With their mother’s decree, how could Ji Qiuyue argue with her sister-in-law? Besides, she thought it was a good idea too. Country girls didn’t get many chances to see the world. It would be good for Shen Yan to familiarize herself with Jixing Town first.
With Shen Yan around to help look after Lingjun, the two of them only had one child to care for, making it easier than if Zhao’er had come along.
The two children played together, chasing each other around, while the adults had to keep a close eye on them, following behind. It was still quite tiring after a while.
“Come, Auntie will get you some fruit,” Shen Yan said, taking the teary-eyed Lingjun by the hand and leading him to the main hall.
Lu Gu tidied up the west wing. When they left in the morning, Luo Biao had rolled up the bedding and stuffed the clothes into the chest. With them gone for several months, they couldn’t leave things out to gather dust.
Although the bedding had been aired out a few days prior, he carried it out to sun again after seeing it—a little extra freshness wouldn’t hurt.
He swept the floor and turned the teacups on the table upside down to prevent dust from settling inside.
Shen Xuanqing’s quilt was also sunning in the courtyard. The east wing had been prepared for Shen Yaoqing yesterday. The north main building had two rooms, he and Lingjun still occupied the master bedroom, while the other was arranged for Shen Yan to stay in.
The courtyard only had these few rooms. With both east and west wings occupied, Shen Yan had to stay in the north room.
Coming out of the west wing, Lu Gu leaned the broom against the wall. Usually, he didn’t think much of it, but today the house felt particularly large, almost hollow.
Shen Yaoqing had gone to the butcher shop, while Shen Yan and Lingjun stayed in the main hall, eating and chatting.
Guaizi, who had been basking in the sun in the yard, got up and wagged his tail, nuzzling against Lu Gu’s leg with a whimper.
He patted the dog’s head and sighed softly, thinking to himself—Shen Xuanqing would be back in two months. That thought eased the lump in his throat. Smiling slightly, he went to fetch a big bone for Guaizi to chew on.
In autumn, loaches and fish grew plump. At the docks, cargo ships unloaded baskets of crabs shipped from the south. Ordinary folks couldn’t afford them, they could only stand by and watch.
Unlike back home, there were no fishing nets in the house, and they didn’t have the leisure to go angling. Sometimes, Lu Gu and Shen Yan would buy fish by the river. When they had free time, they’d take Lingjun to stroll around the docks.
The child had never eaten crab before. Standing on the bridge and looking down at the strange creatures on the boats, Lingjun didn’t realize they were food. Their odd shapes frightened him, and he’d cover his eyes at the sight of them.
One morning, after buying groceries, Lu Gu carried Lingjun while Shen Yan carried a bamboo basket. They chatted and laughed as they walked toward Zhenzhu Alley—only to spot Gu Chengyue not far away, right at the turn.
Gu Chengyue held a basket in one hand and a small wine jar in the other. The moment he saw Shen Yan, his eyes brightened, and he quickened his steps toward them with a smile.
“Brother Guzi,” he greeted Lu Gu, following Shen Yan’s lead. Then he said, “The day before yesterday, Chenghua wanted to play by the river. I took him and Hui’er to dig up some loaches. We kept them in clean water for two days, they’re nice and fresh now. There’s also a jar of osmanthus wine at home. Since it’s autumn, it’s the perfect season for it. I brought some for you to try.”
Ever since Shen Yan started living in town, the distance between them grew even shorter, and he couldn’t help but want to visit every single day. Fortunately, reason held him back, they weren’t married yet. Sending gifts to his betrothed every few days was acceptable, but staying together daily would invite gossip.
Lu Gu, seeing his beaming face, didn’t refuse his kindness. His eyes curved slightly as he said, “Alright, let’s go in together and have some tea.”
“Mm.” Gu Chengyue nodded, his joy growing even more.
Shen Yan remained silent since they were outside, but her clear almond-shaped eyes brightened upon seeing Gu Chengyue, revealing a slightly shy smile.
When they returned, the courtyard gate was wide open. Lu Gu placed two baskets and a jar of wine in the kitchen. Glancing at the two sitting at the stone table outside, he smiled quietly to himself and busied himself with preparing the vegetables and loaches, not stepping out.
Little Lingjun was picked up by Shen Yan and placed on the stone stool, nibbling on a piece of pastry in his hand, looked so adorable. He glanced at his aunt and then at the young uncle who often visited their home. When no one spoke, he suddenly giggled, making both Shen Yan and Gu Chengyue laugh.
“Have some tea.” Shen Yan poured a cup but didn’t hand it over directly, instead gently sliding it toward Gu Chengyue.
Both knew the reason. Earlier, when Shen Yan had passed him tea, their hands had accidentally touched. Being upright and reserved, even such a slight contact made them flustered, so they dared not repeat it.
“Alright.” Gu Chengyue’s smile deepened. He took a sip, then, not wanting to sit idle, said, “Loaches are slippery. Why don’t I go clean them? You two have the child to look after, it’ll save you the trouble.”
Without waiting for Shen Yan’s response, he was already rolling up his sleeves.
Since it was broad daylight and the gate was open, there was no fear of gossip. Lu Gu stepped aside and let him handle it.
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