Xu Chunniang followed the forest stream path into Taoyuan Village.
Uncle Tang, sunning himself at the village entrance, opened his eyes. When he saw Xu Chunniang, a smile appeared in them as he greeted her warmly. "You're back?"
"I'm back."
Uncle Tang smiled amiably. "The journey must have been tiring, right?"
Xu Chunniang thought seriously for a moment. "A little, but it was all right."
"Hehe, sit for a while? Keep this old man company while I bask in the sun?"
Xu Chunniang declined. "Next time. I promised someone a few things, and I don't plan to stay long this time. I'll be leaving shortly."
Uncle Tang nodded. "A promise made to others must be kept. Go handle your business first."
After saying that, Uncle Tang closed his eyes again and rested with his eyes shut.
As she passed Aunt Zhang's courtyard, Aunt Zhang came out from within. Upon seeing Xu Chunniang, she could not help but set down her work and pull her over, fussing over her wellbeing.
"You went out for a trip and got thinner again. It's almost mealtime, and your place hasn't had a fire lit in ages—everything must be covered in dust. How about making do with a meal at Aunt Zhang's today?"
Xu Chunniang smiled and nodded. "All right."
Aunt Zhang smiled too, the lines between her brows smoothing out. "Idle hands are idle hands. Come help me out."
Thus, Aunt Zhang took charge of the cooking while Xu Chunniang tended the fire for her.
As Aunt Zhang stir-fried the dishes, she chattered on. "The last time you came to Taoyuan Village, I could tell you had an affinity with our village. Sure enough, before long, you became one of our villagers."
Xu Chunniang smiled sheepishly. "I never expected that I would enter Taoyuan