Chapter Eighty-Nine: Planning

Chapter 89: Making Plans

Tangyuan wanted to name his courtyard, but having not yet learned to read, his ideas were limited to things like Big Yellow, Big Black, Little Dog, or Rabbit. "Tiger Courtyard? Mom, how about that?"

Lin Qiuran: "...You haven't even moved in yet. Wait until you start your studies before naming it."

The day was a flurry of activity—unpacking their belongings and listing what was needed so Lin Ming and Lin Xia could go shopping.

The estate was vast, and the items they’d brought from their old home occupied only a small corner. Tangyuan took out his beloved toy dog and bird again; he’d clung to them at the inn and continued to do so at home.

Excited by the novelty of the new house, Tangyuan settled his toys and then ventured out alone. He wanted to skate on the lake, but Lin Qiuran strictly forbade it. "If you want to skate, scoop some water, spill it on the ground, and wait for it to freeze solid. And choose a spot where no one walks."

Winter had arrived early in the capital, but it had only been a month since the season officially began. The spring-fed area of the lake hadn't frozen yet, and some ice patches were still thin. Falling through the ice at this time of year could be perilous.

Lin Qiuran instructed the maids to watch him closely. Only after Tangyuan repeatedly promised not to skate on the lake did Lin Qiuran allow him to go out.

Sun Shi watched her lively grandson and remarked, "With such a big house, there are plenty of places to play."

Lin Qiuran said, "I'm thinking of building a swing in his courtyard and finding an empty spot near the garden for a practice area. When Xiao Xun returns, he can teach him martial arts."

Sun Shi nodded. "That's a good idea."

The day passed quickly. The next morning, Lin Ming brought back several people to serve in various parts of the estate. These individuals had been sought by the broker a few days prior and were delivered that day.

The gatehouse was a crucial post and required constant manning. Two attendants were assigned to shifts there, and two others, skilled in gardening, were placed in the greenhouse.

Sun Shi thought it a waste to grow flowers in the greenhouse; why not vegetables? At least they could be eaten in winter. What good were flowers? Could one fill their stomach by looking at them?

Lin Qiuran didn't want the beautiful greenhouse filled entirely with vegetables. She told Sun Shi, "When we have more money, I'll build a small shed for you in the Longevity Hall. You can grow whatever vegetables you like there."

Lin Qiuran wouldn't force Sun Shi to grow flowers; after all, it was Sun Shi's courtyard.

Though they weren't living separately yet, Lin Qiuran was quite content.

Since she was managing the household, the estate would be arranged according to her preferences. Sun Shi had her own courtyard too, and she could do as she pleased there. Lin Qiuran wouldn't interfere, even if she didn't like something—once the courtyard gate was closed, she wouldn't have to see it.

A few new maids also arrived, two of whom were assigned to serve Sun Shi. Lin Qiuran gave their deeds of sale to Sun Shi, so these two would now answer to her.

Lin Qiuran generally wouldn't assign tasks to these two; whether for major or minor matters, they would follow Sun Shi's instructions.

Lin Qiuran also acquired two more maids to keep an eye on Tangyuan. As for Liu Niang and Yunniang, they continued with their skilled embroidery work.

The Xiao family now had an embroidery room, though it was just the two of them for now.

Lin Qiuran allocated funds for them to purchase fabric and needles, and they also had materials brought from Yu'an. It was decided that each maid and attendant would receive two sets of clothing per season, with spring and autumn counted as one season.

As for Lin Qiuran and the others, their old clothes were made of good fabric and could still be worn. New clothes would be made as needed.

Lin Ming became the estate steward. After settling the new arrivals, he stationed guards outside the gate. The guards were hired help—it was difficult to find attendants skilled in martial arts, but hiring guards was feasible. This was necessary given the size of the estate and the number of people; the guards needed to patrol and protect the property regularly.

Lin Xia was put in charge of the maids. Even after the Golden Tripod Restaurant opened, the household would continue to operate this way.

Lin Ming busied himself arranging each courtyard one by one, after which the servants carried out their respective duties. Without even needing reminders from Lin Qiuran, Lin Ming and the others had already become more disciplined and orderly.

Previously, they had all eaten together, but now the three generations ate separately, while the servants ate during their free time.

The main kitchen was also reorganized. Since the Golden Tripod Restaurant would soon be operating, Lin Chun and the others couldn't always be in the household kitchen. Once they left, the kitchen would be short-handed, which was unacceptable.

Lin Ming found two older cooks skilled in capital-style cuisine. In just one day, the household had gained quite a few new people.

Looking at the increasingly orderly estate, Lin Ming felt strangely happy. He had once been a servant in the Qian family before coming to the Xiao family. Now, the Xiao family's circumstances had subtly surpassed the Qians'. Though he was still a servant, Lin Qiuran treated him well, and Lin Ming naturally hoped the household would continue to thrive. He wished for a stable life, without the fear of being sold again.

In other words, even if such a large estate wasn't his, he still lived there.

If Lin Qiuran was happy, his life would be easier too.

Having only just moved in and purchased servants, Lin Ming planned to settle everyone properly before having the estate thoroughly cleaned, inside and out, especially the garden. Although it was winter, the garden had evergreen trees and a few plum blossoms. With proper care, it would be worth admiring.

The estate was much larger than the Qian family's. Who would have thought that one could have hills, water, and pavilions within a residential compound? Lin Ming didn't want such a place to fall into disrepair.

After settling the servants, he went out again—there was still an important task: custom-made furniture.

While the servants were busy, Lin Qiuran found some peace.

The estate was bustling, but the main courtyard had been tidied up first. The compound was so large that Lin Qiuran couldn't hear the cleaning noises outside, and neither could Tangyuan, who was still sound asleep on the kang.

Sun Shi couldn't sit still and had gone out early to stroll around. With such a large place, she had plenty to explore.

Lin Qiuran was also awake but had nothing to do, so she lay on the kang. The kang was harder than a bed, but with several layers of bedding, it was quite comfortable. The exhaustion from the journey hadn't faded yet.

Tangyuan had woken up once in the morning but didn't feel like getting up. Instead, he arranged his blankets into a circle and pretended to be a rabbit.

Lin Qiuran thought he was being a bit childish, but then she remembered he wasn't even three years old yet—a little childishness was fine.

After playing rabbit in his “nest” for a while, Tangyuan fell asleep again.

His cheeks were slightly pink, and Lin Qiuran couldn't help but smile at the sight.

This child was sleeping soundly now, unlike last night when he had been so restless.

The kang had been heated the previous evening, and Tangyuan was amazed that it could get warm. He found it incredibly cozy and insisted on sleeping at the hottest end.

That spot was scalding to the touch, even with bedding. Lin Qiuran planned to leave it empty, but Tangyuan insisted, and Sun Shi also advised, "It’s too hot. You won’t be able to stand it at night."

Tangyuan said, "I’m not afraid of the heat!"

Lin Qiuran had no choice but to place his bedding there. "Fine, sleep there then. But don’t complain no matter how hot it gets at night."

Tangyuan happily burrowed under the covers, thinking to himself how warm and comfortable it was. Why didn’t they have such a wonderful thing in Yu’an?

But after a while, his back felt as if it were on fire, like stoking a stove. No matter which side he lay on, it felt scorching.

Tangyuan had his pride and endured for a while, but he worried that Sun Shi and Lin Qiuran might have fallen asleep. He fidgeted in the dark, but no one asked if he was okay. Finally, he anxiously asked, "Mom, Grandma, I’m a little hot."

Lin Qiuran said, "I told you not to complain about the heat."

Tangyuan sniffled and tried to stick his arms and legs out from under the covers. Lin Qiuran, hearing the rustling, said, "Don’t expose yourself. Everyone’s asleep—who’s going to cover you back up?"

Tangyuan said, "...I was wrong. I won’t do it again."

Lin Qiuran then moved him to sleep between herself and Sun Shi, leaving the hottest end of the kang empty. Sun Shi, being older, slept near the warmer part, while Lin Qiuran slept at the cooler end.

Tangyuan was curious. "Mom, how did you know the kang would be too hot to sleep on?"

Lin Qiuran replied, "Because I’m an adult and know more than you. You’re still young, so it’s best to listen to us. Otherwise, we would have been asleep long ago. No more talking—go to sleep."

The three of them slept well through the night. Sun Shi woke up early and quietly left without disturbing the mother and son.

The mansion was blanketed in snow from a few days prior, but due to the cold weather here, it hadn't melted yet.

The icy landscape, silver-clad, made the large and beautiful estate even more striking. The snow in the capital was heavier than in Yu’an, which also saw snowfall, though much lighter. Sun Shi didn't venture outside but wandered around the mansion instead, with two maids following quietly at a distance, not disturbing her.

Such splendid scenery and such a grand residence were things Sun Shi had never dared to imagine in the past.

If only her father and Xiao Xun were here too.

After strolling through the garden, Sun Shi went to spend some time in her own courtyard.

The courtyard was spacious, with a main house and side rooms—one of which served as a kitchen—along with several old trees, though she wasn't sure what kind they were. She also visited the Buddhist prayer hall, though it lacked a Buddha statue despite having the space.

Sun Shi returned to the main courtyard and asked the maid if Lin Qiuran was awake before entering. Seeing her mother full of energy, almost as if she had regained her youth, Lin Qiuran asked, "Mother, is it cold outside?"

Sun Shi replied, "It's not cold once you start moving. Lin Qiuran, when we've settled in, get me a Buddha statue too."

Tangyuan only caught the first part. "Mother, I want to go outside."

The water Tangyuan had spilled the previous day had likely frozen solid by now.

Lin Qiuran instructed the maid to accompany him and said to Sun Shi, "Alright, I'll have someone fetch a statue another day."

Lin Qiuran assigned this task to Lin Ming. It was simple—just go to a temple, invite a Buddha statue, and make daily incense offerings for peace of mind.

Sun Shi planned to pray regularly from then on. Their family's current prosperity must surely be due to the Buddha's blessings, and those with wealth ought to make offerings.

Sun Shi nodded. "No rush. We can invite the statue after we move. Leaving it there forgotten would be disrespectful to the Buddha."

Lin Qiuran agreed—that made sense.

She had risen late, and after tidying up, it was already noon. Since no one suffered from acclimatization issues, and they were all immediate family at home, there was no need to adapt to local customs. So, lunch mainly consisted of their usual dishes.

Lin Chun prepared red-braised pork, sliced boiled pork, sour and spicy shredded potatoes… Since they had just arrived in the capital and, aside from easy-to-carry sauces and a few seasonings, hadn't brought much on the journey, these days would involve both searching for a shop and brewing rice wine and making pickles and dipping sauces for business.

There had been no news from the Broker for a while. Lin Qiuran felt anxious for a couple of days but then let it go. As she had reassured Sun Shi, they hadn't closed the Golden Tripod Restaurant in Yu’an to come to the capital. Besides, they still had the spice business, which brought in monthly income. Even if they did nothing in the capital, they could sustain themselves. They could take their time finding a shop.

Of course, Yu’an was far away, and sending money was inconvenient. It was better to earn some silver through business here. As the saying goes, "Distant water can’t quench a nearby thirst"—it was always better to have a source of income.

Another two days passed like this. On the afternoon of the sixth, Lin Qiuran finally took Tangyuan out—her first time leaving home since moving. In the past, with more servants at home, there was always work to do, and Lin Qiuran seldom stayed indoors. Now, with a large mansion and spacious courtyard, everything inside and out felt novel.

Staying home was more comfortable. Lin Qiuran also liked the western rooms, though they lacked furniture. Once some good furniture was made, living there would be even more pleasant.

If not for Tangyuan, Lin Qiuran wouldn't have gone out today. It was because she had promised him at the end of last month that they would go again the next day for copper pot hotpot.

Tangyuan had quickly forgotten, and Lin Qiuran hadn't brought it up. But after a few days at home, at noon that day, Lin Qiuran made braised lamb. The meat in Yu’an was good, but it couldn't match the tenderness of Lao Jin Hotpot, which reminded Tangyuan of his earlier wish.

Though it was a promise from a while back, keeping one's word was important. For a child his age, the worst lesson was teaching him to go back on one's word, lest he imitate such behavior later.

Besides, going out for a hotpot meal was a small matter for Lin Qiuran.

In the evening, snowflakes began to fall again. Sun Shi, disliking the cold, wasn't keen on going out. With maids at home to attend to them and meals ready, Lin Qiuran didn't press her and took Tangyuan out alone.

The carriage arrived at the hotpot restaurant entrance, and Lin Qiuran and Tangyuan got out.

The night scenery was lovely too. The capital’s nights were bright as day with lanterns. The previous snow hadn't fully melted, and fresh snow had layered over it, but it was bustling—even with the snow and the late hour, many people were out.

They found seats inside. Since there were only two of them, Lin Qiuran didn't order too much: just a pound of frozen meat, plus some cabbage, vermicelli, and frozen tofu. This time, she skipped the assorted noodles and ordered only half a pound of plain noodles.

Tangyuan loved frozen tofu. After freezing, the tofu became porous, and when boiled in the meat broth, it absorbed the flavors wonderfully, rich with meaty aroma. Coated generously in sesame paste, it was delicious.

Tangyuan didn't need to be fed; he used long chopsticks to eat slowly himself, asking Lin Qiuran for whatever he wanted. She would cook it and serve it to him. This was only for such items—since the copper pot was tall and boiling, it was easy for Tangyuan to burn himself if he tried alone.

Halfway through their meal, Lin Qiuran heard someone nearby say, "This is the young master from the other day, isn't it?"

It was a man’s voice. Unfamiliar with the capital, Lin Qiuran didn't think he was addressing her until he spoke a second time, and a shadow fell over her. She looked up to see a familiar face—the elderly man they had met on their outing the other day.

Tangyuan also looked up. "Grandpa, it's snowing today. Why are you out? Be careful."

With sesame paste around his mouth, Lin Qiuran coughed lightly, and he immediately wiped it clean with a napkin.

Lv Zheng said, "It wasn't snowing when I left. It just started. I plan to head back soon. What a coincidence!"

Tangyuan nodded. "Mm, take it slow. My mother says you shouldn't fall twice in the same place."

Lv Zheng couldn't help but laugh—the child’s words were so amusing.

Lin Qiuran smiled at Lv Zheng. "What a coincidence meeting you here. Have you finished your meal, sir?"

Lv Zheng could tell this was a hint for him to leave, but he boldly said, "No hurry, no hurry. Madam, your son and I really hit it off—it’s fate that we’ve met twice now. I live at the Residence of the Marquis of Anyang. No need to worry I’m a bad sort."

The Residence of the Marquis of Anyang? He didn't seem like a servant. At his age, could he be the old marquis?

Lin Qiuran gave a slight nod. Lv Zheng smiled and said, "If you ever need help, come find me at the Residence of the Marquis of Anyang. I’m old and don’t have much to do."

Lv Zheng had retired and passed his title to his son. Now he had only one wish. Even if this child wasn't Min Zhi’s descendant, he was still a comfort.

Lin Qiuran nodded. "Alright, sir. Take care."

Lv Zheng had mostly finished eating anyway. These days, he wasn't really there for the food. Worried the snow might worsen, he left soon after.

Lin Qiuran glanced toward the door, waited a moment, then called for the waiter. "That gentleman just now—is he from the Residence of the Marquis of Anyang…?"

"Ah, that’s the old marquis of the Residence of the Marquis of Anyang. Do you know him, madam?"

Lin Qiuran shook her head. They’d only exchanged a few words—couldn’t really say they knew each other.

After finishing, Lin Qiuran took Tangyuan home. She didn't mention the incident to Sun Shi, but it was clear the old marquis wasn't lying.

Asking twice showed he genuinely wanted to help, not just empty words.

Lin Qiuran didn't know much about the relationships among the capital’s noble families. The next day, she sent Lin Xia to inquire. It was indeed the old marquis of the Residence of the Marquis of Anyang.

If he wanted to repay a favor, he could handle both small and large matters.

Lin Qiuran had considered asking the old gentleman for help, perhaps to see about sending Tangyuan to school. But troubling him over such things just for having offered a hand seemed too much.

So Lin Qiuran wondered if the marquis’s household needed someone to cook.

Giving her a chance could make their banquets splendid and also promote the Golden Tripod Restaurant a bit. She wasn't entirely sure, though. In Yu’an, they had started with a stall before opening a shop, and later renovations kept old customers. Here in the capital, they had nothing.

Lin Qiuran made up her mind and wrote a card for Lin Xia to deliver.

She didn't know how noble families interacted. Though the old gentleman had said to visit, she couldn't just show up and wait outside.

Lin Qiuran clearly stated her purpose in the card: if the marquis’s household needed help, she could assist with banquet preparations. If not, that was fine too.

Though the old gentleman had promised help, she felt it should be mutual willingness. If he couldn't help with this, she wouldn't pressure him—she'd find another way.

The card reached the Residence of the Marquis of Anyang, and Lv Zheng eagerly opened it.

"Lady Qin, come quickly! Look—it’s a card from the child’s mother. Come see!"

Lady Qin hurried over. For the marquis’s household, any help was possible—even providing lodging or wealth was within their means.

Lady Qin hadn't spoken with Lin Qiuran, but from what Lv Zheng said, the child was well-raised. A child’s goodness comes from teaching by example and deed. Lady Qin quickly read what was written.

After reading, she asked puzzled, "That’s all?"