Wang Jin felt a pang of regret. After seeing the young lady’s countenance, he had spoken carelessly, impulsively proposing marriage at her home. The lady immediately flushed, utterly speechless, and fled hastily with her young maidservant.

Wang Jin stared at the spot where the young lady had just sat; it seemed he could still glimpse the lingering trace of her smile there. But now, the beauty was gone, driven away by his own rashness. He didn't even know the lady's name. This parting, he feared, might mean they were destined to be separated forever, never to meet again.

As Wang Jin stewed in frustration, the little maidservant returned. Wang Jin’s spirits lifted, thinking perhaps things had taken a turn. Instead, he heard the maidservant state coldly, "My mistress initially approached you because she thought you were a scholar and wished to seek your knowledge. Who knew that you, sir, would be so base, wantonly defiling my lady’s honor?"

Wang Jin instantly felt too ashamed to look up, utterly speechless with mortification. The maidservant continued, "As for my mistress’s family affairs, we certainly won't tell you. Do you think we are so foolish as to reveal that our young lady’s surname is He, that she resides in the He Manor in the eastern part of Bianjing City, or that her boudoir is located in the southeast corner of the Manor?"

Wang Jin froze, and the maidservant swept away with an air of haughty triumph.

"So, her name is He, and she is the young mistress of the He Manor in the east of the city. But what did that maidservant mean just now? Was she perhaps trying to help me?" Wang Jin, never one to truly understand the intricacies of a woman’s heart, was utterly baffled, unable to decipher the young lady's true intentions.

Wang Jin returned to the inn in a daze. He could not settle his mind; whenever he closed his eyes, the image of Miss He, smiling at him, materialized in his mind. He paced the inn relentlessly, until finally, he resolved to go to the He Manor in the east of the city to gather more information.

Wang Jin inquired persistently until he located the He Manor in the eastern district. The estate was built with imposing grandeur, clearly belonging to a high-ranking official’s family. Two large stone lions guarded the main gate, flanked by four robust retainers. As Wang Jin approached, they immediately fixed him with fierce stares. Wang Jin flinched and quickly retreated from the main entrance. He circled the entire manor before finding the southeast corner.

Standing beneath the tall walls of the He Manor, Wang Jin peered inward. The estate was vast, filled with countless buildings, yet he had no idea which room belonged to Miss He’s boudoir.

Inside the boudoir of Miss He of the He Manor, Miss He was pressing her maidservant: "Xing'er, have you made it perfectly clear?"

Xing’er replied, "Miss, I told Young Master Wang exactly as you instructed."

Miss He grew slightly anxious. "Do you think Young Master Wang might not understand the meaning hidden in my words?"

Xing’er nodded. "The young master grasps national affairs clearly, but when it comes to matters of the heart, he is rather slow. It is possible he didn't catch on. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been proposing marriage the moment he saw you."

Miss He fretted. "Then what are we to do? We left in such a hurry, we don't even know which inn Young Master Wang is staying at. How can we find him?"

Xing’er, whose eyes were sharp, instantly spotted Wang Jin peering from outside the high wall. With a cry of delight, she exclaimed, "Miss, isn't that Young Master Wang right there?"

Miss He quickly looked over and saw Wang Jin cautiously peeking in from beyond the wall, looking as simple-minded as a thief.

"Pfft," the young lady couldn't help but laugh out loud. Wang Jin, moved by a sudden stroke of inspiration, actually heard the sound. He followed the laughter and discovered Miss He. Seeing her smile, rather than the cold reception he had imagined, filled his heart with wild joy.

This was the He Manor, and though his heart soared, Wang Jin dared not speak loudly. A quick idea struck him: he pulled a blank sheet of drawing paper from his robes. On it, he sketched a vivid water buffalo, then held the drawing up for Miss He to see.

Miss He clearly saw the water buffalo Wang Jin had drawn; it was rendered with exquisite detail, bursting with life. She felt a surge of happiness, but dared not speak, fearing her family might overhear. She merely nodded at Wang Jin, signaling that she had seen it.

Wang Jin was overjoyed. However, he felt that depicting only a water buffalo on the paper was rather plain. So, he immediately drew a clump of lush grass near the buffalo’s mouth. The picture now became a scene of a water buffalo eating grass. He raised the drawing again for Miss He to view.

Xing’er, watching from the side, burst into laughter. She remarked to Miss He, "I didn't expect Young Master Wang to be so direct! He's using a painting to express his feelings. Look, the picture clearly means: the old ox eating tender grass!"

Miss He’s face burned crimson, and she muttered under her breath, "This water buffalo is truly audacious, daring to draw such a thing." Yet, deep down, her joy knew no bounds.

Wang Jin had merely thought the lone buffalo looked too monotonous and added some grass. He had no idea Miss He would misunderstand his intention so completely.

Feeling slightly embarrassed, Miss He retreated into her boudoir, though she secretly kept watching Wang Jin. Wang Jin saw her go inside and, unsure why, remained standing beneath the high wall until nightfall. Seeing that Miss He did not reappear, he left the He Manor in dejection.

In the days that followed, Wang Jin was distracted and restless. Whenever he had free time, he hurried to the He Manor, secretly peering towards Miss He’s boudoir from beneath the high wall. But Miss He never showed herself again, which left Wang Jin deeply disappointed.

One day, as he was again stationed beneath the He Manor wall, watching her window, a harsh shout reached his ears: "What vagrant dares to spy on my mistress?"

Wang Jin started, realizing he had been discovered. He turned to flee, but his sleeve was suddenly grasped. He looked back to see Miss He’s little maidservant and breathed a sigh of relief. "Elder sister," he pleaded, "ever since I met your young mistress, I have lost my appetite and sleep; her image fills my every thought. I beg you, take pity and grant me an audience with your mistress."

The maidservant, Xing’er, said, "Ah, a lovesick fool. But you shall not see my mistress."

Wang Jin was aghast. "Why?"

Xing’er chuckled. "Because my mistress is not at home."

Wang Jin quickly inquired, "Please, elder sister, tell this humble scholar where Miss He has gone?"

Xing’er laughed. "You scoundrel! How could I possibly tell you that my mistress has gone to a restaurant? I am going to find her now; do not follow me."

Xing’er turned and left. Wang Jin immediately followed, but when Xing’er glanced back, Wang Jin stopped dead, pretending to admire the scenery. When Xing’er walked on, Wang Jin resumed his pursuit.

Xing’er inwardly found this amusing. She led Wang Jin to a restaurant, pushed open the door to a private room, and stepped inside. Wang Jin hesitated at the threshold, adjusting his robes before finally knocking. He called out in a clear voice, "Miss He, I, Wang Jin of Mei County, request an audience."

Xing’er opened the door and smiled. "Oh, it’s Young Master Wang. I wonder how you managed to find this place. Come in quickly."

Wang Jin hurried inside and saw Miss He seated in the room, watching him with a faint smile.

"Miss He…" Wang Jin had finally found the woman he yearned for, yet in this moment, he could not utter a single word.

"Young Master Wang requested to see me. Is there business to discuss?" Miss He asked coolly.

"Miss He, since I first laid eyes on you, I have thought of nothing else but you; your shadow occupies my every thought. I implore Miss He to save me," Wang Jin pleaded.

"How can I save you?" Miss He inquired.

"I ask only that Miss He agree to become my wife. Wang Jin here swears an oath: I shall love only Miss He for all my days. If I violate this oath, may I suffer a thousand cuts and die a wretched death," Wang Jin immediately swore.

Xing’er interjected from the side, "Sir, why are you being so theatrical? This sounds less like a proposal and more like coercion."

Miss He stopped Xing’er and said to Wang Jin, "To receive the Young Master’s affection is my fortune. Young Master Wang is a dragon among men, destined for greatness, a most worthy match for any woman in the world. However, there is no fate connecting you and me."

"Why does the young lady say this?" Wang Jin asked.

"My mistress was betrothed to another in childhood, which is why she cannot accept your affections. Can you not understand?" Xing’er explained.

"Ah! How could this be?" Upon hearing that Miss He was already promised, Wang Jin felt as if struck by a bolt from the blue sky.

"Please forgive me, Young Master. There are countless excellent women in the world; perhaps you should seek another match," Miss He forced the words out, suppressing the pain in her heart, and prepared to rush out of the room.

Wang Jin suddenly called out, "My lady, please wait! I am participating in this Imperial Examination and possess some skill. If I am fortunate enough to take the top position as Zhuangyuan, I shall come to your manor then and beg your esteemed father to dissolve your engagement. Afterward, I shall propose marriage to you then, how about that?"

Miss He stood with her back to Wang Jin, her eyes brimming with tears. Hearing Wang Jin’s solemn vow, she could hold back no longer; tears burst forth. Aided by Xing’er, she quickly fled the restaurant.

In the following days, Wang Jin continued to visit the southeast corner of the He Manor, silently gazing at Miss He's boudoir. However, Miss He never showed herself to Wang Jin again.

The days turned until the announcement of the Imperial Examination results. Wang Jin arrived at the posting location early that day, only to find it already packed with a sea of people—all the scholars who had traveled from across the nation, eagerly awaiting the outcome.

Amidst the anxious wait, the results were finally posted. Wang Jin clutched his frantically beating heart and began scanning the list of names. He started from the first place but did not find his name. Growing increasingly uneasy, he continued reading all the way to the last name, still finding no trace of himself.

Wang Jin returned to his inn in a state of numb bewilderment. His dream had finally shattered. Having failed the examination, he lacked the standing to formally propose to the He family. After all, the He family would never marry their precious daughter to a commoner, especially not while risking the backlash of breaking an existing engagement.

Wang Jin found a roadside stall and began drinking to drown his sorrows. As the saying goes, borrowing wine to quell sorrow only deepens it. Soon, he was thoroughly intoxicated, somehow stumbling to the high wall of Miss He's residence, gazing foolishly at her boudoir before passing out completely.

When Wang Jin awoke, he found himself lying in a soft, warm bed, covered by a quilt that carried a distinct fragrance of a young woman.

"Young Master Wang, you are finally awake," a soft, gentle voice sounded near his ear.

Wang Jin’s alcohol-dulled brain took a moment to regain normal cognitive function.

"Where am I? Miss He, why are you here?" he asked.

Xing’er, standing nearby, chuckled. "Young Master Wang, why shouldn't our mistress be here? This is her boudoir, and the bed you are sleeping on is hers."

Wang Jin was shocked and immediately tried to sit up. "This is the young mistress's bed! How can I, a grown man, sleep here?"

Miss He quickly restrained Wang Jin, urging him to lie back down. Then she told Xing’er, "Xing’er, please step out for a moment. I need to speak with Young Master Wang privately."

So, Xing’er left, leaving Wang Jin and Miss He alone in the room.

Wang Jin spoke with shame. "Miss, Wang has failed. I did not place on the examination roster. I have no face to see you."

Miss He replied, "Young Master Wang, there is no need for self-reproach. In truth, even if you had achieved high honors, my father would not have dissolved my engagement. We are simply not destined for each other in this life."

Wang Jin fell into a momentary silence, unsure of what to say.

Miss He suddenly gritted her teeth and asked, "Does Young Master Wang truly hold feelings for me?"

Wang Jin gave a wry smile. "My feelings for the young lady are naturally sincere. I wish I could tear out my heart and let you see it clearly."

Miss He nodded. "Since that is the case, can the Young Master obey one request of mine?"

Wang Jin replied, "Whatever the young lady commands, this humble student dares not disobey."

Miss He said, "In that case, let us elope."

"Elope?" Wang Jin was stunned. "I implore the young lady to reconsider! I would be ten thousand times willing to elope with you, but the young lady would forever bear a ruined reputation."

Miss He suddenly laughed. "In fact, I fell for you at first sight too, but I never had the chance to express it. Because I am already promised, I could not fulfill your desire. Eloping with you is my decision; I will not regret it."

Before Wang Jin could say more, Miss He leaned in and pressed a kiss onto his lips. Wang Jin was instantly silenced.

The following night, Wang Jin quietly packed his luggage early. He waited until the third watch before sneaking to the southeast corner of the He Manor, hiding in the shadows. After the fourth watch, two cat calls sounded from within the high walls. Wang Jin was delighted, immediately replying with three cat calls. A small ladder extended from the top of the wall, and Miss He began climbing down. Wang Jin rushed forward, extending his hands.

Miss He hesitated briefly, then closed her eyes and jumped. Wang Jin caught her swiftly, embracing her tightly, unwilling to let go.

At that moment, Xing’er also scaled the wall. She tossed down two large bundles, then waved at Wang Jin and Miss He.

Wang Jin, brimming with excitement, held Miss He’s hand, bade farewell to Xing’er, and hurried towards the East Gate. As Miss He was frail, Wang Jin carried her on his back, hanging her two large bundles around his neck, and they hastened toward the city gate. When they reached it, the sky was just beginning to lighten, and the gates were only just opening. The pair swiftly slipped into the crowd of outbound travelers and left the city.

Though Wang Jin was a scholar, his physique was impressive. Having finally won his beloved, he felt boundless energy. He carried Miss He for two hours before finding a spot to rest.

Miss He took out a silk scarf from her bosom and gently wiped the sweat from Wang Jin’s face. Wang Jin simply gazed at her, chuckling foolishly.

"What are you looking at so intently? You truly are a water buffalo," Miss He said, smiling back.

"Heh heh, I just love looking at you. I could look forever and never get enough," Wang Jin continued to grin foolishly.

"Enough now. Let's eat something first. I noticed you walked so long and haven't had a drop of water," Miss He said, opening one of the bundles to reveal the pastries she had prepared.

Wang Jin popped a pastry into his mouth. After a few chews, his eyes widened, and he exclaimed loudly, "Mmm, this is delicious! Did you make this?"

Miss He laughed. "Of course I made it! I can make many other things too. If you like them, I will cook for you every day from now on."

Wang Jin roared with laughter. "I like them! Very much! You absolutely must make them for me every day from now on."

After consuming some dry provisions and resting briefly, they resumed their journey. They were still too close to Bianjing; it was unsafe. Moreover, fearing pursuit from the He family, they dared not hire a carriage. Instead, they deliberately chose winding mountain paths. By late afternoon, they finally cleared the vicinity of Bianjing, and both breathed a collective sigh of relief.

They stood hand-in-hand before a massive waterfall. Wang Jin fashioned makeshift candles from mud, and they knelt side-by-side before them.

Wang Jin suddenly laughed. "My lady, we still haven't exchanged tokens of our love."

Miss He smiled. "Give me that drawing of the old ox eating tender grass you made before."

Wang Jin paused, puzzled by the "old ox eating tender grass drawing," then suddenly remembered the picture he drew the first time he visited Miss He. He immediately retrieved it from his bag and handed it to her.

Miss He accepted Wang Jin's token. She paused, then pulled a foxtail flower from the nearby undergrowth, wrapping it several times around Wang Jin’s finger. She smiled. "This is your ring. Do you like it?"

Wang Jin joyfully touched the foxtail ring. "I like it. I like it very much."

Then, the couple bowed to Heaven and Earth, exchanged vows, and became husband and wife before the cascade.

Wang Jin laughed. "Wife, we are married now. Can you finally tell me your name?"

Miss He returned his smile. "I don't have a formal courtesy name, but my parents call me Sumei."

Wang Jin then called out loudly, "Heaven above, Earth below! I, Wang Jin, swear here today that I will treat He Sumei well for my entire life, cherishing, loving, and protecting her. If I violate this vow, may I be struck down by divine lightning!"

He Sumei also declared loudly, "Heaven above, Earth below! I, He Sumei, have united with Wang Jin as husband and wife. I vow to be a worthy wife and love Wang Jin for all eternity. If I violate this vow, may I be struck down by divine lightning!"

After exchanging their vows of mutual love, they grasped hands, their eyes meeting, filled with infinite joy.

"Water Buffalo," He Sumei suddenly clapped her hands. "I see the waterfall's current is quite strong, and there are crevices in the rocks nearby. There might be fish in there. Why don't you go down and catch a few? I'll roast them for you." Ever since she received his water buffalo drawing, she had taken to calling him Water Buffalo. Wang Jin was not annoyed, but chuckled happily as he listened to He Sumei address him.

Wang Jin smiled. "As my wife commands. Your husband shall go catch fish for you." With that, he removed his long robe, shoes, and socks. He Sumei carefully folded Wang Jin’s robe and placed it atop her two large bundles.

Wang Jin jumped into the water and began searching the rock crevices for fish. He soon caught several, but as he reached his hand into a deep crevice again, he let out a sharp cry of pain, startling He Sumei. When Wang Jin pulled his hand from the water, He Sumei saw a large soft-shelled turtle clamped fiercely onto his finger, refusing to let go.

Wang Jin shook his hand, flinging the large turtle onto the bank. He Sumei, unafraid, immediately rushed over and pinned the turtle down. She asked, "Water Buffalo, did that turtle hurt you just now?"

Wang Jin laughed. "Your husband has thick skin. This turtle’s bite was too weak; it only drew a little blood."

He Sumei found a stone and held the turtle down beneath it. She took Wang Jin’s hand and gently placed the finger the turtle had bitten into her mouth, sucking lightly to clean the wound. As she looked up, she saw Wang Jin staring intently at her, his eyes full of affection. Before she could react, Wang Jin lowered his head and kissed her lips. Overcome with passion, she responded with equal fervor.

The couple kissed passionately, then tumbled onto the ground. Just as they were about to advance further, they knocked against the two large bundles lying nearby during their rolling. The bundles immediately fell into the deep pool below. The force of the cascading water rushed down and swept the bundles to the bottom, lost forever.

Wang Jin and He Sumei could only stare dumbfounded as the two bundles were washed away.

"Wife, those bundles were things you brought from home. Now they are gone, what shall we do?" Wang Jin asked.

"Water Buffalo, those things were merely worldly possessions; it doesn't matter if they’re gone. However, my dowry and valuables are gone now, so I’ll have to rely on you for support in the future. Ah, wait! Your robe fell in too! What shall we do?" He Sumei said, suddenly anxious.

"Heh heh, fortunately, I still have one small bag left. It has enough inside to take you home. As for that robe, let it go. I don't plan on returning to Bianjing anyway, so it’s fine if it’s gone," Wang Jin said cheerfully. Having eloped with He Sumei, he naturally dared not return to the capital, and even the thought of the capital examination had faded.

"Water Buffalo, that feeling just now was wonderful. Shall we continue?" He Sumei said, her face flushed.

For the next few days, Wang Jin and He Sumei were inseparable, glued together like lacquer and silk. However, after the money they had saved for hiring a carriage was lost to the water, the two had no choice but to walk home. But their relationship had just begun, still in that sweet, honey-blended stage, so they paid little mind to the hardships they encountered along the way. After walking for more than half a month, Wang Jin finally brought He Sumei back to his ancestral home.

Wang Jin’s hometown was in Wangshan Township, Meixian. Both his parents had passed away when he was young, and he only grew to adulthood thanks to the care of his uncles and cousins, who even managed to save enough silver to send him to the capital for the imperial examinations. Alas, Wang Jin failed to live up to their hopes and returned unsuccessful. Yet, he felt no regret, for he had returned with the woman he loved.

“Wang Jin, you’re back! And who is this?” A middle-aged woman spotted Wang Jin opening the door to his house and came over to greet him.

“Aunt Liu, I’m back. This is my wife,” Wang Jin introduced to Aunt Liu.

“Wang Jin, you’re married? Look how beautiful your wife is! That’s wonderful. Now that you’re wed, your parents in the Yellow Springs can rest in peace,” Aunt Liu said, tears streaming down her face.

“Wife, after my parents passed, it was Aunt Liu who raised me. She treated me like her own son,” Wang Jin told He Sumei.

He Sumei immediately and demurely stepped forward, wiping the tears from Aunt Liu’s face with her handkerchief, and said, “My husband owes everything to Aunt Liu’s care. We will certainly honor you well from now on.”

Aunt Liu exclaimed with delight, “Wang Jin, look how well-spoken your wife is! You are truly blessed. I’ll go tell your uncle right away that you’ve returned. Come to my house for dinner tonight, and we can properly welcome your wife.”

Wang Jin quickly agreed. After Aunt Liu left, the couple finally entered their own home. Wang Jin was from a poor background; his home consisted only of a mud-walled room and a small courtyard, devoid of much furniture.

Wang Jin apologized to He Sumei, “Wife, I failed to tell you about my humble circumstances. You won’t blame me, will you?”

He Sumei laughed, “As long as I am with Water Buffalo, happiness is found everywhere. And you will certainly strive for this home, won’t you?”

“Yes, let us build this home together,” Wang Jin said happily.

“It’s a pity those two large bundles fell into the deep pool. Otherwise, we could have sold some of the jewelry inside to supplement our household expenses,” He Sumei quickly shifted roles, beginning to clean the room.

Wang Jin looked somewhat embarrassed, “My wife is the young lady of a prominent family. Life here is difficult; I fear it will cause you distress.”

He Sumei laughed, “Water Buffalo, please stop worrying. If you can adapt, why can’t I? Although all those things were lost, thankfully this gold hairpin was still threaded in my hair and wasn't lost with them. It can be used for emergencies when necessary.”

Wang Jin said solemnly, “Wife, that gold hairpin is the only gift your grandmother ever gave you. You must guard it well and absolutely do not consider using it. I will find ways to manage the household chores; do not worry.”

That evening, Wang Jin took He Sumei to Aunt Liu’s house. Seeing that Wang Jin had married, Aunt Liu invited all her relatives and friends over. Wang Jin introduced He Sumei to everyone, and with her beautiful features and tactful responses, the friends and relatives were overjoyed, repeatedly praising Wang Jin for marrying such a fine wife.

Wang Jin and He Sumei began their new life. Wang Jin abandoned his aspirations of taking the imperial exams and instead established a private school in the village, becoming a village tutor. He Sumei devoted herself entirely to managing the household, keeping their simple home impeccably clean.

Fearing He Sumei might be lonely, Wang Jin specifically fenced off a section in the courtyard to raise some chicks and ducklings for her to feed. He Sumei, having never cared for small animals before, tended to the fowl with extraordinary care, and the couple’s life was quite harmonious.

“Water Buffalo, have a cup of tea,” He Sumei brought over a cup of tea.

“Hmm, it tastes good. Where did such fine tea come from?” Wang Jin inquired.

“Heh, I accidentally discovered a method of sun-drying tea leaves that can infuse the flavor of high-grade tea into very ordinary leaves. But the quality of these leaves themselves is poor, so no matter how good the taste, this is as good as it gets,” He Sumei said with regret.

Wang Jin said shamefully, “Wife, it is all my fault for being useless and making you suffer.”

He Sumei walked behind Wang Jin, gently massaging his head, and laughed, “What is hardship, what is sweetness? Who can truly say? In my heart, this is the sweetest time.”

“Water Buffalo, is this your only long robe?” He Sumei asked while tidying Wang Jin’s clothes, noticing he only possessed one.

“Yes, but that robe was lost in the water—it was the one I specially made for the journey to the capital. Since I have given up on the examinations, it doesn’t matter if I wear plain clothes at home,” Wang Jin laughed.

“That simply won’t do! You are now a tutor, responsible for teaching and cultivating minds; you naturally must have the bearing of a scholar, or the students won’t listen to you,” He Sumei insisted.

“Heh, it’s not a problem. Once the students pay their tuition, I can have another ordinary robe made,” Wang Jin chuckled merrily.

The next day, when Wang Jin returned from the private school, he found a bolt of very fine white fabric at home. Startled, he immediately asked He Sumei, “Wife, where did this bolt of cloth come from?”

“Water Buffalo, this cloth was bought, of course. Why do you ask so strangely?” He Sumei replied.

“We only had enough money left after buying rice, certainly not enough to buy cloth. Tell me quickly where this cloth came from?” Wang Jin pressed.

He Sumei remained silent, refusing to answer Wang Jin’s question. Alarmed, Wang Jin went into the room, opened the trunk, and discovered that the gold hairpin He Sumei had kept inside was missing.

Wang Jin spoke loudly to He Sumei, “Didn't I tell you that gold hairpin must not be touched? It was the most precious thing you brought from home! How could you trade it for this bolt of white cloth?”

He Sumei immediately burst into tears, crying, “I did it only because I wanted to make you a decent long robe! Look at you—as a teacher, yet dressed raggedly, completely lacking the dignity of your profession! I was afraid others wouldn't respect you!”

Wang Jin softened his tone, “Didn’t I tell you we would make a robe once the students’ fees came in? Besides, I can’t wear such fine fabric. Moreover, you wear homespun yourself—how could I wear such a luxurious robe?”

“I don’t care! You are my husband; I cannot let you look ragged! I insist on making you a good robe,” He Sumei wept.

“Did you sell the hairpin or pawn it? And where exactly did you buy this white cloth?” Wang Jin asked.

Wang Jin took He Sumei to the county town. He located the fabric shop that sold the cloth and apologized profusely. Because Wang Jin was somewhat well-known in the county, he managed to return the bolt of fine white fabric. However, He Sumei clutched the cloth tightly, reluctant to let it go. Wang Jin pulled her away forcefully, then went to the pawn shop and redeemed the gold hairpin.

On the way home, the more He Sumei thought about it, the sadder she became, finally squatting down by the roadside and bursting into loud sobs, refusing to rise.

“Wife, quickly get up, it looks bad if people see,” Wang Jin felt helpless.

“I won’t! I won’t! I insist on making you a robe,” He Sumei cried even louder.

Wang Jin, truly at his wit's end, said, “Alright, alright! I’ll find a way, but the fabric for the robe will have to be ordinary cloth.”

Upon hearing this, He Sumei immediately stood up. Though tears still stained her face, her expression transformed into one of joyful relief.

So, Wang Jin swallowed his pride and found a former classmate in the county town, borrowing a few pieces of silver. He and He Sumei went to the fabric shop and selected the most common white cloth. He Sumei happily clutched the bolt and started walking, but Wang Jin called her back, buying a piece of slightly better red cloth, saying he wanted to make a new garment for her too.

Having achieved her goal, He Sumei walked along happily clutching the white cloth, with Wang Jin following beside her holding the red cloth. Occasionally, He Sumei would brush her body against Wang Jin’s, and he would immediately return the touch. Their hearts filled with delight, they felt as if even the air around them was sweet with the taste of honey.

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