Transmigrated Into an Ancient Filial Piety Novel as a Scumbag Alpha (GL) - Chapter 47

Chapter 47

“The thirty taels of silver you gave to Ji Qiao this afternoon disappeared. Ji Qiao didn’t leave her room all afternoon. She just ate some food in my room, and in less than half an hour, the silver in her room was gone. The courtyard gate was locked, so I suspect we have a thief in our house.”

Ji Huan spoke coldly. As she said these words, she clearly felt Ji Sen’s body trembling slightly.

“Ji Huan, are you suspecting me and your mother?” Ji Mantun’s veins bulged with anger. Though they had tried to trick Ji Huan out of four taels of silver last time, this time it really wasn’t them, so Ji Mantun felt confident.

“I didn’t say that. I haven’t seen anyone rushing to take the blame. I’m saying everyone here is a suspect, not pointing at anyone specific.” Ji Huan said calmly.

“That’s impossible. You were eating, and we were all eating in the dining room too. No one had time to steal Ji Qiao’s things.” Ji Ming thought for a moment and said.

“Is that so? Don’t you want to think harder? Like, did anyone go to get more rice or visit the outhouse midway?” Ji Huan continued to ask.

“Hey, didn’t Old Fourth just go to the kitchen? And he was gone for quite a while.” Li Yulan said, stirring up trouble without hesitation.

Liu Fengmei glared fiercely at Li Yulan, wishing she could tear her apart.

Ji Sen’s face flushed red, his body trembling slightly. “It wasn’t me. I just went to get rice. What proof do you have that it was me?”

Ji Huan’s lips curved slightly. “Fine, if it wasn’t you, I’ll just report it to the authorities. Thirty taels of silver isn’t a small amount. Ji Yuan, do you still remember the laws of The Great Liang Kingdom?”

Ji Yuan, called out by Ji Huan, answered reluctantly, fearing to anger her. “Of course I remember. For stealing silver between ten and fifty taels, the penalty is three years in prison. The arrested person will also face flogging depending on the severity of the case.”

Ji Huan nodded calmly, her gaze shifting to Ji Mantun. “Father, I’ll leave the house to you. Until I return from reporting to the authorities, no one can leave the house even half a step, or it’ll be considered fleeing from guilt. You and Mother won’t escape the charge of sheltering a criminal either.”

Ji Mantun’s eyes nearly popped out with anger. “Ji Huan, you, you’re really something now, threatening even your own father and mother.”

Ji Huan sneered. “I’m doing alright. Let’s go now. Everyone, stay home and wait for me to bring the officials back to investigate.”

As Ji Huan spoke sentence after sentence, Ji Sen’s face grew worse, his back even soaked with cold sweat. Seeing Ji Huan had no intention of staying to discuss further and knowing her decisive nature—she even went out to beg—reporting to the authorities was nothing for her.

Just as Ji Huan was about to step out of the dining room, Ji Sen hurriedly called, “Wait.”

Ji Huan raised an eyebrow, glanced at him, and continued walking out.

“Second Sister, I was wrong. Please don’t go. I beg you not to go.” Ji Sen cried and ran to the door, kneeling before Ji Huan, sobbing bitterly.

“I really didn’t mean to. I was desperate. I owe silver outside, and if I don’t pay it back by tomorrow, they’ll cut my tendons. That’s why I had those bad thoughts. Second Sister, I was really wrong, but I really need the silver.”

As Ji Sen tearfully explained, seeing Ji Huan’s cold expression, he threw himself at Ji Qiao’s feet, grabbing the hem of her cotton skirt. “Fifth Sister, you’re always the kindest. I beg you to help me, please help me. Do you really want to watch your own brother get his tendons cut?”

Liu Fengmei watched Ji Sen like this, feeling a headache. Ji Sen’s gambling debts weren’t new; she had secretly helped him pay them off several times. Each time, he promised never to gamble again, but it never lasted long before he went back to it.

Ji Qiao looked at Ji Sen kneeling at her feet, unsure what to do for a moment.

Ji Huan glanced faintly at Ji Sen, lifted her leg, and kicked him to the ground. She stood in front of Ji Qiao, saying coldly, “We haven’t even settled the matter of you stealing the silver, and you have the nerve to ask Ji Qiao to use that money to save you? Don’t even think about it. Hand over the money now, and we’ll let it go. Otherwise, we’ll go straight to the officials.”

“I don’t want to see the officials. I don’t want to. Second Sister, if I go to jail, you’ll all lose face. Think about it—you won’t be able to hold your head up in the village. You can’t send me to the officials. You can’t.” Ji Sen cried and rambled.

Ji Huan sneered. “You’re the one who stole the money. If anyone loses face, it’s you. We’re all upright. What’s there to be ashamed of? Except for Wang Xiuxiu, who’s unlucky to be stuck with a gambling Qianyuan like you.”

Ji Sen’s gaze shifted to Wang Xiuxiu, then back to Ji Huan, starting to babble incoherently. “Second Sister, I get it. Do you have feelings for Wang Xiuxiu? I should’ve guessed. You want me in jail so you can seduce my wife while I’m gone, right? No wonder you speak to her so calmly. You’ve planned this all along, haven’t you?”

Ji Huan laughed in anger. Since arriving here, she hadn’t spoken more than ten sentences to Wang Xiuxiu, barely knowing her. She could talk calmly to Wang Xiuxiu because she seemed at least normal, unlike most of the Ji family. Yet Ji Sen had the audacity to turn the tables—what a piece of trash.

Wang Xiuxiu’s tears fell. “Ji Sen, what nonsense are you spouting? I’ve barely spoken a few words to Second Sister. How could you say that?”

“Your brain’s not clear, so I’ll clear it for you.” Ji Huan said, grabbing a full basin of water from the courtyard’s water tank and splashing it over Ji Sen’s head.

Ji Sen shivered from the cold, crying and kneeling on the ground. “Second Sister, Ji Qiao, I beg you. I really need that money to pay my debt.”

“You’re still not clear-headed.” Ji Huan said, ignoring the watching Ji family members, and began punching and kicking Ji Sen. Soon, his wails filled the courtyard.

“Second Sister, I really won’t do it again. Please spare me. Stop hitting. You’ll kill me.” Bl00d already seeped from Ji Sen’s lips.

Ji Huan ignored him, landing another punch to his face. “People like you only harm others by living. You deserve a beating.”

Seeing bl00d on Ji Sen’s face, Ji Mantun hurriedly advised, “Old Second, stop hitting. Just get the money back. He’s still your brother. Don’t break him.”

Ji Huan glared coldly back, her words colder than the surrounding chill. “I’d rather not have a brother like this.”

Still not satisfied, Ji Huan kicked him twice more before standing there, looking coldly at Ji Sen. “Get the silver back right now. One more word of nonsense, and I’ll take you to the officials immediately.”

Ji Sen, aching all over from the beating, didn’t dare talk back this time. Ji Huan was fiercer than the loan sharks who never beat him this badly.

He staggered to his feet. Even Wang Xiuxiu didn’t help him. Liu Fengmei lent a hand to pull him up. “Hurry up and get the money. Your Second Sister isn’t the same as before. She’ll really take you to the officials.”

How could Ji Sen not know? This time, he didn’t get the money and got a brutal beating from Ji Huan. “I know, Mother. I’ll go get it.”

Ji Sen said, heading to the backyard. He was smart enough not to hide the money in his room but in the chicken coop in the backyard.

Ji Sen retrieved the money and reluctantly handed it to Ji Huan. “Second Sister, it’s all here. Count it.”

Ji Huan nodded. Even without Ji Sen saying, she would count it, as she didn’t trust a gambler like him.

She counted the silver, confirmed it was thirty taels, and nodded. “Get lost. If you get any more bad ideas in the future, don’t blame me for being ruthless.”

“I won’t dare. I really won’t dare.” Ji Sen said, covering his bruised face, crying as he looked at Liu Fengmei. “Mother, I owe two taels of silver outside. Tomorrow, they’ll really come for it. Please help me one more time. I beg you, or they’ll really cut my tendons.”

Liu Fengmei looked at Ji Mantun, torn between the silver and her son.

Ji Mantun sighed heavily. “What can I say to you? You can’t quit gambling. Dogs can’t stop eating sh1t. Let them cut your tendons—it might teach you a lesson.”

“Father, I know I was wrong. I really know. I can’t lose my hands. I still need to work the fields and take care of you and Mother in the future. Father, Mother, save me one more time. Just one more time.” Ji Sen kept crying.

Ji Huan was tired of listening. People like him wouldn’t change even if their hands were cut off. Given Ji Mantun and Liu Fengmei’s nature, they’d scold him but wouldn’t truly abandon him.

“Let’s go. Since we found the silver, let’s head back to rest.” Ji Huan said, handing the silver to Ji Qiao.

Ji Qiao quickly shook her head, pushing the silver back to Ji Huan. “Sister, can you keep this silver for me?”

Ji Huan thought for a moment and nodded. Living in the Ji household, keeping thirty taels with Ji Qiao wasn’t safe. She’d store it in her space for now and return it to Ji Qiao once they split the household and were in a safer situation.

“Alright, I’ll hold onto it and give it back later.” Ji Huan gently patted Ji Qiao’s shoulder, saying softly, “You must be scared tonight. Go rest.”

Seeing Ji Huan take the silver, Ji Qiao smiled and nodded. “Sister, you and Sister Yubai should rest early too.”

“Mm.” Ji Huan nodded, taking the silver and returning to the room with Jiang Yubai.

Once back in the room, Ji Huan used her mind to store the silver in her space. Now, no matter who coveted it, no one but her could take it.

The noise outside quieted down. It seemed Liu Fengmei gave in, giving Ji Sen two taels of silver and warning him not to gamble again.

Wang Xiuxiu, however, wasn’t keen on returning to their room. Her husband had slandered her just to run his mouth. Wang Xiuxiu felt heartbroken, and with Ji Sen in a bad mood tonight, he might hit her again.

Sure enough, once everyone left, Ji Sen grimaced at Wang Xiuxiu. “What are you standing there for? Come back with me to put on medicine.”

“Don’t you have anything to say to me?” Wang Xiuxiu looked at Ji Sen, tears in her eyes.

Ji Sen brushed it off. “I was just angry and cursing Ji Huan. I know you and she have nothing going on. Sorry, come on, wife, come back to the room and help me with the medicine. We didn’t lose out this time—at least we got two taels of silver. My debts outside are cleared. I promise I won’t gamble anymore. Let’s go.”

Wang Xiuxiu wiped her tears and followed Ji Sen back to their room. Sometimes, she thought if her family would back her up, she’d want to divorce Ji Sen like Ji Qiao did. But that was impossible.

~~

The next morning was New Year’s Eve. The village woke early, not just to roosters crowing but also to the crackling of firecrackers.

Ji Huan was so sleepy she couldn’t open her eyes, grumpily stroking the warm, soft Little White Rabbit in her arms.

Little White Rabbit had woken up earlier, nestled in Ji Huan’s arms, staring at her face. When Ji Huan suddenly rubbed her lower back, Little White Rabbit’s ears turned red, and she melted in Ji Huan’s arms, murmuring like a kitten, “Sister~”

But Ji Huan was too sleepy and fell back asleep, missing the adorable sight of Little White Rabbit calling her with red ears.

Seeing Ji Huan didn’t wake, Little White Rabbit hummed for a bit but couldn’t bear to wake her. Sister was exhausted yesterday, and she wanted her to rest well.

Jiang Yubai carefully reached out, gently brushing Ji Huan’s neck. She loved cuddling with Sister. As she looked, her gaze fell on the gland on the right side of Ji Huan’s neck, covered with a flesh-colored patch. That was where a Qianyuan would release their scent. When a Qianyuan and Kunze bonded, the Qianyuan would bite the Kunze’s right neck gland.

Little White Rabbit sneakily glanced at Ji Huan, confirming she was still asleep. Blushing, she carefully leaned in, sniffing lightly, but the scent-suppressing patch blocked any clear smell.

Disheartened, she lay in Ji Huan’s arms, staring aggrievedly at Ji Huan’s right neck. Sister was her Qianyuan, but she didn’t even know what Sister’s scent smelled like. Little White Rabbit felt inexplicably unhappy.

She didn’t understand before when her mother said she’d want to be close to a Qianyuan she liked when she grew up. Now she understood, nuzzling closer in Ji Huan’s arms, staring intently at the patch-covered gland.

More firecracker sounds came from outside. Ji Huan turned over, bringing Little White Rabbit along with her. Startled but seeing Ji Huan still asleep, Little White Rabbit cooperated quietly, though her heart ached more looking at Ji Huan’s neck.

Finally, after two more rounds of firecrackers, Ji Huan couldn’t sleep anymore. She reluctantly opened her eyes and saw Little White Rabbit obediently watching her.

Ji Huan sighed. “It’s not even dawn outside. Why are they setting off firecrackers?”

“Isn’t it always like this on New Year’s Eve? Should we get up?” Little White Rabbit asked obediently.

Ji Huan nodded. Unable to sleep more, she got up with Little White Rabbit to wash. Before she knew it, she’d been in this world for a while, and Little White Rabbit no longer feared her.

Ji Huan felt gratified. She and Jiang Yubai went to the kitchen early. It was New Year’s, and she didn’t want to argue with the Ji family. She and Jiang Yubai started making breakfast.

They sautéed green onions and garlic in lard, added half a pot of water. Little White Rabbit kneaded dough, shaping it into small lumps sprinkled into the pot. Ji Huan, remembering something, went to the backyard, fetched three eggs, and cracked them all into the pot. Soon, the aroma spread.

Ji Ming woke early, drawn by the smell. He thought Old Fourth had improved, but seeing Ji Huan and Jiang Yubai busy, he felt embarrassed. Ji Huan didn’t even glance at him, so Ji Ming returned to his room.

Ji Huan finished cooking, serving Little White Rabbit a large bowl of noodle lump soup, then one for Ji Qiao, before serving herself. As for the rest of the Ji family, they could eat or not—she didn’t care.

Ji Qiao joined Ji Huan and Jiang Yubai in their room. The three ate warm noodle lump soup, chatting and laughing.

Liu Fengmei woke up and went to the kitchen. Seeing food in the pot, her eyes lit up, but her face darkened when she saw the eggs. “Who’s the damned fool who put three eggs in noodle lump soup? That’s three eggs!”

Ji Ming was hungry but had been too scared of Ji Huan since her last beating to approach earlier. Hearing Liu Fengmei, he went in. “Mother, stop shouting. Ji Huan and Jiang Yubai made it.”

“Ji Huan and them? Didn’t they refuse to work?” Liu Fengmei’s expression shifted, then brightened. “Eldest, do you think Ji Huan’s turning good again? Like before, willing to work?”

Ji Ming hesitated, then said, “Doubt it, Mother. They probably got up early and were hungry, so they made it.”

“Getting up early and hungry is fine. Can’t we all eat later and let Ji Huan and them cook?” Liu Fengmei, still bitter about losing thirty taels, wished Ji Huan would be cursed by Jiang Yubai soon.

“I don’t think Ji Huan and them will be like before. Mother, it’s New Year’s. Don’t provoke Ji Huan, or we won’t have a good holiday.” Since Ji Huan woke up after drowning, no one in the family had gotten the better of her.

“Do I need you to teach me? I just can’t swallow this anger.” Liu Fengmei sighed heavily. Thirty taels—their family couldn’t earn that in a year of farming.

After breakfast, Ji Huan took the bowls to the kitchen to wash, only to see the empty pot with several unwashed bowls and chopsticks.

Washing a pot was no big deal, but the Ji family really took advantage. She only made breakfast, and they already thought she’d be their workhorse again?

“Sister, I’ll wash.” Jiang Yubai, seeing Ji Huan’s bad mood, quickly offered.

“No need. We’ll just wash our own. I underestimated the Ji family’s shamelessness.” Ji Huan said, washing only their three sets of bowls and chopsticks.

On the way back, Jiang Yubai gently tugged Ji Huan’s sleeve. “Sister, what about lunch?”

“Don’t worry. The Ji family loves to take advantage. If no one cooks, someone will. Ignore them.” Ji Huan said, putting an arm around Little White Rabbit as they returned to the room.

Liu Fengmei, peeking through the door, saw Ji Huan and them leave the kitchen. She quickly asked, “Husband, did Ji Huan wash everyone else’s bowls and chopsticks?”

Ji Mantun took a puff of his pipe and shook his head. “Don’t know.”

He really didn’t know. With Ji Huan now, nothing seemed surprising. “Wife, let it go. It’s New Year’s. Don’t stir trouble. Let’s have a good New Year’s dinner.”

Liu Fengmei nodded discontentedly and went to the kitchen, only to be furious. Ji Huan had washed only their own bowls and chopsticks, leaving the rest untouched.

Standing at the kitchen door, Liu Fengmei cursed, “Whose bowls are these in the pot? You all eat like starving ghosts, rushing to eat, but when it’s time to wash, no one does. I’ll only wash mine and your father’s. If you don’t wash the rest, there’ll be no bowls for lunch.”

Grumbling, Liu Fengmei washed the dishes in the kitchen.

Since Ji Huan and them made breakfast, the Ji family seemed to have a tacit understanding at noon, all waiting, delusionally hoping Ji Huan would take on all the work. Unfortunately, Ji Sen and Ji Yuan were starving and couldn’t wait for Ji Huan to cook lunch.

Ji Qiao thought about cooking herself. After marrying out and divorcing, she felt out of place in this house, and her parents didn’t like her. But Ji Huan stopped her.

“If you start this, the whole family will cling to you like unweaned babies. I learned my lesson—I shouldn’t have been kind this morning and cooked for everyone. Stay put and don’t go anywhere.” Ji Huan said, leisurely sipping water.

“Alright, I’ll listen to Sister.” Ji Qiao replied obediently.

After a while, Ji Ming and the others couldn’t wait anymore and started cooking in the kitchen.

“Let’s go. Someone’s cooking. Let’s chop some firewood to avoid gossip.” Ji Huan said, grabbing a hatchet from the courtyard and taking Jiang Yubai and Ji Qiao to the nearby back hill.

Winter had plenty of dry branches. Ji Huan quickly chopped a lot. Jiang Yubai and Ji Qiao helped tie them up. With Ji Qiao’s injuries, Ji Huan wouldn’t let her carry anything. Being strong, Ji Huan carried a huge bundle herself, letting the two girls walk beside her.

They met several villagers who greeted her.

“Ji Huan, so hardworking, working again?”

“The firewood at home was running low, so I came to chop some more.” Ji Huan replied with a smile.

“You’re so filial. Alright, we’ll go chop firewood too.”

After chatting, Ji Huan and the others headed back. By the time they reached the courtyard, the food was almost ready. Liu Fengmei, about to mock them for doing nothing, saw the towering stack of firewood behind Ji Huan and couldn’t say a word.

But she still muttered, “Kunze don’t work? All so delicate, you’ll spoil them rotten.”

Ji Huan laughed in anger. One was her wife, the other her sister—shouldn’t she protect them? Did they have to scheme like the Ji family?

“Ignore her. Her mouth stinks. Let’s put the stuff down and eat.”

“Mm.” Ji Qiao held the short knife, while Jiang Yubai helped Ji Huan untie the firewood from her back.

The next few days passed peacefully. On the morning of the third day, Ji Wen came over.

Ji Huan was surprised when she opened the door. “Why are you here? Come in, have some hot water.”

Their room had no tea, so hot water was the best they could offer.

“No need. I came to invite you two and Ji Qiao to eat at our place today.” Ji Wen said with a smile. The first two days were spent with their own parents and siblings, so Ji Wen came on the third day to invite Ji Huan and the others.

Ji Huan nodded, smiling. “Alright, I’ll go get Ji Qiao.”

“Sister, I’ll go.” Jiang Yubai said, looking at Ji Huan. These past few days, she’d been helping Ji Qiao with her medicine, becoming quite familiar with her.

“Alright, you go.” Though they didn’t interact much with Second Uncle’s family, they were normal people, and who didn’t like being around normal people?

Soon, Jiang Yubai brought Ji Qiao out. Ji Yuan and Ji Sen came out too, thinking Ji Wen was inviting them all to eat, as Second Uncle’s family sometimes hosted them in previous years, their conditions better than Ji Mantun’s.

“Sister Ji Wen, is Second Uncle inviting us over?” Ji Yuan asked with a smile.

Ji Wen hadn’t expected Ji Yuan to come over, given his usual arrogance toward villagers. She shook her head. “My mother told me to invite just Ji Huan and the other two.”

Hearing this, Ji Yuan’s smile faltered. He nodded slightly, snorted, and went back to his room.

Seeing Ji Yuan rebuffed, Ji Ming secretly chuckled, glad he hadn’t gone over earlier, or he’d have been the one embarrassed.

Ji Huan, Jiang Yubai, and Ji Qiao went with Ji Wen to Ji Manchun’s house. Ji Fu, Wang Xiaoyue, and Ji Manchun were already busy in the kitchen.

As Ji Huan entered the courtyard, she smelled a fragrance. “Is that fish? Smells so good.”

“Your nose is sharp. My father made crucian carp and cabbage soup. It’s really fragrant.” Ji Wen said with a smile.

“Alright, we’ll help too.” Ji Huan said, heading to the kitchen, but Ji Wen stopped her.

“No need. Go rest in the dining room. We’ve got peanuts, melon seeds, and such ready for you to snack on.”

“How can we do that? We’ll help.” Ji Huan insisted, but then saw Ji Manchun, Aunt Feng Mei, Ji Fu, and his wife in the kitchen, leaving no room to stand.

Ji Huan and the others quickly greeted, “Second Uncle, Second Aunt, Brother Fu, Sister-in-law, Happy New Year.”

“Happy New Year, Happy New Year.” Everyone responded in a chorus.

“Ji Wen, take Ji Huan and them to the dining room. It’ll be a while here.” Aunt Feng Mei said with a smile.

“Second Aunt, you and Second Uncle rest. We’ll help.”

“No, no, we’re almost done. Go rest and wait.” Aunt Feng Mei said, smiling.

Seeing they really didn’t need help, Ji Huan went with Ji Wen to the dining room.

The dining room table already had plates of peanuts, melon seeds, and scattered candies, with a pot of hot tea in the middle—much more festive than Ji Mantun’s place.

“This tea is new, bought by me and Big Brother. It tastes great. Try it.” Ji Wen said, pouring tea for Ji Huan, Jiang Yubai, and Ji Qiao.

“Thanks, we’ll do it ourselves.” Ji Huan took the cup, a common porcelain one from the market. She sipped the tea, which tasted similar to the black tea she often drank in her past life.

Seeing Ji Huan look at the cup, Ji Wen explained, “We country folk can’t afford the celadon from the county.”

Ji Huan nodded. Drinking tea in the village already meant a decent family. “Mm, it’s good. The tea’s strong.”

“Drink more if it’s good, but save room for the fish soup later.” Ji Wen reminded with a smile.

“Ji Qiao, is your health better?” Ji Wen couldn’t help but ask with concern.

“Much better. Thanks, Sister Wen. This time, thanks to Sister and them, or I wouldn’t know what would’ve happened to me.”

“Divorcing was good. Come over often if you’re free. My mother’s been thinking of you these days, saying we must eat together on the third day.” Ji Wen said, smiling.

Ji Huan sipped tea and started eating peanuts. Since arriving in this world, she hadn’t had such snacks. They tasted pretty good.

Seeing Little White Rabbit and Ji Qiao hesitant, Ji Huan peeled the peanut shells and handed each a handful. Second Uncle’s family was kind, and when she had the means later, she’d repay their kindness.

Jiang Yubai’s eyes lit up at the peanuts. She had a big appetite and loved tasty things but felt shy at someone else’s house.

Ji Huan and Ji Wen chatted a bit more. Soon, dishes came out from the kitchen: fish soup, mushroom-stewed chicken, braised pork, stir-fried cabbage with eggs, and more, with rice as the staple.

“Eat up. Ji Qiao, eat more. If you don’t want to stay at home, you can live with us.” Aunt Feng Mei said, piling meat into Ji Qiao and Jiang Yubai’s bowls.

Ji Huan’s bowl was full too, but her appetite wasn’t big. After a few bites of meat, she laughed, “I really can’t eat more. Don’t waste it.”

“Alright, take what you want. Don’t be shy.” Aunt Feng Mei said, smiling.

Of the three, Little White Rabbit ate the most immersed. Having met Second Uncle’s family before, she knew they were good people, so she wasn’t as shy this time.

Seeing her eat quickly, Aunt Feng Mei couldn’t stop smiling. “Eat more. I’ll get you more rice.”

“Second Aunt, I’ll get it.” Little White Rabbit wasn’t full yet but felt shy having Second Aunt serve her.

“No, you sit. I’ll get it.” Aunt Feng Mei said, taking Ji Wen’s bowl too, as Ji Wen also had a big appetite and had finished her rice.

Soon, Aunt Feng Mei brought back the rice. Little White Rabbit took it obediently. “Thank you, Second Aunt.”

“No need, good child. Eat more. Ji Qiao, you too.”

“Thank you, Second Aunt. I’m almost full.” Ji Qiao’s appetite wasn’t big, and she was nearly done.

Ji Huan ate slowly while chatting, barely finishing her rice and meat. Beside her, Little White Rabbit had finished her second bowl, and Aunt Feng Mei had served her crucian carp soup, which she was happily sipping.

Seeing Little White Rabbit eat so happily, Ji Huan’s eyes softened. After splitting the household and earning money, she’d make sure to fatten up her Little White Rabbit.

After lunch, Ji Huan and the others helped wash the pots. She thought about chopping firewood for Second Uncle’s family to aid digestion, but their water tank was full, and firewood was piled high, enough for days.

Aunt Feng Mei called them to the dining room to play dominoes. Ji Huan was curious about this world’s dominoes. She picked up a piece—rectangular, likely made from animal bones, painted with patterns, similar to modern mahjong.

Not knowing how to play, Ji Huan let Little White Rabbit and Ji Qiao play while she watched behind Little White Rabbit.

Wang Xiaoyue, Ji Wen, Jiang Yubai, and Ji Qiao played. Ji Huan soon figured out the rules. Seeing Little White Rabbit happy, her face was full of smiles.

“Sister, look, I won again.” Little White Rabbit showed Ji Huan the small round beads by her side.

Playing dominoes among family was for fun, not money, so they used small wooden beads as bets. Whoever won the most beads won.

“Mm, my wife is the best.” Ji Huan praised Jiang Yubai softly. She almost said Little White Rabbit was the best, but with so many people around, she used the normal term, calling her wife.

Hearing Ji Huan call her that, Jiang Yubai’s ears turned red instantly. Sister never called her wife when they were alone.

Ji Huan noticed, finding her Little White Rabbit adorable—soft and blushing at the slightest tease.

Wang Xiaoyue, sitting across from Jiang Yubai, saw it clearly and teased with a smile, “Our Yubai’s so shy? Just one ‘wife’ from Ji Huan, and you’re blushing?”

Little White Rabbit touched her cheek, pleading with Wang Xiaoyue not to tease. “Sister-in-law Xiaoyue.”

“Alright, alright, I know you two are close. Come on, keep playing.”

Relieved, Little White Rabbit continued playing.

Even Ji Qiao, sitting to Jiang Yubai’s right, played happily. With familiar people, everyone quickly warmed up. Ji Huan refilled tea and water for the players.

Compared to their lively gathering, back at Ji Mantun’s, Ji Ming’s and Ji Sen’s families kept shirking during lunch prep. Ji Yuan, as usual, claimed scholars shouldn’t enter the kitchen. In the end, Ji Ming and Ji Sen’s families cooked together.

What should’ve been a joyful New Year’s meal was unusually quiet at the Ji family’s table.

Ji Mantun looked at the dishes, including pork brought by Zhang Liangcai’s group. Normally, they rarely ate meat, and it should’ve smelled good, but thinking of the lost thirty taels and Ji Qiao, who came back divorced and ate for free, Ji Mantun couldn’t feel happy.