The Zhang family had two acres of land, where the wheat seedlings grew lush and green, exuding a vibrant vitality. The occasional gusts of wind made the fields sway like rolling waves, creating a picturesque and soothing sight.
Chunfu and Zhang Yan, two youngsters neither too old nor too young, stood in the field, surrounded by the endless expanse of wheat. From afar, they looked like tiny dots. They would work for a while, then stand up to rest, or listen to Zhang Yan recount amusing stories from the past. Jicheng hadn’t come since that day—partly because he had work at Uncle Xiangcheng’s place, and partly because he had his pride. Why should he help those who treated Chunfu poorly? Fortunately, Chunfu enjoyed being in the fields, where no one nagged at her, and she felt free. Besides, there were plenty of people working in the fields, so if anything happened, someone would lend a hand.
Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, there were only three days left until the wedding. Even the perpetually sour sister-in-law had to busy herself with preparations. She took out the bridal gown she had kept hidden at the bottom of her chest, shaking it out—a fiery red like a blazing flame. Back then, her mother had saved every penny to buy the red fabric in town and sewed it for her stitch by stitch. Who would have thought it would end up being worn by that fool?
With the auspicious day approaching, the sister-in-law couldn’t afford to raise her voice in anger, though she occasionally muttered curses under her breath. But whenever she met Chunfu’s fierce glare, she couldn’t help but shrink back.
Chunmu had already made arrangements with the banquet chef, who would arrive the next day to prepare. The men and women of the village would come to help as long as they weren’t too busy at home. Though most of the preparations were already done, people rarely had the chance to gather like this—both to join in the excitement and to enjoy two convenient meals. By early morning, the courtyard was already crowded.
Chunfu still preferred going to the fields. The scrutinizing gazes of the villagers made her uncomfortable. The silent crops felt like quiet friends who would listen without judgment. Zhang Yan crouched beside her, resting his head on his arms, and asked softly, “Auntie, after you get married, can I still come to play with you? But there’s always work at home, and Mom will probably make me do chores.”
Chunfu patted his head with a gentle smile. Zhang Yan resembled his father, with a pleasing face and delicate, handsome features even at his young age. “Come find me whenever you’re free. In everyone’s eyes, I’m just a fool anyway—no one cares what I do.”
Zhang Yan pouted. “That’s not true. Auntie is very smart. I hope you’ll have a good life and make all those who look down on you jealous. I’ll grow up fast too, so I can do what I want. I’ll earn lots of money and make sure you live well.”
Chunfu was amused by his innocent, childlike words, but warmth spread through her heart. Having suffered so much, she longed to rise above it all—to earn respect and live comfortably.
Compared to the lively atmosphere at the Zhang household, Jicheng’s home was eerily quiet. He had been alone the entire time, with only Liansheng’s wife occasionally stopping by with her children to help. Each time, she sighed and advised, “A wedding is a big deal, after all. Even if your uncle was wrong, he’s still family, and Jiliang is your blood brother. You can’t cut ties forever. If you’re too embarrassed to talk to them, I’ll go for you.”
Jicheng didn’t pause in his work, chuckling lightly. “No need. When Jiliang got married, he didn’t invite me either. He listens to Auntie and doesn’t see me as his brother. I won’t go looking for trouble.”
Liansheng’s wife tidied up for a while before leaving—she had someone sick at home to tend to.
As the wedding day drew closer, Jicheng had to ask for leave from Uncle Xiangcheng. He hadn’t decided yet when he’d stop working there. He’d figure it out after the wedding. He went on a day when the sun wasn’t too harsh. Uncle Xiangcheng was sitting under a tree, sighing as he looked at his house. When he saw Jicheng, he smiled. “I’ve watched you grow up, kid. Once you’re married, settle down and live well. You’re hardworking and honest—you’ll have a good future.”
Jicheng smiled back and handed him a small paper package. “Some crispy candy for the kids. Just a small token—don’t mind it.”
Uncle Xiangcheng glared at him before turning to fetch a jar of wine from inside. “Consider this my wedding gift.”
After exchanging a few more words, Jicheng left. On his way back, he deliberately detoured past the Zhang family’s fields. Seeing the two still hard at work, his smile widened. Not wanting to disturb their peace, he turned to leave—only to run into Jiliang on the road. As usual, neither spoke.
It was ironic. They were brothers from the same womb. Back then, Auntie couldn’t conceive, so she wanted to adopt one of them. She had originally wanted Jicheng, but he refused. Resentful, she brought in a fortune-teller who declared Jicheng had an exceptionally ill-fated destiny. No one in the family believed it, but the villagers took it to heart. Not long after, their parents passed away, and Jicheng’s “ill fate” became widely known.
By the time Jiliang went to live with their uncle, he was old enough to understand, but Auntie poisoned his mind, making him treat Jicheng as an outsider. It was truly tragic.
Once Chunfu returned home, she wasn’t allowed to leave again—she had to stay indoors until the wedding. She tried on her sister-in-law’s dress. Without alterations, it hung loosely on her, looking absurd. The sister-in-law grumbled as she adjusted it to fit. Once worn properly, it accentuated Chunfu’s rosy lips and fair complexion, making her look like a stunning bride. “If only Jicheng had given us more money, you could’ve had a new wedding dress.”
Chunfu ignored her. No matter how much one gave, it would never be enough—even a mountain of gold wouldn’t satisfy them. She felt a mix of nervousness and anticipation, sitting alone in the room as if roasting over a fire. Only when the big day arrived did she finally relax a little.
Chunmu had never been close to Chunfu, and on her wedding day, he didn’t even bother pretending. His expression was cold, as if she were a stranger.
The sunlight that day was unusually pale, and the sky was overcast. Someone in the courtyard joked, “We haven’t seen a drop of rain this year. Looks like it might finally come—muddy and messy. Chunfu must be blessed.”
Just as Jicheng arrived to fetch his bride, the sky darkened. The sun was already hidden behind thick clouds, and rain seemed imminent. Today, Jicheng wore a clean blue robe, neatly groomed. At first glance, he looked like a wealthy young master. Chunmu stood in the crowd, craning his neck to look behind Jicheng—but there was nothing. The dignity he had demanded was completely ignored, souring his mood.
“Jicheng, you came alone to fetch your bride? How shabby. At least get a donkey cart—you can’t make Chunfu walk back with you, can you?”
Jicheng ignored the taunt, instead bowing solemnly to Chunmu. “Elder Brother, I’ve come for Chunfu.”
Chunmu replied coldly, “I said my sister should be married in style. What’s the meaning of this? Do my words mean nothing to you?”
Dark clouds had already gathered overhead. Just as the crowd waited for Jicheng’s response, rain began to fall—light at first, then steadily. Though it didn’t bring much relief from the heat, it was a welcome sight, soothing the parched earth.
“Jicheng, look—Chunfu must be blessed. Maybe she’ll bring you good luck. Letting a girl have one grand moment isn’t too much to ask. Why are you so stingy?” Inwardly, they mocked Chunmu for making things difficult. What dignity was there in marrying a fool? Rumor had it that he and his wife had long wanted to be rid of Chunfu. Now that someone was willing to take her, why put on airs?
The rain grew heavier, but Chunmu still didn’t let Jicheng inside, allowing the others to tease and harass him.
Jicheng remained unfazed, standing tall like an unshakable mountain. His calm and pride were impossible to ignore. The auspicious hour hadn’t arrived yet—he had patience to spare. Over the years, he had endured countless slights and hardships. He had survived. What others said or did didn’t matter. All he needed was to wait for the person he was waiting for.
The sound of rain tapping against the window filled the room. Chunfu sat alone inside while her sister-in-law and the villagers chatted and laughed outside. The wait was agonizing. She tugged at the gaudy silk flower on her head and was about to stand when a petite woman, barely two years older, slipped in. Plain-faced but with a soft, pleasant voice, she whispered, “Chunfu, Jicheng’s being held outside in the rain. If he gets soaked, he might fall ill. Since you… maybe you should go see.”
Chunfu was instantly furious. How could they treat him like this? Whether he was ill-fated or she was a fool, it wasn’t their place to mock them. She stormed out.
Li Xiu’e had been chatting with the other women when she saw the fool—her own sister-in-law—rushing out without even her veil. Panicked, she hurried after her. The women had never seen Chunfu dressed up before. To their surprise, she was stunning—if not for her dull wits, she could’ve passed as a nobleman’s bride.
No one had expected Chunfu to appear like this—her beauty was arresting, her anger lending her a striking allure.
Chunmu’s face darkened. “What nonsense is this? Go back inside.”
“Look at Chunfu—she’s learned to care for someone.” The crowd burst into laughter.
Chunfu took in their expressions. One day, she’d make sure those who laughed at them would laugh no more. Her slender back straightened like an angry little lion, warming Jicheng’s heart. He took her hand, enveloping it in his palm, and said softly, “Elder Brother, the auspicious hour has arrived. I’ll take Chunfu home now. We’ll visit our parents’ graves tomorrow.”
He gently touched her hair. This lovely person before him was so beautiful—marrying her was truly his fortune. He crouched down, gesturing for her to climb onto his back. Under everyone’s gaze, he carried her home, his steps unhurried, the rain falling gently. The onlookers watched their figures disappear into the rain, inexplicably speechless.
Chunfu wrapped her arms around his neck, feeling the warmth of his body. His deep, magnetic voice resonated in her heart, sending tingles of joy through her.
“I can’t give you grandeur, so I can only carry you home. But I won’t abandon you—wherever I go, I’ll take you with me. See? Even the rain has come to congratulate us.”
Chunfu buried her face in his neck, a happy smile playing on her lips.
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