The couple had only walked a few steps hand in hand when Shen Sanniang's shrill voice rang out behind them: "Mr. Liu, if you want to take a concubine, you can ask me! I helped Provincial Graduate Wang find his two young concubines before, and they were such pretty little things..."
Liu Ming'an's face suddenly stiffened. He couldn't fathom how someone could be so utterly tone-deaf to both words and facial expressions.
With a darkening expression, Liu Ming'an turned around, intending to silence Shen Sanniang. However, this momentary pause was misinterpreted by her as interest. Delighted, she scampered towards them.
"Hah!" Jiang Ning let out a soft snort, narrowing her eyes as she sized up the annoying matchmaker. Noticing some small pebbles by her feet, Jiang Ning kicked them towards where Shen Sanniang was about to step.
In the next instant, Shen Sanniang's foot landed squarely on the pebbles. She lost her balance and with a loud "thud," fell flat on the ground.
"Ouch! Ow ow ow..." Cries of pain erupted as Shen Sanniang's entire face scrunched up in agony.
Liu Ming'an was startled by this sudden turn of events. As he was contemplating whether to help her up, a slender, fair hand reached out and grabbed his collar, pulling him away.
"What are you looking at?" Jiang Ning said coldly. "Do you really want her to find you a couple of concubines?"
Jiang Ning's grip was strong, and of course, Liu Ming'an had no intention of resisting. He stumbled along, noticing a thin layer of anger in her eyes as they walked.
Jiang Ning was angry!
Liu Ming'an's heart tightened. He hurriedly tried to placate her, "Jiang Ning, don't listen to her nonsense. I don't even know her. She approached me on her own. I didn't pay her any attention from start to finish..."
"Jiang Ning, don't be angry. I definitely won't take any concubines. I only like you..."
"Jiang Ning, don't stay silent. Say something to me. I'm scared..."
"Jiang Ning? A'Ning? Xiao Ning? Ning'er? Xiao Ning'er..."
As Liu Ming'an's calls became increasingly saccharine, Jiang Ning furrowed her brow. She stopped in a deserted alley and turned around, saying, "Shut up! Don't call me that!"
"Alright!" Liu Ming'an's face instantly lit up with a smile as he nodded in agreement. But after a moment's thought, he added, "I don't want to call you by your full name anymore. How about I call you 'A'Ning' from now on? A... Ning!"
The two syllables "A'Ning" were uttered with infinite tenderness, as if filled with deep affection. Jiang Ning felt as if her heart had been scalded.
Seeing Jiang Ning silent again, Liu Ming'an stepped forward and embraced her, speaking earnestly and solemnly, "A'Ning, don't worry. What I just said wasn't to appease you. I will never take multiple wives in this lifetime. If I ever break this vow, don't hesitate – just give me a knife to the heart."
Hearing this, most of the anger in Jiang Ning's heart dissipated. She raised her arms to return Liu Ming'an's embrace, mumbling, "I wasn't angry with you. I was just annoyed by that tactless matchmaker."
"She really was tactless," Liu Ming'an wholeheartedly agreed. "I told her I have a beautiful young lady at home, yet she still dared to chase after us. Anyway, let's not talk about her anymore. Let's go home and pack. We're setting off for Wine Selling Town tomorrow."
Beautiful young lady?
Jiang Ning, nestled in Liu Ming'an's arms, felt her eyelashes flutter.
Back at home, despite saying they were packing, apart from two sets of clothes and Liu Ming'an's writing materials, there wasn't much else to bring.
Considering that eating and drinking might be inconvenient on the road, Jiang Ning baked a few flatbreads. Although the taste was ordinary, they were easy to carry and wouldn't spoil easily.
That night, the two lay in bed, spending their last night in Lingshan Town.
"Ah, we've barely lived in this new home for a few days. I haven't even gotten to know all the neighbors, and now we're leaving so soon..." Liu Ming'an sighed wistfully.
Jiang Ning was indifferent to this, responding calmly, "Reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles. You were bound to leave sooner or later. What difference does it make whether it's earlier or later?"
"You're right!" Liu Ming'an smiled, pulling Jiang Ning closer and planting a kiss on her forehead.
Jiang Ning, however, lifted her head and returned a kiss to Liu Ming'an. When they finally parted, both were a little breathless.
"A'Ning, let's sleep. Rest well. Once we're on the road, it might be hard to get a good night's sleep," Liu Ming'an said, his voice slightly husky as he gently pressed Jiang Ning against his chest.
Jiang Ning was actually a bit puzzled. She knew Liu Ming'an liked her and desired her, but for some reason, the most intimate they had ever been was kissing. Liu Ming'an had never shown any intention of taking things further.
Was he not mentally prepared? Or did he think the timing wasn't right? Or perhaps he didn't know how?
Jiang Ning couldn't figure it out. But the idea of pinning Liu Ming'an down and demanding, "Why won't you sleep with me?"...
Jiang Ning thought about it and realized she still couldn't bring herself to do such a thing.
The next day, they got up and had breakfast. Jiang Ning took advantage of the morning to speed-read through the pile of books Liu Ming'an had bought her.
They had agreed to meet the owner of the Hundred Knowledges Tower at the hour of the Sheep (1-3 pm). After lunch, they shouldered their luggage, locked the door, and set off.
When they arrived at the Hundred Knowledges Tower, it was exactly the hour of the Sheep. The owner came out to greet them, smiling, "You two are very punctual. Our carriage is ready. Please, this way!"
Liu Ming'an handed the agreed-upon hundred copper coins to the owner and followed him for a few steps. Sure enough, a carriage was parked at the street corner.
On the carriage shaft sat a man of about twenty, with an honest face and a shy demeanor. Seeing the two, he smiled awkwardly.
The owner introduced him, "This is my shop assistant, called Fang Cheng. You can just call him Xiao Fang."
Fang Cheng nodded at Liu Ming'an and Jiang Ning, addressing them, "Young Master, Madam."
The owner continued, "This carriage was bought to transport wine, not people. I've placed a long bench inside. It's a bit old and simple, so please bear with it."
Liu Ming'an cupped his hands towards the owner in gratitude.
The carriage shaft was about waist-high. Just as Liu Ming'an was about to offer his hand to help Jiang Ning up, he saw her grab the wooden side of the carriage and leap up effortlessly. She then bent down at the carriage door, extending her hand to him, saying, "Come on!"
Liu Ming'an: "..."
The owner of the Hundred Knowledges Tower was also startled by Jiang Ning's agile movement. After a moment, he praised, "Madam has such nimble movements!"
Liu Ming'an suddenly felt a surge of pride, responding with a hint of smugness, "Of course she does." He then grabbed Jiang Ning's hand without any hesitation, allowing her to pull him up into the carriage.
The owner chuckled and wished the three of them "a safe journey." Then Fang Cheng called out a command and cracked his whip, setting the wheels in motion.
The interior of the carriage was indeed old and simple as the owner had said. Apart from a long bench, there was no decoration, and the air was permeated with the scent of wine.
After boarding, they opened the windows and watched the scenery slowly recede. Half an hour later, the tall stone tablet inscribed with "Lingshan Town" was left far behind.