Chapter 29: Something’s Bugging Me

Xiao Tangbao slept through the entire journey, but by nightfall, she couldn’t fall back asleep.

Of course, Old Su and his wife were wide awake too.

"Darling," Old Su said, pulling out a bundle of silver ingots he’d been keeping warm against his chest. "Here’s what’s left—take care of it."

He laid over a dozen silver taels on the wooden bed frame. The sight made Old Lady Su blink hard—her breath caught for a second.

Then, with calm composure, she slipped them into the hidden hole beneath the炕 (kang), her movements practiced and quiet.

Old Su stared.

…How could she be so chill?

“Husband,” she murmured, voice low, “where in the world did our daughter even find that gold chunk? She’s never left the village. No family here—no one has gold, not even a single piece.”

Old Su straightened up, unshaken. “Our girl’s got luck. Everyone says she’s little Fuyaya—the lucky one. Dirt in her hands turns to gold, who knows?”

Old Lady Su just sighed.

Her husband must’ve lost his mind. That was the kind of nonsense only a madman would say.

She didn’t bother arguing further. Instead, she laid out her real worry.

“Husband, big trees attract wind. People are greedy. We told the kids not to talk about the gold, sure—but you can’t trust kids, especially Dapeng and Erpeng. And Erpeng’s wife… well, she’s not exactly sharp. I’m just… uneasy.”

Old Su fell silent.

The earlier joy drained from him like water through cracks. A cold knot formed in his gut.

If their daughter became famous, someone might want to hurt her. Especially after hearing today in town—there had been missing children lately in the county.

“Darling,” he said firmly, “tomorrow, no new clothes. Not one. You and the daughters-in-law—no jewelry outside. If you wear anything, do it at home.”

He looked at his wife, eyes suddenly burning with intensity.

“Let me put your silver hairpin on…”

Old Lady Su blushed instantly.

“Put it on? In the dark? What are you thinking?”

His gaze—so close, so heated—made her heart stutter.

“Darling,” he whispered, “ancient men said: beauty shines best under lamplight. The longer you look, the more beautiful she becomes…”

“Stop it! You’re such a fool!” she laughed, but her voice trailed off.

Small Tangbao, already lying there pretending to sleep, clamped her hands over her ears.

When would she finally get her own room?

She was done. Done being a passive observer. Done being the family’s little miracle.

Maybe… maybe her mom could have another baby. A brother or sister? She thought about it, seriously. And slowly, the weight of the world eased off her shoulders.

She drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, everyone was wide-eyed and energetic.

Big sister Zhao Chunhua wore a shy smile. Big brother Su Dahu looked proud as ever.

Second brother? Grim-faced. Second sister-in-law Qian Yuemei hovered nervously, offering sweet smiles like she was trying to bribe the air.

Tangbao remembered last night—the clanging sounds from her second brother’s room, the angry shouts. She knew exactly what he’d found out.

Ah. Her magic pouch—had anyone touched it? She knew better than anyone.

“Dad,” Su Dahu suddenly said, “I heard the neighboring county’s hit by locusts.”

Old Su froze.

Then, every head turned toward Xiao Tangbao.

Tangbao: ……

She blinked rapidly. Suddenly, the pressure was crushing.

Su Erhu said, “Those locusts won’t swarm straight into our fields!”

“Right!” Su Dahu chimed in instantly. “Definitely not!”

Zhao Chunhua nodded eagerly, eyes bright. “With our little sister around, the locusts’ll know better than to pick our land!”

Tangbao: ……

Wait. Do locusts even *know* where they’re going?