After becoming pregnant, aside from having a better appetite, Qiao Suiman didn’t feel any particular changes in his body. He still got up early every day to make milk tea and fragrant drinks. Lu Dongqing took on more tasks, and sometimes, he didn’t even need Qiao Suiman to chop firewood.
Once the milk tea and fragrant drinks were ready, Qiao Suiman would sit behind the cash counter, receiving and counting money. He managed just fine, and sometimes even found time to visit Lu Dongqing’s shop.
Lu Dongqing had already cleared the backlog of orders from before. Now, he didn’t accept too many new orders, ensuring he could both earn money and avoid being overly busy. In any case, he always has time to chat and stroll with Qiao Suiman.
After the New Year, the children in town have their New Year’s money and would run to the fragrant drink shop to buy milk tea, chasing each other around inside.
Fulang He, who has children of his own, returned after the New Year and noticed Lu Dongqing’s cautious demeanor toward Qiao Suiman, along with Qiao Suiman’s slightly fuller waistline. He guessed the reason and thus kept a close watch on the children to prevent them from rushing toward the cash counter.
The work at the shop wasn’t exactly light. He often had to work from early in the morning until the evening. But the owners were kind, never excluding him from the meat and vegetable dishes prepared for lunch. Sometimes, if there were extras, they would even let him take some home. It was much better than his previous jobs, so he has been working diligently.
He knew about Qiao Suiman’s intention to hire another person. Shopkeeper Qiao and Shopkeeper Lu had discussed it openly in front of him. Of course, he also understood that it was because, as the pregnancy progressed and after the child was born, Qiao Suiman wouldn’t have as much time to make the drinks and milk tea. Thus, they wanted to find someone early so they could get trained sooner.
Since he started working at the fragrant drinks shop, neighbors had learned of the many benefits. Some tried roundabout ways to ask if there were more positions open. But those people were only after the benefits, so he dared not recommend them to Qiao Suiman.
Shopkeeper Qiao and Shopkeeper Lu were huddled together discussing something again. When they reached a particularly amusing part, Qiao Suiman covered his mouth and laughed. Fulang He also smiled to himself. The two owners’ deep affection was famous along this street, and seeing it made him glad as well.
Qiao Suiman listened with a smile as Lu Dongqing shared amusing stories about some customers, casually taking a dried red date and putting it in his mouth to chew. The sweet, fragrant taste lifted his mood even further.
Two regular customers came in and mentioned that someone in the East Market had also started making this milk tea, but it was nowhere near as good as Qiao’s Fragrant Drink Shop’s. Not only did it have a fishy smell, but the tea aroma was also lacking. It became greasy after just two sips, yet it was sold at the same price as theirs.
Qiao Suiman learned about this a few days earlier. After the New Year, some customers already told them. Fulang He was worried and secretly bought a portion to try. After tasting it, he felt reassured. As long as the customers have any sense of taste, they wouldn’t return to that other shop.
It was after that day that he realized why Shopkeeper Qiao wasn’t worried at all. With such skill in hand, there was no need to fear others trying to copy them. Besides, others couldn’t replicate it properly.
However, because of this, Qiao Suiman was also troubled for a few days about hiring someone. To have someone take over making the fragrant drinks and milk tea, they would need to be trained properly. Otherwise, starting from scratch would be very time-consuming.
Secondly, the person hired must not harbor disloyal thoughts. If they stole the techniques and went elsewhere, even though all the customers in Shuiqing Town currently recognized the Qiao family’s brand, it would still be quite unpleasant. To avoid such a situation, a long-term contract was the best solution.
Most people in town were commoners, and few were willing to sign long-term contracts. After searching for a long time, they finally heard some news through Meng Yan.
Meng Yan’s maternal family had a distant cousin named Zhang Ning. Although they were distant relatives, they had frequent contact with the Meng family. Zhang Ning previously worked as a cook in a tavern south of town and lived comfortably.
But then, an elderly family member passed away not long ago, and the brothers in her husband’s family started arguing over dividing the family property. Her husband was the second son and was never the favorite of the elders. According to the elders’ wishes, the house went to the eldest son, the fertile land outside the town went to the third son, and they only received the silver left behind by the elders.
Food and lodging cost money. Originally, their home was relatively close to the tavern, so she could make it to work early every day. But now, with little silver on hand and two children to support, they couldn’t bear to rent a house near the tavern. After searching for some time, they finally found a place they liked in the north of town.
Her husband is a peddler[mfn]货郎 huòláng – itinerant peddler or street vendor who sells small goods[/mfn], so it didn’t matter where they lived. But with the change of residence, it became difficult for her to continue working at the tavern. Thus, she asked Meng Yan to help inquire on her behalf.
Since Laifu Wine House started offering drinks, other wine houses and taverns in town had followed suit, each offering several types of fragrant drinks. Zhang Ning was the one who made the fragrant drinks. She had long heard about Qiao Suiman from Meng Yan and had also heard of Qiao Suiman’s reputation. Though young, he had managed to establish a fragrant drink shop with his skills, which was truly remarkable.
She assured Meng Yan that if she could get the job at the shop, she would absolutely keep the secrets to herself. Otherwise, her family would forever be inferior to the other two brothers’ families, never able to rise above their circumstances.
Meng Yan knew she resented her in-laws’ partial treatment and was determined to build a better life. She sighed a few times and then approached Qiao Suiman about the matter.
Qiao Suiman quickly gave an answer. He allowed Zhang Ning to try working for half a month. If within that half-month she could replicate the taste of his drinks, she would be hired.
Zhang Ning noticed that Qiao Suiman was pregnant when she was trying out the job. She also offered to take on additional tasks like washing and cooking, hoping for a slightly higher wage.
Lu Dongqing has already considered hiring someone to help. At home, laundry and cooking were usually done by whoever had time, but recently, Lu Dongqing had taken on most of it.
However, sometimes when he had customers who hadn’t left, Qiao Suiman would do the chores himself. Now that he was over four months pregnant, his belly was becoming more noticeable, and the work was becoming more strenuous. Thus, Lu Dongqing began thinking about hiring help.
At night, Lu Dongqing applied medicinal oil to Qiao Suiman’s belly.
The medicinal oil was purchased from Huichun Hall. When women or fulang became pregnant, their stretched skin would inevitably develop stretch marks. Wealthier families would buy medicinal oil to apply. Qin Yu had also used it before.
As soon as Lu Dongqing heard about it, he went to Huichun Hall to buy some. After using it for half a month, Qiao Suiman’s skin became fair and tender.
The facial and body moisturizers Qiao Suiman had been using all winter left his entire body soft and fair, resembling a young master from a wealthy family.
“Xiao Man, I think what Zhang-dajie suggested is possible,” Lu Dongqing said softly as he gently spread the medicinal oil.
“I’m not so precious as to need someone to serve me,” Qiao Suiman murmured.
“Why not?” Lu Dongqing retorted. “Look, when Qin Yu-ge was eight months along, Hua-dajie came to help at home. It saved a lot of effort and allowed him to rest peacefully before delivery.”
“Besides, including this, it’s eight mace of silver. It’s not like we can’t afford it. The silver I earn is enough to hire eight or ten people,” Lu Dongqing said with a light laugh.
Qiao Suiman curled his lips. “Master Lu is quite famous now. But why would I need eight or ten people? If others found out, they’d surely laugh at me, and say that I am putting on airs[mfn]打肿脸充胖子 dǎzhǒngliǎnchōngpàngzi – (lit. to slap the face until swollen to look imposing) to act big; pretending or keeping up an appearance beyond one’s capability[/mfn], needing so many people to serve me.”
Lu Dongqing gently pressed his face against Qiao Suiman’s belly. “So one is enough. I think Zhang-dajie is reliable. Her children are all healthy. With her here, we won’t need Mother to come after the confinement month.”
They had already agreed earlier to return to the village for the birth. The village has more space, and both Qin Yu and Miao Lianhua were there. During the confinement month, they could hire Hua Yun to help again. But after the confinement month, Qiao Suiman would have to take care of the child and the business simultaneously, which would be too much. Since Hua Yun wasn’t willing to come to town, they would have to hire someone else.
Lu Dongqing asked Lu Huaqing about Zhang Ning’s family and children. After hearing what Lu Huaqing said, he began considering this idea.
By the time Qiao Suiman gave birth, Tang Guo’er and Lu Xuesong would have just married. Miao Lianhua certainly couldn’t leave them alone at home. With many chickens and ducks to care for, and Tang Guo’er needing to gather dried fruits and flowers for the fragrant drink shop, they would be too busy.
Lu Dongqing said many things, and Qiao Suiman’s heart melted completely. He knew Lu Dongqing was afraid he would overwork himself and had considered everything carefully. Softening, he said, “I understand. Let’s hire her for both roles. For these few months, including cleaning and cooking, we’ll pay eight mace. When we’re in the village, we’ll have Zhang-dajie manage the shop and pay five mace.”
“Mm.” Lu Dongqing smiled, his eyes curving. He washed the medicinal oil off his hands, held Qiao Suiman close, and captured his lips, gently licking and sucking it for a while.
Qiao Suiman was aroused and wrapped his arms around Lu Dongqing’s neck. He buried his face in his chest and rubbed against him, whispering, “Dongqing…”
Lu Dongqing understood. Previously, the physician had said that after three months and before eight months, they didn’t need to abstain from intimacy too strictly, as long as they weren’t too vigorous. So, every eight or nine days, they would be intimate, allowing both to satisfy their desires.
Lu Dongqing untied the inner garment he had just fastened for Qiao Suiman. He lowered his head, his lips gently caressing. Qiao Suiman trembled slightly and let out soft moans under Lu Dongqing’s tender movements.
After the commotion settled, Qiao Suiman fell asleep contentedly. Lu Dongqing held him tightly, also looking satisfied.
In the third month, Zhang Ning officially started working. Qiao Suiman felt much more relaxed. She was quite perceptive. After learning from Qiao Suiman for over ten days, she could replicate the flavors. They signed a long-term contract, pressed their fingerprints at the county office, and it was done.
During the learning process, Zhang Ning repeatedly marveled. What she had made before couldn’t even be called drinks! No wonder, even though Qiao Suiman had made fragrant drinks and milk tea many times in public, no one could copy him.
It looked simple, but there were many details to pay attention to during preparation. No wonder the shop’s business was prosperous.
Qiao Suiman didn’t completely hand over the fragrant drinks and milk tea to Zhang Ning yet. He would make one barrel of each type of fragrant drink and milk tea himself while supervising Zhang Ning as she made another barrel.
He was usually easygoing, but when making drinks, he was serious and strict. He would directly point out where Zhang Ning went wrong, so she became increasingly attentive. After all, only if the shop’s business flourished could she be paid, so he couldn’t afford to ruin it’s reputation.
“Qiao-gege, they’re all working very diligently. You can rest assured,” Tang Guo’er said. He and Tang Xiao had delivered persimmons, crabapples, and various dried flowers to town, all of which he had sun-dried recently.
Qiao Suiman smiled, putting the customer’s copper coins into the cash counter. “If not for you helping me gather fruits and flowers, I wouldn’t be this relaxed.”
Tang Guo’er chuckled at the compliment and whispered into Qiao Suiman’s ear, “I’ve also earned quite a bit, Qiao-gege. I’ll only tell you. Right now, I have eight taels and six mace of silver.”
Qiao Suiman laughed, repeatedly saying, “Guo’er is amazing, wealthier than many young ge’r.”
Tang Guo’er looked very proud. “That’s right.”
Qiao Suiman couldn’t stop laughing and similarly whispered, “Really? You only told me? Even Songzi doesn’t know?”
“Of course.” Tang Guo’er widened his eyes and nodded several times.
Qiao Suiman smiled and filled a bowl of milk tea for Tang Guo’er, quietly asking, “Is the wedding robe all ready?”
“It’s been ready for a long time. Sewing clothes is easy,” Tang Guo’er said cheerfully.
Qiao Suiman was choked by his words. He coughed lightly and nodded as if nothing happened. Tang Guo’er didn’t notice and continued to whisper to Qiao Suiman happily.
In the morning, after Zhang Ning finished making the fragrant drinks and milk tea and cleaned the kitchen and backyard, she started cooking. Lu Dongqing bought meat every day, and both she and Fulang He could have a few pieces. Sometimes, if she couldn’t finish it, she would take it home, and Qiao Suiman never said anything, making her even more grateful and diligent in her work.
At noon, Tang Xiao and Tang Guo’er stayed for lunch. Zhang Ning and Fulang He ate in a corner of the shop and did not join them.
Lu Dongqing had said that giving them benefits was one thing, but they mustn’t blur the lines between master and helper. Since they are paying, they should maintain the demeanor of employers to prevent others from developing ulterior motives. Qiao Suiman agreed, so they always ate separately.
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