Zhao Jiaqi nodded. "Understood!"
"Even if he dotes on you, it won't stand against all those sweet-talking words from outside. Once they get in, hearts can change. Your grandma wants you to be happy!"
"I understand, I understand everything. Don't worry, Grandma. I won't become a bitter woman. If that day ever comes, I'll get a divorce. But I trust him; Zehao isn't that kind of person!"
Her confident demeanor left Li Haiqing speechless. She simply patted Zhao Jiaqi's hand, understanding passing between them.
The gifts brought were plentiful, and her uncles and aunts were delighted.
The noon meal was also very lavish. Though few in number, the dishes were served in large platters – a whole chicken and a large basin of braised pork. They hadn't eaten such a rich meal even on New Year's Eve.
Grandma hadn't separated the family yet, so the uncles all lived in this large courtyard. They had to set up two tables for the meal to barely accommodate everyone.
During the meal, the aunts kept probing Zhao Jiaqi, asking if she had made the greens and sausages herself. They even expressed a desire to try some and, brazenly, asked for the recipes.
The meal was not only lacking in nutrition but also caused Zhao Jiaqi considerable annoyance.
If not for Grandma's presence, she wouldn't have wanted to come here at all.
"I'm full. You aunties can continue eating!"
Having barely touched her food, Zhao Jiaqi made an excuse to step outside for some fresh air. Standing at the courtyard gate, she gazed at the distant mountains and sighed.
"Are you... Sister Qi?" a surprised voice called out from beside her.
Zhao Jiaqi turned around and saw a man in patched clothes staring at her blankly. Her mind immediately flashed back to shy memories.
She suddenly realized, to her own astonishment, that this was Li Fei, the man the original owner had a crush on. Their families had even discussed marriage, but he couldn't come up with the five taels of betrothal gifts.
Li Fei's mother then married him a wife for two taels of betrothal gifts. The original owner had been heartbroken over this, and they hadn't seen each other since.
"It's Brother Li Fei! What a coincidence!"
Zhao Jiaqi greeted him calmly, as if they were old friends meeting after a long time, showing none of the shyness she used to have.
Li Fei looked at her, a flicker of pain and lingering affection in his eyes. "I wanted to marry you, but your mother..."
"That's all in the past. Why bring it up? It's also thanks to not marrying you that I've found such a good husband now. I should thank you for your kindness in not marrying me back then!"
She didn't give Li Fei a chance to speak, lest the situation become awkward.
If he got too emotional and did something inappropriate, it would be utterly embarrassing.
She turned and walked back into the courtyard. Behind her, his heartbroken words echoed, "I heard you can't have children. It's okay. If your husband doesn't want you, I'll take you back as a concubine. I'll support you."
A concubine?
Zhao Jiaqi looked up at the sky speechlessly, wishing a bolt of lightning would strike her and knock her unconscious.
"Disgusting from the inside out, truly disgusting."
This was the original owner's judgment. It was a good thing she died, otherwise marrying this man would have meant a repeat of her tragic fate.
"I am a lawfully wedded wife. Why would I be your concubine? Stop dreaming in broad daylight!"
From within the courtyard, a seven-foot-tall man in brocade robes emerged with a dark expression. He possessively hugged Zhao Jiaqi and aggressively shooed Li Fei away.
Seeing the man's tall and sturdy physique and fierce demeanor, Li Fei, who had been carrying firewood, fled.
Fan Zehao watched the retreating figure and pinched Zhao Jiaqi's face. "Your eyesight is bad. This fellow is just a coward. I barely did anything, and he's already scared away."
"That's why I have to thank him for his kindness in not marrying me back then. Otherwise, how could I have met someone as wonderful as you, right!"
Her words filled him with sweet delight. He embraced her and they returned to the courtyard. Those who had come to watch a good show were left disappointed.
Seeing the aunts' evasive glances, Zhao Jiaqi finally understood why her husband knew about Li Fei and her past. Good heavens, their gossip had even reached her husband.
What benefit would talking about her past to her husband bring them?
After the meal, without any rest, they bid farewell to Grandma and the couple returned to the village early.
At their home, several people were blocking the entrance.
"They're back! Fan Zehao and his wife are back!"
Someone in the crowd shouted, and everyone made way.
The bewildered couple alighted from the carriage and saw their courtyard in disarray, a half-dead person lying on the ground, and blood flowing everywhere.
Upon closer inspection, they realized it was Zhao Dagou's son, Zhao Xiaobao.
Around Zhao Xiaobao, wolves paced, their teeth stained with blood, their muzzles smeared with crimson, looking quite terrifying.
Seeing this, Fan Zehao grabbed a wolf and took it to the backyard to be confined.
"Sister-in-law, you're back! Your eldest brother from your mother's side came to cause trouble because you didn't come back for lunch. That child hit your mother-in-law, and then the 'dog' protected her and immediately pounced, biting him," Wang Zhaodi said, trembling as she recalled the dog's ferocity.
It was fortunate that Zhang Cuihua managed to pull it back, otherwise, the 'dog' would have bitten his neck off on the spot.
Outside the courtyard, many people stood watching, but no one dared to approach. The 'dog's' ferocious appearance had terrified them all.
"Have you called a doctor?"
Wang Zhaodi nodded. "We've sent for one. It's been a while; they should be here soon."
Zhao Jiaqi then turned her gaze to Zhao Dagou, who stood stunned in the courtyard. She strode over and delivered a hard slap to his face.
"Zhao Dagou, are you crazy on New Year's Day? Coming to my house to throw your weight around. Pee yourself and see who you are!"
Zhao Dagou's vacant eyes gradually focused. Recalling his son's pathetic state, he erupted in fury. "I am your elder brother, so what if I assert myself? Your beast bit my son, so tell me, what are you going to do about this?"
"If you hadn't trespassed into my home and assaulted my family, would that beast have bitten your son?" Zhao Jiaqi met his fierce gaze, showing no fear.
Zhao Jiaqi snorted. "He injured my mother-in-law and smashed my belongings in my home. My dog acted in self-defense. Even if this goes to the town magistrate or the county lord, I'm not afraid!"
As the two argued, a barefoot doctor arrived.
After examining the injury, he saw a small piece of flesh torn from the leg. Though the wound looked gruesome, it was mainly due to blood loss. After applying styptic powder, Zhao Xiaobao woke up with a yelp of pain, his pig-like screams startling everyone.
The barefoot doctor prescribed some Chinese medicine and left some styptic powder, warning, "Being bitten by a dog, I can't be sure if this child will go mad. He needs to drink this medicine daily to observe his condition. This is styptic powder, change it every other day. If he goes mad, avoid him. Don't get bitten by him, or you'll end up like him!"
This news struck Zhao Dagou like a lightning bolt.
Forgetting his injured son for a moment, he turned to Zhao Jiaqi and demanded a hundred taels of silver as compensation for his son.
"I don't care! My son is crippled. If you pay me a hundred taels, we'll be square. Otherwise, I'm not done with your family!"