CH 6

The next day, Qiao Yuan deliberately got up early to steam rice cakes and make pies for Yu Dameng. 

Lin Cuifen did not manage to get meat because the butcher Zhang had gone to visit his relatives that day. Qiao Yuan changed his plan and made pies with vegetable filling instead. Although chives and egg filling is typically the most delicious, it’s unsuitable to eat during the summer season due to the strong odor of chives. So Qiao Yuan made a filling with spinach, carrot, egg, and vermicelli, which turned out to be quite delicious. The crust was soft and fluffy, and very fragrant. Yu Dameng ate ten pies for breakfast! 

Seeing Yu Dameng enjoy the food so much, Qiao Yuan wanted to feed him even more. “I have prepared some pies and steamed cakes for you in the back basket. When you’re hungry, just toast them on both sides by the stove, and they’ll be ready to eat.” 

Yu Dameng nodded his head, feeling very happy in his heart. He thought that since Yuan Ge’er was so good to him, he should also do something for Yuan Ge’er. 

Old Man Yu and Lin Cuifen looked at each other and felt very relieved. They both thought that Yuan Ge’er had truly come to terms with things and now cared about their foolish second son. 

Qiao Yuan helped Yu Dameng pack his back basket and reminded him again when he was leaving, “Don’t forget to buy oil paper and brown sugar on your way back.” 

“Okay,” Yu Dameng responded, “then wait for me at home. Don’t tire yourself out. If there’s anything to do, let Fourth and Fifth handle it. I’ve already straightened them out!” 

Qiao Yuan’s eyes curved slightly. 

After Yu Dameng left, he only realized afterwards that there was a sticky feeling between him and Yu Dameng. 

Qiao Yuan shook his head to force himself to stop overthinking, and started working with a sweat towel wrapped around his neck. 

The batter for the steamed cakes had been mixed early in the morning. The twin brothers Yu Shanwen and Yu Shanwu, who had received discipline, were particularly hardworking today. They gathered many large leaves and washed them clean to be used as wrappers. 

Zhao Laifu, the grandson of the village chief, became the first customer of the day. “Uncle Qiao, I want six pieces! My grandmother asked me to buy a little more.”  

Yesterday he secretly bought two pieces and brought them home, afraid of being caught and beaten. He immediately showed filial piety by giving them to his grandparents. His grandparents didn’t know what was going on, but instead of scolding him, they gave him money and told him to buy more today.  

“Alright,” Qiao Yuan said, finding the little boy’s confident demeanor quite adorable1虎头虎脑 (hǔ tóu hǔ nǎo) – This is a Chinese idiom that describes someone who is strong and sturdy, like a tiger. In this context, it is used to describe the little tiger’s appearance. – 小大人 (xiǎo dà rén) – This is a term used to describe a child who behaves like an adult, or who is mature beyond their years.. He couldn’t resist pinching the boy’s chubby cheek and said, “There are too many to wrap in leaves. I’ll find a small basket for you to carry them in. 

Zhao Laifu was quite clever and immediately responded, “Then I’ll bring the basket over later.” 

Just as he left, a woman came to the door. Lin Cuifen introduced her, “This is your sister-in-law Zhang2She is actually called Zhang saozi. 嫂子 (sǎozi) – This term is used to address one’s older brother’s wife. It can be translated as “sister-in-law” or simply “sister” in a casual or affectionate way. I will use Sister/sister-in-law if within statements but Mrs. Zhang if not.. I went to her house to help with the butchering today.”  

Qiao Yuan obediently greeted, “Sister-in-law.”  

The butcher’s wife was very cheerful. “You will have it tomorrow! Today is just not convenient, we happen to be visiting relatives.” As she spoke, she also held Lin Cuifen’s hand and said, “Aunt3婶子 (shěnzi) – This term is used to address one’s uncle’s wife or one’s father’s younger brother’s wife. It can be translated as “aunt” or “auntie” in a respectful or friendly way., your son-in-law is really good-looking, he’s really handsome!”  

Lin Cuifen didn’t deny it and replied with a smile, “He’s also filial and always eager to do the work.” 

In both words and tone, she was very satisfied with Qiao Yuan. 

Mrs. Zhang complimented a few more words and then explained her purpose: “Yesterday, my nephew bought some delicious red sugar steamed cakes from you. I tasted them and it was really delicious! My third sister just gave birth to a child, so I came to buy some and will go see her later.”  

Upon hearing the news of a newborn, Lin Cuifen was also delighted. “Red sugar is perfect for postpartum recovery!”  

Mrs. Zhang said, “I want ten wen’s worth.”  

As a family of butchers, they were relatively well-off and had always been willing to spend money on food.  

However, Qiao Yuan encountered a problem: he hadn’t bought any oil paper yet, so he had no way to wrap the cakes.  

These cakes were meant to be given as a gift, so they couldn’t just put them in a basket! 

Fortunately, Lin Cuifen remembered that during the Ghost Festival, they had some oil paper that had been used to wrap pastries from the bakery. She had kept it and it was still very clean. 

Qiao Yuan thought for a moment and whispered to Lin Cuifen, “Mother, we should still clarify it with Mrs. Zhang, in case she minds.” 

Lin Cuifen also thought about it and then went to the kitchen to explain the situation to Mrs. Zhang.  

When Mrs. Zhang heard this, she laughed heartily and said, “What’s the big deal? We farmers also pay attention to this kind of thing! We also have this kind of oil paper at home, just in case. However, aunt, six pieces will do, and I’ll take the remaining four pieces back home and give them to my son to eat. We won’t waste that oil paper.” 

She was kind and straightforward in character, and Qiao Yuan did not bother with trivialities. In the end, he only accepted nine wen from her and refused to take that last wen. 

Mrs. Zhang was grateful and said, ” Okay, I’ll spread the word about you when I’m selling meat! ”  

Lin Cuifen and Qiao Yuan thanked her and saw her off.  

In this short time, they sold all the goods they had prepared in the morning. It went more smoothly than Qiao Yuan had expected, and he felt very lucky!  

Lin Cuifen didn’t expect to earn fifteen wen so easily. This was much more profitable than the embroidery work she usually did, and such opportunities were rare. She immediately exclaimed with joy, “Let’s steam some more.”  

Qiao Yuan was more level-headed, “Mom, we only have so many people in our village, and even fewer who are willing to spend money on offerings4打牙祭 (dǎ yá jì) – This term refers to a traditional Chinese custom of offering sacrifices to the ancestors on special occasions, such as the Qingming Festival.. Let’s just steam one more basket. Even if we can’t sell them, we can still eat them ourselves.” 

Moreover, he didn’t plan on making a fortune from this business. He just wanted to try it out and earn some starting capital. If he found other ways to make money in the future, he could leave this business to Lin Cuifen. Even if it was just a few wen a day, it could still earn some extra income for the family. 

The county town, inside a clothing store.  

Yu Dameng was helping Qiao Yuan choose clothes, but his eyes were getting dizzy from all the different colors! 

The shop assistant was a smooth talker and had become very friendly with them. 

He had sharp eyes and recognized Yu Dameng at a glance.  

Blacksmith.  

Have money.  

It is a fat sheep.  

He immediately greeted warmly, “Oh, it’s Brother Dameng. Buying clothes for your husband?”  

Yu Dameng nervously rubbed his hands. As a man entering this kind of store, he felt a bit embarrassed. “Um.”  

So, Mr. Wang, the shop assistant, fully utilized his sales ability and helped Yu Dameng to achieve his sales target for the month alone. “This white one is pretty. It’s a new style this month. It makes people look pretty when they wear it!”  

“You see this spring water-colored one5春水色 (chūn shuǐ sè) – spring water color: a light blue-green color resembling the color of spring water., recently the best-selling item in the store is this one, all the gers like it!”  

“This bamboo green6 竹叶青 (zhú yè qīng) – Bamboo Leaf Green, a color often used in Chinese culture to represent elegance and refinement. This is also a type of green tea. top is particularly elegant, your husband will look great wearing it!”  

“The lake blue color will make your husband’s face look whiter!” 

“And there’s this brown tea-colored one, it’s the most resistant to dirt!”  

Yu Dameng looked at the few items that Mr. Wang had mentioned, thought for a moment, and felt that it would look good on Yuan Ge’er no matter which one he wore. So he spent two taels of silver to buy them all.  

Mr. Wang smiled happily and continued, “You really know how to take care of your husband. You should choose a hairband in the same color scheme to match it and make it look even better!”  

“Would you like to buy some undergarments? These are all made of cotton and comfortable to wear. And you must buy this little shirt, it’s perfect for a newlywed husband!!” Mr. Wang joked while covering his mouth.  

So, Yu Dameng spent a total of three taels of silver in a clothing shop. 

Yu Dameng didn’t feel any regret about spending the money. He was happy that Qiao Yuan treated him so well, washing his clothes and making him delicious food. As long as he treated Qiao Yuan kindly, he believed Qiao Yuan would gradually accept him. 

After Mrs. Zhang left, several children came to buy steamed cake one after another. The new batch sold out quickly, earning a total of thirty wen.  

Lin Cuifen saw that Qiao Yuan had been busy all morning and refused to let him do anything for lunch and the rest of the day.  

Actually, compared to what he did in modern times, this job was not much. It’s just that his body was not well-fed before, and he suffered from malnutrition. He was really a bit tired, and Qiao Yuan felt a little embarrassed.  

Lin Cuifen immediately scolded and said, “What’s there to be embarrassed about with your mother!” 

Qiao Yuan felt a warm current surge through his heart, warm and cozy, feeling grateful to have the feeling of being cared for by a mother. 

In the afternoon, Lin Cuifen was doing needlework in the corridor. The Yu twins, Yu Shanwen and Yu Shanwu, had gone off somewhere to play. Qiao Yuan and Liu Ge’er were both leaning against a pillar, looking tired and dozing off.  

Suddenly, a woman’s voice sounded in the courtyard, startling the two of them.  

“Cuifen, I have brought a basket for you.”  

Qiao Yuan recognized her as the village chief’s wife and Zhao Laifu’s grandmother. She was well-liked in the village, and everyone went to her for help whenever they needed it. 

Qiao Yuan came forward and greeted her, “Aunt Zhao.”  

Aunt Zhao looked at Qiao Yuan and found him different from what she remembered. Qiao Yuan used to be timid and didn’t talk much when he was still living with the Qiao family. She didn’t expect him to be so lively and active now that he’s married. If what Laifu told her was true, that Qiao Yuan is not only resourceful but also skilled, then his aunt-in-law would regret her decision. 

Aunt Zhao smiled and said, “Cuifen, I should have brought the basket early in the morning, but as you know, my family is preparing for a wedding in just half a month, and I was busy all morning. I made some homemade pickles for you, please don’t mind!”  

Lin Cuifen said, “How could that be? Your skill in making pickled vegetables is the best in our village. This morning, when we were drinking porridge, Liu Ge’er was still talking about wanting to eat pickled vegetables with rice!”  

When praised like this, Aunt Zhao was also happy, “Then I’ll have Laifu bring you some braised meat later, just add some water and it can be served with side dishes.” 

The two sisters7They are not really sisters. 姐妹 (jiě mèi) means “sisters,” but it can also refer to female friends who are very close, like sisters. sat on the porch chatting, and Qiao Yuan couldn’t help but smile when he heard Lin Cuifen being called ‘Cuifen-er’8Similar to Xiao, adding -er at the end of a name make it a nickname that shows affection. by her friend. 

Aunt Zhao talked to her about the preparations for her family’s upcoming wedding. Lin Cuifen had just finished helping Yu Dameng with his wedding preparations, so she was able to offer some advice and share her own experiences.  

“Will Xiangxue9First big brother if you don’t remember aka Yu Laoda (nickname). I would be using Yu Laoda more often as this is used more be able to come back?” Aunt Zhao asked hesitantly.  

Zhao Gensheng would get married to the eldest son of the village chief’s family from Wangjiawan Village by the Hou River10后河王家湾 (hòu hé wáng jiā wān) – Wangjiawan is a common name for a village in China, meaning “Wang family’s bay”. Back River is a literal translation of 后河, which could also be a proper name for a river.. It was a big event that would join the two villages. Many village leaders from different villages would attend, and representatives from Xianhe Village would need to go to help with serving drinks and other duties. 

There were only a handful of important people in the village, and Xiangxue had always been reliable and resourceful when it came to big events. Aunt Zhao secretly hoped that he could come back and help out, but she didn’t want to impose on him either, knowing that his studies and the imperial exams were important. She just had to ask about it for the sake of her son.  

Lin Cuifen replied with a smile, “Of course he’s coming back! My eldest said last time that he would definitely come back when Gensheng gets married. Plus, even if he didn’t owe the village chief for helping him get an education, he and Shuisheng grew up together and are as close as brothers. Gensheng is Shuisheng’s brother, so why wouldn’t he be considered as a real brother11So, basically, since Shuisheng and Xiangxue are close as brothers, since Gensheng is Shuisheng’s blood-related brother, he could also be considered as Xiangxue’s brother.?” 

In the past, the Confucian scholars were biased against families of craftsmen and refused to admit them into their schools. They looked down on Yu Laoda, who was the son of a craftsman, and refused to accept him. It was only when the village chief Zhao Deshun intervened that the teacher agreed to take him in.  

Yu Laoda and Shuisheng, Zhao Laifu’s father, were good friends. They studied under the same teacher together, but Shuisheng’s talent was limited and he only studied for two years before stopping. Now he is the manager of a convenience store in town.  

Aunt Zhao was overjoyed and felt that the Yu family was kind-hearted. They remembered a small favor from years ago. Over the years, when making iron tools, they always charged less. This time, they even took time off to come back from the prefectural city to help with the wedding and do a favor for the groom.   

The two of them reminisced about the past, and Aunt Zhao mentioned something else: “I want to order some steamed cake from your family. Laifu brought some home and everyone in our family has tried them and thinks they are delicious and unique. We discussed making them as a small snack for the wedding banquet and using them as a return gift.” 

When people get married in the village, they usually give a return gift to each household that attends the wedding banquet. The gift is usually a red egg and a steamed bun. Only wealthy families like the village chief’s can afford to come up with new and fancy gift ideas.  

As soon as Qiao Yuan heard this, his eyes lit up. The village chief’s son was getting married, and at least one person from each household in Xianhe Village would have to attend. How many people, how many cakes, and how much money would be needed!  

He restrained his excited heart and asked carefully, “Aunt, how many steamed cakes do you expect to need? How many will be served as the appetizer, and how many will be included in the return gift? ”  

All the questions that Qiao Yuan asked had already been discussed with the village chief. “The village chief and I estimated that there are about 80 households in our Xianhe Village, and about 400 people can attend the wedding banquet. The appetizers and snacks are one piece per person, and the return gift is six pieces per household. In addition, the village chief and Gensheng have good relationships with other families, so we will stick to 1,000 pieces. We cannot have less, but we can have more. ”  

Qiao Yuan did the math and realized that it would take about one tael of silver! It was a huge order. 

Qiao Yuan immediately patted his chest and said, “Auntie, I’ll take this order and make sure it’s done properly for you.”  

“Give your aunt a little discount.” Lin Cuifen timely reminded.  

Aunt Zhao waved her hand busily and said, “Don’t do this. I already feel embarrassed enough. Let’s just calculate it as one wen per piece.” She joked with a smile, ” Besides, this is your son-in-law’s business. As a mother-in-law, why are you getting involved? ”  

Qiao Yuan quickly interjected, “Then I will make a wedding cake12Not a western wedding cake. 喜宴馍: wedding cake – This is a type of traditional Chinese pastry that is often served at weddings. It is made from glutinous rice flour and has a soft, chewy texture. , as a gift from me and Dameng to Brother Gensheng’s wedding.”  

“What is a wedding cake?” Aunt Zhao asked curiously. 

Qiao Yuan kept up the suspense, and little did she know that he was already thinking of ways to advertise his steamed cakes at the village chief’s son’s wedding banquet. 

If you like my translation, a cup of coffee is very much appreciated. I will post a bonus chapter for every five kofis received. Thank you!