Chapter 077: Zheng Jianji

Chapter 077: Zheng Jianji

Song Pushu was thinking about going to the county town to have fun, so she went to bed early and had a good night's sleep. When she woke up the next day, she looked refreshed, her eyes bright, exceptionally pretty and charming.

Normally, she wouldn't get up until the sun was high in the sky. If she got up early, it must be for something important. She put on new clothes, styled her hair nicely, and waited for Song Huaian to return.

Song Huaian woke up very early, almost at dawn. He studied every day, burning the midnight oil and rising early, often reading by lamplight late into the night. He was very hardworking.

Even when he came home, he didn't spend all day with his nose in a book. Instead, he would roll up his trousers, pick up a hoe, and go to work in the fields with the family. Today, he went into the mountains to cut down quite a few bamboo poles, with dew still dripping from the bamboo leaves. He was strong and could carry four or five poles on his shoulders.

He entered the house, stacked them under the courtyard wall, and made several trips until he had about a dozen or so, figuring that was enough.

The weather was about to get hot. These bamboo poles would be split into strips to make good tools for cooling off. Old Man Song was skilled with his hands and made them every year—they were tightly woven and wouldn't cut the skin. But the heavy work of cutting bamboo was too much for his old age, so he had passed it on to the younger generation.

"Huaian, why are you so late? Hurry up and change your clothes. We agreed to go to the county town." Song Pushu sat bored under the eaves, watching as he came back, and followed him around. "You could do this later. Why now? If we get to the county too late, we won't have anything to eat."

"We'll have something to eat, don't worry. Ice cream is best eaten at noon. If we go too early, it won't taste the same." Song Huaian knew Song Pushu well and knew that she was good at saving money, so he certainly wouldn't dampen her enthusiasm. "Let me wash my face and change clothes, and then I'll go with Aunt."

No one was home now. Even Granny Song had taken the kids out to chat. A younger cousin from the same clan was getting married, and they had gone to discuss it. Having a wedding and adding a new member to the family was a big deal.

"Hurry up then." Song Pushu pushed him towards his room. "At this rate, the ox cart won't wait for us, and we'll have to walk for a long time."

This was also her frustration. Even though her family doted on her and her parents gave her whatever she wanted, the conditions and environment were what they were. It wasn't easy for her to go out. She had to wait for market day to catch an ox cart. If there was no cart, she had to walk, and walking alone as a woman without company was not advisable.

The world wasn't at peace. If she ran into a scoundrel halfway who drugged her and took her away, selling her to some distant place, her family would cry out in vain and never find her. She would never see them again.

Song Pushu cherished her life and wasn't really that reckless. Usually, she only went to the county with her family, and when it wasn't farming season, the whole family would go together.

Otherwise, if she really encountered some thugs, with her small arms and legs, she wouldn't be able to resist. If they robbed her of her money, her virtue, and even her person, she would have no tears left to cry.

"Alright, sorry to keep you waiting, Aunt. I'll be quick." Song Huaian smiled warmly, fetched some water, and went into his room. He had been working in the mountains and sweating, so he needed to wash up. Otherwise, walking beside his aunt would be embarrassing.

"Mm-hmm." Song Pushu nodded absently, already planning how she would spend her money. If only they had a house in the county, it would save them the trouble of traveling.

Actually, it wasn't that late. The sun had just risen, but it got light earlier now, making it seem like it was later. Quite a few people were just heading out for the market.

Song Huaian quickly changed into a blue and white long robe, which made him look even more refined and elegant, his figure tall and straight, exuding the temperament of a scholar, modest and gentlemanly.

The fabric was ordinary, but Sister Song's tailoring was good, and Song Pushu had added some embroidery patterns, giving the clothes a touch of color so they didn't look plain. It was also the person who made the clothes look good.

A gentleman should have his hair tied up and wear a cap. Only criminals or those out of their minds would have disheveled hair and no spirit. Women should coil their hair, and men should tie it up—that was proper.

Song Pushu had also coiled her hair into a maiden's bun, adorned with a pink begonia hairpin, looking especially charming. She didn't wear any rouge or powder, but she was naturally beautiful.

The two left together, chatting and laughing. To anyone who didn't know them, they might have looked like a couple in love.

"Hey—Uncle Iron Ox, wait! We're going to the county too!"

The ox cart at the village entrance was about to leave. Song Pushu quickly waved. Two hours—she didn't want to walk.

"Oh, it's Little Five's girl. And Dalang too! When did you get back?" Uncle Iron Ox turned around, saw them approaching, and greeted them cheerfully. In his heart, he envied the old Song family for having two such good-looking children, and now a scholar too—unmatched.

Especially Little Five's girl. She had been as cute as a doll since she was little, didn't look like a village girl at all, more like a young lady from a wealthy city family. Old Man Song and his wife had this beautiful girl late in life—how did they manage it? The more she grew, the prettier she became, like a flower fairy.

In fact, all the Songs were good-looking. Granny Song had a bit of a thing for good looks, as was evident from the husband she chose and the wives she selected for her children. Otherwise, Big Brother's couple couldn't have produced Song Huaian, who bore a three- or four-point resemblance to them.

"Uncle Iron Ox." Song Huaian nodded slightly in greeting. "I got back yesterday afternoon. The academy is on break, and the family needs help with spring plowing, so I came back to help."

He was rarely arrogant, only showing youthful pride when praised or admired by Song Pushu.

"Hurry up and get on. Scoot over, everyone." Uncle Iron Ox shouted. A few villagers were already on board. He had made a few trips already, and one trip hadn't been enough to take everyone.

"You're hardworking. But don't rush this time. Focus on your studies. When you pass the exams and make a name for yourself, it'll be worth it." Uncle Iron Ox had the utmost respect for scholars and believed that spending time on studying was most important.

In these times, the social hierarchy of scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants was rigid. All trades were inferior; only studying was esteemed. As long as one passed the exams and got a rank, they could change their family's fortune.

"I understand. I won't neglect my studies." Song Huaian smiled politely. He first spread a cotton pad on the cart, then helped Song Pushu up, and finally, with a light leap, he jumped onto the cart and sat down beside her.

There were four or five other people on the cart. The village was large and had many different surnames. They barely knew each other, so after exchanging greetings, they chatted among themselves and didn't dare to strike up a conversation with Song Huaian. They were illiterate and feared scholars.

The road was full of stones and potholes. Even with the cotton pad, Song Pushu was jostled around uncomfortably. This was another reason for her frustration—her bottom was taking a beating.

"Song Huaian, I feel dizzy." Song Pushu didn't know whether walking would have been better or riding the ox cart was less of a trial. Her bottom was numb from the bumps. It was really hard to bear.

"Bear with it a little longer. We'll be at the county soon." Song Huaian felt sorry for her, but out in public, they had to keep their distance and not act frivolously. So he just talked to her to distract her. "I heard there are new flavors of ice cream now, and they have goat milk. There's also a kind of raisin from the Western Regions that tastes better than before. When we get there, we'll go eat some. Is there anything else you want to eat, Aunt?"

"Lots! I want to eat everything... " Mentioning this, Song Pushu didn't feel so bad. The motivation to spend money was even stronger. She couldn't wait to go shopping, especially since the money was earned by herself—it felt different.

Song Huaian kept talking about things she was interested in. Before they knew it, they had arrived at the county town.

He jumped off first, then helped Song Pushu down. Song Pushu wanted to rub her numb bottom but was too embarrassed to do it in the street. She muttered quietly, "If only I had a big house in the county and a carriage."

"Everything Aunt wants will come true." Song Huaian was already making arrangements, but not here—in the prefectural city. He planned to take Song Pushu away. That was a goal he had set from the start and was working towards.

His needs and thoughts hadn't changed. All the hesitation was just an excuse. As long as they left here, as long as he climbed higher, no one would know about their relationship. They could live in a different kind of relationship, closer and more honest.

Song Pushu didn't understand the deeper meaning of his words and just took them as a blessing.

She hadn't been to the county in a few months. Winter was too cold, with snow, and she was too lazy to go out.

Now that she was out, everything looked fresh. She had a strong urge to spend money. After walking for a while, she had already bought quite a few things. The peach blossoms were in full bloom, and many people used them to make sachets or flower hairpins.

"Sir, buy one for the young lady. The Flower Festival is just a few days away. These flowers are fresh and auspicious." The stall owner enthusiastically invited them, expertly soliciting customers. Women might want to save money, but men would spend money for face, especially young couples. After so many years in business, she had figured out the trick.

The fresh peach blossoms were woven into a wreath to wear on the head. This was a popular adornment now.

"Boss, let me see that one." Song Huaian stopped and looked, then picked a wreath with slightly darker petals. He turned to Song Pushu, his gaze tender. "Do you like it, Aunt? I think it suits you."

"It's quite pretty. Let me try it on." Song Pushu nodded. She could make them herself, but it was something new for the county folk.

Still, since she was out, buying something felt different. She was willing to spend a few coins for a good mood.

Song Huaian placed it on her head. She was more beautiful than the flowers, and it complemented her even more. Many people turned to look. He felt a pang of jealousy but couldn't bear to take it off. As long as she was happy, it was fine.

He paid, and the owner beamed. "May the gentleman and the young lady be together forever as a perfect couple, and live happily ever after."

Song Huaian instinctively glanced at Song Pushu, but she had already been drawn to another stall and hadn't noticed. He couldn't tell if it was relief or disappointment. He gave the owner a slight smile. "Thank you. We will."

He caught up with her. His hands were already full of things, mostly snacks that Song Pushu had bought but couldn't finish and gave to him.

"Brother Song? Fancy meeting you on the street. Didn't you just go home yesterday? What brings you to the county today?"

As they walked, a young dandy approached, waving a folding fan. He was also a handsome and romantic figure.

His name was Zheng Jianji, a classmate and good friend of Song Huaian, closer than the others.

"Brother Zheng." Song Huaian looked up and greeted him, naturally taking the meat bun that Song Pushu had taken two bites of and didn't want anymore.

Zheng Jianji looked at Song Pushu, was equally dazzled by her beauty. He immediately folded his fan and put on a proper gentlemanly demeanor. "Brother Song, and this young lady is..."

Song Pushu also noticed him. He was handsome, though not as much as Song Huaian, but he had that goofy, happy-go-lucky look of a rich landlord's simpleton son. Dressed in silks and brocades, followed by a servant, his family background must be good. This guy could work.

"I'm his little aunt." Before Song Huaian could speak, Song Pushu gave a gentle smile and said in a soft, sweet voice, "Are you and Huaian classmates?"

Song Huaian pursed his lips and lowered his eyes to hide the gloom. How could he not see that Song Pushu had taken an interest in Zheng Jianji? Otherwise, she wouldn't have initiated the conversation.

The two of them were chatting, seemingly shutting him out. The sight was grating and really ticked him off.

"So it's Brother Song's little aunt. I am Zheng Jianji. Pleased to meet you." Zheng Jianji performed a proper bow. "Brother Song and I are classmates and good friends. He is quite accomplished in his studies, and I seek his advice every day and have made progress as well."

"Since you are classmates, it's only right to help each other. I also need to thank you for taking care of our Huaian." Song Pushu smiled. "We were just about to go have some ice cream. Would you like to join us?"

"Of course, I'd love to." Zheng Jianji couldn't have wished for more. The first time he saw Song Pushu, he felt she was breathtakingly beautiful. Now he desperately wished for the opportunity to spend more time and talk with her. "In this county, I have to play host. Please come with me. I know a place where the ice cream tastes even better."

"Huaian, what do you think?" Song Pushu was so happy she could almost fly, but she tried to maintain a gentle and refined demeanor. She looked at Song Huaian and winked at him slyly.

"Then we will trouble Brother Zheng." Song Huaian couldn't afford to embarrass Song Pushu here; she would definitely get angry.

Zheng Jianji was delighted. "No trouble at all. I was also planning to go for ice cream. Eating together makes it taste better."

The three of them walked off. His gaze frequently fell on Song Pushu, his heart pounding. She was so beautiful. He thought he had fallen in love. His family background and character were decent; Brother Song would surely back him becoming his uncle.

But every time he tried to speak, Song Huaian was busy chatting with Song Pushu, and he couldn't interject or keep up with the topic. Zheng Jianji was furious—it felt deliberate!