Chapter 90:

Jicheng was not a heartless man. A woman who had longed for a son for twenty years without giving up—he respected his mother’s persistence and hardships, which was why he didn’t want to say anything too harsh to upset her. However, his mother’s indifference toward Chunfu made his heart tighten, and his eyes instantly turned icy cold.

“Chunfu is my lawfully wedded wife. I was already uneasy leaving her alone at home—how could you treat her so carelessly? In two days, it will be Father’s birthday. Eldest Brother is also returning to Changfeng County, and I wish to go back with him.”

Madam Mu was instantly flustered. She hastily grabbed Jicheng’s hand and choked back tears. “You’ve only just returned. Is it so wrong for me, as a selfish mother, to want to keep you a little longer? I’m not mistreating her. The servants are diligent and well-behaved. She must be used to farm work, and having people wait on her must be a joy for her. Please stay at ease. I’m old and don’t have the energy to take you around the capital, but Xiaoxiao, that wild girl, knows all the fun places. Let her show you around.”

Jicheng looked into her aged eyes, filled with pleading and desperate hope, but he could no longer soften his heart. “The capital is much colder than Changfeng County. I don’t want to go out, and it’s improper for me to be alone with Miss Tang, who is still unmarried. My heart is only with my pregnant wife. I hope you can understand my feelings as a husband and a father.”

Madam Mu was startled by the sudden distance in Jicheng’s tone. She had thought she could sway her son’s decisions, but she had overestimated herself. The estrangement of over twenty years wouldn’t vanish overnight—she had been too hasty. Quickly composing herself, she wiped her tears. “I just can’t bear to let you leave my side. But I know if I force you to stay, you’ll resent me and never return. So I won’t stop you. I only hope you’ll come back with your elder brother for the New Year, so our family can celebrate together.”

Jicheng’s heart ached as well. He nodded with a faint smile. In the following days, aside from accompanying his mother to admire the winter scenery, he spent most of his time lost in thought in his room. He laughed at himself—born with the fate of a poor man, surrounded by elegant luxuries yet unable to appreciate them. Illiterate, he couldn’t read books. Unskilled in chess, he was left out. The finest Biluochun tea wafted its fragrance beside him, but he couldn’t acquire a taste for it—truly a waste.

In just a few days, he felt more exhausted than from the long journey. Leaning back, he soon fell into a deep sleep. Mingkan entered from outside and, seeing his master resting, withdrew to inform the estate stewards who had come to pay their respects. “Gentlemen, you’ve come at an unfortunate time. The Second Master is resting now. Please wait in the side hall and have some tea.”

Madam Mu had sent word to them, so they dared not neglect the Second Master. Lost and now found, he was even more cherished. It seemed Madam Mu intended to leave everything to him—would the Eldest Master accept that?

As the stewards anxiously waited in the side hall, Madam Mu sent Lüfu to summon her elder son. Mother and son sat together for a heart-to-heart. Muhong could guess what was on her mind but remained silent, listening quietly.

“With your brother’s return, I’ve neglected you somewhat. You don’t resent me, do you?”

“Brother has suffered so much outside. The burden on your heart has finally eased—I don’t blame you, Mother. I’ve received far more than he has.”

“I’m comforted by your understanding. Today, I want to discuss our family’s affairs. You’re an official outside and can’t manage the household. I’m old and feel increasingly powerless. You must also be unwilling to remain a mere county magistrate—there will be many expenses in the future. If Second Son were a wastrel, I would never consider entrusting the family estate to him. But you’ve seen his honest nature—he’s not one to act recklessly. When you have time, guide him and ensure the Mu family’s legacy remains secure. What do you think?”

Muhong had never been fond of financial matters, so his mother’s emotional explanation meant little to him. He replied at once, “I’ll follow your wishes, Mother.”

Madam Mu’s smile deepened, and her mood lightened. People always said the elder son was thoughtful while the younger was unruly—she hadn’t believed it before, but now it seemed true. Who could blame her for favoring the son she had wronged? The elder had grown up by her side, lacking nothing. A little grievance now was worth it.

Jicheng slept until sunset before waking. Hearing that the stewards had waited all this time, his heart was a tangle of emotions. He didn’t want to be tied down by capital affairs, but neither could he continue ignoring them. Reluctantly, he went out to exchange pleasantries. Lüfu came to announce that Madam Mu had prepared a banquet for the stewards in the front hall. The crowded room soon emptied, and Jicheng sighed.

“Madam has instructed that the Second Master should rest if he’s tired. She hasn’t met with the stewards in a while and needs to remind them of their duties before you take over. Mingkan, come with me—there are things you should note for the Second Master.”

Jicheng nodded at Mingkan, who then followed Lüfu out. Servants had already prepared the meal. Sitting down, Jicheng stared at the exquisite dishes and laughed at himself. He felt like he was walking a path not of his own choosing—uncomfortable, unfamiliar, with no one to confide in. For the first time, he longed to escape, missing the freedom he had with Chunfu.

Two days felt unbearably long. Only when the carriage began moving back did Jicheng finally relax. The past month had been like a dream.

Muhong smiled beside him. “Mother must have pressured you too much. Still not used to it?”

Jicheng smiled sheepishly. “After decades of living freely, all these rules leave me at a loss. Forgive my clumsiness, Eldest Brother.”

Muhong didn’t point out Jicheng’s hidden resentment and reluctance. Instead, he spoke of how their ancestors had struggled to carve out a place in the competitive capital. The awkward atmosphere in the carriage soon dissipated.

“Don’t force yourself too much. As long as you do your best, you won’t regret it. Mother poured all the love she’s held back over the years onto you—it must have been overwhelming. She’s not unreasonable, just overjoyed and unsure how to treat you. She means no harm, so don’t resent or distance yourself from her.”

Jicheng found Muhong to be a patient man. Along the way, he received much care. Perhaps it was their brotherly bond—their relationship had grown much closer. Muhong taught him simple, memorable characters, and Jicheng discovered he had a knack for remembering them. The journey passed without boredom.

Meanwhile, Chunfu had been feeling unwell lately, nauseated by the smell of grease. Jinjuan, holding a spatula in panic, rushed to fetch Liansheng’s wife for a look.

Though miserable, Chunfu’s mind was clear. She wanted to tease Jinjuan but couldn’t muster the energy. Liansheng’s wife patted Jinjuan’s tense shoulder and laughed. “Still such a silly girl. You’ll understand when you’re pregnant—this is normal, nothing to fuss over. Chunfu, your little one is quite the troublemaker, making you suffer so early.” She handed Chunfu a bowl of water to rinse her mouth.

Chunfu recovered slightly, her nose red and eyes misty. “This little devil won’t give me peace. I’ll deal with him when he’s out. For now, I can’t stand greasy smells, yet Jinjuan insists on cooking rich dishes to nourish me.”

Jinjuan blushed. Seeing Chunfu as a mother stirred something in her. Zhao Yun and she were both good-looking—their child would surely be the same. She wondered if Chunfu’s baby was a boy or girl. They were so close—she’d love to arrange a match, but feared others would accuse her of eyeing Jicheng’s wealth. If Chunfu moved away, distance would complicate things. Better not risk their friendship over a joke.

“Go rest inside. I’ll make you some fish soup—light food is best now.”

Liansheng’s wife was busy cooking. With Jicheng away, Liansheng had gone alone to gather herbs and, by luck, found many valuable ones—enough to fetch a good sum.

Leaning against the wall, Chunfu felt better and soon grew drowsy. She was nearly asleep when Zhang Tong’s voice startled her awake. Since her visit to her sister-in-law’s with Jicheng, the boy had visited more often, sweet-talking his way into Chunfu’s favor. Sometimes he brought little handmade trinkets—just a harmless child, so Chunfu indulged him.

Once, however, Zhang Tong had arrived pale-faced, his large eyes brimming with nervousness. “Auntie, I used to be foolish and did many wrong things. Do you dislike me? I know better now—I won’t make those mistakes again. I miss my elder brother too. Back then, I feared Father and Mother would favor him, so I… Auntie, I study now and understand principles. My past actions were unworthy, the deeds of a petty person. They say correcting mistakes is a great virtue—I’ve changed. You won’t hold it against me, will you?”

Jinjuan brought in the prepared dishes and laughed. “Why use such fancy words with illiterates like us? Did your parents send you?”

Zhang Tong shook his head, lowering his eyes. “No, I came myself. I once lied about you, yet you still patted my head and encouraged me to study. It made me feel awful—I want you to care for me too. Today, my teacher praised my handwriting. I wanted to show you and make you happy. It’s late—I should go do my homework.”

Chunfu smiled and ruffled his hair. “Knowing right from wrong is enough. As a scholar, don’t adopt the villagers’ narrow ways. Broaden your horizons, master your studies—you might even earn an official rank someday. Don’t rush off. The food’s ready—stay and eat with me.”

Zhang Tong’s eyes warmed. Despite his past misdeeds, his aunt could still smile at him—no wonder his brother liked her so much. Small for his age, his legs dangled from the kang. He hopped down, shaking his head. “No, Mother’s already cooked. I’ll head back.”

Chunfu didn’t press him. Though pleased by his change, she still felt closer to Zhang Yan. Looking at the neatly written characters—each stroke deliberate—she saw genuine talent.

Jinjuan set the table. “I thought you disliked this nephew. Why’s he suddenly clinging to you? He’s visited several times since I’ve been here.”

Chunfu carefully folded the paper. “I did dislike him before—thought him too cunning for his age. But back then, I was hot-tempered, taking out my frustrations with my brother and sister-in-law on him. Now, with a calmer mind, I can be more forgiving. He’s just a child—if he’s on the right path, there’s hope. As a mother-to-be, I hope others will show my child the same patience, guiding them back if they stray. A child’s nature can’t be judged by one incident—that was my mistake before.”

Jinjuan ladled fish soup for her. “If all adults had your wisdom, the world would be free of wickedness. But you’re right. I’ll teach my children the same—a son who’s responsible and dignified, a daughter who’s gentle and charming. Then I won’t worry about finding them spouses and can live easy.”

Chunfu chuckled. “Get pregnant first. Shouldn’t Zhao Yun be back from town by now? It’s been so long—don’t neglect him on my account. I don’t want his resentment.”

Jinjuan glared. “I slave here as your maid, and you mock me? I’ll leave tomorrow and use what I’ve learned to serve my own man.”

Chunfu laughed. “Shameless! Go on, then. Have a baby soon so we can be mothers together.”

The next morning, Jinjuan made breakfast before hurrying home. Chunfu understood her eagerness—young couples in love, long apart—and teased her before letting her go. With one less person, the house felt empty. Sitting cross-legged on the kang, Chunfu sipped egg soup slowly, her smile fading as she stared blankly at a corner. When would Jicheng return? It had been over twenty days—he must be setting off soon.

A noise outside, yet Ah Bao didn’t bark. Her fine brows arched as she rose to investigate. One foot touched the ground when she froze at the sight of the man entering.

Was this really Jicheng? Though travel-worn, his wealthy young master’s attire transformed him. His striking looks, unmatched in the villages, now made it impossible to believe he had ever tilled fields.

Jicheng blushed under her fervent and joyful gaze. He clenched his fist, coughed lightly, and said, “Don’t recognize me anymore? Or have I changed?”

Chunfu spread her arms wide, waiting for him to step closer before wrapping him in a tight embrace, savoring his familiar scent. His ears tinged pink as he awkwardly murmured, “I’ve been rushing the whole journey and must be filthy. Let me wash up and change first, then you can do whatever you want with me.”

Chunfu’s cheeks flushed at his bold words. Hearing the commotion outside, she asked curiously, “What’s going on out there?”

Jicheng removed his outer robe and glanced back at her. “The steward prepared it before I left—definitely my mother’s doing. There’s a whole chest of things for your pregnancy. I made sure to ask about it. Later, I’ll brew you some tonic.”

Chunfu waved her hands dismissively. “I’m not hungry now. I haven’t even finished the egg soup Jinjuan made for me. Let me rest a bit first.”

The servants outside, hearing their master’s request for wash water, swiftly prepared it. Jicheng, now accustomed to being waited on, accepted their service without hesitation. Chunfu clicked her tongue and teased, “Look at you, acting like a proper young master now. Will I even be able to boss you around anymore?”

Jicheng glanced at the attendants and laughed heartily. “Don’t talk nonsense. I’ll be at your beck and call for the rest of my life. But I don’t need you all here—you may leave.” Once they were gone, he stripped off his clothes and began washing, chatting with Chunfu about his time in the capital. When he mentioned his mother’s wish for him to take over the Mu family business, he sighed. “I’ve no interest in those messy affairs, but she has high hopes for me. She even wants Mingkan to follow me, but that boy’s been raised too delicately. It’s better he doesn’t suffer with me, especially if I never return. I wouldn’t want to ruin his future.”

Chunfu couldn’t help but laugh. “Lately, the whole village has been gossiping about how I’m about to become a wealthy lady, drowning in riches. Turns out it’s true after all.”

Despite his efficiency, the cold water left Jicheng shivering. Only after changing into his usual clothes did he feel like himself again. He sighed. “That grand house suffocated me—no joy, just pressure. If you’d been there, it might’ve been bearable. But if I don’t go back, my mother will be heartbroken. Maybe it’d have been better if she’d never found me.”

Chunfu beckoned him over. Taking a dry cloth, she gently toweled his hair and said softly, “Filial piety isn’t wrong. She’s had it hard too. If you can oblige her, do so. If not, it’s fine. From now on, I’ll always be by your side. Share your burdens with me—we’ll face them together. I’m sure she just wants to see you happy. That might ease her regrets.”

It was then that Jicheng noticed a quality in Chunfu he’d overlooked before. Despite knowing his mother disliked her, she’d never once complained or spoken ill of her. Now, she even defended her. How fortunate he was to have her.

Unable to resist, he pulled her into his arms and chuckled. “Chunfu, have you ever imagined living as a wealthy lady? With servants at your command, lavish feasts every meal, indulging in refined pastimes—would you like that?”

She lifted her head from his chest. “If I said yes, would you give it to me?”

Jicheng captured her lips in a searing kiss, murmuring, “Mm. Anything you want.” But what began as tender soon turned fierce, as if he wanted to devour her whole, stealing every breath from her lungs.

When they finally parted, both were gasping. His eyes gleamed with unquenched desire.

“I’ll follow you wherever you go, no matter what you decide. But if I had to choose, I’d say this carefree life is best. Just full bellies, warm clothes, and no burdensome rules. Isn’t our life now wonderful?”

Noticing her bare feet on the cold floor, Jicheng scooped her up and carried her to the bed, grinning. “Of course it is. These are the happiest days of my life. Neither of us wants to be trapped in that world. When New Year comes, we’ll pay our respects and then return home. I’m sorry you endured so much in silence. I was a fool not to notice sooner.”

Chunfu’s eyes widened in surprise before she laughed. “It’s fine. I didn’t let it bother me, so why trouble you? Have you ever seen good relations between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law in this village? It’s nothing new. Besides, she only wants what’s best for you. You’re a proper gentleman now, and I’m hardly a match.”

Jicheng scoffed. “Nonsense. Back when people thought even speaking to me brought bad luck, you still married me. Did anyone say I wasn’t good enough for you? Don’t ever say such things again. You’re precious to me—that’s all that matters. I respect and pity my mother, but I’m no mindless puppet. With me here, you’ve nothing to fear.”

Chunfu smiled at him, her lovely face blooming like a spring peach, radiant and serene. No matter what hardships or provocations came later, she endured them quietly. Even with her modern sensibilities, she was just an ordinary woman who wanted to cherish her man and live peacefully.

But when her mother-in-law’s relentless hostility finally exhausted her patience, before she could even react, Jicheng had already stood up for her—his awkwardly positioned wife. With a man like him guarding her so fiercely, what more could she ask for?

Jicheng, ever restless, finished the heavy chores at home and headed into the mountains with Liansheng the next day. Chunfu, after sewing tiny baby clothes, picked out fabric from the chest to make him a new robe. The Mu family had spared no expense—fine silks, delicacies, medicinal herbs, and even a chest of elegant jewelry. She shook her head. Lady Mu might despise her, but she doted on her son to the core.

Yet their peace was short-lived. An unwelcome guest arrived—one who refused to leave no matter what. It was the widow Meiniang, who’d once slunk away in shame. Chunfu and Jicheng had assumed she’d given up, but they’d underestimated her.

The woman had moved into her late husband’s long-abandoned cottage in East Slope Village. Smiling sweetly, she greeted them: “We’re neighbors now, and I don’t know anyone here. I’ll be visiting often.”

Chunfu yanked Jicheng’s sleeve, her dark eyes flashing with icy fury. Through gritted teeth, she spat, “That shameless hussy.”

Jicheng had meant to reassure her—just ignore her, chase her off if she comes—but her outburst amused him. Grinning, he teased, “My wife treasures me so much, I wouldn’t dare entertain any other thoughts. Heaven and earth bear witness.”