Chapter 13: Chapter 13

Since Ye Qiuniang had been sent down to Paulownia Village, Ming Rou became despondent. The person attending her had been replaced by the servant girl, Little Cui. Little Cui kept to her assigned duties as a servant should, not daring to speak a word more to her.

Every day, Ming Rou got up on time to go to the Study and read. But halfway through, she couldn’t help stopping to stare blankly into space. In the past, there was always someone sitting beside her, like a silly goose, frequently being reprimanded by the Teacher. But now, the space beside her was empty.

Whenever she recalled the words Old Patriarch Ming had said while squatting before her that day, her chest would churn with turmoil. She resented her grandfather’s coldness and ruthlessness, hated her father’s despicable actions, and mourned her mother, who, like a clinging vine, only knew how to depend on others.

At the same time, she was angry at herself for being too young and having words that carried no weight.

Precisely because of this, in the days that followed, she didn’t dare slack off for even a moment. Because only by becoming strong could she have a voice, could she bring Jiujiu back.

Thus, she worked harder than before, studying even more diligently.

Ming Rou was naturally intelligent. Coupled with the events she’d experienced over this period, her young mind began to taste the flavors of life’s sweetness, sourness, bitterness, and spice. Things she once couldn’t understand seemed to find answers, and her academic learning began to synthesize and connect. The Teacher, seeing her enlightenment, felt both joy and regret.

Old Patriarch Ming also came to see her from time to time, but the warm, intimate scenes between the grandfather and granddaughter were gone. The Old Patriarch looked at the stubborn little figure before him, sighing softly in his heart with pity. Yet he still kept a stern face, checking her schoolwork and pointing out any dissatisfaction harshly.

Ming Rou refused to be outdone. She would pay extra attention next time to ensure the Old Patriarch found no fault.

Since the previous argument with Ming Yulan, mother and daughter hadn’t seen each other for many days. Ming Yulan didn’t come to find Ming Rou, and Ming Rou, holding onto her anger, certainly wouldn’t initiate a visit.

As for Du Xian, father and daughter had little interaction anyway. After the incident with Ye Qiuniang, Ming Rou treated him even more coldly.

In this way, within the large residence and its several courtyards, everyone kept to themselves. Interactions were pitifully scarce, and the laughter of former days was gone.

After Jiujiu left, Ming Rou’s world consisted of nothing but study. However, when the Old Patriarch went out to inspect the shops or visit the village estate, he would always take her along.

Initially, she didn’t quite understand, but gradually she seemed to perceive a clue: her grandfather seemed to be intentionally or unintentionally training her.

But this couldn’t compensate for the hurt he caused by indiscriminately exiling Jiujiu to the estate.

She followed behind the Old Patriarch, watching and learning, merely intending to acquire all his skills. That way, one day she would be qualified to negotiate with him and make decisions about Jiujiu herself.

However, after an incident occurred, she realized she might not live to see the day she could openly defy her grandfather.

She saw him coughing up blood.

Ming Rou began to panic. Her grandfather had always been her sky—upright, resolute, and decisive. Except for the matter with Jiujiu, he had always been fair and aboveboard, never tolerating hidden filth. Everyone in Pingle County respected him.

She knew that as long as the Old Patriarch was in charge of the Ming Family, even if Jiujiu was at the estate, she would still have a chance to see her again in the future.

But if her grandfather were gone, the household would inevitably fall under her father’s control. Then, not only would she have no chance of seeing Jiujiu again, but knowing her father’s character, Jiujiu might face even greater danger.

Ming Rou began to panic. She finally realized her grandfather’s good intentions. Recalling the scene of Jiujiu being sent away, certain things seemed to be on the tip of her tongue.

But no matter what, she was just a child of about ten years old. She had no way to influence others’ thinking, let alone resist the rules of the entire world. The only thing she could do was to beg her Wet Nurse to take her to the temple to pray for blessings.

Later, the Old Patriarch learned of this. He asked if she was praying for Jiujiu’s safety.

Ming Rou shook her head. “It was for Grandfather, praying that Grandfather can live a long life.”

Old Patriarch Ming understood. He gently patted her head and said, “Child, life and death are fated; they cannot be forced.”

Ming Rou’s eyes reddened, and tears threatened to fall again. She finally understood why her grandfather had been so cruel, saying such harsh words to her. It was because he wanted to force her to grow up quickly.

From then on, in the quiet of the night, when Ming Rou couldn’t sleep, she would take these matters out and ponder them repeatedly. Often, at these times, she missed her Jiujiu more than ever. If she were here, perhaps life wouldn’t be so difficult.

Or rather, as long as Jiujiu was here, even if life were difficult, she wouldn’t find it bitter.

Unknowingly, a year had finally passed. The Old Patriarch had promised that after a year, she could visit Jiujiu at the estate. Ming Rou had been looking forward to it eagerly for days prior.

In the carriage, grandfather and granddaughter sat side by side. Ming Rou’s mind had already flown to the estate. The Old Patriarch quizzed her on some knowledge, but she was barely responsive.

The Old Patriarch, seeing this, knowingly closed his mouth.

Their destination this time was exactly Paulownia Village. Paulownia Village was a large estate with fertile fields nearing a thousand mu.

The Ming Family were major Rice and Grain merchants. Besides purchasing grains from farmers, the rest of their supply came from their own fields and grain estates.

Paulownia Village was one such grain estate. These fertile fields all belonged to the Ming Family. The estate also housed dozens of people specifically responsible for the daily planting, tending, and harvesting of crops. During the busy farming season, additional Long-term Laborers were hired for help.

As soon as they entered the village, the Old Patriarch lifted the carriage curtain. Ming Rou looked out. An endless expanse of land was planted with crops. It was the season of rolling wheat waves, the fields a vast patch of golden yellow, looking incredibly stunning.

“My good child, this is our family’s land. Generation after generation, our Ming Family built its fortune from this soil.”

Ming Rou had been to the estate before but never during the right season. It was either just after spring planting or the autumn harvest was already finished. This scene of rolling wheat waves was a first for her.

Watching the farmers shuttle through the fields, appearing even smaller amidst the golden sea, this wondrous sight between heaven and earth made her heart feel incredibly vast. The scenes described in books were never as awe-inspiring as witnessing them with her own eyes.

The farmers, like ants, bustled busily, using their diligent hands to tend the grain crops produced by this great earth.

“Is Jiujiu one of them?” Ming Rou asked.

“Yes, it’s not quite harvest season yet. They should be busy in the experimental fields.”

“Grandfather, take me to see!” Ming Rou’s eyes were full of pleading. She wanted to see Jiujiu working the fields and experience it herself.

“Alright, I’ll take you,” Old Patriarch Ming said with a smile.

“Jiujiu must be working very hard.” Ming Rou’s face showed a trace of heartache.

“Child, those toiling in the fields might not necessarily be suffering, and those toasting and feasting in banquets might not necessarily be happy either. These matters can’t be viewed simply as right or wrong.” The Old Patriarch spoke with kindly affection.

Ming Rou thought this made sense and nodded vigorously. “Later, when I see Jiujiu, I will definitely ask her if she finds it hard. If she doesn’t like it, Grandfather, let me take her back, okay?”

Looking at Ming Rou’s pleading expression, Old Patriarch Ming sighed but didn’t give a definite answer either way.