105,9 - Little Peasant Wife

Chapter 78: Marriage Ceremony - Half-Summer Novels Jing Aoxue naturally shared the same thought as her, frowning with displeasure, she said, "I really detest those so-called prophets. If everything could be decided by prophecy, what's the point of living?" Shen Luman sighed and said, "Liu'er is destined for great fortune, so we should focus on improving our own strength quickly." Hearing this, Jing Aoxue was reminded of how Shen Luman's cultivation had surpassed hers yet again. Originally, in less than half a year, she had advanced from an ordinary person to the fifth level of the Qi Refining stage, an unprecedented speed even in the cultivation world. But Shen Luman, being a demon cultivator, had awakened her bloodline, and with a moment of enlightenment, she instantly broke through the Qi Refining stage and entered the Foundation Establishment stage, overshadowing her once more. The dignity she once held as the head of the household had been continuously battered by these events, leaving none of it intact. Feeling down, she pulled the blanket over her face, making Shen Luman think she was worried. Shen Luman snuggled into the bed with her, comforting, "There's no need to rush this matter, let's just do what we should." With Shen Luman's warm presence by her side, Jing Aoxue naturally didn’t think much further. Sometimes, even if one wants to think, it’s of no use. She had already done everything she could, spending most of her time cultivating these days, her progress also being rapid. She felt at peace with herself; having done her part, she decided to let things take their natural course. Feeling relaxed in Shen Luman's soft and warm embrace, she soon fell asleep. However, Shen Luman spent half the night awake, recalling all the well-known prophets in the cultivation world, memorizing a few names before unknowingly falling asleep. Early the next morning, the village was bustling with the sound of firecrackers again. Annoyed, Jing Aoxue had stayed up late last night, and with the noise, no one could manage to sleep. She resigned to yawning as she got up. Breakfast was simple—soft, white glutinous rice balls paired with sweet rice wine soup. After the meal, Jing Aoxue took Shen Luman and Liu'er to the house of Wu Zhiyong to offer New Year's greetings. It was earlier than usual, as Wu Zhiyong’s family had many relatives and would be busy later. Jing Aoxue planned to take three days off and return to the mountains for cultivation on the fourth, so she had to make an early visit. Everyone in the Wu family was already up, being farmers accustomed to waking early as a habit. Even on rest days, they were up with the crack of dawn when the roosters crowed. When Jing Aoxue arrived with her family, the Wu household had already finished breakfast. The courtyard gate was open, and adults were sitting on benches in the yard, chatting leisurely. The weather was pleasant, with the morning sun warm and comfortable, much better than staying indoors. Several adults sat together, chatting, while Wumengqiu was reading a book, occasionally teaching her restless brother Spring Brother a word. Spring Brother always maintained a good attitude toward his sister. Even if reluctant, he tried hard to remember what Wumengqiu taught, learning better from her than anyone else. Jing Aoxue knocked on the door, cleared her throat, and said, "Happy New Year." Wu Zhiyong came forward with a smile, "I guessed you’d come early this morning. Happy New Year! Liu'er, here's a red envelope from Uncle, wishing you a joyful new year." Liu'er glanced at Jing Aoxue, who nodded, so she stepped forward to accept the red envelope politely, saying thank you. Jing Aoxue reciprocated by giving red envelopes to the Wu family's children, each containing valuable jade pendants, worth several hundred taels. Wumengqiu accepted hers politely and tucked it into her sleeve. Spring Brother, unable to resist, opened his on the spot, pulling out the jade pendant to admire it in the sunlight. He didn’t understand the value, but the adults did, and were stunned. Wu Zhian hurried over, saying, "This gift is too generous, we can't accept it." Jing Aoxue waved it off, "It's alright. As long as the children like it. Spring Brother, do you like the gift?" Spring Brother, having learned some characters, recognized his name on the pendant and blushed, nodding, "Thank you, Aunt, I like it very much." Pleased, Jing Aoxue was invited in by Wu Zhiyong. She wished the two elderly Wu family heads a happy new year, gifting them some recently made medicinal pills. After sitting for a while, she planned to head to Qin Yishu's home. Qin Yishu's house was at the edge of the village. Walking there, the air was thick with the scent of fireworks until nearing Qin Yishu's place, where it cleared substantially. Jing Aoxue took a deep breath and said, "I felt suffocated; the smell was too intense." They had set off firecrackers the previous day but used cleaning spells to clear the courtyard, so the smell had dissipated overnight. The crowded village, with its festive indulgences, had layers of firecracker debris, crunching underfoot and leaving little space between homes, compounding the smell. Jing Aoxue pinched her nose as she arrived and knocked. The well-trained staff opened the door promptly, undeterred by the holiday. Impressed by their decorum, Jing Aoxue rewarded them with small New Year envelopes containing two taels of silver. The staff thanked her with appropriately pleasant expressions, inviting her family inside. Qin Yishu lay on a long couch in the main room, watching two elderly men play chess. On the left was a robust old man, whose broad shoulders and arms were evident even beneath his modestly luxurious attire, despite his white beard. The man on the right was leaner, sipping tea leisurely next to a full tea set, entirely absorbed in their game, paying no attention to Jing Aoxue’s entrance. Jing Aoxue paused, uncertain. She knew Qin Yishu didn't permit guests during New Year's, and if any appeared, they'd be turned away by her staff. So how did these two get invited? The possibilities set Jing Aoxue wondering — could they be Qin Yishu’s relatives, possibly one grandfather and one maternal grandfather? Their intense chess rivalry suggested a strained relationship. Seeing their arrival, Qin Yishu motioned with a smile for her assistants to help her sit up. Liu'er, the most familiar with her, understood, leading Jing Aoxue and Shen Luman to her. Ignoring the elders, Qin Yishu didn’t introduce them to Jing Aoxue, simply saying, "You arrived early." Jing Aoxue nodded, "With a tight schedule later, and nothing else planned for today, we decided to bring New Year wishes early." Liu'er added, "Godmother, happy new year. May you regain your health soon." Qin Yishu smiled, instructing a servant to hand over a red envelope, "Good girl, Liu'er, take this to play." Knowing it was Liu'er's birthday, Qin Yishu added a double gift in the envelope. Receiving it, Liu’er discreetly tucked it into her sleeve, asking, "Godmother, have you had lunch?" Qin Yishu acknowledged, deeming the setting inconvenient for conversation. She instructed her staff to carry her to the study, with Jing Aoxue and her family following inside. Once settled, with the staff dismissed, Qin Yishu asked seriously, "How did Liu'er's test results turn out?" Her unique background gave Qin Yishu some insight into the cultivation world, aware that at six, children could be tested for spiritual roots, thus her inquiry — unaware that spirit testing required a specific stone. Jing Aoxue didn’t correct her, explaining, "Liu'er has a wood spiritual root. I have both fire and wood roots, enabling me to teach her cultivation. For the next month, she’ll be spending half the time with us in the mountains for training." Qin Yishu nodded, gazing at Liu'er fondly, "Liu’er is not meant for an ordinary life, and this is not the best place for her. Gaining strength early will help her secure her future." Understanding her consideration, Liu’er expressed her gratitude. After a short conversation, Jing Aoxue prepared to leave, but the study door opened abruptly. The two elders from before entered, one after the other, focusing their gaze intently on Liu'er. Uncomfortable under their sudden scrutiny, Liu’er would once have hidden behind Shen Luman. However, having learned much from Qin Yishu, she simply smiled calmly under their stare. She respectfully greeted, "Hello, Grandfathers." The slightly sturdier elder stroked his beard, commenting, "What a fine child, looks bright too. I am your godmother’s grandfather; you may call me Great-grandfather." The thinner elder scoffed, "How shameless. The young lady has a connection with your granddaughter, not you. You're just imposing yourself — do you have any meeting gift for her at least? If not, then you're just a shameless old man." His quick words left Qin Zhengming's face red with anger. Shen Taihua stepped forward, "You seem like a smart child. Here, this is a little trinket I acquired long ago for you to play with." Liu'er wanted to refuse, but it felt improper. She instinctively looked at Jing Aoxue, who shrugged and nodded towards Qin Yishu. Liu'er then turned to Qin Yishu. Qin Yishu smiled, "Liu'er, this is my mentor, once an imperial teacher, now a recluse enjoying the countryside. You can call him Grandpa Shen." Understanding her cue, Liu'er accepted the gift with thanks, respectfully saying, "Hello, Grandpa Shen. I am Liu'er. Wishing you a happy New Year and a long life." Shen Taihua laughed, "That’d make me an ancient monster! No, no, I'm living each day to its fullest, embracing the freedom of life." Liu'er replied, "I understand, each life has its length, and everyone has their own way of living. Your candidness is enlightening. Thank you for sharing, Grandpa Shen." With a complex expression, Shen Taihua asked, "Do you truly understand?" Liu'er smiled faintly, "Not completely, but perhaps five or six parts of it." She had witnessed loss and devastation; nothing was more impactful than that. Though only six, her godmother often said Liu'er had a clear perspective, rarely troubled by inner demons, which was both a blessing and a curse. Hearing Shen Taihua’s deep words, Liu'er grasped further insights. Shen Taihua smiled contentedly, "You are more insightful than your godmother. She inherited stubbornness, always burdened by responsibilities. I see you’re different. How about this—I invite you to have a one-on-one teaching session with me. If fate allows, I may offer you another gift. How does that sound?" Qin Yishu's eyes sparkled with anticipation, "Liu'er, hurry and thank Grandpa Shen. Why don’t the rest of us wait in the main hall?" Saying this, she signaled the attendants to escort her to the hall. Jing Aoxue, still a bit dazed, trusted Qin Yishu wouldn’t harm Liu'er, so she let Liu'er learn from Shen Taihua, planning to return once their discussion was over. After joining Shen Luman in the main hall, Qin Yishu explained, "That was my mentor, Shen Taihua, a venerable master who has taught emperors and is beloved by scholars. His carefree nature and strategic mind make learning from him immensely beneficial. That's why I took the liberty of deciding this. I hope you understand." Jing Aoxue glanced at Shen Luman. If Qin Yishu's claims were accurate, it would be advantageous for Liu'er. The only concern was whether Shen Taihua’s carefree nature might be too much for Liu'er. She knew such an opportunity was rare and sighed inwardly, agreeing to it. Qin Yishu's grandfather, Qin Zhengming, sat sullenly aside, "So this is why you wrote to him, to involve him with your goddaughter." Qin Yishu looked at him calmly, "Grandpa, didn't you suspect this?" Qin Zhengming smiled bitterly, "Fine, it doesn’t matter. But how is your health lately? I visited that girl from the Gu family in town; she mentioned you're improving. Perhaps..." Qin Yishu’s eyes turned cold, "Perhaps what? If you say another word, then leave now. It's New Year's, and the Qin family in the capital awaits you to take charge." Qin Zhengming paused, "But you, weren’t you childhood friends with the Gu girl? I remember you intended to marry her after winning battles. Why now..." Jing Aoxue felt uneasy, sensing her presence was improper. Qin Yishu lowered her eyes, "I have my reasons. Please, stay out of it." Qin Zhengming, livid, was about to argue when the gate was kicked open. Gu Baiwei stood at the entrance, visibly upset. Qin family servants, overwhelmed by her entourage, were restrained, not daring to resist harshly due to her status. They looked nervously at Qin Yishu, who, maintaining composure, addressed Gu Baiwei, "What brings you here?" Gu Baiwei sneered, stepping forward, "Qin Yishu, you've got nerve! As a Gu family lady, I could marry an emperor. Why unmarried still? Weren’t you waiting to take me as your spouse? You once promised me.” With a chilling gaze, she demanded, "Will you marry me or not?" Qin Yishu hesitated. His grandfather, Qin Zhengming, frantically gestured for her to agree. Deep in thought, unaware, even Jing Aoxue was anxious for them. Initially, Jing Aoxue hadn't intended to assist Qin Yishu, but as time passed and after living alongside her, she'd discerned Gu Baiwei's genuine affection for Qin Yishu, albeit with a touch of obstinate temperament. Yet, Qin Yishu remained an enigma to her, even now. The godmother’s bond had Liu'er gravitating towards Qin Yishu, much to Jing Aoxue’s chagrin. What if Liu'er faced a romantic suitor as Qin Yishu did...? Hold on—why must one always reciprocate another's affection? Love, after all, requires mutual feelings to flourish. Yet Qin Yishu’s aloofness seemed contradictory; she never outright rejected Gu Baiwei, her closest other than Liu'er. Jing Aoxue lamented inwardly; their dynamic was quite the ordeal due to Qin Yishu’s indecisiveness. If Shen Luman treated her similarly... Jing Aoxue stole a glance at Shen Luman, who watched Gu Baiwei with apparent sympathy. Sure enough, Qin Yishu coldly declared, "I will not marry you." Gu Baiwei’s face paled, tears welling before streaming down her cheeks. Wiping them away in anguish, she retorted, "Fine! I understand. Rest assured, Qin Yishu, I will never bother you again!" Turning, she fled in despair. Qin Zhengming, simmering with disappointment, had hoped to see Gu Baiwei as his granddaughter-in-law. He recalled her shy, anxious demeanor during past meetings. He had repeatedly extolled Gu Baiwei’s virtues to Qin Yishu, recognizing her unwavering dedication as unmatched. The grandfather felt the pang of his late wife’s absence, glaring at Qin Yishu's stoic demeanor, he barked, "What are you thinking? You've been single for ages, waiting for her to mature. You marched off to war, leaving the girl to grow up waiting. Then, you vanished when unwell, unaware she turned the capital over trying to find you." "The Gu family is influential; even the emperor respects them. You alone squander this genuine affection!" Growing angrier, he paced the hall, "Regardless, send someone to fetch the Gu girl at once. With today being an auspicious day, marry now. I, her grandfather, am present, and your irreverent master can officiate if need be..." "Grandpa," Qin Yishu interjected plainly, "spare your efforts. I am not inclined towards marriage." Qin Zhengming, exhausted by his attempts, found Qin Yishu indifferent. To an outsider like Jing Aoxue, Qin Yishu’s actions seemed excessively cruel. If her heart wasn't set, why hadn't she articulated it long ago? Disappearing without explanation, withholding rejection—what did it signify? She wasn’t directly involved, and couldn’t grasp the underlying issues or the big picture. She only knew that if Shen Luman nodded her head, she'd be delighted for a whole day. Whether human or demon, nothing should stand in the way of two people truly in love. Squeezing her lips together, she reached out to hold Shen Luman’s hand. The commotion naturally drew the attention of Shen Taihua and Liu'er. Entering the room, he casually sat down and asked, "So, girl, what's the story now? I heard from Liu'er that your poison can be cured. Are you waiting for the cure before marrying?" Qin Yishu's eyes flickered, a subtle motion not missed by Qin Zhengming. Slapping his thigh and almost jumping up, he exclaimed, "My goodness, so it’s because of health issues that you...?” Gritting her teeth, Qin Yishu displayed her first sign of intense emotion, "My health is a burden, and with my wings not fully grown, if the emperor learns of an alliance with the Gu family, it will bring down imperial wrath on the Qin family. The emperor's wrath leaves bodies piled high." She didn’t elaborate, but those words already revealed the truth. It's not that she didn’t want to marry; there were compelling reasons forcing her to delay. Jing Aoxue lived a solitary life, not understanding the weight of responsibility Qin Yishu carried. Shen Taihua did understand; this girl had always been deeply thoughtful, valuing family and country above all. If there hadn’t been the emperor’s betrayal, Qin Yishu, like countless Quinns before her, would dutifully assist in governance, stabilizing the borders and ensuring the people's welfare, upholding national peace and prosperity. In her eyes, this was the essence and value of life. But all this was ruined by the emperor’s schemes. Torn between revenge and fearing harm to others, her call for action remained unspoken. Otherwise, with her intelligence, seizing the throne wouldn’t be difficult. Yet now, lines laid unseen would unravel the court in under five years if she commanded it. Still, her decision lingered. Shen Taihua felt mixed emotions: admiring her priorities and frustrated by her burdens, he found Liu'er wiser. Truly wise people should live freely and joyfully. The more you care, the more you carry, and the less happy you become. Though supportive overall, Shen Taihua, faced with this dilemma, could only sigh deeply. Qin Zhengming, on the other hand, swiftly pounded his chest, decisively claiming, "Leave this to me, I won’t let my granddaughter miss out on love." He hurriedly mounted a horse to chase after Gu Baiwei. Qin Yishu was left looking pensive and lost, forcing a smile as she apologized to Jing Aoxue, "Sorry you had to witness this." Jing Aoxue shook her head, tentatively suggesting, "I just think carrying less burden is essential. Everything has its cycle. Individual capacity is limited, so rather than spending time in futile thoughts and worry, why not just address the biggest obstacle directly?" She subtly implied that Qin Yishu should act against the emperor, yet Qin Yishu remained hesitant. Weary, she said, "Let’s end today here. Someone, take me back to rest." Indicating Jing Aoxue could do as she pleased, she was helped back into her room by servants. With her host gone, Jing Aoxue hesitated to linger, glancing at Liu'er. Seeing Shen Taihua’s interest in teaching Liu'er, she nodded, "Liu'er will stay and learn. I’ll pick her up in four days. I’ll visit the Qin residence every half month." This was partly what Shen Taihua inferred from Liu'er earlier. Jing Aoxue looked at Liu'er, who nodded in agreement, smiled, and thanked Shen Taihua, "We're grateful, Mr. Shen. Having someone like you guide Liu'er is more than we could have hoped for. It's late, so we'll be heading home." Shen Taihua waved them off as Jing Aoxue and Shen Luman departed. On their walk back, the village bustled with New Year festivities, the crackle of firecrackers echoing, children shouting playfully. Finding the noise overwhelming, Jing Aoxue led Shen Luman along a quieter path. Unexpectedly, they came across Gu Baiwei sobbing quietly amidst the trees. Jing Aoxue paused, surprised Gu Baiwei hadn't already returned to town. Seeing her like this stirred empathy in Shen Luman, who offered a clean handkerchief. "Miss Gu." Gu Baiwei, hastily wiping her tears with her sleeve, hesitated before accepting the handkerchief, turning away slightly to compose herself before managing a rigid smile, "Thank you." Jing Aoxue avoided mentioning what happened at the Qin residence and said, "Miss Gu, Happy New Year. We haven’t seen each other in a while. If you’re interested, you’re welcome to visit our home." Though intending it as a polite gesture, considering Gu Baiwei’s proud nature, she assumed the offer wouldn't be accepted during such a vulnerable moment. Yet Gu Baiwei nodded immediately, her voice hoarse, "Alright, thank you." Jing Aoxue was momentarily speechless, then, smiling warmly, assured it was no trouble, and thus, they continued home as a trio. Feeling awkward, Jing Aoxue lightly brushed her fingers against Shen Luman’s, who playfully reprimanded her mischief, pinching her gently until she retracted her hand. Upon arriving home in the afternoon, none of them had eaten much lunch. Seeing Jing Aoxue clutch her stomach, Shen Luman recognized her hunger. "I'll cook something. Miss Gu, would you like to join us? It will be simple homemade dishes, I hope you don’t mind." Gu Baiwei, lost in thought upon sitting in the living room, merely nodded absentmindedly, seemingly not fully registering the conversation. Shen Luman exchanged a look with Jing Aoxue before heading to the kitchen. Jing Aoxue scratched her head, offering fruit and snacks, "If you’re hungry, feel free to snack for now." Feeling peckish herself, she bit into an apple. Gu Baiwei, watching the courtyard, murmured, "You and your wife have such a strong relationship." Jing Aoxue beamed, "Absolutely." Then realizing how it might seem boastful to someone heartbroken, she added, "Well, it's alright." Gu Baiwei couldn’t help a bitter smile, "If only Qin Yishu had half of what you share." Sensing the topic's dangerous turn, Jing Aoxue hesitated, "We didn't start out this way. I... Well, I wasn’t the best person. I once forced myself onto her, she became pregnant, and because of our status difference, I was expelled by my family and left here. I was angry, and I vented on my wife and child." She grimaced at her past, while Gu Baiwei apparently processed this surprising revelation. Though she had heard rumors, seeing Jing Aoxue’s tender behavior with Shen Luman, she doubted them. Yet hearing it from Jing Aoxue herself left Gu Baiwei astonished. Eager for insights, she asked, "How did you change your attitude so drastically?" Was she hoping for a miraculous change in Qin Yishu? Her persistence impressed Jing Aoxue greatly. But such a transformation might be impossible, unless someone took over Qin Yishu’s body to love Gu Baiwei. That was hardly feasible or advisable, so she awkwardly laughed, "I guess I grew up, matured. Back then, I was just young and foolish." Gu Baiwei rolled her eyes with a hint of exasperation. Jing Aoxue faced worse scorn upon arriving, enduring judgment from those aware. Quietly eating her apple, she heard Gu Baiwei’s further inquiry, "What if you and Shen Luman disagreed on something significant? Would you stand by her decisions?" It seemed purely inquisitive. Reflecting, Jing Aoxue mused, “In matters big or small, I often take the lead, but I value her input. But if an issue arises... well, once I had to set her straight when she panicked over Liu'er.” Her words hung, recalling instances where personal growth and mutual understanding proved key. As Jing Aoxue reminisced about lifting Shen Luman high in the air by the river, she smiled at the thought of doing it again after Gu Baiwei left, wondering if Shen Luman might react differently this time. Gu Baiwei gave her a sharp look, "You're too domineering!" Jing Aoxue pouted, feeling wronged. It was just a playful lift, after all. What else could Gu Baiwei be thinking? Finishing her apple in a few bites, Jing Aoxue asked, "From what you’re saying, you haven’t given up on General Qin?" Gu Baiwei paused, on the verge of claiming she was done with Qin Yishu. But deep down, years of love and emotion couldn’t just vanish with a few words. Qin Yishu’s distant eyes held something for her, even if it was fleeting and barely there—she believed it was real. Contemplating this, Gu Baiwei regretted pushing Qin Yishu earlier; she thought maybe an apology was in order. She intended to spend New Year's with Qin Yishu, yet here she was now. Jing Aoxue, noticing her conflicted expression, suggested, "Since you both have feelings for each other, why not wait a few more years?" Gu Baiwei nodded slowly, "You make a valid point." But her silence resumed shortly after. Jing Aoxue, chin in hand, mused, "But if things continue in limbo indefinitely, it might drive someone mad. If Shen Luman treated me that way, I’d lose it after a while. You've endured for so long, though." Bitterly, Gu Baiwei replied, "Is there any other choice?" Jing Aoxue recalled Shen Luman's frustration over the soul-dominating incident, where Shen Luman nearly smashed things in anger. How did they reconcile? Muttering, she said, "Oh right, it was after the Liu Manor incident—when Shen Luman learned from that... realizing life’s fragility... Maybe that’s an effective approach." Gu Baiwei’s eyes lit up suddenly, "You’re right! Thanks a lot!" With that, she dashed off energetically. Shen Luman approached with the meal, curious, "What did you say to her to get her spirits up so quickly?" Jing Aoxue, clueless, shrugged, "I didn’t say much. Oh, food’s ready, let’s eat." Jing Aoxue brushed off the matter until three days later when loud banging on the courtyard gates startled her from her rest—an unmistakable sign of trouble. Jing Aoxue, alarmed, stalked to the gate to confront whoever it was, only to see an elderly man with white hair trembling towards her. It was Doctor Gu Qingtian, and she hurried to support his frail frame. Short of breath, Doctor Gu could hardly speak. Looking at the exhausted horse nearby, Jing Aoxue helped him inside to a warm seat and poured him a cup of water. "Take your time, have a drink first," she urged. As Doctor Gu gulped down the water, Shen Luman joined them, asking, "What happened?" Jing Aoxue shrugged, directing her gaze towards Doctor Gu, indicating she was clueless. Once Doctor Gu caught his breath, he frantically said, "It's terrible! My lady has agreed to become the Seventh Prince's concubine. She's already headed to the capital to marry him." Jing Aoxue and Shen Luman exclaimed in unison, "What?!" This was her idea of a solution? Jing Aoxue felt the weight of Shen Luman’s silent accusatory glare, internally lamenting: How was I supposed to know this was her plan? And indeed, what a drastic and irreparable one! Inwardly, she felt utterly doomed.