Chapter Twenty-Eight: Calling for Help

Chapter 28: Gathering Support

Mrs. Huang asked, "What meat and vegetables?"

Lin Qiuran wasn't sure if she was feigning ignorance or genuinely clueless, but she always had patience with customers. She explained, "It's the meat and vegetables for the banquet. Even the cleverest housewife can't cook without rice. I see nothing in the kitchen—you can't expect me to conjure up a banquet out of thin air."

There wasn't even rice or flour, let alone vegetables and meat. Did Mrs. Huang's family not eat at all?

Lin Qiuran was a cook, not a deity.

Mrs. Huang retorted, "Why should we supply the ingredients? Isn't that your job?"

Sun Shi also emerged from the kitchen. Outside, the mournful strains of an erhu played, and inside, people wailed. Coupled with Mrs. Huang's words, it was quite unsettling.

Sun Shi stood beside Lin Qiuran. "When did we ever say we'd provide the ingredients?"

Lin Qiuran frowned. "Mrs. Huang, if you had paid for the ingredients and asked us to prepare them, that would be one thing. But you didn't give us any money the other day. You gave us nothing, yet expect us to provide the ingredients—since when is that how it works?"

Sun Shi chimed in, "Exactly! What you paid was the cooking fee. The ingredients are your responsibility! If we had to buy the ingredients and cook, where would we find such a good deal?"

Lin Qiuran could tell she wasn't ignorant. She had cooked for several families, and they always provided their own ingredients to save money. Some families had their own produce, and if they asked the chef to provide them, it would cost extra. Others, fearing the chef might cut corners, preferred to handle it themselves.

Of course, some did leave it to the chef, but Lin Qiuran hadn't encountered that here yet.

Mrs. Huang gritted her teeth. "I already gave you the money! Don't say I didn't pay!"

Lin Qiuran nearly laughed in frustration. No matter how she explained it, the woman didn't seem to understand. She had clearly stated it was the service fee. It seemed Mrs. Huang knew perfectly well—she had probably planned this all along. No wonder she asked for five meat dishes when discussing the menu—she thought Lin Qiuran was providing the ingredients and wanted to take advantage by ensuring there was plenty of meat!

Lin Qiuran said, "Are you referring to the 2.5 qian deposit? That was a deposit for the service fee. Have you even calculated how much it would cost to buy all that meat and vegetables? Do you expect the three of us to come here and help for free?"

Mrs. Huang flashed a guilty look. She knew perfectly well that the service fee and ingredient cost were separate.

But the Xiao family had just moved here, and they were neighbors. What did it matter if she paid a little less? Shouldn't neighbors help each other out?

She had asked for help, but Lin Qiuran wasn't willing.

And asking for half a tael? How dare she! Even if they bought the ingredients, there would be some left over. Who charges half a tael a day? That was highway robbery—who would believe it!

Mrs. Huang coughed and adopted a brazen, unyielding stance. "Anyway, I gave you the money, so you have to prepare the banquet. Who would hire you if word got out that you take money and don't do the work?"

She didn't push too hard and smiled at Lin Qiuran, speaking in a pleasant tone. "You'll have to prepare the ingredients. It's still early—if you start now, you can make it in time."

How disgusting. Lin Qiuran's expression turned cold. "I should be the one saying that. Mrs. Huang, if you go out now and buy all the ingredients, I'll consider it settled as originally agreed and gladly prepare today's banquet so your father-in-law can have a proper send-off. If there's nothing, then there's nothing I can do."

Mrs. Huang thought, how could that be? She raised her voice. "Fine, fine! Just take the money and don't do the work!"

Lin Qiuran took a deep breath and was about to speak when several people came out of the room, all dressed in mourning clothes. The one leading them asked, "What's going on?"

Mrs. Huang said, "Dear, look at this mess. I hired them to prepare the banquet and already paid them, but they haven't prepared anything. Today is the day Father passed away. If—"

Mrs. Huang's husband glanced at Lin Qiuran. "Hurry up! Don't delay things!"

Mrs. Huang smiled triumphantly. It was still early, and the neighbors weren't awake yet. Lin Qiuran must be afraid of causing a scene, or it would hurt her future business.

Her husband had glanced at Lin Qiuran a few times too many. A woman without a man must be trying to seduce him. Mrs. Huang pushed her husband back inside to keep watch over the body. "I'll handle this. Don't worry, it won't be delayed."

Lin Qiuran calmed down considerably. There were many people in this family. When she first arrived, she had seen besides those keeping vigil, there were also people playing funeral music at the entrance—more than a dozen in total. But only she, Sun Shi, and Xiao Dashi had come to cook. Although the Xiao family lived nearby, the other households were still asleep. Lin Qiuran didn't dare leave directly. She had a child and couldn't risk any trouble.

Mrs. Huang said smugly, "Let me tell you, if you don't cook today, it'll be because of you that the banquet isn't prepared and my father-in-law's funeral is delayed. Not only will you have to return the deposit, but you'll also have to compensate me—pay me! Otherwise, don't even think about leaving!"

Sun Shi looked nervous, and so did Xiao Dashi. What kind of logic was this!

Lin Qiuran thought to herself that today might not end peacefully. She smiled and said to Mrs. Huang, "Aunt Huang, it was my fault for not making things clear earlier. We'll prepare the ingredients. Mother, go buy the groceries."

Mrs. Huang snorted. "That's more like it."

Sun Shi stamped her foot in frustration. "Qiu Ran!"

Lin Qiuran whispered a few words to Sun Shi, who nodded after listening and told Xiao Dashi to keep watch here before running out.

Lin Qiuran was still here, so Mrs. Huang wasn't worried they had any other ideas. "If you'd just bought them earlier, we wouldn't have wasted so much time. Let me tell you, even if you cook, if it delays my father-in-law's funeral or the guests aren't satisfied, I'll still hold you accountable."

She wouldn't pay the remaining money! Lin Qiuran would have to compensate her!

After Sun Shi left, Lin Qiuran sat in the kitchen, and Xiao Dashi kept watch at the door.

The moon faded, and the sky began to lighten. The morning wind blew, and it felt a bit chilly.

Mrs. Huang came out to check several times. Why wasn't Lin Qiuran's mother-in-law back yet? It's already morning.

Mrs. Huang grew worried and went into the kitchen to ask, "Why hasn't your mother come back yet?"

Lin Qiuran said, "Why are you so concerned? The meat, vegetables, chicken, and fish aren't all bought in the same place. It's normal for it to take a while. Don't worry—if the banquet isn't prepared because of me, I'll still have to refund you half the fee."

Mrs. Huang happily thought this was perfect. When the time came, she would say she wasn't satisfied with the meal and demand compensation from Lin Qiuran.

She deserved it anyway. These village folks were easy to deal with—timid and afraid of people. They were probably worried that if this job fell through, it would affect future business.

If only they had agreed to help earlier, she could have been more polite.

This was a great idea. How much money would she save? She wouldn't have to prepare the ingredients herself. Two and a half qian wasn't enough—Lin Qiuran would have to pay out of pocket. Not only that, but she would still have to cook the dishes well. Neighbors ought to help each other. Today, if Lin Qiuran didn't prepare these dishes, she wouldn't be allowed to leave.

And what "skill"? Charging half a tael for one banquet? Why not just rob people! Shouldn't neighbors get a discount?

Lin Qiuran watched Mrs. Huang's expression contorted, wondering what she was thinking. Was she envying the money Lin Qiuran made, or plotting to take even more? Unfortunately, she wouldn't have the chance.

Mrs. Huang kept going to the door to look out. She waited patiently, and Sun Shi finally returned—but followed by a large crowd.

The mourners outside had been hired by Mrs. Huang. If she called out, they might help block the way, but when a crowd approached, they assumed they were mourners.

The newcomers were all the Xiao family's neighbors. One was a fierce woman, Mrs. Xu, and another was a gentle woman, Mrs. Chen.

When they first moved in, Sun Shi had given gifts to Mrs. Chen and Mrs. Xu, who later reciprocated. Occasionally, when they cooked extra, they would share some. Over time, they had grown closer.

Sun Shi had asked these two families for help. When Mrs. Xu and Mrs. Chen heard what was happening, they called others over. Four families in total, each bringing three to five people, adding up to more than a dozen.

They had all rushed over, some holding a child's hand, others carrying a baby.

They had just woken up and hadn't even washed their faces.

Lin Qiuran came out of the kitchen, and Mrs. Huang's family also emerged.

Before Mrs. Huang could figure out what was happening, Lin Qiuran immediately covered her face with her sleeve and pretended to cry. "Friends, neighbors, elders—my life is so bitter! My husband is gone, and I finally borrowed money to move to the county town, thinking I could live peacefully here, earn money, and repay my debts. I've received so much help from my neighbors lately, and I thought heaven had heard my prayers. But it seems heaven still hasn't blessed me."

Mrs. Xu came over. "Qiu Ran, don't cry!"

Lin Qiuran's voice was choked with tears. "Sister Xu, my life is hard. I don't want to cry, but whenever I think about it, my heart aches. The day before yesterday, I agreed to cook the banquet for Mrs. Huang today. I charge half a tael for each banquet because my parents help me. That's the standard rate for banquet chefs in the county town. But who would have thought Mrs. Huang would expect me to buy the meat and vegetables too?"

Mrs. Huang belatedly realized she had been tricked by Lin Qiuran! She said, "But you just said you'd buy them!"

Huang Niangzi saw she was still crying and yelled, "Don’t listen to her nonsense!"

Huang Niangzi’s husband grabbed her arm and asked, "What’s the deal? Who pays for the banquet ingredients?"

Huang Niangzi was pissed at her husband for asking such a foolish question at a critical moment. "Just shut up!"

Lin Qiuran said, "It was a quick fix. Besides, how could I say no? How many people are in your house today? If I didn’t agree, you wouldn’t let me leave."

Lin Qiuran wasn’t actually crying. She said, "Huang Niangzi, you’ve acknowledged the half tael of silver. Don’t turn around later and claim you gave me eight or ten taels—I’m not taking the fall for that."

Huang Niangzi was speechless. Lin Qiuran continued, "You gave half as a deposit, a total of two qian and five fen (a qian is 1/10th of a tael, and a fen is 1/10th of a qian). I bet none of you believe Huang Niangzi paid me in full. I thought I’d come today to cook and get paid, but when I arrived early in the morning, her kitchen was empty. If you don’t believe me, go take a look."

Every household knows how things work. An empty kitchen could only mean things were deliberately hidden.

Xu Niangzi patted Lin Qiuran’s shoulder. Lin Qiuran smiled at her and went on, "That’s when I realized Huang Niangzi expected us to prepare the ingredients without paying for them, all included in the payment. She gave a deposit of two qian and five fen, claiming it was for five or six tables, each with ten dishes. I said four meat and six vegetable dishes wouldn’t do—she insisted on five of each. I thought it was to do it right, but it turns out she wanted me to supply the ingredients, afraid of losing money."

People started whispering among themselves, "How much would all these ingredients cost?"

Lin Qiuran said, "You do the math. Just the meat would require twenty jin, which is 180 wen. Add chickens and fish for five tables, another 200 wen. Not counting other ingredients, that’s nearly 400 wen, yet the payment is only half a tael. The craziest part is that when I entered the kitchen, I didn’t see any rice, flour, firewood, or seasonings—it was empty, as if it had been robbed."

Xu Niangzi said, "Huang Niangzi, just buying the meat and vegetables would cost more than half a tael, and you still expect the banquet to be prepared. You’re taking people for fools."

Lin Qiuran wiped the corner of her eye with her sleeve. "It’s not taking people for fools—it’s taking advantage of me because I have no husband, expecting me to work for free!"

When Sun Shi heard this, her eyes reddened—she was actually crying. "We came to wash, chop, and prepare everything. Qiu Ran is pregnant and has suffered so much for this child. How can she work for free? Pick on me all you want, but don’t bully my daughter-in-law."

Xu Niangzi frowned. "Huang Yun, you really planned this well. The cost of meat, vegetables, and other items would far exceed half a tael. You want a lavish event but expect others to pay for it. The Xiao family isn’t even related to you—how shameless!"

Xu Niangzi, known for her fiery temper, pointed at Huang Niangzi’s nose and scolded her.

Huang Niangzi said frantically, "Don’t listen to her nonsense! Do you really believe she earns half a tael a day? How dare she ask for that? She just arrived in Yu’an and has only done a few banquets, bragging about cooking for officials and the Xu family. Two qian is the most she’d get. The other three qian was for her to buy ingredients, and I would’ve covered any shortfall.

Think about it—who earns half a tael a day? Everyone would become a banquet chef if that were the case. Besides, Lin Qiuran said we were neighbors and would give me a discount, but now she’s gone back on her word. With behavior like this, who would hire her in the future?"

Huang Niangzi’s family began accusing Lin Qiuran of agreeing to the job but not following through.

Huang Niangzi was feeling smug. So what if she admitted to paying half? Who knew what the actual payment was? No one was there to witness it. She could claim it was for buying ingredients—what could Lin Qiuran do? After today, Lin Qiuran wouldn’t get any work in this alley.

Lin Qiuran truly admired her ability to twist the truth. She said, "Who said I only charge two qian for a banquet? You’ve got it wrong. Banquet chefs in Yu’an nowadays charge three to five qian per day, depending on their skill.

If you don’t believe me, go ask around. I’ve done quite a few banquets in Yu’an, earning every bit through hard work. A few days ago, I cooked for the Xu family and for several officials at the post station. If you still don’t believe me, ask Brother Zhao, who booked me early this month for next month’s banquet—did I charge two qian?"

Sun Shi returned late because Lin Qiuran had asked her to find Zhao Shi. Zhao Shi lived far from the Xiao family, so it took some time.

Zhao Shi came forward from the crowd. "My family has a celebration next month. I booked Lin Niangzi early this month for four qian a day and paid half as a deposit. When Lin Niangzi isn’t doing banquets, she sets up a stall in the south of the city. I only found out she takes banquet jobs after buying from her stall."

The crowd nodded—they all knew this.

Zhao Shi sighed. "When Lin Niangzi takes on a banquet, her stall business takes a hit. We agreed on four qian, and I’ve already paid half. Those who’ve tasted her cooking from the stall know how skilled she is, and her prices are very reasonable. Whether it’s her stall or banquet business, prices will rise sooner or later. I’m just glad I booked early."

Xu Niangzi agreed. "Exactly! Good skills mean good business. If you’re jealous of others earning money and want to be a banquet chef, you’d better see if you’ve got what it takes."

Zhao Shi nodded. "Lin Niangzi orders ingredients in advance and has everything prepared at home. Business is about both parties agreeing. If you think it’s too expensive, hire someone else. Why hire her and then scheme to cut costs?"

Chen Niangzi, who had been listening quietly, spoke up. "That’s right. If you thought it was too expensive, you shouldn’t have booked her. Booking her and then complaining about the price—who would dare do business with you in the future? Besides, this is how she makes a living. Why be jealous of her earning money? Who would want to work for free? Qiu Ran has a good temperament. If she hadn’t been pushed to the brink today, she wouldn’t have called us over."

Xu Niangzi glanced at Huang Niangzi and nodded at Chen Niangzi. Though their families weren’t neighbors, they had a good relationship. "You’ve gone too far today. I say this banquet is off, and the deposit shouldn’t be returned. She was supposed to run her stall today but came here early in the morning for nothing. With behavior like yours, who would dare stay and cook?"

They all knew Huang Niangzi was stingy and petty.

Huang Niangzi immediately said, "No! If you won’t do it, you have to return the money."

Lin Qiuran said, "If the banquet couldn’t happen because of me, I would pay up without complaining. But today’s situation is entirely your doing. The money won’t be returned, or I won’t be able to do business in the future."

Xiao Dashi had been standing protectively in front of Lin Qiuran. Sun Shi was furious. "After all this, you still want a refund?"

Sun Shi spat, "Pfft!"

The surrounding crowd shook their heads at Huang Niangzi. This was beyond stinginess—it was deliberately targeting someone who had lost her husband.

Xu Niangzi helped Lin Qiuran up. "Let’s go."

Huang Niangzi tried to chase after them, but her husband pulled her back. "Stop embarrassing me! Do you not want to live here anymore?"

Today was his father’s funeral, and it had turned into this.

Sun Shi and Xu Niangzi helped Lin Qiuran leave. Outside Huang Niangzi’s house, Lin Qiuran said to the crowd, "Thank you all. If you hadn’t come, I wouldn’t have known what to do today."

Xu Niangzi said, "It was nothing, just a short walk. But from now on, make sure you check people out carefully before taking banquet jobs. Don’t just accept anyone."

Lin Qiuran nodded. Sun Shi felt even guiltier. She had thought that since they lived in the same alley and would see each other often, she wouldn’t have to worry about not getting paid and could maintain good neighborly relations. Who knew they’d encounter someone like this, who took advantage of being a neighbor to scheme?

The sun rose, and the crowd dispersed. Lin Qiuran gave Sun Shi some money. "Mother, buy some breakfast and deliver it to everyone."

They had come to help without having eaten. Since the two qian and five fen was essentially free money, it was better to spend it and avoid hard feelings.

She also thanked Zhao Shi. "Brother Zhao, thank you for coming today. When the child’s full moon celebration comes, I’ll definitely give you a discount."

Zhao Shi said, "No need, no need. It was no trouble—I just said a few words. If you really feel indebted, save me a portion tomorrow when you cook. These days, I’ve been going out to work and arriving late, so I haven’t been able to buy any."

The stall’s business was getting better. By the time Zhao Shi went, Sun Shi and the others had already left.

Zhao Shi’s mother-in-law was the only one helping at home, but she had to look after the child and Wan Niang. Her cooking wasn’t great, and she wasn’t very attentive to meals.

Lin Qiuran said, "That’s easy. Just come by tomorrow."

Zhao Shi said, "Alright."

He truly felt he hadn’t done much—just said a few words. At the full moon banquet, Lin Qiuran would surely put in extra effort. Besides, she had indeed raised her prices. After the increase, it would probably be even harder to book her. Getting her for future banquets might be easier.

Wan Niang often said that if you do things well, even if you don’t remember, heaven will.

Soon after returning home, Sun Shi came back. Lin Qiuran asked, "Did you deliver it?"

Sun Shi said, "I bought soybean milk, fried dough sticks, and meat buns for all four families—four portions each."

Xu Niangzi and the others insisted on refusing, but Sun Shi left the food and went. They couldn’t let people help for nothing. Besides, since the money was already spent, she was afraid of earning resentment.

Sun Shi waved the breakfast she was holding. "This is for you. Eat quickly."

They had left early and only had a light bite. Sun Shi had bought breakfast for Lin Qiuran.

Usually, they would have started cooking by now, but setting up the stall today was impossible. Sun Shi couldn’t help sighing. "Today’s mess is all my fault."

Lin Qiuran said, "It’s also because I didn’t ask enough questions. It’s fine—we can take a day off."

She took a bite of the meat bun. Sun Shi poured her some soybean milk. It tasted pretty good. "Mother, go buy some meat and vegetables later. Let’s have a good meal at noon."

Lin Qiuran planned to grind spices today—finish early and deliver them sooner.

In the past, Sun Shi would always tell Lin Qiuran to eat by herself and buy less, since she and Xiao Dashi wouldn’t eat any. Even on ordinary days when meat was served at noon, she and Xiao Dashi ate very little. But today, she smiled and said, "What all should we get?"

Lin Qiuran often ate braised pork, stuffed chili peppers, and braised fish.

She said, "Mom, check if they have mutton. Buy two pounds of pork belly and some fresh ingredients like shrimp, duck, or whatever else we’re missing at home."

Learning from her mistakes, Lin Qiuran decided to be more selective about the clients she took on for banquets in the future. Generally, the wealthier the household, the better they ate, so she couldn’t always stick to the same few dishes. She needed to bring some novelty to her cooking; otherwise, it wouldn’t be worth the price.

Mutton, shrimp... she would try cooking them at home first, worried her skills might be rusty.

They would have a good meal at noon. If she could finish grinding the spices today, she would also make some spiced oil and prepare pork aspic. The pork she bought would be saved to make soup dumplings for breakfast the next day.

The buns sold outside cost two coins each, and the filling wasn’t very generous, so it was better to make them herself.

Sun Shi nodded. Lin Qiuran gave her two qian (a unit of silver currency) of silver. Sun Shi still had some money of her own. When it came to earning money, Lin Qiuran kept the larger share, while Sun Shi kept the smaller portion. She had already saved quite a bit—three hundred wen.

Sun Shi nodded again, made a mental note of what Lin Qiuran wanted, and headed to the market. Xiao Dashi filled the water vat, cleaned out the ash from the stove, and after finishing these tasks, went out to buy firewood.

After about three hours, Sun Shi returned. As soon as she entered the house, she asked, "That Huang person didn’t come looking for trouble, did she? From now on, when you’re home alone, lock the door and have your father raise the courtyard walls higher."

Lin Qiuran smiled and shook her head. "No."

Mrs. Huang lived behind the Xiao family, not directly next door but two alleys away. However, when Sun Shi went to the backyard to dump wastewater, she overheard some aunties at the alley entrance discussing the incident.

Bad news travels fast. With so many people living in these alleys, any household incident would be known to everyone within half a day.

Moreover, they already knew a thing or two about Mrs. Huang. In the past, she was just stingy and petty, but now she had become someone who bullied widows and the elderly, no longer acting human.

They heard that as soon as they left, Mrs. Huang rushed to buy groceries. It wasn’t even noon yet, so no one knew how her banquet would turn out. If the banquet was poorly done, she would become a laughingstock again.

No one was willing to speak to her anymore. If something like this happened again in the future, who would dare accept her requests?

Sun Shi licked her lips and told Xiao Dashi to kill the duck, wash the vegetables, and chop them. "Qiu Ran, I’m going out to take a look!"