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墨書 Inktalez
"I don't want to eat."
After saying this, she threw the bundle in her hand towards Zhou Cailian and walked straight into the house. Zhou Cailian looked at Feng San Niang with a hint of grievance, but Feng San Niang only had eyes for her precious son and completely ignored Zhou Cailian's pleading gaze. She wiped her wet hands on her clothes and headed inside.
"What are you standing there for? Hang the clothes up," Feng Wu said, taking another puff of smoke. Seeing Zhou Cailian frozen in place, he muttered.
Zhou Cailian shot a resentful glance at Feng Wu before hanging up the clothes. When she carried the empty wooden basin into the house, she saw that Feng San Niang had placed a bowl of egg noodles on the table. The noodles were glistening with oil, and there was a fragrant aroma of green onions. Zhou Cailian looked down at her protruding belly, her anger rising to her head.
She was still pregnant, yet she had never seen her mother-in-law make eggs for her. Every time she wanted something good to eat, the family would say those ingredients were meant to be sold for money. However, now that Feng Liulang was back, there were at least three eggs in that bowl, along with all that oil—enough for several meals for them.
It was simply too much; the child in her womb was part of their Feng Family.
"Son, just eat a little bit, please? How can you go hungry?" At that moment, Feng San Niang was trying hard to please the lazy Feng Liulang, coaxing him with sweet words as she pushed him down to sit. When he still showed no intention of eating, she used chopsticks to poke small pieces of egg and brought them to his mouth.
Zhou Cailian could no longer bear to watch and took the wooden basin into the back room...
At night, the sounds of cicadas and frogs were quite annoying.
Feng Liulang tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep. Looking at Zhou Cailian sleeping beside him, he frowned and got out of bed, then walked out of the house.
The night was deep but not pitch black; there was a faint light filtering through the darkness.
Feng Liulang yawned and opened the door to go to the back toilet. Just as he came out of the toilet, he saw a figure standing at his doorstep—a shadow that startled him so much that his legs trembled.
"Who... who are you?"
Fortunately, he wasn't too timid; at least in this situation, he could clearly utter a line of words.
The figure did not turn around but spoke in a strange tone, "I know you've spent all your money on indulgence and have lost your chance for this exam. If I can help you reach the exam on time and ensure you become the Top Scholar, how will you repay me?"
Hearing this, Feng Liulang's legs trembled, filled with confusion. He had indeed run out of money, but only he knew that. Moreover, this was the capital city, bustling as it was; even the girls in the brothels understood the rules well. It was just a moment of carelessness on his part. He was still young and knew there would be other opportunities next year. However, upon hearing the words of the man in black, his heart stirred with desire. He immediately asked, "What do you want me to do?"
"Good. You just need to..."
*
Two days later, Xia Muxin's shop opened.
She named it Delicious and Abundant and even made a large sign for it.
She opened her business rather low-key since most people in Town recognized her. Her first customers were Ye Feng and Su Yan-Chu, which certainly gave her some face.
The shop didn't have many items at first—just a few flavors of Orchid Bean, Cartoon Cake, and Pickled Vegetables—but the quantities were ample. She had collected Fava Beans from the entire village, amounting to at least ten thousand pounds.
She also made plenty of Cartoon Cakes. Some old customers recognized her and spread the news quickly; word spread from ten to a hundred. In no time, people began to crowd in, and Xia Muxin found herself busy with work.
Yan Zhouwan was still dressed in men's clothing, wearing a mask made of leather, running around busily as well.
In just a few days, she had become close friends with Xia Muxin, sharing everything without reservation.
"Look, these two are quite good men. Have you taken a liking to any of them? I can play matchmaker," she said, pointing at Ye Feng and Su Yan-Chu with a raised eyebrow.
Although she didn't like the Su Family, Su Yan-Chu hadn't been affected by it. He was a bit cunning, but as they say, "Unmerciful merchants do not trade," and that saying couldn't be more accurate.
"What are you talking about?"
After spending time with Yan Zhouwan, she realized that Yan was quite eloquent and had a fiery personality. Her temper was not as gentle as it seemed; if provoked, she could be quite the troublesome wildcat. Hearing Xia Muxin's words, she frowned slightly and calmly replied.
Just like that day when she leaned against the door frame and answered Xia Muxin's question about whether she had seen Shen Muhan, it was clear that neither of the two caught her interest.
Xia Muxin pouted and laughed playfully.
She was just joking to lighten the mood.
"Uncle, the new shop is opening!"
At that moment, a somewhat familiar voice came in. Xia Muxin turned to look in the direction of the voice and saw Feng Liulang dressed in a deep red robe, smiling brightly as he greeted her father.
This robe must be worth at least ten taels of silver. Xia Muxin furrowed her brow, eyeing him with curiosity.
"Liulang, aren't you supposed to be in the capital for exams?"
Of course, it wasn't just Xia Muxin who was surprised; everyone in the village who knew him was puzzled. Upon hearing Summer Forest's question, they all turned to look at him.
"Yes, this year's Imperial Examination has been moved up. I was thinking about home, and once the exam is over, I'll return," Feng Liulang casually fabricated, knowing these country folks had little understanding of matters in the capital. A few vague words would easily pass.
Moved up??
Is that even possible?
Su Yan-Chu, who usually paid no attention to such matters, furrowed his brow at Feng Liulang's words and turned his gaze toward him.
The man appeared quite clean and scholarly, but his deep red attire seemed oddly mismatched, lending him an air of vulgarity.
Ye Feng also scrutinized him, a slight smirk on his lips as if he had just heard the greatest joke. If the Imperial Examination were to change its schedule, it would require notification to the entire world; wasn't that just blatant deception?
However, boasting was his prerogative. As long as there were no conflicts, they could simply treat his fabrications as amusing tales.
"Muxin, congratulations."
At that moment, Feng Liulang's face lit up with a beaming smile as Zhaoxia Muxin approached him. Looking at Xia Muxin's twitching brows, she wondered if Feng Liulang had lost his mind; his gaze was far too affectionate. Anyone unaware might think they shared an inappropriate relationship.
After a pause, she replied with a light smile, "Thank you."
After all, there were many people around; if she acted awkwardly, that would truly be problematic.
"Oh my, Young Master Feng, you've returned from the capital! My master has been speaking highly of you for quite some time. He said your literary talent is exceptional; the officials from last time praised you greatly."
Suddenly, another sycophantic voice chimed in. Xia Muxin glanced over and recognized the man as the steward from the shop across the street.
Seeing the elder bowing and scraping before him filled Feng Liulang with a sense of pride. Yet he was also puzzled; who was this elder, and were the 'officials' he mentioned those who had traveled to the capital with him?
"Young Master Feng, you truly are a forgetful noble. I am the steward of the Ouyang Family and also the innkeeper of the shop across the street. Young Master Feng, do come by more often."
After briefly introducing himself, the man hurried away, leaving Xia Muxin and the others somewhat puzzled.
In order to maintain appearances, Feng Liulang clasped his fists and pretended to be modest. "Of course, of course."
"Liulang, you are quite successful. That outfit must be worth a pretty penny; it looks expensive," Black Bull remarked.
The group had come to the market today, and seizing the opportunity, they congratulated Xia Muxin. Seeing them busy, they lent a hand since they were from the same village. The old man had just praised him, which made them envious. Given Feng Liulang's straightforward nature, he couldn't help but express his admiration.
"Ah, it's not worth much."
Hearing Black Bull's comment made Feng Liulang feel even prouder. He feigned indifference as he adjusted his clothes and shook his head. At the same time, he took out a silver ingot from his waist and pointed at the Orchid Bean. "Muxin, weigh me a pound of that."
The silver ingot in his hand was worth at least several dozen taels, causing Black Bull and the others to stare in disbelief. They thought to themselves that this kid must have struck it rich or won at gambling; otherwise, given his family's circumstances, he could never afford such a large sum.
Xia Muxin didn't pay him any mind. With quick hands and eyes, she weighed the Orchid Bean, wrapped it up neatly, and placed it into a large bag with a smile. "Five taels of silver, thank you."
It would be foolish not to do business when there was an opportunity. Moreover, this matter was straightforward; Feng Liulang's behavior today seemed odd to her, prompting her curiosity.
"There's no need for change; you work so hard every day; it pains me to see," he said unexpectedly.
To her surprise, Feng Liulang placed the silver ingot into Xia Muxin's palm and took the Orchid Bean as if he were about to leave.
Xia Muxin's eyes widened in disbelief. What did Feng Liulang mean by this? Seeing his retreating figure, she quickly pulled out some small silver coins and rushed towards him. Grabbing his hand roughly, she shoved the coins back into his palm with a smile.
"You're really giving too much face to the villagers. You should buy some supplements for Sister Cai Lian instead. Her belly is so big, yet she looks as thin as a lightning bolt. Giving birth is painful."
"Besides, your family is so poor that you can't even afford a piece of meat. Don't think everyone is unaware. Although I don't know where this money of yours comes from, it feels suspicious. And she is an honest businesswoman; how could she take advantage of her customers?"
"If she accepts your silver today, then tomorrow the whole street will be throwing eggs at her."
"After all, Feng Liulang has a family, and his legitimate wife is about to give birth..."
Feng Liulang never expected Xia Muxin would pull such a stunt. He felt a bit annoyed that she refused the silver he offered, but he didn't show it on his face. Instead, he looked at her with a deeper meaning and sighed, "Muxin... I... I..."
As he spoke, his face turned red, which was quite decent-looking, but he hesitated and ultimately stomped his foot like a woman before striding away.
Damn it, Xia Muxin really wanted to curse. What was Feng Liulang thinking? Now everyone in the shop was looking at her with strange eyes; he truly never changed his ways.
"This dog just can't stop eating shit. Muxin, don't take it to heart. People like him are just like Lai Hanmei wanting to eat swan meat," Er Dan quickly stepped up to defend Xia Muxin.
*
In the evening, Xia Muxin closed the shop early and hurried home in a carriage.
She hadn't expected such good business on the first day; she had nearly five hundred taels of silver in her account! Just thinking about it made her feel comfortable. Everyone was indeed tired, and since they lived in this town, they decided to deposit the money before the bank closed and then head home.
"Sister, aren't we going to get rich?"
Songzi looked exhausted, but his eyes sparkled with excitement as he gazed at his family in the carriage, cheering joyfully.
His family burst into laughter at his enthusiasm, yet no one answered his question.
His mother, aunt, and grandfather were at home waiting for them. Upon their return, they greeted him with beaming smiles and eagerly asked Ermiao about their journey.
Ermiao happily answered their questions one by one, and soon everyone gathered around the table to have dinner.
After the meal, Xia Jihua took on the task of cleaning the dishes, while Xia Muxin led Ermiao and Yan Zhouwan into the kitchen to get busy.
At this rate of sales, the Fava Beans wouldn't last a month. It seemed she would need to go to Dayao Village or other nearby villages to gather more Fava Beans soon.
Moreover, the variety of items in the shop was too limited; the novelty wouldn't last long. She needed to hurry and make some other products.
"Muxin, what's wrong? Missing someone?"
The oil in the pot was sizzling away, but Xia Muxin held the strainer without dropping the Fava Beans into the oil. Noticing her distracted expression, Yan Zhouwan teased her.
Xia Muxin shot her a glance and smiled as she finally poured the Fava Beans into the hot oil.
"Xia Muxin, you little brat! Get out here!"
- End of Chapter -
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