Chapter 71: Tian Niu Does Not Want to Wed
On the twenty ninth afternoon of the twelfth lunar month, Tian Dabao made his way to their house through the half melted snow.
"Shifu, Shi Niang, my mother said that today we will go to the temple to offer sacrifices to our ancestors and you are invited to eat lunch with us after. Don't say otherwise, or else my head will suffer another hit." After delivering his mother's message, Tian Dabao rubbed Xiao Chun's head and went off with him to play in the northern yard.
Su Shuilian smiled and shook her head. Though many said this child's temper had matured a lot, she does not agree. Which thirteen year old child still acts as carefree and playful as him?
Looking down, she started to hum the only tune she knew. With a damp towel, Su Shuilian started to wipe down the porcelain flower pot before watering the plant in it with some tea that was left overnight. After that she made her way to the kitchen, meeting up with Lin Si Yao who had just picked some vegetables from the southern yard garden.
"A Yao, Aunt Tian wants us over for lunch today, they said it will be after they pay tribute to their ancestors." As Su Shuilian relayed the message, she helped Lin Si Yao as she took the large tub of the assorted cabbages and placed it in the corner of the kitchen counter. This much cabbage was enough for them to eat for two whole days.
"You do not have to go if you don't want to." It did not matter to him. Lin Si Yao walked towards the washbasin and filled a ladle full of water to wash his hands and face with.
"How can we do that?" When she heard Lin Si Yao's reaction, she looked over at him, "How about inviting them over for lunch today, after all it's not good to always eat at their place." However, looking at the table, it would only seat six people, and because of that, they had only commissioned six chairs to be made.
"How about waiting until spring. We can treat them to a meal at a restaurant." He had already planned this out. During her birthday, they will celebrate in a private room in Wu Qin Restaurant. He will also invite the Lao and Tian family as well as other people she is familiar with to celebrate. That was to be done during the noon, as for the evening, it belonged to him only.
"Ok." Su Shuilian nodded her head without any objections.
Ever since they had moved, and even when they had gotten married in Fan Hua Town, over half the villagers had come to give their help and blessings. Especially Lao and Tian House, they would always visit from time to time giving them helpful advice and pointers. If it weren't for these helpful neighbors, their house wouldn't have been so beautiful and prosperous.
So charitable and friendly… Su Shuilian could not help but smile.
Of course, there were people like Hua House, who only knew how to calculate and scheme; to never let any profit slide away from their fingers.
Fortunately, they were located in the most remote, southwest corner of town. Even their closest neighbors, Lao House and Wen House were 500 meters away. So for the poniang that were more difficult to deal with, which, even if they wanted to nit pick at them, it would take them roughly a half an hour to walk to their house to complain.
Su Shuilian secretly laughed. It was definitely a good idea to have bought this remotely located house. They were safe from the 'powerful' poniang that would otherwise make her feel uncomfortable.
--
"Aiyo, don't make so much of a fuss anymore, just come with Dabao and eat a meal. No need to bring anything." Aunt Tian awkwardly said as she received the dried prawns from Su Shuilian.
"I come and disturb you so often that I feel kinda sorry for it. I would be ashamed to arrive empty handed." Su Shuilian smiled sweetly as she replied back.
"You silly girl, your A Yao has really taught you how to deal with others... Fine. I concede. I, Aunt Tian, will accept it. Before you go back home, remember to take some of our homemade sorghum. This liquor is most suitable for drinking over the New Year." Aunt Tian smiled wryly as she placed the bag of dried prawns into the kitchen cabinet before turning back and signaling them to sit down.
After Su Shuilian and Lin Si Yao politely greeted the second head of the Tian house, they sat together on the seats that Aunt Tian had insisted on leading them to.
"Come, come, come, don't be so embarrassed! Since you're Dabao's shifu and shi niang, you aren't considered strangers. I don't really know what ya'll like to eat, so feel free to try anything on the table."
"Ok, don't worry about us Aunt Tian, we can help ourselves. Oh yes, where is your daughter? I don't see her around?" Su Shulian asked curiously as she looked around and failed to see Tian Niu.
"What are you still doing in the inner compartment of the house? Your Shuilian jie came over--" Aunt Tian yelled into the sleeping room of Tian Niu before turning back to face Su Shuilian and Lin Si Yao to explain: "That girl had been like this since yesterday. She suddenly came back home and shouted that she no longer wanted to wed into her fiance's family. We had already exchanged our greetings and sent our dowry to them, how could we just recklessly decide to back out of the marriage. If this leaks out, won't our family be the laughing stock of this whole town?" Aunt Tian had been carrying this burden and worry on her chest for a while, so as soon as Su Shuilian asked, she split the whole situation out.
"Ah? This…" once Su Shuilian heard this, she stood speechless and shocked. Turning back to face Lin Si Yao, as she did not know how to respond back to Aunt Tian.
"Why can't we back out? Why can't we just back out?" Unexpectedly, the daughter of Tian suddenly jumped out of her room, rubbing her bloodshot eyes as she said in a complaining voice: "Xiao Fang said, that person had been seen playing around with a widow in our town! I don't want to marry him! Never!" After she was done emptying out her belly full of anger, Tian Niu went back into her room and slammed the door. The sound of her slamming the door resonated in the room. Leaving everyone in shock as they looked at each other, speechless.
"If you don't want to, then just don't marry." Tian Dabao said, breaking the silence around the dinner table.
"You rascal, how can you say that." Angry, Aunt Tian raised her chopsticks and knocked onto Tian Dabao's head. "Don't talk nonsense. If your sister were to back out on this marriage, do you think you will be able to find a partner later? Ai!" Was she angry?
"That… Aunt Tian…" Su Shuilian lightly patted on Aunt Tian's hand as she persuading: "Sorry if I seem too nosy, however, I feel Tian Niu's words may not be completely unreasonable. Why not investigate this? What if it's really as she claims it to be? Then when she marries, wouldn't that cause Tian Niu's future life to be full of grievance?
When she heard this, Aunt Tain realized that may be the case. When Tian Niu came home that day screaming that she refused to marry, she was too angry to think about this possibility. She had only thought about the fifteen gold that the groom's family had given to them. If they were to back out on the marriage, not only will she have to return the fifteen gold, their house will suffer in reputation and the future of finding a marriage partner for Tian Dabao may suffer with it. But if he really was with a widow, then once her daughter were to marry into the family, then sooner or later, a fight may break out. And if her daughter weren't to say a thing, then, her reputation will still suffer.
"Shui girl may be right. Tomorrow I will go to Qingtian town and ask around. I'll let you know when I get back." While Aunt Tian was still in a daze thinking, Tian Dafu spoke out. Since it was him who had arranged this marriage, if something were really wrong, he might as well walk to retract the marriage with his head held high.
The second head of Tian House nodded in agreement. This was his niece, although she is headstrong at times, she is still hard working. However, because he was well aware of her temper, he chose not to speak, or else, she may direct her anger at him.
"But tomorrow…. Ai, ok then be careful, best not to let any familiar person catch wind of this problem." Aunt Tian had wanted him to go check this problem out after new years, however, if Tian Niu's claims were really true, then it's best not to drag the problem out for any longer. Only after she had repeatedly warned him did Aunt Tian walked back towards the kitchen table where Lin Si Yao and Su Shuilian were sitting.
"Sorry that you two had to see something so embarrassing. Tian Niu never complains about anything, but now I'm so worried that I've even lost my appetite." Aunt Tian picked up a piece of roasted chicken thigh and placed it on the plate in front of Su Shuilian and then a piece of pig trotters on the plate of Lin Si Yao. "Quickly eat it, once it's cold, it will not taste as good. Today still counts as a small holiday, so come and enjoy yourselves.Let us two families look forward to the coming years ahead!"
"Aunt Tian, let me go and try to persuade your daughter to come out and eat." After thinking for a bit, Su Shuilian proposed her idea to Aunt Tian, since this was still a small holiday, it is supposed to be enjoyed by the whole family. Plus, Tian Niu must be feeling quite unwell at the moment.
latest updates at please do not repost
"Then…. You can go and try…. Just be careful, with her explosive temper, you may get hurt." Aunt Tian was naturally thinking of her daughter, however with her last outburst, she did not have the courage to face her. So when Su Shuilian spoke up, she was naturally happy.
"It won't." Su Shuilian shook her head before she got up and walked towards Tian Niu's sleeping quarter.
--
"Shuilian jie, you don't understand, once I heard what Xiao Fang told me, I was really hurt inside." Tian Niu laid on the blanket as she explained in a muffled voice towards Shuilian.
"I can understand." Su Shuilian nodded her head as she sat at the edge of the bed. She lightly patted her shoulders, "But every woman shares the single-mindedness of wanting the best for themselves."
"Yes, but how can he, who looks like a capable man, be associated with that widow?" Tian Niu picked her head up and sniffled before glancing at Su Shuilian. Seeing that Shuilian did not display any look of ridicule, Tian Niu opened up more as she began to talk more about her husband-to-be in Qingtian Town.
To be clear, she had only met him twice. Of course, these events only happened after the proposal was made. The first time was on the first month of the year, during the Lantern Festival*. On that day, Qing Tian Town invited a theatrical troupe so she took Dabao to watch. He had picked them up that day. The second time was on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. On that day, the two of them and some other girls from all three villages went to the city to watch the Fairy's Night Parade*. Although, during both of those times they did not interact much, she still felt the sweetness in her heart growing.
(上元节 - Celebrated on the 15th day of the first Chinese lunar month, the Lantern Festival traditionally marks the end of the Chinese New Year Spring Festival period. People will go out to look at the moon, send up flying lanterns, fly bright drones, have a meal, and enjoy time together with family and friends.)
(Chapter 11 in case anyone forgot.)
But yesterday, at a distant relative's house, she had an encounter with her childhood friend, Liu Xiao Fang. When she heard about the gossip, she was left motionless. Restraining her anger from embarrassment, she had walked her way home before mustering the courage to confront her mother, telling her of her decision to cancel the proposal.
"Since the whole situation is yet to be sorted, no one is willing to make any final decisions yet. Your father has said that he would go to Qing Tian Town tomorrow and ask around. If what you heard is the truth, I think your wish will also be granted by them." Su Shuilian said as she continued to persuade Tian Niu. While at the same time, she dragged her towards the dining table.
"Sit down and enjoy the meal. You probably didn't have a good dinner last night or a good breakfast this morning right?" Su Shuilian smiled, giving a glance at Tian Niu. "Silly girl, if you have anything to say, properly discuss it with your mom and dad. You are all a family, is it worth throwing a fit?"
"Shuilian jie..." Tian Niu embarrassingly lowered her head. Su Shuilian was only, but a year older than her, but she was not as rash as she was. At the same time, after her outburst, she had been feeling much better. With her head lowered, she allowed Su Shuilian to drag her out of her room and into the kitchen where she sat between her mother and Su Shuilian.
"Alright let's eat. Look, the food's already gotten cold." Aunt Tian did not say anything else as she picked up the steamed squid that Tian Niu loved and placed it on her bowl.
The meal finally and peacefully came to an end.
Back Index Next
Assassin FarmerRomanceHistoricalFantasyNovelEnglishTranslationFemale
Pure
Comments (0)
Newest First Oldest First Newest First Most Liked Least Liked
PreviewPost Comment…
Previous
Assassin Farmer Chapter 72
Next
Assassin Farmer Chapter 70
Pure Love Translations
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service
Disclaimer
Pure's
Pure's Ko-fi
Pure's Story
Powered by Squarespace.
Chapter 72: Rid of Old, Welcome the New
After they had their meal at Tian House the couple left with a goodbye. Lin Si Yao carried a jar of sorghum in one hand as they were walking down the village road, side by side, basking in the sun.
The thin ice sheet had melted away on the road. With a quick look at the surroundings, the roof of every house in the vicinity and its patio was blanketed in a thick layer of snow. Under the warm rays from the sun, the snow shone and sparkled with a luster. It was a charming sight.
With such a quiet winter afternoon, it really felt like everything was truly at peace.
"This day was full of happiness right?" Su Shuilian asked in an assuring tone.
"Mhm." Lin Si Yao smiled and nodded as he gazed at her beautiful face complimented by the beautiful scenery.
Su Shuilian smiled back.
She really wanted to thank her second mother and her half sister Shuiyan. To allow her to come here and meet the seemingly cold and unpredictable, and silent, but passionate, gentle, and considerate man in front of her now. As well as to allow her to leave her past life in a family that seemed so calm on the outside, but always so suppressing on the inside.
--
During the thirtieth before New Year's Eve, the loud fireworks finally sounded in Fan Hua Town.
After Lin Si Yao and Su Shuilian drank hot corn porridge and ate whole grain mantou for breakfast, Su Shuilian was chased out of the kitchen. She did not know whether she should be laughing or crying as she returned back to the house to change the bedsheets and fold their clothes.
As for Lin Si Yao, once he finished cleaning up the kitchen, he filled a basin with water and took a clean, dry cloth before exiting the kitchen.
First, he cleaned all the window frames. After that, he cleaned the eastern and western entrances. Next, he cleaned the northern and southern doors of the house that led to the main room and kitchen respectively. Lastly, he cleaned the main entrance into the household before looping back to clean every window thoroughly once more. This took the entirety of yesterday's afternoon. In the meantime, Su Shuilian took her time to stick up the couplets and the large "福*" on all the windows and doors of the house.
(福 - good fortune or happiness)
Apart from the couplets describing the wonderful beginning of spring on the northern, southern, and main entrances in the house, Su Shuilian pasted many auspicious sayings like "in with the new and out with the old" onto the various entrances. While on the remaining doors and windows, were the words "福" written on red diamond shaped auspicious paper. The word flipped upside down to symbolize "prosperity entering the house*".
(So in chinese, the word upside down[颠倒了] also has another meaning, which is 'to arrive'[倒了])
Xiao Chun circled a few rounds at the feet of Lin Si Yao, who was concentrating on setting up the decorations, before finally biting onto one of the "福" paper decorations. He then returned to his and Xiao Xue's home with pride. At the doghouse entrance was Xiao Xue lazing under the warmth of the sun with her eyes closed. Xiao Chun walked up to Xiao Xue, called out "woowoo", as if saying: 'this looks quite fun. How about we give it a try as well…'
Of course, the reply was an uninterested humph.
Seeing this happen, Su Shuilian laughed and took the "福" paper from the mouth of Xiao Chun and poured some white paste made from glutinous rice (primitive glue) and pasted the paper with it above the door of the doghouse. Afterwards, she patted the head of Xiao Chun as if communicating with it: "How does it look? Just like our house right?"
"Woowoowoo" Xiao Chun nodded his head and replied in his own way. Afterwards, he crawled back to Xiao Xue's side and closed his eyes, enjoying the warmth of the sun.
They really do know how to enjoy themselves! Su Shuilian couldn't help but curl her eyes in amusement as she saw this happen in front of her. She silently praised in her heart: Xiao Chun and Xiao Xue are growing more and more sensible, to be able to understand human speech.
She can feel it, and at times they even reply back. However, the only issue is that she herself was not able to understand their wolf language. Hence it wouldn't be wrong to say these wolves are actually smarter than humans.
Su Shuilian smiled as she shook her head. She took a moment to admire the two wolves basking in the sun before she filled a bowl full of water, then went back into the main room.
At the end of noon, the sun rose up to reach the middle of the sky. Su Shuilian, determined to take advantage of the good weather, put out the inner and outer blanket to dry. With this, not only was she able to keep the blankets sanitary, but is also able to retain the warmth of the sun, allowing for it to be more comfortable to sleep in at night.
Meanwhile, Lin Si Yao finished putting up the various "福" words. He walked into the kitchen feeling satisfied as he started to prepare for lunch.
As they needed to eventually welcome the kitchen god as the end of year feast cannot be started before welcoming the kitchen god and paying respects to their ancestors. Lin Si Yao decided that it would be better to cook a simpler lunch, lest the well prepared and scrumptious dishes for dinner would be wasted.
"Shuilian, is noodles fine for lunch with you?" After some thought, Lin Si Yao went to the banks of the southern yard to suggest this to Su Shuilian.
"Okay. I want to eatriverside noodles (片儿川)." Su Shuilian smiled sweetly as she requested. The riverside noodles made by Lin Si Yao were better than the one made by the specially appointed chef in the Su family. The noodles were so delicious that she could not stop eating.
Lin Si Yao smiled as he nodded his head. However, he thought to himself that these noodles were nothing more than just noodles and that no matter how good it is, you're unable to taste the authentic flavor of the forest and the sea. Yet her face of bliss also made Lin Si Yao deeply question the quality of his riverside noodles-- has his culinary skills risen to a new peak?
He had learnt how to make these riverside noodles back when he was working at a tea shop. During that time, his goal of life was simple: to earn enough to feed himself. That was until the previous master took him in and sent him into the mountains where he slowly reached the pinnacle as one of the most infamous assassins of the Feng Yao Court. During that time, he barely had enough time to sleep, so along with that, he also lost the time to cook for himself.
However now, he's able to leisurely knead dough and chop them into fine noodles. After that, he would wash and cut the pickled cabbage, pork, wild bamboo shoots, and carrots…...Anything that could be used as an ingredient in this dish, was chopped up finely by him.
He was an unfeeling assassin in the past, but now, he's now able to wash and cut ingredients, as well as be able to cook a bowl of riverside noodles for his beloved in such a relaxed manner.
If his old companions caught wind of this, they would probably laugh their teeth off. And yet, this is the life that he himself has willing and wished to continue to live.
--
After lunch, Lin Si Yao took a break sitting on the kang while drinking Black Tartary Buckwheat Tea. Only at the end of the afternoon, did he get up to prepare for the New Year's Eve bath.
Lin Si Yao went to the kitchen to boil water and prepared some grapefruit leaves. Whereas Su Shuilian went to their bedroom to prepare 2 sets of clean clothes.
Currently the warmest part of the house was the main hall, as the kang was left on the entire day.
As such, Lin Si Yao lowered the bolt on the southern door, preventing Xiao Chun and Xiao Xue from entering and causing any problems. With this, Su Shuilian would be able to wash herself in peace in the main hall.
As for himself, Lin Si Yao took watch at the northern entrance, listening intently for any sounds coming from inside in case anything happened. Only until Su Shuilian finished bathing did he go into the main hall to clean it. He himself did not mind taking a cold bath in the kitchen.
Once both of them were done bathing, they changed into their new clothes, feeling refreshed.
Su Shuilian wore a two piece tunic skirt, which was embroidered with a gold and silver thread with a winter plum. It contrasted perfectly with the cherry red robes that she was wearing.
latest updates at please do not repost
Whereas Lin Si Yao wore a muted green long robe with a high waistband, the waistband had bamboo leaves embroidered on it, complementing the bamboo embroidered on the bottom ends of his robe.
Paired with his long hair tied into a tall bun, all these features helped to emphasize his noble characteristics. And as for the black embroidered long overcoat robe, it could be either that he could not bear to wear it, or he could just tolerate most of the cold weather; most of the time, Lin Si Yao wouldn't use it. In fact, no matter how bone-chilling the wind was or how hard the northern wind blew, he would still go out like this without his overcoat. It was only after the constant nagging of Su Shuilian, did he wear this warm and fitting winter robe.
Only after the 2 of them have finished changing into new clothes, did they start preparing the sacrificial items.
First is to welcome the kitchen god back into the realm of men.
The sacrificial items to welcome and send back the kitchen god are really similar: there were always a set of candles, 3 pieces of joss sticks, a cup of tea, a cup on wine, a cup of sugar, a cup of water, 2 plates of fruits, 4 bowls of dessert, 6 servings of non-vegetarian dishes, 9 servings of vegetables, a big basin of rice… in short, one must take all the good food in the house and prepare it in a few dishes for the kitchen god to eat.
On the small holiday (23rd of the twelfth lunar calendar), people would send off the kitchen god back to heaven. Having all these delicious dishes on display was for nothing more than to seal the lips of the everso hungry and glutinous kitchen god. Hopefully the same soft spot for man's food will cause the kitchen god to report only good things to the jade emperor when he returns back to the heavens. At the very least he wouldn't say any bad things as every man hopes for good weather and harvests next year.
The kitchen god will return on the first day of lunar new year, after reporting to the jade emperor. As such, many similar scrumptious dishes would be prepared for the sake of expressing gratitude. If the kitchen god said something good, the entire family should shower him with all sorts of rewards and praises. If he didn't say anything good, then the lavish sacrifice would persuade him to not repeat his behavior next year.
After welcoming the kitchen god, they were to pay respects to their ancestors.
Su Shuilian and Lin Si Yao respectfully kneeled before their ancestors, praying in their hearts: 'ancestors and beings above, please protect us and keep us healthy and without harm'.
However, in reality, both of them did not know why they were kneeling, as they were praying to their illusionary ancestors. At the same time, because the other party looked so solemn, it made it hard for both of them to speak up.
After welcoming the kitchen god and paying respects to the ancestors, the six meat dishes and nine vegetables dishes were now used as the family dinner. Of course, the cold food was warmed up and a big batch of dumplings were also included in this large festive dinner. With all the rituals said and done, the four, two sitting by the table and the other two beneath the table were able to enjoy the New Years Dinner as a whole family.
Loud firecracker explosions sounded outside the house as the cold wind blew. Inside the house, instead were sounds of happy laughter and warmth that was similar to that of spring.
It was a reunion dinner. From the time they started eating to the time it ended, finally came the time where the alcohol intolerant Su Shuilian could no longer drink anymore. She closed both of her eyes and leaned against Lin Si Yao, falling into his chest and sleeping peacefully.
This happened until the sudden onset of firecracker explosions outside which jolted her awake. Only then, did she realize that she had slept past the midnight mark, which was the very first moment of the new year.
Whereas Lin Si Yao was trying hard to hold back his laughter whilst admiring the charmingly confused expression on Su Shuilian's face. "Have you woken up? It's already time. Let's go back home and sleep." His eyes flashed a familiar and caring gaze. Afterwards, he carried her up and pushed open the door into the bedroom.
" Ah Yao, don't we… need to light up our firecrackers?" Su Shuilian suddenly remembered.
" They have already been lit." All the fireworks that symbolize safety had already been lit as she slept. Or else, how would she have awoken? He chuckled softly next to her ear, before placing her onto the large bed and pinning her fragrant and delicate body down….
The light from the candle flickered as the cold night grew weary. At the same time, it was also thrilling and short. The new year has come… Is spring really that far behind?
Back Index Next
Assassin FarmerRomanceHistoricalFantasyNovelEnglishTranslationFemale
Pure
Comments (0)
Newest First Oldest First Newest First Most Liked Least Liked
PreviewPost Comment…
Previous
Assassin Farmer Chapter 73
Next
Assassin Farmer Chapter 71
Pure Love Translations
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service
Disclaimer
Pure's
Pure's Ko-fi
Pure's Story
Chapter 73: A Busy New Year
The pleasing warmth of the sun unraveled the curtains as it shined down on the Country of Dahui's first day of the new year.
After he finished making three different flavored sweet dumplings from the sesame, bean, and jujube fillings, Lin Si Yao got up and out of the kitchen into the southern yard to harvest the matured crops from the garden.
After three days of good weather, most of the snow in the south yard had melted. There were just some small corners that had some thin sheets of ice, but it did not hinder Lin Si Yao in his following actions.
With the waterproof cloth folded and put to the side, Lin Si Yao left the wooden stands in place, just in case they were needed to be used again for any predicted snow falls during the early spring.
All of the matured cabbage, baby bok choy, sweet potatoes, and radishes are dug out and placed into a large bamboo basket. As for the rotted leaves, it was left in the soil to turn into fertilizer. And for the yet to yellow leaves, they were thrown in the chicken and sheep coop.
For the large harvest of cabbage, some were picked out to be eaten in a few days, the rest were taken out to be dried in the sun by the water to be pickled later. The small batch of bok choy harvested was to be eaten fresh, so it was left on the kitchen counter.
Some of the sweet potato and radish were left on the counter by the bok choy to be eaten soon, while the rest were placed in the newly built storage area by the chicken coop. This small storage area has a stone foundation, with the doors made of wood. There is a brick outer layer and finally covered with an oil lined cloth. This way even with rainy weather, the food inside the storage could stay dry and last for quite a while.
After he finished these activities, Lin Si Yao realized it was no longer early, so he went into the kitchen to take a quick bath. As for the now mostly cleared garden, he will think of what to plant in it later. It is almost spring, so the two acres of farmland should come of use soon. Although a part of it had some winter wheat planted, those seeds were just sprinkled on the ground and needed no further attention, so he had nothing to really work on.
While brainstorming on what to do, Lin Si Yao also busied himself with some other work. As a former assassin, now with only thoughts about what to plant, harvest, and eat everyday, it was really hard for him to get accustomed to it at first. However, as the days passed by, looking at his home, the same annoyance was synonymous to the feelings of sweetness and satisfaction. At times, he even had the urge to thank Feng Qingya for the relentless chase that had led him here.
--
"Village elder, Aunt Lao, Aunt Tian……" Su Shulian counted the number of gifts on the table to match the number of people she had to give, before putting them away.
Fan Hua Town has sort of a small custom, which is: If a family has an elder, he or she could not leave the house for the entirety of the first week of the new year.
As such, families like the couple Su Shuilian and Lin Si Yao could freely do new year's visitation as they did not have an elder.
Su Shuilian and Lin Si Yao decided to walk around Fan Hua town to visit and wish everyone who had helped out, no matter how big or how small, a happy new year.
As for the gifts, they were carried by Lin Si Yao, in two large fruit baskets.
Each one was wrapped with a red cotton cloth, making a cute gift bundle. A fine black thread was weaved through the edge of each red cloth, so with a light tug, the cotton could easily be opened. The bundles were filled with surplus food, such as wild chicken eggs, dried and salted fish, fruit flavored flower-shaped cakes, crispy layered biscuits ... To top it all off, A cute chain of a dozen copper coins held by a thin piece of string wrapped around the cloth bag.
Of course, the price of each gift didn't differ too much. This was an area that Su Shuilian thought through more thoroughly. Or else, if people were to engage in casual chatter and found out that there were differences in value of the new year gifts they received, wouldn't it result in a misunderstanding? They might even think that they are showing favoritism.
On the other hand, ever since they moved to the corner of Fan Hua town less than half a year ago, there were a few shrewd and calculating farmers envious of her lifestyle. For example, those who had seen Lin Si Yao carry back the dead wild animals he had hunted home, ran straight to the village elder to report it. Even though they themselves didn't dare to go into the mountains by themselves, they still went to the village elder to complain, wondering if all the animals in the mountain would soon be hunted by Lin Si Yao.
There also was another poniang that upon knowing Su Shulian's embroidery works outperformed the He House's poniang Lin-shi, taking up the title of the best embroider in Fan Hua Town in a single leap, even becoming the chief embroider of YueYun Embroidery Floor, decided to bad mouth Su Shuilian whenever she was with Lin-shi. Although the words were like a stabbing knife trying to cause a rift between Su Shuilian and Lin-shi, she (Ls) could only laugh and brush it off. Lin-shi did not at all blame Su Shuilian. She admits that Su Shuilian really had superior skills in embroidery.
And so after filtering out those people from the list, Su Shuilian and Lin Si Yao were able to fill the basket with the gifts for the people on the list. This way, they even got to save. Haha Su Shuilian giggled in her heart. However, this was the reality of living in Fan Hua Town. If you give me a foot, ten feet will be given back. If you bully us, then we would not tattle, but we wouldn't even notice you at all. Or else it would seem like we are easy to pick on.
--
latest updates at / please do not repost
It was only till the end of the afternoon, did the two of them carry the two full fruit baskets back into their house.
Twenty five gifts had been given out during the new year. In the process, they too had also accepted the gifts from the other parties that they forced into their fruit baskets. Within those gifts, there was house-reared chicken and duck eggs, self brewed "hot knife" wine, pickled cucumber, green bean cakes… and several branches of budding red plum.
Su Shuilian happily placed the branches of red plum into the wide-mouth vase located in their bedroom.
She then clapped her hands and smiled happily to herself as she left the kitchen to help Lin Si Yao organize all of the gifts that the villagers had given them.
"Shifu~~ Shi Niang~~ " Tian Dabao's loud shouts suddenly sounded from afar, it was clear that his voice had reached before he himself had arrived in their house.
"Shifu, Shi Niang, it's New Years!" Tian Dabao came into the kitchen, but he was not alone, behind him were several children all under the age of 10. Su Shuilian only recognized three of them: six year old Fang Xiaohua from Fang Dasheng, nine year old Sun Qihe from Sun Youmao, and nine year old Shui Fu from Shui Gen. She remembered them because they had tagged along when their mothers had visited.
"Lin Shifu, Lin Shi Niang, Happy New Year." All six children bowed and greeted as they reiterated what Tian Dabao had told them to say.
Truth be told, they actually wanted to call her Shuilian jiejie, how could there be such a young and pretty Shi Niang? But Tian Dabao would not let them. He said that if they had insisted on it, then they would have to go to the house on their own. Of course, it was also Tian Dabao's idea to greet each individual by their surnames to differentiate one from another. With all of these, it's not hard to say that the blood clot in his brain may have already dissipated.
Shi Niang, it was them who insisted on following me, I couldn't help it." Tian Dabao shrugged his shoulders and put both hands up as if looking helpless while he explained.
Just as he finished his words, Lin Si Yao threw an air palm at him. Tian Dabao immediately acted like a sensible child.
"Happy New Year everyone. Let's go to the main hall to play." Su Shuilian smiled, with a wave of her hand, she signaled the children to follow her into the main hall.
"See, what did I say? Shi Niang's house is full of snacks." Tian Dabao said proudly as he flaunted while the other kids all nodded in admiration. With their sights locked on the plate filled with about 7 or 8 different varieties of dried fruit snacks. There was even maltose candy and candied hawthorn that their families would always refuse to buy for them.
During the first month of the lunar year, all of the houses open their gates to allow all of their neighbors to visit each other. Just in case anyone were to bring their children to their house, Su Shuilian had Lin Si Yao go to the city during the last day of the last month to get all sorts of snacks that were enjoyed by children.
"Don't be shy, take whatever you want to eat." Su Shuilian came back with seven small plates of egg custard made by Lin Si Yao from the kitchen. "Careful, it may still be hot, so eat it slowly." Su Shuilian placed the egg custard next to the table by the seats the children were sitting on. As well as the low table on the Kang that Tian Dabao and two other children were sitting on while they feasted on all the custard in large bites.
"I didn't lie, did I? My Shifu's egg custard is the best in the world." After he was done, Tian Dabao wiped the corners of his mouth with his hand as he proudly stated.
"Mhm" The children all collectively nodded with sparkling black eyes. They then stared at the other snacks on the table, but were too embarrassed to reach for it.
"Dabao, hurry and hand out the snacks to everyone." From the bedroom, Su Shuilian had brought out six strings with ten copper coins tied on each one. When she heard Tian Dabao's flaunting attitude, she did not know whether to laugh or cry. She told him to hand out the treats as she passed out the stringed coins to each child, "Here, take this home and buy some fun toys with it."
All of the children looked at each other. Though they were still somewhat embarrassed, they did not want to miss out; their hands stayed behind their backs, but their eyes stared straight at the coins in Su Shuilain's hands.
Su Shuilian laughed as she stuffed the coins in their hands. As for Tian Dabao, when they had visited Tian house earlier today, they had already given him the ninety nine copper coins shaped into a rabbit from the zodiac as a new years rite.
"Thank you Lin Shi Niang!" The youngest, Fang Xiaohua thanked Su Shuilian first before the others followed suit.
"You're welcome. What do you want to eat? Shi Niang can get it for you." Su Shuilian smiled while she patted Fang Xiaohua's head and asked.
"I want to eat candied hawthorn, actually all of us want to eat it."
"Who says?"
"Who told you such a thing?"
"..."
--
With the new years greetings completed and when they had finished eating and drinking, Tian Dabao had led the six other children out as they continued to visit the next house.
The children were definitely the most happy during this month. They could go where they want, eat whatever they desire, and even get a few coins to buy whatever. How could they not be happy?
latest updates at please do not repost
Back Index Next
Assassin FarmerRomanceHistoricalFantasyNovelEnglishTranslationFemale
Pure
Comments (0)
Newest First Oldest First Newest First Most Liked Least Liked
PreviewPost Comment…
Previous
Assassin Farmer Chapter 74
Next
Assassin Farmer Chapter 72
Pure Love Translations
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service
Disclaimer
Pure's
Pure's Ko-fi
Pure's Story
Powered by Squarespace.
Chapter 74: Qing Yu Temple
The rest of the first lunar month, Su Shuilian and Lin Si Yao just stayed home and did not leave.
In addition to the children visiting previously, Tian Dabao would occasionally stop by to eat, drink, and play around at their house. Aunt Tian, Aunt Lao, Xicui, Tian Niu had also visited too, bringing along some other housewives for the new year exchange. Other than that, the times were peaceful.
Speaking of Tian Niu, Su Shuilian had heard from Aunt Tian, that her marriage, in the end, did not fall through.
That day when Tian Dafu went to their town, he did not receive any sort of news. However, what did happen was that Lai Youming had brought a large pig thigh over to their house earlier this month as a new years greeting.
Tian House had him stay for dinner, and steadily led the conversation to the only widow in Qingtian Town. Lai Youming kept a straight face, without any guilty expression. He had even calmly explained that she was a cousin from his mother's side of his family. Although she was not related to anyone in his current family, she still moved here from the city of Jindu to marry. And now that she had lost her husband last year, she was left to care for her 3 and a half year old son, and her now sixty years old mother in law.
After she listened to him, Tian Niu believed about 80%, and decided not to back down. If after she were to marry and find out that he really was having an affair with this widow, then she would admit defeat and it was her who was not lucky.
And so, Aunt Tian was able to finally relax as she accepted his gift and then gave him some dried fruits and vegetables for him to bring back home.
After the passing of 10 days, it coincided with the 15th of the first lunar month(Lantern Festival). Qing Tian town once again had invited an entertainment troupe. All of the villagers who knew about this brought their benches and pockets full of peanuts, happily talking and laughing at each other as they walked to Qing Tian town to watch the show. Su Shuilian and Lin Si Yao were brought along by Tian Dabao, Tian Niu and a few others who were drunk with happiness.
The group of them walked and talked, until the halfway mark where they got onto the Villager chief's Ox drawn Cart and just made it for the last show. After the end credits, when Su Shuilian and Lin Si Yao were about to search for Tian Niu who had disappeared the moment she entered the theater, they saw Tian Niu with reddish eyes returning back to them.
"Liu Xiaofang is really a bitch!" Tian Niu spat out hatefully.
latest updates at / please do not repost
It turns out that Liu Xiaofang had been holding a torch for Lai Youming for some time. Right after her coming of age, she had persuaded her family to prepare a matchmaker to formally propose. However, she caught wind that the Lai Family had already proposed to the Tian Family. Upon hearing of the news, Tian Xiaofang felt indignant, as though Tian Niu had stolen Lai Youming from her. That was why she had hatched a plot to break them up so she would have an opening to strike. Little did she know that Tian Niu was still willing to be wedded to Lai Youming. This was the reason for Liu Xiaofang's frustrated outburst, which was coincidentally overheard by Tian Niu who happened to eavesdrop on her. Not only was Liu Xiaofang unable to be betrothed to Lai Youming, even her childhood friendship with Tian Niu was completely ruined.
Since the truth has been revealed, Tian Niu graciously explained the series of events to Lai Youming whilst apologizing with a reddened face.
Lai Youming was not as emotional as Tian Niu. For starters, he did not like Liu Xiaofang after interacting with her, she seemed to be harboring some ulterior motive behind her actions. Secondly, there wasn't anything between the Wang Family widow and himself, the matter would be easily resolved since it was just a misunderstanding. Because of this incident, Lai Youming was able to see Tian Niu's character: Logical and straightforward. This incident also caused Lai Youming to feel more attracted to Tian Niu.
This could be called a fortune in disguise for Tian Niu: Not only did she see through her childhood friend's true character, she also gained the attention of her future spouse at the same time.
Upon hearing the trigger for this incident, Su Shuilian couldn't help but sigh in wonder.
Why are there girls in this world like Lu Wan'er or Liu Xiaofang? Don't they know that there are some things in the world, such as marriage, that are predestined and are not to be forced?
Recently, once he was done with his daily chores, Lin Si Yao would accompany Su Shuilian in the study, his hands flipping through books related to agriculture whilst she embroidered.
Credit has to be given to the old abbot who had adopted him for nine years and taught him quite a number of words. Having spent three years in Xuanwu Mountain memorizing numerous martial art doctrines, Lin Si Yao had also taken the opportunity to learn a number of difficult words.
At present, amongst the shelved books in the house, a portion of them were bought by him. Shuilian loved to read about interesting, worldly matters while Lin Siyao preferred practicality. Be it agriculture or culinary cooking… Each time he took a book and sat down at the table with a hot, steaming cup of wheat tea, a sense of dissonance would arise from within him: That the past twenty three years of his life was merely just a dream and that the peaceful life that he was currently in right now was the irrefutable reality.
Lin Si Yao shook his head, mocking the silver of thought that flashed past his mind. If Sikuo and the others found out that he was currently living a relaxed and laid-back life in a secluded village like this, what kind of expression would they be having on their faces? Expressions of shock on their cold, stoic faces perhaps? Lin Si Yao was unable to imagine it.
If someone had told him a year ago that he would be rescued by a harmless, gentle girl from a wealthy family, he would have snorted in disbelief. If another prediction was made about him tying the knot with the aforementioned maiden and living the contented life of a simple peasant, he would find it even more inconceivable.
During this period of time, aside from sewing two cotton shirts for spring, Su Shuilian would create several new embroideries whenever she was idle; there were strawberries that coexisted with flowers and fruit, there were kittens toying with balls of yarn, piglets that laid on their bellies whilst basking under the sun...In a nutshell, these embroideries all had one thing in common: Flowers blooming, heralding the arrival of spring.
Xi Cui, who came along with Auntie Lao to deliver the wedding invitations, fell in love with them as soon as she laid her eyes on them. She begged Su Shuilian to make two for her: one was a tree full of pear blossoms after a rainy day while the other was a puppy that was pouncing after butterflies. Xi Cui left happily with the embroideries in her arms, intending to sew them onto the shirts in her dowry.
That's right, Xi Cui's big day was nearing. The eighteenth day of the third lunar month was an auspicious day for weddings.
Su Shuilian pondered on what gift she should give Xi Cui for her dowry. What should I give? Embroidery? Xi Cui's handiwork is not bad either. Silver Ingots? Would that be too plain?
Su Shuilian knit her brows in worry…
Time flew by quickly and the second lunar month soon arrived.
On the fifth day of the month, Xiao Xue gave birth to three wolf pups, all of them had pure white fur. They looked whiter than Xiao Xue, possibly due to the wolf king being their father. After all, the white wolves ranked top amongst the wolf hierarchy. Since Xiao Xue's wolf pups had white pelts, it was pretty evident that they would be candidates to be the next wolf king.
After Xiao Xue's childbirth, the wolf king had snuck in to pay her a visit, in the middle of the night of course. He tenderly licked the pelts of his children for a very long time before reluctantly leaving.
Lin Si Yao understood that the three pups will have to leave with the wolf king once they reach independence. As such, he did not make a move to stop the wolf king from visiting his children. He merely indicated with his eyes: Don't overstay your welcome or damage anything.
The wolf king shook his head and tail in apparent understanding before starting to intimately lick Xiao Xue and their three pups.
It was only till chǒu-shí (1pm-3pm), that the wolf king reluctantly returned to Dashi Mountain.
It was rumored that the goddess Guan Yin was born into this world on the 19th of the second lunar month. Fanluo City's only temple that was located twenty li near the outskirts, Qing Yu Temple had spirals of incense smoke billowing out.
The day before, Xi Cui had invited Su Shuilian to accompany her to visit Qing Yu Temple to offer incense. Su Shuilian knew that this visit was to pray for a blissful marriage. Although she was already married, it would also be a good way to while away some time. Since she would be busy sowing the seeds in a few more days.
"Sis Shuilian, is Big Brother Yao going with us?" Xi Cui whispered to Su Shuilian as she glanced at Lin Si Yao who stayed right by Shuilian's side.
It wasn't that she wouldn't let Lin Si Yao accompany them. To be honest, Qing Yu Temple, the one that they were going to visit, worships Bodhisattvas and the Goddess Guan Yin. With Lin Si Yao's stern expression, the chilly air that he gives off might scare off any divine presence that might reside in the temple.
Furthermore, Xi Cui wanted to take the opportunity to consult Su Shuilian regarding some things about the marriage ceremony. Although her mother had been incessantly telling her, but there were still some minor questions that she wanted to find someone to ease her worries. Xi Cui thought that Su Shuilian was the best person to go to since she married only a year ago. However, how was she going to ask about certain matters if Lin Si Yao was going to be here!
Su Shuilian looked at Xi Cui scrunch up her face in worry and humorously glanced at the wordless and innocent Lin Si Yao, before gently comforting her, "He will be waiting outside the temple for us." It's impossible to not let him join. From Lin Si Yao's point of view, a crowded place like the temple was a perfect place for incidents to appear. How could he allow two girls to venture there alone?
Xi Cui had no choice but to nod in agreement.
They were a loving couple after all. One that was unwilling to part for even a single day.
Ai, how lucky would she be if the man she was going to marry was as accommodating and caring as him. However, her mother had said that a man who overly pampers his wife like Lin Si Yao was a rarity in itself. If not, the very thought would cause feelings of unfairness to rise up in Xi Cui's heart. Therefore, her motivation for going to Qing Yu Temple was undoubtedly to wish for a peaceful marriage, with the contents of her wish being a simple, but common one of having a happy and blissful marriage.
The three of them called for a carriage at the village entrance and within an hour, they arrived at the foot of Qing Mountain that was enveloped with incense. Su Shuilian mused and wondered if everyone in Fanluo City were gathered here, for that would explain the neverending sea of people that snaked and wound their way up the mountain.
"Let's find a place to rest first. We won't be able to enter the temple for at least an hour and a half." Lin Si Yao suggested to Xi Cui before leading Su Shuilian towards the slightly less populated outer perimeter of the temple.
latest updates at / please do not repost
"Heavens! Why do I suddenly feel like passing out. Were there this many people in Fanluo City?!" Xi Cui hastily hurried after the couple, arriving before a large boulder with the words "Qingluo Temple" inscribed onto it, her eyes still swimming with confusion.
"I think it must be a special day today." Su Shuilian faintly smiled. The 19th of the second lunar month was Guan Yin's birthday, it was also a festive event back in Suzhou, China. Leaving the large monasteries, even the streets were teeming with items that had themes of the goddess on them.
"My mother brought me here in the past but I've never seen so many people before." Xi Cui shook her head mystified, looking about in curiosity while trying to spot the reason for the crowd of worshippers.
"What's with today? There's so many people! I think we should just return home!"
"That's right, we don't even know when it will be our turn. I'd rather go back and cook. I think the Buddhavistas would not blame us for doing that."
"That's right, they should blame the person who booked the temple. Who knows which bigshot official or noble it is, occupying the entire temple like that and not letting us enter..."
"Haven't you heard? It seems like a noble has come from Feng City in the capital."
"Tch, coming to such a faraway place like this to offer incense? You've got to be joking!"
"It's the truth...I heard it yesterday from Big Head Li who was guarding the city gates...Trust me, it was Big Head Li's security detail that escorted them into the city."
"Oh my, it's not our business whether you believe it or not. Forget it, I have to go back and cook. If not, the old man will begin nagging again. Ah Yu, what about you?"
"Naturally, I will be accompanying you."
"Then let me join the returning group. With this many people, it looks like it's impossible to enter the temple today."
"Then, let's go back."
"Let's go."
"So that's how it is." Xi Cui could roughly hazard a guess based on what she had picked up.
A bigshot official from Feng City must have booked Qing Yu Temple for the day, which led to the locals from Fanluo City waiting outside for them to be done. That explains why the winding mountainous roads towards the temple were full of followers who were waiting to enter and offer their prayers.
I understand now. Su Shuilian nodded in understanding.
She just didn't expect it, that a faraway place like Fan Luo City would actually be able to attract followers with such a large backing to pray and offer incense.
With that, Qing Yu Temple's reputation should be better than before. Su Shuilian couldn't help but raise her eyebrows in happiness.
"Xi Cui, are we still going to wait?" Su Shuilian looked towards Xi Cui, who was glancing about. Shuilian was actually suggesting that they should forget it and return home. It was going to be almost noon soon and yet they still did not know when it would be their turn to enter.
Furthermore, Goddess Guan Yin would probably be tired as well right? After attending to the bigshot official who booked out her temple for half a day, she'd also have to attend to the wishes of the females who came to her with offerings and prayers. I doubt she'll have the energy to remember the small wishes of two insignificant mortals right? Su Shuilian thought to herself whilst making a funny face.
"Forget it, let's wait till tomorrow, when there are fewer people coming. I feel terrified just by looking at the crowd like this." Xi Cui stuck out her tongue and shook her head. You must be joking, even if the noble left, it would be extremely difficult for Xi Cui and Shuilian to squeeze through the throngs of worshippers that were trying to enter the temple due to their small stature.
"Alright, then let us go back. I'll accompany you here on another day." Su Shuilian agreed with Xi Cui's suggestion and nodded, tilting her head to meet her eyes with Lin Si Yao before leaving together.
Back Index Next
Assassin FarmerRomanceHistoricalFantasyNovelEnglishTranslationFemale
Pure
Comments (0)
Newest First Oldest First Newest First Most Liked Least Liked
PreviewPost Comment…
Previous
Assassin Farmer Chapter 75
Next
Assassin Farmer Chapter 73
Pure Love Translations
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service
Disclaimer
Pure's
Pure's Ko-fi
Pure's Story
Powered by Squarespace.
Chapter 75: Thundering Winds Gang
Near the end of the second lunar month, which was the time when all the flowers began to bloom, the farmers in Fan Hua Town were all going down into the field to sow their seeds and plant their rice, one after another.
Lin Si Yao and Su Shuilian talked it over for a bit. The remaining acre of land, after harvesting the vegetables there, they made the plan to turn the soil and plant some cotton, corn, soybeans, sorghum, and others of that sort. After waiting for some time, when the wheat in the neighboring acre of land has fully ripened and reaped, they would fill that plot with rice plants.
Su Shuilian had no objection herself.
They definitely needed to plant cotton. Thinking back on the first few cotton period pads she sewed, they had long been washed until they pieced together and hardened. And this white cotton, it's actually not purchasable on the streets. As for those fabric shops that sold readymade clothes and quilts, even if they had cotton, it wasn't guaranteed to be completely new. If it was secondhand cotton that was refluffed for continued use, even if she brought it, she wouldn't dare to stuff it in the cotton pads to use with peace of conscience.
Who knows how dirty it would be inside?
On that account, Lin Si Yao had calculated everything early on. As soon as spring started, the first thing he'd do is plant cotton. Furthermore, he planned to plant half an acre. If it was too much for her to use by herself, they'd sell it to the vendors looking to acquire more, and trade for cotton fabric.
And for the remaining half an acre of land, Lin Si Yao planted two rows of corn, one row of soybeans, one row of peanuts, one row dedicated to raising wheat………… corn and soybeans could both be eaten as raw foods, and ground for flour, if there were still any extra, they could be taken to the oil mill and blended into cooking oil. Peanuts had more uses to them, it could be raw food, it could be dried and eaten, used to make a sauce, and used to blend oil. All in all, what Lin Si Yao chose were all versatile and low maintenance crops.
As for the other gaps between the rows on the field, kinds of beans that were often used but not usually needed were placed there, for instance, red beans, green beans, black beans, and other breeds that had strong life forces, but didn't need close attention. When the time comes, as long as you trim their branches from time to time, loosen their soil, water them a bit, get rid of the pests on them...it'll be fine. Truth is, he doesn't want to leave Shuilian's line of sight for too long.
Not to mention, after a few more months pass, when the three little wolf pups have enough stamina to support themselves to enter the mountain, Xiao Xue will definitely take them and follow the Wolf King back into Dashi Mountain. That being the case, the house will be guarded by Xiao Chun alone, and he could not be at ease with that. A while back, he sensed a few rascals up to no good hovering around his house, though they didn't do anything that risked the wellbeing of his home, but just this was enough to make him worry about the safety of Shuilian
latest updates at
What kind of people could have malevolence delusions about his family? Villagers whose eyes went red with envy at his household? Spies sent by Feng Yao Court? He immediately vetoed these two guesses. It's not like the townspeople just gained insight into his family situation, if they had any ideas about it, they wouldn't have waited until now. Moreover, with the martial skill of the farmers and smiths in the villagers, they wouldn't have the guts to touch an inch of his home. And for Feng Yao Court, Lin Si Yao discretely shook his head and denied the possibility, with Feng Qingya's vicious and ruthless style of doing things, if he caught wind of him not being dead, there's no way he would have sent just a couple of jacks of all trades to test his waters.
Three days after, without the need for Lin Si Yao to do any further speculation, the couple of slimy and sneaky dabblers bit the hook themselves.
"Thundering Winds Gang? What kind of thing is that?" Lin Si Yao raised a sharp brow, asking the three before him, big brutes of men supporting their dislocated arms, and clutching their broken calves, while bawling their eyes out, in a grave tone.
"It's……….it's not a thing, oof ouch owie…, …...of course it's a thing……...golly……...Brother Zhao, why'd you kick me!" Qifeng, a burly, simple-mindedly honest fellow, took the lead and grumbled.
"First it's a thing, then it's not a thing, stop your indecisive rambling! You should be careful that the big boss doesn't slice your head off! Great……… hero, Thundering Winds Gang……… is our Fan Lou City's biggest gang faction. You must have heard of it, right?" the thug, who seemed to be the spokesman out of the three, explained, bowing and scraping.
"That's right, our Thundering Winds Gang has ruled Fan Lou City for five to six years. Who could have not heard of us!..." said the last brute, also a straightforward man.
"Great hero, it's all the fault of us brothers…, the blame's on that wretched hussy for not giving us clear orders… well…… you rest easy, we'll go back straightaway to clarify this matter to our big boss, we'll absolutely… absolutely never cause a ruckus again at your place. Really. I swear. So, can you release me and my people?". The hoodlum who was the spokesman appeared to beg, and also seemed like he was guaranteeing Lin Si Yao, raising one hand to swear an oath.
"Who do you mean by wretched hussy?" Lin Si Yao's expressionless tone of speech secreted a trace of killing intent. It made the three unintentionally shiver from the chill.
The three exchanged looks face to face, again, the muscly spokesman fronted them and stuttered out a response: "That woman...seemed to be….seemed to be the first miss from the city's Lu family…."
…" What did she want you to come here to do?".
Lin Si Yao balled his two fists up hard, a sudden coldness flashed through his gaze, as deep and as unfathomable as an endless abyss.
"Uh… spare us, chivalrous swordsman… please spare us, ...us minor shrimps were only commanded to carry out the orders of the big boss, and kidnap that maiden that just passed by… and as for what they wanted to do with her after the kidnapping, that has nothing to do with us insignificant henchmen…" the three goons, trembling with fear, eyed each other, each detecting the anxiety in each other's eyes. Oh, dear momma, from what background did this man before their eyes come from? He was even more skilled than our own boss, not just by a single tier. By just raising his finger, he and his men were all suppressed and sustained deep injuries. Doesn't that mean if he had used his two fists, they would be welcomed by the underworld?!?
Lin Si Yao fixed his glare on the three, the hands by his sides clenching up tightly, a thread of cold anger passing through his eyes that were deeply and incomprehensibly profound.
That damn Lu Wan'er! Time and time again perturbing him by stirring up havoc, and now she even dared to go as far as to hire a faction of a gang to seize Shuilian. This move to him was like pulling off the scales of a dragon. Very well! Just because he, Lin Si Yao, doesn't kill women, doesn't mean he doesn't raise his hand to teach them a lesson! He glared at the three until cold sweat dripped down their faces without end, finally coldly throwing out a warning. "Return and inform your boss, if he dares come to Fan Hua Town again and disturb the peace, I will drive the Thundering Winds Gang to the ground…" Turning his figure, he drifted some feet away with just one vertical step.
He really did have the ability to flatten the Thundering Winds Gang with a stomp! The three watched as Lin Si Yao disappeared from their sight with just two or three moves, heart still shaking, as they wiped away the fine sheen of sweat covering their brow. They leaned on and supported each other as they stumbled their way back to inform their boss.
--
The first courtyard to be hit by the sun in the west side of Fan Lou City.
Hanging on the front door, right above one's brow, is a placard that reads "Thundering Winds Gang". Three traditional Chinese letters were written in thick black paint. And here, just as one would guess, is the base camp of what is known as Fan Lou City's most prominent street gang, the Thundering Winds Gang.
"Slam!.."
"Absolutely preposterous!".
Those comments were followed by the sound of a teacup being crushed to pieces by a powerful hand. The current boss of the Thundering Winds Gang was in his early forties or so. Hua Yu'er, a bearded man with heavy brows, pounded the table viciously, shouting angry abuses at his dejected underlings, jittering with fear and trepidation at his feet. "Didn't I have you scout out the area? Who told you to take action?!"
latest updates at
"Big…...big boss, weren't you the one who told us to act according to the opportunity, at our own discretion…..?" One of them retorted gutsily: "That woman isn't even ounces heavy...".
"You still dare talk back to me! That's enough, you people don't have to go out anymore, just stay in the kitchen. Just the sight of you all causes embarrassment." Hua Yu'er rolled his eyes in utter exasperation, waving one hand towards the three useless chaps, signaling them to get out of his sight.
"Big Boss, Ah Zhao and his bunch had good intentions. They originally thought that if they kidnapped that woman back here, they could complete the job, and get the silvers. Who knew that a person with such strong martial skills would pop up? People can't predict what God decrees!" hurriedly consoled Xiao Si, at the big boss' side.
"No one would have an easy heart after getting threatened, directly to their face, that someone would flatten their territory. Our boss still counts as a faction leader with a broad mind and tolerant heart. If it was the Iron Horse Gang, their bald-headed boss would have long brought his comrades to crush Fan Hua Town."
Oh, of course, this also has to do with the fact that the boss of their faction had a seventy-year-old mother that needed taking care of. Human life is more important than dignity, right?
"Good intentions? Good intentions don't mean s*! What a flock of brainless trash. From my point of view, there's an eight out of ten chance that they just fancied the other party's flower-like beauty and thought that the best offense is defense again. Hmph! A gaggle of incorrigible brats!" condemned Hua Yu'er angrily once more.
The reason why he accepted the commission from the first miss of the Lu Family, was nothing but for the fifty silver remuneration. Though the gang laws he set included not harming women or children in conflicts, but that was……...a whole fifty silvers. This was enough to help the brothers in the gang steadily live for three to five years without fear of not getting another job to take.
But……sigh*……who knew they'd get on the wrong side of a man who, according to talk, broke Ah Zhao and the others' wrists and leg bones with just a flick of the finger. How can this be positive? If they pushed off the assignment, that fifty silvers…..would be gone from their fates for good. But it would not do to not reject it. The opposite side already even threw down such ruthless threats.
If he still doesn't give up the idea and head for Fan Hua Town to make trouble for that woman, that would simply be pushing the "Thundering Winds Gang" he built single-handedly, with many years of labor, right into a fire pit, walking right into a pitfall! Though many of the comrades in the gang were orphans without father nor mother, he himself still has an aging mother to provide for. So….
"Xiao Si, go send a message to the first miss of the Lu family and say that we're not taking this commission any longer. Tell her to come over and pick up her advance payment from us…" Hua Yu'er weighed up the benefits and detriments over and over again and decided to be a wise man, who suited their actions to the times. His heart hurt over the sum of twenty that just got handed into his lap, not even warmed up before he had to spit all the advanced payment back up.
"Big boss? Oh-oh-oh, got it, Xiao Si will go right now." Xiao Si dashed off like a streak of smoke. Just delivering a spoken message, that's easy, just flip over the top of the fence and pass the word to a servant girl of the Lu family. But will Big Boss Ye really let go of this chance to earn fifty silvers? Everyone, whether high or low in the "Thundering Winds Gang", knows that their boss's favorite thing is glistening white silvers. Then again, who on earth doesn't like silvers?! The orphan Xiao Si was just starting his early twenties, but extremely bright and clever scratched his head in confusion. He exited out of the 'Thundering Winds Gang' doors as he made his way to the richest family, Lu House.
"Ah Yao, those people just then……." Su Shuilian lowered her head as she watched Lin Si Yao apply a medicinal plaster to her wrist, which had been pulled on so hard the skin broke and she bled, the refreshing coolness penetrating her heart.
"They…...got the wrong person…" he suppressed the rage inside him, comforting her with a hoarse voice.
"Oh…." Su Shuilian nodded her head, and then felt a twinge of worry again: "We don't know who they were looking for, and it looks like they didn't come with a kind intent…" If Lin Si Yao was a step late, she herself could have been captured by them. There's no way they could have taken her to be just a guest at their place! But if they got the wrong person, then which family's daughter or wife could they have been looking for?
"Don't worry, they got the wrong town. Right now, they've already left Fan Hua…" Lin Si Yao carried her to lie on the bed. Su Shuilian who'd suffered a scare and physical pain fell into a heavy slumber under his gentle coaxing.
When night entered, a ghostly masked man dressed in black drifted out of Fan Hua Town without a sound or breath, hurtling at full speed on the road leading to town, towards the Lu family residence…
Back Index Next
Assassin FarmerRomanceHistoricalFantasyNovelEnglishTranslationFemale
Pure
Comments (0)
Newest First Oldest First Newest First Most Liked Least Liked
PreviewPost Comment…
Previous
Assassin Farmer Chapter 76
Next
Assassin Farmer Chapter 74
Pure Love Translations
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service
Disclaimer
Pure's
Pure's Ko-fi
Pure's Story
Pure
Chapter 76 Happy Birthday
Today, Fan Luo City's most affluent family, the Lu household, spread the shocking news that their eldest miss, Lu Wan'er, had become a hairless simpleton, with nothing but a dull look in her eyes. Though the officials of the Lu family banned the discussion of this topic several times, it was like swathing flames with paper, the news spread throughout the streets and alleyways of the city.
(TL note: Common Chinese saying, meaning it was a futile effort to stop the scandal, as the truth comes to light sooner or later.)
And the mother and son from Feng Tai City's Yang family, who were just discussing the prospects of marriage between their children, left Fan Luo City on the same day, desiring to return to Feng Tai City, a thousand miles away. This match, though neither side clearly stated it, was presumably not possible anymore.
Not too many days later, Lu Wan'er too was sent hundreds of miles away to a vacation resort bordering Huan Sha City, from then on never taking another step back in Fan Hua Town, where tongues wagged from all directions.
Su Shuilian heard the terrible news passed on through Xi Cui's lips.
If she wasn't once acquainted with Lu Wan'er, she would've merely listened to the talk, at most offering a bout of sympathy and pity for the maiden. After all, as a girl raised in deep seclusion to protect her innocence, someone chopping her beautiful hair all off in the course of a night, shocking her into a half-wit, how big of a grudge could a person have held against her?
But in this situation, she knew who Lu Wan'er was, and even had encounters that, though not one too intimate, made them less than strangers. She held sympathy for her as a woman, who suffered such humiliating treatment. However, she considered herself lucky that she had left Fan Luo City. From this point on she shouldn't have another chance to disturb her peaceful life with A Yao.
That being said, in reality, her heart is also ruthless, is it not? Su Shuilian laughed in spite of herself and shook her head, immediately sorting out her emotions, removing the muddled conjectures she had in her mind. Lowering her head and intently embroidered the set of three differently sized, and differently styled pouches she intended to gift to Xi Cui, as a part of her dowry.
Lin Si Yao held his hand outside of the embroidery room and calmly watched her for a moment, subsequently turning his back and returning to the kitchen.
That's right, he was the one behind the business with Lu Wan'er. Chopping off her hair was merely to warn her that from now on if she held any malice to harm Su Shuilian, what he'd cut next wouldn't be her hair, but her limbs and facial features connected to the rest of her body by flesh and skin. As for the shock turning her into a dullard, that was her not having enough guts to withstand what was just a petty punishment in his eyes, one that warned against a more significant penalty.
He just didn't think that the Lu family's security was so loose regarding such moral matters, this sort of ugly gossip spread across every street and alley in just the span of a day, and because of this, it has even spread into the ear of the little woman at his side, this is what he couldn't have predicted.
In the central room, he could hear her chatter with Xi Cui in the embroidery room, as well as hear her gasp, from fear and shock, after learning of this incident. He was afraid that she'd associate this with him, and be afraid of him afterward. He clenched his fists. Anyone could fear and hold aversion towards him, and it would be no matter to him. Anyone but her. She was his wife, the woman he loved deeply inside his heart, and he would not allow her to be afraid of him, no matter what.
However, it seems now, her distress should have dissipated.
Lin Si Yao suddenly felt that all was beautiful and well in the Fan Luo city without Lu Wan'er's interference. Even the ever lingering spring rain that pitter-pattered steadily, was a lot more pleasing to his eye.
--
"Fortunately… fortunately…I rejected that commission…or, in my opinion, the ones who would have been chopped of their hair and left as brainless dolts, would have been our Thundering Winds Gang's fifty-three brothers," Hua Yu'er from the Thundering Winds Gang took a hand and wiped away the cold sweat from his face, pacing in circles around the conference room, counting his fortunes nonstop.
"Big boss, then now..."
"Now? Now naturally we continue living our days as we always do. We'll take whatever commissions we have to. Of course, memorize our gang's laws again, don't make the same mistakes as before." Hua Yu'er waved his imposing hand, and unstructured Xiao Si to inform the various brothers of the gang to review the crew's rules again.
Thinking back, the "Thundering Winds Gang" he created single-handedly, was only, in the beginning, created to follow the whims of his old, wholeheartedly kind mother. To provide shelter for parentless orphans from the wind and rain of the outside world. As to why it had become somewhat like a thug-like gang, it was only to give his brothers/comrades jobs.
"Thundering Winds Gang" took on a motley variety of commissions. As long as one needed some legwork done, a handyman to do all sorts of odds and ends, a personal bodyguard, and other short-term work like that, they'd take the job. Of course, in between those jobs, there wasn't a lack of deep pocketed lords, who'd pay big money for the gang to act as hired roughnecks, to prop up an occasion and et cetera. Since the pay was so generous, he assented to this type of job without a second thought. To not worry his kind-hearted old mother, he went out of his way to set the eight big gang laws, included in it, a rule of not laying a hand on women and children.
But…but, he had the once in a blue moon chance to feast his eyes on fifty glistening silvers, and for that, he broke the gang laws and encountered such a mighty character. Sigh, it makes no matter if he mentions it now, no matter at all, from today on, they should keep lawfully accepting those commissions that don't commit offenses against reason and nature, and just think of it as accumulating virtue for his old mother.
"Bang!" Right as he was thinking, the conference room's front door was kicked in from the outside. A burst of ill wind followed, zooming into the room.
"Who is it?" Hua Yu'er leaped up from his chair in shock.
Only to be met by a person's shadow, whirling into the room at full speed. What came after was an aura of raw killing intent, filling the whole chamber. That was…the aura possessed exclusively by a killer…a true killer…
--
"Ah Yao, Aunt Lao said that the village head's ox pulled cart is going into town today to pick up shipments and they're planning to get a ride with it. Are we going as well?" Su Shuilian, just returning from Aunt Lao's place with XiaoChun, rushed into the south courtyard and breathlessly asked Lin Si Yao, who was in the middle of laying out plums to be dried.
Lin Si Yao laughingly helped her wipe away the sweat seeping from her brow, and said adoringly, intending to pamper her: "I'll take you there." Him taking her there, meant that he'd be using qigong, of course. Su Shuilian nodded her head, "Then I'll go give Aunt Lao the word, telling them to go along first."
"Don't be in a hurry, we're setting off in just a moment, and we can drop by en route to give them the word. " Lin Si Yao dragged her towards the central room. He didn't have the heart to see her run back and forth again. The work at hand was finished as well, and setting off early wasn't a bad idea.
Today was the first day of the third lunar month, the day Su Shuilian decided on to be her sixteenth birthday.
The heavens had eyes, and they ended the lingering spring rain that had been going on for about ten days, and the long-lost sun reappeared.
Lin Si Yao had already notified the two families, Lao and Tian, the day before and had already reserved a room large enough to fit about ten or so people some days ago, and today they would go to Wu Qin Restaurant to celebrate her birthday in a grand manner that she deserved.
Before Lin Si Yao left, he gave XiaoChun a look, signaling him to guard their home well.
As for XiaoXue, she'd long taken her three little wolf cubs, who'd just opened their eyes for only a few days, and moved their den to the lawn of the south courtyard.
XiaoChun exasperatedly rolled his eyes, lying in front of the big jujube tree, cozily basking under the sun's warmth with his sister companion's little wolf cubs, who were frolicking intimately.
Fine, he'd go to the north courtyard to watch over the house. If what happened last time occurred again, and he let rascals and outlaws wander into their home on the sly, he wouldn't be able to save his pelt from a skinning. He didn't mistake the chilling gaze Lin Si Yao shot towards him before he left for the road. Wuwuwu...in reality, he also really wanted to go into town and take a peek at the boisterous bustle.
Lin Si Yao held Su Shuilian, and in a few flying steps, left the ox pulled cart the two families Lao and Tian, along with village head Wang, which in total was eight people, far behind them.
Tian Dabao naturally followed closely behind them, his feet carried by the mysterious teleporting steps, chasing after Lin Si Yao's shadow with all his might. His Shifu said that today was the day he'd test him on his qinggong, if he didn't lose them, it'd count as a pass, and he could order whatever grand dishes he wanted today at noon, he could pick anything he wanted to eat…hm… what delicacies were there at Wu Qin Restaurant? The forest fowl cooked in sesame oil that the Shifu's wife brought back last time was really good, and the crispy roasted duck wasn't bad either…Oh yikes…where's Shifu? Oh no, Tian Dabao shook his head emphatically, stopping himself from thinking about the mouth-wateringly tantalizing delicacies, putting all his effort into galloping at full speed, in an attempt to catch the two who'd already disappeared without the flicker of a shadow of Lin Si Yao and Su Shuilian.
"Tut tut...Dabao also possesses such formidable strength? This brat is finally good for something. Da Fu…this time around you don't have to be worried anymore, right?" The laughing Lao Youkun teased Tian Dafu.
"Heh…listen to what this older brother is saying, Dabao only knows how to do a few fancy tricks, it has no relation to where he's good for something or not. As long as he's healthy, we're satisfied."
Though Tian Dafu said all this, the expression on his face had long betrayed the pride inside his heart.
Was it even possible not to be pleased? Thinking back on all the hard work and effort he put into carpentry, the silvers he saved up actually fell behind what this brat earned in about half a year. Just look, as soon as this spring started, he followed his Shifu over to Xiu Feng, and actually netted an old tortoise. His mother loathed eating it, so she took it into town to be sold, and earned three silver for it. Tut tut, this brat's luck was really extraordinary.
"If it was up to me to say, Xiao Bao's shifu really knows a few tricks of the trade! Just look at his abilities a moment ago, wasn't it like the martial heroes of, whatcha ma call it……. the Jianghu? Yeah, the word is Jianghu, that's right." Auntie Lao also offered up much praise, slapping her thigh in approval.
"Auntie Lao, where is the Jianghu?" said the younger Tian girl, eyes glistening as she glanced at Auntie Lao, demanding an answer from her with much curiosity.
"Cough...cough…little girly, I, your Auntie Lao, only heard it mentioned by those storytellers, and as for where exactly the Jianghu is located, I'm not too sure myself." Auntie Lao's old face blushed a vivid red, explaining this to the younger Tian girl embarrassingly. Her antics provoke a wave of amused laughter amongst the group.
She remembered when she was just a child, and she accompanied her old father into the city, and they chanced upon a storyteller's booth. She just wanted to drag out her stay there until she finally relented, after hearing the story a few times over. Therefore, any definitions she knew such as Jianghu and martial hero, all were ones she guessed from a state of semi-understanding during this incident. Now, she had witnessed a real martial master like Lin Si Yao, and her memories from the storyteller's tales had resurfaced. The advanced gongfu that allowed one to drift a number of kilometers in the blink of an eye, the martial hero that could retrieve the heads of villains with a wave of the hand…the so-called Jianghu, it should refer to the meeting grounds of renowned swordsman like Lin Si Yao, with incredible martial arts skills of no ordinary talent, right?
When the band of travelers finally arrived at the doorstep of "Wu Qin Restaurant", the sun had already risen to the meridian.
Lin Si Yao and Su Shuilian waited for Dabao to finish ordering a large table of rich, sumptuous courses. Afterwards, the three formed a party to take a walk around the area, and they brought some cheap baubles that pleased both the eye and the mind.
These included some delicately carved mahogany, a strangely shaped inkstone, and a lovely and novel wooden folding screen…until she had spent all of the silver inside her little purse, and that's when she finally let the matter drop.
Lin Si Yao couldn't resist ruffling her hair, and he softly asked: "Why didn't you choose some valuable ones?" Her birthday present shouldn't just all be some inexpensive knick knacks.
"Just because it's expensive doesn't mean I'll definitely like it." Su Shuilian gave him a look. Oh men, do they not understand that price doesn't determine the true value?
It depends on what it is. Like him…the price set on his person might not be the highest, but he's her favorite and most beloved. That's all that's needed, is it not?
After dining on a lavish birthday feast at "Wu Qin Restaurant", they insisted repeatedly on not accepting any gifts, but they could not wrestle over the modest politeness of the two households.
The Tian family gifted Su Shuilian a bracelet; a dark green string of round and fragrant sandalwood beads. It was personally smoothened by Tian Dafu himself. He already started preparing it very early in the year when he heard Dabao say that Su Shuilian's birthday was today. After the course of three months, no one would consider it roughly done.
"Si Niang, I also have a present to give you. But since it's not convenient to bring with me, you'll see when you get back." Tian Dabao also took the chance to offer up his treasure.
"Okay, thank you." Su Shuilian nodded her head, patting the shoulder that was about to pass her in stature with a laugh.
"Girly, I only found out yesterday that your birthday was today, and didn't have the time to prepare. I know you like flowers, so I divided up two pots of clivia plants, and I'll get Yongqiang to send it over for you." The clivia plants that had bloomed for seven to eight years in the forest near Auntie Luo's home already had a pretty advanced root system. Yesterday, A Yao invited their family to come to celebrate the occasion, and she had no time to get ready, so she made sir Lan divide up about half of it into a pottery clay bowl, as a gift.
And the village head Wang, who was forced by the two, including Su Shuilian, to stay and eat a meal, was even more ashamed. His old face blushed, as he rubbed his hands together, saying "What shame, what shame, to not give a present and still bumming an extravagant meal off them.
"You all are too polite. If we insisted on getting presents, how would we have the nerve to invite you all to come with us? Today, using the opportunity of the birthday, was only a way to thank you guys. Over this half a year, if we didn't have you, how would A Yao and I have familiarized ourselves so fast to living in town?" Su Shuilian smiled as she explained the reason that they invited all of them to come feast.
Of course, this was only Su Shuilian's idea. Lin Si Yao's view on this was just the contrary. He was willing to invite those two families Lao and Tian, and Wang Gengfa, solely because of his wish for her to have a happy and enjoyable birthday. As for etiquette such as thanking the neighbors, factors like that were never within his calculation range.
After they dined and wined to satiety, the group of people split their ways for their own individual activities.
Lao Youkun's father and son pair followed the village head to go and pick up the shipment.
latest updates at / please do not repost
The two mothers took their own daughters and happily started browsing the periphery.
Lin Dabao, under Lin Si Yao's eye signaling, left a step early, with much exasperation, to give XiaoXue and XianChun the large, leftover chunks of meat from the feast, and, while he was at it, accompanied them to watch over the house and guard the courtyard.
Lin Si Yao held Su Shuilian in his arms, and they slowly strolled to the grand lakeshore, in no hurry. They reclined on each other, basking in each other's company, on a bench by the lakeside. They gazed at the willow branches, which were sprouting green shoots, sweep over the surface of the lake, swaying where the wind guided them. Occasionally, waves of ripples rose, circles over circles expanding open, and their hearts felt suddenly relaxed and refreshed.
"Happy birthday!" Lin Si Yao pulled from his lapel a high quality and skillfully carved jade pendant in the shape of a phoenix, and he hung it onto Su Shuilian's neck for her.
"This is?...A Yao… though, I really like it, but, it's really costly, is it not?" Su Shuilian lowered her head, grasping this small, but exquisite, jade phoenix pendant, and asked, not being able to hold back the question.
According to Dabao's occasional disclosures, he basically handed all the silver he earned from selling field products over to her, though he left a bit of pocket change for himself, it shouldn't be enough to buy a jade phoenix pendant so fine and smooth to the touch.
"As long as you like it." Li Si Yao watched her gently stroke this jade pendant, the laughter in his eyes not decreasing even by a bit. As expected, wearing this kind of jewelry suits her the most, the contrast of the jade green against the background of her pale white skin, made it even more crystal clear.
"But…" she raised her head and looked towards him, eyes welling with concern, and murmured a question in a deep tone: "You…didn't take up your job from before again, did you?"
"Where is your mind going?" Lin Si Yao was stupefied for a long while, half understanding the meaning of her words. He glared at her, unable to laugh or cry: "Since there's you now, I won't do it." She actually suspected that he spent blood money on her, earned from killing others.
"Then it's good. Sorry, A Yao, I was just too surprised. But...didn't you give all the silver you earned to me?" Su Shuilian saw that he seemed to take offense at this, and hurriedly explained, apologetic.
"If Dabao netted an old tortoise, could I have not gotten one too? Dumb!" He glanced at her, should he say that she trusted him too much? Never suspecting that he might have left a portion of the silver on him?
"Oh, so that's it…"Su Shuilian nodded her head, understanding now, and immediately after, she cast a side glare at him, full of reproachful embarrassment, "If you didn't say, how would I know?"
"Okay, it's my fault, from today on, no matter how big or trivial, I'll report all happenings to you with no exceptions, is that good?" It's hard to come by him grinning so broadly, the dimples by his lips bloomed, and she was caught off guard, mystified.
Lin Si Yao took the chance to lower his head and peck a kiss on her full, fragrant, cherry-red lips. Su Shuilian held her face in her hands, yelping from surprise, and he kissed her again, finally retracting after that, satisfied.
"It's getting late, let's go home." He knew she was afraid of being embarrassed, and stopped teasing her. Her whole self would be his tonight anyways, in all directions and ways.
He pulled her up, and they ambled slowly along the lakeside, to the city gate. Only then did he pull her into his arms, and speed towards Fan Hua Town.
Back Index Next
Assassin FarmerRomanceHistoricalFantasyNovelEnglishTranslationFemale
Pure
Comments (0)
Newest First Oldest First Newest First Most Liked Least Liked
PreviewPost Comment…
Previous
Assassin Farmer Chapter 77
Next
Assassin Farmer Chapter 75
Pure Love Translations
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service
Disclaimer
Pure's
Pure's Ko-fi
Pure's Story
Powered by Squarespace.
Pure
Chapter 77: How Have You Been
That night, the moon's crescent was like a fishhook hanging from the sky.
The soft moonlight washed against the cobblestone courtyard like a thin veneer of silver paint.
It wasn't until she had succumbed to his persistent cravings and fallen asleep, did Lin Si Yao clean both of their bodies. When he was done, he pulled her into his embrace and closed his eyes to rest.
His eyelids fluttered open just a mere two hours later. Lin Si Yao stepped out of the house. Under Xiao Chun and Xiao Xue's watchful gaze, he disappeared into the ominous dusk in mere steps.
"We haven't seen each other for a year, how can you still be so stoic?!" The masked man, dressed in full black, perfectly balancing on a bamboo shoot at the foot of Xiu Feng. He faced the rapidly approaching Lin Si Yao. Though his words were polite, his tone carried a surprising amount of coldness, as if he was greeting from the underworld.
"All has been well…" Lin Si Yao was only wearing his white inner-robe, resting upon the tip of a bamboo leaf, keeping his distance. Under the chilly moon, his robes billowed in the breeze as if he were an immortal.
"You've changed… Si Ling." The man in black uttered a seemingly witless statement, along with a sigh.
"Si Ling has passed." Lin Si Yao's cold, clear voice cut through the wind. He was now Lin Si Yao, a lowly farmer in the town of Fan Hua.
"That day… I never would have guessed you were still alive." The man in black stared at Lin Si Yao before saying, "Did you break through?"
His thoughtless question didn't make Lin Si Yao hesitate. He nodded, and his voice pierced through the entire bamboo forest: "That's right. If you still want my life, I'm sorry to say that you'll be disappointed."
"Wrong. I, Si Tuo, never try again after failing once." The man in black was a Feng Yao Court operative who was second only to Si Ling.
"If that's how it is, then why did you come tonight?" Lin Si Yao was already turning away before he could finish his sentence, preparing to leave. As for why, as long as his woman wasn't in danger, he honestly wasn't interested at all.
"I've come to see how the fabled killing god has been reduced to a simple lovebird!" His voice carried a teasing tone that caused Lin Si Yao's body to stiffen. With one leap, he leapt out of the forest.
"If you have so much time, why don't you go and ask Feng Qingya for more missions?" Lin Si Yao's gritting reply echoed from a distance.
"Hahaha…" Si Tuo couldn't hold back his amusement. His crackles broke the night's serenity and soared to the skies above.
--
At the time the courtyard's door was firmly knocked upon in a rhythm, Su Shuilian was working on a newly assigned piece of embroidery.
A few days ago, Jiang Yangyun sent Xicui as a messenger to tell her that there was a client from Jindu City who wanted to commission her. The Bodhisattva's Son was a half-meter wide and one-meter long piece. The three-month deadline was generous, so Su Shuilian accepted it immediately. Yesterday afternoon, Jiang Yangyun sent one of the embroidery floor's men to send a sample of the draft as well as materials to her.
After he finished breakfast, Lin Si Yao carried his farming tools down to the field to plant soybeans and corn. Su Shuilian sat at her desk and prepared the needles and thread that she was about to use.
It was then the door sounded.
"Who could you be asking for?" Su Shuilian asked politely. Ever since the Lu Wan'er incident, Lin Si Yao repeatedly reminded her to never open the door freely when she was home alone.
"My name is Si Shan, I'm… Si Yao's colleague." The voice's tone emanating from the other side was just as clear and cold as Lin Si Yao's.
When Su Shuilian heard that it was Lin Si Yao's colleague, she thought that he'd come to visit him. She opened the door, and a cold, handsome face befitting to the voice she heard peered through the crack.
"Hello, Saozi*." It was slightly awkward as it was Si Shan's first time meeting Su Shuilian. He repressed his initial surprise as he bowed and greeted her.
sister-in-law
"Hello… Oh, A Yao hasn't come back from the field yet. Um, You…" Su Shuilian felt a bit awkward. Normally, she would invite him to sit in the house for a cup of tea while waiting for Lin Si Yao's return, but although he looked polite, a feeling of danger made her hesitate.
"Field?" Si Shan paused. Suddenly, it dawned on him. This was a village, what else could the hoe be used for, killing people? He now understood why Si Tuo had that annoying and punchable expression on his face when he came back last night. "Pfft…" An assassin, plowing a field? Wow, hahaha, that would be the joke of the century!
Su Shuilian was unsure how to react as the man in front of her seemed to be repressing his expression.
"Cough*… Um, Saozi, could you bring me inside to wait for him?" Si Zha tried to keep down his gushing smile. He happily looked at the woman in front of him; she looked extremely similar to someone on the imperial search list that he had seen a few days ago.
"Apologies, right away." Su Shuilian smiled as she led him into the main hall.
He followed her closely, scanning the yard when his eyes stopped at the large-bellied dog sprawled on the ground. He paused for a moment, and Si Shan's eyebrows jumped. Ha… they seem to be nursing a pregnant… wolf? Did Si Ling catch it from the woods? He grinned. Farmer… What a joke!
Though she had many different threads by her hand as she was facing the "Bodhisattva's Son" sample, a large part of Su Shuilian's focus was still on the man who alleged that he was A-Yao's colleague.
Once she served him a pot of aromatic black herbal tea and two plates of pastry cakes, Si Shan gestured for her to go back to whatever she was doing.
How? Su Shuilian smiled as she returned to her embroidery room and picked up her threads. She had no intention of interrupting the Si Shan who was sipping tea and eating snacks while sizing up the furniture and decorations of the main hall.
How could such an assassin god be living as a farmer in such a lowly village? The reality was frightening.
If not for loitering for a few days with Si Tuo in Fan Luo City, they would not have bumped into Si Ling's custom jade plate in a shop. Nor had later, heard rumors of a person breaking someone's bone with the tap of a finger. If not for Si Tuo's insistence on digging deeper to find out the truth, they would have missed out the chance to meet Si Ling as they were leaving for the West on a mission soon.
But it just seemed too bizarre to him and Si Tuo. How could a fatal wound not only result in full recovery, but also a breakthrough within a year's time? What did this mean to them, who hadn't slacked on a day of training ever? It was a slap to the face.
As he observed the inconspicuous yet exquisite decorations around the room and thought of the gentle and quiet lady next door. He thought, Si Ling must be living life as peacefully as it could ever be.
latest updates at / please do not repost
But them? He and Si Tuo danced with blades and swam in blood all throughout the year. They never thought of the future, because assassins had no future. Today's survival could end with tomorrow's death, and that possibility had long since been engraved in their hearts.
However, looking around him, a tiny sliver of hope started to grow in Si Shan's heart.
Could he dream of a day where he lays down his blades and restart just as Si Ling had? Living off of a plot of field, a cabin, and a courtyard, spending his days peacefully?
He smiled bitterly and shook his head. How ridiculous. That he had let himself daydream in this sweetly-scented and soft-colored room.
It was at this moment, Xiao Chun's greeting whimper sounded from outside the cabin.
Su Shuilian stood up with a "swoosh". Finally, A Yao had come home. She could finally relieve her unsettled heart. After all, being with a male stranger under the same roof alone had put quite some pressure on her.
"A Yao, you've come back." Su Shuilian passed Si Shan who was just getting up, and dashed out of the cabin. Just as she entered the courtyard, Lin Si Yao smiled as he set down his farming tools.
"Mm." Lin Si Yao nodded, and was surprised that her tone carried relief. He furrowed his brows, and with an instant, he placed Su Shuilian behind him, guarding her.
He faced Si Shan, who was just coming out of the cabin. Great, one after the other, was his house a bar or something, allowing people to come and go as they please?
"Long time no see." Si Shan's lips curved upwards upon seeing Si Ling's shielding movement. He threw out a greeting that held just about the same value as garbage.
Then, a look of surprise lit up his lifeless face. Was the man in front of him really the old assassin god, Si Ling? With a brown peasant's robe, rolled up sleeves, and mud-caked deerskin boots, there was no sign of the assassin of the old besides his cold face and unwary eyebrows!
"Indeed." Lin Si Yao knew that the normally elusive Si Shan was led here by Si Tuo's loose mouth. When did these people grow to become like gossiping old women!
"It seems that you're doing well here." This was unnecessary talk.
Si Shan folded his arms, unfazed by the coldness Lin Si Yao was showing him.
Of course, after being hunted down by the Feng Yao Court and almost dying, it was already great that he had not raised a weapon against him. How could he hope for a warm welcoming embrace?
Furthermore, assassins were cold and emotionless anyways. What was the need for an overreaction? Oh, Si Ling was already an exception.
"It's all thanks to you." Lin Si Yao's eyes scanned him, and he didn't mind him further. He led Su Shuilian into the kitchen.
"A Yao, is this really okay?" Su Shuilian prepared a pot and cup of warm water in the kitchen for him to wash his hands in. She then handed him a soft towel to dry his hands in. She stole a glance outside towards Si Shan, who was in a staring contest with Xiao Chun in the yard. Weren't they junior and senior brothers from the same school? Why did it seem strange, did they not share a close brotherly connection?
"Don't mind him." Lin Si Yao spoke dryly. Since he had already let Feng Qing Ya go, he wasn't going to antagonize Si Tuo and the others.
However, that didn't mean he forgave them, and it surely didn't mean that he would welcome them.
Back Index Next
Assassin FarmerRomanceHistoricalFantasyNovelEnglishTranslationFemale
Pure
Comments (0)
Newest First Oldest First Newest First Most Liked Least Liked
PreviewPost Comment…
Previous
Assassin Farmer Chapter 78
Next
Assassin Farmer Chapter 76
Pure Love Translations
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service
Disclaimer
Pure's
Pure's Ko-fi
Pure's Story
Powered by Squarespace.
Pure
Chapter 78: The Reunion of the Four 'Si's
As Su Shuilian was peeling the snow peas for lunch, she glanced at Lin Si Yao confusingly, thought for a moment and softly said, "Since you all are fellow sworn brothers, inviting him for lunch is a must." The manners ingrained in her couldn't bear the awkward situation any longer.
"Sworn brothers? Did he say that?" Lin Si Yao's eyebrows furrowed at her words.
"Eh? Are you not?" Su Shuilian gazed at him with her head tilted. Her eyes were full of suspicion.
It was only because he said they were colleagues that she allowed him in the house.
"Um, I guess we are." Lin Si Yao paused before nodding, seemingly reluctant to admit it. Ha, he had to give Si Shan props for thinking of that. Feng Yao Court was the biggest relationship they had, yet he had invented a ridiculous explanation like fellow disciples to trick Shuilian.
Lin Si Yao's discontent at Si Shan's sudden arrival started to loosen.
It was true that Si Tuo, Si Shan, and Si Luo were closest to him in the past. Because they had entered the Feng Yao Court at similar times and were all about the same age, they would often go drinking in the Court when they didn't have a mission.
At that time, who would've thought that things would have turned out like today? They were still the top assassins of the Feng Ya Court, but he had become a farmer.
Lin Si Yao suddenly laughed at the thought. He was fine being a farmer, as long as the person beside him stays with him.
He met Su Shuilian's gaze as he looked up, and held back a grin. "Well, it couldn't hurt to have a drink with Si Shan at noon." After all, a drink between two men had nothing to do with their statuses.
"Okay, then I'll have him wait in the main room." Su Shuilian smiled as she saw him ease up and prepared to go call Si Shan, who was bored yet unwilling to leave. They couldn't stay in the kitchen while having the guest stand outside. The sun was nonexistent in the early spring, so the weather was rather cold.
"I'll go; you can get back to embroidering." Lin Si Yao pulled her to her feet and sent her to the room.
"Is it really ok?" Su Shuilian looked at him worried. Two grown men were going to work in the kitchen while she was going to sew?
"Of course." Lin Si Yao snuck a kiss on her forehead and led her out with a smile. "I'll call you once lunch is ready."
Then, he turned and walked towards the courtyard. Hmph, even if he was invited to a meal and wine, he'll have to work for it! Lin Si Yao grudgingly thought.
Sitting on the chair under the peach tree, Si Shan's nose tightened as he saw Lin Si Yao walk his way. His expression didn't change, though he felt a shiver down his back at the sight of Lin Si Yao…
--
Making a fire was easy. Si Shan took a bundle of dry firewood into his hands. If Si Ling was willing to invite him in and even drink with him, cooking a meal wasn't a big deal at all. It wasn't like he hadn't cooked game in the wild before.
"Don't burn the fireplace down." Lin Si Yao couldn't help but be reminded. The first time he lived here, it was only after numerous tries had he successfully boiled a pot of rice that wasn't charred nor raw. One must contain the fire; controlling the fire's intensity, however, was still something that was uncertain.
"I'll leave this pot of rice to you. If it ends up inedible, you know what'll happen." After that, Lin Si Yao lazily picked up a wicker basket and walked out to the southern courtyard to pick vegetables.
What? He was just going to be left alone like this? Si Shan lifted his face, which was black with soot, from the fireplace. Seeing the empty kitchen, he paused for a second before exasperating, "Are you really afraid that I'll burn down the kitchen?"
But even if it came to that, he can just extinguish the flame with his inner energy. He wouldn't actually end up burning the house down, either. Lin Si Yao must've thought this, too.
Si Shan angrily lowered his head and started to strike the firewood together.
Scritch- What did he mean that I'll know what'll happen! The worst would be them not seeing each other again! And how did that even matter!
Scritch- He wasn't even hungry; he had come here looking for some fun!
Scritch- He should've learned from Si Tuo and came in the middle of the night, he might've even been able to witness Si Ling in bed!
Scritch- Oh-
Finally succeeded!
When he saw the fireplace burning strongly and brilliantly, Si Shan felt a rush of excitement that extended to the heavens.
Did this mean that he, Si Shan, was also qualified to become a farmer?
Eh? Since when had he started to have such ambitions? Could he really be tired of killing and want to start over?
One assassin god was picking out the fresh vegetables needed for lunch, and one top assassin was fiddling with the kitchen fireplace- just for a pot of rice that wasn't raw nor charred.
Suddenly, the gates of the outer courtyard were pushed open. Two strangers with handsome features and cold atmospheres walked through the door that Lin Si Yao left ajar.
They strolled through the small yet charming courtyard.
Xiao Chun's hairs stood on end, and he glared at the uninvited guests while growling lowly. His growls were transmitted into the south yard, it was as if to warn Lin Si Yao something was going on at the northern courtyard.
"Tch, since when did Si Ling change? He even has a pet, now?" Behind Si Tuo, Si Luo snickered. He was the most outgoing of the four, lacking Si Ling's coldness, Si Tuo's insensitivity, and Si Shan's awkwardness.
He, Si Luo, did everything he felt like doing. He lived how he wanted to live. It was as if amenities didn't reach his mind at all. And they really haven't.
Si Tuo calmly scanned Xiao Chun, who was staring fiercely at them and ready to pounce. He was a little surprised, oh! There was a light of anger shining in the wolf's eyes, was it because Si Luo had called him a "pet"?
--
The five people sat down around the dinner table.
There were six house dishes on the table, though none of them had any meat. The three uninvited men were amused; Si Ling definitely did this on purpose. They could see with their two eyes that the two wolves outside were eating better than they were.
Lin Si Yao's cold stare pierced through Si Luo, who was still sizing up Su Shuilian.
"Ahem…" Si Shan humorously coughed, and bumped his wrist against Si Luo who was sitting by him. The latter turned around with a confused look in his eyes. Si Shan rolled his eyes to say 'don't look anymore, or there will be nothing for you to eat.'
It was only then had Si Luo felt the frost-emitting Lin Si Yao glare at him. He couldn't help but secretly laugh. Ha, Si Ling had really fallen head over heels. It's no wonder even the most stoic Si Tuo mocked him as a 'lover'. Very interesting.
He only thought that Su Shuilian looked familiar, glancing at her a few more times.
latest updates at / please do not repost
Half a year ago, he and Si Shan had traveled to the Imperial Capital Feng Cheng to take up missions, there was one particular poster posted all over the city. Didn't the woman with a high reward value offered by the Jing Prince's Mansion resemble the Su Shuilian that had married Si Ling? Could it be…
"Sao'zi, where are you from on your mother's side?" Si Luo disregarded Lin Si Yao's killer gaze entirely, and started to chat with Su Shuilian.
It's over! Si Shan thought.
He naturally guessed Si Luo's intentions. After all, he was the one who had accompanied him to the Capital. Si Shan still remembered the contents on the wanted poster. Jing Prince's Mansion's Fourth Lady had disappeared, and three hundred silver would be given as a reward for her whereabouts. That amount was quite tempting, and rumors of the matter spread all the way from the large streets to the back alleys. But he never would have thought…
Si Shan's gaze darkened. If she really was the Fourth Lady of the Jing Prince's Mansion, did Si Ling know about it?
Su Shuilian never expected that Si Luo, who she had met for only the first time, would ask about her maternal origins. How should she reply? Or, how should she lie?
"Si Luo!" Lin Si Yao growled at Si Luo's rudeness.
"Si Luo, that's just unacceptable." Si Tuo backed him up.
"I'm just asking. Could it be… That Sao'zi has something to hide?" Si Luo snickered sinisterly and asked again.
It wasn't about the three hundred silver, although acquiring it wouldn't hurt. After all, that was a year's worth of a salary for him. Assassination was still a pain, wasn't it?
What mattered most was that he was simply bored. He just wanted to watch a good show and see just how far Si Ling had broken through. He wanted to see specifically how far he had advanced. If Si Ling could push all three of them out of the west corridor, it would be great if he could also complete the mission that they were assigned.
After all, there couldn't possibly be more than one person who broke through all nine barriers of the realm in the entire Dahui Kingdom. It'll be a waste if he didn't use it!
"A-Yao!" Su Shuilian pulled Lin Si Yao's hand back and shook her head at him. It wasn't something that she needed to keep secret, and they must be only worried for A-Yao that he might have married someone questionable. So, Su Shuilian decided to reveal some of the things she knew. As for whether they believed her or not, that would be up to them.
"I don't remember the past. I don't know what happened to me before, all I know was that when I woke up, I didn't have any memory at all." She lowered her head and eyes as she explained.
This wouldn't be lying, right? She indeed did not have recollection of her current body's past. The old Su Shuilian can sink to the bottom of heart and not see the light of day ever again. Or else, she might be burned at the stake by the local people.
After all, the whole matter was extremely strange.
If she was sitting on the other side of the, she would also find it hard to believe.
"Amnesia?" Si Luo and Si Shan looked at each other upon her answer.
"What do you know?" Si Tuo's brows jumped, and Si Shan and Si Luo's expressions told him that it wasn't as simple as wanting to know where Su Shuilian's family was.
Lin Si Yao felt a pang in his heart after he heard Su Shuilian's softly spoken reminisce. He gazed coldly at the three before slowly saying, "Eat first. Talk later."
Back Index Next
Assassin FarmerRomanceHistoricalFantasyNovelEnglishTranslationFemale
Pure
Comments (0)
Newest First Oldest First Newest First Most Liked Least Liked
PreviewPost Comment…
Previous
Assassin Farmer Chapter 79
Next
Assassin Farmer Chapter 77
Pure Love Translations
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service
Disclaimer
Pure's
Pure's Ko-fi
Pure's Story
Powered by Squarespace.
Pure
Chapter 79: He's Crazy
Su Shuilian looked suspiciously at Si Luo's eyes. Seeing that the other party replied back with a meaningful smile, she couldn't help but worry. If it is as they (Si Tou co.) asked, do they know the background of the current body she is residing in?
Settling down her mind, Su Shuilian inwardly consoled herself: since she said that she had lost her memory, even if a bunch of strange relatives came knocking at her door, they wouldn't suspect her, right?
As she was thinking, her two hands that rested on her thighs were wrapped up by Lin Si Yao's warm, big hands.
"Don't worry, I'm here." Lin Si Yao spoke with a gentle voice into her ears to console her. Then, using chopsticks, he picked up the last piece of sautéed diced carrot into Shu Shuilian's bowl. "Be good, eat first. We can always talk after our meal."
This scene almost missed the eyes of the three men.
Originally thinking that there was a good drama to be seen, the three were left speechless from Si Ling's gentle actions towards the woman beside him.
Was it shock? Even that wasn't enough to express the feeling in their hearts.
"Go eat your food." Lin Si Yao joined in with a sentence without raising his head. His busy hands were repeatedly picking up food for Su Shuilian that were inconvenient for her to grab.
"Yes" three voices muttered in unison.
How could they still refuse to eat? The three knew that after Si Ling was finished, he'd clean up the dishes and shoo them out. He did not view them as house guests at all. Only Su Shuilian continued to treat them kindly and poured out tea and snacks for them. It was just that intimidating, Si Ling's glare. As such, they didn't dare to drink too much of the tea and eat too much of the snacks.
"Speak out whatever you know." After eating, Lin Si Yao sent Su Shuilian into the embroidery room as he did not want her to think too much about it. He led Si Tuo, Si Luo and Si Shan to the eastern riverside, near the quincuncial piles. It was a very open space that can be quickly discerned with one glance, giving the sense of security that there wasn't someone eavesdropping behind a corner.
"Imperial Capital's Jing Prince House-" Si Shan began.
"-Fourth Young Miss." Si Luo completed the sentence.
"Her?" Si Tuo raised his brow as he swept a glance at the expressionless man who shared the same surname as him (Si Ling aka Lin Si Yao).
"It's just a suspicion." Si Shan added.
"The chance of it is very likely." Si Luo continued 'adding to the fire.'
Si Tuo sympathetically looked at the eyes of Si Luo who was unafraid of death, before turning his eyes to Si Ling and said in a low tone. "Si Ling, since she lost her memories, just pretend that you don't know. It's best if we can keep it hidden for as long as possible. Even better if she can never recover." Or else with Prince Jing's influence and power, they would never admit to having a killer son-in-law, right?
"That said, the reward is 300 silver taels." Si Luo laughed maliciously as he looked at Si Ling and said, "I want to earn a bit of money."
Hearing all their conversation, Lin Si Yao looked up silently at the sky. Looks like it will be hard to leave peacefully and quietly.
"You're lacking money?" Lin Si Yao coldly asked.
"I'm not, but I don't have much either." Si Luo jumped on top of one of the quincuncial piles as he observed the peace and tranquility that surrounded him.
"300 taels? Very good." Lin Si Yao expressionlessly nodded his head. He then turned towards Si Tuo and indifferently commanded: "1500 meters from Xiùshuǐ Cave, the fifth Quebec tree, the trunk leads to a route, towards the bottom of the lake."
Once Si Tuo heard, he thought it sounded just like a secret treasure trove. Raising his eyebrows in suspicion, he asked nonchalantly: "For what?"
"Inside is the entire savings of my previous life." Lin Si Yao replied ever so calmly with no ripples in his tone.
Previous life? Si Tuo involuntarily stiffened his body as he heard those words. He couldn't help but be jealous. Or else, why would he make it so clear? Even the savings earned by "selling lives" wouldn't require the words "previous life" to be described as.
latest updates at / please do not repost
While Si Shan and Si Luo gazed at each other, at a loss of what to do. They couldn't understand what Lin Si Yao meant behind all of this.
To allow them to know the location of his 'previous' life's savings, what was the meaning of this?
"Do me a favor, send some up to Yun Luo Temple while you're at it." Lin Si Yao muttered after a long period of silence, before once again instructing in a low voice: "Just leave a little bit for me, you three can split the rest (of my savings). The only condition is this, Shuilian…… pretend you never met her."
Forgive him for his selfish motives. Shuilian is his... Jing WangFu, it's best they never mentioned her again.
(王府/ Prince's Mansion: doesn't have to be blood relatives of royalty, but a really high ranking official's household.)
Once the 3 of them heard that, all of them were stunned in unison. Thinking on how much he earned as an assassin for Si Ling, and yet he only used a few words to divide the entire lot of it?
With the frequency of his assignments in the past decade, he has probably saved more than tens of thousands of dollars...
Heavens, he's crazy! From the dismayed eyes of the 3 of them, they had reached the same conclusion.
As the saying goes, a smile is worth a thousand gold. To him, it didn't matter if it was nothing but just a suspicion. Even with the low possibility, he was still willing to throw away vast sums of his hard earned money just for a woman who is already his wife. He really has gone crazy.
Si Luo sighed softly
Si Shan shook his head.
Si Luo suddenly snickered, finally leaking out a real smile, raising a thumbs up at Lin Si Yao, saying "I'm rich."
He had struck gold. He would have never earned so much money.
Don't bring up "Money is as good as dirt"-- bunch of crap.
Thinking of their lonely and wandering lives as assassins, except for the fact that they have amazing martial art skills and a box full of silver from their years of work, they have nothing else.
As of now, Si Ling unexpectedly was willing to throw away a large portion of his money just to remain and not be separated from his wife.
This kind of boldness was something the three of them lacked.
"Deal." Si Luo was the first to sound out in agreement. Bullshit, those who weren't in agreement would be idiots.
"Alright." Si Shan also nodded his head in agreement. He had never intended to pick what was right or wrong. However, since Si Ling was being so generous, and Si Lao had also unhesitantly agreed, he couldn't be happier especially when he has twenty three disciples to bring up.
Si Tuo couldn't help but roll his eyes, momentarily ruining his cool and indifferent temperament. If only Si Ling, at the end of everything, could get whatever he wants like now, keeping his comfortable and easy life. Otherwise, if you want to force the three people who have swallowed up the silver to vomit again, it will be difficult.
--
"A Yao?" Shu Shuilian anxiously welcomed Lin Si Yao who had seen off the 3 assassins. "They… Did they leave already?" She looked over Lin Si Yao's body and looked into the distance. Not sure what Si Tuo, that cunning man with a deep smile, had said to Lin Si Yao regarding her current body's past life.
"Mhm." Lin Si Yao placed down the pot of tea that he had gotten from the kitchen and poured out two cups, giving one to Shu Shuilian. "They still have stuff to do." The 3 of them had to do a job in Xi Lang. If they have their lives still intact to return, they will go to Feng Yao Court territory to dig out all of his life savings. Lin Si Yao curled up his mouth. With Si Luo's miserly nature, he definitely won't lose out on this chance to accumulate wealth.
"He, I mean that Si Luo, does he know about my…" Shu Shuilian, after taking a glance at the slightly serious expression on Lin Si Yao's face, couldn't help but ask, with slight stuttering.
"He got the wrong person." Lin Si Yao answered, before finding an accurate excuse: "You and the person he met looked similar." This didn't count as deceiving. The person on the missing person's list can't be that realistic.
"Oh, so it's like that." Shu Shuilian sighed in relief.
Back Index Next
Assassin FarmerRomanceHistoricalFantasyNovelEnglishTranslationFemale
Pure
Comments (0)
Newest First Oldest First Newest First Most Liked Least Liked
PreviewPost Comment…
Previous
Assassin Farmer Chapter 80
Next
Assassin Farmer Chapter 78
Pure Love Translations
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service
Disclaimer
Pure's
Pure's Ko-fi
Pure's Story
Pure
Chapter 80: Guan Yin (Bodhisattva) Blesses With A Child
NSFW warning~
Although she occupied someone else's body, yet is not willing to show filial piety to her parents and other family members, it's hard to justify isn't it?
But because of her timid nature, what if they somehow find a questionable point about her and end up being suspicious of her origins. Even worse, what if they turn to her with eyes full of horror instead? If that happens, how should she face them and how should she go on from there?
Just allow her to repeatedly deceive herself in the remote and quiet Fan Hua Town; living in the same, warm household as the man she loves, being able to give birth to a few lively and active kids-- This is her only dream.
And at the same time, this had also unintentionally coincided with Lin Si Yao's plan. Could this be called the ability of a husband and wife to share the same feelings and intentions?
"Shuilian, no matter what kind of background you may have, now you are my wife, I won't ever let you go. Never ever…"
That night, Lin Si Yao continuously 'pestered' her. Acting unscrupulously, but he wanted her so gently.
She held onto his thick, warm shoulders, and in his vigorous and wild rhythm, she entered the resplendent state of heaven countless times.
His whisper-like promises, echoed in her ears….
They did this till she was very exhausted and fell asleep while still on him, where he finally released his warmth into the deepest part of her body...
--
In the next few days, the two of them never mentioned anything that was related to her background. It was as if the three colleagues of A Yao that visited her that day were nothing more than just a dream.
Laughing to herself, she shook her head as she brushed off all these messy thoughts in her heart. She looked back down to her hands as she started to embroider the Guan Yin Blesses with a Child piece.
In the center of the picture was the fluttering immortal's clothes of the kind and gracious expression of Guan Yin. In one hand was a thin vase with a willow stick, while with the other hand, she was carrying a baby that covered over her chest as she stood in a sea of clouds.
As she was embroidering, Su Shuilian was captivated by the happy, innocent, and cute eyes of the chubby baby.
She thought back on how she and A Yao had been married for about half a year already, but she had yet to have had any signs of being pregnant.
She had also heard about this just a while back when she was talking to Auntie Lao, who asked her if she had done any preparations. If not, how did they not get pregnant when a large half of the year has already passed?
Auntie Lao must be worried about her too. In the end, she is still a woman. If she's unable to bear a child, then in the next half of her life, even if she doesn't incur distaste from the husband's family, she would definitely suffer, because it can lead for a married couple to separate.
Just like how Auntie Lao who has a daughter in law who is infertile, and a short-spoken son who spends the whole day being depressed. Even if the original feelings between the husband and wife were as strong as it can be, it cannot possibly survive the ruthless passage of time. After all, without children, it will always be a pity.
Stretching her hands to gently cover her usually flat abdomen, she couldn't help to hope for her to quickly become pregnant. She couldn't visualize what would happen if she couldn't conceive for her entire life. Would A Yao choose to divorce… or would he adopt concubines?
No, she shook her head suddenly. No, impossible, he is mine. The only person he could belong to was me.
Suddenly, she understood why her mother, who was the head madam of her previous life, would feel so lonely and desolate.
The loss of the ability to give birth must be compensated with the loss of the exclusive relationship and intimacy between the husband and wife. This kind of broken love, no woman would willingly want to accept right?
Thinking up to here, Su Shuilian tightly pursed her lips. She looked at the peaceful and realistic-looking Guan Yin in the Guan Yin Blesses with a Child piece, and couldn't help but whisper, Great Goddess, I will have kids, right?
Three days before Xi Cui was about to get married, she went to visit Su Shuilian again. She had wanted to invite her to go to Qingyu Temple with her to pray.
This time, she was willing or even very active to accompany her to go to the peak of Qing Mountain, kowtow, and light up incense.
It goes without saying that Xi Cui was wishing for a happy marriage, while she was wishing for a child.
Kneeling on the cushion that laid in front of the golden Guan Yin, she respectfully held some incense with her two hands and prayed. After three bows, she lit up the incense and kowtowed, begging for her wish to come true from the bottom of her heart.
Legend has it that praying to this Guan Yin that laid in Qing Yu temple in Fan Luo City is very effective. It's only because of its remote location, that not many people knew of her powers. Of course, the above mentioned spiritual effectiveness, also required devout and respect of the people who were praying. Moreover, whatever that is wished for cannot violate the rules of the heaven and earth, and also not be harmful in nature.
latest updates at / please do not repost
Lin Si Yao stood outside the gates of Qing Yu temple. To him who was soaked from head to toe in blood, entering the temple to worship, no doubt would be blasphemous in disguise.
However, to let him not protect her up the mountain into the temple, made him feel very uneasy. With no choice, he can only stand guard outside the gates of Qing Yu temple. His vision closely followed the gentle shadow of that woman.
Seeing her respectfully kowtow and reverently pray. He couldn't help but become curious at what exactly she was praying for?
If he knew that this little woman came all the way here to wish for a child for him, he would definitely laugh out loud!
In actuality, after she married, he didn't think that her 15 year old, frail body would be able to withstand the pain of 10 months of pregnancy. As such, every time before and after they do "that thing", he would stimulate her various acupuncture points, preventing her from conceiving.
However, as soon as the Si Tuo people came and left, he no longer cared if Su Shuilian got pregnant. Instead he spared no effort and worked very hard, wishing that she would sooner or later be pregnant with his child.
All along he had a faint feeling of uneasiness. As a result of the appearance of Si Lao and the others, he found out Su Shuilian's possible previous background. This unease within him grew even more apparent.
And as such, he began to yearn for a child that was shared between him and her. And if he did not miscalculate, she should be (pregnant).
After returning from Qing Yu temple, Su Shuilian once again returned to her usual peacefulness and calmness in her heart.
Inside Qing Yu temple, Su Shuilian suddenly came to realization as she stared face to face with the Guan Yin: In this world, there are some things that cannot be forced. If it should belong to her, she would definitely get it. If it doesn't belong to her, then no matter how much wishing she does, it will not come to realization. All prayers were nothing more than to comfort her anxious heart.
After thinking it through, she then managed to suppress her anxious wish for children.
There are still three more days until Xi Cui gets married. The marriage gift that she wanted to make was finished a while ago. Now she was just waiting for tomorrow to go to Lao's house to help give her the marriage accessory.
Lin Si Yao basically spent the last few days in the field, planting an entire acre of land. Now, he is waiting to harvest the arc of winter wheat. After collecting all of the winter wheat, he will then prepare to reuse the land for rice.
With this, he will be able to ensure one year of food for his family.
In fact, it should be said that if heaven doesn't punish them, these two harvests would not only be enough to feed the entire family, half of the surplus can be left over for the next year as a backup.
On the 18th day of the third lunar month, it was a beautiful, cloudless day for marriage.
Early in the morning, Su Shuilian went over to Lao's house to help out. The main reason was because Xi Cui liked her makeup work. She came over a few days ago to discuss this matter With Su Shuilian, for her to come over today and help Xi Cui put up her makeup.
--
Looking at Xi Cui's expectant and slightly nervous face, she covered up her head with the bridal veil and sat on the edge of the Kang, waiting for the future husband to come and take her. Su Shuilian couldn't help but remember herself from half a year ago. It was the same scene back then too, right?
She sighed deeply as she wondered to herself how time flies so quickly. Thinking back to when she married Lin Si Yao, it had already been close to a year.
Back Index Next
Assassin FarmerRomanceHistoricalFantasyNovelEnglishTranslationFemale
Pure
Comments (0)
Newest First Oldest First Newest First Most Liked Least Liked
PreviewPost Comment…
Previous
Assassin Farmer Chapter 81
Next
Assassin Farmer Chapter 79
Pure Love Translations
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service
Disclaimer
Pure's
Pure's Ko-fi
Pure's Story
Powered by Squarespace.
