It was late spring, and Zhao Huanxi had been serving in Tonglu County for two years.

At dawn, Xu Nian’an was awakened by the chirping of birds outside the window and the faint sound of children’s chatter in the courtyard. Lazily opening her drowsy eyes, she found Zhao Huanxi’s face, now mature and handsomely refined, right in front of her.

Recalling the events of the previous night, Xu Nian’an’s cheeks grew warm. She tried to sneak out of bed while he was still asleep. But just as she turned over, his arm stretched out from behind and pulled her into his embrace.

“Dong Jiejie, are you alright? Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere?” His slightly husky, drowsy voice resonated by her ear.

“No,” Xu Nian’an replied, her face flushed.

His lips pressed against the back of her neck.

Xu Nian’an shrank away, ticklish, and said, “Stop it. Get up already, or Chun Jie’er will come knocking on the door again.”

“I won’t. Let’s stay in bed a little longer.”

Hearing his whiny tone right by her ear, Xu Nian’an couldn’t help but feel a bit exasperated. He was already twenty-three, yet he still had the habit of acting spoiled when they were alone.

The two lingered in bed for a while before Zhao Huanxi, rubbing her palm, asked, “What do you feel like having for breakfast?”

Xu Nian’an thought for a moment and said, “I’d like Granny Cai’s sour bamboo shoot rice cakes.”

The moment Zhao Huanxi heard that, he propped himself up on his elbow and said, “Then we need to get up early. If we go too late, there won’t be any left.”

He rolled off the bed and, seeing Xu Nian’an sitting up with her legs dangling off the edge, crouched by the footrest to help her put on her embroidered shoes.

Xu Nian’an said, “You put my shoes on for me every day. There’s still four or five months left before the baby comes.”

Zhao Huanxi lifted his face to look at her, his gaze warm and radiant. “So what? If you like it, I’ll put your shoes on for you for a lifetime.”

Xu Nian’an laughed and playfully tapped his knee with her toe. Zhao Huanxi caught her foot with a smile and said, “If you keep teasing me, we won’t get to eat those sour bamboo shoot rice cakes.”

Xu Nian’an knew he was only trying to scare her. Every time she was pregnant, no matter how hard it was for him, he always exercised restraint and never acted recklessly.

Once they had washed up and gotten dressed, they went out to the courtyard. Three-year-old Chun Jie’er was chasing and laughing with Rongbing around the pomegranate tree.

The maidservants all greeted Zhao Huanxi and Xu Nian’an with bows as they emerged.

When Chun Jie’er turned around and saw them, she remembered her mother had a baby in her belly and knew she couldn’t leap onto her. Instead, she threw herself onto Zhao Huanxi’s legs, tilting up her jade-like little face and stretching her tiny arms as she bounced up and down. “Daddy, carry me! Daddy, carry me!”

Zhao Huanxi lifted Chun Jie’er up, letting her sit on his shoulders. Turning to the maidservants and wet nurse attending to her, he said, “You can all go have breakfast. Chun Jie’er will come with us to eat.”

The servants responded in unison and stepped back.

With his daughter perched high on his shoulders, Zhao Huanxi led Xu Nian’an out through the back gate of the county yamen’s rear hall. Glancing at her daughter riding high on his neck, Xu Nian’an frowned and said, “This is too improper. Let Chun Jie’er come down.”

“What’s improper about it? As long as Chun Jie’er is happy, that’s all that matters, right?” Zhao Huanxi said, holding his daughter’s little legs.

Chun Jie’er, hugging her father’s head, laughed joyfully. “Chun’er is happy! Riding high, looking far!”

“And running fast too,” Zhao Huanxi added as he broke into a light jog with his daughter on his shoulders, causing Chun Jie’er to giggle uncontrollably.

Xu Nian’an followed behind, watching the father and daughter duo. She smiled and shook her head helplessly.

The townsfolk on the bustling streets were long accustomed to the young, approachable county magistrate who doted on his daughter endlessly. As the three of them walked through the marketplace, they were met with friendly smiles and greetings. Only those who had never seen Zhao Huanxi before looked on in surprise. It was common enough for fathers in the countryside to carry their sons like this, but rare to see a daughter treated the same way, especially in a family of officials.

The family of three arrived at a breakfast shop known as Granny Cai’s. Inside, the county constable, Chai Huan, was hunched over a table, noisily slurping noodles. Upon hearing the shop owners, Cai Lao’er and his wife, greet the county magistrate, Chai Huan looked up, only to lock eyes with Zhao Huanxi, who still had his daughter perched on his shoulders.

Chai Huan nearly choked, a half-eaten noodle dangling from his mouth as he scrambled to his feet to salute.

Zhao Huanxi waved his hand, signaling him to sit down.

After setting Chun Jie’er on a stool by the table, Zhao Huanxi turned and asked, “Chai Butou, have there been any leads on the thieves who recently fled into our county?”

Chai Huan replied, “Reporting to Daren, Shuxia has been leading the patrol team day and night in search of them these past few days, but we’ve yet to find any trace of them.”

Zhao Huanxi nodded and said, “Continue the search today. If they’re still hiding within the county, make sure to root them out. If they’ve already fled, do your best to uncover their trail so we can warn the next county they’re heading to.”

Chai Huan acknowledged the order respectfully.

Meanwhile, Madam Cai had already served Xu Nian’an and Chun Jie’er sour bamboo shoot rice cakes and steamed buns stuffed with braised pork and preserved mustard greens. The steamed buns here were different from those in the capital—exceptionally soft and airy. Each bun was sliced in half, with two pieces of rich, juicy braised pork and preserved greens tucked in between. One bite, and the mingling aroma of the bun and meat filled the mouth, leaving a lasting impression.

This was Chun Jie’er’s favorite.

Noticing the small steamed bun in Chun Jie’er’s hands, which was clearly half the size of a regular one, Xu Nian’an smiled and thanked Madam Cai. “Even saving a small bun especially for Chun Jie’er, that’s very thoughtful. Thank you.”

Madam Cai laughed and said, “It’s us who should thank Furen. Last time, you mentioned how children couldn’t finish the large buns, saying it was such a pity to waste them, and suggested making smaller buns instead. My husband and I gave it a try, pairing them with smaller pieces of braised pork, and sold them for half the price of the big ones. It turned out more people started buying them than ever before.”

As they were chatting, someone else called for Madam Cai. She excused herself with a greeting to Xu Nian’an and Zhao Huanxi, then went to attend to the other customers.

Meanwhile, Chun Jie’er held the stuffed bun with both hands, munching away with such enthusiasm that the corners of her mouth were smeared with meat juice. Zhao Huanxi took out a handkerchief to wipe her mouth and asked, “Is it good?”

Chun Jie’er nodded eagerly. “It’s delicious. I wish I could share it with Gege.”

Ever since Chun Jie’er could hold a brush and scribble, she and her brother had often exchanged drawings, using pictures to tell each other about their lives.

Chun Jie’er had been too young to remember what her older brother looked like when they were separated. But that didn’t stop her from thinking that her older brother was the best in the world. After all, not only did he send her his drawings, but he also sent her toys, hair ornaments, and all sorts of strange and fascinating little trinkets.

Zhao Huanxi felt a twinge of jealousy, always thinking that in his daughter’s heart, his place couldn’t compare to that of Hui Ge’er. But he still had to patiently coax her. “When it’s time for us to head back, we’ll bring your Gege here in advance. Then Chun Jie’er can take him to eat all the delicious food herself, okay?”

“Okay!” Chun Jie’er beamed with a bright smile.

After finishing breakfast, the family of three returned to the county yamen. On their way, they passed a shop selling woven rattan goods. Suddenly, a young man ran out of the shop. After bowing respectfully to Zhao Huanxi and Xu Nian’an, he presented a finely crafted, miniature bamboo basket. It was no larger than two fists, with the handle and edges carefully wrapped in floral cloth. He explained that it was a gift for Chun Jie’er to play with.

Chun Jie’er was delighted with the basket, but Xu Nian’an refused to accept it for free and insisted on paying. The young man adamantly declined, saying: If it weren’t for the County Magistrate and Furen’s help back then, he would have been executed or exiled for his grave mistake. How could he possibly have the happy life he enjoys today? This small bamboo basket is truly nothing in comparison.

Zhao Huanxi and Xu Nian’an finally accepted the gift, which made the young man scratch the back of his head with joy as he returned to his shop.

“Tonglu County truly has such honest and simple folk,” Zhao Huanxi said, holding Chun Jie’er in his arms. “If not for Zufu growing older and Mother and Hui Ge’er still back home, I’d want to stay on for another term.”

Xu Nian’an glanced at him with a smile and said, “It’s good that you understand. These four years have been a blessing. One shouldn’t be too greedy.”

When they returned to the rear hall of the county yamen, Xu Nian’an tidied up a bit before saying to Zhao Huanxi, “I’m going to check on the progress of the private school being built in the mountains and see if they’re facing any difficulties. Mother sent me some medicinal herb seeds suitable for planting in sandy soil. I’ll bring them along for the villagers of Goupan Village to try planting.”

“I’ll go with you,” Zhao Huanxi said.

“No need for that,” Xu Nian’an replied. “What if someone comes with a complaint and you, as the county magistrate, aren’t around? You can just send a few more yamen runners with me. I’ll leave Chun Jie’er with you.”

Zhao Huanxi thought it over. The villages, while located in the mountains, weren’t built atop them. The roads to the villages weren’t too narrow, and donkey carts could pass through. He nodded and said, “Then take care of yourself. Bring Rongbing and Sonyun with you. I’ll send eight yamen runners and four guards along with you.”

Though Xu Nian’an felt it unnecessary to have so many people accompany her on a short trip, she understood that without this arrangement, he wouldn’t feel at ease. So, she agreed.

After seeing Xu Nian’an off, Zhao Huanxi took Chun Jie’er by the hand and went to the second hall to handle some official matters. Seeing that there were no complaints, he greeted the County Magistrate Assistant and set off on horseback, taking Chun Jie’er with him to inspect the nearby villages.

The spring plowing had just ended, and the fields were a lush green. Farmers bustled about, some carrying water to fertilize, others bent over pulling weeds. Ut was a peaceful and harmonious scene.

“Coo-coo, coo-coo.”

From afar, a cuckoo bird flew by, calling out. Sitting in front of Zhao Huanxi, Chun Jie’er pouted her lips, mimicking its call.

Zhao Huanxi lowered his head to look at her and asked with a smile, “Chun’er, what do you see the farmers doing?”

The warm spring breeze swept through Chun Jie’er’s sparse bangs. Her bright black eyes gazed at the rice fields by the roadside, and she said, “The farmers are planting crops.”

“Does it remind you of any poem?”

“What poem?” Chun Jie’er asked, holding her new little bamboo basket in one hand and scratching her forehead with the other.

“The poem Daddy taught you a few days ago. Do you still remember it?”

Chun Jie’er suddenly had a moment of realization and exclaimed, “I remember! ‘Who would have thought, the rice in the bowl… the rice in the bowl… each grain comes from the toil of farmers!’”

from: 谁知盘中餐，粒粒皆辛苦
"Who would have thought, the rice in our bowls, each grain comes from the toil of farmers?"
This line is from "Sympathy for Farmers II" by Li Shen of the Tang Dynasty.

Zhao Huanxi burst out laughing and reached out to pat Chun Jie’er’s little head. “Chun’er is so clever. You recite it very well.”

He leisurely urged his horse forward, leading his daughter through the fields until they reached the entrance of Hengcun Village, the village closest to Tonglu County. There, they saw many villagers harvesting peas in the fields. Zhao Huanxi dismounted and gently lifted Chun Jie’er down as well.

When Zhao Huanxi first assumed his post last year, he had visited every village in the area. Being young and blessed with strikingly memorable looks, many villagers recognized him after meeting him just once. Seeing him approach with only his daughter, the villagers quickly put down their work and came forward to greet him with respectful bows.

Zhao Huanxi walked into the fields to ask about this year’s harvest, while Chun Jie’er was taken by some women and older children to pick peas. They placed the peas into her little bamboo basket as she played happily. Suddenly, the sound of an urgent gong echoed from the village.

“Catch the thieves! Catch the thieves! They’ve robbed Wang Yangwai’s household and injured people! Catch the thieves!” A villager shouted as they beat the gong.

Everyone was startled. The young men in the pea field immediately sprinted toward the village, only to encounter five fierce men carrying bundles rushing out from the village. The long knives in the robbers’ hands forced the young men to retreat.

“Get out of the way! If you don’t value your lives, step forward and block my path! Let’s see if your necks are tougher than my blade!” the leader of the bandits shouted arrogantly, his voice full of menace.

Zhao Huanxi’s eyes swept around and saw that Chun Jie’er was safely being held by a woman hiding behind a pea vine trellis. Assured of her safety, he grabbed a bamboo pole used for supporting the vines and walked forward at a measured pace, positioning himself squarely in the middle of the road leading out of the village.

The villagers were alarmed and called out, “Xiantai Ye, step aside! They have knives!”

“They dare act so brazenly under my jurisdiction? Knives or not, it won’t stand!” Zhao Huanxi replied firmly. Without hesitation, he charged directly at the five bandits.

These desperate thugs relied merely on their weapons to intimidate ordinary villagers. In a real fight, how can they match someone like Zhao Huanxi who was properly trained in martial arts and had experience on the battlefield? Within moments, they were beaten senseless, to the point that they wailed and peed in their pants.

The strong men and young lads among the villagers quickly swarmed forward, firmly tying up the five bandits and confiscating their weapons.

No one had expected that the county magistrate, so young and seemingly a scion of a wealthy family, could fight so skillfully. For a moment, the crowd erupted into cheers and applause for him.

Chun Jie’er also got down from where she had been hiding, raising her little hands in the air as she jumped up and down, shouting, “Daddy is the best! Daddy is the best!”

Receiving such unanimous praise and admiration from the villagers, Zhao Huanxi grew a bit shy. His fair face flushed slightly as he clasped his hands and said modestly, “You flatter me, you flatter me.”

The villagers escorted the five bandits to the county yamen.

When Chief Constable Chai heard the villagers recount how the County Magistrate had bravely subdued the bandits, he felt deeply humbled. Even he, faced with five knife-wielding thugs, could not have subdued them without sustaining injuries. For the County Magistrate to handle them unscathed, he truly was a rare combination of scholarly and martial prowess!

That evening, Xu Nian’an returned to the rear hall of the county yamen. She listened to Chun Jie’er excitedly chattering about her father’s heroic deed of capturing the bandits. With a smile, she glanced at someone who was clearly pleased with himself yet pretended to be indifferent.

Turning back to Chun Jie’er, she said teasingly, “Well, your Daddy is indeed brave and mighty. Chun Jie’er, would you like to hear how your Daddy handled bad guys six years ago when he ran into them in an alley?”

Chun Jie’er tilted her innocent face up and asked, “What did Daddy do?”

Zhao Huanxi, alarmed, raised his voice, “You are not allowed to tell her!”

Xu Nian’an pretended to whisper a secret to Chun Jie’er, leaning in close.

Zhao Huanxi rushed over and clamped his hand over her mouth, hastily saying to Chun *Jie’er&, “Daddy did just like today, Daddy chased off all the bad guys!”

Xu Nian’an couldn’t stop laughing and playfully pushed him, but he refused to let go, keeping his hand firmly in place.

Chun Jie’er, a little confused, looked at her parents and asked, “Oh. But Daddy, why are you covering Mommy’s mouth and not letting her talk?”

“Some things aren’t for children to hear. Chun’er, why don’t you go play for a while? Daddy and Mommy need to talk,” Zhao Huanxi said.

“Oh,” Chun Jie’er replied obediently and walked out. But as soon as she reached the corridor, she heard her mother’s laughter and her father’s anxious murmuring coming from inside.

Chun Jie’er pouted. “So they’re just telling jokes and won’t let me listen. I’m going to tell Gege!”

With her little legs moving quickly, she ran to the side room and called out, “Runiang, Rongbing Jiejie, grind some ink for me! I’m going to draw and tell Gege about this!”