6) - Little Peasant Wife

She was a cultivator, although nowhere as gifted as Jing Ao Xue and burdened with the lowest of the five spiritual roots. Yet, after years of diligence, she had attained the third level of Qi Refining. In this mortal realm, she could practically do as she pleased. Meanwhile, Jing Ao Xue was nothing more than a common mortal. No matter how much she punched or kicked, her strength was negligible. She could yield to Jing Ao Xue, but her daughter was her only family. Even when Jing Ao Xue lacked restraint, she knew there were limits she couldn’t cross, relying on her for survival, so rarely would she unleash her harshness on her daughter. But this time... was Jing Ao Xue planning to give up on everything? Shen Lü Man’s face turned ashen with fear; her lips trembled as she pierced her index finger, using her blood and spiritual energy to craft a tracking talisman in the air, immediately following the flashing red light that guided her. What she found was Jing Ao Xue displaying her prowess at the Han family manor, her arrogant posture, and ruthless gaze perfectly matched the Jing family’s esteemed third lady from years past, a prodigy in cultivation. Shen Lü Man’s heart raced; she didn’t understand why someone who had been diagnosed with shattered meridians, deemed forever unable to cultivate, now exhibited a resurgence in skill, a stranger yet familiar energy coursing within her. But one thing was certain: Jing Ao Xue was never one to let a grudge go unpunished. After being beaten and humiliated publicly by Han Jurens’ men, she would never let that slide. She had always looked down on mortals, and her entanglement with a mortal like Han was only a result of her own despair. Now that she saw the opportunity to cultivate again, her confidence returned, revealing her true self. Shen Lü Man felt a chill run down her spine; this newfound power meant that the cycle of Jing Ao Xue’s vengeance against her would only intensify. She wasn’t afraid of Jing Ao Xue, but feared what she might do to her daughter. After all, both she and Jing Liu Er were the undeniable blemishes on Jing Ao Xue’s life. This thought pressed heavy on her, and Shen Lü Man couldn’t help but purse her lips, a deep worry etched on her face. She didn’t know how to prevent the impending tragedy, so she sternly guided Jing Liu Er by the shoulders, warning her, “Listen to your mother, stay away from her.” Jing Liu Er, puzzled, replied, “Mother, she’s kind… she wouldn’t…” “Don’t speak of her!” Shen Lü Man sharply interrupted, startling Jing Liu Er into a tremble. Despite feeling guilty, Shen Lü Man could only stroke her hair gently, saying, “She’s not like us, listen to your mother. I would never harm you.” Jing Liu Er felt confused and disheartened. She wanted to insist her mother was kind, but Shen Lü Man was the closest person to her; she didn’t want to disappoint or worry her. Reluctantly, she nodded, her spirits still visibly dampened. Shen Lü Man, seeing this, grew even more concerned. Once upon a time, Liu Er would be quivering in fear at the sight of Jing Ao Xue, but in just one morning, she appeared unafraid and even tried to defend her. Jing Ao Xue, truly deserving of her reputation as the Jing family’s third lady, had certainly shown her cunning. With a cold smile in her heart, Shen Lü Man knew she was bound by a promise not to act against Jing Ao Xue, but if pushed too far, she would stop at nothing. Sighing, she forced a smile, asking gently, “Liu Er, are you hungry? Let me make you something in the kitchen.” Jing Liu Er shook her head lightly, “I… I’ve already eaten, why don’t you eat?” Watching her daughter’s calm face, Shen Lü Man’s smile softened considerably, “Alright, then come with me to the kitchen, and we’ll make some food together.” Jing Liu Er nodded, clutching onto Shen Lü Man’s garment, trailing behind her like a little tail. Chapter Six: Getting Along Shen Lü Man knew there wasn't much food left in the kitchen, but she had bought a decent amount of provisions on her last trip from town. She washed the pots, bowls, and chopsticks, cleaned the rice, and prepared the vegetables, planning to make a simple vegetable porridge. After some thought, she cracked two eggs into a bowl, added a pinch of salt and some water, intending to steam a simple egg custard for Liu Er to have later when she gets hungry. The food was simple and didn't need her constant attention while it cooked on the stove, so she busied herself with cleaning the house. The courtyard they lived in was purchased for five hundred taels when they first arrived in the village. It was spacious and beautiful but located in a remote mountain area, so it wasn’t worth the high price they paid. Neither she nor Jing Ao Xue had lived in the mortal world before, so they were unfamiliar with local market prices, leading to a significant portion of their family fortune being swindled away. With Jing Ao Xue negotiating, her generous demeanor and haughty nature made her an easy target. Besides this impractical courtyard, they had also overpaid to buy a hundred acres of land, double the market rate. Initially, renting the land might have sustained their livelihoods, but Jing Ao Xue quickly squandered everything. Had Shen Lü Man not relied on hunting in the mountains for silver, they would have starved long ago. Even as it was, they barely managed to eat properly, and their hardships extended to their child as well. This thought frustrated Shen Lü Man to no end, but she could do nothing against Jing Ao Xue. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she just finished sweeping the floor and wiping the tables when Liu Er trotted over, looking up and saying, "Mother, the food... is ready." She nodded, washed her hands in the kitchen, served the meal, and asked if Liu Er was hungry. Knowing she wasn't, she sat down at the table to eat by herself. However, after only a few bites, Jing Ao Xue burst violently through the door. Her face was pale, lips tinged with a dark red, and her clothes were stained with blood across her chest. Jing Liu Er screamed in shock and rushed to her side in concern. Shen Lü Man’s footsteps were quicker, reaching Jing Ao Xue, hesitantly extending a hand to support her staggering form. Jing Ao Xue was taken aback; she had thought her wife wanted nothing to do with her. Why was she now stepping forward to offer concern? Noticing Shen Lü Man securing Jing Liu Er behind her, Jing Ao Xue pulled a smile. She gently pushed Shen Lü Man away, saying, "I'm fine, just a small accident. A couple of days’ rest will do me well." With that, she tossed a bundle she was carrying at Shen Lü Man and staggered back to her room. In a faint voice, she added, "This is food and wine I packed from the Han family, eat as you will. I need to sleep and rest, don't disturb me!" With that, the door firmly shut. Shen Lü Man stood puzzled for a moment, glancing down to see Liu Er clinging to her clothes and asking worriedly, "Mother, is she... alright?" Shen Lü Man didn’t know what had happened to Jing Ao Xue; she appeared injured internally. Given they had parted only half an hour earlier, how did such injuries occur so quickly when her capabilities were not insignificant? Could someone formidable have come to the village? Frowning, she realized only Jing Ao Xue could provide answers, yet she wouldn’t initiate the inquiry. Sighing, she placed the package on the table, uncovering it to reveal assorted delicacies. Noticing Liu Er’s eyes sparkling at the sight, Shen Lü Man said, "Your mother brought this back for us; we should probably not touch it." Liu Er tilted her head, replying, "But she... said we could... eat." Powerless against this, Shen Lü Man took out some pastries for Liu Er to nibble on but left the rest untouched in the kitchen. After finishing her meal, she heated water, bathed Liu Er and tucked her into bed, before heading to wash up herself. Midway through bathing, she was startled by the sound of a door being pushed open, followed by noises of rummaging through belongings. Initially startled, she remembered Jing Ao Xue was staying in the courtyard tonight; it must have been her causing the commotion. With that thought, Shen Lü Man quickly washed and donned clean clothes, following the sounds to the kitchen. There she found Jing Ao Xue scarfing down the food she had brought back. Despite being cold and greasy, the food retained a decent appearance and aroma, but it was nothing for Jing Ao Xue, who devoured it with gusto. Seeing Shen Lü Man, Jing Ao Xue invited her over, "Not asleep yet? Come join me then." Momentarily frozen, Shen Lü Man regarded her with a complex look, quietly declining, "No, I already ate this afternoon." Acknowledging, Jing Ao Xue continued her meal. Her condition considerably improved from the dismal state earlier. Shen Lü Man was curious to ask what had transpired that afternoon—not from genuine concern, but because any presence of formidable individuals in the village posed a threat to Liu Er’s safety. Yet years of habit silenced her questioning. Standing momentarily at the kitchen’s entrance, she turned to leave. Jing Ao Xue’s voice halted her, unabashedly requesting, "If you can’t sleep, help me heat up the food instead." A hint of frustration crossed Shen Lü Man’s face—a rare occasion where she anticipated tranquility. However, her feet automatically turned back, starting a fire and reheating the food. Jing Ao Xue’s relentless scrutiny as she worked made Shen Lü Man uneasy, her movements growing rigid as she warmed a large spread and served it. Jing Ao Xue continued eating sloppily, her demeanor lacked elegance, mimicking that of a rustic villager. Shen Lü Man found it odd; Jing Ao Xue, once a noble maiden, always exuded grace, even in distress. Yet now, she seemed starved, devouring food as if she had been deprived for a lifetime. Seeing Shen Lü Man’s peculiar expression, Jing Ao Xue misinterpreted her hunger and offered, "If you’re hungry, just say so. I can’t finish it all alone. Come, have some and don’t stand on ceremony." Even her speech carried a different tone. Shen Lü Man found herself guided to a seat, and a pair of chopsticks was thrust into her hand. Rigid like a stone, she had no intention of eating, but Jing Ao Xue’s lively consumption and the fragrant dishes swayed her resolve; she couldn’t resist and took a few bites. Startled by her own actions, she reflected in surprise. How could she willingly share a meal with someone she feared? Yet today, Jing Ao Xue’s demeanor was inviting yet forceful, defying refusal. Shen Lü Man lowered her gaze, gripping her chopsticks tightly, speculating: Was this her new tactic? What purpose lay behind this act? Could it be...