Divorced woman with child travels through time

Chen Wenfang hesitated for a moment, then said, "Aunt Liu, what happened after that incident where the police came to catch thieves in Wangjiazhuang?"

As Aunt Liu cooked, she said, "I heard they caught them, but I'm not really sure. What happened?"

Chen Wenfang looked at her and said, "I went up the mountain a while ago and found a man who was injured and hiding in the mountains. He was about to die, so I gave him some medicine and saved him."

Aunt Liu was shocked. She slammed the spatula against the pot. Before she could even feel sorry for herself, she scolded her, "You're too bold! What if it's a thief? You'd save anything!"

Chen Wenfang said awkwardly, "He looks like a decent person, and the material he's wearing is nice. I don't think he's a bad person, and I can't really just stand by and watch someone die."

Aunt Liu sighed, plated the dishes, and said, "That makes sense. Unless it's a really ruthless robber, we really can't just stand by and watch someone die. Oh well, we've already saved them. Next time, before you save someone, ask us to come with you. It's too dangerous for you to go alone."

Chen Wenfang said, "I know, but he's not fully recovered yet and wanted to stay at my house to recuperate. I don't think that's very convenient."

Aunt Liu poured water into the pot and said, "That's inconvenient, let him walk by himself. He can't be kept at your house."

Chen Wenfang said, "I don't think he'll make it. He's badly injured; you can almost see the bone in his back. If he doesn't take good care of himself, he might die. Why don't we let him come to my house to recover? We should help him to the end."

Aunt Liu said in surprise, "You saw the bones? It's that serious? Well, that makes sense. We've already done everything we could to save it."

Chen Wenfang said, "Yes, I'll bring him over tomorrow so you can see him. I'll just tell everyone he's your cousin, so people won't gossip."

Aunt Liu said, "Then I'll go with your Uncle Liu Hai tomorrow to take a look."

Chen Wenfang agreed and led Chen Xuanyu home.

The next morning, Chen Wenfang told Chen Xuanyu about bringing Zhao Lue over at the dinner table.

Chen Xuanyu said it would be better to have more people at home, but, "Mom, are you sure he's a good person?" Chen Xuanyu took a bite of the braised noodles he hadn't finished yesterday.

Chen Wenfang said, "Based on his appearance, he should be a good person."

Chen Xuanyu said in a dignified manner, "As long as his character is fine, that's good. But once he's recovered, you should give him some money as a token of appreciation."

Chen Wenfang smiled and said, "Haha, that's what I think too." The mother and daughter smiled at each other.

Chen Wenfang said, "Then you can stay at home. I just washed the pot and boiled water. Could you watch the fire for me while I go and bring the person over?"

Chen Xuanyu finished eating the noodles and said, "Okay, Mom, don't worry."

Chen Wenfang brought a jar of water with some syrup to the back mountain. Zhao Lue was already waiting impatiently. As soon as she went inside, she came up to her and said, "Let's go!"

Chen Wenfang was startled. She shoved the bamboo tube into his hand and said irritably, "Here you go. Drink this and I'll take you home."

Zhao Lue pulled off the cap, drank it all in one gulp, then put the cap back on and said with a smile, "Let's go!"

"You can't hit someone who's smiling," Chen Wenfang said speechlessly, looking at the handsome face. "Let's go."

Zhao Lue readily placed his hand on Chen Wenfang's shoulder for support, and Chen Wenfang did not resist. She helped him up the burial mound, then up the edge of the embankment, and through the bushes. Chen Wenfang did not speak, but all she could hear was Zhao Lue wincing and gasping for breath in pain.

Chen Wenfang couldn't help but speak up, "You know, you shouldn't have moved your wound. Can't you just let it heal properly there? I've been bringing you food every day anyway. I'm not going to run away."

Zhao smiled and said, "It doesn't matter if it hurts a little. The important thing is that my wife's cooking is delicious. I always feel like I'm not full. I should be able to eat more at your house."

Chen Wenfang then used this as an excuse to warn, "My daughter and I can't eat much, and we can't grow our own food. I'm afraid I can't afford to feed you if you come."

Zhao Lue laughed and said, "Don't worry, once I'm healed, my family will come looking for you and give you several hundred taels of silver. I guarantee you won't lack food."

Chen Wenfang smiled so much her eyes narrowed. "You said it yourself, so all the time I've spent taking care of you hasn't been in vain."

Zhao Lue thought to himself, "So she likes money. What's the big deal?" Seeing that Chen Wenfang's smile was quite cute, he joked, "My wife likes money so much, why don't you marry me and count money every day? My family is rich."

Chen Wenfang's face fell. "Young master, please stop joking. Can you be a little more composed? I'm your savior."

Zhao Lue thought to himself, "This young lady is easily teased." He touched his nose and said, "Just kidding, my lady, don't take it seriously."

Chen Wenfang said seriously, "I don't mean it, but please don't joke around."

"Damn it, I'm a widow, what kind of joke are you making? Watch out or I'll beat you up," Chen Wenfang cursed inwardly.

Chen Wenfang touched his hand; it was calloused, suggesting he was also an ancient soldier. Based on her natural affinity for the People's Liberation Army soldiers from her previous life, Chen Wenfang thought he must be a good person. Furthermore, the official hadn't mentioned any wrongdoing, so he probably wasn't a truly wicked individual. Otherwise, Chen Wenfang wouldn't have dared to bring him home.

Seeing that Chen Wenfang was really angry, Zhao Lue didn't dare to say anything out of line. He thought to himself, "This young lady has quite a temper. She's not afraid of me at all."

The two remained silent the entire way down the mountain and soon arrived at Chen Wenfang's house. Zhao Lue then realized that Chen's house was actually so close to him—less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn—yet she had made him stay in the mountains for so long. What a heartless woman.