Chapter Six: Changxi Village

Chapter Six: Changxi Village

"His speech and demeanor are more pleasing and proper than even Sanwu, the scholar."

"Sigh." Lu Lei let out a heavy sigh, his regret evident. "If it weren't for the children, he would be an unparalleled husband, a rare find even worth searching for with a lantern."

Lu Mingchao smiled faintly, her lips pressing together. Ever since Xie Yan was mentioned, her brother's eyes had become clear and bright, like the morning light, dazzling and full of praise. He couldn't stop praising Xie Yan, acting like a devoted fan.

Subconsciously, Lu Mingchao's impression of the yet-to-be-seen Xie Yan improved quite a bit.

Lu Lei, though honest and talkative, was not the type to be taken advantage of without realizing it.

For him to be so highly regarded, Xie Yan must be exceptional.

"Brother, is Sanwu our second brother?" Lu Mingchao didn't tease Lu Lei, nor did she continue the topic of Xie Yan. She shifted the conversation to ask about the family.

Lu Father's mood visibly relaxed.

Lu Lei nodded roughly. "Sanwu is your second brother. His formal name is Lu Yao. It was given by an old scholar in the village at Father's request, meaning 'extraordinarily talented with a bright future.'"

"Trust me, the old scholar really knows his stuff. He's even more accurate than the fortune teller."

"Sanwu is indeed cut out for being a scholar. He became a xiucai long ago, and we're just waiting for the autumn exam next year to take the imperial examination."

Lu Mingchao: She hadn't even said anything.

"Chaochao, don't worry. Once Sanwu passes the imperial exams and secures an official position, you'll still be a young lady of an official family."

Waiting at the side gate of the Yongning Marquis family for those few hours was the first time he truly felt the vast difference between people.

A world apart, no exaggeration.

He and Father had already accepted that they wouldn't be able to bring Chaochao back. So, when Chaochao pushed the door open, wrapped in a large cloak with a blood-soaked cloth around her forehead, he decided that he couldn't let her suffer.

Thinking of the insurmountable gap, Lu Lei's bright eyes dimmed little by little.

"Chaochao, let me tell you more about the family," Lu Lei took a deep breath, trying to calm the waves in his heart, forcing a smile at the corner of his mouth.

Through Lu Lei's descriptions, Lu Mingchao got a basic sense of the rural life she would soon be living.

Lu Father and Lu Mother had three sons and one daughter. She was the third child. The family also had a bedridden grandmother who needed care.

The donkey cart continued to move slowly.

In the afternoon of the third day, they finally saw the rising smoke of Changxi Village.

Lu Mingchao felt exhausted and sore all over, her waist and legs aching.

This was a scene in stark contrast to the prosperous and rich Upper Capital City.

As far as the eye could see, most of the houses were thatched huts with mud walls, with very few brick-and-tile houses.

Light snow began to fall, just a few flurries here and there. The flakes, like fine silver powder, fell gently and blended into the mud.

The road was muddy and slippery, and as the donkey cart passed by, it splashed muddy water.

In winter, most people who weren't working stayed indoors, making the village appear particularly quiet.

Lu Lei licked his dry, cracked lips, hesitating several times and mumbling.

Lu Mingchao was confused; could it be that Lu Lei was feeling more nervous the closer they got to home?

"Big brother?"

Lu Lei, harboring some concerns, was startled and almost jumped off the donkey cart.

"Let your father explain," Lu Father took over the conversation. "Chaochao, Xiao Xin's condition is a bit different from most people's."

"When he was young, he had a serious illness due to an accident. He had a high fever that wouldn't break and fell into a coma. We thought he wouldn't make it, and the doctor told us to prepare for the worst. But by some miracle, his fever subsided. However, his mind was affected and he’s remained like a child since then."

"Father, what kind of accident?" Lu Lei rolled his eyes. "You're just covering for Lu Miao."

Before Lu Lei could say more, the donkey cart came to a stop.

"Chaochao, we need to return the village chief's donkey cart first."

Lu Father bent down, mimicking the manner of servants from wealthy families, extending his arm for Lu Mingchao to take and step down.

Lu Mingchao: ...

This is going to give him wrinkles.

"Father, just give me a hand."

She didn’t want to make her new family act like servants.

In dealing with others, she always believed in treating people the way they treated her.

Lu Mingchao jumped off the donkey cart and, huddling in her coat against the cold, stood next to Lu Lei.

Lu Father patted the door a couple of times.

"Who is it?"

"Auntie, I've come to return the donkey cart."

The door opened, revealing an elderly woman with gray hair.

Though old, she still appeared capable and astute.

The old woman immediately noticed Lu Mingchao standing nearby, her eyes lighting up.

"She looks just like Xiao Yun’s kid, with the same eyes, nose, and mouth."

Lu Mingchao: That’s one straightforward compliment.

"Call her Aunt Fang," Lu Lei reminded softly.

Lu Mingchao smiled, showing a sweet expression, and said crisply, "Hello, Aunt Fang."

The old woman beamed, her wrinkles deepening.

"Good, good."

"Chunsheng, this girl doesn’t seem like a troublemaker."

"As for Miaomiao, she left the village a while back. Our little village isn’t big enough for her. Don’t get hung up on her, Xiao Yun. It’ll only hurt your real daughter’s feelings."

"A family that stands united will surely see their lives get better and better over time."

The old woman couldn't help but offer a few more words of advice.

Everyone in Changxi Village, from the oldest grannies to the youngest kids, was disgusted by what Lu Miao did.

The Chun family must have been incredibly unlucky to raise a daughter like that.

After securing the donkey cart, Lu Father nodded hurriedly. "Auntie, I understand."

"Yunniang and I will take good care of Chaochao."

The old woman watched them leave, growing more and more pleased with each step they took.

"Old man, let me tell you."

"Spring's real daughter is like a goddess straight out of a painting."

"She's beautiful and walks gracefully."

Her loud voice echoed through the village, blending with the falling snow, bringing life to the quiet streets.

The Lu family lived not far from the village head's house, and after a short walk, they turned a corner and arrived.

Lu Lei, like a gust of wind, pushed open the slightly ajar wooden door, dashed into the courtyard, and shouted at the top of his lungs, "I've brought little sister back!"

"Come out and welcome little sister home in formation."

Lu Mingchao: ???

She had to admit, she had misjudged.

Lu Lei wasn't thick-skinned; he was a goofball who didn’t even realize it.

She was so embarrassed she could’ve dug a hole with her toes deep enough for a whole house.

She didn’t really need to go inside.

This was getting way too intense!

"Little sister, come in, come in quickly." Lu Lei grinned like he’d just won a prize, waving excitedly at Lu Mingchao.

Lu Mingchao's mouth twitched slightly, feeling that Lu Lei's hand lacked a handkerchief.

He should’ve been twirling a handkerchief and saying, 'Come on in, darling!'

That’s exactly how it felt.

Just as Lu Mingchao hesitated, doors from all the rooms started opening one after another.

"Which little sister?"

"Surrounded by all these beauties."