Chapter 78
Despite being ambushed by Luo Dianshi, Fu Wei continued his duties at the government office as usual.
Luo Dianshi, on the other hand, took a day off.
Over the past two days, the yamen runners they met in the back alley would respectfully greet Fu Wei as "Mr. Fu," surprising others.
When asked why they changed their address, they simply said that Mr. Fu was a magnanimous person, young yet composed, and highly valued by their superior, deserving their respect.
……
Others spoke in riddles, but at least the stone slabs at the hidden entrance hadn't been moved again these past few days.
Fu Wei, preoccupied with the task Yu Ying had entrusted to him before returning to the village about investigating the Wen family, had been busy with miscellaneous tasks but also searched the archives for records about Gu Ao Village.
After a thorough search, he couldn't find the Wen family's records, slightly frowning and about to ask someone, when he saw Registrar Luo entering.
Seeing Fu Wei, Registrar Luo's expression faltered, unsure how to face him.
Fu Wei glanced at Registrar Luo’s tightly clenched palms and, diverting his gaze calmly, asked the clerk managing the archive, “Why are the household records of Gu Ao Village from three years ago missing?”
The clerk glanced nervously at Registrar Luo and after a moment of hesitation, said, "I'm not quite sure myself."
Fu Wei, aware of the clerk's apprehension towards Registrar Luo, didn’t expose him but simply said, “Could you please push me out?”
The clerk hurried forward to push the palanquin.
As he passed by Registrar Luo, just about to exit the archive room, he suddenly heard Registrar Luo’s voice behind him, “The records here were reorganized after the county magistrate took office. The previous records are kept in the old archive room.”
The clerk, about to push the new aide out of the room, froze, turning in surprise towards Registrar Luo.
Registrar Luo had been gloomy during his encounters with Aide Fu in the previous days, and considering his close relationship with Aide Sun, wasn’t he supposed to be on Sun’s side?
Why then did he suddenly offer help today?
Fu Wei raised his hand, signaling the clerk to pause, then turned to look at Registrar Luo.
Registrar Luo, looking down uncomfortably, said, "I'm quite familiar with the old archives. Just tell me what you're looking for, Mr. Fu."
The clerk was astonished at hearing "Mr. Fu."
Fu Wei didn't beat around the bush, stating directly, "I need the records of all the people who moved out of Gu Ao Village from May to August three years ago."
After a moment's thought, Registrar Luo said, "I'll have them delivered to Mr. Fu in two and a half hours."
Fu Wei nodded, "Thank you."
Registrar Luo appeared slightly startled at this "thank you."
As Fu Wei turned back and the clerk pushed him out of the archive room, Registrar Luo watched his departing figure and murmured softly, "Why thank me? I am the one who should be grateful..."
In less than two and a half hours, Registrar Luo brought the records to Fu Wei.
After finding the records, Registrar Luo had also briefly reviewed their contents.
From the records, he recalled the archive he had consulted previously for Fu Wei’s wife, Mrs. Yu, when she wanted to bring her brother and sister-in-law back.
The record of her sister-in-law was noted as a woman from the Fu family of Lingshui Village, but she served in place of the Wen family of Gu Ao Village.
It seemed a bit strange, but he hadn't delved into it. Now, reflecting on it, Registrar Luo roughly guessed whom Fu Wei was searching for.
Fu Wei opened the bamboo slips and looked at the address, his eyebrows slightly furrowed.
The address of the Wen family was the first place they were taken to in Yu County when Fu Wei and Yu Ying were searching for a house.
It seemed that the Wen family had used their niece's dowry to move to Yu County, but perhaps due to spending a lot of silver to bribe the yamen runners, they now resided in the poorest area of Yu County.
With no one around in the corridor, Registrar Luo finally broke the silence, "Thank you, Mr. Fu, for what happened yesterday."
Fu Wei looked up from the records, "Have you come to a realization?"
Registrar Luo nodded, "I have. I was stuck in a dead end, walking the wrong path. If not for Mr. Fu's magnanimity, I fear I would be in prison by now."
He paused, then added, "My elder brother owes Mr. Fu's wife an apology. I must persuade him to make amends. I also owe Mr. Fu a favor, and I will not hesitate to help when needed."
Fu Wei rolled up the bamboo slips and placed them on his lap, indifferently responding, "The deeds of your brother cannot be forgiven by my wife or me, but I will not hold it against you. Other matters can be discussed later."
After speaking, Fu Wei looked past Registrar Luo, "Mr. Sun."
Sun, the aide, seeing Fu Wei and Registrar Luo conversing amiably under the same roof, frowned.
Suddenly addressed as "Mr. Sun," he masked his displeasure with a smile and approached, "It's rare to see Registrar Luo and Young Master Fu having a heart-to-heart. What brings you together today?"
Fu Wei replied, "Just discussing official matters. Now that we're done, I must return to my duties."
Sun, the aide, smiled and watched Fu Wei leave, then turned to Registrar Luo, reassuringly, "It's good you realized your mistake with Young Master Fu early. If you build a good relationship with him and flatter him for a while, he might speak well of you to our superior."
Registrar Luo's brow furrowed slightly.
Why had he never noticed the oddness in Sun's words before, yet now they seemed so grating?
Registrar Luo hid his doubt and looked at Sun, still smiling, "I suppose I've come to my senses. After realizing this, I find Mr. Fu quite agreeable. Despite his disability, he carries himself with the grace of a noble. It's no wonder the magistrate employed him as an aide."
Sun had expected to see embarrassment on Registrar Luo's face, but instead, he heard nothing but praise for Fu Wei?
How had this person, who was resentful towards Fu Wei just a few days ago, suddenly changed his attitude today?
What exactly had happened between the two that he was unaware of?!
Sun, the aide, briefly showed astonishment, which was caught by Registrar Luo, deepening the doubts in his mind.
He couldn't help but wonder if Sun was genuinely encouraging reconciliation with Fu Wei or... adding fuel to the fire.
If it weren’t for the incident a few days ago, hearing such words would only have intensified his animosity towards Fu Wei.
Sun, the aide... perhaps he was using him.
This realization caused a sinking feeling in Registrar Luo’s heart.
After obtaining the Wen family's address, Fu Wei enlisted the help of Wu, the yamen runner who was specially attentive to Huo, to accompany him in following the address.
The location of the Wen family was the first place they were taken to in Yu County when Fu Wei and Yu Ying were searching for a house a month ago.
— In the poorest part of Yuxian City.
A dirty and chaotic alley, filled with various unpleasant odors, leads to a dilapidated thatched cottage.
In the courtyard, a middle-aged woman curses while washing clothes.
Her words are mostly complaints about her ungrateful children, sleeping late into the day, not bothering to work, and how the household is barely scraping by.
After a while, an impatient male voice from inside the house retorts: "Nagging again? Why don't you just marry off your younger sister and use the dowry to solve our problems?"
The woman glares and snaps back: "Do you think your sister is like that cheap girl A'Xing?"
Fu Wei, hearing this, confirms that this is indeed the Wen family that A'Ying asked him to find.
Having confirmed the Wen family's location, Fu Wei seeks permission from the county magistrate to apprehend them.
County Magistrate Zhou looks at him in surprise, as if to say, "You came here for such a trivial matter?"
Fu Wei explains the situation, and the magistrate laughs, saying: "I thought after living in Wuling County for over twenty years, you wouldn't have much affection for the Fu family, who you've known for only half a year. Seems I was mistaken."
Fu Wei responds: "When I was at my lowest, they never gave up on me. My birth mother gave her all for me, even resorting to wild vegetables for sustenance. Even if we're not related by blood, I owe them for their kindness."
Hearing this, County Magistrate Zhou smiles and says: "You are indeed a man of compassion and loyalty. Alright, they are still lawbreakers. Capture them, give them a few strokes of the cane, detain them for a while, and have them compensate your sister-in-law's labor payment."
Fu Wei thinks about the Wen family living in such squalor and realizes seeking labor payment is futile. What matters most is making them suffer, not letting them feel entitled without any sense of guilt.
Having discussed the Wen family, Fu Wei brings up another matter.
"This initiative of farmers cultivating medicinal herbs will surely face opposition from the medical halls in Yuxian."
County Magistrate Zhou, who had thought about this issue briefly, asks Fu Wei: "Do you have any solution in mind?"
Fu Wei suggests: "Let the medical halls buy the herbs right from the start."
Zhou frowns: "They'll buy at low prices and resell at high prices to the government office?"
Fu Wei shakes his head: "The office staff don't know herbs, and are short-handed. Most importantly, blatantly buying herbs from farmers could lead to various problems. However, medical halls can quickly purchase and identify herbs, saving a lot of manpower and time."
County Magistrate Zhou pondered for a moment, realizing the truth in Fu Wei's words.
"But from what I know, the medical halls buy the herbs from the people at very low prices. How would the common folk make any profit?"
Fu Wei replied, "The pricing in the lower-tier medicine market is chaotic, with no clear standards. Instead of this, as previously mentioned, we should establish a Herbalist Guild. Members will receive assistance from the government office in exporting their herbs, and there will be a set minimum price for buying herbs from the people. This ensures the interests of the common folk and curbs the medical halls’ practice of arbitrary pricing."
Hearing this, County Magistrate Zhou fell into deep thought.
"I doubt they will agree to this."
"I am willing to give it a try. Once one agrees, the others will likely follow."
County Magistrate Zhou looked at him, "You will convince them?"
Fu Wei slightly bowed and suggested, "Your honor, just assign Luo Dianshi to work with me on this, and it will be much more effective."
At the mention of Luo Dianshi, Zhou frowned slightly: "Luo Dianshi and Luo’s Medical Hall are brothers, and Luo’s may be the hardest to deal with among the medical halls. But if Luo Dianshi persuades them, it might be easier."
After a moment of consideration, he agreed with Fu Wei: "I will send Luo Dianshi with you. Whether he cooperates or not is for you to handle."
Fu Wei bowed in agreement. Then, Zhou called Huo Yachai into the study, instructing him to first bring the Luo family to the county office, and then to go to Lingshui Village to inform the Fu and Wen families to come to the office tomorrow, to review the forced labor case from three years ago.
Fu Wei, about to leave, hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Your honor, since it concerns my family, let me go to Lingshui Village to inform them."
Zhou sized him up, his gaze resting on Fu Wei’s plain attire: "Are you sure?"
Fu Wei replied, "There should be a bullock cart heading towards Lingshui Village this afternoon."
With a few extra silver coins, he could easily persuade the cart driver to take him to Lingshui Village.
County Magistrate Zhou observed Fu Wei closely, as if he had found an answer.
"Your wife is still living in Lingshui Village, isn't she?"
Fu Wei lowered his gaze, avoiding the magistrate's eyes, and confirmed, "Indeed, she still resides in Lingshui Village."
Zhou chuckled lightly, seeing right through Fu Wei's thoughts: "Young couples, missing each other after just a day apart."
Fu Wei remained silent, but Huo Yachai, still in the study, couldn’t help but stifle a laugh.
Both Zhou and Huo Yachai, having been through their early years of marriage, understood well what it meant to be newlyweds.
Zhou waved his hand dismissively, "Alright, go back now if you wish. Come with your sister-in-law tomorrow morning. Consider it a half-day leave from me. It won’t delay any important matters."
Fu Wei nodded and expressed his thanks.
After leaving the study, Fu Wei first went back to Xikou Lane to pack some clothes and informed Luo Shi and Fu An of his trip back to Lingshui Village.
Luo Shi, initially worried, wanted to accompany him, but then she remembered the lack of bedding in the village and decided against it.
Nevertheless, the grandmother and grandson duo, eager to get Fu Wei to the city gate quicker, escorted him there.
In mid-November, the weather in Lingnan changed unpredictably. Just a few days ago, it was cold enough to make one shiver, and now it was as warm as early spring, but this kind of weather was particularly dry.
In such weather, face cream was the best-selling item.
But Yu Ying had no time to think about face creams; seemingly unstoppable, on her third day back in Lingshui Village, she rented ten acres of hillside land, planning to hire workers to cultivate it.
Fortunately, all her expenses from the trip to the county seat had been recouped, leaving her with about five thousand wen in savings.
She roughly calculated the cost of renting the land and hiring labor, which would be around three thousand five hundred wen – an amount she found manageable.
After inspecting the hillside land with her elder brother, sister-in-law, and the village head, it was almost dusk.
As they walked home and Yu Ying pondered over the hiring of workers, she glanced up inadvertently and thought she was hallucinating.
She saw Fu Wei, dressed in light-colored clothes, sitting in a wheelchair, smiling faintly at her under the afterglow of the setting sun.
A layer of dim yellow light outlined his figure, making him seem not like a real person, but more like a hologram from the future.
Yu Ying stopped in her tracks, rubbed her eyes, and looked again – the figure was still there.
Suddenly, her sister-in-law exclaimed in surprise, “Why is the young uncle back?”
Hearing this, Yu Ying realized that Fu Wei was not an illusion.
— Indeed, Fu Wei had returned.
Chapter 78
Despite being ambushed by Luo Dianshi, Fu Wei continued his duties at the government office as usual.
Luo Dianshi, on the other hand, took a day off.
Over the past two days, the yamen runners they met in the back alley would respectfully greet Fu Wei as "Mr. Fu," surprising others.
When asked why they changed their address, they simply said that Mr. Fu was a magnanimous person, young yet composed, and highly valued by their superior, deserving their respect.
……
Others spoke in riddles, but at least the stone slabs at the hidden entrance hadn't been moved again these past few days.
Fu Wei, preoccupied with the task Yu Ying had entrusted to him before returning to the village about investigating the Wen family, had been busy with miscellaneous tasks but also searched the archives for records about Gu Ao Village.
After a thorough search, he couldn't find the Wen family's records, slightly frowning and about to ask someone, when he saw Registrar Luo entering.
Seeing Fu Wei, Registrar Luo's expression faltered, unsure how to face him.
Fu Wei glanced at Registrar Luo’s tightly clenched palms and, diverting his gaze calmly, asked the clerk managing the archive, “Why are the household records of Gu Ao Village from three years ago missing?”
The clerk glanced nervously at Registrar Luo and after a moment of hesitation, said, "I'm not quite sure myself."
Fu Wei, aware of the clerk's apprehension towards Registrar Luo, didn’t expose him but simply said, “Could you please push me out?”
The clerk hurried forward to push the palanquin.
As he passed by Registrar Luo, just about to exit the archive room, he suddenly heard Registrar Luo’s voice behind him, “The records here were reorganized after the county magistrate took office. The previous records are kept in the old archive room.”
The clerk, about to push the new aide out of the room, froze, turning in surprise towards Registrar Luo.
Registrar Luo had been gloomy during his encounters with Aide Fu in the previous days, and considering his close relationship with Aide Sun, wasn’t he supposed to be on Sun’s side?
Why then did he suddenly offer help today?
Fu Wei raised his hand, signaling the clerk to pause, then turned to look at Registrar Luo.
Registrar Luo, looking down uncomfortably, said, "I'm quite familiar with the old archives. Just tell me what you're looking for, Mr. Fu."
The clerk was astonished at hearing "Mr. Fu."
Fu Wei didn't beat around the bush, stating directly, "I need the records of all the people who moved out of Gu Ao Village from May to August three years ago."
After a moment's thought, Registrar Luo said, "I'll have them delivered to Mr. Fu in two and a half hours."
Fu Wei nodded, "Thank you."
Registrar Luo appeared slightly startled at this "thank you."
As Fu Wei turned back and the clerk pushed him out of the archive room, Registrar Luo watched his departing figure and murmured softly, "Why thank me? I am the one who should be grateful..."
In less than two and a half hours, Registrar Luo brought the records to Fu Wei.
After finding the records, Registrar Luo had also briefly reviewed their contents.
From the records, he recalled the archive he had consulted previously for Fu Wei’s wife, Mrs. Yu, when she wanted to bring her brother and sister-in-law back.
The record of her sister-in-law was noted as a woman from the Fu family of Lingshui Village, but she served in place of the Wen family of Gu Ao Village.
It seemed a bit strange, but he hadn't delved into it. Now, reflecting on it, Registrar Luo roughly guessed whom Fu Wei was searching for.
Fu Wei opened the bamboo slips and looked at the address, his eyebrows slightly furrowed.
The address of the Wen family was the first place they were taken to in Yu County when Fu Wei and Yu Ying were searching for a house.
It seemed that the Wen family had used their niece's dowry to move to Yu County, but perhaps due to spending a lot of silver to bribe the yamen runners, they now resided in the poorest area of Yu County.
With no one around in the corridor, Registrar Luo finally broke the silence, "Thank you, Mr. Fu, for what happened yesterday."
Fu Wei looked up from the records, "Have you come to a realization?"
Registrar Luo nodded, "I have. I was stuck in a dead end, walking the wrong path. If not for Mr. Fu's magnanimity, I fear I would be in prison by now."
He paused, then added, "My elder brother owes Mr. Fu's wife an apology. I must persuade him to make amends. I also owe Mr. Fu a favor, and I will not hesitate to help when needed."
Fu Wei rolled up the bamboo slips and placed them on his lap, indifferently responding, "The deeds of your brother cannot be forgiven by my wife or me, but I will not hold it against you. Other matters can be discussed later."
After speaking, Fu Wei looked past Registrar Luo, "Mr. Sun."
Sun, the aide, seeing Fu Wei and Registrar Luo conversing amiably under the same roof, frowned.
Suddenly addressed as "Mr. Sun," he masked his displeasure with a smile and approached, "It's rare to see Registrar Luo and Young Master Fu having a heart-to-heart. What brings you together today?"
Fu Wei replied, "Just discussing official matters. Now that we're done, I must return to my duties."
Sun, the aide, smiled and watched Fu Wei leave, then turned to Registrar Luo, reassuringly, "It's good you realized your mistake with Young Master Fu early. If you build a good relationship with him and flatter him for a while, he might speak well of you to our superior."
Registrar Luo's brow furrowed slightly.
Why had he never noticed the oddness in Sun's words before, yet now they seemed so grating?
Registrar Luo hid his doubt and looked at Sun, still smiling, "I suppose I've come to my senses. After realizing this, I find Mr. Fu quite agreeable. Despite his disability, he carries himself with the grace of a noble. It's no wonder the magistrate employed him as an aide."
Sun had expected to see embarrassment on Registrar Luo's face, but instead, he heard nothing but praise for Fu Wei?
How had this person, who was resentful towards Fu Wei just a few days ago, suddenly changed his attitude today?
What exactly had happened between the two that he was unaware of?!
Sun, the aide, briefly showed astonishment, which was caught by Registrar Luo, deepening the doubts in his mind.
He couldn't help but wonder if Sun was genuinely encouraging reconciliation with Fu Wei or... adding fuel to the fire.
If it weren’t for the incident a few days ago, hearing such words would only have intensified his animosity towards Fu Wei.
Sun, the aide... perhaps he was using him.
This realization caused a sinking feeling in Registrar Luo’s heart.
After obtaining the Wen family's address, Fu Wei enlisted the help of Wu, the yamen runner who was specially attentive to Huo, to accompany him in following the address.
The location of the Wen family was the first place they were taken to in Yu County when Fu Wei and Yu Ying were searching for a house a month ago.
— In the poorest part of Yuxian City.
A dirty and chaotic alley, filled with various unpleasant odors, leads to a dilapidated thatched cottage.
In the courtyard, a middle-aged woman curses while washing clothes.
Her words are mostly complaints about her ungrateful children, sleeping late into the day, not bothering to work, and how the household is barely scraping by.
After a while, an impatient male voice from inside the house retorts: "Nagging again? Why don't you just marry off your younger sister and use the dowry to solve our problems?"
The woman glares and snaps back: "Do you think your sister is like that cheap girl A'Xing?"
Fu Wei, hearing this, confirms that this is indeed the Wen family that A'Ying asked him to find.
Having confirmed the Wen family's location, Fu Wei seeks permission from the county magistrate to apprehend them.
County Magistrate Zhou looks at him in surprise, as if to say, "You came here for such a trivial matter?"
Fu Wei explains the situation, and the magistrate laughs, saying: "I thought after living in Wuling County for over twenty years, you wouldn't have much affection for the Fu family, who you've known for only half a year. Seems I was mistaken."
Fu Wei responds: "When I was at my lowest, they never gave up on me. My birth mother gave her all for me, even resorting to wild vegetables for sustenance. Even if we're not related by blood, I owe them for their kindness."
Hearing this, County Magistrate Zhou smiles and says: "You are indeed a man of compassion and loyalty. Alright, they are still lawbreakers. Capture them, give them a few strokes of the cane, detain them for a while, and have them compensate your sister-in-law's labor payment."
Fu Wei thinks about the Wen family living in such squalor and realizes seeking labor payment is futile. What matters most is making them suffer, not letting them feel entitled without any sense of guilt.
Having discussed the Wen family, Fu Wei brings up another matter.
"This initiative of farmers cultivating medicinal herbs will surely face opposition from the medical halls in Yuxian."
County Magistrate Zhou, who had thought about this issue briefly, asks Fu Wei: "Do you have any solution in mind?"
Fu Wei suggests: "Let the medical halls buy the herbs right from the start."
Zhou frowns: "They'll buy at low prices and resell at high prices to the government office?"
Fu Wei shakes his head: "The office staff don't know herbs, and are short-handed. Most importantly, blatantly buying herbs from farmers could lead to various problems. However, medical halls can quickly purchase and identify herbs, saving a lot of manpower and time."
County Magistrate Zhou pondered for a moment, realizing the truth in Fu Wei's words.
"But from what I know, the medical halls buy the herbs from the people at very low prices. How would the common folk make any profit?"
Fu Wei replied, "The pricing in the lower-tier medicine market is chaotic, with no clear standards. Instead of this, as previously mentioned, we should establish a Herbalist Guild. Members will receive assistance from the government office in exporting their herbs, and there will be a set minimum price for buying herbs from the people. This ensures the interests of the common folk and curbs the medical halls’ practice of arbitrary pricing."
Hearing this, County Magistrate Zhou fell into deep thought.
"I doubt they will agree to this."
"I am willing to give it a try. Once one agrees, the others will likely follow."
County Magistrate Zhou looked at him, "You will convince them?"
Fu Wei slightly bowed and suggested, "Your honor, just assign Luo Dianshi to work with me on this, and it will be much more effective."
At the mention of Luo Dianshi, Zhou frowned slightly: "Luo Dianshi and Luo’s Medical Hall are brothers, and Luo’s may be the hardest to deal with among the medical halls. But if Luo Dianshi persuades them, it might be easier."
After a moment of consideration, he agreed with Fu Wei: "I will send Luo Dianshi with you. Whether he cooperates or not is for you to handle."
Fu Wei bowed in agreement. Then, Zhou called Huo Yachai into the study, instructing him to first bring the Luo family to the county office, and then to go to Lingshui Village to inform the Fu and Wen families to come to the office tomorrow, to review the forced labor case from three years ago.
Fu Wei, about to leave, hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Your honor, since it concerns my family, let me go to Lingshui Village to inform them."
Zhou sized him up, his gaze resting on Fu Wei’s plain attire: "Are you sure?"
Fu Wei replied, "There should be a bullock cart heading towards Lingshui Village this afternoon."
With a few extra silver coins, he could easily persuade the cart driver to take him to Lingshui Village.
County Magistrate Zhou observed Fu Wei closely, as if he had found an answer.
"Your wife is still living in Lingshui Village, isn't she?"
Fu Wei lowered his gaze, avoiding the magistrate's eyes, and confirmed, "Indeed, she still resides in Lingshui Village."
Zhou chuckled lightly, seeing right through Fu Wei's thoughts: "Young couples, missing each other after just a day apart."
Fu Wei remained silent, but Huo Yachai, still in the study, couldn’t help but stifle a laugh.
Both Zhou and Huo Yachai, having been through their early years of marriage, understood well what it meant to be newlyweds.
Zhou waved his hand dismissively, "Alright, go back now if you wish. Come with your sister-in-law tomorrow morning. Consider it a half-day leave from me. It won’t delay any important matters."
Fu Wei nodded and expressed his thanks.
After leaving the study, Fu Wei first went back to Xikou Lane to pack some clothes and informed Luo Shi and Fu An of his trip back to Lingshui Village.
Luo Shi, initially worried, wanted to accompany him, but then she remembered the lack of bedding in the village and decided against it.
Nevertheless, the grandmother and grandson duo, eager to get Fu Wei to the city gate quicker, escorted him there.
In mid-November, the weather in Lingnan changed unpredictably. Just a few days ago, it was cold enough to make one shiver, and now it was as warm as early spring, but this kind of weather was particularly dry.
In such weather, face cream was the best-selling item.
But Yu Ying had no time to think about face creams; seemingly unstoppable, on her third day back in Lingshui Village, she rented ten acres of hillside land, planning to hire workers to cultivate it.
Fortunately, all her expenses from the trip to the county seat had been recouped, leaving her with about five thousand wen in savings.
She roughly calculated the cost of renting the land and hiring labor, which would be around three thousand five hundred wen – an amount she found manageable.
After inspecting the hillside land with her elder brother, sister-in-law, and the village head, it was almost dusk.
As they walked home and Yu Ying pondered over the hiring of workers, she glanced up inadvertently and thought she was hallucinating.
She saw Fu Wei, dressed in light-colored clothes, sitting in a wheelchair, smiling faintly at her under the afterglow of the setting sun.
A layer of dim yellow light outlined his figure, making him seem not like a real person, but more like a hologram from the future.
Yu Ying stopped in her tracks, rubbed her eyes, and looked again – the figure was still there.
Suddenly, her sister-in-law exclaimed in surprise, “Why is the young uncle back?”
Hearing this, Yu Ying realized that Fu Wei was not an illusion.
— Indeed, Fu Wei had returned.
