Chapter Forty-Six: Prayer

Chapter 46: Scheming

Xiao Wei was quick-thinking, feeling that the Xiao family shouldn’t get away with it so easily. Whether the letter was delivered or not, the Xiao family would still benefit.

Li Cuihua, however, was a bit conflict-averse. "But..." she protested.

At most, she was only good at gossiping; she had never actually done anything like this before.

Xiao Wei reassured her, "Mom, don’t worry. It’s not our fault anyway."

Hearing this, Li Cuihua nodded, feeling more at ease. She said, "Don’t mention this to your brothers or sister-in-law when we get back, or they might accidentally let it slip."

Just moments ago, she had been afraid, but now Li Cuihua was already planning how to spread the rumor. She used to sit under the big tree at the village entrance with nothing better to do anyway. She could just say that the Xiao family was doing so well because someone might have sent them money—maybe it was Xiao Xun!

If someone said Xiao Xun was dead and that a memorial tomb had been erected, Li Cuihua would argue that it was only a memorial tomb and no body had been found. It didn’t matter if people believed her or not; the important thing was to spread the rumor.

After a couple of months, when the villagers forgot who had started the rumor, she would insist that Xiao Xun was indeed alive and had even sent a letter recently. He was definitely not dead.

She would also bring up the matter of the gifts from back then—once that was mentioned, someone was bound to cause trouble. For now, let the Xiao family enjoy a few more good days; later, they could end up in jail.

Li Cuihua felt quite pleased with herself, but soon her expression darkened again. "What about the letter? There’s a five-tael silver note inside. I’ve kept it hidden. Don’t tell your second brother or sister-in-law about it."

Her youngest son was the most capable and clever, and Li Cuihua was most partial to him.

Xiao Wei smiled and said, "Keep the letter for now. It might be useful later. Use the money to buy yourself some nice clothes! Mom, you don’t need to envy the Xiao family. We’ll have all that sooner or later. I’m earning money too, and one day we’ll buy a house in the county town!"

Li Cuihua was delighted to hear this and immediately handed the silver note to Xiao Wei. "You take the money. You know, Xiao Xun sent money home. Why doesn’t your eldest brother do the same? It’s been months, and there’s been no news from him..."

Xiao Wei had no idea about that. He tucked away the silver note and smiled at Li Cuihua. "If Xiao Xun is fine, maybe our eldest brother will return soon."

Five taels was no small amount. Could it be that Xiao Xun had earned military merits? Probably not. With so many soldiers, it wasn’t as if everyone could achieve the same.

The two of them decided to act immediately. Spreading rumors would be Li Cuihua’s task—starting in Xiao Family Village and then spreading to the county town.

In the county town, she dropped some hints near the Xiao family’s place. Afterward, she deliberately went to South Street and spoke to Aunt Yu authoritatively. "Have you heard? Xiao Xun isn’t dead."

Aunt Yu couldn’t be bothered to entertain her. With customers around, she busied herself packing up pancakes and only managed a casual reply. "Oh, so you saw it with your own eyes?"

Li Cuihua said, "Otherwise, how could the Xiao family, with no man around, be living so well?"

Aunt Yu gave her a scornful look and frowned. "What’s it to you how they’re doing? Mind your own business."

In the past, Li Cuihua would have argued with her, but today she just snickered. "How much are these pancakes? They smell really good."

Aunt Yu wasn’t keen on doing business with Li Cuihua, but turning away money would be foolish. "Eight coppers per pound. Do you want some?"

Li Cuihua said, "Give me half a pound."

Dahu, standing nearby, was afraid Li Cuihua wouldn’t pay. "You have to pay first."

As she counted out her money, Li Cuihua muttered, "It’s not like I don’t have money."

She pulled out four coppers, and only then did Aunt Yu pack half a pound for her. After weighing it, Li Cuihua was dissatisfied. "Is this all for half a pound?"

Aunt Yu said, "These are pancakes—they’re quite dense."

Li Cuihua reached out to grab more, startling Aunt Yu, who reluctantly added two more pieces. "Alright, alright, just go already."

What bad luck.

Li Cuihua wandered away, thinking to herself, "Just wait. It’s not like I didn’t deliver the letter. I even told them the news. It’s their own fault if they don’t believe it."

Aunt Yu certainly didn’t believe it. What a joke! She remembered how grief-stricken Sun Shi and Xiao Dashi had been back then. How could anyone joke about someone who had passed away? It was heartless.

*

Today was the sixth day since the Xiao family’s shop opened. At noon, they could expect over twenty tables of customers, and in the evening, about ten. The daily takings reached six thousand coppers.

On the first day, takings were nearly five thousand coppers. Although takings had increased since then, it wasn’t because profits were higher but because the shop had started selling spirits.

The weather had been pleasant lately, and customers enjoyed coming out in the evenings for drinks and dishes.

Since takings included spirits sales, the numbers seemed higher. Daily profits were around two taels of silver, indicating that food and drinks were selling well.

Lin Qiuran was satisfied with the shop’s current state. Shopkeeper Shi, being older and more experienced, was thorough and kept accounts daily. Lu Fan was clever and perceptive, doing whatever Lin Qiuran asked. Auntie Liu arrived on time and didn’t cut corners later on.

Wan Niang was becoming more skilled at chopping vegetables. Aunt Xu stayed indoors and didn’t go out. The child occasionally cried, but unless it was time for feeding, Wan Niang wouldn't tend to it and never used the child as an excuse to be lazy.

Lin Qiuran felt that life was quite good this way.

Business was brisk at noon, but in the afternoon, dark clouds gathered on the horizon. Seeing the sky growing increasingly gloomy, Lin Qiuran prepared fewer dishes, anticipating rain. Sure enough, just after mid-afternoon, thunder rumbled, followed by a downpour.

Xiao Dashi went to close the windows. Rain cascaded from the eaves like a curtain, and a cold wind blew through the doors and windows. After closing the windows, he shut the door as well, since it wasn’t yet business hours.

Having a shop was much better than street vending. If it rained while they were street vending, they’d have to hurriedly pack their things and rush home.

Now, they could simply prepare fewer dishes and work comfortably. If the rain grew heavier, they could even stay overnight in the shop.

The shop had a small room with bedding. Though cramped, it had all the essentials. During the day, Aunt Xu looked after the child, and Lin Qiuran took naps there at noon.

If the rain persisted into the evening and they didn’t feel like going home, Lin Qiuran could sleep in the room, while Xiao Dashi and Sun Shi could set up bedding in the main hall for one night. It was fine.

The rain was heavy today, and evening business likely wouldn’t require many people. Lu Fan had took the afternoon off, but Shopkeeper Shi hadn’t. When business was slow, the work was easier—just standing by without much to do. It was better to save leave for when it was really needed.

Shopkeeper Shi yawned as he listened to the rain. He didn't know how long he had been standing at the counter when he heard a knock at the door.

Though it was raining, it wasn’t yet dark. Faint light filtered through the paper windows. Muttering to himself, Shopkeeper Shi went to open the door.

Outside stood a young man in fine robes, looking dignified and noble, with several attendants behind him. Shopkeeper Shi quickly composed himself. "Young master, are you here to shelter from the rain, looking for someone, or here to eat? If you’re sheltering, please come in and sit for a while. If you’re looking for someone, I can call them for you. If you’re here to eat... well, it’s not quite meal time yet."

Even if they weren’t eating, it was fine to let them shelter from the rain. Being kind to others might bring them back as customers another time.

The reason they hadn’t started serving was that many dishes were still cooking in the kitchen. If the guests wanted to eat immediately, they could only order stir-fried dishes. Dishes like braised pork and Ginger Duck would take time.

Xu Yuanhang could hear the kitchen bustling with activity. He said, "No matter, we can wait."

Xu Yuanhang entered the shop, followed by his attendants and Steward Xu. Steward Xu placed the gifts he had brought on a table, casually glancing around the shop. This was his first time here.

Shopkeeper Shi sized them up discreetly for a moment before heading to the back to notify someone. These guests didn’t seem ordinary.

Shopkeeper Shi went to find Sun Shi. With Lu Fan absent today, Sun Shi was in the back laying out chopsticks. Hearing that guests had arrived, she put down her work and came to take a look. Recognizing Xu Yuanhang, she knew he couldn’t be treated as an ordinary customer—after all, he was the one who had sold them the shop, and they had other business dealings as well. Sun Shi immediately went to the kitchen to inform Lin Qiuran. "Qiu Ran, Mr. Xu is here."

Lin Qiuran paused momentarily. "I’ll go see him in a moment."

She still had work to finish that needed immediate attention, or the dishes would turn out poorly. She splashed rice wine over the Ginger Duck in several clay pots and added the seasonings. "Wan Niang, watch the flame. A low heat will do."

Wan Niang nodded. "Alright, you go ahead."

She didn’t know who Mr. Xu was but guessed he had some relationship with the Xiao family.

Lin Qiuran and Sun Shi shared the same thought—they couldn’t treat Xu Yuanhang as an ordinary guest. Moreover, since he had come at this hour, he might have something to discuss. Although Xu Yuanhang had once schemed against her, he had also helped the Xiao family on numerous occasions.

Lin Qiuran walked to the front hall holding an umbrella. When Xu Yuanhang saw her, he smiled slightly and stood up, saying, “I haven’t had the chance to congratulate you on the opening of your shop. I hope you don’t mind my late visit, Ms. Lin.”

Steward Xu smiled awkwardly and rubbed his nose. Before heading out, Xu Yuanhang had instructed him to assist Lin Qiuran whenever she needed help. So, whenever Wufangzhai had extra pastries, Steward Xu would deliver them to Lin Qiuran and ask if she needed any help. However, Lin Qiuran always declined and never sought help from them.

Besides, running a small shop was one thing, but the Xu family had many other matters to attend to—managing Wufangzhai’s business and other ventures. It wasn’t until today that Steward Xu learned the Xiao family had opened a shop.

And it happened quite quickly. Since it wasn’t yet business hours, he wasn’t sure how well the shop was doing, but since they’d hired a shopkeeper, business was probably decent.

Lin Qiuran smiled and said, “I’m just glad Second Young Master Xu could come. Today, my treat. However, many dishes aren’t ready yet and will take a while. Is there anything else Second Young Master Xu would like to eat?”

Xu Yuanhang listened to the rain outside and glanced at Lin Qiuran. It had been over half a month since he last saw her, and she hadn’t changed much, though her belly seemed slightly larger.

His gaze lingered on her swollen abdomen for a moment before quickly shifting away. “Braised pork will do. For the rest, just prepare whatever’s easiest.”

Lin Qiuran nodded and whispered to Sun Shi, “Mother, please bring a pot of tea.”

Shopkeeper Shi watched from nearby and roughly understood—this was clearly an important guest of the Xiao family. However, Xu Yuanhang’s attitude seemed quite amiable.

It was only mid-afternoon, still half an hour before the shop usually opened for business.

Xu Yuanhang sat down to wait. Shopkeeper Shi thought of the Xu family in the county town but, being merely a shopkeeper and seeing that Xu Yuanhang had brought his own attendants, he didn’t have to tend to him. So, he went to the counter to doze off.

When Sun Shi brought the tea, Steward Xu glanced at it.

The Xu family, being in business, lacked neither money nor fine tea. The tea Sun Shi served, judging by its color, looked cheap.

Steward Xu leaned down and whispered into Xu Yuanhang’s ear, “Second Young Master Xu, there’s tea in the carriage…”

Xu Yuanhang shook his head. He drank the shop’s tea while listening to the rain outside. Steward Xu said nothing more and stood quietly behind him.

After the Shen hour passed, two tables of customers arrived. Sun Shi took their orders and, after a short wait, served Xu Yuanhang’s dishes first.

A pot of Ginger Duck, a plate of braised pork. This time, the braised pork wasn’t like the version served at the Xu residence—sixteen pieces per plate with radish carvings. Xu Yuanhang’s eyes held a hint of a smile. In addition, there was braised fish.

As for why Sour Fish Soup wasn’t prepared, it was because Lin Qiuran had made it at the Xu residence before. There, the soup base was made with rich stock, while here only fish broth was available, so the flavor wouldn’t compare. Lin Qiuran thought, “It’s easy to go from frugality to luxury, but hard to go back.” So, she decided to omit the dish.

Sun Shi also served two cold dishes: a braised food platter and pig skin jelly, along with dipping sauces. The stir-fried dishes—Sour and Spicy Shredded Potatoes and hand-shredded cabbage—were specially prepared for Xu Yuanhang, as the shop currently only had these ingredients.

Lin Qiuran also made a pot of egg drop soup and brought a pot of baijiu and a pot of rice wine. The table was set with seven dishes, one soup, and two types of staple food, leaving it to Xu Yuanhang to choose what he preferred.

After finishing the cooking, Lin Qiuran made a special trip to the front. Since Xu Yuanhang had come to congratulate them, she couldn’t let him eat alone. However, the kitchen couldn’t do without her, and business had to go on.

Lin Qiuran offered a cup of tea by way of apology, “Business is busy. Please take your time eating, Mr. Xu. If you see any dish on another table that looks appealing, just let my mother know.”

Xu Yuanhang poured a cup of wine and drank it in one go. “Thank you for your hospitality today, Ms. Lin.”

With fewer customers due to the rain, the atmosphere was quiet and peaceful. Xu Yuanhang enjoyed his meal thoroughly. The sound of rain was crisp, and the chatter and laughter of other customers filled the small shop with a cozy, lively atmosphere.

He could no longer remember what the previous tenant had sold. From where he sat, he could see the kitchen, illuminated by the soft orange candlelight.

The shop seemed to be doing well. Even on a rainy day, only three or four tables were empty. With a shop like this, the Xiao family could make a comfortable living.

However, it still relied on Lin Qiuran’s cooking.

On the way back, the rain hadn’t stopped. Sitting in the carriage, Xu Yuanhang couldn’t help but wonder what kind of person Lin Qiuran’s husband had been.

They had been married for only three days before he left to join the army and was later reported dead. Yet, upon hearing the news of his death, Lin Qiuran still chose to give birth to their child.

The sound of rain outside grew heavier, stirring restlessness in him. He said to Steward Xu, “Go back later and see them home.”

Steward Xu was surprised but nodded. “I’ll escort Second Young Master Xu back to the residence first and then go.”

Lin Qiuran had a relatively easy day. Even with Xu Yuanhang’s visit, it was still a light day. There were some leftovers, and by the You hour, only the sound of rain remained outside. With no more customers, they closed early.

The ingredients prepared were just enough, with little leftover. Lin Qiuran stir-fried another plate of shredded potatoes, and the few of them ate it all.

Wan Niang left early, as Zhao Shi came to pick her up with a donkey cart.

Shopkeeper Shi left after eating. Auntie Liu had come early too, wanting to finish the dishes early and return home sooner. Soon, only the family of three and Auntie Liu remained in the shop.

Sun Shi helped with the dishes after eating, wanting to finish early and go home, as it was quite cold.

Auntie Liu insisted it wasn’t necessary, but Sun Shi smiled and said, “It’s not much.”

Auntie Liu smiled back, thinking the Xiao family was quite kind.

After tidying up, the rain had lightened. Lin Qiuran still preferred to sleep at home and was fine walking back slowly. Sun Shi nodded, “It’s not too far. Let’s go back.”

As they stepped out, Lin Qiuran saw Steward Xu holding the carriage curtain aside and waving to them. “Ms. Lin, it’s raining today. I just finished my business and can give you a ride home.”

Seeing how wet the ground was, Lin Qiuran knew her shoes would get soaked if they walked. Besides, with her large belly, the carriage was a lot easier.

There were quite a few people, so Steward Xu waited for a while, had the coachman take the Xiao family home first and then return for him.

Sun Shi was still holding the congratulatory gift Xu Yuanhang had brought today, holding it even as she boarded the carriage.

At first, Lin Qiuran worried the gift might be too extravagant—like ornaments or jewelry—which she couldn’t reciprocate for the time being. She considered returning it, but when she opened it, she saw a set of tableware.

As she unwrapped it, Lin Qiuran’s breath caught. What cook wouldn’t love something like this?

The set came in two boxes, each piece carefully wrapped in paper and padded with straw to prevent damage. There were oblong platters for fish, deep soup bowls, shallow and deep plates, all adorned with painted floral and bird patterns glazed with exquisite craftsmanship.

The surfaces were smooth, similar to the tableware Lin Qiuran had seen at the Xu residence. The set also included matching spoons and chopsticks, with eight bowls, eight plates, six shallow and six deep plates, along with a large soup bowl and fish platter—a truly beautiful collection.

The plates and bowls the shop had purchased were plain white ones, cheap and ordinary. Lin Qiuran didn’t know how expensive this ceramic set was, but it was just what she liked.

As a chef, she particularly valued presentation, and no one could resist beautiful tableware. The only reason she hadn’t bought such things was she couldn’t afford it. This set likely wasn’t cheap—certainly worth more than a single meal—but she could always return the kindness later.

So, Lin Qiuran accepted the gift.

Sun Shi held the box and smiled. The gift was lovely, and Mr. Xu was a good person. She genuinely believed Xu Yuanhang was a good person. Unlike Lin Qiuran, who had to cook and handle business discussions, Sun Shi only knew the outcomes—their partnership in selling spices and the share they received from Wufangzhai’s bean cake sales.

Moreover, Xu Yuanhang was always generous, giving rewards each time Lin Qiuran cooked for him. He had also sold the Xiao family a shop at a thirty-tael discount. Compared to the Jiang family, Sun Shi considered Xu Yuanhang a really good person.

As they neared home, Lin Qiuran said to the coachman, “Just pull up at the alley entrance.”

The carriage couldn’t go further, so the coachman stopped at the alley entrance. After getting out, Lin Qiuran thanked him. Holding an umbrella, she walked while Xiao Dashi, in a straw rain cloak, held an umbrella for Sun Shi. The distance was short, but after a day of rain, the ground was muddy. Sun Shi warned Lin Qiuran to watch her step.

Lin Qiuran replied, “I know. You be careful too, Mother.”

Sun Shi also had to be careful. Initially, Xiao Dashi had said he’d carry the box, but Sun Shi worried he might be clumsy and break something.

The family walked home, with Xiao Dashi and Sun Shi leading the way. The night was deep and dark, and Xiao Dashi spotted a figure in the shadows in the distance. As they drew closer, he recognized Shen Yu, who they hadn’t seen for ages.

Sun Shi turned back and said, “Qiu Ran, it’s Shen Yu.”

Lin Qiuran was the last to see Shen Yu. She stood under an umbrella, her embroidered shoes splattered with mud, her skirt damp and whipped by the wind and rain, shivering a little.

She was waiting at the Xiao family’s doorstep, clearly there to see them.

However, it was already late, and with the rain still falling, Lin Qiuran, tired from the day, was not in the mood to talk.

Xiao Dashi remained silent, getting out the keys to unlock the door. He didn’t think well of her.