Xiao Shan did not expect that his actions at the village entrance would not worsen his reputation but instead subtly shift the villagers' attitudes towards him.
The matter concerning Liu Demao was quickly resolved, and the identity of his concubine was confirmed. She had indeed been a military prostitute from Qiang. During a search, she was caught in an illicit act with a neighbor, and both were thrown into prison.
Surprisingly, the woman's pregnancy was also a fabrication. A military prostitute, her body had long been ruined by medication, rendering her infertile. Liu Demao had been deceived from beginning to end.
The village chief was particularly invested in this matter, making daily inquiries. Therefore, when the official verdict was delivered, he breathed a sigh of relief.
The county magistrate, with his keen insight, sentenced Liu Demao to three years in prison, as he was entirely unaware of the deception. The villagers of Bozi Village were not implicated. As for the charge of framing, they were fined fifty taels of silver as compensation to Xiao Shan.
Apart from Liu Donghuai's situation, the other outcomes were considered favorable.
Although the county magistrate did not revoke Liu Donghuai's scholar title, the incident was no secret in the city. The tutors and classmates at the academy had also heard about it.
Liu Donghuai, severely injured and disheartened by his father's affairs, voluntarily withdrew from his studies. He returned home with his mother, Wang Cuilan, to recover and remained secluded.
Xiao Shan, having injured people twice without facing any repercussions, made the villagers realize he was no ordinary person. Furthermore, his display of strength at the village entrance, shattering stones with his bare hands, instilled a sense of awe in everyone. Consequently, they also treated Xue Niang with more respect.
Xue Niang was meticulous about cleanliness and bathed every night. During hot weather, more water was needed. The first thing Xiao Shan did upon returning home in the evening was to fetch water.
"Xiao Shan, I want this rabbit cooked spicy."
Xue Niang ran out from the kitchen. Xiao Shan had hunted a rabbit on the mountain at noon, which was now skinned, chopped into small pieces, and marinated with ginger for half a day. She wanted to prepare it in a spicy style, which Xiao Shan enjoyed, and she did too.
Xiao Shan uttered, "Absolutely not! It can only be braised." He then picked up the carrying pole and went out.
Xue Niang knew Xiao Shan's temperament. If she truly made it spicy, he would likely rinse it clean before letting her eat it.
This man was quite stubborn at times.
Her body had been recuperating for over two months. She wondered when she could stop taking the medicinal soup. In fact, she felt it was no longer necessary. Eating well should be enough to restore her health.
Four of the chickens she raised could now lay eggs. Every morning, four eggs were boiled. She herself could feel that she had gained weight recently, and her clothes were starting to feel tight.
Also, perhaps her menstrual cycle was approaching again, as her chest felt a little swollen and uncomfortable.
"Xue Niang! Xue Niang!"
Xu Daniu's voice sounded from outside. Xu Daniu often visited her now, sometimes bringing mushrooms she had gathered early in the morning. Xue Niang sometimes felt indebted and would give her a few eggs in return.
"Xue Niang, come here. I have something to tell you."
Xu Daniu beckoned mysteriously.
"What is it?" Xue Niang asked, a little puzzled.
"Xue Niang, I just saw Brother Xiao going to fetch water. You have to be careful. I saw Chen Dong's wife also going to fetch water at the same time, and Brother Xiao helped her carry it. I've seen it twice already."
"Who is Chen Dong's wife?"
"It's that little wife who always wears a blue silk flower in her hair. Besides you, she's the prettiest young wife in the village! Yesterday, I saw her staring at Brother Xiao's back for a long time. It definitely means something."
"What could be the problem?" Xue Niang was a bit confused. Since she was Chen Dong's wife, a married woman, was she staring because she was afraid of Xiao Shan?
"Oh, Xue Niang, why don't you understand! Let me tell you..." Xu Daniu felt a bit awkward. She was still a young girl, and she couldn't bring herself to say it to just anyone. But Xue Niang never laughed at people, so she dared to speak. "I heard Auntie Gui Xiang say that Chen Dong, he... he's not capable!"
"Not capable of what?"
Xu Daniu glared at Xue Niang. "How can you still ask me? Of course, of course, he's not capable in bed! This, this Brother Xiao, at first glance, he looks very... capable, so she..." Oh! You understand now, right! Anyway, I've told you, you handle it yourself! That woman is not a good sort, so be wary of her!"
Xu Daniu stomped her feet and ran off, her two thick braids swinging.
Xue Niang understood, her face flushing crimson. She didn't remember anything else, only the words: Brother Xiao, capable, filled her mind.
Was it just because he was big that he was capable?
Her mind conjured an image of a woman kneeling on the ground, with Xiao Shan above her.
Her face suddenly turned unpleasant.
No, Xiao Shan wasn't like that. Married couples weren't like that. He would hold her, just as he did every night after she fell asleep.
She knew that even when he was asleep, if she moved, his hand would subconsciously pat her gently.
Even if he were to engage in marital relations with her, she felt it wouldn't frighten her; it would be very gentle.
Xue Niang slowly calmed the unease in her heart, thinking about that Chen Dong's wife.
Could there be such a bold woman? She somewhat doubted it.
If she had to guess who had some lingering feelings for Xiao Shan, she would rather believe it was Xu Daniu herself, because every time she spoke, she seemed to be praising him, which always made her feel strange.
She wondered if it was because Xu Daniu had once considered marrying Xiao Shan that she harbored prejudice.
Xiao Shan returned, carrying the water. His long legs covered twice the distance of others with each stride. One arm rested on the carrying pole, his posture erect. The two large wooden buckets swayed gently within, not spilling a drop. For him, carrying this amount of water was as easy as playing.
"Why are you standing here? Waiting for me?"
Seeing Xue Niang at the door, Xiao Shan curved his lips, his gaze fixed on her.
The afterglow of the sunset cast a glow on Xue Niang. He had seen her from afar. The sunset, the willow tree, the woman, the picket fence, the black dog lying in front of the yard – it was as serene and beautiful as a painting.
It moved him, warming his heart.
Living a lifetime like this would be truly wonderful.
Xue Niang looked him up and down. His clothes were still the ones he wore while working; he hadn't had time to change. They were covered in dust and smelled of sweat. Did other women really like such a man?
She didn't believe it.
"Were there many people fetching water?"
"Quite a few," Xiao Shan replied as he poured the water into the kitchen缸. He then took out the carrying pole. "Why are you standing outside the yard?"
"I was a bit bored and wanted to go with you to see where the water is fetched."
Xiao Shan laughed with delight, revealing his white teeth. "What's there to see? You can't carry it yourself. One bucket of water would drag you into the well."
"I don't believe it. I saw other women fetching water."
"Can you compare yourself to others? You're delicate and weak. Don't cause trouble for me. If you want to follow, then follow. Let's go!"
Xue Niang snorted and walked beside him, but after a few steps, she fell half a pace behind.
"Slow down! Are you going to find money by running fast?"