Chapter Twenty-Two: Fields of Gold

Chu Yun waved his hand. “Don’t worry, it’s very simple. And you’re not foolish; I can teach you. For example, you can help me dry herbs, slice them, and brew medicines. These tasks are quite easy, and you’ll likely earn more than you do sewing for others.”

Hearing this, Yang Liu’er apologized immediately, “I’m sorry, husband. I didn’t think it through. Now that you’re a physician, I should support your work.”

Chu Yun smiled and shook his head. “No need to apologize. I was only giving an example. I don’t blame you for sewing for others, and I’m very glad you’re willing to contribute to our household. All right, let’s continue cooking. I’m getting hungry.”

“Okay,” Yang Liu’er responded, and busied herself once more.

By the time they ate, night had fallen.

Yang Liu’er lit the oil lamp, and the air was immediately filled with a pungent, fishy smell. The oil in the lamp was animal fat, unrefined and crude.

Even as a former military medic, accustomed to all kinds of hardships, Chu Yun found the odor intolerable, almost nauseating.

He couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. If only there were candles. Yet, from the memories of the original owner of this body, he realized that in this world, candles simply didn’t exist.

He became increasingly aware that, in this backward civilization, as a traveler from the modern world, building wealth would be too easy. Besides treating patients, there were countless opportunities.

Every detail of daily life brimmed with possibility.

Yang Liu’er was quite used to the smell of the oil lamp, enjoying her meal without the slightest discomfort.

Seeing Chu Yun eat so little, she asked, “Husband, is something wrong? Is my cooking not to your liking?”

Chu Yun quickly smiled and waved his hand. “Liu’er, your cooking is delicious.”

It truly was. Given the lack of spices, the flavor she achieved was remarkable, and Chu Yun felt she was already quite impressive.

Yang Liu’er pressed, “Then why aren’t you eating?”

Chu Yun explained honestly, “You know, I used to be quite a scoundrel, and my family never used oil lamps. Now, with the lamp suddenly lit, the smell is a bit overwhelming for me.”

Yang Liu’er nodded. “The oil lamp does smell unpleasant. Husband, sit on my side—this side is less pungent.”

With that, she got up to switch seats with him.

Chu Yun waved her off. “Liu’er, no need to switch seats. Just find a piece of white cloth to cover the lamp.”

“Yes, husband.”

Yang Liu’er found a piece of linen and draped it over the lamp.

It was dimmer, but still bright enough to see, and the lamp’s odor faded.

Looking at the lamp covered with cloth, Chu Yun recalled from the original owner’s memories that there were no lanterns in this world.

“Another path to wealth!” he thought, feeling as if the world was paved with gold.

After they finished eating, Yang Liu’er came to his side and leaned against him. “Husband, let’s rest early tonight.”

Her delicate features flushed red, as vivid as a monkey’s bottom.

She was so proactive because, earlier that day, while buying spices and furniture, she’d overheard people saying she was fortunate—her husband, taught medicine by an immortal, could earn money by treating patients. While others could barely eat one meal a day, she enjoyed three; many women advised her to take good care of Chu Yun and try to conceive his child soon, lest he abandon her, leaving her heartbroken.

Chu Yun was moved by Yang Liu’er’s words; his body responded instinctively. Yesterday, she’d been distrustful; today, she was willing to share his bed. Such a change pleased him greatly.

Yet, remembering they’d only known each other for two days, and that his feelings stemmed from her resemblance to someone else, he felt it would be irresponsible.

He said, “Liu’er, I’m a bit tired today. Let’s sleep separately.”

Yang Liu’er, recalling the women’s advice, asked anxiously, “Husband, do you dislike me?”

Chu Yun shook his head. “No, I don’t.”

Yang Liu’er pressed, “Then why won’t you consummate our marriage?”

Before Chu Yun could reply, she worried aloud, “Are you trying to keep me pure so you can sell me at a high price to the Red Blossom House?”

Chu Yun hurriedly waved his hands. “How could that be? Liu’er, don’t overthink it.”

Yang Liu’er said, “Then why won’t you consummate our marriage? You must dislike me, right?”

Chu Yun replied, “No, I don’t dislike you.”

But Yang Liu’er hugged him tightly. “Then let’s sleep together tonight.”

Chu Yun nodded, about to agree, when he heard the voices of children outside: “Haha, tonight they’re finally sleeping together…”

He sighed helplessly, rushed outside, and scared off the mischievous children.

Returning inside, he said, “Liu’er, those rascals will surely come back. Tonight, let’s not sleep together. When we buy a better house, we’ll share a bed, all right?”

Yang Liu’er nodded. “All right.”

Nevertheless, after dinner, when Chu Yun had nearly finished tidying up the kitchen, Yang Liu’er embraced him insistently, determined to consummate their marriage.

Chu Yun was an ordinary man, and with his fee