Chapter 160

Chapter 160

Ding Hui Niang looked up to see Mai Ya had come over at some point, carrying several stones. It seemed she wasn’t done throwing them and was about to kick a few more times.

Seeing this, Ding Hui Niang, fearing they might end up killing someone—since there’s a big difference between beating someone up and causing fatal harm—quickly pulled Mai Ya back.

“Aunt, don’t stop me,” Mai Ya said, her eyes red. Ever since the trouble started, Ding Hui Niang has been running around helping out. Even now, Pomegranate can work at Lin’s establishment thanks to Ding Hui Niang’s recommendation.

Mai Ya was deeply grateful to Ding Hui Niang. Pomegranate, who had previously been entangled with a family that tried to control her, regretted breaking off the engagement once she learned that Pomegranate had started working at the establishment. The regretful visits had been countless.

Hong Niangzi faced similar challenges. When making tofu at home, she had to do almost everything by herself, with limited help from her younger siblings. It was exhausting.

After going to help up the mountain, not only did she earn more money, but Hong Niangzi also became much more cheerful, often going out to chat and laugh with others.

Mai Ya was deeply grateful to both Lin Chunyan and Ding Hui Niang. Seeing her being harassed by Old Man Peng today, she was seething with anger.

By the time Old Man Peng came to his senses, Ding Hui Niang and Mai Ya had already left, their retreating figures looking quite dashing. This enraged him so much that he immediately started cursing, calling her all sorts of names like "worn-out shoes" and "dirty prostitute."

Li Shi came out with a basin, and as if she hadn’t seen Old Man Peng, she directly splashed the water over him. The water hit his wounds, causing him to cry out in pain again.

“I’m terribly sorry, I didn’t see you standing there,” Li Shi apologized sincerely, though her expression remained stiff.

Old Man Peng couldn’t tell if she genuinely hadn’t seen him or if she was just pretending. He could only watch helplessly as Li Shi closed her door and went back inside.

The women in the yard gave her a thumbs-up as she returned calmly. But Cui Liu wasn’t satisfied. “I told you, we should have used pig pancreas soap water. That would have really stung him for being so mouthy!”

They had all heard what Old Man Peng said to Ding Hui Niang, and it was impossible not to be angry. That’s why they came up with the plan just now.

After returning, Old Man Peng naturally had to see a doctor, but he didn’t dare tell Peng Pingan the truth. He only said he had accidentally bumped into the well and fallen.

Peng Pingan thought it was strange but didn’t press for more details.

Lin Fengdie told Lin Chunyan everything as it happened. Once they heard, Zhang Daniang was so furious that she couldn’t even enjoy the banquet.

Lin Chunyan paused before saying to Wang Yingniang, “I bet Liu Niangzi has no idea. If she did, with her temper, there would have been a big scene.”

This was true. Liu Niangzi acted like nothing had happened, still guarding the foot of the mountain to prevent anyone from going up, all the while thinking about how unlucky she was to have drawn the short straw in the lottery.

After going up the mountain, Lin Chunyan made a round to check that each group had left someone on duty. Only then did she feel reassured and promised to give them extra wages for their hard work.

“It’s no big deal. They went to the banquet but promised to bring something back for us, so nothing will be delayed.”

After asking around, no one agreed to accept extra money, so Lin Chunyan had to give up.

Just as Wang Yingniang said no one had come to cause trouble, a few half-grown boys were seen sneaking up from the back of the mountain, only to be caught by Zhao Huaizi.

“They’re relatives from the Zhang family. When asked, they said they just wanted to come up the mountain to play.”

The people guarding the mountain were bored and hadn’t had any action, so they were eager to question these boys thoroughly.

“Are you fooling ghosts? Who in their right mind would come to play on the mountain? Which village doesn’t have a mountain?”

With the banquet about to start, everyone—adults and kids alike—was eagerly waiting for the food. The fact that they came at this time made it seem like they thought there wouldn’t be anyone on the mountain.

Seeing that they couldn’t be fooled, and hearing they would be taken to the authorities, the boys immediately became scared and dared not say more. They admitted they had heard there were many profitable businesses on the mountain and thought they might be able to steal a glance and learn something.

Lin Chunyan asked them, “Who sent you?”

She didn’t believe for a second that it was just the idea of these half-grown boys.

However, these kids insisted adamantly that they came on their own and no one else sent them.

"We’ll keep them here for now, and we can find the Village Headman later when things calm down."

After Lin Chunyan and Wang Yingniang came down the mountain, they specifically went to the kitchen to ask for a lot of food, having Dan the Kid and Heizi help deliver it to those on the mountain.

It wouldn’t be right to let them go hungry.

The Village Headman’s house was bustling with activity. Outside, some male guests at the banquet were already drunk, pulling Zhang Tianhe or the Village Headman aside to chat and schmooze.

The female guests were doing fine, chatting lively. When the Village Headman’s wife saw them, she quickly pulled Lin Chunyan and Wang Yingniang to the table, saying, "We were just wondering where you were. Did you go up the mountain to check on something?"

Lin Chunyan nodded and took the initiative to toast the Village Headman’s wife with a small cup of wine as an apology.

Over there, Lin Taohong was eating happily and even offered food to Lin Chunyan, saying, "This dish is really good. Xiang Niang’s cooking skills are getting better and better."

"And this spring roll is also very tasty," added Lin Fengdie without looking up.

Lin Chunyan tasted each dish and nodded, saying, "Indeed, Xiang Niang’s skills are truly remarkable."

The spring rolls were filled with dried pickles and shepherd’s purse, with a crispy outer layer that made a crunching sound with each bite, the filling seasoned just right.

Lin Chunyan observed that both adults and children loved this dish.

It wouldn’t be suitable for Mrs. Song to continue selling liangfen in front of her house, but frying these spring rolls for sale could be a good alternative.

Moreover, making spring rolls wasn’t difficult, though it did require a bit more oil. Last time when Lin Chunyan taught Lin Cuixiang how to make them, Mrs. Song had watched for a while and should be able to pick it up quickly.

Lin Taohong seemed to be in a particularly good mood, which caught Lin Chunyan’s attention. Curious, she asked, "What happened? Why are you so happy?"

"Don’t mention it," Lin Fengdie said in a low voice only when the Village Headman’s wife went to toast at another table, "Red Lady made Zhang Zhuyu cry, which is why she’s so pleased."

Worried that Lin Chunyan might take it the wrong way, Lin Taohong quickly explained, "I didn’t do anything. But that Miss Li, who is Zhang Zhuyu’s new sister-in-law, was looking for you just now. When I told her you weren’t here, Miss Li talked to me for a few more words."

As a result, Zhang Zhuyu burst into tears, accusing Miss Li of trying to assert her authority over her.

Miss Li wasn’t someone to be trifled with either. The old woman accompanying her was quite formidable and managed to silence Zhang Zhuyu with just a few words.

Lin Taohong was happy to see Zhang Zhuyu being put in her place, saying, "I didn’t do anything. She’s just too sensitive, and if she doesn’t get what she wants, she takes it out on others."

Lin Fengdie also sighed. Among familiar faces at the table, there was no harm in speaking freely, "She’s not a bad person, but she can be a bit petty and doesn’t like seeing others do well."

Thinking back to when Zhang Zhuyu used to badmouth Lin Chunyan and the others, Lin Fengdie felt a bit embarrassed.

However, Lin Chunyan was truly someone to be admired.

Lin Fengdie had been scolded by Li Shi and was able to reconcile because of their blood relation, but Zhang Zhuyu didn’t have such advantages and only saw things at face value.

On the surface, of course, the adults only praised them and told their children to learn from Lin Chunyan and the others, making others envious of them.

Even if one didn’t feel anything at first, hearing such things repeatedly would eventually make one feel uneasy.

"Being a bit petty isn’t the end of the world, but it can cause problems," Lin Taohong said shamelessly, completely forgetting that she often had the same issue.

Wang Yingniang was also laughing on the side, but Lin Taohong ignored her and kept enjoying her good mood.

During the meal, many people came over to make small talk with Lin Chunyan, mostly talking about how capable someone in their family was and what skills they had.

These people wanted to work on the mountain, and Lin Chunyan was swamped, fielding requests from one person after another about job opportunities.

After finally finishing the meal, Lin Chunyan hurriedly headed home with Lin Taohong and the others.

The pumpkin dough had already risen, and after resting for a while, Lin Chunyan planned to make pumpkin steamed buns.

However, before she could start, the Village Headman came looking for her.

The few half-grown boys were still up in the mountain. Their families only began searching for them when they were about to leave, and that’s when Zhao Huaizi explained the situation.

The Village Headman had drunk quite a lot and was unsteady on his feet. He slurred, “Looks like it was just a misunderstanding. They were just being kids, you know?”

Mrs. Zhang wasn’t having it. “Those boys admitted it themselves; they came to sneak a look. We just happened to catch them.”

If they hadn’t been caught, who can say what might have happened?

The Village Headman was getting carried away with all the praise, but Mrs. Zhang’s sharp look snapped him back to reality. He realized those boys were indeed a bit foolish and didn’t know what to do for a moment.

He looked at Lin Chunyan. “Yan Niang, since they didn’t see anything and they know they were wrong, how about we let them go? It’s a big day for us, so could you do me a favor?”

Since the Village Headman had already said so, Lin Chunyan didn’t want to offend him. “I just want to know who put them up to this. Those boys don’t seem like they acted on their own.”

People who don’t often come to their village would only know the route to the east village, guarded by Liu Niangzi. If someone blocked the way, they would likely turn back.

But these boys chose a path that’s not often traveled, known only to those in their village who frequently go up the mountain.

Hearing this, the Village Headman’s expression turned serious. He still knew the difference between what’s important and what’s not. By this time, his drunkenness had mostly worn off, and he said he would definitely get to the bottom of this.

Only then did Lin Chunyan agree to let them go.

Mrs. Zhang was still uneasy and, as she followed the Village Headman out, didn’t forget to remind him a few more times.

The Village Headman stumbled back, the happiness he felt earlier mostly gone, and the cold wind made him feel a bit uncomfortable.

Today was Zhang Tianhe’s wedding day, and many people came not just because he was the Village Headman, but also because his family was marrying the daughter of Mr. Li. Many came to inquire about the situation.

Ever since Lin Chunyan bought the Qingshan property, she had attracted a lot of attention.

People from nearby villages were more cautious because of what happened with Hong Zhuzi, so they didn’t dare make any big moves, at most hoping to get some work up in the mountains.

But you can never be too cautious—anything could happen. They needed to keep a close watch.

They couldn’t let those who didn’t know better ruin things for their village.

The last time the Village Headmen gathered to discuss this matter, they had hinted at this very thing.

The Village Headman understood the implications of their words. It seemed that Lin Chunyan’s business was no longer just a village affair.

Though some of the other Village Headmen felt a bit envious, they couldn’t deny the truth in those words.

When Mrs. Zhang returned, the warm smell of pumpkin from the kitchen made her feel as sweet as honey.

But she didn’t spare any words. “We just ate! What are you up to now?”

Lin Chunyan spoke to her through the window. “The dough has already risen. If I don’t make it now, it will sour and go to waste if I throw it away.”

Mrs. Zhang went into the kitchen and saw that the pumpkin dough was quite large. She asked in surprise, “Are you planning to make enough for several meals?”

“It’s not just for us. Big Sister wants to send some to the people working up in the mountains.”

There had been a lot of work these past few days, and everyone had put in effort. No one had any complaints, and Lin Chunyan wanted to show her appreciation.

Mrs. Zhang knew that Lin Chunyan had this kind of personality—she couldn't bear to owe anyone anything. If she did owe someone, it would weigh on her mind for a long time.

It wasn’t that it was bad, but living like this was exhausting.

Thinking about it again, who didn’t have their little flaws? Mrs. Zhang herself used to love boasting.

Mrs. Zhang would never admit that she still had a tendency to boast. She didn’t dare to talk nonsense anymore, fearing that if she said too much, others might target their family.

Because of this, there were some benefits. Others just found Mrs. Zhang increasingly inscrutable.

After kneading the dough, Lin Chunyan cut it into roughly equal sizes, let it proof for a while longer, and then started steaming the pumpkin cakes over several stoves with cold water in the pot.

After steaming, she let them rest for a few more minutes to prevent them from collapsing, and then sprinkled a layer of raisins on top, completing the golden pumpkin cakes.

Even though no one was particularly hungry, they each took a small bite and found the cakes soft and delicious. "These would make a great breakfast," they remarked.

After dividing the pumpkin cakes, Lin Chunyan planned to deliver them directly to the workers up the mountain.

When it was time to deliver to Liu Niangzi's house, Lin Taohong volunteered to go.

"Are you going to watch the excitement?" Mrs. Zhang also thought of Old Man Peng's situation and decided to go with Lin Taohong.

Others might avoid telling Liu Niangzi out of respect for Ding Hui Niang, but Mrs. Zhang didn’t want to hide it from her.

And there was Peng Pingan, living off his mother and wife, still maintaining contact with Peng Laodie.

Mrs. Zhang couldn’t help but imagine herself in Peng Laodie's position. If Lin Chunyan or Lin Taohong were ungrateful and gave money to Lin Laodie, she thought she’d be furious.

Fortunately, Lin Chunyan and Lin Taohong were young ladies, fundamentally different from those men.

Thinking of this, Mrs. Zhang breathed a sigh of relief but still couldn’t resist probing Lin Taohong, "What if your father came back and asked you for money? Would you give it to him?"

"Give him nothing!" Lin Taohong jumped up, visibly agitated. "I'd throw stones at him to drive him away."

Seeing Mrs. Zhang, she worried, "Mom, you wouldn’t give him money, right?"

"I'd slap him twice, that's what I'd do. Pah! If I ever saw her, I'd beat her to death without remorse," Mrs. Zhang said, gritting her teeth.

Satisfied, Lin Taohong smiled slightly and said, "There’s no need to beat him to death. Beating him within an inch of his life would be enough."

When the two arrived at Liu Niangzi's house, Liu Niangzi was still lying on the kang, not bothering to get up, and called out to them from under the quilt.

"It took me a lot of effort today. They just wouldn’t listen, as if they didn’t understand a word I said. I told them not to go up the mountain, but one by one, they insisted on going."

With the cold wind blowing, she felt dazed. Sister Wei Ruo saw that Liu Niangzi wasn’t faking it and was genuinely not feeling well, so she let her rest at home.

Seeing the pumpkin cakes Mrs. Zhang brought, Liu Niangzi sniffed them first. The fragrance was rich, and she couldn’t tell what was added inside. Breaking off a small piece, she found it very soft, and upon closer inspection, there were raisins on top.

"You came at just the right time. I'm hungry, but too lazy to cook."

Liu Niangzi started eating right away, nodding as she did. "These are really delicious. How do you make such a taste?"

Mrs. Zhang gave her a sideways glance. "It’s because you’re lazy. If you wanted to learn, my Yan Niang would definitely teach you."

Liu Niangzi fell silent. Since the chickens and ducks were moved to the mountain, Sister Wei Ruo had been keeping everything tidy. Even Liu Niangzi's house was much cleaner.

Unfortunately, Liu Niangzi preferred to slack off whenever possible, doing as little as she could and cutting corners wherever she could.

Mrs. Zhang looked around and noticed that Liu Niangzi was alone, so she cleared her throat lightly.

Lin Taohong's eyes lit up right away, knowing that Mrs. Zhang was about to bring up the issue with Liu Niangzi. She couldn’t help but move closer.

"What happened?" Liu Niangzi also noticed something was off but didn’t stop eating.

Without hesitation, Mrs. Zhang recounted what she had heard.

As soon as Liu Niangzi heard it, she practically jumped up. "What?"

Crumbs of the pumpkin cake were still hanging on the corner of her mouth, but she didn’t bother to wipe them off as she jumped out of bed.

"Oh my God! Just a moment ago, you were complaining about all the aches and pains, and now you're in such a hurry?" Mrs. Zhang was startled.

"Even if my whole body is in pain, I can’t let that old rascal have an easy time," Liu Niangzi said as she hopped around putting on her shoes.

As she spoke, she had already dashed out, grabbing a hoe from the yard and heading out.

"Oh no, Mother!" Lin Taohong panicked, "Why did you say that? What if something serious happens? What if Liu Niangzi really kills Old Man Peng?"

Mrs. Zhang was bewildered. "Am I adding fuel to the fire? I was just speaking normally!"

Lin Taohong had already run out. If Liu Niangzi really killed Old Man Peng, they’d be in big trouble too.

She should have listened to Lin Chunyan and not come to watch this mess.

When Mrs. Zhang came out, Liu Niangzi was already out of sight. She could only see Lin Taohong shouting behind her, calling for Second Aunt Lin and Lin Chunyan.

"What's going on?" Second Aunt Lin looked at Lin Taohong, who was out of breath. "Did you make your mother anxious again?"

"No, it’s not me..." Lin Taohong gasped for a moment before saying, "It’s Aunt Liu. She went after Uncle Peng with a hoe."

Hearing this, both Second Aunt Lin and Lin Chunyan were afraid something serious might happen. The group hurried toward the village.

When they arrived, Old Man Peng had already been dragged out of his house by Liu Niangzi.

Old Man Peng looked very disheveled. The wounds he had received from Ding Hui Niang and Maoya had just been bandaged, but after being pulled to the ground by Liu Niangzi, the wounds had started bleeding again and were covered in dirt.

Peng Pingan was following behind. It seemed like they had been having a private conversation, but when Peng Pingan saw Liu Niangzi, he looked somewhat embarrassed.

Liu Niangzi hadn’t expected Peng Pingan to be there either. Mrs. Zhang and the others exchanged glances, knowing that no one would lose their life. So, they didn’t step in.

Liu Niangzi wasn’t one to back down. She could hold her own in a fight. Even if she were at a disadvantage, none of them were pushovers.

Lin Fengdie pulled Lin Chunyan and Lin Taohong aside to whisper, "After my mother threw water at him last time, he went and tattled to my father."

Lin Fengdie had never met someone so detestable that she couldn’t even bring herself to call him Uncle Peng. She only referred to him as "him."

Lin Taohong spat on the ground. "What did Third Uncle say? Did he blame your mother?"

"How dare my father! My mother was so angry that she went to their door in the middle of the night and threw water again."

Old Man Peng lived alone in this old house. It was already quite deserted, and Maoya had once dressed up as a ghost to scare him for a long time. He was already pretty timid.

Hearing noises in the middle of the night, he had been frightened and called for Peng Pingan.

With Peng Pingan by his side, Old Man Peng felt quite bold and tried to deceive Liu Niangzi. "Look at your temper. If it weren't for me putting up with you, you would have had to marry a widower and wouldn’t have the good life you have now."

Liu Niangzi spat at him. "You old fool spewing nonsense! I was blind to marry you. My good life now has nothing to do with you! I rely on my own skills. Why don’t you pee and look at your reflection? If it weren’t for you screwing up my life, I would have had a good life long ago!"

Still fuming, she spat again and swung at him.

The sound of loud slaps echoed as Old Man Peng was slapped so hard he could barely keep his head straight. Liu Niangzi struck him left and right, and her mouth was equally busy, "You lazy, no-good husband can't even keep your pants on, and now you're messing with Hui Niang? I think you can do without that part of you. I'll cut it off in a moment."

Old Man Peng was terrified that Liu Niangzi might actually go through with it, especially as blood started trickling from his mouth and his heart raced. He stammered Peng Pingan's name, calling for help.

Peng Pingan was pacing anxiously, wanting to step in but blocked by a line of aunts and older women. They seemed to be deliberately blocking him. Peng Pingan couldn't even get near his father.

He could only watch helplessly as Old Man Peng took another blow, then turned his pleading gaze towards Lin Chunyan.

Lin Chunyan, standing at the back watching the scene, met Peng Pingan's gaze without avoiding it.

Surprised, Peng Pingan heard Mrs. Zhang and Second Aunt Lin cheering from the side, debating whether they should join in and give Liu Niangzi a break.

"But then they'll complain about sore arms later!"

Mrs. Zhang and Second Aunt Lin were practically itching to join in, sleeves already rolled up.

It dawned on Peng Pingan that Old Man Peng's previous actions involving Ding Hui Niang had angered everyone.

Whether it was Uncle Lin's family, Madam Hong's family, or Mrs. Zhang and Second Aunt Lin, and even the villagers watching from a distance, they were all silently or vocally condemning Old Man Peng.

They hadn't forgotten how much Ding Hui Niang had suffered. Who could guarantee a smooth life without accidents, without the family's backbone falling?

Did anyone think Ding Hui Niang enjoyed what she had to do back then?

Now that she had struggled out and could stand on her own, how could they allow Old Man Peng to try and pull her back into hell?

"Go call Hui Niang over!" Liu Niangzi said, panting from exhaustion. "Let her have a turn at getting some payback too."