Climbing on the Sparrow Branch – CH 890

Chapter 890: Joy

When Fusheng arrived at Chunlan’s house, Chunlan indeed had the door closed.

“Chunlan, open the door!” Fusheng knocked. “If you do not open it, they will laugh at me even more.”

Upon hearing this, Chunlan immediately opened the door. “Who’s laughing at you?”

But as soon as she asked, she knew Fusheng was bluffing, because there was no one outside. And by the time she tried to close the door, it was too late.

Fusheng pressed the door open first, smiling, “Chunlan, I’ve come all this way back; will you not invite me in?”

Chunlan snorted and turned away. “After being away for half a year, you’re tanned, and your mind is filled with extra thoughts.”

“How could I dare have any thoughts?” Fusheng smiled and followed Chunlan into the house. After sitting down, he carefully took out a cloth bag. Opening it, he found a pair of gleaming gold bracelets, quite heavy. “These are for you.”

Chunlan exclaimed, “These gold bracelets are so heavy; where did you get so much money?”

“After the mine got on track, it started making money,” Fusheng said, then pulled out a stack of silver notes. “These are all for you, too. I’m earning a lot now. If you marry me, you will be a rich wife.”

Chunlan blushed and punched Fusheng’s arm. “What did you say? Who says I wanted to marry you?”

But as soon as she punched him, Fusheng frowned.

“Ouch, that hurts.” Fusheng rubbed his arm.

Chunlan did not touch him hard, just lightly, and asked curiously, “I did not even touch him; why does it hurt? Wait, are you injured? Quickly take off your clothes so I can see.”

Fusheng quickly dodged, “It’s nothing, just a little bruise. If I take off my clothes, would you dare to see?”

“I…” Chunlan was about to say why not, but then she realized Fusheng looked like an adult. If he really took off his clothes and she saw him, she would really have to marry him.

Chunlan turned away in annoyance, ignoring Fusheng.

Fusheng scratched his head and softly called out to Chunlan. Seeing no response, he continued, “Actually, my arm still hurts quite a bit. In the mines, bad weather makes it easy to have accidents. When it’s windy and rainy, we have to eat cold bread. Chunlan, although I’m not very skilled, I’m much better now. I bought a house to the south and furnished it, but I’m afraid you will not like it, so the main house is still empty, waiting for you to tidy it up.”

Chunlan pursed her lips and asked, “How big a house did you buy?”

“Just a typical five-courtyard house,” Fusheng said. “If you prefer a bigger one, I will get you a different one. Chunlan, Cuisi said you still keep the mandarin ducks I gave you; is that true?”

At this, Chunlan blushed, stamped her foot, and, no longer hesitant, turned around and said, “I can marry you, but… but I cannot bear to leave Madam and the others. For the first few years, I will accompany you to the south; wherever you live, I will live. But after a few years, we have to come back; otherwise, with the mountains and roads so far, if you bully me, there will be no one to help me.”

“I… how could I dare bully you? Wait, you just said you’d marry me? Haha, you’d marry me!” Fusheng exclaimed excitedly.

“Keep your voice down,” Chunlan quickly said.

Fusheng could not possibly keep his voice down; he was overjoyed.

When the two went to find An Zhi, Fusheng was still grinning foolishly.

“Are you really sure?” An Zhi asked Chunlan.

Chunlan nodded and said, “I’ve thought it through. Now that he truly wants to marry me, I will marry him. If he ever treats me badly, I will divorce him and come back.”

Fusheng quickly assured her he would not treat her badly and carefully tried to take Chunlan’s hand.

An Zhi smiled and nodded, saying, “Then let’s get married before the New Year. I gave Binglu a house, and I will also prepare one for you both in the capital. They will be the same size. If you’re capable enough later, you can get an even bigger one. Let’s choose the 21st as the date, so we have time to prepare, and it will not be too rushed. I’ve already prepared the dowry, and the wedding dress can be made urgently by the people at Shuiyun Studio. We will have plenty of food prepared at the end of the year, so it will not be too much trouble.”

Fusheng was naturally very happy to get married before the New Year, but Chunlan said she was reluctant to part with her.

“Madam, this servant wants to spend another New Year’s Eve with you.”

“Fusheng will be going back after the New Year, so let’s have the banquet before the New Year so you can help with the preparations,” An Zhi said.

Chunlan and Fusheng’s engagement was finalized, adding another joyous occasion to the Pei household.

When Pei Que returned home that night, he was not surprised to hear of it.

“Your head maids have all found new opportunities, leaving only Cuisi. You should choose a few more to serve you; otherwise, after you have your baby next year, you might not have enough staff,” Pei Que said, sitting opposite An Zhi.

An Zhi said she had already thought it through. “Cuisi will take Chunlan’s place as head maid. Nanny Wang’s granddaughter, Caiping, is ten years old this year, and there’s also Nanny Lai’s granddaughter. I’ve met them both; they are both clever. I will arrange for them to serve in the inner quarters for a while. We will also find two other young girls of similar age to have Cuisi look after as well.”

An Zhi only felt comfortable using people she had trained herself.

Over the years, her staff had changed many times, and An Zhi had gradually become accustomed to it.

“It’s good that Madam has made arrangements.” Pei Que did not interfere in these matters. “I received news today that Li Ji will not be coming to the capital this year. Does Madam know why?”

An Zhi shook her head, saying she did not know. “Sihui did not send anyone to tell me, and my aunt has not sent any news either. But since they have not come to the capital, I think we will receive news in a few days.”

Just as An Zhi had expected, two days later, Li Sihui’s New Year’s gift and letter arrived at the Pei Mansion.

The letter stated that Li Sihui was pregnant but still in the early stages and would not be traveling to the capital this year.

An Zhi was quite surprised to hear that Li Sihui was pregnant. After all, when Li Sihui married Li Ji, she did not like him, and Li Sihui had said that mutual respect was enough. She never expected her to be pregnant so soon. She was very curious about what had happened.

In fact, when Li Sihui and Li Ji first arrived at their fiefdom, they were indeed very polite to each other, sleeping in separate rooms.

Later, as time went on, Li Sihui became bored in the palace and often went out. After encountering some villains, Li Ji would accompany her whenever she went out.

As they went out together more often, Li Ji became more considerate and attentive in his explanations. The people outside thought they were truly in love, and whenever they saw them, they would praise their harmonious marriage. At first, Li Sihui would shyly avoid the topic, but after hearing it more often, the awkwardness between them gradually dissipated.

Over time, Li Sihui and Li Ji developed feelings for each other, transforming from a contractual couple into a real one. Both being young and vigorous, they became pregnant not long after moving in together.

Upon learning he was going to be a father, Li Ji was overjoyed, unable to sleep for several days, let alone plan to come to the capital for the year-end pilgrimage. Since Li Xing did not want to see him anyway, he figured he might as well stay in his fiefdom with his wife and child for the New Year.

However, An Zhi was unaware of all this; she would not have a chance to see Li Sihui until after she gave birth.

[Author’s Note]
Happy New Year, everyone! Wishing you all a happy and peaceful New Year!