Chapter 077

Chapter 077

In the kitchen, Jiang Shi was focused on preparing dinner, but Zhou Gui noticed the small gestures between her brother-in-law and sister at the door.

She didn't say anything then, but after they got into bed that night, Zhou Gui turned over and said to Tong Sui, "Sister, does Brother-in-law really like you a lot?"

Tong Sui: "...Why are you asking this all of a sudden?"

Zhou Gui chuckled, "I saw him grab your hand."

Tong Sui: "..."

Zhou Gui: "I thought Brother-in-law was a serious and steady person who doesn't smile much. I didn't expect him to be quite improper."

Tong Sui felt the need to defend Xiao Zhen's dignity and whispered, "It's not what you think. He... he gave me something."

At this point, she had to take out the jade ring she had hidden and show it to her sister.

Some secrets are embarrassing to share with elders, but sisters can talk about them freely.

Zhou Gui played with the jade ring and exclaimed, "Why would Brother-in-law think of giving you this?"

Tong Sui: "I practice archery often. He probably thought I could use it."

Zhou Gui: "To know exactly what you like, it seems Brother-in-law cares for you more than just a little."

Tong Sui couldn't argue with her and put the jade ring back beside her pillow, planning to store it properly tomorrow morning.

Zhou Gui clearly wanted to keep talking and asked, "How do you feel about Brother-in-law?"

Tong Sui: "...He's pretty good, and our family is also kind."

Zhou Gui: "Not those things. I mean, have you ever felt your heart race and daydream about him like in those romance novels?"

Tong Sui remained silent.

Xiao Zhen had made her heart race too many times. Every time he came close to do that thing, her heart would race. When he mentioned hiding Xiao Ye and others in Imprisoned Dragon Ridge, her heart raced so much she almost couldn't breathe.

As for daydreaming, Tong Sui had never done that. When Xiao Zhen lived in Lingshui Village and she lived in Taohuagou, she only thought about guns and arrows.

"Those novels are just nonsense. In peaceful times, talented scholars and beautiful ladies indulge in love stories. But for us, I worry about bandits in the village, and you worry about ruffians in the city. We don't have time for such thoughts."

Zhou Gui: "Peaceful times have their romance, but turbulent times have their legends. I think Brother-in-law is no less heroic than those in the novels, and you are the beauty by his side."

Tong Sui admitted that Xiao Zhen did look like a hero when fighting bandits, but which hero in novels would lie around in just underpants?

"I suggest you read fewer novels. Otherwise, you might never find someone who meets all your expectations."

Zhou Gui picked up on this: "Is there something about Brother-in-law that you're not satisfied with?"

Tong Sui found it hard to speak.

Zhou Gui: "What about Song Zhishi? Ignoring Mr. Song, just as Song Zhishi, can you find any faults with him?"

Tong Sui smiled faintly, "I didn't notice before, but now if I were to pick on him, I could find plenty. Being weak is the least of his problems. He acts impulsively without considering consequences, is self-righteous and petty. He's nothing like Mr. Song."

Zhou Gui: "...Has he done something to offend you these past few months?"

Tong Sui: "I don't want to talk about it. Just stay away from him when you move to Taohuagou. Don't be fooled by his good looks and education."

Zhou Gui: "I don't like people like him anyway. Besides, you two had a history. Why would I get involved with him?"

Tong Sui: "Then what kind of person do you like?"

Zhou Gui: "Someone strong enough to protect me when trouble comes, but not like Brother-in-law. He's too intimidating. I wouldn't dare get close to him. It would be nice if he's also educated, not too rough."

Tong Sui: "You have quite a few requirements."

Zhou Gui laughed, "Who told me to be so beautiful?"

Tong Sui pinched the girl's cheek.

Perhaps because of this conversation, before falling asleep, Tong Sui really went through all the unmarried young men in Lingshui Village in her mind. However, she couldn't find anyone who met her cousin's criteria. Xiao Ye and Xiao She were both handsome and capable, but their presence was even more overwhelming than Xiao Zhen's, and they were quite rough in their actions.

Sun Wei fit some of the criteria, but he was already married.

Well, her cousin was only fifteen; there was plenty of time to find the right one.

—

The next morning, the Zhou family locked all the doors and windows and hung a sign outside Tai'an Hall, stating that the family was traveling and the return date was uncertain. They asked patients to seek treatment elsewhere.

The neighbors knew the Zhou family was trying to avoid the ruffian, and although they regretted losing a good neighbor, they understood.

Tong Sui and her husband first accompanied their grandfather's family to Taohuagou.

Zhou Qing was very happy to see her father. Upon learning that her niece had nearly been taken as a concubine by a ruffian in the city, she was furious. When villagers came to inquire, she explained that the clinic encountered a bully they couldn't handle and had to flee. Good people being bullied was common anywhere, and the villagers dispersed after hearing the story.

Song Lan only smiled upon hearing this.

After having a late lunch at her parents' home, Tong Sui bid farewell to Xiao Zhen.

On the way, Xiao Zhen told his wife, who was quietly reading behind him, about his arrangements for the elderly.

Tong Sui: ...

Xiao Zhen: "When I suggested to Father and Mother to bring Grandfather here, I only thought it would be safer for them in Taohuagou. Once we entered the city, I realized the mountains really needed a doctor, so I mentioned it to Grandfather."

Tong Sui looked at the book in her hands, feeling conflicted, "Given the situation, he definitely won't refuse."

No matter whether it's my family or my grandfather's family, they're all going along with the Xiao family's wishes because I'm their granddaughter-in-law here.

Xiao Zhen turned around and hugged her, saying, "Grandfather wants to help us alleviate our worries. Now that we've troubled him to cross mountains and valleys, if we can have peace in the future, we must also take good care of Grandfather."

Tong Sui thought to herself that she would certainly take care of her grandfather, but whether Xiao Zhen could do the same was something she would have to see over time.

"Let go, it's hot." She struggled a bit.

Xiao Zhen released his grip. After a while, when he looked at her again, he saw the girl pursing her lips, clearly unhappy.

After sending Tong Sui back to Lingshui Village, Xiao Zhen rode his donkey alone to the town.

"Master Wang, how are those two bows coming along?"

Master Wang looked at him and pointed to the yard filled with half-finished wood pieces. "I went on a long trip last time, and there were many delays in business in town. When I came back, I had to rush these orders. Is your bow urgent? If it is, I can prioritize yours, but the craftsmanship won't be as meticulous, and I'm afraid it might waste your good wood."

Xiao Zhen: "It's not urgent. Take your time, but please ensure the craftsmanship."

Master Wang: "Don't worry. As carpenters, we cherish good materials even more than you do. How about this, come back at the end of next month to check."

Xiao Zhen left the carpenter's shop, leading his donkey around the town, but couldn't find anything that could cheer her up.

Back home, Xiao Zhen first went to see the old man and reported his observations from the city.

Xiao Mu: "It seems life in the city isn't peaceful either. Good thing you went there in time."

Xiao Zhen: "I only told Grandfather about it. He is open-minded and readily agreed."

Xiao Mu sighed, "When I chose a wife for you, I liked Xiaoman because I heard she could run and shoot arrows. I thought such a girl was already impressive, but didn't expect what happened later. Now we first asked Xiaoman's parents to help make arrows, and now we've arranged for her grandfather to stay in the mountains. I wonder what Xiaoman thinks about it."

Xiao Zhen: "I will compensate her; you don't need to worry."

Xiao Mu: "Even if you are sincere, too many promises sound like sweet talk to her. You should do something practical."

With that, the old man went into the room and returned with a gold bracelet as thick as Xiao Zhen's thumb. "This was your grandmother's favorite bracelet, but she never wore it out of fear of being ridiculed for being vulgar. Take it to Xiaoman. Even if she fears being called vulgar, she'll definitely like it."

Xiao Zhen refused to accept it: "This is a memento your grandmother left for you."

Xiao Mu: "I can remember her without these things. Your sister-in-law is too soft, and the third daughter-in-law's heart isn't here. Among the women in the family, only Xiaoman is capable. If you two live well, I'll be content."

Xiao Zhen couldn't refuse the old man and had to put the heavy gold bracelet into his sleeve before returning to the eastern courtyard.

Tong Sui sat at the desk reading a book, glancing at him once before continuing.

Xiao Zhen fetched some water, washed himself in the south room, then sat on the edge of the bed facing her.

His gaze was more intense than the sunlight outside. Soon, Tong Sui couldn't bear it anymore and took her book to go to the south room.

Xiao Zhen grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his arms, snatching the *Records of the Grand Historian* and placing it on the desk.

Even without the issue of her grandfather, she wouldn't be happy with this person disturbing her reading.

"Let go," Tong Sui pushed against his hard chest.

Xiao Zhen held her back with one hand and slipped the bracelet onto her wrist.

The action was similar to putting on a ring, but the weight was vastly different. Tong Sui strangely thought of the iron shackles used by bailiffs.

So, when Tong Sui looked down and saw the thick, seemingly fake gold bracelet, she was stunned.

Xiao Zhen pinched her earlobe, saying, "It's from Grandfather. He didn't expect me to send Grandfather to the mountains and feared you'd resent me, so he asked me to give this to cheer you up."

Tong Sui felt the bracelet was scalding hot and quickly took it off, handing it back to him. "I don't resent you; I just worry that Grandfather won't be comfortable living in the mountains. Please return this to Grandfather."

Xiao Zhen: "The old man has never taken back anything he's given away. Even if you go yourself, he won't accept it."

Tong Sui frowned, "Did you say something to Grandfather?"

Xiao Zhen looked at her, "I only said you seemed unhappy."

Tong Sui: "I'm not unhappy!"

Xiao Zhen: "You didn't speak to me the whole way back."

Tong Sui: "…I was reading."

Xiao Zhen: "You didn't lean on me while reading."

Tong Sui: "…I found it hot."

Xiao Zhen just looked at her.

Tong Sui turned away, "I really don't resent you. Please return it to Grandfather."

Making her seem greedy for rewards.

Xiao Zhen put the bracelet back on her wrist, "Consider it given to me by Grandfather, and then I gave it to you. What difference does it make whether I keep it or you do?"

"Xiaoman, you always like to separate everything so clearly. We are married now. My grandfather is your grandfather, and your grandfather is my grandfather. I can ask them for help without guilt, and you can accept Grandfather's gift without guilt."

Tong Sui tightly held her skirt.

Xiao Zhen twisted her hands behind her back and lifted her into his arms.

Tong Sui anxiously said, "You're right; I shouldn't be so clear-cut. I'll keep the bracelet for you. Please stop!"

Xiao Zhen: "For me? See, you still separate things in your heart."

Tong Sui: "…"

After about a quarter of an hour, Xiao Zhen asked in her ear, "Can you still tell the difference now?"