Chapter 103:

Madam Mu had aged considerably, her once formidable demeanor now entirely absent. Hearing that Jicheng and his family had arrived from Dongpo Village, she was as delighted as a child and had been waiting at the door since early morning. Fortunately, it was early summer, neither too hot nor too cold.

Mu Hong stood by her side, exchanging a knowing smile with Tang Xiaoxiao beside him. He and his former sweetheart were simply not meant to be. Rumor had it she had married into a well-to-do family but was not living happily. Old friends, as if prompted, deliberately brought it up to him. But he was no longer the same person he once was. Clearing his throat, he said, “Mother, are you tired? Should I have someone bring out a stool for you? Your leg pain hasn’t fully healed yet.”

Madam Mu, her hair now silver, radiated a gentle warmth as she waved her hand dismissively. “It’s been years since I last saw them. I want to welcome them personally. They must not hold any grudges against me anymore, right? Look, they’re here.”

Jicheng, too, was filled with longing. Seeing his eyes slightly reddened, Chunfu led their two children forward to greet the elderly woman. The children’s sweet, well-mannered voices made the old lady laugh heartily. Gazing at Chunfu, Madam Mu sighed, “I was wrong in the past. It was your words back then that made me see sense and stop being so stubborn. Please don’t hold it against me.”

Chunfu pursed her lips and replied, “I never blamed you. I understood your feelings back then. What’s past is past—let’s not bring it up again.”

Madam Mu held her grandchildren’s hands and said, “Why dwell on the past? Let’s go inside quickly. Grandmother has prepared delicious treats for you. Are you planning to leave soon? Stay a little longer, won’t you? One by one, you’ve all drifted away from me, leaving only this old woman to watch over this house. What’s the point of it all?”

Jicheng glanced at Mu Hong, who also wore a troubled expression. “The court has issued an edict. In a couple of days, I’ll have to take your sister-in-law and the children to Yangzhou for my new post. I’ll have to trouble Mother to manage the household affairs here. I wanted to take her with us, but she can’t bear to leave behind what Father left behind. There’s nothing I can do. Second Brother, if you have nothing pressing at home, stay with her a while longer. My fate is to serve in the officialdom, so I’ll have to rely on you to take care of things here.”

Jicheng smiled but said nothing. These past few days at the Mu residence had been quite enjoyable, filled with laughter and conversation. The old grievances seemed to have truly vanished like the wind.

Chunfu asked about Tuhuan, and the steward informed her that the girl had long since redeemed herself and left. Rumor had it she had married a refined scholar and was living a comfortable, happy life. Tuhuan was the only servant Chunfu remembered from this household—she had never cared about the girl’s status and had turned a blind eye to others’ mockery.

Standing beneath the swaying crabapple tree, Chunfu smiled faintly. Jicheng wrapped his arms around her from behind, breathing in her delicate fragrance. “Let’s stay here a few more days, shall we? Only now do I realize how much parents long for their children’s company. She’s grown old, and I can’t bear to see her alone.”

Chunfu chuckled softly. “Fine. Our lives are much better now, and Zhang Yan is handling things at home. Staying here a while longer won’t hurt. Speaking of which, I’ve been worrying about finding him a suitable wife—someone gentle and capable, who knows how to manage a household.”

Jicheng stroked her hair. “Take your time. I waited so long, didn’t I? And I found you. Our love runs deep, and our life is good. Others envy us.”

Chunfu lifted his large hand and pressed it against her cheek. Her eyes, shimmering like water, reflected the lush greenery around them. This simple, worry-free life was all she had ever wanted. In the years to come, they would watch their children grow, start families, and build their own lives.

Time stretched endlessly, flowers bloomed and withered. To spend a lifetime together was contentment enough.

★

An Yuning had lost track of how long she had been staying at the orchard. Day after day, she watched the trees shed their leaves in the bitter cold of winter, revive in spring, flourish in summer, and bear fruit in autumn—yet the person she longed for never appeared. Over the years, all her hopes had faded into quiet resignation.

She had fought bitterly with her father, exposing his role in the deaths of her mother and younger brother. Consumed by hatred, she had used the simplest yet cruelest method to break him. Wasn’t he most proud of the son born to that woman? That woman, cunning as she was, had deceived him thoroughly, using his money to support her lover. It was a clever scheme—until Yuning uncovered it. Raising another man’s child was unbearable even for common folk, let alone her proud father. Bedridden and helpless, he became a shadow of his former self. With the family suddenly leaderless, that woman had tried to seize the An family’s business, but Yuning stripped her clean and drove her out.

Yuning watched coldly as the woman stood at the gate, weeping and pleading for three days before finally stepping out. Spitting in disdain, Yuning said, “At best, you were a concubine of the An family. Did you really think you were the rightful mistress? I thought you’d have the dignity to return to your old profession. Since you refuse to save face, don’t blame me for being ruthless. Steward, sell her and her son to the slavers. She’s had her fill of good days—it’s time she atoned.”

Yuning paid no heed to the outside world’s condemnation. The weight on her heart had finally lifted, but the one person she longed for would never return—a regret that would haunt her for life.

Managing the An family’s business, which she had some prior exposure to, proved manageable. Amidst her busy schedule, visiting the orchard to inspect the trees became her most peaceful and freeing moments.

One day, as she was reviewing accounts in the shop, the orchard steward rushed in, saying someone wanted to buy the orchard from her. She refused immediately, instructing the steward to send the buyer away.

But before the steward could leave, a voice interjected, “Why won’t you sell? It only cost a few hundred taels back then. I’m offering several times that now—you’d hardly be at a loss.”

The voice, though unheard for years, was achingly familiar. Every night in her dreams, she imagined him calling her name, only to wake to an empty room. Now, when she had long given up hope, he suddenly reappeared—bringing not joy, but resentment.

Her once delicate hands were now calloused. Though eight years had not ravaged her beauty, faint lines had begun to mark her face. Time had aged her—but him? He looked prosperous, no longer the struggling wanderer of the past. Dressed in fine robes, exuding an air of wealth and refinement, he was surely the golden bachelor in the eyes of many noble ladies.

She lowered her head again, flipping through the ledger, her voice icy. “The debt you owed me has long been repaid. As for the money you added back then, I’ll return it double. The orchard has nothing to do with you.”

The steward stood awkwardly to the side until the wealthy young master said, “I need to speak with your mistress alone. You may leave.” The steward hurried out—clearly, this was a lovers’ quarrel, and he had no place in it.

Zhou Jing, dressed in a dark blue round-collared robe with his hair tied in a jade guan, had shed all traces of his rustic past. Now, he carried himself like a nobleman. “Weren’t you engaged to Young Master Pei? Why are you still alone?”

Yuning chuckled softly. “What concern is that of yours? The orchard is no longer your business. I’ll have the accountant settle your dues. Take the silver and leave.”

Zhou Jing’s smiling face darkened. His hands, hidden in his sleeves, clenched tightly, but his heart ached for her. Softly, he said, “I know you resent me. These years, I was trapped by circumstances and couldn’t break free. Before I knew it, so much time had passed. That year, I fell off a cliff and was rescued by a traveling merchant. I was delirious for a long time, recovering from my injuries. When I finally came to, I realized I was in Qinzhou—far from Changfeng County. The old man who saved me had no one else. I owed him my life and couldn’t abandon him. But the longer I stayed, the harder it became to leave. That’s why I’m late.”

He continued, “I feared you’d marry someone else, so I sent people to keep watch over you, to drive away anyone with ulterior motives. I’m sorry… I’ve wronged you.”

Zhou Jing knew she had heard him, but her anger kept her silent. Yuning was stubborn—back then, she had pushed him away relentlessly, no matter how sweetly he spoke. If not for the help of her maid and Old Master An’s promise, she would have remained as distant as a cloud, forever out of reach.

Now, he had ruined his own hard-won chances. Swallowing his guilt, he pressed on, “I overheard you that day outside. You probably didn’t know—I followed you all the way back. Yuning, you’ve always feared burdening me, but you never trusted me. Back then, though I had little to offer, I wouldn’t have let you suffer. I would have given up anything for you. That’s why I went to Cangwu Mountain—I only wanted to marry you. Now I understand: though I once grumbled about life’s mundanity, deep down, I’m just like Brother Ji. All I want is to live quietly by your side. Had I known this would happen, I would have stopped you from leaving in tears.”

Yuning marveled at her own composure. It reminded her of the days when the orchard’s fruits were hard to sell, and others slashed prices to offload their stock. While they panicked, she sat calmly indoors, reading, her indifference unnerving. Her fruits were superior—why sell them cheap? She refused. Just when she thought the entire harvest would rot, a buyer finally appeared.

It had been a test of patience, and she had won.

Now, seeing Zhou Jing showed no intention of leaving, she sighed and rubbed her temples. “Since you’re back, you should visit Brother Ji and his family. They’re doing well now and were very worried about you. It’ll set their minds at ease.”

Zhou Jing’s sharp gaze bore into her. “And what about you?”

Her? She was exhausted, numb. He would never understand the torment of oscillating between hope and despair. This love had not been her choice, yet she had borne all its pain. And now this scoundrel dismissed those years with a few careless words? To whom could she voice her grievances?

Beneath the numbness, a spark of defiance flared.

Yuning’s delicate features softened into a gentle smile. “Let’s not speak of the past. If you insist on buying the orchard, fine. I’ll accept your price—convert it to Datong Bank’s silver notes. The contracts with the steward and guards will be yours as well.”

Suddenly, it became clear: keeping the orchard would only make him think she couldn’t let go. Better to sever all ties completely. So much had changed over the years. She had aged, while he had grown distinguished. Wasn’t this just stubborn longing for the unattainable? Love was fickle—how much sincerity remained? To spare herself future heartache, it was best to end it now.

No matter how composed Zhou Jing had become over the years, Yuning shattered his restraint—especially when she kept pushing him away. As she turned her head aside, he strode forward, swept her into his arms, and sat down, trapping her against his chest.

“An Yuning,” he growled, “I’m bound to you for life. You can hit me, curse me, resent me—but don’t you dare cut me off. Those tears? That resentment? How can you claim I mean nothing to you? How many years has it been? Will you keep sulking until we’re old and gray before reconciling?”

His mouth crashed onto hers, silencing her protests. He was fierce, unyielding, pouring all his passion into the kiss, drowning her in a whirl of sensation. When they finally broke apart, his ragged breath warmed her ear.

“Don’t say things to hurt me. Yuning, you’ve always been the one I longed for. I won’t let go, and I won’t allow any other man near you. Before, I was desperate for wealth because I feared I couldn’t hold onto you. Your father gave me a chance, and I seized it—so I could stand proudly by your side. Now, there’s no need to fear. I’ll stay with you forever, whether here or in Qinzhou. I’ll follow wherever you lead.”

For the first time, Yuning found Zhou Jing annoyingly verbose. She hated how he shattered her hard-won resolve with his cruel tenderness. After all her suffering, simply forgiving him was unbearable. Struggling free, she glared.

“Don’t let the door hit you on the way out. And don’t show your face here again.”

Zhou Jing sat alone for a long time before finally leaving, dejected. Outside, he was the picture of propriety, never glancing at the courtesans at banquets. Now, he could only fret helplessly. Without pause, he headed straight for Dongpo Village to find Jicheng. After so many years, surely Brother Ji had children and a happy life?

Back then, when Zhou Jing had vanished, he had intended to entrust the orchard to Jicheng. Instead, it had gone to Yuning—perhaps for the best, as it kept her from forgetting him entirely.

The small courtyard remained much the same, with only minor renovations. Lanterns hung beneath the eaves. As he approached, a young girl’s voice rang out:

“Father, tell Cousin to come visit! Or send me to town—I want to learn from him!”

Jicheng sat unmoving, frowning. “Don’t cause trouble. Go find your mother.” Hearing a knock, he rose to answer the door, leaving the pouting girl behind.

Jicheng never expected to see Zhou Jing again. His lips trembled as he patted Zhou Jing’s shoulder and said, “It’s good that you’re back. I can finally tear down that little hut I built on the mountain. How have you been these years?”

Zhou Jing pressed his lips together and replied in a low voice, “Don’t worry, big brother. I’ve been doing well. Back then, a wealthy merchant took me in as his godson since he had no heirs. I stayed to see him through his final years before returning. But Yuning… she must hate me to the core.”

“Come inside, why stand out here? Your sister-in-law will be overjoyed to see you. Miss An has suffered a lot for your sake. She had a falling out with her father and moved to the orchard, only returning recently. That orchard is the only thing you left her. Women may be stubborn with their words, but their hearts don’t always match. Be patient and keep apologizing.”

Zhou Jing gave a bitter smile. “I’ve been patient with her for over a decade. Maybe I should ask sister-in-law for advice.”

Once inside the courtyard, he distributed the novel gifts he had brought to the children, delighting in their joy. Realizing he was no longer young, he thought it was time to start a family. Turning to Jicheng, he said, “You’re truly blessed, big brother—a son and a daughter. Such good fortune.”

Jicheng chuckled, warning the children not to run off, then led Zhou Jing inside where Chunfu was busy sewing. “Look who’s back,” he announced.

Chunfu was overjoyed and quickly served fruit and tea. “With your return, our hearts feel lighter. These past two years have been full of good news—Zhang Yan and now you are both back. Have you seen Yuning yet? She’s been devoted to you all these years, never even considering another man.”

Zhou Jing almost blurted out that he had been the one stopping her but held back, not wanting to lose face. Instead, he pleaded, “Sister-in-law, please guide me. Yuning harbors deep resentment toward me. We’re not young anymore—we can’t afford to keep fighting like this. But she’s so stubborn, and I don’t know what to do.”

Chunfu covered her mouth with a laugh. “Do you know she searched for you for six whole years? She combed through the place where you disappeared countless times. It’s no wonder she’s treating you this way. Since you’re asking, I’ll give you some advice: swallow your pride completely. Even if she curses you in public, don’t utter a single word in defense. Can you do that? Bring her jewelry, cosmetics, pretty flowers, fine clothes, delicious treats—anything novel. They say ‘a fed mouth speaks no ill, and a gifted hand stays soft.’ Even if she throws them out, don’t stop. She’ll eventually accept them. A persistent man wears down even the most stubborn woman—that’s an old truth.”

Nian’er, who had been eavesdropping outside, now had an idea. If she pestered her cousin enough, he’d surely agree. Smirking mischievously, she ran off to play with Jiwei.

Zhou Jing took Chunfu’s advice to heart. He visited the An family three times a day, more diligently than his meals. After finishing his work, he shamelessly went to see his beloved, even spreading word that he had fulfilled Old Man An’s request and was now back to marry his daughter. The townsfolk laughed and envied the wealthy, handsome young man so devoted to a woman past her prime.

At first, An Yuning remained composed, but as gossip spread and Zhou Jing grew bolder, she grew increasingly exasperated. In her spare time, she examined the trinkets he sent—many of which she liked. Some were even handmade by him, like the comically adorable “begging for forgiveness” doll. Unconsciously, she found herself smiling.

Human hearts are tender. After ignoring him for over ten days while he persisted, even publicly declaring that all his wealth would one day be hers, Yuning’s anger softened. Though embarrassed by his words, she secretly delighted in them. She turned a blind eye to his frequent visits to the An household and even granted him a few smiles.

She didn’t know how other women would react, but her heart was soft. Once her anger faded, the resentment dissolved. She was hopeless—seeing him huddled in the small shack outside her home pained her. Under her maid’s teasing gaze, she even brought him a blanket one night.

The fool merely grinned at her without offering explanations, yet she understood—this was his pride and his way of showing loyalty.

Hadn’t she waited for this man all her life? Why keep up pretenses? Seeing him suffer only made her miserable. She was making things harder for herself. The thought made her chuckle.

Under the moonlight, unable to sleep, she took a lantern and went to see him. In the humble shack, he lay under the blanket she had given him, hands resting on his stomach, fast asleep. In the pale light, his face looked even more striking—wealth hadn’t made him gain an ounce. Unable to resist, she touched his cheek, only for him to seize her hand. His dark eyes gleamed with joy, though his words were teasing:

“Miss me? Can’t bear to see me sleep here? Then let’s go to your room.”

Yuning punched him, though her smile remained. “Dream on. When did you become so shameless? Back then, a harsh word from me would make you sulk.”

Zhou Jing pulled her onto him, their breaths mingling. As he spoke, his lips brushed hers, sending a shiver through her. Blushing, she heard him say, “I was just too afraid—too insecure. I knew I wasn’t good enough for you, but I couldn’t let go. The thought of you marrying someone else terrified me. Back then, I swore that if you gave me your life, I’d serve you for all eternity.”

Yuning kissed him lightly, tears falling. “How could I let you serve me? My family may seem respectable, but it’s rotten to the core. If anything, I’m the one unworthy of you. I feared you’d risk too much for me and end up like my father—destroying my mother and brother.”

Zhou Jing stroked her back soothingly. “I may come from nothing, but I’ve always known I’d have only one wife. In all my years in Qinzhou, I never spared a glance for anyone else. I owed you that much. Our love, though unspoken, runs deeper than the sea. Yuning, let’s stop fighting. Time slips away too fast—we don’t have many years left to be together. I want to cherish you and make up for all the suffering you’ve endured. This was all my fault. I only ask that you believe my sincerity.”

Yuning buried her face in his chest, listening to his heartbeat, sensing his tension. She laughed softly. “Zhou Jing, I’ll listen to you. But I have a few questions. My father is bedridden from anger—do you think me cruel? I sold that woman and her son into servitude. If you ever betray me, I won’t let you off easy. Knowing this, do you still want to stay with me forever?”

Zhou Jing held her tightly. “To me, whether you’re kind or cruel, you’re still my Yuning. I don’t care what others say. If anyone wrongs you, I’ll make them pay—even if it’s me. I’d kneel before you and let you punish me as you please. But that will never happen. Just don’t go back on your word, or I won’t forgive you either.”

The two nestled together, smiling. Somehow, the conversation shifted, and Zhou Jing admitted, “I thought about ignoring you to tease you, but seeing you like this, I couldn’t bear it.”

Yuning scowled. “If you ever dared, I’d never speak to you again.”

“Then the heavens favor me. Tomorrow, I’ll visit the temple. Yuning, I’ll send a matchmaker to propose. Let’s pick an auspicious date and marry soon. Look at Jicheng—already two children. We’re not young anymore. I want this settled.”

Zhou Jing hired a silver-tongued matchmaker, and with neither having close relatives, arrangements proceeded swiftly. The wedding was set for a month later. When visiting Jicheng’s family, he shared the news. Nian’er clamored to attend, curious about what a wedding was like.

A month later.

When Chunfu and Jicheng married, few had genuinely wished them well. Now, watching Zhou Jing and Yuning’s lively celebration—even inviting Liansheng, his wife, Zhao Yun, and Jinjuan—Chunfu felt a pang of envy. Jicheng squeezed her hand. “I may never give you such a grand occasion again. If you don’t mind, we could…”

Chunfu blushed and glared. “Behave yourself. People will laugh.”

The grand courtyard buzzed with music and joy. The newlyweds, having bowed to heaven and earth, smiled as if reclaiming all the happiness lost in those eight years.

The past hardships now seemed insignificant. Better days lay ahead, and everyone felt hopeful.