Sister, Elder Brother Xiao Has Already Left

"Brother Xiao, it's crooked. A little to the left."

"Still not right, Brother Xiao, a little to the right."

"Doesn't seem quite right either. A bit lower, forget it, let's try higher. Yes, yes, that's it."

"Then I'll stick it like this."

Xiao Mo stood on the ladder and smoothed the couplet with his hand, trying his best to ensure there were no wrinkles.

However, as Xiao Mo stepped down the ladder, Xiao Qing touched her chin, "Why does it still feel a little crooked? It should be a bit more to the left."

"Ouch," Xiao Mo flicked Xiao Qing's forehead, "It's already stuck, and you're only saying it now? Next one!"

"Oh, ouch."

Xiao Mo and Xiao Qing moved the ladder and changed the couplet on another door.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Bai Ruxue was cooking.

Today was New Year's Eve.

According to the customs of the Qi Kingdom, new couplets had to be posted today, and the New Year's Eve dinner would be eaten at noon.

"Crackling."

"Crackling."

As noon approached, other families in Shiqiao Village began to light firecrackers one after another.

When a family lit firecrackers, it meant they were starting their New Year's meal.

At this moment, Bai Ruxue also brought the dishes out and placed them steadily on the table, "Xiao Mo, Xiao Qing, the food is ready."

"Sister, just a moment, we're almost done posting," Xiao Qing replied, continuing to direct Brother Xiao, "Brother Xiao, a little to the left. Yes, yes, yes!"

"Brother Xiao, everyone else is starting their New Year's meal! Hurry up!"

"No rush, no rush," Xiao Mo smiled, "The couplets need to be smooth. Smooth and peaceful, you know?"

After finishing posting the couplets, Xiao Mo placed the firecrackers from bottom to top on the pillar by the door, then used a fire starter to light the fuse.

Bai Ruxue and Xiao Qing quickly covered their ears.

The firecrackers went off with a "crackling" sound.

The white and green figures watched the firecracker smoke outside the courtyard with a mixture of fear and anticipation, as well as the sparks that occasionally burst from the white smoke.

"Pop, pop. Pop."

As the last few firecrackers landed, the smoke gradually dispersed.

Beside the stone table, Xiao Mo picked up his wine cup and stood up, "Today is New Year's Eve, bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new. In the new year, I wish both young ladies good health and that all their wishes come true."

Bai Ruxue's eyes curved as she raised her wine cup. She looked like the mistress of the house, but her words carried a hint of playfulness, "In the coming spring, I wish Mr. Xiao success in the imperial examinations."

"I wish Brother Xiao success in the imperial examinations too," Xiao Qing also offered her blessings.

The wine cups clinked, and the wine within them rippled gently.

"Let's eat, let's eat, or the food will get cold," Xiao Mo quickly sat down.

Bai Ruxue opened the rice bucket and served rice for Xiao Mo and her sister, while Xiao Qing continued to pour wine.

Only after Xiao Mo took the first bite of food did Bai Ruxue and Xiao Qing pick up their chopsticks.

This wine was a green rice wine sent by Magistrate Sun.

Considering that Xiao Mo didn't drink often and there were two ladies in the house, this wine was not easily intoxicating and had a mellow taste.

After the New Year's Eve dinner, Bai Ruxue and her sister cleaned up the dishes. Xiao Mo also wanted to help, but Ruxue pushed him out of the kitchen, saying it was women's work.

Helpless, Xiao Mo could only sit in the courtyard.

Looking at the busy white figure in the kitchen, Xiao Mo felt a bit lost in thought.

Unconsciously, it had been about eight years since he had saved her.

The little white snake from before had truly grown into a young woman.

"Brother Xiao, why are you always looking at Sister?"

From inside the kitchen, Xiao Qing teased.

Xiao Qing already knew about the agreement between her sister and Brother Xiao, knowing that when spring came and Brother Xiao returned from the Metropolitan Examination, he would marry her sister.

Xiao Mo smiled, "Your sister is beautiful."

Compared to the forthright Xiao Mo, Bai Ruxue blushed at this moment and gently tugged at her sister, "Let him look. We'll continue washing dishes."

"Hehehe," seeing her sister's shy expression, Xiao Qing giggled like a hen in the yard.

Xiao Qing noticed that since her sister came down the mountain, she had become more and more like a woman of the world.

Especially recently, after her sister understood her feelings for Brother Xiao, her occasional shy demeanor was even more captivating.

In the afternoon, Xiao Mo played a ring toss game with the two sisters.

Xiao Mo placed some copper coins and silver fragments on the ground and used a wooden ring to toss them. Whoever caught one, it was theirs.

If you were caught, you'd have to stick a piece of paper on your face.

By the end of the game, Xiao Mo's face was covered in red strips of paper, making it hard for him to see the path ahead.

The sisters couldn't help but burst into laughter.

In the evening, the night sky drew its curtain.

Stars were scattered across the night sky like fine sand.

The winter stars seemed brighter than the summer ones.

Bai Ruxue brought hot water to wash Xiao Mo's feet.

Xiao Mo wanted to refuse, but Bai Ruxue said with a blush, "After we're married, this is something I'll have to do anyway."

Xiao Mo froze for a moment. Seeing her shy and gentle demeanor, he didn't refuse.

"Alright, I'm leaving now. You should rest well." Bai Ruxue dried Xiao Mo's feet, picked up the basin, and was about to leave.

"Ruxue."

Xiao Mo called her name.

"Hm?" Bai Ruxue tilted her head in confusion.

Xiao Mo organized his words: "Ruxue, I might have to leave for the capital the day after tomorrow."

"The day after tomorrow?" Bai Ruxue blinked. "Why so soon?"

"Because Mr. Zhang in the court is going to take up his post in Beihai Prefecture in mid-February. He wants to invite me to meet him, so I might have to leave half a month early."

As she spoke, the woman's eyes gently lowered.

Xiao Mo could clearly see the disappointment in her peach blossom eyes.

Xiao Mo stood up. "Ruxue, I'm sorry..."

"It's okay." Bai Ruxue shook her head, raised her chin, and smiled. "I've heard of Mr. Zhang. He's a highly respected elder, and it seems the current Emperor holds him in high regard. Didn't he guide you to become the Jieyuan, Xiao Mo?"

"That's right." Xiao Mo nodded.

"Then go, Xiao Mo." Bai Ruxue placed the basin aside and gently held Xiao Mo's hand. "Although I'm just a woman and haven't read many books, isn't becoming an official your dream? It's only half a month earlier, it's fine."

"Ruxue."

"Don't apologize anymore." Bai Ruxue smiled. "I'm really fine. Aunt Chen says that the most important thing for a wife is to be considerate of her husband."

As she spoke, a blush crept up the woman's cheeks to her earlobes. Her voice was shy and soft, "Although we're not married yet, but... I should start learning."

Xiao Mo looked at Ruxue's bashful, almost tearful expression, and was deeply touched. He gently stroked her hair. "I'll come back as soon as I can."

"Mhm, I'll wait for you."

Although Bai Ruxue wanted to spend a few more days with Xiao Mo, she felt that they had a long life ahead of them.

He was only leaving half a month earlier; it wasn't a big deal.

She would wait for him to return.

That night, Bai Ruxue worked diligently to make a sachet for Xiao Mo.

And a new set of clothes. Tonight was the final stage.

Bai Ruxue wanted Xiao Mo to be able to wear them when he went to the capital.

Candlelight flickered in the room.

If Bai Ruxue felt sleepy, she would eat chili peppers or splash cold water on her face.

"Sister, you can finish this tomorrow," Xiao Qing said, seeing how tired her sister was and her refusal to sleep. She spoke with concern.

Snakes found it difficult to stay awake during winter hibernation.

"It's fine." Bai Ruxue shook her head, her fine needle continuing to work on the clothes. "This outfit must be finished tonight so Xiao Mo can try it on tomorrow. If it doesn't fit, there'll still be time to alter it."

Seeing her sister's determination, Xiao Qing knew her words wouldn't be heard.

When it came to Brother Xiao, her sister became exceptionally stubborn.

"Then I'll help you, Sister," Xiao Qing said, getting out of bed and going to her sister's side.

"You should go to sleep, Xiao Qing," Bai Ruxue said.

"No, if you don't sleep, neither will I," Xiao Qing insisted. "Sister, is there anything I can help you with?"

"Alright." Bai Ruxue thought for a moment. "Then help me sew these two pieces of fabric together and embroider a bamboo stalk. I want to make him an inner pocket."

"Okay, Sister!"

Xiao Qing quickly picked up the needle and thread from the table and began sewing diligently.

However, in less than half an hour, Xiao Qing felt her eyelids growing heavier.

An hour later, Xiao Qing had fallen asleep on the table, even drooling.

"I knew you wouldn't be able to keep it up," Bai Ruxue said, her delicate lips curving slightly. She gently poked her sister's nose and spoke softly.

It was deep winter now, and given Xiao Qing's cultivation level, she would return to the mountain to hibernate in a few more days.

Seven days ago, Xiao Qing started feeling drowsy. How could she possibly stay up late with me now?

Bai Ruxue carried Xiao Qing back to her bed and tucked her in.

Under the candlelight, the woman continued to stitch, diligently sewing a green shirt for her beloved.

Early the next morning, as the rooster crowed, Bai Ruxue finally lifted her head and rubbed her shoulders.

The green shirt in her arms was finished.

After Xiao Mo woke up, Bai Ruxue quickly had him try it on.

Seeing how well the shirt fit Xiao Mo, the woman finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"Is it comfortable to wear?" Bai Ruxue asked. "Does it need any adjustments?"

"It's very comfortable," Xiao Mo said, looking at the green shirt. "There's nothing to adjust; it fits perfectly."

"Brother Xiao, it's a good thing it fits. Sister didn't sleep all night. If it didn't fit, she would have had to alter it for another day," Xiao Qing said from the side.

"You talk too much," Bai Ruxue playfully swatted her sister's hand.

"Actually, Ruxue, you really don't need to make clothes yourself anymore. We're not short on money," Xiao Mo advised.

"It's fine," Bai Ruxue stepped forward and adjusted Xiao Mo's sleeves, waist, and collar. "Clothes made by others are still made by others. I don't trust them."

Xiao Mo's throat bobbed. He wanted to say so much, but all his words could only form one sentence: "Ruxue, thank you for your hard work."

Bai Ruxue's eyes curved into crescents. "Between you and me, why talk about hard work?"

Xiao Mo's gaze towards Bai Ruxue grew even softer.

Although Xiao Mo knew this was just an experience in the Book of a Hundred Lives, if he could truly have such a wife, what more could he ask for?

"When do you leave tomorrow?" Bai Ruxue asked.

"Tomorrow at Chen Shi. Magistrate Sun will send a carriage to pick me up."

"The journey to the capital is said to be long. Will anyone escort you?"

"Magistrate Sun said he would arrange it. Ruxue, you don't need to worry."

"That's good," Bai Ruxue nodded. "I'll give you your travel bag tomorrow. It might be a bit much, but you're not allowed to complain. It's all things you'll need."

"Alright."

Every time Xiao Mo went on a long trip, Bai Ruxue would prepare many things for him. They were comprehensive, but indeed, there were quite a lot.

She even packed mosquito repellent sachets for him.

Seeing Xiao Mo agree, Bai Ruxue smiled slightly and took Xiao Qing to the kitchen to cook.

On this first day of the Lunar New Year, Bai Ruxue did her chores as usual.

During the meal, Bai Ruxue had a smile on her face, deliberately trying not to let Xiao Mo see her reluctance.

But Bai Ruxue wasn't someone who could hide her feelings.

Xiao Mo and Xiao Qing could both see her disappointment.

The next morning, Bai Ruxue woke up early to prepare breakfast for Xiao Mo.

Soon after, a carriage stopped outside the courtyard, accompanied by several constables on horseback.

These were the people coming to pick up Xiao Mo.

After breakfast, Bai Ruxue walked with Xiao Mo step by step out of the village.

Xiao Mo had to leave in a hurry this time, and not many people knew about it, so the village chief and others didn't come to see him off.

The constables were also discreet, walking far ahead and leaving the two of them some private space.

"When you get to the capital, make sure to eat well and don't just settle for anything."

"I know."

"The weather is getting colder; you must wear more clothes."

"Don't worry, the winter clothes you made are very warm."

"Take these two jars of honey with you. They're not worth much, but they're a token of my affection. You can't go empty-handed when you see Mr. Zhang."

"Don't worry."

"And, don't go to any brothels."

"I won't."

"It's okay if you don't do well on the exam. Don't be discouraged; I'll be waiting for you at home."

"Okay."

Xiao Mo stopped and turned around, looking at the woman in front of him. "Ruxue, you can stop here."

The woman gently bit her thin lips. "I... I'll walk a bit further."

Xiao Mo shook his head. "You've already walked five li with me."

The woman lowered her head, her fingers clenched tightly, her curved eyelashes trembling slightly.

After a long moment, the woman raised her head and looked at him, "Go early and return early."

Xiao Mo took two steps back, stood before the woman, adjusted his collar, and bowed respectfully.

Straightening up, Xiao Mo said no more. More words would only betray his reluctance.

He turned and walked forward, boarding the carriage.

"Giddy up!"

Escorted by several constables, the carriage Xiao Mo was in gradually drove into the fields.

Bai Ruxue subconsciously took a step forward, but ultimately stopped her feet.

The carriage drove further and further away, until it became a black dot and disappeared from the woman's sight.

"Sister, Brother Xiao has already left. Let's go back," Xiao Qing said to her sister.

"No rush, I'll watch a little longer."

"But Brother Xiao is completely gone."

"It's alright."

The woman tightly gripped the hem of her skirt, still gazing into the distance.

"I... I'll watch a little longer."