Chapter 86-90

Chapter 86: A Glimmer of Hope

After a bustling morning in the kitchen, Madam Luo stood back and admired the bowl of ice jelly, now exquisitely decorated to be as appetizing as possible. Satisfied with its presentation, she hurriedly turned to the little maidservant standing nearby.

"Be careful," she cautioned, her voice firm but anxious. "Don't spill it, and don't knock it over."

She repeated her instructions twice more, as if fearing that a single reminder was not enough. If the ice jelly was spilled, there would be no second helping, and the old madam would be left disappointed.

The little maidservant, her ears callused from the repeated warnings, felt a mix of irritation and bewilderment. Madam Luo was not usually so fussy——why was she acting this way today? Still, given how much importance Madam Luo attached to this particular dish, the maid did not dare take any chances. With careful, deliberate steps, she carried the bowl toward the old lady’s chambers.

Back in the kitchen, Madam Luo and Madam Wang had lost all interest in their usual work. Instead, they paced in circles, their gazes flickering toward the doorway every few seconds, waiting for news.

"What if the old madam doesn’t like it?" Madam Wang muttered, wringing her hands.

"That would be a disaster," Madam Luo agreed, her face drawn with worry.

If the ice jelly failed to impress, their reputations as cooks would be ruined. Perhaps they would even be dismissed from their posts. But if the old madam liked it too much——well, that might also spell trouble.

Madam Luo bit her lip. "If the old madam enjoys it immensely, we will have to learn how to make it ourselves, or else we’ll still be at risk of being replaced."

Madam Wang sighed. "At least in that case, we’ll have some hope."

Although neither of them liked the idea of being outdone by simple farmers, they still found themselves wishing——against their pride——that the old madam would take a liking to the dish.

Before long, Miss Biyun appeared at the kitchen entrance. She was flanked by two young maidservants, each carrying a tray. One held an empty crystal bowl, its polished surface glistening except for a few residual sugar stains at the bottom. The other tray carried two small coins.

"The old madam found the ice jelly very appetizing today," Miss Biyun announced. "She said the kitchen has finally prepared something truly delicious. These are her rewards for the two of you."

Madam Luo and Madam Wang exchanged a glance, their tension melting into relief. They hurriedly accepted the coins, bowing as they murmured their thanks.

Before leaving, Miss Biyun added, "You should prepare more ice jelly for tomorrow. The old madam wants it for her meal."

"Yes, yes, of course!" They answered in unison, their earlier fears replaced with a new kind of urgency.

As soon as Miss Biyun departed, they rushed to find Jin Bao and instructed him to locate He Shunzi, the only person they knew who could help them master the art of making ice jelly.

Meanwhile, Xia Mingyue, now free at noon thanks to hiring Sister Zhou, decided to take the opportunity to visit Aunt Han. She packed a small assortment of treats——ice jelly, liangpi, and the cold noodles that Aunt Han had previously enjoyed. Remembering Wu Xiong’s sizable appetite, she also included extra portions and a few meat pancakes.

Aunt Han was delighted to see Xia Mingyue. She set about preparing refreshments at once, pouring fragrant tea, slicing juicy watermelon, and bringing out the peaches that Wu Xiong had bought the day before. "No need to be polite," she said warmly. "Eat as much as you like."

Xia Mingyue bit into a ripe peach, its sweetness bursting on her tongue. "This peach is delicious," she praised. "And the watermelon is incredibly sweet, too."

Aunt Han beamed. "If you like them, I'll have Wu Xiong send you two baskets."

Xia Mingyue waved her hands in protest. "Just a couple of peaches will do. The weather is too hot——if I can’t finish them quickly, they’ll spoil. That would be such a waste."

Aunt Han chuckled. "Not to worry. I'll have Wu Xiong bring ice with them. If you store the fruits on ice, they’ll keep fresh for several days."

At these words, Xia Mingyue finally noticed two large buckets of ice tucked into the corners of the room. No wonder the house felt so refreshingly cool upon her arrival——she had initially assumed it was the shade from the large tung tree outside.

In this town, ice was a luxury. It was harvested in the winter and stored in special ice cellars, a process that required years of preparation. Only the wealthy or particularly resourceful could afford to keep ice through the summer.

She smiled knowingly. "Brother Wu must have gone through a lot of trouble to get this ice for you."

Aunt Han patted the back of Xia Mingyue’s hand. "Since he gave it to me, it’s mine to share. You don’t need to be so formal with me."

Seeing that further refusal would be pointless, Xia Mingyue graciously accepted and changed the topic.

When noon arrived, she helped Aunt Han prepare lunch.

The liangpi, pancakes, and cold noodles she had brought served as staple foods, but she also whipped up a dish of smashed cucumbers and a light Chinese cabbage and tofu soup. The cucumbers were crisp and refreshing, the cabbage fresh and juicy, and the tofu, cut into delicate pieces, added a silky texture to the broth.

After the meal, they shared a bowl of ice jelly. Aunt Han sighed contentedly. "Now this——this is a real day of leisure."

By the time Wu Xiong returned home, his mother was in such a good mood that, for the first time, she did not scold him upon his arrival. He was so pleased by this unexpected turn of events that he didn’t hesitate when she instructed him to deliver watermelons, peaches, and ice to Xia Mingyue’s home.

Since there were so many items, Wu Xiong called two of his younger brothers to help. As they made their way toward Xia Mingyue’s house, he let out a satisfied sigh. "Mother was so happy just because Madam Xia visited once. I’ll have to find a way to get her to come twice as often."

His younger brother, carrying a basket of peaches, suddenly chuckled. "Brother Xiong, I think you're missing the point."

Wu Xiong frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I think Mother is happy not just because Madam Xia came, but because she’s a gentle and virtuous woman. If you married someone like her, Mother would be happy all the time. There’d be no need to keep inviting Madam Xia over."

Wu Xiong stopped in his tracks, momentarily stunned. His younger brother grinned and clapped him on the shoulder. "Brother, don’t you think it’s time you found yourself a wife?"

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Chapter 87: Ice Porridge

Wu Xiong knew the truth.

He was already at the age where marriage was expected, but was he unmarried because he didn’t want to be? No, it was simply because he had yet to find someone he liked——and those he did find appealing did not reciprocate his feelings.

This was not a pleasant topic for him. A brief silence fell over the group before Wu Xiong cleared his throat and said, "Enough of that. Hurry up, or the ice will melt if you keep dawdling!"

His younger brother quickened his pace but couldn't help feeling a little aggrieved. He hadn’t said anything wrong, after all.

When they finally delivered the watermelons, peaches, and ice to Xia Mingyue’s home, she was stunned. She had expected Aunt Han to keep her word and send a little something, but she had not anticipated this much. Wu Xiong had truly gone overboard.

Two large baskets of watermelons, each holding nearly ten, a heavy basket of peaches weighing at least twenty kilograms, and two entire carts filled with ice.

“This is far too much,” Xia Mingyue exclaimed, trying to persuade Wu Xiong to take some of it back.

“I still think it’s not enough,” Wu Xiong responded with a grin. He tried to maintain the smile he had been practicing, attempting to appear more approachable. “Madam Xia, just let me know when you run out, and I’ll bring more.”

As he spoke, his gaze flickered toward Jiang Zhuguo, who was sorting the fruits nearby. For the first time, Jiang Zhuguo did not flinch under Wu Xiong’s scrutiny.

Wu Xiong’s heart swelled with pride. His efforts were paying off! Encouraged, his grin widened further.

With his full beard and that earnest, slightly forced smile, he almost exuded a simple and honest charm.

Xia Mingyue chuckled at his expression. “This is already plenty, Brother Wu. Any more, and I won’t even have space to store it.”

“Alright, then I’ll listen to Madam Xia,” Wu Xiong conceded. “I’ll bring other things next time instead.”

Once everything was placed properly, Wu Xiong and his men departed, not lingering long.

Xia Mingyue, however, was left contemplating how to make use of the sudden abundance of fruit and ice. She sliced open a watermelon and washed a few peaches, sharing them with the Zhao family.

The watermelon was sweet and refreshing, and the peaches were so juicy that the nectar dribbled down their hands and cheeks with each bite. After fetching water to wash up, Xia Mingyue decided to experiment. She peeled and pitted the peaches, mashed them into a puree, and combined it with rice milk to create a peach-flavored mixture. Following the process for making cold shrimp, she successfully crafted peach-flavored cold shrimp.

The chewy, refreshing texture of the cold shrimp paired beautifully with the sweetness of brown sugar syrup. Now, with the addition of fragrant peach pulp, the flavor took on an entirely new dimension.

With so much ice at her disposal, Xia Mingyue thought of another way to beat the heat——ice porridge.

She took a knife and finely crushed the ice into small, crystalline flakes. Then she drizzled glutinous syrup over it, added cubes of watermelon and peach slices, tossed in some chewy cold shrimp, and topped it with a scoop of icy jelly.

The first spoonful sent a wave of coolness straight to the stomach, spreading a refreshing chill through the body. By the second and third bites, the sensation intensified, sweeping away every trace of summer heat. A deep sigh of satisfaction escaped them.

“This is the best way to stay cool in the summer,” Jiang Zhuguo said, savoring each bite.

“It’s a shame I don’t have the skill to shape the ice into a proper bowl,” Xia Mingyue mused. “If I could chisel it into a dish and fill it with soup and cream, garnishing it with fresh fruit, we’d have something truly exquisite.”

She smiled. “For now, using a regular bowl will have to do. But if we add candied beans or other toppings, it’ll taste even better.”

“This is already amazing,” Sister Lu said, her mouth full of ice porridge. “I can’t imagine how it could get any better.”

Zhao Dahu, Zhao Erhu, and even Zhou, who had just finished her work, all nodded in agreement.

This year, they had eaten more delicious foods than ever before thanks to Xia Mingyue. They were more than content.

And contentment, after all, was the key to happiness.

Their laughter filled the room——until the sound of voices came from outside.

“Is Madam Xia at home?”

Jiang Zhuguo hurried to the door and peeked outside. Recognizing the visitor, she called back inside, “Sister Xia, it’s Brother He.”

Xia Mingyue was surprised. “Brother He? At this hour?”

It was already dark, and even Sister Zhou had finished her work and was preparing to go home. Why had He Shunzi come so late?

When He Shunzi stepped inside, he hesitated, rubbing the back of his head. “I don’t quite know how to explain this,” he admitted. “Didn’t I mention before that I found work delivering fresh vegetables and eggs to a farm? Sometimes I also deliver live chickens and ducks.”

Xia Mingyue nodded.

“Well, the pay is good, so I take the job seriously. Whenever I get something rare from you, I bring a little to the farm’s steward, the kitchen, and some of the steward’s servants, just to maintain a good relationship.”

He let out a sigh. “This morning, I brought them some of the ice jelly I got from you. I thought nothing of it, but this afternoon, a kitchen servant came looking for me, asking for the recipe.”

Xia Mingyue raised an eyebrow. “They asked for the recipe?”

He Shunzi nodded. “I was confused at first. I told them that making ice jelly isn’t easy, and the ingredients aren’t something you just find lying around. Plus, the method isn’t common knowledge. But then, they asked if I could bring some every day instead.”

He frowned. “I didn’t want to risk my job by refusing outright, so I came straight to you. Madam Xia, could you set aside some ice jelly for me each day? I’ll also help you find more of those small lantern fruits in return. And, of course, I’ll pay you.”

As he spoke, he pulled out a purse filled with silver.

Xia Mingyue considered it. “Brother He, if you can help me gather more of those fruits, I won’t need payment.”

She had enough false nightshade fruits to make plenty of ice jelly, and since He Shunzi wasn’t asking for an excessive amount, it wouldn’t be much trouble.

He Shunzi hesitated. “But this silver is from the manor. If I take everything and give nothing in return, they’ll get suspicious.” Lowering his voice, he added, “Besides, I have a feeling the mistress of the manor tasted the ice jelly herself. The kitchen must be scrambling to make it but doesn’t dare admit they don’t know how. That’s why they’re asking me to bring it instead.”

Xia Mingyue’s expression turned thoughtful. If the manor’s mistress had indeed taken an interest, things might become complicated.

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Chapter 88: God of Wealth

"They wanted to save face in front of their master, so they were willing to spend money. Since this ice jelly was bought from Madam Xia, they should pay for it."

He Shunzi shared all his speculations with Xia Mingyue and even persuaded her to accept the money.

Xia Mingyue listened carefully and quickly grasped the intricacies of the situation in the wealthy household.

She was a small business owner who sold food to customers. Whether they were buying it for themselves or to please their master was none of her concern. It was best not to overanalyze such matters to avoid unnecessary trouble.

While she had no interest in the affairs of the wealthy, she appreciated that He Shunzi had been upfront with her and immediately clarified that the recipe was not up for grabs.

He Shunzi was intelligent, quick-witted, and adept at business. More importantly, he had his own principles.

Xia Mingyue smiled and said, "In that case, let's do as Brother He suggests."

With that, He Shunzi continued searching for false nightshade fruits while also paying Xia Mingyue for the ice jelly. He would come by every morning to collect it.

The payment from Dexinyuan was substantial——three hundred coins a day. He Shunzi, in turn, paid her two hundred coins daily and had already given her five days’ worth in advance. In an instant, one tael of silver was in her hands. She buried it alongside her other earnings in the kang hole before getting to work kneading the ice powder.

Meanwhile, under the starlit sky, He Shunzi made his way to Dexinyuan to report the outcome to Madam Luo and Madam Wang.

The two women were somewhat disappointed that they hadn't acquired the recipe but were relieved to hear that He Shunzi could deliver ice jelly daily. As long as the old madam could enjoy the treat every day, that was all that mattered.

They instructed He Shunzi to ensure timely delivery, and he readily agreed. However, he added, "To be honest, Madam Luo and Madam Wang, although the ingredients for ice jelly aren’t rare, they are difficult to harvest, and the preparation is labor-intensive. Madam Xia originally made it just to satisfy her own cravings and had no intention of selling it. It was only after much persuasion and a generous offer that she agreed. It wasn’t easy."

This was his way of subtly reminding them of the effort involved. Otherwise, they might come up with more demands in the future, and he couldn’t keep relying on goodwill alone.

"You’ve truly worked hard, little brother," Madam Luo said knowingly. "In the future, we’ll put in a good word for you with Steward Fu. Besides...."

She took out a small sum of money that the old madam had given her earlier in the day and slipped it into He Shunzi’s pocket. "Take this. It's a reward for your efforts."

"Madam Luo, you’re too kind. This is my duty," He Shunzi said modestly, though his outstretched hand was promptly pushed back.

"Take it," Madam Luo insisted. "Otherwise, you’ll be disrespecting me and Madam Wang. Besides, since we’re handling this matter privately, there’s no need to say too much and risk attracting unwanted attention."

At that moment, He Shunzi confirmed his suspicions. Smiling, he replied, "Rest assured, madams. I know when to speak and when to stay silent. I won’t cause you any trouble."

Madam Luo and Madam Wang, familiar with his character, were reassured. Their smiles widened, and they even wrapped up a few pieces of freshly steamed rice cakes from the kitchen for him before quietly sending him on his way.

As he bit into the fragrant rice cake and felt the weight of the copper coins in his pocket, He Shunzi flicked his whip with extra enthusiasm. His efforts today had been well rewarded.

Tomorrow, when he picked up the ice jelly from Madam Xia, he would bring her something in return.

Firstly, he wanted to express his gratitude. Thanks to Madam Xia, he was making a handsome profit——both now and in the future. He had to show appreciation.

Secondly, he had a feeling that he would need her help with many things down the line. Maintaining a good relationship with her would only benefit him.

Perhaps Madam Xia was his destined benefactor——his God of Wealth.

From now on, he will treat her even better!

Xia Mingyue had no idea what was transpiring between He Shunzi and Dexinyuan. She simply continued kneading the ice jelly and setting it to chill.

Previously, she would lower the container into the well, relying on the coolness of the groundwater. But with the ice delivered by Wu Xiong, she took full advantage, placing the earthen jar in a bucket of ice cubes.

That night, with the cool air from the ice circulating through the house, Xia Mingyue experienced the most comfortable sleep of the summer.

By the time she woke up the next morning, she felt refreshed and revitalized.

Seeing that Jiang Zhuguo also looked well-rested, she smiled and asked, "Did you sleep well last night?"

"It was wonderful! Placing ice on the kang made it feel like autumn," Jiang Zhuguo said, nodding enthusiastically. "No wonder rich families love using ice in the summer."

Who wouldn’t enjoy such comfort?

"Then I’ll work hard to earn money so we can use ice cubes every summer," Xia Mingyue said with a smile.

Wait..., did that mean Sister Xia would still be thinking about her when she made money and enjoyed herself in the future?

In fact, even now, when Sister Xia got ice, didn’t she share it generously?

Following Sister Xia meant eating meat and enjoying ice!

The future ahead is definitely bright!

Jiang Zhuguo nodded excitedly. "Yes!"

Just as they were talking, He Shunzi arrived to collect the ice jelly and, to their surprise, brought along some extras——a live chicken and a live duck.

"We raise them at home. They’re just the right size," he explained. "In summer, people often lose their appetite and lose weight. Madam Xia can use these to nourish herself."

Before she could protest, He Shunzi placed the live animals in the yard and, without waiting for her response, hopped onto his ox cart and drove away.

Before Xia Mingyue could even say, 'Wait a moment,' the sound of an ox’s mooing echoed at the alley’s entrance.

Well..., it seemed she had no choice but to accept them.

However, there was a problem——she had no chicken coop or duck pen. Where would she keep them?

Not to mention, the radishes, mustard greens, and cabbages she had planted were just sprouting. Chickens and ducks loved nibbling on tender greens....

Just as she was starting to worry, she noticed something peculiar. The two creatures were huddled in a corner, standing perfectly still, not daring to move an inch.

Upon closer inspection, Wu Jin stood beside them, his expression serious, eyes locked on them with an intense gaze.

Jiang Zhuguo chuckled. "Now Sister Xia doesn’t have to worry."

Wu Jin puffed up his chest, with his proud stature.

I am personally supervising them. Are you touched?

The chickens and ducks, however, clucked cautiously. 'We dare not move..., we dare not move....'

__________________________

Chapter 89: Fermented Beans

The scene was so absurdly cute and heartwarming that Xia Mingyue couldn’t hold back her laughter. "Yes, indeed," she chuckled, reaching out to pat Wu Jin’s head. His fur was smooth and glossy, his sturdy body warm under her touch. Feeling the firm yet plush texture of his head, she couldn't resist rubbing his chin a few more times, delighting in the way his tail thumped against the ground.

Wu Jin let out a pleased whimper, pressing his head against her palm as if urging her to continue.

He was, after all, the pillar of the family——a most responsible guardian! And what greater reward could there be than a good meal and an affectionate touch from his master?

His tail wagged even more vigorously, his ears twitching in delight.

Seeing this, Xia Mingyue’s smile deepened. “Alright, alright, you win,” she teased, scooping an extra portion into his bowl. “Eat up, great guardian.”

With Wu Jin content, she turned to begin her day. The kitchen awaited, and so did the many responsibilities tied to running Xia Ji and its growing franchises. After sending Jiang Zhuguo, Sister Lu, and Sister Zhou off to set up the stall, Xia Mingyue returned home, rolling up her sleeves as she stepped into her kitchen laboratory. Today’s experiment: fermented beans——specifically, watermelon fermented beans.

There were two common methods for making them: one involved growing mycelium first, allowing the fermentation to develop gradually; the other was a simpler direct pickling process after cooking. Xia Mingyue, ever meticulous, decided to attempt the former.

The soybeans had been soaking since midnight when she had been preparing dough. Now plump and swollen with water, they were ready for the next step. She carefully cooked them over controlled heat, making sure they didn’t turn too soft. If overcooked, they would become mushy when mixed with flour, ruining the fermentation process.

Once the beans were tender but still firm, she spread them out on a bamboo tray to cool, letting excess moisture evaporate. As they dried, she sifted flour over them, ensuring each bean was evenly coated. She stirred them thoroughly, the fine powder clinging to their surfaces like a delicate dusting of snow.

After several rounds of mixing, she carefully poured the coated beans onto a cloth laid over a bamboo mat. She stretched the cloth flat, covering the beans with a thinner layer of fabric before setting them in a cool room to ferment.

For the next seven days, she would have to monitor the temperature, ensuring the room remained well-ventilated. Opening and covering the windows strategically would help maintain the right conditions for mycelium growth.

Just as she finished setting everything up, an unexpected guest arrived.

Jiang Zhuguo’s father——Jiang Yihe.

Dressed in a long scholar’s robe, his lean frame carried a refined elegance. His every movement was deliberate, polished, a man well aware of decorum. His sharp gaze took in the courtyard, lingering on the improvements Xia Mingyue had made. Her home was a testament to her success—renovated walls, a sturdy courtyard, the quiet air of prosperity.

He smiled courteously. "Madam Xia is as gentle and kind as Zhuguo often describes," he said smoothly, his voice carrying the practiced politeness of a well-read man.

Xia Mingyue inclined her head slightly. “Mister Jiang flatters me.”

Jiang Yihe studied her with veiled curiosity. She was young yet capable, having built a thriving business with a couple of branches——an impressive feat for anyone, let alone a woman in a society where most struggled to make ends meet through farming. Her prosperity was undeniable. Compared to most women who spent their days mending clothes and barely scraping by, Xia Mingyue was counting silver at home.

The old saying was true——comparing goods reveals which is better, but comparing people only highlights one’s own shortcomings.

Still, Jiang Yihe did not see himself as lacking. With his intellect and status, surely he could secure an even better match than Xia Mingyue.

If only his wife had been half as capable..., perhaps his life would have turned out differently. But fate was a series of trials, he reminded himself. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, he believed he was merely enduring hardship before achieving greater things.

His thoughts swirled behind hooded eyes before he bowed slightly. “I am grateful for Madam Xia’s care of my daughter during these times. Thank you.”

“It’s nothing, Mister Jiang,” Xia Mingyue replied evenly. “Zhuguo is hardworking and capable. She works for me, after all, so it’s more accurate to say I simply value good workers.” She paused, then asked, “May I know why Mister Jiang has come today?”

Jiang Zhuguo rarely mentioned her father. When she did, it was always brief——an obligatory statement, often followed by a faint, distant smile before swiftly changing the subject. Xia Mingyue had sensed a strained relationship between them. So, for Jiang Yihe to suddenly appear at her doorstep, she had to get to the bottom of it.

Jiang Zhuguo, who was washing leeks in the courtyard, perked up her ears. She had been caught off guard by her father’s visit, having pulled him aside earlier to ask his intentions. But Jiang Yihe had refused to explain, only saying he wished to speak with Xia Mingyue. Now, she listened closely, wanting to hear his true purpose.

Jiang Yihe sighed. "Madam Xia, my wife’s health has worsened. I have been spending my days studying at the academy, and I feel ashamed that I was unable to care for her properly. A while ago, she changed doctors and seemed to improve, but a few days ago, she fell ill again. She has had a high fever for days, coughing endlessly. The doctor says her condition is dire and I fear...."

His voice faltered. "I fear that if she passes, Zhuguo will not be there for her final moments."

Jiang Zhuguo, who was secretly listening, stiffened.

Her mother... was dying?

Her hands, still damp from washing vegetables, clenched at her sides. She stood up suddenly, knocking the leeks onto the ground. “Sister Xia...,” she started, her voice trembling. But before she could say another word, her vision blurred with tears.

“It may not be as bad as it seems,” Sister Lu interjected, reaching out to wipe the tears from Jiang Zhuguo’s face. “Perhaps, you just need to find a better doctor. Maybe the first one just wasn’t skilled enough.”

The news had caught Xia Mingyue off guard as well, but she quickly collected herself. "In that case, Mister Jiang should, indeed take Zhuguo home for a few days."

Upon saying that, Xia Mingyue asked for Jiang Zhuguo to pack her clothes, before coming along to help her. Folding a few sets of clothes into a bundle, Xia Mingyue tucked a small silver ingot into Jiang Zhuguo's hands. “Take this first,” she said.

Jiang Zhuguo stared at the silver, weighing about two taels. She shook her head. “Sister Xia, I can’t——”

“Take it.” Xia Mingyue interjected, pressing the silver into Jiang Zhuguo's arms. “Doctor visits and medicine, cost money.”

She met Jiang Zhuguo’s eyes with quiet determination. Even if the worst came to pass, funeral costs would be inevitable.

“Consider it an advance on your wages,” she added. “I won’t pay you for the next few months.”

Jiang Zhuguo hesitated, then nodded, gripping the silver tightly. “...Thank you, Sister Xia. When I return, I’ll definitely work harder to repay you.”

Xia Mingyue gave a small nod, watching as Jiang Zhuguo wiped her eyes, steeling herself for the journey home.

__________________________

Chapter 90: Happy Event

Xia Mingyue nodded solemnly. "Alright. If anything becomes too difficult to handle at home, send someone to inform me or Sister Lu. You should also keep an eye on things yourself."

She couldn't help but feel uneasy about the man waiting outside. Something about him always seemed unreliable.

Jiang Zhuguo understood exactly what Xia Mingyue meant. She responded with a simple nod, packed her clothing into a small bamboo basket, and prepared to leave.

"Then, we——father and daughter shall take our leave now," Jiang Yihe said respectfully, bowing before stepping out with Jiang Zhuguo.

As the door closed behind them, a heavy silence filled the room. Xia Mingyue, Sister Lu, and Sister Zhou all sighed in unison.

There was nothing more painful in this world than losing a loved one.

Jiang Zhuguo was still young, yet she had already endured such suffering. It was heartbreaking.

"That child is truly unfortunate," Sister Lu murmured, shaking her head. "Her mother was the only pillar she could rely on. At least with her around, she had someone to think of and care for her. But now, with her mother gravely ill and her father unreliable, what will become of her?"

"You think so too?" Xia Mingyue looked up, her voice laced with concern.

"Who wouldn't?!" Sister Lu snapped, frustration bubbling over. "That man is an adult——with a teenage daughter, yet he still refuses to find a proper job to support his family. Instead, he hides in the academy under the pretense of studying. I'm sure he's already drained his family dry, even taking away the wages Zhuguo earned through her own hard work."

Sister Lu’s sharp eyes glinted with barely contained anger as she turned towards Sister Zhuo. "Did you see how he looked at Sister Mingyue's house? And those brand-new clothes he wore? He could afford to dress in fresh garments while Zhuguo’s clothes were patched so many times, you could barely see the original fabric! What kind of father does that to his own child?"

She sighed heavily. "Mark my words, if Zhuguo's mother passes, that black-hearted man will certainly seize every coin of her wages for himself, leaving the poor girl with nothing. Sister Xia, I think we need to find a way to set aside some of her earnings for her future. Otherwise, with a father like that, even her marriage won’t surely be properly arranged."

They couldn't let a motherless child be left to fend for herself like a weed in the wild.

They could not save every unfortunate souls in the world. But Zhuguo was right in front of them——someone they could be able to help. They definitely won't stand by, in case the worst happened.

Xia Mingyue nodded firmly. "You're right, Sister Lu. We really need to be prepared."

She only hoped that Zhuguo’s mother would recover, sparing the girl from a world of grief.

Meanwhile, on the road, Jiang Yihe was having a hard time keeping up. He breathlessly shouted for Jiang Zhuguo to slow down.

"The three-year-old children in the village all walk faster than you, father." Jiang Zhuguo retorted with a hint of dissatisfaction.

If he had been indifferent to her mother’s condition before, that was one thing. But now, when she was gravely ill, he still moved so sluggishly. It was infuriating...!

Jiang Yihe’s face reddened in embarrassment. "I’ve been busy these past few days and I haven’t had a proper night’s sleep, so I’m a little out of sorts." He reasoned.

Did he not get proper sleep because of taking care of her mother?

Jiang Zhuguo glanced at him skeptically but then noticed the dark circles under his eyes. She didn’t say anything this time, but her pace had obviously slowed a bit.

At that, Jiang Yihe took the opportunity to catch up. "Just now, Madam Xia went with you into your room to help pack your things. Did she——" he hesitated, choosing his words carefully, "——leave anything for you?"

"What do you mean?" Jiang Zhuguo frowned.

"I mean, did she give you something...?" Jiang Yihe hinted, eyes gleaming with expectation.

Zhuguo pursed her lips. Then, shaking her head, she replied, "No. Sister Xia only told me to take good care of mother and not to rush back to work. That was all."

Jiang Yihe's expression fell, disappointment crossing his face. He had assumed that his daughter worked for Xia Mingyue after all, so she would feel obligated to give his daughter some silver. But it seemed that he thought wrong.

"Tsk. So stingy," he muttered under his breath. "Business people really only care about money. Without interest, they won't have loyalty at all."

Despite his complaining, Jiang Zhuguo ignored him quickening her pace once more.

Arriving home, Zhuguo immediately rushed inside without even having time to put down the basket she was carrying.

However, when she reached the dimly lit inner room, she saw Madam Tian sitting on the bed, holding a piece of satin fabric.

Despite her frail appearance, no sign of grave illness was seen. On the other hand, Madam Tian even looked cheerful, waving for her to come over.

"Zhuguo, you're back! Come look at this fabric! Isn’t it beautiful? I’ll make you a wedding dress overnight. I'll make sure you will look good on it!"

Upon hearing her mother's words, Jiang Zhuguo stood rooted on the ground, staring fixedly at Madam Tian.

A brief silence passed before she managed to speak, "Mother..., you are not sick." Her words sounding more of a conclusion.

At that moment, she realized an important point——wedding dress!

Madam Tian let out an unnatural smile, coughing lightly before she spoke. "Darling, we both know I won't get better..., at all. No matter the treatment I have had in the past, I couldn't get better.... I've been sick for so long and I may pass away at any moment. Zhuguo, mother has been worried about you, and unless you get married, I won't be able to rest in peace.

Her words left Jiang Zhuguo surging with emotions. "Mother..., all these... just to marry me off...?!" Being tensed up all the way only to realize it was just a play, Jiang Zhuguo was filled with unexplained frustration.

She turned her gaze to Jiang Yihe, eyes burning with resentment.

Jiang Yihe cleared his throat uncomfortably. "Your mother was the one pushing for this. Don’t blame me."

She turned her gaze to Jiang Yihe, eyes burning with resentment.

Being at the cusp of the storm, Jiang Yihe cleared his throat uncomfortably. "Your mother was the one pushing for this."

Madam Tian reached out to grasp Jiang Zhuguo’s hand. "Zhuguo, listen to me..., this... is an opportunity of a lifetime. The Zhang family is incredibly wealthy——they own hundreds of acres of land and several businesses. If you marry into the Zhang family, you will be provided with two maids and a generous monthly allowance. Your food, clothing, and other expenses will all be taken care of. Isn’t that like stepping into a life of luxury?" Madam Tian tempted.

However, Jiang Zhuguo remained indifferent. "If that family was as good as you claimed them to be, then why would they choose me? A poor village girl?"

Madam Tian hesitated before sporting a forced smile. "It’s because your father is a scholar and they trust that you are a person of good upbringing and character.... Zhuguo..., this marriage is a blessing brought by your father’s name."

"Is it?" Zhuguo conjured a deep frown. "How old is the groom?"

Madam Tian averted her eyes. "He’s... just a little older than you."

"How much older?" Zhuguo pressed.

Madam Tian’s hesitation, however, was enough of an answer.

Seeing her pressing so much, Jiang Yihe’s patience finally wore thin. "Enough! Marriage is decided by the parents and the matchmaker. Whether you like it or not, is not a matter that you——a mere daughter——has the right to decide! What you can do is be grateful your parents can give you a good marriage prospect!"

"Darling, trust us, we would not harm you." Madam Tian said in a consoling tone.

Jiang Zhuguo stared at her parents, standing with her back straight, enduring that rebellious feeling surging up her throat. Her fists clenced.