Chapter 43: with translation of chapter title

Gu Xixi pondered briefly, then her eyes widened as she looked at Mu Nan Zhao.

Mu Nan Zhao nodded, "Exactly as you thought, someone deliberately pushed the rock."

"Although his method was too crude, he likely hadn't planned ahead; it was probably a spur-of-the-moment idea."

"But that person wanting your life is beyond doubt."

He continued eating the porridge, while Gu Xixi lowered her gaze in thought.

The room was unusually quiet, even the faint clink of spoon against bowl could be heard.

Mu Nan Zhao ate slowly and deliberately, then wiped his mouth with a handkerchief, "Life and death are serious matters; it's normal for a young lady like you to be afraid, but I'm here..."

Before he finished speaking, Gu Xixi jumped up, "It must be him!"

Mu Nan Zhao was startled by her sudden action, lifted his head to look at her, "Do you know who the killer is?"

"Gu Tiezhu." Gu Xixi spat out the name hatefully.

"Besides him and his family, I haven't recently had any grudges with anyone."

In the past, Gu Xixi in the village only endured open mockery and covert sarcasm; she lacked the ability and the disposition to bully others, so naturally she had no enemies.

Recently, only the families of Gu Lao San and Gu Daye.

Gu Daye's most precious vegetable field had been burned, yet he didn't dare to break with Gu Lao San; to say he committed murder, first he lacked the strength, second he lacked the courage.

Mu Nan Zhao pondered, "Actually, I haven't seen Gu Tiezhu around the village lately."

"By rights... his leg should have healed by now."

Gu Xixi also recalled a scene from the rescue.

Even though her side had enough people, Gu Qingye insisted on pushing forward.

That's not a problem; Gu Qingye has been a well‑praised good girl since childhood, and she never misses a chance to earn a good reputation.

Coincidentally, just as Gu Qingye had turned away, a stone fell from the sky.

Gu Xixi related this and asked, "Don't you think it's too much of a coincidence?"

The two exchanged a glance and had already marked Gu Tiezhu as the prime suspect.

Next came verification, seeking evidence by any means.

Tonight, the old doctor and Zhang Shen ate their meal in the kitchen.

While Zhang Shen scrubbed the pot, the old doctor placed five copper coins on the stove, "It's not much, please keep it."

Zhang Shen was surprised, "Why give me money when it's neither a festival nor a holiday?"

The old doctor said, "These are the consultation fees given by the village chief; I eat and drink here for free every day, I wanted to help with household expenses, but I'm ashamed that after all these years I still own nothing."

He paused, smiled, "I know this little money can't cover my food and drink, let alone the care you and Xixi have shown me, which no amount of money could measure. If you disdain it..."

Zhang Shen swiftly snatched the five cash, "All right, all right, I'll take it!"

"If I didn't accept it, I wouldn't know how many polite words you'd utter!"

"I'll let Xixi know later; she's the head of the household, I've taken the living expenses her master gave, she ought to be informed."

The old doctor grinned broadly.

The next day, Lao Qian rose at dawn.

The old doctor told him to go to bed early and rise early from today, and before eating in the morning it's best to exercise his muscles and bones to promote circulation.

Lao Qian strictly followed the medical advice, performing a set of the Five Animal Frolics he had learned in his youth.

Unfortunately, having not practiced for so long, he couldn't remember the movements fully, and his performance was far from standard.

When Gu Xixi knocked on the door, Lao Qian had just reached the "Golden Rooster Announces Dawn" pose.

He trembled while holding the pose, impatiently shouting, "Who is it?"

Gu Xixi replied, "Uncle Qian, it's me, Gu Xixi."

Lao Qian hastily lowered his stance, breathing in and out.

While quickly tidying his appearance, his face broke into a smile, "Is Xixi coming? Wait a moment, uncle will open the door right away!"

The door opened; before Gu Xixi could speak, Lao Qian turned his head toward the courtyard and said:

"Old lady, Xixi's great‑niece has come; fry some scallion eggs so she can eat here."

Qian's wife opened the kitchen window, smiling in agreement, then warmly greeted Gu Xixi:

"I just steamed a pot of leek dumplings with minced dried shrimp and dried tofu; they're delicious, Xixi, you must eat several!"

The couple earnestly urged her to stay for a meal; Gu Xixi hastily waved her hands, forced to tell a little lie.

"No trouble, aunt; I already ate at home before coming."

Lao Qian knew that Gu Xixi coming early in the morning must be for an important matter.

He waved at his wife, "You go ahead and cook; I'll have a few words with Xixi."

Lao Qian then invited Xixi inside to have tea.

Gu Xixi said, "The children probably haven't gotten up yet; I'll just say it here, it's only a matter of a couple sentences."

A moment later, Lao Qian exclaimed joyfully, "Does your family's Chen Fang agree to teach the children to read?"

Gu Xixi nodded, "That's what he said."

"It's about selecting a site for the village school and recruiting students..."

Lao Qian understood, "Rest assured, as long as we have a teacher, the rest will be easy—I'll take care of everything."

He suddenly turned to Gu Xixi and performed a solemn bow.

"On behalf of the people of Flower Pool Ford Village, I thank you and Chen Fang—oh, I should call him Mister Chen."

Gu Xixi was slightly startled, then earnestly said, "Uncle Qian, please don't perform such a great ceremony."

"I too am a person of Flower Pool Ford Village; as the village improves, I naturally rejoice."

Lao Qian was moved, "Good child, good."

As for Mr. Chen, please tell him that I will pick an auspicious day and formally visit to present my respects; Mr. Chen should be treated with respect in Huachi Du Cun and must not be slighted.

Gu Xixi had wanted to say that it wasn't necessary to go to all this trouble.

Then she thought, as an intermediary, there was really no need for her to make this decision for Mu Nan Zhao.

So she said she had to head home now.

At that moment, Qian's madam rushed out and, without saying a word, shoved a plate of steaming hot buns into Gu Xixi's hands.

"Take them back and let everyone at home try my cooking."

Lao Qian also laughed and said, "Don't refuse, or your aunt will be unhappy."

Gu Xixi had no choice but to accept, saying, "Thank you, Aunt, thank you Uncle Qian; I'll return the plate later."

She walked home holding the buns, feeling warm inside.

This sort of neighborly warmth in sharing food, she had experienced it before when she lived in the big compound as a child.

On the small path in front of the gate, she could see a graceful figure pacing back and forth in the distance.

Gu Xixi called out, "Qingye."

Gu Qingye turned around, instantly breaking into a sweet, lively smile, "Sister Xixi! You left so early, I thought you had gone into the mountains."

Gu Xixi smiled faintly, "We agreed I'd take you along; how could I go back on my word?"

Gu Qingye quickly laughed and acted coquettish, "Of course I know Sister Xixi treats me well; she wouldn't……"

She glanced at Gu Xixi and said, "It won't be because of my parents and my brother that we sisters grow apart."

Gu Xixi looked at Gu Qingye and smiled, "Of course."

Not long ago, this girl had even shoved her toward the mad cow.

Now, however, she seems to have completely forgotten—could it be that she treats everyone as a fool?

Gu Xixi glanced into the distance and said without a trace, "Hasn't your older cousin gone out yet?"