Chapter 45

Wei Ling finished tidying up the kitchen and lingered for a while before returning to the main hall, where the fire in the stove was burning brightly. However, both Qin Qingman and Chuchu were nowhere to be seen.

He knew exactly where Qin Qingman was—she was in the bedroom, torn and uncertain.

The fact was, there wasn’t much firewood left at home.

When Qin Qingman had first come here, the house had been nearly out of firewood. It was only after she had a huge argument with Aunt Zhu Hongxia and several other aunts that they finally returned some wood, although not all of it. Since then, the household stove had been in constant use. Whether for warming the hall or heating the large pot in the kitchen, everything required large amounts of firewood.

In this rural area, there was no coal; the firewood at home had been significantly depleted over the past few days.

Qin Qingman had been worried for some time that the firewood wouldn’t last until spring. She hadn’t expected that Chuchu had also been paying close attention to the situation with the firewood.

Heating only one stove would certainly use less firewood than heating two. Qin Qingman was even considering stopping the fire in the main hall and only using the stove connected to the heated brick bed in the bedroom. This way, their firewood might just last until the spring.

But then there was the matter of the two geese.

She couldn’t exactly keep the geese in the bedroom. Even if the geese were fine with it, she certainly wouldn’t be.

Qin Qingman had even thought of going to town to buy some coal.

Kaoshan Village wasn’t accustomed to using coal, since it was surrounded by mountains and forests, and every household stockpiled a large amount of firewood. But it was different in town. Hongqi Town was a sizable place, and right next to it was Hongqi Farm, with a large population. In such a densely populated area, the coal industry was naturally thriving.

“Sis, let’s stop heating the stove in the east room. Let Brother-in-law sleep with us on the same brick bed; it’ll save firewood.”

Chuchu trailed behind Qin Qingman, watching her stand there with the bedding in her arms, not moving for a long time. He couldn’t help but speak up again.

He still remembered how cold it was when they had run out of firewood before.

That kind of coldness was a chill that seemed to seep into the very bones, as though every crevice within him was being swept by the bitter wind. So he was genuinely worried about running out of firewood and having to endure that freezing cold again. Once was enough to leave a lifelong impression on him.

With a slight bow of her head, Qin Qingman could see Chuchu looking up at her, his innocent expression as he clung to her leg.

This Chuchu really didn’t understand what it would mean for Wei Ling to sleep on the same brick bed.

“Qingman, I could go back to the dormitory.” Wei Ling called out from the hall, where he’d been listening to Qin Qingman’s silence. He understood that his wife was particularly torn over the situation, and he couldn’t bear to see her in such distress, so he suggested a solution.

Of course, his words were also a strategic retreat.

“Ah Ling, take Chuchu to wash up and get to bed early tonight.” Qin Qingman instructed, knowing that Wei Ling had sharp ears and likely overheard her conversation with Chuchu.

Hearing Wei Ling’s suggestion finally settled her indecision. After all, she and Wei Ling were already legally married, and they would eventually share a bed. Why not start getting used to it now? Back when they had no proper facilities in the mountains, they’d already shared a mat—there was no need to be overly cautious now. In these frigid rural areas, entire families huddled on the same heated brick bed in winter, so why should their household be an exception?

In the main hall, Wei Ling understood immediately from Qin Qingman’s response that she had relented.

“Brother-in-law, let’s wash our feet together!” Chuchu cheered as he saw Qin Qingman place the bedding back on the heated bed. Excitedly, he jumped up and dashed toward the main hall.

He was overjoyed that evening—not only had he built a snowman in the yard, but now he’d get to sleep on the same bed as his whole family. He felt utterly content, and that happiness lingered in his expression until he fell asleep.

Chuchu drifted off quickly. After washing up and playing a little with Wei Ling, he obediently climbed onto the bed and fell soundly asleep.

When Huang Wanqing was around, Chuchu used to sleep in the middle of the bed. Tonight, after getting onto the bed, he looked at the bedding on his left, then at the bedding on his right, before deciding to move his own bedding to the head of the bed. Snuggling into his cozy spot, he happily slipped under the blankets.

The little boy remembered how his parents used to sleep together when they were alive, so tonight, he wanted to be a thoughtful little brother.

Qin Qingman and Wei Ling, being adults, stayed up a bit later than Chuchu. After washing up, they settled by the fire in the main hall, warming themselves as they untangled some yarn together.

With Qin Qingman’s parents gone, all wedding preparations fell on her and Wei Ling. Fortunately, life in those times was simple, and weddings were typically modest without an excess of formalities.

Still, clothing for the ceremony was necessary.

So, as Qin Qingman and Wei Ling worked together to untangle the yarn, she thought about how she might cut the fabric and sew their garments. They had a sewing machine at home, and operating it was straightforward enough; with a bit of practice, it would become second nature. The real challenge was in cutting the fabric.

After all, turning cloth into proper clothing wasn’t easy—it wasn’t something one could simply sew together haphazardly.

Cutting was key.

Wei Ling stretched his hands to hold up the yarn for Qin Qingman. Seeing that she remained silent, he assumed she was still feeling shy. After some thought, he broke the silence. “Qingman, I checked the firewood at home, and there really isn’t much left. I have coal ration coupons. In a few days, the logistics department is going to the provincial capital to procure coal. I’ll ask them to bring some back for us.”

After all, the shortage of firewood at home was partly his responsibility too.

Now that he and Qin Qingman were a family, he felt it was his duty to bear the household burdens. His wife was frail; he couldn’t bear the idea of her doing heavy physical labor. When it came to chopping wood, they could buy it if they could afford to. If not, he’d bring Du Hongyi and a few others to the mountains when he had time off—they ate at his table, so they ought to help around the house a bit, especially since cooking alone consumed a lot of firewood.

“Ah!”

Qin Qingman’s thoughts on fabric cutting were interrupted by Wei Ling’s voice.

Then she understood why he’d mentioned it.

Now that she’d decided they’d share the same bed, there was no need to hold back. But the lack of firewood was indeed an issue that needed solving, so she smiled. “Ah Ling, I was just thinking about how to buy some coal in town. If the division can help, that would be even better.”

Every era had its own ways, and she wasn’t about to make a fuss over calculating every little detail.

“Alright, I’ll find someone to handle the coal arrangements tomorrow.” Wei Ling replied, sensing that Qin Qingman no longer intended for them to sleep separately, which filled his heart with warmth.

Qin Qingman’s face turned a bit pink. “I’ll take out the coal coupons and money every day.” she added. She managed Wei Ling’s household funds, so all expenses had to go through her.

“Qingman, I’m also thinking of putting a stove in the bedroom to keep it even warmer.”

Wei Ling shared his thoughts. He’d noticed that both Qin Qingman and Chuchu seemed especially sensitive to the cold. Even though the brick bed in the bedroom was heated, the room wasn’t as warm as the hall when the stove was lit. Each morning, he saw how difficult it was for Qin Qingman and her little brother to get out of bed in the cold.

Of course, Qin Qingman wanted the house to be as warm as possible, but they also had to consider their limited resources. “Ah Ling, winter here lasts a long time, and it’s very cold. Adding another stove will double the fuel we need.”

If not for that, she would have added an extra stove without hesitation.

Wei Ling understood her concern and explained, “Don’t worry, Qingman. I’m at the regiment level now, so I have enough supplies for both you and Chuchu. I’ve been working for years, and I’ve barely had the chance to use any of it. We’re a family, and I want you and Chuchu to use what’s mine.”

Wei Ling’s words were so thoughtful that Qin Qingman felt her heart flutter.

She looked at Wei Ling with sweetness in her eyes.

“I’ll have someone bring us another stove from the provincial capital.” Wei Ling suggested. “Nothing too big, just something for the bedroom, so it won’t take up much space.”

“That sounds good. The bedroom is indeed a bit chilly. With an extra stove, Chuchu won’t have to spend all day just in the main hall.” Qin Qingman agreed with his idea.

Wei Ling nodded, his hands moving rhythmically as he helped Qin Qingman wind the yarn into balls. In the time they’d been talking, the willow basket beside Qin Qingman was already filled with several yarn balls, so she picked up another skein.

With little to do in winter, she had purchased plenty of yarn from the Supply and Marketing Cooperative, planning to knit clothes for the family—at least enough to have a change of clothes. Otherwise, wearing the same sweater all winter long was something she found hard to accept.

Under the glow of the oil lamp, the two of them continued their quiet work together. It wasn’t the first time they had cooperated like this, and though they didn’t say much, their actions were in perfect sync.

When the basket grew heavy with yarn balls, Qin Qingman finally noticed the time passing. She glanced at the pitch-black window outside and said, “Ah Ling, let’s call it a night. That’s enough for today.”

“Alright.”

Wei Ling stood up to help tidy up.

In a short while, they had returned the willow basket to the bedroom, the chairs back to their places, and even smothered the fire in the stove with wood ash. Only then did Qin Qingman reach out to pick up the oil lamp.

But just as her hand neared the lamp, a sudden flare of the wick startled them.

Wei Ling’s reflexes were quick. The moment the flame sputtered, he wrapped an arm around Qin Qingman’s waist and pulled her back. “Wife, are you alright?”

He inspected her fingers carefully, worried he hadn’t reacted fast enough.

“I’m… I’m fine, no harm done.” Qin Qingman felt flustered, as the warmth of Wei Ling’s embrace enveloped her and his masculine scent filled her senses, making her heart race and her breath unsteady.

“I’ll handle the lamp next time.” Wei Ling said, still concerned. He also made a mental note to buy a few covered kerosene lamps at the Supply and Marketing Cooperative; they were safer than these open-wick ones.

Qin Qingman, unable to refuse his concern, nodded slightly. She then nudged him gently. “Ah Ling, let’s head to bed.”

But as soon as the words left her mouth, she felt the unintended meaning of her statement. It sounded as if she were eager, which made her face flush. She couldn’t decide whether to explain or not; her palms were damp with nervousness.

“Alright.” Sensing her tension, Wei Ling slowly released his hand from her waist and moved to pick up the oil lamp.

He didn’t want to pressure Qin Qingman. He wanted to let her get used to him at her own pace.

Wei Ling’s gentle response allowed Qin Qingman to breathe a sigh of relief. “Ah Ling, last night, since Wanqing stayed over, we didn’t have enough bedding. I lent her mine and used yours instead.”

Qin Qingman felt a bit embarrassed after saying this.

Though she was confident she was clean and didn’t leave any scent behind, honesty was important. She couldn’t just use Wei Ling’s bedding without letting him know.

When Wei Ling heard that Qin Qingman had used his bedding, he felt a mix of surprise and delight. Worried about making her uncomfortable, he kept his excitement in check and answered calmly, “Alright, I understand.”

Meanwhile, in the west room, Chuchu was already fast asleep, his little cheeks flushed like rosy apples from the warmth of the brick bed.

As soon as Qin Qingman entered the room, she noticed something unusual.

Her bedding, which had originally been at the head of the bed, had been moved to the center. Not only that, but her bedding was now placed so close to Wei Ling’s that if she rolled over during the night, she’d practically end up in his arms.

!!!

Chuchu… Qin Yunchu!

Qin Qingman couldn’t believe how clever Chuchu was with these things.

For a moment, she even suspected that Wei Ling might have put him up to it. Why else would Chuchu suddenly insist on the three of them sharing the same bed? She could accept sleeping together in the middle of winter, but now, why were her and Wei Ling’s blankets placed right next to each other?

Her face burned as she glanced at Wei Ling, her gaze now a bit scrutinizing.

Wei Ling looked back, equally surprised.

He noticed the awkward placement of the bedding and felt like Chuchu had unintentionally given him a miraculous assist. But he genuinely didn’t know anything about this arrangement—and certainly hadn’t suggested it!

At that moment, Wei Ling grew concerned, worried that Qin Qingman might suspect he had somehow encouraged Chuchu in all this.

Seeing Wei Ling’s expression, Qin Qingman realized she’d been overthinking. This situation on the bed was likely the work of a mischievous child acting on his own.

“Ah Ling, let’s just get some rest.” she said softly.

Qin Qingman sat on the edge of the kang, hesitating whether to take off her clothes or not. Though it was winter, and she wouldn’t be sleeping in light clothing, the thought of undressing in front of a strong man made her feel incredibly uneasy. She couldn’t bring herself to unbutton her clothes, much less reveal any part of her chest or stomach, let alone take off her pants. Just thinking about it made her palms sweat and her heart race, and she couldn’t bring herself to look at Wei Ling.

The room was filled with a mixture of awkwardness and subtle tension.

Wei Ling took a deep breath and said, “I’ll go to the bathroom.” Without waiting for a reply, he strode out of the room.

Only when Wei Ling’s figure disappeared did Qin Qingman finally release the breath she had been holding in her chest. She quickly listened, waiting until she heard his footsteps moving toward the direction of the bathroom, then hurriedly removed her clothes and slipped under the covers. As soon as she got into bed, however, she froze.

The two bedding sets were too close together. In her rush to get undressed and into bed, she had completely forgotten to separate them.

Just as Qin Qingman was about to sit up and pull the bedding apart, she heard Wei Ling’s returning footsteps.

Each footstep echoed, almost like it was treading directly on her heart.

Qin Qingman didn’t dare move. Not only that, she quickly closed her eyes.

Pretending to sleep was the perfect way to avoid any awkwardness.

So, by the time Wei Ling returned to the room, Qin Qingman was already lying on the kang, appearing to be fast asleep, with the two bedding sets still very much joined together.

Wei Ling blew out the lamp and got onto the kang.

In the darkness, Qin Qingman’s ears were fully alert, keenly sensitive. She heard a soft, rustling sound as Wei Ling began undressing.

Wei Ling didn’t rush; he undressed at a steady, rhythmic pace. Each item he removed was carefully folded and placed on the kang in the darkness, and only when he had finished did he slip under the covers.

As soon as he got into bed, Wei Ling caught a faint, delicate fragrance.

The scent belonged to Qin Qingman.

This wasn’t the first time he had shared a bed with her; he had already noticed this subtle, pleasant aroma back when they stayed in the mountain shack. It was a natural, feminine fragrance unique to her.

The bedding had been used by Qin Qingman for a night, already infused with her scent, and now, with her lying less than an arm’s length away, the vigorous, youthful Wei Ling felt his blood suddenly surge with intensity.

He wasn’t sure if he’d be able to fall asleep tonight.

His wife was right within reach, and for him, it was a double torment—both mental and physical.

Struggling to keep his heartbeat steady, Wei Ling tried not to let his mind wander, instead closing his eyes and waiting for sleep to come.

But a man who had never known a sleepless night was destined to lose sleep tonight.

Wei Ling could sense that Qin Qingman wasn’t asleep. He could even feel the tension in her body, an instinctive kind of defensiveness, not intentional but a subconscious reaction.

To avoid making her more nervous, Wei Ling lay perfectly still on his back.

In the darkness, the bedroom was filled with three distinct breaths.

One was the lightest and most carefree—that of little Chuchu.

Qin Qingman’s breathing was slightly rapid and uneven, a rhythm that subtly stirred the sharp-eared Wei Ling.

He wanted very much to reach out and hold his wife, but in the end, he stayed still.

Qin Qingman’s nerves were taut, her senses heightened, attentively tuned to every movement from Wei Ling beside her.

As time passed, the tension gradually faded.

At some point, without knowing how long she had waited, Qin Qingman, finding no unexpected move from Wei Ling, finally let her guard down. As her nerves relaxed, she unknowingly drifted off to sleep, her body stretching out naturally, her breathing settling into a steady rhythm.

Wei Ling, at last, felt the release of tension as he realized Qin Qingman had fallen asleep. He, too, exhaled a sigh of relief.

Only then did he dare to shift his body slightly.

Lying rigidly on his back had been quite uncomfortable for him, especially with his new bride lying right next to him.

Turning onto his side, Wei Ling faced the sleeping Qin Qingman. After falling asleep, Qin Qingman instinctively turned toward any source of warmth, so now Wei Ling could make out her face in the faint light filtering through the gap in the curtains.

The dimness blurred her features, but even so, Wei Ling felt a deep contentment.

Wide awake and alert, he looked at his wife in the darkness, a gentle, pure smile appearing on his face.

In the dark, he reached out a hand, tracing the air as if outlining Qin Qingman’s features.

He was etching her face into his memory.

His thoughts drifted back to his previous life, wondering what he might have done on his wedding night in that time. There were so many traditional rituals back then.

Lifting the bridal veil, sharing the ceremonial cup, exchanging auspicious phrases…

His thoughts continued to wander, and his hand reached out gently to rest on Qin Qingman’s smooth face. He mused to himself: ‘It’s a good thing we live in today’s world. Women no longer have to follow all those ancient customs. Even women in prominent families aren’t expected to stay hidden behind doors, confined to household duties.’

He let his fingers glide tenderly over her face, feeling both affection and reverence before drawing his hand back and closing his eyes.

The real Qin Qingman had brought him real feelings.

Chuchu woke up early that morning with a strong urge to pee. Looking out the window, he saw that daylight had already broken, and he knew that once the sun was up, he couldn’t relieve himself in the room anymore. Fighting the urge, he glanced over at his sister and brother-in-law sleeping beside him, then quickly slipped off the kang, bundled up in his cotton clothes, and hurried outside.

The sound of Chuchu stirring immediately roused the alert Wei Ling from sleep.

Before even opening his eyes, Wei Ling noticed something unusual.

There was an extra body in his bed—a warm, fragrant body.

His sensitive senses were instantly on high alert. Just as Wei Ling was about to quietly get up, an arm suddenly wrapped around him, pulling him close.

Their bodies pressed tightly together, leaving no space between them.

Wei Ling’s breathing became uncontrollably rapid, his body tense with heightened sensitivity. The urge was overpowering—he wanted so much to embrace his wife tightly and let his passion take over.

Qin Qingman woke up a few minutes after Wei Ling.

In her previous life, she’d had a habit of hugging a body pillow while sleeping, and in her dream, it felt like she had returned to that comforting time. Her “pillow” was warm and firm, with a slight elasticity that made her hold it instinctively tighter.

Then, her rational mind took over, and sleep faded away.

Qin Qingman was fully awake now, and even before she opened her eyes, she felt the change in Wei Ling’s body. That unmistakable reaction not only shocked her but also made her entire body tense up.

What should she do?!