Chapter 71: Stubborn Mind

Yang Batou, seeing that Song Ruizhe still hadn’t left, spoke in a mocking, sarcastic tone, “What, are you still not satisfied?”

Song Ruizhe glanced at Yang Batou, then turned and walked away.

The others, seeing that there hadn’t been a fight, looked disappointed. Still, since Song Ruizhe had offended Yang Batou, he was bound to suffer for it in the future.

“How foolish—to offend Yang Batou over such a trivial matter. All our work here is assigned by him. Keeping a good relationship with him only brings benefits, not harm. Instead of finding ways to stay on his good side, he just embarrassed him in public. Just wait; he’ll be in for some suffering later.”

“That kid may be young, but he’s not to be trifled with—like a wolf cub from the mountains. I heard he used to be a hunter, so he’s got a bit of a temper.”

Song Tiegen clenched his fists, his eyes glaring viciously in the direction Song Ruizhe had left.

A hundred and fifty coins!

For such a thing, half a month’s work had gone to waste.

Unwilling—utterly unwilling. Song Ruizhe, I swear I’ll see you rot in this dam forever.

Jiang Qibin finally managed to make his way to the doorway and, seeing Song Ruizhe stride back in, greeted him excitedly, “You’re alright? There wasn’t a fight, was there? You’re not hurt, are you? Did you lose out?”

The others returned as well.

Song Ruizhe said nothing, but the others were only too eager to recount the earlier drama to Jiang Qibin.

“There was no fight, and he’s not hurt. But he did offend Yang Batou, and now he has to carry a hundred more loads tomorrow.”

“A hundred loads?!” Jiang Qibin screeched. “Ze, our work is already heavy enough, and now you have to carry a hundred more? They’re trying to work you to death! Why didn’t you refuse, or at least say something nice to ease the situation? Ze, I admit you’re a man of character, but sometimes that can really be a burden.”

“Jiang Qibin, why are you so worried? It’s not you who has to carry a hundred loads. With that leg, you’ll be stuck in bed for at least three to five days. The boss told you to rest, so take advantage of it—just hope your Ze doesn’t work himself to death before you’re back on your feet.”

The group burst into laughter, clearly taking pleasure in his misfortune.

Song Ruizhe lay on his bed, the image of Qin Huiyin’s smiling face blooming in his mind. He pulled the blanket over his head, shutting out Jiang Qibin’s incessant chatter.

“Jiang Qibin, you said earlier that medicine was bought by Song Ruizhe’s younger sister—he has a sister?”

“Yes, and she’s very cute.”

“That can’t be right. Song Tiegen said he brought misfortune to his parents—left all alone in the world.”

Song Ruizhe threw back the blanket, his eyes as sharp and fierce as blades.

The others immediately fell silent.

Jiang Qibin frowned, looking at Song Ruizhe with worry. “Ze, how about we offer a gift, try to smooth things over?”

“Aren’t you tired?” Song Ruizhe replied coolly. “Don’t worry about my affairs.”

“We’re brothers. How can I sleep if you’re in trouble?” Jiang Qibin sighed. “Ze, tell me honestly—was that young lady we met today really your sister? They say those things about you and you never deny it. Is it true or not? Maybe she’s your cousin?”

“She’s not my sister,” Song Ruizhe replied flatly.

A man cursed to bring misfortune to his parents, a lone star of ill fate—what good could come from being associated with him? She used to keep her distance; now that she’s with her mother at the Tang household, she actually seeks him out. Could it be there’s something here she wants? The land is gone, though the house is still better than the Tang family’s. But now that she has money, she could build any house she wants—it can’t be for that.

“Ze... Ze...” Jiang Qibin called out to Song Ruizhe several times, but there was no response.

Song Ruizhe finally spoke, “In any case, she has nothing to do with me.”

“But your ‘sister’ was so kind—she even paid for our medicine. How could she be unrelated to you? With your cold personality, you’ll scare off anyone who’s nice to you if you keep this up. Especially young ladies—they all like someone cheerful and warm. If you keep being so fierce, won’t she be afraid of you?”

Qin Huiyin sneezed several times in a row.

Li Peach Blossom, sitting beside her, asked, “Did you catch a chill? Did any of the medicine you brought back help with colds? If so, take some.”

“I’m fine.” Qin Huiyin sat in the courtyard, letting Li Peach Blossom tend to her hair. “Mother, next time, let’s go buy some clothes!”

“Autumn is coming soon. We do need to add to our wardrobe.” Li Peach Blossom smiled. “I’m easy, but you’re still growing—you should have some nice new outfits.”

“That’s not right. My mother is so beautiful, how could she settle for less? You love pretty clothes and jewelry most. From now on, we’ll buy whatever we want. No one deserves to be shortchanged—especially not you.”

“Alright, with you looking after me, you can buy for me.” Li Peach Blossom stroked Qin Huiyin’s hair. “You should get some hair cream, too, or your hair will stay so dry and frizzy.”

Qin Huiyin suddenly remembered that ancient cosmetics often contained heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cinnabar. Rather than spending a fortune on harmful products, she might as well make her own.

When she first arrived in this book-world, her mind was full of worries about survival. Now that food and shelter were secured and she had a little money saved, she could finally enjoy life.

Tang Green Mallow brought a basin of clear water and watered the green onions and garlic in the corner of the courtyard.

Li Peach Blossom glanced over and called, “Green Mallow, come here.”

Tang Green Mallow obediently walked over. “Mother, you called?”

“Sit down,” Li Peach Blossom motioned to the seat beside her.

Tang Green Mallow, not understanding, sat down next to Qin Huiyin.

Li Peach Blossom began to comb Green Mallow’s hair, grumbling, “How does a young lady let her hair get like this?”

Her gentle fingers worked through the tangled strands. Compared to Qin Huiyin’s, Green Mallow’s hair was even worse—yellow, dry, and frizzy, truly living up to her name as a “yellow-haired girl.”

Tang Green Mallow blushed and straightened her back. Every time Li Peach Blossom’s fingers touched her scalp, she shivered involuntarily.

“Are you afraid of me?” Li Peach Blossom noticed her stiffness.

“No, not at all...” Tang Green Mallow hastily explained, “No one’s ever combed my hair before. I’m just too happy, that’s all...”

Li Peach Blossom was silent for a moment, then continued combing her hair, this time with even more gentleness, the affection of a mother in every stroke.

“Silly girl.”

Tang Yichen sat by the window studying, the candlelight flickering and stretching his shadow long. He watched the three women in the courtyard, a warmth blooming in his chest.

“Brother...” Tang Yixiao, chewing on his pen, gazed at him plaintively, “Can we stop for the day?”

Tang Yichen’s smile vanished. He turned to see both Tang Yixiao, biting his pen, and Tang Dafu, glaring at the character for “heaven” as if it were his worst enemy, veins throbbing in his brow.

After dinner, he’d been teaching Tang Dafu, Tang Yixiao, and Tang Green Mallow to read. Green Mallow had finished her assignment quickly, but his father and younger brother were hopeless.

He’d only taught them three characters, asking that they recognize and remember how to write them. But for his own father and brother, it seemed as hard as climbing to the heavens.

“Father, Aunt Li not only knows how to read but has beautiful handwriting. Do you really think you’re worthy of her?”

“And you, little brother, you want to be a merchant but can’t even read—how do you expect to keep books? With your current skills, do you think Second Sister will ever take you into business?”

Tang Dafu and Tang Yixiao fell silent.

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