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墨書 Inktalez
Her greatest achievement was merging Daimiao Village and Dayao Village.
"Yeah, it's so famous now that even people in the capital know about it. Tian Ming Rui said he would come to visit next month."
Shen Muhan squeezed Xia Muxin's shoulder, his tone slightly sour. The merger had kept them both incredibly busy; even though they were together every day, the conversations they could have were few and far between. Xia Muxin was a very responsible person; regardless of the weather, she would go to the construction site to inspect it, working alongside the laborers. He couldn't bear to see her so exhausted, and despite his busy schedule, he always made time to accompany her. However, he mostly ended up just directing and assisting from a distance.
Because of this project, visitors came in droves. It was rare to see a businessman merge two impoverished villages with no apparent value in such a grand manner.
Those who didn't know might think she was just a wealthy person with too much time on her hands.
Yet Xia Muxin continued to follow her own plans. She was like a puzzle that no one could ever solve. Of course, as her business grew, many people came to curry favor—merchants, scholars, and even government officials. But every time he saw those men fixate their gazes on Xia Muxin, he felt an overwhelming surge of anger.
He worked even harder with his team because once the merger was complete, Xia Muxin wouldn't have to go out and show her face every day.
That way, he would feel a sense of balance in his heart. He admitted he was selfish, petty, and even prone to jealousy for no reason at all, but all of this stemmed from his love for her.
"They say behind every successful woman is a great man. Husband, thank you!"
After being married for several years, Xia Muxin could guess Shen Muhan's thoughts quite well. Seeing him sulking with his thin lips pressed together and looking listless made her stand up and smile.
"I am truly honored."
Seeing her playful demeanor lifted Shen Muhan's spirits considerably. He placed his large hand on the back of her head, pulling her closer before stealing a kiss from her enticing red lips. With a gentle smile, he said, "Of course."
However, Xia Muxin proudly raised her chin and quickly cupped Shen Muhan's face in her hands. She leaned in for a passionate kiss before swiftly pulling away and declared triumphantly,
"Time to get to work!"
Shen Muhan was still dazedly rubbing his lips, which had been forcefully kissed, unable to calm down for a long time. This girl was becoming more and more captivating to him...
Finally, after nearly two years and over four hundred people, the two villages were finally connected. Xia Muxin's first task was to plan the planting of fruits and vegetables. Of course, this was at the beginning of March in the new year.
During this time, Yan Zhouwan gave birth to a fat boy, and Xia Jihua became pregnant again. A few little carrot heads were growing up, becoming more exquisite with each passing day. Yuan Yuan had lost quite a bit of weight compared to before; her big round eyes could mesmerize anyone. The boys within ten miles were all enchanted by her, while Shen Muhan was the typical protective father. Whenever he saw a boy approaching his daughter, he felt that the boy had ulterior motives and kept a wary eye on him.
Xia Muxin watched in frustration as this old man carried nearly four-year-old Yuan Yuan on his shoulders every day. If this continued, she feared her daughter would be ruined by him.
"Muxin sister, how can I help?"
That day happened to be Arbor Day. Xia Muxin had taken people to Dayao Village the day before and, just as dawn broke, led them to dig seedlings. They modified several carts for transporting the seedlings but used horses for transportation.
By the time they arrived at their destination, it was just getting light. Under Xia Muxin's instructions, they began their work.
Even breakfast was delivered from home.
The earliest fruit trees planted in Dayao Village were now bearing fruit in several varieties. Xia Muxin still didn't know how the fruits from that place would taste or whether they needed grafting, but everything would be clear after this year.
Xia Muxin wasn't very skilled in planting seedlings; she had read some ancient texts on similar topics and learned some modern techniques. For example, digging a large hole and burying manure and wood ash as fertilizer before planting the trees. After planting, they required a lot of care. She remembered an old persimmon tree back home that would bloom beautifully with countless little persimmons but would yield only a few when ripe.
If she invested so much labor and ended up with such results, it would be a huge loss.
At that moment, it was Zhou Cailian who spoke up to offer help.
Zhou Cailian had completely changed over the past few years. Feng Liulang's fate remained unknown. Even though Xia Muxin knew Shen Muhan had the ability to find out his current situation, she felt it unnecessary. Feng San Niang had fallen ill because of this; she spent her days dressed flamboyantly at the village end, boasting about how amazing her son was. At first, the villagers were quite annoyed and sometimes chased her away, but over time they got used to it. With improved conditions at home, they gradually began to see Feng San Niang as a pitiful figure.
Occasionally they would give her food, while Feng Wu could never bring himself to seek reconciliation. Four Mao acted as a mediator throughout this time. Xia Muxin found their family quite pitiful and allowed Four Mao to work alongside everyone else so that at least they could have enough to eat. Gradually, Zhou Cailian also came around and even made several attempts to greet the Xia family.
She dressed very plainly, even covered in patches and looking emaciated. It was said that now the Feng family relied on her leadership; whether inside or outside the home, it was all on her shoulders. Four Mao had previously been running around doing odd jobs for others just to keep his family fed intermittently. Some elderly villagers felt sorry for them and asked Xia Muxin to show some leniency so they wouldn't have to work at the supermarket but could instead work on this construction site without causing any losses. Xia Muxin agreed to this suggestion and soon discovered that Four Mao was a very trustworthy and responsible person. She also noticed Zhou Cailian's transformation and allowed both of them to join this large group in their work.
"Just help cover the soil later."
Xia Muxin did not dwell on her previous behavior; after all, she was now the only young widow in the village. There were many rumors swirling around, but she lived with a calm demeanor, always maintaining an optimistic attitude. This surprised Xia Muxin a bit. Perhaps this version of her was the best—at least she was still young. If given the chance, she could find a reliable man and live a stable life.
Speaking of her, Zhou Guilian came to mind. This family would never change their ways; even after several years, they remained the same. However, out of necessity, they had cultivated their land. Yet their petty nature had not changed at all, and to this day, the Wu Family still did not repent, spreading rumors about the Xia Family.
It was said that Zhou Yousheng had sold Zhou Xiaolian to pay off gambling debts. Where she ended up, Xia Muxin did not know. Yet he showed no signs of repentance, continuing to gamble and visit brothels. Eventually, he offended someone and lost an arm but still remained lazy and gluttonous. The sounds of their family's quarrels could often be heard.
Zhou Guilian was already over eighteen. Ever since a few years ago when she rejected suitors due to their poor backgrounds, no one had come to propose since. Now she was the oldest unmarried woman in the village. Watching other families thrive while she remained stagnant, she not only showed no signs of repentance but also went to others' homes to promote herself, accompanied by the Wu Family and the Zhou family with the sole purpose of seeking a bride price.
However, despite all this time, she had yet to sell herself.
"Okay!"
Upon hearing Xia Muxin's words, Zhou Cailian nodded and began to busy herself alongside a group of men.
There was an hour's break at noon. Due to the large number of people, Xia Muxin could not provide meals for everyone; it was just her family and a few close friends.
"Uncle Mao, come home with Sister Cai Lian for lunch."
This was the first time Xia Muxin invited them into her home after months of work.
"No, no. We have two more people at home who need to eat. Color Lotus is a pitiful child and has had a hard life. Muxin, I’ve been useless my whole life and never felt indebted to anyone except for Color Lotus. My family has wronged her; she's stubborn and I ask you to keep her here working so at least she can have enough to eat. I'm really afraid that one day she'll just disappear."
Uncle Four Mao rubbed his hands awkwardly, his eyes filled with pleading as he spoke his long-prepared words. For these past few years, Color Lotus had been living with them. Although she had rebelled and acted thoughtlessly before, she had ultimately faced punishment for it. Besides, she was only in her teens—did he want her to stay with the old Feng Family forever? There were no heirs in that family; he feared what would happen if he died and left her alone and destitute. That’s why he turned to Xia Muxin for help; after all, in this village where everyone held grievances against his family, no one would lend them a hand. He didn’t blame anyone; it was all retribution. Now he only wished for Color Lotus to have a place where she belonged—and only Xia Muxin could provide that for her. He would be willing to serve the Xia Family like an ox or horse.
"Uncle Mao, everyone has their own fate. People are inherently good-hearted; regardless of how she behaved before, as long as she truly seeks to change, over time someone will notice her transformation and see her worth. You shouldn’t feel too guilty; perhaps this is destined. In fact, having her go through all this isn’t necessarily bad—at least she's better off than Zhou Guilian by countless measures."
As the saying goes: distance tests a horse's strength; time reveals a person's heart. Her changes would eventually be recognized by others.
Xia Muxin's words left Four Mao silent, which could also be seen as an acknowledgment.
"Alright, the food is ready at home. After you finish eating, take some back for the others. You can rest a bit at noon; you shouldn't worry about her health being overstrained."
Xia Muxin didn't want to drag this out any longer, so she pushed Four Mao along. In the distance, Zhou Cailian stood awkwardly by the roadside waiting for Four Mao. When she saw Xia Muxin's actions, she froze, thinking that Four Mao must have offended Xia Muxin to be pushed like that. However, Xia Muxin didn't seem to be acting aggressively; her reputation in Zhushan County was well-known, and she wasn't the type to hold grudges over past events. Zhou Cailian figured that it must be something her father-in-law did wrong to provoke her. Besides, both of them were in urgent need of this partnership.
"Let's go home for dinner."
With Xia Muxin's gentle insistence, Four Mao stopped resisting and hunched his back as he walked. Xia Muxin followed behind him and, as they approached Zhou Cailian, she quietly said,
"Cailian, come on over."
Zhou Cailian was taken aback; she couldn't believe Xia Muxin was inviting her to her home for dinner. They had been working together for months now, and their conversations were few and far between—mostly initiated by her. Usually, she was just directing or responding.
"Cailian, go ahead."
Four Mao hesitated for a long time but understood Xia Muxin's temperament well enough to say to Zhou Cailian,
"I... I..."
Zhou Cailian hesitated too, feeling a bit frightened. It had been a long time since she had gone there; even visiting her family was limited to once during holidays, and all she could bring back were vegetables she grew herself. Each time she returned home, she would be scolded. She realized that while she was trying hard to stay strong every day, her courage was dwindling.
Even her own wet nurse would insult her with the harshest words. In the past, she would have retorted without hesitation and even caused a scene. But now, her temperament had become increasingly subdued; there was hardly anything left that mattered to her. Each day passed in numbness. Perhaps in this world, there was still a glimmer of hope—that being her father-in-law who shared no blood relation with her.
"Come on, everyone is waiting at home. With me around, no one will dare to do anything."
Xia Muxin guessed her thoughts and decisively said.
In the end, the two of them followed Xia Muxin's insistence toward the Xia Family.
"Hey, Four Mao and Color Lotus are here! Come sit down!"
However, when Aunt Xia saw the two of them, she quickly greeted them warmly, showing no signs of prejudice. It was as if the previous unpleasantness between their families had never happened. Such a simple greeting made Zhou Cailian's eyes well up with tears; if her family had shown just a little support for her, she wouldn't be in this situation today.
Aunt Liu and several of her grandchildren were also present. Upon seeing Zhou Cailian, they smiled brightly. There were a few empty seats at their table, seemingly reserved for them. As soon as they sat down, the dishes were immediately served.
Aunt Liu piled their bowls high with food, only starting to eat herself once both of their bowls were full.
As mothers themselves, they might not have liked Feng San Niang, but they still felt pity for her. After all, it was her excessive devotion to Feng Liulang that had led to her current state.
Thus, Aunt Liu noticed Zhou Cailian's changes and felt genuine sympathy for her.
Zhou Cailian finished the meal in tears but felt fuller than ever. As others finished and gradually went to rest, her table was the last to finish eating.
"Color Lotus, take these back for San Niang and the others," Aunt Liu said.
Once she set down her bowl, she helped Aunt Liu and Ermiao clear the dishes and even offered to wash them. However, both Ermiao and Aunt Liu refused her help. Instead, Aunt Xia brought out a basket filled with several bowls of food and rice, urging her to take it home for her mother-in-law and grandfather.
"Woohoo... Aunt Er, it's Color Lotus who is being thoughtless..."
At this moment, Zhou Cailian could no longer hold back and burst into tears. Ever since marrying into the Feng Family, she had felt no warmth from either her own family or her in-laws. If she had said that her heart had long since died, now she couldn't help but cry.
"Look at you, child. Why are you crying? You're still young; good days are ahead. Listen to your aunt; everything will get better," Aunt Xia said, feeling somewhat troubled by Zhou Cailian's tears. She placed the basket into Four Mao's hands while gently patting Zhou Cailian's back to comfort her.
In the end, Xia Muxin arranged for someone to escort them past the Zhou family before letting them return home alone.
However, this incident still reached the Zhou family and caused quite a stir. They accused Zhou Cailian of being ungrateful and opportunistic—once she realized that the Xia Family was prospering, she began flattering them. The remarks were truly unbearable.
Nevertheless, in the afternoon, both of them returned to work. Zhou Cailian's face remained pale throughout the day, and she seemed noticeably distracted and unable to focus on her tasks.
As they were about to finish work for the day, Xia Muxin sought out Zhou Cailian and they talked for a long time. Most of it was Xia Muxin speaking while Zhou Cailian listened. In the end, Zhou Cailian hugged Xia Muxin tightly and cried uncontrollably for a long time. It was only when night fell that they each returned home.
“Muxin, who among us is without faults? In truth, Zhou Cailian has had a tough time.”
After dinner, Yan Zhouwan was in the yard teaching the children to walk. When she saw Xia Muxin come out, she cradled a child in her arms and approached her.
She must have been moved by today’s events. Everyone has faced hardship, reached dead ends, and even brushed with death; they have long seen through many things.
For Zhou Cailian, she simply took a wrong turn in life. If her upbringing had been better, she wouldn’t have such a tragic existence.
“Don’t worry, I won’t drive her away or make things difficult for her. However, everything depends on her; I’m just offering her a chance.”
Xia Muxin pinched Fatty’s chubby cheeks, provoking a strong protest from him. In retaliation, he planted a wet kiss on Xia Muxin’s face, leaving a large droplet of saliva that made Yan Zhouwan chuckle while Xia Muxin was left speechless at the sight of the chubby child.
Yan Zhouwan and Shen Muqing had named their child Fatty, which could almost rival Yuan Yuan from back then. This child seemed quite displeased with his nickname; every time someone called him that, he would give them a fierce kiss in return, leaving a big mess of saliva on their face or clothes.
Yet Shen Muqing always supported her son’s antics, leaving others shaking their heads. How were they raising their children? What would happen when they grew up?
“By the way, your Shen Erlengzi has been at the border for over three months now. When will he be back?”
After marrying Shen Muqing, he spent more than four months each year at the border. Naturally, Yan Zhouwan moved into the Xia Family since it was quite inconvenient for a woman to stay home alone with children. Besides, she didn’t feel at ease.
However, their home there hadn’t been vacated yet; Ming Yi and the others were still living there. With Er Dan’s family around as well, it didn’t feel crowded.
“Hmm, he should be back in one or two months.”
Mentioning Shen Muqing made Yan Zhouwan blush because even though he was at the border, he sent letters every month. The contents of those letters were quite sentimental; every time she read them, her face would flush for an entire day.
He hadn’t spoken such sweet words before; it was as if he had become a different person after going there. Half of his letters were filled with expressions of longing and love for her.
She didn’t dare to take those letters out to read; instead, whenever she couldn’t sleep at night, she would light an oil lamp and lie in bed slowly savoring each word...
Time flew by again, and two months passed. One day, Shen Muhan returned from the market and took Xia Muxin to Aunt Liu’s house, bringing along some writing supplies.
Xia Muxin was filled with confusion, but there was no time to ask questions. Once they arrived at Aunt Liu's house, Shen Muhan immediately requested Aunt Liu and Sister Swallow to provide the birth dates, heights, names, and even nicknames of her two sons, which he noted down one by one.
"Young Master Shen, this is..."
Aunt Liu and Sister Swallow had a rough idea of what was happening. It had been nearly ten years since her two sons had returned; she probably wouldn't recognize how they had changed. Given that Shen Muhan and Shen Muqing were prominent figures, it was clear that if they were inquiring about this, there must be some news. With red-rimmed eyes, she asked.
"Aunt Liu, I can't say much right now. I'll let you know once I have any news."
After writing everything down, Shen Muhan didn't linger for long and didn't return home. Instead, he set off again. Xia Muxin didn't follow him but trusted that he would have the ability to find Aunt Liu's two sons.
However, days passed without a word from Shen Muhan. Xia Muxin finally grew anxious and sought out Ming Yi for answers.
"Don't worry, Mistress. The master never undertakes tasks without confidence. If he hasn't returned in a few days, he is likely meeting up with the Second Young Master."
- End of Chapter -
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