Chapter One Hundred Eighteen: Xiao Dashi Returns to the Village

Chapter 118 Xiao Dashi Returns to the Village

Xiao Erlang and Bai Shi had some resemblance—both were short and a bit thin. As he spoke, Xiao Erlang kept watching Xiao Dashi’s reaction. Yu’an wasn’t very big, and the house the old household had bought wasn’t far from the Xiao residence. Now that the family didn’t have a carriage, the one used to bring Xiao Dashi back was rented. Both carriages from the Dingyuan Marquis Estate were in use: Lin Qiuran needed to go out, and Tangyuan needed it for school. It was easy to rent a carriage and not expensive anyway.

Xiao Dashi hauled his belongings on a cart that hadn’t been used in a long time.

It was dusty and squeaked the whole time.

Actually, the family did have a donkey cart, but Xiao Dashi had let the old household use it a few times, and now it wasn’t at the Xiao residence. Lin Ming planned to find a chance to get it back, but there were many people over there, and he wasn’t sure he’d manage.

Xiao Dashi walked with his head down, not saying a word. Seeing that Xiao Dashi wasn’t speaking, Xiao Erlang didn’t press him for any promises either. He figured if he kept talking, eventually some of it would sink in.

Xiao Xun had become an official—if only he could land an official post too. Besides, Xiao Xun and the others weren’t in Yu’an anymore. The restaurant was so big—who knew what the profits were? If he could get ten to twenty taels a month, that would be pretty good.

The saying “When a man achieves the Dao, even his pets rise to heaven” had never been experienced in the Xiao family. If they had to talk about the past, so many years had passed—couldn’t they move past it?

Xiao Dashi was torn. He was already back—what else could he say? Thinking about it, he felt Xiao Erlang had a point. They were all family—why create such distance? Sun Shi was really being unreasonable.

But now that he’d been sent back, how could he possibly talk to Xiao Xun and Lin Qiuran about letting his nephews help out? Besides, the restaurant was under Lin Qiuran’s name—he had no claim to it. Even if he brought people to the restaurant and asked Shopkeeper Shi to find them work, Shopkeeper Shi wouldn’t agree and would definitely say he’d write to Lin Qiuran.

Shopkeeper Shi was sharp—who knew whether he’d been skimming money from the restaurant?

Xiao Dashi sighed. Why was he thinking about this? Even if money had been embezzled, it wasn’t his concern. They didn’t trust their own family but put their trust in an outsider.

He said, “Let’s talk about this later. Let’s head back first—I’m starving.”

Xiao Erlang smiled. “Today, my mother and second aunt made all your favorite dishes. They also bought wine. You must be exhausted from the journey—after you eat, get some proper rest.”

Xiao Dashi nodded, feeling that this was more like what he expected. His nephew was filial and obedient, always thinking of him. Every time he came home, he was treated as an honored guest. But in the capital, nobody gave him any respect.

When they arrived home, Xiao Dashi smelled food as soon as he entered the courtyard. Da Li Shi was busy in the kitchen. Seeing Xiao Dashi, she called out warmly, “Elder Brother's here! Come in and sit.”

Xiao Li Shi also smiled. “Elder Brother is back! You must be exhausted.”

Then she called into the house, “Mother, Elder Brother is here. You’ve been talking about him lately—now he’s back. Come see!”

Xiao Li Shi glanced at the cart full of things behind him, thinking it wasn’t bad that he’d brought back so many things.

Bai Shi’s voice came from inside. “Dashi! You're back!”

Xiao Dashi gave them a brief smile and hurried inside. There were quite a few people in the room: Bai Shi, Sanwa and Siwa, and a few nieces.

Xiao Li Shi glanced back, then looked at Xiao Erlang and signaled toward the two large bundles. “What’s all this?”

Xiao Erlang looked uncomfortable and said hesitantly, “It’s Uncle’s luggage and clothes.”

Xiao Li Shi muttered quietly, “His? But they’re all old. What's the point of bringing them?”

Xiao Erlang rubbed his nose. “Looks like he plans to stay with us. I don’t know anything else.”

Li Shi wasn't pleased to hear this. “The house is already small enough. Now he wants to stay here too?”

Xiao Erlang quickly told her to lower her voice—if Xiao Dashi heard, it would be trouble. The two women exchanged glances, reluctantly bit their tongues, and went back to cooking.

After Xiao Dashi entered the room, Bai Shi shooed the grandchildren out. “Have a seat.”

Xiao Dashi sat down and looked around. The house in the county wasn’t like the village houses made of rammed earth and straw, without ceilings—you could see the exposed beams overhead. This room felt bright and was neatly arranged, and looked quite presentable.

Bai Shi sat by the bed, was neatly dressed herself. She smiled at Xiao Dashi first. “Just bought it. My legs aren’t good—the cold in the village was hard on me. Erlang and the others always say how good you are, how much we're indebted to you. So, how is the capital? How are Xiuying, Xiao Xun, and Qiu Ran? I haven’t seen that child—must be four or five now.”

Xiao Dashi didn’t speak. Bai Shi wasn’t as domineering as she had been when she came to the Xiao residence before. Instead, her eyes held a smile, and she looked very kind.

Seeing Xiao Dashi silent, Bai Shi said, “Ah, I’m asking too much. How could the capital not be good? It must be wonderful. No need for me to worry.”

Xiao Dashi sighed helplessly. “Mother, they’re fine. No need to worry.”

Bai Shi nodded and pushed the snacks on the table toward Xiao Dashi. “Here, help yourself to some snacks. Don’t just sit there. Why didn’t you stay in the capital longer? You came back so soon.”

Bai Shi hadn’t expected Xiao Dashi to return so quickly. He left in early December and was back by late January—less than two months. The journey must have taken time. She’d never traveled far and didn’t know how long it took, but going to the capital probably took half a month or so.

That meant he’d only stayed in the capital a few days before returning. Why so rushed? And in such cold weather too.

Xiao Dashi felt embarrassed. He took a few bites of a pastry before saying, “Mother, Xiuying still hasn't gotten over it after all these years. She’s still upset and bears a grudge against all of you. She blamed me for giving money to you, so she made me come back.”

Xiao Dashi was still the same Xiao Dashi—a simple, straightforward man. If he didn’t know how to answer a question, he’d clam up, but he wouldn’t deliberately hide things.

Bai Shi was stunned. Her cloudy eyes stopped moving, and her mouth hung half-open. She was over sixty, with graying hair, and the skin on her hands and face was dry and rough, like decaying wood.

Xiao Dashi glanced at Bai Shi, then lowered his head again. “I wronged her before. I think this is fine too. After all, I have you and Erlang. When Sanwa grows up, the family will slowly stand on its own. In the capital, she nags all day—it’s annoying to listen to. It’s an unfamiliar place—not as comfortable and free as home.”

Bai Shi felt a chill down her spine, followed by cold hands and feet. Had Xiao Dashi come back alone?

And had he fallen out with Sun Shi and Xiao Xun? What use was he coming back alone?

Bai Shi had played the loving mother to Xiao Dashi for months, and it had paid off well. The method worked—outsiders thought Xiao Dashi had everything, but Bai Shi knew he was still hung up on the past. They hadn’t treated him well before, and that was exactly what he lacked.

He hoped the old household would treat him well and acknowledge him.

Bai Shi still looked down on him, but she could coax him. Of course, Bai Shi had gained a lot too. Xiao Dashi was easy to coax—just treat him well and complain a bit, and he’d cough up money.

If it weren’t for Xiao Dashi, the family wouldn’t have a new house, let alone moved to Yu’an.

The third son was home, but the second son had joined the army and hadn’t returned yet. Bai Shi had four grandsons—Dalang and Erlang were already of marrying age, Sanwa was eight, and in a few years, he’d be grown up too.

There were also granddaughters—all girls. How good it would be if they could work at the restaurant and earn money.

Bai Shi knew what Sun Shi was like, and Lin Qiuran didn’t seem easy to fool either. Luckily, they were in the capital now—just needed to keep coaxing Xiao Dashi. Over time, maybe they could even get into the restaurant.

Xiao Dashi was too timid to take money from Golden Tripod Restaurant because Shopkeeper Shi kept accounts, but he dared to take from Aunt Yu and Madam Yang—after all, there were no account books. However much silver it was, Lin Qiuran in the capital wouldn’t know. Once spent, it was spent.

Bai Shi thought Xiao Dashi was really foolish. Why bring up old family matters? It made Sun Shi unhappy and got him sent back.

“You… I wronged her before. It’s only right she’s unhappy.” Bai Shi felt bitter—what kind of situation was this?

Xiao Dashi said, “I have nothing to say to her. It’s been so many years, and she’s still holding onto these old grudges. She told me to go live in Xiao Family Village. Luckily, you bought a house—I’ll live with you from now on.”

Bai Shi opened her mouth but couldn’t just kick Xiao Dashi out now. Who knew—maybe Sun Shi would soften later and take him back.

What if Xiao Dashi was pretending? Kicking him out would expose everything.

She continued playing the loving mother. “Ah, don’t blame Xiuying. I wronged her back then, but I just wanted you to have your own child. Look at this—she tells you to come back, and you come back. Xiao Xun didn’t even stop it. After all these years, it was all for nothing.”

In Yu’an, Bai Shi had also heard about Xiao Xun—he’d become a general. If they got along well, wouldn’t he help his own uncles later? Xiao Dashi—all he did was hold people back. No wonder she’d looked down on him before.

Xiao Dashi thought to himself that even if he was at fault, Sun Shi and the others had gone too far. Xiao Xun and Lin Qiuran didn’t stand up for him either—they always sided with Sun Shi. What could he do?

Xiao Dashi sighed. “Let’s not talk about this. Let’s eat first.”

On the way back, regret and the desire to live well to show Sun Shi had fought in his mind. Luckily, Bai Shi was reliable—otherwise, he’d really have had to go back to Xiao Family Village.

Bai Shi gave Xiao Dashi a forced laugh. "Let's eat, let's eat."

There was good wine and fine dishes at noon—braised chicken and braised pork. Xiao Li Shi couldn't hold a candle to the chefs at Golden Tripod Restaurant, let alone Lin Qiuran’s.

But Xiao Dashi was happy to eat. His nephew poured him wine, and his niece served him rice. After the meal, Da Li Shi cleared out a room next to Bai Shi’s for him. Originally, this room was occupied by Da Li Shi’s son, Xiao Dalang, the eldest grandson of the Xiao family, who had his own room.

But with Xiao Dashi’s arrival, the old house was crowded, and there were several granddaughters as well. Xiao Dashi needed a room to himself, so Xiao Dalang had to squeeze in with Er Lang.

Da Li Shi wasn’t pleased, but she thought that since Xiao Dashi had returned, he must still have some money on him. They couldn’t drive him out now. Perhaps, seeing how well the family treated him, he would take out more money.

He was honest and easily coaxed. If they could cheer him up, he could be quite generous.

Lin Ming watched Xiao Dashi move into the crowded old house. Xiao Dashi even made a trip back to the Xiao residence to tell Lin Ming, "Go back and tell them I’m doing fine here."

To be honest, Lin Ming couldn’t understand it either. The main residence lacked nothing—two houses in Yu’an, two in the capital. One in the capital was the Estate of the Count of Dingyuan, spacious and bright, with a single courtyard larger than the entire old house. The other was also very large. Why did Xiao Dashi insist on being close to those people?

Lin Ming was a servant, so he couldn’t say much. But he wasn’t in a hurry to return because there were still matters to handle. It was early spring, and the fields needed tending. He also had to pass on Lin Qiuran’s instructions. Besides, although Sun Shi had sent Xiao Dashi back to Yu’an, she still had a soft heart. They weren’t divorced, and she hadn’t truly abandoned him.

"You can't know a horse till you've ridden it, or a man till you've known him." Letting him stay now, Lin Ming feared they might drive him out someday. He had to make sure Xiao Dashi was settled properly.

From late January to early February, seven days passed in a flash. Lin Ming was busy every day handling trivial matters and delivering goods, hardly noticing how quickly time flew.

On the first, with matters in Yu’an mostly settled, Lin Ming prepared to return.

He planned to check on Xiao Dashi one more time before reporting back.

Lin Ming looked at Xiao Dashi again but didn’t see much change—after all, it had only been a few days. Yet, he detected a hint of bitterness in his eyes.

He asked, "Are you settling in well here, Old Master? I’ll be returning to the capital tomorrow. If you have any messages, I can pass them on to the mistress and the others."

Xiao Dashi shook his head, sighed, and finally said, "It’s fine. You can go back."

After walking around the block a few times, Xiao Dashi returned to the old house. As soon as he entered, he was met with cold stares from his two sisters-in-law.

Da Li Shi sighed. "Who knows what we’ll eat at noon? Everything costs money. Without money, where would we get good wine and fine dishes? Some people just eat without caring about anything else, sitting here with their mouths open, waiting. The nerve."

Xiao Li Shi chimed in, "Sis, some people have thick skin. They have their own home but insist on staying here. Nephews aren't sons, after all. With hands and feet, how can they expect nephews to support them in old age?"

Earlier, Xiao Li Shi had told Xiao Dashi that Xiao Xun was adopted, not a real son, but nephews were real family. They would have to rely on nephews for big and small matters in the future.

When they first moved in, they also said that Xiao Xun had driven him back, but Xiao Erlang was big-hearted and took Xiao Dashi in.

Xiao Erlang and Xiao Dalang had always treated Xiao Dashi well, almost like a father.

But after Xiao Dashi had stayed in the old house for seven days, the sisters-in-law, who had initially coaxed him with meals and even had their sons fetch him water for washing his feet, found that aside from the luggage he brought, Xiao Dashi had nothing else to offer.

At first, they suspected Xiao Dashi might be pretending. After all, Sun Shi disliked them. What if she had said a few words in the capital and sent Xiao Dashi back to test them?

But Xiao Li Shi had Xiao Erlang search his luggage at night, and they found no money. Da Li Shi and Xiao Li Shi concluded that Xiao Dashi must have truly fallen out with Sun Shi and the others, slinking back to Yu’an after the New Year.

What kind of situation was this? Da Li Shi said privately to Xiao Li Shi, "Given big brother’s nature and brains, he doesn’t seem like the type to come up with such a plan. Besides, didn’t he go to the capital for the New Year? I thought he’d be back by the second or third day."

Xiao Li Shi nodded. "So, those people were unhappy and drove him back. If Sun Xiuying really doesn’t care, will he be stuck with us for the next few years, or even decades?"

Xiao Dashi was forty-eight already—no young man.

He had brought back money a few times, but that was a while ago. And every time he came, they wined and dined him. Xiao Xun was an official, Lin Qiuran ran a restaurant—they had plenty of money. If they didn’t support their own father, why should we? There’s no logic in the world like that.

If Xiao Dashi had money, they could still coax him. But he had nothing. Two sets of bedding and a pile of old clothes—the material was nice, but they were used.

They even disliked the house they bought because it was something Xiao Dashi had used.

Moreover, Xiao Dashi was lazy and did nothing around the house.

He had been like this for years. When they first moved to Yu’an to set up a stall, Xiao Dashi was hardworking—chopping wood, carrying water. But in recent years, with maids and servants in the main residence, he only supervised the work in the fields.

For farming, they hired help; for weeding and pest control, they hired help. He did nothing himself, just stood watching at the field borders with his hands behind his back during planting and harvest.

It was the same in the old house. He did no work. After meals, he wiped his mouth and went out for a stroll, returning at mealtime. After eating, he wiped his mouth again and went to lie down. Who could stand that?

And he didn’t contribute a single coin. Da Li Shi and Xiao Li Shi didn’t want to wait on him hand and foot. No matter how good he was, over time, it became annoying. Besides, Xiao Dashi only cared about eating and occasionally complained about the food.

Before ten days had passed, the sisters-in-law were already fed up.

Xiao Dashi could only pretend not to hear and went into his room.

Da Li Shi couldn’t help complaining to Xiao Li Shi, "How long is he going to stay here? Ten days, half a month, or a month? Dalang is about to get married. Will he have to squeeze in with his brother after marriage? What family lives like that!"

Xiao Li Shi wasn’t happy either. She didn’t want to do the serving work. They made sarcastic remarks, hoping Xiao Dashi would suggest moving out himself.

But where could Xiao Dashi go? Hearing all this, he could only pretend not to hear and sit idly in his room.

The sisters-in-law exchanged glances. They hadn’t expected Xiao Dashi to play dumb. He seemed honest but was pretty shrewd.

Helpless, they went to Bai Shi.

Da Li Shi said, "Mother, Dalang is about to get married. What will it look like if big brother stays here long-term? A short stay is fine, but if it drags on, there’s not enough space, and there’s an extra mouth to feed. What family would want to marry their daughter into ours? Dalang is not young anymore."

"There are so many people in the family. If they won’t help with money, fine, but they’re just making things harder."

Xiao Li Shi originally wanted to say "causing annoyance." If he had money, they’d treat him like a guest. Without money, they found everything about him disagreeable.

Da Li Shi added, "It’s only right for Xiao Xun to support him in old age. What’s he doing here, mooching off us? Mother, should we sue?"

Bai Shi shook her head. "Common folks don't sue officials. Where would we sue? Have you forgotten what happened to Li Cuihua’s family? If you sue, you might get beaten. Who wants that? Besides, they’re in the capital. What’s the use of suing at the Yu’an county office? The magistrate might even shield them. Going to the capital would cost a fortune. It’s a strange place, and we might be driven out by Xiao Xun before we even get there."

Bai Shi didn’t want to make things too tense. She sighed. "Let me talk to your big brother."

The noon meal was much simpler compared to previous days.

Rice cooked with sweet potatoes, cabbage stewed with tofu—no meat in the dish, no meat dishes on the table, and no wine. The whole family shared just one pot of food.

Bai Shi kept serving Xiao Dashi. "Eat more, eat more. It’s just that the family has no money, otherwise we could have some meat."

Xiao Dashi felt uncomfortable. After the meal, Bai Shi called him into her room to talk.

Before Xiao Dashi could sit down, Bai Shi wiped her tears with a handkerchief. "Dashi, I'm letting you down, but there’s really no other way. Look at this family—six rooms housing over ten people."

"Dalang is about to get married. We originally thought we could all squeeze in, but now you’re here. Dalang has to share a room with Er Lang. I have my own room as an old woman. Your second brother joined the army and we haven't heard from him. Your sister-in-law lives with the children in one room… There’s really not enough space."

"If there were any other way, I wouldn’t bring this up. But now, there’s no other way."

Xiao Dashi looked up, staring blankly at Bai Shi.

Bai Shi sighed helplessly. "Dashi, why don’t you go back for now? Otherwise, there’s no room. I’m old. I just want to see my grandchildren married. Otherwise, when I die, I’ll have no face to see your father."

Xiao Dashi’s face was like old stone pavement that had been laid for too long, cracking and crumbling with age.

Xiao Dashi thought, the house they lived in now was actually bought with his money.

Bai Shi looked at Xiao Dashi, "Don't worry, Da Lang and Er Lang will remember your kindness and will surely be filial to you in the future. Why don't you move back first, and we'll bring you back later."

Xiao Dashi only said one sentence, "Mother, this house was bought with my money."

It wasn't that he couldn't hear what Da Li Shi and Xiao Li Shi had said. He wasn't a fool; he could tell good words from bad. It was just that he had nowhere else to go. He had paid for it—wasn't he even allowed to live in one room?

Bai Shi fell silent. After a long pause, she looked at Xiao Dashi and said, "Then how about this: I'll move out and sleep on the street, so you can stay here. Is that okay?"

"You're so old already—as a son, you've enjoyed good food and drink all these years. What's wrong with being good to your old mother?" Bai Shi scolded. "You're nothing like your two younger brothers. They know how to be filial to me. I might as well not have raised you. I raised you, got you married, and this is how you repay me?"

Xiao Dashi looked at Bai Shi and suddenly remembered the scene from over twenty years ago, when Sun Shi was bullied and worn out. He also recalled that Mid-Autumn Festival when Bai Shi had come in with a group of people, saying she would cook for her and make delicious food.

He had brought so much money home, yet in the end, he was still less appreciated than his two younger brothers?

Xiao Dashi moved back to Xiao Village.