Pampered by the Toughest Man After Divorce
Chapter 1136 - 1138: Xiao’ai, Dabao, Xiaobei

Chapter 1136: Chapter 1138: Xiao’ai, Dabao, Xiaobei

"Don’t be so stingy," Xia Dabao still had the nerve to say, "I have quite a few books at home too. If you’re interested, we could exchange, you know. We have storybooks, novels, and even the Historical Records. Go ahead and pick one, there’s bound to be something that suits you!"

But Tian Xiaobei grew even angrier, "Xia Dabao, do you think everything can be casually swapped? Give me back my book!"

Xia Dabao had initially only meant to tease him for a laugh, considering that it was rare to find another young person in the village who also enjoyed reading. Perhaps they might have had something in common to talk about. However, seeing how Tian Xiaobei seemed genuinely upset, she could only return his book, "Here, take it back. If you won’t lend it, never mind then. If I want to read it next time, I’ll just have my dad buy me a copy from the county city."

Tian Xiaobei took the book and held it close like a treasure, no longer squabbling with Xia Dabao, and only checking to see if his book had been damaged.

Zhao Er Auntie came over to ease Xia Dabao’s embarrassment, "That’s his dad’s book, he treasures it dearly. When he arrived here, he brought almost nothing with him, just two sets of clothes and a couple of books. The only jade pendant was even..."

Zhao Er Auntie didn’t dare to continue, as if talking about someone would make them appear, Zhao Da Auntie’s voice could be heard before she even arrived, "What are you all huddled here pondering about? The sun’s about to rise and you’re not going about your work, just dilly-dallying here."

Seeing that Xia Dabao and Axian were also present, Zhao Da Auntie didn’t dare to scold them. Yege and Nan Feng had been respected in the village for over a decade, known for their ability to make money, and people in the village tended to show some degree of respect to Xia Dabao and Axian. So Zhao Da Auntie bypassed the siblings and instead turned her attention to Tian Xiaobei.

"Oh, the Scholar, the Elegant Scholar. Do you plan on aiming for the top scholar position in the future? You came back last night and started reading those worthless books by lantern light, I didn’t say anything then. Lantern oil doesn’t cost money? Candles don’t cost money? And here you are again, early in the morning reading books. Have you cut the fish grass? Have you cut the pig fodder? Have you chopped the firewood needed at home? And every time you go out, you depend on our Datu. If I ask you to cut some fish grass, you can’t even manage that; it’s always our Datu who ends up cutting it. You poor Scholars sure know how to scheme!"

Zhao Datu cutting the grass?

Xia Dabao watched Zhao Da Auntie’s aggressive demeanor, and remembered the way Datu bullied Tian Xiaobei by the river yesterday. Then, thinking about what Zhao Er Auntie mentioned regarding his family troubles and the stolen jade pendant, she couldn’t help but feel sympathy for how pitiful Tian Xiaobei was.

She looked at Tian Xiaobei, expecting him to speak up for himself, but instead he stood silently as if Zhao Da Auntie’s words were just wind passing by his ears.

"Oh, so you’re stubborn now, is that it? Your silence is an agreement then? Fine. Since you failed to cut the fish grass yesterday, today you’ll be punished to cut double. You’ll even cut Datu’s share; make it four baskets full. If you don’t fill them up, you’re not eating!" Zhao Da Auntie said, fuming.

Xia Dabao opened her mouth, wanting to say something fair on behalf of Tian Xiaobei, but then she remembered her mother’s words that in the village, one must never argue with the villagers, let alone start a conflict. The villagers only care about minor benefits, and even if you feel uncomfortable, you must find the best solution. The villagers listen to no one but the village head. If reasoning fails, turn to the village chief. Everything becomes easier once you take it to the village chief.