Chapter 6: Soon, My Husband Will Be Doing That Kind of Thing

"Yes, there is a way. Our life will only get better from now on," Xu An said with a smile.

He had already made up his mind—no matter what, commerce was one of the most profitable paths. But trading required capital, and Xu An currently lacked such resources. Therefore, he needed to find another way to raise some money first.

The young girl didn’t ask how Xu An planned to earn money; she simply believed her husband was capable and would never deceive her. A glimmer of hope appeared on her face. "Could we have a meal with pork cracklings once a month?"

Xu An chuckled softly. "Pork cracklings? That’s nothing. If we want, we can eat meat every day and have white rice every day."

"Really?" Su Yan’er covered her mouth in surprise. Having meat and white rice every meal would be like living in a wealthy family of high-ranking gentry.

"Of course it’s true," Xu An said confidently as he gazed at her hopeful expression.

"That would be wonderful," Su Yan’er murmured softly. Then her gaze dropped. "Since you’re a scholar, you must have many plans. I’m afraid I can’t help much."

Seeing her discouraged and worried look, Xu An smiled faintly. "Who says you can’t help? I’ll go out to earn money, but you have to manage the household affairs. You’re the lady of this house, and there are many things only you can do. Your responsibilities are great."

"Lady of the house?" The young girl repeated softly to herself, feeling it all somewhat unreal. Her husband regarded her as the lady of their home.

"Yes, my dear, rest assured. I will manage the household well and won’t let you worry about anything," she said resolutely, as if accepting a great responsibility.

After dinner, the girl swiftly cleared the bowls and brought them to wash. Xu An looked at her faded clothes and sighed quietly. "Once we earn some money, I’ll buy her some proper clothes."

Yesterday was their wedding day, yet she still wore the same outfit. It was clearly her best garment. In their poor village, grand wedding banquets and formal wedding dresses were only for the rich and those with status. For most humble folk, a wedding was arranged through a matchmaker or official mediator, with a simple exchange of betrothal gifts and a formal meeting. Then the groom would bring the bride home to their bridal chamber, tying a red cord in their hair for good luck—this was considered the wedding attire. Making a proper wedding dress was expensive and impractical since it would only be worn once.

As night fell, without much entertainment, Xu An planned to sleep early after dinner. The county town was over twenty miles away, and he needed to get up early tomorrow to find some money in the market.

While others who traveled through time had grand destinies, heavenly luck, and ascended to greatness, his own journey was a rough start. Even meals were a constant worry—always thinking about the next one.

He was nothing! A disgrace to all time travelers.

"Husband... it’s time for a bath," the sensible little girl called, stepping out from the room after heating water.

"Alright," Xu An stood and asked, "Have you bathed yet?"

"N-not yet," she replied shyly, blushing at the thought of what might come after the bath.

"Then you go first. I’ll bathe after you," he said with a smile.

"No, the hot water is for you," she shook her head.

"Hot water for me? What about you?"

"I’ll wash with cold water later," she said lightly.

"Heating water takes a lot of firewood."

"We’re almost out of firewood, and tomorrow I’ll make breakfast for you, so we need to save it."

"After breakfast, I’ll go to the mountain to gather more."

Xu An felt sorry for the little girl and sighed, "You shouldn’t wash with cold water, it’s not good for girls."

"But... it’s for you. How can I—"

"I said it’s fine. Don’t you listen to me?" Xu An pretended to be stern.

Hastily, she said, "Husband, please don’t be angry. I’ll go then."

"I’ll heat more water for you after, but you have to wait a bit."

Xu An wanted to gently squeeze this little cutie. "It’s okay, I’ll wash with cold water so you don’t have to trouble yourself."

Su Yan’er immediately shook her head. "You fell into water today. How can you use cold water to bathe? What if you get sick?"

"Please wait. I’ll heat the water soon and won’t keep you long."

Seeing her so earnest, Xu An nodded. Illness in ancient times was no small matter; even a simple cold could be fatal, especially for someone as fragile as the original body he now inhabited. A splash of cold water might well cause a severe cold.

The girl soon went inside to bathe, while Xu An started heating water himself. After about ten minutes, she emerged, hair damp, eyes bright and clear, carrying an aura of exquisite grace under the moonlight.

If only she had a tailored outfit... Stop, why does he always think about clothes?! Xu An mentally scolded himself.

"Husband, I’m done bathing. I’ll go heat water for you now," she said, lifting the wooden bucket toward the well.

Xu An quickly stopped her. "I’ve already heated it. You rest; don’t trouble yourself."

"But husband, these chores should be mine. You’re a scholar; your hands are for writing, not rough work," Su Yan’er said earnestly.

"Who says scholars can’t do hard work? That’s nonsense," Xu An smiled.

"But everyone says so," she replied softly.

"Not everything others say is true. You have to learn to judge for yourself," Xu An stroked her head, taking the bucket and heading to the kitchen.

"Judge for myself?" The girl tilted her head, puzzled. Xu An was so clever to understand such complex matters.

Soon she ran after him, calling, "Husband, let me help you."

"No need. Sit down and rest. I’ll do it myself, or I’ll get angry," Xu An said sternly.

Su Yan’er was startled into silence, standing there unsure what to do. She looked so endearing and pitiful that Xu An had an urge to pinch her cheeks. How could she be so adorable?

Yet he said nothing more, knowing this was the only way for her to rest. Otherwise, she would keep finding chores until she was exhausted.

Soon, Xu An poured the hot water into a wooden basin inside and began his bath. Without a tub or shower, bathing was cumbersome. He planned to make a bath barrel later so he could soak and relax when tired.

After bathing, the girl still stood frozen, hesitant to move.

"Yan’er, why are you still standing there? Are you dazed?" Xu An approached, smiling and gently stroking her hair.

"Husband, I’m sorry. It’s all my fault for making you angry," she looked up at him, tears welling in her large eyes.