The Sweet little Fulang Chapter 169 Part 1

Chapter 169

    The weather was getting better, much warmer than the harsh cold of winter. Even when it was windy or rainy, it wasn’t as bone-chilling as winter. Time passed quickly, and before they knew it, spring was approaching. The slopes and wild fields grew greener day by day.  

    Early in the morning, Lu Gu ate a bowl of steamed egg custard drizzled with fragrant sesame oil. Though it had been steamed a bit too long and turned slightly tough, it still tasted good.  

    Nowadays, he rarely ate duck meat or duck eggs, just the smell was enough to make him uncomfortable. However, he could still manage a few bites of salted duck eggs. The day before yesterday, before dinner, he had felt so hungry that his stomach felt hollow. Fortunately, Wei Lanxiang had prepared and rolled out the noodle early that afternoon. He had gone back and cooked a bowl of scallion noodle soup. Without any stir-fried dishes and not in the mood for pickled vegetables, he had sliced half a salted duck egg to eat with it.  

    He ate a lot, but he hadn’t gained much weight. Even Shen Xuanqing sometimes muttered in confusion - his belly wasn’t showing, so where was all the food going?  

    Since this was their first time experiencing such things, there were many matters they didn’t understand. One day, Wei Lanxiang happened to overhear their quiet murmurs and couldn’t stop laughing, teasing them for being foolish. She explained that it had only been a few months, all the food was feeding the child in his belly, so how could he gain weight? Only later, when the pregnancy progressed and he had been eating for a longer time, would he start putting on more flesh.  

    Since Lu Gu didn’t have to prepare lunch at noon, he returned to the main hall to do some embroidery and needlework. Otherwise, he’d have nothing to do all day. Even when embroidering handkerchiefs, Shen Xuanqing worried he might overexert himself, limiting him to one handkerchief every two days.  

    Embroidering handkerchiefs was just sitting down, how exhausting could it be? But Shen Xuanqing had insisted multiple times, so Lu Gu had no choice but to comply.  

    The sun was particularly strong today. After sitting in the front yard for a while, Lu Gu felt too exposed and moved to the main hall. In the backyard, Shen Xuanqing finished shoveling manure and came to wash his hands. As he splashed water, he said, “Since we’re not busy today, I’ll go to Wangli Village and bring back the piglets.”  

    There was a family in Wangli Village that raised pigs. They had already agreed beforehand, they would take four piglets. Now that the piglets were old enough, it was time to bring them home and raise them.  

    Hearing this, Lu Gu set down his embroidery hoop and looked over. Wangli Village was a bit far, but not as distant as the town or Liangzhang Bridge. He hadn’t been on a long trip in a while. In the past, he often walked to town without a second thought, but after staying home for so long, he felt restless and wanted to go out for a change.  

    “I want to go too,” he said, looking at Shen Xuanqing.  

    Shen Xuanqing, who had been scrubbing his hands with wild soapberries, paused and glanced up. “You want to go too?”  

    “Mhm. Wangli Village isn’t that far.” Lu Gu tried to reason, thinking carefully before adding, “I’ve been home for so long without going anywhere. If you drive the mule slowly, it won’t be bumpy.”  

    Shen Xuanqing set the soapberries aside, rubbing the lather off his hands. After listening, he smiled and said, “Alright, if you want to go, then go.”  

    Lu Gu hadn’t expected him to agree so readily, he had thought he’d need to argue more.  

    Shen Xuanqing glanced at him, smiling without a word. With Lu Gu listing so many reasons and sounding so pitiful, how could he refuse? His mother had told him to indulge Lu Gu a little, not to make him angry or upset. Besides, Wangli Village wasn’t that far; a short trip wouldn’t be a problem.  

    Lu Gu stood up and put the sewing basket back in the room to prevent the dogs from knocking it over. The embroidery threads and handkerchiefs didn’t matter much, but if the needles scattered on the ground and pierced a dog’s paw or someone’s shoe, it would be troublesome.  

    Shen Xuanqing drank half a bowl of warm water and caught his breath before going to fetch the mule. Since it wasn’t yet spring, he couldn’t wear too little. The sun was strong today, and any physical activity made him sweat all over.  

    After hitching the mule to the cart, he called out to the backyard. Hearing Shen Yaoqing’s response, he led the mule cart out and helped Lu Gu onto the wooden cart outside the gate.  

    Just as Lu Gu had requested, he didn’t whip the mule to hurry. The mule pulled the cart forward slowly, but the ride was steady.  

    “Yesterday, when I went to Third Uncle’s house, I saw the sprouted jujube branches in the yard. Since we wanted them, Third Uncle didn’t cut them down. Once they grow a bit bigger, we can dig them up and transplant them.” A gentle breeze brushed past them, and the warm sun made the trip pleasant. Lu Gu was in high spirits, chatting idly with Shen Xuanqing.  

    Sitting at the front, Shen Xuanqing smiled and replied, “Mhm, I’ll dig them up when the time comes. This year, I’ll clear another plot in the yard to plant some qingyao leaves. That way, we won’t have to forage in the mountains or buy them.”  

[Qingyao leaves (青蒿叶): the leaves of Artemisia annua (sweet wormwood), for treating fever, malaria, and inflammatory conditions. The antimicrobial and deodorizing properties make them a traditional go-to for managing summer livestock odors and maintaining hygiene]

My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 18 Part 1

Chapter 18  

Ji Taoyu was wrapped in a layer of quilt, sitting on the bed, gently rolling a peeled boiled egg over his eyes in front of a bronze mirror.  

His heart was beating a little too fast, his emotions still unsettled, and he couldn’t help the occasional sniffle.  

Huang Manjing sat at the end of the bed peeling another egg, while Ji Yangzong paced back and forth with his hands clasped behind his back, his brows tightly furrowed. The room was quiet, yet the silence spoke louder than words.  

Ji Yangzong was seething with anger. He had long wanted to curse the ancestors of the You family for eighteen generations, but seeing his ger in such a state, he feared speaking would only upset him further.  

His gaze fell on a long black cloak hanging on the clothes rack, unfamiliar and unlike anything his ger would own.  

He was about to ask if Ji Taoyu had gone to see his grandfather, but before he could speak, his wife scolded him.  

"Stop pacing around like that, you’re making me dizzy."  

Huang Manjing finished peeling the egg, blew on it lightly, then went over to help Ji Taoyu roll it over his eyes, which were so red they looked like they might bleed. Her heart ached for him, and she couldn’t help but resent Ji Yangzong even more.  

Now wasn’t the time to say they never should have agreed to this marriage, so she could only vent her frustration by scolding Ji Yangzong over trivial matters.  

Ji Yangzong knew his wife was angry and didn’t argue back.  

He stepped forward, looking at Ji Taoyu’s pale face and bloodshot eyes, and said gently, "Your father will definitely get justice for you. That You Erlang is utterly shameless."  

"I’m not sad anymore."  

Ji Taoyu sniffled, trying to sound firm, but his voice still came out weak and trembling.  

Ji Yangzong didn’t reply, sighing quietly. This pitiful appearance hardly made his claim of not being sad convincing.  

Ji Taoyu knew his father didn’t believe him. He set the egg aside and took Ji Yangzong’s hand. "Dad, don’t go looking for trouble with the You family."  

"You’re still thinking about them? Those ungrateful white eyed wolves have completely forgotten about our family."  

"I’m not speaking up for them."  

Ji Taoyu said, "The Ji and You families have been rooted in this village for so many years. If you go and make a scene, people will laugh at us, but more importantly, both families will still have to live here afterward."  

"He… he’s attached himself to the Assistant Prefect now."  

Ji Yangzong’s hand froze, and a chill ran down his spine.  

He immediately understood Ji Taoyu’s meaning.  

His chest tightened with frustration, no wonder he’d been feeling uneasy lately. Something big was indeed happening.  

"Back then, his mother came to our house with such a pitiful act, saying that woman surnamed Wang from the ditch was gossiping about her everywhere, ruining her reputation. I thought that after marrying into the You family, she had served her husband dutifully and raised her children well, so it must’ve been Wang Juyan exaggerating and slandering her. But no, she was never innocent. Now You Lingxiao has learned to fawn on those above and trample those below, playing both sides."  

Ji Yangzong spoke with deep regret. A single misjudgment had nearly cost his ger his entire future.  

"All these years, that mother and son acted meek and pitiable in front of our family, pretending to be humble and respectful. Now that they’ve risen in the world, their true colors show in an instant."  

Even at his age, Ji Yangzong couldn’t help but marvel at human nature once again.  

Now the situation was thorny. Though he held the You family’s betrothal token, if things truly escalated, he might not gain much from it. The You family was cunning, they’d already attached themselves to the Assistant Prefect.  

Back when You Lingxiao passed the provincial exam, Ji Yangzong had even mentioned him to the Assistant Prefect. But to avoid suspicion since You Lingxiao was his future son-in-law, he hadn’t pushed for a recommendation.  

He hadn’t bothered much with it, never imagining You Lingxiao had secretly been in contact with the Xue family all along, and hiding it from him. If Ji Taoyu hadn’t run into him in the city today, who would’ve known his ambitions had grown so large?  

This Assistant Prefect Xue was no pushover. If he intended for his daughter to marry You Lingxiao, he wouldn’t be ignorant of whether You Lingxiao was already betrothed.  

It was this realization that sent a chill down Ji Yangzong’s spine.  

How could commoners contend with officials?  

If he made a scene now, he’d offend the Assistant Prefect, and in the future, he’d inevitably face petty retaliation, he might even lose his position as village head.  

If the Ji family consisted only of his own family, he might have fought the You family for the sake of pride. But the Ji family had several other branches. It hadn’t been easy to wrest the position of village head from the You family back then, it wasn’t his achievement alone but the result of the entire Ji clan’s efforts.  

How could he disregard the entire Ji clan just for the sake of his own family?  

Ji Yangzong hadn’t expected things to turn out like this. His heart was heavy with bitterness. "Xiao Taozi, your father has no power, I’ve wronged you."  

"Dad, what are you saying? I don’t feel wronged at all. It’s better to learn his true nature now than to regret it after stepping into that family."  

Ji Yangzong’s eyes turned cold as he looked at his ger’s reddened eyes. Though he was filled with resentment and wanted to make the You family suffer, he couldn’t sacrifice his only child for the sake of the clan’s interests, nor could he ruin the clan for the sake of his own pride.  

"Since things have come to this, we can only follow the You family’s wishes. We… will cancel the betrothal!"  

Ji Taoyu and Huang Manjing looked up at Ji Yangzong in shock.  

The Rebirth of Crazy ger Chapter 50

Chapter 50  

Is he drunk? 

Wang Jin’s eyes lit up as he tried to push the man up to get a better look at him, but the man remained motionless, slumped over his shoulder.  

“Little ger…”  

The man’s hot breath brushed against Wang Jin’s neck, sending shivers down his sensitive skin, raising goosebumps and leaving a tingling numbness in its wake.  

That tingling sensation surged upward, spreading until even Wang Jin’s scalp went numb.  

His fingers trembled slightly, and a soft hum escaped his lips. “Hmm?”  

“Little lunatic…” The man wrapped his arms around Wang Jin, switching to a different nickname.  

The man often called him “little ger” and “little lunatic,” always with a teasing lilt.  

But tonight was different - his voice was thick, sticky, as if coated in honey.  

Even though he had spoken aloud, Wang Jin felt as though the words still lingered in the man’s heart, twisting and turning with an unbreakable tenderness that made his own heart ache with longing.  

Wang Jin’s entire body burned.  

The man must be drunk, when sober, he was never this clingy.  

“A-Jin.” The man changed his address again, swaying as he straightened up. He cupped Wang Jin’s face, studied him for a moment, then suddenly pulled him into a tight embrace.  

“Mine.”  

As if declaring ownership, the man’s hold was domineering, yet his expression was childlike. Clutching Wang Jin as though he were his most treasured possession, afraid someone might snatch him away.  

Wang Jin froze for a moment, his heartbeat pounding so loudly in his ears that it nearly deafened him.  

So this was how the man acted when drunk…  

Wang Jin buried his burning face against the man’s chest.  

The little ger’s affectionate movement was like a restless pebble skipping across the surface of the man’s heart, sending ripples cascading through it.  

The man’s heart melted into a puddle. He tightened his arms, convinced that the person in his embrace was the finest ger in the world.  

He wanted to be good to him, to treat him with endless kindness.  

Pulling the little ger up, the man led him inside.  

Then he rummaged through the house, gathering fruits, meats, and furs from every corner and piling them before Wang Jin.  

Wang Jin, still reeling from the earlier emotions, stared blankly at the mountain of items in front of him.  

“Brother Heng, what’s all this?”  

“Ice fruits from Snow Mist Mountain, bud fruits from Poison Mist Camphor, white jade fruits from the python’s den, honey… all the sweet fruits you like. Eat them.”  

The man pushed the pile of fruits toward Wang Jin.  

Though he knew the man always kept some fruits at home, he never expected this many!  

Wang Jin loved fruit, but this… this was a mountain of it. Just looking at it made his stomach feel uncomfortably full.  

Next, the man laid out pieces of marinated tender meat. “Pork tenderloin, lovebird pigeon, young beast meat, all for you to eat.”  

He pushed them toward Wang Jin, eyes shining like a child seeking praise.  

Wang Jin went from stunned to utterly speechless.  

Then the man unfolded stack after stack of furs, spreading them before Wang Jin. “Giant beast fur, hemp-hog leather, velvet beast pelts… all for you to make clothes.”  

“……” Wang Jin’s lips twitched involuntarily.  

Having presented everything he could find, the man began tearing the house apart in search of more.  

Wang Jin snapped out of his daze and tried to stop him, but how could he match the man’s strength?  

In no time, the house was in complete disarray, with barely any room to step.  

Wang Jin looked around in despair.  

He regretted it, he deeply regretted letting the man drink!  

“Brother Heng…” Wang Jin grabbed the man’s arm, mustering his courage to persuade him. “Stop, that’s enough! I’m more than satisfied…”  

“Not enough.” The man turned, clasping Wang Jin’s hand and gently rubbing his thumb over the delicate skin of his knuckles. “My little ger deserves better.”  

Yuan Heng narrowed his eyes, deep in thought. His expression was solemn and serious, if not for the scent of alcohol and his bizarre behavior, no one would guess he was drunk.  

“East of here, past the jungle, there’s a lake. They say the snowfish there are the most delicious. I’ll catch some for you.”  

With that, he turned to leave.  

Wang Jin panicked and yanked him back.  

“You’re going *now?”  

“Mm. I’ll be back soon.”  

There was no way Wang Jin would let him go out in this state.  

He clung to him desperately. “It’s already dark… going out at night isn’t safe. Besides, I’m full.”  

Yuan Heng glanced at the sky, his eyes gleaming with confidence.  

“Don’t worry. I’m strong.” He raised his hand, his fingers tensing as his nails elongated into sharp claws, glinting coldly under the moonlight streaming into the house.  

The man never showed these dangerous claws in front of Wang Jin, this was the first time Wang Jin had seen his weapons.  

Those claws were as sharp as blades, capable of tearing through any prey’s flesh… their pale gleam in the night carried an eerie beauty.  

Yet, one claw on his index finger was broken, ruining the symmetry.  

Wang Jin reached out and cradled that hand. The claw had been worn down, he knew it was from when the man carved the white jade hairpin for him.  

His nose stung, his heart swelling with emotion. The man was always like this, silently giving everything, whether Wang Jin asked for it or not.  

Ignoring the sharp claws, Wang Jin pressed his palm against them.  

At the last moment, the man retracted his claws, catching Wang Jin’s hand safely in his own broad palm.  

“Brother Heng, don’t go. It’s too dark.”  

“……” The man carefully examined Wang Jin’s hand, ensuring there wasn’t a single scratch, before finally relaxing.

Rebirth to Erase Dark History Chapter 57 Part 2

"After all this talk, it seems like you didn’t bring anything for me?" Wei Jing’s tone was slightly sour.  

"How could I forget? Don’t you like fish? I made a lot of Eight-Treasure Fish, just steam it and it’s ready to eat. Easy to store and tastes great. I also packed a lot of seasoning mixes so you can make pickled chicken feet whenever you want."  

Wei Jing first took Yang Jiabo to grab a bite to eat, then brought him back to his place. Wei Jing had bought a two-bedroom high-rise apartment near the company.  

When Yang Jiabo stepped inside, he was struck by the sleek, minimalist gray decor, which was suited Wei Jing perfectly. The place was spotless, and the kitchen was pristine, without a trace of cooking smells - clearly never used.  

Yang Jiabo: "You bought this place yourself?"  

Wei Jing: "Yeah, but I only paid the down payment."  

Yang Jiabo said enviously, "Nice. Keep an eye out for good locations, I want to buy one too."  

Wei Jing: "You can just stay with me when you’re here."  

Yang Jiabo: "You think I’m buying it to live in? I’m buying it as an investment. I can rent it out and live off the income. Just the rent from a Beijing property would let me laze around comfortably for life."  

"You should talk to Brother Ren about that, he partnered with someone to buy a plot of land and is developing it. But you’re still so young, why are you already thinking about lazing around? Can’t you have some ambition?"  

"My ambition is to laze around." Yang Jiabo grinned. "So Brother Ren is loaded, huh? Next time he buys medicine, I’ll milk him dry."  

"Loaded? He’s just doing alright."  

As they chatted, they sorted through Yang Jiabo’s luggage. His personal belongings were placed in Wei Jing’s bedroom—the apartment only had two rooms, one serving as the bedroom and the other as a study.  

Yang Jiabo hadn’t just brought food—he’d also brought a lot of flowers. Seeing this, Wei Jing immediately took Yang Jiabo and the flowers to his grandfather’s house.  

"Is it really okay for us to just show up like this?" Yang Jiabo tugged nervously at his clothes, his discomfort around strangers flaring up again.  

Wei Jing glanced at him. "What’s wrong with it? Even though you haven’t met, you’ve already ‘known’ each other in spirit. Plus, you brought so many gifts, the old man will be over the moon."  

Yang Jiabo said sheepishly, "It’s just some things from home, nothing valuable."  

When they arrived at the Wei family, Grandma Wei was shocked to see Wei Jing at the door. "Xiao Jing? What brings you here? I thought you were busy?"  

"You little brat, finally decided to show up? Why can’t you be more like Xiao Feng and not worry me so much?" Grandpa Wei’s voice boomed with vigor.  

"Grandpa, we have a guest." Wei Jing quickly reminded the old man. Even after all these years, Grandpa Wei still held a grudge over him studying abroad.  

"Who’s here?" Grandpa Wei looked curiously behind Wei Jing.  

"Grandpa Wei, Grandma Wei, hello. I’m Yang Jiabo." Yang Jiabo greeted them politely. When he wasn’t acting out, his demeanor was very likable to elders. He also knew how to charm them, in his past life, many elderly customers had frequented his pharmacy.  

"Oh, it’s Jiajia! Come in, come in!" Grandma Wei welcomed him warmly.  

"Wait a moment, Jiajia brought a lot of things for you. Let’s carry them in first." Wei Jing walked in carrying a cardboard box, and Yang Jiabo followed with another.  

"Jiajia, you’re too kind. You didn’t have to bring gifts, just treat this as your own home." Grandma Wei smiled.  

"These are all from my family’s farm, just some fresh produce for you to try." Yang Jiabo smiled and set the items down by the kitchen door.  

"Grandpa, Jiajia brought some flowers that need tending to." Wei Jing carried a box of plants to the backyard.  

"What kind of flowers?" Grandpa Wei perked up immediately.  

"Mostly orchids, and a few camellias," Yang Jiabo said.  

Wei Jing and Yang Jiabo moved all the flowers to the backyard, with Grandpa Wei following happily behind. When the boxes were opened, Wei Jing carefully lifted out each orchid, followed by a blooming "Eighteen Scholars" camellia. The plants were all in excellent condition, showing no signs of having been uprooted and transported over a long distance.  

[The Eighteen Scholars camellia (十八学士, Shíbā Xuéshì, Camellia japonica): a famous and highly prized camellia cultivar, named after the Tang Dynasty's elite academicians, prized for its perfectly symmetrical 18-petaled blooms symbolizing scholarly refinement and harmony]

"Let’s leave the flowers here for now. I’ll go buy some pots and soil," Wei Jing said.  

"No need, no need, we have plenty at home." Grandpa Wei sent Wei Jing to fetch them from the toolshed, then turned to Yang Jiabo. "Jiajia, you’ve raised these flowers beautifully, the blooms are stunning. I’ve never seen Eighteen Scholars this vibrant. But I thought they weren’t in season?"  

"The largest white one is a gift for you, Grandpa. I used a little trick to keep it blooming." Yang Jiabo was outright lying, he had no trick. He’d simply picked the two best plants to bring.  

He’d noticed that plants grown near the fleeceflower thrived, but only if planted in the ground - potted ones showed little effect.  

"What about the pink one? What are your plans for it?" Grandpa Wei asked. If Yang Jiabo intended to sell it, he could help.  

Yang Jiabo: "That one was reserved by Chang Jin for his grandfather. Grandpa Chang’s birthday is coming up soon."  

"It’s in half a month. At least that kid has some filial piety." Grandpa Wei nodded. "Jiajia, the flowers you grow are such high quality, have you considered growing other varieties or expanding?"

The Sweet little Fulang Chapter 168 Part 2

    The mule stood in the yard, shifting its hooves as the dogs crowded around. After unloading the newly bought large iron pot from the cart, Shen Xuanqing untied the mule’s harness, saying, "I bought three catties of meat from Butcher Zhao. Since you’ve been craving meat bones lately, I got extra. Cook them whenever you want, we have enough firewood at home."  

    Lu Gu looked at the large iron pot on the ground and the meat and bones inside, unable to suppress a smile. The dogs also crowded around to inspect the pot, so he lifted out the meat and bones and placed them in the steamer in the main room, covering it securely.  

    Shen Xuanqing led the mule to the backyard, adding as an afterthought, "Don’t move the pot or the cart. I’ll come back to handle them later."  

    "Alright." Lu Gu agreed cheerfully, carrying a wooden basin to the water vat to scoop some water.  

    By the time Shen Xuanqing returned from tethering the mule to wash his hands, Lu Gu was already tasting the bones by the clay stove, nibbling on a small one. The meat came off the bone effortlessly, all it needed was a sprinkle of salt.  

    "Get a bowl too." Lu Gu turned his head and grinned, gnawing at the small bone in his hand.  

    At this, the dogs all started barking.  

    Shen Xuanqing picked up a bowl from the table, not to hold the bones, but to catch any meat that might fall off. Seeing Lu Gu eagerly gnawing on the bones by the stove, he smiled, brought over a chair for him to sit, and fetched the salt bowl. A little salt made it even tastier.  

    He lifted the large earthen pot off the stove and set it on the ground, replacing it with another pot of water to heat. Soon, there would be warm water for washing hands or drinking.  

    It wasn’t even noon yet, but the two of them had already gnawed through four or five meat bones. Even the two puppies each got a small bone to chew on, lying contentedly on the ground.  

    Sitting in the sun, gnawing on bones, Lu Gu felt utterly satisfied. His appetite had grown lately, if not for wanting to save some for the rest of the family, he and Shen Xuanqing might have finished them all.  

    After washing the grease off his hands with wild soapberries, Lu Gu was drying his hands when Shen Xuanqing pulled out a red cloth from his pocket, unfolding it with a smile.  

    The silver bracelet gleamed brightly - clearly brand new.  

    "For you to take turns wearing with the other one." Shen Xuanqing was delighted. Before and during the New Year, he’d been too busy to buy Lu Gu any jewelry. The silversmiths had also been on break during the festivities, so he’d only managed to make the purchase today.  

    On Lu Gu’s left wrist was last year’s bracelet, which he had rarely taken off since receiving it. Though it was still as good as new, Shen Xuanqing had bought him another.  

    He was about to say it was too much, but seeing Shen Xuanqing’s joy, he swallowed the words. His eyes and lips curved into a smile as he took the bracelet. Noticing the engraved patterns of grain ears, his heart swelled with joy. He couldn’t bear to put it down. Shen Xuanqing had once bought him a silver hairpin with the same motif, and realizing its meaning had filled him with indescribable happiness.  

    Removing the old bracelet, he slipped the new one onto his wrist, turning it admiringly. Looking up, he beamed. "It’s beautiful."  

    Shen Xuanqing’s smile widened. He wrapped the old bracelet in the red cloth and handed it over. "As long as you like it. Keep this one safe—you can take turns wearing between them. Over time, they’ll lose their shine, but I’ll take them to town for polishing when needed."  

    "Mm." Lu Gu accepted the cloth and headed inside to store it.  

    Shen Xuanqing headed to the backyard to feed the mule, which had completed its round trip and was now resting.

    Just as Lu Gu tucked the red cloth into the bottom of the chest, the dogs barked - Wei Lanxiang and the others had arrived.  

    They had fed the livestock early in the morning. Taking advantage of the fine weather, Wei Lanxiang, Shen Yan, and Shen Yaoqing had gone to the riverbank with shovels and small hoes to dig for earthworms. The chickens and ducks had gone all winter without many insects, so these wriggling treats would supplement their diet.  

    The three returned covered in mud. Lu Gu hurried out to fetch water for them to wash their hands. Seeing the bones were ready, Shen Yan washed up briskly and grabbed one to eat without even drying her hands.  

    "Sprinkle some salt." Lu Gu handed her the salt dish.  

    Gnawing on bones by hand was the most satisfying. Shen Yan’s lips gleamed with grease, but she still managed a silly grin. Wei Lanxiang and Shen Yaoqing, after washing their hands, joined in, their faces alight with smiles. Such carefree meat-eating days were truly wonderful.  

    Lu Gu added more water to the pot heating on the stove, smiling. "Erqing bought three more catties of meat and some bones on his way back. If you’re craving more, there’ll be some tomorrow."  

    "Did Erqing buy that pot?" Wei Lanxiang had noticed the large iron pot on the table as soon as she entered. Munching on a bone, she walked over and touched it.  

    "He did." Lu Gu set down the ladle. "Now we can cook meals here too. During spring ploughing and autumn harvest, we won’t have to rush back home. After eating, we can rest here, it’ll be much more convenient."  

    Wei Lanxiang nodded emphatically. Indeed, farmwork was exhausting. Sometimes, the heat and fatigue made every extra step feel unbearable. Having a stove here would allow them to eat at either place.  

    Shen Xuanqing, having finished feeding the mule, walked into the main room and saw the basket of earthworms squirming in the mud. "So many."  

    "We dug through several ditches, even got our shoes soaked. We thought about coming back, but since washing shoes is a hassle anyway, we figured we might as well dig more." Wei Lanxiang headed toward the front yard. She hadn’t noticed earlier, but now that she mentioned it, her feet felt chilly. Best to dry them in the sun before changing shoes after eating.  

    Shen Xuanqing lifted the heavy basket and carried it to the backyard. After roughly chopping the worms, he tossed them to the chickens and ducks. Though mixed with mud, the sheer quantity was enough to last two days.  

    Wei Lanxiang was very diligent about raising the poultry, because well-fed chickens and ducks wouldn’t lay soft-shelled eggs. In spring, she planned to hatch more chicks and ducklings. Only by taking good care of them could they sustain annual breeding and sales.  

    Finishing a bone, she tossed it to the dogs. Noticing this, Lu Gu handed her another.  

    Wei Lanxiang accepted it with a smile, then suddenly caught sight of the silver bracelet on Lu Gu’s wrist, it was even shinier than before. "Oh my, is that a new bracelet?"  

    Lu Gu felt a little shy but nodded. "Yes, Erqing just came back and said he bought it in town."  

    Wei Lanxiang had money Shen Xuanqing had given her and rarely interfered with his spending, it wasn’t her place. Smiling, she said, "If he buys it for you, wear it gladly. Things are different now. If Erqing didn’t buy you things, that’d be the real problem."  

    "Mm." Lu Gu smiled in agreement. Ever since the pregnancy was confirmed, the whole family had urged him to rest and take care of himself. With his mind at ease, no worries about food or clothing, and Shen Xuanqing buying him jewelry, his heart was sweet and content, his heart rarely troubled.

My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 17 Part 2

"I consider his family like a second set of parents. I visited them often, wanting to repay their kindness. Over time, rumors started circulating." 

"Villagers are crude and love gossip. They spun tales of an engagement between me and the village head’s household. I never knew how to refute it. I didn’t expect such rural trifles to reach your ears, Miss Xue."  

You Lingxiao spoke earnestly, his handsome face tinged with sorrow - a portrait of hardship that stirred sympathy.  

Xue Hanxue’s eyes shimmered with tender emotion: "Brother Lingxiao, you’ve suffered so much. But now your fortunes have turned. Don’t let these petty matters trouble you."  

Softly, she added: "Father and I await your return from the examinations."  

You Lingxiao bowed his head: "Thank you for your kindness, Master Xue and Sister Hanxue."  

Xue Hanxue’s lips curved: "As you said, Father and I wouldn’t have invited you out otherwise. If those village rumors are baseless, then it’s one less concern. But even if they weren’t… I trust Brother Lingxiao knows what’s best."  

You Lingxiao stiffened momentarily before nodding: "Naturally."  

Hearing this, Ji Taoyu could bear no more.  

After all the support our family has given him, he dismisses it as mere village gossip? The agreed-upon engagement, now just idle talk? 

His chest swelled with anger. He wanted to step forward and throw the betrothal token in You Lingxiao's face, demanding to know if their families had truly agreed to the marriage.

But as he stepped out, someone yanked him back.  

"Why are you stopping me?!"  

Ji Taoyu glared up at Huo Shu.  

Huo Shu’s voice was low: "Calm down."  

"He’s deceiving both sides! Should I let him get away with it?"  

Seeing Ji Taoyu’s red-rimmed eyes - quivering with hurt and anger, Huo Shu’s frown deepened.  

He gentled his tone: "That’s the daughter of Assistant Prefect Xue. Do you know the Xue family’s standing? Or which official oversees village heads?"  

Ji Taoyu's resolve crumbled. His anger deflated.  

"An official’s family… wouldn’t tolerate a son-in-law with such character…"  

"To those in power, character means little."  

Huo Shu’s voice turned icy: "The court has upright officials, but just as many who claw their way up by any means."

Years in the military had shown him countless wolves in human skin.  

Ji Taoyu’s courage withered. The Assistant Prefect governed all village heads in the prefecture. To commoners, he was the law.  

If Assistant Prefect Xue was fair-minded, he might distance himself from You Lingxiao upon learning of his dishonesty. But if he favored You Lingxiao and Ji Taoyu exposed him, humiliating the Xue family, retribution would follow effortlessly.

The realization suffocated him, not just because of You Lingxiao's duplicity, but also due to the stark contrast with Wu Lianhe and Zhao Changsui's story. 

Yet he could only stood frozen, powerless to confront him. 

Ji Taoyu clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. Normally averse to pain, he barely felt it – his heartache overshadowed everything.

Huo Shu watched the ger's eyes redden further, tears brimming like floodwaters. His gaze darkened.  

"Let’s browse the shop. The silks here are splendid."  

Xue Hanxue’s cheerful voice rang out.  

"Of course. Enjoy yourself, Sister Hanxue."  

You Lingxiao and Miss Xue chatted amiably, heading toward them.  

Ji Taoyu shrank back. Huo Shu plucked a needle from a nearby shelf and flicked it discreetly.  

"Sister Hanxue, watch your step, there are two more stairs here."  

You Lingxiao bent to gather the skirt again... 

Then yelped.  

"Ah—!"  

A sharp pain stabbed his calf. His leg buckled, sending him crashing onto Xue Hanxue’s hem.  

The sudden weight yanked her off-balance. They nearly toppled together.  

In the middle of the bustling shop, You Lingxiao knelt awkwardly at the entrance, drawing every eye.  

Flustered by the stares and You Lingxiao’s undignified scrambling—Xue Hanxue hissed: "Get up!"  

You Lingxiao tried, but his numb legs refused. The more he struggled, the more tangled he became.  

Xue Hanxue's maids rushed to help, creating a spectacle before they finally hurried off.  

Huo Shu turned back, only to find the ger beside him already in tears.  

Ji Taoyu’s face was drenched, his sleeves futilely dabbing at the flood. The more he wiped, the faster the tears fell, dripping off his chin.  

Panic fluttered in his chest. Once he started crying, he couldn’t stop—even after the emotion passed, the tears kept coming. Worse, he might start hiccuping, making him seem even more pitiful.  

Mortified, he regretted letting anger trigger this breakdown.  

Just as he feared onlookers would shift their attention from You Lingxiao’s farce to his own misery, a familiar cloak settled over his shoulders.  

He sniffled, glancing up at Huo Shu.  

The man studied his tear-stained face - lashes clumped together like rain-soaked lotus petals - and his frown deepened. 

He raised a hand as if to pull him close, but hesitated and withdrew it at the last moment.

Huo Shu exhaled quietly: "Let’s go. We’re leaving."

The Sweet little Fulang Chapter 168 Part 1

Chapter 168

    Early in the morning, shortly after the sun rose, the streets were already bustling. Water sellers pushed small wheelbarrows, the wheels creaking as they rolled over the bluestone pavement. Firewood sellers carried bundles of firewood on their shoulders, hawking their goods. Vendors selling wonton and shaobing had already set up their stalls, and the aroma of various foods filled the air.  

[烧饼 (shāo bǐng): a traditional Chinese baked or pan-fried flatbread, often layered and flaky, that can be sweet or savory, filled with ingredients like red bean paste or sesame]

    After the New Year, the couplets and spring blessings pasted on every family's door still looked fresh. Walking along the street, passing by umbrella shops and lantern shops, the umbrella makers and lantern craftsmen had already hung up their wares. When the wind blew, the umbrellas and lanterns swayed gently.  

    A mule clopped down the street, its hooves tapping rhythmically. Shen Xuanqing sat at the front of the cart it pulled, driving it into the alley next to the brothel   

    Early in the morning, all the other shops and stores were open, with clerks and owners bustling about. Only the people in the brothel rose late.  

    He knocked on the small door, announced his name, and soon someone came to open it. Together, they unloaded the rabbit cages from the cart. After moving them inside, Shen Xuanqing took back the empty cages from last time. Today, he didn’t run into Luo Biao, and he didn’t ask the kitchen helper to call for him. Everyone had their own tasks to attend to, they could meet next time.  

    The six rabbits sold for 270 copper coins. After tucking the money away, he bid farewell to the kitchen helper and drove the mule cart back home.  

    In another month, by mid-February, the litter of 56 rabbits would have been raised for half a year and could be sold. Some green grass had already begun to sprout, and in a few days, they could dig for wild greens in the mountains. Feeding that litter would surely fatten them up more than now.  

    Besides the brothel, the tavern owned by Yang Xian in Jixing Town also required regular deliveries. Since they were close acquaintances, and with the influence of Lao Yangtou and his shiniang, Shen Xuanqing sold the rabbits there for 35 copper coins each during autumn and winter when the rabbits were plump and their fur thick - slightly cheaper than the market price, but reasonable given the bulk purchases. Each delivery consisted of ten rabbits, as the tavern wasn’t a lavish place like the brothel. If Yang Xian (Lao Yangtou's son) didn’t need the pelts, Shen Xuanqing could sell them separately.  

[师娘 (shīniáng): the wife of one's master (师父, shīfu), especially in traditional apprenticeships (martial arts, crafts, etc.)

    Rabbits truly bred quickly and in large numbers. They couldn’t keep raising them indefinitely. Whether sold at high or low prices, as long as they were sold, it meant income, 

they wouldn’t lose out. This winter, their earnings were already higher than previous years. Sometimes, Shen Xuanqing and Shen Yaoqing would also bring a cartload of firewood to sell in town. Every handful of copper coins saved up added to their daily expenses.  

    With so many people in town, it wasn’t easy to let the mule run freely. Shen Xuanqing barely flicked his whip. When he reached the silver shop, he tugged the reins to stop the mule, climbed down from the cart, and called inside, "Clerk, help me bring out the item."  

    Coming alone, if the mule got spooked and ran off in the street, it would be hard to chase.  

    The clerk inside, polishing silverware, heard the noise, peeked out, and recognized him. He quickly retrieved a silver bracelet wrapped in red cloth and hurried out.  

    The clerk cradled the red cloth in his palm and unfolded it, smiling broadly. "Take a look."  

    Shen Xuanqing picked up the silver bracelet and examined it carefully. This bracelet was slightly thicker than the one he had bought for Lu Gu before. Under the sunlight, it gleamed brightly, engraved with patterns of grain ears - a design he had previously commissioned from an old craftsman, now expertly replicated.

[谷 (gǔ) in Lu Gu's name means grain]  

    "This is the one." Satisfied, he wrapped the bracelet back in the red cloth and tucked it into his pocket before opening his purse to pay the clerk. Since the shopkeeper hadn’t come out, he added, "That settles the payment."  

    "Indeed, indeed. The shopkeeper had instructed that the deposit was already paid, only the remaining sum was needed." The clerk accepted the money with a smile, then repeatedly wished him a safe journey before returning inside to settle the accounts.  

    In the courtyard, Lu Gu sat in the sun, idly doing embroidery. A clay stove under the eaves had been fueled with firewood, and a large earthen pot on top simmered with several meat bones. The dogs, big and small, circled the stove, with Guaizi even whining softly. The puppies had learned to mimic his sounds.  

    The meat bones were stewed for Lu Gu himself. In winter, there were few vegetables to eat, mostly just cabbage, radish, and winter bamboo shoots. Lately, he had developed a craving for meat, so Shen Xuanqing frequently bought some, either from town or from Meng Dayue’s place.  

    The rich aroma of the stew made his mouth water. Thinking there were plenty of bones, he decided to wait for Shen Xuanqing to return so they could eat together. If his mother-in-law and elder brother came over, they could also help themselves to a few, it was very convenient.  

    The clay stove and earthen pot were both scalding hot. Though a couple of long bones stuck out from the pot, Lu Gu had previously scolded the greedy Guaizi, smacking his butt a few times. With Da Hui keeping watch, none of the other dogs dared to steal a bite. The two puppies, being shorter and unable to reach the pot, required no extra attention.  

    Guaizi was so desperate that his whines sounded almost tearful. Lu Gu bit off his embroidery thread and looked up at him. Guaizi immediately whimpered and rubbed against his leg, wagging his tail furiously to curry favor.  

    "Why are you so greedy? Wait a little longer. Let it stew more. When Er Qing returns, you can have a bone." Lu Gu had no choice but to pat his head and console him softly.  

    Seeing Lu Gu unmoved, Guaizi whined a few more times, then plopped his head onto Lu Gu’s lap, acting spoiled and coquettish.  

    "Ah, ah, get down! You’re getting fur all over my pants." Lu Gu tried to push the dog’s head away, washing pants was troublesome. But Guaizi refused, and the two engaged in a playful struggle.  

    Only when Da Hui and the others barked and ran toward the gate did Guaizi reluctantly move away. He didn’t go to greet Shen Xuanqing, instead standing by the clay stove, staring fixedly at the meat bones. It wasn’t until Shen Xuanqing entered the courtyard that Guaizi gave a half-hearted wag of his tail.  

    Having raised so many dogs, Shen Xuanqing prided himself on treating them well. Never had he expected Guaizi to be so shameless as to forget his "dad" for the sake of meat bones. Smiling, he bent down and gave Guaizi’s rump a light smack.  

My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 17 Part 1

Chapter 17  

"The cloth has been wrapped. Shall we load it onto your carriage?"  

By the time Huo Shu and Ji Taoyu stepped out, the shop assistant had already neatly packed the cloth and was waiting at the door with a smile.  

Huo Shu took the three bundles of cloth and handed them to Ji Taoyu: "Take them home."  

Ji Taoyu froze for a moment upon hearing this. Once he processed the words, he quickly declined: "No, no. If I bring these back, Mother will surely scold me at length."  

Seeing that Huo Shu remained unmoved, his outstretched hand refusing to withdraw - almost as if displeased, Ji Taoyu realized his rejection might have been too blunt. Softening his tone, he added: "Well, you should keep them for yourself. Though this cloth isn’t quite suitable for men’s clothing, you could save it for proposing marriage later. It’d be very respectable."  

Huo Shu’s brow tightened. He had been about to say, If you don’t want it, just throw it away, but after hearing Ji Taoyu’s words, he paused and replied, "Fine. I’ll keep it at my place for now."  

Ji Taoyu nodded, clasping his hands together cheerfully: "Then I’ll head to Grandfather’s clinic."  

"Wait. I’ll fetch the horse."  

Ji Taoyu quickly interjected: "You don’t need to escort me. It’s not far, I can go by myself."  

Huo Shu ignored his protest and followed the shop assistant to the stable.  

"Hey!"  

Ji Taoyu wanted to insist it really wasn’t necessary, but the man’s steps were swift as the wind, vanishing in the blink of an eye.  

Does he think I’ll fall into the river again if he’s not watching me?  

Ji Taoyu sighed and decided to wait by the entrance. Just then, a familiar, clear voice sounded from the staircase behind him.  

"Miss Xue, mind the steps."  

Ji Taoyu instinctively turned and caught sight of You Lingxiao.  

"My skirt is too long, it might drag on the stairs. I’ve troubled Brother Lingxiao to worry over such a small thing."  

A man and woman descended the stairs one after the other. The woman wore lavish robes, her skirt trailing across the steps.  

You Lingxiao eyed the fabric pooling on the staircase. After a brief hesitation and noticing the woman’s expectant gaze, he masked his reluctance with a gentle smile. Bending slightly, he gathered the hem in his hands: "Such resplendent embroidery justifies the inconvenience. No one could fault it."  

The woman’s eyes curved with satisfaction. Smiling, she glanced away, her tone softening: "If Brother Lingxiao praises this dress, then all the fush will be worth it. I was worried you'd be annoyed with me for dragging you shopping and taking you away from your studies."  

"Of course not. Yesterday, the village hosted a modest banquet. Despite his busy schedule, Assistant Prefect Xue still inquired after my affairs. I’m deeply moved by his kindness. Today, when I paid my respects, he asked me to accompany you. It’s my honor, how could I resent it?"  

As the pair descended, Ji Taoyu’s heart pounded. He quickly ducked behind a silk display.  

Through the gaps, he spotted You Lingxiao holding the woman's skirt, his posture slightly hunched as he navigated each step with a patient, almost obsequious demeanor.

Where was his humility when he criticized potential matches at our house?

Ji Taoyu took a sharp breath, struggling to believe his eyes.  

"I’m glad Brother Lingxiao isn’t upset. Father read your essays yesterday and told me that among all his students, your talent stands out the most. If you remain focused, you might achieve great results in the spring examinations."  

You Lingxiao smiled modestly: "Assistant Prefect Xue flatters me. I dare not accept such praise."  

"It’s not just Father. I’ve seen your literary skill myself."  

Xue Hanxue's cheeks flushed pink as she said, "I've reread the poems you gifted me late at night, savoring every line."

You Lingxiao's face lit up, though he tempered his excitement. "If Miss Xue enjoy my poems, I'd be happy to write more."

Xue Hanxue didn't linger on the topic. "You used to call me 'Sister' at home," she said softly. "But now, outside you've grown distant and call me 'Miss Xue'?"

Before You Lingxiao could respond, she pressed on. "I've heard you're engaged to someone from your village. Is it true?"

Hearing this, Ji Taoyu’s gaze locked onto You Lingxiao. At this moment, he wanted the answer more than the woman beside him.  

You Lingxiao paused mid-step. Carefully setting down the skirt, he replied: "I won’t hide it from you, Miss Xue. There have been talks of marriage."  

Ji Taoyu's brow furrowed as he watched from the shadows. At least You Lingxiao had admitted to the engagement - a small measure of honesty. 

He let out a slight breath, but it caught again as You Lingxiao went on: "I didn't want to bring up the past. Now that better days are here, why dwell on hardships? But since you asked, I have to answer honestly."  

"When I was young, my father passed from illness. My uncles showed us no kindness, only my mother struggled to raise me and fund my studies. The village head, compassionate toward the poor, noticed our plight and my academic potential. He often aided us. Not only did he provide support, but he also helped me find a tutor. I’ll never forget his kindness."  

The Sweet little Fulang Chapter 167 Part 2

    In the afternoon, the mule cart returned to the old house laden with goods. As it slowly passed through the village, Wei Lanxiang, her face radiant with joy, stepped down directly from the cart with three packets of kitchen candy (灶糖) in hand. She told Shen Yan and Shen Yaoqing, still seated on the cart, to go home first while she stayed out to chat.  

[Kitchen candy (灶糖, Zaotang): a kind of candy made of maltose that people in China use as a sacrifice to the kitchen god around the twenty third day of the twelfth lunar month just before Chinese New Year.]

    “Lanxiang, your family bought so much!” Granny A-Jin came out from her yard, clicking her tongue at the goods on the cart.  

    These days, every family in the village was busy with New Year preparations. The usual idlers at the village entrance were nowhere to be seen. Aside from a few loafers wandering about, most were occupied at home, whether washing clothes, sweeping, or preparing meat and dishes. There was always something to do. Still, a mule cart was a rare sight in their village, and many had noticed it passing by their doors.  

    Wei Lanxiang handed a packet of kitchen candy to Granny A-Jin and replied with a smile, “Ah, it’s just that Guzi’s expecting now, and his appetite’s been poor. The slightest whiff of fishy smells makes him queasy. We even bought two kinds of plums, salt-pickled and sugar-pickled to see which he prefers, so we’ll know what to buy later.”  

    Granny A-Jin stuck out her tongue in amazement. Good heavens, two kinds of plums! Back in her youth, she’d only had sour wild apricots to nibble on. Nothing so luxurious as this.  

    “Granny A-Jin, you go on with your work. I’ll take this kitchen candy to Third branch's house.” Having flaunted the news of Lu Gu’s pregnancy to her satisfaction, Wei Lanxiang left, her face still bright with happiness.  

    These days, three sentences out of her mouth couldn’t pass without mentioning her second grandchild. Some in the village found it grating, but she paid them no mind. If she didn’t seize this chance to show off a little, how else could she make up for those years when people had gossiped behind Ji Qiuyue’s back, saying their family couldn’t produce grandsons? If those very people were displeased, all the better.  

    The days passed swiftly in a flurry of preparations - buying this, preparing that, slaughtering chickens and ducks, making meatballs, frying dumplings, steaming buns, and baking cakes. Before they knew it, another New Year arrived amid the family’s joy and laughter.  

    On New Year’s Eve, firecrackers lit up the night with a flash of brightness. Dogs barked, children laughed, and the corners of Lu Gu’s eyes crinkled with a soft, happy smile. Next year, there’d be one more little one celebrating with them.  

    After the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, with no more relatives to visit, the household settled into a quieter rhythm. Spring hadn’t yet arrived, so it wasn’t yet time for Shen Xuanqing to return to the mountains to hunt. Times had changed, with Lu Gu pregnant, it wasn’t safe for him to trek mountain paths, and Shen Xuanqing himself had no desire to stay up there for long. He’d already planned that come spring, he’d only hunt animals with high price such as deer or goats, staying no more than four or five days before returning.

    With the farming season not yet begun and barely a blade of wild grass sprouting, there wasn’t much work in the fields. But their family had so much livestock to tend to that they were busier than most.  

    After feeding the animals, seeing how fine the sunlight was, Shen Yaoqing took Shen Yan up the slopes to dig for grass roots. In winter, only dried grass was available, so occasionally digging up fresh roots for the rabbits was a treat - those buried deep in the soil still held some moisture, making them better than parched hay. Earlier, when there’d truly been nothing fresh, they’d even dug up winter bamboo shoots for the older rabbits, mixing them with dried grass. If they wanted to sell them for a good price, they had to be well cared for. 

    Lu Gu sat in a sheltered corner of the yard, basking in the warm sunlight as he watched Shen Xuanqing wash clothes. The tall, sturdy man sat on a small stool, his posture slightly awkward as he scrubbed at a sleeve.  

    The back gate was closed, so the dogs didn’t need to patrol the rear courtyard. Instead, they lounged in the front yard, soaking up the sun and dozing. The two pups tussled for a while before curling up together to sleep, their soft, floppy ears adorably fuzzy. Guaizi lay sprawled beside Lu Gu’s feet, even snoring lightly in his sleep, his sturdy frame didn’t flatten even when lying on his side.  

    Most dogs had a human-like understanding. It was unclear how they’d grasped it, but though they used to jump on Lu Gu at times - their paws inevitably bumping his belly, but ever since his pregnancy, not a single dog in the family, including Guaizi, had leaped on him again. Lu Gu had only noticed this in recent days, he hadn’t realized it before.  

    Unaccustomed to laundry work, Shen Xuanqing took a long time to get the hang of the posture and technique, even with Lu Gu’s guidance.  

    Seeing him scrub the same spot over and over, Lu Gu chuckled. “Once it’s clean, that’s enough, no need to scrub so long. As long as there’s no dirt left, it’s fine.”  

    “Alright then.” Shen Xuanqing rinsed the soapberry foam from the sleeve in the water, glanced at it to confirm it was clean, then moved on to another section.  

    The river water was too cold now - no one, not even a strong man could bear washing clothes there. He’d boiled water in a large earthen jar, and by the time he finished washing the basin of clothes, he was sweating.  

    “Take a break. It’s still early, no rush.” Knowing this was his first time doing laundry and his hands weren’t yet nimble, Lu Gu urged him to rest.  

    Shen Xuanqing wiped the water splashes from his face. The two of them had been living here all along, and previously, either Lu Gu did the washing here or Wei Lanxiang took the clothes back to wash with the rest of the family’s. Today, with Lu Gu pregnant, he’d initially planned to wash them himself as usual, but Shen Xuanqing had insisted on taking over, so he’d relented.  

    After a short break, Shen Xuanqing dumped the dirty water outside the gate. Returning, he ladled more water from the large earthen jar. Finding it less convenient than a proper pot, he remarked, “This jar isn’t ideal. Since we’re not busy lately, I’ll work with Elder Brother to build a stove. Next time we go to town, we’ll buy a large pot. Even if we don’t cook here, we can boil water. In summer, it’ll be easier for bathing, no need to wait for the jar to boil over and over.”  

    That did make sense. A clay stove couldn’t heat water as quickly as a large pot, and an iron pot could boil a substantial amount at once. Lu Gu nodded in agreement. “True enough.”  

    After a moment’s thought, he added, “Why not make a chopping board too? During busy farming seasons, if everyone’s working here, drying and turning crops, we won’t have to run home to eat, we can just cook here.

    Shen Xuanqing sat back on the stool, thinking to himself how their Guzi had learned to consider things carefully, planning so thoroughly. Smiling, he said, “We’ll do as you say. I don’t know why we never thought of it before, we’ve been walking extra steps all this time. From now on, we’ll eat and rest here, no more unnecessary trips.”  

    Though he didn’t outright praise him, Lu Gu was pleased by the agreement and smiled as he rubbed the head of Guaizi, who’d just woken up with a yawn.

My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 16 Part 2

Wu Lianhe’s eyes brightened slightly at this: "That’s wonderful! I’ve always felt guilty for not being able to fulfill my filial duties. Now that someone is looking after her, I can rest easy."  

Huo Shu nodded: "Can I meet the child?"  

"Brother Huo traveled thousands of miles to return Changsui’s keepsake and went to such lengths to find me. I’m endlessly grateful. It’s only right that you meet the child."  

"In fact, the child should call you Uncle now."  

Then, she hesitated: "But today he’s at school, and I can’t leave work. If Brother Huo doesn’t mind, we could meet in the city five days from now when the child is on break. I’ll prepare a meal to thank you properly."  

Huo Shu agreed: "Fine."  

"Wu niangzi, are you done here?"  

A knock sounded at the door: "The weavers in the back need you to check the new silk threads. The manager will be here soon."  

Wu Lianhe opened her mouth, wanting to tell the person outside not to disturb her at such a moment. But this job was too important for her to afford any recklessness, even upon learning of her husband’s death.  

Her husband’s passing was final, but the child still needed raising, and life had to go on.  

"Coming."  

Wu Lianhe took a deep breath and stood up. She looked apologetically at Huo Shu and Taoyu: " Brother Huo, Tao ger, the workshop is busy. I really can’t get away. I’m so sorry."  

Ji Taoyu quickly reassured her: "Work comes first, Third Sister Wu. Go ahead."  

Wu Lianhe nodded, hastily composed herself, and scribbled an address on a piece of paper from a nearby shelf: " Brother Huo, this is where I live now. Please come without fail. I want my child to meet you."  

Huo Shu glanced at the paper and tucked it away: "Fine."  

Wu Lianhe then looked at the object she’d been clutching tightly: "This hairpin…"  

Huo Shu said: "It’s returned to its rightful owner."  

Wu Lianhe nodded, running her fingers over the hairpin’s design over and over. The faint hope she’d clung to all these years had finally turned to dust on this day.  

She felt a wave of darkness before her eyes, her entire body trembling. Yet she didn’t have the luxury of time to grieve.  

Wu Lianhe turned around, took a deep breath, and pinned the crabapple hairpin back into her bun.  

Before leaving, she wiped her eyes with a handkerchief, straightened her appearance, and bowed to the room’s occupants before opening the door and stepping out.  

Long after Wu Lianhe had left, Ji Taoyu remained standing by the door, dazed.  

"I never imagined this was how things unfolded. There are so many faithless people in this world, it’s rare to find such unwavering loyalty."  

His heart was full of emotions: "But Third Sister Wu waited all these years, only to receive this news and not even have the chance to mourn properly. She still had to steady herself and return to work. It’s just too cruel."  

A woman raising a child alone had no choice but to prioritize survival.  

Even if her heart was already in tatters, she still had to wear a mask of normalcy and carry on.  

He turned to Huo Shu, whose expression remained largely unmoved, and couldn’t help but ask: " Brother Huo, aren’t you moved at all?"  

"I am. But widows and bereaved parents are commonplace in the northern frontier. I grew up seeing them, so it feels ordinary to me."  

For every body that fell on the battlefield, countless families were left grieving, and many of those deaths had been by his own hand.  

He didn’t deny that his heart had long hardened beyond most. If he’d been soft, his bones would have turned to dust long ago.  

Ji Taoyu suddenly felt he’d spoken too much. Remembering Huo Shu’s origins in the turbulent north, he regretted his thoughtless words.  

But Huo Shu didn’t dwell on it. His gaze grew distant, as if a weight had lifted from his heart.  

He picked up a cup of tea and poured it on the ground by the window: "I’ve done everything you asked. You can rest in peace now."  

"Still, this time, you came out ahead of me."  

Ji Taoyu watched Huo Shu’s actions from the side, pressing his lips together.  

Brother Changsui truly was remarkable, not only did he have a woman who remained faithful against all odds, but he also left behind a child in this world and a brother who crossed thousands of miles to fulfill his last wish.  

The atmosphere in the room felt heavy. Just as Ji Taoyu was wondering how to lighten the mood, Huo Shu suddenly turned to him.  

"As a man, having a woman willing to sacrifice everything for him - defying her parents, waiting faithfully for years, and even raising his child alone - might seem like something to celebrate."  

"But as a woman, she should value herself, consider the consequences, and put her own well-being first. If she throws herself into it recklessly without thought for the future, she might be lucky and meet a loyal man. But if she’s unlucky and meets a fickle one, regret will come too late."  

Ji Taoyu’s brow twitched. He hadn’t expected the usually reticent Huo Shu to have such a balanced perspective.  

But why was he suddenly saying all this suddenly?  

Seeing Ji Taoyu’s puzzled frown, Huo Shu added bluntly: "Before you marry, don’t go fooling around with people."  

"!"  

Ji Taoyu’s eyes widened, his mind going blank.  

"F-fool around?! Wh-who does things like that?! I’ve always been proper with people, never overstepped!"  

"You haven’t now, but can you guarantee the future?"  

Ji Taoyu retorted: "Of course I can!"  

Huo Shu studied the stubborn young ger with amusement: "What if someone raised their hand and swore to the heavens that they’d never marry anyone but you, that you’re the love of their life? Could you still hold your ground?"  

"I-I could!"  

"Fine. And what if that person wept and told you about their hardships, their struggles, looking utterly pitiful as they clung to you? At that moment, could you still stay as clear-headed as you are now?"  

"What if their tears streaked their face, and they begged you to hold them, to kiss them, could you still refuse?"  

With each question, Ji Taoyu’s face flushed deeper red. He stammered: "I absolutely wouldn’t do such things!"  

Huo Shu looked at the blushing young ger before him - far too naive and inexperienced.  

He stopped his ruthless hypotheticals, fearing his words might cut too deep.  

If anyone ever wronged him, he could always unsheathe his blade again.  

After all, there was no one he hadn’t killed before.