I'll Raise Pigs to Support You - Chapter 47
At the hour of Yin the next day, Song Yugui slightly opened her eyes and instinctively reached out to touch Xizhi’s cheek—it was warm, not feverish.
She let out a slight sigh of relief. The fever had subsided.
That was good.
She had no intention of taking a day off to rest. Only by earning money could she provide better care for her beloved.
Song Yugui carefully shifted the listless little girl sleeping in her arms, wrapping her snugly in the blankets before getting out of bed herself.
Normally, Xizhi would wake up with her, but perhaps the fever from the previous day had left her physically and mentally exhausted. She didn’t stir, her brows slightly furrowed as she remained deep in sleep.
Song Yugui’s heart ached seeing her suffer from illness. She gently stroked Xizhi’s flushed cheeks, which had been warmed by the heat, and stayed by her side for a while before leaving.
The day before, she had sent Aunt Li some pork ribs and asked her to keep an eye on Xizhi in case she needed help while Song Yugui was away.
Song Yugui had purchased 6,000 wen worth of pork and sold it all by noon—a task that wouldn’t normally be so easy, but the staff from Shiyue Lou happened to pass by and bought a large quantity. She earned over 7,000 wen from the sale. After collecting the money, she didn’t head straight home. Instead, she first delivered the meat to Shiyue Lou and then ordered a few dishes there.
When Lanxiang heard she was ordering food outside, she lifted the kitchen curtain and walked over with a smile, teasing, “I never knew you had such skills. Butchering pigs is much more profitable than being a waiter.”
Song Yugui chuckled.
Lanxiang looked her up and down and added, “Why are you buying food from the restaurant today? Did your wife refuse to cook for you?”
How could that be? Song Yugui wouldn’t dare let her wife take the blame and quickly shook her head. “My wife is sick. I want her to rest.”
Hearing that Xizhi was ill, Lanxiang’s face showed surprise. “Oh? How did she get sick?”
“Yesterday, she was burning up—probably caught a chill.”
Song Yugui could cook simple meals, but she wasn’t very skilled with the stove, and her dishes weren’t particularly nutritious. After all, in her past life, her specialty had been instant snail rice noodles…
When someone was sick, they needed proper nourishment.
She couldn’t just make do with whatever.
So, she ordered a few well-balanced dishes to take home.
“She should rest well then. You’re lucky to have such a good wife. Who’d have thought a grown woman like you wouldn’t know how to cook?”
Song Yugui smiled awkwardly. She didn’t know whether the original owner of this body could cook, but she certainly couldn’t.
Once the food was ready, she borrowed a food container from Shiyue Lou and stopped by a newly opened pastry shop to buy some adorable rabbit and tiger-shaped cakes to cheer up her wife.
Leaving her at home today must have made her furious—she was probably cursing her in her heart right now.
And indeed, that was exactly the case. When Shen Xizhi woke up, the sun was already high in the sky. She seemed to have had a nightmare, her forehead dotted with fine sweat, her back damp. But when she fully awoke, the details of the dream vanished like smoke, leaving only a lingering sense of despair and fear that made her bones tremble.
Instinctively, she reached out for her wife. At times like these, only her wife could comfort her and ease her mind.
But… the other side of the bed was empty, the sheets cold to the touch.
She froze, a sudden panic gripping her. Just as she was about to scramble out of bed, she remembered—Yugui had gone to town and said she couldn’t come along for two months.
The girl’s mood plummeted. In the dim, shuttered room, the slender figure sat alone on the bed, biting her lip in sorrow.
By the time Song Yugui returned home, she was met with a chattering Miss Chi and a wife whose face was colder than midwinter ice.
She was stunned. How could you keep talking when my wife’s expression is so grim?
No wonder you’re the female lead.
At the sound of the door creaking open, Shen Xizhi was the first to look up, immediately standing. Her eyes shimmered with a pitiful longing, but just as quickly, her expression cooled. She pressed her lips together, glared at Song Yugui, and let out a loud “hmph!” before turning away and sitting back down.
Clearly, she was angry.
Chi Xiangyue blinked in confusion at the rapid shifts in Shen Xizhi’s demeanor but didn’t dwell on it. Instead, she smiled at Song Yugui. “You’re finally back. Xizhi didn’t even want to eat without you here.”
Song Yugui ignored Shen Xizhi’s attitude, focusing instead on her health. “You didn’t eat breakfast?”
Shen Xizhi tensed as soon as Chi Xiangyue spoke. When Song Yugui asked the question, she was so angry she stomped her foot.
She annoyed me all morning, and now, the moment Yugui returns, she’s already tattling on me!!!
Knowing that telling the truth would make Song Yugui angry, Shen Xizhi bit her lip guiltily, her long lashes lowering as she avoided her gaze, the cold aura around her softening slightly.
Song Yugui took one look and understood. She opened and closed her mouth several times, finally shutting her eyes tightly. She didn’t scold her—after all, she was still sick. No point in making her cry.
After a long pause, she only said with a hint of self-reproach, “It’s my fault. From now on, I’ll boil two eggs for you before I leave in the morning. Skipping breakfast is bad for your stomach. Be good and eat, alright?”
Shen Xizhi had braced herself for a scolding, but instead, Song Yugui was gently coaxing her. Hehe.
Chi Xiangyue glanced between Song Yugui and Shen Xizhi, then suddenly remembered something and asked again, “Why did you leave Xizhi behind today? She was so upset even I could tell.”
She’d been chatting beside Xizhi all morning, but the other girl had barely responded—except when she jokingly asked, “Why didn’t Yugui take you to town? Did she abandon you?” That earned her a glare sharp enough to flay her alive. Good heavens, she hadn’t meant it like that! It was just a joke!
Song Yugui pulled out the pastries she’d brought back and said softly, “Xizhi caught a chill and fell ill. Don’t disturb her—let her rest for a while.”
“Oh, she’s sick? No wonder she didn’t come out today. I only noticed something was wrong when I heard movement outside and called out to her before she opened the door.”
Hearing that Xizhi hadn’t stepped out all day, Song Yugui smiled and ruffled the girl’s hair affectionately. “So well-behaved.”
Shen Xizhi’s mood brightened a little, and she peeked at Song Yugui from the corner of her eye. Hmph, of course I’m well-behaved!
“Here’s a reward—some pastries for you. I also brought back food from the restaurant. You must be hungry. Sit for a bit while I heat it up.”
The food had cooled during the trip from the restaurant to the village, retaining only a faint warmth.
There was even soup—it wouldn’t do to serve it like this to someone who was sick.
“Why did you buy food from the restaurant? My fever’s gone—I could’ve cooked.”
Shen Xizhi’s heart ached at the thought of the expense.
Song Yugui coaxed her, “You’ve just started recovering. Take it easy—no cooking for now. Look at the pastries I bought specially for you.”
Just hearing Song Yugui’s concern for her health melted away the gloom that had clouded her mood all morning. She gave her a sweet glance before lowering her head to unwrap the oil-paper package.
Song Yugui had been careful with the pastries, ensuring they wouldn’t break, so the little rabbits and tigers inside were mostly intact—only one rabbit had half an ear missing.
Shen Xizhi’s eyes lit up the moment she saw them. They were adorable.
A similarly awed voice sounded beside her. “Wow, these pastries are so cute! I haven’t had anything like this in ages!”
Of course, the place she used to live in had all kinds of pastries, but this was a remote area where pastry-making techniques were relatively underdeveloped. The last time she’d gone to town, the pastries she’d found were ordinary and uninspired, with mediocre flavors she hadn’t cared for.
“Did a new pastry shop open in town?”
Chi Xiangyue looked up and asked.
Song Yugui nodded as she reheated the food. “Yes, a new one.”
“Then I’ll go to town tomorrow to check it out.”
Shen Xizhi wasn’t particularly stingy. Though reluctant to share the treats her wife had bought her, remembering the sweet, crimson cherries from the day before, she still offered some to Chi Xiangyue.
The moment Chi Xiangyue took a bite, her eyes sparkled—it tasted just like the pastries from Baoyue Pavilion in the capital!
By the time Song Yugui finished reheating the food, Chi Xiangyue excused herself—partly to let them eat in peace, and partly because she wanted to go to town with Xinyu to buy some pastries right away. She couldn’t wait until tomorrow.
The portions were generous. Song Yugui had ordered three stir-fried dishes and a pot of chicken soup. They wouldn’t finish it all at lunch, so they could have the leftovers for dinner, sparing Shen Xizhi the trouble of cooking.
“Try it and see how it tastes. If you don’t like it, I’ll buy something else tomorrow.”
Shen Xizhi picked up a piece of meat and took a sip of the soup Song Yugui had served her, murmuring, “No need to buy more tomorrow. I can cook by then.”
“Rest for a couple more days. Be good—don’t rush into cooking.”
She hadn’t married her wife just to have a personal chef.
“But…”
“It’s alright. Today, I earned over 7,000 wen. After setting aside 6,500 wen for restocking, we still have 1,000 wen left. I can afford to buy meals. Money is meant to be spent—don’t deprive yourself, okay?”
Song Yugui gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind Shen Xizhi’s ear.
When she laid out their income and expenses so plainly, Shen Xizhi’s eyes brightened. After a moment of hesitation, she reluctantly agreed. She’d thought their finances were still tight, but…
Yugui is amazing.
Over the next few days, Shen Xizhi behaved much better, staying home and only occasionally stepping out to feed the chickens.
Song Yugui forbade her from doing strenuous tasks like cutting pig grass or washing clothes and even bought her several new outfits in vibrant colors. Every time Song Yugui saw her wearing them, she called her a fairy…
What kind of fairy was she? If anyone was a celestial being, it was Yugui—a goddess sent from heaven to cherish her alone.
At this thought, Shen Xizhi’s eyelashes fluttered, and a soft smile gradually curved her lips.
One day, when the weather was warm and pleasant, Song Yugui returned home in high spirits, calling out as she pushed the door open, “Xizhi, look what I bought for you!”
Shen Xizhi, who had been cooped up indoors and was practically growing mold, brightened instantly at the sound of her voice. She quickly stood up, her eyes brimming with joy as she turned around. “Sister Yugui, you’re back!”
“Mhm. I got you a gift.”
She brought something back for Xizhi every day—sometimes new clothes, sometimes tasty snacks. She wondered what today’s surprise would be.
Shen Xizhi smiled sweetly and looked at her, her delicate features glowing with happiness.
“What is it? Let me see.”
Song Yugui strode over, wrapped an arm around her wife’s waist, and guided her to sit on the bed. Once they were settled, she pulled out a long box and opened it without any fanfare. Inside lay a pale blue jade hairpin—the very one they’d seen on the street some time ago.
Back then, she’d been afraid Xizhi would become fixated on it and quickly dragged her away. Who’d have thought she’d still remembered it?
Though the jade wasn’t the clearest, it was still quite beautiful, cool to the touch. Shen Xizhi’s lips curled into a faint smile. She didn’t scold her for splurging but asked softly, “Was it expensive?”
“Not too bad. Five hundred wen.”
Shen Xizhi: …
Not too bad?
Not too bad?!
NOT TOO BAD?!?!
Since when were we this well-off?
Her initial delight gave way to the urge to lecture, but after a long pause, she swallowed her words and only murmured, “That’s too expensive. Don’t buy things like this again. One is enough for me.”
She reached out to touch the hairpin. She did love it, but she didn’t need another. Five hundred wen was half a tael of silver! They weren’t a wealthy family—why bother with jade? Wooden hairpins were just fine.
“How could one be enough? The money I earn is all for you. Of course, I want to dress you up beautifully and luxuriously.”
Shen Xizhi’s cheeks flushed. Shyly, she lowered her head and nuzzled against Song Yugui’s arm like a spoiled child.
After a moment, she hugged her arm and pouted. “But it’s too expensive.”
“It’s not that expensive. We can afford it. Nothing is too expensive if it’s for you.”
Following the doctor’s advice to indulge her, Song Yugui had been showering her with sweet nothings lately, leaving Shen Xizhi dizzy with happiness.
Shen Xizhi was easy to coax. Hearing such words—as if she were Song Yugui’s most treasured possession—her face turned even redder, and her eyes sparkled with honeyed affection as she gazed at her.
Song Yugui, who had been about to stand up, froze. Suddenly, she raised a hand to cover Shen Xizhi’s eyes.
It feels so strange every time she looks at me with such dependence and adoration.
Shen Xizhi blinked beneath her palm, her long lashes brushing against Song Yugui’s skin.
It tickled.
“Sister Yugui?”
She sounded puzzled. Song Yugui quickly withdrew her hand and changed the subject. “So, uh, what’s for lunch?”
After a few days of rest, Shen Xizhi had strictly forbidden her from buying restaurant meals and resumed cooking herself. Seeing her rosy complexion and improved health, Song Yugui hadn’t objected.
“How about noodles for lunch? I kneaded the dough this morning.”
“Sounds great. Noodles are perfect for lunch—with three poached eggs. You’ll have two. I’ll start the fire for you. After eating, I still need to cut pig grass.”
At the mention of cutting pig grass, Shen Xizhi paused while retrieving the noodles. The faint smile from earlier, prompted by Song Yugui’s unfair egg distribution, faded. She appeared behind Song Yugui with an inscrutable expression and declared, “I’m going with you today to cut grass.”
Her tone made it clear this wasn’t a request but a statement.
Song Yugui’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Why? What do you need to come for? I’ve been cutting enough grass for the pigs. It’s still cold out—you should take care of yourself.”
Shen Xizhi refused to back down, her delicate brows knitting together as she bit her lip. After a moment, she suddenly shook off Song Yugui’s hand and snapped, “If I can’t go, then you’re not allowed to go with Miss Chi either!”
These past few days, Song Yugui had forbidden her from overexerting herself or going out in the wind, always cutting the pig grass alone. But!!!
She’d leave by herself and return with company!
Miss Chi was always tagging along, chatting and laughing, even greeting Shen Xizhi enthusiastically.
Shen Xizhi had no desire to engage with her.
Why was she confined to the house while Miss Chi got to accompany Song Yugui to the mountains to cut grass?
What did they talk about along the way?
Would Song Yugui come to admire Miss Chi’s carefree demeanor?
Though she never voiced it, Shen Xizhi had always felt inferior to Chi Xiangyue. For some reason, she couldn’t shake the fear of being overshadowed by her.
Would Song Yugui also think Miss Chi was better? Better than her? Would she grow fond of Miss Chi?
The mere thought made Shen Xizhi’s heart ache.
She knew she was jealous, petty, and possessive, unable to tolerate others in her space. After voicing her thoughts, the room fell silent except for the howling wind outside. Belatedly, her eyelashes fluttered, and her fingers clenched nervously. After a long pause, she finally dared to glance at Song Yugui’s expression.
Expecting displeasure, she was stunned to find Song Yugui frozen, staring at her thoughtfully. Shen Xizhi’s heart raced, and she nearly took back her words, dismissing them as nonsense.
But Song Yugui agreed.
“Alright, I won’t go with her. I’ll go alone. Like I said, our relationship is the most important.”
The original owner’s family had treated her poorly, leaving her isolated and adrift. Coincidentally, Song Yugui’s current body also had no parents. They were two people with no safety net—of course they should rely on each other most.
Hearing Song Yugui reaffirm their bond, Shen Xizhi’s lips curled slightly, her eyes crinkling beautifully.
“Mhm!”
Sure enough, Chi Xiangyue soon came to invite Song Yugui to cut grass. Hadn’t she had enough after all these days? Song Yugui sighed inwardly. Meeting Shen Xizhi’s wary gaze, she smiled wryly and stood. “I’ll go talk to her. Don’t worry—I’ll turn her down.”
They’d only cut grass together a few times. Was she really this worried?
Song Yugui ruffled her wife’s hair, coaxing her to put on the jade hairpin so she could admire it later after cutting grass. She also promised to take her for a short walk in the fields—just five minutes—to get some fresh air. Staying cooped up wasn’t good for her.
After calling out to Song Yugui and Shen Xizhi, Chi Xiangyue crouched by the fence outside, scattering handfuls of white rice for the chickens.
Song Yugui’s steps faltered. Wait, the chickens eat this well?
I haven’t even had refined rice yet!
At home, Shen Xizhi was thrifty, insisting on finishing the coarse rice before buying refined grains. Song Yugui had grown accustomed to coarse rice and humored her on small matters. Who knew their chickens were dining like royalty?
“Hey, Yugui, what’s the plan? When are we heading out to cut grass today?”
Not that she’d grown fond of the chore. The novelty had worn off, and it was just tedious now. But what else was there to do? Life in Song Village was nothing like the capital, where she could meet friends for tea, storytelling, or shopping.
Here, even going to town was a hassle. If she didn’t find work and someone to chat with, she’d die of boredom.
Song Yugui saw no reason to hide the truth. Looking at Chi Xiangyue, she said bluntly, “Going out together every day—given that I’m a lesbian—isn’t good for your reputation. Why don’t you go with Miss Song today?”
Song Xinyu and Song Xingchuan flashed through her mind. Naturally, she chose Song Xinyu.
Chi Xiangyue blinked, her fingers unconsciously tightening around a chicken’s head. “You didn’t just become a lesbian. Why bring this up now?”
The female lead was quick on the uptake.
Song Yugui coughed lightly. After spending so much time together, they were on good terms, so she gestured inside. “We’re both women, and I’m a lesbian. Getting too close…”
Chi Xiangyue’s mind whirred. She glanced inside, then at Song Yugui, and suddenly understood. Her eyes widened in shock, and she lowered her voice. “Is Xizhi jealous?”
Song Yugui wouldn’t dare confirm it outright, even if it were true. She just coughed again and stayed silent.
The struggling chicken was released. Chi Xiangyue, reading her expression, burst into silent laughter. “I had no idea Xizhi was this jealous. No wonder she usually ignores me—she must’ve been jealous all along.”
Recalling past interactions, Song Yugui realized it was true. Shen Xizhi rarely had anything nice to say about Chi Xiangyue. She’d assumed it was just the natural friction between protagonist and antagonist.
“Then go alone today. I’ll stay and keep Xizhi company!”
Chi Xiangyue was thick-skinned. Even knowing Shen Xizhi was jealous, she still wanted to chat with her. She loved to talk, and Xizhi was one of the few who patiently listened—even if she rarely responded. Oh, and her cousin—her cousin was also a great listener, but they hadn’t seen each other in ages since coming here.
“Fine. But don’t bully Xizhi. She’s delicate—I always indulge her.”
Chi Xiangyue nodded solemnly. “Why would I bully her? Xizhi’s my friend too.”
With that reassurance, Song Yugui felt somewhat relieved. Hopefully, the female lead would remember this.
“Then I’ll leave Xizhi in your care for a while.”
“No problem! I’ll make sure your home is in perfect order while you’re gone!”
Song Yugui was about to smile politely but froze. That sounded… odd. Like a sister helping take care of a wife.
Wait, who said anything about her taking care of my home?
“Just chat with Xizhi. That’s all I need.”
I can manage my own household!
The two talked outside for a while until Shen Xizhi’s voice rang out from inside. “Song Yugui, if you’re not planning to eat, just say so! I won’t cook for you!”
Clearly, she’d grown impatient.
“I’ll stop here. I need to go in.”
Chi Xiangyue stood dumbfounded for a moment before realizing Song Yugui had already vanished. The scene felt eerily familiar, as if she’d experienced it before.
Song Yugui hurried inside in three strides, wrapping her arms around her wife at the stove and swaying her gently. “My dear Xizhi, I got carried away chatting with Chi Xiangyue. Don’t be mad.”
Shen Xizhi had spoken harshly earlier just to hurry her back. Now that she was here, her anger dissipated. She leaned into Song Yugui’s embrace, pressing her lips together and muttering, “You were out there so long. Were you talking about me?”
Left alone, she often overthought things, wondering if her possessiveness had upset Song Yugui.
Song Yugui was baffled by the accusation. “Do you hear someone singing?”
Shen Xizhi, confused by the sudden topic change, looked up blankly. “Huh? No. What song?”
Song Yugui: “The Ballad of Dou E!”
Shen Xizhi: …
She couldn’t help but laugh, quickly lowering her head to stir the noodles with a spoon. “Stop teasing me.”
“You misunderstood me first. Why would I badmouth you, especially to Chi Xiangyue? If I had something to say, I’d say it to your face.”
She only criticized her wife openly—never behind her back!
Only outsiders earned that treatment.
Shen Xizhi’s beautiful eyes narrowed. “Do you have complaints about me?”
Song Yugui hugged her and mimicked her usual pout. “What nonsense. Of course not. Don’t go looking for reasons to accuse me.”
Shen Xizhi covered the pot to let the noodles steam, but her dissatisfaction remained. “Don’t badmouth me to outsiders, don’t say it to my face, and don’t even think it in your heart!”
Her words boiled down to: You can’t think poorly of me!
You must believe I’m the best in the world!
What a domineering little wife. Song Yugui couldn’t help but laugh, bending over with mirth until her stomach hurt.
After getting her foot stomped on in retaliation, she poked one of Shen Xizhi’s puffed-out cheeks, deflating it, and agreed with a smile. “Alright, no saying, no thinking.”