In another room, Mi Niang was also pulled aside to listen to someone’s grievances. The woman complained about BaGen’s misfortune, accusing him with a torrent of words, and ambiguously censuring Bahu’s second uncle.
“Niece-in-law, tell me, what kind of person is that girl Mu Xiang? Why does BaGen act like he’s lost his soul after meeting her once? After sneaking out and getting caught by his dad, he’s been playing around at home.”
These words made Mi Niang uncomfortable. She pulled her hand out of the grip, scratched her head, and asked how old BaGen was.
“He’s seventeen, about to turn eighteen soon.”
“Mu Xiang is only fourteen, still a young girl. She’ll probably have to wait for another two years before getting married.” The implication was that Mu Xiang had nothing to do with BaGen’s antics. The woman blinked, reevaluated Mi Niang for a moment, and smiled, saying, “If I had known this would happen, I should have stopped his dad back then.”
“Second Uncle coming to preside over our wedding is something both Bahu and I are very grateful for.” Mi Niang had no intention of blaming them for this matter. It was BaGen who fell for Mu Xiang, not the other way around.
The woman felt uncomfortable being confronted and silently cursed Mi Niang for being sly and unyielding. She couldn’t stand that Mi Niang failed to distinguish right from wrong. Her prejudice against women from the Central Plains deepened, and she was even more unwilling for BaGen to marry Mu Xiang. To think he dared to cause trouble at home just for that girl; marrying her in, would it end well?
The two of them exchanged a few more unpleasant words. Mi Niang stood up and said, “Second Uncle’s wife, I’ll go check on Bahu, and then we plan to visit First Uncle’s house.”
Meanwhile, Bahu was being questioned by his second uncle about Mu Xiang’s temperament and her family situation. He genuinely had no idea, so he casually replied, “If I get a chance, I’ll inquire, but she came to the Northern Wasteland alone, indicating that her family might not be around. Asking about her family situation might not be of much use.”
“You don’t understand.” Bahu’s second uncle heard footsteps outside and asked, “Who is it?”
“Dad, Mom sent me to check if you’ve finished talking. Sister-in-law said she wants to visit my eldest uncle’s house.”
“It’s almost noon. I’ll go to Eldest Uncle’s house first.” Bahu stood up and headed outside.
Mì Niang stood in the yard, seeing Bahu come out. She smiled and greeted the person behind him, “Second Uncle, sorry for bothering your conversation. It’s getting late, and visiting Eldest Uncle’s house around mealtime would be impolite of us.”
Bahu’s second uncle observed Mi Niang’s actions and found her quite composed. He spoke confidently, and the initial reluctance in his heart diminished. Waving his hand, he asked her not to be too polite. Addressing her directly, he said, “Niece-in-law, just now, I was a bit confused. It was inappropriate for me, an uncle, to inquire about Mu Xiang’s background, and I realized it only after the words slipped out. I don’t know if you understand.” Seeing that Mi Niang’s expression wasn’t too good, he added, “My second uncle is a bit rough. He doesn’t understand the customs of you Central Plains folks. If there’s anything inappropriate said, please don’t take it to heart. In our Northern Wasteland, whether marrying or giving away daughters, we need to thoroughly inquire about the other family’s situation.” It was just that BaGen was too troublesome, making him annoyed and prompting this consideration.
In fact, Dakang followed a similar practice. Even if the matchmaker provided detailed information, both sides would privately investigate the other’s situation. Mi Niang’s expression softened; her discontent was mainly directed at BaGen’s parents, who were dissatisfied with Mu Xiang. Holding a picky attitude, they were implying that Mu Xiang clung to BaGen, but it wasn’t like she refused to marry anyone else.
“I don’t know much about it either. I’ve only heard Mu Xiang mention it vaguely. Her family has many literate people; her father is a scholar, and so is her maternal grandfather. Her brothers are also scholars. If it weren’t for the earthquake, given her family background, the suitors would have trampled over each other. Her father is a scholar and, if he wishes, could run a private school. Many students would come to study,” Mi Niang explained. Unsure if the term “scholar” was applicable in the Northern Wasteland, she provided an example, “Mu Xiang’s father is a scholar. If he is willing, he could run a private school and educate students.”
“The County Magistrate Hu who came to the Northern Wasteland before Dakang was also a scholar by birth,” Bahu added.
While Mi Niang’s words made Bahu’s second uncle ponder, Bahu’s revelation startled him. However, considering that Mu Xiang’s family was all deceased, no matter how well they spoke, it wouldn’t change the fact. All he could acknowledge was Mu Xiang’s good upbringing and broad perspective.
“Mi Niang, go and unload the things from the car.” Mi Niang didn’t want to be questioned further. She continued, “Second Uncle, Second Aunt, we brought some fish for you. I know you’re not lacking in these things, but it’s a small token of our appreciation.” It should have been unloaded when they entered, but at that time, Bahu was watching the commotion and later got involved in the altercation, so they forgot.
“You’re a polite child. Don’t bring anything next time.” As long as it didn’t involve his children, Bahu’s second uncle was still a polite person. He warmly invited Mi Niang to stay for lunch.
“Let’s leave this meal for next time. We’ll eat it when we come again. Mi Niang and I plan to visit Guchuan, and if we delay any longer, we won’t make it back.” Bahu declined. He didn’t want to meddle in other people’s family matters.
The same happened at his eldest uncle’s house. Bahu unloaded the things, Mi Niang got acquainted with the surroundings at his eldest uncle’s house, and using the same excuses, they left.
“Child, next time you pass by, come sit at your eldest aunt’s house.” Bahu’s Eldest Aunt patted Mi Niang’s hand. She liked Mi Niang’s appearance; her round face seemed auspicious, and her sweet smile made her feel happy just by looking at it. Moreover, her way of speaking was pleasant.
Mi Niang nodded, “Eldest Aunt, don’t bother seeing us off. It’s cold outside; you should go inside quickly.”
“Farewell.” Bahu also waved and changed direction, taking Mi Niang away.
Once they were far away, Bahu leaned on the car door and sighed, “It’s fortunate we only have these two families as relatives. Dealing with them is more tiring than staying up all night to catch wolves.”
“Where’s your mother? Should we invite her to stay with us for some time, before and after the New Year?” Mi Niang asked.
Forget it, it’s not worth the trouble. “She refuses to come, and she won’t come. I can advise her ten times, and the old man will only listen once. I won’t bother begging for that scolding,” Bahu said.
Bahu didn’t go to Guchuan; instead, he turned towards the County Magistrate Hu. Mi Niang’s menstrual cycle hadn’t arrived this month, so he took her to see a doctor to check whether she was pregnant or had some other illness.
“My second uncle is shrewd and protective of his family. BaGen is still a child at heart, only good at causing trouble. We shouldn’t interfere in their family matters. Don’t take his words to heart. We meet at most once a year, endure it, and it will pass.” Bahu said to the person in the car.
Mi Niang hummed in agreement, “I’ll tell today’s events to Mu Xiang, and then I won’t inquire further.”
Bahu had no objections. It wouldn’t be fair if one side thoroughly investigated the other, and the other side remained oblivious.
The County Magistrate Hu was between Bahu’s family and Bahu’s uncle’s family. It took about half an hour to get there, and the lively sounds of people in the market could be vaguely heard from the wilderness.
“Shall we eat first?” It was already past noon.
“Let’s see the doctor first.” Mi Niang couldn’t eat; she wanted to hear precise news. In fact, her menstrual cycle was only delayed by a day.
Doctor Zhao already recognized these two. Seeing Mi Niang entering, he asked with understanding, “Pregnant?”
“Menstrual period delayed by a day.” Bahu spoke for Mi Niang.
Doctor Zhao pointed out that they were too impatient. He checked Mi Niang’s pulse, asked if there were changes in her appetite, and if she had feelings of nausea.
“None.”Mi Niang shook her head, looking nervously at Doctor Zhao.
“Physically healthy, no illness. I also didn’t feel a slippery pulse. If you’re pregnant, it’s still in the early stages. If your period doesn’t come after a while, come find me again in about half a month or a month.” Doctor Zhao withdrew his hand and looked at Bahu, “Do you want to prescribe medicine to prevent miscarriage this time?”
“Yes, and also prescribe some medicine for wind-cold.” Bahu always felt that the ready-made medicines from the pharmacy weren’t good. He got better only after being ill for so many days.
Although the doctor didn’t provide a clear diagnosis, Bahu and Mi Niang both believed that there was a child in her belly. On the way back, they walked even more slowly than they did on the way there, fearing any jolts.
When they passed by the yamen on their way back, they heard lively conversation coming from the relief room. Bahu peeked and saw a group of people gathered, their faces filled with smiles—it seemed like good news.
“Should you go and find Mu Xiang now?” Bahu asked.
“Sure, so I won’t have to make another trip later,” Mi Niang replied.
Ying Niang was the first to spot Bahu. She ran over as soon as she saw the carriage stop, her cheeks rosy from the cold, and a smile brimming in her eyes. “Sister Mì, we can read and recognize characters now! County Magistrate Hu just announced it. He said that in a few days, a teacher would come to teach us Mongolian, how to recognize herbs, and even how to raise cattle and sheep.”
“Anyone from Dakang must attend. Mi Niang, you should come too,” Mu Xiang added.
“It’s free, and no need to worry about expenses,” Pandì happily chimed in. She couldn’t believe that one day she would have the chance to sit in a classroom.
“Really?” This was the best news Mi Niang had heard all day. She supported her younger brother’s education by keeping bees, but could barely learn a few characters from him.
Bahu glanced at Mi Niang, surprised at her eagerness to learn. “It should be true. Private schools are funded by the government to ensure we learn both Mongolian and the Central Plains language. The teachers in private schools are mostly people from the Central Plains. And when the doctor holds a class, he teaches us how to recognize herbs. I learned a bit about treating lambs from him when I was a child.”
“I’m coming, definitely coming! Can you find out the exact date?” Mi Niang eagerly inquired.
“Not yet, but it will be soon. We’ll inform you when the time comes,” Mu Xiang replied with joy.
Today was a happy day, and not mentioning the annoying things made people feel more comfortable. Mi Niang smiled at Mu Xiang, planning to tell her about the troublesome matters after some time.
“The weather is too cold. You should go back, and we’ll head home too,” Bahu said, watching them smile at each other like a fool in the snowy field and taking the initiative to usher them away.
Back home, Bahu lit a fire and made half a pot of butter tea. Sitting face to face with bowls in hand, he commented, “You really enjoy reading that much? It seems quite dull to me.” He wasn’t particularly fond of memorizing history and literature from Dakang, maybe because he had never been there and lacked curiosity when facing the vague praises in poems and literature.
Mi Niang wasn’t sure if she liked it that much. She took a sip of the salty and fragrant butter tea. “I have a younger brother, four years younger than me. I started learning beekeeping from my grandfather at seven and took over the beehives at eleven. My younger brother started learning characters from a teacher when he was seven, and the expenses for his education were paid with the money I earned selling honey.” Mi Niang pouted, wrinkled her nose slightly, and said with some confusion, “I always feel like I got the short end of the stick. I thought about learning characters from him to earn some back. Now, without spending any money, I can learn characters. I feel like I hit the jackpot.”
Indeed, she got the short end of the stick. Bahu had found it strange before—Mi Niang said she could earn money by beekeeping, but she was extremely frugal.
“Are your parents good to you?” Bahu asked softly.
“Yes,” Mi Niang replied without hesitation. “In the village, I have good food and clothing; my parents don’t withhold anything from me. Even the beekeeping, which has been passed down in our family, I wanted to learn, and my grandfather didn’t hesitate to teach me.”
“That’s good,” Bahu didn’t ask further and didn’t plan to. Even though he held a skeptical attitude, in his view, earning money to support her younger brother’s education and decent living conditions was the least she deserved. As for beekeeping, the family tradition, why didn’t Mi Niang’s father inherit it? He didn’t plan to inquire further.
