Chapter 32: The Troublesome Second Branch of the Yu Family
After just two days of traveling on foot, the once-pampered first branch of the Yu family lay sprawled on the ground, unwilling to move.
Yu Luo’s family wasn’t faring much better. Even though they had lived like servants in the marquis’s estate, they had never done such hard labor. By the end of the day, all three of them had bloody blisters on their feet.
“Second Brother, Second Sister-in-law, there’s a river here. Although it’s a bit windy at night, it’s convenient for using water. Back in our village, during busy farming seasons, we used to boil hot water to soak our feet after a day’s work. You all rest—I’ll boil some hot water for you to soak your feet in the clay pot. It’ll help relieve a lot of fatigue.”
Just as the family of three had sat down to rest, too tired even to cook, Wang Ying came over with a clay basin, intending to fetch water from the river to heat them.
Seeing Wang Ying being so attentive, although they knew it was to repay Ye Jiamai’s life-saving grace, everyone had walked for an entire day and was equally exhausted. Ye Jiamai quickly grabbed her arm.
“You don’t have to go to such trouble. You’re tired too. Don’t worry about us; just take care of your family. We can get the water ourselves after resting for a bit.”
Wang Ying, however, shook her head with a smile.
“We country folk are used to walking long distances. Walking fifty li in a day is normal for us. Don’t worry, Second Sister-in-law, you just rest.”
With that, Wang Ying gently freed herself from Ye Jiamai’s grasp. After all, accustomed to farm work, Wang Ying’s strength was far greater than hers.
Wang Ying had just reached the river when Yu Yongcai came over, carrying a bundle of firewood.
“Second Brother, Second Sister-in-law, no need for you to gather firewood from now on. I’ll take care of that on the road ahead.”
“Yes, Second Brother, Second Sister-in-law. I’ll cook your meals too. I even picked some wild vegetables earlier—I’ll make something for you right away.”
Yu Yongcai had just set down the firewood when Yu Qiao’er came running over with a bundle of wild vegetables wrapped in her prison garment, showing them off to Yu Luo’s family.
Faced with the overwhelming enthusiasm of the third branch of the Yu family, Yu Luo and her parents were at a loss.
Though Ye Jiamai had saved the two children of the third branch, everyone was struggling. Seeing them, worn out but still offering to serve the family of three, made them feel both awkward and grateful.
“You’re exhausted too; you really don’t have to take care of us. There are only three of us—it won’t take long for us to manage.”
Yu Haojie stood up, looking apologetic towards the siblings. Just then, Wang Ying returned with a basin of river water.
“Husband, build a stove for Second Brother and his family. I’ll boil some water for them. The wind’s strong at night—build the stove a bit higher so the wind doesn’t blow it out.”
Seeing the trio bustling around Yu Luo’s family, the second branch’s people looked on in disdain.
“Isn’t that Yu Haojie just an illegitimate son? Even if his wife knows some medicine and saved the third branch’s kids, is there really a need to kiss up to them like that?”
Liu Lan sneered, then clicked her tongue and looked at her daughter.
“What are you standing around for? Go gather some firewood and wild vegetables. At this rate, the third branch will clean everything out!”
Sixteen-year-old Yu Xiangxiang, exhausted but obedient, got up reluctantly to collect firewood.
“If you all know firewood and wild vegetables are precious, what are you lounging around for? Get up and move!”
Liu Lan’s mother-in-law, Mu Chunfang, barked harshly, not giving them a chance to refuse.
Annoyed but helpless, Liu Lan reached over to pinch her husband’s waist, causing him to glare at her.
“What’s wrong with you, woman? Stop dawdling and go gather firewood! There are so many of us in the second branch; we’ll need a lot of firewood. Get a move on!”
Liu Lan was speechless!
She really didn’t want to move. Before the exile, after her son’s marriage, she had hardly lifted a finger around the house.
She had grown accustomed to a lazy life, and now, after hiking half a night through the mountains and then walking dozens of li, her body was screaming in protest.
“You rest and just keep an eye on the kids. I’ll go gather firewood.”
Just as Liu Lan was about to complain, her brother-in-law, Yu Shanhai, spoke up, offering to go instead. His protective gaze towards his wife and children made Liu Lan seethe with jealousy.
“What are you doing? A grown man like you—why did you marry a wife for, huh? If you want to pamper someone, pamper your mother instead!”
Mu Chunfang waved him over impatiently.
“Come here and rub my legs! They’re about to break. Xiaogang, go fetch water from the river and heat it up. Your grandpa and I need to soak our feet, or we won’t be able to walk tomorrow!”
Yu Shanhai’s wife, Zhang Fen, gritting her teeth, picked up a basket and, despite the iron chains around her feet, trudged off to gather wild vegetables.
Their twelve-year-old son, Yu Xiaogang, also reluctantly followed orders, carrying a clay pot to fetch water.
Seven-year-old Yu Xiuxiu, watching her family being ordered around, pouted and couldn’t help but complain to Mu Chunfang.
“Grandma, my parents are tired too! Why do you only order them around? Aren’t you afraid they won’t be able to walk tomorrow either? They still have to serve you, find firewood, and gather food! You’re not that old that you can’t do anything, are you?”
Her words were like poking a hornet’s nest. Mu Chunfang’s pent-up anger immediately exploded.
“You little brat! Only seven, and already so sharp-tongued! If I had known, I would have sold you to the slave traders before the exile. At least I could’ve gotten a few taels of silver for some food on the road. If I weren’t so tired today, I’d slap that mouth of yours!”
Yu Xiuxiu, feeling wronged, pursed her lips and ran towards the river.
She had heard there were water ghosts by the river—she had to keep an eye on her brother and make sure he didn’t get dragged in!
“Ah! Help!”
Just as everyone was relaxing for the night, Yu Xiuxiu’s scream from the riverbank pierced the air, sending a chill down everyone’s spine!
