Shi Wuxiang also returned home through the rain. Not seeing Yuan Zhao at the village entrance, he knew Yuan Zhao must be busy at home.
With the original owner’s memories, he knew the family’s situation wasn’t good. The torrential rain that evening had lasted a long time—the roof was likely leaking.
As soon as he stepped into the courtyard, he saw Yuan Zhao in a raincoat about to head out. Yuan Zhao looked surprised to see him back so early. “You’re back already? I was just about to go pick you up.”
Shi Wuxiang held an umbrella over him. “The rain’s too heavy. There weren’t many customers at the shop, so the shopkeeper let us leave early. How’s things at home?”
Yuan Zhao nodded repeatedly, his tone a mix of excitement and embarrassment as he recounted everything. At the end, he added that he would go thank them tomorrow.
Shi Wuxiang hadn’t expected the village head to bring people to help. He had always thought these matters should be handled by their own household, and accepting help meant owing favors. But the way Yuan Zhao spoke of it made it seem like something small and natural.
“Then tomorrow, cook a few more meat dishes and send a bowl to each household. If we don’t have enough meat, I’ll buy more,” Shi Wuxiang said. Meat dishes were a rare treat in the village.
“I know,” Yuan Zhao replied, taking his outer clothes. “Go change first—I’ll bring the food.”
When Shi Wuxiang entered the room, he saw basins still catching rainwater, and the air was damp. If they saved for a few months, they could rebuild the house—then they wouldn’t have to live like this anymore.
Just after he changed, Shi Zhangshi knocked and entered.
Smiling, she said, “A Xiang, I’ve finished sewing your clothes. Try them on and see if anything needs adjusting.”
Shi Wuxiang took them. The fabric was smooth and light—this must be the material Yuan Zhao had bought earlier. He had seen his mother sewing rough cloth clothes these past days and assumed his would be the same. He hadn’t expected this.
Shi Zhangshi continued, “This was bought by Zhao boy—he specifically chose the better fabric for you. Said scholars in town dress like this. From now on, you should treat him better—don’t be so cold to him.”
Shi Wuxiang: “…”
Just two days ago, he had said harsh words to Yuan Zhao.
He changed into the clothes. Shi Zhangshi’s sewing skills were still excellent, and the fit was just right—there was nothing that needed adjusting.
“The shoulders are a bit loose,” Shi Wuxiang said.
“That’s because you’ve lost weight from being ill. Once you recover, you’ll fill out again. Anything else?” Shi Zhangshi looked him up and down; the sleeves and hem all seemed fine.
Yuan Zhao pushed the door open and came in, his clothes damp from the rain. Shi Wuxiang immediately stepped forward to greet him. Yuan Zhao grinned at the sight of him. “This outfit looks so good! You should wear it to town tomorrow!”
Shi Wuxiang set the food on the table, took off the outer garment, and changed back into coarse linen. “Why wear something so nice just to work?”
“If it’s made, it should be worn. If you don’t wear it, it’ll just sit there and go bad.” Yuan Zhao looked at him with mild disapproval. “Come eat first.”
Shi Zhangshi quietly folded the clothes and slipped out, leaving the two of them alone to talk.
The rain kept falling, the soft patter the perfect lullaby. Shi Wuxiang soon fell asleep. Yuan Zhao had been unable to sleep at first, but hearing his faint snoring, drowsiness quickly took over.
Dawn came quickly. By the time they rose at their usual hour, the sky was already faintly light.
As usual, Shi Wuxiang ate breakfast and then went early to the village entrance to catch the ox cart. The others at home weren’t in a rush—they finished eating and went about their tasks.
“Mother, I’m heading to the fields,” Yuan Zhao said, then added, “Who’s coming with me?”
All three children wanted to go this time. Taking them along meant Shi Zhangshi didn’t have to worry about watching them.
Yuan Zhao first brought the tools to the fields. In the early morning, the villagers cared most about their crops. After breakfast, they all headed straight to the fields to check on things. Along the way, he ran into quite a few people and greeted each one with a smile.
The fields were inspected every day. The moment weeds sprouted, they were hoed out—never allowed to compete with the crops.
“Later, we should turn over that patch outside the courtyard wall and plant some yardlong beans and cucumbers. They’re the most refreshing thing to eat in summer!” Yuan Zhao tossed the weeds he had cleared onto the ridge. “Do you two like them? If you do, we’ll plant more!”
“I like cucumbers,” Ranran said, her round little face lighting up with a dreamy smile. “I could skip meals and just eat cucumbers!”
Shi Qingyue immediately exposed her. “Who was it that ate so many cucumbers one day, got full, then cried from hunger at night until the cook made a huge bowl of noodles?”
Caught off guard, Shi Qingran’s face turned bright red. “You’re so mean! I’ll tell big brother you bullied me—he’ll make you copy texts as punishment!”
“Big brother doesn’t have time—he’s busy making money!” Shi Qingyue snorted. At his age, he was already growing tall and looked dependable.
Still, he was a bit childish, often teasing Shi Qingran until she stomped her feet in frustration.
Yuan Zhao laughed heartily. Sunlight fell on his face, making his tanned skin seem to glow. “Then we’ll plant plenty—so you won’t go hungry at night!”
After finishing the work in the fields—repairing the ridges damaged by the rain and clearing all the weeds—they headed into the mountains.
Yuan Zhao wanted to gather more mountain goods to sell. In early spring, the mountains had plenty, and there would be even more in summer. If he could also cut some firewood to carry into town, that would be another source of income.
After heavy rain, mushrooms grew wildly, and bamboo shoots burst from the ground like mad.
Yuan Zhao had the children pick mushrooms while he went to dig bamboo shoots. Fresh goods could be sold in town—even a few could bring in some coins, enough to cover A Xiang’s cart fare!
He dug at the shoots, each swing of his tool revealing more. Then he snapped them off by hand—the tender shoots breaking cleanly.
Heave—!
“Zhao boy!”
Thud—!
Startled, Yuan Zhao nearly dropped his tool on his own foot.
Still shaken, he turned sharply to look and saw Zhao Hu jogging over, waving. “Sorry, Zhao boy—I scared you!”
“What do you want?” Yuan Zhao wasn’t keen to talk to him—his enthusiasm was a bit excessive.
“My family’s field is nearby. I saw you here alone and was worried it might be dangerous, so I came to help you dig shoots!” Zhao Hu said with an ingratiating smile. With his strength, he could definitely help dig a lot!
Yuan Zhao tightened his grip on the tool, his whole body resisting, though he forced a polite smile. “No need. I’m almost done! Go on, get back to your work!”
Zhao Hu looked hurt, his broad shoulders shrinking slightly as he spoke in a low voice. “Do you dislike me? You won’t take anything I give you, and you won’t let me help…”
“I’m married,” Yuan Zhao said firmly. “It’s not appropriate for me to get too close to other men. If you’re thinking about me saving you before, the things you gave already settle that. Let’s just put it behind us.”
“I just want to be closer to you…” Zhao Hu still remembered what Shi Wuxiang had said. Seeing Yuan Zhao so devoted only made him feel worse. “That scholar doesn’t even like you. He even said that when you grow up, he’d let you marry me!”
Yuan Zhao froze. “What nonsense are you talking about?”
He knew Shi Wuxiang didn’t like him in that way—but he also knew he would never say something like that.
Zhao Hu stepped closer instinctively, insisting, “I’m telling the truth! When I went to town, I saw him talking to a really pretty girl. People from town only like other town folks—they’d never like mud-legged villagers like us!”
His words were harsh, making Shi Wuxiang sound like someone who despised the poor and chased wealth.
But aside from not having that kind of feeling for him, Shi Wuxiang treated him and Yuan Yuan well—feeding and clothing them, even giving him two taels of silver without ever asking what it was spent on. There wasn’t another man like that in the village!
“What exactly are you trying to say?” Yuan Zhao frowned, no longer bothering to keep up a pleasant expression. Hearing someone speak ill of his husband angered him deeply.
“I want to be with you. When you two divorce, I’ll marry you!” Zhao Hu blurted out, oblivious to Yuan Zhao’s darkening expression. “That scholar isn’t a good match. If I marry you, I’ll definitely work with you—I won’t let you do everything alone!”
Yuan Zhao let out a laugh. “Why not say you’ll do everything yourself?!”
Zhao Hu paused, clearly displeased. “What wife or husband doesn’t work? People would laugh at that!”
“Then why do you want to marry me?” Yuan Zhao asked.
“You saved me, and you can make the Shi family’s life better. My mother said someone like you is perfect to marry and build a life with!” Zhao Hu said proudly, fully convinced.
Yuan Zhao laughed twice, then his smile vanished completely. His face hardened as he lifted his chin toward Zhao Hu. “Get lost. If you keep showing up in front of me, I’ll report you to the authorities!”
“Zhao boy, what do you mean—”
“I said get lost! I saved you out of kindness, and this is how you repay me?!” Yuan Zhao rarely lost his temper, except with Yuan Daguang’s family—but this was the first time he was truly furious.
He had saved this man out of goodwill, and now the man repaid him with this.
Saying such things to a married man—if others heard, it could ruin him!
And all those sweet-sounding words—wasn’t it just because he valued someone who could endure hardship and work hard? It might sound like praise, but it reminded Yuan Zhao of his time at Yuan Daguang’s house, endlessly working without reward.
Seeing him angry, Zhao Hu didn’t dare say more. Tongue-tied and unable to comfort him, he quickly ran off.
Yuan Zhao was so angry his head spun. He stood there for a long while before finally calming down.
Not far away, Shi Qingyue—who had run ahead during a race—had witnessed the whole scene. His dark eyes gleamed thoughtfully.
“Second brother, what are you doing?” Shi Qingran arrived with Yuan Yuan in tow, calling out toward Yuan Zhao. “Sister-in-law! We picked so many mushrooms and wood ear!”
Yuan Zhao’s heart skipped a beat. Seeing no strange expressions on their faces, he finally let out a quiet breath of relief.