Chapter 10: My Wife Possesses Unmatched Strength

The closed door blocked the gossiping eyes of the crowd led by Madam Wang. With a look of keen curiosity, Madam Wang grabbed Mrs. Zhao’s arm and said shrewdly, “Sister-in-law, we’re all outsiders, it’s not our place to be involved, but you’re his own mother! Now that the new bride has entered the house, you ought to keep an eye on things, shouldn’t you?”

“The old master isn’t home yet. We’ll talk about it when he returns,” Mrs. Zhao replied indifferently. She spared only a glance before turning back to her own house.

Her eldest son had been a bane to her from the moment he was born.

Hmph.

As Mrs. Zhao turned away, Madam Li from the Li family sighed regretfully, “Ayan isn’t unkind to his mother, but she’s blind to it. No wonder his heart grows cold.”

“All right, all right, let’s disperse,” Madam Wang waved her hand.

But despite her words, by evening the news that Jiang Chengyan had taken a wife had already spread throughout Xitang Village.

While the village was abuzz with heated discussion, Bai Yan had changed into a spotless white dress and was curled up under a cozy quilt, gnawing on a carrot.

“Is it really that delicious?” Jiang Chengyan couldn’t help but wonder—was this the difference between humans and animals?

“It is,” Bai Yan nodded.

“Come help me light the fire,” Jiang Chengyan beckoned her over with a glance.

Bai Yan slipped on her shoes and pattered after him to the kitchen.

“Sit there.” Jiang Chengyan pointed to a small stool by the stove, then went out to fetch firewood.

It was Bai Yan’s first time in the kitchen, and she looked about curiously, her gaze soon settling on the chopping board.

Jiang Chengyan had just been there, slicing some tender greens.

Intrigued, she stepped closer, picked up the knife, and tried to imitate his movements.

In the yard, Jiang Chengyan had just gathered a basket of firewood when a loud bang came from the kitchen.

He dropped everything and strode back inside.

Had something gone wrong with the stove? Had something exploded?

Countless possibilities flashed through his mind in that instant—except for the one he now faced.

The kitchen was as it had been, except the chopping board he’d just used was split in two, and Bai Yan still held the kitchen knife, gleaming in her hand.

Seeing him enter, Bai Yan waved the knife dumbly and said, “Husband, this chopping board is so weak.”

Jiang Chengyan lowered his gaze and pinched the bridge of his nose.

Weak? That was made from the finest wood.

“Come outside,” he said, tossing the words over his shoulder as he walked toward the yard.

Bai Yan, aggrieved, put down the knife and hurried after him, trotting along.

“Eh?” she asked in confusion as Jiang Chengyan handed her a hefty axe.

“Husband?”

“Yes.”

“What do you want me to do with this?”

“Split some firewood for me,” Jiang Chengyan replied with certainty.

Bai Yan eyed the large block of wood before her. Suspicious but obedient, she took the axe and brought it down.

The solid block split as easily as if it were tofu.

Bai Yan: “…”

Jiang Chengyan: “…”

“This is a secret. You’re not to tell anyone, understand?” Jiang Chengyan turned and pinched her cheek.

“Mm.” Bai Yan nodded, her eyes shining as she looked at the little axe—clearly, she’d taken a liking to it.

“Go light the fire,” Jiang Chengyan said, leading her back to the kitchen.

So light, but with such astonishing strength?

“What do you want for dinner tonight, chicken or pork?” Jiang Chengyan rested his hand on her head and asked.

At the mention of meat, Bai Yan’s little brows furrowed in displeasure.

“Fine, let me ask you again—do you want pork or rabbit?” Jiang Chengyan squinted, his eyes glinting slyly like a fox.

“Pork,” Bai Yan replied, forced to choose between the two.

“Very good, very obedient.”

Bai Yan: “…”