The five stood observing the day's work, Shi Dong sighed before saying,
"At this pace, it will take us almost weeks to be done".
Mu Wei calmly corrected him.
"It's the exact pace we need"
Su Xiao reassuringly added,
"If we stack it any faster, it will buckle under the weight. For now, the tunnel is safe, that's what matters today"
They stood in tactic understanding before Mu Wei said,
"Let's go inside"
Su Xiao seeing how exhausted everyone was decided to cook. She took her time for the rich, fiery stew of wild mountain rabbit filled with crushed red chili and wild ginger. She added an unnoticeable amount of spring water to soothe the tense muscles by tomorrow.
They soon found themselves intoxicated with the sharp, numbing heat as he handed everyone their portion. They dug in relishing the warmth that spread throughout their body. Small and big gathered around the fire pit and ate with gusto till they were sweating.
They packed up and trotted home where they took turns bathing. It was another fulfilling and satisfying day. Everyone was exhausted so no talks were made. The next morning, they were all already at the site. The laborers soon trudged to the clearing ready for the day's work.
"Today, we do not lag. We raise the walls by another full foot before twilight!"
His voice boomed across the clearing motivating the workers. The heavy grey rice-lime mortar hissed into the seams, locking the third and fourth tiers of stone into place. By midafternoon, the wall had risen another foot, clearing breast-height and systematically swallowing the view of the valley below.
Standing hundreds of yards away from the noise, deep within the main core, Su Xiao stood with a stick and measuring line. She meticulously layed out the boundaries of the next villa. This would be Bai Ling's and Shi Dong's residence. She adjusted the silk line to expand the southern wing of the blueprint, creating a sprawling, elegant courtyard layout.
Bai Ling stood beside her looking at the lines drawn on the dirt.
"It's beautiful"
She murmured as her eyes traced the grand layout with her eyes.
"But... It's spacious, My lady. We're merely followers committed to my lady. We don't deserve such kindness and generosity"
Su Xiao paused planting the wooden sticks into the soil and faced her smiling softly,
"You're not a mere follower, you're my family. You two belong here with us. Right now, it's just the both of you, but winters here are long and peace is returning to us. In a year or two, there will be small feet running through this paths"
Bai Ling's breath hitched as her cheeks flushed a deep rosy pink. She looked from the wide foundation lines down to her own stomach. Her heart swelled with a sudden, overwhelming wave of emotions. To be treated and considered so thoroughly for, was a dignity she had not experienced.
"Thank you"
All the emotions running through her were converted to those two words. Her voice thick with gratitude as she hugged her. Su Xiao squeezed her hands warmly as they broke the hug.
"Let's make it perfect then. If you have any thoughts, share it with me so we can arrange it"
"I... I want a garden in our courtyard where I can plant vegetables and fruits"
"Sure. Anything else?"
"No"
With renewed energy, the two women began diving the wooden sticks into the earth. After that, Mu Wei lead a batch of workers to the site. At his command, the used heavy, square-cut blocks of river stone to create a raised durable stone plinth. She pointed to the centre where the couple's master bedroom would be situated and carefully placed an integrated heavy, pre-cast stone chamber in the foundation.
Beneath it lay a labyrinth of sealed channels linking to the heat-vein controlled by the main pavilion.
"Bring up the pillars"
At Mu Wei's command, four massive trunks of seasoned, dense ironwood were rolled onto the site and dropped perfectly into the recessed stone socket and carefully steadied. By the time the twilight horn blew, the house foundation had successfully taken root. It wasn't finished but the foundation was set.
The workers made their way home in hushed, exhausted whispers. As they sat by the hearth eating; Shi Dong and his wife suddenly stood up and bowed.
"My lady, to give us a home of such grand scale and to think of our future family before we even dared to think it ourselves. We do not have the words to repay this kindness and the ones you did for us throughout our journey here. Our lives will be solely dedicated to both of you"
Su Xiao forced them to straighten up, a feigned stern look on her face as she admonished
"I told you that you're family. This is what family do for each other. All of you here including the brothers are family to us so don't worry about meaningless things. Eat, rest and save your strength for tomorrow work"
"Yes auntie Bai Ling. We're all family"
"Hahaha, we're brothers. Don't be so polite"
"Listen to your madam"
With those words from everyone, their eyes moistened as they sat down. After chatting for a brief moment, they packed up and went home. The night closed over the mountain as the quiet breathing of the family filled the room. It has been a emotional upheaval for the couple who couldn't sleep.
They held each other and whispered,
"My lady said she was going to build a nursery for our children"
"Yes. The kids can play around there"
"Husband?"
"Hm?"
"Do you think... I can still give you a child?"
Shi Dong's face darkened as he reprimanded her,
"Stop talking nonsense. There is nothing wrong with you. With kids or not, I still love you"
"I know, I just feel awful that I couldn't give you a child since we got married"
"Shh. Don't cry. If you still feel doubtful, after everything is settled, we can talk to madam to take a look at you?"
"Okay. I trust madam"
"Good. Now don't think much and go to sleep"
With that, the couple hugged each other and soon surrendered to slumber.