Chapter 171: Mother, Please Don’t Sell Me!
Bai Xiuyuan shouted excitedly from the bottom of the well. His joyful voice echoed in the narrow space, making the sound even more resounding!
The returning workers gathered around the well, joining in the celebration.
“Xiao Yi is truly a treasure! He gave us caves to live in, and now he’s given us drinking water. Who says the wilderness lacks water? This well is only ten meters deep, yet it’s already producing water. Now we don’t have to worry about anything while living here!”
After a long day of hard work, the news of the well filled everyone with joy, instantly washing away their exhaustion. Even Liu Mingxia, a grown man, had red-rimmed eyes and a choked-up throat.
Hearing the cheers outside the cave, Yu Zhengqing stepped out of his own cave. Looking toward the scene in front of Yu Luo’s cave, he was puzzled.
“Did they really manage to get water?”
Yu Yaomei leaned halfway out of the cave, her face filled with disbelief.
“Hmph, so what if they did? When the summer drought comes, the underground water will dry up just the same. Then all this effort will have been for nothing!”
Old Madam Chen walked out of the cave, glancing disdainfully at the celebrating crowd in the distance.
“Grandmother, can’t you just hope for something good for once? If they got water, we’ll benefit from it too. Do you really want to die of thirst in the summer?”
Hearing Old Madam Chen’s unpleasant tone, Yu Xiaoran retorted impatiently.
He knew his grandmother couldn’t stand seeing Yu Luo’s family doing well, but their efforts weren’t just for themselves. They were also helping everyone else!
“Fine, fine, I’m being petty, okay? But why are you speaking to me like this? If your grandfather were still here, would you dare talk to me this way? I’m just stating facts—who doesn’t know that this wilderness barely gets any rain in the summer? Haven’t you noticed that the only trees around here are poplars and nothing else?”
Yu Xiaoran fell silent, unwilling to argue further.
He considered warning Yu Luo’s family to dig the well deeper instead of celebrating too soon since the dry season was indeed a concern.
But before he could take a step forward, Yu Zhengqing was already striding toward Yu Luo’s cave.
“Father, are you going to warn them?”
“Yes.”
Yu Zhengqing replied calmly. Then, glancing at his son who had caught up with him, he hesitated for a moment before stopping.
“Why don’t you go instead?”
“Alright, I’ll go!”
Knowing how often his father had been rejected by Yu Luo, Yu Xiaoran was more than happy to play the role of the good guy this time.
Watching his son head toward Yu Luo’s cave, Yu Zhengqing turned around and returned to his own.
By evening, Lady Lan had finished cooking. Though the meal was simple, Yu Luo’s family had at least continued selling supplies to them despite their past grievances.
Rice porridge, white steamed buns, and some roasted meat—it was a humble meal, but at least they had something to look forward to.
“In three days, I plan to go to Feng City. Xiaoran, you’ll stay home and watch over everyone. During those days, no one is to leave the cave. Just stay inside.”
Accepting the bowl of porridge from Lady Lan, Yu Zhengqing spoke in a heavy tone.
Hearing this, Madam Chen’s eyes lit up with excitement.
“Did you get news? Zhengqing, when can we return to the capital? I can’t bear to stay in this wretched place for even a day longer!”
“No, I’m going for other business. I’m telling you in advance because I want you all to behave.”
As he spoke, Yu Zhengqing’s gaze lingered on Madam Chen for a moment longer than usual, his expression darkening.
“Especially you, Mother. Don’t provoke them. If my second brother decides to settle old and new grudges together, I won’t be here to protect you.”
Madam Chen’s face soured at his warning, and she immediately huffed in displeasure.
“Back in the Marquis’ Mansion, everyone respected and obeyed me. Whatever I said was law! And now? Hah! It’s not the mansion that’s gone—it’s just that none of you respect me anymore.”
“Mother, stop being unreasonable. I’m just telling the truth.”
Yu Zhengqing rubbed his temples, trying to suppress his frustration.
“Fine then. If you listen to me, take Lady Lan with you.”
Upon hearing this, Lady Lan, who was serving food, froze, her heart immediately sinking into fear and panic.
Was the thing she had feared finally happening?
“Why would I take her? You know what kind of place Feng City is, don’t you, Mother?”
At his words, Madam Chen smirked mockingly at Lady Lan’s stiffened back, her lips curling upward.
Lady Lan clearly understood what was about to happen, yet she still pretended to be calm.
“How much silver do you have left? Is it enough for bribes?”
Madam Chen’s casual tone sent a chill straight to Lady Lan’s bones.
She had been so careful all along, serving her mother-in-law with utmost obedience, catering to her every need, and never once stepping out of line.
Yet, when it came to discarding her, Madam Chen didn’t hesitate at all.
It wasn’t even a matter of life and death yet. They still had food, shelter, and no immediate threat from soldiers.
Yet, Madam Chen was already plotting to sell her off.
At this moment, Lady Lan felt nothing but bitter resentment and icy despair.
“Grandmother, you…!”
Yu Meiyao, who had just returned to the cave, stared at Madam Chen in disbelief before glancing at her mother with sympathy.
She wanted to say something to console Lady Lan but hesitated, afraid that she might have misunderstood her grandmother’s intentions.
Meanwhile, Chang Huilan, who was quietly sewing clothes, never even lifted her head.
Her fingers didn’t pause, and her needlework continued as if she had heard nothing at all.
“Mother, don’t ever bring this up again. No matter what, Lady Lan has been with us through everything. She gave birth to my children. At the very least, she is still my wife.”
With that, Yu Zhengqing downed his rice porridge, grabbed a white steamed bun, and took his sword and bow from the wall before storming out.
“You’re too sentimental! I’m doing this for the good of our family, yet you refuse to see reason?”
Madam Chen’s voice echoed inside the cave, but Yu Zhengqing was already long gone, his figure disappearing from sight.
Seeing all this unfold, Lady Lan could no longer pretend she hadn’t heard anything.
She dropped the wooden spoon in her hand, and with a loud thud, she fell to her knees before Madam Chen.
“Mother, please don’t sell me! I beg you! Please, for the sake of Meiyao and Xiaoyun! Please, for the sake of all the times I’ve served you!”
Little Yu Xiaoyun, who had been happily munching on a steamed bun, froze upon hearing his mother’s words.
His eyes widened in shock, and tears immediately welled up, spilling down his cheeks.
Without hesitation, he crawled to Lady Lan’s side and knelt down with her, banging his little forehead against the ground.
“Grandmother, please don’t sell my mother!”
Within moments, the entire cave was filled with the sound of their cries.
