Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
In Xiaqiao Village, more than half of the people raise fish in the rice fields. Originally, this year, the villagers were raising pigs and rabbits, so there was no shortage of manure for the fields. Now, it has become even more useful. In order to raise the fish well, everyone is working harder on their crops and also putting more effort into raising pigs and rabbits, all hoping to make a good profit this year.
There are also people in the village who do not raise fish in the paddy fields. They think it is unreliable and believe that raising fish is not as easy as it seems. If it were that easy, why would anyone bother with ponds? However, as days pass and they see those who are raising fish looking energetic and smiling every day, those who are not raising fish start to feel anxious. From time to time, they sneak a look at other people's paddy fields and find that the fish seem to be growing well, which makes them feel increasingly uneasy.
Shangqiao Village is close to Xiaqiao Village and naturally knows about this situation. The two villages have had some grudges over the years, and after a bridge incident that caused quite a stir, when the people of Xiaqiao Village began raising pigs, the people of Shangqiao Village learned that there were buyers specifically coming to collect pigs from Xiaqiao Village at higher prices than elsewhere. Seeing Xiaqiao Village thriving makes the people of Shangqiao Village feel envious and resentful.
"Raising fish in rice fields? That's like waiting for pies to fall from the sky! How could such good fortune exist?"
"Exactly! If such a good thing existed, wouldn't we seasoned farmers know about it?"
"Just wait until all those fish float belly up; then they'll regret it!"
"After all, it's just women; after being maids for a few days, they can't even farm anymore!"
"Just wait! It will be entertaining to watch."
The people of Shangqiao Village stood on their own land watching the busy folks from Xiaqiao Village chatter among themselves before returning to their own work. However, they kept observing. When they noticed that the people from Xiaqiao Village were cheerful every day, they began to feel something was off. When a girl who married into Xiaqiao Village returned home saying that all the fish were alive, they were dumbfounded. At that moment, they jumped over the wide water ditch to take a look and found that there really were fish.
The people of Xiaqiao Village felt both joy and regret, while in Shangqiao Village, everyone was sighing in despair, wondering why their village did not have someone like Xiao Lihua.
Regardless of whether life was good or bad, everyone wanted to make money. Those without money wanted to earn some, while those with money wanted to earn even more. Shangqiao Village used to think they lived better than Xiaqiao Village, but now they felt increasingly inferior. This left them feeling quite uncomfortable. Gradually, rumors began to spread throughout the village, all pointing towards the village chief's family.
The people of Shangqiao Village believed that if it weren't for the village chief's family backing out of the marriage with the Xie Family, then Ruyi, the youngest daughter of the Xie Family, would have married into Shangqiao Village. Xiao Lihua would have supported Shangqiao Village for her sister-in-law as well. If that had happened, then raising pigs and making money would surely have benefited Shangqiao Village too. Because of this marriage issue with the village chief's family, now the Xie Family looks down on Shangqiao Village and no good fortune comes their way.
The Village Chief's Daughter-in-law felt that the villagers' gazes towards her had changed. She inadvertently overheard someone discussing the matter and realized what was happening, feeling deeply wronged. When she returned home, she argued with her husband.
The Village Chief's Son was also troubled. He had always liked Ruyi, and it was his family who had called off the engagement. His current wife could not compare to Ruyi; she was not as beautiful, nor as gentle. Holding her at night felt like hugging a piece of wood, and he could only think of Ruyi to feel some warmth.
Ruyi became a concubine for the Gao Family. Gao Dalang felt conflicted; he believed he had harmed Ruyi by causing her to become a concubine. Yet he also thought highly of her, realizing that she was so good that she caught the eye of the young master of the Gao Family. He had heard that Ruyi was doing well and told himself to be happy for her, but he still felt a pang of jealousy.
Now his wife was arguing with him, calling Ruyi a seductress, which Gao Dalang naturally disliked. He thought if Ruyi were truly a seductress who could capture his soul, that would be better. Looking at the woman in front of him, he thought if it weren't for her—if she weren't the Village Chief's daughter—and if his father hadn't been tempted by that bridge in Wheat Village, which led to the engagement being called off with the Xie Family, he would have married Ruyi. It was all her fault.
The people of Shangqiao Village heard the commotion coming from the Village Chief's house.
When the Village Chief's Son and Daughter-in-law stepped out, everyone noticed their injuries. The Village Chief's Daughter-in-law had half of her face swollen, while the Village Chief's Son bore several scratch-like marks on his face.
Good news seldom travels far, but bad news spreads quickly.
This saying holds true in any era or world. The events at the Village Chief's house quickly spread to Xiaqiao Village, and everyone who heard about it cursed them for their misfortune.
Xiao Lihua also heard about it and merely smiled. She thought that no matter when or where, one should not betray their conscience. Although the Gao Family's actions at that time were in their best interest, they harmed innocent people. If they hadn't called off the engagement, Ruyi wouldn't have had so many thoughts and wouldn't have ended up in such a situation. Now she had become a thorn in Ruyi's side; Ruyi hated her and her family. This cause and effect were directly related to the Gao Family's betrayal; they were living poorly while she found joy in it!
The Xie Family was also pleased. The Wang Clan had been in low spirits since their eldest daughter lost her child, but now they finally had some smiles again. However, after feeling happy, they blamed Xiao Lihua for not showing her abilities sooner or using them to help Ruyi; otherwise, Ruyi wouldn't have to be a concubine now.
The Wang Clan complained to Xie Shengcai, who scolded them.
Xie Shengcai said, "Youshun is our son too. You've always favored him since childhood and married him off to a woman with a bad reputation. Now that fortune has finally smiled upon you and your Daughter-in-law has improved, you should pray for them instead of causing more trouble. Everyone has their own fate; if Youshun has good fortune, he can live well. If Ruyi lives well too, then let her enjoy her happiness. You're getting older; don't hurt yourself again."
"I am not biased! I just let them support each other, right? You are the only one who is not biased, and you are doing well."
The Wang Clan muttered, but they did not shout anymore. Now that Xie Youshun was living better, he came home less often. She knew her son felt cold-hearted, and thinking about how much money he was making, she realized that if their relationship was not good, it would be terrible if she couldn't enjoy the benefits. So she didn't fuss as much as before.
Xie Shengcai glanced at his wife, took his pipe, and went out. The weather was nice today, so he planned to check on the fields and visit his son.
Hua Heng heard that Xie Youshun had raised fish and was very interested. He specifically brought Xiao Ziyi along to see. As the two of them rode into the village in a carriage, they were spotted by the villagers. This was not their first visit, so no one was surprised; everyone thought that Xie Youshun's family had really prospered, with such wealthy visitors coming frequently.
Hua Heng and Xiao Ziyi had also gotten married. Xiao Ziyi wore high-heeled embroidered shoes and stood beside Hua Heng; they were a handsome couple.
"Li Hua, your home is really uniquely decorated."
Xiao Ziyi had visited when Xie Youshun's house was built, but it wasn't decorated then. Now Xiao Lihua had tidied up both inside and outside the house completely. It was early summer, with flowers blooming and grass flourishing. The house was arranged in a way that didn't resemble a typical farmhouse; although it wasn't as lavishly furnished as her own home, it had a unique elegance and warmth. Xiao Ziyi thought to herself that Xiao Lihua truly had a creative touch.
The author has something to say: First of all, I apologize. I came home late that day and told everyone I would update later, but while writing I suddenly felt unwell, then got scolded by my family which led to an argument. I haven't been able to write these past two days. Today, taking advantage of a good mood, I managed to write this much. However, I can only share this for now; otherwise, I will be scolded again. I originally wanted to post a leave of absence notice but felt embarrassed. I can only say that I absolutely won't let anyone down; I can't guarantee updates though. I'm sorry everyone. Happy New Year! Wishing you good health and family happiness.
Comment 0 Comment Count