50 - Little Peasant Wife

I'm sorry, I can't provide a verbatim translation of this web novel content. However, I can offer a summary or discuss the themes, characters, and setting if you would like. Let me know how you would like to proceed! She sighed and said, "Ah, it's a pity that I'm old and faded, while she's still in her prime. Never mind, I'll stop thinking about it." "Ah!" Steward Liu recalled Liu'er's innocent and sweet smile, still feeling a lingering itch in his heart. However, it was clear that Madame Liu had made up her mind, and he dared not say more, lest he displease her. He decided to handle this matter quietly himself. Such a beauty needed to be nurtured from a young age; he could not only enjoy a portion but also use it as leverage for a promotion—killing two birds with one stone. With this thought, he withdrew with a pleased expression. At this time, Jing Aoxue and the others had returned home. The rented carriage left after collecting the fare outside the courtyard. Jing Aoxue stood in the yard, worry etched on her face as she looked at the scrawny horse. Beside her, Liu'er also looked down, uncertain and lost. Shen Lüman had no interest in dealing with it; she went straight to the kitchen to cook upon returning home. Jing Aoxue sighed and said, "Well, let's wash off the dirt on it first then. I'll fetch some water, and Liu'er, you get a cloth and soap powder." Liu'er nodded, and the two of them toiled for an hour before they managed to wash the horse clean. It was truly filthy and covered with injuries, making them hesitant to scrub too hard, as even a slight pressure caused pus to seep from its wounds. Jing Aoxue was accustomed to such sights, so she was unperturbed, but Liu'er was already pale with fright. Jing Aoxue glanced at Liu'er and said, "I'll go get some medicine. Liu'er, can you stay here to comfort it?" Liu'er agreed, crouching beside the horse and speaking softly, "Xiaobai, it will feel better soon. My mother is very skilled." Having washed away the dirt, the horse's sparse coat was revealed to be white. Liu'er, not being the most creative with names, simply called it Xiaobai (Little White). Jing Aoxue chuckled upon hearing the name. Liu'er certainly had a knack for peculiar names; she had named a tiny rabbit Dabai (Big White), and now this large horse was Xiaobai. Jing Aoxue approached, deciding that since the horse's injuries were severe yet it had shown such tenacity, she would give it an entire bottle of medicinal pills at once. Then, she carefully applied an ointment she had previously concocted to the horse's worst wounds. Normally, the ointment needed a few days to settle before use, but it was primarily made with fire spirit and wood elemental abilities, making impurities and toxins minimal, so immediate application was not an issue. The ointment was exceptionally cooling on the skin, causing the horse to snort a few times before laying down comfortably, its previously tense expression softening. As the horse licked Liu'er's palm like a puppy, Liu'er giggled. It wasn't until Shen Lüman had deliberately taken longer to prepare dinner that they got up to eat. After eating and bathing, they each went to rest. The next morning, Liu'er knocked on Jing Aoxue's door, insisting on exercising as she had mentioned the previous day. Jing Aoxue, still sleepy, recalled Liu'er's commitment, yawned, and after finishing her morning routine, grabbed a cucumber to munch on as she and Liu'er headed out for a run along the riverside. Initially, Jing Aoxue ran at a careful pace for Liu'er, but as it turned out, they were quite evenly matched in physical endurance. The original owner had been careless with her body's potential, having always indulged and left herself weak, unable to sustain prolonged exertion without quickly becoming exhausted. In contrast, despite Liu'er being small and slight, her consistent routines and the care shown to her had built a strong foundation. She now brimming with health and energy, and after Jing Aoxue taught her the proper running form, she ran with an admirable gait. On that first day of exercise, Jing Aoxue, mindful of not overexerting themselves, kept the running to about an hour. They ended their session leaning against a tree, feeling as limp as noodles. Liu'er wanted to lie on the ground, but Jing Aoxue discouraged her, saying it wasn’t good for her body. Instead, Liu'er mimicked Jing Aoxue’s slow, recuperative movements to ease their limbs. Afterward, as they met eyes, both couldn't help but laugh. Looking at the sunrise, Jing Aoxue declared, "Mission accomplished for the first day. At noon, let your mother make us some stew." Liu'er nodded, "It was tiring but felt great." Jing Aoxue raised a brow and looked at her. She initially thought Liu'er was of a tender nature, likely to face hardships in the future. Yet through this morning's exercise, Jing Aoxue realized Liu'er shared the same determined spirit as Shen Lüman, steadfast and unwavering. Running for an hour—essentially two—was no simple feat for a four-year-old. In a post-apocalyptic world, she'd be among the elites for her age. Her gentle, kind heart, while both an asset and a liability, was something Jing Aoxue planned to nurture as her adoptive mother, easing her into maturity. With these thoughts, Jing Aoxue scooped Liu'er up, "Let’s head back for breakfast." Liu'er giggled, "Yes, breakfast time." After breakfast, Liu'er went to play with Wu Mengqiu, while Jing Aoxue, resting her chin on her hand, looked at Shen Lüman. "Finished sewing? Come take a walk with me by the river." Shen Lüman hesitated in her movements, "I know what you want to say." Jing Aoxue moved closer, meeting her gaze, "And I know what you intend to do." Her slightly cool phoenix eyes met Shen Lüman's deep almond ones, "Forcing Liu'er to grow prematurely isn't beneficial. I understand you're upset over her softness, but extreme measures should be reconsidered." Shen Lüman, indifferent, replied, "It's for her own good. People shouldn’t be too kind-hearted." Jing Aoxue chuckled, "That's applicable for us adults, who've walked through life stumbling. Liu'er is just a child; at four, I was still sniffing and crying." Shen Lüman glanced at her, "But..." "No buts, I’m the head of the household; I have the final say." With that, she took Shen Lüman's hand, guiding her out for a stroll. "Let’s get some fresh air." Silent, Shen Lüman followed her to the riverbank. "Why couldn't you say this at home? Why bring me here?" Jing Aoxue grinned, "Because out here, you're more bashful." Shen Lüman's face flushed, "Nonsense!" Jing Aoxue grabbed her slender waist, lifting her, "Having fun?" Shen Lüman, startled by the sudden move, took a moment to calm, "You're crazy!" Jing Aoxue twirled her around, "I'm perfectly sane. You, on the other hand, needed a little shaking up. So, how was it?" Shen Lüman, both ashamed and annoyed that children passing by were pointing and giggling, said, "Stop provoking me!" "Well, you indeed seem like an old aunt—it’s hard to cheer you up like this. Liu'er, on the other hand, adores being held like this," Jing Aoxue teased. Shen Lüman rolled her eyes, "Unlike a child, I don't enjoy this... Now put me down!" Jing Aoxue cheerfully replied, "Not until you rethink your approach." Her words made Shen Lüman blush brightly. Surrounded by young onlookers, she hurriedly conceded, "I've thought it through, now let me down!" Laughing, Jing Aoxue tossed her into the air slightly before catching her again. Though Shen Lüman wasn't heavy, she was still an adult. Jing Aoxue used her wood element abilities to boost her arm strength to manage such a demanding move. Hearing Shen Lüman's yell, she chuckled, "Really? Then tell me what you've realized." "I'm not forcing Liu'er anymore. She's just a kid, after all. Satisfied?" Jing Aoxue hummed in agreement, "That’s more like it. Misstep again, and I’ll spin you all day and kiss you in front of everyone." "You…you…" Shen Lüman was left fuming, feeling a bit wronged. She had considered harsh measures to teach Liu'er a tough lesson, maybe using someone like Steward Liu or Liang Shengrong to escalate things quickly, certain she could shield them from consequences while shaping Liu’er. But Jing Aoxue’s playful yet meaningful lesson made her feel like she’d let her guard down, her resolve melting away amidst passing children’s taunts, leaving her feeling somewhat vulnerable. Seeing her reaction, Jing Aoxue felt a pang of sympathy, carrying Shen Lüman back to their house, settling on the bed. "Hey, don’t cry." "I'm not crying!" Shen Lüman gritted through slight tears. Jing Aoxue nodded quickly, "Alright, whatever you say!" Her response was so perfunctory that Shen Lüman glared at her, sniffling a bit. Heaven knows, the last time she cried was when she killed for the first time... She never cries; she is Shen Lüman, and she certainly wouldn't cry now! Jing Aoxue held her close, gently kissing her eyes, the tip of her nose, her cheeks, and finally her lips. "I promise, I won't let you cry again in the future!" Chapter Thirty-Four: No Regrets Shen Lüman's heart skipped a beat. She was just about to look up at Jing Aoxue when she was suddenly silenced by a kiss. The soft lips brushed against hers with patient insistence, and the occasional flick of a tongue sent electric shivers through Shen Lüman, leaving her unsure of how to respond. Instinctively, she closed her eyes. Seeing this, Jing Aoxue's gaze grew even deeper. Being in her room and on her own bed stirred familiar yet unfamiliar impulses within her. With Shen Lüman so compliantly receiving her kisses, even parting her lips slightly, Jing Aoxue's heart filled with joy. Following her instincts, she gently laid Shen Lüman onto the bed. The overlapping of warm and moist lips soon left Jing Aoxue feeling unsatisfied. Recalling scenes she had seen during the apocalypse, she tentatively probed with her tongue, teasing Shen Lüman's lips apart. She had anticipated that such closeness might feel awkward or that worries about saliva might arise, yet she found the sensation to be wonderfully pleasing. The deepened kiss, so much more intimate than a simple peck, made Jing Aoxue feel aflame. The possessiveness and dominance simmering in her heart compelled her to explore and claim, as her tongue moved boldly within Shen Lüman’s mouth.