105,4 - Little Peasant Wife

沈 Luman's face was tense. Growing up among the demon clan, she had heard rumors about the Demon King. Although she once admired the king's unmatched prowess and his noble sacrifice for the demon clan's safety thousands of years ago, now she felt uneasy. Being a phoenix, the Demon King was someone to revere from a distance, not approach. With his disdain for humans and domineering nature, Liu Er surely had a difficult time near him. Luman pressed her lips together, sitting next to Liu Er with a sigh. "Tell me everything, Liu Er," she said. Liu Er hesitated, wanting to confess everything about the little gray creature to her mother, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. Her indirect comments earlier were already pushing her limits. Caught in Shen Luman's perceptive gaze, Liu Er's lowered head confirmed her suspicions. Normally, Liu Er would have confided in them if bullied, and hiding something as major as a phoenix contract seemed improbable unless the phoenix had forbidden it. With a cold laugh, Luman hugged Liu Er and asked, "Liu Er, can you bring the phoenix here to talk with me?" Shaking her head, Liu Er replied, "Mother, it truly treats me well. It helped resolve the foreign fire within your body, suffering injuries because of it. Recently, it saved your life too but then went back to rest. So... please don't blame it." Stunned, Luman mused, "It allowed you to say this much yet forbids revealing its existence." It was befitting of a Demon King, using dets as leverage. She reconsidered confronting the phoenix, realizing the significant debt she owed it; suddenly, she lacked the resolve to refuse gratitude. Her frustration simmered, yet softened when Liu Er affectionately snuggled closer. "Mother, you really don't need to worry. It won't harm me," Liu Er assured. Even if the Demon King wanted to harm you, it couldn't, Luman thought bitterly. The phoenix had forcefully entered a marriage contract with Liu Er for reasons unknown. Given the current power dynamics, it would likely be caring for Liu Er for a long time, making this twist of fate somewhat beneficial. With such a strong ally, Liu Er would remain unscathed even when they weren't adjacent. Calming at the thought, Luman comforted, "Mother understands, Liu Er endured a lot." Liu Er's eyes moistened, recalling the hardship she had faced initially. Yet, the gray creature had been a great help, with each favor returned to her insurmountably. As she once told little gray, she would gladly serve it, as long as it didn’t harm her. Taking care of the gray creature was no different from tending to her bunny, Dabai. Reflecting on it, whatever discomfort she held dissipated. With a soft smile, she thanked, "Thank you, mother." Seeing Liu Er’s innocence, Luman realized she was likely unaware of the contract's implications. No matter. As long as the deal benefited Liu Er, Luman decided to overlook the Demon King's overbearing ways, at least for now. She gazed into the forest, pondered for a while, and asked, "Liu Er, are you hungry? Should mother make you some grilled meat?" Liu Er nodded eagerly. After traveling with her mother, though she wasn’t the one walking, she had followed along for hours and was starving by now. Placing Liu Er next to the unconscious Jing Aoxue for care, Luman went off to gather wild vegetables and small game nearby. Equipped with pots and pans in her storage bag, she found a clear stream and began cooking. The scent of food woke Jing Aoxue. Holding her aching head, she got up to see Luman cooking nearby while Liu Er read. "Mother, you're awake! We can eat soon," Liu Er exclaimed, setting her book aside. Holding her chest, Jing Aoxue felt an overwhelming discomfort, prompting her to take some pills to ease the pain. Smiling, she took a deep breath, "Smells wonderful." Luman glanced her way, "You're just in time, Liu Er, come over. The food's ready." With a growling stomach, Aoxue joined Luman and Liu Er. After the meal, Liu Er read for a while before napping on a soft cushion. Luman disclosed Liu Er's contract and the phoenix situation to Jing Aoxue, who snapped a rock into the distant mountains in frustration. Her throws prompted a soft glow across the protective formation in the dim forest. Smashing more rocks, she eventually grumbled, "The White Horse Priest's prophecy hit the mark. Liu Er was indeed meant for the phoenix. I hoped to distance them, but..." She sighed deeply, "Turns out, they were acquainted long ago." Shen Luman empathized, reminiscing about her initial reaction to the news, which was equally unpleasant. Comforting, she said, "Regardless of the cause, at least the outcome so far is positive. Liu Er's gentle nature is prone to harm, but with the phoenix's protection, she'll be safe from anyone." Reflecting on legendary tales of the phoenix, Shen Luman shuddered. The Demon King, the most powerful demon, bore the sole surviving ancient bloodline of the four mythical creatures. Its fires alone could obliterate the world, not to mention its other capabilities. Rumored to be a genius among the demon realm, even it had fallen to humankind. Shen Luman lowered her gaze, "Every generation has its own fortune. With our powers growing, no one would dare offend Liu Er, so..." Resolutely, Jing Aoxue nodded, kissing Luman, "You're right, love. I must swiftly increase my powers to protect you and Liu Er." With that, she began her cultivation. Amused, Luman wiped her face, embracing Jing Aoxue with vine-like energy as Aoxue channeled her own wood-based abilities. A month passed quietly. With a stretch, Jing Aoxue opened the door, "Honey, are we heading back to the village today?" Luman, recounting demon realm stories to Liu Er, looked up at Aoxue, "Yes, another seven days have passed. We're due for a visit. Moreover, Liu Er's been worried, as it’s been a month without news from Qin Yi Shu." Aoxue joined them, pouring tea for herself, "Don't worry, Liu Er. Qin Yi Shu is clever enough to deal with the Third Prince. I suspect she's strategizing. From our first meeting, it was clear she wouldn't resign to fate, particularly now that her poison can be cured. Her freed mind can achieve much more..." Liu Er pondered, "My adoptive mother said the same, but how do you know?" Scoffing, Aoxue explained, "Guesswork. A person's actions can often be deduced from their past and nature. Being well-acquainted with Qin Yi Shu, I can speculate her intentions. Backtracking, I can roughly predict things." Luman added, "It’s also harvest time in the village. Wu Zhi An, who helped with our herb gathering, injured himself and needs rest. Let's assist with the harvest when we return." Agreeing, Aoxue reasoned, "Helping is necessary. Cultivation shouldn't be rushed; a balanced life is key. Our regime of six days of practice with a rest day seems perfect. I feel breakthroughs coming soon." Having restarted from scratch, Aoxue was advancing rapidly. In merely two months, she had reached the fourth level of Qi training – a pace that would turn heads in cultivation circles. Luman squinted, recalling her time as a half-demon, having taken over a decade to achieve just three layers of Qi training due to her five-spiritual root limitations. In major sects of the cultivation realm, progressing from the first to fifth level of Qi training spanned three to ten years, while rare geniuses took nearly a decade to build their foundational capabilities, even with the minimum level. This is already the fastest speed possible, Shen Luman estimated that for Jing Ao Xue to reach the foundational period, it would take at least seven to eight years of cultivation. She glanced at Liu Er, wondering how long it would take for her to reach the foundation-building stage. But there was no rush; Liu Er was currently only at the human Qi cultivation level. She could progress steadily with time. Standing up, Luman entered the simple wooden cabin they had built ten days ago, grabbing a few porcelain bottles before announcing to both, "Let's head back to the village." Jing Aoxue and Liu Er nodded in agreement, and the trio started their journey back to the village. During the past month, they returned to the village every six to seven days. They weren't particularly close with the other villagers and never went out of their way to socialize with them. Each visit, they made a point to stop by Qin Yi Shu’s place since Liu Er had already finished reading the entire box of books and wished to continue learning under Qin Yi Shu. Naturally, Jing Aoxue and Shen Luman had no objections—more so because Yi Shu had been an excellent teacher to Liu Er. However, since attending the Qiqiao Festival in town, Qin Yi Shu hadn't returned, leaving only some instructions for Liu Er to freely access the study and read the books there. She promised to test Liu Er when she got back. Liu Er felt a bit disheartened but obediently took books home and spent time with her mother. She also visited Wu Zhiyong's house to play with her little friends Wu Mengqiu and Wu Xunchun. Their routine had been like this for a month. As they returned to the village this time, Jing Aoxue noticed Wu Zhiyong harvesting crops halfway down the mountain. Swiftly descending, she joined Shen Luman to assist in the fields, while Liu Er sought out her friends. Even though Liu Er had matured quickly under Qin Yi Shu's tutelage, she maintained her past friendships. Jing Aoxue rolled up her sleeves as she called, "Hey, buddy, need a hand?" Wu Zhiyong, blackened by the sun, was alone in the expansive field by choice. His aging parents performed lighter, necessary tasks at home with the harvested crops, and Wu Zhi An, yet to recover, wasn't allowed to do heavy labor. The family collectively decided for him to focus on nurturing the herbs entrusted by Jing Aoxue. So, the fieldwork fell solely on Wu Zhiyong. Sweating profusely, he grinned, showing his white teeth, and beckoned Jing Aoxue over, "You're just in time. Lend a hand; it's gonna rain soon, and if we don't finish harvesting, the crops will rot." After learning the process, Aoxue bent to the task at hand. Initially, Shen Luman wished to help too, but Jing Aoxue insisted she return indoors to avoid the harsh sun, handling lighter chores instead. After working hard for over an hour, Jing Aoxue wiped her brow and panted, "How big is your family's land? It feels like we're not making any headway. We should probably get more people to help." Wu Zhiyong chuckled, "It isn't that exaggerated. My parents sowed thirty acres. The yield isn't high, and once we pay taxes, there’s only just enough left for us." He sighed. Compared to his family, others lived more impoverished, their children reduced to bartering rice just to eat. Jing Aoxue frowned, "I don’t really understand crops here, but I vaguely recall agricultural yields in my world being far higher. I've heard about a thousand pounds per acre!" Laughing heartily, Wu Zhiyong said, "A thousand pounds? You’re dreaming! My brother, a top farmer in the village, manages three to four hundred pounds per acre at best. What you’re talking about... must be nonsense." Jing Aoxue folded her arms, annoyed, "I am not! And besides, do you only grow crops for yourself?" Puzzled, Wu Zhiyong answered, "If not for ourselves, then for what? We have seven family members, and sometimes relatives drop by for a share; by the end of the year, there’s barely enough for us. Selling isn’t an option when we can hardly feed ourselves." He shook his head again, "No wonder you’ve got a reputation here. Locals are simple folk; they disdain those wasteful in farming. You’re not wasteful, just woefully uninformed." Embarrassed, Aoxue scratched her nose and retorted, "But if it’s only for eating, why not grow potatoes, sweet potatoes, and corn instead? From what I remember, they taste good, yield well, and grow just about anywhere." "Potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn... what are those?" Wu Zhiyong asked, perplexed. Aoxue paused, surprised, "You've never heard of them? Maybe you've spent too much time away in battle and missed out on some things." Rolling his eyes, Wu Zhiyong stopped harvesting, "I grew up in this village, learned farming behind my parents. I've seen much, but never heard of what you mentioned. Perhaps... it's from your celestial or cultivation world?" Aoxue was taken aback, frowning in thought. Wu Zhiyong resumed his work, leaving her to ponder. With a huff, she assured herself, once done with the harvest, she’d consult Shen Luman. Luman, being more experienced, surely heard of these plants. Logically, plants in this world should resemble the mutants from her apocalyptic world. Occasionally, she found some with identical names and types, suggesting these crops likely existed here too. She wasn’t planning on farming herself, but if high-yield crops could spread in the mortal realm, many could benefit—at the very least, the Wu family. Moreover, since Qin Yi Shu aspired for leadership, addressing food shortages was paramount. Yi Shu would undoubtedly devise ways to use such resources wisely. It would be her way of thanking Qin Yi Shu for nurturing Liu Er. With plans in mind, Aoxue hurried home after helping till dusk. Wu Zhiyong had intended to invite her for dinner, but she’d already dashed off before he could ask. Shaking his head, he wiped his brow and packed up the tools. At home, Shen Luman was preparing dinner. Ignoring her usual routine, Aoxue rushed into the kitchen, asking, "Honey, have you ever heard of potatoes, sweet potatoes, or corn?" Startled, Luman took a moment, then shook her head, "I haven't. Are they some new herbs you need?" Laughing despite herself, Aoxue replied, "No, they're crops. Back in my... my previous world, they were high-yield, tasty staples. I think I’ve tasted them before..." Luman blinked, "Do you mean 'earth round'?" Aoxue's eyes lit up, "What does it look like?" After describing it, Luman retrieved two from the kitchen, "Here they are." Examining one, Aoxue found it resembled a potato, though slicing it, the creamy inside was sweet. Unable to resist, she tasted it, noting the sweeter flavor, slightly different but pleasing to her palate. "Why hasn't the village grown these? They taste great and are supposedly high in yield," she asked. Luman smiled, "I found them in the mountains. As a half-demon, I can sense edible plants. When we were poor, I dug some up." Seeing Aoxue munch away, she added, "Rinse them first; they’re still covered in dirt." Acknowledging, Aoxue teased, "Did you name it? 'Earth round'... Honestly, you've got room to improve there." Blushing, Luman remembered how naming Liu Er came about only after a willow sprouted in their yard in spring, weeks after her birth. Annoyed yet amused, she shot back, "Go ahead, name master!" Proudly nodding, Aoxue reasoned, "Naturally. Since few know about them and they taste like sweet potatoes, let's call them 'sweet earth.' We should scout the mountains for similar plants; maybe they’ve stayed hidden under the ground." Luman agreed, smiling at Aoxue's laughter, "No wonder Liu Er named her pets Dabai and Xiaobai—it’s clear she gets it from you. So funny!" Jokingly chopping the sweet earth, Luman replied with a bright smile, "What did you just say?" Aoxue shivered, hastily flattering, "Oh, I didn't say anything. I was praising my beautiful, gentle, and virtuous wife..." Caught by her survival instinct, she babbled on with flattery. Shen Luman stifled her laughter and said, "Enough with the jokes. Liu Er hasn't returned yet. Go to the Wu family and bring her back for dinner." Jing Aoxue nodded, grabbed the sliced sweet earth, and hurried off. With a shake of her head, Shen Luman continued preparing dinner. After Liu Er returned home and they finished their meal, the family settled in for the night. The next day, instead of heading up the mountain to cultivate, Jing Aoxue decided to stay and help Wu Zhiyong finish harvesting his crops. Although Wu Zhiyong's family owned a substantial amount of land, he was practically the only one capable of working in the fields. Even if they were willing to pay for help, everyone else was also busy harvesting their own fields. During harvest season, grain was more valuable than silver to these farmer families. So, Jing Aoxue worked tirelessly. Fortunately, her cultivation provided the stamina she needed, or she would have been utterly exhausted. Just as they were nearing the end of the harvest, Qin Yi Shu returned from town after more than a month’s absence. That morning, after breakfast, Jing Aoxue and Shen Luman took Liu Er to visit Qin Yi Shu’s place. Qin Yi Shu was already awake when they arrived, and for some reason, Gu Bai Wei was there too, looking displeased. She merely nodded at their entrance and retreated to her room. Qin Yi Shu smiled faintly, "She's in a bad mood, so I apologize on her behalf." Jing Aoxue waved it off, "It's no bother. Everyone has off days. But why were you gone so long? Was the Third Prince troublesome to deal with?" Qin Yi Shu hesitated, surprised by Aoxue's directness. It was rare to encounter someone so straightforward. She said, "I persuaded the Third Prince to continue his journey southward. In a few days, he’ll return to the capital without arousing suspicion. He hoped I would support him in securing the throne. But..." She trailed off, unwilling to deceive Aoxue's family. Everyone understood her true intentions, except for the Third Prince, blinded by his status. He assumed Qin Yi Shu would obediently serve him like her ancestors served the emperor. Over decades, if the ruler was indeed wise, Yi Shu wouldn't mind assisting. But given the dynasty's deep-seated corruption, she refused to invest her efforts into a hopeless cause. She'd rather seize control. She caught Liu Er's eye and beckoned her, "How’s your learning coming along this month?" Liu Er obediently approached, "I finished memorizing the first box of books my foster mother gave me and borrowed two more boxes. I’m working on the second now." Children's memory can be molded. Liu Er had excellent recall, but nowhere near photographic memory. Yet, after just a couple of months, she now remembered everything she read, a skill routinely attained by Foundation Establishment cultivators and above in the cultivation realm. Seeing Liu Er brightened Yi Shu’s day, as she genuinely regarded Liu Er as her own child, having no plans for marriage herself. She glanced at Aoxue, suggesting, "If there's nothing else, why not head back? I’d like Liu Er to stay. I have much to teach her." Jing Aoxue pressed her lips, reluctant, "I'll leave her in your care then." She rose, recalling her previous plan and casually mentioned it. Sharp as ever, Qin Yi Shu caught on quickly, "Do you have samples of the crops you mentioned?" Aoxue looked at Shen Luman, who retrieved a sweet earth from her bag and handed it to Yi Shu. Examining it, Qin Yi Shu's expression stiffened, inhaling deeply, "If its yield is as high as you claim, I'll make good use of it." Her gaze turned serious as she asked, "Do you know how to cultivate it?" This stymied Aoxue, who shook her head decisively, "If you can use this, we’ll transplant a few during our next visit to the mountains. You have knowledgeable hands on deck; finding someone skilled in farming should yield results." Yi Shu acknowledged, "Thank you." Aoxue waved off the gratitude, hugged Liu Er tightly, kissed her cheek loudly, and left with Shen Luman. Wu Zhiyong hadn't quite finished harvesting, but with only a little left, Aoxue helped out, and by noon, the fields were almost done. The remaining work couldn't use her help, managed by Wu's family. She entrusted Wu Zhiyong with some herb seedlings she had nurtured, instructing him to plant them when possible, and then headed to the mountains. Time flew by, and before they knew it, the year was ending. Jing Aoxue sat meditating, letting the spiritual energy wash over her, expanding her meridians and purging impurities. Suddenly, a "bang" echoed within her, her dantian's spiritual energy doubling in size. She opened her eyes, skillfully casting a cleansing spell to rid herself of filth. Shen Luman approached in human form, "Congratulations on reaching the fifth level of Qi cultivation." Aoxue nodded, her past dual spiritual roots, destroyed and reborn through the fires of Li Mu and the phoenix, were now exceptionally pure. Had she not consciously stabilized her cultivation to absorb maximal spiritual energy, she’d have broken through months ago. Her profound reserves of spiritual energy, despite her current level, allowed her to handle seventh-level Qi cultivators effortlessly. Strengthening one's foundation early ensures a smoother cultivation path ahead. This approach was Shen Luman’s advice, and Aoxue agreed. As a cold breeze rushed through, Aoxue shivered, "It's freezing. Southern winters are deceptive—not as harsh, yet homes here are chillier than up north where there's heat." Laughing, Luman responded, "Not quite. If you're really feeling cold, try using your energy for warmth. You’ve enough cultivation, but you're lacking in training. It's a weakness against opponents." Her ongoing concern, Luman had been sparring with Aoxue besides their cultivation sessions. Despite Aoxue’s apocalyptic survival skills and cunning tactics, Shen Luman initially often came off second-best. However, Aoxue's unfamiliarity with spiritual energy, reliance on close combat, and her body’s special energy posed a risk against stronger foes. Jing Aoxue stretched, beckoning Luman suggestively, "Come, honey, warm me up." Blushing, Luman threw her a mock scowl, realizing her lecture was wasted. Perhaps Aoxue wasn't genuinely cold, just teasing to have Luman draw near. And, of course, Shen Luman couldn't say no. She approached willingly, soon breathless under Aoxue’s affections. In the secluded mountains, with no one around, Aoxue grew increasingly fervent. As she began losing restraint, Luman whispered, "The curse." Two words were enough to douse Aoxue’s ardor. She nipped Luman’s neck, but softly, settling with a few gentle kisses, "I'll make up for this when the curse is lifted." Luman shuddered, remembering a night of Aoxue's relentless passion that left her utterly spent. She forced a meek smile. Aoxue studied her fondly, "I'm feeling restless; continued practice might not yield. Let's go home for a while, then resume." Nodding, Luman agreed, "Yes, with New Year coming, we ought to prepare." "Wait!" Aoxue exclaimed, "You said New Year is soon?" Luman sighed, "Yes, it's nearing year's end; time for festivities." Aoxue's face darkened. This strange world lacked calendars. Days just blurred by. Especially during her meditations, time slipped unnoticed. Reflecting, nothing major happened these months. Shen Luman stayed by her side, and Liu Er, not yet six, unable to cultivate, spent her time with Qin Yi Shu. It had been days since seeing Liu Er. She said, "Alright, let's return now. We'll stay long enough for New Year." With that plan, they made their way back home. The sky was overcast, and Aoxue remarked, "I'll visit Wu Zhiyong, then fetch Liu Er." Shen Luman had plans to tidy up the house and prepare for the New Year, so she agreed with a nod. Arriving at Wu Zhiyong's home, Jing Aoxue found the place bustling with activity, sounds of chatter filling the air. It was Chun Ge Er who answered the door. Seeing Aoxue, he glanced expectantly behind her but, not spotting Liu Er, sighed, "Aunt Jing is here." Aoxue chuckled, "Is your uncle around?" With a carefree shout into the yard, Chun Ge Er got a response from Wu Zhiyong and announced, "He's available." Aoxue couldn't help but laugh at the boy's antics. Wu Zhiyong emerged, playfully whacking Chun Ge Er on the head, "Get inside and play, rascal." The boy scampered back inside like a darting fish. Wu Zhiyong beamed, "Ah, you’re back from cultivation? I told you—no matter how busy you are, family should be together for the New Year." Truthfully, Aoxue had almost forgotten. She sheepishly rubbed her nose, "Yes, I wanted to touch base with you and see how the ointments and herbs are selling." Previously, she had suggested Wu Zhiyong start cultivating herbs. A genuinely honest man, he took her advice to heart. With the fields empty after harvesting grain, which couldn't be planted again until spring, he decided to plant seedlings across several acres. Worried about their value, Wu Zhi An tended them meticulously, though the herbs thrived better than expected, allowing an initial harvest in October. The milder southern winter and absence of snow meant he could plant a second crop, which was harvested just days ago. Initially intending to brew pills with these herbs, Shen Luman deterred Aoxue, warning that the cultivators like the state preceptors could easily detect their purity, raising suspicions. Instead, selling the herbs directly and processing some into ointments was a safer plan. With a respectable yield and their connection to Gu Bai Wei of Hundred Herbs Hall, she readily bought most of the herbs. The remaining herbs were kept by Aoxue to make ointments, offering higher profit margins due to additional processing. Not wanting to get bogged down by the business aspects, she entrusted Wu Zhiyong with production methods and sales, only needing to collect her share thereafter. Beaming with pride, Wu Zhiyong reported, "The herbs were delivered to Miss Gu a while back, and the ointments to General Qin. Payments have been made, totaling thirty thousand taels." He excused himself, soon returning with a box, "This is your share. Please verify it's all correct." Aoxue gave him a knowing look, "I trust your integrity. I'll take the box with me and let's continue our partnership next year." Wu Zhiyong eagerly agreed, watching her leave with admiration. Inside, Wu Lao Han tapped his pipe, "That Jing Aoxue is something else. We've made good money thanks to her help. Never forget to show our gratitude." The sentiment struck Wu Zhi An oddly, scratching his head, "I understand, Dad. Let’s focus on herb farming. In four months, we've earned more than I did in over ten years." Wu Lao Han tapped him gently, "Herbs are profitable, but we can't neglect our own food. We'll mainly grow herbs but still cultivate some grain, paying taxes with purchased grain." Wu Zhi An laughed, while Wu Zhiyong suggested, "We’ve made several thousand this year, Dad. After New Year, let’s renovate the yard. Meng Qiu is getting older; it’s not right for a young lady to share my room anymore." Though separated by a large distance and a curtain, a girl's privacy should be respected as she grows older.