MFBOWSBTMT Chapter 27

While others cheered, Qiao Suiman and Qin Yu felt as if thunder had struck their hearts. Despite their usual eloquence, they were momentarily at a loss for words.

The auntie who had been telling the story turned to them and asked, “Aren’t you from Xiahe Village? I remember the Lin family’s husband is from there. Don’t you know about it?”

Qiao Suiman choked up. As the very person who had been rumored to have “fainted from fright,” he truly didn’t know how to respond.

Qin Yu swallowed and forced a dry laugh, saying, “We’ve heard, we’ve heard. That’s how it was, ahem, ahem. Serves them right, serves them right.”

The auntie nodded in satisfaction. After talking so much, her throat had grown dry. Having noticed people buying drinks here earlier, she said, “Little ge’r, what kind of drinks are you selling here, and how much is it?”

At the mention of business, Qiao Suiman snapped back to attention. Most farmers couldn’t read. There’s nothing unusual about that, and they themselves aren’t literate either. He curved his lips into a smile, though it still looked a bit stiff, and replied, “The ones on this side aren’t very sweet. We have Perilla Drink and Peach Blossom Drink, both two wen per bamboo tube. The ones over here are sweeter, with added sugar and peach pulp, priced at twelve wen. We also have Immortal Peach Drink and Green Plum Drink, also twelve wen each.”

“Twelve wen! What kind of heavenly drink is this to be so expensive?” The auntie waved her hand in astonishment, then pointed at the drinks boiled with cogongrass tips and said, “I’ll take one of these, the peach blossom one.”

“Coming right up!” Qin Yu replied cheerfully, taking the bamboo tube the auntie handed over. Many farmers were accustomed to carrying their own water when going out, since drinking water outside might cost money. This auntie lived nearby and could easily have gone home to refill, yet she still patronized their stall. Naturally, Qin Yu was delighted.

Thanks to her words, other onlookers also crowded around their stall, chattering and buying quite a few drinks in no time. Even the twelve-wen drinks sold several portions, with the women and fulang showing a clear preference for the Immortal Peach Drink and Green Plum Drink.

“How’s business?”

As the group that had been chatting earlier gradually dispersed, Lu Dongqing and Qiao Ruifeng finished docking their boat and made their way to the stall.

“Not bad. There aren’t too many people from the town yet,” Qiao Suiman pointed at the two-wen drinks. “These are selling well right now.”

He glanced at Lu Dongqing, recalling how he’d been caught peeking at him earlier, and felt a bit embarrassed. “We’ve sold four bamboo tubes at ten wen each. A scholar bought three at once. He’s also surnamed Lu.”

“A scholar surnamed Lu?” Lu Dongqing raised an eyebrow. Though he had a guess, he wasn’t in a hurry to confirm it. Instead, he said, “You can decide the prices as you see fit.” It’s all up to you, he thought to himself.

“Mm, they all praised your carvings.” Qiao Suiman gave a soft laugh, flashing a neat row of teeth. His eyes sparkled with vitality, as if this were the happiest thing in the world. Lu Dongqing found himself momentarily stunned by the sight.

However, the moment didn’t last long. Noise erupted from the entrance of Hexi Village leading to the riverbank, snapping Lu Dongqing out of his daze.

The magistrate and the wealthy merchants had arrived.

A dozen carriages lined up in two rows, parked on either side, and the passengers disembarked one after another. The man at the forefront wore reddish-brown casual robes, appeared to be in his early forties, and had an amiable yet authoritative demeanor. This was the magistrate.

As soon as the magistrate arrived, the bustling crowd instantly quieted. He was the most upright official in all the nearby towns. For many people, this might be the highest-ranking official they’d ever lay eyes on in their lifetime. Naturally, he was treated with reverence. Even the elderly uncles and aunties who had been chatting fell completely silent.

Once the magistrate and the wealthy merchants had taken their seats, the magistrate waved his hand in a gesture of permission. The yayi[mfn]衙役 – a yamen runner, a low-ranking officer in ancient Chinese local government[/mfn] following him shouted loudly, “Everyone, there’s no need to stand on ceremony! The magistrate has organized this event for everyone’s enjoyment. Eat, drink, and be merry!”

Translator [LUNE]: This chapter is so short, so I also updated the next one (chapter 28). Please enjoy reading.