The Comeback of the Charming Farmer's Wife

"Is this okay?" Yang Chuxia said, "Everyone over in Dongyang is worried sick."

"It’s fine, but you mustn’t reveal his whereabouts, or it’ll ruin his plans."

"Alright then." Yang Chuxia asked him again, "You must be hungry after the long journey back. Have a seat, I’ll fix something for you to eat."

"Okay, have the kitchen get some water ready. I want to wash up first." Ye Zi’an looked at his clothes with disdain, "I wanted to get back to the Capital City quickly, so I rode all the way and got dirt all over."

"Haha, just wait a moment." Yang Chuxia laughed; for someone with a bit of a cleanliness obsession, it’s really unbearable to have dusty clothes. "I’ll be quick."

The kitchen usually has hot water ready at night, just in case the masters need it. Soon enough, the servants brought the water over. After Ye Zi’an finished bathing, Yang Chuxia brought over some steaming noodle soup.

"Chicken noodle soup?"

"Wow, your nose is pretty sharp." Yang Chuxia laughed, "I saw there was half a chicken left unused in the kitchen, so I used it for the noodles. Here, try it."

Ye Zi’an noticed the noodles were uneven in thickness and knew that Yang Chuxia made them herself.

"The wife’s cooking tastes great." Ye Zi’an took a bite and smiled at her, "I love the meals my wife makes."

"Then have some more. There’s plenty in the kitchen."

Whether he was really hungry or genuinely liked Yang Chuxia’s noodles, he ate two large bowls before stopping.

"Wife, instead of going back, let’s sleep in the side room." After finishing his meal, Ye Zi’an suggested.

"The kids are inside." Yang Chuxia said, "A bunch of them sleeping alone might kick off the blankets."

Now in September, though the days are warm, the nights get chilly. It’s easy to catch a cold without the blankets.

"That’s exactly why we should be outside." Ye Zi’an picked her up, turning to Ming Lan, "Keep an eye on the little masters."

"Yes!"

Ming Lan watched them leave, thinking the bond between the master and mistress was truly loving, feeling a bit envious.

"Sis, what are you looking at?" Mingqiu, the young maid Yang Chuxia chose to eventually replace Mingcui, asked.

"Didn’t you notice how enviably affectionate the master and mistress are?"

"Everyone in He Residence knows that." Mingqiu laughed, "Though no matter how great their love is, I don’t envy it. I like silver! I’m going to earn lots and lots of silver."

Ming Lan’s exasperation showed, "How much silver can you earn as a maid? You get a fixed sum every month. It’s more practical for a girl to find a good family."

"Hmph, I don’t agree." Mingqiu didn’t accept Ming Lan’s view, thinking marriage isn’t the only path for a woman.

Indeed, she’d learned that the mistress owned many shops. She’ll serve the mistress well first and then seek to help out at the shops. Eventually, she’d become a manager, surely earning more than now.

Well, Yang Chuxia was yet unaware she had unknowingly gained a future female manager with exceptional business talent.

"Wife..." In the side room, Ye Zi’an held her and wouldn’t let go.

"Are you sure you won’t rest properly tonight?" Yang Chuxia saw his eyes start to twinkle again and nudged him.

"Aren’t I resting right now?" Ye Zi’an chuckled, "Oh, no, I shouldn’t call it resting, but training. Those with good stamina get stronger the more they train, while those with poor stamina suffer energy depletion. Clearly, I’m one of good stamina."