CHAPTER 53: 53: A THOUSAND FEET HIGH TREE, LEAVES FALL BACK TO THE ROOT (2)_1

Dong Huiying lay in bed for several days, but her wound was healing particularly slowly.

Liang Zhichen, Liang Shuyu, Liang Shujun... these three stayed in town, whereas Liang Haoming, Liang Yuening, and Liang Yixuan... these three stayed at home.

During Dong Huiying’s time of convalescence, Shujun had returned from town once. He had specifically bought back a basket of eggs and told Yixuan to help her nourish herself properly.

Haoming and Yue Ning would go up the mountain daily, hoping to hunt some meat so that they could give Dong Huiying a proper nutritional boost.

Her injury this time, although it brought upon her the pain equivalent to ninety great smacks, came with a benefit as well. Even though the brothers had not fully accepted her, she had made a preliminary step into the little world of the six siblings—an impressive progress.

However, several days later, Dong Huiying grew restless, especially after she made circuitous inquiries and learned from Yixuan about the shocking price of the wound-healing powder they had used during her recovery period... and then, as if inspired, she had an idea.

The family’s daily finances were stretched thin, and since she was now living with them, she also wanted to contribute to the household expenses to the best of her ability.

So, before her wounds had fully healed, she went up the mountain with a small wicker basket on her back.

They say, "Live off the land if you live by the mountain, live off the water if you live by the water." The Liang family’s Kaoshan Village, situated halfway up the mountain, was virtually guarding a natural treasure trove. Even though it was early in spring, and many things in the mountain had not yet sprouted, there were still some special medicinal herbs that grew in spring and could be harvested just at the right time.

But still, the vastness of the wilderness ultimately depended on one’s luck.

With good luck, one might even dig up a ginseng root, but with bad luck, coming back empty-handed was also a common occurrence.

Not very familiar with the mountain terrain, Dong Huiying took Fourth Brother Liang Haoming with her when she left that day.

Not long after they left, Shujun came back from town carrying a basket filled with pastries, fruits, and a string of cured pork belly.

"Third Brother?" Yixuan frowned at the sight of what Third Brother held, "Why are you spending money recklessly again?"

Shujun replied, "Our Liang family is a household of integrity and sentiment. She has shed blood and put in effort for our family; we cannot let her be treated unfairly."

With limited means, this was all he could arrange.

Shujun placed the basket on the earthen stove at home, "Where is she?"

Yixuan glanced toward the mountains, "She went out with Fourth Brother early this morning. After lying around at home for days, she complained that her bones were starting to rust. Seems like she’s the kind who can’t sit still."

Shujun chuckled, "That’s true. She was always causing trouble before. Now that she’s not wreaking havoc at home, she’s afflicting the mountains instead. That’s not too bad; at least we brothers can have some peace."

Yixuan paused, recalling her past misdeeds and comparing them with the present days... He knew that after her bold actions, including himself, their hostility towards her wasn’t as deep as before, but it also didn’t necessarily mean that they could truly consider her one of their own.

The main thing was they had been hurt, traumatized, and suffered too much in the past. Even living a comfortable life now, they couldn’t help but remain vigilant of potential dangers.

"How is Second Brother doing?" asked Yixuan about Second Brother’s condition.

Second Brother and Eldest Brother had stayed in town and were currently residing in Third Brother’s rental place.

The last time he saw him, Yixuan noticed that Second Brother’s condition had worsened and become more pessimistic.

As Yixuan brought up Second Brother Shuyu, a shadow of gloom crossed Shujun’s face, "A few months ago, I don’t know where Eldest Brother got the news, but he heard about a Divine Doctor named Yun. He intended to ask that person for help, but it was a wasted trip. With all the back and forth, Second Brother’s weak body... after the ordeal of the journey, is now even worse than before."

Upon hearing this, Yixuan’s thoughts grew heavy, "Is there really no other way?"

Shujun gave a wry smile, "I too want to know, is there really no way?" The reason why Eldest Brother and Second Brother have been staying with him these days is that Second Brother’s health truly can’t withstand any more travel, even if they rented a bull cart or horse cart to go up the mountain. The jolting along the way could be enough to claim Second Brother’s life at any moment.

Shujun let out a deep sigh, looking up at the clear blue sky that seemed vast and unblemished. The sunlight was also bright, but whenever he thought of Second Brother, his heart would cloud over, unable to see a speck of light...