Chapter 7

Grass had already grown on the earthen mound, but it actually helped prevent the soil from collapsing easily under the rain.

Huo Shu lit incense and inserted it into the earth mound, making a bow.

In the end, stability of the land was the best time. Although the deceased had passed away, at least there was a piece of land to remember and mourn.

Unlike the Northern territories where even the graves of relatives and friends were trampled flat, forcing the locals to constantly migrate.

Feeling emotional, he withdrew his hand and looked at Zhao’s mother tearing paper money and chatting with Zhao’s father beside him, when suddenly a burst of firecrackers sounded in the distance.

The firecrackers continued to sound loudly for a while.

Both of them looked in the direction of the firecrackers until the sound ceased.

“It seems to be coming from the direction of the Yu family. It seems Yu Er has returned from the city.”

Zhao’s mother said proudly, “We have quite a few educated young men in our village, but in terms of talent, it’s Yu Er of the Yu family. He passed the imperial examination from childhood to adulthood, recently passed the provincial examination, and now he’s also been selected as a scholar.”

With envy showing on her face, Zhao’s mother continued, “His mother has finally seen the light at the end of the tunnel. She has been a widow for a long time but hasn’t remarried. She raised her two children alone. Now that her son has become successful, she can look forward to a comfortable life.”

Both widows, her son succeeded while hers died young, leaving her alone.

Huo Shu sensed some sadness and said, “Auntie, don’t be too saddened.”

“It’s alright, I’m happy.”

Zhao’s mother said, “With a scholar in our village, Yu Er’s future is bright. Who knows, he might become a high-ranking official. It’s a source of pride for us villagers.”

Women in the village had few pastimes, so they always enjoyed discussing village affairs.

She said, “With the You family’s momentum, they’ll probably host a banquet. When the time comes, you and Auntie should go together. The host family always likes lively events for such joyous occasions.”

Huo Shu neither agreed nor disagreed. He wasn’t interested in unrelated people or events in the village. However, Zhao’s mother continued excitedly, “Taoge is also fortunate.”

Huo Shu, who hadn’t said much, asked coldly, “The one in the field just now?”

Zhao’s mother smiled, “Did you see him?”

“Yes.”

“Taoge is the liveliest young man in our area. It’s a pity he’s not in good health, but he has good prospects. He and Yu Er were engaged early on by the matchmaker. Now that Yu Er has achieved success and is of age, the match is about to be finalized.”

“Yu Er is gentle and Taoge has a good heart. He always takes care of the villagers and is a suitable match. It’s going to be a splendid and lively occasion at the banquet.”

Listening to Zhao’s mother’s non-stop talk about the village’s joyous events, Huo Shu’s eyes twitched slightly, his expression not quite calm.

The face as white as jade and the clear but somewhat vacant eyes flashed through his mind. Huo Shu tightened his lips.

Zhao Changsui’s words were not entirely wrong. There were plenty of young men and women with good looks and physique in Jiangnan, but others moved quickly, and every family had numerous suitors.

So while other boys his age were still climbing trees and catching birds’ eggs or fishing in the river, he already knew how to pick flowers to win the hearts of girls.

In the past, Huo Shu sneered at Zhao Changsui’s self-satisfaction, but now he remained silent. He walked away, saying, “I’ll go around.”

Zhao’s mother stood up holding paper money and watched the distant figure that suddenly disappeared, instructing, “Then come back early. I’ll make grilled meat for you tonight.”

…

“Mother, you’re back! Did you hear? Cousin’s family set off firecrackers for a long time. He must have returned from the academy!”

Mrs. Yu had just returned home and saw her son dressed neatly, seemingly about to go out.

She grabbed him, “Where are you going?”

“Of course, to Auntie’s house to congratulate Cousin! The provincial examination only happens once every three years, and there are less than a hundred people who pass. Auntie has always treated me well. How can I not go to congratulate her on such a big occasion!”

Mrs. Yu firmly held onto her son and pulled him back into the house.

“There’s plenty of time for you to congratulate them. It won’t take long. I need to talk to you.”

Although his mind was already at the Yu family’s house, Yu Xia still followed his mother into the house, sensing her solemn expression.

“Mother, can’t it wait?”

Entering the house, Madam Yu glanced around and saw no one nearby, so she closed the door.

Seeing his mother’s unusual behavior, Yu Xia couldn’t help but ask, “What’s wrong, mother?”

“I’m asking you, tell me the truth, no hiding,” Madam Sun said seriously.

Yu Xia’s heart skipped a beat at her words, and he lowered his head. “It’s about that day when the exam results were posted. I went to the city with Ji Taoyu. There were many people under the bulletin board, and he accidentally fell into the river.”

Madam Sun was shocked to hear this, her eyes widening.

She grabbed her son’s arm. “Did he fall in himself, or did you push him? Don’t lie to me!”

Though he had words of defense in his heart, thinking he could say Ji Taoyu fell in by himself since no one could prove he pushed him, he felt unsure when he saw his mother’s stern expression. “I… he fell in by himself.”

“You’re still lying!” Madam Sun scolded loudly.

Yu Xia was startled and instinctively covered his face, unable to believe his reasonable mother had slapped him.

“Why would you make someone risk their life just to embarrass them?”

“Ji Taoyu is such a talented person, yet he’s willing to marry someone like him. It’s clearly because Li Zheng bullies his mother, a widow with two children who have no support from the Yu family. This is why Ji Taoyu doesn’t even have a chance to marry a healthy girl!”

Yu Xia became angry too, feeling his mother was biased. He cried out, “Even though the Ji family is prominent in the village, my cousin has achieved fame now, it’s such an honor! Although my cousin lost his father early and lacked support, the Yu family is also prominent in the village. They didn’t care about my cousin’s family before, but now that my cousin has achieved success, they will support him. How can Ji Taoyu match up to my cousin!”

“Confused, utterly confused!” Madam Sun’s chest heaved with anger. Though she was angry that Yu Xia didn’t understand the whole situation and thought he was right, she immediately realized there must be someone instigating behind the scenes. Otherwise, how would Yu Xia, a young boy, know about the affairs of prominent families?

As for who was behind this instigation, she didn’t need to ask; she already knew it was her good sister.

Knowing it was her sister, she felt a chill.

Madam Sun didn’t argue about the affairs of prominent families in the village. Instead, she sternly said, “You made Ji Taoyu lose face and reputation, what’s next? How do you plan to proceed?”

Before Yu Xia could answer, Madam Sun continued, “Your aunt telling you about the marriage between the two families gives her a reason to sabotage it. Then your cousin can marry you, right?”

This hit the nail on the head, and Yu Xia blushed slightly.

“Confused!” Madam Sun scolded, “Your aunt is not a good person. She probably regretted the marriage when your uncle was just a scholar, thinking he had limitless prospects. But unfortunately, the Ji family has treated them well over the years, so it’s not easy to bring this up. She needs someone else to help her, and that’s where you come in!”

“Child, your aunt is using you as a pawn!”

“H-how could that be? She’s my own aunt,” Yu Xia hesitated, “She said she likes me and wants a daughter-in-law like me.”

“Your aunt looks down on the Ji family, so why would she look up to our family? The Ji family is prominent in the village, what does our family count for?”

“My aunt said she doesn’t want a prestigious family, just a healthy daughter-in-law.”

Madam Sun chuckled. “So Ji Taoyu can’t run or jump anymore, he’s just a bit weaker than usual, but this trend of illness is popular in the city. Besides, since Er Lang has achieved success, does he still need a strong girl to come home and work in the fields? Has Ji Taoyu only become weak today? If your aunt didn’t want a good family, why didn’t she say this from the beginning?”

Yu Xia was stunned by his mother’s questions, unable to come up with a rebuttal.

“Your aunt has always been haughty. Back then, the family she looked down upon was actually your father’s. But she refused to marry into the Yu family because she thought it was too poor. She knew your uncle was sickly, yet she married into the You family for their wealth. Now that your cousin has succeeded, she suddenly looks up to the Yu family?”

“It’s also my fault. I’ve been busy with your siblings’ marriages these past few years and didn’t pay much attention to you always going to your aunt’s place. I know you like Er Lang, but your aunt will never agree.”

Madam Sun sighed and pulled Yu Xia closer. “From now on, don’t go to your aunt’s place anymore. She’ll manipulate you into doing things she doesn’t want to do herself, and then she’ll leave you to take the blame.”

“Our Yu family is just a small household in the village, barely making ends meet. With your siblings getting married one after another and life getting a bit better, you mustn’t make any more mistakes. Think about it, if Li Zheng holds a grudge against our family, will the Yu family still have a future in the village?”

After this stern talk, Yu Xia couldn’t help but cry, regretting his past foolishness and lamenting the lost hope he had with his cousin. He also felt a bit scared that the Ji family might hold onto the situation.

“Your aunt will face the consequences of her lack of conscience in the future. We must never get involved in the affairs of both families again.”

Madam Sun arranged her thoughts and pulled Yu Xia, saying, “Li Zheng has been good to our family these years, never harsh or exploitative. You and I will go to the Ji family together and properly apologize to Ji Taoyu and Li Zheng.”

“But, but won’t this be like walking into a trap?”

Madam Sun held him firmly. “It’s better to confront the situation now than to live in constant fear of being exposed.”

Yu Xia shrank back slightly. “I-I understand.”