The Farmer’s Wife has a Magical Spiritual Spring
The Farmer’s Wife has a Magical Spiritual Spring Chapter 123

Chapter 123: Liu Siniang’s Husband

Upon hearing Li Shi’s words, Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi exchanged a glance. The idea of Zhao Daliang proposing his sister, Zhao Xiaohua, to Li Shi seemed utterly implausible. Considering the temperaments of Zhao Xiaohua and Li Shi, it was fair to say that if Li Shi indeed fancied Zhao Xiaohua, he must either be blind or misled by his feelings.

Su Zhi hadn’t interacted with Zhao Xiaohua much, but each encounter only heightened her distaste for her. While Zhao Xiaohua had a somewhat attractive appearance, considered above average in a rural setting, her behavior was lacking. She was known for her sharp tongue, petulant nature, and a sense of self-righteousness that often crossed boundaries, displaying a misguided sense of intelligence that bordered on foolishness.

With a woman of such temperament, any man who marries her would likely face unrest at home, potentially becoming like Dazhu’s wife and Sun Shi. How could Li Shi be willing to marry such a woman?

“Brother Shitou, how did you respond?” Su Zhi was now curious about Li Shi’s rejection and pondered whether Zhao Daliang’s proposal was Zhao Xiaohua’s idea. During their visit to Zhao’s house, she noticed Zhao Xiaohua’s strange looks towards Shen Zi’an and Li Shi, sensing a certain flirtatious nature in her. Could she have orchestrated this situation through her family? What would her reaction be upon learning of Li Shi’s refusal?

Taking a sip of wine, Li Shi replied, “He regards me as a brother, so I naturally treated his sister as my own. In truth, I felt he wasn’t genuinely interested in marrying his sister to me; it was just something he mentioned. Since we are close, I’ll be frank with you. Apart from Liu Siniang, their whole family seems solely focused on money. I’ve heard they even considered marrying Zhao Xiaohua to the landlord as a concubine. Such people, how could they see me as a suitable match? His words have left me puzzled about his intentions.”

Su Zhi thought to herself, Zhao Xiaohua willing to become a concubine for the landlord? With her temperament, she would struggle in the intricate world of family politics, likely facing a grim fate. Marrying a simple rural man who would tolerate her quirks might be considered a form of fortune for her. Choosing Li Shi could have been a smart move on her part, but unfortunately, Li Shi was not interested in her.

Shen Zi’an fell silent for a moment before slowly speaking, “Could it be that Zhao Daliang, with a petty mindset, suspects there’s something between you and Liu Siniang, using this method to control you?”

Upon hearing Shen Zi’an mention Liu Siniang, Li Shi furrowed his brow slightly, considering the possibility, but ultimately shook his head. “Zhao Daliang is somewhat cunning. If he can marry off his sister to a good family and gain a hefty bride price, he won’t give up due to mere rumors.”

Su Zhi, serving each of them a bowl of lamb soup, also served herself a bowl, placing her hands around the warm vessel, feeling comforted by the warmth.

“Brother Shitou, you’re quite impressive yourself. You’re a skilled hunter in the village, hardworking, and sharp-minded. The profits from tiger hunts alone earned you a substantial sum. I’ve heard rumors of you amassing wealth while away, with plans to build a big house next year. If any woman marries you, it’s not much different from marrying a wealthy man. Setting aside whether Zhao Xiaohua could become a landlord’s concubine, even if she could, how could a concubine compare to a legitimate wife? Besides, you’ve already separated from your family, so there’s no need to serve parents-in-law. Many girls would find this appealing. The Zhao family might indeed have their eyes on these aspects of yours.”

Li Shi felt a bit embarrassed by Su Zhi’s praises, his slightly darkened face showing his bashfulness.

Shen Zi’an chimed in, smiling, “Wife speaks the truth. Brother Shitou is indeed a great husband candidate. However, Zhao Xiaomei is far from being a suitable match.”

Li Shi agreed, saying, “Indeed, she’s not a suitable match. My future wife must be gentle, obedient, hardworking, and skilled with her hands. When that time comes, I’ll treat you both to a meal, sparing you the daily rice deliveries. If it were Zhao Xiaohua, I wouldn’t need deliveries from your home, and you wouldn’t need to visit mine.”

Su Zhi chuckled, recognizing that Li Shi had seen through Zhao Xiaohua. Listening to Li Shi’s requirements for his future wife, she couldn’t help but feel that Liu Siniang truly was his perfect match. However, the timing wasn’t right, and it seemed unlikely they would have a chance in this lifetime. In such ancient times, she had no desire to interfere in breaking up a marriage, especially since Li Shi and Liu Siniang might not even share mutual feelings. She decided to remain an observer. Her hope now was for Liu Siniang to endure until her sister-in-law’s marriage and the passing of the difficult mother-in-law, and for Li Shi to find a virtuous wife that he desired.

After finishing their drinks, Shen Zi’an and Li Shi remained seated. Li Shi preferred staying at Shen Zi’an’s place rather than returning to his empty home. It was better to have someone to talk to.

Su Zhi brought out melon seeds, peanuts, and a stack of roasted chestnuts, inviting the two to sit on the kang and chat while she stepped out for a visit to the village.

Suddenly, the clear skies of the morning transformed into overcast clouds, accompanied by a chilly wind. It seemed like snow might be on its way once again.

Su Zhi put on her newly made cloak with a hood, then grabbed a basket and stepped out. Little Black wanted to follow, leaving Su Zhi with no choice but to allow it. Naturally, Little White insisted on tagging along, and eventually even Big Black joined the group. Su Zhi asked White Wolf if it wanted to come to the village as well. Despite the family taking walks outside together, the two larger ones had yet to visit the village.

Considering that the villagers were no longer fearful of them, some even considering White Wolf a benevolent sacred beast capable of saving people, Su Zhi felt comfortable bringing them to the village. This time, she was only visiting Li Qing’s wife, on the outskirts of the village, not actually entering the village itself.

To her delight, White Wolf followed along. Su Zhi enjoyed playing with Little Black and Little White together but also appreciated White Wolf’s presence, feeling a sense of security and power with it by her side.

Leaving the yard, she followed a small path and turned onto the main road. Up ahead, she saw three individuals—a man and two women. One of them was Liu Siniang, recognizable by her slender figure. Another was Zhao Xiaohua, distinguished by her red top. The third man was likely Zhao Daliang, not particularly tall, bearing a resemblance to Zhao Dazhu. Clearly siblings, she wondered if their appearances matched as well.

Su Zhi wondered why Liu Siniang was walking with the siblings instead of heading to Li Qing’s wife’s house for chores. Were they simply going the same way, or were they also visiting Li Qing’s home? Su Zhi called out to them from behind.

Liu Siniang turned around, along with Zhao Xiaohua and the man.

Recognizing Su Zhi’s voice, Zhao Xiaohua recalled her mother’s constant reminders to mend her relationship with Su Zhi and decided to ease her previously furrowed brows, turning back with a smile. However, she was startled by the wolf and dog beside Su Zhi, letting out a yelp and hastily hiding behind the man.

The man, Zhao Daliang, was even more frightened than Zhao Xiaohua. Having just returned, he had heard about Shen Zi’an building a house and buying land in the village, as well as the rumors about a sacred beast, although he had never seen it. Now, faced with the sight of the creatures, he felt his body go weak.

“Siniang, that woman is calling you. Are those a wolf and a dog with her?!”

Liu Siniang replied, “That’s a sacred beast. As long as the people mean no harm, they won’t bite.”

Su Zhi, observing the frightened siblings, couldn’t help but inwardly chuckle. She held no fondness for them and maintained her pace, lifting her chin slightly. Dealing with such cunning individuals required a firm stance to prevent them from taking advantage – showing them you won’t be an easy target.

“Siniang, are you heading to Li Qing’s wife’s house for work? Why are you with Xiaohua? I heard your husband has returned. Is this him?” Su Zhi inquired, eyeing Zhao Daliang. She noticed a resemblance in his features to Zhao Dazhu, making her believe they were indeed siblings. However, Zhao Daliang appeared more refined and shrewd than Zhao Dazhu, lacking the rugged aura. Clad in a blue robe, he didn’t resemble a villager, exuding a certain elegance upon his return.

Liu Siniang introduced, “This is my husband, the head of our household. Husband, this is the wife of Brother Zi’an.”

At this moment, Zhao Daliang found himself close to the White Wolf and Black Dog, still feeling a bit fearful. However, seeing that Liu Siniang wasn’t being attacked, he tried to appear composed, offering a respectful greeting to Su Zhi with a smile.

“So, you’re Brother Zi’an’s wife. I’ve been busy traveling, even missed your wedding. Please forgive me. I’ll make sure to visit another day,” Zhao Daliang expressed, attempting to appear calm despite his nerves.

Su Zhi, hearing Zhao Daliang’s intention to visit, inwardly wished he wouldn’t. She preferred not to associate with such individuals. However, due to Liu Siniang’s relationship with him, she couldn’t voice her thoughts.

“You’ve just returned; you should spend more time with your family, especially with Siniang. She’s been through a lot lately, look at how thin she is. As her husband, you should take good care of her. As for visiting, perhaps it can wait until the Lunar New Year. Don’t neglect your family for the sake of us outsiders,” Su Zhi advised, subtly suggesting that Zhao Daliang focus on his family instead of outside visits.

Su Zhi tactfully declined Zhao Daliang’s recent visit plans, subtly hinting at her reluctance to entertain his company.

Observing Su Zhi, Zhao Daliang repeatedly agreed. Assessing her appearance, he couldn’t help but think that Brother Zi’an had married a more attractive wife compared to his own.

Su Zhi, clad in a blue cloak with rabbit fur accents, showcased fair, rosy complexion, bright and lively eyes, and a set of pearly white teeth. Her refined appearance hardly resembled that of a typical farmer.

Not fond of the way Zhao Daliang eyed her, Su Zhi furrowed her brow. Seeing him avert his gaze, she let out a cold hum in response.

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