Chapter 11

Yun Shuang found it both funny and worrying. What was she supposed to do with these two little wildcards? Growing up in an environment like this, no wonder “boogers” had become part of their everyday vocabulary. She gently squeezed the little girl’s hand, signaling her to stop blurting things out. Then she turned to Liu Pei’er—still recovering from her flustered state—and said coolly, “Liu Pei’er, I’ve never had any personal grudge with you. I don’t intend to stir up trouble, but if you come bothering me and my children again…”

Her gaze suddenly darkened, a sharp edge flashing in her eyes that made Liu Pei’er shiver instinctively. “I won’t let you off easy. If you don’t believe me—go ahead and try.”

With that, she took both children by the hand and continued walking.

But Liu Pei’er wasn’t about to let it go. Clenching her fists, she turned and shouted through gritted teeth, “Yun Shuang, you probably don’t know—I’m about to get engaged to the son of a wealthy merchant from the city. Soon, I’ll be living a life of luxury! You? Even if men like you, it’s only because they’re drooling over your looks! You shamelessly chased after those garrison soldiers earlier—did any of them even respond? You’ll never be better than me!”

Who was even competing?

Yun Shuang couldn’t be bothered to glance back. She waved dismissively and said, “Great. I wish you well. But since you’re about to get engaged, maybe mind your personal hygiene—wouldn’t want your merchant fiancé to find anything unseemly, now would we?”

That woman—always hitting where it hurt most.

Liu Pei’er instantly recalled her earlier humiliation, slapped both hands over her nose, and turned green with fury. Helplessly, she could only watch as that woman walked further and further away, stomping her foot in frustration.

Once they were safely away from that madwoman, Yun Shuang looked down and began earnestly instructing her children—especially the sharp-tongued little girl. “Whatever she said just now—you two must never learn to speak like that. No matter what kind of environment we’re in, we must always be dignified and polite.”

“Mm!” The little girl nodded seriously. “Mother, even if Erya gets mad, I’ll always scold people in a dignified and polite way. So don’t worry!”

Yun Shuang: “…”

Did this girl even understand what “dignified and polite” meant? Then again, in her own way, she wasn’t wrong either.

Goudan was even more aloof. With a snort, he turned his head away. “I’d never do something so boring and pointless like picking fights for no reason.”

Yun Shuang: “…”

At last, she just smiled faintly. Well, at least she didn’t have to worry about her kids getting bullied.

After that, the three of them spent the whole day searching—but managed to catch only two fish no bigger than an adult’s palm, and gather half a basket of mushrooms.

Most villagers lived modest lives, and many people foraged in the forest for food, just as they did. Others had long taken the best finds—what was left for them?

Besides, though Yun Shuang had excellent domestic skills, she lacked survival experience. Her predecessor hadn’t been any better. In the end, most of the food had actually been found by Goudan.

Just as Yun Shuang was beginning to feel a bit embarrassed, they stumbled upon a few chestnut trees deeper in the woods. However, most of the chestnuts hadn’t even split open yet—they clearly weren’t ripe.

This was the north, and the weather was cooler. Chestnuts ripened later here. That likely explained why the trees were still untouched.

Delighted, Yun Shuang rushed forward. She loved chestnuts—back when her parents were still together, they had a chestnut tree in their courtyard. Every year, they’d take her to visit and personally pick chestnuts for her to eat.

Once under the tree, she looked around, spotted a decently thick branch, and began knocking at the chestnuts.

Goudan quickly ran over. “Mother, those aren’t ripe yet…”

“It’s okay. You can eat unripe ones too—they’re just harder to open.”

Yun Shuang beamed as she gave instructions to Goudan and Erya. “I’ll knock the chestnuts down. You two pick them up and put them in the basket. Be careful—the husks are covered in sharp spines. Wrap your hands with cloth or use a large leaf to shield them so you don’t get hurt.”

Unripe chestnuts had a different texture from ripe ones—they were crisp and sweet. When Yun Shuang was a child, she loved them.

Goudan looked at her, puzzled. He’d never heard of anyone eating unripe chestnuts. But his mother was already cheerfully knocking down heaps of them, so he and Erya had no choice but to rush forward and start gathering.

No matter what—food mustn’t be wasted!

That was Goudan’s most steadfast belief.

After filling about half a basket, Yun Shuang finally stopped and said with a smile, “Alright, that’ll do. Let’s head back. We’ll come again in a few days when the chestnuts are fully ripe.”

Unripe chestnuts only had a slight crack at the top—some had no split at all. They looked just like tiny, bristly hedgehogs. Getting them open to retrieve the nut inside would be quite the chore. Even this half-basket would keep her busy for ages.

On the way back, Yun Shuang stumbled across a small grove of hawthorn trees. Their fruits, known for being incredibly sour, weren’t very popular. According to her predecessor’s memories, although candied hawthorn skewers were already a thing, that style of snacking hadn’t yet spread widely—only popular around Da Qi’s capital, Mingjing, and hadn’t reached border regions like Xiazhou.

Thrilled by the discovery, Yun Shuang rallied the kids again to pick an entire basket of hawthorn.

Goudan grumbled as he helped. Birds didn’t even like these sour, puckery fruits—what was the point? But he didn’t complain aloud. He simply followed his mother’s instructions in silence. She was finally showing some enthusiasm toward practical work. He wasn’t about to dampen that spark.

By the time they returned home, all three of them were loaded up with bounty.

Just as Yun Shuang rolled up her sleeves, ready to cook a hearty dinner, Erya came dashing in, eyes wide and gleeful. “Mother! Mother! That uncle who looks like a fox came by this morning!”

An uncle who looked like a fox? Must be that sly fellow who always trailed behind General Jiang—a man who reeked of mischief.

Yun Shuang grumbled inwardly but perked up at the thought that he might be here to deliver her silver. Her heart soared. She quickly put down her things and hurried outside.

And there he was—Goudan stood guard at the center of the doorway, small in stature but radiating the aura of a tiny warrior holding the line alone. His head was lifted high, facing off with the armored soldier at the door.

The man’s lips twitched into a somewhat strained smile. Seeing Yun Shuang finally appear, he practically sighed in relief. “Miss Yun, I was sent to deliver your reward.”

Seriously, could someone ask this kid to stop staring at him like he was a pickpocket? Still, the boy’s sharp gaze was impressive for his age. Once he grew up and joined the army, he’d be a promising recruit. He was even considered for pre-enlisting in his own unit.

So it was about the silver!

Yun Shuang’s eyes twinkled with delight. She approached and said warmly, “Thank you, kind sir. I’m in the middle of preparing dinner, so please forgive the lack of proper hospitality.”

As she spoke, her right hand earnestly reached out.