Chapter 5: Eighty-Two Silver, Ten Stones of Rice

In an instant, Wang was left speechless, especially since she had always prided herself as the mother of a future scholar and was deeply concerned about her reputation.

Everyone in the village knew her character, but since they were all relatives, it was taboo to speak too harshly about family matters.

Moreover, He Mingjie was indeed the most promising young man in He Village, and if he could pass the exams, it would bring honor to the family, a happy outcome she wished for.

Wen Yunhe deliberately contorted her face to look pale and ghost-like. She pinched her thigh to conjure a few tears, making sure everyone could see.

“It hurts…”

A crying child gets the milk. One single word of pain, laced with tears, spoke louder than a thousand words.

Wen Yunqing instinctively softened his movements, fearing he might cause more pain to his sister. His eyes brimmed with tears, reflecting his unbearable heartache.

The onlookers began to murmur among themselves.

“It’s such a pity for Yunhe; she hasn’t enjoyed one day of happiness since marrying into the He family, always suffering. Now that her husband is gone, the in-laws don’t care for her either—how will she live from here on?”

“Look at those marks on her neck; she must have been resolved to die. What a devoted daughter-in-law.”

“What a shame! She’s only eighteen, and she’s been worn down to skin and bones by Wang.”

“It’s unfortunate her father passed away early; without support at home, Wang wouldn’t dare to treat her this way.”

“I think this younger brother of hers might be a good lad; he could become her support in the future.”

So, the crowd urged, “Sister-in-law He, what the Wen boy says is true. Your family is in a state of turmoil; let him take Yunhe back to care for her. This way, you can focus on handling Mingzhang’s funeral arrangements.”

“Yunhe has served your family for two years. While there might be no merit, there is certainly hard work—why be so relentless?”

“Look at Yunhe like this. If she stays with you any longer, she might not survive until tonight.”

“Have mercy! Yunhe is such a good daughter-in-law. She’s willing to follow Mingzhang in death; you should not treat her so poorly.” An elderly woman from the village, leaning on her cane, spoke up for Wen Yunhe.

As everyone urged her, the more Wang resisted, acting like a fighting hen, unwilling to back down and glaring at anyone who dared to question her.

He’s father squatted under the eaves, holding his head and remaining silent.

He was a man of few words. Besides working in the fields, he didn’t concern himself with household matters.

With the eldest son gone, Wen Yunhe was the only one left who shared his sorrow.

He Mingjie was currently hiding in his room, avoiding getting involved in the chaos, letting Wang take the lead.

He Mingyu peeked from the kitchen door, watching the unfolding drama. She saw people holding gifts, hoping to enjoy scrambled eggs for dinner that night.

“Wang! Stop causing a scene!” a loud shout silenced the noisy courtyard.

It was the village head.

“Wen boy, I’ve been informed of the situation. You can take her with you.” This was directed at Wen Yunqing.

The village head was someone Wen Yunqing had called over.

“Thank you, village head. I will take my leave first.” Wen Yunqing politely bowed, then strode out of the He household, holding Wen Yunhe.

His back was straight as if forged from steel, firmly supporting his tired body.

Even though he was barefoot, and his legs were muddy, a powerful sense of determination radiated from his unwavering gaze, as if he could break through all obstacles.

Wen Yunhe lifted her eyes to look at her mature little brother, feeling a surge of pride.

It turns out that the one who would come flying in on a colorful cloud to protect her need not only be a good husband but could also be her own kin.

At that moment, she inwardly accepted Wen Yunqing as her brother.

The village head was the authoritative figure of He Village and also the head of the He clan, so his words carried significant weight.

Wang knew she couldn’t ignore him.

However, the village head ultimately favored his relatives, merely giving a few words to settle the matter.

“Wang, Wen Yunhe’s suicide is related to your son Mingzhang! You shouldn’t act so aggressively!

For the sake of your late son, let this go. Now that everyone is here, let’s discuss how to arrange Mingzhang’s funeral.

Though there is no body, at least give the child a proper tombstone to rest his soul.

Your son died as a centurion, with merit to his name. He was a fine young man of the He family.

I asked the county magistrate this morning, and the compensation will be arriving soon.”

This was also the reason the village head was raising expectations lightly.

Wang was indeed an unreasonable mother, but who could blame her when she had two capable children?

Wang’s eyes brightened upon hearing this.

“Is that so? Has the magistrate mentioned how much silver we could receive?”

The messenger who delivered the news yesterday hadn’t provided any details, and she hadn’t dared to hope for compensation. She didn’t expect such a fortunate turn of events.

She didn’t understand the significance of being a centurion, but she did know that compensation meant money and grains.

The villagers listened intently.

He Mingjie, hiding behind the door, pressed his ear against it to catch every word.

The village head had initially waited for the crowd to disperse before explaining the specifics, as it was usually unwise to openly discuss wealth.

But with Wang’s eagerness, he felt no need to cover for her.

“Based on your son’s military achievements and rank, he is entitled to eighty-two liang of silver, and also ten stones of rice.” (In the Dayun Dynasty, one stone is approximately 53 kg.)

The crowd erupted in excitement upon hearing this.

“Such good fortune! Eighty-two liang of silver and ten stones of rice—if I had known, I would have sent my son to serve as well!”

“Is that something you want? Would you really have your son risk his life for money?”

“The amount of compensation is due to Mingzhang’s capabilities; others might not even receive a thing. How many of those who served in the past few years returned unscathed? Never heard of anyone receiving this much.”

“I was just joking; I wouldn’t let my son go through that hardship.”

“That foolish Wang wouldn’t even pay the military tax so her scholar son could pursue studies, leaving Mingzhang to be conscripted on his wedding day.”

“Speaking of the military tax, it’ll be due again soon. Have you gathered enough?”

“Wang really is turning misfortune into fortune. With that much money, she needn’t worry for the rest of her life.”

“Worry? She’s still determined to support her son Mingjie to become a scholar. Education costs money: when will it ever be enough?”

“True, but if Mingjie becomes a scholar, the He family will genuinely change their fortunes, moving away from us peasants.”

“What a pity for Mingzhang—a new bride who never got to enjoy his marriage before meeting the King of Hell. Let’s hope he finds a good family in the afterlife.”

Eighty-two liang of silver and ten stones of rice.

This news stirred mixed emotions among many villagers; some genuinely mourned for He Mingzhang.

Wang, resembling a victorious rooster, raised her head high, all smiles, completely forgetting that this fortune came at the cost of her son’s life.

He Mingjie, leaning against the door, secretly grinned and sighed in relief.

That much silver was more than enough to support his studies for the scholar exams; once he succeeded, the government would provide monthly rations (including grains and silver), and their family wouldn’t face hardship for the near future.

Only He’s father stood with tears streaming down his face, grieving for his eldest son who had departed too soon.