Chapter Twelve: The Stranger Woman

When Banxia awoke from her midday nap, she found Gansui sitting by the table, writing something.

“Boss, I forgot to ask you earlier—are you copying books for the owner?”

“Yes. According to the original book’s price, he takes sixty percent, I take forty. Settled monthly, payment at the end of each month.”

“As expected, no matter the era, capitalists are always the most ruthless.”

“This owner is already quite benevolent. He supplies the brush and ink, and regardless of whether the books sell, he still pays this much silver. You go amuse yourself, I have to rewrite any mistakes I make.”

With that childish tone, the gracious little fairy chose not to argue.

“Then I’ll go outside and plant the vegetables.”

“There’s sun out—wear your hat.”

“Alright, Dad.”

Gansui glared at her. Banxia hurried off, delighted by her own mischief.

While Banxia was busy planting in the courtyard, a woman dressed in homespun clothes arrived. She was about twenty, hair pinned with simple sticks, skirt of coarse cloth, possessing a delicate beauty that evoked sympathy. She lingered at the gate, approaching several times only to retreat, but ultimately, unable to let go, she returned.

Banxia watched the scene, her heart skipping a beat. “Could this be the romantic trouble left by that penniless scholar? What am I supposed to do about this?”

The young woman finally entered the courtyard. Banxia had no choice but to approach and ask, “Big sister, is there something you need?”

The woman seemed startled, shrinking back, then lifted her head to look at Banxia, her appearance innocent and fragile. Banxia became even more certain of her suspicions.

“Madam Su, is Scholar Gan here?”

“He is, copying books inside. Are you here for something?”

“I…” The woman struggled to speak, words catching in her throat.

“Then you can tell him yourself. Please wait a moment, I’ll go let him know.”

“Thank you.”

Banxia hurried inside. “Gansui, Gansui, there’s a beautiful woman outside looking for you.” Fortunately, Banxia remembered Gansui was copying books and didn’t pounce on him.

“What?”

Banxia approached with a mysterious air. “I suspect it’s the romantic debt left by that penniless scholar.”

“Don’t talk nonsense.” He said, heading out. Banxia lingered by the table. Gansui looked back at her. “What are you doing? Aren’t you coming?”

“I’m coming.”

As soon as Gansui stepped outside, the woman’s eyes lit up. Banxia shot him a look: “See, told you so.”

The woman bowed gracefully. “This humble woman greets Scholar Gan.”

“If you have something to say, speak plainly.”

Suddenly, the woman knelt down. “I have come today to beg a favor from Scholar Gan.”

Banxia was startled by this gesture and stepped back. “If you have a request, just say so; there’s no need for kneeling…” She reached to help the woman up. “Let’s talk inside, let’s talk inside.”

The woman followed her in, and Banxia poured her a cup of tea.

“My name is Yun Huiniang. Last year I married into the Tian family in the neighboring southern village. The family is harmonious, life is poor but comfortable. This morning, I went to the market. My husband delivered goods, and my mother-in-law and I went to buy thread. Unexpectedly, we encountered the third son of the Lin family. He harassed me with his words. My mother-in-law and I, both weak women, tried to endure and avoid him, but he became increasingly aggressive, even laying hands on me. My mother-in-law, trying to protect me, was pushed to the ground. When my husband returned and saw this, he fought with them. They outnumbered him. My husband’s leg was broken and he was carried home, while the culprit walked away unscathed. Now both my husband and mother-in-law are ill. I’ve borrowed all I can, but still lack money for medicine. So I’ve come to beg Scholar Gan to write a petition for me, so I may bring the matter to the magistrate. I ask nothing else—only that he pays for the medical expenses.”

“I remember there’s a scholar in the southern village as well.”

“He’s also surnamed Lin. His mother is the third young master’s aunt.” The woman knelt again with a thud. “Please, I will never forget your great kindness, please help me.”

“Get up first. This is a serious matter; I need to fully understand it before I can decide whether to help. Come again tomorrow.”

Seeing his resolve, the woman left the house, glancing back at every step.

Banxia followed her out, handing her half a tael of silver. “Take this and get your family treated first.”

“This is too much. I’m already indebted for asking a favor, how could I accept…”

“Think of your husband and mother-in-law. Consider this silver a loan.”

Only then did the woman accept, thanking her profusely as she departed.