CHAPTER 69: CHAPTER 68: IT’S ALL FOR YOUR OWN GOOD

The answer to this question cannot be given at the moment.

It’s April now, and there are still more than three months until the rice is ripe.

After busy spring plowing, there is finally some free time.

Liu Ji took the money box from the water mill home and counted out one hundred and seventy copper coins.

"With those eggs and the vegetables delivered, the profit is almost two hundred cents." After finishing the count, Liu Ji reported to Qin Yao.

Oh, and there are also those four little chicks Granny Wang gave us in the chicken coop, quite a bit more than in March.

But not everyone is conscientious about paying; there are those who sneak away after using the mill without paying, and it’s happened more than just a couple of times.

"Did you find them?" Qin Yao asked.

Such things don’t baffle Liu Ji; honest folks hate these kinds of people, yet the village kids admire him for having seen the world outside, and within half a day, they found out who didn’t pay.

"I know who it is, but there’s no evidence right now. I’ll have Second Lang keep an eye on the mill, and once we catch them, we’ll settle both old and new accounts at once!"

In the past, he was always the one taking advantage of others; since when did it become his turn to be taken advantage of?

Liu Ji vowed in his heart, once caught, he must beat him to a pulp, make him pay back all the money, with some added compensation for emotional distress!

Qin Yao rarely agreed and told him, "This time I permit you to use borrowed authority."

Liu Ji’s expression froze; as if he didn’t have the ability to deal with people himself.

However, having authority to borrow is indeed better, his family does have many brothers, making it hard for him to stand alone.

While the couple was sorting accounts, a faint call came from outside the yard: "Cluck cluck—"

Liu Ji’s eyebrows lifted in surprise, a look of delight flashing across his eyes.

"Wife, I’ll put the money box back and then go buy some fresh vegetables; put the clothes that need washing in a basin, and I’ll wash them later."

After giving instructions, he went out with the money box.

At the door, he waved quickly to the distant bushes, and a figure jumped out, following him, the two ran towards the river, sneaking like thieves.

The two came to the grove across the river; Liu Ji jokingly slapped the other’s chest, "Why’d you come up with mimicking a chicken as a signal? I almost didn’t catch on."

The other chuckled and teased him, "Third Brother, getting you to come out is really tough; I even had to use a secret signal, Sister-in-law’s control is a bit too strict."

Liu Ji didn’t want to talk about it, as it would damage his image in front of his younger brother, so he asked directly:

"What’s the good news?"

Shunzi was surprised and asked back, "Third Brother, how’d you know it’s good news?"

Liu Ji thought to himself, just taking a wild guess. He smiled silently on the surface, signaling Shunzi to speak quickly.

Shunzi is from Lower River Village, met Liu Ji in the county town; both are notorious lazybones in their respective villages, always running out to scheme but not bringing silver coins home.

Such people are not welcomed at home, yet upon meeting, they resonated strongly, calling each other brother, forming a deep bond.

Compared to Liu Ji, Shunzi knows to care a bit more for the family, staying home to farm when busy, and only wandering around when there is leisure—looking for opportunities to stand out!

That’s why he came running after hearing that Landlord Ding’s family was recruiting temporary workers, hoping they could go together to make a big deal.

Once hearing it’s about working for the landlord’s family, Liu Ji got excited, "When are we leaving?"

Shunzi said, "Tomorrow during early Mao hour (5 a.m.), I’ll wait for you at our village entrance, and we’ll go together."

Before leaving, worried about Liu Ji’s speed, he reminded him repeatedly, "Third Brother, rise up early this time; Landlord Ding only needs ten people, you might miss registration if late."

From Liu Family Village to Jinshi Town, at the fastest pace, it takes one and a half hours, while Lower River Village is much closer, only half an hour to the town.

Liu Ji calculated the time, he needed to set off at least by 3:15 a.m. for them to arrive at Landlord Ding’s house by the end of Mao hour.

Thinking about getting up so early and walking the night road, Liu Ji hesitated.

But then he considered, what if he earns Landlord Ding’s favor? Wouldn’t he rise through the ranks, enjoy wealth and glory with no end?

Most importantly, if he earns Ding’s backing, he won’t need to fear the shrew Qin Yao anymore?

These thoughts made Liu Ji feel secretly delighted.

Returning home, while cooking in the kitchen, Liu Ji stole glances at Qin Yao, who was weeding the vegetable patch in the yard, thinking up many reasons before saying half-truthfully:

"Wife, I’m afraid I’ll be away for several days."

Without turning her head, Qin Yao responded indifferently, "No need, stay home, watch the field water, weed the vegetable plot, just take care of the house, I’ve figured it out, repay what you owe me slowly, no rush."

Liu Ji felt a sudden chill in his heart, what did she mean?

He asked in surprise, "Do you know why I have to be away for several days?"

"Ding’s family recruiting temporary workers, right?" Qin Yao turned around and said with a bright smile: "Don’t worry, you don’t need to get up early tomorrow, I’ll go on your behalf."

Saying this, as if not seeing his shocked expression, she continued speaking to herself:

"A man like you is better off not showing your face outside; the world is dangerous, men need to learn to protect themselves too."

She’s never spoken to him in such a caring tone, but at this moment Liu Ji just felt his hackles rising.

How does she know he’s going to Ding’s house?

How does she know he’s meeting up with Shunzi early tomorrow?

Liu Ji asked tremblingly, "How did you know?"

Qin Yao blossomed into a smile, "Because I was standing right behind you."

Liu Ji exclaimed in anger, "Are you a ghost!"

Putting down the small hoe, sweeping the weeds aside, she came to the sink to scoop water and wash hands, saying calmly:

"With your strength, you might not even get registered, it’s better for me to go, after all, we are one family, anyone going is the same, whether you or me makes no difference."

Liu Ji thought angrily, no difference, then why not let me go!

Forcing himself to be calm, he pulled out a smile and reminded her, "They only want men, women aren’t hired as temporary workers."

"Is that so?" Qin Yao turned around, looking him in the eyes with dark pupils, "No men in Liu Family Village nor Jinshi Town, not in Kaiyang County, how about Zijing Mansion and the Capital City?"

Liu Ji retorted angrily, "I’ve never been to Zijing Mansion or the Capital City, how would I know!"

"Exactly, you don’t know, if not knowing is possible, so might or might not be." Qin Yao shrugged, displaying a forgiving posture as if inviting him to continue his sophistry.

But Liu Ji knew, pushing further, she’ll take action.

"Qin Yao, how can there be a woman as unreasonable as you in the world!" Liu Ji gritted his teeth and demanded.

Always stealing his spotlight, boohoohoo...

Qin Yao’s palm landed on his shoulder with weight like a stack of coins pressing down, Liu Ji only heard his knee bones betraying him with a crisp "crack," his face changed instantly, "Mercy, wife!"

And quickly instructed, "Wife, don’t be late tomorrow."

Retracting her hand from his shoulder, Qin Yao gave a cold smile, "I’m doing it for your own good."

Liu Ji: Thank you very much!