Chapter 2

“For the deceased’s funeral, doing things hastily and carelessly is not acceptable, but Zhu Liu’s funeral is an exception.

Zhu Liu had poor relationships with people, even within his own clan. No one in the family lamented his death. Friends like Zhu Jiu were only interested in the food and drinks at the funeral and didn’t genuinely offer help. Zhu Liu was known for indulging in alcohol, so his accidental death hanging from a tree branch at night seemed unsurprising. Even the widows in the clan applauded.

Zhang Xiangu felt uneasy, and no one in the Zhu family criticized her. No one bothered to question the funeral songs she hummed.

In rural families, there’s no need for elaborate funerals. Zhu Liu’s parents were long gone, leaving little money. The elders in the clan took charge, using the funds for a simple funeral. Wrapped in his old clothes and placed in a translucent coffin hastily assembled by the clan, Zhu Liu was buried, and the family took advantage of the occasion for feasting.

After humming, Zhang Xiangu adjusted her dishevelled hair, confronted Zhu Jiu against the wall, and sneered, ‘You’re quite something! ‘

Though Zhu Jiu suspected foul play in his brother’s death, he forced a smile: ‘Xiangu, Xiangu, let bygones be bygones! ‘

‘Hmph! You’re lucky I’m not holding you accountable; otherwise, you’d be dead too! ‘ Zhang Xiangu scared him a bit and continued, ‘I have a question for you. Swear an oath, tell any lie, and you’ll end up like this dead guy here!’

Zhu Jiu’s face turned uglier. ‘Alright, Xiangu, ask your question. I won’t dare to withhold any information.’

Zhang Xiangu asked, ‘Zhu Liu claimed our family head is involved in some major crime. Who taught him this nonsense? Our family head is innocent. Who cursed him? Tell me, and I’ll only hold that person accountable, not you! ‘

Zhu Jiu sighed in relief, ‘It was just my brother scaring you. He wanted to gain…'”

“Phew!” Zhang Xiangu spat and said, “Go away!”

Zhu Jiu, feeling relieved, rushed to the banquet and had three cups to calm himself. However, Zhang Xiangu became increasingly uneasy, even though Zhu Liu was an untrustworthy person.

As usual, helping in the kitchen or being a priestess could get more food and drinks, so Zhang Xiangu didn’t argue much. She carefully packed the few hundred yuan given by the Zhu family, pulled Lao San to a secluded place, and said, “Let’s go have our meal separately, not with them.” Her mind was occupied with thoughts of her husband, and she wanted to send Zhu Ying to the city to gather information, using the money as expenses.

Zhu Ying nodded. “I’ve been to the city a couple of times with Dad. I know the way to the temple fair, and I know a few monks and Taoists. I’ll go. Eating in the city won’t cost much; thirty or forty yuan is enough.”

As the mother and daughter whispered, the scene suddenly quieted down. People at the banquet stopped eating, and when they turned to look, two women were approaching. Zhang Xiangu patted Lao San’s arm, greeted the leading elegant woman named Wenjing, and said, “Young lady, may you be blessed and safe.”

Zhu Yingrecognized the young lady as Hua Jie. He nodded, and Hua Jie also gave a nod. With a hint of sorrow, she said to Zhang Xiangu, “Greetings, Xiangu. I have a favour to ask; please come to our house.”

The banquet stirred with whispers. Zhang Xiangu, however, agreed without hesitation, “Sure!”

Hua Jie instructed someone behind her, “Little one, help Xiangu pack her things and go to our house.”

The young girl, with her hair in a small bun, came forward as a servant. She helped Zhang Xiangu pack a set of bells and drums into a bundle, and they slowly walked towards Zhu’s big house.

As they left, rumors erupted at the funeral banquet. People whispered, “Looks like something’s not right with the young master/nephew/uncle in the big house. Otherwise, they wouldn’t seek a doctor; they’d ask a fortune-teller.” Women sighed, “The mistress has had a tough life, losing her husband when young; now her son…” Some even commented, “I think Hua Jie is lucky; she can control men!”

All these words didn’t reach the ears of those departing. Hua Jie and her group had their concerns as they silently walked to the big house.

The “big house” was one of the best residences in the village, made of bricks, with three courtyards and only a few legitimate masters, but there were two or three servants. It truly lived up to its name!

The mistress of the big house was naturally the lady of the house, who became a widow at a young age. Fortunately, she had a son, and later, she adopted a daughter-in-law, Hua Jie, who had been helping since childhood. Just a few months after settling the son and daughter-in-law into their new life, the son fell ill and left without giving her a grandson.

More than three or four doctors from the county town couldn’t find a cure. Now, by inviting Zhang Xiangu, they were perhaps trying one last desperate attempt.

Zhang Xiangu had her own thoughts, considering the situation carefully.

It’s not easy to deceive the past; the widow, having lost her son, fears the lady might vent her anger on her. The lady, from a respectable family, maintains this household due to her influential maternal family involvement in county affairs. It’s challenging to offend them!

Inside, Hua Jie personally closes the door and instructs the maid, “Place the fairy’s artefacts properly, wash your hands, boil water, and prepare tea for the fairy.”

After the maid agrees, Hua Jie turns to Zhang Xiangu and says, “Xiangu, please come inside,” leading the mother and daughter to the farthest room in the east wing.

Upon entering, Zhang Xiangu sees no one else but the lady of the house and someone lying on the bed, covered with a white veil.

The lady nods to Hua Jie, who closes the door, isolating the five individuals from the outside world. Seeing this, Zhang Xiangu becomes uneasy, suspecting the person on the bed might be dead. Encountering two corpses in a day is unsettling for her.

The third child, also on edge, places his hand on the short knife at his waist.

The lady rises slowly, saying, “Xiangu, this child was nurtured with your talismanic water. Since he has departed, I must trouble you once again.”

Zhang Xiangu stammers, “Lady, I can’t handle this…”

The lady walks towards Zhang Xiangu, who instinctively steps back. However, the lady merely takes Zhang Xiangu’s hand and says, “I Hua Jie has been raised in my household since childhood, like my own daughter. Now, I’m willing to make a contract, offering this daughter and our family’s legacy to your third son as a son-in-law. After giving birth, as long as the first son is surnamed Zhu, securing my son’s lineage, the rest is up to you. I’m willing to stake my old bones to raise my grandson!”

A bombshell drops on Zhang Xiangu’s head. She quickly declines, “This can’t be! We are not of the same social status. You are from a different class. To choose a son-in-law, there are plenty of suitable candidates. We can’t possibly marry him to a child…”

The lady speaks slowly, “Don’t pretend not to understand. The two of us widows are unemployed. If we don’t marry a man, we’ll be devoured by them. Marrying someone from their family is like sending a sheep into a tiger’s den. We must choose someone from outside. I’m willing to share more of our family’s assets with them, leaving enough for us to live on. It’s better than being here with no land or resources. I would rather give my daughter to your third son than let those who plot against me have their way. What do you say?”

What else could Zhang Xiangu say?

She shakes her head. “I dare not, I dare not! And… he is just a girl! How can he take another wife? Even if he does, how can Hua Jie bear his child?”

Zhang Xiangu raising Lao San as a boy was initially out of necessity. When the lady asked about the efficacy of her talismanic water, Zhang Xiangu, pregnant with Zhu Ying at the time, swore that it was effective, ensuring the child would be a son. In poverty and unable to afford a daughter, Zhang Xiangu lied to her husband, claiming that the child was a boy. When the husband found out later, the eldest son had unfortunately passed away, leaving them with no choice but to accept the daughter as a son and teach her some mystical skills.

She always refers to her daughter as “Third Son” and never dares to use terms like “Third Sister” or “Third Lady” to avoid slipping up. Now, twelve years have passed, and there’s no reason to change it.

Zhang Xiangu secretly laments in her heart.

However, the lady continues, “Xiangu, please forgive me. I know the fate of widows without employment. Not only can’t they preserve their family legacy, but their lives are also at stake! I’m currently fighting for my life!”

Zhang Xiangu hastily says, “We won’t reveal a single word. We only hope…”

The lady shakes her head, “Xiangu already knows the situation in this room. There’s no reason for Xiangu to stand by and watch. Once Xiangu agrees, we become relatives. Third Son becomes my son, and I will arrange everything for him. He won’t need to worry about anything, no more hardships. If he wants to study, he can study without eavesdropping by the window. I’ll hire a teacher for him. I’ve sent a letter to my nephew to come and serve as a witness, ensuring Third Son won’t be wronged. If you don’t agree… my son might end up being cursed by Xiangu. Do they believe in me or in Xiangu? Would they prefer to eat us, mother and daughter, and casually step on Xiangu while they’re at it? As a compromise, I’ll take the child to the county town to rely on my maternal family, abandoning the family legacy here. They probably won’t pursue us, but then Xiangu will become their target. Even in death, I want to drag someone down with me. If things don’t go smoothly, I also want to make those who made me unhappy suffer. What does Xiangu think?”

Zhang Xiangu listens in shock.