Country Maiden: Fields and Fortune

231: Thoughts (1 more)

Yin Suwen had always known that Xie Zhinuan was a very intelligent woman with a great sense of scope, clever and cautious, with extensive knowledge despite not recognizing many characters or having read many books. She must have been born smart.

She was definitely not purely kind-hearted, having her own fair share of complexities and deceits, yet she was certainly not a wicked person either.

Yin Suwen had never expected Xie Zhinuan to say such words to her.

“When I initially lent you a hand, I never hoped for you to repay me. Of course, I am no Holy Mother. When I spent my Silver to buy your freedom and provided for you and your brother with food and clothing, naturally, I needed you to work for me. I didn’t expect too much in return. It’s fine if you show gratitude by tying grass rings or simply acknowledge the favor. I don’t care about that. All I hope is that one day if someone hands you a sharp dagger, don’t hide behind me and instead give me a good stab!” said Xie Zhinuan as she finished speaking and glanced at Yin Suwen.

Then she busied herself and left.

She was too lazy to tell Yin Suwen that asking the tutor to teach those children was also her own selfish desire.

With more than twenty households and dozens of children, it didn’t matter if not everyone could be useful to her. If just one child emerged with exceptional ability, dedicated to serving her wholeheartedly, her efforts and investment today would reap the greatest return.

She really was not the Holy Mother. Now that she needed people at her disposal and had no solid backing of her own, how could anyone willingly serve her without such hope given to them?

No one would.

Her kindness, gentleness, and generosity were her greatest camouflages.

After Xie Zhinuan left, Yin Suwen still stood there. Just as she was about to leave, she saw a foolish girl standing not too far away, coldly watching her before snorting and walking off.

“…”

Yin Suwen felt her face burning hot, more embarrassing than if she had been slapped.

She was well aware of her own thoughts and unwillingness to submit, yet now she had to lie low and show subservience before Xie Zhinuan, to reduce her suspicion and leave a good impression, hoping that when the time came to buy back her freedom, Xie Zhinuan would remember today’s affectionate bond and let her go.@@novelbin@@

However, she hadn’t considered that Xie Zhinuan saw through her intentions clearly, yet had not exposed them, leaving her some dignity. If it weren’t for her needless words today, Xie Zhinuan wouldn’t have made it so blunt.

“…”

A game of calculation and utilization, where she was the only one who thought she had hidden everything perfectly.

“…” Yin Suwen slowly sat down on the steps.

Yin Zhe ran in joyfully, “Sister!”

Yin Suwen lifted her eyes to see her joyful brother, feeling very surprised.

Ever since their family had faced disaster, her brother had become more constrained, less cheerful, and increasingly silent.

These past days, he seemed to have changed a lot.

“What’s happened?” Yin Suwen asked softly.

“I just met Sister Xie. I asked her if I could go to the manor and study with the other children, and she agreed!”

Following their sister, they could learn some things, but Martial Arts, their sister did not know.

Yin Suwen’s heart skipped a beat, and she quickly asked, “Did you bring it up first?”

“Yes, I’ve been thinking about it for several days. I spoke to Sister Xie today, and she agreed. She told me to ask for your opinion. If you’re okay with it, I’ll pack up and move to the countryside!” said Yin Zhe, his face turning serious, “Sister, I’m the boy in the family. It’s up to me to avenge our parents. Don’t push yourself so hard and live so tiredly!”

Upon hearing this, Yin Suwen felt a bitter sadness.

Yin Zhe added, “Sister, Sister Xie is a good person and took us in. You should help her more!”

“…”

Chapter 232