113 - Little Peasant Wife

Today, Wu Zhiyong seemed relatively normal, though his eyes occasionally darted away, so she decided not to mind it. She nodded and said, "Alright, you head back first. I'll tidy up and be right there." Wu Zhiyong considered waiting but thought better, understanding she might have her reasons. Previously, Liu'er had locked up the courtyard for days. Though curious, he refrained from prying. He nodded and said, "Alright, just don't be late, otherwise there won't be any meat left for you." Jing Aoxue responded quickly, and Wu Zhiyong turned to go home, planning to instruct his siblings to prepare a few more dishes. Jing Aoxue closed the door, and the vines decorating the courtyard wall suddenly drooped limply. Amused, she said, "Your disguise is impressive, but I'm taking Liu'er out for a meal later. You're too large; better stay home or head to the mountains if you must. As for hunger..." Do plants feel hunger? Isn't sunlight enough through photosynthesis? Jing Aoxue's lips twitched. Perhaps demons are different, and even if it craved humans, she'd find a way to satisfy it. She patted the vine's approaching tip, which shyly retracted, leaving Jing Aoxue puzzled. Liu'er stood nearby and asked, "Mother, are we going to Uncle Wu's house?" Jing Aoxue nodded and picked her up, explaining, "My cooking isn't great, and I need to consult your Uncle Wu about something. It’ll be a chance for you to see your friends too. Sound good?" Liu'er wrapped her arms around Jing Aoxue's neck and agreed but hesitated as she glanced at the vines. "But what about Mother?" Jing Aoxue approached, and the vine automatically wrapped around, making her appear much bulkier. With exasperation, she said, "I've told you, you can't come. Either stay here or go up the mountain—but be cautious not to be seen." The vine, not understanding, instinctively approached again, affectionately nudging her—unfortunately—on her behind. Jing Aoxue thought, "..." Why did this bring her unexpected joy? She stifled the urge to facepalm. Was this heading towards some harmonious life tie with the vine? Ha! Restraint play. The thought mildly excited her. However, she was too hungry to delay any further. The conspicuous bulk of vines wouldn't do for visiting Wu Zhiyong's home, so she resolutely stated, "No way!" Defeated, the vine drooped to the ground, its tip looking at her pathetically. Feeling her resolve weaken, Jing Aoxue suggested, "Why don't you extend a single shoot that I can take with me?" Immediately, the vine perked up. The nine stout vines intertwined, as if in a standoff. Cradling Liu'er, she sat in a rocking chair, leisurely watching the spectacle unfold. Ah, she was indeed popular. Every bit of Shen Lüman seemed to want to be with her. Lost in her pleasant musings, she watched as the vines began to tear at each other. They had no mouths, yet their coarse surfaces suddenly sprouted fine white fuzz, resembling teeth, shredding each other to bits. Startled, Jing Aoxue rushed forward to stop them but was too late. The nine vines annihilated each other, fragmenting into pieces, consumed by a spontaneous crimson flame. The blazing fire resisted all attempts to douse it, panicking Jing Aoxue as her heart raced wildly. But it vanished as suddenly as it had sparked. All that remained in the barren courtyard was a single slender vine, like a sanguine ruyi scepter. Hesitating, she approached and asked, "Shen Lüman?" The vine was scarcely two fingers wide and about a meter long, appearing delicate yet with a remarkable shine. Upon hearing Jing Aoxue's voice, it darted onto her and coiled around her neck, nudging it as if to say, "Now can I accompany you outside?" Jing Aoxue's face turned crestfallen. This vine was indeed the evolved Shen Lüman. Memories flashed of childhood cartoons, like "Digimon" and "Pokémon." Would she now embark on a "monster" path, training Shen Lüman to evolve or level up? And if challenged by foes, would she boldly declare, "Go, Shen Lüman!" Oh dear, how embarrassing! She quickly resolved to find a way to restore Shen Lüman to normal. She wanted to eat, sleep, and cuddle with her beloved after all. Still, this compact vine was better than its previous sprawling, monstrous version dominating the courtyard. She called out to Liu'er, and the vine's head-like tip bobbed gently, greeting Liu'er. Lifting Liu'er, the vine coiled around her finger, teasing her palm, which made Liu'er giggle gleefully. Jing Aoxue said, "Right then, this should be no problem now. Let's head over to Wu Zhiyong's for a meal." When Jing Aoxue arrived at Wu Zhiyong’s home, they had not yet started the meal. She saw Wu Zhiyong playing with his two children, his robust and towering figure softened by the appearance of a loving father. The incident with Liufu abducting the children surely left a psychological mark on Wu Zhiyong's family. Spring Boy noticed Liu’er and hurried over, exclaiming, "Liu’er, you’re finally here!" Jing Aoxue placed Liu’er down, letting the children go play on their own. Approaching Wu Zhiyong, she said, "It seems like you haven’t started yet. Were you waiting for me?" Wu Zhiyong chuckled, "That's right. Since you were coming this time, I had my siblings make extra dishes. Come, have a drink first and let’s celebrate!" Jing Aoxue didn’t decline; she sat and glanced around. "Where are your brother Wu Zhian and your parents?" Wu Zhiyong sighed, "My parents took my brother to the town for medical treatment. They’ve been staying there for a few days. I just found out how rough my brother’s life has been. Fortunately, you gave him some pills; otherwise, it would be worrisome. The doctor said his health is severely compromised and he needs proper care. Otherwise…" His mood darkened as he sighed again. Recalling Wu Zhian’s condition, Jing Aoxue offered, "I’ll send more pills over. They're homemade; you can eat them like candy. They’re excellent for health. Don’t worry, he’s young and should recover well with care." Wu Zhiyong smiled, "Thank you so much!" Noticing the unusual vine wrapped around Jing Aoxue, Wu Zhiyong curiously asked, "What’s that?" Jing Aoxue, who had warned the vine earlier to stay still and act as an ornament—unless it wanted to lose its energy and wood-based abilities—reassured him. The vine dejectedly agreed, lying still and rigid like a sculpture. She laughed it off, "Oh, it’s just an ordinary vine. I thought it looked nice, so I decided to wear it." Wu Zhiyong’s lips twitched at this unique aesthetic choice. To him, vines weren’t something to wear around one's neck, yet this one shone with the luster of a blood-red gemstone… Slightly shaking his head, he poured two cups of wine, offering one to Jing Aoxue. After three rounds of drinks, munching on peanuts, Jing Aoxue mused, "This recent mishap, it was really Liu Butler and Zhang Qiao’er’s fault. Previously, you know, I didn’t see what happened afterward. How did things with that troublesome Zhang Qiao’er unfold?" Wu Zhiyong glanced at the children playing joyfully and laughed, "Don’t worry. I’ll tell you all about it in a bit." They continued drinking and chatting as Wu Zhiyong recounted the entire night’s events. Finally, looking thoughtfully at Jing Aoxue, he said, "I don't know where you and your wife are from, but I sense you're not ordinary. This time, the National Advisor backed off because of that mysterious immortal, but next time…" Jing Aoxue frowned, downing her drink and fiddling with the vine on her neck, mumbling, "I understand. Zhang Qiao’er not only survived but also allied with a powerful female cultivator. With the Zhang family massacre's true perpetrator still at large, I suspect in five years, a major storm is brewing. Thank you for the heads-up; I’ll remain vigilant." Grateful for Wu Zhiyong’s discretion, she felt her heart warm at Liu’er’s cheerful laughter nearby. "Liu’er being noticed by an immortal is indeed a blessing. But the cultivation world isn’t a place for everyone. When she grows up, she can choose for herself." This tacitly acknowledged her own origins. Wu Zhiyong shot her a surprised look, just as his sister-in-law came over with dishes. He quickly hid this surprise as if nothing had happened. With the food served, Wu Zhiyong's sister-in-law shyly declined to dine with them, thanking Jing Aoxue before retreating to her room. Jing Aoxue shrugged; the era had strict customs separating men and women. Being from the cultivation world, she and Shen Lüman were less bothered by such conventions, unlike villagers. She didn’t press further and called the children to wash up and join the meal. As they ate, Jing Aoxue observed Liu’er closely. Though changes were evident, Liu’er seemed more like a typical child compared to last night. Despite possessing memories from the original owner, she wasn’t a demon herself and unsure about bloodlines. If only Shen Lüman regained clarity, she could ask her. But resolving Shen Lüman’s situation was her current dilemma. Luckily, Wu Zhiyong mentioned the National Advisor was intimidated by the powerful female cultivator and wouldn’t dare step into the village. Having grown accustomed to living here, she’d rather not move unless necessary. Though distracted, she ate two large bowls of rice. Afterward, she took Liu’er and joined Wu Zhiyong to thank General Qin. Wu Zhiyong explained that after leaving Liu’s mansion, General Qin stayed in town on business but had quietly returned to the village two days ago. With nothing else pressing, Jing Aoxue decided to visit General Qin, express gratitude, and consider how to remedy the poison affecting him. Since he willingly helped her immensely, she wasn’t just going to freeload without reciprocation. The group reached General Qin’s courtyard and was ushered into the main hall. Gu Baiwei sipped tea, observing Jing Aoxue as she entered. "This is a rare sight. I witness a miracle—a heart pierced by a sword, and yet you live. Indeed, you are something else."