Reborn as a Cube Man in the Late Ming Dynasty

early morning.

The thin mist had not yet dissipated, and a white fog blanketed the area. Scattered voices could be heard from outside the courtyard.

Ding Xiling pushed open the door, took a tinderbox, lit a fire, gathered a few handfuls of firewood into the stove, and boiled a kettle of water.

The water was bubbling and steaming. Ding Xiling scooped some into a ladle and poured it into a copper basin. She then walked out of the kitchen and placed it on the shelf.

The water rippled, reflecting a delicate face.

She subconsciously raised her hand to touch her cheek.

Several hideous scars once accompanied her there, making her look so ugly that it was unbearable to look at.

Now my skin is smooth and delicate, and the scar has disappeared without a trace.

Ding Xiling stared blankly at her reflection in the water, took the towel hanging around her neck, put it in, and washed her face.

"very nice."

She murmured something softly, then picked up the copper basin, splashed the water into the corner of the yard, turned and went into the kitchen, took out a piece of fresh meat from the cupboard, and took a few eggs, using the remaining hot water to boil the meat and eggs.

Soon, the pot started sizzling, and the aroma of meat and eggs filled the air.

"Sister, it smells so good!"

Ding Su's groggy voice could be heard from inside the room.

Ding Xiling said with a smile, "Get up and eat."

Ding Su rubbed her eyes and ran out. After washing up, she sat down at the table and stared at the meat and eggs on the table with her eyes shining.

The siblings ate their breakfast quietly.

Ding Xiling looked towards the door and paused for a moment.

She heard footsteps approaching.

At this time of day, someone would usually come by, and she would take Ding Su to the private school, along with the neighborhood children.

However, with the end of the year approaching, the school had already closed for the holidays, making it a rare time to relax.

A cheerful, outgoing old woman's voice came from outside the courtyard gate: "Xiling, are you home?"

Ding Xiling put down her chopsticks, got up, and opened the courtyard gate.

A woman in her fifties, slightly plump, with a smile on her face, stood outside the door.

"Aunt Wang, what brings you here?" Ding Xiling greeted her with a smile.

But she already guessed why Aunt Wang had come.

Aunt Wang is a very warm-hearted person who takes good care of them. Whenever there are eligible men or women in the neighborhood, she likes to help them find partners.

This trip was probably for this very reason.

Aunt Wang walked into the courtyard with a smile and glanced into the house.

Seeing that there was still food on the table, and then seeing Ding Su sitting to the side, the smile on his face deepened.

"You two siblings are doing better and better, and Ding Su has grown quite a bit taller."

Ding Su called out, "Aunt Wang."

"Okay, okay." Aunt Wang waved with a smile, then looked at Ding Xiling: "Xiling, the reason I came here today is actually to ask you something."

Ding Xiling already had a guess in her mind: "Aunt Wang, please tell me."

Aunt Wang hesitated for a moment before speaking, "You know how tough it has been for you and your brother all these years. Ding Su is growing up too. You're a young woman, you can't keep carrying this burden forever."

"Your aunt thought that if you could find an honest and reliable person, at least you would have someone to take care of you."

Ding Xiling remained silent.

Seeing that she wasn't offended, Aunt Wang continued, "You've probably heard of the second son of the Wang family in this alley, right?"

"That child is a good person, honest, and doesn't have any bad habits. He's working in the workshop."

"Don't underestimate that workshop. It's not like the old craftsmen anymore. I heard that many of the things that Young Master Bai has are made by them."

He's handled things like trains and electricity; he's very skilled, and his monthly salary is high.

The more Aunt Wang talked about it, the more she felt it made sense: "Living like this is much better than you struggling alone."

Ding Xiling simply shook her head: "Aunt Wang, I know you mean well, but I don't want to get married right now."

Aunt Wang sighed as she looked at her.

She actually knew why Ding Xiling didn't want to get married.

After all, she was rescued from a bandit's den. Although she escaped death because of the scar on her face, she had still witnessed those things firsthand.

Those days are not easily forgotten by any woman.

"Xiling," Aunt Wang said softly, "I know you're scared. What those bandits did back then was truly inhuman."

"But you can't assume all men are the same just because of those beasts. There are still good people in this world."

"At least we should meet him once, maybe..."

"No need," Ding Xiling said softly, "I don't even want to see him."

Looking at her determined expression, Aunt Wang sighed, "You silly girl, alright, I won't force you. Come back to me when you've figured it out."

Ding Xiling nodded: "Thank you, Aunt Wang."

After Aunt Wang left, Ding Xiling stood at the courtyard gate for a long time.

She only snapped out of her daze when Ding Su called her name: "Sister, what's wrong?"

Ding Xiling shook her head: "It's nothing."

After finishing her meal, she picked up the needle and thread from the table and prepared to go out to do her work for the day.

For the past few months, she has survived thanks to these two hands.

After the chaos caused by bandits, she had no land, no man to rely on, and no valuable possessions.

But her mother taught her needlework when she was alive.

She usually does embroidery, mends clothes, and does needlework for her neighbors.

These things used to be hard to sell.

After all, ordinary people wouldn't be willing to spend money on fine embroidery.

But now, in the Immortal Realm, the people's lives are getting better and better, and they have some spare money.

Some pretty embroidered handkerchiefs and clothing are actually more popular than before.

Although it doesn't make a lot of money, it's enough to support her and Ding Su.

Thinking of this, Ding Xiling looked down at her hands.

She found it a little strange.

She is a woman, yet she can earn money and take care of her younger brother just the same.

Moreover, girls can also read and write.

Why must a woman rely on a man and get married?

Thinking back to those days, she felt that living alone was just fine.

"Sister," Ding Su said, "you are really amazing."

"Me?" Ding Xiling asked in confusion.

Ding Su nodded: "People in the village used to say that my sister would never survive if she took care of me, but now she not only supports me, but also sends me to a private school. She's more capable than many men."

"When I grow up, I want to be as amazing as my sister, earn lots and lots of money, build her a big house, and eat lots and lots of delicious food every day!"

Her younger brother's words were like a light being lit in her heart.

More powerful than men?

No.

She wasn't trying to prove she was better than men.

It just occurred to her suddenly.

If I could.

Why can't other girls do it too?

Ding Xiling took her needle and thread and went to the courtyard where the woman was being housed.

These were all rescued by Bai Li from the bandit's den that day, and they are much better off now than when they first arrived.

Because of the special arrangements made by the Immortal Realm, they had no shortage of food and drink, and every day they could enter Hell to watch the bandits who had once harmed them suffer torment.

The fear that had been weighing on my heart turned into relief.

At least, those beasts paid the price.

At least, they are still alive and can spend the rest of their lives peacefully in this paradise.