Li Xiue had originally wanted to invite Jicheng and the matchmaker to stay for a meal, but the matchmaker, who had a large family to attend to at home, hastily declined, saying they could eat together next time, and hurried off. Jicheng, needing to get to work, also declined.
Chunmu asked Chunfu to see them off. The matter between the two was now settled—even if they walked together in the future, no one would dare say anything.
“You can go back now. I’ll head straight to Uncle Xiangcheng’s place—there’s still a lot of work to do there.” Jicheng took in her nervous demeanor, the corners of his lips quirking slightly as his heart softened.
Chunfu didn’t know what to say. Seeing his empty hands and realizing it was already mealtime, she hesitated before asking, “Have… have you eaten?”
Jicheng took two steps closer when she spoke to him. Chunfu widened her eyes, tilting her head up to look at him like a startled rabbit, nimbly dodging when he reached out. She wasn’t used to his closeness yet, pursing her lips in dissatisfaction.
Her slightly messy brows, clear eyes like a tranquil pond, delicate and high nose bridge, and small, rosy cherry lips, paired with her soft and elegant facial contours—if not for her excessive thinness, she would truly be a rare beauty.
Thinking of her circumstances at her parents’ home, he sighed. “I’ll go home and grab some steamed buns before heading out. Whether you understand me or not, from now on, you and I will spend our lives together. I’ll treat you well. Once the date is set, I’ll come for you soon, and you won’t have to endure beatings or harsh words anymore.”
With each word he spoke, Chunfu’s heart beat faster, filled with warmth and contentment. She nodded vigorously. “Mm.”
Jicheng watched as she blinked her round, lively eyes, making her appear even more spirited and tender. He was at the age to marry, yet other families avoided him. Only this foolish girl had been pushed into his path. He could only hope she was as tough as the matchmaker claimed—that she wouldn’t be “cursed” to death by him. He lightly touched her hair, chuckled, and turned to leave.
Chunfu only smiled after confirming he wouldn’t look back, her face as lovely as blooming apricot blossoms. But just as she reached the door, she overheard her elder brother and sister-in-law’s conversation, and her smile froze. She couldn’t imagine how much she’d regret it if she had resisted marrying Jicheng and ended up in a brothel. Searching through all her memories, she couldn’t recall ever offending her brother. How could he be so cruel as to sell her to such a place?
Watching them enter the west room, Chunfu knew they wouldn’t stop talking anytime soon. Just as she reached the door, Zhang Tong’s voice came from behind: “Auntie, has Uncle left?”
The room fell silent. Soon, her sister-in-law lifted the curtain and stepped out, unusually smiling. “Back already? Jicheng even brought two chickens. We thought of keeping them for eggs, but your brother said it’s your happy occasion—if we’d kept them for a meal, we’d have had to kill one. Since they didn’t stay, we’ll enjoy it ourselves.”
Zhang Tong jumped for joy at the mention of meat. Apart from the pork dumplings during New Year, meat was a rare sight. Killing a chicken was as extravagant as celebrating the New Year. Zhang Yan, approaching from afar, heard his younger brother’s excitement. Though he showed no outward joy, a flicker of longing passed through his misty eyes.
Zhang Yan was only a year older than Zhang Tong, but unlike his glib younger brother, he was honest and less favored by their parents.
Li Xiue glared at her elder son. “Only when there’s food do you show up. Did you finish cutting the pigweed? Where’s the money your uncle gave you? Your brother knew to give it to me for household expenses when no one was looking. And you? Hiding money at such a young age—utterly ungrateful.”
Chunfu’s heart ached for her wronged nephew. People said no parents were truly wrong, but favoritism could be so chilling. What surprised her was how cunning Zhang Tong was at such a young age—he’d grow into quite the troublemaker.
When no one was looking, Chunfu patted Zhang Yan’s shoulder reassuringly. Once she escaped this dreadful place, she’d find a way to help him.
Zhang Yan was used to it. As long as he handed over the money, his mother wouldn’t scold him. In the past, the courtyard had been filled with curses—either for him or his aunt. He just needed to grow up, and she’d stop berating him.
Li Xiue set the pot over the fire, her anger subsiding slightly when Zhang Yan came forward to add firewood.
After Chunmu cleaned the chicken, she blanched it in the pot, discarded the water, refilled it, and added the chicken with scallions, garlic, ginger, chili, and salt. Covering the pot, she left it to simmer for half an hour before returning to lift the lid.
Chunfu wanted to complain, but her body couldn’t resist the aroma—her mouth watered uncontrollably.
Li Xiue first picked out the two drumsticks, placing them in a small bowl. Smiling at Zhang Tong, she said, “There’s plenty left in the pot. These drumsticks are for Xiao Tong to eat tonight.” She ignored Zhang Yan’s obvious disappointment.
Chunfu picked out the largest piece of meat and placed it in Zhang Tong’s bowl, grinning foolishly as she urged him, “Eat the meat.”
She didn’t care how they looked at her—filling her stomach came first. Too much meat could be cloying, so Chunfu ladled some broth into her bowl and poured another for Zhang Yan.
Li Xiue fumed, about to scold, but Chunmu waved her off. “Sit down and eat. We can always add more water later and make dough-drop soup for dinner.”
Li Xiue reluctantly sat, quickly picking out larger pieces for Chunmu. “You’ve been doing heavy work these past two days, and your health isn’t great. Eat more to replenish.”
Chunmu smiled at her. “Mm, you eat too.”
Though this woman wasn’t much to look at, she knew how to care for others, which warmed his heart. But this year looked as dry as the last, and the harvest would likely be meager again. After taxes, the family’s grain stores would barely suffice. With the boys growing and eating more, it might not be enough. If only he hadn’t acted impulsively back then, and if Chunfu hadn’t turned out this way—with her family’s support, they could have lived more comfortably.
The table fell silent. Chunfu, finally with some sustenance in her belly, wiped her mouth. “Brother, the bridal sedan—Jicheng has no money.”
Li Xiue scoffed. “Not even married yet, and already siding with him. Truly ungrateful—throwing your lot in with outsiders.”
Chunfu seethed but spoke slowly. “Sister-in-law married too. Did she side with our family?”
Li Xiue grew even angrier, cursing. “If you’re full, get back to your room. Looking at you irritates me.”
Chunfu was secretly pleased, unbothered by the scolding as she stood and returned to her room. Inside, she examined her reflection in a broken mirror. If she were plumper and fairer, she’d be even prettier. The thought of spending her life in such a rural setting left her with mixed feelings.
Farmers were poor—always poor. Marrying Jicheng wouldn’t be much better than staying here. It might even be worse.
Since she’d resolved to stay, she’d have to find ways to improve her life. Maybe the village held some surprises. But she’d think about that after the wedding. For now, she just needed to play the fool in this household.
One side eager to marry, the other eager to wed—half a month later, an auspicious date was set.
The villagers were surprised the match had actually gone through. Some pitied Jicheng, while others thought the pair suited each other—given Jicheng’s ill reputation, finding a willing bride was a feat.
When Liansheng’s wife heard Jicheng was getting married, she called over the courtyard wall, “Brother, if you need anything, just ask. I’ll come help you prepare.” She and her husband had discussed it—Jicheng had saved Liansheng’s life. If not for his timely help, what would have become of her and the children? With the Chen family tending to things at home and eggs and pork to supplement their meals, she had time to spare. Might as well lend a hand.
Jicheng took two days off from Uncle Xiangcheng’s to tidy the yard, clean the house, prepare festive red cloth and couplets, and buy candy in town. But what else? As he puzzled over it, Liansheng’s wife’s voice reached him. Relieved, he hurried to the gate but didn’t enter, smiling as he said, “I was just wondering what else to prepare. I’d appreciate your guidance.”
Liansheng’s wife listed the essentials and asked whom he planned to invite. After a moment’s thought, he shook his head. “Better not. The villagers avoid me like bad luck—I won’t trouble them. If you and your husband don’t mind, come visit after the wedding. Chunfu and I will host you.”
Noticing he didn’t step inside—afraid of bringing his “misfortune” with him—Liansheng’s wife admired him all the more. “Our village folks are just superstitious. My family doesn’t care about that. Sure, we’ll visit after your happy day. Liansheng’s injuries should be mostly healed by then.”
Jicheng had no family left, and no one came to congratulate him, so there was no need to prepare a feast. With the busy day ahead, Liansheng’s wife understood.
Chen Niu’s mother and wife emerged from the house with dark expressions. Passing Jicheng, they spat viciously, “Jinx! Wherever you go, trouble follows.”
Jicheng stiffened, fists clenching. Though he resented their false accusations, he had no way to refute them. Forcing a smile at Liansheng’s wife, he turned home. He planned to visit town in the afternoon to see what else he might need.
Walking to town took an hour; a cart was faster but cost two coins. He’d rather save the money to buy snacks for Chunfu.
Passing the grain shop where he’d once worked, the owner, Manager Jin, called out, “Jicheng! Haven’t seen you in town for work lately. In half a month, I’ll have a shipment to load—same pay as before, plus a bonus afterward.”
Jicheng frowned, hesitating. “I’m getting married in half a month. I might not make it.”
Manager Jin liked this young man—hardworking and efficient, he got the job done quickly. “That’s wonderful! Worried about leaving your wife? Bring her along! There’s plenty of space here.”
Jicheng considered it. Manager Jin paid well—a day’s work here equaled half a month’s earnings elsewhere. The villagers were troublesome and prejudiced against him, so he’d rather avoid the hassle. Thinking Chunfu had never been to town, he agreed.
As he turned to leave, Manager Jin stopped him, emerging with a book. “Consider it a wedding gift. Guaranteed to be useful.”
Jicheng, illiterate, wondered why he’d been given a book. Thanking him, he hurried off to finish his errands. The sun was setting—if he didn’t hurry, he’d be walking home in the dark.
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