The Scumbag Ex-Wife of the Heroine in the Old Abusive Article - Chapter 30

Carrying Wen Jin’an on her back, Qin Yang felt a strange mix of emotions.

Wen Jin’an’s injuries seemed severe. As the Original Host, Qin Yang knew that refusing entry to her family would brand her as unfilial, a reputation difficult to shake off later.

But letting them in…

“Wait here for a moment,” Qin Yang said. “The temple is already full. There’s no room for you right now. Let me go inside and ask Jin’an and the others to come out. Then you can take their places.” She needed to stall them while she discussed the situation with the Female Lead.

Besides, dawn was approaching. They could head to town as soon as it broke.

“Hurry up! Your father’s leg can’t endure staying in this place any longer,” Liu Yue’e snapped, turning away from Qin Yang to stare at Qin Youcai’s leg, tears welling in her eyes.

Qin Yang, uninterested in her nagging, turned and entered the dilapidated temple.

“Mom, do you think Qin Yang is just playing us?” Qin Cheng muttered to Liu Yue’e, glancing at Qin Yang’s retreating figure.

Liu Yue’e stopped crying instantly.

That wretched girl’s soul was already bewitched by Wen Jin’an, that Fox Spirit. Would she even listen to me now?

Her confidence wavered. Qin Youcai’s leg had been broken by a falling rock during their escape. What if something worse happened to him?

He was the family’s pillar of support.

“Let’s wait a bit longer,” Liu Yue’e said, trying to reassure herself. “If she refuses to come out, I’ll sit here and cry. I refuse to believe she’d abandon your father. Besides, Qin Zhao is with her, right? If she won’t help, your Second Sister definitely will.”

Qin Cheng nodded, craning his neck to peer inside.

Before long, Qin Yang emerged with Wen Jin’an, followed by Qin Zhao.

Wait a minute.

Liu Yue’e rubbed her eyes. Who was that beside Qin Zhao?

A closer look revealed it was none other than the village’s jinx. I knew it! she thought. No wonder everyone else is fine while my old man’s leg got crushed. It’s all because of this cursed girl!

Liu Yue’e’s anger surged. She planted her hands on her hips and snapped, “Second Elder, what are you doing with this jinx?” Her voice dripped with venom.

Miao Zhiru shrank behind Qin Zhao, her eyes reddening, biting her lip, afraid to meet Liu Yue’e’s gaze.

Qin Zhao frowned. “Mother, how can you say such things?”

Good!

Still protecting her!

Liu Yue’e had completely forgotten about Qin Youcai’s injury. She rolled up her sleeves, ready for a fight.

Qin Zhao stepped in front of Miao Zhiru, his expression cold. “Mother, what do you think you’re doing?”

“You unfilial daughter! Trying to follow in Fourth Elder’s footsteps, are you?” Liu Yue’e spat fiercely.

“Wait a minute.”

“What do you mean, ‘you want to be like Fourth Elder’?”

Qin Yang rubbed her nose. “You don’t want Qin Youcai to go inside, do you?”

“You…” Liu Yue’e glared fiercely at Qin Yang.

“What? Did I say something wrong? If you don’t want to go in, we can just turn back,” Qin Yang said calmly.

She doubted Liu Yue’e would pass up the chance to rest inside the temple.

As expected, Liu Yue’e shot Qin Yang a glare, glanced at Qin Yong, and snapped, “What are you standing there for? Hurry up and help your father inside.”

Qin Youcai’s leg pain was excruciating; even the slightest touch made him groan and whine. With no other choice, Qin Yong hoisted him onto his back. Liu Yue’e led the way, followed by Zhao Chunhua carrying Little Fatty. Qin Cheng and Qin Luo, usually the most silver-tongued of the family, trailed behind with their heads bowed as they entered the dilapidated temple.

“Let’s find a place to sit down too,” Qin Yang said.

Dawn was approaching. They would leave as soon as it broke, bypassing the town and heading straight to the County Town.

The villagers might also be heading to town. If they ran into them again…

The Qin Family was a ticking time bomb. If they found out Qin Yang still had money, they’d undoubtedly try to extort her again.

That absolutely couldn’t happen.

“Qin Zhao, you and Miss Miao should come with us,” Qin Yang said, looking at him. She paused, then continued, “Given how the Qin Family treated Miss Miao earlier, they certainly won’t let this go. You saw how they bullied Jin’an before. Do you really think Liu Yue’e will let those rumors about Miss Miao die down?”

Qin Yang paused again, then added, “I’m just offering my opinion. The decision is yours.”

Though she desperately wanted Qin Zhao to leave with them, she knew fate ultimately rested in his hands. She couldn’t make decisions for him, nor could she force him to act against his will.

“Alright, I’ll think about it,” Qin Zhao replied, glancing at Miao Zhiru beside him, a flicker of unreadable emotion in his eyes.

He knew exactly what Qin Yang meant, but leaving the Qin Family…

Though he disapproved of their actions, they were still family. Could he really abandon them?

If he stayed, he knew exactly what would happen to him and the little rabbit…

Qin Zhao felt lost. What were his true feelings for Miao Zhiru? Was it really just pity?

There were countless pitiful people in the world, and he had seen many. He felt sorry for them, but had never considered helping them.

Could it be that he harbored deeper feelings for her without realizing it?

Qin Zhao frowned deeply. Could he ever be as carefree as Qin Yang?

“Second Elder,” Liu Yue’e called out, appearing as if from nowhere.

“Your father’s leg is in unbearable pain. Go fetch a physician for him right now,” she demanded, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

At this hour? Qin Yang glanced at Qin Zhao. After last night’s disaster, the entire area had been washed clean by torrential rain. Where was she supposed to find a physician?

“Where do you expect Qin Zhao to find a physician at this hour?” Miao Zhiru interjected. Though she feared Liu Yue’e, her concern for Qin Zhao’s safety outweighed her fear.

“You cursed star! How dare you talk back to me? I’ll tear your mouth off!” Liu Yue’e, enraged by Miao Zhiru’s defense of Qin Zhao, rolled up her sleeves and charged forward.

Qin Zhao stood up, blocking Liu Yue’e’s path. “There isn’t even a village nearby. Where am I supposed to find a physician? And keep others out of this.”

“You unfilial daughter! You won’t even care for your own father? His injury is clearly because of this jinx! Everyone in the village knows Widow Miao’s husband died on their wedding day. If not for this cursed star, your father wouldn’t be hurt!” Liu Yue’e spat, pointing her finger at Qin Zhao.

Qin Zhao’s expression darkened. “I said this has nothing to do with anyone else.”

Liu Yue’e refused to back down. “Who says it doesn’t? It’s clearly her curse!”

Qin Yang raised an eyebrow, observing Qin Zhao’s expressionless gaze fixed on Liu Yue’e. A suspicion began to form in her mind.

Liu Yue’e had immediately started ordering Qin Zhao around, then cursed Miao Zhiru and even threatened violence. Could Qin Zhao truly tolerate such treatment?

“Am I not your own daughter?” Qin Zhao asked, his voice low and steady. “Don’t you know what it’s like outside? We’ve been fleeing for our lives. Where do you think we’ll find a physician?”

“This…” Liu Yue’e’s expression shifted. She craned her neck and insisted, “I don’t care! You need to find a physician now. Your father’s injury can’t wait.”

“Why don’t you send Qin Cheng and Qin Luo? Do they not have legs?” Qin Zhao retorted, his tone laced with exasperated amusement.

“They’re Kunze,” Liu Yue’e snapped back, clinging to her unreasonable argument.

“So Kunze don’t have to do anything?” Qin Yang interjected.

Liu Yue’e glared at her.

“Am I wrong? Dad’s leg is probably about as useful as theirs,” Qin Yang said with a smirk, clearly teasing.

“Stop talking nonsense… Your father’s leg… how could it possibly be related to them?” Liu Yue’e’s heart skipped a beat. Her eyes darted away, her voice strained as she vehemently denied the implication, unable to conceal her guilt.

Qin Yang blinked. Could she have hit the mark? Was Qin Youcai’s leg injury truly connected to those two precious darlings?

No wonder they had been hanging their heads earlier. Normally, they would have been glued to Liu Yue’e’s sides like shadows.

“That’s quite interesting,” Qin Yang remarked.

“Alright, you can go back now. Qin Zhao and I will search around here,” Qin Yang dismissed Liu Yue’e.

Once Liu Yue’e had left, Qin Yang turned her gaze to Qin Zhao. Qin Zhao pressed his lips together and looked away. Qin Yang asked, “Even after all this, you still want to stay with the Qin Family?”

Qin Zhao glanced at Miao Zhiru. Qin Yang continued, “You heard what she said just now, right?”

She glanced at Miao Zhiru, who remained silent, her eyes fixed on the girl.

Liu Yue’e had repeatedly called Miao Zhiru a jinx. Even just being seen near her had earned Miao Zhiru such harsh condemnation. If… Qin Zhao couldn’t bear to imagine what life would be like afterward.

If he stopped associating with Miao Zhiru, his heart would twist into a knot.

Seeing Qin Zhao’s silence, Miao Zhiru bit her lip, tears welling in her eyes. She didn’t want to burden him, but her tears refused to obey.

Qin Zhao turned back to comfort her. “Don’t worry.”

Miao Zhiru looked up, their eyes meeting. Qin Zhao said firmly, “I’ll go find a physician.”

Had Qin Zhao chosen the Qin Family after all?

Qin Yang paused, then caught the resolute, unwavering determination in his eyes, along with a tangle of complex emotions.

“Where do you think you’ll find one at this hour? Even if there’s one available, they won’t come,” Qin Yang said, grabbing his arm.

“I have to try. It’s the least I can do for them one last time,” Qin Zhao replied, his expression calm as he looked at Qin Yang.

Qin Yang was right. She must be in love with Miao Zhiru. If she stayed with the Qin Family, even if they overcame all obstacles and Miao Zhiru married into the family, her life would be miserable—perhaps even worse than Wen Jin’an’s.

She sighed. “Take good care of her for me. I’ll be back soon.”

Qin Yang looked at her, understanding dawning in her eyes. After a moment’s thought, she said, “There’s a physician in the village. Since everyone escaped together, he should be among the crowd. Let’s look for him first. If we can’t find him, there’s nothing more we can do.”

Qin Zhao nodded.

Qin Yang turned to Wen Jin’an. “Wait here for us. We’ll search nearby.”

Wen Jin’an’s lips curved slightly, but she remained silent.

Qin Yang’s hunch proved correct. The villagers had indeed gathered here after the mountain collapse. After asking around, they quickly found the physician under a large tree outside the dilapidated temple.

They explained the situation to the physician and brought him inside the temple. By then, dawn had broken.

With the physician found and Qin Zhao agreeing to leave, Qin Yang wanted no further complications. The presence of the Qin Family members still made her uneasy.

Qin Yang helped Wen Jin’an to her feet. “Let’s go. We need to get moving early.”

Wen Jin’an looked up at her for a long moment before nodding.

Qin Yang carried Xiao Bai in one arm and supported Wen Jin’an with the other as they left the dilapidated temple. The road was muddy from the overnight rain, and there were no ox-carts heading to the county town, forcing the group of four to walk.

After walking for a while, Qin Yang glanced at the others. Her stomach, as usual, betrayed her with a loud rumble, causing her considerable embarrassment. She secretly pulled four steamed buns from her robe and handed one to each person.

“We still have a long way to go,” Qin Yang said. “Let’s eat something to tide us over.” She turned to Wen Jin’an and asked softly, “Are you tired? I can carry you.”

After a restless night and with the Female Lead’s frail health, continuing to walk…

Qin Yang’s “anxiety” flared up.

She couldn’t allow anything to happen to Wen Jin’an before delivering her safely to the Capital.

That’s right. This is all for her sake, Qin Yang reassured herself.

Wen Jin’an glanced at her, her peripheral vision catching Qin Zhao and Miao Zhiru. A faint blush rose on her cheeks as she shot Qin Yang a sidelong glance. “No need,” she said. “I’m not tired. Don’t worry, Wife-Husband.”

With outsiders present, how could she say such things?

“But your health…” Qin Yang began, but Wen Jin’an swiftly took Xiao Bai from her arms without a word.

Qin Yang hurried forward, half-crouching in front of her.

Wen Jin’an: “……”

Wen Jin’an bit her lip. Is that what she meant?

“Come on, get on my back,” Qin Yang urged, turning her head to meet Wen Jin’an’s hesitant gaze.

“No need,” Wen Jin’an replied firmly, her brow furrowed.

“Are you sure?” Qin Yang asked, rising slowly and studying Wen Jin’an’s expression intently, afraid to miss any nuance.

“Yes, I’m sure,” Wen Jin’an replied, pressing a hand to her forehead, unwilling to continue the conversation. She turned her head away.

Qin Yang watched her wistfully, pursing her lips. Giving up on persuading her, she reached out and took Xiao Bai back. “I’ll carry him then.”

The little guy had grown plump as a meatball, making him surprisingly heavy to carry.

Wen Jin’an pressed her lips together, clenching her hands tightly in her sleeves, and silently followed Qin Yang.

After walking a while longer, Wen Jin’an obediently climbed onto Qin Yang’s back. The rain had washed the path, leaving it crisscrossed with rivulets and exposing jagged stones buried in the mud. The uneven surface made it easy to twist an ankle with a misstep.

Carrying Wen Jin’an, Qin Yang couldn’t help but feel a smug satisfaction, glancing sideways at Qin Zhao.

Qin Zhao paused briefly before hoisting Miao Zhiru onto his back.

After nearly four hours of travel, the group finally reached County Town just before noon. Having visited once before, Qin Yang quickly found an inn. Mindful of their dwindling funds, she requested only two “ren” (human-class) rooms.

The innkeeper smiled. “One hundred and fifty wen per room per night, three hundred wen total. Please come this way, sir.”

The innkeeper gestured toward the counter.

How much?

Qin Yang fell silent. Three hundred wen for just one night?

Aside from the wild boar in her Space, she wouldn’t have any income for a long time. Was she really going to burn through her savings? Even if she did, she doubted she had enough to last.

Her original plan had been to travel to the Northern Region.

She hadn’t expected prices in ancient times to be so high. She’d probably run out of money before even reaching her destination. Plus, she needed to settle the Female Lead first.

Qin Yang bit her lip. This was truly difficult.

For now, she needed to resolve the lodging issue. After a restless night and a tiring morning, they were all exhausted.

Qin Yang reluctantly checked in at the counter and followed the innkeeper to their rooms. The rooms were on the second floor, tucked away in a corner. They weren’t large, each containing a table and a bed, with identical layouts.

The innkeeper draped a towel over his shoulder and smiled. “Make yourselves comfortable, guests. If you need anything, just call out. Meals are served downstairs, but we can also bring them to your rooms if you prefer.”

“Thank you, we understand,” Qin Yang replied with a smile. After a moment’s hesitation, she asked, “Is there a bath available?”

“There are bathhouses downstairs,” the innkeeper replied. “Would you like me to prepare hot water for you?”

“Yes, please prepare hot water for us. We’d like to bathe,” Qin Yang said.

“Certainly, guests. Rest well for now. I’ll come call you when the hot water is ready.”

As soon as the innkeeper left, Qin Yang turned to Qin Zhao. “Let’s rest well tonight and decide what to do tomorrow.”

Now that they were settled in, they should rest first and then make a proper plan.

With that, Qin Yang helped Wen Jin’an into their room, retrieved two sets of fresh clothes from her Space, and took out ten steamed buns. She gave five to Qin Zhao, leaving five for herself and Wen Jin’an, which nearly exhausted their supply.

Steamed buns were cheap, and she could buy more to store in her Space. However, eating them every day wouldn’t do, especially since the Female Lead was weak and needed proper nutrition.

Qin Yang’s face fell at this realization.

After repeated deliberation, she finally made up her mind.

Since going anywhere would be the same, they might as well head straight to the Capital. The cost of living there would undoubtedly be higher than in this County Town, but selling the Jinchán in the Capital would fetch a much better price.

This would solve their immediate financial problems and allow them to bring the Female Lead to the Capital—killing two birds with one stone. As for the Northern Region, that would have to wait for another time.

While she was pondering, a knock came at the door.

Qin Yang rose to answer it. The innkeeper stood outside. “The hot water is ready, guests. You may use the bathhouse now.”

“Thank you,” Qin Yang nodded to the innkeeper, gathered the fresh clothes, and left the room with Wen Jin’an. She also called out to Qin Zhao and the others.

The bathhouse was divided into male and female sections. The male section was further divided into Male Qianyuan and Male Kunze areas, while the female section was divided into Female Qianyuan and Female Kunze areas. As a result, Qin Yang and Wen Jin’an had to bathe separately.