Not long after, people from the capital arrived. At that time, the child was fast asleep, and Chunfu was helping Jicheng pack the salted fish. The restaurant had been sending people to urge them for a long time, and only today did they finally have the time. This year’s dried goods were more abundant than in previous years, and their quality was excellent, so selling them wouldn’t be a problem.
“I’ve placed the gifts for Shopkeeper Jin and Yuning on top. You should deliver those to them first. There’s no rush to bring the silver ear fungus. Just deliver these and hurry back home.” Chunfu fetched a fur hat from inside the house, straightened Jicheng’s collar, and made sure he was bundled up tightly before looking up at him. Her rosy cheeks were full of smiles, like a freshly ripened fruit. Jicheng kissed her on the cheek and said, “I’ll make the deliveries as quickly as possible. Wait for me to come back so we can have lunch together. I’d love to eat the sour and spicy fish you make. The fish I caught yesterday is already cleaned and waiting in the basin out back.”
Chunfu stood at the door, watching as he loaded several baskets of goods onto the cart. He waved at her before driving the donkey cart away. The smile on her lips lingered as she turned to steam some eggs. Niannian was already able to eat soft foods like this. She didn’t know whom the child took after, but her appetite was excellent, and she slept soundly. Whenever she woke up, she would smile at the two of them, rarely fussing, always well-behaved. Since giving birth, Chunfu had been exhausted, often sleeping so deeply at night that she couldn’t tend to the child. Jicheng, however, remained vigilant every night, careful not to crush the baby and always changing her diapers with practiced ease.
Just as she had added water to the pot and covered it with a lid, she heard A’bao barking. Looking over, she saw a group of servants surrounding none other than Madam Mu, dressed elegantly and appropriately, though her expression was as cold as the weather. Chunfu chuckled inwardly—this lady was surely here to demand answers. She straightened her clothes, wearing a faint smile as she addressed the woman striding through the door: “The child is asleep. Please be gentle so as not to disturb her.”
Madam Mu’s displeasure was evident. She had always looked down on Chunfu’s humble origins, and upon learning that her son had refused to return home because of her, neglecting family matters to live a poor, rustic life with a peasant girl, she found it utterly unacceptable. Having finally dealt with her own affairs, she had rushed over. Jicheng was her own flesh and blood, and she had every right to ensure he reclaimed his rightful place among the elite. She couldn’t let him waste away in such a place. This time, she was determined to set him straight.
Entering the room and seeing the rosy-cheeked baby on the kang, her anger dissipated instantly. Her face lit up with joy as she said, “She’s so beautiful! Her eyes, nose, and mouth all look just like Erlang’s. It’s fine that the first child is a girl—our family could use a young lady. Sons will inherit the family business eventually. Once Erlang settles down in the capital, we can discuss it further.”
Since discerning Madam Mu’s intentions, Chunfu had maintained a polite but distant demeanor. She respected the woman as Jicheng’s birth mother, but that didn’t mean she would tolerate her condescension and veiled insults. She brought in a bowl of water. Even though their lives had improved, neither she nor Jicheng had developed a taste for tea. Their days were like this bowl of plain water—clear and simple, seemingly bland but profoundly sweet. Those accustomed to richer flavors might never understand the happiness found in such simplicity.
“No need. I’ve already had some on the carriage. You go about your business. I’ll spend time with my granddaughter.”
Madam Mu adored her only granddaughter. While Chunfu was out, she took out an exquisite jade pendant from her sleeve and fastened it around the baby’s neck. Gazing at the child’s fair, chubby face and tiny hands, she smiled warmly. “You take after your father, don’t you? From now on, I’ll call you Nianjie. You’re the Mu family’s first grandchild, born into a life of sweetness where everyone will adore you. When we go to the capital, Grandmother will give you all sorts of rare treasures—only the best. We won’t bother with these rustic things.”
Chunfu went to the cellar to fetch some carrots and potatoes, their surfaces still covered in a layer of frost, chilling her hands. A maid offered to help, but she shook her head. Preparing food for her family with her own hands brought her joy. After washing and peeling the vegetables, she cut the carrots into thick strips to use later in the fish dish. She sliced the potatoes thinly, mixed them with flour and seasoning, shaped them into small balls, and placed them in the steamer alongside the buns. She would stir-fry the other dishes once Jicheng returned.
With some free time, Chunfu returned to the inner room, sitting by the wall to sew small toys for her daughter. Thankfully, she had learned some needlework in the past, which now came in handy. She shaped the fabric, stuffed it, and soon had something resembling a toy. When she noticed the pendant around her daughter’s neck, she said nothing, but for the first time, she felt the stark divide between people—inescapable and overwhelming.
“Erlang staying here indefinitely isn’t a solution. There are many matters in the capital awaiting his attention. I’m getting old and frail, falling ill two or three times in just a few months. I’d like some peace in my remaining years. This time, I’ll take him back with me. The journey would be too harsh for you and the child, so we’ll fetch you once the weather warms. Does that sound acceptable?” Madam Mu frowned, feigning reluctance.
Chunfu lowered her head and replied softly, “Major family decisions have always been my husband’s to make. I defer to him. You should discuss this with him directly. I’m just a simple woman who knows only household chores. I can’t make decisions on complex matters.”
Madam Mu’s dislike for her deepened. Not only was she unsophisticated, but she also lacked basic manners. Speaking to her so kindly was merely a way to remind her that a man’s duty lay in important matters, and as a wife, she should let him focus on his responsibilities rather than cling to him and live a mediocre life. To think she was this foolish! Madam Mu lost interest in further conversation and focused on her granddaughter, willing her to wake up so she could dote on her more.
Jicheng hurried back after two hours. As soon as he entered the courtyard and saw the carriage, his smile faded slightly. Inside, he greeted his mother warmly. “You’ve come. Traveling in such cold weather must have been hard. When the weather improves, I’ll bring Chunfu and the child to visit you.”
Madam Mu sighed at her son’s attire. “Who knows how long I’d have to wait for that visit? Look at your face—it’s freezing! Why aren’t you wearing warmer clothes? The ones I sent you would’ve kept you cozy.”
Jicheng remained in the outer room, careful not to let the cold affect the baby. “Those clothes are too fine. They’d get in the way of my work. I’ve always been sturdy—it’s no trouble.”
Little Jinian squirmed under the blanket, kicking her tiny feet before opening her round, bright eyes and looking around adorably. When her gaze landed on Jicheng, she grinned, melting the hearts of the adults. Madam Mu reached out to hold her, but the moment she touched the baby, Jinian burst into tears, leaving her flustered. “Oh, sweetheart, I’m your grandmother! I only want to love you. Don’t cry!”
Chunfu took the child into her arms, soothing her by rubbing her back. Jicheng chuckled. “She’s shy around strangers. I’ll wash up and watch her. Chunfu’s making sour and spicy fish today—you should try it.”
After removing his outer layers, Jicheng washed his hands with warm water outside before carefully cradling his daughter, her small body soft and fragrant with milk. His handsome face softened with tenderness. Chunfu watched them with a smile before stepping out to cook.
Once she was gone, Madam Mu turned serious. “It’s time you came back with me. What’s so hard to let go of in this life? I’m getting old, and your brother is an official with no time for family matters. I can only rely on you now. Come home with me? The New Year is approaching, and it’s when all the shops report their accounts. You should familiarize yourself with them to avoid chaos later.”
Jicheng sighed, holding his daughter’s tiny hand. “The journey would be too rough for them in this cold. If anything happened, it’d be unbearable. The baby’s still so small… Did you bring this for her? It’s far too precious for a child.”
Madam Mu waved dismissively. “Nothing is too precious for my granddaughter. This is what a grandmother should give. I understand your dilemma, but have some pity for your mother. For over twenty years, I searched for you while managing the household. After your father passed, I took over the Mu family business, working tirelessly all these years. My health can’t take it anymore. If she’s foolish, must you be too? The capital has everything—why insist on staying here? The maids I brought are skilled and trustworthy, excellent at cooking and childcare. They can stay and look after them, so you needn’t worry.”
Jicheng adjusted his hold on Jinian, his legs numb but unwilling to discomfort her. Firmly, he said, “Even if it breaks your heart, I won’t let them suffer. Whether in good times or bad, our family of three has been happy. As long as our hearts are together, nothing frightens us. Chunfu stood by me during my hardest days, enduring hardships for me. I can’t abandon her. For better or worse, we’re bound for life.”
Madam Mu’s eyes reddened with sorrow. “So you can abandon me instead? I carried you for ten months, risking my life to bring you and your brother into this world. Doesn’t that count for anything? I’ve yearned for you all these years. You can’t fathom the pain of hoping for something that never came. How I regret not protecting you better back then—none of this would’ve happened, and you wouldn’t treat me like a stranger.”
Outside, Chunfu heated oil and added spices. The moment the fish hit the pan, its aroma filled the air, drawing even the maids’ attention. Chunfu disliked having outsiders in her home. Though she knew they would find their own meals, it still felt awkward. At first, she considered cooking for them, but then she remembered they were paid to serve Madam Mu, not her, so she abandoned the thought.
The voices from the inner room reached her ears clearly. She shook her head—this situation was indeed complicated. It all depended on Jicheng’s decision. If he chose to leave them behind, she would endure the pain for his sake, because he was Jicheng, and she wanted to honor his filial duty. Her face tightened briefly before relaxing when she heard his later words. Like Madam Mu, all she wanted was his heart. Yet their relationship had grown increasingly adversarial. She sighed—Madam Mu must despise her even more now.
After finishing the sour and spicy fish, she stir-fried a vegetable dish. Pretending she hadn’t heard anything, she set the small wooden table, served the food, and urged Jicheng to eat first while she fed Jinian spoonfuls of steamed egg. The baby’s tiny mouth opened wide, and Chunfu felt all her patience in life had been reserved for this child. Only after feeding and settling her did she sit down to eat.
Jicheng glanced at his wife and daughter frequently, his smile widening. In his good mood, he ate two extra buns. Chunfu, still breastfeeding, kept her meals light—a bun, some greens, and a bowl of porridge sufficed. The fish soup from the past few days had become too much, and she had begged Jicheng for a break.
After the meal, Jicheng cleaned up under his mother’s disapproving gaze. He played with the baby until she grew drowsy, then said solemnly, “Mother, I’d like to wait until Jinian is older before leaving Dongpo Village. I can’t bear to leave them behind. The move to the capital can wait.”
Madam Mu grew agitated. “Why must you be so stubborn? The servants I left are trustworthy—they won’t mistreat them. A man should prioritize his responsibilities. What kind of future is there in clinging to domestic trivialities? You’re young—you should broaden your horizons. What can you achieve farming for a lifetime? Listen to me—I only want what’s best for you.”
Chunfu found some truth in her words. Ambitious men ought to explore the world. Still, she had never pressured Jicheng to seek greatness—their peaceful life together was enough. This decision was his to make. She lowered her head, stroking her daughter’s plump earlobe, her demeanor serene as if detached from the matter.
Jicheng’s frown remained. “I’ve no great ambitions. A peaceful, happy life is all I want. If not for the children’s future, I wouldn’t even consider reconnecting with the Mu family. I grew up here, accustomed to farming and simple meals. The business affairs you speak of aren’t my forte. I’m clumsy—I’d only cause you trouble.”
Madam Mu’s face fell with disappointment and sorrow. She laughed bitterly. “So these are your true feelings. I’ve been too pushy, forcing you into a corner. I never meant to upset you. Fine, I won’t pressure you anymore. There’s still time—you can learn gradually. I have matters at the shops to attend to, so I’ll take my leave. If you find time, do visit me. My old bones can’t endure such long journeys much longer.”
She seemed drained, her spirit wilted. Though it pained him, Jicheng steeled himself and saw her out. Chunfu made to rise, but he stopped her. Staring at the sunlight on the wall, she spoke when he returned: “Don’t hold back on our account. Do what you must. Niannian and I aren’t burdens—don’t weigh yourself down for us.”
Jicheng walked over, rubbing his hands warm before embracing her. Resting his forehead against hers, he sighed. “Don’t say such things. I’ve never seen you as burdens. You’re the greatest blessing of my life. I’ve always known it’s me who relies on you. Others’ opinions mean nothing to me—I’m content with our life. I just pity her. After waiting so long, she’s pinned all her hopes on me, believing that handing me the Mu family’s wealth can make up for the past. I was too harsh today. I hurt her.”
Now a mother herself, Chunfu understood Madam Mu’s feelings better. Her love for Jicheng ran deep, yet she didn’t know how to express it. She wanted to give him the world—likely including a more suitable wife. The thought of being replaced crossed Chunfu’s mind, but she suppressed it. Even if it was inevitable, she wouldn’t hasten the rift.
“I don’t want us to part, nor do I want our child to grow up without her father. But I won’t stop you from fulfilling your duties as a son. If you wish to go, I won’t stand in your way. Besides, having servants wait on me sounds like the life of a wealthy lady, doesn’t it?”
Jicheng chuckled, his gloom lifting. “We’ll all go once the weather warms. For now, let’s nap with the baby. She wet the bed several times last night—I barely slept.”
Chunfu glanced at their daughter, making space. The two nestled on either side of the child, a picture of warmth and happiness.
Upon returning to the county office, Madam Mu sighed at her eldest son, Mu Hong, who was sipping tea. “Stubborn as your grandfather. Anyone else would’ve jumped at the opportunity, yet he remains unfazed. Even as an idle young master, wouldn’t that be better than toiling on farmland? Seeing him dressed like that infuriates me—how can a Mu child endure such hardship?”
Mu Hong took a slow sip. “If he weren’t like this, he wouldn’t be a Mu. You’re too impatient, Mother. People need breathing room. Forcing him will backfire. Give it time.”
Madam Mu sighed. “What else can I do? If you have time, send people to check on him. Truthfully, the fact that he’s built such a thriving life in that place speaks to his capability—much like Father. If you hadn’t pursued that useless scholarly path, I wouldn’t be burdened with family affairs at my age. Look at the Wang family nearby—they’re already holding their second grandchild. When will you two let me rest easy?”
Mu Hong laughed awkwardly, nodding. Whenever things didn’t go her way, his mother blamed his past recklessness. Changing the subject, he said seriously, “You should abandon any thoughts of interfering with his marriage. You’ll only drive away the brother we just got back. As the saying goes, ‘A man should not cast aside his wife who shared his hardships.’ It’s unjust to Chunfu, an innocent girl, to discard her over status. It would tarnish the Mu name.”
Madam Mu brushed him off. “She’s just a peasant girl with no vision—hardly worthy of our family. One way or another, she won’t remain in the Mu household. If she’s sensible, I’ll compensate her generously for bearing our heir. Otherwise, don’t blame me for playing hardball.”
Mu Hong said no more. His mother was entrenched in her views—no amount of reasoning would sway her. They would have to take things one step at a time. Deep down, he feared her meddling would cost them his brother’s affection.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage