Li Qingyun clenched her fists as she stepped out of the shed, her heart pounding with determination. This time, I will protect my family.
In her past life, their downfall had started with greedy relatives and corrupt village officials who took advantage of their kindness. Her father, Li Shengtian, had been too trusting. Her mother, Madam Zhou, had been too soft-hearted. And she—she had been too naïve.
Not anymore.
Securing Their Limited Resources
The first step to protecting her family was ensuring they had enough food and money to survive the hard times ahead.
Their farm was small, and the soil was not the best. But now that she had the farming space, she could secretly grow high-quality crops and sell them for a better price. However, she couldn't reveal the space yet—people would become suspicious.
For now, she needed to help her parents manage their resources better.
That afternoon, she found her mother washing rice by the well. Qingyun stepped forward.
"Mother, how much rice do we have left?" she asked.
Madam Zhou gave her a surprised look but answered, "Not much. Maybe enough for two weeks if we're careful."
In her past life, they had often run out of food before harvest season, forcing them to borrow from greedy relatives who later demanded unfair repayment. She wouldn't let that happen again.
"We should ration the rice and mix it with sweet potatoes," Qingyun suggested. "It will last longer, and we won't have to borrow from Uncle Bao."
Madam Zhou blinked. "Qingyun, why are you thinking about these things? Leave it to your father and me."
Qingyun shook her head. "Mother, I just don't want us to suffer later."
Her mother sighed but smiled. "Alright, we'll be careful."
One small step. No more borrowing from scheming relatives.
Protecting Their Land from Greedy Hands
Next, Qingyun went to find her father, who was plowing their small field. Sweat glistened on his brow as he wiped his forehead.
"Father, let me help," she said, picking up a hoe.
Li Shengtian chuckled. "You're still young. Just focus on your studies."
Qingyun's chest ached. In her past life, her father had worked himself to death trying to provide for them. She wouldn't let that happen again.
"Father, I heard Uncle Bao talking about our land the other day," she said carefully. "He said we should sell a piece of it to pay for food."
Li Shengtian's expression darkened. "That man always talks nonsense."
"Father, we mustn't sell our land—no matter what," Qingyun insisted. "Land is our life. If we give it up, we'll have nothing left."
Her father looked at her thoughtfully. "You're speaking like a grown-up today, Qingyun."
She bit her lip. I wasn't wise enough before, but I won't make the same mistakes now.
"Promise me, Father. Even if times get hard, don't sell the land."
Li Shengtian hesitated, then nodded. "I promise."
No matter what tricks Uncle Bao tried, he wouldn't succeed this time.
Preventing the First Betrayal
Qingyun knew that the first betrayal in her past life had come from Liu Meifeng, the childhood friend she had once trusted.
Back then, Liu Meifeng had pretended to be her best friend, only to spread rumors about her and lead her into a trap that resulted in her engagement to the cruel merchant.
This time, Qingyun wouldn't be fooled.
As expected, later that day, Liu Meifeng appeared at her house, her usual sweet smile on her lips.
"Qingyun! Let's go to the river together," she said cheerfully.
Qingyun stared at her, a bitter taste in her mouth. In her past life, this same girl had laughed as she watched Qingyun suffer.
But this time, Qingyun wasn't the same foolish girl.
She smiled politely but shook her head. "I have chores to do."
Liu Meifeng pouted. "Come on, just for a little while!"
"No," Qingyun said firmly.
Liu Meifeng's eyes flashed with annoyance, but she quickly covered it with a smile. "Alright, another time then."
As Qingyun watched her leave, she exhaled. I won't fall for your tricks again.
A Future Worth Fighting For
That night, as she lay in bed, Qingyun stared at the pearl bracelet on her wrist.
Her heart was still heavy with the memories of her past life, but now, she had hope.
She had protected their food supply, secured their land, and avoided the first betrayal. These were small steps, but they would lead to a better future.
As she closed her eyes, she made a vow.
This time, I will protect my family. No one will take away our happiness.
And those who had hurt them before?
They will pay.
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