The night was too deep, and it was the first time Chunfu had been so busy without stopping. Both arms were so tired they could barely lift, and she fell asleep as soon as her head touched the pillow. Left alone, Jicheng tossed and turned all night, the words he wanted to say lingering on the tip of his tongue but unable to spill out, weighing heavily on his chest.
That year, he was only fifteen, walking through the village while people pointed and whispered. Some even came to his mother’s door, saying he was cursed and would bring misfortune to others. Since he was already grown, they suggested driving him out to fend for himself. His mother was a beautiful and gentle woman, different from the other village women. Even in coarse clothing, her elegance and grace stood out. Unfortunately, she was too soft-hearted. Apart from crying and refusing to agree, she couldn’t even bring herself to say the words to send him away. Fortunately, his father cherished her and shielded her from everything, making her life much smoother.
But the good days didn’t last long. His parents fell ill one after another, and from then on, he truly became someone even the village dogs wouldn’t bother with. His childhood friends had long disappeared. One day, as he squatted by the fields lost in thought, he didn’t notice the frail Axiu running toward him with messy hair. When he looked up at the sound, he saw a pretty girl with flushed cheeks and slightly panting breath. Axiu was straightforward and blurted out, “Jicheng, what are you doing here? I’ve been looking everywhere for you!”
At the time, he had too many worries—how to survive the days ahead—so he just glanced at her and said nothing.
Axiu was the daughter of the village head in Liujia Village, though back then, Liujia Village was just as poor, struggling to even put food on the table. Axiu, with her good looks, caught the eye of her aunt from the county town, who wanted to take her to serve in a wealthy household as a maid. There, she’d earn money and dress decently. With no other choice, her family sent her away. Axiu was already eleven and didn’t refuse the adults’ arrangements. Instead, she rushed to Jicheng’s house and told him, “Jicheng, I’m going to the county town to serve others. My father says once our family’s situation improves, I can come back. Will you wait for me? When I return, I’ll marry you. I’m not afraid of being cursed or dying.”
Jicheng was troubled and kept his head down, silent. Though his mother had always worried about his marriage prospects, he didn’t dare even think about it—even now, with a pretty girl offering to marry him. His silence, to Axiu, was agreement. She smiled and urged, “Then I’ll go now, Jicheng. You must wait for me.”
Axiu went to the wealthiest Wang family, assigned to serve the young lady. Close in age and with a gentle and kind mistress who indulged them, Axiu, with her sweet words and quick hands, became the head maid by Miss Wang’s side. She earned good wages, dressed well, and held a respectable position in the household. The madam’s maidservant mentioned that the eldest young master had taken a liking to her lively spirit and wanted to take her as a concubine. But Axiu’s heart belonged to someone else, and she refused. With her family now free from hunger, she began thinking of leaving. Over the years, she had saved a tidy sum, and with Miss Wang’s help, the process of buying her freedom went smoothly.
Who would have thought Jicheng would betray her like this? Returning home, no matter how her father tried to console her, she couldn’t swallow her anger. She was beautiful—how could she not be good enough for him?
Xitian, seeing his daughter return with a temper grown spoiled, immediately frowned and scolded, “Wasn’t what you said back then just nonsense? Your mother and I aren’t dead yet, and you went and decided your own marriage? Fine, I like Jicheng too, and I don’t look down on him. But my silly girl, he’s already married. What’s the point of clinging to him? You say he broke his promise—but who knows? Who saw it? Making a scene like this—what do you want? To force Jicheng to marry you? Let me tell you straight: right now, he adores his little wife. You’ve got no chance. Since you’re back, stay home quietly. Don’t embarrass yourself. I’ve already asked your mother to find a matchmaker to arrange a decent match for you.”
Axiu had always thought Jicheng was the handsomest boy in the nearby villages. Bold and impulsive, she’d set her heart on him for years, only to lose him in the end. Her heart felt hollow as she muttered, “I’ve wanted to marry him for so many years. Who’d have thought I was the one who got it wrong?” Suddenly, she stood up, rubbed her eyes, and said, “Fine, Dad. Make sure the matchmaker finds someone better than Jicheng. Don’t bring me any ugly rejects to disgust me, or I’ll just go back to serving others.”
Xitian, watching his daughter’s mercurial temper, could only laugh bitterly. “You’ve made up your mind? Don’t make a fool of yourself later.”
Axiu’s anger wouldn’t fade so quickly. When she left, Jicheng had warned her that if she caused trouble again, he’d drive her out with a stick. Such vulgarity was a far cry from the silent, dignified Jicheng she remembered. Fuming, she spat, “Jicheng had better not fall into my hands. Just wait till I get my revenge.”
Having seen plenty of unspeakable filth in the Wang household—proud concubines who’d ruined themselves, others who’d accepted their fate and lived for comfort—she knew life was about survival. Dying in a fit of pride meant nothing; at best, you’d be wrapped in a ragged mat and buried without ceremony. Though Jicheng marrying someone else hurt, she could accept it. But she was petty and couldn’t stand to see him happy. Given the chance, she’d settle the score.
Among Xitian’s brothers, his daughter was the prettiest—arched willow brows, large eyes bright as stars, a straight nose, and cherry lips. Her striking beauty ensured she’d marry well.
Jicheng had no time to worry about whether he’d offended anyone. He’d barely fallen asleep when he heard rustling as someone dressed beside him. Just as he was about to open his eyes, a warm breath brushed his face—closer, closer… His heart raced. What was Chunfu doing so near? Just as he held his breath, waiting, she got up and left.
He sighed, rubbing his forehead. Following her would only earn him a cold shoulder. Better to rest and save his energy for work. From laying the foundation to finishing the house, even with quick hands, it’d take until winter. Saving up would give them a comfortable life. With these thoughts, he fell into a deep sleep, only waking when Chunfu nudged him to get up, wash, and dress.
Afraid the fruit preserves would spoil, Chunfu followed Jicheng’s example, lowering small jars into the well in a basket. The night before, she’d painstakingly made some pastries. In the morning, she steamed buns and boiled a pot of mung bean soup to take to town. Whether she succeeded depended on luck.
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