To Save Others from His Evil Ways.
After wrapping up the conversation, Qin’s father asked Lu Zetian about his family situation. When he learned that Lu’s hometown was just in the neighbouring village—not too far away—he began planning to discreetly ask around about them.
Meanwhile, Qin Shi’s stepmother’s eyes darted around, scheming. “We should visit them at their home! Oh, and when are you planning the wedding banquet? When’s the big day?”
Qin Shi replied, “We’re not holding one. Zetian’s leave is short, and there are three kids at home who need care. Tomorrow, I’ll visit his family, and the day after, we’re leaving.”
This decision had already been discussed and agreed upon. Qin Shi saw no need to go through all the formalities—it would just waste time and money.
Lu Zetian had asked her twice before, and seeing that Qin Shi truly didn’t care about such ceremonies, he agreed. After all, he didn’t like unnecessary pomp either.
“That won’t do! That’s too rushed! We haven’t even met our in-laws yet!” The stepmother quickly objected.
Qin Shi smiled. “Then tomorrow, Zetian can bring his parents over for a meal. We can all get acquainted.”
She turned to the now-recovered Grandma Qin and said, “Grandma, let’s kill a chicken and prepare some preserved meat to host Zetian’s parents properly. That’s not a problem, is it?”
Grandma Qin clutched her chest again, distressed. There were only two chickens in the house, and both were laying eggs! The preserved meat was a treasured delicacy saved for the New Year!
Grandma Qin wanted to curse but didn’t dare. She kept silent, stewing in her frustration.
Seeing her silence as agreement, Qin Shi was satisfied. “Tomorrow, I’ll cook. Zetian, you can try my cooking.”
Qin’s father chuckled heartily and praised his daughter to Lu Zetian: “Our Erni is a great cook. Her food is absolutely delicious!”
Aunt, however, blurted out without thinking, “Well, that’s because she dumps oil and seasoning into everything. Of course it tastes good!”
She earned a glare from her husband and quickly shut her mouth, not daring to say more.
They chatted about various trivial matters until Qin Shi noticed the sky darkening. She said, “Zetian still has to return home. We shouldn’t delay him any longer. I’ll walk him out.”
“Not staying for a meal?” Qin’s father asked, surprised.
“No, the family’s waiting for me at home,” Lu Zetian replied.
Though he hadn’t spoken much, every time he did, the Qin family grew tense, inexplicably nervous. Hearing his response, they quickly agreed and said they’d see him tomorrow.
Qin Shi noticed their eagerness for Lu Zetian to leave and couldn’t help but chuckle to herself. What a bunch of cowards.
She walked him out of the house, stopping at the courtyard gate. Their eyes met briefly.
“You don’t need to walk me any further. Go back,” Lu Zetian said.
Qin Shi nodded. “See you tomorrow.”
“See you tomorrow.”
Without any hesitation or false politeness, Qin Shi turned and walked back.
Watching her retreating figure, Lu Zetian smiled inexplicably as he began his journey home, not even sure why he was smiling.
Back inside, Qin Shi saw the family still sitting stiffly around the dining table. Not wanting to get involved, she said, “I’m going to pack my things. Call me when dinner’s ready,” and went to her room.
As soon as she left, the family resumed arguing, each vying for a share of the bride price.
“Erni is from our household! The bride price belongs to us!”
“We haven’t split the family yet! It goes to the communal fund!”
“Mom, give some to Cong Cong to help him find a job!”
…
The noise filtered into Qin Shi’s room. She didn’t bother listening closely but couldn’t avoid hearing the lively quarrel.
She started sorting through her belongings and realized there wasn’t much to take. Her clothes and shoes were all old and tattered, save for two presentable outfits. She packed those, along with some books.
Flipping through the books, she picked out the useful ones and packed the rest to give to Xiaohua, a neighbour’s child and one of the few people the original Qin Shi could call a friend. Xiaohua was preparing for university, and these annotated books might help her.
By the time dinner was ready, Qin Shi had packed everything into a modest-sized bundle. She patted the bag and felt a pang of pity for the original owner of this body. “Imagine living here for 24 years and only ending up with this.”
“But don’t worry. I’ll make sure the road ahead is worth it.”
…
Because of Lu Zetian’s visit, dinner was delayed until after dark. The younger Qin family members glanced at Qin Shi with mixed expressions, their minds racing with questions they didn’t dare ask. The atmosphere at the table was tense and uncomfortable.
The Qin family ate in near silence, unable to stomach their meal properly. Only Qin Shi ate with calm focus, finishing quickly. When she was done, she placed her bowl down and reminded Grandma Qin: “Make sure you repay the money tomorrow. Otherwise, Zetian might have to take extra time to report it to the police himself.”
Grandma Qin nearly choked on her flatbread, glaring at Qin Shi with gritted teeth as she hissed, “Got it.”
Qin Shi nodded and returned to her room.
The younger members of the family, who had been sent off to work without explanation, were bursting with curiosity about what had happened. They exchanged glances until Qin Cong, Grandma Qin’s favorite, broke the silence.
“Grandma, what were you talking about?”
Grandma Qin shot him a sharp glare. “Adults’ business is no concern of children! Can’t you eat without running your mouth?”
Qin Cong froze in shock; Grandma Qin had never scolded him like this before. The other younger members, seeing even Qin Cong reprimanded, quickly lowered their heads and ate quietly, not daring to speak for fear of drawing her wrath.
That night, most of the Qin family lay awake, too unsettled by the day’s events to fall asleep.
The next morning, Grandma Qin dawdled, clearly reluctant to leave. However, seeing Qin Shi busy working in the yard, she had no choice but to grit her teeth, grab the money, and reluctantly leave the house, turning back every few steps.
Qin Shi ignored her and went to her school to collect half a month’s wages. After exchanging polite farewells with the principal, she left, determined not to let the money fall into the hands of the Qin family.
In the afternoon, Grandma Qin returned home with a dark expression. Surprisingly, she avoided glaring at Qin Shi and even avoided her entirely, acting almost as if she were fleeing from her.
Curious, Aunt asked what had happened. It turned out that the family who had bought Qin Shi’s university spot had fallen into misfortune. Their child was expelled from school, the police fined them, and the father was detained for breaking the law. Further investigation revealed embezzlement and bribery, leading to the father being removed from his county-level position and imprisoned.
When Grandma Qin visited the county, the family had almost attacked her, forcibly taking their money back and throwing her out. After returning to town, she went to return the bride price to Lu Cai’s family, where she was publicly scolded by Lu Cai’s mother. Only then did Grandma Qin realize the extent of Lu Zetian’s power as a regiment commander. It was all his doing.
Terrified and shaken, Grandma Qin had taken the long journey home to calm herself. Now, seeing Qin Shi, she recalled her warning about the army investigating their family for three generations and dared not provoke her further.
When Qin Shi asked if she had truly returned the money, Grandma Qin admitted it honestly. She even handed over the key to the spice cabinet without a word when Qin Shi requested it, her unusual compliance raising Qin Shi’s eyebrows.
Clearly, Grandma Qin was scared. Qin Shi smirked and decided to press her advantage. “Grandma, you’d better behave from now on and keep the family in check. Now that I’m married to Zetian, the army might keep an eye on us. If anything happens and I’m far away, I won’t be able to help you. You’ll have to take care of yourselves.”
This would prevent them from causing trouble for others.
Grandma Qin, already frightened, believed her completely and repeatedly promised to stay out of trouble. The once-dominant matriarch was now thoroughly cowed.
…
Not long after, Lu Zetian arrived with his parents. The stepmother greeted them warmly, while Grandma Qin, eager to make a good impression, served water and even brought out biscuits from the cabinet, creating a surprisingly hospitable atmosphere.
Lu’s mother observed the Qin family and cast a glance at her son, thinking that his descriptions of their unpleasantness might have been exaggerated.
When Qin Shi came out to greet Lu Zetian’s parents, she addressed them confidently and politely, leaving them smiling in approval. Later, in the kitchen, her efficient and skilful cooking impressed them even more, and the meal she prepared surpassed even that of a state-owned restaurant. By the end of dinner, they were thoroughly charmed and decided to take her with them that evening.
“Zetian’s unit needs him urgently, or we’d have stayed a couple more days. Erni can come back to the village with us tonight and leave for the base tomorrow morning,” Lu’s father suggested. “Our village is closer to town.”
Although Qin’s father was reluctant, and the stepmother shed fake tears, Qin Shi reassured them, said her goodbyes, and left with a single bundle of belongings.
As they walked away, Qin Shi glanced back at the Qin family home. Seeing no one at the door to see her off, a faint, ambiguous smile appeared on her face.
Lu Zetian noticed her expression and silently took her bundle, offering quiet comfort.
Lu’s mother, catching on, took Qin Shi’s hand and said, “Erni, don’t be sad. From now on, I’m your real mother.”
Looking at Lu’s mother, who was standing up for her, and Lu’s father, whose eyes held quiet concern, as well as Lu Zetian, who stood protectively by her side, Qin Shi couldn’t help but smile.
“I’m fine,” she said, looping her arm through Lu’s mother’s. “Mom, Dad, let’s go home.”
“Yes, home!” Lu’s mother patted Qin Shi’s hand, genuinely adoring her calm and capable demeanour.
During their short time together, Lu’s mother had already come to appreciate Qin Shi’s straightforward, intelligent, and composed nature. She was thoroughly satisfied with her new daughter-in-law.
On the way back, Lu’s mother chatted endlessly about the children and household matters. Qin Shi showed no impatience, instead asking about their habits and preferences.
Lu’s father, a village party secretary who had seen all sorts of people, observed Qin Shi quietly throughout the journey. Seeing no pretence or dishonesty in her demeanour, he relaxed, confident that his son had chosen well.
Once home, Lu’s mother settled Qin Shi into their youngest daughter’s newly prepared room. That night, as she and Lu’s father lay in bed, she couldn’t help but smile.
“I’ve matched so many people before and never succeeded, but look at this—an unexpected meeting, and it worked out!”
“Mm.”
“This girl is really good—clear eyes, smart, and capable. She’ll take good care of the kids.”
“Mm.”
“When they’re settled, I’ll visit them to check in.”
“Alright, sleep now. Zetian clearly cares about her. He’s thought everything through.”
“After his last experience, he’s learned his lesson. He won’t make the same mistake twice!”
“This girl’s a good one. Still, I want to check on the kids to be sure.”
“Mm.”
“It’s good they’re leaving soon. Having the neighbours watch the kids for too long isn’t ideal…”
As Lu’s mother continued talking, Lu’s father, who had been responding in agreement, gradually drifted off to sleep.
**Author’s Note:**
The money Qin Shi gave to the Qin family was to repay them for raising her all these years. From now on, no matter how much they try to cling to her, the protagonist won’t pay them any more attention.
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