Wushuang exited the garment shop, a bundle of newly purchased shoes clutched in her hands. Each pair—four in total—had set her back another 160 coins.
The street outside was bustling, the winter chill biting at her cheeks. Yet, the warmth from their new clothes seemed to infuse them with a new sense of vitality.
Mrs. Bai, previously fraught with cold and hunger, now felt the comfort of the fresh garments. As she walked beside Wushuang, her eyes wandered in wonder.
The county town was a visual feast: neat, intricate houses lined the streets, their facades adorned with festive decorations. Shops brimmed with goods, their signs and colors inviting passersby to explore. For the first time in a long while, Mrs. Bai's heart lightened.
"I never noticed how lively it is here," Mrs. Bai said, her voice carrying a note of amazement. "Everything seems so… vibrant."
Wushuang nodded, her own gaze sweeping over the scene.
Isn't it funny how a bit of warmth and a few new clothes can change your whole perspective? She mused.
If only more people knew the joy of a little luxury.
The plan had originally included buying some meat to bring back. But Wushuang, knowing that Mrs. Bai was closely watching their remaining coins, decided to hold off.
I'll get the meat next time, she thought. No need to stir the pot when we're on a tight budget.
They settled into the ox cart, its wooden wheels creaking softly as it trundled toward home. Mrs. Bai, holding a basket of grain, looked out with a contented smile. As they entered the village, the sight of snow-covered homes, each adorned with temporary snow houses, greeted them. These makeshift structures were a testament to the villagers' resilience, a reminder of the harsh winter.
People in the village turned their heads as Wushuang and Mrs. Bai passed by, noting their new attire with surprise. The villagers' curiosity was palpable.
Looks like our new clothes have made quite the impression, Wushuang thought wryly.
In a village where everyone is related and opinions are sharp, that's not always a good thing.
Wushuang quickened her pace, gripping Mrs. Bai's hand. The Liu family's dominance in the village was well-known. Eight out of ten households shared the Liu surname, and their influence was pervasive. When the original owner, Liu Wushuang, and Mrs. Bai had been cast out, the Liu family's decision to sever all ties had been met with unspoken agreement from the entire village.
This place has never been kind to us, Wushuang reflected. The sooner we make enough money and move out, the better.
Her thoughts turned to Mrs. Ma and Mrs. Qian, two villagers who had shown kindness amidst the hostility.
If we can take them with us when we leave, she pondered, we'd have some reliable company. Besides, it's always better to have a few more people for protection.
As she mused about their future, a sigh escaped her lips.
Reading novels where characters have cheats and magical systems made me think it was easy to get through tough times. She chuckled to herself.
No golden fingers here—just me, my wits, and hopefully a few loyal friends.
Reaching their snow house, Wushuang and Mrs. Bai were greeted by a blast of warmth from the hearth. The contrast between the bitter cold outside and the cozy interior was jarring.
They shed their thick outer layers, the heat from the fire wrapping around them like a comforting embrace.
Mrs. Mo and Mrs. Qian were at the hearth, adding fresh logs to the crackling fire. They glanced up, their expressions a mix of surprise and admiration when they saw Wushuang and Mrs. Bai in their new clothes.
"You two must have come into some money!" Mrs. Mo exclaimed, her voice filled with wonder.
Mrs. Bai's grin stretched from ear to ear. "Yes, indeed! My daughter struck it rich in the county town. She even bought new clothes and shoes for both of you."
With a flourish, Mrs. Bai pulled out the additional sets of jackets, skirts, and shoes she had purchased. She eagerly recounted their shopping spree, her words bubbling with excitement.
Mrs. Mo and Mrs. Qian listened intently, their eyes widening at the tale. The story of the county town, with its bustling streets and colorful market stalls, captivated them. The clothing in their arms only served to enhance the story's believability.
Wushuang, observing her mother's animated storytelling, shook her head with a small smile.
Mom's enthusiasm is infectious, she thought. At least she's not fretting over the small stuff for once.
Turning her attention to the kitchen, Wushuang set about preparing a meal. She took out the brown rice she had bought, cleaned the clay pot with snow water, and set it to boil. The aroma of the rice porridge filled the room, its rich, earthy scent mingling with the warmth from the fire. The porridge, thick and almost dry, was seasoned with a touch of salt, providing a comforting, savory flavor.
Mrs. Mo and Mrs. Qian, unfamiliar with the luxurious dishes Mrs. Bai had mentioned, were nonetheless delighted by the simple yet satisfying meal. They ate heartily, savoring each spoonful of the thick, fragrant porridge.
As the meal concluded, Mrs. Bai's excitement seemed boundless. She took Wushuang's arm and guided her toward the site of their old home, now a skeletal frame buried under snow.
Wushuang, feeling a mix of reluctance and resignation, said, "Mom, I really don't think there's anything of value left. Why don't we just leave it? We can focus on earning more and renting a place in the city. The old stuff isn't worth the hassle."
Mrs. Bai, however, was resolute. Her usually gentle demeanor hardened as she replied, "Nonsense! We can't afford to waste anything. Even if our house is gone, every bit of salvageable stuff is worth something. You need to learn to value what you have, not just toss it aside."
Realizing that convincing her mother would be futile, Wushuang reluctantly agreed to help. They began moving aside a fallen log from the roof when their path was obstructed by a pair of feet.
Wushuang looked up to find Liu Laoyi standing there, his posture rigid, hands clasped behind his back. His face was a mask of disapproval, his gaze fixed on their new clothes.
"Where did you get the money to buy such fine clothes?" Liu Laoyi's tone was sharp, his question a clear challenge.
Mrs. Bai, already nervous, clutched Wushuang's hand tightly. Wushuang, however, stood her ground, her voice steady and cold. "Mr. Liu, if I recall correctly, you have severed all ties with us. So, why do you think it's any of your business where we get our money?"
Wushuang's internal satisfaction was evident.
It's a relief that Liu Laoyi's public declaration of severing ties actually holds weight. She thought.
Even in a society that still holds to old traditions, our severance is legally and socially recognized.
Liu Laoyi's face darkened, his expression a storm of frustration and anger. He was about to lash out when he managed to control his temper, forcing a strained smile. "You're quite bold, child. I understand you might harbor resentment, but you must see it from my perspective."
Wushuang raised an eyebrow, her demeanor unyielding. "From your perspective? Your actions have already shown us exactly where we stand. Spare me your justifications. We've managed quite well without your interference."
Liu Laoyi's smile faltered, and he turned on his heel, leaving Wushuang and Mrs. Bai amidst the ruins of their old home. The encounter had left a lingering tension, but for now, they were free to continue their search.
As they resumed their task, Wushuang thought, Today's events have been a reminder: in this world, actions speak louder than words. And sometimes, the best way to deal with the past is to focus on the future.