Category: Farmer’s Blessed Girl

Chapter 40 Jealousy

“Just look if you dare. Who’s afraid?” Although Bai Shan Bao’s little face was pale, in order to not lose face in front of Man Bao, he steeled himself to open the box and took a look before turning away. Still acting tough, he said, “It’s not that I’m afraid. That thing is just too ugly. I don’t like looking at it.”

Man Bao felt he was very right and repeatedly nodded. “That’s right, that’s right. I also feel it’s too ugly. Looking more will hurt the eyes.”

The two children glanced at each other, mutually acknowledging each other’s words. Then they turned together to peek inside the bug box before quickly looking away again, repeating this several times.

Outside the window, Elder Master Bai watched this scene, then looked at his son pretending to be very well-behaved with lowered head. His foot moved but seeing Teacher Zhuang in front, he endured the urge to kick out.

Although Teacher Zhuang also hit students’ palms, he didn’t agree with parents hitting children, especially Elder Master Bai’s way of doing it. Seeing his gaze on Bai Er Lang becoming more and more unpleasant, Teacher Zhuang signaled the parents to leave. He was going to start class.

Elder Master Bai darkly glared at his little son, lowly warning him before asking Madam Liu Shi and Lady Zheng to leave together.

Although hard to access within a mountain valley, Qi Li Village had excellent scenery.

Elder Master Bai was also a scholar. When first building the teaching hall, he specially selected this location with wonderful scenery, facing water and overlooking the mountains, extremely beautiful.

Although it was dreary autumn scenery, dense woods still surrounded this place with many wildflowers decorating the roadside splendidly.

Liu Shi slowly walked alongside the riverbank towards Bais’ large residence, her mood exceptionally joyful. She turned her head saying to Elder Master Bai, “This place truly has outstanding people because of outstanding geography.”

Elder Master Bai knew Mother-in-Law was referring to Man Bao. Stroking his beard, he smiled. “Mother-in-Law, don’t underestimate this poor mountain valley. It actually has many fine things and people that you can look forward to seeing.”

Liu Shi nodded. “That child is so young yet already advances courageously. She was clearly afraid yet still tried overcoming her fear. I only hope Shan Bao can learn from her in the future.”

Liu Shi said with some regret, “Too bad she’s a girl. Oh right, with so many brothers and nephews in her family, how come Teacher Zhuang hasn’t taken a fancy to any of them?”

Elder Master Bai didn’t often go to the village but he was still knowledgeable about the village’s affairs. He laughed. “Looks like all the Zhou family’s talents went to this child.”

Liu Shi thought back to the Zhou family she met yesterday, nodding with a laugh. “That Zhou Madam from yesterday resembled a wise and capable person.”

Elder Master Bai recalled what the steward told him about the Zhou family, unsurely saying, “Maybe so. Though there’s talk her eldest and third sons work very diligently while her second son has some cunning wit, often going to fairs to do some small business.”

While talking, the two walked home.

On the teaching hall side, Man Bao and Shan Bao already put away the bugs and took out their books to read along with Teacher.

Bai Shan Bao originally wanted to dominate over the opponent in studying so he started out by loudly reciting. Despite still carrying a hint of milk voice, he was the loudest in class.

Man Bao loved lively bustle the most. Seeing her tablemate reading loudly, she also tore at her throat to read as well. The two children cutely shook their heads while reading, extremely adorable.

At least Teacher Zhuang standing at the podium was very satisfied. His eyes brimmed with laughter as he repeatedly stroked his beard, nodding along as he read with gratification.

Urged by the two children, the other students also opened their throats to read much more earnestly than before. Even the senior students who finished the Analects couldn’t help turning back to recite along.

Bai Er Lang enduring his punishment outside couldn’t help twisting back to take a glance. His nose snorted as if breathing fire.

His two similarly punished classmates also curiously snuck a look inside. Then they squeezed next to the boss, asking “Er Lang brother, how does your cousin also know how to read the Analects already? Didn’t he just enroll?”

Bai Er Lang grumbled, “That’s why I dislike him the most. He started learning when he was only two. Grandmother said not only can he recite Three Hundred Poems, he also memorized Thousand Word Text and the Analects. As soon as he arrived, Grandmother gave him my favorite braised pork dish to eat. In summary, he’s as annoying as Man Bao! Hmph, so what if he can read? We’re better at fighting.”

“Right, right! We’re stronger at fighting than him. How about after school in the afternoon, we intercept and beat him up to vent your anger?”

Bai Er Lang hesitated a bit. “If Father finds out he’ll surely hit me.”

“We’ll sneak attack him. I heard from elder brother that if you don’t want the victim to know who beat him, just stuff him into a sack.”

Bai Er Lang’s eyes spun as he whispered, “Where do we find a sack?”

“My family has one but I can’t run home to grab it either. Your place is closer than mine.”

“Then tomorrow.” Another person said, “We’ll bring a sack tomorrow. It’d be best to stuff Man Bao in too.”

“That doesn’t seem right.” Bai Er Lang frowned. “She’s a girl. Just frightening her with bugs is fine. How can real men hit girls?”

The other also felt hitting girls was too shameful so he didn’t agree either, shelving that proposal.

Bai Shan Bao and Man Bao competed on who could read more loudly. Whoever’s voice suppressed the other’s, the next line had to suppress back even louder.

Smiling, Teacher Zhuang watched for a good while before knocking on their desk to warn, “Read a little softer. There’s skill in reading too or else you’ll damage your voice and become hoarse tomorrow.”

Teacher Zhuang signaled everyone to stop and had the primary students take out their books. He taught them how to read the new lesson, having them read it repeatedly to familiarize themselves first before explaining the meaning during class later.

After finishing with the young students, Teacher Zhuang went to see his five senior students.

Bai Shan Bao glanced at Man Bao and silently read to himself at the side.

Man Bao read very attentively. She always had great memory, memorizing it after reading two to three times. But she didn’t know the meaning so she looked left and right.

If it was before, she would have directly asked Ke Ke. But now someone sat right beside her. She felt it was better to speak out loud than converse silently with Ke Ke in her mind.

Words spoken out loud with the mouth went pah-boo pah-boo, sounding extremely nice.

So she started pushing the hand-copied book before Shan Bao, asking him, “Do you know what this sentence means?”

Bai Shan Bao took a look. It happened to be teaching he once followed from Grandmother so he arrogantly said, “Of course I know. You don’t?”

“I don’t. Teacher hasn’t explained yet,” Man Bao reasonably said. “But I want to know now. Can you tell me?”

Bai Shan Bao turned to look at her, feeling very comforted being watched by her eyes. So he reluctantly told her, “It’s actually two of Confucius’s disciples talking. Ziqin asks Zigong if every place the teacher visits, does he inquire about that country’s politics himself or do others take initiative to tell him…”

This was from Xue Er Zhong. Bai Shan Bao had long memorized it fluently and Grandmother also explained its meaning that he remembered.

Man Bao listened engrossed. She said, “I never heard this story before. It’s really nice to listen to. If I could also travel to different countries like Confucius in the future and have people take initiative to tell me stories, that would be wonderful.”

Chapter 39 Cabbageworms

Not to mention the two children Man Bao and Shan Bao, even Liu Shi(Mrs.) and Zheng Shi(Mrs.) were startled seeing the dozen or so bugs in the box. They couldn’t help retreating a step before quickly pulling the children into their arms to comfort them.

Teacher Zhuang’s face was very ugly as he stared at the classroom, angrily asking, “Who did this?”

Three students lowered their heads together. With one look, Teacher Zhuang knew.

Elder Master Bai also saw. He glared at his unlucky son, feeling smoke pouring from his nose. Exhaling heavily, he rolled up his sleeves and went forward to grab his son.

With an “ah!”, Bai Er Lang was so frightened he cried while running away.

Although Liu Shi also felt he was naughty, she feared Elder Master Bai would accidentally harm the child. She quickly blocked him, “It’s not a big deal. Just teach him a lesson. Don’t get physical.”

After a moment of chaos, the three students were chased out of the classroom together to stand in punishment.

After crying for a while, Man Bao didn’t feel as scared anymore. Plus Ke Ke constantly said in her mind, “I searched it. This bug should be the legendary cabbageworm. Encyclopedia Hall has no recordings of original gene cabbageworms yet so I recommend Host collect them.”

Thinking these bugs had to be collected by herself, Man Bao seemed not as afraid. So she opened her eyes to stealthily peer at them again.

Seeing the child’s eyes shine like black obsidian after rain, Liu Shi felt some fondness in her heart. Hugging her, she smiled and asked, “Not afraid anymore?”

Only then did Man Bao notice she was being held by Liu Shi. She embarrassedly exited Liu Shi’s embrace, shaking her head. “I’m not afraid now.”

Hearing this, the still somewhat afraid Bai Shan Bao also came out from his mother’s arms, forcing himself to call out as well, “I’m not afraid either.”

The adults faintly smiled.

Elder Master Bai had already quickly closed the box and held it behind his back so the children wouldn’t see it and get frightened again.

Man Bao’s gaze longingly followed its movement.

Her expression was too vivid that Elder Master Bai hesitated for a moment. “Do you want it?”

He assumed the child would be afraid. Unexpectedly, without thinking she nodded. “Uncle, give me the bugs. I’ll look more so I won’t be scared later.”

Elder Master Bai looked at her in surprise. Even Teacher Zhuang couldn’t help becoming excited, looking upon his only disciple with pride and gratification on his face.

Teacher Zhuang tugged his beard, smiling in his eyes, unable to help repeatedly praising her with several “good!”. Then he looked towards Elder Master Bai with a laugh. “Elder Master Bai, just give it to her.”

Looking at this little girl clearly several years younger than his second son, Elder Master Bai was so jealous that his eyes nearly turned red. What a wonderful child!

Too bad she’s a girl.

Even more regrettable that she isn’t his child.

Liu Shi also couldn’t help being shocked again, glancing once more at her and grandson’s shared desk, feeling satisfied.

Originally she still felt it wasn’t good to have her grandson share a desk with a little girl. But considering he was the youngest and a late arrival, if he shared with the bigger children he might get bullied. So she agreed with Teacher Zhuang’s arrangement.

But now it was different. She was very satisfied with her grandson’s deskmate.

Thus, she placed the two children’s little hands together and instructed them, “Since you’re classmates and deskmates, your relationship should be even better than regular classmates. Classmates are like siblings or even closer since you’re deskmates. From now on, you should learn from and encourage each other, treating others with kindness and humility. No more fighting, understand?”

Liu Shi spoke gently like her own mother. Man Bao didn’t hesitate to nod and promise her as well, “Auntie, don’t worry. I’ll take care of him and not let others bully him.”

Bai Shan Bao became unhappy. “I’m older than you so I should be the one looking after you.”

Liu Shi was stunned for a moment before laughing. “Very good, this is how it should be. But Man Bao, you should call me Grandmother together with Shan Bao while his mother is your auntie since that’s proper.”

Man Bao looked at Zheng Shi and shook her head. “She doesn’t look like an auntie but sister-in-law.”

Zheng Shi couldn’t help smiling with pursed lips. What woman didn’t feel happy hearing a little girl call her young?

Liu Shi already knew Man Bao had many elder brothers. She also met her mother and sisters-in-law yesterday. Indeed her mother was about the same age.

But seniority wasn’t determined this way.

Liu Shi smiled and said, “Since you and Shan Bao are deskmates, you’re of the same generation. Naturally you call elders the same as him. His mother is your auntie while I’m also your grandmother. Don’t believe me? Ask teacher if that’s right.”

Man Bao looked towards Teacher Zhuang.

Teacher Zhuang nodded.

It was still Man Bao’s first time seeing such young auntie and grandmother. Her own father’s seniority was high to begin with and she was a late-born child. The grannies she could call grandmother in the village were all those who could only walk with canes, around her mother’s age. Those around her sisters-in-laws’ age were either sisters-in-law or nieces-in-law.

Liu Shi and Zheng Shi lived carefreely and maintained themselves well, looking even younger than her own mother and sisters.

But Man Bao always thought openly. Seeing Teacher nod, she promptly changed how she addressed them, calling them “Grandmother, Auntie” for a round.

Then elatedly, she accepted the box from Elder Master Bai’s hands.

Although still a bit afraid inside, remembering Ke Ke’s explanations, she became less scared.

Ke Ke constantly repeated in her mind, “I searched it. Records in Encyclopedia Hall state cabbageworms are caterpillars of cabbage white butterflies. You know butterflies right? It’ll transform into a butterfly after growing up.”

Hearing it say this, Man Bao became much less afraid.

Sensing the Host’s heartbeat and adrenaline gradually stabilizing, Ke Ke then continued explaining. “Cabbageworms mainly eat vegetable leaves…”

The System recited it all whether Man Bao understood or not. Then it said, “Feeding it to chickens and ducks can supplement their protein and make them lay more eggs. These are factual records.”

Man Bao exclaimed, “Then if I feed them to the family hens, would they lay eggs everyday?”

System: “It’s possible.”

This increased Man Bao’s enthusiasm towards the worms.

Seeing Teacher wasn’t around, she secretly opened the box a crack to peek at them.

Bai Shan Bao at the side shivered but still couldn’t help looking towards her actions.

Man Bao snuck a peek then hurriedly closed the box again feeling her heart tremble.

Seeing this, Bai Shan Bao finally cheered up, his spirit rousing. He looked at her scornfully and said, “Scaredy-cat, yet you said you weren’t afraid.”

Man Bao pushed the box to him. “If you’ve guts, you look.”

Chapter 38 Tablemates

Early next morning, while the family was busy, Zhou Wu Lang and Zhou Liu Lang sneaked into the room to abduct Man Bao. Each holding one of her hands, they carried her to the backyard and secretly gave her the money earned from selling candy yesterday. “It was forty wen total, just right with the deposit. That Miss Fu quite liked them and said she’d buy from us again next time. Little Auntie, could you ask Teacher Zhuang where he buys his candy and if it’s expensive?”

Zhou Wu Lang had clearly thought of resale. Man Bao took twenty wen for herself and split the remaining money between the two brothers, saying, “I already asked Teacher. He introduced that person to me and we’re friends now. Don’t worry, I’ll buy lots and lots of candy for you guys later. We’re the only ones with this candy. Next time you sell, tell her it’s one wen per piece.”

Zhou Liu Lang felt it was too expensive. “What if it doesn’t sell?”

“It will definitely sell. Miss Fu’s father is the county magistrate. Look how many people enter the county town daily, how much has he earned already?”

Zhou Wu Lang felt Man Bao made sense and whispered, “When I left the city today, I chatted with the city guard soldiers for a bit. They said the county magistrate will release new rules again. From now on, anyone entering the city has to pay an entry fee of one wen, whether they’re carrying baskets or not.”

Man Bao clicked her tongue.

Her eyes spun as she said, “If we enter the city empty-handed, we’d be losing money. You guys should find some nice flowers in the mountains. Have Second Brother make you little bamboo baskets, then put a candy inside each one to sell for five wen each. They’ll definitely sell.”

Zhou Wu Lang felt this idea was great. From the twenty wen she gave, he counted ten wen to give back to her. “Man Bao, buy more candy to bring back. Consider this ten wen as mine and Sixth Brother’s share.”

Man Bao didn’t feel any pressure, generously accepting it while patting her little chest. “No problem!”

He Shi took the egg drop soup she beat out but couldn’t find Man Bao so she called out, “Man Bao, where did you run off to?”

Then Man Bao lifted both her little arms. Zhou Wu Lang and Zhou Liu Lang each held one side and swiftly carried her over.

Man Bao happily giggled and even called out, “Faster, higher!”

Seeing the two brothers carry Man Bao like this, He Shi couldn’t help slapping their backs for them to quickly put her down. “It’s still early morning with mist outside. Teasing her into big laughter, if she breathes in the cold air and gets sick, beware of Father beating you.”

Zhou Wu Lang and Zhou Liu Lang dropped Man Bao and ran.

Man Bao thought it was great fun and spoke for them. “I actually really liked it. Third Sister-In-Law, stop scolding them.”

He Shi had her drink the egg soup and said, “Sister-In-Law went to make your breakfast. Go to teaching hall after eating. Bring the characters you wrote yesterday.”

Man Bao assented before running back to find last night’s masterpiece, a large piece of blackened paper.

It was Man Bao’s first time touching ink to paper to write words. Before this, she would use a stick to draw characters on the ground.

Since it was a stick, thick and long, of course she held it however was convenient. Man Bao saw people hold brushes many times so she knew how they were held. But it was still somewhat difficult holding it herself for the first time.

Most importantly, she didn’t grind the ink well last night. She fumbled with it for a long time before making ink.

But she still had full confidence in her words. She felt that being able to write words on the first day of school made her extremely talented, unmatched by others.

Man Bao admired her ink treasure then carefully tucked it between two hand copied books before going to eat breakfast.

By the time she got to teaching hall, the sun had risen quite a bit. Many students had arrived and were reading books in the classroom.

Man Bao trotted inside hugging her books. At first glance she saw someone sitting at her seat in front of her desk – Bai Shan Bao.

Man Bao planned to rush over to chase him away. But thinking back, it was her who was wrong yesterday. She had promised Mother and Ke Ke to apologize so she couldn’t chase him away either.

She could only walk over to greet him first.

Seeing Man Bao approach, Bai Shan Bao immediately straightened his back, placing his hands on his knees. After kneeling so much last night, his knees still ached a bit now.

Bai Shan Bao glared at Man Bao but he knew Grandmother and Mother must still be next door in Teacher’s yard. He didn’t dare hit her again nor argue verbally.

Unexpectedly, Man Bao trotted over saying to him, “Sorry, I shouldn’t have hit you yesterday.”

Bai Shan Bao: …Is this still the same nasty person from yesterday?

Seeing him glare without speaking, Man Bao thought he was still angry. So she took out a candy wrapped in oil paper from her pocket, lifting it to him, “Here, I’ll treat you to candy. Don’t be angry anymore, alright?”

Bai Shan Bao looked at the candy in her palm without speaking.

The scene appeared in the eyes of people outside the window as Bai Shan Bao lacking grace. The young girl took initiative to apologize yet he still wouldn’t accept.

Liu Shi’s face looked somewhat unpleasant. Zheng Shi watched her son in the classroom somewhat anxiously.

At the side, Elder Master Bai quietly explained for Bai Shan Bao, “Shan Bao is still young with a big temper. It’s also possible he’s too shy to speak to a little girl.”

Too shy to speak yet bold enough to fight. What nonsense!

Seeing him not speaking, Man Bao assumed he accepted. She unwrapped the oil paper and directly stuffed it into his mouth, saying, “This is my favorite candy. It’s not too sweet yet not cloying while also fragrant.”

Tasting the sweetness, Bai Shan Bao finally came back to his senses. He lowered his head to glance at the book before him then raised his head to look at Man Bao before lightly grunting out an “en”.

It took Man Bao a good while to react that he was answering her earlier question.

Man Bao couldn’t help sighing. “Your reactions are so slow!”

Bai Shan Bao just humphed.

Man Bao placed her book on the desk and looked at him.

Bai Shan Bao also looked at her. The two children stared with big eyes until those watching outside couldn’t stand it and prepared to intervene. Then Man Bao said, “Since you forgave me, shouldn’t you be leaving now?”

Bai Shan Bao was puzzled. “Leave for where? I came to study!”

“I also came to study! This is my seat!”

Bai Shan Bao became unhappy, putting his hand on the desk. “Clearly this is mine. Teacher told me to sit here.”

Man Bao also placed her hand on the desk, indignantly saying, “Teacher also said for me to sit here. I came first. This is my seat!”

A classmate at the side couldn’t stand it anymore and said, “There’s two people at each desk. One person per side. This is specially arranged by Teacher.”

Bai Shan Bao and Man Bao both looked at the other student. Only then did they realize every desk really sat two people. They said in unison, “I don’t want to sit with him/her!”

That student said, “There’s no helping it. You’re the shortest in class and the youngest. If you don’t sit together, who would be willing to sit with either of you?”

The two looked at each other again before reluctantly accepting with pouting mouths.

After Man Bao sat down, she placed the Analects on the desk then put Thousand Word Text and her homework to the side. Only then did she notice a box at the corner of the desk.

She said to Bai Shan Bao, “Move your box away. This side is my spot.”

Bai Shan Bao took a look before saying, “That’s not my box.”

Man Bao’s eyes instantly lit up. With an adventurous spirit, she dragged the box over and curiously opened it only to see over ten bugs heaped inside.

Man Bao was dumbfounded.

Bai Shan Bao also stretched his neck to take a curious look, then was also dumbfounded. The two children were stunned for a moment before both going “ah!” and closing their eyes to loudly cry.

The adults outside the classroom were shocked and rushed in at the same time.

Chapter 37: Teaching the Children

Mr. Zhuang allowed the Bai family to take Bai Erlang and Bai Shanbao home, keeping Man Bao behind.

He went into his room and brought out a stack of paper for Man Bao, saying, “Hand in the character writing punishments tomorrow. If you fight again, it won’t just be a simple matter of writing characters.”

Man Bao obediently agreed, not feeling writing was a punishment since they had to practice writing for their studies anyway.

The Qian family repeatedly bowed in apology to Mr. Zhuang before taking the two children home.

The Lius hadn’t gone far when they turned to see the Zhou family escorting Man Bao and Mrs. Qian back.

Mrs. Zheng also looked back, remarking, “Their family really has a lot of people.”

“Indeed,” said Mr. Bai. “With six sons, they may not have produced the most children in Qili Village, but they can field the most working hands, making their family’s population the most prosperous.”

Mrs. Liu glanced at Man Bao supporting Mrs. Qian and asked, “Why is it their daughter attending the school?”

Mr. Bai laughed, “Their family can’t afford tuition. But this little girl is smart, so Mr. Zhuang favors her as a disciple, allowing her into the school without the entrance bundled fee. He even hand-copied books for her, and I heard when she became his student, he gifted them a full set of ink, brush and inkstone – considered properly outfitted then.”

Mrs. Zheng commented, “It’s a difficult path for a peasant family.”

But Mrs. Liu said, “It shows this child is not just smart, but also well-behaved – a lovable child, otherwise Mr. Zhuang wouldn’t dote on her talent so.”

She turned to look at her grandson again, expression souring. “The young Miss Zhou is younger than you, just a little girl. How could you hit her?”

Bai Shanbao felt aggrieved, holding up his arm. “She hit me first, she even bit me!”

Mrs. Zheng hurriedly rolled up his sleeve but saw no marks on his smooth, white arm. Retracting her hand, she glanced at her mother-in-law.

Mrs. Liu’s face darkened further. “Where did she bite you?”

Though no marks on his arm, Bai Shanbao still felt that sensation, so he pointed at a spot. “Here!”

Mrs. Liu couldn’t help but lightly slap the table, rebuking, “Shanbao, your grandmother taught you from young never to lie!”

Bai Shanbao felt dazed before bursting into loud wails. “I didn’t lie, she really did bite me! You can ask her. She hit me first too, and ambushed me – she’s the bad one!”

Meanwhile, Mrs. Qian was also lecturing Man Bao. Having checked and found no injuries, she could scold her at ease now.

“You’re a girl – if there’s a disagreement, you should reason with people properly. Why did you hit someone?”

Man Bao: “He was hitting Er Tou.”

“You should have separated them first, then asked who was right or wrong. How could you hit him? He was a guest visiting our village – a stranger. Bullying a stranger is disrespectful.” Mrs. Qian’s face darkened. “How have I taught you from young? To be a courteous person. Just now before Mr. Zhuang you not only didn’t apologize, you even made faces at him. Is this how I’ve instructed you?”

Man Bao felt aggrieved, her eyes reddening.

Mrs. Qian turned away. “Don’t cry in front of me. Go think it over facing the wall – was what I said right or not?”

Mrs. Qian wiped her own tears. “I sent you to school to study propriety, not so a girl like you who can’t go make a living with talents or take the imperial exams would learn brawling instead. If that’s what you’ll learn there, come home – you’re no longer allowed to even audit classes.”

Man Bao’s tears streamed down as she felt terrible, rushing to hug her mother’s legs as she sobbed, “Mom, I know I was wrong. Don’t cry, don’t be angry.”

Mrs. Qian turned her head away, silent.

Man Bao cried until breathless. “I really know I was wrong, don’t ignore me. Tomorrow I’ll go apologize to him…”

Only then did Mrs. Qian’s expression ease slightly.

Outside, Feng Shi twisted Er Tou’s ear as she scolded him. “I told you to go get your little aunt. But instead you fought someone over a stupid rock – were you itching for a beating?”

Young Mrs. Qian was also hitting Da Tou. “I assigned you this task, but you slacked off, making your little brother do it instead. He’s just a child, you had him go get your little aunt? It’s lucky she wasn’t badly beaten today. What if it had been an older kid?”

Soon the air was filled with wails, as Da Tou and Er Tou were both soundly thrashed.

That evening, the three children who had erred knelt together in the kitchen boiling water.

As punishment, heating the hot water for tonight fell to them.

Of course, having never set foot in a kitchen before, Man Bao was clueless. So Da Tou tended the fire while Er Tou monitored it, leaving Man Bao to sit hugging her knees, deep in thought.

She was actually chatting with Ke Ke, verifying if she had truly done something wrong.

The system had reviewed many educational books, simulating Man Bao and Er Tou’s roles. As the elder dealing with the beaten Er Tou, Man Bao’s handling was indeed incorrect.

Hearing Ke Ke confirm this, Man Bao’s shoulders slumped. “Then I’ll apologize to him tomorrow. Do you think if I give him candy he’ll forgive me?”

The system replied, “Gifts should be something the recipient likes. Perhaps you can ask him about it tomorrow.”

Man Bao felt that made sense. Her consciousness returned to the real world to see Da Tou and Er Tou with glum faces.

Having come to terms with it, Man Bao had always been a child who corrected her mistakes. Since she had decided, there was no point dwelling on sadness anymore as her spirits rallied.

Seeing her despondent nephews, she fished out two candies and popped them into their mouths, consoling them. “It’s fine, sister-in-laws will forget all about this tomorrow. Don’t be sad.”

Unexpectedly receiving candy, Da Tou and Er Tou naturally perked up, quietly replying to Man Bao, “Little Aunt, don’t worry, we’ll find a private spot in a couple days to help you get revenge.”

Man Bao’s mood soured. “So you still haven’t recognized your mistake.” She held out her hands. “Give the candies back, I won’t let you have them anymore.”

Da Tou and Er Tou froze with the candies in their mouths before crunching down hard, telling Man Bao with full mouths, “Already ate them.”

Man Bao fumed, “Spit them out!”

The boys just kept chewing before opening their mouths wide for inspection, not even crumbs remaining.

“I won’t give you two candies ever again then,” Man Bao declared.

But sharp Da Tou quickly said, “Little Aunt, we know we were wrong. We won’t fight anymore or go settle scores with that kid.”

Only then did Man Bao begrudgingly forgive them.

Over at the Bai residence, Mrs. Liu had Bai Shanbao kneeling as she wiped away tears, rebuking him. “You’ve been so bright from young, I had hoped you could inherit your father’s ambitions and study to bring honor to our family. But you’ve lost your way chasing trifles, not even understanding basic courtesy. Fighting is wrong to begin with, let alone hitting a young lady. Not only did you not admit fault before your teacher, you even glared and made faces…”

Chapter 36: Punishment

It was Man Bao’s first day of school and her parents were already being summoned. Even the ailing Mrs. Qian hurriedly came out from her room, being supported by  Mrs. Xiao Qian to rush to the school building.

The Bai family also arrived quickly. Mr. Bai had been called about his son’s misdeeds at school frequently this year, aware his son was usually the instigator in fights. So he wasn’t in a rush when initially summoned.

However, upon hearing Bai Shanbao was also involved in fighting, he couldn’t sit still any longer. Bai Shanbao was different from his son – he was a precious treasure.

Mr. Bai didn’t dare delay, promptly notifying his sister-in-law and younger sister. So the entire Bai family came over in force.

The two families met at the school gate. One side in fine silks, the other in patched clothes, but the worried looks on their faces were the same.

Just by numbers, the two sides were evenly matched.

But neither had any interest in sizing the other up at the moment. Mrs. Qian and another elderly lady of similar age both hurried straight towards Mr. Zhuang’s residence.

Mrs. Xiao Qian, supporting Mrs. Qian, happened to meet the other’s daughter-in-law at the gate. Though anxious, Mrs. Qian still tugged her daughter-in-law to pause and let the other go first.

The other lady also hesitated, seeing Mrs. Qian’s courtesy, before ungraciously letting her daughter-in-law cross the threshold first, hastening inside.

In the courtyard, the four children stood in a row while an angry Mr. Zhuang sat silent on a chair.

Seeing their own children standing upright, occasionally still glaring at each other, the two families realized there was no major issue. Whether the first pair of mother and daughter-in-law or the second, they all let out relieved sighs.

Then ignoring their children’s yearning looks, they went together to apologize to Mr. Zhuang.

Their children fighting at school, even without knowing the reason, they felt ashamed.

Seeing they understood propriety, Mr. Zhuang’s expression eased slightly. Then pointing at the four kids he said, “Leaving aside Er Tou, the other three are my students. That they could come to blows outside of school means this old man’s teachings have not gone deep enough. I called you two families here today firstly to have you educate your children further, and secondly to inform you that going forward I will pay extra attention to these three. Regarding rewards and punishments, you parents should keep them in mind.”

Yesterday when Mr. Zhuang visited the Bai family, he had met Bai Shanbao. At that time, Mrs. Liu and her daughter-in-law had also met Mr. Zhuang and agreed to send Bai Shanbao to study at the school. So in the strict sense, Bai Shanbao was also Mr. Zhuang’s student.

Mrs. Liu glanced at the fair-skinned little girl beside her grandson, knowing she was Zhou Man, Mr. Zhuang’s disciple. Mr. Zhuang had visited the Bai family yesterday precisely for her enrollment.

Of course Mrs. Liu didn’t believe her grandson would fight with such a soft little girl, so she looked over at Bai Erlang and Er Tou before asking with a dip of her head, “Mr. Zhuang, may I ask what caused the children to come to blows?”

Mr. Zhuang had clearly already vented his anger, but bringing it up again still made him unable to contain his ire. Placing a rock on the stone table, he gravely said, “It was over this stone.”

Everyone stared wide-eyed at the rock, not seeing anything special about it – weren’t such stones strewn all over the roads?

Mr. Bai went after Bai Erlang first, slapping the back of his head as he angrily scolded, “I told you to study properly, what are you messing around with stones for? You fought with your cousin over a single rock?”

Bai Erlang cradled his head, retorting, “I didn’t fight him, I was helping him! I wouldn’t even look at such a smelly old rock, I have way better ones than that in my room!”

Mr. Bai then turned his glare to Er Tou – so this was the one who fought with Shanbao.

Seeing Er Tou was around the same age as Shanbao but surely stronger being a country boy, he couldn’t help worrying if Shanbao had truly been injured. His sister-in-law would likely cry endlessly over that.

Mrs. Liu felt a bit uneasy too, but with Mr. Zhuang present she couldn’t do anything. Her daughter-in-law Mrs. Zheng, however, couldn’t hold back, pulling Bai Shanbao over to feel him up and down before asking, “Shanbao, were you hurt anywhere?”

Standing off to the side, Man Bao made a face at him. Bai Shanbao had been about to cry, eyes already welling up with tears, but immediately stopped upon seeing her taunting look. He fiercely glared back, reassured by having his grandmother and mother’s support as he moved to push Man Bao.

But Mrs. Xiao Qian was quick, pulling Man Bao away and into her embrace as well.

So the adults of the two families were now face-to-face.

Off to the side, Er Tou felt terrified under Mr. Bai’s glare, rushing into his father’s arms crying “Dad, Dad, I didn’t hit him, he hit me first!”

Bai Shanbao turned to look over too, mimicking Man Bao by making a mocking face back at Er Tou, “Losing underling!”

He turned to tattle to his mother too, “Mom, it wasn’t him who hit me, it was her!”

Following his finger, everyone looked silently at Man Bao.

Mr. Zhuang supplemented, “Bai Shanbao hit Er Tou first, so Man Bao fought with Bai Shanbao. When Er Tou tried to help, Bai Erlang joined in fighting Er Tou. None of the four were uninvolved.”

Mr. Zhuang continued, “I think the children just have too much energy. Leaving Er Tou aside, you elders take the children home and educate them properly. Bai Erlang, you will write 20 large characters tonight. Bai Shanbao, Man Bao, you two will each write 10 large characters which I will inspect tomorrow.”

Bai Erlang protested, “Teacher, why do I have to write more than them?”

“Because you are older than them. Not only did you not dissuade them from fighting, you even fanned the flames from the sidelines and joined in. Tell me, do you not deserve punishment?”

“But it still shouldn’t be more than theirs.”

Mr. Zhuang said flatly, “Twenty-five large characters then.”

Mr. Bai just glared at his son, who could only shrink his neck and lower his head.

After learning it was Man Bao who fought with Bai Shanbao, Mrs. Liu and Mrs. Zheng felt embarrassed. Looking at Man Bao, clearly shorter and thinner than Shanbao and still just a girl, they gave awkward smiles before hugging Bai Shanbao without mentioning injuries again.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Xiao Qian discreetly felt over Man Bao, who seemed ticklish and giggled while squirming a bit.

Observing closely, both Mrs. Qian and Mrs. Xiao Qian breathed internal sighs of relief that the child didn’t seem injured.

The parents from both families accepted the punishments for their respective children. The Bai family elders even made Bai Erlang and Bai Shanbao apologize to Er Tou and Man Bao.

They had no choice – Bai Erlang was older than Er Tou, while Bai Shanbao was not only older but also a boy hitting a girl. The Bai family felt their children were the ones in the wrong.

Moreover, the fight had been over something as trivial as grabbing a rock.

But not just Bai Erlang, even Bai Shanbao stubbornly refused to bow his head, even huffing disdainfully at Man Bao a couple times.

Man Bao refused to back down either, glaring right back at him. With neither child looking like they would admit fault, and not wanting to look worse before Mr. Zhuang, the Bai family hurriedly gave apologetic smiles to the Qian family before dragging their children away.

They planned to make the children properly apologize later.

Chapter 35: The Childhood Friend Beats Up Her Soulmate

Mr. Zhuang was teaching the Analects. He had hand-copied a book for Man Bao, who now had two “books” including the previously copied Thousand Character Classic.

Man Bao was delighted, as it was her first time sitting in the classroom with her classmates. She was especially excited, shouting loudly when reading and very actively answering questions.

Mr. Zhuang felt the classroom atmosphere had become much livelier, so he praised Man Bao several times, which made someone even angrier.

He decided to go find bugs with his little friends after class and make the hateful cousin and hateful Man Bao fight each other.

But he didn’t expect that before he could make a move, Man Bao had already started fighting with his cousin.

It was a sunny afternoon, actually it was this afternoon after the evening class.

Since the students came not just from their own village but two nearby villages as well, in order to ensure the children’s safety on their way home, Mr. Zhuang always dismissed class at the proper zhenshi hour.

The students from neighboring villages would hurry home, while the local children could play with friends for a bit before going home for dinner.

Of course Man Bao wouldn’t go home either. She hugged her books and scampered out. The Zhou family always doted on her, so even though the school was in the village, they would definitely send someone to pick her up.

The nine-year-old Da Tou was assigned the pick-up duty today.

As Man Bao ran out, she heard wah-wahing from outside and immediately forgot about finding her nephew to go home, going straight over with her books to join the commotion.

Looking around, she saw her second nephew being pinned down and beaten by someone she didn’t recognize with an angry face.

Man Bao became enraged – how dare an outsider come bully people in their village, even her own nephew? If her uncle could tolerate it, her aunt couldn’t.

So Man Bao put down her books, pounced on the person to pin them down, and wah-wahed back while retaliating on her nephew’s behalf.

Bai Shanbao had just achieved a temporary victory when, caught completely off guard, he was pressed down again.

Bai Shanbao was furious. Before he could look up to see what the shameless sneak attacker looked like, he was slapped across the face.

Bai Shanbao flew into a rage, immediately grabbing the person on top of him and flipping them over, then lashing out to hit them.

Man Bao blocked with her arm, but her opponent was too strong. Feeling she couldn’t win, she grabbed their arm in desperation and bit down.

Man Bao hadn’t even bitten down hard when Bai Shanbao felt the pain, “Wah!” letting out a shrill cry that startled Man Bao into loosening her grip.

Seeing Bai Shanbao scrunch his eyes shut wailing, she couldn’t help loudly saying “Don’t cry, I won’t bite you anymore!”

But Bai Shanbao couldn’t hear her words, only feeling that he’d been bitten and was surely bleeding terribly and in unbearable pain.

He wailed loudly, while on the side Bai Erlang couldn’t help but guffaw, pointing at his face and mocking “How shameful, a grown man can’t even beat a little girl.”

Though Man Bao disliked this chubby kid she’d beaten up, she disliked Bai Erlang’s tone even more, waving her fist at him, “You dare laugh at us? Watch out or I’ll beat you up too!”

Bai Erlang was taken aback before angrily retorting, “You think you can beat me?”

“If I can’t, I’ll have my big nephew do it!”

The two children started bickering back and forth. Bai Shanbao finally came to his senses, opening his teary eyes to glare blurrily at Man Bao as he sniffled and rolled up his sleeve to check for blood. Seeing none, he let out a small relieved sigh.

Then he glared angrily at Man Bao, as if wanting to bite her back.

Man Bao turned her attention back to him, taking the proactive to ask, “Why did you hit my nephew?”

Er Tou tattled first, “Little Aunt, he snatched my rock.”

Bai Shanbao angrily countered, “It was mine first that I saw, you snatched it from me!”

“You’re not from our village, the rocks in our village belong to us, you can’t take rocks from our village.”

Bai Shanbao’s face flushed red. Before he could respond, he saw Er Tou slapped on the head by Man Bao who scolded “So you were the bad one, I won’t be nice to you anymore.”

Er Tou was dumbfounded before aggrievedly saying, “But he really was bullying me.”

“Why did you snatch his rock?” Man Bao reasoned, “An ownerless thing, anyone can take. Once he took it, it became his since it was found in our village. But you snatched it just because of that? Then if you went to the county town, would others be allowed to block you from passing through their villages?”

Bai Shanbao nodded vigorously, “No one would be that unreasonable.”

Man Bao agreed emphatically, “Exactly, exactly.”

The two who had just been fighting each other became allies.

Er Tou looked aggrievedly at his little aunt.

So Man Bao made him return the particularly smooth rock to Bai Shanbao.

Er Tou reluctantly handed it over.

Bai Shanbao accepted it with a hmph, even though Man Bao had stood up for him, he still decided he disliked her for being a bad person.

He glared his big eyes at her.

Man Bao patted her bottom and stood up, calling for Er Tou to go home.

But Bai Shanbao hadn’t gotten an apology yet, so he grabbed her unhappily, “You still haven’t apologized to me.”

Man Bao was perplexed, “Why should I apologize to you?”

“You hit me!”

“That was because you hit my nephew.”

“Your nephew was the one in the wrong.”

Man Bao was bullheaded, “But you still shouldn’t have hit my nephew. I hit you because you hit my nephew, so I’m not apologizing.”

“You’re just a sneak, only good at ambushes!”

“I’m not a sneak, as long as I can win, who cares if I ambushed you.”

Bai Shanbao said, “Either way you were wrong, people who ambush aren’t real men.”

Man Bao replied, “I’m not even a man to begin with, I’m a girl…”

The two argued more and more heatedly until Bai Shanbao dropped the rock, challenging “Do you dare fight me fair and square?”

“What’s there to not dare?” Man Bao reached out to shove him.

Bai Shanbao didn’t expect her to act as soon as she spoke, his anger rising too as he was a bit taller and chubbier than Man Bao. Pushed back two steps, he immediately grabbed and slammed her to the ground, the two instantly rolling around brawling.

Er Tou’s eyes went wide in shock as he hurriedly rolled up his sleeves to help his aunt. If his big brother found out he let his little aunt get into a fight when sent to fetch her, both he and his brother would surely get beaten by their grandparents and parents later.

Though Bai Erlang disliked this cousin who suddenly appeared, he disliked Man Bao even more. Seeing Er Tou try to help her, he joined in too, turning the one-on-one fight into a group melee.

Finally, someone fetched Mr. Zhuang from the school building. Only he could break up the children when he arrived.

Mr. Zhuang was quite angry, checking over the four kids. He found Er Tou and Bai Erlang had some redness on their faces, likely from being scratched by the others, but no other issues.

Meanwhile, the seemingly more intensely fighting Man Bao and Bai Shanbao had no real injuries, just extremely dirty clothes from rolling around on the ground.

Mr. Zhuang took a deep breath. Man Bao’s admission to the school hadn’t been easy, and he didn’t want to make too big of a deal out of this incident. But Bai Erlang getting beaten up couldn’t be covered up.

After some hesitation, Mr. Zhuang brought all four kids back to the school building, then sent students to summon the parents from both families to come. Rather than keeping things obscured, it was better to lay everything out for everyone to speak their grievances and resolve them.

Chapter 34 Teaching a Girl

Man Bao’s attention was instantly diverted. She eagerly nodded, “Open it, open it!”

So the System’s screen turned black but Ke Ke’s voice was still there. “Opening the shopping mall requires some time. Please wait patiently, Host.”

Then even the voice disappeared.

But Man Bao was still very happy, feeling strength fill her body. The most direct manifestation was she was no longer satisfied carrying rocks out one by one. She waved her little hands to directly toss them outside. Unfortunately her strength was lacking so the rocks basically just fell near her feet.

Seeing her scatter all the rocks that Da Tou and the others worked hard piling into one pile, Zhou Si Lang angrily roared, “Man Bao!”

Man Bao was frightened into hopping up. She turned and ran.

Er Ya hurriedly chased after to watch over Little Auntie since it was her turn today.

Er Ya brought the mumbling Man Bao back home then stayed to help out, just sweeping the yard. It was much more relaxed than working in the fields.

Man Bao slipped into the room to tattle to Qian Shi, “Mother, just now Fourth Elder Brother roared at me. He nearly scared me to death.”

Qian Shi asked, “What did you do to anger him?”

“I didn’t do anything. I was helping him,” Man Bao said. “I helped carry the rocks out for him. There were too many so I wanted to directly toss them out to save effort. But he didn’t appreciate me and even yelled at me instead.”

Qian Shi said, “You must have scattered the rocks all over the ground, creating more work for them instead of helping. Serves you right to be yelled at.”

Man Bao dissatisfiedly pursed her lips.

Qian Shi said, “You’re still little. That kind of work isn’t suitable for you. Go to teaching hall instead, study under the teacher, learn more words and numbers. You can help the family in the future.”

Man Bao said, “Sister-in-law hasn’t gone yet.”

“Your sister-in-law has to cook while you’re going to study. Naturally it’s not the same. Look, which student waits for your sister-in-law to finish cooking before going to school?”

Man Bao thought hard but indeed no one did so she shook her head.

Qian Shi said, “There you go. Man Bao, since you already accepted a teacher, you need to study diligently to not disappoint your parents and teacher. Go up the mountain less in the future. Go study after getting up in the morning. I already spoke with your sister-in-law. From now on she’ll make breakfast when you come in the morning so you can eat lunch at school just like the young masters, eating three meals a day.”

Qian Shi looked at Man Bao with profound eyes. “Man Bao, you not only need to be smart and clever but also healthy and safe. Understand?”

“I understand, I understand!” Man Bao nodded her little head. “Mother said it many times already. Nothing compares to being alive and healthy.”

Qian Shi revealed a smile, patting her head with a laugh. “There you go. Alright, hurry to teaching hall and apologize to teacher. Running out so early in the morning, you’re picking up wild habits from following Fifth and Sixth Brother.”

Man Bao stuck out her tongue. At the last minute she added, “Mother, Fifth and Sixth Brother didn’t come back for breakfast today. Tell Sister-in-law not to leave any for them.”

Qian Shi waved her hand. “I know. There wasn’t any made for them anyway. Hurry to teaching hall.”

Man Bao felt Mother’s eyes were very tranquil, seemingly knowing everything. Man Bao shrunk her head and ran outside.

Qian Shi faintly smiled, closing her eyes to chant scriptures.

Her health was already deteriorating. Even walking faster could leave her short of breath so she basically didn’t leave the house. She spent most of her time inside chanting scriptures and praying for blessings.

Man Bao ran to teaching hall. Teacher Zhuang was in the middle of class. Seeing a familiar little head poke out the window, he couldn’t help laughing. Putting down his book, he waved towards that head.

Man Bao trotted inside.

Teacher Zhuang smiled. “Why didn’t you come for morning class today?”

Man Bao lowered her guilty head, softly muttering “sorry”. Then she asked, “Teacher, do I also have to attend morning class everyday like Bai Er lang from now on?”

Teacher Zhuang smiled with a nod. “That’s right. I already accepted you as my disciple and spoke with Elder Master Bai. He agreed for you to join school so it’s best if you attend morning class together with the other students.”

Teacher Zhuang pulled Man Bao to stand before him and introduced her to the students.

Who didn’t recognize Man Bao? Everyone was familiar.

So those close to her made faces at her. Since she was short, the students in front even moved aside a spot for her.

But there were also those who didn’t get along with her. They didn’t dare do anything in front of Teacher but many still made faces at her when Teacher wasn’t paying attention. Bai Er Lang was most angry but Man Bao was quite far from him so he couldn’t even kick her stool.

Why did Bai Er Lang dislike Man Bao so much? Of course because Man Bao really was very annoying!

He first entered teaching hall to study at the beginning of the year. As a seven year old boy, he was at the most mischievous age. He was doted on at home, treasured by his grandmother, loved by his mother, and often praised by his father. Even his elder brother always let him have his way.

How could he possibly sit still after entering teaching hall?

So on the first day of school, he was hit on the palm while being scolded and punished. And right in the middle of him being scolded and punished, Man Bao’s swaying little head rose up outside the window.

Thus, Bai Er Lang’s first impression of her was bad.

But that wasn’t the worst. What was worst was later while studying, he discovered that he couldn’t even keep up with a little girl a year younger than him who could only squat outside the window eavesdropping.

Of course Bai Er Lang didn’t feel he was dumb. He felt Man Bao was disturbing him.

That’s right, disturbing him. She squatted outside the window while he sat in the seat beside it. How could that not affect him?

He tattled many times to his father and teacher for this but it was useless.

Teacher Zhuang’s response was to move him away from the window so he couldn’t threaten Man Bao. But with the distance, not only could he not threaten Man Bao, his grades actually declined instead.

So Teacher Zhuang moved him back. Most irritating was Teacher Zhuang somehow spoke to his father who actually highly approved of Man Bao listening outside the window. His father didn’t stop her at all!

Now it was even more infuriating that she brazenly entered the school.

Bai Er Lang was so angry he didn’t listen all morning. His good friend gave him an idea. “Didn’t you say you have a very annoying cousin who’s also coming to school? Have them fight. Otherwise if you hit Man Bao yourself, Teacher will definitely be angry.”

Another friend also said, “Not bad. Teacher seems to really like Man Bao. And she’s younger than you. If you hit her, you’ll definitely be the one in the wrong. Oh right, how old is your cousin?”

Bai Er Lang felt they proposed a good idea. He indifferently said, “Who cares how old he is. He’s just another annoying brat anyway. Having those two annoying brats fight, best if Teacher catches them both to hit their palms.”

“Then how to make them fight?”

Bai Er Lang’s eyes turned. “After class, let’s go catch bugs together. Tomorrow in class, we’ll put them on Man Bao’s desk and say my cousin did it. Then they’ll fight for sure.”

The other two kids also felt this was a great idea.

Chapter 33 Joyous Tidings Descend from Heaven

The fragrance of chicken soup wafted out from the kitchen. Man Bao didn’t continue chatting with Fourth Elder Brother. She followed on Xiao Qian Shi’s heels, squeezing into the kitchen to watch the lively scene.

Zhou Si Lang also livened up. He didn’t get money but at least he could still eat chicken right?

Although this rooster looked miserable when brought back, it was a very robust and handsome rooster before the cockfight, raised very well.

Therefore, there was quite a bit of meat on it. Xiao Qian Shi specially set aside half to simmer more soup for Mother-In-Law tomorrow.

So tonight, there was only half a chicken.

But Man Bao didn’t know this because no matter who else lacked food, hers would not be lacking.

Xiao Qian Shi first served Mother-In-Law a bowl of soup and picked out some meat pieces for her. Then she gave Man Bao a chicken leg. The other children also each got a piece of meat. There wasn’t much left after that.

But after the adults started eating, they didn’t take any meat. They only ate radishes, but still ate with relish.

The remaining chicken meat of course all entered the children’s stomachs. Four, five, and six each ate several pieces, satisfied as they helped clean up the bowls and chopsticks, savoring the taste.

Man Bao also rarely got to eat chicken. After eating it tonight, she felt it was pretty delicious. So she said to Qian Shi, “Mother, in the future when Man Bao has money, I’ll buy chicken for you to eat everyday.”

Qian Shi laughed. Stroking her little head, she said, “Great. Mother will wait for Man Bao’s chicken.”

Early on, Man Bao climbed into bed. She first secretly slipped into the System’s independent space to peel candy wrappers. After all, she promised Fu Wen Yun a hundred pieces of candy tomorrow.

As she peeled, Man Bao got tired and complained to Ke Ke, “Why do you wrap all your candy in wrappers?”

The System said, “There’s also unwrapped kinds.”

Man Bao immediately said, “What do those look like? Why didn’t you buy that kind?”

“Star Reviews said that kind isn’t as good as this one. I thought Host would prefer this more.”

“It doesn’t matter. I’m not the one eating them anyway.” Man Bao had Ke Ke buy her a bag to take a look.

The System glanced at her points and very quickly bought her a large bag. Man Bao tore open the packaging and found white round candies inside. She picked one to taste and nodded. “Delicious!”

The System said, “There are candies of other colors too. Do you want to try them?”

Man Bao asked, “Do the flavors differ?”

System: “They differ.”

“Then buy some to try.”

The System made its selection. It didn’t choose extremely bright colors, but matched the range of possible candy colors and crafts of this world. The only difference was the colors it purchased were better and more consistent.

It knew the candies were seldom eaten by Host herself and would mostly be sold.

The Host was still little and couldn’t consider safety issues so it couldn’t ignore them.

Man Bao didn’t know any of this. Seeing the three bags of candy appear, she tore each one open to taste a piece. She ranked them from most to least delicious in her opinion. Then she took a hundred pieces from the bag she felt was least tasty, planning to have Fifth Elder Brother bring these to sell at the county town tomorrow.

After planning for tomorrow, Man Bao contentedly curled up in her blanket to sleep.

But it wasn’t peaceful in the other rooms. The parents were all coaxing their children to hand over the money. Even Zhou Wu Lang and Zhou Liu Lang were coerced by Elder Zhou into handing over most of theirs.

The original twenty wen was now reduced to only five wen remaining on their persons.

And this was because the two brothers brought up Elder Zhou’s private money. Only then did Elder Zhou let up and allow them to keep that much. Otherwise, they probably couldn’t have kept a single wen.

Elder Zhou handed the thirty wen scraped from his two sons to his wife. Lowering his voice he said, “The children are all grown now and hard to control. Let them keep a bit of money on themselves.”

Qian Shi put away the money and said, “Take this money tomorrow and repay Village Chief’s debt first.”

Elder Zhou grunted in agreement. Qian Shi continued, “I heard Old Master Bai plans to repair his house. Have Eldest and Second Son go take a look tomorrow. If they can get picked, there’s also income. With winter coming, there are still many expenses. These past two years, Man Bao has worn remade clothes from my old ones. They don’t keep warm well. She’s going to teaching hall to study under the teacher. It must be cold there in winter without stove fire. She still needs new clothes so she won’t freeze.”

Elder Zhou heavily grunted again.

After finishing discussing tomorrow’s matters, Elder Zhou took a look at Man Bao in the side room. Seeing she hadn’t kicked off her blanket, he felt assured and went to bed.

Having woken up early these past days, Man Bao actually developed the habit of rising early. As soon as there was activity outside, she woke up. Then she rolled off bed and crawled to the window to peer outside.

Seeing this, Xiao Qian Shi exclaimed. She hurriedly went over to push Man Bao back in and closed the window. Through it she said, “Little auntie, it’s cold in the morning. You aren’t fully dressed yet you stick your head out. What if you catch a chill?”

Qian Shi who had woken up called for Man Bao from inside, “Be good and lie in bed. Mother will dress you shortly.”

Man Bao stuck out her tongue and burrowed back into her blanket to lie properly.

After getting dressed and washing up, Man Bao secretly found Zhou Wu Lang. She wrapped the candies in a large oil paper and gave them to him, whispering, “Don’t tell Father and Mother about this.”

Otherwise she had no way to explain where the candies came from.

Zhou Wu Lang indicated no problem. He also didn’t want to mention it or else Father would take all the earned money.

Zhou Wu Lang and Zhou Liu Lang left without breakfast, heading towards the county town. The adults only assumed they went with Zhou Si Lang for land reclamation and didn’t know they went into town.

Zhou Si Lang was already used to his two younger brothers’ behavior of fishing for three days then sun-drying nets for two. Thinking back, when he was working, as long as he wasn’t pressed down by Father and elder brothers, he acted the same way.

So he shouldered a hoe himself and went to the wasteland.

Da Tou and Da Ya who understood things went to help.

But they only helped cut grass and pick up rocks to stack nicely outside.

Man Bao also followed, very diligently helping to pick up rocks. Just as she was moving enthusiastically, the System sounded *ding ling ling*. “Host, research is complete on the two types of flowers recorded yesterday. Reward points have been deposited into your account. You may check now.”

Man Bao went to look and found the number had become very big.

The System’s voice sounded somewhat cheerful. “Two types of flowers. One called Purple Vine, one called Mountain Red Reflection. Both are primitive species that went extinct on Earth during the Jurassic Period. But the genetic diagram left behind contains their genes. So the Encyclopedia Hall’s scientists could quickly confirm their names. Recording these two plants is tremendously significant so Encyclopedia Hall granted Host a one-time reward of a thousand points. Additionally, Purple Vine’s reward is three hundred and fifty points. Mountain Red Reflection is three hundred and eighty points. Please check receipt.”

Man Bao couldn’t help asking, “Why are there so many points for them when the many flowers and grasses I dug up for you before only gave one or two points each?”

Blister had the most yet was still only fifty.

The System said, “Points are the Encyclopedia Hall’s comprehensive assessment based on the plant’s value, scarcity, influence, and so on. Host is very lucky. These two plants already went extinct on Earth during the Jurassic Period. And Encyclopedia Hall’s scientists wanted to restore them from the leftover genetic diagrams but were unable to. So Host providing recordings of these two plants holds great meaning. Host, you have reached the conditions to unlock the shopping mall. Do you want to Open the shopping mall?”

Chapter 32 Scattering Wealth

While there was still daylight, Man Bao dragged over a bag to pad the ground before pouring out all the copper coins from the cloth bag to count. She also took out the copper coins and silver pieces from her own little pouch.

Everyone’s jaws dropped. Although they knew quite a bit of money was earned, they didn’t expect there to be so much.

Zhou Da Lang and Zhou Er Lang already knew so they weren’t too shocked. But Zhou San Lang and Zhou Si Lang couldn’t help widening their eyes, staring dumbly with their parents at Man Bao squatting on the ground counting money.

Zhou Wu Lang found a string for stringing coins. Then everyone started counting money.

Although Zhou Wu Lang could barely count to one hundred, he would always make mistakes. So he counted in tens, making piles of tens. Then he would count out ten piles which would be one hundred wen.

Man Bao looked down on him very much, making him string coins behind her while she counted.

Da Tou and the others squeezed over to join watching the fun. While following “sixteen, seventeen” with Man Bao, they would secretly try touching the money. Having a lot of money was still nice to touch.

Very quickly, Man Bao calculated the total money.

Including the ten wen deposit from Fu Wen Yun, it was two hundred and seventy wen.

She took out that broken silver corner and had Qian Shi weigh how much it was total.

Qian Shi weighed it and laughed. “Three coins and four fen, so three hundred and forty wen.”

Everyone exclaimed in surprise. Man Bao counted on her fingers until her forehead sweated. No one helped her calculate how much seventy plus forty was and so on.

After a long time, Man Bao finally shouted, “It’s six hundred and ten wen!”

Qian Shi smiled with a nod. “So how much do you have to turn in to the public funds?”

Of course Man Bao couldn’t calculate a percentage out of thin air. She scratched her head and had Da Tou and Er Tou bring over six large rocks and six small rocks.

Arranging the six large rocks in a row, she pointed, “This is one hundred wen. Sixty wen for Mother…”

In front of the large rocks she put down a small rock. “That’s sixty wen.”

“This is also one hundred wen, sixty wen for Mother…” She counted for a bit then patted her hands saying, “Three hundred and sixty wen total. Then six more wen for Mother.”

Man Bao gave the broken silver corner to Qian Shi and counted out twenty-six wen in scattered coins to give her. This counted as handing over to the public funds.

The remaining money was theirs, totaling two hundred and forty-four wen.

Man Bao called over the little partners who helped earn this money. She generously gave each person ten wen.

This included Elder Zhou and Qian Shi who helped weave her bamboo basket. That was already eighty wen.

Considering that Da Ya, Er Ya, Fifth Elder Brother and Sixth Elder Brother went with her today to the county town and contributed greatly, she gave them each ten wen again.

Everyone watched as Man Bao ran all over the place scattering money like a wealth deity’s child. The children would look at their parents before accepting money.

Seeing Man Bao scatter money so freely, Zhou Da Lang and the others unconsciously wanted to reject it, but then they thought, wouldn’t this make the money leave Man Bao’s hands?

So they became happy again and signaled for them to take it.

It was impossible to snatch money from Man Bao, but they could snatch from their own children. They even squeezed in to watch the fun. “Man Bao, we also helped with that bamboo basket. Don’t we get wages?”

Man Bao thought that was reasonable so she also gave the three elder brothers a share. Then she turned and saw her sisters-in-law and felt they were also working hard, so she gave them a share too.

The strung coins scattered again. In the end, only sixty-four wen remained in Man Bao’s hands, but she didn’t mind. She happily stuffed it into her pocket then realized her pocket was too small. She discussed with Xiao Qian Shi, “Sister-in-law, help make the pocket on my clothes a bit bigger so more money can fit.”

He Shi’s needlework was the best. She laughed, “Little auntie, you’re so little. The pocket can’t get much bigger. When we have some scrap fabric later, I’ll make you a cloth bag like a purse.”

Man Bao was happy. “Great, great!” Her eyes turned, “I want to design the style myself.”

He Shi agreed with a smile. She put away the ten wen Man Bao gave her. They had emptied out money from all the rooms last time to repay Fourth Son Zhou’s gambling debt. Now there was finally some income.

Although Man Bao still had a lot of money left, compared to the previous over six hundred, these sixty-four wen were now overlooked by the adults.

They also knew it was impossible to take the money from her hands. So everyone’s sights turned towards their own sons and daughters.

Elder Zhou first looked at Zhou Wu Lang and Zhou Liu Lang, leisurely taking a puff from his pipe, “You two can keep two wen. Let your mother keep the rest for you for getting wives in the future.”

Zhou Da Lang also said to Da Tou and Da Ya, “Let your mother keep it to buy new clothes for you in the future.”

Zhou Er Lang also looked at their two children, coaxing, “Come, let Father keep it for you. I’ll buy candy for you later.”

The children all clutched their copper coins, wanting to cry but not daring to.

The only one present who didn’t receive money was Zhou Si Lang and the three little ones.

Man Bao’s gaze fell upon Fourth Elder Brother. It quickly slid away from him before she took out three wen to divide among San Tou, Si Tou, and San Ya. She generously said, “Little auntie’s giving this to you.”

The three little ones hurriedly accepted it, saying in soft childish voices, “Congratulations to Little Auntie getting rich.”

Man Bao was elated.

Zhou Si Lang squatted at the side, almost crying out. Man Bao squatted next to him with sighs, “Fourth elder brother, you’re still a bad person right now so I can’t give you money.”

Zhou Si Lang asked with red eyes, “Aren’t I your elder brother? How did I become a bad person?”

“All gambling people are bad people,” Man Bao said definitively. “Only people who repent and reform themselves have a chance of gaining favor. Otherwise everyone will dislike you.”

For the first time, Zhou Si Lang lowered his head and silently squatted without speaking. When everyone else had something while he didn’t, he finally perceived the difference in treatment from his gambling. His eyes brimmed red as he softly said, “I, I know my wrongs now.”

“That’s really great. Then keep working hard and show your sincerity to father, mother, elder brothers and sisters-in-law,” Man Bao imitated Second Brother’s actions, patting his shoulder and asking, “How’s the land reclamation going?”

Zhou Si Lang sighed, “Should be done before winter.”

Man Bao then said, “I’ll go help you tomorrow.”

No. Aside from blindly ordering people around, he didn’t see what use she could be. Zhou Si Lang said heavily, “Don’t you have teaching hall tomorrow?”

“I’ll still go. But I can first walk around the fields then go to teaching hall with Sister-in-law.”

Man Bao still didn’t have a student’s awareness. She felt free to come and go as she wished, still thinking she could do as she liked as before.

Chapter 31 Rules

The Zhou family hadn’t eaten dinner yet, but the dishes were already prepared. Clearly they were waiting for them. As soon as they reached the village entrance, Da Tou led his younger siblings to run over shouting.

Without caring that the cart was still moving, they clambered on with all limbs. Zhou Da Lang and Zhou Er Lang smiled until their eyes became slits, scolding them while reaching out a hand whenever possible to pile the children onto the cart.

From afar, Elder Zhou saw the smiles on their faces and knew this trip went smoothly. He put his hands behind his back and turned to walk back into the house.

Xiao Qian Shi led two maidservants to move the hall tables out to the yard. It was getting dark inside the house. Lighting oil lamps would be wasteful. There was still daylight outside so they might as well eat there.

Zhou Wu Lang and Zhou Liu Lang, one carrying the money bag and one carrying the basket with the big rooster, both rushed towards the house.

Before even getting through the door they shouted, “Sister-in-law, we’re having stewed chicken tonight!”

Without even raising her head, Xiao Qian Shi said, “Aren’t you being smug just because you went into town and now want chicken. The family’s chickens are for laying eggs.”

Zhou Liu Lang had already rushed up to her. He turned his back for her to see the basket on it, loudly saying, “We’re not using the family chickens but this one!”

Xiao Qian Shi saw that miserable chicken and exclaimed, “Where did you get this chicken? Sto, stolen?”

Xiao Qian Shi widened her eyes. First Fourth Son learned to gamble, now did the two young ones learn to steal chickens? Would they try stealing dogs next?

Xiao Qian Shi couldn’t help putting her hands on her hips. Zhou Liu Lang became unhappy and turned around, “Sister-in-law, what kind of person do you take me for? This chicken was gifted by someone else.”

Xiao Qian Shi let out a breath in relief. She took out that pitiful rooster from the basket, weighed it in her hands, and found it quite heavy. She couldn’t help asking, “Who was so silly? Although the chicken looks miserable, meat is still meat. Moreover it’s so fat. How could he just give it to you?”

Zhou Liu Lang grinned, “I also think he’s pretty silly. But someone said we were the ones at a loss. Anyway, it’s a long story. Sister-in-law, let’s just kill the chicken and stew it first. Man Bao specifically brought it back to nourish Madam’s health.”

Xiao Qian Shi checked the time and said, “Let’s forget about tonight. Keep it for tomorrow.”

She carefully inspected the rooster in her hand and couldn’t help murmuring, “Actually if we raise it, it might still live…”

Zhou Wu Lang and Zhou Liu Lang’s eyes widened, seemingly watching the chicken meat slip away from them. The two brothers didn’t think further before shouting at Man Bao who had just entered the yard, “Man Bao, Sister-in-law wants to raise the big rooster to sell it later. Quickly persuade her!”

Xiao Qian Shi glared at the two brothers.

Without caring that the cart hadn’t stopped, Man Bao slid down with a plop then trotted to Xiao Qian Shi’s side, shaking her arm, “Sister-in-law, Sister-in-law, hurry kill it! This is a health tonic chicken for Mother. Rooster nourishes blood and qi. If Mother eats it, perhaps she’ll recover!”

Qian Shi also slowly walked out the door, smiling, “Man Bao, stop pestering your Sister-in-law. It’s late. Even if we kill it, it’d have to be tomorrow.”

“No! Look, there’s still light. We can start the fire and eat dinner. It’s not late.”

The children also watched longingly. Elder Zhou said, “Alright, since this is the children’s filial intention, let’s cook it tonight. Anyway whether we make it early or late, we still have to do it. I see this chicken has low spirits. If we keep it until tomorrow, it might die.”

Man Bao also nodded repeatedly. “Dead chicken doesn’t taste good.”

Xiao Qian Shi thus carried the chicken to kill it. Feng Shi and He Shi hurried to help, one boiling hot water over the stove, one preparing ingredients to stew the chicken.

Now they didn’t have any good dishes to match it, but they could dig up two big radishes to cut up and stew together.

The three maidservants were busy under the kitchen eaves while Zhou Da Lang reported about today to Elder Zhou in the yard.

How much money they got from selling grains, how much money they spent buying medicine, the remainder was handed to Elder Zhou who passed it to Qian Shi.

The family money had always been managed by Qian Shi.

The Zhou family fields were neither large nor small. Good harvest years left them some surplus. Luckily there were many laborers in their family. Aside from farming, they could also take on some odd jobs, earning a bit of money saved up.

That the family could save this much money, a lot of credit went to Qian Shi. The family affairs were mediated by her, deciding who did what work and how to do it. Even Elder Zhou would listen to her.

After Qian Shi took the money and counted it, she remembered the amount in her heart. Then she turned and saw Man Bao surrounded by the children, whispering about something unknown. She couldn’t help smiling slightly, asking Zhou Da Lang, “Man Bao didn’t give you trouble today right?”

Zhou Da Lang glanced at Man Bao facing away from them, not knowing what she was whispering to the children that made them exclaim. He hesitated then said, “Father, mother, today in the county town, Man Bao and the others also earned quite a bit.”

Elder Zhou exclaimed in surprise, laughing, “Did Man Bao sell her flower basket?”

Zhou Da Lang said, “Not only that, she also resold a big rooster, earning over three silver coins in one go.”

Elder Zhou and Qian Shi were stunned and quickly called Man Bao over to ask.

Man Bao happened to be bragging to her nieces and nephews. Seeing her parents ask, her little chest puffed out taller as she proudly recounted everything they did in the county town today.

She grew up listening to stories. Her parents told her stories. Her elder brothers and sisters-in-law told her stories. Teacher Zhuang told her stories. Ke Ke also often told her stories. Adding that recently she also dabbled a bit with storybooks, she had grasped a little edge of storytelling. She was dramatic in her narration and described it well. Everyone listened engrossed.

Especially Da Tou and the others who hadn’t gone to the county town. Although they hadn’t gone, listening to Little Auntie’s depiction, they could imagine it in their minds, feeling as if they’d been there themselves.

Man Bao talked until her mouth dried. Qian Shi silently poured her a bowl of water.

After drinking, Man Bao’s eyes shone, “Mother, you don’t know how many, many people are in the county town! I’ll bring you next time, alright?”

Qian Shi smiled slightly. “What would I do going to the county town? It’s fine if you children go.”

Zhou Da Lang’s gaze slid from the small pouch on Man Bao to the bag of money Zhou Wu Lang held. He said, “Mother, it’s not appropriate for the children to hold so much money. What if they lose it?”

Qian Shi also said to Man Bao, “Man Bao, give the money to Mother. Mother will keep it safe for you, alright?”

Man Bao shook her head. “I want to manage it myself. I’m a grown up now.”

Qian Shi smiled slightly, patting her head. “You’re also part of our family. Do you know the family rules?”

Man Bao shook her head.

Qian Shi explained, “When your elder brothers earn money from outside, they have to turn in 60% to the public funds. Since you want to hold your own money, that’s fine, but you also have to turn in 60%.”

Since it was a rule, Man Bao didn’t refuse. She thought a bit then said, “Alright, but I need to count how much there is total first.”