The sun dipped westward, clouds dyed like crushed cinnabar.
The breeze carried the fresh scent of newly turned soil and ripening rice.
At the entrance of Zhangjia Village, villagers returned from the fields in small groups, carrying their hoes.
“Sir, are you here to fetch your lady again?”
Xiao Lingzhou’s tall figure stood beneath a cypress tree. He nodded in response.
After a year in Zhangjia Village, his temperament had softened somewhat, but he still carried an imposing, almost untouchable aura.
The villagers, familiar with his nature, didn’t linger to chat.
“It’s nearly dark; you wait at your leisure. We’ll head back first.”
“Mm,” he replied faintly.
His gaze scanned the distance, yet he saw no sign of the one he longed for.
As twilight faded, the colors of the clouds darkened, and the surroundings dimmed.
The streets emptied as everyone returned home, leaving the village entrance unusually quiet.
Xiao Lingzhou, like a statue of a waiting husband, stood unmoving beneath the tree.
Time seemed endless.
Finally, a bullock cart slowly approached.
Seated atop it were Jiang Yu and Ling Qi.
Before the cart came to a halt, he stepped forward and helped Jiang Yu down.
“Why are you back so late? Are you tired?”
Jiang Yu shook her head: “The bullock cart is slow. You’ve been waiting too long already.”
While they spoke, Ling Qi had already unloaded their purchases.
The night air was chilly; she shivered slightly. “It’s dark, let’s go home quickly.”
He draped his coat over her shoulders, his warm hand clasping hers.
Seeming casual, he asked: “Did anything interesting happen in the city today?”
He feared she might meet someone she shouldn’t, or hear things she shouldn’t.
Jiang Yu internally cursed twice, then replied cheerfully: “Nothing much, though thanks to Ling Qi, I got to eat Ruyi Zhai’s honey walnut cake.”
Even if she hadn’t mentioned it, Xiao Lingzhou would have learned the truth. Better to tell him herself and reduce suspicion.
“Seems you had quite a pleasant day,” he said softly, eyes fixed on her profile.
“I suppose so,” she replied, her tone bright. “Buying things without checking prices… it feels so free!”
“By the way, I brought you some honey walnut cake back. Want to try it when we get home?”
“Yes,” she agreed.
Though he wasn’t fond of sweets at first, living with her had slowly influenced his tastes.
……
That night.
Xiao Lingzhou stepped out of his study and saw Jiang Yu and Ling Qi talking under the wisteria arbor.
Bathed in soft moonlight, she wore a light purple silk dress, elegant and ethereal. Her peach-blossom eyes sparkled as she gazed at Ling Qi.
He didn’t know what Ling Qi had said, but she nodded thoughtfully and smiled brightly.
Noticing his gaze, she froze and her smile vanished.
He stepped forward, a hint of jealousy in his voice: “What are you talking about?”
The arbor darkened as he approached, the air growing heavy.
Ling Qi straightened and saluted: “Young master.”
Xiao Lingzhou’s eyes swept over him; the young man stiffened and immediately stepped aside.
Once he left, Xiao Lingzhou pulled Jiang Yu into his arms, hand stroking her hair. He spoke with mild possessiveness: “You’ve been spending quite a bit of time with Ling Qi these past two days.”
“Are you jealous?” Jiang Yu tilted her head, blinking.
“Yes, I’m jealous,” he admitted. He bit her earlobe lightly, tightening his hold at her waist: “What did you two talk about just now? You were smiling so happily.”
Her ear tingled, and she couldn’t resist curling her fists to lightly tap his chest.
“When did you see me smiling happily?” she teased.
“You did,” he said, tracing her cheek with his fingertip as he leaned down. “Not only did you smile, but you kept staring at him.”
His tone carried a hint of grievance, jealousy thickening in the words: “Have you grown tired of me? Why do you always stare at other men?”
He hadn’t forgotten the days she brought him meals while the bridge was being repaired, often glancing at shirtless young men.
Cui Ling’s constant flattery had gone unnoticed, but recently her gaze had been fixed on Ling Qi.
He couldn’t help but suspect she had grown bored of him.
If Jiang Yu knew his thoughts, she would vehemently deny it.
She swore to heaven: she liked handsome men, yes, but she simply wanted to interact more with Ling Qi to lower his guard and make her escape easier.
“What’s running through your mind?” she said, annoyance tinged her voice as she pushed him away.
Since marrying, Xiao Lingzhou’s possessiveness often flared. She needed to clarify things, or she risked being ruthlessly punished in bed.
She had seen his jealous, angry side: fierce, relentless, devouring her whole, bones and all.
She didn’t want several days of humiliation in bed.
“I love only you. How can you doubt my heart?”
Speaking partly of his hidden identity, she couldn’t help but let some genuine emotion into her words: “I told you before, no other man matters to me. This life, I only love you. Why won’t you believe me?”
“I’m your husband, not a jailer. My eyes are on my face—am I not allowed to see?”
Xiao Lingzhou: …
She crossed her arms, turning away, lowering her voice just enough for him to hear: “Other husbands fully trust their wives. With me, you get jealous and bully me.”
“I even had Ling Qi give you advice for someone’s birthday gift. I meant well, and it was treated like a slap in the face. Since you don’t trust me, the gift won’t be prepared.”
Jiang Yu glanced at him, feigning hurt, and attempted to walk away, but he caught her wrist.
“Sorry, Ah Yu, it’s my fault. Don’t be mad,” Xiao Lingzhou murmured, arms locking her tightly. His thoughts were in disarray.
He had always been decisive.
Now, matters involving her easily swayed his emotions.
He shouldn’t have misunderstood her.
“I will trust you from now on. This time… will you forgive me?”
“Fine, I’ll forgive you… but you have to promise me one thing.” Grasping the initiative, Jiang Yu made her request.
“Tell me,” he said, softening.
“Last time I went to the city to sell rouge, I heard there’s a makeup competition later this month. First prize is three thousand taels. I want to try.”
Xiao Lingzhou furrowed his brows, remaining silent for a moment: “You cannot do that. Pick something else.”
It wasn’t that he forbade her—exposing herself too much in public now would only bring danger.
Jiang Yu snorted in dissatisfaction, turning her head: “Saying ‘I’ll trust you from now on’… it’s all lies!”