Chapter Summaries

Rong Zheng left before dawn to hunt in the mountains, and Ye Yun spent the morning missing him while settling into their new home. At the river, Ye Yun and Ming-ge'er talked about marriage and arranged to share a meal and needlework at Ye Yun's house.

• Rong Zheng set off for a two- or three-day hunting trip, and Ye Yun watched him leave before returning to household chores.
• Ye Yun prepared breakfast for Xiao Chen and tidied the house while thinking about Rong Zheng's kindness.
• Ye Chen woke, ate breakfast, and agreed to practice his horse stance as Rong Zheng had taught him.
• Ye Yun went to the river to wash clothes, where villagers praised his marriage and Ming-ge'er told him how envied he was.
• Ming-ge'er confided that his family had not begun looking for a match for him, and Ye Yun invited him to lunch and needlework.
• Ye Yun promised to make Ming-ge'er chili pork and decided to embroider a handkerchief for Rong Zheng.

Ye Bao watched Ye Yun enjoy her new life while her own family faced Ye Yao’s gambling debt and arranged to marry her off as a concubine. After Ye Bao resisted the marriage, she and Chen Guihua fought.

• Ye Bao resented Ye Yun after Ye Yun left the household, leaving Ye Bao with the housework and the family struggling over Ye Yao’s eighty-tael gambling debt.
• Debt collectors beat Ye Yao and threatened to maim him until Eldest Uncle Ye paid forty taels and promised to raise the rest.
• The village chief intervened, and villagers condemned Ye Yao’s family as news spread about their debt and past treatment of Ye Yun and Ye Chen.
• Ye Bao overheard Chen Guihua and Eldest Uncle Ye discussing her marriage as a concubine to the landlord’s son in exchange for twenty-five taels.
• Eldest Uncle Ye told Ye Bao the marriage was settled, and when she cursed Ye Yao, Chen Guihua slapped her; Ye Bao lunged at her mother and they grappled.

Rong Zheng returned from hunting, sold his game, and bought gifts for Ye Yun and Xiao Chen before arranging for Master Zheng to build their new house. He paid a deposit and set the crew to begin work in two days.

• Rong Zheng returned home with game, and Ye Yun welcomed him with a hot meal before they went to bed.
• Rong Zheng praised Ye Chen for practicing, then sold a young deer and two red foxes in town for seventy taels.
• Rong Zheng bought Ye Yun an aqua-blue hair ribbon and purchased pastries, cakes, and sweets for Ye Yun and Xiao Chen.
• Rong Zheng met Master Zheng and agreed to sell him the fireplace and heated-kang designs for twenty taels.
• Rong Zheng hired Master Zheng's crew to build the house for an estimated hundred taels, signed a contract, and paid a thirty-tael deposit.

Rong Zheng returned with sweets for Ye Chen, discussed the cost of their new house with Ye Yun, and gave him an aqua-blue hair ribbon. The couple shared an intimate moment, and Ye Yun shyly gave Rong Zheng an embroidered handkerchief before they left the room.

• Rong Zheng brought home sweets and pastries, and Ye Chen happily ate osmanthus cake while Rong Zheng encouraged him to be less timid and find playmates.
• Rong Zheng offered Ye Yun water chestnut cake and explained that their new house would cost about a hundred taels, including fireplaces, heated kang beds, and high boundary walls.
• Rong Zheng told Ye Yun he had earned ninety taels in town and handed him the remaining sixty taels after paying the construction deposit.
• Rong Zheng tied an aqua-blue hair ribbon in Ye Yun's hair, then kissed him after Ye Yun blushed at his gaze.
• Afterward, Ye Yun gave Rong Zheng the white handkerchief he had been embroidering, and Rong Zheng joked to himself that he would need to buy another ribbon.

Rong Zheng's new house construction began, and he and Ye Yun welcomed the crew while villagers came to watch. By the end of the chapter, Ye Chen had made a new friend in Wang Liang and received permission to play with him the next day.

• Master Zheng arrived with a construction crew and materials, then organized the men to begin building Rong Zheng's house.
• Ye Yun brought cooled water for the workers, and Master Zheng learned that he was Rong Zheng's husband.
• Rong Zheng told curious villagers that he had hired craftsmen from town but kept the cost private.
• Wang Zhang-shi visited to ask about the construction and praised Rong Zheng for rebuilding his life.
• Ye Chen shared candy and talked with Wang Liang, who invited him to play the next day, and Rong Zheng agreed.

Rong Zheng taught Ye Chen to build strength and control his breathing by carrying water, while villagers gossiped that he was exploiting his young brother-in-law. Ye Yun trusted Rong Zheng and saw both Ye Chen and himself growing healthier and happier in their new home.

• Rong Zheng had Ye Chen carry water and coached him on posture, pacing, and breathing as they walked to the vegetable plot.
• Villagers saw Ye Chen working and spread rumors that Rong Zheng was mistreating him and might mistreat Ye Yun as well.
• Ye Yun welcomed Rong Zheng and Ye Chen home with hot water, and Rong Zheng affectionately teased him before washing.
• Ye Yun reflected that Rong Zheng treated their household well, and he noticed Ye Chen becoming more confident and cheerful as he practiced and studied.
• Ming-ge'er told Ye Yun that his complexion and appearance had improved, and Ye Yun's smile showed how much happier he had become.

Rong Zheng and Feng Xuanwen brought their Cthulhu-style storybook to Shopkeeper Sun, who agreed to publish an initial run of two hundred copies on favorable terms. After Rong Zheng proposed using a storyteller to promote the book, they signed a contract and planned to collect the printed copies in five days.

• Rong Zheng inspected the house under construction, then met Feng Xuanwen at a teahouse to read the storybook Feng had written from his story.
• Rong Zheng praised Feng Xuanwen's manuscript, and the two took it to the Distant View Bookshop to meet Shopkeeper Sun.
• Shopkeeper Sun was impressed by the story's originality, and Rong Zheng explained its Cthulhu-style horror and supernatural elements.
• Shopkeeper Sun agreed to print two hundred copies and take twenty percent of the proceeds, while Rong Zheng proposed having a storyteller at the Forget Worries Pavilion promote the book.
• Rong Zheng, Feng Xuanwen, and Shopkeeper Sun signed a contract and arranged to collect a copy in five days; Rong Zheng reminded Feng Xuanwen to wait and see how it sold.

Rong Zheng hunted and sold a giant wolf to Huang Yi, a fellow student at Azure Cloud Academy, then arranged to have a white fox made into a scarf for Ye Yun. At home, he reassured Ye Yun that he was unharmed and discussed his upcoming studies and Ye Chen’s education.

• Rong Zheng lured a lone wolf into attacking and killed it with his knife.
• Rong Zheng sold the wolf to Huang Yi’s household for a hundred taels and learned that Huang Yi also studied at Azure Cloud Academy.
• Rong Zheng commissioned Shopkeeper Zhou to make the white fox into a scarf for Ye Yun.
• Rong Zheng gave Ye Yun ninety taels and reassured him that the blood on his clothes was from the wolf, not an injury.
• Rong Zheng told Ye Yun he would focus on academy studies and teach Ye Chen at home for now, then teased Ye Yun about kissing him.

Rong Zheng finished planning the new house’s courtyard, teased Ye Yun, and cooked a spicy rabbit dinner for his family. He invited Ye Yun and Ye Chen to visit town the next day for storytelling and furniture shopping.

• Rong Zheng asked Master Zheng to add a vegetable garden, a leisure area with a pavilion and jujube tree, and a livestock shed to the new courtyard.
• Rong Zheng teased Ye Yun while he fed the rabbits, making Ye Yun blush and hurry indoors.
• Rong Zheng prepared spicy rabbit with vegetables, and Ye Yun helped ready the ingredients.
• Ye Chen showed Rong Zheng and Ye Yun the fish he had caught with Wang Liang and the others, and Rong Zheng reminded him to avoid strong currents.
• Rong Zheng, Ye Yun, and Ye Chen ate spicy rabbit and other dishes, then Rong Zheng told Ye Yun the new house would be finished in about ten days.
• Rong Zheng invited Ye Yun and Ye Chen to town the next day to hear a storyteller and shop for furniture.

Rong Zheng took Ye Yun and Ye Chen into town to shop and hear storytelling, treating them to new writing supplies and a meal at Forget Worries Pavilion. They settled near the stage to eat as they waited for the story.

• Rong Zheng took Ye Yun and Ye Chen into town, where villagers admired their fine clothes and learned they planned to visit a teahouse.
• Rong Zheng held Ye Yun’s hand as they toured the market and bought candied hawthorns for all three of them.
• At Distant View Bookshop, Shopkeeper Sun gave Rong Zheng a copy of the two hundred printed copies of Realm of Wonders and Strangeness, and Rong Zheng bought writing supplies for Ye Yun and Ye Chen.
• Rong Zheng reassured Ye Yun that they were family after Ye Yun thanked him for the expensive supplies.
• Rong Zheng brought Ye Yun and Ye Chen to Forget Worries Pavilion, where they ordered tea and dishes and began eating near the storytelling stage.

Rong Zheng arranged for Yan Shan to promote their storybook at the Forget Worries Pavilion, and Yan Shan agreed to tell a few installments to test its popularity. Rong Zheng then bought furniture with Ye Yun and Ye Chen for their new house, leaving Ye Yun to pay the ten taels.

• Yan Shan captivated the guests at the Forget Worries Pavilion with his tale of Ning Cai and Liu Qian.
• Rong Zheng gave Yan Shan their storybook, and Yan Shan praised its novelty and agreed to try telling it.
• Rong Zheng asked Yan Shan to mention that the book was sold at the Distant View Bookshop, and Yan Shan agreed.
• Rong Zheng explained the plan to Ye Yun, then took Ye Yun and Ye Chen to shop for furniture for their new house.
• Rong Zheng selected furniture and checked the bill, while Ye Yun paid the ten taels.

Rong Zheng and his family finished moving into their new house and held a simple housewarming meal for their relatives, neighbors, and village elders. The chapter ended with the guests enjoying the feast and congratulating the family on their new home.

• Rong Zheng inspected the completed house, praised Master Zheng's crew, and invited curious villagers inside to admire it.
• Rong Zheng told the villagers he would keep the move-in celebration simple, then cleaned the house with Ye Yun and Ye Chen.
• Ye Yun reflected on how much their lives had changed, and Rong Zheng reassured him that he had promised to give him a better life.
• Over the next three days, Rong Zheng and Ye Yun moved their belongings and new furniture into the house, and Rong Zheng arranged his books and writing supplies in his new study.
• Rong Zheng told Ye Yun they would invite their elders and neighbors for a housewarming meal, and Ye Yun agreed.
• Wang Zhang-shi, the village chief, the Ye clan elders, Ming-ge'er's family, and nearby neighbors attended the gathering, where Rong Zheng served a generous meal and the guests offered congratulations.

As Ye Yun and Rong Zheng’s life prospered, Eldest Uncle Ye’s family descended into public shame and constant fighting. On Ye Chen’s birthday, Rong Zheng’s loving gifts and reassurance helped Ye Yun begin to release the fear left by his abusive past.

• Villagers praised Ye Yun and Rong Zheng while condemning Eldest Uncle Ye’s family, whose members blamed one another and fought over their misfortunes.
• Ye Yun reflected on his lingering anxiety and past abuse while Rong Zheng noticed his distraction and offered him affection.
• Ye Yun gave Ye Chen handmade shoes for his eighth birthday, and Rong Zheng presented him with a short sword to use after passing his martial arts assessment.
• Rong Zheng gave Ye Yun a white fox-fur scarf and reassured him that their peaceful life was real and that his family’s past had nothing to do with him.
• Ye Yun broke down in Rong Zheng’s arms as the reassurance helped him let go of the fear and pain he had carried.

Rong Zheng began attending the academy and impressed Teacher Zhao with his recitation, scholarship, and improved writing. After receiving guidance on his policy essay, he left with a clearer focus for the examinations less than half a year away.

• Ye Yun helped Rong Zheng dress for his first day at the academy, and Rong Zheng teased him affectionately before leaving.
• Rong Zheng met Huang Yi in class, agreed to form a mutual-guarantor group with him for the examinations, and learned the requirements for sitting them.
• Teacher Zhao called on Rong Zheng to recite the Amplified Instructions on the Sacred Edict, and Rong Zheng recited it flawlessly and explained its meaning.
• During the midday break, Rong Zheng asked Teacher Zhao to review his policy essay, and the teacher praised his writing while advising him to focus more on current affairs.
• Rong Zheng asked Teacher Zhao about other subjects, and Teacher Zhao noted his growth and encouraged him to prepare because his chances in the examinations were good.

Rong Zheng’s storybook, Realm of Wonders and Strangeness, became a bestseller and drew eager readers across town. After sharing the profits with Feng Xuanwen, Rong Zheng learned of his friend’s family’s hardship and offered his support.

• Chen Yuling’s friends praised Realm of Wonders and Strangeness, and Chen Yuling promised to lend her copy to Ger Le after reading it.
• Chen Yujie became absorbed in his sister’s copy, and he and Chen Yuling fought over the storybook.
• Huang Yi told Rong Zheng that the book was being discussed at school, then asked Rong Zheng to teach him how to write essays.
• Shopkeeper Sun reported that nearly four hundred copies had sold and gave Rong Zheng and Feng Xuanwen their shares of the profits.
• Feng Xuanwen repaid Rong Zheng and explained that the money could help treat his ill mother, and Rong Zheng offered to help him.

Rong Zheng struggled to write a poem until the snowy courtyard and its plum blossoms inspired him. He agreed that Ye Yun should accompany Doctor Ye on house calls, then returned to the study to write.

• Rong Zheng tried to compose a poem for Teacher Zhao but found his inspiration lacking.
• Rong Zheng watched Ye Chen practice swordplay in the snow and saw Ye Yun sewing in the courtyard pavilion.
• Ye Yun told Rong Zheng that Doctor Ye had invited him to accompany him on house calls.
• Rong Zheng supported Ye Yun's decision and reminded him to dress warmly in the cold.
• Rong Zheng found inspiration in the snowy courtyard, returned to the study, and wrote a poem in one sitting.

Rong Zheng earned Teacher Zhao’s praise for his poem, while a dispute over his mutual guarantee group revealed that Wei Xing was trying to exclude him, possibly to curry favor with Xu Qi. The group found Mu Han as a replacement, and Rong Zheng was left with the problem resolved and Huang Yi teasing him about his past examination failures.

• Teacher Zhao praised Rong Zheng’s poem, suggested changing a character, and asked to display it at school; Rong Zheng agreed.
• Huang Yi saw Rong Zheng’s diligence and encouraged him to try to surpass Xu Qi.
• Chen Yujie told Rong Zheng and Huang Yi that Wei Xing had withdrawn from their mutual guarantee group because Rong Zheng had failed the preliminary examinations three times.
• Fang Zihao refused to withdraw and suspected Wei Xing was helping Xu Qi, whose uncle was the county education commissioner.
• Rong Zheng, Huang Yi, Chen Yujie, and Fang Zihao asked Teacher Zhao for a replacement, and Mu Han agreed to join their group.
• Huang Yi teased Rong Zheng about never mentioning his three preliminary examination failures, and Rong Zheng stayed silent.

Rong Zheng and Ye Lin hunted a huge wild boar and sold its meat in the village, earning three taels of silver each. Ye Lin became captivated by Ming-ge'er and showed him special favor, though Ming-ge'er barely noticed him.

• Rong Zheng agreed to hunt with Ye Lin, warned him about wolves and tigers beyond the back mountain, and joined him in tracking a wild boar.
• Ye Lin drove the boar beneath Rong Zheng's tree, and Rong Zheng snared it and shot it in the eye before Ye Lin finished it off.
• Rong Zheng and Ye Lin brought the nearly three-hundred-jin boar to the village and arranged to sell its meat at a low price.
• Ye Lin saw Ming-ge'er sewing in Rong Zheng's courtyard and immediately imagined courting him, but Ming-ge'er addressed Rong Zheng and left to get money for meat.
• Rong Zheng and Ye Lin sold nearly all the boar, Ye Lin charged Ming-ge'er half price, and each hunter received three taels of silver.

Rong Zheng and Ye Yun prepared for and celebrated the New Year with Ye Chen, then made dumplings together. After learning that Ye Yun's eldest uncle's family had returned their ten mu of land, Rong Zheng proposed hiring Yao Jizheng's family to farm it while he prepared for the county exam.

• Rong Zheng smoked most of the pork, and he and Ye Yun cleaned the house and bought New Year supplies with Ye Chen.
• The family put up couplets and lanterns, prepared a lavish New Year's Eve dinner, and welcomed the New Year together.
• Rong Zheng and Ye Yun visited the village chief, Wang Zhang-shi, and Doctor Ye during the holiday.
• Ye Yun, Rong Zheng, and Ye Chen made dumplings, and Rong Zheng sent some to Wang Zhang-shi's family.
• Rong Zheng asked Ye Yun to hire Yao Jizheng's family to cultivate their ten mu of land, and Ye Yun agreed to ask them.

Rong Zheng traveled to the county town with four fellow candidates and completed all five sessions of the county examination. He finished each paper before the deadline and returned to the inn with his companions to celebrate while they waited for the results.

• Ye Yun packed Rong Zheng's examination supplies and food, then saw him off as he left for the county town with his mutual guarantee group.
• Rong Zheng and the four candidates reached the county town, settled into an inn near the examination venue, and prepared for the exam.
• Rong Zheng passed the entrance search and completed the first session's essays and poem, finishing early after the lunch break.
• Rong Zheng continued through the repeat sessions as candidates were eliminated, remaining confident in his answers.
• Rong Zheng completed the final two consecutive sessions, then returned to the inn with Huang Yi, Chen Yujie, and the others.
• Chen Yujie treated the group to a celebratory meal, and they discussed the examination while waiting for the results.