Chapter 159
After several days of sunshine, the muddy ground had gradually dried and hardened, so stepping on it no longer left one’s feet caked in filth.
Sunlight streamed in through the southern windows, brightening the entire house.
In the front yard, the warmth of the sun was so pleasant that all six dogs in the household sprawled lazily on the ground to bask in it. Each of them was thoroughly comfortable, their eyes squinted or closed as they dozed off.
Lu Gu sat in a corner by the wall, sewing under the sun. The occasional breeze was no longer biting, and the warmth seeped into his body. Several quilts were draped over the wooden rack to air under the strong sunlight, making them cozier to sleep under at night.
Shen Xuanqing had gone drinking with a few men from the village, leaving Lu Gu alone to watch over the new house. But soon, Shen Yan or Wei Lanxiang might drop by for a visit. Winter leisure was like this, there wasn’t much to do, so people wandered around to pass the time.
A pair of sparrows, their feathers already molted and regrown, perched on the wall. Hearing the flutter of wings, Lu Gu glanced up. The two sparrows looked plump and fluffy, their bodies round, who knew where they had found so much to eat.
Under the clear sky and gentle wind, sparrows kept alighting on the walls before flitting away again. The dogs, having lifted their heads to look at first, soon sank back into deep slumber.
Since the dogs kept watch at night, it was good for them to sleep more during the day. Lu Gu didn’t disturb them. After a while, Xiaohuang got up from the ground, stretched, and let out a big yawn. He barked once and trotted over to Lu Gu’s legs. Perhaps still not fully awake, he pressed close to Lu Gu’s shoes, resting his little head on them while his tiny tail wagged behind him. Soon, the warmth of the sun lulled him back into drowsiness.
Guaizi had been like this since he was a pup, always wanting to stick close to people while sleeping. Lu Gu didn’t pay it much mind, but unexpectedly, Guaizi, who had been napping under the eaves, noticed and came over as well. His large, sturdy body leaned against Lu Gu’s other leg, and he plopped his furry head down on Lu Gu’s foot before rolling onto his side to sleep.
Lu Gu found it amusing. Even though the two pups had been brought home days ago, every time they tried to snuggle up to someone, Guaizi would always push his way in. Sometimes, he even bullied the pups in secret, shoving them aside to monopolize the affection for himself. What a petty little heart he had!
During meals, both Lu Gu and Shen Xuanqing kept a close eye to prevent Guaizi from stealing the pups’ food. Fortunately, Guaizi was still fairly obedient. Aside from being clingy, he didn’t bully the pups in other ways.
With a dog’s head resting on each foot, the small, fluffy Xiaohuang was utterly adorable. As he slept, his little belly rose and fell, and occasionally, he let out soft whimpers, as if dreaming. However, the large dog’s head pressing down on his left foot felt rather heavy.
Lu Gu tried to pull his foot free, but the moment he moved, Guaizi immediately lifted his head to stare at him. After a brief standoff, Lu Gu was the one who relented.
He patted Guaizi’s head and said softly, “Fine, fine, you can keep using it as a pillow. Why are you so petty? Xiaohuang is still small, what’s there for you to compete over?”
Guaizi’s tail gave a single sweep, stirring up a small cloud of dust that danced visibly in the sunlight.
Knowing the dog wouldn’t understand, Lu Gu withdrew his hand and resumed his sewing. Before he could finish the handkerchief, he heard Shen Yan calling for him from outside.
“Brother Guzi!” Shen Yan’s voice rang out as she entered, her clear almond-shaped eyes curved in a smile. “Mother says today’s the fifteenth, there’s a big market at Liangzhang Bridge. She wants Brother Daqing to come hitch the mule cart later so we can go.”
A market trip!
Lu Gu’s eyes lit up at once. Normally, they were too busy with work to visit big markets. Even when they went to town, it was usually to sell goods, with little time for leisurely browsing. The mule had been bought days ago, but aside from delivering livestock to the two towns, they hadn’t used it themselves yet.
He set down his embroidery hoop, gently pushed the dogs off his feet, and stood up. “Then I’ll go to the Dachen family to find Erqing and see if he wants to come.”
“Alright.” Shen Yan nodded, bending down to rub Xiaohuang’s fluffy head.
Guaizi shook himself awake and, seeing Lu Gu heading for the door, wagged his tail and followed.
The Dachen family wasn’t far. Lu Gu took a shortcut through the village and soon spotted Dachen’s wife sitting at her doorstep, sewing shoe soles with another woman.
“Xinrui, is Erqing here?” Lu Gu called as he walked over.
Zhou Xinrui smiled. “Yes, yes! They’re drinking inside. Are you here to take Erqing back?”
“Mm, mother said she wants to go to Liangzhang Bridge, so I came to ask if he’s going.” Lu Gu replied.
“Wait, I’ll call him for you.” Before Lu Gu reached the door, Zhou Xinrui turned and shouted inside, “Dachen! Guzi’s here for Erqing!”
Her voice was loud, and the men drinking inside heard it clearly.
By the time Lu Gu and Guaizi reached the doorstep, Shen Xuanqing was already rising to leave. Since the main room was full of men, Lu Gu didn’t go in, instead chatting briefly with Zhou Xinrui at the door.
Shen Xuanqing had been drinking for about an hour and was already thinking of heading back soon to tend to the livestock. He hadn’t expected Lu Gu to come fetch him.
As the two walked back toward the new house, Lu Gu couldn’t contain a hint of excitement in his voice. “Mother said she wants to go to the market at Liangzhang Bridge and asked us to hitch the mule cart.”
Shen Xuanqing’s face was slightly flushed from the wine, they’d started drinking outside but moved indoors when it got too warm. Rubbing his cheeks, he grinned. “It’s about time we went to the market too.”
Before they even turned onto the path, Wei Lanxiang’s voice called out from behind. When they turned, they saw Shen Yaoqing approaching as well.
With the sky still bright, Shen Xuanqing and his brother hitched the mule cart. Since Ji Qiuyue had to stay home with the child, Shen Yaoqing didn't feel right about leaving, so only Lu Gu and the others went.
Shen Xuanqing, sitting at the front, gave a shout. Before his whip even touched the mule, it broke into a trot, its hooves clattering against the ground.
Lu Gu, Shen Yan, and Wei Lanxiang sat behind him, all three smiling. The wind rushed past their faces, but it wasn’t cold - only refreshing. They finally had their own mule cart!
Though it was just a flatbed cart without a canopy or enclosed cabin, leaving them exposed on all sides, the sunlight bathed their uplifted faces, their eyes bright with joy.
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