My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 39 Part 1

Chapter 39  

Before dawn, Ji Taoyu was pulled out of bed.  

Huang Manjing brought in a large basin of scented water and soaked Ji Taoyu’s sleep-numbed hands in it

"What’s the occasion, still lazing around? Wake up quickly!"  

Ji Taoyu propped his hands in the warm water, mumbling sleepily, "Wedding, wedding—it’s not till dusk anyway. Waking up early just means waiting longer."  

"Such nonsense. Don’t you need to get ready and change into your wedding robe?"  

Huang Manjing urged, "I’ve fetched hot water for the bathing room. Go take a bath."  

With his mother nagging like this, Ji Taoyu couldn’t stay drowsy even if he wanted to.  

It was all because he’d been too excited last night, even hiding under the covers to review that little illustrated booklet, keeping himself awake until midnight. He only managed to fall asleep after lighting some sleep-inducing incense.  

The consequence was that he found it even harder to wake up in the morning.  

"We shouldn’t have gotten married in winter, taking a bath this early is freezing!"  

Huang Manjing took out the wedding robe sent from the city, shook them out to inspect them, and chuckled at the complaints coming from the bathing room.  

"Then go tell your father and Huo Shu to postpone the wedding till next summer."  

Ji Taoyu huddled in the bathtub, thinking about how everyone outside was already busy preparing the feast. At this point, backing out was no longer an option.  

"Don’t soak too long, you’ll catch a cold."  

Huang Manjing brought in a charcoal brazier. "I’ve got another brazier for you. The room’s plenty warm now. Just come out in your undergarments and put on the wedding robe."  

"Coming, coming!"  

Ji Taoyu slipped on a thin underrobe, hugged his arms, and dashed back into the room, shivering as he warmed his hands and feet by the brazier.  

Huang Manjing took out a dry cloth to dry his hair. Seeing Ji Taoyu’s undergarments were a festive red, she smiled.  

"This red fabric really suits you, makes you look so much livelier."  

Hearing this, Ji Taoyu glanced at himself in the bronze mirror. With rosy lips and white teeth, he did seem much more spirited.  

He couldn’t help but preen a little: Such a delicate little ger, and he's going to be wasted on a rough man like Huo Shu.  

"You look just like your little grandfather. He was famously beautiful in his time."  

[Little grandfather (小阿祖, xiǎo ā zǔ):  Grandfather (ger)]

Ji Taoyu snapped out of his thoughts and pursed his lips. "Mother, you never met little grandfather, did you?"  

Huang Manjing’s voice suddenly carried a hint of melancholy. "I’ve seen his portrait, in your grandfather’s room."  

Ji Taoyu rarely heard his mother speak of his little grandfather. It was said that his little grandfather had passed away due to complications during her birth.  

Grandfather and little grandfather had been deeply devoted, and little grandfather’s death had hit Grandfather hard, leaving him depressed for a long time.  

When little grandfather passed, Grandfather was only around twenty, yet he never remarried, remaining single to this day.  

That his mother would bring up little grandfather today must mean she was truly happy.  

He said, "Grandfather said little grandfather was a nobleman’s son back then, while Grandfather was just a wandering physician. How did they even meet? Every time I ask, he won’t tell me."  

Huang Manjing said, "Your grandfather’s family had fallen from grace, so he traveled around practicing medicine. But in earlier generations, our ancestors were even imperial physicians. So, in a way, there’s still some scholarly heritage."  

"When your grandfather traveled to Yuchang Prefecture, the area was mountainous and treacherous, but rich in medicinal herbs. Young and passionate about medicine, he stayed there for quite some time. Your little grandfather was from Yuchang Prefecture, he'd been frail since childhood, constantly reliant on medicine, so he’d seen all kinds of physicians."  

At the time, Huang Yinsheng gathered rare herbs while also treating the sick.  

On one hand, it let him encounter difficult cases to hone his skills; on the other, he needed income to sustain his travels.  

By chance, he was invited to the Xiao family’s estate to treat the young master.  

Back then, the Xiao family’s young master was in the prime of youth - frail and sickly, but well-read and deeply cultured. Huang Yinsheng, coming from a family of physicians, was no slouch in learning either.  

Beyond being doctor and patient, the two found they got along well.  

Over time, their feelings deepened into something more.  

"The Xiao family was surprisingly understanding. Seeing how well-matched the two were, and how skilled your grandfather was in medicine, ensuring he could care for your little grandfather, they consented to the marriage, even though your grandfather had nothing to his name at the time."  

"After marriage, their life was harmonious, and your little grandfather’s health improved greatly. But then… I came along…"  

Noticing the slight tremor in his mother’s voice, Ji Taoyu gently squeezed her hand in comfort.

"Your little grandfather was too frail to travel far. He always spoke of wanting to visit Jiangnan, but never got the chance. A few years after his passing, your grandfather brought me to Tongzhou. Later, when I married your father, your grandfather never mentioned returning to Yuchang again."  

Huang Manjing said, "These are things you should have known long ago. There just wasn’t a good time to tell you before. Now you’ve grown up and are getting married, it’s only right you learn about our family’s past."  

With that, she pinched Ji Taoyu’s cheek. "Alright, your hair’s about done."  

Just as Ji Taoyu was about to speak, a burst of noise came from outside - cousins from the Ji family had arrived.  

A group of similar-aged gers and girls squeezed into the room, calling out in unison: "Sixth Aunt! Tao ger!"  

It had been a long time since Ji Taoyu had seen so many cousins gathered together, and his face lit up with a smile as he greeted each of them.  

Huang Manjing said, "You’re all here at just the right time, help Xiao Taozi get ready."  

"Of course! Sixth Aunt, you go ahead, the Four Master Services and Six Specialty Teams are here!"  

The moment Huang Manjing stepped out, the group of cousins immediately relaxed and grew livelier.  

The Sweet little Fulang Chapter 204 Part 2

    The cart jolted along as Lu Gu, holding the child, chatted and laughed with Wei Lanxiang all the way to Jixing Town.  

    After unloading the rabbits and seeing it was almost noon, they decided to eat first at the noodle shop next door.  

    Turning the corner east of Xixing Street, they walked a stretch along Nanji Street before Shen Xuanqing pointed ahead and said with a smile, "This is Zhenzhu (Pearl) Alley."  

    As they walked, he added, "The brokerage is at the other end. Wait here, I’ll go fetch the broker. He has the keys."  

    Shen Yaoqing nodded. "Go ahead. We’ll wait at the alley entrance."  

    Shen Xuanqing quickened his pace. Lu Gu shifted Lingjun to his other arm, and the three of them walked more slowly, observing the shops along the street.  

    At the alley entrance, Wei Lanxiang peered inside. Zhenzhu Alley was slightly wider than Liuzhi (Willow Branch) Alley behind the butcher shop. She mused silently, this definitely wouldn’t be cheap.  

    Before long, Shen Xuanqing returned with the broker, a man named Shao, and they entered the alley, stopping at the sixth gate.  

    Broker Shao unlocked the door and gestured for them to enter before stepping inside with Shen Xuanqing.  

    This was a modest single-courtyard house - neither too big nor too small, but enough for a family. In the front courtyard, a stone table with four stools stood to the east, a persimmon tree grew to the west, and the kitchen occupied the southwest corner.  

    Lu Gu, holding the child, scanned the courtyard. By now, he had some experience, the layout was simple, with few rooms, something country folk like them could afford.  

    "Don’t let the single east and west wing rooms fool you, they’re spacious. If you have more people, you could even partition them into two," Broker Shao said, pushing open the east wing door for them to see. Naturally, a small house like this couldn’t compare to larger multi-courtyard mansions.  

    Wei Lanxiang glanced inside the east wing, then checked the west wing, they were indeed sizable.  

    The main northern building had three rooms: a central hall flanked by two side chambers. Lu Gu and Wei Lanxiang inspected everything.  

    What had caught Shen Xuanqing’s eye about this house was its backyard, complete with a woodshed, livestock pen, and a well. They didn't need to go out for water.  

    Upon reaching the backyard, Shen Yaoqing walked to the well, peered down, and lowered the bucket to draw half a pail of water. He scooped some up with his hand and smiled. "The well water’s ice-cold. I’ve heard that in summer, families with wells can lower melons and fruit into it to chill them."  

    "That’s what we do at home," Broker Shao said with a grin. "With this well, you won’t need to haul water from outside or deal with water sellers. Over ten or twenty years, that’ll save a fair bit of money."  

    It was precisely because of this well that the price was ten taels higher. Ordinary families buying a house would surely live there for a long time.  

    With a well, front and back courtyards, and enough rooms even if relatives visited, and just one street away from the butcher shop, this house was the best Shen Xuanqing could find. There was another on Xixing Street, but it was a larger double-courtyard mansion, naturally far more expensive.  

    Broker Shao, adept at reading expressions, excused himself to the front when he saw they needed to discuss, saying he’d wait there and they could call if they had questions.  

    "Mother, what do you think?" Shen Xuanqing naturally sought his mother’s opinion first.  

    Wei Lanxiang looked around. "It’s good, but I wonder about the price."  

    He paused, then decided honesty was best. "This is a street-facing property, not some remote spot on the town’s outskirts. The house is small, with beds and kangs but no tables or chairs, no extras. The well adds to the cost. The total is eighty taels."  

    Wei Lanxiang’s jaw dropped. Even Lu Gu’s mouth fell open. 

    Eighty taels!  

    Seeing their reactions, Shen Xuanqing took Lingjun from Lu Gu’s arms and said with a smile, "Eighty taels seems like a lot, but it’s close to the shop, easy to manage. Coming back for meals will be convenient. There are cheaper houses in remote alleys, some as low as thirty-five taels for five or six rooms, but they’re far. If I’m at the shop and you’re home alone with the child, how could I rest easy?"  

    Lingjun, held facing Lu Gu, stretched out his arms to return to him, perhaps feeling uneasy in the unfamiliar place.  

    "Broker Shao and I have already settled on the eighty taels, no extra fees. He’ll handle the deed and official seal." Shen Xuanqing handed the child back to Lu Gu. He’d spent over half a month searching Jixing Town and was satisfied with this house—otherwise, he wouldn’t have brought his family to see it.  

    Wei Lanxiang glanced at her eldest son. Seeing Shen Yaoqing’s slight nod, and remembering she wasn’t the one paying, she gritted her teeth and agreed. Eighty taels of silver!  

    When Shen Xuanqing looked at him, Lu Gu hesitated but eventually nodded too, though he was also thinking, Eighty taels of silver!  

    With everyone in agreement, the matter was settled. They even opened the woodshed and the back gate to inspect the rear alley, where livestock and firewood carts passed - a considerate design.  

    Returning to the front courtyard, they found Broker Shao waiting eagerly. Upon hearing they would buy, his smile widened, and he grew even more attentive.  

    "Once we move here, Mother, you’ll have a place to stay whenever you visit," Shen Xuanqing said happily.  

    At these words, Lu Gu looked around, a faint smile touching his eyes, his mood entirely different from before. This would be their home now, close to Shen Xuanqing.  

    Since they were already here, they decided to finalize the deed today rather than delay. Broker Shao asked them to wait while he fetched the property deeds, contracts, and writing tools from the brokerage.  

    With four stone stools in the courtyard, Lu Gu sat down and gazed at the persimmon tree to the west. Just like at home, they could enjoy persimmons here too. Thinking of the name "Zhenzhu Alley," his eyes curved in a smile, what a lovely name.

Rebirth to Erase Dark History Chapter 67 Part 2

In the end, negotiations broke down, and Wei Feng and Liu Yueting nearly came to blows. Liu Yueting got her deposit back and took her guests elsewhere. What was supposed to be a grand alumni gathering ended in disgrace. Even after relocating to a high-end hotel, few showed up, most had already left on the spot.  

As soon as the guests dispersed, several posts about the incident popped up on local forums. Whether it was “Teacher Assaults Someone” or “Teacher and Restaurant Owner Brawl,” the story was juicy. Word of what happened spread quickly through departing guests. Fortunately, this wasn’t the era of viral short videos—otherwise, the news would’ve spread even faster.  

____

Yang Jiabo stared at the hospital ceiling, the sharp sting of antiseptic in his nostrils. The rhythmic beep of monitors underscored his self-recrimination: After all these years, I still dropped my guard.

Yet for the first time, the familiar storm of rage hadn't come. Perhaps Dr. Luo's methods were finally taking hold, his hands remained steady where they'd once tremble with unchecked fury.

His condition wasn’t serious. After three days in the hospital, he was discharged with no lasting issues. Yang Jianjun lectured him harshly, worried about his mental state, and barred him from handling the fallout.  

On the day of his discharge, Yang Jiabo was pleasantly surprised to see Wei Jing personally driving him home. Wei Jing had only gotten the news the day after the incident and had rushed over after wrapping up his company affairs. Only he knew how frantic he’d been upon hearing Yang Jiabo had been hospitalized—only seeing him in person had eased his mind.  

“Does it hurt?” Wei Jing asked softly as he applied medicine to Yang Jiabo’s face.  

“No,” Yang Jiabo mumbled. His cheek was still slightly swollen, and talking tugged at the sore spot.  

“Fall into a moat and gain wisdom. Stay away from people who hold grudges against you. You never know what they might do in the heat of the moment.”  

[吃一堑长一智 (chī yī qiàn zhǎng yī zhì): lit. Fall into a moat and gain wisdom; fig. Learn from one’s mistakes.]

“She’s a highly educated teacher! Who’d expect her to suddenly hit someone? Honestly, she seems crazier than me.” The memory made Yang Jiabo scowl.  

“You’re not crazy,” Wei Jing corrected sternly.  

“Right, our brains work differently from hers.”  

“Don’t worry about this matter anymore.”  

“Dad and Wei Feng said the same thing. They won’t let me get involved. I just feel bad for Wei Feng.”  

“He’s been freeloading at your place, doing some work is the least he can do. Besides, I’ll help too. Actually, this mess is partly his fault.”  

Yang Jiabo looked at him, confused, waiting for an explanation.  

Wei Jing leaned forward, lowering his voice. “That whole reunion was organized by Liu Yueting - one of Wei Feng's more persistent admirers. She comes from a powerful family and isn't lacking in brains either. When she somehow discovered Wei Feng was recovering here, she saw her chance. She decided to host the event at your place, make it a big affair, he'd have no polite way to refuse showing up.”

Yang Jiabo let out a low whistle, equal parts impressed and skeptical. "Now that's dedication. But why go through all this theater? If she wanted to see him, why not just drop by with some fruit basket and well-wishes?" He shook his head, unable to decide if the scheme was romantic or ridiculous.

“Probably reads too many novels and watches too many dramas. She wanted a grand, dramatic gesture.”  

“Yeah, that’s more impressive. Most people would’ve been moved.” Yang Jiabo nodded thoughtfully.  

Wei Jing gave a dry chuckle. “Well, her grand romantic scheme backfired beautifully. Instead of some storybook reunion, she ended up across the negotiating table from him - all formalities and cold calculations.”  

Yang Jiabo snorted, then immediately regretted it as pain shot through his bruised face. “Oof.” he muttered through gritted teeth, “Wait, did I ruin Wei Feng’s chance at love?”  

A knowing smile played at Wei Jing's lips. “Trust me, he'd thank you for it. That woman's schemes would've driven him up the wall.”  

“Got it.”  

Wei Feng had always been the straightforward type. Liu Yueting's elaborate schemes and dramatic gestures didn't impress him; they just set off all his alarm bells. To him, all that theatricality reeked of calculation rather than genuine affection.

“What are you two doing?”  

Speak of Cao Cao, and Cao Cao arrives - Wei Feng appeared at the door, staring at them in shock.  

[说曹操，曹操到 (shuō Cáo Cāo, Cáo Cāo dào): lit. Speak of Cao Cao, and Cao Cao arrives; fig. Talk about someone, and they show up.]  

“Applying medicine. What’s wrong?” Yang Jiabo was baffled by Wei Feng’s "what the hell?" expression.  

“N-Nothing.” Wei Feng glanced at the cotton swab in his brother’s hand and laughed awkwardly, mentally scolding himself for overthinking. 

Why did I think Big Brother was kissing Jiabo just now? 

Wei Jing noticed Wei Feng’s lingering gaze and pondered it silently.  

“We were just talking about your admirer,” Yang Jiabo said with a grin, then hissed in pain as his cheek protested.  

“Ugh, don’t remind me.” Wei Feng hobbled in on crutches and gave a brief rundown of the past few days under Yang Jiabo’s curious stare.  

“Is she still contacting you?” Yang Jiabo couldn’t resist asking.  

“Nope. Pretty sure I’m blacklisted now.”  

“Do you regret it?”  

“Not at all. She’s not my type.” If anything, Wei Feng was relieved.  

The Rebirth of Crazy ger Chapter 70

Chapter 70    

"…!" The leader widened his eyes, staring at Wang Jin, his face dark with displeasure: "What exactly do you mean by this?"  

"You should go back and ask Yue ger what he means." Wang Jin tossed the question back, his cunning expression making him look like a well-crafted fox.  

"…" The leader's fingers trembled, his clenched fists shaking so hard they nearly came apart. "Don’t tell me you think A-Yue did this on purpose?"  

He never said that.  

Wang Jin’s eyes flickered. For the leader to respond like this, could it be that he himself had already harbored such thoughts?  

Thinking this, Wang Jin replied, "Whether it was intentional or not, I believe the leader, having spent day and night with Yue ger, must understand him better than I do."  

As he spoke, those clear, penetrating eyes stared straight at him, boring deep into his soul, as if dragging out the secrets hidden in his heart and laying them bare before everyone…  

The leader panicked, then a surge of anger erupted from the depths of his heart, rushing up until his scalp tingled. He needed an outlet, somewhere to vent this raging fury.  

Glaring at Wang Jin, he roared furiously, "Enough! I won’t allow anyone to speak ill of A-Yue! Before, he just wanted to eat those fruits and meats, it was my own idea to come ask Yuan Heng for help. And now, he’s simply sick and needs the Rui grass! Don’t you dare try to drive a wedge between me and A-Yue!"  

"…" Drive a wedge?  

Wang Jin’s eye twitched. "I’d sooner wish you a happy union for a hundred years. Why would I drive a wedge between you two? If you want to lie to yourself, then go ahead."  

Wang Jin spoke carelessly, his demeanor clearly dismissive.  

The leader gritted his teeth, ignored him, and turned to Yuan Heng: "This Rui Grass is no small matter. You must come with me."  

"…" Yuan Heng, who had been staring fixedly at the little ger, finally shifted his gaze to the leader. He shook his head.  

The leader clenched his fingers, his voice low and heavy. "I'm the leader of the Danmu tribe. I order you to go. If you refuse, you’re disobeying orders, and I can choose to banish you—"  

His eyes slid to Wang Jin. "—both of you from the tribe!"  

"!" Wang Jin bared his teeth in anger. "I’ve never seen someone so selfish!"  

Yuan Heng’s expression darkened. He stared silently at the leader, his light-colored pupils suddenly deepening like unfathomable ink.  

"Do you know what you’re saying?" After a long pause, he spoke slowly, each word heavy as a hammer striking the leader’s heart, making his heart race.  

Even though he was the leader, in front of this man, it felt as though Yuan Heng was the one giving orders.  

The leader’s face twisted. Gnashing his teeth, he said, "Is what I’m saying wrong? Defying the leader’s orders means being prepared to be exiled. Oh, and that lunatic seems quite close with that cripple, why don’t I have both your families leave together?"  

"Try laying a finger on A-Mu!" Wang Jin snarled, stepping forward to kick the leader. Yuan Heng pulled him back, soothing him by gently stroking his hair, like calming a cat.  

"Brother Heng, hit him!" Wang Jin gnashed his teeth, his fiery temper making him look like a little leopard baring its claws. But when he lifted his gaze to the man, his pouting expression resembled a bristling kitten, his soft voice like the rapid, indignant murmurs of a young cat.  

Yuan Heng’s heart softened. The anger in his chest suddenly dissipated, as if a hole had been torn open, letting it all escape.  

He continued stroking the ger's hair, then turned his gaze to the man across from them—who had already assumed a battle stance.  

Yuan Heng gave him a disdainful glance, as if mocking the leader’s combat ability. 

Humiliated, the leader’s expression turned ugly.  

Only then did Yuan Heng slowly speak: "Are you sure?"  

His tone was grave, as if asking about something of great importance. The leader hesitated, confusion flashing in his eyes.  

"Sure about what?"  

Yuan Heng lowered his lashes, casting shadows under his eyes that made his expression seem gloomy. But upon closer inspection, nothing could be discerned.  

"I’m asking if you’re sure you want me to retrieve Rui grass." Yuan Heng spoke again, his lowered lashes completely concealing the darkness and calculations in his eyes.  

The leader couldn’t grasp Yuan Heng’s meaning, so he answered according to his own thoughts: "Of course."  

"Ha!" Yuan Heng let out a scornful laugh, as if the person before him was utterly beneath his regard.  

The leader, the highest authority of the Danmu tribe, had never been treated with such contempt. Furious, he was about to assert his dominance—  

But the man had already pushed open the door, coldly ushering him out: "Understood. Go back. This time, you and I will act separately."  

His voice was devoid of the earlier mockery - flat and emotionless, yet inexplicably chilling. The leader wanted to rebuke him, but the moment he looked up—  

The man’s sharp gaze was like an ice-carved blade, assaulting him from all directions. Despite being a leader who had commanded respect for years, he couldn’t withstand even a moment of eye contact with such a gaze.  

He practically fled out the door. The moment he stepped outside, the door slammed shut behind him with a loud "bang!", as if he were entirely unwelcome.  

The leader gnashed his teeth, only to hear a soft voice from inside:  

"Keep an eye on your own ger, and stop letting him covet other people’s beastmen!"  

The leader had never felt so humiliated in his life…  

But his ger was sick and refused to see a healer, what else could he do?  

"If you want to lie to yourself, then go ahead." The lunatic’s words echoed in his ears like a curse. The leader clenched his fists tightly.  

It was true, no ger would demand their beastman fetch fruits or meats beyond their capability… Yet his ger was obsessed with…  

Did he really want him to retrieve them? Or was it…  

The leader shook his head, not daring to think further.  

He strode home, likely unaware of how pale his face had become, his lips bloodless, blending into his ashen skin.  

After the leader left, Wang Jin shot the man a reproachful look. Though his expression was accusatory, his eyes were damp, his soft lips slightly pouted in dissatisfaction, making Yuan Heng see nothing but grievance in them.  

Yuan Heng’s heart softened. His fingers twitched, gently pinching the tender flesh on the back of the little ger’s hand.  

Wang Jin’s hand went numb, the sensation spreading straight to his heart. He looked up at the man, only to find those warm eyes fixed on him, so full of affection it made his heart sweeten.  

His expression eased slightly. Noticing this, Yuan Heng spoke softly: "I'm going to retrieve Rui grass."  

"…" Wang Jin’s hand stiffened. He frowned at the man, disapproval clear in his eyes—and beneath that, Yuan Heng seemed to detect a sticky reluctance.  

Indeed, fetching Rui grass would take at least four days.  

Yuan Heng’s heart itched as if brushed by a feather. He lowered his head, pecking the little ger’s lips lightly. "I’m going for my little ger. My little ger’s body is weak, this Rui grass strengthens the body. I must get it to nourish him."

The Sweet little Fulang Chapter 204 Part 1

Chapter 204  

    Early the next morning, Lu Gu woke up and lay in bed for a while. When he sat up to dress, he turned his head and noticed their little Lingjun was also awake, staring at him with big, dark, bright eyes and even flashing a smile.  

    Today, he was being particularly well-behaved, not crying at all. Smiling, Lu Gu lowered his head and clicked his tongue to tease Lingjun. "Look who's awake."  

    After dressing, he stood by the bed and moved the child over to bundle him in thick clothes, the early morning was a bit chilly.  

    Shen Xuanqing, who had just finished washing up in the yard, came in. Seeing Lingjun awake, he smiled and took the child from Lu Gu’s arms to hold himself.  

    "He doesn’t need to pee right now, but remember to hold him out later," Lu Gu reminded before heading out to fetch water.  

    Today, they planned to take the child to town together. There was no rush to set off until the sun was fully up and the chill had eased. Shen Xuanqing, holding his little shuang'er, felt a surge of joy. He hadn’t been home much lately, and though Lingjun recognized him and allowed him to hold him, the child’s smile gradually faded once Lu Gu was out of sight, his expression turning blank. Shen Xuanqing could only whistle a few times to amuse him.  

    In the yard, Lu Gu scooped water for washing his face. Seeing Guaizi yawning and stretching, he casually poured a ladle of water into the dog’s bowl. Sure enough, Guaizi walked over and began drinking.  

    Since it was no longer deep autumn or winter, there was no need to heat the washing water. Shen Xuanqing, who had risen the earliest, had already lit the clay stove to boil drinking water in an earthen pot.  

    After washing up, Lu Gu went into the kitchen to heat breakfast on the large stove when he heard the sounds of Wei Lanxiang and Shen Yan in the main room.  

    "Mother, Lingjun peed. Can you change his pants for him?"  

    Before even seeing them come to fetch water, Shen Xuanqing’s voice rang out.  

    "Coming, coming," Wei Lanxiang replied as she hurried into the room.  

    Hearing this, Lu Gu sat back down. Changing pants didn’t require so many people. Usually, he was the one holding the child in the mornings and remembered to take him to pee. Shen Xuanqing, unused to tending to the child, had likely been playing with the child and forgotten Lu Gu’s earlier reminder.  

    "Brother Guzi, you’re going to see the house today," Shen Yan said as she entered with a wooden basin to scoop water.  

    "Mhm. Do you want anything? I’ll bring it back for you," Lu Gu replied with a smile. They were only going to look at the house today, it wasn’t time to move yet. He, Wei Lanxiang, and Shen Yaoqing would go, while Shen Yan and Ji Qiuyue stayed behind to mind the house.  

    "There’s nothing I need. I’ve already told Mother, she can buy me two crispy oil cakes when she comes back," Shen Yan said, lifting the basin with a smile. "Once Second Brother really buys the house, I’ll go take a look."  

    Lu Gu nodded with a grin. "Naturally."  

    After breakfast, the sun rose and dispelled the morning chill. Seeing the water vat nearly empty, Shen Xuanqing made several trips with two wooden buckets to fill it up. Only then did the group set off toward the large house.  

    Wei Lanxiang carried a bamboo basket containing milk fruit and two clean diapers, while Shen Yan carried another with breakfast for Ji Qiuyue and the others.  

    Upon arrival, they saw Shen Yaoqing had already pulled both carts to the courtyard gate and even carried out two large sacks of grain for Li Laiqing.  

    The two carts for the mules were newly made, slightly larger than their old one for hauling hay.  

    "He came early. I wasn’t even up yet when I heard knocking at the gate. I gave him the grass baskets and told him to come over if he wanted tea or hot water," Shen Yaoqing said with a laugh.  

    Weeds pulled from the fields were usually brought back to feed the pigs and sheep. Uprooting them took time and effort, so they couldn’t just be tossed away. A few extra baskets of grass each day ensured the livestock wouldn’t go hungry.  

    "These two sacks," he patted the burlap bags, "he’ll take home at noon when he goes for lunch. By then, Uncle He and the others won’t need the carts, so he can haul them back. That’ll settle the first year’s two hundred pounds of grain."  

    "Good," Shen Xuanqing nodded before rolling up his sleeves and heading to the backyard with Wei Lanxiang and Shen Yan to feed the poultry and livestock.  

    Zhao’er had just woken up, and Lingjun, rubbing his eyes, looked drowsy. Lu Gu pulled out the wooden cradle and laid the child inside.  

    Ji Qiuyue and Shen Yaoqing were eating breakfast. Lu Gu fetched water and had Zhao’er squat down so he could wipe his eyes and face. The child’s plump cheeks were soft, his skin tender, and his chubby little body crouched by the wooden basin like a round dumpling. Lu Gu couldn’t help but smile as he cleaned him.  

    "Happy to see Auntie?" Ji Qiuyue sat by the cradle, nibbling on a steamed bun while shaking a rattle for Lingjun. When the child smiled at her, she began chatting with Lingjun.  

    Shen Yaoqing finished two steamed buns in a few bites and then headed to the backyard to work.  

    By mid-morning, when the chores were done, they loaded twenty rabbits onto the carts. The meat shop had been closed for several days, and they had to reopen for business tomorrow. The two mule carts were for this purpose, since Shen Xuanqing wouldn’t return at night, Shen Yaoqing would drive the cart carrying Wei Lanxiang and Lu Gu.  

    Before they left, only Ji Qiuyue and Shen Yan would remain at home. Since the house was large and Li Laiqing - a man, would be coming by later to collect rice and flour, Wei Lanxiang felt it necessary to remind them of a few things. Seated on the cart, she turned to them and said: "There’s still some pastries left. Prepare some hot tea and invite Third Ahma over to keep you company. Xinlian and Yu ger are also around. If they’re doing needlework, have them come here."  

    "Understood, Mother. Don’t worry. Didn’t Yuping say a few days ago he wanted to borrow the dog to hunt rabbits in the mountains? I’ll invite him too," Ji Qiuyue replied cheerfully.  

My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 38 Part 4

However, despite lowering his status, no one came forward to negotiate. Furious, You Lingxiao finally realized just how deeply his past actions had affected him.  

But life had to go on. For survival, he had no choice but to seek merchant patronage, even reducing his usual fee by ten percent.  

After much effort, he completely discarded the dignity of a scholar and barely managed to strike deals with two families, just enough to repay the family’s debts.  

While the You family languished in decline, the Ji family was bustling with joy.  

Fortunately, Ji Yangzong had sent Daniu early to reserve poultry and fresh fish—otherwise, with so many year-end celebrations, they’d have had to scramble for banquet ingredients.  

The Ji family was busy, and Huo Shu was even busier. Besides preparing for the wedding and overseeing the banquet, he still had his own work to attend to, leaving him no free time.  

When Ge Liang found out Huo Shu was now working as a butcher, he referred all the village’s livestock-slaughtering requests to him, forcing Huo Shu to run between two villages.  

At the start of the twelfth lunar month, Butcher Qiao returned to Tongzhou with his wife and children from Nanyu County.  

As the year’s final month approached, festive atmospheres began to emerge in lively areas, with occasional firecracker sounds.  

On the way back from the county town, he passed many families holding weddings, which left him rather envious.  

Upon returning, he cheerfully visited the village.  

"Butcher Qiao’s back! How’s your father-in-law’s health?"  

"Still holding on, he pulled through another crisis."  

"That’s good news. You’ve returned just in time, there’s a feast in the village!"  

Butcher Qiao ran into familiar villagers who handed him a handful of roasted pumpkin seeds and chatted for a bit.  

Hearing about the banquet, Butcher Qiao cracked a seed and asked curiously, "Which family’s celebrating?"  

"The village head’s! His ger's getting married!"  

"Well now, that’s a big occasion for our village!"  

Butcher Qiao grinned. "Which family’s son is the lucky one?"  

"The Zhao family, the one Yuan niangzi’s adopted son belongs to."  

"Who?!"  

Butcher Qiao’s smile froze, and the pumpkin seeds in his hand suddenly lost their flavor.  

"Huo Shu, the one who apprenticed under you."  

The villager laughed. "You’re his master, you’ll be seated at the main table for the feast!"  

"That disciple of yours is impressive. Rumor has it he paid a hundred and twenty taels in betrothal gifts, the village head was overjoyed."  

A big stone seemed to roll over Butcher Qiao’s heart. He hastily excused himself and rushed to the Ji residence.  

At first, he hadn’t believed it, but from afar, he could see the courtyard scrubbed clean and decorated with lanterns—clearly, a wedding was imminent.  

"Ah! Lao Qiao’s back! Everything go smoothly?"  

Ji Yangzong spotted the wide-eyed man at the gate and went to greet him.  

"The village head’s place is lively. I just got back and already heard about the wedding."  

Butcher Qiao said sourly, "If I’d returned two days later, I might’ve missed it."  

"Don’t be like that. The eighth was the most auspicious date, so we had to move quickly. Our ger is not getting any younger."  

Butcher Qiao spoke bluntly. "I’ll be frank, Lao Ji, this is downright unfair! I told you I wanted Huo Shu as my son-in-law, and then you swoop in and take him? What kind of logic is that?!"  

Ji Yangzong, feeling slightly guilty, replied placatingly, "Now, now, ‘take’ is too strong a word. Marriage is about mutual consent. Huo Shu said he wanted to marry our Xiao Taozi. If the ger's willing, how could I, as his father, refuse?"  

"If you wanted Huo Shu, you should’ve talked to him, not me."  

Butcher Qiao knew that was true, when two families wanted the same man, one would inevitably lose out.  

But logic aside, he was still furious. "If I hadn’t been away from Tongzhou, would this marriage have happened? That’s not just taking, that’s outright poaching! Well played, you sly old fox."  

"Hey, now you’re just being rude!"  

The two people almost got into a fight before villagers hauling goods intervened and pulled them apart.  

Butcher Qiao stormed off, and Huo Shu happened to arrive just then. Unaware of the conflict, he said, "Master Qiao, you’re back. Come for the wedding feast on the eighth."  

Butcher Qiao glared at Huo Shu, his anger flaring, but he couldn’t find the right words to vent. In the end, he spat out: "Fine. You’re all just fine."  

He pointed a trembling finger at Huo Shu, but faced with the man’s impassive expression, he couldn’t bring himself to argue further, it would’ve been embarrassing.  

After all, Huo Shu hadn’t done anything wrong.  

So he huffed, clasped his hands behind his back, and strode away.  

Huo Shu, frowning, turned to Ji Yangzong in the courtyard. "What was that about?"  

"Don’t mind him. He’s just stubborn."  

Two respectable families fighting over one son-in-law became the village’s latest gossip. Who’d have thought Huo Shu would become such a hot commodity?  

Then again, with his hefty betrothal gifts and willingness to live with his in-laws, who wouldn’t want him?  

Though this minor conflict arose, it didn’t dampen the wedding spirit. Preparations continued as planned.  

On the seventh, the banquet organizers Ji Yangzong hired from town arrived, setting up tents and prepping ingredients in an orderly, bustling manner.  

Before dawn on the eighth, firecrackers woke up the sleeping villagers, who dressed and headed to the Ji residence to join the celebrations.  

My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 38 Part 3

Ji Taoyu frowned, feeling indignant on Ge Liang’s behalf.  

Huo Shu, however, was long accustomed to such things. Injustice was commonplace in the army. He, too, had once been full of fervor, only to grow disillusioned by the corruption of the court.  

If not for that, he wouldn’t have remained a mere captain after ten years of service, nor would he have left the army without hesitation after the war ended, heading south without looking back.  

Huo Shu asked, "So you plan to keep going like this?"  

"I saved a bit in the army, enough to buy some land and settle into farming. But with taxes rising every year and bandits running rampant, farming doesn’t seem promising. I can’t accept that, so I’m thinking of venturing out again."  

Ge Liang sighed. "But I’m still hesitating. No decision yet."  

"And you, Brother Huo? What do you do now?"  

Ji Taoyu answered, "Butcher."  

Ge Liang fell silent for a moment.  

"Butchering isn’t bad. It’s a skilled trade."  

Suddenly, Ge Liang felt a little better. If even Huo Shu, after ten years in the army, ended up slaughtering pigs, then his own five or six years leading to bow-making wasn’t so shameful after all.  

As they talked, they reached the path to Mingxun Village, where they had to part ways.  

Now that they’d reconnected and lived in neighboring villages, visits would be easy. They bid each other farewell.  

On the way back, news of the bandits’ suppression had already spread through the village, and the atmosphere was lively.  

Ji Taoyu felt too embarrassed to ride back openly with Huo Shu, so they took a side path instead of the main road.  

Passing by the You family’s courtyard, they even saw You Lingxiao who hadn’t left home since losing his hand, dressed up as if preparing to go out.  

The once-slender man was now gaunt to the point of emaciation. Ji Taoyu only glanced at him before quickly looking away when he noticed Huo Shu’s gaze.  

You Lingxiao had learned that the bandits had been captured and still hoped to identify the ones who had attacked him at the government office, as well as reclaim his lost silver.  

But upon investigation, none of the arrested bandits matched the description of his assailants, and without proof, his money couldn’t be recovered.  

Frustrated, he complained bitterly at the government office, angering the judicial clerks, who promptly threw him out.  

Feeling humiliated, You Lingxiao returned home somewhat reinvigorated. He began practicing writing with his left hand, hoping to restore his dignity through scholarly work.  

You's mother, seeing her son finally showing some spirit, was overjoyed. With the bandit threat gone and the village bustling with matchmaking and wedding preparations - especially the lively arrangements at the Ji family, she refused to be left behind and sought a suitable match for You Lingxiao.  

Yet, to her dismay, matchmakers in the area kept making excuses to avoid arranging anything for him. After much effort and extra silver, she finally hired a matchmaker from another village.  

But it was only then that she realized how tarnished You Lingxiao’s reputation was. Families of equal status, upon hearing it was You Erlang of the You family’s fourth branch, outright chased the matchmaker away.  

Not just those of equal standing, even ordinary families with any sense refused outright.  

Only those in dire poverty, practically selling their daughters, were willing.  

You's mother was very proud and stubborn, insisted her son was still a juren. She couldn’t bear such lowly matches.  

After all this, not a single suitable candidate could be found within ten-li-eight-village.  

At her wit’s end, You's mother, in her frustration, remembered her younger sister’s ger, Yu Xia, and decided to propose the match herself.

"Elder Sister, one should still have some conscience."  

Seeing her sister shamelessly come to propose a marriage match with You Lingxiao, even Yu's mother's gentle temper flared beyond control.  

"When Lingxiao was doing well, you looked down on the Ji family, tricked our naive Xia ger into opposing them, and never treated him as your own nephew. Out of sisterly affection, I didn’t want to say these things, but I never expected you’d specialize in scheming against your own family, as if we weren’t even human."  

"In the past, when Lingxiao was prosperous, I never relied on his influence. Now that he’s fallen, I certainly won’t sacrifice my own ger's future just to support him."  

Yu's mother  said coldly, "Sister, if you’re willing to marry off your daughter to a sick man for fly-head small profits, that’s your business. But I won’t let my ger marry a ruined man!"  

[蝇头小利 (yíng tóu xiǎo lì): lit. fly-head small profits; fig. insignificant financial gains or short-term advantages that are not worth the effort or risk]  

You's mother, seeing her usually mild-mannered sister speak so harshly, felt both angry and guilty—after all, every word struck true, leaving her no room to argue.  

Stiffening her neck, she cursed a few times about "ingratitude" in the Yu family before slinking away in defeat.  

Not only had the marriage proposal failed, but You’s uncles also came demanding money. The family’s savings were long gone, leaving them in dire straits.  

Though You Lingxiao was proud and looked down on merchants, he had no choice but to swallow his pride and seek their protection. He negotiated tax exemptions for them in exchange for a twenty percent cut of the profits.  

Even though a scholar’s ability to secure tax exemptions was a coveted privilege, You Lingxiao’s reputation in the surrounding villages had already spread. Not only was it difficult for him to secure a marriage, but even honest merchants hesitated to associate with someone of questionable character.  

Someone like him who could betray his former benefactors and ruin a ger's reputation in his rise to power, who could say he wouldn’t scheme against his allies and partners for profit later?  

Rebirth to Erase Dark History Chapter 67 Part 1

Chapter 67

Teacher Jin’s sharp, piercing voice drew the attention of everyone around, instantly making the scene the center of focus.

Don’t get angry, don’t get angry, Yang Jiabo tried hard to suppress his surging emotions.  

“What’s going on?”  

“Looks like an argument over there.”  

Whispers spread around them.  

“Teacher Jin, what happened?” Another teacher, familiar with Teacher Jin, stepped forward to ask.  

“It’s nothing, really. Just ran into a former student. At my age, I can’t help but nag a little, it must be annoying.” Teacher Jin smiled politely, though her gaunt face and drooping eyebrows gave her a somewhat mean-spirited look.  

The surrounding teachers frowned slightly, their eyes filled with disapproval, some even showing hints of disgust.  

Yang Jiabo was highly sensitive to shifts in others’ emotions. In a hostile environment, he was prone to losing control.  

“There was a reason you got expelled back then. A person should learn to reflect in order to grow. After all these years, you haven’t changed at all.” Zhang Yi’s mother spoke with unmistakable malice. The gazes directed at Yang Jiabo grew even sharper.  

Yang Jiabo took a deep breath, straightened his back, and tensed up as if preparing for battle. He adjusted his expression slightly and flashed a mocking smile. “I’m more surprised you didn’t get fired. Must be nice having connections.”  

“Let’s all go inside. We’re here for a gathering, no need to ruin the mood.”  

“Yeah, yeah, let’s disperse.”  

People around them tried to mediate. Yang Jiabo, being a businessman, was ready to let it go for now, as long as things didn’t escalate further. After all, there were many guests today.  

Zhang Yi’s mother, however, remembered how her daughter’s suicide had humiliated her, how her husband had been demoted, how she had almost been fired. Because of that incident, she and her husband had remained ordinary teachers all these years, which was a disgrace for a family like theirs. After their daughter left for college, she never returned home, rarely even called, clearly estranged. And all of it - her family’s misery, her career’s stagnation, was because of this little delinquent standing before her.  

Years of hardship, her daughter’s resentment, her husband’s blame, relatives’ mockery, colleagues’ exclusion - all of it had been bearable as long as she didn’t see him. But now, with the root of her suffering right in front of her, old and new hatred burned away her reason. She raised her hand high and slapped Yang Jiabo across the face.  

Slap!

The crisp sound echoed far, leaving everyone stunned. No one had expected Zhang Yi’s mother to resort to violence.  

Yang Jiabo felt a stinging pain in his cheek, his ears ringing sharply. Realizing he’d been hit, he instinctively punched her in the nose, drawing blood immediately.  

“Ah! How dare you hit me?!” Zhang Yi’s mother, who had never suffered such humiliation, lunged at him with her nails. Yang Jiabo dodged behind Teacher Jin, who ended up getting scratched across the face.  

“The staff are assaulting customers! Call the manager, now!” Teacher Jin, caught in the crossfire, was furious but still grabbed the frenzied Zhang Yi’s mother. Only then did the onlookers snap out of it and step in to separate them.  

Brother Bai and the waitstaff quickly surrounded Yang Jiabo, shielding him.  

“What’s happening?”  

“No idea.”  

Amid the chaos, Yang Jiabo’s head spun, his ears still ringing, making it hard to hear anything.  

“Your staff attacked a customer! Where’s the manager? We’re filing a complaint!” Zhang Yi’s mother shouted.  

Brother Bai and the staff gave the troublemaking customer an odd look. “The one you just hit is our young boss.”  

Teacher Jin, recalling her earlier remarks, stiffened, her face suddenly aching as if she'd been slapped by her own hypocrisy.

“Brother Bai, Brother Bai, I can’t hear. Take me to the hospital.” Yang Jiabo clutched Brother Bai’s arm.  

“Alright, don’t panic.” Brother Bai called Yang Jianjun.  

Yang Jiabo couldn’t make out what he was saying, only growing more uneasy and angrier. “Brother Bai, I’m injured and need medical treatment. Close the restaurant for today.”  

“Young boss, don’t be rash. There are a lot of guests today.” Brother Bai tried to dissuade him.  

“What? I can’t hear you.”  

“Oh no, the young boss is really hurt.” Brother Bai grew frantic.  

“What’s going on?”  

Just then, Wei Feng arrived in his wheelchair, immediately recognizing the tense atmosphere. Brother Bai hurriedly briefed him on the situation. Though Yang Jiabo noticed Wei Feng's arrival, his impaired hearing left him stubbornly repeating one demand - the restaurant must close immediately, no compromises. As tempers flared, a few teachers attempted to intervene and calm the situation.

Yang Jianjun arrived shortly after by car and immediately drove Yang Jiabo to the hospital. With his mobility restricted, Wei Feng remained at the restaurant to deal with the fallout.  

Wei Feng was a decisive man. If the boss, Yang Jiabo, said to close, then they closed. His presence alone was enough to stabilize the situation, though most of the actual arrangements were handled by Brother Bai.  

The moment the restaurant made its announcement to clear out guests, someone immediately notified Liu Yueting, the event’s organizer. When she hurried to the scene, finding Wei Feng waiting for her drained all enthusiasm from her expression.   

After learning what had happened, confirming the boss was hospitalized, and glancing at Zhang Yi’s mother (whose nosebleed had stopped), Liu Yueting gritted her teeth in frustration. But there was nothing she could do, she had to negotiate with Wei Feng. She had assumed her family background would earn her some leeway, especially with so many guests present. Surely a man like Wei Feng would show some consideration.  

To her surprise, Wei Feng was unyielding. No matter what she said, his response was the same: The boss is in the hospital. We’re not operating today. As for losses? At this point, no one cared. Wei Feng believed that, as long as it didn’t affect their livelihood, money was far less important than peace of mind.  

My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 38 Part 2

Ji Taoyu looked at the unfamiliar man following Huo Shu and asked, puzzled, "This is…?"  

Before Huo Shu could answer, Ge Liang jumped in with flattery: "Sister-in-law, hello! I’m Ge Liang, from Hongli Village next door. Brother Huo and I served together back in the day. We ran into each other on the street today, hit it off, and decided to head back together. I hope you don’t mind me tagging along."  

Ji Taoyu gave Ge Liang a surprised look and smiled politely.  

He hadn’t expected Huo Shu to run into a comrade so close by.  

Wu Lianhe’s gaze flickered slightly at the words.  

Noticing her reaction, Ji Taoyu quickly changed the subject: "Brother Huo, hurry and get measured. Sister Wu still has things to do later."  

Huo Shu acknowledged and handed the bow and arrows to Ji Taoyu first.  

Ji Taoyu hugged the bow, finding it oddly heavy. He pinched the bow and plucked the string, it was surprisingly resilient.  

How does he still have money for this?  

"That’s a fine bow. Brother Huo’s archery is top-notch, and the arrows he picks are the best."  

Ji Taoyu glanced at the overly familiar Ge Liang and blinked. "Really? I don’t know anything about bows. This one seems so good, it must be expensive, right?"  

Ge Liang froze for a moment, then quickly put on a reliable smile.  

"Bows aren’t necessarily expensive just because they’re good, nor good just because they’re expensive. This one’s made of common materials, not pricey, just decent quality."  

Ji Taoyu pressed his lips together. This guy’s sharp.  

"Brother Ge, since you’re Brother Huo’s comrade and now a neighbor, we should keep in touch."  

Ge Liang eagerly agreed. "Of course! I’ll definitely come for a drink at Brother Huo’s wedding."  

Huo Shu, returning after getting measured, saw the two chatting amiably and stepped directly between them. He took the bow back from Ji Taoyu and, in the same motion, grabbed his hand.  

"Give this bow to the kid."  

Wu Lianhe accepted it with a smile. "Ever since you taught him last time, he’s been practicing every day, he’s improved a lot. He’ll be thrilled to get this."  

"I’ll visit him when I’m free."  

"Good."  

Coming out of Shili Cloth Shop, the mist had not yet dispersed—in fact, it had grown even thicker and gloomier than before.  

Huo Shu was slightly worried it might rain, but he still asked Ji Taoyu, "Do you want to stroll around a bit more?"  

Ji Taoyu thought he ought to inform his grandfather about the wedding and could even stay for a meal there. But now, with an outsider present, it wouldn’t be convenient to linger.  

Given the weather, it was better to return early. He didn’t want to catch a chill and end up coughing during the wedding.  

"Let’s go back."  

Seeing this, Ge Liang quickly said, "I’ll go fetch the horses from the stable. Just a moment."  

While waiting, Huo Shu bought some sugar-roasted chestnuts, dried meat, and preserved fruits from a street vendor to bring back for Ji Taoyu.  

Noticing a meat stall selling mutton nearby, he asked, "Should we buy some to take home for stew?"  

"Will you come over to eat with us?"  

"If you invite me, of course."  

Ji Taoyu pursed his lips into a smile. "Then let’s buy meat."  

By the time Ge Liang returned, the two who had been empty-handed just moments ago were now laden with packages.  

Huo Shu glanced at the brown horse Ge Liang was leading, it looked familiar, as if he had seen it tied in the stable earlier. He hadn’t expected it to be Ge Liang’s.  

The three of them walked out of the city together and mounted their horses only at the city gate.  

As usual, Huo Shu lifted Ji Taoyu onto the horse before swinging up himself.  

When they had arrived earlier, there had been few people around, but now the city gate was bustling with people comings and goings, and with an outsider present, Ji Taoyu’s face flushed slightly. He pulled his cloak tighter to hide himself further.  

Once mounted, Ge Liang watched as Huo Shu cradled the beautiful and gentle Ji Taoyu, guiding the horse forward at a leisurely pace. His eyes dried from staring, and his mouth grew bitter.  

Suddenly, the reins felt unusually stiff in his hands, and the saddle seemed particularly uncomfortable.  

Riding on the official road, the wind whipping past him no longer felt dashing or imposing. He had never felt so alone.  

He didn’t dare imagine how cheerful and triumphant he’d feel if he had a delicate wife in his arms right now, riding home together.  

Ji Taoyu nestled in Huo Shu’s embrace. The wind on the return trip was noticeably stronger than before, perhaps rain was coming. Huo Shu urged the horse faster than when they had arrived.  

Noticing Ge Liang, riding alongside them, had lost his earlier liveliness, Ji Taoyu couldn’t help but ask, "Brother Ge, what do you do for a living now?"  

"Nothing respectable, I’m afraid. Don’t laugh, Brother Huo, Sister-in-law. Right now, I don’t have a proper trade, just make some bows and sell them to Ju’an Workshop. I spent many years in the army, and though my archery is mediocre, I got good at repairing bows. Luckily, the shopkeeper at Ju’an Workshop thinks well of my work, so I earn a little here and there."  

Huo Shu asked, "You spent five or six years in the northern frontier. When you returned, you could’ve sought a clerk’s position at the government office. Why didn’t you?"  

At this, Ge Liang sighed. "I submitted my documents to the authorities as soon as I got back. I did intend to get a clerk’s job, something in the personnel or judicial offices would’ve been fine. The people in the household registry office initially told me there’d be no issue, and I was all set to start. But then they suddenly said it wasn’t possible."  

"Later, I found out the position had been taken by the nephew of the rites office’s clerk. For common folk like us, even after five or eight years of conscript labor, we still can’t compete with those who have connections."  

The Sweet little Fulang Chapter 203 Part 3

    Wei Lanxiang pursed her lips at the mention of more grandchildren, feeling her second son's words made sense.  

    For Shen Yaoqing, hard work wasn’t a big deal. He was young and strong, the eldest son of the family. Doing more labor was his duty.  

    But after hearing Shen Xuanqing’s suggestion today, he considered it. Their family had few men. Wei Lanxiang and Shen Yan were one old, one young. Ji Qiuyue and Lu Gu had to care for the children. If they hired a farmhand, the twenty-one acres would have someone to help tend them, sparing him from struggling alone. With freed-up time, he could also gather grass to feed the livestock. Between selling grain and livestock, they could definitely afford two taels a year.  

    After some calculation, he nodded and said, "Then who should we hire? Do you have anyone in mind?"  

    "Find someone without land. Uncle Chunsheng is old, and you said his son-in-law only has one mu of land, I wonder if he’d be willing." Shen Xuanqing had only thought of this a quarter-hour ago, and the first person that came to mind was Ge Chunsheng.  

    Those with land had to tend their own fields and mostly worked short-term jobs. Since long-term hires paid yearly wages, it was best to find someone without land, preferably a young man. It wasn’t that he looked down on Ge Chunsheng, but everyone struggled to earn money. If there were young candidates, they should be prioritized.  

    Thinking of Li Laiqing’s honest and simple nature, Shen Yaoqing nodded. "Alright , since we’re free now, I’ll go ask. But how should we settle the wages? Let’s decide first so I can explain it to him."  

    Shen Xuanqing took a sip of water and said after a moment, "The long-term laborers in Wangli Village get two thousand copper coins a year, but they eat and live with the employer. We don’t need that, we don’t have extra rooms. We can give some grain and a bit of extra money. Linhe Village isn’t far, he can walk the distance."  

    Unlike the long-term laborers employed by landlords and rich families who lived on-site and worked all day, families like theirs with only twenty or thirty mu weren’t considered wealthy landowners. Hired hands usually didn’t live in, and one meal a day was enough. If they didn’t want to provide food, they could give grain instead. Li Laiqing was poor, with a wife and children. Giving him rice and flour would mean his whole family could eat.  

    After hearing this, Shen Yaoqing pondered and said, "How about a hundred catties each of rice and flour a year, plus an extra hundred coins?"  

    They were hiring Li Laiqing, so they only needed to cover his personal food. If he was frugal, the extra two taels would be enough for his family to get by in the countryside, maybe even help his father-in-law, Ge Chunsheng.  

    "That’d be two thousand one hundred coins. Eldest Brother, we’ll split it half and half?" Shen Xuanqing asked, though he already knew the answer.  

    Shen Yaoqing smiled and nodded. "Of course."  

    The brothers hadn’t divided the family assets yet, and grain income had always been split evenly. As for the rabbit sales being split 60-40, Shen Yaoqing had always been clear-headed, the big house was built with Shen Xuanqing’s money. Without that space, they couldn’t have raised so many rabbits for profit.  

    Sure enough, Shen Xuanqing nodded too. "Good."  

    "I’ll go ask Li Laiqing now." Shen Yaoqing stood up. As he walked out, Zhao’er tossed aside his rattle-drum and called, "Dad! Dad!"  

    Since his son wanted to follow, he picked him up with a laugh.  

    Li Laiqing’s family was so poor they only had a single mu of land , barely enough to keep the four of them alive. If not for Ge Chunsheng’s family also being poor, he wouldn’t even have a wife. Taking a long-term job meant neglecting his own land, but hearing the offer of two thousand one hundred copper coins and two hundred catties of grain a year, how could he refuse?  

    His parents had passed away the last couple of years, and he had no siblings, just a few cousins he wasn’t close to. His wife, Ge Qiao’er, suggested she could manage their one mu, or at least ask her father for help, so he shouldn’t worry.  

    Li Laiqing wanted the wages - two taels of silver and grain, so he nodded in agreement.  

    Ge Qiao’er had her own motives. Her father, Ge Chunsheng, had no land to farm. The old man wanted to be a long-term laborer, but no one would hire him. During busy seasons, he could earn a few copper coins, but otherwise, he had to scrounge for odd jobs, gather firewood, or dig bamboo shoots to sell in town. If he helped Li Laiqing tend their land, she could slip her parents some food, and Li Laiqing couldn’t complain.  

    Once the other party agreed and confirmed that being a long-term laborer meant regularly managing their fields, Shen Yaoqing returned and discussed it with Shen Xuanqing. The brothers drafted a contract detailing wages and grain, then went to Linhe Village. Li Laiqing couldn’t read, so they had a literate villager review it before he pressed his fingerprint to seal the deal.  

    Lu Gu hadn’t expected things to move so fast, in less than two hours, their family had hired a long-term laborer.  

    Little Lingjun woke up, so he went to carry him.  

    Shen Xuanqing followed him inside and opened a chest, saying, "I left the contract with Eldest Brother. For the one thousand fifty copper coins, I’ve counted them out to give to him. At the end of each month, he’ll pay Li Laiqing. His family is struggling, so we won’t make him wait half a year or a year for payment."  

    "That’s good too." Lu Gu felt little Lingjun's diaper, it was wet, so he laid the child on the bed to change him. Then he asked, "So we’ll go see the house tomorrow?"  

    Shen Xuanqing pulled out a large coin pouch from the chest and took out a string of a thousand coins. His face immediately lit up with joy, his star-bright eyes crinkling as he turned his head, clearly delighted. "Yes, tomorrow."