Chapter 66:

After finishing dinner and tidying up the kitchen, Jinjuan returned to embroidering handkerchiefs. The ones Chunfu had brought back were nearly all gone, and she felt uneasy, unsure whether the shopkeeper would approve of her craftsmanship. Compared to farming, embroidery was much simpler and brought in money faster. If she could keep this up long-term, she could live comfortably even on her own.

Zhao Yun sat outside for a while, watching the last remnants of the sunset fade before the sky darkened. Only then did he go to his mother’s room. He didn’t want to upset her, but he couldn’t bear to see that woman—Jinjuan—constantly ostracized and struggling to get by. He knew all too well that she’d rather chat with other women outside than return home.

When Zhao Yun entered, his mother eagerly motioned for him to sit beside her. With her kind expression, it was hard to imagine she was capable of harsh words. “These past few years, worrying over you and your brother has turned my hair white. Once you marry and have children, I can finally rest easy. Your father always wanted to hold his grandchild, but your brother… well, he’s the way he is. Time flies—you’re already twenty. Your brother is older, but at least Jinjuan takes care of him, so I can enjoy some peace.”

Zhao Yun lowered his head, lips pressed tightly together. He took his mother’s hand and said softly, “Mother, please tell the Liu family clearly—I won’t propose. There’s someone else I like.”

He knew Jinjuan’s suffering, so he kept it from her. He would give her a dignified life, free from the villagers’ gossip.

His mother’s initial anger melted into delight at his words. “If you’ve taken a liking to her, she must be decent. Whose daughter is she? Have I met her? Tell me, and I’ll inquire tomorrow. If she’s suitable, we’ll arrange the betrothal right away.”

“It’s Jinjuan, Mother. I like Jinjuan.”

The smile on his mother’s face vanished, replaced by fury. She gasped, her voice hoarse. “Has that shameless woman seduced you? No wonder I’ve seen you two laughing together these past days! No, I’ll teach that disgraceful woman a lesson! Does she really think your brother fears her?”

Zhao Yun grabbed his mother before she could storm out. “Don’t blame her. It’s not her fault—I’m the one who likes her. My brother only mistreats her. Look at how she’s suffered in our family!”

Tears streamed down his mother’s face as she wailed, “Zhao Yun, did I raise you just to break my heart? Of all the women, why her? A younger brother and his sister-in-law—do you want people to curse us? Do you understand?”

Zhao Yun remained expressionless, having expected this reaction. He sat quietly, letting her vent. When she finally tired, he spoke calmly. “Mother, why would people curse us? My brother and her—their relationship was never legitimate. If I recall, the marriage certificate bore my name. Should we find someone literate to verify it?”

His mother pinched his ear, furious. “You’ve truly shamed me, scheming against your own brother and mother! How could I have raised such an unfilial son? Do you want to kill me with anger? I’ll confront her—what kind of witchcraft has she used to bewitch you?”

Zhao Yun stood and said coolly, “If you can’t accept us, we’ll leave. I’ll send you money every month.”

As his tall, handsome figure disappeared behind the door curtain, his mother’s heart ached. Zhao Yun and Zhao Si were both her flesh and blood—how could she bear to let him go? When Zhao Yun was born, a passing scholar had stopped for water. His father, hoping for a good name, had asked the scholar to name him. Inspired by the rolling clouds, the scholar named him “Yun.” The couple had been overjoyed. Zhao Yun had grown up diligent and clever, far surpassing his older brother.

Deep down, she favored Zhao Yun, but she couldn’t neglect Zhao Si, who was narrow-minded and burdened by his own flaws, never leaving home in decades. What else could she and her husband do but care for him? After her husband’s death, Zhao Yun took over supporting the family. She had hoped Zhao Si would at least have someone to tend to him, with his brother’s help. But now Zhao Yun had set his sights on his own sister-in-law!

The marriage certificate had indeed borne Zhao Yun’s name—she had assumed she could persuade him later. Who knew he’d use it against her now?

She would talk sense into him tomorrow. Once he cleared his head of this nonsense, all would be well. She couldn’t bear the thought of becoming the village’s laughingstock.

—

Chunfu swiftly prepared dinner and waited for Jicheng to return. When he finally did, she poured him water and asked, “Why so late today? I’ve kept the rice warm, and the dishes are in the pot. You can eat after washing up.”

Jicheng removed his shirt, wiping himself with a damp cloth. “We’re finishing up urgent work—we’ll be late for the next few days. Once it’s done, we’ll rest. The boss hired an outside master for the main house. We’ll start once the plans are ready.”

Chunfu smiled. “When you’re free, catch some fish for me. I’ve been craving something sour—we can make a spicy-sour fish dish.”

Jicheng glanced at the darkening sky. Though he hated disappointing her, it would have to wait a few days. He could help more at home then. Their only intimate moments were at night, and he cherished her more each day. Her willingness to indulge his desires, even the embarrassing ones, only deepened their bond.

Chunfu ate beside him, saying, “I’ve nearly finished your autumn clothes. I thought they’d take till fall, but chatting with Liansheng’s wife sped things up.”

“You’re becoming more capable by the day. I saw a silver bracelet in town that would suit you. I’ll buy it soon.” Jicheng loved spoiling her with pretty things. Her beauty deserved to shine, not fade with time.

Chunfu scolded him for wasting money, but he always returned with another trinket, insisting she wear it. Eventually, she gave up resisting. Still, she kept her daily attire simple—no need to flaunt wealth.

“By the way, my sister-in-law came by with embroidery, probably hoping to profit from our success.”

Jicheng chuckled. “We should help family, but if she bothers you, I’ll handle it. I don’t care about appearances.”

Speak of the devil—Li Xiu’e arrived as Jicheng washed dishes in the yard. He urged Chunfu to wash up first, eager for bedtime. But Chunfu, still sore from last night’s escapades, ignored him, teasing him with leaves instead.

“Chunfu, why won’t you listen?”

“You think I don’t know your tricks? Always bullying me. Not tonight—or any night soon.” She recalled a post about men needing moderation for health. Jicheng’s relentless energy had worn her out—rules were necessary.

Jicheng pouted. “I just want us to have a child soon. How is that bullying? I always stop when you say no. Don’t I suffer too? Do you know how unhealthy it is to hold back?”

Chunfu’s face flushed. “Shameless! No excuses—no more nonsense for days.”

Jicheng sulked silently, clearly disappointed.

“Just finished dinner? Hope I’m not interrupting.” Li Xiu’e had watched them for a while, their affection almost sickening.

Chunfu greeted her coldly before leaving to wash up. Let Jicheng deal with her—he had energy to spare.

Li Xiu’e sat awkwardly. “Chunfu holds grudges. I scolded her before, but it was for her own good. What girl runs wild with boys? If not for me, would she have married someone as hardworking as you? My life’s been hard, yet I raised her. How can she be so heartless?”

Jicheng wiped dishes dry before watering the vegetable patch. Only then did he ask, “What brings you here?”

Li Xiu’e fidgeted. “Chunmu’s sick, but he refuses a doctor, fearing Zhang Tong’s school fees will suffer. I heard Chunfu earns well making pastries. Could she teach me? I’ve got time. But she hates me… Could you talk to her?”

Jicheng glanced inside. “Chunfu runs this household. I just follow orders. Besides, it’s her craft—I won’t interfere.” He added pointedly, “She’s not foolish anymore. Sweet words won’t sway her. And I’m even pettier—I won’t let her near those who hurt her. The pastry shop has new hires. I don’t want her overworked.”

Li Xiu’e’s smile collapsed. “I just fear Chunmu will collapse. That bastard Zhang Yan vanished—I’ve got no one. How will I survive?”

Jicheng said nothing. Perhaps this was karma. Chunmu and Li Xiu’e’s misdeeds had trapped them.

When Li Xiu’e’s complaints met silence, she left before full dark.

Chunfu emerged after she was gone. “We’re the villains now, watching her suffer without helping. Outsiders would blame us.”

Jicheng hugged her. “I refused her. She won’t return. About what you said earlier—can we start the rule tomorrow?” He reached for her clothes, but she scolded him. “No take-backs! Don’t push me.”

His stubborn expression softened when she admitted she was still sore from yesterday. He held her close. “I don’t know why, but being with you makes life real. I’ve been selfish. It won’t happen again—we’ll follow your pace.”

Guilt gnawed at Chunfu. Denying him his only comfort seemed cruel. But remembering his insatiable appetite, she steeled herself.

Though summer nights were warm, the cool kang made cuddling bearable. Soon, they slept soundly under the starlight.

—

At dawn, roosters roused Jinjuan. Dressing quickly, she thought of her planned talk with Zhao Yun, heart aching. Though she meant to sever ties, she hurried to their usual grove, afraid of prying eyes. Dew soaked her clothes as she entered—only to find Zhao Yun already there, chilled from waiting.

“You’re freezing! What if you fall ill?” The concern slipped out before she could stop it. She needed to be harsher—clean breaks hurt less.

Zhao Yun smiled faintly. “Couldn’t sleep. The grove’s peaceful—earth and wind smell nice.”

His good mood pained her. For his sake, she hardened her resolve.

“Zhao Yun, I’ve thought it over. These past days were my mistake. No matter what, I’m your sister-in-law. If people knew, they’d accuse me of seducing you. I can’t bear more hardship. Let’s pretend this never happened—for both our sakes.”

Leaves rustled, disrupting the tense silence. Under his piercing gaze, she faltered, heart bleeding. She forced a brittle smile. “I should go—the pigs need feeding.”

She hadn’t taken two steps when his voice stopped her. “That’s all? You’re afraid of gossip? Then I’ll tell them I seduced you. Take two steps with me—it’s not as scary as you think. Since when do strangers matter more than me?”

She laughed bitterly. “They’ll shame me forever. I’m young—how long can I endure? What if I break? Will you save me? Zhao Yun, I can’t face another upheaval.”

Lies came easily. She’d rehearsed this—better to correct mistakes before they worsened.

“I told Mother I won’t marry anyone else. I want you. See? I’ve done what you feared to even voice. Jinjuan, since confessing, I’ve left us no retreat. We’re bound now—you can’t escape, and I won’t let you.” He pulled her close, kissing her gently. His scent muddled her thoughts.

Stunned, Jinjuan panicked. “You’re mad! I’m not worth this. Our situation is impossible.”

Zhao Yun tucked her hair behind her ear, grinning. “Running solves nothing. Trust me—I’ll shield you from scorn. Remember, the marriage certificate bears our names. We’re rightful partners. What’s there to fear?”

Jinjuan gaped. “How did you…?”

“I planned thoroughly. I’d never let you suffer with me.”