Qiao Suiman and Lu Dongqing rose early as usual, and pulled their cart and freshly scrubbed wooden barrels to the Qiao family home. The ingredients that they fetched from the wine house the day before were also loaded onto the cart, though only tea leaves, sugar, dried osmanthus, and mung beans remained. Over the past few days, Qiao Suiman and Qin Yu had made large batches of bayberry and papaya syrup. Now that the weather was cold, leaving them outside for a while kept them icy and fresh, so none would spoil. Once they were ready, they were delivered to the wine house.
They only made three types of drinks, which saved a lot of time. Qiao Suiman and Qin Yu no longer rushed like they did at first and there was even time to chat leisurely. While stirring the syrup of tea leaves and sugar, Qiao Suiman recounted all the shops they had visited yesterday to Qiao Ruifeng and Qin Yu.
When he mentioned that Lu Huaqing and Yuan Shan’an happened to be good friends, both Qin Yu and Qiao Ruifeng exclaimed, “What an incredible coincidence.”
“Yes,” Qiao Suiman said as he stirred the syrup, “The heavens are looking out for us.”
“If we do buy the place, we’ll need cabinets and beds, right? We’ll need to prepare a few more taels of silver. Will that be enough?” Qin Yu asked worriedly.
“We will. Once we settle the wages, there’ll be plenty left.”
“In that case, Xiao Man, you don’t have to pay for our work for the time being. We can talk about it after the shop starts turning a profit.”
Qin Yu decided firmly. “Your brother and I still have plenty of silver saved up, and there’s nothing urgent to spend it on. There’s no rush.”
Qiao Suiman shook his head. “No, Qin Yu-ge, don’t bring this up again. We won’t buy the shop until after the New Year anyway. Dongqing and I can still earn quite a bit by then.”
Lu Dongqing, squatting by the fire, added, “Mm. I’ll rush to make some lanterns. We can sell them in the town during the Lantern Festival.”
Since they already had a plan, Qin Yu and Qiao Ruifeng said no more, only repeating their advice: “If you’re really short, come to us. Don’t keep it to yourselves, understand?”
Qiao Suiman’s eyes curved into a smile. “Understood. No need to worry. Just wait for me to take you to see the shop!”
Qin Yu chuckled as he toasted the tea leaves. The group worked and chatted until chenshi[mfn]辰时 : 7-9 AM[/mfn], when the barrels of drinks were finally filled. Qiao Suiman and Lu Dongqing set off for the wine house as usual.
They passed by the Chen family house and greeted Zhou Shuifen who was watering the vegetable patch. Remembering that he hadn’t seen Chen Xuesheng in a long while, Qiao Suiman asked after him and learned that he would be returning to his parents’ home tomorrow. He told Zhou Shuifen he’ll come by too, which delighted her so much she couldn’t stop smiling.
Aside from their own family, she was the first to learn about Qiao Suiman’s business with the wine house. The child was promising that he even brought her a few tubes to try. Although Qiao Suiman said the drinks were made with boiled tea leaves, the flavor was remarkably good, which pleased her greatly.
There were not many people on the village road, but there were more people at the entrance of the village. Today, Qiao Suiman had deliberately set aside three tubes of drinks. He didn’t skimp although they were made from leftover ingredients. Thinking of Yangyang’s eager little face softened his heart. Since Yangyang was still young and too much sugar wouldn’t be good for her, he had deliberately reduced the sugar in these tubes.
Miao Lianhua also packed dried vegetables and fresh radishes for them to take along. The town is not like the countryside. Even drinking water costs money. Dried vegetables were especially expensive now. Their family had dried plenty, including some wild vegetables, so sharing some was no trouble. Besides, Lu Huaqing had done them such a big favor.
They arrived at the wine house just before the end of chenshi. The steward in the kitchen skillfully transferred the drinks into their own porcelain jars. They are far more refined than Qiao Suiman’s wooden barrels. These looked grander displayed in the wine house’s main hall and retained heat better.
As they left, they ran into Steward Fang. Qiao Suiman and Lu Dongqing briefly mentioned the matter with the teahouse. Knowing they couldn’t afford to rent it, Steward Fang didn’t press, only advised them to take it easy. “You’ll cross the bridge when you get there.[mfn]船到桥头自然直 chuán dào qiáo tóu zì rán zhí (lit. When the boat gets to the bridgehead, it will naturally straighten itself out.) – a Chinese proverb that means problems will resolve themselves when the time comes, and there is no need for excessive worry in advance. The phrase conveys an attitude of patience and trust in natural resolution, similar to the English expression “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”[/mfn]”
Qiao Suiman and Lu Dongqing pushed the cart, carrying a few tubes of drinks, as well as two carved brush hangers left behind by Lu Dongqing, who made them long ago but forgot to sell at the market. Now they seemed perfect as gifts for Lu Huaqing and Yuan Shan’an.
Qiao Suiman’s heart brimmed with anticipation, and his steps became lighter as if the wind were at his feet.
Lu Dongqing pretended to be aggrieved. “Wait for me, you’re forgetting me just for the shop.”
Nonsense! He only walked two steps ahead!
Somehow, Lu Dongqing had developed a habit of acting pitiful around him, and Qiao Suiman couldn’t stand it. He backtracked to Lu Dongqing’s side, whispering with a chuckle, “Of course not. How could I give up a husband who doubles as a servant? That would be a terrible loss.”
Lu Dongqing burst into laughter. Last night, he coaxed Qiao Suiman into helping him relieve himself again, leaving him in high spirits today.
Qiao Suiman side-eyed him, finally understanding why so many village aunties and a-mo had said, “That Lu boy’s lost all his fierceness.” He turned into a complete fool.
Lowering his head with a smile, Qiao Suiman thought, whether stern or silly, he was his.
“Xiao Man, Dongzi, come in, come in!”
Chen Fanhuan ushered them cheerfully through the backyard, where they parked the cart against the wall as usual.
Qiao Suiman lifted a basket filled with dried vegetables and radishes, his breath visible in the cold air. “Auntie Huan, Mother asked us to bring these vegetables. Where should I put them?”
“You really didn’t have to bring anything, just coming is enough!”
Chen Fanhuan’s face was full of smiles. Seeing the size of the basket and realizing it wasn’t anything precious, she happily accepted and placed it in the kitchen. “Perfect timing! We’ll stew it with the meat you bought yesterday. Don’t leave without eating!”
“Alright, thank you, Auntie Huan.” Qiao Suiman agreed happily.
“Xiao Man is here.” Meng Yan led Yangyang into the backyard, nodding at Lu Dongqing. “Dongzi.”
“Xiao-mo, Xiao-mo!” As soon as Yangyang saw Qiao Suiman, she broke free from Meng Yan’s hand, hugged Qiao Suiman’s thigh, and lifted her little face: “Xiao-mo, is there any… sweets?”
Qiao Suiman’s heart melted. He answered quickly, “Yes, there’s something sweet that Yangyang likes.”
“This child, always thinking about food,” Meng Yan laughed, accepting the tubes Qiao Suiman handed her.
Qiao Suiman picked up Yangyang in his arms and turned to explain quietly to Meng Yan, “She asked about it yesterday when we came, so I made it specially this morning. I put less sugar in it. Yan-jie, just give her a little to drink. Don’t let her drink too much or she won’t eat her meal.”
Meng Yan smiled warmly. “Mn. You’ve worked hard, waking so early and even making extras.”
“It’s nothing, I’m used to it.”
Meng Yan told them that Lu Huaqing had left early in the morning and hadn’t returned yet. He should be back within the next hour. Lu Xiang wasn’t home either as he had something to do at the academy that morning. Both Meng Yan and Chen Fanhuan were delighted to hear about their plans to buy a shop yesterday. With them living closer, they could visit more often.
Chen Fanhuan was busy preparing lunch. Qiao Suiman offered to help with the vegetables, but Meng Yan stopped him, insisting that guests shouldn’t work. Qiao Suiman embarrassingly scratched his head and obediently joined Lu Dongqing in the main hall to play with Yangyang.
They only let Yangyang have two sips of the drink. Fortunately, she was a well-behaved child. Once her craving was satisfied, she didn’t fuss for more. The two of them played with her for a while, and she kept calling them “Xiao-mo” and “Uncle Dong.” Qiao Suiman and Lu Dongqing couldn’t have been happier.
Children were lively. Qiao Suiman ran around with Yangyang until he was sweating lightly. Lu Dongqing wiped the sweat from his forehead. When they turned around, they caught Yangyang blinking her bright eyes at them.
Qiao Suiman quickly pushed Lu Dongqing away, shooting him a warning glance before taking Yangyang’s hand. “Shall we go see what grandmother is cooking?”
Yangyang nodded, thought for a moment, and said, “Wipe nice. Uncle, Xiao-mo, wipe nice.”
She was still young and couldn’t express herself clearly, but Qiao Suiman understood what she meant. His face warmed as he leaned in and whispered, “This is a secret. Yangyang won’t tell anyone, right?”
“Mm, no tell.”
Lu Dongqing was standing there with a smile on his face. Just at this moment, the wooden door connecting the front yard and the bookshop was pushed open. Lu Huaqing had returned.
“Huaqing-ge,” Lu Dongqing called.
Lu Huaqing smiled and nodded to Lu Dongqing, “It’s settled.”
Lu Dongqing’s eyes lit up. He clasped his hands in gratitude. “Thank you, Huaqing-ge.”
“It was nothing. That family was a distant relative of his, and the Yuan family never wanted ties with them anyway. This gave them a reason to refuse.”
Lu Huaqing said, “Why don’t I go with you to Baide Road to take a look at the shop?”
“Okay. Let me tell Auntie Huan first.”
Qiao Suiman wanted to take Yangyang along, but he didn’t. Besides, it was more convincing to have Lu Huaqing handle this matter than to go himself. So he focused on playing with Yangyang at the Lu residence.
Though he was not very old, there was still a hint of youthful innocence when he spoke to Yangyang, which made Meng Yan and Chen Fanhuan laugh nonstop.
Lu Dongqing and Lu Huaqing arrived at Baide Road. The Wu family’s noodle shop was crowded, so they bypassed it and went straight to the pastry shop. The shop, which was empty yesterday, was now filled with all kinds of pastries. Qin Xiaoyao was right; their business was indeed thriving.
Shopkeeper Hu spotted them immediately and had an elderly woman take over the counter to collect money, while he personally escorted them to the backyard.
“Lu-xiao xiongdi, who is this?” Shopkeeper Hu smiled inquiringly.
“He’s my family’s eldest brother.”
“Shopkeeper Hu.” Lu Huaqing smiled. “Shan’an-xiong is my good friend. After hearing from Dongqing that you wished to buy his family’s shop in the East Market, I spoke with him. If you visit again, the matter should be settled.”
“Really?!” Shopkeeper Hu was shocked. He originally thought that Lu Dongqing was just joking, but he didn’t expect that he actually asked him to do it.
But Shopkeeper Hu was no fool. Although he was pleased, he knew that words alone were not enough. Without personally confirming the matter, he dared not make any promises. “Many thanks to you both. In that case, I’ll go take a look when I have time. Lu-xiao xiongdi, why don’t you come back in a couple of days?”
Lu Dongqing glanced at Lu Huaqing, who showed no objection, and nodded. “Alright.”
As they walked out of the alley, Lu Huaqing said, “Forty taels should be enough for that shop.”
Lu Dongqing agreed. “Xiao Man and I thought the same. The room at the back is small and barely enough to live in.”
“That’s fine. The two of you will make it work.”
Lu Huaqing patted Lu Dongqing on the shoulder and said, “Work hard. There are many houses here. Once you have enough money, you can move to a bigger one or buy a house.”
“Mn. Naturally.”
Qiao Suiman was helping carry dishes into the main hall, with Yangyang obediently sitting in a chair. He placed the brazier a bit farther away, ladled six bowls of soup, and set the bowls and chopsticks with Meng Yan. Lu Dongqing, Lu Huaqing, and Lu Xiang, who had just returned from the academy, had all arrived home.
The meal was lively and pleasant. Lu Dongqing even shared a few drinks with Lu Xiang. Thinking about the lanterns, Lu Dongqing gave Lu Huaqing two brush hangers and asked him to give one to Yuan Shan’an when the time was right. Then he and Qiao Suiman said goodbye and went home.
Lu Dongqing had already gifted Lu Xiang a brush hanger earlier. He only brought two today, and Lu Xiang didn’t say anything. Having extras would be useless, so he didn’t pay it much mind.
On the way home, both of them were in a good mood. The weather was cold, but their hearts were warm. Qiao Suiman sat on the cart and wrapped tightly his scarf with only his small face exposed. His feet swung at the edge of the cart, his face always smiling.
Back at home, Lu Dongqing was busy weaving lanterns in the main hall. Qiao Suiman sat on the bed, legs covered with a quilt, feeling warm and cozy. In his hand was a handkerchief, with only the final bit left to finish. After spending more than half an hour inside, Qiao Suiman stretched, put away the handkerchief, and got up.
In three days, it would be Lu Dongqing’s birthday, and in just one more day, the embroidery would be finished. Tomorrow was the appointment with Shopkeeper Hu. After settling the shop’s matter, Qiao Suiman planned to finish the embroidery quickly, so both tasks would be completed.
Thinking of this, Qiao Suiman felt much more relaxed. He stretched, got out of bed, put on his shoes, and went to the backyard to check on the chickens and ducks.
Since the last scolding, Heijin hadn’t dared pounce on the chickens and ducks and was now lying in the main room. Lu Dongqing was concentrating on the work in his hands. Qiao Suiman didn’t bother him and went straight to the backyard.
Miao Lianhua was feeding the chickens. The poultry were growing well. After chatting for a while, Qiao Suiman went to the front yard to chop firewood. The larger wood had already been chopped by Lu Dongqing and Lu Xuesong and neatly stacked in the woodshed. But for daily cooking, fine firewood was needed to light the fire properly. Chopping fine wood was easy work, so Qiao Suiman often did it with Miao Lianhua.
After chopping wood for half an hour, it was getting dark. The chopped firewood was enough to last for several days. He put it into the kitchen for easy access, put away the cleaver, and then started making steamed buns with coarse flour.
Miao Lianhua went to Butcher Wang to buy meat. As winter deepened, not eating meat made one feel chilly. Meat stewed with chili warmed the body considerably.
When Miao Lianhua returned, Qiao Suiman had already steamed the buns. By the time she finished cutting the meat, the buns were ready, and she took them out of the pot. Miao Lianhua told Qiao Suiman to go to the main hall while she busied herself in the kitchen.
Qiao Suiman thought that the kitchen was still too small. For now, they would focus on the shop, but later, both the kitchen and the thatched shed at the front would need repairs to prevent leaks during wind and rain.
Even in the main hall, Qiao Suiman didn’t idle. Sitting beside Lu Dongqing with a red string in hand, he first watched him weave lanterns but found it too complicated, so he lowered his head and began weaving tassels instead.
Tassels were the easiest to make, and Qiao Suiman finished one in no time. By then, Lu Dongqing had also completed the small fish lantern in his hands. Qiao Suiman smiled and asked, “Should we hang this one up first?”
Lu Dongqing took the auspicious tassel, threaded it through the small opening at the bottom of the lantern, and tied a knot. He smiled and said, “It’ll look even better once it’s painted.”
Qiao Suiman’s eyes sparkled. “Mm!”
“Let’s keep a few unsold and give them to Da-ge and Huaqing-ge. We’ll also keep some for ourselves to light up and play with.”
“Alright.”
After all, they were still young and playful. When it came to visiting the Flower Street during the Lantern Festival, they couldn’t stop talking. Lu Dongqing accidentally blurted out, “The last time we strolled the flower street was during the Qiqiao Festival. We even watched fireworks under the trees.”
Qiao Suiman immediately fell silent. He hadn’t forgotten what happened after watching the fireworks. Back then, he didn’t understand, only instinctively feeling it wasn’t something proper. But now, after sharing a bed with Lu Dongqing so many times, how could he not know what those two people were doing?
Therefore, whenever he thought about it, he felt embarrassed. Lu Dongqing also realized this, paused for a moment, and cleared his throat unnaturally. He even dreamed about doing those things to Qiao Suiman that day, which he absolutely could not tell Qiao Suiman about. It was too indecent.
Fortunately, Miao Lianhua called them to clear the table and eat. Qiao Suiman immediately stood up and went to the kitchen to serve the dishes. Lu Dongqing couldn’t help laughing when he saw his slightly stiff back. Why was he so easily embarrassed except at night?
They had been eating well and living comfortably for half a year. Though often tired, Qiao Suiman’s face had filled out, and his waist had gained some flesh. He no longer looked as skinny as when they first married.
Lu Dongqing’s hand tightened around his waist. Mm, the feel was just right.
Qiao Suiman grabbed the large hands that were rubbing all over his body and muttered, “I’ve been eating too much lately. Have I gained weight?”
“No, you still need more nourishment.” Lu Dongqing lowered his head and sealed his lips.
Qiao Suiman was so dazed by the kiss that he forgot what they were talking about just now. His heart itched, and he rubbed his right leg between Lu Dongqing’s thighs, burrowing deeper into his embrace.
“Shh.”
Lu Dongqing’s voice turned hoarse. “Don’t provoke me, Xiao Man.”
After saying that, he grabbed Qiao Suiman’s waist and pulled him close to him, using his lower abdomen to thrust a few times.
Qiao Suiman gasped for breath, barely managing to push him away. “How am I provoking you? You’re always thinking about that.”
Lu Dongqing felt wronged. He was a young man full of vigor, healthy, with his fulang warm and soft in his arms every night. Wasn’t it normal to have such thoughts? Besides, it has been nearly half a month since they’ve been intimate. He was so pent up that he was about to go crazy.
“Don’t you want to?” Lu Dongqing whispered in Qiao Suiman’s ear.
Heat rose to Qiao Suiman’s cheeks. In the darkness, he answered truthfully, “Just a little. In a few days, the wine house business will be done.”
Besides, Lu Dongqing’s birthday was just around the corner. He would surely make a fuss that day, so better to wait a few days and let him indulge properly all at once.
“Fine. But don’t push me away once we settle the wages with the wine house.”
Lu Dongqing continued to make mischief on Qiao Suiman’s body for a while before calming down.
In the darkness, Qiao Suiman’s mouth curled up. You stupid dog! Why bother waiting until we settle the waged at the wine house?
—
The fourteenth day of the twelfth month.
After delivering drinks to the wine house, Qiao Suiman and Lu Dongqing went straight to the pastry shop on Baide Road. The shop wasn’t too crowded yet, and Shopkeeper Hu hurriedly ushered them to the back courtyard upon seeing them. After parking the cart by the wall, he politely invited them into a small room at the back.
“Little brothers, you truly are my benefactors!”
Shopkeeper Hu brought over several packages of pastries from the front. “We’ve got a deal with the shop in the East Market! Once they’re done, we can go to the county yamen to sign and transfer the deed!”
His face trembled with joy. He also brewed two cups of light tea, urging them to taste.
“Congratulations, Shopkeeper Hu.” Lu Dongqing said with a faint smile. He did not refuse the cakes that Shopkeeper Hu stuffed into his hand. He then picked up a piece of red bean cake and put it in Qiao Suiman’s hand.
Originally, he wanted to feed him directly, but with outsiders present, Qiao Suiman would feel embarrassed, so Lu Dongqing decided to place it in his hand instead.
Sure enough, Qiao Suiman happily nibbled on the cake. After all, this was a free gift for Shopkeeper Hu’s good fortune, so eating some was only fair.
“Shopkeeper Hu, what about this shop of yours…” Lu Dongqing asked hesitantly.
“Don’t worry, once that side is settled, I’ll definitely sell this one. I won’t deceive you on the price. It’s forty-three taels.” Shopkeeper Hu patted his chest and said.
“Forty taels.” Lu Dongqing, after beating around the bush with him, came straight to the point: “I’m not lying. I can only offer forty taels.”
“Forty taels? That’s… that’s…”
Shopkeeper Hu muttered “that” for a long time without being able to come up with a clear answer. With a pained expression, he said, “Forty taels is far too low.”
Qiao Suiman nearly laughed. “Shopkeeper Hu, don’t haggle with us. With such a large shop over there, how could you not earn those three taels of silver?”
Shopkeeper Hu’s heart trembled. Remembering that the other shop wasn’t fully secured yet, and that these two youngsters before him actually knew the people in the academy, he hesitated before gritting his teeth. “Fine, forty taels it is. But we’ve told customers we’ll stay open until just before the New Year. How about we finalize the deed at the yamen after the New Year?”
The pastry shop originally planned to close for the New Year so that the family could go home early, but something unexpected happened at the last minute, so they had no choice but to reopen. Many customers had placed orders for New Year’s pastries, so he really couldn’t close the shop at short notice.
“Alright.” Lu Dongqing agreed readily.
Qiao Suiman carried two packages of pastries. Since he and Lu Dongqing had each taken a piece from one, it wouldn’t do to gift it, so they brought the other package to Lu Xiang’s house before leisurely heading home.
After informing the family about the shop, Lu Xuesong jumped three feet in the air. “Da-ge, Xiao Man-ge, you’re amazing!”
Miao Lianhua beamed, clapping her hands. “Wonderful, wonderful! Now it’s finally settled.”
Over the past days, Qiao Suiman and Lu Dongqing had been running around exhausted, but now they could finally relax.
“We owe it all to Huaqing-ge. Without his help, we wouldn’t have gotten the shop at this price,” Qiao Suiman said.
“They have kind hearts, and we must remember their kindness. Once we move to town, we can support each other.”
Miao Lianhua paused, then asked, “That pastry shop owner won’t deceive us, will he? What if he sells it to someone else at a high price?”
“I don’t think so. First, he knows we have connections. Second, while he’s shrewd, he’s generally trustworthy,” Lu Dongqing said firmly.
“That’s good.”
Qiao Suiman also shared the news with Qin Yu and Qiao Ruifeng, and the two were so happy that they could only say “great” over and over again.
It really was wonderful, Qiao Suiman thought.
—
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