Chapter 144

Chapter 144

Her hands raw and sore, Qing-Qing scrubbed at the blankets in the cold river water, arms tired and head light. She had little difficulty caring for her own needs, but with a second, useless mouth to feed, it was starting to overwhelm her. Rain Baledagh, she corrected herself, ate enough food to beggar three families, his belly an endless hole through which all her efforts and goodwill disappeared. She spent every minute of every day toiling away, whether it be cleaning, cooking, foraging, or fixing, she hadn't had a moment's rest since he arrived.

That pampered little warrior even had the gall to make sour faces as she spoon-fed him. What was so terrible about her cooking? Any man in the village would be delighted to eat a meal prepared by her, much less be hand fed. He claimed to dislike seafood, which was absurd, clams were deliciously chewy while oysters made a fine meal with nothing more than garlic and vinegar. It wasn't easy finding enough to fill his belly, hours spent on her hands and knees digging through the surf, or diving into dangerous waters in search of sustenance.

At least he pretended he enjoyed the meal, even if only with lip service. If not, she might have poisoned the little ingrate. The worst of it were his horrendous manners, thanking her only once in memory and making outrageous, off-hand statements, like asking if she might catch and butcher a wild beast. Who did he think she was, some famed huntress? If she stepped foot outside the village without an escort, she'd end up in some beast's belly by nightfall or worse. No matter, the Mother would provide and Qing-Qing would soon be free of all these burdens, a rich woman in the prime of life.

Her suffering was made all the worse knowing there was a veritable fortune sitting inside her hut. Before meeting Baledagh, she'd never have thought there would come a time when her problems stemmed from having too much gold, but now? She didn't dare spend more than a copper or two to trade, feigning extreme poverty to keep her windfall secret. It was impossible to depend on Baledagh for protection, he could barely sit up for a meal, and if the villagers learned of the fortune in his boot, they might act rashly. Even she entertained thoughts of diving into the waters to search for the other boot, but lacked the courage to face the dangers lurking in deep waters. The Mother had no love for fools and daredevils, favouring prudence and caution.

Mindlessly washing the bed-sheets, her thoughts wandered through the possibilities of what she might do with fifty gold. With that much coin, she'd move into PingYao city, guarded by its turtle protector. Safe from beasts and bandits, she'd be able to wander about the city for days, strolling around in a lovely silk dress, how wonderful that would be... She'd never have to worry about straying from the path and stumbling into a ferocious beast's den, or having to hide with all the womenfolk when riders arrived in the night. Living in a house of stone and brick with a roof that didn't leak, sleeping on a real bed with cotton sheets, it was all so luxurious she could hardly imagine it.

The sound of derisive laughter broke out and Qing-Qing glanced over at a group of her friends, all the younger, unwed women who smiled back at her. Gathering her laundry, she grinned as she approached. Ladies, please tell me you have a funny story to share. I've worked so hard lately I've hardly had time for a chat and I'm in desperate need of good cheer. They glanced at each other, tittering quietly before their laughter broke out once more. Tilting her head, she raised an eyebrow as she smiled with them, their laughter infectious. Come now, share the story. Did Drunkard Mu wake up in the chicken coop again?

The girls all kept quiet as they continued to titter and glance among themselves, so Qing-Qing turned to her best friend since childhood, Bao Bei. After losing her own family, she'd been bounced around the different households before staying with Bei's family for close to a year. She became fast friends with the girl, holding her hand at night while crying for her family, Bei playing the part of the older sister. Auntie Ting and uncle Wei were so kind to her, treating her like one of their own when all the other adults tried to pretend she didn't exist.Updated from novelbIn.(c)om

After Uncle Wei injured his back, she left to live with Gen's family, the village chief the only one willing to take her in. She didn't stay long, Gen's aggressive pursuit forcing her away, leaving to strike out on her own at the tender age of fifteen. It hadn't been an easy five years since, but once she reunited Baledagh with his people and she was safely away, she would send for Bei and her family to join her in PingYao. No sense condemning another to her fate before she was free and clear. She couldn't just assume Baledagh would keep his word, not with all the horrible stories about him. Bei-Bei, come now, don't be so stingy, what's the joke?

Snorting, Bei gave her a disparaging look. Oh, you don't know? Go take a look at your reflection and the joke will look right back at you. Qing-Qing blinked in confusion, staring at her friend of over ten years who wore a hateful sneer. The beautiful and perfect Ai Qing, too good to marry anyone from the village. Bad enough you strung Gen along for years, but now you think yourself too good for him? Despicable.

Oh my, but haven't you heard? Ai Qing found herself a new man, and a handsome one at that.

How was it they described him again?

A face like ground meat, picked through by the fishes. So dashing, like a hero out of legend.

Ah, I'm so envious, and to think, Ai Qing gets to wash his piss-stained blankets everyday.

The other girls joined to mock her, but she ignored them, looking pleadingly at Bei. Surely her friend didn't mean those harsh words, they were closer than sisters, had been through so much. What are you talking about? I never strung Gen along, I declined his advances for years, you saw as much.

After freezing for several heartbeats, she burst into laughter as she gasped for air, rolling on the ground almost convulsing at how absurd it seemed. A man of his standing without friends, it was too comical to believe. People were probably tripping over themselves for the chance to sit with him, fawning over him day and night like a little prince. Wiping away her tears, she sat up and faced him, thankful for the gesture. He seemed upset, believing she'd rejected his offer, curling up and pouting in the dark. Thank you, Rain. Qing-Qing would be honoured to be your friend.

Instantly cheering up, he chided her gently. Call me Baledagh, please. So what happened? Do you want me to kill someone?

Chuckling to herself, she patted his cheek. He was almost adorable, a bloodthirsty little brother who tried to help the only way he knew how. To a hammer, every problem looked like a nail. No, no killing, besides you're in no condition to walk, much less fight on my behalf. Even then, disliking me isn't cause for death. Helping him back to his bed, she told him everything that transpired, airing her grievances to a listening ear. Seeing his frowning expression, she soon found herself defending her fellow villagers, worried he might truly go out and kill them. In a strange way, it was almost sweet how he was willing to defend her so vehemently. I don't understand why they would all turn on me like that, I've never had arguments with anyone, the villagers have always been so kind and supportive...

Seems obvious. They resent you.

Why would they resent me? For saving you? That's in our best interests, a dead bandit might bring vengeance down on all of us, and if your people found out you died here... She shuddered, unable to complete the thought.

No, not because of me, though that might be their excuse. They resent who you are and what you represent. You said your father was a good man, right? There's your reason. Yawning, he stretched lazily and settled back down to sleep.

What's this have to do with my father?

Well, a physician is a valuable resource and it stands to reason he was well liked. He was probably their friend, maybe even a benefactor, and seeing him killed on a whim and his family tortured would be traumatizing. They looked after you out of guilt, but guilt can only last so long. Shrugging, he continued speaking sleepily. You're a living reminder of their frailty and failures, the very sight of you dredging up old guilt and shame, which then turns to anger and hatred, a powerful emotion. Eventually, they forget everything besides the hatred, and here you are.

Kneeling at his side, she watched him close his eyes to rest, the day's events exhausting him. So young yet so jaded, was that really how the world was? What about everything Bei said? Her parents were so good to me and she's been my best friend since we were young. They swore to be best friends forever...

She unmarried? And Gen's strong, right? Most eligible bachelor, the bitch wants him for herself. Jealousy. Simple. Waving his hand, he smiled drowsily. Forget about her and the rest, you're better than them. I'll bring you away from this miserable backwater, my lucky star. Reward you richly, I swear it. Won't be long, healing quickly. Used the chamber pot today, won't need to do laundry every day...

Smiling at his sluggish voice, she timidly reached out and stroked his face, delighting as he rubbed his cheek against her hand, like little puppy seeking affection. Perhaps he wasn't so bad, he was trying so hard to regain his strength and reunite with his people. It was sweet of him to comfort her. He was right, she was better than them.

Taking a deep breath, she patted her own cheeks and steeled herself. If she wanted him to bring her away, then she'd need to work hard and care for him. There was still plenty to be done, the laundry needed drying, the floors sweeping, and she still had to scavenge for food. Most pressing was that she didn't own a chamber pot, so a search would have to be conducted. Luckily, the hut wasn't large and she only needed to follow her nose. She prayed to the Mother, hoping he hadn't used her only cooking pot.

Again, she compared him to a stray pup, hoping he could heal and grow into a powerful protector.

Perhaps her dreams would come true after all.

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