Chapter 26: A Cure Exists

Lu Dashan tightened his throat and let out a few dry coughs.

“My daughter-in-law, you’ve probably heard something of it. Jingyuan, he’s not like the sons of other families. He didn’t grow up by my side. All of a sudden, I’ve only been a father for a year, you see?”

“A year really is short. I’m not used to it, nor is he. So as for how he addresses me, I don’t mind much. As long as he’s sensible and obedient, that’s enough. Yes, sensible and obedient—otherwise he wouldn’t have married you and still be attending the academy now.”

“When I was younger, I wanted to learn to read and write, too. I thought I couldn’t spend my whole life butchering livestock. Jingyuan never said it, but he remembered it in his heart. Studying at the academy is all for gaining fame and rank, to become a tribute student one day. Then our family wouldn’t have to pay taxes. That’s a good thing, isn’t it? Your business would be easier, and we wouldn’t have to deal with the Zhao family anymore. Even the village head would have to show us some respect.”

The more Lu Dashan spoke, the smoother his words became; his once stiff brows and eyes grew lively.

Su Tang’s temple twitched slightly.

This father-in-law of hers truly was straightforward; if she hadn’t asked, he wouldn’t have thought of any of this.

But it didn’t matter.

Su Tang nodded. “Father-in-law, you are generous. But today I heard a saying: ‘The virtue of a gentleman is like the wind; the virtue of a petty man is like grass. When the wind passes over the grass, the grass bends.’ Parents are the wind; children are the grass. However the wind blows, so the grass follows. The conduct of parents and elders is learned by their children. What you don’t take to heart, neither will the children.”

“Father-in-law might think the young master is simply inattentive for the moment. But over time, he may grow accustomed to it—and so will future generations. If one day my husband holds office in the court, such things will bring disgrace if they spread. Closer to home, if Master Fang learns your son treats you so lightly, he may look down on him. For your son’s sake, you ought to speak with him.”

“I meant to do so myself, but as a new daughter-in-law, I dare not say too much. I must trouble you, Father-in-law.”

Su Tang’s eyes shimmered, her sincerity overflowing.

Lu Dashan stared dumbly, nodding.

Though something seemed a little off, her words made perfect sense.

“Yes, yes.”

“Father-in-law~” Su Tang bit her lip and glanced toward the house.

Lu Dashan responded immediately, “I’ll go talk to him now, right away.”

He marched off toward the house, knocked on the door, and before anything stirred inside, turned to see Su Tang watching him from the kitchen door.

He curled the knuckles he’d meant to rap with into a fist.

“I’m going in,” he called, then pushed open the door and entered.

…

The door closed behind him. Su Tang turned around.

In the kitchen, Li Qingtian stared at her, mouth slightly agape—a look not unlike Lu Dashan’s moments before.

Su Tang remained composed. “What is it?”

What was it, indeed?

Li Qingtian’s temple throbbed. “Did you just say ‘future generations’?”

Su Tang covered her lips and coughed lightly. “That’s many years in the future.”

Li Qingtian breathed a sigh of relief, suppressing the wild images that had flashed through her mind, and nodded repeatedly. “Yes, you’re right. Without proper manners, he doesn’t deserve you.”

Su Tang nodded firmly. “Exactly.”

**

Inside the house.

At the table, the young master Jingyuan was practicing his calligraphy.

A single sheet of paper was nearly filled. The ink strokes were bold and heavy, yet controlled; the brushwork vigorous, with a hint of strength like metal and stone.

Lu Dashan stood by, watching and scratching his head.

When the page was full, Jingyuan set his brush down and asked, “What is it?”

“Have you ever heard the saying about the virtue of gentlemen being like wind, and that of petty men like grass?” Lu Dashan inquired.

Jingyuan’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Did she say that?”

“She did, just now, after she left the room…”

As Lu Dashan recounted the conversation, Jingyuan’s brow twitched rhythmically.

**

In the kitchen, Su Tang rubbed her nose. It suddenly tickled.

“He’s coming out,” Li Qingtian whispered.

Su Tang peered out; Lu Dashan was just closing the house door, glancing—seemingly by chance, but not really—toward the kitchen, then heading straight for the gate.

Su Tang looked at Li Qingtian.

Li Qingtian nodded, slipped out of the kitchen, and followed the wall to the back door.

At the courtyard gate, the big black dog, having just seen Lu Dashan off, wagged its tail and looked toward the rear.

From the kitchen doorway, Su Tang beckoned, “Hei, would you like some dragon’s beard noodles?”

The big black dog: “…”

There are always traitors scheming against me—

******

Like an emperor surveying his realm, the big black dog lay in the middle of the yard, head held high and gaze imperious.

Su Tang hummed a tune in the kitchen as she set out the prepared dishes.

In this era, women customarily kept to the kitchen, unless they had servants to do everything for them. Though this clashed with her own past, where she never so much as dipped her fingers in spring water, since the system was “Gourmet,” she had no choice but to practice. Fortunately, her father-in-law was diligent and, after she introduced some special seasonings, developed a love for all kinds of braised meats—spicy, pickled, saucy, and more.

It was a pity that the scent of river snail noodles was almost everywhere beyond town; otherwise, she would have loved to see it flourish in this era, just as it had in her own time.

The courtyard gate creaked open.

Su Tang watched as Lu Dashan entered, heading straight for the house.

In the courtyard, the big black dog wagged its tail, watching Lu Dashan go inside, then turned toward the back door.

At the sound from the back, Li Qingtian appeared. She first saw the big black dog cocking its head at her; she glared fiercely before returning to the kitchen.

“I went to the pagoda tree to inquire about the bamboo weaver, but didn’t find him,” Li Qingtian reported in a low voice.

Su Tang chuckled.

So, realizing her mistake but unwilling to admit it, she sent her father to check instead?

Still, there was hope for her yet.

Su Tang went to the house door and knocked.

Lu Dashan opened it.

Su Tang smiled sweetly. “Father-in-law, it’s time to eat.”

“Oh.” Lu Dashan replied, turning to say something, but Su Tang called gently into the room, “Husband, dinner is ready,” her voice soft as water.

Lu Dashan closed his mouth.

Footsteps sounded inside; soon, Jingyuan appeared at the door.

His expression was as calm as ever. With a flick of his slightly loose sleeve, he revealed a string of copper coins in his palm.

Su Tang, having counted the money over the past few days, could tell it was about two hundred coins.

“For you—two hundred,” Jingyuan said coolly.

Damn it—

Su Tang’s smile stiffened, but she raised her palm, turning it over. “Five hundred.”

Jingyuan looked at her.

Su Tang met his gaze unflinchingly.

Five hundred means five hundred. If he was going to give her money, not a single coin less.

Lu Dashan couldn’t help exclaiming, “What’s so expensive?”

Su Tang looked at Jingyuan. “Integrity, dignity, self-respect.”

Lu Dashan slowly closed his mouth and turned to Jingyuan.

He’d never bought those things, so he didn’t know their price.

Jingyuan seemed to hesitate; then he looked at Lu Dashan.

Lu Dashan understood at once, took a small piece of silver from his pouch, and placed it in Su Tang’s palm.