The Sweet Little Fulang

Chapter 132

The wind ceased, leaving behind a scorching sky and a blazing sun that emitted waves of heat. Those seeking refuge in the shade found even looking towards the sunny slope unbearable, as the ground appeared bleached by the sun, discouraging even a squint.

The dog lay on the ground, panting and sticking out its tongue. It could only be active in the morning and evening, growing lazy at noon.

In the yard, flower branches attracted buzzing bees, and cicadas chirped tirelessly in the tree. Despite the absence of wind, the leaves remained still, inducing drowsiness in onlookers.

Standing under the noonday sun could parch and scorch one's skin. Regardless of diligence or capability, people had to avoid direct sunlight.

Lu Gu and Shen Xuanqing lay on bamboo mats, both fanning themselves vigorously, yet still perspiring profusely.

Shen Xuanqing propped up one leg, using a hand fan to cool himself before turning to fan Lu Gu in the bed. "I heard porcelain pillows can be filled with cold water, or even made with ice porcelain. I'm thinking of buying two when I visit town."

In the household, only two bamboo mats were available. Ji Qiuyue held one, the other by Wei Lanxiang. Both young women, they deferred to their elders without contention.

Despite their readiness to rest, Lu Gu and Shen Xuanqing found themselves discussing purchasing bamboo mats and fans for sale in the afternoon.

The fans, embroidered by Lu Gu, were in high demand during hot weather. He had embroidered twelve, complete with tasseled handles.

As for the bamboo mats, they were inexpensive. Shen Yaoqing planned to buy several from the neighboring village, or they could stop by on their way back from town and discuss the matter with the family later.

In summer, with long days, napping in the afternoon would be ideal for country folk. However, most had other household chores to attend to and rarely found the time to rest.

Lu Gu used to be occupied with embroidery work on hot days, assigned by Du Hehua. This summer, however, he found respite at noon, making his life considerably easier.

With rolled-up trousers and sleeves, exposing his large arms and thighs, Lu Gu lay beside Shen Xuanqing. Unlike Lu Gu's fair limbs, Shen Xuanqing appeared slightly darker, his limbs slender and muscular, his bronzed skin appearing robust.

Under the blazing sun, fatigue set in, and Lu Gu and Shen Xuanqing, weary from the morning's activities, closed their eyes and drifted off to sleep. Occasionally, the hand wielding the fan would falter, eventually coming to rest on their stomachs, while the raised arms found solace in a resting position.

Before retiring, they brought a basin of hot water into the room for a refreshing wipe, but now, lying down, the heat proved too much to bear, and they remained still despite the discomfort.

Lu Gu's palm fan rested on his stomach, while Shen Xuanqing's hand fan continued to sway slightly, occasionally rousing him to fan Lu Gu.

Squeezed onto the bed, Lu Gu fell into a fitful sleep, instinctively seeking cooler spots on the warm bamboo mat. Their arms brushed against each other, causing a light sweat to form where they touched. Even Shen Xuanqing, after moving away from the bed, felt relief from the separation.

As the heat persisted, they shifted positions to find respite. Despite the restless sleep, they managed to steal a brief nap.

Upon awakening, the sun had dulled slightly. Lu Gu wiped the sweat from his forehead, pushed back a few strands of damp hair, slipped on his shoes, and headed outside to wash his face. The water, warmed by the sun, provided a refreshing cleanse. The subsequent breeze brought instant relief.