Chapter 121 - 121: I’ll Support You For A Lifetime

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

“Work hard in Jingtai, learn how to handle yourself, and understand how to run a business. If you do well, I’ll give you an opportunity in the future.”

“I… I don’t think I’m cut out for business.’

“If you don’t even believe in yourself and don’t want to prosper, who will respect you? Are you willing to live a tough life forever?”

“I… I will do my best.”

Liu Hai clenched his teeth. He knew this was a rare opportunity. His cousin was willing to help the Liu family, and he couldn’t afford to give up, no matter how challenging it might be.

Qiao Mai glanced at Liu Ye and asked, “What did Shopkeeper Lu say to you?”

“She said she’d pay me a wage after the New Year, 100 coins per month. If I can handle bigger tasks, she’ll increase my pay.”

“Good, work hard. Even though you’re not young, don’t rush into marriage.

Learn a trade first. Many women get married early, but it’s better not to marry if you end up worse off in your in-laws’ house. In the Ming Dynasty, there was no concept of forced marriages. Cherish this opportunity.”

“Yes, Cousin!”

Soon, the servant arrived with a large package and placed it inside the room, then waited outside.

“It’s the Lunar New Year, and I don’t have much to give you. These are some clothes that have been worn once or twice, still in good condition. Take whatever fits.”

“Thank you, Cousin!” “Thank you, Sister!”

“Alright, go ahead.”

The two carried a large cloth bag and left. When they reached the Qiao family’s doorstep, two maidservants pushed three large cloth sacks over to them.

“Our mistress said that for the Lunar New Year, she’s giving the Liu family fifty catties of white rice, white flour, and some meat for you. Place the bags on top, and we’ll take you to the ox cart.”

Liu Hai and Liu Ye’s eyes turned red, and they placed the cloth bags on top. Silently, they led the way to the front.

When they arrived at the ox cart, they unloaded the goods, and the maidservants instructed the cart driver.

“These are relatives of our Mistress Qiao. Don’t charge them for the carriage.

You can settle the payment at Qiao’s Small Eatery. You won’t be mistreated.”

With a single sentence, the cart driver understood. He nodded enthusiastically.

Liu Hai and Liu Ye sat on the ox cart, tears welling in their eyes.

“Don’t be fooled by Cousin’s tough words; she’s warm-hearted.”

“No, she sees that we are different from Uncle’s family. That’s why she treats us like this. If we were like those animals, she would have watched us die without lifting a finger.”

“In any case, Cousin Qiao is a good person. Shopkeeper Lu saved her back then. Cousin Qiao was so grateful that she let them stay at her house, providing everything for them.”

Liu Hai patted her on the head. “That’s because Shopkeeper Lu is a good person.”

“The Yuan, the Tian, and even the Qiao family in Pear Blossom Village are all fools.’

“Focus on learning there. Even though I’m the only man in the family, you don’t need to worry. If you get married and are mistreated, I’ll fight for you with my life. We don’t have to endure suffering in our in-laws’ houses. Learn from Cousin Qiao and return to your maiden home if needed. I’ll take care of you for the rest of your life.”

Liu Ye burst into tears when she heard this. “My sister got married, but she’s not living well.”

“But her husband and in-laws are good people. It’s just that life is a bit tough.

Your sister-in-law married them because she saw that they were good people.” “I want to marry into a kind family too.”

“Listen to your cousin. Learn a trade first. Even if you get married, you won’t lack food and clothing with a skill, and we won’t be afraid of them mistreating us.”

When the siblings returned home, the Liu family members were overjoyed to see so many goods.

Liu Hai handed the wage to his mother. “Mother, these three bags of food and clothes are gifts from Cousin Qiao.”

“Your cousin is truly wonderful!”

Liu Qiao placed the wage into a cabinet and opened the cloth bags to inspect them.

“Rice, flour, preserved meat… Now our family can have a good New Year.”

As they talked, someone outside the courtyard shouted, “Is Brother Liu at home?”

Madam Liu Qiao quickly had Liu Hai hide the food and meat. She looked at her husband.

“We can lend some food, but not money. Reject them if they want a favor from

Qiao Mai. You know my niece’s temperament.”

“I know.”

Liu Dashan went to open the door. Several men stood outside.

He blocked the door and asked, “What’s the matter?”

“We heard that your son came back?”

“Yes, he’s on a break from work.”

“Did he buy anything? Can we borrow some food from your family?” “Some cornmeal and old clothes my niece doesn’t wear. Nothing else.”

“But you brought several bags of stuff. Is this all?”

Upon hearing this, the men were skeptical and wanted to enter the house, but Liu Dashan’s expression turned cold.

“Sorry, but when my family was starving to death, I didn’t go to your house to borrow food. Finally, we have a bit to eat. Forget it, and don’t even think about

it.”

The men snorted as they left, “Humph, who cares! You just got lucky with a rich niece!”

Once they were gone, Liu Dashan quickly closed and locked the door.

“It’s cold. Try to stay indoors as much as possible.”

Madam Liu Qiao took the clothes from the bag and distributed them to her daughter-in-law and daughter. She left two pieces for Liu Mei.

She also set aside two pieces of preserved meat, ten catties of white rice, and white flour.

How the Liu family would distribute these items was none of Qiao Mai’s concern. The New Year goods were well-prepared, and the kitchen staff were busy cooking every day.

Whether it was frying, boiling, or making dumplings, the chefs were always occupied.

In this cold weather, aside from the rooms with charcoal braziers, the rest of the house served as natural refrigerators.

The maidservants took advantage of this and made a lot of dumplings, including ones with chive fillings, cabbage and shiitake mushroom fillings, fennel sprout fillings, radish fillings, scallion fillings, and shepherd’s purse fillings.

One layer after another, the dumplings filled the shelves. This was done according to Qiao Mai’s instructions, as she wanted them prepared in advance.

After all, there were many people in the house, and everyone could use a break.

Of course, Qiao Mai provided the ingredients, which were unavailable in the market and could only be enjoyed by the Qiao family.

They made dumplings and various types of paos, steamed buns, and stuffed rolls, filling an entire room with these delicacies.

Bread, pastries, and assorted snacks also occupied another room.

However, under Qiao Mai’s influence, everyone in Lucky Garden had become a food lover. It was essential to have plenty of food.

The gift for Mayor Qian arrived on the morning of the 29th.

Qiao Mai personally delivered it. Seeing the sausages and cured meat, Mayor Qian couldn’t help but think of something else.

“Girl, these sausages…”

“They’re not for sale.”

“Rejecting money makes you a fool,” Mayor Qian muttered in frustration.

“After swearing at me, you won’t get to taste my sausages again.”

“Oh, I was wrong. I’m sorry. It just slipped out.”

“Hmm.”

After delivering the New Year’s gift, Qiao Mai was about to leave, but Mayor Qian quickly had someone bring out the New Year goods he had prepared.

“These are for you. Sanniang and their family staying at your place have caused you some trouble.”

Qiao Mai was curious. “What’s your relationship with her?”

Somewhat embarrassed, Mayor Qian said, “We met when we were young and fell in love at first sight, but my parents disagreed. Later, she married, but I’ve been waiting for her ever since.”

Qiao Mai scrutinized him. “Oh my, I never would have guessed. You’re quite the romantic.”

“Who says that being romantic has to be exclusive to women?”

“If Ruyi gets married and she’s alone, do you want me to arrange a marriage for you two?”

Mayor Qian blushed. “I want her to marry me willingly. Otherwise, I’ll keep waiting until I die.”

“Alright, I’ve accepted your New Year gift. Thank you!”

Mayor Qian instructed his servants to deliver the New Year goods to Lucky Garden, Qiao Mai’s courtyard.

After Mayor Qian left, Qiao Mai examined the gifts.

There were many items, including ornaments, jewelry, fabrics, and clothes.

She selected a few of the better pieces and brought them to Shopkeeper Lu.

Shopkeeper Lu and Ruyi were sewing clothes when Qiao Mai arrived. Seeing her, they quickly made space for her by clearing a spot at the table.

“Have a seat.”

“Are you sewing clothes?”