The Lady Butcher and the Delicate Bride - Chapter 26

Chapter 26

Until it was time to sleep at night, as the two lay side-by-side in bed, Mu Dingxiang was still reminiscing about the scene of slaughtering pigs and selling meat today. Four hundred wen earned in a single day this was something an average villager wouldn’t even dare dream of. Even for Mu Dingxiang’s father, Old Man Mu, going to do manual labor unloading cargo by the river near the county town only earned thirty wen a day.

In comparison, Chu Yu’s livelihood certainly brought in money much faster.

Of course, not every butcher made this much money. In the past, when villagers killed their own pigs or a regular butcher came to the door, it required five or six people helping to pin down the pig together to get it done. Chu Yu’s side could solve it easily with just her and Shi Man, saving a lot on labor costs.

Originally they could earn seven or eight hundred wen, but if split among five or six people, each would get just over a hundred wen, which wasn’t considered much.

Furthermore, slaughtering pigs is physical labor. Moving things up and down requires strength. Chu Yu is twenty-six this year and is a woman; as she gets older, she can’t keep slaughtering pigs forever.

Thinking further of Zhu-er’s attitude every time Chu Yu returns despising her smell it was simply because the sprite felt the murderous aura on her was too heavy. If possible, Mu Dingxiang hoped Chu Yu could switch to a different livelihood in the future.

Thinking of this, she shared her thoughts with the person beside her.

Hearing the young girl say this, Chu Yu fell into deep thought. Actually, right after retiring from the army, it wasn’t that she hadn’t looked for other work, but none lasted long, and they didn’t pay well. Later, she became a butcher by a stroke of luck. At the time, she only wanted to fill her stomach and hadn’t made any plans; slaughtering pigs, sleeping, and then helping at the Bai Manor her days had passed one by one like that.

Now that Mu Dingxiang brought it up, she also began thinking about what to do for the future.

The only regret was that in the few years since her return, she didn’t even have a decent place to live, and now she had to start from scratch again.

However, having planned with Mu Dingxiang once before, she had some hope in her heart; the matter of the house was only a matter of time.

But she had never considered the question of what other path to take if she stopped slaughtering pigs.

“For these two years, I still have to slaughter pigs first. At least until the house is built,” Chu Yu said after some thought.

“At this rate, we can build a house before winter. We don’t need to build a big courtyard, just a place to live. After the house is built, our daily expenses won’t be high. If you don’t want to slaughter pigs, it doesn’t matter; the things I grow in the fields will always be enough to support the two of us,” Mu Dingxiang comforted.

Hearing her calculations, Chu Yu thought of something and suddenly turned toward her, saying: “You are still young. Are you truly content to tie your second half of life to an old woman like me?”

Hearing her say this, Mu Dingxiang was stunned for a moment: “What do you mean? Do you actually want to get rid of me!”

Chu Yu hurriedly shook her head: “I didn’t say I don’t want you. I’m already at this age; even if someone were truly willing, they’d all be ‘crooked melons and split dates’ (unappealing types), and I wouldn’t be interested. And long ago when I went to enlist, I never intended to find someone to just settle with. If not for you, I would have just lived out my days like this.”

“But you, you’re only sixteen and look so fresh. What kind of husband couldn’t you find? Following me will only give you a bad reputation.”

Hearing her words, Mu Dingxiang instantly became a bit unhappy, her tone turning stiff: “From the moment I walked out of the Mu family’s door, I decided to follow you for life. Now you want to push me away—are you looking down on me as a burden?”

Chu Yu grew anxious. How could this girl be so stubborn? She hurriedly explained: “I just.”

But before the words could leave her mouth, she felt her arm being pulled and guided toward a certain spot. In the next instant, a soft touch vibrated and sprang back against her fingertips.

In a flash, as if stung by a bee, Chu Yu jerked her hand back: “You… what are you doing?”

In the darkness, a wave of heat climbed up her neck and onto her face.

With her hand shaken off, Mu Dingxiang couldn’t help but feel dejected, saying sadly: “Didn’t you say at the meat stall today that I am your wife? In other families, isn’t that how a husband treats a wife? Do you really hate me that much!”

“No, I don’t hate you—today was because that man likes to flirt with girls, and I didn’t want him thinking about you, so I said that.”

Chu Yu hurriedly clarified. How could she hate such a fair, tender, and pretty young girl? Mu Dingxiang had only been here for two months, yet this place that was once just ruins was starting to smell like home. Even she, who always thought of herself as a piece of duckweed, was starting to crave this sense of belonging. How could she hate her?

“Then why are you unwilling to treat me like that just now?” Mu Dingxiang was full of dejection. The way Chu Yu had just recoiled as if avoiding a plague deeply stung her heart.

“It’s not that… we are both women…”

“Aren’t you a woman who likes women? In the village—no, the whole county says you like women. And if you didn’t like women, why did you help me escape the Mu family?” Mu Dingxiang finally asked the question buried deep in her heart.

Privately, she hoped Chu Yu liked her. Even if she only liked her looks or her body, it was fine. Because if not, then the relationship between the two of them would surely not last; why would one woman help and care for another woman for no reason?

Mu Dingxiang believed she wasn’t bad-looking, otherwise Widower Zhang wouldn’t have been so obsessed with her. When she walked on the road normally, young men would look at her and hesitate, wanting to come up and flirt. But here with Chu Yu, everything seemed to be quite ineffective.

Sure enough, Chu Yu said haltingly: “Helping you before was truly because you looked so pitiful—”

Hearing this, Mu Dingxiang’s heart plummeted to the bottom, turning ice cold.

Chu Yu had only helped her out of kindness, yet she had been so shameless as to look toward the future with her, even boastfully thinking of farming her ten mu of land to support her. How laughable.

Mu Dingxiang felt defeated. A pang of bitterness hit her nose. Without a word, she turned her back to Chu Yu, pulled the quilt up over her head, and didn’t want to hear another word.

Seeing her like this, Chu Yu panicked instantly. She reached out and lightly tugged the quilt covering her head, saying: “Xiangxiang, listen to me.”

Mu Dingxiang pulled the quilt tight, but Chu Yu was very strong, and the quilt was soon pulled down. She could only cover her ears with both hands, refusing to listen.

Chu Yu propped up her upper body, pulled at her hands, and leaned down toward her ear, saying: “Xiangxiang, at first I truly just wanted to help you. But after you came, we’ve spent two months together, and aren’t things going quite well now? I really like living life with you, and I will keep taking care of you in the future…”

Although Mu Dingxiang covered her ears, Chu Yu’s words still reached her ears without missing a syllable. She naturally knew what Chu Yu meant by “living life together” wasn’t it just two people getting along like friends? But for some reason, her heart was just so sad.

Why couldn’t Chu Yu be like those men and have some designs on her? That way, she would also have a nominal reliance and wouldn’t have to worry about her leaving at any moment.

Mu Dingxiang turned over and sat up. In the darkness, her eyes seemed to glint with a trace of light as she stared intently at Chu Yu, asking word for word: “Tell me, do you actually like girls or not?”

Chu Yu was stunned for a moment, and finally said slowly: “If it’s the kind of affection between a man and a woman, I truly haven’t had it before.”

Hearing this answer, Mu Dingxiang didn’t say another word. She turned over again, lay down, and ignored the person behind her.

Chu Yu called her a few times softly but received no response, so she could only let out a long sigh and lay down.

In the darkness, the two people lying back-to-back were both full of heavy thoughts. Chu Yu curled her palm; in that split second earlier, that brief contact the touch that was as soft as fluffed cotton and as springy as a rice cake seemed to still be stuck to her hand, then lightly flicked across her heart like a feather.

The unfamiliar sensation made her unable to judge for a moment what kind of feeling it was, but she unexpectedly found herself mentally remarking: This little girl looks thin, but she’s not small there; before long, she’ll catch up to mine.

When she woke up the next day, Chu Yu remembered that Mu Dingxiang had promised Zhu-er to take her to the county town. She lightly nudged her, wanting to ask if she wanted to ride the horse together—she could take them to the county after the slaughter.

But Mu Dingxiang didn’t move at all.

Looking at that stiff back turned away from her, Chu Yu knew the young girl was still angry with her, so she had to get up and go slaughter the pig by herself.

After Chu Yu left, Mu Dingxiang also sat up in bed. The conversation with Chu Yu last night had left her disheartened for a time. She felt Chu Yu was no longer her reliance for this lifetime and felt dejected for a long while before finally falling into a muddled sleep. She had several nightmares in a row during the night. Although she woke early, she was as listless as a wilted eggplant.

But after a night of repeated reflection, Mu Dingxiang had slowly pulled herself out of the dead end. To her, Chu Yu was a life-saver, yet she had actually coveted her savior this was already pushing her luck. To be angry with her now because of it was too shameless.

After all, Chu Yu had no obligation to help her escape the Mu family, nor any obligation to like her.

Thinking this, Mu Dingxiang knew she had overstepped. But because Chu Yu had still explained to her with such good temper last night, Mu Dingxiang felt even more that she was wonderful, and the bitterness and unwillingness in her heart grew even stronger.

Mu Dingxiang still had self-awareness; since her benefactor didn’t like her, she couldn’t just cling to the other person eagerly.

It was quite sad, but Mu Dingxiang decided to ignore Chu Yu for two days. She would deal with her once her anger subsided—who told her not to explain things clearly and let her misunderstand?

Because of the missing sugar person yesterday, Zhu-er had cried as if the whole cave would collapse. Mu Dingxiang had promised to take her to the streets today. Chu Yu left early, and since Mu Dingxiang was sulking, the sun was already high by the time she got up.

A month ago, in order to take Zhu-er out openly, Mu Dingxiang specifically asked the carpenter to weave a bamboo basket about the size of a small wooden bucket. It could be carried on her front without obstructing her view. The basket was breathable so it wouldn’t be stuffy. Putting Zhu-er inside and covering it with a lid meant no one could see what was inside.

Although Zhu-er looked like a human, she was very small only about the size of an adult’s arm. If she were truly seen, she would definitely be called a monster, even though she actually was a sprite.

Mu Dingxiang often lamented that Zhu-er was too small. If she gained another ten or so catties, she could dress her up like a normal child and take her out every day. But for now, she could only keep her hidden.

Furong Village wasn’t particularly close to Leshan County, about a dozen li away. It took about an hour to walk. Mu Dingxiang could have spent a copper coin to take an ox cart, but fearing there might be others on the cart who might accidentally lift the lid of her basket and discover Zhu-er, she chose to walk to town. Moreover, she had always been strong of limb and didn’t feel tired.

On stretches of the road where there were no people, she would lift the lid to chat with Zhu-er, not feeling lonely at all. If someone approached, she would cover the small basket.

Previously when Zhu-er followed, she was always in a large basket on the back, crowded with a bunch of sundries, which made her very uncomfortable. Furthermore, being in the back meant she couldn’t talk to Mother, which felt unfulfilling. Now, looking up, she saw Mother’s chin and could talk to her at any time. The gaps in the weave allowed her to look out and see all sorts of fun things outside.

“Mother is so good~” Zhu-er lay in the small basket, gurgling as she drank the dew collected in the morning.

“It was because a certain little rascal cried so much yesterday that the whole cave was about to collapse. If Mother didn’t bring her, I’m afraid the cave entrance would be flooded,” Mu Dingxiang poked her little nose.

This little sprite was simply too adorable. Aside from her small size, she was almost exactly like a normal child. Mu Dingxiang had gradually accepted her current status as a “Mother,” and in the village, which girl didn’t marry at fifteen or sixteen? Usually, they’d be pregnant within months of marrying; seeing a sixteen-year-old with a suckling babe was extremely common.

Unfortunately, the other “Mother” seemed to have no sense at all. Mu Dingxiang couldn’t help but feel a bit dejected.

“It was Mother who first broke her promise and didn’t bring Zhu-er a sugar person, otherwise Zhu-er wouldn’t have made a fuss,” Zhu-er complained with a pout, hearing Mu Dingxiang bring up yesterday’s events.

“Yes, yes, yes. Mother is bad and forgetful. Then if Zhu-er sees anything she likes later, tell Mother, and we’ll buy them all and bring them home,” Mu Dingxiang recovered from her sadness.

The two chatted in low voices along the way. The journey that had seemed long was finished without them even realizing it. Mu Dingxiang followed the route Chu Yu had taken her on before and began to browse. Naturally, the first place they went was to the little sugar person stall that Zhu-er couldn’t forget.

Chu Yu had come out to slaughter the pig in the morning. Once she and Shi Man had sold almost all the meat, she left the stall to Shi Man and went out into the street to find Mu Dingxiang.

Mu Dingxiang had promised Zhu-er yesterday; based on her personality, it was impossible to break her word. She should be wandering the streets right now.

The urban area of Leshan County wasn’t small, but Chu Yu had spent years in the county and knew every alley like the back of her hand. Searching alley by alley, she soon found that prominent figure, carrying a small bamboo basket on her front, occasionally buying small toys children like and tossing them in. It seemed Zhu-er should be inside.

“Xiangxiang.” Chu Yu hurried to catch up.

Hearing the familiar voice behind her, Mu Dingxiang’s footsteps paused for a second, but in the next instant, as if she hadn’t heard a thing, she kept walking forward holding the small basket.

Chu Yu knew the young girl was still sulking over last night. She took three steps in two to reach her side, reaching out to rest her hand on the small basket: “Did you walk here? Your feet must be tired. Let me carry it for you.”

Mu Dingxiang glared at her and said crossly: “Don’t touch it. She doesn’t like the smell on you.”

Mindful of bringing Zhu-er out today, Chu Yu had gone to the small partition behind the meat stall to change into clean clothes before coming over. She had also washed her hands many times. Indeed, she didn’t have the pungent smell of blood she usually did; usually, at this level, Zhu-er could accept it.

But right now, Mu Dingxiang didn’t want to deal with her, much less hand Zhu-er over to her.

Chu Yu had also thought about it after last night. If there were no surprises, it would be quite good for her and Mu Dingxiang to live together and rely on each other like this. It was just that the girl was still young; perhaps she hadn’t distinguished between gratitude and love yet. If she met a man she truly liked later, she might regret it.

If such a day truly came, perhaps she could let her go.

But right now, seeing the girl’s pretty brows locked in a frown with a trace of lingering resentment, Chu Yu’s heart tightened again.

She didn’t seem to want to let her go.

The Mu Dingxiang before her had her lips slightly pouted, her petulant look still appearing a bit immature it was the charm of a girl just coming of age, a bit cute but carrying a trace of allure not easily detected. It made Chu Yu feel as if countless tentacles of reluctance were rising in her heart, stirring the emotional tide within her.

“Xiangxiang, you haven’t eaten yet, have you? Let me take you to get something to eat,” Chu Yu couldn’t sort out the hazy thoughts in her heart for now, so she stopped thinking and decided to coax the girl first.

“Mother Chu Yu~” The small basket on Mu Dingxiang’s front was lightly nudged up, revealing Zhu-er’s pair of clear, large eyes.

Chu Yu smiled the moment she saw her. Taking advantage of the fact that no one was watching, she lightly tapped her forehead.

“Sit properly and be good. Don’t go running out.”

Zhu-er obediently closed the lid again.

Mu Dingxiang didn’t want to deal with this person, but Chu Yu was very strong and pulled her toward a nearby restaurant.

Then she heard someone calling Chu Yu from behind. Turning around, it was that playboy from yesterday named Sima Liangcai.

“Chu Yu! Finished selling meat? Oh, isn’t this the little beau—ahem, Sister-in-law? Out for a stroll today?” Sima Liangcai hurriedly changed his tune under Chu Yu’s blade-like gaze.

Seeing an outsider, Mu Dingxiang couldn’t keep putting on an act with Chu Yu. she stepped back two paces to lean against her side, looking quite like a “dainty little bird.”

Chu Yu enjoyed this immensely, using her long limbs to drape an arm over her shoulder: “I run into you everywhere. Have you been too idle lately? Don’t you have to go to the academy?”

“Cough, that wretched academy is worse than not going at all. It’s just my old man to have a bit more bragging capital in front of others, he threw me in there whether I liked it or not. But I have my counter-measures. I rented a small house outside the academy to meet with beauties.” Sima Liangcai glanced at Mu Dingxiang after saying this, but fearing Chu Yu would beat him, he quickly withdrew his gaze.

“A son of a wealthy family is different; not short of money, playing however you want,” Chu Yu remarked.

“Not necessarily. A bunch of houses were newly built near our academy specifically for the students. Whether you have money or not, everyone has a room. Isn’t it just for a bit of freedom and fun? The school dorms are a big shared platform; it’s inconvenient for doing anything, don’t you think?” He finished with a lecherous wink.

Seeing his disgusting look, Chu Yu didn’t want to talk to him further: “Then we won’t keep you from returning to your beauty. We have other things to do.”

After speaking, she pulled Mu Dingxiang away, leaving Sima Liangcai staring at their backs.

With this interruption, Mu Dingxiang’s resentment toward Chu Yu had mostly dissipated. Furthermore, what he said had piqued her curiosity. She looked up and asked Chu Yu: “What is the name of the academy that man attends?”

“Huaru Academy,” Chu Yu said casually.

“Mu Kongqing also studies at that academy,” Mu Dingxiang said, though she didn’t call him “Elder Brother.”

Only then did Chu Yu remember she had asked before which academy the brother studied at. She knew what Mu Dingxiang was getting at.

“The matter of renting houses outside to keep little lovers is common among the county’s academies. But the atmosphere at Huaru Academy is even worse. After all, those wanting to pass the Xiucai or Juren exams rarely think about going back to farm. After repeated failures, they still have to persist; as they get older, they have to take wives too.”

Chu Yu added another sentence: “If you want to know if Mu Kongqing is keeping a lover outside, I can ask Sima Liangcai.”

Mu Dingxiang shook her head: “I don’t want to know. How their family is now has nothing to do with me. I was just curious earlier.”

Chu Yu was quite approving of the girl’s attitude. Since she had broken away, there was no need to keep nitpicking over past matters, otherwise she would inevitably trap herself for life. Being able to see past it now was a good thing.

But in the next breath, the girl said huffily: “But I also don’t want to see him doing too well. After all, it was the silver I earned over the past few years that paid for his tuition.”

Chu Yu burst out laughing, grabbing her hand and squeezing it: “If there’s a chance in the future, I’ll help you teach him a lesson.”

Unexpectedly, the girl jerked her hand away with a “Hmph”: “Don’t touch me.”

The little temper was still there. Chu Yu smiled good-naturedly, bent down, and tapped the small basket on her front: “Zhu-er, Mother is going to eat. To Tianxiang Manor or Wuwei Shiju?”

Zhu-er poked her little head out from the bamboo lid and said excitedly: “To Wuwei Shiju!”

Zhu-er was a plant spirit and didn’t like meat. Chu Yu had brought her beancurd flower from Wuwei Shiju before soft tofu with sweet syrup; she still craved it.

Chu Yu tapped her little head to close the lid and looked into Mu Dingxiang’s eyes: “You heard her. Zhu-er wants beancurd flower. Let’s go to Wuwei Shiju.”

Mu Dingxiang was also tired after wandering all morning and wanted to find a place to sit and rest. Although she had eaten a small sugar person with Zhu-er earlier, she was at the age of growing and was quite hungry. Chu Yu’s words gave her a way out, so she gave a soft “un” in acceptance.

Feeling the movement inside the small basket on her front, Mu Dingxiang somewhat helplessly placed her hand on the lid, wanting to soothe the excited little sprite.

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