Transmigrated Into an Ancient Filial Piety Novel as a Scumbag Alpha (GL) - Chapter 36

Chapter 36

Ji Huan smiled faintly and looked outside, her gaze finally resting on Ji Sen. She flashed a smile at him, which made Ji Sen’s legs go weak with fear.

He still remembered the day Ji Huan hit him with that same expression. He hurriedly said, “Second Sister, this has nothing to do with me. My wife and I didn’t say anything. It has no connection to us.”

As he spoke, Ji Sen pulled Wang Xiuxiu back far, almost ready to cry.

Ji Huan sneered and turned her gaze to Ji Yuan and Liu Fengmei. “Oh, Third Brother? Weren’t you just full of words earlier? Why so quiet now?”

“Second Sister,” Ji Yuan said, feeling uneasy under Ji Huan’s piercing stare. After a moment, he continued, “Mother needs money for treatment. She wants to borrow those four taels of silver from you.”

Ji Huan’s smile grew wider, but when she looked at the Ji family, Ji Ming and the others felt her smile sent chills down their spines.

“Does Mother have an illness? She seems perfectly healthy to me. On such a cold day, she cried outside my door for nearly an hour and a half, didn’t she? Her voice was still so loud. Could it be she was crying just for me to hear?”

Ji Huan put on a sudden realization expression. Ignoring the looks on everyone’s faces, she continued, “You all went to such trouble, acting in this cold weather. But your acting skills are a bit lacking. Look at Ji Ming and Li Yulan—you two don’t even have a single tear on your faces. You didn’t show any of the emotion of children who can’t bear to see their parents suffer. After this, you two should go back and practice more.”

Ji Ming and Li Yulan were stunned by her words. They had imagined a thousand possible reactions from Ji Huan: her crying in Li Yulan’s arms, arguing loudly with them, or reluctantly giving in despite her frustration. But none of them matched this situation. What was Ji Huan doing?

Ignoring their dumbfounded expressions, Ji Huan pointed at Liu Fengmei and said, “Mother, your acting is even worse. If you’re supposed to be gravely ill, you’ve been shouting at the top of your lungs for half an hour. Your energy is better than mine. You don’t look frail at all. You should act weaker and keep your voice lower when you speak.”

“Oh, right, and Ji Yuan,” Ji Huan added. “Your acting is the best in the family. You played the hypocrite so vividly. Oh, wait, I forgot.” She feigned annoyance and continued, “You’re already a hypocrite, so you didn’t need to act. It’s just your true self shining through. Impressive, impressive.”

“Who are you calling a hypocrite, Ji Huan?” Ji Yuan’s face flushed with anger, looking ready to fight her.

“I’m talking about you,” Ji Huan replied. “This whole farce was your idea, wasn’t it, Ji Yuan? Use your brain for once. You’re seventeen this year, and the ideas you come up with are so bad even the pigs in the backyard would cringe. They’re full of flaws. How have you been studying all these years? If the pigs in the backyard read your books every day, they might even pass the scholar exam.” Ji Huan looked at Ji Yuan with a disdainful expression.

“You, you, Ji Huan, how dare you insult me!” Ji Yuan, trembling with rage, pointed at her.

Ji Huan nodded calmly. “Yes, I’m insulting you. And do I even need to? Look around—doesn’t everyone see you’re clueless? Isn’t that a fact?”

“Alright, everyone, it’s cold outside. Go back to your rooms and stop acting. If you’re bored, go fetch water for the tank. Oh, and Ji Yuan, go feed the pigs in the backyard. You can chat with them if you’re free. I don’t have time to watch your performance anymore. See you later.” Ji Huan waved at Jiang Yubai, ready to take Little White Rabbit for a walk around the village.

Liu Fengmei, stunned by Ji Huan’s words, didn’t know whether to cry or laugh. “Ji Huan, you’re just leaving like that?”

Ji Huan turned to look at Liu Fengmei, nodding matter-of-factly. “Yes, what else? Mother, do you have more acting questions for me?”

“Ji Huan! Have you made enough of a scene?” Ji Mantun, hearing her words, slammed his pipe heavily against the doorframe.

“Me, making a scene? Father, who did you learn this blame-shifting from? Have you no shame? My wife and I were perfectly fine in our room. Weren’t you the ones crying and making a fuss at my door? And you dare say I’m the one causing trouble?”

Ji Huan sneered at Ji Mantun. “Let me be clear: you won’t get a single thought of those four taels of silver. I’d rather feed them to the pigs than give them to you. Got it?”

Ji Huan glared at everyone impatiently, took Jiang Yubai’s hand, and walked happily out the door.

Jiang Yubai, watching Ji Huan roast the Ji family, had been holding back laughter. Once they left the courtyard, she couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

“What’s so funny?” Ji Huan asked, looking at Little White Rabbit beside her.

“Sister, you’re so good at scolding. I’ve never heard so many of those words before,” Little White Rabbit said, giggling as she recalled Ji Yuan’s defeated expression.

“Tch, that was nothing. I didn’t even use a tenth of my skills. They’re no match for me,” Ji Huan said cheerfully.

Jiang Yubai nodded in agreement. She realized the entire Ji family couldn’t outtalk Ji Huan alone.

But Ji Huan didn’t get carried away. She glanced around, saw no one nearby, and whispered to Little White Rabbit, “When we meet people later, act a bit depressed, like someone bullied you.”

“Why, Sister?” Jiang Yubai asked, still unclear about Ji Huan’s plan.

Ji Huan winked at Little White Rabbit. “You’ll understand later. If enough people talk, even lies become truth. If you cry wolf too many times, people will believe it’s real even if it’s not. We’re just laying the groundwork for the future.”

Jiang Yubai was confused but nodded obediently. Her sister was smart, so listening to her was the right move!

The afternoon sun was pleasant. Ji Huan and Jiang Yubai walked along the dirt path without feeling dazzled. Ji Huan planned to visit the stream. Having been in this world so long, she craved fish and wondered if she could catch some.

While Ji Huan and Jiang Yubai enjoyed a relaxed time, the Ji family courtyard was shrouded in gloom.

Ji Yuan, furious, had veins bulging on his forehead. “Mother, Ji Huan compared me to a pig? I can’t swallow this insult no matter what.”

Ji Mantun looked at Ji Yuan and frowned. “Swallow it or not, you have to. The villagers already resent our family. If we drive Ji Huan out again, we won’t be able to stay in this village. Don’t provoke her. Third Son, think of another way.”

“What about those four taels of silver?” Liu Fengmei asked. With the New Year approaching, getting those four taels back for Ji Yuan would ease their finances and let them buy more festive goods.

“What can we do? Didn’t you hear Ji Huan? She won’t give it up. Everyone, disperse,” Ji Mantun said, feeling humiliated by Ji Huan exposing them, as if she’d slapped him in the courtyard.

Unlike the others, Ji Sen secretly chuckled on the side. Why hadn’t he noticed before how good Ji Huan was at roasting people? She had Ji Yuan on the verge of tears.

Ji Yuan stormed back to his room and slammed the door.

Meanwhile, when Ji Huan and Jiang Yubai reached the village stream, they saw someone fishing. As they got closer, Ji Huan realized it was Zhou Xiaochun and Er Zhuzi.

Zhou Xiaochun spotted Ji Huan and Jiang Yubai and waved from afar. “Ji Huan, are you here to fish too?”

Ji Huan shed her earlier arrogance from the courtyard and gave Zhou Xiaochun a simple smile. “No, we don’t have fishing rods. I just came to take a look.”

“We have some. You can borrow ours. Come fish with us,” Zhou Xiaochun said with a smile.

Ji Huan nodded and brought Jiang Yubai over to join them.

“Look, we’ve got hooks and bait ready. Do you know how to use a fishing rod?” Zhou Xiaochun asked enthusiastically.

Ji Huan nodded. “I do. Thanks. We came to fish without bringing anything.”

“No big deal. We’re friends. Fishing together is fun,” Zhou Xiaochun said with a smile.

Ji Huan took a rod, hooked a piece of pig liver, and cast the line into the stream. Then she waited quietly for a fish to bite.

Seeing Little White Rabbit’s interest, Ji Huan handed her the rod and let her sit on a low rock to fish.

Er Zhuzi, unable to hold back, looked at Ji Huan and asked, “Are things okay since you went back? Your parents didn’t give you a hard time, did they?”

Zhou Xiaochun also looked at Ji Huan, wanting to ask the same but hesitant since they’d just met. Er Zhuzi had asked for her.

Ji Huan gave Er Zhuzi a shy smile and hesitated before saying, “My parents were pretty good to us after they came back yesterday. They didn’t make me or Yubai do any work. Last night, Big Brother even brought food to our room. Everything’s fine, just…”

After saying “just,” Ji Huan’s expression turned flustered, as if she’d said something wrong, and she stopped talking.

Er Zhuzi, impatient, stomped his feet, not caring if he scared the fish. “Just what? Say it! You’re killing me!”

Ji Huan bit her lip, hesitated, glanced at Er Zhuzi and Zhou Xiaochun, but stayed silent.

Seeing Ji Huan’s hesitation, Zhou Xiaochun encouraged her, “It’s just us here. Don’t be afraid. The Ji family can’t hear. Don’t you trust me and Er Zhuzi?”

Ji Huan shook her head sadly. “It’s not that I don’t trust you. I just think Mother might be right.”

“What did your mother say to you?” Er Zhuzi asked urgently, worried Ji Huan’s filial nature had been manipulated again.

“My mother fainted on the mountain, didn’t she? My third brother said she’s frail and needs lots of tonics. They gave me those four taels of silver before, and now Mother wants to borrow them. She’ll pay me back when they have more money. I’m thinking maybe I should listen to her. Her health matters,” Ji Huan said to Zhou Xiaochun with an honest expression.

Er Zhuzi exploded first. “Borrow, my ass! They’re trying to rob you, Ji Huan. What’s wrong with you? Can’t you see that? They’re tricking you to get those four taels. Tricking, got it?”

Er Zhuzi threw his rod aside, pacing angrily by the stream, more upset than Ji Huan, as if he were the one being bullied.

Ji Huan looked at Er Zhuzi, muttering, “They wouldn’t, would they? Mother wouldn’t joke about her health, right?”

“Why not? Your parents are biased. Your whole family’s been bullying you for years. When your sister was here, they bullied both of you. Now that she’s gone, they bully you and your wife. Ji Huan, how can you still not see what kind of people they are?” Er Zhuzi said, exasperated.

“I know Mother doesn’t treat me as well as my brothers, but she’s not too bad. She wouldn’t trick me for the silver,” Ji Huan said, defending Liu Fengmei.

Zhou Xiaochun couldn’t stand it anymore and leaned in to persuade her. “Ji Huan, think about how much money your third brother, Ji Yuan, spends studying in town every year.”

Ji Huan’s eyes flickered as she thought. “He needs to pay for books, lodging, and gifts for the teacher every quarter. He also eats at the academy. It’s at least ten taels a year.”

Zhou Xiaochun, delighted, followed up quickly. “Exactly. Your family can afford your brother’s studies, so they’re not poor. Your parents have plenty of money. They don’t need your four taels.”

Seeing Ji Huan’s expression soften, Zhou Xiaochun continued, “Even if you don’t care about the four taels, think about your wife. If you leave the Ji family one day, those four taels could help you start a new life. You absolutely can’t give them up. If your mother brings it up again, say you lent the money to me and tell them to confront me.”

“That’s too much trouble for you,” Ji Huan said. She wanted to spread the word about the Ji family’s true nature to the villagers, but she hadn’t expected Zhou Xiaochun and Er Zhuzi to be such good, trustworthy friends.

“No trouble at all. We’re from the same village. If you’re in trouble, we can’t just stand by,” Zhou Xiaochun said with a smile.

“Exactly. If they bully you again, come find me,” Er Zhuzi said, patting his chest.

Ji Huan looked at Zhou Xiaochun with a hesitant, sorrowful expression. “Xiaochun, are my parents really like you say?”

Seeing Ji Huan’s eyes redden, Zhou Xiaochun sighed and advised, “In life, the most important thing is to cherish yourself. Parents and siblings matter, but not more than yourself. Always think of yourself and your wife first. Don’t throw yourself into working for the Ji family anymore.”

“Exactly, Ji Huan. The village has been talking about this for a while. Back then, you were quiet, working like an ox every day. No one could劝 you. But after recent events, you should know in your heart that your family doesn’t deserve your devotion. Don’t give them that money. Like Xiaochun said, tell them you lent it to her,” Er Zhuzi added.

Ji Huan’s eyes reddened as she struggled, then nodded firmly. “Alright, I’ll listen to you. You’re right. I’m not alone anymore. I have to think of my wife. Thank you for talking to me today.”

“No need. It’s great you’ve thought it through,” Zhou Xiaochun said, relieved, finally in the mood to fish again.

Jiang Yubai glanced at Ji Huan, then looked at the stream, avoiding her sister’s gaze to not give her away. After all, Ji Huan had just argued with the Ji family, and this demeanor was likely an act.

“Alright, Ji Huan, stop thinking about those upsetting things. We came out to have fun. Later, join us to grill fish by the stream. We brought seasoning,” Er Zhuzi said, picking up his rod and sitting back down.

“Great, we’ll join you,” Ji Huan said, forcing a smile, still looking a bit down.

At that moment, Jiang Yubai’s rod twitched. She stared at it intently. “Sister, the rod’s moving.”

Ji Huan hurried over. “Let me see.”

She took the rod from Little White Rabbit and quickly reeled it in. Soon, a palm-sized crucian carp appeared before them.

The fish flopped excitedly out of the water. Ji Huan grabbed the lively fish and tossed it into the basket.

“Sister, I caught a fish,” Little White Rabbit said, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Ji Huan.

Ji Huan looked down at Little White Rabbit and said softly, “Good job, my wife is the best.”

With others around, Ji Huan’s teasing tone and calling her “wife” made Little White Rabbit blush. She avoided Ji Huan’s gaze, mimicking her by hooking a small piece of pig liver and casting the line back into the stream.

Zhou Xiaochun sneaked a glance at Ji Huan and Jiang Yubai’s interaction, wondering to herself if the rumors weren’t entirely true. Their relationship seemed genuinely good.

They fished for a while, occasionally catching fish. The biggest was a two-pound carp Zhou Xiaochun caught, while the rest were mostly crucian carp.

They squatted by the stream, scaled the fish, cleaned out the guts, and removed the gills.

Er Zhuzi set up a grill over the fire. They placed the fish on the iron rack to roast. Er Zhuzi brushed oil on them, and soon the aroma of grilled fish wafted far.

Zhou Xiaochun heated water in a small pot, soaking dried mushrooms. Once they expanded, she sliced them and placed them on the rack to roast with oil.

The fresh scent of fish mingled with the mushroom aroma, drifting far. Little White Rabbit couldn’t take her eyes off the mushrooms on the rack.

Er Zhuzi sprinkled salt again, and the fish began to sizzle with oil.

Since fish cooked quickly, the fish were soon done.

Er Zhuzi flipped the fish to check. “They’re done. Grab some to eat.”

Ji Huan quickly took a fish for Jiang Yubai, then took one for herself. The fresh fish tasted great, despite their small size.

Zhou Xiaochun brought bowls and served everyone some grilled mushrooms. Ji Huan carved chopsticks from branches and handed them out.

She tried a piece of mushroom, which was fragrant and chewy. With some chili, it would’ve been even better.

Looking at Little White Rabbit, Ji Huan saw Jiang Yubai’s cheeks puffed out like a hamster’s.

Ji Huan’s eyes curved as she looked at Jiang Yubai. Seeing Little White Rabbit happy made her happy too.

“How’s the taste?” Zhou Xiaochun asked with a smile.

“Delicious. The grilled mushrooms are as good as the fish, full of fresh flavor,” Ji Huan said, praising with a smile.

“I picked them in the mountains during spring and summer. I dried them all since I had too many. Save some room—we brought flour. Later, we’ll make noodle lump soup with the leftover fish,” Zhou Xiaochun said, moving the grill aside.

She found some stones, set the iron pot on them, and added oil. She fried the fish, added water, soaked mushrooms, soy sauce, and salt. When it boiled, she tore the flour into small lumps and sprinkled them evenly into the pot. Soon, the aroma filled the air.

With others around, Jiang Yubai hadn’t eaten much. The small crucian carp only whetted her appetite. Seeing more food, Little White Rabbit perked up.

Ji Huan looked at Zhou Xiaochun and smiled. “You guys sure know how to eat, bringing flour and all.”

“Of course. Er Zhuzi and I come fishing sometimes. We bring noodles, but this time we were rushed, so I just brought flour. Noodle lump soup is good too,” Zhou Xiaochun said.

And it was. With fish and mushrooms and a sizzling pot, it was far better than the Ji family’s meals.

The noodle lump soup cooked quickly. Zhou Xiaochun filled everyone’s bowls. “Drink up. There’s more in the pot.”

“Alright,” Ji Huan said, nodding. She tasted the fish noodle lump soup, which had a hint of peppery spice, mixed with mushroom and fish flavors, plus carbs—delicious and energizing.

Ji Huan sipped a few times, feeling utterly comfortable.

Seeing Ji Huan’s expression relax, Zhou Xiaochun smiled and comforted her. “Smile more and forget those troubles. Let’s come out every so often to help you unwind.”

Ji Huan smiled at Zhou Xiaochun and Er Zhuzi. “Thanks for comforting me today. I know what to do about the four taels now.”

“Good. You’ve got to think about yourself more,” Er Zhuzi said, relieved.

Ji Huan finished her bowl and was full, but she knew Little White Rabbit was only half-full. She took Jiang Yubai’s bowl and added more.

Ji Huan handed the bowl to Jiang Yubai. “Eat some more, but save room. We’ll have dinner back home.”

Since the pot’s contents were limited and brought by Zhou Xiaochun, Ji Huan didn’t want to take too much. They’d eat more back at the Ji house.

Little White Rabbit’s ears reddened as she glanced shyly at Zhou Xiaochun and Er Zhuzi.

“No worries, eat up. There’s more in the pot,” Zhou Xiaochun said with a smile, surprised by Jiang Yubai’s appetite.

After finishing the soup, Zhou Xiaochun and Er Zhuzi washed the pot by the stream. Ji Huan and Jiang Yubai put out the fire with dirt. They all walked back to the village together.

Near the Ji family gate, Er Zhuzi couldn’t help but remind her, “Ji Huan, remember what we told you. Don’t get fooled again.”

“Don’t worry, I’ve got it this time,” Ji Huan said, looking at Er Zhuzi and Zhou Xiaochun with an honest expression.

Zhou Xiaochun patted Ji Huan’s shoulder. “Think about yourself and your wife more.”

“Got it, don’t worry,” Ji Huan said, nodding as she watched them leave.

Jiang Yubai, seeing them go, tugged at Ji Huan’s sleeve from behind.

Ji Huan turned and smiled at Jiang Yubai. “What’s up?”

“Sister, you weren’t going to give the Ji family the four taels anyway. Why did you say that to Zhou Xiaochun and them?” Little White Rabbit asked, puzzled.

Ji Huan pulled Jiang Yubai closer and whispered, “I wasn’t just talking to them. Er Zhuzi will tell his family, and Zhou Xiaochun will too. Her father’s the village head, so it’s like he knows the Ji family tried to trick me out of the four taels. Slowly, the news will spread through the village. People will trust me more, and even if the Ji family tells the truth later, no one will believe them.”

Little White Rabbit’s eyes lit up, and she nuzzled into Ji Huan’s arms. “Sister, you’re so clever.”

Ji Huan’s lips curved as she ruffled Little White Rabbit’s hair. “Of course. Just watch me work.”

In a great mood, Ji Huan led Little White Rabbit back to the Ji family courtyard, which was empty. She took Jiang Yubai straight to their room, ignoring the Ji family entirely.

Wang Xiuxiu, whose room was closest to the gate, heard them return and whispered to Ji Sen, lying on the bed, “Hey, look, Ji Huan and them are back.”

Ji Sen, lounging with his legs crossed, said lazily, “So they’re back. I’m not messing with her. You remember too—don’t provoke Ji Huan. You won’t come out on top.”

Wang Xiuxiu thought about earlier events and nodded. Even Ji Yuan, the most educated, couldn’t outtalk Ji Huan. They’d better steer clear.

When Zhou Xiaochun got home, dinner was ready. The village head and his wife, Xia Hong, were eating. Seeing Zhou Xiaochun, he smiled and asked, “How was fishing?”

Zhou Xiaochun, eager to talk about Ji Huan, washed her hands and sat at the table. “Good haul. Ji Huan and Jiang Yubai were at the stream too, so we fished together.”

“How’s Ji Huan doing?” the village head asked, looking at Zhou Xiaochun.

“Same as always. She almost got tricked by her mother again,” Zhou Xiaochun said, sighing over the afternoon’s events.

“What happened? Tell me,” the village head said immediately.

“Ji Huan’s mother said she needed money for treatment and tonics and wanted the four taels back that they gave Ji Huan. Ji Huan was about to agree, but Er Zhuzi and I talked her out of it. Their family isn’t poor—her third brother’s still studying. They don’t need her four taels,” Zhou Xiaochun said.

“Ji Huan almost fell for it again?” Xia Hong asked curiously.

“Exactly. She probably still thinks her mother wouldn’t lie to her. She’s a good person, just too filial. Her family takes advantage of that to bully her,” Zhou Xiaochun analyzed.

“Yeah, since you know Ji Huan, remind her more so she doesn’t do anything foolish,” the village head said, sighing.

“Don’t worry, Dad. Er Zhuzi and I are keeping an eye on the Ji family. Their life is like that, and I think Ji Huan would be better off splitting from her parents,” Zhou Xiaochun said, sharing her thoughts.

The village head sighed. “That kid’s so filial, I doubt she’d agree to split. If she did, everyone would support her, but it’s her family matter. We can’t force her.”

Zhou Xiaochun nodded. “True. I’ll keep an eye on Ji Huan with Er Zhuzi and make sure she doesn’t get tricked.”

Zhou Xiaochun talked more about Ji Huan with her parents, mostly complaining about how poorly the Ji family treated her.

Meanwhile, Er Zhuzi did the same, telling his mother, Aunt Wu, who shared it with close friends. The news reached the village gossip, Aunt Yuan, and spread like wildfire. Soon, almost all of Dongniu Village knew the Ji family was after Ji Huan’s four taels.