Chapter 83.
As night deepened, Yu Ying, having soaked her feet, was the first to lie down on the narrow bed.
She looked at Fu Wei, still poring over bamboo slips at the table, and called out, "Stop reading, we have a journey tomorrow. Let's rest now."
Fu Wei hesitated for a moment but eventually rolled up the bamboo slips, put them in his bag, blew out the oil lamp, and groped his way to the bed in the dark.
He stood by the bed for a while before lying down fully clothed.
The wooden bed, obviously many years old, still creaked loudly as he lay down, the sound especially noticeable in the quiet room.
Knowing the bed was small, Yu Ying pressed herself tightly against the wall, but even with Fu Wei lying down, there was still space between them.
Without needing to check, she knew that half of Fu Wei's body must be hanging off the bed.
Yu Ying shared half of the quilt with Fu Wei, whispering, "Move in closer."
Fu Wei took the quilt, covering himself with it.
Soon, a gentle warmth spread from her side under the quilt.
"This is fine."
Since he said it was alright, Yu Ying didn't insist further.
The howling cold wind made the old station emit various creaking, almost crumbling sounds.
The quilt, being quite old, offered little warmth. Not to mention the gap between them, where the cold air intermittently seeped in.
Even with cloth socks on, Yu Ying couldn't feel any warmth, shivering with her arms tightly wrapped around herself.
Fu Wei, who was initially half off the bed, somehow shifted closer in his sleep.
Lying side by side, the gap in the quilt was closed, and warmth gradually built up beneath the covers.
As Yu Ying turned her head, she heard a rustling sound and then felt a warm breath softly land on her cheek.
She was startled.
In the darkness, even though she couldn't see anything, she felt Fu Wei's gaze directed towards her.
Though they couldn't see each other, their senses were heightened, feeling each other's restrained breaths slowly exhaling warmth.
Yu Ying's heartbeat gradually quickened.
It was just a moment, yet it felt like a long time had passed.
She turned her head back, hearing the rustling sound again, indicating Fu Wei had also turned.
Yu Ying gazed into the pitch-black space above, pondering her relationship with Fu Wei.
They were neither spouses nor lovers, yet their closeness had surpassed that of mere friends.
What exactly was their relationship now?
Since Fu Wei's sincere confession, she realized that avoiding the issue was futile.
Moreover, sharing a bed in their current situation seemed somewhat unfair to someone from ancient times.
What troubled her now was her lingering hope of returning to the modern era.
Despite knowing this hope was minuscule, even impossible, she still didn’t want to leave too many attachments in this era.
After all, relationships can end, marriages can dissolve; there might be pain, but it's not as if one can't survive without the other.
Having decided to find Fu Wei in Jade County from Lingshui Village, Yu Ying had come to a clear understanding.
Aside from the outside noise, the room was so quiet that the gnawing sound of termites on wood was disturbingly loud.
"Fu Wei," she called softly.
"Hmm?"
After a moment of consideration, she continued, "I can’t make any promises, but maybe we can start a relationship and see where it leads. What do you think?"
Yu Ying, staring into the darkness, let out a silent breath, her heart pounding rapidly.
The person beside her remained silent for a long time, as if contemplating.
After a while, Fu Wei, pondering, asked, "What do you want to talk about?"
……
After a tense moment, it turned out that he didn't understand what 'starting a relationship' meant.
Yu Ying turned her back to Fu Wei, hesitating for a while before explaining, "It means we'll be committed to each other for now, and talk about being a real husband and wife later."
Hearing the term "commitment," Fu Wei's eyes gradually widened, as if a huge wave surged in his heart.
After a while, his voice tense, he confirmed, "Are you really sure, you want to commit to me?"
Yu Ying softly hummed in affirmation.
In the darkness, a smile spread across Fu Wei's face and eyes.
"Alright, let's start with a commitment," he said slowly and gently, seemingly calm but filled with immense joy inside.
"Ah Ying."
"Hmm?"
"May I hold your hand?"
Yu Ying hesitated, then turned back to lie face up, and after a long pause, lightly touched his hand with her fingertips.
The moment she touched him, her hand was enveloped by his warm, broad palm.
Yu Ying's heart fluttered slightly.
"Ah Ying, I am very happy."
Yu Ying could tell from his voice, light and joyful, that he was indeed elated.
Yu Ying smiled faintly too.
No one knew what the future held, but she wanted to take the first step while they were still together.
They were not overly affectionate or excited, simply holding hands throughout the night.
In the morning, Fu Wei had already risen to tidy his clothes and hair.
As Yu Ying sat up in bed, Fu Wei handed her outer robe to her.
They exchanged a glance and smiled at each other.
Dressed and ready, Yu Ying fetched water to wash up.
After washing, they had a bowl of hot porridge in the main hall before preparing to depart.
When Huo, the yamen runner, greeted Fu Wei, he saw a face brimming with a spring-like smile.
Curious, he asked, "Mr. Fu, why are you so happy today? Is there some good news?"
Fu Wei slightly restrained his joy and asked, "Wasn’t I like this before?"
Huo laughed, "Mr. Fu, you underestimate me. Having served as a yamen runner for eighteen years, how could I not notice the difference between your demeanor yesterday and today?"
After a moment of thought, he analyzed, "Yesterday, your smile was gentle. Today, it’s not just on your face, but even in your eyes. It’s as if your face is saying 'I am in a very good mood.'"
Fu Wei’s gaze fell on Yu Ying, who was getting onto the carriage, his smile deepening: "Indeed, I am in a very good mood today."
Huo and another person, who was helping Fu Wei onto the carriage, followed his gaze, then looked at the more pronounced smile on his face, and both understood, sharing a knowing smile.
The two men silently helped Fu Wei onto the carriage.
After Fu Wei was seated, Qian, the staff advisor, and the historian also boarded the carriage in turn.
The carriage moved forward at a leisurely pace.
Qian glanced at Fu Wei, recalling his wife's complaints from the previous night about Yu Ying.
Not only did she interfere with her disciplining their daughter, but she also threatened to take the matter to the wife of the county magistrate if anything unpleasant was said.
His wife had suggested he speak with Yu Ying's husband to ensure she doesn’t overstep her bounds.
After a moment of silence, Qian initiated the conversation, "Mr. Fu."
Fu Wei, who had been resting with his eyes closed, opened them and looked at Qian, smiling lightly, "What can I do for you, Mr. Qian?"
Qian, with an air of haughtiness, said, "It seems your wife lacks manners. Not only did she interrupt my wife while she was disciplining our daughter, but she also rudely threatened to involve the wife of the county magistrate. Such behavior is quite offensive."
As he spoke, the smile gradually faded from Fu Wei's face.
The historian, hearing this, opened his eyes slightly wider.
Sensing the tense atmosphere, he regretted being there but realized that leaving the carriage now would be too conspicuous.
Sitting on the right, he could only lower his head to minimize his presence.
As Fu Wei’s smile faded, he retorted, "Does Mr. Qian truly understand my wife?"
Qian frowned, "Why should I need to understand your wife?"
Fu Wei smiled, "If Mr. Qian does not know her, why presume that she lacks manners and is offensive? Is it merely based on your wife’s one-sided account?"
Qian’s face darkened, "Are you suggesting that my wife falsely accused yours?"
The smile disappeared from Fu Wei's face as he spoke earnestly, "While I respect Mr. Qian, it does not mean you and your wife can slander mine. My wife holds immense importance to me, akin to Mount Tai. If there is any misunderstanding or false accusation, I will certainly seek to clarify it."
Qian Mouliao, displeased, said, “For such a trivial matter, do you want to make trouble with the magistrate’s wife?”
Fu Wei: “This should be a matter among women, and we men should not intervene. But since Mr. Qian has spoken, I cannot pretend I didn’t hear it.”
As Qian Mouliao frowned, Fu Wei continued, “Let’s clarify this first. If my wife indeed spoke out of line, we will surely apologize. But if it remains unclear, then we may seek the magistrate's wife for reconciliation between Madam Qian and my wife. We need not involve ourselves further. Mr. Qian, what do you think?”
Qian Mouliao agreed, “Agreed.”
During the noon break, Yu Ying stepped out of the carriage for some fresh air and was surprised to see Fu Wei and Qian Mouliao approaching together.
Madam Qian, about to pull back the curtain to step out, smiled upon seeing them.
Although Fu Langjun is a secretary, he is new to the office, and my husband is his superior. Subordinates still need to follow the lead of their superiors.
Even though he knew his wife had said nothing wrong, to save his superior's face, he would surely reprimand her.
This would also serve as a lesson for the self-righteous Mrs. Yu.
When the two approached, Yu Ying placed her hands on her abdomen and nodded towards Mr. Qian: "Greetings, Mr. Qian."
Mr. Qian responded with a cold snort towards her.
Yu Ying glanced at Fu Wei, her eyes questioning what exactly was going on.
With no one close to the carriage, Fu Wei spoke plainly, "Mr. Qian mentioned to me just now that you rudely interrupted Mrs. Qian while she was scolding her daughter, and after being reprimanded by Mrs. Qian, you spoke of seeking the magistrate's wife for arbitration."
Hearing this, Yu Ying understood: it was a case of the offender playing the victim first.
She turned her head to look at the mother and daughter, who had already disembarked from the carriage.
Mrs. Qian, chin lifted, wore a disdainful attitude, as if certain that Fu Wei would scold Yu Ying.
"I don’t believe you would act in such a manner, so I came with Mr. Qian to clarify the situation," Fu Wei said.
Yu Ying turned back to Fu Wei, then looked at Mr. Qian, and spoke calmly, "Yesterday, right after boarding the carriage, Little Miss Qian asked her mother why I was so ugly, in my presence. Mrs. Qian reprimanded her, saying that even if you dislike someone, you shouldn't speak ill of them to their face."
"I felt offended and merely suggested that Little Miss Qian refrain from discussing me in front of others, as it would be impolite. That doesn’t seem too unreasonable, does it?"
Mrs. Qian immediately retorted, "The child was naive, and I did scold her. But Mrs. Fu was overly sensitive, thinking I insulted her too. She even talked about discussing this in front of the wife of the county magistrate. Isn't that just trying to embarrass me?!"
Both parties seemed to have their own justifications.
Fu Wei looked at Mr. Qian, "My wife indeed felt offended, and it seems Mrs. Qian did not explain the full story to you."
Mr. Qian also frowned.
Fu Wei suggested, "Since this is a domestic matter and beyond our scope, why don't we seek the county magistrate’s wife for mediation?"
The mention of involving the county magistrate’s wife unsettled Mrs. Qian, who quickly said, "It's just a minor issue, why make such a fuss?"
Mr. Qian, no fool, knew his wife well. If she was truly at fault, even taking the matter to the county magistrate’s wife wouldn’t justify her actions.
His desire for a peaceful resolution now seemed suspect!
Thinking this, Mr. Qian's expression darkened. He turned to his daughter and asked sternly, "Did you really say those things in front of Mrs. Fu?"
Intimidated by her father's stern look, the young Miss Qian dared not lie and nodded.
It was now clear who had instigated the matter.
Mr. Qian, embarrassed by his wife and daughter, looked displeased.
With a dark expression, he turned to his wife and said sternly, "If you cause any trouble, I will immediately send you back to Yu County!"
After speaking, she left indignantly.
Mrs. Qian’s face showed embarrassment.
Yu Ying, not one to kick someone when they're down, said nothing more and simply pushed Fu Wei away.
She stopped only when they reached the riverside.
With the wheelchair coming to a halt, Fu Wei said to her, "Don't be upset with that woman, it’s not worth it."
Yu Ying walked beside him and smiled, "I'm not angry, nor do I care."
Fu Wei turned his head and looked up at her.
Indeed, she appeared carefree, truly unaffected by the incident with that woman.
Fu Wei also showed a faint smile, his gaze softly falling on her hand.
Recalling last night, he slowly extended his hand and held hers.
Yu Ying was startled, looking down at her suddenly clasped hand, then back at him. She gently tugged her hand away, whispering, “Someone might see.”
Fu Wei calmly replied, “What does it matter if others see? I am holding my wife’s hand…”
Before he could finish, a soft cough interrupted them, and Fu Wei immediately released Yu Ying’s hand.
Both turned to see Huo Yachai and the county magistrate.
County Magistrate Zhou, with a stern face, admonished, “I know you two love each other, but be mindful of the public’s eyes.”
Yu Ying: ...
Fu Wei: ...
The young couple, caught in their first display of affection, couldn't help but blush.
Yu Ying quickly curtsied and then swiftly walked away.
After eating some dry food, they continued on their journey.
Yu Ying and Madam Qian sat in silence in the carriage, evidently displeased with each other's company.
In another compartment, the usually arrogant Qian Mouliao, still clear about separating personal issues from official matters, said to Fu Wei, “My wife’s behavior was uncalled for, please don’t hold it against her.”
Fu Wei smiled, “Since the misunderstanding is cleared, there's no blame. I only hope that Madam Qian can reconcile with my wife in the future.”
Qian Mouliao, seeing Fu Wei not insisting on the matter, said, “I can’t promise a reconciliation, but I assure you, she won't cause trouble behind your back.”
Fu Wei bowed slightly, “Then I thank Mr. Qian.”
……
After three days and two nights, they finally arrived at the county seat.
Since it was nearly nightfall when they entered the city, Yu Ying had to wait until the next morning to look for Song Sanlang at her market stall.
Initially, they thought they would stay in an inn, but the county government had arranged accommodations for the magistrates.
A small courtyard was arranged for County Magistrate Zhou.
Yu Ying and Fu Wei shared the same room, which was far better than the one at the post station, equipped with all the essentials.
However, Yu Ying, while strolling outside, inadvertently heard from the servants that among the seven counties under the jurisdiction, County Magistrate Zhou's residence was the smallest and least impressive.
Upon reflection, Yu Ying realized that people often judge others based on their status, and being from the poorest county in Cangwu Prefecture, Yu County was not held in high regard.
County Magistrate Zhou, a cadet branch member of a noble family, was sent to such a minor county town like Yu County either due to annoyance or fear of him posing a threat.
Yu Ying surmised it was probably a combination of both.
It was precisely because Zhou was relegated that Fu Wei had the chance to meet his benefactor.
Their current predicament was only temporary.
Chapter 83.
As night deepened, Yu Ying, having soaked her feet, was the first to lie down on the narrow bed.
She looked at Fu Wei, still poring over bamboo slips at the table, and called out, "Stop reading, we have a journey tomorrow. Let's rest now."
Fu Wei hesitated for a moment but eventually rolled up the bamboo slips, put them in his bag, blew out the oil lamp, and groped his way to the bed in the dark.
He stood by the bed for a while before lying down fully clothed.
The wooden bed, obviously many years old, still creaked loudly as he lay down, the sound especially noticeable in the quiet room.
Knowing the bed was small, Yu Ying pressed herself tightly against the wall, but even with Fu Wei lying down, there was still space between them.
Without needing to check, she knew that half of Fu Wei's body must be hanging off the bed.
Yu Ying shared half of the quilt with Fu Wei, whispering, "Move in closer."
Fu Wei took the quilt, covering himself with it.
Soon, a gentle warmth spread from her side under the quilt.
"This is fine."
Since he said it was alright, Yu Ying didn't insist further.
The howling cold wind made the old station emit various creaking, almost crumbling sounds.
The quilt, being quite old, offered little warmth. Not to mention the gap between them, where the cold air intermittently seeped in.
Even with cloth socks on, Yu Ying couldn't feel any warmth, shivering with her arms tightly wrapped around herself.
Fu Wei, who was initially half off the bed, somehow shifted closer in his sleep.
Lying side by side, the gap in the quilt was closed, and warmth gradually built up beneath the covers.
As Yu Ying turned her head, she heard a rustling sound and then felt a warm breath softly land on her cheek.
She was startled.
In the darkness, even though she couldn't see anything, she felt Fu Wei's gaze directed towards her.
Though they couldn't see each other, their senses were heightened, feeling each other's restrained breaths slowly exhaling warmth.
Yu Ying's heartbeat gradually quickened.
It was just a moment, yet it felt like a long time had passed.
She turned her head back, hearing the rustling sound again, indicating Fu Wei had also turned.
Yu Ying gazed into the pitch-black space above, pondering her relationship with Fu Wei.
They were neither spouses nor lovers, yet their closeness had surpassed that of mere friends.
What exactly was their relationship now?
Since Fu Wei's sincere confession, she realized that avoiding the issue was futile.
Moreover, sharing a bed in their current situation seemed somewhat unfair to someone from ancient times.
What troubled her now was her lingering hope of returning to the modern era.
Despite knowing this hope was minuscule, even impossible, she still didn’t want to leave too many attachments in this era.
After all, relationships can end, marriages can dissolve; there might be pain, but it's not as if one can't survive without the other.
Having decided to find Fu Wei in Jade County from Lingshui Village, Yu Ying had come to a clear understanding.
Aside from the outside noise, the room was so quiet that the gnawing sound of termites on wood was disturbingly loud.
"Fu Wei," she called softly.
"Hmm?"
After a moment of consideration, she continued, "I can’t make any promises, but maybe we can start a relationship and see where it leads. What do you think?"
Yu Ying, staring into the darkness, let out a silent breath, her heart pounding rapidly.
The person beside her remained silent for a long time, as if contemplating.
After a while, Fu Wei, pondering, asked, "What do you want to talk about?"
……
After a tense moment, it turned out that he didn't understand what 'starting a relationship' meant.
Yu Ying turned her back to Fu Wei, hesitating for a while before explaining, "It means we'll be committed to each other for now, and talk about being a real husband and wife later."
Hearing the term "commitment," Fu Wei's eyes gradually widened, as if a huge wave surged in his heart.
After a while, his voice tense, he confirmed, "Are you really sure, you want to commit to me?"
Yu Ying softly hummed in affirmation.
In the darkness, a smile spread across Fu Wei's face and eyes.
"Alright, let's start with a commitment," he said slowly and gently, seemingly calm but filled with immense joy inside.
"Ah Ying."
"Hmm?"
"May I hold your hand?"
Yu Ying hesitated, then turned back to lie face up, and after a long pause, lightly touched his hand with her fingertips.
The moment she touched him, her hand was enveloped by his warm, broad palm.
Yu Ying's heart fluttered slightly.
"Ah Ying, I am very happy."
Yu Ying could tell from his voice, light and joyful, that he was indeed elated.
Yu Ying smiled faintly too.
No one knew what the future held, but she wanted to take the first step while they were still together.
They were not overly affectionate or excited, simply holding hands throughout the night.
In the morning, Fu Wei had already risen to tidy his clothes and hair.
As Yu Ying sat up in bed, Fu Wei handed her outer robe to her.
They exchanged a glance and smiled at each other.
Dressed and ready, Yu Ying fetched water to wash up.
After washing, they had a bowl of hot porridge in the main hall before preparing to depart.
When Huo, the yamen runner, greeted Fu Wei, he saw a face brimming with a spring-like smile.
Curious, he asked, "Mr. Fu, why are you so happy today? Is there some good news?"
Fu Wei slightly restrained his joy and asked, "Wasn’t I like this before?"
Huo laughed, "Mr. Fu, you underestimate me. Having served as a yamen runner for eighteen years, how could I not notice the difference between your demeanor yesterday and today?"
After a moment of thought, he analyzed, "Yesterday, your smile was gentle. Today, it’s not just on your face, but even in your eyes. It’s as if your face is saying 'I am in a very good mood.'"
Fu Wei’s gaze fell on Yu Ying, who was getting onto the carriage, his smile deepening: "Indeed, I am in a very good mood today."
Huo and another person, who was helping Fu Wei onto the carriage, followed his gaze, then looked at the more pronounced smile on his face, and both understood, sharing a knowing smile.
The two men silently helped Fu Wei onto the carriage.
After Fu Wei was seated, Qian, the staff advisor, and the historian also boarded the carriage in turn.
The carriage moved forward at a leisurely pace.
Qian glanced at Fu Wei, recalling his wife's complaints from the previous night about Yu Ying.
Not only did she interfere with her disciplining their daughter, but she also threatened to take the matter to the wife of the county magistrate if anything unpleasant was said.
His wife had suggested he speak with Yu Ying's husband to ensure she doesn’t overstep her bounds.
After a moment of silence, Qian initiated the conversation, "Mr. Fu."
Fu Wei, who had been resting with his eyes closed, opened them and looked at Qian, smiling lightly, "What can I do for you, Mr. Qian?"
Qian, with an air of haughtiness, said, "It seems your wife lacks manners. Not only did she interrupt my wife while she was disciplining our daughter, but she also rudely threatened to involve the wife of the county magistrate. Such behavior is quite offensive."
As he spoke, the smile gradually faded from Fu Wei's face.
The historian, hearing this, opened his eyes slightly wider.
Sensing the tense atmosphere, he regretted being there but realized that leaving the carriage now would be too conspicuous.
Sitting on the right, he could only lower his head to minimize his presence.
As Fu Wei’s smile faded, he retorted, "Does Mr. Qian truly understand my wife?"
Qian frowned, "Why should I need to understand your wife?"
Fu Wei smiled, "If Mr. Qian does not know her, why presume that she lacks manners and is offensive? Is it merely based on your wife’s one-sided account?"
Qian’s face darkened, "Are you suggesting that my wife falsely accused yours?"
The smile disappeared from Fu Wei's face as he spoke earnestly, "While I respect Mr. Qian, it does not mean you and your wife can slander mine. My wife holds immense importance to me, akin to Mount Tai. If there is any misunderstanding or false accusation, I will certainly seek to clarify it."
Qian Mouliao, displeased, said, “For such a trivial matter, do you want to make trouble with the magistrate’s wife?”
Fu Wei: “This should be a matter among women, and we men should not intervene. But since Mr. Qian has spoken, I cannot pretend I didn’t hear it.”
As Qian Mouliao frowned, Fu Wei continued, “Let’s clarify this first. If my wife indeed spoke out of line, we will surely apologize. But if it remains unclear, then we may seek the magistrate's wife for reconciliation between Madam Qian and my wife. We need not involve ourselves further. Mr. Qian, what do you think?”
Qian Mouliao agreed, “Agreed.”
During the noon break, Yu Ying stepped out of the carriage for some fresh air and was surprised to see Fu Wei and Qian Mouliao approaching together.
Madam Qian, about to pull back the curtain to step out, smiled upon seeing them.
Although Fu Langjun is a secretary, he is new to the office, and my husband is his superior. Subordinates still need to follow the lead of their superiors.
Even though he knew his wife had said nothing wrong, to save his superior's face, he would surely reprimand her.
This would also serve as a lesson for the self-righteous Mrs. Yu.
When the two approached, Yu Ying placed her hands on her abdomen and nodded towards Mr. Qian: "Greetings, Mr. Qian."
Mr. Qian responded with a cold snort towards her.
Yu Ying glanced at Fu Wei, her eyes questioning what exactly was going on.
With no one close to the carriage, Fu Wei spoke plainly, "Mr. Qian mentioned to me just now that you rudely interrupted Mrs. Qian while she was scolding her daughter, and after being reprimanded by Mrs. Qian, you spoke of seeking the magistrate's wife for arbitration."
Hearing this, Yu Ying understood: it was a case of the offender playing the victim first.
She turned her head to look at the mother and daughter, who had already disembarked from the carriage.
Mrs. Qian, chin lifted, wore a disdainful attitude, as if certain that Fu Wei would scold Yu Ying.
"I don’t believe you would act in such a manner, so I came with Mr. Qian to clarify the situation," Fu Wei said.
Yu Ying turned back to Fu Wei, then looked at Mr. Qian, and spoke calmly, "Yesterday, right after boarding the carriage, Little Miss Qian asked her mother why I was so ugly, in my presence. Mrs. Qian reprimanded her, saying that even if you dislike someone, you shouldn't speak ill of them to their face."
"I felt offended and merely suggested that Little Miss Qian refrain from discussing me in front of others, as it would be impolite. That doesn’t seem too unreasonable, does it?"
Mrs. Qian immediately retorted, "The child was naive, and I did scold her. But Mrs. Fu was overly sensitive, thinking I insulted her too. She even talked about discussing this in front of the wife of the county magistrate. Isn't that just trying to embarrass me?!"
Both parties seemed to have their own justifications.
Fu Wei looked at Mr. Qian, "My wife indeed felt offended, and it seems Mrs. Qian did not explain the full story to you."
Mr. Qian also frowned.
Fu Wei suggested, "Since this is a domestic matter and beyond our scope, why don't we seek the county magistrate’s wife for mediation?"
The mention of involving the county magistrate’s wife unsettled Mrs. Qian, who quickly said, "It's just a minor issue, why make such a fuss?"
Mr. Qian, no fool, knew his wife well. If she was truly at fault, even taking the matter to the county magistrate’s wife wouldn’t justify her actions.
His desire for a peaceful resolution now seemed suspect!
Thinking this, Mr. Qian's expression darkened. He turned to his daughter and asked sternly, "Did you really say those things in front of Mrs. Fu?"
Intimidated by her father's stern look, the young Miss Qian dared not lie and nodded.
It was now clear who had instigated the matter.
Mr. Qian, embarrassed by his wife and daughter, looked displeased.
With a dark expression, he turned to his wife and said sternly, "If you cause any trouble, I will immediately send you back to Yu County!"
After speaking, she left indignantly.
Mrs. Qian’s face showed embarrassment.
Yu Ying, not one to kick someone when they're down, said nothing more and simply pushed Fu Wei away.
She stopped only when they reached the riverside.
With the wheelchair coming to a halt, Fu Wei said to her, "Don't be upset with that woman, it’s not worth it."
Yu Ying walked beside him and smiled, "I'm not angry, nor do I care."
Fu Wei turned his head and looked up at her.
Indeed, she appeared carefree, truly unaffected by the incident with that woman.
Fu Wei also showed a faint smile, his gaze softly falling on her hand.
Recalling last night, he slowly extended his hand and held hers.
Yu Ying was startled, looking down at her suddenly clasped hand, then back at him. She gently tugged her hand away, whispering, “Someone might see.”
Fu Wei calmly replied, “What does it matter if others see? I am holding my wife’s hand…”
Before he could finish, a soft cough interrupted them, and Fu Wei immediately released Yu Ying’s hand.
Both turned to see Huo Yachai and the county magistrate.
County Magistrate Zhou, with a stern face, admonished, “I know you two love each other, but be mindful of the public’s eyes.”
Yu Ying: ...
Fu Wei: ...
The young couple, caught in their first display of affection, couldn't help but blush.
Yu Ying quickly curtsied and then swiftly walked away.
After eating some dry food, they continued on their journey.
Yu Ying and Madam Qian sat in silence in the carriage, evidently displeased with each other's company.
In another compartment, the usually arrogant Qian Mouliao, still clear about separating personal issues from official matters, said to Fu Wei, “My wife’s behavior was uncalled for, please don’t hold it against her.”
Fu Wei smiled, “Since the misunderstanding is cleared, there's no blame. I only hope that Madam Qian can reconcile with my wife in the future.”
Qian Mouliao, seeing Fu Wei not insisting on the matter, said, “I can’t promise a reconciliation, but I assure you, she won't cause trouble behind your back.”
Fu Wei bowed slightly, “Then I thank Mr. Qian.”
……
After three days and two nights, they finally arrived at the county seat.
Since it was nearly nightfall when they entered the city, Yu Ying had to wait until the next morning to look for Song Sanlang at her market stall.
Initially, they thought they would stay in an inn, but the county government had arranged accommodations for the magistrates.
A small courtyard was arranged for County Magistrate Zhou.
Yu Ying and Fu Wei shared the same room, which was far better than the one at the post station, equipped with all the essentials.
However, Yu Ying, while strolling outside, inadvertently heard from the servants that among the seven counties under the jurisdiction, County Magistrate Zhou's residence was the smallest and least impressive.
Upon reflection, Yu Ying realized that people often judge others based on their status, and being from the poorest county in Cangwu Prefecture, Yu County was not held in high regard.
County Magistrate Zhou, a cadet branch member of a noble family, was sent to such a minor county town like Yu County either due to annoyance or fear of him posing a threat.
Yu Ying surmised it was probably a combination of both.
It was precisely because Zhou was relegated that Fu Wei had the chance to meet his benefactor.
Their current predicament was only temporary.
