The carriage traveled along the small road leading to Ling Town, moving at a steady, unhurried pace.

Zhou Song lightly held the reins, leaning against the carriage wall. The horse was smart and didn’t need much guidance—it had been to the town a few times and knew the way on its own.

Today was a rare sunny day, with no wind, and even a hot-blooded guy like him didn’t feel cold driving the carriage.

Lin Erzhu, sitting beside him, stretched lazily. Last night, Xiaobao had been restless, staying up until almost dawn, leaving both him and Liu Fang sleep-deprived.

After stretching, he yawned, shoved both hands into his sleeves, and sighed, “Having a kid, huh, it’s both painful and joyful.”

Zhou Song glanced at him sideways. “And you think you know anything about the pains of childbirth?”

Lin Erzhu chuckled at his remark, “True, the toughest part is still on my wife. If Xiaobao grows up and doesn’t respect his mother, I’ll break his legs.”

He yawned again after speaking, tears nearly forming in his eyes as he mumbled, “Little rascal, always choosing the middle of the night to torment people.”

Zhou Song shook his head at the sight of him yawning endlessly. “Just don’t end up falling under the carriage.”

“That won’t happen.” Lin Erzhu adjusted himself and sat up straight, craning his neck to look ahead. “We should be there soon, right?”

“Yeah.” Zhou Song nodded. “Once we’re through this little road, it’s the main road, and we’ll see the town.”

Just as he finished speaking, the curtain behind him was lifted, and Shen Qingzhu poked his head out. “Are we almost there?”

Zhou Song looked back at him. “What are you doing outside? It’s cold out here. Go back inside; I’ll call you all when we arrive.”

No matter how sunny it was, it was still winter, and Shen Qingzhu, unlike him, wasn’t as tough-skinned and resistant to the cold.

“I’m fine; I’m not cold. Are you?” Shen Qingzhu spoke as he reached out to touch Zhou Song’s face, checking his temperature.

“Hey, hey, I’m still here!” Lin Erzhu exclaimed loudly, covering his face with his hands, though his fingers spread wide enough for a clear view.

Zhou Song frowned in displeasure, clicking his tongue.

Shen Qingzhu only laughed and, just to tease him, gave his earlobe a little pinch before retreating back into the carriage.

Lin Erzhu gave him a mischievous grin, waggling his eyebrows. “Brother’s husband is bold.”

Zhou Song shot him a sideways glare and raised the horsewhip, pretending to lash it at him. Lin Erzhu immediately cowered, covering his mouth and shaking his head.

Inside the carriage, Aunt Qian heard the commotion and shook her head helplessly. “That rascal always has something silly to say.”

Wu Lanshu, sitting beside her, chuckled. “It’s good this way. If he had the same temperament as Zhou Song, the two of them sitting together in silence would be far too dull.”

People need a bit of balance in their relationships. If it weren’t for Lin Erzhu’s constant chatter over the years, Zhou Song’s life would likely be far less lively.

Aunt Qian thought of the image and laughed along. “True.”

As the New Year approached, the town was bustling as expected. When they entered, it was almost impossible to find a place to park the carriage. People from surrounding villages filled every available space with donkey carts, ox carts, and all sorts of transportation.

They finally found a free spot at the edge and led the horse over to park.

Zhou Song and Lin Erzhu jumped down from the carriage and helped the three people inside get down. After the long ride, their bodies were a bit stiff, and they stretched out.

Zhou Song brought over some baskets from the back of the carriage and handed one to Lin Erzhu, taking another for himself. “What should we buy first?”

Aunt Qian exchanged a glance with Wu Lanshu, and Aunt Qian suggested, “How about we split up? Each can look for what they need, and Erzhu can come with us.”

The newlyweds should take the chance to stroll around the town together, especially since they didn’t get to visit often.

Lin Erzhu instantly caught on to her meaning and agreed, “That’s right. With so many people here, it’d be harder to move together anyway. Let’s meet back here before evening.”

He didn’t give them a chance to respond, quickly grabbing both elders by the arm and leading them off. As he turned, he added, “Don’t worry, Brother; I’ll take good care of Aunt Wu!”

Shen Qingzhu and Zhou Song noticed the two elders’ intentions and watched them walk away, exchanging a glance.

Zhou Song paused for a moment, reached out to hold Shen Qingzhu’s hand, and said, “Let’s go, too.”

Shen Qingzhu smiled, nodding as he squeezed Zhou Song’s hand in return.

The town, already lively on any regular day, was now so crowded it was nearly impossible to move. Even the thriftiest families spent a little extra around the end of the year.

The vendors and shops didn’t even need to call out; people surrounded them, keeping everyone busy.

With people constantly bumping into each other, Zhou Song worried someone might accidentally jostle Shen Qingzhu. He started by holding Shen Qingzhu’s hand but soon shifted to wrapping his arm around him, keeping him close and protected.

Unlike Zhou Song’s worry, Shen Qingzhu was more intrigued by the bustling scene. Even the busiest lantern festival in the capital wasn’t quite like this, possibly because the streets there were wider, and people could move more freely.

During the New Year back home, the household staff took care of the shopping, with stores delivering goods to the mansion. He, the young master, never had to go out.

His gaze swept around with curiosity, eventually landing on the man with a slightly furrowed brow beside him. “Why so tense? A little jostling won’t hurt.”

Zhou Song looked down at him without a word, tightening his grip.

People in a rush to buy things would bump into him, and for a delicate Kun Ze like Shen Qingzhu, that wasn’t ideal. Plus, there were quite a few men around, and he didn’t want any of them touching his husband.

Seeing Zhou Song’s insistence on holding him close, Shen Qingzhu said nothing, leaning in closer. He nodded towards a dried goods shop up ahead. “Let’s check out that store first and pick up some snacks.”

With the New Year approaching, there would likely be visitors at their house, so they needed something for entertaining guests.

In the past, Zhou Song, living alone, hadn’t had many visitors, but this year, with the wedding and needing help from others, there had been more people around. Plus, with a spouse now, he’d probably have quite a few guests.

Once inside the store, the crowd thinned, and Zhou Song finally let go of his hand.

“Feel free to look around and pick what you like.” The store assistant was too busy to serve them and politely gestured for them to browse on their own.

The store had a good selection of snacks, from peanuts and melon seeds to various candied fruits. Shen Qingzhu had bought things from this shop a couple of times with Wu Lanshu, finding the taste good and the prices fair.

He picked up a small piece of dried peach and held it to Zhou Song’s mouth. “Try it.”

Zhou Song usually didn’t care for snacks, but when his husband offered, he couldn’t refuse. He opened his mouth, and Shen Qingzhu popped it in, his fingertips brushing Zhou Song’s lips.

Blushing slightly, Zhou Song nodded, “Very sweet.”

Shen Qingzhu chuckled, “I think so too.”

Zhou Song felt like he’d been teased, so he reached out to hook Shen Qingzhu’s fingertip with his own, only to have him playfully scratch his palm, making him freeze and blush even more.

Satisfied, Shen Qingzhu decided to let him off and said, “Let’s pick a few more things.”

Zhou Song eagerly nodded, following closely behind him.

When they’d finished choosing snacks, the shop assistant had just finished with other customers and hurried over to help them pack up the items they had selected.

After paying, the two were respectfully seen out.

With all the bustling New Year festivities, they wandered the streets like a newlywed couple, discussing their needs for their small household.

Zhou Song hadn’t forgotten about getting new clothes for his husband. After picking up a few small items, he led Shen Qingzhu directly to a clothing store.

He could sew a little, but his handiwork wasn’t as precise as the aunts’. It would do for him, but not for his Kun Ze.

Initially, Shen Qingzhu thought Zhou Song was finally interested in buying himself a new outfit. But once inside, Zhou Song immediately picked out a robe and held it up to Shen Qingzhu.

Shen Qingzhu stopped his hand. “I have enough clothes; there’s no need.”

“New clothes for the New Year,” Zhou Song insisted. “It’s important to have something fresh.”

Hearing this, Shen Qingzhu let go and replied, “Fine, then let’s each get one set.”

This time, Zhou Song didn’t refuse. Given Shen Qingzhu’s outstanding looks, he didn’t want to seem shabby standing next to him in old clothes.

As he was holding up different pieces of simple-colored clothing, his gaze fell on a bright red robe. It had a narrow sleeve and white fur trim on the cuffs and collar. He reached out to touch it—rabbit fur.

The robe made Zhou Song recall Shen Qingzhu’s wedding attire, stirring something in his heart. He wanted to see Shen Qingzhu in this color again.

Seeing Zhou Song gazing at the red robe, Shen Qingzhu knew what he was thinking and raised an eyebrow slightly. “Want me to wear it?”

Caught, Zhou Song felt a bit embarrassed but still asked, “Do you like it?”

Except for his wedding day, Shen Qingzhu had never worn such vibrant colors, but since his Qian Yuan wanted to see it, he was willing to try. After all, New Year’s called for a bit of festivity.

He called over the shop assistant and asked for his size in that robe.

Seeing him seriously considering it, Zhou Song’s eyes lit up, and he waited outside the changing area, taking Shen Qingzhu’s cloak.

Some women shopping for clothes looked on with envy.

Zhou Song, though aware of the gazes on him, paid them no mind, focusing only on waiting for his husband.

A moment later, he turned around, and his gaze froze.

Dressed in the red robe with narrow sleeves, Shen Qingzhu appeared much brighter than usual. The white fur collar set off his handsome face, adding a gentle warmth.

He tidied the white fur around his sleeves, lifting his captivating eyes to find Zhou Song staring in awe, just like on their wedding day.

He reached out a finger to tilt Zhou Song’s chin slightly. “Does it look good?”

Without hesitation, Zhou Song nodded. “It looks amazing.”