I'll Raise Pigs to Support You - Chapter 31
The half-month passed quickly, and Song Yugui returned home with 300 wen in wages. The New Year was still some time away, but she had already started sharpening her butcher knife. There were only two pigs at home—she couldn’t afford to mess up the slaughter.
There weren’t that many materials to practice with.
Shen Xizhi had also followed her wife to the tavern for half a month. Though her wife later told her she didn’t need to come anymore and could stay home to rest, she refused to listen, clinging stubbornly and insisting on going with Sister Yugui every day.
While simulating pig slaughter with her butcher knife, Song Yugui suddenly remembered: in the novel, the female protagonist seemed to move to Song Village after the New Year. It was during the festive season when everyone was in high spirits, and they welcomed her warmly.
Perhaps… it would be this year after the New Year?
Was the plot about to begin?
Song Yugui frowned, lost in thought, hacking the butcher knife into the chopping board before pulling it out again.
Outside, an old woman approached hesitantly, her expression conflicted. After a long pause, she pushed open the fence gate, making a creaking sound, and called out, “Yugui.”
Hearing the noise, Song Yugui instinctively looked up and saw an unfamiliar elderly woman. She took a couple of steps forward, but the old woman immediately retreated in fear, her eyes fixed on the butcher knife in Song Yugui’s hand.
Song Yugui: “…”
She silently set the knife down before approaching again, her tone gentle. “Do you need something from me?”
She didn’t address the woman by any title—she genuinely didn’t know what to call her. She was afraid of slipping up, as she had done before.
Seeing that Song Yugui’s attitude was unexpectedly polite today—even using the respectful “you”—the old woman relaxed slightly, feeling she had come to the right person.
“Yugui, my family is slaughtering a pig today.”
Song Yugui was taken aback.
After observing her expression, the old woman continued, “The butcher we hired raised his price at the last minute. I heard you’ve been wanting to get back into slaughtering pigs, so… could you help us out?”
Song Yugui suddenly understood but also felt a pang of panic. Ah, but I haven’t even practiced on our own pigs yet. What if I mess up?
“I… I haven’t slaughtered a pig in a long time. I’m afraid my skills are rusty.”
If only I hadn’t been so stubborn in my past life and just inherited the family business. Being a ‘Butcher Beauty’ wouldn’t have been so bad!
Now, she was completely clueless.
Hearing this, the old woman knew there was hope and quickly replied, “It’s fine if it’s not perfect. But I can only pay you 20 wen, along with some extra pork. You know how it is—my family is just a widow and her daughter-in-law…”
She pretended to wipe her eyes, emphasizing their hardship.
Typically, a butcher charged 40 wen per pig. Her family was poor—just an old woman and her daughter-in-law—so they had hired a cheaper butcher for 30 wen. But at the last moment, the man raised his price to 40 wen. After arguing, they drove him away, but the pig was already cleaned and restrained, ready for slaughter today.
After much hesitation, she decided to ask Song Yugui for help.
She knew Song Yugui had a bad temper and hadn’t slaughtered pigs in a while, so she lowered the price by 10 wen. If Song Yugui refused, she could always raise it back.
For Song Yugui, having a pig to practice on was already a great opportunity, not to mention the extra pay. Since the old woman didn’t mind her rusty skills, she didn’t hesitate long before agreeing. “Alright, I’ll come right away. Please lead the way, Auntie.”
“Ah, wonderful!”
The old woman’s cloudy eyes lit up with joy.
Shen Xizhi, who had been eavesdropping inside, rushed out holding an apron when she heard her wife was going to slaughter a pig. Standing in front of Song Yugui, her eyes bright and pleading, she said softly, “I’ll go with you.”
Song Yugui knew how clingy she was and that she was afraid to stay home alone—she said she feared someone like Song Bao might come to bully her.
Song Yugui thought she wasn’t wrong. Village security in ancient times wasn’t great, so keeping her close was safer.
“Okay, but stay far away when it happens. The sounds can be scary.”
Back in her bking days, she had once brought classmates home to watch her slaughter pigs. The boys and girls had screamed in terror, their faces pale—anyone listening would’ve thought she was committing murder behind closed doors.
Shen Xizhi nodded obediently. “Mhm. But you have to be careful too. Don’t hurt your hands.”
Her voice was soft and sweet, her eyes filled with concern.
But…
Hurt my hands? Are you doubting my professional skills?
I might be out of practice with meat-cutting, but I’d never injure myself with a butcher knife!
A butcher hurting their own hands? That’d be a joke!
Song Yugui patted her wife’s head and said simply, “I won’t. Let’s go.”
“Mhm.”
The old woman, uncomfortable with the intimacy between women but unable to say anything, quickly turned her back to them until they were ready to follow.
The two grabbed their tools and trailed behind the old woman. Her home wasn’t far—just down the slope and another 500 meters.
Along the way, they chatted, and Song Yugui learned that the old woman lived with her daughter-in-law. Her husband had died young, and her son had succumbed to illness not long after, leaving only her and her daughter-in-law behind.
However, when they arrived, Song Yugui didn’t see the daughter-in-law. The house was well-kept—apparently, it had been renovated when the family was still whole. Once I have money, I’ll build an even better one for Shen Xizhi.
“Ah, Yugui, sorry for the trouble. The pig’s in the backyard.”
“Got it.”
Song Yugui turned to Shen Xizhi. “Wait for me out here.”
The old woman’s yard was crowded—most were from Shen Village, there to buy fresh pork, along with a few from other villages. Their gazes swept over Song Yugui and Shen Xizhi, filled with surprise and skepticism.
They actually got Song Yugui to come? With her temper, I’d have expected her to throw a fit.
And her reclusive wife tagged along too. Now that I see her… she’s really grown into a beauty.
Shen Xizhi instinctively shrank into her wife’s arms at the sight of so many people. Song Yugui squeezed her delicate hand, glancing down as if asking what was wrong.
At the same time, hearing Song Yugui’s words, Shen Xizhi obediently stepped back, shaking her head to indicate she was fine. “Okay. Be careful. I’ll wait right here.”
“Mhm.”
Song Yugui carried her butchering tools inside, followed by a group of curious men. The rest stayed in the yard chatting, with only a few occasionally speaking to Shen Xizhi.
Shen Xizhi didn’t mind being ignored. Her eyes lowered to her shoes, she made no effort to engage with anyone.
Until the daughter-in-law emerged.
“You’re Song Yugui’s wife, right? My, we rarely see you out. Why stand outside? Come in and sit!”
Shen Xizhi pursed her lips. “No need. I’ll wait for her here.”
“Oh, it’s freezing out! How can I let you stand in the cold? Come in—there’s room inside.”
After some hesitation, Shen Xizhi finally nodded and entered.
In the surrounding villages, she was infamous. At first, it was for her stunning beauty. Later… it was for openly marrying a woman, becoming the only same-s3x couple in the area.
From then on, her reputation was tarnished. People looked at her with disdain, as if a union between women was something shameful.
She had never felt ashamed. As long as her partner treated her well, as long as she could survive, what did gender matter?
Under the crowd’s scrutinizing gazes, Shen Xizhi’s expression cooled, but she remained silent, waiting for her wife.
Perhaps because she’d been eating better lately, she had grown taller. From a distance, her beauty was striking—tall and elegant, her presence alone drawing all eyes.
Back then, Shen Xizhi had been the renowned village belle of Shen Village. Who would’ve thought she’d end up like this?
People assumed old habits died hard. Though Song Yugui wasn’t as neglectful as before, they doubted she treated her wife well. They expected Shen Xizhi to be miserable, all waiting to see the joke unfold.
Soon, the pig’s agonized squeals echoed from the backyard. Shen Xizhi’s eyes widened, her heart pounding in fright. But as a country girl, she was used to such sounds. After the initial shock, she calmed down, standing quietly and waiting for her wife.
After what felt like an eternity, the old woman emerged, smiling. “The pig’s done! Let Keyan know which cuts you’d like.”
Keyan was her daughter-in-law. Since her son’s death, the young woman had refused to remarry, and the two had supported each other, their bond growing strong.
The crowd eagerly responded.
Song Yugui soon walked out, her clothes only slightly stained with dried bl00d. The pig had weighed over 300 jin, but she’d managed the slaughter without major mishaps—just nicked the kidneys and messed up the fascia. When dividing the hind legs, she hadn’t found the right spots, but those were minor issues.
The old woman generously gifted her the kidneys and some scrap meat—the cheapest cuts, but perfect for rendering lard. She also gave her three jin of pork belly.
Unfamiliar with market prices, Song Yugui was just happy to have a pig to practice on. Whether she received a little or a lot didn’t matter.
Exiting, she waved at her wife. “Let’s go, Xizhi. Time to head home.”
The old woman had already paid her inside. There was supposedly a post-slaughter meal, but since she didn’t know these people well, she decided to skip it to avoid slipping up. Better to hurry home.
Seeing her emerge, Shen Xizhi’s eyes brightened. Her earlier aloofness melted away, replaced by warmth as she happily approached. “Sister Yugui.”
Pulling out a clean, albeit faded, handkerchief, she gently wiped the sweat from Song Yugui’s forehead. “I’ll make you something delicious when we get back.”
Her voice was soft and sweet, full of promise.
Song Yugui hummed in agreement, bid the old woman farewell, and led her wife away.
Her demeanor was so polite and gentle that many finally believed Song Yugui had truly changed.
The daughter-in-law, who had hidden when Song Yugui arrived, reemerged to serve the guests.
“Let me know which cuts you’d like,” she said shyly but confidently. “This pig was raised at home, well-fed and delicious.”
Song Yugui faintly overheard as she and Shen Xizhi slowly climbed the slope home.
“Sister Yugui, was slaughtering the pig tiring?”
Shen Xizhi’s doe-like eyes were clear and innocent.
“Nah. Just a bit bloody.”
So bloody. The bl00d just kept coming.
Thankfully, Shen Xizhi hadn’t followed the men inside to watch. Otherwise, she’d have been too terrified to sleep tonight.
Shen Xizhi nodded, leaning against her wife affectionately. “Then you’ve worked hard. Let’s stew meat tonight—I’ll nourish you.”
They had 11 wen left from earlier, plus the 300 wen from quitting the tavern job and today’s 20 wen, totaling 331 wen. It seemed like a lot, but then Song Yugui remembered… they still hadn’t bought winter quilts. Last night, Shen Xizhi’s hands and feet had been icy under the thin blanket. We’re still short on money.
“Let’s save the meat for later. We’ll eat the kidneys first—I nicked them, so they don’t look great.”
Shen Xizhi had no objections. “Okay. Should we make kidney stir-fry or sliced kidneys?”
They have kidney dishes in ancient times too?
Song Yugui answered without thinking. “Stir-fried kidneys. We’ve got lard now, so we can splurge a little.”
Before, they’d avoided oily dishes to save money. But with the scrap meat they’d brought back, they could render plenty of lard and afford to indulge.
Shen Xizhi agreed.
Her wife had worked so hard—of course she’d listen and make sure she ate well.
“Okay. I’ll handle the kidneys later. You rest at home.”
Her heart ached for her wife, feeling she contributed far more to the household.
“Let’s boil some water first. I reek of bl00d—need to wash up.”
The stench of pig bl00d was unbearable. She wanted to clean up.
Shen Xizhi quickly nodded. “Mhm, okay~”
As they reached their gate, Aunt Li happened to descend the hill with a basket of bamboo shoots. Spotting the pork in their hands, her eyes widened in surprise before turning disapproving. “Why so much meat? Can you even finish it? Don’t let it spoil—young people these days waste so much.”
Country folk were frugal, and such extravagance was hard to swallow.
Song Yugui released the gate latch, locking eyes with the chickens in the yard before turning back innocently. “Oh, no, Auntie. This is payment for helping with a slaughter. And it’s winter—it’ll keep, right?”
Aunt Li’s eyes bulged when she heard Song Yugui had been paid in meat instead of money. Her voice rose indignantly. “What?! They only gave you this much for slaughtering a pig? No money?! Who’s bullying kids these days? Tell me who it was—I’ll go give them a piece of my mind! Outrageous!”
Song Yugui, fearing Aunt Li would storm off, hurriedly explained. “They paid! 20 wen!”
“Only 20 wen? I paid 40 wen earlier this year, plus five jin of meat! They’re taking advantage of you two being alone!”
Now Song Yugui understood the market rate. She smiled wryly. “I haven’t slaughtered pigs in a while, and my skills are rusty. Consider it a discount. Next time your family needs a pig slaughtered, I’ll give you the same deal.”
Before she arrived, Shen Xizhi had relied on Aunt Li’s kindness. Now that they were doing better, she felt grateful on her wife’s behalf.
Aunt Li’s anger subsided slightly, but she waved a hand. “I don’t need discounts. I don’t bully children.”
“Here, I just dug up some winter bamboo shoots. Take one.”
“We couldn’t possibly.”
Song Yugui and Shen Xizhi stepped back awkwardly, exchanging helpless glances.
They’d already taken so much from their neighbor without reciprocating. They’d planned to gift extra pork during the New Year slaughter, but now Aunt Li was giving them more. They’d have to send some over sooner.
Aunt Li, stubborn as ever, shoved the bamboo shoot into Shen Xizhi’s arms, refusing to take no for an answer.
Song Yugui had an idea. She fetched the kidneys meant for dinner and offered them to Aunt Li, who refused. “You rarely get meat—keep it. I’ll buy plenty when your family slaughters pigs for New Year.”
She’d been holding off on buying pork elsewhere, waiting for Song Yugui’s pigs.
Having tested her skills today, Song Yugui felt more confident. After several failed attempts to gift the kidneys, she resolved to give Aunt Li extra meat later.
Aunt Li, pitying the two young women, had only wanted to help. With the bamboo shoot delivered, she headed home.
Song Yugui sighed in amused resignation, a faint smile on her lips as she tugged her wife’s hand. “Let’s go boil water.”
“Mhm.”
Shen Xizhi’s eyes shimmered as she glanced at her wife. “I’ll make stir-fried bamboo shoots with pork tomorrow.”
She already had it all planned.
Song Yugui chuckled, her voice unconsciously fond. “Sounds good.”
“I’ll help boil the water.”
“Mhm.”
Just stir-fried kidneys wouldn’t be enough—they were too small. While Shen Xizhi tended the fire, Song Yugui washed the leftover cabbage. They’d have spicy and sour cabbage tonight too—they still had dried chili peppers from before.
Tangy and addictive—it’d be delicious.
Her mouth watered just thinking about it.
She wasn’t picky—anything but wild vegetables was fine.
With plenty of firewood, the water boiled quickly. Song Yugui mixed it with cold water and scrubbed off the bl00d and sweat. Afterward, she grabbed a basket to cut pig grass.
Shen Xizhi stayed behind to cook.
First, she rendered the scrap meat into lard over a low fire. By the time Song Yugui returned with a full basket, the lard was ready.
She set the lard aside to solidify—by tomorrow, it’d be snow-white. Using the leftover oil, she stir-fried the kidneys.
Poorly prepared kidneys could be gamey, so Shen Xizhi meticulously removed the core and stir-fried them with ginger to eliminate any odor, leaving only rich fragrance. Song Yugui, still feeding the pigs, caught the mouthwatering aroma from home.
Dumping the grass hastily, she sprinted back before the pigs could eat. Shen Xizhi smiled softly as she entered. “Sister Yugui, wash your hands first. Dinner’s almost ready.”
“Mhm.”
Song Yugui washed up in the yard and sat properly at the table. The fragrant kidneys, glazed with soy sauce, were already served—deeply colored and irresistibly tempting.
The last dish, made to Song Yugui’s preference, was spicy and sour. The tangy scent assaulted her nose the moment it left the pan, making her swallow hard. So hungry.
“Here, Sister Yugui. You’ve worked hard—eat up.”
Shen Xizhi placed a piece of kidney in her wife’s bowl, taking only a garlic stem for herself.
Song Yugui couldn’t stand it. She picked up a beautifully sliced kidney and placed it on Shen Xizhi’s rice. “We’re not in hard times anymore. Eat some meat too.”
This girl is so hard to fatten up. After two months, she’s only gained a tiny bit of weight.
She’d have to keep feeding her well.
Chastised, Shen Xizhi obediently took a bite, stuffing her cheeks with rice and sauce, chewing quickly.
Song Yugui added two more slices to her bowl, but Shen Xizhi moved her rice away, blocking the chopsticks with her slender hand. Her voice was upset yet caring. “No more! Sister Yugui, you haven’t eaten much!”
A pig’s kidney wasn’t big—once cooked, there wasn’t much to go around. She could manage with one slice, but if she took more, what would her wife eat?
Seeing her refusal and the reproachful look in her big, round eyes, Song Yugui relented. “At least have one more, okay?”
Her tone softened. “If you don’t eat enough meat, you’ll never gain weight.”
She gave Shen Xizhi a once-over and sighed.
Shen Xizhi pursed her lips. “Does Sister Yugui prefer me plumper?”
“Of course. Right now, you’re too skinny—not comfortable to hold.”
“Oh.”
She said I’m not comfortable to hold.
Shen Xizhi’s mood soured, showing on her face as she set her bowl down. “Then I’ll take one more. Just one. You work so hard every day—you should eat more.”
“I’m not that tired. You work just as hard.”
One handled outside duties, the other managed the home—neither had it easier.
Shen Xizhi didn’t reply, lowering her head to eat quietly. The strands of hair framing her face swayed in the breeze, giving her a serene, gentle aura.
Song Yugui stared, momentarily dazed, before shoveling rice into her mouth. So beautiful. How could someone this stunning fall for the male lead? Terrible taste!!!