This scene left the surrounding villagers trembling with fear. Since when did that frail scholar possess such a fierce side?

No one doubted the truth of Su Qi'an’s words. After all, he had just swiftly dealt with the notorious rogue Wang Er without hesitation—what chance did ordinary villagers stand against him?

A sense of awe and fear began to grow in the hearts of many. They avoided making eye contact with Su Qi'an, quickly clasped their hands in respect, and hurriedly dispersed.

Village Chief Li watched all this unfold without saying a word, a trace of satisfaction flickering in his heart.

Su Qi'an had grown up under his watchful eye and had even studied with him for a few years as a child, making their relationship rather close.

Though throwing oneself into the river was a disgraceful act, today, Su Qi'an at least took on the responsibility of being the head of his household. In these troubled times, he could now protect his family.

As the nearby villagers dispersed, Su Qi'an put down the axe in his hand, hurried over to Village Chief Li, and said earnestly, “I’ve troubled you today, Elder Li. Qi'an will forever remember your kindness.”

Although it seemed like Village Chief Li hadn’t done much—just standing there and citing the laws of Da Liang—it was, in truth, a great help.

Despite being a scholar, Su Qi'an had long been regarded as overly soft and timid by the villagers. Without Village Chief Li’s support today, things might not have ended so smoothly.

Village Chief Li waved dismissively, speaking nonchalantly. “Ah, it’s a small matter. After all, you’re the only scholar in our village. Xiao Su, don’t hold grudges against the villagers. If you succeed in the imperial exams someday, our Dongshan Village will rely on your care.”

Su Qi'an nodded. In Da Liang, commoners and those of lower status typically formed tight-knit village communities over time. Though they couldn’t compare to the clans of gentry families, neighbors often lent a hand in times of need.

However, Su Qi'an’s solitary nature and the pride of a scholar kept him from mingling with common folk, making him unpopular in the village. Coupled with repeated failures in the imperial exams, he had naturally become the target of idle gossip.

Seeing Su Qi'an nod, Village Chief Li let out a quiet sigh of relief. He had feared that Su Qi'an’s sudden change in demeanor might lead to rejection, so he quickly added, “Xiao Su, with your word, this old man can rest easy. Don’t worry; I’ll make it clear today—if anyone dares trouble you in the future, I’ll be the first to object!”

“The matter is resolved, so I won’t intrude further. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call on me.”

With that, Village Chief Li turned to leave but was halted after only a few steps by Su Qi'an’s voice.

“Village Chief, there is one more thing I’d like to trouble you with.”

“Go ahead.”

“Could you help me find a blacksmith to craft a bow and arrows?”

“Ha! I thought it was something serious. That’s easy enough. I even have a set lying around at home. Wait here; I’ll fetch it for you. But Xiao Su, what do you need a bow and arrows for?”

“I want to go hunting in the wild forest east of the village.”

“What? Xiao Su, what did you just say? Did I hear that right?”

Village Chief Li’s expression changed instantly, as if he had just heard something unbelievable.

He knew Su Qi'an very well. Though not completely helpless, Su Qi'an was still a frail scholar. Today’s show of resolve and courage was one thing, but hunting was an entirely different matter.

The wild forest east of the village indeed had plenty of game, but it was also rumored to harbor tigers. This wasn’t mere hearsay—several hunters had been killed by tigers there in recent years.

Typically, unless they were desperate, hunters avoided that forest.

“Village Chief, I’m not joking. Although I’ve spent most of my life reading, I’ve also studied some miscellaneous texts and have a bit of knowledge about hunting.”

“But what you read in books is completely different from real-life practice! Your priority should be preparing for the exams…” Village Chief Li hurriedly tried to dissuade him.

But Su Qi'an’s next words left the Village Chief speechless.

“Elder Li, I appreciate your kindness and understand the gravity of the situation. But my family doesn’t even have enough rice to eat. If we keep going like this, we won’t last long enough for me to prepare for the exams, let alone pass them.”

“Elder Li, you’ve often helped us, and I’m deeply grateful. But I know your family is struggling too, with seven or eight mouths to feed. I can’t keep relying on you.”

“Village Chief, please don’t try to persuade me. Even though I’m a scholar, if I can’t take care of my wife, what’s the point of achieving anything? My heart would never be at ease.”

“Ah, Xiao Su, if you insist, I won’t say more. But for your safety, take Li Hu and Zhao Da with you on this trip. That way, I’ll feel a bit more at ease.”

Su Qi'an nodded solemnly and bowed deeply to Village Chief Li. The elder sighed and walked away, his figure swaying as he left.

The matter settled, evening soon fell, and the sky darkened. Su Qi'an returned to his room with Qin Ziyin.

Qin Ziyin, experienced and composed, climbed into bed, watching Su Qi'an sit dazedly at the side. She softly called out, “Husband, what are you daydreaming about? Come to bed.”

Su Qi'an snapped back to reality and let out an awkward “Oh.”

Though he had displayed a masculine side today, this was his first time sharing a bed with a woman, so he was understandably nervous.

Qin Ziyin, dressed in a thin undergarment, lay with her back to Su Qi'an. Despite being thin due to the lack of food at home, her figure was still striking.

However, Su Qi'an, a scholar focused on his studies, had rarely interacted with Qin Ziyin in an intimate way, not even holding her hand often.

“What a waste,” he murmured to himself.

While Su Qi'an wasn’t some great saint, he wasn’t driven by lust either. Besides, Qin Ziyin was only 18, and Su Qi'an, having received a modern education, couldn’t bring himself to act impulsively. She was his lawful wife, and there would be plenty of time for that in the future.

Climbing into bed, Su Qi'an gently embraced Qin Ziyin from behind, causing her body to tremble.

“Wife, what’s wrong? Did I offend you?”

“No… I just thought about how brave you were today. It makes me happy.”

Hearing this, Su Qi'an moved closer, wrapping his arms around her more firmly. The thin fabric of their garments did little to separate their warmth.

“Wife, I’ve been foolish before and caused you to suffer. But don’t worry—going forward, I’ll make sure you live a good life,” Su Qi'an said softly.

Qin Ziyin only murmured an acknowledgment, not turning to face him. Su Qi'an didn’t know that his words brought tears streaming down her face.

All her years of grievances melted away in this moment. She had considered questioning him about his sudden change in personality—after all, she had read about cases where people who attempted suicide were possessed by water spirits.

But after witnessing Su Qi'an’s actions today, she wouldn’t have cared even if he were truly possessed.

As long as he was sincere about building a life with her, she would endure any hardship. She would even swallow her pride and ask her father for grain if necessary.

Su Qi'an, of course, was unaware of Qin Ziyin’s thoughts. That night, he struggled immensely.

Being a young man full of vitality, his body naturally reacted to the situation. To suppress his thoughts, he resorted to silently reciting the Great Compassion Mantra.

[--------------------------------------------]

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