Chapter 43

Chapter 43

Hu Erqiang was a thug, unlike his older brother, who had no legitimate job.

Seeing a stone flying toward him, he sidestepped nimbly, narrowly avoiding it as it grazed the edge of his clothes.

Hu Erqiang grew more cautious, never expecting Lin Chunyan to notice him. He owed money outside and if he couldn't get the payment from Wang Chuizi and the head chef, those people would come after his family.

Seeing him dodge the stone, Lin Chunyan's unease intensified. She gripped her small knife tighter, hoping someone would pass by.

Her knife was meant for defense. Even if Hu Erqiang harbored ill intentions, she would fight back with all her might.

If she failed, she would still be a victim, not punishing herself for others' mistakes.

"You little wench," Hu Jilang spat on the ground. "No wonder they say you're too tough and need to be tamed."

Excitement crept onto his face as he took a few steps forward, ready to make a move.

The head chef only wanted to give Lin Chunyan a lesson, while Wang Chuizi intended to marry her off to his son. But regardless, before taking her away, Hu Erqiang could still have his fun.

The disparity in strength between men and women was significant. Lin Chunyan brandished her knife, and at that moment, a slender figure appeared behind Hu Jilang. Struggling under the weight, she held a large stone, her face flushed from exertion, but without hesitation, she swung it at Hu Erqiang.

Hu Erqiang was too excited to notice anyone approaching from behind. The stone struck him squarely on the back of his head.

Dizzy and disoriented, the smile froze on Hu Erqiang's face. He turned around in disbelief, touching the back of his head, feeling warm blood seeping through his fingers.

His body weakened, and he barely managed to stay upright by leaning on his stick. As he reeled, another stone hit him directly on the head, rendering him unconscious.

Lin Chunyan kicked him several times to ensure he wouldn't wake up soon before tossing aside the stone.

Wang Yingniang was clearly terrified, remaining in a daze after hitting Hu Erqiang. After catching her breath, Lin Chunyan smiled at her.

"Thank you, Yingniang. You helped me again."

Wang Yingniang's lips trembled. "Did I kill someone?"

Lin Chunyan followed her gaze to the unconscious Hu Erqiang and shook her head. "He's not dead. Even if he were, it would be self-defense, not murder."

Wang Yingniang had run so fast, tripping countless times, tearing her clothes. She feared arriving too late and something happening to Lin Chunyan.

Regaining her composure, she urged Lin Chunyan to leave quickly, seeing no one else around. "I need to go too."

Returning late would anger Wang Chuizi, and she feared being discovered.

Lin Chunyan wanted to stop her. Having observed the Wang family for a long time, she knew they didn't treat her as one of their own.

Going back meant more laborious work.

"Why go back? You've helped me greatly. I want to offer you a different life." Lin Chunyan whispered, with a hint of persuasion. "Would you like to try?"

Wang Yingniang reacted as if she had heard something terrifying, biting her lower lip and shaking her head repeatedly.

What else could she do to change her life?

“I have to go back…”

With that, she turned and ran off as if something was chasing her.

Lin Chunyan sighed, stood up, and kicked Hu Erqiang on the ground a few more times.

Seeing that he showed no signs of waking up, Lin Chunyan dragged him in a different direction toward the town.

Hu Erqiang was heavy, and she moved slowly, not caring whether the bumps and ditches along the road would leave marks on him. If they did, he deserved it.

After dragging him for half a day, they finally reached the main road. Lin Chunyan was slightly out of breath when she saw Zhao Huaizi driving a cart back from the town.

Seeing them, he was startled and instinctively placed his hand on the knife at his waist.

“Uncle Huaizi,” Lin Chunyan called out. “Could you please take me to the town?”

Zhao Huaizi got off the cart to check, without asking many questions, lifted Hu Erqiang onto the cart,

leaving a trail of blood that made the cart look even worse.

“Let's hurry. There should still be someone on duty at the government office.”

Lin Chunyan nodded, exhausted, leaning against the cart, not even wanting to move her fingers.

Zhao Huaizi couldn't help but speak up, “This path is indeed dangerous. I think you shouldn't come out alone anymore.”

Lin Chunyan sighed, “Most people in the countryside are simple and honest; there are only a few like this. I can't stay locked up at home just because of such people.”

Zhao Huaizi sighed.

At the entrance of the government office, Lin Chunyan asked a familiar face to find Constable Sun.

This familiar face belonged to Constable Wu, who, like Constable Sun, occasionally bought snacks from their stall. However, Lin Chunyan was most familiar with Constable Sun, who was known for his righteousness.

Sure enough, after Constable Sun arrived and heard Lin Chunyan's account, he immediately ordered the constables to arrest Hu Erqiang, who was still bleeding on the ground.

“The details will need further investigation. If what you said is true and Wang Chuizi and Chef Wang were involved, they will also be apprehended.”

From the moment Wang Yingniang appeared, Lin Chunyan knew who had sent Hu Erqiang.

Lin Chunyan thanked Constable Sun and didn't linger, heading home with Zhao Huaizi.

Constable Sun stopped them, knowing Zhao Huaizi was unmarried and that it might be inappropriate for an unmarried man and woman to return together.

After some thought, he said, “I'll walk with you.”

Zhao Huaizi instantly understood what Constable Sun meant and did not obstruct him. Instead, he found him to be quite reliable.

Zhao Huaizi was also worried that returning like this might be inappropriate, fearing that Lin Chunyan would be wronged.

Mrs. Zhang and Lin Taohong were anxiously waiting at home. As night fell and Lin Chunyan had been gone for most of the day, how could they not worry?

Lin Taohong had already run to the village entrance several times, waiting and watching but seeing no one. She even climbed a tree, disregarding propriety, just to see farther.

Not seeing anyone, she told Mrs. Zhang that she wanted to go find Jin Niangzi herself. After all, she had been to Jin Niangzi's village before and knew the way.

Initially, Mrs. Zhang didn't take it seriously. After all, making fish soup at Li Yuenai's house took half a day, and Lin Chunyan might have stopped by the mountain on her way back.

But as night fell, Mrs. Zhang couldn't sit still anymore. The two of them locked the door and set out in the dark to ask Jin Niangzi what had happened.

On the way, Mrs. Zhang cursed Jin Niangzi thoroughly, regretting forcing Lin Chunyan to agree to cook for others. It would have been better to sell goods in town where they could look after each other and return home early.

After dark, few households in the village could afford kerosene. They relied on moonlight, but tonight the moon was obscured by clouds, leaving them in pitch darkness. They walked slowly, supporting each other, but neither suggested turning back.

Fortunately, when they reached the village entrance, they heard movement ahead. By the faint light of a torch, Mrs. Zhang saw Lin Chunyan unharmed, feeling relieved but speaking sternly, "Where have you been? You've been gone for so long. As a young lady, you made me search high and low."

Her gaze towards Zhao Huaizi was unfriendly. If not for their age difference, she might have said something inappropriate.

Constable Sun, unable to sit still, also got off the cart, and Mrs. Zhang finally noticed him.

Her heart sank, knowing something must have happened. Her mouth felt clamped shut, unable to speak.

Constable Sun had a mother and a brother at home. Despite being a constable in town with many suitors, his high standards kept him unmarried.

Like Zhao Huaizi, he too was an eligible bachelor.

He viewed Lin Chunyan as a junior and did not mind Mrs. Zhang's rudeness.

Seeing the official robes, Mrs. Zhang was frightened. Lin Chunyan comforted her, but she still trembled, unable to speak.

This must be serious if it involved the authorities.

Lin Taohong was no better, especially when she smelled the faint scent of blood, trembling and clinging tightly to Lin Chunyan.

Zhao Huaizi hurriedly explained what had happened.

Lin Taohong, after her initial fear, jumped up in anger, cursing Wang Chuizi and Wang Dalang from afar. Mrs. Zhang joined in, cursing their ancestors.

More than anything, they were relieved. Mrs. Zhang reached out and held Lin Chunyan tightly, losing her earlier anger.

Finally, they thanked Zhao Huaizi and Constable Sun for escorting them and urged them to catch Wang Chuizi and Wang Dalang to prevent further harm to the village.

Constable Sun, relieved after delivering them safely, followed Zhao Huaizi back to their house for the night.

Little Hei seemed to sense something had happened, waiting anxiously at home. Hearing footsteps at the door, he wagged his tail and barked excitedly.

In the quiet of the night, Lin Taohong and Mrs. Zhang, who had held their tongues on the way, could not help but curse again once inside. They examined Lin Chunyan carefully, relieved to find her unharmed.

"I always knew Wang Chuizi had ill intentions. Thankfully, nothing happened this time," Mrs. Zhang said, sighing deeply.

If Wang Chuizi and Wang Dalang had succeeded, Lin Chunyan would have been forced to marry into their family, leading to a miserable life.

Exhausted, Lin Chunyan went to bed after Lin Taohong kindly fetched water for her. With the weather getting colder, using well water for bathing was less comfortable.

After a quick wash, Lin Chunyan fell asleep deeply, while Lin Taohong and Mrs. Zhang stayed awake, watching over her for the rest of the night.

When Wang Yingniang returned, Wang Chuizi was already home. She entered cautiously but was still hit by a flying object on her forehead.

"Where have you been, you wretched girl? Not even cooking or doing laundry properly. What good are you to us, eating and drinking without contributing..."

Wang Yingniang, used to such abuse, wiped away the blood calmly.

Wang Chuizi, restless, continued cursing Wang Yingniang, pacing around. Seeing no one come, he went to find Wang Dalang.

Wang Dalang was still dreaming of marrying Lin Chunyan and showing her his prowess.

The family waited anxiously through the night, especially Wang Dalang, who asked Wang Chuizi several times about the wedding.

Wang Chuizi, though harsh with Wang Yingniang, was gentle with his son. Irritated by the questions, he merely waved him away.

At dawn, the village entrance echoed with the barking of dogs. Wang Yingniang, who always woke early, feared something had happened and quickly went outside.

To her shock, several constables stood at the door, one of whom she recognized. Her legs weakened, and her heart raced.

Constable Sun saw Wang Yingniang and stopped her from running. "Is this Wang Chuizi's house?"

Knowing the answer, he asked anyway. Wang Chuizi, awakened by the commotion, came out cursing.

Seeing the constables, he was startled and pushed Wang Yingniang aside, greeting them with a forced smile.

Constable Sun was unmoved. Once the door was open, he took Wang Chuizi and his son, still dreaming, away.

Wang Chuizi struggled briefly, red-faced and shouting, "What are you doing? I'm just an ordinary citizen. What have I done to deserve this? Is there any law left in this world?"

Constable Sun scoffed, "Save those words for the magistrate!"

Realizing it wasn't a joke, Wang Chuizi panicked. Wang Dalang, terrified, trembled uncontrollably, barely able to stand.

Another constable sneered, grabbing Wang Dalang by the collar, "With your kind, it's a wonder anyone would marry you. It would only bring suffering."

Wang Yingniang shrank into the corner, while Erlang and Sanlang dared not step forward, hiding in the house, afraid of being caught.

Their mother, unaware of what had happened, seeing her husband being taken away and the constables searching the house, approached Constable Sun, clutching his robe.

"Sir, is there some misunderstanding? Our family are all good citizens; we've never done anything to harm others!"

Constable Sun was annoyed by her wailing and pulled his robe out of Aunt He's grasp. "I already said that if you have any grievances, you should explain them to the magistrate."

The men who went to arrest Chef Wang returned. Chef Wang was lying on the bed, whistling a tune. When the officials arrived, he was leisurely eating peanuts.

Seeing them, Chef Wang was stunned and then showed signs of panic, his chubby face trembling.

He wanted to ask his apprentice to bring some silver as a tribute to the officials, but when he turned around, the apprentice had already run away at the sight of the officials.

Chef Wang had no choice but to go himself, shakily opening the cabinet and taking out some silver.

"Sir, I'm just a cook; I don't know anything else. Could it be that you've made a mistake?"

The constables took the silver first; it would be foolish not to take money.

After taking it, they grinned at Chef Wang. "We haven't made a mistake; it's you! You know Hu Erqiang, right? He's from your village, and wasn't he incited by you and Wang Chuizi!"

Hearing this, Chef Wang froze. This morning, when Wang Chuizi came to him, he told Wang Chuizi not to worry.

Chef Wang knew Hu Erqiang well; seeing Lin Chunyan, how could he not have ill intentions?

Since it wasn't Chef Wang who needed to find a wife for his son, he wasn't worried at all and even hoped that Hu Jilang would do something to Lin Chunyan so he could lower the price later.

Seeing Chef Wang being escorted away, Wang Chuizi's last hope vanished, leaving him stunned, his blood seeming to freeze.

It's over, everything is over.

The commotion drew many people to watch. Seeing Chef Wang being brought out, they pointed and whispered, curious about what had happened.

Constable Sun bowed to the crowd. "Does anyone here know Hu Erqiang's family? He has also been arrested and will be tried in five days."

No one was surprised to hear that Hu Jilang had gotten into trouble. Looking around, they saw only Hu Daqiang's wife.

However, there was no sympathy in their eyes. Someone even approached Hu Daqiang's wife and said, "Finally, that ruffian is gone; he won't bother you anymore."

Hu Daqiang's wife was secretly delighted, trying hard not to show her joy too much.

"Heaven help us, what will our widow and orphan do!" Aunt He, seeing no one sympathizing with her, started crying on the ground after Wang Chuizi and Chef Wang were taken away.

Someone chuckled and said to Aunt He, "Your husband and son must have done something wrong. Maybe you'll get your wish and become an orphaned widow."

Aunt He choked up, unable to continue her lamentation, and spat on the ground. "How dare you say that? You look more like a widow than me!"

Wang Erlang and Wang Sanlang were still hiding in the house, afraid to come out. Only Wang Yingniang ventured out under everyone's gaze and half-carried Aunt He back home.

Aunt He didn't appreciate it. Once home, she grew angrier and worried about her husband and son. Without thinking, she slapped Wang Yingniang across the face.

"It's all your fault, you jinx! If it weren't for those little river fish you cooked, your father wouldn't have gotten into this mess!"

Wang Yingniang felt her head buzz from the slap, but the voices around her continued.

"The fortune-teller said your fate would bring misfortune to our family, and it has come true. When your father gets out, you should marry early and leave us alone so you don't bring more trouble to our Wang family!"

Wang Yingniang seemed not to hear, holding her face without shedding a tear.

At this moment, Wang Erlang and Wang Sanlang emerged from the house, agreeing with Aunt He. "She's the jinx bringing disaster. When Father comes back, we'll teach her a lesson."

Lin Chunyan woke up feeling unwell and didn't go to the kitchen to cook. She lay lazily in bed.

Mrs. Zhang made egg tea for them, breaking an egg into boiling water. For a sweet taste, sugar could be added; for a savory taste, soy sauce and sesame oil could be used.

Mrs. Zhang brought three bowls, the heat making her fumble and exclaim.

"You really should have used a cloth to protect yourself," Lin Chunyan commented.

Mrs. Zhang smiled awkwardly. "Drink it while it's hot; it's very nourishing."

Lin Chunyan took a small sip, the soy sauce and sesame oil masking the egg's rawness.

She closed her eyes contentedly, but Mrs. Zhang began talking about yesterday's events. "Today, I'll go to town and talk to Constable Sun to keep things from getting bigger. I should have mentioned it yesterday, but I forgot."

This was what Mrs. Zhang had thought about all night. If things got too big, it might affect Lin Chunyan's future marriage prospects.

Lin Chunyan disagreed. "I didn't do anything wrong. Why should we hide it? They should know the consequences."

Mrs. Zhang slammed the bowl down. "What nonsense! A young lady's reputation is most important."

"To me, nothing is more important than money."

Lin Chunyan finished her tea quickly. "Mother, think about it. If we earn more money and someone tries to take advantage of us again, what should we do?"

Before Mrs. Zhang could respond, Lin Chunyan continued, "There's no point in constantly guarding against thieves. Let Constable Sun make a scene so they know we're not easy to mess with and have support behind us."

Though it was a bluff, it would make others wary.

"I can't argue with you. Where do you get these ideas?"

Lin Taohong watched them, sipping her egg tea quietly.

She had learned not to interfere when Lin Chunyan and Mrs. Zhang argued, to avoid becoming the target of their ire.

Indeed, this time Mrs. Zhang looked at Lin Taohong after losing the argument.

Lin Taohong, enjoying herself, noticed Mrs. Zhang's gaze and became cautious. "I didn't say anything."

"Hmph, hurry up and eat. Don't dawdle."

Lin Taohong: ...

"Am I really your biological daughter?" Lin Taohong muttered.

Mrs. Zhang ignored her and glanced outside, noticing the sun had already risen. She hesitated about whether to set up her stall today.

The foot traffic at the dock was high, and Mrs. Zhang had earned as much money there in recent days as they did in town.

Tasting the joy of making money, she was somewhat reluctant to give it up.

"Mom, don't you still want to sell roujiamo?" Lin Chunyan saw Mrs. Zhang's hesitation and brought up the roujiamo.

Mrs. Zhang swallowed, knowing how much the roujiamo could fetch. If she skipped today, she wouldn't be able to eat all day.

Lin Chunyan watched her with a half-smile, "Mom, have you decided whether to go set up the stall today?"

Caught off guard, Mrs. Zhang glared at Lin Chunyan, "When did I say I wasn't going? I just wanted you to rest at home."

Seeing that Lin Chunyan was fine, she sighed, "From now on, we won't cater for others anymore; we'll focus on our stall."

Lin Chunyan didn't respond immediately; if someone offered more money, she'd still consider it.

After a long chatter, they finally arrived in town. Lin Chunyan led Mrs. Zhang to Fang Xiaotian to get some flatbreads.

Fang Xiaotian had woken up early to make flatbreads because sales were good yesterday. Seeing Lin Chunyan and Mrs. Zhang, she couldn't help but smile widely.

After counting the copper coins, she found that what she made yesterday morning exceeded her daily earnings.

Hearing that Mrs. Zhang also wanted flatbreads to sell roujiamo at the dock, Fang Xiaotian felt like copper coins were flying towards her, wishing she had more hands.

Seeing her enthusiasm, Lin Chunyan asked worriedly, "Can you manage to make them?"

Afraid Lin Chunyan would find someone else, Fang Xiaotian quickly assured her, "I can manage! I'll bring my daughter to help."

Mrs. Zhang took twenty flatbreads first, unsure if they would sell at five copper coins each at the dock.

Fang Xiaotian found a moment to send a nearby child to fetch her daughter.

The old lady who sold sugar water knew their situation and disapproved, "If your daughter comes, what will happen at home?"

Lin Chunyan then learned that Fang Xiaotian's husband had been ill for a while, needing medicine from the doctor and sometimes unable to get out of bed.

There was also a young child, around five years old, at home, and Fang Xiaotian relied on her daughter to manage everything when she was away selling flatbreads.

Fang Xiaotian was concerned, but most of the money she earned went to buying medicine, and their life was hard.

She wanted to earn more to improve their living conditions and perhaps find a better doctor for her husband.

Seeing her expression, Lin Chunyan didn't press further.

Every family has its own struggles, and no one's life is smooth sailing.

Soon, Fang Xiaotian's daughter, Fang Xiaotian, arrived, around eight or nine years old, with two pigtails, wearing clothes obviously altered from Fang Xiaotian's.

Despite her young age, she worked efficiently, helping her mother put the flatbreads in the oven and flipping them. Soon, beads of sweat formed on her forehead.

Although the weather was cooler, it was still hot at noon. Lin Taohong was working hard making roujiamo, so Lin Chunyan ordered three bowls of iced glutinous rice balls.

Lin Taohong happily accepted and took a big sip, feeling refreshed.

Fang Xiaotian, however, hesitated before taking a small sip, her eyes brightening as the sweet, icy taste spread in her mouth, a flavor she had never experienced before.

So iced glutinous rice balls were this delicious.

Fang Xiaotian watched her heartache. Fang Xiaotian pushed the remaining bowl towards her mother, insisting she try it.

Fang Xiaotian shook her head, "Mom doesn't need it; you drink it quickly before it melts."

Fang Xiaotian slowly finished the iced glutinous rice balls and smiled sweetly at Lin Chunyan.

Mrs. Zhang took twenty flatbreads and brought out the braised meat. Unlike Lin Chunyan, who could keep the meat warm near Fang Xiaotian's stove, she had to place it next to the tofu.

Fortunately, it wouldn't cool too quickly in the heat, but she needed to sell it soon.

Jin Niangzi greeted her warmly, but Mrs. Zhang ignored her and turned away.

Jin Niangzi was puzzled, wondering what she had done to offend Mrs. Zhang. With no customers around, she approached Mrs. Zhang to ask.

Yesterday, she drank too much wine, something she rarely had time for. She fell asleep and woke up late, only to hear from the other women that Lin Chunyan had left early.

Just then, several people waiting for Mrs. Zhang came over, asking if these were the same flatbreads she had eaten yesterday.

Mrs. Zhang nodded eagerly, "These are the roujiamo I ate yesterday, five copper coins each, with extra meat and eggs."

Those who had seen her eating the roujiamo yesterday had been thinking about it ever since and wanted to try it.

Without hesitation, they paid five copper coins each.

Mrs. Zhang happily prepared the roujiamo, slicing open the flatbread, adding chopped meat, eggs, wild chives, and coriander, and pouring a ladle of soup over it.

The aroma spread, and one customer sniffed appreciatively, pointing at the tofu, "Add one copper coin's worth of tofu."

Mrs. Zhang took the money, added the tofu, poured another ladle of soup, and handed over the roujiamo.

The person took it and couldn't wait to start eating. With the first bite, they tasted the tender and flavorful stewed meat.

"Delicious!"

The person seemed to be intentionally showing off, not in a hurry to leave. They stood by Mrs. Zhang's stall, eating and praising the food, drawing curious glances from others.

Someone approached them, "Old Qin, is this roujiamo really that good?"

Old Qin was too busy eating to speak, nodding a few times. After swallowing, he said contentedly, "The meat is so tender and fragrant. I don't know what spices were used, but even the eggs inside have an amazing flavor."

With such a live endorsement, those who were initially hesitant started taking out their copper coins. Mrs. Zhang kept making more while collecting the coins, saying, "I only brought twenty buns today; once they're gone, there won't be any more."

Hearing there were only twenty buns, the remaining hesitant people also became interested. Within a short time, over half of the buns were sold.

Jin Niangzi watched enviously. When the crowd thinned, she approached Mrs. Zhang and asked, "Mrs. Zhang, you seem to have good days ahead. Yesterday, when you made that fish soup for Mr. Li, he rewarded you handsomely."

Mrs. Zhang snorted, gathering her things, "What does it matter how much reward money there is? It was dark by the time I finished making that fish soup. If something happened to her on the way back, who would take responsibility?"

Mrs. Zhang didn't tell the whole truth, fearing it might harm Lin Chunyan if it got out.

Realizing this, Jin Niangzi felt embarrassed and explained herself properly to Mrs. Zhang, lightly slapping herself.

She thought to herself, thankful nothing had happened, or Mrs. Zhang might have fought with her.

She had taken ten copper coins yesterday and planned to continue doing such business, knowing it would be profitable.

From Mrs. Zhang's words, it seemed she didn't want Lin Chunyan to cook for others anymore.

Jin Niangzi probed further, but Mrs. Zhang didn't respond. By noon, the laborers at the dock took a break, bringing their own bread to eat.

These men, having worked hard all morning, were starving. Most were willing to spend a coin on some small snails from Mrs. Zhang, adding extra flavor to their bread.

Today, seeing Mrs. Zhang selling roujiamo for five copper coins each, they knew it must be delicious just from the smell.

However, they earned only about twenty copper coins a day, so few could afford it.

Zhang Youcai thought about his pregnant wife, who hadn't been eating well lately. The roujiamo smelled so good, with both meat and eggs, it would be perfect for her.

He took out five copper coins and asked Mrs. Zhang to add two extra spoons of broth, like others did.

He also asked, "Can I buy just a bun without the meat and egg, but with two spoons of broth?"

Mrs. Zhang understood he wanted it for his wife and charged him only for the bun.

Others saw this and wanted to do the same, but Mrs. Zhang refused, "There aren't many buns left; I need to save them for those who want the roujiamo."

"Could you make the roujiamo cheaper? Five copper coins is quite expensive."

Mrs. Zhang, who had been running the stall for a long time, wasn't intimidated by the men. She waved her hand, "My roujiamo has both meat and eggs; five copper coins is not expensive."

One man stood before Mrs. Zhang's stall for a while, undecided. Seeing the last bun, he finally took out five copper coins.

He didn't want to eat it himself, holding the bun tightly to his chest, savoring the aroma. He planned to share it with his wife and children, treating them to a special meal.

When Lin Chunyan arrived, Mrs. Zhang was exhausted but couldn't hide her smile. Twenty buns had earned her one hundred copper coins.

Adding the sales of tofu and snails, she had made more than the laborers.

"How did your sales go?"

"Very well," Lin Taohong grinned, then lowered her voice, "We even went to see Officer Sun!"

Mrs. Zhang was alarmed, pulling Lin Chunyan aside, "You two are too bold! How dare you go to the government office yourselves?"

She was worried, knowing commoners feared officials. But Lin Chunyan was different, daring to approach them.

Lin Chunyan reassured her, "We didn't enter the office; we waited outside for Officer Sun. We only spoke a few words."

She had brought some snails and tofu, along with roujiamo for Officer Sun, asking him to share with other officers.

Officer Sun accepted the food and told them that Hu Erqiang had confessed and received several beatings but would likely be detained for a short time.

As he spoke, he couldn't help but praise the roujiamo's aroma, giving a thumbs up.

This outcome was good; if Wang Chuizi or Chef Wang had paid, they might not have been detained at all.

Lin Chunyan knew Officer Sun had played a role and promised to invite them to dinner.

Officer Sun didn't refuse, "To be honest, I love food. I bet you can make excellent home-cooked meals."

He had heard from Mr. Zhao that Lin Chunyan had catered a birthday feast for Jin Niangzi's father-in-law, which everyone loved.

Officer Sun regretted missing it due to another engagement.

Seeing his reaction, Lin Taohong lost her shyness and smiled gently.

Mrs. Zhang couldn't say more, only reminding them not to act so recklessly again.

Lin Chunyan quickly changed the subject, asking about the roujiamo sales.

Mrs. Zhang immediately started talking excitedly about the roujiamo, asking Lin Chunyan to give her more buns tomorrow.

"I think many people didn't buy today. Give me thirty-five buns tomorrow."

Lin Chunyan agreed. At home, Mrs. Zhang put down her things and washed up under Lin Chunyan's urging. Tired, she couldn't get up to check the fields.

After Lin Chunyan finished cooking, she didn't hear any movement and went into the room to check. There she saw Mrs. Zhang sleeping soundly.

She tiptoed over, took a blanket to cover Mrs. Zhang, but accidentally touched her shoulder, which was swollen high.

Mrs. Zhang groaned in pain, her eyebrows furrowed tightly, yet she didn't wake up.

Lin Chunyan had a good idea of what had happened. She and Lin Taohong had carried their baskets to town together, but Mrs. Zhang had gone alone with more goods, believing she could sell everything.

Last night, she barely slept, and today she made roujiamo all by herself, so busy that she probably didn't even have time for a sip of water.

She closed the door and left. It wasn't until it was completely dark that Mrs. Zhang woke up, not complaining about her shoulder pain but heading straight to the kitchen to find something to eat.

In the past, when Lin Chunyan saw Mrs. Zhang devouring food, she would always say something. Today, however, she said nothing, and even her usual disapproval seemed to dissipate.

To be fair, though Mrs. Zhang had many faults, she had never mistreated Lin Chunyan and Lin Taohong.

Mrs. Zhang had no idea what Lin Chunyan was thinking. After eating a bowl of noodles, she felt much better. The long walks recently had increased her appetite, and she could easily finish two bowls of noodles on her own.

The noodles were accompanied by pickled bamboo shoots, pickled cucumbers, and pickled green beans, which were very refreshing. With a twinkle in her eye, Mrs. Zhang suggested selling these pickles at the dock.

"I've figured it out. Those laborers can't afford roujiamo, but they're willing to spend a few coins on side dishes."

After saying this, Mrs. Zhang slurped down another mouthful of noodles, thinking about asking Lin Chunyan to find more jars.

Lin Chunyan quickly advised, "With more jars of pickles, how will you carry them, Mother?"

Mrs. Zhang didn't mention her swollen shoulder at all, simply stating, "How can I not carry them? Selling pickles will bring in plenty of copper coins; it's just a bit more effort on the way."

Lin Chunyan disagreed, "You're obsessed with money. Wait until we have a handcart."

Buying a handcart had been a distant dream for them before. In the village, only a few people owned one.

Mrs. Zhang hadn't dared to think about it before, but now she felt they should buy one sooner rather than later.

With a handcart, they could transport more goods to sell and prepare other foods as well.

Like these noodles, which tasted different from others—especially good.

Jin Niangzi sold wontons from a handcart at the dock, and with the constant flow of people, she could sell dozens of bowls a day.

Otherwise, how could she have such savings and throw a grand birthday party for the old man?

Mrs. Zhang put down her bowl and asked Lin Taohong to wash it, then went back to her room and took out two strings of cash.

"These are from your second uncle and third uncle when we bought the land last time."

Previously, Mrs. Zhang had guarded this money tightly, not letting anyone touch it.

Lin Taohong reluctantly washed the dishes, stunned to see Mrs. Zhang take out the money.

Mrs. Zhang, gathering her courage, dared not look at the two strings of cash on the table, fearing she might change her mind and put them away again.