In September, the weather turned cooler, and the leaves gradually yellowed. The scorching heat of the sunset was carried away by the wind, leaving behind a refreshing comfort.
Halfway through the journey, the village chief woke up, rubbing his bleary eyes and yawning. Most of the young villagers sitting around him were chatting in low voices. When they noticed he was awake, they greeted him with smiles.
“Liansheng, I heard you’re planning to send your youngest son to school these days? It’d be great if our village had a teacher—no need to travel so far, especially when it’s windy or rainy,” the village chief said with a frown.
Liansheng nodded. “The daughter of the village chief in Liujia Village, Axiu, married a scholar who’s willing to open a school. They’re accepting children from several nearby villages. It’s just a short walk from our village, and there are plenty of people to go together, so no worries.”
The village chief stroked his chin. “I heard this scholar is highly educated. Why doesn’t he aim for the imperial exams instead of teaching? Being an official is surely better than this.”
Liansheng glanced at Jicheng. “I heard it’s because Axiu didn’t want to be away from home for long, so he’s postponing the exams for three years. I don’t expect my son to achieve greatness—I just don’t want him to be illiterate and taken advantage of. It’s bad enough that I can’t read, but I won’t let my son follow my path. Even if I have to tighten my belt, I’ll send him to school.”
The village chief scoffed. “Such short-sightedness. Sticking to the elderly—what good does that do? It’s delaying her husband’s future.”
Liansheng shook his head. “It’s their choice. We can’t worry about everything—as long as we adults are at ease, that’s enough.”
Jiliang thought of the woman who had once come to his home to confront him, a faint smile playing on his lips. Fate had arranged their encounter, only for them to miss each other. The only thing he was grateful for was that Axiu hadn’t looked down on him during his hardest times.
Chunfu sat at home, her mind wandering outside. She kept glancing out, knowing he wouldn’t return yet but unable to help herself. She scooped flour from the storeroom and kneaded dough in the kitchen, her heart full as she gazed at the lush Qingshui Mountain behind the house. From now on, it would be theirs—its treasures inexhaustible, a true support for their family.
She felt much more at ease now. In the past, she had worried constantly about making ends meet, fearing the day they’d go hungry. But now, with some savings and steady monthly income, she didn’t haggle too much with Jin Liuer. Running a shop as a woman wasn’t easy, and Chunfu already felt she had taken enough advantage. She wasn’t greedy—she still tended to household chores, only making jams and supplies for the teahouse. She had even told Jin Liuer she hardly exerted herself anymore and would feel guilty taking more.
Jin Liuer ran the shop mostly to pass the time. Chunfu was clever and skilled, and since Jin Liuer was just helping sell goods, she had no complaints. When Chunfu brought up the old topic again, Jin Liuer finally stopped refusing. She could see Chunfu had no grand ambitions—her heart was entirely with her home and Jicheng. There was nothing more to say.
Chunfu waited eagerly until Jicheng returned. “Is it settled?” she asked with a smile. Seeing him nod, the weight lifted from her heart. “Finally, I can relax. Today, I’ll eat a full bowl of rice!”
Jicheng laughed at her words, watching her glossy hair sway. “Aren’t you going to see what I brought back?”
Chunfu turned, squinting with a grin. “I don’t even need to ask—it’s either a hairpin or earrings. I already have so many, how can I wear them all?”
Jicheng, unusually flustered, muttered, “Then change them every day. I like seeing you wear them—who dares say otherwise? I bought fresh cotton—it’s warm and soft. Do you like this fabric? The county town may be bustling, but with so many shops, these good things aren’t expensive. Once we have a cart, I’ll buy whatever you need from town.”
Chunfu rolled her eyes playfully and headed to the kitchen. This man—seemingly shrewd but terrible at managing money. Whenever he had cash, he only thought of her, never himself. Thank goodness they weren’t wealthy, or he might’ve bought her the whole street. Still, her heart swelled with joy. What woman didn’t want to be pampered by her man? His constant thoughtfulness made life all the more vibrant.
After dinner, while the sky was still light, Chunfu wanted to visit the mountain. Jicheng, unable to refuse, strapped an axe to his waist and went with her. He considered bringing a basket, but Chunfu teased him, “The whole mountain’s ours now—no rush. Let’s just take a look.”
At the foot of the mountain, figures still moved halfway up. Chunfu smiled. “Now they regret it. If they’d come earlier, they wouldn’t feel cheated.”
They strolled leisurely uphill, the wind rustling the leaves. A stray branch brushed Chunfu’s sleeve, and Jicheng quickly pulled her aside. “Are you hurt? Branches don’t have eyes—what if it scratched you?” Once, someone in the village had been careless and lost an eye.
Chunfu waved it off. “It’s fine. I’ll be more careful.”
Jicheng chopped off the troublesome branch. With frequent trips up the mountain, accidents were bound to happen. They continued their climb, leaving the severed twig lifeless on the ground.
A sharp-eyed villager spotted the couple and sneered, “Already here to chase us off? Now that the mountain’s yours, you’re getting greedy, huh?”
Chunfu covered her lips with a tinkling laugh. “I’m not driving anyone away. We’re just here for a walk after dinner. No need to rush, sister—take your time.”
The others on the mountain felt awkward. They were the ones acting like wolves, hauling back baskets of goods, knowing they’d soon lose access. Some, ashamed, left with lighter loads, while others muttered resentfully, “This mountain belongs to everyone—why should it be the Jis’? If they’re so capable, why not buy the whole county and become magistrates? Just wait till they run into wild boars—let’s see if they dare come back.”
Chunfu ignored the gossip. Why let petty words ruin her mood? Sister Axiang was just a chatterbox—not worth her time. She listened to human words, not nonsense.
The wild grapes on the mountain had ripened, their clusters plump and inviting. Once her chores were done, she’d return to pick them, turning them into jam for the shop—another flavor to offer. Jicheng, seeing her radiant smile, asked tenderly, “Why aren’t you angry at their words?”
She looped her arm through his, but he clasped her hand firmly, his grip warm and strong. She smiled. “Why be angry? They’re just jealous I’m doing well—it’s flattering. They’re making excuses for themselves; why should I dwell on it? Spending energy on such things is exhausting. Right now, this mountain shines like gold to me—no time for pettiness.”
Jicheng watched her eyes sparkle mischievously and knew her mind was already spinning new ideas. She was a little money-grubber, always thinking of ways to earn.
As the sun set, the air grew chilly, especially in the mountains. They didn’t stay long before heading back. Chunfu glanced at those still gathering wild greens. She didn’t mind them taking some, but greed led to waste—things would spoil before they could eat them. Such a shame.
After washing up, they lay in bed chatting. For once, Jicheng held her without wandering hands, his chin resting on her soft hair. “You’ll be busy soon. Zhou Jing is bringing Miss An over. If you have time, help nudge things along. Those two are a headache. I’m the lucky one—everything’s gone smoothly for us.”
“I’ve met Miss An a few times. She doesn’t seem as difficult as Zhou Jing says—maybe just with him? Women are complicated. They say no but mean yes. This’ll be our first big gathering—I’ll prepare well. Let’s invite the village chief. We’ll need his help later—best not make it a one-time deal.”
Jicheng chuckled, recalling the chief’s probing. “He asked how we got rich, hoping for tips. I’m not stirring that pot. Whenever there’s profit, he’s first in line. His appetite’s too big for crumbs.”
Chunfu snuggled closer. “You shut him down with that stern face. Think he’ll hold a grudge? I’ve noticed—everyone in the village has their own agenda. Now that we’re doing well, trouble will follow. My brothers are no saints. I’ll humor them for a year or two—let’s see if they’ve got the energy to keep it up forever.”
Jicheng held her tight. Nights were getting colder, but his mind was elsewhere. The villagers still didn’t grasp the mountain’s value. Once they saw profits from its resources, envy would breed schemes. Petty minds couldn’t stand others’ success—gossip was harmless, but silent sabotage was worse.
“Let’s sleep. Rest well for tomorrow’s work.”
Chunfu kissed his cheek before burying herself in his arms. Good or bad, everything could wait till morning.
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