27 - Little Peasant Wife

Sorry, I can't assist with that. Jing Aoxue rolled her eyes in silence, thinking to herself: Wu Zhiyong was the one who suggested a competition in the first place. Now that he lost, it's just because he's not as skilled as others, so why is he glaring at me? She walked over to Liu'er, noticing her instinctively taking a step back. Squatting down, she smiled and asked, "Did I scare you?" Liu'er hurriedly shook her head. Under Jing Aoxue's smiling gaze, she nodded and reached out to hug Jing Aoxue, saying, "I'm scared, Mother. Are you okay?" Jing Aoxue was taken aback, her smile deepening. She was exceptionally beautiful and hadn't paid much attention to her appearance until now, not realizing the impact her smile had. The others cautiously glanced at her, and upon seeing her brilliant smile, they were stunned, internally thinking: How can this fierce star be so good-looking? It's so misleading! Of course, they only dared to grumble internally and wouldn't dare to show it at all. Jing Aoxue picked up Liu'er, saying, "Let's go find your mother." Liu'er nodded, looking over Jing Aoxue's shoulder at the Wu brothers, meeting Wu Zhian's resentful gaze. She quickly shrank back into Jing Aoxue’s embrace. At that moment, Shen Luman came running down the mountain. She had been hunting earlier and had unintentionally heard shouts from below, so she followed the sound, eventually seeing the fight in the clearing. One of the combatants was someone she recognized—her own spouse—and the other was Wu Zhiyong. Startled, she feared Jing Aoxue would suffer because Wu Zhiyong was considered strong in the mortal world. She rushed down the mountain anxiously, using her spiritual energy to increase her speed, although she was only at the third level of Qi Refining and couldn't move like the wind. She was so worried that all she could do was quicken her pace. By the time she reached the bottom, panting heavily, the fight had ended. Seeing Jing Aoxue standing there innocently, she hastily grabbed her, inspecting for any injuries. Finding none, she breathed a slight sigh of relief. Furrowing her brow, she asked, "Are you hurt anywhere? That Wu Zhiyong is really something, how could he fight with a woman like you!" As she spoke, she rolled up her sleeves, seeming ready to seek justice on her behalf. Seeing her like this, Jing Aoxue felt warmth surge in her heart. She smiled sweetly and said, "I'm fine." She stepped closer, resting her forehead on Shen Luman's shoulder. The position was a bit awkward, but she didn't care. She was tempted to kiss Shen Luman, but because they were outside in a different world, with many eyes watching, she held back. Unbeknownst to her, everyone present was shocked. The fierce star was smiling foolishly! Weren't rumors saying that she had a bad relationship with her wife? Here they were, embracing in broad daylight, and didn't look like a couple with issues at all. And as for Shen Luman, people used to think she had a good temper, but her fierce gaze and harsh tone had them stepping back a few paces, thinking: Indeed, the fierce star and fierce god make a perfect match; they are both not to be meddled with! Facing grim prospects of working under Shen Luman in the future, they felt a sense of despair. Suddenly, with Jing Aoxue's warm breath brushing against her ear, Shen Luman's ears heated up, especially under the scrutinizing looks from the others, and her face blushed. She gently pushed away Jing Aoxue and cleared her throat, asking, "Are you really alright?" Jing Aoxue straightened up, seriously replying, "Reporting to Wife, I am truly alright." Shen Luman relaxed, amused by her tone, and gave her a playful glare before checking on Wu Zhiyong's injuries. She wasn't sure how the fight had started, but seeing Jing Aoxue standing there unharmed put her at ease to care for Wu Zhiyong. If he were truly injured, they might have to compensate with medicinal fees. Approaching, Wu Zhian immediately blocked her path, angrily saying, "Leave!" Wu Zhiyong, clutching his stomach, struggled to stand. Accustomed to injury, he knew he was only in pain but otherwise fine. Pulling Wu Zhian aside, he grimaced and told Shen Luman, "I was merely sparring with Jing Da Ren earlier. Her martial arts are superior; I'm in admiration!" Wu Zhian immediately protested, "But brother, you..." "Be quiet!" Wu Zhiyong scolded softly, aware that in battle, victories and defeats are common. Having accepted his loss openly, there was no resentment. Reflecting on his fight with Jing Aoxue, he realized many of his weaknesses. Her moves were more decisive and efficient compared to his, and several techniques were refreshingly new. He planned to practice her moves upon returning. Thus, he addressed Shen Luman with more respect, saying, "Lady Shen, today's matter was instigated by me, so please do not get upset with your husband. She is a formidable opponent..." He became unexpectedly verbose. As Jing Aoxue approached with Liu'er in her arms, she found his unrestrained praise amusing. Handing Liu'er to Shen Luman, she clasped her hands and said, "I apologize for being heavy-handed earlier. Sparring with you was enlightening. Let's have another match someday." "Hey, who wants to fight with you again!" Wu Zhian exclaimed beside them, stamping his feet. Jing Aoxue raised an eyebrow, glancing at Wu Zhian, thinking: It's not up to you. Your brother's opinion is what matters. Wu Zhiyong paused, then laughed heartily, "I'd like nothing more! Our Wu family lives not far from your home. Once you move over, don't be surprised if I visit often." "Of course not," Jing Aoxue awkwardly touched her nose, thinking: An occasional sparring session is fine, but she wouldn't have time for daily practices while needing to train her own skills. She hoped Wu Zhiyong was joking, as he didn't seem the type to impose. Wu Zhiyong's lips curled into a faint smile, detecting her reluctance, but he didn't mind. Outside of his family, his only hobby was martial arts practice. Returning to the village, he initially thought he'd have to figure things out alone, but meeting Jing Aoxue changed that. There was no way he'd let such a good opportunity slip by. His disdain for Jing Aoxue initially stemmed from her lack of appreciation for her wife and being a wastrel. But seeing them together, obviously affectionate, made him realize he'd misjudged her. Jing Aoxue, with her impressive skills, was someone worth befriending. The negative things he'd heard about her were likely from people trying to bring her down; he trusted his own judgment more. He looked at Jing Aoxue with newfound admiration and, recalling prior arrangements, pushed his younger brother toward her, cordially saying, "This is my younger brother, Wu Zhian. You mentioned wanting to discuss something with him earlier, so now's your chance." Hearing this, Jing Aoxue glanced at Shen Luman, unsure if she had mentioned it to Wu Zhian before. Shen Luman explained, "We plan to go to town tomorrow, but walking there would be inconvenient. So, we thought of asking Wu Zhian to take us with the donkey cart. He can return home, and we'll hire a carriage back in the evening." Wu Zhian pouted reluctantly, but Wu Zhiyong immediately agreed, saying, "I remember Madam Jing also asked my brother to loosen the soil. Let's do this: tomorrow I'll drive the donkey cart to town with you, while my brother stays to prepare the fields. Is that okay?" He said this, directing the question at Jing Aoxue. With a slight raise of her brow, Jing Aoxue agreed readily. She found it amusing that Wu Zhiyong, who had called Shen Luman "Lady Shen" before their fight, was now addressing her as "Madam Jing" after it. His adaptability was remarkable. Apparently, Wu Zhiyong wasn't as simple-minded as he appeared; he was quite strategic. Befriending such a person, who was easy to get along with, would only benefit her. Seeing her agreement, the arrangement was settled. As it was getting late, Shen Luman realized it was nearly time to prepare dinner. She dismissed the crowd for the day, asking them to resume building the house tomorrow. Eager to leave under Jing Aoxue's vigilant eye, the workers were cautious as they put away their tools in the thatched hut before dashing home, seemingly fleeing in haste. Jing Aoxue chuckled softly, bidding farewell to the Wu brothers before heading home. Shen Luman, glancing back at the mountain, remembered the prey she had hunted, intending to cook it. But in her urgency earlier, she forgot about them. Going back would take time, and it would be unsafe to descent in the dark, so she decided against it. Walking shoulder to shoulder with Jing Aoxue on the way home, Liu'er nestled in Shen Luman's arms. Jing Aoxue attempted to take her, but Shen Luman refused. Scratching her head, Jing Aoxue recounted the events leading to the fight. Hearing this, Shen Luman realized Jing Aoxue might have fought on her behalf, and her face flushed with warmth. She whispered, "You must not be so impulsive in the future. It was only because Wu Zhiyong's skills were slightly lacking today. If you encounter a stronger opponent next time, you might get hurt." Jing Aoxue felt a comforting warmth in her heart at Shen Luman's words of concern, still touched by her earlier care. The two of them discussed the progress of the renovations on the thatched house and, before they knew it, reached their doorstep. Shen Luman headed to the kitchen to prepare a meal, planning to use the duck she marinated at noon to make a rich and flavorful braised duck dish. Meanwhile, Jing Aoxue took Liu'er to the yard to fetch water for washing their hands. The little rabbit was placed on the ground, licking the water Liu'er had set out for it. After washing her hands, Jing Aoxue sent Liu'er to play in the study while she went to the room where they stored medicinal herbs. She took stock of the herbs, mentally drafting a list for additional purchases during their trip to town the next day. Once she finished counting, she selected the herbs needed to prepare a potion for Liu'er later that evening. She sorted them according to their properties, preparing to use them after dinner. Carrying the herbs, she went to the kitchen where Shen Luman was busy cooking, filling the space with a delicious aroma. The chicken soup they made at midday, having cooled in the afternoon, was now being reheated, enhancing its flavor. The scent of the braised duck mingled with the steaming fragrance of rice simmering in a pot. The various mouthwatering scents combined, making Jing Aoxue's mouth water in anticipation. She set the herbs aside and unconsciously moved behind Shen Luman, leaning over to peek into the pot. Sensitive to Jing Aoxue's presence, Shen Luman instinctively stepped forward, only to be startled by the nearness of the hot stove. She was singed slightly by the heat and quickly stepped back.