MFBOWSBTMT Chapter 100

Qin Xiaoyao’s heart warmed immensely upon hearing this. Since Qiao Suiman and his husband opened this fragrant drink shop, the business on this street has been better than before. They had even brought back food from their trip to the prefectural city for him. Where could one find such good neighbors?

 

“Let me tell you, Liu Tianfu was taken to the county office!” Qin Xiaoyao lowered his voice, though the excitement in his tone could still be heard.

 

“Really? What did he do?” Qiao Suiman asked, sensing something.

 

“It was because of that matter with Xiao Shun. He was the one who played the middleman. After Xiao Shun was released, he went to Liu Tianfu demanding fifty taels as a fine. That stingy person refused, so Xiao Shun dragged him down along with him!”

 

“The county office sent people the day after you left. Now that shop is up for sale again.” Qin Xiaoyao said, laughing as he spoke.

 

“Selling the shop to pay the fine?” Qiao Suiman asked.

 

“Yes. It should have gone under long ago, but he stubbornly wasted his family’s money until now. I heard the Liu family won’t let him run a business anymore.”

 

“Hmph, serves him right.” Qin Xiaoyao said.

 

Qiao Suiman couldn’t help but laugh. He went to the backyard and fetched a small packet of air-dried beef, not even as big as a palm. He bought this from the Hu people. Just this little bit costs sixty wen. He smiled and said, “I didn’t buy much. Take it and have a taste.”

 

Qin Xiaoyao clicked his tongue, “This must have cost a lot. I can’t accept it. Take it home for your family.”

 

“We have some at home. This is for you. Please take it. We owe thanks to you all for helping us buy the shop in the first place.”

 

Qiao Suiman pressed the dried beef into Qin Xiaoyao’s hand. Seeing he couldn’t refuse, Qin Xiaoyao accepted it with a smile, thinking to himself that next time he returned home, he must bring some of the village’s special horned chestnuts for Qiao Suiman.

 

After chatting with Qiao Suiman, Qin Xiaoyao happily carried the dried beef back to the noodle shop. Wu Qi was tidying up the tables and chairs. Seeing his expression, he laughed. “You look so happy! Did you pick up some silver?”

 

“Yes, and this is something silver alone couldn’t buy.”

 

He then waved the dried beef in his hand in front of Wu Qi. “Xiao Man brought it for me from the prefectural city. It’s an air-dried beef bought from the Hu people.”

 

Wu Qi’s eyes widened, “They are truly thoughtful. Things sold by the Hu people aren’t cheap.”

 

“Of course. What relationship do Xiao Man and I have?” Qin Xiaoyao said, his lips curving into a radiant smile.

 

Wu Qi shook his head adoringly, “My fulang is truly amazing.”

 

On the morning of the twenty-fifth day of the fifth month, Master Tang personally delivered twenty-two large bowls of goat milk to the shop. Worried it might spill on the way, he had his servant prepare two extra bowls.

 

Not only him, but Tang Xiao, Tang Guo’er, another young lady around Tang Guo’er’s age named Tang Ting, Miao Lianhua, and Lu Xuesong also came along in his carriage.

 

“Qiao-gege!”

 

Tang Guo’er ran up to Qiao Suiman as soon as he saw him, turning to the young lady beside him and saying, “Ting-jie’er, this is Qiao-gege. The drinks he makes are delicious.”

 

Tang Ting smiled like a child, “I know, I had some during the Dragon Boat Festival. That Immortal Peach Drink was really good.”

 

Qiao Suiman smiled and invited them to sit down. The sky had only just brightened, so they must have gotten up early.

 

Lu Dongqing tied the horse next to the donkey pen and said with a smile, “Mother, Uncle Tang, Master Tang, please come inside and sit.”

 

The shop had not yet opened, and the inside was dim and unsuitable for talking, but the back courtyard was brighter. Lu Dongqing brought out a few more chairs from the storage room. Normally, it was just him and Qiao Suiman, so they only kept two chairs, but now, that was not enough.

 

“The goat milk is all here, Man-ge’r, take a look.” Master Tang said.

 

Qiao Suiman glanced and asked, “There are two extra bowls?”

 

Master Tang patted his chest, “I brought extra in case it spilled on the road. Luckily, it was wrapped tightly, and not a drop was lost. The extra is my gift to you for your opening.”

 

Master Tang has his own considerations. The reputation of Qiao Suiman’s bamboo-tube milk tea was spreading fast. Maintaining his cooperation with Qiao Suiman was beneficial, so he naturally wanted to secure the business tightly. Besides, they were practically family now. Since they would be entertained here today, bringing more goat milk would ensure Qiao Suiman’s business wasn’t affected.

 

In business, sometimes earning a little less can bring far greater rewards than being too stingy.

 

“Thank you, Master Tang.”

 

Qiao Suiman replied with a smile.

 

“Xiao Man-gege, Qiao-dage said Qin Yu-ge‘s is heavily pregnant, so he didn’t come along. He’ll bring the little nephew another time,” Lu Xuesong said, leaning closer to Tang Guo’er as he spoke.

 

“Mn,” Qiao Suiman nodded, “I understand.”

 

Tang Guo’er playfully glared at Lu Xuesong, then asked Qiao Suiman, “Qiao-gege, I heard you have a plaque inscribed by the County Magistrate. Where is it? Can I see it?”

 

“You child, of course it’s hanging outside. The red cloth can only be removed at the auspicious time.” Tang Xiao said in a deep voice, but his tone was doting.

 

“Is that so? Then I’ll wait a bit longer.” Tang Guo’er was clearly used to Tang Xiao’s scolding and said with a smile, “I want to drink milk tea too, Qiao-gege. I want to be the first to buy it!”

 

Qiao Suiman smiled. “No need to wait. I’ll make some for you right now. Later, you can stand right by the plaque to make others envious. That way you’ll be the closest and have the best view.”

 

“Great!”

 

“These two kids.” Miao Lianhua said with a laugh. Their way of speaking was so similar.

 

They chatted and laughed under the eaves while Qiao Suiman prepared the milk tea in the kitchen. Lu Dongqing assisted as usual. Tang Guo’er initially wanted to go in and watch but worried he might be in the way, so he stood by the window whispering with Tang Ting. Lu Xuesong tried to join their conversation twice but failed both times.

 

Seeing this, Qiao Suiman secretly smiled. Guo’er was so focused on the milk tea that he probably didn’t notice Songzi was also trying to speak with him.

 

Qiao Suiman was already very skilled at making milk tea. As soon as one pot was ready, Lu Dongqing wordlessly took it, filled the bamboo bowls, and brought them to Miao Lianhua and the others.

 

Seeing this, Tang Guo’er also returned to his chair and said to Tang Ting, “The milk tea is especially good. I couldn’t forget it after having it last time.”

 

Tang Ting asked curiously, “But Qiao-gege hasn’t sold it before. When did you have it?”

 

Lu Xuesong coughed. A faint blush slowly spread across Tang Guo’er’s cheeks: “Aiya, I just had it, alright? Just drink it and don’t ask any more questions.”

 

Tang Xiao’s gaze turned towards Lu Xuesong, carrying a hint of displeasure.

 

You little rascal. When did you secretly meet my child, and I didn’t even know?

 

Miao Lianhua understood the situation perfectly and quickly waved her hand, “Be careful, it’s hot. It’s best to let it cool a bit. The flavor is most wonderful when it’s warm.”

 

Tang Xiao drew his gaze back to Tang Guo’er. Seeing him lower his head guiltily and avoid his eyes, he sighed helplessly. A child who has grown up should not be kept at home.

 

Qiao Suiman said quietly to Lu Dongqing, “Uncle Tang actually didn’t know about Songzi seeking out Guo’er.”

 

There was amusement in his tone.

 

“Of course he wouldn’t dare let Uncle Tang know,” Lu Dongqing also chuckled softly. “Songzi knows the limits. But Uncle Tang dotes on his son. Before marriage, he surely wouldn’t want his child meeting his future husband alone.”

 

“Indeed. Not everyone is like us, setting up stalls together all the time before we were even married.” Qiao Suiman said with a quiet laugh.

 

“I liked being with you. Whenever someone asked, I said I was the one insisting on sticking to you.” Lu Dongqing leaned closer to Qiao Suiman, whispering in his ear.

 

“Sweet talker,” Qiao Suiman whispered. “Don’t get so close. There are people outside.”

 

Only then did Lu Dongqing step back a little. On such a great day, he mustn’t provoke him. Once everyone left, there would be plenty of time to get close properly.

 

Because time was tight, Qiao Suiman first boiled four bowls of goat milk, then heated the tea leaves and sugar in another pot. When the tea was ready, he poured the boiled goat milk into it, while Lu Dongqing prepared the next pot of milk.

 

They had already prepared half a barrel each of the other drinks early on, which were placed on the large wooden table in the shop. Now, they only needed to focus on making the milk tea.

 

After their two-day experience in the prefectural city, Qiao Suiman and Lu Dongqing worked quickly. Each managed their own task, and soon the second pot of milk tea was ready.

 

They poured the milk tea from two pots into a newly purchased porcelain jar. The milk tea looked even richer and creamier against the pure white interior of the jar, its aroma thick and enticing. Lu Dongqing moved the jar to the shop front. Qiao Suiman immediately made another pot and added it in. There were still two sticks of incense left until the auspicious time.

 

Qiao Suiman and Lu Dongqing opened the shop door just as Lu Huaqing arrived with Meng Yan and Yangyang. Qiao Suiman asked Meng Yan to take Yangyang to the backyard. Lu Dongqing and Lu Huaqing each stood on one side, holding firecrackers.

 

After two strings of firecrackers were set off, the nearby shops and residents knew they were about to start selling milk tea. People gradually came to the door to ask, “How much longer? I came as soon as I heard the noise.”

 

“Two sticks of incense. Very soon. Please wait a little longer,” Lu Dongqing replied.

 

This time, they only needed to unveil one plaque. After the firecrackers, Lu Dongqing let Lu Xuesong take his place, while he and Qiao Suiman stood on either side of the plaque, waiting for the auspicious time.

 

Tang Guo’er ran and, true to Qiao Suiman’s word, stood in the spot closest to the plaque, eagerly waiting for the unveiling.

 

More and more people gathered, and the auspicious time drew nearer. As before, the moment Lu Huaqing called out “The auspicious time has arrived!”, the two looked at each other, smiled, and simultaneously pulled down the red cloth covering the plaque.

 

The bold characters “Qiao’s Bamboo-Tube Milk Tea” hung at the center of their shop. The solid wood background was elegant and dignified, and the vigorous and flowing[mfn]笔走龙蛇 bǐ zǒu lóng shé (pen moves like a dragon) – describes the calligraphy or writing that is vivid and powerful, with vigorous and lively strokes[/mfn] ink-black calligraphy drew exclamations of admiration from the crowd.

 

“It’s really impressive.” Tang Guo’er said with wide eyes.

 

“Of course. It was personally written by Magistrate Liu. How could it be anything less?”

 

“Heavens, this shop is truly remarkable.”

 

Qiao Suiman curved his lips into a smile: “Everyone, you can buy the milk tea now! The other drinks are available too!”

 

With the plaque unveiled, the next wave of excitement began, which was the official sale of milk tea in Shuiqing Town.

 

Aunt Xu came early and squeezed to the front. Qiao Suiman smiled and gave her a generous serving. Aunt Xu caught his meaning and grinned from ear to ear. She paid happily and sat down with another woman.

 

Those still waiting closely watched them, urging, “Is it good? Don’t just look, drink it!”

 

Auntie Xu took a deep breath as if savoring some divine nectar and took a small sip. At once, her expression froze in astonishment. “Heavens above, this taste, the twenty-five wen is worth it!”

 

She then took several more sips before stopping. The woman with her did the same, her eyes full of surprise.

 

Their reaction made the people in the line behind them even more anxious and they couldn’t wait to get the drink.

 

After making over ten servings, the milk tea in the porcelain jar was half gone. Qiao Suiman asked Lu Dongqing and Miao Lianhua to watch the front while he returned to the kitchen to make more.

 

He had already set aside a serving for Meng Yan. She and Yangyang were sipping it slowly. Yangyang raised her smiling face: “Xiao-mo, delicious, love, love xiao-mo.”

 

Qiao Suiman burst into laughter: “As long as Yangyang likes it. Xiao-mo loves Yangyang too.”

 

Meng Yan smiled gently. “This child loves these drinks. Every day she says she wants to come find you.”

 

Qiao Suiman smiled as he made the milk tea. Meng Yan chatted with Tang Guo’er and the others. Knowing he was busy, she didn’t let Yangyang disturb him further. With Tang Ting and Tang Guo’er there, Yangyang was also having fun.

 

As the backyard was full of girls and ge’r, Master Tang and Tang Xiao went to the front to help.

 

Lu Dongqing came into the kitchen every once in a while to bring out the milk tea Qiao Suiman had prepared. It wasn’t until halfway through si shi[mfn]巳时 : 9-11 AM[/mfn] that the crowd gradually thinned.

 

As usual, Qin Xiaoyao delivered noodles to them. After lunch, things became manageable. Tang Xiao and the others did not linger. Master Tang needed to return to check the goat farm, so they all went home.

 

Lu Xiang was unwell and Chen Fanhuan stayed home to care for him, so they didn’t come today. Lu Huaqing and Meng Yan returned home before mealtime and didn’t eat at the shop.

 

After everyone left, there were still six or seven customers in the shop. Past the busiest and most exhausting period, and with all the milk tea prepared, Qiao Suiman sat at the wooden table. When customers came to buy milk tea, he would prepare it and hand it over. When there were no customers, he sat spacing out, sometimes meeting Lu Dongqing’s eyes, both their faces filled with smiles.

 

One shop, two people, three meals, four seasons.[mfn]This is based from a popular saying: 一屋两人三餐四季 (yī wū liǎng rén sān cān sì jì) (with 鋪子 (pùzi, shop) replacing 屋 (wū, house/room)). This incorporates the numbers “one, two, three, four” into a single sentence to capture the sweetness of love.[/mfn] Life was peaceful but not dull.

 

After finishing the day’s business, Qiao Suiman picked up the Three Character Classic again to continue studying. In all this time, he had already learned to write his own name and even Lu Dongqing’s name.

 

Qiao Suiman smiled as held the brush and wrote on the paper: Qiao Suiman, Lu Dongqing, a complete pair of husband and fulang, may we enjoy peace and longevity together for a hundred years.

 

When he looked up, Lu Dongqing was looking at him tenderly, his eyes full of boundless love. Qiao Suiman’s eyes curved into smiles, and his heart was full of joy.

 

The two figures intertwined, their silhouettes drawn out endlessly by the setting sun.

 

—End of Main Story—

 

 

 

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Translator [Lune]: The main story has finally come to an end. These past four months have been the busiest I’ve ever experienced. However, this is not the conclusion just yet! The author has prepared extra chapters that delve into the characters’ daily lives, explore backstories, and include scenes featuring couples we didn’t get to see in the main story. And of course, we’ll also get to meet the babies! (I know we’re all waiting for the babies) With Qin Yu about to give birth and *EHEMQiaoSuimanExpectingSoonEHEM*, we can look forward to more of their stories.

Update schedule is going to be the same, see you tomorrow for the extra chapters!

 

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If you enjoy my translations, consider buying me a milk tea 🥛🍵