The Comments Section Said She Was My Wife - Chapter 20

Chapter 20

◎ Matters at home; how could one not listen to one’s wife? ◎

Though buying the brushes, ink, and paper had cost a significant sum, the two still bought a roasted duck before leaving the bookstore. On their way out of the city, they picked up some steamed buns and pastries, leaving them both with hands full, a trip well worth the effort.

Of course, after walking for the better part of the day, they were undeniably tired.

As the time neared, Xia Shi turned to Chu Tang before reaching the city gate: “We’ve bought so much that we should take the ox cart back. It’s getting a bit late, though, so there will likely be many people; we’ll have to squeeze in.”

Chu Tang had no objections. In truth, her stamina was nowhere near Xia Shi’s, and she was already exhausted.

However, once they cleared the city gates and saw the ox cart waiting for passengers, Chu Tang finally understood what Xia Shi meant by “squeezing in.” The crude cart was already occupied by six or seven people, with baggage piled high. One look told Chu Tang there wasn’t room for a single extra person, yet the driver was still waiting, clearly eager to pack more on.

Seeing this, Chu Tang faltered, suddenly feeling that perhaps resting for a moment and walking back wasn’t impossible after all.

But someone had already spotted them. The driver’s eyes lit up, and a familiar voice called out from the cart: “Xiao Xia, Xiao Chu! You’re just in time! There’s room here; squeeze in, and we can all head back together.”

Chu Tang saw Tian Er’s wife’s beaming, enthusiastic face again, but this time, she had absolutely no desire to approach. Before she could refuse, the driver was already expertly ushering people: “Everyone, squeeze in! Just a little more! With these two, we’re full, and we can leave immediately. It’s a bit tight, so everyone, pull your bundles into your laps!”

Clearly, the passengers were used to the crowding; no one complained. Instead, they obediently made room, creating just enough space for two more.

But Chu Tang didn’t want to squeeze in with these strangers. She quietly tugged on Xia Shi’s sleeve, her aversion clear even without words.

Xia Shi looked from the cart to Chu Tang, hesitating as she prepared to shake her head and refuse the driver. However, Tian Er’s wife, having read their expressions, hopped off the cart. She pushed the two of them forward: “Don’t fuss! Look at what time it is. If you walk back, it’ll be dark, and you’ll have to climb the mountain in the pitch black! Go, go, it’s no big deal to squeeze a little.”

Chu Tang frowned, uncomfortable with Tian Er’s wife’s excessive enthusiasm, but seeing the darkening sky, she had to admit the woman was right. Hesitant, she was pushed onto the cart and soon found herself jammed between others.

The driver, seeing them settled, didn’t delay, leading the ox away—once on the cart, the fare had to be paid!

As the cart lurched, Chu Tang, who hadn’t yet steadied herself, swayed. Fortunately, she was between Xia Shi and another woman, but she nearly collided with the stranger. The woman wasn’t pleased by the bump, she glared at Chu Tang and gave her a shove with her elbow: “You’re grown enough, can’t you even sit still?”

This was the first time Chu Tang had been treated this way. The shove hurt, and her fair face flushed bright red. She knew that arguing with such a woman was pointless, she might not even win a shouting match.

Just as her frustration peaked, an arm wrapped around her waist. Before she could react, she felt a pull and fell into a familiar, soft embrace. Xia Shi had pulled her close, whispering in her ear: “Don’t mind them, it’s not worth getting angry. If it’s too cramped, you can sit on my lap.”

Chu Tang’s gaze shifted to the side, and her face burned even hotter, fearing someone would overhear. She couldn’t possibly sit on Xia Shi’s lap, that was too intimate. She was still shy even in private, let alone in public.

She acted as if she hadn’t heard, but her body leaned honestly into Xia Shi, remaining motionless. With the arm around her waist, she didn’t tip over regardless of how much the cart rocked. After a while, she grew used to the rhythm and settled down. With a new sense of security, she finally had the peace of mind to observe her surroundings.

The cart carried eight or nine people. Aside from a scholar huddled in the corner, the rest were women.

Noticing Chu Tang’s gaze, Tian Er’s wife struck up a conversation: “Xiao Chu, did you get your fabric? When Xiao Xia goes hunting, if you get bored doing needlework alone at home, come to the village, it’s more lively when we all work together.” She didn’t forget that Chu Tang had asked her about cooking earlier.

Chu Tang felt a stir in her heart. She wasn’t looking for instruction, but having more contact with the village seemed like a good idea.

The ox cart rattled along, faster than a person’s walking pace, arriving in Shitian Village before it was truly dark.

The villagers hopped off, leaving the cart much emptier. The women, carrying their bundles, began to walk toward the village together.

Chu Tang was the most lightly burdened, carrying only the brush, ink, and paper. The women looked at her and then at the paper in her arms with a hint of envy.

Tian Er’s wife couldn’t help but ask: “Xiao Chu, you’re literate?”

Chu Tang didn’t see the big deal and nodded: “A little. Xia Shi wants to learn, so I bought some paper to teach her.”

It was a small matter, but Tian Er’s wife’s envy only grew. She hesitated, then finally asked tentatively: “My eldest daughter is still young and quick-witted. Could she learn a few characters from you? You don’t have to teach her specially, just let her come up the mountain and listen in while you teach Xiao Xia.”

Chu Tang realized the woman’s intent, but she didn’t want the young girl coming up the mountain. Instead, she said: “Didn’t you invite me down the mountain earlier? Rather than having your daughter climb up here, why don’t I teach her when I come down? That way, any child in the village who wants to learn can come.”

Tian Er’s wife was overjoyed, though worried that the mountain dwellers might not come down often.

She glanced at Xia Shi, who was walking in silence. Chu Tang followed her gaze. Xia Shi was focused on the path, appearing not to have heard the conversation or offered any reaction.

Tian Er’s wife looked disappointed, but Chu Tang turned back to her and gave a reassuring nod, as if the matter were settled.

It was decided. Matters at home, how could one not listen to one’s wife?