Chapter 35: There Really Are Fish
“Sister-in-law, don’t be mad. My eldest son is just a bit clumsy with words. He only wanted to check on his big uncle.”
Seeing Old Madam Chen’s face darken without showing any courtesy, Yu Liang hurriedly put on a flattering smile, trying to smooth things over for his son.
Old Madam Chen, however, wasn’t having any of it. “I suppose you’re here to see a joke, huh? Back when we were thriving, you guys sure enjoyed flaunting your big brother’s name all over the village, didn’t you? Otherwise, how could your family have lived so much better than the third branch?”
As she spoke, Old Madam Chen’s eyes flicked to Yu Shanhai’s wife, Liu Lan, standing not far away. “Look at your daughter-in-law—all broad shoulders and wide waist. Even your old wife looks much rounder than when I left the village.
“Heh, now that your big brother’s in this state, what’s there to see? We don’t have any scraps for you to pick!”
Having lived in the same village before, Old Madam Chen knew quite a bit about her younger brother-in-law’s character—definitely a two-faced flatterer. She wasn’t about to play nice.
“Oh, Sister-in-law, you’re such a kidder. It’s true we’ve been managing a bit better over the years since you left for the capital. We really just wanted to check on Big Brother, nothing else.”
Having said that, Yu Liang decided not to waste any more breath arguing with a woman and turned to Yu Zhengqing, who was warming himself by the fire.
“Zhengqing, how’s your father? What did the doctor say?”
“Second Uncle, my father’s had a stroke. Unless he gets proper rest and treatment, he might never walk again, but…”
At that, Yu Zhengqing buried his head in his knees, fingers clutching his hair in frustration.
Seeing the gloomy expressions all around, Yu Liang sighed, “Don’t lose hope. With a devoted son like you, Big Brother will surely hold on until we reach the frontier.
“Besides, I heard that the wilderness, while full of beasts, isn’t as bad as being exiled to some border garrison where we’d be worked to death as slaves transporting supplies for soldiers. At least out there, the officials won’t control us. As long as we survive, there’s always hope of returning one day. Who knows? Maybe the Emperor will grant a pardon!”
“You’re quite the dreamer,” Old Madam Chen scoffed but seemed a little comforted by the thought, her tone finally softening.
Seeing her mood improve, Yu Liang seized the chance to shuffle closer to Yu Hui, grasping his brother’s frail hand with exaggerated concern.
“Big Brother, you must hold on! Once we reach the frontier, we’ll be free. We’ll find a way to help you walk again.”
Yu Hui’s eyes were wide open, looking as if he’d aged decades in just a few days. Once a robust man despite being in his sixties, his body had been lean and fit from years of martial arts. But now, the past few days of hardship had left him gaunt, with sunken eyes and deep wrinkles etched across his forehead. His mouth hung crookedly, drooling uncontrollably.
Clutching Yu Liang’s hand tightly, he opened his mouth to speak but could only produce meaningless, garbled sounds. Yu Liang understood nothing and was even slightly repulsed by the drool dripping down Yu Hui’s chin.
“Big Brother, don’t be anxious. Your illness came from stress. As long as Zhengqing is here, you’ll be fine. One day, you’ll recover!”
Realizing no one could understand him, Yu Hui’s hand went slack as he closed his eyes, exhausted.
“Ah, I think Big Brother needs more than just medicine—he needs proper nourishment. Before we get too far north, we should try to catch some fresh meat to help him regain strength.
“Sister-in-law, could you lend me your basket? I’ll have my eldest go down to the river to see if he can catch a few fish to make some broth for Big Brother.”
Hearing this, Old Madam Chen’s eyes lit up.
Their dry rations were getting harder to swallow by the day, and the thought of fresh fish made her mouth water.
“What are you standing there for? Hurry and clear out the basket for your Second Uncle to use!”
Old Madam Chen barked at her daughters-in-law, who were busy struggling to prepare dinner.
Lady Lan and Chang Huilan, along with Yu Yinyin, had never done a day’s hard work before. Even starting a fire was a challenge for them.
Upon hearing Old Madam Chen’s order, Lan Shi quickly rose and started emptying the basket.
Meanwhile, by the riverbank, Yu Luo had tossed her basket into the water, regretting not buying a fishing net when she had the chance. Who knew if there would even be lakes or rivers in the frontier? A net could’ve made fishing a lot easier.
“Hurry up! I can’t hold on much longer!”
Ye Jiamai’s original body had always been weak. She gritted her teeth, straining to hold Yu Luo steady, her arms trembling with effort.
“Not a single bite yet. I wonder if there are even any fish in this fast current.”
“I can’t—my arms are about to give out! Let’s pull it up for now and try again later!”
Just as Ye Jiamai was about to haul her daughter back, Yu Luo suddenly felt a tug.
Startled, Ye Jiamai glanced sideways and raised a brow. “If I’d known you were this strong, I wouldn’t have bothered worrying about you! Save that strength for protecting your daughter—otherwise, it’s a waste!”
She plopped down on the ground, massaging her aching arms, too exhausted to move.
“Fish! There really are fish! And they’re huge!”
Just as Yu Haojie was about to tease his wife, Yu Luo’s excited shout echoed over the riverbank.
