Rebirth of a Farming Wife

Since the Host had admirable medical skills, Han Yu naturally sought them eagerly, and how could he be unwilling? He hastened to say, “Please, Little Monk, lead the way.”

It was also good luck for Han Yu and Su Wenyue that not all little monks are the same. The one leading them had grown up by the side of the Host from a young age, and his status was different from the other little monks in the temple. It was he who suggested inviting the Host to treat Su Wenyue. Otherwise, the other little monks might not know to do so, and even if they did, they might not dare to make the suggestion. Even in a temple where the Buddha teaches the equality of all beings, not everyone is treated as equal.

The Host had always kept the little monk by his side because he saw that the boy was kind-hearted, with a clear and pure mind. It was not surprising to him to see the little monk bringing visitors his way.

“Master, this woman benefactor is not feeling well. There are no other doctors on the mountain, please take a look at her.”

“Benefactor, please come in with the woman benefactor,” said the Host, who looked very ordinary, just like a common old monk. However, there was something different about his aura, compassionate and wise, and he possibly carried something called Buddha-nature.

The Host took Su Wenyue’s pulse and said, “Rest assured, benefactor, your wife has simply overexerted herself. She is carrying a child and cannot endure too much hardship, but there is no serious problem. A good rest is all that is needed. A pregnant person should especially avoid overthinking. Benefactor, you should relax and not dwell on past matters. Bygones are bygones; cherish the hard-won opportunities you have.”

When Su Wenyue heard the last few sentences from the Host, she felt a bit startled and unsure. His words seemed laden with deep meaning. Could it be that he had seen through her past, or was she overthinking it?

“Thank you, Host, for attending to my wife,” Han Yu did not think too much about it, feeling relieved to know that Su Wenyue was not physically ill. He expressed his gratitude to the Host and left with Su Wenyue.

Before they left, the Host gifted Su Wenyue a string of Buddhist beads: “Benefactor, you are someone with profound blessings, protected by the heavens, and have been granted the chance to start anew. If that’s so, why not let go of everything and live well? Dwelling on the past is a disservice to the heavens’ kindness. These beads were given to me by my master, they can bring good luck and stabilize the mind. Now, I’m passing them on to someone with whom I have a karmic connection, hoping they will aid you.”

“Thank you for your gift, Host. I have taken your words to heart,” replied Su Wenyue as she respectfully accepted the beads and put them on her wrist. Whether it was the mind’s influence or their true effect, she felt an immediate sense of ease and tranquility upon wearing them.

Observing the exchange between the Host and his wife, Han Yu’s eyes reflected his racing thoughts. He did not interject or question further. As long as it wasn’t harmful to his wife, he wouldn’t object. The old monk’s words were clearly an admonition for his wife, and it seemed that she was taking them to heart. Although he had spoken earnestly with his wife before, and it certainly had an effect, Han Yu knew there must be something in her heart he did not know. It looked like the old monk’s words had reached her.

Han Yu thanked the Host once more, his expression even more sincere than before. The Host glanced at Han Yu and said, “You’re also someone with great fortune; in the future, you will be extremely accomplished.”

Han Yu wanted to ask something upon hearing this, but before he could, the Host waved his hand and retreated further into the temple. Han Yu kept those words in mind.

Having left the Host’s company, Han Yu didn’t stay any longer at the temple but instead took Su Wenyue home. He was always a bit uneasy staying in places like the temple, and he was worried about the journey jostling her, so he held Su Wenyue in his arms the entire way.

Already exhausted, Su Wenyue fell asleep after leaving the Host’s presence, and didn’t know about the arrangements that Han Yu made thereafter. As long as Han Yu was with her, she could sleep peacefully, and when she woke, she was already lying in her own bed.

Having brought Su Wenyue back from Lingyin Temple, Han Yu stayed by her side constantly. Seeing that she was awake but not in a rush, he made sure she was fed before asking her about what had happened at the temple.

“What exactly happened after Aunt Li left? I see you’re holding the hairpin in your hand; did someone do something to you?” Han Yu didn’t doubt his wife’s virtue; he was just concerned she might have been bullied. Especially with that incident at Lingyin Temple, there were signs pointing to involvement with Sikong Ling, and Han Yu, for some reason, felt uneasy.

Su Wenyue had no intention of hiding the truth from Han Yu. She had come to a realization on her return from Lingyin Temple: let the past go, especially since it belonged to her previous life. There was no need to allow it to affect her current life. She now had a loving husband, a cozy home, and would someday have several obedient children. This life was indeed a happy and complete one. What was there to dwell on? This, too, was what the old monk had meant.

“It was Sikong Ling. After Aunt Li left, he came, whether by coincidence or intention, spoke some nonsense and prevented me from leaving. I don’t understand his motives! I had the hairpin in my hand as a precaution,” said Su Wenyue, her voice carrying a hint of disgust when she mentioned Sikong Ling.

Han Yu was actually pleased to hear his wife express aversion toward Sikong Ling. Despite Sikong Ling being attractive and of good heritage, which led many women to approach him willingly, Han Yu believed his wife wasn’t like those superficial women. Yet he was still a bit worried; seeing her reaction reassured him that his wife truly had no such interest in Sikong Ling.

But as for Sikong Ling… Han Yu’s eyes narrowed dangerously. Whoever dared to covet his wife would have to face the consequences!

“Whatever his intentions, they surely weren’t good. Just stay away from him in the future. Don’t worry about the rest, leave it to your husband. I won’t let him have the chance to approach you again.”

Su Wenyue nodded in agreement, but she was still somewhat uneasy, “Husband, that man is not ordinary. He has a powerful background, and we shouldn’t confront him head-on. There will be a time for us to measure up against him.”

Su Wenyue was concerned that Han Yu, in a moment of passion, would seek out Sikong Ling. Given their current status disparity, any confrontation would likely put Han Yu at a disadvantage. However, she could only gently caution him. Han Yu didn’t like hearing other men’s names from her mouth. He had said he wouldn’t get jealous or angry when advising her, but as she realized, sometimes a man’s words cannot be trusted.

This trip back from Lingyin Temple proved quite rewarding for Su Wenyue. At the very least, she felt much lighter in her heart. Nonetheless, she still hadn’t recovered from morning sickness, which had persisted for more than half a month now. Su Wenyue had become so thin that only her bones seemed left, and Han Yu could feel the frailty when he held her. Because she was so thin, her stomach appeared all the more prominent and her eyes, looking plaintively, made her seem especially pitiable.

Every time Han Yu saw his wife like this, he felt an immense worry. He often thought back on what the doctor had said, fearing for Su Wenyue’s safety. Yet, he could not let it show on his face, not wanting to add to his wife’s mental burden.