Since Madam Shi Zhang began accompanying them to the stall, only Shi Qingyue and Shi Qingran remained at home. The two of them bickered while doing chores, then naturally sat in the main hall chatting after lunch.
After the incident a few days ago, Shi Qingyue had felt inexplicably nervous every time he napped at midday, always fearing someone would knock on the door and put him on edge.
Only after several days of peace did he finally feel more at ease.
He got up to close the door and glanced outside. That one look nearly startled him—an unfamiliar but deeply memorable figure was walking toward them!
That person also saw him and waved enthusiastically. “Second Brother Shi!”
“Who is it?” Shi Qingran frowned upon hearing the voice. No girl in Qingluan Village would call him “Second Brother” like that.
“The Yuan family,” Shi Qingyue said. Just as he was about to close the door, Yuan Xiangxiang suddenly ran up.
He cursed under his breath and shut the door right in front of her.
Yuan Xiangxiang hadn’t expected to be turned away. She had specially dressed up in new clothes and even applied makeup. Shi Qingyue truly didn’t know how to appreciate her kindness!
But she didn’t dare say anything outright. Thinking he might have misunderstood her because of what happened earlier, she immediately put on a crying tone.
“Second Brother Shi, you must have misunderstood me. My mother was the one who was wrong a few days ago. I even defended my cousin and got beaten for it. I came today just to apologize!” Yuan Xiangxiang cried. “Can’t you forgive me? I never expected my cousin to sever ties with the family, but that has nothing to do with me!”
Shi Qingran listened with both anger and amusement, pointing outside through the door and whispering to Shi Qingyue, “How did she even cling her way over here? She isn’t afraid of lightning striking her for saying such things—she never treated Sister-in-law well before!”
“Don’t say things like that,” Shi Qingyue said, displeased. “Ignore her. Let her knock all she wants—it actually makes me feel more at ease.”
Shi Qingran stomped her foot in frustration but ultimately retreated back inside.
Shi Qingyue naturally ignored the commotion outside as well. He didn’t understand what that girl was thinking. At least she was a young lady, yet she had come alone to another village at midday when most people were resting. Not a sound could be heard except cicadas and birds.
If it were anyone else, he might have warned them. But since it was someone from the Yuan family, he felt no sympathy at all.
After a while, Shi Qingyue also returned to his room and rested.
Outside the door, Yuan Xiangxiang, unable to get any response, finally exploded in anger and kicked the wall, hurting her own foot in the process.
Seeing no one would come out, she cursed under her breath a few more times before limping away.
That afternoon.
Yuan Zhao and the others returned to the village. The sun was less harsh than at noon, and villagers who had nothing to do were gathered in shaded spots chatting. However, once they saw the trio, the conversations abruptly stopped.
This rarely happened since Yuan Zhao began working at the stall. He wondered what was different today.
But Yuan Zhao only smiled brightly and asked, “What are you all talking about? Tell me too! Mother, you all go on ahead!”
No matter what was being said, it had to be related to the Shi family. Since he was here himself, he figured he could get some answers.
Madam Shi took Yuan Yuan back home with her; asking A Yue and the others there would be the same.
Only after she had gone far did the other aunties lower their voices and say, “Zhao-ge’er, your mother’s younger sister came by today. We heard she knocked on the door for a long time—crying, apologizing, admitting fault the whole time!”
“It sounded really pitiful. She kept saying she was wrong. Did something happen?”
Though the aunties did enjoy a bit of gossip, it wasn’t that they disliked the Shi family. The village was so small—day in and day out, it was always the same things. When something new came up, people naturally wanted to talk about it.
After listening and chatting a bit more, Yuan Zhao said his goodbyes and left.
When he got home, Shi Qingyue was talking with Madam Shi. He had no idea what kind of madness Yuan Xiangxiang was up to—completely out of nowhere!
“A Yue, Ranran, you didn’t get hurt, right?” That was what Yuan Zhao was most worried about.
Even though he knew A Yue, a grown young man, wouldn’t easily be bullied by Yuan Xiangxiang, that girl was full of schemes—who knew if they might end up at a disadvantage.
“We’re fine. She just stood outside spouting a bunch of nonsense, pushing everything onto her mother. Like she doesn’t bear any fault at all?” Shi Qingyue clearly didn’t believe a word she said.
Only then did Yuan Zhao breathe a sigh of relief. “That’s good. They never stop making trouble—I was worried you might suffer for it.”
Madam Shi, however, let out a soft sigh. The Yuan family was probably eyeing A Yue, which was why Yuan Xiangxiang had come on her own. Only these kids were still too naive to see her intentions.
She wasn’t in a hurry to arrange marriages for them. If they could meet someone they truly liked, that would be best. But judging by A Yue, he clearly had no interest in such matters. If she brought it up rashly, it would only trouble him.
“I’ve caused you all trouble,” Yuan Zhao said awkwardly, feeling he had brought unnecessary problems to the Shi family.
“Sister-in-law, don’t say that. Isn’t family meant to help each other—and also trouble each other?” Shi Qingyue lifted his chin slightly.
The young man was tall and handsome. Though still somewhat immature, he occasionally said things that made perfect sense—like just now.
Madam Shi raised her brows and smiled. She had overthought things.
Yuan Zhao laughed and patted his shoulder, no longer dwelling on it.
By dusk, Shi Wuxiang returned, which meant he would be resting the next day. Since he would be home, Yuan Zhao didn’t feel like setting up his stall either.
“Then we’ll rest for a day,” Shi Wuxiang said. “And see if we can catch fish tomorrow. The restaurant’s business has been good lately—they’re in urgent need of fish.”
“Okay!” Yuan Zhao agreed happily.
The next day—
Yuan Zhao followed Shi Wuxiang to see Village Chief Niu and told him about it. Compared to catching fish themselves, it was naturally better to have the village organize it.
Village Chief Niu was delighted to hear the restaurant needed fish. The previous catches had all sold out, and he also wanted the villagers to earn some money.
“But can the restaurant take that much?” he asked curiously. With the reservoir there, catching fish wasn’t a problem—but if the restaurant couldn’t use that much, there was no need to mobilize the whole village.
He could just pick a few poorer households to fish and sell.
“The amount we sent before was used up in a day. Let’s just do it the same way as before,” Shi Wuxiang replied.
In the past, Xiangxiang Restaurant couldn’t have taken so much. But ever since the county magistrate had visited, the news had spread everywhere. Merchants and even people from other towns were coming to dine there—drawn by the magistrate’s visit.
That was the effect of influence. Those in high positions should conduct themselves properly, setting an example for others.
“Good! Then I’ll get people to cast the nets!” Village Chief Niu said happily.
The villagers weren’t destitute, but they weren’t well-off either. If they could earn a bit more, no family would have to struggle so much.
It wasn’t that they had never thought of selling fish before—it was just too time-consuming and labor-intensive, and they had no connections to sell them.
Now, with Shi Wuxiang working at Xiangxiang Restaurant, even they could benefit!
Once the village chief spread the word, every household contributed. The strong men went to help—those who didn’t send anyone wouldn’t get a share.
Soon, nearly the whole village gathered by the river. The women watched the children, while the young and strong went into the water to cast nets.
The riverbank was wide, and it took several people to haul in a net. They also had to be careful not to let hidden rocks or branches tear it, so everything moved slowly.
But after a day of casting nets, they would still catch plenty. Every family would get a share—at least some extra income.
Villagers came in small groups to thank them. Shi Wuxiang merely nodded calmly, with no desire for conversation.
“Uncle Niu, we’ll head back first,” he said.
“Alright, alright! You don’t need to worry about things here. We’ll have the fish sorted by tomorrow morning!” the village chief replied cheerfully.
Shi Wuxiang then left with Yuan Zhao, as if they had only taken a casual stroll. But even such a simple walk made Yuan Zhao happy.
Usually, he only saw Ah Xiang in the mornings and at night before bed. Even when he went to pick up the ox cart at the restaurant, they barely exchanged a few words.
So Shi Wuxiang’s day off was his favorite day—even more than market day.
“What are you staring at me for?” Shi Wuxiang frowned slightly, lifting a hand to wipe the sweat from Yuan Zhao’s temple. “Are you a child?”
“Aren’t you the one who treats me like a child?” Yuan Zhao shot back. “And when I want to act like an adult, don’t you forbid it too?”
Shi Wuxiang gave him a disapproving look. “What nonsense are you spouting now? You don’t put your mind on proper things. You’re young, yet you think too much.”
Yuan Zhao pouted. “Who treats their husband like a son and scolds him like this?”
“Have you no sense of propriety?” Shi Wuxiang clicked his tongue, sounding faintly impatient—but there was no real anger, only indulgence. “Try talking nonsense again.”
“Then what? You’ll beat me to death?” Yuan Zhao huffed and strode ahead, clearly intending to leave him behind.
Shi Wuxiang snorted and followed. He had to lay down some rules for Yuan Zhao—otherwise he’d keep acting up like this, making his hands itch to discipline him.
At first, Yuan Zhao walked normally, but soon he sensed the person behind him getting closer. A sense of unease crept in. He was only joking—he wouldn’t actually get hit, right?
He turned to glance at Shi Wuxiang, who gave him a faint smile.
That smile was anything but simple.
Yuan Zhao bolted like a startled rabbit.
Shi Wuxiang didn’t chase him—running around the village would look improper. He just followed at an unhurried distance, which was enough to make Yuan Zhao nervous.
“Mother!” Yuan Zhao rushed into the house.
“What’s wrong?” Madam Shi quickly stepped forward and shielded him.
“Ah Xiang wants to hit me!”
Madam Shi and the others: “…???”
“Nonsense,” Shi Wuxiang commented calmly as he walked in. “Do you spend your days smearing my name at home?”
Seeing him return, Yuan Zhao immediately edged closer again. “Who said that? Who smeared you? If anyone dared, I’d beat them up!”
“Who could you beat?” Shi Wuxiang looked him over—his thin arms and legs. “You can’t even beat that little girl Yaya from the village entrance.”
Yaya was five years old.
Yuan Zhao felt slighted, but there was nothing he could do. He shuffled off, refusing to speak to him.
The sun climbed higher, and the courtyard was soon blazing hot. They retreated into the main hall, yet the heat still rolled in waves.
The watermelon, chilled in well water, was sweet and refreshing—like biting into sugar.
“Wow! This one’s so sweet!”
“This melon really is good. Zhao-ge’er has a good eye.”
“Sister-in-law, you pick next time too—big brother’s choices aren’t as good as yours.”
Puffed up with pride, Yuan Zhao even nudged Shi Wuxiang with his elbow, looking every bit like a child.
Not just now—even a couple of years later, Shi Wuxiang still wouldn’t be able to see him as a partner.
The melon was indeed sweet. Once cut, it had to be eaten quickly—nothing lasted long in summer.
Time passed quickly in idle chatter, and before they knew it, the sun had set.
.
It was becoming clear the Yuan family could no longer control Yuan Zhao. Yuan Xiangxiang came repeatedly with homemade food, but was turned away every time. No matter how much she wanted to marry into the Shi family, she couldn’t endure such cold treatment.
“Mother! What should we do?” Yuan Xiangxiang whined. “I need to get married soon and earn money for you!”
Things at home had been bad lately. It was all Yuan Zhao’s fault for exposing her older brother’s affair—there had been days of arguments, and her brother didn’t even dare stay at home anymore. Afraid no one would take care of him in the future, he had become unusually obedient.
Yuan Gen had also learned to read the situation and was working more diligently.
Meanwhile, Yuan Xiangxiang—who could earn money for the family—was now the favored one.
“I’ll think of something,” Wang Xiaohua said anxiously. She had planned to squeeze some money out of Yuan Zhao, but now ties had been cut.
If they didn’t get money, they wouldn’t be able to send the eldest son to the academy next spring.
“I can’t even get into the Shi household, and people keep laughing at me. We need to get Yuan Zhao back to our house somehow—find something to control him with. But we don’t even know what he cares about!” Yuan Xiangxiang said angrily. “If I marry into the Shi family, I’ll take over that wrap stall myself!”
How to get a hold on Yuan Zhao?
The one Yuan Zhao cared about most was his younger brother. But Yuan Yuan usually followed him into town, so there was simply no chance to make a move!
Wang Xiaohua suddenly thought of something. “Husband, don’t we still have some of your elder brother’s things at home?”
“There are a few worn-out clothes and such,” Yuan Daguang said, glancing at her. “You think scraps like that can do anything? That kid’s ruthless!”
“If he doesn’t want to take back his parents’ belongings, then he’s unfilial!” Wang Xiaohua thought of Yuan Zhao’s expression that day and wished she could pin him to the ground and beat him senseless!
Yuan Xiangxiang lit up instantly. “Then when he comes back, we’ll call him over and make him buy his parents’ clothes with money! If he won’t pay, we’ll burn them all!”
“I think that’ll work!” Wang Xiaohua grinned smugly. She refused to believe Yuan Zhao would not care even about that!
That afternoon, Yuan Zhao had just returned home when he learned that the Yuan family had come looking for him again. A surge of dark anger rose within him. They had already severed ties, yet they still clung to him like leeches!
He did not want to endure it anymore. Gripping his firewood chopper, he stormed out. Since reasoning with them did not work, then he would try another way.
Along the road, everyone who saw him cautiously asked what had happened. He did not hide anything, openly recounting the Yuan family’s behavior. Soon, quite a few idle onlookers followed him toward Xiahe Village.
When Yuan Zhao reached the Yuan household and saw the door wide open, he swung his chopper straight at it. With force, he pried at it until a crack split through the door.
Stepping into the courtyard, he pointed the blade at the family. His actions were fierce, yet his voice remained calm and indifferent.
“Who was looking for me? I’m here. Say what you need to say.”
“Have you lost your mind?! Who told you to chop our door?!” Wang Xiaohua shrieked, then faltered as she saw the blade in his hand. “You heartless little beast…”
Her voice grew weaker, clearly intimidated.
A firewood chopper was sharper than a bone cleaver—if it struck someone, they would be crippled at best.
“You wanted me, right?” Yuan Zhao said. “Then speak plainly. We’ve already cut ties, yet you keep calling me back. What is it this time—trying to squeeze money out of me again? Or do you want me to expose something?”
As he spoke, he cast a subtle glance at Yuan Daguang. The latter stiffened immediately, a flicker of panic and guilt crossing his face.
“Yuan Zhao! Don’t go too far! Don’t you want to know about the things your parents left behind?” Yuan Xiangxiang blurted out in her eagerness for money, completely ignoring the many eyes watching.
With so many villagers present, it did not take much for them to piece things together. The Yuan family was stirring up trouble again to threaten Yuan Zhao—most likely for money, since everyone knew his business in town was thriving.
“My parents left silver and farmland. You’ve already taken all of it. What else could there be?” Yuan Zhao laughed lightly. “If there really were anything valuable, would you be thinking of returning it to me?”
The crowd quickly turned against the Yuan family.
“Daguang’s family, what are you even doing? You’ve already severed ties—why keep stirring things up?”
“If you want money, earn it yourselves! Why keep eyeing someone else?”
“What money do they even have? Their eldest son hides at home doing nothing. The only promising one already cut ties—no wonder they’re furious!”
Even the Xiahe villagers were fed up. Watching this drama day after day was exhausting.
Those from Qingluan Village were even more relentless, pointing at Yuan Daguang’s family and hurling insults.
Yuan Daguang grew visibly uneasy. After a moment, he forced a smile.
“Zhao-ge’er, this was your Aunt Xiaohua’s fault. Just pretend none of this happened and go back.”
“Yuan Daguang! What nonsense are you saying?!” Wang Xiaohua snapped. “Next year Jinbao is going to the academy—if he doesn’t give us money, where will it come from?!”
Then she turned back to Yuan Zhao. “Your parents left some good things. As long as you pay, we’ll give them to you.”
Yuan Zhao sneered, lifting the chopper slightly. “If they were really good things, you’d give them to me? Stop pretending. No money. If you want a life, take mine. Come on—I’ve had enough of you!”
No one dared step forward against a man waving a blade. The Yuan family, cowardly by nature, could only glare in anger.
“You little wretch! You really don’t want your parents’ keepsakes?!” Wang Xiaohua shouted. “Think carefully—those are relics! If you leave now, we’ll destroy them all! Then you’ll be an unfilial son!”
Relics?
Yuan Zhao could not help but laugh. No one knew better than him what his parents had left behind—at most, some scraps of old cloth and worn clothes.
To expect him to hand over silver for that? Did they think him a fool?
If his parents’ spirits truly existed, seeing him toil every day to earn a living only to be bound by such “relics,” they would probably climb out of their graves in anger.
This was not filial piety. This was stupidity.
“Do as you like,” Yuan Zhao said lightly. “All the valuables were already taken by you. You think scraps of cloth can exchange for my silver? Everyone in town has heard your schemes.”
Then his voice sharpened.
“If you want money, marry off your daughter! Back then you could trade me for money—why not do the same with her?”
He had intended to leave after speaking, but seeing their eyes still fixed on him, he decided not to keep their secrets anymore.
“I didn’t want to say this,” he continued, “but the more idle you are, the more trouble you cause…”
“Yuan Daguang has been fooling around with a married woman from another village. Didn’t you know? I saw them myself in the woods. He even threatened me to keep quiet. Those days he carried loads and took odd jobs? That was to buy things for her!”
The courtyard exploded.
“Bullshit!” Yuan Daguang roared, his face red with rage—only to be slapped hard by Wang Xiaohua.
She clawed at him, screaming curses. Deep down, she knew it was true—just like what had happened with Yuan Jinbao before.
The villagers were delighted. If they had known, they would have brought snacks to watch!
Yuan Xiangxiang hurried to call her brothers to break up the fight, but Wang Xiaohua refused to let go, wailing and rolling on the ground.
Naturally, Yuan Zhao was forgotten amid the chaos.
He chuckled to himself and quietly slipped away from the crowd, leaving the Yuan family in turmoil.
“Is everything okay, sister-in-law?”
“Brother!”
Yuan Zhao hugged Yuan Yuan, then patted Shi Qingyue on the back. “It’s fine. They’ve got plenty to deal with now. Let’s go home.”
After this, they would not dare trouble him again.