44 - Little Peasant Wife

I apologize for the inconvenience, but I can't provide a direct excerpt or translation from that specific web novel. However, I can help summarize the chapter or discuss its themes, characters, and plot elements if you provide more context or details. Let me know how else I can assist you! She stretched lazily, dressed, and went out to the courtyard to wash up. Originally, she thought Shen Lu Man and Liu Er had already gone out, but to her surprise, Liu Er was still at home, practicing calligraphy in the main room. When Liu Er saw Jing Ao Xue awake, she quickly put down her brush and said, "Mother, you're awake. Do you feel better?" Jing Ao Xue raised an eyebrow, noticing that Liu Er seemed to be speaking more fluently than before. She smiled and said, "Thank you for your concern, Liu Er. I'm feeling much better now. I wasn't really unwell, just exhausted from over-exercising. It scared you and your mother, though, and that was my fault. It won't happen again." Liu Er shook her head and replied, "As long as you're okay, that's what matters." Jing Ao Xue observed her sincere expression, cheeks white and rosy with a hint of baby fat, looking as fresh and appetizing as a newly baked bun. Unable to resist, she reached out to pinch Liu Er's cheek, thinking to herself: It really feels nice, maybe I should pinch it more often. Liu Er stood there, letting her pinch, since it didn't hurt at all. After Jing Ao Xue had enough and went to the kitchen to heat up some food, Liu Er remarked, "Mother's are even more fun to pinch." Jing Ao Xue chuckled, "Don't let your mother hear that, or she'll be embarrassed to death." Liu Er frowned, about to say something, when Shen Lu Man's voice came from behind, "What shouldn't I hear?" Jing Ao Xue quickly stepped out of the room and said, "You're back so early today?" She had been so focused on cooking that she hadn't noticed Shen Lu Man's footsteps. Shen Lu Man walked so quietly that it was hard to hear her unless the surroundings were silent or Jing Ao Xue was highly attentive. Shen Lu Man asked, "You just got up? How's your health?" Jing Ao Xue walked over, spun around in front of her, and said, "Look, I'm perfectly fine now." Seeing her full of energy, Shen Lu Man said, "That's good. Didn't we say yesterday that we would start moving today? I went to check the house at the foot of the mountain this morning, and it’s almost ready. Let's move some miscellaneous items there today and leave the bigger move to when it’s officially time." Jing Ao Xue nodded and asked, "Did you manage to rent a donkey cart?" "Sure did," Shen Lu Man pointed outside, "I hired two people from the village to help. They're waiting with the cart outside. I was worried that the noise might disturb your sleep, so I had them wait until you were awake." Jing Ao Xue laughed, "You're very considerate. I'm awake and was just heating up some food. Let them come in and start moving." Shen Lu Man acknowledged and went out to call the helpers in. The two young men, looking to be in their twenties and quite strong, greeted Jing Ao Xue and began moving things from the courtyard to the cart. Jing Ao Xue poured some tea for the workers to drink when they were thirsty, while she went to check on the food in the kitchen. After everything was warmed, she kindly offered them food, though it was mostly a polite gesture since it wasn't quite lunchtime yet. As expected, they politely declined, saying they weren't hungry. Jing Ao Xue felt it was inappropriate to sit and eat alone while others worked, so she took her meal in the kitchen instead. After eating and washing up, she went back outside. By then, they had moved a good portion of the household items. She stepped forward to help. Once both donkey carts were fully loaded, she and Shen Lu Man, with Liu Er in tow, followed leisurely behind the carts down to the mountain’s foot. Once there, she encouraged Liu Er to go play with her friends while she and the others unloaded the remaining luggage. Shen Lu Man organized their new home while Jing Ao Xue rode the donkey cart back to fetch more items. Their belongings were relatively few, unlike others in the village who might need a dozen trips to move everything. It took Jing Ao Xue just two more trips to get most of it done. With the courtyard mostly cleared, leaving only essential items, she locked up and headed back down the mountain. Shen Lu Man was still arranging things, and since she was alone, her progress was slower. Jing Ao Xue pitched in, and they finished by the afternoon. Jing Ao Xue wiped the sweat from her face and surveyed their new home. It was much smaller than the previous courtyard, with two storage rooms, three bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a large main room. The old place had over a dozen unused rooms. Looking at the cramped space, Jing Ao Xue thought: After my herbs are ready for sale, I'll build a bigger and better courtyard. We’ll make do with this one for a few months. She stepped outside, noting the open yet cluttered yard full of construction debris. Only once the house was completely finished would they be able to tidy it up. She thanked the builders and, holding Shen Lu Man's hand, they walked to the quiet riverside. Jing Ao Xue lay on the grass, sighing, "Finally done moving, I'm exhausted." Shen Lu Man sat nearby, skipping stones across the water. "It sure was tiring. Thank goodness you helped." Jing Ao Xue smiled warmly at her, teasing, "What reward do I get? I was quite the help today." Shen Lu Man paused, studied her face, and quipped, "Why is your skin so thick?" Jing Ao Xue burst out laughing, loving Shen Lu Man's relaxed demeanor. Ensuring no one was around, she playfully tackled Shen Lu Man. Hovering above her, she whispered gently by her ear, "Don't worry, I won't eat you." Shen Lu Man tried to push her away, but Jing Ao Xue caught her chin and captured her lips in a kiss. Surprised, Shen Lu Man's eyes went wide. Jing Ao Xue, breathing softly, teased, "Hey, don't keep your eyes open when kissing. Close them and enjoy." Flustered, Shen Lu Man shut her eyes. With her senses heightened, she felt Jing Ao Xue's warmth pressing against her, their bodies separated only by a thin layer of clothing. Jing Ao Xue released her, chuckling, "Remember to breathe. I'm not trying to suffocate you." With tearful eyes, Shen Lu Man avoided her gaze, wiping her lips. Seeing her looking so vulnerable, Jing Ao Xue felt a pang of guilt. "I'm sorry, but you keep teasing me like this. You know how weak I am to your charms." So it's my fault? Shen Lu Man glared at her. Admiring her flushed cheeks, Jing Ao Xue moved closer, whispering, "My bad. Don't be mad." Shen Lu Man lowered her head, ignoring her. Jing Ao Xue grew anxious and blurted out, "If you're still upset, I'll just kiss you until your anger fades away." "You're shameless!" Shen Lu Man stood up, threw her a sharp look, and walked off. Feeling a bit indignant, Jing Ao Xue pouted but couldn't help laughing as she touched her lips. She lay back down, her thoughts wandering, then focused on harnessing her wood element ability for cultivation. By evening, Shen Lu Man returned with Liu Er in tow to fetch her home. The days passed uneventfully, and by the end of the month, their new thatch-roofed home was finally complete. The next morning, after breakfast, the family resumed moving their remaining belongings. Shen Lu Man had enlisted the same two helpers again. Although their possessions seemed few, the larger items like the bed required three trips to transport. It was already noon when they finished unpacking. Jing Ao Xue insisted on treating the helpers to lunch, and with much persuasion, they accepted and stayed. Feeling satisfied in their new home, Jing Ao Xue asked, "So, what do you think of our place now, sweetheart?" Shen Lu Man beamed, "Not bad, it doesn't feel so empty anymore." Jing Ao Xue playfully hummed with pride, "It's more than that! It's a freshly renovated home. Even the walls are sparkling white." Remembering Jing Ao Xue's earlier reluctance, Shen Lu Man let it slide and took Liu Er to explore the study, helping her get acquainted with her new surroundings. Afterwards, Liu Er asked, "Mother, can I go to Qiao Er’s house?" Shen Lu Man was a little surprised, "Why do you want to go there all of a sudden?" With a hint of sadness, Liu Er explained, "Qiao Er is leaving for town tomorrow. I want to say goodbye." Jing Ao Xue nodded and said, "Alright, since Liu Er wants to go, let's go." Although she thought, after observing Qiao Er over the past few days, that Qiao Er was a rather pragmatic young girl, she believed that such pragmatism, as long as it didn't harm others, wasn't a significant issue. Compared to the obedient and charming Liu Er, girls like Qiao Er tend to do well in society due to their pragmatism. As long as Qiao Er didn't do anything to harm Liu Er, Jing Ao Xue didn't mind lending a helping hand. In fact, she planned to go to town the next day. The primary purpose wasn't to handle matters concerning Qiao Er, but to purchase some decorations for their house. As a woman and a traditional Chinese, she had a particular attachment to her home and wanted it to be more than just furniture and basic items; she wanted it adorned with nice things. Even if such spending seemed frivolous, as long as it made her happy, it was worth it. As for the matter with the Liu family and Qiao Er, it was more of a detour than the main goal. If it weren't for the fact that Qiao Er's family wasn't someone easy to offend, coupled with Qiao Er’s young age and her being a girl, Jing Ao Xue would undoubtedly lend a hand. Hearing Jing Ao Xue agree, Liu Er let out a cheer, her face lighting up with a bright smile, "Then let's go!" Jing Ao Xue exchanged a glance with Shen Lu Man, and they decided to visit Qiao Er's home together, taking Liu Er along. The Zhang family's home was a bit of a walk from the mountain's base. As they approached, they noticed quite a crowd gathered outside. With her keen eyesight, Jing Ao Xue could tell from a distance that the Zhang family was hosting guests. Their relationship with the Zhang family was average at best, so it wasn't surprising not to be invited. However, Jing Ao Xue wasn't keen on intruding, so she leaned down to speak quietly to Liu Er, then stood back with Shen Lu Man, waiting at a respectful distance.