The Butcher's Little Husband - Chapter 27

Early the next morning, Tian Xiaoman got up in a hurry—today, he was going to the county town with Li Wenxuan.

After dinner the night before, everyone had gone home. Tian Xiaoman helped Li Wenxuan make the bed and was about to head back to his own room when Li Wenxuan pulled him back and insisted on chatting for a while. This shameless behavior made Tian Xiaoman wonder if he was drunk.

Honestly, he should’ve taken a page from his Amu’s book and banned the men from drinking. Just wait until he and Li Wenxuan get married—let’s see if he still drinks this much then!

Li Wenxuan rambled on, but the gist of it was that he wanted Tian Xiaoman to promise to go to the county town with him and walk around the streets together. 

Under his mix of pestering and coaxing, Tian Xiaoman reluctantly agreed.

In truth, Tian Xiaoman did want to go. Last time he went with his Amu, they only sat in Li Wenxuan’s shop and didn’t get to go anywhere else!

As soon as Tian Xiaoman left, Li Wenxuan started laughing to himself. Clearly, he’d only pretended to be drunk just to trick Tian Xiaoman into agreeing.

After getting ready, Tian Xiaoman stepped out of his room. He saw Tian Amu and was about to ask for permission when his Amu said, “Wenxuan already told me he’s taking you to town today. I’ve agreed.”

Tian Xiaoman was about to praise Amu for being so kind when his Amu added, “You listen to Wenxuan when you’re out there. Don’t cause any trouble, you hear me?”

Tian Xiaoman nodded sulkily. Was he really that untrustworthy?

Tian Amu pulled out a small purse filled with loose silver and copper coins and handed it to him. “Take this with you. You and Wenxuan aren’t married yet—you can’t expect him to pay for everything. We won’t let others look down on us.”

“Oh,” Tian Xiaoman responded obediently. He knew his Amu was looking out for him.

“Go on then! Wenxuan’s already waiting outside. I’ve prepared breakfast for you. If it’s not enough, you can eat more when you get there.”

Hearing this, Tian Xiaoman quickly said goodbye and ran out of the courtyard. 

The moment he stepped outside, he saw Li Wenxuan already sitting on his horse, staring at the gate without blinking. 

The second he saw Tian Xiaoman, a big grin spread across his face. “Xiaoman, come on!” Li Wenxuan called, extending a hand toward him.

Tian Xiaoman reached up, and Li Wenxuan pulled him up onto the horse, seating him in front.

Once Tian Xiaoman was settled, Li Wenxuan handed him the breakfast from Tian Amu—five or six boiled eggs.

Tian Xiaoman pouted. “My Amu’s so nice to you. You’ve eaten all the eggs in the house!”

Li Wenxuan chuckled. “Xiaoman, are you jealous? Don’t worry, once you come live with me, my Amu will treat you even better. Want to go over and have some fun?” Li Wenxuan suddenly thought it was a great idea.

“I’m not going! It’s not proper to visit your house before we’re married,” Tian Xiaoman refused.

“What’s the big deal? You’ll have to go there sooner or later.”

“I don’t care. Just not today.”

“Alright, alright, you win. Let’s go have fun in the county today, okay?” Li Wenxuan gave in. After all, Tian Xiaoman was already his—there was no rush.

“Mm.” Tian Xiaoman was satisfied with his answer.

Li Wenxuan nudged the horse into motion. 

Once they left the village, he slowed down so Tian Xiaoman could eat.

Tian Xiaoman peeled an egg. It was white, tender, and looked delicious. He took a bite—soft yolk, just the way he liked it. He ate happily for a few bites before realizing Li Wenxuan hadn’t eaten yet.

“You eat too. Let’s split them—three each.”

“But I’m riding. Xiaoman, why don’t you peel one for me?” Li Wenxuan suggested, clearly trying to take advantage.

“You wish!” Tian Xiaoman scolded. But even so, he gave in and peeled one, then stuffed it into Li Wenxuan’s mouth.

Li Wenxuan happily ate it, thinking it was the tastiest egg he’d ever had.

Once their stomachs were half full, Li Wenxuan tugged on the reins and let the horse run at full speed.

Before long, the outline of the city gate came into view. 

Tian Xiaoman couldn’t help but sigh—riding a horse was so much faster than taking an ox cart!

After entering the city, Li Wenxuan brought the horse to the usual stable yard, paid a few coins, and came back with a wooden token.

“Xiaoman, let’s go. Time to get something to eat first!”