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Shen Zifu and Shen Zigui looked at the empty pot and then at the fact that Shen Zi’an and his wife had only each eaten a bowl. They both felt a bit embarrassed. Shen Zifu lowered his head, and Shen Zigui blushed. They had just said they weren’t hungry, but now they had eaten so much and still felt unsatisfied. They were truly losing face.
Su Zhi was pleased to see her congee being enjoyed. Although the vegetables were grown from Spiritual spring, her culinary skills had also played a part in its deliciousness. Who wouldn’t be happy to see others enjoying the food they had prepared? Additionally, this indicated that the vegetables grown from spring water were indeed popular, hinting at potential profits in the future. She wasn’t concerned about others eating more; after all, it meant more money for her.
“Elder brothers, our pot isn’t very large, so I only cooked this much. Let me cook another pot for you. Please wait a moment. Zi’an, keep our brothers company,” Su Zhi said, preparing to cook more congee. She felt a bit embarrassed as the pot Shen Zi’an had bought was intended for heating water for her bath, not for cooking meals. She had misjudged the appetites of the men, leading to the situation where they hadn’t eaten their fill. This was a lapse in hospitality for the host.
Shen Zifu quickly interjected, “No need, no need, Fourth Younger Sister-in-law, you don’t have to. We are already full, and we have food waiting for us at home. You don’t have much grain, so please be thrifty with your meals.”
“Yes, Fourth Younger Sister-in-law, please don’t be so polite. We were enticed by the aroma of the congee, which led us to ask for more. Originally, we planned to have just one bowl, but it was so delicious that we couldn’t resist having another. We feel bad about it. You don’t have much grain either,” Shen Zigui added, trying to alleviate Su Zhi’s concerns.
Su Zhi found Shen Zifu and Shen Zigui to be reliable individuals and thought it would be beneficial to interact with them more in the future. In ancient times, having supportive people around was always advantageous. Those like Shen Zhang shi and Sun shi, who hindered progress, were best avoided, unlike these two men she felt comfortable engaging with.
“Elder brothers, please don’t be so polite. It’s just a few bowls of congee. I can cook well, and once we’re settled, I’ll host you both for a nice meal. If your wives and children don’t mind, please join us for a lively gathering,” Su Zhi warmly extended the invitation, impressed by her eloquence and welcoming demeanor.
Shen Zifu and Shen Zigui appreciated Su Zhi’s graciousness. Her voice was as soothing as a gentle breeze, leaving a pleasant impression. As they observed her modest expression, a sense of regret flashed through their minds. If only her ailment could be cured, there would be hope for Shen Zi’an’s future days.
After finishing the congee, as the day grew late, Shen’s eldest and second son bid farewell and departed.
Closing the courtyard gate, Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi stood hand in hand, surveying their surroundings. Despite having only three rundown thatched cottages and three trees, the scene appeared somewhat desolate. Yet, this was their home now, a place where no one would have the right to force them out, where they no longer needed to hide from others. Both of them felt a surge of excitement and emotion at the prospect of the days ahead.
“Su Zhi, my wife, let’s live our lives well from now on. I’ll build a nice house here for you to live in. If you don’t like it here, we can move elsewhere,” Shen Zi’an suggested.
“I love it here. With the mountains in front, we can climb together—you hunting, me gathering fruits and vegetables. Beside the bamboo grove is a perfect spot to cool off, and having land at the back makes gardening convenient. The space is ample here, and when we have the means, we can expand the yard, add more rooms. When the time comes, I’ll decide on the house design. How does that sound?” Su Zhi proposed her vision.
Su Zhi had a plan in mind: a traditional Chinese courtyard house. When they had more resources, she intended to fence off the front open space into a garden, complete with a pond for lotus flowers and fish. She envisioned leisurely strolls and tranquil moments in the garden, imagining a peaceful and relaxed lifestyle.
“Alright, we’ll go with your ideas,” Shen Zi’an agreed, captivated by the sparkle in Su Zhi’s eyes. He found her spirited nature just as endearing as her gentle demeanor, feeling a warm, comforting sensation within him. In that moment, all he desired was to stand by his wife’s side, watching her smile.
Before nightfall, Shen Zi’an planned to cut some thatch grass. Some of the grass had already dried out, so cutting it now and leaving it to dry overnight would be ready for use the next day. This way, they could save time by placing it directly on the roof in the morning. Su Zhi expressed her desire to accompany him.
“My health has improved, and some activity would do me good,” Su Zhi mentioned, anticipating Shen Zi’an’s concern and offered, “If you prefer, I won’t cut grass. I’ll watch from the side, okay?”
Seeing Su Zhi’s eagerness, Shen Zi’an agreed to her joining him.
Su Zhi placed the chicken back in its basket, planning for Shen Zi’an to build a coop for it the next day. For now, they would forgo this year, intending to raise chicks next year. Eggs were a precious commodity at the moment.
Locking the door behind them, the couple set off. Shen Zi’an led Su Zhi towards the bamboo grove, not far from their house. After about five to six minutes of walking in the direction of the mountains, they arrived at the edge of the bamboo grove, where a large patch of grass awaited. Shen Zi’an instructed Su Zhi to rest while he began cutting the thatch grass.
Su Zhi looked around and felt it was a wonderful place, with fresh and tranquil air. Having lived in the city before, she later moved to the suburbs for health reasons but found no scenery like this. This serene farm life was her longed-for peaceful sanctuary.
Shen Zi’an swiftly cut the grass, while Su Zhi helped bundle it up. Before darkness fell, they gathered a considerable amount of thatch grass. Shen Zi’an skillfully tied the bundles with rope and effortlessly carried several on his back, impressing Su Zhi with his strength. Shen Zi’an assured her the grass was light and had her walk alongside him.
Upon returning home, Shen Zi’an insisted Su Zhi stay indoors, carrying the remaining loads himself until everything was brought back. By then, dusk had settled in.
Having only eaten a bowl of congee and worked hard, both of them felt hungry again. Su Zhi prepared another pot of congee, intending to serve Shen Zi’an three bowls and herself half. In the end, Shen Zi’an had two and a half bowls, leaving Su Zhi content with her single serving. They both felt satisfied after the meal.
After dinner, Shen Zi’an washed the dishes as night fully enveloped the surroundings. With the cooling weather, Su Zhi skipped her daily baths, leaving them with no further tasks. Su Zhi didn’t light the oil lamp, and the couple retired to bed early. Despite the drafty house, even with blankets, it was somewhat chilly. Su Zhi tightly wrapped herself in the covers for warmth.
“Wife, are you cold? Let me hold you,” Shen Zi’an softly spoke in the darkness. In the past, his wife would wake up in his arms every morning, a routine he had grown accustomed to. Knowing she might feel cold, now that their hearts were open to each other, he wondered if he could hold her while sleeping, finding warmth in their closeness.
Blushing in the darkness, Su Zhi remained silent for a moment. Just when Shen Zi’an thought she might not move closer, she slowly shifted towards him.
Shen Zi’an lifted the covers, enveloping Su Zhi in his blanket, tucking her feet between his own, embracing her closely. Layering both blankets over them, they quickly felt warm.
With their faces close together, their breaths mingled on each other’s faces. Eventually, Su Zhi moved her face downward, but her breath now caressed Shen Zi’an’s neck.
Shen Zi’an’s face flushed as he held Su Zhi tightly, ensuring her comfort. Listening to his heartbeat, Su Zhi wore a content smile, and soon, both of them drifted off to sleep peacefully.