Volume One, Chapter 20: Wicked Woman, She Intentionally Sows Discord Between Our Two Families

When Lin Ranran finished speaking, the Ji family fell into silence.

In the end, Ji Junxiao sighed. “My wife is the only one who thinks things through. It all comes down to poverty—if people weren’t so poor, who would care about a few coins for school fees?”

Lin Ranran nodded. “Exactly. That’s why, if we’re going to start a business, we must find a way to help everyone.”

Ji Junyao said, “Start a business? In a place like this, with such poor transport, isn’t that too hard?”

Ji Junshan agreed, “Yes, sister-in-law, it’s so difficult. The villagers struggle to grow anything, and then have to use horses to carry their goods out to sell. One horse can carry so little, and if it doesn’t sell, they have to bring it all back—it’s a waste of time, energy, people, and horses. It’s just not worth it.”

Ji Junxiao thought for a moment, and his eyes suddenly brightened. “To develop the economy, we need roads first. If only we could get approval to build a road for the village.”

Lin Ranran looked at him with admiration. “Husband, you really have a head for economics.”

She had thought Ji Junshan was the most business-minded among them, but to her surprise, her own husband was a hidden mastermind! Of course, he was a future tycoon delayed by his military career.

Ji Junxiao felt embarrassed by his wife’s praise and lowered his head with a shy smile.

Father Ji shook his head helplessly. “Getting approval for a road right now won’t work. So many villages are waiting in line, and the state funds are limited.”

Lin Ranran said, “We’ll have to think of a way later. By the way, third brother, aren’t you going to the county with the captain for supplies in a few days? While you’re there, investigate what sells best, and when you return, we’ll make a plan.”

Ji Junshan’s eyes lit up instantly and he spoke with excitement, “Sister-in-law, do you think I’m cut out for business?”

Lin Ranran smiled. “Of course. In our family, you have the sharpest mind. I believe if you go into business, you’ll make your mark in the commercial world.”

With his sister-in-law’s affirmation, Ji Junshan was filled with confidence. He slapped his chest and promised, “Just for your words, I’ll handle this. From now on, I’ll earn money to support the family.”

Everyone was amused by his manner, and the tense atmosphere instantly relaxed.

After the laughter, Ji Junxiao suggested, “Should we secretly tutor Captain Yang’s daughter?”

Lin Ranran nodded. “Yes.”

Father Ji also agreed. “Alright, I’ll talk to Captain Yang tonight. I just don’t know if the child is willing, since working in the fields all day is exhausting.”

Lin Ranran smiled, “Those who love to learn don’t fear hardship.”

That evening, Father Ji spoke to Captain Yang about tutoring Yang Sisi, and Captain Yang was deeply grateful.

Yang Sisi was overjoyed when she heard the news. She hurriedly stitched a floral cloth bag from the family’s only scraps to give to Lin Ranran as a token of thanks.

At first, Yang Sisi was very shy and nervous around Lin Ranran, not knowing where to put her hands and feet.

Lin Ranran took out candies to give her, but Yang Sisi repeatedly refused, insisting, “My parents said I mustn’t take things from others.”

Seeing this, Lin Ranran changed tack and gave her a pencil and an exercise book, patiently teaching her to write her name and a few simple phonetic symbols.

Yang Sisi was very clever; by the end of the evening, she could write her name, albeit crookedly, but she was truly delighted.

Xia Zhiyuan saw Lin Ranran and Ji Junxiao escorting Yang Sisi home late at night, and secretly followed behind.

As they passed Gou Dan’s house, the sound of a child crying and a woman’s scolding drifted into their ears.

Xia Zhiyuan hid in the shadows and listened carefully—it turned out Gou Sheng had a fever.

Gou Dan’s mother was burning incense in the yard, kneeling and burning paper money while muttering, “Today, I don’t know who Gou Sheng met in the fields. I know you must think he’s cute and can’t resist speaking to him, but we’re separated by life and death, we can’t bear your greetings. Whoever greeted Gou Sheng or followed him home, please go back. I beg you.”

She finished with a few heavy kowtows. “I’m polite first, forceful later. If Gou Sheng keeps crying, don’t blame me!”

Then Gou Dan’s mother got up and went inside to check on Gou Sheng.

Gou Sheng’s face was red with fever, and he continued to cry.

Gou Dan saw this and hurriedly grabbed some thatch he’d just pulled from the back mountain. “Mother, use this—beat them to death!”

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