Chapter 71: Calm and Composed

Once everything settled down, Dong Yun finally got up, ushered Pear Blossom out of the room, and spent some time inside, rustling about before opening the door again.

When Pear Blossom went back in, she keenly noticed that the laundry basket beside the bed seemed to have one more garment than before.

Turning to look at Dong Yun, she saw that the outer outfit was still the same as before. It was apparent that she had changed her undergarments.

Pear Blossom wasn’t oblivious. The two of them had been tangled up for a while earlier, and naturally, there was some aftermath. It was sticky and uncomfortable, and Dong Yun, being a clean freak, couldn’t tolerate it for even a moment longer.

Seeing Pear Blossom’s curious eyes darting around, Dong Yun snapped, “What are you staring at? Go chop up the vegetable scraps and feed the chickens.”

It was all because of this person. If not for her, would she still feel weak all over now? So she gave her commands without any politeness.

Pear Blossom was more than happy to have work assigned to her. Even though she had gained the upper hand earlier, that was only during their earlier… activities. Now, she didn’t dare provoke Dong Yun too much and was eager to find something to do to shift their focus.

So, obediently, she went to the yard and began chopping up the vegetables she had picked earlier that morning.

With her great strength and familiarity with such chores, these tasks were a breeze for her. In no time, she had everything sorted. Pear Blossom was no stranger to Dong Yun’s little courtyard; she knew it like the back of her hand. After finishing with the vegetables, she fetched water from the large courtyard, filling the water jar to the brim and sweeping the ground until it was spotless.

Glancing at the scattered firewood in the corner small bundles of twigs that Dong Yun had gathered at the foot of the mountain along with some crop stalks Pear Blossom noted that they didn’t burn well and required constant attention to the stove, creating a lot of smoke and ash.

She suggested, “In a couple of days, when I’m free, I’ll go up the mountain to chop some logs and bring back bigger pieces of wood. Those will burn longer.”

Dong Yun didn’t say much. Her household lacked someone strong. Chopping wood and carrying water were tasks she could only do within her limits. Given her frail physique, she didn’t want to push herself too hard. As a widow, she couldn’t rely on men to help, and her mother-in-law was too preoccupied to lend a hand. Now that she had a strong and hardworking girl willing to help, why refuse?

Even if people gossiped, at most, they’d say she had spent thirty taels of silver to buy a maid. It wasn’t a big deal.

After a while, they heard Erniu calling from outside, saying that dinner was ready and they should come back to eat.

The two women set aside their chores and went out.

By the time they arrived, the table was already laden with steaming dishes. Everyone took their seats one by one.

Mrs. Xiong had an unusual way of arranging seats—she seated people purely based on appearances. Naturally, the prettiest people sat together.

Murong Jin, noticing Dong Yun and Xia Xunyan seated side by side, moved her stool over and squeezed in between them, declaring, “I want to sit between two beautiful ladies.”

As a few people chuckled, Dong Yun and Xia Xunyan smiled faintly and shifted their stools to make room for her.

Fubao, seeing this, picked up her little stool and shouted, “I want to sit between beauties too!”

She then squeezed herself between her mother and Pear Blossom.

Mrs. Xiong couldn’t help but laugh. “Fubao, it’s fine to call your mother a beauty, but can we really count Pear Blossom as one too?”

Fubao answered without hesitation, “Of course! Pear Blossom is pretty and strong! She can lift me up high!”

Pear Blossom looked at the little girl, her eyes full of laughter.

Murong Jin teased, “Fubao, your auntie is strong too. She can lift you high too.”

Fubao’s black eyes darted around as she scrutinized Murong Jin for a long moment. Then, she slowly said, “Hmm, Auntie is pretty too.”

Her comment drew another round of laughter.

Murong Jin feigned dissatisfaction, pouting, “Fubao, that’s not fair! You said Pear Blossom is pretty without hesitation, but you took so long to say I’m pretty. And I even brought you a singing bird!”

Hearing this, Fubao quickly changed her tune, “Auntie is pretty! Auntie looks just like Mommy—they’re both pretty!”

Everyone turned to look at Murong Jin and Dong Yun. They did notice that their facial features bore some similarities, though their temperaments were different. Dong Yun was gentle and soft, while Murong Jin was tall, sharp, and poised.

If no one mentioned it, they wouldn’t have noticed, but now it was clear—they really could be mistaken for sisters.

Hearing her daughter’s words, Dong Yun’s almond-shaped eyes flickered, her gaze lingering on Murong Jin’s face for a moment.

Finally, Murong Jin, satisfied with the child’s acknowledgment, reached across Dong Yun, patted Fubao’s little head, and said, “Good girl. I like honest children. Next time Auntie visits, I’ll bring you another gift.”

Hearing there would be more gifts, Fubao’s face lit up with joy.

Today was Murong Jin’s formal visit to the household, coinciding with the discovery of Xia Xunyan’s identity—a significant occasion. Earlier, Mrs. Xiong had sent Daniu to ride Pear Blossom’s horse to town and buy meat, preparing a sumptuous meal for everyone.

After a day filled with so much tension and drama, everyone had been on edge and even skipped lunch. Now, finally at ease, they realized how hungry they were. Faced with the feast before them, they wasted no time digging in.

Dong Yun ate quietly, keeping her head down as she picked at her food. Pear Blossom occasionally reached over to serve her and Fubao dishes that were out of reach.

Knowing the children loved eggs, Mrs. Xiong had specially prepared two plates of fried eggs and a pot of egg drop soup, which were enthusiastically received.

The older children, like Daniu, Erniu, and Xinghua, were accustomed to having eggs at home, so they refrained from taking these dishes.

Rural dining was straightforward and hearty—large chunks of meat were the epitome of hospitality. Pear Blossom, with her healthy appetite, could eat two or three big pieces of meat. Murong Jin, having traveled far and wide with her caravan master father, was used to such meals and wasn’t fazed in the slightest.

The two beauties, however, avoided the platter entirely. Though Dong Yun had endured a turbulent life and made efforts to adapt to the lifestyle of the working class, years of different habits weren’t easily changed. Still, as long as the food wasn’t overly fatty, she could manage, striving to blend in without appearing out of place.

Only Xia Xunyan remained indifferent. Naturally reserved, she had even spent time living in a Taoist temple. She avoided rich foods and instead favored egg drop soup and stir-fried wild chives with eggs.

The Dagen family, long accustomed to the refined and elegant ways of their teacher, never tried to alter her preferences. Mrs. Xiong, who cooked for the household, always took great care to cater to her tastes and ensure she enjoyed her meals.

Murong Jin watched as Xia Xunyan ate with such poise and elegance that she couldn’t help but remark, “The eggs from Pear Blossom’s family are one of a kind. My mother loves them so much she eats them every day. Over the course of a year, she must go through hundreds. She simply can’t do without them now.”

Xia Xunyan paused her eating and responded, “It seems your mother and I share a common appreciation. I’ve never had eggs as delicious as these.”

After speaking with Xia Xunyan, Murong Jin turned to converse with Dong Yun. Out of the blue, she said, “You two seem to have accents from the same region. Could you be from the same place?”

Dong Yun’s hand tightened around her chopsticks. Pear Blossom glared at Murong Jin in annoyance and said, “Miss Murong, we’re eating here. Why are you asking questions like some government official conducting a household investigation?”

Murong Jin quickly laughed and apologized, “I just think too quickly and can’t help asking questions. Some call it a bad habit. Please forgive me, dear sisters.”

Mrs. Xiong chimed in to ease the atmosphere, “At our table, both the teacher and Fubao’s mother observe the old custom of not speaking while eating. As for the other children, they didn’t always have enough to eat when they were younger, so now they just focus on enjoying their food. It’s only when Jin’er and Fubao visit that the meal becomes livelier.”

Hearing her name mentioned, Fubao eagerly replied, “Fubao keeps Grandma Xiong company.”

Mrs. Xiong smiled warmly. “Yes, when your aunt isn’t here, only Fubao can keep me company.”

Murong Jin tilted her head and looked at Fubao, remarking, “They say nieces take after their aunts. You’re just like me. Dong Yun, it seems our sisterly bond is destined.”

Dong Yun gave a faint smile but said nothing.

---

In Jinyang County.

Master He (Chief Bookkeeper) hurried back to report to County Magistrate Zhang Xian, recounting the day’s series of events in detail.

Zhang Xian was furious. Slamming the table, he exclaimed, “This is outrageous! Acting on nothing but the unverified words of a commoner, leading a team to arrest someone? And now, look at the mess you’ve made! Not only was the wrong person apprehended, but you’ve also offended an important figure!”

Master He, pale-faced, pleaded, “It was due to negligence by the subordinates, My Lord. Please, provide guidance on what to do next.”

Suppressing his anger, Zhang Xian took a deep breath and said, “What other choice do we have? That woman is the granddaughter of Xia Xiang (Minister Xia) and the widow of the General Zhennan (Southern General). Whatever she demands, we must comply!”

Master He hesitated, “But Xia Xiang has already retired, and the General Zhennan has passed. Do we really need to…”

Before he could finish, Zhang Xian raised a hand as if to strike him and glared. “Are you that ignorant? Do you not understand the political climate? The Emperor has issued three edicts urging Xia Xiang to return to court. If it weren’t for his health issues, do you think we’d still have our positions after such an incident?”

Terrified, Master He broke into a cold sweat. “In that case, I’ll immediately arrange for the thieves to be captured. Perhaps we can still make amends.”

“No need,” Zhang Xian interrupted. “Those thieves are from the Western Market gambling den, and Assistant Li Xiancheng has ties with them. Inform him of today’s events and have him negotiate with the gambling den to hand over the culprits. That will resolve this matter.”

Master He was puzzled. “How do you know the thieves are connected to the gambling den?”

Zhang Xian snorted. “The villages near Dongping have been blocked by suspicious individuals lately. Some have even reported searches within the villages. Do you think I’d be unaware?”

Realizing the truth, Master He praised, “You’re truly perceptive, sir. I’ll handle it immediately.”

---

At Longwei Dart Bureau, Murong Jin had just returned from Daliushu Village and sought out Murong Jiutian.

“Father, have you given Assistant Li Xiancheng an answer regarding that matter?”

Murong Jiutian, polishing his weapon, replied, “Not yet. Why? Has something changed?”

Murong Jin explained, “I mentioned before that the gambling den people were searching villages for a woman they had abducted. They got distracted, acted on impulse, and caused all this trouble. Do you know who that woman is?”

Hearing her tone, Murong Jiutian knew it was serious. “Who is she?”

“She’s the granddaughter of Xia Xiang and the widow of the General Zhennan, Xia Xunyan.”

Murong Jiutian inhaled sharply. “What fools! This changes everything. Their previous conditions are void. Miss Xia will need to set the terms herself.”

Murong Jin nodded. “She’s already made her demands—to have the culprits apprehended and justice served.”

“How do you know this? You’ve met Miss Xia?”

Murong Jin grinned. “Yes, I have. And guess what? The one who saved her is your new apprentice. She took down two of them single-handedly and hid Miss Xia at her home.”

“What? Pear Blossom?” Murong Jiutian was stunned. “How many were there? She took down two? When did this happen? That girl is remarkable!”

Murong Jin recounted the events in detail before concluding, “Miss Xia has already requested the authorities to take action. We don’t need to intervene further. As for the earlier terms, handle them carefully. Don’t overcommit.”

Murong Jiutian pondered for a moment before nodding.

The following morning, before the morning mist had fully dispersed, the villagers of Daliushu were shaken awake by shocking news from the city. Xiang Kui and his wife, Zhang, had been imprisoned on charges of filing false reports, spreading rumors, obstructing officials, and other crimes. Both committed suicide by ramming their heads against the walls of their cell during the night.

While surprised, the villagers found satisfaction in the couple’s demise. Speculation about their true cause of death ran rampant, but no one was inclined to investigate further. After all, the Xiangs were widely disliked, and the workings of the government were beyond the reach of ordinary folks like them.

Though the two were dead, the rest of the troublemaking Xiang family remained. The village meeting to decide their fate proceeded as planned.

Representing Pear Blossom’s family were Dagen and Mrs. Xiong, while for Dong Yun’s side, it was Mrs. Zeng and Zeng Guangjin.

Zeng Guangjin, having rested for some days, had mostly recovered, but he still bore a grudge against Xiang Dalang for nearly causing his death by deflecting blame. When he heard about the meeting, he attended, leaning on a cane.

Dagen and his wife returned only by late afternoon. Pear Blossom hurriedly asked what the village had decided regarding the Xiang family.

Mrs. Xiong explained, “Because the Xiang family has ties to the military, they can’t be expelled outright. Third Master went to the magistrate early this morning for instructions. The higher-ups are furious. The Xiangs played a part in stirring up the commotion with the scholar, causing such a scandal. Now, the scholar still lives in our village, so the authorities couldn’t ignore the matter. Coincidentally, a new settlement was established near Xiping, in the mountains, to house refugees. The order came down to relocate the Xiangs there.”

Hearing this, Pear Blossom sighed in relief. Xiping was over a hundred li away, separated from Daliushu by vast distances. Even if the Xiangs tried to stir up trouble, they wouldn’t succeed from so far away.

Mrs. Xiong continued, “Today, the authorities summoned the Xiang family to the city to collect the couple’s bodies. The three branches of the Xiang family went reluctantly. Xiang Dalang refused to go, so Xiang Youcai beat him with a shoulder pole, forcing him to comply. On the way, however, they were attacked by an unidentified group and returned limping. That scoundrel, unable to vent his anger on the assailants, took it out on his wife. He shoved Shi Xiuxiu, causing her to fall. She miscarried.”

“When we finished the meeting, we saw Shi’s family come to take Xiuxiu back. They said she wouldn’t be returning.”

Pear Blossom was astonished by how much had happened in just one day. She asked, “Won’t they need to officially dissolve the marriage?”

“They never registered their marriage with the magistrate when the two families exchanged brides. There’s nothing to dissolve. The Shi family isn’t one to be trifled with. Considering what the Xiangs did, simply taking Xiuxiu back is already merciful.”

Mrs. Xiong added, “I heard from your Aunt Qin that Xiuxiu had a sweetheart in their village before this, but his family was too poor to afford a bride price, so she was forced to marry Dalang. Even after she married, that young man waited for her. Now that she’s returned, they might finally have a chance.”

Hearing this, Pear Blossom couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Xiang Dalang had brought this upon himself, losing both his wife and his child. It served him right.

Recalling the day the bandits stormed into the village and went straight for the Zeng family, Pear Blossom still felt unsatisfied. She decided that once the Xiangs were relocated, she’d sneak over to their new home, throw a sack over Dalang, and give him a thorough beating to vent her anger.

“Mother, you can finally relax now. The family that tormented us for so long is either dead or scattered. Truly, justice prevails!”

Mrs. Xiong patted her chest and smiled. “I really can relax now. Let me tell you, ever since we moved here, I’ve had nightmares about that old hag pulling my hair and cursing me. Even after waking, I couldn’t shake the fear.”

Pear Blossom quickly consoled her. “Now that she’s dead, you don’t need to be afraid anymore. Besides, all your children are grown and can protect you. Who in the village would dare trouble us now?”

Mrs. Xiong chuckled. “I’m not afraid anymore. I’m content now. My only wish is for this world to stay peaceful. All I want is a quiet life, to see you all settle down and have children. When I’m too old to work, I’ll help take care of your kids.”

At this, Pear Blossom hastily clarified, “Mother, we’ve agreed—don’t meddle in my marriage plans.”

Mrs. Xiong rolled her eyes. “Fine, fine, I won’t meddle in your affairs. But Daniu is already fourteen. In two years, we’ll find him a wife. When they have kids, you can’t stop me from helping with them.”

Pear Blossom laughed. “You’re still so young—not even forty. Why the rush? Look at you—your skin is smooth and radiant, without a single wrinkle or spot. Why blend in with the grannies at the village entrance? You clearly don’t belong with them.”

Mrs. Xiong touched her face and scolded jokingly, “You little liar! Look at the wrinkles by my eyes—”

But she stopped mid-sentence, realizing she couldn’t feel any roughness.

Pear Blossom giggled and dragged her to the water jar in the courtyard. “See for yourself!”

Mrs. Xiong thought her daughter was teasing, but she couldn’t resist taking a look. To her surprise, her reflection showed fewer wrinkles and no spots on her cheeks. She exclaimed, “How could this be?”

“Why? Back when we lived with the Xiangs, we were underfed, overworked, and exposed to the elements. How could you not age poorly? But since we separated, hasn’t every day been comfortable? We’ve had plenty to eat, and your mood has improved. Naturally, your wrinkles have faded!”

In Pear Blossom’s mind, the system scoffed coldly: “Nonsense. Your mother drank water mixed with a whole bowl of premium beauty-enhancing elixir. Of course, she looks better. Lucky for her she only drank a little. If the change had been too drastic, people would’ve called her a demon.”

Pear Blossom ignored it and continued chatting with Mrs. Xiong, saying, “Look, it’s not just you. Me, Xinghua, Daniel, Erniu—haven’t we all changed quite a bit?”

Mrs. Xiong took a good look at her daughter and was genuinely surprised. “I’ve been with you every day and didn’t even notice that you’ve changed so much. Oh my, it’s true! Our family actually has a beauty now.”

Lowering her voice, she confided to Pear Blossom, “Today, I sat with the other women, and they all said my skin looks tighter and fairer. I didn’t believe them at first, but now I think they weren’t lying.”

She leaned closer to the water jar to study her reflection, unable to suppress the smile at the corners of her mouth.

Pear Blossom chuckled to herself and took the opportunity to say, “Alright, Mother, I’m heading to Sister Dong’s house.”

Mrs. Xiong, fully engrossed in admiring her reflection, waved her off distractedly. “Go on, go on. Oh, there’s still some candy that Jin’er brought over yesterday. Take a handful for Fubao.”

Acknowledging her mother’s words, Pear Blossom entered the main room, opened a cabinet to grab some candy, and headed out the door.

When she arrived at the Zeng family’s home, Dong Yun and Fubao were having their meal. Mrs. Zeng had just left, likely after informing Dong Yun about the village’s decision regarding the Xiang family.

As soon as Fubao saw Pear Blossom, she dropped her chopsticks and ran straight into her arms.

Pear Blossom caught her steadily, smiling as she gently guided her back to her chair. “Eat your meal properly.”

She didn’t take out the candy, knowing that if the little one saw it, she wouldn’t eat her food.

Fubao obediently listened, sitting back down to finish her meal.

Dong Yun glanced up at Pear Blossom and asked, “Have you eaten?”

Pear Blossom nodded. “I have. Father and Mother spent half the day at the village head’s discussing the Xiang family’s situation. Dinner was cooked by Xinghua—not good, not bad. I ate a few bites just to fill up.”

Saying this, she walked around the table and pulled up a stool to sit on Dong Yun’s left.

Since they were already close, Dong Yun didn’t bother with formalities and continued eating.

Pear Blossom watched her, her gaze lingering, unwilling to look away. Dong Yun finally couldn’t take it anymore and lightly stepped on Pear Blossom’s foot under the table, signaling her to tone it down.

Pear Blossom winced softly in pain. When she noticed Fubao’s puzzled expression, she awkwardly looked around to cover it up.

Seeing her reaction, Dong Yun’s lips curled into a slight smile. She ignored her and went back to eating.

As the meal came to an end, Dong Yun habitually withdrew her left hand from the table and placed it on her abdomen. Just then, a warm arm brushed against hers, and a slightly rough hand grabbed her own, tightly clasping it.

Above the table, the girl remained composed.

Below the table, their palms pressed together.

Dong Yun’s heart skipped a beat, but she didn’t pull away. Her expression remained calm as she answered Fubao’s odd questions, yet her heartbeat involuntarily quickened.

She had once thought her heart had grown cold. But no matter how calm the surface of a lake appears, who could remain indifferent to the subtle flirtations of a lively young girl? What older sister wouldn’t be moved?