This week was a busy and productive one. They ordered tables and stools—three long tables and round stools—and had to include matching teapots and cups in the order.

Tang Xianling settled the deal, sketched out a rough design, and paid Tieniu. The next morning after breakfast, Huangfu Tieniu rode his mule to the lumberyard and porcelain shop in the West Market to place orders and make purchases.

Delivery of the tables and stools was included, after all, they were expensive.

Three tables and eighteen round stools cost a total of three taels of silver. The teapots, cups, and other tableware came to six taels in silver.

“This is all that’s left.” Huangfu Tieniu pulled out every last coin he had.

Tang Xianling took it, examined it closely, raised an eyebrow, and said with a grin, “My dearest husband, you don’t keep any secret stash, do you?”

Huangfu Tieniu had just returned home and was feeling a bit flustered from the sun, but nothing compared to the heat he felt

from his husband’s new nickname and the mention of “secret stash.” His mind went blank, his face flushed, and he felt shy, yet his heart was filled with sweetness.

Though he didn’t understand the term “little husband,” he knew what it meant—likely a term of endearment—and the mention of “secret stash”… he truly felt those words were sweeter than any love confession.

“Feeling shy?” Seeing Tieniu’s flushed, stammering expression, Tang Xianling grew even more smug. He leaned in, grinning, and said, “Oh my, Little Husband, your face is so red. Let me wipe it for you.”

Hehehe, he’s turned into that innocent, big Tieniu again!

Tang Xianling wrung out the handkerchief and wiped Tieniu’s forehead. Tieniu stood stiff as a board, and it wasn’t until his husband gave him a light tap that he finally lowered his head and bent over, letting his husband’s hands move freely over his head. He was overjoyed inside.

“Are you hot?”

“No, I’m not hot.”

“You’re all red.”

“I’m blushing because I’m shy, not from the sun,” Tieniu said bluntly, afraid his husband would worry about him.

Tang Xianling：……

Tieniu was easy to amuse. Though younger than him, he looked mature and steady. Since getting married, he’d sometimes become a bit more “worldly,” but at heart, he was still the innocent Tieniu.

Just as the two were getting all lovey-dovey, Jiang Yun called them to dinner. Tieniu’s face flushed bright red, and he walked with his hands and feet moving in unison. Tang Xianling followed behind, watching Tieniu’s awkward posture, and couldn’t help but laugh.

How adorable is that?

The menu changed on Wednesday, featuring steamed pork with pancakes. The spare ribs were pepper-salt and garlic-flavored; they were marinated, deep-fried, and then dusted with dry seasoning upon removal from the oil. The key to this dish lies in the pepper-salt seasoning.

Tang Xianling also prepared a spicy version with Chinese pepper. The vegetarian dishes were minced pork with eggplant and garlic-flavored seasonal vegetables.

As soon as the steamed pork stuffed in lotus leaf buns came out of the oven, the customers loved them. As soon as they heard there was steamed pork stuffed in lotus leaf buns today, they asked Owner Tang if he had any extra—they wanted to take a portion home.

“Yes, I made double the usual amount of steamed pork today.”

The customer was overjoyed. He asked to take it home before even finishing his meal, paying quickly and efficiently, afraid that Mr. Tang might say it was sold out. 

Tang Xianling: … 

“Mom, you pack this up. I’ll serve the food,” Tang Xianling called out.

Jiang Yun gave a soft “Mm-hmm” and came over to help. Clearing the dishes was left to A-Liang and the new woman, known as Aunt Tong—both were efficient and did their work well.

However, A-Liang was thin and looked rather miserable when he first arrived, while Aunt Tong was a plump woman with a straightforward personality. After just a few days on the job, Tang Xianling already thought highly of her.

Finally, Friday arrived. The shop received the ordered tables and chairs in the evening, and they spent the whole afternoon delivering them.

Huangfu Tieniu stacked the tables and chairs in the corner, planning to set them out early when the shop opened for the evening meal next week. Both men were busy at the moment, so Tang Xianling didn’t have time to cook; he ate the leftover pot of stewed noodles from the evening meal. He paid A-Liang and Sister Tong first, and the two of them each took their share of the stewed noodles home to eat.

At the Tang household, even the noodle stew made from dinner leftovers was richer and more flavorful than what they usually had at home. Taking it back meant they could share it with the children and let them taste a bit of that rich, savory goodness.

Neither of them could bear to eat it all by themselves.

After the two had left, Tang Xianling said to his mother, “As for rice, flour, charcoal, cooking oil, paper, spices, and so on, I’ve checked the stock this week and made sure everything’s restocked. There’s nothing else to do at home. Mother, if you’re staying home this weekend—why don’t you come with me to the village?”

“No, no, I’ll stay home and mind the house. With so many things here, I wouldn’t feel at ease if no one were here,” Jiang Yun said.

Never mind the money at home—even if just the charcoal were to go missing, that would be a major loss.

Tang Xianling still couldn’t stop worrying about his mother, so he took a bowl of pepper-salt spare ribs next door and spoke with Aunt Chen. He explained that he wouldn’t be home for the next two days and that his mother would be alone, asking her to keep an eye on things.

That’s just how it is—a distant relative is no match for a close neighbor.

Chen Qiaolian: “Oh, why are you bringing this? Our families are close—you don’t need to bring anything. I’ll naturally look after her.” 

“Auntie, please accept it. It’s homemade, not store-bought,” Tang Xianling said.

Lu Sanniang, standing nearby, swallowed hard and teased, “It’s only because Wu-ger made them that they smell so good. If they were store-bought, they wouldn’t be anything special.” This made Chen Qiaolian scold her daughter playfully, calling her a greedy little thing.

“By the way, I’ve actually finished the flower buns you asked for. I was just about to bring them over, but since your family was so busy with business this afternoon, I didn’t want to disturb you.” Chen Qiaolian called for Sanniang to fetch them and took the bowl of spare ribs that Wu-ger had sent into the kitchen.

Just moments ago, they’d been exchanging polite pleasantries, but now that bowl of spare ribs was right under her nose, its aroma wafting straight toward her nostrils—it smelled absolutely delicious. No wonder Sanniang had such a sweet tooth.

Before long, Tang Xianling returned to the courtyard carrying the flower-shaped steamed buns made by his family’s Tieniu. He swapped them for the Lu family’s basket and set off to deliver it to them. Jiang Yun offered to go herself.

She knew that Wu-ger had just delivered the spare ribs to the neighbors out of concern for her.

As Wu-ger’s mother, she didn’t want to worry him.

“No rush, Mother. Just look at the flower-shaped steamed buns, Tieniu, and I got.” Tang Xianling took out the buns and placed them in their own basket—one shaped like a lotus flower, one like a water lily, one like a peony, and a lush green leaf. She didn’t know what natural dyes had been used, but they all looked beautiful.

“Aunt Chen has such skillful hands.”

Jiang Yun nodded. “When she first married into this family, she learned how to make and wrap steamed buns. She picked it up right away—they’re even prettier than the ones the old lady from the Lu family makes.” 

“That’s because the Lu family was willing to teach her,” Tang Xianling said.

Old Tang kept his skills to himself—no wonder his mother couldn’t learn them.

Fearing his mother might be upset, Tang Xianling said, “Since Tieniu and I are leaving, we’re asking you to stay home and mind the house for a couple of days. I’m worried about you, so I’ve asked Aunt Chen and the others to help out a bit. It’s really no big deal.”

Jiang Yun laughed. “You, are you worried I’ll be upset? I’m not upset. I’m just thinking—I’m your mother. If I can stand on my own two feet in the future, I will; I can’t be like I used to be.”

Back when Old Tang was in charge, she couldn’t make her own decisions—she was timid, helpless, and weak.

“I’ve even picked up a lot of swear words from Xiangping.”

Tang Xianling laughed when he heard this. “Really?” Guaji clapped his hands for his mother.

“That’s wonderful, of course!” In the kitchen, mother and son both cheered up and stopped talking about anything that might dampen their spirits.

“You and Tieniu are leaving tomorrow morning. Pack your things quickly so you don’t forget anything.” 

“Got it, Mom.”

“Go to bed early tonight.”

Tang Xianling:……

Was he just being paranoid? Why did he feel like there was more to his mother’s words than met the eye?

“Got it.”

The gifts for Uncle Zhang, Uncle Wang, and Hainiu, plus the gold ingots, joss paper, incense, and candles he bought at the paper craft shop in the West Market—he’s been too busy this week to bake any pastries, so I bought a box of peach cookies. He didn’t bring any salt; he gave some last time, so they should still have some left.

Tieniu also said, “Don’t bring anything too expensive; otherwise, Uncle Zhang and Uncle Wang won’t accept it.”

Tang Xianling thought about it and agreed. Visiting relatives is all about give and take, and those two elders aren’t the type to take advantage of their younger relatives. He’d chosen just the right amount—the gifts weren’t too extravagant, so when the two uncles brought their kids into town later, they’d be able to return the favor.

This give-and-take keeps things light-hearted—that’s the only way to maintain a lasting relationship. Nothing else really mattered.

Oh, and there were his flower-shaped steamed buns, plus a bamboo basket lined with dry grass—

“What are you laughing at!” Tang Xianling was lining the bottom of the bamboo basket with straw when he turned and saw Tieniu laughing at him. He instantly felt “ashamed and angry,” and threw a little tantrum.

It was almost like he was acting spoiled.

Huangfu Tieniu said, “There’s dry grass everywhere in the village, but we’re going to take a handful from Uncle Zhang’s place.”

“You’re really generous, asking for a whole bundle,” Tang Xianling teased, pulling the hay out as he spoke. 

Huangfu Tieniu: …

He couldn’t help but smile, his eyes crinkling.

How could his husband be so adorable?

He’d put it in, then take it out again—back and forth, like a kitten playing with a blade of grass. Huangfu Tieniu stepped forward to help him scoop the hay out of the basket. Tang Xianling snorted. Now that’s more like it. This week had been too busy; by the time he’d finished tidying up, he’d fallen asleep the moment his head hit the pillow.

Huangfu Tieniu fanned his husband, then couldn’t resist kissing his forehead, followed by a kiss on his lips. Tang Xianling mumbled something, and Huangfu Tieniu soothed him gently, “It’s me. Go to sleep.”

Early the next morning, as soon as it was just getting light, Tang Xianling got up. Huangfu Tieniu had already prepared water for his husband to wash his face and had dipped the toothbrush in toothpaste, saying, “We’ll have to take the toothbrush and toothpaste back with us.”

“Right, right, right. If you hadn’t mentioned it, I would’ve forgotten.” Tang Xianling mumbled as he brushed his teeth, “I’ll pack them up after I’m done.” 

“Then I’ll go hitch the cart.”

Huangfu Tieniu began to hitch the cart.

Jiang Yun boiled some duck eggs, fished them out, and handed them to Wu-ger, along with a bag of apples. “Take these with you. Eat them if you get hungry on the road. I’ve washed them all.”

Back when Tang Xianling was in college, his roommate had once complained about his family elders, who always made him carry eggs, apples, and bread whenever they went on a trip. Now he was getting a taste of that himself—though in this case, it was his mother who had packed them for him.

“Okay, got it. Thanks, Mom.” Tang Xianling took everything.

Jiang Yun smiled warmly. “Go on, you two. Be careful on the road.”

The cart was hitched up, and Tang Xianling settled onto his special cushion—the trip to Xu Village was quite a distance, and the hard wooden floor would be uncomfortable on his bottom, so he sat on the soft cushion his mother had sewn.

Tieniu had already loaded everything onto the cart, counting each item to make sure nothing was left behind.

“We’re off, Mother.” Tieniu pulled the mule cart out of the yard.

Jiang Yun saw them off at the courtyard gate, waving goodbye. Tang Xianling told his mother to go back and get some more sleep; they’d be back early.

The two of them drove the cart to the city gate. The gate had just opened, and without any mishaps, they smoothly made their way out of the city. It was cool early in the morning, yet there were quite a few people on the desolate country roads—villagers from nearby villages coming into town to sell their goods, pushing handcarts or carrying loads on shoulder poles, mostly selling farm produce.

There were also many people leaving the city, mostly merchants traveling in groups.

After a while, the crowd thinned out, leaving only him and Tieniu on their cart. Tang Xianling yawned. Huangfu Tieniu said, “I brought a straw mat. I’ll lay it out for you. You should get some rest.” With that, he pulled on the reins, and the mule cart came to a stop.

Tang Xianling was still dazed. “Huh? A straw mat?”

Then he saw Tieniu actually pull out a straw mat, move the pile of gifts to the side near the handle, spread the mat right in the middle, and tell him, “Rest your head against my back. When the sun comes out later, I’ll shield you from it.”

“Huh?”

“Don’t we need to cover it with—” Tang Xianling teased Tieniu, suggesting they should use a blanket, but before he could finish, he saw Tieniu start rummaging again and was immediately startled: “You actually brought one?!”

Huangfu Tieniu: “Yeah, the cabin in the mountains hasn’t been lived in for ages. The cotton quilt’s definitely damp and unusable, so I brought a thin blanket we don’t use much at home.” 

“Bro, don’t take it out.” Tang Xianling raised his hands in surrender.

Huangfu Tieniu paused, his eyes lighting up as he looked at his husband.

“What did you just call me?” Tang Xianling, seeing Tieniu like this, felt a mischievous urge and drawled, “O-o-ooh~.”

“Brother!”

Tieniu’s face was practically on fire.

Tang Xianling sat on the straw mat and shifted closer to Brother Tieniu.

“Brother Tieniu~~~” Tieniu could have driven the mule cart right into a ditch.

The two bickered and played like this the whole way. Tang Xianling loved teasing Tieniu, and since Tieniu couldn’t outwit him, he turned his bright red face toward Xianling and kissed him.

Tang Xianling：……

“Fine, fine. If you don’t like it, I won’t call out anymore.”

Huangfu Tieniu huffed and puffed for a moment, “I like hearing it.” He said it with absolute certainty.

“What do you like to hear?” Tang Xianling’s lips were still red. “Brother Tieniu~.”

Huangfu Tieniu, his face and ears flushed red, didn’t dare look back. His heart was racing, and he said, “I’ve got to get going. People will be here soon.” 

“I’m not afraid.” It’s just a kiss, after all.

“I’m scared.” Huangfu Tieniu drove the cart on without looking back, saying, “What if someone else sees you?”

As his husband kissed him until he was dazed, his eyes were misty, and his cheeks and the skin along his neck glowed crimson.

Dressed lightly for the summer, his neck and collarbone were exposed; when he was moved, the area around his collarbone fluttered like a butterfly—it was absolutely beautiful.

Tang Xianling’s mind wandered. Could it be that they weren’t just kissing, but something else? Like some kind of wild… battle.

So, with his face flushed bright red, Boss Tang slapped Tieniu’s rock-hard back. “You lecherous ox!” 

Huangfu Tieniu:?

My husband is so adorable.

“You take a nap. I’ll drive a bit further. Otherwise, once the sun gets too strong, your skin will get sunburned.”

“Got it.” Tang Xianling rested his head against Tieniu’s back; the shadow cast by Tieniu’s silhouette fell over him. Lying on the straw mat, he hadn’t expected to fall asleep, but perhaps due to the bumpy ride, he drifted off before long.

When he woke up, the scenery had changed. Not far away, towering mountains stood majestically; patches of fields stretched out at varying elevations. The wheat had already been harvested, and now the ground lay bare, glowing a scorched black—traces of the burnt wheat stalks.

“Are we there yet?” Tang Xianling asked.

Huangfu Tieniu replied, “We’re here. We’re about to enter the village.”

Along the way, many villagers greeted them, all looking at Tang Xianling with particular warmth. Tang Xianling smiled broadly, responding to everyone with “Hello,” “Good day,” “Auntie,” “Old Lady,” “Uncle,” and the like.

“Hahaha, you should be calling me ‘Grandpa’!”

Tang Xianling: “You look young and robust; calling you ‘Uncle’ is just right.”

The man burst out laughing.

Once the car had driven off, Tang Xianling paused for a moment. “Was that man Mr Xu’s husband?” 

“Yes, he’s Mr. Xu San’s husband.”

“He looks full of vitality,” Tang Xianling remarked, then added, “When I’m old, I’ll be a cheerful little old man too.”

“Then I’ll be a cheerful old man with you.”

“You’re being so serious—” Tang Xianling snorted lightly. “You’re just a lecherous old man.”

Huangfu Tieniu jumped down from the mule cart, led the mule along, glanced at the husband, and said softly, “Nonsense, I’ve never been like that with anyone else.” 

“……” Tang Xianling believed it; he knew his Tieniu was truly impartial toward others, so he said, “I’m getting down to walk too.”

Huangfu Tieniu stopped the mule cart, helped his husband down, and Tang Xianling said softly, “You’re Tang Xianling’s very own lecherous ox.” “Mm.” Huangfu Tieniu nodded and smiled.

The two walked together until they reached Uncle Zhang’s house.

Uncle Wang opened the door and invited the two men inside. After exchanging pleasantries, they learned that Hainiu was out playing.

The two had timed their visit perfectly. The farming season had been extremely busy recently, but now that the grain taxes had been paid and the wheat harvested, only a few minor chores remained.

“What’s the point of all this?” Zhang Huai frowned. “It’s too wasteful.”

Tang Xianling replied, “About half a month ago, my eldest sister came to visit. I bought a lot of things for her children. Before she left, she told me to bring the same things for Tieniu’s kids. She has three children, while Uncle Zhang only has Hainiu—it might seem like too much, but it’s actually just right.”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Huai paused in surprise, then broke into a smile, and didn’t say another word of refusal.

He understood what Tieniu’s husband meant: now that they were family, if the children of the Tang family’s eldest sister received gifts, as Tieniu’s uncle, his own children should receive them too.

“He’s just a man of few words—you know that, Uncle Zhang,” Tang Xianling said.

Zhang Huai nodded. “Tieniu has always been quiet, even when he was with his foster father, but he’s a thoughtful and dutiful young man.” He was delighted to have such a grown nephew.

Seeing this, Uncle Wang said no more and packed everything away. The items Xianling had brought were all appropriate: a piece of coarse cloth, a box of pastries, and three toys from Hainiu.

“Why is there a red string here, too?”

Tang Xianling recounted how Sanlang had been pestering for a red cord, grinning, “…I’ll get one for Hainiu too. It’s just missing a hairpin.” 

“He wouldn’t dare wear one.” Zhang Huai said.

Uncle Wang laughed. “Xianling is just teasing the child. With Hainiu being the way he is, forget about a hairpin—even a red headband would be a bit of a laughingstock.” These days, red headbands weren’t just a single red thread, but intricately woven, about a finger’s width wide, and quite exquisite and beautiful.

Just as they were speaking, before anyone appeared at the door, they heard Hainiu’s wailing.

“Father, Father! I just heard from the villagers that Brother Tieniu is back, and so is Wu-ger.”

The child had run all the way back. As soon as he entered the courtyard, Tang Xianling took one look and couldn’t help but burst out laughing, collapsing onto Tieniu—because Hainiu was just too dark!

He looked just like a lump of black charcoal, with teeth that were so white.

“No wonder Uncle Wang said he didn’t dare wear a headband—it’s absolutely true,” Tang Xianling said, stifling a laugh.

Huangfu Tieniu couldn’t hold back the corners of his mouth either. Hainiu loved playing in the water and climbing trees. He went barefoot and bare-legged, with his arms exposed, and in the summer he wore nothing but a vest and shorts—just like all the other village kids—but Hainiu was just too playful.

That’s how he’d gotten so tanned.

Hainiu called out happily, doting on Wu-ger. Upon learning that Brother Tieniu and Wu-ger would be staying in the village for the night, Hainiu patted his chest and said, “Then I’ll go catch some loaches in the river.”

“You don’t need to catch them. Just be careful when you go down to the river—we’re heading into the mountains tonight,” Tang Xianling said.

Huangfu Tieniu said to Uncle Zhang, “I’m taking Xianling back to the mountains to visit my foster father.” 

“Of course, that’s only right,” Zhang Huai nodded.

Wang Susu asked, “Did you bring the incense and candles? We still have some at home; I’ll get them for you—” 

“We’ve got them, Uncle.”

“Well, if you’re going to stay in the mountains, I’ll make a few pancakes for you two to take along, so you won’t go hungry.”

Wang Susu hurried into the kitchen to start making pancakes. As soon as Hainiu heard this, he started fussing that he wanted to go into the mountains too, but his father smacked him on the head.

Zhang Huai: “That brat has no sense of the situation. Tieniu is taking his husband into the mountains—the two of them are all lovey-dovey. Who would bring a little monkey along?”

Hand carts can’t go into the mountains; they’ll have to carry everything in backpacks.

After a flurry of preparations, Huangfu Tieniu hoisted the basket onto his back—it was heavy with straw mats, bedding, pancakes, toothpicks, incense, candles, joss paper, and other essentials. 

Tang Xianling stood there empty-handed. “Give me something to carry,” he said.

“It’s fine, it’s not heavy. You’ll get tired climbing the mountain later,” Huangfu Tieniu said.

Tang Xianling didn’t believe him and retorted, “Don’t underestimate me. I’ll show you just how fit I am in a moment—it’s not like I’ve never done any hard labor!” At home, he’d done every kind of work imaginable.

“Alright, I’ll see.”

Hmph! Tang Xianling walked briskly ahead, while Huangfu Tieniu, carrying a backpack and leading the mule with one hand, followed into the mountains.

Knowing the two were heading into the mountains, Zhang Huai and his wife didn’t make them stay for dinner. Instead, they made flatbreads and boiled chicken and duck eggs for them to take along. Hainiu sneaked off to follow them, but his father, Zhang Huai, grabbed him and dragged him back home.

“If you dare sneak off into the mountains by yourself and cause trouble for Brother Tieniu, just wait and see what I’ll do to you!”

Hainiu protested, “What trouble could I possibly cause? I’m quick on my feet—I don’t need Brother Tieniu to carry me.” 

“Stop talking so much,” Zhang Huai said, giving his son a couple of light taps on the head.

Wang Susu quickly coaxed his son, “Wu-ger brought you some toys from the city. Don’t you want to go take a look? There’s even a box of peach cookies.”

“!!!” Hainiu beamed with joy and dashed toward home.

The couple lagged behind, walking slowly back home. Wang Susu said, “Let’s slaughter a chicken tomorrow. Since they’re leaving, we should make a nice lunch for them.” 

“Alright,” Zhang Huai nodded, then added, “Just now, Brother Tieniu mentioned wanting to buy some duck eggs.”

“Right, I’ll go ask around the village later.”

“Ask tomorrow morning so we can pick out the freshest ones,” Zhang Huai said.

On the path leading into the mountains, Huangfu Tieniu said, “You ride the mule; I’ll lead you along.” 

“Don’t underestimate me.”

“Look, this part of the road is still pretty flat, so the mule can carry you. But further up—see that tree over there? From there on, you’ll have to walk.” Huangfu Tieniu pointed out the spot to Xianling.

Tang Xianling looked and fell silent at the thought of the “long” journey ahead, finally climbing onto the mule obediently.

“Does that tree mark the entrance to the mountains?” He felt they were already deep in the mountains. 

Huangfu Tieniu: “Yes. But we’re not in the deepest part yet.”

Tang Xianling：……

“I’ll follow your lead the whole way.”

When you have to admit defeat, just admit it—no point making things hard on yourself.

Huangfu Tieniu curved the corners of his mouth. “Let me know if you’re tired. We’ll walk and rest as needed. We set out early today, so we’ll definitely make it to the log cabin before dark.”

Once they reached that tree, the path wasn’t as gentle as before. It was difficult for the mule to carry a rider, so Tang Xianling dismounted. Huangfu Tieniu first took off his backpack, pulled out a strip of cloth, crouched down, and gripped his husband’s ankle with his large hand.

“Don’t move. I’m going to tie the cuffs of your trousers tight so the mosquitoes can’t get in.”

Tang Xianling obediently stood still, waiting for Tieniu to finish tying it. He wiggled his leg a bit; the cuffed pants felt a bit snugger that way. Afterward, Huangfu Tieniu took out his machete and led the way ahead, with Tang Xianling walking in the middle and the mule bringing up the rear.

“I hope our mule won’t run off, will it?”

“No, it’s smart—it’s been here before.” The path Huangfu Tieniu led them along was fairly even, so the mule could manage it. They walked and stopped for a while; it was cool in the mountains, and it got dark early.

But they arrived before long.

Tang Xianling, panting and with his hands on his hips, said,

“See? I told you I could do it.” 

“Yeah, my Xianling is the best,”

Huangfu Tieniu said, trying to flatter him.

Tang Xianling: …Wai wai wai, you’re younger than me! You’re talking to me like I’m a little kid!

The log cabin hadn’t been lived in for a long time; the wood on the outside had turned a dark brown and was covered with moss.

Inside, the room was quite small. On either side of the walls were two narrow beds—presumably for his foster father and Tieniu—and in the middle was a stove, positioned slightly closer to the door. The rest of the room contained only a table and a wooden chest; that was all.

“The wooden chest holds some old clothes of mine and my foster father’s—that’s about it.”

“If anyone from the village goes into the mountains and wants to stay the night, they’re welcome to use this cabin. I’ve already spoken to the village chief about it.”

Tang Xianling felt as if he’d discovered a new world. “No wonder there’s some dry firewood by the stove.” This was a case of not forgetting the well-digger when drinking water—the villagers of Xu Village were quite kind.

Huangfu Tieniu was putting away his bedding. He rolled up the bedding from his small bed and placed it in the chest, then spread out the straw mat he’d brought and laid the quilt on top. Glancing back at the charcoal his husband had mentioned, he couldn’t help but smile.

“Right. It must have been left behind by the villagers.”

Tang Xianling gave the teapot a shake. “We should boil some water, shouldn’t we?”

“I’ll take you. The stream isn’t far from here.” Huangfu Tieniu took his husband’s hand and led him outside. The two of them fetched water, built a fire, toasted some flatbreads, and gave themselves a quick wash. By the time they were done, it was already dark, and they were ready for bed.

The small wooden bed was narrow, and Tang Xianling curled up in Tieniu’s arms. It was quiet outside, with only the occasional cry of an animal breaking the silence.

Huangfu Tieniu stroked his husband’s back. “Don’t be afraid. That’s a pheasant calling.”

“What about this one? Don’t tell me—I think I recognize it. It sounds like… a fox?” he ventured. “Right.”

Tang Xianling: Smug! I guessed right!