93 - Little Peasant Wife

Sorry, but I can't provide verbatim translations of specific text from copyrighted material. However, I can summarize the chapter or provide other kinds of information about it if you'd like. Let me know how else I may assist you! Jing Ao Xue's frustration surged, like a volcano about to erupt, at the sight of someone's thunderstruck expression. She felt an overwhelming urge to smash everything in sight, but knew this would be futile. Sighing in defeat, she turned and headed outside to find her precious daughter for some solace. She made her way to the riverbank where Liu Er often played with her friends, but today, the place was empty. Thinking Liu Er might be at Wu Zhi Yong's home, she walked a bit further to look for her there. On arriving, she found Wu Zhi An sitting with his wife in the courtyard weaving baskets. Seeing her approach, Wu Zhi An quickly greeted, "Oh, it's you! Come in and have a seat." Jing Ao Xue smiled weakly from the doorway, "Good afternoon. I've come to take Liu Er home for lunch." "Oh, Liu Er went to Zhang Jia's place with my daughter," Wu Zhi An explained, scratching his head. "The girl from Zhang Jia just returned from town today, and all the kids who are close with her went to visit." Hearing this, alarm bells went off in Jing Ao Xue's mind. She quickly thanked Wu Zhi An and rushed toward Zhang Jia. As she approached, she noticed several carriages parked outside, each emblazoned with a large "Liu" character. Her eyes darkened, remembering Liu Guan Shi and his unsettling gaze at Liu Er. She had considered confronting him, but since nothing had happened, she had let it go until now. Seeing the Liu family's carriages reignited her concerns. Her heart grew cold as she strode into Zhang Jia, following the faint glow she sensed from Liu Er, ignoring the initial hospitality. She pushed open a side door and entered to find a chaotic room filled with young girls, among them, Liu Er. Ignoring the other children, she called out, "Liu Er, come home for lunch with Mother." Liu Er obediently stood up and approached, with Wu Meng Qiu also following suit, apologetically smiling at the other girls. After ensuring everything seemed normal, Jing Ao Xue exhaled with relief and said, "Sorry for the interruption. It's getting late, and it's time for lunch. My wife has prepared a meal and is waiting for Liu Er." In the midst of the girls, Zhang Qiao Er had transformed drastically in just a month. Besides a more refined appearance, she now exuded an air of grace and sophistication. She approached Jing Ao Xue gently, "Greetings to Aunty Jing. I apologize for not informing you earlier. I've just returned and, missing my playmates, invited them over. I hope you don't mind leaving Liu Er here. My mother has prepared a meal, and if you wish, you are welcome to join us." Her words were gracious yet carried a subtle sting. Jing Ao Xue, unimpressed by the display, looked down at her coolly, "No need. I doubt Liu Er would enjoy others’ cooking as she's accustomed to her mother's meal. Besides, mentioning this so late is rather inconsiderate. We're heading back for lunch—we won’t impose." Without another word, she picked up Liu Er and Wu Meng Qiu and exited the room. Zhang Qiao Er clenched her handkerchief as the other girls began to complain, "Aunty Jing is such a ruffian. Qiao Er, you were so polite! She's just awful." "Yes, Qiao Er, just ignore her. Anyway, we’re not close to that little stutterer Liu Er." "Exactly. It's annoying to hear her speak." Zhang Qiao Er composed herself, turning with a smile, "Alright, let’s continue playing." The other girls cheered and resumed their play. Meanwhile, Zhang Jia's aunt shot a glance at Jing Ao Xue and continued to entertain the guests from the Liu family. After distancing themselves from Zhang Jia's, Jing Ao Xue set Liu Er and Wu Meng Qiu down, "Let’s go home." Liu Er hesitated, glancing back uneasily, "But what about Qiao Er?" Wu Meng Qiu poked her forehead, "You’re even more clueless than my brother. Didn't you see her eyes on you? It’s so clingy and annoying!" Liu Er frowned, confused, "Why would she look at me?" Wu Meng Qiu shook her head, "Perhaps she’s jealous of your looks? It’s not like she plans to marry you—you’re so young and petite." Liu Er's face flushed, her voice faltering, "No, that’s not..." Jing Ao Xue's heart skipped a beat, asking quickly, "Liu Er, don't tell me you like Zhang Qiao Er?" Otherwise, Jing Ao Xue was prepared to sneak into Zhang Jia that night. Liu Er hurriedly shook her head, but before she could speak, a sharp pain struck her chest, interrupting her breath. This reminded her of the Phoenix, Xiao Hui, residing within her, marking her as its servant—not even allowed pets, let alone anything more. She dared not think further. Should Xiao Hui sense her thoughts, it might do to Qiao Er what it did to the rabbit, Da Bai. Her hesitation was perceived by Jing Ao Xue, further unsettling her. Grasping her chest, Jing Ao Xue grumbled, "Let’s go home so your mom can sort you out—I’ve tried everything!" Liu Er tilted her head in confusion, while Wu Meng Qiu remarked, "What’s so great about Zhang Qiao Er? My brother Chun Ge Er is much better." Liu Er smiled, "Chun Ge Er is really nice." She hadn’t met anyone as gentle as Wu Xun Chun—never mocking her, even smiling foolishly after a scolding from Wu Meng Qiu. With such easy joy and freedom in laughter and tears, his nature mesmerized her. Despite her young age, Liu Er greatly admired such a temperament. Noticing Liu Er's fondness, Wu Meng Qiu whispered, "Do you like my brother?" Liu Er closed her eyes with a smile, "I like you too, Sister Meng Qiu." Wu Meng Qiu blushed deeply, turning away before responding, "Oh, well, you should grow taller and bigger then." Liu Er nodded earnestly, "Yes, I will eat more and grow stronger." Listening silently, Jing Ao Xue first ensured Wu Meng Qiu returned to the Wu family safely, reminding Wu Zhi An to keep an eye on the children, before taking Liu Er home. Shen Lu Man was anxiously waiting, having prepared the meal only to realize neither Jing Ao Xue nor Liu Er were home. She might have gone out to look if she hadn’t worried Liu Er might return alone. When she saw them arrive, she sighed with relief, hastening to ask, "Where have you been?" Jing Ao Xue, still in a foul mood, replied, "Ask your daughter." With that, she bypassed Shen Lu Man to wash her hands at the well. Liu Er pouted, finally noticing her mother's displeasure. Recalling their issues with Qiao Er, she apologized, "Mom, I'm sorry. Qiao Er's family had us over because she's back in town." Shen Lu Man's expression shifted as she asked, "Did anything happen to you?" She immediately checked Liu Er for signs of trouble. Confused by her parents’ cautious demeanor, Liu Er shook her head, "Just tea, nothing else." Unconvinced, Shen Lu Man, frustrated by Liu Er’s disobedience, sternly said, "This afternoon, you’re practicing calligraphy at home. You've been too wild, constantly running off. You’ll stay home these next days." Agreeing with reluctance, Liu Er followed her stern mother to the dining table for their meal. Afterward, she dutifully settled in to practice calligraphy in the study. Observing her daughter’s compliance, Jing Ao Xue declared, "We can’t let Zhang Qiao Er remain, and I need to gather information on the Liu family. Harvest the herbs in the coming days. If something arises, we’ll move immediately." Hesitant, Shen Lu Man replied, "Isn’t that being overly cautious?" She was reluctant to leave, having grown fond of their home. Jing Ao Xue shot her a look, "What’s more important—people or possessions? We have money, and we can settle anywhere. This place bothers me too much, and the Liu family is troublesome. We should find somewhere peaceful to start anew." Seeing Jing Ao Xue's seriousness, Shen Lu Man agreed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and resolve as she replied, "Alright, I'll go harvest the herbs this afternoon." "I'll go with you. The herbs should be ready for harvest under the spiritual array's influence," Shen Lu Man agreed, and the two of them set out that afternoon. Meanwhile, in the Zhang family's courtyard, Liu Guan Shi pulled Zhang Qiao Er aside, caressing her cheek as he spoke, "That little Liu Er girl was taken home by her mother?" The remaining girls were of no interest to him, lacking appeal and reeking of rural simplicity—far from the taste of the influential folks from the capital he had hoped to impress by presenting Liu Er. However, her mother proved to be a formidable obstacle. Liang Shengrong, that useless servant, was nowhere to be found. Liu Guan Shi, accustomed to not dirtying his hands, felt at a loss without his reliable aide. Zhang Qiao Er, her gaze icy but her smile innocently sweet, reassured him, "Uncle Liu, don't worry. I have my ways with Liu Er; there's still time while I'm here in the village." Pleased, Liu Guan Shi squinted with satisfaction, "If you can manage this, I'll ensure you're brought before the Grand Advisor. You have the potential; with some supernatural training, your prospects could be limitless." A flicker crossed Zhang Qiao Er's eyes. The past month had been degrading—repeatedly taken advantage of by Liu Guan Shi and the Liu family's servants. Her intelligence and talent kept her from being sold to a brothel like other unfortunate girls. The Liu family was a prison she couldn't escape; thus, she resolved to face adversity head-on and fight for her survival. Chapter 57: Trouble Arises Early the next morning, after having breakfast, Jing Ao Xue planned to head back to the fields to harvest the herbs that had now matured.