Chapter 141-145

Chapter 141: Pickled Mustard Greens

The sharp, stinging words cut through the air, making He Shunzi frown.

As he looked up, he saw *Madam Luo and Madam Wang approaching with hostile expressions. Instinctively, he tugged up his scarf, covering the lower half of his face once more. His voice was cold as he asked, “What are you doing here again?”

*Madam Luo sneered, spitting onto the ground with contempt. “What else? I’m here to vent my anger.”

Madam Wang cracked her knuckles and rolled up her sleeves, her lips curling into a smirk. “That’s right. Since we lost our jobs, we’ve got plenty of free time. Naturally, we have to come here and settle accounts with you.”

Their words carried an unmistakable threat, and as they stepped forward, He Shunzi instinctively took two steps back.

The last time these two troublemakers came looking for him, he had just purchased fresh vegetables from the village and was en route to Dexinyuan. Without warning, *Madam Luo and Madam Wang had overturned his ox cart, spilling the produce onto the ground. Before he could react, they had lunged at him, leaving deep scratches across his face. Their reason? They believed they had been dismissed from their jobs because of him.

But He Shunzi knew he was innocent. He never stole food for himself, nor did he frame anyone or make false recommendations for the kitchen staff. Yet, despite knowing the truth, he had endured their attack without retaliating. After all, his parents had instilled in him a firm belief——never raise a hand against a woman.

Now, seeing their smug expressions, realization dawned on him. They must think he's easy to bully.

His hands clenched into fists, his jaw tightening. He couldn't hit them. That wasn’t an option. But that didn’t mean he was defenseless.

Suddenly, his eyes flickered with resolve. He brought his fingers to his lips and let out a sharp, piercing whistle.

The sound cut through the air, startling *Madam Luo and Madam Wang. They hesitated, glancing around in confusion.

A moment later, a loud splashing noise came from the pond. At the far end, a large white goose flapped its wings, raising its long neck as it honked loudly. Then, with astonishing speed, it began charging toward He Shunzi.

And it wasn’t alone.

A whole flock of geese followed, their webbed feet slapping against the ground as they swarmed toward their master. Their honking grew deafening, a cacophony of aggression.

He Shunzi smirked. “Get them!”

The obedient birds wasted no time. Some lowered their long necks, spreading their wings wide, while others let out shrill cries before lunging forward. Their beaks, sharp and serrated, snapped at *Madam Luo and Madam Wang, who shrieked in terror.

The great white goose was no ordinary bird——it was fierce, territorial, and utterly relentless. Its beak could leave painful welts, and once it latched onto its target, it was nearly impossible to shake off. In He Shunzi’s village, people often raised geese as natural guard animals, knowing their ferocity rivaled that of trained dogs.

*Madam Luo and Madam Wang screamed as the geese descended upon them.

They turned and ran, but the birds gave chase, flapping their wings and pecking at their legs. No matter how fast they moved, the geese were right on their heels. In their panic, they stumbled and fell multiple times, their clothes tearing and their hair flying into disarray.

From a distance, villagers watched the spectacle unfold, laughing at the two women’s misfortune.

He Shunzi crossed his arms, watching impassively as *Madam Luo and Madam Wang flailed about, completely overwhelmed. His voice rang out loud and clear: “I am not someone you can push around. If you dare cause trouble again, next time, it won’t be this easy!”

Not that they heard him.

At that moment, their only concern was escaping the relentless assault of the geese.

They ran in separate directions, their wails of pain and humiliation echoing through the village. It wasn’t until they had disappeared from sight, their cries fading into the distance, that He Shunzi lifted his fingers to his lips again and blew another whistle.

Immediately, the geese stopped their pursuit and flapped back to him, forming a neat circle around his feet. He patted the head of the lead goose, a satisfied smile tugging at his lips.

*Madam Luo and Madam Wang, now far away and finally free from their feathery tormentors, collapsed onto a grassy slope. Their chests heaved, their bodies aching from all the running and falling. The realization of their public humiliation sank in as villagers continued to point and chuckle at their sorry state.

Drenched in sweat, their clothes tattered, and their pride in shambles, the two women exchanged a glance.

We really shouldn’t have come looking for trouble today....

*****

Meanwhile, back at Dexinyuan, the steaming bowl of cross-bridge rice noodles had been delivered to Madam He. The rich aroma wafted through the air, its complex layers of flavor promising a feast for the senses.

Madam He took her first bite, her eyes lighting up in delight. The intricate combination of fresh ingredients, slow-cooked broth, and delicate rice noodles was nothing short of perfection.

She set down her chopsticks and nodded approvingly. “Exquisite.”

As a token of appreciation, she sent a silver bar weighing two taels to Xia Mingyue.

Xia Mingyue accepted it with a bright smile, thinking to herself, This bowl of cross-bridge rice noodles was well worth it.

As the days passed, the weather grew colder, and the vegetables in her garden ripened one by one. Each harvest found its way into her iron pot, transforming into comforting delicacies that warmed both body and soul.

One crisp morning, she grated a white radish into thin strips, sprinkled it with salt to draw out excess moisture, and mixed it with egg, flour, and pepper before rolling it into bite-sized balls. These were then fried to golden perfection——crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful inside.

It was impossible to eat just one. She popped another into her mouth, savoring the mild sweetness of the radish paired with the richness of the batter.

Food like this was not only delicious but practical. The fried radish balls could be stored for later, tossed into stews, or simmered with pork belly, cabbage, and vermicelli for a hearty midday meal.

At noon, she stir-fried fresh Chinese cabbage, its bright green leaves glistening in the wok. Later, she cooked it into a soft, glutinous noodle soup that was both simple and endlessly satisfying.

For a spicier option, she sliced cabbage into thin strips, stir-fried it with dried chilies, and doused it with vinegar. The result was a sour, spicy dish that paired perfectly with a steaming bowl of rice.

But what she truly loved was preparing mustard greens. She sun-dried and preserved them, pickling them with chili, Sichuan peppercorns, and vinegar. The result? A crispy, tangy, and utterly addictive side dish that added a punch of flavor to every meal.

Unfortunately, the batch didn’t last long. Within days, it was gone.

With no choice, Xia Mingyue decided to head to the market to replenish her supply.

The streets were bustling with farmers selling fresh radishes, cabbages, and mustard greens.

Stopping in front of a middle-aged woman’s stall, Xia Mingyue eyed the fresh produce with keen interest.

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Chapter 142: Divorce

The mustard greens in front of her were exceptionally large, their dark green leaves crisp and vibrant under the morning light. They had been washed thoroughly, the moisture still clinging to their surfaces, making them glisten.

Xia Mingyue crouched down, carefully inspecting each bunch before making her selection.

"Two cents for three pounds of mustard greens. If you buy more, I'll give you a discount," the vendor offered with a warm smile, her hands deftly sorting through the pile to present the freshest ones.

Xia Mingyue glanced at the heap in front of her and estimated that it weighed about fifteen or sixteen pounds in total. Without haggling, she nodded and agreed to take all of it. The vendor's face lit up in surprise at her decisiveness.

"You’re a straightforward one, madam," she said approvingly, quickly bundling up the greens.

After handing over the payment, the two women worked together to pack the mustard greens into a large bamboo basket. Just as they were finishing up, two nearby vendors——one selling radishes and the other cabbages——noticed Xia Mingyue’s generous purchase and eagerly called out to her.

"You have a good eye, young madam! How about some fresh cabbages to go with those mustard greens? Picked straight from the fields this morning! They’ve got big, tender leaves and hardly any tough stems," one of them chimed in, waving a plump cabbage enticingly.

"And look at my radishes," the other vendor added. "Crisp, juicy, and sweet enough to eat raw! Perfect for pickling or cooking!"

Xia Mingyue smiled politely but declined. "I already have plenty at home, but thank you."

Seeing that she wasn't interested, the two women exchanged glances and went back to their casual conversation.

"Was what your sister-in-law said true?"

"Of course! She was there herself——saw it with her own eyes when she visited her family in Jiangjia Village two days ago. It must be true."

"Tsk, if that’s really the case, then Madam Tian is in a pitiful situation."

"Pitiful? Not at all! She raised a daughter who gambled away everything, racked up debt, and sold off their family land just to indulge herself. It’s no surprise she was cast out! The real pity is for Mister Jiang. He’s about to take the provincial exam, and now he has to deal with this mess. If it affects his performance, his entire future will be ruined. People always say, 'An unvirtuous wife brings disaster to three generations.' It seems to be true."

"That’s not entirely fair. Raising children isn’t just a mother’s responsibility——why blame only Madam Tian? And wasn’t Mister Jiang’s family always struggling? If they were so poor, how did he manage to study for years? Besides, Madam Tian never remarried or left her husband. She’s always been a devoted wife. Why are you so sure she sold the land for pleasure?"

"You don’t understand! Madam Tian has always been frail, constantly complaining about aches and pains, leaving all the housework to her daughter. How can that be considered virtuous?"

"But if the daughter was willing to work, perhaps she wasn’t afraid of hardship. Why would a hardworking girl suddenly turn to gambling?"

"...You’re missing the point entirely! Forget it. If you don’t get it, I won’t argue anymore!"

The radish vendor, frustrated by the cabbage vendor’s opposing views, turned away in a huff. The cabbage vendor, however, simply shrugged, finding the whole situation rather perplexing.

Xia Mingyue, having overheard their conversation, paused in thought before speaking. "Excuse me, Sister, but the Mister Jiang you mentioned——are you referring to Jiang Yihe from Jiangjia Village?"

"Yes, that’s him," the radish vendor confirmed eagerly. "You know him?"

"I’ve seen him a few times but don’t know him well," Xia Mingyue replied. "I just overheard you talking about a divorce. Did he really send his wife away?"

"Absolutely!" The woman nodded emphatically. "The village head and clan leader were both present as witnesses. It’s all official. My sister-in-law says Mister Jiang is usually gentle and never raised his voice at Madam Tian before, but this time, he was furious."

The vendor then launched into the full story.

"Mister Jiang’s family only owned three acres of land. It was their livelihood. But somehow, Madam Tian sold it all and spent the money. That was the final straw. He divorced her, but being the good man he is, he still left a hundred coins at the ancestral hall, instructing the clan to ensure she wouldn’t starve. Even after everything, he’s still too kind."

"And that daughter of hers——" she clicked her tongue disapprovingly. "Mister Jiang completely severed ties with her. He declared in front of the whole village that she was no longer his daughter. Said he’d never acknowledge her again! But...." the woman hesitated, as if considering something. "He did say that if she ever changed her ways, he’d be willing to hear her call him 'father' again."

"Such a good man," the cabbage vendor agreed with a sigh.

Xia Mingyue, however, frowned as she listened.

So, Jiang Yihe had abandoned Madam Tian just as she had predicted. She just hadn’t expected it to happen so soon.

The radish vendor, noticing her lack of response, tilted her head. "Madam, don’t you think Mister Jiang is a good person?"

Xia Mingyue smiled, but her words carried a sharp edge. "My eyes aren’t blind."

The vendor blinked in confusion. "...What?"

But before she could press further, Xia Mingyue had already turned away, carrying her bamboo basket and leaving behind a puzzled vendor still mulling over her cryptic words.

Later, after returning home, Xia Mingyue called Jiang Zhuguo into the house and relayed everything she had overheard in the marketplace.

"I have a strong suspicion that it was Jiang Yihe himself who sold the land, but he pushed the blame onto your mother," she explained. "And while he was at it, he took the opportunity to bring up your case and officially write her a divorce letter."

Jiang Zhuguo sat in silence for a moment before nodding. "I see. Technically, since I already have the severance letter, whatever happens between them shouldn’t concern me. But it’s good to know."

She sighed deeply. "After all, she did give birth to me and raise me. She may be selfish and cruel, but she’s still a pitiful woman. Now, without any land to rely on, I doubt she can even afford to eat."

She thought back to the money he had taken——only two months’ worth of wages from her. That was his repayment for the years she had raised him. As far as he was concerned, their ties were truly severed.

"If she uses that money to settle somewhere and live her own life, then fine," Jiang Zhuguo said. "But if she turns around and gives it all to Jiang Yihe...." Her voice trailed off, her expression darkening.

Xia Mingyue nodded. "If you plan to send her money, don’t go yourself. Ask Brother Wu to do it."

Wu Xiong was someone Jiang Yihe and Madam Tian both feared. If he handled the matter, they wouldn’t dare try anything manipulative.

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Chapter 143: Kneeling

The matter of Jiang Zhuguo was never to be mentioned——not even in passing. If Madam Tian were to catch wind of it, she might refuse to let go, exploiting her own daughter further and hounding Jiang Zhuguo for the rest of her days.

Jiang Zhuguo silently agreed to Xia Mingyue's suggestion.

Without wasting time, Xia Mingyue sought out Wu Xiong, bringing Jiang Zhuguo along to see if he was available for the task.

"Madam Xia, Miss Jiang, there's no need to be so polite!" Wu Xiong chuckled, slapping his broad chest in a show of confidence. "It just so happens that I have nothing pressing tomorrow. I’ll go handle it personally."

To him, this was a trivial matter——barely worth discussing.

"Thank you, Brother Wu," Jiang Zhuguo said sincerely, bowing repeatedly.

"Miss Jiang, please, there's no need for such formalities," Wu Xiong replied, feeling flattered yet awkward. He instinctively reached out to help Jiang Zhuguo up but hesitated mid-motion, withdrawing his hand and wiping it against the fabric of his robe instead.

"Rest assured, Miss Jiang, I will see this through."

"Thank you, Brother Wu," Jiang Zhuguo repeated, his gratitude deep.

Once Xia Mingyue and Jiang Zhuguo had left, Wu Xiong turned his focus to the task ahead. He made sure everything at the gambling house was in order, tying up loose ends before setting out at dawn the next morning.

With two trusted men accompanying him, Wu Xiong departed Jinqiu County.

The journey to Jiangjia Village was smooth. Wu Xiong had been there once before, back when Jiang Yihe’s marriage to Jiang Zhuguo was being arranged. The route was familiar, and he had no trouble finding his way.

Three imposing men, their builds solid and their expressions unreadable, climbed onto an ox cart bound for their destination. The driver, a wiry farmer with sun-darkened skin, cast them wary glances but kept his mouth shut.

For most of the journey, silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken tension. But curiosity eventually got the better of the farmer.

Hesitating, he stole another glance at the men before cautiously asking, "Uh..., may I ask what business do you have in Jiangjia Village?"

Wu Xiong’s younger companion spat on the ground, his voice laced with amusement. "Isn’t it obvious? We’re here to collect a debt."

At the word debt, the farmer visibly shrank in his seat. His knuckles tightened around the reins, and his shoulders stiffened as if he expected trouble to break out right then and there.

Debt collection.

It was a term synonymous with desperation, ruin, and, often, violence.

In this world, money meant survival. And when debt collectors came knocking, it wasn’t just about repaying coin——it was a matter of life and death.

"You ask too many questions," another one of Wu Xiong’s men teased, flashing a sharp grin. "What, you thinking of running up a debt yourself?"

The farmer paled.

"N-No, absolutely not!" He shook his head so vigorously that his hat nearly toppled off.

I wouldn’t owe a single copper if I could help it——not in this life, nor the next.

With that, he focused solely on driving, praying for the journey to end swiftly.

By the time they arrived at Jiangjia Village, the morning sun had climbed higher, casting long shadows over the dirt paths.

Wu Xiong led the way, moving with purpose through the village’s winding roads. When they reached Madam Tian’s house, he didn’t bother knocking.

Instead, he raised his boot and kicked the fence door open with a resounding bang.

The impact rattled the frail wooden panels, and inside, Madam Tian——who had been peering through a crack in the window——startled violently.

She had recognized Wu Xiong the moment she saw him. The sight of him at her doorstep sent panic coursing through her veins.

But she refused to show weakness. Instead, she straightened her back, inhaled sharply, and called out from within, "Why have you come here to collect debts? We have already severed ties with Jiang Zhuguo! If you want money, go ask her! What business do you have with me?"

Wu Xiong crossed his arms, unimpressed. "Severed ties, you say?" His tone was mocking. "And we’re just supposed to take your word for it?"

He stepped forward, his presence imposing. "Listen, I don’t care what little stories you tell yourselves. You’re still Jiang Zhuguo’s mother. If we can’t get what we’re owed from you, we’ll have no choice but to visit his father instead."

At those words, Madam Tian’s breath hitched.

"That’s right," one of Wu Xiong’s men added. "This family has a head, doesn’t it? If you can’t pay, we’ll just head to town and find Jiang Yihe."

The second the words left his mouth, Madam Tian’s composure cracked. She burst through the door, practically throwing herself in front of them.

"You can’t!" She cried, her voice shrill with panic.

Jiang Yihe was in the middle of his Imperial Examination. If anything disrupted him now... if these men caused a scene....

No.

Absolutely not.

Not even if it killed her.

Biting her lip hard enough to draw blood, she glared at Wu Xiong and his companions. "I told you——we have nothing to do with Jiang Zhuguo anymore! Even if you take this to the Magistrate, we can prove it!"

Her voice rose with desperation. "If you dare to harass my husband, I will report you to the authorities! And the entire village will stand witness against you!"

For a moment, silence hung in the air.

Then Wu Xiong laughed. So did his men.

Their laughter was deep and unrestrained, echoing through the village like a cruel joke.

Madam Tian’s expression twisted. "What—what are you laughing at?!"

Wu Xiong wiped a tear from the corner of his eye, shaking his head. "The entire village, you say?" He gestured around them. "Then where are they?"

Madam Tian stiffened.

Her gaze darted across the village square. She realized——no one had stepped forward.

The villagers had seen Wu Xiong arrive. They had seen the confrontation. And yet, not a single person had intervened.

Some stood in doorways, pretending to sweep, their eyes averted. Others, who had been on their way to the fields, quickened their pace and disappeared down the roads.

Avoidance.

Indifference.

She had lived in this village her whole life. They shared the same surname, the same bloodlines. But now, when she needed them——when she was being cornered——no one lifted a hand.

Madam Tian’s hands clenched into fists at her sides.

Her husband was right.

People were shallow, selfish. They didn’t care for righteousness or justice. They only cared about aligning themselves with those who had power and wealth.

But it didn’t matter. She wouldn’t let these men near Jiang Yihe.

Trembling, Madam Tian swallowed her pride.

Then, with a sharp thud, she fell to her knees before Wu Xiong.

__________________________

Chapter 144: God Opens His Eyes

Wu Xiong hadn't anticipated this. He stood frozen for a moment, watching Madam Tian kneel before him, her body trembling as she burst into tears.

She clutched the hem of his robe and pleaded desperately.

"I beg you——please, don't go looking for my husband. He has dedicated more than ten years to his studies, and now, he is taking the autumn examination. If anything disrupts him, his entire future will be ruined. It would be no different from taking his life!"

Her voice cracked with desperation, but she pressed on.

"I have nothing left. The land is gone, sold off long ago. All I have are these two old houses and a few meager possessions. If you must take something, then take whatever you want."

Madam Tian paused to breathe, wiping her tear-streaked face with her sleeve before continuing, her voice trembling.

"If that is still not enough..., I am willing to serve you——be a servant, do menial labor, endure whatever hardship is necessary. As long as you spare my husband and allow him to complete his exam without trouble!"

With that, she kowtowed fiercely, her forehead slamming into the ground with each bow.

The force behind her actions was so great that by the time she lifted her head, her forehead was red and swollen, the skin split open and lightly bleeding.

Wu Xiong frowned.

Before him, Madam Tian was a pitiful sight——her clothes were tattered, her hair disheveled from bowing so forcefully. Her haggard face, once composed, was now streaked with dirt and tears, making her look all the more wretched.

But beneath the pitiful exterior was something he found repulsive.

Jiang Yihe——a hypocrite so obvious that even a blind man could see through him——was, in Madam Tian’s eyes, an unparalleled husband worth sacrificing everything for. Her pride, her dignity——none of it mattered, so long as she could keep him safe.

Was it because she believed in the saying, When you marry a chicken, you follow the chicken; when you marry a dog, you follow the dog? Did she truly think a wife should center her entire existence around her husband, no matter what kind of man he was?

Or had Jiang Yihe woven an illusion so grand that Madam Tian had willingly trapped herself inside it, unable——or unwilling——to escape?

That was a question yet to be answered.

But Madam Tian was not just a wife. She was also a mother.

And yet, even as she threw herself on the ground, begging for Jiang Yihe’s future, she had never once pleaded for Jiang Zhuguo.

Even now, as she groveled at Wu Xiong’s feet, her only concern was her husband.

She had already cast her own daughter aside.

Wu Xiong’s expression darkened with disgust. He didn’t want to look at her anymore. A part of him even wanted to slap some sense into her——ask her if she had a shred of conscience left.

But he held himself back.

That wasn’t why he had come here today. He was here on an errand, not to lecture a woman who had long abandoned reason.

With an irritated scoff, he spat on the ground.

"Those broken benches and bed boards in your house? Even if I threw them out on the street, no one would want them."

He turned away with a dismissive wave.

"This is a waste of time. In all my years of collecting debts, I’ve never dealt with a family this poor. What a waste of half a day’s work! Let’s move on."

With that, he and his two men left without looking back.

Madam Tian remained frozen in place, watching their retreating figures in disbelief. It was only when they had disappeared down the road that she finally exhaled a breath of relief, her body slumping onto the dirt ground in exhaustion.

Her heart pounded in her chest as she anxiously glanced around.

Were they really leaving? Were they truly heading back to Jinqiu County and not towards the town?

When she saw that they were indeed moving in the opposite direction, her nerves finally eased.

A smile of relief crossed her face.

"They’ve given up on my husband.... I should send him a message later to put his mind at ease."

As she pushed herself up, dusting off her dirt-stained sleeves, something caught her eye a few steps away.

A flash of white under the sunlight.

Madam Tian’s heart skipped a beat.

She hurried over and bent down.

Her fingers closed around a small, cool object. When she lifted it to inspect it, her eyes widened in shock.

It was silver...!

She took a bite, testing its authenticity. A genuine piece. And not just a scrap——this was nearly one or two taels!

Madam Tian’s breath quickened, her fingers tightening around the silver.

Her lips curled into a triumphant grin.

This must have fallen from one of those men.

Yes, that had to be it. Those gamblers and debt collectors always carried money. They spent lavishly, drank excessively——it was inevitable that one of them would drop something.

Karma! Even the heavens punished wicked people!

For a moment, she basked in smug satisfaction. But then, a more urgent thought crossed her mind.

This silver..., what should she do with it?

Her house was empty, her land gone. The food supplies at home were running low, and soon, she would have nothing left to eat.

But Jiang Yihe....

He needed it more than she did!

He was about to take the exam. He would need money to sustain himself on his journey to the Capital.

Without a second thought, Madam Tian tucked the silver into her clothing, straightened her disheveled hair, and quickly set off towards the academy.

From a distance, Wu Xiong and his men had witnessed everything.

One of the younger men clicked his tongue in irritation.

"Look at that. She’s probably going to give that silver to Jiang Yihe." His face twisted in anger. "Brother, should we stop her?"

"No need," Wu Xiong said, shaking his head.

"But——!" The young man clenched his fists. "That silver was from Miss Jiang! She scrimped and saved every bit of it. She worried about Madam Tian’s future after being cast out. She didn’t want her to starve!" His voice grew heavier with frustration.

"And yet, she’s just going to throw it all away on that man! She doesn’t even care if she lives or dies!"

Wu Xiong let out a weary sigh.

"Miss Jiang already knew this would happen," he said. "She only gave the silver as a final act of mother-daughter kindness. What Madam Tian chooses to do with it... is no longer her concern."

A slow realization dawned on the young man’s face.

"Then..., Miss Jiang has finally let go?"

Wu Xiong nodded.

"From today onward, Jiang Yihe and Madam Tian are no longer tied to her."

The younger men exchanged glances before sighing.

"Miss Jiang is really pitiful. To have parents like that...."

"But she has Madam Xia now," another replied. "And us, too. Her life might not be so bad after all."

"That’s true," Wu Xiong murmured. "In the end, one’s life is determined by their own hands."

With a final glance at Madam Tian’s retreating figure, Wu Xiong turned away and walked down the road in silence.

The two men hurried to follow.

*****

Meanwhile, Madam Tian continued on her way. She paused here and there to catch her breath, but by noon, she had finally reached the academy.

Jiang Yihe had just finished his morning studies when a message from the doorman reached him.

His expression darkened.

His wife was here?

A sense of unease crept into his chest. Had she discovered something?

Suppressing his apprehension, he strode outside.

As soon as he stepped into the alley, he saw her beaming at him.

"Husband!" Her voice carried through the air, drawing the attention of nearby scholars.

Jiang Yihe’s face twisted in frustration.

Quickly, he grabbed Madam Tian by the arm and dragged her into a secluded alley.

"Didn’t I tell you to stay home?" He snapped in a low voice.

Madam Tian didn’t notice his irritation. She eagerly pulled out the silver and held it up with a bright smile.

"Husband, I brought money for you!"

Jiang Yihe paused before his eyes stared at the silver. He let out a seemingly helpless sigh before he spoke in a controlled voice, "You've worked hard."

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Chapter 145: Expulsion

After receiving Jiang Yihe’s praise, Madam Tian’s cheeks turned a soft shade of red, her expression tinged with shyness. "You are my husband," she said gently, lowering her gaze. "Naturally, I will always put you first in everything."

Jiang Yihe smiled, his fingers tightening slightly around the silver as he placed it into his purse. "I appreciate your thoughtfulness," he said. "I will study hard for the exam and make sure I don’t let you down."

"It’s noon now," he continued, glancing at the sky. "I should have taken you for a meal, but I have an appointment with my master to discuss academic matters. I really don’t have the time."

Madam Tian shook her head quickly, her voice filled with understanding. "That’s alright, husband. You must focus on your studies. I won’t be a bother. I’ll head home now."

Jiang Yihe gave her an approving nod but then added with a stern warning, "There have been many rumors in the village lately. You are shy and soft-hearted, so it’s best not to mingle with others unnecessarily. Just stay at home. I will return in ten days."

"Don’t worry, husband," Madam Tian assured him with a bright smile. "I will do as you say."

Satisfied, Jiang Yihe gave her one last nod before striding out of the alley. As he approached the academy gate, he quickly scanned his surroundings, ensuring no familiar faces were nearby. Only then did he straighten his posture, lifting his chin high as he confidently entered the academy grounds.

Madam Tian lingered for a moment, watching him disappear through the gates before letting out a small sigh. Then, she turned and made her way home.

By the time she arrived, the sun had dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the village. Her stomach rumbled, reminding her that she hadn’t eaten much all day. She considered making a pancake but hesitated when she saw the meager amount of flour left in the jar. Instead, she scooped out a small portion, mixed it with some vegetable leaves, and cooked a thin, watery porridge.

As she ate in silence, fatigue settled over her like a heavy blanket. The day had been exhausting——facing Wu Xiong and his men, running to town, then walking all the way back. Unable to keep her eyes open any longer, she climbed onto her thin mattress and let sleep claim her.

By the time she awoke, darkness had fully descended.

The night was eerily silent, save for the occasional gust of wind rustling through the trees. The moon remained mostly hidden behind thick clouds, offering little illumination. A handful of stars flickered dimly, but they did little to brighten the pitch-black sky.

Madam Tian turned over in bed, too tired to rise. Her stomach grumbled again, this time more persistently.

"Just bear with it a little longer," she whispered to herself, placing a hand over her abdomen. "Tomorrow morning, I can have some vegetable leaf and cornmeal porridge."

Yet, as the thought of the bland, unsatisfying meal crossed her mind, her stomach only protested louder, the gurgling noise filling the empty room.

Madam Tian sighed and tried to distract herself. "Just a few more days," she murmured. "Once my husband passes the Imperial Examination, we’ll have everything——chicken, duck, fish, steamed buns, braised pork...."

A smile tugged at her lips as she imagined a table full of delicious dishes. The hardships of the present would be worth it once Jiang Yihe succeeded.

But then——a sound.

A rustling, neither loud nor faint, carried by the wind.

Madam Tian remained still, her tired mind barely registering the noise. If it had been in the past, she would have been on high alert, fearing thieves or wild animals. But now? The house was nearly empty. There was nothing worth stealing. Even the rats had long since lost interest.

She convinced herself it was just the wind.

But then——a thud. A footstep.

The door burst open with a forceful kick.

Madam Tian jolted upright, her heart hammering in her chest. In the darkness, two shadowy figures loomed in the doorway.

"You——who are you?! What do you want?!" She stammered, scrambling back in fear.

The intruders said nothing. They strode toward her with purpose.

Before she could react, rough hands grabbed her arms, yanking her off the bed.

Panic surged through her. She opened her mouth to scream, but before a single sound escaped, one of the figures struck the back of her neck with a precise blow.

Her vision blurred. The world tilted. Darkness swallowed her whole.

The two men worked quickly. They bound her hands and feet with thick rope, then stuffed a rag into her mouth, muffling any possible cries for help. Without hesitation, they shoved her limp body into a large hemp sack.

One man slung the sack over his shoulder with ease——Madam Tian was light, too malnourished to put up any weighty resistance.

The other retrieved a small flask of lamp oil, sprinkling it across the wooden walls, the floor, and near the entrance. Then, with a flick of a fire starter, he set it ablaze.

The flames caught instantly, the oil fueling them into a hungry inferno. Within moments, the fire roared to life, crackling and spreading through the small home.

Without looking back, the two figures disappeared into the night.

*****

The next morning, miles away at the academy, Jiang Yihe woke early to prepare for his departure.

He packed methodically——paper, ink, brushes, books, a few sets of clothes. Most importantly, he secured his purse, ensuring the silver was safely tucked inside.

Outside, the other scholars gathered, loading their belongings onto a hired carriage. Master Ren, one of the senior instructors, stood nearby, waiting for the group to assemble.

Jiang Yihe quickened his pace, eager not to be left behind.

Just as he finished, Master Ren stepped into the room.

"Master," Jiang Yihe greeted with a respectful bow. "I’ll be ready in just a moment. Please wait a little longer."

Master Ren stroked his beard, his expression unreadable. "There’s no need to hurry...," he said. "You won’t be going."

Jiang Yihe froze, his hands tightening around his belongings. "What do you mean, Master?"

The older man sighed. "You have been disqualified from the autumn examination."

Jiang Yihe’s heart lurched. "Disqualified?! Why?"

"The Imperial Court now values a scholar’s reputation as much as his knowledge," Master Ren explained. "Your past actions have brought you disgrace. The academy received multiple complaints about your character, and during the qualification review, you were removed from the list of examinees."

Jiang Yihe felt as if the ground beneath him had collapsed. His dreams, his ambitions——shattered in an instant.

Master Ren gave him a pointed look. "Your dealings with the gambling house, your severed ties with your own daughter, your recent divorce.... These things matter, Jiang Yihe. A man who disregards his own family is not someone the Imperial Court wishes to employ."

Jiang Yihe’s mouth went dry.

His entire future had just slipped through his fingers. And there was nothing he could do about it.