Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
The more she spoke, the more fear gripped the Wang family, causing them to tremble and step back. Yet, with every step they took, Xia Muxin advanced, determined not to relent until they were utterly broken.
Moreover, Xia Muxin was known in Daimiao Village for her timid nature; she rarely dared to look anyone in the eye, let alone speak loudly. Her actions only confirmed the truth of the situation. The villagers were simple folk, and seeing such an honest and capable child pushed to the brink left no room for doubt.
"I say, Jin girl, if you're going to die, at least don't dirty my doorstep. You're nothing but a lowly harlot pretending to be virtuous and pitiful. I see this as Heaven's judgment for you—a young woman who knows nothing but how to seduce men. You deserve every bit of this fate."
With a loud bang, the door of Zhou Yousheng's house swung open. Mrs. Zhou threw a basin of water at the entrance and unleashed a torrent of curses upon Xia Muxin, reveling in her misfortune as if she wished to tear her apart.
Zhou Yousheng was the elder brother of Summer Forest, making him her uncle. His eldest daughter, Zhou Qinglian, was the legitimate wife of Wang Dafu. With some cunning charm, she had managed to wrap Wang Shoucai and his wife around her finger. This year, having given birth to a healthy son in January, her status had risen significantly, emboldening her family.
Summer Forest's second uncle, Zhou Changyuan, lived next door to Zhou Yousheng, while their fourth uncle, Zhou Changsheng, resided just a hundred meters away. Yet despite the commotion, none came forward to speak up because Summer Forest was born of his father's first wife and had a younger sister married off in a neighboring village. The Zhou family members were brought in by their stepmother.
The Wu family was a formidable force—sharp-tongued and cold-hearted—targeting only Summer Forest and her siblings. Meanwhile, Zhou Yousheng and his brothers enjoyed warmth and plenty. In stark contrast stood Summer Forest, gaunt and skeletal-looking; his skin was sallow and thin, with prominent cheekbones that made him appear like a mountain despite being under forty years old.
He had once been skilled as a carpenter. However, when the Wang family moved here years ago and invited him to build houses for them, disaster struck on the day they completed the roof. A beam fell from above and crushed both of Summer Forest's hands before rolling off to kill the rooster meant for sealing the roof.
This was considered a grave omen in rural areas—a sign of great misfortune—and the Wang family blamed Summer Forest for failing to catch the falling timber. They withheld his wages and frequently sought trouble with him thereafter.
Though Summer Forest's hands were not completely crushed by the beam, he could no longer perform heavy labor; even wielding an axe became a struggle.
Taking advantage of this misfortune, the Wu family divided their household among several brothers. When it came time for Summer Forest's share, he received nothing—no bowls or land—leaving his family helpless. They could only construct three thatched cottages in their solitary vegetable garden and survive on boiled wild vegetables and tree roots for their meals.
Later, Summer Forest, ignoring his illness, took Xia Tieshu to chop firewood. Although he couldn't lift heavy loads, he could still carry some on his shoulders. He saved a few coins from his mouth, and by this year's Spring Plowing, he managed to buy three acres of Thin Field. He had hoped that life would improve, but then this incident happened.
Now, Xia Tieshu had been crippled in both legs, leaving the family without a strong backbone once again. Everyone was weak and sickly; it truly was a case of misfortunes never coming singly.
Zhou Yousheng's third daughter, Zhou Guilian, was a year older than Xia Muxin and was on the verge of finding a match. However, the man she admired, Feng Liulang, happened to be interested in Xia Muxin instead. The relationship between the two sisters-in-law was already strained.
As a result, the Du family and others viewed Summer Forest as their sworn enemy, feeling uncomfortable if they went a day without cursing him out.
- End of Chapter -
Comment 0 Comment Count