Chapter 74
When Ye Qingzhi returned, the military wives in the family compound came to visit her one after another. Many were just nodding acquaintances, but since they were guests, Ye Qingzhi had to receive them with a look of ‘grief’.
That afternoon, Ye Qingzhi saw off a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law she was not very familiar with. She rubbed her throbbing temples, exhausted.
“Ma, have some water,” He Jingyan said, handing Ye Qingzhi a glass of boiled water that was just the right temperature to drink.
He was a very sensitive person. Although Ye Qingzhi acted very sad, he just knew that his mother had no feelings for the grandfather she had never met, and naturally, she was not sad.
When they were in Daye Village, he didn’t even have to ask around. Just from the snippets of conversation from the villagers, he knew that his mother’s parents were not good to her and had even sold her for a bride price. With such parents, it was normal for his mother to have no feelings for them.
“Ma, if you’re tired, you don’t have to see them,” Ye Anmin said, also feeling sorry for Ye Qingzhi.
Ye Anmin was also a meticulous person, so he had long since discovered that his mother was not really sad. But for the sake of her reputation, she had to keep crying. Those people from her hometown and the family compound were so annoying. They all came to see his mother with long faces, saying they were comforting her, but instead, they were not giving her any time to rest.
“They are also being kind. How can I turn them away?” Ye Qingzhi asked, stroking Ye Anmin’s head.
Living in this world, how could one do as one pleased? Even if she didn’t think for herself, she had to consider He Qiming and the children.
“Don’t worry, Mama is fine. It’ll be better in a couple of days,” Ye Qingzhi said. She felt that among those who had come to see her, there were also some who did not want to have an awkward chat with her. It was just that something had happened to her family. Everyone else had come, and if she didn’t, it would make her seem unfeeling. She had to come.
Sigh, they were all bound by social etiquette. There was nothing to be done.
She was too lazy to cook for lunch. Ye Qingzhi had He Jingyan and the others go to the canteen to get food. She would just make a cucumber salad at home.
“You go and see what you like in the yard and stir-fry it yourselves. I’m not eating. I’m going back to my room to lie down for a while,” Ye Qingzhi said, waving her hand and turning to go into the room.
An older woman had come to see her at six in the morning. She had gotten up early and had to act with them. She now felt mentally and physically exhausted.
She slept until past five in the afternoon. If it weren’t for He Qiming worrying that she would be sleepy in the middle of the night and waking her up, she might still be sleeping.
“Headache?” He Qiming asked, rubbing her temples. “Most of the military dependents have come. You should be able to rest well from now on.”
Ye Qingzhi hummed comfortably. After a while, she held He Qiming’s hand and turned to look at him. “Is there any progress on my dad’s side?”
Without evidence, the fighters could only be detained for seven days. Counting the time, they might have already been released.
“My comrade found a very skilled old criminal policeman to help with the investigation. The people from Shangzhang Village might not be wrong. The one who hit your dad… is very likely someone from our own village,” He Qiming said, holding Ye Qingzhi’s hand in return.
Ye Qingzhi’s gaze flickered. Someone from our own village? And they specifically hit him on the head?
“This is murder in the chaos. My dad was a person who loved to show off and stand out. Some people liked to use him as a gun, so he offended many people. It’s not impossible that someone took the opportunity to take revenge,” Ye Qingzhi said, thinking back carefully. There were many people who did not get along with Ye Shuiping. It seemed even harder to find the culprit.
He Qiming nodded. He hadn’t told the people in Daye Village about this yet. If he did, the clan elders and cadres in the village would definitely not let him continue to investigate. The village could have a death, but not a murderer. That would implicate the reputation of the whole village.
And they were now using Ye Shuiping’s death to suppress Shangzhang Village. If they found out that the culprit was from their own village, not only would they not be able to suppress Shangzhang Village’s arrogance, but they might even be counterattacked by them.
He told Ye Qingzhi these analyses and let her decide whether to tell the village cadres.
“Of course we have to tell them,” Ye Qingzhi said, pursing her lips. “To find out the culprit, we need the cooperation of the village cadres. Otherwise, how can we find out just by relying on the police?”
Seeing Ye Qingzhi’s meaningful gaze, He Qiming nodded in understanding.
Ye Qingzhi did not want to have too many entanglements with the Ye family, so she had to side with the cadres and the clan elders. So of course, she had to be biased towards them.
The next morning, He Qiming called his comrade back home and had the old criminal policeman discuss it with the village cadres and clan elders. As for what to say, it would depend on the village’s wishes.
As he had expected, the village cadres and clan elders did not let the old criminal policeman continue to investigate. They insisted to the public that it was the people from Shangzhang Village who had beaten Ye Shuiping to death.
The police at the police station also wanted to close the case as soon as possible. They treated it as a case of group fighting and accidental death and had the people from Shangzhang Village who had participated in the fight each pay five yuan, for a total of two hundred and sixty-five yuan to the Ye family as compensation.
The cadres of Daye Village had a guilty conscience. The main reason was that they were afraid that Ye Qingzhi and He Qiming would pursue the matter if they knew their decision. They also gave fifty yuan for the funeral expenses.
Besides the money, Daye Village had Ye Qingshan’s eldest son become a teacher at the village school, Ye Qingfeng became a scorekeeper, and Ye Qingsong joined the militia.
A huge sum of money had suddenly fallen from the sky, and the three brothers had all gotten great benefits. The whole family was immersed in surprise. Who still cared about the real culprit who had beaten Ye Shuiping to death?
Ye Qingshan patted his eldest son’s shoulder. “You’ll be a teacher from now on. You have to work hard.”
“I know,” Ye Hongjun nodded and asked in a low voice, “Dad, are we not looking for the culprit anymore?”
Ye Qingshan glared at him. “Are you stupid? There were so many people that day, and everyone had a weapon in their hands. They were all fighting with red eyes. Who knows who did it? This matter, it couldn’t be found out from the beginning. If it were in the past, the police would have just had Shangzhang Village pay fifty yuan and let it go. To be able to get so much compensation this time is definitely because of your fourth uncle-in-law.”
Ye Hongjun scratched his head. “Didn’t you say that Fourth Aunt doesn’t like our family and doesn’t want to have any contact with us?”
Ye Qingshan snorted lightly. “No matter how much she dislikes us, this is her parents’ home. The money our village gave, and the jobs arranged for you, are all because of your fourth uncle-in-law. But if they knew that our relationship with your fourth aunt is so bad, they might take back the benefits. No, this must not be spread. Come on, come with me to find your grandmother and the others.”
He absolutely could not let the cadres and the clan elders know that Ye Qingzhi’s relationship with them was not good. He had to tell the others in the family, especially Ding Aixian. She could not say a bad word about Ye Qingzhi in front of outsiders and had to praise her often.
“What? That unfilial daughter Ye Qingzhi, not only can I not say anything, but I also have to praise her?” Ding Aixian said, fanning herself continuously in anger. “Don’t think I can’t see it. That unfilial daughter can’t wait to cut off ties with us. Hmph, if it weren’t for her regiment commander husband and her few children, she would never have come back for the funeral. Such an unfilial daughter, and I have to praise her?”
Ye Qingfeng frowned and looked at Ding Aixian unhappily. “Ma, don’t keep calling her an unfilial daughter. The reason our family was able to get so much compensation this time is because of Fourth Sister and Fourth Brother-in-law.”
“That’s right, Ma. You shouldn’t scold her at home either, in case you get used to it and it slips out outside,” the older sister-in-law said. As long as she thought of her son becoming a teacher soon, the smile on her face could not be hidden.
“It’s fine not to scold her, but your dad’s compensation money all belongs to me,” Ding Aixian said. Seeing them silent, she plopped down on the ground and slapped her thighs, wailing, “Old Ye, why did you just die like this? You’ve just passed away, and the children don’t want to take care of me anymore. Sob, sob, sob…”
“Half, I’ll give you half. The rest will be divided among us three brothers,” Ye Qingshan said. As the eldest son, he had to step up.
Ye Qinglan sat next to Ye Qingsong, her eyes full of sarcasm. Then she thought of her fourth sister, Ye Qingzhi. Fourth Sister was her role model. She also had to find a powerful man to get rid of these people who did not treat their daughters as human beings.
In any case, she did not want to be like her older sister, who was a beast of burden in her in-laws’ house and was skinned by her parents’ family.
Ye Qingzhi did not know about everything that had happened back home. In any case, after Ding Aixian died, she could completely cut off contact.
“Qingzhi, are you at home?” Gu Yao came in with an umbrella. It was a rare rainy day.
“I am. What is this?” Ye Qingzhi asked, seeing her carrying a basket and peeking over. “Oh, where did this watermelon come from?”
“Yangyang saw it on the roadside and bought it. I brought one for you,” Gu Yao said, taking out the watermelon and knocking on it. “Listen, this sound is so crisp. It must be very sweet.”
Ye Qingzhi looked at the large watermelon, which was about twenty catties. She was not polite with Gu Yao. Seeing that her basket was empty, she took her to the backyard to pick vegetables.
“These leeks have all been cut. With the rain these two days, a new batch will grow. And these green onions, you can pick some of the green beans. They’re about to be finished,” Ye Qingzhi said, cutting a lot of leeks and leaving a few clumps for Yang Xiaorou. As for herself, she still had some in the front yard.
Gu Yao was not polite with Ye Qingzhi either. She also cut a cabbage, and with the leeks, green onions, and cucumbers, her basket was full.
After a while, Yang Xiaorou also came to find Ye Qingzhi with a basket.
“You’re also bringing me things?” Ye Qingzhi asked, lifting the floral cloth to have a look. Beef, nougat.
“Who else is bringing you things?” Yang Xiaorou asked, taking out the things. “Meiduo’s family slaughtered a yak today. I ordered some beef jerky from her. There are three catties here, and this jar contains yogurt.”
“Who else but Gu Yao? She brought me a big watermelon,” Ye Qingzhi said, pointing to the watermelon in the corner. She took Yang Xiaorou to the backyard to get some vegetables. “These remaining leeks are all for you. You can pick whatever else you like.”
Yang Xiaorou liked eggplants and picked a few more. Looking at the thriving garlic sprouts, they were still a little small. They should be ready to pick in a few days.
“Do you know that Cao Liyan is getting married?” Seeing Ye Qingzhi’s confused look, Yang Xiaorou said with a smile, “Her partner is a doctor from their hospital, with the surname Chu. I didn’t pay attention before. I heard he’s good-looking and gentle. I don’t know why he would take a fancy to Cao Liyan.”
“To each their own. It’s not like we’re the ones living with her. Is that all? Why don’t you pick some more green beans? I’m planning to pull them up and plant other vegetables,” Ye Qingzhi said, glancing at Yang Xiaorou’s basket, which was not even half of Gu Yao’s.
“No need. My family only has three people. We can’t eat that much,” Yang Xiaorou said, shaking her head.
Ye Qingzhi planned to cut the watermelon and give some to Yang Xiaorou, but she was refused.
“No need. I wasn’t at home just now. Gu Yao has probably already put some at my place,” Yang Xiaorou said confidently.
Ye Qingzhi guessed so too. The few of them were on good terms and would often send each other good things. It was impossible for Li Yang to have forgotten Yang Xiaorou’s share when she bought the watermelon.
After Yang Xiaorou left, no one else came to visit. Ye Qingzhi had He Jingyan cut the watermelon and share it with his younger brothers, while she herself prepared to deal with the beef.
It was hot now, and there was no refrigerator. If she didn’t dry it, she could only make it into beef sauce. Ye Qingzhi planned to make two-thirds of it, and the rest she would stir-fry with chili and stew with potatoes for dinner.
“Mama, eat,” Yangyang said, running over with a piece of watermelon for Ye Qingzhi.
“Thank you, my baby Yangyang. Put it there for now. Mama is cutting the beef. I’ll eat it after I’m done,” Ye Qingzhi said, lowering her head and rubbing her nose against the top of his head.
Yangyang happily went back to his older brothers. “Mama said she’ll eat later.”
Just as He Qiming had said, the military wives in the family compound had all come once and had not bothered her again. Ye Qingzhi had finally returned to her simple little life.
But Li Jinfeng was finally out of her confinement. She was preparing to have two tables at home and invite those who had sent her confinement gifts for a meal.
With Ye Qingzhi’s relationship with her, when Li Jinfeng had a child, she of course had to give a large red envelope and a generous gift. So Old Mrs. Li had personally come to invite them, and their whole family was to go.
There were only two tables in total. If their whole family went, they would take up one table. Of course, Ye Qingzhi could not do such a classless thing, so she only had He Qiming represent their family.
“Qingzhi,” Li Jinfeng said, still wearing a headscarf. Seeing Ye Qingzhi and the children eating, her face immediately darkened. “You’re really something. I asked you to come to my house for dinner, and you’re cooking yourself again. Stop eating and come to my house.”
“I’ve already cooked,” Ye Qingzhi said, getting up and linking her arm with Li Jinfeng’s affectionately. “We have a good relationship. It’s fine either way. You have to entertain the others today. When can’t we have dinner together?”
Li Jinfeng shot Ye Qingzhi a look. “This mouth of yours, you’re always right. I can’t win against you. Alright, then in a few days, I’ll cook a few dishes and just invite you, Xiaorou, and Gu Yao and the others. We can eat slowly.”
“That’s right. Just a few of us, we can eat slowly and have a heart-to-heart talk, right?” Ye Qingzhi said with a chuckle, sending Li Jinfeng away. She turned and sat down to continue eating.
“Ma, why don’t you go? The few of us can just eat at home,” Ye Anmin said, looking up.
“Nonsense. Hurry up and eat,” Ye Qingzhi said, giving each of the few children a chopstickful of food. “I don’t like that kind of occasion. I’d rather eat noodle soup at home than go to a banquet.”
He Jingyan said seriously, “I will watch my younger brother.”
The implication was that Ye Qingzhi did not have to worry about her younger brother and could go to the banquet with peace of mind.
“What, does Jingyan not like Mama to eat with you? This is really heartbreaking,” Ye Qingzhi said, feigning sadness.
“No,” He Jingyan quickly denied, his face flushed.
When He Qiming came back, Ye Qingzhi learned that Bai Xue had also gone and had even held the child for a while, and had also asked Li Jinfeng for a piece of the baby’s old clothes.
It seemed she had been greatly stimulated by Zeng Huijun’s pregnancy. Bai Xue would never have done such a thing before.
“The child’s name has been chosen, Li Wenting. The child’s grandfather chose it,” He Qiming continued.
Li Wenting? Ting? Or is it ‘stop’? Does that mean he wants Li Jinfeng to stop having daughters?
Ye Qingzhi really couldn’t bring herself to praise this name as being nice. She forced a smile and took out a letter from her pocket. “That person from Dong Province has sent you another letter.”
“Zhang Xianjuan?” He Qiming frowned. Her younger brother-in-law’s case had already been closed. What else was she looking for him for?
He Qiming opened the letter and glanced at it, then sneered and handed it to Ye Qingzhi, so that she could also see how thick a person’s skin could be.
“She wants you to take care of her younger brother-in-law?” Ye Qingzhi didn’t even know what adjective to use to describe Zhang Xianjuan. “So is there anything going on between her and her younger brother-in-law?”