Chapter 71:

The next morning, Chunfu and Jicheng got up early. They ate two pancakes—Chunfu had made them with vegetable fillings sprinkled with sesame seeds, making them even more fragrant—and drank two large bowls of water before heading up the mountain together.

Chunfu wanted to pick more wild grapes to enjoy as a daily pastime. Jicheng, meanwhile, was busy setting traps. He needed to prepare wooden stakes first—those dangerous creatures couldn’t be left alive.

Some villagers who still harbored thoughts of going up the mountain wilted at the sight of the couple on the road. They didn’t dare continue and slunk back home, surprised that the two had risen so early to head up the mountain. The village chief had already declared that no one was to go up Qingshui Mountain casually from now on, or they’d face disgrace. Yet, the more people were forbidden from doing something, the more curious they became. Everyone wanted to see what Jicheng’s family planned to do with the mountain.

The couple only returned home briefly for lunch before heading back up the mountain and staying until sunset. The next day, Zhou Jing and the others would come to help, and the wooden stakes Jicheng had prepared would come in handy.

After a long day of work, Jicheng sat shirtless in the yard, washing off the sweat. He grinned at Chunfu, who had just changed clothes: “Tomorrow, I’ll go catch fish. Though we’re past the stinking months of July and August, leaving them overnight still affects the taste. Guests deserve fresh food.”

Chunfu washed her hands and prepared to make dough drop soup. Remembering they still had untouched pickles at home, she thought they could serve them as a side dish for the guests. Hearing Jicheng’s words, she turned and smiled: “Then grab some pork while you’re at it. It’s the first time our home will be so lively—we should make it special. Liansheng’s kids love sweets, so I’ll make two sweet buns for them, not as dry as pastries.”

Jicheng imagined if they had children, they’d dote on them endlessly. With Chunfu’s skills, their future little ones would be truly blessed. A daughter could learn embroidery—unlike her mother’s clumsy attempts—while a son could study and practice martial arts. He didn’t want his children tied to the fields like them. As parents, they’d do their best to give them a good life, so they wouldn’t have to look back in worry but have the courage to explore the wider world.

His arms ached from a day of making stakes. Once in bed, he let Chunfu massage them. Her hands were soft and delicate, barely strong enough to ease the soreness—it felt more like tickling—but he couldn’t bring himself to refuse.

At the first crow of the rooster, Jinjuan nudged the still-sleeping Zhao Yun. When he opened his eyes, she said, “I told you we’d help Chunfu today. Sleep more tomorrow.”

Zhao Yun obediently got up but pulled her into his arms as she dressed, kissing her and murmuring, “How could I forget what you asked? Bring one of your embroidered handkerchiefs as a gift—it’s a happy occasion, after all.”

Jinjuan blushed and playfully hit him. “No need to remind me. I already planned to give her a small sachet with dried petals inside—she’ll love the fragrance. I thought of scenting the handkerchiefs too, but worried the ladies might not like it, so I made separate sachets. Next time you’re in town, ask the shopkeeper if they’re good enough. If he approves, I’ll add more fragrance. Thank goodness the boss separated me and Liansheng’s wife—otherwise, tensions would’ve risen over time.”

Zhao Yun patted her cheek. “Smart shopkeepers value talent. His business thrives, so giving you a little extra won’t hurt. Those who pinch pennies end up closing shop sooner or later.”

After washing up, Jinjuan wrapped the handkerchief and sachet, grabbed a quick bite, and headed to Chunfu’s place. Chunfu was busy making pancakes, the aroma of scallions filling the air. Liansheng’s wife waved her over. “Come eat first, then we’ll work.”

Jinjuan glanced back at Zhao Yun. “Even if Chunfu didn’t feed us, we’d still rush to help. We get along so well, after all.”

Chunfu emerged from the kitchen, radiant with joy under the sunlight—happiness truly changed a person. “Relax, today’s all friends. Eat as much as you want. If I shortchanged you, Jicheng wouldn’t let me hear the end of it. I’ve also made porridge—have some to tide you over.”

Jinjuan didn’t stand on ceremony. Zhao Yun had suffered through her coarse buns at home. Taking a bite of the pancake, she tasted not just scallions but also greens—subtle but there. She immediately dragged Chunfu back to the kitchen, insisting on learning. They were cut from the same cloth—no matter how capable, their hearts belonged to their men, fearing they’d suffer. Not just as lifelong pillars, but because their souls were entwined, closer than kin.

Zhou Jing arrived last. He’d taken a day off from the orchard owner, stayed overnight in town, and rushed to Dongpo Village early with Yu Ning. She’d never been to the countryside, marveling at everything along the way—wildflowers swaying in the autumn breeze, the crisp air. Zhou Jing, embarrassed, whispered, “Cold? If I had more money, you wouldn’t have to ride this rickety cart.”

An Yu Ning had overestimated herself. She’d thought distancing herself from Zhou Jing would spare him becoming her father’s pawn—since abandonment seemed the only path. Yet she adored his persistence and tenderness. Even after repeated humiliations, he never retreated. She knew such devotion was rare, but she couldn’t ignore her mother’s grievances. Back and forth, she remained trapped in his love.

“It’s fine. This is fun—much prettier than walled gardens.” She nearly added, *With you blocking the wind, I’m not cold*, but bit her lip, blushing at her own boldness.

Soon, though, Yu Ning couldn’t take the jostling. Raised delicately, she turned pale. Zhou Jing worried—how would she handle the return trip? Before he could fret further, they arrived at Jicheng’s. Seeing Chunfu bustling about and Jicheng chatting with others, he called out, “Big brother, sister-in-law!”

Chunfu cheerfully stepped out, spotting the delicate beauty behind him—like a lotus bud in a summer pond, a dewdrop trembling on its petals. An Yu Ning smiled gracefully at everyone, her pallor only enhancing her fragile charm. Chunfu approached gently. “What’s wrong?”

Zhou Jing handed her over anxiously. “The ride was too rough—it’s her first time. Let her rest a bit.”

Chunfu asked softly, “Need to lie down?” As a guest from the An family, Yu Ning warranted respect, but Chunfu treated her without pretension—which some might mistake for rudeness.

Yu Ning, however, liked her straightforwardness. Tired of servants’ cold formalities, she shook her head with a faint smile. “No need. Sitting outside is fine. I’ve heard Jin Liu’er’s pastries are delicious—turns out you’re the master behind them.”

Chunfu helped her sit, surprised the lady wasn’t the spoiled brat rumors painted. “Just making ends meet. Did you leave early? Have some water and pancakes to settle your stomach. The men need more food for their work up the mountain. As for us, we’ll stay here and cook—let them drool over our dishes.” She suddenly realized how much she’d embraced rural life—time truly acclimated one.

Yu Ning glanced sheepishly at Zhou Jing. “I don’t know how to cook…”

“No worries, we’ll teach you.”

Jicheng, seeing Chunfu’s high spirits, felt equally cheerful. He ushered Zhou Jing and the others up the mountain. Digging pits would take time, and with more hands, he wanted to explore deeper—to see what other dangers lurked beyond wild boars.

For Yu Ning, the humble courtyard was a first. Her mother had once said such modest homes held the world’s truest joy—no schemes, no pretense, no hollow affections. Only now did she understand. Wealthy families wore politeness like masks, their hearts walled off. Yet these strangers treated her warmly, dissolving her unease.

They planned dumplings for dinner and meat pies with steamed egg custard for lunch—easy to pack for the men. Yu Ning, still recovering, tried to help but was gently seated by Chunfu. “Rest now. By afternoon, you won’t have a moment’s peace.”

Meanwhile, Jicheng’s group encountered women foraging on the mountain. Spotting Xiu Hua among them, he understood—she’d egged the others on.

Zhou Jing, sharp-tongued, sneered at their guilty faces. “Didn’t your chief say this mountain’s leased? Take grievances to him or the magistrate. Skulking here shamelessly—ever heard of theft? I may be uneducated, but even I know stealing lands you in jail. Which hand stole gets beaten raw. Try me—I’d love to report you.”

Xiu Hua had assumed Jicheng and Chunfu wouldn’t dare chase them off. This loudmouth caught her off guard. Flushing, she retorted, “Since when is this mountain yours? It belongs to everyone! We rely on its bounty—don’t be selfish!”

Jicheng scoffed. “Take that up with the chief. The contract bears my name. Want to come here openly? Try again in twenty years.”

Xiu Hua, humiliated, threw down her foraged goods—wild fruits and mushrooms. As she stormed off, Jicheng barked, “Take what you touched. You said you needed them—I won’t begrudge you that. But leave nothing, or we’ll settle this with the chief. Hurry up.”

His roar made her flinch. She scrambled to gather her haul before fleeing.

Liansheng clapped Zhou Jing’s shoulder. “Since when do you know legal jargon?”

Zhou Jing chuckled. “Made it up. Scaring off cowards is easy.”

Jicheng shook his head, scanning the area. He chose a dense, inconspicuous spot for traps. With strong men at hand, digging wouldn’t take long.

The deeper they went, the more curious they grew. Zhou Jing couldn’t resist: “Let’s see what monsters lurk ahead.”

Jicheng tapped his head. “Don’t push it. Next year, we’ll explore properly—see if beasts’ claws outmatch our axes.”

Zhou Jing grinned, already looking forward to it. After returning from Cangwu Mountain, he’d married Yu Ning. Life with occasional brotherly outings was bliss.

The women who’d followed Xiu Hua descended scowling. “If you’re jealous of Chunfu, deal with it yourself. Why drag us into disgrace? We warned you Jicheng’s no pushover.”

Abandoned, Xiu Hua spat, “Hypocrites! You came willingly. Don’t act innocent now!” She stomped toward Chunmu’s house, seeking Li Xiu’e to vent.

At the door, she found Li Xiu’e dressed up, smirking. Swallowing rage, Xiu Hua forced a smile. “Where are you off to, all dolled up?”

Li Xiu’e beamed. “Chunfu’s celebrating. I’m going to congratulate her.”

Xiu Hua sneered. “Forgot how they humiliated you?”

Li Xiu’e sniffed. “Of course not. But money talks. Pride won’t fill your belly. Did Jicheng rebuff you on the mountain?”

Xiu Hua tossed mushrooms back into her basket. “How’d you know?”

“Where else gets such fresh ones? Later, I’ll take you up there. For now, I’m off to help. We’ll talk after.”

Once she left, Xiu Hua fumed. “Who does she think she is? Just wait till Chunfu puts her in her place.”

The scar Chunfu had left on her face had healed white, accentuating her spite. Once close friends, years of comparing husbands and possessions had bred resentment.

Chunfu had planned to deliver lunch with the women, but Yu Ning—never having seen a mountain—was too curious. Jinjuan and Liansheng’s wife, fond of her gentle nature, set aside their tasks. “The men can wait. Let’s go up briefly—four of us can catch up later.”

Seeing Yu Ning’s eager eyes, Chunfu relented. “Alright, let’s go. Work can wait.”

She found the lady amusing—where she’d once ached for days after a bumpy ride, Yu Ning perked up at the mention of the mountain.

Locking up, the women set off, drawing stares—especially Yu Ning’s beauty—from passersby.

Unbeknownst to them, an ostentatious carriage soon halted at Chunfu’s door. A servant led out a fierce black hound before the nobleman in violet robes emerged—none other than the powerful Pei family’s eldest son.

Finding the house locked, a servant asked, “Shall we return, young master?”

Pei glanced coldly. “We’re not leaving empty-handed. Wait.”

Just then, Li Xiu’e arrived—only to freeze at the sight of the intimidating figure in the yard. As she turned to flee, his icy voice stopped her: “Where did they go?”