miralunem

Jian Ru’s house started leaking again.

The house had once caught fire; a wall had collapsed and been rebuilt, and the roof had been repaired as well. The money for repairs had all been borrowed from relatives, and over the years, he had slowly paid it back.

At the time, there wasn’t much money to begin with. The repairs only barely kept out the wind; as for rain, they were never quite sufficient. Every summer, the roof would leak once or twice.

In the past, whenever the house leaked, Jian Ru would wait for the rain to stop, then climb up a ladder and re-lay the dried straw that had been stored in autumn.

That kind of work used to be done by his father. Jian Ru was somewhat afraid of heights, and his father never allowed him onto the roof, but fear or not, when pushed to the limit, there was no room for hesitation. These days, Jian Ru had become very practiced at it.

However, this time he didn’t climb up as before. He simply placed basins to catch the leaking water and made do.

In the past few days, Jian Ru had begun packing up his things.

After the fire, most of his parents’ belongings had been burned away, and not even a single keepsake was left behind.

Now, when he packed, there were only a few sets of old clothes, some small personal items he liked, and a dozen strings of copper coins. Everything else could fit into a single wooden chest.

The Second Young Master Li had originally asked Aunt Jin to send him some silver for his journey, but Jian Ru refused no matter what. Even the new clothes were left behind in the room where he had stayed.

Even though he was poor, he didn’t want the Second Young Master to think he was greedy for money… though in truth, he did rather want it.

After finishing his packing, Jian Ru had nothing else to do, so he wandered around the village, visiting the places he had played in as a child.

In the past couple of days, something small but unpleasant had also happened. Zhang Jiao’s elder brother came to his house and asked him to help take care of their mother.

Whether Zhang Jiao had told his mother the truth before leaving was unknown. But in any case, whether he was dead or had run away, the old woman likely could not bear it. She was already in poor health, and this shock had only worsened her condition, but Zhang Jiao’s brother was not a filial man. After marrying, he mostly lived at his wealthy in-laws’ home and rarely returned. Only now, when there was truly no one left to care for their mother, had he been forced to come back.

Zhang Jiao’s mother had always treated Jian Ru quite well. She was warm to him whenever he visited, and he had eaten food she cooked before. But none of that counted as a true debt of gratitude, especially since what Jian Ru had done for their family far exceeded such small kindnesses.

So after hearing the request, Jian Ru gave no polite excuses and directly refused.

Zhang Jiao’s brother immediately changed his expression, complaining, “My younger brother just had an accident, and now you’re abandoning all past ties?!”

Jian Ru didn’t want to waste time arguing, so he simply nodded. “Yes.”

“You used to take care of her,” Zhang Jiao’s brother nearly exploded in anger. “Why won’t you now?!”

“Are you her son or am I?” Jian Ru replied. “You’re the one too useless and afraid of your wife to support your own mother. Why should I do it?”

The man’s face turned white with rage, but he still refused to leave and tried to persuade him further, all the way until Jian Ru cut him off. “If you insist on staying here, fine. Then let’s settle accounts properly. Count up how many times I helped your family in the past, how much food and money I spent, and pay me back.”

At that, Zhang Jiao’s brother no longer dared to linger. He left while cursing under his breath.

As for Jian Ru, he had no interest in arguing further.

That evening, after dinner, he took a small porcelain jar out of his packed belongings and sat by the kang bed. He rolled up his trouser leg and applied the pale yellow medicinal ointment to his knee. After applying it, a warm sensation spread across the skin, easing the pain in his leg considerably.

This ointment had been given to him by Aunt Jin the day he left the estate. She even said that the Second Young Master had specially had it prepared for him the night before. Injuries to the bone tended to ache in rainy or damp weather, and applying it every night would help relieve the pain. She also said it was only a temporary remedy, and better treatments would be arranged later.

At the time, Jian Ru’s heart had tightened and softened all at once.

He had long grown used to the occasional pain and never thought much of it, but he hadn’t expected anyone to still be thinking about it for him.

So that night, Jian Ru slept especially well.

The next morning, after breakfast, he went to the village chief’s house to report that he had found work in town and would be leaving home for a while. For villagers struggling to make ends meet, going to town for work was common and unremarkable, so the village chief made a few perfunctory reminders, and that was the end of it.

Jian Ru hadn’t planned to tell the villagers the truth. In the past, even though some people had mocked him or gossiped behind his back, he hadn’t held any grudges. After all, this was the place where his parents had lived and where he had grown up. The old neighbors and villagers would still chat with him from time to time.

But after the matter of the river sacrifice, almost no one had opposed it. No one felt it was wrong or that they owed anything. Instead, for the sake of houses and farmland, they had even helped the village head force other families to throw their children into the river.

After going through all that, Jian Ru no longer had any attachment to this village. The people there only felt hateful tohim now, and he never wanted to see them again.

He was going to get married, and to such a good family in town. If the villagers found out, who knew what they would say? He didn’t want to become their topic of gossip, and he also didn’t want the Li family to be dragged into their talk because of him.

And there was one more thing.

Jian Ru was afraid. 

He was afraid this marriage would ultimately fall through, and he would become a laughingstock.

In truth, Second Young Master Li had already shown enough sincerity, but Jian Ru still couldn’t help being afraid. His past experiences had taught him that his luck was always poor. He feared there would still be changes, feared it would all turn out to be nothing but a beautiful dream that ended in emptiness.

Not long after returning from the village chief’s house, a donkey cart arrived at his doorstep, and Aunt Jin was helped down by the driver. She walked through Jian Ru’s home and looked around carefully, her expression growing heavier with emotion.

Jian Ru followed behind her, also looking closely, taking in the last sight of the place where he had lived for so many years.

“Let’s go,” Aunt Jin patted his shoulder. 

Jian Ru loaded his things onto the cart, helped Aunt Jin up, and climbed in after her. The driver cracked the whip, and with a sharp snap, the donkey set off toward the edge of the village.

It was still raining, and the roads were wet and empty of people. The cart wheels rolled through muddy puddles, splashing earth-colored water into the air, carrying the scent of soil.

Jian Ru lifted the curtain and looked outside. Only when the last house disappeared from view did he let it fall again. He didn’t feel much reluctance, but leaving the place where he had grown up still brought a faint unease about the unknown ahead.

Aunt Jin took his hand and patted the back of it. “Every young ger or woman has to go through leaving home like this,” she coaxed. “I’ve been in the Li household for many years; the family is honest and kind. You don’t need to worry too much.”

Even though Jian Ru was stubborn by nature, he was still only an eighteen-year-old boy.

The carriage was cramped, and they were already sitting close together, so Aunt Jin simply pulled him into her arms.Jian Ru couldn’t hold it in anymore, and he turned and hugged the thin but upright old woman, his shoulders shaking slightly.

Aunt Jin held him and patted his back, thinking of her own daughter who had married far away. She felt a wave of tenderness. The child in her arms was so skinny, hardly any weight at all, and truly pitiful… once he arrived at the Li household, he would have to be properly cared for.

………………….

This time, Jian Ru was going to the Li family’s horse-breeding estate again. On the way, Aunt Jin told him that until the wedding, he would still live there.

It was Madam Li’s arrangement.

First, Jian Ru had stayed there before and was already somewhat familiar with the place. Second, he had no parents and no close relatives, and he also had no intention of marrying someone from his village. So it was arranged for him to stay there until the wedding.

The Madam had already discussed with County Magistrate Li, asking Jian Ru to recognize him as his adoptive father so that the wedding procession starting from the estate would be proper and legitimate.

Aunt Jin asked for Jian Ru’s opinion and said that if he had any objections, there was still time to change things.

Jian Ru had seen village weddings before, though he didn’t understand many of the formalities. Still, he could tell this was the Li family’s kindness, so he said, “I’ll follow Madam’s arrangements. I have no objections.”

Then Aunt Jin asked again, “Madam also wanted to ask you: three months from now is set as the wedding date. Do you have any thoughts?”

Jian Ru had already been worried that the marriage might fall through. Hearing that it would take so long, he immediately asked, “Why so long?”

“So eager to get married already?” Aunt Jin teased him with a laugh. 

“N-no…” Jian Ru’s face turned bright red. 

“A proper marriage isn’t simple.” Aunt Jin began counting on her fingers to explain. “According to custom, there should be stages like betrothal gifts, name matching, auspicious selection, and choosing the date. Just these alone take months. We’ve already simplified things, but some steps still can’t be skipped. It’s all for your own good.”

And yet, Jian Ru still didn’t understand. In the end, Aunt Jin smiled and finally confessed, “They need time to prepare your betrothal gifts from the Second Young Master.”

Jian Ru let out a small “ah” and stammered, “I… I don’t need betrothal gifts…”

At that, Aunt Jin couldn’t help laughing, patting his head. “Silly child, how can that be?! You don’t have parents anymore, but these things can’t be skipped. What you’re owed, you must keep firmly! That will be your security in the future!”

Jian Ru understood and nodded, as Aunt Jin went on, “During this time, we’ll have to rush your wedding clothes for both of you, and make several sets of wedding bedding. Second Young Master’s room will also need to be tidied and redecorated. There are even more things for the wedding banquet.” She looked him over. “You’ll also need to prepare jewelry for your head and body, and have more sets of clothes made, inner and outer garments alike! Three months sounds like a long time, but it’s actually not enough! Everything has to be done quickly.”

Aunt Jin finished in one breath. Seeing that Jian Ru had been listening quietly without saying anything, she bumped his shoulder and asked, “What are you thinking about all day long?”

Jian Ru didn’t answer right away. He looked at Aunt Jin, then slowly curved his lips into a smile. His eyes brightened, sparkling with genuine joy.

“I haven’t worn new clothes in years,” he said happily.

Hearing that, Aunt Jin was momentarily stunned. Then she let out a soft laugh, both amused and softened by him. “You… honestly…”

Facing such an innocent child, she found all the prepared formal words suddenly impossible to say. She simply tapped his forehead and smiled. “Look at how happy you are!”

As they neared the estate, Aunt Jin held Jian Ru’s hand and reminded him, “I’ve watched the Second Young Master grow up since he was a child. If you two live well together, things will only get better!”

“I will treat him well.” Jian Ru nodded firmly. 

When they arrived at the estate, Jian Ru moved back into his original room.

Aunt Jin brought him a boy of about twelve or thirteen and introduced him, saying, “This is Xiao Ning, who serves the Second Young Master in the Li household. For these next few months, he’ll stay here with you. If you need anything, just have him do it.”

Jian Ru studied the child who looked clever and quick-witted. When he noticed Jian Ru looking at him, he immediately bowed and said brightly, “Greetings, Young Master Jian!”

Jian Ru returned the greeting, and Aunt Jin sent Xiao Ning to the kitchen to boil water and make tea.

Jian Ru watched Xiao Ning’s back until he left the room, then couldn’t help but ask, “Is the Second Young Master busy right now?”

Meaning he wanted to go see him.

“What kind of unmarried couple is already thinking about meeting before the wedding?!” Aunt Jin shot him a glare. “The Second Young Master is proper and well-mannered. He already returned to the family residence in town yesterday to avoid improper contact; you should follow the rules as well!”

Jian Ru was used to being embarrassed in front of Aunt Jin, so he didn’t mind it much anymore. He only felt a little disappointed and let it pass with an awkward smile.

That night, Xiao Ning helped him organize the small belongings he had brought. Jian Ru wasn’t used to being served, and most of his things were worn and shabby, so he was afraid the boy would look down on him.

But Xiao Ning eagerly took over the work and didn’t show any disdain, so Jian Ru let him handle it.

The next day, Aunt Jin settled everything for him and had to leave. The Madam still needed her at the main household, so she couldn’t stay here indefinitely.

Among everyone here, Jian Ru was closest to her, and when she left, he felt like a lone bird left in its nest. He saw her off all the way to the carriage, watched her wave him back inside, and only returned after the carriage disappeared from view.

After that, as Aunt Jin had said, Jian Ru hardly had any free time.

Day after day, fabric shop owners, tailors, and jewelry merchants came one after another. Jian Ru was like a spinning top, constantly pulled along by Xiao Ning to handle everything.

Fortunately, Xiao Ning was cheerful and talkative, and the two got along well. Then, the Second Young Master Li’s betrothal gifts also arrived…

One full cart, ah!

The estate servants had to carry them in several trips before everything was moved inside. Later, County Magistrate Li and his wife came personally to see him.

That day, Jian Ru was so nervous he could barely eat. Fortunately, Aunt Jin had foresight and taught him how to handle things in advance. The old couple turned out to be easy to get along with, and after a while, the formal rites of recognition were completed.

Jian Ru bowed to County Magistrate Li and his wife, and from then on, addressed them as his adoptive parents. The couple also prepared gifts for him, and his belongings grew considerably richer.

However, that day, Sun Yushuang also came along.

On the surface, he still maintained a passable demeanor. But once they were alone in the room, his expression changed instantly. With a mocking tone, he said, “Don’t think that just because you’re marrying into the Li family you’ve risen to the top! The Old Madam of the Li family isn’t happy about this marriage, and she’s not someone easy to deal with; you’ll definitely suffer for it in the future!”

“I don’t understand why you’re always so concerned about me,” Jian Ru frowned. “Whether I suffer or not is my business. The one marrying Second Young Master is me, not you.”

For some reason, those words struck a nerve, for Sun Yushuang’s expression suddenly changed. His gaze turned sharp with a hint of hatred, as his face went white, then red, then white again. In the end, he looked wronged, eyes reddening as he stomped his foot and stormed out of the room.

Jian Ru found it all completely baffling, but he didn’t have the energy to care.

These days, he had been living in a constant state of anticipation for the wedding. However, Sun Yushuang’s words poured cold water over him, and he felt uneasy for several days, worrying again that the marriage might fall through at the last moment.

He went through all the gifts in his boxes again and again, thinking that if the marriage really failed, given Second Young Master’s character, these things probably wouldn’t be taken back. That thought eased him slightly, but a bitter, sour ache still lingered in his heart.

Summer had long passed, and the weather gradually turned cool, as three months slipped by unnoticed.

Fortunately, nothing unexpected happened, and Jian Ru was finally going to be married.

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T.N: I have made a translation mistake before; Steward Li is, in fact, a County Magistrate. I originally thought he was the County Magistrate’s steward, as in the person who oversees the County Magistrate’s estate, but he’s the County Magistrate himself. Sorry, he’s an important official, someone appointed directly by the Emperor after passing the imperial exam, so his title has been changed from Steward Li to County Magistrate Li. 

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T.N: If you like his novel, you can read up to chapter 16 on my Patreon, with new updates coming every week!

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