Chapter 38 Firecrackers Roar

Chapter 38: The Sound of Firecrackers

Ling Ge’er, with his wrist held by Lei Ding, panicked but dared not struggle forcefully, fearing he might drop the child if he lost his grip with one hand. Yet he couldn’t discern whether the two before him harbored ill intent, and his fear was so intense that his voice trembled. "Sir, the physician outside has already examined my pulse and given me medicine to recuperate. If you have questions, please just ask. There’s no need to trouble you with another examination."

Wu Qiu comforted him, "Don’t be afraid, young master. It’s just a quick check, no trouble at all. My husband is always so stern and unsmiling. Let’s just talk among ourselves and ignore him."

He initially thought of getting up to sit beside Ling Ge’er, so the two young men could speak more intimately, perhaps with a pat on the shoulder or arm to seem friendlier. But Lei Ding was sitting close, and as Wu Qiu showed the slightest intention to rise, Lei Ding’s other hand rested on his knee first, pressing gently to keep him seated. Wu Qiu understood Lei Ding’s concern for his safety. Moreover, if the questions they were about to ask agitated Ling Ge’er, and he pushed or shoved in response, there would indeed be danger. So, Wu Qiu gave Lei Ding a slight smile and subtly settled back into his seat without a word.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Wu Qiu asked a couple of questions about the child, then steered the conversation toward common difficulties faced by pregnant men. The room was warm, and the child had stopped crying and fallen back asleep in Ling Ge’er’s arms. As Ling Ge’er spoke with Wu Qiu, he couldn’t help but gradually relax, the earlier pallor on his face easing considerably.

Seeing him like this, Wu Qiu felt a pang of sympathy. But Lei Ding tapped his knee lightly with a finger, signaling that it was time. Wu Qiu suppressed his smile and asked seriously, "There’s one more thing I’m curious about. You mentioned your mother-in-law uses evil methods to treat your child. Do you know what those methods are? It wouldn’t involve giving the child some wild herbs or potions, would it? Tell us, so we can help assess the situation."

Ling Ge’er’s heart skipped a beat. Although he had only learned of it today and hadn’t had time to stop it, it was still his family who had done wrong. This evil method harmed others for personal gain, trading lives—how could he speak of it to outsiders? Moreover, from what Wu Peng had implied today, the method borrowed the lifespan from the child in a pregnant person’s womb. Wu Qiu was currently pregnant; discussing such a method in front of him now would seem like deliberately targeting him. Therefore, after a moment’s hesitation, Ling Ge’er forced himself to appear calm and sighed, "It’s just those folk remedies old folks often believe in, like going to the temple to beg for some ash-infused water or the like."

Throughout their conversation, Lei Ding had remained silent. Now, he suddenly let out a cold laugh. "Young master, why do you lie? This is just casual conversation. Speak the truth."

Ling Ge’er’s eyes widened, and his body began to tremble. He had sneaked out from home, already feeling uneasy. His family had committed a wrong, and now it was being brought up for questioning, which threw him into further panic. It took him a moment to remember he should defend himself. "I’m not lying. You don’t know my family’s situation, so why ask like that?"

At this, even Lei Ding’s gaze turned cold. The fingers on Ling Ge’er’s pulse pressed down slightly with more force. "Just now, while speaking, your eyes darted around, avoiding a fixed point. Your heart was agitated and unsettled—your pulse confirms it." He withdrew his hand and continued, "Let me ask you this: some time ago, a woman came to our clinic and gave my husband a small garment from a seriously ill child, intending to exchange my child’s life for hers. Are you aware of this method?"

Such a direct question was indeed somewhat rash. They only knew Ling Ge’er had lied earlier but couldn’t be certain the previous incident was related to him. However, while taking his pulse, Lei Ding had noticed a glimpse of the inner sleeve at Ling Ge’er’s cuff. The pattern on that sleeve was strikingly similar to the one on the small garment from before, as if cut from the same bolt of fabric. This strengthened his suspicion. Seizing Ling Ge’er’s unsettled state, he decided to ask outright.

For a moment, no one in the room responded.

Ling Ge’er suddenly let out a bitter laugh. So that was it. The small garment his mother-in-law had sent out had ended up in Wu Qiu’s hands. Holding his child, he slowly knelt on the floor. When he spoke again, his voice held none of the earlier panic and trembling; it was flat, as if recounting a story unrelated to himself. "Since you already know, I have nothing more to defend. I’ll accept whatever punishment you deem fit. Only one thing—"

He wanted to say his child was innocent, to beg Lei Ding to spare the child. But then he thought: his mother-in-law had tried to take another child’s life; what right did he have to ask them to spare his own? Even if he hadn’t known about it beforehand, in the Lei family’s eyes, this was an evil deed committed by the Wang family. No one would care which hand had passed along that small garment. This thought made Ling Ge’er feel even worse. Looking down at his child’s emaciated little face, he seemed to see the tragic scene of the child, with no medicine to cure him, dying in his arms. Heartache overwhelmed him, and large tears rolled down, dripping onto the child’s small face.

From the moment Ling Ge’er confirmed his mother-in-law’s involvement, Wu Qiu indeed felt anger. His own flesh and blood had nearly been harmed—how could he remain calm? But seeing Ling Ge’er holding his child and crying, that anger subsided somewhat. He realized he should inquire further to avoid missing any hidden details. So, he let out a long sigh and said, "Don’t worry, we will still give your child the medicine. But you must tell the whole truth, every detail, without any more lies."

Ling Ge’er looked up sharply. "Really? You’ll really spare my child?"

Lei Ding, constantly watching Wu Qiu to ensure his emotional state didn’t affect his health, understood Wu Qiu’s intention as soon as he spoke. He wrapped an arm around Wu Qiu’s waist to steady him and said to Ling Ge’er, "Whether the medicine is given depends entirely on you. Just tell the truth."

Having been caught in a lie earlier, Ling Ge’er naturally dared not lie again. He detailed the events of that morning when his mother-in-law had brought Wu Peng, ending with tears. "My mother-in-law and I are of the same family. I know my crime is unforgivable. But if I had known earlier, I would never have allowed her to use such a method that damages virtue and harms both others and ourselves. Fortunately, you are unharmed today, or I fear I could never find peace in this life."

Wu Peng, again. Lei Ding couldn’t help but feel a surge of retrospective fear. The malnutrition afflicting Ling Ge’er’s child wasn’t contagious; even if Wu Qiu had handled the child’s worn garment, it shouldn’t have caused harm. But with Wu Peng involved, things became uncertain. Since he had sent Ling Ge’er’s mother-in-law, he must have tampered with something, intent on harming Wu Qiu and the child.

Moreover, Ling Ge’er had mentioned that Wu Peng told them Wu Qiu was safe and sound. Since that day’s incident, Lei Ding hadn’t dared let Wu Qiu accompany him to the front of the clinic, only taking him out for a stroll today. It was still early afternoon; calculating the time, perhaps Wu Peng had been watching the clinic’s movements from the morning. It was possible he had seen them the moment they stepped out.

Perhaps they had brushed past each other on the street. Perhaps at some moment, a passerby crowding near Wu Qiu had been Wu Peng. Perhaps Wu Peng had been clutching a sharp blade then, watching them with sinister eyes.

The more Lei Ding thought, the tighter his heart clenched. He had never believed in gods or Buddhas, but now he couldn’t help but thank heaven in his heart, grateful for protecting Wu Qiu’s safety.

Wu Qiu hadn’t yet considered this layer. After hearing Ling Ge’er’s account, he felt genuine pity for him. Besides, Ling Ge’er hadn’t known about it beforehand, so most of Wu Qiu’s anger dissipated. He glanced at Lei Ding and asked softly, "Brother, what do you think we should do about this?"

Lei Ding snapped back to reality. Silently, he wrapped his arm around Wu Qiu’s shoulder, pulling him close, and only then did his emotions settle. This matter concerned Wu Qiu and their child; for Lei Ding, it was naturally of utmost importance. But from the authorities’ perspective, the small garment as evidence was destroyed, and no actual loss of life had occurred. If Ling Ge’er’s mother-in-law and husband refused to confess, it would be difficult to pass judgment. Therefore, it was unlikely the case would be formally accepted and adjudicated during the New Year festivities. Even if accepted, they might blame the Lei family for making trouble. So, after a moment’s thought, Lei Ding asked Ling Ge’er, "Let me ask you: where is Wu Peng now?"

Ling Ge’er shook his head. "His whereabouts are unpredictable. Since my child fell ill, I’ve mostly stayed home to care for him and rarely go out. I only heard from my mother-in-law that he usually stays in several villages like Yongning City, Dayou Village, and farther ones like Wangjia Village. Sometimes he goes to live in the back mountains. He’s hard to find. He claims he receives heavenly revelations; if he’s truly needed, he’ll come without being sought. My mother-in-law couldn’t find him several times before, but today, just before noon, he suddenly showed up at our house on his own."

Lei Ding thought that today, seeing Wu Qiu safe and sound, Wu Peng would naturally go to inquire. Only, such behavior, in the eyes of uninformed commoners, appeared as divine power granted by heaven. He pressed further, "Is he still in Dayou Village now? What does he look like? How does he usually dress?"

Lei Ding looked at Wu Qiu. "What does Qiu Er think we should do?"

Wu Qiu had calmed down by now. He knew life was hard for men without support, let alone Ling Ge’er, who had been abandoned by his maternal family, leaving him with little backing, and who suffered abuse. His child was over a year old, yet the damage from childbirth remained unhealed. Now, with this incident, the child’s illness visibly worsening, his husband and mother-in-law had successively left, escaping to avoid trouble. The evil deed committed by the mother-in-law would, if discovered, still tarnish Ling Ge’er’s reputation. Moreover, Ling Ge’er had only learned of it today. Thinking this, Wu Qiu genuinely sympathized with Ling Ge’er.

He blinked at Lei Ding, and Lei Ding knew his heart had softened. Smiling, Lei Ding’s tone softened as well. "Enough. Although it was your mother-in-law’s doing, considering you truly didn’t know, we’ll let you go for now. You can choose to tell others or not when you return, but I must remind you: today’s medicine is far from enough to fully cure your child. If you want him well, after finishing this medicine, you must come back to the clinic. I’ll personally prescribe more for you. When you return, help keep an eye out for Wu Peng’s movements. If he shows up again, please inform me next time."

Ling Ge’er stared at him fixedly. "Really? You’re really letting me go?"

Wu Qiu nodded. Ling Ge’er hurriedly set the child aside and was about to kowtow. "You saving my child’s life is already more kindness than I can repay. But now the child is still ill, and there’s no one at home to care for him. Let me first tend to him until he recovers. If my husband and mother-in-law see him well, they might treat him better. Then I’ll come back here. Whether as an ox, a horse, or to atone with my death, I’ll have no complaints."

Lei Ding said, "You speak too gravely, young master. Please rise. You should return now, avoiding your mother-in-law and husband."

Ling Ge’er had just stood up, expressed thanks, and was about to leave when Wu Qiu suddenly remembered something. He called Ling Ge’er back, asking him to wait a moment, then whispered to Lei Ding, instructing him to fetch a newly made small quilt. This was a thin quilt Wu Qiu had made for his own child. Since it was for the baby’s direct use, he hadn’t added complex patterns, fearing discomfort, and had simply selected fine white cotton cloth and cotton batting to sew it. Wu Qiu handed the small quilt to Ling Ge’er. "In weather like this, if you catch a chill, who can your child rely on? Quickly put your jacket on. Use this to wrap the child. It’s something we prepared at home, but my child won’t need it for a while. You use it first."

Ling Ge’er felt too ashamed to accept it and hurriedly declined. "No, no, how could I have the face to take your things? It’s not far from here to home; just a few steps. It’s fine."

Wu Qiu insisted on giving it to him. "The fabric is just ordinary white cotton. Using this won’t draw attention; your mother-in-law likely won’t notice. Even if she does, a casual excuse will suffice. Don’t stand on ceremony with me. Your own health and your child’s are what matter. Anyway, it would just sit unused here for months. Better you use it now."

Ling Ge’er glanced at Lei Ding again, worried he might object. But Lei Ding had no issue; since it was Wu Qiu’s wish, he had no reason to oppose. He nodded to Ling Ge’er. Only then did Ling Ge’er feel at ease. He quickly removed the cotton robe wrapped around the child and replaced it with the small quilt, then put the robe on himself. Accepting the medicine packets, he bowed solemnly to everyone in the clinic before hurrying off.

Once he left, Lei Ding didn’t bother explaining the earlier situation in the room to the others. Instead, he half-carried, half-guided Wu Qiu back into the small study.

Lei Li and Lei Tan exchanged bewildered looks. Cui Nanshan chuckled and sighed. "That child, it’s fine. Probably the young couple has some private matters to discuss. Let’s not mind them for now. Everyone, go about your tasks."

In the room, Wu Qiu was also puzzled. Lei Ding led him inside and closed the door. Probably afraid of pressing on his belly, Lei Ding hugged him tightly from behind, lowering his head to rest his face against Wu Qiu’s neck. He didn’t speak, just held him like that.

Leaning against him, Wu Qiu felt the earlier slight displeasure and fatigue dissipate. But he also sensed something unusual; he rarely saw Lei Ding so urgent. He turned his head to nuzzle against Lei Ding and asked, "What’s wrong, brother?"

Lei Ding didn’t dare voice his earlier retrospective fear, worried that speaking of it would make Wu Qiu anxious too. But he genuinely felt a sense of having narrowly escaped disaster and didn’t want to let go. He just held Wu Qiu and said, "Thank goodness Qiu Er is safe and sound, unharmed."

Wu Qiu thought he was recalling the incident with the small garment again. He turned in Lei Ding’s arms to face him, embracing him. Lei Ding loosened his grip slightly, one hand carefully supporting Wu Qiu’s waist. Wu Qiu laughed softly by his ear. "Luckily, brother arrived in time back then. I never even touched that garment. Don’t worry, brother, I’m fine. You saved me again."

He clung to Lei Ding, asking for a kiss. Lei Ding pecked his lips twice, then helped him sit on the daybed. He removed Wu Qiu’s outer robe, took off his own outer garment, and lay down, letting Wu Qiu rest against his chest. Feeling Wu Qiu’s warmth, he finally felt truly settled.

After lingering affectionately for a while longer, Wu Qiu remembered to ask, "Brother, what should we do about Ling Ge’er’s matter today?"

Lei Ding thought for a moment, considering his words. "The most urgent task is probably to find a way to locate Wu Peng. If we directly report his mother-in-law’s actions to the authorities, it likely won’t achieve much. It’s best to find Wu Peng and extract evidence of his repeated instigations and troublemaking from behind the scenes."

Wu Qiu fiddled with Lei Ding’s clothes, agreeing. "I think so too. But I wonder if Ling Ge’er can find that person. I really wonder why he’s fixated on our family. We must find him soon and get to the bottom of this. But—this Ling Ge’er today is truly a pitiable person. Did you see the injuries on his face, brother? He said his husband hit him; surely that’s when they happened."

Lei Ding sighed. "He met the wrong person; it’s truly unfortunate. Even if he hadn’t mentioned those later events, seeing him without proper clothing in such weather tells enough."

Wu Qiu pursed his lips. "It’s a shame we don’t know the full details of his household situation. If he were an acquaintance, I’d advise him to separate from his husband. His husband, as a man, is incompetent—unable to provide for his family. He’s unfaithful—marrying a husband but still seeking pleasure outside. He’s unjust—casually beating his own husband. And he’s blindly filial—doing whatever his mother says without question, not knowing to protect Ling Ge’er, letting that woman bully him... Ah, saying all this, I really feel he doesn’t deserve to be called a man."

Lei Ding watched as Wu Qiu counted off Ling Ge’er’s husband’s faults on his fingers, expression focused, brows slightly furrowed. This look was truly adorable. He kissed Wu Qiu’s cheek. "Qiu Er is right. Such a man, though born male, has no sense of responsibility. He can only bully his own husband for being physically weak and gentle-natured. If he encountered trouble outside, he’d probably be the first to flee."

Wu Qiu sighed and fell silent, clearly still upset on Ling Ge’er’s behalf. Lei Ding coaxed him, pinching his cheek. "What’s done is done. If he needs our help in the future, we’ll do our best. Today is New Year’s Eve. Qiu Er, don’t let such an unworthy man ruin your health. Go back to the room and rest for a while? There will be plenty of excitement tonight."

Only then did Wu Qiu smile again.

Ling Ge’er, carrying the medicine and his child home, felt deeply grateful. Cui Nanshan had only charged him a few coins and even given him medicine to recuperate. Lei Ding and Wu Qiu hadn’t pursued his mother-in-law’s wrongdoing. Most importantly, his child’s illness could still be cured. For a moment, his mother-in-law’s abuse and his husband’s beatings were pushed to the back of his mind. His steps gained strength, and even a smile appeared on his face.

His child could still be saved. As long as he took the medicine on time, his Rong Er would live well. He could still hear him softly call him "Daddy." He could still see him grow up safe and lively, like other children in the village.

Ling Ge’er didn’t like the name Rong Er. His husband had chosen it. Initially, Ling Ge’er suggested that since neither of them had much education, they should invite a scholar to give the child a good name. His husband didn’t care, waving his hand and casually deciding on this one. Ling Ge’er wanted to change it, but his mother-in-law said it was decided by the man of the house, the child’s father’s own choice, and couldn’t be altered. He had to let it go.

It was later that he learned the male prostitute in the brothel district was named Rong Jun.

Whenever Ling Ge’er thought that perhaps his husband, while secretly with Rong Jun, might also call him "Rong Er," he felt sickened. He didn’t want his child to share a name with such a person, but speaking up earned him another beating from his husband, who said it wasn’t the same character anyway and accused him of making trouble.

Ling Ge’er often thought that if he were alone with this child, he would definitely ask a learned person to give him a beautiful, meaningful name.

Alone...

At this thought, a trace of melancholy crossed Ling Ge’er’s expression. He had actually considered separation before, but he didn’t dare. He feared his mother-in-law wouldn’t allow it and would instead lock him up at home. He feared his child would be bullied without a father. He feared the gossip and criticism from neighbors. He feared he couldn’t earn enough money doing odd jobs, causing the child to suffer. He especially feared that during separation proceedings, as a man with no support, he wouldn’t be able to keep his child, and Rong Er would end up in the Wang family’s hands.

Rong Er had been seriously ill these past few days, often sleeping fitfully or crying weakly. But now he woke up. His face was too thin, making his eyes seem especially large. His dark, bright pupils fixed on the person holding him, and he suddenly smiled, calling out in a milky voice, "Daddy."

New Year's Eve was naturally different from usual. Aside from Lei Xun being on duty at the front in case any patients showed up and Lei Ding accompanying Wu Qiu to rest in their room, the rest of the family all went into the kitchen to help, busily preparing a huge feast. When it was time for the meal, red lanterns were lit in the courtyard, brightening even the interior rooms considerably. Lei Li and Lei Tan both stared eagerly at the wine and food on the table, waiting for Lei Xun to speak.

Lei Xun's face was also full of joy. Although there had been a natural disaster this year and the clinic had experienced many incidents, Lei Ding had married Wu Qiu—this single happy event was enough to outweigh all the shortcomings. He was not skilled with words and also knew the children were all eager to eat, with no time to listen to him ramble on at length. So, he raised his cup: "May the new year bring the fulfillment of all wishes, free from illness and disaster!"

Everyone raised their cups and cheered together, wishing for a carefree new year. Wu Qiu also picked up his cup, which still contained honey water, but his eyes were on Lei Ding.

Lei Ding gently clinked his cup against Wu Qiu's: "May Little Qiu have a safe and smooth new year, filled with joy every day."

Wu Qiu's face flushed slightly as he whispered, "Brother must also be safe. As long as you are here, I will be happy every moment."

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Author's Note: Tomorrow's chapter will probably be about this length too~ Thank you for your support, dear readers! [Pretty please]