MFBOWSBTMT Chapter 58

The wind blew fiercely at night, but after two days, the yellow clay they applied had dried. They deliberately layered it slightly lower than the rim of the wooden barrel, while the bamboo strips nailed around the barrel stood a little higher than the edge to accommodate the lid.

 

The words “Qiao’s Fragrant Drinks” carved into the bamboo strips were eye-catching, not to mention the intricate patterns etched beside the characters. The lid was wrapped with cloth, and even this large wooden barrel alone was enough to draw a crowd.

 

When it comes to food and drinks, the most important thing is cleanliness. Only then can customers feel at ease.

 

While waiting for the yellow clay to dry, Qiao Suiman and Lu Dongqing were also busy. One was drying camellia flowers, and the other was carving bamboo bowls. Though busy, the thought of earning money kept them in high spirits.

 

On the morning of the 25th, Qiao Suiman and Lu Dongqing rose early from bed, donned their padded outer robes, and pulled the cart straight to the Qiao household. Miao Lianhua and Lu Xuesong would join them later.

 

The cart carried eight decorated, insulated wooden barrels, a basket of exquisitely carved bamboo bowls, a jar of prepared blackberry syrup, a basket of dried camellia flowers, beans bought from Chen Ping the day before, and several bamboo wares Lu Dongqing had woven.

 

The stove in the Lu family kitchen was too small for such a task. If Qiao Suiman had to prepare everything alone, he might not be able to finish it before dawn. Thus, they had agreed beforehand to do the work at the Qiao home, just as before.

 

The gate to the Qiao family courtyard was left slightly ajar. Qiao Suiman called out before pushing it open. Inside, Qin Yu and Qiao Ruifeng were already boiling perilla drink. With plenty of perilla leaves at home and familiarity with the process, they started without waiting for Qiao Suiman.

 

“Qin Yu-ge, pour the perilla drink into this barrel.”

 

Qiao Suiman retrieved a barrel with perilla leaves carved into its sides from the cart. He opened the lid, revealing a clean, well-scrubbed interior.

 

“Got it.”

 

Several batches of perilla drink had already been brewed, filling the barrel halfway in one go. Qin Yu added, “We haven’t added the sour yellow fruit juice yet. We’ll add it after everything’s boiled.”

 

“Alright. I’ve brought the sugar too.”

 

As he spoke, Qiao Suiman rolled up his sleeves and efficiently began steeping the dried camellia blossoms in boiling water. Once the fragrance emerged, he fished out the softened dried flowers, added sugar, and sprinkled in a handful of wild mountain tea powder. The camellia flower drink was complete.

 

He didn’t immediately dilute the blackberry syrup, worried it might turn sour if left too long. Instead, he planned to mix it with hot water only when customers ordered it at the market, so he prepared two barrels of hot water.

 

Next comes the highlight, osmanthus-scented bean porridge.

 

To simmer the porridge properly, a simple clay stove wouldn’t suffice. Qiao Suiman and Qin Yu each tended to a pot, keeping the flame low to ensure the beans softened into a smooth, velvety texture.

 

Though it consumed more firewood, a well-made porridge would leave a lasting impression on customers, and it is worth the expense.

 

Qiao Suiman stirred the bean porridge with a ladle in a circular motion to prevent it from sticking to the bottom or cooking unevenly.

 

By the time all the drinks were ready, a light sheen of sweat covered their faces. But there was no time to dwell on it. They loaded the drinks onto two carts, with Lu Dongqing and Qiao Ruifeng each pulling one while Qiao Suiman and Qin Yu pushed from behind, heading to town under the morning light.

 

At the crossroads, Miao Lianhua and Lu Xuesong were waiting. Miao Lianhua carried a bundle of flatbreads, thinking the youngsters had been too busy to eat breakfast after their early start. She made the bread for them to eat once they reached the market.

 

Seeing Lu Dongqing and Qiao Ruifeng pulling the carts, Lu Xuesong said, “Ge, Qiao-da-ge, if you get tired halfway, I’ll take over.”

 

Qiao Ruifeng replied, “I’ve pulled heavier than this before. You’re still growing, so don’t let this stunt your height.”

 

Lu Dongqing, however, didn’t stand on ceremony. As they approached the town, he had Lu Xuesong take over for Qiao Ruifeng. With the two brothers manning the stall, Qiao Ruifeng didn’t need to stay there and could instead go carry heavy loads to earn extra money.

 

After eating the flatbread, Qiao Ruifeng left without delay for the docks. With the farming off-season, laborers flocked there for work, and latecomers might miss out.

 

The East Market was quiet in the early morning, with vendors still setting up their stalls. Lu Dongqing neatly arranged the drink barrels on one cart, ensuring none had spilled, and displayed their signboard.

 

The bold characters “Qiao’s Fragrant Drinks” stood prominently beside the cart.

 

Qiao Suiman looked at the sign, his lips curling into an irrepressible smile, and cast a tender glance at Lu Dongqing.

 

Meanwhile, Qin Yu placed small bamboo stools around the other cart for customers to rest on.

 

Once everything was ready, Lu Dongqing spread a cloth beside the cart and laid out his bamboo wares. They were common items, like baskets and winnowing trays. Even the stools were his handiwork.

 

They ate Miao Lianhua’s flatbread with hot water as the crowd gradually thickened. Qiao Suiman called out, “Come take a look! Drinks even the magistrate has tasted, now with new flavors available! You can sit down and drink it slowly.”

 

“Hey, little ge’r, it’s been a long time since I last saw you.” A woman saw them from a distance, waved her hand, and said loudly.

 

“Auntie Xu!” Qiao Suiman’s eyes lit up. It was the woman who had often visited their stall before. She was accompanied by several other women and fulang of similar age, who had probably come to the market together.

 

“Auntie, we have three new flavors that are still hot. Would you like some?” Qiao Suiman asked enthusiastically.

 

“What do you have?” asked one of the fulang beside her.

 

With a smile, Qiao Suiman replied, “Besides our usual perilla drink, we now have blackberry drink, camellia flower drink, and osmanthus-scented bean porridge.”

 

Anyone could see that Qiao Suiman looked different from before. Auntie Xu studied him and said, “You didn’t come to set up your stall before. Did you go to get married?”

 

The last time they had set up the stall was on the fifteenth. Back then, they told a few regulars that they wouldn’t be back until the twenty-fifth. When asked why, they simply said there is going to be a happy occasion at home, but didn’t specify what it was.

 

But Aunt Xu could easily guess what was going on. These two occasionally set up a stall together, and the bamboo tube was carved by that tall man. Even now, though not standing close, Lu Dongqing’s gaze lingered on Qiao Suiman with unmistakable fondness. Therefore, apart from getting married, what other happy occasion could there be?

 

Qiao Suiman didn’t expect her to ask so directly. Pink bloomed on his cheeks as he admitted, “Yes, on the 18th.”

 

He glanced over to Lu Dongqing, who happened to be looking his way with a quiet smile in his eyes.

 

“Ohoho, look at these newlyweds!” The women and fulang teased.

 

Qiao Suiman felt even more embarrassed. He pointed to the bench next to the cart and changed the subject: “Aunties, a-mo, what would you like to drink? There’s space to sit and rest here.”

 

Aunt Xu saw them take out several bamboo bowls and asked in surprise, “You’re not selling bamboo tubes anymore?”

 

“We still sell them, but most folks already have theirs and don’t need more. So we switched to bowls to drink here and leave. If they want to take some home, they can buy a tube.” Qiao Suiman explained.

 

Aunt Xu nodded. “That makes sense.”

 

She thought the tubes were nice-looking, but unnecessary. She already had a water pouch, so what use did she have for a bamboo tube?

 

“Give me a bowl of osmanthus bean porridge,” she said.

 

“Of course.”

 

Qiao Suiman lifted the lid of the porridge barrel, ladled a generous portion into a bowl, and asked, “Would you like to sit and drink it?”

 

“Yes, hand it here. I’ll find a spot myself.”

 

After saying this, Aunt Xu turned to her companions and said, “This is the drink stall I told you about. It’s one of the best and not too expensive. Come on, let’s sit down and have a rest. I’m so tired after walking all the way here.”

 

Women and fulang who were as leisurely as Aunt Xu were not short of this little money. They were tempted by her call and each ordered a bowl and sat together to chat.

 

“Aunties, a-mo, do you have a shortage of bamboo items at home? You can take a look at these I have. They are all newly made.” Lu Dongqing interrupted at the right time.

 

Qiao Suiman smiled to himself. It seemed that his earlier advice was not in vain; he knew how to chat with customers and sell goods now. Miao Lianhua and Lu Xuesong weren’t idle either. One helped call out at the drink stall, the other drew customers over for Lu Dongqing.

 

Lu Xuesong was talkative and sweet-talking, amusing the women and fulang. Lu Dongqing was not very talkative, but he knew how to introduce his bamboo products to others. In addition, he was skilled at his craft, and the baskets he wove were more tightly woven than those of others, so he sold several of them right away.

 

“Qin Yu-ge, the hot drinks are selling well,” Qiao Suiman remarked when he had a moment to spare.

 

“Yes. In cold weather, everyone craves something warm. Last time, they cooled too fast.”

 

“Xiao Man, Yu-ge’r, you two are really capable.”

 

Miao Lianhua, who had been assisting with collecting coins, praised them. Her embroidery either went straight to shops or was commissioned, so she rarely hawked goods herself. These two children, managing their own stall so early on, deserved every bit of praise.

 

“Mother,” Qiao Suiman called softly, then added with a faint smile, “It’s all thanks to Dongqing’s idea.”

 

When Lu Dongqing heard his fulang calling his name, he turned his head and looked at Qiao Suiman, his eyes full of love that could not be concealed.

 

Qin Yu: “Tsk.”

 

Disgustingly sweet.

 

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Author [陳皮皮梅]: Everyone, remember to take precautions when the seasons change. I didn’t protect myself from catching a cold, and now I feel groggy (laughing and crying).

P.S.: I’ve secured my dream cover, wahaha! It’ll be up in a few days, and I swear I won’t change it again after this! Stay tuned~

 

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