I'll Raise Pigs to Support You - Chapter 49

The people from Shen Village were somewhat embarrassed by the taunts and immediately began to clamor, “Parents coming to see how their daughter is doing—that’s only natural! Even the county magistrate wouldn’t say we’re in the wrong. Don’t you twist things!”

Song Yugui, seeing how aggressive the Shen family was, felt her face darken with anger. Her Zhi’er was soft-hearted and easy to bully—what kind of life must she have led with these people before?

“Who’s the one twisting things here? The money I gave you back then was enough to marry three wives! Once married, a woman belongs to her wife’s family. Shen Xizhi is now my person. I refuse to acknowledge you as in-laws, and no matter what you say, it’s useless! A family that sells their daughter—how dare you call yourselves my in-laws?”

Chi Xiangyue immediately chimed in, “That’s right! Well said!”

The Shen family elder who had stepped forward to speak grew visibly displeased. But after glancing at the fine clothing of the two women—each outfit worth a tidy sum—he swallowed his discomfort and adopted an even sterner tone. “Xizhi, listen to the nonsense your wife is spouting! You’re my daughter, a daughter of the Shen family. Occasional visits are only natural. Are you just going to let her insult your natal family like this? You’re being utterly unreasonable!”

Shen Xizhi realized that after two years away from home, her father’s face had grown even thicker.

She lifted her chin and sneered, “What’s the point of saying all this? If you can swear right now that you’ll never ask me or my wife for money again, I’ll let you in.”

The other side instantly fell silent, their expressions turning guilty, as if a lump had lodged in their throats. Apart from her father, every face bore a look of unease.

Their purpose was already clear.

Shen’s father quickly regained his stern composure. “Xizhi! Are you going to be an unfilial daughter?”

In any prefecture or county, unfilial behavior was a serious charge. But in the countryside, where official oversight was lax—where people could die unexplained deaths without attracting attention—verbal accusations of unfilial piety often went unpunished.

Shen Xizhi wasn’t afraid of her father’s words. Lowering her eyes, her voice was as cold as the depths of winter. “You were the one who said that once I married into the Song family, I’d belong to them. The Song family has no mother-in-law, so who exactly am I being unfilial to?”

Song Yugui thought her wife made an excellent point. Nodding firmly with a stern face, she added, “Exactly! She’s my wife. She only needs to be filial to my parents. Didn’t you already sell her to me? You never cared about her before—what’s the meaning of showing up now?”

Some time ago, she’d learned from others that the original owner had spent over twenty taels of silver to marry Shen Xizhi—virtually all her savings. In these parts, marrying a wife cost only two or three taels. Twenty taels? That was enough to tempt anyone into selling their daughter. This was also why the Shen family had turned a blind eye to the abuse Shen Xizhi suffered after her marriage.

The two sides were at a stalemate. The Shen family members grew increasingly anxious, whispering among themselves.

Finally, a young man of slight stature and somewhat immature features stepped out from behind Shen’s father. The whispers immediately ceased, and all eyes turned to him.

He stopped the furious Shen father and, with an air of refined politeness, bowed slightly to the two women. Interestingly, while the rest of the Shen family wore tattered, patched clothing, this man was dressed in a brand-new cotton robe.

Song Yugui narrowed her eyes, suspicions brewing. Then she heard him say, “Elder Sisters, this humble one is Shen Yaozu of the Shen family.”

Damn, it really is Yaozu.

“Heh.”

Shen Yaozu had barely finished introducing himself when a snort of disdain came from the other side. His movements froze, and his lips twitched. What the hell? What’s the meaning of this?

Don’t they know who I am?!

How is that possible!

After Shen Yaozu spoke, the Shen family members’ faces filled with pride, their chins lifting slightly. Even some of the Song Village folks eyed him with hesitant curiosity.

Shen Yaozu wasn’t even a named character in the novel, so Song Yugui paid him no mind. She only felt that he reeked of a nauseating arrogance from head to toe.

Only when numerous admiring and reverential gazes fell upon him did Shen Yaozu feel the knot in his chest loosen slightly.

Continuing with practiced courtesy, he said, “I presume you both know that this humble one is a tong sheng (government student) of Lin’an County.”

Song Yugui’s expression remained icy. “What’s a tong sheng? I don’t know.”

Shen Yaozu: “…”

Tch. Country bumpkins with no education—don’t even know what a tong sheng is.

Hiding the mockery in his eyes, he continued, “A tong sheng is a scholar. But as everyone knows, studying requires money. So today, I’ve come to discuss a business proposal with you two elders.”

He clasped his hands behind his back, straightening his posture further.

Though he was indeed here to borrow money, he didn’t consider himself beneath them.

Song Yugui could tell from his demeanor that most of the contributions Shen Xizhi had made to her family had likely benefited him.

This man, for all his arrogance, spoke to them without truly seeing them as equals. He must have looked down on Xizhi plenty in the past.

Song Yugui quietly pulled her wife behind her for protection.

Then she raised an eyebrow. “What kind of business? Let’s hear it.”

With that stupid face, you’re not cut out for business. Say it, so I can laugh about it with my wife under the covers tonight.

Unaware of the disdain in her eyes, Shen Yaozu maintained his haughty demeanor. “This humble one wishes to borrow a small sum from you two elders. Once I pass the imperial examinations, I will repay you double.”

Song Yugui: “…”

This is your so-called ‘business proposal’?

Shen Yaozu, seeing that the other party wasn’t overjoyed, stiffened. Forcing a smile, he added, “Naturally. Once I pass, I will never forget your kindness.”

“… What did you say you were again?”

Song Yugui, afraid she’d misheard, asked once more. Before Shen Yaozu could process the question, Chi Xiangyue was already laughing uncontrollably. “Pfft—a tong sheng, he said he’s a tong sheng.”

Song Yugui: “…”

Are you kidding me? I thought you’d at least be a xiu cai (scholar) before you started acting so proud. Whether a tong sheng can even pass the xiu cai exams is up in the air, and you’re talking about ‘passing the imperial examinations’? Pass my ass.

Chi Xiangyue was practically clutching her stomach in laughter, nearly toppling over several times. She clung to Shen Xizhi to steady herself. She’d thought this guy must be some prodigy to be so arrogant. If he’d been a xiu cai or a ju ren (provincial graduate), she might’ve considered putting in a good word for him. But a tong sheng with an inflated ego?

Shen Yaozu’s face burned with humiliation. A surge of shame and anger rose in his chest. “I became a tong sheng at fifteen! If you’re willing to lend my family money, I’ll soon pass the xiu cai exams—and after that, the ju ren and jin shi (metropolitan graduate) exams!”

Such big words for someone so young. But Song Yugui had no faith in him. Besides, with this family’s attitude, even if he did pass, they’d just come back to gloat—forget about repayment.

So she was blunt. “No money. Not lending.”

Everyone: “…”

Even Aunt Li hesitated this time. To country folk, producing a scholar was a matter of ancestral pride. With Song Yugui shutting him down so decisively, if he really did pass the exams someday, he’d never let her off the hook.

Shen Yaozu’s face darkened instantly. “I said I’d repay you double!”

“And I said I’m not lending.”

“You—!”

Madam Wang was equally displeased. “Xizhi! Your wife refuses to help your natal family—she’s humiliating you! You know how well your brother studies. Having a scholar in the family is like the ancestors smiling from the grave! Hurry up and talk some sense into your wife!”

Madam Wang’s face and eyes were fierce with anger.

Song Yugui thought, My wife is timid! Whatever you’ve got, aim it at me—don’t scare her!

So without hesitation, she blocked Madam Wang’s line of sight again, her expression cold. “Study my ass. What kind of scholar strong-arms his married sister for money? You’ve stuffed your books down a dog’s throat—no sense of family or shame. Get lost! Take your shameless schemes elsewhere. Don’t think just because our household has only two women that we’re easy to bully!”

Her words were merciless. Though her frame was slender, in Shen Xizhi’s eyes, she suddenly seemed towering.

In all these years, only Song Yugui would stand in front of her without hesitation, shielding her—even at the cost of offending potential officials.

Chi Xiangyue, who had also helped her, was long forgotten. Shen Xizhi’s eyes held only her wife, gazing at her with adoration and admiration.

Chi Xiangyue caught the look and nearly burst into teasing. If not for the crowd, she would’ve let loose.

Madam Wang trembled with rage. The Shen family, seeing that Song Yugui refused to lend money, took turns trying to persuade her—some saying “better to make friends than enemies,” others insisting that “bl00d is thicker than water,” urging them to help Shen Yaozu. If he really passed, they argued, the sisters would benefit too.

Chi Xiangyue grew more and more disgusted, her disdain evident. “Him? Pass? Pfft. Is the court that desperate?”

Her contempt was too blatant, further enraging the Shen family. “You—who are you? This is a family matter—why are you butting in?!”

The Shen family was furious. They’d nearly gotten inside when this woman—strong as an ox and sharp-tongued—appeared out of nowhere, helping Shen Xizhi block them all out!

“I’m from Song Village, of course! Song Yugui’s business is my business!”

Martial artists valued loyalty. How could she abandon a friend in need?

“Elders are speaking—who gave you the right to interrupt? Scram! Or we’ll call your father over and ask how he raised a daughter who dares disrespect her elders!”

“Were you looking for me?”

A gentle, scholarly voice sounded from behind. Some turned to look. Shen Yaozu followed their gaze—and nearly jumped out of his skin. He immediately bowed deeply. “Teacher.”

The others were stunned. The newcomer was Shen Yaozu’s teacher—didn’t that mean he was even more accomplished?

Chi Jingming glanced at the uneasy crowd and walked unhurriedly to his daughter’s side. “What’s going on?”

He didn’t spare his student Shen Yaozu a glance, addressing only Chi Xiangyue. He knew his daughter’s temperament—she’d tell the truth, unlike others.

After listening to Chi Xiangyue’s furious account, he turned his gaze to Shen Yaozu, whose face had gone pale with discomfort.

In principle, he shouldn’t interfere with how a student funded their studies. But if a student lacked integrity, teaching them would be a chore. Even if they succeeded, they’d hardly work for the people’s welfare.

Shen Yaozu broke into a cold sweat under his teacher’s gaze. That woman was the teacher’s daughter? And his mother had insulted her?

Hearing his actions described by an outsider, he realized how improper they seemed. She hadn’t even exaggerated, yet the teacher’s attitude toward him had already shifted.

Sure enough, the next moment, his teacher spoke.

“Yaozu, find another mentor.”

Shen Yaozu: “???”

Everyone else: “???”

So blunt? No questions, no pleasantries?

Shen Yaozu’s face whitened. The Shen family was equally stunned. Madam Wang, initially regretting her harsh words to the teacher’s daughter, grew incensed. She declared Yaozu a prodigy and that Chi Jingming would regret his decision—only to leave him speechless.

The Shen family panicked, some pleading with Shen Xizhi for money, others begging Chi Jingming not to abandon Shen Yaozu—assuming it was about tuition and promising to pay.

After all, he was the family’s only hope in generations. Even if they had to pool money again, they’d make it happen.

Shen Xizhi, annoyed by the pestering, hid behind her wife but glared sharply at them all. “You’re so eager for me to give money because you’re afraid my parents won’t repay what they owe you, aren’t you?”

The Shen family froze. Whispers rose around them. They felt like the whole world was laughing at them.

Especially Madam Wang and Shen’s father.

This is the first time I’ve been so humiliated—I can’t even lift my head. They called in their relatives not only to help mediate and borrow money but also to make it clear to them: they have a married daughter whose family is now doing well and can definitely repay the debt. Which rural family doesn’t treasure every penny they have? Naturally, they were eager to lend money to the Shen family, counting on Song Yugui’s wife to cover it.

But Shen Xizhi thought they were out of their minds!

They were the ones who insisted on betting on Shen Yaozu and lending money. Now they want the two of us wives to clean up their mess? Not a chance!

Song Yugui, unaware of the complexities, loathed them more. Wish I’d brought my cleaver.

She squeezed Shen Xizhi’s hand. “No way. Every coin I earned is mine. Those who bullied my wife get nothing.”

Shen Xizhi nodded vehemently. Her money’s for me—not them!

The Shen family’s commotion ended with them barred from the house and losing a teacher. Madam Wang trembled with rage, cursing Shen Xizhi’s unfiliality and Chi Jingming’s rejection.

“Regret it! My son will top the exams—”

Shen Yaozu, pale, silenced her.

Unlike his deluded family, he knew Chi Jingming’s worth—a teacher whose guidance brought epiphanies. Losing him was catastrophic.

“Teacher, I was wrong.”

“A fault confessed is half redressed.”

Chi Jingming’s tone was mild but final.

The villagers, impressed by his stature, dispersed after he left.

Song Yugui gave Aunt Li a pork rib in thanks.

Chi Xiangyue pouted. “My reward?”

“Friends don’t keep score.”

Chi Xiangyue gasped. “What?! No meat for me?”

Song Yugui laughed. “Joking. I’ll bring you pastries tomorrow.”

Satisfied, Chi Xiangyue left, teasingly warning, “Don’t let me catch you two being indecent!”

Alone now, Song Yugui stroked Shen Xizhi’s cheek. “Did I scare you, coming back late?”

Shen Xizhi hadn’t been too afraid—Song Village’s solidarity helped. But…

Eyes misting, she clung to Song Yugui. “They broke our fence!”

Song Yugui checked—it was busted. She’d have to climb over.

Can’t laugh—she’ll think I don’t care.

“Savages! Should’ve made them pay!”

Shen Xizhi nodded fiercely. “Exactly!”

Song Yugui carried her inside, soothing her with dried fruit. “Don’t fret. They’re not worth it.”

But after settling Shen Xizhi, Song Yugui didn’t fetch the cart immediately—she went back to town, returning at dusk with an excuse about helping an old lady.

Days later, Aunt Li gossiped, “Your father and brothers got beaten up!”

Shen Xizhi gasped. “What?”

“Must’ve offended someone—ambushed and left bruised. Found by our villagers.”

“Who did it?”

“Who knows? The Shen family’s arrogance made them enemies. Even if they suspect Song Yugui, no proof.”

Serves them right!

Shen Xizhi secretly relished it.

As for rumors it was Song Yugui? Preposterous! My wife’s law-abiding and kind—would never ambush anyone!