104.6 - Little Peasant Wife

When Jing Aoxue arrived at Wu Zhiyong's house, they had yet to start dinner. She observed Wu Zhiyong playing with his two children. Despite his towering and robust presence, resembling an iron monument, he now appeared as nothing more than a loving father at home. The incident with the child abduction by " " surely left a mental scar on the Wu family. Chunge’er noticed Liuer and hurriedly ran over, saying, “Liuer, you finally came.” Jing Aoxue set Liuer down, allowing the children to play amongst themselves. Approaching Wu Zhiyong, she asked, “You haven’t started eating yet? Was I the reason for the delay?” Wu Zhiyong laughed, replying, “Indeed, since you’re visiting, I had my sister-in-law prepare a few extra dishes. Come, have a drink first to celebrate!” Jing Aoxue readily accepted, taking a seat and surveying the area before asking, “Where are your brother Wu Zhian and your parents?” With a sigh, Wu Zhiyong answered, “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 tough things have been for him over the years. Fortunately, you gave him those pills, otherwise, it might have been dire. The doctor mentioned he’s severely weakened, and it’s crucial he recuperates properly, or else…” Another sigh of melancholy escaped him. Reflecting on Wu Zhian's condition, Jing Aoxue said, “I’ll bring more pills over. They’re my own creation, harmless like candy, and beneficial for the body. Don’t worry, he’s young and will recover with time.” Wu Zhiyong nodded with a smile, “Thank you!” Curious, he inquired about her conspicuous vine accessory, “What’s that?” Jing Aoxue patted the vine, having earlier instructed it to behave and remain a decorative piece; otherwise, it wouldn’t receive her spiritual energy or wood-based powers. The vine reluctantly complied, nestling against her like a statue, motionless. “It’s just an ordinary vine,” she casually remarked, “I think it looks interesting, so I wore it for fun.” Wu Zhiyong twitched at her choice of accessory, never having seen someone wear a vine around their neck. The vine's glossy finish was akin to a blood-red gem... He brushed it off, pouring two cups of wine to toast Jing Aoxue. After three cups, she casually mentioned, “That incident was primarily the fault of Manager Liu and Zhang Qiao’er. Previously… well, you know, I didn’t witness what followed. What happened to that menace, Zhang Qiao’er?” Glancing at the happy children, Wu Zhiyong assured her, “Don’t worry. I’ll explain everything in a bit.” As they continued drinking and chatting, Wu Zhiyong recounted the night's events in full detail. His gaze deepened as he concluded, “I’m not sure about your origins or your wife’s, but it seems significant. The national advisor only retreated due to that sudden appearance of an immortal, but next time…” Jing Aoxue frowned, sipped her drink in contemplation, and murmured, “I understand. Zhang Qiao’er escaped and even aligned with a powerful female cultivator. Also, the Zhang family massacre’s perpetrator remains unknown. I feel there’s a major issue brewing in five years. Anyway, thank you for the warning; I’ll be vigilant.” Grateful for Wu Zhiyong's discretion, she was warmed by the sound of Liuer’s joyful laughter. “Liuer,” she considered warmly, “being noticed by an immortal is fortunate for her. However, I’d rather she choose her own path when she’s older than be bound by the cultivation world’s constraints.” Her acknowledgment implicitly confirmed her own identity. Wu Zhiyong looked at her in surprise, just as his sister-in-law came to serve the dishes, prompting him to feign normalcy. After the meal was set, Wu Zhian’s wife excused herself, thanking Jing Aoxue before retiring to her room. Jing Aoxue, understanding the strict traditional gender roles, accepted her reluctance to join them. She and " " were accustomed to the norms of the cultivation world and didn’t mind, but others in the village were more reserved. Not pressing the matter, she called the children to wash their hands before dinner. During the meal, Jing Aoxue studied Liuer closely. She had changed, more childlike than the previous night’s condition. Though she had the original memories, she wasn’t of the demon clan, hence unfamiliar with nuances of bloodlines. If only Shen Lüman regained clarity of mind, she could ask her. Shen Lüman’s situation was another pressing concern. Thankfully, Wu Zhiyong mentioned that the national advisor feared the powerful female cultivator’s threat and dared not enter the village. Jing Aoxue had grown fond of living here and, barring necessity, didn’t want to relocate. Even with her mind preoccupied, she finished two bowls of rice. After the meal, she took Liuer and accompanied Wu Zhiyong to thank General Qin. Post their departure from " ", General Qin had remained in town on business, returning discreetly a few times since. Lacking other engagements, she decided to visit General Qin, express her gratitude, and investigate whether the general’s poison curse could be resolved. General Qin had greatly assisted her; she wasn’t one to take advantage without reciprocating. The group reached General Qin’s courtyard and was ushered into the hall, where Gu Baiwei sat sipping tea. Upon seeing Jing Aoxue, Gu Baiwei assessed her with interest, remarking, “I witness a miracle today—surviving with a sword piercing your heart? You’re quite extraordinary.” Jing Aoxue simply smiled without replying. It was only when Qin Yishu was carried over to recline in his chair that she sincerely expressed her gratitude. Qin Yishu examined her for a moment, then looked at Liuer and remarked, “It was nothing significant. In truth, given the circumstances, I had no choice but to adopt Liuer as my daughter. News has already spread through the capital. My grandfather has instructed me to bring her home for a visit…” Jing Aoxue frowned, “Honestly, after the ' ' incident, I’m reluctant to let Liuer out of my sight. While I appreciate General Qin’s goodwill, I must kindly refuse.” Qin Yishu chuckled, “No worries, I hadn’t planned to return. I mentioned it as my grandfather has long urged me to marry. But on this matter, I have my convictions.” Jing Aoxue noticed Gu Baiwei biting her lip, her face pale, prompting Jing Aoxue to awkwardly avert her gaze. It wasn’t her place to meddle in their affairs, so she pretended not to notice. Qin Yishu continued, “Now that I’ve accepted a daughter, my grandfather’s curiosity is piqued, and he plans to visit this village soon. When that occurs, I’ll need Liuer’s help to reassure him by playing the role of my daughter.” Jing Aoxue considered, “If the general isn’t opposed, my Liuer would be willing. Perhaps we should make the adopted daughter role official, especially since Qin General saved her life.” She didn’t find any issue with an adoptive relationship, but understood its significant meaning here. Upon realizing her misstep from Gu Baiwei’s stern demeanor, she awkwardly amended, “Forget I said anything.” Qin Yishu gave Liuer a meaningful look, “Alright, but the question is whether Liuer is willing?” All the adults turned their attention to Liuer. Looking a bit puzzled, Liuer jumped off her seat, displaying a maturity beyond her years, “If the General doesn’t mind, I’d be willing. The trouble caused was due to my own lack of judgment. I’ve heard of the General’s vast experiences and wisdom. I’d like to learn from her.” Jing Aoxue’s eyes widened in disbelief. How could Liuer suddenly revert to the demeanor from the previous night, as if possessing a dual personality? Wait! Had she indeed been impacted enough to awaken a dual personality? Jing Aoxue was filled with worried unease, but attempts to question Liuer yielded little insight. Qin Yishu squinted with a smile, “Wonderful. With such an adorable and obedient daughter, I couldn’t be happier.” Calling Liuer over, she observed the blend of innocence and depth in the girl’s gaze. “Don’t overthink,” Qin Yishu sighed, “premature wisdom can impede one’s health.” Liuer nodded understandingly, “I understand.” She glanced at Jing Aoxue as if seeking her permission, and Jing Aoxue hesitantly nodded, prompting Liuer to turn back to Qin Yishu, smiling, “Mother.” Qin Yishu beamed, “Good child, how old are you now?” “Five,” Liuer replied. Qin Yishu murmured, "Very well, it's said in the cultivation world that spiritual roots are tested at age six. This year, you can stay by my side to learn." Liuer's eyes sparkled with excitement, and she eagerly nodded. Jing Aoxue: "..." What’s this sour, swelling feeling? She refused to admit she felt jealous, darn it! Rolling her eyes, she sourly asked, "General Qin, may I take your pulse again?" Gu Baiwei also seemed unsettled. She understood the implications and value of becoming Qin Yishu's adopted daughter and couldn’t believe Qin Yishu would actually... Did Qin Yishu truly have no intention to marry in this life? Despite her discomfort, her concern for Qin Yishu prompted her to ask, “Have you discovered a new treatment?” Jing Aoxue shook her head, “Not yet, but since General Qin has assisted me so greatly, I must do my utmost. Honestly… I wasn’t very confident before, so I made no promises. However, to repay this debt, I’ll rack my brains and find a way to cure General Qin.” Known for her stoic demeanor, Qin Yishu couldn't help but feel delighted, her voice slightly elevated, “Is that true?” Jing Aoxue gave a nod and stepped forward to take Qin Yishu's pulse, “Of course. However, the treatment process will be extremely time-consuming. How long does General Qin plan to remain in this village?” “I’ll stay until I either die or… until my body is truly healed,” Qin Yishu replied while observing Jing Aoxue take her pulse. A person of intrinsic compassion for the common folk, Qin Yishu had always aspired to be a general to defend the land. Yet, true battlefield experience revealed her limited control over many situations, like how the court oft delayed sending supplies despite escalating war conditions. The accumulated frustrations, coupled with her poisoning by the national advisor, had dampened her spirits only briefly before she resumed strategizing. Awaiting the perfect moment to strike, she glanced at Liuer, hoping the girl might inherit her resolve should the worst happen. Yet... Forget it. Closing her eyes, Qin Yishu listened when Jing Aoxue remarked, “Fortunately, the pills have pros and cons for your body, with the benefits outweighing the drawbacks. Your pulse is much steadier than last time, and the Gu worm being driven into your meridians might actually be beneficial.” Unable to remain seated, Gu Baiwei briskly approached them and interjected with disbelief, “How is that possible?” Jing Aoxue smiled, “The Gu worm’s activity in the meridians, while making the General immobile, inadvertently promotes blood circulation. Once the Gu is eliminated, your body could recover swiftly, which is undeniably a good thing.” Gu Baiwei pouted, “I’d say it’s best if there’s no Gu worm to begin with.” Jing Aoxue acknowledged the difference in perspective. Sharing a knowing look with Qin Yishu, they exchanged a silent camaraderie. Jing Aoxue lingered for a while before handing the medicine bottle to Qin Yishu's attendant, preparing to leave. Yet, Liuer expressed a keen desire to stay at General Qin’s residence. With small gestures of maturity, Liuer patted Jing Aoxue’s shoulder, planted a reassuring kiss on her forehead, and firmly insisted on staying. Jing Aoxue: "..." Regret hit her hard! A daughter sent away is like water spilled! She cast a resentful glance at the smiling Qin Yishu, saying, “Then please take care of Liuer.” Qin Yishu replied with a laugh, “She is also my daughter. I’ll ensure to teach her well.” Jing Aoxue: "..." With a daring glare at General Qin, she nearly burst into tears as she rushed off. Qin Yishu laughed heartily and asked Liuer, “Have you truly decided? Here, I can teach you strategy, warfare, martial arts, academics… Which would you like to learn?” Liuer, with a wise air, answered, “Since all are available, I’ll learn them all. Thank you, Mother.” Gu Baiwei, watching from the side, pouted again. So many subjects took even a genius like Qin Yishu over a decade to master; this little one was indeed ambitious, or perhaps naive. Turning away in silent frustration, she opted to ride back to town. Qin Yishu’s expression remained indifferent, unfazed as she instructed Liuer to the study for lessons. She taught earnestly, not underestimating Liuer as a mere child. Liuer, attentive and silent, absorbed each lesson, creating an atmosphere akin to storytelling. Uncertain how much Liuer truly learned, Qin Yishu’s assessments revealed astonishing memory retention, as if revisiting previously acquired knowledge. Surprised, Qin Yishu accelerated her instruction without inquiring further. Within Liuer, the lingering consciousness of an ancient great demon gradually waned, observing the humans before departing the child’s body. Determined to be no burden to her caregivers, Liuer eagerly intensified her studies to attain strength. Walking home, Wu Zhiyong noticed Jing Aoxue’s pouty demeanor and teased, “General Qin is wise and virtuous; many dream of such tutelage for their children. Why are you, as her mother, so reluctant?” Jing Aoxue sighed gloomily, “What if Liuer gets swayed and looks down on me as her mother, considering how amazing General Qin is?” The idea deepened her gloom. Wu Zhiyong’s laughter erupted, bending him over. Jing Aoxue, her expression worsening, caught the attention of villagers drawn by the laughter. Mortified, she quickened her pace, “Pretend you don’t know me; it’s embarrassing!” Laughing, Wu Zhiyong caught up effortlessly with his long stride, teasing, “You birthed her; she’s bound by blood. Plus, Liuer is naturally obedient—not as dramatic as you think. Are you jealous? You’re like a vinegar jar! I’ve seen spouses get jealous, but not mothers over their children.” Jing Aoxue’s face blushed, “So what if I am? Liuer will always be on my side. You wouldn’t understand!” Even if he didn’t, Wu Zhiyong found immense humor in it. Jing Aoxue, amidst Wu Zhiyong’s laughter, reached her home, eager to escape and close the courtyard gate behind her. Sitting in a rocking chair, she stroked the vine on her neck, lamenting, “Shen Lüman, if there was ever a time not to transform into a vine! Your daughter’s been abducted by General Qin. It breaks a mother’s heart.” The vine, unable to comprehend, adhered to Jing Aoxue’s earlier instruction, remaining motionless like a sculpture. Jing Aoxue: "..." She sensed even the vine felt a whimsical chill. In a conciliatory tone, she coaxed, “We’re home now; you can move freely.” Yet the vine remained stoic, unyielding in the face of her pleading. Jing Aoxue: "..." Caught, Shen Lüman was truly upset. Sighing, she coaxed the vine further until it relented, rubbing against her cheek in consolation. It was like caring for a child—perhaps even more willful than Liuer. Gazing at the vivid red vine, she let another long sigh escape. Despite being home alone more often with just the three of them, the emptiness of the courtyard felt unsettling now, a void she hadn't anticipated. Though she wasn’t against Liuer learning from Qin Yishu—who, as Wu Zhiyong noted, possessed tactical genius light years ahead—she worried about losing a cherished bond. Her inner conflict stemmed from that sensation of something precious being taken. “Ugh!” she grunted in uncertainty. The vine, misinterpreting, began swaying playfully around her. Amused, Jing Aoxue petted the vine, casting her gaze towards the mountains, “I don’t know how you’ll recover, but perhaps a venture to the mountain, rich in spiritual energy, will help. Since I’m free, I might as well work on improving my cultivation.” With this resolution, she prepared essentials, left a note, and set off for the mountains. Her improved health was evident, scaling the mountain without wearying like before, where fatigue would have laid her flat. Following the stream, Jing Aoxue reached the familiar clearing she frequented. The vine seemed to sense something familiar in the air, leaping happily from around her neck. It bounced and twisted like a rabbit, contorting its meter-long form into unexpected shapes. Jing Aoxue sat cross-legged, propping her chin with her hand and smiling as she watched it play. Once the vine wore out its excitement, it wrapped back around her, nuzzling against her, seemingly seeking something. Her heart warmed by the vine’s affection, Jing Aoxue couldn’t help but smile despite the slight exasperation. How did one direct such affection anyway? Sighing, she patted the vine coiled across her chest, saying, “Alright, alright, I’ll give it to you.” Closing her eyes, she released the vibrant, life-infused wood-based energy. She meditated, drawing in the spiritual energy from the air as she trained. In the depths of the mountains, freed at last from the vine's binding, the White Horse Priest sniffed the air, murmuring, "This is the aura of a Great Demon. Could it be that the Demon King has descended?" Overjoyed by the prospect, it began sprinting madly towards Jing Aoxue’s location.