The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure-Chapter 1666 - 1660: Blazing Hot

The young couple stayed in the room affectionately for half a day, and everyone was sensible enough not to disturb them. 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

By the time dinner was served, Wang Yongzhu’s lips were still a bit swollen. Although she had used cold water to soothe them and covered them with powder, upon close inspection, the traces were still visible.

Old Granny Zhang, though advanced in age, still had sharp eyes. She took one look and averted her gaze.

This young couple hadn’t seen each other in a few months and might have gone a bit overboard—well, it’s understandable.

Because they had been affectionate for half a day, it somewhat eased Song Chongjin’s longing.

At this moment, they had barely returned to normalcy, first chatting cordially with Old Granny Zhang for half a day.

Old Granny Zhang found it amusing in her heart; her son-in-law had always been well-mannered, but now he seemed a bit guilty and eager to please.

However, with a room full of people, one naturally had to maintain the son-in-law’s dignity.

So she just answered with a smile and even asked a few questions about how Song Chongjin was doing at home.

For a time, the atmosphere was harmonious.

After dinner, Wang Yongzhu indeed wanted to chat with Old Granny Zhang and discuss the plans for returning the next day over tea.

But she couldn’t resist Song Chongjin’s eyes constantly glancing at her.

Old Granny Zhang mumbled to herself, he looked like a wolf eyeing its prey, his eyes practically turning green, as if he wanted to devour his daughter in one bite.

Wang Yongzhu, being naturally perceptive, felt her back burning under Song Chongjin’s gaze.

Unable to resist, she turned slightly and glared at Song Chongjin.

He slightly restrained himself, but after a while, his gaze returned straight to her.

Wang Yongzhu had no way of dealing with it and felt both embarrassed and annoyed, to the point that even her speech became a bit stammered.

Old Granny Zhang, unable to bear it any longer, thought, are we all blind here, or does he think we’re fools?

If her daughter stayed in the room any longer, the son-in-law’s gaze might just set the place on fire.

Waving her hand irritably, she said, "Alright, alright, it’s getting late. I need to rest, and you should find some rest too! You have to hit the road early tomorrow!"

Upon hearing this, Wang Yongzhu understood that Old Granny Zhang wanted to give them some privacy and immediately felt a bit shy and embarrassed.

But as for Song Chongjin, he no longer felt shy, fearing that Old Granny Zhang might change her mind, he promptly stood up, "Then we won’t disturb your rest! We’ll go back first! Please rest well, no need to rush to get up early tomorrow, I’ve got everything arranged, just rest assured!"

With that, he was about to drag Wang Yongzhu away.

Wang Yongzhu rolled her eyes at Song Chongjin and turning to look at Old Granny Zhang’s knowing gaze made her face burn.

She opened her mouth to say something, but Old Granny Zhang, showing a clear look of disdain, shooed them away.

And then, Song Chongjin dragged her out.

Back in their room, Song Chongjin’s eyes never left Wang Yongzhu.

Wang Yongzhu, slightly annoyed and embarrassed, chased him out, then washed up and changed her clothes.

Song Chongjin had also washed up and changed into a casual robe, sitting under the lamp reading a book.

Upon hearing movement, he turned to see Wang Yongzhu coming out, immediately dropped his book, and in a few steps, lifted Wang Yongzhu and carried her towards the bed...

What followed through the night was left unspoken.

The next day, Old Granny Zhang was already awake but hearing no sounds from outside, it seemed her daughter and son-in-law were still in bed.

She knew her daughter was quite reserved, and if she got up first and everyone waited for the young couple, wouldn’t everyone find out what happened?

So, she deliberately lingered in her room for half a day, only getting up when she heard sounds from their side, opened the door, and let the servants in to help with the morning washing.

After this night, anyone could see Wang Yongzhu looked radiant and vivacious, glowing with vitality.

Song Chongjin looked serene yet content, the two of them entered hand in hand, and as they sat for breakfast, every move was filled with affection, causing onlookers to envy and their hearts to flutter.

Old Granny Zhang ate breakfast with a mix of amusement and mild irritation at the display.

Finally finishing breakfast, it was time to get ready for departure.

The officials at the postal station had long been prepared.

Looking at the sky, Song Chongjin helped Old Granny Zhang and Wang Yongzhu onto the carriage before mounting his horse and signaling to move out.

The journey revealed the Saibei landscape, which amazed those from the Capital City.

Now was the best season in Saibei, cool and pleasant, with babbling river water and lush greenery along both sides of the official road.

In the distance, the golden wheat fields swayed gently in the wind, a sure sign of an abundant harvest.

Some officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, brought in from the Capital City, leaned out of the carriage, eager to dive into the fields for a closer inspection.

Thankfully, under the persuasion of Song Chongjin’s subordinates, they managed to hold themselves back.

Among the officials from the Capital City was one who, years back, had been previously dispatched to Saibei.

He vividly recalled that among several counties in the area, only Linshui City stood out for its bustle due to its geographical advantages.

All other counties were bleak and barren.

However, on this journey, he noticed that not only had the official road widened, but it had also become a lot smoother; at least the carriage no longer bumped as it did in the past.

Back then, riding a carriage all day, even on the main road, would leave one’s behind numb.

Not to mention the fields along the way, he remembered well that many plots were left uncultivated, and even during summer, the river would either flood, inundating nearby areas.

Or the river would dry up entirely, leaving the distant wheat fields sparse and pitiful.

Today’s vibrant landscape was making the place feel like Jiangnan in Saibei.

Occasionally, travelers would pass by on the road, including merchant caravans and apparent locals.

Watching their attire and complexion, although their clothes still bore patches, their overall appearance had improved significantly, no longer looking emaciated and dark.

Seeing the brightness in their eyes, they no longer exhibited numbness and despair.

As they passed, snippets of conversation could be overheard; merchants were discussing the upcoming trading market in Chicheng City, curious about their potential earnings from this batch of goods.

The locals also expressed awe at the promising harvest this year, excited for a plentiful year ahead, hopeful to enjoy some meat cuts by the year’s end.

The narrative was laced with hope.

In conversations, Song Chongjin’s name frequently emerged, with locals expressing their gratitude.

The officials from the Capital City each took careful note.

Upon arriving at Chicheng County, everyone marveled at the transformation compared to the past, especially the one who had been here before.

To others, the town seemed orderly, with solid and imposing city walls, though nothing particularly special.

However, the official who had visited previously knew firsthand just how significant these changes were.

Walking into the city, the streets were spotless, with passersby clad in slightly neater clothing than those encountered on the road.

Street vendors set up neat stalls along the roadsides, and regardless of the goods sold, the vendors dressed tidily.

Groups of government officials in twos and threes patrolled the streets regularly.

Beggars were scarcely seen, and the few elderly ones rested leisurely in corners under the sun, with bowls placed before them.

They refrained from pestering passersby for alms; if someone tossed a coin, they would graciously acknowledge with a bow and word of thanks.

If no money was given, they remained composed and contented.