Chapter Four: Hard to Borrow Money

Han Qing opened his eyes to see his mother’s thin face leaning over him, her hand trembling as she gently stroked his hair.

“Qing’er, you’ve suffered so much. It’s all because your father left us too soon.”

In his previous life, Han Qing had been an orphan, never knowing the warmth of parental love. This was the first time he truly felt the care of family, and the sensation washed over him, making him feel at ease.

“Mother, it is your unfilial son who has made you worry all this time. But rest assured, I will earn a name for myself, and ensure both you and Xiuxiu live the good life you deserve!”

Han Qing’s mother froze for a moment at these words, her expression shifting quickly to one of surprise.

Was this really her son?

Outside the window, Jiang Xiuxiu was also taken aback. She hadn’t expected Han Qing to mention her. Clutching the coarse cloth in her hands, she was suddenly at a loss.

“Qing’er, what do you plan to do about the Bai family? I fear they won’t let this go so easily,” his mother said anxiously.

The Bai family truly held sway over the entire Beijun County. There was a saying in these parts: “If the Bai family wants you dead by midnight, you won’t live to see dawn.”

The young man in the splendid robe earlier, Bai Yujing, was the Bai family’s scion, nephew of the current county magistrate, and recently named a scholar. No wonder he was so arrogant.

If the Bai family wanted money, Han Qing could bear it. But to steal Jiang Xiuxiu away and injure her mother—this, he could not forgive. Even if the Bai family didn’t come for him, he had already resolved to confront them.

“Tomorrow I’ll go to the embroidery house and take on some needlework. That way, I can help with our household expenses,” Jiang Xiuxiu appeared at the doorway, speaking softly as if seeking Han Qing’s approval.

“Xiuxiu, come inside to speak,” Han Qing’s mother called.

Xiuxiu nodded slightly and entered, head lowered, not daring to meet Han Qing’s gaze for fear of displeasing him.

“This won’t do. Tomorrow, Xiuxiu, you stay home. Qing’er and I will visit your elder sister’s house to see if there’s another way.”

Elder sister?

Han Qing did have an elder sister, who had married two years prior. Her husband’s family lived in the neighboring village, not far away.

Early the next morning, Han Qing and his mother ate some sweet potatoes and porridge before setting out.

He ought to have brought a gift for his brother-in-law’s family, but he hadn’t a single coin to spare.

Upon entering, they saw a woman in the courtyard, hanging herbs to dry.

Han Qing’s brother-in-law dealt in medicinal herbs. Though his business was modest, it brought in some money, making their circumstances far better than the Han family’s. When his sister saw Han Qing, her face lit up with joy, only to quickly cool into indifference.

“Mother, why have you brought this good-for-nothing here again?”

Han Qing flushed with embarrassment at her words.

He himself felt sorry for who he used to be—no one greeted him with a kind face.

Forcing a smile, Han Qing walked over to Han Yurou and called softly, “Sister.”

Her expression was strange, more surprised than anything. Had her brother lost his mind?

He had always looked down on her husband’s profession, thinking it beneath them. For him to behave like this, he must need something.

“Yurou, where’s Iron Ox?” their mother asked.

“He’s gone out to deliver herbs. He should be back soon.”

“You know how hard things have been for your brother and Xiuxiu. We came to ask if you could lend us some money.”

Han Yurou hesitated. Helping family was only natural, but Han Qing had always looked down on her husband, causing frequent discord between the two families.

“Mother, you know Iron Ox is the head of the house. This is something I’ll need to discuss with him.”

Han Qing understood that his sister held little authority in her own home, and truthfully, he hadn’t come just to borrow money. He wanted to see his sister, to experience a sense of family—this was enough. As for money, he already had a plan in mind, waiting only to be set in motion.

As the three were talking, a robust, dark-skinned man entered the courtyard.

Seeing Han Qing, his brother-in-law’s expression changed. This brother-in-law, who usually looked down on him, had come of his own accord!

Something was wrong.

Fat twitching on his cheeks, the man strode toward Han Qing.

Han Qing greeted him as “brother-in-law.”

Han Yurou was stunned. Since her marriage, Han Qing had never called her husband that. Every time they met, Han Qing would mock him. What was happening today?

“Brother-in-law, how’s the herb business lately?” Han Qing asked casually.

Liu Iron Ox was unnerved by this sudden politeness.

What had gotten into him?

“It’s all right, but business has been tough lately. The Bai family has taken over part of the trade, so our profits have fallen. Still, we’re getting by,” Iron Ox replied.

The Bai family again! Han Qing’s eyes narrowed, a chill in his gaze.

“Han Qing, what brings you here today?” Iron Ox asked, hope flickering that he wasn’t here to borrow money.

“Brother-in-law, I came to ask for a loan.”

“Absolutely not!”

Before Han Qing could finish, Iron Ox cut him off without hesitation.

Having been refused so outright, Han Qing felt awkward.

His plans to earn money would take time to bear fruit, and for now, he had hoped to humble himself and borrow some so his mother and Xiuxiu could eat better. He hadn’t expected to be rejected so bluntly.

Just then, his mother emerged and, seeing the situation, sighed deeply.

“Iron Ox—”

But Iron Ox was a shrewd man, known for being tight-fisted, and it was hard to get anything from him.

Even as Han Qing’s mother began to speak, Iron Ox hurried over to cut her off.

“Mother, why don’t you come inside? It’s cold out—warm yourself by the fire.”

She shook her head, deepening the lines on her face.

“Son-in-law, I know life isn’t easy for you either, but your brother really is in trouble this time. Could you—?”

Iron Ox’s face twisted with difficulty.

“Mother, you don’t know how hard things have been. I need cash to buy herbs these days, but the apothecary only pays monthly. I can barely keep my business afloat.”

His refusal was clear.

Han Qing walked to his mother’s side.

“Mother, since brother-in-law is having a hard time, let’s go home and think of something else.”

Hearing that Han Qing intended to leave, Iron Ox was relieved.

“I’ll see you home, mother,” he offered.

But Han Qing’s mother could not hide her disappointment.

“Raising a daughter seems to have been for nothing.”