MFBOWSBTMT Chapter 34

“I-I, I…”

 

Qiao Suiman’s tongue tangled, unable to form a complete sentence.

 

“I just wanted you to know that you’re wonderful, so I wish to ask for your hand. What Aunt Lin said before was all nonsense,” Lu Dongqing thought for a moment, his tone gentle yet earnest. “You’re a little lucky star.”

 

“The handkerchief was made just for you. Keep it and use it as you like.” Lu Dongqing then pulled something from his sleeve and handed it to Qiao Suiman with both hands. “And this… I noticed your hairpin was old, so I carved a new one. Don’t worry, it’s different from the ones I sell at the market. No one else will know.”

 

He untied the silk pouch and carefully revealed the bamboo hairpin he had spent so long carving. “This suits you well. Many times, I feel like you’re just like the bamboo in the mountains: resilient and unyielding.”

 

The hairpin was carved to resemble segments of bamboo. The end of the pin was wrapped with silk thread and entangled with several polished and lifelike bamboo leaves. It was clearly just a hairpin, yet it exuded a vigorous vitality and surging emotion.

 

Qiao Suiman stood frozen, staring at the hairpin in Lu Dongqing’s hands. His heart thudded wildly as though it would leap out of his chest. It took him a long moment to find his voice again. “This is too precious. I can’t accept it.”

 

He shook his head, overwhelmed by the blunt sincerity of Lu Dongqing’s words. Happiness and nervousness tangled inside him, leaving him unsure how to respond, so he instinctively refused.

 

Lu Dongqing wasn’t as composed as he appeared. His throat bobbed unconsciously. Yet, undeterred by the rejection, he pressed on. “I made this specifically for you. If you don’t take it, it’ll serve no purpose. I’m not demanding an answer from you. I just… wanted you to know how I feel. You’re such a good person. I’m sure many will seek your hand. I only hope that, when the time comes, you could… maybe consider me first?”

 

Qiao Suiman’s lips parted several times, but no words came out. Finally, he lifted his gaze, meeting Lu Dongqing’s eyes directly. “You truly think I’m good? Everyone says I bring misfortune, that I’m cursed, that my bad luck harms those around me. Aren’t you… afraid?”

 

“You’re a little lucky star, Man-ge’r.”

 

Lu Dongqing answered without hesitation. He had long sensed that Qiao Suiman still carried the weight of those cruel words, and now he saw it clearly.

 

“You’re wonderful. I’m deeply fond of you.”

 

Suddenly, tears blurred Qiao Suiman’s vision. He did care!

 

He cared about those things. There were so many times when his elder brother had gone hungry or cold because of him. He always wondered whether it was because of his own ill-fated life that their mother died early, and his brother had to raise him alone, never able to live a good life.

 

When Qin Yu-ge’r married into their family and years passed without children, he feared it was his doing. That was why he tried so hard to repay his brother and Qin Yu-ge’r.

 

Even though they repeatedly assured him it wasn’t his fault, he couldn’t shake the guilt. He forced himself not to care, and after a while, even convinced himself.

 

But now, someone was telling him outright that those things weren’t his fault. He wasn’t a harbinger of misfortune but a lucky star, a beloved one at that. He could no longer hold it in. His tears poured down like rain.

 

Gentle fingers brushed the tears from his cheeks. Qiao Suiman sniffled, taking a while to steady himself. Fortunately, they had chosen a secluded place beforehand, hidden behind a large tree, so they didn’t have to worry about being seen.

 

Qiao Suiman choked back a sob and said, “I… Let me think about it. I’m a bit overwhelmed.”

 

“Alright.” Lu Dongqing was already overjoyed with such a response. He handed over the bamboo hairpin again. “I made this especially for you. It didn’t take much time. Please accept it.”

 

Qiao Suiman’s mind buzzed so loudly he couldn’t even register what Lu Dongqing was saying. All he could see was the slightly shy yet sincere expression on his face, and in those eyes… his own reflection. His heart skipped a beat.

 

So, Qiao Suiman stopped thinking about boundaries or propriety. He followed his heart and accepted the hairpin Lu Dongqing offered, carefully tucking it into his chest. “Thank you.”

 

Joy blazed in Lu Dongqing’s eyes, his usually fierce features softening into a foolish grin. He shook his head rapidly. “As long as you like it. Earlier, you said you had something to tell me too. What was it?”

 

When they first came to stand beneath the tree, they had both started with, “I have something to tell you.”

 

Qiao Suiman had let Lu Dongqing speak first, never expecting such heartfelt words. Now, reminded, he slowly explained, “I wanted to ask you to carve more bamboo tubes. Many people want them, but with different designs, with the names of the drinks carved on them.”

 

A hiccup escaped him, and Lu Dongqing’s eyes crinkled with amusement. Qiao Suiman couldn’t help but laugh too. “After we go to the yamen[mfn]衙门 – the administrative office or headquarters of a local official in imperial China[/mfn] tomorrow, we’ll head to the East Market in three days. Perilla leaf, peach blossom, peach, and green plum, ten of each. Can you manage?”

 

“I can,” Lu Dongqing agreed instantly.

 

Qiao Suiman’s lips curved, eyes crescent-moon bright. “Good. I’ll bring you the deposit tomorrow.”

 

“Mm. Can I set up my stall beside yours at the market?”

 

Qiao Suiman nodded firmly.

 

—

 

On the road back to Xiahe Village

 

Qiao Suiman was still lost in Lu Dongqing’s words when someone tugged on his hair. Chen Xuesheng teased, “Come back to your senses.”

 

“What did he say to you? You can tell me, right? I swear I won’t tell anyone.”

 

Qiao Suiman gave him a knowing smile. “I believe you on everything else, but not this.”

 

If he confessed now, Zhou Shuifen, Qin Yu, and Qiao Ruifeng would know within a day.

 

“Tell me! I promise I won’t say a thing. If I do, may I never finish another stitch of sewing again!”

 

Qiao Suiman laughed heartily. Chen Xuesheng was serious now. Honestly, it wouldn’t hurt to tell him. “He said… that if I ever considered marriage, he hoped I’d think of him first.”

 

Even after he said it, Qiao Suiman felt embarrassed and quickly turned his gaze away, pretending to look ahead nonchalantly.

 

“Oh my, getting all shy now? I thought it was something serious. He didn’t even say he was proposing yet!”

 

“What are you talking about!” Qiao Suiman stomped his foot in embarrassment. No matter how Chen Xuesheng pressed, he refused to say another word.

 

—

 

Lu Xiang’s Home, Shuiqing Town

 

“Is it true?!” Miao Lianhua sprang from her seat in fury.

 

Lu Dongqing nodded. Miao Lianhua and Lu Xuesong didn’t go to Hexi Village for the competition but were visiting at Lu Xiang’s home in town. Now they were all seated together and talking.

 

The subject came up because Lu Huaqing, Lu Xiang’s son and the eldest among Lu Dongqing’s generation, had seen Lu Dongqing fighting and had even been summoned by the county magistrate.

 

After the competition, the two had gone separate ways to the Lu residence. Lu Huaqing had arrived first and informed everyone, which led to Lu Dongqing being immediately questioned the moment he sat down.

 

“Those heartless beasts!” Madam Lu and Meng Yan, Lu Huaqing’s wife, were equally incensed. The Lin family’s actions were utterly despicable.

 

“That ge’r who sells drinks…” Lu Huaqing probed cautiously.

 

“Ah, him? This one’s smitten! Why else would he rush into a fight for someone?” Miao Lianhua didn’t hide it. Besides, it wasn’t something that could be hidden anyway.

 

“Well now, that’s a surprise! When did Dongqing become so enlightened? He used to go mute around girls and ge’r.” Lu Xiang teased. “Planning to propose?”

 

“Not yet, Uncle Xiang.” Facing so many people, Lu Dongqing was clearly uneasy, scratching the back of his head in embarrassment. “I want to build the house first, save up some money, and then propose.”

 

“How much do you need?” Lu Xiang asked.

 

Lu Dongqing immediately knew that Lu Xiang was offering to lend him silver again. But he didn’t want to take it. He has enough to build the house. He only needed to save for the betrothal gifts, which shouldn’t be a problem.

 

“Uncle Xiang, I can gather it myself.”

 

“Stubborn boy! I’m not an outsider, so why do you always speak like this? Your father and I grew up sharing the same blanket. If I don’t support you now, how would I have the face-”

 

“Father!” Lu Huaqing cut in. “Dong-xiaozi isn’t a child anymore. If he wants to stand on his own, we should be proud!”

 

“That bamboo tube the ge’r used, is your handiwork, isn’t it? I recognized the craftsmanship right away,” Lu Huaqing continued, tone thoughtful. “Actually, I have a job that might suit you. Heard about it while chatting with some folks.”

 

“The ge’r from Magistrate Liu’s household has been betrothed to a juren[mfn]举人 – a successful candidate in the provincial imperial examinations, qualifying for appointment to government positions[/mfn], who’ll soon take office here. They’re currently renovating their residence. It is said that Liu’s ge’r can’t bear the summer heat, so he wants to build a bamboo house to keep cool. They’re looking for a craftsman. The pay is good, and if the patron is pleased, you might even earn a reward.”

 

“This job sounds excellent. I’ll trouble you to make the introduction, Huaqing-ge!”

 

Lu Dongqing hadn’t expected such a stroke of luck. The work might be tiring, but he didn’t mind. As long as the pay was high, the sooner he could save enough, the sooner he could go to the Qiao family and propose.

 

“Look at you, in such a hurry!” Lu Xiang laughed, his earlier melancholy fading. “Fine! If you youngsters are eager to strive, who are we to stop you?”

 

Lu Dongqing mentally tallied his savings. From selling herbs, mushrooms, and carvings, he had saved four taels and seven mace. Adding today’s prize of two taels, he now had six taels and seven mace.

 

If he used five taels to build a house and a bedroom, he’d have less than two taels left. He was still quite far from the five taels he estimated would be needed for the bethrotal gift, and also he has to prepare some silver for future use. Therefore, he needs to earn another 8 taels to have the confidence to propose a marriage.

 

He couldn’t keep Qiao Suiman waiting long.

 

 

 

 

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Translator [LUNE]: I’m smiling like crazy the whole time I was translating this. ( ๑‾̀◡‾́)σ”