Chapter 69:

Jicheng had arranged with Third Uncle a day in advance to rent a cart for a trip to the county town. Third Uncle sat at the door, puffing on his pipe, watching him with amusement. “You’ve really made something of yourself, boy. Everyone in the village envies how your life keeps getting better.”

Jicheng scratched his head and laughed. “It’s not my luck—it’s all thanks to Chunfu. People should be jealous I married such a good wife. I’ll head back now. See you tomorrow.”

Aunt Cen paused when she saw Third Uncle chatting cheerfully with Jicheng and asked curiously, “Third Brother, why do you always spend time with Jicheng? He’s bad luck. My Ah Niu never has smooth sailing when he’s around.”

Third Uncle exhaled a wisp of smoke and sneered. “You’re just narrow-minded, always dwelling on old nonsense. Can’t you see how well he’s doing? Only fools like you take that nonsense seriously. Back then, I only kept quiet out of respect for the Ji family. That so-called fortune-teller was just a fraud hired by Ji the Second to swindle the third branch.”

Aunt Cen gasped, covering her mouth. “How wicked! To have such an uncle is truly tragic. But I won’t gossip anymore. My Ah Niu has become much more obedient and sensible since he got married, and his wife is filial too. I’ve got no complaints now. Third Brother, you’ve spent years helping us discipline Ah Niu. I don’t know how to repay you. Come by for a meal sometime—my daughter-in-law is an excellent cook.”

Third Uncle nodded silently. Only after she left did he stand up, dust himself off, and sigh. Fate was unpredictable. Chunju had been hardworking, yet somehow she clashed with the Cen family. Ah Niu’s mistreatment of her was likely influenced by his mother. Now, with a new wife, the whole family’s fortunes had changed. It was bittersweet. Chunju was just unlucky—destined never to belong with the Cens.

With over twenty taels of silver left at home—a staggering sum—Chunfu felt secure and stopped being frugal. In the past, she’d measure every drop of oil when cooking. When Jicheng returned, she was serving a meal: vibrant red peppers, green vegetables, and diced pork, all looking delicious.

Jicheng set out the chopsticks and ladled two bowls of noodle soup, steam rising. Chunfu sat beside him and pushed a dish of pickles his way. “Take extra silver tomorrow for the county town. The village head isn’t unreasonable. Give him the money to handle things—he’ll be happy and do his best.”

Jicheng chewed his noodles hesitantly. “How much is enough? I’ve heard county officials aren’t easy to deal with. Some deliberately make trouble to extort money.”

Chunfu smiled. “He knows the game. The amount we’re giving him is more than what the town officials get. Money smoothes the way—don’t worry.”

Still uneasy, Jicheng decided he’d adapt if anything went wrong. They’d been married nearly six months now. She’d grown even more radiant, her womanly charm fully blossoming, her every move captivating him. “If I have time, I’ll look for something nice in town. You don’t have many clothes, and winter’s coming. I’ll buy some pretty fabric too.”

Chunfu considered this. The weather was cooling fast—winter would arrive in a blink. It was cotton-picking season. “Get some cotton too. I’ll make winter clothes early, so we won’t be rushed or cold.”

In high spirits, Jicheng helped wash the dishes and fetched water for Chunfu to wash up. Usually, he’d massage her feet, but tonight he was impatient. After drying them, he scooped her up and carried her to bed. Chunfu yelped. “We agreed—hey! What are you doing?”

“What we should’ve been doing. We’ve been married so long—why no baby yet? Maybe I haven’t been trying hard enough.” His shameless lies came effortlessly now.

“You’re ridiculous! Blaming me for your dirty mind. Ugh!”

“Don’t overthink it. I’ve got an early start tomorrow—don’t make me late.” His unreasonable tone made Chunfu stop resisting. Over time, he’d learned her quirks. She was stubborn—no amount of coaxing worked unless he framed it as “important.” Once he cracked the code, it became easy. He always got his way.

He adored her, his touch lingering on her smooth skin, intoxicated by love. Every intimacy drove him wild. He nibbled her earlobe, chuckling at her soft gasp.

“Having you by my side makes me the happiest man. Once we have a child, you won’t need to work so hard. Money can wait. Next year, I’ll help more—you’ve got nothing to worry about.” Then, seizing the moment, he plunged in, drawing a moan from her.

Passion swept her under like a tidal wave. She clung to him, lost in the sensation. The night was enchanting—she bloomed like a flower under the silver moonlight.

He drowned in the world she created, wishing it could last forever.

The next morning, Jicheng woke to find her still asleep. A satisfied, tender gaze enveloped her like warm light.

He fed the pigs—two plump black ones that’d fetch a good price at New Year’s—then headed to the big locust tree. The village head, dressed smartly, was chatting with Third Uncle. Seeing Jicheng, he frowned. “Meeting officials dressed like that? Well, they probably won’t mind.”

Jicheng saw nothing wrong with his clean, tidy clothes. As a farmer, fancy attire would look absurd.

“The county officials won’t care how Jicheng dresses. You’re the one who needs to impress,” Third Uncle said, flicking the reins as they boarded the cart.

Jicheng added, “Third Uncle’s right. You’ve seen the world, Village Head. I’m just a laborer—I’d embarrass myself trying to talk to nobles. I’ll rely on you.”

Flattered, the village head waved it off. “The magistrate’s a scholar, destined for the capital. He’s new here. If you’re nervous, I’ll handle it.”

Jicheng was relieved. Officials were like local emperors—best not to offend. He just wanted the matter settled so life could return to normal.

After dropping off passengers in town, they took the smoother road to the county. Third Uncle left them to their business, eager to explore the changed city.

Jicheng handed the village head a pouch of silver. “Please smooth things over. The sooner it’s done, the better.”

The village head was surprised by Jicheng’s savvy. The sum was staggering—he’d never seen so much. Envy gnawed at him. How did they earn this? Just from pastries? His own sons struggled to make ends meet. If only Jicheng would share his secret…

“Don’t worry. I know the county clerk—he’ll expedite things.”

The “smoothing money” likely wouldn’t reach the magistrate—just his underlings. Jicheng leaned against a pillar outside the yamen, observing the bustling town. The people here were well-dressed, women adorned in powder and bright clothes. He imagined Chunfu outshining them all.

An hour later, the village head emerged with a deed bearing the magistrate’s seal. “See this? Official stamp. Working here pays well—silver flows like water into the coffers.”

Jicheng carefully tucked the deed into his robe. “Shall we head back?”

The village head shook his head. “It’s early. I’ll visit a friend. Take a look around—meet me later.”

Unbeknownst to Jicheng, the magistrate spotted him while inspecting a project. After a long pause, he ordered an attendant, “Follow him. Find out where he lives.”

He never expected to find the man his mother had longed for. No wonder they’d failed—he’d been hidden so far away. The resemblance was unmistakable.

Jicheng had no idea his life was about to be upended—like a clear stream muddied by falling rocks.

At the fabric shop, he chose yellow and pink cloth, then bought cotton. Chunfu’s skill with food surpassed even restaurants, but the summer heat made perishables risky. Instead, he picked jewelry and cosmetics—things young women liked. She always scolded him for spending, then gleefully adorned herself. Adorably contradictory.

The noisy town overwhelmed him. He waited in a quiet spot for Third Uncle, who returned grumbling. “This place isn’t for folks like us. Some woman looked down her nose at me—ruined my mood.”

Jicheng laughed, stretching out on the cart. “I wonder when we’ll head back. Chunfu’s probably waiting. She’s wanted to lease Clearwater Mountain forever—never thought it’d happen.”

Third Uncle packed his pipe. “That’s fate. After all your hardships, maybe heaven’s rewarding you. Your wife’s sharp—smarter than any village woman.”

Gazing at the sky, Jicheng grinned. “Some say Chunfu and I cancel each other’s bad luck. Marrying her was my luckiest break. Come for dinner soon—she’ll cook a feast.”

Third Uncle chuckled. “What can I bring? You’ve got everything. Planning to move to town?”

Jicheng shook his head. “Only if necessary. We’re not rich—just want a comfortable life.”

As the sun climbed, the village head finally staggered over, reeking of alcohol. “Had a few too many. Need to lie down.”

Jicheng helped him onto the cart. Once they set off, the village head slurred, “How’d you make your money? What’s on Clearwater Mountain? I’ve lived here forever—no treasure. Share your secret. My sons are struggling.”

Jicheng exchanged a glance with Third Uncle. “The mountain’s just convenient. No one complains if we take extra.”

The village head smirked. “Keeping it to yourself? Everyone’s watching you. Just give me a hint—I won’t steal your business.”

Jicheng deflected. “Heard there’s construction work in town—good pay.”

The village head pressed, but Jicheng just smiled. “You’re drunk. Sleep it off.”

Soon, snores filled the cart. Third Uncle muttered, “Greed’s everywhere. Watch your backs.”

Back in town, Jicheng dozed until Zhou Jing shook him awake. “Heard you’ve got work. Need help? Just ask.”

Jicheng grinned. “Your strength’s welcome. Don’t hide.”

Zhou Jing scratched his head. “I’ll bring Yu Ning. Hope you don’t mind.”

Jicheng beamed. “You made up? She’s spoiled but sweet. Treat her right.”

Zhou Jing laughed. “I adore her. Even when she’s mad, I can’t stay angry. She’s curious about your place—I blurted an invite. Hope it’s okay.”