Chapter Fourteen: Yun Niang's Hope

The conversation had grown somewhat heavy, and as they walked toward the city gate, no one spoke further. Gu Shen refrained, knowing that Gou Ye’s current abilities were insufficient to aid him. Gou Ye kept silent, having seen too many dramas depicting the darkness of court politics, feeling he lacked the courage and boldness for such matters.

“Enough of that. Young Master Gu Shen, bring your silver tomorrow. We’ll meet here at noon and head together to our shop,” Gou Ye laughed heartily, breaking the somber mood.

Gu Shen nodded in agreement and then said, “I will surely keep my promise and be here tomorrow. Gou Ye, I must ask you: you promised the shopkeeper four hundred taels for next month’s payment. How do you plan to raise such a sum? I must confess, I cannot provide so much money.”

“Don’t worry about it. Just watch and see—I have my ways. Don’t think you’re getting off cheaply; I told you, there’ll be times you’ll have to pay,” Gou Ye replied confidently, made a gesture of farewell, and climbed onto the ox cart with Yun Niang.

By the time they returned to Tumeng Village, dusk had fallen. Arriving at Yun Niang’s house, they found the doorway crowded with villagers, all praising Gou Ye with lively chatter.

Aunt Wang called out, “Didn’t I say Gou Ye would make something of himself? Haha, just wait and see, Yun Niang’s mother. Your future son-in-law will bring you good days!”

The village chief chimed in, “Indeed, Gou Ye is a grateful child and has never let us down for all the care we’ve given him over the years.”

Hearing this, Yun Niang’s cheeks flushed scarlet, feeling embarrassed by Aunt Wang’s words. Standing beside the shy Yun Niang, Gou Ye smiled awkwardly. He and Yun Niang had grown up as childhood companions, and when he awoke in this new life, she was the first he saw, offering him much care. In his heart, he already regarded her as his woman. Yet Yun Niang was still young, and mindful of his former life’s values, he often felt a twinge of guilt.

Someone suddenly shouted, “Gou Ye is back!”

The crowd surged forward, urging Gou Ye to recount how he helped Yun Niang’s mother sell clothes that day. Some villagers who did small business in the county hoped Gou Ye could offer advice.

Though overwhelmed, Gou Ye felt no discomfort. Every villager here had shown him kindness—they were, in truth, his benefactors. Having grown up eating from many households, he was never shunned for his frail health; instead, they cared for him deeply. Although Gou Ye was no longer the same person, the affection he received had rooted itself firmly in his heart, indelible. Whenever he returned to the village and saw these lovely people, he felt the warmth of home.

He had not felt much warmth in his previous life, but here, being cared for and looked after was the reason he so quickly adapted. Secretly, he vowed that if ever he achieved success, he would repay the village, helping everyone to live better lives.

The villagers chatted with Gou Ye for a long time, showering him with praise. When they finally dispersed, the crescent moon hung in the sky, its light streaming through the trees and illuminating Yun Niang’s face, making her look especially delicate and charming.

Gou Ye gazed at her in a daze and blurted out, “Yun Niang, you’re so beautiful.”

Yun Niang, utterly shy, covered her face and rushed inside.

That night, she had specially stewed a chicken to thank Gou Ye. Her culinary skill was remarkable, and Gou Ye ate with gusto, his mouth greasy and stomach full. Feeling at home, he lazily settled into his seat. Having boasted at the market, he knew he must teach Yun Niang’s mother something new. Looking at the petite Yun Niang, an idea struck him.

“Auntie, though the plaid shirts sold well, today at the market I declared they were limited editions. So next time, we can’t sell more plaid shirts. I suggest we try women’s clothing. There are many styles now. Let me do some research, and in a day or two, I’ll come discuss new designs with you. How does that sound?”

Yun Niang’s mother gently agreed. They discussed clothing matters for some time. During this, she again tried to give Gou Ye ten taels in thanks, but he politely refused. Just then, Gou Ye noticed Yun Niang was no longer inside and went to look for her. Seeing Gou Ye, her mother smiled in relief and murmured to herself, “With you by Yun’s side, I can rest easy,” then covered her mouth, coughing softly.

Gou Ye searched around and finally found Yun Niang standing beneath an osmanthus tree, gazing up at the moon. He approached quietly and overheard her speaking:

“Moon, today is the fifteenth—a day for reunion. I wonder if my words can reach Father. If not, please help me send them. Father, after this year, I’ll be sixteen and can marry. Mother says if Gou Ye is healthy and his illness doesn’t return, she’ll let me marry him. Now Gou Ye is much better, but I worry his sickness might come back. If it does, Mother won’t let me marry him. I don’t want to marry anyone else. I like Gou Ye; only he has told me stories since I was little, only he has taught me so many things. Father, please bless Gou Ye with good health. I am willing to trade my own well-being for his, not for riches, but just for peace and safety.”

Yun Niang closed her eyes, pressed her palms together, so sincere in her prayer.

Hearing her wish, Gou Ye’s eyes grew damp. What a kind girl, truly devoted—willing even to sacrifice her health for him.

“Yun Niang.”

She turned around, surprised to find Gou Ye behind her. Their eyes met, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. Moonlight bathed the two youths, making Yun Niang feel both confused and expectant. Before she could react, Gou Ye strode forward and embraced her.

Startled, Yun Niang’s eyes widened, her heart pounding as if about to leap out of her chest. She shrank into Gou Ye’s arms, not daring to move, and heard him whisper softly in her ear:

“Yun Niang, you treat me so well, truly well. Only you care for me like this. I don’t know how to repay you, but I promise you—Gou Ye will never let you down.”