The scorching summer arrived too quickly, and in the blink of an eye, every corner was baked hot by the sun. Walking on the road, it felt as if the soles of her feet were about to burn. Chunfu had wandered around the mountain, where the plants and trees grew even more lush, their branches blocking her view. She raised her hand to push them aside, but after a while, she still hadn’t found anything useful. The mountain was deserted, and she felt a bit afraid, so she had no choice but to retrace her steps.
Chunfu didn’t expect to see Qiaoyun at the foot of the mountain. It had been a month since their last meeting, and Qiaoyun had visibly lost weight, her face haggard, her smile weak and pale. She approached and asked, “Little sister-in-law, you’ve been up the mountain again? How have you been lately?”
Chunfu nodded. Jicheng treated her well and never let her suffer even a little hardship. Seeing Qiaoyun in such a state, she couldn’t help but feel sympathy. “Why are you here? Are you feeling better?”
Qiaoyun showed no trace of sadness. Seeing Chunfu’s cautiousness, she couldn’t help but laugh. “Little sister-in-law, don’t worry. I wouldn’t let something like this break me. My mother and elder brother care for me, and after a month of rest, I’ve recovered somewhat. Someone even came to propose marriage—a hardworking man whose wife passed away five years ago, with a son. I think it might work out. But I can’t find Jiliang. I need to settle things with him before I can move on. I know he’s deliberately avoiding me. No matter what he wants to do, my mind is made up. I won’t look back.”
There was a resolute determination in Qiaoyun’s demeanor. Speaking of Jiliang, her expression remained calm as she reassured softly, “It’s good that you’ve come to terms with it. Take your time with the days ahead.”
Sometimes, a woman’s heart could harden like stone. No matter how much Jiliang regretted his actions, it would be difficult to win Qiaoyun’s forgiveness. The bitter wine he brewed himself would have to be swallowed, no matter how unpalatable.
Qiaoyun didn’t say much more. She understood that her sorrow didn’t need to burden others. She grinned and said, “The village has started irrigating the fields. Uncle Man said he’d give me all the field work from now on, and he pays promptly, so I came. Even though I’m living with my family, I’ve been married once and can’t just freeload. My elder brother has it hard too, so earning some extra money to help out is good. Little sister-in-law, your turn will come soon. Will your husband come back to do the irrigation?”
Jicheng had taken a few days off when she was sick, and she didn’t want to trouble him further, delaying his work at the construction site. Thinking it wasn’t a difficult task, she shook her head. “I don’t want to bother him. I can manage. I’ve watched enough to know how. It’s broad daylight—if anything happens, I can call for help.”
Qiaoyun smiled. “I envy you and your husband, cherishing each other, neither willing to let the other suffer. This field is almost done. I’ll go block the gap now. Little sister-in-law, let’s chat another day.”
Chunfu nodded, but as she walked away, she couldn’t help but glance back. Qiaoyun’s figure at the edge of the field looked frail as she skillfully blocked one gap and opened another. Chunfu sighed. For those whose lives depended on the land, no matter how hard life got, they couldn’t abandon it. They might forget many things, but never the skills to tend the crops.
Feeling exhausted, she went home, closed the door, and fell into a deep sleep. She only woke when someone knocked. Chunfu got up to answer, but her feet instinctively took two extra steps toward the corner—just in case she needed to defend herself. The visitor was sharp-eyed and noticed her wariness, immediately saying, “Don’t be afraid, young lady. I’m Manager Wang from the Pei family’s pastry shop. Master Pei sent me to discuss craftsmanship with you. To avoid being too abrupt, I came to inform you first.”
Chunfu quickly invited him inside. Neither she nor Jicheng were tea drinkers, so the house only had coarse tea—humble, but better than plain water. Manager Wang, mindful of propriety, stopped her. “No need to trouble yourself, young lady. I’ll leave after delivering the message. Tomorrow morning, three masters will come. Please don’t go out, so we don’t miss you.”
Chunfu smiled and assured him, “Don’t worry, Manager Wang. I’ll be waiting at home tomorrow.” Though Manager Wang was a servant, his demeanor was extraordinary, suggesting a high status in the Pei household. Even without mentioning him, the masters coming tomorrow were the backbone of the shop. For a country woman like her, meeting such people was a rare opportunity.
Manager Wang didn’t stay long. Before leaving, he mentioned that all necessary materials would be prepared and added with a meaningful smile, “Those who dare make demands of our young master can be counted on one hand. You’ve got courage, young lady, and the skill to back it up.”
Chunfu flushed with embarrassment. Back then, she had relied on sheer audacity—and the fact that the Pei family were regular customers—to make her request. As for helping the second young master Pei, that was merely the key to opening their door.
When Jicheng returned, the two sat down to eat the pancakes Chunfu had made, accompanied by a vegetable and mushroom soup and pickled vegetables—a simple but refreshing meal. The pancakes weren’t dry or greasy, the aroma of scallions lingering on the tongue. He ate heartily. Hearing about the Pei family’s visit the next day, he considered staying to accompany her. A woman alone with several men might not bother him, but the villagers would gossip, and he didn’t want her to become the subject of rumors.
Chunfu looked at him seriously with bright eyes. “The Pei family is a prominent household with strict standards for their servants. Anyone with poor character wouldn’t be entrusted with important tasks. Don’t worry. If need be, I’ll ask Sister Liansheng to keep me company.”
Jicheng had been thinking a lot lately. He spent most of his days working in town, leaving only a few hours to spend with Chunfu—time filled with affection before sleep claimed them. Though newlyweds, they had little time to truly be together, forced to toil early for survival, leaving her alone in an empty house. No wonder she had mentioned wanting a child. Once this year’s work was done, he’d find another way to earn money—one that kept him by her side. By then, their child might already be on the way. With how hard they worked at night, he refused to believe it wouldn’t take root.
“Alright, but be careful. Have Sister Liansheng stay with you. Once things settle, we’ll bring some life to this house. It’s too dull with just you here all day, and I worry.” A mischievous grin flashed across Jicheng’s serious face.
Chunfu understood his meaning. Though embarrassed, she agreed. Lately, watching the lively children at Sister Liansheng’s house, calling out sweetly to their mother, she had felt envious. If she had a child, her life with Jicheng would be even more joyful. No matter how hard earning a living was, she’d have more motivation.
“Have some more soup. I’ll wash the dishes later. You’ve worked all day—I can’t ask more of you. Suddenly having free time feels strange, so I’ll take the chance to mend your clothes. You shouldn’t wear these anymore—they don’t do justice to your looks. Even before marrying you, I heard you were the handsomest man for miles around. I can’t let you be wasted here, can I?”
Jicheng was both amused and exasperated by her playful teasing. His appearance meant little to him—it was just how he was born. But he couldn’t resist teasing back, adopting an uncharacteristically tender tone. “So, do you like this face of mine?”
Chunfu rolled her eyes and reached out to pinch his cheeks, acting like a rogue. “Of course I do. Who else has a husband as fine as you? Just looking at you could make me forget hunger and cure all ills. It’s a pity I haven’t taken good care of you, leaving you so worn. But don’t worry—from now on, I’ll fatten you up properly.”
Jicheng sighed dramatically, resting his forehead on his hand. “It seems I’ll have to rely on my wife’s care from now on. Even running on two legs, I can’t keep up with you. Outsiders might think I’m the head of the household, but my clever wife leaves me no choice but to serve obediently from behind.”
Chunfu gave him a light shove. Seeing he’d finished the fish soup, she quickly cleared the table, thinking life could finally settle peacefully. She hadn’t expected any more disruptions, but the very next day, her head ached from the visitors.
She thought she only needed to teach the Pei family’s craftsmen what she knew. But shortly after their arrival, unfamiliar barking erupted outside the courtyard, startling even the usually lazy Abao, who stood bristling at Chunfu’s feet, tail wagging fiercely as he barked back.
Chunfu patted his head—still a puppy, unused to strangers, and easily frightened. Before she could properly greet the craftsmen inside, noises outside made her hesitate.
There stood Pei Qian, the eldest son of the Pei family, lazily watching her surprise. “Had nothing to do, so I came for a stroll. Thought I’d check if you’re really teaching them everything. If you’re holding back, this deal would be a loss for me. Got anything to eat? My Runiang’s hungry. If she’s not fed, I can’t guarantee your yard will stay intact.”
Chunfu had never met someone so arrogantly entitled, unwilling to drop his airs even in someone else’s home. His demeanor told her the village wouldn’t have peace for a while. But since he was now her financial lifeline, she dared not slight him. Luckily, there were leftover pancakes inside. She brought them out, handing them to Pei Qian’s servant—she wasn’t brave enough to approach Runiang.
Pei Qian took a piece for himself before signaling the servant to feed Runiang, who calmed down once fed, lying docilely on the ground to eat.
Only then did Chunfu realize how deeply Pei Qian doted on this dog. It was the first time she’d seen someone share food and living space with a pet.
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