BYBOTE Chapter 14: Cuckoo

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According to Yu Qing Nation’s customs, after the betrothal and until the day before the wedding, the couple was not allowed to see each other. Luo Fei thought this was great—it spared him the embarrassment of thinking about Xi Yanqing’s "bird" whenever he saw him.

For the next ten days, Xi Yanqing only came to the Luo family’s house briefly to handle wedding matters and then left without seeing Luo Fei. In fact, he had plenty of things to prepare—dishes for the wedding banquet, seating for guests, and borrowing extra tables and chairs, since most households here didn’t own enough.

Besides the Luo family, the person who helped Xi Yanqing the most was Han Yang. They had grown up playing together, and even though they hadn’t seen each other for a few years, their friendship was still strong. Whenever Xi Yanqing had questions, he either asked Luo Ji or Han Yang.

As for Luo Fei, he was busy making Xi Yanqing’s wedding outfit and quilts at home.

His hands were quick, and he was skilled with a needle, finishing Xi Yanqing’s wedding robe in just four days, complete with embroidered cuffs and a collar. If not for the dim lighting and his lack of practice with embroidery recently, he could have finished even faster. As for the quilts, he made the covers, while Li Yuehua handled the inner layers of cotton padding.

Luo Fei used a modern-style envelope design for the quilt covers, making them easy to remove and wash. At first, Li Yuehua disapproved, but he insisted. In the end, she had to admit it was quite convenient, though it meant making fewer quilts.

"I’m using this for my wedding too. No more cutting and resewing—this saves time and thread," Han Xu said, visiting Luo Fei with his sewing kit. "What’s that you’re making now?"

"A pillowcase."

"Why would you need one? We use wooden pillows—they don’t get dirty."

"I want to switch to soft ones. My neck’s been sore lately."

"You really know how to enjoy life. But with how much your Xi-ge dotes on you, he’d probably even build you a new house if you asked. Guess why I’m here?"

"Why?"

"Your Xi-ge told me, ‘My Erbao is stuck at home sewing all day—he must be bored. Han Xu, go keep him company.’ Now that’s what I call doting on your wife!"

"Stop talking nonsense." Luo Fei obviously didn’t believe it. Xi Yanqing was good to him, but was he really that good?!

"Why would I lie to you?! That's exactly what he said. Otherwise, I was planning to stay home and sew shoe soles today." Han Xu, seeing Luo Fei still skeptical, immediately became indignant. "Oh, you little rascal, Luo Erbao! You dare not believe me?!" Han Xu rolled up his sleeves. "Say it! Do you need a beating?"

"Alright, alright, I won’t mess with you." Luo Fei pushed Han Xu aside. "Oh, by the way, when are you getting married?" Han Xu was already engaged. His fiancé, Chen Huazhang, was also from Huaping Village and worked as a carpenter. He was often away for work, but from what Luo Fei remembered, he seemed like a decent person.

"In just over two months." Han Xu suddenly paused. "Oh, speaking of that, I just remembered some juicy gossip. Do you want to hear it? It’s about Zhang Yangfan."

"What gossip?"

"You know, Yangfan and Jiang Baining have been married for a little while now, but there's still no good news. Yesterday, I heard from my sister-in-law that Zhang Yangfan apparently argued with Jiang Baining. He said that even though Jiang Baining's plum blossom mark is bright and fresh, it doesn’t mean he'll have a child any faster. My sister-in-law happened to pass by their house and heard everything loud and clear." It was already late at night, so Zhang Yangfan probably didn’t expect anyone to be outside. Han Xu’s sister-in-law had gone out to see his mother for something, which was why she overheard it.

"But they’ve only been married for less than a month?" Luo Fei thought it was normal for there to be no signs yet.

"You’re so clueless! We men aren’t like women. Look, look!" Han Xu pointed to the plum blossom mark on his hand. "For some, the color changes in as little as ten days."

"Not everyone gets lucky on the first try. Zhang Yangfan acts all tough on the outside, but I bet he’s weak inside. Wouldn't be surprised if he never has kids in his lifetime!" Luo Fei cursed inwardly, hoping Zhang Yangfan would be childless forever.

Thinking about how that couple wasn’t doing well, Luo Fei finally felt a bit of satisfaction. But in reality, Zhang Yangfan and Jiang Baining's argument had nothing to do with having children.

No one knew that, deep down, Zhang Yangfan actually wasn’t in a rush to have kids with Jiang Baining. The real reason for their fight was Jiang Baining’s overwhelming jealousy.

On the day Xi Yanqing went to the Luo family to propose, Zhang Yangfan had found an excuse to leave his house. He hadn't originally planned to go see Luo Fei, but his feet seemed to have a mind of their own, and before he knew it, he was near Luo’s house. Unfortunately, someone saw him. Somehow, Jiang Baining found out and had been in a foul mood ever since.

At first, Jiang Baining held it in, convincing himself that Zhang Yangfan might have just been passing by. But then he heard people saying that Zhang Yangfan had lingered at the Luo family’s doorstep for quite a while, as if staring at something. That was like a thorn stuck in his throat. Then, when he overheard someone else say that Luo Fei looked exceptionally beautiful that day—well, that was the final straw!

No wonder Zhang Yangfan had been distracted ever since the Luo family received the betrothal gifts. So, he was thinking about his old lover!

Jiang Baining was an only child, and his family had always spoiled him. He had only been married for a short time and was already being treated this way—how could he stand it? So, on yet another night when Zhang Yangfan was silently lost in thought, Jiang Baining finally exploded:

"Zhang Yangfan! Tell me, are you still thinking about that little seductress, Luo Fei?!"

At that moment, Zhang Yangfan really wasn’t thinking about Luo Fei. He had been struggling with a difficult academic concept and was finally about to figure it out. But with Jiang Baining's sudden outburst, all his thoughts got jumbled again. Of course, he was annoyed.

"Can you stop using such vulgar words? Calling him a seductress—if he is, then what does that make you?" Zhang Yangfan’s eyes filled with impatience.

"You! You’re still defending him!" Jiang Baining was livid. "He is a little seductress! And you still have feelings for him! You’ve only been married a short time, and he’s already gotten together with Xi Yanqing. What a shameless flirt!"

"Enough! If you hadn’t deliberately made sure my mother noticed your plum blossom mark being so bright, she wouldn’t have forced me to marry you! And look at you now—you’re not any faster than anyone else!" Ever since he saw Luo Fei genuinely smiling at Xi Yanqing, Zhang Yangfan had been stewing in frustration. Now that it was being thrown in his face, he completely lost his temper. "I don’t have time to argue with you!"

"You! Zhang Yangfan!" Jiang Baining furiously kicked the table as Zhang Yangfan stormed out.

Meanwhile, Zhang Yangfan, now fuming, went somewhere quiet—where he could think about Luo Fei in peace.

Before marrying Jiang Baining, Zhang Yangfan had thought he was a good choice. Sure, he wasn’t as good-looking as Luo Fei, but it was like comparing roses and peonies—each had its charm. The Jiang family was far better off than the Luo family, which had four kids and struggled enough already, especially with the eldest being a burden. The Jiang family only had Jiang Baining, meaning Zhang Yangfan wouldn’t have to worry as much. Plus, Jiang Baining’s family wealth would help him in his studies.

Besides, Luo Fei was too reliant on others and couldn't handle even a little hardship. His mother had a bad temper and didn’t like how spoiled Luo Fei was. In contrast, Jiang Baining knew how to please people and was always courteous to his mother. His mother adored Jiang Baining and was convinced she’d be getting a grandson soon.

At the time, Jiang Baining had seemed like the perfect marriage candidate. But now?

It hadn’t even been a month, and Zhang Yangfan was already feeling tired of him.

He regretted giving in to his mother’s wishes. He especially regretted going to the Luo house that day and seeing Xi Yanqing propose. That one glimpse of Luo Fei’s smile was burned into his memory, impossible to erase.

How could the same person look so different when smiling?

Luo Fei used to be a bit shy and stubborn, but that day, he looked confident and radiant—like a sunflower, bright and warm.

Could it really be like Jiang Baining said? Had Luo Fei fallen for Xi Yanqing so quickly? Is that why he looked so happy?

The more Zhang Yangfan thought about it, the more unwilling he felt. He drowned himself in alcohol for days, several times wanting to seek out Luo Fei and ask if he still had feelings for him. But strangely, Luo Fei, who used to be out and about all the time, had barely been seen lately.

On the afternoon of the fifth day of the new year, Luo Fei finally finished his last piece of embroidery for his wedding. His brother Luo Yi had suggested embroidering swallows, so he had done it without thinking much. Only after finishing did he realize it might be misinterpreted.

Xi Yanqing… Yan… Yan (燕, meaning swallow, like the bird)...

"Oh, come on, it’s not like you embroidered it on your underwear," Luo Ru scoffed, downing a bowl of water. "Rest up. We’re all going to be busy tomorrow."

"How are the preparations going outside?" Luo Fei had been stuck indoors for days because his family wouldn’t let him leave, saying it was bad luck. He had no idea how the wedding was coming along.

"Everything's almost ready. You just have to wait to get married."

"Sigh, Sanbao, are you not even a little sad that your second brother is leaving?"

"Pfft, you're just moving a short distance away. What’s there to be sad about? Why, are you going to miss me?"

"Mhm, I’ll miss your red-braised pork." Luo Fei sighed, realizing that neither he nor Xi Yanqing knew how to cook. Eating was going to be a real problem.

"This is easy! If you want to eat the dishes I cook, just come home anytime. If you have fish or meat, you can bring them back, and I'll cook. The more, the merrier!"

"Alright, it's a deal then." Luo Fei yawned. "I can't anymore—I need to sleep for a bit. Sanbao, wake me up in two hours."

"Alright, alright, go ahead and sleep. Get enough rest so you'll look good tomorrow!" Luo Ru said, then went outside to see if there was anything else to help with. In the blink of an eye, she completely forgot about waking Luo Fei up.

Luo Fei had probably been doing needlework for days on end and was exhausted. Once he fell asleep, he didn’t wake up the entire night. By the time he heard someone calling him, it was already the next morning!

"Second Brother! Second Brother, wake up! Get up! You need to wash up and get ready—Xi Ge is coming to pick you up today!" Luo Yi lifted the blanket and grabbed Luo Fei's clothes, shaking him vigorously. "Hurry up and get up!"

"Alright, alright! Give me a moment, will you? Ugh, you're such a nag!" Luo Fei frowned. Keeping his head down and working on things all the time wasn’t easy. His back and waist had been sore for days, and he really didn’t want to get up at that moment.

"I'm leaving now, but you better get up. You can't go back to sleep." Luo Yi said.

"Mm." Luo Fei opened his eyes and forced himself to wake up. He habitually went to the latrine first, planning to wash up afterward.

Unexpectedly, at that moment, he suddenly heard a bird calling outside. The call was odd—it was definitely a cuckoo, but it had a rhythm: three low calls followed by two high ones. Clearly, this wasn’t a normal bird call.

Only an idiot would come up with a signal like that. And sure enough, it was the secret code that Zhang Yangfan, that scholar, had agreed upon with Luo Fei.

Early in the morning, on his wedding day, why was he here? What was he up to?

—

Tl Notes:

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