The wind blew fiercely at the foot of the mountain. Dawn was particularly harsh. In the wild grass-covered wasteland, there was a huge deep pit lined with straw that still carried some enticing fragrance.

Two young men dressed as hunters, carrying medicine baskets, saw from afar that their animal trap had been broken with a large hole, deeply caved in – the commotion seemed quite significant. The younger-looking one said: “Brother, look! Did we catch a big one? Mother will have a feast these days!”

The slightly older young man’s face couldn’t help showing a trace of joy upon hearing this, saying: “Come, let’s go take a look.”

This animal trap was set specifically to catch large prey. Usually, this area mostly had wolves, rabbits, and similar wild beasts, with no large animals. This trap was mostly for show. Who would have thought their luck would be so good today – a big catch right away? The two were naturally overjoyed, feeling for the sickles and bows on their backs as they crept toward the trap.

The younger one was less patient than his brother. After creeping just a few steps, he ran ahead eagerly, impatiently poking his head over the pit’s edge. His brother hurriedly called out: “Xiao Shan, stop! Be careful of whatever’s down there hurting you!”

But Xiao Shan made no movement, just kept drilling his head inside, as if trying to see clearly what was down there. Seeing this, his brother grew more anxious, thinking his younger brother’s behavior was strange. He recalled what mountain hunters said about some wild beasts pretending to be injured to lure people close, then grabbing their necks and dragging them into holes. Could Xiao Shan have been grabbed by the neck by whatever beast was in the pit? The more the young man thought about it, the more suspicious he became. He immediately grabbed his sickle and ran toward them.

But halfway through running, Xiao Shan lifted his face, turned to look at his brother, and said disappointedly: “Brother, it’s not a big one. There’s a woman inside.”

The young man’s movement stopped abruptly. He too was stunned, then quickly walked forward to look inside. Indeed, by the outside daylight, the animal trap was scattered with thick straw that had been used as covering. A person lay on the straw – clearly a woman.

The two brothers looked at each other. Finally, the slightly older brother said: “Let’s bring her up first.”

Xiao Shan slid down, and with one brother outside the pit and one inside, they managed with difficulty to get the woman out. Xiao Shan climbed out after and sat on the ground, saying: “I’m exhausted. Brother, is this person dead?”

“Don’t talk nonsense.” His brother stopped his younger brother’s rambling and placed two fingers under the woman’s nose. Though very weak, there was still breath. Only then did he sigh in relief – at least she was still alive. Seeing this, Xiao Shan scrambled up: “Brother, is she dying? Why won’t she wake up?”

The young man thought for a moment and said: “Let’s carry her home. After all, it’s a human life.”

Though Xiao Shan was reluctant, he still followed his brother home. When the brothers returned home and reached their doorway, a plump woman with a head scarf came out. Seeing them, she was startled: “Da Shan, why did you bring Xiao Shan back? Did you forget something?” Just as she finished speaking, she saw Da Shan carrying a woman on his back: “This…”

“Brother picked up a dying woman on the road. Mother, please take a look,” Xiao Shan spoke up directly.

“Oh my, heaven have mercy! Da Shan, quickly carry this girl to my room to lie down. Xiao Shan, hurry and fetch Doctor Wang,” the woman was clearly kind-hearted, urgently directing her sons to quickly bring the girl to her room.

Doctor Wang came quickly. He was the only doctor in this village – the villagers relied on him for any ailments. Most people in this village were simple by nature. Knowing that Da Shan’s family had brought back an injured girl, they hurried over. After taking the unconscious woman’s pulse, Doctor Wang stroked his graying beard: “This girl fell from a great height. Fortunately, she probably caught on some tree branches midway, preventing too severe a fall, which is why she has scratches on her arms. She finally fell into your brothers’ animal trap – just external injuries. But the baby in her belly is somewhat in danger. Fortunately, she had taken large amounts of pregnancy-stabilizing medicine beforehand, or even immortals couldn’t save her now. But the baby isn’t completely out of danger yet, and she’s very weak now. Xiao Shan’s mother, I’ll prescribe some pregnancy-stabilizing remedies. Have Xiao Shan gather some herbs from the mountains to brew for this girl. Also, pay attention to nourishing her body – pregnant women need the most care.”

Xiao Shan’s mother hadn’t expected this woman to be pregnant. Hearing Doctor Wang say she fell from a great height, she wondered if she’d encountered a heartless man and tried to end her life. Thinking this, she felt three parts pity for the unconscious woman and quickly thanked Doctor Wang, sending Da Shan and Xiao Shan to gather herbs.

…

As if falling from a very distant place, when Jiang Ruan woke up, she felt momentarily confused. Her first action was to lower her head and touch her small belly. Good – the child was still there. She calmed down, then felt somewhat puzzled. Her last memory was being lured by Yuan Chuan in the dark night, falling from a great height into a cliff’s abyss – she should have died. How was this the afterworld?

This naturally wasn’t the afterworld – she quickly understood. Looking around, this was a small earthen farmhouse room, somewhat similar to where she’d stayed at Zhang Lan’s estate, but brighter, more spacious, better ventilated and cleaner. The quilt was blue-flowered cotton with lotus and lotus leaves embroidered on it – fine stitching, comfortable but ordinary material.

She stared at her surroundings when the door creaked open. A small-footed woman in a blue floral jacket entered. Her face was somewhat broad but wore a kind smile that appeared very honest. She carried a bowl of dark medicine. Seeing Jiang Ruan awake, she was delighted, set the medicine bowl aside, sat on the bed’s edge, and looked at her: “Girl, you’re awake. You’ve slept three days and nights.”

“Madam, this is…” Jiang Ruan smiled and asked. One doesn’t strike a smiling face, especially when this woman appeared to be just an ordinary farm wife.

“You fell into my son’s animal trap. He carried you back. Our village doctor checked your pulse – you’re very weak, but fortunately the child is fine. This is pregnancy-stabilizing medicine – drink it first. This is Qingping Town. Just call me Sister Gui – I’m no madam.”

This woman’s smile was hearty, her words carrying genuine sincerity that made people feel warmth. Jiang Ruan noticed calluses on her hands from farm work. She smiled slightly and without much talk, good-naturedly called her Sister Gui, then picked up the bowl and drank all the medicine. After finishing, she said to Sister Gui: “Sister Gui saved my life – you’re my lifesaver. Such great kindness, I have no way to repay…”

“Don’t say such things!” Sister Gui was startled and quickly said: “This is a human life – how could we not save you? Da Shan and Xiao Shan didn’t save you for any reward. You’re still very weak – why not stay here longer to recover? Since you fell into Da Shan’s animal trap, it’s fate. No need to be formal.” After thinking, Sister Gui added: “But where is your home, girl? Your family must be very worried with you suddenly missing. Should we have someone send word home?”

Jiang Ruan’s expression changed, her gaze suddenly deepening. Yuan Chuan would naturally want to ensure she was completely dead. That day falling from the cliff, Yuan Chuan might not have failed to send people searching. Could they find this place? If so, wouldn’t that harm these people?

Sister Gui saw her frowning and thought she indeed had troubles. She carefully probed: “Girl, do you have difficulties? If you do, why not stay here? The people here are all good. Girl, I’ve lived most of my life and seen everything, endured much hardship, but I want to tell you something. This world isn’t easy, but only being alive is good. Never easily give up your life.”

Jiang Ruan didn’t initially understand Sister Gui’s meaning until Sister Gui placed a hand over her small belly: “Moreover, you have a child. Whatever wrongs there are, the child is innocent. You’re the child’s mother – you must raise him.”

Jiang Ruan finally understood why Sister Gui spoke this way – she thought Jiang Ruan had encountered a bad man and tried to jump off a cliff in despair. Her mind stirred, and she smiled at Sister Gui: “To be honest, it’s not like that. Sister Gui only knows part of the story. After my parents died, someone I was betrothed to married me. I became pregnant but discovered he wanted to seize my family’s wealth and even kill me to silence me. I fled at night, and they forced me to jump off a cliff. I never expected to end up here.”

She spoke casually – having seen such things in past and present lives. Her words left Sister Gui dumbfounded and indignant: “How could there be such a heartless beast! Girl, don’t be afraid. We’ll report to officials – surely there’s justice in this world! Come, our village has scholars too. We’ll immediately write a petition!”

After speaking, Jiang Ruan carefully observed Sister Gui’s expression. Confirming Sister Gui’s emotions weren’t fake, she relaxed and shook her head with a bitter smile: “It’s useless. He has people in court – officials protect each other and won’t help me. Moreover, I don’t want to alert enemies now. I just want to quietly give birth. But he won’t easily let me go. I fear dragging you all into this.”

“No need to worry about that,” Sister Gui shook her head: “Our place is very hidden. Originally, to escape the world, villagers brought us to hide here. Outsiders don’t know this place exists. The only way to the outside world is climbing up with vines. That heartless man could never find here.”

Jiang Ruan wanted to know if this place was truly safe. Hearing this, she felt somewhat comforted. Given Yuan Chuan’s nature, he definitely sent people searching immediately. Since they hadn’t found this place after three days and nights, it proved this location was indeed well-hidden. She smiled slightly: “Then I’ll impose on Sister Gui.”

“Don’t be polite,” Sister Gui said: “I haven’t asked your name yet.”

Jiang Ruan said: “I’m called Ruan Niang.”

“Ruan Niang.” Sister Gui said: “A good name. From your bearing and demeanor, you’re clearly from a wealthy family. I only hope you won’t look down on our humble place.”

Jiang Ruan shook her head again and chatted with Sister Gui for a while before Sister Gui gave her some instructions and left.

Sitting on the bed, Jiang Ruan fell into thought. She didn’t know the current situation outside. She wanted to send word to Xiao Shao, but who knew if Yuan Chuan’s people were watching outside? Though they hadn’t found her temporarily, perhaps they were waiting for her to walk into their trap. Moreover, traveling around with a child now wasn’t safe. Better to rest here and wait until after the birth to find a way out. By then, Yuan Chuan’s matter would probably be resolved.

But Xiao Shao would surely be worried again. Jiang Ruan felt somewhat anxious.

After Jiang Ruan awakened, being still very weak, she didn’t go out for the first few days. Sister Gui brought meals to her bedside. Though Sister Gui was a farmer, she treated Jiang Ruan extremely well. Da Shan and Xiao Shan often caught pheasants and wild rabbits when hunting daily, and Sister Gui found various ways to nourish Jiang Ruan’s body. Such treatment of a stranger would move anyone deeply.

On the third day, Jiang Ruan went outside. Sister Gui had sewn clothes for Jiang Ruan for several nights straight. Sister Gui was much plumper than Jiang Ruan, so her clothes naturally wouldn’t fit. Sister Gui’s husband died early, and she raised Da Shan and Xiao Shan from childhood. It was said Sister Gui had loved daughters when young – she probably treated Jiang Ruan as a heaven-sent daughter.

She brought the new clothes to Jiang Ruan – coincidentally a crabapple red cloth dress. Though the material wasn’t particularly fine, it was comfortable. The embroidered crabapple flowers were very detailed. Sister Gui said: “This was sent by business relatives during New Year a few years ago. I can’t wear this material – it’s perfect for young girls like you.”

Jiang Ruan nodded, washed her face, arranged her hair in a fallen horse bun, then smiled and thanked Sister Gui. Sister Gui was stunned for a moment before saying: “Ruan Niang, you’re truly beautiful.”

Sister Gui could see this woman was beautiful, but usually Jiang Ruan stayed in bed, looking haggard and pale. Even the most beautiful person wouldn’t look spirited like that. Now recovered, her whole person was energetic. Once she washed her face and wore bright clothes, she was completely transformed. Sister Gui was delighted, probably happy she’d found a treasure. Eager to show everyone how beautiful Jiang Ruan was, somewhat childishly she pushed Jiang Ruan outside, laughing: “You should walk around outside too. Being cooped up indoors all day might make you feel stuffy.”

Da Shan and Xiao Shan were brewing medicine by the door. Xiao Shan fanned while grumbling: “Mother doesn’t care about us lately. Yesterday she gave most of the chicken soup to that woman. Brother, do you think she’s a fox spirit? How did she bewitch Mother too?”

“Nonsense.” Da Shan was both annoyed and amused: “That’s not how ‘fox spirit’ is used.” He looked up, wanting to scold his brother, when he saw his mother leading a red-clothed woman from the house.

The woman had red lips, white teeth, and picturesque features. Though gentle in expression, she was dazzlingly beautiful, like a celestial fairy or divine maiden. The crimson dress made her skin appear snow-white. Seeing him look over, the woman smiled slightly. The curve of her lips immediately stunned Da Shan, making him flustered.

“Da Shan, this is Ruan Niang. These are Da Shan and Xiao Shan.” Sister Gui smiled at Da Shan and Xiao Shan. Previously displeased Xiao Shan was also stunned seeing Jiang Ruan, becoming somewhat stuttering: “Mother… who… who is this?”

“This is the girl your big brother saved,” Sister Gui said: “Come over here.”

Jiang Ruan stepped forward and bowed to the two brothers: “Thank you both for saving my life.”

Da Shan was only sixteen, Xiao Shan only thirteen. Calling them little brothers wasn’t excessive, but both Da Shan and Xiao Shan immediately blushed. No wonder – they’d never seen such a beautiful woman, completely different from any village woman. Previously they thought Miss Chen from Scholar Chen’s house, who could recite poetry, was the most beautiful. But Miss Chen seemed utterly insignificant compared to this woman – no comparison at all.

Both brothers stared somewhat dazed. Sister Gui found it amusing: “Alright, stop staring. Come, Ruan Niang, I’ll show you around outside.”

That Xiao Shan’s brothers had saved a fairy – this news spread throughout the village that very day. Many people came to visit and bring food and gifts, wanting to see her. But Jiang Ruan followed Sister Gui’s advice, usually walking around the village to relax – good for the child. The air here was fresh with many trees. The only problem was being stared at wherever she went.

Jiang Ruan’s pregnancy was already showing – impossible to hide. Initially, everyone thought her husband would soon come looking since she was pregnant. But after so long with no movement at all, some couldn’t contain their curiosity and asked Sister Gui what was happening. Jiang Ruan hadn’t asked Sister Gui to keep it secret, so Sister Gui told the truth. Everyone immediately felt sympathy for Jiang Ruan’s plight while finding that heartless man incomprehensible – how could anyone bear to harm such a beautiful, gentle-natured woman?

Soon, some people began having thoughts. If Jiang Ruan stayed here for life, such a beautiful girl – if one could marry her, it would truly be three lifetimes of fortune. So every few days, people sent things to Sister Gui’s house, also asking Xiao Shan to deliver things to Jiang Ruan – naturally all courting gestures. Young men often invited Jiang Ruan to their homes for meals. Overall, Jiang Ruan received extremely warm hospitality here.

Sister Gui was very happy. She thought many excellent young men among them had thoughts of caring for Jiang Ruan for life. If Jiang Ruan could marry one, the child in her belly would have a father – like completely breaking with the past and starting a new life. But though Jiang Ruan was gentle with everyone, she seemed to have no such intentions. Sister Gui thought Jiang Ruan was too deeply hurt and needed time, so she wasn’t anxious, just letting Jiang Ruan choose carefully.

Jiang Ruan naturally knew these villagers’ good intentions. She saw all those young admirers clearly but had no such thoughts at all. That was just a casual lie, but these days she missed Xiao Shao more and more. She didn’t know how he was now – surely very anxious not receiving word from her. But her belly grew larger daily. In another two months, she’d probably give birth. At this critical juncture, better not create complications.

She sat by the door with Sister Gui, sewing clothes – making small garments for her child. During confinement, fearing discovery, she hadn’t dared make clothes. Now as her belly grew daily, she should make some children’s clothes. Sister Gui chose very good, comfortable materials that wouldn’t irritate a small child’s tender skin. As Jiang Ruan sewed with her, Sister Gui said: “You’re making both boys’ and girls’ clothes. I like daughters. Do you prefer sons or daughters?”

Jiang Ruan was slightly startled, then smiled: “I think a son would be good.” If it was a son who looked like Xiao Shao – a handsome child – just don’t inherit his father’s cold nature. Better if he was lively. She could let Xiao Shao teach him martial arts – Xiao Shao would probably be happy to.

“I think a daughter would be good. If the daughter was as beautiful as you, suitors would probably break down your door threshold,” Sister Gui laughed.

Jiang Ruan also laughed. Xiao Shao probably wanted a daughter. Though he appeared cold on the surface, he was actually careful. If he had a daughter hanging on his neck and acting cute daily… Thinking of this, Jiang Ruan couldn’t help laughing out loud.

Seeing her laugh, Sister Gui thought she’d remembered something happy and laughed too: “Ah, I say twins would be best – a son and daughter would be lively…”

Just then, Da Shan returned carrying a load of firewood. His mother hurried to help carry the wood to their storage room, telling Da Shan: “Talk with Ruan Niang for a bit. I’ll be right back.” Da Shan stood by the door, scratching his head, looking at Jiang Ruan somewhat shyly.

He’d never expected the woman he’d saved would be so beautiful. Village boys all envied him and constantly asked him to deliver small gifts to Ruan Niang. Da Shan wasn’t good with words and always liked secretly watching her. He knew Ruan Niang was from a wealthy family – even the village’s most learned teacher praised Ruan Niang as a talented woman. She knew many characters, had a gentle nature without ordinary girls’ affectations, very generous – good in every way.

Da Shan was also a young man with awakening romantic feelings – liking beautiful girls was normal. Moreover, this girl was one he’d saved himself. Didn’t stories always talk about repaying with one’s body? Da Shan knew Ruan Niang had a vicious husband who’d pursued and tried to kill her while pregnant. His heart ached, wondering how such heartless people existed. But his tongue was clumsy – he didn’t know how to please Ruan Niang. Like now when his mother instructed him, he could only look at Ruan Niang and smile honestly.

Seeing this, Jiang Ruan merely smiled slightly, looking at Da Shan: “You’ve worked hard today too, little brother.”

Hearing this, Da Shan became even more flustered, scratching his head: “Not hard work, heh heh, not hard work.”