Jai Mei's Unforeseen Journey to Ancient China

Chapter Forty Eight: A Moment of Respite

After the day's emotionally charged ceremony, a tangible weariness settled over Jai Mei. "I know I haven’t been out for long," she began, her voice tinged with exhaustion, "but today has been quite draining, for all of us, I believe. I think it’s best if I rest early tonight, and I encourage you all to do the same. If you need me, don't hesitate to come and get me."

As Xiao Hei, her loyal dog, along with the playful puppies, scampered in from the back room, a wave of warmth rushed through her. She settled down and embraced Xiao Hei, showering her with affectionate kisses. The little pups, eager for attention, clambered all over her in a tangle of excitement.

The husbands exchanged knowing glances, each wearing a small, contented grin. It was clear to them that Jai Mei was rediscovering her 'new' self – the one they had started to appreciate and care for.

A shadow of sadness flickered across Jai Mei's face as she turned to Xiao Hei.

"Mommy is so sorry for neglecting you these past few days. I've been a bad mommy. Can you forgive me?" In response, Xiao Hei affectionately licked her nose, while the puppies continued their playful exploration.

With a light giggle, Jai Mei glanced back at her husbands. "I'm off to bed now," she announced, gathering the dogs in her arms. She retreated to her room, the weight of the day guiding her steps.

The husbands, having little left to attend to, concluded their duties. Each retreated to their own space to reflect, rest, or simply lie in bed, processing the events of the day and the changes unfolding in their lives.

As the evening draped its cloak over the day, Chun Wei gently roused Jai Yuna from her slumber. "Jai Yuna, we've prepared dinner. Come and eat," he coaxed, glancing at Xiao Hei and her puppies, urging them to go outside to potty.

Jai Mei, still ensnared in the arms of sleep, murmured a sleepy acknowledgment, "Mm-hmm, okay, I'm coming." Yet the weariness clung to her, heavy and unyielding.

She managed to sit up on her knees, her head bowed into the bed, like a child straining against drowsiness. But sleep reclaimed her, drawing her back into its embrace.

Minutes later, Liu Feng entered. The sight of her, half-awake and slumped over, caught him off guard. With a chuckle, he nudged her gently, "Come on, you need to eat now."

Jai Mei looked up, bleary-eyed, and promised, "I'm coming. Just a couple more minutes." He smiled and retreated, leaving her to gather herself.

Time trickled by until Shu Wang appeared, amusement in his voice as he addressed her, "Wife."

Jai Mei's response was a sleepy hum. "You need to eat something. Are you going to join us?"

She assured him, "Yes, I'm coming. Just give me a couple of minutes."

Shu Wang, half-laughing, replied, "We gave you 'a couple of minutes' a while ago. Here, let me help you." He reached down, guiding her to sit up.

As she crawled out of bed, her steps wavered, and she stumbled, caught swiftly by Shu Wang's steady hands.

"Are you okay?" he asked, concern lacing his voice.

"I'm just so sleepy," she admitted, draping her arms over his shoulders for support as he helped her walk. Their entrance into the dining area drew amused looks from the other husbands.

Hao Zhang quipped, seeing her drowsy state, "She must be really tired. Maybe we should just let her be."

But Jai Mei's head popped up, her voice clear with determination, "No, I'm hungry."

Jai Mei, struggling with drowsiness and a nagging headache, sat down to eat but soon leaned forward, her hand on her forehead, trying to shake off the discomfort.

The abruptness of her waking had left her disoriented. As she tried to focus, a cup of tea was placed gently in front of her.

Shu Wang, ever attentive, rubbed her back soothingly. "Are you sure you're okay wife?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.

Touching her stomach, Jai Mei winced slightly. "I think I might be starting my cycle. I feel a cramp in my stomach. That might explain why I'm so tired," she mused, attempting to make sense of her lethargy.

Throughout the meal, she found herself needing assistance, her energy waning. However, after eating, she felt a bit more revitalized.

She retreated to her room to confirm her suspicions, and indeed, her cycle had begun. She freshened up and took some pain medication to alleviate the discomfort.

Seeking a reprieve, Jai Mei stepped outside to bask in the fresh air and sunlight, hoping to gather some strength.

She had intentions to assist with the day’s chores, but her husbands, noticing her condition, insisted she rest instead.

They gently ushered her to sit, showing a newfound tenderness and understanding, a stark contrast to the past's turmoil.

In the days that followed, tranquility seemed to settle over their home. Jai Mei, seizing this newfound peace, decided to impart some basic medical knowledge to her husbands.

She taught them about identifying herbs, concocting remedies, recognizing symptoms, and creating quick, effective treatments.

Her rationale was simple yet profound: equip them with skills that could aid them in the future, making them well-rounded individuals capable of weathering any storm life might throw their way.

After one of their many enlightening lessons, Jai Mei posed a question that delved deep into their aspirations:

"What are your goals, your dreams, in this life?"

Hao Zhang shared his simple yet heartfelt desire: to live a farmer's life with his sister.

Liu Feng, on the other hand, dreamed of becoming a scholar, traveling the world, and absorbing its vast knowledge.

Chun Wei, with a sad look and more reserved, chose to keep his dreams private, a personal secret he wasn’t ready to share.

Apologizing for any discomfort her question might have caused, Jai Mei was quickly reassured by Chun Wei, that it was okay.

Then Shu Wang expressed his longing to be a good husband and own a clothing shop, a place where he could bring people's sartorial dreams to life.

Jai Mei listened attentively, her mind already racing with ideas to help them achieve these dreams. Then, turning the focus to herself, she shared, "Would you like to know my dream?"

They all looked at her with curiosity. "I don't aspire to be a farmer," she confessed.

"It's noble work, but my heart yearns for something different. I dream of living in a small courtyard house, not too far from the city. A place where I can integrate the skills I've learned here, but in a more tranquil setting. A place to simply be, to relax, and to live out my days in peace."

As she spoke, her eyes reflected a vision of her future, a serene escape from the harshness of past years, a personal haven where she could find solace and contentment.