Chapter 76: Fainted From Crying

There were three major counties around Chu Village. One was Shuiyun County, the other was Tongzi County, and the third was Suiyang County.

The young man’s name was Li Shengfeng. He was a villager of the Li Village near Tongzi County, the village where Li Qingyu came from.

There was a waterway between the Chu Village and the Li Village. It was not convenient to travel between the two villages, so even Li QIngyu seldom went back home.

Li Shengfeng was a neighbor of Li Qingyu’s maternal family.

Three years ago, Chu Qingyue and Li Qingyu went back to the Li Village. Suddenly, they encountered a storm while taking a boat. At that time, Li Shengfeng was also on the boat. He was good at swimming, so after the boat was overturned by the storm, he saved a boat full of people. At that time, Chu Qingyue had a good impression of him.

However, Chu Qingyue was too shy to express her good feelings towards him. She only stole glances at him from time to time with her bright eyes, but she could not hide the affection in them.

Her daughter’s actions attracted Li Qingyu’s attention.

Li Qingyu also had a good impression of Li Shengfeng. If her daughter could marry into the village where she came from, her maternal family could also help take care of her daughter. Therefore, after asking Chu Qingyue for her opinion, she returned to her maternal family to find a matchmaker to talk about this.

Unexpectedly, Li Shengfeng’s family also liked Chu Qingyue very much. The two families reached an agreement.

In this era, most women got married between the ages of 15 and 20. At that time, Chu Qingyue was only a little more than 14. years old, so they ended up getting engaged first and would get married after she turned 15 years old.

It was also at this moment that the conscription began

Li Shengfeng was a courageous man. At that time, he was seventeen years old. He felt that it was a chance to change his life, so he gladly joined the army.

However, he was afraid that he would die on the battlefield… It was very common for men to die on the battlefield. Therefore, he discussed with the Chu family and said that he and Chu Qingyue would not get engaged for the time being. He asked Chu Qingyue to wait for him for three years. If he returned alive three years later, he would marry Chu Qingyue in glory. However, in the end…

Li Shengfeng, who was standing opposite Chu Qingyue, turned his face away and did not look at Chu Qingyue. He acted like he didn’t know Chu Qingyue at all.

Chu Qingyue was very hurt when she was treated like a stranger. She mustered her courage. “Can, can you…”

When Li Shengfeng saw that Chu Qingyue wanted to talk to him, a trace of panic flashed across his face. He quickly walked towards the girl. “Wife, pick a bigger size. Otherwise, when your stomach gets big, It won’t fit.”

These words were clearly meant for Chu Qingyue to hear.

Chu Qingyue felt as if she had been struck by lightning. In the next second, tears rolled down her face like a broken dam. She couldn’t stand this betrayal and blow. She covered her mouth and ran home in tears.

In Chu Village.

Li Qingyu was cooking in the kitchen. She was smiling and talking to Granny Chu when she saw Chu Qingyue rushing towards her. Then, Chu Qingyue hugged her tightly and cried uncontrollably.

This frightened Granny Chu and Li Qingyu. Li Qingyu hurriedly asked, “Qingyue, what’s wrong? Were you bullied?”

Chu Qingyue was sobbing. She tried her best to calm down, but she was too sad. She could not control herself at all. “Mother, Mother…”

Li Qingyu’s heart ached when she saw her daughter so sad. She gently patted Chu Qingyue’s back and comforted her gently, “Qingyue, don’t be afraid. It’s fine. You have Mother, Father, Brothers, and Sisters backing you up. No matter what the difficulty is, we’ll face it together…”

When the Chu family at home heard that Chu Qingyue had returned crying, they all ran to the kitchen to see her.

Chu Rong was not good with words, but when he saw his daughter like this, he comforted her, “Qingyue, don’t be afraid. I’m here. I’ll stand up for you.”

Chu Qingning went forward and handed Chu Qingyue a handkerchief. She patted her back and whispered, “Second Sister, who bullied you? Let’s go and teach them a lesson.”

Shen Ruyue held Chu Qingyue’s hand and said gently, “Qingyue, don’t be afraid. We’re all here.”

The others also comforted her.

Chu Qingyue cried for a long time before she calmed down. Her eyes were swollen like walnuts. After crying, she was still sobbing.

At this moment, Chu Qingzhi came back. It was almost noon and she came in to help cook. She did not expect to see Chu Qingyue at home with a sad expression. She immediately frowned and asked, “Second Sister, were you bullied?”

When Chu Qingyue saw Chu Qingzhi, tears rolled down her face again. She cried, “Fifth Sister, Li Shengfeng is married and has a child.”

Everyone’s expression changed. Other than Chu Qingzhi and Shen Ruyue, they all knew Li Shengfeng.

Chu Qingzhi’s mind was filled with question marks. “Who is Li Shengfeng?”

Li Qingyu was so angry that his face turned red. She quickly explained to Chu Qingzhi who Li Shengfeng was.

When Chu Qingzhi heard this, her face darkened. “What an irresponsible man. Second Sister, you’re lucky that you didn’t marry him. There’s no need to be sad for such a person.”

Chu Qingyue lowered her head and wiped her tears. She was at a loss. “Fifth Sister, what should I do now?”

Chu Qingzhi held Chu Qingyue’s hand and thought to herself she had to think of a way to make this scum come to apologize.

“Second Sister, believe me. I’ll get him to explain everything to you.”

After interacting with them over this period of time, Chu Qingzhi already treated them as her family. How could she watch her family being bullied? n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Chu Qingzhi was not a soft-hearted person. Otherwise, she would not have gone far in the cultivation world.

“Fifth Sister, I…” Before Chu Qingyue could finish speaking, her vision darkened and she actually fainted.

Chu Qingzhi hurriedly hugged her and carried her back to her room. “Let Second Sister rest well. We’ll think of a way to get back at that scum. We can’t let Second Sister suffer for nothing.”

The Chu family was all furious. It was not that Qingyue wouldn’t marry anyone but him. If he wanted to marry someone else, he could’ve at least told them. Instead, he kept Qingyue in the dark and wasted so much of her time. It was despicable.

Grandpa Chu said in a low voice, “Let’s go and ask him. If not for Li Shengfeng’s promise back then, our Qingyue wouldn’t have waited for him like this. We have to let him give our family an explanation!”

Chu Rong objected, “No, if we go and demand an explanation with great fanfare, others will definitely make up gossip about Qingyue.”

The world was harsh on women and was much more tolerant of men. Even if Chu Qingyue was the one who was betrayed, if word got out, she would have to bear the blame in the end.

Li Qingyu had some foresight. She suppressed her anger and said, “Yes, Father, Chu Rong is right to be worried. Our Qingyue’s reputation is much more important than that scum.”

Granny Chu’s heart ached. “Then are we just going to watch and do nothing?”

Shen Ruyue looked at Chu Qingzhi and said, “I think the most important thing now is to find out what happened to Li Shengfeng. Why did he do this? We have to understand the enemy first before thinking of a countermeasure. What do you think?”

Chu Qingzhi said, “I agree with Ruyue. Grandpa, Grandma, Father, Mother, stay calm. Don’t spread this matter. I’ll think of a way to get him to apologize!” Upon hearing this, everyone felt that Chu Qingzhi was kidding. However, when they saw her cold face, they felt that she could definitely do it.

Li Qingyu was the first to express her support. “Qingzhi, what do you need us to do?”

Chu Qingzhi said, “Mother, go back to your maternal family. Li Shengfeng is your neighbor. There’s no reason for them not to know that Li Shengfeng is married.”

Everyone thought about it. That made sense. No matter what, if Li Qingyu’s maternal family knew that Li Shengfeng had married someone else, they would definitely inform the Chu family.

Li Qjngyu quickly agreed. “I will go back this afternoon.” She still needed to prepare lunch for the construction workers.

Chu Qingzhi said in a low voice, “Leave the rest to me. I’ll definitely make Li Shengfeng pay the price.”

The rest of the people didn’t know what else they could do, so they didn’t say anything and tacitly agreed with Chu Qingzhi.

Because of this matter, the atmosphere became gloomy..

Chapter 77 :the li family

In Chu Village.

An ordinary-looking female farmer in her sixties walked into the courtyard excitedly. “Qing Yu, Qing Yu, Mother is here.”

Li Qingyu was packing up and was about to go back to her family to inquire.

She did not expect her mother to suddenly visit her. When she came back to her senses, she walked out. “Mother.”

There were a few people behind the old woman, Zheng Guixiang. They were Li Qingyu’s eldest brother, Li Qinghu, her second brother, Li Qingwu, and Zheng Guixiang’s favorite grandson, Li Jianheng, who was 17 years old.

“Eldest Brother, Second Brother, Jianheng.”

Li Jianheng called out, “Auntie.”

Li Qingyu patted his head.

When the Chu family members heard the voice, they walked out one by one and greeted each other. Then, they entered the central room together. The elders took their seats, and the juniors stood to the side.

Li Qingyu introduced Chu Qingzhi seriously. “Mother, she’s my fifth daughter, Chu Qingzhi. We brought her home.”

Zheng Guixiang pulled Chu Qingzhi over and sized her up carefully. The little girl’s face was fair, her eyebrows were curved, and she was slender. She was really a beauty, but she was a little too thin. “Good daughter, good daughter…”

Li Qinghu, Li Qingwu, and Li Jianheng all looked at Chu Qingzhi. Chu Qingzhi was good-looking and dressed well. Why would her adoptive parents abandon such a good daughter. Were they blind?

Chu Qingzhi had a good impression of the kind-looking old lady. “Grandma, why are you here?”

Zheng Guixiang looked at the people coming and going at home and said happily, “1 heard that your family is doing business, so I specially came to take a look.”

The news of the Chu family selling ice cream bars had already spread to the surrounding villages and three county cities. It was not strange for them to hear about it.

The Chu family looked at each other. They had already expected their relatives to come after knowing that their family was doing business, so they were not particularly surprised.

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Chu Qingzhi smiled and turned to Shen Ruyue. “Ruyue, go get some fruits and ice cream bars for Grandma and the others to get cool.

Shen Ruyue replied, “Okay.”

Chu Qingzhi turned around and asked with concern, “Grandma, have you eaten?”

Zheng Guixiang smiled and shook her head. Since she was at her daughter and son-in-law’s house, she did not stand on ceremony. “We haven’t eaten yet. Do you have any leftovers?”

Li Qingyu continued, “Mother, Eldest Brother, Second Brother, Jianheng, wait a moment. I’ll go cook.”

“Let’s go too.” Granny Chu and Chu Qingning followed her to the kitchen.

Zheng Guixiang looked at their backs and said, “In-law, Qingyu, just something light will do.”

Li Qingyu replied, “Got it, Mother.”

Shen Ruyue brought over some pear juice ice cream bars. “Old Madam, Uncles, Little Brother, this is our ice cream bar. Try it.”

The four of them were immediately attracted by the ice cream bar. In Tongzi County, they had seen vendors selling ice cream bars on the streets and alleys. It cost five copper coins a piece, but to villagers, very few people were willing to spend this money for a snack.

Now that they could eat ice cream bars for free, they were excited.

Li Jianheng couldn’t care less. He grabbed one and took a bite. Immediately, the thick pear fragrance spread in his mouth along with the cold and refreshing taste. It dispelled the scorching heat and conquered him.

He swallowed the cold fruit juice that melted in his mouth and urged, “Grandma, Father, Second Uncle, eat it. It’s delicious.”

Chu Qingzhi also said, “Grandma, Eldest Uncle, Second Uncle, try it. We’re family. There’s no need to stand on ceremony.”

Only then did the three of them take one and slowly eat it.

It was so cool!

The few of them slowly relaxed their brows and revealed expressions of enjoyment.

Zheng Guixiang took a few bites and was mind-blown. She asked, “Qingzhi, the ice cream bar is especially delicious. How did you make it?”

Chu Qingzhi smiled. “Grandma, eat first. I’ll take you to see how we make it later.”

“Okay.” Zheng Guixiang was full of praise for the ice cream bars. “Good stuff, good stuff. No wonder the rich people in the county bought it. It cools you down immediately.”

Li Qinghu and Li Qingwu were still unsatisfied. They thought to themselves that with the ice cream bar business, their sister and brother-in-law’s family would have a better life in the future.

Chu Eighth waved at Li Jianheng and whispered, “Third Cousin, follow me.”

She wanted to show off her ice cream bars. She had shown off to all her friends in the village. It was not easy for her to have someone else to show off to. How could she miss it?!

Li Jianheng didn’t know where Chu Eighth wanted to take him, but he still followed. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Chu Qingzhi brought a stool over and sat beside Zheng Guixiang. “Grandma, Eldest Uncle, Second Uncle, I want to ask you something.”

Zheng Guixiang looked at Chu Qingzhi lovingly. “Qingzhi, what is it?”

Her personality was similar to Li Qingyu’s. She also doted on her daughter. Otherwise, she would not have been able to raise a good-natured daughter like Li Qingyu.

Chu Qingzhi said bluntly, “Grandma, Li Shengfeng’s family is your neighbor next door, right?”

“Li Shengfeng?” A look of disgust appeared on Zheng Guixiang’s face. “This family has already moved out of Li Village and is living in the county.”

These words shocked everyone.

Chu Qingzhi frowned. “Are they that rich?”

Zheng Guixiang’s tone was filled with dissatisfaction. “They moved out of the village three months ago. When they moved out, they were smug and looked down on us. The villagers all hated them.”

“I originally wanted to tell your mother to let Second Girl marry someone else, but I thought that since their family has become rich, if Second Girl married him, her life in the future would be easy, so 1 didn’t say anything.”

“Qingzhi, why are you suddenly asking about them?”

Chu Qingzhi lowered her voice and said, “Li Shengfeng married another woman, and that woman is already pregnant.”

“What?” The Li family members were all shocked. Then, they were filled with hatred and silently cursed Li Shengfeng for being a scumbag.

Although the marriage was only a verbal agreement at that time, the elders of both sides were present. It could be considered a promise. But now, he did such a thing. This was unacceptable.

Zheng Guixiang asked worriedly, “Does Second Girl know about this?”

Chu Qingzhi said softly, “Second Sister only found out about it this morning.

She cried all the way home and fainted from sadness. She hasn’t woken up yet.”

Zheng Guixiang’s heart ached. “I’ll go see her.”

At this moment, Chu Qingyue woke up. When she heard the conversation in the central room, she walked over. “Grandma, Uncle, Second Uncle.”

Zheng Guixiang hurriedly stood up and held Chu Qingyue’s hand. Chu

Qingyue’s eyes were swollen, and her face was very haggard. “Second Girl, it’s fine. Grandma will stand up for you. This is too much.”

Li Qinghu looked at Chu Qingyue with some heartache. “Second Girl, 1’11 go and ask Li Shengfeng when I get back later. This bastard!”

At the mention of Li Shengfeng, Chu Qingyue couldn’t help but feel a lump in her throat. She had the urge to shed tears again.

Chu Qingzhi gave her stool to Chu Qingyue to sit on. “Second Sister, stop crying. Otherwise, Grandma will cry with you.”

Chu Qingyue resisted the urge to cry and nodded. “I won’t cry. It’s not worth it.”

Li Qingwu comforted, “Second girl, you’ll meet a man ten thousand times better than Li Shengfeng in the future.”

Chu Qingyue forced a smile. “Thank you, Second Uncle.”

Zheng Guixiang patted Chu Qingyue’s shoulder. “Seeing you like this, Grandma’s heart really aches. Don’t be sad.”

Chu Qingyue pursed her lips and nodded.

After comforting Chu Qingyue, Chu Qingzhi said, “Grandma, Eldest Uncle, Second Uncle, don’t go to look for Li Shengfeng. This will make my Second Sister look like she’s pestering him.”

The three of them looked at each other and felt that it made sense. However, they were unwilling to let this matter rest just like that. Zheng Guixiang said, “Are we going to let it go just like that?”

A trace of fierceness flashed across Chu Qingzhi’s beautiful eyes. “Of course not.

I’ll make him apologize to Second Sister in person.”

Of course, she also had to let him feel Chu Qingyue’s pain!

Zheng Guixiang thought for a moment and said, “But will he be willing to do it?”

Chu Qingzhi sneered. “Whether he’s willing or not, he has to do it.”

Everyone felt a strong sense of oppression from Chu Qingzhi and they believed in her subconsciously..

Chapter 78: A Small Scheme

In the afternoon.

After loading the ice cream bars, the young general prepared to go back.

Chu Qingzhi sent them off. After taking two steps, she said with the intention of giving it a try, “Brother Xu, can we talk in private?”

She happened to learn that the young general’s surname was Xu, but she did not know his full name.

Young General Xu came to Chu Qingzhi’s house every day. They were already familiar with each other. Hearing this, he nodded. “Okay.”

The two of them walked a little further. After confirming that only the two of them could hear each other, Chu Qingzhi said solemnly, “Brother Xu, it’s actually nothing serious. 1 just want to ask you about someone.”

Li Shengfeng joined the army, so it was naturally the most suitable to ask someone in the army.

Young General Xu was a little interested, but he said cautiously, “Who do you want to ask? But let me make things clear first. You can’t casually ask about what happened in the army, or we’ll lose our heads.”

Upon hearing this, Chu Qingzhi pretended to look serious. “The person 1 want to ask about is called Li Shengfeng. He shouldn’t be a big shot, right?”

Young General Xu sized Chu Qingzhi up and seemed to understand something. He thought that Chu Qingzhi liked Li Shengfeng. “Oh, you’re asking about him. He’s already married. You’re such a good girl. Don’t take a fancy to him.”

“What are you thinking…” Chu Qingzhi understood what Young General Xu meant. She wanted to say that she didn’t like Li Shengfeng, but she swallowed her words. Let the young general misunderstand so that it would be easier for her to ask. “I want to know why he suddenly got married?”

“You asked the right person.” Xu Xiao recalled. “When we first joined the army, Li Shengfeng was in the same camp as me. We even slept in the same tent and went to the battlefield together. He was relatively lucky. Not only did he return alive from the first battlefield, but he also killed ten enemies and made military contributions.”

“The next year, he obtained the recognition of the centurion”

“At the end of the second year, he became the son-in-law by the chiliarch and was later made a centurion. He was called a young general in the military camp, just like me.”

“Now that the border is temporarily peaceful, many soldiers have been sent to other military camps. He and I came back like this.”

Hearing Young General Xu’s words, Chu Qingzhi understood. “Brother Xu, thank you.”

Young General Xu continued, “Miss Chu, when we first met Li Shengfeng, he told us that someone was waiting for him at home…”

He glanced at Chu Qingzhi and decided to make her give up. Falling in love with a married man was not going to get her anywhere.

He said euphemistically, “Miss Chu, it’s easy for men to have a change of heart, especially some people.” What he meant was already clear.

In the beginning, he had a good relationship with Li Shengfeng, but ever since Li Shengfeng married the chiliarch’s daughter, he had become arrogant.

Chu Qingzhi felt that this young general’s personality was really good. She nodded and said, “Does the chiliarch know about Li Shengfeng’s past?”

Young General Xu said with certainty, “He doesn’t know. The chiliarch is an upright person. If he knew that someone was waiting for Li Shengfeng, he wouldn’t have married his daughter to him.”

Chu Qingzhi was deep in thought. “Brother Xu, can you help me with something?”

This person was sent by Tang Jinghong, so it wouldn’t be a problem for her to ask him for help.

Young General Xu looked at Chu Qingzhi curiously. “What is it?”

Chu Qingzhi said, “Let me ask you first. Can Li Shengfeng read?”

Young General Xu nodded. “He can read. There’s a teacher in the military camp. Those who want to read can learn. He also went to learn.”

That would be easy. Chu Qingzhi said, “Brother Xu, I want you to help me send a letter to Li Shengfeng. I won’t write my name on the letter. When you send the letter, don’t let anyone know. Do you understand what I mean?”

Young General Xu said readily, “No problem.”

“Then wait for me.” Chu Qingzhi turned around and returned to her room.

“Alright.” Young General Xu looked up at Chu Qingzhi and guessed what letter Miss Chu would send Li Shengfeng.

Chu Qingzhi returned to her room and quickly wrote a letter to Young General Xu. “Brother Xu, sorry to trouble you. The next time you come, I’ll give you Zongzi.”

“It’s no trouble.” Young General Xu smiled and cupped his fists at Chu Qingzhi. “We’ll get going first.”

Chu Qingzhi said politely, “Brother Xu, take care.”

Chu Qingzhi stood on the spot and watched the convoy leave. A happy smile appeared on her face. It was done!

She returned home and happily began to prepare the ingredients for making Zongzi.

The main ingredients are glutinous rice, fillings and bamboo leaves.

The fillings include green beans, pork belly, red dates, ham, winter mushrooms, egg yolk, and so on.

This time, Chu Qingzhi chose three fillings. One was green beans, one was pork belly, and the other was red dates.

Glutinous rice could be bought in the village. Chu Qingzhi asked Chu Qingning to be her helper. They bought 50 kilograms of glutinous rice and planned to soak them in water for four hours when they got back.

Big Dreams, Bigger Bank Account: AI Made Her Rich At 25! Living Paycheck To Paycheck In Quezon City? He Made ₱40M Overnight Chu Qingning was confused all the way and finally had the time to ask, “Fifth Sister, why are you buying so much rice?”

Chu Qingzhi blinked at Chu Qingning. “I’m going to make zongzi.”

Chu Qingning asked in confusion, “Fifth Sister, did you read it in a book too?”

Now, the Chu family attributed Chu Qingzhi’s knowledge to the fact that she had read many books.

Chu Qingzhi said naturally, “That’s right. I saw it in a very ancient book.” Others had already found an excuse for her, so there was no reason not to use it. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Chu Qingning’s eyes were filled with admiration. “Fifth Sister, what are we going to do next?”

Chu Qingzhi said, “I’m going to the mountains to pick bamboo leaves.”

Chu Qingning asked, “Then what should I do?”

Chu Qingzhi said, “Fourth Sister, go to the county to buy green beans and red dates. Buy 20 catties of each.”

As for the pork belly, she would hunt two wild boars at night. Wild boars were fresh.

Chu Qingning’s eyes lit up as she replied, “Alright, 1’11 go immediately.”

Next, the two of them went their separate ways.

Chu Qingning went to the county city while Chu Qingzhi carried a huge basket on her back and walked unsteadily into the mountains. She did not tell her family that she was going to the mountains. Otherwise, no one would let her go-

Chu Qingzhi had already explored the entire mountain and remembered everything in the mountain. Now, she went straight to the place where the bamboo leaves were.

She stretched out her hand and made some strange gestures. A light flashed and flew into the forest.

Not long after, a large group of monkeys ran over.

They surrounded Chu Qingzhi and looked at her, as if they were waiting for an order.

She instructed, “All of you, help me pick the bamboo leaves. Pick the bigger and tender ones.”

After the monkeys dispersed to carry out their task, Chu Qingzhi found a place to slack off.

She sat on a rock under the shade of a tree. Leaning against a big tree, she started dozing off..

Chapter 79: Retribution

In the afternoon, Zheng Guixiang pulled Li Qingyu to the side with a happy expression. Her daughter and son-in-law were finally getting better. “Qingyu, I plan to go back.”

Li Qingyu persuaded her mother to stay. “Mother, why don’t you stay for two nights before going back?”

Zheng Guixiang waved her hand. “I’ll come over to stay after you guys finish building the new house.”

Li Qingyu thought about her family’s current conditions. If her mother stayed, Chu Rong would have to sleep in the shed. “Alright. When the time comes, Mother, remember to come and stay for a few more days.”

“Okay.” Zheng Guixiang wanted to say something but hesitated. In the end, she said, “Qingyu, your family has hired so many people now. How about getting your brother and sister-in-law to help?”

Hearing this, Li Qingyu was not surprised. Her mother doted on her daughter, but relatively speaking, she doted on her sons more.

She said awkwardly, “Mother, I can’t make the decision…”

It was not that she could not make the decision, nor was it that she did not want to take care of her two brothers. It was just that her own family in her heart was more important than her parents’ family. She needed to consider her family’s feelings more.

Zheng Guixiang thought about it and felt that it was not appropriate to ask her daughter. What if her son-in-law had a problem with it?

She patted the back of Li Qingyu’s hand. She wanted to help her son find something to do, but she did not want to hurt the relationship between her daughter and son-in-law either. “I’ll talk to Chu Rong.”

Chu Rong was working on the furniture in the courtyard. When the new house was built, the furniture had to be new too. Therefore, his current task was to build furniture for the new house.

Now, he was working on a long table. Ever since there were more children at home, the old table seemed too small.

Zheng Guixiang walked towards Chu Rong. “Chu Rong, 1 want to discuss something with you.”

Chu Rong stopped what he was doing and looked at Zheng Guixiang. “Mother, if there’s anything, just say it. 1’11 definitely do my best.”

Zheng Guixiang asked expectantly, “Chu Rong, do you think you can get your brother-in-law and his wife to come to your house to help?”

Chu Rong looked at Li Qingyu, who stood behind Zheng Guixiang with a worried expression. If word got out that he let outsiders work at home, but he did not let his relatives work for him, they would gossip. None of the children in the family were married. His family’s reputation was very important.

“Mother, what are you talking about? Brother-in-law, nephew, and niece can all come as long as they want.”

Zheng Guixiang smiled and said, “Chu Rong, thank you. I’ll get them to come over tomorrow.”

Since he had already agreed, Chu Rong decided to be more generous. “Alright.”

Li Qinghu, Li Qingwu, and Li Jianheng were watching the villagers make ice cream bars in the shed. They had been here for the entire afternoon, and their eyes were filled with surprise.

Zheng Guixiang’s voice came from behind them. “Qinghu, Qingwu, Jianheng, let’s go.”

Li Qinghu replied, “Mother, coming.”

The three of them walked out together.

Li Qingyu was not a stingy person. She went to the kitchen to pack some meat and took some fabric for Zheng Guixiang. “Mother, this is for you.”

There was no shortage of food and clothing at home now. She knew her parents’ family situation very well. There were many children at home, and their situation was not much better than before.

Zheng Guixiang happily took it. “Qingyu, I’m leaving.”

Li Qingyu said, “Mother, I’ll send you off.”

The four of them walked out together. Granny Chu and Grandpa Chu came out to send them off.

Chu Eighth chased out and stuffed two ice cream bars into Li Jianheng’s hands. These were her snacks. The ice cream bars at home had to be sold for money. She would not give them away. “Third Cousin, eat them on the way.”

Li Jianheng took it happily. “Sister Chu Eighth, thank you.”

Chu Eighth waved her hand. This little girl liked to show off. Now that her vanity was greatly satisfied, she was extremely happy. “You’re welcome.”

The four of them walked further and further away. The Chu family continued to work.

On the way, Li Qinghu said with emotion, “Mother, Second Brother, Qingyu’s family is doing really well now.”

Li Qingwu immediately replied with an envious expression. “That’s right. The big pot of pork ribs and potatoes at noon is really delicious.”

He ate two full bowls. Actually, he could eat four bowls, but he was too embarrassed to ask for more, so he only ate two bowls.

Li Jianheng couldn’t help but say, “Grandma, did you tell Aunt?”

Zheng Guixiang said happily, “1 did. I told your uncle. He agreed and said that our entire family can go to work.”

Li Jianheng was pleasantly surprised. “Really?”

Zheng Guixiang nodded. “Yes.”

Li Jianheng said excitedly, “I’ve asked around. The salary is 1,000 copper coins a day. 1 can earn three taels of silver a month. However, I want to sell ice cream bars myself. 1 heard from Sister Chu Eighth that those who sell ice cream bars can earn more than one tael of silver a day.”

Li Qinghu and Li Qingwu were stunned. “One tael a day?”

Li Jianheng said, “That’s right. Father, Second Uncle, what do you want to do?”

“We…” Li Qinghu hesitated.

Seeing his father’s hesitation, Li Jianheng said, “By the way, Father, isn’t your carpentry good? You can help Uncle make furniture. Sister Chu Eighth said that Uncle might not be able to finish all the furniture in the new house alone.”

Li Qinghu was tempted. “I’ll ask tomorrow.”

The four of them discussed and walked further and further away.

Zhang Village.

Zhang Lin picked up the oranges on the ground one by one and placed them in the basket. These were all ripe and had fallen from the branches.

As he picked it up, he thought, “Why doesn’t Chu Xuhua come to buy oranges anymore? Does his family stop making ice cream bars?”

He had been waiting for Chu Xuhua to come back and give in so that he could sell the oranges at a higher price. In the end, it had been a few days, but there was no sign of him.

That’s not right. I saw vendors on the streets and alleys selling ice cream bars when I went to the county.

That can only mean… that the Chu family did not want his oranges anymore.

As soon as this thought appeared, he immediately panicked.

He looked up at the orange on the branch. If Chu Xuhua didn’t want it, he would definitely suffer a huge loss this year!

No, he had to go to Chu Village to ask.

Coincidentally, just as he reached the entrance of the Chu Village, he saw Chu Xuhua pulling a cart full of pears back. He waved and shouted, “Chu Xuhua, Chu Xuhua…” n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Chu Xuhua stopped in his tracks. When he saw who it was, his handsome face immediately turned cold. “What’s the matter?”

Zhang Lin asked humbly, “Don’t you want oranges anymore?”

Chu Xuhua nodded lightly. “Yes, 1 don’t want it anymore. I want pears now.” “Pears?” Zhang Lin looked at the cart filled with fresh pears to the brims. Zhang Lin’s heart sank to the bottom. “You really don’t want oranges anymore?”

“I don’t want it.” Chu Xuhua pulled the reins of the horse and continued to walk home. He couldn’t be bothered with Zhang Lin, who went back on his word and raised the price.

Zhang Lin was dumbfounded. He looked at Chu Xuhua’s back in a daze. If Chu Xuhua didn’t want his oranges anymore, who would he sell his oranges to?

He quickly chased after Chu Xuhua and lowered his attitude even more. “I won’t increase the price now. How about 1 sell it to you at the original price?”

Chu Xuhua refused firmly. “I don’t want it even if you give it to me for free now.”

Seeing that Chu Xuhua was about to leave again, Zhang Lin quickly pulled him back. “Chu Xuhua, think about it.”

“There’s no need to think about it. You can keep it all to yourself.” Chu Xuhua pushed Zhang Lin away and thought to himself. Didn’t you think about the consequences before doing anything?

Zhang Lin looked dejected as he stood on the spot like a beggar.

After a long time, he turned around with difficulty and walked towards the Zhang Village.

After returning to the village, he rushed into Seventh Uncle’s house. Back then, it was Seventh Uncle who urged him to increase the price. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have done it at all.

Seventh Uncle did not expect things to turn out like this. He felt a little guilty, but he did not admit that he was wrong. After all, his intentions were good.

Hence, the two of them quarreled. The more they quarreled, the fiercer they became. The villagers came to mediate. Because of this matter, the two families formed a deep hatred and never interacted again..

Chapter 80: Ridiculous Rumors

Shuiyun County.

On a crossroad, Chu Xuede was peddling ice cream bars to passers-by.

When Chu Qingning saw Chu Xuede, she walked over and greeted him. “Brother Xuede, how’s business?”

Chu Xuede said happily, “I sold almost half of the 1,500 ice cream bars.”

Chu Qingning smiled and said, “You only came out for two hours, right?”

Chu Xuede said happily, “That’s right. I can close the stall and go home after selling for about four hours every day.”

Chu Qingning said casually, “Is everyone’s business so good?”

Chu Xuede pointed at the people from the same village two streets away. “Look at him.”

Chu Qingning looked over.

The stall over there was surrounded by children. Beside the stall was a private school for children from three to five years old. The families in the county did not lack these few copper coins. Every time the children came out of school, they would buy the ice cream bar. The business was better. The stall owner bought 2,000 ice cream bars from Chu Qingzhi a day. When the children finished school, the ice cream bars would be sold out in no time.”

He pointed further on the other side, where there was another stall. “Look over there again.”

Chu Qingning turned to look in that direction.

The stall over there was surrounded by some young men. After buying the ice cream bar, they quickly left.

Chu Xuede explained, “There’s a paper-making workshop and a wine-making workshop over there. The people working there are all young men. After they get off work, they will buy one or two pieces. They will either bring them home for their elders and wives to eat or give them to their children. The business is also very good.”

Chu Qingning smiled. If their business was good, her family’s business would be even better. “Brother Xuede, 1 hope our business will continue to get better.”

Chu Xuede smiled. “Yes.”

The two of them chatted for a while more before Chu Qingning bade farewell and left. When she reached the entrance of the county, she met Chu Qingshuang. “Qingshuang.”

Chu Qingshuang turned around in surprise. “Fourth Sister.”

The two sisters walked side by side towards the Chu Village.

On the way, Chu Qingning asked with concern, “Qingshuang, are you used to it?”

Chu Qingshuang couldn’t help but smile. “Yes, Master taught me everything. The Li family is quite easy to get along with. There’s a little girl called Li Xinrui who’s competing with me.”

Chu Qingning asked curiously, “Is Li Xinrui a child of the Li family?”

Chu Qingshuang smiled and said, “Yes, she said that the incense burner she makes is also very good, but it’s not as good as mine. When she grows up, she can make it as good as mine.”

Chu Qingning smiled and said, “This little girl is quite interesting.”

Suddenly, Chu Qingshuang seemed to have thought of something. She frowned slightly, but she did not say it. Instead, she talked about happy things.

The sisters chatted as they walked away.

In Chu Village.

There were two famous hooligans in the Chu Village. One was called Chu Laipi, the other was called Chu Peipei, and there was a famous big-mouthed village woman called Fang Cuiyun.

At this moment, Chu Laipi and Chu Peipei were talking to Fang Cuiyun.

Chu Laipi said, “Aunt Cuiyun, I want to tell you something big. Do you want to hear it?”

Fang Cuiyun loved to listen to gossip. She was even interested in mosquito-like things, let alone big things. “Tell me, tell me.”

Chu Peipei leaned closer and lowered his voice to sound mysterious. “I saw someone in the village go to the brothel.”

It was very expensive to go to the brothel. Fang Cuiyun covered her mouth. “Really?” n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Chu Laipi emphasized, “Of course it’s true. We saw it with our own eyes.”

Fang Cuiyun asked curiously, “Who is that?”

Seeing that he had successfully piqued Fang Cuiyun’s curiosity, Chu Laipi immediately struck while the iron was hot. “We’ll talk about this later. I have something even more explosive. Do you want to hear it?”

Fang Cuiyun urged, “Tell me, tell me.”

“Chu Qingzhi…” Chu Laipi pointed at Chu Qingzhi’s house. “She’s the daughter Chu Rong brought back. Her relationship with the General is not ordinary.”

Fang Cuiyun was a little frightened. “General?”

When the commoners heard the name of a high-ranking official, their first reaction was fear. This was not strange.

Chu Laipi said confidently, “That’s right. Previously, when Chu Qingzhi was imprisoned, it was the general who saved her.”

Fang Cuiyun widened her eyes. “Don’t spout nonsense. How can the general know her and even save her?”

Chu Laipi licked his lips and looked very wretched. “You don’t know this. Chu Qingzhi is the general’s lover. If his lover is in trouble, will the general sit back and do nothing?”

Fang Cuiyun suddenly pulled a long face. “Chu Laipi, not to mention that it’s impossible for the general to appear in our place, even if he did, how could a little girl like Chu Qingzhi become his lover? Moreover, the general definitely likes a woman from an official family with status and knowledge. Why would he like a girl from an ordinary family? Can you stop spreading rumors?”

Seeing that Fang Cuiyun did not believe him, Chu Peipei panicked. “Aunt Cuiyun, what we said is true.”

“Did you see it with your own eyes?” Fang Cuiyun liked to gossip, but gossip had to be based on evidence, right?

They both shook their heads. “No.”

Fang Cuiyun did not take what the two of them said to heart at all. “Also, Chu Qingzhi is our village’s benefactor now. If you dare to spout nonsense, I will be the first to not let you off.”

Her family had relied on Chu Qingzhi to earn a lot of money. If anyone wanted to harm Chu Qingzhi, she would fight them to the death.

She took the opportunity to lecture them. “The two of you are already so old. Don’t just eat and drink all day long. Go and do something to earn money. When you earn money, marry a wife. Isn’t that good?”

Chu Peipei and Chu Laipei, on the other hand, looked at each other and sighed in unison.

Damn it, none of them believed what they said. Instead, they were lectured. How were they going to spread this rumor?

“Hurry up and go home to help. Don’t idle around. I still have something to do. I’ll leave first.” Fang Cuiyun was in a rush to work and left in a hurry.

Chu Peipei and Chu Laipei pulled their hair in frustration and left.

Chu Qingning and Chu Qingshuang walked out from behind a big tree nearby with ugly expressions.

Just now, when they heard the three of them mention Chu Qingzhi’s name, they immediately hid to see what Chu Peipei and the others wanted to say. They did not expect to hear such ugly words.

Chu Qingning was a little afraid. “Sixth Sister, let’s go back and tell Fifth Sister. If this rumor spreads, it will be serious.”

Chu Qingshuang nodded. “Ok.”

The sisters hurriedly returned home and found Chu Qingzhi, who was washing the bamboo leaves. They told her everything the three of them had said.

After Chu Qingzhi heard this, she fell into deep thought.

It sounded like the two hooligans were instructed by someone. How could ordinary people dare to spread the rumor of the general? In ancient times, although it was common knowledge that big shots raised mistresses, no one dared to say it in public lest they offended the big shots..