Category: Farmer’s Blessed Girl

Chapter 10: Off to the Market

With Old Zhou having decided to allow his daughter to formally become Master Zhuang’s student, proper preparations were required. So the very next day, even the eldest son did not go out to work.

Old Zhou directly instructed him to borrow a handcart from the village head and retrieve two sacks of grain from their storage room.

The whole family stood watching from their respective doorways as Old Zhou, seeming not to notice the apprehension in his daughters-in-law’s eyes, ordered the eldest and third sons to secure the grain sacks. He then instructed Zhou Erlang, “Go to the market first and exchange the grain for cash. Buy three days’ worth of medicine for your mother. And get a slab of pork belly – preserved pork would be even better if available.”

After considering further, Old Zhou added, “Also check if anyone is selling good quality cotton cloth. If so, buy enough to make Master Zhuang an outfit. Oh, and don’t forget fabric for shoes and socks too, get the good stuff.”

Zhou Erlang committed each item to memory.

Mrs. Xiao Qian and the other daughters-in-law felt a twinge of pain listening to the list, knowing two full sacks of grain were at stake.

Old Zhou felt the sting even more acutely than them. But hearing the laughter and chatter wafting in from outside, he could ignore that pang. With all instructions given, he waved everyone off to attend to their respective tasks.

Man Bao had woken up early, dragging Zhou Wulang and Zhou Liulang along to go pick wildflowers.

By the time the family preparations were complete, the children had their own baskets ready too, woven by Zhou Erlang and filled to the brim with wild plants and flowers. They happily trailed behind the adults.

Seeing their baskets, Zhou’s second daughter-in-law Feng(Mrs. Feng) couldn’t resist asking, “What are you bringing those for?”

Da Ya replied, “Little Niece says she wants to sell them.”

Feng’s eyes widened slightly. “Those kinds of things grow everywhere on the hills. Who would buy them?”

Currently being carried on Zhou Wulang’s back, Man Bao called out loudly, “Second Sister-in-law, I would buy them! I’m happy to buy anything pretty.”

What a little squanderer.

Feng asked in exasperation, “Little Niece, do you have any money?”

Man Bao shook her head candidly. “Not now, but I will in the future.”

She had complete confidence in herself. Even Ke Ke said she was brilliant, so she was bound to be extremely capable and have no trouble earning money eventually.

Not wanting to discourage them, Feng simply viewed it as childish play, since the children were carrying the items themselves anyway.

Upon arriving at the market, everyone began searching for a spot to set up their stalls.

Zhou Erlang had woven quite a few baskets and winnowing trays to sell. Being well-acquainted with the area, he swiftly secured a plot, setting down his wares before instructing his wife to handle the sales. He also reminded Zhou Wulang and Zhou Liulang, “Keep a close eye on Man Bao, Da Tou and the others. Don’t let them wander off.”

Before Zhou Wulang could respond, Man Bao patted her chest confidently. “Second Brother, you can rest assured! I’ll definitely watch over my nephews. We won’t go anywhere else.”

Zhou Erlang smiled, reaching out to pat her head.

Then he and Zhou Dalang pushed the handcart to go sell their grain.

This particular market gathered every five days, drawing nearby villages to converge in the relatively larger Daliyuan Village with its temple on the mountain.

Two monks resided at the temple, holding an especially grand temple fair every nineteenth day of the first lunar month that even drew visitors from as far as the county town.

That was the big annual temple fair, while smaller fairs were held on other major solar term holidays – traditions dating back many years according to the village elders Man Bao overheard near the entrance.

The system still deeply lamented that as an encyclopedia for collecting biological knowledge, there was another system specifically dedicated to documenting this type of folklore. Just the history behind the formation of this temple fair alone could probably spawn countless sub-quests and earn a huge amount of points.

At the time, sensing the system’s dejection, Man Bao had sweetly reassured it, “But I only like Ke Ke. I don’t care about any other systems.”

In any case, this was a major market day for villagers to trade and exchange goods.

But did everyone simply use money for transactions?

Of course not!

Once Feng had arranged the baskets, trays and other wares, Man Bao and her friends immediately set down their flower and plant-filled baskets alongside her products, squatting behind them as they eagerly watched the passersby.

Having operated in this market for years, Zhou Erlang’s reputation was well-established. So shortly after setting up, an elderly woman approached carrying a basket on her back, examining the winnowing trays as she asked, “Can I trade eggs for these?”

After briefly considering, Feng agreed. “Right now eggs are going for two fen for three, correct?”

The old woman affirmed this.

Feng started calculating how many eggs the woman would owe, muttering “Then for you it would be…”

But she began second-guessing her math, her brow starting to bead with sweat. Previously, such transactions had always been handled by her husband, with her only needing to deal in cash amounts.

Wiping her forehead, Feng was grateful when Man Bao noticed her sister-in-law’s predicament and eagerly piped up, “Second Sister-in-law, I know! Our winnowing trays are still fifteen fen each, right?”

Knowing her clever little niece could do arithmetic, having often played “one fen plus two fen equals how many fen” games with her husband, Feng rapidly nodded. “Yes, yes, our prices have never changed.”

Man Bao then eyed the old woman curiously. “Where are your eggs?”

The elderly woman herself couldn’t do math either. But before leaving home, her family had calculated how many eggs she would need to trade. Still, she hoped the Zhou family might miscalculate and undercharge.

In fact, she had hurried over upon noticing Zhou Erlang’s absence.

Setting her basket down, she lifted the lid to show Man Bao. “All fresh from our own hens, nice and plump.”

“Let me count them,” Man Bao declared.

The old woman wasn’t too pleased. “But you haven’t told me how many eggs are needed yet.”

Staring at her intently, Man Bao insisted, “I haven’t counted yet, so how would I know how many eggs? I need to count first.”

Her words clearly revealed her lack of calculation skills, amusing the old woman who laughed, “Well then, you’d better be careful not to crack any of the eggs!”

Man Bao promised solemnly, “Don’t worry, if I break any it’ll be on me.”

She began removing the eggs from the basket in groups of three, forming little piles until there were eight total mounds. The old woman counted along, her heart skipping a beat before she moved to collect the eggs.

But Man Bao had already clapped gleefully. “I’ve got the count! Look, Second Sister-in-law – this is two fen, this is two fen, two fen, two fen… that’s sixteen fen in total!”

Observing the whole interaction, a neighboring vendor laughed appreciatively, “This little niece is so clever!”

Beaming with pride, Feng agreed, “She’s my little niece, the brightest in our whole family.”

Zhou Wulang and Zhou Liulang also puffed out their chests boastfully. “My little sister!”

The old woman glanced at the two strapping youths, swallowing whatever retort she had prepared to instead say, “Your winnowing trays are fifteen fen, but she overcharged me by one fen. I’ll just take back this pile then.”

Finding her reasoning fair, Man Bao took the initiative to retrieve two of the smallest eggs from the pile, handing them over. “Fifteen fen, so we actually owe you one and a half eggs in change. But we can’t split an egg, so we’ll take the slight loss. You can take these two back.”

The old woman was rendered speechless.

Feng had also noticed the elderly woman’s actions, chuckling as she swiftly collected the remaining eggs into their family basket while gesturing for the old woman to choose whichever winnowing tray she preferred. “No need to nitpick over egg sizes, we’ll make an even swap.”

Though not shortchanged, the old woman still felt a tinge of dissatisfaction as she studied Man Bao. “This chubby little girl doesn’t quite seem like she’s from a commoner’s household.”

Grinning, Feng explained, “The little niece is the youngest in our family, so she’s doted on by the grandparents. Her brothers also spoil her rotten, which is why we pamper and fuss over her so much. No boasting, but there aren’t any prettier young lasses within ten li than our little niece.”

Everyone took a closer look, indeed affirming Man Bao’s exceptional beauty.

Not only were her features adorably pretty, but she was also extraordinarily fair and plump, with rosy, round cheeks – the very picture of fortuitous charm.

The old woman’s slight annoyance dissipated as she nodded with a fond smile. “She really is quite a beauty.”

Delighted by the praise, Man Bao enthusiastically began promoting her own wares. “Granny, why don’t you take a look at my items too? See how lovely these flowers are! Take some home to brighten up your window sill – it’ll just make you feel so cheerful!”

Being addressed as “granny” made the elderly woman feel years younger as she laughed, “You’re just giving them to me for free? Look at you being so courteous!”

She reached out to accept the flowers.

But Man Bao’s eyes sparkled as she stated clearly, “Not free, one fen for each bundle! Hardly expensive at all.”

The old woman’s hand froze before whipping back as if burned, eyes bulging. “What? You want money for these wild flowers? Aren’t the hills covered in them?”

Man Bao insisted unabashedly, “Yes, but I picked these!”

Laughing awkwardly, Feng hurriedly interjected, “Please don’t mind her, Granny. The children are just playing at doing business. They insisted on coming to experience it themselves since they keep clamoring about it at home.”

This seemed to placate the old woman somewhat, though she no longer reached for the flower bundles, wary of Man Bao demanding payment.

After selecting a winnowing tray, she promptly took her leave.

Man Bao watched her departure with longing, sighing to her little friends, “Why didn’t she buy any? Our flowers are so pretty.”

The little friends just looked at each other: We fully expected this, so we’re not disappointed at all.

They eagerly watched the crowds streaming by, thrilled simply to be experiencing the bustling market atmosphere.

A trickle of customers came to purchase baskets and trays, with Man Bao always helping Feng tally the prices. After each transaction, she would recommend her flowers and plants, initially delighting every adult who reached out to accept them – until realizing they cost money, causing them to swiftly retract their hands.

As the market day progressed past the midpoint, not only had the eldest and second brothers failed to return, but not a single stalk of their floral arrangements had sold, dampening the children’s spirits.

Seeing their dejected expressions, Man Bao let out a regretful sigh before noticing the dwindling number of winnowing trays in front of Feng, though quite a few baskets still remained. So she began artfully arranging her flowers and plants inside the remaining empty baskets.

Feng watched in trepidation. “Little Niece, you’re not planning to demand customers buy your flowers and plants along with the baskets, are you?”

With her purely innocent intent of finding use for the unsold arrangements instead of wasting them, or even giving them away, Man Bao’s eyes lit up as an idea struck. “Ah! Second Sister-in-law, you’re so clever! How did I not think of that solution myself?”

Inwardly, Feng wished she could sew her own mouth shut.

Chapter 9: Agreement

Man Bao hurried off on her little legs to find her eldest sister-in-law, with Ke Ke observing silently the whole way.

Zhou’s eldest sister-in-law was clearly taken aback, repeatedly asking Man Bao to recount Master Zhuang’s exact words before finally pondering briefly, setting her items down on the stove, and saying, “Come, let your sister-in-law take you home first. I’ll come back to clean up later.”

Man Bao had an excellent memory, recounting the fresh events clearly. Yet Old Zhou still asked her to repeat it three times before squatting on the doorstep, retrieving some tobacco from his waist pouch to stuff into his pipe without a word.

No one else spoke either. Mrs. Qian told Mrs. Xiao Qian, “You can continue your work for now. This isn’t a small matter, we’ll have to wait for the eldest sons to return before deciding.”

Mrs. Xiao Qian murmured in acknowledgment and went back to work at the study hall.

Mrs. Qian glanced at Old Zhou, taking Man Bao’s little hand as she led her inside, peering down at her.

Seeing the round, bewildered look on her daughter’s face, she knew Man Bao likely didn’t grasp the full implications yet.

Considering for a moment, Mrs. Qian asked, “Man Bao, do you want to study and read books?”

Man Bao replied, “I’ve always been reading books. I’ve already learned the Thousand Character Classic, and Master Zhuang said he can teach me the Analects next. I can even count up to one hundred now too.”

Mrs. Qian stroked her little head. “Do you enjoy reading books?”

This time, Man Bao nodded eagerly. “I love it! Reading is so much fun. When I’m in a good mood, reciting the Thousand Character Classic is like singing a song that makes me even happier. If I’m not feeling well, I read the Classic too, and by the end I’ve cheered right up again.”

Mrs. Qian’s gaze turned distant, as if recalling something before murmuring regretfully after a long pause, “What a pity…”

Man Bao then clambered onto the bed, snuggling up to her mother as she tilted her little head up inquiringly, “Mother, what’s such a pity?”

“What a pity you weren’t born a boy.”

Pursing her lips, Man Bao retorted, “I don’t want to be a boy! Boys are dirty and smelly, and not as pretty as girls.”

Mrs. Qian couldn’t help but laugh. “That’s true, our Man Bao is so clean and fragrant…”

But boys could carry on the family line.

Though she considered herself tough-hearted, Mrs. Qian couldn’t stop the tears trickling down her cheeks.

Seeing her mother’s distress pained Man Bao tremendously. She hurriedly wiped away the tears, her own eyes growing red as she choked out worriedly, “Mother, why are you crying? Don’t you want me to go study? Then…then I’ll go less often from now on.”

Mrs. Qian burst into laughter even as she dried her eyes, playfully pinching Man Bao’s nose. “You really are a little smooth-talker, just like your father always trying to sweet-talk people.”

Man Bao’s mouth fell open, utterly unable to imagine her father ever being that way.

After that brief moment of sadness, Mrs. Qian hugged her daughter tightly. “Since you’re able to read books, then read. There are many benefits to being literate. Even though you’re a girl, if you study, you’ll have more skills than others. You won’t be easily deceived or taken advantage of in the future, and you can live a better life for yourself.”

Though an illiterate village wife who had never even left the county town, Mrs. Qian had her own hard-earned wisdom. In a low voice she said, “Look at the men – those who can read have better lives than the illiterate. Those who understand numbers are more clever than those who don’t. It’s the same for girls.”

Man Bao nodded vigorously. “Master said reading can bring clarity of principles. That idiot Bai Er said he wouldn’t take the imperial exams, planning to just inherit his father’s land and collect rent for a living. Master really berated him, saying those who understand principles won’t feel guilt or make mistakes no matter where they go. They can…”

The following part grew too difficult, so Man Bao paused until Ke Ke reminded her, allowing her to continue, “They can stand on undefeated ground, undefeated in spirit and undefeated by others.”

Though Man Bao didn’t fully comprehend those words, she recalled Master Zhuang’s commanding presence at the time, making her face flush as if wanting to run three laps around the river at the village entrance shouting at the top of her lungs. So she committed it to memory.

Her eyes shining brightly, she told her mother emphatically, “Mother, I want to study books and gain clarity of principles!”

Gazing at her daughter’s earnest little face, Mrs. Qian came very close to acquiescing. But considering their family’s current difficulties, she ultimately swallowed all her words, deciding to wait and listen to the decision of the household head instead.

The three eldest brothers returned at the evening meal hour, just as the sun was beginning to set. Everyone was already ravenous, having only eaten porridge for their early meal.

After quickly washing their hands, they sat down to eat. Old Zhou didn’t rush to discuss the main issue, waiting until everyone had finished before calling his three eldest sons over to the courtyard to confer.

Mrs. Xiao Qian glanced out, her brow furrowing slightly as she wrung the dishrag in her hands without a word. Zhou’s second daughter-in-law Feng also looked towards the courtyard, unable to resist murmuring, “The household head can’t really be considering letting the little niece go study, can he?”

He’s wife frowned. “Surely not? That would cost so much money. Sister-in-law, Grandmother couldn’t have agreed to it, right?”

Clutching the dishrag tightly, Mrs. Xiao Qian’s own feelings were mixed about letting her little niece attend school. Yet it was she who had brought Man Bao home at noon.

In truth, her initial reaction upon hearing the news was delight, imagining the bright future that awaited her little niece as Master Zhuang’s disciple.

But on returning to the study hall afterwards, she had realized that studying required money.

Even if Master Zhuang accepted Man Bao privately without tuition fees, a ceremonial gift was still customary when taking him as a teacher, not to mention observances on holidays and festivals. Those were just minor costs – there would also be expenses for books, paper, ink, brushes and inkstones.

In reality, Master Zhuang’s tuition fees were not particularly high since the landowner covered them. But before Zhou Silang’s gambling losses, the Zhou household could not afford to send any of their grandsons to study at the hall, mainly because their means were still too meager to support a scholar.

If they couldn’t manage it before, they certainly couldn’t now.

Plus there was Grandmother’s monthly medicine expenses, adding an even greater burden.

These considerations had utterly erased Mrs. Xiao Qian’s initial joy, leaving only worry behind.

Of course, if Mrs. Xiao Qian could foresee these issues, the other men in the Zhou household undoubtedly had even more comprehensive concerns, especially the family patriarch Old Zhou himself. Originally disinclined to let Man Bao study, the conversation between his wife and daughter that afternoon had left him wavering repeatedly.

Then at the evening meal, watching his chubby little granddaughter cup the large bowl in her tiny hands, practically burying her face in the thin porridge yet still eating it with such relish.

Glancing at his three daughters-in-law who immediately set about clearing the table, washing dishes and cleaning up after setting down their bowls and chopsticks, Old Zhou’s internal scale slowly tipped towards the other side.

His precious Man Bao was physically frail yet plump and fair, so adorable. She was doted on by her father and brothers at home currently. But what about ten or fifteen years from now?

Would she then end up marrying a farmer like her brothers, becoming a farm wife like her sisters-in-law?

Old Zhou took two deep puffs on his pipe, coughing slightly before removing it to tap out the ashes. “You all know the situation. Let me hear your thoughts?”

Zhou Erlang and Zhou Sanlang exchanged a glance before lowering their heads. “We’ll listen to Father and Elder Brother’s decision.”

Old Zhou shot them a sidelong look before turning to Zhou Dalang. “Elder Son, what do you think?”

Gritting his teeth, Zhou Dalang said, “Since Master Zhuang is willing to accept her as a disciple, then we should support it. Once she’s grown up, if she can marry into a town family, she won’t have to toil in the fields like the rest of us to make a living.”

“Exactly!” Old Zhou slapped his thigh. “That’s exactly what I was thinking. How many girls in this world get to be literate and learn arithmetic? Think about it – out of all our children, who is as bright as Man Bao? That idiot Da Tou can’t even properly count eggs. But Man Bao can total them up in one go. Our Man Bao is so beautiful already, she’s bound to grow up even prettier. She may be able to marry not just into a town family, but maybe even a county one!”

Zhou Erlang pondered worriedly, “That may be so, but studying requires no small amount of money, doesn’t it? And she’s still just a girl, unable to take the civil service exams and become an official…”

His voice trailed off under his father’s intent stare, so he could only nudge Zhou Sanlang.

“I’ll listen to Father and Elder Brother,” Zhou Sanlang stated.

Zhou Dalang and Zhou Erlang just looked at each other exasperatedly.

Old Zhou couldn’t resist taking another puff before saying, “Master Zhuang definitely won’t charge tuition fees for Man Bao. We’ll just need to provide a ceremonial gift when she begins as his disciple.”

Zhou Erlang then pointed out, “But we’ll still need to buy books, paper, ink and brushes, right? Master Zhuang can’t be expected to provide all those things just because he’s accepted Man Bao. Father, who knows how much all that will cost?”

No one in the family had studied before, so they didn’t know the exact prices. But just hearing “books, brushes, ink and paper” made it sound quite expensive.

And this was precisely one of Old Zhou’s main hesitations as he silently puffed on his pipe, deep in thought.

Veins bulging on Zhou Dalang’s hands, he gritted his teeth. “Father, Man Bao is a good child. Master Zhuang is aware of our family’s circumstances too. I’ll go plead with him – whichever book they’ll be studying next, we’ll just buy one copy. Man Bao is still little for now and won’t need paper and ink for practice. By the time she’s older, our family should have saved up some money.”

Seeing his eldest son speak up, Old Zhou exhaled deeply before nodding. “Alright, let’s do that then. You and I will take Man Bao the day after tomorrow to formally become his disciple, and discuss further arrangements with Master Zhuang.”

Zhou Erlang’s mouth opened, but he ultimately remained silent, though inwardly his worries mounted.

Originally, the plan was for Fourth Brother, now twenty-six, to take a wife over the New Year so she could join the spring fieldwork.

But after his gambling losses drained the family funds and tarnished his reputation, it would likely take three more years before he could find a bride.

While Fourth Brother could delay marriage for a few years as karmic retribution, what about Fifth Brother?

At fourteen, Fifth Brother would need to begin considering marriage prospects in just two years’ time. Taking a wife was no small expense, not to mention their mother’s medicine costs.

With six brothers in the family, not counting the three unmarried ones, the three married brothers faced different situations. Though steadfast, the eldest lacked much discernment. And the third was as honest and straightforward as they came.

Only the second brother possessed some shrewdness, having frequented the markets to peddle wares and seen more of the world compared to the eldest.

When the gambling incident first occurred, he had calculated that after three or four years, the family could scrape together three or four dozen taels to borrow some extra funds and arrange Fifth Brother’s marriage.

Once Fifth Brother was settled, it would be Fourth and Sixth Brother’s turns, followed by the nephews starting the cycle anew. The family would remain impoverished for at least another decade.

He had originally envisioned the family remaining united, pooling the brothers’ collective efforts under their parents’ guidance to earn more rapidly than working individually.

Though his younger brothers, nephews and own son would progressively need to marry in turn, leaving him potentially his entire life without surplus money, at least their food and clothing would not be drastically lacking.

But if Man Bao’s educational expenses were added to this plan, the family would truly have not a single spare tael left.

Scratching his head in frustration, Zhou Erlang could only accept it with resignation. After all, the parents headed the household – any worries fell upon them. For now, he simply needed to obey and focus on managing his own little family’s affairs.

---

 

Zhou Dalang : Eldest Brother

Zhou Erlang: Second Brother

Order:

Da = Big = Eldest

Er – 2 = Second

San – 3 = Third

Si – 4 = Fourth

Wu – 5 = Fifth

Liu – 6 = Sith

Chapter 8 – Taking a Disciple

Although Man Bao could recognize many characters, the stories were still too complex for her to fully understand, she could only rely on her feelings to comprehend these stories.

Fortunately, these books were different from the ones on Teacher Zhuang’s bookshelf, because they were in plain language, as long as she could recognize the characters, even if she didn’t understand everything, she could still grasp the general story.

Man Bao became excited, reading the book with great interest.

Although it was about scoundrel fathers, at the beginning, she didn’t see the tragedy in it. The first story was ranked tenth, about an emperor named Kangxi.

It told how he raised his sons like raising venomous snakes, deliberately making them compete with each other to ensure his own power.

At first, Man Bao didn’t see how this father was bad, she just read it like a story, but the system reminded her, “Look at the fates of his sons, aren’t they all quite tragic?”

Man Bao was puzzled, “They’re all princes and emperors, how can they be tragic?”

Ke Ke then analyzed for her, “You see, they are princes, but most of them ended up being imprisoned and exiled in the end, do you know what imprisonment and exile are?”

Man Bao righteously said, “No.”

The system was stumped for a moment, then explained in detail what imprisonment and exile were, essentially, it was going to jail and serving a sentence.

Man Bao was stunned, “Their own father is the emperor, their brothers are emperors, and they still have to go to jail?”

Ke Ke said, “That’s why he’s called a scoundrel father.”

Man Bao pouted, feeling this father was indeed not very good. She read it back and forth twice, also figuring out a bit of the meaning of this story.

It was actually about a father who wanted to maintain his own power, so he deliberately let his sons fight each other, in the end he imprisoned three of his sons, then he chose one son to be the emperor, and that emperor son imprisoned and exiled a few more, so his sons all ended up in a tragic situation.

Man Bao didn’t really like this story, and reading it gave her a headache, there were several people’s names that she still didn’t recognize, so she pointed and asked Ke Ke.

Ke Ke told her, not only teaching her how to read the character, but also explaining the meaning of the character.

Man Bao turned to the next story, and then she cried.

This father was much worse than the previous one, because he actually starved his own daughter to death, just because his daughter had accepted a cake from the neighbor.

Man Bao was still a kind child, she cried buckets, angrily telling Ke Ke, “This father is really too evil, how can he still be a great official?”

Ke Ke: “Being a great official and being a scoundrel father are not mutually exclusive.”

Although a great official seems to be good, Man Bao still decided to hate him, that little girl was about the same age as her, and she was starved to death, how painful that must have been.

Man Bao cried until her eyes were red.

When Teacher Zhuang came back from class, the system immediately sensed someone at the door, so it immediately confiscated the book in Man Bao’s hand, so when Teacher Zhuang came, he just saw Man Bao sitting on the steps crying, her eyes red.

Teacher Zhuang’s grandson was just a little older than Man Bao, and he usually liked her the most, so he was deeply sympathetic, quickly walking up and gently asking, “Man Bao, who bullied you?”

Man Bao wiped her tears and grabbed Teacher Zhuang’s sleeve, looking up and asking, “Teacher, are you a good father?”

Teacher Zhuang was taken aback for a moment, pondering for a while before saying, “Man Bao, my grandson is already older than you, by generation, I should be your grandfather.”

“Wuwuwu, Teacher, is there really a lot of bad fathers in this world, who specifically bully children?”

Teacher Zhuang asked, “Was it your father who scolded you?”

Man Bao shook her head, “My father is very good to me, he’s not a bad father.”

Teacher Zhuang let out a sigh of relief, looking at Man Bao, knowing she was still young, he sat down next to her and patiently asked, “Then why did you ask such a question?”

“I saw a story, saying there was a great official, his family had little to eat, his daughter was hungry, the neighbor saw and gave her a cake, after she ate it, he got very angry and locked her up to starve her to death.”

Teacher Zhuang’s face twitched, “How can there be such an official?”

Man Bao trusted the book Ke Ke had brought out, insisting, “But there is, I saw it with my own eyes.”

Teacher Zhuang knew he couldn’t argue with a child, so he said, “Even if there is, such an official is just someone seeking fame and status, praised as a great official, but not living up to the name. Just a cake, how could it come to this? If he was truly clean and upright, he could have just given the neighbor two cakes.”

“Eh?” Man Bao blinked her eyes, trying hard to recall what was written in the book, scratching her head, “It seems it wasn’t just because she ate a cake, it said, it said because his daughter had contact with an outsider man, Teacher, what is an outsider man?”

Teacher Zhuang smiled, “That’s even more absurd, an outsider man is like me to you, the students in the school to you. Although there is a distinction between men and women, it doesn’t have to be guarded to that extent, if so, that’s not a lunatic, but a devil.”

Teacher Zhuang said, “The former is insane, indeed so, the latter is intentional, exchanging his own daughter’s life for a reputation, such a person, you must keep as far away as possible in the future. But I’ve never heard of such a story, where did you see it?”

Man Bao immediately said, “It’s a book called ‘Ten Greatest Evil Fathers in History’.”

“Since it’s history, then it must be recorded, I wonder which dynasty and era the great official you just mentioned was from?”

“The Jiajing period of the Great Ming.”

Teacher Zhuang couldn’t help but laugh out loud, patting her little head, “It’s clear that all the characters and experiences are fabricated, how can there be a Great Ming dynasty in this world?”

Man Bao blinked her eyes, but still believed Ke Ke, asking it in her heart, “Ke Ke, did you lie to me?”

The silent system actually experienced a pleasant emotion, it said, “No, host, this space doesn’t have a Great Ming, but that doesn’t mean other spaces don’t. Just like me, in this space and this era, you are the only one who has me, but in the era of my inventor, I was not rare, not to the point of one per person, but as long as you had the money and were willing to buy, everyone could buy one.”

Man Bao understood it vaguely, but still summarized her own understanding, that is, Ke Ke didn’t lie, but what Teacher Zhuang said was also right, so she decided to listen to both of them.

She looked up at Teacher Zhuang and asked, “Then Teacher, do you know if there was any bad father in our history?”

Teacher Zhuang asked, “Why are you so interested in this? You should know, children don’t speak of their father’s faults. Even if the father has done something wrong, there are very few people who will publicize the matter to the world, letting the father lose face, the family also lose face, what good is it for oneself?”

Man Bao was stunned, Teacher Zhuang simply took the opportunity to talk to her about etiquette, rambling on, then said, “Man Bao, you are a smart child, I know you love to read, since that’s the case, then study well. You’ve already learned the ‘Thousand Character Classic’, now you should learn the ‘Analects’. After you’ve learned the ‘Analects’, the teacher will teach you about ‘Etiquette’.”

Man Bao was dazed, the system couldn’t help but remind her, “Host, quickly thank your teacher?”

Man Bao came to her senses, immediately kneeling on the ground, “Teacher, Teacher!”

Man Bao kowtowed to Teacher Zhuang.

When the words came out of Teacher Zhuang’s mouth, there was a moment of regret, but seeing her kneeling on the ground happily calling him Teacher, that trace of regret disappeared.

Oh well, although she’s a female disciple, she’s smart, cute, and can serve as a consolation.

Teacher Zhuang helped the child up, “Go back and tell your father and mother about today’s events.”

“Why, didn’t the Teacher never let me tell my father and mother about the things here?”

Teacher Zhuang patted her head and sighed, “Since I’ve let you kowtow, it should be done properly.”

Teacher Zhuang patted her head and sighed.

The first time he saw Man Bao, she was just a little girl who could barely stand up by holding the wall, she seemed to be only eight or nine months old, barely able to stand steadily by holding the wall.

Little Qian came to cook, since she had just taken on this job, she cherished it very much, always coming early, not only cleaning the inside and outside, but also splitting firewood, making fires, and cooking.

So she inevitably neglected the child, at the time Man Bao had crawled to the threshold of the classroom, climbed over, and hugged the doorway to listen to his lectures.

At first, Teacher Zhuang was a bit angry, feeling that Little Qian couldn’t do her job properly, so he put down his book and went to find Little Qian.

He originally wanted to have Little Qian take care of her own child, but he saw her wielding an axe, dripping with sweat as she split firewood.

Teacher Zhuang was invited by the landlord Mr. Bai to come teach in this mountain village, his family naturally wasn’t very wealthy, in fact, he was also poor when he came here.

In his memory, his mother had raised him this way, so Teacher Zhuang hesitated for a moment, not calling Little Qian, and turned around to bring Man Bao back, letting her sit on the threshold.

Fortunately, this child was also obedient, she just sat on the threshold, not crying or making a fuss, she ate whatever was given to her, and seeing the students reading aloud, she also followed along with her own chatter.

Later, the first word she said was “Teacher”, and Teacher Zhuang insisted on this.

This child was really very smart, a little over a year old, she could already follow the students and read “Heaven and Earth, mysterious and yellow…”

The students he taught, the youngest was already six years old, they would read it ten times, remember it, and then forget it the next day, but this child’s little head remembered it clearly.

Of course, she could only shout, and didn’t recognize the characters.

So Teacher Zhuang copied a “Thousand Character Classic” and gave it to her.

Later, Teacher Zhuang grew to like her even more, because he found that not only could Man Bao recite books quickly, to the point of never forgetting, she also learned characters quickly.

After going through it a few times, she could remember that character.

Such a smart, cute, and kind child, why couldn’t she be a boy?

Teacher Zhuang had regretted this more than once.

Then he couldn’t help but teach her, teach her to recognize characters, teach her principles, and even specially found some books for her to practice calligraphy, then gave her the manuscripts, letting her keep them.

Taking her as a disciple was a sudden utterance, but this thought had not been just a day or two, it was just because she was a girl, so he had hesitated.

In fact, he was just a scholar expelled from the imperial academy, his knowledge was limited after all, so why bother too much about those empty titles?

Could it be that he really wanted to be like the bad fathers she mentioned, seeking fame and status?

Teacher Zhuang rubbed Man Bao’s head even harder, resolving, “You go find your sister-in-law now, have your parents choose a good day to bring you to my door.”

Man Bao walked away in a daze.

Chapter 7: Storybook

The early meal was ready, and the group of children scampered out to take their respective seats.

Old Zhou sat at the head, directly across from where Mrs. Xiao Qian should have been seated. But due to Man Bao being the favored one, that position was always occupied by her instead.

After setting Man Bao onto the stool, Mrs. Xiao Qian stood to portion out the porridge for everyone.

Zhou Wulang and Zhou Liulang eyed the watery porridge and couldn’t help but purse their lips. Normally their early meal was plain rice, since they needed the energy for farm work during the day, with the thicker porridge saved for the evening.

But with their parents present, they didn’t dare voice any displeasure.

The three elder married brothers solemnly passed their bowls to Mrs. Xiao Qian, while Zhou Silang looked like he wanted to bury his head in his chest.

Mrs. Xiao Qian glanced at her fourth brother-in-law before taking his bowl, ladling extra porridge into it such that it practically overflowed.

If the others’ bowls could still be considered porridge, then what Zhou Silang received could only be described as rice soup.

Zhou Silang was on the verge of tears as he glanced pleadingly at his sister-in-law, only to meet her cold gaze, forcing him to lower his head in silence.

Man Bao looked around, recalling she could still eat the deep-fried dough twists at study hall later, so she poured half her porridge into her parents’ bowls.

Old Zhou and Mrs. Qian were extremely touched, too moved to even chide Mrs. Xiao Qian as they showered Man Bao with praise. “Our daughter is truly the most considerate, knowing to honor us elders.”

Everyone else silently ate their porridge. They too wished to show filial piety, but feared going hungry.

Mrs. Qian pushed the extra portion back. Smiling, she said, “Man Bao, you eat. Mother doesn’t need to work, so I’m not hungry.”

But Man Bao protectively covered her bowl. “I don’t want any more, my tummy is tiny and I’m already full.”

Seeing she couldn’t dissuade her daughter, Mrs. Qian divided the extra porridge between her three sons instead, instructing them, “You three need to go work in the fields. Eat a bit more in case you get hungry on the way. Once we repay the village head, our family’s circumstances will improve.”

The three sons murmured in acknowledgment.

Old Zhou shot his wife a glance. “Enough, that was Man Bao honoring you, don’t just give it all to them.”

He then addressed his second son, “Tomorrow when you go to market, take a sack of grain to sell and bring back some money. The debt to the village head isn’t urgent – your brothers can earn some over the New Year. But your mother needs medicine, so we can’t be completely penniless.”

Zhou Erlang responded in assent.

Mrs. Qian seized the opportunity, “Tomorrow, take Man Bao and the others from your household too. And you,” she looked to Zhou Wulang, “you tag along to help watch the children.”

Zhou Wulang and Zhou Liulang immediately piped up, “Mother, mother, what about us too? We’ll also keep an eye on Man Bao, Da Tou and Da Ya.”

Mrs. Qian didn’t really want the fifth and sixth sons going, frowning slightly as she asked, “What about the land your fourth brother is clearing?”

Zhou Wulang had a bad feeling, regretting he was too far from Man Bao to kick her, only able to glare at her from afar.

Fortunately, Man Bao seemed to sense his thoughts, glancing between her brother and mother before saying, “Mother, let Fifth and Sixth Brothers go too. Otherwise I can’t keep Da Tou and the others in line.”

Da Tou immediately looked up. “Little Niece, I’m older than you, you don’t need to watch me.”

Being close enough, Zhou Wulang viciously kicked Da Tou, silently cursing the brat for ruining things.

“Oww!” Da Tou jumped up crying, “Mom, Fifth Uncle kicked me!”

Mrs. Qian glared at Zhou Wulang, smacking her dull-witted son as she admonished him, “Quickly eat your porridge. Always running your mouth, didn’t you see your little niece hasn’t said a word?”

Da Tou lowered his head dejectedly.

Old Zhou observed everything, happening to finish his porridge as he set his bowl down. “Let them all go. They’re still children. Da Tou and Da Ya may be too mischievous for your second daughter-in-law to handle alone. Have the fifth and sixth brothers tag along to make sure the children don’t get lost. Fourth Son can continue clearing that land.”

Old Zhou glared sternly at the despondent Zhou Silang, setting a deadline. “You have one month. If you can’t manage to clear at least an acre, then no more porridge for you.”

Zhou Silang felt utterly dejected.

To make matters worse, Man Bao twisted the knife by purposely sitting beside him after the meal to ask, “Fourth Brother, do you know why you’ve ended up like this?”

She answered her own question, “It’s because you gambled!”

Zhou Silang: …..

Man Bao let out an exaggerated adult-like sigh, patting his shoulder with her little hand. “Gamblers are all bad people. Even I know this simple truth, so why don’t you?”

“Man Bao, let’s go to study hall.” Mrs. Xiao Qian had packed the dishware into her basket, about to put Man Bao into the carrying basket on her back. But Man Bao waved her hand dismissively, holding her chin up proudly. “Sister-in-law, I’m all grown up now, no need to carry me.”

Mrs. Xiao Qian couldn’t help but laugh. “Our Man Bao has grown up, has she?”

“Yes, I’m six years old now.”

The utterly demoralized Zhou Silang immediately reached out to ruffle her short tufts of hair into disarray, mocking her, “Six years old? You’re not even five yet. Do you know what it means to go by year of birth?”

Shaken by his roughhousing, Man Bao let out a wail, not even waiting to look up before Zhou Silang dashed away. Her hair in complete disarray, Man Bao cried furiously.

The outburst startled Mrs. Xiao Qian, as her little niece rarely cried these days, especially not so intensely since turning one years old. Momentarily stunned, Mrs. Xiao Qian hurried to embrace and console her.

Inside, the commotion caused Mrs. Qian to abruptly toss her sewing basket aside. Nimbly leaping off the bed in her half-donned shoes, she rushed out in alarm. “What happened, what’s wrong with my precious daughter?”

Man Bao had only felt a momentary sense of grievance, mostly recovering after her initial cry. She had already forgotten her previous upset, but seeing her mother now reignited those feelings of resentment. She flung herself sobbing into her mother’s embrace to tattle, “Mother, Fourth Brother bullied me, look what he did to my hair!”

Mrs. Qian immediately smoothed her daughter’s disheveled locks, seething with anger as she issued orders, “That wretched boy, he really needs to be disciplined. No dinner for him tonight, let him go hungry!”

Mrs. Xiao Qian readily agreed.

Consoling her daughter by wiping her tears, Mrs. Qian said, “There now, our Man Bao won’t cry anymore. How about Mother boils you some eggs, would you like that?”

Mrs. Xiao Qian wondered, “So we’re not going to study hall then?”

“No need, I’ll boil eggs for Man Bao and make her lunch instead.”

While feeling it was a bit indulgent, Mrs. Xiao Qian considered that some comforting was warranted after her little niece’s ordeal, so she nodded in agreement. But Man Bao was unwilling, wriggling free from her mother’s embrace.

“No, I want to go to study hall.”

Her reasoning was quite sound too. “I’m going to market tomorrow, so I can’t attend lessons. I need to inform Master Zhuang.”

Mrs. Xiao Qian reassured her, “Don’t worry Little Niece, I’ll let Master Zhuang know for you.”

“No, I’ll tell him myself. Also, I need to check if he has finished the manuscript I’m supposed to bring back today.”

Mrs. Xiao Qian hesitated, glancing at Mrs. Qian.

Seeing her daughter’s spirits had lifted, Mrs. Qian stroked her chubby cheeks with a smile. “Alright then, if you want to go, then go.”

Man Bao immediately turned and happily left for study hall with Mrs. Xiao Qian.

Once the two had departed, Mrs. Qian’s expression turned stern as she addressed her two daughters-in-law and two youngest sons who had been observing. “Go fetch your fourth brother back here. That insolent boy, swaggering around placing bets and losing money, only to return home and bully his own family.”

The four quickly dispersed to search the entire village for Zhou Silang.

Upon arriving at the study hall, Man Bao leaned against the window to listen to Master Zhuang’s lesson, which happened to be on the Analects of Confucius today. She had heard a few lines before, but had never systematically recited the text. This time, Master Zhuang was teaching the advanced class, so all the students were studying the Analects, starting from the very first lesson.

Man Bao followed along for the entire lesson. However, Master Zhuang only repeatedly drilled the students in recitation without actually explaining the meaning behind the passages.

Not having a copy of the book herself, Man Bao could only vaguely mimic the recitations. While her memory was excellent, allowing her to memorize the text after just three or four repetitions, she did not recognize the specific characters, let alone comprehend the meaning.

Seeing Master Zhuang continue with more drilling exercises, under normal circumstances Man Bao would have remained eagerly engaged in memorizing the text. But today her mood was somewhat dampened, affecting her ability to concentrate fully.

Feeling she had memorized enough, Man Bao stealthily slipped away from the window and snuck into Master Zhuang’s courtyard.

The study room was always left unlocked, either out of habit or to accommodate a certain little visitor who liked to secretly clean it.

After wandering around the courtyard and study, Man Bao ended up sitting on the steps, propping her chin in her hands as she appeared to ponder, though she was actually conversing with the system.

“Ke Ke, do you think Fourth Brother dislikes me now?”

The system replied, “Host, there is no one in this world who can remain universally likeable forever. Even money has times when it is disliked by people.”

“But I’m not money, I’m Fourth Brother’s sister. How could he dislike me?”

The system fell silent for a moment before responding, “In this world, it is quite normal for fathers to dislike their children, mothers to loathe their offspring, and siblings to detest one another.”

“You’re talking nonsense. How could there be parents who dislike their own children in this world? Aren’t siblings supposed to love and support each other?”

“That is merely the host’s wishful thinking.” The system felt it may have grown too isolated, hence sharing such perspectives with its young host. But it also believed this would lay the foundation for her safety and future development. If its host remained too naive, it would truly worry endlessly for her later on.

So it searched the Encyclopedia and found a book titled ‘History’s Top 10 Evil Fathers’ to lend to Man Bao. “Host, consider this a borrowed book from me. Borrowing books costs points, so remember to pay me back once you’ve earned some later.”

A book suddenly appeared in Man Bao’s hands, her eyes sparkling with delight as she forgot all about her brother’s mistreatment. Delighted, she asked, “Is this a gift for me?”

The system reiterated firmly, “This is a loan to the host for reading. You must return it once you’ve finished.”

Man Bao was overwhelmed with gratitude. “Ke Ke, you’re so kind. This is my very first book!”

Again the system stressed, “Host, you must return it after reading, otherwise many points will be deducted.”

With an airy wave of her little hand, Man Bao replied magnanimously, “Deduct them then, buying books also costs a lot of money.”

The system reminded flatly, “…Host, you have no points.”

But Man Bao had already opened the book, engrossed in its contents.

The text had been converted into the contemporary written language, and with Man Bao’s extensive vocabulary, coupled with the conversational prose style, she found herself utterly captivated, as if reading a storybook.

In fact, it was indeed a book of stories, chronicling the top ten deadbeat dads in history.

Chapter 6: Plan

The little friends worked until the sun was high overhead. Famished and unable to continue, they estimated it was time for an early meal, so they shouldered their tools to head back home.

Zhou Wulang still squatted down, intending to carry Man Bao on his back.

But Man Bao felt bad for her brother, who was now filthy, sweaty and rather smelly. So she insisted on walking back herself.

Zhou Wulang considered that it was mostly flat terrain from here to home, so Man Bao should be able to manage. Their mother likely wouldn’t scold him either, so he felt reassured taking Man Bao’s hand as they headed back.

Along the way, they encountered many fellow villagers returning home from the fields to eat their early meal. The Zhou family was currently the hot topic in the village, especially Zhou Silang.

Upon seeing them, people would first cast concerned looks at Zhou Silang’s rear end, then solemnly advise: “Fourth Lad, gambling is no good, that’s the path to ruining the family.”

“Fourth Lad ah, you’re still young. Don’t make mistakes like this again in the future.”

…

Receiving a lecture from each person they met, Zhou Silang’s face turned green. He didn’t respond, while Zhou Wulang and Zhou Liulang felt embarrassed. Only Man Bao, being too young to experience that sense of shame yet, sincerely felt these aunts, uncles and brothers were absolutely right in their admonitions.

So she wholeheartedly agreed throughout. “Uncle is correct, if you ever see my Fourth Brother heading to the gambling den again, you can beat him on my father’s behalf. When Dad finds out later, he’ll definitely treat you to a big meat feast.”

“Isn’t that right, Uncle Da Zhu? Next time you all go to the county town, keep an eye on my Fourth Brother. If he misbehaves, just tie him up and bring him back. Mom will absolutely reward you.”

Seeing her fourth brother remain sullenly silent, Man Bao even slapped him. “So rude! Don’t you see the uncles and brothers speaking to you? Are you still not truly repentant? Still thinking of gambling?”

Zhou Silang could only dejectedly thank each person who berated him.

The villagers felt that Fourth Lad had probably truly turned over a new leaf. He was still young after all, merely momentarily unable to resist temptation.

So some families that had previously dismissed the idea of betrothing their daughters to him began to reconsider.

If this Fourth Lad could really reform, he was actually a quite decent young man – strapping in build, diligent in his work, with many capable brothers.

Yes, the villagers unanimously felt the three married Zhou brothers were very accomplished – skilled at farm work and industrious, taking on odd jobs at the landowner’s estate whenever they had time to earn extra income. And looking at Old Zhou and Mrs. Qian, they were both extremely hard-working as well. It stood to reason that Zhou Silang should take after them.

So people’s gazes towards Zhou Silang held a bit more tolerance now.

Though Zhou Silang himself failed to sense this, as the moment he returned home, his mother immediately set him to chopping firewood.

With the autumn harvest now concluded, the family needed to prepare firewood for the winter. Previously, the three eldest married brothers oversaw these kinds of chores, with the heavy chopping work typically handled by the third brother thanks to his great strength.

The younger, unmarried brothers below were tasked with gathering kindling from the hills and carrying the chopped logs to the shed.

However, due to Zhou Silang’s gambling losses, after discussing with Old Zhou, Mrs. Qian reassigned the firewood chopping duty to him as punishment, while also making a statement to their sons and daughters-in-law.

With so many children in the family, favoritism was inevitable. But on the whole, Mrs. Qian aimed to keep things fair to avoid any one child making a fuss and disrupting the entire household’s peace.

Old Zhou sat hunched on the doorstep, a worried frown on his face as he watched his fourth son retrieve an axe, only letting out a snort and averting his gaze once the task began.

Spotting his youngest daughter, a smile broke across his face. “Man Bao is back. Did you have fun playing?”

Man Bao nodded happily. “It was fun! Dad, the hills are so enjoyable. There were lots of flowers and grasses up there. I want to go back this afternoon!”

“The afternoon sun will be too strong. You should stay home and nap. Let your fourth brother and the others go instead,” Old Zhou advised. “If you like flowers, have your nieces pick some for you. You can’t be out in the sun too long or you’ll need medicine if you get burned.”

Recalling the bitter black herbal decoction her mother had to take, Man Bao’s nose crinkled as her whole little face puckered, as if tasting something extremely bitter.

Old Zhou chuckled at the adorable sight, his mood finally lifting a bit. He instructed his daughter to go inside and sit, telling her the early meal would be ready soon.

For farmers, the “early meal” was eaten after completing the first round of field work, with only two meals consumed per day – one at around 9-11am, and the other at 3-5pm. After the evening meal and some chores, they could sleep once night fell.

This routine applied to adults. Children were the exception – in summer and autumn when days were longer, households typically boiled some porridge in the evenings to feed the children so they wouldn’t go too hungry overnight.

Man Bao scampered into the main room, where Mrs. Qian had taken ill the previous day after that dreadful shock and fright, remaining abed today.

Seeing her daughter covered in grass and grime, Mrs. Qian couldn’t help but smile. “Did you have a good time playing?”

Man Bao responded with a couple of affirmative hums, sitting obediently on the edge of the bed. “Mother, can I go to market with Second Brother next time?”

“What for?”

“I want to learn to do business too.”

Mrs. Qian laughed. “You just want to go play, don’t you?”

Thinking it over, Man Bao hadn’t attended the spring temple fair, and with the autumn harvest now concluded, if she didn’t go soon it would be too cold to venture out later.

With that in mind, Mrs. Qian agreed. “Your sister-in-law can take you. Da Tou and the others should go too after their fright yesterday. It’ll help settle their minds to go out and play.”

As for this business talk, Mrs. Qian paid it no mind, seeing it merely as childish rambling.

But Man Bao was quite serious about it.

So after the early meal, instead of going to study hall for lessons, she gathered Zhou Wulang, Zhou Liulang, and all her nieces and nephews to collectively brainstorm plans.

Zhou Wulang reached out to feel his sister’s forehead. “You don’t have a fever. Why are you talking nonsense?”

Zhou Liulang laughed. “What do we even have to sell?”

Man Bao shook her head. “We don’t, but there’s stuff outside!”

She pointed outwards. “There are so many pretty flowers and grasses out there. We can pick them all and sell them!”

Everyone: “……”

Even San Tou said, “No one will buy them!”

“Why wouldn’t they sell?” Man Bao reasoned that if the brilliant Ke Ke liked these wild plants and flowers, surely others would too.

Man Bao was quite dictatorial, waving her hand decisively. “It’s settled then, we’ll go pick flowers and dig up wild plants to sell.”

Zhou Wulang moved to dissuade her, but Zhou Liulang held him back. “Listen to Man Bao.”

“So our little sister has gone crazy, and you’ve gone crazy too?”

Zhou Liulang replied pragmatically, “I’m not crazy, but if we don’t listen to her, will we still get to go to market?”

Realizing the logic in this, Zhou Wulang agreed.

The market town was quite a distance from their village, at least half a day’s walk away. The last time they went was during the spring temple fair.

The two brothers immediately signaled to Da Tou, Da Ya and the others with their eyes. Everyone understood and happily assented to Man Bao’s plan of bringing lots of pretty wildflowers and grasses to sell at the next market day.

Why not? They could go to the market first and figure it out later.

Chapter 5: Points, Yay!

Man Bao squatted there, searching for a relatively short vine segment. Da Tou, Da Ya and the others also came over to help look. Seeing their Fifth and Sixth Uncles bickering, Da Tou and Er Tou joined in, while Da Ya and the rest squatted beside Man Bao, asking what she was looking for.

Upon learning she wanted to dig up a small tindora plant, they all enthusiastically helped her search. Soon they found a recently sprouted tindora plant. Using sticks, they dug into the soil a bit and quickly managed to uproot it, though part of the root was broken off in the process.

But no one really minded.

Man Bao held the plant in her little hands. Since it was still small without any thorns yet, everyone felt safe letting her grasp it.

This was something they often did.

Da Ya had woven some wildflowers into a crown she now wore on her head, asking her little niece, “Doesn’t it look pretty?”

Man Bao stared blankly at her, unable to say it looked pretty but also unwilling to hurt her niece’s feelings, so she just nodded. “The flowers are pretty.”

Da Ya beamed happily, skipping off with Er Ya.

When they reached the bottom of the hill, Man Bao slid off Zhou Wulang’s back and pried a tindora fruit from his hand, but instead of eating it, she walked and handed all her collected items over to Ke Ke as she went.

It had been over a year, and long ago under Ke Ke’s guidance, Man Bao had learned how to secretly stash things away for it.

The group of youths never paid any mind, not noticing when the wildflower crown fell off Da Ya’s head at some point.

After walking a bit further, Zhou Wulang made a sound of confusion as he looked around, asking curiously, “Where did Fourth Brother go? Wasn’t this the spot Little Sister pointed to back on the hill?”

Everyone looked around, with Da Tou exclaiming in surprise, “Fourth Uncle is gone!”

“Wait, listen…” Da Ya shushed them, signaling for silence. That’s when they faintly heard the sound of snoring.

It was coming from right beside Man Bao. She parted the bushes first and saw Zhou Silang sleeping soundly amidst the foliage.

Man Bao was infuriated. She marched right up and planted her foot squarely on his chest, but incredibly, Zhou Silang didn’t wake up.

Just as Man Bao was about to apply more force, Da Tou had already plucked a blade of grass and came over, crouching beside Zhou Silang to tickle his nose with it.

Seeing this, Man Bao grew curious and stopped stomping on her brother, squatting next to Da Tou to ask, “Does that work?”

Da Tou took the grass and stroked Man Bao’s face with it. “Little Niece, is it itchy?”

Man Bao couldn’t help but scratch her face, growing excited. “It’s itchy, let me try!”

She took the grass from Da Tou and started experimenting by brushing it across Zhou Silang’s face. The others also crowded around, each plucking grass to stroke Zhou Silang’s face with. But he simply waved his hand dismissively before rolling over to continue sleeping.

This reaction thoroughly displeased Man Bao. Tossing the grass aside, she leaned right towards Zhou Silang’s ear and shouted loudly, “Snake!!!”

“Ahhh!” Zhou Silang bolted upright, jumping up and spinning around frantically. “Where’s the snake, where’s the snake?!”

Man Bao glared at him. “Fourth Brother, Dad told you to come clear land, but here you are sleeping. I’m going to tell Dad so he can beat you.”

Zhou Silang caught sight of his chubby little sister and couldn’t resist pinching her fleshy cheeks. “Besides telling on me, what else can you do?”

Zhou Wulang immediately swatted his hand away. “Fourth Brother, you’re bullying Little Sister.”

Man Bao did feel her cheek stinging a bit from the pinch, eyes welling with tears. She stomped on Zhou Silang’s foot, grinding it down forcefully. “Besides telling, I can hit you too. You dare hit me back?”

Zhou Silang, well Zhou Silang really didn’t dare!

Fuming until his nostrils flared, Zhou Silang saw Man Bao had the upper hand, so she let out a cold snort. “Hurry up and clear the weeds, Fourth Brother. Don’t you know I’m helping you?”

Man Bao, having learned so much language and reasoning from Ke Ke, stated her case matter-of-factly. “Mom said our family only had fifteen taels saved up from the past three years. That money was supposed to be for you and Fifth Brother to get married. But then you went and lost all the family’s money gambling. Not only that, you’re in debt to our sister-in-laws and the village head’s family. You have to pay all that back!”

“It’s one thing if you don’t get married yourself, but Fifth Brother definitely needs to take a wife in a couple years. And our sister-in-laws, do you think it’s easy for them to save up money? You have no other skills, so besides farming to pay off debts, what else can you do?”

Zhou Wulang’s face reddened, but he still puffed out his chest. “Fourth Brother, I’ll be fourteen soon, only two more years until I need to start looking for a wife. How much money can you return to the family?”

Zhou Silang was dumbstruck. “I…I have to pay all that back myself?”

“Of course, who told you to lose all that gambling money?” Recalling her neighbor’s niece who had been sold off, Man Bao felt a surge of rage well up in her chest. Her gaze turned cold as she looked at Zhou Silang. “People who can’t quit gambling deserve to have their hands and feet chopped off and be thrown into the mountains as wolf feed, so they can’t keep hurting others.”

Zhou Silang couldn’t help but retreat two steps back, his body turning cold as he trembled, pointing a shaky finger at this little brat. “You…how can you be so vicious? I’m your Fourth Brother!”

“Well Da Ya, Er Ya and San Ya are my nieces too. If you gamble again and our family can’t pay up, the debt collectors will come and take them away. Once they’ve taken all my nieces, I’ll be next, and then Da Tou, Er Tou and the others. After selling off all the nieces and nephews, our eldest brothers will spend their whole lives paying off your debts. Even though you’re family, you’re just one person. I can’t let you ruin the rest of us blood relatives, so…”

Up until now, Da Ya, Da Tou and the others had never considered this, but hearing their little niece say it like that, the looks they gave Zhou Silang also turned rather unkind.

Even Zhou Wulang and Zhou Liulang stepped forward menacingly, staring Zhou Silang down.

Zhou Silang hurriedly waved his hands. “Man Bao, don’t talk nonsense. I’ve already resolved never to gamble again.”

Man Bao let out a cold snort. “Then let’s see your resolve.”

“Yes, let’s see it!”

So under everyone’s watchful gaze, Zhou Silang could only pick up the sickle and start clearing the weeds, with everyone encircling him and occasionally pointing out, “Fourth Uncle, there are a lot of weeds here, clear this spot!”

“Fourth Brother, the soil is thicker here, quickly clear this area.”

Meanwhile, Man Bao was led by Da Ya and Er Ya to pick quite a few flowers, which they then wove into a flower crown for her to wear on her head.

Da Ya and Er Ya admired her sincerely, “Little Niece, you look so pretty!”

Man Bao was delighted. “Of course, you two look pretty too.”

Overhearing this, Zhou Silang’s resentment grew as he watched the scene unfold. “Well aren’t you all going to come help? How long will it take for me to clear this all by myself?”

Seeing herself as quite diligent, Man Bao immediately led the others over to help out.

With Man Bao taking the initiative, the rest also rolled up their sleeves and joined in.

Zhou Wulang took over the sickle, clearing the taller grasses, while Da Tou was tasked with removing the cut vegetation. Zhou Wulang and Zhou Silang worked together with their hoes to dig up the shrubs in the field.

Man Bao led the remaining group in picking up stones, collecting any rocks, dead wood and the like from the bushes. The stones were piled around the cleared plot, with the dead wood set aside to be brought back and used as firewood.

Clearing new land was truly arduous work – the field contained all sorts of vegetation and obstacles. Even cutting grass required caution to avoid being pricked by thorns. Seeing this, the system let out a soft sigh, no longer asking the host to go looking for more plants for it today. Perhaps tomorrow.

It could only hope that the host would still be willing to venture out again tomorrow.

Growing tired from picking up stones, Man Bao chatted idly with the system. “Ke Ke, are any of these plants not recorded in your database yet?”

“No.”

Man Bao was disappointed. “How did your Encyclopedia manage to include so many entries?”

Ke Ke explained, “These wild plants will still be quite common in the future. The host may not even recognize them anymore. You’ve already recorded all of these yourself before – they just appear shorter around your house, but grow taller here.”

Man Bao felt a bit embarrassed. “So I did record them myself.”

The system stated seriously, “Yes, you get one point for each new species recorded.”

That single point was meant as an encouragement, as the system wouldn’t have even gotten that tiny incentive if not for Man Bao’s young age and the need to motivate her.

Still, it was in this manner that the system had to draw from its own reserve of points to buy Man Bao candy, because her recording efficiency was simply too low.

This was likely due to Zhou family spoiling her so much. The other children in the household were essentially free-range, allowed to roam the village without restriction from the age of two, as long as they stayed away from water.

But not Man Bao – she always had someone accompanying her.

When the nieces and nephews rolled around in the dirt, she sat properly clothed on the heated brick bed, being taught how to speak.

While they went to the fields to weed and plant crops, she was taken to study hall to snack on deep-fried dough twists.

In fact, the farthest she had ever ventured from home was under that large banyan tree at the village entrance. This mountain was her first time visiting.

The only reason she got to go to that banyan tree was because Old Zhou had nothing to do during the New Year holidays, so he brought his youngest daughter along to chat with his old buddies there.

Of course, Man Bao was the only one in the family afforded such treatment, because wherever she went, she could earn at least a few coins in New Year’s money from doting elders.

The plants around the village were all extremely common varieties. Man Bao would pluck each one she saw and hand it over to the system. That first year, the system spent the entire time simply identifying plants for her. She would hand over one, then immediately pluck an identical one right after, leaving the system inwardly anguished.

Fortunately, Man Bao had since learned to just directly ask the system if there were any new plants that needed recording, instead of ceremoniously presenting a bundle of weeds for it to log one-by-one, only for the system to regretfully inform her that species had already been recorded.

Finding the rock collecting quite tiring as well, Man Bao wiped the sweat from her brow with her little hands and asked the system, “Ke Ke, you guys are really weird. Why bother recording these wild plants? Look, we’re clearing them away – they’re such a nuisance. How much longer until we finish clearing this whole area?”

“It’s because the technological development in this world is still lacking. In the future, clearing land like this will be a simple task for machines to handle in one pass. And while these weeds may still exist in the future, their numbers will be greatly diminished. Some plant species will even go completely extinct. That’s why I exist.”

But Man Bao’s focus drifted slightly askew as her mouth fell open in surprise. “So many plants, trees, rocks – you mean a machine can just clear it all in one go? What is a machine? Can I buy one?”

The system fell silent for a moment before replying, “No, that kind of technology far exceeds what is available in this world, so it cannot be purchased. And even if it could, Host, you don’t have any points.”

Man Bao blinked slowly, her interest in points suddenly reinvigorated. She had always felt they served little purpose beyond exchanging for candy.

Even without points, she could still eat candy since her second brother or father would always buy some for her whenever they went to the local market day.

Chapter 4: Achyranthes Root

They had a total of sixty-eight households in their Qili Village, occupying this entire stretch… well, hillside I suppose, on the hillside, clearing land wherever they pleased.

There was very little wasteland on the flatlands, and what little there was mostly consisted of rocks and poor, barren soil. It was better to clear land on the hillsides instead. So Zhou Silang shouldered his hoe and sickle and headed up the hillside. He planned to stand at a high vantage point and survey the area from afar, then clear whichever plot caught his eye.

Zhou Silang thought as he pleased, but would Man Bao agree?

Of course not!!!

After being carried to the hilltop, Man Bao took a look around and pointed to a patch with the least grass on the hillside, saying, “Let’s clear that spot over there.”

“No way!” Man Bao refused without a second thought, pointing instead to another area on the slope. “I want to clear that spot.”

Zhou Silang looked over and saw that not only was the grass lush and as tall as Man Bao there, there were also many short shrubs. He knew their roots would be extremely difficult to dig up, so he immediately refused, “No, that spot won’t be as easy to clear as this one.”

But Man Bao persisted, hoping to find things Ke Ke might like so she could trade them for candy. “I want to clear that spot.”

Her reasoning sounded quite valid too. “Look how lush the grass grows over there, and there are even trees. Our beans and melons will grow well in the future too. As for the spot you picked, there’s hardly any grass at all, and it doesn’t look any better than mine. Oh, and there are rocks too. Little grass definitely doesn’t like rocks, and beans and melons probably don’t either.”

Zhou Silang grew displeased. “So am I the one clearing land, or are you?”

Man Bao put her hands on her hips. “It’s you, but you have to listen to me. Otherwise when I go back, I’ll tell Dad you deliberately chose a bad plot so you could slack off, and he’ll beat you.”

Zhou Silang was fuming, but he had no choice but to listen to her, because their father would definitely take Man Bao’s side.

Feeling the aches from his previous injuries, Zhou Silang could only angrily say, “Fine, we’ll clear that spot. Let’s go.”

Zhou Wulang moved to carry her, but Man Bao thought for a moment and waved her hand. “No need, I’ll walk down myself. Fourth Brother, you go start clearing first.”

Zhou Silang was exasperated. “You little runt, how will you walk down? Won’t Fifth Brother have to stay by your side?”

“So what if he does? Sixth Brother can stay too.”

“No, they need to help me clear the land.”

But Zhou Wulang and Zhou Liulang didn’t want to work either, shaking their heads. “Mom told us before we left that we absolutely have to look after Little Sister. Fourth Brother, you go down and cut the grass first since you only have a sickle.”

Zhou Silang was dumbfounded. “You guys didn’t bring any sickles?”

Zhou Wulang smiled. “We’re carrying Man Bao, how could we hold sickles?”

Zhou Silang then looked to Da Tou and Da Ya and the others. Da Tou was quick to explain, “We thought you uncles brought some, so we didn’t.”

Zhou Silang then instructed Da Tou, “You go back and get the sickles right now, hurry!”

But Da Tou said, “We’ll be going back for breakfast soon anyway. We can just bring them after we eat. If I go back now, we won’t get much work done. Fourth Uncle, why don’t we accompany Little Niece and walk down slowly while you go cut the grass first?”

Everyone chimed in, “Yeah, yeah Fourth Uncle, just go ahead.”

Zhou Silang felt utterly abandoned, and the root cause was Man Bao.

Man Bao was even fiercer than him. “Hurry up and go! Otherwise when we’re back for breakfast, I’ll tell Dad you were slacking off.”

Zhou Silang turned and stormed off with his hoe and sickle in tow.

Man Bao was quite pleased with herself as she made her way down the mountain path with her little short legs, occasionally picking at grass and flowers. Fifth and Sixth Brothers, along with Da Tou, Da Ya and the others who were used to playing in the hills, saw their little sister obediently walking and went running off wildly to play. They would pick pretty wildflowers they saw, and especially any wild fruits they spotted, digging them up. They could even watch an anthill for ages, having the time of their lives.

Man Bao struggled to dig up a clump of grass, wiping sweat from her brow as she asked Ke Ke in her heart, “Do you want this one?”

Ke Ke’s voice carried a tinge of resignation. “Host, you’ve already recorded this grass called Achyranthes root a long time ago.”

Man Bao was skeptical. “Really? I don’t remember.”

The system then pulled up the Achyranthes root entry that Man Bao had recorded, complete with its ecological characteristics, origins, reproduction methods and main uses all listed out clearly line by line.

Man Bao loved reading, delighted to see the text. She asked excitedly, “Where did these words come from?”

The system explained, “Achyranthes root still exists in my creator’s world, so this is knowledge from the Encyclopedia. After you record a plant, any encyclopedia entries about it will be shown below.”

The system paused before continuing, “Host, I think even if you can’t find species that went extinct or became rare in my creator’s era, you should at least try to record some rare or valuable plants. That way, if more people download them, we’ll get more points and I can exchange for more candy for you.”

Truth be told, it had been following Man Bao for over a year now, and aside from three plants that a few people had downloaded, no one showed any interest in the others. Even those three barely had any downloads. Basically it had been using its own points to get Man Bao candy.

But Man Bao didn’t feel discouraged. She was thoroughly engrossed in reading the description after the Achyranthes root entry. She had already memorized the Thousand Character Classic, and the day she received the system was the same day she got a copy of that text. She spent every day reciting and recognizing the characters. While she still couldn’t write many of them, she could now recognize them.

So reading this passage, Man Bao recognized about seventy or eighty percent of the characters. For any unfamiliar ones, she didn’t hesitate to ask Ke Ke directly.

The system was always ready with an answer, especially since Man Bao was quite adorable. Who could refuse such a cute four-year-old child?

Well, no, Man Bao insisted she was six this year. By East Asian age reckoning, that is.

After finishing the reading, Man Bao still didn’t fully understand but she also didn’t ask about everything, only the topics that piqued her interest. “It says Achyranthes root can dispel wind, drain dampness, clear heat, resolve toxicity and unblock stasis and stop bleeding. What does that mean?”

Ke Ke explained, “It means exactly what it says. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that from eating grains and being influenced by the environment, people can accumulate dampness, toxicity and internal heat in their bodies. For example, if you have internal heat, you can decoct Achyranthes root into a soup to dispel wind, drain dampness, clear heat and resolve toxicity. As for unblocking stasis and stopping bleeding, that’s even simpler – if someone falls and gets a bleeding injury, you can grind it up and apply it to the wound to stop the bleeding. It can also be taken orally.”

Man Bao exclaimed in amazement, “This grass is so precious! No, I have to dig up more to take home.”

Man Bao then grabbed the grass stalks and pulled with all her might. It took tremendous effort before she could finally uproot them.

The system also thought this grass seemed quite good, so it secretly cheered Man Bao on and even gave her an idea. “You can use the vines next to it to tie the stalks together, then you can carry them back.”

Man Bao thought this was a great idea. After pulling up a good amount of Achyranthes root, when Fifth and Sixth Brothers came over with a handful of wild berries, her face and hands were covered in dirt from her strenuous efforts, shocking the two youths. They ran over asking, “Little Sister, what are you doing?”

Man Bao’s eyes shone brightly. “Fifth Brother, Sixth Brother, quick come help! I’ve found a great medicinal herb.”

The two glanced over and saw the weeds in her hands, their expressions turning rather odd. “Isn’t this just a weed you can find anywhere?”

“No it’s not, this is called Achyranthes root. It can detoxify and stop bleeding,” Man Bao instructed her brothers. “Quick, help me pull some up.”

But Zhou Wulang simply took the weeds from her hand and tossed them aside, brushing the dirt off her hands. “Don’t be silly. Look, we found some tindora fruits, let’s try one.”

He then stuffed one of the bright red fruits into Man Bao’s mouth. It was fragrant and sweet, causing Man Bao’s eyes to light up as she forgot about the Achyranthes root on the ground. “I want more!”

The system was also quite excited. “This is a plant I’ve never recorded before. Man Bao, you have to record this, I just checked and there are no pictures of this fruit in the system.”

No pictures meant that even if the scientific name was in the database, adding images would earn them a decent bonus from the Encyclopedia. And if people viewed those images, they’d get even more points.

It seemed the decision to have the host go out and explore was the right move after all.

The system urged, “Man Bao, hurry and record it! It’s best to get the whole plant if possible.”

So Man Bao stuffed the wild berries into her mouth while asking her brothers, “What kind of fruit is this? I’ve never eaten it before. Where did you pick it from?”

Zhou Wulang and Zhou Liulang were surprised. “You’ve never had this before? There are tons up in the hills. There were so many during Qingming, but not too many left now. If you like it, I’ll take you up next year to eat some.”

Man Bao felt her brothers had missed the point, so she asked, “But where did you pick them from?”

“We already picked them all, there’s none left. Let’s head back down. Fourth Brother is going to get mad in a bit.”

Man Bao put her hands on her hips angrily. “But I want to see what they look like growing, so I’ll know how to pick them myself next time.”

Zhou Wulang laughed when he heard this. “What’s so difficult about that? Just keep going down this path, and you’ll see plenty along the side without any fruits left. We’ll show you how to identify them later.”

Man Bao finally realized her brothers weren’t lying when they said the hills were full of these plants.

After walking a little further down, Zhou Wulang pointed to a vine covered in thorns beside the path. “Look, this is the tindora vine. It blooms as soon as it warms up in spring, then the flowers turn into fruits that turn red when they’re ripe and very delicious.”

But Zhou Liulang disagreed, “I think the yellow ones taste better, they’re firm and tart, way more flavorful than the red ones.”

Zhou Wulang scoffed at him, “The red ones are the best, we all agree the red ones are better.”

“No, the yellow ones!” Zhou Liulang insisted.

“The red ones!”

“Yellow!”

“Red!”

Seeing her two brothers start bickering, Man Bao hadn’t tried the yellow ones before so she didn’t voice an opinion. She slid off Sixth Brother’s back and squatted down to examine the vines.

Zhou Wulang and Zhou Liulang gave their sister a glance, seeing she was just curiously staring, so they turned their full attention back to their argument. Or was it discourse?

Man Bao asked Ke Ke in her heart, “Does it need to be the whole plant dug up, or can I just pull off a section for you?”

The system considered for a moment. “If you can dig up the whole plant, that would obviously be ideal. But taking a cutting is also fine if digging it up isn’t convenient.”

 

---

 

满宝 (Man Bao) – Man Bao
钱氏 (Qian Shi) – Mrs. Qian

小钱氏 = Mrs. Xiao Qian 

科科 (Ke Ke) – Ke Ke
周四郎 (Zhou Silang) – Zhou Silang (Fourth Brother)                     
周五郎 (Zhou Wulang) – Zhou Wulang (Fifth Brother)
周六郎 (Zhou Liulang) – Zhou Liulang (Sixth Brother)
大头 (Da Tou) – Oldest Nephew
大丫 (Da Ya) – Oldest Niece
二头 (Er Tou) – Second Nephew
二丫 (Er Ya) – Second Niece
三头 (San Tou) – Third Nephew
三丫 (San Ya) – Third Niece

Chapter 3: The System

Qian Shi stroked Man Bao’s head. “Clearing wasteland is no easy task. The crops grown may not even cover the taxes. Your nephews are still young – we have enough farmland for the family.”

“But what do we do about fourth uncle’s grave mistake? We can’t kill him, but what if he idles and gambles again?”

Qian Shi pondered. Not punishing Fourth Zhou’s transgression would displease the other sons and daughters-in-law. Yet crippling him was another matter – she could not bear it, and medical treatment would cost more money, truly heartbreaking.

Finally she said, “Alright, tomorrow we’ll have your fourth uncle clear wasteland.”

Man Bao cheered up. “I’ll supervise fourth uncle.”

“I think you just want to go play. There are snakes and insects in the fields. Don’t tag along causing trouble – let your elder nephews go instead.”

“No, I want to go too.”

Previously, Man Bao had found their family quite well-off – never lacking food or clothes, always getting candies on market days, though she did not particularly enjoy sweets.

Back then, she simply wanted to recognize characters and found reading deeply satisfying. But Ke Ke had no books, only candies to offer.

While the candies Ke Ke gave were sweeter than those her second brother brought from the market, she still did not like them much.

Now, however, she realized they were actually quite poor. She needed to earn money. Too young for fieldwork or outside labor, the only way for her to make money was selling candies.

Except due to her laziness in digging vegetables for Ke Ke, it had been a long time since she received any candies.

Ah yes, Ke Ke was something that had suddenly appeared in her mind last spring after she finally memorized the Thousand Character Classic in its entirety. Deeply moved, Teacher Zhuang gifted her his handwritten drafts of the text.

Overjoyed, she had run home hugging the drafts, and upon entering, Ke Ke manifested, introducing itself as a branch of the Encyclopedia Pavilion’s Botanical Department that had accidentally gotten lost here.

It needed to collect many species to exchange for energy to depart.

At first, Man Bao did not understand, simply delighted to have a new friend to tell her mother about.

But Qian Shi dismissed it as a child’s fantasy, humoring her for a while.

Intelligent, Man Bao gradually realized others could neither see nor hear Ke Ke, so she stopped mentioning it, treating this friend as solely visible and audible to her.

Ke Ke constantly urged her to collect more plants, but Man Bao had already dug up all the vegetables from their garden and wild grasses outside. Too lazy to venture farther, she refused.

For her friend’s sake, she reluctantly sought some unfamiliar grasses for Ke Ke. However, her family never let her roam far, her nephews and nieces freely playing while she remained under her sister-in-law’s watch.

At most, she could only play within the village boundaries, absolutely forbidden from leaving or entering the fields.

Man Bao pleaded incessantly until Qian Shi, physically and mentally exhausted, realized her daughter was at the prime playing age. Unwilling to overly restrict her, she relented, “Fine, fine, go. Just listen to your fifth and sixth uncles. Don’t run off or stay in the sun too long, understand?”

Man Bao happily agreed.

That night, she had a full bowl of rice, jostling with her fifth and sixth uncles and nephews to devour all the vegetables.

Except for these mischievous children, the adults’ appetites were poor. Having scrimped and saved only to instantly return to destitution crushed their spirits.

The old patriarch Zhou picked at a few morsels, for the first time finding food stuck in his throat, unable to swallow.

Recalling the fifteen taels of silver made his heart painfully constrict, his eyes reddening until he could no longer resist smashing his bowl to beat his fourth son once more.

After their father disciplined Fourth Zhou, the other Zhou brothers could only glower silently as they ate.

Qian Shi and the daughters-in-law ate porridge, as only the men and Man Bao could digest plain rice now that autumn harvest concluded. The others ate gruel, though quite thick and filling.

Yet after putting down her chopsticks, Qian Shi declared, “We don’t have a single cent left. Such days make my heart race. From tomorrow, we’ll only make gruel – no more plain rice. Elder daughter-in-law, use less rice. Winter is coming, and spring and summer still follow.”

Xiao Qian nodded obediently.

Glancing at Man Bao, she asked, “What about the little aunt? Her body is frail – should she eat gruel too?”

Furrowing her brow, Qian Shi replied, “Tomorrow, take six pounds of grain to the school. Have the eldest ask Teacher Zhuang if Man Bao can have lunch there, using our garden vegetables. Just bring a couple extras each day.”

Xiao Qian agreed, quickly finishing her meal to clean up with the other daughters-in-law.

Dissatisfied, Man Bao asked, “Mom, what about older nephew and niece?”

Qian Shi stroked her head with a smile. “Their bodies are strong, no need for plain rice. You’re frail, so eat more. Otherwise if you fall ill, we’ll need money for medicine.”

From young, the older nephews and nieces had been taught that the little aunt’s body was weak. Grandparents and parents instructed them never to push or bully her, to let her eat more and grow sturdier to avoid illness.

For if she fell sick, they would need money for medicine, leaving none for the children’s candies.

So they never objected to the little aunt joining their grandparents and fathers for plain rice while they had gruel.

Moreover, the little aunt was quite good to them, younger yet always offering her candies. They adored her.

Thus when their grandmother glanced over, they eagerly nodded in agreement for the little aunt to eat more, content with just gruel at home.

“There are still some unharvested grains in the fields we can find and roast to eat.”

“No, tomorrow we’re going to help fourth uncle clear wasteland,” Man Bao said. “But we can find wild berries to eat.”

The old patriarch Zhou turned to Man Bao. “Clear wasteland?”

Qian Shi explained, “Forgot to tell you – tomorrow we’ll have the fourth son clear wasteland to earn money and repay his debts to the family.”

The patriarch did not think much could be earned from clearing wasteland. But it was better than that son idling and gambling again – best to keep him occupied.

So he instructed, “Fifth and sixth sons, go with him tomorrow. If he slacks off, beat him up for me.”

Man Bao volunteered eagerly, “Dad, let me go. Fifth and sixth uncles definitely can’t beat fourth uncle.”

The old man chuckled, stroking her head. “Alright, you go. If your fourth uncle dares disobey, you can hit him with a stick.”

Delighted as if given an imperial decree, Man Bao went to bed early, promising Ke Ke in her mind that tomorrow she would definitely find plants it had never seen before, demanding, “But you must prepare more candies for me to sell.”

The system was exasperated – all the plants Man Bao had logged were extremely common. Over a year had passed with no benefits, forcing it to exchange what little remaining points it had for candies.

It had no choice – she was just a child. Without enticement, she would never play this game.

Indeed, Man Bao had always treated it as merely a game, never considering using it to reach life’s pinnacles or achieve extraordinary goals.

After over a year, the system’s lofty ambitions had long been ground down. Fortunately, being bound to a host allowed it to continue operating in this space, even without energy to return to its original realm.

Things would improve once the host matured.

That was the system’s consolation.

At worst, upon the host’s death, it could simply select a more ambitious new host.

The system discreetly calculated its remaining points to determine how many candies it could still provide.

Thinking their deal was set, Man Bao snuggled into her little quilt, closing her eyes for a blissful sleep.

The next morning, before the rooster’s first crow, noises arose from the courtyard. Man Bao rolled over, burrowing her little butt deeper into the covers to keep sleeping.

Farming families awoke early. Even with autumn harvest concluded, the fields still needed tending.

Moreover, Zhou Dalang, Zhou Erlang and Zhou Sanlang all had work at the Bai landlord’s estate, requiring an early start.

Only when shouts and thumps echoed from the yard did Man Bao finally rub her eyes and crawl over to push open the window. Seeing her father dragging Fourth Zhou out by force, kicking his bottom to send him off to work, she immediately recalled her promise to Ke Ke last night.

Too impatient to linger in bed, Man Bao quickly dressed and scampered out. “Fourth uncle, wait for me! I’m coming too!”

Qian Shi grabbed her. “Not so fast, wash your face first.”

Breakfast would not arrive until the sun was overhead. Xiao Qian instructed the little aunt to wash her face before serving her a bowl of plain hot water, then mixing in a beaten egg.

Making a face, Man Bao drank the egg water before dashing off to follow her fourth uncle.

Fifth Zhou and the others awaited her at the gate. The morning egg water was Man Bao’s privilege – even the old patriarch Zhou and Qian Shi did not receive any.

Rumor said the little aunt had nearly died as a baby, only surviving by drinking egg water. Ever since, she unfailingly received one egg daily, no matter who else went without.

The family did not expect Fourth Zhou to clear any decent land, so only deployed the children to assist, including Fifth and Sixth Zhou, as well as the older nephews and nieces from the first, second and third houses.

Fifth Zhou was fourteen, Sixth Zhou twelve – both strapping young lads, old enough to court matches and start families of their own in just a couple years, as the villagers said.

Older Nephew(Da Tou) and Second Nephew(Er Tou) were Man Bao’s nephews, aged nine and six respectively. Older Niece(Da Ya) and Second Niece(Er Ya) were her nieces, eight and seven.

Youngest was San Tou(San-Third) from the first house, Man Bao’s four-year-old nephew who also wanted to join but was stopped by his mother to weed the vegetable garden with San Ya(San-Third) and Si Tou(Si-Fourth) from the second and third houses, both also four – too little to navigate the mountain trails.

The paths were too rugged for Man Bao as well, so Fifth and Sixth Zhou took turns carrying her, unlike Fourth Zhou with his injuries, just able to make it to the fields.

Chapter 2 – Beat Him

After shedding most of her tears and catching her breath, Qian Shi(Mrs.) opened a trunk, retrieving a box from the bottom to show her son and daughter the money inside.

It contained strings of copper coins, quite weighty, along with just two small silver ingots – leftovers from building this house.

Their personal savings were only copper coins. Seeing this money made Qian Shi tear up again.

She counted it over – only nine strings of cash, and the two silver bits amounted to just one and a half taels.

Qian Shi then fetched the coin box from the bedside cabinet containing their daily expenses. With the recent autumn harvest, the third and fourth sons had earned wages helping at the Bai landlord’s home, which she had yet to properly store away.

However, this sum was not substantial either, just strung copper coins – one string per hundred coins, ten strings per string of cash.

Their luck was truly poor, with only six strung coin bundles and some scattered two to three dozen loose coins at the bottom.

Glancing at her daughter and son, hearing the escalating agonized screams outside, Qian Shi gathered the money, handing it to her son to take out while guiding her daughter with her other hand.

Seeing his mother with the money box, Fourth Zhou heaved a sigh of relief, nearly bursting into tears.

Man Bao watched clearly, indignant at her fourth uncle.

There were gamblers in the village too. The third household, Zhou San Shu’s family, had his son lose a bet half a year ago, leading the gambling den members back to sell his wife and children to settle the debt.

Their eldest niece, two years older than Man Bao and her good friend, made her keenly remember that gambling debts were a matter of life and death – unsure if it would cost her own life, but it would certainly cost the lives of loved ones.

Her parents had warned her brothers then, strictly forbidding them from gambling. Yet now it was their own family’s turn.

Infuriated, Man Bao charged forward and firmly planted her foot on Fourth Zhou’s face.

“Ow ow! Little sister, don’t step on me, I’m sorry!” Fourth Zhou cried.

Qian Shi did not stop her, instead telling her husband, “The money’s not enough, we’re short four and a half taels.”

The old Zhou patriarch frowned worriedly, while Qian Shi turned to the three daughters-in-law. “Take out whatever you have from your households. Consider it a loan from your fourth brother-in-law that he will repay later.”

Xiao Qian, Mrs. Feng(Feng Shi) and Mrs. He(He Shi) consulted their husbands, who grimaced but nodded resignedly before taking their children to retrieve their private savings.

The Zhou household had not divided, pooling all earnings for communal expenses on food and living. Long ago, Xiao Qian and the patriarch had agreed not to split unless they passed away, waiting until all children were married.

However, Qian Shi knew married sons differed from unmarried ones – they needed personal funds.

Thus, she always kept a loose grip, collecting harvest yields but only taking 60% of other earnings, leaving 40% for each household.

For instance, in Xiao Qian’s house, she made at least one hundred cents monthly from cooking at the school, contributing sixty but keeping the rest for herself.

In the second house, Second Zhou had picked up some woodworking and wicker weaving skills while serving the Bai landlord in his youth, making small earnings selling his handicrafts at the market during free time.

In the third house, hardworking Third Zhou was a favored laborer for the Bai household overseer, frequently hired for tasks and able to earn extra.

As for the remaining three younger sons, there were no expectations for the fourth lying on the ground. The fifth and sixth were too young, any money quickly wheedled away by their mother or little sister, or begged from their second brother to buy sweets at the market. Even searching their clothes would likely not produce two cents.

So Qian Shi did not bother searching them.

The three daughters-in-law quickly gathered their private savings, but it was not enough, still short two strings of cash.

Qian Shi turned to her husband and sons.

Unable to bear it any longer, Xiao Qian collapsed, slapping her thighs and crying, “Mother, we really have nothing left! We even took out the money set aside to buy mooncakes for my parents for Mid-Autumn. We’re going to be ruined!”

Infuriated, Qian Shi struck her. “What are you crying about? Your mother’s not dead yet. We’ve made it through famine years – you’re scared of just two hundred coins?”

Pondering, Man Bao scampered back to the main room, retrieving a silver lock from her precious box and handing it to Qian Shi. “Mother, use this of mine.”

Qian Shi’s expression changed drastically as she swiftly snatched the lock into her embrace. “This cannot be given away! This is…this is what your father gave you, the Taoist said your life is precious and needs protection. This locks your life force.”

The old Zhou patriarch agreed, “It cannot be given.”

The debt collector sneered, “So a longevity lock matters more than your son’s life? Well, are you paying up or not? Time’s ticking, and we need to return to the county town. If we can’t make it back, you’re covering our room and board!”

His men immediately began rummaging and kicking through the courtyard. “Pay up quickly – repaying debts is natural justice!”

Gamblers who came to collect never showed restraint. Big brother Zhou Dalang rushed to intervene, soon joined by the second and third brothers who released Fourth Zhou.

Even the fifth and sixth brothers’ blood boiled as they charged forward alongside their elder brothers. As villagers of Qili, they could not stand idly as their own were bullied, surging forth to pull them apart.

Unexpectedly, the debt collectors had never encountered a gambler’s family with so many brothers. Seeing the surrounding villagers, they did not dare go too far, merely shoving each other half-heartedly, but their rage still simmered.

With a sigh, the village chief stepped forward to placate everyone. “Enough, it’s just two hundred coins short. Uncle Jin, I’ll lend it to you first, just remember to repay me later.”

He sent his son to fetch the money from home.

Pooling together the collected funds filled the box, all copper coins save the two small silver ingots. The debt collectors did not mind, directly counting and pouching the copper coins.

However, they then weighed the silver bits, remarking, “But this silver can be exchanged for more copper coins than this at the moneychangers’. Everyone knows one tael fetches twelve strings now, so…”

Big brother Zhou Dalang kicked Fourth Zhou directly, demanding, “Did you bet with copper or silver coins?”

“Copper, it was copper coins!”

Zhou Dalang grabbed him by the collar, raining blows as he furiously questioned, “Was it copper? Was it copper?”

His nose bleeding and face swollen, Fourth Zhou wailed, “It was copper, just copper coins!”

The pummeling continued as Zhou Dalang’s face reddened, fists striking Zhou’s face one after another. “Was it copper? Was it copper?”

Zhou begged between sobs, “It was copper, big brother! Just copper! They’re lying to you, they’re lying!”

Seeing Zhou Dalang’s vicious beating, the debt collectors fell silent, pocketing the silver ingots and nodding. “Fine, copper it is then.”

They turned to leave, but Second Zhou blocked their path. “The IOU?”

Rolling his eyes, the collector handed it over, patting Second Zhou’s shoulder. “Your family is in over your heads. Best keep a tight leash on your brothers, or your luck may run much worse next time. Many families have been ruined and lives lost over gambling debts.”

The Zhou brothers all glared menacingly at Fourth Zhou, who shrank, barely daring to sniffle audibly upon seeing their furious looks.

Finally, the debt collectors departed.

The old patriarch and eldest son forced smiles as they saw the villagers off, thanking them for their help, especially the village chief who they insisted on treating to a meal to express their gratitude.

Once alone, the patriarch instructed Sixth Zhou to lock the gate before turning to continue beating his son with the wooden rod.

Fearing for her daughter’s sake, Qian Shi took her inside first, though it hardly mattered – the girl kicked off her shoes, clambered onto her bed and leaned out the window to watch her father pummel her fourth uncle with keen interest.

Physically drained and emotionally spent from the ordeal, Qian Shi did not stop her daughter, instead instructing the three daughters-in-law to prepare something to eat, as none had consumed a single grain since morning. The adults could endure, but not the children.

After making arrangements, she called her daughter over to have the silver lock put back on. “Didn’t I tell you not to take it off? Your father gave this to secure your life force. Never remove it again, understood?”

Man Bao grumbled, “It’s uncomfortable to wear.”

Considering, Qian Shi replied, “You can take it off at night, but must wear it during the day.”

Man Bao reluctantly agreed. Seeing her mother’s worried look, she asked, “Mom, what about fourth uncle?”

“Forget him. Let your father beat him. We just got back on our feet after years, and he’s already gambling – the kind that ruins a family. He deserves a beating.”

“If he’s going to be beaten to death, we may as well have killed those gambling den people instead – then we’d have saved money too.”

Qian Shi nearly choked. “You sound just like your father, utterly merciless.”

“Really? Dad’s that clever?”

Ignoring the question, Qian Shi said, “He still needs to be disciplined, otherwise he won’t learn his lesson. What if he gambles again and loses everything we have?”

“Fourth uncle only remembers food, not beatings. Unless his legs are crippled so he can’t go anywhere.”

“No, then we’d have to support him,” Qian Shi feared the patriarch beating his son disabled. Sighing, she called out the window, “Enough! Crippling him will just mean more medical costs when we have not a single cent left.”

The pounding gradually ceased. Filled with resigned disappointment, the patriarch glared at his son before kicking him and ordering the eldest and second sons to drag him inside.

Meanwhile, Man Bao told her mother, “Mom, I have a good idea to punish him without costing us money.”

“What idea?”

“Make fourth uncle clear wasteland, then let him farm it and use the earnings to repay the family and brothers’ households. He owes fifteen taels of silver after all.”

Puzzled, Qian Shi asked, “Clear wasteland? Why would you suggest that?”

Man Bao explained, “Didn’t the village chief’s elder brother say the county office is allowing us to clear wasteland, keeping whatever land we clear tax-free for the first three years?”

Chapter 1: Lost the Bet

Mrs. Xiao Qian tiptoed to the kitchen door of the school, taking little aunt Man Bao out of the basket on her back and setting her down on the doorstep. She whispered, “Man Bao, you sit here. Big sister is going to cook, and will bring you home later.”

Man Bao obediently nodded. As soon as her sister-in-law entered the kitchen, she toddled over to the nearby classroom.

Inside, the children were reciting the Thousand Character Classic under the teacher’s guidance. Man Bao routinely dragged a stone and placed it below the window to stand on, poking her head inside. Her bright starry eyes fixated on the scene within.

Bai Erlang, sitting not far from the window, noticed her prying gaze and glared back at her sternly. Unfazed, Man Bao glared right back and even stuck her tongue out.

Bai Erlang’s eyes widened with indignation just as the teacher passed by, gently tapping his head and chiding, “Pay attention.”

Man Bao could not help but giggle with delight. Catching the teacher’s gaze, she mischievously winked at him.

The gray-bearded teacher shook his head helplessly but did not stop her from leaning by the window to listen.

Teacher: “Today we will learn the final section of the Thousand Character Classic: ‘Graceful and smiling, the years hurry her on, radiant splendor shines. Limited knowledge, childish ignorance, yet able to assist the instructors, how gratifying indeed!’”

The students recited each line after him. From outside the window, Man Bao chimed in with her childish voice quite loudly. The students were used to this, swaying as they chanted with the teacher.

Ever since she could speak, Man Bao had been reciting the Thousand Character Classic. She had memorized it long ago. Seeing the teacher put down the book and let the younger students practice independently while he attended to the older ones, Man Bao hopped off the stone and scampered into the teacher’s residence.

When the teacher announced the end of class and returned to his quarters next door, he found Man Bao had already swept the front area and was sitting sorting his scattered drafts.

Spotting the teacher, Man Bao excitedly showed him the organized drafts. “Teacher, look, the blank sides can still be used.”

“Those are my failed practice writings. You can take them if you want.”

Man Bao shook her head. “The backs can be used for practice writing. Teacher, you use them first. When the backs are full, I’ll take them back.”

Unable to dissuade her, the teacher could only accept the drafts and set them on the table, pointing to another stack. “Take these back. If you don’t understand any characters, bring them to me.”

Delighted, Man Bao folded and pocketed that stack, skipping merrily to find her sister-in-law in the kitchen.

Mrs. Xiao Qian had finished cooking and was portioning food for the children.

Man Bao slipped into the kitchen, greeted her sister-in-law, and took the teacher’s meal to him.

The teacher gestured to the mat across from him. “You can sit and eat here too.”

Man Bao shook her head. “I’ll eat in the kitchen later. This is for you, Teacher.”

The teacher did not insist, offering her a piece of meat which she happily accepted before scampering off again.

The teacher chuckled and shook his head, letting her be.

In the kitchen, Mrs. Xiao Qian scraped the last burnt rice bits into a bowl for Man Bao.

Man Bao obediently gobbled the crispy crumbs, even stuffing a piece into her sister-in-law’s mouth. Mrs. Xiao Qian smiled, chewing while gently pushing her hand away. “You eat, you eat. There isn’t much.”

With just one pot of rice, there were only so many crispy bits left. If she burnt too much, the students wouldn’t get full, and she could lose this job.

Mrs. Xiao Qian had been the school’s cook for three years, expertly gauging the portions.

The schoolmaster Mr. Zhuang was hired by the village landlord Mr. Bai to teach. This school was also funded by the Bai family and donations from various households.

Initially, Mr. Zhuang taught here with his wife and children. Since students came from two neighboring villages as well, unable to return home for lunch, the kindhearted Mr. Zhuang charged each student six pounds of rice and thirty cents per month to provide meals, not wanting them to go hungry.

At first, Mr. Zhuang’s wife managed the kitchen, purchasing vegetables and occasionally meat to mince into stew using the students’ contributed rice. After expenses, she kept the remaining two or three cents as payment for her troubles.

The parents appreciated this arrangement, knowing Mr. Zhuang did not profit, simply caring for the students who would need to eat anyways, so they willingly provided the rice contribution, even for village students.

After his wife passed away and his grandchildren moved to the city with their parents, Mr. Zhuang was alone, unable to cook. He hired Mrs. Xiao Qian as the cook with one hundred cents.

Upon learning this, the landlord Mr. Bai had Mrs. Xiao Qian return the money to Mr. Zhuang, covering her salary himself while taking over managing the students’ rice and fees to allow Mr. Zhuang to focus on teaching.

At that time, Man Bao was only eight months old and couldn’t even walk yet. Mrs. Xiao Qian’s main duty was caring for her and her four-year-old son San Tou, often carrying them in baskets to the school kitchen, occasionally pinching rice balls from the pot for them to eat, raising them exceptionally well.

Now that San Tou was four, preferring to play with his older siblings, only Man Bao still accompanied Mrs. Xiao Qian.

Though she only received the burnt crispy rice each day, it nourished Man Bao into a chubby, fair child, looking nothing like a farmer’s kid, much less from the Zhou family.

After splitting the crispy bits with her sister-in-law and washing up, Man Bao cheerfully skipped home.

Mrs. Xiao Qian tried putting her in the basket, but Man Bao refused. “I can walk myself.”

“Alright, just be careful not to fall,” Mrs. Xiao Qian relented.

“I’m a big kid now, I won’t fall!” Man Bao shouted as she scampered ahead, soon spotting a crowd by their home gate. Excited, she rushed over until a piercing scream froze her in her tracks.

Mrs. Xiao Qian reacted quicker, scooping her up and hurrying forward.

The onlookers parted way upon seeing her. “The Zhou family’s sister-in-law is back, make way, make way!”

“Sister-in-law, your fourth uncle lost a bet. The winners are here to collect.”

Some gossiped mercilessly, “He owes quite a sum. By old Zhou’s viciousness, he might just beat the kid to death. Sister-in-law, quickly dissuade him. Money can be earned, but a life lost is gone forever.”

Mrs. Xiao Qian’s heart pounded as she pushed through to the courtyard, finding her fourth brother-in-law pinned down by the second and third while her father-in-law raised a wooden rod to strike him.

About a dozen strangers stood by, their ringleader scowling, “Old Mr. Zhou, even if you beat your son to death, you still need to pay me back today. Or was our trek over the mountains for nothing?”

Man Bao wriggled free and toddled to her father, glancing at her good-for-nothing fourth uncle then the spectators, her brows furrowed. “Dad, how much did fourth uncle gamble away?”

The youth leader eyed Man Bao curiously. “Well now, Old Mr. Zhou, your daughter’s a pretty one. If you’re short on cash, you could offer the kid to settle the debt. She’s young, but we don’t mind.”

The old man shoved his daughter behind him furiously. “You want him, take this beast and make him pay back what he owes himself!”

Fourth Zhou wailed, “Dad, Dad, save me! I swear I’ll never do it again. Please, don’t let them take me, they’ll beat me to death!”

The youth smirked, grinding his foot into Fourth Zhou’s hand, eliciting agonized howls. Satisfied to see Zhou’s face turn ghastly pale, he grinned, “Just fifteen taels of silver? But look at your newly built house. Doesn’t seem like you’re broke. And you have all these daughters too. Sell me a couple and we’ll call it even. But let me be upfront – their prices are low these days. Only if your little girl is included will it cover the full debt. Otherwise, not even four of them would settle the account.”

Horrified, Mrs. Xiao Qian and Feng pulled their own daughters back, being the only households with unmarried girls.

Zhou’s hands trembled with rage, while Fourth Zhou nearly soiled himself, desperately clutching his father’s clothes. “Dad, please save me! I swear I’ll never gamble again!”

Restraining him, Second Zhou could not resist striking him as well. “We just got back on our feet, and you ruined it all!”

With two young daughters of his own, if he truly had to sell a child…

Second Zhou’s blows intensified at the thought. “See what happens when you don’t listen!”

Fourth Zhou shielded himself, wailing.

Man Bao’s lips tightened as she eyed her three nieces before dashing inside.

Her mother Qian Shi was in bed clutching her chest, attended by Sixth Uncle with evident worry.

Her mother’s health was always poor, likely exacerbated by the commotion.

“Mom, how much money do we have?” Man Bao asked.

Qian Shi opened her eyes, wiping away tears. “Why are you asking that?”

“Is it enough to pay the debt?”

“Heavens no,” she sobbed. “I should have drowned your fourth uncle at birth and spared us this torment. Even our total savings fall four or five taels short.”

“So we let them take fourth uncle?”

“They journeyed from afar. If we don’t pay a single cent, they could beat your uncle to death before leaving the village. As much as we loathe him, could we bear to watch him die?”

Qian Shi understood this reality, as did old Zhou, his reluctance stemming from grief alone.

Man Bao stressed gravely, “We cannot sell my nieces.”

Qian Shi stroked her head. “No, even if we sold your good-for-nothing uncle, we would not sell the girls.”