The setting sun dyed the surrounding clouds in a magnificent display of colors, even casting a warm glow over the thousand-year-old ancient tree.
Jicheng had bought the items as instructed by Liansheng’s wife, but as he walked, he couldn’t help glancing toward the fabric shop.
Earlier, he had seen ready-made clothes hanging nearby—vibrant in color and stylish in design—and thought of buying some for Chunfu. Though expensive, the moment he imagined how well they would suit her lively figure, he couldn’t resist. Then he chuckled to himself, realizing how long he had been alone. Now that he had someone to cherish, he was eager to offer her everything. What did her imperfections matter? She was the only one in this world who would never look down on him.
But he didn’t know Chunfu’s measurements. Worried they might be too big, and knowing she couldn’t sew or alter clothes—nor could he, a clumsy man with no skill for needlework—he considered asking Liansheng’s wife. Yet, she already had enough on her plate, and he didn’t want to trouble her with such a trivial matter. Better to bring Chunfu here in half a month to try them on before buying.
With that settled, he headed straight to the pastry shop, picking out a few beautifully shaped treats for the shopkeeper to wrap. The sky was darkening, and few customers remained. As the shopkeeper packed them, he chatted, “Buying these for your little wife, young man?”
Jicheng’s face flushed slightly as he mumbled an embarrassed “Mm.”
“You’re a thoughtful one,” the shopkeeper said. “Since there aren’t many customers now, I’ll pack you a little extra so I can close up early.”
Delighted, Jicheng thanked him, “Thank you, boss. May your business prosper.”
Night fell quickly. Jicheng left, relieved that he had nearly finished his errands. He munched on the two flatbreads he had brought, thinking that though the journey home was long, at least this area wasn’t plagued by bandits. Soon, he wouldn’t have to walk alone at night—someone would be waiting for him.
The silver moon hung in the sky, stars dotting the dark expanse. His elongated shadow flickered among the gnarled tree silhouettes. The occasional flutter of birds returning to their nests and the chorus of insects filled the air, making his footsteps sound heavy and out of place. By the time he got home, it was late. After organizing his purchases, he took a cold bath in the yard, changed into light sleepwear, and went to bed.
The April night was chilly. If not for his robust health, the icy well water would have surely made him ill.
The next two days, Jicheng rested at home, sleeping in for once. When he finally opened the window, the golden sunlight stung his eyes. He washed his face, rinsed his mouth, and cooked porridge before heading out half an hour later.
Luck was on his side—just as he reached the village entrance, he spotted Chunfu walking toward him with a basket. Oddly, the usual crowd lounging under the old locust tree was absent.
Zhang Yan had caught a cold and was bedridden. That morning, Chunfu had barely risen when her sister-in-law started berating him as a “useless burden,” too weak to work and now playing at being delicate. Chunfu withdrew her hand from the basket and went to check on Zhang Yan, ignoring the venomous curses behind her.
Inside, her little nephew was sobbing under the covers. She patted his shoulder, and when he finally turned, his eyes were red and swollen, his face flushed with fever.
“Auntie, go to the fields. Don’t let her scold you anymore. My head hurts… I’ll be fine after resting,” he mumbled hoarsely, his voice tugging at her heart.
Medicine was scarcer than food these days. Judging by how the former mistress never bothered with remedies, Zhang Yan would have to tough it out. She felt his forehead—no fever, thankfully. “Cover up and sleep. Sweat it out. I’ll bring you hot water. Drink it while it’s warm. I’ll check on you when I’m back.”
Dazed, Zhang Yan barely registered how coherent his “silly aunt” sounded. He nodded and closed his eyes, exhausted.
Chunfu left the water within his reach, nudged him once more, and left with a final reminder. She had no money, no courage to forage alone in the mountains, and no way to help him beyond hoping he’d pull through. Preoccupied, she barely reacted when Jicheng called her name. Though worried about Zhang Yan, she couldn’t ignore him and reluctantly followed him to a secluded corner.
Like a child presenting a treasure, Jicheng pulled out a paper package and opened it with a coaxing smile. “Try this. It should be good.”
Chunfu’s eyes lit up at the sight of the pastries. Zhang Yan’s mouth must be tasteless from illness—these treats would cheer him up and speed his recovery. Though not her blood relative, he was the first to show her kindness, so she always thought of him when something nice came her way.
Seeing her hesitate, Jicheng popped a piece into her mouth. “What’s the hold-up? Eat.”
She chewed thoughtfully, then said earnestly, “Zhang Yan is sick. Take these back for him.”
Jicheng’s gaze softened further. “Alright. There’s plenty here. Have some first, then take the rest to him.” So she understood reciprocity, knew to care for those who cared for her. He stroked her hair, lips curving slightly.
Chunfu hadn’t expected this man to cherish her so. In hard times, every bite was rationed—yet he’d splurged on luxuries for her. His eyes brimmed with tenderness, and she wondered if this fortune was hers or her predecessor’s. The thought of their impending wedding warmed her cheeks. Marriage was a hopeful prospect in any era, and this man’s genuine regard was rare. Whether his kindness would last, she didn’t know, but his recent actions made her willing to build a life with him.
She ate slowly, daintily, like a well-bred lady. He watched her, grinning foolishly. Chunfu picked a sweet piece and offered it to him, tilting her head with an innocent smile.
Delighted, Jicheng took her wrist and guided the treat to his mouth, savoring the moment.
Their tender exchange was witnessed by Xiuhua, a gossipy friend of Chunfu’s sister-in-law. Sneering, Xiuhua headed to the fields, then gleefully detoured to the Chunmu household half an hour later.
Zhang Yan was still asleep, the untouched water beside him. Chunfu replaced it with a fresh bowl, noting his sweaty forehead—a good sign. She tucked the pastries under his blanket for when he woke.
As she stepped out, her sister-in-law entered with a sharp-faced woman in tow. Chunfu ignored them, but the stranger called out mockingly, “Oh, sister-in-law, guess what I just saw? Your Chunfu might be simple, but she’s got luck—sneaking off with her lover, feeding each other sweets like newlyweds! Fancy pastries from town, no less. We’ve been married ages and never tasted such treats.”
Chunfu cursed inwardly. *None of your damn business. Buy your own if you’re jealous.* She walked away, but the woman persisted. “There was a whole package! Surely she shared some with you, sister-in-law?”
Li Xiu’e, a glutton herself, scowled. “Where are they?” Spotting Chunfu coming from Zhang Yan’s room, she yelled, “Xiao Tong! Your brother’s got pastries in his room!”
Xiuhua added fuel. “Your sister-in-law’s sly for a simpleton. Stick with her, and she’ll outwit you.”
Xiuhua and Li Xiu’e had been close since before marriage, often bullying Chunfu for amusement. Chunfu glared as Xiao Tong darted into the room. She tried to follow, but Xiuhua grabbed her arm, pinching hard. Pain flared, and Chunfu shoved her to the ground.
Stunned, Xiuhua scrambled up, ready to strike. Chunfu anticipated it. Before Xiuhua could move, she hefted a rock from the corner, chanting slowly, “Ugly liar… talking nonsense all day. Thunder strike you, dragons snatch you. I’ll smash you dead.”
Xiuhua, who often vented her domestic frustrations on Chunfu, paled. The fool might actually do it. “Xiu’e! Control your sister-in-law! She’ll draw blood!”
Li Xiu’e panicked. If Chunfu killed someone in her ignorance— “Chunfu, put the rock down! Xiuhua was teasing. We don’t want your treats. Keep them!”
Just then, Chunmu and Xiuhua’s husband arrived, planning to share a meal. The scene halted them. Chunmu snatched the rock from Chunfu. “What madness is this?”
Chunfu wiped tears, shouting loud enough for the whole village to hear. “Jicheng gave me treats! *She*—” she pointed at her sister-in-law, “—tried to steal them!”
Xiuhua’s husband’s face darkened. He yanked his wife up and slapped her twice. “Shameless shrew! Neglecting chores, coveting others’ goods? Fine! I’ll divorce you—go marry a man who’ll spoil you!”
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