Transmigrated Into an Ancient Filial Piety Novel as a Scumbag Alpha (GL) - Chapter 54

Chapter 54

Yu Ting thought she misheard, but once she confirmed Ji Wen was really there, her eyes lit up. She hurriedly stood to go to the front hall, though she paused to check her reflection in the mirror first, ensuring her clothes and hair accessories were proper before heading out.

Soon, Yu Ting reached the front hall and saw Ji Wen standing there. A smile she couldn’t hide sparkled in her eyes. “Sit down quick, have some tea and rest. Who’s that with you?”

“Oh, that’s my brother. No need to sit, we just came to deliver that box,” Ji Wen said, walking over to open a wooden chest containing three hundred taels of silver.

“This is the thank-you gift you sent before. We kept the rest, but this silver is too much. I didn’t help you for money, so returning it feels right.”

“You saved me, and this silver isn’t much.”

“No, we’re just village folk. Getting so much silver all at once feels wrong. Keep it here. My brother and I need to head back to the village, so we’ll go now.”

Ji Wen started to leave. She wasn’t close to Yu Ting, having only met her once before. Now that the silver was returned, Ji Wen figured they wouldn’t cross paths again.

“Wait,” Yu Ting said quickly, seeing Ji Wen about to go. She glanced at Ji Fu behind Ji Wen, then looked back at her. “I have a few words to say privately. Can you come to the back courtyard with me?”

Ji Wen nodded. “Sure.”

She turned to Ji Fu. “Brother, wait for me a bit. I’ll be right back.”

After speaking to Ji Fu, she followed Yu Ting to the back courtyard.

Yu Ting pressed her lips together, unsure what to say to Ji Wen. She had called her back impulsively, reluctant to let her go. These past few days, she kept dreaming of Ji Wen and the sweet, crisp peach scent on her. Thinking of it, Yu Ting’s ears turned slightly red.

They reached the back courtyard, and Ji Wen looked at Yu Ting with confusion, noticing she hadn’t spoken. “Is there something you need to tell me?”

Yu Ting quickly looked up at Ji Wen, her eyes darting before she spoke. “Yes, there is. Can I visit you later? I want to learn fishing from you.”

Ji Wen smiled at Yu Ting, thinking it was just about fun. “If you want to learn fishing, there are great fishermen in the county. Why travel so far to find me? Plus, it’s the busy farming season. I’ll be helping in the fields, so even if you come, I might not have time to fish with you.”

Yu Ting didn’t mind. “That’s okay. I’ve never seen farming. Can I come watch you farm?”

“What’s there to see? It’s all dusty and not suited for a refined lady like you. Honestly, it’s not fun,” Ji Wen said truthfully. Why would a wealthy young lady bother coming to the village? For fun, the county had plenty of better places.

Hearing Ji Wen’s repeated rejections, Yu Ting’s mood sank. Usually, Qianyuan men begged for a chance to meet her, but Ji Wen turned her down multiple times. Still, Yu Ting didn’t want to give up. Ji Wen’s refusals made her different from those Qianyuan.

Seeing Ji Wen stay silent, Yu Ting gathered her emotions, her eyes reddening with grievance. “Do you hate me? Don’t you want me to visit?”

Ji Wen saw her on the verge of tears and hurriedly explained, flustered. “I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just the long trip, and the village has nothing interesting for you. It’s not that I don’t want you to visit.”

Yu Ting sniffled, her red eyes still teary. “So you do want me to visit?”

Ji Wen swallowed nervously, afraid a “no” would make Yu Ting cry on the spot. She nodded, giving in. “If you really want to, you can.”

“I knew you were kind to me,” Yu Ting said, her eyes brightening, a smile returning to her tearful face.

Ji Wen scratched the back of her neck, feeling awkward. Were Kunze’s emotions always this intense? One moment near tears, the next smiling brightly?

As a single woman, Ji Wen was puzzled. Kunze were too hard to understand, weren’t they?

“If there’s nothing else, my brother and I will head back. Oh, we brought some homegrown vegetables. They’re not worth much, but they’re fresh,” Ji Wen said.

“Great, I’ll have the kitchen prepare them. But you’re leaving already?” Yu Ting said reluctantly, her eyes fixed on Ji Wen. She hadn’t spent enough time with her.

“Yeah, it’s getting late, and we’ve got work waiting at home. We won’t disturb you further,” Ji Wen said, exchanging a few more words before returning to the front hall with Ji Fu to leave.

Yu Ting watched the doorway longingly, sighing deeply. “Zhu’er, tell the kitchen I want to eat the vegetables Ji Wen brought for lunch.”

“Yes, Miss, I’ll tell them now,” Zhu’er replied.

As Zhu’er left, Yu Ting thought of the storybook. “How’s the writer doing with the storybook?”

“The writer’s still working on it. It’s a long story, so it might take a few more days,” Xiao Lu quickly answered.

“Hm,” Yu Ting responded faintly, lying on her bed and rolling over twice. Ji Wen had just left, so why did she miss her already?

At lunch, Yu Ting ate more than usual. She found the vegetables Ji Wen brought delicious, the sweet potatoes tasty—there was nothing she didn’t like.

~~

Meanwhile, Ji Huan went to find Er Zhuzi after breakfast. After explaining her purpose, Er Zhuzi called a few close friends to help. Timber and yellow clay were already available in the village, so no need to buy those. But they had to purchase green bricks, lime, and sand from near the county.

Er Zhuzi borrowed a few donkey carts and took his friends to cut timber nearby, then hauled it back. Zhou Xiaochun accompanied Ji Huan to the county, where they found a place selling green bricks, lime, and sand. For a small fee, the seller would deliver.

After ordering the goods, Ji Huan and Zhou Xiaochun hurried back to the village. It was already noon.

Jiang Yubai and Ji Qiao had prepared food for the helping villagers. Seeing Ji Huan return, Jiang Yubai quickly served rice to her and Zhou Xiaochun.

“Sister, how did the shopping go?” Jiang Yubai asked, handing over a bowl.

“We ordered everything. It should arrive this afternoon. Were you two worn out? Tired?” Ji Huan asked softly. If no one else was around, she’d have hugged Little White Rabbit.

“Not tired. Ji Qiao and I just cooked,” Jiang Yubai said obediently. Cooking wasn’t easy, though. They had to fetch water from the river, prepare staples and dishes, and make enough for everyone. Jiang Yubai and Ji Qiao hadn’t rested all morning.

Ji Huan and Zhou Xiaochun ate quickly. In the afternoon, they needed to lead people to haul yellow clay from the mountain’s base.

The afternoon passed busily. The green bricks, lime, and sand from the county arrived in several carts.

That evening, Ji Huan paid the workers. Though they were helping, payment was expected. In the village, hired help earned fifteen wen per day. Ji Huan followed custom, preparing fifteen wen for each worker.

“Take the money, everyone. You all worked hard today. It’s getting dark, so eat and rest. We’ll work again tomorrow,” she said.

Er Zhuzi refused Ji Huan’s money, pushing his share back. “If you keep this up, I’ll get mad. I’m helping a friend. Friends don’t take money.”

Ji Huan saw he truly wouldn’t accept and noted his kindness. She looked at Zhou Xiaochun.

Zhou Xiaochun waved her hands. “If you dare give me money, I’ll get mad too.”

Ji Huan smiled and agreed, thinking she’d bring them into her future earnings.

“Fine, you two won’t take it, but the others’ wages must be paid. It’s the busy farming season, and we can’t let people work for free. This isn’t a one- or two-day job,” she said.

“Fair enough. Pay the others,” Er Zhuzi said, agreeing. He’d help for free as a friend, but the other villagers he brought weren’t obligated to work without pay.

Ji Huan handed out the wages. Some hesitated at first but eventually accepted.

Normally, village employers only provided lunch, but Ji Huan’s group covered dinner too, hoping to encourage everyone to work harder and finish the new house sooner.

After dinner, the bustling worksite quieted down, leaving just Ji Huan, Jiang Yubai, and Ji Qiao.

Ji Huan gathered the used pots and bowls to wash at the river. Without a cart, fetching water wasn’t easy.

Jiang Yubai saw Ji Huan heading to wash the pots and wanted to join her. But thinking they’d sleep together tonight, she worried too much contact might harm Ji Huan, so she stayed put. Ji Qiao, seeing her sister go to the river, followed along.

As Ji Huan and Ji Qiao walked to the river, Ji Huan asked the younger girl, “How’s Yubai’s mood today?”

“She seems fine. We were busy all day and didn’t do much else. Sister, is everything okay with you and Yubai?” Ji Qiao asked, concerned, holding an oil lamp to light the way in the dark.

“It’s fine. I’m probably just overthinking because we’ve been so tired lately,” Ji Huan said, continuing toward the river.

They soon reached the riverbank. By the dim light of the oil lamp, Ji Huan and Ji Qiao washed the pots and bowls clean before returning to their courtyard.

Ji Huan set down the pots and bowls and went to her room. There, she saw Little White Rabbit sewing a pile of clothes, looking very busy.

Ji Huan sat beside Jiang Yubai, leaning in carefully. “Stop sewing. The light’s too dim—it’s bad for your eyes. We’ll replace all these when we move to the new house.”

“It’s fine. You go sleep. I’ll sew a bit more and stop,” Jiang Yubai said, focusing on the clothes without looking up.

Ji Huan pouted. Little Bad Rabbit wouldn’t even glance at her. Seeing Jiang Yubai’s needle moving nonstop, Ji Huan climbed into bed, lying on her side to watch the dawdling Little Rabbit at the table.

Jiang Yubai sewed until there were no more holes to mend. Then she slowly began washing up. After a while, assuming Ji Huan was asleep, she went to the bed, slipped off her outer dress, and quickly slid under the covers.

Ji Huan had planned to close her eyes and wait for Little Rabbit to join her, but she was so exhausted from the day that she fell asleep soon after.

Hearing Ji Huan’s steady breathing, Jiang Yubai turned to look at her. Her heart ached. She was the one pushing Ji Huan away, yet it felt like a needle stabbing her. Would she and Ji Huan have to live like this forever?

Her mind was a mess. She wanted to snuggle into Ji Huan’s arms and act coy, but she knew she couldn’t. Forcing herself to close her eyes and stop thinking, her thoughts were like tangled paste, impossible to sort out. Amid the turmoil and sadness, Jiang Yubai fell asleep at some point.

When Ji Huan woke the next morning, the bed beside her was cold. Little Rabbit had gotten up early again. Ji Huan felt a bit wronged, hugging the blanket and rubbing it, her fingertips lightly touching Jiang Yubai’s pillow. “Little Bad Rabbit, dodging me first thing in the morning.”

Ji Huan rolled on the bed twice, then sat up quickly. The new house’s foundation needed work, so she had to hurry to help.

She grabbed her dress, which had been torn by a branch the day before. Now it was neatly mended. Ji Huan’s lips curved slightly. Little Rabbit still cared for her, even if she was avoiding her for some reason. That meant Ji Huan was still in her heart.

Comforting herself, Ji Huan dressed and went to wash up.

Outside, Jiang Yubai and Ji Qiao had already eaten breakfast, leaving sweet potato porridge for Ji Huan in the pot. The two girls were washing cabbages in the courtyard, preparing cabbage noodle soup for lunch.

Seeing Ji Huan, Jiang Yubai smiled as if nothing was wrong and went to serve her porridge. “Sister, eat plenty for breakfast.”

Her eyes sparkled as she looked at Ji Huan. Ji Huan pouted, taking the porridge Little Rabbit handed her. Little Bad Rabbit only acted warm when others were around. If Ji Qiao wasn’t there, Ji Huan would’ve pulled her into a hug to ask what was wrong.

She glanced at Jiang Yubai and drank her porridge.

With no time to sulk, Ji Huan finished eating and hurried to the worksite. Since she’d provided two meals and paid promptly the day before, the eight helping villagers arrived early, along with Er Zhuzi and Zhou Xiaochun.

Seeing Ji Huan, Er Zhuzi asked, “Ji Huan, everything’s here. How many rooms do you want to build? How should they be arranged? Once we settle that, we’ll start the foundation.”

“Thanks for everyone’s help,” Ji Huan said, thinking. “Build three main rooms. The left and right ones will be bedrooms, the middle one a dining hall. Make the bedrooms and dining hall a bit larger. On the left side of the main rooms, build two more—one for storage, one for the kitchen. On the right, build two more—one for guests, one for bathing. The outhouse? Put it in the back courtyard…”

Ji Huan laid out her plan simply, leaving space for front and back courtyards. The front could have a garden for vegetables or flowers, the back for a kiln. A narrow path on the left side of the two rooms would lead to the back courtyard, with a gate and walls for safety.

To ensure clarity, Ji Huan drew a plan on the ground with a stick. The helping villagers, especially Zhou Xiaochun, were experienced—her family’s courtyard was built with green bricks. They started the foundation, then framed the three main rooms with timber.

Ji Huan set up a large iron pot outside the worksite to boil water, cooling it to deliver to the workers.

A man in his forties smiled at her. “No need to fuss so much. You’re paying fifteen wen a day, feeding us two meals, and now running back and forth with water. We’re almost embarrassed.”

“It’s nothing. You’re all helping me, so I have to take care of everyone,” Ji Huan replied with a smile.

Seeing someone’s water run out, she quickly went to refill it.

With many hands, the work progressed fast. In two days, all the frames were built, and even the outhouse in the back courtyard had its pit dug and beams framed.

On the third day, Ji Huan and Zhou Xiaochun mixed lime, sand, and yellow clay with water. Without cement in ancient times, green bricks needed this mix to stick firmly, working much like modern cement.

They set a level line and began laying green bricks. Thanks to the large crew, all seven rooms and the outhouse’s bricks were laid in two days.

By the fifth day, they started roofing with tiles. Ji Huan and Zhou Xiaochun handled the ancient cement mix, while others laid tiles.

To prevent rain and snow leaks, Ji Huan had the workers apply extra ancient cement to the roof’s timber before tiling, ensuring a sturdy roof.

Roofing took two full days. Then they spent a day smoothing the interiors with ancient cement. Some advised Ji Huan against smoothing the insides, as it used more lime, sand, and clay, plus an extra day’s wages.

But Ji Huan wanted the house to be as comfortable as possible. If she had more money, she’d have smoothed the exterior bricks too, but that wasn’t feasible now.

By the eighth day, all the rooms were complete, and they began building a surrounding wall for the courtyard.

During this time, Ji Huan ordered more green bricks, lime, sand, and yellow clay, which arrived in cartloads, as if money were no object.

The village buzzed with talk. Only a few wealthy households and the village head had green brick courtyard walls. Now Ji Huan was building one, and word soon reached the Ji family.

“Mother, did you hear? Ji Huan’s building a new house with a big show, using top-quality materials and even copying the village head’s green brick wall. The money from the family split can’t cover that. It’s probably gone, and those ten acres might not last either,” Ji Ming said at dinner, sharing what he’d heard.

“They’re not Ji family anymore. Live or die, it’s none of our business. Eat your food,” Liu Fengmei said, still bitter about Ji Huan. She’d taken so much money and ten acres, leaving the family strapped.

“I was just saying for fun. If you don’t want to hear, I won’t mention it again,” Ji Ming said, picking up his chopsticks to eat.

Li Yulan thought for a moment before speaking. “Father, we have some money. We should really renovate this house. Mud houses aren’t as sturdy as green brick ones.”

Ji Mantun glared at Li Yulan. “You think I don’t know green bricks are sturdier? We don’t have the money. Ji Yuan just recovered and went back to the academy. If he passes the scholar exam, thanking his teacher will cost more. But if he becomes a scholar, our family will have hope.”

Ji Sen rolled his eyes. The family had thirty acres, and losing ten made life tighter. As for Ji Yuan passing the scholar exam, Ji Sen thought it impossible.

Ji Yuan’s days back at Zhibo Academy weren’t easy. At Yu Bin’s private urging, his dormmates barely spoke to him and often mocked him subtly.

“Look, it’s Young Master Ji. Thought a wild chicken was finally becoming a phoenix, but it’s still a chicken,” Sun Tiancheng said, glancing at Ji Yuan as he entered, sneering.

“Hahaha, him? Thinking he could climb up to Miss Yu? He should piss and look in a mirror. So unlucky to share a dorm with him,” Li Renjie added, ignoring Ji Yuan’s expression, joining the mockery.

“Forget him. Yu Bin’s hosting a banquet at Qingfeng Tower tonight and invited us all—except Ji Yuan, the toad, hahaha,” Wang Lu said, laughing until he could barely breathe.

“Enough, don’t talk about him. It’s bad luck. Let’s keep studying,” the students said. The academy had cliques. Before, when Ji Yuan was tied to the Yu family, everyone fawned over him. Now, with the tide turned, they isolated him and made his situation a joke.

Ji Yuan sat at his desk, nearly grinding his teeth to dust but holding it in. If he fought now, he’d be the one expelled.

The bruises on his face had mostly healed. He clenched his fists, thinking about his next move. His mind wasn’t on his studies, and with the child examination approaching, he knew he’d fail.

He needed a new backer fast. He didn’t dare try the Yu family again after the beating that nearly killed him. He had to find another target.

Qingfeng Tower in the county was lively every night with music and dance until curfew. Some stayed overnight. Ji Yuan figured he’d try his luck there, hoping to catch a wealthy Kunze.

~~

Back with Ji Huan, it took four more days to finish the courtyard wall. The sixteen taels of silver from the family split were nearly gone, with the rest only enough for more green bricks, lime, and sand. The kiln for firing teacups hadn’t been built yet.

Ji Huan took the deed for her ten acres to the county and sold them in half a day. With land plentiful and people scarce, the market price was six taels per acre. Selling all ten acres, she got sixty taels.

Then she had workers spend a day building a long kiln in the back courtyard for firing teacups. The villagers found the odd structure strange but didn’t ask much, given Ji Huan’s wages.

Er Zhuzi, however, was puzzled by the kiln. “Ji Huan, I know you got some silver from the split, but you can’t spend like this. The house and courtyard are one thing—you’ll live there forever. But what’s this for?”

Zhou Xiaochun nodded in agreement. “Yeah, that kiln alone cost a few taels.”

Ji Huan, knowing their concern, pulled them aside and whispered, “I’ve got a way to make money. That’s a kiln for firing teacups, not something random. But don’t tell anyone yet.”

“Firing teacups? You know how to do that?” Er Zhuzi was stunned. In the Great Liang Kingdom, tea was a staple, and tea growing and teacup firing were lucrative. A well-made teacup could sell for hundreds or thousands of taels.

“Yeah, my teacups are different from what’s around here. If I succeed, they should fetch a good price,” Ji Huan explained with a smile.

Zhou Xiaochun nodded but still worried. She’d never heard of Ji Huan firing teacups before. Spending so much on the kiln and selling all her land—what if it failed?

Seeing their doubt, Ji Huan didn’t explain further. Once she made the teacups, they’d stop worrying.

At lunch, Ji Qiao was in high spirits. She could finally live with her sister, who wouldn’t force her to marry. Her future felt secure.

Jiang Yubai, however, was anxious. These past days, they’d been busy with the house, only sleeping together at night. She got up early to avoid Ji Huan, and they were so busy during the day they barely spoke. At night, Ji Huan fell asleep quickly from exhaustion. But now the courtyard was done. The bedrooms, built first, were already dry. The wooden furniture Ji Huan ordered from the village carpenter had arrived, and they were moving in that afternoon.

In the new house, they wouldn’t be as busy. How could she keep avoiding Ji Huan?

“Yubai, I saw the cabinet Sister ordered at the new house. It’s beautiful, and the bed looks so comfortable,” Ji Qiao said happily to Jiang Yubai.

Jiang Yubai smiled at Ji Qiao, her mind still on her and Ji Huan’s situation.

That afternoon, Ji Huan borrowed a donkey cart to move. She bought daily necessities, a wooden cart, and some barrels from the carpenter to make fetching water easier.

Everything was moved to the new house, but Jiang Yubai couldn’t muster any enthusiasm.

Ji Huan cooked noodle soup for dinner. Exhausted, the three ate simply and returned to their rooms early.

When Ji Huan entered her room, Jiang Yubai got busy, pulling out old clothes from somewhere, saying she’d wash them.

Ji Huan blocked the door, seeing through Little Rabbit’s avoidance. “Tell me, what’s been going on these past few days? Little Bad Rabbit keeps dodging me, thinking I wouldn’t notice?”

Hearing Ji Huan’s words, Jiang Yubai looked at her, setting the clothes aside, stammering, unsure how to dodge the question.

Seeing Little Rabbit stay silent, Ji Huan stepped closer, tilting her head to study Jiang Yubai, determined to get answers.

Knowing she couldn’t escape, Jiang Yubai smiled softly and coaxed, “Sister, I’m not avoiding you. We’ve just been so busy. You’re at the new house, and Ji Qiao and I have to cook. We really haven’t had time to talk.”

“Really?” Ji Huan didn’t believe Little Bad Rabbit.

“Yeah,” Jiang Yubai nodded.

Ji Huan pulled her into a hug, wanting to hold Little Rabbit close. But the person in her arms pushed back, resisting the embrace.

Ji Huan’s heart soured. Seeing Jiang Yubai’s reluctance, she couldn’t force her and let go, speaking gently. “If I did something to upset you, just tell me. You’ve been distant these days. Is it still those rumors? We were always close before, right? I’m standing here fine, aren’t I? Little Bad Rabbit, don’t overthink, okay?”

Jiang Yubai stepped back, avoiding Ji Huan’s gaze, but her words kept denying. “It’s not the rumors. I just don’t like hugging. It feels weird.”

Ji Huan’s eyes darkened, looking down. “Really?”

Biting her lip, Jiang Yubai nodded, meeting Ji Huan’s gaze. “Really. I don’t like being too close to others.”

Ji Huan was stung by the word “others,” even knowing Jiang Yubai said it on purpose, likely afraid of cursing her. Still, it hurt. “Am I just ‘others’ to you?”

Seeing Ji Huan’s reaction, Jiang Yubai felt awful, her eyes reddening but holding back tears. She nodded, meeting Ji Huan’s gaze. “Yes.”

Angered, Ji Huan nodded back. “Fine, you don’t like closeness? I’ll sleep in the guest room then.”

Grabbing two blankets, Ji Huan headed for the door, hoping Little Rabbit would stop her. But there was no sign of it. She left with the blankets, heading to the guest room.

The guest room’s table, chairs, and cabinet were all new. Ji Huan tossed the blankets on the bed and lit the oil lamp, feeling restless and regretting her anger. With Little White Rabbit’s nature, she might be crying in their room now.

Just imagining Jiang Yubai crying made Ji Huan ache, but going back would only make her avoid more. Maybe living apart for a while would help Little Rabbit figure things out.

Sighing, Ji Huan made the bed, resigned. She had a soft, sweet Little Rabbit, but couldn’t even hold her.

Meanwhile, Jiang Yubai saw Ji Huan leave, and her tears fell uncontrollably. She sobbed quietly, afraid of being heard.

She’d driven Sister away, despite how good Ji Huan was to her. She’d argued and upset her. Sister must hate her now. Life was getting better, they had their own home—why had things turned out like this?

When her mother died, Jiang Yubai hated her cursed nature. She married once, and her husband died vomiting bl00d at the wedding. Then came the rumors, mostly calling her a jinx, saying anyone close to her would die.

Almost everyone said so, and Jiang Yubai believed it, especially after her mother’s death and Zhang Tiehu’s death at the wedding. Everything seemed to prove her bad luck. She couldn’t be selfish, harming Ji Huan just because she liked her. She’d been close before, thinking Ji Huan was a ghost. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have clung to her.

Wiping her tears, Jiang Yubai forced herself to stop crying. This was what she wanted, right? Now she didn’t need to worry about cursing Ji Huan with too much closeness. But her heart felt crushed, having pushed away the person who cared for and protected her most.

Even in bed, Jiang Yubai couldn’t stop her tears. By morning, her eyes were swollen.

Used to rising early, she fetched cold water while the courtyard was empty, soaking a cloth to reduce the swelling.

Ji Huan slept poorly without the warm, soft Little Rabbit to hold. She sat up, sighing lightly. Ancient beliefs weren’t easily changed. She’d give Little Rabbit some space for now and slowly help her understand if needed.