Su Qianqian did not hesitate and quickly nodded to express her gratitude to the Village Chief.
Then, when the Village Chief finished writing the document, she pressed her fingerprint on it.
The Village Chief wrote two documents in total. One was Su Qianqian’s Transfer Document, with the date naturally set before her marriage.
The other was a document written by the Village Chief permitting land clearance. It clearly stated that, considering Su Qianqian was a local who had married and had no maternal family to rely on,
the village would provide a modest bridal gift, allowing Su Qianqian and her husband to clear land, farm, and settle at their current residence.
In a small place like Daoxiang Village, aside from serious crimes like murder and arson, which would involve the authorities, most other matters were managed by the Village Chief.
With this agreement, Su Qianqian and Lu Ye could truly settle in Daoxiang Village without worry, free from concerns about offending someone or facing jealousy that might cause trouble with their Household Registration.
After signing the agreement, Su Qianqian took the “Promise Letter” given by the Village Chief and left his home. As for how the couple from the Su Family Main House would react when the Village Chief presented her Transfer Document to them, that was no longer her concern.
On the way back, Su Qianqian was still being led by Lu Ye, but she noticed he kept glancing at her intentionally or unintentionally, his gaze carrying a hint of curiosity and amusement.
Sensing Lu Ye’s gaze, Su Qianqian thought he had noticed something improper about her and grew nervous.
After hesitating for a moment, she asked uneasily:
“Do you think what I did wasn’t quite right?”
Lu Ye immediately sensed the change in Su Qianqian’s mood and understood what she was asking upon hearing her question.
He gently squeezed her small hand, damp with nervous sweat, and replied softly:
“Qianqian, you don’t need to overthink things when you’re with me. I think what you did was fine—at least you won’t be bullied by others anymore.
Now that you’ve married me, I’ll protect you. So, you don’t need to be so cautious in the future. It’s perfectly fine to be a bit more carefree and willful, just like today.”
Whether in her past life or this one, this was the first time someone had told Su Qianqian she could live freely and willfully.
Su Qianqian felt her nose sting, and before she could stop herself, her eyes reddened again.
Seeing her like this, Lu Ye felt a bit flustered. Had he said something wrong? Why did his young bride look like she was about to cry again?
Just as he was racking his brain for ways to comfort her and prevent her from crying, his young bride suddenly turned and wrapped her arms around his waist.
Lu Ye was completely stunned. Though his mind hadn’t fully processed what was happening, his body reacted honestly, pulling the one who had thrown herself into his arms closer.
The next moment, he heard Su Qianqian’s sweet voice.
“You’re a good person. As long as you don’t bully me in the future, I’ll treat you sincerely too.”
Hearing this, Lu Ye felt both joy and worry. He wanted to ask what counted as bullying—did it include what happened in bed?
But the atmosphere was too good. Though he was a rough man, he knew that if he asked such a question, his young bride would likely burst into tears for real, so he held back.
Instead, he went along with Su Qianqian’s words, assuring her that although he was a coarse man, he would definitely treat his wife well.
Su Qianqian’s embrace dissipated much of the awkwardness that had lingered from the unpleasantness of the previous night.
By the time they returned home, it was almost noon.
Fortunately, Su Qianqian knew how to do household chores and had some memory of how to use the tools of this era; otherwise, she would likely have been exposed on the very first day.
She opened the rice jar in the kitchen, which stored their grain, and found that there was no coarse grain inside, only some white rice. However, the jar was nearly empty now, and even if they cooked porridge, it would only last them another four or five days.
Recalling her previous life, Lu Ye had gone into the mountains on the third day after she was able to get out of bed, leaving her with some food.
During the three days she lay in bed, Lu Ye had provided her with good food and drink. Calculating it now, Lu Ye must have given her all the remaining food in the house at that time. So, what did he eat?
As Su Qianqian was lost in thought, Lu Ye walked over carrying a basket. Su Qianqian peeked inside.
She saw a dead wild rabbit placed on top of the basket, with some potatoes and sweet potatoes underneath.
Seeing Su Qianqian looking over, Lu Ye smiled and said:
“I woke up early this morning and went into the mountains. I had set up some traps there before, and today I was lucky enough to catch some game.
But since we’re running low on food at home, I traded the wild rabbits and pheasants for some provisions with other families.
Now, although there isn’t much white rice left at home, it’s enough for you to eat for a few days. Don’t worry about these things. After I head deeper into the mountains this afternoon and return, I’ll fill the rice jar for you.”
As he spoke, he began to process the wild rabbit carcass, chuckling while he worked:
“I’ll probably be back in a couple of days. Wait for me at home obediently during these two days. When I return, I’ll get you some Head Adornments.
Our marriage was a bit rushed, and I didn’t have time to prepare many things I should have for you. I’ve let you down.
But I’ll make it up to you. Whatever other young brides have, my Qianqian will have too. I won’t let others look down on you!”
Su Qianqian’s face flushed bright red at Lu Ye’s words, “my young bride,” and she almost forgot what she had wanted to say.
After calming herself a little, she spoke uneasily:
“It’s fine. It’s me who dragged you into this, making you spend so many silver coins. How could I have the nerve to ask for material things?
I just want to live a peaceful life with you from now on. The mountains are too dangerous. Can’t we just farm a little land and live a simple, ordinary life?”
Hearing this, Lu Ye lowered his head to look at Su Qianqian. Seeing the worry in her eyes, he remembered why Su Qianqian’s father had passed away.
“Qianqian, I’m a hunter. I live by hunting. I’m not like your father. I have martial skills to protect myself, so nothing will happen. Don’t worry, just wait for me at ease.”
There was a hint of heartache in his eyes as he looked at Su Qianqian, and his tone carried some difficulty.
Seeing that Su Qianqian still looked worried but didn’t dare to say more, he felt a bit helpless.
Finally, he changed the subject and continued:
“Qianqian, don’t worry. I won’t take any risks. I haven’t even consummated our marriage yet. I wouldn’t joke with my life.”
As he spoke, a playful thought crossed his mind. He looked up and stared directly at Su Qianqian, asking with a mischievous smile:
“When I come back, will Qianqian be ready to consummate our marriage with me?”