The two locked the door and left the courtyard. In the distance, the clouds on the horizon were bathed in sunlight, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene.
Third Uncle was sitting on a rock at the village entrance, smoking his pipe. Three men who worked in town were dozing under a large locust tree. When they saw Jicheng bringing Chunfu along, they squinted and grinned, “Heading to town?”
It was a bit chilly at the moment. Jicheng pulled Chunfu closer to his side and nodded. “Yeah. When are you setting off, Third Uncle?”
Third Uncle stood up, patted his backside, and knocked the ashes from his pipe before declaring cheerfully, “Leaving now. No point waiting.”
Jicheng helped Chunfu onto the carriage and climbed in after her, keeping a distance from the other men. He shielded her from the cold wind, enveloping her in his warmth, and whispered in her ear, “Sleep a little longer. I’ll wake you when we arrive.”
The jingling of the bell around the horse’s neck and the rhythmic clatter of hooves echoed along the quiet road. Chunfu couldn’t sleep. Resting against Jicheng’s sturdy chest, she stared wide-eyed at the listless trees lining the path. The rain from three days ago had done little to quench their long thirst, and the wheels of the carriage kicked up clouds of yellow dust as they rolled by.
The journey was dull and monotonous, with nothing particularly striking to see. Most of the time, they jolted along the bumpy, uneven road. Chunfu hadn’t eaten anything and felt dizzy and nauseous.
Jicheng was busy answering Third Uncle’s questions and didn’t notice her discomfort. His deep, clear voice vibrated through his chest, further unsettling Chunfu’s already troubled mind. Irritated, she reached up and covered his mouth without thinking.
Third Uncle happened to turn around just then and burst into laughter. “The lass thinks you’re too noisy! Alright, we’ll talk another day. I’ll wait for you a bit longer today, but if we don’t reach Bai Ji Tavern before dark, I’m heading back without you.”
Jicheng chuckled and wrapped her hand in his palm, soothing her. “Fine, I won’t disturb you anymore.”
Even by carriage, it took half an hour to reach town. The streets were lined with taverns, bustling with people. Hawkers shouted their wares, and street performers—especially a limber child contortionist—worked hard for coins. Chunfu only glanced at the act before tugging Jicheng away. Though it was a living earned by skill, she couldn’t bear to think of the suffering behind the applause.
Jicheng let her lead him until they passed Shopkeeper Jin’s store, where he gently guided her inside. Shopkeeper Jin was still at his desk, tallying accounts. He looked up and smiled when he saw them. “This young lady suits you well. The others are running late—might be another hour before they arrive. Why don’t you take her around for a bit?”
Jicheng thought it over and agreed. No sense wasting time here and rushing later. Chunfu must be hungry by now. Just as they were about to leave, Shopkeeper Jin called him over and asked in a hushed, mischievous tone, “Did you take a look at that thing? Quite interesting, wasn’t it?”
Jicheng’s expression darkened. “I appreciate the thought, Shopkeeper Jin, but that filth is hardly suitable. What if a child at home stumbled upon it? It’d be disgraceful.”
Shopkeeper Jin chuckled knowingly. “Fine, fine. My good intentions backfired. Go on, then. There’s a lot of stock today—don’t miss the return trip. You might endure it, but your delicate lady might not. I’ll have my daughter keep her company later so you can work in peace.”
Jicheng’s mood lightened slightly, and he nodded before leading Chunfu out. Her lips curved in a soft smile, her skin glowing with youth. She followed him obediently, the picture of a gentle, lovely girl.
Not far away was a steamed bun stall, where plump buns peeked through the rising steam. Chunfu had been craving them all morning. Jicheng had wanted to treat her to noodles with gravy and an egg, but she refused. He gave in, affectionately stroking the bun she’d tied her hair into. He’d gotten better at it these past few days—not as neat as other women’s, but at least it didn’t look messy.
“You could’ve waited to buy buns on the way back. It’s rare we come to town—why skimp now?”
Though he scolded lightly, his heart ached for her. Chunfu worried that since Jicheng was the sole breadwinner, splurging now might leave them short if an emergency arose.
These days, even buying a bun required careful thought. Business was slow for the stall owner, who hadn’t sold a single one since opening. He sat blankly on a bench outside until spotting customers, then hurried over. “Our buns are big, thin-skinned, and stuffed full! Veggie ones for two coins, meat for three.”
Jicheng bought Chunfu a meat bun and a few veggie ones, fishing coins from his inner pocket.
She took a bite, savoring the soft, chewy dough and savory filling. The rich flavor spread in her mouth, and her lips glistened with oil. Jicheng handed her a handkerchief, but instead of wiping, she tilted her head. “Why is that man just standing there?”
Following her gaze, Jicheng saw a ragged, gaunt man frozen awkwardly, watching passersby with trembling lips but saying nothing.
The stall owner glanced over and muttered, “Claims he’s a merchant from Yicheng up north, got separated from his servants. Even says he’s a young master of the Pei family—promises hefty rewards once his people come. Ridiculous! Everyone knows the Peis are rolling in wealth. If he were really one of them, he’d have an entourage. Probably a scammer.”
Chunfu studied the man. Though his clothes were tattered, an air of refinement clung to him. He pressed a hand to his stomach, clearly starving, yet refused to beg. If he wouldn’t even speak, how could anyone believe him? What caught her eye was the family seal-like pendant hidden under his collar—easy to miss unless you looked closely.
Amused by his pride even in desperation, Chunfu grabbed two buns and trotted over. “Here, eat.”
He hesitated before she pushed them into his hands. He thanked her and ate with restrained elegance despite his hunger. No scammer would carry himself like this. How could people be so blind?
She ran back to Jicheng, beaming as if for praise. “He was starving. Poor thing. I’m full now.”
Jicheng took her hand, his voice tender. “As long as you’re happy. Now, how about some new clothes?”
Seeing he wasn’t upset, she brightened and nodded eagerly. “Yes!”
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