Chapter 020

Chapter 020

Because they had found good game yesterday, Xiao Yan and the others didn't go into the mountains today, considering it a day off.

Unlike the Tong family or other hunter households, the Xiao family had fertile land sufficient to feed the entire family. Hunting was purely a pastime for the brothers, but in recent years, due to war and hardship, hunting took on another significance—providing meat and improving the diet for the whole family.

Xiao Zhen was taciturn, and his presence at home made little difference. Xiao Ye and Xiao She, however, were different.

Seeing Tong Sui carrying two buckets of kitchen waste out from the main room, the two brothers who were watching Xiao Yan tan deer hides in the backyard immediately ran over, each grabbing a bucket.

"Second Sister-in-Law, I'll help you feed the pigs."

"Second Sister-in-Law, I'll feed the mules; you rest."

Tong Sui: "…"

Xiao Yuchan was also by Xiao Yan's side and angrily said, "Do you two not see me? When it's my turn to feed the pigs, why don't you come to help?"

Xiao Ye: "When you feed the pigs, we happen to be out, so we can't help even if we want to."

Xiao She grunted, "Nonsense, I've helped you many times."

Xiao Yuchan: "You only come when I call you; you've never been this proactive."

Xiao She: "I came because Fourth Brother helped Second Sister-in-Law."

Xiao Yuchan: "Copycat, if he eats manure, would you eat it too?"

Xiao Ye: "With that annoying mouth of yours, I don't feel like helping you."

Xiao Yuchan couldn't argue back and glared at Tong Sui in frustration.

Tong Sui smiled and went to help Liu Chu wash dishes.

After everything was tidied up, it was still early. Tong Sui chatted with Xiao Ye and Xiao She for a bit before returning to her room, washing her hands carefully, and closing the door to read.

She had barely read two pages when she heard footsteps outside the window, deliberately lightened. Scared, Tong Sui put down her book, moved to the bed, and pulled out a dagger hidden under the mat.

The person hid under the eaves, not moving.

Tong Sui asked coldly, "Who is it?"

A clumsy voice replied, "It's me. Second Sister-in-Law, you heard me?"

It was Xiao She!

Tong Sui felt a bit uneasy around Xiao Yan and Xiao Ye due to their imposing figures and battlefield aura, which intimidated any woman. But with Xiao She, after understanding his nature, she could interact more comfortably.

Hiding the dagger, Tong Sui wondered, "Fifth Younger Brother, did you need something? You hesitated so long, I thought there was a thief."

Xiao She felt guilty and wronged, "It's all Third Brother's fault. He told me to sneak over and see what you and Eldest Sister-in-Law are doing."

Tong Sui frowned, "Why does he want you to do that?"

Xiao She: "I don't know either. I'll go ask him."

Tong Sui: "…"

She continued reading.

Xiao Yan had finished tanning the deer hide and sat on the western wall of the backyard, occasionally looking at the people training outside and then towards the eastern courtyard.

Xiao Zhen and Xiao Ye were both outside. The former was instructing a young man, while the latter approached the wall and asked Xiao Yan, "Third Brother, either come out to help or stay inside. Sitting here, aren't you afraid Second Uncle will glare at you?"

Xiao Yan glanced at his father and smiled, "This is the best spot to bask in the sun."

As soon as he said that, he saw his brother return and jumped down from the wall.

So fast that Xiao Ye thought Third Sister-in-Law had come out for once, he leaped onto the wall, only to find just Third Brother and Fifth Younger Brother inside, and disappointedly jumped back down.

Old Master Xiao Mu observed this scene, his gaze shifting to his usually composed second grandson. He shook his head regretfully, wishing the younger ones were more like the second one.

Inside the courtyard, Xiao Yan whispered to his brother, "What were they doing?"

Xiao She: "Eldest Sister-in-Law was making clothes. I don't know about Second Sister-in-Law; her door was closed, and I didn't dare go in. I hid under the eaves, but she still noticed me."

Xiao Yan wasn't concerned about being discovered; his mind was elsewhere.

Eldest Sister-in-Law was a widow, so avoiding suspicion and staying indoors was understandable. But Second Sister-in-Law seemed more outgoing than Eldest Sister-in-Law and came from a hunter family. Why did she also prefer to stay indoors like Lin Ningfang?

He had hoped the new Second Sister-in-Law could help cheer up Lin Ningfang, but now the three sisters-in-law each stayed in their own rooms...

Xiao Yan was worried.

Xiao She poked him, "You still haven't told me why you wanted me to spy."

Xiao Yan: "…I thought if they were idle, they could go keep Third Sister-in-Law company."

Xiao She turned and ran off to relay this answer to Tong Sui.

It matched Tong Sui's guess. She responded to Xiao She, "Tell Third Master that I'm not well-read and not good with words, so I can't do this."

This was no excuse; Tong Sui genuinely struggled with interacting with strangers. Her closeness with Liu Chu came because Liu Chu had first treated her kindly.

After reading for over half an hour, Tong Sui and Liu Chu continued preparing lunch.

While sitting in front of the stove, Xiao Yan came over from the west, peeked inside, and leaned against the threshold, almost touching Tong Sui.

Tong Sui wasn't used to being so close to a not-so-familiar brother-in-law, but since she needed to watch the fire, she couldn't directly ask Xiao Yan to leave.

She went to see Liu Chu, who returned a similarly puzzled look.

Tong Sui had no choice but to ask, "Third Younger Brother, is there something?"

Xiao Yan said sourly, "Why are Second Sister-in-Law and Elder Sister-in-Law so close, leaving Ningfang out?"

Tong Sui: "...Third Younger Brother, you're really misunderstanding us. Think about it, can wild grass be compared to garden magnolias?"

Xiao Yan retorted, "Regardless of wild grass or magnolias, they are now our Xiao family's wives. Besides, Second Sister-in-Law, don't belittle yourself. In terms of appearance, you and Elder Sister-in-Law are not inferior to her at all."

This might be the truth, but it shouldn’t be said by him, a younger brother, in front of his two sisters-in-law.

Liu Chu stood by the cutting board placed over the water barrel, pretending not to hear.

Tong Sui was too close to pretend, feeling awkward as she looked into the fire in the stove.

Xiao Yan continued, "Second Sister-in-Law, I'm not trying to make things difficult for you, but she’s just too thin now. She doesn’t like going out and eats very little. I’m truly worried about her health."

Tong Sui replied, "You’re her husband; if you can’t do anything, what can I do?"

Xiao Yan looked guiltily around the courtyard.

Suddenly, Xiao Zhen appeared at the gate.

The brothers met abruptly, and Xiao Yan instinctively distanced himself from his second sister-in-law, giving his elder brother a forced smile. "I was hungry and asked Second Sister-in-Law if she could give me something to eat early."

Xiao Zhen asked, "Is there any?"

Xiao Yan replied, "Nothing’s ready yet. I’ll go ask Yuchan; she has the most snacks."

With that, he quickly left.

Xiao Zhen glanced at his wife by the stove, who wished he wouldn’t come closer, then went to the eastern courtyard to wash his face and hands.

---

In the afternoon, with more time to rest, Tong Sui continued reading.

Feeling tired, she was about to take a nap when Xiao Zhen entered.

After that one experience, Tong Sui was genuinely afraid he would get excited again. Covering her face with her hand, she yawned and said, "I’m sleepy. Let me sleep for a bit. If I fall asleep deeply, remember to wake me up. I’m afraid I’ll delay dinner."

If he agreed, he wouldn’t disturb her.

Xiao Zhen said, "Sleep. I’ll teach you how to ride a mule another day."

Tong Sui paused while laying out the quilt, looking up to see Xiao Zhen reaching for the curtain. She immediately asked, "Wait, you...you want to teach me how to ride a mule?"

Xiao Zhen kept his hand on the curtain, looking at her. "No one’s going into the mountains today, so both mules are available. But it’s not urgent."

Tong Sui felt anxious, similar to how the old man wouldn’t keep the deer. Wild game is real meat only when eaten, and skills learned are true skills.

She immediately said, "I’m only sleepy because I have nothing to do. With something to do, I won’t be sleepy."

Xiao Zhen replied, "Teaching you another day would be the same. No need to force yourself."

Tong Sui wasn’t forcing herself. She rolled up the quilt, sat at the edge of the bed, and put on her shoes.

Xiao Zhen led her to the backyard.

Both mules were tied in the shed, with the saddles hanging on the wall near the mule cart.

Xiao Zhen led out a mule and started teaching her from securing the saddle, then moved on to riding.

Tong Sui sat on the mule’s back while he led it by the reins.

Fortunately, the walls of the Xiao family’s courtyard were high enough that Tong Sui, riding the mule, was still shorter than the wall, so no one outside could see.

But those inside couldn’t be fooled.

When He Shi came to the backyard to use the toilet, she saw the couple and laughed loudly, "Oh, what are you two doing?"

Tong Sui: "..."

It was obvious, so why say something misleading?

Sure enough, Xiao Yuchan ran out first, followed by Liu Chu peeking from the back door. Even Xiao Yan, Xiao Ye, and Xiao She arrived one after another.

Under everyone’s gaze, Tong Sui, still on the mule, became increasingly stiff. Just as some girls dislike being watched while practicing martial arts, Tong Sui didn’t want others watching her awkwardness. Once she became proficient, they could watch all they wanted.

Except for Liu Chu, who retreated indoors, everyone gathered around the couple.

Xiao Ye, purely out of curiosity, asked, "Second Sister-in-Law wants to learn how to ride a mule?"

Tong Sui smiled awkwardly, "Seeing you ride well, I envy you."

Xiao Ye replied, "You should have said earlier; I could have taught you too."

Xiao She added, "Me too!"

Xiao Yuchan sneered, "Two big fools. With Second Brother here, why would you need them? But seriously, Second Sister-in-Law, why do you want to learn this? You won’t even use it."

Tong Sui couldn’t say she wanted to ride a mule back to her parents’ home faster, so she said, "Last time we encountered refugees, I’ve been quite scared ever since. If I knew how to ride a mule, I’d be able to escape faster in an emergency."

He Shi warned, "These are our family’s mules. Don’t just ride them away for yourself."

A newly married daughter-in-law might still favor her natal family. After a disaster, running away with the family’s belongings isn’t unheard of.

Tong Sui replied, "I understand. I hope to find unclaimed mules or horses outside."

Mrs. He: "Huh, how nice of you to think so."

Tong Sui couldn't be bothered to respond.

Xiao Zhen turned to Xiao Ye and said, "Go back. Your second sister-in-law is just starting to learn; she'll feel more at ease without you here."

Xiao Ye obediently left.

Xiao Yuchan tugged on Xiao She, who was about to follow: "Fifth Younger Brother, teach me too. I want to learn as well."

No matter how much she disliked Tong Sui, Xiao Yuchan had to admit that what Tong Sui said made sense.

Xiao She cooperatively went to lead another donkey.

Xiao Zhen ignored them and led Tong Sui away for a bit.

Xiao Yan watched for a while before suddenly running back to his own room. He then spoke to Lin Ningfang, who was sitting on the kang, lost in thought: "Guess what your second brother and second sister-in-law are doing?"

Lin Ningfang looked at him indifferently.

Xiao Yan tried to liven up the mood: "Second brother is teaching second sister-in-law to ride a donkey. She wanted to learn herself, saying it would be convenient to run if something happens."

Finally, a hint of surprise appeared in Lin Ningfang's eyes.

Xiao Yan sat next to her, trying to persuade her: "You should learn too. I can teach you. Even Yuchan is learning."

Lin Ningfang thought of the bandits who had killed her family—ten or twenty men, all on horseback, fierce and terrifying.

Even if she could ride a horse, she couldn't escape the pursuit of so many bandits on her own. Moreover, given the state of the world, even if she escaped from one group, she would encounter others. Women were vulnerable, and men were all the same—only the bandits were more blatant. Other men would give her a choice: either depend on them or be left behind to face worse people.

She shook her head and turned to look out the window.

Though it was the expected reaction, Xiao Yan still felt like he had been doused with icy water.

"Neither doing nor learning anything, do you want to die?" he asked through gritted teeth.

Lin Ningfang merely gazed out the window at the sky.

Xiao Yan forcibly turned her shoulders and grabbed her chin to force her to look at him: "If you want to die, why did you agree to marry me? If you hadn't agreed, I wouldn't have touched you!"

Lin Ningfang smiled, looking sideways: "I don't want to die."

She just didn't know how to live, taking each day as it came.

—

At dinner time, Lin Ningfang arrived, but there was no sign of Xiao Yan.

Mrs. He searched all three courtyards but found no one. Returning, she glared at Lin Ningfang: "Where's Third? He ran off after leaving your room this afternoon. Did you argue with him again?"

Lin Ningfang lowered her eyes: "We didn't argue."

Mrs. He's anger flared even more: "Yes, Third is the one who keeps chasing after you..."

Old Man Xiao Mu slammed the table hard.

Mrs. He shuddered, as if a ghost had grabbed her throat, and her mouth opened soundlessly.

Xiao Shouyi sternly instructed her: "Sit down and eat. Third is a grown man; he won't get lost."

Mrs. He dared to argue with her husband in private but wouldn't defy Old Man Xiao Mu. She sat down resentfully.

It was the first time Tong Sui had seen Old Man Xiao Mu lose his temper. Even though it wasn't directed at her, her heart pounded wildly. She glanced at Liu Chu and Xiao Yuchan, noticing they were all holding their breaths, frozen in fear.

After dinner, Xiao Zhen had Xiao Ye watch over the eastern courtyard while he and Xiao She went to search for Xiao Yan.

As night fell, Xiao Zhen found a figure lying on its back on the stone beach by the Lingshui River to the north. Approaching, he saw it was his brother.

Xiao Zhen kicked him directly: "How old are you? Do we need to come find you for dinner?"

Xiao Yan rolled over, facing away from him.

Xiao Zhen kicked him again.

Xiao Yan jumped up in pain, yelling at him: "I should have listened to you. Why did I bother with her? She never gives me a good face. What kind of prime minister's daughter is she? She's far worse than my eldest and second sisters-in-law!"

Xiao Zhen: "Before you complain about others, take a piss and look at yourself."

Xiao Yan: "..."

Xiao Zhen: "If you don't go back, she won't have a peaceful night either. If Second Aunt gets really worried, she might take action."

Xiao Yan hesitated, then ran home.