Chapter 56 - 57: Squeezing Under the Covers

Chapter 56: Chapter 57: Squeezing Under the Covers

After the thrilling events of last night, compounded by a full day of rushing about, Jin Qianqian collapsed onto the kang bed the moment she stepped into the room.

"Finally, I can rest," Jin Qianqian said, waving her hand to summon her favorite little gray teddy bear and hugging it contentedly. "But their family was so hospitable today. It feels like we took advantage of them."

Jin Qianqian rubbed her belly. Granny Zhu had not only made them wild pheasant soup but had also fried a plate of eggs. These were their main source of income for trading for daily necessities, yet she had used them to entertain two strangers.

Ancient Wen Heng lay down beside her. "When we leave tomorrow morning, we’ll leave them some Silver. But from the looks of it, asking them to guide us probably won’t work."

"Then we’ll set out on our own," Jin Qianqian said, full of confidence. "Even if it’s dangerous, we have an escape route."

If she hadn’t discovered that her space could hold people, Jin Qianqian wouldn’t have dared to speak with such conviction.

But Ancient Wen Heng’s mind was on that gully. "I remember you mentioned before that you also collected some construction equipment. Do you have anything that can bridge that gully directly?"

Jin Qianqian replied, "I did collect some steel plates. As long as the span is within range, I can build a temporary bridge for you."

Ancient Wen Heng was speechless. ’I should really have this girl make a list. Her preparations are too thorough. Every now and then, she just drops another surprise on me.’

"Let’s get some rest. We should set off early tomorrow, too," Jin Qianqian said, folding the quilt on the kang to one side and taking out the wool blanket she had stored in her space. "I believe leaving early in the morning will put them more at ease."

Ancient Wen Heng casually tossed the quilt Jin Qianqian had given him into a corner and swiftly snuggled into her bedding.

Jin Qianqian’s cheeks immediately flushed red. "Didn’t I leave a quilt for you? Go sleep over there by yourself."

"But we’re a married couple. Besides, haven’t we always slept like this? I’m used to it." Ancient Wen Heng reached out, wrapped an arm around her waist, and pulled her down to lie flat, their heads side by side.

"But that was different," Jin Qianqian said, trying to squirm free uncomfortably, only to find herself held firmly in place by his strength.

’When we were out in the open, sleeping under the stars and in full view of everyone, we couldn’t very well have a married couple sleeping in separate corners. Besides, we only had that one blanket in our bags, so it was impractical to sleep apart.’

’But this, being alone in a room together, was a completely different story.’

"There’s no difference. You’re my wife, and I’m your husband. If we don’t squeeze into one bed, where else would we go?" Seeing her still struggling, Ancient Wen Heng decided to play his trump card. "You don’t seem that tired. How about we... discuss how a husband and wife are supposed to act?"

Jin Qianqian stared into his expectant eyes, so frightened that she immediately went rigid, shut her eyes, and exclaimed, "I’m sleeping! All this running around has worn me out!"

"You little rascal," Ancient Wen Heng cursed with a laugh. He didn’t press her further, simply holding her by the waist and savoring the feeling of holding her soft body in his arms as he gradually drifted off to sleep.

＆

"Ma, we don’t even know them. Why did you let them stay here?" Zhu Mu asked, looking curiously at Zhu Da and his wife once he saw the oil lamp go out in his younger brother’s room.

"That’s enough. Everyone faces hardships when they’re away from home," Zhu Da said, not wanting to explain too much. "You boys go get some rest, too. First thing tomorrow morning, hurry and take the game to the city to sell."

"And when you get to the city, don’t be a fool and get swindled again. Remember to take the game to the restaurant our village always supplies. They have fixed prices and won’t rip you off." Granny Zhu looked at her eldest son and couldn’t help but nag him again, lest he get cheated before even entering the city, just like last time.

Zhu Da added, "Let’s try to scrape together a bit more and see if we can find a wife for our eldest by the end of the year. Look at that young man—how old is he, and he’s already married to a fine wife."

Zhu Mu’s face was full of anticipation, but his heart was filled with bitterness. For men in their Hunter Village, finding a wife was incredibly difficult. Most families were unwilling to marry their daughters off to such a remote place.

’His father was already past thirty when he married his mother. And his mother... if it hadn’t been for her step-grandmother, she never would have been married off so deep into the mountains.’

"Alright, stop making that face," Zhu Da said, giving his two sons a light kick that sent them scurrying to the door. "Your Aunt Tian has already promised to help us figure something out. If we can’t find anyone from a nearby family, worst-case scenario, we’ll go to a baby broker. It’ll just cost a bit more in Silver Tael."

The Zhu Family Brothers were speechless.

＆

At the entrance to the government office, He Tuliang was stunned to run into Lan Yun. He couldn’t believe it. After all the trouble he’d gone through, sneaking around to find this place, he saw Lan Yun already preparing to enter with a Government Official.

"You, Lan! What are you doing here?" He Tuliang couldn’t let this opportunity slip by and quickly strode after him.

"And you are?" Lan Yun stared at him, looking completely bewildered. ’Do we know each other?’

"It doesn’t matter if you don’t know me. I know you," He Tuliang said. He held a grudge against the Gu family, so he naturally paid extra attention to their affairs.

"Isn’t your younger sister married to the youngest son of the Gu family? That makes us relatives by marriage, in a way."

"Don’t talk nonsense! My sister isn’t married yet," Lan Yun shouted, cutting him off. "And she certainly has nothing to do with you."

"Oh? So you did it but won’t admit it? Your family took all that water. Everyone in Bainiao knows." He Tuliang turned to the official standing nearby, his expression instantly shifting to a grin. "Brother Chai, I have an extremely important matter to report to the Lord Prefect. Could I trouble you to pass on a message?"

As he spoke, he deftly grabbed the Government Official’s hand. The silver coins he’d been holding were immediately enclosed in the official’s five fingers.

"The Lord Prefect is very busy all day. Even if I’m to pass on a message for you, you have to give me a proper reason!"

"It’s about a divine miracle," He Tuliang said, his face tense. This was his last chance.

"A divine miracle?" The Government Official shot a surprised glance at Lan Yun, who was glaring fiercely at He Tuliang. "Another one?"

Lan Yun turned back to the Government Official with a placating smile. "Sir, I was the one who came to report this first, and the Lord Prefect has already agreed to see me. We should go in now."

He Tuliang now understood everything. He pointed at Lan Yun and cursed, "You despicable snake! Even if it is a divine miracle, it’s a blessing from the heavens for all of Bainiao! What does it have to do with you?"

Lan Yun was about to retort when the Government Official cut him off impatiently. "Alright, since you’re both here for the same thing, you can go in together.

"But let me give you a warning. If you anger the Lord Prefect, you’d better watch your own necks."

He Tuliang clenched his fists. "Please lead the way, Brother Chai."

The Government Official tucked the recent earnings into his sash and gestured for the two of them to follow.

Lan Yun hissed, "You mud-caked peasant, do you have any idea what happens to people who anger the Lord Prefect? Nothing’s happened yet, so you’d better leave now while you still can!"