Chapter 51: Returning home.

“Did I allow you to redeem yourself?”

A light and slow sentence, instantly plunging the noisy room into an eerie silence.

Wang Shi, with fingers clenched like chicken claws, froze. Blood reversed its course against the door, and her head momentarily darkened. Yes, how could Wei Shi let her off? Wei Shi would not spare her.

And Liu Kangsheng, who had tried hard to protect his family fortune just a moment ago, was now dumbfounded. The fifteen taels which was as precious as life a moment ago, now felt like a hot potato. He was in a daze; what good was it to guard the money when the whole family would become servants? Having money was meaningless now. At this moment, he only wanted to personally present the money-filled clay pot, knock on it eighty times, and plead with anyone who could show mercy to take the redemption silver from Wang Shi.

The Village Chief was so angry that he wanted to give Liu Kangsheng a big slap on the face. But at this moment, he had to mediate for the Liu family because he was also involved in this messy situation.

“Madam, if Yu’er were your child, she has indeed suffered a lot. But precisely because of this, we have found our closest kin. It’s considered a great fortune. She endured fifteen years of hardship earlier, shouldn’t we avoid more suffering behind? You should consider more for her. I see that you’re discussing this privately; it must be out of concern for this child. What are your plans? Please share. Kangsheng dares not be confused; in such a big matter, the village and the family can’t allow him to be confused.”

This was a display of the Liu Village Chief’s authority, bringing the family into the picture. Whether Liu Kangsheng cooperated or not, it was beyond his control. In fact, Liu Village knew in his heart that he had to keep this matter under control for tonight without disturbing the family.

Liu Kangsheng was now sober and dared not harbor any selfish thoughts. He wanted to express his attitude, but Wei Shi did not let him speak. Instead, there was a faint chuckle in her nose: “Village Chief seems to have a good grasp of my thoughts.”

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Wang Shi and Liu Kangsheng were both shocked, covered in cold sweat.

However, Wei Shi changed the direction of her words, “Therefore, those who become servants will remain servants for the rest of your lives. Those who hide runaway slaves will carry this crime name forever to restrict you so that you don’t fall into my hands.”

Village Chief nodded vigorously but stopped abruptly, staring blankly at Wei Shi. “What, what are you saying?”

Wang Shi and Liu Kangsheng were also dumbfounded.

Even outside the room, Liu Yu, upon hearing this, was taken aback, her eyes flickering as she turned toward the tightly closed hall door. Wei Shi’s voice seeped through the crack, subtle and faint but exuding a formidable strength.

“No need for redemption. I’m giving you a way out, but you only need to accomplish two things.”

Village Chief Liu straightened up, “Please, go on.”

“First: Write a detailed document listing all your involvement in the theft of silver, escaping, harboring runaway slaves, and selling my niece. Promise that for the rest of your lives, you will sever ties and relationships with Liu Yu, signing and sealing the document.”

Wei Shi wanted the shadow of a sword hanging over the heads of the Liu family forever, making them forever hesitant to approach Liu Yu, acknowledging the bond of birth and nurturing.

Wang Shi stepped back, lips trembling, “But she is my own flesh and blood. How can you not let her recognize me?”¹This lady is so confused.

Since Wei Shi brought the constables to the door, Liu Kangsheng dared not harbor the thought of selling Liu Yu again. He knew it was a dream to make another profit, but with the family’s fate in Wei Shi’s hands, he couldn’t care less. Although Wei Shi’s words were harsh, hearing that they could save fifteen taels for redemption, Liu Kangsheng was more relieved than shocked. When Wang Shi continued to speak recklessly, he frowned and scolded her to shut up.

Wang Shi still stared at Wei Shi defiantly. Wei Shi smiled, “If you want to be recognized, I will report you for absconding from the yamen. In the future, every fifth day of the third month, I will have Yu’er offer incense at your grave. Whether you choose to live or die, that’s your own business.”

Village Chief Liu, upon hearing this, felt a chill down his spine. He stole a glance at the woman; she was just an ordinary commoner, but he couldn’t fathom how she possessed such powerful means.

Wang Shi had nothing more to say. If she wasn’t afraid of death, there wouldn’t be so many consequences behind her actions.

Village Chief Liu, hearing this, asked, “And the second thing?”

“Secondly,” Wei Shi said lightly, “Mrs. Bao stole forty taels of silver from my Liu family. I won’t pursue the fifteen taels for redemption. Just return the entire forty taels, and that will be sufficient.”

Liu Kangsheng and Wang Shi immediately went limp.

Forty taels!

Liu Kangsheng’s hands trembled, his eyes vacant, pupils seemingly lost. “Forty taels, even if you squeeze my bones, you won’t get it out.”

Wang Shi quivered her lips. “This is money from Liu Huaiyu, and I raised Liu Yu for fifteen years.”

Wei Shi let out a mocking laugh, “My second brother’s money has nothing to do with you. Moreover, did my niece beg you to raise her?”

Wang Shi couldn’t find words to reply. Wei Shi looked at the Village Chief and asked, “Village Chief, what do you say?”

Village Chief Liu, hearing about forty taels, felt like wiping his sweat. In an ordinary farming family, who could produce forty taels? He knew that Wang Shi probably brought some money, but he never expected it to be dirty money stolen from the Liu family and such a large sum.

If they didn’t handle this according to Wei Shi’s terms today, it would not end well. Besides, the Liu family had come looking for them. Considering Wei Shi’s attitude, she intended to control Liu Kangsheng and Wang Shi for the rest of their lives. Village Chief Liu didn’t want to wade into this troubled water again. Gritting his teeth, he said, “When you came to me claiming to be disaster victims, begging for me to handle household registration and giving me ten taels for establishing connections, although all that money has been spent, now with this trouble on our hands, I don’t want to be involved. I’ll go back and gather five taels from my own pocket. You already have fifteen taels, making it a total of twenty taels. There’s only a shortfall of twenty taels. Kangsheng, sell three acres of your land, two acres of fertile land and one acre of dry land. That should cover the money.”

Sell the land! These words struck Liu Kangsheng’s head like a thunderbolt. The few acres of land handed down by his ancestors for generations, and now he was asked to sell it!

Liu Kangsheng shook like the autumn wind, infuriated.

Village Chief Liu said, “Consider it carefully. Do you want your entire family to be sent away, or do you want to keep those few acres of land? Besides, you won’t sell it all. You and the children have carpentry skills; you won’t starve.”

Liu Kangsheng had no choice. He didn’t want his whole family to be enslaved. He almost bit through an old tooth, his throat rolling several times. “Where do I find a buyer in such a short time?”

Village Chief Liu was not polite this time. Good words aside, it was almost like taking advantage of the situation. But could Liu Kangsheng refuse? No, he had no choice. Village Chief Liu said, “Don’t make trouble. I’ll buy it.”

The words sounded good, but in reality, it was seizing the opportunity. Yet, Liu Kangsheng had no choice.

Later on, Village Chief Liu prepared three documents, and Liu Kangsheng and his wife signed and stamped them. Wei Shi took the documents.

After returning home, Village Chief Liu brought 25 taels in cash and completed the transaction with Liu Kangsheng on the spot.

Wei Shi achieved her goal for the day. Before leaving, she glanced at the couple, saying, “Since you’ve concealed your identity and taken the name Wang Shi, be Wang Shi for the rest of your lives. If you must say something about Liu Yu being sold, claim it as her own decision. Also, manage your family and descendants well. Don’t let the day come when I have to use these documents again.”

Wang Shi was devastated and speechless. Liu Kangsheng felt a bitter taste in his throat.

Thinking they will gain 80 taels today, but they ended up losing 35 taels. Moreover, they lost about one-third of the ancestral land.

The main door and courtyard door of the Liu family were opened in sequence. The Liu family members rushed over. Wei Shi, holding Liu Yu, walked straight to the courtyard gate. Then, as if she remembered something, she exclaimed, “There’s still a person in the mule cart. Bring him out; it’s time for his family to take care of him.”

Liu Yanan understood, and together with Constable Chen, they brought out Liu Dalang, who was tied up and had his mouth covered, placing him at the entrance of the Liu family courtyard. Wu Shi exclaimed and rushed over, and when Liu Sanlang saw his elder brother unconscious, he panicked too. Wei Shi ignored them, boarded the carriage with Liu Yu, and the group of seven left in a grand manner.

Liu Kangsheng never left the hall, but Wang Shi chased after them. Standing in the crowd, she held the silver coins that Liu Yu had secretly given her, exactly the same amount she had given out earlier. She suddenly understood the meaning behind this. Her eldest daughter also wanted to sever all ties, leaving her with nothing. She cried bitterly, heartbroken, and no one cared about her.

The mule cart moved slowly in the moonlit night. Liu Yanqing sensed that the two had things to discuss, so he went to join his two colleagues. In this cart, besides Liu Yanping who was driving, there were only Wei Shi and Liu Yu.

The lifted curtain allowed a faint moonlight to enter, making the interior somewhat dim. Wei Shi composed herself, and her voice echoed in the semi-darkness, “Things that should be heard and things that shouldn’t be heard—did you both hear them?”

Liu Yu nodded, “I heard some.”

Even in the vague conversation, one could guess the unsaid parts.

The carriage fell into silence again. After a while, Liu Yu said, “Aunt, my father and uncle…” She stopped halfway, finding it difficult to continue.

Wei Shi, however, remained much calmer than Liu Yu had anticipated. She patted Liu Yu’s hand and said, “Yes, I don’t want to tarnish your ears. But you might have guessed. Back then, Bao Shi’s hometown suffered a great disaster. During the escape, she was captured and sold. While fleeing, she bumped into your father. Begging him for help, he took pity on her. At that time, your father had just sold a large game to the county restaurant. Despite his compassionate nature, he didn’t have enough money, so he borrowed some from the restaurant owner and bought Bao Shi.”

“Our family is not wealthy; we’re just an ordinary household under the jurisdiction of Anyi County, at the foot of Yangfeng Town in Xifeng. We have a bit of surplus from our ancestors, and your father and uncle are skilled in hunting, always able to catch some game. That’s why our family is more comfortable than others. But little did we know that we were sowing the seeds of trouble.”

Wei Shi narrated the story to Liu Yu amidst the sound of the carriage. Liu Yu gradually learned about her own origins. She realized that her mother never had a proper family; she was just ambitious and wanted to rise in status, repaying her lifesaver by plotting against him.

Wei Shi sighed, “It was my background that gave her the audacity to have such delusions. And your father…”

Wei Shi looked at Liu Yu with a complex expression and said, “Your father had a striking appearance, and Bao Shi lost her mind, went mad.”

Liu Yu had only heard that she looked almost exactly like her grandfather and somewhat resembled her father, who she couldn’t imagine. But now, she understood that her father was undoubtedly a handsome man.

Thinking about the words she heard outside the hall, she harbored those words in her heart. After several turns on her lips, she finally asked, “My mother caused so much trouble for the Liu family. Aunt, for me, you no longer pursuing this, doesn’t it make you feel uneasy?”

Wei Shi contemplated for a moment and countered, “If I really took her life, would you feel uneasy?”

Uneasy?

Liu Yu fell into a deep sense of confusion amidst the rhythmic swaying of the carriage.

The feelings of resentment towards Wang Shi Shi had naturally dissipated in Liu Yu once she understood Wang Shi more clearly. However, if it came to watching Wang Shi die, Liu Yu couldn’t say for sure—at least not in this moment.

Wei Shi smiled gently, patting Liu Yu’s hand, saying, “It’s up to you to decide. The complexities of blood relations are the most intricate. I didn’t spare her just for your sake. So, don’t burden yourself with guilt.”

Liu Yu was momentarily surprised, looking up at Wei Shi.

With a sigh, Wei Shi continued, “In fact, fifteen years ago, before you were born, your grandmother had already cancelled Bao Shi’s slave status for your consideration. But Bao Shi’s character was dishonest, and your grandfather despised her. So she(grandma) refused to disclose this information. If she(Bao Shi) had behaved and cared about you, she might have been allowed to stay. Who could have expected things to turn out the way they did later?”

Leaning her head against the carriage wall, Wei Shi took a moment to compose herself, saying, “So, it’s not that I couldn’t handle her; it’s just that I no longer had the slave contract to control her. The commotion tonight was just a show, scaring that family and producing a document as a safeguard for you. You have to keep this secret. As long as they believe that Wang Shi’s contract is in our possession, they won’t dare to trouble you. The word “filial piety is too heavy to suppress.”

Liu Yu’s lips were slightly parted, and she found it hard to regain her senses.

Wei Shi smiled, “So, don’t overthink it. There’s no need for guilt. In my heart, you are the girl of our Liu family, your father’s child. There’s nothing much to do with Bao Shi. As for your Stepfather, it’s been fifteen years. I have nothing I can hold against him.”

Basking in the soft moonlight filtering through the veil, Wei Shi looked at Liu Yu’s face, so similar to her mother-in-law’s when she was young. She said, “Your grandmother, before she passed away, only thought of one thing—finding you. If I hadn’t recognized you today, mistakenly thinking Bao Shi had long escaped, I can’t imagine what would have happened to you over these years.”

With a few choked sobs, Wei Shi continued, “That’s why your grandmother’s blessing led me to recognize you. If not…”

She didn’t dare to imagine. If she hadn’t identified her, Liu Yu might have lived in dire circumstances.

Liu Yu sensed that Wei genuinely cared for her. After some thought, she didn’t hide her initial plan and said, “Today, I originally intended to seek help from the Lufeng Cloth Shop. We were very close to it at that time, but we were caught by Wu Jin. With the crowded marketplace, causing a scene might have allowed us to escape.”

“The Lufeng Cloth Shop?” Wei Shi’s voice carried a hint of confusion. “Do you know someone there?”

Liu Yu felt a bit embarrassed at this point. She hesitated for a moment before revealing the details of her previous plan to escape from the Liu family to Wei Shi. With just a few brief sentences, Wei Shi’s tears welled up again, and she embraced Liu Yu, shedding tears of heartache.

Liu Yu felt overwhelmed by Wei Shi’s emotional response. In all her years, she had never been treated this way by anyone. For a moment, she didn’t know how to react and clumsily placed her hand on Wei Shi’s back, trying to comfort her, “Big Aunt, everything is fine now.”

“Yes, yes.” Wei Shi released Liu Yu, took out a handkerchief from her sleeve to wipe away the tears, and said, “Everything is fine now. The most challenging days are behind us. From now on, we’ll have good days ahead.”

She called Liu Yu a few times, becoming more familiar with her name. No tears fell this time. Wei Shi looked serious and said to Liu Yu, “You had to take desperate measures before, and now you’ve settled down. No one will mistreat you anymore. However, you should be cautious in matters of marriage.”

Pausing for a moment, she advised, “People who are attracted to your beauty might not necessarily be a good man.”

This categorization cast Lu Chengxiao into the category of not-so-good people.

Liu Yu can’t help feeling sorry for Lu Chengxiao but also feeling grateful for Big Aunt’s concern. She responded, “I understand what Big Aunt means. Originally, I thought that within a day, he could come to propose to the Liu family. Now that I’ve separated from the Liu family, I will have a chance to explain to him.”

Wei Shi felt relieved and said, “That’s the idea. You’re still young, and there’s no rush for marriage. Time is the best test of people’s hearts. Besides, I just found you, and I wanted to keep you by my side for a couple more years.”

Unspoken was the concern that early marriage for a girl was detrimental to her health, especially during childbirth. Wei Shi didn’t want to discuss this with her young niece, but she had made up her mind to take good care of Liu Yu. Even if the man was outstanding, she wouldn’t let her niece marry too early.

Liu Yu nodded with a smile.

By the end of the evening, the group arrived at the city gate of Anyi County. The gate was already closed, but fortunately, the guards were familiar with Liu Yanqing. After some explanation, they opened the gate to let them pass. During this time, the two familiar deputy constables accompanying Liu Yanqing returned home. Only the Liu family departed from the county through the other side of the gate, heading towards Xifeng Town.

At the exact second quarter of the hour of Hai, they arrived at the foot of Yangshan Mountain in Xifeng Town. Liu Yu finally understood why Wang Shi dared to take the risk and hide in the Liu family village for fifteen years. Xifeng Town and Changfeng Town, both under the jurisdiction of Anyi County, were situated to the north and south of the county seat. As long as Wang Shi stayed away from the county seat, it would be practically impossible for the Liu family to discover her.

It was already the middle of the night, and the village was exceptionally quiet. Wei Shi, looking out the window, said to Liu Yu, “This is Yangshan Village. The village is nestled against the mountain. We still need to go further into the mountains to reach our home.”

Liu Yu nodded, thinking that even with improved conditions, the Liu family in the mountains would probably be similar to the one she had encountered earlier, or perhaps with slightly larger houses. However, when the mule cart stopped, and Liu Yu got off, she saw roofs with dark tiles and neatly arranged courtyards.

Wei Shi held Liu Yu’s hand, standing in front of the courtyard gate, her eyes moistening, “We’ve arrived home.”
Liu Yanan had already run to open the courtyard gate and lit the lamps inside. Only then did he rush out to greet Liu Yu, leading her inside, “Mom, little sister, you must be hungry since you didn’t eat anything in the evening.”

Wei Shi laughed at the scene. The impact in the county had been too significant, and she hadn’t paid attention to anything. She rushed straight to the Liu family village after leaving the county. Even when they arrived at the Liu family, there was no time to rest. It was only now that they could finally sit together as a family. She pointed to Liu Yanqing and said, “This is your eldest brother, Yanqing, twenty-two years old this year. He’s seven years older than you. He now works as a constable at the county yamen.”

Liu Yu quickly bowed and greeted, “Big brother.”

Liu Yanqing gave a slight nod, replied, and then said, “Little sister, you’ve finally come home.”

Wei Shi then pointed to Liu Yanping and Liu Yanan, “This is your second brother, Liu Yanping, twenty years old. And the third brother, Liu Yanan, eighteen years old. He’s only three years older than you, and quite mischievous.”

Liu Yanan felt uncomfortable with his mother’s extra comment, scratched the back of his head in a somewhat embarassed manner.

Liu Yu smiled and called out, “Second Brother, Third Brother.”

Her sweet and soft voice made Liu Yanping smile and greet her as well.

Liu Yanan was feeling a bit awkward, he patted his chest and said, “From now on, Third Brother will protect you.”

A smile bloomed on Liu Yu’s face, surprising both Liu Yanping and Liu Yanan, who were momentarily stunned by her beauty.

The brothers remembered what their mother had said about their little sister resembling their grandmother almost entirely. They both turned to look at Wei Shi and asked, “Mom, did our grandmother also look this beautiful?”

Wei Shi recalled the day she first saw her mother-in-law in the market. At that time, her mother-in-law, in her twenties, was like a celestial being in her eyes. She nodded, “Yes, almost identical.”

Wei Shi felt a bit nostalgic. If only her mother-in-law were still alive, it would have been even better.

Quickly regaining her composure, she considered herself fortunate to have such a child.

Afterward, the family cleaned up, washed their hands and faces, had some snacks and tea to satisfy their hunger. Wei Shi then led Liu Yu to the west wing of the second courtyard.

“This west wing is where your father used to live. I’ve kept it this way all these years. We usually clean it, but now that you’re back, it’s the right time. You can stay in the west wing from now on.”

While saying this, she placed the lamp on the table.

Liu Yu surveyed the room illuminated by the lamp. Seeing everything neatly arranged, with complete bedding and pillows, and not a speck of dust on the table, she realized how much Wei Shi cared for her father. She was suddenly overwhelmed by a mix of emotions, unsure of the exact sentiment that surged within her.

“The bedding may not be luxurious, but it’s clean. For now, you can use it. In a few days, I’ll get you new clothes and more luxurious bedding. It’s more suitable for a girl. We can gradually add other necessities as well.”

“This is already more than enough. Thank you, Big Aunt.” A myriad of emotions reached her lips but only translated into a simple expression of gratitude.

“What nonsense are you talking? Don’t thank Big Aunt for anything.” Wei Shi smiled and then asked, “In this unfamiliar place, will you be afraid to stay alone tonight? If you’re scared, you can stay with me in the main room.”

Liu Yu shook her head, “Big Aunt, rest assured. It’s very safe here, and there’s nothing to be afraid of.”

Hearing her reassuring words, Wei Shi smiled and said, “Okay, then rest early. Tomorrow morning, I’ll take you to pay respects to your grandmother, uncle, and father. If you need anything, just call out. I can hear it from the main room.”

Liu Yu agreed, and Wei Shi smiled before turning to leave the west wing. Liu Yu saw her off and, as Wei Shi entered the main room, Liu Yu returned to the west wing, closing the door behind her.

The wind blew, causing the oil lamp on the table to flicker and sputter. The shining light reflected in Liu Yu’s eyes, illuminating her gaze and igniting a cluster of hopeful sparks in her heart.

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Sansukini: Clever aunt. I feel so sleepy while editing this. So if I missed any errors, please comment so I can change them

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