Chapter 54:

The raspberry season had passed, and only two jars of jam remained at home. Chunfu specifically instructed Jicheng to relay her message to Jin Liuer. Scarcity increases value, and raspberries, with their sweet and tangy flavor, were particularly favored by people. Naturally, this last bit of jam had to be sold at a higher price than usual.

In the end, she still didn’t visit Jinjuan’s home. Though the villagers didn’t say anything outright, deep down, they were reluctant to associate with Jicheng. Chunfu shared their sentiment, and Jinjuan’s mother-in-law was known for her sharp tongue. Instead, she invited Jinjuan to Liansheng’s wife’s home for needlework. While Liansheng’s wife was infamous in the village for her temper, she was upright and principled, so Old Lady Zhao would have nothing to criticize.

The women gathered together, with Chunfu bringing some wild berries picked from the mountains and the last of the thin homemade biscuits as snacks. The biscuits contained only a little jam, mostly scraped from the bottom of the jar to avoid waste. For the villagers, even a hint of fruity aroma made them a delicacy.

Chunfu listened to their village gossip while clumsily sewing clothes on the side. She didn’t want Jicheng to wear shabby clothes outside, so she took extra care from the start. Liansheng’s wife, knowing that Jicheng and Jikun’s family weren’t close, didn’t hold back, sighing over how foolish Chunju was, inviting scorn upon herself. How would she live in the village from now on?

“Though I dislike Chunju’s gossipy nature, I still can’t understand how she could be so foolish. Jikun doesn’t seem like someone who would truly care for her, and besides, Second Uncle Ji has already arranged a match for him. Isn’t she just asking for trouble? Will Cenniu let her off easily?”

Jinjuan’s own grievances were stirred, and she let out a bitter laugh. “I actually think that girl would suffer if she married Jikun. Look at me—I’m a living example. They say ‘marry a chicken, follow a chicken; marry a dog, follow a dog,’ but when the promised match changes, who can the uninformed party turn to for justice?”

Liansheng’s wife sighed sympathetically. “Old Lady Zhao was truly in the wrong. If only you’d had someone like Sister Axiang, who’s known for her big mouth, you might have avoided this mess. I hear the people of Mujia Valley won’t let this slide. They’re famous for standing together—if one family is wronged, the whole village steps in. The Ji family has really picked the wrong people to mess with this time. They’re in for trouble.”

Chunfu thought for a moment. “But it was only a verbal agreement, and no betrothal gifts were exchanged. Surely it won’t escalate too much?”

Liansheng’s wife waved her hand dismissively. “Silly girl, the point is they had their hearts set on Jiliang. Who wouldn’t be upset when a good son-in-law is swapped out? And Second Uncle Ji is clearly taking advantage of their daughter. Anyone with a spine wouldn’t tolerate such trickery. Just wait—this won’t blow over quietly. Oh, Chunfu, you’re sewing too slowly. Jicheng might not even get to wear this by winter.”

Chunfu’s face flushed, and she replied softly, “I’m taking it slow while I practice. Once I get the hang of it, I’ll speed up. I’m hoping he can wear it by autumn.”

Jinjuan chuckled too, suddenly remembering that the man she thought of hadn’t gotten new clothes in a long time. The money he gave her… but no, what right did she have to sew clothes for him? The sachet she was embroidering was just a way to pass the time, using whatever fabric she had on hand. The delicate patterns were charming, though.

Chunfu admired the design on Jinjuan’s sachet and had an idea. “Why don’t you try working at a fabric shop or embroidery workshop? If they’re hiring, wouldn’t that be better than sitting idle at home? Your patterns are even prettier than the ones in the shops.” She took the sachet to examine it more closely.

Jinjuan’s heart lifted. “Do you really think so? I’ve never been to town. I wouldn’t even know how to get there or how to ask about work.” She had never seen much of the world—the farthest she’d ever traveled was from her parents’ home to East Slope Village. Her mother didn’t want her back, perhaps knowing the truth but keeping it from her. Marrying off a daughter had eased the family’s burdens, and the Zhao household was struggling too. Knowing she’d resent them, they didn’t want her back—especially since Jinjuan’s heart was already broken.

Chunfu thought for a moment. “Don’t worry. Next time Jicheng goes to town, I’ll ask around for you. Liansheng’s wife, why don’t you try too? If it works out, even a little extra income would help.” These two were the only people in the world she could call friends. She had no talent for needlework herself, and she couldn’t bear to see them struggle while she prospered. Besides, it was just a small favor—she wouldn’t bother for anyone else.

Liansheng’s wife liked the idea but hesitated. “Jicheng already helped Liansheng find work. Now we’re troubling you again…”

“Don’t be so formal. Jicheng and I will always remember your kindness. Others avoid us, so you’re the only ones I can turn to. It’s no trouble at all. And if it doesn’t work out, please don’t blame me.” Chunfu picked up her sewing again, stitching slowly.

Liansheng’s wife beamed, waving her hands. “Of course not! The other day, I told Liansheng how capable you two are—Jicheng’s hardworking, and you’re clever. You’ll do well in life. I just never expected you’d think of us too. What can I say?”

Chunfu smiled without further pleasantries. “Let’s just focus on living well.”

Liansheng’s wife paused while pouring water. “Lately, more people have been going up the mountain. Probably because they saw you and Jicheng going without trouble, so they’ve gotten bold. After all these years of no one daring to enter Qingshui Mountain, it must have recovered. I just hope it doesn’t get stripped bare like before.”

Chunfu frowned, storing the thought away. Next year, she’d need more wild berries for jam. If possible, she wanted to expand the business further—towns had more people and better sales. The current supply wouldn’t be enough, and she didn’t want Jicheng to keep enduring the hardship. But if envious people found out, would they try to sabotage them?

That night, Chunfu told Jicheng about helping Liansheng’s wife and Jinjuan find work. After some thought, he agreed, stroking her hair. “Do what you like. I’ll take a day off tomorrow to dry the herbs we picked last night and deliver them to Shopkeeper Jin for payment. We missed out on a lot of money this year, but thankfully, there’s still demand next year.”

Chunfu lowered her head. After a silence, she said, “Jicheng, by winter, we should have saved up quite a bit.”

Jicheng had just brought in water for her to soak her feet. He smiled as he gently massaged her small feet. “I was thinking we could rebuild the house. It’s still livable, but it’s old. When Father built it, he didn’t have much money, and some parts aren’t sturdy. What if something happens?”

Chunfu shook her head, pressing his hands still. With determination, she said, “Jicheng, we’re not rebuilding. We’re leasing Qingshui Mountain near East Slope Village—drawing up a contract with the village head, making it official. From then on, everything on that mountain will be ours. I need to find a way to make this work.”

Jicheng hesitated. He’d heard of people leasing mountains to make money, but it required significant upfront investment. He was content with their current life—why take such a risk?

Seeing his silence, Chunfu placed a hand on his shoulder. “Jicheng, I used to think having enough money was enough—just living our quiet life. But have you considered what happens if someone interferes? Secrets don’t stay hidden forever. If others find out you earn money from herbs, do you think they’ll just watch? They’ll rush ahead of you. What can you say? The mountain belongs to everyone. If too many people gather herbs, merchants will lower prices, and villagers will undercut each other to sell. Why let others profit? Trust me—if we pay for the rights, we’ll use the mountain’s resources without guilt. I’ll find a way to earn back our investment within a year.”

Jicheng touched her forehead, studying her seriously. “Are you really Chunfu? I feel like I don’t know you. How do you have so many ideas at such a young age?”

Chunfu’s expression turned cold. “I just want our family to live comfortably. Is that wrong? If you don’t agree, fine. Pretend I never said anything.” She pulled her feet from his hands, not bothering to dry them before climbing into bed.

Jicheng laughed helplessly. “What’s with this temper? You’ll make the bedding damp and sleep poorly tonight. I didn’t even refuse, and you’re already angry. How could I say no? You little rascal—you’ve got me wrapped around your finger.”

He poured out the water, undressed, and got into bed, reaching to hold her as usual. But the moment he touched her, she slapped his hand away. His patience wore thin—he hadn’t even refused, yet she acted as if he’d betrayed her. Annoyed, he turned away with a cold, “Do as you like.”

Chunfu felt wronged. Why couldn’t he understand she was doing this for him? Couldn’t he think ahead? She’d only pushed him away in anger—if he’d just softened his tone, she would have hugged him. But this stubborn man… She buried herself under the covers and eventually drifted off.

In the middle of the night, she woke shivering, her abdomen cramping painfully. A warm dampness spread beneath her—her monthly bleeding had arrived. The room was pitch black, Jicheng asleep beside her. She clutched her stomach, afraid to imagine the state of the bedding and her clothes.

She ended up waking him. Rubbing his eyes, his voice rough with sleep, he asked, “What’s wrong?”

She didn’t want to speak to him, but the pain made her whimper. “Jicheng, my period came. My stomach hurts.” She usually didn’t suffer like this, but she’d forgotten the timing and washed clothes in cold water earlier.

Jicheng snapped awake, fetching clean clothes and helping her clean up. Once settled back in bed, he pulled her close, his large hand warming her abdomen. He sighed. “Why were you so angry earlier? I hadn’t even refused, and you shut me out. I hesitated because I don’t want you exhausting yourself. What if we lose money? Wouldn’t you worry? Isn’t a steady life enough? At least we’d have time to talk.”

Chunfu turned to face him, cupping his thin cheeks. Softly, she said, “I want us to live securely for the rest of our lives. I don’t want you working dawn to dusk building houses for others. This year, the only time we’ve had together is at night. It’s fine for me, but if we have children, I want us both to watch them grow—not me waiting alone for you to come home.”

She had changed her mind. Since Young Master Pei had said she could seek him at his residence, she decided to take her products to him for help.

Jicheng exhaled, his warm breath brushing her ear. “My mistake, Chunfu. I’ll indulge you this once. But if it fails, promise you’ll stay home and let me take care of you. As a man, providing for my family is my duty. I don’t want you running yourself ragged—it hurts me to see.”

Chunfu hugged him tighter, embarrassed. “I get irritable during my period. Don’t be upset. I promise—just this once.”

The next day, Jicheng took a rare day off, sleeping in with Chunfu. He insisted she rest, not even letting her go to the mountain, but she refused to stay behind. When they arrived, they found many more people than before—fishing, gathering greens, picking berries. Chunfu’s concerns weren’t unfounded.

Jicheng led her deeper into the woods. Someone timidly called out, “Jicheng, aren’t you afraid of the beasts in there?”

He ignored them and pressed on. Their motives were obvious—curious about what lay inside but too scared to explore. When he didn’t respond, they spat in frustration and turned back.

Chunfu trailed lazily beside him, chatting idly. Fatigue weighed on her, and after picking a few mushrooms, she didn’t want to move. Watching him efficiently gather herbs, she thought of Zhou Jing. “How are he and Miss An?”

Jicheng didn’t pause. “Same as ever. Seems they’re fighting again. One’s too proud to speak, the other pretends not to care. They’ll be at it for a while. Next year, we’ll start harvesting earlier to earn more.”

Chunfu grinned. The mountain was a natural treasure—like an inexhaustible mine for them. Her mind briefly blanked, and she blurted, “You’ve corrupted Zhang Yan too. He loves spicy food just like you. The pickled fish I made should be ready soon. We’ll have a proper meal—steamed rice and stir-fried dishes.”

Jicheng nodded, knowing she was hurting. Since Zhang Yan’s disappearance, they’d silently avoided mentioning him. But he knew Chunfu still hoped, deep down, that he’d return one day.

The sun was scorching, and the herbs would dry by evening. Jicheng sorted and packed them carefully in cloth.

The weather turned gloomy—summer storms were unpredictable. Despite her exhaustion, Chunfu insisted on going to town to inquire about work for Jinjuan and to visit the Pei residence.

From the pastries she’d bought for Young Master Pei in Shangjing, she guessed Yicheng lacked such delicacies. She’d originally planned to ask the Pei family for help if Jin Liuer rejected her products, but she’d dropped the idea, feeling her request was too bold.

Truthfully, she was nervous. If leasing the mountain led to losses, she’d never forgive herself. So she swallowed her pride and decided to approach the Pei family. She wanted to expand her pastry business to the county, no matter how long it took. Her reach was limited, but the Pei family was a renowned merchant empire with shops nationwide, including bakeries. With their influence, sales wouldn’t be an issue. She was willing to share all her jam recipes in exchange for a 20% cut, on the condition that the Peis kept the methods secret.

Chunfu still felt uncertain. To the Peis, a village woman’s ambitions might seem laughable. They’d tasted the world’s finest—her humble offerings were but a drop in the ocean. She knew her place, banking only on their goodwill.

She’d made it clear to Jin Liuer that their partnership was limited to Changfeng County. Beyond that, she’d decide for herself. Jin Liuer had teased her for being a natural merchant, thinking ahead before even starting. Chunfu didn’t want future conflicts over this. Now, at least, she had no regrets.

Jicheng delivered the herbs to Shopkeeper Jin for payment and escorted Chunfu to the Pei residence. He wanted to wait, but she insisted he return to work.

After he left, dark clouds gathered, and rain poured down in heavy drops. Meanwhile, trouble brewed at the construction site.