Si Yao is a twelve-year-old scholarly prodigy from Xingyu Village who has already achieved the rank of scholar and studies at the prestigious Yunlu Academy. Her life is marked by early tragedy; her father died before her birth, and her mother, Si Wen, left for war when Si Yao was three, never to return until she was brought back in a blood-soaked coffin. Upon her return, Si Yao is forced to confront a new family dynamic when her grandfather, Old Man Si, introduces Fang Zhiyue, a young man he purchased for half a tael of silver to serve as a spiritual remedy to save Si Wen’s life. Despite the superstition and the tragic outcome where Si Wen dies that very night, Fang Zhiyue remains in the household, accepted as the new husband, though he is treated with disdain and forced into servitude.
Fang Zhiyue is portrayed as a gentle, somewhat naive young man who is deeply devoted to his new role. He endures the harsh treatment of Old Man Si, who blames him for his daughter’s death and forces him to perform all the laborious household chores, including washing clothes in the freezing river and gathering wild vegetables. Despite this abuse, Fang Zhiyue’s primary concern is Si Yao’s well-being and education. He secretly uses his talent for intricate walnut pit carving to generate income, initially without Si Yao’s knowledge, to ensure she has the resources she needs for her studies and future examinations. His devotion is unwavering, and he views Si Yao not just as a stepdaughter but as the central figure he must protect and support.
The narrative follows the passage of three years, during which Si Yao matures from a cold, aloof child into a graceful young woman who continues to excel academically. Fang Zhiyue’s relationship with her evolves from one of distant respect to a closer, more complex bond. He becomes increasingly protective, often going to great lengths to ensure her comfort, such as braving a severe snowstorm to deliver warm clothes and money to her at the academy. In return, Si Yao begins to show subtle signs of affection and dependence, though she maintains a composed exterior. The villagers’ gossip and suspicion regarding Fang Zhiyue’s presence and the series of deaths in the Si family create a tense social environment, but Fang Zhiyue remains indifferent to their judgments, focusing solely on his duties.
A significant turning point occurs when Old Man Si falls critically ill due to the harsh weather and his declining health. Si Yao returns from the academy to care for him, and on his deathbed, he extracts a promise from Fang Zhiyue to take care of Si Yao until she marries and has children. After Old Man Si’s death, Si Yao offers Fang Zhiyue his indenture papers, allowing him to leave the family if he wishes. However, Fang Zhiyue firmly refuses, declaring his commitment to stay and care for her as he promised. This moment solidifies their bond, with Si Yao acknowledging his presence in her life more openly.
As time passes, Fang Zhiyue’s walnut carvings become a source of steady income through his partnership with the Chen family, particularly through the efforts of Chen Zhi, the brother-in-law of the talkative neighbor who initially befriends Fang Zhiyue. Chen Zhi develops a crush on Si Yao, leading to moments of tension and jealousy, particularly when Fang Zhiyue inadvertently hints at the possibility of a match between Si Yao and Chen Zhi. Si Yao’s reaction reveals her deeper feelings and possessiveness, causing Fang Zhiyue to retreat and promise never to hide things from her again. The story concludes with the two of them navigating their evolving relationship, bound by mutual dependence and unspoken emotions, as they face the future together in the face of societal expectations and personal hardships.
