Chapter 4: On the Verge of Tears

Su Tang was surprised, but seeing Li Qingtian’s earnest expression, she understood why she might think that way. Given the experiences of her predecessor, it made sense. Still, in such a small town, to have just happened upon such a refined young man—how could it be possible?

Su Tang pretended to recall and shook her head, “No.” She then lowered her head and continued tidying up.

Seeing this, Li Qingtian could only give up, but as she looked up, she saw the people eating spicy hotpot beside the stall—all locals. Their coarse linen clothes were patched in places, some not, hair tied carelessly, fingernails caked with dirt and grime. Yet the young gentleman, though also dressed in rough cloth, kept his hair neatly tied and his nails spotless.

At this hour, the benches and tables around the stall were already full. Those without seats squatted on the ground with their bowls, the spicy, numbing aroma making some of them cry and sniffle. They wiped their faces with a pinch and a fling, plunged their fingers right back into the bowl, and ate on without a care.

But the young gentleman had none of these habits. Not only had she never seen such a thing from him in these five days, but he even washed his hands before every meal. Not even her own father did that.

How could such a young gentleman be raised in a place like this, with Lu Dashan—a butcher—as his father?

Six days ago, her young mistress’s life hung by a thread. She had no choice but to try everything. Fortunately, the heavens favored the kind, and her young mistress survived. But her young mistress was no ordinary person; she couldn’t truly become a butcher’s wife. She wanted to take her mistress away, but her mistress, ever the scholar, relapsed into her old habits, insisting, “With friends, one must be trustworthy,” and, “A man’s word must be kept, his actions must have results; otherwise, what a small-minded man he must be!”

She had never read a book, but she happened to know these two lines. Since her young mistress said so, she could only comply.

Besides, they had no home to return to.

Her mistress, well-read, had somehow come across the recipe for this spicy hotpot. In just three days of business, they were packed every day.

Her mistress, who once never touched spring water with her ten fingers, now suffered such hardship. Once so soft-spoken, she now called out like a village woman.

In these few short months, her mistress had been through so much that even her temperament had changed.

All she could do was protect her mistress with all her strength, never allowing the slightest hint of danger near her again.

“One portion, please,” a customer approached.

“Spend fifty and get fifteen extra—it’s tasty and a bargain,” Su Tang said brightly.

“Then I’ll take fifty’s worth.”

“All right, I’ll add more meat for you…”

Li Qingtian kept her head down, busy, her eyes filled with resolve.

Beside her, Su Tang was oblivious, taking the payment and dropping it into the little drawer in front. Even a fleeting glance at the silver glinting inside made Su Tang’s lips curl with pleasure.

So happy! She’d earned more than yesterday.

**********

“Get out—!”

Within the high brick walls, Master Zhao stormed into the front hall, his face livid with rage.

A servant hurried forward with a cup of tea, but Master Zhao took one sip and hurled it aside. “What is this rubbish!” He kicked at the servant.

“What’s upset you, husband?” came a lazy voice at the door.

The murderous look on Master Zhao’s face vanished instantly, replaced by a broad smile.

“My dear, what brings you here?” he said, hurrying to help her sit, kicking the servant again. “What are you waiting for? Serve Madam her tea!”

The servant crawled away quickly.

Madam, her hair adorned with pearls and jade, ignored the commotion and sat gracefully. Soon, the servant brought her tea. Master Zhao took it and handed it to her.

Madam sipped, set the cup down, and asked, “How did it go?”

Master Zhao grimaced and slumped down beside her. “Don’t ask. That Lu Dashan is quite protective of his wife. Not only did I not get the recipe, I lost five taels of silver.”

He recounted what happened on the street. Madam’s face turned cold as frost; she slapped the table. “Useless!”

“Exactly, useless!” Master Zhao grumbled. “He claims to be so tough, but he didn’t even dare act.”

“I meant you are useless!” Madam scolded.

Master Zhao was stunned. “My dear—”

“You own the whole of Third Street in Peaceful Town. Lu Dashan does business on your street. How can you not find a more cunning solution? By then, not only will you have the recipe for some petty snack, you’ll have Lu Dashan himself kneeling before you.”

“You have a plan?” Master Zhao asked, delighted.

Madam arched her brow.

Master Zhao quickly stood and began to massage her shoulders, gushing, “My wife is brilliant and wise, so much better than I am. Our family’s success is all thanks to you…”

Madam hummed contentedly, raised her hand, and Master Zhao immediately leaned in to listen.

“The best way is to have my brother step in. But Lu Dashan is a mere commoner; for a seventh-rank official to take interest would be making a mountain of a molehill. Still, as the saying goes, the local official trumps the county magistrate…”

Her words were meaningful. Master Zhao hesitated. “Your brother-in-law?”

Madam shook her head. “He may be the local headman, but he’s too dull for the job.”

“Then—”

Madam, exasperated, snapped, “Your sister!”

Master Zhao slapped his forehead. “Of course! My brother-in-law is henpecked; with my sister involved, he’ll have to help. How could I have forgotten? My wife, you’re truly brilliant.”

Madam curled her lips in satisfaction. “Just remember to bring me the recipe when it’s done.”

“Absolutely.” Thinking of that smiling face, Master Zhao’s voice turned vicious. “A mere woman and child, clutching a goldmine of a recipe—she’s courting disaster.”

********

Night fell.

In the quiet courtyard, the big black dog lay outside, tail wagging as it slept.

Inside, beneath the lamplight, the young gentleman read his book. On the other side, Su Tang gathered the counted copper coins and placed them in the box.

So much money!

After deducting costs, today’s net profit was five strings—five taels of silver, just enough to cover a day’s stall tax.

She picked up one string she’d set aside and placed it on the table beside the young gentleman.

The clink of metal on wood rang clear in the night. The young gentleman turned his head.

“Husband, keep this. If you want something to eat or play during the day, just go buy it,” Su Tang said gently.

The young gentleman looked at the string of coins, then at Su Tang.

“If you won’t spend it, give it to Father,” Su Tang added.

When she had hovered between life and death, the Lu family’s young gentleman had married her in haste to bring good fortune. The ceremony had been rushed, but the proper gifts were exchanged. Sister Li had taken five taels as a dowry; the Lu family contributed five taels as a bride price. She’d never married before and didn’t know the customs from her own region, but here in Great Qian, the bride’s side always gave more. The groom’s side gave less. At the time, with her life in the balance, she hadn’t cared, but now, alive and using the silver as capital for the stall, she couldn’t take advantage of others if she intended to stay as a daughter-in-law.

According to local custom, the dowry-to-bride price ratio meant she should at least add one more tael.

Su Tang was just thinking that things were finally fair when she heard a gentle voice beside her.

“Wife, you must be tired.”

She looked at the young gentleman’s clear, moist eyes.

Su Tang felt tears sting her own.

Where in the world could one find such a good husband?