Shen Ru had just walked over when she saw Shen Qing arguing with the Li family. Seeing so many of them there, her heart raced and she quickened her steps.
Li Wenbo lowered his voice to warn Shen Qing. Behave yourself and do not stir up trouble out in the fields.
I am behaving perfectly, Shen Qing said as she brushed the dust from her hands. I told you I will not earn a single work point more than Li Jianfeng. I mean what I say and I will not take on even a fraction of work that does not belong to me.
In her past life she had done everything for them. She had worked herself to the bone every single day and never received a kind look in return. She had been looked down on and given nothing but leftover food to eat. This time she would not be so foolish.
Qingqing!
Shen Ru reached her side and stepped in front of Shen Qing, spreading her arms to shield her. She spoke sharply. Do not pick on my sister!
Warmth spread through Shen Qing’s chest. She paid no more attention to the seething family behind her and turned to lead Shen Ru to a shady spot along the ridge to sit and rest. She did not care about the hateful stares they left behind.
Eldest Sister, what are you doing here?
Shen Ru pulled two egg pancakes from her bundle. The rich scent of egg and hot oil rose to Shen Qing’s nose. Where did you get eggs?
Shen Ru pushed a piece into Shen Qing’s mouth. Eat first and I will tell you everything.
You eat too. Shen Qing knew Shen Ru would not treat herself so she tore off a piece and fed it to her.
When they had finished both pancakes Shen Qing asked again. Shen Ru finally explained. Mother traded some of the grain you brought home with the neighbor. We got ten whole eggs! She said life has been hard for you since you came back to the Li family and you are not eating well. She wants to build you up. These eggs are only for you.
Shen Qing felt touched. You should not have gone to such trouble. I have enough to eat.
It does not matter, Shen Ru insisted. You have suffered so much since you came back and it hurts us to see it. Oh and the grain we earned from work points has been distributed. Father and Mother want to exchange the grain you sent home for money to save for your dowry.
Shen Qing rested her forehead in her hand. I only want all of you to be well and happy. That is all I care about. In this life what she truly wanted was for her real family to live comfortably and without worry.
Shen Ru wrinkled her nose. Let Father and Mother do as they have planned. Please do not stop them Qingqing. If you refuse it will all go to Li Mengyao. Since you left she has done nothing but order everyone around the house. She does not lift a finger to help yet she eats more than anyone else. It is all her fault for scheming against you Shen Ru said angrily. We would never have been separated if not for her.
Actually Shen Qing said she is your real sister.
So what? Shen Ru pouted. She acts as though everyone owes her everything. She gets all the good things and still is never satisfied. She took Shen Qing’s hand and squeezed it. Qingqing my heart aches for you.
Shen Qing patted her hand to comfort her. Do not worry. I have enough to eat and wear and I am doing fine. I am finished eating. You should go back and earn your work points now.
Shen Ru nodded and left with her small bundle. Shen Qing brushed the dirt from her clothes and walked back into the fields. Just as she was about to start working she noticed Eldest Brother Li staring intently at Shen Ru’s retreating figure.
Her heart tightened. She stepped forward and spoke firmly. Do not even think about laying a hand on her.
Eldest Brother Li gave a faint smile and said nothing. Shen Qing made a mental note to watch him closely.
When she had finished her portion she left early to see Doctor Wang. She did not want to be limited to exchanging medicine. She wanted to build something to make a better living.
What? Make it ourselves? Doctor Wang could hardly believe his ears. Qingqing we do not even know what ingredients are in these medicines. Just identifying them would be difficult enough. To say nothing of actually making them ourselves. Do you have any idea how hard this will be?
Shen Qing knew it would be hard but she was determined. If we can make our own medicine we can start a pharmaceutical factory. In these times when medical supplies are so scarce there is no more worthwhile undertaking.
Doctor Wang we can start from the very beginning. We will figure it out step by step. A person must have dreams is that not so?
Doctor Wang thought she was being wildly unrealistic yet he found himself wanting to go along with her.
Doctor Wang you have a gift for healing and you care deeply about people. I know you can do this. And think how many lives we could help. You will not turn us down will you?
She pulled a small bottle from her pocket. Let us start with this one. It treats injuries and bruises. The ingredients should be straightforward. Will you study it for us?
Doctor Wang’s face lit up with pure delight. He took the bottle as if it were the most precious treasure. He looked at the sample and suddenly felt filled with renewed energy and purpose.
By the time Shen Qing left it was growing dark. She took a handful of green vegetables and some rice from her private supply and headed back to cook.
Before she could enter the kitchen Third Brother Li blocked her way. You said everyone looks after themselves. So do not use our stove. He crossed his arms. You are so capable. Find somewhere else to cook your own food. He assumed without a stove she would have to go hungry. Serves her right. She should not be so stubborn and selfish. This would teach her a lesson and tomorrow she would surely work harder. Ideally she would do his share too and spare him the trouble.
Shen Qing glanced at him said nothing and turned away.
From next door Fu Yunzheng had seen and heard everything. He understood her situation now. She had been separated from her birth family at birth and when she finally came home they had never truly welcomed her. He could not help but feel they were not so very different.
Yunqiong noticed him watching and was about to speak when he fell into a fit of coughing. Fu Yunzheng hurried over to help him catch his breath.
When Yunqiong recovered he said. That girl is their own flesh and blood is she not? She looks so young and it breaks my heart to see her treated so poorly. Even if there was a mix up surely they would not deny her food. It is too cruel. Send for her. Ask her to come over and share a meal with us.
Fu Yunzheng agreed and stepped outside. Before he reached the Li family yard he saw Shen Qing returning. He was about to call out to her when he noticed the bundle of firewood in her arms. She had expected exactly this. She had prepared fuel ahead of time and had never intended to ask them for anything at all.
Shen Qing met his eyes and gave a faint knowing smile then walked straight toward the corner of the cattle shed.