Since Cheng Sheng died, only two widows remained in the Cheng family, and it didn’t take long before rumors began to spread.
They said that a widow’s doorstep always attracted trouble, especially when the new widow was young and beautiful.
“You’re nothing but a demon, a fox spirit from the Mountain. Bringing disaster upon people, sucking the life out of my son, and now trying to seduce others. You have no shame. Sooner or later, I’ll find a Master to subdue you!”
Old Lady Qu sat on a stool, snapping green beans and glaring at the figure still slumped on the Bamboo Couch, scolding relentlessly.
Xiangzhang You Shanxi had a bruise on his forehead, a scraped cheek, and several fresh, unhealed scratches on the back of his hand.
As for Old Lady Qu, despite her harsh words, she too wasn’t spared—her exposed belly and thighs were mottled with bruises beneath her clothes.
They had fought fiercely at home a few days ago, with neither side gaining the upper hand. Seeing that You Shanxi was no pushover, Old Lady Qu had given up on physical fighting and resorted to verbal attacks instead.
You Shanxi remained unbothered, speaking slowly: “You keep repeating the same old nonsense—don’t you have any new tricks? Even if I am a fox spirit from the Mountain, your son’s the one who fell for me and paid good money to ‘buy’ me.”
Old Lady Qu spat back, “If you weren’t seducing my son, could he have spent twenty silver taels buying you? Without his money, you’d still be under that man’s whip!”
“If I didn’t look good, would he have spent the money? He’s not the only one getting whipped by that man’s hands, yet why didn’t he buy any of the others?
Enough about that—he bought me, and I’m grateful. That cripple, ugly as he is, I still sleep with him, act as his wife, and take care of you. Who else would do that? For half a year, I never complained about your poor family.
When he was sick in bed, moaning and groaning, I said we should get a Da Fu to look at him, but you refused—afraid it would be some shameful disease. In the end, it killed him, and now you blame others.”
You Shanxi dropped his act of obedience and showed his true nature after their quarrel.
Old Lady Qu covered her face and wept. After crying, she cursed again: “Grateful? How could you be grateful when you’re already flirting with the village men only days after my son’s death? If he knew, he’d drag you down to hell with him!”
You Shanxi sneered, “You’re the one who couldn’t teach your dead son better—why should I fear him?”
“He’s dead and left nothing but a few coins. If not for me, who’d secretly bring rice and flour to this house? Didn’t you think of your poor son when you were eating the pork I brought yesterday? Without me, this whole family would have starved to death.”
Old Lady Qu, out of breath, could only retort with a weak curse: “Demon.”
You Shanxi, losing patience, said, “Hurry up and finish snapping those green beans and put the pot on to heat up the leftover pork. I’m starving—old people get hungry fast.”
That day, Fan Shoulin was weeding the water chestnut field at home under the scorching heat of late May.
After working for a while, sweat drenched his body. He set down his hoe and prepared to grab his water bottle for a drink.
“Uncle Fan, you’re hoeing the field~”
Hearing the voice, Fan Shoulin looked over to see You Shanxi from the Cheng family carrying a basket.
He responded, “Oh, Xiao You, you’re busy over here too?”
“Mom wants noodles, so I’m picking some scallions to chop for scallion noodles. They taste better that way.” You Shanxi said as he walked over.
“So filial.”
Fan Shoulin praised.
“Uncle Fan works so hard, look how well he’s tended the water chestnuts—the leaves are big and lush.”
You Shanxi rummaged in his basket and pulled out a pear, offering it to Fan Shoulin to quench his thirst.
“It’s so hot, be careful not to get heatstroke.”
Fan Shoulin thanked him, wiping his muddy hands before accepting the fruit. Yet You Shanxi didn’t let go right away.
For some reason, his palm suddenly curled a finger.
“Earlier, Uncle Fan spoke up for me, and I’ve been grateful all along, but haven’t had the chance to properly thank you.”
Fan Shoulin immediately withdrew his hand, as if shocked by an electric shock.
He was flustered and unsure what to say, “Thank—there’s no need to thank me. We’re all villagers here, no need for thanks…”
You Shanxi saw the old man’s flushed face and covered his mouth with a soft laugh, slipping the pear back into Fan Shoulin’s arms.
Holding the pear, Fan Shoulin felt its warmth and quickly tried to return it.
“This, this good pear, you take it back and eat it. I drank water and I’m not thirsty…”
“You’re not thirsty in your mouth, but your heart is.”
You Shanxi raised his eyes and glanced at Fan Shoulin, then smiled and walked away.
Fan Shoulin stared after him, stunned for a moment.
At that moment, Kang He was picking vegetables at home.
People passed by like monkeys darting across a wall.
He called out twice but no one answered.
Stepping closer startled the person.
“Give it to me, son!”
Kang He saw the man flinch and asked, “Who’s talking to Dad, and holding a pear?”
“Just… just that young widower from the Cheng family.”
Kang He’s brow twitched.
He saw his father’s flushed face and wandering eyes, looking nervous and unable to meet anyone’s gaze. If he didn’t suspect something was off, that would be strange.
Though Kang He often went to the city with Fan Jingchang, he still knew some village affairs.
He thought, if there really was something going on, it would be troublesome.
He didn’t mention anything then, just called for Fan Shoulin.
From that day on, Kang He kept an eye on Fan Shoulin. Whenever Fan Shoulin drank or played at home, Kang He appeared soon after, finding an excuse to check on him.
When not at home, Kang He confided in Chen Sanfang, telling her that his father worked hard alone in the fields and she should help out whenever possible.
That day, Kang He went back to the village to slaughter a pig. They closed the door early and drove the cart into the village.
From a distance, Kang He saw You Shanxi again carrying his basket. When others asked, he said he had been picking vegetables but also took the chance to talk to people.
He noticed You Shanxi speaking with Village Chief Chen Yushun.
Kang He watched intently.
Suddenly, the cart jolted, and he almost stumbled and fell.
“What’s wrong!?” Kang He quickly grabbed the cart and looked back at the driver, Fan Jing.
“Stepped on a stone,” Fan Jing replied flatly.
Kang He looked at the road but saw nothing.
He took the reins. “I’ll drive now, you rest.”
Fan Jing refused, “We’re almost there.”
At noon, they slaughtered a skinny pig at the Chang family’s doorstep. After cleaning up, it was already late.
After washing up, Kang He returned to his room to find Fan Jingchang had already stripped and gone to bed early.
Kang He took off his outer clothes and asked, “Tired today?”
Fan Jingchang lay in bed, glanced at Kang He, but didn’t answer.
Kang He climbed into bed and felt that Fan Jingchang seemed uneasy since noon, but couldn’t figure out why, and was reluctant to say.
“Why won’t you answer me? Did I offend you?”
Fan Jingchang closed his eyes, pretending to sleep.
“Heh, you kid.”
Kang He pinched Fan Jingchang’s waist, but seeing no reaction, he guessed the other was truly tired.
At the Chang family’s, there were few people to help with the pig; Fan Jingchang had been busy assisting in the pig shed, a lot of exhausting work.
Not just Fan Jingchang—Kang He himself was tired.
Lying close, Kang He wanted to rest early but kept thinking about seeing You Shanxi earlier.
Lately, Kang He and Fan Jingchang kept watch on Fan Shoulin and hadn’t seen You Shanxi again.
Kang He felt uneasy, worried that his father, at his age, might be up to foolish things. The family had only just become harmonious again; if something like this happened, with Chen Shi’s temper, there’d be a big fuss. Worse, the family’s bonds could easily fall apart.
Fan Jingchang opened one eye and looked at Kang He lying beside him.
Kang He was resting his head on his arm, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought.
Fan Jingchang nudged Kang He with his foot. “Get moving.”
Kang He smiled knowingly and rolled over to hug Fan Jingchang. “Alright, let’s sleep.”
Fan Jingchang frowned at the words and pushed Kang He off. “I said get moving.”
Kang He looked confused.
Fan Jingchang repeated, “Get moving.”
Kang He’s eyes widened, realizing he had misheard.
He instinctively pressed down on Fan Jingchang, grinning, “It’s not New Year’s today. Hearing such nice words is rare enough to make me think of other things. How could I dare think that way?”
Fan Jingchang ignored him and leaned up to kiss Kang He’s lips.
Kang He couldn’t resist the tease, and soon they were tangled together.
Afterwards, Kang He hugged Fan Jingchang and laughed, saying he’d get water to clean up.
Fan Jingchang knew it was over.
He was silent for a moment, then couldn’t help but ask, “Do you have someone else outside?”
The cold, sudden question felt like a bucket of ice water poured over him.
Kang He looked up at Fan Jingchang, seeing the flushed cheeks and cold eyes—not teasing him, but serious. He was at a loss.
“What are you asking me?”
Fan Jingchang sighed and suddenly sat up. “I’m asking if you have someone else outside.”
Kang He also sat up. “You’re asking such a ridiculous question. Have I been out of your sight for even an hour all day?”
“If you do, tell me their surname and name, and I’ll go confront them.”
Fan Jingchang wasn’t good at arguing. They stared at each other, big eyes locking.
After a moment, Fan Jingchang gave in. He turned his back and pulled the blanket over himself, refusing to talk.
Kang He wasn’t having it. He crawled over and tugged the blanket off. “Don’t sleep yet. You’ve wronged me and want to just sleep?”
Fan Jingchang was naked under the covers. They wrestled a bit.
After making love, Fan Jingchang’s limbs weakened. He couldn’t push Kang He off and mumbled, “You Shanxi.”
Kang He loosened his grip.
Fan Jingchang’s eyes trembled, unsure what he felt inside—blocked and helpless, with a strange fear.
After a moment, Fan Jingchang seemed to make a decision. He looked at Kang He, his eyes resolute and unyielding. “If you go to him again, I’ll pretend I never knew.”
Kang He smiled softly, amused and irritated. He took Fan Jingchang’s hand. “It’s baseless, but you say it with such certainty, then want to pretend you don’t know.”
“What do you know?”
Fan Jingchang frowned.
Kang He said, “Don’t you trust me?”
“If not, why are you always running outside, with your eyes stuck to that man?”
Normally, he wouldn’t say such things, but since it was Kang He, and it had come this far, he spoke up.
Kang He shifted closer, pressing against Fan Jingchang.
Hearing those words, he wasn’t angry but strangely pleased.
Fan Jingchang seemed indifferent, but secretly watched him closely and remembered everything clearly.
If not for his occasional care, how could he guess all this?
Kang He said, “I’ll be honest. Lately, I’ve been watching him, but not how you think.”
“Tell me.”
“I’m doing it not for myself, but for Dad.”
Kang He sighed and told Fan Jingchang about the time he caught Fan Shoulin and You Shanxi together.
“There’s so much gossip in the village. I didn’t pay much mind before, but without solid proof, it’s hard to say. Maybe some are just spreading malicious rumors.
“But Dad’s a simple, honest man. When I asked him, his face turned bright red. Anyone would think he had heatstroke. After a few words, he accidentally confessed.
“You weren’t there then. Seeing him like that, anyone would feel something was off. If that widower from the Cheng family really had nothing going on, no one would believe it.”
Fan Jingchang frowned deeply. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”
Kang He said, “How could I? There’s no evidence. Do you want me to accuse him just because someone gave him a pear?
“I’m the younger generation. It’s not my place to expose the elders, especially such matters. I thought it best to keep an eye on him first. If anything happened, I could intervene in time.
“If he repents, we won’t mention it. If not, we’ll talk openly to avoid wrongful accusations.”
Fan Jingchang felt Kang He was right. He had jumped to conclusions seeing him frequently outside with that widower. Without concrete proof, he had misunderstood.
He said, “I was wrong to suspect you.”
“If you had told me earlier, I wouldn’t have had these crazy thoughts. But I also blame myself—I should have told you sooner.” Kang He squeezed Fan Jingchang’s hand. “Still, at least you know how to speak up.”
Fan Jingchang felt a little ashamed and embarrassed. “I won’t doubt you again.”
Kang He chuckled. “And I won’t give you reason to.”
With that settled, their hearts at ease, they cuddled and fell asleep.
From that day on, Kang He and Fan Jingchang kept a close watch on Fan Shoulin.
One afternoon, they caught him meeting You Shanxi again.
Hiding behind a haystack, they watched quietly, ready to jump out if anything happened and catch them red-handed.
“Uncle Fan, still busy weeding the fields.”
You Shanxi was wandering and bumped into Fan Shoulin working alone. He leisurely walked over.
After the last incident, Fan Shoulin didn’t dare look at him directly.
Pretending to dig the ground, he tried to avoid him but was caught anyway.
“I’ve worked enough for the day. I’m going home now.” Fan Shoulin looked away, trying to brush him off.
“You should come to my place for tea. I noticed you didn’t bring your water bottle today.”
“The tea’s cooled at home. No trouble.”
You Shanxi thought the man was strange and edged closer. “Too much tea at home gets old. I make fragrant tea. Don’t you want to try some fresh brew?”
Kang He and Fan Jingchang watching from behind the haystack thought You Shanxi was quite the charmer.
With such a handsome face, no man could easily resist. Soon enough, he’d have them wrapped around his finger.
“Big brother, I have a wife and kids at home, close to your age.”
Fan Shoulin wasn’t amused by You Shanxi’s words—only afraid.
He earnestly said, “You should find a younger, more decent woman to talk to. The village would talk if you keep this up.”
You Shanxi found Fan Shoulin stubborn and a bit odd.
Most men were full of lust and would easily fall for him, some even begged to be with him. Others were cowardly with bad intentions—easy to deal with. With gentle words, they forgot their own names and fears.
But Fan Shoulin was honest and timid, the easiest kind of man to manipulate from the outside.
You Shanxi had two faces: one obedient and lovable to attract sympathy, the other sharp and cunning. This was how he survived.
Though a flirt, he had some humanity and didn’t cling to pure souls like this for long.
Seeing Fan Shoulin so earnest, he gave up trying to seduce him further.
Still wanting to test him, he said, “You’re so kind-hearted. I just love that kind of character. I heard you have no son—let me have one with you. Wouldn’t that be joyful?”
Fan Shoulin was horrified, not feeling flattered but like a ghost was haunting him.
He waved his hands repeatedly, “Love whoever you want, but don’t love me. If my older brother found out, you’d be in trouble.
He learned to hunt and kill pigs first. He’s not one to be trifled with; the whole village fears him!”
Kang He, hiding nearby, almost laughed and nudged Fan Jingchang to cover his mouth.
He buried his face in Fan Jingchang’s body to stifle his laughter.
“You, as the father, aren’t you afraid your own brother won’t listen to you? Whatever you say, he’ll listen to you. Would he dare bully me?”
“If he doesn’t listen to me, I listen to him. Whatever he wants at home goes. Only the brother-in-law can speak to him.”
Fan Shoulin said, “From now on, don’t speak to me anymore. I’ll pretend I didn’t hear today’s words, and won’t let others know you said them. If the family finds out, it won’t be good for either of us. Take my advice and live peacefully at home.”
You Shanxi saw Fan Shoulin’s sincere words and thought, though timid, his character was upright.
If he had met someone like this before, he might not be living the life he did now.
You Shanxi said, “Since you’re so straightforward, today I know what kind of man you are. From now on, I’ll pretend I don’t know you.”
Saying this, he walked away.
Fan Shoulin watched him leave and sighed deeply.
Wiping sweat from his brow, he thought he’d been scared half to death.
Luckily, You Shanxi wasn’t pestering him anymore.
If this got back to the family, it would be shameful and ruin their lives.
Kang He and Fan Jingchang watched quietly and exchanged a meaningful glance at the old man, grateful he still knew right from wrong.
Without alerting Fan Shoulin, the two quietly slipped away.
That’s comforting knowing the ‘vixen’ isn’t stubborn evil person