Chapter 5

At first, Wen Yusheng's expectations were simple. Ideally, the two of them would treat each other with courtesy and respect. If that wasn't possible, then at the very least, they shouldn't speak harshly to one another. However, this wife of his, who was five years younger than him, was simply far too lively. Early in the morning, she dragged him to the farm to pick fruits and vegetables, and then took him to catch shrimp. “Oh no! Your clothes are all dirty. Next time, wear something like mine.” Jiang Manyue showed Wen Yusheng her short, practical outfit. The sleeves and trouser legs were tightly secured, making it convenient to work. Wen Yusheng rolled up his sleeves and looked at Jiang Manyue. “This seems a little... inappropriate.” What he really wanted to say was that it was improper and undignified, but he was afraid Jiang Manyue would be unhappy if he said that. How could a family like theirs possibly wear clothes like those worn by farmers? Still, Jiang Manyue looked quite good in them. She was already petite, and dressed like this, she looked especially cute and lively. “What’s inappropriate about it? There’s no one else here anyway. We can wear whatever we want!” Unlike Wen Yusheng's restraint, Jiang Manyue seemed completely unaware that she was already married and was supposed to behave like a grown woman. She still acted like a child. Jiang Manyue led Wen Yusheng to the edge of the fish pond. The water was shallow here and covered with aquatic plants, making it an ideal place to catch shrimp. She pulled out the small knife she had brought and cut off a piece of pork liver, then tied it to the string on a bamboo fishing rod before handing it to Wen Yusheng. “Here, give it a try. These shrimp are really easy to catch. Even if you pull them out of the water, they won't let go and run away.” Wen Yusheng took the crude homemade fishing rod and lowered it into the water. Jiang Manyue also tied a piece of pork liver to her own line and cast it a few steps away from Wen Yusheng. Before this experienced fisherwoman could catch anything, Wen Yusheng's beginner's luck had already arrived. Unfortunately, he didn't know how to catch shrimp. Before the shrimp had firmly grabbed onto the pork liver, he lifted the line, and his lucky catch escaped. “You're not supposed to do it like that. I'll teach you.” Jiang Manyue placed her own fishing rod aside and secured it with a stone. Then she came over to Wen Yusheng and reached out to hold the fishing rod with him. “Watch carefully.” The two were standing extremely close. Wen Yusheng could clearly see the little swirl of hair on the top of her head. Jiang Manyue had been too lazy to tie up her hair today, and the ends were still somewhat dry and yellow from malnutrition. With a little more nourishment, it should get better... “Hey! Pull the rod! Pull it!” Jiang Manyue's startled cry snapped Wen Yusheng out of his thoughts. He looked down at the hand Jiang Manyue had inadvertently placed over his and gently pulled his own hand back. The shrimp was quite large, with a plump tail. Just looking at it made it seem delicious. Jiang Manyue pulled on the string and brought the shrimp above the bucket before giving it a shake. The shrimp immediately dropped into the bucket. “See? Easy, right? Let's see who can catch more!” Wen Yusheng had stopped playing such childish games after he turned ten, but he still nodded. Perhaps he didn't want to dampen Jiang Manyue's enthusiasm. Or perhaps it was because of the way she smiled so brightly and freely. He hadn't experienced such freedom himself in a very long time. At home, he had obeyed his parents. After marrying, he had obeyed his wife. And now, Jiang Manyue was his wife. The two of them kept catching shrimp until noon before returning home, and they had a plentiful haul. But Wen Yusheng's bucket was clearly fuller. Jiang Manyue thought this was simply the benefit of being a beginner. “Why do the shrimp like the pork liver on your side so much? It's not like they're from different pigs.” Xiaokui wanted to take Wen Yusheng's bucket, but Wen Yusheng refused. He carried his own bucket and walked ahead. “Perhaps it's because I'm more patient.” Wen Yusheng had spent years reading and writing, so his hands were steady and he had plenty of patience. Jiang Manyue couldn't help feeling that there was a hint of smugness in his tone. At noon, the large haul of shrimp was served at the dining table. Wen Yusheng wasn't accustomed to eating food this spicy. After eating only one or two shrimp, his lips turned red from the heat, and he was practically brought to tears. Seeing this, Jiang Manyue quickly asked Xiaokui, “Do we have any honey or white sugar?” “Yes, yes! I'll get some right away.” After Xiaokui ran out, Jiang Manyue turned to Wen Yusheng. “If you can't eat it, then don't. Why force yourself?” Wen Yusheng explained between coughs, “Cough... I wanted to try it. I didn't expect it to be this spicy. Cough, cough.” Jiang Manyue helplessly sighed and stepped forward to pat his back. “Then I'll peel some for you later. Rinse them in water before you eat them.” The moment her palm touched his back, Jiang Manyue realized just how thin he really was. She could practically feel his bones. Xiaokui stood outside the door for quite some time. He was worried about his Young Master's health but was also afraid of disturbing them. Jiang Manyue was the one who noticed him first and called him inside. “Take a spoonful of this honey and keep it in your mouth for a while. Once the spiciness goes away, swallow it.” “Mm.” Wen Yusheng obediently did as she said. Jiang Manyue took the handkerchief from him and gently wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes. Xiaokui looked at his Young Master, then at Jiang Manyue. He lowered his head and quietly left. Jiang Manyue returned to her seat and began peeling shrimp, all the while introducing the dishes on the table. “Look at this eggplant. It's the one we picked this morning. It's cooked with minced meat, so it's really good with rice. And this spinach...” Wen Yusheng quietly listened as Jiang Manyue enthusiastically introduced each dish as though she were showing off her own treasures. The spiciness in his mouth gradually faded, leaving only the sweet taste of honey. This was the most Wen Yusheng had eaten in many days. He even finished all the shrimp Jiang Manyue had peeled for him. When Xiaokui came over to clear the dishes, he nearly cried tears of joy. After the meal, Jiang Manyue dragged Wen Yusheng out for a walk. “What do you think about planting some flowers here?” Wen Yusheng followed the direction of Jiang Manyue's finger and nodded. “It's up to you. We can have the gardener take care of it.” “I don't want that. I want to plant them myself. Are you free tomorrow? Will you come with me to buy some seeds?” If Jiang Manyue had said that they should go buy seeds together, Wen Yusheng might have refused. He felt that such matters could simply be left to the servants; there was no need to do everything personally. But Jiang Manyue had asked him to accompany her... “All right. I'll go with you.” That night, Wen Yusheng slept very soundly, perhaps because he had been tired from the day's activities. The next morning, Wen Yusheng woke up early, while Jiang Manyue was still asleep. He turned his head and looked at her for quite a while before getting out of bed. As he passed Jiang Manyue's small bed, he lowered his head and glanced at her again. The little bed was quite small, but it was just the right size for Jiang Manyue. She was curled up around her blanket like a little cat, with half of her face buried in it as she slept soundly. He lightened his footsteps and went to wash up in the outer room. When he returned, Jiang Manyue still hadn't woken up. He stood beside the bed and called her twice. Jiang Manyue turned over, stuck her little bottom into the air, and continued sleeping. The corners of Wen Yusheng's lips instinctively curved upward, but he quickly forced them back down. He crouched beside the bed and poked Jiang Manyue's back. “Wake up. If you don't get up soon, the market will be over.” “Hmm?” Jiang Manyue finally woke up, letting out a sleepy little hum. “What time is it?”