Though Yu Sunshi didn’t understand what had angered Ji Taoyu, it clearly involved her son. She wondered if the two gers had quarreled, but Ji Taoyu’s icy tone sent a chill down her spine.
Ji Taoyu had always been gentle and accommodating, this was the first time she’d seen him so cold. She sensed her son had crossed a line.
"I’ll go ask Xia ger right away. Whatever happened, please don’t upset yourself, it’s bad for your health."
Aunt Sun abandoned her errand and hurried home.
Once she was gone, Ji Taoyu exhaled deeply, then crouched back down to harvest scallions.
Xia ger had pushed him into the water, nearly killing him. Whether it was a moment’s spite or malice, Ji Taoyu wouldn’t rest until he saw some retribution.
"Quite the sharp tongue."
Ji Taoyu had been thinking that even if he hadn’t run into Aunt Sun today, he’d have sought her out later to settle the matter.
But a voice from behind startled him so badly he nearly knelt in the dirt.
If villagers overheard his earlier words, rumors would spread like wildfire.
He turned slowly and saw a stern face looking down at him from higher ground, arms crossed. "But the one who pushed you was her son. Can you trust a mother to side against her own child?"
"I can’t guarantee it, but their reaction will show their character. If they apologize, I’ll let it go. If not, I’ll involve my parents. In a small village, opportunities for payback will come."
Huo Shu studied Ji Taoyu. The ger seemed soft and slow, but he wasn’t foolish.
"That’s one way, but too roundabout. If you want revenge, I can help. Where do they live?"
Huo Shu added, "My blade hasn’t seen use in a while."
Ji Taoyu paled. "Murder lands you in prison!"
"Who said anything about killing?"
Ji Taoyu hesitated, but then Huo Shu continued flatly, "Chopping off a hand would suffice."
"What’s the difference?!"
Seeing Huo Shu’s indifference, Ji Taoyu grew genuinely alarmed. "The village is peaceful, no unsheathing weapons!"
Huo Shu watched the ger’s face pale further, half-hoping he might cry again. But no such luck.
"If you do this, I’ll report you to the magistrate."
Huo Shu's eyebrow arched in surprise. A hint of amusement dancing in his eyes, this little cabbage dared threaten me?
[小白菜 (xiǎo bái cài): lit. Little cabbage; fig. Term for innocent/vulnerable person]
"Fine. If you don’t want it, forget it."
Ji Taoyu exhaled in relief, then muttered under his breath, "Who knew warriors also eavesdropped?"
"Broad daylight. I don’t cover my ears."
Knowing he was at fault, Ji Taoyu softened his tone. "You… won’t tell anyone about this, right?"
Huo Shu said, "Depends."
Ji Taoyu wasn’t sure what to make of that, but he doubted Huo Shu was the gossipy type. That eased his mind slightly.
"Why are you here, warrior?"
"To burn incense."
"At Uncle Zhao’s grave?"
Ji Taoyu remembered Aunt Yuan's bedridden husband had passed two years ago and was buried in this area. He had even attended the funeral feast at the Zhao family's home.
"Mn."
"Did you come alone?"
"Auntie brought me."
Hearing this, Ji Taoyu's heart gave a thud. He turned his head to glance around but didn't see another person nearby.
"Where’s Aunt Yuan?"
"Forgot the firestarter. Went back for it."
"…"
Ji Taoyu exhaled, lips pressed thin. This man answered only what was asked - no more.
If not for him being his savior, Ji Taoyu wouldn’t bother speaking to him.
"Did you… finish your business?"
"No."
Ji Taoyu gave up. Not asking seemed ungrateful, but probing felt intrusive.
"Then… take your time settling in the village."
With that, he resumed harvesting scallions.
Huo Shu watched the crouching figure, soft as a bundled cabbage.
He remarked, "So eloquent with villagers, yet stammers with me. Am I some beast?"
Ji Taoyu bit his lip. Wasn’t it obvious? One moment talking of murder, the next of maiming, who wouldn’t be scared?
He silently plucked scallions, refusing to engage.
Huo Shu, seeing his teasing ignored, switched topics. "I’m looking for someone but don’t know their name or where they live."
Ji Taoyu paused and looked up. "How can you find them, then? Why look?"
"To deliver something."
"So you have a token?"
At Huo Shu’s nod, Ji Taoyu realized he wouldn’t bring this up casually. "Do you… want my help finding them?"
Huo Shu neither confirmed nor denied.
"If possible."
Ji Taoyu's eyes widened slightly.
He said in low voice, "Then don’t tell anyone about today, and I’ll help."
Huo Shu watched the ger’s tentative bargaining and raised a brow. "I saved you. You help me. We’re even."
"Keeping your secret is separate."
Ji Taoyu frowned. Earlier, this man had acted above repayment, now he was keeping score?
"What do you want?"
Huo Shu drawled, "Silence has a price."
Taoyu hesitated. "You’re… short on money?"
Huo Shu’s brow arched higher.
Ji Taoyu, though knowing it was rude, couldn’t help thinking: At his age, still broke? What will he live on after the war?
He pursed his lips. "I… don’t have much saved either."
Huo Shu considered. "Then treat me to a meal."
Ji Taoyu flushed. "Fine, whenever you’re free, let me know. My parents will prepare a feast to thank you."
Huo Shu said, "Your parents’ feast is for saving you. For my silence, you treat me alone."
"That’s improper! A man and ger can’t dine alone!"
Ji Taoyu refused outright, but Huo Shu’s gaze turned sharp. He quickly averted his eyes.
"Then… my lips might loosen."
Huo Shu turned to leave.
Taoyu panicked. "I-I can’t host you alone, but I’ll cook and pack the meal for you. Would that work?"
Huo Shu stopped but didn’t turn. "Can you cook?"
"Decently."
"Then fine."
Ji Taoyu exhaled, about to ask for details on the person Huo Shu sought, when Zhao’s mother returned with the firestarter. He fell silent.
"Tao ger, picking vegetables?"
Taoyu smiled. "Grandfather’s here for herbs. I want him to eat before heading back."
"Such filial piety."
After exchanging pleasantries, Ji Taoyu turned back—only to find Huo Shu gone, as if he’d never been there.
Hehe. I like the dynamics.
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