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In order to improve her condition, Su Zhi, despite the gradually cooling weather, resumed her baths. She added lotus flower pollen to the water, aiming for gradual recovery to avoid surprising Shen Zi’an, as a patch on her face had already shown improvement. With this progress in mind, she expected the remaining discoloration to fade within three to four days without raising suspicion.
Although Shen Zi’an worried about Su Zhi catching a cold from bathing in cold weather, he eventually relented out of concern for her health, ensuring she bathed during the warmest part of the day while he stood guard, knowing few people visited their home to disturb her.
After a day of bathing, Shen Zi’an noticed the reduction of spots on Su Zhi’s face. Having mentally prepared for this outcome, he was pleased but didn’t question it, attributing it to her medication. Over the course of three days, as Su Zhi’s face progressively cleared up, his spirits lifted.
“Wife, your illness has finally improved. Once your face fully recovers, I’ll take you out for a walk. You must have felt cooped up all these days. I noticed you’ve been enjoying strolls outside,” Shen Zi’an remarked, observing Su Zhi’s face, which, though still marked, no longer raised eyebrows. In rural areas where women endured harsh weather and received inadequate care, facial imperfections like darkened skin or spots were common. Seeing his wife’s face improving day by day, he envisioned her complexion becoming rosy and clear like peach blossoms.
Su Zhi smiled and said, “I do feel a bit cooped up. But I go for walks to improve my health. Moving around helps. Haven’t you noticed how much livelier I’ve been these days?”
Shen Zi’an nodded, acknowledging Su Zhi’s improved complexion and overall vitality. While she had been in good spirits before, she seemed even more energized now, actively walking around.
“How about you take me into the mountains today?” Su Zhi suggested opportunistically. She had been eyeing the nearby mountain range with its colorful foliage and yearned to explore. Shen Zi’an had been occupied helping Li Shi repair a house in recent days but was planning to venture into the mountains soon to collect items for sale at the market. Feeling nearly recovered from her ailment, Su Zhi felt ready to join him on this excursion.
Shen Zi’an hesitated, expressing concern, “It might be risky in the mountains. It’s best for you to stay home and wait for me to return. Although you’re almost recovered, it’s crucial to rest and recuperate. Let’s wait until tomorrow when I can take you to the market.”
Disappointment flickered across Su Zhi’s face.
Shen Zi’an, seeing Su Zhi’s disappointment, felt a pang in his heart. Over these past few days, Su Zhi had held a significant place in his heart. He had been willing to go to great lengths to fulfill her desires, even if she wanted the stars in the sky. Su Zhi had never made unreasonable demands, always showing great competence. Her expression of disappointment struck him, making him feel that not helping her achieve her wish would be remiss of him.
“Brother Zi’an! Brother Zi’an!” Li Shi’s voice echoed from outside. Shen Zi’an hurriedly opened the door to let Li Shi in. Li Shi, carrying a bow and arrows, a knife at his waist, and several ropes for hunting, looked every bit like a seasoned hunter. He remained in the yard, waiting for Shen Zi’an to join him before heading out.
Equipped with a bow and arrows, a sharp knife at his waist, and a bamboo basket filled with provisions, Shen Zi’an was ready for their expedition into the deep mountains. Their plan was to hunt a large game to earn more money for the upcoming winter. With their limited funds and scarce family resources, especially after the division of assets, there was a need to purchase necessities. Now with Su Zhi by his side, the pressure to earn a living had intensified.
Su Zhi, her face concealed, emerged to remind Shen Zi’an to be cautious. She also advised Li Shi to watch out. With Li Shi promising to keep an eye out for Shen Zi’an, the two men set off together.
“Zi’an, since you call me ‘brother.’ I have a few words for you. Despite others believing in that superstition about younger sisters being a jinx, I see Su Zhi as a virtuous woman. Marrying her might be the greatest blessing of your life. Cherish her well,” Li Shi advised as he watched Shen Zi’an walk away, turning back to see Su Zhi still standing at the door, her delicate yet serene figure leaving him envious of Shen Zi’an. As a loner, he longed for a companion who would bid him farewell as Shen Zi’an’s wife did.
Shen Zi’an nodded solemnly at Li Shi’s words and turned to glance back, noticing Su Zhi still standing there. He suddenly halted in his tracks.
Li Shi inquired, “Why the pause? Did you forget something?”
Shen Zi’an replied, “Su Zhi wanted to accompany me to the mountains today. I didn’t agree, but she seems upset… I think I should take her along.”
“Though it’s rare to encounter fierce wild beasts in the mountains, there’s still a level of danger,” Li Shi cautioned. Observing Shen Zi’an’s pursed lips and furrowed brow, he sensed Shen Zi’an’s genuine desire to take Su Zhi along. After a moment’s thought, he patted Shen Zi’an on the shoulder, “Forget it. Let’s hunt on the outskirts today. We can venture into the deep mountains next time.”
Shen Zi’an nodded in agreement and swiftly ran back.
As Li Shi watched him go, he reflected on how Shen Zi’an, who had been reserved and somewhat aloof since childhood, surprised him with his consideration for his wife.
Su Zhi gazed at the distant mountains, sighing wistfully. The weather was beautiful, and she longed to explore the mountains. Despite the vibrant colors and sunny skies, she knew winter was approaching when the scenery would lose its allure. However, understanding Shen Zi’an’s hunting plans, she didn’t want to hold him back. Just as she turned to head back into the yard, she heard Shen Zi’an call out loudly, causing her to abruptly turn around.
Rushing to her side, Shen Zi’an took her hand and declared, “Wife, I’m taking you into the mountains!”
Su Zhi’s eyes widened with joy as she quickly fetched a small bamboo basket from the house and dashed back out. Shen Zi’an, observing Su Zhi’s excitement, felt reassured about his decision.
After locking the door, they hastened their steps to catch up with Li Shi.
“Brother Shi, thank you for agreeing to take me along. Don’t worry, I won’t cause any trouble for you both,” Su Zhi assured Li Shi. It was inconvenient for men to hunt with women, but Li Shi’s agreement to let Shen Zi’an bring his wife along showed his amiable nature.
Li Shi smiled and replied, “If you want to thank me, just cook me another meal. The last one was delightful, and I didn’t have enough.”
Su Zhi readily agreed, her sparkling eyes and cheerful tone captivating Shen Zi’an, who held her hand.
The trio ventured towards the mountains, known as Daqing Mountain. Although not very high, it was vast with lush vegetation. The presence of wild animals in the deep mountains kept hunting activities sparse, ensuring peace and quiet for the villagers.