Chapter 112: Come Up, I Will Carry You

Hua Niang had clearly taken great care with her appearance today. The scent of powder and rouge on her was far less cloying than usual, replaced by a much lighter, more delicate fragrance.

In the past, Jiang You would never have looked twice at a woman of Hua Niang’s caliber. But he was no longer the wealthy man he had once been; in fact, he had not touched any woman other than his wife, Qian, for a very long time. Given these circumstances, Jiang You was not one to be overly picky, and his eyes were filled entirely with Hua Niang’s alluring gestures. Hua Niang, in turn, gazed at Jiang You with eyes full of charm.

Consequently, what followed transpired quite naturally.

***

It was already afternoon by the time Jiang You returned home.

Qian was hanging mugwort by the doorway. Seeing that Jiang You had only just returned, she said with a hint of sarcasm, "What great undertaking were you busy with to be returning only now?"

Jiang You’s expression remained calm, even tinged with a faint smile. He walked to the door, took the mugwort from Qian’s hands, and said in his usual tone, "I went to the county seat today to finalize everything. After the Qingming Festival passes, I shall take up my new post. Although it is a minor sinecure, it is actually quite significant—there is plenty of silver to be made."

Upon hearing the mention of silver, the expression on Qian’s face immediately softened. She turned around, helped Jiang You straighten his clothes, and said with a smile, "If things are going so smoothly, then we must make an effort to have a son as soon as possible."

Jiang You chuckled and stepped into the courtyard after hanging the mugwort. Just as Qian was about to follow, she heard voices from outside.

She turned back to see several village men talking to Jiang’s father, who was carrying two large logs on his sturdy shoulders.

"Father of Yan, what are you doing? Such a grand display?" the men asked, their eyes filled with a touch of pity.

Ever since Jiang’s father had severed ties with his own father, his house had been smashed, and he was currently living in Jiang Chengyan’s home, looking quite pitiful.

Jiang’s father gave an honest, simple smile. "Just moving a couple of logs to build a swing for Sanniang and my daughter."

The men could not help but shake their heads. Jiang’s father was notoriously henpecked, utterly controlled by his wife, Zhao.

Chuckling, Jiang’s father carried the wood toward the east end of the village. Qian stood at the door, watching his retreating figure for a long time. Her own household would only grow wealthier, but wasn't Zhao’s life a bit... too comfortable?

***

The small mushrooms had just been harvested, and there was not much activity yet with the apple trees or wild strawberries. Having found some leisure time, Bai Yan, upon hearing that Jiang’s father was going to build a swing, dragged her little stool along and trotted after him, huffing and puffing.

"You silly girl, what about the lounge chair made for you? Bring that over; it’s more comfortable," Zhao said, tapping Bai Yan on the head with a mixture of exasperation and affection.

Hearing this, Bai Yan immediately scampered back. However, her little lounge chair was already occupied by a man engrossed in his book.

Bai Yan stood before him for quite a while, but Jiang Chengyan acted as if he hadn't seen her. It was only after being kicked by the impatient "rabbit" that he lazily lifted his eyes. "What are you doing, standing there?"

"Give the chair back to me," Bai Yan said, pointing to the occupied seat.

"Come up here; let me hold you," Jiang Chengyan replied, ignoring her request and patting his lap.

Bai Yan tilted her head, about to retort, when she realized the swing had already been set up. With a cry of delight, she darted toward it, completely forgetting whatever the man had just said.

Zhao stood by the swing, teaching Bai Yan how to use it. "Did your parents never take you to play on a swing when you were little? Poor child," she said, unable to hide her sympathy.

Jiang Chengyan let out a cold laugh: A rabbit on a swing—a truly rare sight indeed!