Jiang Ji spoke with heartfelt sincerity.

Ye Li thought of the warm chamber in winter and the daily food allowance; after a moment’s hesitation, he nodded: “Alright, I’ll do you this favor.”

Seeing Jiang Ji smile, he turned and took a small clay jar, about the height of a palm, from the basket on the oxcart: “This contains shredded pork. I didn’t prepare much this time—it’s only enough for you.”

“Next time you go home, I’ll prepare an extra jar for you to take back and let Bao Beiyuan try some.”

The last time he went shopping in the county seat with Jiang Ji, the snack he’d just come up with was shredded pork.

Shredded pork is made from real meat; even without additives, it can last a few days in this kind of weather.

It’s perfect for Jiang Ji, who’s preparing for the examinations.

But making shredded pork is quite a hassle, and he didn’t have the right tools, so he’d put it off until now.

Jiang Ji looked at the clay pot curiously: “Shredded pork?”

“Right, made from pork tenderloin. It’s hot out, so it won’t keep for long. Finish it before you head home.”

After saying this, Ye Li hugged the small clay pot and asked, “Have you spent your heat allowance yet?”

That single sentence instantly cut short Jiang Ji’s curiosity.

His narrow eyes turned to Jiang Tong, who was examining the base of the wall not far away: “Why did you ask Datong to drive the cart for you? He’s pretty busy too.”

Such a guilty look—the answer was obvious.

Ye Li was speechless and rolled his eyes: “I don’t know how to drive an oxcart. Besides, if I went out alone with Xiao Mai and Ya-ger, Xiao Mai would definitely refuse!”

“He has a psychological hang-up—he’s worried I’ll sell them off.”

“…It’s not as bad as you make it out to be. Xiao Mai really respects you as his older brother.”

Jiang Ji withdrew his gaze and stared at him earnestly.

“Given the circumstances, it’s better if I bring someone along.”

He wasn’t about to do anything that might arouse suspicion.

Besides, since this was a rare outing, he couldn’t let that little rascal Jiang Mai worry himself sick.

That’s why he’d turned to Jiang Tong.

But upon hearing this, Jiang Ji was somewhat surprised: “You even know this?”

It’s not often you see someone in a compromising situation.

Ye Li felt a pang of unease under his intense gaze.

But Ye Li knew that the more he pressed, the more he had to stand his ground.

He placed the small clay pot on the ox cart, planted his hands on his hips, and asked belligerently, “Then why aren’t you spending your heat allowance? Don’t want to get into bed anymore?”

Jiang Ji’s pupils contracted; he had no time to be surprised: “Of course I want to.”

“You want it, yet you won’t spend it!”

Ye Li jabbed his finger hard into Jiang Ji’s shoulder, still brimming with indignation.

But deep down, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

He’d have to be careful next time—his current persona was that of an illiterate peasant.

Jiang Ji gave a dry laugh and pointed at Jiang Tong, who was standing nearby: “So, have you asked Datong to make you a new stool?”

“Of course I have. The stool we have at home now was made by Datong from freshly cut, damp wood—it’s not very durable. Datong specifically bought some lumber this time, planning to make a few proper stools and chairs.”

Ye Li rolled his eyes again at his evasive response.

“That’s great. Is Big Brother Tong planning to pick up this craft again?”

Jiang Ji continued to ask.

“Yeah, I’ve studied it for all those years—I can’t bear to let it go.”

As Ye Li spoke, he gave his chest a couple of sharp jabs with his fists, steering the conversation back on track: “If you don’t want cold drinks, why not switch to eggs? Eating an extra egg won’t make you fat, will it?”

Jiang Ji hurriedly nodded: “I’ll buy some tomorrow. I’ll eat eight meals. Just calm down.”

“Then don’t make me angry next time!”

“Okay, okay, from now on, whatever you give me, I’ll spend every last penny!”

As he spoke, Jiang Ji raised his right hand, looking as if he were swearing an oath to the heavens.

“That’s more like it.” Ye Li was satisfied.

Just then, Jiang Mai and Jiang Ya finished the steamed buns in their hands and walked hand in hand back to the oxcart. Ye Li took the opportunity to bring up the topic of the crops.

“The two mu of corn back home need watering and weeding. Ye Liang and Ye Wen should come over tomorrow to help out.”

With just a few simple words, he completely sidestepped the awkward situation.

Jiang Ji finished his two steamed buns, and it was time for Ye Li to take the two little ones home. However, there were only three days left until Jiang Ji’s next visit home, so they would see each other again soon.

By the time the oxcart left the county town, the sun had already dipped below the horizon, and it was nearly dark.

The three-li journey was over in the blink of an eye.

Once home, Ye Li first soaked the soybeans.

Just as he was about to head into the kitchen to cook, Jiang Liu arrived, pushing a cart loaded with wild grass.

Today, she would help feed the pigs and chickens.

Lately, farm work had consisted mainly of watering the crops and weeding, so she’d brought the wild grass she’d pulled from the cornfield that day.

Jiang Liu didn’t stay long; she piled the wild greens by the well, loaded them back onto the cart, and left.

Ye Li had the two little ones feed the pigs and chickens. He grabbed a small stool, sat down in front of the pile of wild greens, and picked out the shepherd’s purse and purslane to prepare some steamed vegetables.

Lunch had been too greasy, so dinner should be something light.

At this time of year, the shepherd’s purse and purslane were a bit tough, so he picked only the tender leaves. He gathered a large bowlful, washed them thoroughly, sprinkled some cornmeal over them, gave them a stir, then placed them on a steamer basket to cook.

In less than fifteen minutes, dinner was ready.

Jiang Mai and Jiang Ya had just finished a steamed bun, so they weren’t very hungry; they were full after eating just over half a bowl.

The two ran off to wash up, but going out for a banquet today was such a novel experience for them.

Even as they squatted by the well, brushing their teeth, they kept chatting, reliving the day’s events in detail.

In the dim kitchen, only Ye Li remained, chewing the vegetable leaves slowly.

By the time he had finished eating and tidied up the kitchen, the two little ones had even finished their baths and were ready to go back to their room to sleep.

He locked the courtyard gate, picked up his newly bought bamboo cup, and squatted by the well to brush his teeth.

The moon had already risen.

The cicadas were silent at this hour.

No frogs were croaking either—the Jiang family’s courtyard was far from any pond, and only the occasional bark of a dog drifted in from the distance, making the courtyard seem all the more quiet.

As he brushed his teeth, he let out a long sigh.

When a person has no other pleasures, they truly long for romance.

He missed Jiang Ji…

Money cannot fill the emptiness of an empty bed.

It cannot!

The next day, Ye Liang and Ye Wen arrived very early; Ye Li had just finished pressing the tofu when the two of them showed up.

Actually, Ye Li didn’t want Ye Wen to come over to help; they were newlyweds, and the young couple was still very much in love.

So, when Ye Wen walked in, he said, “Second Brother, you really came. I was worried Brother Yu would blame me.”

Hearing this, Ye Wen’s face flushed slightly. He lowered his eyes, avoiding Ye Li’s gaze, and explained, “Big Brother works slowly on his own. Rather than delaying things for a few days, I thought I’d come over.”

“Brother Yu won’t blame you.”

The pomegranate-red cotton fabric Li-ger gave him yesterday wasn’t just the perfect shade—it was embroidered with several pomegranates bursting open along the edges, carrying a particularly auspicious meaning.

Yu-ger couldn’t put it down. Last night, after their wedding night, he snuggled into his arms and whispered that he wanted to use it to make clothes and handkerchiefs.

He also reminded him to work hard today and not to slack off.

Seeing his second-oldest brother blush, Ye Li knew there was no conflict between the newlyweds on this matter.

Relieved, he smiled and said, “As long as Brother Yu doesn’t hold it against me, let’s have a drink of water and a pastry first. We’ll head out to the fields after we’ve eaten and drunk our fill.”

Ye Liang and Ye Wen agreed. They had set out in the middle of the night and, having walked for so long, were indeed both hungry and thirsty.

After drinking some water, the two of them picked up their baskets and backpacks and headed out to the fields, tucking a few buns into their pockets to eat as they went.

Weeding in the morning.

Watering the fields in the afternoon.

At dusk, Ye Wen headed home carrying tofu puffs and skewers, while Ye Liang stayed behind.

The work wasn’t finished, and the two households were far apart; in the past, when the Ye family came to help, they often stayed the night.

After dinner, Jiang Ya came to the west room to sleep with Ye Li. The little one was both happy and a bit self-conscious.

This is Brother Li’s room and his bed, after all.

Unable to sleep, he rolled around on the bed, entertaining himself.

When Ye Li entered the room, he saw the boy lying flat on his back with his legs raised, his little hands clutching his toes—looking just like a turtle turned upside down, utterly adorable.

When he saw Ye Li push the door open, he quickly let go of his feet, pushed himself up against the bamboo mat, and sat up in one swift motion. Then, crossing his little legs, he greeted Ye Li with wide eyes: “Brother Li.”

Ye Li looked at his slightly shy little face, feeling both a pang of tenderness and a touch of amusement.

But more than anything, he found him utterly adorable.

Ever since he’d traveled through time, the Jiang family’s meals had improved.

After two months of nourishment, the little guy’s body had visibly filled out.

Right now, he was wearing a pair of little shorts and a short jacket.

His chubby arms and legs were exposed, and he sat there so obediently.

He was so adorable that Ye Li immediately pounced onto the kang, scooped him into her arms, and planted a few hearty kisses on him.

Jiang Ya giggled at the kisses, wriggling around in Ye Li’s arms: “Li-ge, tickle!”

At that, Ye Li actually started tickling his little tummy: “Whose little piggy is this? Your belly’s so round, just like a watermelon. Is this melon ripe yet?”

Jiang Ya laughed even harder, crawled out of his arms, and rolled around on the kang.

In the eastern room next door, Ye Liang couldn’t help but smile as he listened to Jiang Ya’s laughter.

Xiao Li’s temperament has really improved!

The next day, Ye Wen didn’t show up.

But with Ye Liang’s help, they managed to finish the remaining chores.

When Ye Wen came over on the third day, he brought a large piece of pork.

He also brought some walnuts, black sesame seeds, and rice.

After a quick lunch, Ye Li asked Ye Liang to fry the tofu puffs, while he brought out a small stove and an iron skillet to roast the black sesame seeds, rice, and walnuts.

Since Jiang Ji was coming home today, he planned to make some more walnut and black sesame powder.

He also intended to make some shredded pork.

The process for making shredded pork is actually quite simple: first, boil the lean meat in a pot.

Once cooked, remove it, tear it into fine shreds by hand, and then stir-fry the shredded meat in the pan.

While stir-frying, season it lightly and keep stirring constantly with chopsticks. This makes the meat fibers fluffy and crumbly; as long as you stir it long enough, it won’t be much different from the shredded pork sold in stores.

But since it was for his own family, Ye Li didn’t bother with all that effort; good enough was fine.

After Ye Liang left carrying the tofu puffs, he hauled the tall stool Jiang Tong had just made over to the well, scrubbed it thoroughly, and once it was completely dry, carried it back to the west room.

He didn’t rest; he headed straight to the mill to grind walnut and black sesame powder.

Once he finished grinding, he prepared dinner. As the sky grew dark, a familiar figure finally appeared at the courtyard gate.

Jiang Ji had returned.

So he set the table.

Today’s pork—the marbled cut—Ye Li had turned into twice-cooked pork.

In this sweltering heat, he really didn’t feel like eating twice-cooked pork.

No matter how you prepare it, this dish always seems greasy.

But he’d been so busy today that he didn’t have time to prepare anything complicated, so he made twice-cooked pork, adding plenty of green beans to cut through the greasiness.

But the three Jiang brothers didn’t find it greasy at all. The meat was stir-fried until tender, and the green beans had soaked up all the oil and flavor, making them taste almost as delicious as the meat itself.

The three of them ate with their hands, their faces beaming with satisfaction.

Jiang Mai and Jiang Ya were still young and didn’t eat much. Plus, Jiang Ji and Ye Li had intentionally slowed down the pace, so the two little ones were full in no time.

Jiang Ji urged them to go wash up: “It’s getting late. Go brush your teeth, take a shower, and go to bed.”

As soon as Jiang Ya heard this, he climbed down from the stool, shuffled over to his side in two steps, wrapped his little arms around his arm, and asked, “Big Brother, can I sleep with you and Li-ge tonight?”

Jiang Ji: “?”

He stared blankly at Ye Li, who was sitting across from him.

Before Ye Li could say a word, Jiang Ya shook his arm again and added, “We have to invite Second Brother too! Second Brother will be scared sleeping alone since uncle isn’t here tonight.”

“Big Brother, can the four of us sleep together?”

Jiang Ji: “……”

He was genuinely baffled.

His narrow eyes fixed on Ye Li, pleading for help.

Ye Li stifled a laugh. “Alright, since Xiao Ya says so, let’s all sleep together tonight.”

Jiang Ji: “?”

Before he could even furrow his brow, Jiang Mai walked over and grabbed Jiang Ya’s little hand: “Xiao Ya, Sister Liu, and Brother Yu don’t sleep with their Uncle and Aunt.”

“Sister Liu and Brother Yu are big, and we’re little.” Jiang Ya’s big eyes were still fixed on Jiang Ji: “Is that okay, Big Brother?”

Jiang Ji: “……Alright.”

He’d already figured out roughly what was going on.

But for some reason, Ye Li agreed.

Which left him with no way to refuse.

But who would’ve thought that Jiang Mai would shake his little head and say earnestly, “Li-ge, I’m already seven years old. Seven-year-olds don’t share a bed. I’m your younger brother-in-law—how could I sleep with my brother-in-law?”

Ye Li: “……”

He twitched the corner of his mouth. Little brat, he’s quite particular.

He said, “All right, all right. Just one night. Let’s just grant Ya-ger’s wish.”

The little guy had enjoyed sleeping with him last time, so he’d been looking forward to the whole family sleeping together.

No big deal.

Just grant his wish.

Hearing Ye Li’s words, Jiang Ji understood what he meant. He reached out and ruffled Jiang Mai’s little head: “Exactly. You’re still just a little kid. Go wash up with Ya-ger.”

Hearing this, Jiang Mai turned to gauge Ye Li’s expression.

Seeing that Ye Li really didn’t look angry, he let out a sigh of relief and pulled Jiang Ya out of the kitchen.

Actually, he wanted to sleep with his older brother, too!

As for his brother-in-law… sleeping together would be fine.

Jiang Ji looked at Ye Li: “So, later…”

“Hurry up and eat. Once you’re done, play with them for a bit and tuck them in.”

Ye Li urged.

Hearing this, a smile flashed across Jiang Ji’s eyes.

That’s right—the two of them could go to the little shed.

Unfortunately, it was pitch black inside the little shed, so he wouldn’t be able to see Ye Li undressing.

What a pity.

The two of them finished their meal quickly, then tidied up the kitchen. By the time they were done, the two little ones had finished washing up as well.

So the two of them led them to the west room.

Jiang Ya was beside himself with excitement. Once he climbed onto the kang, he somersaulted around, snuggled in Ye Li’s arms for a while, then scrambled with all fours into Jiang Ji’s embrace, his laughter loud enough to shake the roof.

Ye Li finally heard that ear-piercing shriek unique to children of this age from Jiang Ya.

In contrast, Jiang Mai was quite reserved.

He sat to the side, playing with a large pinwheel, only occasionally glancing at the overexcited Jiang Ya.

The consequence of his overexcitement was that Jiang Ya refused to sleep.

The two went to bed half an hour later than usual.

By the time they fell asleep, Ye Li was yawning too.

After a busy day, he was tired too.

“Why don’t we wash up and go to bed?” Jiang Ji took his hand and asked softly.

“Hmm… Let’s take a bath first.” Ye Li clasped Jiang Ji’s hand in return, then went limp and collapsed into his arms.

Jiang Ji chuckled softly. “Hold on tight.”

With that, he wrapped one arm around Ye Li’s shoulders and slid the other under his knees, effortlessly lifting him up in a princess carry.

Ye Li was delighted by this, and his drowsiness faded considerably.

He wrapped his arms around Jiang Ji’s neck and whispered into his ear, “Should we bring the new stool?”

Jiang Ji glanced at the new stool by the table.

This new stool was slightly deeper than the previous one, but the width hadn’t changed much; it just had a backrest and no armrests.

It was still suitable for the splits and the straddle.

However, it was too late tonight.

He shook his head: “No need tonight.”

Ye Li looked a little disappointed, but didn’t press the issue.

This high stool was all about the visual effect; otherwise, the excitement would be greatly diminished.

The two entered the small shed, gave each other a quick wash, then embraced and began making love.

It was late at night, and Jiang Ji didn’t waste any time. Just like before, he held Ye Li off the ground, thrusting hard and deep.

After that round, they were truly exhausted. They washed up briefly, got dressed, and returned to the main room.

Under the oil lamp, the two little ones were snoring soundly. The couple exchanged a smile and climbed onto the kang.

Ye Li slept on the innermost side, Jiang Ya next to him, Jiang Mai next to Jiang Ya, and Jiang Ji on the outermost side.

Once Ye Li was settled, Jiang Ji blew out the oil lamp, and the room was instantly plunged into darkness.

Jiang Ji felt his way to a comfortable position, listening to Jiang Mai’s steady breathing by his ear. After a moment, he rolled over and looked toward the inner part of the bed.

The window was wide open, and moonlight streamed in, allowing him to make out the three figures in the inner part of the bed.

He watched quietly for a while, until fatigue washed over him; only then did he close his eyes and let himself drift into sleep.

This time, it wasn’t Jiang Dahu who woke him.

Jiang Dahu had deliberately arrived half an hour late; by the time he and Ye Li woke naturally, it was nearly dawn.

But Jiang Mai and Jiang Ya were still asleep, so the two of them got up on tiptoe.

After washing up, they began preparing breakfast.

Breakfast should be light, so Ye Li planned to make some rice and pumpkin porridge, and then stir-fry the leftover green beans and pork from last night.

Of course, flatbreads and eggs were a must.

This breakfast was extremely simple. Once the pumpkin and rice were in the pot, all they had to do was cover it and let it simmer over high heat in front of the stove.

Jiang Ji was in charge of tending the fire, while Ye Li fetched a small basket and filled it with walnuts and black sesame powder, along with two jars of shredded pork.

Jiang Ji watched his movements, his gaze so tender it seemed he could squeeze water from it.

Over the past ten days, Jiang Ji had lived more comfortably than he ever had when his parents were still alive.

At every meal, he would add a few spoonfuls of the walnut and black sesame powder to his bowl.

Thus, the porridge in the kitchen finally served a second purpose besides quenching thirst: filling the stomach.

As for the shredded pork, it was something else entirely.

Transforming meat into loose, large granules—completely unrecognizable as meat—how much sweat must Ye Li have poured into this!

These two dishes were each more troublesome than the last.

Yet Ye Li prepared both of them.

How could he not be moved by this?

Just then, after packing the food, Ye Li counted out some copper coins and threaded them onto a thicker hemp string.

He held up the string of coins and waved it at Jiang Ji: “Here you go, sixty-six wen this time.”

With that, he placed the coins into his backpack.

But Jiang Ji froze: “Sixty-six wen?”

“Right. Six wen a day—four for the eggs, two for the heat allowance. Eleven days make sixty-six wen. ”

Ye Li spoke as he pulled up a small stool and sat down in front of Jiang Ji.

Seeing Jiang Ji staring blankly at him, his eyes seemingly red-rimmed, he smiled, took Jiang Ji’s dust-covered hand, and said softly, “The twelfth day is Mother’s memorial. I’ll buy the offerings; you just need to come back on the eleventh.”

At those words, Jiang Ji’s eyes weren’t just red—they began to well up with tears.

A complex expression crossed his handsome face. “You know?”

“It’s such a significant event; of course, I know.”

The original host had indeed been unaware of Jiang Ji’s mother’s anniversary.

But since Ye Li had taken a liking to Jiang Ji and intended to spend the rest of his life with him, Jiang Ji’s mother was naturally his own mother as well.

He had asked Jiang Dahu for the exact date back in early summer.

Moreover, the original host had once complained in front of Jiang Ji that Jiang Ji’s father was overreaching, lacking the ability, yet stubbornly trying to prove himself.

This was the original host’s own verbal transgression.

But since he had inherited everything from the original host, in Jiang Ji’s eyes, this debt fell on him.

The memorial service would effectively be his first meeting with his in-laws. As Jiang Ji’s Fulang, he had to maintain a proper demeanor.

Therefore, he added, “I was out of my mind back then and spoke disrespectfully to my father. After we pay our respects to my mother, I’ll go to my father’s grave, kowtow, and admit my mistake.”

“Once I’ve admitted my mistake, will you forget the person I used to be and only remember the one who’s changed for the better? Is that alright?”

His gentle, soft-spoken words—just a few short sentences—brought tears to Jiang Ji’s eyes.

The fact that he remembered the anniversary of his own mother’s passing was deeply moving.

But Ye Li was actually going to his biological father’s grave to admit his wrongdoing!

More than moved, Jiang Ji was stunned.

He truly hadn’t expected Ye Li to still remember this.

In fact, over the past few days, he had seen everything Ye Li had done for him and for their family.

He no longer intended to hold that incident against her.

There was no need.

It was time to look forward.

But now that Ye Li was going to apologize and kowtow, he took a deep breath, clasped Ye Li’s hand, and whispered, “All right, all right. Whatever you say goes.”

His Ye Li, his Fulang—what had he done to deserve this, and how could he ever repay him…

Thank you.

Thank you.