novelraw Chapter 1722 - 1716: Didn’t Scare People, Just Scared the Pigs
Chapter 1722 - 1716: Didn’t Scare People, Just Scared the Pigs
Yi Mingshi, with all his good disposition, couldn’t hold back anymore.
His face was as dark as the mud on his face and body.
Wang Yongzhu, Old Granny Zhang and the attendants were struggling to hold in their laughter, using all their self-control to keep it in.
Wang Yongzhu even tried to appear concerned, asking the attendants if they brought any spare clothes? If they did, quickly lend them to Master Yi to change, or what would this look like?
Those assigned to escort Wang Yongzhu and her son were, of course, Song Chongjin’s carefully selected confidants, who were perceptive. Although not knowing why, they could clearly see that Madam was not fond of this Master Yi, and understood well enough.
Right away, each one cheerfully joked about how everyone here was a rough man, only half a month without bathing, who would bring spare clothes when going out?
However, the pig farmer man on the side cautiously said: "If the Noble Patron doesn’t mind, I have a piece of holiday clothing, not worn much. The Noble Patron could temporarily change into it, and let my wife wash and dry your clothes properly before changing back?"
Yi Mingshi, no matter how much he disliked it in his heart, couldn’t stand the mud on him, reeking of pig manure and chicken droppings, stirring his stomach to the point he nearly vomited if not for exerting the utmost restraint.
He had no choice but to nod repeatedly.
Just then, the pig farmer’s wife brought a basin of water, and the man quickly took the wooden basin, signaling his wife to go back inside to get his clothes.
In a state of awe, he presented the wooden basin to Yi Mingshi.
Yi Mingshi couldn’t care much, grabbing the handkerchief and wetting it, firstly to clean off the pig hoof prints on his face.
Feeling slightly better, even breathing carefully with fear of catching another whiff of that smell.
Apologizing while starting to untie his outer garments in front of everyone.
Old Granny Zhang and Wang Yongzhu had already turned around, passing the backyard’s wooden gate leading to the mountain trail, with the mother and daughter pointing at the mountain and talking.
The other attendants quietly changed positions, blocking the direction to the backyard completely.
Now in Saibei, the weather was cool in the mornings and evenings, but reasonably warm at noon.
Hence, taking off the outer thin cotton robe was fine, but if the sun didn’t come out or wind arose, the thin cotton robe couldn’t withstand it, requiring a thick padded jacket.
Of course, locals had their ways, often carrying sheepskin jackets, draped around the waist during the day, then worn at night.
The clothing brought by the woman was exactly this sheepskin jacket, already blackened and yellowed.
For peasants, such things naturally weren’t washed, only taken out to wear in the cold; worn all winter and removed in spring when weather was too hot; then aired in June/July, stored until winter again.
Yi Mingshi, though not a cleanliness freak, felt he had to mentally prepare himself to wear this sheepskin jacket.
That jacket emitted a mixed smell of mutton odor and greasy human scent, causing Yi Mingshi to instinctively step back two paces.
Just about to refuse, a chilly breeze blew in from the mountain, its wind being infamous; making Yi Mingshi shiver instantly, feeling the cold penetrate to the bones.
Knowing darn well that in Saibei, with few doctors or medicine, getting cold could be disastrous.
Life is precious.
Instantly, he relinquished any hesitation, snatching the dirty sheepskin jacket to wrap himself against the chill, warming up substantially, sneezing twice.
Then he requested the woman to clean his dirt-covered clothes and robe.
The woman wasn’t much of a talker, simply hadn’t seen such fine things; her hands shook holding the robe, fearing accidentally damaging it.
Seeing this, Yi Mingshi took a small piece of Silver Pieces out from his purse: "A favor from you, dear sister—"
The woman saw the Silver, her eyes suddenly lighting up, shaking hands steadied, heart no longer anxious, fearing Yi Mingshi’s retraction; she grabbed the Silver and the robe, running inside.
Meanwhile, Wang Yongzhu and Old Granny Zhang were planning to explore the mountain.
Earlier, hearing the farmer mention there were ten or so mountain pigs in there; if lucky, they might see one upon entering.
Leaving two to guard the carriage, the rest went uphill.
The pig farmer led the way, knowing common feeding spots, directing them towards the nearest one.
Wang Yongzhu and Old Granny Zhang were lucky enough, not long after entering, they spotted two black mountain pigs from a distance at the nearest feeding spot.
Those pigs were very vigilant, sensing people approaching from afar, initially snorting while rooting for food, suddenly raising their heads to look around.
Wang Yongzhu’s group dared not approach, taking a few glances and understanding the situation.
Only Yi Mingshi, older and a delicate scholar, struggled in the hike, trailing far behind.
When he finally caught up with the rest, near exhaustion, disregarded his image since there’s none left in front of Old Granny Zhang’s duo today.
Simply sat down on the ground, wheezing like a bellows; hardly caught his breath before speaking, only to gulp mountain wind, inevitably causing him to cough raucously.
In such a commotion, the two pigs got frightened, darted deeper into the forest.
Within seconds, vanished from sight.
Everyone silently withdrew their gazes, no longer watching the pigs, now focused on Yi Mingshi.
Yi Mingshi coughed violently, finally easing up, looked up to find everyone staring apathetically, shocked: "What’s wrong? Am I looking too terrifying?"
A follower behind Wang Yongzhu quietly picked up the conversation: "You didn’t scare people, only the pigs; earlier up front, those two huge mountain pigs were frightened away by you—," gesturing the pig’s size.
Yi Mingshi felt awkward, nothing seemed right today.
Hurriedly apologized: "Sorry! It’s my frail body failing me. Shall we try going further inside, maybe we’ll encounter some more?"
Wang Yongzhu, thinking Yi Mingshi plotting against Old Granny Zhang deserved condemnation, but seeing his physique, feared further hiking might be worse for him.
After all, his scheme failed, a small penalty suffices, no need for extreme measures.
Hence said: "It’s getting late, better return. Master Yi being old, not as agile, unlike me and my mother, who grew up in rural areas, are used to such terrains. Venturing further, I doubt Master Yi’s body could withstand; should anything happen, what do I say to my cousin and uncle?"
Instructing everyone to descend.