Xu Mu opened his mouth but found himself at a loss for words, not knowing where to begin.

Tian Tian grew anxious. “Husband, this is not the time to hide things from me. If you won’t tell me the truth, do you want me to ask Father myself?”

Xu Mu sighed. Given the situation, there was no point in hiding anything anymore. He glanced around, ensuring only a few servants were nearby, and then lowered his voice. “Wife, there’s no way out of this. Before the New Year, Father-in-law asked me to prepare a large sum of money to send to the capital to grease the wheels for his promotion. I agreed at the time, but later, I spent all the money on helping the people of Changping. Now, I have nothing to give him. His hopes were dashed, and that’s why he was so furious.”

Tian Tian instantly understood, remembering from the original memories that a major event occurred this year. Yuzhou’s great disaster was covered up by a powerful official, and by the following year, Wang Zhifu (Prefect Wang) had been promoted to a position in the capital. Xu Mu had temporarily taken over as acting prefect for a year, and later, he officially became the prefect of Yuzhou.

It turned out that Wang Zhifu’s promotion was thanks to Xu Mu providing a large sum of money. This explained why Wang Zhifu was so enraged.

At the core of it, Xu Mu was treated like this because of her influence. Tian Tian felt deeply troubled. “Husband, get up. You did the right thing. Using that money to save the people was far better than using it for his promotion.” She tried to help him up.

But Xu Mu refused to rise. “Wife, you don’t understand.”

Tian Tian was confused. “I might not understand everything, but I know you didn’t do anything wrong.”

Just then, the Prefect’s wife, Wang Ruoxue, and Wang Yufang approached, accompanied by several attendants.

The Prefect’s wife only gave Xu Mu a brief glance as he knelt on the ground, before turning her gaze to Tian Tian. She beckoned her, “Ling’er, come here.”

Tian Tian bowed respectfully. “Mother, forgive me, but I cannot comply. I must stay here with my husband.”

The Prefect’s wife frowned slightly. “Ling’er, your father is very angry right now. Don’t make things worse by defying him.”

Tian Tian remained firm. “Mother, there’s a saying that when a woman marries, she follows her husband. Now that I am a part of the Xu family, how could I leave my husband when he’s injured and kneeling here? As his wife, I must stay by his side. I beg you to allow me to stay.”

On a different occasion, the Prefect’s wife might have agreed, but with her husband in such a rage and his command to separate the couple, she had no choice but to enforce it.

“Ling’er, don’t make things difficult for your mother.” The Prefect’s wife continued to speak gently.

But Tian Tian remained resolute. She wasn’t going to abandon Xu Mu.

The Prefect’s wife, unaccustomed to being defied in Yuzhou, was clearly displeased, but said no more. “Someone, take the Third Miss back to the residence.”

Two sturdy maidservants responded with a “Yes” and walked over to Tian Tian, attempting to drag her back.

Tian Tian held Xu Mu’s hands tightly, refusing to let go, and Xu Mu clung to her just as firmly.

“Don’t you dare!” Tian Tian cried out, trying to scare off the two maids with her furious tone.

But the maids ignored her and continued pulling her away.

Xu Mu, despite his injuries, was still stronger than the maids, and with his grip on Tian Tian, they couldn’t move her.

Seeing this, the Prefect’s wife sighed. “Xu Mu, if you truly want to stay with Ling’er, it would be best not to go against her father’s wishes now. If you make him angrier, it will only make things worse for both of you.”

Her words hit Xu Mu hard. She was right. If he angered his father-in-law further, it would be even harder for him to reconcile with Tian Tian later.

Xu Mu looked at the Prefect’s wife and respectfully said, “Mother, please allow me a few moments to speak privately with my wife. After that, I won’t cause you any more trouble.”

Seeing that Xu Mu had already conceded, the Prefect’s wife nodded. The two maids immediately let go of Tian Tian.

Tian Tian had many questions, but Xu Mu stopped her before she could speak, his expression serious. “Wife, I know you have a lot to ask, but right now, you need to listen to me first.”

Seeing how earnest he was, Tian Tian could only nod in agreement.

Xu Mu took her hand and leaned close to her ear, whispering, “If Father-in-law asks about your dowry, tell him that I made you sell it. Everything that happened in Changping County has nothing to do with you. You must remember this and not let anything slip.”

Tian Tian’s eyes widened. “Husband, but it was my decision to sell the dowry! How can I blame it on you? Did you take all the responsibility for what happened in Changping to protect me from Father?”

It became clear to her. Wang Zhifu wanted a large sum of money, and Xu Mu couldn’t provide it. He must have feared that if Wang Zhifu knew about her involvement in Changping, he’d hold her accountable. Xu Mu had taken the blame to shield her.

Looking at his injured forehead, Tian Tian would rather face the Prefect’s wrath herself than see Xu Mu bear it alone.

Xu Mu nodded slightly and reminded her, “Wife, Wang Zhifu may be your father, but I know him better than you do. He’s ruthless in his ambition. This issue is a serious blow to his career, and he won’t let it slide easily. It’s not just you; even Lady Liu might face severe consequences. You must tell him that I made you sell the dowry and that it has nothing to do with you. You must remember this.”

Xu Mu’s words were heartfelt, and Tian Tian’s eyes filled with tears. Xu Mu had been brooding for days, likely because he didn’t want her to face this on her own.

“But if you take all the blame, Father will hate you,” she said, her voice choked with emotion.

“I’m a low-ranking county magistrate, but I’m still an official of the imperial court. Father-in-law can’t harm me too much. But you and Lady Liu are different. If he finds out what happened in Changping, he’ll definitely take it out on her,” Xu Mu explained. He knew how much Tian Tian valued her mother. If Wang Zhifu found out the truth, Lady Liu would likely suffer as a result.

Tian Tian felt torn. She didn’t want Xu Mu to bear the entire burden, but she understood that what he said made sense.

Seeing her inner conflict, Xu Mu continued to urge her, “Wife, this is not the time to be emotional. I’ve already taken full responsibility in front of your father. If you reveal the truth, I’ll still be punished severely. I’m the one who truly ruined his career. Please, don’t drag anyone else into this. I’m not joking. Wang Zhifu is a ruthless man. I’ve worked under him for years. Even for minor offenses, he’s killed people without hesitation. This is a much bigger issue.”

Tian Tian’s heart grew heavier.

“Promise me, wife,” Xu Mu said urgently.

The Prefect’s wife saw the couple embracing and speaking softly, though she couldn’t hear what they were saying. Impatient, she called out, “Ling’er, it’s time to return to the residence.”

Xu Mu shook his wife’s shoulders gently. “Wife, promise me.”

Tian Tian looked into his eyes, filled with worry and tension, and finally nodded, though it took great effort. “Alright, I promise you.”

Xu Mu breathed a sigh of relief. At least she agreed. He knew his new wife’s personality—stubborn and kind-hearted. He was truly afraid she would do something reckless, which is why he had to remind her repeatedly.

Reluctantly, Xu Mu released his grip. Tian Tian’s eyes were filled with tears, and Xu Mu’s heart ached. He wished he could leave with her without hesitation, but in the vast region of Yuzhou, it was Wang Zhifu who held all the power, and Xu Mu simply didn’t have the means to do so. Plus, Lady Liu was still in the mansion, her only close relative, and he had to think about her well-being too.

“Wife, don’t worry. I’ll handle everything. I’ll find a way to calm Father-in-law down. You just wait for me here.”

Tian Tian nodded, her eyes still brimming with tears.

As soon as she entered the mansion, the Prefect’s wife ordered the servants to shut the large red gate. As it slowly closed, it blocked Tian Tian’s view of Xu Mu’s weakened figure. She hadn’t even wiped away her tears when Wang Yufang impatiently asked, “Third Sister, what did you say to Xu Mu just now?”

The Prefect’s wife and Wang Ruoxue also looked at Tian Tian, waiting for her answer.

Tian Tian shook her head. “Nothing much, just some private matters between a husband and wife.”

Wang Yufang clicked her tongue dismissively.

Seeing that she wouldn’t get anything out of her, the Prefect’s wife let it go. As much as she wanted to know, she couldn’t lose face by prying into her juniors’ private matters.

Just then, Xianglan quietly said, “Madam, Lady Liu is still waiting for you in Willow Courtyard.”

Tian Tian seized the opportunity to excuse herself, bowing to the Prefect’s wife and taking her leave to go to Willow Courtyard.

At the gate of the courtyard, Lady Liu paced back and forth anxiously. When she saw Tian Tian coming, she rushed to meet her. “Ling’er, did you see your husband? What’s happening now?” She had been forbidden by the Madam from going to the front, so she had to wait in the courtyard for any news.

Tian Tian grasped Lady Liu’s hands, tears streaming down her face. Lady Liu was alarmed. “Ling’er, don’t cry. Tell me what happened.”

Tian Tian wiped her tears. “Mother, let’s go inside and talk.”

“Alright.” The two women went inside, hand in hand.

Tian Tian recounted everything Xu Mu had told her.

Lady Liu was deeply moved. “Your husband is a good man, to protect you like that. He’s truly rare.”

Tian Tian knew this all too well, but it didn’t ease her pain. “Mother, what should I do? I can’t just stand by and watch Xu Mu kneel at the gate while I do nothing.”

“At this point, there’s nothing anyone can do,” Lady Liu sighed. “I’ve served your father for nearly twenty years. He’s never been one for romance or women, but he’s always been focused on his career. Now that there’s no money, it’s like his career is ruined. He’s probably so angry he could kill someone. Let’s wait and see what your husband does next.”

Tian Tian felt utterly powerless and slumped into her chair. At this moment, she hated how helpless she was.

“Ling’er, don’t be so upset. This is the fate of women. We often have no say in things and cannot follow our own hearts,” Lady Liu consoled her.

Tian Tian stayed in Willow Courtyard for a while, but she couldn’t bear it for long. She decided to go directly to Wang Zhifu to plead for Xu Mu’s case.

With the great disaster in Yuzhou, Wang Zhifu had been staying at home to avoid any trouble, not stepping out of his residence for quite some time.

Tian Tian’s main purpose was to beg for leniency on Xu Mu’s behalf. She wasn’t foolish enough to reveal the truth, understanding Xu Mu’s good intentions. She couldn’t let him down, nor could she risk implicating Lady Liu.

However, Wang Zhifu was still furious and refused to see her.

For two consecutive days, Tian Tian tried to meet him several times but was always turned away. At one point, Wang Zhifu, irritated by the disturbance, shouted from behind the door that if Xu Mu didn’t meet his demands, he was unworthy of being his son-in-law.

Tian Tian finally understood—Wang Zhifu was pressuring Xu Mu to raise the money by any means necessary. Otherwise, he wouldn’t allow the couple to reunite. This was his way of punishing Xu Mu for failing to deliver on his promise.

At that moment, Tian Tian fully grasped the dark and ruthless nature of Wang Zhifu. To achieve his own goals, he was willing to destroy his daughter’s happiness.

He was too sinister, too cruel.

Just as Tian Tian was returning from her attempt to plead with Wang Zhifu, Xianglan rushed forward to report, “Madam, something terrible has happened.”

Tian Tian’s heart sank. “What happened?”

“It’s the Master. I had someone keeping an eye on the front gate, and just now, word came that Master Xu, after kneeling there for two days with his injury, has fainted.”

Tian Tian turned pale as a sheet. Without a second thought, she bolted toward the front gate.

Xianglan hurried to stop her. “Madam, Master has already been taken to an inn for treatment. He’s no longer at the gate.”

“Which inn is it? Take me there!” Tian Tian’s mind was blank; she just needed to see Xu Mu and make sure he was safe.

“I’m not sure yet, but it’s probably the inn closest to the residence.”

Tian Tian ran all the way to the front gate, panting heavily, but just as she was about to leave, the guards stopped her in her tracks.

Tian Tian was furious. “I am the Third Miss of this house! How dare you block my way!”

The gatekeepers bowed and apologized. “Forgive us, Third Miss, but the Madam has ordered that you are not allowed to leave the residence. Please don’t make things difficult for us.”

Tian Tian was livid. She argued with the gatekeepers for a long time, but they wouldn’t budge. In the end, she went to seek help from the Prefect’s wife, but the Prefect’s wife was a master of false niceties. Though she spoke kindly, saying she understood Tian Tian’s feelings, she still refused to let her go.

Tian Tian realized she was being effectively imprisoned.

Back in Willow Courtyard, she felt utterly defeated. She had no idea how Xu Mu was doing. His head injury had been serious, and now, after kneeling for two more days, his condition must have worsened.

Lady Liu saw her daughter’s downcast expression and felt her pain. “Ling’er, you should run away tonight.”

Tian Tian perked up. “Mother, do you mean it?” She had longed to leave for a while but hadn’t known how.

Lady Liu nodded. “I’ve been in this household for almost twenty years. I don’t fight or compete, but I’ve built some relationships. Let me pull a few strings. You can disguise yourself as a maid and leave through the back gate. Your father is furious now, but give him time to calm down. Once things have settled, you and Xu Mu can return and apologize. I’m sure he won’t make things too difficult for you then. After all, you are still his daughter.”

“Mother, come with me. If Father finds out that you helped me escape, he definitely won’t let you off easily.” Tian Tian didn’t want to leave Lady Liu behind to suffer. She was the only family she had in this world.

Lady Liu shook her head. “I won’t go. I’ve been here for nearly twenty years, and I’m used to it. Besides, once a woman marries, she belongs to her husband. Where else could I go?”

“Mother, you have me. I will take care of you for the rest of my life. And if you stay here, once Father finds out, he won’t spare you.”

“Ling’er, don’t worry about me. I’ve survived this long in the mansion because I know how to protect myself. As long as you and Xu Mu are safe and well, I’ll be happy.”

Tian Tian wanted to say more, but Lady Liu cut her off. “Ling’er, don’t hesitate. Only if you leave can your father stop using you to pressure Xu Mu. He has finally turned over a new leaf. We can’t just watch him fall back into the mud. He’s a good husband, and you’ll have a better life with him than staying in this miserable place.”

After thinking it over for a long time, Tian Tian finally agreed to her mother’s plan. That night, she packed her belongings, her eyes red as she bid farewell to Lady Liu. “Mother, take care. I’ll come back to see you whenever I can.”

Lady Liu smiled through her tears. “Alright, I’ll be waiting for you to visit.” Then she turned to Xianglan. “Take good care of Miss.”

“I understand,” Xianglan replied respectfully.

Although Lady Liu had always seemed like a meek person, she was decisive in her actions. With her arrangements, Tian Tian and Xianglan quietly slipped out of the mansion through the back gate.

Once outside, they headed straight for the inn where Xu Mu was staying. Lady Liu had already sent someone earlier that day to find out that Xu Mu was staying at the Chaoyang Inn, which was close to the mansion.

Xu Mu had just woken up and was being served some congee by Zhou Nan. He was planning to go back to kneel at the mansion’s gate after finishing his meal when he was surprised to see Tian Tian being brought in by a servant.

Xu Mu’s shock was clear on his face.

Seeing the thick bandage wrapped around Xu Mu’s head, Tian Tian hurried over. “Husband, how is your injury?”

Xu Mu didn’t answer directly. Instead, he quickly asked, “Wife, how did you get out?”

Tian Tian didn’t plan to hide anything. “I ran away. If you’re still able to travel, I think we should leave for Changping immediately.”

Xu Mu frowned. “Wife, did Lady Liu know you were leaving?”

“Mother knew. She made all the arrangements so I could get out.”

“And what about Lady Liu? What will happen to her after you leave? Helping you escape will surely provoke Father-in-law’s wrath.”

“Mother said she can protect herself and urged us to leave quickly.”

Despite this, Xu Mu was still worried.

Tian Tian reassured him. “Don’t underestimate women. In some ways, we’re no weaker than men. My mother has survived for nearly twenty years in Wang Zhifu’s mansion. She has her ways.”

Then she gently touched his head. “Husband, how is your injury?”

“It’s not serious.” Xu Mu felt a complicated mix of emotions but mostly gratitude swelling in his chest.

“Then let’s leave immediately. If we wait any longer and Father finds out, we won’t be able to escape. But if we get back to Changping, he can’t easily force me to return. As long as we’re in Changping, he won’t be able to take me back.”

Xu Mu couldn’t help but laugh bitterly. “If we leave like this, you’ll be offending Father-in-law completely.”

“So be it. I can’t stand by and watch you be tormented, and I can’t let you, who have always been so good to me, be left uncared for.”

Moved by her words, Xu Mu couldn’t hold back anymore and pulled his wife into his arms. “With a wife like you, what more could a man ask for?” Being a decisive man, he agreed, “We shouldn’t stay here any longer. Let’s head back to Changping right away.”

“Alright.”

That very night, the couple left Yuzhou. Yuzhou had become a living hell, with refugees everywhere and bodies scattered throughout the streets and alleys. Xu Mu and Tian Tian traveled with a group of about 40 to 50 people, all disguised as commoners. The guards, each wielding large blades, deterred anyone from approaching them.

Inside the carriage, both Tian Tian and Xu Mu felt a heavy burden. Xu Mu, deeply moved by what he had witnessed, said, “I’m truly glad I didn’t give that silver to Father-in-law. If I had, Changping would have turned into the same hellish place as Yuzhou. What did the common people do to deserve this?”

Tian Tian, seeing the dire conditions outside, couldn’t help but cry.

Xu Mu held her tightly in his arms. “I, Xu Mu, swear today that I will do everything in my power to help the people and ease their suffering.”

Tian Tian nodded, tears still streaming down her face. “Alright.”

The carriage soon left Yuzhou City. Suddenly, Tian Tian thought of something. “Husband, do you think Father will cause trouble for you politically in the future?” After all, Wang Zhifu was Xu Mu’s direct superior, and many of the county’s matters had to be submitted for his approval. If he chose to obstruct Xu Mu, it would be hard for him to make progress.

Xu Mu smiled. “It’s inevitable that he’ll make things difficult, but in the short term, Father-in-law will be too preoccupied with the refugee crisis to bother with me. Don’t worry; when the time comes, we’ll find a way.” He was determined not to become a pawn in Wang Zhifu’s hands, nor to continue aiding in his exploitation of the people.

The next morning, Wang Zhifu learned of Tian Tian’s escape. It was Lady Liu who had revealed it to him.

Furious, Wang Zhifu immediately sent people out to search for her. He then turned his wrath on Lady Liu, berating her harshly. He accused her of failing to properly raise her daughter and demanded to know if she had helped Tian Tian escape. Lady Liu, crying in distress, claimed that Tian Tian had knocked her unconscious in her desperation to leave. She painted herself as a victim.

With tears streaming down her face, Lady Liu played the part of the grieving mother so convincingly that Wang Zhifu, irritated and fed up, ordered her to be moved to a courtyard far away from his sight.

The message was clear—Lady Liu would no longer have the opportunity to serve him.

On the surface, Lady Liu appeared heartbroken, but deep down, she felt at peace. This was the lightest punishment she could have received. Besides, after so many years of neglect, it didn’t matter where she lived in the mansion. As long as she could continue to survive, that was all that mattered.

Lady Liu’s strategy was indeed clever. Although Wang zhifu couldn’t find them and learned that the couple had already returned to Changping, he threw another fit in the mansion. Fortunately, Lady Liu lived far enough away to avoid the fallout.

After returning to Changping, both Prefect Wang(Wang Zhifu) and the Prefect’s wife sent several messengers to request Tian Tian’s return, but she remained firm in her decision and refused to go back.

As Xu Mu had predicted, Wang Zhifu was too overwhelmed with his own troubles to focus on them. He only sent people to invite Tian Tian, without resorting to more extreme measures.

In fact, Wang zhifu knew that escalating the situation would look bad, especially since it concerned Xu Mu, who was the county magistrate of Changping. He couldn’t afford to make a scene.

Tian Tian found the whole situation surprisingly smooth, considering that Wang zhifu wasn’t someone who usually let things go easily.

Xu Mu smiled. “Wife, you don’t need to worry. Right now, Father-in-law is probably too busy dealing with his political matters. You are still his daughter, after all, and no matter how angry he gets, family ties remain strong.”

Tian Tian nodded. That seemed plausible.

Half a month quickly passed, and under Tian Tian’s careful care, Xu Mu’s head injury had mostly healed, and he was back to his usual self.

One day, the couple decided to take a walk through the streets. The common folk, upon seeing them, were filled with gratitude, and one by one, they knelt to thank them sincerely.

Xu Mu and Tian Tian quickly urged them to stand, asking about their well-being and ensuring that their lives were improving.

Xu Mu had indeed done a remarkable job. While the streets were still filled with refugees, they had all been properly resettled. Though many were still thin and weak, there had thankfully been no deaths. Everyone was now waiting eagerly for spring so they could plant crops and start rebuilding their lives.

Upon returning home, Xu Mu couldn’t resist sweeping Tian Tian into his arms and carrying her toward the bedchamber.

Tian Tian’s eyes widened, her cheeks flushed. “Husband, it’s still broad daylight!”

“It’s fine, wife. I’ve missed you terribly these past two weeks.” With his head injury, Xu Mu had spent half a month confined to bed. Though Tian Tian had cared for him, she had not let him get close, which had been torturous for him. Now that he was better, he couldn’t let this opportunity slip by.

Without giving her a chance to protest, Xu Mu whisked her into the bed.

By the time the couple emerged again, it was the next morning. Tian Tian was exhausted, her whole body aching, while Xu Mu was energetic and radiant.

Time flew by, and soon it was March, with everything in full bloom. The grass was green, and the birds were singing. Every day, Tian Tian wore a smile.

For the past two months, she and Xu Mu had lived in bliss. Xu Mu doted on her completely, fulfilling her every wish. Life was sweet, and for the first time in both her lives, Tian Tian truly experienced the joy of love.

One evening, Xu Mu came home with a heavy heart. As they sat down for dinner, Tian Tian noticed his unusual demeanor. “Husband, what’s troubling you today?” Normally, he was cheerful, but today he seemed serious, which wasn’t a good sign.

Given that spring had come and the worst was behind them, he shouldn’t have looked so troubled.

Xu Mu, now completely open with Tian Tian, explained, “While it’s great that spring is here, the people have no grain to plant. It’s like trying to cook without rice.” Though he had been providing the people with food, the grain was mostly low-quality—scraps and coarse cornmeal. The good-quality seeds were simply too expensive, and all he could do was ensure that people didn’t starve to death.

Tian Tian understood. The disaster had been so severe that even tree bark and clay had been consumed, so there was no chance of any surplus grain being left for planting.

Xu Mu reflected on past years. “In situations like this, wealthy landowners in the county used to purchase seeds from outside at high prices, allowing the people to borrow on credit. After a good harvest, they would repay the grain. But this year’s disaster was so severe that most of the wealthy families in Changping have already donated half their wealth. They don’t have the money to buy seeds. Moreover, the disaster has hit not just Yuzhou but many regions, so grain is scarce, and the prices have skyrocketed beyond anyone’s reach.”

What Xu Mu didn’t mention was that Prefect Wang was also behind the scenes, making things difficult. He had manipulated the prices for the wealthy families in Changping, doubling the cost of any grain they tried to buy. It was a deliberate attempt to push Xu Mu into a corner.

Tian Tian grew anxious. “Without grain for planting, the situation for the people could become even worse than the disaster itself. Husband, do you have any solutions?”

Xu Mu shook his head. “For now, no. There’s a warehouse here that stores the emperor’s grain, and it should be enough to help the people of Changping plant crops. But imperial grain can’t be used without permission. I’ll have to write a memorial to the emperor and seek approval.”

Tian Tian’s eyes lit up. “Then you must write it immediately.” She remembered that the emperor, who had ascended the throne at fifteen, had four powerful ministers overseeing the court. Although the emperor was now twenty-three, the ministers still held much of the real power. Tian Tian recalled this because this year, the emperor had secretly traveled to the south during a flood crisis and uncovered over twenty corrupt officials. This marked the beginning of the emperor’s rise to power. In a few years, he would again visit Yuzhou and uncover Xu Mu’s corruption, leading to his family’s downfall.

There was no doubt that the emperor was a good ruler. If they wrote a memorial, there was a high chance he would approve it.

Xu Mu sighed. “I just hope the memorial reaches the emperor’s hands.”

“We have to try, no matter what. We’ve already exhausted our savings and can’t afford to buy seeds ourselves. This is the only path left to us.” Now that the emperor had grown stronger, they had a real chance.

“Alright, I’ll write the memorial immediately.” Xu Mu didn’t even finish his dinner, leaving the table to draft the letter.

Tian Tian sighed. “Xianglan, keep the food warm for the master. He’ll eat when he’s done.”

“Yes,” Xianglan replied and went to handle it.

Xu Mu finished the memorial and sent it to the capital. From then on, the couple waited anxiously for the emperor’s reply.

But day after day, there was no word. The weather grew warmer, and the people had prepared their fields and were waiting desperately for seeds to plant.

Xu Mu’s expression grew darker with each passing day.

Tian Tian hadn’t seen him smile in a long time.

One evening, she had dinner ready but waited in vain for Xu Mu to return. After a while, Zhou Nan came to Rose Garden to deliver a message. “Madam, the master has matters to attend to tonight and will be staying at the county office. You don’t need to wait for him to return for dinner.”

Tian Tian nodded. “Alright, I understand.” For the first time in months, she ate alone, and a strange sense of loneliness crept over her.

The next two days passed, and still, Xu Mu didn’t return home. Tian Tian felt increasingly uneasy, with a growing sense of foreboding.

“Xianglan, prepare the carriage. I’m going to the county office.”

“Yes, madam,” Xianglan said as she went to make arrangements.

As they rode through the streets, Tian Tian overheard the bustling sounds of excited conversations. Curious, she lifted the window curtain to see crowds of people heading in the same direction. “Xianglan, go find out what’s happening.”

Xianglan quickly inquired with a passerby and returned with a smile. “Madam, it’s wonderful news! The master has ordered the distribution of grain seeds today, and the people are gathering to receive them.”

Tian Tian’s face lit up with joy. “The master is distributing grain seeds? That means the emperor approved the memorial! This is such great news.” She couldn’t resist saying, “Let’s go see for ourselves.”

Xianglan smiled and helped Tian Tian down from the carriage. “It’s perfect timing. The master is personally overseeing the distribution of the seeds.”

Excited, Tian Tian hurried toward the crowd.

The people, upon seeing the county magistrate’s wife approach, respectfully knelt and made way for her.

Tian Tian walked through and soon spotted Xu Mu standing tall in his official robes. He was watching over the distribution with a stern expression, his presence commanding. Among the crowd, he stood out like a pine tree in a forest, and Tian Tian found him with just one glance.

The scene at the grain distribution was grand, with nearly all the county’s officers mobilized. Piles of grain stood like small mountains at the warehouse entrance. The people were incredibly excited, yet remained orderly, with no one rushing or pushing.

Every person who received their grain seeds knelt before Xu Mu and the officers to express their gratitude. Despite Xu Mu telling them it wasn’t necessary, the villagers insisted on kneeling, showing their deep, heartfelt thanks in the only way they knew.

When Xu Mu saw Tian Tian approaching, he personally walked over and led her aside. “Wife, why are you here?”

Tian Tian smiled, her face beaming with joy. “I was on my way to the county office to find you, but I saw a large crowd gathering on the street. I asked around and learned that you were here distributing grain seeds. Now that all of Changping is saved, this is wonderful news!”

Xu Mu nodded stiffly, his expression somewhat tense.

Noticing something was off, Tian Tian asked, “Husband, what’s wrong? You seem troubled. This is a joyous occasion—why do you look so worried?”

“Nothing. Maybe I haven’t rested well these past few days, so I look a bit tired,” Xu Mu said, forcing a smile. “Of course, I’m happy that the people have grain. Wife, I’ve been busy with the grain distribution these past few days and may be home very late. If you’re tired, you should go home and rest—don’t worry about me.”

“Alright, I’ll stay here for a bit and then head back.” Tian Tian stood by Xu Mu’s side, watching over the proceedings with him.

After two hours, Tian Tian finally left, but before departing, she reminded Xu Mu, “Husband, you’ve been working hard these past days. I’ll have the kitchen prepare a nourishing soup for you tonight. Be sure to come home and drink it.”

Xu Mu smiled and nodded, watching her leave.

The distribution was incredibly busy, and Xu Mu couldn’t make it home that night. Though Tian Tian was disappointed, she understood how difficult it was for him. She personally instructed Xianglan to send the soup to him at the office.

Two days later, after Xu Mu’s constant efforts to speed things up, the grain seeds were finally distributed to all the villagers, and he could finally relax.

Tian Tian prepared a feast at Rose Garden, waiting for Xu Mu’s return.

When Xu Mu arrived, he was exhausted. The moment he stepped into Rose Garden, he called for a bath. “Wife, come help me bathe and change.”

Tian Tian couldn’t believe what she heard, her eyes widening in shock. “Husband… what did you say?” He had never made such a request before.

Xu Mu took her hand. “Exactly what you think I said.”

Tian Tian immediately refused, her face flushing red. “No… no, that’s impossible. Absolutely not!” The idea of helping him bathe and change made her nervous. Who knew what would happen if she did? She wasn’t willing to take the risk.

Xu Mu wasn’t interested in debating. He simply scooped her up in his arms and swiftly carried her to the side room. Xianglan and Zhou Nan, seeing their master carrying his wife off, wisely lowered their heads and pretended not to notice.

Tian Tian felt utterly embarrassed, burying her face in Xu Mu’s chest.

Xu Mu chuckled. “Wife, we’re a married couple. Everything we do is perfectly natural and rightful.”

As they entered the side room, Tian Tian struggled to get down, but Xu Mu refused to let her go. Leaning in, he silenced her protests with a kiss, expressing his deepest passion.

Tian Tian, who had missed him just as much, quickly melted into his embrace, matching his fervor.

Only when the bathwater was nearly cold did Xu Mu finally carry a completely exhausted Tian Tian back to the bed.

When she saw that Xu Mu wanted to continue, Tian Tian protested weakly, “Husband, we haven’t even eaten yet.” Her voice was hoarse from all the activity.

Xu Mu, lowering the bed canopy, replied, “As long as I have you, I won’t go hungry.”

With that, he pounced on her again, and Tian Tian found herself back in the lion’s den.

That night, Xu Mu seemed unstoppable, refusing to calm down. By midnight, Tian Tian was so frustrated that she burst into tears, finally causing Xu Mu to apologize profusely.

“Wife, it’s my fault. Please don’t be angry.”

In the dark, Tian Tian stared at him closely, sensing that something wasn’t right. Xu Mu was always passionate, but tonight felt different—he seemed desperate, as if trying to hold on to her, to cling to her presence. This feeling made her uneasy.

“Husband, are you hiding something from me?” Tian Tian couldn’t help but ask.

Xu Mu stiffened, but after a moment, he replied, “Wife, what are you imagining? You haven’t even eaten yet. Let me help you dress, and we’ll have a meal together.”

Tian Tian still felt something was wrong. “Husband, you must be hiding something from me. Tell me the truth!”

“Wife, you’re overthinking things. I just haven’t been close to you for several days and might have gotten carried away,” Xu Mu said, holding her close. “Who could resist such an enchanting wife?”

Tian Tian’s face flushed, her heart pounding. “Stop talking nonsense.”

Xu Mu smiled. “Alright, alright, no more nonsense. Let’s get up and eat. You must be starving by now.”

His diversion worked, and Tian Tian, having spent half the night with him, realized she was indeed very hungry.

After they ate, Xu Mu held Tian Tian as they went to bed.

“Husband, don’t hold me so tightly—I can’t breathe.”

“Oh, alright. I’ll loosen my grip.” He relaxed his hold slightly but didn’t let go completely.

Tian Tian was so tired that she quickly fell asleep. That night, she had a terrible nightmare, dreaming that she and Xu Mu were separated by death. The dream was so frightening that it jolted her awake.

The next day, feeling deeply unsettled, Tian Tian went to Xu Mu’s study first thing, not even stopping for breakfast.

As soon as she entered, she saw Xu Mu sitting at his desk, staring blankly ahead, holding an envelope. As she got closer, she could see the words on the envelope: Divorce Letter.

Note – Wang Zhifu and Prefect Wang are same people

Other Novels