Chapter 17: The Shield

Lin Feng thought to himself that it wouldn’t be a bad idea to spend some spare time hunting or gathering herbs on the mountain.

He suddenly recalled that the young man Tian Xi'er had claimed as her lover yesterday came from the blacksmith shop. However, he mused, a small village blacksmith shop could likely only manage basic farm tools or simple iron swords; crafting something as delicate as a bow and arrow would be difficult. Furthermore, it was generally forbidden for commoners to forge such weapons privately.

In regions plagued by war, banditry, or uprisings, such restrictions might be overlooked, as the populace needed weapons for self-defense. But in a stable and prosperous place like Jiangzhou, it was strictly prohibited. The production of lethal weaponry required official authorization; while bows might pass, crossbows were absolutely forbidden.

Crossing through the woods, he encountered a river wider than the one before the mountain. The sparkling water shimmered in the morning sunlight, reflecting the layered peaks of the mountain range opposite, while birds played along the banks. Such breathtaking natural scenery would be a protected tourist attraction in the modern era, but in these ancient times, it was everywhere.

Lin Feng found a sturdy branch and practiced some swordsmanship by the river. Feeling a bit fatigued, he prepared to head back. It was then that he spotted a thatched cottage hidden deep within the dense forest, surrounded by a courtyard enclosed with bamboo and wood. Driven by curiosity, he walked toward it. At the gate, he saw the wood had rotted away; the yard was strewn with debris and overgrown with weeds, clearly indicating it was abandoned.

Inside the cottage, it was even more dilapidated, filled with broken clutter, with only a stone bed remaining somewhat intact. The dust on the bed was thick, suggesting it had been uninhabited for a long time. Life in these mountains wouldn't be bad—birdsong, mountain tranquility, fresh air—perfect for brewing tea or drinking wine in the courtyard, living a carefree life. Still, that was only true during the day; it would take a truly courageous person to stay in such deep, old woods at night, not to mention the mosquitoes in the summer.

He decided to have Liuxi come over in a couple of days to clear it out, so he would have a place to rest during his daytime hunting trips.

When Lin Feng returned to the farmhouse, Tian Xi'er had already arrived and was preparing breakfast in the open-air kitchen.

"Brother Lin, you're back."

The girl was certainly diligent. Lin Feng caught a delicious aroma. "What are you making?"

"My mother let me bring two pounds of white flour. I'm making a couple of scallion pancakes for you, Brother Lin."

"Your mother is too kind."

"Mother said that since you’re teaching me how to do business, it’s only right."

The woman was at least decent; she didn't believe in taking things for free.

Xiaodie walked over. "Big Brother, where did you go so early?"

"I took a turn around the mountain over there. I found quite a few animals; I'll take you all hunting another day."

"That’s great! I love going hunting with you, Brother!" Liuxi was thrilled. Back in the capital of Chu, he had often accompanied Lin Feng on hunts outside the city.

Lin Feng was not much of a scholar, but he was proficient in all sorts of side arts, and hunting and riding were among them, which always yielded a bountiful harvest. They would either grill the game in the wild or take it to the taverns he frequented, where it could be traded for silver or enjoyed as a feast.

"But we don’t have any hunting gear," Lin Feng said, looking at Tian Xi'er with a smile. "Little sister, can your young lover’s blacksmith shop make bows and arrows?"

Even though he thought it unlikely, he couldn't help but ask. Tian Xi'er’s face flushed bright red. "I... I don’t know."

"Could you ask for me?"

"Okay."

Xiaodie became interested. "Sister Xi'er, is that Li He really your lover?"

"Y-yes..." Tian Xi'er stammered.

Seeing her reaction, Lin Feng realized the truth immediately. "If you’re using him as a shield, you need to get your stories straight, or you’ll be found out in no time."

Tian Xi'er was startled. She glanced at her own courtyard and said anxiously, "Brother Lin, I only said that because I didn't want to marry the young master of the Jin family. Please, you must not tell my mother!"

"If you don't coordinate with Li He, this won't stay hidden. What is your relationship with him, really?"

"I consider him a very good friend. I just thought of him in my panic last night."

"Then you should go tell him quickly. If your second sister-in-law doesn't believe you and goes to the neighboring village to ask around, it will be a disaster."

"I'll go right now!" Tian Xi'er quickly placed the finished scallion pancakes on a plate and hurried out of the yard.

Xiaodie remarked, "You can hide it for a while, but not forever. This will be exposed eventually. Didn't you hear Aunt Tian telling Xi'er to have Li He set a date for the engagement?"

"What’s wrong with an engagement? It’s not the same as a wedding," Liuxi said dismissively.

Xiaodie rolled her eyes at him. "What do you know? Once the betrothal gifts are exchanged and the elders agree, you have to apply to the authorities for a marriage certificate and exchange horoscopes. Otherwise, it’s not official. But once engaged, it’s very troublesome to back out. Isn’t Big Brother an example of that? What if Li He refuses to break the engagement? Even if Tian Xi'er doesn't marry him, she won't be able to marry anyone else."

Lin Feng’s expression darkened. "Are you talking about me in a roundabout way?"

Xiaodie stuck out her tongue. "No, Big Brother, you’re different. You’re definitely going to break your engagement..."

"Alright, let's focus on our own matters. Finish breakfast quickly and fry up the rest of the peanuts; we need to head to the market soon."

After the three finished breakfast, Tian Xi'er returned.

"Is it settled?"

Tian Xi'er nodded.

Xiaodie asked, "Then what about your mother urging you to get engaged?"

"Li He's mother passed away over two years ago. He still needs to observe mourning for nearly another year before he can marry."

Lin Feng nodded. "Stalling for time—that’s a good idea. A year is neither too long nor too short. Your parents shouldn't have any objections. By the way, is what your second brother said about the forced marriages true?"

"I don't know..."

Lin Feng thought of Zhang Yuan and figured he could ask him later; as a government official, he might have heard some rumors.

Xiaodie asked, "Brother, if that day really comes, will you also be forced into a marriage?"

Lin Feng laughed. "Don't forget, I already have an engagement. You should worry about yourself and Liuxi..."

Before Lin Feng could finish, he heard someone at the gate say, "So this is Young Master Lin’s residence."

Three men entered. One was Li, the village head, and the other two, both in their thirties, were dressed in fine clothes and looked extremely arrogant. They glanced at the cluttered courtyard and the simple house, their eyes filled with disdain.

"Brother Lin, these two said they were looking for you."

"Looking for me?" Lin Feng looked at them with confusion; he didn't seem to recognize them.

"Brother Lin, I've brought them here, so I'll be heading back now."

"Very well, walk safely, Village Head Li!"

The village head waved, bowed to the two men, and left the farmhouse.