!”
Frowning, Su Zhi felt like a scholar caught in a battlefield.
Liu Siniang insisted, “Mother, I truly dislocated my foot. I couldn’t even move, and Su Zhi healed me.”
“Shut up! You foolish glutton!” The elderly woman snapped, turning to scold Liu Siniang with venomous anger, spewing harsh words. “Being so protective of her, are you trying to slack off? Let me tell you, do what you’re supposed to do, or you won’t eat! And you, you harbinger of bad luck! This fool only sprained her foot because of you! How could she have sprained it on such level ground? It must be your curse that caused it! Harbingers of bad luck like you should stay indoors. You’re a menace. Beware of meeting a watery grave!”
Infuriated by the elderly woman’s accusations, Su Zhi was exasperated. She realized the trouble her reputation as a harbinger of bad luck could bring. It was evident that she needed to address this issue promptly.
“You lazy one, don’t linger here any longer. Go home and tend to the laundry waiting for you! Marrying you was a stroke of bad luck. I should divorce you!” the elderly woman continued her tirade, showing no mercy.
Su Zhi watched as the elderly woman shot her a glare before hastily departing, seemingly concerned about any ill luck she might bring.
With an apologetic glance towards Su Zhi, Liu Siniang laboriously hoisted the back frame laden with corn stalks and limped away.
Observing Liu Siniang burdened by the weight of the corn stalks and the continuous scolding from the elderly woman, Su Zhi sighed.
***
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