Chapter 41-45

Chapter 41: Solution

This way, there would be no shortage of customers.

Making money was quickly becoming a necessity.

As for food prices, stall location, and other details, since they required Xia Mingyue's approval, Jiang Erniu had no objections. He was more than satisfied and nodded hastily. “Everything is up to Madam Xia.”

Then, after a moment of hesitation, he asked cautiously, “It’s just... the franchise fee Madam Xia mentioned....”

“Five taels of silver,” Xia Mingyue replied with calm assurance, her tone steady as though she had already considered every detail. “Starting from the second year, you’ll only need to pay one tael of silver annually as a brand usage and guidance fee for any new food I develop.”

She added, “The franchise fee and management fees must be collected upfront, but rest assured, you’ll receive the value you pay for. I’ve always believed in fairness.”

Jiang Erniu exhaled in relief. Five taels of silver was no small sum, but it was within his acceptable range. “That’s fair. When can I start learning from Madam Xia?”

“Three days from now,” she replied promptly.

Xia Mingyue understood that for an ordinary family, raising five taels of silver wouldn’t be easy——it would take time. While Jiang Erniu gathered the funds, she would spend the next few days preparing the necessary franchise documentation. If the business was going to expand, it needed to be professional and systematic.

Jiang Erniu nodded eagerly. “Then I won’t disturb you further, Madam Xia. I’ll go back and start gathering the silver.”

“Goodbye, Brother Jiang,” Xia Mingyue said warmly, seeing him off.

Back in the courtyard, she was greeted by Sister Lu and Jiang Zhuguo, their excitement palpable.

“This is an amazing idea, Sister Mingyue!” Madam Lu exclaimed, her eyes alight with enthusiasm. “If Jiang Erniu paid five taels, imagine how many more people might join in the future. If there are a hundred franchisees... that’s five hundred taels of silver upfront!”

“And then the annual usage fees!” Sister Lu’s calculations continued unabated. “That’s one hundred taels of silver per year!”

“Not to mention the profits from selling stuffings...,” Sister Lu’s thoughts spiraled with anticipation. All she could see was silver, and she didn’t even dare to estimate the total.

As the saying goes, when the big river flows, the small rivers are happy. So, if Xia Mingyue can make a lot of money, they——who work for her——would be able to get the blessing as well.

The day when they can eat meat every day is just around the corner!

Sister Lu fiddled with her fingers, already daydreaming of a future filled with wealth.

Jiang Zhuguo, though not as quick with numbers as Sister Lu, understood one thing clearly——Sister Xia was about to make a fortune. That meant steady work for her, too.

Jiang Zhuguo thought that this business would be able to operate for a long time, and she would be able to keep this 'five hundred yuan' job as well. At that, her smile widened.

“This is just the beginning,” Xia Mingyue said, a calm smile on her lips. “Like building a house, we’re only digging the foundation. There’s still a lot to do before we can build something tall and grand.”

“As long as the tall building is in your heart, there’s hope,” Sister Lu chimed in thoughtfully.

Otherwise, if a person only knew to dream of building thatched houses, then his vision will remain low, and he’ll never be able to build anything tall, at all.

Sister Lu nodded in agreement before suggesting, “Why don’t we spread the word about the franchise and see if others want to join? The more people join, the faster we can earn money.”

“There’s no need to rush,” Xia Mingyue said with a knowing smile. “If we seem too eager, people will grow suspicious. Let’s let Brother Jiang open his stall first. Once his business flourishes, others will naturally come to us.”

“That makes sense,” Sister Lu agreed. “Then we’ll take our time.”

“Yes, there’s no rush. This period will be busy, and I’ll have to rely on both of you for help,” Xia Mingyue said sincerely.

“Don’t say such polite things,” Sister Lu replied, feigning annoyance. “I’m paid to work for you. If you thank me again, I’ll have to punish you.”

“Oh? And how would you punish me?” Xia Mingyue teased.

Sister Lu opened her mouth to reply, but Zhao Dahu, who had just returned from fetching water, cut in with a mischievous grin. “How about making Aunt Xia eat two meals cooked by my mother in a row?”

“I say three meals!” Zhao Erhu chimed in.

Sister Lu rolled her eyes. “You two are the only ones who talk too much!”

Meanwhile, Jiang Erniu rushed home, his heart pounding with excitement.

His wife, Madam Feng, was in the yard, collecting clothes drying in the sun. The children had grown quickly, and their spring clothes were already too short. She was thinking of cutting up some old garments to patch them.

“Wife!” Jiang Erniu shouted breathlessly as he burst through the gate.

Seeing his excitement, Madam Feng smiled. “You look so happy. Did Madam Xia agree?”

“She did,” Jiang Erniu replied, grabbing a ladle of water and downing it in one gulp. “But it’s not as her disciple——it’s a franchise system.”

“What’s that?” Madam Feng asked, confused.

Jiang Erniu explained everything Madam Xia had told him. Though Madam Feng didn’t understand all the details, she grasped the key point: they needed five taels of silver.

“More than five,” Jiang Erniu clarified. “We’ll also need to prepare equipment for the stall——around six or seven taels in total.”

Madam Feng pursed her lips, her thoughts lingering on the hundred or so coins left in the money box. After a moment, she murmured, “My mother’s been having back pain these past few days. I’ll take a dozen coins, buy her two snacks, and go back to check on her.”

And perhaps, while she was there, ask if her parents could lend her some money.

Jiang Erniu, her husband of many years, noticed the subtle shifts in her expression and immediately understood her intent. He gently took her hand, his voice low but steady. “Don’t worry about the money. I’ve already thought of a way.”

“What way?” Madam Feng asked, her brows knitting with concern.

“The silver lock passed down from our ancestors,” Jiang Erniu whispered, leaning closer. “It’s quite heavy. If I take it to the pawnshop, we can get three or four taels of silver for it. For the rest, I’ll borrow some from my second uncle.”

Madam Feng froze. The silver lock?

Jiang Erniu’s second uncle, a scholarly man who taught children in a small private school, was known for being frugal and having a bit of spare money. However, his pride and disdain for their small business often cast a shadow over their interactions. Even so, Jiang Erniu seemed determined to approach him.

“These two measures together will be enough to solve the problem,” he added with a confident nod.

Madam Feng, however, couldn’t hide her hesitation. Her voice trembled as she spoke, “That silver lock.... It’s not just any trinket. It was handed down from your ancestors. Father-in-law always said it was a symbol of the family’s perseverance. No matter how poor or desperate we become, it mustn’t be sold. If he ever found out...."

Her words trailed off as she cast a nervous glance toward the window. Her father-in-law, sick and bedridden in the next room, was a man of strong principles. If he overheard this conversation, he would be heartbroken——or worse, enraged.

“And your second uncle...,” Madam Feng sighed deeply. “He’s kind, but his pride as a scholar makes it hard for him to look past our circumstances. Asking him for help won’t be easy.”

The weight of the situation settled heavily between them, a shared silence filling the small room.

“I’ll go back to my parents’ home,” Madam Feng finally said, her tone resolute despite the turmoil in her heart.

__________________________

Chapter 42: Sprained Ankle

"If Dad finds out, I'll go and explain everything to him myself," Jiang Erniu said firmly. "Besides, the silver lock wasn’t sold——it was pawned. Once I earn some money, I can redeem it without any issue.

As for Second Uncle, I’ll speak to Second Aunt first. She’s the most sensible one in their household. I’m not doing anything improper, and when I return the money, I’ll add some interest as a gesture of goodwill. I believe Second Aunt will understand."

The Feng family——particularly Feng Dali, his brother-in-law——had always been critical of Jiang Erniu’s situation. If Madam Feng returned to defend his actions, it would inevitably invite further criticism. Jiang Erniu, however, believed that as the man of the house, it was his responsibility to handle such matters.

Madam Feng understood her husband's thoughts, and warmth filled her heart. What he said made sense. Redeeming the silver lock after earning money and carrying on as if nothing had happened seemed like the best solution.

But if....

Before her thoughts could spiral, Madam Feng shook her head, banishing the doubts.

Bah! The business hasn’t even started, and here she is thinking such discouraging things!

She reassured herself, 'This is food prepared by our franchisee, Madam Xia. It will definitely sell well. Besides, my husband is hardworking and determined. If he puts his heart into this business, how could he fail?'

Reassured, Madam Feng nodded and said, "I’ll trust you on this."

Seeing his wife’s unwavering support, Jiang Erniu felt a surge of warmth. Determined not to let her down, he vowed to make their partnership with Madam Xia’s business a success.

Not just for the future, but for her trust...

The next day, Xia Mingyue personally delivered cold noodles to the county school. She didn’t leave them with the doorman but waited at the gate herself.

At noon, the students streamed out of the school. Those who lived on campus headed for the canteen, while others, whose families resided nearby, left in twos and threes to eat at home.

As usual, Zhang Mingyi and Fan Pingyang came to the gatehouse to pick up their food. When they realized Xia Mingyue had delivered it personally, they hurried to greet her.

"Madam Xia, good day to you," Zhang Mingyi said, his tone polite.

"Good day, gentlemen." Xia Mingyue returned the greeting with a respectful bow, handing over the bamboo basket filled with cold noodles and pancakes. "Here’s your order. Please take a moment to count it."

"There’s no need," Zhang Mingyi replied with a smile, handing over a pouch of money. He also placed tomorrow’s order, requesting an increase in cold noodle portions while reducing the pancakes.

As delicious as the pancakes are, it’s hard to eat the same thing daily. The cold noodles are more refreshing, especially as the weather heats up. So, it’s no wonder that the cold noodles could be more popular.

However, Xia Mingyue had anticipated this and quickly confirmed the updated quantities with him, noting everything carefully.

"It would be even better if Madam Xia introduced new dishes in the future," Fan Pingyang suggested, lowering his voice as he glanced around. "The food from Chef Wei in the school canteen.... Well, it leaves much to be desired. Many of us prefer to pool our money and buy from outside, but we must keep it discreet for his sake."

Zhang Mingyi nodded in agreement. "Your food is delicious, but the selection is limited. If you expanded your offerings, I’m certain more students would become regular customers."

"I understand," Xia Mingyue replied warmly. "I’ll experiment with some new recipes soon. By the way, I have a small favor to ask of you both, if you’re willing."

"Madam Xia, feel free to ask," Zhang Mingyi said.

"I’m partnering with someone to start a business and need to draft a formal agreement. Unfortunately, neither of us is literate enough to write it ourselves. I’d like to trouble one of you to write it for us——I’ll pay for your time, of course."

Both students smiled, realizing the request was simpler than they’d imagined. "That’s a small matter," Zhang Mingyi said. "When do you need it?"

"Within the next few days," Xia Mingyue replied. "Whenever it’s convenient for you."

"Tomorrow afternoon works," Zhang Mingyi offered. "Master Shen will take a leave tomorrow, so we’ll have some free time then."

"Thank you. I truly appreciate it," she said gratefully.

After a few more pleasantries, the students left with their food, and Xia Mingyue made her way back through the bustling streets of Dongcheng District.

The sun had risen high as Xia quickened her pace, weaving through the lively crowd. Vendors called out their wares, children darted between stalls, and the occasional horse-drawn carriage rumbled past.

One such carriage approached, the driver urging the horse forward with sharp cracks of the whip. Pedestrians hurried to clear the path, and Xia Mingyue stepped aside just as an elderly woman nearby stumbled in her haste.

"Ouch!" the woman cried as she lost her balance, tipping dangerously toward a nearby tofu stall.

Reacting swiftly, Xia caught her arm, steadying her just before she could fall.

"Auntie, are you all right?" She asked with concern.

"Thank you, young lady," the old woman gasped, regaining her composure. "I’m fine, thanks to you. If I’d damaged the stall, I wouldn’t have been able to pay for the loss."

"No worries," Xia Mingyue said with a reassuring smile. "But please be careful. Walk closer to the side to avoid any more carriages."

The old woman nodded, but as she took a step forward, she winced in pain.

"My ankle...." She murmured, her voice trembling. "It hurts terribly. I think I’ve sprained it."

Seeing the swelling around the woman’s ankle, Xia Mingyue knew it was serious. A clinic stood just a short distance away, and she decided to act immediately.

"Don’t worry, Auntie. Let’s go to the clinic. It’s best to get it checked right away," she said gently, supporting the old woman so she wouldn’t strain her injury further.

The elderly woman nodded, her gratitude evident. "I’m sorry to trouble you, young lady...."

"It’s no trouble at all," Xia Mingyue replied, her tone kind and steady.

__________________________

Chapter 43: Unworthy

The old woman’s eyes brimmed with tears as she looked around. She felt overwhelmed having encountered a good-hearted person when she went out today.

The clinic was conveniently close, making the walk there relatively easy despite the old woman’s discomfort.

The doctor treating her was surnamed Li. He examined the old woman carefully, his demeanor calm and professional.

“It’s not a broken bone, just a sprain,” Doctor Li explained after the examination. “Apply medicinal wine daily to reduce bruising and swelling. With proper care, it should heal within two weeks.”

He added, “You’ll need to rest and avoid walking as much as possible. Staying in bed is best for recovery.”

“Thank you,” Xia Mingyue said sincerely.

“Thank you, Doctor. Thank you,” the old woman echoed, her hands trembling as she opened her purse to pay for the consultation and the prescribed medicinal wine.

Doctor Li turned to Xia Mingyue, offering further advice. “She should avoid spicy food for now. Focus on cooking nutritious meals——bone soup would be particularly beneficial for her. If you can find goat milk, half a bowl a day would suffice. But don’t overdo it.”

Assuming Xia Mingyue was a family member, Doctor Li continued, “Make sure she’s looked after properly.”

Xia Mingyue noticed his assumption but chose not to correct it. She nodded with a smile. “Don’t worry, Doctor. I’ll remember everything you’ve said.”

To ensure she didn’t forget, Xia Mingyue repeated the instructions aloud. She spoke partly for herself and partly to convey them to the old woman’s family when she met them later.

Doctor Li observed this and smiled approvingly. “Your daughter-in-law is meticulous and caring,” he remarked to the old woman.

The old woman hurriedly shook her head. “Doctor, you’re mistaken. If I had such a wonderful daughter-in-law, I’d probably be able to laugh in my sleep! Unfortunately, I’m not so lucky. This young lady is a kind stranger who helped me when I sprained my ankle.”

Realizing his error, Doctor Li bowed slightly in apology. “I was mistaken. My apologies, young lady. Thank you for your kindness.”

"It’s nothing,” Xia Mingyue replied graciously. Without lingering on the misunderstanding, she gently supported the old woman as they left the clinic.

Doctor Li followed them to the door, watching as they disappeared down the street. Even after they were out of sight, he couldn’t help but sigh.

“What a kind girl! There really are good people in this world.”

Nearby, Doctor Li’s apprentice paused from grinding medicine. “Master, that old woman looked familiar. I think I’ve seen her before.” He said before he went into thinking where he could've seen the familiar old lady. After a pause, his eyes lit up before he said, "Right. I saw her with Wu Xiong once? Could she be his mother?”

Upon hearing that, Doctor Li hesitated and frowned. “That doesn’t seem likely. Wu Xiong is such a troublemaker. How could such a kind old woman be his mother? I'd rather think, he was the one who caused the old woman to get sprained."

Tsk, even old women are bullied.

Everyone says Wu Xiong is a good-for-nothing, always picking fights and pushing people around. And it seemed to be true. That poor old woman——what a difficult life she must have.

'I should’ve charged her less for the consultation,' Doctor Li thought regretfully.

The old woman’s house was located in the third alley on the north side of the street——not far, but far enough to be a challenge for someone with a sprained ankle.

Since the old woman had difficulty walking, Xia Mingyue couldn’t carry her on her back. Instead, she supported her, step by slow step, pausing often to let her rest.

As they walked, the two struck up a conversation.

Xia Mingyue learned that the old woman’s surname was Han. Her late husband, surnamed Wu, had passed away years ago due to illness, leaving her to live alone with their only son.

When the topic of her son came up, Aunt Han’s face darkened with a mix of impatience and frustration. She mentioned that he was no longer young yet still unmarried, a fact that worried her deeply.

Her tone carried a note of bitterness that didn’t escape Xia Mingyue’s notice. Reading between the lines, she guessed that Aunt Han’s son was likely a neglectful or irresponsible man. Sensitive to the old woman’s feelings, Xia Mingyue decided not to press further.

Aunt Han, in turn, learned that Xia Mingyue’s surname was Xia, and that she ran a small food stall on West Street called, Xia Ji.

“Madam Xia, you have such a kind heart. The food you make must taste as wonderful as your character. Once I’ve recovered, I’ll be sure to visit Xia Ji and support your business,” Aunt Han said with a warm smile.

“Aunt Han, I’ll be looking forward to your visit,” Xia Mingyue replied cheerfully.

When they finally reached Aunt Han’s home, Xia Mingyue carefully helped her inside. She guided her to the bed and ensured she was comfortable, even placing a teapot and some teacups on the small table nearby.

Aunt Han, you should rest now,” Xia Mingyue said gently, her voice calm yet firm. “I need to head back to my food stall, so I’ll take my leave now.”

Aunt Han, touched by her kindness, looked at her with gratitude and guilt. “I’m so sorry for troubling you and delaying your work, Madam Xia.”

"Nonsense, Aunt Han.” Xia Mingyue smiled, her tone light and reassuring. “Didn’t you promise to visit my stall in the future? If you come often, how could I not recover the time I spent helping you today?”

Her playful remark, meant to comfort Aunt Han, worked perfectly. Aunt Han then chuckled softly, warmth spreading through her heart. Even after Xia Mingyue left, closing the gate behind her, Aunt Han found herself thinking about the young woman.

Kindhearted, diligent, good-natured, and sweet-mannered...

Such a pity she already seemed to be married. If only someone like Xia Mingyue could be her daughter-in-law.

Aunt Han sighed deeply, her thoughts turning bitter. 'Bah, as if that’s possible. Even if I met such a wonderful girl, my son wouldn’t deserve her. He’d only ruin her!'

As Aunt Han continued mulling over, her thoughts were interrupted by the loud bang of the courtyard door swinging open.

Startled, she turned her head just as a figure stormed into the house.

“Mom! Are you okay?” Wu Xiong’s voice boomed as he hurried to her bedside. His concern seemed genuine, though his volume made Aunt Han’s ears ring.

“I heard from the neighbors that you sprained your ankle and couldn’t even walk. They said someone helped you back home. How are you now? Have you seen a doctor?”

Wu Xiong circled the bed in agitation, his face flushed with worry. “Why didn’t you send someone to inform me? What if no one had helped you? What would I have done then?”

Aunt Han frowned, unimpressed by his dramatic display. “Don’t worry——I’m not dying,” she said sharply. “And send someone to inform you? Where would I even find someone brave enough to look for you? Even if I did, they wouldn’t know where to find you!”

Wu Xiong stiffened, clearly stung by her words. “Mother, that’s not fair....”

“Not fair?” Aunt Han’s eyes flashed with anger. “What’s unfair about it? If you could find a steady job and live like a decent man, I wouldn’t have to say these things!”

Her voice rose as she continued, her frustration spilling out like a flood. “All you do is mess around with meaningless nonsense all day. It’s embarrassing to even mention what you do for a living. I can’t even tell people I have a son without wanting to bury my head in shame!”

She jabbed a finger toward him. “Do you know how humiliating it is? I didn’t even dare to say I was your mother at the clinic today. If I had, I might not have been treated at all! If I’d known you’d turn out like this, I should’ve kept you in my stomach and never let you out!”

Wu Xiong’s face turned beet red. His mouth opened as if to defend himself, but no words came out. Instead, he lowered his head, his body stiff with humiliation.

“Mother...,” he finally stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. “Please don’t get so angry. It’s not good for your health.”

Aunt Han scoffed, turning her face away from him. The room fell into an awkward silence, broken only by Wu Xiong’s shuffling feet as he stood there, unsure of what to do.

__________________________

Chapter 44: Distressed

"You’re already like this——what do I even need this broken body for? The sooner I die, the sooner I can be reborn!"

Aunt Han’s sharp words hit Wu Xiong like a slap. His face flushed with distress as he dropped to his knees, his voice trembling. "Mom, please don’t say that. It’s my fault. I’ve made you angry."

Seeing him kneeling so pitifully only made Aunt Han angrier.

Every time it’s like this. Whenever she scolded him, he would put on this show of regret, acting like he’d change. But the moment he stepped outside, he’d return to his old ways, doing the same reckless, meaningless things.

It only proved the old saying: Admit your faults humbly today, repeat them shamelessly tomorrow.

Tired of the sight of him, Aunt Han turned away with a heavy sigh, refusing to look at her troublesome son any longer.

"Mom," Wu Xiong murmured in a low voice, trying to placate her, "I really have changed. I discipline the men under me every day and make sure they don’t bully the elderly or children anymore. I promise."

Aunt Han gave no response, her silence louder than any scolding.

Feeling desperate, Wu Xiong hesitated before changing the topic. "By the way, you mentioned someone helped you get home. Who was it? Should I go and thank them?"

Aunt Han turned her sharp gaze on him, her voice curt. "Looking the way you do, you’d scare the young lady away! Leave the thanking to me. Once my leg is healed, I’ll take care of it myself. There’s no need for you to interfere."

Wu Xiong blinked in confusion, instinctively touching his bearded face. Scare her? How could I scare anyone?

Sure, he had a full beard, but wasn’t that what made him look bold and heroic? The men under him always said it added to his charm. Maybe his mother was just too old-fashioned to appreciate his "handsomeness."

He mulled this over, but Aunt Han’s sharp voice cut through his thoughts. "Get out of here! Just looking at you is an eyesore!"

Wu Xiong stood quickly, his face a mix of shame and helplessness. "Yes, Mom. If you need anything, just call for me. I’ll be right outside the gate."

Without waiting for her response, he left the room, his steps heavy with frustration.

Outside the courtyard gate, two of his followers stood waiting. When they saw him approach, they hurried over. "Brother, how’s Auntie? Is she all right?"

"She’s fine," Wu Xiong replied, his tone weary. "She’s seen the doctor already. But she refused to tell me who helped her get home, so I couldn’t go thank them."

He glanced around and frowned. "Where’s Gousheng? That kid disappeared again."

"He said he wasn’t feeling well, so he probably went to the toilet," one of them replied. "Brother, will you be joining us to collect the debt?"

"You two go ahead," Wu Xiong said, his eyes drifting toward the courtyard. "My mom’s in a bad mood today. If I leave, she might think I’m avoiding her. Just handle it quietly——don’t make a scene, and don’t give the officials any reason to interfere."

He paused, his tone turning serious. "If there are women, children, or elderly people around, have them step aside. If any trouble arises, deal only with the able-bodied men, and be careful not to take it too far. No killing."

The two men nodded obediently. "Don’t worry, Brother. We know what to do."

They hesitated briefly before adding, "Brother, when Auntie feels better, we’d like to pay her a visit. It’s been a while since we’ve seen her."

"Yeah," Wu Xiong replied, raising a hand. "It’s getting late. Go now. The sooner you handle it, the sooner you’ll be back."

After watching them leave, Wu Xiong returned to the yard. He didn’t dare linger in plain sight, afraid his mother might see him through the window and get upset again. Instead, he dragged a stool to the shade of the old jujube tree and sat there quietly.

Meanwhile, Xia Mingyue had finished her errands and returned to find the Xia Ji food stall already closed for the day. On her way home, she passed several vendors selling goods for the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival.

She noticed one stall displaying fragrant rice dumplings and another not far away selling fresh dumpling leaves.

'The Dragon Boat Festival is coming up already. Time really flies,' she thought to herself.

A young vendor called out to her enthusiastically. "Miss, would you like to buy some dumpling leaves? They’re freshly picked and thoroughly cleaned!"

Xia Mingyue approached to take a closer look. The leaves were indeed fresh, thick, and unbroken, but....

"Do you have bamboo leaves?" She asked. She preferred their distinct fragrance over reed leaves.

The young man hesitated before replying, "No, but if you need them, I can go pick some. Just keep in mind, bamboo leaves here are small and might not be ideal for wrapping dumplings."

Jinqiu County’s northern climate didn’t allow for large bamboo forests. The bamboo that grew here had thin, short leaves——not the best for making dumplings.

"Do you sell fresh bamboo poles, then?" Xia Mingyue asked thoughtfully.

The young man’s eyes lit up. Wild bamboo forests weren’t owned by anyone, so cutting a few poles to sell wasn’t a problem. "I can get them for you. How many do you need?"

"Three or four poles, about this thick." She measured with her fingers. "They need to be clean, uniform in size, and free of branches——just the middle part."

"Got it," the vendor agreed readily. "But since I’ll have to cut and transport them, each pole will cost at least ten coins. Any less wouldn’t be worth the trouble."

"That’s fine," Xia Mingyue said without haggling. "If they’re good, I might order more later."

They agreed on delivery for the next afternoon——3 p.m. to be exact. Satisfied, Xia Mingyue purchased some reed leaves for now and continued to the grain store, where she bought glutinous rice, red beans, and candied dates.

When Xia Mingyue finally arrived home, the household was bustling with activity. Jiang Zhuguo and Sister Lu had already cleaned up the dishes and were preparing for the next day.

"Ah, Sister Mingyue, you're back!" Sister Lu exclaimed, visibly relieved. "I was just about to send Dahu and Erhu to look for you. You’ve been gone so long—I thought something happened!"

"I ran into an old woman who had sprained her ankle and spent some time helping her get home," Xia Mingyue explained. "On the way back, I stopped at the grain store and bought glutinous rice, red beans, and candied dates."

"Sister Xia, are you planning to make rice dumplings?" Jiang Zhuguo asked with a smile.

"Yes," she replied with a nod. "I haven’t made them in a while, so I need to practice first. I hope they turn out well."

"They’ll definitely be delicious," Sister Lu chimed in confidently.

"Speaking of the Dragon Boat Festival, I’ll need to gather some cloth and flower thread for making sachets. Oh, and I mustn’t forget to pick up some spices as well." She mused.

The Dragon Boat Festival was a time rich with tradition. People celebrated by hanging fragrant sachets to ward off evil spirits, wearing colorful silk bracelets on their wrists, adorning their doors with moxa leaves, and enjoying festive foods like rice dumplings, whole steamed eggs, and whole steamed garlic——a combination believed to bring health and good fortune.

As Sister Lu ticked off items on her mental list, she continued, "Tomorrow, I’ll head to the street to look for fresh mugwort leaves. It’s important to hang them at the door for the festival. And since Sister Mingyue is running low on garlic, I’ll check the market and pick some up for her as well. It’s always better to stock up ahead of time."

__________________________

Chapter 45: Zongzi

"I have an appointment with Student Zhang and Student Fan tomorrow afternoon to draft a document," Xia Mingyue said after some thought. "Sister Lu, could you buy some more garlic for me? It would be ideal if you can find single-headed garlics."

"Leave it to me," Sistwr Lu replied confidently. "Since you're busy with important matters, you probably won't have time to make sachets. I'll make a few more for you and Zhuguo to wear during the festival."

Sister Lu's confidence in her needlework was evident.

"Then I'll trouble you, Sister Lu," Jiang Zhuguo chimed in, feeling both surprised and flattered. She hadn't expected Sister Lu to be so considerate and expressed her gratitude repeatedly.

The next morning, Xia Mingyue began her preparations. She boiled red beans to make a smooth, sweet paste. Then she washed and soaked glutinous rice, before she pitted candied dates, and boiled zongzi leaves until they were pliable and fragrant. Then, with practiced hands, she wrapped the zongzi neatly, each filled with the perfect balance of ingredients.

Once the zongzi were in the pot, they were left to cook slowly. Even after cooking, she didn’t take them out immediately but allowed them to soak in the fragrant water until the afternoon. By then, the zongzi were soft and sticky, their flavors melded together beautifully.

The red bean paste was sweet and finely ground, with a robust bean flavor that delighted the palate. The candied dates, chopped into small pieces, blended seamlessly with the glutinous rice, ensuring that each bite was infused with a mild, fruity sweetness. This method avoided the overly sticky texture that came with whole candied dates.

Although the zongzi had cooled slightly by the time they were served, their flavor remained irresistible. On the hot day, they were both refreshing and satisfying.

Everyone in the household praised the zongzi enthusiastically. Zhao Dahu and Zhao Erhu were so enamored that they even drank half the soup that the zongzi had boiled over.

The soup itself was a treat——infused with the sweetness of candied dates, the richness of red bean paste, and the earthy aroma of the zongzi leaves. It was thirst-quenching and delicious. If they hadn’t remembered that the remaining soup was needed to preserve the leftover zongzi, they might have finished the whole pot.

The zongzi even replaced lunch for the day.

Wu Jin, their loyal dog, was also given two zongzi. However, the sticky texture posed a challenge for the canine, who spent the next hour licking his mouth and teeth incessantly. By the time he finished, his teeth gleamed white under the sun, a testament to his persistent efforts.

That afternoon, as planned, Xia Mingyue left for the county school to meet Zhang Mingyi and Fan Pingyang. Before leaving, she asked Sister Lu and Jiang Zhuguo to receive the bamboo delivery she had arranged and took some freshly made zongzi with her.

When she arrived at the county school, the gentlemen were already waiting, their writing tools neatly laid out. They had prepared everything for efficient work——each would write a copy simultaneously to save time.

Seeing this, Xia Mingyue skipped any pleasantries and got straight to business.

Her experience in modern contract drafting made the task straightforward. She outlined each term with precision, ensuring the agreement was comprehensive and clear.

Zhang Mingyi and Fan Pingyang listened attentively, writing line by line without needing to pause for clarification.

After about the time it took to finish a meal, the two finished their copies. They carefully checked their work, reading it back to Xia Mingyue for confirmation.

As she listened and verified that everything matched her instructions, she nodded in satisfaction. "It’s perfect," she said.

The two young men exchanged a glance, their expressions a mix of relief and curiosity. Finally, Zhang Mingyi mustered the courage to ask, "Madam Xia, have you truly not read many books or learned to write much?"

"That’s correct," Xia Mingyue replied calmly.

In truth, her memories from the original owner were hazy, with little recollection of formal education. As for herself, while she was familiar with modern contracts, ancient script remained a challenge. Her response was, therefore, not entirely untrue.

"Why do you ask?" She inquired, her tone light.

Fan Pingyang chuckled. "Forgive us, Madam Xia. It's just that we’ve written similar documents for others before, but it’s rare for someone who claims to have limited education, to articulate terms so precisely and fluently. Most require us to revise or polish their ideas, but you laid everything out perfectly on the first attempt. We couldn’t help but be impressed."

Zhang Mingyi nodded. "Yes, you even structured everything so well that it left no room for adjustment. That’s truly remarkable."

"My family used to run a small business," Xia Mingyue explained, improvising an excuse. "Although I never formally studied, my father often dealt with documents, and I learned a lot by observing and listening. Also, there was a private school near our home. I often played nearby and overheard lessons. Over time, I picked up a fair bit."

"Ah, that explains it!" The two nodded in understanding.

To them, she was someone who had absorbed knowledge through life experience, even if she wasn’t formally educated. Her clarity of thought and quick wit were rare qualities that spoke of innate intelligence.

After the documents were finalized, Xia Mingyue pulled out her coin purse. "I know pen, ink, and paper are expensive. Please accept this small token of appreciation for your help," she said, offering fifty or sixty copper coins.

However, both men shook their heads firmly. "Madam Xia, you’re too kind. This was a small matter, and you’ve been generous to us in the past. It’s only right that we repay your kindness."

"Please don’t insist," Zhang Mingyi added. "If word got out that we took money from you for such a simple task, we’d never hear the end of it."

Realizing they were resolute, Xia Mingyue didn’t push further. Instead, she offered the zongzi she had brought. "Then, as a token of thanks, please accept these zongzi. They may not be anything fancy, but I hope you’ll enjoy them."

"Madam Xia, your food is always exceptional. How could we not?" Fan Pingyang said enthusiastically.

The fragrant aroma of the zongzi was irresistible. As he looked at them, his mouth watered, and he couldn’t resist the urge to peel one open immediately.