Chapter 117: Travel
The arrangements after Yu Fengtang’s passing were handled by Qingyan and Qiu Henian, both financially supported and organized by them.
Qingyan was heavily pregnant and couldn’t sit for long or walk far. Anything he couldn’t manage was taken care of by Qiu Henian. It’s strange how many people prioritize matters after death more than when alive. As long as the deceased’s departure was grand, it seems inconsequential if they didn’t enjoy life while alive.
Even Zhou Yanliang, who had wished for the old man’s death sooner, was now compliant. She didn’t want his ghost haunting her and causing sleepless nights.
As the most valued son in the family, Yu Qingxi seemed lost and listless all day. He obeyed his mother’s commands but otherwise sat in a corner with his head bowed, resembling a mourning dog.
Qingyan didn’t rely on him. He discussed matters with Zhou Yanliang when family decisions were needed.
Traditionally, the deceased would lie at home for three days for relatives and friends to mourn, but the hot weather made this impractical. Zhou Yanliang, covering her nose, told Qingyan they had to send him off the next day; they couldn’t wait any longer.
Thus, after only one day at home, the funeral procession set off early the next morning before dawn. Yu Fengtang was buried in the ancestral grave on a hill near the village.
Due to Qingyan’s physical limitations, he remained at the foot of the mountain with older relatives while Qiu Henian represented him on the hilltop. This arrangement was understandable to everyone.
Once those on the mountain returned, Qingyan arranged several tables at a local restaurant in town.
Initially somber, the mood lightened as alcohol flowed. Even Zhou Yanliang, her face flushed from drink, smiled and forgot her sorrow.
Now that the old man was gone, she wasn’t afraid anymore. Her life had lost its purpose long before his death. She wasn’t old yet and could find someone else.
The passing of an insignificant person hardly caused a ripple.
After the meal and drinks, everyone dispersed to their homes. Only the members of the Yu family remained at the restaurant.
Zhou Yanliang called her son to return home, but Yu Qingxi, who had remained silent with a sullen face, suddenly broke free from his mother’s grip, strode up to Qingyan, and through gritted teeth said, “Even if you’ve done all this, I won’t forgive you!”
Qingyan chuckled at his anger and replied, “You’re beyond redemption.”
Yu Qingxi glared, ready to explode, but Qingyan ignored him and walked out of the restaurant. Qiu Henian had already prepared the carriage outside and escorted him away.
That marked the end of it.
As for Yu Fengtang’s dying words, no one took them seriously. Zhou Yanliang dismissed them as the ramblings of a dying man.
…
After the funeral, Qingyan felt low for a couple of days. Regardless of who had passed away, such events were always unpleasant.
Being pregnant heightened Qingyan’s sensitivity, especially in the hot weather. People avoided going out, and business at the shop was slow. Qingyan considered temporarily closing it so everyone could rest.
Qiu Henian asked if he wanted to go out for a walk.
Qingyan hadn’t had the chance to explore since arriving in this world, so his eyes lit up with joy at the suggestion, and he agreed eagerly.
He consulted with Lishen, Qiuniang, and Shen Wen. Apart from San Yao, who was busy with field work, everyone else wanted to go. Qiu Henian made the arrangements and prepared a carriage to take them out.
He had added a canopy to the carriage a few days earlier, so they set out early before it got too hot. By the time the sun was high, they had reached their destination.
They visited an orchard where Qiu Henian had arranged for them to pick fruit themselves. The tall, dense trees provided shade, and though they needed to watch out for insects, the orchard wasn’t hot at all.
Qingyan set his sights on fruits at the tops of trees, and Qiu Henian borrowed a long hook from the owner to help him retrieve them. After catching the fruit, Qiu Henian handed it to Qingyan after washing it, and he happily ate it.
After picking enough fruit and feeling a bit tired, they went boating on the river. A boatman rowed while Qiu Henian’s wife prepared a feast of river fish onboard.
With delicious food, wine, iced watermelon, and desserts, Qiu Henian deliberately let Qingyan enjoy himself. Qingyan’s smile never left his face.
Shen Wen leaned against the canopy, enjoying the view of the beautiful green mountains and watching wild ducks play in the water nearby, smiling contentedly.
Qiuniang and Lishen marveled at their change in fortune. They used to work hard all year with little to show for it, unable to afford such leisure. Now, they were enjoying a leisurely boat ride just like wealthy families.
Lishen chuckled, “Don’t rush. This good life has just begun for us.”
……
That night when they returned, Qingyan had thoroughly enjoyed himself and was also tired. He lay down and fell deeply asleep in no time, not waking up much throughout the night.
The next morning, he woke up refreshed and energetic.
Fragrant Melody Pavillion was still closed for rest today.
Yesterday, Qingyan had eaten a variety of foods, some cold, and had also had a few sips of wine. Qiu Henian, still somewhat worried, thought it was time to have Qingyan’s pulse checked. After breakfast, he hurriedly took Qingyan to the clinic.
The old physician checked Qingyan’s pulse and said, “There’s nothing wrong, everything is fine. You two should eat and drink as you please. When this one inside your belly comes out in two or three months, you’ll have your hands full.”
After finishing up, Qiu Henian helped Qingyan into the carriage first, then hesitated for a moment, asked Qingyan to wait, and went back alone.
Qingyan watched from a distance as Qiu Henian spoke quietly with the old physician.
The physician stroked his beard and laughed heartily, saying, “Everything’s normal during this period. There’s no need to be so cautious.”
Qingyan didn’t understand what they were talking about, so he watched curiously.
Qiu Henian glanced around and said something else, and the old physician seemed to realize he had spoken too loudly earlier. He lowered his voice and responded a few times.
Qingyan was too far away to hear clearly, but caught snippets like, “…this month is fine,” and “…more is beneficial for future childbirth.”
Now even without hearing everything, Qingyan understood what was going on.
After Qiu Henian finished asking his questions and returned to the carriage, Qingyan kept his head low, his ears reddened with embarrassment.
Qiu Henian noticed this, his gaze lingered on Qingyan’s blushing face for a while, his heart stirred. He wanted to say something but held back.
After the two returned home and entered the house, Qiu Henian hesitated and finally bent down to whisper in Qingyan’s ear, “Others will know how you got this belly. There’s no need to feel embarrassed.”
Qingyan looked up at him in disbelief, eyes watery. He bit his lip, a mixture of feeling wronged yet compliant.
Qiu Henian looked at this delicate young man and his throat moved. The teasing mood just now turned into tenderness.
He softly said, “I’m afraid of hurting you.”
Qingyan responded with an “Mm,” indicating he didn’t blame him anymore. He wrapped his arms around Qiu Henian’s waist, burying his face in his neck, obedient and trembling.
After bathing at night, Qingyan put on a thin shirt and got into bed first.
Qiu Henian looked at his back for a while, followed him, and got into bed as well, lowering the canopy curtains.
Since Qingyan became pregnant, especially recently, Qiu Henian had been restraining himself. When Qingyan wanted intimacy at night, he would coax him gently, afraid of hurting him and the one in his belly.
Sometimes Qingyan couldn’t resist any longer, and Qiu Henian would give in, but Qingyan would stop him after a brief satisfaction.
As for himself, once the person beside him fell asleep, he would fetch a bucket of cold water from outside to calm himself down.
Now that everything was clear, he finally had fewer reservations.
It had been several months since then, and he had finally indulged himself freely once.
Qingyan finally got what he wanted, quenching his thirst.
However, with his growing belly, things were becoming inconvenient. After such a hearty release, his legs, arms, and waist were all sore and weak.
The man got up, brought a basin of hot water to wash him, then sat next to him, patiently massaging his shoulders and back, with his legs resting on his own thighs, massaging gently.
Qingyan gradually relaxed, sighed comfortably, lazily turned over, and playfully poked the man’s shoulder with his bare foot. His ankle was then held.
Qingyan blinked, saw the man glance at him, then turned his head, lips touching his ankle, kissing it lightly.
Spoiler for the Next Chapter:
Qiu Henian, heartbroken, nearly cried himself. He knelt beside the bed and offered his arm to him. Qingyan grabbed his hand and bit it hard due to his pain, causing the veins on Qiu Henian’s forehead to bulge.
