Lu Qingran felt genuinely happy about Yan Zihao’s promise.
As a modern woman from the 21st century, accepting the idea of multiple wives in ancient times was difficult for her. His promise of “one life, one partner” greatly increased her affection for this young man—who, in modern times, would still just be a high school student.
As the sky gradually darkened, Lu Qingran estimated it was around 6 p.m. There was a knock on the door, followed by a gentle female voice.
“Big brother, Mother made noodles for sister-in-law. She told you to come to the kitchen and bring them.”
Hearing this, Yan Zihao walked to the door and opened it. Someone stood outside, but her position was blocked by the door, so Lu Qingran couldn’t see her. From the voice, she guessed it was Yan Zihao’s younger sister—Yan Ziyue.
Soon, Yan Zihao returned with a bowl of noodles. He placed it on the desk by the window and called Lu Qingran over to eat.
The bowl was quite generous, even topped with a fried egg. Lu Qingran looked at him and asked, “So much? Has everyone else eaten?”
“We all ate our fill at noon,” Yan Zihao replied. “Mother probably saw that you didn’t eat much earlier, so she made this just for you.”
Looking at the large bowl of noodles and recalling the big bowl of coarse rice she had at noon, Lu Qingran asked, “Didn’t you say the family isn’t well-off? Then today’s wedding feast…?”
Yan Zihao understood her meaning and explained, “My father and I do some work in town when we’re free. We’ve saved a little—not much. But don’t worry, I’ll work hard. I won’t let you go hungry.”
His voice was low but firm, giving Lu Qingran a sense of reassurance.
“Mm, I believe you,” she said.
Looking back at the noodles, she added, “I can’t finish this. You should eat some too.”
“You eat first. If you can’t finish, I’ll eat the rest.”
“Why don’t you get another bowl? I’ll share some with you. It won’t taste good once it gets cold.”
Yan Zihao thought for a moment, then went out and quickly returned with an empty bowl. He transferred a portion of the noodles into it and said, “I’ll take this to my younger siblings.”
Lu Qingran smiled, thinking her husband was quite a good man—and a caring older brother. Surely he wouldn’t treat her badly in the future.
Watching him leave with the smaller bowl, she picked up her chopsticks and began eating slowly. After finishing half the egg and a bit of the noodles, she set down her chopsticks. Just then, Yan Zihao returned.
“I’m full. I didn’t touch the rest,” she said.
Yan Zihao looked at the bowl—more than half still remained, along with half the egg. He frowned slightly, then began eating directly with her chopsticks. Even while eating, he looked composed and graceful.
In farming families, people usually go to bed early. After returning the bowl to the kitchen, Yan Zihao came back carrying a bucket of water. After washing up briefly, it was time to sleep.
The awkwardness was obvious—there was only one bed.
As someone from the 21st century, Lu Qingran wasn’t overly conservative, but she still couldn’t accept sharing a bed like that on the very first day.
Heavens… earth… she cried silently in her heart.
Yan Zihao, however, was a man of his time. Many couples only met for the first time on their wedding day, so he didn’t find it strange. But he could tell she felt awkward.
“Rest easy,” he said.
Though he didn’t say it directly, Lu Qingran understood—nothing awkward would happen tonight.
She took off her outer clothing and lay on the innermost side of the bed, leaving plenty of space for him.
Since elementary school, Lu Qingran had never shared a bed with anyone, let alone a man. She thought she would have trouble sleeping—but unexpectedly, she slept soundly through the night without even dreaming.
“Cock-a-doodle-doo…”
The sound of a rooster woke her. Still groggy, she opened her eyes—and was met with Yan Zihao’s sharply defined face.
Before she could appreciate it, she realized something shocking.
She was lying in his arms.
Her head rested on his arm, and one of her arms was wrapped around his waist.
What is going on?! Do I have this kind of habit? And why isn’t he wearing sleepwear?! she thought, utterly mortified.
At that moment, Yan Zihao also opened his eyes and looked at her.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, confused.
“You… you… I…” she stammered.
“You came over on your own last night,” he said.
Realizing she had been the one to initiate it, Lu Qingran wished she could disappear on the spot. Her face flushed bright red.
“Ranran, we’re married. We’re husband and wife.” His voice, still heavy with sleep, sounded even deeper—so pleasant it felt almost intoxicating. Especially the way he called her “Ranran.”
Voices from outside drifted in. Though Lu Qingran wasn’t familiar with ancient routines, she remembered her old roommate once mentioning that new brides were expected to cook breakfast for their in-laws the next day.
Not daring to delay, she quickly got up to dress, her sudden movements startling Yan Zihao.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Father and Mother are already up—I need to hurry and make breakfast!”
Yan Zihao smiled, making his already handsome face even more charming.
“No need. Our family doesn’t follow that rule. But I do need to get up—it’s the busy farming season. We head to the fields early and come back around mid-morning to eat. You can rest a bit longer.”
“Never mind, I’ll get up too. I’ll see if there’s anything I can help with.”
He nodded. From their first meeting, he already had a good impression of this gentle-looking wife. Now, seeing how considerate she was, he felt even more satisfied.
When they stepped out, his parents and younger brother were about to leave.
“Father, Mother, Erlang,” Yan Zihao called.
They turned and immediately saw Lu Qingran still wearing her wedding dress.
“Dalang, you don’t need to go to the fields today. Stay home with your wife,” his mother said.
Following Yan Zihao, Lu Qingran stepped forward and greeted them, “Father, Mother, Erlang.”
“Big brother, sister-in-law,” Erlang responded.
“Mother, it’s fine. I’ll go to the fields with you,” Lu Qingran said.
Yan’s mother, Wu Xiufang, was straightforward and capable, with a warm heart for her family. She replied directly, “No need. You just got married—there’s no reason for you to work in the fields. Besides, we don’t have that much land.”
“Then I’ll just go take a look—like a walk. Let… let my husband do the work,” Lu Qingran said, hesitating slightly before using the proper ancient term, husband.
“Alright then, come along. It’s not far,” Wu Xiufang agreed happily, pleased to see the young couple getting along well.
The Yan family lived at the edge of the village, near Four Kings Mountain. Their fields were close by, making it convenient.
Their only paddy field had already been prepared a few days ago, waiting for rice planting at the end of the month. Now they were heading to the three mu of dry farmland.
Outside the courtyard, vast stretches of fields came into view. Some people were already working, and faint conversations could be heard.
When they arrived, a middle-aged couple working in a neighboring field greeted them warmly.
“Xiufang, is this Dalang’s wife? She’s quite pretty,” the woman said with a smile.
“Yes, this is Dalang’s wife, Qingran. Qingran, this is Aunt Wang—from the same village as my maiden family,” Wu Xiufang introduced.
“Aunt Wang, hello,” Lu Qingran greeted politely.
“Hello, hello!” the woman replied cheerfully.
There wasn’t much small talk before everyone returned to work.
Yan Zihao looked thin, but he was strong.
He worked efficiently and skillfully.
Meanwhile, Lu Qingran stood by the field, looking around curiously at everything. Occasionally, Yan Zihao glanced at her, puzzled by her fascination with such ordinary things.
The air in ancient times was incredibly fresh—especially in the early morning. Standing in the fields, the scent of soil mixed with the fragrance of grass, creating a refreshing and soothing atmosphere.