Transmigrated Into an Ancient Filial Piety Novel as a Scumbag Alpha (GL) - Chapter 41

Chapter 41

“What? Ji Qiao, don’t talk nonsense. Don’t think you can do whatever you want just because Ji Huan is here. You’re already married to Zhang Tiehu. In life, you’re a Zhang family member; in death, you’re a Zhang family ghost. Don’t even think about coming back. Our Ji family can’t accommodate you,” Liu Fengmei hurriedly said. She feared Zhang Tiehu would demand the fifty taels of silver dowry back.

Zhang Tiehu, afraid of getting beaten, had learned his lesson this time and didn’t dare say much. He sat on the ground, feeling a chill all over his body since he had wet his pants.

Ji Qiao’s body trembled behind Ji Huan. She lowered her head, not daring to look at Liu Fengmei.

Ji Huan’s gaze turned to Liu Fengmei. She coldly said, “You can’t speak so definitively, Mother. Don’t you agree? Your reputation in Dongniu Village is already nonexistent. If everyone finds out you’re eating your daughter’s bl00d-steamed buns, do you think the Ji family can still stay in the village?”

“Ji Huan, you’re stabbing my heart! We’re family; can’t we talk this out properly? Why make a scene at the village head’s place? It’ll only make outsiders laugh at us, right?” Liu Fengmei quickly responded.

Ji Mantun stepped in front of Zhang Tiehu, trying to smooth things over with Ji Huan. “We’re all family; why make a fuss? Tiehu’s mouth is a bit foul, but his heart is good. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have thought to bring us so many things. He was wrong to hit Ji Qiao, but you already vented your sister’s anger. Couples living together always have their bumps and bruises. Beating a wife is normal. I’ve hit your mother too, and your sister-in-law—ask Ji Sen, hasn’t he hit his wife too? It’s just how things are…”

Ji Sen, suddenly called out, felt Ji Huan’s sharp gaze shoot toward him. He frantically waved his hands, scared, and stepped back a few paces. His father was trying to get him in trouble. Couldn’t he see Ji Huan was furious? Why drag him into it?

The more Ji Mantun spoke, the colder Ji Huan’s expression became. She interrupted him directly. “Just how things are? That only proves you’re all the same kind of trash. You can’t handle your own failures, so you take it out on your wives. What kind of good men are you?”

Ji Mantun didn’t expect Ji Huan to scold him too. His eyes widened. “You… you’re cursing your own father now!”

“Anyone who disrespects their wife gets my scorn. What’s wrong with that?” Ji Huan glared coldly at him.

“Fine, Ji Huan, you want my old life, don’t you? What a family disgrace! A disgrace!” Ji Mantun was so angry he nearly cried.

Ji Huan, with a cold face, shook her head. “I’m not interested in your old life. And what’s this? Is Zhang Tiehu your lifeline? I only disciplined him a bit to stop his filthy mouth, and you’re protecting him like this. It almost seems like he’s your real son.”

“Ji Huan, stop spouting nonsense! I worked hard to raise you all, and now you’re turning against me!” Ji Mantun broke down and cried in front of everyone for the first time.

Ji Huan nodded calmly. “That’s right, I’m turning against you. What can you do about it? Since you’re so attached to Zhang Tiehu, why don’t you take care of him at night? His pants are wet, and no one’s dealing with it.”

“Enough. That’s how it is. Since you and Mother feel so sorry for him, you take care of him. Why force others? The whip hurts whoever it hits. How can someone live to such an age and not understand that?” Ji Huan mocked mercilessly.

Then she softened her tone and turned to Ji Qiao, who was trembling behind her. “Go back to my room first. Don’t be afraid; I’m here.”

Ji Qiao, hearing Ji Huan’s gentle words, felt her already swollen eyes grow wetter. Tears fell uncontrollably. “But, Sister, are you okay?”

Ji Huan gently patted Ji Qiao’s shoulder. She softly said, “Don’t worry. Go rest in my room. I’ll be back soon.”

She looked up at Jiang Yubai and instructed, “Yubai, go with Ji Qiao for now. I’ll handle things here.”

“Okay,” Jiang Yubai replied. She quickly went to support Ji Qiao and led her toward the house not far behind.

“Ji Qiao, you’re not even listening to your father now?” Ji Mantun saw things getting worse and hurriedly said with a sob. He knew his youngest daughter was soft-hearted and couldn’t stand seeing him or her mother upset.

Ji Qiao only glanced back at Ji Mantun. She turned, tightly gripping Jiang Yubai’s hand as tears fell one by one.

Ji Huan found Ji Mantun disgusting. She interjected, “Father, when you sold your daughter for silver, did you think about Ji Qiao? Now you want her to obey you? On what grounds?”

“Because I’m her father! Before she married, she ate my food, used my things. Why can’t I control her?” Ji Mantun’s veins bulged with anger.

“Then we truly wish we didn’t have a father like you. Stop playing the emotional card; no one’s buying it. Go catch up with your precious son-in-law. Oh, and don’t forget to change his pants. It’s disgusting,” Ji Huan sneered, looking at Ji Mantun and the others like they were clowns.

Zhang Tiehu, sitting on the ground, regretted everything. He only brought Ji Qiao back to show off. The Ji family was greedy and docile. Even if he tormented Ji Qiao to death, it would just cost a few coins. Who could’ve thought Ji Huan would be like a different person this time? Not only did she confront him, but she also went after her own parents, looking ready to fight anyone who dared approach.

“Ji Ming, Ji Sen! What are you two standing there for? Hurry up and help Tiehu. Take him to the third room. You two help him change clothes,” Ji Mantun ordered.

Ji Yuan wasn’t pleased. He stepped up to Ji Mantun. “Father, can he even enter my room? That’s where I study the classics. With his piss-soaked stench, I’m afraid he’ll dirty my space.”

Ji Mantun glared at Ji Yuan. Already furious from Ji Huan, now someone else was defying him. His anger flared instantly. He couldn’t control Ji Huan, but he could still handle Ji Yuan, right?

“What? You don’t want to study in the county after the New Year, huh? You don’t take me as your father anymore?” Ji Mantun’s anger surged. He no longer cared about hoping Ji Yuan would become a great official someday. Maintaining his authority as the head of the family was more important.

“Father!” Ji Yuan heard this and bit his tongue, staying silent. After the New Year, he needed at least two taels of silver to study at the academy. He couldn’t afford to offend his father.

Seeing Ji Yuan still wanting to argue, Ji Mantun continued, “If you don’t want to study, fine. After the New Year, when spring comes, you can go work the fields with the others.”

Ji Yuan immediately backed down. He hurriedly bowed to Ji Mantun. “Father, I didn’t mean that. I was wrong just now. You’re the head of the family, and naturally, you decide everything.”

Hearing this, Ji Mantun felt some of the pent-up frustration in his heart ease. He was about to say something to smooth things over with Ji Yuan, to show some father-son affection, when Ji Huan interrupted.

“Father, you don’t really think Ji Yuan respects you, do you?”

Ji Huan smirked mockingly and continued, “Right now, he probably hates you to death. He’s thinking that if he catches a wealthy Kunze in the county, he’ll never come back and won’t deal with you poor relatives anymore.”

A flicker of panic crossed Ji Yuan’s face, but he quickly pointed at Ji Huan. “Ji Huan, you… don’t slander me!”

“Whether I’m slandering you, you know in your heart. Oh, Father, one more thing I forgot to mention. If you’re hoping Ji Yuan will make it big and lift you up, I’d advise you to give up. When we went to the county to buy New Year goods, Ji Yuan ran into a classmate and pretended not to know me and Ji Ming. He couldn’t wait to cut ties with us. Right, Ji Yuan?” Ji Huan smiled at Ji Yuan, her tone rising.

“You, Ji Huan, you’re making things up! Father, Mother, don’t believe her. She’s biting everyone she sees. Believe me, if I make it big, I won’t let you down,” Ji Yuan explained in a panic.

“Don’t worry, my good son. Mother believes you. Don’t blame your father; he’s just upset because Ji Huan provoked him. The family is counting on you. How could we stop you from studying?” Liu Fengmei said.

“Ji Huan is trying to sow discord. Mother, don’t believe her. If I make it big, I’ll buy a big mansion and bring you all to enjoy life. I mean it,” Ji Yuan added.

Liu Fengmei and Ji Yuan cried together, a picture of mother-son affection.

Ji Huan found the scene utterly dull. The Ji family only cared about themselves. Zhang Tiehu, supported by Ji Ming and Ji Sen, was just a sleazy domestic abuser.

Ji Huan sighed and gently shook her head.

She thought Ji Ming and Ji Sen would disdain Zhang Tiehu, but instead, they competed to help him change clothes.

At this point, Ji Huan lost interest in watching further. The Ji family had no底线, willing to do anything for profit.

Ji Huan turned and walked toward her room, ignoring the drama in the courtyard.

Back in the room, Ji Huan saw Ji Qiao sitting on a bench by the table, secretly wiping tears. Her eyes were already swollen from crying, yet tears kept falling like a broken string, unstoppable.

Jiang Yubai gently patted Ji Qiao’s back to comfort her, but Ji Qiao still couldn’t stop sobbing.

Ji Huan thought for a moment and soon had an idea. Her first task was to understand what Ji Qiao truly wanted. If Ji Qiao chose to forgive, Ji Huan would have to let go of her urge to help and simply wish her well. But if Ji Qiao wanted to divorce Zhang Tiehu, Ji Huan would fully support her and help find a way.

Ji Huan moved closer to Ji Qiao and gently patted her shoulder. Ji Qiao gasped sharply. Ji Huan’s hand froze, as she had only used normal strength, not enough to hurt.

“What’s wrong?” Ji Huan asked, already guessing. “Are you injured? Did Zhang Tiehu hit you?”

Ji Qiao, sobbing, nodded. She rolled up her left sleeve with her right hand, revealing dense marks from a belt or something similar. Deep and shallow wounds, new ones covering old, some with broken skin still oozing bl00d.

Jiang Yubai could hardly bear to look. She thought her life in the Ji family was bad, but Ji Qiao’s was even more miserable.

Ji Huan’s eyes reddened instantly. She quickly asked, “What about your body? Are there other injuries?”

Ji Qiao, crying, nodded slightly. Her voice trembled with sobs. “My body is covered in them, especially in places that can’t be seen. Zhang Tiehu has a bad temper and a disability. At home, if he likes me, he beats me; if he doesn’t, he beats me more. He’s Qianyuan, and we’re bonded. His pheromones suppress me, so I can only endure his abuse.”

The more Ji Huan listened, the angrier she got. She suddenly felt her earlier blows were too light. People like him deserved death.

Talk of leaving it to the law was nonsense. For someone like him, violence was the only answer.

Ji Huan stood to leave, but Ji Qiao, like a frightened bird, feared Ji Huan’s departure would mean Zhang Tiehu dragging her back. Her swollen eyes looked pitifully at Ji Huan. “Sister, where are you going?”

“Your injuries need to be checked. If they’re serious, we’ll get medicine to take. If not, at least some ointment to apply,” Ji Huan said softly, trying not to scare Ji Qiao further.

Ji Qiao shook her head. “No need, Sister. They’re just surface wounds. I’ll heal with time. Really, it’s fine.”

Ji Qiao, like a startled kitten, feared Ji Huan would find her troublesome and abandon her.

“How is it fine? Some spots are still bleeding. Stay here and wait for me. I’ll be back soon,” Ji Huan soothed gently. She turned to Jiang Yubai. “After I leave, lock the door. Don’t open it for anyone. Wait for me to return.”

“Don’t worry, I understand,” Jiang Yubai nodded.

Ji Huan left the room and quickly headed into the village. In Dongniu Village, only Doctor Yu was available, but as a male Zhongyong, it wasn’t suitable for him to treat Ji Qiao’s wounds. Ji Huan decided to buy some ointment and have Little White Rabbit help apply it.

Worried about Zhang Tiehu or the Ji family causing trouble, Ji Huan quickened her pace, hurrying to Doctor Yu’s house. By now, some villagers were asleep, and the paths were dark, with only the faint light from lit homes guiding her way.

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Ji Huan reached Doctor Yu’s house. She knocked on the gate and shouted, “Doctor Yu, open the gate. Someone at home is sick.”

Doctor Yu seemed used to late-night visits. Footsteps soon came from the yard, and the gate opened.

“Ji Huan? Your mother’s illness isn’t serious. No need for more medicine,” he said.

“It’s not my mother. It’s my sister, Ji Qiao. Her husband is a beast. Her body is covered in deep and shallow wounds, some still bleeding. Do you have any ointment or medicine for injuries?” Ji Huan explained quickly.

“Yes, come inside,” Doctor Yu said, leading Ji Huan into the house.

Besides tables and chairs, one side of the room had shelves filled with medical books and medicines. Doctor Yu searched while sighing. “Your sister has a hard life, married off to another village to a man like that. Luckily, I always keep such medicines. Some Kunze in our village have tough lives too, but no one talks about it openly.”

Doctor Yu sighed again. “I have medicinal wine and ointment. Clean the wounds with the wine first, then apply the ointment. Oh, and I have cotton for applying the wine.”

He fetched cotton wrapped in cloth and placed all three items before Ji Huan. “If you don’t have money now, you can owe me and pay later. Take these for your sister’s wounds.”

“I have money. How much for these?” Ji Huan said quickly. She had exchanged a tael of silver for a thousand wen in the county last time, spent fifty wen, and still had enough for medicine.

Doctor Yu looked at the items. “The cotton’s worthless; consider it a gift. The wine is six wen, the ointment twelve. You’re struggling in the Ji family, so fifteen wen will do.”

Ji Huan knew Doctor Yu meant well but didn’t want him to lose money. She counted out eighteen wen from her pocket and handed them over. “Here’s eighteen wen. You can’t treat patients and lose money. Take it. Ji Qiao and the others are waiting at home, so I’ll go back now.”

“Be careful on your way. It’s dark and slippery,” Doctor Yu cautioned.

“Don’t worry. Sorry for disturbing you. Rest soon,” Ji Huan said politely before hurrying off.

Doctor Yu watched her leave and sighed deeply. “What a good kid.”

On her way back, Ji Huan knew the path better and moved faster. Thinking Ji Qiao and Zhang Tiehu’s issue wouldn’t end easily, she took a detour to Er Zhuzi’s house to ask for his help in case things escalated.

Meanwhile, Jiang Yubai comforted Ji Qiao for a while. The girl finally stopped crying when a knock came at the door, followed by Liu Fengmei’s voice.

“Ji Qiao, open the door. Mother has something to say,” Liu Fengmei said, softening her tone as she stood outside.

No one answered from inside. Liu Fengmei continued, “You’ve always been obedient since you were little. Don’t learn from Ji Huan. For us Kunze, finding a good Qianyuan to live with is enough. Tiehu has a bad temper, but he doesn’t let you go hungry or thirsty. If he divorces you, what will you do? Ji Qiao, don’t be foolish. A bonded Kunze won’t easily find another match.”

Ji Qiao’s body trembled. Her mother didn’t react to her being beaten or ask how she was doing at the Zhangs’. Instead, she urged her to make peace and avoid divorce. Ji Qiao’s heart ached. Even knowing her parents didn’t care, hearing those words from Liu Fengmei still hurt.

Jiang Yubai gently patted Ji Qiao’s back to comfort her, but Ji Qiao kept sobbing.

Liu Fengmei, hearing only faint cries and no response, grew angry. Knowing Jiang Yubai was inside, she shouted, “Jiang Yubai, you vixen, don’t think Ji Huan can protect you forever. Open the door now, or I’ll skin you alive. You two are trying to rebel!”

Jiang Yubai, remembering Ji Huan’s instructions, didn’t open the door. She moved a bench to block it, preventing Liu Fengmei from forcing it open.

Liu Fengmei cursed loudly for a while, but with no response, she changed her tone and softened again. “Ji Qiao, you must think clearly. Look at divorced Kunze—do any have good outcomes? Don’t blame Mother for harsh words; I’m thinking of you. Open the door, go apologize to your husband properly. Your father and I will speak for you. Your good son-in-law won’t refuse us. Listen to Mother.”

Liu Fengmei persuaded for a bit, then Ji Mantun arrived. He took a few puffs from his pipe and sighed. “Your husband just hit you a few times. What’s the big deal? That’s just how life is. It’s inevitable. Ji Qiao, you’re not a delicate child. Listen to Father. Talk to Tiehu properly. You can’t divorce lightly…”

As Ji Mantun and Liu Fengmei took turns persuading, Ji Huan reached Er Zhuzi’s house. She knocked for a while, and someone soon answered.

“Who’s there? It’s so late. What’s up?” It was Er Zhuzi himself.

“It’s me, Ji Huan. I need to talk urgently,” Ji Huan said quickly.

Hearing it was Ji Huan, Er Zhuzi opened the gate. “What’s wrong? Are your parents troubling you again?”

“No, it’s my sister Ji Qiao. She’s back, and her husband, Zhang Tiehu, is no man. He beat her black and blue, some wounds still bleeding. I got medicine from Doctor Yu to treat her, but this can’t go on. I want Ji Qiao to divorce him, but I’m worried it’ll cause big trouble. The Zhangs might come too, so I need your help,” Ji Huan explained rapidly, still thinking of Ji Qiao and Jiang Yubai.

“No problem. Don’t worry. If they dare cause trouble, I’ll bring people to help,” Er Zhuzi agreed immediately.

“Good. Thank you. I won’t say more. Ji Qiao and the others are waiting at home. I need to get back,” Ji Huan said.

“Go. If you need me, send someone to call,” Er Zhuzi replied.

“Okay.” Without more pleasantries, Ji Huan rushed back to the Ji family courtyard. Her detour had delayed her, and she feared the Ji family would cause trouble in her absence.

Ji Huan quickened her pace. Soon, she faintly saw the sparse lights of the Ji family courtyard. As she entered the gate, she saw Ji Mantun and Liu Fengmei standing outside her room.

Ji Huan’s gaze shot coldly toward them. “Oh, not resting this late? What? Is there treasure in my room?”

Ji Mantun, seeing Ji Huan return, stomped his foot in anger. “I haven’t asked where you went this late, and you’re questioning me?”

Ji Huan sneered, her eyes scanning Ji Mantun and Liu Fengmei. “I went to buy medicine for Ji Qiao. Her body is covered in wounds from that bastard Zhang Tiehu. Oh, right, you’re not concerned about Ji Qiao’s life or death, just scared of paying the Zhangs back, aren’t you?”

“You, Ji Huan, ‘better tear down ten temples than ruin one marriage.’ Ever heard that?” Ji Mantun asked, furious.

Ji Huan shook her head sincerely. “Nope. Which idiot said that?”