Yang Ling had only taken two steps forward when he heard a whooshing sound. A wooden stick as thick as two fingers was pressed against his chest, giving him a fright. He hurriedly said, "Don't …" His throat was somewhat choked. He swallowed a mouthful of saliva before slowly saying, "Young-niang, it's me. I am Yang Ling."
"Aiya!" The stick fell to the ground with a 'clang' sound. Han Youniang hurriedly rushed forward and supported him. She anxiously said, "Husband, you have just recovered from your illness. Why did you come out? The weather is cold. If something happens to you, what do you want me to do? "
Yang Ling said, "It's alright. I am already much better. It's just that I don't move around often. My body is a little weak. " He stretched out his hand to help Han Youniang with the grain bag. Han Youniang couldn't bear for him to do any more work. She hurriedly supported him and walked back. She said, "Husband, quickly go back and lie down. It's too cold at night. When the weather gets warmer tomorrow afternoon, I'll help you out to bask in the sun."
Yang Ling had no choice but to let her help him back. When he entered the room, he couldn't help but say, "Young-niang, in order to treat my illness, has our family's money been used up? I don't think there's anything left in the house. "
Han Youniang put the sack of grain on the stove and helped him to walk to the inner room. She mumbled in a low voice and said softly, "The Tartars came in autumn, I only cared about carrying you up the mountain. The grain in the house … was all stolen by the Tartars, so … I had to pawn some of the furniture."
She helped Yang Ling sit down at the head of the kang. As she helped him take off his shoes, she raised her head and smiled at him. She said, "Husband, don't worry. Next year, when our family has a harvest, our days will be better. You are an Elementary Scholar. You don't have to worry about these chores. When your body is better, you can focus on studying. Next year will be the provincial examinations that are held every three years."
Yang Ling saw that when she talked about his identity, her eyes were filled with admiration and pride. He couldn't help but laugh bitterly in his heart. He really couldn't do anything right now. He had relied on those bullsh * t essays to become an Elementary Scholar. In her eyes, he had become a real man. If this was his generation, even if you were a graduate from Tsinghua University, if you were so useless, you would have been kicked away by your wife. Why would she look at you with such admiration?
But it was no wonder that she placed so much importance on it. In this era, the emphasis was on agriculture and the suppression of commerce. Even if a merchant was rich, his social status was not as high as a small landlord with only three to five mu of land. Therefore, the way to get promoted and get rich was to become an official. The main way to enter the official career was through the imperial examinations. Although Yang Ling was only an Elementary Scholar, in this era, the status of an Elementary Scholar, regardless of whether it was in the city or the countryside, was a very important person. Some scholars in their seventies or eighties might not even be able to become an Elementary Scholar.
Ming Destiny's supervision of the people was the strictest. Even if they left their hometown to visit friends or relatives, they had to get a travel permit from the local authorities. But scholars like Elementary Scholars and High Scholars were different. They had the right to carry a sword and wear green silk robes. They could travel as they pleased. Along the way, the officials could not stop or detain them. When they met the county magistrate that ordinary farmers might not even see in their lifetime, they did not have to kneel down. Instead, they even had a seat. In the eyes of ordinary people, such people were naturally people of high status.
Han Youniang pulled the blanket over him and brought a basin of hot water. Ignoring Yang Ling's repeated refusal, she gently helped him wash his feet. This Yang Ling had never enjoyed such treatment before. But after his refusal, he saw that Han Youniang's face was filled with fear. He could only laugh bitterly and let her serve him.
At night, lying on the bed, Yang Ling's head was pillowed on his arm, and he silently thought about his own matters. He could hear Han Youniang's light breathing. She must be sleeping soundly.
Ever since the two of them got married, although Han Youniang shared the same kang bed with him, she took care of him every day. The two of them had never performed any etiquette, and had always slept beside his bedding. Tonight, her husband was no longer in a drowsy state. Instead, it made her feel extremely shy. When she went to sleep and blew out the lamp, he couldn't see her. Han Youniang's body was still warm. Once she got into the blanket, she buried her head in it and didn't dare to come out again.
But tonight, she was in the happiest mood since her marriage. Not only did her husband come back from the dead, he also seemed to have recovered from his illness. It seemed that after a few days of rest, he would be able to fully recover. Life was once again filled with hope and longing. She only felt incomparably happy.
Although she and Yang Ling were husband and wife, in his heart, although this girl was beautiful, when he opened his eyes and saw her misfortune and strength, he couldn't help but feel pity for this girl. He only had two years to live. Such a cute girl, he couldn't ignore his conscience and have any ideas about her.
He looked at the place where Han Youniang was sleeping. The room was pitch black, and he couldn't see anything. He could only hear her light breathing, like a little kitten. Sigh, he sighed faintly. Now that this girl was carrying the identity of his wife, not only did he have to find a way to survive, he also had to take responsibility and take care of her. But … with such a poor family, how was he going to make sure she didn't have to worry about food and clothing?
After thinking about it for a long time, he still couldn't think of a way. At this time, the heat at the head of the kang gradually cooled down. Not only his face that was exposed outside the quilt was cold, but the quilt was also starting to get cold. He hugged the quilt tightly. Suddenly, he thought that he was sleeping at the head of the kang, and Han Youniang slept even more. He didn't know if she could bear it.
He quietly reached out his hand and touched the surface of the kang next to Young-niang. It was cold there. It should be easy to cut some firewood in the mountain village. Why didn't they burn more firewood on such a cold day? When he checked the room just now, he didn't seem to remember how much firewood was placed next to the stove. Thinking about his own situation, Yang Ling couldn't help but feel relieved. During this period of time, he was probably on the verge of death, as if he could die at any time. Han Youniang was alone and helpless, and she also had to take care of him. How could she have the time to go up the mountain to cut firewood?
His fingers touched the edge of the quilt. Yang Ling couldn't help but be startled. This quilt … why was it so thin? He twisted it with his fingers. The layer of quilt was really too thin compared to the one he was covering. Did she endure this cold winter night night after night?
At this time, Han Youniang's body shrank a little, as if her body was arching. Yang Ling's face became hot. She still hadn't slept? He whispered with a hot face, "Young-niang, you still haven't slept?"
Han Youniang answered vaguely. Her timid voice seemed to be a little trembling. Yang Ling sighed and said, "Why is your quilt so thin? How can you endure such a cold winter night? Don't you even have a thick quilt at home? "
"Well …" Han Youniang said in a low voice, "Husband, you are very sick. Young-niang really can't think of a way to find a doctor. I can only … I can only … I'm sorry …"
Yang Ling touched the thick quilt covering him. His heart warmed up. He suddenly sat up and reached out to pull the quilt under Han Youniang. The surface of the kang bed was very smooth, so he pulled the quilt over.
Han Youniang was a little flustered. She said in a trembling voice, "Husband … you … what are you doing?"
Yang Ling saw that she was scared and felt very funny. He deliberately teased her and said, "We are husband and wife. Why can't we sleep together?"
Han Youniang was even more flustered. However, her husband's words were not wrong. She could only stutter, "But … but your body is good. We don't … don't …"
Yang Ling couldn't help but chuckle and said, "Silly girl … your quilt is too thin. How can I sleep when I see you suffering from the cold? Come, let's sleep together. "
The two quilts were placed together. Yang Ling lifted her quilt and covered her body with his quilt. Then he put the thin quilt on top of the thick quilt and said, "You see, this is much better."
Han Youniang was so embarrassed that she hid in the quilt and didn't dare to come out. Her body was curled up like a bow. Her two small fists were clenched in front of her chest. She didn't know why she was so nervous and afraid.
Yang Ling was her legitimate husband. Since she was young, she had been taught to follow the three obediences and four virtues. Her husband was the heaven and his wife was the earth. The saints had said, 'Women must submit to men.' If her husband wanted her, there was nothing wrong with it. However, when she thought of what might happen, she couldn't help but panic. She was even more afraid than when she went hunting with her father and saw a tiger for the first time.
Yang Ling also felt her nervousness. To be honest, he didn't dare to get too close to Young-niang. If the two of them were really too close, he really couldn't guarantee that he wouldn't be moved. At the very least, he was physically and mentally healthy. Being next to such a young girl, even if he didn't want to, his body would inevitably have a reaction. Therefore, when the two of them were separated by two fists, he didn't dare to get closer.
However, this way, the warmth in the quilt disappeared. Although the quilt was thick, he still didn't feel warm. After lying down for a while, Yang Ling got up and fumbled to put on his shoes.
Han Youniang poked her head out and asked, "Husband, you … where are you going?"
Yang Ling asked, "How do I light the oil lamp? No, where is the oil lamp? "
Han Youniang quickly got up and used a flint to light the oil lamp. Under the light, her face was red. It was unknown whether it was because she was shy or because of the light, but it made her look even prettier. She looked at Yang Ling in confusion and said, "Husband, are you going to use the toilet? The toilet is in the outer hall. "
Yang Ling shook his head and said, "No, I'm going to add some firewood to the stove."
Han Youniang held the oil lamp and followed him to the outer hall. There was a small bundle of firewood under the stove. Yang Ling looked at it and went to the corner to take the elegiac couplets, burning paper, and gold and silver baskets. He took all of them and stuffed them under the stove. These were all made of sorghum stalks and paper, which were very easy to burn. The almost extinguished stove fire blazed up again.
Yang Ling piled the bundle of firewood on the stove one by one. Han Youniang opened her mouth and wanted to say something but stopped. She thought, "If it's burned, then so be it. Anyway, my husband's health is better. He doesn't need me to accompany him all the time. I'll get up early tomorrow morning and go up the mountain to chop more firewood."
Yang Ling let the fire burn slowly and then clapped his hands. He turned his head and said with a smile, "This is good. Tonight I can sleep a little warmer."
When he turned his head, with the help of the light from the stove, he could see that Han Youniang was wearing a white coarse dress. Although there were a few patches, it couldn't hide her graceful and moving figure. Her neckline revealed a bit of skin. Under the light of the fire and the lamp, she looked especially attractive.
Yang Ling's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly averted his gaze, not daring to look at her again. Han Youniang noticed his gaze, and her face became a little shy. She shyly helped Yang Ling back to the room. When Yang Ling took the oil lamp from Han Youniang's hand, he felt that her palm was very rough. He looked at it under the light and saw that there were some calluses on her palm. The skin on the back of her palm felt very rough and there were many small cracks. Although they had just met today, Yang Ling couldn't help but feel distressed.
Han Youniang blushed and shook her head. She timidly withdrew her hand and said, "Husband, don't catch a cold. Quickly rest." After this action, the two of them were no longer so reserved. An indescribable feeling secretly grew in their hearts. After burrowing into the quilt, the two of them were no longer so reserved.
The cold air that entered the gap between the quilt was very uncomfortable. Yang Ling was helpless. In the end, he couldn't help but get closer. Han Youniang's body trembled and her limbs were a little stiff. However, she was docile and didn't say a word.
Yang Ling only let her get closer to him. He faintly pressed his body against hers to prevent the heat from escaping. He self-deprecatingly said to Han Youniang, "Young-niang, we can be considered helping each other in difficult times." He gently caressed Young-niang's small hand and said with pity, "Your hand is cracked. Did you get it from washing clothes or chopping firewood? Does it hurt? "
Han Youniang made a sound and shook her head. She realized that he couldn't see it so she said, "It doesn't hurt. Husband, as long as your body gets better, Young-niang will have no regrets no matter how much suffering I have to endure."
When Yang Ling heard this, he couldn't help but hold her hand tightly. He felt that although this reincarnation was the most difficult one out of the nine, it made his heart feel warm and happy. After a while, he heard Han Youniang's breathing. She didn't seem to be asleep. Yang Ling couldn't help but ask, "What are you thinking about?"
Han Youniang sighed softly and said, "Husband, I'm thinking about next year's provincial examination. Our family … no longer has any money. I have two older brothers and one younger brother. Father is also very burdened and can't help us. Our family's four mu of farmland was passed down from our ancestors. It can't be sold. The provincial examination is the most important thing in your life. What should we do? "
Four mu of farmland? Yang Ling's heart couldn't help but move. He didn't have any thoughts of not using the ancestral property or being afraid of being criticized for being a wastrel. He only thought about how much money he could sell the four mu of farmland for. It would be best if he could become rich in one fell swoop and live comfortably for two years. When he died, it would be best if this woman didn't have to worry about food and clothing for the rest of her life.
He thought about it for a while. Tiredness gradually came over him and he felt that it was getting hotter and hotter under the kang bed. Although Han Youniang let him pull her shoulders closer, her petite body still curled up and tightened. Yang Ling found it interesting. He yawned and smiled vaguely, "Young-niang, relax a little. It's warmer to be closer. The weather is so cold, why are you afraid of me? Hmm … I suddenly thought of an ancient person. "
Han Youniang's face had just heated up. When she heard this, she didn't know what her husband was going to say. She couldn't help but ask curiously, "Which ancient person did my husband think of?"
Yang Ling held back his laughter and said, "I'm thinking of Liu Xiahui. If this' gentleman 'doesn't have any problems, then he's in a similar situation as I am right now. Holding a young lady in his arms under the city gate in the middle of winter and not getting flustered, I can also do it, because … it's really too cold, and any bad thoughts would be frozen away.
Han Youniang burst into laughter. Before she got married, she was worried that her husband would be an old-fashioned and boring scholar. She didn't expect him to be … so interesting. A strange feeling rose in Han Youniang's heart. "This is my husband who will accompany me for the rest of my life. He will be my closest relative in the future." Her small heart sighed softly. The affection and childish admiration made her involuntarily move closer to Yang Ling. Her nervous body also softened.
She couldn't help but move closer to Yang Ling. She whispered in his ear, "Husband, I'm willing to stay by your side like this. Whether we're born or die, rich or poor, I'm willing to stay by your side without complaint or regret, until the end of time."
Hearing Han Youniang using the night to cover her shyness and confide in him, Yang Ling's heart couldn't help but tremble slightly. Was everyone in the world trying to find the other half who was willing to say "I do" to them? Impulsively, he almost blurted out that he was also willing to stay by her side like this for the rest of his life. But he swallowed the words that were on the tip of his tongue. Two years of lifespan. He sighed deeply in his heart.
Han Youniang's body was light, soft and warm. It was very comfortable to hold in his arms. Love suppressed the desire in his heart. A wave of sleepiness came over him. Yang Ling yawned and fell into a deep sleep.
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
