Chapter 31

At Sang Luo's place, after sending off Shen Jin and his two younger brothers, Shen An turned to help his sister-in-law carry things into the house.

When they realized the two new barrels were purchased by their sister-in-law that day, and found several liters of grains and bone-in meat in the smaller carrying baskets on top of the barrels, the siblings were almost jumping for joy.

Sang Luo, seeing the children focused on transferring grains from the bags, unaware of the hu biscuit tucked aside, took out the oil-paper bag, "Come see what this is?"

The siblings simultaneously turned their heads, then saw the oil-stained paper package in their sister-in-law's hands unfold, revealing more than half a piece of appetizing oily biscuit inside!

“Hu biscuit?” Shen An asked uncertainly.

"Sang Luo was surprised: 'Have you eaten this before?'"

"She remembered there wasn’t anyone selling this at the market."

"The siblings nodded together, their eyes dimming a bit: 'Big brother bought it for us once.'"

"Great, that had reminded the two children of their elder brother again."

"Sang Luo quickly tried to distract them: 'Go wash your hands and come eat the cake. It's best when it's still warm. Someday, I'll take you to the county to eat freshly baked ones.'"

"Shen An nodded and led Shen Ning to go wash their hands."

"When they returned, the remaining half of the cake was divided into three parts by Shen An, who offered the largest piece to Sang Luo. But she didn’t take it: 'You eat it, I've already had some in the county.'"

"Turning around, she went to lie down on the bed, not minding that her clothes couldn’t be considered clean after a day’s outing."

"Sang Luo was utterly exhausted, having carried loads back and forth for twenty li. Even her hair felt tired, and in the room, apart from a bed, there wasn’t even a chair to sit and rest."

"Right now, Sang Luo didn't even want to move a finger; she just wanted to collapse on the bed like a limp noodle."

"And that's exactly what she did."

"Seeing her like this, the siblings stopped eating and approached her. Shen Ning climbed onto the bed and asked, 'Big sister, do your feet hurt?'"

"She looked ready to start massaging them right away."

"Sang Luo, who was ticklish, quickly moved away: 'I’m just tired, don't worry about me. You and Shen An go eat your cake.'"

The siblings didn't heed her words; Shen Ning, after confirming twice that her big sister didn't need her leg massaged, clambered down from the bed and set about preparing to cook soup.

The radish at home, as Sang Luo had mentioned, was to be stewed with pork bones. Now with the pork bones bought, Shen Ning, knowing it was time for lunch, started making the soup without needing to ask.

Her big sister's health wasn't great, and she had been working so hard recently. What if she fell ill again?

She needed to nourish her big sister.

The siblings cooperated silently; Shen Ning started the fire while Shen An brought a cup of cool boiled water for Sang Luo, saying, "Big sister, have some water first."

He then took the family’s earthenware pot to fetch water, cleaning the chopped pork bones along the way.

By the time Shen An came back, Shen Ning had already kindled the fire and set the pot over it. Turning to Sang Luo, she inquired, "Big sister, should I add the radish now?"

Radish, also known as white radish in later times.

Sang Luo, relieved from cooking duties, sat up sipping her water and instructed, “Wait for the water with bones to boil first, skim off the scum with a wooden spoon, then simmer on low heat before adding the peeled and chopped radish. Don’t throw away the radish peel. Peel it a bit thicker, cut into small pieces, season with a little salt, soy sauce, and vinegar. We can eat it with plain porridge tonight.”

Pickled radish peel was a dish Sang Luo particularly liked – delicious and calcium-rich. Unfortunately, they lacked chili peppers and garlic in their household.

The Shen siblings, hearing this new way to eat radish peel for the first time, took note of it. One tended the fire while the other washed the radish, busily peeling and chopping it.

It was a laborious task without a proper knife, relying only on sickles, bamboo knives, and stone knives, but the children seemed adept, managing the chores efficiently without causing Sang Luo undue worry.

While stewing the bone soup, the siblings, despite their cravings, refrained from touching the biscuit.

Soup paired with biscuit made a complete meal; naturally, they waited for the soup to be ready to enjoy it together with their big sister – a shared family meal was always more enjoyable.

With nothing else to do, Shen An elaborately explained to Sang Luo his reasons for employing Shen Jin and his brothers to clear the field in exchange for pork lard. In the end, he was still nervous, fearing that his big sister might disapprove.

"All the money in the house was earned by their big sister, who had previously suffered neglect and illness at the hands of their third uncle and aunt, nearly dying. Now, Shen An felt anxious about using the money she earned to buy meat for his cousins."

"He explained all the reasons for his actions and his concerns, trying to figure out how to make amends."

"Shen An lowered his head, 'Shen Yin and Shen Tie really can’t do much work. It’ll just be for two days. I’ll make sure they understand that once the oil scraps are gone, they won’t come again.'"

"His voice was weak. He had a soft spot for the two younger cousins he had helped raise."

"Sang Luo didn’t mind much. One was five and the other six, with Shen Tie being a ‘virtual’ two-year-old. In modern times, they would be in kindergarten. A few scraps of pork fat weren’t worth fretting over to her."

"What concerned her was Shen An’s worry about Shen Jin, who might be tempted to sneak into their house due to his greed, adding to her caution."

"Indeed, making miraculous tofu every day couldn’t go unnoticed. She buried the leaf residue as fertilizer, but the filter cloth was stained from use, something a keen observer might notice."

"Plus, she planned to buy a stone mill for making tofu, which would add more tools... Sang Luo looked around the cramped straw hut, which lacked even a proper stove."

Making tofu requires boiling soy milk. Using this makeshift stone stove and small pot is feasible, but it limits the quantity and requires much more effort.

It seems necessary to have a proper kitchen with a surrounding wall and a lock. Otherwise, we'll have no privacy whatsoever in our future endeavors.

"Your concerns are valid. You and Ning should be more vigilant recently and ensure our home is secure. If Shen Jin really works the land earnestly, don't fret over a few pieces of pork fat. Just give it to him."

Collaborating with the Chen family to sell 'Immortal Tofu' in the county has stretched Sang Luo's limits. First, the distance is greater, and second, more tofu needs to be made. Moreover, timing is crucial in farming, and missing the right time could mean no harvest for certain crops.

Honestly, exchanging a piece of pork fat for Shen Jin's half-day labor feels a bit exploitative to Sang Luo. But then, remembering Shen Jin's glib tongue, any guilt she feels quickly dissipates.

After all, it's a case of mutual agreement - she's not one to interfere.

This wholehearted affirmation from his sister-in-law makes Shen An feel thoroughly reassured and secretly delighted. Isn't this both an affirmation and a compliment, easing his worries?

A smile spreads across his face as he turns away to tend the fire, quietly reveling in his joy.

Shen Ning, standing close, glances over and sees his expression. She lets out a soft chuckle but doesn't tease her brother about his innocent delight.

……

"At the Chen family, Qin Fangniang had eagerly shown off the money pouch as soon as she got home, excitedly telling everyone she had earned eighteen wen."

"She carefully unwrapped the small piece of Hu Bing she had packed, dividing it into five tiny portions. Aside from her taste test, every family member got a bite to try."

"She watched them eat, never once closing her mouth in contentment."

"In the hot noon, Old Man Chen and Chen Youtian were also at home. The whole family gathered together, listening to Qin Fangniang excitedly recount her trip to the county, describing how she entered the city, heard the gongs, went to the Eastern Market, the hustle and bustle there, and how well the miraculous tofu sold."

"She especially praised Sang Luo, for letting her sell the extra tofu; for offering to pay the market tax for her first time, boosting her confidence; and for remembering to bring back a Hu Bing for Shen An and his sister, even sharing a piece with her."

"In summary, two words: Integrity!"

"She ended up praising her mother-in-law, who had extended a helping hand during a crisis, thus gaining Sang Luo’s friendship and the opportunity for their family to sell miraculous tofu."

"So, it's true what they say: good people receive good rewards. Her mother-in-law is indeed a very good person, and now her good fortune has arrived."

Old Lady Chen: ...

This is the first time I've realized how eloquent my daughter-in-law can be.

It seems like she's picked up some hawking skills from the market, boosting her confidence and unlocking her gift of the gab, hasn't she?

Qin Fangniang, completely oblivious to the look her mother-in-law was giving her, was just too excited. While she managed to maintain a semblance of normalcy alongside Sang Luo on their trip, once back home amongst her own family, she couldn't contain her excitement and just let loose.

She even recounted the nineteen copper coins she brought back from the market several times over.

Shifting the topic, she said, "Mother, Sang Luo suggested that I gather some wild vegetables this evening, bundle them with straw, and take them to sell in the eastern market tomorrow. She said they go for one coin for two bundles, and everything she brought today was sold out."

Old Lady Chen nodded: "Then you should go out and pick some this evening."

Qin Fangniang continued eagerly: "Mother, I was thinking, if we sell some wild vegetables and earn a few extra coins, I could buy a piece of pork bone tomorrow. We could use the white radish to make a nourishing bone soup. Sang Luo said it’s nutritious – it helps kids grow taller and eases leg pain for you and dad. Just think, selling a couple of bundles of wild vegetables could get us a bone, and it's not expensive."

Old Lady Chen: ...

Has she fallen under the influence of the Sangs?

"Throughout the conversation, constantly hearing 'Ah Lie's wife' from both sides, Old Lady Chen was almost tired of hearing it."

"But this gossipy chat was quite pleasant, and it seemed to liven everyone up."

"'Okay, if wild vegetables can be exchanged for money, let’s do as you say. I’ll buy one tomorrow to make soup.' Then she asked, 'Did Ah Lie's wife mention how much miraculous tofu she’s going to make for sale tomorrow?'"

"This was what Old Lady Chen was most concerned about."

"Qin Fangniang smacked her forehead, 'I almost forgot! This stuff is a novelty in the county and sells well. I discussed with Ah Lie's wife, and she agreed to make more tonight. Tomorrow, we’ll take a cart and set up stalls in both markets.'"

"Paying one coin for market tax only to leave by mid-morning is a loss."

Qin Fangniang also mentioned Sang Luo buying two wooden barrels, "If our family adds two more pottery pots to her two, we can carry much more merchandise."

Old Lady Chen had no objections, as their cart was idle anyway. More goods to sell meant more money to earn, which was a good thing.

Old Man Chen, who had been silent all this while, suddenly spoke up after tapping his pipe, "With so much to do, can her little straw hut handle all that?"

"Just the barrels alone are several, plus four pottery pots. I reckon there won't be much space left inside, would there?"

Hearing her husband's comment, Old Lady Chen looked over and exchanged a glance, "What do you mean?"

Old Man Chen tapped his pipe and, while filling it with tobacco, suggested, "I was thinking, since she's partnering with us in this business and needs to prepare more goods daily, should we build her an additional kitchen?"

He paused and added, "Ask her this afternoon. If she's planning on it, we could start building before the busy farming season. I, along with You Tian, can ask for help from some familiar folks in the village. We can get it done in a few days, and now's the best time for building sturdy mud walls."

Old Man Chen, illiterate but wise, understood the importance of reciprocation. The new enterprise was adding to their family income, and he wanted to ensure that Sang Luo could supply without too much strain, also considering it a way to give back within his means.