Chapter 156

Chapter 156

Lunch was had at the Miaos', with meat and wine aplenty. Not only was Old Miao delighted, but Miao Chengcai also ate his fill to his heart's content. When Gu Lanshi and Pei Yan left, he patted his chest in assurance, promising that he would find the chef from Lucky Wine Restaurant the morning after next, guaranteeing that this matter would be handled.

The rural roads were bumpy, and there were still some eggs in the basket. Pei Yan drove the donkey cart back onto the main road, avoiding any further jostling.

A thick cloud obscured the sun, and although the cart didn't move too quickly, the wind that came head-on wasn't as cold as before. Gu Lanshi sat at the front of the cart, smiling as he said, "Uncle got drunk."

"One jar of wine, Grandpa barely had two cups, but Uncle must have had at least half a jar," Pei Yan replied with a chuckle. The way he was rambling on, slapping his chest, indeed suggested he was quite tipsy.

"How about you?" Gu Lanshi asked.

Pei Yan responded, "I'm fine. Uncle was just happy, drinking too quickly and too much. As for the other half of the jar, Second Cousin joined us, and neither of us drank much. There's nothing to worry about."

Knowing that Pei Yan had a good tolerance and hadn't drunk much today, Gu Lanshi felt relieved.

*

The agreed-upon day arrived swiftly. After cutting a cartload of grass early in the morning, Gu Lanshi helped tidy up, making sure to change into clean clothes without patches. After all, they were going to meet someone to discuss matters.

Pei Yan tucked away his purse, hitched up the donkey cart, and brought a basket of vegetables for his maternal grandparents' house before setting off.

There was still much work to be done at home, so Gu Lanshi didn't see him off. He sifted through the hay spread out in the yard, then shouldered his bamboo basket to go cut more grass. Just as he was about to lock the door, he turned to look at the wild fields by the riverbank.

Although it wasn't yet the season for withering plants, there was already a hint of autumn's loneliness. Without seeing anyone else from the village around, he felt an indescribable sense of emptiness.

Recently, he had grown accustomed to going out with Pei Yan, and suddenly walking alone to cut grass made him feel uneasy. Gray and Little Gray thought he was leaving and sat staring at him behind the fence gate, not running off randomly. Meanwhile, Big Black slowly patrolled the vegetable garden.

"Big Black!" Gu Lanshi called out.

The large black dog, which had been ambling through the vegetable patch, suddenly perked up its ears. Its brown eyes looked over, and upon confirming that Gu Lanshi was calling for him, its demeanor changed instantly. Like a shadow, it darted over.

Even though Gu Lanshi had called for Big Black, Gray and Little Gray became equally excited, wagging their tails and looking up at him, seemingly eager to join him on his outing.

"You two stay home; I'll be back soon." Gu Lanshi comforted the two gray-haired dogs by rubbing their heads. Despite their whining, he locked the fence gate without mercy.

"Woof—"

As he walked away, he heard the barking from inside the fenced yard. Gu Lanshi glanced back, still smiling as he continued on his way, searching for suitable pig fodder along the path.

Big Black ran ahead for a while, sniffing around constantly. Realizing that Gu Lanshi was walking slowly behind, it stopped wandering aimlessly. It was unclear what scents it found interesting on the ground, trees, or in the grass, but it always took a moment to investigate them.

On the other side.

After picking up Uncle Miao, Pei Yan and he drove together to Ning Shui Town.

The chef surnamed Wu was named Shengwen. Despite having a scholarly name, he was built like a barrel, broad-shouldered and round-bellied. Having worked in the kitchen for years, he was surprisingly clean, with no stains or grease on his clothes, maintaining a neat appearance.

Upon seeing Miao Chengcai bring someone over and carrying a wild rabbit and two packets of pastries, Wu Shengwen knew something was up. Without being overly polite, he quickly accepted the items and invited them inside, shouting for his son to serve tea as they walked in.

The rabbit was one that Pei Yan had hunted yesterday. Knowing that Lucky Wine Restaurant was a grand establishment, he confirmed today that it was indeed impressive, and bringing the rabbit had been the right choice.

In such a grand restaurant, Chef Wu Shengwen had tasted everything under the sun. Wild game was a rarity, and it served to highlight their sincerity.

Miao Chengcai had some rapport with him and suggested, with a smile, that since they saw a decent tavern on the way, they might as well enjoy some drinks there.

Wu Shengwen lifted the plump rabbit in his hand and let out a hearty laugh. His voice was loud and deep, clearly delighted. "Brother Miao, why are you being so polite? Since you've come and brought such a fine gift, we'll eat at home today. Rabbit meat is far more fragrant than anything those restaurants outside can offer."

He then shouted toward the main room, "Er, go kill the rabbit and stew it. Prepare a few small dishes as well."

"Understood, Father." Wu Er emerged, took the rabbit, greeted Miao Chengcai and Pei Yan, and went to prepare the meal.

Regardless of other things, Wu Shengwen was certainly not a stingy man. Miao Chengcai nodded at Pei Yan and smiled. "In that case, we won't be polite. Boy Yan, go buy two jars of good wine."

"Huh, what wine to buy, we have some at home," Wu Shengwen waved his hand dismissively.

Miao Chengcai chuckled and gestured at Pei Yan. "We originally planned to drink at a tavern with Brother Wu, so we didn't bring any. As a junior, showing respect is only proper."

Pei Yan understood the hint and strode out. Seeing this, Wu Shengwen chuckled and grew even happier.

"Is Mother Wu at home?" Miao Chengcai asked.

"Yes, she is," Wu Shengwen replied as he entered the main room and called out to the eastern room, "Mother! Brother Miao is here, and he brought you some pastries."

He then directly went into her room and placed the two packets of pastries on Old Lady Wu's bedside table.

Since she was elderly, Miao Chengcai followed him in, greeted her, and then left with Wu Shengwen.

Wu Er had already poured the tea and set out two plates of dried fruits and pastries. Seeing this, Miao Chengcai realized that the Wu family treated them with respect and didn't look down on them, which naturally made him feel comfortable.

As they sipped their tea, they chatted idly about trivial matters, mostly concerning family affairs.

Seeing Wu Er slaughtering the rabbit in the courtyard, Wu Shengwen sighed. Miao Chengcai inquired, "What's troubling you, Brother Wu?"

Wu Shengwen laughed again. "Well, it's just that our second son has grown up and it's time for him to get married. But last year, his older brother fell ill. Although he's better now and working for the landlord with his wife, you know how it is. How much can we earn in a month? Yet expenses keep piling up everywhere. When we tried to arrange a marriage, the girl's family complained that our dowry was too low, and two potential matches fell through."

Understanding the situation, Miao Chengcai smiled and said, "Brother Wu, do you think a country girl or a boy from Shuang'er would be suitable?"

Wu Shengwen hurriedly replied, "What kind of talk is that? There's no question of suitability. Even though I moved my family here, I'm still just a peasant at heart. If they're willing, we'd be more than grateful."

His father had passed away early, leaving his mother to raise him through hardships. Their assets dwindled over time until they were left with only two acres of poor land and a thatched cottage. His mother struggled to gather some money and begged relatives to teach him culinary skills, enduring years of hardship.

In his youth, he had faced poverty, but he wasn't one to wallow in self-pity. In recent years, he had performed well at the restaurant, earning some money. Last year, he rented a small courtyard and brought his family, who had been living in a leaky thatched cottage in the countryside, to live with him. His husband now worked as a laborer for a household in town, doing chores like cooking and washing clothes, earning a bit of wages, which was better than staying at home and tending to the meager land.

With this understanding, Miao Chengcai spoke up. "Do you want someone of equal social standing, Brother Wu, or..."

Wu Shengwen replied, "You know, my hometown is in Qingyun Town, quite far from here. Coming here to make a living, I've met a few people, but I don't have the same influence as you. Whether it's a girl or a boy from Shuang'er, we don't have the luxury to pick and choose. If their family is poor, as long as they're honest and can lead a decent life, that's enough."

Understanding his meaning, Miao Chengcai nodded and said, "In that case, when I return, I'll ask my wife to inquire around and see if there's a suitable match."

Wu Shengwen was deeply grateful. "Thank you very much, Brother Miao."

Upon seeing Pei Yan stride in with two jars of wine, he hurriedly stepped forward to take them, knowing that Miao Chengcai had come today with a request. Yet, he didn't regret sharing his own predicament first.

He was indeed anxious about his youngest son's situation. Yesterday, when he encountered a few acquaintances in the building, two sharp-tongued men openly mocked him, saying how could it be that his son Wu Er couldn't even find a wife, taunting him in jest.

His heart felt uneasy. After much thought, he was so distressed that he nearly became inflamed with worry. If not for Miao Chengcai's visit today, he might have forgotten about their connection. Unable to hold back any longer, he blurted out his request, eager to leverage this relationship to find someone suitable. Marriage wasn't urgent; at least, he wanted to secure the person first.

Miao Chengcai wasn't a fool. Since Wu Shengwen sought his help, the matter of delivering eggs to the restaurant was as good as settled.

On his way here today, he had given Pei Yan a few instructions: if Chef Wu didn't engage during the drinking session, they would have to settle for paying a few taels of silver.

Fortunately, luck was on their side. No wonder Wu Shengwen had been incredibly enthusiastic upon their arrival, not even bothering to partake in the alcohol.

*

Gu Lanshi entered the house carrying a basket of grass. He had already made two trips by himself. A bamboo basket was no match for a wooden cart; although a cartload was heavy, it could carry much more in one go.

The sun was high, and Big Black, upon returning, lay down to rest in the shade.

Seeing the hole in the vegetable patch, Huahui put on an ingratiating, squint-eyed expression, not daring to approach and rub against him.

He knew his own dog well. After unloading the bamboo basket, Gu Lanshi sat down on a chair to catch his breath. Smiling warmly, he called out to Huahui.

"Woof!"

Huazai, who was rubbing its head against his calf, barked at Huahui. It looked as if it hadn't done anything wrong and was standing its ground confidently.

Gu Lanshi ignored Huazai. When Huahui approached, wagging its tail, he acted swiftly, pulling Huahui over and pinning its head between his knees. With his other hand, he smacked Huahui's head and rear a few times.

If it were Pei Yan, he could have held Huahui still with just one hand.

Huahui yelped in pain, tucking its tail as if enduring unbearable agony. Gu Lanshi laughed in exasperation, grabbing a thick fold of skin on its neck and slapping Huahui's cheeks twice.

Big Black aside, both Huahui and Huazai had been well-fed since they were young, never experiencing hunger. They weren't necessarily fat and strong, but they did have thick skin and flesh. These slaps didn't hurt it at all; it was merely adept at putting on a show.

"If you dig another hole next time, it won't just be a few slaps," Gu Lanshi said, giving Huahui's rear a final pat before letting go.

Big Black grinned, sticking out its tongue. Whether it was due to the heat or happiness, it was hard to tell. Huazai's reaction was more obvious. Seeing Huahui get punished, it started running around the courtyard like a madman, its ears flapping, seemingly ecstatic.

Gu Lanshi didn't bother with them. After lecturing Huahui, he got up and spread the grass from the basket on the ground to dry. Then, he pulled out a spring vegetable to prepare lunch.

Pei Yan had gone to town to treat people to drinks, so he only needed to cook for himself for the midday meal.

After being hit, Huahui sulked and found a corner to lie down. Huazai, being its usual cheeky self, came over and barked at it. Huahui rested its head on its folded front paws, flicking its tail irritably a couple of times without acknowledging Huazai, turning its head away to ignore it.

Soon, the kitchen rang out with a "Sizzle—"

Gu Lanshi was stir-frying vegetables when he heard the barking. He flipped the contents of the wok a couple of times with a wooden spatula before quickly stepping out into the courtyard to take a look. Sure enough, it was Pei Yan entering the door.