Marrying Wives and Attaining Immortality in a Chaotic World

Chapter 48: A Joyous Occasion, Returning Home

“Looks like this is the place.”

Xu Lian arrived at an alley, glanced around, and quickly found the location he was looking for.

The environment of the alley was decent. Each household had its own courtyard, suggesting that the residents here were relatively well off. They were probably either overseers in the mines or engaged in some stable trade or profession.

Knock knock knock…

He knocked on the door.

“Who is it?”

The middle-aged man he had met at the dock last night opened the door. Upon seeing Xu Lian, he paused momentarily before furrowing his brow. “Why didn’t you bring your donkey cart to the mine today?”

Xu Lian had indeed forgotten. “I thought it over and realized that working as a stone hauler… isn’t really suitable for me.”

After all, he was the inspector of Pingyang County. Even the Quarry Patrol Inspector of Stone Town had to bow to him like a dog… which, come to think of it, was rather accurate.

The middle-aged man looked puzzled. “Do you have another job that pays more than hauling stones?”

“I found a job delivering messages. It’s tough work, eating in the wind and sleeping outdoors, but it pays several taels of silver a month, plus food rations. It’s much better than carrying stones.”

Xu Lian had already planned this explanation. By claiming to be a courier, he’d have a reason to be away from home in the future.

Hearing that Xu Lian had found stable work, the man’s expression softened and he welcomed him inside.

When he noticed the large bag of grain tied to the donkey and the two chickens and several fish hanging from it, the man remarked, “What’s all this? Didn’t I tell you not to bring us food? Just treat my daughter well and that’ll be enough.”

“Your daughter…” Xu Lian almost thought he was dealing with some acne treatment advertisement, but he finally learned the girl’s name. “This is a small token of my appreciation, father-in-law. Please accept it. By the way, may I ask your esteemed name?”

The middle-aged man chuckled. “Why do you talk like you’re from a wealthy family? We ordinary people don’t go around with titles like that. My name is Xu Changhe. Just call me Old Xu.”

Xu Lian was slightly surprised. He hadn’t expected the man to have the same family name as him. “I’m Xu Lian. If I call you Old Xu, you can just call me Little Xu.”

Xu Changhe burst out laughing. “Alright, Little Xu!”

Xu Lian followed him inside and met Xu Xiaomei.

Xu Xiaomei knew why he had come. Her face turned a little red, but she didn’t act coy. She poured a cup of hot tea for him.

Xu Lian accepted the tea with both hands, his eyes lingering on her pretty face. He said directly, “Xiaomei, I’ve come to take you home.”

Xu Xiaomei let out a soft “mm”. Her eyes reddened, shimmering with tears as she reluctantly looked at Xu Changhe and the three women in the house.

“Good girl, don’t cry. Marrying a good man is a happy occasion.”

Xu Changhe smiled as he wiped the tears from her face, and then turned to Xu Lian. “How about staying for dinner before you take Xiaomei home? Since you brought meat, we might as well celebrate your marriage.”

Of course, Xu Lian wouldn’t refuse. “Sure.”

And so…

The three middle-aged women bustled around happily, slaughtering the chickens and preparing the fish to cook a hearty dinner.

Xu Changhe sat with Xu Lian, drinking tea and chatting.

Xu Xiaomei stood nearby, occasionally refilling their cups. Seeing how well her father and Xu Lian got along, she felt genuinely happy.

Dinner was soon served.

The family of five sat down to eat with Xu Lian.

A woman who bore some resemblance to Xu Xiaomei, presumably her mother, had plenty of advice for Xu Lian.

“There are already three women in your household. With Xiaomei, it’ll be four. The more, the better – it will make the sacrifices less burdensome.

“Xiaomei is new to your home and doesn’t know her way around. You’ll have to look after her and make sure the other three don’t team up to bully her. Food and clothing must be shared equally. Balance is the key to a harmonious home.

“When it comes to offerings, you must follow the rules. Rotate chores daily so no one gets too tired. Don’t make Xiaomei handle it every day.

“Also, remember that room sharing and offering should be kept separate. Don’t mix the two-it’s for everyone’s health. Overdoing it could lead to illness.”

Xu Lian listened intently. As a mother concerned for her newlywed daughter, her words were understandable. 

“Don’t worry, Auntie. I’m experienced in these matters and will take good care of her.”

Xu Changhe laughed. “Little Xu may be young, but he’s mature and reliable. If he weren’t, he wouldn’t have refused Xiaomei at the dock last night. Now that he’s decided to take her, I trust he’s thought it through.”

The woman seemed reassured and said nothing more.

After Dinner

It was still early in the evening, so the family of five decided to go for a walk with Xu Lian.

This was life in Stone Town. During the day, the men would go out to work and earn their wages, while the women stayed at home, unable to leave. In the evening, the whole family would go out for a walk or stroll through the streets. This kind of lifestyle felt much more “human” compared to Green Bamboo Town.

They didn’t have such activities in Green Bamboo Town. The women couldn’t go out during the day, and at night there were night patrols, so they couldn’t go out. The men went out to work during the day to support their families, and when they came home, they locked themselves in and worked. There was nothing else to do.

During the walk, Xu Lian happened to buy some gifts for Xu Xiaomei’s family.

For Xu Xiaomei, he bought a hairpin.

For the three mothers-in-law, he bought soap pods, which were primarily used for washing hair. Using soap pods every ten to fifteen days would keep their hair smooth, though they would never use them for bathing.

For Xu Changhe, he bought a sharp dagger. After all, for a man, protecting his family with a good weapon was just as important as working to earn a living. In this world, a sharp dagger symbolized a man’s romance and was similar to a man’s “love token.”

When Xu Lian spent nearly ten taels of silver without batting an eye-equivalent to the price of a donkey-Xu Xiaomei’s mother couldn’t help but furrow her brow. “Little Xu, you can’t keep spending like this. No matter how rich the family is, it can’t withstand such expenditures.”

Xu Lian smiled. “Auntie, just accept these gifts. I won’t spend like this every day, today is just a happy occasion.”

Xu Xiaomei, who was at the age where love was just beginning to blossom, was deeply moved. Her eyes glistened with tears as she looked at him affectionately. A man willing to spend silver on his wife’s family was rare, and Xu Xiaomei felt both touched and happy, even as her heart ached for him.

If Xu Xiaomei knew that Xu Lian had three hundred taels of gold stashed away at home, and that the ten taels he spent was just a tiny fraction, she might not have been so easily swayed.

Xu Lian was relying on a bit of information disparity. It couldn’t be helped. In order to win her favor, he had to employ a few small tricks. He was determined to treat Xu Xiaomei well and would never betray her, so these small tactics were harmless.

The streets in Stone Town, like those in Green Bamboo Town, were short, and it didn’t take long to walk through them.

Before they knew it, the family of five and Xu Lian had left the town and arrived at the dock.

“Xiaomei, this is where we first met, the moment our destinies became intertwined.”

With great skill, Xu Lian took Xu Xiaomei’s small hand and spoke tenderly, “Let’s make a promise, shall we? Every year on this night, we’ll come here for a walk.”

“Mm.”

Xu Xiaomei couldn’t resist. Her face turned bright red, but her heart soared with joy. She felt like the luckiest woman in the world.

Seeing the young couple exchanging sweet words, Xu Changhe and the three mothers-in-law smiled and stepped aside.

“Let’s make a little promise.”

Xu Lian raised his hand, clenched his fist, and extended his little finger.

Xu Xiaomei didn’t know what he was doing and mimicked his gesture, extending her pinky finger.

Xu Lian hooked her finger with his, watching her with a smile, and began to sing playfully, “Pinky promise, up on a noose, never change for a hundred years.”

Xu Xiaomei gazed at the young man’s handsome face, the warm smile on his lips, and the unusual sensation in her hand. His vow, “a hundred years without change” made her heart melt. She wished that she could immediately become one with him, even willing to face life and death together.

Xu Lian could tell that she was completely smitten. This was the power of love, how could a young girl just beginning to feel love resist someone like him?

Now was the perfect moment to advance their relationship and raise his favorability.

So,

Xu Lian immediately said, “It’s getting late. Let’s go back.”

Xu Xiaomei knew what would happen next, but she was willing and excited. She blushed as she let him hold her hand.

Xu Changhe and the three mothers-in-law smiled knowingly as they walked back. They also understood what was happening – the young couple was eager to start their new life together.

Xu Lian first took Xu Xiaomei back to her family’s house, and then he helped her onto the donkey.

After waving goodbye to Xu Changhe and his three mothers-in-law, he led the donkey toward the house he had bought.

It wasn’t far, and they arrived quickly.

He had bought a house nearby, mainly for Xu Xiaomei’s convenience. After all, he couldn’t stay in Stone Town for long, and Xu Xiaomei would mostly have to return to her parents’ house to live.

He opened the gate to the house, led the donkey in, closed the door, and, unable to wait any longer, immediately picked Xu Xiaomei up. He didn’t put her down, heading quickly toward the main house. Who wouldn’t be eager at this point?

However, Xu Xiaomei was worried. “This won’t be enough. I have to greet my sisters-in-law first. I can’t upset them.”

Xu Lian laughed. “There is no one else at home. It’s just the two of us, what’s there to worry about?”

Xu Xiaomei was suspicious. “Aren’t there already three other women in your household?”

“I’ll explain tomorrow,” Xu Lian said, his mind already filled with other thoughts.

The house was dark, and he didn’t bother to light an oil lamp. He immediately began to enjoy the pleasures of marriage.

[Character Name: Xu Lian]

[Rank: Marrow Refining Stage]

[Skill: Breaking Wind Sword Technique (Volume 1)]

[Items: Sharp Dagger (Normal)]

[Note 1: Add Condensing Qi Pills to progress to Bright Strength Stage]

[Note 2: Xu Xiaomei’s affection for you is 80/100]

This pleasantly surprised Xu Lian. A starting affection level of 80/100 was an excellent start!

The next day.

Xu Xiaomei slept until noon before waking up. Considering that she was newly married and it would be inconvenient for her to cook, Xu Lian had already prepared the meal.

“Lazy cat, wake up and eat.”

Xu Lian brought the food into the main house, waiting for her to freshen up before they could eat together.

Xu Xiaomei was both shy and touched. “Thank you, husband, for your understanding.”

The two of them ate while chatting.

Unable to hold back, Xu Xiaomei asked about the question from the previous night. “What about your sisters-in-law?”

Xu Lian explained, “They live in the neighboring Green Bamboo Town. Actually, I’m from Green Bamboo Town myself. I came to Stone Town on business, met you, and bought this house with the intention of settling here.”

Xu Xiaomei froze. Although she sometimes wondered what the world beyond the town was like, she had never imagined meeting someone from outside, let alone someone who would become her husband.

Xu Lian continued, “I can move between cities. This is a secret, and you must keep it a secret. Don’t tell anyone, or it might cause trouble.”

Xu Xiaomei instinctively nodded. But then her eyes turned red, and tears began to fall. “Husband, once you’re done with your business, will you go back to Green Bamboo Town?”

“We are newlyweds. I’ll stay a few more days to be with you, and then I’ll go back.”

Xu Lian didn’t hide his plans from her.

“When I’m not here, I don’t feel comfortable leaving you alone in this house. You’ll have to go back to your parents’ house to stay. Don’t worry about food; I’ll send some silver to your parents. I’ll visit Stone Town often, because this is my first plan.

The second plan is, if you’re willing to come to Green Bamboo Town with me, that would be even better. But it will be harder for you to see your parents, and I can only bring you back to visit them occasionally.”

Upon hearing these words, Xu Xiaomei covered her face and cried. She had hoped to spend every day with the young man, but now it seemed that things wouldn’t turn out as she expected.

Xu Lian explained, “I didn’t mean to deceive you. It’s just that my ability to move between cities is a secret, and I can’t just tell anyone. I could only wait until we were close enough to share it with you. That’s why I rejected you when we first met at the dock. I never wanted to deceive you, but when I saw that you had feelings for me, I was also happy, so I could only act that way.”

Seeing Xu Xiaomei crying uncontrollably, Xu Lian’s heart softened. “If you really can’t accept a life where we can only meet once in a while, then I’m sorry. I’ll give you some silver as compensation, and you can marry a good man locally. You’re beautiful, so I’m sure it won’t be hard for you to find someone.”

Xu Xiaomei looked at him through her tears. “Since I decided to be with my husband, I’ll never be with another man.”

Xu Lian felt his heart fill with joy. It was clear that the affection of 80/100 was no coincidence. Even if he had told her this last night, Xu Xiaomei would likely still have chosen to be with him. But hearing it all at once was just too difficult for her to accept.

Xu Xiaomei wiped away her tears. “I want to go to Green Bamboo Town with you, but I can’t bear to leave my mother and father. Our family goes for walks every night, and I love this life. I don’t want to leave here and go to a strange place.”

Xu Lian understood. “I respect your decision.”

For the next three days, the two of them were inseparable. Knowing that they would soon be separated, they cherished this short time together.

After three days.

Xu Lian helped Xu Xiaomei onto the donkey, led the donkey, and escorted her back to her parents’ house, telling them that his work required him to run errands and be away for a while.

Xu Xiaomei covered for him.

Xu Lian took out a sum of silver for Xu Xiaomei’s food expenses while she stayed at her parents’ house.

Xu Changhe refused, saying that it wasn’t necessary.

Xu Lian insisted. “She is already my wife, and according to custom, it’s my responsibility to support her. She’ll be staying with you for a long time, not just a few days.”

Xu Xiaomei, now fully aware of Xu Lian’s position as an overseer at the mine in Green Bamboo Town and that he wasn’t short of money, accepted the silver on her parents’ behalf. She wanted to ease Xu Lian’s mind and show him her commitment. She had already decided that Xu Lian was her man, and of course he would take care of her.

“But this much is not necessary…” Xu Changhe said, still looking at the 30 taels of silver in confusion, shocked by the amount. He couldn’t understand where Xu Lian got so much silver from. It seemed to be even more than he, as the overseer, made.

Xu Lian persisted. “I’m often out on errands, and I’m often gone. Xu Xiaomei will often have to stay with you.”

Reluctantly, Xu Changhe accepted the silver.

In the end, Xu Lian gave Xu Xiaomei one last reluctant hug before he mounted his donkey and began his journey back home.