Chapter 68

Chapter 68

When Pei Yan returned, the sky was already dark. Seeing him devouring his food hungrily, it was evident that he was famished. Gu Lan didn't mention Xu Qier's matter and allowed him to eat first.

After filling his stomach, Pei Yan put down his chopsticks and took out a purse from his bosom, handing it over to Gu Lan Shi. "Thirty copper coins, not much."

Gu Lan Shi accepted it without counting. He shook the purse to listen to the jingling of the coins inside and asked with a smile, "Did you use the six coins I gave you to buy noodles?"

Pei Yan nodded and replied, "Yes, I did. When I mentioned it today, Second Brother also joined me for the meal."

Earlier, when he went to the dock in the morning, he had called on Gu Lan Sheng and Gu Lan He. Since Gu Lan Sheng had to accompany Zhang Chunhua to her parents' place that day, he didn't join them. Thus, Pei Yan and Gu Lan He went to the dock together to seek work.

He continued, "There's a bit of mud on the bundle, but fortunately, it didn't dirty the contents inside."

Gu Lan Shi casually picked up the bundle from the nearby chair and examined it. "It's alright. If you think it's dirty, I can wash it now, and it'll be dry by tomorrow morning."

This bundle was specially sewn by Gu Lan Shi for Pei Yan. Previously, they had used a piece of cloth to wrap their food, which they had to carry with them the whole way. With more steamed buns, it was difficult to store them under their thin summer clothes. At the dock, they had to find someone in charge to keep their belongings, or else there was always the risk of theft.

Sometimes, when they carried items away from the dock and felt hungry, they couldn't immediately eat, making it rather inconvenient.

After hearing Pei Yan's suggestion once, he simply sewed the cloth into a small pouch that could hold four or five buns. The opening was designed like a sachet with two thin strings attached, allowing it to be easily secured with a pull of the ropes.

He added a wide strip of cloth, creating a strap that could be worn across his shoulder.

Since Pei Yan had to carry heavy loads at the dock, a shoulder bag might protect his shoulders but could also accidentally slip off during movement, potentially causing the buns to fall and be wasted.

This small pack could be hung on the shoulder, hanging by the waist or placed behind, without hindering work. With the buns and provisions carried on his body, there would be no need to search for storage space.

As Gu Lan walked towards the courtyard, he noticed Pei Yan following and smiled, saying, "I'll sew another one tomorrow when I have time. That way, we can have spares for washing."

"Okay," Pei Yan replied. Since he had subconsciously followed, he didn't want to cling too closely to his husband. He pretended to be busy fetching water for Da Hei before crouching down beside Gu Lan.

Gu Lan dampened the cloth bundle, and, being perceptive, he passed a wild bathing pearl to Pei Yan.

"By the way, Qi'er came to find me today," Gu Lan suddenly recalled. "He said Xu Mingzi was forcing him to hand over that one tael of silver. Xu Mingzi talked sweetly, saying he would keep it safe for him. But Qi'er had no choice and mentioned that he wanted to store the money here. If he needs to buy rice or flour, he'll come back to retrieve it."

Pei Yan's brows furrowed slightly, feeling a reluctance to get entangled in this trouble.

Gu Lan glanced at him and continued scrubbing the cloth, saying, "I felt sorry for him, so I didn't agree immediately. I just told him we'd discuss it when you returned."

Pei Yan spoke up, "Why didn't he go to the village head? The village head is from the Xu family too; as an elder, he should look after his younger brothers. Xu Mingzi wouldn't dare to mess around if he were to hand it over to the village head."

Seeing that Gu Lan seemed to pity the other party, he analyzed the situation, saying, "If we take their money, it might be fine if people know about it. But if they don't, they could say we're bullying his two younger brothers and seizing their money."

"He also mentioned when he asked me for help that his father had been gambling all the time, even the village head couldn't control him. When Xu Yingzi drinks, he can't keep his mouth shut, and he'd upset the village head so much that he stopped caring about him. That's how their relationship soured since then."

As Gu Lan washed, he said, "Last time, in front of so many people, Xu Mingzi falsely accused the village head of being greedy. Qi'er would be even more afraid to approach the village head after that."

"He has a point. Once the news gets out, those with ill intentions will twist it, turning good deeds into bad. Matters involving money are even harder to clarify," he sighed softly. "We have no choice but to ignore it. It's just a shame for Qi'er, being coerced by a bunch of scoundrels. He's not inexperienced, yet they won't even spare a child for a mere silver or two."

"People can do anything for money," Pei Yan commented. Then he added, "We won't go to the dock tomorrow. We need to flood the paddy fields and water the broad bean field these two days."

Gu Lan nodded and replied, "Alright, I'll get up early tomorrow and we'll go together."

The next morning, the sound of chickens crowing came from the village. Gu Lan opened his eyes, and it was still dawn, with the room dimly lit.

*

If they went to work early, they could return home for a break at noon. Yawning, he sat up and began dressing.

Spotting Pei Yan rising from the side, he said with a hint of sleepiness, "We should also get a rooster. With a big one, it'll be easier to breed chicks in the future."

"Mm-hm, I'll check out the poultry market later. If there's a suitable one, I'll bring one back," Pei Yan agreed, putting on his clothes and stepping down from the bed.

After washing up, they had a simple breakfast of cold steamed buns with pickled vegetables, accompanied by hot water. The morning air still carried a chill, so a warm drink was soothing.

Once they finished eating, they fed the pigs and dogs, chopped grass for the chickens and ducks, mixed it with bran, and poured it into their pens. Then, the two set off for the fields.

To irrigate the fields, they either had to go to the river or the well. Nonetheless, Gu Lan still fetched a jar of hot water, as boiled water was cleaner and more reassuring to drink.

With two yokes slung over his shoulders, each carrying two empty buckets, Pei Yan led the way as the buckets lightly clanked against each other. Gu Lan followed, holding the clay jar and securing the doors behind them.

Before locking the courtyard gate, Gu Lan noticed Big Black rush out. He didn't call the dog back since there was a vast vegetable field for it to run around in freely. Besides, Big Black could scare away birds and pests. So, he fetched the dog's wooden bowl, filled it with water, ensuring that the dog wouldn't be thirsty after its run.

After securing the fence gate, Pei Yan waited ahead. Gu Lan hurried to catch up, and they strolled towards the fields while chatting about everyday matters.

Passing by their house, Gu Lan glanced inside. Seeing no one in the yard, he heard his mother calling for Bamboo in the kitchen. Thus, he called out to her.

Miao Qiulian emerged from the kitchen, observing them at the entrance without venturing out. As they passed by daily without much to discuss, she simply asked, "Are you two going to the fields?"

Gu Lan nodded with a smile, "Mm-hmm, it's dry. We should water the fields."

Miao Qiulian waved at them and said, "Hurry up, your father and I will head to the fields later too."

As Gu Lan spoke, he continued walking with Pei Yan, "I'm off then, Mother."

They had woken up early and already had breakfast. Some households in the village were just beginning to open their gates. Due to the recent drought and lack of rain, there were others like them carrying shoulder poles to water their fields. When they crossed paths, they would exchange greetings before going on their separate ways.

In the middle of the village, they saw Xu Mingzi approaching from the opposite direction. His house wasn't in this area but behind the row of houses on the east side. It was unusual for him not to be working in the fields so early in the morning, leaving them wondering what he was doing here.

Recalling that Xu Qier had sought him out the day before, Gu Lan instinctively paused. Seeing Xu Mingzi indeed stop in front of Xu Qier's house, his brow furrowed as he wondered if that rascal was up to no good again.

Sure enough, upon Xu Mingzi's entrance, they could hear Xu Qier's wary and sharp voice asking what he wanted.

Gu Lan exchanged a glance with Pei Yan, and they quickened their pace, stopping by Xu's gate to peer inside.

With his back to them, Xu Mingzi spoke in a gentle tone, "Uncle is doing this for your own good. You're still young and don't understand much. You might not even realize if someone tricks you. I don't need that money, I'm just holding onto it for you. If you want to buy something or eat something, just tell Uncle and Auntie, we'll definitely get it for you without letting you suffer any loss."

Xu Qier, who had been pushed to his limits these past few days and confronted at home, looked on the verge of collapse. He managed to steady himself and replied, "You don't have to take care of me."

Their presence, seemingly entertained by the spectacle, piqued the curiosity of others who also paused, though they kept a respectful distance from Pei Yan.

Hearing Xu Mingzi's shamelessness, even those from the Xu family couldn't help but feel disgruntled.

Xu Shiwen planted the end of his shoulder pole on the ground and, with a disdainful expression, spoke up from behind, "Uncle Mingzi, that money belongs to someone else. They have hands too, you know. Why bother yourself?"

"Mind your own business!" Xu Mingzi, seeking a quick profit, recognized his cousin Xu Shiwen's voice. He turned around, cursing, "Damn brat, always running your mouth. Just wait till I teach you a lesson..."

Illiterate and reckless, he was prone to using vulgar language. However, upon seeing Pei Yan's expressionless gaze upon him, his curses abruptly ceased.

Xu Qier also spotted Gu Lan, igniting a spark of hope within him. However, he was momentarily at a loss for words on how to inquire further.

Xu Shiwen, being young, couldn't help but show his displeasure despite the harsh criticism: "I address you as uncle out of respect for your seniority, but don't take that as an excuse for arrogance."

Seeing that Pei Yan was merely standing by, observing the spectacle without any intention to intervene, Xu Mingzi relaxed. This was an internal matter of the Xu family, and no one else could meddle. He continued his tirade: "You little bastard, you dare to be so impudent in front of your Uncle Mingzi? I wouldn't fear even if your parents were here. Today, we'll see who gets their skin peeled off."

Rolling up his sleeves and clenching his fists, Xu Mingzi's domineering attitude was on full display, causing Xu Shiwen's anger to boil over. He disregarded the age hierarchy and lashed out: "Old bastard, devoid of all morality, stealing even from children. You deserve to be struck by lightning!"

Xu Mingzi's forehead veins pulsed visibly, and he panted through gritted teeth. He glared fiercely at Xu Shiwen, warning: "Just you wait. If we're talking about stealing money, I won't leave this reputation unchallenged today. It would be an injustice if you dogs, born of a harlot, underestimated me."

Saying this, he unexpectedly turned around to snatch Xu Qier's money.

Even Xu Shiwen was taken aback by this turn of events. He had been ready to clash with the village head and elders, risking punishment, just to vent his anger. Yet, Xu Mingzi had seized the opportunity presented by his words to seize the money.

It was so shameless that Gu Lan almost laughed in spite of himself, but also felt extremely anxious, fearing that the money would indeed be snatched away. Hurriedly, he addressed the frightened Xu Qier, "Run, don't let him catch you."

Xu Qier, terrified, instinctively clutched his chest tightly, revealing to all that the money was there. As he tried to escape, Xu Mingzi blocked his way, turning the courtyard into a scene resembling a monkey chase.

Being younger, Xu Qier lost his composure and was grabbed by Xu Mingzi, who tugged at the back of his collar amidst the chaos.

It was sheer bullying. Xu Shiwen gritted his teeth, grabbed a pole, and rushed in. However, before he could reach the scene, Xu Ruier, who had been hiding in the shed, emerged ahead of him, crying as she lunged to bite Xu Mingzi.

Yet, he was only eight years old, younger than Xu Qier. He was kicked away by Xu Mingzi and tumbled on the ground twice, ending up in a sorry state. Xu Shiwen promptly helped him up.

Xu Qier, unable to match Xu Mingzi's strength, lost his composure in the chaos, uttering unintelligible cries. Upon witnessing his younger brother being struck, he let out an even louder shriek.

The two brothers' plight was truly pitiable. The onlookers outside could no longer bear to witness it. Already orphaned and vulnerable, they were being subjected to such bullying. It incited such anger that people were ready to intervene on their behalf.

Gu Lan Shi was anxious, giving Pei Yan's arm a shake, so infuriated that she was left speechless. She watched as Pei Yan set down his shoulder pole with the wooden buckets and strode inside.

With a darkened expression, the scar on his left cheek took on an ominous appearance.

Several men who had just entered the house saw his demeanor and exchanged glances, halting in their steps.

Xu Mingzi was still beating Xu Qier when he suddenly received a fierce slap on the back of his head, leaving him dazed and causing his grip on Xu Qier's arm to loosen.

Before he could recover, he was pulled backward, stumbling as he tried to regain balance. A solid punch landed on his face, filling his mouth with the taste of blood. He then found himself on the ground, his vision blurring.

This time, Pei Yan didn't restrain the man for a brutal beating. Instead, he picked up a suitable wooden rod from the pile of firewood. Looking at Xu Qier, he extended his arm, offering the rod with clear intentions.

However, Xu Qier, overwhelmed by fear and considering Xu Mingzi an elder, hesitated to take it.

Seeing this, Pei Yan lost his patience. He walked over to Xu Mingzi himself and started raining blows with the stick. The whistling sound of the rod cutting through the air indicated the force behind each strike.

"Oh dear, oh dear, this is serious."

"He deserves it! Who told him to have such wicked intentions? Let's not intervene, a good beating will do him good."

"But if someone gets seriously hurt, that wouldn't be good. Better pull them apart sooner rather than later."

Amidst the gasps of horror, no one dared to intervene for fear that Pei Yan might turn on them as well. It wasn't worth it for someone like Xu Mingzi, especially since Xu Shiwen, who was holding a hoe, didn't even dare to step forward despite being the closest.

Gu Lan, terrified of being implicated in a fatal dispute, rushed over to stop the fight.

Pei Yan hadn't lost his cool, and upon seeing Gu Lan approach, he discarded the stick without a word.

The wooden rod clattered to the ground, catching Xu Qier's attention. He suddenly pounced, grabbing it and aiming blows at Xu Mingzi.

Xu Ruier, resembling a scrawny black puppy, witnessed this and also lunged at the fallen Xu Mingzi, kicking and hitting him.

Noticing the commotion, Miao Qiulian, upon overhearing whispers about a living executioner, squeezed through the crowd. Upon recognizing her brother-in-law, the infamous 'living executioner,' she exclaimed anxiously, "Oh my, why are you so impulsive?"

Observing Gu Lan's obvious concern, inspecting Pei Yan's hands and arms, she blurted out without much thought, "Brother Lan, is your husband injured?"

Upon hearing this, the group outside fell silent. Some rolled their eyes, for it was absurd to think that Xu Mingzi could injure Pei Yan. Apparently, only Gu Lan's family was oblivious, blinded by something, to utter such words.