104.8 - Little Peasant Wife

xbanxia.com Solely Cherished Farmer's Delicate Wife GL Chapter 70 Waking Up - Banxia Novel 6–7 minutes "My dear wife, you've finally woken up..." Jing Ao Xue was overjoyed, but before she could finish her sentence, Shen Lu Man suddenly leaned in and sealed Jing Ao Xue's lips with her own. Jing Ao Xue was taken aback, her heart swelling with even more joy. She quickly closed her eyes and returned the kiss. Shen Lu Man clung to Jing Ao Xue like a vine, tightly wrapping herself around her. Worried that Shen Lu Man might catch a chill, Jing Ao Xue reached out and embraced her in her arms. The real sensation of Shen Lu Man's skin under her hands assured Jing Ao Xue that Shen Lu Man had truly returned to her human form. This was indeed the greatest joy in recent days. However, finding themselves beneath the sky and earth, even without others around, Jing Ao Xue found herself hesitating on taking a step forward. She gently pulled back, taking a deep breath in an effort to calm herself, but Shen Lu Man, relentless as ever, moved closer once more. The feeling... though wonderful, carried a sense of discord for Jing Ao Xue. The Shen Lu Man she knew was usually quite shy, yet the one in her arms seemed desperate to merge entirely with her. This was a bit too passionate, wasn't it? Could it be the awakening of her demon lineage, revealing her true character? Jing Ao Xue pondered nervously, her mind's rational strings taut like walking on a tightrope. A misstep would send her plunging into the abyss of temptation. In her mind, a battle between reason and desire raged. After a length of time, she made the choice to refuse, pushing Shen Lu Man away with determination. Shen Lu Man didn’t understand why someone who had just been so passionate would suddenly push her away. Her eyes were innocent and confused, like a newborn child. Unable to comprehend Jing Ao Xue's actions, she followed her natural instincts and again drew near, like a tiny newborn kitten gently sniffing at Jing Ao Xue's neck and cheeks. Jing Ao Xue: "..." She dejectedly pressed her forehead. It was now certain beyond doubt that although Shen Lu Man had regained her human form, she hadn’t regained her consciousness, otherwise there was no way she'd act like this. Jing Ao Xue restrained her eyes from wandering to places they shouldn’t, shrugging off her outer garment and draping it over Shen Lu Man. She patted her back, saying, “Be good, put on some clothes. It's torturing not being able to touch even when you can see.” Inside her mind battled the impulse that despite years of restraint, seeing the woman she favored in such a state hadn’t turned her into a beast. Reflecting on their prior freezing silence brought on by issues with the original persona, she recoiled at the thought of taking such advantage while Shen Lu Man's mind was unclear. Jing Ao Xue shivered at this notion. The anticipated reaction from Shen Lu Man upon regaining all senses made her brace with dread. Momentary pleasures weren't worth lifelong regrets. So she stood up, with Shen Lu Man clinging persistently to her like vines. Jing Ao Xue looked up at the rising sun with a sigh. She couldn’t risk bringing Shen Lu Man back home like this, Liu Er would be utterly frightened. Realizing this, she remembered there was still a vine at home. If this vine had reverted, what about the one with Liu Er... Jing Ao Xue felt a headache coming on but had little room for concern now. She reached out to help Shen Lu Man dress properly. Yet, Shen Lu Man didn't care about any of it, obstinately causing more disruption, making Jing Ao Xue suffer as irritation surged through her, burning like fire. The not-quite-human body didn’t behave like ordinary women's, as she could feel the "glow stick" below beginning to react. Jing Ao Xue: "..." Wait, change of form... what exactly is that?! She shook her head fearfully, trying to dispel these odd notions. With no more resistance, Shen Lu Man resumed kissing Jing Ao Xue's face lovingly. Jing Ao Xue had always considered herself rough around the edges, imperceptive of her surroundings. Yet, with Shen Lu Man's childish kisses, it was as if her body experienced electric shocks, causing involuntary tremors. If she trembled any more, she'd soon resemble a sieve. Her knees grew weak, eventually collapsing to the ground. Her gaze deepened as she fixed her eyes on the one causing this turmoil. Mentally, she apologized: Sorry, Shen Lu Man! She couldn't resist this feeling. Being human and weak... Inwardly resigning that her prior mental preparations were in vain, she reached out, prepared to engage wholeheartedly, when from nowhere, “poof,” Shen Lu Man reverted back into the vine form. The soft vine waved a few times in the air, lazily brushing against her. Jing Ao Xue: "..." The duck she thought was cooked had flown away; the meat she thought secured vanished before her eyes. Outrageous! Heart-wrenching! Tears brimmed in Jing Ao Xue’s eyes as she looked at the teasing vine. No matter how vast her interest had been, it evaporated as it cuddled her. She rose tearfully, picked up the scattered clothing, dressed, and defeatedly made her way back home. Upon opening the courtyard gate, Liu Er was already awake, another vine listlessly coiled on the table. Sensing Jing Ao Xue's return, it immediately slithered over, entwining with the vine around her neck, merging back as one. Jing Ao Xue felt a headache just looking at the vine. Not knowing how to deal with it, she shoved it off and placed it onto the table, remarking, "Liu Er, you must be hungry—Mother will make you some food." Liu Er raised her head from her books, voicing concern, "Mother, you don't look well—did you not sleep well last night?" Jing Ao Xue awkwardly smiled and said, "No, it's not that... anyway, nothing serious. I'm a cultivator; missing a night's sleep is inconsequential to my body. But you..." Jing Ao Xue laid her gaze on the few pages left in Liu Er’s book, speaking with complex emotions, "Studying is good, but don't stress yourself too much, alright?" Liu Er nodded, "This book is interesting; Mother could also take a look." Hearing this ignited Jing Ao Xue’s curiosity, but after a glance, she turned away bored, saying, “Liu Er, read it yourself. I’ll go to the kitchen to prepare your meal.” The book, though only perused briefly, was a history book all written in classical Chinese—no wonder Jing Ao Xue couldn’t muster any interest. She had bought history and storybooks back when trying to understand this world. The stories were devoured quickly, yet the history laden book met apathy after few pages. Liu Er was different—an absolute scholar type in the modern world. That scholar was her daughter, Jing Ao Xue thought, filled with bliss. The vine slithered again, coiling, and Jing Ao Xue had no means to handle it, resigning to let it be. Having been toyed with all morning, Shen Lu Man surely hadn’t done it purposefully, otherwise... Gritting her teeth, she diced yesterday’s game, stir-frying it with potatoes, steaming rice and egg custard. Aware of Liu Er’s academic exertions, she resolved to find milk or goats for future nourishment. Children needed nourishment from milk, and regular fruit intake, she noted a lack therein in the village, though the mountains offered plenty, thus planning to gather some. Back in school, her dad always made fish soup before exams to boost brainpower—today she'd catch a few fish for Liu Er, concocting a hearty broth. Whether effective or not, it signified care from her heart. Seeing Liu Er’s zeal, she, as a mother, sighed—her partner in such a state, it felt like she might change back at any moment, uncertain of the precise timing. Anxious. Leaning against the doorpost, Jing Ao Xue conceded: She must fetch a couple of Shen Lu Man's outfits to alternate, in case of another abrupt reversion, to avert hassle. She focused her mind, refraining from revisiting the morning's events, lest frustration led her to melancholy. After preparing breakfast and eating, she rode to escort Liu Er to General Qin’s house, her mind contemplating: Qin Yi Shu as Liu Er’s teacher meant the Qin household was her school, signifying that Liu Er, upon maturing, ought to attend school. This notion lightened her heart. Though observing Liu Er’s shining eyes towards Qin Yi Shu, she couldn’t help but sourly purse her lips, riding away. Bai Ma approached, commenting, "The aura of the great demon on you has lessened—what happened last night?" Jing Ao Xue regarded the vine lazily draping her neck, confessing, "Shen Lu Man changed back at dawn, yet her mind wasn't restored, practically no different than when she was a vine. Before long she reverted again. How long do you think this state will last until she fully transforms?" Bai Ma, noting her despondence, replied, "I don’t know, but by your description, it shouldn’t be too long now." Jing Ao Xue chuckled dryly, feeling weary. She trudged to the river with her worn-out self, catching sight of Wu family children playing by the river. Wu Meng Qiu approached hesitantly, softly asking, "Auntie, where’s Liu Er gone?" Jing Ao Xue looked up, taking a liking to the little girl Wu Meng Qiu, smiling as she said, "She's gone to General Qin's house to study. These days... she might not have time." Wu Meng Qiu replied with disappointment, as if she suddenly remembered something, and asked, "What about Auntie?" Jing Ao Xue, stroking the docile vine around her neck like an ornament, laughed, "She's resting at home. Hopefully, she'll be better in a few days. Thank you for your concern." Wu Meng Qiu blushed, mumbled a few words, and turned away. Jing Ao Xue rubbed her chin, thinking: Wu Zhi Yong's daughter isn't bad at all. If Liu Er favors girls and wishes to marry in the future, Wu Meng Qiu might be a good match considering their close relationship and familiarity. However, looking at Liu Er's current state, she seems quite determined to improve. Not only academically, but in other aspects as well. If she has spiritual roots by the time she is six, she'd likely embark on the path of cultivation. By then... Wait! Jing Ao Xue paused, puzzled. The possibility of Liu Er having spiritual roots in the future remained uncertain. Aside from the priest Bai Ma who could glimpse the heavenly secrets in the demon world, why was this suddenly appearing cultivator so sure Liu Er had spiritual roots, even planning to take Liu Er and Zhang Qiao Er to the cultivation world? She hadn't thought about this before, but the sudden realization made her anxious. Her cautious stance towards the out-of-nowhere female cultivator was motivated by a clear lack of common sense for being interested in Zhang Qiao Er. Zhang Qiao Er was a genuine ingrate, ready to repay kindness with hostility if displeased. The incident with Liu Er was already a lesson. Could such a powerful but ill-reasoning female cultivator have ventured to the mortal realm solely to accept two disciples? Moreover, how did she learn about Liu Er and Zhang Qiao Er's names? Unless... Jing Ao Xue's eyes widened with a realization: Unless this person has the ability to see the future like the priest, or maybe she was reincarnated… With this thought, many previous doubts finally started making sense. The first powerful aura she sensed at the Liu mansion should have been emitted by this female cultivator. But without this female cultivator, what would have happened? The direction she headed was exactly where Shen Lu Man was, and the National Adviser followed closely, discovering Shen Lu Man's location because of it. It looked like the National Adviser was drawn over by the female cultivator! Her aim was to have Shen Lu Man killed and then take the motherless Liu Er to the cultivation world! Outrageous! Jing Ao Xue didn't know if her speculations were correct, but she wouldn’t risk any potential threats harming her dearest ones. Clenching her fists, she knew the female cultivator was stronger than the National Adviser, meaning her powers were at least at the Gold Core stage. Such a formidable opponent was a staggering adversary for someone like her, with cultivation only at the third stage of Qi Refining. Yet she wouldn't back down! Standing from the grass, Jing Ao Xue decisively used her spiritual energy to quickly catch fish, tossed them into the bucket she brought, and carried them home before heading to the mountains. The spiritual energy in the mountains was more abundant, and she had Shen Lu Man’s clothes packed in her storage bag. Spending the entire day on the mountain paid off with notable results. Perhaps benefiting from the previously gifted elixir from the female cultivator, and the thousand-year spirit spring water, her wood element powers once again advanced, reaching level four by afternoon. The surrounding spiritual energy proved insufficient, but her cultivation had reached the peak of the third stage of Qi Refining. She believed she could reach the fourth stage within a few days. Awakening from her meditation, Jing Ao Xue caressed the vine beside her, feeding it her level four wood element powers. A level four wood power was much stronger than level three, and under its nourishment, the vine gleamed brilliantly. Unable to resist, Jing Ao Xue planted a kiss on the vine, whispering, "Shen Lu Man, please recover soon." The vine affectionately brushed her lips, curling around her neck. As it grew late, Jing Ao Xue descended the mountain to return home, intending to ride over to General Qin's house to pick up Liu Er, only to find Liu Er already home. She was standing in front of the lying Bai Ma, using a damp cloth to wash him. Jing Ao Xue paused before approaching, asking, "What did you learn today, Liu Er?" While washing, Liu Er replied, "Foster mother taught me history, stating that learning from history helps understand the rise and fall; learning from people helps discern right and wrong." "Throughout history, the rise and fall of dynasties, the collapse of empires wasn't overnight but had signs beforehand. Learning history helps us avoid repeating mistakes." "This applies personally as well, as we can learn virtues from historical figures, drawing on their experiences as guidance." Jing Ao Xue found this rather intriguing—as history books were like storybooks to her. Seeing her interest, Liu Er began narrating an example provided by her foster mother, Qin Yi Shu. She said, "There was a king in ancient times, who during his early reign, was diligent and wise, prospering the kingdom with the people living comfortably, the nation thriving. Yet later, neglecting state affairs for the favor of a concubine, led to the kingdom's downfall, and the concubine bore all the blame as a temptress causing the nation's ruin and people's suffering." "In truth, the beauty was blameless, and the kingdom had already begun to crumble when the king became foolish and employed deceitful ministers—nothing happens abruptly, it's always a process." "Foster mother's rough recount of the king's decade-long folly demonstrated how a nation must never slack, else face dire consequences. It also taught me never to become complacent or arrogant..." She rattled on, nearly repeating Qin Yi Shu's teachings, while Jing Ao Xue listened with relish. Jing Ao Xue could absorb whatever Liu Er said, not to mention the use of quotes and concise reasoning, her logic tight and coherent. These were all bestowed by Qin Yi Shu, revealing her as an excellent teacher for whom Jing Ao Xue felt genuine gratitude, along with insight into the poison issue, as she pondered while cooking. Once the meal was ready, during dinner, Liu Er said, "Foster mother found the pills effective and extended thanks to mother through me." Jing Ao Xue served her food, saying, "I know. She's been a great teacher to you. I'll make more pills tomorrow to give her... Liu Er, eat more. I picked some wild fruits from the mountain today; you can try some after dinner." Liu Er beamed, "Thank you, mother." Her eyes landing on the vine around Jing Ao Xue's neck, she hesitated, "Any idea when mom will recover?" Jing Ao Xue sighed, "I don't know, we'll just have to wait." It was all they could do, and after dinner, feeling exhausted, Jing Ao Xue chose to rest instead of practicing through the night, planning to resume the following day. The next morning, after sending Liu Er to General Qin's house, she returned to utilize her level four wood powers for pill refinement. With Liu Er having lunch at Qin Yi Shu's, she quickly ate herself, then set out for mountain cultivation. Bai Ma followed, suggesting, "The inner mountains have the most abundant spiritual energy; perhaps venturing deeper..." Jing Ao Xue glanced back at him, shaking her head, "Aren’t there many fierce beasts in the depths? It’s far from home, traveling back and forth could take a lot of time. I'm not comfortable being too far from Liu Er." Seeing her resolve, Bai Ma decided not to push further. For several nights, whenever Jing Ao Xue practiced through the night till dawn, Shen Lu Man would transform into human form and cling to her like a vine. Jing Ao Xue sighed helplessly. As the feeling of weight in her arms became familiar, she accepted it, saying, "Ah, what can I do with you, here, a kiss then." With that, she puckered her lips toward Shen Lu Man. Expecting her usual delighted response, Jing Ao Xue was met with a palm in her face, gently but firmly refusing her approach. Shen Lu Man’s elegant voice carried a hint of a strange emotion as she asked sternly, "Jing Ao Xue, what are you doing?" Jing Ao Xue: "..." What the heck! [This site offers no pop-up ads, permanent domain name (xbanxia.com)]