TSWPF – Chapter 43 Self-Blame

Everyone hung their heads low, ashamed after being scolded by the village chief. This time, it seemed they had really gone too far.

Li Qingling had only been trying to be kind. She had told them about the food in Song Mountain to help them get by a little better. Besides, she had repeatedly warned them not to venture deep into the mountains. Their greed had led them astray.

“So my child’s father died for nothing?” Madam Wu refused to let go. “There are still a few little ones at home—how are we supposed to survive?” She collapsed to the ground, sobbing.

Li Qingling looked coldly at her and said lightly, “I had no father or mother, yet I raised my younger siblings and survived. You’re a grown woman now—can’t you take care of a few little ones at home?” Compared to her, who could pity Madam Wu’s situation?

The crying paused, and Madam Wu sniffled, “You have the skills to hunt, so of course you could survive with your siblings. But me? I can’t do anything. How am I supposed to take care of four little ones?” If she had Li Qingling’s skills, would she even be worried?

Was she trying to extort her?

Li Qingling’s eyes flickered with mockery. Did she look like someone who could be so easily manipulated? If that were the case, she wouldn’t even need to set up a stall in town—people would have already taken her for a fool.

Squatting down to face Madam Wu, a faint smile on her lips, she asked, “So… what exactly do you want?”

After standing all day at the stall and walking back, she was exhausted. The sooner she resolved this, the sooner she could rest.

Madam Wu met Li Qingling’s gaze but quickly looked away. She felt as if Li Qingling’s eyes were like a wolf’s—terrifying.

“I… I just want to get justice for my child’s father. He can’t have died for nothing, leaving no remains.”

Her words were followed by grief. She covered her eyes with her hands and cried silently.

She truly regretted sending her husband to Song Mountain. If he hadn’t gone, life might have been a little harder, but at least he would still be alive.

Li Qingling watched her quietly for a long while, then stood and calmly addressed the village chief. “Village Chief, you heard Madam Wu’s words—she wants justice for Brother Li.” She shrugged. “I’m still young and a girl. Hunting a bear? That’s not something I should be doing, right? Since this isn’t my matter, I’ll go feed my little sister. She’s been crying so long—it’s breaking my heart.”

“Hunting a bear? Are you crazy?” The village women, hearing Li Qingling, grabbed their husbands’ hands in anger. “Wu ChunJiao, if you want to hunt a bear, go by yourself! Don’t drag our men into danger.” They would never allow it.

“I… I never said I wanted to hunt a bear,” Madam Wu said in shock, pulling at Li Qingling’s pants. “Li Qingling, wait! When did I ever say that? Don’t slander me.” She wasn’t a fool; there was no way she would let the villagers help her hunt a bear.

If she said it out loud, she’d be drowned in villagers’ gossip.

Li Qingling paused, lowering her eyes, and looked at her with surprise. “Didn’t you just say you wanted justice for Brother Li? It was the bear that killed him. If you want justice, isn’t that who you should go after?”

“You… you’re twisting my words!” Madam Wu pointed at Li Qingling, scolding. “I never said that! You’re the one slandering me!”

Li Qingling was cunning even at such a young age. In just a few words, she had almost twisted Madam Wu’s intentions and incited the villagers’ anger.

Such a ruthless little mind…

Li Qingling’s expression didn’t change even as Madam Wu scolded her. She never went easy on people trying to make her bleed.

Especially in front of so many people—show weakness, and they would think she was easy to bully. That wasn’t something she wanted.

She wanted the entire village to know that even with only a few children left at home, she wasn’t someone to mess with.

Anyone trying to bully them would first have to measure their own strength.

“Huh? But what I understood from your words is exactly that. If I misunderstood, then what did you mean?” Li Qingling asked as if negotiating. “The village chief is here—better just say it straight so no one has to guess.”

Feeling all eyes on her, Madam Wu nervously swallowed, twisting her clothes. “Anyway… it’s your fault, Li Qingling. If you hadn’t told everyone there’s food in Song Mountain, my husband wouldn’t have gone and died there.”

Hearing the rumors about Li Qingling’s thriving stall in town, she wanted some compensation for her family.

Ha… why not say this to the village chief? In the end, she just wanted to take advantage of a home without adults.

People like her were like leeches—once attached, they wouldn’t let go, no matter the storm.

Li Qingling would give no chance to such people.

She looked to the village chief. “Village Chief, whether or not to go to Song Mountain is their choice. I just told you there’s food there. Right? I didn’t force anyone. Isn’t that correct?” The old fox, standing silently aside, she pulled him into the situation. “Now that something happened, what do you say should be done?”

She didn’t believe the chief would dare put the blame on her. If he did, he would truly be a failure as village chief.

Hearing this, everyone looked at the village chief, waiting for his response.

He smiled wryly. This girl was sharp. If she were a boy, he thought, she’d achieve great things.

“I’ve said before: going to Song Mountain was voluntary. If something happens, it’s because of your greed. No one else is to blame,” the chief said firmly, his gaze piercing Madam Wu. “Madam Wu, did you hear me clearly? If not, I’ll repeat it until you do.” Madam Wu realized he saw through her intentions.

She dared not meet his eyes and muttered, “I heard you clearly.”

Finding nothing to gain, she glared fiercely at Li Qingling—but Li Qingling saw it and acted as if she hadn’t, knowing people like this thrived on attention.

The village chief scanned everyone, snorted coldly, and said, “This ends now. If I hear of any more trouble over this, don’t blame me for enforcing village rules.” The villagers lowered their heads, and he strode away.

After the chief left, Li Qingling didn’t look at anyone, just went inside with Liu Zhimou, slamming the courtyard gate.

“Sis, are you okay?” Li Qingfeng, holding Li Qingning, rushed out worriedly. With their sister gone and villagers making a scene, they dared not open the door. He felt useless.

Li Qingling picked up Li Qingning, kissed her cheek, and shook her head at Li Qingfeng. “I’m fine. Don’t worry.” She patted his head, “How about Zhiyan and Zhirou?”

“Rourou cried too. Zhiyan is holding her in the room, coaxing her to sleep.” Li Qingfeng glanced at Li Qinglin, then lowered his head, twisting his fingers. “Sis… am I useless?” He wished he could grow up faster—then no one could bully his sister.

Knowing her brother was blaming himself, Li Qingling smiled, rubbing his little head. “No, Xiaofeng, you’re amazing. You not only help me take care of your sister but also with weaving baskets. Without your help, I’d be swamped. Thank you for helping so much.”

“Really?” His eyes shone. Was he really that good? Or was his sister just comforting him?

“Of course…” Li Qingling nodded firmly, then winked at Liu Zhimou. “Ask Brother Zhimou if you don’t believe me.”

Liu Zhimou smiled, nodding firmly. “Xiaofeng really is great. You’ve helped us a lot, thank you.”

Pleased with the praise, Li Qingfeng grinned. “I… I’ll help even more!” Sharing the load would make them less tired.

“Good boy!” Li Qingling returned Li Qingning to his arms, pinching his cheek. “Take her inside. It’s windy—don’t catch a cold.”

Li Qingfeng hummed and walked inside, holding Li Qingning.

Once he left, Li Qingling straightened and then slumped.

Though she hadn’t let Madam Wu get the better of her, thinking of the lost Brother Li made her heart heavy.

In this era, losing the head of a household felt like the sky itself was collapsing.

Liu Zhimou led her to the kitchen. Seeing her confused, he blushed, pulled her close, and said, “Lean on me for a moment. Don’t blame yourself. This wasn’t your fault.” There was no need to carry the burden of others’ mistakes.