I Am A Husband Curser, And You Are A Wife Curser. - Chapter 43

Chapter 43: Head Constable Wang Plans to Run

Xiang Xi’s due date was in the first lunar month. As the end of the year approached, Mother Yang finally found a suitable wet nurse for the baby.

It wasn’t the woman they had previously considered; instead, she was introduced by Niu Sanli—a farmwife from the countryside who had recently given birth. Her surname was Meng, and Xiang Xi called her Big Sister Meng. She had already birthed four children, and with so many mouths to feed at home, she had no choice but to work as a wet nurse to survive.

Mother Yang brought her to meet Xiang Xi and Yang Tongchuan. They found her pleasant and experienced with infants. Typically, a wet nurse earned 300 wen a month—more than a regular maid—but Yang Tongchuan added an extra 50 wen. Big Sister Meng was overflowing with gratitude and pledged her absolute loyalty.

The reason they were willing to pay a premium was that Xiang Xi insisted he would only need her for the first month; after his recovery, he wanted to raise the child himself.

Xiang Qiang had also helped out recently by picking out a mother goat that was about to give birth and tethering it in the back courtyard. When Yang Tongchuan tried to pay him for the goat, Xiang Qiang refused point-blank.

“In the old days, life was hard and I owed much to Xi-ge’er. Now that things are better, I want to do something for him as an older brother.”

“Don’t say that, Brother. Xiang Xi has never held a grudge. By the way, how is the house hunting going? You mentioned wanting to move.”

“The old house won’t sell for much, and shops with residential courtyards in the market aren’t cheap. I plan to borrow some money from a money house and pay it back slowly.”

“That’s a solid plan. I’ll have Big Brother find you a money house with reasonable rates so the interest isn’t too high.”

“That would be a huge help. Thank you.”

Xiang Qiang felt that ever since Xiang Xi married into the Yang family, life had become incredibly smooth with their support. Now, everything was prepared. All they had to do was wait for the New Year.

A Change in the Yamen

One day at the yamen, Yang Tongchuan was called into the office by Head Constable Wang, who dropped a bombshell.

“After the New Year, I don’t plan to do this anymore.”

“Sir, why? All the brothers rely on you; things will fall into chaos without you.”

“Don’t flatter me. Our County Magistrate is leaving his post next year—likely a promotion. We have no idea what the new magistrate will be like. I’m just giving you a heads-up.”

Wang had embezzled a fair amount over the years, but most of it had been handed up as “tributes” to the Magistrate and the County Commandant. Once the Magistrate moved up, it would be fine if the Commandant took his place. But if someone new arrived, they might not be so easy to serve.

“Tongchuan, you’re young but smart and capable. I’ve recommended you to the County Commandant, but whether it actually happens… that’s out of my hands.”

Wang had said enough. If Yang Tongchuan didn’t show his appreciation now, he’d be considered socially inept. That evening, he prepared substantial gifts and delivered them to both the Wang residence and the Commandant’s home.

At the Wang house, he noticed the luggage was already mostly packed. “Why the rush, sir?”

“The house is already sold. We’re moving out after the first lunar month.”

“And where will you be heading for your new venture?”

Wang hesitated for a moment before saying, “To Guard Lin’s place, just to earn a bite to eat.”

Yang Tongchuan understood immediately. Regarding Lin Yujun’s case of killing her husband, Wang must have done something shady behind the scenes. That was why he was in such a hurry to flee.

The Preliminary New Year

The twenty-third day of the twelfth lunar month is the “Minor New Year” in the North. People customarily eat dumplings to see off the Kitchen God.

Just as the sky was beginning to brighten, Mother Yang was busy in the kitchen preparing the sacrifice. Everyone else was up too. Yanzi had polished the statue of the Kitchen God until it gleamed.

“Today is the day the Kitchen God returns to Heaven to report. We must make sure he says some good words for our family,” Mother Yang said respectfully as she arranged the offerings.

Yang Tongchuan was busy pasting red paper scrolls beside the statue. On them, Yang’s father had personally written: Go to Heaven and speak of good deeds; come to Earth and protect our peace.

Does a deity really have time to manage mortal affairs? Tongchuan thought, but he didn’t dare say it aloud, and his hands didn’t stop working.

His elder brother, Tongshan, had gone out of town with his boss to collect goods and wouldn’t be back until tonight at the earliest. All the heavy chores today fell to Tongchuan. Xiang Xi watched him with a smile while setting out the brooms for the year-end cleaning.

“Don’t go climbing around during the cleaning,” Tongchuan warned him. “If there’s something you can’t reach, leave it for me tomorrow or for Big Brother.” He had been very busy lately; with the New Year approaching, the yamen had increased night patrols, and he often didn’t return until after midnight.

“I know, don’t worry.” Xiang Xi pressed two boiled eggs into Tongchuan’s hands. “Hurry now, you’re going to be late.”

“Alright, I’m off. The streets are crowded today, so stay inside so you don’t get bumped.” Tongchuan didn’t have time for breakfast, so he tucked the eggs into his robe and headed out.

In the courtyard, Sister-in-law Mingle and Yanzi were washing bedding. Seeing the young couple being so affectionate so early in the morning, they both shared a smile.

After breakfast, the chores were divvied up. Xiang Xi focused on wiping down the furniture in the main hall. The doctor had told him that staying active before delivery was beneficial and would make the birth easier.

The Return

By evening, Xiang Xi was in the kitchen with Mother Yang, pleating dumplings. They were making pork and cabbage filling—a family favorite.

“I wonder if Tongshan can make it back tonight.”

“He should. He’s been gone seven or eight days. Even his boss has to come home for the festival, right?”

“I hope so.” Mother Yang’s hair seemed to have grown much whiter recently. A traveling son causes a mother constant worry. She was anxious about his safety on the road and still troubled by her younger sister’s recent exile. Before Little Auntie was sent away, Mother Yang had gone to see her, only to be cursed at viciously. She had been so upset she was bedridden for three days.

Just as they were finishing the dumplings, there was a commotion at the gate. Tongshan was back, and he had brought plenty of New Year goods.

Mingle was the most excited. Tongshan had been traveling to rural villages to collect items. In those lawless areas, traveling with cash was dangerous, and Mingle had been on edge for days.

“Is everything okay?” Mingle asked, looking at the mud on his boots.

“Yes, all smooth.” Tongshan only shared the good news, tucking the pastries he bought for her into her arms.

“It’s good to have you back. The timing is perfect. Wash up; we’re having dumplings tonight.” Seeing her eldest son return in one piece, Mother Yang’s smile finally reached her eyes.

When the sun set and Tongchuan returned, Mother Yang personally boiled the first pot of dumplings. “First to the ancestors, then to see off the Kitchen God.” She offered the first plate as a sacrifice.

Then, she had Xiang Xi carry the remaining plates to the table. The whole family gathered around. Yang’s father stood up to give a “speech.” Finding it boring, Tongchuan reached under the table to fiddle with Xiang Xi’s hand. Xiang Xi felt ticklish but didn’t dare move.