Chapter 68 - 68: I Want to Eat My Fill

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

“They are like locusts in the rice fields. You must be cruel to get rid of them. I’ve invested all the money I earned in the past four years to break free from them. Now, I rely on my wife to support us. They are just too greedy, not only coveting the money you earn but also constantly exploiting you and your family. If it continues, you’ll only be worn down and die prematurely.”

Yuan Jiawang listened, his face turning pale. He began to cry in distress.

“Parents always use filial piety to oppress us. We have no other choice.”

“Big Brother, once it leaves this door, I will deny everything I said today. In the worst case, four of you can disguise yourselves as thieves at night and break their arms and legs. Otherwise, you’ll have no way out in your lifetime.”

“We, we can’t do that.”

“If they don’t die, you’ll be trapped in misery forever. Maybe they’ll outlive you.”

Yuan Jiawang’s lips trembled as he asked, “Why didn’t you do this before?”

“Because you never stood by my side. When they tormented me, you were on the sidelines laughing and never helped me. Why should I take the risks alone and let you all reap the benefits?”

“I’m sorry, Fifth Brother.”

“If you don’t have this kind of determination, then go back. In any case, you all must stay united and stop being blindly obedient. You have to be assertive. I won’t say much more. I think Big Brother should understand.”

“Brother, do you have any food here? I’m hungry.” Yuan Jiawang’s stomach growled.

Yuan Jiaqi went to the kitchen and brought a basket of steamed buns. “Take these back for them to eat. Don’t be too obvious about it. Hide the steamed buns and call your family out to eat them. After they’re done eating, you can go home. Otherwise, you can’t even keep this basket of steamed buns.”

“Thank you, brother. I’m sorry for what I did before.”

“It’s okay. I won’t hold onto the past. Don’t look for me anymore from now on. I’m someone else’s live-in husband, dependent on my wife for everything, even the children. I can’t speak up at home.”

“Then I’ll leave.”

Yuan Jiaqi saw him off and took a deep breath. He went to Qiao Mai’s room.

“Can I come in?”

“Sure.”

He lifted the cotton curtain and entered the house. Seeing Qiao Mai playing with Ling’er, he recounted what had happened.

“Are you here to tell me that you took a basket of steamed buns for him?” “Yes, after all, I’m your live-in husband now.”

“We’re business partners, not truly married. You don’t need to be so serious. In the future, you don’t need to inform me of such trivial matters. Just make sure you don’t empty my house.”

“Madam Qiao, I…”

“Alright, do what you need to do. As long as you have boundaries, you don’t need to tell me about everything.”

Unspoken words were buried in his heart. Yuan Jiaqi left, feeling uncomfortable.

Qiao Mai was too kind; he didn’t know what else to say.

He did not know that Qiao Mai was only pretending. She’s playing the role of a gentle and virtuous woman now.

He hadn’t seen her ruthlessness, her venom, her cruelty.

Qiao Mai played the role of a good woman, mother, and wife.

The next day, someone from Lihua Village’s Qiao family came. It was nearing the Lunar New Year, so they came to see if they could get any benefits from her.

Upon hearing Yuan Jiaqi saying that her family was looking for her, Qiao Mai couldn’t help but laugh. The Qiao family had thick skin.

Since the autumn harvest, apart from the grain they paid as taxes, there should still be enough food to last through the winter. Do they not do any work?

Holding Ling’er, Qiao Mai approached the door, and her anger flared up even more when she saw the visitor.

“The shameless people in the family didn’t dare to come but send a child instead? Do you think I won’t dare to take action? Get out!”

“Aunt?”

“Are you leaving or not?”

“Grandpa and Grandma said if I can’t get anything from you, I won’t be allowed back home. Please have mercy on me.”

“Let me tell you, there’s a dental clinic on the main road. Go there and tell them you’re selling yourself. Let them help you find a good family to be a maid for. It’s better to be a maid in a wealthy household than stay in the Qiao family. Do you dare to go?” “Really?”

“Believe me or not.”

“Where exactly is it?”

“It’s right across from my stall. You came before.”

“Okay, I’ll go. I don’t want to be scolded and beaten by my grandparents. I want to have enough to eat.”

Qiao Mai handed her a big bun.

“Take it and eat. After you’re full, go to the dental clinic. Remember, don’t go back to the Qiao family. Sell yourself and keep the money in your hands. Let them find a good family for you.”

“Okay.”

Watching the young girl from the Qiao family, Qiao Mai gritted her teeth. Since they wouldn’t let her go and kept causing her trouble, she would do something mischievous. She hoped the girl would be lucky enough to escape them by selling herself.

As she returned to the house, Qiao Mai saw Yuan Jiaqi looking at her with a familiar expression as if he saw a like-minded individual.

“Did you hear it?”

“Yes, you’re right. Being a maid in someone else’s house is better than staying with them.”

“Tomorrow, I’ll deliver goods to the Capital. You stay home and take care of the kids. Do not open the door unless it is Shopkeeper Lu. Your frail body won’t be able to handle them.”

“Don’t worry. As long as I’m here, I won’t let them step inside our house. I’ll protect our family at all costs.”

“That’s good.’

“What about Ling’er?”

“I’ll take Ling’er with me. You look after the others.”

“It’s so cold out there. Can you take Ling’er with you?”

“Of course. Don’t underestimate me just because I’m a woman who’s shorter and thinner than you. I’m not afraid.”

“I believe you. You seem quite skilled in martial arts from teaching the kids.”

“You should also learn some self-defense techniques. People are unpredictable, especially when you’re away from home. Be cautious when offered drinks or food by others.”

“Okay, I understand.”

Qiao Mai took Ling’er and put her on the bed, coaxing her to sleep.

This scene was heartwarming to Yuan Jiaqi. The kind of wife he had dreamed of was this gentle and capable.

Seeing that he hadn’t left yet, Qiao Mai asked, “Anything else?”

Yuan Jiaqi blushed and quickly lowered his head.

“No, nothing. Since you’re leaving tomorrow, I’ll make sure the horse carriage is prepared. The weather is cold, so I’ll modify it with some blankets to keep the horse warm. Should I tie them around the horse’s belly?”

Qiao Mai’s eyes lit up. “That’s a good idea.”

Yuan Jiaqi returned to his room, took an old blanket, and modified it into a winter coat for Dong Zao.

He sewed cloth strips on it and brought it to the stable, fitting it around Dong Zao’s belly with ropes. Dong Zao felt comfortable and nudged him.

The two dogs had been with them for about a month. They had grown twice their original size, and the children had given them names – Wu Zhui and Sai Xue.

Most of their joy came from playing with these two dogs. They would run around the courtyard, play hide and seek, and even give them the meat they hesitated to eat.

The dogs also loved the children. They treated them as friends and siblings.

But whenever they saw Qiao Mai, they considered her their owner and became obedient.

Whenever Qiao Mai was outside, they would guard the door and run to greet her when they heard her footsteps.

Qiao Mai would pat their heads and encourage them before they returned to their kennel.

The next day, Qiao Mai carried Ling’er and prepared to leave after breakfast. Yuan Jiaqi had cleaned the horse carriage early in the morning and prepared a charcoal brazier inside it. He had also brought Dong Zao over and harnessed the horse to the carriage.

Qiao Mai held Ling’er in her arms, covered with a cloak to shield against the cold. She sat at the front of the carriage, urging the horse forward as they left their home.

Yuan Jiaqi wanted to accompany her, but Qiao Mai had instructed otherwise. He couldn’t insist on going with her.

On the main road, there was no sign of any other carriages. Seeing this, Qiao Mai sent Ling’er into the space.

She took off her outer clothes and let Ling’er crawl and play on the floor.

Upon entering the Capital, Qiao Mai parked the carriage by the roadside. She entered the space and moved all the prepared items to the carriage compartment.

There were ten boxes, each wrapped in blankets…