The snow fell continuously for two days before finally stopping. Chunfu had half a mind to go out and leave a few footprints in it, but Jicheng stopped her, and she herself was a bit afraid. When the sun finally emerged, the sky appeared clear and blue, but the air was bitingly cold. Chunfu had only stood by the door for a short while when a gust of wind seeped through the cracks, making her shiver uncontrollably.
Jicheng had just come out from the inner room with a thick coat and laughed at the sight. “Still want to go out? They say it’s not the snow that’s cold, but the melting snow. I’m really afraid you’ll catch a chill. Listen to me, don’t go out.”
Chunfu took the coat from him and wrapped herself up tightly. “This is the first snow of the year, a rare sight. Later, when it snows more, even if you ask me to go out, I won’t.”
The shadow of the silk tree stretched long on the ground, its branches laden with pristine snow already showing signs of melting. The untouched areas remained pure white, and Chunfu happily pulled Jicheng along, walking back and forth, the crunching sound underfoot inexplicably bringing joy.
Jicheng’s hair fluttered in the wind as he watched her, childlike in her delight, playfully stepping into his footprints one by one. When he wasn’t paying attention, she grabbed a handful of snow and stuffed it down his collar, laughing like silver bells as he shivered from the cold. Her face flushed from play, her lips red but slightly chapped.
Jicheng pulled her back inside. She was sweating, and staying outside any longer might make her catch a cold. He had just poured her a bowl of water when someone called for him from outside the courtyard. Patting Chunfu’s shoulder, he smiled. “Drink your water. I’ll go see who it is.”
It was the village head’s eldest son, a thin man with a dark, square face, beaming as he clapped Jicheng on the arm. “The county magistrate is touring our village and specifically asked to see you. You’ve really made a name for yourself—the magistrate isn’t someone just anyone can meet. Clean yourself up and come out to greet him.”
Chunfu heard everything from inside. When Jicheng returned, she straightened his clothes and cautioned, “Just agree with whatever the magistrate says, right or wrong. No need to make enemies with people like them.”
Jicheng chuckled. “I haven’t lived all these years for nothing. I know better than to pick fights with officials. Don’t worry. Besides, we’ve done nothing wrong. Why would they find fault with us for no reason?”
Outside, the clamor of yamen runners clearing the way grew louder. Jicheng said, “I’ll go out. Stay inside and don’t come out. No need to dirty your eyes with those ruffians.”
Chunfu nodded with a smile as he left. It wasn’t that she was overly cautious, but she knew too well how the weak often suffered at the hands of the powerful, with no justice to be found. She wasn’t one to stubbornly cling to principles or posture as righteous. She just wanted to live her life in peace.
Magistrate Mu Hong arrived with his steward, using official business as a pretext to visit. Knowing the village head would be waiting at the entrance, and wary of drawing attention to Jicheng’s striking resemblance to himself, he bypassed the formalities and went straight to Jicheng’s home.
Jicheng stood straight-backed and head bowed at the courtyard gate, awaiting the magistrate’s arrival. It was his first time meeting an official, and though he tugged his sleeves down to cover his hands, they were already numb from the cold. When the sedan chair stopped before him, a man in luxurious boots stepped out. Jicheng quickly knelt in greeting. He had heard that the magistrate was like a parent to the people, and everyone was expected to bow. Though he believed in bowing only to heaven, earth, and his own parents, now that he had Chunfu and a child, he had to be more cautious. All he asked was that these people not disturb their peaceful life.
“Rise. I’m merely passing through and thought to pay a visit.”
Jicheng stood and straightened up. The moment he lifted his head, the steward behind Mu Hong gasped in shock. Who wouldn’t believe they were brothers? Their faces were nearly identical, yet their fates couldn’t have been more different. The second young master bore the marks of hardship, his demeanor humble and honest, devoid of any noble air. If the old madam saw him, her heart would surely ache.
Jicheng was startled at first by the man who shared his face, but he quickly composed himself. Even if doubts surged in his heart, he cast them aside just as swiftly. Something buried deep within him threatened to surface, something he had long refused to confront. He didn’t want to acknowledge it, so he feigned ignorance. The peace he cherished must not be shattered by anyone. Pretending not to know was the best course.
Mu Hong gazed at his younger brother. As a child, he had feared his brother’s return might steal everything he had, a worry that plagued him until he gradually forgot. Now, no longer a child, he found his brother still absent. Finally seeing him today only deepened his sorrow and helplessness.
“Managing such a large mountain alone—if anything happens, go to the village head. That’s his duty. Are you living well?”
Mu Hong had so much to say, but he feared startling him. Jicheng was sharp. Though clearly surprised earlier, he remained composed and respectful.
“Thank you for your concern, Your Honor. My life is decent—no lack of food or clothing. The village head has been kind, and no one has troubled me about the mountain.”
Jicheng’s polite yet distant words pained Mu Hong. His brother’s true name should have been Mu Leng. Bound by blood yet unable to acknowledge it, he finally said after a pause, “While reviewing documents yesterday, I noticed a couple of flaws in your contract. Once the roads are clearer, come to the yamen to amend them.”
Jicheng’s expression shifted. For some reason, he felt something ominous looming. But for Chunfu and their future, he had no choice but to go.
There was no avoiding it. The magistrate had spoken little of official matters and left soon after. How could Jicheng believe there was nothing more to it?
When Chunfu saw him return troubled, she asked, “What’s wrong? Did the magistrate give you a hard time?”
Jicheng shook his head, forcing a smile. “No, he just asked a few questions. Said there’s an issue with our contract and wants me to go to the yamen in a few days to fix it.”
Chunfu grew restless, biting her lip. “I knew those officials were no good. They can’t let anyone live in peace. When will you go? Take extra silver—grease a few palms so they don’t cause trouble later. Don’t forget the yamen runners either. It’s the little devils that are hardest to deal with.”
Seeing her worry softened Jicheng’s heart. He couldn’t let anyone disrupt their life. If she was this anxious over a small matter, how would she handle greater hardships? He couldn’t bear to see her fret and teased, “If you’d been born a man and taken the exams, you’d have made a fine official.”
Chunfu blinked. “Why?”
“Knowing all the tricks of the trade, how to bribe up and down the chain—the higher-ups would love someone as sharp as you.”
She swatted at him indignantly, then burst out laughing. “I’d never be a corrupt official! Life’s hard enough without stealing from others. I’d rather earn some merit for my next life—maybe be born into a good family and marry you again.”
Jicheng, charmed by her playful smile, pulled her into his arms. “Whatever happens, we’ll face it together. Our little life is all that matters. The rest can wait.”
Despite his turmoil, Jicheng focused on finishing the tasks assigned by Shopkeeper Jin before heading to town. He preferred to tackle problems with a clear mind, ready to think on his feet if needed.
Zhou Jing and Liansheng were happy to work with Jicheng. Laughing and chatting, they made quick work of the mountain-like pile of grain sacks.
Shopkeeper Jin watched the young men from his window, nodding approvingly. His daughter, Jin Liuer, returning from the neighboring shop, scolded him for leaving the window open in the cold and stormed off to the backyard.
The old man chuckled. “Getting old—now it’s her lecturing me.”
Later, he pulled Jicheng aside. “That Zhou Jing—sharp mind, silver tongue. Perfect for my Liuer. Put in a good word for me, eh? If it works out, there’s a fat red packet in it for you.”
Jicheng nearly laughed. The shopkeeper was desperate. Zhou Jing had hovered around before without comment, and now this? He sighed. “Bad timing—he’s already smitten with Shopkeeper An’s daughter.” Sensing Jin’s ulterior motive, he added, “Forcing it won’t help. Don’t get stuck on this.”
Jin snorted. “Makes me like him more. I know what sort An is. Warn the boy not to be fooled. A reliable father-in-law is what he needs—mark my words.”
Once Jin set his sights on someone, he wouldn’t let go. If Jicheng wouldn’t help, he’d approach Zhou Jing himself. He’d seen the lad before but never considered him as a son-in-law. Now that he had, he’d start by making a good impression.
Zhou Jing, stiff from days of idleness, was rubbing his sore shoulders when he turned to find Shopkeeper Jin smiling at him oddly.
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