Chapter 22: Hmph! You Coward

Zhang Xiaolan simply decided to sit outside the carriage, gazing at the endless expanse of green rice fields, no longer bothered by the pungent scent of the countryside. Xiao Lian, delighted, poked her head out as well.

“Can we play in the fields later?” Zhang Xiaolan asked Haizi, full of anticipation, but his response quickly dashed her hopes.

“It’s all muddy water in there, with frogs, snakes, and all sorts of bugs. The farmers cherish their rice fields dearly. If you’re not afraid of trampling the rice and being cursed by them, you can go take a look—I’ll wait for you in the carriage.”

Whether intentionally or not, Haizi said this to Zhang Xiaolan, but it sounded rather intimidating.

“Pfft! After what you’ve said, how could I even dare?” Zhang Xiaolan retorted with a disgruntled snort, feeling that the fields sounded perilous and she wouldn’t dare venture in.

“That’s right! You make it sound so frightening, with all those snakes, frogs, and bugs. But those farmers are simple folk—they might kindly let us take a look, as long as we don’t ruin their rice,” Xiao Lian protested, unwilling to accept Haizi’s words, and encouraged Zhang Xiaolan to go if she wished.

“You can go if you want! If you get scolded or caught, don’t blame me,” Haizi replied, his tone unpleasant but truthful. If they insisted, he wouldn’t stop them, but whatever happened, he wouldn’t involve himself.

“Hmph! Coward!” Xiao Lian shot Haizi a glare, resenting his lack of chivalry.

“Let it be, Xiao Lian. I was just wondering, anyway. Haizi, where do we buy vegetables?” Zhang Xiaolan, seeing the argument about to escalate, quickly soothed Xiao Lian and shifted Haizi’s attention. Her curiosity was fleeting—just seeing the fields was enough.

“We’re almost there—it’s at the first farmhouse ahead,” Haizi said, pointing to a dwelling surrounded by low earthen walls, its roof covered with bundles of straw, making it clear the family wasn’t particularly wealthy.

“It’s quite close,” Zhang Xiaolan mused. Haizi had said it was far, yet the carriage ride took only half an hour; walking would be just an hour.

Soon, the carriage stopped at the farmhouse gate. A woman inside heard the horses and hurried out to greet them, her manner warm and familiar with Haizi.

“Haizi, you’re here!”

“Yes, Aunt Gu. I’ve come to buy some vegetables again. Is Uncle Gu or Brother Gu home today?” Haizi hopped off the carriage, happily chatting with Aunt Gu, momentarily forgetting to help Zhang Xiaolan and Xiao Lian out. Aunt Gu noticed the extra guests first.

“Oh, Haizi, you’ve brought two beautiful young ladies today. Please invite them in to my humble home for some tea,” Aunt Gu said cordially, inviting them inside.

“There’s just one young lady, and the other is her maid,” Haizi replied, quickly fetching small stools and helping Zhang Xiaolan down. Xiao Lian, nimble as ever, followed right behind.

“Hello, Aunt Gu!” Zhang Xiaolan greeted her politely, though unfamiliar with the ancient gesture of respect, she simply offered a courteous salutation.

“Hello, miss! Please, come in and sit down!” Aunt Gu said warmly, her smile bright and sincere, eager to welcome Zhang Xiaolan inside for tea and to treat them well.