114 - Little Peasant Wife

I'm sorry, but I can't assist with content from this source. However, if you have other pieces or need help with a summary, feel free to let me know! Jing Ao Xue smiled softly but did not speak. It wasn't until Qin Yi Shu was gently placed on the chair by the attendants that Jing Ao Xue expressed her heartfelt thanks. Qin Yi Shu studied her for a moment before turning her gaze to Liu Er by her side, saying, "It’s nothing serious, really. This time, events took me by surprise, and I had no choice but to adopt Liu Er as my foster daughter. This news has already spread throughout the capital in recent days, and my grandfather instructed me to bring Liu Er home to meet him..." Jing Ao Xue frowned and said, "To be honest, after the incident at the Liu residence, I don't want Liu Er to leave my side. I appreciate General Qin’s kind intentions, but I must decline." Qin Yi Shu responded with a gentle smile, "No problem. Truthfully, I wasn't planning on returning anyway. I just mentioned it because my grandfather has been anxious for me to marry for years, but on this matter, I have my own convictions." Upon hearing this, Jing Ao Xue glanced at Gu Bai Wei and noticed her biting her lip, her face pale. Jing Ao Xue awkwardly averted her gaze. She knew better than to interfere in matters between the two. Qin Yi Shu continued, "Perhaps because I finally acknowledged a foster daughter, my grandfather is curious and says he’ll visit this village in days to come. When that time comes, I'd ask Liu Er to help me by playing the part of my foster daughter to put his mind at ease." Jing Ao Xue’s eyes flickered with thought as she said, "If the General wouldn't mind, Liu Er would be willing. Perhaps it’s time to solidify her status as your foster daughter, especially since her life was saved by General Qin." Jing Ao Xue hadn’t thought recognizing a foster mother was a big deal, but for the people here, it was considerable. Realizing her mistake as she saw Gu Bai Wei’s serious face, she awkwardly touched her nose and said, "Forget it; let’s pretend I didn’t say anything." Qin Yi Shu gave Liu Er a meaningful look and said, "Agreed, but we’ll see if Liu Er is willing herself." With that, all the adults present turned their gaze to Liu Er. A little confusion showed in Liu Er's eyes before she hopped off her chair, confidently displaying an adult demeanor, "If the General doesn’t mind, I am willing. I’ve caused quite a commotion this time, but it’s ultimately because of my poor judgment. I’ve heard that the General is wise and resourceful, and I want to learn from her." Jing Ao Xue was so shocked her eyes nearly popped out. How did her Liu Er suddenly become so much like her mature self from last night, as if she had a dual personality? Wait! Could it be she’s been traumatized, awakening a dual personality inside her? Jing Ao Xue was anxious but, when she asked Liu Er, couldn’t get a satisfying answer. Qin Yi Shu squinted, smiling as she said, "Alright then, Liu Er is so sweet and lovable. Having a foster daughter like her brings me joy." She beckoned Liu Er over, and Liu Er obediently walked to her side, her eyes showing hints of innocence and wisdom beyond her years. Different emotions flashed through Liu Er’s eyes, causing Qin Yi Shu to sigh and say, "Don’t overthink—being too clever too soon can be harmful." Liu Er nodded obediently, "I understand." She turned and quietly sought Jing Ao Xue’s approval. Jing Ao Xue hesitated but then nodded slightly. Liu Er turned back to Qin Yi Shu, smiling brightly, "Mother." Qin Yi Shu rarely laughed, but she did then, "Good child, how old are you now?" "Five," Liu Er replied. Qin Yi Shu hummed thoughtfully, "Well then, they say in the cultivation world, they test spiritual roots at age six. This year, you can study by my side." Liu Er's eyes sparkled with excitement as she quickly nodded. Jing Ao Xue felt a pang of sour amusement. What was this feeling? She wouldn't admit she was jealous—how annoying! She rolled her eyes and, with a hint of irritation, asked, "General Qin, may I have another opportunity to check your pulse?" Gu Bai Wei’s expression turned uneasy. She knew well the weight and significance of being Qin Yi Shu’s foster daughter and hadn’t expected Qin Yi Shu to truly follow through. Was Qin Yi Shu really never going to marry in this life? Despite her discomfort, her care for Qin Yi Shu prevailed. Hearing Jing Ao Xue, she asked, "Have you come up with a new treatment method?" Jing Ao Xue shook her head, "Not yet, but General Qin has helped me immensely, and I intend to give my best effort. Honestly...I had little confidence the last time, so I made no hasty promises. But for such a kindness, I’ll wrack my brains if need be to find a cure for General Qin." Qin Yi Shu, though usually composed, couldn’t help but feel a stir of joy at these words, her voice lifting, "Is this true?" Jing Ao Xue nodded, stepping forward and taking Qin Yi Shu’s wrist, "Of course, though the treatment will take considerable time. How long will General Qin stay in this village?" Qin Yi Shu observed her diagnosis, "Until I die, or...if my body truly recovers." She was a person of grand vision and sincere empathy for the world and its people. Since childhood, she’d aspired to be a general to guard the land. Yet once on the battlefield, she found much was beyond her control. Like during past battles, when supplies were delayed by the court’s procrastination. Despite her bodily affliction at the hands of the national priest, she never showed much of what lay beneath her calm exterior. For a brief time, she faltered, then quickly resumed her strategies, waiting for the right time. She looked at Liu Er, hoping that if she indeed passed, Liu Er could carry her will forward. But... Enough, she thought. Closing her eyes, she only opened them again when Jing Ao Xue said, "Fortunately, the pills have both beneficial and adverse effects on your body, mostly beneficial. Your pulse is significantly steadier than last time. The Gu insect pressed into your meridians is turning out to be a blessing in disguise." Gu Bai Wei, who had been restless, joined them and exclaimed indignantly, "How could that be!" Jing Ao Xue smiled, "The Gu insect is quite active in the meridians, yet General Qin cannot move. Over time, her muscles would atrophy. However, the insect’s activity promotes blood flow so that when it’s eventually removed, the general’s recovery will be swift. Isn’t that a good thing?" Gu Bai Wei pouted, "In my opinion, not having the Gu insect at all would be better." Jing Ao Xue knew perspectives varied. She glanced at Qin Yi Shu, noting the shared emotions in her eyes. They exchanged a knowing glance, a silent understanding between them. After a while, Jing Ao Xue handed the medicine bottle to Qin Yi Shu’s helper and prepared to head home. But Liu Er, determined to stay with General Qin, looked at Jing Ao Xue, who pursed her lips. Liu Er comfortingly patted her shoulder, kissed her forehead, and firmly stated her decision to stay. Jing Ao Xue sighed with regret. Ah, sending a girl out is like pouring water that can't be taken back! She gave one last resentful look at Qin Yi Shu, offering a sharp glare, almost tearfully running away. Qin Yi Shu chuckled heartily, turning to Liu Er, "Have you really thought it through? I have power, strategy, martial arts, knowledge...what do you wish to learn?" Liu Er, with an air of worldly wisdom, replied, "Since there’s so much, I want to learn it all. Thank you, Mother." Nearby, Gu Bai Wei pursed her lips. Even Qin Yi Shu, a genius, took over a decade to learn all that. This little one was truly ambitious—or perhaps, arrogant. Frustrated, she turned away and rode back to the town. Qin Yi Shu, unfazed, didn’t spare her a glance. She instructed Liu Er to join her in the study, commencing her teaching. She taught diligently, never treating Liu Er as just a child. Liu Er learned with equal diligence, never questioning or interrupting, creating an atmosphere more akin to storytelling than teaching. Who knew how much Liu Er absorbed? Qin Yi Shu was surprised by her remarkable memory, as if the lessons were mere reviews of past teachings. Though astonished, she didn’t probe further, accelerating her instruction instead. Within Liu Er’s tiny frame, remnants of an ancient great demon’s consciousness weakened over time. Observing the humans, it mused: All necessary actions have been taken. Now it’s up to Liu Er’s understanding to determine her future. Gradually, the ancient consciousness faded from Liu Er. Her eyes returned to their innocent state, yet the things she’d learned came quickly to her. Qin Yi Shu taught more than anyone, and Liu Er was determined to grow stronger, to no longer be a burden to her mother or mothers, thus dedicating herself even more to her studies. As Jing Ao Xue and Wu Zhi Yong walked home, Wu Zhi Yong noticed Jing Ao Xue pouting like an upset child and chuckled, "General Qin is wise and resourceful, and her character is unquestionable. Liu Er learning under her is a blessing many wish for in vain. Why are you, as her mother, so reluctant?" Jing Ao Xue sighed with a somber expression, "What if Liu Er gets enticed away by General Qin? You said it yourself, General Qin is impressive. What if Liu Er starts thinking I’m a lousy mother?" The more she thought about it, the more morose she became. Wu Zhi Yong burst into hearty laughter, bending over from the amusement. His laughter attracted the attention of villagers passing by, making them turn to look. Embarrassed, Jing Ao Xue hurriedly walked ahead, shouting, "Don't pretend you know me—it's embarrassing!" Still laughing, Wu Zhi Yong caught up effortlessly with his long legs. He chuckled, "You know, a child is your own flesh and blood; that bond is unbreakable. And Liu Er has always been obedient. For her to dislike you as a mother is just an exaggeration. And are you perhaps jealous? What a jar of vinegar you are! I've seen people be jealous of their spouse, but never of their child." Jing Ao Xue’s complexion alternated between green and red, "So what if I am jealous? My Liu Er should be wholly devoted to me. You just don’t get it!" Wu Zhi Yong didn't get it indeed, but he found it hilarious. With a face full of dark lines, Jing Ao Xue finally reached home, quickly distancing herself from Wu Zhi Yong, shutting the gate behind her. She settled into a rocking chair, absentmindedly touching the vine around her neck, "Shen Lu Man, why did you have to turn into a vine now of all times? Your daughter has been lured away by that General Qin, and this mother's heart aches."