Chapter Thirty-Two: Teaching Children Behind the Scenes

After seeing Lord Lu off with a smile, the village chief looked at Shen Zhiyi beside him, his face instantly hardening as he said, "Shen girl, come with me home."

This was unlike the usual kind tone when he called me home for dinner. Although I didn't understand why at first, I sensed something was wrong and said, "Grandpa Village Chief, I still have some pancakes from this morning that I haven't eaten yet, so I won't go."

"What kind of flatbread? Your stove is as cold as ice." The village chief said, reaching out to pull Shen Zhiyi back with him, but then hesitated, putting his hands behind his back again, and said calmly, "At worst, I'll call your Grandma Qin over..."

"No, no, no, I'll go," Shen Zhiyi pleaded, "so that she won't have to make another trip."

Shen Zhiyi went home with the village chief for lunch. With Grandma Qin's care and concern, her initial anxiety immediately subsided, and she finished the meal peacefully.

Everyone else went about their business, leaving only the village chief and Grandma Qin in the main room. The unease returned to Shen Zhiyi's heart, and she slowly said, "Grandpa Village Chief, Grandma Qin, I'll be going now."

As she spoke, she was already walking outside.

"Girl, stop right there!" the village chief shouted. His voice was loud enough to startle the kind and gentle Grandma Qin, whose expression gradually turned serious.

“You’re a grown woman now, you have your own ideas! You’ve caused quite a stir to invite the magistrate into the village, and now you’re practically scheming right in front of him!” the village chief said in a deep voice, picking up a stick from the side to use as a cane and slamming it heavily on the ground. “You’re really bold! It’s a good thing the magistrate didn’t take it to heart, otherwise we would all be in jail for you!”

Shen Zhiyi looked towards Grandma Qin for help, only to see the other woman quietly look away, clearly not wanting to get involved.

"It's alright..." Shen Zhiyi muttered softly. Seeing the village chief looking over with wide eyes, she quickly added, "Didn't Grandpa Village Chief say that Lord Lu is a good official? A good official wouldn't arrest people for no reason. He is dedicated to the people. I just wanted to do my part, maybe I can help him."

The village chief listened and thought it made sense. In the blink of an eye, Shen Zhiyi showed no remorse. The fear in his heart was brought up again, and he said in a deep voice, "What if? Who can guarantee that a good official will always be a good official? I'm afraid that a few words might offend someone and cause trouble!"

"I know I was wrong. In the future, I will definitely talk to Grandpa Village Chief first before I go to see Lord Lu!" Shen Zhiyi realized and obediently promised.

"We've already discussed this, and Zhiyi has remembered it. Old man, please don't get angry anymore," Grandma Qin quickly advised.

The village chief was still fuming. He glanced at Grandma Qin, then looked away and asked, "Who are you planning to go see Lord Lu with tomorrow?"

"I'm fine on my own," Shen Zhiyi said softly, constantly watching the village chief's expression. If his eyes drooped, it meant she hadn't said anything right, so she immediately added, "Bring Huaya along?"

With her eyes still downcast, Shen Zhiyi continued, "Sister Cuihua? Uncle Shitou?"

“Let Zhao Daya go with you.” Seeing that Shen Zhiyi didn’t speak, the village chief explained, “Huaya has to stay in the village. There are still a few families who haven’t harvested their chili peppers. I’ll only feel at ease if she’s watching over them. Deng’s wife, Cuihua, is going back to town tomorrow and probably won’t be back until the day after tomorrow. Your Uncle Shitou is simple-minded. If the two of you go out, I don’t know who will take care of whom.”

“Da Ya has been decisive and bold since she was little. She also learned some of her grandfather’s martial arts skills and her father’s hunting skills. At least she can protect you when you’re out and about,” the village chief concluded.

"But she's only been back for a short time. Is Uncle Sanxing really willing to let her go?" Shen Zhiyi couldn't help but ask.

“If it were anyone else, he definitely wouldn’t feel at ease. But when he goes out with you, he’s worried that Daya won’t be able to protect you.” The village chief said, glancing at Grandma Qin.

“Since we’re on the topic, let’s take advantage of Daya’s home while you two sisters are enjoying some sweet moments,” Grandma Qin said, getting up only to be helped by Shen Zhiyi, who then pulled her back. “Let’s go.”

Shen Zhiyi didn't actually have much interaction with Zhao Daya. For the first six months after arriving, she was sickly and bedridden, receiving news from the village in a whirlwind fashion. Although the names of the people she met were often mentioned, she only had real contact with a few of them.

However, from Tang Huaya's tone, she knew that the original owner of this body was introverted, while Zhao Daya was fearless and acted as if there was a fire burning behind her, doing everything in a hurry.

With personalities like these, it's fair to say that neither of them wanted to talk to the other.

However, Shen Zhiyi still received a kindness from Zhao Daya, who caught a bamboo rat from somewhere, stewed it until it was tender, and brought it to her, saying, "You must get better."

Once Shen Zhiyi recovered from her illness, the next thing she heard was that the girl had sold herself.

Compared to the others who were redeemed, Zhao Daya acted as if nothing had happened, which was probably due to her personality.

On the way, Shen Zhiyi asked softly, "Is Ge Niu's injury any better?"

“Those heartless people actually used needles to prick people. If I hadn’t looked closely after I got back, I wouldn’t have known there were needles embedded in my body! After applying the medicine, I should feel much better.” Grandma Qin said fiercely, with an aura that seemed ready to punch the culprit if he were in front of her. “The clothes were cleaned thoroughly, and there were fine needles hidden in the collar, cuffs, and waist! Later, the harmful clothes were taken to town and pawned, which settled the matter. But Niu has become even more withdrawn and has been staying in her room lately.”

"We can only wait for her to figure it out herself," Shen Zhiyi said slowly. No matter how much outsiders say, it's not as good as her own understanding. "This morning when I passed by the clinic, I saw Uncle Gouzi. He said that Sanni's condition is much better."

"That's good!" Grandma Qin said happily. "When Sanni comes back, she'll definitely be able to give them a good talking-to."

Shen Zhiyi knew that the more cheerful a person seemed, the harder it was for them to get out of a dead end, so she said, "Sanni is badly injured. Let's talk about comforting her after she has rested for a while."

The two arrived at Zhao Sanxing's house while they were talking, and came face to face with Zhao Daya, who was coming out with a wood-chopping knife.

"Grandma Qin, what brings you here?" Zhao Daya said, tucking the wood-chopping knife she was holding into her waistband and stepping aside to let them in.

"I have something I want to tell you, but it's the middle of the day, are you going to chop firewood?" Grandma Qin asked gently.

"Yes, I heard that firewood in the city has gone up to five coins a bundle! I'll buy more and carry it to the city to sell; I can at least earn ten coins back!" Zhao Daya said earnestly. "Grandma, what do you need me for? If it's within my power, I'll get it done for you right away!"

The increased use of firewood in the city is mostly due to the use of heated brick beds (kang).

Shen Zhiyi carefully calculated Zhao Daya's progress in chopping firewood. She knew that if she delayed Zhao Daya's work for a few days, she would have to pay her back in kind. Only then could she feel at ease. She couldn't let Zhao Daya work for free.

"No matter how urgent this matter is, it has to start tomorrow." Grandma Qin said slowly. "Tomorrow at 9:00 AM, the magistrate's carriage will leave the city. You and Zhiyi can go with the magistrate's carriage. It may take a few days. During this time, we will have to rely on you to take care of Zhiyi."

After listening, Zhao Daya asked, "How are the cars arranged?"

“I plan to rent a car in the county,” Shen Zhiyi replied.

Grandma Qin remained silent, clearly indicating who was in charge of the matter. Zhao Daya looked up at Shen Zhiyi, suppressing her surprise, and asked, "How many days exactly? Should we prepare water and dry food?"

"The exact time is uncertain, it could be as short as two days. Just bring enough water and food for one day, we'll just be visiting different villages." Shen Zhiyi finished saying what she could, then looked at Zhao Daya, who remained silent. "I will pay you twenty coins a day."

Zhao Daya immediately retorted angrily, "Shen Daya, what do you mean by that! Even if I, Zhao Daya, am desperate for money, I will never make money off you! Humph, don't look down on me!"

Grandma Qin sat calmly, showing no intention of offering to help anyone.

"I was thinking that you could help supplement the family income by chopping firewood..." Shen Zhiyi said guiltily.

"So what? The machete is there for a day, and I use it for a day, is that the same thing? Just because I'm going to chop wood to earn money, you want to pay me for my work?" Zhao Daya interrupted angrily. "I don't care about earning your money!"

With a ruthless edge that threatened to hurt feelings when money was mentioned, Shen Zhiyi couldn't help but smile; this person's personality was still so domineering.

"What are you laughing at?" Zhao Daya said angrily.

"It's nothing, I'll listen to you," Shen Zhiyi said calmly.

"Hmph, that's more like it," Zhao Daya replied arrogantly, tilting her head slightly.

Seeing that they had settled the matter, Grandma Qin said, "Good friends don't hold grudges overnight. Now that everything has been said, no one is allowed to take it to heart."

"Understood, Grandma Qin," Zhao Daya and Shen Zhiyi replied in unison, glancing at each other with smiles of relief.

With Zhao Daya's help, the village chief and Grandma Qin were relieved of their worries. When she witnessed how skillfully Zhao Daya chopped firewood, she realized that this "bodyguard" was one of the best in the village!

At the exact hour of Chenshi (7-9 AM) on the second day, when the moonlight and sunlight appeared simultaneously and the light was faint, Shen Zhiyi's courtyard gate was knocked on. She had just finished washing up when she saw Zhao Daya coming in wearing a raincoat and carrying a bulging water bag on her waist. She handed her a bundle.

“These are pickled cabbage pancakes that my dad specially baked, to keep for the journey,” Zhao Daya said slowly.

"No wonder they're all warm to the touch. It seems Uncle Sanxing got up early to bake the pancakes." Shen Zhiyi said gently, carrying the bundle she had prepared. She took the bundle from Zhao Daya and held it in her arms, feeling the warmth emanating from the bundle.

"My dad's pickled cabbage pancakes are the best, it's a pity he didn't pickle many this year," Zhao Daya said regretfully, then quickly changed the subject, "I heard you made that sauce, is it good? It's the talk of the village yesterday!"

"Chili sauce," Shen Zhiyi corrected, then continued, "It'll be ready by the time we get back, then we can eat it together!"

“Okay!” Zhao Daya replied without hesitation.

The two walked towards the village entrance while talking, gradually closing the distance between them during their conversation.