The idea sounded truly wonderful. Jiang Chiye came out of the kitchen to find his wife gazing absently at the yard. His heart tightened and he stepped toward her “My dear what are you looking at?” He feared she might dislike the place and already want to go home.
Xu Yaoyao turned to him “I was thinking it would be lovely to plant flowers and vegetables here. Do you not agree it feels rather empty?”
Jiang Chiye breathed a sigh of relief. At least she was not asking to leave. “Tell me whatever you wish to do and I will tend to it when I have time. You must not strain yourself.” His wife had delicate skin and soft hands she was not meant for such labor. A wife was meant to be cherished and cared for. If he could not provide for her then he was not much of a husband at all.
Xu Yaoyao looked at him and gave a soft knowing humph “I certainly will not suffer needlessly.” She added “Is the water ready?” It had been two days since she had bathed and she felt sticky and uncomfortable and did not like how she smelled.
“It is. Fetch your fresh clothes and I will carry water to the room.” Jiang Chiye carried two buckets of water inside. Xu Yaoyao stood ready with her garments and frowned “Is there no place to wash properly?”
“Not yet but I will build you one starting tomorrow I promise.”
“Very well then” She pouted slightly “You may go now. I will call you when I am finished.”
Jiang Chiye nodded “Take your time. I will collect our meal and you can rest a little after eating.”
“Alright go on then” She waved him away. Jiang Chiye understood and left with his food container. The mess hall was busy at mealtime. When people saw him they gathered around immediately.
“Regimental Commander you are back! Where is Sister in Law?” They looked behind him and seeing no one grew even more curious. They had heard Liu Qiangjun boasting that their Commander’s wife was as beautiful as a fairy and had the kindest heart and had given him so many wedding candies. They were full of envy.
“She is resting and could not come. You will meet her in a few days” Jiang Chiye said. His expression hardened and he spoke firmly “Why are you all crowding about? Return to your places.” The men straightened up instantly caught up in their chatter they had nearly forgotten his strict disciplined nature. They quickly lined up properly.
Jiang Chiye returned with their food shortly after. Xu Yaoyao had just finished washing and looked fresh and bright her mood noticeably lighter. She even seemed to find him more pleasing to look at. She wore a pale purple camisole style nightdress her hair still damp and glistening with water droplets her cheeks soft and pink. Jiang Chiye stepped inside and caught his breath. He quickly closed the courtyard gate to keep anyone from seeing.
“Husband you are back” She linked her arm through his in a sweet affectionate manner.
“My dear why did you bring such clothing here?” He took a steadying breath.
“Is it not beautiful?” She looked confused.
He set the container down pulled her gently into his arms and she rested her hands around his neck. His dark eyes held unmistakable possessiveness. “It is beautiful. It would look even more beautiful with the lights out.”
Her cheeks flushed and she gave him a playful glare “Whatever are you thinking about?”
“I am innocent” He protested earnestly “I was thinking only that this is fine in the evening when we are alone but if anyone saw you like this in broad daylight I should be dreadfully jealous and wish I could blind them.”
“Do you truly expect me to believe that?” She looked pointedly at the food container “What have you brought us?”
“I am not sure what you like” He lifted the lid revealing the dishes “This area is coastal so most meals include seafood. If nothing suits you I will cook something special for you tonight.”
“I will eat it” Her eyes lit up and she swallowed eagerly she had not enjoyed such food in ages “There are clams and prawns.” She stretched her arms “Put me down so I may eat properly.”
He held her closer and she stayed comfortably seated on his lap while he peeled each prawn and fed it to her. She did not protest being pampered was perfectly delightful. The prawns were simply boiled with a light dipping sauce and tasted wonderful. The other dishes were plainer some rather bland or lacking salt not unpleasant but not particularly satisfying either. Fortunately there was enough to fill them. When she was full he finished what remained washed everything up without being asked and they both retired exhausted from their long journey. Xu Yaoyao fell asleep quickly and Jiang Chiye held her close before rising later to begin his duties.
Xu Yaoyao slept deeply until the afternoon. She changed into fresh clothes and stepped outside to look around properly. The place was larger than she had noticed. About a hundred paces to the left stood a newly built block of flats and to the right rows of walled courtyards just like theirs tucked slightly further back.
“Hello there you must be the new wife I have not seen you before” A woman called out. Xu Yaoyao turned to see Gu Chunhua staring at her with undisguised admiration “Goodness you are so lovely. Tell me who is the fortunate man who has won such a treasure?” She sighed comparing herself openly she had such lovely proportions a slender waist and gentle curves while she herself had never been well endowed and after having children her figure had lost all its shape. It was the first time she had seen anyone so striking.
Xu Yaoyao laughed at her refreshing candor and replied politely “Greetings Sister. I am Jiang Chiye’s wife. I arrived today so I thought I would familiarize myself with the area.”
“What!” Gu Chunhua’s eyes went wide “You are the Regimental Commander’s wife? But people said you were plain and uneducated a simple village girl.” She looked at her clearly well spoken and refined more like a city dweller than anyone else.
Xu Yaoyao lifted an eyebrow “Who exactly has been saying such things?” She had barely arrived yet rumors were already spreading clearly someone had it in for her and she suspected it concerned her husband.
Gu Chunhua spoke frankly “It comes from Dr Xu. Do not take it to heart she is Division Commander Xu’s daughter and has long set her cap at your husband.”
“She has pursued him steadfastly over the years and her father has tried to arrange matches between them but your husband has refused every time.”
“It is said he has long cared for one special girl and now I realize that girl is you.”
“She is bitterly disappointed that he has married and so she speaks against you wherever she goes.”