Siheyuan came through and sent Jia Zhang to prison

Chapter 624 Going to see the deaf old lady

Yi Zhonghai hurriedly avoided Qin Huairu's probing eyes, picked up the rough porcelain wine bowl on the table, and downed it in one gulp. The spicy liquor slid down his throat, burning his throat, but the anger in his heart didn't subside at all—if Aunt Tan found out about this, with her fiery temper, the house would probably be turned upside down, and all the pots and pans would likely be smashed to pieces. He could only rack his brains, secretly plotting: he had to quickly think of a way, either to take out a few coins from the cupboard and give them to Qin Huairu, or to promise her that she would be the first to benefit from anything in the house in the future, in short, he had to shut this girl up first, and absolutely couldn't let her reveal that matter.

The moonlight outside the window, like a thin veil, shone through the paper-covered window frame, casting faint shadows on the ground. A gust of wind made the shadows sway and undulate, conveying an indescribable sense of desolation. The lights in Qin Huairu's house in the front yard were on, as were the lights in their own house in the back yard. The two dim oil lamps, several feet apart, each held its own secrets, like stones submerged in deep water, heavy and suffocating.

Aunt Tan had actually heard Aunt Wang next door mention that she saw Yi Zhonghai running to Qin Huairu's house late at night, but she didn't confront her about it on the spot—over the years in this family, she had long been used to speaking and asking as little as possible; without something substantial in her hands, saying more would be pointless. But she was as clear-headed as a mirror; she knew exactly who was genuinely good to her and who was playing tricks behind her back.

Now, He Yuzhu and Qin Jingru, the young couple, are very filial to her, bringing her food every few days. Qin Jingru even helps her with sewing and mending. Compared to her husband Yi Zhonghai, they seem more like caring younger relatives. Aunt Tan picked up her bowl, shoveled a mouthful of rice into her mouth, and said in a flat voice, "Oh, hurry up and eat, the food is getting cold." She had her own plans in mind. There was no rush now; once she had a firm foothold, she would settle this score with Yi Zhonghai sooner or later.

Yi Zhonghai felt a little uneasy at her calm tone, but he also breathed a sigh of relief, assuming she hadn't noticed. He nodded, took a bite of rice, and then, as if suddenly remembering something, looked up and asked, "By the way, how is the deaf old lady in the backyard doing lately? I heard she wasn't feeling well the other day."

Aunt Tan paused in her chopsticks, a faint smile playing on her lips. "She's doing well. Zhu Zi is such a thoughtful boy; he brings food to the deaf old lady every few days. Today it's meat buns, tomorrow it's stewed ribs. Look, she's even gained some weight, and her face is all rosy again."

Upon hearing this, Yi Zhonghai's face immediately darkened. He slammed his chopsticks on the table, his expression displeased: "That deaf old woman really doesn't know what's good for her! He Yuzhu is just a child, what does she know about right and wrong? If it weren't for our family's occasional support over the years, she would be buried somewhere long ago. Now, she's received a favor from an outsider and has forgotten all the kindness we showed her in the past?" His words were laced with sarcasm, both angry that the deaf old woman was "turning her back on us" and even more angry that He Yuzhu was bypassing him to curry favor with the elders, revealing her ulterior motives.

Aunt Tan glanced at him, surprised by his words. Yi Zhonghai always presented himself as a kind and benevolent elder, yet he harbored such ulterior motives—so his kindness to the deaf old woman was all for fame, and he panicked like this the moment someone else shared his "credit"? She didn't reply, just silently ate her rice, her remaining respect for Yi Zhonghai fading further. The oil lamp light shone on her face, half bright, half dim, as if hiding something unspoken.

Yi Zhonghai's mind was racing with calculations—all these years, he had been openly and secretly helping the deaf old lady, serving her tea and water, and showing her concern, but ultimately, he was still after her house with a side courtyard. That house was in a good location, and the courtyard was spacious. As long as he had it in his hands, both He Yuzhu and the Jia family would have to act according to his wishes. Only then could he firmly hold the position of "manager" in the courtyard, and only then would his words carry weight.

But now He Yuzhu is becoming increasingly distant from him. He used to call him "Uncle" and ask him for advice on everything, but since He Feng came back, he doesn't listen to him at all, and is even trying to take over the deaf old lady's house. This is no simple matter. If He Yuzhu really manages to take the house, he'll lose all face in the neighborhood. Who will respect him then?

Yi Zhonghai sat on the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed), looking at Aunt Tan who was sewing shoe soles under the lamp. His tone carried a hint of imperceptible urgency: "These next few days, go to the backyard more often, be nice to the deaf old lady, talk to her more, comb her hair, and massage her back. If that house is really taken over by someone else, we'll have a hard time in the yard. No one will listen to us."

Without even looking up, Aunt Tan slid the steel needle through the thick corduroy fabric with a soft "thud," and mumbled, "I know." But she had other plans in mind—she noticed He Yuzhu had changed a lot lately. Since Qin Jingru became pregnant, he seemed to have smoothed out his rough edges and become much more reliable. He also visited her more often, bringing her freshly steamed buns and stewed meat soup from time to time. He was much more composed than his previous impulsive nature. Besides, He Yuzhu was now also attentive to the deaf old lady, bringing her hot meals every few days, wiping her body, and changing her bedding. It would be better to let the old lady give him the house than for it to fall into the hands of someone with ill intentions.

Aunt Tan put down her needlework and got up, thinking she would first go to the backyard to see if the deaf old lady had eaten and if the porridge in the pot was still hot. As soon as she pushed open the courtyard gate, she saw Qin Jingru leaning against the wall, talking to He Yuzhu in the courtyard. The afterglow of the setting sun shone on the two of them, making them feel warm and cozy.

She intended to walk around her, but Qin Jingru saw her first and greeted her with a smile, "Aunt Tan, where are you headed? Would you like to come in and have a drink of water?"

Aunt Tan had no choice but to walk over and look at He Yuzhu with a smile, "Zhuzi, what are you two doing standing in the yard? It's getting colder, and the wind is chilly. Be careful that Jingru doesn't catch a cold; she's not alone now."

He Yuzhu supported Qin Jingru's waist and carefully adjusted her clothes, his face full of tenderness: "You don't know, Jingru has been suffering from severe morning sickness lately, she throws up everything she eats, and she always feels bored staying at home, saying that her chest feels tight. Going out for a walk makes her feel better, otherwise she's always sighing, and it worries me to see her like that."

Looking at Qin Jingru's slightly pale face and the faint dark circles under her eyes, Aunt Tan couldn't help but urge her, "You must take good care of her. Take her for walks in the yard and let her bask in the sun. When she's warm, her mind will be clear. Go to the supply and marketing cooperative and buy her some brown sugar and eggs to nourish her. A pregnant woman shouldn't be neglected. You two should save your wages and prioritize Jingru's needs."