Transmigrated Into an Ancient Filial Piety Novel as a Scumbag Alpha (GL) - Chapter 48

Chapter 48

“Alright, everyone eat. After the fifth day, we follow the previous plan: each family works one day. The new year passed, and spring plowing starts soon. None of you can slack off this year. Our family isn’t like before. Ji Huan won’t take care of all the fieldwork anymore. Eldest, Fourth, your families must prepare to plow.” Ji Mantun sighed and said.

“Why? Ji Yuan doesn’t have to work?” Ji Sen grumbled, dissatisfied. The injury on his right cheek just healed, but he still felt unhappy with his father’s arrangement.

“What? I just paid off your gambling debt, and you’re still complaining? Ji Yuan goes back to the academy after the new year. The spring exam is coming.”

Ji Mantun spoke, then looked at Ji Yuan. “Third son, this is your fifth year. Your mother and I wait for you to pass as a scholar. Then we can hold our heads high in the village.”

Ji Yuan paused with his chopsticks, forcing a smile at Ji Mantun. “Father, don’t worry. When the academy opens, I’ll go immediately, study hard every day, and hope for a good result this year.”

Ji Sen rolled his eyes, unconvinced, but didn’t dare speak.

Liu Fengmei smiled and put two pieces of pork in Ji Yuan’s bowl. “Third son, eat more. Thinking all day tires the mind. You need to nourish yourself.”

Li Yulan put a piece of meat in each of her two sons’ bowls, rolling her eyes dramatically.

Ji Ming, fearing a fight during the new year, tugged Li Yulan’s sleeve to calm her. He spoke up, “Father, if each family works one day, doesn’t that include Ji Qiao? She’s the fifth child, now divorced and back home. Shouldn’t she count?”

Ji Mantun nodded. “Of course. Even Ji Yuan is included. She, a Kunze sent back, must work. Our Ji family doesn’t keep idle people. Second son, you’re close to her, right? When Ji Qiao works, you’ll naturally help her.”

Ji Ming heard Ji Mantun’s words, and his mood improved instantly. Ji Qiao’s return meant another mouth to feed, but also another person to work.

In the afternoon, Ji Huan and others gathered in the dining hall to make dumplings. The dumplings had pork and cabbage filling. In modern society, dumplings were common, but in this village, people only ate them during festivals.

Ji Huan and Ji Wen rolled dumpling wrappers, while Jiang Yubai and others wrapped them. Though many people ate, many also worked. They chatted and laughed, making dumplings quickly.

Ji Huan washed a copper coin and put it in a dumpling. Little White Rabbit asked curiously, “Sister, why put this in?”

“Let’s see who among us has the best luck. Whoever eats the dumpling with the coin gets good luck all year.” Ji Huan smiled and explained.

“Really?” Little White Rabbit’s eyes widened. She never heard this when her mother was alive.

Ji Huan nodded. “Yes, it’s for good fortune.”

“Ji Huan’s idea is good. Let’s see who’s luckiest.” Second Aunt Feng Mei smiled and said.

In the kitchen, Ji Fu started cooking dumplings. Two large pots boiled, with Ji Manchun watching one and Ji Fu the other. Soon, plates of dumplings came out. Even Ji Huan couldn’t help swallowing twice, surprised at how delicious the dumplings smelled.

Ji Huan glanced at Little White Rabbit, whose eyes were fixed on the dumplings. Ji Huan’s eyes softened, thinking she must find ways to make tasty food for Little White Rabbit later.

“Eat quickly. They’re ready. See who gets the coin.” Wang Xiaoyue smiled and picked up a dumpling.

Ji Huan let Little White Rabbit eat first, then took a bowl to the kitchen. She had a habit: she liked drinking dumpling soup first, adding a bit of vinegar, then breaking the dumplings to soak in the soup.

Jiang Yubai saw Ji Huan eat this way and found it novel. “Doesn’t it taste bland like that?”

“It’s fine. I’ve done it since I was young. I’m used to it.” Ji Huan smiled.

Little White Rabbit noted it silently. When they had their own home, she’d remember to serve soup for her sister when cooking dumplings.

Though the dumplings smelled good, Ji Huan’s appetite was small. She ate fifteen and couldn’t eat more. Little White Rabbit, however, ate thirty with ease.

When Jiang Yubai bit into a dumpling, she poked it with her chopsticks and felt something hard. She picked it up, took a careful bite, and saw the copper coin inside.

“Sister, I got it.” Jiang Yubai said, taking out the coin.

“Yubai’s luck is great. This year, you’ll have good fortune. Maybe you’ll even give Ji Huan a cute little baby.” Second Aunt Feng Mei teased with a smile.

Little White Rabbit’s cheeks turned red quickly. Second Aunt was talking nonsense. She and her sister hadn’t even consummated their marriage. Where would a baby come from?

Seeing Little White Rabbit shy, Ji Huan gently rubbed her head. “Such good luck today. Want to make a wish?”

“Make a wish?” Little White Rabbit looked at Ji Huan in surprise, her face still flushed.

“Yes, keep the wish in your heart. It’ll come true.” Ji Huan said softly, her eyes full of warmth.

Jiang Yubai thought quickly, afraid a slow wish wouldn’t work. She clasped her hands, glanced at Ji Huan, then closed her eyes and made three wishes. She meant to make one, but ended up with more. Little White Rabbit hoped the gods wouldn’t mind her greed and would grant all her wishes.

Jiang Yubai didn’t continue eating. She went to the kitchen, washed the coin thoroughly, and kept it close. After, she returned to the dining hall.

Second Aunt Feng Mei saw her return and said, “Yubai, eat more. Dumplings don’t taste good after a day.”

“Thank you, Second Aunt.” Jiang Yubai knew Second Aunt meant well. In the village, people weren’t so particular. Such tasty dumplings could last a few days in winter and still be good.

After dinner, Ji Huan and others stayed at Ji Manchun’s for a while before returning home together.

At Ji Mantun’s, no one wanted to cook, so dinner was prepared slowly.

As Li Yulan carried food to the dining hall, she saw Ji Huan and others return and couldn’t help asking, “Oh, you’re back? What did you eat at Second Uncle’s?”

Ji Huan glanced at her. “Dumplings. What? Is there a problem?”

Li Yulan was startled by Ji Huan’s cold gaze and hurried to the dining hall.

The Ji family’s afternoon meal was white rice with stewed cabbage, potatoes, and pork. Stewed dishes were easy, so Ji Sen made it carelessly.

When the food was served, Ji Mantun, thinking of something, asked, “Did Ji Huan and the others return?”

“They’re back. They ate dumplings at Second Uncle’s. He’s so biased, inviting Ji Huan but not us.” Li Yulan rolled her eyes, annoyed she missed good food.

“Enough. Food can’t shut your mouth? Eat.” Ji Mantun knocked on the table and said.

The Ji family ate quickly. Ji Mantun, after a while, said to Ji Ming, “Eldest, after dinner, tell Ji Huan and Ji Qiao about the one-day-per-family work rule clearly.”

Ji Ming instinctively touched his bruised right cheek and said unhappily, “Father, I’ll tell Ji Qiao. You tell Ji Huan yourself.”

Ji Mantun slammed his chopsticks on the table. “Look at you, the eldest, unwilling to take responsibility.”

“Let Third Son do it. Isn’t he the smartest?” Ji Ming ate a few bites and muttered.

“Big Brother, why push it on me?” Ji Yuan was also unhappy. Everyone knew Ji Huan was like a hot potato; no one wanted trouble.

Ji Mantun looked at his sons. When his gaze reached Ji Sen, Ji Sen quickly shook his head. “Father, I want to live longer. Don’t make me go.”

Ji Mantun sighed heavily. “Fine, all of you are useless. I’ll go myself.”

No one responded, and they ate silently.

In the end, Ji Ming went to tell Ji Qiao, while Liu Fengmei and Ji Mantun went to Ji Huan.

Ji Mantun knocked on Ji Huan’s door. Ji Huan leaned on the doorframe, looking at them. Ji Mantun felt guilty instantly.

He cleared his throat and said, “Ji Huan, your mother and I came to talk about work. The new year’s almost over, and spring plowing’s coming. We discussed, and it’s best for each family to handle chores one day.”

Ji Huan smiled knowingly. “So Ji Qiao counts as one family, right?”

Ji Mantun, unsettled by Ji Huan’s teasing gaze, heard her continue, “Father and Mother can help Ji Yuan work. Can you help Ji Qiao too?”

Liu Fengmei forced a bitter smile. “Ji Huan, it’s not that we don’t want to. We’re old, and some tasks are too hard. You should understand us.”

“Alright, anything else? If not, we’re going to sleep.” Ji Huan said, ignoring their expressions, and closed the door.

Ji Mantun pointed at the door, fuming. “Look at her! What kind of behavior is this?”

“Don’t get mad, dear. Don’t ruin your health.” Liu Fengmei quickly supported Ji Mantun back to their room.

In Ji Huan’s room, Little White Rabbit looked at Ji Huan and asked, “Sister, when Ji Qiao works, should we help her?”

Ji Huan walked over, rubbed Little White Rabbit’s head. “Yes, my Little White Rabbit is so smart. That’s what I’m thinking.”

Little White Rabbit felt comfortable from Ji Huan’s touch, even nuzzling Ji Huan’s palm. Ji Huan’s eyes curved with laughter; her Little White Rabbit was too adorable.

Ji Huan noticed Little White Rabbit weaving something with red string and asked softly, “What are you making?”

Little White Rabbit’s ears turned red, her hands fumbling with the string, but she answered obediently, “I’m weaving a cord to wear this.”

She showed the copper coin from the dumpling, ears red. “I want to keep this coin close.”

Ji Huan nodded, sat beside Jiang Yubai, and asked curiously, “What did you wish for? You treasure this coin so much.”

When Ji Huan asked, Little White Rabbit quickly looked away, her gaze darting, not daring to meet Ji Huan’s eyes. Her cheeks and ears flushed red.

Ji Huan meant to press further but saw Little White Rabbit so shy, her hands trembling as she threaded the red cord through the coin’s hole after three tries. Ji Huan found it amusing.

Laughing, Ji Huan pulled Little White Rabbit into her arms. “Why so nervous suddenly?”

Little White Rabbit’s ears burned from Ji Huan’s breath, turning redder. She squirmed, trying to get up, but Ji Huan held her waist, keeping her still.

“Sister, stop it. I can’t thread it properly.” Little White Rabbit glared at Ji Huan, like a pouting kitten.

Ji Huan held her tighter. Little White Rabbit was getting bold, even turning the tables.

Ji Huan pinched Little White Rabbit’s ear, and it twitched, her whole body visibly reddening.

Little White Rabbit didn’t expect Ji Huan to touch there. She buried herself in Ji Huan’s arms, her heart racing.

Clutching the coin tightly, her heart felt sweet, like filled with honey. Was the coin’s wish really so powerful? Would her sister want to consummate tonight?

Thinking this, Little White Rabbit’s body went limp, barely holding up in Ji Huan’s arms.

Ji Huan didn’t expect a simple ear touch to make Little White Rabbit so shy. She quickly steadied her, saying softly, “Are your ears that sensitive? Just a pinch, and you’re weak?”

“Sister~” A soft, whiny voice came from Little White Rabbit, buried in her arms.

Ji Huan’s eyes curved. She stroked Little White Rabbit’s back to calm her. Little White Rabbit nuzzled in her arms, humming. Ji Huan’s gaze fell on Little White Rabbit’s red ears, recalling the touch. Her lips curved with an unstoppable smile, her hand itching to touch again.

But seeing Jiang Yubai’s shyness, Ji Huan stopped teasing, quietly holding her, stroking her back. “Alright, I won’t tease. Relax and finish your coin. It’s not done yet.”

Little White Rabbit nodded softly, still buried in Ji Huan’s arms, unwilling to get up. Her nose nuzzled Ji Huan’s neck, where a patch covered her gland.

Jiang Yubai’s gaze lingered there, her heart feeling tickled, wanting to smell her sister’s scent. Just thinking about it, she went limp again, taking half an hour to recover in Ji Huan’s arms.

Ji Huan let Jiang Yubai lean on her to finish the coin necklace.

Jiang Yubai wove the red cord into strands, wrapping it around the coin, creating delicate patterns, very pretty.

Ji Huan took the coin, looked at it, and said softly, “Shall I put it on you?”

Jiang Yubai nodded quickly, gathering her hair to make it easier for Ji Huan to tie the cord.

Ji Huan looped the red cord around Jiang Yubai’s neck, tying a knot at the back, then let go.

Jiang Yubai looked at the coin on her chest, her eyes curving happily.

At bedtime, Little White Rabbit nestled in Ji Huan’s arms, her hand on the coin, heart pounding.

Little White Rabbit didn’t tell Ji Huan her three wishes were all about her. First, she wished Ji Huan health and safety. Second, she wished Ji Huan would never leave her. Third, she wished to consummate with Ji Huan within the year.

The first two were fine, but the third made the coin on her neck feel hot just thinking about it. Her sister touched her ear today—didn’t she want to consummate?

Too shy to ask directly, Little White Rabbit trusted the coin’s luck. Her three wishes should come true this year, right?

Thinking this, she sneaked a glance at Ji Huan and got caught.

Ji Huan pulled her closer, poking her cheek.

Jiang Yubai’s ear brushed Ji Huan’s neck. “Sister, what are you doing?”

“Nothing, just playing with my Little White Rabbit.” Her cheek was soft, pleasant to poke.

Little White Rabbit nuzzled in Ji Huan’s arms, humming but letting Ji Huan poke her.

As if remembering something, Little White Rabbit asked softly, “Sister, when will we leave the Ji family?”

Ji Huan pinched her cheek, smiling. “No rush. It’s soon.”

Past troubles weren’t enough to split the family. Ancients valued filial piety. Ji Huan wanted the Ji family to go further, so after splitting, they wouldn’t bother her. Otherwise, with their shamelessness, they’d still cling.

Little White Rabbit nodded, looking forward to their future. With their own home, would her sister consummate with her?

Ji Huan looked down at Little White Rabbit, who, for some reason, was shy again, only her ears visible.

Holding her warm, soft Little White Rabbit, Ji Huan fell asleep unknowingly.

~~

The next few days were calm. Ji Huan’s group ate in their room until Ji Yuan’s work day, when Liu Fengmei’s nagging echoed in the courtyard.

Ji Huan, just finished washing, still sleepy, was woken by Liu Fengmei’s voice.

A knock came, not on Ji Huan’s door. Soon, Liu Fengmei’s voice rang out, “Your third brother must study. You’re free, so go fetch a cart of water from the river.”

Fearing refusal, Liu Fengmei continued, “Divorced and back home, you think you can do nothing? The Ji family doesn’t keep idle people.”

“Mother, I understand. I’ll go now.”

Ji Huan reached the door and opened it.

Seeing Ji Huan, Liu Fengmei’s smug expression froze. She forced a smile. “Ji Huan, you’re up?”

“If I didn’t get up, I wouldn’t know Mother came to make Ji Qiao work.” Ji Huan said sarcastically.

“Well, your father and I aren’t well. I just asked her to fetch water, nothing else.” Liu Fengmei smiled awkwardly.

“Is that so? Where’s Ji Yuan? Is he dead? Or has no hands or feet? Can’t he go?” Ji Huan asked, smiling.

Liu Fengmei grew displeased. “Pah, pah, pah! If you don’t want to go, fine. Why curse your brother?”

She started to leave, but Ji Huan’s eyes gleamed. “Who said we won’t go?”

“Let’s go, Ji Qiao. Yubai and I are free. We’ll go with you.” Ji Huan said, heading to the back to get the cart.

Jiang Yubai watched Ji Huan’s back, feeling something off. Would her sister kindly help Ji Yuan? And she seemed in a good mood.

Ji Qiao tried to pull the cart, but Ji Huan stopped her. “You two follow me. Let’s take a walk. Oh, I’m going to Doctor Yu’s.”

Jiang Yubai tensed. “Sister, are you unwell?”

Then she realized ghosts don’t get sick.

“Not exactly. You’ll see later.” Ji Huan smiled mysteriously, pulling the cart on a detour to Doctor Yu’s.

Seeing Ji Huan, Doctor Yu hurried over. “What’s wrong with your family? Need a visit or medicine?”

Ji Huan smiled. “Uncle Yu, I’ve eaten too few vegetables lately and can’t relieve myself. Do you have senna leaves or similar?”

“Senna leaves? I have plenty. I’ll get some. It’s effective, but use a little when brewing, or your body can’t handle it.” Doctor Yu advised.

“Don’t worry, I’ll buy a pack.” Ji Huan smiled.

“A pack? That’s a lot. You can’t use that much.”

“It’s fine, Uncle Yu. It’s the new year. Everyone’s eaten too much. It’s not just for me. How much?” Ji Huan smiled.

Doctor Yu nodded. Many bought it lately; greasy festival food caused constipation. “Five wen for a pack. Don’t use too much, or it won’t stop.”

“Don’t worry.” Ji Huan paid, tucking the pack away.

Jiang Yubai, curious, asked as Ji Huan came out, “Sister, what did you buy?”

Ji Huan winked at Little White Rabbit. “Everyone ate too greasy. I got medicine to clear their stomachs.”

Little White Rabbit understood, no wonder her sister was so happy.

Ji Qiao was confused, assuming Ji Huan had stomach issues and wanted to clear her bowels, so she didn’t think much.

Ji Huan pulled the cart again, smiling. “Let’s get the water back early.”

“Yes.” Jiang Yubai nodded happily.

At the river, Ji Huan fetched water twice, filling four buckets. The two girls each got one bucket. They tied the buckets to the cart, and Ji Huan pulled it back quickly.

Back in the courtyard, Ji Huan winked at Little White Rabbit while pouring water into the tank. “Get some clean pots and basins.”

“Okay.” Jiang Yubai, knowing Ji Huan’s intent after their time together, ran to the kitchen.

Ji Qiao, puzzled, followed Jiang Yubai to get things.

Ji Huan estimated the water was enough for the three of them. She found gauze in the kitchen, tied the senna leaves in it, and tossed it into the tank to soak. To make it work faster, she stirred it with a spoon.

Then Ji Huan covered the tank, returned to her room, and after about half an hour, judged the time right. She retrieved the senna leaves, discarded them, and used clean water from her room to boil a kettle, keeping one for herself and giving one to Ji Qiao.

In Liu Fengmei’s room, she whispered to Ji Mantun, “Dear, today Ji Huan saw me make Ji Qiao work and didn’t cause trouble. She went with Ji Qiao calmly. Can we use Ji Qiao for work from now on?”

Ji Mantun smoked, skeptical. “Ji Huan would be so obedient?”

“Maybe she calmed down. Outsiders may support her, but she still lives under our roof.” Liu Fengmei smiled.

“I hope so. I’m thirsty. I’ll boil water.” Ji Mantun said, about to stand, but Liu Fengmei stopped him.

“Why go? I’ll make Ji Qiao do it. Does Ji Huan really think she runs this house?” Liu Fengmei said angrily.

Her words stung Ji Mantun. He nodded. “Fine.”

Liu Fengmei strutted out, heading to Ji Qiao’s door. “Ji Qiao, your father wants hot water. Hurry and boil it.” Her sharp voice echoed in the courtyard.

Ji Huan, sipping hot water in her room, heard Liu Fengmei acting up and sneered. “She really climbs the pole when given an inch. Can’t show her any kindness. Let’s go see.”

Jiang Yubai nodded, following Ji Huan out.

“What? Is Ji Yuan dead? If I remember right, today’s his work day.” Ji Huan’s cold gaze fixed on Liu Fengmei, while Ji Yuan’s door stayed shut, no sign of him coming out.

“What’s that talk? Ji Yuan’s delicate. Ji Qiao’s home all day with nothing to do. What’s wrong with her boiling water for her father? Ji Huan, don’t think we’re all scared of you.” Liu Fengmei glared.

Ji Huan smiled. “Mother’s right. I was narrow-minded.”

Hearing Ji Huan yield, Liu Fengmei’s smile grew. “If you’d been like this earlier, it’d be fine. I’m doing this for your good. Ji Qiao will remarry eventually. She’s bonded with a Qianyuan, so no good family will want her. After the new year, when matchmakers aren’t busy, I’ll arrange a match for her.”

Ji Qiao’s face paled at this. “Mother, I don’t want to marry. I’ll do any work, but I don’t want to marry again.”

“A Kunze who doesn’t marry? That’s not your call.” Liu Fengmei, seeing Ji Huan silent, raised her shrill voice.

Ji Ming and others in the house heard. “Why didn’t Ji Huan snap back today?” Ji Ming asked Li Yulan quietly, listening to the commotion.

“Something’s off. Ji Huan being so obedient?” Li Yulan was puzzled, their eyes meeting, both doubting Ji Huan would take scolding quietly.

Liu Fengmei kept nagging, “You, bonded with Zhang Liangcai, probably only village bachelors will want you.”

“No, I won’t marry.” Ji Qiao’s eyes reddened, clutching Ji Huan’s sleeve.

Ji Huan stepped in front of Ji Qiao. “Mother, didn’t you say Father needs water? Why go off-topic? We’ll show filial piety today. Cooking and boiling water, we’ll handle it.”

“That’s more like it. If you behave, your father and I can consider letting Ji Qiao stay longer.” Liu Fengmei’s pride soared.

Ji Huan smiled at her. “Yes, Mother’s right. Old ginger’s spicier. We should listen to you and Father.”

Liu Fengmei, in a great mood, went to share Ji Huan’s change with Ji Mantun, thinking they should’ve been tougher on her sooner.

Ji Qiao, panicked, grabbed Ji Huan’s sleeve. “Sister, I don’t want to marry, not to some old bachelor.”

Ji Huan patted Ji Qiao’s shoulder gently. “Ignore her. Treat their words like farts. Don’t care. I’ll see how tough they are. Let’s cook.”

Ji Qiao didn’t understand but nodded obediently. Her sister was her backbone; in the Ji family, she only trusted her sister and Yubai.

Ji Qiao entered the kitchen to cook, but Ji Huan grabbed her wrist. “No rush. It’s the new year, and our stingy family won’t set off firecrackers. It’s the eighth day; we should hear some noise.”

Ji Huan threw a plate outside, the porcelain shattering crisply in the courtyard.

She grabbed a stack of bowls, smashing them with a “pa pa pa” sound. Ji Huan, in a great mood, chanted, “Break for peace, good luck next year, earn more money.”

Her hands kept smashing.

In the room, Ji Mantun pulled Liu Fengmei. “Dear, what’s that sound? That’s not cooking. Something’s wrong.”

Liu Fengmei’s smile faded. She exchanged a look with Ji Mantun and ran to the courtyard.

“Ji Huan, what are you doing? You smashed everything! How do we live?” Ji Mantun nearly fainted from anger.

“Live? Some people, so-called scholars, talk of morals but are lazy, leeching off the family under the guise of studying.”

Ji Huan threw two more bowls. “And some don’t deserve to be parents, forcing their daughter to marry an old bachelor. Maybe you want to remarry one yourself?”

“Ji Huan, what’s that talk? This life’s unlivable. Dear, she slanders me with old bachelors!” Liu Fengmei started her crying, fussing, and threatening routine.

Ji Huan sneered. “Can you speak human? If you can, I might leave a bowl or two.”

Feeling unsatisfied, Ji Huan grabbed a stack of dishes, smashing them with a “pa cha” sound. Liu Fengmei’s heart bled with the broken dishes.

Ji Huan glared, taking a flint and steel from the kitchen. “Dare to make my sister marry? If you do, I’ll burn this rotten house down. We’ll all beg together. I’m quite experienced at begging.”

Seeing Ji Huan’s expression, Liu Fengmei backed down. Since waking from drowning, Ji Huan meant what she said. She might really set fire.

Those hiding in the rooms couldn’t stay put. Ji Yuan ran out first. “Mother, it’s my work day. How can Second Sister and Fifth Sister trouble themselves?”

He smiled apologetically at Ji Huan. “Second Sister, sorry, really sorry. I was asleep and didn’t know. You and Fifth Sister rest. I’ll handle the work.”

Work was better than Ji Huan, this living demon, burning the house.

Liu Fengmei, feeling for her son, wanted to speak, but Ji Yuan shook his head desperately. She swallowed her words, stuck in her throat, uncomfortable.

“Your ears deaf? Didn’t hear the noise?” Ji Huan asked coldly.

“Maybe I didn’t sleep well last night. Second Sister, don’t be mad. I promise, when it’s my work day, I’ll do my best.” Ji Yuan dared say this because the county academy would open soon, and he’d leave these Ji family peasants.

Ji Huan scoffed, tossing the last bowls. “Sure, you’re off to the academy soon, only now thinking of work. So hypocritical.”

Ji Yuan’s face flushed, but he didn’t retort.

Ji Huan’s gaze swept over, landing on Liu Fengmei. “Don’t target Ji Qiao. If you dare, I’ll send you to the village’s old bachelor first.”

Ignoring Liu Fengmei’s cries, Ji Huan took Jiang Yubai and Ji Qiao back to their room.

With Ji Huan’s support, Ji Qiao felt calmer. She whispered, “Sister, is Mother okay?”

“Forget her. If she cries to death, it’s her fate.” Such a mother was better off gone. Liu Fengmei was just acting; seeing Ji Huan leave, she got up from the cold ground.

“Dear, what do we do? Ji Huan smashed most of our dishes. How do we eat?” Liu Fengmei fumed.

Ji Mantun was furious too. Ji Huan even threatened to burn the house. If she did, they’d really have to beg.

He sighed heavily. “Eldest, get money later. Buy more dishes.”

Looking at the courtyard, he sighed again. “From now on, don’t provoke Ji Huan or Fifth Sister. Ji Huan’s getting harder to handle.”

Liu Fengmei, unwilling, said, “Dear, we just let her be?”

“What can you do to her?” Ji Mantun gripped his pipe, teeth clenched, hoping Jiang Yubai would curse Ji Huan to death soon, so he could control Jiang Yubai and Ji Qiao.

Ji Ming followed Ji Mantun to get money, then went to the village shop to buy dishes. The seller, seeing a Ji family member, had no interest in chatting, just finding the dishes Ji Ming requested.

Ji Ming said deliberately, “Our Ji Huan’s getting worse. Today, she argued with my parents, smashing all our usable dishes. What a mess.”

The seller didn’t respond, took Ji Ming’s coins, counted them, and pushed the dishes to him.

Ji Ming, ignored, turned to leave.

As he stepped out, he heard the shopkeeper mutter, “Crazy.”

Ji Ming wanted to argue but thought of the family’s situation and held back. The village had only one general store; falling out meant going to the county for supplies.