Chapter 2 My Husband is missing

Only then did I realize that at some point, Yu Beijing had grown so tall—taller than Fan Guangzong by a significant margin, and a full head taller than me. By the moonlight, I saw Fan Guangzong's bruised and swollen face, evidence of the beating he'd received from Yu Beijing. After all, Yu Beijing often helped me with chores in his spare time, while Fan Guangzong, who never lifted a finger, was no match for him physically.

Just then, my mother rushed over, and the two of them began shouting at Yu Beijing, blaming him for Fan Guangzong's invalidated exam results. Yu Beijing : "You reported me for reading 'useless books,' but you're outraged when others report your cheating?"

Fan Guangzong, humiliated, screamed, "I knew it was you!"

Yu Beijing raised an eyebrow. "Do you have proof? If you're so sure, go investigate. Who really reported you?"

My mother stepped in, pointing at me and cursing. Without thinking, I slapped her hand away. "He's my family now. You have no right to insult him."

Yu Beijing turned to me solemnly. "From today onward, you're no longer a Fan. Will you cut ties with them?"

Stunned, I hesitated. "Can I really break free from this cursed family?"

Yu Beijing pressed on, "Answer me."

Before I could speak, he declared to the crowd, "Hear this! From now on, she shares no blood with the Fans. Disturb her again, and I won't be lenient."

That night, unable to sleep, I brought Yu Beijing a coat. He was still studying by candlelight. "Don't fear them," he said softly.

I shook my head. "I'm not afraid. I'm just afraid you'll get hurt."

His gaze softened. "You saved my family. You're our lucky star."

Blushing, I fled. But he called after me, "Since you've cut ties, take a new name. How about 'Yuniang'?"

And so, I became Yuniang.

Despite Yu Beijing's admission to the prestigious White Crane Academy in the provincial capital, life remained busy. I focused on sericulture, earning enough to send him supplies and support his studies. Meanwhile, my mother spread rumors about the fortuneteller's prophecy, claiming I'd bring ruin to the Yu family. The villagers ignored her—they needed my silkworm techniques to profit.

The next year, Fan Guangzong failed his imperial exam again, while my silk business thrived, netting nearly 100 taels. I sent Yu Beiguo warm clothes and silver at the border, and he wrote back, rising through the military ranks. Winter approached, and he promised to visit.

One day, as we joked about his potential return, Yu Beijing abruptly stormed out after a comment about grandchildren. I chased him, but he'd vanished.

Then, a deadly cough epidemic struck the village. The old doctor returned with a remedy, but supplies ran short. I fell ill, unable to move, as funerals filled the air. In my delirium, Yu Beijing appeared, nursing me day and night. He missed the triennial imperial exam to care for me.

When I recovered, my mother taunted me again, but I silenced her with a broom. Days later, news arrived: the northern Rong tribes had invaded, and Yu Beijing was missing in action.