Chapter 4, The Little Darling Wife

Liu Chengfeng said: "The Bodhisattva smiled without speaking. Upon careful reflection, I realized that the Bodhisattva is indeed a nun, and nuns have no hair."

Wen Chenxi gently opened her eyes and saw Liu Chengfeng, who was bare-chested and complaining of hunger. It was neither right nor wrong, and just as she was at a loss, Liu Chengfeng continued, "If this hunger continues, I will surely starve to death. Tomorrow's headline in the capital will be 'Wen Family's Son-in-law Starves to Death in the Bridal Chamber,' a tragic sight that will evoke pity."

With this thought, Wen Chenxi unexpectedly became serene, a sense of warmth and intimacy gently drawing her closer to Liu Chengfeng, her tense body also relaxing.

As they exited the temple gate, the daylight gradually brightened, and the flow of people increased. Liu Chengfeng helped Wen Chenxi into the carriage, to which Wen Chenxi, with a hint of stubbornness, replied: "I am not a child; there is no need for you to do this, my husband. Many people are watching."

Liu Chengfeng said solemnly: "Naturally, I must support you and the children you will bear for me in the future"

But what should I do next? I am merely a scholar who has lost his title, lacking the capital for business, and there is no hope for an official career. Liu Chengfeng shook his head, thinking: For now, I can only plan for the long term. I refuse to believe that as a dignified man of seven feet, there is no place for me here.

Liu Chengfeng watched from the side, noticing her devout demeanor without wanting to disturb her. He simply found her closed eyes and slightly parted lips to be quite beautiful

Whether it can be treated or not is uncertain; Liu Chengfeng himself lacks confidence. In his previous life, he was merely an outpatient doctor. Although he has encountered various cases and possesses rich experience, when faced with difficult and complicated illnesses, he fears he may not be able to cure them effortlessly. Before he is certain, Liu Chengfeng naturally does not dare to boast, only vaguely stating: "I have some understanding; perhaps I can find a method for treatment."

Liu Chengfeng shook his head, first getting out of the car, then assisting her outside the vehicle, while saying: "Your health is so poor; it would be better for you to quickly get back to Xiang and rest."

***

Liu Chengfeng then sat up and deliberately said: "I am hungry"

Wen Chenxi, with a cold demeanor, could not help but say: "You are truly bold, speaking recklessly in front of the Bodhisattva. What does your husband need so much money for?"

Wen Chenxi, feeling bewildered, asked: "And then?"

Daughters are naturally full of thoughts; upon this reflection, all sorts of strange ideas began to emerge. She couldn't help but turn to look at Liu Chengfeng, who was sleeping peacefully, her ears involuntarily turning red. This man looks just like a child when he sleeps, yet when he sets up his stall, he resembles a graceful gentleman. In fact, there is another remark: during the wedding night, he appeared like a barbarian.

Wen Chenxi smiled and said, "Once it's said, it won't work."

Wen Chenxi couldn't help but chuckle, unable to maintain her facade any longer. She tied her inner garment while sitting up, tidying her tousled long hair, and said: "Xiang'er and the others will bring breakfast later, my husband just wait a moment."

As she approached the carriage, Wen Chenxi's complexion suddenly turned even paler, and cold sweat began to seep out. She wanted to say something, but her eyes seemed unresponsive, and she felt an overwhelming heaviness in her head. With a soft gasp, she fainted.

Wen Chenxi smiled with affection in her eyes, feeling the concern of Liu Chengfeng, which warmed her heart. However, deep down, she had her own opinions and said: "Going to offer incense is also beneficial for my illness; how can such matters be neglected?"

Liu Chengfeng seemed to sense Wen Chenxi's gentle gaze, and he slowly opened his eyes. Wen Chenxi's relaxed heart skipped a beat, and she immediately closed her eyes, pretending to be asleep. Liu Chengfeng glanced at her and suddenly remembered that he was indeed married. Observing his wife's appearance, he noticed the faint blush on her pale face, which evoked both a sense of pity and a knowing smile that revealed his understanding of Wen Chenxi's inner feelings. He gently leaned down and placed a light kiss on her cheek. Wen Chenxi's long eyelashes fluttered slightly, making her feel even more shy, and she refused to open her eyes.

Liu Chengfeng immediately comforted her, saying: "There’s no such thing; your little sister-in-law is quite well-behaved. When it comes to matters of the bridal chamber, she surely wouldn’t do anything inappropriate." However, he secretly thought to himself that it would be strange if she didn’t, as this little girl was quite peculiar and it was better to keep a distance from her. He then added, "Moreover, your voice was so loud last night that even those who didn’t want to hear it probably did."

Liu Chengfeng was also taken aback and quickly embraced Wen Chenxi as they got into the car, saying: "Hurry, let's return to the residence"

Lost in thought, the carriage came to a swaying stop. Wen Chenxi also woke up, opened her eyes, and with a gentle smile, looked at Liu Chengfeng, apologizing tenderly: "Is your knee hurting from the pressure, my husband?"

Liu Chengfeng had been protecting Wen Chenxi from behind, and suddenly, Wen Chenxi leaned back against the cart shaft, inadvertently falling into his embrace

Liu Chengfeng knelt silently on the mat, offering a prayer. After lighting the incense, he helped Wen Chenxi to her feet and asked her, "What did you just ask the Bodhisattva for?"

He now considers himself a man with a wife. Although the Wen family is wealthy, Liu Chengfeng does not wish to rely on others. He simply wants to move out; could he still set up a stall to earn a living like before? Wen Chenxi is in poor health, and he cannot let her suffer alongside him.

Liu Chengfeng noticed that the sun had risen outside, so he went to open the door. A beam of sunlight streamed into the attic, instantly brightening the room. Outside, a maid was hesitating with a food box in hand. Upon seeing Liu Chengfeng open the door, she quickly quickened her pace to enter. It turned out that she had seen the newlyweds in their bridal chamber and, fearing that they had gone to bed late the previous night, was worried about disturbing the young lady and the new groom's sweet dreams by arriving too early, which is why she had been waiting outside.

A night passed, and the dawn's light filtered through the window panes. Newlyweds naturally slept in a bit later. Liu Chengfeng dozed for a while, then turned over, one leg already draped over Wen Chenxi. Wen Chenxi seemed to feel uncomfortable under the weight, coughing a few times before waking up. As her eyes opened, the scene from last night immediately flashed in her mind, and her face, pale as paper, instantly flushed red. She thought to herself that her illness seemed to have improved a bit today. Could it be that the Taoist's words were indeed not wrong?

Liu Chengfeng chuckled softly, supporting Wen Chenxi as they exited the door and boarded the long-prepared carriage. The carriage was relatively spacious, but the two of them were seated closely together, as newlyweds often are, inevitably a bit clingy. Noticing that no one was around, Wen Chenxi shyly leaned against Liu Chengfeng. As the carriage began to jolt, Liu Chengfeng was already engaged in conversation with her, having turned down several streets.

At this moment, it was early morning, and there were not many people in the temple. Xizhao Temple is considered a famous temple in the capital. Liu Chengfeng had visited it twice before, and he entered the temple with Wen Chenxi with ease. Upon reaching the Mahavira Hall, Wen Chenxi first sent a maid to buy incense, then knelt on the mat and silently prayed to the golden statue of the Bodhisattva in the hall.

Wen Chenxi smiled sweetly, feeling the sincerity in Liu Chengfeng's words, and unconsciously leaned a little closer to him, displaying a demeanor typical of a young girl

Liu Chengfeng thought for a moment and then shook his head: "I will wait until the illness improves a bit before going; otherwise, if I catch a chill again, it would be disastrous."

Wen Chenxi's complexion surprisingly looked better than last night, and Shen Ao thought to herself mischievously: Could it be that this can also cure illnesses

Liu Chengfeng said: "Whose rule is this? It only becomes effective when spoken out loud"

Wen Chenxi could not help but smile and asked, "What was the result?"

In this light, Liu Chengfeng unexpectedly felt an unprecedented sense of urgency. Regardless of the circumstances, he needed to establish a career for himself. Relying solely on selling characters at a stall to feed himself while keeping the family from hunger was no longer viable. He needed to earn money and attain a status; this was the responsibility of a husband

Liu Chengfeng was indeed feeling somewhat hungry. Since the wedding night until now, his stomach had been empty. After all, he was in the prime of his youth. Now that he had woken up to find his stomach completely empty, he felt a gnawing hunger.

Does my husband know how to treat illnesses? Wen Chenxi displayed a hint of doubt

Wen Chen wwwhetushu.com finished praying, and in the morning, Liu Chengfeng said: "My husband should also light a stick of incense."

Wen Chenxi chuckled and said, "I can't guess."

Wen Chenxi combed her hair, exuding a serene demeanor akin to that of a newlywed. After having breakfast with Liu Chengfeng, they set out together. Upon reaching the entrance, they happened to encounter Wen Chenru, who appeared with dark circles under her eyes, preparing to go out. Wen Chenxi, walking alongside Shen Ao, called out to her, asking: "Where are you going, Chenru?"

Liu Chengfeng was not truly at the point of starving to death; he simply felt that continuing in this stalemate was not a solution. At that moment, seeing Wen Chenxi get up, he immediately went to find the clothes that had been carelessly tossed on the bedside and put them on haphazardly, saying: "Later, my husband will take a look at your illness."

Liu Chengfeng discovered that the attic he shared with Wen Chenxi was a secluded courtyard within the Wen residence. Situated in a remote area of the back house, it was usually very quiet, with only a few serving maids passing by. This indicates that Wen Chenxi must be a person who enjoys tranquility, in stark contrast to Liu Chengfeng's younger sister-in-law.

Wen Chenxi, unable to resist him, said with a hint of shyness: "I pray to the Bodhisattva to grant me a child with my husband soon."

Liu Chengfeng could not help but be astonished, thinking to himself how powerful the thinking of ancient people truly was. However, upon seeing Wen Chenxi's serious expression, he felt a surge of emotion and said, "Why don't you take a guess at what I asked the Bodhisattva for"

Wen Chenxi murmured: "I often hear people say that newlyweds should go to pay their respects. My health is somewhat poor, and I do not know if I will be able to serve my husband in the future. I went to pray to the Bodhisattva, asking for blessings for Ruo Yao's illness to improve soon, and in addition, I wish for my husband to be safe and sound"

Wen Chenruo glanced back, her charming face flushed with a rosy hue. Remembering what had happened last night, she stammered, "I... I... I have something to..." After saying this, she ran away as if flying.

Wen Chenxi instead appeared serene and said, "Everything should follow its natural course. Today I wish to go to Xizhao Temple to offer incense. Will my husband accompany me?" Wen Chenxi realized that referring to Liu Chengfeng as 'my husband' felt surprisingly fitting.

Liu Chengfeng earnestly asked: "Is ten thousand taels of silver a lot or not"

Wen Chenxi made a sound of acknowledgment and took hold of the hand that Shen Ao extended to her as she dismounted from the carriage

Wen Chenxi, who was listening in, suddenly felt her pretty face flush with embarrassment, and she nervously said, "This... how can this be?"

Once on the carriage, Wen Chenxi's complexion became even paler. Liu Chengfeng, fearing that she might not be able to endure it, allowed her to rest her head on his knee for a while. As the carriage jolted, Liu Chengfeng began to reflect on the events of the past two days, which seemed almost dreamlike in retrospect.

Upon thinking of the term "barbarian," Wen Chenxi could not help but feel her cheeks flush with embarrassment

Liu Chengfeng thought to himself: Very well, I shall consider it as accompanying her to relieve her worries. Since it is early in the morning when there are fewer people, I will go quickly and return swiftly; there should not be any issues.

Liu Chengfeng had already slipped on his shoes and adjusted his attire at this moment, and could not help but say: "I fear your body may not be able to withstand it"

Liu Chengfeng shook his head at the back of Wen Chenruo and said: "My sister-in-law's temper is truly peculiar. She was fierce with me yesterday, and now she is actually shy. Look at her dark eye bags; could it be that she went to listen to someone call out last night?"

Liu Chengfeng said with a bitter smile: "In the depths of my mind, I heard the Bodhisattva respond: Ten thousand taels of silver is merely the value of a single hair, not worth mentioning. As a result, I wept and prayed, asking the Bodhisattva to grant me at least one hair, and in the end..."

Originally thinking that I had fallen seriously ill and that, according to the doctor's words, I had only a few days left to live, I never expected such a sudden turn of events. The Wen family treated it as a dead horse being used as a live one for treatment. However, for Wen Chenxi, this husband did not let her down. From today onward, life is going to be somewhat different. Wen Chenxi had a strange thought: I want to live well, support my husband, raise our children, and spend my life with him.

Wen Chenxi gently pinched Liu Chengfeng, playfully yet shyly saying: "Nonsense, it's all your fault."

The coachman and the maid exclaimed in unison. The maid said, "Ah... the young lady has fainted. Young master... what... what should we do?"