Chapter 77: Protecting One's Wife

Just as Bai Yan was about to say she would hit someone, Father Jiang hurried back with a message. He seemed to be in a rush, still holding a small basin with a piece of tofu inside.

“Girl, have you eaten yet? Your mother said she’d make you candied peanuts this afternoon,” Father Jiang announced, clearly delighted by the prospect—even if he might not get any himself, he still grinned foolishly.

Bai Yan’s eyes lit up at once, and she could hardly wait to follow Father Jiang home right then.

But Jiang Chengyan grabbed Bai Yan by the wrist.

“Your grandparents and your second uncle’s family have come back, haven’t they? Tonight we’re all gathering at your second uncle’s house for dinner—a chance for everyone to catch up,” Father Jiang said. “Your grandparents are already at home preparing a chicken.”

If they were already slaughtering a chicken, it was clear just how much importance was placed on this family reunion.

“Be sure to go. Before you leave, make something for her to eat so she’s not too hungry,” Father Jiang reminded them again as he left.

Jiang Chengyan responded coolly. The way Father Jiang and Zhao spoke often gave others the impression that they were somehow mistreating this little rabbit spirit.

...

Over the course of more than a month, the barren land that no one had held out hope for under Bai Yan’s care had begun to show signs of life. Even the apple trees that had been abandoned were starting to bud.

All afternoon, Bai Yan worked in the fields, with Jiang Chengyan following behind to loosen the soil. They toiled until dusk, only then returning home to change their clothes.

Under Jiang Chengyan’s stern gaze, Bai Yan finally gave up on the idea of wearing his shoes and put on her own.

But just as they were about to leave, Jiang Chengyan’s clothes were tugged.

“What is it?” Jiang Chengyan looked down at his little wife.

“Father said you needed to make me something to eat before we left, just a small bite,” Bai Yan said, unable to forget that particular instruction.

“There’s no need, it’s not necessary,” Jiang Chengyan replied, taking her hand to lead her out.

Bai Yan pouted, her lips nearly long enough to hang an oil lamp from.

...

They arrived at just the right time; before long, the meal was ready to begin. Bai Yan remained at Jiang Chengyan’s side, her hand still firmly in his.

It was still cold outside, and there weren’t many people at home, so there weren’t many seats at the table.

As the last dishes were being served, Grandpa Jiang and Jiang You—the second uncle—had already taken their seats. Father Jiang wiped his hands and was about to sit as well, when Grandma Jiang glanced at Bai Yan, still clinging to Jiang Chengyan, and said, “What are you doing standing here? Go find your mother—there’s food left for you two in the kitchen.”

Bai Yan hadn’t yet reacted. Weren’t they supposed to eat together? Why were she and her mother being sent to the kitchen?

Just then, Qian and Jiang Yuan had already sat down at the table.

Bai Yan looked at the two of them curiously.

“Your second aunt and Yuan Yuan were ladies of status in Lin County—it’s not the same as with you,” Grandma Jiang remarked.

As she spoke, Jiang Chengyan’s eyes darkened noticeably, and Father Jiang’s expression grew dim as well.

Bai Yan still didn’t quite understand, but under Grandma Jiang’s scrutiny, she instinctively started to move away.

Yet, at that moment, as Jiang Chengyan took his seat, he reached out and pulled Bai Yan directly into his lap.

Everyone at the table turned to look.

“Chengyan, what do you think you’re doing? Don’t you know women aren’t allowed at the table?” Grandma Jiang demanded.

Jiang Chengyan just chuckled softly. “She’s sitting on my lap—she’s not taking up any extra space.”

The two of them were sharing one seat.

Everyone else: Is that really the point here?!