Daily Life of an Ancient Couple’s Struggle 25

Chapter 25: Lady Yao’s Idea
It was still early morning, yet already a crowd had gathered outside Zhao’s house—all refugees seeking the village head to allocate them homesteads.
Yesterday, when grain was distributed in the county town, there weren’t nearly this many people; but today, it truly is a sea of humanity, packed so tightly that not even water could seep through.
Zhao Lizheng’s original name was Zhao Xingsheng. Now the entire Zhao family had joined the effort; Zhao Xingsheng and his wife, Lady Wu, had talked until their mouths were dry.
“Fellow villagers! Just leave your household registers and you may go! We will allocate everything fairly and uniformly. The results of the allocation will be posted at the village entrance, absolutely fair and just! Hurry back now to eat!”
But how could these refugees bring themselves to leave? They feared that once they departed, those remaining might play petty tricks, leaving them at a disadvantage. Thus, they all demanded that Lizheng divide the land immediately, which made Zhao Xingsheng feel utterly overwhelmed.
“I am merely a humble village head, not a county magistrate, everyone! Must I not first contact several other village heads and Lizhengs to discuss this together? Everyone, please return home!”
As he spoke, Zhao Xingsheng kept stepping backward until he retreated into the house, then quickly slammed the main door shut.
Only when the door was firmly closed did Zhao Xingsheng finally breathe a sigh of relief.
But upon turning around, he was so startled that he jumped back a step!
Jiang Song’an had entered the room at some point; seeing this, he hurried over to support him. “Uncle, I hope I didn’t scare you?”
Zhao Xingsheng poked him twice with his finger: “You rascal! When did you arrive? Why didn’t you even say hello!”
Jiang Song’an glanced outside: “Too many people were in your courtyard, so I had to enter from the back. Auntie was so busy she even forgot to close the door.”
Wu Shi let out an exclamation of surprise and hurried to shut the back door, while Zhao Xingsheng and Jiang Song’an took their seats.
“You’ve come at this hour surely regarding Jiang Dasheng and Kong Chunhua’s matter. Rest assured, I won’t let them get their way.”
Jiang Song’an curled his lips in a sarcastic smile: “So they did come?”
Before Zhao Xingsheng could speak, Wu Shi chimed in loudly: “Of course they came! They arrived the earliest! That Kong Chunhua, with all her scheming ways, showed up bright and early on the second day after you settled in Heli Village—the very day you went to town. She spat words like flying droplets, demanding everything under the sky!”
“What are they demanding?”
“Houses and fields! Lady Kong has specified they want the finest paddy fields! And a large compound with three courtyards. I’ve lived half my life, yet this is the first time I’ve ever seen such shamelessness…” Wu Shi could no longer hold back and burst out cursing. Upon hearing this, Jiang Song’an was momentarily stunned.
Zhao Xingsheng was equally indignant, though he found it more ridiculous than anything: “They’re merely relying on being locals. Pay them no mind. Since ancient times, there has never been a precedent for allocating fine houses and good land to refugees. Let them wait! By the way, why have you returned? Didn’t I tell you to stay in the county town for a couple of days?”
Just as Jiang Song’an was about to speak, a shrill female voice came from outside the door.
What do you call this? Speak of the devil, and he shall appear.
Jiang Song’an fell silent for a moment: “They’ve likely changed their minds and now want the house in Shenmu Town.”
Zhao Xingsheng widened his eyes and asked in a low voice: “Have they come looking for you?”
“Yes.”
“What did your wife say?”
At the mention of Yuan Yao, Jiang Song’an’s eyes softened: “She doesn’t mind.”
Upon hearing this, Zhao Xingsheng and Lady Wu were delighted: “Just as I said! Though that Yao-niang may seem a bit delicate, she is certainly still a good girl. You, my boy, are truly blessed!”
Jiang Song’an smiled gently: “You’re right, Auntie.”
While the three of them exchanged a few words inside, the shouting at the door outside grew louder. Zhao Xingsheng clicked his tongue in annoyance. “I’ll go see what’s happening.”
With that, he rose from his seat at the table. “What’s all the fuss about? I’m coming!”
As Zhao Xingsheng went out to deal with Kong Shi, Wu Shi quickly stepped forward, curiosity getting the better of her. “So Kong Shi actually found her way to your house? Did she let your wife in?”
Jiang Song’an thought for a moment. Yes, she had been let in, but she must have left again by now, and certainly hadn’t gained anything from the visit. He recounted the whole incident. Wu Shi reacted with both surprise and delight. “I never would have guessed; your wife is quite formidable! I thought, being just a young girl, she’d surely be bullied by that Kong Shi!”
Jiang Song’an’s expression turned cold. Although this time it was his own relatives involved, he would absolutely not allow such a thing to happen.
The commotion outside seemed to be growing quite intense; no one knew what unreasonable demand Lady Kong had raised again. Just as Lady Wu was preparing to rise and check, Jiang Song’an said, “Auntie, if Yao Yao and I have guessed correctly, here is what we are thinking…”
Upon hearing Jiang Song’an propose an idea, Lady Kong’s eyes gradually brightened: “I think that will work!”
..
Indeed, Lady Kong was making a great fuss outside, essentially demanding that instead of the three-courtyard compound and paddy fields in Naiguo Village, she wanted a residential plot or a house in Shenmu Town, plus farmland outside the town.
Zhao Xingsheng laughed, “My dear lady, if I could just hand over a house in Shenmu Town to you so easily, wouldn’t everyone else be flocking to this town?!”
Lady Kong shouted, “Our Jiang Song’an owns a house in the town! How can we be compared to them! Our entire family are native-born locals! We only went to Longzhou due to the famine back then; now, as they call it, we have returned to our ancestral homeland! Our family once had houses and land in Naiguo Village, which were later allocated by the imperial court to others; it is only right that they be returned to us now!”
Zhao Xingsheng had heard this argument so many times his ears felt calloused.
“I never said we wouldn’t allocate anything, but you yourselves admitted your houses and fields were all in Naiguo Village. Even if we do allocate something, it would still be within the village! Previously, your demands were already difficult enough—a three-courtyard residence and prime paddy fields—and now you’re directly asking for land in the town! I wish I could, but I simply cannot make it happen!”
Zhao Xingsheng spoke bluntly. Lady Kong, likely sensing she had overstepped, hastily replied, “We want either land or a house in the town! If that’s possible, we’d be willing to accept less farmland!”
Zhao Xingsheng: “How much less are you asking for?”
After all, earlier when Kong Shi first spoke, she had demanded six mu of prime irrigated land.
Kong Shi’s eyes flickered: “Five mu.”
Zhao Xingsheng laughed in sheer exasperation: “Just go back!”
“Hey, hey, four! Four mu should be enough, right?” Seeing Zhao Xingsheng turn to leave immediately, Kong Shi hastily changed her tune. Before Zhao Xingsheng could even speak, Wu Shi emerged from the inner room: “Don’t think that just because you previously asked for six mu—which was impossible anyway—you can now demand land in town, and four mu of fields at that. Do you truly believe all the land around here belongs to our family?”
Lady Kong: “Then tell me how much!”
Mrs. Wu was not one to be easily swayed; as the wife of the village head, she had encountered all sorts of people. She smiled and said, “Two mu then, though we can’t expect top-grade land. We’ll take whatever is allotted.”
Mrs. Kong: “!!!”
Mrs. Wu: “If you don’t agree, then we’ll stick with Naiguo Village’s offer.”
“Wait! Three! Three mu is the absolute minimum!”
“Then why are you asking for premium paddy fields?”
Kong Shi: “…”
Kong Shi gritted her teeth: “Stop talking only about the fields. What about the house? What about the land? Why haven’t you said a single word about those?”
Wu Shi glanced at her husband and smiled: “I won’t hide anything from you. There is indeed a plot of residential land available recently in Shenmu Town. However, it won’t be ready that quickly. If you were willing to live in the village, it would have been arranged within ten days or half a month. But since you now want residential land within the town itself, I’m afraid you’ll have to wait one or two months. Can you wait that long?”
Just as Kong was about to say that her family had a place to stay in town, she recalled the scene from that morning and instantly felt a sharp pang of distress.
Wu immediately struck where it hurt most: “You don’t, do you? Then let’s forget it.”
Just as Kong was about to speak, Wu added, “However… I have another idea.”
Lady Kong immediately asked, “What method?”
Lady Wu smiled at her impatient demeanor and chuckled leisurely.
–
Meanwhile, Yuan Yao knocked on the Zhao family’s door.
This Zhao family was the widow who lived not far from the Jiang household.
Widow Zhao rarely ventured out, as her reputation in the town was rather poor. Yet she was quite an extraordinary woman, living freely and carelessly, always doing as she pleased. Upon hearing a knock at the door, she immediately swayed her hips over and called out, “Who is it?”
Opening the door to find Yuan Yao standing there, she paused in surprise. “Why, it’s you?”
Yuan Yao smiled gently. “Sister-in-law, I have something I’d like to discuss with you.”
..
“What? Rent?!” Mistress Kong exclaimed in astonishment. In all her years, she had never once heard of anyone renting a house to live in. Her voice soared with such excitement it nearly pierced through the roof.
Mrs. Wu covered her ears. “Why are you getting so worked up? I haven’t finished yet! As for the rent on this rental property, if you don’t want to pay in cash, you can offset it with land instead. For instance, if you’re willing to give up one more mu of land, we could waive a month’s rent! How about that?”
Kong Shi widened her eyes: “One mu of land for just one month? That calculation is far too favorable!”
“Then how about half a mu?”
“That won’t work either!”
Wu Shi’s face darkened. “Hey, Kong Chunhua, I’m trying to help you here; don’t be ungrateful! You were the one who first made those unreasonable demands, asking for housing and farmland in the town. If word gets out, do you think anyone would agree? They might not even approve two mu of town land! It’s only because we’re originally from the same village that such an opportunity exists. If you’re unwilling, there are plenty of others who would jump at the chance!”
Stunned by such a loud rebuke, Kong Chunhua was rendered speechless; after holding back for a long while, she finally managed to say, “Whose house could we possibly stay in? Who would rent to us?”
This question left Mrs. Wu speechless. She glanced back toward the inner room. Just moments before, when Jiang Song’an had spoken those words, he hadn’t specified whose house he meant. As everyone in the courtyard fell silent, suddenly Widow Zhao appeared before them all. “Stay at my place,” she offered. “I’m willing to rent it out.”
Everyone was taken aback.
Widow Zhao stepped forward with a smile. “You must be Sister Chunhua, right? My surname is Zhao. We still have a few empty rooms. If you’re willing, why not stay with us?”
“You?” Kong Chunhua looked her up and down. She was indeed good-looking, though her beauty was entirely different from Yuan Yao’s.
“Yes, Sister Chunhua, I live alone in a house with plenty of rooms and a large courtyard! My husband passed away long ago, and I too wish to earn some money. Since you wouldn’t need to pay for it yourselves, isn’t this a perfect arrangement?”
That is indeed true…
But…
Wu Shi’s eyes flickered, and she immediately said, “This is excellent! This is Zhao Hong from Shenmu Town. Come to think of it, the Zhao family lives quite close to Song’an… doesn’t it?”
Widow Zhao smiled. “Yes, we’re on the same alley; there can’t be many households between us.”
Kong Shi had been somewhat hesitant, but upon hearing this, she immediately said, “Agreed!”
“We’ll stay at your place! How much per month?”
Widow Zhao smiled. “Don’t worry about the rent; won’t the village head cover that? I don’t need much. Anyway, an empty house is just sitting idle; having something is enough.”
Kong Shi’s mind raced through several twists and turns. She certainly knew that securing a homestead in Shenmu Town would not be easy, yet it was absolutely necessary. Otherwise, all hope of finding official employment in the county seat later would vanish. Therefore, she had to live in Shenmu Town: first, to keep an eye on Jiang Song’an, and second, to watch over the homestead itself.
Although she felt Mrs. Wu’s suggestion put her at a disadvantage, there was no better option at the moment. Moreover, the most crucial point was that if the Zhao family settled near the Jiangs, wasn’t that exactly what she wanted? As for the fields, she had never intended to farm them anyway. With a house in town, opportunities for proper employment might arise. Besides, how much land would eventually be allocated remained uncertain. Trading five mu of undetermined farmland for this chance was well worth it.
Only then did Kong Shi agree.
Seeing this, Mrs. Wu immediately said, “Agreed! Then it’s settled! Husband, you bear witness!”
Zhao Xingsheng, unaware of the conversation between Jiang Song’an and Lady Kong inside the room, was completely bewildered. However, seeing his wife persistently signaling him with her eyes, he roughly understood: “Oh… oh, alright, if you’re willing, then so be it! I shall bear witness!”
Thus, the matter of renting the house was settled. Immediately, Lady Kong followed Widow Zhao away.
Finally, they managed to see off this formidable guest. Jiang Song’an then emerged from the house, and Wu Shi and Zhao Xingsheng hurried over: “Was this your wife’s idea?”
At that moment, Jiang Song’an was also somewhat bewildered.
The idea of renting a house had come from Yaoyao, but she hadn’t specified whose idea it originally was.
Regaining his composure, he said, “Uncle, Auntie, I must be going now; I’ll return later.”
“Alright, alright, you should head back quickly too.”
–
When Jiang Song’an arrived home, Yuan Yao had just finished preparing lunch. In the courtyard, Jiang Nian was being pulled by Yuan Shuang to serve as a post for tying an elastic band, while Tie Zhu and Li Yingying were helping tidy up the storage room. Seeing all this, Jiang Song’an hurried over. Tie Zhu spotted him first: “Brother, you’re back!”
Yuan Yao immediately stepped out of the kitchen. Jiang Nian excitedly called out “Second Brother!” but dared not approach, for the three sisters were joyfully jumping rubber band, leaving him too afraid to move…
With a smile playing on her lips, Yuan Yao asked, “How did it go? Was it successful?”
Jiang Song’an got straight to the point: “I’ve rented the Zhao family’s house.”
No sooner had he finished speaking than Li Yingying laughed, “My sister-in-law was right after all! This really worked out!”
Jiang Song’an looked at Yuan Yao, who smiled and said, “Go wash your hands first; dinner will be served shortly. We can talk at the table.”
Since there were guests at home today, Yuan Yao held nothing back. When she brought out the stir-fried cured pork with garlic sprouts and green peppers, the aroma alone was enough to leave everyone utterly captivated!
The cured pork preserved during the New Year had finally absorbed all its flavors. After boiling, the vibrant red, fragrant slices were ready to eat straight away. The chili peppers, brought by Li Yingying, offered a bold spiciness that made them perfect for stir-frying with meat. As the saying goes, garlic sprouts paired with meat create an instant delight. The sizzling pieces, half fatty and half lean, served alongside a mouthful of steamed white rice, felt like heaven on earth.
Moreover, the old hen from the Liu family proved remarkably prolific in laying eggs—perhaps because Yuan Li fed it grasshoppers every day. Now producing two eggs daily, the supply quickly increased. Thus, Yuan Yao prepared another dish: steamed eggs with lard. She smeared a little lard at the bottom of the bowl before steaming the eggs. Once cooked, she drizzled chopped scallions and soy sauce over the surface. The rich aroma of pork blended seamlessly with the eggs, making everyone at the table’s mouths water.
Not to mention the mixed mushroom and vermicelli soup that hasn’t even been served yet. Tiezhu, unable to contain himself, drooled profusely: “Brother, brother, you’re so blessed! Sister-in-law’s cooking is actually this good!”
Jiang Nian was no different; his small eyes widened enormously until he finally couldn’t hold back and blurted out, “Second Brother… are we very rich?”
We’re actually eating eggs! And meat!!!
A child’s question is always so innocent and endearing that it made everyone laugh. Tiezhu patted Jiang Nian’s head and said, “Don’t worry, your brother is highly capable. He’ll definitely be able to support you; from now on, you’ll never go hungry again!”
Yuan Li immediately nodded: “Yes, yes! Brother-in-law is so amazing!!!”
Just as Yuan Yao sat down with the bowl of soup in her hands, Jiang Nian added, “Sister-in-law is also very remarkable…”
Yun Yao smiled gently: “Good child, eat up.”
Tie Zhu chuckled: “This little Nian is indeed clever; he saw through the family hierarchy in no time.”
Li Yingying handed him a steamed bun, saying, “Why do you have so much to say?”
Tiezhu scratched his head with a silly grin and fell silent.
Yuan Yao ladled a bowl of soup for Jiang Song’an and said, “It’s true that I went to find Sister Hong, but I never expected it to go so smoothly.”
At that time, when Yuan Yao suddenly went to Widow Zhao’s house, Tiezhu was still somewhat bewildered. Li Yingying asked, “Sister-in-law, what were you thinking?”
Yuan Yao glanced at the people around the table and said, “I already discussed this with Song’an this morning. If that woman Kong isn’t staying in our home, she’ll surely feel resentful and might even cause serious trouble. Rather than waiting anxiously for her to do something reckless at any moment, I’d rather let her settle first in Shenmu Town. I will cover the rent for the Zhao family’s place.”
Tiezhu and Li Yingying widened their eyes: “Sister-in-law, you…”
“Don’t rush; I have conditions. Song’an has already checked with the village head, and they will definitely be able to allocate some land. That’s why I deliberately asked the village head to deduct five fen or one mu of her share in exchange for a month’s rent. Sister Hong also said that two taels of silver per month is the maximum. All things considered, it’s not a loss.”
Yuan Yao did indeed want the land; exchanging two taels of silver for half a mu of paddy field was actually quite reasonable.
“What about after this month?”
Yuan Yao smiled. “That was another consideration of mine. Given Kong Shi’s temper, I doubt she could last a month in Shenmu Town. Living under another family’s roof, friction would be inevitable. Moreover, I’ve looked into acquiring homesteads here in Shenmu Town; it’s far from easy. Her final scheme may well come to nothing.”
“So that’s how it is. In that case, Sister-in-law intends to exchange two taels of silver for half a mu of land, while also stirring up some trouble for Lady Kong, correct?”
That Widow Zhao is no pushover, and neither is Lady Kong; who knows what troubles might arise once they’re brought together!
Yuan Yao smiled somewhat sheepishly. “Whether trouble actually comes of it, I cannot say—it all depends on Lady Kong herself. However… since I already mentioned this matter to Sister Hong, one could say I did have such considerations in mind.”
As Yuan Yao spoke these words, she felt a pang of guilt. In truth, her sole intention was indeed to cause trouble for Lady Kong. As for Widow Zhao, Yuan Yao remembered her all too well from her previous life; during those final few months in Shenmu Town, news about her seemed to surface almost every single day…
The level of its sensuality and shock value…
Of course, Yuan Yao could not voice these thoughts; she merely stole a glance at Jiang Song’an, wondering if he had guessed them.
Jiang Song’an noticed Yuan Yao’s gaze and, beneath the table, reached out to take her hand, causing Yuan Yao’s eyes to widen slightly.
Yao Yao makes a valid point,” Jiang Song’an said. “I know the Kong family well; it is unlikely they could stay even ten days or half a month, let alone a full month. As for the homestead in Shenmu Town, her schemes are likely to come to naught.
Tie Zhu understood completely: “So, she might end up slinking back to Naimu Village in disgrace! And Second Brother will still get the land!”
“That makes sense.”
Yuan Yao nodded. Of course, she didn’t say anything further; she suspected that if things truly unfolded as she imagined… Kong Shi might never return to Naiguo Village in the end…
For the time being, the whole family said no more about Kong Shi. Instead, they turned their attention to planning and preparation. After the meal, Jiang Song’an carried over some wood and began constructing a bed for Jiang Nian. Tie Zhu lent a hand as well, while Yuan Yao and Li Yingying thoroughly cleaned the room inside and out.
At last, things began to look somewhat proper.
In the past few days, due to Kong Shi and Jiang Dasheng, Jiang Song’an had not been as talkative as before, yet his mood was far from bad; while working on carpentry with Tie Zhu in the courtyard, he still chatted and laughed cheerfully.
Carpentry was no easy task. Yuan Yao had brewed a pot of ginger tea to warm them up. Since it was not yet March, having two men sweating profusely in the courtyard risked them catching a cold.
As Yuan Yao carried the tea over, Jiang Song’an was inspecting the results of his planing. Bent at the waist, his large hand carefully glided over the surface of the wooden bed, checking for splinters or bumps, his expression serious and focused. It had to be admitted that, at this moment, Jiang Song’an still struck a chord within Yuan Yao.
Her heartbeat quickened slightly as she approached. “Take a break,” she said.
Jiang Song’an saw her and immediately stood up to take the ginger tea. He wanted to reach out and pinch her cheek, but catching sight of Tiezhu behind her, he held back.
Yuan Yao said softly, “If we can’t finish today, we can do it tomorrow. It’s not very urgent.”
A thought stirred in Jiang Song’an’s mind.
No, he was very urgent.
My younger brother is important, but sleeping beside my wife is even more so.
Finally, just as the sun was setting, the wooden bed was completed.
The three sisters pulled Jiang Nian over to take a look, all exclaiming in awe, “Wow!”
“What a huge wooden bed…!”
Jiang Song’an smiled. “Boys grow quickly; it needs to be made larger. Next year, we’ll get Xiao Li a bigger bed too.”
Yuan Li’s eyes lit up. Yuan Yao walked over with a laugh. “Don’t spoil them; the bed was just made, and now you want to replace it again next year.”
Jiang Song’an smiled. “It’s fine; girls should be raised in comfort.”
Yuan Li said, “Thank you, brother-in-law! We were just joking!”
Once everything was done, Tie Zhu and Li Yingying prepared to leave. Yuan Yao quickly urged, “Stay the night! The three of them can squeeze together to free up a room.”
Tie Zhu replied, “No need, sister-in-law! I’m heading into town tomorrow, and Yingying will come early in the morning. There aren’t many people around at this hour, so that family won’t notice us leaving.”
Li Yingying: “Yes, sister-in-law, I’ll come over first thing tomorrow morning! Don’t worry about it!”
Seeing their persistence, Yuan Yao disliked forcing the issue. “Alright then, take care on your way back. Let Jiang Song’an see you off.”
Jiang Song’an was just putting away his tools. After escorting them to the gate, Tie Zhu absolutely refused to let him go any further. Once Jiang Song’an returned, Yuan Yao sighed, “This time we’ve really caused too much trouble for Tie Zhu and the others. Tomorrow, when we have a moment, we must properly treat them to a meal as thanks.”
Jiang Song’an gave a soft “Mm” in response.
By the hour of Hai, they had finally finished furnishing Jiang Nian’s small room. Yuan Yao was clearly a bit tired. Jiang Song’an approached her and said, “You go wash up first; I’ll take care of all this.”
Yuan Yao did not press the matter, simply nodding. In the bathing room, hot water had already been drawn. After two consecutive days of traveling to the city and returning to outwit Lady Kong, she thoroughly enjoyed a hot bath. By the time she returned to her room, Jiang Song’an had also come back.
“Is Nian-Nian asleep?”
Jiang Song’an replied, “Mm. You go to sleep first; I’ll wash up—I’m covered in dust.”
Yuan Yao rubbed her eyes, climbed into bed, and fell asleep almost immediately.
She had only just fallen asleep when Jiang Song’an pressed his chest against her from behind, brushing aside her hair to kiss her neck.
In her sleep, Yuan Yao murmured something, only to hear Jiang Song’an suddenly say, “Tomorrow I must return to the iron workshop again.”
As he finished speaking, he gently bit her snow-white ear.
In an instant, Yuan Yao woke up completely.
She turned over in bed. “So soon?”
Jiang Song’an sighed helplessly. “The order we discussed earlier is now urgent; the deadline is approaching, and we can’t delay it any longer.”
Yuan Yao nodded. “That’s true. Then go ahead and get busy. There’s nothing pressing at home right now; I’ll take good care of Nian Nian.”
Jiang Song’an lowered his gaze, clearly burdened by some unspoken worry.
Yuan Yao knew what he was thinking and said, “Nothing serious. With the Kong family now staying at the Zhao household, this matter is temporarily settled. Go ahead and attend to your affairs with peace of mind. If anything comes up, I’ll have someone send you word. Don’t worry.”
“I know you have a plan.” Jiang Song’an gently squeezed Yuan Yao’s hand, though he himself now felt that being away from home seemed somewhat unbearable…
“You’ve worked hard.”
Yuan Yao curved her lips slightly and let out a soft yawn.
“This is just the beginning; I’m going to make a fortune later.”
This little hardship means nothing.
Jiang Song’an then smiled: “There’s one more thing.”
“Just say it.”
“I heard some unofficial news, though I’m not sure if it’s true, that the county yamen might be recruiting a batch of constables this summer.”
Upon hearing this, Yuan Yao’s eyes instantly widened.
“Really?!”
“It’s just a rumor.”
Yuan Yao was visibly excited: “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. If it’s true, you must go!”
Jiang Song’an hadn’t expected such a strong reaction from her and asked, “Do you really want me to go?”
Yuan Yao: “Exactly! Entering the yamen would be wonderful; our status would be entirely different.”
She had always known Jiang Song’an was highly capable; otherwise, in her previous life, he wouldn’t have risen so quickly from a commander of a hundred men to one of a thousand. Yet in this lifetime, Yuan Yao did not wish for him to serve in the military. Joining the yamen, however, seemed an excellent alternative.
Although constables were merely yamen runners and certainly inferior to military officers, given Jiang Song’an’s abilities, climbing the ranks within two or three years would be no difficult task. Moreover, she intended to go to Qingshan County sooner or later; with some money to grease the right palms, everything would become even easier. She understood well the intricate relationship between officials and merchants.
After pondering back and forth a few times, Yuan Yao had already mapped out their future, a smile gently gracing her lips.
Jiang Song’an glanced at her curiously several times before finally unable to hold back, saying, “I thought you would prefer me making money through business.”
After all, being a constable is exhausting and bitter, with only a fixed salary to show for it.
Yuan Yao smiled. “I do like money, but I understand even better that for common folk, pursuing an official career offers the best path forward. Don’t you know the principle of scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants? If you were willing to study, I’d rather you earned not a single coin than fail to send you to the imperial examinations. Unfortunately, you are unwilling.”
Jiang Song’an cleared his throat lightly. “It’s not that I’m unwilling; perhaps I simply lack the aptitude. Very well, if this is what you think, I will keep the matter in mind.”
“Absolutely.” Yuan Yao issued an unequivocal order.
In the darkness, Jiang Song’an curved his lips slightly.
“Alright.”
With those words spoken, their serious discussion was nearly concluded.
It was also time to attend to another matter; Jiang Song’an suddenly rolled over and pinned Yuan Yao’s wrist.
Yuan Yao’s body instantly grew hot.
Last time, nothing came of it because Yuan Yao had her period; thinking that she would have to leave home again the next day, Jiang Song’an held back no strength at all.
After several fierce thrusts, this overburdened wooden bed nearly fell apart. Yuan Yao bit down hard on his shoulder until she tasted a faint hint of rust.
After calming down for a long while, Jiang Song’an kissed Yuan Yao’s sweat-dampened cheek.
“I forgot again; there’s still some wood left. Next time, for sure.”
Yuan Yao pinched him, and Jiang Song’an chuckled softly…
–
Before dawn the next day, Jiang Song’an left home once again.
Not long after, Li Yingying arrived.
“Sister-in-law, good morning!”
Yuan Yao had just finished washing up and, seeing her carrying breakfast, exclaimed in surprise, “You’re here to help; how could I possibly let you bring anything!”
Li Yingying replied, “Sister-in-law, please don’t be so polite. My Tiezhu has received so much care from your second brother while he’s been in the county town; this little favor is nothing! Call the children out to eat; these are buns I made myself!”
Yuan Shuang was already up; surprisingly, Jiang Nian was up too. Only Yuan Qi and Yuan Li were still sleeping in. Yuan Yao sighed helplessly, “Ah Shuang, go wake your two younger sisters!”
“Okay!”
“Nian Nian, wash up and then come have breakfast.”
Jiang Nian nodded obediently. Glancing toward the courtyard, he asked softly, “Sister-in-law, did my older brother go out?”
“Yes,” Yuan Yao smiled as she ladled the porridge. “Your brother is currently working at an iron smithy in Qingshan County; he only returns home once every ten days or so. These past few days are an exception due to family matters.”
Jiang Nian’s eyes widened. “My brother is so amazing…”
Yuan Yao chuckled. “So, Nian-Nian, you’ll be spending most of your time living with me. Won’t you dislike that?”
Jiang Nian’s eyes widened again. “How could I!”
He was so excited that he could barely speak: “I like it! I, I—”
Jiang Nian was truly moved; he had never imagined that one day he would live such a life, waking up each morning to find food ready, and just yesterday, he had even slept in a new bed!
Seeing him like this, Yuan Yao understood what the boy wanted to say. She gently ruffled his hair. “Alright, alright, go wash up and have breakfast.”
Jiang Nian nodded vigorously with excitement. After quickly washing up, he rushed over to help his sister-in-law.
Her second brother isn’t home, so he is now the only boy in the family! He must help his sister-in-law and take good care of his older and younger sisters!
The whole family sat together for breakfast. Although Li Yingying had only met Yuan Yao a day ago, they seemed to get along remarkably well. Yuan Yao didn’t have many friends in Shenmu Town either, so they quickly struck up a lively conversation. Before long, Aunt Dou arrived to deliver tofu; upon hearing about the Jiang family’s recent events, she nodded with a smile: “That’s good—better than I expected. By the way, tomorrow is market day again. Are you going?”
“Of course we’re going!” Yuan Yao wouldn’t skimp on her stall tax; no matter what, she intended to set up her stall.
Li Yingying asked, “Going where?”
Yuan Yao smiled and recounted her experience of setting up a stall to sell fermented bean curd.
Li Yingying widened her eyes: “Sister-in-law, you’re truly amazing!”
“Oh, I was just making it for fun; it doesn’t earn much money.”
“Who says that? Looking at all the tofu business in your courtyard, it must be doing quite well! I was actually wondering about that!”
“Try it in a bit; if you like it, I’ll give you a whole jar.”
Li Yingying replied, “That would be too kind; I will certainly buy it.”
Before Yuan Yao could respond, Sister Hongmei arrived. Yuan Yao went to open the door again; naturally, this time the conversation was about the jars.
“I was afraid you might worry, so I came early to let you know they’ll be delivered this afternoon. This time, there are twenty!”
Yuan Yao expressed her gratitude and immediately moved to fetch the money, but Sister Hongmei promptly stopped her: “Please don’t. The string of cash you gave last time hasn’t even been used up yet. If I take more, my mother-in-law will become angry.”
Hearing this, Yuan Yao smiled as well: “Very well then, perhaps next time.”
Sister Hongmei glanced around, then lowered her voice to ask a few more questions about Lady Kong’s situation. Upon learning of Yuan Yao’s plans, she exclaimed in surprise: “My mother truly guessed correctly.”
“Did Grandmother guess what I intend to do?”
“That was…” Sister Hongmei smiled. “She even praised you, saying you handled it well.”
Yuan Yao felt embarrassed. “Those little tricks of mine are nothing but child’s play in Grandma’s eyes.”
“It’s nothing of the sort. Still, my mother also mentioned that Kong Shi is likely to cause quite a stir at the Zhao household. Fortunately, she isn’t in your family; some matters simply don’t require our involvement.”
Yuan Yao: “That makes sense. Thank you for the reminder, Grandma.”
After Sister Hongmei left, breakfast was finished. There were now four children in the household, but with Yuan Shuang looking after them, there was no need to worry at all. The chicks and ducklings bought earlier at the market had grown considerably during this time; no child could resist anything fluffy, and Jiang Nian was no exception. Seeing the children playing beside the chicken and duck coops, Yuan Yao felt reassured enough to go make fermented bean curd.
Li Yingying went to help her, and Yuan Yao felt a bit embarrassed, but Li Yingying said, “You’re too polite, sister-in-law. To be honest, since I married from the village to the town, I haven’t made any friends. If you’re willing, I’d like to keep in touch with you from now on! Just please don’t look down on me!”
Yuan Yao was only too happy to agree, and the two chatted and laughed together in the courtyard.
In contrast to the tranquility of the Jiang family’s small courtyard, the Zhao household was far from comfortable.
The Zhao residence was indeed large, but since both Widow Zhao’s husband and mother-in-law had passed away, she lived alone in that vast courtyard; no wonder she had grown accustomed to doing as she pleased.
Shenmu Town is so small that news of the Kong family moving into the Zhao household spread quickly throughout the town. Some people sneered, “This Zhao Hong has no sense of propriety, and Lady Kong is truly improper as well. It would be one thing if she came with her child, but there’s also Jiang Dasheng, a grown man. Living in a widow’s home—what kind of example is that?”
“Do you think everyone is like you? The entire Jiang Dasheng family fled here during the famine, barely able to fill their bellies. They can hardly worry about such things! Having a roof over their heads is already fortunate enough!”
“Isn’t that Jiang Song’an over there…”
“Hush! Don’t say such things; you’ll only invite trouble for no reason!”
“I know… I just think that once Lady Kong actually moves into the Zhao household, there will be plenty of drama to watch…”
Come to think of it, Lady Kong did agree readily enough yesterday, but upon reflection, she now feels something isn’t quite right—after all, there’s still a grown man living in her own home..
Fortunately, the Zhao family had plenty of rooms. Zhao Hong seemed to have anticipated this; she directly assigned them the easternmost room while she took the western one, with a vegetable garden and an empty house separating the two. This arrangement made it seem less like cohabitation and more like being neighbors, which finally eased Kong Shi’s reservations, allowing her to begin settling in.
Although the conditions were far from ideal, they at least now had a place to stay. After settling them in, Zhao Hong said, “Eldest Sister, let me be clear from the start: I provide only shelter, not food. You’ll need to procure your own grain and vegetables. You may use the kitchen as well; we’ll just keep our supplies separate. However, I might have to ask Brother Jiang to chop some firewood for us.”
Kong Shi replied, “I know! You don’t need to tell me!”
Although she had hoped to gain a small advantage, seeing that Zhao Hong was quite shrewd made her heart ache; if she had stayed at Jiang Song’an’s home, she wouldn’t have needed to use her own grain for cooking. After thinking it over, she concluded that she had acted impulsively yesterday morning.
She shouldn’t have left.
In such circumstances, what importance did face hold?
Now, wishing to return would likely prove difficult.
Kong Shi, flustered and agitated, cooked a pot of vegetable congee. Zhao Hong was stingy, but Kong Shi was even more so; she scooped the pot until it was utterly clean, leaving not a single grain of rice behind. As for the five dou of rice they had previously received for free in the county town, she had hidden it away securely.
When Zhao Hong went to the kitchen, she couldn’t help but laugh, muttering softly, “Truly remarkable.”