Traveling back to ancient times to get rich

“What’s so difficult about that? Not to mention my poor health, I’m also a clean freak. I only married you because I liked you. I’m not usually interested in women. Are you talking about a lifelong commitment to one person? I’ll do as you say.” Gu Changfeng picked up the dishes and chopsticks, washing them as he spoke to Ye Qingchen. Then, remembering something, he asked, “But I’m sickly and might not be able to provide you with a comfortable life. I’ll just go see a doctor; I don’t want to take any imperial examinations.” Ye Qingchen walked to Gu Changfeng’s side and said softly, “I don’t care about those things. As long as we can accompany and support each other, life won’t be too hard.”

Hearing this, Gu Changfeng was deeply moved. He put down his chopsticks, took Ye Qingchen's hand, and said, "Ye Qingchen, let's choose a date to get married." Ye Qingchen nodded. She had chosen Gu Changfeng for two reasons: first, he was willing to be with her for life; second, she needed a husband. If she happened to meet her good father, she could tell him she was married, thus infuriating that man who favored his concubine over his wife. Poor original owner's mother, marrying such an ungrateful man. As for not pursuing officialdom, what use was that? Her cheapskate father had passed the exams, becoming a prime minister, second only to the emperor, and doing all sorts of inhuman things.

After dinner, evening arrived, and both of them felt a little awkward. Gu Changfeng's house only had one bed; how were they going to sleep? Ye Qingchen thought, "We've already agreed to get married on a chosen date; we can't just sleep together tonight." She hesitated for a moment before heading back to her room. Gu Changfeng noticed her hesitation, coughed lightly, and said, "This house used to belong to my master. He's gone on a tour, so I'm staying in his house temporarily." He then walked towards another room, but just as he was about to go, he remembered that Ye Qingchen might have a habit of bathing, so he took a few steps back and said to her, "I used to bathe in the pool where I rescued you. There's no one else there. If you're going, I can take you with me. The villagers all live far away from here, and even further away from that pool."

Ye Qingchen had actually taken a shower that afternoon, and to prevent him from finding out, she had already used her internal energy to dry her hair. But since she said there was such a place, she could use it to cover up her showering in the future. She couldn't possibly not shower and still smell nice, could she? So she said to Gu Changfeng, "Then take me to see it. I really need to take a shower."

Hearing this, Gu Changfeng eased the awkwardness and said to her, "I still have clothes in my wardrobe, and yours are dry. Just take whatever you want to change into, and I'll take you!" A moment later, the two set off towards the pool. Gu Changfeng looked delicate and frail, but despite the slightly dark sky, he walked with a steady, measured gait. Ye Qingchen guessed he knew the area well. After walking for a while, Ye Qingchen saw a waterfall cascading down, leading to a crystal-clear pool where fish swam in the depths. She felt this was like having an umbrella after a rainstorm; now she had a reason to eat fish.

Ye Qingchen stared blankly at the fish in the water. Gu Changfeng thought that Ye Qingchen was afraid to take a bath because of his presence, so he said to Ye Qingchen, "I'll go sit over there. Don't be afraid. I'll play the xiao for a while and keep you company with the sound of the xiao." Then he walked to a tree in the distance and started playing the xiao. The sound was mournful, like weeping and lamenting, as if there was sadness and melancholy.

Ye Qingchen finally snapped out of her daze and had to go down and wash again. The water was very clean, without any fishy smell, and the temperature was warm, like a hot spring. It was indeed a good place. Because the temperature wasn't too high, there were even fish. It was a win-win situation! Ye Qingchen felt that this water was no worse than her spring water, only it didn't have the effect of saving lives.

After a comfortable bath, Ye Qingchen changed into her own clothes. They weren't exactly what a noblewoman should wear, but the material wasn't bad; it was remarkable that she hadn't broken anything after falling. Along with the clothes were a very thin gold hairpin, a pair of silver earrings, and a pearl flower—they were terribly ugly. She decided to give them to Gu Changfeng later, so he could pawn them and get some ingredients in return.

Just moments ago, she had casually grabbed two large fish—they were caught while diving deep into the water. She thought to herself that she should ask Gu Changfeng to hold them for her so she could make a delicious fish soup tomorrow. Thinking this, she couldn't help but shout to Gu Changfeng, who was still playing his beautiful flute, "Gu Changfeng, I'm all washed up, and I even caught two fish! Come help me!" Hearing her call, Gu Changfeng immediately put down his bamboo flute and quickly went to her side. When he saw the two plump fish she was holding, a delighted smile appeared on his face. He quickly found a straw rope, skillfully threaded it through the fish's mouths, strung them together, and carried them in his hands. Then he accompanied her back to the cozy thatched hut.

As night deepened, all was quiet except for the occasional chirping of birds and insects in the distance, making the stillness of the night even more serene. Ye Qingchen lay on the soft bed, inhaling the faint scent of herbs around her, feeling exceptionally comfortable. She gently closed her eyes, feeling the fusion of her body and nature, as if she could hear the sound of her own heartbeat and the flow of her blood.

At this moment, Gu Changfeng entered another room with light steps. He didn't seem to have brought any clothes or bedding, but he didn't seem inclined to come in. Ye Qingchen guessed that he had probably already prepared everything, so she didn't ask any further questions. She gently closed the door, fastened the bolt, and began practicing her cultivation technique.

Ye Qingchen sat cross-legged on the bed, her hands resting on her knees, eyes closed in meditation. She took a deep breath, circulating her spiritual energy throughout her body, nourishing every inch of her skin and bones. As time passed, her breathing became increasingly steady, and a faint spiritual light emanated from her body.

On this tranquil night, Ye Qingchen immersed herself in cultivation, forgetting all the disturbances of the outside world. Her mind became calm and peaceful, as if the whole world had shrunk to just her. This feeling made her feel incredibly comfortable and free, and filled her with anticipation for the future.

Gu Changfeng, who was in another room, heard that there was no more movement in the room next door, so he opened the door and flew out of the courtyard. He took three steps at a time and arrived at a mountain villa that was quite far away. When the people in the villa saw Gu Changfeng, they all knelt down and paid their respects to their master.

Seeing them, Gu Changfeng smiled slightly and said, "Send word to the Emperor that I am unwell and my health is deteriorating. My master won't let me return, so there's no need for my father to find me a princess. A few days ago, a young lady saved me; let her marry me and take care of me." As soon as he finished speaking, a guard knelt down and said, "Yes, Your Majesty!" and then flew away.

Gu Changfeng instructed them to buy some clothes and items for the girl, and to prepare some silver, intending to use it as income from selling ginseng, as he was preparing to get married!