Raising Orphans, Not Assassins

Vol. 1 - Ch. 12 - A Month in a Hurry

In the height of summer, the weather grew hotter with each passing day. The incessant chirping of cicadas filled the air, adding to the sweltering heat. Under the blazing sun, the air seemed to shimmer visibly with rising heat waves.

Sitting in the shade of a tree, Chen Ye fanned himself with a pink round fan, yet sweat still poured down his forehead.

Located in the southern part of the Great Wu Dynasty, Lin'an Prefecture experienced bone-chilling winters and scorching summers.

"System, what were you thinking, choosing this place? It's nothing compared to the north," Chen Ye complained while fanning himself.

The system, being non-conscious, couldn't respond.

In the blink of an eye, a month had passed since Chen Ye arrived in the Great Wu Dynasty.

He gradually adjusted to the ancient lifestyle, including its rhythms and customs.

Through daily settlements, Chen Ye's accumulation of points reached 4092.

The average daily gain or loss fluctuated around 100 points.

In addition, Chen Ye became acquainted with his neighbors.

They knew about the newly established "Yuhang Orphanage," led by a young man who was kind-hearted and always willing to help, often seen assisting others with their children.

Among these neighbors was the madam from the Yi Hong Brothel.

One morning, the madam from the Yi Hong Brothel paid Chen Ye a visit, bringing some gifts and engaging in a conversation.

The details of their conversation were unclear, but when she left, the madam's face bore a smile, and Chen Ye's treasury gained an additional 100 taels of silver.

That night, as Chen Ye slept soundly, he heard the cries of a baby outside his door. He went out and found a baby girl, whom he named Chen An'an, nicknamed Xiaofu.

Thus began Chen Ye and Xiao Lian's challenging life.

Xiaofu was lively by nature and liked to cry and make a scene to attract attention. Whenever she was awake and there was no one around, she would start wailing.

With no other choice, Chen Ye and Xiao Lian took turns caring for Xiaofu each day.

Fortunately, Xiaofu was already a year old and had been weaned, otherwise Chen Ye would have had to find a wet nurse.

"Waaah..."

In the orphanage, the cries of Xiaofu could be heard again, and Chen Ye's face relaxed.

Today was Xiao Lian's turn to take care of Xiaofu, so he could have a peaceful day. However, tomorrow would be his turn again.

Thinking about this, Chen Ye's face showed signs of distress. Adopting and caring for an orphan was not an easy task. Fortunately, for now, there was only Xiaofu, but as the orphanage grew, it would require more manpower.

Recently, officials from the justice hall had also visited and brought some silver.

Their implication was clear: the orphanage was a good deed, and if there were any unwanted children in the future, the yamen (the headquarters or residence of a Chinese government) would send them here. After all, in ancient times, in families with poor conditions, many chose to drown their female babies.

"Sigh, the rate at which points increase is still too slow... There are still too many places that require points."

After Xiaofu was added, he exchanged some vaccines, which cost him a lot of points.

In Yuhang County, after the child abduction case, there were no other major cases that month, only minor thefts and drunken brawls.

Everything was progressing slowly and peacefully.

As the weather got hotter, it became evident why Chen Ye preferred not to engage in physical labour.

In the surrounding areas of Yuhang County, some families with the surname Qin worked tirelessly every day, enduring the scorching sun. It's hard work.

Meanwhile, Chen Ye only needed to manage his own little plot of land, which was already enough for him.

Of course, Chen Ye was a special case. Normally, the yamen would allocate a piece of land for the orphanage to cultivate.

"Director!"

From the courtyard came Xiao Lian's call, and Chen Ye got up, fanning himself with the fan, leisurely strolling into the courtyard.

Under the shade of the trees in the courtyard, Da Ming lifted his head and innocently called out, "Dad."

Da Ming was bare-chested, wearing shorts on the lower body, his skin showing a healthy wheat colour, with some muscle lines visible. After a month of training, there were noticeable changes in his body.

"Why are you training again? It's so hot today. Wait until it's cooler before you continue."

"Stop now."

Chen Ye frowned slightly.

Da Ming chuckled slightly and stopped. He didn't want to upset his dad.

Chen Ye looked at Xiao Lian and asked, "What's wrong?"

Xiao Lian carried a basket on her arm, her fair and lovely face showing a hint of fatigue.

Seeing Chen Ye looking so relaxed, Xiao Lian couldn't help but feel a little resentful. Today was just too hot, and Xiaofu refused to sleep, making a lot of noise. It tired Xiao Lian out..

"Director, Da Ming is growing so fast, I'm going to buy some cloth to make him some new clothes."

"Buying ready-made clothes all the time is too expensive."

Xiao Lian expressed her thoughts.

After a month of getting to know each other, Chen Ye had a deeper understanding of Xiao Lian. She was intelligent, hardworking, and knew how to manage the household frugally. She could be considered an outstanding woman nurtured under the feudal system of ancient times.

"Go ahead, be careful on the way."

"Okay."

Xiao Lian left with the basket slung over her shoulder.