### Time Skip (~ 1 year)
#### Village Elder's Son (POV) – Zhu Yang
When I woke up this morning, the first sound I heard was my wife gently urging me to have breakfast after freshening up. Her voice, though familiar, carried a tone of warmth and care that always made me grateful to have her by my side. I asked her about my father's whereabouts, and she mentioned, "He went for his morning walk." Morning walks, from 5:30 to 7:00 am, have become a cherished routine in our village—one of the many practices introduced by Master William about six months ago as part of his healthy lifestyle initiatives.
As I reflected on this, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude toward Master William. He's done so much for our village, transforming it in ways we could never have imagined. In many ways, he feels like a lucky guardian, a benevolent force watching over us.
Curious about my son, I asked my wife, and she smiled, "He's still fast asleep." Our little one is as stubborn as he is energetic, always resisting the morning but full of life once he wakes up. Not too concerned, I grabbed a bamboo bucket and cups, then headed to the public washroom at the corner of the village. The walk took about five minutes, but it was a pleasant one. The stone-paved roads, another gift from Master William, made the journey smooth and comfortable, a far cry from the muddy paths we used to have.
The public bathroom was spacious and impeccably clean, ensuring a healthy environment for everyone. It's rarely crowded, thanks to the large number of washrooms built throughout the village, separate for men and women. The women in the village were especially supportive of the new toilets being constructed closer to their homes, making their daily routines much more convenient.
After freshening up, I returned home to find the table laden with dishes, all lovingly prepared by my wife and mother. The aroma of freshly cooked rice, pickled vegetables, and steamed buns filled the air, making my mouth water. As I settled in, my father returned from his walk, heading straight to the backyard washroom for a bath. He's always been a man of routine, disciplined and punctual.
Once he joined us at the dining table, we exchanged morning greetings. My son, now washed and dressed by my wife, toddled over to join us as well. His sleepy eyes still struggling to fully wake up, but his enthusiasm for breakfast was undeniable. We all sat together, enjoying our family breakfast. There's something so comforting about these moments—sharing a meal with loved ones, exchanging small talk, and starting the day together.
After breakfast, I had a brief chat with my father about the plans for the day. I then set off toward the Pearl Hot Spring Hotel, a business that I now own, thanks to my father's guidance and Master William's support. The hotel is one of the village's first-class establishments, known for its exceptional service, exquisite food, and top-notch safety standards. It's become a popular destination, with a steady stream of customers coming and going.
As I approached the hotel, I noticed the hustle and bustle of guests checking in and out, the staff moving efficiently to accommodate their needs. The Pearl Hot Spring Hotel is a source of pride for me. It's a testament to how far our village has come. Every month, the village community elders conduct inspections to ensure the quality of service remains high, and I'm determined to meet their expectations.
Inside, I gathered the staff for our morning meeting. We discussed future development ideas, ways to improve our services, and how to handle the occasional customer complaint. Mistakes happen, especially during busy hours, but I'm proud of how hard the staff works to provide the best possible experience for our guests.
Many of the ideas we implement come from Peach Mansion, where Master William resides. His insights have been invaluable, and I'm always eager to learn from him. My wife, meanwhile, takes care of our home, handling all the domestic affairs with grace and efficiency. This allows me to focus entirely on the business, knowing that everything at home is in capable hands.
There are, of course, rules in the village to ensure the safety and reputation of our women. One such rule is that women should not step out of their homes after 7 pm without their husband or father, except in emergencies or for health reasons. This rule, though strict, has been accepted as a necessary measure to protect our women. Additionally, a new rule regarding single partnerships was announced last month, banning the practice of harems and extramarital affairs. This was Master William's proposal, aimed at promoting gender equality and safeguarding the rights of women in our village.
I support these rules wholeheartedly. I married my wife out of love, and I've never wanted to share that love with anyone else. In the past, we faced pressure from relatives who believed in the ancient practice of taking concubines. But now, with the new rules, I feel a sense of relief and vindication. These rules not only protect my marriage but also the dignity and rights of all women in the village.
As I reflect on these changes, I can't help but notice that my wife smiles more often now. The introduction of these rules has brought a sense of security and respect to the women of our village, even though the full implementation will take time. Some villagers still harbor reservations, but they remain silent out of respect for Mr. William. At least these rules offer some level of safety for women, but challenges remain, particularly with outsiders and travelers who may not adhere to our customs.
I believe it's essential to post these rules at the village entrances, ensuring that everyone who enters knows and respects our customs. I'll discuss this idea with my father later.
Little did I know, the one responsible for inspiring William to introduce these rules was still fast asleep, nestled comfortably in William's protective embrace.
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### New Village Rules:
These rules apply to both men and women:
Adultery: Anyone found engaging in extramarital affairs will be banned from the village for 10 years. All properties will be divided evenly among the children and the spouse. This rule applies equally to both genders.
Concubines: If anyone wishes to marry a concubine, the property will only be inherited by the children of the first wife after her death.
Equal Rights: All children, regardless of gender, have equal rights to the ancestral property. Girls will receive their share of property or money as dowry at the time of their marriage.
Property Rights: A husband has no authority over his wife's property or dowry.
Harassment: Harassing a girl or woman is considered a severe crime. If proven guilty, the offender must pay half of his property to the victim and will be handed over to local officials.
False Rumors: Spreading false rumors about a girl or woman is a punishable offense. If proven guilty, the offender must pay compensation based on the mental damage caused to the victim and her reputation.
Marriage Rights: A girl or woman has the right to choose her marriage partner.
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Author's Note: I don't intend to repeat all the rules we have in modern society, but these were necessary to establish the context of the story and the cultural setting of the village.
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#### Village Elder's Son (POV) – Zhu Yang
Nowadays, I see my wife smiling a lot more than she used to, especially since the new reputation rules were implemented. Perhaps other women in the village feel the same. However, enforcing these rules will be challenging, especially since some villagers still oppose them quietly, out of respect for Mr. William. But at least, these rules provide a certain level of safety for women.
The real challenge lies with outsiders and travelers who visit Bamboo Village. They might not be aware of or follow our rules. That's why I believe it's crucial to have these rules posted visibly at the village entrances so everyone can see and read them. I should bring this up with my father.
As these thoughts ran through my mind, little did I know that the one responsible for encouraging William to introduce these rules was still sleeping soundly, nestled in William's protective embrace.
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Author's Note: I hope this expanded version adds more depth and emotion to the story. See you later.