Chapter 37:

Jicheng watched Chunfu head to the Jin family’s shop before turning back. Rolling up his sleeves, his thin lips curled into a smile as he thought about resting in the shade for a bit before getting busy again. Just as he approached, he saw Zhou Jingping—who was supposed to be at the flower-viewing gathering—lying on the ground, his arm covering his head, making it impossible to tell what he was thinking.

Jicheng sat down beside him and asked, “Looking at you like this, did someone upset you again? If you’re fine with it, I won’t stop you, but you need to know your limits. If it doesn’t work out, it’s better to step back sooner rather than later.”

Zhou Jing’s strong jaw tightened. He sat up and remained silent for a long while before speaking. “I understand. This time, it’s not as bad as you think. She agreed to wait for me to return from Mount Cangwu. She’s willing to marry me.”

Jicheng gave him a playful shove and laughed. “Then why the long face? Are you so happy you’ve gone dumb?”

“I… I just have this indescribable feeling. It should be a good thing, but I can’t seem to feel happy about it. Never mind, let’s not talk about it. Yesterday, I helped Squire Liu catch two thieves, and he rewarded me with two silver coins. Tomorrow, I’ll treat you to something good.” Zhou Jing lowered his head, forcing a cheerful tone.

Jicheng waved his hand dismissively. “I’m not the greedy type. You should save that for your future wife. Chunfu—your sister-in-law—her cooking alone is enough to keep me satisfied for a lifetime.”

Zhou Jing looked up at him with a smile. “Speaking of which, you’re the luckiest one here. Sister-in-law is gentle and kind, and even her mind is sharp. You must’ve done a lot of good deeds in your past life for the heavens to bless you with such a wonderful wife.”

Zhou Jing’s words struck a chord with him. Jicheng grinned. “Maybe that’s true. I never expected the heavens to send me such a treasure. Having her in this life is enough for me.”

“If I were as easily content as you, I wouldn’t be foolishly dreaming of a noble lady so far above my station. But this stubborn pride in my bones won’t let me rest. One day, I’ll make something of myself.”

“Good, I’ll be waiting for you to succeed. But remember, a person must walk steadily step by step. Only then can the road ahead be stable. Don’t let impatience get the better of you. Alright, time to get back to work. The boss said he wants to see the house take shape next month. If we don’t hurry now, we’ll have to stay late to finish, and I might not even make it home. Unlike you, I can’t just sleep anywhere. I can’t leave everything at home for Chunfu to handle alone.”

Zhou Jing stood up with him and teased at the last remark. “Brother, if you’re going to keep doting on sister-in-law like this, could you at least not say it out loud? It makes me jealous.”

Jicheng laughed heartily and patted his shoulder, saying that life was just like this—full of disappointments, but one couldn’t dwell on them forever. Otherwise, how could anyone keep moving forward on the dark and uncertain road ahead?

Chunfu sat in an inconspicuous corner of the Jin family’s shop, thinking about household matters. She still needed to go up the mountain in the next couple of days to see if there were any fruits to pick. The weather was getting hotter, and many things wouldn’t keep well. If she could find a way to preserve them, their value would increase by winter, and they could fetch a high price.

Jin Liu’er was also preoccupied with setting up the shop. There were so many things to prepare that she had no patience for idle chatter with the other young ladies. Spotting Chunfu, she brightened and sat beside her. “Take it easy for a couple of days. Once the shop is properly arranged, I’ll have someone deliver the things you need. Are you sure you won’t consider moving to town? It’d save you and your husband the back-and-forth.”

Chunfu smiled faintly and declined. “There’s too much at home I can’t leave behind, and living in town would actually be more inconvenient. There’s no need to trouble anyone to deliver things for me—Jicheng can bring them back daily. There’s something I’d like to discuss with you. I don’t plan to make too many of these pastries. As you know, if people eat too much of one thing, they’ll grow tired of the taste. We can’t let our customers get sick of them all at once. Making fewer will keep them wanting more, ensuring they always think of our business. Besides, with the weather getting hotter, these things don’t keep well. If they spoil and make people sick, it’d be a loss rather than a gain.”

Jin Liu’er nodded in agreement. “You’re quite thoughtful. I’ll follow your lead. Just remember to send more of that fruit porridge. Even if we don’t sell it, it’d be nice for my family to enjoy during the summer.”

Chunfu agreed, thinking that their good days were finally beginning. Not having to front the money for supplies was already a relief—everything else was just labor, and she was young enough to handle the exhaustion. By the end of the month, after deducting costs, the rest would be pure profit. She figured having Jicheng carry the goods in a basket would keep them out of sight. It wasn’t that she feared the villagers knowing about her business, but she didn’t want unnecessary trouble. If her sister-in-law found out she was making money, she’d surely pester them. She didn’t want their peaceful little home disrupted. Some things weren’t worth fearing—just annoying. The time spent worrying over trivial matters could’ve been used to earn more money. Her eyes were fixed on the future, and she refused to let anyone disturb it.

Jicheng arrived much later than usual to pick her up. Shopkeeper Jin paused his abacus and pulled him aside with a smile. “Your little wife is quite impressive. I’ve told Liu’er many times to learn about business, but she never listened. I have no sons—this shop will be hers someday. Now, she’s finally taking initiative. Even if I’m not around in the future, she won’t starve.”

Jicheng grinned. “Shopkeeper Jin, you’re overthinking it. Miss Jin is clearly steady and sharp. If anything, I should be thanking you. You’ve always looked out for me, and now my wife’s affairs depend on your kindness. I don’t even know how to repay you.”

Shopkeeper Jin patted his shoulder. “No need for such talk. Let’s see how they fare. If it works out, the money I’ve invested will have been well spent.” With that, he chuckled and headed to the backyard.

Chunfu waited until Jicheng finished speaking with Shopkeeper Jin before tugging him toward the exit. “Third Uncle must be waiting impatiently. Let’s hurry.”

In front of the Baiji Restaurant, Third Uncle was squatting and chatting with someone. When he saw them, he stood and asked with a smile, “All done for the day?”

Only then did Jicheng realize the person talking to Third Uncle was Chen Niu. He glanced at him briefly before replying, “Yes, we were delayed with the rush work today. Sorry to keep everyone waiting.”

Third Uncle glared at him. “Nonsense. Get on the cart. I heard you helped that master with a big favor. Now you’re his favorite, even made a small supervisor?”

Jicheng rubbed his head and laughed. “I’m just keeping an eye on things—hardly a supervisor. Don’t flatter me, Third Uncle, or I’ll get too full of myself to find my way home.”

Chunfu noticed how much Jicheng had changed. In the past, he’d often just respond indifferently, but today he was noticeably more talkative. This was good—better than him bottling everything up inside.

Chen Niu sat beside Jicheng. Ever since his falling-out with Liansheng, he couldn’t work for Uncle Xiangcheng anymore and had to take odd jobs in town. Yesterday, he’d argued with a shopkeeper over low wages, got beaten, and even lost the back pay he was owed—truly a wasted effort. The master Jicheng served was a well-known wealthy family in town, known for paying generously and promptly. With that kind of money, eating meat every month wouldn’t be a problem. He wanted in, but they only hired strong, capable young men like Jicheng. Someone like him probably wouldn’t make the cut. Hearing that Jicheng had become a supervisor, he decided to cozy up to him.

“Brother Jicheng, is the worksite short on hands? If so, do you think I’d do? Jobs are hard to come by these days—everywhere’s fully staffed. My family’s barely scraping by,” Chen Niu said ingratiatingly.

Jicheng had no respect for Chen Niu’s character. A man who’d push others and harm lives in secret—who knew what mischief he’d stir up if displeased? He shook his head immediately. “You overestimate me. Hiring isn’t my call. Most businesses want the fewest people doing the most work—they won’t easily delegate spending authority. Sorry, I really can’t help.”

Third Uncle, sitting at the front, flicked the horse’s reins and chimed in. “Isn’t that the truth? To those rich folks, us poor commoners are nothing but beasts of burden. Chen Niu, no offense, but you’d better find honest work yourself. Crying poor in front of everyone? As if we don’t know all your money goes to the brothel girls? Playing the big spender in front of others—why so meek now?”

Third Uncle was a respected figure in the village—no one dared argue with him. Chen Niu’s face twisted awkwardly, and he forced a dry laugh, falling silent. He was already dreading how to explain things at home. That shrew Ju Hua would surely throw another fit. If not for his elderly mother, he’d have no desire to return at all.

The day’s exhaustion and hunger left everyone too tired for small talk. The bumpy ride lulled them into drowsiness. Apart from the occasional birdsong, the rustle of leaves as birds brushed past branches, and the clip-clop of hooves, Chunfu noticed for the first time how pleasant the bells around the horse’s neck sounded.

Though they’d only been away for a day, everything on the way home felt warmly familiar. Her wandering heart slowly settled back into place. This was her and Jicheng’s home—the most comfortable and free place. Once their days improved, she’d spruce it up just the way she liked.

As they neared their doorstep after getting off the cart, they remembered Chunmu’s request for them to visit tomorrow. Chunfu frowned, watching Jicheng unlock the door. “What should we bring them tomorrow? It can’t be too nice or too shabby—what a headache. We don’t have spare money to throw around right now.”

Seeing her brows knit together and her pink lips pouting, Jicheng’s heart skipped a beat. He leaned in to kiss her, startling Liansheng’s wife, who had just approached the wall to speak to him. Blushing, she turned to her husband behind her and laughed. “Look at these two—really…”

Liansheng wrapped an arm around his wife’s shoulders and guided her away. “Let it go. We’ll talk another time—it’s not urgent anyway. Newlyweds being affectionate is nothing strange. Jicheng’s a good man who knows how to cherish his wife. Let’s not disturb them.”

Chunfu’s face burned red. She lightly punched Jicheng twice, scolding him for being improper, but her smile betrayed her delight.

Jicheng gazed at her rosy, fruit-like cheeks and grinned, his heart swelling at her adorable scolding. “Don’t worry. Tomorrow, I’ll catch a fish from the mountain, and you can cook it as a dish to bring over. Zhang Tong is still your nephew—like it or not, we have to save face. I’ll catch two—one for us.”

Chunfu thought for a moment. “Alright, we’ll do as you say.” After putting things away, Jicheng went to feed the pigs while she picked some greens from the garden. There wasn’t time for a proper meal tonight—she’d make it up to him tomorrow.

After dinner, they sat under the silk tree. Jicheng drew water from the well and poured it into a wooden basin, washing up as he spoke. “How about I buy some pork tomorrow too? This is a happy occasion for our family—we should celebrate properly.”

Chunfu shot him a look. “What’s the rush? Wait until we’ve earned more. I’d like to go up the mountain tomorrow too—maybe we’ll find something good.”

Jicheng chuckled, putting the bowls back in the cupboard. He then fetched hot water to wash Chunfu. Over time, they’d grown accustomed to such intimacy. But to her surprise, he began removing her shoes. Startled, she pulled her foot back and mumbled, “What are you doing?”

He held her small, fair foot firmly and said softly, “Don’t move. Soak your feet while the water’s still hot. You’ve worked hard all day—it’ll help you relax.”

Chunfu let him guide her foot into the water. As the warm waves lapped over her skin, he massaged her soles with such focus that it tickled, making her giggle uncontrollably. Afraid of disturbing others, she buried her laughter in his shoulder and lightly nipped his neck. Her flushed face and soft, alluring voice tugged at his heartstrings. “If you keep teasing me, don’t blame me for biting harder.”

She knew he must be even more exhausted than she was and tried to pull away, but he refused to let go. Instead, he dried her feet meticulously with a clean cloth, then carried her back to the room without letting her feet touch the ground.

His handsome face was tense with restraint, his dark eyes burning with intensity. Chunfu suddenly understood. A mix of shyness and awkwardness washed over her. If she took the initiative, would he look down on her? Think her shameless? It wasn’t that she distrusted Jicheng, but in this era, only brothel girls or wealthy concubines dared to seduce men openly. No respectable woman would breach propriety like this. What if Jicheng was just a blockhead? For now, she only dared tease him with words—taking action was another matter entirely.

His deep-set eyes and striking features were taut with tension. After a long pause, he finally spoke in a hoarse voice. “I don’t know… I…” Could he admit that the softness of her skin had ignited his desire? What if it scared her, especially if she wasn’t feeling well?

Chunfu nervously gripped her sleeves and whispered, “Go lock the door first. I’m thirsty—bring me some water.” She needed a moment to calm her nerves and dispel the awkwardness.

Jicheng obeyed and soon returned with water. Watching her sip it slowly, as though struggling to swallow, he teased, “What’s wrong? You look like you’re gearing up for an argument.”

Once he joined her on the bed, lying on his side, Chunfu spoke with tentative resolve. “Jicheng, I… You can’t laugh at me later, or I’ll be mortified.”

Confused but reassuring, he replied, “I wouldn’t dare.”

Chunfu leaned in closer, surprising him as she pressed her lips to his cool ones. She’d once heard that men with thin lips were the most heartless, but her experience proved otherwise. Since deciding to tie her life to his, Jicheng had become her shelter through thick and thin—wealth or poverty, she’d face it all with him.

Before he could process it further, her soft hand trailed down his chest, igniting a wildfire of heat wherever it touched. Burning with desire, he pushed her away slightly and growled in a deep, magnetic voice that commanded attention, “Are you out of your mind?”

Annoyed, Chunfu pinned him down, playful as a rogue. “Don’t try to hide it. Earlier, you were tempted, weren’t you? Jicheng, don’t hold back—it’s bad for your health. Let me take care of you.”

The fire he’d barely suppressed roared back to life at her words. Her hand continued its descent until it reached the scorching heat between his legs…

His feeble resistance melted under her determined touch. A strained groan escaped his throat as she took control of his every sensation—shameful yet intoxicating.

Moonlight spilled over the world like a silent voyeur, while inside the room, shy passion swirled between them.

When his breathing finally steadied, she buried her face in his neck without a word.

Knowing she was thoroughly embarrassed, Jicheng, now satisfied, teased her in a raspy voice. “So bold earlier, but shy now? You little troublemaker.”

Chunfu pouted playfully, her voice sweet with laughter. “And who was it all for? Don’t be ungrateful.”

Jicheng held her tightly, kissing her lips tenderly before releasing her. “Get some rest. I’ll step out for a bit.”

Curled under the blankets, drowsiness crept over her. But then she felt her hand being lifted and gently wiped with a soft cloth. His voice, still thick with lingering desire, whispered in her ear, carrying an irresistible allure. “How could I ever scorn you? Only gratitude and joy.”

In this world, only she was willing to humble herself for him, defying propriety for his sake. This young girl possessed a courage and wit that even men admired. He felt a sudden surge of gratitude—it was he who had married her. The thought of her belonging to another was unbearable.

Too tired to respond, Chunfu nestled against him and drifted off. The past two days had drained her physically and emotionally, leaving her utterly spent.