CHAPTER 123: CHAPTER 121: PEACE

As soon as Su Huaiqing entered Chen Family Village, he noticed something different. The houses were still dilapidated, but signs of repairs were evident. The villagers were busy, with relaxed faces and rather good moods.

Coming from Cangzhou, in such winter days, the villagers had nothing to do, huddled inside to stay warm, waiting for the weather to warm up to start farming activities. It was nothing like what he saw in Chen Family Village.

As he continued forward, he passed by a courtyard and heard the voices of women talking inside. A moment later, someone emerged with woolen weaving in their arms.

"This is our weaving house," Chen Yongsheng said before Su Huaiqing could ask, "It operates year long without rest. The woolen items were made by Liangchen with the villagers. Women from surrounding villages come to learn from Liangchen. Most of the woolen items sold in Zhenzhou during winter come from these few villages.

We can’t stop the weaving house during winter. First, it’s to make some warm clothes for the villagers. Second, after the New Year, there are caravans going south, and blankets made of this wool can still be sold."

Thirdly, as Liangchen said, more women in the village need to learn to use the loom. This year is just a trial; more looms will be acquired next year. Of course, Chen Yongsheng wouldn’t tell Su Huaiqing any of this.

Su Huaiqing listened carefully to what Chen Yongsheng was saying. Unlike Madam Su, he never looked down on anyone. Hearing what Chen Yongsheng mentioned about Xie Liangchen, he felt at ease, gaining a further understanding of Xie Liangchen.

Chen Yongsheng continued, "Over there is the warehouse where we store medicinal herbs, and the courtyard beside it was just built this year."

"Is that the Familiar Medicine Institute?" Su Huaiqing asked, "I’ve heard about Chen Family Village’s Familiar Medicine Institute when I was in Cangzhou."

Chen Yongsheng replied, "Yes, it’s the Familiar Medicine Institute. Miss Chen is busy there daily. The villagers can only help with little things; major tasks have to be done by Liangchen. That child works hard for the village people."

Last night, Mrs. Gao repeatedly complained to Chen Yongsheng on behalf of Liangchen. At dawn today, Mrs. Gao instructed once again, insisting Chen Yongsheng must protect Liangchen and not let her suffer any grievance, warning him that if he cannot manage as the village chief, he would feel guilty towards Liangchen, and he wouldn’t be able to enter their home either.

Su Huaiqing said, "Miss Xie is only fifteen this year. When I was fifteen, I only stayed at home studying, accomplishing nothing. Compared to Miss Xie, I am ashamed."

Hearing this, Chen Yongsheng felt somewhat comforted. At least, for now, this Mr. Su seemed decent and could be taken to meet Old Mrs. Chen.

"Let’s go," Chen Yongsheng said. "I’ll take you to my aunt’s house."

Su Huaiqing quietly thanked him, occasionally glancing at the villagers coming and going. Before they reached Old Mrs. Chen’s house, they spotted children running down the road with hunting bows on their backs.

Chen Yongsheng reached out and grabbed one: "What are you doing?" The child was heading in the direction of the Familiar Medicine Institute.

The child replied, "We’re going to practice archery..."

Chen Yongsheng said, "Don’t cause trouble for your sister."

"It’s Sister who told us to come back and get the bows," the child said. "Sister Tian from the Tian Family came, and Sister invited her to teach us."

Only then did Chen Yongsheng let go of the child.

By now, Su Huaiqing had a deep understanding of Chen Family Village, knowing well what Xie Liangchen had done.

The children in the village were not only learning to recognize medicinal herbs but also practicing archery and perhaps even learning some boxing and kicking skills. The women in the village were learning to use looms and process medicinal herbs.

The number of silver coins Chen Family Village earned wasn’t important right now; what mattered was what they were learning. From this, it was evident that Miss Xie’s considerations for the future weren’t limited to Zhenzhou City.

She intended to lead Chen Family Village far.

No wonder his mother took back the marriage withdrawal letter. With his mother’s actions, the marriage alliance between the Su Family and Miss Xie was more harmful than beneficial for her.

Su Huaiqing’s previous speculations were confirmed, and he knew what he ought to do. He wouldn’t mention the withdrawal letter again but rather apologize on behalf of his mother to Old Mrs. Chen and Miss Xie. If Chen Family Village and Miss Xie needed help, he would assist them with all his heart.

"Mr. Su."

Chen Zigeng’s voice came.

Su Huaiqing saw Old Mrs. Chen and her two grandchildren standing by the door, hurried forward, and greeted them with proper etiquette.

Old Mrs. Chen, looking kindly, said, "Mr. Su, no need to be so formal. Let’s go inside and talk."

The servant and attendant beside Su Huaiqing quickly presented the gifts.

Old Mrs. Chen didn’t pay attention to those but led Mr. Su into the main house.

On the table was steaming hot tea. Mint couldn’t be drunk in winter, so Xie Liangchen bought some herbal tea at the market, adding some dried mandarin peel when brewing, providing a unique flavor.

Old Mrs. Chen loved it after trying it a few times. If it weren’t for worrying about spending money, she would drink it every day.

Su Huaiqing didn’t intentionally look at Miss Xie but spoke to Old Mrs. Chen: "My mother has done quite a few wrong things lately. I’m here to apologize to you and Miss Xie on her behalf."

Old Mrs. Chen replied, "No need for such words, Mr. Su. If it weren’t for you, Miss Chen wouldn’t have returned to Zhenzhou. We will always remember this kindness, no matter what."

Yet, Su Huaiqing still bowed to Old Mrs. Chen.

Old Mrs. Chen had already discussed with her granddaughter, planning to ask Su Huaiqing about the circumstances when he rescued Xie Liangchen.

Old Mrs. Chen said, "You left in a hurry that day, and Xie Shaoshan didn’t tell us the truth. Miss Chen injured her head and has forgotten everything from the past. So now, we can only ask Mr. Su about the situation when you rescued Miss Chen."

Knowing Old Mrs. Chen would inquire about these matters, Su Huaiqing narrated in detail: "Our family has a pharmacy in the Southern parts and knows quite a few caravans, making it easier to gather news. At that time, there was an epidemic in Yu Yao, requiring medicinal herbs, and we were just about to deliver medicine.

The family that took in Miss Xie usually purchased some medicinal materials to help the nearby villagers, having some interactions with our pharmacy. They must have heard we were looking for Miss Xie, but they likely regarded her as their own daughter and didn’t disclose any information.

Until the epidemic in Yu Yao worsened, and the couple fell ill one after the other, fearing no one would care for Miss Xie, they then sent news to our pharmacy steward.

Thus, I got the information and hurried to Yu Yao. At that time, the epidemic was not yet under control, and the government office sealed the road. Using delivering medicine as an excuse, I waited until the government office issued a travel pass before I went to look for her.

When I found Miss Xie, she was already injured and was cared for by a housekeeper. The housekeeper had an old illness and only felt relieved when we arrived, but unfortunately, she never woke up after passing out.

Knowing that when we returned to the Xie Family, there would be questions about Miss Xie’s experiences over the years, I inquired all around. The Li Family that adopted Miss Xie had some land in Yu Yao, and the couple was benevolent but had only one adopted daughter, Miss Xie.

Usually, Miss Xie was gentle and introverted, seldom going out, and even when attending gatherings, she rarely spoke, similar to Mr. and Mrs. Li. So even though they had been in Yu Yao for years, few people knew much about their family.

During the epidemic, the Li Family traded their land and house for medicinal herbs to treat others. They had initially left some belongings, but a fire destroyed them all.

The village where the Li Family lived lost too many people, making it very difficult to gather information. I stayed for several days but only pieced together these few details."

Xie Liangchen had stayed silent, but upon hearing this, she suddenly spoke, "Mr. Su, do you know what my name was in the Li Family?"

Su Huaiqing replied, "You were called Li Suining."

Sui means peace and stability, and Ning also implies safety and settlement.

To name a daughter like this is to wish her a lifetime of stability? It seems appropriate, but Xie Liangchen felt something subtly off inside.

Her heart also started to "thud-thud" nervously.

In her mind, a voice seemed to say: "Liangchen, shall we change our name to Suining in the future? Being safe and stable is Liangchen’s true essence."

Xie Liangchen felt as if she’d taken a step back, and immediately, Chen Zigeng’s voice sounded beside her: "Sister."

...

Song Xian’s head turned again to look at the hourglass at the table, an hour had passed, and Su Huaiqing still hadn’t come out of Chen Family Village.

Old Mrs. Chen must have so much to talk about?