Chapter 232

Chapter 232

With just half a month left until the New Year, the days grew colder with each passing day.

The Ministry of Agriculture had already begun its holiday break, with duties resuming in February after the New Year celebrations. The Ministry of Revenue, however, still had two more days before closing.

Seizing the free time, Wang Ying hurried to deliver all the necessary New Year gifts. Once Chen Qingyan was on break, they would return to their hometown in Jizhou. After the New Year, Yuanbao would be taking the Prefectural Exam.

In the morning, Fourth Aunt arrived with Bai Shi, carrying quite a few items. "We heard you’re returning to Jizhou, so it’s perfect to take these things back with you. There’s some fabric I bought for your mother and third sister, as well as daily necessities for the adults and children."

"Why so much?"

"It’s been years since we last returned. This year, Bai Yanqing is pregnant and cannot make the trip, so it’s a good chance to help Fourth Aunt bring these back."

Bai Yanqing, holding her belly, smiled shyly. This was her and Qing Huai’s third child. Their second child was born the year before last but unfortunately did not survive, passing away from a high fever at just over a year old.

The incident had hit Fourth Uncle’s family hard, and Bai Shi took an especially long time to recover, nearly following the child in her grief.

Later, Qing Huai comforted her day after day, and Fourth Aunt often reassured her. Slowly, Bai Shi moved on, her temperament becoming more easygoing than before.

This current pregnancy was especially precious to the family, and everyone hoped for a smooth and safe delivery.

Wang Ying said, "Sure, when we return, we’ll bring back some local treats from Jizhou for you."

Fang Ling smiled, "That would be wonderful. I’ve always loved Jizhou’s date cakes. If you have time, please bring some back for Fourth Aunt."

After a while, Bai Shi grew tired—a common experience during pregnancy, as sitting too long often led to back pain. After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Fang Ling took her daughter-in-law home.

In the afternoon, Lin Sui arrived with Qing Er. Over the years, Qing Er had blossomed into a young woman. Last year, she was engaged to the heir of the Duke’s estate and was set to marry after the New Year.

"Qing Er, you’re here! Come inside—it’s been too long since we last saw you."

"Greetings, Uncle."

Lin Sui took off Qing Er’s cloak and her own, handing them to a servant, and feigned annoyance, "Sister-in-law is far too busy. I wouldn’t dare disturb her."

Wang Ying laughed and gave her a light pat. "Always teasing your sister-in-law."

"But sister-in-law is quite famous now. I heard people everywhere have started calling those potatoes you developed 'Ying Beans'."

The mention of this made Wang Ying both amused and exasperated. It all started with the printing of a book. Back when potatoes were distributed across the regions, local government offices were responsible for teaching people how to cultivate them. Lord Wen had asked Wang Ying to write a manual on potato farming, which was then printed and sent out along with the potatoes.

Whether by coincidence or intention, the printers directly placed Wang Ying’s name before the word "potato"—Wang Ying Potatoes. To simplify, the local governments shortened it to "Ying Beans," and the name stuck.

Wang Ying’s work with potatoes spread throughout the country, with some even claiming he was the reincarnation of Shennong. The stories spread with such vivid detail that some even wrote books recording the tales.

It reminded Wang Ying of the mythologies he’d read in his previous life—likely born from similar rumors.

"By the way, His Lordship ran into Cousin yesterday and heard you’ll be returning to Jizhou for the New Year?"

"We leave the day after tomorrow. I’m in the middle of packing—Fourth Aunt came by this morning with a bunch of things for me to take back."

"Perfect, we can go back together. Mu-ge and I also decided to return to Jizhou for the New Year."

"That’s wonderful. With His Lordship ensuring our safety, the journey is sure to go smoothly."

"Where’s Yuanbao?"

"He went with Old Liang to Fourth Uncle’s place. Probably won’t be back until evening."

"Is he about to take the Prefectural Exam?"

"Yes, after the New Year, he’ll be fifteen and should give it a try. But Qing Yan thinks it’s better for Yuanbao to start traveling for studies after the exam, rather than rushing into the Provincial Exam."

"Why is that?"

"Yuanbao is still young. If he passes, he’d have to prepare for an official post. Being too young and entering official circles isn’t necessarily a good thing. Gaining more experience outside first won’t hurt."

Lin Sui nodded. "True enough. The official world is full of all sorts of people, including unscrupulous characters who’d stoop to anything. It’d be a shame if he were led astray."

Sensing something implied in her words, Wang Ying made an excuse to send Qing Er away. "Yuanbao recently adopted a few kitten officials. Qing Er, why don’t you go see if there’s one you like? You can take one home later."

Qing Er’s eyes lit up. She had always wanted to keep a cat, but her father never allowed it. She turned to Lin Sui, "Father, may I take one?"

"Go ahead, but be careful not to get scratched."

"They’re only a month old—they can’t hurt anyone. Go on."

Once Qing Er was gone, Lin Sui spoke up, "A while ago, it was Duke Feng’s 60th birthday, and His Lordship attended. After the banquet, Duke Feng claimed he felt like they’d been friends for years and insisted on gifting him two concubines."

"Duke Feng… wouldn’t that be the Imperial Uncle?"

"Who else could it be?"

"Did His Lordship accept them?"

"How could he refuse? Offending him would mean offending the Empress. Although Mu-ge holds the title of Marquis, he’s no match for these imperial relatives. Besides, I’ve heard Duke Feng is narrow-minded and vindictive. If he held a grudge and caused trouble behind our backs, it’d be even more problematic. Thinking it better to avoid trouble, His Lordship accepted the two."

Wang Ying recalled attending a tea party at Qing Yan’s superior’s home earlier and hearing about Duke Feng’s habit of gifting concubines. He never expected it would extend to his cousin.

"What did he do with the two concubines?"

"His Lordship handed them over to me to deal with as I saw fit, as long as they weren’t brought into the residence."

Wang Ying breathed a sigh of relief. Say what you will about Li Mu, his character was decent—at the very least, he wouldn’t err when it came to matters involving women.

"I’m not sure how to handle these two. Their status is delicate, and I can’t simply sell them off. For now, I’ve found a place outside to keep them, and I’ll find a way to grant them freedom later." The matter gave Lin Sui a headache.

Wang Ying said, "Don’t worry too much. At most, it’s just providing them with food and shelter. As long as His Lordship stands united with you, nothing else matters much."

"I understand."

After a while, Qing Er came out holding a small white kitten. "Uncle, may I take this one?"

"Of course, take it home. I’ll let Yuanbao know when he returns."

The two families settled on a departure date. Lin Sui needed to return home to pack, and Wang Ying didn’t keep them long, as he also had to hurry with his own preparations.

It had been over three years since they last returned, and there was quite a bit to bring back.

Over these years, both he and Qing Yan had been occupied with their official posts and rarely had the chance to leave the capital. If not for Yuanbao’s imperial examinations, the trip would likely have been delayed even further.

This time, Wang Ying planned to bring Li Shi to the capital to stay long-term. As the eldest son and son-in-law, it was his duty and responsibility to provide for the elderly. Additionally, medical care in the capital was far superior to that in Jizhou. As the elderly are more prone to ailments, having easier access to treatment was practical.

*

On the thirteenth day of the twelfth lunar month, the two families set out for Jizhou.

Shortly after leaving the city, snow began to fall—light, fluttering flakes that soon blanketed the road in white. This year, snow had arrived late, and this was the first substantial snowfall.

By the time the carriage reached Ning’an County, the snow fell so heavily that continuing was impossible. They decided to stop in the city and rest for the day.

Li Mu had previously been stationed with his troops in Ning'an County and was fairly familiar with the area, so he led the group to an inn to stay.

Probably due to the heavy snowfall in recent days, many traveling merchants had been stranded, and the inn was quite crowded. With the New Year approaching, everyone’s faces were filled with smiles, indicating that business had been good this year.

Li Mu had an outgoing personality and didn't put on airs outside the military camp. He quickly hit it off with the other merchants, even dragging Chen Qingyan and Chen Ze along to chat and socialize with them.

Wang Ying remarked, "Your lord really has a knack for making friends. Not like your cousin—you couldn't get a word out of him with a crowbar."

Lin Sui couldn’t help but laugh. "My cousin is reserved yet refined—well-read and naturally elegant."

"Oh, come on." In modern terms, Chen Qingyan’s personality would be that of an extreme introvert. If he could stay home and read, he wouldn’t take a single step outside.

The conversation nearby grew louder, and Wang Ying perked up his ears to listen.

"This year, the northern regions had a bumper harvest of Ying beans. Every household has enough to eat. In Laizhou, someone even made a type of noodle from Ying beans called Ying bean strips, and they’re flying off the shelves!"

Someone asked, "What are Ying bean strips?"

"You can stew them with vegetables or meat—the texture is great. I made sure to bring back a few packs from there to let my family try them. If you’re interested, I can sell you some at cost." One of the merchants sent an assistant to fetch the goods from the cart. Soon, several burlap bags were brought over, filled with bundles of Ying bean strips.

Wang Ying did a double-take at the sight—wasn’t this starch noodles?

Although the thickness was uneven and the color wasn’t particularly appealing, it was clearly made from potato starch.

Indeed, the world never lacked talented people. It had only been three years since he introduced potatoes, and someone had already come up with how to make starch noodles!

He just had to buy some to try—it would taste amazing stewed with pork!

Wang Ying sent Chen Ju to inquire about the price. A bundle cost eighty wen, roughly half a catty. It wasn’t cheap but reasonable, so he bought half a bag and loaded it onto the carriage.

The merchants, worldly and experienced, could tell that Li Mu and Chen Qingyan were not ordinary people and were careful to show respect in their speech.

"From your accents, you two are from Jizhou?"

Li Mu smiled. "Yes, our hometown is in Jizhou Prefecture. We’re in the fur business in the capital."

"Establishing a foothold in the capital is quite an accomplishment—you must be major merchants. But business in the north has indeed become much easier in recent years. Many merchants from the south are also coming here."

Chen Qingyan asked, "Why do you say business in the north has improved?"

"In the past, the south was prosperous because of its convenient waterways and low transportation costs. The north relied entirely on land routes, which were risky with bandits around every corner. Although trading here was profitable, it often came at the risk of one’s life."

The merchant blew on the tea and took a sip before continuing, "Now, with the introduction of Ying beans, every household can plant an acre and avoid hunger throughout the winter. Fewer people are becoming bandits. When everyone has enough to eat, who would resort to robbery? Naturally, trading has become much easier!"

"No wonder. It seems Ying beans have really made a significant impact." Chen Qingyan smiled and shot a glance at his husband.

Wang Ying, his ears red, pointed at him, and Chen Qingyan quickly ducked his head into his teacup.

Another merchant added, "If you ask me, that Lord Ying is like Shennong reborn. In Laizhou, people have built a temple in his honor, called the Ying Wang Temple, and the incense offerings are thriving."

"Pfft..." Wang Ying couldn’t hold back and spit out his tea, while Lin Sui, sitting beside him, doubled over laughing.

*

The next day, the heavy snow stopped, and the group continued their journey.

Once they entered Jizhou, they were not far from home. After the snow ceased, the weather cleared up. Wang Ying looked out the carriage window at the vast white snow nourishing the land that had remained unchanged for centuries.

People were like grains of millet on this land—through the ups and downs of life, constant changes, some things remained constant...

On the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month, they finally arrived at Jizhou City. They headed straight home upon entering the city gates. When they knocked on the door, elderly Uncle Chen came out to greet them.

"The old lady received your letter and has been looking forward to your return since morning. Everything at home is ready—we’ve been waiting for you to celebrate the New Year."

Chen Ze hurried into the courtyard, calling out, "Grandmother!"

Wang Ying and Chen Qingyan also called out, "Mother!"

From inside the house came the elderly woman’s clear response, "Ah, you’re all back?"

At that moment, their tired hearts finally felt at home. Mother was here—they were home!

—The End—

-----------------------

Author’s Note: The main story is complete.

Continuing further would inevitably involve joys and sorrows, partings and reunions, so I’ve chosen to end it at this moment of family reunion.

Thank you to all the companions who have accompanied me on this journey. Your comments, support, and encouragement have kept me going, allowing me to complete this book and give A Ying and Qing Yan a full life.

They may not be perfect, but nobody is. Even regrets can be a unique experience.

Once again, thank you to all the readers who supported the official version. Your support means everything!

There will be more side stories, currently planned including Yuan Bao’s imperial examinations, Wang Ying and Chen Qingyan’s retirement life, and an alternate reality where another Wang Ying (the ancient Wang Ying travels to the modern era).

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