《Quick, Hubby, All Aboard》 Chapter 1 - Reborn Chapter 1: Reborn When Xue Dongting opened her eyes she saw snow, the sky full of swirling snowkes. She was nearly buried in snow. Shey on a bamboo raft in the middle of a bigke. Her eyshes were tiny little icicles. Her thin clothes fluttered and rippled in the cold wind. Her crepe waistband rustled and tremored. She was a bit foggy. Had she¡­ Had she not died? Third Prince¡¯s steel sword had clearly plunged into her chest. She clearly remembered the cold sneer on his lips, remembered that woman holding the white cat, her stunned expression yet betraying a faint sense of satisfaction. Xue Dongting reached out and waved her hand before her a few times, stirring the whirling snowkes in the air. It was odd. Why was the deep, ugly scar on her pale wrist gone? That was from when she was twenty, when she had helped Third Prince root out a dissenter. She had helped Third Prince Zhao Xuanzhi climb step by step to the position of crown prince. What she had received in return was an ice cold stab through the heart. And that woman with her white cat, the gentle, weak prime minister¡¯s daughter, had be the prince¡¯swful wife. Xue Dongtingughed at herself. Who was she? She had started out as nothing more than a singsong girl from a border town by the eastern sea. When she was seventeen, the Bureau of Astronomy happened to make a prophecy that if one ¡°obtained the Dongting girl by the eastern sea he would have the world¡±. And so Third Prince Zhao Xuanzhi came from afar and taken this lowly singing girl from her border town Cloudgem Lodge. Xue Dongting was in a daze. She didn¡¯t know where she was. She felt she had done many bad things in her life, that when she died she ought to be sent to the pits of Hell. But this ce didn¡¯t seem like Hell. In the frigid air wafted a faint scent she found familiar. Suddenly there was a shout fromkeside. ¡°Xue Dongting! It¡¯s so cold out, what are you doing taking a cat nap out on theke? Hurry up and get over here!¡± She couldn¡¯t help but flinch. That was Mama Qiao¡¯s voice. How could that be? Three years after she left Cloudgem Lodge Mama Qiao had passed away from an illness! Xue Dongting suddenly sat up and looked toward the bamboo building on the bank. It was from here that she had left a long time ago. Was that Cloudgem Lodge? Xue Dongting mumbled, ¡°I¡¯vee back? I¡¯ve¡­ I¡¯ve been reborn?¡± Tears dripped down her face. She clenched her fists and thought, ¡°Is this an opportunity from Heaven, another chance at life? In this life, I won¡¯t lead a dangerous life and submit to being pushed around. In this life, I won¡¯t get caught up in that prophecy from the Bureau of Astronomy. I¡¯m not the Dongting girl from the eastern sea, I¡¯m Xue Dongting!¡± A cold breeze whistled past, rippling over the frigid water. That icy feeling told her this was not a dream. She stood up trembling, took up the raft oar, and with a series of grunts and exmations rowed to the shore. She took one look at the slender-waisted but dignified looking beautiful woman before her and Xue Dongting came up and hugged her, held her tightly. Mama Qiao staggered, baffled. ¡°Girl, what¡¯s gotten into you?¡± Xue Dongting was crying. ¡°Mama Qiao, now I know, you¡¯re the only person in my whole life who will treat me well.¡± In her previous life at the third prince¡¯s estate she had encountered too many malicious hypocrites. Mama Qiao scratched her head helplessly. ¡°Alright, stop acting, I won¡¯t scold you, okay? What¡¯s a girl of sixteen talking about her ¡®whole life¡¯ for?¡± Xue Dongting zoned out for a second, then looked up at Mama Qiao. ¡°I¡¯m now¡­ sixteen?¡± Mama Qiao frowned. ¡°Can you not even remember how old you are?¡± Xue Dongting nodded and forced a smile. ¡°I remember, I just wanted to make sure.¡± In the autumn of her seventeenth year, the third prince would arrive. Chapter 2 - Consenting to Marry a Fisherman Chapter 2: Consenting to Marry a Fisherman Mama Qiaoughed as she held Xue Dongting¡¯s face in her hands, that pretty little face with those limpid eyes radiating a detached beauty. Mama Qiao said tenderly, ¡°Girl, you¡¯re not a young girl anymore. You¡¯re growing more and more radiant. If you had been born into a good family you would certainly marry well. It¡¯s a shame your reputation is ruined due to all this time you¡¯ve spent as a singsong girl with me.¡± Xue Dongting shook her head. She was the only one left in this little border town singing hall. Wanqing, Yuansheng, and her were all orphans who had grown up under Mama Qiao¡¯s care. Mama Qiao had once been a famous courtesan in the capital. When she got older and her looks faded she had taken the three of them to this remote little town. Life was hard, so she opened a singing hall to make a bit of silver so they could scrape by. Wanqing was the eldest, Xue Dongting second, and Yuansheng was the youngest. Wanqing was good at singing, Yuansheng was good at ying the zither, and Xue Dongting¡­ She was the prettiest, so with these three girls here the singing hall¡¯s business improved more and more every day. But the girls were getting older. Wanqing was already married, and Mama Qiao would not let Xue Dongting and Yuansheng go out in public. The money they had saved up over the years was enough for them to live on. Xue Dongting realized that the hall had not been open for business for the past six months. Mama Qiao was about to say something, then stopped herself. Past events wereing back to Xue Dongting gradually. She knew that at this time in her previous life there was a fisherman in the next vige who had sent betrothal gifts to her in a bid to propose marriage. Back then she had been proud and arrogant and so had rejected him and returned the gifts. Xue Dongting felt a pang in her heart and she smiled faintly and said, ¡°Mama Qiao, what were you going to say?¡± ¡°Wanqing became the concubine of that Squire Zhang. I went to see her yesterday¡­ She¡¯s not doing well. It¡¯s only been six months, but¡­ Squire Zhang¡¯s wife finds fault in everything Wanqing does¡­¡± Mama Qiao¡¯s eyes welled up. She couldn¡¯t go on. Xue Dongting¡¯s chest tightened. The previous time around she had often vied with Wanqing over men, but she had not paid any attention to her every since she¡¯d married into the Zhang family. Mama Qiao noticed her silent frowning. She went on, ¡°Don¡¯t be sad. Everyone has their own fate¡­ Women like us, attaching ourselves to some bigwig might still not pay off.¡± Xue Dongting nodded. She agreed with that. In her past life with Third Prince, he had never even touched her. He had just taken her as a lowly singsong girl. Mama Qiao has still said not brought up the matter with the fisherman, so she said neutrally, ¡°Mama Qiao, just marry me off to a woodcutter or a fisherman or a farmer. An ordinary life is good enough.¡± Delight shone in Mama Qiao¡¯s eyes. She hastened, ¡°The other day¡­ there was this fisherman from Clearcreek Vige. He¡¯s about thirty or so and all alone on ount of him moving there from elsewhere. He doesn¡¯t have a wife¡­¡± Before she could finish, Xue Dongting nodded. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll do as you say, Mama Qiao.¡± Mama Qiao probably knew that she was usually proud and aloof, so she didn¡¯t expect her to agree so briskly. ¡°You agree?¡± she said incredulously. Xue Dongting nodded firmly. Mama Qiaoughed. ¡°Girl, he might be older, but that just means he knows how to care for someone.¡± Xue Dongtingughed. ¡°Mama Qiao, I won¡¯t go back on my word. You can arrange the day¡­ Only, I don¡¯t want a dowry. Yuansheng is still young, you all will need some money in case of emergency¡­¡± Mama Qiao cut her off, ¡°Oh that won¡¯t do, will it? How can you not have a dowry?¡± Xue Dongting put on her former attitude, giggling. ¡°Even though we¡¯re all just prostitutes being married off, there¡¯s nothing improper about it. If you think about, I¡¯m losing out anyway, so if we send a dowry over won¡¯t I be losing out even more?¡± Mama Qiao smiled helplessly and paid her no more mind. Xue Dongting saw the bitterness in Mama Qiao¡¯s smile. Perhaps she thought that she really was marrying down. Xue Dongting didn¡¯t say anything else. Marrying a fisherman in this life would still be better than what happened in her past life. Chapter 3 - Getting Married Chapter 3: Getting Married A broad river separated the border town from Clearcreek Vige. At night, Xue Dongting took the wedding boat across. Despite all her protestations, Mama Qiao still bought a few things for her dowry, including a silk cotton quilt and everything else Mama Qiao told her to bring. Xue Dongting sat in the little boat¡¯s hold, a red candle flickering. She wore a red embroidered wedding dress and her cheeks were lightly rouged. She was the consummate beauty. Her face was a bit flushed due to the words Mama Qiao spoke into her ear before she left, matters of the bedroom. Even though she had been with Zhao Xuanzhi in her past life, the third prince had kept her a virgin, perhaps because he disliked her low-born background. So Xue Dongting blushed when Mama Qiao said those things to her. She gently raised her red bridal veil and lifted the red curtain over the window. It was snowing tiny balls of cotton, some icy kes drifting into the boat and alighting on her cheeks. She watched the snow fall. In this life, could she stay far away from all the blood and darkness? A faint thought flickered through her mind; if she should see Third Prince again she would destroy him for sure! In her previous life in Third Prince¡¯s manor, she had learned some incredible medical skills from a guest official. And she had be adept in the art of scheming. She really wanted to ruin that ruthless, coldblooded Third Prince! And destroy that venomous woman with her white cat! But she was weary of that kind of life. What was the use of destroying Third Prince? This time around, she only wanted to find peace. When she left she had told Mama Qiao that from now on there was no Xue Dongting from Cloudgem Lodge. If someone came asking for such a person, just say there was a girl here called Dongxiang who married a fisherman. She figured marrying a fisherman would give her the peace she sought, but what she didn¡¯t know was that the fisherman she was marrying harbored a deep, shocking secret. The river flowed east into the sea. It was quite broad, taking no less than half the night for her to make it across. The day grew light, the deep blue sky against the boundless white snow was exceedingly tranquil. Xue Dongting dropped the curtain back but still lifted a corner slightly through which she could see a man standing on the riverbank. He cut a dashing figure, not quite the stooped image of a fisherman she was expecting. She couldn¡¯t make out his face clearly, but judging from the contours, he must not be ugly. Her heart quivered. The thought of living with that strange man made her suddenly uneasy. What sort of man was he? What kind of temper? What kind of attitude? She had no idea. The thought of sleeping in the same bed with him at night and doing what Mama Qiao had told her to do was actually scaring her a little. Xue Dongting went ashore and sat on a small sedan chair and went jostling along to a little courtyard. Her face was covered by the bridal veil so all she could see was red light, but she knew it was chilly in there and there was no banquet prepared. The fisherman¡¯s name was Song Yuming, an outsider to this small fishing vige. No rtives, no friends. When dusk set in, the matchmaker who had been with her this whole time left and she sat alone in the quiet, deserted room. She was a bit cold. There was no brazier in the room and she was cold by nature. Xue Dongting sat by the bed for a while, her feet already numb. There was a creak as the door was pushed open, letting in a cold draft, followed by the heavy, measured sound of footsteps. Xue Dongting had her head down and saw a pair of muddy, dark gray cloth shoes. The man¡¯s feet were huge. Whether out of fear or because of the cold, Xue Dongting was trembling. She was in a daze as the bridal veil was lifted away. Xue Dongting kept her head down, not able to bring herself to look at the man who had removed the veil. Her heart was hammering and she didn¡¯t know where to put her hands. Suffice it to say she was flustered. Chapter 4 - First Meeting Chapter 4: First Meeting The man held a steelyard in one hand as he set the bridal veil aside. He asked softly, ¡°Are you cold?¡± Xue Dongting was taken aback, first time hearing his voice, deep and mellow, but quite nice and brimming with manliness. She gently raised her head, the fisherman¡¯s visage mirrored in her bright, limpid eyes. His ck hair was drawn up high, his brows nting outward over starry eyes. His nose was tall and straight, a really handsome man. The stray ck hairs at his temple against his slightly dark skin made him look somewhat mysterious. She didn¡¯t know if it was becayse of his mysterious, fierce eyes, or his tall, broad physique, but Xue Dongting was in awe, like a weight pressing down and making it hard to breathe. Song Yuming¡¯s eyes shed with faintly discernible surprise. He probably didn¡¯t expect the woman he was marrying would be such a beauty either. He lived alone in this seaside fishing vige and simply felt he ought to have a woman beside him, but he never imagined the matchmaker would find him a woman like this. Xue Dongting was still silent, so he sped her soft little hand, the one she didn¡¯t know where to put. Xue Dongting was shocked and tried to jerk her hand back, but was checked by his firm grip. Xue Dongting lowered her head, letting him hold her hand. His palm was rough, but warm. ¡°Your hand is cold, you must be freezing. I¡¯m not used to using a brazier and have made it hard on you.¡± He gently let go of her hand. He came back in not long after carrying a hot, roaring brazier, and soon the room was nice and warm. Then he brought in some food and drink. Xue Dongting looked up at the dishes on the table and couldn¡¯t help but purse her lips in a smile. The food was sumptuous, but crudely cooked, just chunks of beef boiled in a pot. The fish was was cooked with scallions, ginger, and hot peppers and smelled great. But the chicken was just stewed whole. But there was no help for it. For a poor ce like this these dishes were a bounty. If this was the food served when taking a wife, with crude cooking like this, like a cow chewing a peony, then the fisherman¡¯s normal fare must be even more perfunctory. Finally, Song Yuming brought in a bowl of white-flour steamed buns andid out the bowls and chopsticks. He looked up at her and said, ¡°Let¡¯s eat.¡± He pulled a leg off the chicken and ced it in her bowl. Xue Dongting hadn¡¯t eaten all day, so she was cold and starving. She didnn¡¯t mince words, but got up and sat at the table and took a steamed bun he offered her. Though she was really hungry, she had to maintain her reserve, so she only nibbled at it. The bun was soft and fragrant. To her it was tastier than the exotic delicacies served at the third prince¡¯s manor. Thinking back to her previous life made her tear up. She held back her tears and lowered her head and ate the bun. Song Yuming didn¡¯t talk much. Xue Dongting counted to herself. He ate five buns, as if he had not eaten in days, but though he ate a lot and ate it fast, he was not unmannerly about it. And he was thoughtful, often cing food in her bowl. She furtively watched the fisherman and noticed that though he didn¡¯t care much about food, he could really drink. He drank wine like water. It was a peaceful meal. When they had done, Xue Dongting was about to go wash the dishes when Song Yuming stopped her. All he said was ¡°It¡¯s cold out, the water¡¯s freezing¡±, then took the bowls and dishes to the kitchen himself. Xue Dongting was at loose ends. She spotted a red trunk in the room and had a warmhearted idea. She opened the trunk and inside was a red brocade quilt. The quilt was embroidered with a pair of mandarin ducks ying in the water. The embroidery work was exquisite, made by Mama Qiao herself. She carried the quilt over and made the bed. A rosy scent wafted out when she spread the quilt. Likely Mama Qiao had scented it with rose perfume when she was fluffing the cotton batting. Chapter 5 - Footbath Chapter 5: Footbath Of the three singsong girls of Cloudgem Lodge, Wanqing liked orchids, Yuansheng liked lotus flowers, and Xue Dongting liked red, fragrant roses. Mama Qiao always made fun of her for it, saying she was gaudy, but she didn¡¯t care. She liked what she liked. Song Yuming brought in a basin of hot water. His eyes shed when he saw the red quilt on the bed. He looked somewhat surprised. Xue Dongting saw his odd expression and quickly put in, ¡°Mama Qiao told me specifically¡­ when you get married you have to cover yourself with a red quilt¡­¡± She stammered it out. Some topics were not easy to broach. Song Yuming didn¡¯t seem to notice, he just grunted lightly. ¡°Soak your feet a bit and you won¡¯t be so cold.¡± He set the basin of hot water beside her feet. Xue Dongting gently clenched her teeth and whispered, ¡°You¡¯ve been working all day, you wash up first.¡± Song Yuming shook his head. He didn¡¯t speak, but his eyes told her he would not brook any refusal. Xue Dongting blushed and bent over and took off her red embroidered shoes. Her feet were baster, normally, but were now flushed red from the cold. The moment she stuck her foot into the wooden basin it scalded her and she yanked her foot out, moaning in pain. But she had been sitting on the edge of the bed and her sudden movement made her lose her bnce and she started to slide off the bed. rmed, she shut her eyes. Falling on her wedding night, what a fool she was. But what was waiting for her was not the cold floor. She toppled, flustered, into a warm chest. Song Yuming said nothing, only embraced Xue Dongting gently and set her upright on the bed. The fisherman was very strong so it was nothing for him to grab her. Xue Dongting¡¯s hand rested against his strong chest and she was at a loss, their faces inches away from each other. Song Yuming released her and squatted and stuck his hand in the basin to test the temperature. ¡°Probably because your feet are too cold.¡± He took her delicate, slender foot in his big hand and held it. His hand was very warm. Xue Dongting was so embarrassed, her hands propping her up on the edge of the bed. She wanted to say something. But he slowly dipped her foot into the hot water. This time water, which came up to her ankle, did not scald her. Squatting there on the floor, Song Yuming gently tied up the bottom of her skirt to keep it from dipping into the water. Xue Dongting looked down at the knot in her skirt and a faint, warm feeling spread over her. She dawdled about soaking her feet because she didn¡¯t know what she should do once she was done. By the time Song Yuming warned her, the water had already gone cold. She took her feet out in a hurry and Song Yuming handed her a clean cloth before taking up the wooden basin and going outside. Xue Dongting dried her feet, then sat on the bed hugging her knees, lost in thought, thinking back to when Song Yuming had touched her foot. She felt hot all the way to her ears. Soon she felt her eyelids getting heavy. She had not slept a winkst night and had slept poorly the night before that, and now sleepiness wasing on strong. She shut her eyes gently. Maybe just a quick nap. Half asleep, Xue Dongting felt someone embrace her. In her previous life she was in a constant state of anxiety, so she sprang awake, only to see Song Yuming¡¯s sharply carved face. Song Yuming smiled and said mildly, ¡°I saw you sleeping and was afraid you¡¯d catch cold.¡± Xue Dongting squeezed out a smile and hemmed and hawed, ¡°I¡¯m really¡­ so sleepy¡­¡± Song Yuming nodded, not speaking. Meaning since she was tired they should sleep. Xue Dongting was nervous, seeing the fisherman had already doffed his cotton-padded clothes and was not wearing only a thin undergown. But he didn¡¯t do anything to her. She hesitated, then reached up and undid the button on her outer robe and took off her red attire. Underneath was a light, pale bluish-white satin gown. It was still a bit cold in the room as she dug in under the quilt, shivering. The quilt was ice-cold, which made her even colder. She couldn¡¯t stop her teeth from chattering. Chapter 6 - Don’t Be Afraid Chapter 6: Don¡¯t Be Afraid In her past life she was cold-natured, so she had to have her warm Mama sleep with her to stave off the cold. Song Yumingy beside her. Xue Dongting felt the heat radiating off him, but she didn¡¯t venture close to him warm up. Hey on his back, Xue Dongting curled up on her side, looking at his manly face absentmindedly. Song Yuming suddenly turned his head and their eyes met. Xue Dongting looked away. She heard something like a man¡¯s sigh and then she felt lighter as she was pulled into his arms. His arms were like iron, and modest her was firmly enveloped by them. Xue Dongting touched upon his scorching chest and was instantly wrapped in warm from head to toe, yet she shivered even harder, afraid. Song Yuming¡¯s husky voice said softly, ¡°Still cold?¡± She didn¡¯t know how to answer. She couldn¡¯t very well say it was because she was scared, so she just nodded subconsciously, then cuddled up closer to make it more believable. Song Yuming suddenly frowned, his pitch-ck eyes dimming, then he flipped over onto her. She felt something and turned crimson. She whispered, ¡°Your¡­ Your¡­ thing is touching me¡­¡± He had drank a lot, yet his eyes were unusually clear. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid,¡± he whispered. ¡°I married you, so I will treat you well.¡± He kissed her lips. A harsh whiff of alcohol mixed with his manly musk enveloped her. She could hardly breathe. She pushed against his chest weakly with both hands. After what seemed like forever the man finally released her lips, but he reached out an undid her waist sash and his big scorching hand stroked her belly, his breath loud and heavy. Xue Dongting trembled as tears streamed down her face. Although she was from the world of prostitution, she only sang songs. She did have to deal with customers¡¯ lewd remarks and catcalls, but that was it. Being handled now like this by a man she had known for less than a day made her feel taken advantage of. She recalled how Mama Qiao had said it ¡°would hurt¡± and this girl who had always been afraid of pain wanted to cry all the more. Song Yuming must have sensed her apprehension because he paused, staying his hand and looked at her clouded eyes. He seemed to be holding back as patiently as he could. Xue Dongting blinked, but tears still came. After a while, Song Yuming smiled impotently and reached up and wiped the tears from her cheek, theny back down on his back on the bed, an arm still fastened to her. ¡°I won¡¯t force you,¡± he said softly. ¡°I won¡¯t touch you if you¡¯re not willing.¡± Xue Dongting curled up in his arms, her mind whirling. In her previous life with Third Prince she had been through a lot of ups and downs, and though she had not always remained calm in the face of danger, she had never been as unnerved as this. What was wrong with her? Why was she so panicky before this person? Song Yuming¡¯s breathing gradually settled and she thought him asleep so she turned over to get in a morefortable position. Then she heard his husky voice say, ¡°Stop fidgeting.¡± There was patience in his voice. She really didn¡¯t dare move again. She shut her eyes and tried to will herself to sleep, but what had just happened had erased all her sleepiness. Enveloped in the man¡¯s warm, generous embrace she felt a peace she had never experienced before. This fisherman, this man who caught fish in the midst of wind and waves, had in less than a day made her feel at peace. Xue Dongting thought long about events of the past and was wracked with bitterness. If she had married him in her previous life, would she have had to endure the cold indifference of the world, the fickleness of men? After a long while she finally slipped into a light sleep. Chapter 7 - The Fisherman Goes Out Chapter 7: The Fisherman Goes Out When she woke it was already light out. She looked over and Song Yuming was already gone. He had tucked the quilt in tightly so that she wouldn¡¯t catch a draft. Her heart was all warm. How could this fisherman be so thoughtful? She closed her eyes again and inhaled the rose petal perfume from the quilt, her mind fluttering. She resisted for a long time, then finally had to get up and get dressed. It was cold, but a new bride couldn¡¯t justze about in bed all day. Actually, she had a little idea. She wanted to see what Song Yuming was doing. She gingerly stepped out of bed, toeing as lightly as she could, not wanting to disturb Song Yuming. Little did she know he heard her all the same. The man pushed the door open and entered. He was carrying a piping hot bowl of congee. Xue Dongting smiled, blushing, embarrassed for him to see her with her hair all messy. Even more embarrassed because of what happenedst night. Song Yuming didn¡¯t seem to notice her hair. ¡°There¡¯s hot water in the kitchen.¡± ¡°Mm,¡± she said absently. She didn¡¯t know what had gotten into her for her to bring upst night, but she said, ¡°Last night¡­ I shouldn¡¯t have¡­¡± He set the bowl of congee down and looked at her, waiting for her to finish her sentence. But she was stammering and couldn¡¯t get it out. The fisherman suddenly spoke in amanding voice, ¡°It¡¯s cold out, put on more clothes so you don¡¯t catch cold.¡± Xue Dongting was grateful for the change of subject, giving her an out. She blushed and smiled at him and nodded obediently. She threw on a teal cotton-padded robe and went to the kitchen, where she was greeted with the heady scent of firewood. The kitchen was also the woodshed, pile of wood stacked as high as a man in a corner of the stered walls. The ceiling was high which made the whole room chilly. She nced at the big steaming pot on the stove and went over to take a look. It was boiling water. A wood basin sat on the counter by the stove, and there was a clean cloth at the edge of the counter. She poured hot water and washed her face, same as she always had at Cloudgem Lodge. Normally she would then paint her eyebrows and powder her face, but she didn¡¯t have to fool with all that now. She just wanted a quiet, peaceful life. Xue Dongting went back to the bedroom and saw Song Yuming wearing a straw cloak and a woven bamboo hat, getting ready to go out. She looked up at him and asked, ¡°You¡¯re leaving?¡± Song Yuming nodded. ¡°Hurry and eat your congee while it¡¯s hot. If you want to make anything else, go right ahead, make yourself at home. We¡¯re married now, so this is your home.¡± She nodded. ¡°Mm. Then uh¡­ be careful.¡± Tenderness shed through Song Yuming¡¯s eyes. He said ¡°Mm¡± as well, then went out. Xue Dongting watched his huge frame walk away under that bamboo hat and straw cloak, her mind racing. Mama Qiao had said the fisherman had a boat. When he couldn¡¯t go fishing he would ferry people across the river to make some extra money. It was the dead of winter so he was most likely going to the riverbank to ferry people across. She ate some congee and that warmed her up. She had nothing to do after she ate, but she noticed the kitchen was a bit messy so she set about straightening it up, putting the bowls and chopsticks away. A man living all by himself naturally wouldn¡¯t pay much attention to such trifles. It was cloudy out, and before she knew it it was noon. Xue Dongting spotted a some cured meat hanging from the eaves. She cut a piece off, washed it and sliced it, then fried it in onion and garlic. Mama Qiao had taught her how to cook, and her cooking and needlework was superb. Back at the third prince¡¯s manor in her previous life, Xue Dongting had not had to do any cooking herself. Her skills had gone to waste for ten years. But she found she had not lost her knack for cooking. Seemed she had not forgotten Mama Qiao¡¯s teachings. Xue Dongting looked into the rice jar and saw it was half-full. She remembered that Song Yuming ate a lot so shedled several scoops and set it to cook. She took the leftover beef slices fromst night, added oil and salt, and stir-fried it again. Judging by the time, Song Yuming ought to being back home to eat. She waited a while, but he still had not returned. Chapter 8 - Once You Enter the World of Pleasure You’re Sullied For Life Chapter 8: Once You Enter the World of Pleasure You¡¯re Sullied For Life Xue Dongting felt it kind of odd. She pushed open the window in the inner room and looked out. She was stunned to see the the sky meet the sea at the horizon line. It was magnificent. She had heard the crashing of waves earlier, but she had just thought it was because they were close to the coast. She never imagined she could just open the window and see the vast ocean. She nced at the sky, overcast with dark clouds, ominous along with the waves. On such a cold day, and Song Yuming without a brazier on his boat, she figured even if he was cold-resistant he still wouldn¡¯t be able to ward off that cold. With that thought she decided to go find her fiasherman. If he was busy ferrying she could just deliver his meal to him and they could eat together. Xue Dongting tied on a hood, put the food she had prepared into a basket and covered it with a cloth, then stepped outside. The house was situated in an area of high terrain. She pushed open the door and was at once met with the sight of the broad river that ran into the sea. She followed it along the bank down the vige road. The winter wind was devastating, stinging her face as she walked along the road. Her face was so red from the cold it looked like she had put rouge on. It was a long walk until she reached the riverbank. There were vessels moored there in twos and threes, but she didn¡¯t see Song Yuming right away. Suddenly she heard a simpering voice nearby. ¡°You there, are you Fisherman Song¡¯s new wife?¡± She turned to see a middle-aged man in sloppy clothes smiling at her inappropriately. Xue Dongting gave a little nod. Before, at Cloudgem Lodge, she had seen many boorish specimens such as he, as well as that smile. She didn¡¯t let him get to her. But the man came up to her, grinning. ¡°Young Lady, you used to dance on the stage. I seen you!¡± Xue Dongting frowned, a twinge of pain in her heart. Once one entered the world of pleasure she was sullied for life. Even though she had never closed the line of propriety, as far as outsiders were concerned, she was still a tainted woman. Xue Dongting backed away from the inappropriate man approaching her. In the past, at Third Prince¡¯s manor, she had been shrewd and calcting. She wasn¡¯t incapable of embarrassing him, she just didn¡¯t want to reveal her quick tongue. She took a few steps back and bumped into someone. Startled, she spun around. It was Song Yuming. He reached out and put his hand on her shoulder and said to that scoundrel, ¡°Go on!¡± The man suddenly noticed it was Song Yuming and he lost his nerve, just curling his lips and mumbling, ¡°What¡¯s so special about a whore?¡± He skedaddled off. Xue Dongting was hurt by what he said, but she didn¡¯t let it show. She didn¡¯t look at Song Yuming because she knew the fisherman had heard it too. Song Yuming didn¡¯t seem to care at all. He looked down at his litlte graceful, bundled-up wife and gently scolded, ¡°What are you out here for?¡± That caught her off guard. She raised the bamboo basket and said softly, ¡°It had so long and you hadn¡¯te back, I thought I¡¯d bring you something to eat.¡± She looked up at him. The fisherman was tall. Xue Dongting only came up to his chin. He looked down at her. ¡°I forgot to tell you. You don¡¯t need to wait for me. I bring my own lunch.¡± Xue Dongting stressed lightly, ¡°But this is hot food¡­¡± He seemed to smile. ¡°Let¡¯s get in the cabin, it¡¯s too cold out here.¡± She followed him into the boat and sat tottering in the narrow cabin. She removed the cloth from the basket and sampled the food. ¡°It¡¯s not very hot, but it¡¯s still warm.¡± She set a bowl and chopsticks before him. Chapter 9 - Copper Cash Chapter 9: Copper Cash Song Yuming epted the bowl and chopsticks. ¡°Have you eaten?¡± Xue Dongting wasn¡¯t hungry. She spooned rice into his bowl as she said, ¡°I¡¯m not hungry now¡­¡± Afraid it would make him hold back his eating, she smiled and added, ¡°I¡¯ll eat when we get back.¡± He hesitated, then picked some vegetables from the basket and ate. He ate in silence, eating fast but not crudely. Xue Dongting watched him, eagerly awaiting his appraisal of her cooking, but he said nothing. Seeing how he wolfed it down, she suddenly felt it at once funny and sad. This man, thirty and all alone in the world. What was his story? Had he experienced great suffering too? When he had done eating, Xue Dongting packed up the bowls and dishes and was about to leave when the fisherman said, ¡°I¡¯m notfortable with you walking back alone. I¡¯ll walk you back.¡± She hesitated, recalling that riffraff she had run into earlier. She looked up at Song Yuming and said softly, ¡°I¡¯m a woman of the brothels, you¡­ you don¡¯t despise me?¡± Song Yuming¡¯s brows knit slightly. ¡°What kind of talk is this? Why would I marry you if I despised you?¡± Xue Dongting bit her delicate lip. ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± she whispered, ¡°though I¡¯m from that kind of world, I know all about ¡¯til death do us part¡¯¡­ Since I¡¯ve married you I won¡¯t harbor any improper thoughts¡­¡± Song Yuming detected how serious she sounded. His staunch face cracked in a wisp of a smile. He stepped forward and picked her up, delicate thing, and princess-carried her off the boat and onto the bank. She was carried all the way back home. She rested her head lightly against his chest and didn¡¯t say a word the whole way. When they got back home, he put a small string of copper cash in her hand. A dozen or more coins run through a cord of hemp. Xue Dongting looked at the cash in her hand and tears began to fall like rain. Song Yuming saw her crying and didn¡¯t know what to say or do. He patted her shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m not used to saving up money. Usually I would just take whatever little I earned into town and buy wine with it. Now that I have you, don¡¯t worry. It won¡¯t be like that anymore.¡± Xue Dongting cried even harder. Third Prince had thousands and thousands of taels of gold, but none of that was hers. Only that final, cold sword through her heart belonged to her. She gripped the little string of cash he had ced in her hand, her heart a tangle of emotion. She was happy she had met this honest and reserved man, but she was also afraid it would be as fleeting as a cloud passing by, which would be more painful than her lowborn status as a singsong girl. She was wracked with sobs, crying out all her bitter misery, and then she finally felt a little better. Song Yuming didn¡¯t go back to the river, but boiled some thick rice paste and caulked the bedroom window with it. Xue Dongting knew he was worried about her getting cold. She was lost in thought as she watched his hulking frame at work outside the window. Song Yuming finished with the window, then went to the courtyard and chopped firewood. He was really strong. One swing of the axe and the log was split in two. He stacked the wood up neatly, seemingly not fatigued at all. At dusk, it was windy outside, the window casements rattling. Xue Dongting boiled a kettle of water and was about to go tell him not to work too hard and toe inside and drink some water. But there was suddenly a knock on the door. She felt her heart pinch. In her previous life she had learned well how to observe people¡¯s words and actions. She could tell by the knock that it was a woman. Song Yuming stopped his work and went to open the door. Xue Dongting saw a petite woman pass by the window. She was around twenty years old and she stood at the door timidly. Chapter 10 - The Widow Chapter 10: The Widow Xue Dongting frowned. Did Song Yuming have a mistress? Through the window she saw the woman put a bundle of something in Song Yuming¡¯s hands. For some reason, it made Xue Dongting a bit angry. She had seen a lot of fickle men. Third Prince back in her previous life fooled around a lot as well, but she had never gotten angry about like she was now. Then she only cared about Third Prince¡¯s status, she didn¡¯t care about him. But now, she couldn¡¯t bear to see Song Yuming with a strange woman. She suddenly felt shocked. What was the matter with her? Had she fallen for him? All because he gave her a string of cash? While Xue Dongting stood there dumbfounded, Song Yuming had alreadye back inside, carrying the bundle. She nced outside but the gates were shut tight. The woman was gone. The bundle in his hands was wrapped with cloth. She couldn¡¯t tell what it was. Song Yuming seemed somewhat embarrassed. He held it up. ¡°Shoes. From the widow on the west end of Longxi.¡± He tossed the bundle on a shelf, didn¡¯t even open it to take a look. The widow on the west end? So she¡¯s a widow, now Xue Dongting understood what was going on between them. After all, he was in his thirties and still unmarried, which was not all that normal. Xue Dongting said ¡°Mm¡± in response and looked down at the old, worn-out shoes on his feet. She didn¡¯t say any more. She went to the kitchen and fried up some pickled cabbage and cooked a pot of congee. Next to her, Song Yuming added some firewood to the stove to increase the heat, not saying a word. After they ate, she set about arranging the bedroom. There wasn¡¯t much in the room. It was a bit messy, but the room was still clean. At first she didn¡¯t even want to see what that widow had brought, but when she walked past the shelf she set the bundle on the floor. She undid the cloth, revealing a pair of cotton-padded shoes. She stopped down and snatched them up and gave them a good once-over. They were a bit garish was all. The stitching was fine and closely wove, clearly excellent workmanship. Song Yuming walked in just then. Xue Dongting ced the shoes on the shelf, not even looking at him. But she was surprised at herself. What was wrong with her? Back then with Third Prince she could always control her anger, so howe she couldn¡¯t keep from getting all worked up now? She was somewhat out of sorts. But Song Yuming came over and wrapped his arms around her. She looked up at him and couldn¡¯t hold in what was on her mind. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to wear another woman¡¯s shoes.¡± Song Yuming gave her a wan smile, and to her surprise asked, ¡°Then what will I wear?¡± ¡°I can make shoes too! It¡¯s just a pair of shoes, what¡¯s so hard about that?¡± Xue Dongting looked up at him. She had said it so determined, but in fact she was not confident at all. She had never sewn shoes before and had no idea where to start. She saw a hint of a smile sh across the fisherman¡¯s face. Her heart skipped. She suddenly felt this fisherman did not really fisherman-like. Every action he made seemed to have a noble quality to like someone from the imperial family. She couldn¡¯t help but be shocked by the thought of it, even thought she had no idea why the thought had urred to her. Likely it was because she was always afraid back when she was with Third Prince so that now she was overly suspicious. She immediately shook her head. There was no way. Song Yuming was just a fisherman, that¡¯s all. That night when they went to bed, Song Yuming still held her, gave her warmth, but he didn¡¯t make a move on her. Actually, Xue Dongting had already prepared herself to take it. Shey quietly in his arms, looking at his face, somewhat disappointed, making it even harder to sleep. Chapter 11 - Why Did You Marry Me? Chapter 11: Why Did You Marry Me? That night when they went to bed, Song Yuming still held her, gave her warmth, but he didn¡¯t make a move on her. Actually, Xue Dongting had already prepared herself to take it. Shey quietly in his arms, looking at his face, somewhat disappointed, making it even harder to sleep. After tossing and turning for a while, she heard the man¡¯s voice low in her ear, ¡°Stop fidgeting.¡± Xue Dongting paused and looked up at him. Song Yuming was looking at her, his pitch-ck eyes twinkling with an odd expression, his bushy ck brows slightly knit. Her heart was hammering. She mustered up her courage and asked, ¡°Song Yuming, why did you marry me?¡± She felt it was a very serious question, so she called him Song Yuming directly. He was caught off guard by the question. He thought about it for a moment. ¡°I always wanted a woman by my side. I didn¡¯t know it would be you.¡± His answer was very honest. Xue Dongting frowned. ¡°Didn¡¯t know it would be me?¡± Any ordinary vige woman to apany my remaining years would do, why would it have to be you?¡± She didn¡¯t quite understand. The man¡¯s was breathing somewhat heavily. Xue Dongting looked at him and said softly, ¡°Are you thinking about¡­¡± Her voice was trembling. Song Yuming turned over and got on top of her. ¡°I want you,¡± he said brusquely. He kissed her on the lips, a kiss that was overbearing yet gentle. When he finally released her she felt intoxicated, though she still held onto herst thread of reason. She held fast to his big hand that was trying to undo her waist sash and said, voice quavering, ¡°Wait¡­ Will¡­ Will you treat me well forever?¡± Song Yuming paused. ¡°If I said I would right now, would you believe me?¡± She didn¡¯t know what to say to that. It was kind of a stupid question to ask at this moment. The next thing he saidpletely broke through thest of her defenses. ¡°How about I answer you every day for the rest of my life.¡± Xue Dongting moaned gently and her lips were once again sealed by his. Just as they were at the height of their passion there was a sudden, urgent knock on the door, followed by a man¡¯s voice shouting, ¡°Brother Song¡ªBrother Song¡ª¡± His voice was choked with tears and the faint sounds of a child crying and coughing came with it. Xue Dongting was stunned and Song Yuming was shaken as well. He threw on some clothes and got out of bed. She hastily tidied her clothes. Her hair was still a mess, but she paid it no mind as she hurried after Song Yuming to go see what was going on. The courtyard doors opened to reveal a short man holding a boy of seven or eight who could not stop coughing. The man looked worried. ¡°Brother Song, my boy, Guang¡¯er, is sick, I need to trouble you to take me across the river¡­ I have to hurry to town to see the doctor¡­ I¡¯m afraid Guang¡¯er is not well.¡± Xue Dongting could tell the kid had a chronic coughing and breathing problem. Previously, at the third prince¡¯s manor, she had mastered the art of medicine to aid her in her wily schemes. She could tell the boy was having trouble breathing. She rubbed her hands to warm them and gently pressed the asthma-stopping acupoint on the back of the boy¡¯s neck. The boy¡¯s breathing was soon much better. She lsaid to Song Yuming, ¡°He still needs to go to the town to see the doctor.¡± Song Yuming was surprised. He likely never imagined Xue Dongting was skilled in that sort of thing. He nodded at once. ¡°There¡¯s no time to lose, I¡¯m off!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll go with you,¡± she added quickly. ¡°I can still look after the child along the way.¡± Song Yuming thought it over briefly, then agreed. He was big and tall, so he made quick time carrying the child to the river along with the others. Song Yuming steered the boat from outside while Xue Dongting and the child¡¯s father sat inside and looked after the boy. The father¡¯s name was He Xu. He was an honest farmer. His wife had died young, leaving him along with his only child. Xue Dongting chatted with him a bit and learned the boy had had this condition for some time. I bitter gust of cold wind blew in. Xue Dongting was wearing thin clothes and her hair was a mess. She had not noticed before due to the anxious situation, but now this sudden gust of wind made her shiver suddenly and she felt chilled to the bone. Chapter 12 - Waiting For You So We Can Eat Together Chapter 12: Waiting For You So We Can Eat Together The boat reached the other shore and Xue Dongting took the child and left the cabin. Song Yuming noticed her thin clothing and frowned. He took off his cotton-padded robe and draped it over her. Xue Dongting saw he only wore thin cotton underneath and tried to take the robe off and hand it back, but he shook his head. ¡°Your hair¡¯s a mess.¡± The padded robe was big and long,ing down to Xue Dongting¡¯s ankles. She felt all fuzzy inside wearing a man¡¯s robe. It had a fresh scent about it and she couldn¡¯t help but blush. She didn¡¯t even hear him tell her her hair was a mess. When she didn¡¯t respond, Song Yuming gathered her hair up for her, then took the child and went ashore. It was not light out yet, and it was winter so the streets were cold and deserted, the shops were all closed up. They arrived at the doctor¡¯s office and Song Yuming pounded on the door forever before the doctor finally dawdled over and opened up, looking drowsy. Song Yuming greeted the doctor with a hand cupped over his fist. ¡°Dr. Li, sorry to bother you. This vige boy has asthma. Can we trouble you to take a look at him?¡± This Dr. Li seemed to know Song Yuming because the impatient look on his face softened up considerably. He looked at the child He Xu held and said to Song Yuming, ¡°I¡¯ve seen this child before. It¡¯s a chronic ailment. Come right on in.¡± The doctor examined the boy and determined he would not recover immediately and would have to stay over several days. So Song Yuming bid farewell to He Xu and took Xue Dongting back toward the riverbank. Song Yuming led the way, Xue Dongting following. The red wheel of the sun rose up over the surface of the river, its red glow stretching the man¡¯s shadow long behind him. She walked in his shadow, head down all the way, silent. Song Yuming suddenly stopped and turned. Xue Dongting bumped into his chest. She looked up apologetically. ¡°¡­What¡¯s wrong?¡± He smiled. ¡°Are you hungry?¡± A peddler selling plum blossom cakes will be along the bank in a little while.¡± Xue Dongting looked over at the bank. It was deserted. She was worried about his think clothes so she shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m not hungry. Let¡¯s hurry back home.¡± Song Yuming gently pulled her into his arms and said soflty, ¡°Hurry back and do what?¡± His hot steamy breath blew in her ear when he spoke. In his embrace, she felt his body was hot and she couldn¡¯t help think back tost night. Her heart skipped and she blushed and eyed him. ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± she pouted. ¡°I was just worried you¡¯d catch cold, that¡¯s all.¡± Song Yuming smiled frankly. He spotted an old man shouldering a pole with a bamboo basket and he ran over and bought piping hot, delicately fragrant plum blossom cakes. On the boat, Song Yuming told Dongting to eat first while he punted the boat. She held the two cakes wrapped in oiled paper and she could see winterflower petals pressed inside. She could already taste them. They reached the middle of the river and Song Yuming set aside the scull and went inside the cabin. He saw Xue Dongting still holding the cakes and said, ¡°Why haven¡¯t you eaten?¡± ¡°I¡¯m waiting for you so we can eat together,¡± she said softly. Song Yuming smiled, resigned. ¡°I never eat sweet cakes. Hurry up and eat. They¡¯re not tasty once they get cold.¡± Xue Dongting pursed her lips. ¡°How do you know they¡¯re good if you never eat them?¡± His throat caught. He probably never imagined she was so quick-tongued. She picked up a sweet cake and took a nibble. It melted in her mouth, soft and sticky and sweetly fragrant. It was wonderful. Song Yuming watched her. He felt his eyes burning into her and didn¡¯t dare look at him, just kept her head down. He suddenly got closer and whispered, ¡°Is it good?¡± Chapter 13 - Riverside Undercurrents Chapter 13: Riverside Undercurrents Xue Dongting got an idea when she heard that question. She coughed and shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s not good.¡± She handed him the other cake. ¡°Taste it and you¡¯ll see.¡± ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll try it,¡± Song Yuming said quietly. But he didn¡¯t take the cake she offered him, but leaned over and kissed her. She was still chewing when he nted his lips on hers. She wasn¡¯t expecting that and tried to push him away, but he was heavy as hell. Her hand against his chest and he didn¡¯t budge an inch. She had to give up resisting. His kiss was soft and gentle. An indistinct feeling suddenly came over her¡ªshe found herselffortable with his kiss. When he released her his breathing wasbored. Xue Dongting felt her ears were hot. She couldn¡¯t bring herself to look at him. Song Yuming, though, never took his eyes off her. His staring made her ufortable. ¡°Why do you keep looking at me? is there something on my face?¡± He smiled. ¡°A petal from the cake.¡± He plucked it from her cheek, some pastry still stuck to it. She was puzzled. How did a piece of the cake end up on her face? Song Yuming left the cabin, smiling, and took up the oar and continued sculling the boat across. From outside she heard his crisp voice singing, ¡°¡­My boat drifts on the water without care, Going home, the moon rides in the riverbend there. My cup is full, clouds of fog fill the air, What sights and sounds in this world canpare¡­?¡± Xue Dongting felt there were many stories contained in that song. This fisherman seemed diffrerent from other vige fisherfolk. When they reachednd, Xue Dongting came out of the cabin. There was a woman standing on the bank. Upon closer inspection she saw it was the widow who had brought shoes over the day before. Xue Dongting frowned and side-eyed Song Yuming, but she said nothing. The widow, though, smiled. ¡°Are you Lady Song? Why are you returning home before three days are up?¡± Xue Dongting knew she had thought she had returned to Cloudgem Lodge. She gave a wan smile but didn¡¯t exin herself. But she was thinking, ¡°So what¡¯s the meaning of you giving Song Yuming shoes after I just married him?¡± When she didn¡¯t respond, the widow smiled again. ¡°I heard you had a lot of sisters back home. Now that you¡¯re married, you must be cold and lonely once Brother Song goes out for the day¡­ I live in the west end. If you doesn¡¯t mind, you cane over and chat with me.¡± Xue Dongting knew what she was insinuating when she said ¡°a lot of sisters¡±, referring to her time back at Cloudgem Lodge. She smiled faintly. ¡°Thank you, Madame. I hear you have been looking after my hubby well¡­ Oh yes, those shoes you made fit nicely. I¡¯m all thumbs with that sort of thing, in the future I will ask you to make my husband another pair.¡± The widow didn¡¯t say anything, but her smile froze on her face. Song Yuming gave Xue Dongting a look, but he held his tongue. Xue Dongting gave it right back to him. He was forced to look away and say nothing. The widow hade there to wait for a boat to ferry her across the river. She asked if he was still ferrying, but Song Yuming shook his head. ¡°Not today.¡± They disembarked and Xue Dongting didn¡¯t say a word the whole way home. Song Yuming walked beside her. He tilted his head to her, smiling. ¡°Why do I feel like you¡¯re sour?¡± She ignored him. Heughed and reached his big hand out fastened onto her frail shoulder. ¡°When did I where those shoes?¡± She red at him. ¡°In your heart you already wanted to wear them. Just then when I was talking to her, you just watched me. Didn¡¯t you feel sorry?¡± Chapter 14 - Catching Cold Chapter 14: Catching Cold Song Yuming was a bit at a loss. ¡°Sorry about what? I was just surprised by what you called me¡­ Oh by the way, what was it you called me just then? Say it again, I didn¡¯t quite catch it.¡± Xue Dongting flushed crimson. When she was talking with the widow she seemed to have called him ¡°my hubby¡­¡± When she didn¡¯t answer, Song Yuming smiled gently. She saw him do it out of the corner of her eye, saw him relishing in it, so she jerked her shoulder trying to toss his big arm off. It didn¡¯t work. She just had to curl her lips and take it. When they got back home, Xue Dongting was having hot and cold shes both. She felt like she was floating and just wanted toy down and sleep. Song Yuming saw how worn-out she looked and thought it was from all the effort she had exertedst night. ¡°Goy down and rest,¡± he urged. Xue Dongting nodded and went in and went to bed. She felt chilly all over. A little whileter, Song Yuming came in with a brazier, but she still kept shivering. Song Yuming knit his nting brows and felt her forehead. ¡°You have a bit of a fever,¡± he said, worried. She mumbled acknowledgment. She really did feel unwell. Must be from being so cold all night. Song Yuming said nothing, just turned and left the room. Drifing in and out of consciousness, Xue Dongting caught the heavy scent of medicine. She lifted her eyelids in time to see Song Yuming enter carrying a bowl of medicinal soup. He helped her sit up and she heard him say, ¡°Go on now, and drink this.¡± Xue Dongting sniffed it and knew it was fever medicine. She took the bowl and drank. The soup was warm, but really bitter. Song Yuming sighed. ¡°Your forehead is burning. How can your body be so cold?¡± Xue Dongting was quiet, feeling weak. Shey her head on his broad shoulder. She didn¡¯t know what happened after that. She slept deep into the night and when she woke she found herself wrapped tightly in Song Yuming¡¯s arms. She was sweating and felt better, but she was still weak. Song Yuming slept, his breathing steady, his brows slightly knit. She looked at him and reflexively reached out to stroke his brow, but as soon as she was about to touch him she stopped short. There was a brief pause and then her hand drew back. That soft hand of hers had been caught by a big, rough hand. Song Yuming¡¯s eyes were open, looking at her, but he said nothing. Xue Dongting coughed lightly, blushing. ¡°You were faking!¡± He smiled. ¡°I was really asleep, but you woke me up.¡± She blinked. ¡°I don¡¯t believe you. I barely moved, how did that wake you up?¡± Just as she said this she was pulled in closer . He brushed his bluish stubble against her smooth forehead. It was scratchy and itchy. She wanted to turn away, but he head onto her head so she couldn¡¯t. Song Yuming looked at her, eyes smiling. ¡°You¡¯re not hot anymore. How did you recover so quickly?¡± Her heart jumped. She felt his smile was somewhat lewd. She was no longer fevered, but she was still weak. ¡°My head hurts,¡± she said softly. ¡°I don¡¯t have the energy.¡± She said this as pitifully as she could. ¡°Mm,¡± he said. ¡°It¡¯s my fault. I shouldn¡¯t have taken you with me. Go on to sleep.¡± He held her tightly. Her clothes were damp from her fevered sweats, but he was holding her tight. ¡°I¡¯m all sweaty,¡± she reminded him. ¡°I¡¯ll get your clothes damp¡­¡± ¡°Mm,¡± Song Yuming grunted. He didn¡¯t loosen his grip. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter,¡± he mumbled, eyes closed. Xue Dongting looked at his weathered face, her heart twisted in knots. Chapter 15 - Changing Clothes Chapter 15: Changing Clothes Xue Dongting coughed lightly, causing Song Yuming to open his eyes and look at her. She really wanted to change out of her damp clothes, but she was bashful to speak up. She dithered and dithered, but it was really annoying to be in damp clothes. Blushing, she said, ¡°I want¡­ to change.¡± Song Yuming looked at her. ¡°You¡¯ll catch cold.¡± ¡°Then¡­ Then I can change under the covers¡­¡± He smiled. He was helpless against this stubborn little wife. ¡°Where are your clothes? I¡¯ll get them for you.¡± Xue Dongting thought for a moment. Her clothes were in the trunk, but she was embarrassed to have a man rummage around in her underwear. ¡°I¡¯ll get them myself,¡± she said quickly. Song Yuming frowned. ¡°No, you must be careful about catching cold!¡± He saw her eyes flit to the red trunk at the end of the bed so he threw off the covers, slipped on shoes and lit themp and went to the red trunk. Xue Dongting¡¯s whole face was flushed. She watched him rummage around for a bit, then he brought her something and asked if this was what she was after. She saw it was her undergarments, but her unmentionables were wrapped in a little bundle, so he probably didn¡¯t see them. And she couldn¡¯t very well deny that these were it, so she went ¡°Mm¡± and reached out to take them. Song Yuming put them under the quilt. ¡°Get under the covers, it¡¯s cold.¡± Whether from her fever or from embarrassment, Xue Dongting¡¯s face was flushed crimson. Her pretty, watery eyes were captivating. Not to mention the fact they were in a coastal border town far from the capital. Out here, Xue Dongting was a consummate beauty. A beauty like her coyly stretched out in Song Yuming¡¯s bed was bound to give a fisherman some enchanting ideas, but he remembered his little wife was still weak so he had to smother that kindling fire within. Oh it was not easy! Xue Dongting noticed the mysterious way he looked at her and she got nervous. ¡°Blow out themp¡± she said softly. ¡°Don¡¯t waste oil¡­¡± Song Yuming shook his head, his eyes faintly smiling. ¡°It doesn¡¯t use regr oil, it¡¯s burning whale oil. It will burn a long time.¡± Having failed that attempt, Xue Dongting had to think of another way to distract him. While she was thinking, the fisherman reminded her, ¡°Hurry up and change.¡± Her brows furrowed slightly, somewhat embarrassed. She grumbled to herself, this fisherman looks good-natured, but he really isn¡¯t at all. While she was lost in thought, Song Yuming climbed in under the covers and looked down at her. She flinched. ¡°I¡­ Go on out for a minute.¡± Song Yuming looked nkly toward the door. ¡°Go where?¡± Xue Dongting¡¯s whole face was red. ¡°I haven¡¯t changed yet.¡± He nodded. ¡°I know,¡± he said warmly. She frowned. I know? He was doing this on purpose. She didn¡¯t know what to do, but she heard the fisherman¡¯s voice gentle in her ear, ¡°Rx, I know you¡¯re sick. I¡¯m not going to do anything.¡± She stopped short. She had already married this fisherman, what was she so on guard for? For the rest of her life she was destined to be his. No matter how he treated her, that¡¯s how it was. She went ¡°Mm¡± and undid her buttons and grabbed the clothes already warmed under the covers and didn¡¯t even wear the little undershirt, but just quickly put on her gown. She did it quickly, but it felt like it took forever. Song Yuming gulped. Looking at his bashful little wife, he reached out and pulled her to him, letting her rest against his chest. Xue Dongting didn¡¯t object, she obedientlyy there like a meek kitten. Song Yuming whispered, ¡°Dongting, I know you¡¯re scared of that intimate man-woman stuff, and that¡¯s made you all uneasy. That kind of thing muste willingly, so I won¡¯t force you¡­¡± Her lips curled up into a smile at that. She gently closed her eyes, feeling more at peace than ever. That night she slept soundly. Chapter 16 - Dragon Saliva Incense Chapter 16: Dragon Saliva Incense In the hazy light of morning, Xue Dongting suddenly caught a whiff of a very familiar scent. Her eyes shot open. Song Yuming was not in bed. Incense smoke curled up to the ceiling, wisps of smoke from an incense burner rising and wafting about in the room. She knit her brows. That scent was really familiar. A simple, yet grand scent. Maybe this was just a dream and she was experiencing sleep paralysis. Despite the cold she got up and went to the table where sat the incense burner. She reached out and let the smoke glide past her fingertips. Suddenly she remembered something and her face fell as took several steps back, knocking a porcin bowl off the table. Song Yuming heard themotion from the courtyard. He pushed the doors open and entered. She was staring at the incense burner, panic-stricken. He ran over to her. ¡°Dongting? What¡¯s wrong?¡± She watched the smoke. ¡°Where¡­ Where did you get that?¡± Her voice was quavering. She knew what this was. Dragon Saliva Incense! She had smelled it before, in the third prince¡¯s manor. This incense was exorbitantly expensive. They said it was saliva from a dragon that dripped into the sea when the dragon slept and congealed into a mass. That¡¯s why people called it ¡°gold of the sea¡±. Only the imperial family could obtain this incense. Third Prince loved incense, and he regarded this one as a treasure. She turned to Song Yuming sharply, an odd look on her face. ¡°Who are you?¡± Song Yuming¡¯s eyes clouded briefly and he was silent. Then he said, ¡°I¡¯m just a fisherman.¡± Xue Dongting narrowed her eyes, her tone of voice somewhat aggressive. ¡°Then howe you have dragon saliva incense?¡± Song Yuming looked at the incense burner. He lifted the lid and watched the smoke drift up. ¡°I found this on a little ind. I liked the scent so I brought some back.¡± Xue Dongting started, and all her worries melted away. It would not be unusual for a fisherman out at sea to find dragon saliva incense. Song Yuming looked at her calmly, yet he concealed some of his own misgivings. ¡°It¡¯s called dragon saliva incense?¡± Xue Dongting nodded said diffidently, ¡°It seems like it is all¡­¡± ¡°You don¡¯t like the smell?¡± She shook her head and said softly, ¡°It smells wonderful. It just makes me think of the past.¡± The fisherman smiled. ¡°Since you don¡¯t like it, I¡¯ll throw it out.¡± She went ¡°Mm¡± absently. The fisherman took up the burner at once and went out. She abruptly came to and shouted, ¡°Don¡¯t throw it out!¡± Song Yuming turned to her. ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you know, that stuff is very valuable. We can take it to the incense shop in town and sell it.¡± Song Yuming thought about this. ¡°It¡¯s really valuable?¡± In fact he knew it was dragon saliva incense. Given his mysterious background, he had burned the stuff frequently. He had picked this up on a deserted ind and processed it into burnable incense. But he was a bit suspicious. How did Xue Dongting, a girl who had never left her border town, know what dragon saliva incense smelled like? How did she know it was so valuable? And why was she so afraid of it? Xue Dongting¡¯s eyes were cast down, as if she had detected his suspicions. She said quietly, ¡°Mama Qiao saw a lot during her time in the capital. She told me about dragon saliva incense, so I know it¡¯s really valuable¡­¡± She lied because she couldn¡¯t bear to recall the past. She didn¡¯t want Song Yuming to press her on it. He nodded, his suspicions ayed. Seeing as how Mama Qiao hade from the capital, it was not surprising she would know about that sort of thing. Chapter 17 - What We Have Now is Time Chapter 17: What We Have Now is Time He went over to her suddenly and swept her off her feet in a princess carry. Xue Dongting yelped in surprise and clutched the arm that was wrapped around her waist. She looked at the fisherman. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Song Yuming¡¯s eyes fell on her neckline where he could see a little something something faintly discernible. ¡°You¡¯re not wearing enough,¡± he said in a low voice. Xue Dongting just then realized she was still in her nightgown. She instinctively gripped her chest to cover up, her face burning. Song Yuming carried her back to the bed and said affectionately, ¡°It¡¯s cold out today and you¡¯re not well. You should stay in bed. I¡¯ll go cook.¡± ¡°No,¡± she said quickly. ¡°I¡¯m all better now. How can I always make you cook for me, that would be too¡­¡± He cut her off with, ¡°It¡¯s fine. I cooked for myself before you came. It¡¯s just a matter of adding another bowl and chopsticks.¡± ¡°But, we¡¯re married now,¡± she said softly. ¡°I should be doing those things now.¡± Song Yuming smiled. ¡°What we have now is time.¡± Xue Dongting gazed at him, feeling something she couldn¡¯t quite put her finger on. She smiled. ¡°So you¡¯re not going out today?¡± He noticed her long, quivering eyshes. ¡°Do you hope I go out?¡± She smiled and gave him a sidewards nce but said nothing. Song Yuming smiled helplessly. There was a lot of flirtation contained within that smile of the little wife in his arms. He sighed gently. ¡°I¡¯ve seen my share of things as well. I came here to this ce just hoping to spend the rest of my days with this beautiful scenery. I never imagined I would marry a girl as beautiful as you.¡± Xue Dongtingy her head on his chest. ¡°I¡¯m beautiful?¡± He nodded. ¡°Very.¡± ¡°Mama Qiao said that with a beautiful girl one must always be prepared to pay a price for her beauty.¡± Xue Dongting was a bit sad. She already had experienced what that price was. Song Yumingughed. ¡°You came to torment me. Marrying you will truly be tough going for me.¡± Xue Dongting didn¡¯t quite understand. She looked up at him and saw those resolute eyes yet contained a hint of a smile. Then she suddenly knew what the fisherman meant. She pounded his chest in indignation. ¡°What are you thinking about in the middle of the day? I¡¯m hungry!¡± Her blows to Song Yuming¡¯s chest were to him but a tickle. He grasped her little hand andughed. ¡°Alright, what do you want to eat?¡± Xue Dongting¡¯s heart was melting. She tilted her head and thought. ¡°Maybe some congee¡­ And sweet cakes.¡± ¡°Mm?¡± he said. ¡°Sweet cakes?¡± Xue Dongting suddenly remembered this was Clearcreek Vige. She shook her head. They only sold sweet cakes back in town, where was he going to get any here? She smiled. ¡°Nevermind, just congee is fine.¡± Song Yuming nodded and set the beauty in his arms on the bed and went out. Xue Dongting watched him leave and shut the door, feeling pleasantly sweet. She turned to the incense burner on the table and closed her eyes, taking in the dragon saliva incense¡¯s delicate aroma. So he din¡¯t know that stuff was valuable. If he were to collect more it would be worth a lot of money. But they couldn¡¯t just go and sell the lot of it to the incense shop. Not only would the shop not have the money to buy it all, even if they did they wouldn¡¯t buy it. Dragon saliva incense was extremely precious, no shop in some remote border town on the east coast would spend a lot of money to purchase such a thing. She suddenly had an idea. Third Prince loved dragon saliva incense. He had once went to great expense searching it out. If she could sell the incense to the third prince, mixed with some medicine, maybe she could kill him without being detected¡­ Chapter 18 - How Lucky Chapter 18: How Lucky The dragon saliva incense wafted gently, smoke curling and drifting. Xue Dongting watched the smoke for a long time, then gave a pained smile. She felt the idea she had just had was no use. How was the wife of a fisherman from the eastern sea going to be able to offer Third Prince anything? Even if she did, what about Song Yuming? A good whileter the door opened and Song Yuming came in carrying a package. Xue Dongting saw the oiled paper package in his hand and smelled the faint scent of plum blossom. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Song Yuming opened the oiled paper. Inside were four plum blossom cakes! He smiled. ¡°Just so happened that the old cake seller, Old Zhang, passed by and I bought four from him.¡± She looked at the pastries, not quite believing his story. She never heard any peddler hawking his fare. How was he going to just run into a cake peddler by coincidence? Who knows how far he had to run off to to buy those. She was touched, her eyes welled up. She held back her tears and forced a smile. ¡°How lucky.¡± Song Yuming handed her the pastries. ¡°Eat them while they¡¯re hot.¡± Xue Dongting took them and felt their warmth through the oiled paper. ¡°This is too many, let¡¯s eat together.¡± She held one out to Song Yuming¡¯s mouth. He hesitated, not really wanting to eat it. She looked at him and inched the fragrant pastry closer until it touched his lips. Song Yumingughed and took a bite. Xue Dongting pursed her lips and smiled, watching him bite off half of it in one go and gulp it down without barely even tasting it. Sheughed. ¡°You eat like a cow munching on peonies.¡± Song Yuming looked at her and smiled. ¡°Then how should I eat it so I¡¯m not like a cow munching on peonies?¡± His gentle tone made her heart skip. She thought back to way he had kissed her on the boat the night before when she had a mouthful of cake and she blushed. She turned away and ignored him. Song Yumingughed loudly and went to the kitchen and brought back the congee and they it and the plum blossom cakes together. When they had finished, he looked out the window at the sky. ¡°Tomorrow I will take you to see Madame Qiao.¡± On the third day after marriage, the new bride returns home. Xue Dongting had always thought of Mama Qiao as her own mother. As soon as he mentioned taking her back she nodded at once. ¡°Okay.¡± But she was a bit embarrassed. It was customary in this ce to bring a gift when you returned, but Song Yuming was not from here and might not know of this custom. Even though Mama Qiao didn¡¯t care about any of that, if they didn¡¯t bring something they might beughed at by the neighbors. She thought and thought but decided not to mention it. Let the neighborsugh if they wanted. She was just a lowly singsong girl anyway, she was already aughingstock just getting married. Song Yuming seemed not to notice her trepidation. He finished his congee and told her to stay in and not catch cold. He tidied up everything and went out. Xue Dongting had nothing to do, but she spotted the red trunk that was her dowry at the end of the bed and went over to arrange the things inside. Mostly it was clothing. Before the wedding Mama Qiao had dragged her to the vige to get some new clothes made. A corner of a bolt of dark gray cloth stuck out. She recalled Mama Qiao had bought it for her to make some clothes for Song Yuming. She took it out and rooted around for a pair of scissors and needle and threa. She was going to make the fisherman a new inner robe. She didn¡¯t know the fisherman¡¯s size, so she went to get an old article from the cab. When she opened the cab door she caught the light scent of dragon saliva incense. In the back she saw a few items wrapped in a sash. She opened it and saw something grayish white that looked like a stone. She put one up to her nose and took a whiff and knew it was dragon saliva incense. She couldn¡¯t help but knit her brows at this. She had been with Third Prince for ten years and was observant by nature, and so she could tell that these were top-grade dragon saliva incense that had been in the ocean for over a hundred years. Chapter 19 - Mustn’t Skimp on the Gifts Chapter 19: Mustn¡¯t Skimp on the Gifts Xue Dongting set the dragon saliva incense down gently and found a set of Song Yuming¡¯s old clothes. The coarse hemp carried his manly scent. She blushed despite herself and quickly took its measurements and got to work outlining on the new bolt of cloth. Before she knew it it was noon. Song Yuming had not yet returned. She went to the kitchen and heated up some food. When she was done she continued cutting out and sewing the garments. The winter afternoon was long and chilly, but the fisherman¡¯s little cottage was warm and cheery. Xue Dongting threw on a coat and sat by the little brazier. The fire was going good in the brazier so she set her sewing aside and went to the kitchen and got some rice and set the congee pot on the brazier to cook slowly. By the time Song Yuming got home the congee ought to be about ready. Steam roiled from the edge of the wooden pot lid. Xue Dongting kept lifting it up to prevent it from boiling over. Every time she lifted the lid she caught a heady whiff of the rice. She was at peace. The banalities of daily normal life were really pleasant. Near dusk she heard the heavy clomp of footsteps outside. It made her inexplicably happy. She opened the door to see Song Yuming carrying tworge fish and a few packages of sweets as he stepped into the courtyard. ¡°You went fishing?¡± she said curiously. You can still catch something on such a cold winter day?¡± Song Yuming dropped the writing fish into a bucket of water and smiled. ¡°I got lucky and caught two today. Winter fish are particrly plump.¡± He held up the packages of sweets. ¡°I got someone going to town to bring these back. Tomorrow when I take you back home we can bring the fish and these along with us. Madame Qiao might not think much of them, but we mustn¡¯t skimp on the gifts.¡± Xue Dongting went ¡°Mm¡± and took the packages. She was really grateful. She didn¡¯t expect him to be so conscientious. Song Yuming took off his straw raincoat and hung it on the wall outside and he and Xue Dongting went inside together. He gazed at the pot of congee on the brazier and nodded, smiling. ¡°That¡¯s a good idea.¡± ¡°Did you eat lunch?¡± she asked. ¡°I ate some with Old Zhao the helmsman, and had a few drinks to warm up. Not to worry.¡± Xue Dongting nodded and said no more. Song Yuming looked at his little wife¡¯s gentle, demure face. ¡°Do you feel any better today?¡± ¡°All better¡­ I¡¯ll go cook something hot.¡± Song Yuming quickly stopped her. ¡°It¡¯s cold in the kitchen, I¡¯ll do it.¡± Xue Dongting smiled. ¡°I¡¯m already well, how delicate do you think I am?¡± She went out. Heughed and went to the kitchen with her. She cooked while he loaded more wood into the fire. Xue Dongting happened to look at him, the mes lighting up his cheeks, the lines of his face sharp and distinct. He gazed into the fire, his eyes glowing. She asked him off-hand, ¡°So you found that dragon saliva incense on a little ind?¡± Song Yuming nodded. ¡°Yes. Last year I went out to sea and picked it up off this little deserted ind.¡± She listened to him say that like it was nothing, but going out to sea alone, he must have run into many dangers. She remembered the oilmp in the bedroom and asked, ¡°So themp in the bedroom uses whale oil?¡± ¡°Mm¡±, he said. ¡°When I went out to sea there was a beached whale on the ind. If I had not had that whale meat to eat I likely wouldn¡¯t have survived to make it back. Before I left I filled a jug with whale oil paste and put it in the cer. I¡¯ve been burning it for over a year and still haven¡¯t used it all. It burns a lot longer than regr oil.¡± Chapter 20 - Let’s Wash Together Chapter 20: Let¡¯s Wash Together Xue Dongting pursed her lips in a smile. She knew whale oilsted a long time. Many ancient tombs had altarmps that used whale oil. Whale oil wasmon in the capital, but was rarely used in this fishing vige. She never imagined a fisherman would not only know about burning whale oil, but also dragon saliva incense. How much different really weremoners from the imperial family? She stir-fried pickled vegetables and cured meat and brought them into the room, the fisherman following with bowls and chopsticks. She knew the fisherman had frozen all day out there catching fishing specially for her return home. She pitied him and felt guilty. Song Yuming held the big bowl in one hand and chopsticks in the other and saw she had only eaten half a bowl of congee and only a few vegetables. He kept giving her hunks of meat. Xue Dongting was forced to eat several pieces, but he kept on giving her more. She covered her bowl up with her hand and said she couldn¡¯t eat any more. He looked at her. ¡°You¡¯re too thin, you ought to eat more.¡± She suddenly thought back to that woman with the white cat and how voluptuous she was and how Third Prince had looked at her. That made her sour. She side-eyed the fisherman and said, ¡°You men all like full-bodied woman don¡¯t you?¡± Song Yuming was taken aback, but he soon snapped out of it and smiled helplessly. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it like that.¡± Xue Dongting was silent, somewhat depressed at the thought of that chancellor¡¯s daughter with the white cat. By the time Song Yuming finished eating, the hot water was already boiling on the stove. She softened at the sight of him cleaning up the dishes and heading into the kitchen. She had just been stirring up trouble, brooding over her previous life and taking it all out on him. She thought for a moment, then took the wooden basin and filled it with hot water. She wanted to call Song Yuming and have him soak his feet. A whileter he came in. He was shuffling around in slippers. Clearly he had already washed his feet. Xue Dongting saw his slightly red ankles and was surprised. ¡°You washed up already?¡± He nodded and looked at the basin filled with hot water. ¡°You go ahead and wash.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no hot water in the kitchen, did you use cold water?¡± Heughed and nodded. ¡°It¡¯s a habit.¡± Xue Dongting knit her brows. She knew a little medicine and knew that even a healthy person should not wash his feet in cold water in the middle of winter. ¡°Come over here soak your feet in this hot water. Don¡¯t use cold water anymore.¡± She was pretty with her brows knit up like that. it didn¡¯t fail to turn him on. He sidled up to her and whispered, ¡°Dongting, are you concerned about me?¡± She blushed and looked away. ¡°Hurry up,¡± she said softly. Song Yuming suddenly picked her up and carried her to the edge of the bed and said in his husky voice, ¡°Let¡¯s wash together.¡± He ignored her squirming and bent down and removed her embroidered shoes and took off her white socks. He held her icy feet just like he had that night, his big coarse hands warm and gentle. He slipped her petite feet into the hot water and plunked down beside her and plunged his own big feet in there with them. Xue Dongting had her head down, silent, feeling the thick calluses on the bottom of his big feet slide over the top of hers. That rough feeling set her heart to fluttering. She was pulled into the fisherman¡¯s arms and she just let her head rest on his chest. She could feel his heart pounding. ¡°Can we leave a bit early tomorrow?¡± she whispered. Song Yuming took her little hand in his and whispered one word into her ear: ¡°Yes.¡± The wind blew outside, the distant waves crashing out at sea. Suddenly the long, gentle sound of a flute floating in the pitch ck night within the fishing vige. Xue Dongting thought, ¡°That flute is really strange. There¡¯s an irregrity to it. The yer must be a hardened general from the battlefield¡­¡± An odd look shed through Song Yuming¡¯s eyes and he frowned slightly. He turned to the woman beside him. ¡°You go on to bed, I¡¯ll go out and see.¡± ¡°Do you know that flute yer?¡± ¡°¡­It might be Old Zhang the helmsman. Something might havee up. I¡¯ll go to the riverbank and see.¡± Chapter 21 - The Wind is Up Chapter 21: The Wind is Up The snow stopped, clouds soaring about and mutating in their multitudes, and a clear, cold moon bored through theyer of cloud onto the big river, shrouding a small boat. On the prow stood a tall man in white robes ying a transverse bamboo flute, notes slipping out velvety from that high-quality mottled bamboo instrument. Song Yuming was at the bank watching with his hands sped behind his back the man the Son of Heaven called the ¡°White-d Martial Celestial¡±. He sighed and called out, ¡°You¡¯re here. Year in and year out, don¡¯t you get tired of it?¡± White-d Martial Celestial Chen Xichui lowered his flute and looked at the fisherman with his hands behind his back over on the bank. ¡°A lot of people hope you will return,¡± he said softly. Song Yuming smiled and shook his head. ¡°Even if a hundred thousand people wanted me to go back, as long as the one on the dragon throne does not wish it, I won¡¯t go.¡± Chen Xichui frowned. ¡°The wind is up with many changes in the capital. The crown prince longs for the throne and their are factions formed not at court. His Majesty is in poor health and though the high consort has no heir, she has still be entangled with the crown prince¡¯s contention for the throne. Third Prince seeks higher up support, so¡­¡± Song Yuming waved it away and cut him off. ¡°Such a pestilent atmosphere is no match for the peaceful scenery here. I have no interest in stepping into those muddy waters¡­ General Chen, you should go.¡± Chen Xichui had more to say, but he saw the calm look on Song Yuming¡¯s face and knew he had already set aside many things, including concern for that woman. Whatever else he might say would do no good. He heaved a sigh. ¡°I never really hoped to be able to persuade you to leave retirement¡­ I¡¯m happy you can live reely in such a nice secluded ce¡­ I won¡¯te anymore.¡± He took out a lustrous jade pendant and tossed it to Song Yuming, a bitter smile on his face. ¡°After all, it was my younger sister, Baozhuang, who let you down the most. I¡¯m returning this to its rightful owner.¡± Song Yuming snatched the jade ornament out of the air and looked at it. It was a bare semi-circr disc with bamboo and plum carvings.[1] How to tie the knot of affection? With a beautiful jade hung from a silken sash.[2] Song Yuming smiling self-mockingly. The beautiful jade was now without silken sash, and the beauty called Chen Baozhuang was now elevated to position of high consort. Chen Xichui sculled his boat away, leaving him alone on the riverbank. Song Yuming watched the lone boat recede into the distance along the surface of the water and he said to himself, ¡°The wind is up.¡± Hardly had his voice faded away when a biting gust of winter wind blew past and disturbed the stray ck hairs at his temples. His coarse hemp clothes rustled. He turned and left, step by step back to his little house. Inside the thatched cottage, a woman was already sound asleep. Song Yuming gazed at his wife tucked snugly under the covers and his lips curled up into a thin smile. He took the other quilt and slept along the outer edge of the bed. He could smell the delicate scent of his woman beside him. He peacefully shut his eyes. Early morning sunlight streamed through the window and onto the bed, shining on Xue Dongting¡¯s face. She opened eyes, her groggy, drowsy seductive eyes. Her mind was nk for a time. She turned to her side. The fisherman had not woken yet, lightly snoring as if he slept soundly. Xue Dongting didn¡¯t know who her husband had went to seest night, or what was said between them. She dressed and lightly padded off the bed. Shebed her hair and washed her face, then went to the kitchen to cook. Song Yuming had woken while she was dressing. He heard her busy footsteps and quickly dressed and got up and went to the kitchen doorway and watched his wife busy cooking, a gentle smile on his face. Xue Dongting wore a in, light yellow jacket, a silver hairpin carelessly keeping her hair drawn up in a bun. She looked demure and gentle. She was naturally pretty and not cold and aloof like some celestial maiden. The curling smoke from the stove only added to her many womanly charms. Song Yuming stood in the doorway and watched his wife. He couldn¡¯t help but be a bit out of sorts. Chapter 22 - There’s Something I Have to Tell You Chapter 22: There¡¯s Something I Have to Tell You Xue Dongting looked up at Song Yuming standing in the doorway. She smiled. ¡°I saved you some hot water. Go on and wash up first.¡± Song Yuming entered the room. ¡°Did you sleep well?¡± She nodded and smiled. ¡°I didn¡¯t even know when you came back¡­ Oh right, what was going on at the riverst night?¡± He poured hot water from the kettle into the wooden basin and shook his head. ¡°It was nothing.¡± ¡°Did you see the person ying the flute?¡± ¡°Yes, but it was just a traveler¡­ Someone just passing through.¡± Xue Dongting nodded and thought no more of it. ¡°I saw some dried mushrooms in the cer, so I got some and cooked them up. They¡¯re not bad.¡± Song Yuming had already forgotten what all he had in the cer. Now that she mentioned it, he recalled he had went into the mountainsst summer and picked them and dried them out in the sun. ¡°Good thing you found them. I had forgotten all about them. Since you like them I¡¯ll go pick some more next year.¡± Shedled congee as she said, ¡°There¡¯s a lot of stuff in the cer. There¡¯s probably more in there you¡¯ve forgotten¡­ Back at Cloudgem Lodge I never paid attention to that sort of thing. I hope you won¡¯t mind how inept I am.¡± Song Yumingughed. ¡°Having you here managing things is more than I could ask for, what do I have to worry about?¡± She scalded her hand trying to pick up the steaming bowls of congee and jerked her hand back. He hurried over to the stove and took a bowl in each hand and carried them in. After breakfast, Song Yuming tied the fish up on a string and got a fur hat from his wardrobe and gave it to Xue Dongting to wear and the two of them tidied up a bit and headed out. Along the riverbank a shabby old man sat at the head prow of a little boat. He held a wine gourd in his hand, smiling at the two as they approached. ¡°Up early today,¡± he yelled. ¡°Taking the wife back home?¡± Song Yuming smiled at the old man. ¡°That¡¯s right, you¡¯re here even earlier this morning, Old Zhang!¡± He eyed the wine gourd in the old man¡¯s hand. ¡°You buy that in town?¡± The old man surnamed Zhangughed. ¡°Yep. The year ising to a close, there¡¯s more and more peopleing to ferry across the river into town. I¡¯m always up before dawn. I¡¯ve already been across once today.¡± The old man looked at Xue Dongting and smiled. ¡°You¡¯re wife is beautiful. She¡¯s really opened my eyes.¡± Song Yuming smiled and cupped his hand over his fist. ¡°We must be going.¡± Old Zhang nodded and waved. ¡°Go, go,. Feller like you taking such a pretty wife, no wonder you haven¡¯t been aroundtely ferrying people across.¡± That made Xue Dongting¡¯s cheeks red, but Song Yuming justughed. They boarded their boat and Song Yuming shoved off quickly. The little boat left the bank and went further and further. She saw his forehead beaded with sweat as he put his back into sculling the boat across. ¡°Don¡¯t go so fast, it¡¯s no big deal if we¡¯re a littlete.¡± Song Yuming shook his head. ¡°It would be rude to bete, and I don¡¯t want the neighbors tough.¡± Xue Dongting took hold of the cabin wall and stood up, wanting to go out. Song Yuming was afraid she would fall, so he stopped sculling so fast. ¡°It¡¯s windy out here, what are youing out for? Watch your step.¡± She went over to him and took out her handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his forehead. ¡°I was originally a singsong girl,¡± she said softly. ¡°I¡¯ve long stopped caring about other people¡¯s opinions¡­ But, there¡¯s something I have to tell you.¡± He pulled the fur hat down further over her head and secured the earps down. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°Though I was working at Cloudgem Lodge, I¡¯ve never did anything improper with anyone¡­ My body was pure when I married you, so I don¡¯t care what other people say, I just want you to believe me¡­¡± Song Yuming frowned. This wife of his with her staunch tone made him feel so tenderly toward her. He said quielty, ¡°Of course I believe you. I¡¯ve never minded your background.¡± Chapter 23 - I’ll Tell You This Evening Chapter 23: I¡¯ll Tell You This Evening The town was bustling. Yes, the new year was nigh so there were more and more vigers here. Xue Dongting and Song Yuming walked among the crowd. They happened by a couple of frequent customers of Cloudgem Lodge and they smiled in amusement when they saw Xue Dongting returning home after marrying. Xue Dongting naturally turned them a blind eye. Song Yuming reached out and grasped her hand tightly as he stared ahead. ¡°When wee back we can stroll around a bit and get some things for back home.¡± ¡°Mm,¡± she said absently. Song Yuming suddenly turned and looked at her hair. ¡°That hairpin is too in, you should get a different one.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the big deal, it¡¯s just for putting my hair up. Don¡¯t waste money on that.¡± She was smiling, feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. They crossed the main road and turned down a secludedne and stopped before a white-walledpound with green roof tiles. Xue Dongting stepped up and knocked on the wooden doors. From within came the sound of footsteps and then a creak as the doors were pushed open and a pretty little face emerged. The girl flinched and then called out happily, ¡°Second Sister, you¡¯re back!¡± Xue Dongting shook her head andughed. ¡°Yuansheng, you still have no manners! This is your¡­ second brother-inw.¡± Yuansheng blinked her shimmering eyes and gave a sly smile. ¡°Of course I know it¡¯s Second Brother-inw. Come on in. Mama Qiao knew a special guest wasing over. She¡¯s been busy in the kitchen all morning.¡± Song Yumingughed. ¡°You must be Third Sister. Greetings.¡± Yuansheng pursed her lips in a smile and eyed Xue Dongting. She giggled. ¡°I¡¯ll go tell Mama Qiao!¡± And she ran off. Xue Dongting gazed at Song Yuming andughed. ¡°Yuansheng has always been innocent and flighty. Don¡¯t take offense.¡± He nodded. ¡°A girl her age naturally has no worries weighing her down. That¡¯s good!¡± Xue Dongting nced at him sideways, then looked down with a smile. ¡°So you¡¯re saying I have a lot of worries and am not pure and innocent enough?¡± He couldn¡¯t help butugh. He squeezed her hand. ¡°Every time I say something you have to find fault with it. I never knew you had such a glib tongue.¡± She scoffed and made to pull her hand away, but he held it tight. She pouted, ¡°Maybe so, but I¡¯m not about to get jealous of Yuansheng. Why don¡¯t you tell me instead what¡¯s going on with that widow from the west end!¡± Song Yuming smiled and whispered into her ear, ¡°The past few days I haven¡¯t done anything since you were sick, but now I see you¡¯re really all better. If you want to know, I¡¯ll tell you this evening.¡± She nched, suddenly all flustered. She bit her lip and red at him. She saw Mama Qiaoing toward them though, so she re up. Song Yuming let go of her little hand and paid his respects to Mama Qiao. ¡°This son-inw greets Mother-inw.¡± Xue Dongting didn¡¯t know what to think. She didn¡¯t get how this man could turn so serious all of a sudden after the way he had spoken to her just now! Mama Qiao said happily, ¡°Hurry on inside and have some tea.¡± Song Yuming looked up and saw a mistyke and several bamboo buildings along the bank. It all looked very refined. They went with Mama Qiao into the parlor and he spoke with her at length. At noon tshe went to the kitchen to get ready to serve lunch. Xue Dongting went with her to help out, leaving Song Yuming alone sipping tea in the parlor. Mother and daughter in the kitchen were all alone so Mama Qiao whispered, ¡°How does he treat you?¡± Xue Dongting was still sulking over what he had said to her earlier, so she just curled her lips and huffed, ¡°Not well.¡± Mama Qiao saw the look on her face and didn¡¯t believe a word of it. Sheughed. ¡°Well even if it¡¯s not good, you¡¯ve married him so you¡¯ll just have to make do.¡± Xue Dongting stamped her foot and grumped, ¡°He hasn¡¯t done anything yet, I can alwayse back.¡± Mama Qiao frowned. ¡°Hasn¡¯t done anything yet?¡± Chapter 24 - Why Would I Not Be Willing? Chapter 24: Why Would I Not Be Willing? Xue Dongting knew she had misspoke. She hung her head in silence. Mama Qiao looked disappointed. ¡°Is it because you were not willing?¡± ¡°¡­Why would I not be willing?¡± she said quietly. Mama Qiao frowned. ¡°Then is it him? Does he resent your background?¡± Xue Dongting shook her head. ¡°No.¡± Mama Qiao stared at her. Suddenly she asked in a low voice, ¡°He seems to be strong and well-built¡­ Could it be that in the bedroom he¡¯s¡­¡± She was taking this too far. Xue Dongting tugged on Mama Qiao¡¯s sleeve and said, ¡°Mama! Stop asking about it.¡± Mama Qiao jabbed her in the forehead. ¡°Girl, can¡¯t you spare me some worry?¡± Xue Dongting felt helpless. ¡°Mama Qiao, don¡¯t worry about it! I guarantee he won¡¯t get rid of me, I guarantee I won¡¯t make you lose face.¡± Mama Qiao sighed. ¡°That son-inw might be a fisherman from the countryside, but he¡¯s a sensible person. I could tell just by talking to him. With everything he does she shows he¡¯s not like other fishermen. He¡¯s been through a lot. You won¡¯t lose out at all by marrying him. That sort of thing is a must, you mustn¡¯t refuse him. After all, he¡¯s your husband.¡± ¡°Mm,¡± Xue Dongting said, blushing. But Mama Qiao wasn¡¯t finished. ¡°With your good looks I don¡¯t see how any many could hold back. It¡¯s just you came from this ce. Maybe he is a bit wary about that. You¡¯re a chaste girl, you have to let him know that!¡± ¡°I already told him,¡± Xue Dongting said. ¡°Oh,¡± Mama Qiao groaned. ¡°How can he believe it just cause you said it? I¡¯ll show you a way.¡± She whispered a few words into her ear. Xue Dongting turned even redder. ¡°What do I need a white handkerchief for?¡± ¡°Just do what I tell you,¡± Mama Qiao said in a low voice. She whispered some more into her ear. Xue Dongting could only nod her head. Mama Qiao jabbed her in the forehead again, remonstrating, ¡°You better listen to what I¡¯m telling you¡­ Wanqing married that squire as his concubine and I so regret it so much it¡¯s rotting my insides. Song Yuming doesn¡¯t have much money, but he will be devoted to you, and with your devilish mind you¡¯ll be able to capture his heart no problem.¡± Xue Dongting quirked her mouth. ¡°What do you mean my ¡®devilish mind¡¯? Isn¡¯t that too harsh?¡± Mama Qiaoughed. ¡°I¡¯m not wrong. Of you three kids, Wanqing is the most serious, Yuansheng is the most naive, and you, you¡¯re the most clever.¡± Lunch was quite a spread. Mama Qiao was an excellent cook and Song Yuming made sure to eat more. After lunch they chatted for a bit, and then Song Yuming saw it was gettingte so he got up to take his leave. Mama Qiao kept thinking about her little talk with Dongting earlier, so she didn¡¯t keep them. Once they left Cloudgem Lodge, Song Yuming looked at Dongting and said, ¡°What did you and Madame Qiao talk about? Why do you look so ufortable?¡± She hung her head, silent. But she was blushing slightly. Song Yuming started. ¡°Was it about¡­¡± She plugged up her ears in a fit of pique and didn¡¯t listen. He looked at his wife acting all cute and heughed and said no more. They strolled along the main road of town. The market was closed down, the street mostly deserted. ¡°Looks like we came out early,¡± Song Yuming said. ¡°Too early to catch the evening market.¡± Xue Dongting gave him a look. ¡°I¡¯m obviously here for my return visit, when did I ask you to take me to the market?¡± Her manughed it off and put his big hand around hers. A stream of warmth seemed to radiate from thatrge hand. Even though it was the twelfth month and there was ice and snow everywhere, she didn¡¯t feel a bit cold. Chapter 25 - There’s No Way I’m Letting You Off Tonight Chapter 25: There¡¯s No Way I¡¯m Letting You Off Tonight Song Yuming saw that the jadeware shop was closed and said, ¡°We¡¯lle back tomorrow and I¡¯ll buy you a jade hairpin. Jade will look good on you.¡± She had never seen any silks and satins or pearl hairpins or other dangling ornaments in her previous life in the third prince¡¯s manor. Back then, Xue Dongting liked those things and only resolutely stood by Third Prince¡¯s side for his status and power. As a lowly singsong girl she had been through the fickle hot-and-cold nature of the world, and it had made her thirst for power, but it was a petty longing that vanished like smoke under the third prince¡¯s cold de. As she was dying she finally understood how ridiculous it all was. Xue Dongting shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t like jade or pearl hairpins. Those shy things are so useless!¡± There was a surprised look in Song Yuming¡¯s eyes. Heughed. ¡°Dongting, you really don¡¯t act like a sixteen-year-old girl.¡± She looked up at him and smiled. ¡°Then just think of me as ten years older.¡± Song Yuming made a show of thinking this over, thenughed. ¡°Even if you¡¯re ten years older you¡¯re still not as old as me.¡± Xue Dongting tilted her head. She only knew he was in his thirties, but she didn¡¯t know his precise age. ¡°How old are you?¡± ¡°Thirty-three.¡± Xue Dongting suddenly thought of what Mama Qiao had said, that older men knew how to take care of someone. She pursed her lips in thin smile. It was such a turn on when a woman forced a smile. Song Yuming watched her out of the corner of his eye. He couldn¡¯t help but embrace his lovely little wife. ¡°What are you smiling at? Think I¡¯m old?¡± She rolled her seductive eyes, silent and still smiling, naughtily teasing her husband. He said to her in a low voice, ¡°Alright, Dongting, so you think I¡¯m old? There¡¯s no way I¡¯m letting you off tonight.¡± The radiant setting sun shone on Dongting¡¯s cheeks, giving them an orange hue and obscuring her blushing glow. She buried her head in her husband¡¯s chest and said softly, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, let¡¯s go back.¡± Song Yuming nodded, smiling. ¡°Okay. My little wife wants to go back home.¡± Xue Dongting nched. Then she pummeled her fists on his chest in a fit of pique. She hadn¡¯t meant anything, but the way the fisherman had said it made it sound like she was having some other ideas. Song Yuming felt good being pummeled and he justughed. Twilight closed in and an inky ck rose up from the horizon, slowly dyeing the sky. A small boat drifted along the vast river. After going ashore, the fisherman held Dongting¡¯s hand and led her to his little thatched cottage, walking briskly. Xue Dongting knew what was on his mind and didn¡¯t want to walk quickly. The fisherman noticed her dragging her feet and went over and picked her up without a word. She yelped, but he did not stop. Rather, with him carrying her he walked even faster. She lowered her head, exposing the jade-white nape of her neck. ¡°What¡¯s your hurry? We haven¡¯t even eaten yet¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m hungry,¡± the fisherman murmured. Dongting naturally knew what he was hungering for, but she said, ¡°If you¡¯re hungry then eat. Didn¡¯t you buy steamed meat buns at in town?¡± ¡°How can some meat buns fill me up?¡± he said. Her face started burning when he said that. She turned away and said nothing else, but she was feeling uneasy. Song Yuming carried her back to the cottage and set her down on the rose-scented red embroidered quilt. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m cold¡­¡± Laying on the quilt, her voice was trembling. The fisherman¡¯s voice was husky. ¡°There¡¯s hot coals in the kitchen. I¡¯ll go get some.¡± He turned and went out. She heard him stamping around and then he came back in. He brought the little glowing-red brazier inside and the unlit room was instantly illuminated. The glow of the mes made Song Yuming¡¯s eyes look like they were burning as well. He set the brazier down and looked at her. ¡°You¡¯ll be warm soon enough.¡± Chapter 26 - Anything Else You’d Like to Ask? Chapter 26: Anything Else You¡¯d Like to Ask? Xue Dongting knew what wasing next, and she knew that this was normal for a husband and wife to do, but she still flinched, biting her delicate lip, her eyes full of apprehension. Song Yuming at the edge of the best said gently, ¡°Dongting, anything else you¡¯d like to ask me? Ask away.¡± She thought about it. ¡°Why did that woman from the west end make shoes for you?¡± Song Yuming couldn¡¯t help finding this funny. His little wife was stil hung up on this. ¡°Thatdy was deprived of her husband at a young age, left to look after her baby son. She can¡¯t do much manualbor, so I helped her out a bit, that¡¯s all. Some days ago I carried some firewood for her down from the mountains. She was probably showing her gratitude, that¡¯s all.¡± ¡°Just because you don¡¯t think there was anything else doesn¡¯t mean she doesn¡¯t,¡± Xue Dongting said softly. ¡°Or else why did shee especially on the day of your wedding to give them to you?¡± Song Yumingughed and reached out and put a loose hair of hers back in ce. ¡°All that matters is I have a clear conscience.¡± She thought about it and didn¡¯t argue. She didn¡¯t like the way that woman had acted, but she did pity the widow having to live all by her lonesome. She nodded, smiling. ¡°Alright then. That¡¯s all over and done with then.¡± Song Yuming smiled. ¡°Hang on a minute now. Didn¡¯t you say that day that you were going to make me shoes? Well? I don¡¯t see them.¡± Xue Dongting¡¯s heart froze. She cursed inwardly. She had forgotten all about it while at Mama Qiao¡¯s ce. She was going to ask Mama Qiao for help. She could only turn to him and say, ¡°Not that quickly, I don¡¯t have any material. Next time you go into town you can buy some matertial, then we¡¯ll talk.¡± Song Yuming nodded and took on a serious tone. ¡°I will remember that you owe me a pair of shoes.¡± Xue Dongtingughed. ¡°You¡¯re not only honest, you¡¯re also petty, making a point of remembering a pair of shoes.¡± He leaned closer, smiling. ¡°How do you know I¡¯m honest?¡± She gave him the side-eye and went ¡°Pooh¡± and that was it. Song Yuming chuckled and simply took off his shos and got in under the covers and took her in his arms. ¡°Anything else you want to ask?¡± She thought carefully. ¡°You came here all by yourself. What about you parents?¡± ¡°They¡¯ve passed on. All I have is a big brother and he can¡¯t stand me. So I went far away and came here.¡± His voice was calm, as if he had no feelings about it. But Xue Dongting knew that ¡°all I have is a brother and he can¡¯t stand me¡± contained a lot of helplessness and grief. ¡°It¡¯s nice here,¡± she said softly. ¡°I¡¯m here to pass the days with you.¡± He held her tight. ¡°Anything else?¡± She put a finger to her lips, brows knit in thought. Song Yuming found this funny. ¡°Well?¡± She nodded. ¡°So many. I just can¡¯t think of any at the moment.¡± ¡°Then just ask whenever you remember them.¡± His big hand around her waist at some point had undid her sash. He took off her outer robe and tossed it on the trunk at the end of the bed. Wrapped in his arms, Xue Dongting¡¯s stomach rumbled suddenly. She was so embarrassed. Song Yuming stopped what he was doing. ¡°You really are hungry?¡± She was too embarrassed to say anything. Unlike the fisherman, she had not eaten much at lunch and after traveling so much her stomach had started growling some time ago. Heughed. ¡°How thoughtless of me. Of course my little wife is hungry.¡± He took an oiled paper package from his robe and opened it. Inside were steaming meat buns. They were t from where had had pressed into her. Heughed. ¡°They may not look that good, but they¡¯re still edible.¡± He handed her the package. Chapter 27 - It’s All My Fault Chapter 27: It¡¯s All My Fault Xue Dongting took the oiled paper. There were three meat buns inside. She took one and handed the rest back. Song Yuming shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m not hungry.¡± ¡°I can only eat one,¡± she said. ¡°Mm,¡± the fisherman said. He took the other two and finished them off in a few bites. Dongting was nibbling hers slowly, so he went and filled the kettle with water and set it on the brazier to boil. It was agony waiting on her to finish eating, then drink some water. Her seductive eyes watched the water. ¡°The water¡¯s boiling, why don¡¯t you take it off?¡± Song Yuming seemed not to hear her. Hey down again and held her. ¡°You¡¯ve had enough to eat and drink, so we can continue where we left off,¡± he whispered. He leaned down and kissed her cheek. She wanted to avoid it, but how could she cast off the fisherman? She had to let him kiss her. Song Yuming was gentle. He kissed her cheek, then he began kissing her brows and eyes, kissed that tall, elegant nose, finally kissing her soft, beautiful lips. Xue Dongting went limp, letting him have his way. He took off her gown and let her dark tresses down and her jade-white body wasid out before him. He couldn¡¯t wait to have her pressed close to him. She sensed the change in his body and her voice quavered, ¡°Get¡­ the white handkerchief¡­ It¡¯s in my pouch¡­¡± Song Yuming frowned. Then he realized what she meant. He panted into her ear, ¡°We don¡¯t need that, I know.¡± ¡°No¡­ We have to use it!¡± Song Yuming smiled helplessly. He rummaged around under the covers for a while until he felt the pouch. He took out the silk handkerchief. He nibbled on her neck by her ear. In a daze, Xue Dongting felt like a fish in the water. A sudden sharp pain caused her eyes to tear up She whimpered and sobbed and beat the fisherman¡¯s hard shoulder. Song Yuming called her name softly, coaxing her, telling her he was almost finished, but he didn¡¯t stop. She didn¡¯t know how long it was, but she trembled all over, cried out, and Song Yuming finally gave himself over to her. He held her, panting. He got up and poured water and helped her clean up, then held her tightly, letting his little wife sleep against his chest. Xue Dongting had been tormented until she lost her mind, in a daze, letting him have his way with her. Finally she felt him embrace her, tightly, softly calling out, ¡°Dongting, Dongting¡­¡± She heard that and felt the fisherman really loved her, so she slept peacefully in his arms. The next morning, as soon as she opened her eyes she saw Song Yuming sitting with his back to her on a little bench in front of the bed, stoking the coals in the brazier with a pair of tongs. Once the coals were glowing he spread the spent ashes over the zing coals to reduce the heat. There was a water kettle on the brazier, steaming roiling out of it, making his powerful back look all hazy. Xue Dongting watched him nkly, her eyes for some reason tearing up and spilling over. She had be his woman. Not like in her previous life, not floating about aimlessly in the turbulent whirlpool of the capital. From now on she would be with him, would grow old with him among the beautiful scenery. This kind of life was really wonderful! This was what she was thinking as she wiped her tears. Song Yuming turned around. ¡°Awake?¡± He was calm, as if he had totally forgotten about what they had donest night. Xue Dongting nodded. There was one thing still nagging her. ¡°The handkerchief?¡± He stood and went to the bed and pulled the handkerchief out from under the pillow. Heughed. ¡°You really care that much about the handkerchief?¡± She took it and opened it to look. There were a few drops of red like plum blossoms on the white silk. She smiled and folded it back and looked at Song Yuming. She grumbled in a low voice, ¡°Because of you¡­¡± When she took the handkerchief her whole shoulder was exposed. There were red and bluish marks all over. Song Yuming gulped. He held her hand and put it under the covers and tucked her in good. Then he nodded. ¡°It¡¯s my fault, it¡¯s all my fault.¡± She hmphed, thinking of course it¡¯s your fault! Song Yuming whispered into her ear, ¡°Does it still hurt?¡± Chapter 28 - The Fisherman’s Childhood Sweetheart Chapter 28: The Fisherman¡¯s Childhood Sweetheart Xue Dongting turned away and ignored that rascal who had taken advantage of her. Song Yuming turned her head back around so that they were looking at each other. She blinked and in a mousy voice said, ¡°Still hurts.¡± He smiled. ¡°Want me to rub it?¡± She went ¡°Pooh¡± a few times and turned away on her side and faced the wall. Song Yumingughed. He knew if he kept on teasing her, his sixteen-year-old bride would really get mad, so he changed the subject. ¡°Old Zhang said busy has been good the past couple of days. I¡¯m gonna go out and ferry people across the river.¡± ¡°Mm,¡± she said. ¡°Make sure you wear enough¡­ I¡¯ll bring you lunch at noon.¡± He smiled. ¡°No need. Forget about it today. You can bring it tomorrow.¡± She curled her lips and muttered, ¡°You feel such pity for me now, then what got into youst night?¡± Song Yuming stooped over and kissed his brooding little wife¡¯s cheek. ¡°There¡¯s sweet candied dates on the stove. Eat some if you get hungry. Take it easy today.¡± Xue Dongting turned and looked at him. ¡°Then you¡­e back soon.¡± Song Yuming¡¯s heart swam with warmth. ¡°With a wife at home waiting for me,¡± he said gently, ¡°Of course I wille home soon.¡± She pushed him away, blushing bashfully. ¡°Go on then.¡± He smiled and turned and went out. Xue Dongting heard the door close and she shut her eyes andy on the bed. Even with her eyes closed her mind was filled with images of Song Yuming¡¯s face and body. In her ears was the gentle sound of him calling her. Anyway she couldn¡¯t sleep. She threw on some clothes and got up. Her legs were stiff and sore. Shebed her hair and washed her face and sat back down by the brazier, eating a few warm candied dates, then she took up her sewing she had only half-finished and continued working on it. Her eye suddenly caught sight of the pile of hemp clothes on the trunk. It was the inner robe Song Yuming had taken offst night. She got up to put it away and discovered a few spots of blood on it. She blushed, knowing that was hers. She decided to wash it. But when she picked it up a roundish object dropped out and rolled on the floor, rolling over twice beforeing to a stop. Xue Dongting squatted and picked the thing up and took a good look at it. It was a piece of jade. Plum blossoms were carved into its surface on one side, on the other stalks of bamboo. You came in riding a bamboo horse, circled around my stool ying with green plums. Xue Dongting¡¯s heart froze as she looked at the jade ornament. This was a token of betrothal between Song Yuming and some childhood sweetheart! She was lost in a daze, her heart a tangle of emotions. It was as if all she had longed for in an instant had be an illusion. She squatted there on the floor for a long time, until her legs started to tingle, then she stood up unsteadily, tottering a few times as she walked to the edge of the bed, at a loss as to what she should do. Song Yuming was thirty-three, why had he not taken a wife until now? Or did he already have a wife? If so, then what was she? He had moved to a foreign vige far away. What did he used to do? What had his life been like? Xue Dongting suddenly found it all funny. She knew nothing about this man, yet she had given herself over to himpletely. If she had just been a mere singsong girl from some border town then fine, but she had been born again. How could she live so stupidly this time around? She put the jade ornament back on the table. Since she had seen it she couldn¡¯t just pretend that she hadn¡¯t. But she would not ask him. She would wait for the fisherman to exin it himself. If he really loved her he wouldn¡¯t deceive her. She was in a bit of a stupor, but, what if he didn¡¯t love her? What if he had been soft and gentle with her only because she was his wife? In the end, was he treating his wife well, or was he treating Xue Dongting well? Chapter 29 - Let Me Explain! Chapter 29: Let Me Exin! At dusk, those familiar, heavy steps sounded in the courtyard. Xue Dongting pushed open the doors to greet him. The fisherman carried a wooden bucket, water sloshing and every now and then spilling over the sides. Song Yuming gazed at that cloud of hair tilted askew, the somewhat lethargic-looking little wife. He held the bucket out to her. ¡°I got lucky today and caught this huge perch. We can cook it tomorrow. It will help your body.¡± Xue Dongting looked into the bucket. There was a grayish silver fish floundering around in the water, with silvery-white little scales and a ckish green stripe down its back and also some dark green coloring along the sides. Perch was quite delicious, much sought after by customers. There is a poem that goes: People flock to the river shore, for love of perch they just want more. Song Yuming sighed. ¡°In the old days there was an official who one day when the autumn wind was up thought back to the wild rice, water shield soup, and perch slices of his hometown in Wu and said that a man should befortable and content in his life. How can he go a thousand miles away in the office of an official all for the sake of fame and wealth? That¡¯s not the path to contentment. Better not to be an official.¡± Xue Dongting¡¯s heart trembled. She was well-read in the ssics, so she knew the story from The New ount of Tales of the World that the fisherman spoke of. ¡°Is that why you came here, because you were homesick?¡± He looked at her. He hadn¡¯t expected her to ask him that. He suddenly remembered that she was not just a vige girl, but was a woman with some education and knowledge of the world. He smiled. ¡°I was just showing off just now, Dongting. This is not my hometown. I came here to seek a bit offort.¡± ¡°Will you one day leave this ce?¡± He thought for a moment but didn¡¯t answer. He didn¡¯t know the answer to that question. In these turbulent times, when men of talent were needed, would he really stay here the rest of his life? Xue Dongting looked up at him, tears already welling in her seductive eyes. ¡°Maybe one day you will leave this ce, leave me, right?¡± Song Yuming put his arm around her frail shoulder. ¡°Dongting,¡± he said gently, ¡°I have taken you as my wife, I will never abandon you.¡± She was silent for a time. Then she said, ¡°Let¡¯s go inside.¡± He didn¡¯t know what the reason was, but he was not a boorish fellow, he could tell there was something on Xue Dongting¡¯s mind. As for what is was, he had no idea. But when he went inside and noticed his clothes on the trunk, he suddenly understood. He reached into his robe, but the bamboo & plum jade ornament was not there. Xue Dongting¡¯s face was cid as she helped him out of his damp outer robe. ¡°Sit and rest, I will go cook.¡± Song Yuming grabbed hold of his brooding little wife and pulled her into his arms. ¡°Dongting, you may have seen something, but there are some things you don¡¯t know¡­ I never meant to hide it from you, I just didn¡¯t know how to say it.¡± Xue Dongting felt mistreated. ¡°Then don¡¯t say it!¡± She tried to pull away from the fisherman¡¯s embrace. Her burst of anger and unwillingness to listen made him anxious. He bent down and sweeped her up into his arms, brows furrowed. ¡°Dongting, let me exin!¡± She pummeled his chest over and over again. She didn¡¯t want to hear it. Song Yuming couldn¡¯t help but think it funny. He never imagined his demure, delicate little flower of a wife could be so utterly unreasonable. Her held her while she whaled away at him even harder, until she had worn herself out. He whispered into her ear, ¡°Tired?¡± She red, tears streaming down her face, silent. Song Yuming sighed gently. ¡°I didn¡¯t tell you before because I felt the past was not worth mentioning. But now that you¡¯ve seen it, wouldn¡¯t I be stupid if I didn¡¯t tell you now?¡± Chapter 30 - You’re… My Husband Chapter 30: You¡¯re¡­ My Husband Song Yuming carried Xue Dongting to the bed and sat down, setting her on hisp. He looked down at his little wife with her eyes brimming with tears. The man¡¯s pitch-ck eyes were somewhat smiling. Xue Dongting nced at him and her heart shivered. In her previous life she had once seen the emperor from a distance. Even those he was a ways off and she could not make out the features of the man on the imperial throne, still, at this moment she was filled with dread. The look in the fisherman¡¯s eyes looked a lot like the Son of Heaven. That look was not a sharp look, but there was still a degree of awe-inspiring majesty there, along with the resolve to kill, and a presence that made one want to submit. Xue Dongting was stupefied, lost in a daze. Song Yuming wiped the tears from her cheek with his thumb. ¡°You saw the jade and got mad and didn¡¯t ask me about it. You waited for me to mention it, but now you don¡¯t want to listen. So tell me what should I do?¡± She let go of that dreadful thought and listened to the fisherman. She knew she was in the wrong but would not admit it. She just looked down and pursed her lips. Her limpid eyes became more cid. The fisherman adjusted her there in his arms on his knee and said, ¡°I came to this ce alone. The past to me is already past, like a wisp of clouds rolling by¡­ There¡¯s a lot I never wanted to tell you, you know? But it¡¯s just caused more trouble.¡± Xue Dongting said nothing, just rested her head gently on the fisherman¡¯s chest. Song Yuming ran his finger through her hair. He regarded those ck tresses and sighed. ¡°You¡¯re only sixteen, and I¡¯m already thirty-three. To you I really am old, and I have already been through a lot. It¡¯s okay to tell you about some of it¡­ I really did give that bamboo & plum jade ornament to a girl. We grew up together. Her big brother was my best friend. He was the one ying the flute on the river that night. There was a time I thought I would marry her. But that girl, in the end married my elder brother.¡± Xue Dongting looked up at him, saw a trace of futility in those pitch-ck eyes. His voice was calm, as if he were rting a story that had nothing to do with him. He continued, ¡°I once went on campaign, on the battlefield, I mustered troops. My hands have been soaked in blood. I grew used to seeing heads lopped off,nces plunged violently into chests¡­¡± His voice was trembling. ¡°Don¡¯t say any more,¡± Xue Dongting urged. ¡°Don¡¯t say any more.¡± She wrapped her arm around his neck. ¡°I won¡¯t ask,¡± she said softly. ¡°Let the past stay in the past. I won¡¯t ask anymore.¡± ¡°Dongting,¡± he said in a low voice, ¡°Are you afraid of me?¡± She shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m not afraid. You¡¯re not a bad man, you¡¯re¡­ my husband.¡± Song Yuming bent over and kissed her forehead. ¡°I know I¡¯m not from Clearcreek Vige. I have no fields, nond, just this thatched hut and a fishing boat¡­ Now that I have you I won¡¯t let you suffer, and I certainly will never abandon you¡­¡± ¡°I know, hubby.¡± Xue Dongting looked at him. ¡°I won¡¯t ask about your past again. Even if you were a general on the battlefield before, you¡¯re not now. I just want to pleasantly pass the days with you, okay? What does all that stuff outside this fishing vige have to do with us anyway?¡± Song Yuming¡¯s brows knit slightly. He held her tight in his arms. ¡°Okay,¡± he said softly. Chapter 31 - Tender Ripples Chapter 31: Tender Ripples Xue Dongting was nestled in Song Yuming¡¯s arms like a docile cat, listening to his steady breathing, her heart cid like moonlight on ocean waters. In her previous life, a high consort once told her that to get a man to like you, the worst way was to be docile and obedient. The next best thing was to keep him at arm¡¯s length, and the best was was to y hard to get. Xue Dongting had always agreed with this. But now she knew that a woman like that might make a man liker her, but she wouldn¡¯t like that man. Even if she had a mind to be shrewd, she couldn¡¯t treat Song Yuming that way. She just wanted to treat him well with all her heart. The northern wind screamed outside, but in here it was happy and warm like spring. After a while she raised her head and said, ¡°What do you want to eat? I¡¯ll go cook for you.¡± Song Yuming looked at her. ¡°My wife,¡± he said in a low voice. She blushed and turned away. ¡°No, you¡¯ve been out working all day. Eat first.¡± He nodded obediently. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s eat first.¡± She felt she couldn¡¯t stay in his arms any longer; she already felt tender ripples in her heart from what he said. If she stayed in his arms, they¡¯d probably really not be able to eat. She pulled away and jumped down and ran to the kitchen. The fisherman smiled helplessly and got up to light themp and then rummage around in the cer. There he found a nice-looking b of smoked meat which he lugged to the kitchen. Xue Dongting was surprised at the sight of the meat.¡±Where¡¯d you find that? Howe I didn¡¯t see it?¡± Heughed. ¡°I know how to conjure it up.¡± She ignored his joke and took a big whiff, gazing at the smoked meat. ¡°That¡¯s cedar-smoked pork belly. They add Sichuan pepper when they braise it, as well as cassia bark, and cloves. By the color I can tell it¡¯s top quality.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± He smiled. ¡°You have a good nose. I didn¡¯t know the smoking process was so involved.¡± Xue Dongting eyed him, head lowered. ¡°This wasn¡¯t given to you by that widow was it?¡± The corner of his mouth arched up. ¡°No, though it was given to me by a woman.¡± She red at him. ¡°You sure do have a lot of female friends.¡± Song Yuming gazed at her,ughing. ¡°Dongting, has anyone ever told you you¡¯re much prettier when you¡¯re angry? Better than your normal cold look.¡± She hmphed and pointed at the meat in his hand. ¡°If you want that then cook it yourself, I¡¯m not eating it.¡± He set the smoked meat down and came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. ¡°Old Zhang¡¯s wife gave it to me. But she already regrets it, so we¡¯d better eat it quick before shees to ask for it back.¡± Xue Dongting had seen Old Zhang before. He was around fifty, so his wife must be older as well. Suddenly she realized the fisherman was teasing her and she pretended to be angry. ¡°I¡¯m cooking, stop fooling around.¡± ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll fool aroundter.¡± He sensibly let go of her. Xue Dongting wanted tough, but she kept a straight face. ¡°Why would Old Zhang¡¯s wife regret giving you that smoked meat?¡± Song Yuming squatted by the fire loading more wood as he said, ¡°Not long ago I went out to sea with Old Zhang. He dragged me on board and had me drink with him and we drank all night. Next morning we didn¡¯t know where we were. We were out at sea a long while before we made our way back to shore. Old Zhang¡¯s wife had been worried for days. She met him their on the shore and pulled him by the ear and dragged him back home.¡± Chapter 32 - Smoked Meat Chapter 32: Smoked Meat Xue Dongting tilted her head. ¡°What does that have to do with you? It¡¯s he who wanted to drink. Did Old Zhang¡¯s wife me you?¡± Song Yuming smiled helplessly. ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter who wanted to drink. Old Zhang is henpecked as hell. He probably med it on me as an excuse. Since then, his wife gives me a bad look every time she sees me.¡± Xue Dongting couldn¡¯t help but snicker. ¡°That Old Zhang is really cute. It¡¯s normal for a man his age to get drunk, but you¡¯re in the prime of your life, you shouldn¡¯t do that.¡± Song Yuming looked on helplessly at her gloating and smiled. ¡°What¡¯s this, my own wife taking their side?¡± Sheughed but was silent. She hefted the b of smoked meat and cut off a hunk and washed it off, then dropped it into a pot to cook. Song Yuming let it go when she didn¡¯t add any onions or ginger, but he had to speak up when she didn¡¯t even add any salt. Xue Dongting smiled and shook her head. ¡°This smoked meat should just be cooked directly. It¡¯s already seasoned, no need to add anything else.¡± He knew she knew what she was talking about so he let the matter drop. Smiling, he said, ¡°That day we went to see Madame Qiao, all the food was excellent. Seems she taught you well.¡± She shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m no match for Mama Qiao. Stop kissing up.¡± Song Yuming smiled. ¡°That¡¯s not how I kiss up to a woman.¡± She gave him a look. ¡°You¡¯re experienced, eh?¡± He knew he¡¯d slipped up there. He smiled awkwardly and said no more. Xue Dongting eyed him. ¡°You had a lot of women in the past?¡± ¡°Mm¡±, Song Yuming said, not denying it. She was unhappy to hear that. She bit her lip and said nothing. The oath she had swore to herself about him earlier vanished in an instant like smoke. She wanted to get angry, but she said nothing, just took a hemp cloth and wiped the stove clean over and over. Song Yuming didn¡¯t look at her but watched the mes under the stove. ¡°From now on, there¡¯s only you,¡± he said quietly. His voice was calm. Xue Dongting paused her work, then continued scrubbing. She detected a hint of sadness in his words. This man had had a glorious past. Could he really be content with living here? The pot was steaming, the aroma of meat mingled with medicinal herbs wafting out. She lifted the lid and took out the hunk of cooked smoked pork. The meat was tender and the fat somewhat clear, obviously rich and not oily, lean and fragrant. It made Song Yuming¡¯s mouth water at once. Xue Dongting cut the chunk into even slices and piled them on a te. She said to the fisherman, ¡°Take this inside. Once it gets cold it won¡¯t taste good.¡± Song Yuming stood and pped his hands and regarded the meat with a sigh. ¡°No wonder Old Zhang said this would go great with wine. I haven¡¯t even tasted it yet, and I¡¯m already itching for a drink.¡± She gave a thin smile. ¡°Congee is ready, you can eat that with it. We don¡¯t have wine.¡± She held out her hand. ¡°The ferry money?¡± He smiled helplessly and retrieved the money bag from his belt. He hefted it in his hand, then ced it in Dongting¡¯s hand. ¡°Honey, please take this.¡± Xue Dongting clutched the money bag and the haze hanging over her heart was swept away. She beamed at the fisherman. ¡°Go on, I¡¯ll clean up here.¡± Chapter 33 - Winter Night in a Little Thatched Hut Chapter 33: Winter Night in a Little Thatched Hut In the little thatched hut on this winter night, themplight flickered. Song Yuming ate quickly and put down his bowl and chopsticks. He was very much in the mood to sit and watch Xue Dongting nibble at her food. The more he watched the more he felt his little wife was gentle and charming. Xue Dongting was busy looking down, eating, knowing the fisherman was looking at her, but she ignored himpletely. It was pitch-ck outside, the sound of waves crashing here and there, vast and tranquil. Xue Dongting finally set down her bowl and chopsticks and got to work cleaning up the dishes. The fisherman stood and acutely said, ¡°You cooked, I¡¯ll clean.¡± And he took the bowls and chopsticks and stepped out. Xue Dongting smiled. Once the fisherman had left, she sat on the edge of the bed and poured the money bag out into her hand and counted it up. Fifty-six coppers in all. She felt all warm and fuzzy inside as she added them to her hemp cord of cash. The north wind rustled the thatching on the roof. Song Yuming walked in and saw Xue Dongting stringing the coins and said, ¡°There¡¯s some space on the southern end of the courtyard. In the spring we can built a tile-roofed house, then we won¡¯t have to listen to the sounds of this earthen hut.¡± ¡°Mm,¡± she said. ¡°If you like¡­ But I rather like the sound of this thatched hut.¡± ¡°Wait ¡¯til you¡¯ve you¡¯ve heard enough, then it¡¯ll get annoying¡­ Cats sometimes like to climb on the roof, and sometimes dust will drop down onto your nose while lying in bed¡­¡± Xue Dongting¡¯s face sank. A white cat came to mind, the one that woman always carried with her, the one Third Prince always liked to tease. But she didn¡¯t like it one bit. She was even a bit afraid of it. Before she didn¡¯t understand why she was afraid of a cat, but now she knew. It¡¯s owner was not in the end a limp willow in the women¡¯s quarters, that woman¡¯s delicateness carried with it a quietly designing venom. Song Yuming saw her change of expression and knew she was scared. He made tofort her. ¡°They¡¯re tiny stray cats, they¡¯re not scary.¡± Xue Dongting snapped out of her reverie and forced a smile. ¡°Mm, with you here I have nothing to fear.¡± Song Yuming smiled too. ¡°With me holding you, no cat would daree near.¡± She side-eyed him, saw the fisherman¡¯s smile, and she knew what this man was thinking. She turned away and ignored him. He went over and held her and whispered in her ear, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte.¡± Outside the bitter wind raged, but inside it was warm and gentle as spring¡­ A long timeter, a few strands of ck hair clung to the woman¡¯s flushed cheeks. She was cuddled up in the fisherman¡¯s heaving chest, drawing circles over and over on his broad chest. Fisherman Song held his little wife, who was gentle as water, as he listened to the tides out there on that emerald sea. He whispered, ¡°I asked someone to go to the incense shop in town and inquire. We might be able to get a few dozen taels of silver for our pieces of dragon saliva incense. It¡¯s almost the new year, we ought to get a few things for the house. Youing here is an inconvience to you, your eating and clothing expenses here are probably not as much as before.¡± Xue Dongting smiled. Her voice was soft and delicate, ¡°The scent of dragon saliva incense fills the air here, and at night we burn whale oilmps, plus there¡¯s mushrooms and smoked meat and perch, I eat better here than I did at Cloudgem Lodge. What¡¯s the inconvenience? I¡¯m bound to get fat.¡± Song Yuming looked down her cleavage, half-smiling. ¡°Yes, get a bit fatter, my little pavilion is too skinny!¡±[1] She didn¡¯t need to look at him to know what he was getting at. She hammered him with her fist hard, but hearing him call her little pavilion made her all warm and fuzzy inside. She didn¡¯t argue with him. Song Yuming caught her little hand and sighed. ¡°Fat or skinny, whatever, I like you however you are.¡± Chapter 34 - Better Left Hidden Chapter 34: Better Left Hidden Early in the morning, the sky was white and hazy, the mountain forests and the fishing vigey faintly discernible among the light fog. A yellow-beaked sparrow perched on a bare branch, chirping away. Xue Dongting was up early, busy in the kitchen. Chimney smoke wreathed the little cottage and there was the sweet aroma of tbread. Husband and wife ate breakfast, then Song Yuming carried a wooden bucket to the well at the vige entrance and drew several buckets of water, then took some of the soft tbread Xue Dongting had made for his lunch and headed to the river to ferry people across. Xue Dongting tidied up the house and washed the fisherman¡¯s dirty hemp clothes. The water he had brought in from the well was not ice-cold, but already lukewarm, just right for washing clothes. She hung the clothes out to dry and spotted the green jade ornament on the trunk. She hesitated, then wrapped it in cloth and ced it deep within the closet. She knew that some things were better left hidden than destroyed. She could destroy a hundred bamboo & plum jade ornaments, but it wouldn¡¯t mean a thing if Song Yuming still carried one in his heart. She trusted that one day, the fisherman would see that jade ornament andugh it off, he would hold her in his arms and say, ¡°I have no regrets having you for the rest of my life.¡± When it was close to noon, Xue Dongting took the perch the fisherman had caught and gutted it and cleaned it, but she didn¡¯t remove the scales. Mama Qiao had taught her her special trick of steaming it with the scales on, then once it was good and steamed, remove the scales and eat it. It was a simple method and it made the fish flesh tender and glossy, then add rice wine to the soup to make it fragrant and sweet. She put the steamed perch, juice and all, into an earthenware jar, wrapped a cloak around her, and headed toward the riverbank, carrying a bamboo basket. Fogy suspended over the vast river. Song Yuming¡¯s fishing boat was moored at the dock where he was sitting opposite Old Zhang on the deck. They were bent over studying something. Xue Dongting got closer and saw they were cing white and ck stones. A neen-line grid was carved into the deck, a simple weiqi (go) board carved with a knife into the wood. Song Yuming looked up at the sound of her footsteps, only to see his little wife standing prettily on the dock. He was surprised at first, then he was wreathed in smiles. ¡°What are you doing out here in such cold weather?¡± Though he said that, there was not a trace of reprimand in his voice. Old Zhang turned to look, smiling. ¡°Lady Song, bringing your husband something to eat?¡± The old man took a big, loud whiff and praised her. ¡°That fish soup smells terrific!¡± Xue Dongting smiled happily. ¡°It¡¯s perch soup. If you don¡¯t mind, Uncle, you should try some.¡± Old Zhangughed. ¡°Mm, Uncle, that¡¯s the right term of address, most excellent!¡± Xue Dongting wsa a bit baffled, but Song Yuming¡¯s helpless smile made her realize. He and Old Zhang must be pretty close, so they refer to each other as brothers. But she had called him uncle, so didn¡¯t that mean she shorting Song Yuming? She looked at the fisherman,ughing. ¡°Looks like I got the seniority messed up.¡± Song Yuming shook his head and kicked the old man yfully in the rump. ¡°Old man,¡± he said grumpily, ¡°make some room so my wife cane aboard.¡± The old manughed and when he had done he stood up and dusted off his butt and turned to Xue Dongting, smiling. ¡°I was just making some fun, I hope thedy won¡¯t take offense.¡± Xue Dongting shook her head and took Song Yuming¡¯s offered hand and leaped onto the boat. She smiled at the old man. ¡°For punishment you should try this soup and see if it¡¯s edible.¡± He narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Xue Dongting. He clicked his tongue. ¡°So pretty! A goddess like this, goddamn, Song, buddy, you really got lucky.¡± He had a rough tongue, but he was sincerelyplimenting her. Xue Dongting couldn¡¯t help but be delighted. She was about to respond with something modest when the old man pinched his beard and said seriously, ¡°But even though you¡¯re beautiful, you¡¯re no match for one person.¡± Chapter 35 - Old Zhang’s Wife Chapter 35: Old Zhang¡¯s Wife Xue Dongting cocked her pretty eyebrow up at that. After all, she was a young woman, hearing the old man say that made her ask, ¡°Who?¡± He beamed. ¡°My wife, of course.¡± Song Yuming was getting a kick out of this, though Xue Dongting didn¡¯t get why, but she suddenly heard a woman go ¡°Pooh!¡± Then, ¡°You dirty old man!¡± Dongting turned and saw a womaning towards them from the bank. She was around forty with clear features and a voluptuous build, especially her bust, which was nothing short of spectacr. Xue Dongting couldn¡¯t help but look down at her own chest, embarrassed. Song Yuming cupped a hand over his fist in salute, smiling. ¡°Sister, you¡¯re free today?¡± It was none other than Old Zhang¡¯s wife. She gave a halfhearted ¡°Mm¡± to Song Yuming¡¯s greeting. Must be still sore about that drunken sea outing. She looked at Xue Dongting and her face instantly changed to all smiles. ¡°You must be Lady Song?¡± Xue Dongting nodded, daintily returning the greeting with a smile. ¡°Greetings, Sister. Just call me Dongting. My husband has much offended you in the past. For my sake, a neer here, please don¡¯t take it to heart.¡± ¡°Oh!¡± Old Zhang¡¯s wife said, dismissing it with a waver of her hand. ¡°Not only pretty, but also so polite! Song Yuming is a fortunate one. If he bullies you,e tell Sister and I¡¯ll help you take it out on him.¡± Xue Dongting pursed her lips in a smile, though Song Yuming¡¯s was forced. ¡°Dongting, with Sister¡¯s backing, I won¡¯t dare offend you from now on.¡± Old Zhang¡¯s wife put on a smug look. ¡°Sinc you haven¡¯t eaten, let¡¯s eat together.¡± Song Yuming set up a small table in the cabin and the four of them sat. Old Zhang¡¯s wife had brought a pitcher of wine and a few side dishes, which sheid out along with Xue Dongting¡¯s steamed perch. Old Zhang ate fish soup while apuding it endlessly. Even Old Zhang¡¯s wife couldn¡¯t stop praising Dongting¡¯s cooking. Over the meal, Xue Dongting learned that Old Zhang¡¯s wife was surnamed Xu, her given name Ying. She was a bold, uninhibited woman, always speaking her mind and holding nothing back, not at all like most vige women. Talk turned to Song Yuming¡¯s wedding and she apologized that she had went with her son to the capital where he was sitting for the imperial examination and had not made it back in time. Xu Ying held Xue Dongting¡¯s hand and talked on and on. The two had already be close, their talk bing less and less formal. After the meal, Song Yuming gathered the dishes and washed them with river water. Xu Ying was still going on and on; he was worried Dongting might catch cold if she stayed on board too long. He signaled to Old Zhang with a look, but Old Zhang pretended not to notice, his eyes roaming about, not nning on noticing. Song Yuming had no choice but to re hard at Old Zhang, who gave him back a ¡°I can¡¯t do anything either¡± look. The fisherman coughed. ¡°Sister, the wind is on the river is strong, why don¡¯t you and Dongting go back together?¡± ¡°Mm,¡± Xu Ying said, smiling at him. Song Yuming was not sure what to make of that smile. He knew Sister wasughing at him. Sure enough, ¡°Have you be so trifling after taking a wife? Don¡¯t even want me chatting with her?¡± ¡°Dongting¡¯s still weak; she¡¯s been sick the past two days, otherwise I would have already taken her to see you. Why else would I wait?¡± He was quick to change the subject. Xue Dongting tugged on Xu Ying, smiling. ¡°Sister, do you hear him! He just cares about his game out on the deck, not me!¡± Xu Ying nodded. ¡°Young Sis,e back with me to my ce where we can talk privately. We wouldn¡¯t want to disturb these two!¡± Hearing them say they were going, Old Zhang quickly put on an innocent face. ¡°Won¡¯t you stay a bit longer?¡± Xu Ying rolled her eyes, ignoring him. She took Dongting by the arm and they went ashore and headed back. Chapter 36 - Afraid of the Lion’s Roar Chapter 36: Afraid of the Lion¡¯s Roar Song Yuming stoof at the bow with his hands behind his back, watching the two women recede in the distance, his manly jaw split in a smile. Old Zhang muttered, ¡°I¡¯d say they¡¯re gone¡­¡± Song Yuming gave a weary smile. ¡°No, can¡¯t we show a bit more backbone next time?¡± Old Zhang shook his head. ¡°You don¡¯t understand. Your wife¡¯s little squeak is nothingpared to a shrew¡¯s lion-like roar.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Song Yuming said. He gazed at the deste mountain woods beyond and chuckled. ¡°Turns out you, one of the Twelve Wulin Masters, are yet afraid of the lion¡¯s roar?¡± The old man stood with him, hands behind his back, eyes narrowed, silent. The feeble winter sun lit on the boundless surface of the water. It was looking more chilly and bleak by the second. At their feet was their unfinished game of weiqi. On the board there were portents of ill-fate. As for Xue Dongting, she was pulled into Xu Ying¡¯s little tiled-roof house at the east entrance of Clearcreek Vige where she lived with Old Zhang. They sat cross-legged opposite each other on the heated brick bed. Xu Ying continued on her half-finished needlework while she made chatted with Xue Dongting. Thetter titled her head and admired the skilled threading. ¡°Sister, you¡¯re so good at that!¡± Xu Yingughed. ¡°Heh, what¡¯s the big deal? It¡¯s just ordinary needlework, how can itpare to your book learning? Little Sis, teach me some words when you have time, that way Old Zhang won¡¯t be able to alway pull the wool over my eyes.¡± Xue Dongtingughed. ¡°Old Zhang wouldn¡¯t dare.¡± Xu Yingughed. ¡°I see you¡¯re a clever one, can you not see through my old man¡¯s tricks?¡± Xue Dongtingughed, but said nothing. She was perceptive, though. Though the woman called it ¡°my old man¡¯s tricks¡±, she knew she enjoyed it. Xu Ying sighed. ¡°Speaking of my old man, he¡¯s like your Song Yuming, he¡¯s also not from Clearcreek Vige¡­¡± She paused, as if hesitating. Xue Dongting saw she was about to broach a delicate topic. The woman smiled. ¡°I don¡¯t mind telling you that I am a widow remarried. Myte husband died young and left me with a three-year-old boy. I struggled for seven years, it was really hard going. At the mouth of river I met my old man¡­ He was a bit older, but he¡¯s really a good, honest man¡­¡± Xue Dongting was surprised. She couldn¡¯t tell that this self-assured woman had been so down on her luck. She took Xu Ying¡¯s hand. ¡°You said earlier your son is sitting for the imperial examinations. I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll pass¡­ Sister, your days of hardship will soon be over.¡± Xu Ying smiled, tears welling in the corner of her eye. ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for my old man, my son and I would have starved to death. We were down and out with no money and no one to go to for help. I brought my son and married Old Zhang and his family cursed me as shameless¡­ You tell me, what kind of talk is that?¡± Xue Dongting said nothing. The unfeeling fickle nature of man was present everywhere, whether at the imperial pce in the capital or out in some backwater, it was all the same. ¡°I didn¡¯t care who my old man had been before. Even if he had been a mounted bandit of the Greenwood I would still have married him. Vige women like to gossip, but I paid no attention. He treated me well¡­ That was enough.¡± Xu Ying was going on and on, but as Xue Dongting listened it was like a p of thunder in her ears. She thought of her previous life, of the capital, of Cloudgem Lodge¡­ Finally she thought of the little thatched hut. Sheughed for no reason,ughing, tears running down her face. Chapter 37 - Two Will Be Special Chapter 37: Two Will Be Special Xu Ying poked Xue Dongting in the forehead with her index finger. ¡°Girl, why are you crying?¡± Xue Dongting wiped her tears and forced a smile. ¡°It was just something you said.¡± She looked at Xu Ying¡¯s needlework and suddenly thought of something. ¡°Sister, is it easy to sew shoes?¡± Xu Ying snorted. ¡°It¡¯s easy enough, but who are you making shoes for?¡± Xue Dongting realized she was making fun of her and turned away. ¡°Sister, if you don¡¯t want to teach me then nevermind.¡± Xu Ying knew she was sensitive so she stopped teasing her. She told her how to sew the soles, how to make the instep, she told her everything down to the finest detail. She even got out some material for making the shoe soles and walked her through it step by step. Xue Dongting paid close attention. They talked all afternoon. At dusk, Xue Dongting saw it was gettingte and stood and took her leave. She walked back to her little thatched hut alone in the twilight. The sight of that little cottage made her realize for the first time that she didn¡¯t want to leave it, didn¡¯t want to leave the man in that cottage. In a side wing of Cloudgem Lodge, a pretty, still childlike girl was nestled in Madame Qiao¡¯s arms. She looked up and asked, ¡°I wonder what Second Sister is doing right now? We haven¡¯t danced together in a long time.¡± That girl was Yuansheng. Madame Qiao rubbed her straight little nose. ¡°Your second sister is married, what would she be dancing for?¡± ¡°You can¡¯t dance anymore once you¡¯re married?¡± ¡°Once married there are a lot of things to keep you busy, cooking and cleaning and the like. Where¡¯s the time for leisure?¡± The girl frowned. ¡°Really? Then I don¡¯t want to get married. If I get married and can¡¯t sing and dance and y the zither, that would be so boring!¡± Madame Qiao smiled. ¡°Foolishness, how can you not get married?¡± The girl leaned back and thought, then said decisively, ¡°I¡¯m not getting married, I want to stay with you, Mama Qiao.¡± Madame Qiao dismissed this with augh. These three girls were not really her children, but she had watched them grow up and had always considered them her own. Once this monk made a prophetic remark. He said of her three girls, two would be special. One would support a dragon, the other, one was fated to be a young phoenix. The old monk was all over the ce talking incoherently, so Mama Qiao had not taken it to heart. But now it sprang into her mind again and she was lost in thought. She thought of her three girls. One had married a squire as a concubine, another had married a fisherman. What was all this supporting dragons and young phoenixes? She smiled wearily and looked at Yuansheng in her arms. ¡°Just wait and see what good fortunees your way. How can you just stay with me as an old maid?¡± Yuansheng shifted her radiant eyes, thinking about Second Sister¡¯s big, strong husband. ¡°Does Second Brother-inw treat Second Sister well?¡± ¡°He treats her very well by the looks of things. Normally, given your second sister¡¯s temper, how could she notin?¡± Yuansheng nodded, grinning. ¡°When they were here the other day, Second Sister seemed really happy.¡± Mama Qiao nodded. ¡°Your second sister married a fisherman, so she will lead a humble life, but much better than your Big Sister. Wealthy families fight and scheme against each other. Your big sister can handle herself, but if it were you, the main wife would have already ground your bones to dust.¡± The girl was distressed. Though she wasn¡¯t as close to Big Sister as she was to Second Sister, after all they had all grown up together. She wrinkled her brow. ¡°Big Sis may be smart, but she¡¯s not as wickedly clever as Second Sister. One of these days, we should get Second Sister to give Big Sis some advice.¡± ¡°Nonsense, your second sister is only sixteen, what does she know?¡± Chapter 38 - Thank You Gift Chapter 38: Thank You Gift The new year was almost here and vigers were crossing river more and more. Song Yuming made quite a bit of money ferrying people across. Every night, Xue Dongting would count the coins in the money bag the fisherman gave her, then carefully deposit them in a wooden box with the others before she retired. She never bored of this. And every time, Song Yuming would sit by the brazier smiling, watching his little wife who had money in her eyes, watching her absorbed, satisfied expression. The more he watched her the more he enjoyed it. In the morning the fisherman went out to ferry as usual. Xue Dongting sat inside by the brazier with a new pair of men¡¯s shoes on herp, happily admiring her craftsmanship. Suddenly there was a knock at the door. She got up and opened the door to see a man standing there holding something. It was He Xu, the man who hade that night to ask Song Yuming to ferry him across the river so he could take his child to the doctor. He Xu saw Xue Dongting and smiled broadly. ¡°Hello Sister, is Brother Song at home?¡± ¡°He went to the river. How is your boy, Guang¡¯er?¡± He Xu smiled. ¡°He spent a few days in town recovering. He¡¯s all better now. I came to offer you this little something for the trouble I caused you two that night. Please ept this bit of pork, Sister.¡± Xue Dongting noticed the patches all over his clothes and knew he was hard up. How could she take this from him? ¡°Don¡¯t be such a stranger, we¡¯re neighbors. Why go to all this trouble over that little thing? I just couldn¡¯t ept this pork, please take it back and let your son eat it.¡± He Xu was a simple, honest man. He hade here with all sincerity to give his thanks, but seeing her refuse the gift made his face turn red. He insisted on her taking the pork. They fumbled around and his hand identally touched her wrist. Xue Dongting paid it no mind, but He Xu seemed to have been given an electical shock the way he snatched his hand back. She smiledughed awkwardly. She was not a mincing woman, and she knew He Xu had not done it on purpose. With the situation like this she had no choice but to ept the pork. ¡°I don¡¯t know how he will scold me when he gets back.¡± He Xu breathed a sigh of relief when she took the pork. He scratched his head, smiling. ¡°You and Big Brother saved my son¡¯s life, this was only appropriate.¡± He paused. ¡°He¡¯s had a hard life, losing his mother at a young age, and then having to deal with this annoying ailment. I don¡¯t have any ns to remarry, I just want to look after Guang¡¯er. I thank the heavens that he¡¯s better now¡­¡± Xue Dongting could tell by the way his voice was trailing off that he was distressed over his son¡¯s illness. ¡°I know a bit of medicine. His asthma is not easy to cure, but it can be controlled. Don¡¯t worry too much¡­ I¡¯ll prepare some herbal medicine packets for him to put on. They might prove helpful.¡± He Xu had already seen Xue Dongting treat Guang¡¯er before so his eyes lit up when she said that and he thanked her at once. They exchanged a few conventional greetings, then Xue Dongting invited him inside for tea, but He Xu was concerned to go in since Song Yuming was not at home. He didn¡¯t want others to start in rumors. He would never do anything, but he was concerned for Xue Dongting¡¯s reputation. Before there were some vigers gossiping that Song Yuming had married a floozie. He Xu had heard a bit of it. But now it seemed that not only was Song¡¯s wife pretty, she also had a good heart. She was an out-and-out good person. What was this frivolous talk about her being a floozie? He exchanged a few courtesies, then said he was worried leaving his boy at home as a pretext to take his leave. Xue Dongting watched him go and was about to close the door when she spotted the woman who have given Song Yuming shoesing her way. The woman looked at He Xu walking away, then back to Xue Dongting at the door. She had an odd look on her face. Xue Dongting knit her brows. She really didn¡¯t like that woman at all. She had no intention in calling out a greeting, so she ignored her and closed the door. Chapter 39 - Exchanging Nuptial Cups Chapter 39: Exchanging Nuptial Cups Xue Dongting hefted the pork and looked it over. It was pork belly streaked with fat. In her previous life she had had all kinds of exotic delicacies, but in the end she decided the that among meat from four-legged beasts, fat-streaked pork belly was among the best. She was a master of food appraisal, she knew all kinds of ways of cooking. She looked at the hunk of pork belly for a moment and got an idea right away. There was the heavy sound of footsteps outside the cottage in the deepening dusk. Song Yuming came into the courtyard carrying a wine gourd and several packages of fragrant pastries. He caught a whiff of a heady fragrance and he cocked and eyebrow. ¡°Eh?¡± he said, finding it odd. He went inside the house to find Xue Dongting squatting with her back to him by the little stove, working on something. He took off his reed raincoat, smiling. ¡°Taking the stove inside sure saves a lot of trouble. You don¡¯t even have to go out to cook.¡± Xue Dongting was busy putting slices of the pork into the bottom of the steel wok on top of the little stove, the slices curling and spitting in the oil and taking on an enticing color to make one¡¯s mouth water. She ignored his teasing, turning over the slices as she said, ¡°I¡¯m kind enough to give you all kinds of good things to eat and you call mezy.¡± Song Yumingughed and pulled up a stool and sat beside her. He eyed the pork barbecuing in the wok. ¡°Where¡¯d you get that fresh pork?¡± ¡°Guang¡¯er¡¯s father brought it over. I couldn¡¯t stop him, I had to ept it.¡± ¡°Mm,¡± he said, as if it didn¡¯t matter. He picked up a pair of chopsticks to grab a slice of the sulent pork. Xue Dongting smacked the back of his hand. ¡°You can¡¯t eat yet!¡± Song Yuming jerked his hand back resentfully,ughing. ¡°But it¡¯s so mouth watering.¡± She ignored him, focusing on turning over the meat. When it was done she ced the slices on a little te. Song Yuming put the wine gourd and the pastries on the little table and said in a low voice, ¡°Tonight is the night before New Year¡¯s Eve.¡± She nodded. Today was the first holiday they were spending together. ¡°Is that wine you bought?¡± Song Yuming saw her eyeing the wine gourd. He put on a pitiful, pouty face. ¡°We still haven¡¯t exchanged nuptial cups.¡± Xue Dongting¡¯s heart quivered. She knew this was an important marriage rite in the capital. Bride and groom drinking from each other¡¯s nuptial cup on their wedding night was a must, it signified a long, harmonious union. But in this little backwater fishing vige there weren¡¯t many customs, it wasmon to forgo exchanging nuptial cups. She had not drank a drop of wine that night. But now that Song Yuming had brought it up, she felt surprised and d and warm and fuzzy. She lowered her eyes and said softly, ¡°Why be so particr about it?¡± Song Yuming beckoned her with his big hand and held his beautiful, tender little wife in his arms, his coarse hands around her waist as he pulled her onto hisp. He whispered into her ear, ¡°Dongting, I owe you a toast to a hundred years of conjugal bliss.¡± She felt his hot breath tickling her ear. She was already melted, glued to her husband¡¯s chest, letting his big hand gently stroke her waist. He looked at his wife in his arms, her eyes like pools of autumn water, gentle and full, her cheeks flushed like rosy clouds mirrored in a clear pond. She was truly indescribably beautiful. He tightened up his arms, drawing her closer, his other hand no longer ying over her lithe, slim waist, but instead grabbed the wine gourd off the table and popped the wooden cork with his thumb. He threw his head back and took a drink, then leaned in and found the soft moist red lips of the woman in his arms. ¡°Mm¡­¡± Xue Dongting moaned lightly in spite of herself, parting her lips to let the osmanthus wine flow into her mouth. Chapter 40 - We Have Other Things to Do Chapter 40: We Have Other Things to Do Pale yellow wine spilled down her jade-white neck and was sucked up by the fisherman. He buried his head in the crook of her neck and inhaled her delicate scent, his breathingbored. Xue Dongting was panting weakly. ¡°Sweet osmanthus wine¡­¡± ¡°Mm,¡± Song Yuming said, looking at the warm, soft, fragrant jade in his arms. ¡°Osmanthus wine is somewhat sweet, no harm for ady to drink.¡± Xue Dongting pursed her lips, the corners drawn up slightly. Enveloped in his arms she said nothing. Song Yuming lifted her chin so he could look at her. She looked into his pitch-ck eyes. They seemed to be on fire. She turned away, not daring to look him in the eye. ¡°Tomorrow I want to go into town.¡± ¡°Alright, tomorrow we¡¯ll go in and sell that incense.¡± His voice was low and husky. ¡°I also need to buy some medicinal herbs.¡± Song Yuming¡¯s eyes shed. ¡°Are you unwell?¡± He sounded anxious. Xue Dongting shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s for Guang¡¯er. I remembered some herbs that would be good for his condition. I want to make him some medicine packets for him to use.¡± Song Yuming nodded slightly. He spotted the brand new pair of cotton-padded shoes on the shelf andughed. ¡°My wife¡¯s hands are quite skilled.¡± She remembered the new shoes and wanted to go get them, but Song Yuming had her bound up in his arms and wouldn¡¯t let her go. The more she struggled the tighter he held her. He smiled devilishly and asked a question he already knew the answer to. ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going?¡± She red at him. ¡°Let go of me, stop holding onto me!¡± Her husbandughed. ¡°There¡¯s no hurry to look at the shoes. We have other things to do.¡± Xue Dongting pounded him with her fist, blushing. ¡°No we don¡¯t¡­¡± Song Yuming gazed at the struggling wife in his arms and said wickedly, ¡°What do you mean no we don¡¯t? If I say we do, we do.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to today¡­¡± Xue Dongting¡¯s voice was thin and barely audible. She was on her period, so naturally she couldn¡¯t do ¡°other things¡± with him. But she had it all wrong. Song Yuming reached over to the table and picked up two wine cups and poured osmanthus wine into each. He smiled. ¡°We still haven¡¯t exchanged nuptial cups.¡± Xue Dongting¡¯s face turned crimson and sheughed awkwardly and took the cup he offered. Her heart was pounding like a drum, inwardly rejoicing that he had not guessed what she had been thinking. But once they had drank from their cups, Song Yuming leaned into her ear and whispered, ¡°Don¡¯t think too much¡­¡± She was embarrassed and rendered speechless. The fisherman let go of his little wife, smiling, and got up and got the new shoes off the shelf and looked them over carefully. Xue Dongting was wringing her hand on her skirt. Seeing him looking at them, not smiling, made her think he was teasing her. ¡°Give me those shoes!¡± she said grumpily. ¡°Those aren¡¯t for you!¡± ¡°Not for me? Then are they for yourself? Are your feet that big? Let me see.¡± The fisherman made as if to go take a look at her feet. She hmphed and tucked her feet up under her skirt and turned away and gave him the cold shoulder. She picked up her chopsticks and started eating the pork by herself. Song Yuming went over to her. ¡°Is it good?¡± ¡°No¡­ It¡¯s disgusting.¡± Heughed. ¡°Then don¡¯t eat it. If it¡¯s disgusting, I¡¯ll eat it.¡± They horseyed all through their meal, long into the night. Of course the pork was delicious, but they kept cracking jokes at each other the whole time and didn¡¯t pay much attention to the vor of the meat. Late at night, the fisherman held Xue Dongting and went to bed, his big coarse hands roaming all over her, but because he was concerned for her body, in the end they didn¡¯t do any ¡°other things¡±. Chapter 41 - Going to the Market Chapter 41: Going to the Market The next day, Song Yuming got up early and dug out a shoulder pole from the cer and hung two empty wicker baskets from either end. He looked like he was preparing to make a lot of purchases in town. Xue Dongting wrapped the best pieces of dragon saliva incense in a cloth. Husband and wife ate a simple breakfast, took some pastries with them forter, then set out hand in hand toward market in town. It was almost the new year and the town was bustling. It was buzzing with activity. They went to the incense shop first. Song Yuming talked for a minute with an attendant, who then went to call the manager. The manager came out from the back room and went over hurriedly, all smiles, as if he knew Song Yuming with how polite he was. He invited them into the shop and had tea prepared and they exchanged a few courtesies. Xue Dongting brought out the dragon saliva incense and the manager hefted them and looked them over carefully for a time as if he were unsure about something. Xue Dongting and Song Yuming looked at each other and thetter shook his head faintly and picked up his tea cup and blew the steam off it gently, looking as calm and casual as could be. Xue Dongting, on the other hand, was anxious. She said to the manager, ¡°This is first-ss dragon saliva incense, said to be in the ocean at least a hundred years. You don¡¯t need to hesitate.¡± The manager smiled. ¡°Lady Song, it¡¯s not that I doubt the quality of this incense. Though it¡¯s quite excellent, it¡¯s just it won¡¯t be very easy to sell in this little ce. So¡­ for these three pieces, how about fifteen taels of silver?¡± Xue Dongting was somewhat disappointed. She knew that if she sold this high quality incense in the capital she could easily sell it for a hundred taels. But the manager was telling the truth. In this backwater fishing vige, not even a wealthy person would pay that high a price for it. Song Yuming suddenly spoke up. ¡°Manager Sun, I know this incense is quite popr in the capital. Manager, you have a lot of connections, I¡¯m sure you can find a way to get it to the capital?¡± A peculiar look shed through Manager Sun¡¯s eyes, but it was gone as soon as it appeared, He smiled. ¡°Brother Song, after all these are only a few pieces¡­¡± ¡°Well then how about this: early next year I n to go out to sea again. I remember there was more of it on that ind. Why not wait for me to get a bit more, then send it all together? We can talk about the price then, what do you say?¡± Manager Sun thought for a moment, then smiled. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll take these for now at thirty taels as a favor to you, Brother Song¡­ Since you¡¯re going out to sea again, then please give this little shop all the incense you collect.¡± Song Yuming smiled and cupped a hand over his fist. ¡°You¡¯re too kind.¡± Husband and wife left the incense shop, Xue Dongting hefting a heavy bag of silver. She was in an excellent mood. She was liking Song Yuming more and more as well. Seems her husband was really quite capable and had a way with words. He made a good businessman. Next they went to the herbal medicine shop and Xue Dongting found the herbs she needed except for gastrodia root. They went to three shops but couldn¡¯t find any. Song Yuming said they might be able to find some in the mountains and that he would take to go dig for someter. She had no choice but to give up for now. Song Yuming also dragged her to the fabric store, but even thought she had all that silver in her hands, maybe it was because she was used to counting coins every day, but she had be frugal. She looked at the prices on each bolt of cloth and was loathe to spend the silver on any of it. Song Yuming saw she was unwilling to pick anything, so he took charge and decided for her, selecting some dark green silk with clouds and mist patterns. He held the cloth up to her, smiling. ¡°This color will look great on you.¡± Chapter 42 - Buying Rouge Chapter 42: Buying Rouge There was a small stand in town surrounded by wives and young women, it was quite a hubbub. Xue Dongting came out of the fabric store holding the cloud and mist pattern silk and saw the excitement further down the street. Curious, she pulled Song Yuming along for a closer look. As they got closer they saw it was a shop selling rouge, the owner busy explicating on the boxes of rouge to the women surrounding him. Xue Dongting saw a white porcin rouge case with red plum blossoms and she was unable to pull herself away. Song Yuming couldn¡¯t help but find it funny. Whether a princess decked out in gold and jade or amondy wearing cloth and wooden hairpins, every girl liked rouge. He asked the shop owner, ¡°How much is this one?¡± The owner smiled. ¡°That¡¯s the finest made from rose. A fine product, but not pricey, only ten coppers.¡± Song Yuming reached into his robe and handed the owner the coins and presented the porcin rouge case to Xue Dongting. She beamed with delight. She¡¯d had lots of makeup before, but this one was special; her husband had given it to her. On the street corner a simple writing desk was set up, at which stood anky schr wielding hisrge brush, writing spring festival couplets on red paper. Xue Dongting watched him and felt his calligraphy was bold butcked a certain charm. She suddenly thought of something and turned to Song Yuming. ¡°Can you write?¡± Song Yumingughed despite himself. When he was done he said, ¡°I can write a little bit.¡± Xue Dongting eyed him, knowing that ¡°a little bit¡± meant he could not only write, but was quite proficient at it. She mumbled, ¡°I didn¡¯t know you had so many skills.¡± He arched his brow slightly, smiling, calmly epting hervish praise. Xue Dongting was a skilled writer. Though not outstanding, she still had some talent, though her calligraphy was just average, often mocked by Mama Qiao and her sisters. Even in her previous life at the third prince¡¯s manor, Third Prince himself, who was usually so serious in his speech and manner, even he thought her calligraphy was hopeless. He likely could not believe that such a perceptive, intelligent woman could have such pitiful calligraphy. But even though her writing was bad, she had good judgment and appreciation for it, so she could tell this schr¡¯s calligraphy was uninspired. She said to Song Yuming, ¡°Since you can write, then let¡¯s buy some red paper and when we get home you can write some spring couplets. What do you think?¡± Song Yuming nodded, then added, ¡°You can write too if you want.¡± She shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t want to.¡± ¡°The words on the wall outside Cloudgem Lodge looked nice to me, was that not your calligraphy?¡± Xue Dongting didn¡¯t want to talk about it anymore, so sheughed. ¡°Yuansheng wrote that, I¡¯m toozy.¡± Song Yumingughed. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have guessed such an innocent girl like Third Sister would have such manly writing, like a thirsty deer leaping for the spring. So much energy in those strokes.¡± ¡°Mm,¡± Xue Dongting said absently. ¡°Let¡¯s buy some red paper from that schr.¡± Song Yuming went up and exchanged a few words with the man. He didn¡¯t seem all that happy about it, but he still gathered some paper and sold him some. Song Yuming took the red paper and smiled at the schr and gave him a cupped fist salute, then he and Xue Dongting left. After they were far enough away, Xue Dongtingughed. ¡°We only bought his paper but not his calligraphy, kinda made that schr lose face.¡± Song Yuming nodded. ¡°All schrs are a bit prideful.¡± They went to the general store and bought some rice, flour, oil, and salt, filling the two wicker baskets on the shoulder pole, then they went back home with their load. Chapter 43 - Indecent Woman Chapter 43: Indecent Woman They got back to their thatched cottage just after noon. Since it was still early, Song Yuming wanted to go to the mountains to look for gastrodia root. Xue Dongting worried he wouldn¡¯t be able to identify it, so she wanted to go with him. Song Yuming was worried about her being on her feet all day and was concerned for her health, so he didn¡¯t want her to go. She tried to wear him down, but he would not relent, so she was forced to draw a picture of the root and tell him how to identify it by the smell. Then she let him go off on his own. But as soon as he Song Yuming left, Old Zhang¡¯s wife, Xu Ying, came over. Xue Dongting was delighted and she quickly invited her inside and treated her with some of the pastries. She and Xu Ying had be close over the past few days, dropping all formalities. They sat by the brazier on little stools and chatted about this and that. Xu Ying had her needlework with her and she sewed while talking of daily trifles. The afternoon passed quickly and Xue Dongting finished Song Yuming¡¯s inner robe. She took out the cloud and mist pattern silk she had bought at the market and said she wanted to make something but didn¡¯t know the best way to go about it. Xu Ying looked at the silk and smiled mischievously. ¡°You should make a dudou undergarment, one that shows a bit from the top. That would be sexy and I¡¯m sure your Song Yuming would love it.¡± Xue Dongting started and turned crimson. She tugged on Xu Ying¡¯s yfully, saying she had never seen such an indecent woman. Xu Ying recoiled,ughing, but she didn¡¯t give it up. ¡°Song Yuming is so big and strong, I bet he must torment you frequently in bed?¡± Xue Dongting was embarrassed and peeved. She clenched her teeth and made to smack Xu Ying, who was full-figured and not as nimble as Xue Dongting, so she had to ept her punishment. Xue Dongting was not yet satisfied and shouted that she was going to tell Old Zhang. Xu Ying giggled. ¡°Go ahead and tell if you want.¡± The new annoyed bride red with her seductive eyes, but there was nothing she could do with this indecent woman. There was a clop clop outside, Song Yuming returning. Xu Ying got up to leave, smiling. Song Yuming saw her and smiled. ¡°Sister, what a rare visit, why not stay for a while longer? I¡¯ll got get Old Zhang and we can all eat together before you go.¡± Xu Ying shook her head. ¡°No, I¡¯m afraid your wife will eat me up first.¡± Song Yuming didn¡¯t know what that meant, but he saw the look on Xue Dongting¡¯s face, still red from blushing, and he knew that Xu Ying had been teasing her. Heughed and said wearily, ¡°Sister, it¡¯s fine if you joke with me, but if you won¡¯t even let my wife off then you can bet I will find Old Zhang tomorrow and tell him all about it.¡± Xu Ying nodded, proud of herself. ¡°Who¡¯s stopping you? Go ahead and tell him. I don¡¯t believe that guy will have much to say about it.¡± Song Yuming knew that was true enough. Old Zhang had endured this wife for decades. Some Number-One in the Wulin! Xu Ying turned to Xue Dongting, smiling. ¡°Little Sis, hurry and make that garment, I really want to see it!¡± Xue Dongting blushed again and gave her a shove. ¡°Get on out of here and don¡¯te back.¡± Xu Ying left, all smiles, leaving proud like a victor. Leaving an embarrassed little wife and a Song Yuming who pitied Old Zhang. They looked at each other, but neither said anything. They ate supper in the evening. Song Yuming saw the cloud and mist silk on the bed and said, ¡°An outer robe out of that would look nice, with a white jade-studded belt to go with it. That would look great on you.¡± ¡°Mm,¡± she said. She put away the silk and with some apprehension, said, ¡°I still have a few brand new garments I haven¡¯t worn yet. I can make something after the new year.¡± Chapter 44 - Improper Thoughts Chapter 44: Improper Thoughts Xue Dongting suddenly thought of something. ¡°Did you find any gastrodia root?¡± Song Yumingughed. ¡°What did that woman say to you to make you just now ask me that?¡± ¡°Nothing, just something unimportant¡­ So did you find any?¡± ¡°Mm, I put it in the cer.¡± Xue Dongting smiled. ¡°I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d find any.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t at first, but I ran into an old mountain recluse and he had some he gave me.¡± Xue Dongting was curious. ¡°There are old hermits in the mountains? Howe I didn¡¯t know?¡± ¡°How long have you been here? Of course you wouldn¡¯t know. Even I¡¯ve only seen him a couple times. Old Zhang told me he¡¯s a highly-skilled doctor with miraculous healing powers.¡± ¡°Oh,¡± she said curiously. In her previous life at the third prince¡¯s manor she had studied medicine from a visiting guest. Now that she¡¯d heard of this wonder doctor, she wanted to go see him some day. ¡°What¡¯s the doctor¡¯s name?¡± A look shed through Song Yuming¡¯s eyes and was gone. ¡°Xu Xingnong.¡± Xue Dongting was surprised. Xu Xingnong? She¡¯d heard that name before. Xu Xingnong was a famous doctor known far and wide. The guest she had learned medicine from at the third prince¡¯s ce was highly-skilled in medicine and poisons, but even he said that he was nothing more than a good-for-nothing student of Xu Xingnong, so thetter must be something special indeed, an extraordinary physician. But why was Xu Xingnong here? She remembered from her previous life that at that time, Xu Xingnong had already passed away. Song Yuming noticed her uncertain expression and said, ¡°You know him?¡± Xue Dongting snapped out of her reverie and shook her head. ¡°No¡­ I don¡¯t know him.¡± Yes, she had never met him, but the name Xu Xingnong resounded in her ears sure enough. Song Yuming seemed to have something on his mind. He stood and said, ¡°I¡¯m going to the river. There¡¯s someone from the town on the other side who wants to go back home, but there aren¡¯t enough boats so he¡¯s hired me to take him.¡± Xue Dongting nodded. ¡°Hurry back.¡± He lit a fishingmp and headed out. Xue Dongting sat inside, thoughts turning over in her mind. She was somewhat uneasy. The mention of Xu Xingnong¡¯s name had brought to mind some improper thoughts. The thoughts frightened her. She held her hands out to the brazier, warm, pale yellow light slipping between her fingers. She mumbled to herself, ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m a reborn person¡­ Those ten years were just a bad dream¡­ Xue Dongting, why can¡¯t you forget it. Why must you keep thinking of revenge?¡± The ocean waves rose and fell, just like the tidal waves in her heart. She clenched her fist as if she might grasp something, but there was nothing to grasp. Song Yuming went to the riverbank and saw Old Zhang on his boat squinting at him. Torchlight zed in twos and threes on the far shore. ¡°So fe, you came after all. Little wife find it hard to let you go?¡± Old Zhang seemed to be frozen stiff and his speech was slurred. Song Yuming boarded his own boat and said, ¡°Today I saw Doctor Xu up in the mountains.¡± ¡°Oh!¡± Old Zhang said. ¡°So you saw him. I bet he scolded you good, didn¡¯t he?¡± Song Yuming ignored his question. ¡°Dongting seems¡­ to know Dr. Xu.¡± Old Zhang frowned, his brow wrinkling up into a knot on his forehead. He was silent. Song Yuming said, ¡°Have there been any peopleing here recently that shouldn¡¯t be?¡± ¡°Yeah, but just those sent from the imperial throne, that old me of yours from the pce in the capital¡­¡± Song Yuming¡¯s face froze. ¡°Sent by the consort?¡± he said icily. ¡°To deal with Dongting?¡± Old Zhang said calmly, ¡°Whatever the objective, they shouldn¡¯t havee. I¡¯m not keen to get involved in capital affairs, but since they¡¯re fool enough toe to Clearcreek Vige, I¡¯ll have to do something.¡± Chapter 45 - Just a Bit of Adversity Chapter 45: Just a Bit of Adversity ¡°The past twenty years, for me, was just a bit of adversity. She¡¯s made her choice, why won¡¯t she just let it go?¡± The hung bright high over the river. Song Yuming¡¯s eyes shone loneliness and disappointment. Old Zhang hmphed. ¡°It¡¯s just endless greed, what¡¯s so strange about that? Song Yuming, I think that Dongting girl of yours is really nice, you mustn¡¯t abandon her. If you ever do, I might not go find you and kill you, but we certainly won¡¯t be friends anymore.¡± Song Yuming smiled wryly. ¡°You and your wife are really a lot a like¡­ I, Song Yuming, married her, I won¡¯t abandon her. I don¡¯t need you to tell me.¡± The old man sighed. ¡°Let¡¯s go, they¡¯ve been waiting on the other shore and are in a hurry.¡± ¡°Squire Zhang¡¯s family from town?¡± ¡°Yeah, probably that girl Dongting¡¯s big sister is among them too. The madame is there so they are probably going to her family¡¯s ce to spend the new year.¡± They sculled to the other side and the steward grumbled to Old Zhang, ¡°What took you so long? It¡¯s so cold out here even our hair is shivering!¡± Old Zhang smiled by way of apology. ¡°Forgive me for making you wait so long!¡± Song Yuming saw there were about a dozen people among them, mostly servants and retainers, as well as a young woman among them who was well-dressed, likely Squire Zhang¡¯s concubine. The young woman waved the steward on. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, let¡¯s get on board.¡± The steward assented and the woman, with the help of her maid, boarded Song Yuming¡¯s boat, followed by two inclothed servants. The others boarded Old Zhang¡¯s boat. Song Yuming had never seen Dongting¡¯s elder sister before. He assumed this was her, but she looked aloof and frosty and he did not want to be impetuous, so he just sculled the boat and didn¡¯t say much. When they reached the middle of the river, the maid suddenly raised the curtain of the cabin and called out, ¡°Second Madame is getting woozy, please slow down.¡± Song Yuming nodded. He knew many women could not handle all the jostling. Seasickness wasmon, so he slowed his scull oar and said, ¡°If thedy stuffy in there she cane out for some fresh air.¡± The maid was about to speak when there was a noise from inside the cabin and Second Madame was already clinging to the bulkhead,ing out. She looked at Song Yuming and smiled. ¡°You must be Dongting¡¯s husband?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right¡­ Madame, are you my wife¡¯s elder sister?¡± Wanqing nodded, smiling. ¡°Dongting¡¯s been married for more than a month and I have yet toe visit her. Now going back for the new year, we won¡¯t be far away. Brother-inw, please tell her that if she has time she cane to the west end of the vige to the Zhang Manor and chat with me.¡± ¡°Alright, Dongting is anxious for someone to talk to. Now that she knows you¡¯reing, she will be delighted.¡± Wanqing smiled. ¡°Too bad when us sisters were together we could hardly say two words without bickering. It¡¯s been so long now since we¡¯ve seen each other, I miss them.¡± ¡°That¡¯s the way it is with siblings.¡± ¡°Dongting may have a temper, but she¡¯s a wonderful person, Brother-inw, please look after her.¡± ¡°Elder Sister, you worry too much. Of course I will take good care of her.¡± Wanqing nodded and was about to turn and go back inside when Song Yuming said, ¡°Elder Sister, you don¡¯t look so well, are you ill?¡± ¡°Nothing more than a cold. Don¡¯t tell Dongting.¡± ¡°Dongting is good with medicine. Likely she will be able to tell that your condition is not so simple as amon cold.¡± Wanqing hesitated. ¡°Good with medicine? Dongting never liked that stuff before.¡± Song Yuming was taken aback. His big hand gripped the scull oar. ¡°Never liked it?¡± Wanqing nodded. ¡°She¡¯s always disliked the smell of medicinal herbs. Where does this good with medicinee from? You must be mistaken.¡± Song Yuming was stricken. How could this be? Chapter 46 - The Jianghu and the Imperial Court Chapter 46: The Jianghu and the Imperial Court Xue Dongting sat before the brazier resting her chin in her hand, gazing into the zing hot coals, her mind uneasy. She mulled things over for a long time, but Song Yuming had not yet returned. She was getting anxious and got up and went to the courtyard gates and peeped out. A dog was barking off an on in the pitch-ck distance, making the vige seem even more quiet. She held her arms and looked for a long time, but there was no one. She turned back, disappointed. Then she heard footsteps. She turned around to see a dark figure tottering vaguely out there in the darkness. She rejoiced and called out, ¡°Yuming?¡± Song Yuming¡¯s mind was clouded with suspicions, but when he saw the woman in the doorway he suddenly didn¡¯t know what to say. This man who had mustered troops on the battlefield never imagined that one day in a ce like this, in a humble home like this one, he would have a wife waiting for him eagerly toe home. Song Yuming sighed gently and quickened his pace and came forward and took Xue Dongting¡¯s icy hand and rebuked her, ¡°What are you doing standing out here like this!¡± Xue Dongting hmphed. ¡°You said you¡¯d be back soon, but I waited half the night and you scold me!¡± Song Yuming gazed into his wife¡¯s seductive eyes. Those eyes, clear as water, were filled with just one thing, wholehearted concern. His hardened heart melted. He took her into his arms and did not ask her anything. The suspicions that had clogged his heart in one fell swoop vanished like a wisp of smoke. At this moment there was just he and she, no jianghu, no imperial court, no hidden grudges. The imperial pce, in the ceremonial hall. A woman sat up on high decked in resplendent, embroidered finery, but without a single air of bejeweled gaudiness. She sat noble as a celestial consort. In fact she was a consort, the emperor¡¯s most beloved Honored Consort Chen. She held a book and was absorbed in reading it. The reigning Son of Heaven admired her look of concentration. A young maiden sat next to her, mild-mannered and frail, suffused with an air of bookishness. One look and it was clear she was a well-breddy. Honored Consort Chen looked over at the meek girl beside her and asked, ¡°Where¡¯s your white cat?¡± ¡°When your servant is before Your Grace, she wouldn¡¯t dare bring her cat.¡± Consort Chen smiled. She spoke slowly. ¡°No matter, I quite like that white cat you carry around.¡± The chancellor¡¯s daughter, Yan Xifeng, smiled, her words refined. ¡°If Your Grace is fond of it, your servant will bring him over another time for Your Grace to y with. To put a smile on Your Grace¡¯s face would be its great fortune.¡± Honored Consort Chen set her book aside and reached out and touched the girl¡¯s forehead,ughing. ¡°Your tongue, girl, is just as sweet as can be!¡± Yan Xifeng smiled. ¡°Your servant is only speaking the truth.¡± ¡°The other day when Chancellor Yan called on His Majesty, I happened to overhear that His Majesty wants to set Third Prince¡¯s marriage.¡± Yan Xifeng was silent, but the faintest trace of a bashful blush seeped up into her cheeks. Consort Chen rubbed her temples, fatigue clear on her face. Yan Xifeng stood and gracefully curtseyed. ¡°Your servant has disturbed Your Grace for some time, your servant will take her leave.¡± Consort Chen nodded. ¡°Alright. Come again when you have time.¡± Once Yan Xifeng was out of the hall, a pce maid quietly entered from a side door and silently knelt in the center of the hall. Consort Chen gently kneaded her forehead and saidnguidly, ¡°Seems there was a slip up.¡± Responding Your Grace, thirteen brave men went in the face of the death, but none returned to make a report.¡± Honored Consort Chenughed. ¡°I never imagined a little singsong girl could be so difficult to handle. Were your brave men all good-for-nothings?¡± The pce maid lowered her head and dared not say a word. The great hall was so silent one could hear a pin drop. After a while, Consort Chen rose. Her tone was even icier. ¡°Send someone else. I can¡¯t believe a lowly singsong girl could demand so much time and energy!¡± Chapter 47 - Furtive Plan (1) Chapter 47: Furtive n (1) Xue Dongting learned from Song Yuming that her big sister, Wanqing, hade to the vige manor, but she was not in a hurry to go visit. Something had been on her mind the past couple of days that made her uneasy. In her previous life, three years after she had left Cloudgem Lodge, Mama Qiao had suddenly fallen ill and died. But she knew that Mama Qiao had always been healthy so something must have happened within those three years to weaken her. But what could it have been? Back then, Xue Dongting had been in the capital acting as Third Prince¡¯s advisor and so could notmunicate with outsiders without permission. So she rarely got in touch with Mama Qiao. She only remembered receiving a few letters from her that mentioned Wanqing and Yuansheng. She vaguely remembered that Wanqing had be pregnant with Squire Zhang¡¯s child, but had miscarried. Afterward she gave birth to a daughter who died before the age of two. And Yuansheng had met a sickly traveling schr and had wanted to marry him, but Mama Qiao had forbidden it. In the end she simply ran off and eloped with him! It was still a long time before Yuansheng¡¯s elopement, but Wanqing¡¯s miscarriage ought to being up soon. There was much scheming and fighting for position within wealthy families and Wanqing was a meticulous person. Xue Dongting didn¡¯t believe her miscarriage had been an ident. She decided to visit Wanqing in the uing days and thene up with some furtive n. She got up early and carried a basket of eggs to the Zhang manor on the seafront. Wanqing was in Mother Zhang¡¯s room transcribing a ssical text when she heard a maidservant call out that a woman was here to visit and she knew it was Dongting. She was delighted, but since Mother Zhang and the principal wife, Lady Yu, were present, she didn¡¯t dare go out to greet her immediately. She had to think about how to tell Mother Zhang. But Lady Yu spoke first. ¡°Is that your Second Sister?¡± ¡°Responding to Madame, yes, it¡¯s my younger sister.¡± ¡°I heard your Second Sister is quite the beauty. And she married a fisherman named Song in the vige? Yet is still a proud and haughty girl.¡± How could Wanqing mistake the scathing tone of her words? She fell silent. Mother Zhang was a kindhearted olddy. She heard this and hastened, ¡°A fisherman named Song? You mean that young man Song Yuming?¡± Lady Yuughed. ¡°Mother Zhang, that Song Yuming is already in his thirties, how can you call him a young man?¡± Mother Zhangughed. ¡°In this old thing¡¯s eyes, aren¡¯t you all young people? I¡¯ve seen this Song Yuming. He sent over a jar of whale oil. I used a spoonful at night and it¡¯s better than those candles your lord buys. It¡¯s bright and pleasant. I think when I run out I will ask Fisherman Song to get some more.¡± Lady Yu looked at Wanqing,ughing. ¡°Look, Mother Zhang is won over with a jar of whale oil!¡± Mother Zhangughed and shook her head. ¡°What do you know. That Song Yuming is big and strong and speaks very properly. He¡¯s a sensible person! Since that girl out there is Wanqing¡¯s second sister, then she¡¯s family, hurry and invite her in for a chat.¡± Wanqing got up quickly. ¡°Mother Zhang, I¡¯ll go receive her.¡± ¡°Go, go.¡± Wanqing withdrew from the room. She had been missing Dongting and hurried out to the front hall without even bringing a maidservant with her. She saw a frail girl standing before the hall. Was that Dongting? This was th first time she had seen her younger sister since she had married. Her eyes welled up in spite of herself. Xue Dongting saw Wanqing. She had already been through ten years of trials and tribtions and was no longer the young girl who liked to bicker and squabble with her big sister. Her eyes welled up as well when she saw Wanqing, and she hurried forward and took her by the arm, holding back tears. ¡°Big Sis, your so skinny!¡± Tears streamed down Wanqing¡¯s face. She quickly dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief, but she could not dry her tear-stricken face. Chapter 48 - Furtive Plan (2) Chapter 48: Furtive n (2) Xue Dongting held Wanqing¡¯s hand and three fingers slipped to feel the pulse on her wrist, checking. She could tell Wanqing was already three or so months pregnant. She forced a smile. ¡°Big Sis, don¡¯t be upset, careful not to cry on New Years, it¡¯s not good for your health.¡± Wanqing smiled sadly. ¡°I¡¯m nothing more than a prop in this manor, what do I have to look forward to? My health has been bad for a while.¡± Xue Dongting knit her brows. She already knew that Wanqing was currently unaware that she was pregnant. ¡°Big Sis, don¡¯t talk like that. Now we live so close together, I can see you more often. Don¡¯t worry¡­ As your little sister, I¡¯ll never just stand by and watch you be mistreated!¡± Wanqing stared nkly, feeling that these words from Xue Dongting¡¯s mouth were rather strange. She just smiled and sighed. ¡°Look at me, dawdling like this. Mother Zhang has invited you over.¡± ¡°Matron Zhang?¡± ¡°Yes, the matron is so kind, don¡¯t be scared. She¡¯s met your husband before¡­ By the way she talks, she seems to like him.¡± Xue Dongting smilled. ¡°Then, lead the way, Big Sis, don¡¯t keep the matron waiting.¡± Wanqing hesitated. ¡°You¡¯ll see Madame in a moment. She has a sharp tongue. Try to bear it a bit and not put her in a predicament.¡± Xue Dongting squeezed Wanqing¡¯s hand and nodded. ¡°I know, rx, Sis.¡± Wanqing led Xue Dongting down the covered breezeway to the matron¡¯s quarters. She parted the heavy brocade door curtain to the outer room and the warm scent of sandalwood wafted out. They passed arge marble screen with the character for longevity on it (‰Û) and entered the inner room. Xue Dongting looked up and saw Mother Zhang inclined on a long, narrow brocaded couch. She had a thin jacket of Suzhou embroidery in drifting cloud patterns draped over her, and a thin marten-fur nket spread over herp. She looked graceful and poised, her face covered with wrinkles, though one could still tell that she had been a beautiful young woman once. A woman in her thirties sat on a sandalwood drum stool beside the lounge. She wasvishly dressed and wore a severe look on her face. She no doubt was the primary wife, Lady Yu. The matron smiled ingratiatingly. ¡°This must be Lady Song?¡± Xue Dongting promptly stepped forward. ¡°I am Wanqing¡¯s second sister, Matron addresses me too politely.¡± Lady Yu smiled. ¡°You¡¯re the legal wife of that Fisherman Song, so that would make you Lady Song, right?¡± The matron smiled at Xue Dongting and beckoned her over. ¡°Come over and let¡¯s chat, don¡¯t be so reserved.¡± Xue Dongting took mincing steps forward and was taken by the hand by the matron and sat down at the edge of the couch. The matron squinted at Xue Dongting, scrutinizing her. She clicked her tongue and sighed. ¡°What a model young wife! Such a fair-faced, charmingdy. That Fisherman Song is lucky to marry you!¡± Xue Dongting blushed bashfully, being held by the hand and studied like this. She pursed her lips in a smile and said, ¡°Matron jests, how could Dongting be so worthy?¡± The matron looked over at Lady Yu, smiling. ¡°I never misjudge a person. This is a blessed child!¡± Lady Yu still wore her smile as before. ¡°Matron, you like her so much, perhaps you regret initially resisting the lord in marrying Wanqing? If only you had known, the three beauties of Cloudgem Lodge could have been married altogether and brought here!¡± Xue Dongting pretended she hadn¡¯t heard, turning and ncing at Wanqing, who had her head down, not arguing, and she couldn¡¯t help but feel bad for her. She thought that since this Lady Yu was so willing to mock others to their face, who knows what she said about Wanqing when no one else was around! The matron shook her head. ¡°Wanqing is gentle and good-natured. I was mistaken about her before¡­ I see this here is a wonderful girl. Although she can¡¯t be my daughter-inw, I can take her as an adopted daughter¡­¡± Lady Yu said nothing else, but Xue Dongting was startled by what the matron had said. The matron looked at her and smiled. ¡°I wonder if you would dislike and old thing like me?¡± Xue Dongting quickly smiled. ¡°Listen to you, Mother Zhang! I only fear I couldn¡¯t be so fortunate! I¡¯ve heard Yuming say you are a good, kind person, and I¡¯ve been wanting toe pay a visit. I only feared I would bore Matron.¡± The matron was delighted at this. ¡°Bore me? I couldn¡¯t be happier to have a girl like youing to see me all the time! Then it¡¯s settled then, today I recognize you as my foster daughter!¡± She waved her hand at Lady Yu. ¡°Go prepare somevish gifts, and tell the kitchen to set a sumptuous table.¡± Hesitation shed through Lady Yu¡¯s eyes and was gone. She smiled at Xue Dongting. ¡°You see how excited Matron is, obtaining a daughter for no reason. She¡¯s afraid you¡¯ll run off¡­ I¡¯m only good for running errands here and there. Alright then. You keep Matronpany while I tend to this.¡± The matron was ted. Sheughingly scolded Lady Yu, ¡°You little monkey, such a sharp tongue on you! Go on with you now!¡± Chapter 49 - Furtive Plan (3) Chapter 49: Furtive n (3) Mother Zhang had a sumptuous banquet prepared and sent someone to the riverbank to invite Song Yuming over since he was part of the family through marriage. Song Yuming knew Mother Zhang was a kindhearted person and he was always happy to see Xue Dongting, so he agreed with pleasure, though he did not bow or kneel and his speech was neither obsequious or supercilious. Mother Zhang was a sophisticated woman and liked him all the more for his candidness. But Lady Yu found him rather showy. Where did this vige fisherman get off being so self-assured? After the banquet, the matron asked Dongting to stay the night since Squire Zhang had gone to call on friends and had yet to returned. Xue Dongting was concerned that Wanqing was expecting, so she smiled at Song Yuming and said, ¡°I want to stay here tonight and chat with Big Sis.¡± Mother Zhangughed. ¡°You sisters haven¡¯t seen each other in so long, stay and talk in private and you can leave tomorrow.¡± Song Yuming agreed and Xue Dongting showed him out. Seeing that no one else was around, he pulled her close, smiling. ¡°Now that you¡¯re close to Mother Zhang you have more backing. In the future I¡¯ll have to be careful not to bully you.¡± ¡°Pooh¡±, she said, side-eyeing him with a smile. ¡°Such shameless talk. I already had Xu Ying¡¯s backing and did that stop you bullying me?¡± Song Yuming nodded, then took on a serious tone. ¡°Tonight I really can¡¯t bully you.¡± Xue Dongting stared nkly for a second before it hit her and she knew what he meant by ¡°bully¡±. She reached out and pinched him, blushing. ¡°What? So dirty!¡± Song Yumingughed, then pulled a straight face and said in a low voice, ¡°That Lady Yu is bad news. You should be careful.¡± Xue Dongting nodded. ¡°I know. Go on back, careful going home.¡± Song Yuming saw there was still no one around and whispered, ¡°Give me a kiss.¡± She blushed. ¡°No.¡± Heughed, then suddenly grabbed her and lifted her up and nted a kiss on her red lips before she could even cry out. She was embarrassed and annoyed and quickly pushed him, but how could she push him away? He released her once he¡¯d finally kissed her long enough and left with a grin on his face. Xue Dongting stood there with her index finger crooked over her lip, biting it, watching her husband¡¯s big frame disappear out of view, feeling all warm and fuzzy. Song Yuming was like a warm ball of sunlight. Even on this cold winter night, he still warmed her heart. Song Yuming carried antern as he walked along. A bamboo grovey before him and his lips curled into a faint sneer and he blew out thentern and leapt up lightly and disappeared into the thick grove of bamboo. A cold wind blew, the bamboo grove swaying like waves, rustling in the air. He stood on a green stalk of bamboo, swaying with the stalk in the breeze. If not for his superb lightness skill, there¡¯s no way he would be able to stand so steadily on it like that, as if he were one with it. His hands were sped behind his back as he looked up at the bright moon in the sky, thinking, ¡°Baozhuang, you were young and inexperienced and I promised to marry you. I thought you were as spotless and bright as the moon in the sky, but I never imagined that in the end you would choose to enter the imperial pce¡­ I don¡¯t me you, it was your choice. But why can¡¯t you leave well enough alone now? I don¡¯t believe I ever mistreated you. Now that I¡¯m living in this remote fishing vige, why won¡¯t you grant me a bit of peace?¡± The steady sound of footsteps resounded through the bamboo grove. The steps were light, but Song Yuming heard it clearly. He knew it was a secretly trained assassin sent from the imperial pce. He closed his eyes and let the cold wind stroke his face. His cold sneer grew wider. Chapter 50 - Furtive Plan (4) Chapter 50: Furtive n (4) Wanqing¡¯s residence was in the secluded southwest corner of the Zhang familypound. Xue Dongting saw Song Yuming off and went back with Wanqing hand in hand to her quarters. Xue Dongting saw the maidservant tidying up in the room and looked at Wanqing, who just shook her head slightly. Xue Dongting knew that the maid was not Wanqing¡¯s. She smiled and said, ¡°Look at me, I forgot something really important! We have some incense at home that Yuming found on an ind when he was out at sea. Its aroma fills the room when you burn it. I head the shopkeeper at the incense store in town say that the imperial family in the capital is in high demand for the stuff. I brought some for you, as well as Mother Zhang and Madame. I almost forgot about it!¡± She reached into her robe and took out three small cdon canisters. ¡°It¡¯s almost bedtime, so better to have them sent over now. If Mother Zhang and Madame like it then they can light it.¡± She cast a casual nce at the maidservant and signaled with her eyes to Wanqing. Wanqing understood andughed. ¡°So thoughtful to bring such rare gifts. Mother Zhang and Madame will certainly like it.¡± She took two of the cdon canisters and said to the maid, ¡°Rosecloud, take these canisters of incense and deliver them.¡± The maid, Rosecloud, came forward and took the canisters. Xue Dongting smiled. ¡°It¡¯s called dragon saliva incense, in case they ask.¡± Rosecloud assented with her head down and went out. Xue Dongting moved away and opened the other cdon canister and said to Wanqing, ¡°Big Sis, I know you don¡¯t like incense. You can regift it to someone elseter.¡± Wanqing was puzzled. She had never said she didn¡¯t like incense. She frowned. ¡°The incense?¡± Xue Dongting looked to the door the maid had just closed and smiled. ¡°Song Yuming found it when he was out at sea. Legend has it that it¡¯s the congealed saliva of a dragon, so it¡¯s called dragon saliva incense.¡± Wanqing clearly wasn¡¯t asking about where the incense came from. She thought it over and realized Dongting had said that to guard against eavesdroppers and had been stalling. ¡°It¡¯s stuffy in here, open the window and let some air in.¡± Xue Dongting went over and pushed open the window and a cool draft poured in. The moon shone brightly in the courtyard and the shadows of the old plum trees were swaying. There was not a soul in the elegant little courtyard and a delicate scent of wintersweet wafted in the air. Sheughed. ¡°What a nice, quite little courtyard.!¡± ¡°What is it you wanted to say?¡± Wanqing said softly. Xue Dongting gently shut the window and turned to Wanqing. ¡°Big Sis, don¡¯te in contact with any incense in the future, and don¡¯t eat anything Lady Yu sends you.¡± Wanqing was taken aback. She had no idea what Xue Dongting was talking about. Xue Dongting stepped up and took hold of Wanqing¡¯s wrist, her fingers pressing on her pulse, checking. She whispered, ¡°Big Sis, you¡¯re already three months or so pregnant.¡± Wanqing was dumbstruck at once. ¡°What¡­ What did you say?¡± Xue Dongting looked at her. ¡°There¡¯s no mistake¡­ Did you not have any inkling at all?¡± Wanqing collected herself and said, ¡°My period¡¯s always been irregr, so I didn¡¯t think anything of it. I never thought that¡­¡± She put a hand on her belly, her brows furrowed with worry. She didn¡¯t look the least bit happy. ¡°Lady Yu won¡¯t tolerate this child,¡± Xue Dongting said tly. Wanqing nodded but said nothing. ¡°That maid, Rosecloud, is she one of Lady Yu¡¯s?¡± ¡°Mm,¡± Wanqing said. ¡°She tends to me every day. I likely won¡¯t be able to keep it from her.¡± ¡°What¡¯s she like? Can she be trusted?¡± ¡°That girl is clever, but she¡¯s not a bad person. I once tried to win her over, but to no avail.¡± Xue Dongting frowned. ¡°Lady Yu is mean, why would Rosecloud be willing to be ordered about? Does she harbor some secret or vulnerability that Lady Yu is taking advantage of to keep her under her thumb?¡± Chapter 51 - Furtive Plan (5) Chapter 51: Furtive n (5) Wanqing said, ¡°I guess I can tell you something about that girl, Rosecloud, but don¡¯t overreact.¡± Xue Dongting frowned, curious. ¡°Overreact about what?¡± ¡°As a matter of fact, Rosecloud and Song Yuming have something of a history.¡± Xue Dongting was astonished. ¡°How so?¡± ¡°Rosecloud is not a maidservant from the Zhang family, but a daughter from a family from Clearcreek Vige. She fell in love with the son of cksmith Li and privately decided to marry, but for some reason the two families disagreed. They were going to elope, but the day before, cksmith Li¡¯s wife found out about it somehow and went to see Rosecloud¡¯s family, who scolded her severely. cksmith Li¡¯s son ignored her after that, on behalf of his parents, and married some other girl. The story spread all over Clearcreek Vige, have you not heard about it?¡± ¡°I see. I¡¯m new here and haven¡¯t met very many people, how could I have heard it? But what does all this have to do with Song Yuming?¡± ¡°The whole fracas ruined Rosecloud¡¯s reputation, the whole vige was talking about it. But you know, when it rains it pours. Rosecloud¡¯s father was furious, and one stormy day he went out to sea, fishing. He wanted to give Rosecloud a better dowry so she could marry into a good family and show that cksmith Li, but turns out he went out to sea but never came back!¡± ¡°Ah!¡± Xue Dongting gasped. ¡°He didn¡¯te back?¡± ¡°Must have hit some rough seas and capsized.¡± Xue Dongting couldn¡¯t help but knit her brows, thinking about how Song Yuming had said he wanted to go back out to sea in the spring. She couldn¡¯t get it out of her mind. No matter how strong Song Yuming was, he was no match for the rough heavy waves out at sea. She wasn¡¯t about to let him go out to sea now. Wanqing had no idea what was on little sister¡¯s mind and continued her story. ¡°Poor Rosecloud, her mother died young, leaving only her older brother and his wife, and her dad. Her brother and his wife were domineering, and how with her father gone, what ce was there for her at home? Her sister-inw was anxious to get her out of the house, and an older man with ame leg sent betrothal gifts, so her sister-inw took charge and wanted to marry her off. What a miserable lot for the poor girl, first abandoned by her lover, then her father dies, thenter forced to marry someone like that. It was a dark time for her. One day she dressed nicely and called for a ferryboat at the river, and once the boat was out in the middle of the river, she hardened her heart and leapt into the river.¡± Xue Dongting nodded, already knowing what happened next. ¡°It was Song Yuming¡¯s boat?¡± Wanqingughed. ¡°You¡¯re still the clever one. I haven¡¯t even finished the story and you already know the ending. The boat she hired that day was none other than Song Yuming¡¯s boat, and it was Song Yuming who jumped into the river to save the drowning girl. It was a busy day on the river that day and many people on various boats saw it. Your Song Yuming hauled her back on board and after much effort finally revived her. As for how he revived her¡­ you can probably guess.¡± Xue Dongting curled her lip but was silent. She knew how one could revive her. It was recorded in medical books like The First-Aid Compendium, Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold, and The Common Pursuit of Longevity. He must have given her mouth-to-mouth. Wanqing continued, ¡°Ever since that day, Rosecloud¡¯s reputation has been even worse. She was not only abandoned, but also tried to drown herself and was saved by a man. The vige was all talking about it, and her brother and sister-inw made even more of a stink about it, but this girl seemed resigned to misfortune. She neither cried norined. She ran by herself to the Zhang family and indentured herself and gave the money she had sold herself for to her brother and sister-inw,pletely cutting ties with her family. And so she became the Zhang family¡¯s maidservant.¡± Xue Dongting gave a short nod. ¡°I see. So how did she be one of Lady Yu¡¯s trusted followers?¡± ¡°As a matter of fact, she¡¯s not really that close to her. One with the Zhang family she kept scrupulously to her duties, originally doing some manualbor in Lady Yu¡¯s quarters. Lady Yu saw she was skilled and clever and spoke politely, so she took her in to wait on her. Every day she stood at the ready to serve tea and one day Lady Yu joked that she should be sent to the squire¡¯s quarters to serve him, but as soon Rosecloud heard that she was so scared she dropped her tea tray. Maybe that¡¯s why Lady Yu started to take notice and felt the girl could be used, since she knew the girl didn¡¯t want to go to the squire¡¯s quarters. She¡¯d found her weak spot, hadn¡¯t she? So sending her to wait on me was only so that the girl could keep an eye on me.¡± Xue Dongting sneered, ¡°So that¡¯s how it is. So Lady Yu is using her authority instead of doing you a favor! So if Rosecloud doesn¡¯t do what she says she will be sent to Squire Zhang¡¯s quarters, or perhaps¡­ marry her to a pageboy or something. In any case, Rosecloud has indentured herself, she has no say of her own. No matter how well you treat her, it won¡¯t be able to ovee Lady Yu¡¯s coercion¡­ Rosecloud is reluctant to marry, could she still have feelings for that cksmith Li¡¯s son?¡± Wanqing gave an odd look and slowly shook her head. ¡°I thought about that too, at first, but I don¡¯t think so.¡± Xue Dongting suddenly had an idea and blurted out, ¡°Do you think she has feelings for Song Yuming¡­¡± Wanqing gave a short nod. ¡°One day I was chatting with the matron about you, saying you had married that fisherman in the vige, Song Yuming. Rosecloud was there and she was dumbstruck when she heard that and fumbled with the tea cups and knocked one over, sshing tea all over my skirt.¡± Xue Dongting knit her brows and said wearily, ¡°I never knew Song Yuming had so many romantic entanglements! I thought Rosecloud looked ufortable just now when she saw me!¡± Wanqing chuckled and jabbed her in the forehead. ¡°You devilish girl, you¡¯reining but in your heart you must be so proud of yourself! Who cares about Rosecloud, she can¡¯t steal your Song Yuming. I saw how he looked at you at the banquet. He was just itching to get you in his arms. You don¡¯t know how much he loves you.¡± Xue Dongting shot back, ¡°Sis, don¡¯t exaggerate so much! You don¡¯t know how he treats me normally. He¡¯s always teasing me!¡± ¡°Is that so? Well that¡¯s easy, I¡¯ll have Matron settle it for you. Now that you have her backing, would he dare tease you?¡± Xue Dongting said wearily, ¡°Sis, can we be serious for a minute?¡± ¡°Have I not been serious? I think Rosecloud is great, and she¡¯s smitten with the man who saved her life. Why not go talk to Matron and have Rosecloud given over to Song Yuming as his concubine, then she won¡¯t have to do what Lady Yu says anymore. She¡¯d be on our side through and through. As for me, I¡¯m not scared of Lady Yu¡¯s n to harm my own flesh and blood. What do you think about my idea?¡± Xue Dongting gnashed her teeth and stamped her foot. ¡°Sis, say it again! Say it again your scheme. I wash my hands of the matter, lest I be the butt of more of your jokes!¡± She got up to leave. Wanqing hurriedly pulled her back,ughing. ¡°Alright, little sis, I just said one little thing and you fly off the handle like that? If one day Song Yuming really does take a concubine, what will you do?¡± Xue Dongting gave her a cross look, but she was thinking how could Song Yuming take a concubine? He said himself he would pester her for the rest of her life. Chapter 52 - Furtive Plan (6) Chapter 52: Furtive n (6) That patter of little footsteps was heard in the little courtyard and Xue Dongting knew that Rosecloud was back. She felt the girl was not a bad seed and was clever enough. Because she very well could havee back silently, yet she had purposely made some noise to alert Wanqing. She was not on Wanqing¡¯s side, but she also didn¡¯t have any intention harm her. Xue Dongting also knew full well that if Rosecloud knew that Wanqing was pregnant then she would tell Lady Yu for sure in order to protect herself. And she might perhaps heed Lady Yu¡¯s order and send something over to make Wanqing miscarry. Xue Dongting sighed inwardly, feeling a bit of misery lovespany for Rosecloud. In her previous life in the third prince¡¯s manor, she was pretty much the same as Rosecloud was now in the Zhangpound. Xue Dongting admitted that the previous her had done some things she had not wanted to do because her hand had been forced. In fact she was worse than Rosecloud because she had acted for personal gain out of greed. Rosecloud, however, was keeping an eye on Wanqing for Lady Yu because she was in love with a man, a love she kept buried in her heart. Maybe she knew that nothing would evere of it, yet she steadfastly held onto that thread of tender affection and had chosen to not marry for the rest of her life. Even though Rosecloud was in love with Song Yuming, Xue Dongting couldn¡¯t bring herself to hate her. Not because she was conceited and felt her beauty was enough to win Song Yuming¡¯s heart, but because she knew Rosecloud¡¯s affection was hers and hers alone. She loved Song Yuming, but it had nothing to do with him. Rosecloud went to the outer room and stood, not raising the fine gauze curtain. ¡°Reporting to Second Lady, Miss, I have given the two canisters of incense to Madame and Matron.¡± ¡°Mm,¡± Wanqing said. ¡°It¡¯s cold in the outer room,e inside and chat.¡± Rosecloud lifted the curtain and entered. She had her head lowered, but Xue Dongting, who was seated in a chair, could clearly see the expression on her face. Xue Dongting scrutinized her closely. She was fair of skin with a round face and her eyes were clear and bright. She had a voluptuous body and was innocently lovable. Dongting smiled. ¡°Did Matron or Madame say anything when they saw the incense?¡± Rosecloud responded with her head down, looking at the floor. ¡°Matron loved it and had some lit at once. Madame had already gone to bed, it was her maidservant who received it for her.¡± Xue Dongting nodded. ¡°I heard Big Sis say that in these rooms there¡¯s only you two. Howe I didn¡¯t see you waiting on her this evening at the banquet?¡± Rosecloud¡¯s eyes flickered but she was silent. Xue Dongting wasn¡¯t about to let her off. ¡°I heard you once tried to drown yourself in the river and that it was my husband who rescued you.¡± That sentence made Wanqing frown, and Rosecloud¡¯s face fell. Wanqing gave Xue Dongting a look, telling her not to ask any further. But Xue Dongting shook her head. She already had a n. Since she wanted to recruit Rosecloud she couldn¡¯t keep from getting it all out in the open. Rosecloud raised her head slightly and looked at Xue Dongting, then dropped her head again. ¡°Responding to Miss,¡± she said softly, ¡°this servant was unaware that the one who saved me was Brother-inw. Had I know I would certainly havee forward to thank him.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Xue Dongting said. Sheughed. ¡°Rosecloud, there¡¯s no need for us to stand on ceremony, it¡¯s unnecessary. Youy know that Matron took me as her foster daughter to favor me. Actually, I¡¯m nothing more than a vige woman.¡± ¡°Miss is lucky,¡± Rosecloud said. ¡°You¡¯re a respectable person, this servant wouldn¡¯t dare be improper in front of Miss.¡± Xue Dongtingughed. She heard self-censure in the girl¡¯s voice. ¡°Rosecloud,e back home with me tomorrow. Matron said she wanted some more whale oil to light hermps. We happen to have some at home, you can get it and take it back to her.¡± Rosecloud was a bit taken aback. She responded at once with, ¡°Miss, this servant¡­ does not wish to go.¡± Xue Dongting arched her brow and looked at Wanqing andughed. ¡°You tell her, this girl doesn¡¯t want to listen to me.¡± Rosecloud knelt down at once. ¡°Miss, this servant didn¡¯t mean it like that. It¡¯s just¡­ It¡¯s just¡­¡± Xue Dongting saw he hesitating and asked, ¡°It¡¯s just what?¡± Rosecloud clenched her teeth. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ this servant¡¯s elder brother and sister-inw also live in the vige. They are overbearing and I do not wish to see them again.¡± Xue Dongting nodded and got up and went to her. She held her hand and said gently, ¡°Get up now, earlier Big Sis mentioned how my husband rescued you. I just asked because I was curious. I more or less know your situation. Since you don¡¯t want to go to the vige, tomorrow I¡¯ll get the whale oil and bring it over here myself. But there are some things I want you to know. First of all, you¡¯ve already cut ties with your brother and sister-inw. They likely don¡¯t have the face to see you, you never wronged them. Secondly, back in the vige you maybe stirred up a lot of talk, but what others say about you is not the real you. You know yourself. Coming forward and arguing, trying to exin yourself when you hear bad talk about yourself is useless. It will just make people look down on you even more. The only way to shut people up is to do your best to be better than the person they say you are.¡± Rosecloud looked up at Xue Dongting, a mysterious expression in her eyes. She clenched her teeth and said in a low voice, ¡°If I do that I¡¯ll just incur even more abuse!¡± Xue Dongtingughed. She knew her words had gotten through to the girl. She grasped Rosecloud¡¯s hand and said warmly, ¡°If they curse you again it will only be because they are envious. Their envy just means they have low self-esteem themselves.¡± Rosecloud looked at Xue Dongting, her eyes hardening. ¡°Rosecloud will take Miss¡¯ advice to heart.¡± Wanqing, watching off to the side, felt somewhat mystified. She and Xue Dongting had not seen each other in a long time, yet it seemed her little sister had grown up and matured right before her eyes. All she had said just now out of the mouth of a sixteen-year-old girl gave one the impression that she had been through a lot already. Wanqing had no idea Xue Dongting had ten years¡¯ worth of another life and in her heart had long ceased to be a girl of sixteen! Wanqing coughed and said to Rosecloud, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, go ahead and take a rest.¡± Rosecloud nodded and assented and left the room, closing the door behind her. Wanqing looked at Dongting and suddenly thought of something. ¡°Since when do you know how to take someone¡¯s pulse? You could tell I was pregnant.¡± Xue Dongting¡¯ heart thumped as she realized her oversight. She quickly put on a smile. ¡°When you got married I had no one to quarrel with, so I perused medical books in my spare time. Even Mama Qiao doesn¡¯t know. I wanted to give her a nice surprise. I already had it all figured out, in the future I would open a clinic and get rich for sure. Too bad Mama Qiao took me for a moocher and hurriedly married me off. I bet Mama Qiao is secretly happy with herself, but little could she imagine she had married off a money-making Goddess of Medicine!¡± Chapter 53 - Is This Real or Is This Fantasy? Chapter 53: Is This Real or Is This Fantasy? Wanqingughed wearily and poked her hard, sulking, ¡°This is news to me. I don¡¯t know where this ¡°Goddess of Medicine¡± acquired all her medical knowledge, but she sure is shameless.¡± Xue Dongting stuck out her tongue andughed, then said softly, ¡°Big Sis, be careful!¡± She pointed to Wanqing¡¯s belly. ¡°You need to take care in every respect!¡± Wanqing nodded and caressed her belly. ¡°Once I have him my life will be much better.¡± Xue Dongting looked at Wanqing and saw her eyes were clouded with tears. Wanqing gazed at the flickering candle me. ¡°I don¡¯t want to use him to topple Lady Yu, it¡¯s just I won¡¯t be so lonely once I have him. The squire is not just my husband alone. There¡¯s so many people here in this house, yet there¡¯s no one I can open up to. It really gets very lonely.¡± Xue Dongting held her hand, her eyes set. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Big Sis, I will protect this child and make sure he is born without any trouble.¡± Wanqing nodded and wiped her tears. Sheughed. ¡°It¡¯ste, let¡¯s go to bed.¡± That night the sisters slept in the same bed. Laying in bed, Xue Dongting thought back to her childhood when Mama Qiao had taken the three sisters to the seaside border town. It was winter and very cold and the three girls had slept in the same big bed under one big quilt and took turns holding onto their warm-bodies Mama Qiao. Those had been warm, simple days, but that was already a long time ago. She had no idea that at this very moment, Song Yuming was fighting a dozen assassins sent by the imperial pce. In the hazy predawn light, Xue Dongting left the Zhang family manor. She walked along the coast and suddenly came upon a reef near the coastline. An old man in blue schrly clothes was seated there, fishing. The old man¡¯s broad sleeves were pping in the sea breeze and was making a mess of his gray hair, but the man sat firmly with a stately bearing, like he was some celestial immortal. Xue Dongting saw old men fishing off rocks overlooking the sea all the time, so she would normally pay it no mind. But now, for some unknown reason, it was as if the blue-d old schr had some kind of magical charm that made her stop and take notice. She was wondering at this when the old man suddenly yelled and bolted to his feet and pulled a big fish out of the sea. It was sallow and wriggled on the line, glistening like crystal in the morning light. The old manughed and dropped the fish in the bamboo fish hamper next to him. Xue Dongting was about to leave when the old man turned and looked at her, smiling kindly. ¡°Madame, would you be willing to acquire some good karma from me?¡± Xue Dongting was stunned. The blue-d schr¡¯s voice resounding in her ears seemed familiar, but she could not for the life of her recall where or when she had heard it. ¡°Good karma?¡± She frowned, mind whirling. ¡°Who are you, sir?¡± ¡°Heheheh¡­ Would you believe me if I told you I can see ten years into the future?¡± Xue Dongting said nothing, just fixed her gaze on the blue-d schr, her mind much calmer now. After a while she said, ¡°If you had said that to me before I likely would not have believed you.¡± ¡°Before?¡± ¡°Ten years before.¡± The old manughed. ¡°So, it¡¯s you!¡± he said slowly. Xue Dongtingughed as well. ¡°Sir, do you know about my previous life?¡± He stroked his beard and smiled. ¡°Yes.¡± Xue Dongting¡¯s heart trembled. Her calm mind was once again thrown into upheaval. ¡°What do you want?¡± She was nervous. And faint thought formed in her mind¡ªher rebirth might have had something to do with this old man. She even believed that this man could at any time he wanted take back everything she now had, including her life. The old man smiled. ¡°Like I said, I want to make some good karma with you. So there¡¯s no need to be so nervous¡­¡± ¡°¡­What kind of good karma?¡± ¡°Next year, at the beginning of autumn, a young man wille here riding a donkey. He will meet a girl, and he will take her back to the capital.¡± Xue Dongting¡¯s heart felt like it had fell into a hold in the ice. Her voice quavered, ¡°I¡­ I won¡¯t go¡­¡± ¡°The girl is not you.¡± ¡°Not me?¡± She was dumbfounded, not really understanding. In her previous life, in the autumn of her seventeenth year, Third Prince hade here and taken her away¡­ Could it be that in this life things were different? She collected herself and asked, ¡°Then I¡­¡± Just then, a clubfooted monk drifted over and stood on the reef of rocks, smiling at Xue Dongting. She shivered. She seemed to have seen this monk before when she was a child. The blue-d schr¡¯s eyes suddenly hardened and he asked sternly, ¡°Fated to support a dragon, why would you want to be the wife of a fisherman?¡± Xue Dongting stared nkly, then suddenly understood. She clenched her fist. ¡°I¡­ won¡¯t leave this ce¡­ Song Yuming, whether a quiet, unknown fisherman or a battle-hardened general, I¡¯m his. I will never leave him¡­¡± The blue-d schr said nothing. He stared at her, then after some time said gravely, ¡°Xue Dongting, if it¡¯s peace you want then you must not defy the will of Heaven! Or else everything you have obtained will in the end vanish like a wisp of smoke!¡± Xue Dongting was stunned. She quickly shot back, ¡°I don¡¯t want to defy the will of Heaven¡­ I don¡¯t want to go back and get revenge on Third Prince¡­¡± She couldn¡¯t help but clutch her skirt tightly as she spoke. The blue-d schr sneered, ¡°No? You might not want to get revenge on Third Prince, but you absolutely do intend to defy the will of Heaven!¡± Xue Dongting looked up at him, confused. The blue-d schr snorted roughly. ¡°Wanqing¡¯s first child cannot be brought into this world. That is Heaven¡¯s decree. Yet you have the vain hope of changing that. Is that not wanted to defy the will of Heaven!¡± Xue Dongting stood rooted in ce, at a loss. The blue-d schr took up his fish hamper and made his way step by step along the seaside rocks, walking toward the smiling clubfooted monk. As he passed Xue Dongting, the schr said softly into her ear, ¡°Big changes are fast approaching, you must be careful.¡± The blue-d schr and the monk flew off together. Xue Dongting clenched her fists and looked out at the vast ocean. The breeze off the sea chilled her to the bone, her sleeves pping in the wind. She was like a drop in the ocean. Suddenly, waves came on, a huge one crashing down straight toward her,ing down right on top of her, and in an instant she was swallowed up in the rolling waves. Xue Dongting cried out in rm and sat up suddenly in bed, her forehead soaked in sweat. She was panting in the pitch-ck darkness. Wanqing was woken by her cry and she opened her eyes and called out, ¡°Dongting, what¡¯s the matter?¡± Xue Dongting shook her head. Was that a dream just now? But it felt so real, so real she could see clearly every gray hair on the blue-d schr¡¯s head, and every wrinkle on the clubfooted monk¡¯s face. Chapter 54 - It Was Just a Nightmare Chapter 54: It Was Just a Nightmare Wanqing sat up. ¡°Did you have a nightmare? I¡¯ll get you some water.¡± Xue Dongting was quick to stop her. She collected herself and forced a smile. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Go back to sleep, sis. Probably just too much happened today is all.¡± Wanqingughed. ¡°Look at you, how old are you. It¡¯s just a nightmare, it¡¯s not real.¡± Xue Dongting nodded. ¡°Mm.¡± Shey back down and closed her eyes, but she could just not get back to sleep. The next day was overcast, not the bright shiny morning like in her dream. That made her breathe a sigh of relief. Wanqing was right, it was just a nightmare. When she left, Rosecloud had a broom and was sweeping the courtyard. Xue Dongting asked Wanqing, ¡°Does this ce not have a pageboy to do the menial chores? You mean Rosecloud has to draw the water and do the sweeping?¡± ¡°We didn¡¯t bring those servants with us when we came here to spend New Years,¡± Wanqing said. ¡°The matron likes things to be clean, so everyone has a maid or two to wait on them, but there are few pageboys.¡± Rosecloud put down her broom and grinned at Xue Dongting. ¡°I¡¯ve done thing kind of work since I was little. Drawing water and sweeping is rxing.¡± Xue Dongting smiled. ¡°You¡¯re so fair and pretty, you don¡¯t seem at all like a menial servant.¡± Rosecloud pursed her lips. Though she was reserved, one could see she had already let much of her guard down. She muttered to herself in hesitation as if she wanted to say something but didn¡¯t know how to go about it. Xue Dongtingughed. ¡°If you have something to say, just say it. I¡¯m not some tigress, I won¡¯t gobble you up.¡± ¡°I¡­ I would like to go with you, Miss, to get the whale oil. That way you won¡¯t have toe all the way back her to deliver it. It¡¯s tiring going back and forth.¡± Xue Dongting looked her up and down but smiled and said nothing. Rosecloud was rmed by that look and she put her head down. But Xue Dongtingughed and asked, ¡°Do you have any red clothes?¡± Rosecloud shook her head, at a loss at the sudden question. Xue Dongting looked at Wanqing andughed. ¡°I think Rosecloud would look really good in red!¡± Wanqingughed, then sighed. ¡°Girl every time I see you you wear me down, and now you¡¯re wearing down my maid as well. Are you my sister or not?¡± Xue Dongtingughed and side-eyed her. ¡°I like Rosecloud, I want to treat her as a sister, so don¡¯t be hard on her.¡± Wanqing heaved a deep sigh. ¡°Fine, I have a crimson felt coat. It¡¯s not exactly new, but I wonder if it would be to your liking?¡± Sheughed and looked at Rosecloud. Rosecloud quickly shook her head. ¡°Of course Madame¡¯s clothes are all wonderful, I couldn¡¯t possibly.¡± Xue Dongtingughed. ¡°They¡¯re not necessarily all good. Let¡¯s have you take a look first.¡± She dragged Rosecloud to the bedroom and rummaged around in the wardrobe and found the slightly-used crimson felt coat and made Rosecloud try it on, and she personally got a silk belt woven from gold and teal threads and studded with rings of ruyi scepters and tied it on for her. She looked at Rosecloud andughed. ¡°If you go out in that you¡¯ll look the same as any young nobledy.¡± Rosecloud was somewhat uneasy. ¡°It won¡¯t do if Madame sees this, how can a servant wear something like this?¡± Xue Dongting said, ¡°I¡¯m here, just wear it. When the vigers see you out in this they will be surprised that a Zhang family servant would be dressed like this. That¡¯ll give the Zhang family a lot of face and the matron will be delighted to no end, why would she scold you? Even Madame will have to say you know how to act proper.¡± Rosecloud said nothing to this. How could she not want to wear something like this? It would give her face were she to run into one of her sisters from before. And she had something else in mind as well. When she went with Miss Xue to her house, she would look nice should she see Fisherman Song. She had no designs to entice Fisherman Song, but if she could be seen by him more often that would be enough to make her happy. Xue Dongting of course knew what Rosecloud was thinking, but she didn¡¯t expose her. Instead she dragged Rosecloud over to pay their leave to Matron. Matron told her toe back and visit her often, and she gave Dongting an exquisite feather coat with green lotus patterns on it and a pair of green jade bracelets, then she let them leave. On the road, Xue Dongting purposefully took the long way around, away from the coast. She was still thinking about her dream fromst night and didn¡¯t want to go there. Rosecloud, though, thought it was because she didn¡¯t want to attract too much attention with the vigers, having her tagging along, so she felt uneasy about making Miss Xue take the long way around. Sure enough, on the way they came across some women carrying wooden basins going to the river to beat their clothes for washing. Two of them were women Rosecloud knew. They greeted each other and inquired after each other¡¯s well-being and so forth, but Rosecloud looked ufortable. She and Xue Dongting arrived at the thatched hut. The courtyard gates were half-closed. They pushed the gates open to see Song Yuming wearing an unlined garment, crouched before the stove, making a fire. He was big and tall and looked awkward for some reason squatting there. Xue Dongting felt a bit sorry and reproached herself. She had been so busy with her sister she had neglected her husband. But then she thought, before they were married, didn¡¯t he have to make a fire and cook by himself anyway? So she went forward and asked, ¡°Thiste and you still haven¡¯t eaten?¡± Song Yuming didn¡¯t turn around but continued stoking the fire. ¡°Isn¡¯t it bound to be a bit slower with no one around to assist me?¡± Xue Dongting smiled thinly and went over and whispered, ¡°You need me, right? Already used to just eating whenever it¡¯s ready?¡± Song Yuming, still squatting, turned to his little wife. From this angle she cut a lithe, graceful figure, and really made her bust all the more enticing. Xue Dongting caught the obscene look in the guy¡¯s eyes and she blushed immediately. ¡°What are you looking at! I¡¯ve brought a guest with me!¡± Song Yuming looked past her to where the girl in red stood in the doorway and he asked Xue Dongting, ¡°This is¡­?¡± ¡°Her name is Rosecloud, the one you rescued!¡± she grumbled softly. ¡°Don¡¯t y dumb.¡± Song Yuming¡¯s lips curled in a gentle smile and he nodded to Rosecloud. Rosecloud stood in the doorway timidly. Her whole face when red when she saw him smiling at her and she didn¡¯t know what to do with her hands. Xue Dongting raised her voice. ¡°Go to the cer and get some of that whale oil so Rosecloud can take it back with her. The matron really likes it.¡± Song Yuming got the fire going and stood and dusted his hands. ¡°There are buns steaming in the wok. Watch the fire.¡± Xue Dongting nodded and Song Yuming lit a candle and went to the cer. He soon returned carrying an earthenware jar. Xue Dongting took the crock and handed it to Rosecloud, smiling. ¡°Careful going back. I¡¯ll visit you again when I have time.¡± Rosecloud left, blushing and carrying the crock, so absentminded she forgot to say goodbye. Xue Dongting leaned in the doorway and watched her go, then bolted the gates shut and went back to the kitchen where Song Yuming was feeding the fire with the bellows, the ck hair at his temples fallen loose from the strand of rice straw that held his hair in ce. Xue Dongting kneaded the straw with her fingers and stroked his hair. ¡°Later I¡¯llb this for you. It¡¯s all messy.¡± Chapter 55 - Hogging It All For Yourself Chapter 55: Hogging It All For Yourself Song Yuming grasped her hand and looked into her pretty face, but said nothing. Words could not describe his gaze. His forehead had be smeared with charcoal soot. Dongting wiped it off with a sigh. ¡°Getting all ashy just from cooking!¡± Song Yuming sat on the little stool and pulled her into his arms and set her on hisp. ¡°Did you sleep wellst night?¡± he said in a low voice. Xue Dongting buried her head in the crook of his neck. Her delicate scent assailed his nostrils. ¡°Scrutinizing someone like that in broad daylight,¡± she grumbled, but her feeble protest in Song Yuming¡¯s ears was pleasantly tender. He held her face in his hands and their foreheads touched. ¡°I¡¯m not going to the ferry today,¡± he said quietly. ¡°Mm,¡± she said. ¡°Then where are you going?¡± she asked softly. ¡°Nowhere.¡± ¡°Mm¡­¡± she moaned, his lips already nted fiercely on hers. By the time he let up they were both panting. Dongting¡¯s chest was heaving slightly, her cheeks flushed and more lovely and beautiful than the rosy reflection off the river. She suddenly realized something and took a good look at Song Yuming¡¯s clothes. ¡°Why have I never seen that outer robe before?¡± Song Yuming looked into her eyes. ¡°Last night I went to the ferry to see Old Zhang and slipped and fell in the river. My clothes were soaked, so I got this from his boat and put it on.¡± Dongting gave a thin smile. ¡°What were you doing looking for Old Zhang in the dark? Were you two ying weiqi again?¡± Song Yuming nodded andughed. ¡°You got me.¡± She tried to struggle free, but he would not let go. He picked her up and carried her to the bedroom. ¡°Put me down now!¡± she said in a low voice. Song Yuming ignored her and took her inside andid her on the bed and his big hands naughtily set about untying her green lotus cloak. Xue Dongtingughed and wriggled away from him. ¡°No, it¡¯s too cold!¡± ¡°You cloak doesn¡¯t look good,¡± he said softly, ¡°It¡¯s not as good as that red one.¡± Xue Dongting cocked her head and side-eyed him with a smile. ¡°What red one? The one Rosecloud had on?¡± ¡°The one you wore when you went to the ferry to bring me food that one time. Old Zhang said straight away how good it looked and then he went right into town and bought a bolt of cloth like it for his wife.¡± Song Yuming¡¯s was breathing heavily, his hands busy. He never imagined it would be tied so tight. It took him forever and he still hadn¡¯t gotten it undone. Xue Dongting grabbed his big hand and got right to the point, ¡°Tell me, did the one Rosecloud was wearing look good?¡± Song Yuming smiled wearily and gave up on untying her sash. ¡°I didn¡¯t really pay attention, how should I know?¡± Xue Dongting sat up and looked at him. ¡°Do you really not remember Rosecloud?¡± ¡°I remember, I rescued her.¡± Xue Dongting¡¯s face clouded, staring at him, clenching her teeth. Song Yumingughed. ¡°If I had said I didn¡¯t remember you wouldn¡¯t have believed it, but didn¡¯t you say as well that I rescued her?¡± She chuckled. ¡°You, such a smooth tongue but not an honest wordes out of it. Lucky for you I married you so I can make a decent person out of you!¡± ¡°I¡¯m only indecent to my wife.¡± He was grinning. ¡°Ugh! Ugh!¡± She gave him a cross look and turned away. He looked at her in profile and pulled her into his arms with a sigh. ¡°I¡¯m thoroughly in the palm of your hand. Would you say I was in your debt in a past life?¡± She nodded. ¡°Yep, so you have to pay me back in this one.¡± Song Yuming said nothing, only held her tightly. ¡°You really don¡¯t remember Rosecloud?¡± she asked, her head cocked to the side. Song Yuming tapped her on the end of her nose. ¡°You still won¡¯t let this go,¡± he said grumpily. ¡°Tell me!¡± she said, pouting. ¡°I had forgotten about her, but I remembered once you mentioned her.¡± ¡°So how did you rescue her?¡± He cast her a sidewards nce andughed. ¡°You want me to demonstrate on you?¡± He pushed her down on the bed. Xue Dongtingughed and pleaded for mercy. ¡°Alright alright, I get it.¡± Song Yumingughed it off and took her back up in his arms. ¡°Why do you keep asking about her?¡± ¡°You just saw her, could you not tell?¡± ¡°Mm? Tell what?¡± ¡°As soon as Rosecloud saw you she turned red all the way to the base of her neck. You¡¯re still ying dumb.¡± He thought for a moment, then couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°No way, you¡¯re full of it.¡± ¡°I am not full of it. My intuition is perfect. Rosecloud without a doubt has a thing for you.¡± ¡°So what was the meaning of bringing her over here?¡± He was frowning. ¡°Rosecloud is my big sister¡¯s maid, it¡¯s just that Lady Yu sent her to spy on my big sis. I wanted to win her over to our side, that¡¯s all.¡± Xue Dongting looked at her husband, smiling mischievously. Song Yuming was at a loss, then it hit him. ¡°Ah I get it. You were using your husband as bait! There¡¯s no way I¡¯m letting you off!¡± He rubbed the blue stubble on his chin across her smooth cheek over and over. She tried to squirm away,ughing. ¡°Handsome man as you, it¡¯d be a pity not to use the manly honey trap!¡± ¡°I may be handsome and dashing, it¡¯s just a shame you have to hog it all for yourself.¡± ¡°Ugh! Handsome and dashing? Where?¡± ¡°Since you can¡¯t tell, why do you want to hog it all?¡± Xue Dongting was speechless. She tried to pinch his leg, but his clothes were thick and she hadn¡¯t much strength, so it just felt like a little tickle to him. ¡°Harder.¡± She ignored him and looked outside. ¡°It¡¯s cloudy today. I think it might snow.¡± ¡°Mm, we¡¯ll just stay inside and do our own thing and not go out.¡± ¡°Ugh! Our own thing?¡± ¡°Why not? I chop wood, you mend clothes, aren¡¯t there a lot of things that need to be done?¡± Xue Dongting was really at a loss for words, so she simply said nothing. Song Yumingughed. ¡°But going back to what we were talking about earlier, don¡¯t make jokes in front of Rosecloud. She¡¯s a sensitive girl.¡± Xue Dongting hmphed and mumbled to herself, ¡°I¡¯m sensitive too!¡± ¡°Oh? I hadn¡¯t noticed¡­ Alright alright, don¡¯t go¡­ Dongting!¡± She sat back down and said menacingly, ¡°If you don¡¯t be nice I won¡¯t speak to you for three days!¡± Song Yuming nodded obediently,ughing. ¡°Do you have a nickname from when you were a child? Calling you Dongting is not intimate enough, plus your name is not very feminine.¡± Sheughed. ¡°Do you know why I¡¯m called Dongting?¡± ¡°Tell me.¡± ¡°Mama Qiao said she found me in a pavilion in the east end of the capital, so she called me Dongting¡­ I do have a pet name, Chudong, Early Winter. Can you guess why?¡± ¡°She found you during early winter?¡± Xue Dongting grinned happily and tapped the bridge of his nose and nodded. ¡°You¡¯re so smart!¡± Song Yuming nodded,ughing. ¡°It¡¯s kind of random, but your pet name sounds nice. And it just so happens that I married you in the winter, so from now on I will call you Ah Dong, Winter, how about that?¡± Chapter 56 - All Dead? Chapter 56: All Dead? Xue Dongting thought about it for a minute, then said, ¡°Then, what should I call you?¡± Song Yuming, always serious, said, ¡°Husband, naturally. I don¡¯t have a nickname for you to call me.¡± ¡°No fair!¡± she protested. Song Yuming smiled affectionately at her huffing little face and said gently, ¡°Then just call me Yuming.¡± ¡°Mm,¡± she said with a pleased nod. ¡°Let¡¯s see if the steamed buns are ready yet.¡± They tidied their clothes and went to the kitchen and opened the lid of the wok. The big buns were plump and smelled good. Song Yuming took them out and Dongting fried up some mustard greens and Song Yuming ate the greens and three steamed buns. After breakfast, Dongting looked for Song Yuming¡¯s wet clothes so she could wash them, but she couldn¡¯t find them. When she asked he told her he had left them on Old Zhang¡¯s boat. Xue Dongting was worried about them sitting out there in the winter cold all wet, afraid they might not be warm to wear anymore if not properly taken care of, so she sent him at once to the river to go get them. Song Yuming protested that there was no hurry, but Dongting would have none of it, and so he had no choice but to go out and to the ferry. In fact, those clothes had not been soaked in the river at all. During his fightst night with the pce assassins, he had left only one alive to report back and deliver a message for him, so his clothes were stained with blood, leaving him no choice but to get a change of clothes from Old Zhang. The bloody clothes were bound around a big stone and dropped into the river where it sank to the bottom. When he got to the ferry, Old Zhang was sitting on a stool on his boat. He looked up at Song Yuming, then quickly lowered his eyes and contemted his next move on the weiqi board. Song Yuming leapy aboard Old Zhang¡¯s boat and sat outside the cabin, looking out over the vast expanse of water. ¡°Wife didn¡¯t let you go back home or what? It¡¯s almost New Year¡¯s Eve, what are you doing sitting out here on your boat?¡± The old man picked up the wine gourd at his feet and took a swig and grimaced. ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter, I¡¯m used to the rocking of the water. If I¡¯m not on my boat I don¡¯t feel stable.¡± Song Yuming sighed lightly. ¡°Became a fisherman and still there¡¯s trouble.¡± Old Zhang gave him a squinting smile and then said tly, ¡°All dead?¡± ¡°I spared one, had him deliver a message for me.¡± Old Zhang shook his head. ¡°Whatever message you gave him will not reach that woman¡¯s ears. Even if it did, she wouldn¡¯t hear it. Does Dongting have any inkling of what¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°No.¡± Old Zhang shook his head. ¡°Clever girl like that, how could she not have some idea?¡± Song Yumingughed. ¡°You looking forward to her finding out about this dirty business?¡± ¡°You haven¡¯t told her because you want to protect her from the turmoil. But since you¡¯ve decided to keep it from her, you¡¯ll have to keep it locked up watertight. You can¡¯t let her discover any filthy part of it herself or else there will be a misunderstanding over nothing.¡± Song Yuming nodded. ¡°Any news from the capital?¡± ¡°Third Prince¡¯s influence is at its height.¡± ¡°I fear it won¡¯tst,¡± Song Yuming said without expression. ¡°Whether it does or not is already none of your concern.¡± ¡°Yes. Since I¡¯ve given it up, there¡¯s no reason for me to get involved again. Who bes ruler, what does any of that have to do with me?¡± Old Zhang picked up a ck stone from the deck and ced it on the weiqi board. At once the situation on the board was clear: ck would win, white would lose. The old man sighed. ¡°With all the upheaval going on right now, can a person in your position really stay out of it? Might be pretty tough¡­¡± They talked about some ordinary matters for a bit, then Song Yuming got up to leave and go back to his thatched hut. Xue Dongting saw him return empty-handed and said, ¡°Where¡¯s the clothes?¡± ¡°Old Zhang tossed them. They were old anyway, I don¡¯t want them. If you don¡¯t get rid of the old you can¡¯t enjoy the new. I¡¯ll wear the new set you made me.¡± Chapter 57 - Writing Spring Festival Couplets Chapter 57: Writing Spring Festival Couplets Xue Dongting frowned. ¡°How could Old Zhang just throw them away? I¡¯m certainly going to tell Sister Xu about this!¡± Song Yuming was still smiling, but to himself he thought, ¡°Old Zhang, ah, I¡¯m gonna have to let you take the heat on this one. It¡¯s no big deal, I¡¯ve done the same for you many a time and epted a lot of me in front of your wife!¡± Xue Dongting was still indignant. She pointed at the outer robe he wore. ¡°That¡¯s Old Zhang¡¯s right? Don¡¯t return it!¡± Song Yuming looked at his little wife and nodded, all serious. ¡°I won¡¯t return it and I¡¯ll give him what for!¡± He turned and went to the wardrobe and got the red paper they had bought. ¡°It¡¯s only three days till New Year¡¯s Eve, let¡¯s write Spring Festival couplets.¡± Xue Dongting looked at the red paper and quit arguing about the clothes. ¡°Let¡¯s think about what we should write.¡± ¡°We need three couplets, one for the courtyard gates, one for the main hall doors, and another for the kitchen. I¡¯ll think of the ones for the courtyard gate and the kitchen, youe up with one for the main hall doors? Sound good?¡± Xue Dongting nodded and pondered and soon had an idea. ¡°For the main hall, let¡¯s write ¡®Two zithers in harmony, maybe their spring be fruitful; Man and heaven in harmony makes the moon full¡¯, and for the horizontal scroll we can write ¡®Forever of One Mind.¡¯¡± Song Yuming paused, thenughed. ¡°Alright, that¡¯s a good one.¡± ¡°We just got married, so it¡¯s suitable. If you don¡¯t like it we can change to something else.¡± ¡°As long as youe up with it, I will like it.¡± Xue Dongting felt all warm and fuzzy inside when he said that. She asked softly, ¡°Do you have brush and ink?¡± ¡°There¡¯s a big brush in the drawer by the bed, and there should be an ink stick in the cab. I¡¯ll go check.¡± ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll clean off the table and cut the paper.¡± They were in ho hurry, leisurely cutting the paper and rubbing the ink, getting everything ready. Song Yuming dipped the big brush full of ink and handed it to Xue Dongting. ¡°You write the one for the main hall doors.¡± She was not confident in her calligraphy skills and quickly pushed the brush away. ¡°I¡¯m not writing it¡­ My calligraphy is not good.¡± Song Yuming thought his wife was just being modest. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter, as long as it¡¯s written by you.¡± She tried all she could to resist, but in the end she had to take up the big brush and did the best she could to write the couplet she had thought of onto the vermilion paper. Song Yuming looked at what she had written and was silent for some time. Xue Dongting asked diffidently, ¡°Is it bad?¡± Song Yuming pulled a long face and tried not tough. ¡°It¡¯s not bad. It will be good to paste beside the bedroom door¡­ It¡¯ll ward off evil spirits.¡± The first half sounded good to Xue Dongting¡¯s ears, but she lost it at thest part. ¡°I said I didn¡¯t want to write it but you made me so I did, and you still hate it! I¡¯m ignoring you, you do it by yourself.¡± Song Yuming quickly stepped in to block his wife,ughing. ¡°I don¡¯t hate it! I just can¡¯t believe these characters were written by you. They have a certain¡­ uh¡­ lovable purity to them. It¡¯s quite good, really good!¡± Xue Dongting hmphed. Of course she knew what he was getting at. She side-eyes him. ¡°You write one, I want to see how good your writing is!¡± He took the proffered brush and spread out a new sheet of red paper, drew up his sleeve, and his brush moved in vigorous strokes. He wrote ¡°Three months of spring, add to the splendor; the rivers and mountains will be magnificent all year¡±. Each character was strong and distinct, full of unaffected vitality. You could see the vigor with which he wrote them. Xue Dongting scrutinized it, and though she had to admire it, she acted all serious when she said, ¡°No good no good, what is this! This doesn¡¯t even look like a Spring Festival couplet!¡± Chapter 58 - Becoming Suspicious Chapter 58: Bing Suspicious Song Yuming quickly nodded and said modestly, ¡°Yes yes yes, My Ah Dong is right, I¡¯ll do as my wife says and rewrite it.¡± Xue Dongting dismissed this with a wave of the hand. ¡°Forget it forget it, it¡¯s fine. We¡¯ll run out of red paper soon!¡± Song Yumingughed this off and spread out another sheet of paper and wrote a couplet for the kitchen. Xue Dongting simply spread the three sheets of paper out on the bed to let the ink dry, then she rolled them up and sotwed them away in the cab to be pasted up on the morning of New Year¡¯s Eve. She cut the leftover red paper up into smaller sheets with a pair of scissors. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Song Yuming asked. ¡°Your wife can¡¯t write worth a darn, but her papercraft skills are first-rate. Before the new year, all the window decorations in Cloudgem Lodge will be her handiwork.¡± She was quite pleased with herself as she grabbed a sheet of the red paper and effortlessly cut out a ¡°lucky¡± character (¸£). She unfolded the paper to reveal the character in full and smiled at Song Yuming. ¡°This is really simple, and I can do a lot of different ones, like ¡°deer and crane in spring¡±, ¡°outstanding beauty¡±, ¡°hundred butterflies¡¯ love blossoms¡±, ¡°twelve animals of the zodiac¡±, etc. I can do them all. Which one do you want?¡± Song Yuming thought for a moment. ¡°Why not cut out two people, one for you and one for me, and we¡¯ll paste them together on the window sashes.¡± Xue Dongting lowered her head in thought. She could draw people, but it would be hard to do it and make them look lifelike. ¡°I¡¯ll give it a shot.¡± She grabbed another sheet and got to work. Song Yuming watched her with her head down, absorbed in her work, and he smiled but said nothing. After a while, she had the people cut out, one a man with his hair pinned up, the other a woman with her hair down. Sheughed. ¡°This is the best I can do, I can¡¯t make them look like us.¡± She suddenly had an idea and she went outside and got two small sticks and pasted one to each of the paper cutouts. She held up the woman one and gave Song Yuming the man one and said,ughing, ¡°I¡¯ll teach you a shadow y.¡± She moved the stick around and made the woman look like she was walking along. ¡°The wild flower flutters in the wind, as if it is pouring its heart out; the green grass trembles in the cold wind, tangling endlessly in longing. The early-green willow branch drops into the calm blue water, throwing the tender-hearted girl into turmoil. Why does spring alwayse right on time, but every year there is still no word from my husband, far away from home¡­¡± Song Yuming looked at his wife, his mind suddenly sprouting a seed of doubt. He knew what she was singing, it was a song called ¡°Step-Singing Girl¡±. The sister of a former emperor, Zhao Yan, and her husband had written it. The husband was a general who was unfortunately killed in battle, and Zhao Yan followed him in death by hanging herself. The story of their tragic love spread throughout the capital. Within ten years, the song ¡°Step-Singing Girl¡± spread throughout the imperial family in the capital. However, it only spread within the imperial family within the capital. How did Xue Dongting, way out here in a fishing vige by the eastern sea, know this song? Xue Dongting had no idea what he was thinking, but she saw him lost in thought and spoke up to snap him out of it. ¡°It¡¯s your turn to speak.¡± She took Song Yuming¡¯s paper figure and said, ¡°You¡¯re supposed to say: Now I return home in wealth and glory, and it is already spring in my home vige. I see the spring waters, the streams full of peach blossoms, and those dark hills like painted eyebrows, and none of it has changed at all¡­ What family¡¯s girl is this, so outstandingly beautiful, her face full of the vitality of spring? Miss, stay your beautiful steps, do you know what mistake you have made?¡± She took up her own paper figure and continued, ¡°General, sir, it¡¯s obvious your horse¡¯s hooves knocked over my bamboo basket, how can you say I am the one who made a mistake?¡± Song Yuming stared into her eyes and said softly, ¡°Your mistake is your otherworldly beauty, your lithe and graceful figure has made my hands ignore mymands. Your loose hair has spilled down and swelled my vision, I cannot see the paths or the mountains or rivers, only a sheet of pitch-ck¡­¡± Xue Dongting¡¯s heart sank and she looked up at him and said no more, her mind in a whirl. If Song Yuming had been a general then it was not unusual that he should havee in contact with and heard this song, but her, a singsong girl from a border town on the east coast should absolutely not know this song. Song Yuming asked softly, ¡°Dongting, where did you learn Step-Singing Girl?¡± Xue Dongting eyes flickered. ¡°Uh¡­ Mama Qiao taught it to me¡­¡± ¡°Mama Qiao?¡± ¡°Mm¡­¡± Song Yumingughed. But there was still doubt in his eyes. ¡°Mama Qiao knows about dragon saliva incense and also can sing ¡®Step-Singing Girl¡¯. Seems she must have been an eminent person in the capital.¡± Xue Dongting knew he was suspicious, but she spoke nonchntly, ¡°Mama Qiao was a famous courtesan in the capital, not some eminent person, though she befriended many such people. It¡¯s not strange for her to know about those things.¡± Song Yuming nodded, looking at her. ¡°Were your medical skills also taught to you by Mama Qiao?¡± ¡°What medical skills? It¡¯s just a smattering of knowledge I picked up here and there by reading some medical books in my spare time.¡± Song Yumingughed. ¡°Self-taught. Your medical insight is astounding. Some day I ought to take you to the mountains to pay a visit to the miraculous doctor, Xu Xingnong. A few pointers from him could really benefit you a lot.¡± ¡°Mm,¡± she said, and said nothing more. Song Yuming stood. ¡°I¡¯m going to the mountains to chop some firewood.¡± Xue Dongting nodded. She knew he was suspicious. If she tried to force and exnation now it would only make things worse, so she simply stayed silent except to tell him to be careful up in the mountains. Song Yuming shouldered a basket and went out the courtyard gates. There were two roads in front of the house, one leading to the mountains, the other leading to the ferry. He considered briefly, then took the path toward the mountains. There were some things he needed cleared up, but he didn¡¯t want to ask Mama Qiao. He wanted to let Dongting tell him herself. Xue Dongting sat fidgeting in the bedroom. It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t want to tell him about her previous life, but he wouldn¡¯t believe her if she told him something like that. That scene of carnage ten years ago was a nightmare for her, a nightmare she was unable toy bare to anyone else. At Cloudgem Lodge, a girl was wearing thin red camlet robe, amusing herself in the courtyard by kicking around a chicken feather shuttlecock. The shuttlecock was made from brightly-colored rooster tail feathers, and it went soaring high above the wall with each kick. Mama Qiao stood by the main hall doors and yelled, ¡°Yuansheng, get in here and cut some window decorations!¡± Yuansheng stuck out her tongue and continued kicking the shuttlecock as she said,ughing, ¡°Mama Qiao, what¡¯s the big hurry? We¡¯ll have some pasted up this year, don¡¯t worry.¡± Mama Qiao pinched her waist. ¡°Youzy girl, if you don¡¯t cut them out before New Year¡¯s Eve you won¡¯t get anything to eat!¡± Yuansheng rolled her eyes and picked up the shuttlecock and stamped off inside. She looked at the red paper and scissors on the table and scrunched up her delicate eyebrows and put her hands up to her cheeks, dejected. ¡°Second Sis is the best at cutting window decorations. I can¡¯t cut these. Cutting them poorly is the same as not getting anything to eat.¡± The girl grumbled to herself for a while, then suddenly her eyes flickered and she shifted her big shimmering eyes. She suddenly had an idea. She pped her hands happily and put the red paper and scissors into a bamboo basket, then grabbed two small bits of silver, hefted the basket, and stealthily made her way out of Cloudgem Lodge. Chapter 59 - A Frightening Thought Chapter 59: A Frightening Thought As Song Yuming made his way off the mountain with his load of firewood on his back, he happened to run into Yuansheng. The girl had gotten lost in the vige and was standing at the fork in the road looking around, holding a bamboo basket. She saw Song Yuming in the distance and jumped up and down and waved at him. Song Yuming came up to her and said, ¡°Third Sister? What are you doing here?¡± Grinning, Yuansheng said, ¡°Brother-inw, I came to see Second Sis. Your house is too hard to find. I asked several vigers, but they all told me something different.¡± Song Yuming smiled. ¡°Instead of admitting you¡¯re lost youin about the directions you were given. Follow me.¡± Yuansheng grinned. She noticed the firewood on his back and asked, ¡°Brother-inw, aren¡¯t you tired carrying all that on your back?¡± He shook his head and turned around. ¡°You came here by yourself?¡± ¡°Shh,¡± she said. ¡°Don¡¯t tell Second Sis or else she¡¯ll scold me.¡± Song Yuming nodded wearily. ¡°How is Mama Qiao? Your Second Sis has been worried about her.¡± ¡°Mama Qiao is fine. The whole street can hear her loud hollering.¡± ¡°Oh? Must be you not listening that made Mama Qiao have to reprimand you.¡± Yuansheng scratched her head awkwardly. ¡°Brother-inw, how can you be so blunt? Give me a bit of face.¡± Song Yuming had something on his mind, and now that Yuansheng was hear, he asked her offhand, ¡°What kind of books does your Second Sis usually like to read?¡± Yuansheng cocked her head to the side, thinking. ¡°So many, this and that. Poetry, ys, history, travelogues, supernatural stories and historical romances¡­ She reads everything.¡± Song Yuming nodded. ¡°So then she must have read a lot of medical books?¡± ¡°A few,¡± she said casually. He breathed a sigh of relief at that, but then Yuansheng continued, ¡°But Second Sis doesn¡¯t like medical books. She can¡¯t stand the smell of medicine!¡± Song Yuming was inwardly startled, but his face remained neutral. ¡°How can that be, your Second Sis is an expert in medicine. She can identify all kinds of medicinal herbs.¡± Yuansheng snickered. ¡°Brother-inw, you got it all wrong. Second Sis doesn¡¯t know the first thing about identifying herbs. She knows even less about that than I do.¡± Doubts once again flooded into Song Yuming¡¯s mind. He looked at Yuansheng. ¡°You¡¯re not kidding me are you?¡± Yuansheng frowned. ¡°Why would I kid you? Second Sis has never known anything about herbal medicine. I was with her all the time when we were growing up, I know better than anyone.¡± He could see that she was serious, which just made him feel all the more strange. Yuansheng was innocent and naive and not prone to lying. The night he ferried Wanqing across the river he had spoken to her, and Wanqing had said as well that Dongting didn¡¯t know anything about medicine. But if Wanqing and Yuansheng were telling the truth, then how did Dongting learn her medical skills? It hadn¡¯t juste from nowhere. Song Yuming suddenly felt a chill in his heart, and a frightening thought shed through his mind. He didn¡¯t believe in supernatural powers. In the past Dongting didn¡¯t know a thing about medicine, but now she knew it quite well, which left only one exnation: The current Dongting and the previous Dongting were not the same person! Perhaps when they got married, someone had secretly substituted one for another, and the one he was married to now was not Xue Dongting from Cloudgem Lodge but some other woman, a woman dispatched from the imperial court to keep an eye on him. Because of his secret identity, this conjecture made sense to him. He felt a chill run down his spine and he stopped in his tracks. ¡°Yuansheng,¡± he said softly, ¡°in a bit when we see Second Sis, take a good look at her and see if you can tell if there is anything different about her than she was before.¡± Yuanshengughed. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me Second Sis has gotten fat since she came here?¡± Song Yuming looked at her, his expression grave. ¡°Just take a good, careful look.¡± Song Yuming was big and tall anyway, and now this sudden serious change of tone made Yuansheng a bit scared. She nodded, her chest pounding, thinking her brother-inw had a bad temper. He¡¯d better not be bullying my Second Sis, or I¡¯ll go back and tell Mama Qiao! It was starting to get dark and Xue Dongting was simmering congee and cooking vegetables, putting tasty dishes on the table. But she was unsettled, as if something big was about to happen. The brazier in the room had not been lit and she pushed the window open to look out at the expansive sea, thinking about the dream she had had and feeling distressed. If the blue-d schr in her dream was right, then the will of Heaven was already set and there was no changing it. Then was Xue Dongting¡¯s fate to be buried under Third Prince¡¯s sword? She suddenly heard a knock at the door and she jumped. She knew it wasn¡¯t Song Yuming, so she hurried out to open the gates and see. It was that widow from the west end. Xue Dongting didn¡¯t like this woman, but she also didn¡¯t want an altercation, so she smiled and asked, ¡°Sister, is something the matter?¡± The woman smiled. ¡°Actually it¡¯s nothing, I just wanted to ask Little Sister about the sachet you made for He Xu some days ago. I wonder if you could show me how to make it?¡± Xue Dongting wasn¡¯t quite clear. She frowned. ¡°What sachet? When did I give He Xu a sachet. Sister, you must be remembering wrong?¡± The woman pulled a small pouch from her sleeve. ¡°Didn¡¯t Little Sister make this?¡± Xue Dongting looked at the pouch. It was the medicine bag she had prepared some days ago for Guang¡¯er. She couldn¡¯t help but get angry. ¡°That medicine bag is for treating the little boy¡¯s chronic asthma, why do you have it?¡± The woman flung the pouch directly at Xue Dongting and said coldly, ¡°Little Sister is aware that I was widowed at a young age. A few days ago a matchmaker came by to propose a marriage, one with Guang¡¯er¡¯s father, He Xu. I didn¡¯te for anything else except to give Little Sister a warning. Little Sister was once a singsong girl at Cloudgem Lodge, and your behavior there is of no consequence to me. But now that you are married, I would ask Little Sister not to interfere in the affairs of others, lest it lead to gossiping and harm Little Sister¡¯s reputation.¡± Xue Dongting was stunned at this tirade, yet she didn¡¯t get angry but put on a smile instead. She bent down and picked up the pouch and said, ¡°So Sister hase to instruct me on feminine virtue. Since Sister has broached the topic, I have a few words to say on that matter myself. ¡°First of all, this kind of talk should not being from your mouth. If I have acted improperly as a wife, then my husband will naturally reprimand me. Secondly, my husband helped me prepare the herbal medicine in this sachet, and it was he who personally delivered it to He Xu. I never handed it to He Xu as a token of affection, so Sister should watch her mouth. Thirdly, Sister has not yet married He Xu, so isn¡¯t it a bit much to run over here all in a huff and preach to me? Fourthly, I remember Sister made my husband a pair of shoes. My second day here you came here and brought them over. If Sister was with keeping to her feminine virtue, then you should not have done that. If people knew, then what sort of virtuousdy would you be taken for? Then I¡¯m afraid even He Xu would not want to marry you.¡± The woman¡¯s face was red and she was speechless at first. ¡°You¡­ You brothel prostitute, trying to threaten me!¡± Xue Dongting sneered, but was silent. Then she heard a voice say, ¡°She¡¯s my, Song Yuming¡¯s, wife, not some prostitute. Madame, please go home.¡± Chapter 60 - Misunderstanding Chapter 60: Misunderstanding Xue Dongting turned to see Song Yuming with a load of firewood on his backing toward them. She started when she saw a girl trailing along behind him. ¡°Yuansheng?¡± she said, stunned. Song Yuming, looking straight ahead, went right for Dongting and grabbed her hand and lead her into the courtyard. Yuansheng red daggers at the woman. ¡°Well? You¡¯re still here? How rude, hanging around other people¡¯s doorways!¡± The woman clenched her teeth and gave a big hmph and turned and left. Yuansheng stuck her tongue out after her, then jumped over the threshold and entered. She saw Second Sis andughed. ¡°Second Sis, aren¡¯t you pleasantly surprised to see me?¡± Xue Dongting was still all riled up from before. She looked at Yuansheng, then turned to Song Yuming. ¡°You went into town?¡± He said nothing. Yuansheng didn¡¯t want her Second Sis to know she had stole out, so she quickly winked at Song Yuming and nodded. ¡°Yep yep, I came with Brother-inw.¡± Xue Dongting felt wounded. She looked at Song Yuming and said, ¡°You went to Cloudgem Lodge to check out my background?¡± Song Yuming at this woman with a gloomy look all over her face and he didn¡¯t refute her. He just said neutrally, ¡°Do you have some kind of background I need to check up on?¡± Yuansheng didn¡¯t know what was going on, but she could tell the air was getting tense with their quarrel. She hurried over and took Xue Dongting by the arm and said in a low voice, ¡°Second Sis, I¡­ I came here on my own¡­¡± Xue Dongting wasn¡¯t about to listen to Yuansheng at a time like this. She red at Song Yuming with that mysterious look in his eyes and snickered. ¡°My background?¡± That snicker trampled ruthlessly all over his heart, but he didn¡¯t back down. He said sedately, ¡°Just who are you?¡± Xue Dongting closed her eyes and kept them shut for some time. Slowly she opened them and said sadly, ¡°And what if I¡¯m not Xue Dongting?¡± Song Yuming said nothing. He didn¡¯t know. If this woman wasn¡¯t Xue Dongting of Cloudgem Lodge, he didn¡¯t know what he would do. If she was a spy sent from the imperial court, would he be heartless enough to kill her? Yuansheng was thoroughly baffled by their conversation. She sniffled. She had caused a big mess. She quickly said to Song Yuming, ¡°She¡¯s just my Second Sis, she¡¯s Xue Dongting!¡± Song Yuming shouted abruptly, ¡°Look clearly!¡± Yuansheng was frightened by his sudden outburst and tears welled up in her eyes. ¡°Why are you being so mean! I¡¯m not talking to you. Second Sis, let¡¯s go!¡± She took Xue Dongting by the arm and headed outside. Xue Dongting looked back at Song Yuming, feeling unspeakably saddened. So Song Yuming, the one you only wanted to marry the Xue Dongting from Cloudgem Lodge? All this time together you couldn¡¯t tell whether I was sincere or not, in the end what am I to you? She was dragged out by Yuansheng and didn¡¯t say a word. Song Yuming just stood there, watching the woman disappear into the darkness. He didn¡¯t go after her. This steelhearted man, bathed in the blood of battle, was so upset he felt numb. Yuansheng dragged Xue Dongting to the riverbank. She was thoroughly frightened to see her big sis with that nk look on her face. She shook Dongting¡¯s arm and said in a low voice, ¡°Second Sis, what¡¯s wrong? You¡¯re my Second Sis, how could you say you aren¡¯t Xue Dongting? That man is really bad! So mean, he doesn¡¯t even know who you are?¡± Xue Dongting turned to Yuansheng. ¡°What did he say to you when you two wereing back together?¡± Yuansheng scrunched her brows, thinking. ¡°Nothing much, he just asked what books you liked to read. So strange, he also said you were really good with medicine and could identify a lot of herbs. He had it so wrong!¡± Xue Dongtingughed and said sadly, ¡°I see. He doesn¡¯t believe I am Xue Dongting. But what does it matter if I¡¯m Xue Dongting or not? Was my name and identity all he cared about?¡± She suddenly thought of something and gave a start. She reached up and rubbed her cheeks, tears falling. ¡°Does he suspect I am someone else in disguise? Is my face all he cares about?¡± She looked to the heavens, tears falling like rain. Yuansheng was dumbfounded. She sobbed, ¡°Second Sis, don¡¯t be like this, you¡¯re my Second Sis.¡± Xue Dongting looked at Yuansheng. ¡°Hurry on back to Cloudgem Lodge.¡± Yuansheng eyes her cautiously and muttered, ¡°Let¡¯s go back together.¡± ¡°No, I have something to do.¡± She wiped her tears and took Yuansheng to the ferry. She saw Old Zhang standing on the deck of his boat, about to set off. Old Zhang nced and caught sight of Xue Dongting and grinned. ¡°Girl, it¡¯s freezing out here, what are you doing here?¡± Xue Dongting smiled and pulled Yuansheng along. ¡°This is my Third Sister. Big Brother Zhang, may I trouble you to take her to the other side?¡± ¡°Eh?¡± Old Zhang said. ¡°Where is Song Yuming?¡± ¡°He¡­ went to the mountains to fetch some firewood.¡± Old Zhang nodded. ¡°I was just about to go across to buy some wine. Miss, quick,e on aboard.¡± Yuansheng looked at Xue Dongting, still concerned. ¡°Hurry on back.¡± Xue Dongting pushed her forward, then turned around and started back. Mama Qiao frowned. She knew everything was a big mess. She stamped her foot. For sure she was going to tell Mama Qiao all about this when she got back and make her go scold Song Yuming, that infuriating guy. Song Yuming went inside and looked at the food already cold on the table. He knit his ck brows. In fact, it wasn¡¯t Xue Dongting¡¯s looks he cared about. He was just depressed. If his wife was not Xue Dongting from Cloudgem Lodge, but a spy from the imperial pce in the capital, then was how much of the time they had spent together was real? He wanted to go after Xue Dongting and question her, but he feared that if he stopped her he might learn some more things he did not want to know. He was avoiding. Just likest time when he had an inkling from talking to Wanqing. It¡¯s not that he didn¡¯t want to ask Xue Dongting and make things clear, he was just afraid the answer would be something he did not want to hear. Song Yuming sighed lightly. Whether that woman was really Xue Dongting or not, he was already deeply in love with her. Outside the cold wind raged. Had she gone back to Cloudgem Lodge? Would she catch cold? Had she been crying her eyes out? His mind was in a whirl, he didn¡¯t know what to do. Song Yuming nowadays was no longer the resolute killer. His mind had been affected by a woman and he could not extricate himself. He heaved sigh after sigh. If the one on the Dragon Throne had sent a woman to throw his mind into chaos, then that person has seeded He suddenly pounded the table over and over with his fist and two porcin bowls were crushed to powder at once. He didn¡¯t understand, the one on the Dragon Throne was his elder brother! He had waged war on the battlefield and shouldered a bad name to make his elder brother the ruler. He had given up the Dragon Throne, had given up his childhood sweetheart ande alone to this fishing vige on the east coast, but it was still not enough to put the emperor¡¯s mind at ease! Song Yuming sneered a few times and raged, ¡°Why? Why?¡± The thatched cottage rustled and shook in the bitter wind, as if it trembled in fear at his fury. Chapter 61 - Unforeseen Developments Chapter 61: Unforeseen Developments Xue Dongting stood outside the courtyard gates, listening to Song Yuming¡¯s raging question, and she was stunned. She hesitated whether to go in or not, but then she heard a chilling voice behind her ear say gravely, ¡°Don¡¯t move! You¡¯d better listen nicely unless you want a bloody hold in your neck!¡± Xue Dongting was startled, she felt an ice-cold dagger against her throat. ¡°Who¡­ Who are you?¡± The person didn¡¯t answer but said, ¡°Call Song Yuming out here.¡± Xue Dongting was frozen, unable to move, but her mind was racing. ¡°Song Yuming won¡¯te out,¡± she said sadly. ¡°He won¡¯t ever trust me again.¡± She felt a cold sting at her throat as the person applied pressure, the de just cutting into her flesh. ¡°Don¡¯t try to trick me. Hurry up and call him out here.¡± Xue Dongting didn¡¯t dare do anything rash. She knocked on the courtyard gates lightly and called out, ¡°Song Yuming,e out here.¡± The person spun and hid to one side, the dagger in one hand still pressed against her throat, his other hand wielding a cocked crossbow, aimed through the crack between the doors at the main hall gates. Xue Dongting was pale with fright, but she dared not cry out. Not because she was afraid to die, but because she feared it would make Song Yuminge out even quicker. She clenched her fists, her heart lodged in her throat. Inside, Song Yuming heard the call and froze, then jumped up and pushed the doors open and went out. The main hall doors opened with a creak and just at that moment, Xue Dongting suddenly shot her elbow back and rammed it into the man behind her. He had been focused on getting ready to shoot Song Yuming, so he was not expecting Xue Dongting. The jolt knocked the crossbow to the side and the bolt was loosed by the trigger and whined off and chunked into the main hall door where ity lodged, the shaft quivering. An unforeseen development! The man was furious at missing the mark and he pped Xue Dongting in the face. Blood spurted oozed out of the corner of her mouth and there was a scratch at the edge of her cheek from his strike, but she ignored the pain and struggled and called out, ¡°Song Yuming, watch out¡­¡± Then there was no sound. No one came out of the main hall doors, but there was a crash and a dark figure burst through the window, Song Yuming holding a sword. He didn¡¯t run for the courtyard gates, but use his light, nimble feet and leapt over the courtyard wall andnded on a branch of an ancient sophora tree on the other side. At the gates stood the man in ck, his dagger still held at Xue Dongting¡¯s throat, but she had already been knocked unconscious. The man sneered, ¡°Come one step closer and I¡¯ll kill her.¡± There was a murderous look in Song Yuming¡¯s eyes. ¡°Who are you?¡± he said sternly. ¡°Someone put a price of a thousand gold on your head.¡± ¡°This is men¡¯s business, women should not be dragged into it. Let her go and you and I can have it out.¡± The man gave a sinisterugh. ¡°Prince Yu, Your Highness, with you living out here in seclusion, I wonder if your sword has rusted?¡± Song Yuming snorted and sneered, ¡°Whether you were aware or not, you were a dead man the moment you epted this assassination assignment.¡± The man flinched, his eyes cold and dim. Song Yuming continued, ¡°Whether I die or not, there¡¯s no way you wille out alive. Regardless if you¡¯re a jianghu hitman or imperial pce henchman, the one who sent you to assassinate me will not spare your life. As soon as you take my head and report back, it will be your head that falls next.¡± The man in ck sneered, ¡°Who would have thought that Your Highness, Prince Yu, is not only an excellent killer on the battlefield, but you¡¯re also fond of scaremongering.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not scaremongering. I have my own strategy.¡± The man in ck studied Song Yuming, then looked at the woman who had been knocked out with a press to her acupoint, and he was silent for a time. Then he raised his head and said coldly, ¡°Let¡¯s make a trade with Your Highness.¡± ¡°Go on.¡± ¡°If I don¡¯t kill you I will have to deal with a lot of court assassinsing after me. A fugitive life among the jianghu will require some funds.¡± ¡°Keep going.¡± ¡°Your Highness will prepare a hundred taels of gold and I will not harm the princess consort. What do you say to that deal?¡± ¡°Alright!¡± ¡°Haha, Prince Yu is straightforward, sure enough. But now is not the time for the exchange. If I let the princess consort go, but you don¡¯t let me off, then what good would that be? If I recall, there is a precipitous cliff nearby. How about this, at the hour of the rabbit, at first light, I¡¯ll take the princess consort to the bottom of the cliff. You go up to the top. You leave the gold, I leave the woman. Sound good?¡± Song Yuming fixed him with a hard look and said coldly, ¡°If you harm a single hair on her head, I will make your life a living hell. I may be living in seclusion here, but if I want to take your life it will be an easy matter. So you had better not try anything funny.¡± The man in ckughed. ¡°I make my living among the jianghu, naturally I am aware of Your Highness, Prince Yu¡¯s methods. Then I shall take my leave. Of course I will treat the princess consort with the utmost respect.¡± Song Yuming put his sword behind his back and watched the man in ck carry Xue Dongting off. His brows were furrowed, his face grave. He drifted down to the ground and went inside to the kitchen and lit an oilmp and then went down into the cer. In the corner of the room he moved a heavy trunk made of agarwood and pried it open with the tip of his sword. Under the feeblemplight, the innards of the trunk glittered gold. Song Yuming looked at the gold. ¡°A thousand taels of gold for my head, what a generous emperor.¡± That night there was no moon. Along the riverbank there was a cliff with a waterfall. It was about fifty feet high with a reef of rock below it. A person at the top of the cliff could clearly see the bottom of the cliff. In the hazy predawn light, the sound of a fisherman¡¯s song came wafting over the water as Old Zhang anchored his boat in the center of the river and looked off at the back of the resolute figure standing atop the cliff in the distance. The old man mumbled to himself, ¡°Why bother with a trade? I can guarantee I could get that girl back safe and sound, but you don¡¯t want to do it that way, instead willing to pay a hundred taels of gold. General Who Pacified the Border, Prince Yu, Your Highness, when did you be so timid?¡± At the hour of the rabbit, a ray of sunlight burst out over the surface of the sea and shone on the pointed contours of Song Yuming¡¯s face. He looked down the cliff and saw Xue Dongting leaning against the reef, still unconscious, a scab already forming over the wound on her cheek, the cold wind blowing her ck hair around. Beside her crouched the man in ck. ¡°It¡¯s time,¡± Song Yuming called down. The man in ck stood and called back, ¡°There¡¯s two paths. Youe down the east path and I¡¯ll go up the west path. I had no choice in this matter, I ask Prince Yu¡¯s benevolent forgiveness, and that you not give me a hard time.¡± ¡°You talk too much,¡± Song Yuming said icily. He whisked his sleeve and set off down the eastern path. The man in ck said no more and ascended the western path. Song Yuming reached the bottom of the cliff at the same time the man in ck reached the top. The man saw ten gold barsid out on a rock and he picked them up and packed them in his sleeves and called out, ¡°The road of the jianghu is long, much thanks, Prince Yu, for this reward.¡± Song Yuming paid no attention but stooped down and picked Xue Dongting up. He inspected the wounds on her throat and cheek and he frowned, pained, his heart aching. He kneaded acupoints all over Dongting¡¯s body, and before long she began toe to. When she saw Song Yuming she was startled. ¡°You¡¯re¡­ You¡¯re not hurt?¡± Song Yuming¡¯s eyes were welling up and he held had tightly in his arms. Chapter 62 - In a Huff (1) Chapter 62: In a Huff (1) Xue Dongting suddenly coughed several times and Song Yuming quickly loosened his grip on her adn asked, ¡°Are you alright?¡± Xue Dongting looked at him nkly, seeing anxiousness in those pitch-ck eyes. She turned her face away, tears spilling out. ¡°It¡¯s none of your business if I¡¯m alright or not. Since I¡¯m not Xue Dongting, you don¡¯t need to act like you care about me.¡± Song Yuming hesitated, frowning at her. For a long time he said nothing. Xue Dongting had been hoping to get him to say that he didn¡¯t care who she was, but he just stood there like a block of wood saying nothing. Fury rose in her heart and she sneered, ¡°So I see whether I really am Xue Dongting really is so important to you, just go find the real Xue Dongting. Let go of me.¡± Song Yuming held her tight, not letting go. He held her as he stood up and walked off toward home. Xue Dongting pounded his chest and shoulders with both her fists, crying out, ¡°Let me go, you¡¯re kidnapping an ordinary woman¡­ Let me go¡­ Let me go!¡± He let her fists softly pummel him, his pitch-ck eyes unusually determined. They made it back to the thatched cottage and heid her down on the bed, ignoring her struggles as he covered her with the quilt. ¡°I¡¯ll go light the brazier and boil some water.¡± Xue Dongting had been shouting all the way home so that now her throat was parched and she had no more energy left to shout anymore. She closed her eyes and ignored him as if he wasn¡¯t there. Song Yuming gently wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes and turned and left the room. Soon he came back with a brazier. No matter how many times he came in and out, Xue Dongting kept her eyes shut and ignored him. The room was nice and warm and she was wearing a cotton-lined robe and was under the quilt, so her forehead was beaded with sweat. She was about to push the quilt off when she heard footsteps outside the door grow heavier and heavier. She frowned and turned over on her side to face the wall, but her cheek stung when it touched the pillow, stinging so it made her groan. She touched it and her finger came away bloody. She shot up in bed in rm, her hand covering her face in shock. Song Yuming came in carrying a big wooden tub which was steaming. Xue Dongting turned to look and knew it was a big wooden bathtub. It had been in the cer all winter and no one had used it. She was worried about her face and paid no mind to Song Yuming as she threw off the covers and grabbed the mirror on the nightstand by the bed. She discovered a long bloodstain at the edge of her cheek. She was shocked and her eyes were soon brimming with tears. Women cherish their looks. Any woman who saw such a long cut running down her cheek would be heartbroken. Song Yuming set down the big tub of hot water and ran over to her. He took the mirror and tried tofort her. ¡°It¡¯s alright, Ah Dong. The wound is superficial and won¡¯t leave a scar.¡± She was feeling hurt through and through because Song Yuming had angrily doubted her, and now with this damned nuisance, she couldn¡¯t hold back her tears. Song Yuming was at a loss as to what to do. Heforted in a low voice, ¡°Ah Dong, don¡¯t cry¡­¡± She wiped her tears and looked at the wooden tub. She could smell the medicinal herbs that had been added to the hot water to induce sweating, so she knew Song Yuming was afraid she had caught a cold, so he had boiled all this hot water to make her sweat. Even though she knew this, her face was still stony and without expression. ¡°You get out.¡± Song Yuming didn¡¯t quite understand. ¡°You don¡¯t take me as your wife. I want to take a bath, so what are you doing in here? Don¡¯t you know it¡¯s improper for unmarried men and women toe in contact with each other?¡± Song Yuming felt helpless. He knew his wife was angry. He thought for a moment, then said, ¡°I¡¯ll go boil some more water.¡± He took up two water kettles and went out and fastened the door. Xue Dongting went to the tub. Steam was rising off the water and there was herbal medicine floating around in it. Probably Song Yuming had had Old Zhang buy it in town for him. She undressed and sat in the water and carefully sshed water on her face to wash the blood off. She realized the wound was not deep at all and she rxed and washed herself well. The door creaked open and Song Yuming came in with the kettles of hot water. Xue Dongting quickly grabbed a towel and covered her breasts and said icily, ¡°Don¡¯t you know to knock before youe in?¡± Song Yuming saw his little wife in the water with her shoulders exposed and he gulped and quickly looked away and didn¡¯t look at her. He went and tested the water temperature and slowly poured the water into the tub. ¡°If it¡¯s too hot, let me know.¡± He looked straight ahead the whole time. Xue Dongting looked up into the man¡¯s calm face and it irritated her. She just wanted him to lower his voice and apologize. She said in an icy tone, ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± Song Yuming frowned. ¡°This water shouldn¡¯t be too hot.¡± ¡°Your skin is thick and rough, of course it¡¯s not too hot for you, but I can¡¯t stand it.¡± She was fuming. ¡°Put the kettles down and I¡¯ll pour it myself. Go on and get out.¡± He had no choice but to say ¡°Mm¡± and he moved the table closer to the tub and set the kettles on it so she could reach them, then he turned and left the room. She dawdled about for a long time in the tub, then put in an inner robe andy down in bed again. The robe had been made from the clouds and mist silk they had bought in town. It was thin and light, and you could even faintly see her red satin dudou underneath. That one day Xu Ying had joked that she should make a dudou out of that silk and Xue Dongting had given her hell for it. In the end, there had been no use for the dudou, and who could have known the same would be true for the inner robe. Xue Dongting didn¡¯t pay attention to any of that,ying there in bed still angry at Song Yuming. He waited out in the courtyard for a long time, then when he saw no movement inside he finally figured it was time and he pushed the doors open and looked in to see his little wifeying in bed holding the mirror and looking at her face. He hair was damp, and the red shoulder strap showed through clouds and mist silk, looking indescribably sexy. She heard the sound and looked up and nced at Song Yuming as if she didn¡¯t even see him, then looked back down into the mirror. Song Yuming smiled. The floor was covered with water, but he paid no attention. He rummaged in the cab and found a small porcin bottle and went over to the bed and handed it to her. ¡°This is wound ointment. Apply it to the wound and it won¡¯t leave a scar.¡± She rolled her eyes. ¡°What is it to you if it leaves a scar or not!¡± She still took the bottle though and opened it and caught a whiff of cool, spicy camphor and she knew it was wound ointment. She got a little of it on her finger and gently applied it to her cheek and throat. It felt cool and refreshing. Song Yuming watched her, the corner of his mouth twitching, wanting to say something, but not knowing how to begin. Although Xue Dongting was absorbed in applying the medicine, she was watching him out of the corner of her eye and saw him hesitating, wanting to say something to make things better, and her anger reduced by half. She still kept a straight face and said nothing to him. ¡°Ah Dong¡­¡± That was all he said. ¡°Mm?¡± she said. ¡°Who¡¯s Ah Dong?¡± Chapter 63 - In a Huff (2) Chapter 63: In a Huff (2) Xue Dongtingy in bed all day reading, paying no attention to Song Yuming¡¯s attentive waiting on her. She didn¡¯t even allow him into bed at night, so he had to take a quilt and go to the woodshed. Big tall man like him sleeping in there with the woodpile, thinking that tomorrow was New Year¡¯s Eve and how vexing everything was right now, it made this Prince Yu who had oncemanded 300,000 cavalry and soldiers depressed as could be. Xue Dongting gently pushed the window open a crack. It was pitch-ck inside the woodshed and a cold wind was blowing. ¡°Bah!¡± the little wife spat. She muttered, ¡°I said to leave so you did. Howe you never listened so well before!¡± Actually, it was in that she was not willing to tell of her history from her past life ten years ago, and Song Yuming, in the dark, just wanted to make things clear, so what was wrong wit that? But Xue Dongting seemed to think herself in the right as she grumbled in a low voice, ¡°Is it so hard to admit you were wrong? Stubborn ass!¡± She thought and thought. In the end she still was worried about her husband being out in the woodshed in the cold. She grumbled as she draped a robe over herself and got out of bed and went outside to the woodshed. She gnashed her teeth as she walked, cursing herself for being softhearted, still worried about that blockhead getting cold. She got to the woodshed but hesitated for a bit without speaking. Inside, Song Yuming heard movement and got up and pushed the door open. He saw his little wife standing quietly in front of the door and he frowned and reprimanded her, ¡°What are you doing standing there!¡± Xue Dongting was taken aback. Alright, I came because I was worried about you, but you want to be that way and act like a big man, talking so mean to me! Angered, she said, ¡°What are you so mean for. Master Song, you have such a bad temper!¡± Song Yuming wasn¡¯t being mean, he was just worried she would catch cold out here in the freezing wind. He took hold of her and dragged her back to the nice, warm bedroom. Xue Dongting wanted to jerk out of his big hand¡¯s grasp, but she was too weak. He didn¡¯t let her go until they were before the bed. He said, ¡°This is just my way, I raise my voice easily. An old habit from my army days. I really wasn¡¯t trying to be mean to you.¡± She saw he looked serious and she tried hard to keep a straight face, but she couldn¡¯t help butugh. She simply turned andy back down and pulled the quilt over her. She couldn¡¯ty on her side because of her injury, so she covered her face with a silk handkerchief. Song Yuming sighed lightly, followed by the rustling of him undressing. She felt cold under the covers, then a guy was in there with her. She quickly faced the wall and moved over. ¡°Who said you could sleep here, get away, get away!¡± Song Yuming took the handkerchief off her face with his big hand. In the dim light of the oilmp he saw her seductive eyes closed, her longshes quivering. The man took a deep breath and reach out and pulled her into the crook of his big arm. Xue Dongting opened her eyes and pushed at him with both hands. ¡°You¡¯re freezing, move away a bit!¡± Song Yuming held her little hands and lowered his voice, ¡°Your hands are colder than mine, let me warm them for you.¡± She hmphed and rubbed her ice-cold feet on his big legs. He drew his legs back and naughtily sped her feet between them. ¡°Ah Dong, don¡¯t leave me.¡± She turned around. ¡°I¡¯m not Ah Dong!¡± He sighed. ¡°Whatever your name is, you¡¯re my wife.¡± She hmphed again and said indifferently. ¡°If that¡¯s so, then what was all that questioning aboutst night?¡± Song Yuming held her face in his hands and said gently, ¡°Even if you were sent by the emperor to kill me, I will happily die under your soft, gentle de.¡± Xue Dongting knit her brows and couldn¡¯t help but say, ¡°Sent by the emperor? Don¡¯t wrongly use me!¡± Song Yuming stared into her suspicious eyes. He didn¡¯t quite get it. ¡°If you¡¯re not Xue Dongting from Cloudgem Lodge, then who are you if not someone sent from the imperial pce?¡± She pouted, ¡°Then just take me as someone sent from the pce then!¡± There was nothing he could do with her. Anxious, he said, ¡°Just what is going on?¡± She saw how anxious he was and her heart softened. She said in a low voice, ¡°You go first, why would someone be trying to assassinate you?¡± ¡°Because¡­ of who I am.¡± ¡°I know, you¡¯re a battle-hardened general.¡± He looked at her and couldn¡¯t help but shake his head. He thought, Ah Dong doesn¡¯t know who I am, and she has no martial arts ability. Oh, Song Yuming, Song Yuming, how could you be so stupid to think she was a spy sent by the emperor! ¡°Ah Dong, a general is only part of my identity. Actually, I¡­ I am the emperor¡¯s little brother.¡± Xue Dongting was shocked. She remembered one prince, one who had retired from public life and lived in seclusion, the emperor¡¯s younger brother, His Highness, Prince Yu! ¡°You¡¯re¡­ You¡¯re Prince Yu?¡± She looked at the man before her, stunned. She ought to have known it all earlier, there was only one general prince who had retired to live in seclusion, and that was His Highness, Prince Yu. How had she not thought of that! ¡°You know Prince Yu?¡± She didn¡¯t want to hide it any longer. She nodded slightly. ¡°Yes. I know His Highness, Prince Yu.¡± ¡°I came to this little fishing vige to live in seclusion only to lead a peaceful life. Unfortunately, the reigning Son of Heaven cannot stop worrying.¡± Song Yuming clenched his fist, anger clouding his eyes. Xue Dongting gently rubbed her head against the blue stubble on his chin and said softly, ¡°Hubby, I¡¯ll be with you no matter what.¡± Song Yuming¡¯s heart shook. He looked down at her. ¡°It¡¯s my fault¡­ I shouldn¡¯t have doubted you.¡± She kneaded the space between his brows with her finger. ¡°Don¡¯t frown,¡± she said softly. ¡°Alright.¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to ask how I know about Prince Yu? Aren¡¯t you going to ask howe I suddenly know medicine? Aren¡¯t you going to ask who I am?¡± Song Yuming held her tight and murmured, ¡°It¡¯s not important.¡± What was important was he knew the woman in his arms truly needed him, and wanted to live hand in hand with him till they were old. ¡°Actually, I am Xue Dongting, Xue Dongting from Cloudgem Lodge,¡± she mumbled to herself. ¡°When I was little Mama Qiao brought use here from the capital. I¡¯m a girl who made her living as a performer in the brothels. That widow from the west end was right, I¡¯m just a brothel girl.¡± ¡°Not since the moment you married me. Since then you have been my wife.¡± That made her feel all warm and fuzzy inside. After a moment she continued, ¡°As for why I know so much about capital stuff, why I went from knowing nothing about medicine to being an expert, I fear if I tell you you won¡¯t believe me. Let¡¯s just say¡­ Let¡¯s just say I went through a long, long dream.¡± ¡°Dream?¡± ¡°Yes, a very long dream. Ten years long. In that dream I went through many many things, and saw all the awfulness of the capital. Even I don¡¯t know why I woke from that dream and then married you. You tell me¡­ which is the dream? I¡¯m very afraid. Right now I¡¯m lying in your arms, is this all just a dream too?¡± Song Yuming gently pinched her cheek. ¡°It¡¯s not a dream.¡± Chapter 64 - Plum Green to Obtain Plum Wine Chapter 64: Plum Green to Obtain Plum Wine Xue Dongting nuzzled against him and said cutely, ¡°It didn¡¯t hurt at all. Pinch me again.¡± ¡°Mm,¡± Song Yuming said, and he reached for her waist and gave her a light pinch, causing her to twist around to get away from him. ¡°Not there,¡± sheughed. ¡°It tickles!¡± The man smiled calmly. ¡°Alright, I won¡¯t touch there, I¡¯ll touch somewhere else.¡± That night, of course, they made love, all night long until the sixteen-year-old new bride continually pleaded for mercy, then he finally let her rest. Early the next morning came the explosions of firecrackers, ringing in the new year atmosphere with the ck powder from strings of firecrackers wafting into their house. Xue Dongting turned over, changing her position in her husband¡¯s arms, snoring lightly, her hair all disheveled. Song Yuming was already awake. He pulled the quilt over her ears, afraid the noise from the firecrackers would disturb her. He, however, was very much in the mood to study her, counting her long eyshes. It was cold in the little room, but the bed was nice and toasty. After the time it takes for three incense sticks to burn, a loud bang of firecrackers crackled for a long time and Xue Dongting¡¯s eyshes fluttered and she slowly opened her eyes, those seductive eyes, still drowsy. Song Yuming said in a low voice, ¡°Such a long string of firecrackers, must be from Old Zhang¡¯s wife¡¯s ce.¡± ¡°Mm,¡± Xue Dongting murmured, and she buried her head in his chest and mumbled, ¡°My legs are sore.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll massage them for you.¡± And his big hands went probing for her legs and gently kneaded them. After a while she said, ¡°Is your martial arts good?¡± ¡°¡­ It¡¯s alright.¡± ¡°What do you mean it¡¯s alright? If it¡¯s good it¡¯s good.¡± He couldn¡¯t helpughing. ¡°It¡¯s not that great, because there are many great masters among the jianghu.¡± ¡°Oh¡­ Then why did you want to leave the capital? Wouldn¡¯t the throne be pretty easy for you to obtain?¡± He thought about it, but didn¡¯t give an answer. Instead, he asked, ¡°So then do you want me to return to the capital?¡± She put her arm around his neck and said softly, ¡°No!¡± Song Yuming sighed, his eyes drifting to the light filtering through the window paper. ¡°Obtaining the throne and keeping it are neither easy. Person like me, who likes to wander around nature to my heart¡¯s content, I don¡¯t want to give promations from the dragon throne, and I don¡¯t want to get involved with endless schemes and intrigues.¡± There was much weariness and turbulence in his voice. Xue Dongting nodded. She knew that feeling, she felt it deeply. The man before her was just like her, once at the center of power and authority, but dazed and wearied by it. They had each left the capital ande out here to the peaceful countryside. ¡°Yuming, don¡¯t go. I¡¯m not going either. Let¡¯s just spend the rest of our days here, okay?¡± An odd look shed through Song Yuming¡¯s eyes, but he said nothing. Xue Dongting was slighting taken aback and she held him tight. In hear heart of hearts she was afraid, afraid this man would ultimately leave, afraid that eventually he would return to vie for the glory of his former days. ¡°His Majesty already knows I¡¯m here. I don¡¯t want to contend with him, but he just won¡¯t let me off¡­ Ah Dong, wait till spring and we¡¯ll take a trip out to sea.¡± She pondered this, then asked, ¡°And we won¡¯te back?¡± ¡°We¡¯ll wait it out a while, then we¡¯lle back.¡± ¡°Alright. Wherever you go, I¡¯ll go too.¡± ¡°It¡¯s just that the sea can be stormy and treacherous. I¡¯m afraid to put you in danger.¡± ¡°Your glory is my glory, your loss my loss.¡± Xue Dongting looked at him and kissed him on the lips. ¡°I will be with you always,¡± she said softly. Song Yuming smiled and put his arm around her head. ¡°Alright. Then we¡¯ll take some provisions and go to an ind and built a house there. I¡¯ll cultivate thend and fish, and you, you can cook and raise some animals. We¡¯ll be the most ordinary of couples. Then in half a year or so we¡¯lle back.¡± ¡°Even if I¡¯m with you on a deserted ind to the end of my days, I¡¯ll be happy¡­ I still want to give you a child.¡± She rubbed her belly. ¡°Big Sis is pregnant, I want a baby too. Howe I still feel no kicking?¡± Song Yumingughed. ¡°Then I¡¯ll work harder and give you a child.¡± ¡°Ugh! Pervert!¡± ¡°Only toward you. Have you ever seen me act bad toward any other woman?¡± Xue Dongting rolled her eyes. ¡°Who knows!¡± ¡°I really haven¡¯t!¡± He was about to swear by Heaven, but she put her hand over his mouth. ¡°Who asked you to swear! Anyway,ter when we go to the ind I¡¯ll be the only woman there. Let¡¯s see who you treat badly then!¡± ¡°Only you, Ah Dong, only you.¡± He pulled her into his arms and he kissed her deeply, leaving them both a bit out of breath at the end. She could see where this was going and put a stop to it, pleading, ¡°I can¡¯t take anymore¡­ Go¡­ Go paste up the Spring Festival couplets.¡± Heughed. ¡°I¡¯ll let you off for now.¡± He got up and got dressed. She sat up too and Song Yuming eyed her inner robe andughed amusingly. ¡°That robe looks really good.¡± She blushed and grumbled, ¡°Looks good my ass, you pervert!¡± They both changed and got up and went to the kitchen. They boiled water and washed their faces, and Dongting cooked some noodles and stir-fried a mess of salty greens and they ate the noodles. They boiled up some paste and tore down the old couplets fromst year and Xue Dongting took the paste and brushed it on the door with a pine branch. Song Yuming then took the fresh new red strips and affixed them neatly in ce. They were busy with this for close to two hours, going from the inner rooms to the outer ones, and the little house suddenly took on a festive feeling. They went inside and Song Yuming took Xue Dongting¡¯s hands in his and blew on them,ughing. ¡°Your hands are so long and slender, you shouldn¡¯t be doing this kind of work.¡± ¡°You have so many calluses on your palm and the crook of your thumb, must be from all that time holding a weapon.¡± She looked up at the roof beam. ¡°Do you keep your weapons up there?¡± ¡°A sword, called Plum Green.¡± Plum Green, when killing someone the green turns purple. No one knew that this famous sword that made the entire imperial court tremble was hidden away on the roof beam of this tiny little thatched cottage, just sitting there collecting dust. Dust covering a bunch of memories, dust covering a lot of glory. Xue Dongting gave a short nod andughed. ¡°What do you want to eat? I¡¯ll make whatever you want.¡± ¡°Mm, fry up a hunk of that smoked pork, and some dumplings, and three ounces of wine and that will be perfect.¡± Xue Dongtingughed. ¡°You want to drink wine?¡± ¡°Wine with dumplings, the more you drink the better.¡± ¡°Alright then. Today is New Year¡¯s Eve, so I¡¯ll overlook it this once. What kind of wine do you want to drink?¡± Song Yuming leapt lightly and pulled down ¡°Plum Green¡± from the roof beam and went to a corner of the enclosing wall and crouched down and dug at the ground with the tip of the sword for a while, then took out of the hole he¡¯d dug a jar of wine and carried it back inside. Xue Dongting took a good long whiff of it and said in amazement, ¡°Plum wine.¡± Song Yuming nodded and broke the seal on the jar. A wonderful aroma wafted out. He inhaled deeply, and said happily, ¡°Plum wine, fermented for five years. I buried it myself when I first came here.¡± ¡°Plum Green to obtain plum wine, good thing you thought of it!¡± Chapter 65 - Making Dumplings Chapter 65: Making Dumplings In the afternoon, husband and wife took the kneading board inside the bedroom and Xue Dongting made dumpling skins while humming little tunes, while Song Yuming studied the crossbow the man in ck had dropped on the ground. Xue Dongting looked up and glimpsed him absorbed in concentration, and she asked off the top of her head, ¡°What¡¯s so interesting about a crossbow?¡± The imperial court has regtions. Men of the jianghu can carry a sabre, but they absolutely are forbidden from using personal crossbows. I¡¯m thinking about where this crossbow came from.¡± ¡°Doesn¡¯t seem strange that that man in ck could get a crossbow since he was sent by the emperor to kill you.¡± ¡°No, this crossbow is crude as hell, and of the oldest style. Anyone using a crossbow like this in the army would not be of very high rank. If His Majesty were going to bestow a crossbow on someone, it would certainly not be this one.¡± Xue Dongting cocked her head to the side, thinking. ¡°Then maybe the man in ck stole it from a military camp?¡± Song Yuming shook his head as if he weren¡¯t sure. ¡°If a crossbow could just be taken like that then the military camp¡¯s security is much toox. If an enemy made a surprise attack, then the camp would likely be routed in one fell swoop.¡± His brows were slightly knit, clearly somewhat apprehensive. Something clicked in Xue Dongting¡¯s mind. She didn¡¯t say anything, but she knew that even though His Highness, Prince Yu, whose great aplishments for the imperial court overshadowed his ruler, even though he had retired to live in seclusion, there were many things in his heart he was not able to let go of. He might not want the Dragon Throne, but when it came to the lives of the 300,000 cavalry and soldiers and themon people, he could not just brush that aside. Now the emperor was in poor health and the crown prince had taken his woman and was scheming behind the scenes, could Song Yuming really set all that aside and keep to himself out here? ¡°Why are you staring off into space?¡± She snapped out of it and smiled. ¡°No reason, I was just thinking about what Mama Qiao and Yuansheng were eating tonight.¡± ¡°Must have scared that girl, Yuansheng, the other day,¡± Song Yuming said with a wry smile. ¡°I must go back and exin things to Mama Qiao. On the third day I¡¯ll take you back to Cloudgem Lodge. I wonder how bad Yuansheng will scold me!¡± ¡°You know how my Mama is, if you bully me you¡¯re just asking for it. And when the timees, I¡¯m not saying a word in your defense!¡± At Cloudgem Lodge, Mama Qiao and Yuansheng were also making dumplings. Yuansheng wasining as she wrapped them, ¡°Mama Qiao, I don¡¯t like dumplings.¡± ¡°Then go make what you like to eat yourself.¡± Yuansheng, who couldn¡¯t even make congee, stuck her tongue out and took another dumpling skin and continued wrapping. Mama Qiao looked at the dumpling filling and became lost in thought. ¡°What is it, Mama Qiao?¡± ¡°I wonder what your Big Sister and Second Sister are eating tonight.¡± ¡°Big Sis is eating well for sure. As for Second Sis¡­ That Song Yuming is really bad, he¡¯s always yelling. I hate him the most!¡± Mama Qiao made like she was going to p her and Yuansheng sprang up from the stool and backed away. She said in her defense, ¡°That¡¯s how he is though! That guy is so weird, he made Second Sis cry too.¡± ¡°Knowing your Second Sister¡¯s temper, they just need some time to get used to each other. It¡¯s normal for spouses to fight, you¡¯re just taking it too hard!¡± Yuansheng muttered indignantly, ¡°It¡¯s obvious that Song Yuming is bad, saying my Second Sis isn¡¯t Xue Dongting and this and that!¡± Mama Qiao frowned. ¡°That¡¯s your brother-inw, who said you could call him Song Yuming?¡± Yet she had some misgivings of her own. She wondered what misunderstanding had urred between the couple. Yuansheng stuck out her tongue and giggled. ¡°Mama Qiao, if I get married in the future, I want to marry the gentlest, most affectionate man who wil treat me the best.¡± ¡°So shameless! Girl like you always jumping up and down like that would just scare off a gentle, refined man. Who¡¯d want to marry you?¡± Yuansheng pulled on Mama Qiao¡¯s arm, not letting her get away with that. Mama Qiao chuckled to herself, and said meaningfully, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you wanted to stay with me forever and never get married? So much has changed in just a few days! Sure enough, a grown girl cannot be kept at home for long.¡± Yuansheng blushed. ¡°I just said what kind of man I wanted if I get married, not that I definitely was going to.¡± ¡°Fine, don¡¯t get married. Be an old maid, I¡¯ll still take care of you.¡± Yuansheng pouted, stressing, ¡°I won¡¯t make you do that. I can y the zither and sing to make money.¡± Mama Qiao looked at this foolish girl and let out a faint sigh. ¡°Of you three, your Big Sister and Second Sister unted themselves the most because you were still too little, so I didn¡¯t let you perform often, plus so in the future you could marry into a good family. You¡¯re good, why would you want to go out and perform to earn money? Are you money hungry?¡± Yuansheng giggled, then changed the subject. ¡°Mama Qiao, it¡¯s New Years, you should make a wish.¡± Mama Qiao looked at the masterpiece paper cutouts pasted crookedly on the windows and she said with worry, ¡°This year, I don¡¯t have any requests. You¡¯re not young anymore, I just hope I can find someone to marry you, you peevish girl.¡± Yuansheng was startled. ¡°But I¡¯m not read yet!¡± ¡°Your Big Sister and Second Sister got married quickly, didn¡¯t they? That thing called destiny waits for no one. It wille when the timees.¡± Yuansheng lowered her head in thought. ¡°Mama Qiao, I don¡¯t want to be a concubine like Big Sis,m and I also don¡¯t want someone like Song Yuming, so mean and without a bit of gentleness to him¡­ I want¡­ I want¡­¡± The girl blushed and she couldn¡¯t finish her sentence. Mama Qiao smiled. ¡°What kind of man do you want to marry?¡± The girl bit her delicate lip and mustered her courage. ¡°I want to marry a schr, an elegant gentleman, one who is gentle and tender like jade.¡± Mama Qiaoughed. ¡°You! Girls are always fond of gentlemen, but actually how many elegant gentlemen are there in the world? I think your Second Sister¡¯s husband is quite nice. If you can marry someone like that it will be your good fortune.¡± Yuansheng paled with fright and quickly shook her head. ¡°No way, no way!¡± ¡°Oh? Just what did your brother-inw do to offend you?¡± ¡°I thought he was good at first, a big, strong, proper man, but that day I met him I found out he had a really bad temper. He¡¯s always so mean to people. I don¡¯t like him one bit.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t even know when a man is being gentle!¡± ¡°Mm? When was he ever gentle? I never noticed!¡± ¡°He¡¯s very gentle to your Second Sister, trust me. I¡¯ve seen a lot of people, I wouldn¡¯t misjudge someone. That Song Yuming has seen and been through a lot. It¡¯s wonderful that your Second Sister could marry him.¡± ¡°Oh!¡± Yuansheng said, but she didn¡¯t take it to heart. A girl like her just beginning to blossom is imbued with the idea of marrying a handsome, dashing gentleman. She wouldn¡¯t hear her no matter what Mama Qiao said. At the Zhang familypound by the sea, Squire Zhang learned from Lady Yu that the matron had suddenly taken an interest in and epted Wanqing¡¯s younger sister as a foster daughter. Lady Yu was going to say that it was improper for he to ept her as a foster daughter, seeing as she was Wanqing¡¯s younger sister and Wanqing was Squire Zhang¡¯s concubine. She was surprised to find that Squire Zhang didn¡¯t mind. He thought it was nice for the matron, who lived all by herself here, to have a foster daughter to keep herpany. He nodded and said, ¡°I¡¯ve been away for a while calling on friends and haven¡¯t seen Wanqing in some time. What has she been doing? I¡¯ve been back for several days, why haven¡¯t I seen her?¡± Lady Yu was a bit ufortable. ¡°Wanqing has pleaded ill recently and hasn¡¯t left her room.¡± Squire Zhang was startled. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me sooner! I¡¯ll go see her.¡± Chapter 66 - Returning to the Mother-in-law’s Home Chapter 66: Returning to the Mother-inw¡¯s Home In the thatched cottage, three whale-oilmps were lit, making the little room all the more bright. They ate their dumplings and Xue Dongting was made to drink several cups of plum wine by Song Yuming. Now she was leaning against the piled up quilts, fiddling with Song Yuming¡¯s new clothes. Song Yumingy to the side, his head propped on his hands like a pillow, watching his wife, a piece of straw in his mouth. She kicked him lightly. ¡°Get the tongs and smother some of the coals, it¡¯s too hot in here.¡± Song Yuming got out of bed and poked at the coals and ash with the tongs, turning over the zing hot coals to reduce the heat. ¡°If you want to sleep, go ahead. I¡¯m going to stay up to ring in the new year.¡± She shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m not tired.¡± He said nothing. There was nothing much left that needed to be said between them. On the third day of the new year, they took some gifts and crossed the river into town and went to Cloudgem Lodge. It was still Yuansheng who opened the courtyard gates when they arrived, but when the girl saw Song Yuming she gave him a hostile look, ring daggers at him. She pulled Dongting to the side and asked, ¡°Sis, has that guy been bullying you?¡± Xue Dongting looked at Song Yuming and smiled but said nothing. Yuansheng frowned and whispered, ¡°Sis, don¡¯t be afraid of that guy, me and Mama Qiao have your back.¡± Xue Dongting had still not said anything when she heard Mama Qiao scolding, ¡°Yuansheng, what are you bbering about over there? Hurry up and boil water for tea!¡± She smiled at Song Yuming and said, ¡°You¡¯re here, and you brought something!¡± Song Yuming presented the return gift. ¡°As it should be. Mother-inw, Happy New Year.¡± Mama Qiao was all smiles. She had once been a star in the pleasure quarters of the capital, so even though she was getting on in years, she still had a flirtatious streak and her smile seemed all the more intimate. She quickly said, ¡°Come on inside and chat.¡± She led Dongting and Song Yuming inside and ordered Yuansheng to pour tea. Yuansheng grudgingly poured Song Yuming a cup of tea, still giving him that same angry look. Song Yuming smiled helplessly, and cupped his hand over his fist to Yuansheng. ¡°Some days ago I offended you, Third Sister, please don¡¯t take it to heart.¡± Mama Qiao quickly added, ¡°That girl, Yuansheng, has always been undisciplined and out of control, I ought to ask you not to take things to heart on her ount.¡± Xue Dongting, off to the side, pouted, ¡°Mama Qiao, obviously he¡¯s been bullying me, yet you take his side!¡± Song Yuming chuckled and bowed to Xue Dongting with his hands folded in front of him. ¡°It was my fault. Madame, please forgive me and give me a little face in front of Mother-inw.¡± Xue Dongting stuck her tongue out, looking all proud of herself. Mama Qiao was delighted to see the two of the getting along, but she still red at Xue Dongting, scolding her through her smile, ¡°Thank goodness you don¡¯t bully your husband, and when would you let anyone bully you?¡± Xue Dongting felt hurt. ¡°Mama Qiao, they say a daughter married off is like spilled water in that it can¡¯t be retrieved. Do you really take me as spilled water? Do you have my back or not?¡± Mama Qiao gave her a look. ¡°You¡¯re so clever and glib, you¡¯re already as stable as Mt. Tai, what do you need my backing for?¡± Xue Dongting was thoroughly defeated. She might be clever and glib, but she was no match for Mama Qiao. So she turned to Yuansheng andughed. ¡°Hurry up and get married so you don¡¯t have to be run roughshod over every day by Mama Qiao.¡± Song Yuming always knew his wife had a clever tongue, but he never expected her to meet her match in Mama Qiao. He was gloating a bit to himself, though he kept a serious look on his face. Mama Qiao had the two of them seated and they chatted for a while. She herself ran to the kitchen to cook and Xue Dongting went to help her, leaving Song Yuming alone in the room with Yuansheng. Yuansheng held her cup with both hands and sipped her tea while looking askance at Song Yuming, who was sitting upright drinking his tea with a leisurely look on his face. The girl couldn¡¯t look at it any longer and decided to pick a fight. ¡°I heard Mama Qiao say you have seen and went through a lot of things.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Song Yuming said, smiling. ¡°Mama Qiao brought me up?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t see what¡¯s so special about you, you¡¯re nothing but a boatman who takes people across the river.¡± He smiled. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m a boatman and a fisherman. Mama Qiao must be mistaken.¡± The girl frowned, clearly not happy with that response. Song Yuming was not arguing with her on ount of himself, which made her feel like she was punching cotton, and there was no joy in that. So she asked, ¡°Do you treat my big sister well?¡± ¡°What do you think?¡± Yuansheng still had bitterness bottled up. ¡°I think you¡¯re mean, not good at all! I don¡¯t know why I see my Second Sister so happy, I told Mama Qiao all the bad things you did, but she just scolded me and didn¡¯t say a single word against you. It¡¯s really infuriating!¡± Song Yuming just felt this girl was lovably straightforward. He couldn¡¯t helpughing. ¡°What bad things have I done to give you such a bad impression of me?¡± Yuansheng hmphed, indignant. ¡°Why did you ask my Second Sister who she was the other day? My sis is Xue Dongting. You¡¯ve been married to her so long and you still don¡¯t know who she is? That¡¯s really weird!¡± Song Yuming smiled warmly, remembering an adopted younger sister of his named Qiao Wan. Her father was a great general who campaigned in the west and so she was conferred the title of princess. That girl was also innocent and naive like that. In the end she met a gant xia of the jianghu and the two of them ran off together roaming the jianghu. Innocent willfulness in a girl is a virtue, and so is kind consideration. Song Yuming couldn¡¯t help but smile, thinking of his own wife, who was actually quite considerate and willful. She had both qualities. Yuansheng screwed up her brows. ¡°What are you smiling at?¡± ¡°I was just thinking how lucky I am to have married your Second Sis.¡± Yuansheng grinned with delight. ¡°Now that¡¯s more like it. Let me tell you, my Second Sis is smart and gentle, taking her as your wife is like getting several lifetimes of blessings!¡± Song Yuming nodded but said nothing. Yuansheng thought a moment, then asked, ¡°Mama Qiao said you¡¯re not from Clearcreek Vige?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± ¡°Then where are you from?¡± ¡°The capital.¡± The girl¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°What¡¯s the capital like? Is it fun?¡± Song Yuming purposefully tried to whet her appetite. He raised his cup and took a leisurely drink, then in a long, drawn out way, said, ¡°If it was fun, would I have left the capital ande here?¡± Yuansheng thought about that, puzzled. ¡°But I heard people say the capital is much more bustling and extravagant than here. Why didn¡¯t you like the bustling capital, but like here instead?¡± He smiled. ¡°Bustling, extravagant ces are not necessarily fun.¡± ¡°Then¡­ Then what kinds of people are there in the capital?¡± ¡°All kinds, all varieties. However¡­ there¡¯s also all kinds of desires there, so the capital is not that fun of a ce. Underneath all the dazzling colors lies plots and schemes of every kind.¡± Yuansheng was a bit taken aback at that. She lowered her head, not knowing what to think. Chapter 67 - The Proudest, Most Celebrated Man Chapter 67: The Proudest, Most Celebrated Man Xue Dongting went with Mama Qiao to the kitchen to act as assistant. She remained silent. Mama Qiao nced at her. Her second daughter¡¯s face was nice and colored like a peach blossom, even prettier than when she was married, and her former aloof coldness had thawed some, making her look gentler. Mama Qiao, after all, was experienced, she knew this was thefort of having a husband. Even her temper had changed considerably. ¡°Are you and Song Yuming getting along well?¡± Mama Qiao asked, already knowing the answer. ¡°Mm,¡± Xue Dongting said, not denying it. ¡°Yuansheng said you two had a fight a few days ago?¡± ¡°Mm,¡± she said again, and continued with her work. Mama Qiao frowned. ¡°Have you be a mute?¡± Xue Dongting looked up at Mama Qiao and smiled. ¡°What would you like me to say?¡± ¡°You impossible girl, just how is this Song Yuming?¡± ¡°You found him yourself, naturally he¡¯s good.¡± Mama Qiao jabbed her hard in the forehead, fuming. ¡°I can see that Song Yuming is a good man. Don¡¯t go looking to pick fights here and there, even a good-natured man can be worn down.¡± Xue Dongting rubbed her forehead and mumbled to herself, ¡°When do I pick fights, it was his doingst time, didn¡¯t Yuansheng tell you all about it?¡± ¡°You and Yuansheng are in cahoots, why would I believe you two?¡± Xue Dongting was helpless, she just closed her mouth and said nothing. After a while she said, ¡°Mama Qiao, Yuming and I are nning a trip out to sea.¡± ¡°The sea will be rough in the beginning of spring. What are you going to be doing while he¡¯s fishing? If you ask me, he doesn¡¯t need to go either, keeping you there at home alone all anxious. There¡¯s always fisherman from Clearcreek Vige who go missing out at sea all the time!¡± ¡°We¡¯re not going out to fish,¡± Xue Dongting said. ¡°Anyhow¡­ we¡¯re going out to sea.¡± Mama Qiao frowned, feeling this was odd. ¡°Song Yuming, big strong man like him, is his business going so poorly he has to take to fishing?¡± Xue Dongting shook her head faintly. She hesitated, then finally said, ¡°Mama Qiao, I¡¯ll tell you the truth. In the past, Song Yuming was¡­ a formidable character in the capital.¡± Mama Qiao¡¯s eyes flickered. ¡°He was?¡± ¡°If I say it, you might not believe it¡­ He¡¯s the reigning emperor¡¯s younger brother.¡± Mama Qiao was stupefied. A strange look overcame her. She couldn¡¯t believe it. ¡°He¡­ He¡¯s¡­ His Highness, Prince Yu?¡± Xue Dongting was surprised. ¡°Mama Qiao, you know Prince Yu?¡± Mama Qiao stared off into space. After a while she said, ¡°Of course I know Prince Yu. Who doesn¡¯t know about Prince Yu¡­ Dongting, did he tell you this himself?¡± Xue Dongting nodded, but she was a bit suspicious. ¡°Mama Qiao, you¡¯ve been in this little town for more than ten years, how do you know about Prince Yu from the capital?¡± Mama Qiao seemed distracted. She said slowly, ¡°When I left the capital, His Highness, Prince Yu was about twenty years old and famous as could be. He was thete emperor¡¯s most favored prince, a powerful, brave general, and at that time he was the selection for crown prince. Everyone in the world knew of Prince Yu, who wielded Plum Green!¡± She looked through the window at the man sitting upright inside, drinking tea and she nodded faintly and mumbled to herself, ¡°Yes, in those early days in the capital I caught a glimpse of him. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that the proudest, most celebrated man would now be living here in seclusion¡­¡± Xue Dongting asked, ¡°Mama Qiao, you¡¯ve seen him before?¡± ¡°Yes. I¡¯ve seen him. I wondered why he seemed somewhat familiar¡­ I really never imagined you would be his wife.¡± Mama Qiao suddenly paused as something popped into her mind. She promptly asked, ¡°You said you were going out to sea. Why? Don¡¯t tell me his whereabouts have been discovered? Does the ailing reigning emperor seek to put him to death?¡± Xue Dongting nodded. She suddenly had a feeling, that Mama Qiao had gone through something big in the past, perhaps something that involved the struggle for the throne back then, otherwise she would not be so knowledgeable about all this, knowing that the emperor was in poor health, and then connecting it to the emperor wanting to take Song Yuming¡¯s life. Mama Qiao didn¡¯t perceive the change in her thoughts. She said to herself, ¡°Yes, the reigning emperor is still on the Dragon Throne, but so what? His illness is terminal, he¡¯s a dying man! Naturally, he wants to kill Song Yuming to pave the way for his son.¡± The corner of Xue Dongting¡¯s mouth twitched. In fact, she knew the reigning emperor really was gravely ill, but then a miraculous doctor from Third Prince¡¯s manor worked his magic and extended his life for another ten years. By the time Third Prince took the throne, the old emperor was too ill to get out of bed and so appointed him crown prince regent. As for the fishy business, Xue Dongting was quite clear on that, actually. Third Prince¡¯s miraculous doctor was her teacher, who taught her all she knew about medicine, a disciple of the recluse, Xu Xingnong. He was a master of medicine. At that time many princes vied for the throne, but Third Prince¡¯s superiority was not obvious. If the emperor had died then Third Prince would have had no chance for the throne. So he secretly looked around the jianghu for the best doctors and used very strong medicine to keep the old emperor alive for ten more years. Ten yearster, Third Prince¡¯s position had been solidified, he held a lot of power at court. None of the other princes could match him. Then he secretly ordered the doctor to change the medicine on the sly and put the old emperor to death. During those ten years, Xue Dongting was privy to all the plots and schemes. She involuntarily clutched her hands together and said, ¡°Mama Qiao, of the emperor¡¯s many sons, who will be thest one standing?¡± Mama Qiao just shook her head. ¡°When I left the capital, the princes were still young, so I couldn¡¯t tell. But these days it seems the eldest prince, the third prince, and the seventh prince all have a good chance.¡± Xue Dongting¡¯s suspicions only increased after hearing this. Mama Qiao had been living out here in this seaside border town for so long, yet she was quite clear on the situation in the capital. Xue Dongting was quite sure that Mama Qiao still had some influential connections within the capital that she still kept in contact with. She couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Mama Qiao, how do you know so much about these matters?¡± Mama Qiao was slightly dumbstruck, her expression changing slightly, only now realizing she had said too much. ¡°An old friend of mine in the capital sent me a letter and told me, but it¡¯s just rumors.¡± Xue Dongting narrowed her eyes. ¡°Mama Qiao, how are you affiliated with the Bureau of Astronomy in the capital?¡± There was one thing all along she could never understand. That one time the Bureau of Astronomy put forth a prophecy saying that ¡°he who obtained the Dongting girl by the eastern sea would have the world¡±. She didn¡¯t understand why there would be such a strange prophecy put forth. But, if Mama Qiao and the Bureau of Astronomy were involved together, then that would make everything clear. Mama Qiao shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know anyone in the Bureau of Astronomy.¡± Xue Dongting knit her brows slightly, her mind racing. ¡°Then, did you ever talk to that old friend about us three sisters?¡± A strange look flit across Mama Qiao¡¯s face, but she quickly said, ¡°No.¡± Xue Dongting didn¡¯t believe that, but she didn¡¯t question it further. She absently recalled the scene back then when Third Prince hade to Cloudgem Lodge to take her away. Chapter 68 - Mama Qiao’s Close Relations Chapter 68: Mama Qiao¡¯s Close Rtions That year the autumn wind was up, Third Prince came in in clothes to Cloudgem Lodge to see her, aged seventeen. Third Prince exuded a noble air and a handsome demeanor. At the time, she had never seen a more impressive person than Third Prince, and she was subdued by that impressive air about him, and at the same time she firmly believed this was a high official. And so, the seventeen-year-old girl left Cloudgem Lodge with the third prince and went to the capital. It wasn¡¯t untilter that Xue Dongting learned that Third Prince had not wanted to take away a beautiful girl in her prime, but simply a girl named ¡°Dongting¡±. All because the Bureau of Astronomy¡¯s prophecy that ¡°he who obtained the Dongting girl by the eastern sea would have the world¡±. Xue Dongting snapped out of her reverie and smiled faintly. In fact, it wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t know what Third Prince wanted her for, nothing more than an imaginary destiny concocted bu the Bureau of Astronomy. But back then she didn¡¯t care. She figured that as long as she helped Third Prince be the crown prince and sit on the Dragon Throne, then she could obtain all the glory and splendor and power she wanted. She vied for Third Prince, she vied for herself, but in the end it was the girl with the white cat who had thestugh. Xue Dongting said sadly, ¡°It was nothing more than sewing someone else¡¯s wedding dress.¡± Mama Qiao heard her and asked curiously, ¡°What did you say?¡± ¡°Mama Qiao, can you tell me something honestly?¡± Mama Qiao frowned slightly. ¡°What? Girl, what has gotten into you today?¡± Xue Dongting looked at her. ¡°Mama Qiao, did you ever have the thought to send me to the capital?¡± A look of grief shed through Mama Qiao¡¯s eyes, but Xue Dongting was sharp and caught it. Sheughed. ¡°I know, Mama Qiao, you did have that idea. Why?¡± Mama Qiao sighed faintly. ¡°Dongting, Mama Qiao was just¡­ I just thought that if you went back to the capital, it would be much better than life here. But now it seems I was wrong.¡± ¡°If I had not agreed to marry a fisherman, would you have thought of a way to get me back to the capital?¡± Mama Qiao sighed, nodded. ¡°I did indeed have such an idea, you clever child. But seeing the way things are now, you wouldn¡¯t go.¡± Xue Dongting didn¡¯t understand. ¡°Mama Qiao, why? You left the capital, why would you want to go back?¡± Mama Qiao stared at Dongting for a long time, then finally said, ¡°You¡¯ve changed a lot since you married.¡± Xue Dongting hesitated, then suddenly thought of something. She went over and grasped Mama Qiao¡¯s hand. ¡°Mama Qiao, are you thinking of having Yuansheng go?¡± Mama Qiao frowned but was silent. A long time passed and then Xue Dongting sighed. ¡°Mama Qiao, the capital is a dangerous ce. A girl like Yuansheng, with her personality, in the capital, how long do you think she could stnad it?¡± As she spoke she was surreptitiously feeling Mama Qiao¡¯s pulse. Her pulse was steady, no change. Mama Qiao said, ¡°It¡¯s still early for that, let¡¯s not talk about it now. If I decide something I will discuss it with you.¡± Xue Dongting could do nothing but nod and say no more. In the parlor, Song Yuming and Yuansheng were talking normally, clowning around and cracking jokes, but theyposed themselves whrn they saw Mama Qiao enter the room. Song Yuming arched his brow slightly. He knew Mama Qiao had learned his secret identity. He nced at Yuansheng, then signaled to Mama Qiao with his eyes. Mama Qiao said, ¡°Yuansheng, go to the kitchen and give Dongting a hand.¡± ¡°Oh,¡± Yuansheng said, and she stuck her tongue out at Song Yuming and sprang up and went to the kitchen. Mama Qiao turned and closed the door after her and looked at Song Yuming. ¡°My eyes are bad, I didn¡¯t recognize Your Highness, Prince Yu.¡± Song Yuming said, ¡°It¡¯s all in the past, why bring it up again?¡± ¡°Your Highness left an impression in leaving the capital. It seems the past has already vanished like smoke, but those in the capital still pay notice to your past glory.¡± ¡°Song Yuming has always wanted to ask you something, Mama Qiao, but I don¡¯t know if I should.¡± ¡°Give it a shot.¡± ¡°Mama Qiao, you have an umon bearing, is it possible that you have some connection to the imperial family?¡± Mama Qiao¡¯s eyes dimmed. After a long while she said, ¡°I¡¯ve had a few friendly rtions in the capital, that¡¯s all¡­ I can¡¯t remember clearly. If I could do it all over again, I would rather not to have gone to the capital, would rather not have gotten to know that person.¡± ¡°That person?¡± ¡°Back then he was just a mncholy nobleman with no ambition.¡± Song Yuming sighed faintly. ¡°They say that my elder brother¡ªthat is, the reigning emperor, had once gotten friendly with a woman from the brothels¡­¡± Mama Qiaoughed sadly. ¡°What gotten friendly? I was just used, that¡¯s all.¡± ¡°I never would have guessed that you and I are the same, both once used by the Son of Heaven. It¡¯s really funny and a pity too.¡± Mama Qiao looked into Song Yuming¡¯s eyes and said pointedly, ¡°There is still a difference between you and I. I have already been forgotten by that person, but that person constantly has you on his mind.¡± Song Yumingughed and picked up his cup of tea and took a drink. ¡°Song Yuming won¡¯t return to the capital, you can rest assured on that matter. It¡¯s a big world, there¡¯s some ce in it for me. Mama Qiao, you can set your mind at ease.¡± ¡°Dongting tells me you¡¯re going out to sea and won¡¯t be back for a long time.¡± ¡°Before we go, I have a secret letter to pass on to the imperial pce. If nothing goes wrong, we should be back in about half a year. The pce won¡¯t bother you, Mama Qiao, and they won¡¯t bother Clearcreek Vige.¡± Mama Qiao gave a short nod, her face bleak, as if she were thinking of someone. Song Yuming said, ¡°Mama Qiao, I want to ask you something else. Please answer honestly.¡± ¡°Please, Your Highness, speak frankly.¡± ¡°Is there some implication between Dongting and the capital?¡± A mysterious look shed through Mama Qiao¡¯s eyes. She paused, then said firmly, ¡°No¡­ However, since she has be your wife, naturally there will be.¡± Song Yuming nodded. ¡°I know.¡± Chapter 69 - Yuansheng’s Path Chapter 69: Yuansheng¡¯s Path In the kitchen, Xue Dongting looked at Yuansheng, who was prancing about, and she shook her head. ¡°You¡¯re not a little girl anymore, can¡¯t you settle down a bit?¡± Yuansheng wasn¡¯t having it. ¡°Second Sis, you don¡¯t understand, this is what¡¯s called a genuine personality. Are you saying that only unmarried girls who are mincing are virtuous and proper?¡± Xue Dongting thought of something and asked, ¡°Then tell me, with your personality, who would be able to keep you under control?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to be controlled, I want to control others.¡± She looked very pleased with herself. Xue Dongting sighed inwardly, thinking, ¡°In the future, if you go with a schr, what will Mama Qiao say?¡± ¡°Yuansheng, do you want to go to the capital?¡± Yuansheng nodded at once. ¡°Yes, oh yes! Only¡­ just now, Brother-inw said the capital was no good, but I still want to go. I often think of it so much I keep feeling close to it, as if some important person is waiting for me there.¡± Xue Dongting was suddenly rmed. She recalled that strange dream and what that blue-d schr had said. He said there would be a man riding a donkey who woulde and take someone away. Could that person be Yuansheng? Yuansheng blinked her big, shimmering eyes. ¡°Sis, what are you thinking about?¡± Xue Dongting paused and collected herself and forced a smile. ¡°Yuansheng, what kind of man do you like? Tell your Second Sister.¡± A blush appeared on Yuansheng¡¯s face. She said bashfully, ¡°I haven¡¯t really thought about it too much¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s alright, just say it, I want to hear.¡± ¡°Mm¡­ I like someone who is gentle and refined, and best if he¡¯s funny, otherwise he¡¯d be boring.¡± Xue Dongting¡¯s mind was in turmoil. More and more she kept feeling that Yuansheng, thising autumn, would be taken away by that man from the capital riding a donkey. And that man might be Third Prince. Could it be that when she was reborn, that prophecy of ¡°he who obtained the Dongting girl by the eastern sea would have the world¡± could have changed? Or rather, maybe the prophecy had been a false one drawn up by Mama Qiao and someone in the capital together. If she had elected to marry a fisherman in her past life, would the prophecy never havee out at all? She was at her wit¡¯s end. She didn¡¯t know how all these fates would be changed, she didn¡¯t even know if the reason she had been reborn would vanish as well or not. It was like she was dangling from a cliff, only holding onto a rope. She didn¡¯t know if the rope was sturdy or not or when it would snap. She wanted to change things, but she didn¡¯t know where to begin, she could only dangle and sway in the cold wind from the high cliff. Xue Dongting smiled wearily. ¡°Yuansheng, you have to remember what I¡¯m about to say. In the future, if you encounter something that you can¡¯t discuss with Mama Qiao, then don¡¯t act on your own,e tell me, okay?¡± Yuansheng was a bit confused, but she nodded andforted her. ¡°Second Sis, I always listen to Mama Qiao.¡± Xue Dongtingughed. ¡°If you ever meet a man you really like, then you might be a different person. Yuansheng, you have to know, in this world there might be a man who treats you really really well, but he can never treat you as well as Mama Qiao. Mama Qiao took us as her own daughters. In this world, a mother¡¯s love is the purest.¡± Yuansheng nodded,ughing. ¡°Second Sis, when did you be so motherly and fussy? You¡¯re just like Mama Qiao!¡± Xue Dongtingughed. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you some good news, but aside from Mama Qiao, you can¡¯t tell anyone else.¡± Yuansheng¡¯s eyes gleamed. ¡°What good news?¡± Chapter 70(End) - Conclusion Chapter 70: Conclusion The day after, Dongting was distracted all day long, afraid that her dream woulde true. Afraid Yuansheng would be like her in her previous life and meet a tragic death. However, fortunately the Heavens were not so cruel in this life. The man from the dream never showed up, and so Yuansheng¡¯s fate was changed. She didn¡¯t marry into a powerful, rich family, instead finding an ordinary man to marry. The days were a bit ordinary, but husband and wife got along well, and they treated each other with respect. Yet Dongting was not so lucky. Her past bit by bit once again fell on her. Third Prince put on a hypocritical show of affection and attempted to obtain her and thereby obtain the world. Dongting saw the vicious, cruel Third Prince and was itching to hack him to pieces, but when she thought of what she had endured in her previous life, she felt that killing him would be too good for him. She wanted to spare him and ruthlessly torment him instead. With Dongting and Song Yuming working together, they exposed Third Prince¡¯s many evils. The emperor was furious and stripped Third Prince of his conferred title at once and reduced him to amoner. Third Prince from then on was mncholy andcking in ambition. After all this, Dongting went to see Third Prince and told him everything that had happened in her previous life. Third Prince suddenly realized that everything that had happened to him had been Dongting¡¯s doing. In his anger he wanted to kill her, but Song Yuming came to the rescue. Because he had plotted to murder the wife of the crown prince, Third Prince was ordered by the emperor tomit suicide. That¡¯s right. Dongting became the wife of the crown prince. Turns out that Song Yuming was the son of the emperor¡¯s favored consort. When the emperor¡¯s favored consort was killed, it was Third Prince¡¯s mother who did it, and a pce maid had risked her life to save Song Yuming. Now the truth was out for all to see. Third Prince¡¯s mother¡¯s whole n was toppled and three generations were executed. The emperor was getting old and no longer wished to rule. He dered that he was abdicating the throne. Song Yuming ascended the throne. Dongting was conferred the title of empress of the eastern pce. Henceforth, they lived happily ever after. The End The Novel will be updated first on this website. 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