Qiao Suiman drank his porridge one mouthful after another. The porridge contained a good amount of chicken left from yesterday, shredded and cooked together, making it fragrant and sweet. He ate with great pleasure.
Miao Lianhua was also relieved to see this. “The child is sensible, sparing you much suffering. Yan-jie was very fussy during her pregnancy. Huaqing-xiaozi said she couldn’t even eat. It was so pitiful.”
“Yan-jie can still manage to eat some pastries. I bring her a pack or two each time I visit. It cheers her up a bit,”
Qiao Suiman also said with a sigh. Apart from frequent leg cramps at night and being easily emotionally overwhelmed, he felt much the same as before the pregnancy. However, Meng Yan was having a hard time and her face had thinned considerably. Though Chen Fanhuan provided her with good food and drink every day, she only regained a little bit of weight. They didn’t even let her look after Yangyang anymore.
“There’s still some lotus flower pastry, shall I get you a piece?” Lu Dongqing asked.
“Bring them all here. Guo’er will probably be out soon,” Qiao Suiman said with a smile.
Indeed, on the second day after the wedding, Tang Guo’er had slept in, but no one disturbed him. He was exhausted the night before, so sleeping late was only natural. A stick of incense ago, Lu Xuesong brought a bowl of sugar water eggs in the room so they must have finished eating them by now.
Just as Lu Dongqing brought the lotus flower pastries, Tang Guo’er and Lu Xuesong emerged. Tang Guo’er’s face was slightly flushed as he greeted everyone, “Mother, Da-ge, Qiao-gege.”
Qiao Suiman smiled and pulled him to sit down, placing a piece of lotus flower pastry in his hand. “The lotus cake from Hu’s Pastries is delicious.”
“Thank you, Qiao-gege.”
“Ah, we’re family. No need for such words.”
Miao Lianhua said, her smile deepening the wrinkles around her eyes. She stood up. “I’ll ladle some porridge for you.”
“Mother, Guo’er and I should serve you tea first,” Lu Xuesong said.
“Alright, alright, alright.”
Miao Lianhua happily went to sit in the main hall. Qiao Suiman had already prepared two bowls of tea. Lu Xuesong and Tang Guo’er bowed and served tea to Miao Lianhua. After drinking it, Miao Lianhua took out a silver hairpin wrapped in silk from her bosom.
The silver hairpin, like the silver bracelet given to Qiao Suiman before, was an heirloom passed down from the old Lu family. Even when times were toughest, Miao Lianhua had never considered pawning them. Now that they had weathered the storm and seen brighter days, it was fitting that each of her sons’ fulang received one.
Tang Guo’er didn’t expect such a significant gift on the second day after joining the family. His eyes widened in surprise. It was only after Qiao Suiman reminded him that he accepted it, immediately replacing the hairpin in his hair with the new one. He said happily, “Mother, I’ll wear this when I return home for the visit!”
“Good, good, good.”
Lu Dongqing brought two more bowls of porridge from the kitchen. The family of five enjoyed a harmonious and joyful atmosphere. In his good mood, Qiao Suiman even drank an extra half bowl.
He felt full after eating so he went outside with Lu Dongqing for a walk, stopping by his maternal home. Lu Xuesong was taking Tang Guo’er around to familiarize him with the household, so they didn’t disturb them. Miao Lianhua was also tactful, using the excuse of making small clothes for the baby in Qiao Suiman’s belly to return to her own room, leaving the newlywed couple to enjoy themselves.
When they arrived home, Qin Yu was weeding with Little Tuanzi on his back. Tuanzi babbled happily, seemingly never bored. Upon seeing Qiao Suiman, he reached out his arms, asking to be held. Qin Yu simply untied the carrying cloth and placed Tuanzi into Lu Dongqing’s arms, letting him play with Qiao Suiman.
Qiao Suiman couldn’t hold the child easily in his condition, so he could only bend slightly to rub cheeks with Tuanzi, smiling and saying, “Tuanzi, little Tuanzi.”
As if understanding, Tuanzi babbled in response. Lu Dongqing watched them with a smile on his face.
After staying at home for four days and thinking of the shop’s business, Qiao Suiman and Lu Dongqing leisurely drove the donkey cart back to town.
As the number of customers in the drink shop increased, the previous variety of drinks could no longer satisfy them. So Qiao Suiman developed two new flavors of milk tea: Osmanthus Fermented Rice Milk Tea and Immortal Peach Tieguanyin Milk Tea.
When he first made fruit milk tea, the ratio of fruit syrup wasn’t quite right. Now, with more experience making milk tea, Qiao Suiman became proficient and found the right proportion without much effort.
The Immortal Peach Tieguanyin Milk Tea instantly became the shop’s most popular fragrant drink, which is suitable for all ages. There were even people who specially came from the prefectural city to buy it, which surprised Zhang Ning.
The shop’s business was thriving, with daily earnings nearing two taels. Over the past few days, after deducting the cost of buying the shop and the raw materials, they had already saved three hundred and eighty-seven taels.
There were also some broken silver and loose copper coins not counted in and were kept for daily expenses. This level of family wealth was not only among the top in Xiahe Village but also in Shuiqing Town.
It is not wise to flaunt one’s wealth. Qiao Suiman never mentioned to others how much money they have. Qin Yu and Miao Lianhua never asked either. It was enough for them to know that they had plenty of money, and there was no need to know too much.
They now gave Miao Lianhua two taels per month. Whatever wasn’t spent, she could keep for herself. Therefore, Miao Lianhua no longer rushed to make handkerchiefs to send to the embroidery workshop like before. Now, she only embroidered shoes and clothes for the family, and if acquaintances from the village asked her to embroider quilt covers, she would take on some work when she had time. She lived a very comfortable life.
Not only in Xiahe Village, but even people from surrounding villages eyed their family with jealousy. Earning so much money in just a few years would make anyone envious.
Qiao Suiman paid no mind to what others thought. As long as no one said it to his face, he acted as if nothing happened. With so many things to attend to every day, he has no extra energy to waste on irrelevant people.
It was Dragon Boat Festival again. This year, the lead rowers for Xiahe Village were still Lu Xuesong and Qiao Ruifeng. Zhang Ning and Fulang He came along to set up a stall in the village. Unlike previous years, this year, there were more varieties of fragrance drinks and milk tea, filling two entire carts.
Since it was held in Xiahe Village, Qiao Suiman reduced the price by two wen each, and business was very good.
With Zhang Ning and Fulang He handling the busy work, Qiao Suiman just sat behind the stall to rest. Starting tomorrow, Hua Yun would begin working at their home. With Lu Dongqing managing the shop’s business, Qiao Suiman only needed to rest peacefully at home awaiting the birth.
Lu Dongqing was well aware of the shop’s daily income. Plus, Zhang Ning and Fulang He were both honest. Knowing that Qiao Suiman trusted them, he let them run the store for two months and promised to increase their wages by half, so they worked even harder.
This year’s dragon boat race was even more exciting. Yuandong Village, the farthest from Shuiqing Town, has a butcher as their lead rower this year, and they were nearly on par with Xiahe Village. It was hard to predict the winner until the very end.
Tang Guo’er took a nervous sip of milk tea, exclaiming, “It’s so delicious!” before clenching his hands and watching the distance intently.
With the race right at their doorstep, the rowers from Xiahe Village were all in high spirits. But Yuandong Village could not be underestimated either. After winning first prize for two consecutive years, Xiahe Village and Yuandong Village actually crossed the finish line at the same time this year!
This was a miracle that had never happened before. Not only did the people of Xiahe Village erupt in excitement, but even the spectators from town were stirred. The county magistrate praised them all, saying that everyone’s competitive spirit was growing stronger.
In the end, the rowers from both villages received a reward of two taels of silver each. The crowd only dispersed after watching the large group receive their rewards. It was said the county magistrate had been promoted and would no longer remain in Shuiqing Town next year, but would take up a post in the prefectural city. Since this was his last year in Shuiqing Town, Qiao Suiman felt a bit reluctant to see him go.
After the race, many people were still discussing it. Lu Xuesong and Qiao Ruifeng already made names for themselves in the past two years. This year, it was the butcher from Yuandong Village who attracted everyone’s attention, with many elderly women and a-mo inquiring if he was married.
Qiao Suiman shook his head with a smile. That year, there were also ge’rs and young ladies whispering about Lu Dongqing.
Lu Dongqing stayed by Qiao Suiman’s side. He still has to return to town and wouldn’t be going home with them. He whispered to Qiao Suiman, “I’ll be back on the night of the eleventh. Stay home and take good care of yourself. If your legs ache, ask Hua-dajie to massage them.”
“I know,” Qiao Suiman said, lowering his eyes. “They haven’t been aching much lately. You can go back to town and take care of things. I’ll definitely be fine.”
“I bought two packs of pastries. Eat them if you want. I’ll bring more next time. I also bought some tanghulu and some nourishing herbs, red dates…”
The two have never been apart for a single day since they got married. Now, they would be separated for nearly two months. Even though he would be back once in a while, Lu Dongqing couldn’t help but rattle on with instructions.
Qiao Suiman’s heart felt incredibly warm. Only when they reached the fork in the road did he say, “Don’t worry about me. I’ll definitely eat and drink well. You know Mother, Qin Yu-ge, and the others are all at home.”
“Alright, alright, hurry back now,” Qiao Suiman waved his hand. Lu Dongqing then drove the donkey cart out of the village.
Qiao Suiman initially thought it wouldn’t make much difference. But when night came and he was alone in the bed, he finally felt the loneliness.
There was no one to hold him and speak softly, no one to touch his belly and chat with the baby together. Qiao Suiman tossed and turned, feeling uncomfortable, and even felt a trace of self-pity. He secretly shed a few tears.
But it was he himself who told him to return to town. Qiao Suiman didn’t dare tell anyone else, only feeling downcast every night when night fell.
Four days passed like this. On the ninth day, Lu Dongqing actually drove the donkey cart back!
Qiao Suiman came forward in surprise and asked: “Why are you back today?”
Lu Dongqing just smiled.
Lu Xuesong and Tang Guo’er went to the town to sell eggs together. Tang Guo’er was observant and noticed Qiao Suiman’s low spirits, so he mentioned it to Lu Dongqing.
Coincidentally, Lu Dongqing had already planned to travel between the village and town daily. At most, he would have to sleep less. Without his fulang in his arms, he couldn’t sleep well in town either. He was always worried that Qiao Suiman would give birth when he was not at home.
So, he closed the shop and drove the donkey cart back today.
Tang Guo’er giggled and said: “Qiao-gege, Da-ge missed you, that’s why he came back today.”
Qiao Suiman was so happy that he didn’t refute the teasing. He smiled and said, “Have you eaten?”
“Mn, I had a flatbread on the road.”
As the sky gradually darkened, Qiao Suiman and Lu Dongqing went straight back into their room. As soon as the door closed, Lu Dongqing embraced Qiao Suiman and took a deep breath against the side of his neck. He gently lifted Qiao Suiman’s face with both hands and planted several kisses.
“Xiao Man, Xiao Man.”
They have never slept apart since they got married. Only now did Lu Dongqing truly understand the meaning of “one day apart feels like three years.[mfn]一日不见如隔三秋 yī rì bùjiàn rú gé sān qiū – an idiom which literally means “not seeing (somebody) for a day is like being apart for three autumns.” It expresses deep longing.[/mfn]” He squatted down and leaned his face over Qiao Suiman’s belly. The baby moved gently as if he knew his father was back.
“Dongqing.”
Qiao Suiman’s eyes were filled with tears. He felt he was being somewhat sentimental. They were only separated for four days. If word got out, people would probably laugh at him.
These past two years, whether going to town or the prefectural city, Lu Dongqing had always accompanied him. He must have been spoiled rotten by Lu Dongqing.
“Guo’er said you’ve been in low spirits these past few days.”
Lu Dongqing said with concern.
“I’m not used to it and I can’t sleep well without you around at night.” Qiao Suiman replied truthfully.
“From now on, I’ll get up early, drive the donkey cart to town, and come back after closing the shop.”
“Okay.”
Although Qiao Suiman also felt sorry for Lu Dongqing’s fatigue from the trip, his selfishness prevailed, and he still wanted him to keep him company more.
Ever since Lu Dongqing stayed at home, Qiao Suiman regained his vitality. Some village women clicked their tongues, saying he was being spoiled too much. Wasn’t it just having a baby? Was it worth traveling back and forth like this?
Qiao Suiman knew they were just jealous and didn’t take it to heart at all. Tang Guo’er, however, retorted a few times, angering the women considerably. Qiao Suiman didn’t stop him, just happily fed Tang Guo’er pastries.
If you enjoy my translations, consider buying me a milk tea 🥛🍵
