The two of them worked together, speeding up the process significantly. In no time, they had filled a wooden barrel.
"That’s enough, let’s go home."
With that, Ye Zi’an picked up the barrel and started walking home. Yang Chuxia glanced back at the evil river one more time but still saw nothing. She then caught up with Zi’an, suggesting, "It’s heavy. Let’s carry it together."
Ye Zi’an shook his head, "No need. I can handle it. It’s just one barrel of water."
"But it’s quite a distance back home."
"It’s fine, I can manage."
"Alright then," Yang Chuxia shrugged as she looked at the barrel full of fish and commented, "Thankfully, no one comes to this river. That’s why there are so many fish and they’re easy to catch."
Because their house was far away from the village, no one saw them carrying the barrel of fish home.
"What was with you and that barrel? When I heard you were messing around with it, I had no idea you’d gone to the evil river again," Ms. Wang chastised and shot Yang Chuxia a glare.
Turning to Ye Zi’an, for the first time she scolded him, "You, you should have stopped her, not encouraged her. Don’t you know there’s danger in that river? Just think about what could’ve happened. Your father only has one son. Shouldn’t you cherish yourself a bit more?" Ms. Wang was on the verge of having a fit, wishing she could whoop them with a broom.
"Aw, Mom, relax. When have we ever gotten into trouble there? You always say there’s something in that river, but there’s clearly nothing."
"You won’t know till something does happen," Ms. Wang glared at her, adding, "I’m busy right now, so I can’t argue with you. But wait till your father gets home tonight. He needs to talk some sense into you."
While grumbling about Yang Chuxia, Ms. Wang turned her attention to then preparing the food on the stove.
"Oh yes, Tieshu and the others haven’t returned from town yet, so go into the village and call your Aunt-in-law Gen to come over for dinner," said Ms. Wang as she served a bowl of meat. She saw that Ye Zi’an was ready to head out, too, and added, "Zi’an, you don’t have to go. Stay and talk with your uncles in the parlour, take a good rest."
Yang Chuxia was already preparing to go to the village when she heard her mother’s words. She rolled her eyes and quipped, "Thank goodness my two brothers are away at school, or we’d be back to the squabbling about who’s the favorite."
"Hmph, none of you can hold a candle to Zi’an," chastised Ms. Wang. Seems like Yang Chuxia’s influence was rubbing off on her, as she didn’t hold back her sharp words.
"Well, Mom, then you can enjoy your time with your beloved Zi’an. I’m out of here."
Saying that, Yang Chuxia dashed off towards the village.
First, she went to Land Officer Yang’s house to invite Land Officer Yang’s wife. On her way back, she passed by the old manor, and after a moment of thought, she decided to invite Yang Qingbao and the kid, Yang Dongxue, as well.
Initially, Yang Qingbao was reluctant to come, but after a firm glare from Yang Chuxia, he obediently tagged along.
Yang Xiaochuan also wanted to come - who wouldn’t want to attend a social gathering with free food and wine? But Yang Chuxia hadn’t spared him a single glance, so he could only stay home and sulk.
By the time Yang Chuxia and Land Officer Yang’s wife returned, Tieshu and the others had made it back from town and people were already laying out the dishes on the table. Constable Hong and the village elders were seated, ready to eat. As foreseen, they were split into two groups. Yang Dachuan and Land Officer Yang sat with Constable Hong, while Yang Dayong and Ye Zi’an sat with the brokers.
Two tables were set up in the room next to the kitchen; Ms. Wang, Land Officer Yang’s wife, and the children sat at one, while Uncle Niu and a few young boys sat at the other.