The Sweet little Fulang Chapter 170 Part 2

    Wei Lanxiang was already at the front, cooking bran and husks for pig feed. Shen Yaoqing, having finished cleaning the sheep pen, joined Shen Xuanqing to help.  

    The calf trotted out on its own as soon as the gate opened, heading straight for the back door, even playfully startling the dogs, who barked and wagged their tails in excitement.  

    Guaizi, initially fascinated by the pigs, raced ahead when he saw the group heading out, darting through the back door first.  

    The calf mostly grazed on its own unless it wandered toward the fields. Sometimes it butted heads playfully with Guaizi or drank from the river, now thawed. A few villagers had already let their ducks swim, but their family had waited, fearing the water was still too cold.  

    Sure enough, as they stepped out, Shen Yan spotted them and called, "Second Brother! Brother Guzi!" Guaizi sprinted like the wind, charging toward her with heroic vigor.  

    With nothing urgent to do, Lu Gu watched the calf graze while Shen Xuanqing squatted to dig greens. He walked over to Shen Yan and asked, "Why’d you come so far today?"  

    Shen Yan herded the ducks upstream with a bamboo pole, the current here was gentle enough for them. "Who knows? They ate and swam, and I just followed. Didn’t realize we’d gone so far."  

    While she herded, Da Bai trotted over to join the fun. Since she was alone and bored, and remembering Shen Xuanqing’s warnings, she’d brought Da Bai for company when leaving the back door.  

    She carried a half-full basket of wild vegetables. Lu Gu took it, spotting more nearby, and the two squatted to dig.  

    "Sister-in-law said to gather a basketful for steamed buns. Haven’t had them in ages," Shen Yan said, shaking dirt from a root.  

    The mention made Lu Gu’s mouth water. "Good, let’s get more then."  

    Remembering the piglets, he looked up, smiling. "Check the pen when we get back, we brought four piglets home."  

    "Really?" Shen Yan’s eyes lit up. Shen Xuanqing had mentioned raising pigs so they wouldn’t need to buy pork later. The thought thrilled her.  

    "Really, your second brother’s digging greens now," Lu Gu said, dropping wild vegetable into the basket, still smiling.  

    Xiao Huang, following Lu Gu, pawed at the basket and nipped at the wild vegetables. Meanwhile, Shen Yan, stuck herding ducks but clearly excited, channeled her energy into playfully ruffling Xiao Huang's round belly, giggling uncontrollably like a fool.

    The dog loved attention, his tail wagging as Shen Yan rubbed his belly. Even Lu Gu couldn’t resist petting the plump little belly.  

    As the grass grew taller with each passing day and wild vegetables sprouted abundantly, it was clear that spring was bringing its own blessings.

    Though selling rabbits earned money and the lamb had grown, hunting was his skill, and Shen Xuanqing couldn’t abandon it. With Lu Gu pregnant, they’d need more funds to prepare for the child.  

    Last year’s savings of 400 taels remained untouched. Lu Gu had 40 taels, 35 of which Shen Xuanqing had given him over the years. He’d never spent the silver ingots, using only smaller copper coins for daily needs. Now, he had hundreds of copper coins and over ten qian of loose silver.  

    Shen Xuanqing had some silver and copper coins left, which he had partially spent on New Year's goods. After splitting the rabbit profits with Shen Yaoqing, they had just enough for daily expenses.

    Since Shen Xuanqing would only be gone five or six days (though hunting was unpredictable), Lu Gu packed eight days’ worth of rations, including peanuts for snacking.  

    Salted duck eggs were a practical choice for travel since they kept better than raw ones. Shen Xuanqing packed four, knowing they'd provide essential fat and salt for meals, especially since hunting was tiring and cooking might not always be an option.

    "Eating dry rations daily isn’t good. I’ll pack cured meat, remember to stir-fry it with wild vegetables like shepherd’s purse or fiddleheads," Lu Gu said, wrapping a small piece in cloth.  

    "Just slice and fry it," he added.  

    Grinning, Shen Xuanqing, sharpening knives upfront, agreed, "Got it."  

    He’d leave at dawn. After checking the basket, Lu Gu realized there was no rice for thin rice porridge, so he added, "I’ll buy rice wine. If there’s no rice porridge, boil some wine to soothe your stomach."  

    Rice wine cooked fast - just boil water, add wine, and simmer.  

    He hurried out to buy it from a village brewer. Shen Xuanqing, still sharpening blades, called after him to take his time. Hunting tools needed to be razor-sharp for emergencies.  

    Wei Lanxiang, back from feeding the animals, checked the supplies, fretting over whether it was enough. When Lu Gu returned with rice wine, she praised his thoughtfulness, admitting she hadn’t considered it.  

    After triple-checking everything, Lu Gu finally relaxed. That night, they slept together in the new house. After months of winter idleness, the impending separation felt abrupt.  

    By early March, Lu Gu’s belly was slightly rounded. At night, Shen Xuanqing would gently touch it, careful not to press too hard. At first, Lu Gu was shy and refused, which made Shen Xuanqing sulk for days.

    "Remember to move back to the old house tomorrow," Shen Xuanqing murmured, holding his fulang close. As night deepened, they finally drifted off.

My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 19 Part 1

 Chapter 19 

On the first day of October, the prefectural government summoned the village heads from all the townships under its jurisdiction for a meeting.  

Every family in every village was waiting for news about this year’s taxes. Once the tax collection was settled, the autumn harvest matters would be considered complete.  

"I wonder how the taxes will be this year."  

Yuan Huiru fed the chickens with rice bran and craned her neck to see if there was any movement in the village.  

Usually, after the village head returned from the city meeting, he would immediately call a village assembly to announce the tax situation.  

Though she now had money and didn’t need to worry whether taxes increased or decreased, farming had been her livelihood for decades. The year’s major events revolved around just a few things, and without a clear answer, her heart was unsettled. Right now, the whole village was probably waiting for the village head to return and hold the assembly.  

Huo Shu finished chopping two bundles of firewood and noticed Yuan Huiru still looking around. He paused.  

The south had frequent rainfall, and after late autumn, it drizzled every few days. This morning, the wind had picked up, and the sky had been overcast. By noon, it still hadn’t cleared, and it seemed rain was coming again.  

If this continued, winter would bring even fewer sunny days.  

Huo Shu wasn’t particularly concerned about the taxes. What bothered him was that he hadn’t seen Ji Taoyu for several days.  

Since that day the ger had returned from the city in tears, he seemed to have stayed indoors ever since.  

The village was quiet, with no news about the Ji and You families, everything appeared calm.  

If not for his own observations that day, he might have thought the Ji family had resigned themselves to clinging to their so-called "golden son-in-law."  

The whole village seemed preoccupied with taxes, and no one was gossiping about anything else.  

"Where is the assembly held?"  

Yuan Huiru was startled by Huo Shu’s voice and took a moment to register his question.  

"Oh, the tax assembly? Our village gathers at the village head’s house. Each family must send at least one representative. If you don’t like these matters, I can go."  

Huo Shu said, "Taxes are a farmer’s top priority. I’ll go with you, Mother."  

"If you’re willing, that’s fine."  

Yuan Huiru thought Huo Shu looked fierce and spoke little. He rarely interacted with her, let alone the villagers.  

Since he had settled in the village, attending a few assemblies and showing his face would help him integrate faster.  

By noon, Ji Yangzong finally returned from the city. On his way back, he informed everyone he met that the assembly would be held at his house in the afternoon.  

For those he didn’t notify, his laborer Da Niu went door-to-door to spread the word. Since it was lunchtime, most families were at home.  

Shortly after noon, the quick-footed villagers had already gathered at the Ji family house.  

When Huo Shu and Yuan Huiru arrived, the courtyard was already crowded with farmers.  

Village assemblies were usually held once a month unless something urgent came up. On the 15th of each month, the village head would announce various matters - whose fish pond was opening for sale, who needed help repairing their house, who was hosting a banquet, and so on.  

As long as someone informed the village head in advance, the news would be shared with the whole village.  

These gatherings were usually lively, with villagers chatting and making noise.  

But this month, the early assembly was called for taxes, and the mood was unusually somber.  

People either squatted or stood around, most silent, their sallow faces etched with worry.  

Yet there were also those who couldn’t hide their smugness.  

"Sun niangzi, what good fortune you have! You’ll never have to worry about taxes again. Not like us, always at the mercy of the court’s decrees."  

"Oh, it’s nothing. There’s always something to worry about. Only by letting go can one find peace."  

"Only Sun niangzi could say that. If my son had passed the provincial exams, I wouldn’t even bother coming to this assembly."  

A group of women and elders surrounded You's mother, flattering her one after another.  

You's mother occasionally adjusted her hair bun, smiling faintly, clearly enjoying the attention.  

It was no surprise she had come to the assembly today. Back when she had defied her family to marry into the You family, her strained relationship with her in-laws had been the subject of much gossip.  

Now that she had risen in status, she wouldn’t miss a chance to bask in the envy of these villagers.  

Not just You's mother, other members of the You clan had also come, equally basking in the admiration.  

Huang Manjing served tea to the villagers but deliberately avoided You's mother's group, placing the tea on a table instead. She couldn’t bring herself to greet them.  

Huo Shu leaned against the stone wall near the peach tree in the Ji courtyard, silently observing the scene.  

After about a quarter of an hour, Ji Yangzong called everyone together, took a quick roll call, and confirmed that representatives from every family were present before beginning the meeting.  

Just then, You Lingxiao arrived at the gate, right on time.  

The crowd turned to look, murmuring among themselves.  

"Uncle Ji, my apologies for being late."  

You Lingxiao cupped his hands respectfully toward Ji Yangzong.  

Ji Yangzong glanced at him and waved him in without a word of greeting.  

The villagers were briefly surprised, but before they could start whispering, Ji Yangzong began discussing the taxes.  

"The prefecture’s tax decree for this year has been issued. The grain tax remains the same - 40%. But there are changes to the other levies."  

Ji Yangzong unfolded his notes from the morning’s meeting. "I’ll read them out now. They’ll also be posted later for those who need to review."  

The farmers’ expressions darkened, this likely meant higher taxes. No one spoke.  

"Head tax: 120 copper coins per child, 200 copper coins per adult. Household tax: 500 copper coins per family. Additionally, there’s a new ‘tribute fee’, 50 copper coins per adult. Since the northern war has ended, the soldiers who guarded the borders all these years deserve recognition. Now that the army has returned, rewards must be given."  

The villagers had barely absorbed the tax hikes when the "tribute fee" was announced. Sparking widespread discontent.  

Rebirth of the Useless Young Master’s Counterattack Chapter 51

Chapter 51: The Deceptiveness of Appearances

Mu Lichuan naturally knew that every nation had its laws, and every profession had its rules. Their sudden intrusion into the capital and their unexpected rise in someone else’s territory would inevitably provoke displeasure. He had been waiting for them to come to his door.  

"Hold on, let me prepare." Mu Lichuan's expression was perfectly measured. The villa housed only him and his grandfather, making it feel somewhat empty. But since both were cultivators, inviting outsiders would only disrupt their peace.  

The middle-aged man showed no dissatisfaction. Before assessing the other party’s capabilities, it was wiser to remain low-key. People like them were considered anomalies in the eyes of science, so they couldn’t afford to be too conspicuous. Nothing was more important than "policy."  

Mu Lichuan’s name had spread instantly within their circle because he had subdued the evil entity in the "haunted house." In truth, the rumor about the villa being haunted had been deliberately spread by them to prevent ignorant people from moving in and losing their lives.  

Dressed in casual clothes with a small backpack, Mu Lichuan looked no different from a middle school student (he was 15 yo), his aura radiating youthful innocence. Yet, this very boy had subdued the evil entity. "Never judge a person by their appearance, nor measure the sea with a bucket," this was the middle-aged man’s assessment of him.  

[人不可貌相，海水不可斗量 (rén bù kě mào xiàng, hǎi shuǐ bù kě dǒu liáng): lit. Never judge a person by their appearance, nor measure the sea with a bucket; fig. Appearances can be deceiving, and true depth cannot be superficially assessed.]

Mu Lichuan advised his grandfather not to leave the house unnecessarily. He had left Xiao Xue behind to guard against any ill-intentioned intruders. "Harbor no intention to harm others, but never let down your guard against harm," he was simply taking precautions. 

[害人之心不可有，防人之心不可无 (hài rén zhī xīn bù kě yǒu, fáng rén zhī xīn bù kě wú): lit. Harbor no intention to harm others, but never let down your guard against harm; fig. Be kind but cautious.] 

The car wound through the capital’s streets before arriving at an old courtyard house. The moment Mu Lichuan stepped out, he sensed an overwhelming presence, whether it was the aura of a cultivator or an intentional display of intimidation, he couldn’t tell, but it had no effect on him.  

Following the middle-aged man inside, he found that while the exterior retained the traditional courtyard house style, the interior had been renovated into a reception hall, fully modernized in every aspect.  

An elderly man sat at the head of the hall, flanked by people dressed in various styles, creating a disorderly impression. The moment Mu Lichuan entered, the murmuring crowd turned their gazes toward him.  

"Him? Did Zhang Tianshi make a mistake?" A burly man burst into laughter upon seeing Mu Lichuan’s appearance.  

"Exactly! He looks like a milk-fed brat. Forget subduing evil entities, he’d probably tremble at the sight of a ghost," added another scruffy middle-aged man.  

The crowd buzzed with skepticism, unanimously dismissing Mu Lichuan as a fraud.  

Many stood up, ready to leave. They were only here out of respect for Zhang Tianshi, the old Taoist priest. Otherwise, who’d bother? Their kind was already suppressed by "science." If the government found out they were gathering to promote "superstition," they’d end up in jail - hardly worth the trouble.  

"Gentlemen, please remain calm. Shouldn’t we judge a person beyond appearances? Never ask about a hero’s origins." Zhang Tianshi, a white-haired elder with a formidable presence, spoke. Clearly a Taoist cultivator, his exact level was unclear to Mu Lichuan. His path seemed different from that of Mu Lichuan’s great-grandfather.

[英雄莫问出处 (yīng xióng mò wèn chū chǔ): lit. Never ask about a hero’s origins; fig. True capability isn’t determined by background.]  

At these words, the crowd turned their attention back to Mu Lichuan. "Kid, was it really you who subdued the evil in the haunted house? Lying isn’t a good habit," someone questioned.  

Mu Lichuan swept his gaze over them. Though they looked down on him, their eyes held no real malice, just the condescension reserved for the young. "Yes, it was me," he replied calmly. He saw this as an opportunity to infiltrate their circle and understand its workings.  

"Then… how did you do it?" Many doubted him, finding it impossible that someone so young could have handled the haunted house.  

They all had some knowledge of Taoist arts, though perhaps exaggerated. They understood feng shui and knew what forces were best left untouched, which were lessons learned through hard experience. Mu Lichuan’s youth made his claims unbelievable.  

The question amused Mu Lichuan. "With my hands, of course. What else?" His tone carried a hint of smugness.  

The moment he said this, the crowd deemed him utterly unreliable. "Old Taoist, we have better things to do than waste time on this," one man declared before walking out, clearly displeased.  

"Same here. I’ve got a chess game waiting," another elder added. They felt they’d given Mu Lichuan a chance, but the boy’s arrogance and disregard for their opinions were intolerable.  

Even Zhang Tianshi wondered, if the boy truly had skill, why speak in such a misleading way? Claiming to have done it "with his hands" sounded like mockery.  

Mu Lichuan blinked, finding them too impatient. Such impulsiveness served no one. The group’s lack of discipline made them vulnerable to exploitation by outsiders.  

"Young man, we’re all just curious about how you handled the evil entity. Your attitude is… disappointing," someone said regretfully. "Perhaps you should return to school and learn some respect." If he truly had ability, he wouldn’t act so dismissively, and vice versa.  

"Disrespectful? You’re the ones who judged me as frivolous and boastful the moment you saw my face. I never knew ‘experienced’ people like you were so shallow," Mu Lichuan retorted mockingly. To him, they were a disorganized bunch - hard to unite. Better to intimidate them into submission from the start.  

His words halted those who had begun leaving. Their faces darkened with anger. A young man’s arrogance was one thing, but challenging their authority was unacceptable.  

"Since you claim to have skills, why not demonstrate them?" Their tone had shifted entirely, hostility now evident.  

Though the government viewed them as promoters of feudal superstition, their clients treated them with reverence, inflating their egos, some even developing a severe "princess complex."  

Mu Lichuan nodded. "Let’s move to the courtyard. I wouldn’t want anyone getting hurt."  

The group gathered outside, some eager to see his abilities, others gleefully anticipating his failure. If he couldn’t impress, Zhang Tianshi’s influence would wane, creating an opening for a new leader.  

Standing in the center, Mu Lichuan pulled a fire talisman from his pocket and hurled it at a tree. Instantly, sparks crackled, and flames engulfed the entire tree.  

"Sh*t!" 

"It’s on fire!" 

Before they could react, the courtyard gate burst open. A man led a group of police inside. "Officers, these are the ones spreading feudal superstition early in the morning! Look, they’re even destroying public property!"  

"Everyone, to the station!" Before Mu Lichuan could respond, the police were already shouting. The burning tree was swiftly extinguished by none other than Zhang Tianshi, wielding a fire extinguisher.  

"Officers, we were just demonstrating fire safety to the youth," Zhang Tianshi explained with a smile, his beard slightly singed and face smudged with soot.  

Mu Lichuan, aware of the fire talisman’s power, understood the old man’s quick action.  

"Again? Last time it was recruiting youngsters for ghost stories," the lead officer said sternly. "Everyone, come with us. You can explain at the station."  

Mu Lichuan watched as the once-haughty group now hung their heads like wilted eggplants.  

"Kid, you alright? Shame on you all, preying on a middle schooler?" The middle-aged officer’s tone was severe. Mu Lichuan’s appearance was too convincing.  

"Human trafficking?" Mu Lichuan blinked. He had become the victim in the officers’ eyes. Considering his age, it made sense.  

"Don’t be scared. This time, we’ll make sure their families keep a closer eye on them. Targeting the nation’s youth? Unforgivable!" The officer’s expression was grave.  

The crowd stared at Mu Lichuan as if seeing a ghost. The shock he had given them hadn’t worn off, yet now his face had won over the police. The disparity in treatment was staggering. Some even wondered if they, too, could learn to make themselves look so convincingly young.  

"Master, how did you change your face? Can you teach us?" one naive enthusiast asked, eyes shining with admiration.  

Mu Lichuan’s lip twitched. "This is my real face." But to a room full of superstitious believers, his words held no credibility.

The Sweet little Fulang Chapter 170 Part 1

Chapter 170  

    Shen Xuanqing pretended to be hurt, making people angrier the more they listened. Lu Gu's brows were tightly knit, but he didn’t know how to argue back or hit someone to vent his anger. After a long while, he finally smacked Shen Xuanqing’s arm in frustration, then turned his face and body away, resolved not to speak to Shen Xuanqing until they got home. Even looking at the piglets with their legs tied was better than looking at Shen Xuanqing. 

 

    Shen Xuanqing laughed freely, but when he turned back, he was met with the sight of Lu Gu's retreating back - clearly, he was angry. He quickly begged for mercy: "I was wrong, I was wrong. If you want to hit me, go ahead. Anger hurts the body. If Mother finds out later, who knows how she’ll scold me."  

    Though he said this, his voice was still laced with laughter. Lu Gu, sitting on the edge of the cart, scooted further back and continued ignoring him.  

    Shen Xuanqing’s starry eyes still sparkled with amusement. He feigned a cough to hide his unstoppable laughter and added, "Fine, I’m the pig. It’s me grunting, alright?"  

    The moment he finished speaking, the cart jolted, and the piglet lying at the back immediately let out a squeal. Lu Gu couldn’t help but laugh, his brows smoothing as he turned back to face forward.  

    Shen Xuanqing hadn’t expected such perfect timing, but seeing his fulang smiling with crescent eyes, not a trace of anger left, he felt happy too.  

    When they got home, Wei Lanxiang was sweeping the backyard and came to the front at the noise. Seeing they had brought back piglets, she was overjoyed and immediately called for Shen Yaoqing to help carry them to the pigpen in the back.  

    With four of them working together, Lu Gu also pitched in. The piglets’ legs were tied, so they couldn’t kick or struggle, only squirm in their hands. Lu Gu, accustomed to physical labor, easily handled the twenty-catty piglet.

    "Woof!"  

    Guaizi and the other dogs riled up by the sight of the little pigs, barked incessantly, their tails wagging wildly. When Lu Gu picked up a piglet, Guaizi even stood on his hind legs to sniff its rear.  

    In the backyard’s cattle pen, the calf had grown since last year but remained docile. It let out a couple of low moos at the sight of people. Lately, Lu Gu had been letting it out to graze when he had time. Tender green grass had sprouted, and the calf would spend an hour or two outside, swishing its tail as it ate.  

    The pigpen had long been built. Lu Gu placed the piglet inside, and Shen Xuanqing, the last to enter, kicked the wooden gate shut to keep the dogs out. Then, Shen Xuanqing untied the piglet's legs, knowing Guaizi might have chased it otherwise.

    Freed, the piglet squealed and scurried to a corner, all four huddling together. Wei Lanxiang watched delightedly, calling "luo-luo-luo" to coax them over.  

    "Once they’re used to being fed in a couple of days, they’ll come," Shen Yaoqing said with a laugh.  

    Raising pigs was a big deal. Most families in the village raised one or two, so buying four at once was a significant investment. Wei Lanxiang was thrilled beyond words and immediately set off to cook pig feed and gather wild greens, walking so briskly no one could stop her.  

    The piglets, just brought home, weren’t yet accustomed to the new place, but they’d adjust. The three of them walked out, and Shen Xuanqing secured the gate to prevent escapes. Each piglet cost two qian of silver which was quite expensive, but by year’s end, they could be slaughtered. If raised well, each could sell for over three taels.  

[1 tael of silver = 10 qian of silver]

    The four piglets totaled eight qian, split equally between the brothers, and the profits from future pork sales also divided evenly.  

    Standing outside the pen, Shen Xuanqing pointed to one with black spots on its rump and told Shen Yaoqing, "That one’s uncastrated, we’ll keep it as a breeding boar for piglets later."  

    This had been discussed earlier. Shen Yaoqing nodded, noting that this one needed extra care to ensure robust offspring.  

    Hearing the calf moo, possibly thirsty or hungry, Lu Gu went to check. The stone trough still had dry grass, but water was low. Luckily, Shen Yaoqing had fetched a bucket earlier, so Lu Gu poured half in. The midday sun was scorching today, so the animals’ water didn’t need to be warmed.  

    As the calf drank, Lu Gu patted its head, its horns had grown since last year. Like people, cattle had different temperaments. Their calf was affectionate, never minding being touched. When younger, it had even imitated Guaizi by nuzzling people.  

    The two dogs following Lu Gu knew the calf well, often romping around the yard with Guaizi. Meanwhile, Guaizi remained by the pigpen, tilting his head to peer inside through the wooden slats.  

    Seeing the calf had drunk its fill, Lu Gu noted how quickly the water level had dropped - proof of the saying "drinks like an ox." With nothing else to do, he called to Shen Xuanqing, "I’ll take the calf out to graze."  

    Shen Xuanqing, picking up a bamboo basket nearby, replied, "Let’s go together. I’ll dig up some wild greens for the pigs. Shen Yan is out with the ducks."  

    With so many animals at home, dry grass was still the main feed, but they gathered fresh greens daily for variety. Once the grass grew taller, they could hire He Zhi and his fulang to cut more.  

My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 18 Part 3

The Ji family had always acted so noble, but when it came to their interests, they had no qualms about bringing this token to force the issue. You's mother couldn’t help but sneer inwardly.  

You Lingxiao glanced at his mother, then gently closed the box. Though he was displeased by the Ji family’s aggressive approach, he didn’t show it, instead maintaining a respectful demeanor.  

"Uncle Ji, I haven’t forgotten my engagement to Taoyu. I originally planned to announce it at the banquet, but with the metropolitan exams coming up early next year, I’ll have to leave soon to prepare. If we hold the wedding now, it’ll be too rushed."  

"Your family has been so kind to me, and I want to give Ji Taoyu the best wedding possible. That’s why I didn’t want to rush into it. I should’ve discussed it with you earlier, but my leg was injured, and I hadn’t gotten the chance—"  

Ji Yangzong had no patience for these flimsy excuses. He cut straight to the point. "Lingxiao, you’ve passed the provincial exam at a young age, and your future is bright. Our Ji family is just a humble rural family with modest means. We know our place, this small temple can’t hold a great Buddha like you."  

"Today, we’ve come to discuss with the You family. The betrothal back then was decided too hastily, and now we realize it was a mistake. To avoid holding each other back, we’re returning this love knot. Please take it back."  

You Lingxiao and You's mother were both stunned. They hadn’t expected the Ji family to come and cancel the engagement.  

You Lingxiao panicked, he’d never intended to break off the engagement. He genuinely liked Ji Taoyu, moreover they’d grown up together.  

Just as he was about to speak up, You's mother grabbed his arm, silencing him, and took the box. "The Village Head is right. Marriage should be mutual. If one side is unwilling, forcing it would only make both children miserable."  

"We’ve relied on the Village Head’s support all these years. Since this is your wish, we won’t stand in Tao ger’s way. He’s handsome and skilled in medicine, he’ll surely find a better match. If this is what you want, we won’t delay him further."  

With that, You's mother took out a sizable pouch and pushed it forward. "Back then, our family was struggling, and it was only with the Village Head’s help that Lingxiao got to where he is today. This small token is our thanks, please don’t think it too meager."  

Huang Manjing glanced at the fifty taels of silver inside the pouch and scoffed. "What generosity, Sun niangzi. But as the village head, it’s only natural to support promising young scholars in the village. There’s no need for such courtesy."  

Ji Yangzong saw how readily You's mother agreed, she must have been hoping for this outcome for a long time.  

There was none of the respect and humility she’d shown before Lingxiao passed the exams. Truly, the world was cold, and people’s hearts were fickle.  

Now that he understood the You family’s true nature, he had no desire to engage further. "Since the matter is settled, we won’t disturb Lingxiao’s studies. May you pass the metropolitan exams with flying colors, our Mingxun Village will be proud." 

"Thank you for your auspicious words, Village Head."  

You's mother added, "Oh, to spare Tao ger from village gossip, we should clarify this matter publicly. We wouldn’t want people to think the two families are still betrothed and delay Tao ger’s chances with other families."  

"Sun niangzi is so considerate. We’ll mention it at the next village gathering - big or small, everything gets announced there anyway."  

"That would be perfect."  

As Ji Yangzong and Huang Manjing stood to leave, You Lingxiao suddenly grew anxious and chased after them. "Uncle Ji! Aunt Huang!"  

You's mother yanked his arm back, her brows furrowed in warning not to complicate things.  

As You Lingxiao hesitated, Ji Yangzong turned and said, "Lingxiao, your mother has sacrificed much to raise you. Filial piety comes first, listen to her well, and you’ll have a bright future. From now on, focus on your studies. There’s no need to visit our house and waste time, worrying your mother."  

With that, the couple strode away.  

"Uncle Ji! Uncle Ji!"  

You's mother said, "They’re long gone. Stop shouting."  

"Mom! How could you just let Uncle Ji cancel the bethoral?!"  

You Lingxiao, seeing he couldn’t catch up, turned to his mother in frustration.  

You's mother sneered. "You think the Ji family actually wants to cancel the bethoral? They’re just playing hard to get, using your feelings for their boy to pressure you."  

"If you act like you can’t live without him now, they’ll have you wrapped around their fingers forever."  

You Lingxiao frowned. "But they returned the betrothal token. How is this a ploy?"  

"Ji Yangzong has been village head for years, he’s shrewd. Back then, he only agreed to the bethoral because he saw your potential. Now that it’s time to reap the benefits, you think he’d really give up so easily? Their farmland still needs your protection from taxes. With October approaching, he’s getting desperate, that’s why he’s making this move."  

"Don’t let your emotions ruin our plans. Just wait and see, he’ll drag his feet on announcing the broken bethoral, hoping we’ll change our minds."  

You Lingxiao relaxed slightly at his mother’s analysis.  

"I will pass the metropolitan exams!"  

____

Huo Shu, watching from the shadows, saw the Ji couple enter the You family empty-handed and leave empty-handed, their faces dark. Once they were gone, he stepped out, satisfied that the matter was settled.  

Arms crossed, he watched the retreating figures. The Ji family had swallowed their pride and taken the loss for their child’s sake, voluntarily canceling the bethoral. Their resolve impressed him.  

But whether he was impressed or not didn’t matter. What mattered was that the little crybaby had finally kicked that You bastard to the curb.  

The Sweet little Fulang Chapter 169 Part 2

    Their backyard was spacious, with plenty of unused land. With so many poultry and livestock, the smell in summer could get overwhelming. Qingyao leaves would definitely be needed daily. Though they were cheap and could be gathered from the mountains, growing them at home would be even better.  

    Lu Gu felt refreshed riding the mule cart outside. Hearing this plan, he naturally agreed. With homegrown vegetables, meat, and now even medicinal herbs, their self-sufficiency was improving.  

    They traveled leisurely to Wangli Village. Along the way, they even met Old Man Lu and his wife. Shen Xuanqing let them ride on the cart, they were from the same village, so giving them a lift was no trouble. The couple got off at the entrance of Wangli Village, as the couple still had a stretch to walk to her natal home.

    Once they reached the village entrance, Shen Xuanqing led the mule toward Li Zhuzi’s house. Lu Gu stopped sitting and walked alongside him.  

    Li Zhuzi’s pigpen was in the backyard. After tethering the mule outside the gate, Shen Xuanqing went in. The sow had given birth to six piglets, and he had already reserved the four largest ones.  

    Li Zhuzi entered the pen to catch the scurrying piglets, handing each one to Shen Xuanqing, who stood outside. Having raised pigs for years, Li Zhuzi was skilled at catching them.  

    Lu Gu watched the squirming, loudly squealing piglets with delight.  

    “These four, each over twenty catties.” Li Zhuzi closed the pen door and walked out, his shoes and legs inevitably stained with mud and pig manure, though he paid it no mind. Speaking of his piglets, his face showed pride. His reputation for selling healthy piglets was well-known in the surrounding villages.  

    “They really are good.” Shen Xuanqing hefted the wriggling piglet in his hands. It was indeed over twenty catties, and nodded in agreement. Then he asked, “Have they been castrated?”  

    “Already castrated, no need to worry. Our family does honest business. My father took care of them before he left home. As you asked, we left the female one intact. If you need breeding later, just call, and I’ll bring the boar over.” Li Zhuzi grinned.  

    “Old Man Li’s skills are top-notch.” Shen Xuanqing praised.  

    The Old Man Li he referred to was Li Zhuzi’s father, a well-known pig castrator who traveled from village to village. In his old age, he stayed home and raised pigs.  

    When Shen Xuanqing had first come to inspect the piglets, he had made it clear to Li Zhuzi - only the female piglet was to be left unaltered,  the others were to be castrated. Neutered pigs grew larger, and their meat was less gamey when slaughtered.  

    Since Li Zhuzi’s father was the castrator, buying piglets from their family included free neutering. Country folk had to save where they could, so their piglet business had always thrived, easily covering the castration costs.  

    Some buyers wanted female pigs for breeding. If those were accidentally neutered, they’d raise hell. Having learned from past mistakes, Li Zhuzi now always confirmed buyers’ intentions. Even if he missed out on piglet sales later, breeding fees for the boar would still earn him money. And when the sow eventually farrowed, who else would they call to castrate the piglets but his father, the most famous castrator in the area? One way or another, his family would profit.  

    Hearing his father praised, Li Zhuzi scratched his head, his smile fading slightly. His father’s reputation was so great that his own skills were often overlooked. Feeling somewhat unappreciated, he pointed at one piglet and said, “This one was done by me. What do you think?”  

    Realizing his misstep, Shen Xuanqing kept a straight face and examined the piglet as requested before smiling. “If you hadn’t mentioned it, I’d have thought Old Man Li did all of them. Your skills are close to perfection now, no less than your father’s.”  

    Uneducated and illiterate, Li Zhuzi brightened immediately at these words. If Shen Xuanqing couldn’t tell the difference, that meant his skills were now on par with his father’s. Pleased, his sun-darkened face broke into a grin. “No wonder people say you're well-educated, it really shows. I'm not entirely sure what you mean by 'fire and green,' but I've heard those words before. Hearing you explain it makes me feel much better.”  

[Shen Xuanqing's praised Li Zhuzi's pig-castrating skills as having reached perfection or mastery (炉火纯青, lúhuǒ chúnqīng). Li Zhuzi's uneducated and misheard/misinterpreted the idiom as fire and green (火青, huǒ qīng), finding it baffling but flattering]

    Shen Xuanqing chuckled without further explanation, yet Li Zhuzi's straightforward nature made him a good person despite his rough edges.

     Lu Gu observed from the side, noting that the piglets had already undergone castration and now just needed to be raised. As for Shen Xuanqing’s conversation with Li Zhuzi, he had worried when he saw Li Zhuzi’s expression darken, but no conflict arose. He thought to himself, their Erqing was truly impressive, always so good at giving compliments.  

    Since the cart’s sideboards were low, Shen Xuanqing and Li Zhuzi tied the piglets’ legs and laid them down to prevent them from jumping out during the trip. Then they set off slowly back home.  

    The plump piglets delighted Lu Gu. Sitting on the cart, he couldn’t resist touching the nearest one's belly. The moment he did, the piglet let out a series of frantic squeals.  

    Hearing the noise, Shen Xuanqing turned around, his starry eyes twinkling with amusement. “I forgot the piglets were back there, I thought it was you.”  

    Lu Gu froze, then noticed the fleeting mischievous grin. Was he calling me a pig?  

    Rarely angered, Lu Gu raised his hand to swat at him, but Shen Xuanqing dodged, and the distance between them made the attempt futile.  

    As Shen Xuanqing laughed ahead, Lu Gu, unaccustomed to such teasing, felt utterly wronged. Not knowing how else to retaliate, he secretly shifted forward on the cart. Once close enough, he mimicked Wei Lanxiang and smacked Shen Xuanqing’s arm.  

    “Ow!” Shen Xuanqing had noticed him moving but pretended to be hurt, only to fail at suppressing his laughter.

My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 18 Part 2

Huang Manjing hesitated. "If we really do this, there’ll be talk. People will speculate about why the two families broke off the engagement, and Xiao Taozi’s reputation—"  

"If we don’t take this step now, the You family will keep delaying, and it’ll only waste Xiao Taozi’s time. Now that he’s latched onto the Xue family, even if we don’t cancel the betrothal now, they’ll force it later."  

Huang Manjing’s heart turned cold.  

"If we cancel it ourselves now, at least we have the upper hand. If we drag it out and the Xue family intervenes, our Ji family will be at disadvantage."  

Ji Taoyu, seeing this, said firmly, "The You family can play both sides only because they think we won’t dare act for fear of damaging our reputation by breaking the bethoral. Now that they’ve attached themselves to the Xue family, and the Xue family is willing to overlook You Lingxiao’s existing betrothal, they’re no better than snakes and rats in the same nest. I’m willing to cancel the betrothal and let them have their way."  

[蛇鼠一窝 (she shu yi wo): lit. Snakes and rats in the same nest; fig. Wicked people colluding.]  

"If other families hesitate to marry into ours because of the broken engagement without understanding the truth, I’ll accept that."  

Huang Manjing, hearing Ji Taoyu’s words, made up her mind. "Since you don’t feel reluctant, your father and I won’t let you stay trapped in the You family, suffering their mistreatment." 

____

"How on earth did you get pricked by a needle? And at a big cloth shop, how careless can their workers be?"  

That afternoon, You Lingxiao returned from the city limping. Seeing the large bruise on the back of his son’s thigh, she hurried to fetch medicinal wine to rub on it.  

"I’m going to Shili Cloth Shop to give them a piece of my mind."  

"Why bother? Haven’t I embarrassed myself enough there already? Miss Xue ran off to her room as soon as she got back, such a spoiled temper. Luckily, the Assistant Prefect didn’t seem to mind."  

You Lingxiao hissed in pain, frowning as he said to You's mother, "This medicinal wine isn’t working. Mom, get me the small porcelain bottle on my desk."  

You's mother went to fetch the porcelain bottle and applied the new medicine to the bruise.  

You Lingxiao exhaled in relief. "Ji Taoyu’s medicine has always been effective. It should heal in a couple of days."  

"That sickly ger only knows how to fiddle with these things."  

You Lingxiao said, "I’ll go to the Ji family later."  

You's mother frowned. "Your leg is hurt like this, and you still want to go out? Stay home this afternoon and study. Don’t neglect your academics. You can go when your leg’s better, it’s not like they’re going anywhere."  

You Lingxiao had spent the day with Xue Hanxue. Though the Assistant Prefect was amiable, the young lady’s temper didn’t suit him.  

Comparing the two, he felt even more that Ji Taoyu was the better match.  

"Last time, after I passed the provincial exam, you wouldn’t let me go tell the Ji family right away. Uncle Ji has been displeased with me since then. If I don’t go apologize to him now, it might cause trouble."  

"What trouble? The Ji and You families have been evenly matched all these years, but now you’re a provincial graduate. Even with their village head title, the Ji family can’t compare to us anymore. Once you marry into the Xue family, the village head position will be yours to decide."  

"Right now, the You family is probably worried you’ll reject their child. Letting them stew for a bit will remind them who holds the power now. If you’re too eager, they’ll just get cocky."  

You Lingxiao sighed softly. After thinking it over, he agreed. It was better to wait until his leg healed before visiting Ji Taoyu, he didn’t want him to see him in such a sorry state.  

Just as they finished speaking, there was a knock at the courtyard gate.  

"Who is it?"  

You's mother set down the porcelain bottle. "Probably that Xia ger from your aunt’s family again. You know how he’s always clinging to you."  

"He’s hoping to marry you, but he can’t even read, and he’s crude and ill-mannered. Even the Ji family’s ger is better than him."  

You Lingxiao said, "Come to think of it, Cousin didn’t come when we hosted the banquet."  

"Your aunt said he caught a cold."  

You's mother grumbled as she dawdled to the gate. "Coming!"  

You Lingxiao sighed, tidying the bottles on the table, pulling down his pant leg, and straightening his clothes.  

Then he heard his mother outside say, "Village Head, Huang niangzi, what brings you here? Is it about this year’s taxes?"  

You Lingxiao’s brow twitched. He hadn’t expected the Ji family to come, but they shouldn’t owe taxes this year.  

A moment later, You's mother led Ji Yangzong and Huang Manjing inside.  

You Lingxiao quickly greeted them with a smile and invited them to sit.  

Ji Yangzong saw You Lingxiao in the room and said, "Lingxiao’s here too. Good."  

Once everyone was seated, Ji Yangzong wordlessly pushed a small box forward.  

You Lingxiao, puzzled, opened it and found a red love knot inside.  

He recognized it immediately. Back when the two families were betrothed, his family had been poor, so he’d made this love knot as a token of his sincerity.  

You's mother's face darkened the moment she saw it.  

Back then, the Ji family had been in a higher position, and the You relatives had been indifferent. As a widow with a child, she’d clung to this lifeline, having You Lingxiao give the token mostly as insurance.  

She hadn’t expected it would become their biggest liability. She’d known the Ji family would use it as leverage, with this token, if negotiations failed, they could take it to the authorities, and the magistrate would have to intervene.  

Rebirth of the Useless Young Master’s Counterattack Chapter 50

Chapter 50: Taming the Bloodvine

The blood-red leaves swayed eerily. Trees that should have been firmly rooted in the ground now uprooted themselves, their tendril-like roots slithering across the earth. The branches struck by Mu Lichuan’s talisman emitted a faint charred smell.  

Mu Lichuan stood motionless, his sharp eyes scanning the bizarre scene before him. He was surprised to find man-eating trees in a villa in the capital, even spawning rumors of a "haunted house."  

At the same time, he knew these "man-eating trees" couldn’t leave this area—otherwise, the villa wouldn’t be the only place plagued by such inexplicable events. He wondered if his eyes were playing tricks on him.  

"In that case, I’ll just burn them all." A ruthless glint flashed in Mu Lichuan's eyes. Ordinary fire might not work, but talismans? The crackling and scorching scent proved their effectiveness. Whether it was humans, ghosts, or something else, they would all perish here.  

The Mu Lichuan of his past life had never been kind. Now, after experiencing his family’s downfall in such a short time, he knew mercy would only hinder him or make him a stepping stone for others.  

He didn’t understand soul force, but he knew he had an edge in cultivation, his control over spirits far surpassed that of ordinary practitioners.  

"W-Wait…" Just as Mu Lichuan was about to throw another talisman, but a timid, childlike voice suddenly interrupted him.  

Mu Lichuan didn’t retract the talisman. "Drop the act. Now," he commanded coldly.  

When nothing happened after a few seconds, he flung another fire talisman. The crackling resumed, accompanied by the scent of roasting meat.  

"Show yourself!" he barked, then chuckled. "Or I’ll tear these trees apart." His tone was gentle, but the threat was unmistakable.  

This time, the roots and tendrils blurred into nothingness, as if they had never existed. Mu Lichuan stood alone in the villa’s front yard, the trees unchanged. Only the ashes of his talisman remained, scattering in the breeze.  

He had suspected illusions from the start. If such horrors truly existed, the cultivators in the capital would never have allowed this "haunted house" to stand, it would affect the nation’s fortune.  

"It’s you?" His gaze landed on a blood-red twig sprouting from a flowerpot. So this was the source of the illusions.  

"Master." The twig’s voice was childlike, but its crimson leaves and blood-like roots sent chills down his spine.  

Mu Lichuan’s expression darkened. "A mere tree spirit dares to cause havoc?" Though he’d seen strange things before, the eerie atmosphere unsettled him. This wasn’t some horror movie.  

"Master, I was wrong! Please spare me!" The spirit groveled, clearly terrified of his talismans.  

Mu Lichuan hesitated. Any creature that developed sentience was extraordinary. He couldn’t kill it without reason, everything had its purpose.  

"Never harm humans again," he warned before striding toward the villa. But as soon as he moved, he flicked a fire talisman behind him. The tree spirit shrieked as its tendrils recoiled.  

Mu Lichuan had expected treachery. He spun and sprinted toward a patch of earth, slashing at a green vine with his spirit sword. Red sap oozed out.  

"Master, spare me!" The vine writhed, unable to burrow away. Soil was its lifeline, yet now it was trapped.  

"I don’t trust you," Mu Lichuan sneered. He’d given it a chance, and it had repaid him with an ambush.  

"I-I’ll submit to you!" The vine yanked its roots from the ground, its color fading.  

"Oh? What use are you?" Mu Lichuan was intrigued. How could such a small vine dominate this place?  

"I can cast illusions… and drink blood." Pride laced its voice.  

Mu Lichuan frowned. "So you’re a wicked vine?" Such malice couldn’t be tolerated.  

"I’m not wicked! And I’m no ordinary vine, I’m a Bloodvine!" it protested.  

"Bloodvine? The ancient menace?" Mu Lichuan recalled texts describing this plant. Who would’ve thought such an unassuming thing was a legendary horror?  

The records were brief: Bloodvines used illusions to drain blood and cultivation, turning victims into nourishment. Even the "god clans" avoided them.

[God Clans (神族, Shénzú): ancient, supreme bloodlines or factions descended from primordial deities, mythical beings, or the earliest cultivators. They wield divine-level power, unique inheritances, and often dominate the cosmic order]

"You’re not so ignorant after all." The vine preened, pleased to be recognized.  

Mu Lichuan scoffed. "If you’re so mighty, why hide in this corner?"  

"I-I only recently gained sentience!" The vine instantly regretted its words. This human had tricked it!  

Mu Lichuan brandished another fire talisman. An ancient Bloodvine, feared even by god clans, was too dangerous to spare.  

"Wait, Master! I’ll obey you! I can’t kill directly, I just use illusions to make people kill themselves, and even that has limits!" The vine trembled. Death meant no chance to evolve.  

"How do I know you won’t slaughter humans later?"  

"Your soul force is strong! Just place restrictions on me!" The vine swayed its leaves pleadingly.  

Mu Lichuan had been bluffing. If he could tame this Bloodvine, it would be a powerful ally in the cultivation world. "Fine. Submit."  

He didn’t know how Bloodvines bonded, but when its thorn pierced his hand, he nearly incinerated it on reflex.  

"Master, blood is how we pledge loyalty." The vine withered at lightning speed, then reappeared as a green tendril in his spiritual sea.  

Mu Lichuan felt no discomfort. The vine, now named "Xiao Xie," seemed listless but content. 

[小血 (Xiǎo xiě): little blood] 

With the Bloodvine gone, the villa’s eerie aura vanished, replaced by a cool night breeze. Moonlight filtered through the leaves once more.  

When he returned to the hotel, his grandfather was still awake. After a brief explanation, Mu Lichuan washed up and slept.  

The next day, they hired cleaners to prepare the villa. New furniture was brought in, no renovations were needed.  

News of the Mu family moving into the "haunted house" spread quickly among the capital’s elite. Even renowned "masters" had failed to cleanse it, yet these "country bumpkins" had succeeded?  

The villa’s overgrown trees were cut, leaving bare trunks. Sunlight flooded the property at last.  

Three days later, as Mu Lichuan practiced talisman-making, a visitor arrived.  

"Is this Master Mu’s residence?"  

Mu Lichuan stood. "What do you want?"  

"Grandmaster Zhang requests your presence."  

Rebirth to Erase Dark History Chapter 57 Part 3

"Grandpa Wei, what flowers do you like? I’ll grow a couple of nice ones for you. Expanding isn’t an option right now, I don’t have the energy." Yang Jiabo was afraid the little fleeceflower would haunt his dreams in protest.  

"What a shame." Grandpa Wei sighed. "By the way, can you grow saffron?"  

Yang Jiabo froze - this was getting off-track. "The climate back home isn’t ideal for saffron. I’m not sure if it’ll grow, but I can try."  

Yang Jiabo knew saffron was highly valuable, the best quality could sell for tens of thousands per kilogram. It was excellent for promoting blood circulation and was a prized spice. But the abysmal yield discouraged him.  

"Jiajia, you seem very knowledgeable about medicinal herbs," Grandpa Wei remarked.  

Yang Jiabo smiled sheepishly. "I’ve done some research. At first, I wanted to grow herbs, but I’m lazy and love food, so I ended up with fruits and vegetables instead."  

Grandpa Wei: "The fruits from your farm are incredibly sweet and juicy, it’s hard to find anything that good on the market. Jiajia, would growing saffron be too much trouble for you?"  

"It’s not trouble, but I can’t grow much by myself, don’t expect high yields."  

"Jiajia, it’s such a waste that you’re not growing medicinal herbs." Grandpa Wei sighed regretfully.  

"I’m stretched too thin. If I hire help, the quality will drop. Grandpa Wei, is someone in the family sick and in need of medicine?"  

"Yes, your Grandma Wei’s rheumatism is getting worse. I heard saffron-infused wine helps. Since the herbs you grow are far more potent than what’s on the market, I thought of you. But I’ve been too embarrassed to ask, it feels like too much trouble."  

"It’s no trouble. My dad might need it someday too, I’ll start experimenting when I get back."  

"Wonderful! I’ll have your Uncle Wei get you the best saffron bulbs." Grandpa Wei was delighted.  

Wei Jing and Yang Jiabo spent two hours in the yard planting the flowers Yang Jiabo had brought. Most were for sale, with only a few reserved as gifts. Yang Jiabo charmed the Wei grandparents so thoroughly that they treated him like their own grandson.  

That night, back at Wei Jing’s apartment, Yang Jiabo sat by the floor-to-ceiling window, admiring the city lights. Wei Jing took two cans of beer from the fridge, opened one, and handed it to Yang Jiabo.  

"I had no idea you were so good with elders, you had them chatting about everything from life in the 1950s to geriatric care." Wei Jing was impressed, it was the first time he felt he didn’t truly know Yang Jiabo.  

"It’s nothing. Just listen to them reminisce for a while, and you’ll pick it all up. Old folks love talking about the past."  

Wei Jing sat down, took a sip of beer, and finally asked, "Now, out with it, why did you suddenly come to Beijing?"  

Yang Jiabo said defensively, "Can’t I just be here for vacation?"  

"With your personality, you hate inconveniencing others. Normally, you’d call me first, set a time, and then come. Something must’ve happened."  

"Are you a mind reader?" Yang Jiabo couldn’t even argue.  

"What happened?" Wei Jing pressed.  

"There’s something I can’t figure out, it’s been bothering me." Yang Jiabo said.  

"What is it?" Wei Jing found this strange.  

"Let me pose two hypothetical lives, tell me which one you’d choose. The first: living disabled and in poverty, mocked and scorned by others, but with a wife and child. The second: finding your life’s purpose, but dying a heroic death in your prime, remembered as a hero."  

"The way you’ve framed these two lives is too simplistic. In the first one, are the couple happy? Is the child filial? And in the second, did the hero have regrets? Someone he couldn’t bear to leave behind?"  

"The marriage was unhappy, they were practically enemies. The wife raised the child alone and didn’t let him be involved, so the child was closer to her. The hero was a soldier who loved the army, he died saving others..." Yang Jiabo briefly summarized Li Wen’s two vastly different lives.  

After listening, Wei Jing said decisively, "If it were me, I’d choose the second one."  

"Why? Once you’re dead, there’s nothing left. The other option might’ve been poor, but at least the family was together." Yang Jiabo didn’t understand.  

"The issue isn’t poverty, it’s that he lived without meaning, just numbly going through each day, surviving for the sake of survival. Jiajia, you already have the answer in your heart, don’t you? Now, tell me what’s going on."  

"Remember my cousin, Li Wen, the one I asked your dad to help enlist?" Yang Jiabo asked.  

"I remember. You talked about him often, he sent wild pheasants, quail, and other game to our house. I never tried any, but my mom raved about it. Did something happen to him?"  

Yang Jiabo: "He died saving people during a disaster relief mission. We just held his funeral."  

"Yang Jiabo, you’re unbelievable." Wei Jing glared at him, teeth clenched. "What happened to calling me if something happened, huh?"  

"I came to tell you in person, what more do you want?" Yang Jiabo argued. At the time, Wei Jing had been swamped, barely calling, and when he did, it was just small talk, lbso Yang Jiabo hadn’t brought it up.  

"Fine, I won’t argue with you." Wei Jing was too exasperated to press further. "So the two lives you described earlier, one of them was his?"

The Sweet little Fulang Chapter 169 Part 1

Chapter 169

    The weather was getting better, much warmer than the harsh cold of winter. Even when it was windy or rainy, it wasn’t as bone-chilling as winter. Time passed quickly, and before they knew it, spring was approaching. The slopes and wild fields grew greener day by day.  

    Early in the morning, Lu Gu ate a bowl of steamed egg custard drizzled with fragrant sesame oil. Though it had been steamed a bit too long and turned slightly tough, it still tasted good.  

    Nowadays, he rarely ate duck meat or duck eggs, just the smell was enough to make him uncomfortable. However, he could still manage a few bites of salted duck eggs. The day before yesterday, before dinner, he had felt so hungry that his stomach felt hollow. Fortunately, Wei Lanxiang had prepared and rolled out the noodle early that afternoon. He had gone back and cooked a bowl of scallion noodle soup. Without any stir-fried dishes and not in the mood for pickled vegetables, he had sliced half a salted duck egg to eat with it.  

    He ate a lot, but he hadn’t gained much weight. Even Shen Xuanqing sometimes muttered in confusion - his belly wasn’t showing, so where was all the food going?  

    Since this was their first time experiencing such things, there were many matters they didn’t understand. One day, Wei Lanxiang happened to overhear their quiet murmurs and couldn’t stop laughing, teasing them for being foolish. She explained that it had only been a few months, all the food was feeding the child in his belly, so how could he gain weight? Only later, when the pregnancy progressed and he had been eating for a longer time, would he start putting on more flesh.  

    Since Lu Gu didn’t have to prepare lunch at noon, he returned to the main hall to do some embroidery and needlework. Otherwise, he’d have nothing to do all day. Even when embroidering handkerchiefs, Shen Xuanqing worried he might overexert himself, limiting him to one handkerchief every two days.  

    Embroidering handkerchiefs was just sitting down, how exhausting could it be? But Shen Xuanqing had insisted multiple times, so Lu Gu had no choice but to comply.  

    The sun was particularly strong today. After sitting in the front yard for a while, Lu Gu felt too exposed and moved to the main hall. In the backyard, Shen Xuanqing finished shoveling manure and came to wash his hands. As he splashed water, he said, “Since we’re not busy today, I’ll go to Wangli Village and bring back the piglets.”  

    There was a family in Wangli Village that raised pigs. They had already agreed beforehand, they would take four piglets. Now that the piglets were old enough, it was time to bring them home and raise them.  

    Hearing this, Lu Gu set down his embroidery hoop and looked over. Wangli Village was a bit far, but not as distant as the town or Liangzhang Bridge. He hadn’t been on a long trip in a while. In the past, he often walked to town without a second thought, but after staying home for so long, he felt restless and wanted to go out for a change.  

    “I want to go too,” he said, looking at Shen Xuanqing.  

    Shen Xuanqing, who had been scrubbing his hands with wild soapberries, paused and glanced up. “You want to go too?”  

    “Mhm. Wangli Village isn’t that far.” Lu Gu tried to reason, thinking carefully before adding, “I’ve been home for so long without going anywhere. If you drive the mule slowly, it won’t be bumpy.”  

    Shen Xuanqing set the soapberries aside, rubbing the lather off his hands. After listening, he smiled and said, “Alright, if you want to go, then go.”  

    Lu Gu hadn’t expected him to agree so readily, he had thought he’d need to argue more.  

    Shen Xuanqing glanced at him, smiling without a word. With Lu Gu listing so many reasons and sounding so pitiful, how could he refuse? His mother had told him to indulge Lu Gu a little, not to make him angry or upset. Besides, Wangli Village wasn’t that far; a short trip wouldn’t be a problem.  

    Lu Gu stood up and put the sewing basket back in the room to prevent the dogs from knocking it over. The embroidery threads and handkerchiefs didn’t matter much, but if the needles scattered on the ground and pierced a dog’s paw or someone’s shoe, it would be troublesome.  

    Shen Xuanqing drank half a bowl of warm water and caught his breath before going to fetch the mule. Since it wasn’t yet spring, he couldn’t wear too little. The sun was strong today, and any physical activity made him sweat all over.  

    After hitching the mule to the cart, he called out to the backyard. Hearing Shen Yaoqing’s response, he led the mule cart out and helped Lu Gu onto the wooden cart outside the gate.  

    Just as Lu Gu had requested, he didn’t whip the mule to hurry. The mule pulled the cart forward slowly, but the ride was steady.  

    “Yesterday, when I went to Third Uncle’s house, I saw the sprouted jujube branches in the yard. Since we wanted them, Third Uncle didn’t cut them down. Once they grow a bit bigger, we can dig them up and transplant them.” A gentle breeze brushed past them, and the warm sun made the trip pleasant. Lu Gu was in high spirits, chatting idly with Shen Xuanqing.  

    Sitting at the front, Shen Xuanqing smiled and replied, “Mhm, I’ll dig them up when the time comes. This year, I’ll clear another plot in the yard to plant some qingyao leaves. That way, we won’t have to forage in the mountains or buy them.”  

[Qingyao leaves (青蒿叶): the leaves of Artemisia annua (sweet wormwood), for treating fever, malaria, and inflammatory conditions. The antimicrobial and deodorizing properties make them a traditional go-to for managing summer livestock odors and maintaining hygiene]