Everyone followed along to the yard by the wasteland and stood stunned.
“This, this… people can live here?”
This was a hastily built shelter—no courtyard, just two thatched huts meant for brief rest stops. The wasteland had been purchased for reclamation, and clearing land was no simple task that could be done overnight. When the work got tiring, they’d rest in the huts and cook something to eat, saving themselves the back-and-forth travel that wasted time.
The thatched huts clearly let in the wind, and one winter snowfall could collapse them. Worse, the land wasn’t even fully cleared—nothing but open ground in every direction, with the distant mountains visible all the way out.
Eighth Grandpa was so angry he could only sigh repeatedly.
“These huts can’t possibly house anyone. Tell you what—the yard next to my place can be lived in. It’s a bit run-down, but a few repairs and it’ll do. You can stay there for now.”
“Whose yard is that? We’ll pay rent if we stay—can’t live there for free. Everyone’s got their own struggles.”
Zhao Feng spoke up right away. She was the smoothest talker in the family, and even if she said something wrong, it didn’t matter—her mother and older brothers would back her up.
“Good child, you don’t need to pay to stay there. That’s your Sixth Grandpa’s house. It’s been empty ever since your Uncle Daniu passed away in the famine years, so it’s fallen into disrepair. The yard belongs to your Fifth Grandpa now, and he’ll definitely let you stay.”
Eighth Grandpa looked up and sighed again. If he’d known this would happen, he never should have let Eldest Son stay registered under Fourth Brother’s name. Better they’d each gone back to their own families.
Fifth Grandpa happened to walk over just then. “What are you all doing out here? This place isn’t fit for people. Eighth, let them stay at my place first.”
“Fifth Brother, I was just saying they should stay at Sixth’s old yard. A few repairs and it’ll be livable. Maybe this is fate—we have to lend a hand to Yan-ge’s children.”
Fifth Grandpa sighed and wiped his face. “That yard’s been empty for years. You all stay at my place first, and I’ll find someone to fix up the house before you move in. What a tragedy.”
Eighth Grandpa sighed too. “Sixth’s whole family line died out. Honestly, I think going back to their own families wouldn’t be bad either. Fifth Brother, the kids can’t be bullied like this. Daxing is truly worthless—trouble will find him sooner or later.”
“Let me think about it. With one thing after another every day, my head’s spinning.”
Fifth Grandpa shook his head and signaled Eighth Grandpa with his eyes to drop the subject for now.
But Zhao Feng frowned, taking it all in, her face full of confusion. What did “going back to their own families” mean? Her father wasn’t born to her grandmother? She’d never heard that before.
“Fifth Grandpa, then we’ll pay rent. If you all hadn’t stood up for our family, we wouldn’t even have this wasteland.”
The wasteland was completely exposed on all sides—open and empty. At night, wolves might charge up, and even shouting for help would just echo back. The villagers lived far away, nowhere near close enough to rescue anyone in time.
“Don’t talk nonsense! I’m still your grandfather, after all. Come home with me.”
Fifth Grandpa took out his pipe and tapped Zhao Feng on the head with it.
“Ouch! Fifth Grandpa, I mean it sincerely. I know you care about us, but I can’t let Uncle and Auntie take a loss—they have families to feed too.”
“Child, don’t say that. Do you think your auntie is that petty? Come on home now, I’ll fix you all something to eat before it gets dark. This is between me and your mother—nothing to do with you, and you don’t need to worry your little head about it.”
Aunt Li was warm and thoughtful, quick and efficient in her ways—she was Fifth Grandpa’s eldest daughter-in-law.
“Thank you, Grandpa, and thank you, Uncle and Auntie. Thank you all for helping us—we’ll never forget this great kindness.”
Zhao Feng immediately bowed to everyone in thanks.
“This child, no need for such formalities. Let’s head home.”
Aunt Qian, Fifth Grandpa’s second daughter-in-law, pulled Zhao Feng into her arms and patted her.
The whole group carried their things over to Fifth Grandpa’s house. His family was doing fairly well—Zhaojia Village was one of the more prosperous counties, and while some families were poor, several were quite well-off.
Fifth Grandpa’s family had eight mu of land, just one yard with a few rooms, and seven or eight people living together—not exactly spacious.
Sixth Grandpa’s yard had originally gone to Fifth Grandpa, since the two were blood brothers. He’d planned to fix it up later for his grandsons to use when they married, but it had sat empty for years and fallen into ruin.
Once they arrived at Fifth Grandpa’s house, Aunt Li and her sister-in-law Aunt Qian quickly cleared out two rooms—one for the mother, daughters, and Xiu’er, and another for the two brothers.
Zhao Feng helped her mother organize their belongings. Her canopy bed had nowhere to be set up—this wasn’t their own home, and Fifth Grandpa’s place wasn’t big. Brother Huzi, Brother Chengzi, and Xiu’er had given up their own rooms, with the two brothers moving into the storage room, whose roof still let in the wind.
The canopy bed and such had to be stacked in the woodshed for now. Uncle Dongzi found some oilcloth and carefully wrapped and tied them up.
Mrs. Xu sat on the bed in a daze, clutching her husband’s memorial tablet, saying nothing. Who would have thought that just days ago the family was laughing and talking together, and in the blink of an eye her husband was gone—and right after the burial, they’d all been driven out of their home.
“Mother, don’t cry. The dead can’t come back. We need to stay strong—I and my brothers all need you.”
Zhao Feng hugged her mother, unable to hold back her own tears. She missed her father. Her old dad had doted on her, treasured her like the apple of his eye.
“I know. My heart just feels so blocked up… it hurts.”
Mrs. Xu was slowly coming to terms with reality, though she still needed time to process her grief.
“Mother, if you’re tired, rest for a while. I was thinking of taking my eldest brother to see the doctor again tomorrow. His hand needs treatment as soon as possible—if we delay too long, I’m afraid it’ll truly be too late.”
“Alright, that’s the important matter. I’ll go with you both tomorrow.”
Mrs. Xu pulled a gold hairpin from her bundle and handed it to her. “Your father bought this for me. Take it to the pawnshop and use the money for your eldest brother’s treatment.”
“I have money. When Grandfather was sick, he secretly gave me five taels of silver, and Father usually gave me spending money because he doted on me. I’ve also saved some coppers from copying books. Let’s use that first.”
Her parents knew about this money and had allowed her to keep it for herself. It was only kept secret from her grandmother and Second Uncle’s family.
Mrs. Xu shook her head. “Your brother’s hand will likely cost a great deal to heal properly. Let’s prepare in advance—we need to get through this hardship together. It’s just a pity for you. We were planning to save up more for your dowry, but now that’s all gone.”
“Don’t say that, Mother. I’m Father’s daughter too. Once my eldest brother earns his Juren title, there’ll be no shortage of good marriage prospects. Besides, with the family in this state, I don’t want to think about those things. I’ll marry later and keep you company for a few more years.”
“Good, my good daughter. Go help your aunt, and I’ll tidy up and come over shortly.”
Mrs. Xu let out a long sigh. She felt uncertain about the future, but as a mother, she forced herself to stay strong—her children still depended on her.
“Mother, my eldest brother was right to split us off from the family. Before, when we all lived together, all the dirty, heavy work fell on you and Father, and my eldest and second brothers did plenty too.
Now that we’ve left, who do you think does all the work? Once we have money, we’ll build our own courtyard, and no one will ever hit you or curse at you again. Won’t that be a better life? My eldest brother just couldn’t bear seeing you beaten and scolded by Grandmother all the time.”
Zhao Feng was full of anger whenever she mentioned her grandmother. It wasn’t her fault for being ungrateful—her grandmother had been especially cruel to their family. Her parents and brothers did the most work, yet Grandmother still beat and scolded them constantly.
When Grandfather was alive, he kept Grandmother in check so she didn’t dare go too far. But once he passed away, everything fell apart. It was as if her father was a stepmother’s child, taking advantage of the family, and Grandmother couldn’t wait to kick them out.
If it weren’t for the tavern relying on Father’s brewing skills, they would have been thrown out long ago. The whole family cooked and fed the pigs, and all the dirty, heavy work fell to her mother. Second Aunt was always lazy and shirking her duties, relying on Grandmother’s favoritism toward Second Uncle. She did nothing useful all day except buttering up Old Madam to get at the money in her hands.
Fifth Grandpa had settled them in and then went to see Second Uncle Zhao Xing. The young ones were being rash and stubborn about splitting the family, so things needed to be made clear, with everything written down in black and white.
The eldest branch hadn’t gained any advantage—they’d actually taken a loss. All responsibility for Old Madam’s care and funeral expenses in the future fell entirely to Zhao Xing. The eldest branch wouldn’t pay a single coin.
The five mu of wasteland would need to be transferred at the county office tomorrow with fingerprints pressed. This family division was troublesome business.
The terms of the division had to be written clearly, with the village head and clan elders all pressing their fingerprints. If disputes arose later, this would be the evidence.
Zhao Feng went to the kitchen. “Auntie, let me help you.”
“Good child, no need. There are plenty of people in the house. Go play with Xiu’er. And persuade your mother to stop crying—she’ll cry her eyes out.”
“Mm, I already talked to her. Tomorrow Fifth Grandpa is going to the county office to handle the property transfer for our family. I want to take my mother and eldest brother to see about his hand.”
“Yes, that’s tomorrow. Your Fifth Grandpa said it’s better to get it done early so you can feel at ease. Otherwise, if Old Madam changes her mind tomorrow and gives you nothing at all, you’d be even worse off.”
Aunt Li sighed. Utterly heartless, throwing people out with their bedrolls like that. People like that would be struck by lightning sooner or later.
Zhao Xiu came over and took her hand, looking at her with concern. “Feng’er, don’t be sad. I’ll keep you company.”
Zhao Feng lifted her head, sniffled, and let out a deep breath. “I’m fine. I need to keep my spirits up. I have to take care of my mother.”
“That’s right. You’re a strong, clever girl. Your father didn’t dote on you for nothing.”
“Auntie, could you ask around for me? See if anyone wants to buy that canopy bed and the dressing table. I want to sell them and use the money to treat my brother. And if you don’t mind that I’ve used them, I’d like to leave them for Xiu’er. We can’t stay here for free—my mother agreed.”
“How can that be? We can’t take advantage of you. Everyone falls on hard times. That would be like robbing someone in a crisis. We’re not that kind of people.”
“Sister-in-law, take them. It’s my decision. No matter what happens, I have to let the children hold their heads high. Consider it our rent.”
Both aunts were flustered and about to refuse when Fifth Grandpa spoke up. “Take them. This bit of pride can’t be thrown away, and this spirit can’t be extinguished.”
“Father…”
Mrs. Qian started to object. Xiu’er was her daughter, and of course she loved her, but they couldn’t just take someone’s things like this. The family was already struggling so much—it wasn’t right.
“Keep them. I still have some silver. We’ll buy them and give them to Xiu’er as part of her dowry. They need money right now, and if they sold to someone else, they’d just get lowballed.”
Fifth Grandpa understood what Zhao Feng meant.
“Fine, we’ll do as Father says. We’ll pay for them.”
Uncle Zhao Guang spoke up, glancing at his wife Mrs. Qian as a signal.
“Alright, I’ll get the money for you in a bit.”
“Auntie, no rush. Let’s settle the rent and food costs later. This is my bond with Xiu’er—please let me do this.”
Zhao Feng bowed in gratitude.
“Uncle, Auntie, we’re sorry to put you out and have you spend on our behalf. I want to treat my eldest brother’s injury. Our family will remember your kindness forever, and we will repay it in the future.”
Zhao Feng had to say these words—she couldn’t let anyone think they were ungrateful wolves who didn’t know gratitude.
“Why is this child saying such things?”
Mrs. Qian patted her shoulder and sighed with sympathy. This child had it hard.
Zhao Bin looked at his sister without saying a word, but there was more resolve and steadiness in his eyes. Overnight, the youth had grown up, understanding the heavy responsibility on his shoulders.
“Feng’er, let’s go talk in our room. You don’t need to cook.”
Xiu’er pulled her back inside.
Mrs. Qian simply dragged Mrs. Xu into conversation, and seeing her staring blankly, pulled her into some work instead. Keeping her hands busy would keep her from dwelling on dark thoughts.
“Your Feng’er is truly a good child—clever and sensible. Those who study really are different. If you’re short on money, just say the word. Treating the child’s injury comes first.”
“Ah, thank you, sister and young sister-in-law. I…”
Mrs. Xu blinked back tears and swallowed her crying, wanting to thank them again.
“Enough. We’ve known each other for years—no need for formalities.”
Only then did Zhao Bin come over and sit on the stool to speak with his mother: “Mother, I’ve sorted everything out. There’s only those five mu of land, and a few bags of grain that we’ve moved over. Nothing else.
From now on, Grandmother will live with Second Uncle, and we don’t have to pay for her care or funeral expenses. Father’s funeral costs are also on Second Uncle’s head. He won’t meddle in our affairs anymore either.”
“That’s fine too—saves us from getting tangled up later. Feng’er was right. From now on, we’ll live our own life in peace. Mother listens to you.
Tomorrow, go into town with Fifth Grandpa and get your hand treated. Don’t you dare say you won’t anymore. If you have any ambition, bring honor to your mother, and support your younger siblings. Don’t let your father die with his eyes open.”
Mrs. Xu choked out the words, her heart aching at the memory of her husband.
“Alright, I’ll go.”
Zhao Bin closed his eyes and spoke heavily. His handsome features now carried a trace of grief and forbearance.
All three Zhao siblings were exceptionally good-looking—it seemed all the spiritual essence of Zhaojia Village had been given to them. Zhao Bin was studious, clever, steady, humble, and sensible. The second brother, Zhao Yi, had followed their father in brewing and was a skilled hand—diligent and hardworking, no slouch at reading or arithmetic either.
Zhao Feng had studied a few years at the private school. She had bright eyes and white teeth, striking and beautiful—one of the prettiest girls around. A girl who had studied carried herself differently from village girls; she looked more refined and spirited.
That evening they had a simple dinner. Out of respect for their mourning period, they ate only vegetarian dishes.
As dusk fell, Fifth Grandpa pulled Zhao Bin aside to talk. Zhao Feng also sat down, untying her eldest brother’s bandages and applying the ointment the doctor had prescribed, while simultaneously using her ability to continue healing his wound.
Her ability had only just broken through to the first level, and in just a few short days, her power was indeed limited. Her brother’s injury was not light—it had damaged the bone and would take time to fully heal. To avoid leaving hidden problems, she truly needed her ability; medicine alone wouldn’t cure it.
She dabbed some ointment onto the wound on her brother’s wrist, gently rubbing it in while slowly infusing her Wood-element Ability. Using the medicine alongside it would speed up the effect—getting twice the result with half the effort.
“Hmm, it’s warm. How come it gets warm when you rub it? I don’t feel anything when I rub it myself.”
Zhao Bin had noticed. These past few days, his sister had been rubbing his wound morning, noon, and night—three times a day—and it was clearly hurting less.
Three times was the limit of her current power. Any more and she couldn’t manage—she would grow weak. On one hand, she was genuinely grieving her father’s death; on the other, healing her brother’s injury had taken a toll. She couldn’t eat, she was heartbroken, and she was expending energy—it was inevitable that she’d lost weight.
Once her brother recovered in a few days and she could eat properly, she’d bounce back. It wasn’t a big deal.
“I’m clever.”
“Pfft.”
Zhao Bin turned his head away and continued discussing family matters with Fifth Grandpa.