Before Jiang Ji even reached his front gate, he heard voices coming from the courtyard.

It sounded quite lively.

He quickened his pace to the courtyard gate and peered inside. Sure enough, not only was Jiang Liu present, but Liang Erxiang and Jiang Yu were there too.

They were either squatting or sitting, busy making preserved eggs.

Jiang Ya clutched the large windmill Bao Beiyuan had bought last time, running around the courtyard playing with it.

The little one suddenly spotted him at the doorway. His big eyes lit up instantly as he scampered toward him on his stubby legs: “Big Brother!”

His call drew the attention of everyone in the courtyard.

Seeing he had returned, Ye Li, Liang Erxiang, Jiang Liu, and Jiang Yu all stood up.

In an instant, several voices chimed in: “Xiao Ji, you must be tired! Sit down and rest.”

“Brother Ji, Brother Li made some cold-brewed jasmine tea. It’s hanging in the well—I’ll fetch it for you.”

“Brother Ji, sit down! Brother Liang bought some cherries. I’ll wash a few for you.”

“You’re back.”

These voices, accompanied by familiar laughter, made Jiang Ji smile too. He responded to each one: “Auntie, you all carry on with what you’re doing. I’ll just wash my hands first.”

As his gaze shifted to Ye Li’s face, he hadn’t even had time to fully take him in when Jiang Mai came running out of the kitchen, calling loudly: “Brother! Brother! Brother Li stewed chicken! It’s almost done!“

Stewed chicken?

Jiang Ji looked at the person he’d been longing to see, astonished. ”Where did the chicken come from?“

”Auntie gave it to us.” Ye Li pointed to Liang Erxiang standing nearby.

Before Jiang Ji could furrow his brows in disbelief, Liang Erxiang explained, “First, to thank Brother Li. The three hundred preserved eggs he taught Xiao Liu to make last time sold out just the other day.”

“Not only did he repay the copper coins he borrowed from your uncle, but he also earned over two hundred wen.”

“Yu-ger got jealous and wanted to make some too, so he came to learn from Brother Li.”

“Back then, Xiao Liu specially went to the county town to buy a pound of pork to thank Brother Li. Now it’s Yu-ger’s turn. He’s just a kid with no money, so he could only use a chicken from home.”

“Besides, the family will be harvesting wheat tomorrow. You’ll definitely help out. The work is heavy—how can you manage without something hearty? So I caught a young rooster to bring over.”

Jiang Ji’s two-mu plot was planted with corn.

Harvest was still far off.

But the Jiang Dahu family had planted a lot of wheat. Around this time every year, Jiang Ji would go to the fields to help with the harvest.

That’s why Liang Erxiang caught a young rooster and sent it over, asking Ye Li to stew it.

This explanation brought Ye Li into the picture.

Half of this chicken was meant as thanks to Ye Li, so now Jiang Ji couldn’t really interject.

But family knew family best—Second Uncle’s household was also quite poor.

He said, “Auntie, next time something like this happens, just give Ye Li two pounds of meat. I’ll benefit from Ye Li’s kindness and get a little extra nourishment.”

“We raise roosters to stew them for food, and we have several more at home. Stewing one won’t hurt,” Liang Erxiang said with a smile.

“Exactly. Ji, wash your hands and try these cherries—they’re sweet.”

Jiang Yu had already swiftly washed the cherries.

They weren’t large, but their flesh was deep red throughout.

Though it was cherry season, these fresh, cultivated fruits were never cheap.

While washing his hands, Jiang Ji asked curiously, “Why did Second Brother decide to buy cherries?”

Ye Li explained, “The preserved eggs sold well—he made a profit. Last time he made five hundred, he took them to town to sell. A small merchant happened to see them and bought the entire batch in one go.”

“He’s already finished the second batch. Knowing you were coming back today, he specially bought three pounds of cherries.”

“That lucky?” Jiang Ji was astonished.

“It’s not luck—it’s because the preserved eggs taste great. I sold fifty of my first five hundred to Uncle Jiang. The rest? Big Brother put them out, and they sold out in three days.”

“The ones Datong and Xiaoliu make? Big Brother sells those, too. He sells a hundred or two every day.”

“This season is perfect for preserved eggs.”

Ye Li’s face lit up with pride.

Though preserved eggs weren’t as famous as century eggs, they were an extremely common dish in his hometown. Most street-side restaurants included them in their cold salad platters.

Tossed with cucumbers, wood ear mushrooms, and other ingredients, they were fresh and refreshing.

Even modern foodies love them—there’s no reason ancient people, despite scarce resources, wouldn’t enjoy them.

From the first batch of forty-six, he gave several to Jiang Fuzheng.

Later, Jiang Fuzheng inquired twice. Once the second batch of five hundred was ready, he sent Jiang Mai to Jiang Fuzheng’s house with the news.

Jiang Fuzheng came over immediately with Jiang Mai and bought fifty.

Now, the third batch of five hundred had been sealed in jars for three days.

Ah, counting the days, it had been half a month since he last saw his beloved husband.

Much had happened in those fifteen days.

Ye Li felt a pang of emotion, and Jiang Ji shared the same sentiment.

These past few days, Bao Beiyuan had been busy searching for a courtyard and buying tools, putting his tea and milk business on hold.

Without Bao Beiyuan’s daily updates, he wouldn’t have known so much had happened at home.

But it was all good news.

Really good news.

He took the cherry bowl from Jiang Yu’s hands, picked up a cherry, and popped it into his mouth.

The bite revealed not only abundant juice but also sweetness.

That sweetness spread straight to his heart.

Seeing the pride on Ye Li’s face, a smile flickered in his own eyes.

The small courtyard bustled with activity, jujube trees providing shade, and the faces of his relatives were all smiles.

All this was set against the orange sunset on the horizon.

Everything before him was vivid, intense, and shrouded in boundless hope.

It was a scene straight out of a dream.

Yeli was the weaver of dreams.

Jiang Liu, standing by the well scooping jasmine tea, saw her cousin smiling at his wife and couldn’t help but smile herself.

She carried the clay pot into the kitchen, poured a bowl, and handed it to Jiang Ji. Jiang Ji promptly slipped the cherry bowl to Jiang Ya, then cupped the jasmine tea to his lips.

He’d run all the way back, sweating profusely, and was genuinely parched.

The tea had steeped in the well for ages, chilled to perfection. One sip instantly washed away much of his heat.

At that moment, Jiang Liu urged Liang Erxiang and Jiang Yu to hurry: “Mother, let’s go quickly. Father must have the meal ready by now.”

The three women hurried off, eager to give Jiang Ji and Ye Li—the newlyweds who had barely spent days together—some time alone.

“Don’t rush. Once the chicken stew is done, you can take a bowl back.” Ye Li pointed toward the kitchen: ”It’s almost done—the aroma is already wafting out. Xiao Mai, go tend the fire.“

Jiang Mai gave a quick reply and trotted into the kitchen.

”It’s just a small rooster, not much meat. Let Ji eat a few extra pieces—he has to harvest wheat tomorrow,” Jiang Liu shook her head.

“Exactly. When I went to town for eggs today, my mother grabbed two pounds of meat. I’ll stir-fry a bowl when we get back,” Jiang Yu added.

He grabbed the willow-branch egg basket, rolled the eggs in sawdust, and then placed them into the jar.

Not only were his movements swift, but he was also full of energy.

Just this little bit of work, easy and not tiring at all. Wait patiently another half-month, and he could earn back several hundred wen. This job was perfect!

Liang Erxiang thought of her husband, Jiang Dahu, at home, and immediately sped up her movements.

Jiang Ji downed the tea in his bowl in one gulp, then asked, “Is there anything I can do?”

“You just rest.” Liang Erxiang replied.

Truthfully, there was no work for Jiang Ji to do at the moment.

Ye Li was also idle.

“Go feed the pigs and chickens,” Ye Li suggested after a moment’s thought, assigning Jiang Ji a task.

Jiang Ji immediately nodded in agreement.

He could feed them now, then after dinner, he’d put Jiang Mai and Jiang Ya to bed.

The remaining time would be his and Ye Li’s.

Soon, Ye Li and Jiang Liu sealed the mouths of several earthenware jars with mud, loaded them onto a flat cart, and the three of them pushed it away.

Night had fully fallen.

The stew of winter melon, green beans, and chicken in the large iron pot was ready.

Ye Li ladled a small bowlful and placed it in the center of the table.

As for the chicken legs, he deboned them and cut each one in half, ensuring each of the four could get half a leg.

Fair and just!

Everyone gets a share!

After distributing the chicken legs, he picked up the clay pot and poured each person a bowl of jasmine green tea.

The pot had been out of the well for a while, losing much of its chill. Even with the rich stewed chicken, the two little ones could drink it down.

Though the Jiang family had been eating meat frequently lately, everyone still ate their fill at this dinner.

The year-old rooster was tender, raised on greens and grains. Even with minimal seasoning, there was no gamey taste.

Delicious!

Jiang Ya finished gnawing his chicken drumstick, then scooped up his greasy little hands to drink half a bowl of jasmine tea in gulps.

His little belly instantly felt full.

He even let out a satisfied burp.

Ye Li watched with amusement. “Xiao Ya, want some more?”

“Don’t drink too much water at night, or you’ll wet the bed,” Jiang Mai interjected before Jiang Ya could answer.

At those words, Jiang Ya’s little face flushed bright red. He murmured, “Okay.”

Truthfully, he hadn’t wet the bed in ages.

But lately, Ye Li prepared sweet tea every day, and with the hot weather, he sweated a lot.

So he couldn’t help drinking extra during dinner.

Over the past few days, he’d wet the bed twice…

“It’s fine. We’ve got straw mattresses anyway. Just change the outer quilt cover. I’ll wash it,” Ye Li said.

Jiang Mai’s little face instantly scrunched up. “But the kang gets all damp. I’m the one who feels uncomfortable.”

Jiang Ji chuckled at this and said, “Then Xiao Ya should drink less. If you’re not thirsty, don’t drink.”

Jiang Ya wrapped his greasy little hands around Jiang Mai’s arm, looking pitifully apologetic. “Second Brother, I didn’t mean to.”

Jiang Mai’s face remained stern. “Then drink less water.”

“Okay.” Jiang Ya immediately nodded his little head. He wouldn’t drink anymore.

Ye Li watched this scene and couldn’t help but smile.

When he shifted his gaze away from the two little rascals, he instinctively looked at Jiang Ji sitting across from him.

Jiang Ji was also looking at him.

Their eyes met, and Jiang Ji said softly, “You’ve been working hard.”

“No problem. Washing clothes in summer is easy—just give them a quick scrub.” Ye Li didn’t mind.

“Then hurry up and eat. It’s getting late.” Jiang Ji urged, then turned to Jiang Mai and Jiang Ya: “You two eat quickly, too. Finish up and go to bed early. Tomorrow you’ll help your second aunt gather wheat ears.”

The two little ones quickly agreed.

They could handle this work.

Last year, during the wheat harvest, both of them had already been working in the fields.

But with them out in the fields, the tasks of cutting pig grass and gathering firewood fell solely to Ye Li.

In the past, given the two youngsters’ diligence, the firewood they gathered in a day would never be used up. A little leftover each day, day after day, would soon pile up into a substantial stack.

But now, Ye Li fried things daily, consuming much firewood. They basically had to gather a day’s worth each day.

Of course, that wasn’t the main point.

Ye Li wasn’t afraid of the busyness; this task was light.

But Jiang Ji’s work was heavy.

After a day of harvesting wheat, would he still have the strength to toil by the stove?

Ye Li pondered this question with a serious expression. Soon, the two little ones finished eating. They brushed their teeth first, then went to the small shed to wash up.

Only Jiang Ji and Ye Li remained in the kitchen.

The two youngsters rinsed quickly, dressed, and emerged. Seeing Jiang Ji and Ye Li still eating in the kitchen, they snuggled up to Jiang Ji and chatted for a while. When Ye Li set down her chopsticks, Jiang Ji sent them back to their room to sleep.

After they left, Jiang Ji said to Ye Li, “You go wash up. I’ll tidy the kitchen.”

Ye Li shook his head. “You wash up. I’ll tidy up.”

He wanted Jiang Ji to conserve his energy.

“Then… shall we do it together?” Jiang Ji ventured tentatively.

Ye Li was slightly taken aback. Before he could respond, Jiang Ji added, “Let me help you? You seem a bit down.”

“…Not really.”

Ye Li chuckled. At least he had some sense.

“I was just wondering—after you’re exhausted tomorrow, will you still have the energy to indulge in the kang?”

Jiang Ji: “…”

He said meaningfully, “Then tonight I’ll test your oral skills, and tomorrow night you’ll test my stamina?”

Ye Li’s gaze flickered. Hmph, oral skills—he’d actually practiced those.

The thought of what was about to happen sent a wave of heat coursing through him in an instant.

He pointed toward the small shed. “Then I’ll wash first. Wait for me after?”

“I can wash you.”

Jiang Ji offered him another option.

“No, I’ll do it myself.”

With that, Ye Li walked out.

It wasn’t that kind of situation.

He and Jiang Ji weren’t that close!

Stepping out of the kitchen, he first locked the courtyard gate, then brushed his teeth.

Afterward, he carried a bucket of lukewarm water mixed with cool water into the small hut.

The shed was pitch-black, but bathing didn’t require an oil lamp anyway. Better safe than sorry—he didn’t want to accidentally set the place on fire.

He placed his clean clothes on a stool nearby, grabbed the dipper, and scooped water over his body. The flow washed away much of the sticky residue left by sweat.

Next, he pinched a bath bean, crushed it, and rubbed the paste all over his body.

This bath bean was newly purchased; the original one had been used up.

After applying it, just as he was about to rinse off, footsteps sounded outside. Immediately, a tall, slender figure appeared at the hut’s entrance. Jiang Ji called out to him.

“You finished so quickly?” Ye Li asked in surprise.

“A few bowls and a basin—how long could it take?”

Jiang Ji set the wooden tub by the hut’s entrance and returned inside to fetch a change of clothes.

By the time he came back to the hut, Ye Li had finished rinsing.

Ye Li beckoned with a smile: “Come on, I’ll wash you.”

Jiang Ji showed no hesitation. Hearing this, he immediately untied the sash around his waist. “Alright.”

He stood at the entrance of the small hut.

The soft moonlight clearly outlined his tall, slender silhouette.

Like the silhouette of a perfect male lead from a comic—a small head, broad shoulders, but where the lines met his waist, they tapered inward, tracing a beautiful curve.

Ye Li didn’t have time to take it all in before his throat went dry.

He knew the feel of that silhouette.

Hot, solid, with just the right amount of lean muscle across his chest and waist.

The last time they’d made love, face to face, he’d studied him openly for a long time, touching him countless times.

The more he thought about it, the drier his throat became. Just as he was about to clear it, Jiang Ji stepped into the shed with a long stride.

In the next instant, he was pulled into a scorching embrace.

Exactly as he remembered it.

The overwhelming masculine scent, mixed with the crisp mintiness of toothpaste, instantly made his head spin.

He cursed his own weakness inwardly. The moment the words left his mind, Jiang Ji’s large hand cupped his cheek. Then, those familiar lips descended.

He followed his body’s instinct, wrapping his arms around Jiang Ji’s waist and parting his lips to welcome this long-awaited kiss.

The instant their tongues met, both men sighed deeply in satisfaction.

Ye Li clung tighter to Jiang Ji, wanting to deepen the kiss slowly. But Jiang Ji’s tongue began to roam wildly in his mouth, teasing his upper palate. Overwhelmed, Ye Li soon collapsed completely into Jiang Ji’s embrace, passively receiving the kiss.

Yet Jiang Ji soon withdrew from his mouth.

He paused briefly against Ye Li’s chest.

Soon, Jiang Ji reached his true destination.

His tall frame crouched down.

He was already hot, but now he was even hotter—no, scorching.

His entire body burned intensely.

He wanted Jiang Ji to get up.

But pleasure raged like a hurricane in his mind, leaving his brain dizzy. His meager experience couldn’t withstand such stimulation.

Greedy for pleasure!

He couldn’t bear to let Jiang Ji rise.

He could barely stand. When they emerged, Jiang Ji held him tightly around the waist, steadying his form.

Like a fish out of water, he gasped for breath, mouth agape.

Then Jiang Ji stood up, one arm around him, the other hand gently stroking his back, trying to prolong the lingering pleasure.

This series of actions made him feel utterly blissful, yet also a bit embarrassed.

Wasn’t Jiang Ji supposed to be checking his oral skills?

And!

How had his beloved husband become so skilled?

He poked Jiang Ji’s shoulder with his index finger. “…Did… did you secretly practice?”

In the darkness, a familiar soft chuckle sounded. Immediately after, Jiang Ji asked, “Then are you satisfied?”

“Satisfied? Satisfied enough to suspect you’ve been practicing in secret!”

With that, Ye Li stood on tiptoe to kiss him.

But Jiang Ji tilted his head. “Stand still. I’m going to rinse my mouth.”

“…It’s my own stuff. I don’t mind! Come here.”

Ye Li simply wrapped his arms around him and threw himself onto Jiang Ji.

Jiang Ji startled, quickly bending his knees slightly and extending his arms to catch him.

Now satisfied, Ye Li wrapped his arms around his husband’s neck and lowered his head to seek his familiar lips.

Jiang Ji hesitated, but didn’t pull away. He obediently parted his lips, and they shared a brief, shallow kiss.

The taste was indeed unpleasant.

But at this moment, neither of them cared.

After the kiss ended, recalling how Jiang Ji had pinned him against the door when he left home last month, Ye Li whispered into Jiang Ji’s ear: “My dear husband, hurry up.”

Jiang Ji naturally recalled that scene too.

He could no longer hold back.

The small hut was stuffy and cramped. Soon, both were drenched in sweat again. Fortunately, it was summer, making bathing convenient.

Afterward, they quickly rinsed off and returned to the house in their straw sandals.

Though it was summer, the old house wasn’t hot.

Moreover, Ye Li had laid out a cool bamboo mat and replaced the thick bedding with thin sheets.

Jiang Ji spread the sheets over the bamboo mat.

This time, he lacked the earlier urgency to thrust himself into Ye Li’s body, so the encounter lasted much longer.

With newfound ease, they explored several different positions.

By the time they finished, distinct red marks were visible on Ye Li’s pale knees.

They were imprints left from his knees pressing against the bamboo mat for too long.

Jiang Ji held his knees and rubbed them gently.

Watching Jiang Ji study his knees intently, Ye Li found it rather amusing.

After the laughter faded, exhaustion washed over him.

Though tonight had been deeply satisfying, the intense passion had also been utterly draining.

He yawned and urged Jiang Ji to sleep.

They had to rise early tomorrow.