Chapter 64:

It was another night where Jicheng took full advantage of her. She had no idea where he had learned all those tricks to torment her in different ways. Once he had tasted the sweetness of pleasure, even a restrained man like Jicheng lost his composure, as if he wished they could spend their entire lives like this.

Chunfu was utterly exhausted and slept until the sun was high in the sky. When she finally managed to get up, her body still ached with fatigue, and she grumbled inwardly. Too tired to cook, she ate the few thin pancakes left in the house with some water. These were only meant as snacks, and eating too many of them as a meal made her feel uncomfortable.

Before she could decide what to do for the day, Liansheng’s wife called her over the low wall: “Jinjuan is here. Come over, and we can chat while we work.”

She turned back to grab her sewing basket and Jicheng’s clothes, locked the door, and headed to Liansheng’s house. As soon as she entered, she saw Jinjuan grinning at her, looking completely different from her usual gloomy self, as if something good had happened. Chunfu guessed it must have something to do with Zhao Yun, but since Liansheng’s wife was unaware, she didn’t bring it up.

Liansheng’s wife came in with a kettle and brought out the sugar and spiced melon seeds Liansheng had brought back from town the day before, urging them to eat. Such treats were rare in the village. Chunfu glanced at Jinjuan and shook her head. “Save them for the kids. We’re too old to crave these things.”

Liansheng’s wife waved her hand, smiling. “They’re out playing. I saved some for them—it’s fine. Honestly, if it weren’t for Jicheng helping Liansheng find a good job, we wouldn’t dare buy these things. Life was so tight before we could barely breathe.”

Jinjuan covered her mouth and laughed. “She’s a good person. Who else would bother helping others like that? I’ve always thought Chunfu was blessed. Since I met her, my life hasn’t been easy, but it’s not as unbearable as before. I don’t know what’s wrong with the villagers—they just don’t know how to judge people.”

“Never mind the villagers. Just look at Jicheng’s second uncle and Chunmu’s family—none of them have any sense. What kind of thoughts do they carry around all day? If they could just calm down and get along with you, they wouldn’t be in such a state. Jicheng’s second uncle is the worst. Jiliang and Qiaoyun are still technically together, but what’s the difference if they’re barely speaking? I heard a big boss came looking for Jikun yesterday and almost hit him. Jikun couldn’t even stand his ground—he cowered like a scared dog, not daring to breathe. Who wouldn’t be furious after having their business ruined? But in a way, Chunju benefited from the whole mess. Even Jicheng’s difficult aunt is now treating her kindly, since she’s carrying their legitimate grandchild.” Liansheng’s wife took out a handkerchief from a small box, sorted the colored threads, and began her work.

Chunfu didn’t know what to say. Hearing that Jikun had been thoroughly humbled gave her some satisfaction. Such shameless people deserved to be taught a lesson—those who can’t win fairly resort to harming others.

Liansheng’s wife paused and asked Chunfu, “I saw Chunmu coughing when I passed by the fields yesterday. His face was so pale—he looked seriously ill. Shouldn’t you go check on him? He’s still your brother.”

Chunfu’s hand slipped, and the needle pricked her. She shook her head. “I saw my sister-in-law yesterday, and she didn’t seem worried. It must not be serious. Liansheng’s wife, every time I think about Zhang Yan disappearing without a trace, I hate them. What does a child that young understand? Who wouldn’t cherish their own flesh and blood? How could they be so cruel? I can’t swallow this anger. Unless they bring Zhang Yan back, I’ll never forgive them.”

Liansheng’s wife sighed. “You’re right. They say even a vicious tiger wouldn’t harm its own cub. How could they drive Zhang Yan away? It’s downright wicked.”

Chunfu lowered her head and continued sewing. Who knew? She couldn’t understand how favoring one child was normal, but the other was still their own flesh and blood—how could they be so heartless? She only wanted a son and a daughter, both treasured and loved equally.

Jinjuan was busy embroidering mandarin ducks on a handkerchief. She had learned a line of poetry from Zhao Yun the day before and decided to stitch it onto the fabric: “I envy not the immortals, only the loving mandarin ducks.” How beautiful those words were.

She had asked Zhao Yun where he had learned it. He said the shopkeeper’s son attended school and often pestered the workers to explain things to him. Over time, he picked up a few lines. The young master had discarded a sheet of calligraphy practice, deeming it ugly, so Zhao Yun took it. The strokes were bold and fluid—how could it be ugly? He had even asked what the words meant before keeping it. When Jinjuan inquired, he told her honestly.

The words had stirred something in her heart. After pondering for a long time, she embroidered them carefully. Fortunately, her effort wasn’t wasted—it looked quite presentable. All she needed now was to add a few willow branches beside the ducks, and the scene would be complete.

Liansheng’s wife glanced at her work and exclaimed in admiration, “Jinjuan, you’re so skilled! These characters look so difficult, yet you’ve embroidered them perfectly. I’m truly impressed.”

Chunfu took a look and recognized the line: “I envy not the immortals, only the loving mandarin ducks.” It would have been even better with the preceding line, “Facing the moon alone, longing for companionship,” but she didn’t dare say more. Some things were better left unsaid—revealing too much might make her seem strange.

The three of them chatted and worked happily. Meanwhile, Xiuhua, after feeding Tiezhu lunch, hurried to Li Xiu’e’s house. Li Xiu’e had just finished her chores. Since Chunmu wasn’t coming home for lunch, she had nothing special to eat. When Xiuhua called her, she locked the door and followed, reminding her, “Don’t say anything inappropriate later. I mentioned it to Chunmu yesterday, and he didn’t object. Chunfu holds grudges—if she gives us the cold shoulder, don’t blame me if I stop bringing you along.”

Xiuhua patted her chest. “What do you take me for? Do I look that stupid? Xiu’e, you’re truly blessed. I never thought I’d get to share in your good fortune.”

Li Xiu’e smirked proudly, straightening her back. “When have I ever left you out of anything good? But Chunfu is the one I can’t figure out. She used to be a fool, taking insults as compliments and laughing them off. How did she suddenly change? Even doctors couldn’t cure her dull mind—what method did she use? I can see now that she’s sharp-witted and hard to deal with.”

Xiuhua frowned, unable to come up with an explanation. “Could it be that Jicheng countered poison with poison? He’s an odd one too. Ever since they got married, good things have kept happening to them. Who wouldn’t envy that?”

By the time they reached Chunfu’s house, the locked door wiped the smiles off their faces. Xiuhua’s eyes darted around. “Why don’t we ask the neighbors at Liansheng’s place?”

Li Xiu’e stood by the low wall for a moment, hearing laughter inside. She curled her lip. “How lively.”

Xiuhua followed Li Xiu’e to Liansheng’s house.

Jinjuan happened to glance out the window and spotted Li Xiu’e. She grabbed Chunfu’s arm and shook it. “Your sister-in-law is here. Is she looking for you?”

Before she could finish, Li Xiu’e lifted the curtain and stepped in, smiling at Liansheng’s wife. “What are you busy with, Liansheng’s wife? I’m here to see Chunfu.”

Liansheng’s wife replied indifferently, “Just some small handicrafts. Practicing to keep my hands nimble and teaching Chunfu while I’m at it. She’s sewing clothes for Jicheng.”

Not daring to provoke Liansheng’s wife, Li Xiu’e smiled. “When I’m free, I’ll come join you too.” She turned to Chunfu, who was calmly sewing. “How can you sit here sewing so leisurely? Aren’t you busy with work? I was worried you might be overwhelmed, so I brought Xiuhua to help. Your brother said since I’m free, I might as well lend a hand. It’s better than sitting around all day.”

Liansheng’s wife immediately sensed the underlying meaning but waited for Chunfu to respond, as it wasn’t her place to interfere.

Chunfu wasn’t angry. She looked up at Li Xiu’e with a smile. “I’m just busy sewing for Jicheng. This isn’t something I can ask you to do—he wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing clothes made by someone else.”

Li Xiu’e grew anxious. Glancing at Liansheng’s wife, she spoke plainly. “Aren’t you working for the pastry shop in town? Did you stop?”

Chunfu nodded. “Yes, no need for you to worry. I told the shopkeeper I had too much on my plate, so she hired someone else. Otherwise, how would I have time to sew for Jicheng?”

“How could you be so foolish? If you’re overwhelmed, you should’ve told me. Would I refuse to help? It’s not easy for village women to find work—who turns down good money like that? Why let others benefit? Can’t you talk to the shopkeeper again and take the job back? It would help everyone earn some money, and you and Jicheng would gain a better reputation, wouldn’t you?” Li Xiu’e nudged the petite Jinjuan aside, staring eagerly at Chunfu.

Chunfu couldn’t bear her gaze and replied coolly, “Why should I help others make money? What do they have to do with me? I’m not that idle. If they want wealth, they should pray to the God of Wealth—I’m not handing out money.”

Xiuhua, standing to the side, couldn’t help but frown. Her voice tightened. “Chunfu, why must you speak so harshly? Neighbors should help each other—that’s how life gets better. Don’t you agree, Liansheng’s wife?”

Chunfu ran out of thread. She threaded a new one under the light before sitting up straight. “I’m not like you, Xiuhua. I am harsh. I can’t pretend to be friendly after mistreating someone. Why should I help those who’ve wronged me? I’ve always been petty—I’d rather look after myself. Good or bad, it’s all on me. No one can take it away or avoid it, right?”

Xiuhua hadn’t expected Chunfu to humiliate her in front of everyone. Her face flushed with anger. After Chunfu had scratched her up before and she’d gone to confront Jicheng, coming here now to cozy up only made her look shameless.

Liansheng’s wife glanced at Jinjuan, who was stifling laughter, and said softly, “I’ve been Chunfu’s neighbor for months. She’s stubborn—her sister-in-law should know that better. Don’t push her. A person’s fate is decided by heaven. If you want change, you must have the ability to change it yourself. Counting on others won’t work.”

Li Xiu’e hadn’t expected such a blunt rejection. Her smile stiffened. “How can I be an outsider? I came precisely because Chunfu and I are family. They say a family united thrives—I’ve realized that now. Chunfu, if I’ve wronged you before, don’t hold it against me, alright? I truly regret it. There’s no lasting grudge between family, right?”

Chunfu didn’t believe a word but couldn’t be bothered to argue. She said slowly, “Words are empty. Right now, I just want to take care of my husband, keep him healthy and well-fed—that’s what matters most. He’s the one holding up our home. If I neglect him for trivial things, where would I go to cry? If you want the job, go talk to the shopkeeper yourself. Maybe she’ll agree.”

No one liked mistreating family in front of others, but what kind of person was Li Xiu’e? When she and Xiuhua had ganged up on Chunfu, she hadn’t batted an eye. Chunfu had never seen an ounce of pity in her gaze. Now that Chunfu’s life had improved, she came running. If Chunfu and Jicheng were still struggling, she’d likely say, “Don’t come causing trouble. Your brother and I can’t afford to support you two.” Such stark realism was almost impressive.

Humiliated, Li Xiu’e couldn’t stay any longer. This time, she didn’t snap at Chunfu—after all, petty squabbles between women were common. If Chunfu wouldn’t budge, she’d try Jicheng. Surely a grown man wouldn’t refuse her outright when she visited. Having decided, she said to Liansheng’s wife, “Looks like my sister-in-law still resents me for past mistakes. Fine, I admit it. She has every right to. I’ll wait until she cools down. Liansheng’s wife, we’ll take our leave now. We’ll visit again sometime.”

After they left, Liansheng’s wife tapped Chunfu’s forehead. “You’re too impatient. Why provoke them? A few polite words would’ve sufficed. They’re still family—no need to make things so tense.”

Chunfu stuck out her tongue playfully, eyes crinkling. “Honestly, I didn’t think that far. Right now, all I care about is Jicheng. If he’s well, my life will be good too. As for others, I can’t be bothered. I’m not that magnanimous. The only thing weighing on me is Zhang Yan. If he ever comes back, I won’t ask about the past—as long as he lives properly from now on.”

Liansheng’s wife sighed. “Zhang Yan was such a steady child. How could they drive him to this? It’s truly a sin.”

After leaving, Li Xiu’e suddenly remembered something she’d forgotten to mention. She smacked her forehead in frustration. “How could I forget? Chunmu’s been unwell these past few days—Chunfu should at least visit. Never mind, I’ll talk to Jicheng when he’s back. Chunfu’s unreasonable, but surely Jicheng isn’t as foolish.”

Xiuhua mused, “Chunfu has become terrifying since she recovered. Did you hear what she said? Who airs family grievances in front of outsiders? She didn’t spare you any face—how outrageous. Xiu’e, once things settle, you must discipline her properly. Otherwise, she’ll grow fearless and stop respecting you as her sister-in-law. In the long run, there’ll be times we need her help. What if she refuses? Wouldn’t that drive you mad?”

Li Xiu’e nodded. “I know. I won’t let that girl step all over me. Even after marriage, she’s still a Zhang. Can she deny her own family?”

As they walked away, Li Xiu’e’s anger still simmered. Back home, she lay on the kang, pounding her pillow before turning over to sleep. But her dreams were uneasy. She dreamed of Chunmu falling off a cliff, bones shattered, screaming her name for help while she was held back by an unseen force, unable to move. She watched helplessly as he died. A voice whispered in her ear: “You feared death, so you didn’t save him. No one held you back—you chose not to step forward. Stop making excuses. You value your own life more…”

The short dream felt like a lifetime. When she woke, Chunmu entered, coughing violently. The sound tore at her heart. She jumped up to support him, hastily pouring water. “Chunmu, what’s wrong? Where does it hurt? Don’t tough it out—let’s see a doctor. The sooner you’re treated, the sooner Zhang Tong and I can rest easy.”

Chunmu finally stopped coughing but was still breathless. After a while, he rasped, “Why waste money? It’s just a cough—I won’t die. Save the funds for Zhang Tong’s schooling. I’ve been overworked lately, barely able to labor. Times will be tight from now on. Were you at home? Did Chunfu refuse you? I told you last night, but you wouldn’t listen. She was close to Zhang Yan—after how we treated him, she resents us.”

Li Xiu’e scowled. “They say you shouldn’t strike a smiling face. Our life is hard enough—why should I care about pride? I’ll swallow the shame. But you must take care of yourself. If you collapse, what will Zhang Tong and I do? I’ve decided: even if Chunfu drives me away with a stick, I won’t leave. I must find out her craft—then we can earn money too, and you can rest. That girl is heartless. If she just lent us a hand, our life wouldn’t be so hard. Who hasn’t made mistakes? She’s too petty.”

Chunmu shook his head. “I know my sister. She might’ve been easy to bully when she was slow, but deep down, we’re the same. Now, it seems she’s even more resolute than I am.”

Both siblings were equally selfish and vindictive. Just as he had once hated her for taking his chance to study, she now hated them for mistreating Zhang Yan and herself. He held no hope that Li Xiu’e could sway Chunfu—he doubted even his own words would reach her.

“But you’re her elder brother. How can she not listen? Even married, you raised her. An elder brother is like a father—she can’t disregard filial duty.” Li Xiu’e stubbornly sought justification, but in Chunmu’s eyes, it was futile.