Transmigrated Into an Ancient Filial Piety Novel as a Scumbag Alpha (GL) - Chapter 52

Chapter 52

Later that evening, Jiang Yubai heard someone moving in the courtyard. She grabbed the red dress Ji Huan had found and left the room.

Li Yulan saw Jiang Yubai but ignored her. Noticing Jiang Yubai sneakily leaving the courtyard, Li Yulan got curious and followed. She hid behind a big tree by the road and saw Jiang Yubai throw something away. Then Jiang Yubai hurriedly returned to the courtyard.

After Jiang Yubai went back, Li Yulan went to the spot where she threw the item. She found a red cloth dress. Though it had patches, it was still quite new. Li Yulan didn’t understand why Jiang Yubai did this but kept it in mind.

The next day at lunch, the family sat in the dining room. The swelling on Ji Yuan’s face had gone down a bit, but the bruises on his body were still there, and he was in pain all over.

Li Yulan recalled the previous night and couldn’t help saying, “Guess what I saw last night?”

The people at the table weren’t very interested. Ji Sen snorted and teased, “What? Did you find money?”

“Money, money, money, all you think about is money. I saw Jiang Yubai sneaking out last night,” Li Yulan said, lowering her voice on purpose.

“So she went out. What’s the big deal?” Ji Sen said carelessly. He often went out at night to gamble.

“Is she like you? I’m telling you, Jiang Yubai took a big red robe out last night and threw it far away at the place where we dump trash. Don’t you think that’s weird?”

“That is a bit strange,” Ji Ming nodded and said.

Ji Yuan, who had been eating like a zombie, suddenly perked up at this. He quickly asked, “What else, sister-in-law? What else did you see?”

“That’s all. They only go out for a walk after dinner. Usually, they don’t leave the room much. I don’t know anything else,” Li Yulan said after thinking.

Ji Yuan touched his swollen right cheek and said, “Could it be because Ji Huan is afraid of red, so she threw the red cloth away?”

As he said this, Ji Yuan’s eyes lit up. He muttered to himself, “I get it! No wonder Ji Huan has been acting so strange since she fell into the water. It’s like she’s a different person. It’s because of this.”

“Because of what? Tell us, third brother,” Liu Fengmei pressed him.

“Because the current Ji Huan is possessed by a ghost. Think about her behavior these days. It’s nothing like the old Ji Huan. This isn’t just a change in personality. The current Ji Huan isn’t human at all,” Ji Yuan said, feeling a chill down his spine.

Liu Fengmei was terrified. No wonder she got scared when Ji Huan smiled. “What do we do? Will this ghost Ji Huan harm us? What about Ji Yuan?”

Ji Mantun was also scared stiff. He quickly stood and closed the dining room door tightly, then asked, “Yeah, third brother, Dad knows you have exams soon, but this problem at home is more urgent. We need to deal with Ji Huan fast, or how can we live with a ghost in the house?”

“Don’t panic. Doesn’t our village have a shaman? Dad, have big brother and fourth brother take money to hire her. Sister-in-law, if Ji Huan or Jiang Yubai comes out later, try to test Ji Huan a bit,” Ji Yuan said.

“What? I’m scared. I don’t dare,” Li Yulan quickly refused. She never got the upper hand with Ji Huan normally, and now that Ji Huan might be a ghost, she was even less willing to provoke her.

“Don’t be afraid. This ghost Ji Huan clearly wants to stay in our house. She hasn’t really harmed us in all this time. Just test her a little. Go with Mother. You’ll be fine,” Ji Yuan urged.

Liu Fengmei’s hands trembled. “Third brother, I’m a bit scared too.”

“Mother, don’t be afraid. Red cloth wards off evil. You and sister-in-law tie red cloth strips on your arms and see how Ji Huan reacts. That’s the only way to confirm if she’s a ghost. Otherwise, it’s all for nothing,” Ji Yuan explained.

“Fine, for you all, Mother and your sister-in-law will do it,” Liu Fengmei said through gritted teeth. Seeing Li Yulan still hesitant, she added, “Come with me. Next year, your father and I will let Ji Dong attend the village school.”

“Really, Mother? Okay, I’ll go,” Li Yulan said, biting her lip.

They waited until they heard noises outside, like Ji Huan and Jiang Yubai going to the kitchen to wash dishes. Liu Fengmei gritted her teeth, pulled Li Yulan, and they left the room, both with red cloth strips tied on their arms.

Ji Huan and Jiang Yubai soon came out. Seeing the red cloth strips, Ji Huan had a sudden idea and quickly hid behind Jiang Yubai. “Mother, why are you wearing red cloth for no reason?”

Hearing Ji Huan’s question, Liu Fengmei’s legs went weak with fear, but she gritted her teeth and replied, “Haven’t there been too many bad things happening at home lately? Your father and I thought everyone should wear red for good luck. I’ll bring some for you two later.”

Ji Huan hurriedly stepped back in a panic. “No, don’t bring it over. Mother, I don’t like red. You don’t need to give me red cloth. I don’t like it.”

Saying this, Ji Huan seemed to fear something and quickly pulled Jiang Yubai back to their room.

Liu Fengmei and Li Yulan were also terrified, their legs shaking as they returned to the dining room.

In the dining room, the others had been eavesdropping behind the door and heard everything clearly.

“It’s certain now. Ji Huan is so afraid of red. Even during New Year, when we put up red fortune signs in the dining room, she wouldn’t eat there. We didn’t notice because few people in our house like red things. Otherwise, this ghost would’ve been exposed long ago,” Ji Yuan analyzed.

“Yeah, you didn’t see Ji Huan just now. She saw the red cloth strips, stepped back several times, and hid behind Jiang Yubai, looking like she didn’t dare face the red cloth,” Liu Fengmei said, still a bit scared.

“Good. Our village shaman is very effective. She’ll know how to deal with Ji Huan. Dad, this time we need to call the whole village to see what Ji Huan, whom they trust, really is. Let’s stop them from being fooled by a ghost,” Ji Yuan said through gritted teeth. Since ghost Ji Huan dared to harm him, he’d make sure she paid.

“Fine. Let the village head witness it too, so he can see if they wrongly accused us,” Ji Mantun said angrily.

—

Ji Huan returned to the room, feeling quite pleased as she waited for the Ji family’s reaction. After being dealt with so many times, the Ji family had caught her weakness and surely wanted to ruin her.

Jiang Yubai, however, was worried. “Sister, are you really okay with red cloth and stuff? What if they get a shaman or a Taoist? Will it hurt you?”

Ji Huan stood, pulled Jiang Yubai close, hugged the little rabbit, and smiled. “I’m really fine. After this, we’ll have our own little home. I’ve told you many times, I’m not a ghost.”

“I knew it. You’re just saying that so I won’t worry. I’ll protect you,” Little White Rabbit said, her eyes fixed on Ji Huan with determination.

Fine, Little White Rabbit didn’t believe her at all.

Ji Huan hugged Jiang Yubai and sighed helplessly.

To crush ghost Ji Huan, Ji Mantun went all out, sending Ji Ming with one tael of silver to hire the shaman.

The shaman, a woman over sixty, beamed at the silver and agreed immediately. She had Ji Ming and Ji Sen buy a live black dog and a big rooster. After preparing these, she took her ritual items and went with Ji Yuan to the Ji house.

“Dad, the shaman’s here,” Ji Ming said, bringing her to the dining room.

“Shaman Liu, you must help us this time. My second daughter is possessed by a ghost. Her personality has changed drastically, causing our family no peace,” Ji Mantun said urgently.

The shaman patted her chest. “Don’t worry. I had your two sons prepare everything. Kill the black dog and keep the bl00d. It’ll be very useful later.”

“Got it,” Ji Ming said, going with Ji Sen to get the bl00d.

“Now, go call the villagers. Tell them the Ji family is catching a demon,” Ji Mantun instructed.

Li Yulan, Liu Fengmei, and others hurried to call people from the village. But it was spring planting season, and most households were busy, unlike winter when they had time for gossip. Still, some who loved a spectacle followed.

The village head, worried about Ji Huan, brought Er Zhuzi and Zhou Xiaochun to the Ji courtyard.

Ji Mancang, working in the fields, saw people leaving and asked, “Why are you all going back? It’s not even time yet.”

“Uncle Ji, your main family’s in trouble again. They’re saying to come watch a demon-catching. I’m curious, so I’m heading back early,” someone said, grabbing their things and hurrying to the Ji house.

Ji Mancang, Ji Fu, and Ji Wen exchanged looks. “Let’s go see. Don’t let big brother’s family bully Ji Huan again,” they said, rushing to the Ji house with muddy hands.

At the Ji courtyard, a table was set up with offerings. The shaman placed an incense burner and a peachwood sword on it.

“When do we start?” the shaman asked, feeling uneasy as more people arrived. She knew the Ji family’s messy affairs. If Ji Huan turned out fine, she’d lose face. But thinking of the one tael of silver, she stood firm.

The small courtyard grew crowded, and soon the village head arrived. People made way for him.

Seeing the shaman ready to perform, the village head looked at Ji Mantun and Liu Fengmei. “What are you up to today?”

“Village head, we’re not making trouble. Everyone’s been fooled by Ji Huan. Since she fell into the water, she’s like a different person. She’s possessed by a ghost. The current Ji Huan isn’t her. You’ve all been tricked by a ghost,” Ji Mantun said seriously.

Murmurs spread through the crowd.

“No way. I think after falling in the water, Ji Huan’s mind got clearer.”

“I agree. The old Ji Huan was the one acting like a wooden-headed ghost.”

“The Ji family’s just splashing dirty water on Ji Huan because the village ignores them.”

“Yeah, they’re definitely trying to harm her.”

Hearing the crowd, Shaman Liu regretted taking the job. Would she anger everyone?

“Folks, you’re truly blinded by a ghost. I’ll call Ji Huan out, and you’ll see if she’s scared of the ritual,” Ji Yuan said.

With a swollen face, Ji Yuan grinned menacingly. If Ji Huan made his life hard, he wouldn’t let her off either. He’d make the villagers despise her.

Ji Yuan went to Ji Huan’s door and knocked. With the shaman there, he felt bolder. “Ji Huan, open the door. You wandering spirit, daring to possess someone’s body. You’re a ghost. Today, I’ll show everyone your true face.”

Without warning, Ji Huan opened the door. Ji Yuan, pushing too hard, stumbled and fell to the ground.

“Ji Huan, you tricked me?” Ji Yuan, furious, wanted to argue, but Er Zhuzi, who had caught up, pulled him away from Ji Huan’s room.

“Say what you want to say. What? You want to hit Ji Huan?” Er Zhuzi glared at Ji Yuan.

Ji Yuan’s veins bulged with anger, his swollen face looking even more like a pig’s head. “Fine, you’re still protecting Ji Huan? She’s not human. Don’t you get it?”

“Stop talking nonsense. Everyone knows what kind of person Ji Huan is. You’re the hypocrite,” Er Zhuzi said, his eyes full of disdain.

Hearing Er Zhuzi’s mockery and the villagers’ pointing, Ji Yuan panicked and looked at Shaman Liu. “Shaman, the ghost is right there. Subdue her. Show everyone. Make that ghost reveal its true form.”

Shaman Liu felt trapped. Her rituals were mostly luck-based. Sometimes they worked, but usually, they didn’t. People sought her for comfort, but the Ji family seemed to take it seriously.

The village head’s face darkened as he looked at Liu Fengmei and Ji Mantun. “Is this what you want? Have you thought about how much this will hurt Ji Huan if she’s not a ghost? Can she still see you as parents?”

Ji Mantun gritted his teeth and looked at Ji Huan. “If she doesn’t see us as parents, so be it. She’s an unfilial daughter. If she can’t take it, she can leave the Ji family.”

“Exactly. She’s turned our family upside down and harmed Ji Yuan like this. Ji Huan, you evil spirit, you should’ve left the Ji family long ago,” Liu Fengmei cursed, pointing at Ji Huan.

Seeing the Ji family’s stubbornness, the village head sighed helplessly. “You’re determined to do this ritual?”

“We have to. Village head, are you shielding Ji Huan?” Ji Yuan barked like a mad dog.

Zhou Xiaochun, angry, said, “Do you know how to respect my dad? He’s the village head. Can’t you speak properly?”

“What did I do? You’re all bewitched by Ji Huan. I’m a scholar. Why don’t you believe me instead of Ji Huan? She’s not human,” Ji Yuan roared, his voice echoing through the Ji courtyard.

Jiang Yubai’s face paled as she gripped Ji Huan’s hand. She hadn’t worried before, but this time, seeing the basin of black dog bl00d by the shaman, she felt a surge of fear. Ji Huan wasn’t really Ji Huan.

Ji Huan, who had crossed over with her own body and just looked like the original Ji Huan, wasn’t worried at all. She showed a sad expression and looked at Liu Fengmei and Ji Mantun. “Dad, Mother, are you really doing this?”

“Yes, and Ji Huan, stop acting like we’re bullying you. You’re tougher than anyone,” Liu Fengmei said, her expression venomous. Ji Yuan’s state was all Ji Huan’s fault.

Ji Huan nodded faintly, closed her eyes briefly, and let two tears fall. “Fine, I have nothing to say. Things have come to this. The Ji family can’t hold us anymore. You even call me a ghost. There’s no family bond left. Village head, please witness this. Later, we’ll put it in writing. I, Ji Huan, will have no ties with the Ji family from now on.”

The village head nodded approvingly. “Good. We’ll set up the separation later. I’ll make it fair.”

“Who’s afraid? Ji Huan, you should’ve left the Ji family long ago. Look what you’ve done to me,” Ji Yuan shouted crazily at Ji Sen.

Ji Huan looked at Ji Yuan and shook her head in disappointment. “You harmed yourself. You tried to do wrong to Miss Yu. You’re lazy and sneaky all day. Ji Yuan, haven’t you ever thought you might be wrong?”

“I don’t care. It’s your fault. It’s your fault,” Ji Yuan screamed like a madman. He grabbed the shaman’s wrist and shouted, “What are you waiting for? Do the ritual. Make that thing show its true form. Do it now.”

Shaman Liu regretted everything. She did this to make a living, not expecting such bad luck, even alarming the village head. And now, the village head and villagers were on Ji Huan’s side.

Seeing the shaman’s hesitation, Ji Huan said, “Go ahead and do it. The innocent have nothing to fear. I’m fine.”

Ji Huan stepped forward, but Jiang Yubai held her hand tightly.

Ji Huan squeezed Jiang Yubai’s hand to comfort her. “Don’t worry, it’ll be fine.”

Jiang Yubai shook her head. “Sister, I’ll stand with you.”

Seeing Little White Rabbit’s insistence, Ji Huan nodded lightly without saying more.

Seeing Ji Huan had no objections, the shaman took a drum with unknown contents and began dancing and singing. After about the time it takes to burn an incense stick, Ji Huan stood there perfectly fine.

“Is the ritual done?” Ji Huan asked.

The shaman smiled awkwardly and returned the one tael of silver to Liu Fengmei. “Ji Huan’s fine. You worried too much. I won’t take the money.”

Ji Yuan, like a madman, stopped the shaman. “How’s it over? What about that basin of bl00d? Ji Huan’s afraid of red, don’t you know?”

Seeing her son like this, Liu Fengmei started crying. “You’re afraid of offending Ji Huan and the village head, right? I’m not. Ji Huan’s not normal. If you’re all too scared, I’ll do it.”

Liu Fengmei picked up the basin and splashed it at Ji Huan. It was so sudden no one could stop her.

Jiang Yubai felt a sharp pain in her heart. If her sister was gone, she didn’t know what she’d do. Almost instinctively, she stepped in front of Ji Huan.

Ji Huan hadn’t expected Little White Rabbit to jump in front. It was too late to push her away.

The full basin of mixed dog and chicken bl00d splashed over their faces and bodies.

This was somewhat within Ji Huan’s expectations, but she hadn’t anticipated Little White Rabbit stepping in. Seeing her covered in bl00d, shielding her, Ji Huan’s bl00d boiled. Her fists clenched so tightly they cracked. She wanted to crush Liu Fengmei.

Wiping the bl00d from Jiang Yubai’s face, Ji Huan looked at Liu Fengmei. “Had enough? How can I have relatives like you? You slander me with words and splash me with dog bl00d. Do you even see me as human?”

“Exactly, you’ve gone too far,” Second Aunt Feng Mei and others said, rushing inside to find towels for Ji Huan and Jiang Yubai. The scene grew chaotic.

“Impossible. Ji Huan’s a ghost. How can she be fine?” Ji Yuan, exhausted, sat on the courtyard ground, muttering to himself.

Ji Mantun hurried to support Ji Yuan. “Third son, don’t scare Dad. Our family depends on you. Stay calm.”

The village head looked coldly at Liu Fengmei and questioned, “Well? What do you have to say now?”

“Village head…” Liu Fengmei tried to cry and make a scene but was drowned out by the villagers’ curses.

“I’ve seen shameless people, but never this shameless. What kind of people are the Ji family?”

“Exactly. Someone like Liu Fengmei dares to be Ji Huan’s mother? What a thing.”

“When will they leave Dongniu Village? They’re the village’s biggest curse.”

“Yeah, they bite back like snakes. Everyone, stay far away from them.”

“Pah, a family of trash.”

“What garbage. People like this deserve to be poor forever. Ji Yuan, with that pig face, wants to pass the scholar exam? He should go flip pancakes.”

“You’re giving him too much credit. He can’t even make pancakes. Maybe his parents still feed him, haha.”

The villagers’ insults didn’t stop. Ji Ming’s family and Ji Sen’s family shrank back, glad they hadn’t spoken much, or the criticism would’ve turned on them.

Seeing everyone pointing at him, Ji Yuan pushed Ji Mantun’s hand away, muttering, “No, no, no…”

“Enough, everyone quiet down. Mancang, find someone to heat water so Ji Huan and Jiang Yubai can clean up and change into dry clothes. Everyone else, wait here. Xiaochun, go get paper, pen, and the seal. I’ll help Ji Huan and them separate in front of everyone,” the village head said, glaring at Ji Mantun.

Ignoring the bl00d’s stench, Ji Huan held Jiang Yubai tightly. “Scared? It’s okay now. We’ll leave after the separation.”

Jiang Yubai, as if not feeling the bl00d soaking her, hugged Ji Huan tightly. “Sister, I was so scared. I thought you’d be in trouble.”

Ji Huan comforted her softly. “I told you many times I’m not a ghost. Little bad rabbit, you didn’t believe me. Do you believe me now?”

Jiang Yubai nodded, but a wave of sadness hit her. If her sister wasn’t a ghost, had her actions been harming her sister? Thinking this, Jiang Yubai felt heartbroken and struggled to pull away from Ji Huan’s embrace.

Ji Huan, unaware of her thoughts, assumed Jiang Yubai was uncomfortable being wet and bloody. She let go of Little White Rabbit.

Thinking about the separation, Ji Huan and Jiang Yubai hurried back to their room.

In the kitchen, Ji Wen and Ji Qiao were heating water. They mixed hot water with cold and brought two large basins of warm water to Ji Huan and the others.

Ji Huan locked the room door. With everyone waiting, they couldn’t wash thoroughly. They took off their clothes and quickly rinsed off the bl00d with warm water.

The bl00d’s smell was strong. Ji Huan rinsed her face and hair several times until no obvious bl00d remained. Without a mirror, she used the water’s surface to check while washing.

Jiang Yubai also washed quickly, but her eyes lingered on Ji Huan, hesitant to speak. With villagers outside, she knew it wasn’t the time to talk and stayed silent.

Ji Huan put on some clothes and looked at Little White Rabbit, who had changed but seemed distracted.

Ji Huan approached and asked softly, “Still scared? Why did you suddenly block for me?”

Little White Rabbit shook her head. When Ji Huan tried to hug her, she instinctively stepped back. If her sister wasn’t a ghost, she couldn’t be as close as before, or she might harm her.

“I’m fine. The villagers are waiting outside. Sister, let’s go,” Jiang Yubai reminded.

Ji Huan nodded, feeling a bit empty for not hugging Little White Rabbit, but it wasn’t the time to talk.

Ji Huan and Jiang Yubai left the room. In the courtyard, Zhou Xiaochun had just brought back the pen and ink.

“Alright, everything and everyone’s here. Xiaochun, you write. Both sides will press their handprints later,” the village head instructed, looking at Zhou Xiaochun.

“Okay.”

Er Zhuzi and another Qianyuan helped move a table out. Zhou Xiaochun began writing.

Having witnessed what happened, Zhou Xiaochun wrote decisively, stating both sides would have no ties henceforth.

Zhou Xiaochun handed the paper to Ji Huan. “Check if anything’s missing.”

Ji Huan took the paper, glanced at it, and said, “I don’t read well. Read it for me.”

Zhou Xiaochun nodded and read aloud. The paper stated: Ji Huan and the Ji family would separate, each responsible for their own fate. Anything happening to the Ji family would have nothing to do with Ji Huan, and vice versa. Neither side could claim ties or seek help from the other, becoming strangers with no family bond.

Ji Huan, hearing Zhou Xiaochun’s words, wanted to applaud. It was exactly what she wanted—no ties with the Ji family, no contact ever again.

“Add Ji Qiao. If we separate, Ji Qiao comes with us,” Ji Huan said, looking at the villagers. “After all, if my sister doesn’t come with us, my parents might sell her off cheaply later.”

“Okay, I’ll add that,” Zhou Xiaochun said, starting to write again.

“Ji Huan, how dare you talk like that?” Liu Fengmei shouted at Ji Huan’s jab but was silenced by the village head’s glare.

While the crowd argued, Zhou Xiaochun finished the addition, stating Ji Qiao would separate with Ji Huan, having no ties with the Ji family. He read the new part to Ji Huan.

Ji Huan nodded. “That’s fine.”

“Okay,” Zhou Xiaochun said, handing the paper to Ji Yuan. “See if you want to add anything.”

Ji Yuan stared at the paper, clenching his teeth. Zhou Xiaochun’s writing was thorough. “Ji Huan, Ji Qiao, don’t come begging if you starve out there. It’s written clearly—no family ties. Your life or death has nothing to do with the Ji family.”

Ji Huan nodded, looking at Ji Yuan with sorrow. “Don’t worry. We have no reason to stay in a family like this. But I never thought you’d go this far to drive us out.”

Ji Huan looked at Ji Mantun and Liu Fengmei. “Dad, Mother, this is the last time I call you that. Today, you schemed and even slandered me as a ghost. I’m completely done with you. From now on, you’re not my parents, and the Ji family has no connection to me. I hope everyone can witness this.”

“You don’t worry. After this separation document, I’ll arrange for you three to have a separate household in the village. You’ll have no ties with the Ji family. We’ll keep three copies of this document, one for the village as proof. If anything happens to the Ji family or you three, it won’t concern the other,” the village head said.

“Good,” Ji Huan nodded solemnly. She bowed to the villagers. “Thank you all for worrying about me.”

“No need. We’re happy you’ve made up your mind,” Aunt Yuan smiled back.

“Exactly. You should’ve split from them long ago. That family has no good people. Ji Huan, congrats on escaping misery.”

“Congrats, congrats.”

The villagers’ voices rose again.

Seeing the villagers’ attitude, Ji Mantun sighed deeply. “Ji Huan, you said those words yourself. Don’t regret it. If Ji Yuan becomes a big official, don’t come crawling back.”

“You can rest assured. We’d rather starve than return to you,” Ji Huan said, looking at Ji Mantun.

The village head nodded. “Alright, Ji Mantun, tell us about your family’s assets. Everyone’s here. Let’s see how to split fairly.”

“What? Ji Huan wants to split our things?” Liu Fengmei panicked.

The village head glared at her. “What? You want Ji Huan and them to leave empty-handed?”

“That money was earned by me and her dad with hard work. How can we give it to Ji Huan?” Liu Fengmei said, starting to wipe tears.

“Stop crying, Liu Fengmei. Your crying and fussing don’t work on me,” the village head snorted, leaning back in his chair.

“Ji Mantun, tell us. What do you plan to give Ji Huan and them?” the village head asked, looking at Ji Mantun.

The villagers chattered endlessly.

“The Ji family is so shameless, wanting to give Ji Huan nothing. Ji Huan did all the work before.”

“Exactly. How many fields have the Ji family planted? Where were they when work needed doing?”

“Disgusting. They want to keep everything. I say, people like this should leave our village.”

“Get out of Dongniu Village, get out of Dongniu Village…”

Someone started it, and the villagers, riled up, began shouting. Ji Mantun panicked. Splashing dog bl00d on Ji Huan was too much, and he feared being driven out. He quickly said, “To be honest, Ji Yuan’s studies used a lot of silver. The family only has ten taels left.”

Ji Huan, hearing Ji Mantun play the victim, reminded, “Dad, didn’t you have twenty taels left from selling your daughter? How’s it only ten taels now? And the fields bring income every year. Where’s that money? Was it stolen?”

Ji Mantun’s veins bulged as he pointed at Ji Huan. “Fine, you can’t hide anymore, can you? Look at Ji Huan’s true face, everyone. She’s after our retirement money. Ji Huan, you want to take our coffin money?”

Ji Huan looked at Ji Mantun coldly, her tone flat. “You’re not my parents anymore. I did countless things for the Ji family, not something your crying can erase. I’m just taking what’s mine.”

“Exactly. How shameless, always crying and making a scene?”

“Shameless. Get out of Dongniu Village…”

“A family of rotten people, always threatening Ji Huan. Didn’t you hear? Ji Huan has no ties with you.”

Seeing the villagers’ mockery and insults, Ji Mantun sighed heavily. “The family has fifty taels left, believe it or not. That’s all. I’ll give Ji Huan ten taels. That’s fair, right?”

Ji Huan shook her head and stepped in front of Ji Mantun. “You miscalculated. You have five children, plus you two, that’s six households. Ji Qiao and I make two. For the separation, you should give us two of the six shares.”

Er Zhuzi, seeing Ji Huan’s stance, smiled approvingly. Ji Huan was finally standing up for herself.

“Exactly. Ji Huan and them should get two shares,” Er Zhuzi echoed.

Liu Fengmei panicked. “A married Kunze is like spilled water. Ji Qiao isn’t even a Ji anymore. Why should she get a share?”

Ji Huan nodded. Just as Er Zhuzi thought she’d give in, she spoke again. “If Ji Qiao isn’t a Ji, then return the twenty taels dowry you kept.”

Liu Fengmei panicked and looked at Ji Mantun. “Husband, say something.”

Ji Mantun glared at Liu Fengmei and said, “I said that twenty taels was spent on the family. If you want two shares, fine, two shares. Mother, get the silver.”

“Okay,” Liu Fengmei hurried to get the silver. Eight taels more was better than twenty.

Soon, Liu Fengmei brought sixteen taels, reluctantly handing them to Ji Huan.

When Ji Huan reached for it, Liu Fengmei wouldn’t let go until the village head said, “Liu Fengmei?” She reluctantly released it, glaring at Ji Huan.

Ji Huan handed the silver to Jiang Yubai and said, “There’s also the thirty acres of land. Divided by household, each gets five acres. Ji Qiao and I, as two households, should get ten acres.”

“Ji Huan, you want to split the land too? You unfilial daughter!” Ji Mantun shouted, furious. Ji Ming and Ji Sen sweated. The family’s main income was from farming. Losing ten acres would hit hard.

“Ji Huan, you took the silver. Leave some for our parents. Don’t go too far. Land is the village’s lifeline. Taking land leaves us no way to live,” Ji Ming said quietly.

“Too far? Who slandered me and splashed me with dog bl00d? They stopped seeing me as family long ago. Since we’re separating, I have no parents or brothers. There’s no filial duty. Who are you to tell me to be generous?” Ji Huan said coldly, looking at Ji Ming.

“Fine, Ji Huan, you can’t hide your fox tail anymore, can you? Everyone, look at Ji Huan’s true face. You’ve all been fooled,” Liu Fengmei cursed, pointing at Ji Huan.

Second Aunt Feng Mei’s voice came from the crowd. “You deserve it. Ji Huan was too kind before. She should’ve treated you like this long ago.”

“Exactly. Get the land deed. Stop changing the subject.”

“Give Ji Huan her land. The Ji family always finds excuses, so shameless.”

As the villagers’ laughter rose, Ji Ming covered his face, wishing he could disappear.

The village head looked at Ji Mantun. “Get it. Don’t waste everyone’s time.”

Ji Mantun looked at the villagers, none supporting the Ji family. He gritted his teeth and told Liu Fengmei, “Go get it.”

“Husband, that’s our foundation. Really give it to them?” Liu Fengmei felt faint. Giving sixteen taels hurt, but losing ten acres was like cutting her heart.

“Go now!” Ji Mantun’s veins bulged as he stared at Ji Huan. “Ji Huan, don’t get smug. You three will be begging someday.”

“Really? I’m afraid we won’t meet your expectations,” Ji Huan shot back coldly.

Liu Fengmei returned slowly, clutching the land deed, unwilling to hand it over.

The village head snatched it from her and gave it to Ji Huan. “Here’s the deed for ten acres. Anything else you need?”

Ji Huan took the deed. “The furniture in the house is old and broken. We don’t want it. But we’ll take some pots and bowls.”

Ji Mantun, seeing the crowd, nodded reluctantly. They’d lost all face today. Pots and bowls weren’t worth much, and Ji Huan taking some was fine. He just wanted the crowd gone.

Seeing Ji Mantun agree, Ji Huan took Ji Qiao and Jiang Yubai to the kitchen. They picked a large iron wok, a steamer, and some plates and bowls—enough for the three of them.

“Village head, I’ve taken what we need. The rest is just our clothes, which we’ll pack later,” Ji Huan said.

The village head nodded. “Good. Come press your handprints on these three separation documents. You’ll have no ties with them afterward.”

“Okay,” Ji Huan said, dipping her right index finger in ink and pressing it on all three papers.

Seeing Ji Huan act so quickly, Ji Mantun, furious, stepped to the table and pressed his handprint. He looked at Ji Huan. “Remember, you have no ties with the Ji family. If you starve outside our door, it’s your fault.”

Ji Huan nodded. “Likewise.”

Seeing Ji Mantun about to argue, the village head stopped him. “Enough, Ji Mantun. You and your family behave yourselves.”

He turned to Ji Huan. “There’s an old, rundown courtyard in the north of the village. The previous owners left and didn’t want it. It’s empty but needs repairs. If you three are willing, you can fix it up and live there.”

Ji Huan thanked him. “Thank you for thinking of us. We’ll move there for now, but I want to build a new house.”

“Good. The village has plenty of empty land. Pick a spot, and I’ll register it,” the village head instructed.

“Thank you, village head. I’ve caused you trouble. And thank you, everyone. Without you, I don’t know how much I’d have lost today,” Ji Huan said, bowing to the villagers again.

“No need to thank us. We’re just glad you’re free from misery.”

“Exactly. You don’t have to stay with the Ji family anymore. Congrats, Ji Huan.”

“If you need help building your new house, just say. I’ll help after I’m done with the fields.”

“Yeah, count me in. I’ll help build your house too.”