Chapter 5: Changsheng is Astonished

Fifteen minutes later, Wan Changsheng saw a tall and a short figure approaching from afar. The taller one was Daqiangzi; the shorter one walked with an unusual grace, his small hand slightly behind his back, his body straight, his pace unhurried, like a young master from a wealthy family.

Not far behind them, two women approached, carrying baskets, seemingly on their way to wash clothes by the river. He immediately recognized the younger, beautiful woman as Meiniang.  Few women in the countryside were as beautiful as she was.

It seemed she also wanted to see him.

Changsheng stood up, smiling at the approaching child. Daqiangzi had stopped, and the boy looked up at him before walking towards him calmly.

What a lovely child! He already liked him.

He glanced at Meiniang; indeed, the young woman was walking towards the small river, close behind her son.

Wan Changsheng’s heart swelled with joy. At that moment, he almost wanted to run towards the mother and son.

But he knew he couldn’t; it would frighten them.

“Meiniang, that’s Wan Changsheng. Come, Big Sister-in-law will take you over to talk to him. You can see for yourself if he’s suitable.  You’ll be spending many years together, so it’s important to see if you are compatible.”

Meiniang blushed but nodded. Her son wasn’t far ahead, and she wondered if he was scared.

It was better to go with her eldest sister-in-law.

Chang Shun stopped about ten feet from Wan Changsheng.

Wan Changsheng smiled, “You must be Chang Shun?”

Chang Shun nodded, performing a respectful bow. “Young Chang Shun greets Uncle Wan.”

Just as he was about to speak, his maternal aunt’s voice came from behind. “Changsheng, if you have time, sit and chat with my nephew.  Dashun, your mother and I will wash clothes by the river. We’ll go back together later.”

Chang Shun nodded. His mother had followed; hadn’t she said she would only take a quick look?

Wan Changsheng smiled gently. “Sister-in-law He, I happen to be free. The weather is lovely and warm today. I’ll sit and chat with Dashun. Dashun’s mother, please don’t worry.”

Meiniang blushed. “I’m not worried. Big Sister-in-law, let’s go wash clothes.”

He Hushi nodded. Although few people came to the riverbank at midday, there was no guarantee. Before the matter was settled, it was best not to let others know.

Wan Changsheng’s eyes were fixed on Meiniang. She was even more beautiful than he remembered, more beautiful than when she was a teenager.

Chang Shun didn’t know what Wan Changsheng was thinking. If he did, he might have scoffed. His mother was indeed pretty, but years of hardship and worry had left her skin sallow, diminishing her beauty.  Her clothes weren’t good either; she was only presentable.

“Uncle Changsheng, shall we sit over there?”

Wan Changsheng snapped back to reality. He had to get the child’s approval; whether he married Meiniang or not might depend on this child.

“Good. Dashun, let’s sit on the sheltered side.” He walked over, choosing a large rock, and wiped it with a cloth. “Dashun, sit here.”

He sat on another rock, smiling at the child.

Chang Shun instantly liked this young man. Having lived sixty years in his past life, he was a good judge of character.

He estimated the man’s height to be around six feet, quite tall for this era. His biological father was tallish, but probably only around five foot nine.

He had a somewhat square face, slightly tanned skin, but nice eyes, bright and shining.

He wasn’t conventionally handsome, but his upright posture gave him an air of security.

This man fit his ideal father image.

A widowed mother and son needed a protector; otherwise, anyone could bully them.

“Uncle Changsheng, my name is Chang Shun, and I am seven years old.”

Wan Changsheng was slightly flustered; the child was overly serious.

“Dashun, my name is Wan Changsheng. I am from Wanjia Village, twenty-six years old. I served in the military for seven years from the age of seventeen, but I mostly assisted the army physician and never saw actual combat.

I live alone now. My parents have passed away, and I have an older brother, but we separated before I enlisted. I don’t have any special skills; I learned some martial arts in the army, but I’m not very good. I only dare to hunt small game and collect herbs in the foothills.

To be honest, my income is modest, but I can make a living.” Wan Changsheng introduced himself directly. The child had come to learn about him, so there was no need to wait for questions; he didn’t want to hide anything.

“Dashun, I know you’re here to learn about me.  Let me tell you about myself first, and then you can ask any questions.

If you and your mother are willing to be with me, I will treat your mother sincerely and you like my own son. You can rest assured; I keep my word.

Also, I can provide you with an education. I can’t say how far you’ll go, but I will do my best.”

Chang Shun was satisfied. This man was straightforward and not hesitant; he liked that.

Men should be manly. In his past life, he was a physician, but he was always a strong man, and his wife loved his masculinity.

The thought of never seeing his beloved wife and son again caused a brief pang of sadness.

Hearing about his herb gathering, he was secretly pleased. He could also gather herbs, achieving financial independence sooner. He would make his demands clear today.

Things should be discussed openly; he didn’t like whispering and gossiping afterward.

“Uncle Changsheng, we’re here to discuss things openly. I appreciate your honesty.”

The little boy’s serious tone when he expressed his satisfaction almost made Wan Changsheng laugh. He struggled to control himself, wanting to hug the child.

Goodness, this child was adorable! Just imagining this child as his son made the marriage worthwhile.

Chang Shun said, “My father died in an accident when I was less than two years old. Honestly, I barely remember him.”

His little face was slightly downcast, his eyes tinged with sadness. Wan Changsheng’s heart ached. “Dashun, be good. There’s nothing we can do about it. Be a good boy, don’t be sad.”

Chang Shun lowered his eyes. Sad? Not really. No memory? No, he remembered very well—he looked at his mother with a slight disdain. He still remembered that look vividly. Therefore, whether he lived or died, he supported his mother remarrying.

And this man was kind and strong, perfect for his gentle and somewhat soft mother.

He also meant to tell the man to be kind to him; he had no memory of his biological father, and if this man was good to him, he would consider him his real father.

“My mother and I have had a hard time these years. Time is limited, so I’ll be straight with you. We’re both men, right? Do you agree?”

Wan Changsheng looked at the little man with a smile, gesturing for him to continue.

He dared not speak, afraid he would laugh. This small child was so serious talking like a man.  My goodness.