The Formidable Lady of the Poor Scholar’s Household

Chapter 4: Qian SiShui—An Aloof Lady

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

When Doctor Wang came in, he was shocked by the woman on the bed. Her gaze was like a sharp sword that directly pierced through his heart.

Qian Sishui knew that she was not in any danger in this world. She relaxed her eyebrows and let the middle-aged man take her pulse.

“Continue taking the medicine. I’ll be back in three days,” Doctor Wang instructed.

Shi Jinhua followed behind the physician to send him off. “Doctor Wang, how’s her health?”

“She’s recovering well, but I can’t explain this poison to you in a short period of time. However, if she continues to take my medicine, she’ll recover in half a month’s time. If you hadn’t met me, she would have died two days ago.”

Shi Jinhua thought to himself, That was close!

When he entered the room again, Shi Jinhua quietened his footsteps.

“The doctor said that you’re recovering well. You have to continue taking medicine. Are you hungry? Shall I cook for you?”

“Yeah.”

Hearing the response, Shi Jinhua continued, “I have to make it clear to you. A few days ago, I passed by the government office and happened to see all the exiled woman. Dozens of women were brought home to be wives in exchange for two taels of silver.” As he spoke, he stole a glance at the woman on the bed.

“Ok.” Unexpectedly, Qian Sishui had responded!

Shi Jinhua did not think too much about it and continued, “You were the last one that no one wanted. I happened to pass by, so I brought you back. I spent five copper coins.” As he spoke, he did not dare to look at the woman. It was really too little money.

“Oh.”

Even when Qian Sishui heard that she was worth only five copper coins, there was no change in her expression.

“But I’ve spent two taels of silver on your illness. We’ve received the marriage certificate. If you’re unwilling, return the money to me and I’ll sign the divorce papers for you.” He couldn’t help but feel a tinge of disappointment as he said this. After all, she was legally his wife.

“Huh?”

Qian Sishui looked at the young man in front of her in confusion. He was so young, yet he wanted a wife? However, when she thought about how men and women in this world got married at the age of 16 or 17, there was nothing to be surprised about.

When Shi Jinhua saw the other party’s puzzled expression, he quickly explained, “It’s fine if you don’t want to. Anyway, I live alone. It’s good for you to live with me. If you don’t want to be my wife, I won’t force you!”

“Ok.”

What was wrong with being a village woman? At least she didn’t have to worry about dying every day.

When Shi Jinhua heard the woman’s response, he nearly broke down. She was willing to live with him!

Qian Sishui thought of going out to bask in the sun and to look around the village. Unfortunately, she could not get up even after three attempts. In the end, Shi Jinhua could not stand it anymore and said, “Don’t mind me.”

He carried her out and placed her on the rocking chair in the courtyard.

“The afternoon sun is unrelenting. Just stay under the tree. It’s just as well that the peach blossoms are blooming. Here in our border region, it only gets slightly warmer in late spring.”

He held the young lady in his arms as the latter’s unique fragrance teased his nose. He suddenly felt his whole body blush and he quickly spoke to divert the attention.

“Sit here while I cook. What do you want to eat? I’ll cook for you.”

Qian SIshui glanced at the boy. His eyes were filled with affection, making her feel light-headed.

“Anything will do.”

When Shi Jinhua heard this, the corners of his lips curled up slightly. At the very least, that had been more than just a one-word response!

The young man didn’t even know why he was happy. Perhaps he had lived alone for too long and was a little lonely. Or perhaps he wanted to feel loved and needed.

Then, he started preparing egg porridge for the young woman as she had not eaten for a few days and could only eat soft food. He would just have a simple meal to satiate his hunger later.

After Qian Sishui finished eating, Shi Jinhua washed the pots and bowls, before bringing a book to read under the eaves in the courtyard. Seeing that the weather was not so hot anymore, he got up. “I have to go to the fields. I’ll carry you back to the room. I’m afraid I’ll be back late.”

Qian Sishui enjoyed this quiet life very much. “There’s no need for that.” Her body had recovered some strength.

Shi Jinhua didn’t argue and simply picked up the hoe, heading towards the fields.

Not long after Shi Jinhua left, Auntie Wan came over with a plate. “Hua, are you still at home?”

The courtyard door was unlocked. She pushed the door open to see Qian Sishui reclining on the rocking chair.

The sun’s rays shone through the leaves, highlighting the woman’s face. It was as peaceful and beautiful as a painting.

When Qian Sishui heard the door open, she opened her eyes and looked at the woman standing in front of her. She remembered that this woman had taken care of her and helped her wash up. She had wanted to smile to express her friendliness, but it came out as a frown.

Seeing that the woman’s brows were furrowed, Auntie Wan felt a little apologetic. “Um, young lady, I didn’t expect you to be in the courtyard. I wanted to visit you.”

As she spoke, she carried the plate into the kitchen. When she came out again, she saw Qian Sishui staring at her.

“Qian Sishui,” the young lady said.

Madam Wan was stunned. “What Qian Sishui?” Why was she talking about money?

“My name.”

Qian Sishui thought: With my personality, it’s really not suitable for me to live in a community.

“Sigh! Why did I talk about money? So your name is Qian Sishui! That’s a nice name. You’ll have an endless supply of money. How lucky!”

Just how much did her parents like money?

The young woman tried her best to smile again, but it was a pity that her face was cramping. In the end, she simply gave up.

When Qian Sishui was alive, she only knew how to kill. She had never had much emotional intelligence. In fact, she had been no different from an emotionless robot.

She had always followed the orders from her superiors without any hesitation—killing whomever she was instructed to. Because of this, she had gained the favor of the higher-ups while gaining a fearsome reputation at the same time. Wherever she was, death was bound to be.

When Auntie Wan saw Qian Sishui’s coldness, she thought to herself, This child is so pitiful. She’s like a lifeless puppet.

When she thought of Qian Sishui’s tender and smooth hands, it must have been that the latter had not recovered from the trauma.

“Are you bored sitting there?” Auntie Wan asked.

Qian Sishui was a little dazzed. She closed her eyes and answered, “Yes.”

The young girl’s weakness made Auntie Wan’s heart ache. The older woman headed home with a basket before returning to Qian Sishui’s side. Then, she chatted with the young lady as she pulled the thread.

What was Auntie Wan talking about?

“Sigh, let me tell you. Hua is a very good person. If I had a daughter, I would want him to be my son-in-law.” After saying that, she glanced at Qian Sishui. “The unmarried girls in the village are all secretly thinking about him. Look beyond his financial status. He has a good character. What do we really want as women? Isn’t it just to marry into a good family? Love? In the end, it’s all what fills your stomach that matters.” As she spoke, her hands were not idle.

“Previously, when Hua’s parents were still around, many people came to ask about him. At that time, Hua was already a gifted child. Here in the border region, being able to study is considered living an extravagant lifestyle.” Auntie Wan sighed when she thought of the past. “Sigh… It’s because Hua’s life wasn’t good. His eldest brother went to the army and didn’t return. Who knows if he’s dead or alive? His parents passed away a long time ago. But he does have two sisters—one married into the neighboring Shanxi Village, and the other married into our village. But what a pity! His youngest sister has been petty since she was young. She always said that her family was biased towards Hua. After she got married, she never came back. It’s as if she cut all ties with them.” She thought for a moment and glanced at Qian Sishui.

“You’ll understand all this after you stay here for a long time. If she ignores you, don’t bother with her either. She’s very calculative!”

By now, the sun was setting. “I’ll come back tomorrow when I have time. Hua should be back soon.”

Auntie Wan had been talking to Qian Sishui the entire afternoon, so the latter did not feel lonely.