Chunfu and Jinjuan stayed at Liansheng’s sister-in-law’s house until it was time to prepare dinner before leaving. They had sat for so long that their legs had gone numb, and they stretched their limbs as they walked. Chunfu rubbed her sore neck and asked with a smile, “You seem like a different person today. Did something good happen?”
Jinjuan hesitated whether to tell Chunfu but, upon being asked, pulled her aside to a quiet spot. Her face flushed, her eyes brimming with joy and shyness, she seemed more vibrant than ever. “Zhao Yun… he held my hand. It happened the day before yesterday. I was too embarrassed to tell you.”
Chunfu was even more excited than her, her eyes sparkling like water under sunlight. “What exactly happened? Oh, Jinjuan, how could you keep such good news from me?”
“These past few days, he’s been resting at home and helping me with everything. I got so flustered watching him that I snapped at him. After all, he doesn’t know how I feel, and I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to hold back… Maybe I was too harsh that day, and it startled him. I regretted it right after. He took it seriously and grabbed my hand…”
Zhao Yun hadn’t expected to lose control like that. Each time she pushed him away, he couldn’t help but voice the feelings he’d buried deep inside. He knew it was wrong but still plunged in blindly.
“Is what outsiders think really that important? If you want to live a good life with my brother, I’ll put an end to these thoughts.”
Jinjuan saw his bloodshot eyes, his dark face tense, his chest heaving with suppressed anger. She lowered her head and chuckled softly. “Live with your brother? How? I’m afraid I might actually pick up a kitchen knife and slash him one day. What do you mean by saying this?”
A flush spread across Zhao Yun’s face, but his expression was deadly serious. “I… I’ve fallen for you. These past few days, seeing you only made it worse. I’ve been tormented. I must be out of my mind, knowing it’s wrong but still charging ahead. Jinjuan, I’ve never seen you as my sister-in-law. If possible… would you be willing to live with me?”
Jinjuan’s lips parted in shock, her heart instantly overflowing with joy. She blinked rapidly, trying to hold back the tears welling up. She had thought she’d carry her unspoken love for him to the grave—never had she imagined…
Silence lingered between them. After a long pause, she asked hoarsely, “Are you serious? Zhao Yun, do you realize what this means? In others’ eyes, I’m your sister-in-law. This is something people would scorn us for.”
Zhao Yun stepped forward, gripping her slender shoulders firmly. His voice was resolute yet tender. “The Zhao family has wronged you. Whatever my mother and elder brother owe you, I’ll make up for it. As for what others say, it doesn’t concern me. I’ve never lived my life by others’ words. I’m only asking you—are you willing?”
Jinjuan turned away, wiping her tears discreetly. Her voice trembled with emotion. “Zhao Yun, it’s not as simple as you think. What about your mother? And your elder brother? How will you face them? Can you just abandon them? The fact that you feel this way about me is already more than I dared hope for. I thought I’d be alone till the day I died. I don’t ask for us to be together forever—just knowing your feelings is enough.”
They stood in a secluded grove, surrounded by dense trees. Zhao Yun turned her to face him, his gaze unwavering. “Once I spoke these words, I had no intention of hiding them. So, do you accept me? I, Zhao Yun, have no desire to live in secrecy. And I won’t let you suffer forever. Whatever worries you have, leave them to me.”
When Jinjuan tried to speak again, he pressed a finger to her lips, his handsome face warm with a tender smile. “No more words. My mind is made up. When we return, no matter what Mother or my brother say, pay them no heed. Stay away from them.”
Jinjuan didn’t know how unbearable the scorn of others would be, nor whether Zhao Yun could endure it. If… She shook her head, laughing at herself for thinking too far ahead. Even now, this fleeting joy felt like something stolen.
Afraid her mother-in-law might grow suspicious, she urged him to hurry back. But he walked leisurely, his deep, pleasant voice breaking the silence. “About the Liu family’s daughter—I’ll make it clear to Mother in the next couple of days. No need for her to keep bringing it up and making everyone uncomfortable.”
Jinjuan’s cheeks burned. Her emotions burst forth like blooming flowers, their fragrance intoxicating, her heart sweet and warm. After a pause, she said, “Don’t be angry with her. She’s old, after all. I’ve always held my tongue around her for your sake. Don’t let me become the reason you turn against each other. She’s worried about your elder brother. If she finds out about us… I’m afraid…”
At this, he reverted to his usual self—calm and detached, making it hard for her to guess his thoughts. Only his gentle, shimmering eyes made her want to look yet hesitate. She had longed for this affection for so long, yet now that she had it, she felt ashamed—secretly overjoyed yet anxious. She feared nothing for herself, only that Zhao Yun might suffer for it. The village elders often said Zhao Yun was destined for greatness. If she ruined that, she’d never forgive herself.
Seeing her furrowed brow, Zhao Yun knew she was overthinking again. He strode to her side, tenderly stroking her hair and giving her a reassuring pat. Jinjuan glanced around nervously, relieved no one was watching, and chided softly, “What if someone sees?”
Zhao Yun merely smiled, stubbornly keeping half an arm’s length between them. At a glance, they looked like a married couple returning home together.
Chunfu was genuinely happy for Jinjuan. What could be rarer than mutual affection? Yet their situation was fraught with complications—even in modern times, such a relationship would raise eyebrows. Unable to hold back, she asked, “But your statuses are so awkward. How can you possibly be together openly? The gossip in Dongpo Village alone will drown you.”
Jinjuan’s smile froze. She lowered her head and chuckled softly. “For me, this is already enough. Whether we can be together day after day—I don’t dare hope for that. These past few days have been like a dream, but I know it must end someday. I’ll cherish it for as long as it lasts. I can’t bear to make him shoulder such a heavy burden for me. My life is wretched enough—why drag him into it?”
Chunfu stared at her in disbelief. “Why torture yourself like this? If you don’t fight to be with him, can you bear to watch him with someone else…?”
Jinjuan looked up, her eyes brimming with tears yet shining with a strange radiance. “He told me he loves me. Otherwise, I’d have resigned myself to this life. I’ll make it clear to him—I’m not worth it.”
“What nonsense are you spouting? Why can’t you grit your teeth and face it together? If you let this chance slip, it’s gone forever… Ah, listen to me. I’m the one telling you not to take risks, yet I also want you to be happy. Maybe I’m the one who’s wrong.”
Jinjuan squeezed her hand with a smile. “You’re just worried. Anyway, it’s getting late. Jicheng will be home soon—don’t let him go hungry, or you’ll be the one feeling sorry. I’ll head back now. We’ll talk tomorrow.” With that, she hurried off, leaving Chunfu sighing alone. Perhaps her own life was too comfortable, which was why fate made her witness others’ sorrow.
As Jinjuan entered the courtyard with her embroidered handkerchief, she nearly bumped into Zhao Yun, who had just finished chopping firewood. Wiping sweat from his brow, he flashed her a bright smile, revealing neat white teeth. “I’ve already lit the stove. You just need to cook.”
She nodded, then added after a pause, “I have something to tell you tomorrow. Come out early.”
Assuming it was good news, Zhao Yun’s face lit up with anticipation, his eyes crinkling with joy. When Old Mrs. Zhao emerged from the house and saw them chatting in the yard, her temper flared. “Why aren’t you cooking yet? Can’t you see people are starving? Always laughing and joking—what’s so funny?”
Zhao Yun’s expression darkened. “Mother, must you always be so sharp-tongued? We were just talking—it’s not like it affects you.” He motioned for Jinjuan to go ahead, then turned to his mother solemnly. “Tonight, I need to discuss something with you—about the match with the Liu family.”
Old Mrs. Zhao perked up instantly, her wrinkled face stretching into a grin that was almost frightening. “Finally, you’ve come to your senses! A man your age still making his mother worry—that’s true unfilialness, understand? Tonight, we’ll sit down and plan this properly. Your wedding mustn’t be shabby—the Zhao family deserves a proper celebration.”
Zhao Yun frowned but said nothing. Let her be happy for now—later, she’d likely despise him. He knew filial piety was paramount, but he couldn’t stand by and watch the woman he loved suffer in hellish loneliness for the rest of her life. Besides, he wasn’t the type to settle for just anyone. Once he set his heart on someone, it was for life.
Jinjuan, too, was weighed down by worries. They had only just found happiness, and now she had to spoil it with unpleasant truths. Zhao Yun would surely be furious, but for the sake of their future, she had no choice.
At dinner, Zhao Si focused solely on eating—he was ravenous after skipping lunch following a spat with Jinjuan. Even tasteless food was palatable now. Old Mrs. Zhao, unusually, refrained from nitpicking Jinjuan’s flaws, her face alight with smiles.
Zhao Yun glanced at Jinjuan and nudged her foot gently under the table, his bright eyes asking why she wasn’t eating properly. What was on her mind?
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