The wind howled fiercely at the foot of the mountain, especially biting in the early morning. Amid the wild, overgrown wasteland lay a massive pit lined with straw, emitting a strangely enticing fragrance.
Two young men dressed as hunters, carrying medicine baskets on their backs, spotted the breached animal trap from afar—a deep, gaping hole with clear signs of a violent struggle. The younger-looking one, with a hint of boyish excitement, exclaimed, "Brother, look! Did we catch something big? Mother will feast well these days!"
The slightly older young man couldn't suppress a smile at the prospect. "Let's go take a look," he said.
The trap had been set for large prey, though the area was usually frequented only by wolves and rabbits, making the pit more of a formality. Who knew their luck would turn so dramatically today? The thought of a substantial catch filled them with glee. Gripping the sickles and bows on their backs, they crouched low and crept toward the pit.
The younger brother, Xiao Shan, lacked his brother's patience. After just a few steps, he broke into a jog, eager to peer into the pit. His brother, Da Shan, called out urgently, "Xiao Shan, stop! Be careful—whatever's down there might attack!"
But Xiao Shan didn't respond, instead craning his neck further into the pit as if straining to see clearly. Da Shan grew increasingly anxious, recalling hunters' tales of beasts feigning injury to lure people close before seizing them by the throat and dragging them into their dens. Was Xiao Shan being throttled by some creature in the pit? The suspicion gnawed at him, and he sprinted forward, sickle in hand.
Halfway there, however, Xiao Shan lifted his head and turned back, disappointment heavy in his voice. "Brother, it's not a big catch. There's a woman down there."
Da Shan froze mid-step, stunned, then hurried over to look. Sure enough, under the daylight filtering in, the pit's thick straw camouflage was scattered, and lying atop it was the unmistakable figure of a woman.
The brothers exchanged bewildered glances. Finally, Da Shan said, "Let's get her out first."
Xiao Shan slid down into the pit, and with one brother inside and the other outside, they managed to haul the woman up. Xiao Shan clambered out afterward, plopping onto the ground. "That was exhausting. Brother, is she dead?"
"Don't talk nonsense," Da Shan chided, pressing two fingers beneath the woman's nose. Her breath was faint but present. Relieved, he sighed. At least she was alive. Xiao Shan scrambled up. "Brother, is she dying? Why won't she wake up?"
After a moment's thought, Da Shan said, "We'll carry her home. A life is a life, after all."
Though reluctant, Xiao Shan followed his brother back. As they reached their doorstep, a plump woman in a headscarf emerged, blinking in surprise. "Da Shan, why are you and Xiao Shan back so soon? Did you forget something?" Then she noticed the woman on Da Shan's back and gasped. "This...?""Brother found a dying woman on the road, Mother should take a look," Xiao Shan blurted out.
"Oh, heavens have mercy! Da Shan, quickly carry her to my room and lay her down. Xiao Shan, go fetch Doctor Wang at once," the woman, evidently warm-hearted by nature, urged her sons in rapid succession to tend to the girl.
Doctor Wang arrived promptly. As the sole physician in the village, he was relied upon for all ailments, big or small. The villagers, simple and kind by nature, hurried over upon hearing that Da Shan's family had rescued an injured girl. After taking the woman's pulse, the doctor stroked his graying beard and said, "This young lady fell from a great height. Fortunately, she must have been caught by branches midway, softening her fall—though her arms bear the scratches. She ultimately landed in your son's hunting pit, suffering only superficial wounds. However, the child in her womb is in danger. Thankfully, she had taken strong fetal-preserving medicine beforehand, or even the gods might not have saved her. Still, the baby isn’t entirely out of harm’s way, and she herself is terribly weak. Xiao Shan’s mother, I’ll prescribe some stabilizing herbs. Have Xiao Shan gather them from the mountains and brew the medicine for her. Also, ensure she gets proper nourishment—pregnant women need careful tending."
Xiao Shan’s mother hadn’t expected the girl to be with child. Hearing she had fallen from a great height, she wondered if she was some poor soul driven to suicide by a faithless lover. Pity welled in her heart as she thanked Doctor Wang and sent Da Shan and Xiao Shan to gather the herbs.
……
It felt as though she had tumbled from a distant place. When Jiang Ruan awoke, she was momentarily disoriented. Her first instinct was to lower her hand to her belly—thankfully, the child was still there. Relieved, she then grew puzzled. Her last memory was of being lured by Yuan Chuan in the dead of night, plunging from a great height into the abyss of a cliff. She should have died. Was this the afterlife?
But it clearly wasn’t. She soon realized this as she took in her surroundings—a small, earthen farmhouse, somewhat resembling the one she had stayed in at Zhang Lan’s estate, though brighter, more spacious, and better ventilated. The quilt was blue-and-white cotton, embroidered with lotus leaves in fine, meticulous stitches, the fabric comfortable yet ordinary.
As she stared blankly around, the door creaked open. A woman with bound feet, dressed in a blue floral-patterned jacket, entered. Her face was broad, her expression warm and kindly, her smile guileless. She carried a bowl of dark, bitter medicine and brightened upon seeing Jiang Ruan awake. Setting the bowl aside, she sat on the edge of the bed and said, "Miss, you’re awake. You’ve been asleep for three days and nights."
"Madam, where is this...?" Jiang Ruan asked with a gentle smile. There was no reason to be hostile to a friendly face, especially one that seemed no more than a simple peasant woman.
"You fell into my son’s hunting pit, and he carried you back. Our village doctor examined you—you’re very weak, but the baby is fine. This is medicine to protect the child. Drink it first. We’re in Qingping Town. You can call me Gui Sao—no need for ‘Madam.’"The woman had a bright and hearty smile, and there was a sincere honesty in her words that naturally made people warm up to her. Jiang Ruan noticed the calluses on her hands from farm work and smiled slightly without saying much. She obediently called her "Gui Sao" and then picked up the bowl, drinking the medicine inside cleanly. After finishing, she said to Gui Sao, "You saved my life, Gui Sao, and that makes you my savior. Such a great kindness is beyond repayment..."
"Don't say such things!" Gui Sao was startled and quickly replied, "This is about human life—how could anyone just stand by and watch? Da Shan and the others didn't save you for any reward. You're still very weak, miss. Why not stay here a while longer to recover? Since you fell into Da Shan's hunting pit, it must be fate. No need to be so formal." After a moment's thought, Gui Sao added, "But where is your family, miss? They must be worried sick with you suddenly gone. Should we send someone to let them know?"
Jiang Ruan's expression changed, her gaze deepening abruptly. Yuan Chuan would surely want to ensure she was dead. The day she fell off the cliff, he must have sent people to search for her. What if they found this place? If that happened, wouldn't these people be harmed because of her?
Her furrowed brows didn't escape Gui Sao's notice, who mistook her distress for something else and cautiously probed, "Miss, are you in some kind of trouble? If so, why not stay here? The people here are all good. I've lived most of my life and seen all sorts of things, endured plenty of hardships myself. But there's one thing I want to tell you: the world is tough, but living is always better. No matter what, don't give up on your life so easily."
At first, Jiang Ruan didn't understand what Gui Sao meant—until the woman placed a hand on her abdomen and said, "Besides, you have a child. No matter what's wrong, the child is innocent. You're its mother; you must raise it well."
Finally, Jiang Ruan realized why Gui Sao had spoken this way—she must have assumed Jiang Ruan had been wronged by someone and tried to jump off the cliff in despair. Seizing the opportunity, Jiang Ruan smiled faintly and said, "To be honest, it's not like that. You only know part of the story, Gui Sao. After my parents passed away, the man I was betrothed to married me. I became pregnant, only to discover he wanted to seize my family's wealth and even planned to kill me to silence me. I fled at night, and they chased me until I had no choice but to jump off the cliff. And now, here I am."
She said it casually—these were things she had seen in both past and present lives, but her words left Gui Sao stunned and indignant. "How could there be such a heartless beast! Miss, don't be afraid. We'll take this to the officials—surely there's justice in this world! Come, our village has scholars too. We'll draft a petition right away and take it to the authorities!"
After speaking, Jiang Ruan carefully observed Gui Sao's reaction, confirming her outrage was genuine. Relieved, she shook her head and gave a bitter smile. "It's no use. He has connections in the court. Those officials protect each other—they'd never side with me. Besides, I don’t want to alert him now. I just want to quietly give birth to my child. But he won’t let me go so easily. What I fear most is dragging all of you into this.""There's no need to worry about that," Gui Sao shook her head. "This place of ours is very well hidden. Back then, the villagers brought us here to escape the world. Outsiders don't know about this place. The only way to reach the outside world is by climbing up the vines, so that heartless man could never find his way here."
Jiang Ruan wanted to confirm whether this place was truly safe. Hearing this, she felt somewhat reassured. Knowing Yuan Chuan's temperament, he must have sent people searching immediately. Since they hadn't found this place after three days and nights, it proved how secluded it was. She smiled slightly and said, "Then we'll have to trouble you, Gui Sao."
"Don't mention it," Gui Sao replied. "I haven't even asked your name yet, young lady."
"My name is Ruan Niang," Jiang Ruan answered.
"Miss Ruan," Gui Sao said. "That's a lovely name. You look and carry yourself like a young lady from a wealthy family. I just hope you won't find our humble place too crude."
Jiang Ruan shook her head again and exchanged a few more pleasantries with Gui Sao before the older woman gave her some instructions and left.
Sitting on the bed, Jiang Ruan fell into deep thought. She had no idea what the situation was like outside. She wanted to send word to Xiao Shao, but who knew if Yuan Chuan's men were lying in wait? Though they hadn't found her yet, they might be waiting for her to walk right into their trap. Moreover, traveling around with a child in her current condition wasn't safe. It might be better to stay here until after the birth before figuring out how to leave. By then, the matter with Yuan Chuan would likely be resolved.
Still, Xiao Shao would surely be worried again. The thought troubled Jiang Ruan.
After waking, Jiang Ruan remained indoors for the first few days due to her weak condition, with Gui Sao bringing meals to her bedside. Though Gui Sao was just a farmer's wife, she treated Jiang Ruan exceptionally well. The brothers Da Shan and Xiao Shan often returned from hunting with pheasants and hares, and Gui Sao prepared various nourishing dishes for Jiang Ruan. Such kindness to a stranger would move anyone deeply.
On the third day, Jiang Ruan finally went outside. Gui Sao had spent several nights sewing a new dress for her. Since Gui Sao was much stouter than Jiang Ruan, her own clothes didn't fit. Gui Sao's husband had died young, leaving her to raise the two brothers alone. It was said she had always wanted a daughter in her youth, and perhaps she now saw Jiang Ruan as a heaven-sent daughter.
The new dress she presented to Jiang Ruan happened to be a crabapple-red cotton skirt. Though the material wasn't particularly fine, it was comfortable, and the embroidered crabapple flowers were exquisitely detailed. "This was a gift from a merchant relative a few New Years back," Gui Sao explained. "The fabric doesn't suit me, but it's perfect for a young lady like you."
Jiang Ruan nodded in thanks, then washed her face and arranged her hair in a falling-horse bun before smiling gratefully at Gui Sao. The older woman stared for a long moment before finally saying, "Ruan Niang, you're truly beautiful."Gui Sao could tell the woman was beautiful, but Jiang Ruan had been bedridden all this time, looking pale and haggard. No matter how lovely one was, they wouldn't appear lively in such a state. Now that she had recovered, her whole demeanor brightened. Once her face was washed clean and she donned vibrant clothes, the transformation was striking. Gui Sao was delighted, perhaps thrilled at having stumbled upon a treasure, and eager to show everyone how stunning Jiang Ruan was. With a childlike enthusiasm, she nudged Jiang Ruan outside, saying with a laugh, "You should go out for a walk. Staying indoors all day might make you feel stifled."
Da Shan and Xiao Shan were brewing medicine by the door. Xiao Shan fanned the flames while grumbling, "Mother hasn't been paying us any attention lately. Yesterday, she gave most of the chicken soup to that woman. Brother, do you think she's a fox spirit? How else could she have bewitched Mother like this?"
"Don't talk nonsense," Da Shan chided, both amused and exasperated. "That's not how you use the term 'fox spirit.'" As he looked up, intending to lecture his younger brother, he saw their mother leading a woman in red out of the house.
The woman had lips like roses and teeth like pearls, her brows and eyes as exquisite as a painting. Though her expression was gentle, her beauty was dazzling, like a malevolent spirit descended from the heavens or a celestial maiden from the highest realms. The crimson robes she wore made her snow-white skin glow even more radiantly. When she noticed his gaze, she smiled slightly, the curve of her lips instantly leaving Da Shan spellbound and flustered.
"Da Shan, this is Lady Ruan. And these are Da Shan and Xiao Shan," Gui Sao introduced, smiling at her sons. Xiao Shan, who had been scowling earlier, was now equally dumbstruck at the sight of Jiang Ruan. He stammered, "Mother... who... who is this?"
"This is the young lady your elder brother rescued," Gui Sao replied. "Come here and greet her properly."
Jiang Ruan stepped forward and bowed slightly to the two brothers. "Thank you both for saving my life."
Da Shan was only sixteen, and Xiao Shan just thirteen. Addressing them as "young brothers" wasn't inappropriate, yet both boys flushed crimson. It was no wonder—they had never seen such a beautiful woman before, someone whose loveliness was unlike any other in their village. They had once believed Chen Xiaomei, the daughter of Scholar Chen who could recite the Book of Songs, was the most beautiful girl around. But compared to this woman, Chen Xiaomei paled into insignificance; there was simply no comparison.
The two brothers stared in a daze. Amused, Gui Sao said, "Alright, that's enough gawking. Come, Lady Ruan, let me show you around outside."
The news that the Shan brothers had rescued a fairy-like woman spread throughout the village that very day. Many came to visit, bringing food and gifts, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. Following Gui Sao's advice, Jiang Ruan often took walks around the village to relax, which was beneficial for the baby. The air here was fresh, and the trees abundant. The only downside was that wherever she went, people couldn't help but stare.
Jiang Ruan's pregnancy was already showing, and there was no hiding it. At first, everyone assumed her husband would come looking for her soon, but as time passed with no sign of him, some couldn't resist asking Gui Sao for the truth. Jiang Ruan hadn't asked her to keep it a secret, so Gui Sao told them honestly. The villagers were moved to pity by Jiang Ruan's plight, and they couldn't fathom how any man could be so heartless. How could anyone bear to harm such a beautiful woman, one with such a gentle nature?For a moment, some people began to entertain thoughts in their hearts. If Jiang Ruan were to stay here forever, such a beautiful girl—if one could marry her, it would truly be the fortune of three lifetimes. Thus, from time to time, people would send gifts to Xiao Shan’s mother’s house, and even entrusted Xiao Shan to deliver things to Jiang Ruan, all naturally as gestures of courtship. The young men would often invite Jiang Ruan to their homes for meals, and overall, she received an overwhelming amount of warm hospitality here.
Gui Sao was very pleased. She believed there were many outstanding young men among them, and since they had the intention to care for Jiang Ruan for a lifetime, if Jiang Ruan could marry one of them, the child in her belly would also have a father. It would be a complete break from the past and the start of a new life. However, while Jiang Ruan was gentle with everyone, she didn’t seem to have any romantic inclinations. Gui Sao thought Jiang Ruan had been hurt too deeply and needed more time, so she didn’t rush her, simply letting Jiang Ruan take her time to choose.
Jiang Ruan naturally understood the villagers’ goodwill. She saw the admiration in the young men’s eyes clearly, but she had no such thoughts at all. That had merely been a lie told on the spur of the moment. Instead, these days, she missed Xiao Shao more and more, wondering how he was doing now. He must be extremely anxious without any news of her. But her belly was growing larger by the day, and in another two months, she would likely give birth. At this critical juncture, it was best not to complicate matters further.
She sat by the door, sewing clothes with Gui Sao—small garments for her child. During the days of her confinement, she hadn’t dared to make any clothes for fear of being discovered. But now, as her belly swelled day by day, it was time to prepare some baby clothes. Gui Sao had chosen very soft and comfortable fabrics that wouldn’t irritate a baby’s delicate skin. As they worked together, Gui Sao said, “You’re making clothes for both boys and girls. I prefer daughters—do you want a son or a daughter?”
Jiang Ruan was momentarily taken aback, then smiled and said, “I think a son would be good.” If it were a son who resembled Xiao Shao, he would be a strikingly handsome child—though she hoped he wouldn’t inherit his father’s aloof temperament. It would be better if he were livelier. Still, Xiao Shao could teach him martial arts, and he would probably be happy to do so.
“I think a daughter would be better. If she’s as beautiful as you, suitors would probably wear out your doorstep,” Gui Sao said with a laugh.
Jiang Ruan laughed too. Xiao Shao would probably want a daughter. Though he appeared cold on the surface, he was actually very attentive. If he had a daughter clinging to his neck and acting spoiled every day—Jiang Ruan couldn’t help but burst into giggles at the thought.
Seeing her laugh, Gui Sao assumed she was thinking of something happy and joined in the laughter. “Ah, I say twins would be best—a son and a daughter would make for a lively household…”
Just as she spoke, they saw Da Shan returning with a load of firewood on his shoulders. His mother hurried to take the firewood and store it in their shed, saying to him, “Go talk with Lady Ruan for a while. I’ll be right back.” Da Shan stood at the door, scratching his head and looking at Jiang Ruan with a shy expression.He never expected the woman he rescued to be so beautiful. The young men in the village all envied him and often asked him to bring small gifts to Lady Ruan. Da Shan couldn't speak well, but he loved stealing glances at her. He knew Lady Ruan came from a wealthy family—even the most learned scholar in the village praised her as a talented woman. She recognized many characters, had a gentle temperament, and lacked the coyness typical of ordinary girls, carrying herself with grace. In every way, she was perfect.
Da Shan was a young man experiencing his first stirrings of love, so it was natural for him to admire a beautiful girl. Moreover, this was the girl he had saved—weren't stories always full of tales where rescued maidens pledged themselves in gratitude? Da Shan knew Lady Ruan had a cruel husband, that she had been hunted down even while pregnant, and his heart ached for her, wondering how anyone could be so heartless. But he was awkward with words and didn't know how to please her. Even now, when his mother urged him, he could only offer Lady Ruan a simple, honest smile.
Jiang Ruan noticed and returned a faint smile of her own, saying to Da Shan, "You've worked hard again today, little brother."
Hearing this, Da Shan became even more flustered. Scratching his head, he said, "No, it's nothing. Heh, nothing at all."
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