Volume One, Chapter 18: Madam Ji Defends Her Daughter-in-law and Clashes with Gou Dan’s Mother

“Oh, Comrade Xia, delivering medicine? Did you get kicked out? Honestly, why do you bother?” Lin Ranran blocked Xia Zhiyuan at the door, a mocking smile curling at her lips.

Xia Zhiyuan glared furiously at Lin Ranran. “You’re not worthy of Brother Ji. You two will divorce sooner or later!”

“That’ll disappoint you. Even if your parents divorce, remarry, divorce again, and remarry, we won’t separate. It’ll drive you mad.”

“Hmph! Let’s see how long you can stay smug!” Xia Zhiyuan huffed and stormed off.

“Take care now! Hmph, so what if you’re the reborn heroine? This life, I’ll steal your story and leave you nowhere to go.”

“Who are you trying to leave nowhere to go?” Suddenly, Father Ji’s voice sounded.

Lin Ranran beamed, “Dad, you’re back.”

“Mm.”

“What did the captain say?” she asked eagerly.

“He agreed. He said we can reclaim as much of this wasteland behind as we want. But the land’s barren, I’m worried planting anything won’t cover the costs,” Father Ji explained.

Lin Ranran’s eyes lit up. “Dad, don’t worry. I know soil. The soil behind the mountain is poor, but I can make it fertile.”

“You know so much about soil?” Father Ji was astonished.

“Of course. I grew up in the countryside, always working the fields. I know some planting tricks,” Lin Ranran replied confidently.

“All right, when the busy season’s over, our family will clear the land together. We can’t just wait for the commune’s grain; we have to find our own way.”

“Yes, Dad, you’ve had a long day. Rest early.”

“You too, get inside,” he urged.

“I’ll wait for Junxiao. He’s doing laundry.”

“Okay.” With that, Father Ji went to his room to rest.

Before long, Ji Junxiao returned from washing clothes. He carried a hint of moisture, his hair damp and a few strands clinging to his forehead, making him look strikingly handsome.

“Wife, why are you outside?”

Lin Ranran walked up, gently holding his arm, and coquettishly said, “Husband, I was waiting for you.”

“Didn’t I tell you not to come out?” Ji Junxiao said as he took her hand and led her into the room, locking the door behind them.

“I just wanted to see you the moment you came back.”

Ji Junxiao’s face flushed instantly. Lin Ranran was bold, daring to say anything—especially during their first month of marriage; those words, so teasing, made resistance impossible.

“Husband, are you tired today?” Lin Ranran whispered.

“Ah, um, not really. Working the fields is easier than training in the army. I can handle this hardship. I just worry about Mom and little sister—they’ve never had it so rough, and I’m afraid they can’t bear it.”

“They are suffering. I brought them medicine just now,” Lin Ranran said.

“Medicine? What happened?” Ji Junxiao asked, concerned.

“They got bitten by ticks. What about you? Did you get bitten?”

“I think I got bitten a few times, but it’s nothing. We were used to all sorts of bug bites on missions outdoors,” Ji Junxiao replied indifferently.

“That was before. Now you have a wife. Sit on the bed, I’ll apply some medicine,” Lin Ranran said, pulling him toward the bed.

“This… It’s not necessary. It’s just like a mosquito bite. It’ll be fine tomorrow,” Ji Junxiao said shyly.

“But I’ve already prepared the herbs. Are you sure you don’t want me to help?” Lin Ranran pouted, acting spoiled.

Ji Junxiao couldn’t resist her when she acted cute, and obediently sat by the bed.

“Where did the tick bite you?” Lin Ranran asked softly.

“Um… my neck,” Ji Junxiao blushed even more.

By the warm glow of the kerosene lamp, Lin Ranran leaned close and saw several swollen red bumps on his neck. Her heart ached for him.

She took some iodine, soaked a cotton ball, and gently dabbed his wounds.

The iodine stung, and Ji Junxiao shuddered slightly.

Seeing this, Lin Ranran’s movements became even more careful, murmuring, “Bear it, it’ll be over soon.”

After disinfecting, she picked up a pinch of herbal medicine and applied it evenly to the bites.

She leaned closer to his neck and gently blew.

Ji Junxiao’s body was already taut from her proximity. That gentle breath seemed to ignite a fuse deep within him, unleashing a rush of heat that overwhelmed his reason.

Unable to restrain himself any longer, he suddenly wrapped his arms around Lin Ranran, pulling her tightly into his embrace.

“What are you doing?” Lin Ranran exclaimed.

Ji Junxiao’s breathing was rapid. “Wife, don’t move.”

Lin Ranran could clearly feel the changes in his body. Oh my, this is so embarrassing—she was just applying medicine, but he couldn’t help himself!

Well, men’s bodies are different from women’s after all. The original Lin Ranran had given him a month of sweetness, and suddenly abstained. He managed to stay pure, which was impressive self-control.

Ji Junxiao meant to hold back, but the longer he held her, the harder it became. He thought, is stealing a kiss too much?

Thinking this, Ji Junxiao couldn’t restrain himself. He pressed his lips to her neck.

Lin Ranran shivered, as if struck by electricity.

Ji Junxiao’s kisses traced up her neck, his hands growing restless, movements urgent and filled with desire.

Lin Ranran felt her blood boiling, her breath fast and uneven.

The baby was four months along now; if he wanted her to fulfill her wifely duties, she really had no reason to refuse—though it felt shy.

Ji Junxiao finally captured her lips. In that moment, time seemed to stand still, the world reduced to the sound of their heartbeats.

Lin Ranran’s eyes widened, the lamplight and her handsome husband’s passionate face reflected in her pupils.

Her hands instinctively gripped Ji Junxiao’s shirt, her body leaning back, yet his strong arms held her tight, leaving no escape.

Their breathing grew more rapid, the air thick with a sultry sweetness.

The scene spun out of control…

Yet Ji Junxiao finally buried his head against her chest, struggling to restrain himself.

He fought a fierce battle with his own desire.

His body trembled, his forehead slick with sweat, teeth clenched.

About an hour later, Ji Junxiao finally calmed somewhat.

He felt as if he’d emerged from a fierce battle.

Heavens knew how hard it had been to endure that hour!

He’d been silently reciting the three main rules and eight points of attention.

“Ranran, sorry, I… I lost control,” Ji Junxiao finally let her go, his voice stuttering.

Lin Ranran’s face was burning; she quickly burrowed under the covers, hiding her head.

That hour had been tough for her too. She’d wanted to tell him several times that the baby was stable, and it was fine to resume marital life. But she was just too shy!

It was hard to say out loud!

Ji Junxiao thought Lin Ranran was angry, and added, “Ranran, when you’ve had the baby, I’ll satisfy you, just like before.”

Ugh! Does he think I’m a lustful woman? Well, the original Lin Ranran was indeed a bit wanton!

Although she’d seduced him for her cousin’s sake, most of it was her own desire!

Heavens, so embarrassing!

That night, Ji Junxiao went for several cold showers.

Early the next morning.

Mother Ji had already finished breakfast before dawn, and the aroma of steamed buns filled the educated youth courtyard.

Ji Junxiao got up to help.

Lin Ranran couldn’t get up so early.

Her breakfast included an egg.

“Ranran, you might not believe it, but our old hen laid two eggs in one night. It’s incredible! If I hadn’t taken all its eggs yesterday, I wouldn’t believe it,” Mother Ji said, her face radiant with joy.

Lin Ranran knew it was because the hen drank water from her space’s creek, but she feigned surprise. “Good things come in pairs! It means our family will have nothing but good luck.”

Ji Junyao laughed, “Exactly! By the way, sister-in-law, your medicine is amazing. I’m not itchy anymore. Thank you so much. Today I’ll wear this garlic pouch again—guaranteed no ticks will bite me.” She held up the little cloth bag filled with garlic as if it were a treasure.

“Sister-in-law is awesome!” The younger brothers looked at her admiringly, their eyes full of respect.

Lin Ranran’s recent performance deserved full marks; she cared for everyone so thoroughly, they were truly moved.

Lin Ranran smiled, “As long as you don’t mind the smell of garlic.”

“How could we? You’re so thoughtful; we’re all grateful,” they replied.

Every Ji family member wore a little cloth pouch, showing how much they cherished Lin Ranran’s gifts.

The pouches swung on their chests, as if binding them to Lin Ranran with ties of affection.

Outside, Xia Zhiyuan watched the family’s happiness, jealousy flaming in her heart, furious beyond words!

Last time, Mother Ji and Ji’s little sister were exhausted after their first day at work, unable to get out of bed the next day. Yet this time, they seemed full of energy!

No, if things keep changing, what if Ji Junxiao refuses to divorce?

“It’s laughable! I just heard Lin Ranran made garlic pouches for the Ji family, supposedly to keep ticks away, and they actually believe it!” Xia Zhiyuan spread gossip about Lin Ranran to the village women as she headed to work.

“Garlic keeps ticks away? Ridiculous! How much garlic is she planning to buy? Their family just arrived; they need to buy everything,” a woman said, covering her mouth with laughter.

“You see, she’s lazy and won’t work in the fields, so she has to do things to please the Ji family, or how could she stay at home every day?” another woman sneered, her face full of disdain.

“When her tricks run out, the Ji family will definitely dislike her.”

“Exactly. So what if she’s pretty? Yesterday she delivered food, all dressed up, obviously trying to seduce men,” a woman said jealously.

“That’s right. The men were drooling over her yesterday. My husband kept praising her looks when he got home—it infuriated me,” another woman stomped angrily.

“If you ask me, she’s a fox spirit.”

“Agreed. People like her should be driven out of our village before she corrupts our morals.”

…

Xia Zhiyuan was smug. The Ji family had a bad opinion of her now, so currying favor wouldn’t work. She could only slander Lin Ranran.

As long as Lin Ranran’s reputation was ruined, she didn’t believe Ji Junxiao wouldn’t divorce her.

When it came to gossip, no one could match these village women!

Sure enough, it worked well, and Xia Zhiyuan was satisfied.

When Mother Ji arrived at the fields, Gou Dan’s wife couldn’t help but ask, “Auntie, did your daughter-in-law really make you wear garlic?”

Mother Ji knew it was Xia Zhiyuan’s big mouth spreading rumors. Every time they ate, she’d sneak around outside to peek.

Next time, she’d close the door during meals, even if it got stuffy, to keep this meddler from spying.

“So what? My Ranran can do anything. She says garlic keeps ticks away, so it does. She also worries about leeches at the creek, so she brings water from home. Your daughter-in-law isn’t that considerate, is she?” Mother Ji’s eyes brimmed with pride.

Gou Dan’s wife curled her lip dismissively. “Hmph, what’s there to be proud of? My daughter-in-law is pregnant but still works the fields, gets up before dawn to fetch water, chop wood, cook breakfast, and after work rushes to cook, serves meals, and brings out washbasins for everyone. I hear your daughter-in-law sleeps late and has you fetch water for her baths. Why is she so precious?”

Mother Ji retorted loudly, “Hmph, you’re lazy yourself and dare to complain? That daughter-in-law isn’t yours, so you don’t care for her?”

“How can you say that? Isn’t it every daughter-in-law’s duty to serve her husband, honor her in-laws, and do everything for the family?” Gou Dan’s wife argued, chin raised.

“Hmph. None of you are invalids. You’re just lazy and make excuses. Is your daughter-in-law made of iron? Why should one person do so much?” Mother Ji shot back confidently.

“Keep spoiling her, and she’ll walk all over you! I hear she cooks meat every day. How long can that little bit of meat last? When you got bitten by ticks, she bought medicine to apply. If you can’t manage your household, you’ll ruin it!” Gou Dan’s wife rattled off accusations.

“My daughter-in-law—I enjoy spoiling her! So what? If you won’t pamper yours, you have no right to judge. If you ask me, you’re lazy and bully your daughter-in-law!” Mother Ji snapped, hands on her hips.

She was furious! Gou Dan’s wife didn’t care for her own daughter-in-law, yet criticized others. Outrageous!

“How dare you insult me?” Gou Dan’s wife flushed red, “I’m only thinking of what’s best for you!”

The others hurried to separate them as their argument escalated.

Still, the two kept shouting across the distance, trading barbs, neither willing to back down.

Mother Ji shouted, “From now on, keep your nose out of our family’s business!”

Gou Dan’s wife retorted loudly, “You’re like a dog biting Lü Dongbin—not recognizing a good person!”

“You? Good person? Hah!” Mother Ji’s carefully cultivated composure collapsed in that instant.