Chapter 111

Chapter 111

This year, since there was no need to return home for the New Year, the tavern decided to close a few days later, setting the closing date on the twentieth day of the twelfth lunar month.

Any later and it would be impossible to buy anything, as the people of this era took the New Year very seriously, and these few days were the only time they could rest after a year of hard work.

On the tenth day of the twelfth lunar month, the Prefecture School went on winter break.

While Zhao Beichuan was driving the carriage to buy groceries, he also stopped by to pick up Xiaodou. The school's winter break was similar to a modern winter vacation, lasting until after the Lantern Festival. This time, besides bringing back clothes for changing, Xiaodou also had to take his bedding home to wash.

He waited at the gate for half an hour before Xiaodou emerged, carrying two large bags. His thin arms were surprisingly strong for his age.

Zhao Beichuan hurried over to take the bags and throw them onto the carriage. "Are you all packed?"

"Uh-huh."

"Have you grown taller?" Zhao Beichuan pulled his younger brother closer and measured him with his hand. Previously, Xiaodou reached just below his lowest rib, but now he reached up to his fourth rib.

"Hehe, my sister-in-law said I've grown taller the last time I came home."

Zhao Beichuan ruffled Xiaodou's hair. "Get in the carriage quickly. Your sister-in-law has found you some work to do."

"Eh? What kind of work?"

"You'll see when we get home."

Xiaodou returned home full of joy, only to find that he was tasked with teaching six adults how to read. The six adults were Zhao Beichuan, Xiaonian, Xiaochun, Lu Miao, Lu Shiliu, and Hu Chunrong, along with two other children, Shitou and Xiao Jinzi...

"Sister-in-law... Can I do it?"

Lu Yao patted his shoulder. "Do your best; I believe in you."

"But, Sister-in-law..." Xiaodou felt like crying. He had planned to rest and read some travel books during the break.

Well, since it was a task given by his sister-in-law, he would have to try his hardest!

The tavern wasn't too busy these days, so Lu Yun could manage it alone. Hu Chunrong brought the two children over every day to learn how to read.

Lu Yao cleared a table near the heated wall and set up a screen. They all gathered around and started their lessons.

Teaching them to read was for their own good. Not knowing how to read would make life difficult, especially in business. If one couldn't understand accounts, they would easily be cheated.

Among them, Xiaochun and Lu Shiliu were the most diligent. Lu Yao had privately asked Xiaochun if he wanted to attend the Elementary School.

Xiaochun shook his head. "Sister-in-law, I'm not cut out for reading. Those classical texts give me a headache. I just want to learn more characters and memorize the menu so I can become a chef like Big Brother."

Lu Yao patted his shoulder. It was good that the child had his own goals.

Lu Shiliu, on the other hand, was like a sponge, eager to absorb any knowledge that could help him improve. He worked hard to climb the ladder of success.

Honestly, such people were both terrifying and highly valued by leaders. With ambition and ability, Lu Shiliu could be left to manage the tavern without much supervision.

Lu Yao was gradually adapting to the mindset of the ancients. The indenture contract was a chain around Lu Shiliu's neck. As long as she didn't give him the key, he would remain in her service.

Lu Miao's interest in learning to read was spontaneous. He wanted to write a letter to Captain Ge.

Recently, Captain Ge had sent him many things through a military messenger, including food from Ying Prefecture, beautiful fabrics, several furs, and a letter.

Captain Ge was literate. His family had been well-off when he was young, and he had attended the Elementary School for a few years. However, after his parents passed away, his relatives took over the family business, leaving him with no choice but to join the army.

Lu Miao couldn't recognize a single word in the letter, which made him anxious. He had no choice but to ask Third Brother to read it for him, enduring the teasing.

"Your Captain Ge sends his regards. He says it's cold, so you should wear more clothes and not catch a chill. Tsk tsk, he really cares about you."

Lu Miao blushed furiously and decided to learn to read.

*

There weren't many reservations today, so in the morning, Lu Yao took the two new apprentices out to buy supplies, leaving the others at home to study.

The two apprentices, both fifteen years old, were named Lu Qing and Lu Ming by Lu Yao. Unlike Lu Shiliu, they were bought directly from the official slave market.

The official slave market was where the government sold slaves and servants seized from convicted officials. Every year, many officials and their families were implicated in corruption cases, and their servants and slaves were sold to raise funds for the government.

Lu Ming and Lu Qing had previously been servants in the magistrate's house in Guyang County. After the magistrate was dismissed for embezzlement, they ended up in the slave market and were eventually bought by Lu Yao.

Both boys had good personalities and had been learning to chop vegetables and cook with Zhao Beichuan. Now, they could prepare simple dishes on their own.

Lu Yao took them to Changxing Street first to buy pastries from the Eight Treasures Shop for the children.

In Qiushui Town, Lu Yao used to make many delicious sweets, which tasted even better than those sold in shops. Since moving to Prefecture City, she had become lazier and rarely cooked such things.

The shop offered a variety of pastries, including layered pastries, red bean cakes, jujube paste cakes, and white-skinned fruit buns. The prices were reasonable, and a large box cost only about three hundred coins.

She also bought some candies, including golden rolls, peanut candies, milk candies, and large sugar melons. She didn't buy too many, remembering how Xiaodou and Xiaonian had suffered from toothaches last year due to eating too much candy.

After leaving the pastry shop, they visited a nearby dried goods store. Every year, just before the New Year, a lot of dried fruits were transported from the south, including mango slices, longan slices, and pickled plums in elegant bamboo tubes, each costing eighty coins.

Lu Yao bought a good amount of each, and also picked up some for her mother. Children loved these snacks during the New Year, and she spent nearly two strings of cash in total.

After buying the snacks, they turned to go to West Market to buy meat. On the way, they passed by a medical clinic and saw a thin figure kneeling at the entrance.

It was Ma Kuan, the young man they had met recently.

Lu Yao remembered him well. He was a smart and decisive boy who could assess situations and had some courage. Unfortunately, his father had taken a wrong path, harming others for money and ultimately facing the consequences.

She wondered why he was kneeling there today.

Lu Yao usually avoided getting involved in other people's affairs, but seeing the boy's poor health, she feared he wouldn't last long kneeling in the snow. After hesitating for a moment, she walked toward the clinic's entrance.

Ma Kuan had been kneeling for almost an hour. His thin clothes offered little protection against the cold, and his face was turning blue. His legs were almost numb.

But he remained still. His mother was having a difficult labor at home, and without a doctor's help, she might not survive. If both his parents were gone, what was the point of living? He might as well join them.

"What are you kneeling here for?"

A voice suddenly came from above. Ma Kuan slowly raised his head, and a faint smile appeared on his stiff face. "This humble person greets Mr. Lu."

"You still remember me."

"I dare not forget. Without Mr. Lu's help, I would never have been able to avenge my father."

Lu Yao said, "It's so cold today. Why are you kneeling outside the clinic? Is there something troubling you?"

Ma Kuan nodded. "My mother is having a difficult labor. She is already old, and this pregnancy is not going well. I want to ask the doctor to come and help at home."

"Get up. I'll help you ask."

Ma Kuan placed his hands on his forehead and bowed deeply three times to Lu Yao. Lu Yao reached out to pull him up and realized that his legs were frozen and couldn't walk.

"Lu Ming, help him up."

"Sure!"

Lu Yao went inside to invite the doctor. Soon, two doctors followed them to the Ma family's alley.

As soon as they entered the courtyard, they heard the shrill cries coming from inside the house. An elderly woman was helping beside the bed.

The doctor went in to check the position of the baby. "Not good, the baby is coming out buttocks first..." The woman was already weak due to her age, and with the wrong position, it could result in the death of both mother and child.

Ma Kuan tried to remain calm, but being so young, his body couldn't control its trembling.

Time passed slowly, and Tian Xiufen's cries grew weaker. The two doctors were drenched in sweat, finally managing to turn the baby. "Madam, use a bit more strength, the baby is almost out."

"I... I don't have any strength left..."

If they delayed any longer, the baby would suffocate. One of the doctors, seeing the situation, used a needle to stimulate her Shenque acupoint. Tian Xiufen suddenly felt warmth in her body and grabbed the quilt, pushing again!

"It's out, the baby is born!" The two elderly women excitedly cut the umbilical cord and wrapped the baby in a pre-prepared blanket.

The baby was small and thin, emitting a weak cry. Ma Kuan finally breathed a sigh of relief and stumbled forward to see the baby.

One of the elderly women handed the baby to him. "It's a girl, with rosy skin. She will definitely grow up to be beautiful."

Ma Kuan kissed his little sister's forehead, feeling indescribable joy.

Suddenly, one of the elderly women shouted, "Not good, she's hemorrhaging!"

In this medically backward era, heavy bleeding meant death. Soon, the quilt under Tian Xiufen was soaked with blood, and the room was filled with a strong smell of blood. Even Lu Yao and the others standing outside could smell the scent of death.

Soon, a heart-wrenching cry came from inside. "Mother, Mother, wake up!"

The two doctors came out with their medicine boxes and shook their heads at Lu Yao. "The woman's position was wrong, and her body was already weak. It was already difficult for her to give birth to this child. We did our best."

"Thank you both." Lu Yao took out some silver from his pocket and gave it to them.

"Lu Qing, take these things back to the shop and ask the boss to bring some silver over."

"Yes." Lu Qing picked up the items and hurried away. Lu Ming stood beside him, his face showing a hint of sadness, and his voice hoarse. "My mother also died during childbirth, and the baby in her womb didn't survive."

It was the first time Lu Yao had heard him mention his own story. Not knowing how to comfort him, he gently patted his shoulder.

Less than half an hour later, Zhao Beichuan rushed over. On the way, Lu Qing had already told him what had happened.

"How is it?"

"I haven't gone in yet, but the lady is likely gone."

Zhao Beichuan adjusted his collar and held his hand. "Go back first. I'll stay and help arrange the funeral."

"Okay." Lu Yao was about to leave when he suddenly turned around. "These two children are quite pitiful. If possible, take them back and help them."

"Alright."

The sky was somewhat overcast. Lu Yao and Lu Ming hurried back. He didn't know that this casual decision would bring him great wealth.

*

When Lu Yao returned to the restaurant, only two tables of guests remained upstairs. The waiters were sitting by the stove chatting. Seeing Lu Yao enter, they quickly stood up.

Lu Yao waved his hand. "Sit down. After the guests leave, clean up the upstairs properly."

"Yes."

He went to the backyard, where Xiaochun and Xiaodou were sitting in the kitchen, peeling garlic and learning to read.

Seeing Lu Yao, they greeted him. "Sister-in-law is back."

"Are the others gone?"

Xiaodou said, "Second Sister-in-law took Jinjin and Shitou back. My sister and Fifth Brother are cutting clothes in the room."

Lu Yao nodded and went directly to Lu Miao's room.

Xiaonian was holding the fabric, and Lu Miao was measuring with scissors but hesitated to cut. Seeing Lu Yao come in, he waved. "Third Brother, you came just in time. Help me cut a pattern."

"What kind of pattern?"

"The kind your brother wears. I want to... make one for Captain Ge."

Lu Yao didn't tease him this time. Ge Changbao was a bit shorter than Zhao Beichuan but more muscular, so the measurements were slightly different. Lu Yao measured and cut the pattern directly.

"The weather in Ying Prefecture is cold. If you’re making winter clothes for him, add more cotton. I still have a few tanned sheepskins that can be sewn onto the knees and chest to block the wind."

"Thank you, Third Brother."

Xiaonian noticed that Lu Yao wasn’t in a good mood and followed him out. "Sister-in-law, are you feeling unwell? You look pale."

"Maybe I caught a chill just now. My head hurts a bit."

"Let me massage your temples; it really helps."

"Alright." Lu Yao leaned back in the chair, and Xiaonian started massaging his head. Before long, he fell asleep.

Xiaonian didn’t wake him, instead, she wrapped a thick blanket around him.

In his dream, everything was bizarre and chaotic. First, he dreamed of Lu Miao getting married, with a noisy procession carrying the bridal sedan chair to the Ge family. Suddenly, a bull charged out, nearly capsizing the chair.

Fortunately, the crowd drove the bull away, and the sedan chair reached the Ge family’s gate safely.

Inside the courtyard, Captain Ge, dressed in a red robe, came to greet the bride. But as Lu Yao blinked, the person turned into Zhao Beichuan, who was holding someone who looked exactly like him!

Lu Yao watched in horror, rooted to the spot, unable to move or speak. He tried to shout, but no one could hear him. Just as he was about to give up, he heard someone calling his name.

"Lu Yao, wake up!"

Lu Yao jolted awake, staring at the person in front of him, dazed.

Zhao Beichuan wiped the tears from his eyes. "Did you have a nightmare?"

Lu Yao clung to his waist, burying his face in his chest and sobbing. "I was so scared."

"What did you dream about?"

Lu Yao shook his head, not wanting to talk about it.

Zhao Beichuan rubbed his head. "Don’t worry, dreams are often the opposite of reality. They won’t come true."

But Lu Yao still felt terrified. The sense of helplessness made his scalp tingle and his limbs go cold. In the years since he had come through, he had never considered whether he could return.

He probably couldn’t go back. That version of himself was dead, and even if he returned, he would be a wandering spirit.

But would this "Lu Yao" come back?

The thought sent a shiver down his spine. He didn’t dare think too deeply, fearing it might lead to depression.

"Is everything settled with the Ma family?"

Zhao Beichuan moved a stool and sat down. "It’s all taken care of. I bought a coffin for his mother and got some neighbors to help carry her to the outskirts for burial."

"What about Ma Kuan and the child?"

"I brought them back. I had one of the workers clean out the storeroom next to the kitchen for them to stay temporarily. The baby is too young and only drank a little gruel. Tomorrow, I’ll go to West Market to see if there’s a ewe that has recently given birth."

"Alright." Lu Yao held his husband’s hand, feeling comforted.

Zhao Beichuan said, "Seeing Ma Kuan reminded me of when I raised Xiaodou. Back then, my mother died from postpartum hemorrhage, and Xiaodou was so small and weak, he couldn’t even cry properly. Now he’s grown so much."

Lu Yao sighed. "If we hadn’t helped them on the way, I’d feel uneasy."

Zhao Beichuan nodded. "Ma Kuan is indeed different from others. Despite such a great tragedy, he remains thoughtful. Even adults might not have his level of maturity."

"Yes, keeping him around might prove useful in the future." It wouldn’t cost much, and Lu Yao had plenty of silver.

After chatting for a while, it was already dark outside. Zhao Beichuan got up to cook dinner.

They were having hotpot tonight, moving the pot to the front hall where the family could gather around and eat together.

After dinner, Lu Yao went to check on the two children.

Ma Kuan was sitting on the kang with his sister. When he saw Lu Yao, he quickly put his sister down and knelt to thank him.

"Thank you, benefactor, for saving us! I, Kuan, have nothing to offer in return, but I am willing to work as a beast of burden to repay your kindness!"

"No need for such formalities." Lu Yao pulled him up and glanced at the baby on the kang. "Tomorrow, I’ll have someone bring some soft cloth for you to cut and make diapers for her."

"Thank you, benefactor!"

"Don’t call me benefactor; it sounds strange. Call me Master Lu. Stay here and settle in. If there’s anything you can help with in the future, I’ll let you know."

Ma Kuan bowed again. After Lu Yao left, he picked up his sister, tears welling in his eyes. "Little Sister, we can survive now..."

*

Time flew by, and soon it was the end of the year.

With the shop closed and the brewery on holiday, Lu Yao finally had some free time. This year, he gave each employee three strings of cash as a bonus.

After the New Year, they could buy new clothes and enjoy good food.

Everyone took the money and bowed in gratitude. Lu Yao repeated his usual warning, "You can use this money for anything, but don’t gamble or visit brothels. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being harsh."

Everyone at the brewery knew the rules and nodded in agreement.

In the morning, Zhao Beichuan bought several yards of red silk. Lu Yao planned to make a pair of red lanterns to hang at the entrance.

First, they used thin bamboo to create the frame, with a thick candle in the middle that could burn all night.

The children enjoyed this task, breaking the bamboo and cutting the fabric. Lu Yao didn’t need to do much, just sit and give directions.

When the lanterns were finished, they added a fringe at the bottom, making them look very elegant.

As soon as it got dark, they hung the lanterns, which would stay lit until the Lantern Festival.

After finishing the lantern, Lu Yao accompanied his younger brother to the military camp. Over the past few days, Lu Miao had been busy altering and perfecting the set of cotton-padded clothes, intending to entrust a messenger from the camp to deliver them to the border.

The two went to the camp and found a familiar centurion to inquire about how to send the clothes.

The centurion said, "You’ve come at the right time. We’re heading to the border for reinforcements tomorrow and can take them directly to Captain Ge."

"Reinforcements? Has there been a battle at the border?"

"The Khitan launched a surprise attack on the Longyuan Pass on the fifteenth of last month, occupying three counties in the northwest of Ying Prefecture. The front lines have suffered heavy casualties."

These few words instantly changed their expressions. Lu Miao wanted to ask more, but the centurion didn’t know much either, so the two had no choice but to return home.