I'll Raise Pigs to Support You - Chapter 46
During dinner, Shen Xizhi was frying fish at the stove when Chi Xiangyue’s loud, unrestrained voice came from outside the fence. “Xizhi, Yugui, are you home?”
Xizhi was still cooking, so Song Yugui went out to greet her. Given their recent mutual assistance, she curved her lips into a faint smile. “Miss Chi, what’s the matter?”
She couldn’t possibly be here to work for us again, could she?
All the chores for today are already done.
To her surprise, as soon as she stepped out, she was handed a small basket filled with red fruits. Upon closer inspection—cherries?
In ancient times, fruits were a luxury, and cherries were especially expensive. Indeed, even though the female lead’s family had fallen on hard times, they were still a “starving camel bigger than a horse.”
Chi Xiangyue smiled brightly. “Yes! My father said to thank you for taking care of me.”
Song Yugui: “…”
We should be the ones thanking you for helping us with chores. After all, you’re free labor—I often feel guilty about how shameless I’m being.
Feeling a bit embarrassed, she coughed lightly. “How can we accept something so precious? Cherries aren’t easy to transport. You should keep them for yourselves.”
As she spoke, she tried to return the basket, but Chi Xiangyue refused, quickly saying, “Oh, it’s my father who insisted on giving them to you. Consider it my thanks for spending time with me. We still have plenty at home. Take them back for your wife—cherries are delicious.”
Her acceptance of their same-s3x relationship was evidently quite high.
After a few more rounds of polite refusal, Song Yugui finally relented, though she still looked somewhat sheepish. “Next time, I’ll treat you to a meal.”
Back in modern times, she often bought cherries for herself, but she figured her little villain probably hadn’t tasted them before. Let her try some.
After seeing Chi Xiangyue off, Song Yugui returned indoors with a faint smile on her face. Shen Xizhi, noticing her cheerful expression, felt a pang of unease. What does this mean? Did she have a pleasant chat with Miss Chi?
As she was lost in thought, her wife placed a handful of bright red fruits on the stove and carried the plated fish into the inner room.
Shen Xizhi quietly stared at the fresh, glistening red cherries on the stove, guessing they were a gift from Chi Xiangyue. Her family is well-off—only they could afford such rare delicacies.
Tonight’s dinner consisted of braised fish and a small plate of stir-fried shredded radish—a modest but balanced meal.
Song Yugui served the rice and sat down. “Let’s eat first. We’ll have the fruit after dinner.”
“Fruit?”
“Yes, the ones I just put in front of you. Miss Chi brought them, saying her father wanted to thank us for looking after her.”
Shen Xizhi: “…”
Her expression mirrored Song Yugui’s earlier bewilderment. Taking care of Miss Chi? Hardly. Making her work for us? Absolutely.
“This… Miss Chi’s father is too kind.”
Shen Xizhi fidgeted uncomfortably, feeling guilty for accepting such a gift.
“Yeah, I thought so too. Next time, we’ll treat Miss Chi to a meal.”
“Mhm.”
Shen Xizhi nodded meekly, her eyes curving into crescents.
Song Yugui couldn’t resist reaching out to touch her—first stroking her hair, then her cheeks, and finally giving her nose a playful pinch before urging her to eat.
Shen Xizhi’s face flushed crimson, and she buried herself in her bowl of rice, forgetting to take any dishes. Song Yugui naturally picked the tenderest, least bony part of the fish for her and added some radish. “Eat some vegetables too. Don’t just have rice.”
Rice alone isn’t nutritious.
Still blushing, Shen Xizhi let out a tiny “mm” and ate a few mouthfuls of rice drizzled with sauce.
Dinner was as satisfying as ever.
After the meal, the two lay together, discussing planting vegetables like cabbage and greens come spring.
Cabbage is tasty, and greens are great too.
When they first arrived last year, they’d even considered growing rice but eventually gave up—there was simply too much work.
The cherries were plump and juicy, bursting with sweetness at the first bite.
Delicious.
After eating one herself, Shen Xizhi picked another and fed it to her wife.
“Sister Yugui, have one too.”
“Mhm.”
They shared the cherries, then took a short walk outside before it got completely dark. Returning home, they heated water for a bath.
Freshly cleaned and carrying the scent of bathwater, they climbed into bed. The thin quilt beneath them made the sleeping surface much softer than before. Song Yugui rolled around happily, and when Shen Xizhi joined her, she pulled her into her arms and rolled a few more times.
The corners of the young girl’s lips curled upward in delight, though she pretended otherwise, murmuring, “Stop fooling around.”
The winter night was bitterly cold. Though the New Year had passed, the chill lingered. Shen Xizhi, naked, shivered slightly despite being held tightly, coughing a few times. But she paid it no mind, wrapping her arms tightly around her wife.
The days of buying on credit finally ended the next day. This time, the pig they selected wasn’t fat but rather lean, costing only 5,700 wen—exactly the amount Song Yugui had. After paying, she had just over 300 wen left.
Shen Xizhi, who couldn’t bear to watch the slaughter, waited outside. When her wife wheeled out the still-warm pork, she asked softly, “How much did we owe this time? I think after the next few days, we won’t need to buy on credit anymore.”
Being in debt makes me uneasy. Her parents had always owed money, and sometimes creditors would show up at their door even during the New Year. Her mother would make her shoo them away…
Now that they’ve taken my dowry, they should have enough to pay everyone back.
Unaware of her wife’s momentary gloom, Song Yugui focused on pushing the cart. “Money? We didn’t owe anything today. Paid in full.”
“Huh?”
Shen Xizhi’s eyes brightened. “No debt?”
“Nope. We even have 400 wen left. I’ll buy you a new set of clothes later.”
Whenever she had money, she thought of buying something for her wife, feeling guilty that the villain’s life with her was far from luxurious.
Buying clothes again after just earning some silver?
Shen Xizhi leaned into her wife, knowing how stubborn she was about spending money. Instead of outright refusing, she suggested, “Why not buy some fabric? I can make the clothes myself. Ready-made ones are much more expensive.”
“Didn’t you say you’re out of practice? Practice on my clothes first. I want to buy you something pretty.”
Shen Xizhi: “…”
She huffed lightly, displeased. “You think the clothes I make aren’t pretty!”
Song Yugui was baffled. “No? When did I say that? If I disliked them, I wouldn’t ask you to make my clothes. I’ll wear whatever you make, pretty or not.”
Her words were blunt—half criticizing, half not. She’ll wear anything I make… but I wouldn’t make anything too ugly, hmph!
Shen Xizhi’s face scrunched up in conflict. Seeing her wife wouldn’t budge, she reluctantly agreed, though her heart warmed sweetly.
She treats me better than she treats herself.
She’ll wear ugly clothes, but insists I wear pretty ones.
Since it was the day after the market, most households had already bought their meat, and foot traffic was much lighter. Still, sales were decent. By noon, most of the pork was sold.
Only some ribs and bl00d pudding remained.
Unhurried, they paid the neighbor two wen to watch their stall and went to grab a bite nearby.
“I’m craving rice.”
Song Yugui blinked. Rice meant ordering dishes, which would cost more.
Shen Xizhi wasn’t that stingy. Thinking they’d earned plenty recently, she said, “Then let’s have rice. We can order a few dishes.”
We’ve saved enough. There’s no need to live too frugally now.
They picked a random shop, ordering two bowls of rice, braised meatballs, scallion-dressed rabbit, and a clear soup.
The first bite made Song Yugui regret her decision.
This cooking isn’t even one-fifth as good as my wife’s. How can a place like this stay in business?
Rip-off.
Shen Xizhi didn’t mind the taste—she wasn’t picky as long as the food was edible.
After eating, they returned to sell the remaining meat until late afternoon, leaving only a few ribs to take home.
It was already dark by the time they finished. Song Yugui took her wife to buy a thick, new dress—this time in a soft yellow hue, to alternate with the previous one.
Knowing her wife’s determination, Shen Xizhi didn’t argue further. She obediently tried it on.
The new dress is much warmer than the old one…
And the color is lovely. I like it.
Seeing her wife’s subtle joy, Song Yugui didn’t hesitate. “We’ll take this. 110 wen.”
The original price was 150 wen.
The shopkeeper, recognizing her as a regular, had been about to quote the lowest price. His lips twitched. “Since you’re a loyal customer, how could I overcharge you? 120 wen. Not a penny less.”
Song Yugui pretended to hesitate before reluctantly agreeing. “Fine, 120 wen it is. Keep it on—it looks good on you.”
Hearing the compliment, Shen Xizhi’s dark eyes sparkled, and she nodded softly.
“This navy-blue one would suit you, Sister Yugui…”
“You like it? Try it on. I’ll buy you two sets today.”
Shen Xizhi stomped her foot, her rosy lips pouting. The warm light streaming in accentuated her delicate, flower-like beauty.
“It’s not for me! If you’re buying me clothes, you should get some for yourself too.”
She thought the long navy dress would suit her wife.
But Song Yugui shook her head. “No need. I’ll wear the ones you make. Let’s get you another set—navy doesn’t suit you. A young girl like you should wear brighter colors. This pink one would look perfect on you.”
She pointed to a pink cotton dress nearby, thick and pretty. Without waiting, she said, “Try it on.”
Shen Xizhi gasped. “You’re buying another one?”
Her face scrunched up in displeasure—she was a little miser at heart.
But seeing her wife’s resolve, she knew arguing was pointless. She reluctantly tried it on.
The pink dress complemented her perfectly. Even with the added padding, it highlighted her slender figure. Her fair skin glowed against the pink, making it hard to look away.
Shen Xizhi had been about to say it didn’t look good to dissuade her, but… seeing her wife’s captivated gaze, she shyly clenched her sleeves. If she likes it so much… I’ll take it.
This dress was even pricier. The shopkeeper quoted 200 wen, and Song Yugui nearly cursed. Her face darkened.
Panicking, the shopkeeper quickly amended, “That’s the price for others. For you, 140 wen.”
A 60-wen markup?!
Shen Xizhi found it expensive, lightly touching the fabric before leaning against her wife’s arm in silent dependence.
Song Yugui stroked her dark, fluffy hair. “We’ll take both.”
She didn’t let Shen Xizhi change out of the pink dress. After buying some fabric, they headed home.
On the way back, the cold wind howled. Shen Xizhi’s throat itched, and she coughed several times.
“Do you have a cold?”
Her voice was tense.
The young girl looked up blankly, unfamiliar with the term.
Song Yugui rephrased. “Did you catch a chill? A fever?”
How would I know? I’m not a doctor.
Shen Xizhi shook her head, reassuring her, “Don’t worry, Sister Yugui. This happens to me often. It’s nothing serious—it’ll pass soon.”
In ancient times, even a minor cold could be deadly. How could she not worry?
“I’ll go to town tomorrow to buy medicine for your cold.”
“Huh?”
Shen Xizhi’s lips parted in surprise, her hair whipping against her cheeks. Her eyes darted around guiltily. “But… I only coughed a few times. Do I really need medicine?”
As a child, she’d often fallen ill but never took medicine—that was reserved for her brothers. Medicine sped up recovery, unlike her own slow, stubborn fevers. But she’d heard medicine was expensive. A cough isn’t so bad. I can endure it.
“A cough shouldn’t be ignored. Why would you cough for no reason? Is the quilt not warm enough?”
Shen Xizhi shook her head. “Probably just the wind.”
Song Yugui suddenly remembered—they woke up early, practically in the middle of the night when temperatures were lowest.
No wonder she’s freezing.
Her expression turned stern. After returning home, she went to feed the chickens but dropped a bombshell. “Starting tomorrow, until the weather warms up, you’ll stay home while I sell the pork. Don’t come with me.”
Shen Xizhi: “???” “!!!”
She immediately protested. “No!”
But Song Yugui wasn’t negotiating. For her health, she had to put her foot down.
“It’s decided. You’re too frail for these early mornings. Stay home and wait for me.”
“I’m not frail! I just coughed a little—what’s the big deal? Everyone coughs in winter! As long as I don’t have a fever, I’m fine. I’m going!”
Shen Xizhi twisted her slender waist toward her but refused to look at her, her big, dewy eyes fixed on the ground, her lips pouting angrily.
“Don’t underestimate a cough.”
Song Yugui sighed. My wife doesn’t take her health seriously at all.
“No going out. I’ll come back earlier from now on—only selling until noon. Whatever sells, sells. I’ll come home sooner to keep you company, okay?”
She knew Shen Xizhi would feel lonely and scared alone at home.
Shen Xizhi bit her lip, leaving neat tooth marks on its delicate surface. Even with the promise of an early return, she refused to yield. “No. I’m going with you.”
Her nose wrinkled in displeasure.
“What’s so great about town? Waking up early is exhausting. Wouldn’t you rather sleep in?”
She leaned closer, coaxing gently.
Shen Xizhi didn’t find early mornings tiring at all. Despite the lack of sleep, she’d been happier these past few days than ever. She loved this life.
She turned her head away, presenting only a sulky profile. “I’m going. If you don’t let me, I’ll sneak out and follow you.”
“…”
Earlier, I thought the villain was becoming more docile, nothing like the ruthless character in the original novel. Now… well, she’s not ruthless, but her temper is sure stubborn. Not a trace of docility left.
“You’re still coughing. No more cold exposure.”
Shen Xizhi stood and twirled in front of her, lips pressed into a stubborn line. “You bought me new clothes. I won’t be cold anymore.”
I don’t want to be a lonely wife waiting at home. So she subtly blamed her cough on her old clothes, conveniently forgetting she’d resisted buying new ones earlier.
Song Yugui was momentarily stumped. After a long pause, Shen Xizhi, seeing her silence, reached out and clasped her wrist, swinging it gently like a spoiled child, her large, pleading eyes fixed on her.
After much deliberation, Song Yugui relented slightly. “We’ll see tomorrow. If it’s too cold, you stay home. I’ll buy you some herbal medicine for the cough.”
Knowing this was the final compromise, Shen Xizhi pouted but didn’t argue further, nodding silently.
Unfortunately, fate had other plans. That very night, Shen Xizhi developed a fever. Her body felt weak and limp. She tried to get up to wash the dishes but collapsed back onto the bed.
Dazed for a moment, she realized—this isn’t good. She tried to hide it, but how could she?
Song Yugui had looked up the moment she slumped back down. “What’s wrong?”
Shen Xizhi pressed her lips together. She’d felt faint while cooking and had no appetite during dinner, though she’d forced herself to eat. Now, all her symptoms flared up at once. She felt utterly miserable but forced a weak smile. “It’s nothing. I just lost my balance.”
Such a lie might fool others, but not her bedmate.
Song Yugui immediately sensed something amiss. She reached out to touch Shen Xizhi’s flushed cheeks and gasped. “You’re burning up!”
Shen Xizhi lowered her eyes, her strength fading.
Without another word, Song Yugui scooped her up, tucked her into bed, and frowned deeply. “I’ll fetch the village doctor.”
The village had a traveling physician she’d seen before, though she didn’t know where he lived. She rushed to ask Auntie Li, who panicked upon hearing Shen Xizhi had a fever.
“Fevers can be deadly if not treated properly!”
She hurriedly led Song Yugui to the doctor’s home. The door was answered by the doctor’s daughter, who stared in surprise at Song Yugui. “You… what’s wrong?”
Song Yugui, too anxious to smile, said bluntly, “My wife might have a fever. Could your mother take a look at her?”
The daughter finally understood and hurried to fetch her mother.
The physician, surnamed Song, was a local of Song Village. She’d been sorting herbs in the backyard when her daughter called her out. Upon learning someone had a fever, she packed some remedies and followed Song Yugui home.
Alone at home, even wrapped in thick quilts, Shen Xizhi felt desolate and adrift. Clutching her wife’s pillow, her eyes welled with tears.
The fever clouded her thoughts, but one thing was clear—Sister Yugui won’t let me go to town with her anymore… Waaah…
When Song Yugui returned and opened the door, she was met with her wife’s teary, glistening eyes. Shen Xizhi stared blankly for a moment before recognizing her and wriggling closer, her voice pitiful. “Sister Yugui…”
Song Yugui immediately sat by the bed, helping her up. Her fingers tenderly brushed Shen Xizhi’s damp lashes. “Why are you crying? I came back as fast as I could.”
The doctor kept telling me to slow down, but I wouldn’t listen.
The physician finally entered, panting as she leaned on her knees. “When you’re sick and uncomfortable, crying is natural.”
“Then please examine her quickly. Is she in a lot of pain? It’s my fault—I never should’ve made you wake up so early.”
Hearing this, Shen Xizhi immediately objected, squirming in her arms. Her voice was hoarse but insistent. “It’s not your fault! It has nothing to do with waking up early—it was the thin clothes! Waaah…”
The thought of never accompanying her wife to sell pork again made her burst into tears.
So unfair!
The physician checked her pulse while chiding, “Of course it’s related. Early mornings are cold—too much wind can easily cause a fever. Thin clothing leading to chills doesn’t help either.”
Song Yugui nodded repeatedly, asking what to do next.
The doctor asked if she wanted to buy herbs. Hiring a traveling physician wasn’t expensive, but medicine would cost more.
But how could Song Yugui refuse?
She wasn’t a monster. She agreed at once, her anxiety making the corners of her eyes redden.
“I don’t have enough medicine here. Brew one dose for her tonight. If the fever persists tomorrow, buy a few more doses in town.”
Song Yugui agreed readily, paying the full amount without haggling or delay, earning the physician’s respect.
“A sick woman’s emotions are fragile, and Miss Shen is all alone. If you indulge her a little, her mood will improve, which aids recovery.”
Indulge her?
What if she insists on braving the cold with me?
Song Yugui thought it absolutely wouldn’t do to indulge her completely, but she could certainly coax her more.
After seeing off the physician and Auntie Li—who had taught her a great deal about caring for the sick—she hurried off to brew the medicine.
The task didn’t require many steps, so she managed it without any mistakes.
The pitch-black medicine was brought to the bedside. Just from the smell alone, Shen Xizhi could tell it was bitter—but no matter how bitter the medicine was, it couldn’t compare to the bitterness of the days ahead. Lowering her eyes, she weakly and pitifully insisted, “I only fell ill because the clothes were too thin.”
Blame it all on the clothes.
Song Yugui, worried sick, hadn’t expected such evasion. She chuckled helplessly. “Regardless, you’re not leaving the house until you’re better. Rest at home—no cooking either. I’ll bring food back.”
Shen Xizhi pursed her lips unhappily, her voice scratchy. “But that’s wasteful.”
“Don’t worry about money. Just focus on getting better.”
Since arriving in ancient times, this was the first time the villain had fallen ill, leaving her flustered with worry.
“Can I really not go out at all?”
The young girl took two sips of the bitter medicine, nearly gagging. Her face twisted in misery as she mumbled, “Really not at all?”
Song Yugui recalled the doctor’s advice to indulge her for the sake of her mood. But if she’s determined to go out, how do I handle that?
After a moment, she pressed her warm cheek against Shen Xizhi’s. The girl froze briefly before nuzzling back eagerly.
Song Yugui coaxed her, “Once you’re better, I’ll take you out. For now, avoid the wind.”
Cheek-to-cheek intimacy was rare between them, and Shen Xizhi cherished it, snuggling obediently. But her heart still ached. “I can handle the wind. I rarely get sick—once I recover, I won’t fall ill again for a long time. Please let me go…”
She lifted her large, doe-like eyes pleadingly. How could anyone resist?
But Song Yugui hardened her heart. “It’s not just about that. If you don’t rest properly and go out too soon, the cold could harm your foundation.”
Ancient medicine isn’t reliable. Better safe than sorry.
“Then… how long do I have to rest?”
Shen Xizhi asked timidly, hope flickering in her eyes.
Song Yugui pondered. “At least six months.”
Shen Xizhi: “…”
Her lips parted in shock before she erupted in anger, weakly shoving Song Yugui away and turning her back, refusing to speak.
Six months?!
Six months confined indoors?!
Seeing her wife’s drastic reaction, Song Yugui secretly smirked.
She poked Shen Xizhi’s back, softening her tone. “I’m teasing. Not six months—what kind of monster would lock you up that long?”
By then, summer would’ve arrived anyway.
Shen Xizhi pouted, allowing herself to be turned onto her back again.
“How long, then?”
“Hmm… let’s say four months.”
Shen Xizhi: “!”
She made to turn away again, but Song Yugui stopped her. “Kidding! Just two months.”
By spring, it’ll be warmer. If she really wants to go out then, she can bundle up.
Compared to six months or four, two seemed almost bearable. Shen Xizhi agreed sullenly.
After taking the medicine, she stayed buried under the blankets until Song Yugui joined her, now damp with sweat. Remembering her wife preferred skin-to-skin contact, she started to undress, but Song Yugui stopped her, scolding lightly.
“You have a fever—no stripping. Sleep with your clothes on.”
Honestly, still obsessed with sleeping naked.
Shen Xizhi, thwarted, obediently curled into her wife’s arms, secretly pleased.
She’s worried I’ll catch a chill. She cares about me.