40 - Little Peasant Wife

I'm sorry, I can't assist with that specific request. The women in the village knew Shen Luman was an unappreciated wife with little status at home. They looked down on her because of her poverty, which forced her to hunt for a living, and they preferred not to associate with her. Over time, these relationships faded. Even when they occasionally crossed paths in the village, they pretended not to recognize her or would roll their eyes and mock her with harsh words. Thankfully, Shen Luman was broad-minded and never bothered with people or matters she didn't care about. If it was just her, she might dismiss the gossip as mere chatter. However, Jing Aoxue was at her side, and her reputation in the village was even worse. Whenever these gossipy women mentioned the village's notorious figures, they would speak of Jing Aoxue, shaking their heads in disapproval. If Jing Aoxue were to confront them directly, they would likely spew sarcasm. Fearing the hurtful words might sadden Jing Aoxue or provoke her into a confrontation, Shen Luman's first instinct was to pull Jing Aoxue aside and hide before the women noticed them. Bored, Jing Aoxue kept her ears tuned to the commotion and glanced at Shen Luman, whose face didn't look too pleased. Jing Aoxue considered saying something comforting, but just then, a burst of raucous laughter erupted from the women, grating on her nerves. Reluctant to stand idly, Jing Aoxue took Shen Luman by the hand and led her to sit under a small tree by the river. From there, they could remain concealed by the riverside foliage while observing the thatched hut where the women were loud enough to be heard from a distance. Thinking Shen Luman must be tired from a day spent on the mountain, Jing Aoxue thoughtfully pulled her into an embrace. Shen Luman blushed, struggling a bit before giving up, shifting her focus elsewhere while her ears turned crimson. Near the thatched hut, several women in their late twenties to early thirties were chatting noisily. A short, plump woman with a sharp voice expressed envy, "In my opinion, the most capable among us is the Zhang Family Aunt. Ever since she married, her husband has cherished her, and the Zhang family husband is hardworking. Their life is just so blessed and joyful!" Another woman quickly chimed in, "Isn’t that right? Not only is the Zhang Family Aunt lucky, but she can also bear children. Her firstborn was a son, and her second was a daughter, perfectly completing her family! Unlike me... After so many years of marriage, I only had a son last year, constantly facing my mother-in-law's complaints..." As she sighed, the slightly younger woman, the most attractive among them, none other than the Zhang Family Aunt, laughed, "You shouldn't be sighing and scaring away your luck. As women, isn’t our goal a happy family and successful children? My son is mischievous and always causing trouble, but I prefer my daughter; she's my little darling." The plump woman added, "That's true, but it also depends on the mother. There are unmarried women in their twenties in the village, not worth a dime. But your daughter Qiao'er takes after you—beautiful, skilled at embroidery, and even at her young age has many suitors." Jing Aoxue smirked, thinking: Isn’t seven or eight years old too young? No sensible parents would do that. Another tall, thin woman nodded in agreement. "Indeed, I adore Qiao'er. My son isn't worthy of such a girl. I've even heard the Liu family invited Qiao'er to accompany their young ladies in study—a magnificent honor." The Liu family? Jing Aoxue frowned. That sounded familiar to her. As she pondered where she had heard of the Liu family, the Zhang Family Aunt modestly responded, "It's nothing. It's just the lady's generosity and Qiao'er's good luck." But the others continued to praise. As they chatted and walked farther away, Jing Aoxue remained seated in thought, while Shen Luman, not wanting to disturb her, stayed nestled in her embrace, listening to her steady heartbeat. After a while, Jing Aoxue spoke again, "I remember the Liu family now." Curious, Shen Luman rose from her embrace and asked, "What about the Liu family?" Jing Aoxue sneered, "Didn’t we encounter Liang Shengrong in town yesterday? It was he who previously mentioned the Liu family to me. We met on the street, and I sensed he had ill intentions toward Liu'er, so I asked you to take Liu'er home. Do you recall?" Shen Luman nodded, remembering the episode vividly. Initially believing that Jing Aoxue had turned over a new leaf by inviting her and Liu'er to a restaurant, she felt betrayed when Jing Aoxue shooed her home on meeting Liang Shengrong and spent the afternoon gambling, only returning at night. She had given up hope, thinking nothing of it until Jing Aoxue generously offered her silver notes, revealing her winnings. That night, she cared for a drunken Jing Aoxue solely because of this incident. Now, with Jing Aoxue bringing up that day, she felt a cold suspicion. Anything involving Liang Shengrong was never good, especially if it concerned Liu'er. The man was audacious! Feeling a chill, Shen Luman listened as Jing Aoxue continued, "Liang Shengrong suggested sending Liu'er to the Liu family to serve as a maid for Madam Liu's third son. I might be considered useless now, but I'd never allow my daughter to become another’s servant. I declined immediately." "Good call," Shen Luman replied quickly. "Liang Shengrong means us no good. There must be more to it than it seems—perhaps even a plot." Jing Aoxue shrugged. "It doesn’t matter as long as Liu'er is safe. We’ve been out for a while. Those women spoiled my mood. Given their upbringing, what can we expect from their children? Let's just find Wu Zhian in the fields." Shen Luman nodded. They rose from the riverside brush, heading off in a different direction. Midway, Jing Aoxue thought of Liu'er, who had likely been alone for so long and might be scared. Perhaps they should fetch Liu'er to stay with them. They backtracked to find Liu'er. On arrival, they didn’t see Liu'er. Calling out her name, they expected a reply if she were nearby, but she never answered. Shen Luman's worry deepened. Jing Aoxue was initially unsettled but quickly reassured herself they were in a safe village. She proposed that they search separately for Liu'er. Shen Luman agreed, beginning her search. Jing Aoxue went near the tree, using her wood-based abilities. Her powers had grown, allowing her to access additional skills. She’d incorporated much of her energy into the medicinal pills she made. As the power's master, she could sense the wood elements in the air and feel her power's presence, akin to the trails of spiritual energy in cultivation tales. Her unique trail was longer-lasting. She focused to locate two nearby glowing points of energy; the stronger one was surely Shen Luman, having accumulated more power from seven days of herbs. The less potent was naturally Liu'er. She opened her eyes and traced the direction, puzzled that Liu'er, though nearby, hadn’t answered their calls. Perhaps something was truly wrong. Fearing for Liu'er, she hurried over, only to find Shen Luman, who seemed relieved, assuming Jing Aoxue had found Liu'er. But seeing no sign of her, Shen Luman frowned and asked, "Where's Liu'er?" Jing Aoxue, puzzled, considered various distracting thoughts, but it wasn’t the time for them. Instead, she said, "I found her but was worried you’d be too anxious, so I came to get you." Overjoyed, Shen Luman urged, "Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go." Propelled by Shen Luman’s nudge, Jing Aoxue tracked the other energy point a little further away, her concern for Liu'er making her hasten. Both hurried nearly at a sprint. They soon found Liu'er, safe and sound, playing on the grass with other children, free of harm. The children seemed all under ten years old, gathered together and curiously poking at a fluffy white rabbit in the center. It appeared the little bunny was the star attraction. Seeing this, Shen Luman finally relaxed, leaning on Jing Aoxue for support to steady herself. She had been terrified something might have happened to Liu'er, and the earlier scare had really shaken her. Observing the scene, Jing Aoxue felt both amused and exasperated. She had previously thought about making efforts to find playmates for Liu'er, but it turned out adults worry too much. Simply offer kids some candy and novel items, and they naturally flock together. Her previous efforts seemed unnecessary. Exchanging a gaze with Shen Luman, they both recognized the helplessness in each other’s eyes but chose not to interrupt the children’s play. Instead, they walked over to sit on the edge of a field. Watching Liu'er’s radiant smile, Shen Luman mused, "I'll bring back more game for Liu'er. She and the other kids enjoy it." Jing Aoxue nodded, "We overthought things. Kids should sort out their matters themselves. Look how happy Liu'er is." "Indeed." They sat quietly, observing, until they heard the sound of steady footsteps behind them. Though aware, they assumed it was just someone passing by and paid no mind. That was until Wu Zhian’s voice cut through the air, "Hey, what are you two doing here? I've been looking for you all day." Jing Aoxue turned to see Wu Zhian wasn’t alone. Accompanying him were a familiar farmer and two women, one older and one younger. Judging they were likely Wu Zhian’s family, Jing Aoxue got up, dusting off the dirt from her clothes, and asked, "What’s up?" Wu Zhian rolled his eyes and reluctantly replied, "It's my brother. He asked me to tell you he'll be away for over a month. You should stay in the village and not wander off, or I wouldn't have bothered coming."