Chapter 106.
Luo Shi's request for Fu Wei to cease contact with Uncle Mo was something Yu Ying understood.
After all, the love of a parent for their child entails far-reaching considerations.
The room fell into a few moments of silence.
Fu Wei spoke up, "Mother, I have my own plans, and what I am scheming will not harm the Fu family, nor will it harm myself. So please be at ease."
"How can I be at ease? Your legs have only just healed."
The memory of her second son being brought back, emaciated, weak, and so grievously injured that he barely clung to life, always filled her with fear and anxiety.
Initially, it was guilt, but when she regained her sight and saw her son for the first time, the deep bond of blood was unmistakable.
The more time she spent with him, the more her worries for him grew.
"I can't bear to lose you again..." Luo Shi's voice began to choke up.
Seeing his mother's eyes turn red, Fu Wei understood her genuine concern for him.
Yu Ying stepped forward, taking Luo Shi's hand, and said softly, "Mother, Erlang has his plans well thought out. He would not undertake risky endeavors without certainty."
Fu Wei nodded, "Mother, please believe in your son."
Luo Shi looked at her son, turned away to wipe the tears at the corner of her eyes, then turned back and spoke earnestly, "Do as you see fit, but the less known about Uncle Mo, the safer it is. I will act as if I never heard about this matter today, and you shouldn't reveal anything to your elder brother either."
Fu Wei's relief at his mother's understanding showed as he nodded, "I understand."
Luo Shi turned to Yu Ying, "Liuniang, you too, must not reveal anything to others."
Yu Ying and Fu Wei nodded in unison, "Mother, rest assured."
Luo Shi exhaled deeply, looking at Fu Wei, "Erlang, remember to be cautious."
After giving her advice, Luo Shi, feeling emotionally unsettled, asked them to return to their room to rest, needing some time alone.
Back in their room, Fu Wei, seemingly lost in thought, showed a trace of a smile.
Yu Ying inquired, "Why are you smiling?"
Fu Wei looked out of the still-open door, his gaze landing on the door across from them, "Mother's concern warms my heart."
His voice was gentle and cheerful, clearly in a good mood.
Yu Ying poured two cups of tea, teasing, "Mother has always been concerned about you. Why didn't you find it heartwarming before?"
Fu Wei closed the door, turned to her, and said slowly, "The saying 'familiarity breeds fondness' is not without reason."
This topic piqued Yu Ying's interest, and she leaned forward, resting her chin on her hands, smiling at Fu Wei, "So tell me, have you also grown fond of me over time?"
Indeed, Fu Wei had never mentioned when he started liking her or why.
Fu Wei walked over and sat down, smiling silently.
After a pause, he slowly said, "You want to know, but I won't tell unless you call me 'husband.' Then, I'll share with you."
……
Why did this sound so familiar to her?
Reflecting silently, Yu Ying suddenly recalled a recent conversation when returning from Lingshui Village. Fu Wei had told her about her likable nature, saying it made people around her fond of her without realizing. She had then mentioned someone telling her something similar, and when Fu Wei asked who it was, didn't she respond with the same phrase he had just used?
She realized he was waiting for her to say it.
Yu Ying, not playing into his hands, took a sip of her tea and casually remarked, "I'm not particularly curious."
As she said this, she gave him a sidelong glance.
Her look seemed to say, "Even if you tell me, I don't want to listen anymore."
Fu Wei couldn't help but laugh.
But he continued honestly, "I never had a girl I fancied before. Being close to you every day, and since you didn't guard against me, it was hard not to notice you. The more I got to know you, the more I realized you were different. My gaze always fell on you, and I don't know when the affection started. By the time I realized it..."
"That's enough, stop," Yu Ying interrupted, feeling slightly embarrassed.
Her cheeks flushed lightly.
Fu Wei chuckled, "If you want to hear it, I should tell you."
Yu Ying gave him a stern look, "Stop it now."
The epidemic had finally passed, and even those suffering from colds were dwindling.
By early February, Yuxian was open again to outsiders.
County Magistrate Zhou also sent someone to investigate Mo Lang, now renamed Shen Lang.
Presumably, Uncle Mo had already made arrangements, so there was nothing further for Fu Wei to do.
Many people contributed during the epidemic, and the cooperation of the citizens meant that the magistrate had to show gratitude.
While hosting a banquet, households under Yu County’s jurisdiction were also distributed coarse grain according to their population, with five kilograms per household.
As for the banquet, Yu Ying was a primary invitee and naturally had to attend.
As attendees would be dressing up, Yu Ying couldn't attend in simple attire; doing so would draw attention and be disrespectful.
Fortunately, the county magistrate had previously sent over some fine fabric, which, still unused, was perfect for making banquet attire.
The sister-in-law, having rarely left Yu County, knew few styles, but Yu Ying, having been to the county seat, was familiar with some designs and shared them with her.
If Yu Ying was to have a new outfit, so should Fu Wei.
Although Wen Xing was talented, she had not seen such styles before, and it would be challenging to craft two outfits in just a few days on her own.
Yu Ying then sketched out the basic designs.
Having taken drawing classes, her sketches, though not as good as Fu Wei’s, were clear enough to understand.
With the sketches, making the clothes became much simpler.
Yu Ying's dress was the first to be completed; it needed to be tried on in case alterations were necessary.
The apricot-colored dress with white-edged, curved hem fitted Yu Ying perfectly.
Wen Xing, looking at Yu Ying’s slender waist, remarked, “The weather’s warm now, so you don’t need too many layers. This dress is just right.”
Wen Xing, looking up at her sister-in-law's face, asked in surprise, "Sister-in-law, have the spots on your face faded a lot?"
Yu Ying touched her face unconsciously.
Perhaps it was because the concoction she mixed had aged, losing its effectiveness in coloring. It seemed she needed to prepare a new batch.
Otherwise, the inconsistent fading and darkening could give her secret away.
Wen Xing continued, "It does seem much lighter. Sister-in-law, don’t you have a way to completely remove these spots?"
Her sister-in-law had delicate features; her bright almond eyes sparkled, drawing one’s gaze. It was hard not to look at her for long.
Even with those dark spots, her beautiful features attracted attention. Without them, she would undoubtedly be a beauty.
Yu Ying smiled lightly, not overly concerned, "They can be removed, but now is not the right time."
Wen Xing paused, then understood her sister-in-law's meaning.
"But now your husband is valued in the yamen, respected by the magistrate and the people. No one dares to bully the Fu family. Why worry?"
“It’s mainly for convenience in my actions. Once things settle down, I'll remove the spots.”
Hearing this, Wen Xing didn’t press further.
Fu Wei had just returned from his day off and was momentarily taken aback seeing her in the new outfit.
Wen Xing, noticing Fu Wei, smiled and asked, “Second brother, what do you think of sister-in-law’s dress?”
All of Yu Ying's clothes were dark colors, but this apricot-colored dress, fresh and light, made her complexion appear even fairer. The waist-cinching design accentuated her slender figure, graceful and lithe.
Other women, though slim, looked so due to poverty and lack of nutrition, lacking curves. But Yu Ying was different, her slender waist only highlighted her elegant figure.
Fu Wei’s eyes darkened slightly.
The fine, supple feel of her waist, which he knows well from often holding her close in sleep.
Two months have passed since returning from the county seat, and they've been living in this house for half a month. Except for a few stolen kisses with Yu Ying, Fu Wei has been restraining himself from further advances.
Though he's not crossed any lines, his mind often wanders, sometimes chiding himself as a hypocrite.
Looking at Yu Ying in her new dress, Fu Wei comments in a slightly low voice, "It's beautiful."
His compliment on the dress indirectly praises Wen Xing's craftsmanship, making her beam with joy.
"Your outfit is also being made, it will be ready in time for the banquet."
After trying on the dress and with Fu Wei in the room, Wen Xing, as the elder sister-in-law, feels it's inappropriate to linger and leaves.
Once the door closes, Fu Wei walks over to pour a cup of tea to quench his thirst, his gaze inadvertently returning to the beautiful woman beside him.
Unexpectedly, his eyes meet her smiling ones.
Caught in the act of sneaking a look.
Yu Ying, with a smile, twirls around: "Even you can't help but take a few extra glances. This dress must be just right."
Fu Wei's gaze rests on her waist, and after a moment of silence, he says, "The waist is tied too tightly, loosen it a bit."
"No, it's just right," she insists, clearly feeling no discomfort.
Fu Wei remains silent, eyeing her slender waist: "It looks too tight, as if it might break your waist. Don't tie it so tight for the banquet."
Yu Ying looks down doubtfully: "I can’t tell..."
Pausing, she seems to understand something, looks up at Fu Wei, and teases, "You wouldn’t be trying to keep others from noticing how slim my waist is, would you?"
Fu Wei, hit right on his concern, responds somewhat uncomfortably: "I don't like other men eyeing you with ill intentions."
Yu Ying, unable to suppress a chuckle: "In my current state, others might rather be looking at my face."
Fu Wei, not agreeing with her, looks at her face and says, "Even with a few dark spots, you're still more beautiful than other women."
Yu Ying understands that Fu Wei's words are not mere flattery, but sincere.
He now sees her through the lens of love; not just pretending spots, but even real ones wouldn't bother him.
Thinking this, Yu Ying's smile grows even brighter.
Fu Wei's affection has never been superficial.
Initially intending only a casual relationship, Yu Ying gradually feels comfortable letting their bond develop naturally.
In Wuling County.
Huo Minzhi receives news from Lingnan.
There was an epidemic in Jade County before the New Year, but it has now been overcome.
Huo Minzhi immediately asks, "How are the people of the Fu family?"
The spy lowers his head and replies, "All members of the Fu family are safe."
At this, Huo Minzhi's expression darkens: "And Fu Wei?"
The spy hesitates, sensing his master's impatience, then answers: "He is now serving as a secretary in the county office, highly valued by the county magistrate of Jade County. The epidemic in Jade County was discovered early by his wife, preventing a large-scale outbreak. The whole family has now moved to Jade County."
Huo Minzhi's eyes widen in shock: "What did you say?!"
He wanted to hear about the Fu family's misery, not that they were thriving!
If the Fu family is doing well, then what was the point of his own twenty years of suffering and poverty?!
He remembers visiting the county office before leaving and revealing his identity to the county magistrate.
That magistrate must have known about the identity swap with Fu Wei, yet he dared to take Fu Wei as a secretary - what audacity to provoke him!
And that Yu Ying, the county officers said her internal organs were all blackened, how could she possibly help the people of Jade County?!
Chapter 106.
Luo Shi's request for Fu Wei to cease contact with Uncle Mo was something Yu Ying understood.
After all, the love of a parent for their child entails far-reaching considerations.
The room fell into a few moments of silence.
Fu Wei spoke up, "Mother, I have my own plans, and what I am scheming will not harm the Fu family, nor will it harm myself. So please be at ease."
"How can I be at ease? Your legs have only just healed."
The memory of her second son being brought back, emaciated, weak, and so grievously injured that he barely clung to life, always filled her with fear and anxiety.
Initially, it was guilt, but when she regained her sight and saw her son for the first time, the deep bond of blood was unmistakable.
The more time she spent with him, the more her worries for him grew.
"I can't bear to lose you again..." Luo Shi's voice began to choke up.
Seeing his mother's eyes turn red, Fu Wei understood her genuine concern for him.
Yu Ying stepped forward, taking Luo Shi's hand, and said softly, "Mother, Erlang has his plans well thought out. He would not undertake risky endeavors without certainty."
Fu Wei nodded, "Mother, please believe in your son."
Luo Shi looked at her son, turned away to wipe the tears at the corner of her eyes, then turned back and spoke earnestly, "Do as you see fit, but the less known about Uncle Mo, the safer it is. I will act as if I never heard about this matter today, and you shouldn't reveal anything to your elder brother either."
Fu Wei's relief at his mother's understanding showed as he nodded, "I understand."
Luo Shi turned to Yu Ying, "Liuniang, you too, must not reveal anything to others."
Yu Ying and Fu Wei nodded in unison, "Mother, rest assured."
Luo Shi exhaled deeply, looking at Fu Wei, "Erlang, remember to be cautious."
After giving her advice, Luo Shi, feeling emotionally unsettled, asked them to return to their room to rest, needing some time alone.
Back in their room, Fu Wei, seemingly lost in thought, showed a trace of a smile.
Yu Ying inquired, "Why are you smiling?"
Fu Wei looked out of the still-open door, his gaze landing on the door across from them, "Mother's concern warms my heart."
His voice was gentle and cheerful, clearly in a good mood.
Yu Ying poured two cups of tea, teasing, "Mother has always been concerned about you. Why didn't you find it heartwarming before?"
Fu Wei closed the door, turned to her, and said slowly, "The saying 'familiarity breeds fondness' is not without reason."
This topic piqued Yu Ying's interest, and she leaned forward, resting her chin on her hands, smiling at Fu Wei, "So tell me, have you also grown fond of me over time?"
Indeed, Fu Wei had never mentioned when he started liking her or why.
Fu Wei walked over and sat down, smiling silently.
After a pause, he slowly said, "You want to know, but I won't tell unless you call me 'husband.' Then, I'll share with you."
……
Why did this sound so familiar to her?
Reflecting silently, Yu Ying suddenly recalled a recent conversation when returning from Lingshui Village. Fu Wei had told her about her likable nature, saying it made people around her fond of her without realizing. She had then mentioned someone telling her something similar, and when Fu Wei asked who it was, didn't she respond with the same phrase he had just used?
She realized he was waiting for her to say it.
Yu Ying, not playing into his hands, took a sip of her tea and casually remarked, "I'm not particularly curious."
As she said this, she gave him a sidelong glance.
Her look seemed to say, "Even if you tell me, I don't want to listen anymore."
Fu Wei couldn't help but laugh.
But he continued honestly, "I never had a girl I fancied before. Being close to you every day, and since you didn't guard against me, it was hard not to notice you. The more I got to know you, the more I realized you were different. My gaze always fell on you, and I don't know when the affection started. By the time I realized it..."
"That's enough, stop," Yu Ying interrupted, feeling slightly embarrassed.
Her cheeks flushed lightly.
Fu Wei chuckled, "If you want to hear it, I should tell you."
Yu Ying gave him a stern look, "Stop it now."
The epidemic had finally passed, and even those suffering from colds were dwindling.
By early February, Yuxian was open again to outsiders.
County Magistrate Zhou also sent someone to investigate Mo Lang, now renamed Shen Lang.
Presumably, Uncle Mo had already made arrangements, so there was nothing further for Fu Wei to do.
Many people contributed during the epidemic, and the cooperation of the citizens meant that the magistrate had to show gratitude.
While hosting a banquet, households under Yu County’s jurisdiction were also distributed coarse grain according to their population, with five kilograms per household.
As for the banquet, Yu Ying was a primary invitee and naturally had to attend.
As attendees would be dressing up, Yu Ying couldn't attend in simple attire; doing so would draw attention and be disrespectful.
Fortunately, the county magistrate had previously sent over some fine fabric, which, still unused, was perfect for making banquet attire.
The sister-in-law, having rarely left Yu County, knew few styles, but Yu Ying, having been to the county seat, was familiar with some designs and shared them with her.
If Yu Ying was to have a new outfit, so should Fu Wei.
Although Wen Xing was talented, she had not seen such styles before, and it would be challenging to craft two outfits in just a few days on her own.
Yu Ying then sketched out the basic designs.
Having taken drawing classes, her sketches, though not as good as Fu Wei’s, were clear enough to understand.
With the sketches, making the clothes became much simpler.
Yu Ying's dress was the first to be completed; it needed to be tried on in case alterations were necessary.
The apricot-colored dress with white-edged, curved hem fitted Yu Ying perfectly.
Wen Xing, looking at Yu Ying’s slender waist, remarked, “The weather’s warm now, so you don’t need too many layers. This dress is just right.”
Wen Xing, looking up at her sister-in-law's face, asked in surprise, "Sister-in-law, have the spots on your face faded a lot?"
Yu Ying touched her face unconsciously.
Perhaps it was because the concoction she mixed had aged, losing its effectiveness in coloring. It seemed she needed to prepare a new batch.
Otherwise, the inconsistent fading and darkening could give her secret away.
Wen Xing continued, "It does seem much lighter. Sister-in-law, don’t you have a way to completely remove these spots?"
Her sister-in-law had delicate features; her bright almond eyes sparkled, drawing one’s gaze. It was hard not to look at her for long.
Even with those dark spots, her beautiful features attracted attention. Without them, she would undoubtedly be a beauty.
Yu Ying smiled lightly, not overly concerned, "They can be removed, but now is not the right time."
Wen Xing paused, then understood her sister-in-law's meaning.
"But now your husband is valued in the yamen, respected by the magistrate and the people. No one dares to bully the Fu family. Why worry?"
“It’s mainly for convenience in my actions. Once things settle down, I'll remove the spots.”
Hearing this, Wen Xing didn’t press further.
Fu Wei had just returned from his day off and was momentarily taken aback seeing her in the new outfit.
Wen Xing, noticing Fu Wei, smiled and asked, “Second brother, what do you think of sister-in-law’s dress?”
All of Yu Ying's clothes were dark colors, but this apricot-colored dress, fresh and light, made her complexion appear even fairer. The waist-cinching design accentuated her slender figure, graceful and lithe.
Other women, though slim, looked so due to poverty and lack of nutrition, lacking curves. But Yu Ying was different, her slender waist only highlighted her elegant figure.
Fu Wei’s eyes darkened slightly.
The fine, supple feel of her waist, which he knows well from often holding her close in sleep.
Two months have passed since returning from the county seat, and they've been living in this house for half a month. Except for a few stolen kisses with Yu Ying, Fu Wei has been restraining himself from further advances.
Though he's not crossed any lines, his mind often wanders, sometimes chiding himself as a hypocrite.
Looking at Yu Ying in her new dress, Fu Wei comments in a slightly low voice, "It's beautiful."
His compliment on the dress indirectly praises Wen Xing's craftsmanship, making her beam with joy.
"Your outfit is also being made, it will be ready in time for the banquet."
After trying on the dress and with Fu Wei in the room, Wen Xing, as the elder sister-in-law, feels it's inappropriate to linger and leaves.
Once the door closes, Fu Wei walks over to pour a cup of tea to quench his thirst, his gaze inadvertently returning to the beautiful woman beside him.
Unexpectedly, his eyes meet her smiling ones.
Caught in the act of sneaking a look.
Yu Ying, with a smile, twirls around: "Even you can't help but take a few extra glances. This dress must be just right."
Fu Wei's gaze rests on her waist, and after a moment of silence, he says, "The waist is tied too tightly, loosen it a bit."
"No, it's just right," she insists, clearly feeling no discomfort.
Fu Wei remains silent, eyeing her slender waist: "It looks too tight, as if it might break your waist. Don't tie it so tight for the banquet."
Yu Ying looks down doubtfully: "I can’t tell..."
Pausing, she seems to understand something, looks up at Fu Wei, and teases, "You wouldn’t be trying to keep others from noticing how slim my waist is, would you?"
Fu Wei, hit right on his concern, responds somewhat uncomfortably: "I don't like other men eyeing you with ill intentions."
Yu Ying, unable to suppress a chuckle: "In my current state, others might rather be looking at my face."
Fu Wei, not agreeing with her, looks at her face and says, "Even with a few dark spots, you're still more beautiful than other women."
Yu Ying understands that Fu Wei's words are not mere flattery, but sincere.
He now sees her through the lens of love; not just pretending spots, but even real ones wouldn't bother him.
Thinking this, Yu Ying's smile grows even brighter.
Fu Wei's affection has never been superficial.
Initially intending only a casual relationship, Yu Ying gradually feels comfortable letting their bond develop naturally.
In Wuling County.
Huo Minzhi receives news from Lingnan.
There was an epidemic in Jade County before the New Year, but it has now been overcome.
Huo Minzhi immediately asks, "How are the people of the Fu family?"
The spy lowers his head and replies, "All members of the Fu family are safe."
At this, Huo Minzhi's expression darkens: "And Fu Wei?"
The spy hesitates, sensing his master's impatience, then answers: "He is now serving as a secretary in the county office, highly valued by the county magistrate of Jade County. The epidemic in Jade County was discovered early by his wife, preventing a large-scale outbreak. The whole family has now moved to Jade County."
Huo Minzhi's eyes widen in shock: "What did you say?!"
He wanted to hear about the Fu family's misery, not that they were thriving!
If the Fu family is doing well, then what was the point of his own twenty years of suffering and poverty?!
He remembers visiting the county office before leaving and revealing his identity to the county magistrate.
That magistrate must have known about the identity swap with Fu Wei, yet he dared to take Fu Wei as a secretary - what audacity to provoke him!
And that Yu Ying, the county officers said her internal organs were all blackened, how could she possibly help the people of Jade County?!
