Farm Tough Girl
Chapter 284 - 284 285 Im Not a Tiger_1

Chapter 284: Chapter 285 I’m Not a Tiger_1 Chapter 284: Chapter 285 I’m Not a Tiger_1 Lady Qinghe’s eyes widened, “I’ve troubled you so much without expressing any embarrassment, and now you’re feeling awkward about this little bit of help? Do you still consider me an outsider? Besides, the busy farming season has passed, and both my brother and his wife are idling about with nothing much for me to do. When things really start to get busy, I can lend a hand now and then without any delay. It’s perfect for Auntie to look after my child, too. As people grow older, they enjoy the company of little children. Just look at how much Auntie adores Xi’er.”

Muniang smiled, “Alright, alright, if you’re willing, I’m naturally happy. When the time comes, you can take good care of my mother for me. With you and Xi’er around, I’ll be at ease.”

Muniang finally felt as if a huge rock had been lifted from her heart, and she felt much more relieved. However, she suddenly thought of Qingmei, that frail little body covered in bruises, and involuntarily furrowed her brows. She had initially intended to harden her heart and overlook the girl, but remembering how Qingmei hadn’t hesitated to help during Qinghe’s sudden labor, even at the risk of getting beaten, she suddenly felt that continuing to disregard her would make her truly inhuman.

After some thought, Muniang decided she would visit the child. Even if she couldn’t be of much help, she still ought to properly thank her.

Muniang mentioned Qingmei to Qinghe, who nodded repeatedly, “Even though Mrs. Liang is at odds with us, that child is indeed a good one. If it weren’t for her, I would have been caught completely off guard by the sudden labor. It looks like her injuries are pretty severe. How about we sneak over to take a look and find a doctor to treat her?”

Muniang nodded, called Qingya, and headed out the door.

They had inquired about Qingmei’s whereabouts beforehand, so knowing she should be cutting pig grass behind the hill at this hour, they went directly that way.

Indeed, as soon as they arrived, they saw a frail figure cutting pig grass with a sickle, stroke by stroke. The child’s small hands were covered in calluses, and her skill at the work was akin to that of an adult. The sight filled Muniang with a sense of heartache.

“Qingmei,” Muniang called out.

Qingmei turned her head, her eyes filled with surprise which quickly turned to panic, and she started to run.

This time, Muniang wasn’t so easy to shake off. She immediately ran in front of Qingmei to block her path. Qingmei tried to turn back, but Qingya was already behind, blocking her way too. Trapped on both sides, Qingmei had no escape, her face sullen.

Muniang said with amusement, “I’m not a tiger, why are you avoiding me?”

With her head down, Qingmei whispered, “If my mother finds out I talked to you, she’ll beat me.”

Gently touching her head, Muniang reassured, “It’s alright, if she beats you, I’ll beat her. She can’t beat me.”

Qingmei looked at Muniang with stunned eyes, clearly unable to comprehend this tit-for-tat approach.

Qingya laughed, “Our lady is here to thank you. You didn’t want to come in for some treats last time, so what do you want?”

Weakly, Qingmei said, “I want to leave.”

Muniang’s face darkened. How ungrateful could this girl be! But then, noticing her rolled-up trouser leg, Muniang was shocked. Although the blood from the wound had clotted, the ghastly cuts clearly had not been bandaged at all. Such severe wounds left untreated? Mrs. Liang’s heart must be made of stone!

“Come on, I’ll take you to see a doctor. If we don’t take care of that wound, it might get infected, worsen, and could even result in disability,” Muniang said, pulling Qingmei along.

Yet Qingmei stood still, her voice tinged with a cry, “But if I go see the doctor with you, my mother will still beat me.”

Muniang lowered her voice and scolded, “If you don’t go to the doctor with me, then just wait to become crippled, and then your mother will like you even less, beating you every day!”

Qingmei was clearly frightened by this tone, her little face pale as she timidly looked at Muniang.

Muniang held her forehead, feeling truly exasperated. On normal days, she couldn’t stand to see such lack of spirit; her harsh words just now were meant to prod Qingmei into action.

“Rest assured, I’ll take you to see the doctor and make sure no one knows about it. If you don’t properly take care of the injuries on your body now, you will have lingering ailments, and do you really want to end up crippled? Look at yourself, it’s so serious already. If you don’t address it now, it will be too late later,” Muniang spoke more gently this time.

Only then did Qingmei show some emotions, “Can you really make sure my mother doesn’t find out? But I still need to cut pigweed, and if I don’t bring some back when I go home, she will scold me.”

“What’s the big deal? I’ll have someone cut it for you, and you can just take it back with you. Don’t worry,” Muniang smiled.

Qingmei finally gave a slight nod, “Thank you, Sister Mu.”

Looking at Qingmei’s demeanor, Muniang felt a deep discomfort in her heart. How much suffering must this child endure in her daily life, that even seeking medical care would cause her so much worry?

To avoid drawing attention, Muniang took Qingmei on a back path to return home where Qingya had already run off to fetch the doctor.

Upon entering the residence, a young servant at the gate said, “Lady, you’re back. Lady Qinghe has been waiting in the east wing.”

Muniang nodded and led Qingmei directly to the east wing.

Lady Qinghe had already prepared various pastries; ever since Yu Ze regained his senses, no one in the house really ate them often. They were mostly kept for Tianniu and the other children, and now was the perfect time to bring them all out. Qingmei was just a child and would probably enjoy them too.

“Why did it take you so long? I was about to send someone to urge you,” Lady Qinghe chided, intending to greet Qingmei, yet she dared not get up.

She was currently in her confinement after giving birth; normally she was in good health and could even get out of bed to walk, but Mrs. Lin was strict, insisting that the confinement must be a full month long without setting foot on the ground. So now, if she wasn’t lying in bed, she was lying on the couch.

Muniang smiled and didn’t speak, but pulled Qingmei to the table, “Hungry? Why don’t you eat something first? I’ve already sent for the doctor to come. Your injury can wait to be treated after you’ve eaten.”

Qingmei couldn’t help but swallow hard at the sight of the pastries on the table, her eyes filled with hope as she timidly asked Muniang, “Can I eat them?”

Lady Qinghe laughed, “Of course, help yourself. They were prepared for you.”

Qingmei then carefully picked up a piece of pastry and put it in her mouth, her eyes lighting up as she couldn’t help but praise, “This is delicious! I’ve never eaten anything so tasty before!”

Muniang laughed softly, “If you like it, eat more.” It seemed to be the first time she had seen Qingmei show such childlike behavior.

Suddenly, Xi’er in the cradle beside them started crying. Lady Qinghe, feeling helpless, said, “This child, he just has to be held by his mother, he won’t settle for a moment.” Despite her words, there was no sign of annoyance on her face, and she quickly picked up the baby, soothing him with gentle whispers.