Mu Hong’s concerns were not unfounded. As far as he knew, Jicheng was living quite comfortably, with no worries about money, food, or clothing. His wife was pregnant, and he spent his days happily tending to her at home. Moreover, Jicheng was an upright man. If Mu Hong were to bring up these matters abruptly, not only would Jicheng likely dismiss them, but it might also make it difficult for Mu Hong to ever set foot in his home again.
Steward Liu, looking grave, rubbed his hands together and said, “The old madam is eager to see the second young master as soon as possible. She instructed me to return to the capital once I found him. But now, this task of mine has become rather complicated.”
Mu Hong shook his head with a faint smile. “It’s fine. I’ll write to Mother and explain. She’s waited all these years, and now that she finally has news, she’s naturally impatient. But no matter how deep the bond of blood, it can’t overcome such a long separation. If he refuses to acknowledge his roots, there’s nothing you or I can do. Once I finish my official duties, I’ll find an excuse, and you and I will make a trip to Dongpo Village.”
Steward Liu nodded. “That sounds reasonable. The old madam sent some of the first young master’s favorite snacks. She must think you’ve suffered greatly in such a remote place.”
Mu Hong walked to the window, opened it halfway, and let the biting cold wind rush in. Within moments, the chill robbed the warmth from his face. The silver glow of the bright moon hung in the sky, obscured by the skeletal branches of bare trees, casting a hazy and indifferent light. After a long silence, he finally said, “Compared to my second brother, what hardship have I endured? The county office is well-equipped, and I lack for nothing. I spend my days handling official business, and my life is quite comfortable.”
Steward Liu dared not press further. He chuckled lightly and fell silent. If life were truly so comfortable, Mu Hong wouldn’t still be awake at this late hour. Clearly, he couldn’t let go of the person weighing on his heart. Everyone in the Mu family knew the first young master fancied the daughter of Prefect Cui. But the Cui family was a scholarly household of generations, having produced several distinguished officials. A match for their daughter would never be a merchant family like the Mu’s. The first young master had entered officialdom for love, hoping to win Prefect Cui’s approval through merit. Steward Liu couldn’t bear to tell him that Miss Cui was already betrothed—to the only son of Jiang Tao, the magistrate of Shuntian Prefecture. As a mere county magistrate, Mu Hong’s chances of winning that pearl were as difficult as climbing to heaven.
—
Jicheng spent several days in the mountains resetting traps and covering them with dried grass before heading to town with some salted fish. He also wanted to ask Manager Jin if his herbalist friend was still purchasing other medicinal herbs. Though some herbs could be cultivated in gardens with skilled hands, they never grew as well as those in the wild. If he could find a market, even if the profit was modest, it would be better than sitting idle at home—especially since Chunfu had repeatedly complained about how thin he was.
Manager Jin had recently recovered from a cold after a long bout of medicine. Just as he settled back into his shop, Jicheng walked in. Smiling, Manager Jin waved him over. “In a couple of days, I’ll have a shipment to load. I’m short on hands—could you lend a hand?”
Jicheng set down his basket and nodded. “Of course. Can I bring a couple of friends? Don’t worry, they’re quick and efficient.”
Having known Jicheng for years, Manager Jin trusted him implicitly. With time to spare, he pulled Jicheng aside to discuss personal matters—specifically, his daughter’s marriage prospects. Jicheng wasn’t keen on listening; after all, Jin Liuer’s affairs were private, and it wasn’t his place to interfere. But he understood Manager Jin had no one else to confide in. Friends often compared themselves, and no one’s life was perfect. Manager Jin’s daughter, Jin Liuer, still hadn’t found a suitable match.
“A few families have sent matchmakers,” Manager Jin sighed. “But their sons are spoiled and idle. I can tell they’re only interested because I have no sons—if Liuer were weaker, my family’s wealth would eventually merge with theirs. I can’t agree, fearing she’d resent me forever. Recently, the Pei family’s eldest son visited often, and I thought…” He laughed self-deprecatingly before adding, “I don’t mean to sow discord between you and your wife, but you should be wary of Pei Qian. Liuer mentioned he has eyes for your Chunfu. Best to avoid him. Men like him—from powerful families—aren’t people we can afford to cross.”
Jicheng frowned but forced a smile. “Thank you for the warning. I’ll remind my wife to be cautious. As for your daughter, I’m hardly qualified to advise. But since marrying, I’ve realized that having a partner who cares for you—sharing even the simplest meals—brings true contentment. Miss Jin is a refined lady; she shouldn’t settle for less.” Unbeknownst to him, Chunfu was already aware of Pei Qian’s interest but had kept quiet to spare him worry.
“You’re right,” Manager Jin mused. “My daughter deserves better. Perhaps her fate hasn’t arrived yet. I’ll keep looking.” Switching topics, he pondered the herbs. “He should still be buying. Bring them next time, and I’ll take you to him. But the final decision is his—I can’t interfere beyond that.”
Jicheng flushed with gratitude. “You’ve helped me so much. You’re the true benefactor in my life. Without you, Chunfu and I wouldn’t be living so well.”
Manager Jin stroked his beard, chuckling. “Don’t flatter me. Your wife is the capable one. Enough of this—what matters is their happiness.”
—
Jicheng planned to return to town on market day, so buying livestock could wait. As dusk approached, he hurried home but still arrived late. The house was dark except for the warm glow of candlelight casting Chunfu’s silhouette against the window. Another shadow—unfamiliar—lingered inside. Who could be visiting at this hour? Had Chunfu, afraid of the dark, invited someone to keep her company?
Pushing the door open, he was greeted by Abao, their dog, sniffing excitedly. Jicheng patted its head and shooed it away. The inner curtain lifted, and he smiled, expecting Chunfu—only to freeze when a slender woman in a blue floral-patterned cotton coat stepped out, revealing prominent front teeth. “Brother Ji, you’re back.”
Jicheng washed his hands in icy water, scrubbing with soap before drying them briskly. “What are you doing here? How did you find me?” Then it struck him—earlier, two acquaintances had teased him: “That widow’s been asking for you. We couldn’t stand her pestering, so we told her you live in Dongpo Village.”
The woman, though disheveled, was attractive—taller than Chunfu, reaching Jicheng’s shoulders. She stared at his broad back, flustered. “You saved my life. I came to thank you. When I couldn’t find you at the worksite, I asked around and learned you’d returned home. My late husband’s family is from Dongpo Village, so here I am.”
Entering the inner room, Jicheng found Chunfu quietly sewing baby clothes by candlelight. Her slightly tousled hair, haloed in light, looked ethereal and lonely, twisting his heart. He rushed over, grasping her slender wrist. “Have you eaten?”
Chunfu shook her head, meeting his gaze softly. “Not yet. I waited for you.”
Jicheng stroked her hair. “What would you like? I’ll make dumplings with the leftover filling.”
She tugged his sleeve. “Don’t trouble yourself. A simple bite will do. You’ve been out in the cold—drink some hot water first.”
Chunfu was seething inside. This woman had shown up at dusk, spouting words of gratitude, and had lingered until now. Chunfu couldn’t just throw her out. Pregnant and following Jicheng’s advice, she had remained at home, stitching away to kill time while waiting for him. She had responded with polite yet frosty words—she wasn’t blind to the woman’s provocative glances. Another woman was eyeing her husband, and she was expected to play the gracious hostess? What utter nonsense was this?
Jicheng turned to the intruder. “It’s late. We can’t accommodate you. Leave. I’ve said before—I’d have saved anyone in your place.”
The woman, Meiniang, was a childless widow. Her husband had died from overwork, leaving her alone. That day, she’d been leaving town to join distant relatives when someone shoved her aside—just before a wall collapsed where she’d stood. Stunned, she’d turned to see her savior: a strikingly handsome, robust man she couldn’t forget. Now, learning he was married, she refused to back down. With nothing to lose, why not fight for him?
“I brought a gift to thank you, but I forgot it in my rush,” she lied. “Brother, at this hour, I’ve nowhere to go. A lone woman like me—if something happened…” Her eyes pleaded. She wouldn’t leave without trying.
Chunfu turned away, leaving it to Jicheng. She hadn’t expected such brazenness. Disgusted, she thought, *Shameless!* Stabbing her needle into the fabric, she reconsidered. Staying silent would only embolden the woman. Setting aside her sewing, she smoothed her clothes and joined Jicheng, smiling coolly. “I told her earlier you’d be late, and we don’t seek repayment. Times are hard for everyone—helping was nothing. Since your in-laws are from Dongpo, surely you have relatives here? They’d surely take you in tonight.”
Meiniang had assumed Chunfu was meek, easily swayed by pity. This sharp dismissal stunned her. Tearfully, she appealed to Jicheng. “I never lived here with my husband. I don’t know where his relatives are. How can I search at night? Sister, you’re being cruel.”
Jicheng’s patience snapped. Gripping Meiniang’s sleeve, he hauled her outside. “Since when does gratitude mean trespassing? You got here—you can leave. We don’t host strangers.”
Meiniang resisted, wailing when Jicheng’s grip tightened. The commotion drew neighbors—Liansheng and his wife peered over the low wall. “We were about to sleep! Jicheng, what’s the ruckus?”
Jicheng waved them over. “A sticky situation. Could you advise?”
Liansheng, initially confused, recognized Meiniang by moonlight and nearly laughed. But seeing the couple’s grim faces, he feigned sternness. “Woman, have you no shame? They saved your life, and you repay them like this?”
His wife, sharp-eyed, saw through Meiniang instantly. “Enough talk. If she won’t leave, take her to the village head. He’ll find her a spot.”
Meiniang, realizing she’d met her match, simpered. “Sister, you misunderstand! I’ve nowhere to stay—just one night! Surely you don’t think me *that* sort of woman? In summer, I’d sleep outside, but this cold would kill me!”
Liansheng’s wife snorted. First time she’d seen such audacity—turning black into white. She pulled Chunfu aside, scolding, “You’re not alone anymore! Catch a chill, and medicine could harm the baby. Come inside.”
In their home, Chunfu rubbed her hands, sighing. “Just as life improves, trouble knocks. Now *we’re* the villains.”
Liansheng’s wife sat heavily. “Mark my words—she’ll be back. Don’t fight with Jicheng; that’s what she wants. Women like her thrive on chaos.”
Chunfu’s anger simmered. Like men guarding their wives, she loathed rivals. If this escalated—openly fighting for her husband—what peace would remain? She twisted her skirt, icy as the frost outside. “If Jicheng betrays me, I’m done. I won’t waste energy on such filth. Plenty of men would cherish me—maybe I’ll be a rich man’s lady!”
Her outburst, though venting, stung Jicheng. He’d considered letting the women share their bed while he stayed with Liansheng. But hearing Chunfu’s words, he changed his mind. Even if her love for him paled beside his for her, he’d keep her close—especially with other men circling. No stranger would come between them.
He withdrew his hand from the curtain, shutting the door firmly. “Why should families suffer for an outsider? Liansheng, take her to the village head. Let him decide. My wife’s hungry—I’ve cooking to do.”
Liansheng grinned. Jicheng’s protectiveness was clear—swift action prevented disaster. History proved women’s wiles could topple great men. “Let’s go. The village head retires early.”
Under the moonlit path, Meiniang dragged her feet, whimpering. “Brother, I meant no harm! Even if I remarry, I’d choose a single man. Why wreck your home?”
Jicheng shoved her forward. “My wife dislikes strangers. Save your act for the village head’s wife. She’s charitable—she’ll house you.”
Silence fell, broken only by their footsteps. At the village head’s house, the man grumbled upon hearing their tale. “Must you bring trouble? Cover that pretty face next time! Girl, have you no shame? One night only—gone by dawn. Jicheng, next time, handle it yourself!”
Jicheng smiled ruefully. “Won’t happen again. Chunfu’s too kind—that’s the issue. My apologies for disturbing you.”
The village head yawned, instructing his wife, “Find her a corner that won’t freeze her. These brazen women multiply like rats—in my day, they’d be paraded in shame. Hurry up—oil’s wasting.”
Meiniang burned with humiliation. These people saw right through her. At sixteen, in her prime, was it wrong to chase happiness?
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