Chapter 2: The Fierce Woman

Wang Ning was immediately enraged; three children were only given two and a half bowls. Wang Luoxiang had almost given all the porridge to her brother, leaving the two little ones to make do with the remaining bit of porridge mixed with water

Of course, but do we have any money?" Wang Ning'an glanced around the empty room, truly unable to think of where the money could be hidden

Wang Luoxiang nodded slightly and made a mark in the bowl, "That's enough for now." There is still a long way to go!

Uncle Wu's flatbreads cost 3 wen each, and with 20 wen, seven were purchased, along with a complimentary serving of pickles; not everyone is as stingy as the Cui family... The three siblings were famished and immediately indulged in a hearty meal

Cui, you truly have the capability to accomplish this

Wang Ning'an grew increasingly angry as he thought about it, biting down hard as if he were sinking his teeth into the flesh of the Cui family. He chewed with all his might, swallowing a mouthful that scraped his throat like fire, gritty like sand. Wang Luoxiang cautiously picked up a piece, took a small bite, and chewed slowly.

Old man Bianyi's private stash has been spent almost entirely. When he returns and sees this, who knows how furious he will be? On second thought, what is there to be afraid of? You left us at home without care, we have suffered grievances, so what if we spent a bit of your private money! It is only right and just!

Wang Luoxiang covered her nose and took out a small money pouch from her shoe, timidly saying: "It was hidden by father. He, he doesn't allow Xiang'er to tell anyone. Listening to father's words, he bought candy ears for Xiang'er to eat."

With money, there are ways to achieve it

The two little ones saw that Wang Ning'an had a stern expression and could only obediently lift their bowls of porridge. After hastily finishing a meal, the feeling of being half full was even more uncomfortable than being hungry.

Having hit someone and still not providing food, do you intend to cause a loss of life

Wang Luoxiang shook her head vigorously, "You will get hurt, Xiang'er won't let you go." What if I don't go? Wang Ning'an shrugged his shoulders and said with a wry smile, "Xiang'er, be good, we can't starve, can we?"

Wang Luoxiang wiped her tears; her brother was much kinder than before and truly cared for her. The little girl suddenly looked up and asked, "Brother, if one has money, can one avoid hunger?"

Wang Ningze was frightened by his sister, took another bite, and chewed it in his mouth for quite a while without being able to swallow. He felt wronged, with tears welling up in his eyes.

Wang Ning'an could only step forward and mockingly said, "Second Aunt, there are always more people in the world willing to lend a helping hand than those who would kick someone when they are down. If someone brings us food, what business is it of yours?"

You must have stolen the money from the house, hand it over quickly

Cui is clearly trying to make a fool of others, saving money through his words, hoping to eventually buy a horse. Moreover, the other families have adults present, so they certainly won't be deprived of food; perhaps at this very moment, Cui is enjoying a special meal in his room. He is merely bullying the three helpless children.

Then go to the tree, find a few bird eggs, and cook them to eat

He brought back a total of seven fist-sized flatbreads, along with a piece of pickled vegetable

Wang Luoxiang nodded vigorously, then turned and ran to the door, dragging out a pair of extra-large shoes that emitted a strong odor, definitely a bioweapon of crisis level; even from a distance, Wang Ning'an felt faint.

The little girl gave up her sugar ears for her brother, truly a good girl! Wang Ning'an chuckled, reached out and scratched her nose, "What are sugar ears? In a few days, brother will buy you sugar figurines, not only delicious but also beautiful!

In the past few days, I often went to buy food and placed it in the stinky shoes. Every time I took out money, I would feel dizzy and disoriented from the smell. I simply decided to put it in a more accessible place. Who would have thought that it would be discovered by Cui He * Tu * Shu? ... Wang Ning'an's expression changed dramatically ...

Wang Ning'an was both angry and annoyed, but he was seriously injured and unable to get out of bed. He could only grit his teeth in silence, feeling an increasing sense of resentment. He scooped some of the porridge from his bowl to share with his younger brother and sister, leaving only a small half bowl for himself, and divided the remaining egg in two. Although Wang Ning'an did not know what to do, he certainly could not let the two children worry about him.

"Well, you little rascal, after being punished, you still dare to enjoy the good things in life. You really have some nerve! Quickly tell me, where did you steal this money from?" Cui seemed to be possessed by a fierce spirit, scaring the two little ones so much that they trembled continuously, curling up behind their older brother

Hmm

What a silly girl, Wang Ning tenderly protected her sister with one hand while holding her brother with the other hand

On the table, there was a pot of golden millet porridge, and three children were holding large steamed buns, with oil still oozing from the places they had bitten into. Cui was instantly enraged and began to scold them furiously.

"So, Aunt Er gave you two bowls of porridge?" Wang Ning'an exclaimed in surprise

Be obedient, eat quickly, otherwise your brother may not be happy

When our parents are not home, even if there is only a grain of rice, we must share it together. If it is all given to elder brother, what will you do? Wang Ning'an gently stroked his sister's head

Wang Ningze took a bite just like his older brother and sister, but spat it out.

Wang Ning'an could not swallow it, so he stopped tormenting his younger brother and sister. He snatched the cake away and threw it forcefully onto the ground. Taking a deep breath, he propped himself up with his arms and managed to sit up, his weak body breaking out in a cold sweat

Wang Ning'an ate 3, while Wang Luoxiang and Wang Ningze each had 2, causing their little bellies to swell up

Cui was speaking while searching everywhere in the room

Pah

Their family can be considered the only merchant in Tuta Village, but now that it is dark, it is uncertain whether there is still any food available. While Wang Ning'an was waiting, Wang Luoxiang hurriedly ran back, out of breath

You all wait, I will go catch two fish

"What?" Cui raised her eyebrows, glanced at the items on the table, and said with a strange smile: "Little brat, don't think I don't know that the only ones making pancakes in the village are the old Wu couple! Those two will make pancakes for you, dream on!"

Cui searched everywhere and happened to see, following Wang Luoxiang's gaze, a wooden box, which the vicious dog pounced on as if it had seen a bone

Do you think the mortality rate of young children is too high? Even if one dies, Wang Liangjing wouldn't dare to do anything to you when he returns. After all, it was Wang Ning'an who lost the horse first, so the fault lies with him!

However, Wang Ning'an still did not know who to rely on. He could only put on a brave front. Wang Ning'an got up early to cook a large pot of porridge, which he shared with his younger siblings. The sun outside gradually rose, heralding another warm morning. It would have been even better if it weren't for the annoying second aunt. Suddenly, the door was pushed open, and Cui Shi stormed in, filled with anger.

Wang Ning'an finally remembered that "Grandpa Zhong" was Wang Zhong, the only servant of the Wang family. In fact, calling him a servant is not entirely accurate; in his early years, he had followed the ancestors of the Wang family to the battlefield and sustained a disability. For many years, he had been living with the Wang family, almost like a family member.

Then you both gave it to your brother, right?" Wang Ning'an looked at the two bowls of clear porridge and said loudly: "Afraid that your brother would find out, so you poured boiling water into both bowls, didn't you?

Is this dinner

Uncle Wu has a horse-drawn carriage, which he uses to purchase grain, mountain goods, and wild game from the village, and then sells them in Cangzhou. Sometimes, when the grain does not sell, he makes flatbreads at home to sell to the villagers.

Wang Ning'an was filled with rage, casually grabbing one, which was as hard as a rock. He brought it close to his eyes, noticing the mottled spots on the pancake, which seemed to be moldy. It took a great deal of effort to break it apart. He brought it to his mouth and took a bite; it was coarse and unbearable, and there was also a strange taste. Wang Ning'an swore that he had never eaten anything so unpalatable in his life

In the next two days, although meals will still be collected on time, after bringing them back, if they are edible, they will be consumed; if not, a visit will be made to Uncle Wu's house. In addition to the steamed buns, a small amount of millet and a few salted duck eggs were also purchased

While Cui was speaking, she rummaged through her belongings. Wang Ning'an appeared calm, but Wang Luoxiang, being just a child, was frightened and changed color, her body trembling incessantly, and her small eyes darting around restlessly.

Grandfather Zhong

"Xiang'er, your brother is injured. Please go to Uncle Wu's house next door and buy a few steamed buns to bring back."

Wang Ning'an believed that if he could pass the imperial examination and become a jinshi, endure a few years, and then serve as a county magistrate, it would be best to benefit the local community. If that were not possible, he would settle for earning a bit of silver and living a comfortable life, which would be the best outcome.

Wang Luoxiang's eyes sparkled; indeed, her brother is more generous than their father

Clinging to a trivial matter without letting go, is there still a shred of familial affection left?

Stop eating!

The little girl obediently handed the money bag to Wang Ning'an, holding the heavy bag that contained almost one hundred wen. Wang Ning'an revealed a rare smile; indeed, no matter the time, men could not change their habit of hiding private savings. Suddenly, Wang Ning'an felt a slight fondness for the cheap old man, though it was merely a slight feeling.

Wang Ning'an lay on the bed, his mind filled with thoughts. He wanted to retrieve his horse, clear his name, and also wished to make money, at least to eat better. He was also contemplating studying, hoping to blend in with the scholars... In his previous life, he was not someone with great ambitions. After graduating from a third-rate university, he pursued a carefree life by writing for a living. After several years of hard work, he had only managed to scrape together a little living expense, yet he felt very happy and content.

"Do not waste food!" Wang Luoxiang admonished

Wang Luoxiang raised her small face, tears on her cheeks, and said: "Brother is hurt, Grandpa Zhong said that you need to eat well in order to recover quickly"

Well, it was given by my second aunt. She mentioned that the family lost a horse and needs to be frugal.

"No, it won't do." Wang Luoxiang said with concern, "Brother is injured, and Grandpa Zhong said that he must not come into contact with water."

Wang Ning'an's injuries are also recovering rapidly, and he is able to get up and cook porridge

Wang Ning'an pondered for a moment and counted out twenty copper coins

Wang Ning'an thought resentfully that night had come in the blink of an eye. He still could not get up and had no choice but to ask his younger sister, Wang Luoxiang, to fetch dinner. After waiting for a full fifteen minutes, the little girl returned with a mournful expression, holding a plate that contained only two or three dark, unappetizing flatbreads

Yes, it is Grandpa Zhong. Yesterday he applied medicine to my brother, and he also brought the eggs.

His ambitions are not high, but once he fails to meet even the lowest requirements, Wang Ning'an can explode. For instance, during elementary school, there was a tall and strong repeat student in the class who always bullied him. When Wang Ning'an was pushed to his limits, he became fierce... After practicing hard for more than half a year, he cornered the bully against the wall and ended up giving him a black eye, forcing him to surrender... Cui family, it is best to know when to stop and not truly provoke me

Two days have passed, and Grandpa Zhong has visited once, changing Wang Ning'an's dressings. The wounds on his body have healed, and new flesh is beginning to grow. The itching sensation is quite noticeable, and he is able to get up and walk. Wang Luoxiang and Wang Ningze also showed smiles; with their brother's recovery, they now have someone to rely on