Chapter 38
(1 / 2)
Studying
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Su Lianyi had completely figured things out. In the past, she had always been conflicted about this identity, believing that continuing to live under someone else’s identity was something dishonorable—like a magpie occupying a dove’s nest. Or rather, she had disdained doing such a thing.
But now, with so many people around her who cared about her and treated her sincerely, she was deeply moved. So what if she was using someone else’s identity? Clearly she was using someone else’s body—yet refusing the identity. If that wasn’t deceiving herself, then what was?
As for cooperating with Da Hu, she had once worried that after their partnership, Da Hu might cross the river and tear down the bridge—killing her once she was no longer useful. But after spending a month together, she felt that Da Hu was not that kind of villain. Perhaps the two of them could cooperate until the very end and even become friends.
Since she had decided to live well, there were some matters she could no longer sit idly by and ignore.
“Lianyi, what are you thinking about?” Chu Ying noticed Su Lianyi sitting quietly with her eyes narrowed and a serious expression, as if pondering something important, and asked curiously.
Lianyi made up her mind, the corners of her lips curling into a confident, determined smile. “Chu Ying, can you read?”
Chu Ying obediently nodded. “I can.”
“Then may I ask you a favor?” At first, Lianyi had only asked casually, not expecting that she truly could read. But thinking about it, it made sense. Although Chu Ying was a widow, her speech was refined and gentle, completely unlike that of a peasant woman. She must have once been a modest young lady from a respectable family.
“Of course. As long as it’s something Lianyi asks, I’ll definitely do it well.” Chu Ying nodded quickly, her face full of excitement.
Lianyi resisted the urge to pat Chu Ying on the head as if coaxing a child. “Do you know my younger brother, Su Bai?”
Chu Ying nodded. “I do. Back then, you brought Su Bai and smashed the water vat at my house.”
“…” Lianyi was speechless. At a time like this, couldn’t she refrain from mentioning her glorious past? With Chu Ying bringing it up, she felt too embarrassed to continue. Her face flushed red with shame. “Chu Ying, regarding what I did back then, I truly don’t know how to make amends.”
Chu Ying, however, smiled and waved her hand. “It’s nothing. Actually, I’m very bored at home every day with no one to talk to. Thanks to Lianyi, you brought me lots of joy. There’s no need to make amends.” There was another fact she didn’t mention—when the original owner had brought Su Bai to smash the vat, Chu Ying had even stood by clapping and cheering.
“…” Lianyi was utterly speechless. Sometimes being a little simple-minded was a good thing—at least there were no worries. “Then, Chu Ying, would you be willing to teach Su Bai how to read?”
Chu Ying blinked her big eyes and thought for a moment, then broke into a happy smile. “Sure.” She had discovered that the wisest choice she had ever made was becoming friends with Lianyi. Ever since meeting her, life was no longer so dull and boring.
“Su Bai won’t let you teach him for nothing. From now on, all the big and small chores at your house will be handled by Su Bai. Don’t worry.” With one major matter settled, Lianyi felt relieved. The first thing she wanted to change about the Su family was this—force that little rascal to study and take the imperial examinations!
…
Early the next morning, after eating breakfast, Lianyi went out with Da Hu.
Da Hu went to the fields to tend the vegetable patch, while Lianyi first went to the Zhao family’s house to deliver sea vegetables, then headed to the Sun family’s home.
Ever since Sun Dahai recovered and was able to work in the fields again, the Sun family’s situation had improved greatly. As soon as one entered the courtyard, the sound of chickens could be heard. A group of half-grown chickens was scattered about, pecking at corn kernels on the ground. The once-dilapidated roof had now been neatly thatched with straw and carefully pressed down with tiles. Though the courtyard was not large, it was clean and tidy—clearly the home of diligent and capable people.
“Sister Lianyi is here!” Upon seeing Su Lianyi, Sun Xiaojin hurried over to greet her, shouting excitedly. By now, Sun Xiaojin had practically become Su Lianyi’s number one admirer. As long as Lianyi gave an order, Sun Xiaojin would immediately scurry off to carry it out.
Inside, the old matriarch of the Sun family, who had been setting the table and placing bowls and chopsticks, heard the shout and quickly put down the dishes. Bent over, she hurried out. “Lianyi girl is here—quick, quick, come inside.”
Wu Shi, who was cooking in the kitchen, also rushed out. “Sister Lianyi, come inside. Jin’er’s father, Sister Lianyi is here—come out and greet her.” Her excitement was written all over her face, more grand than if they were hosting the county magistrate. “Sister Lianyi, go in and sit first. I’m almost done cooking. We sisters will have a good chat in a bit.”
Before Wu Shi had even finished speaking, Sun Dahai also came out from inside the house to welcome Su Lianyi.
