Chapter 57: Making Money Isn’t Shameful

Chapter 57: Nothing Shameful About Making Money

Wen Xi gently tugged at Yan Fengan's sleeve, and when he turned his head, Wen Xi leaned close to his ear and whispered a few words.

Yan Fengan smiled slightly and patted the back of his hand. "Go on, I'll be right there with you."

Seeing that Wen Xi was still hesitant, Yan Fengan said considerately, "After dinner, let's go to the clothing shop and buy you a new set of clothes."

That was exactly what Wen Xi was worried about. His outfit wasn't bad for a country boy, but those who could board the Lin family's pleasure boat to watch the dragon boat race were all wealthy and noble people. He was worried he'd look out of place dressed like this.

Yan Fengan glanced at his little cloth bag and raised an eyebrow with a smile.

Though he didn't say it directly, the meaning was clear—the two of them were carrying quite a bit of money now, and buying clothes that would help them fit in was no problem at all.

Wen Xi followed his gaze to his small cloth bag, and the hesitation in his heart immediately dissipated. He turned and answered Lin Zhaozhao, "Alright, I'll go."

Lin Zhaozhao clapped his hands happily. "Then it's settled!"

After the meal was mostly finished, Yan Fengan went downstairs to settle the bill. The food at Baiwei Zhai was pretty good, and the prices were reasonable—the whole meal cost about two taels of silver.

As they left, the classmates, now full and satisfied, gradually drifted off. At that moment, Lin Hongwen, standing beside Yan Fengan, took out a card from his sleeve. "Brother Yan, you and your husband have to come to the banquet tonight."

Lin Zhaozhao interjected from the side, "Brother, you're too slow. I already told them long ago."

Lin Hongwen curled his lip. "What use is a verbal promise? Without an invitation card, do you want them to stand outside the boat eating wind?"

Lu Xiuyuan frowned and said, "Why are you being so mean? They're coming with us onto the boat—how could it be like what you said?"

Lin Hongwen raised his voice a notch higher than before. "I'm just telling the truth. How was I harsh?"

"You—" Lu Xiuyuan was about to say more when Lin Zhaozhao tugged at his sleeve. "Alright, stop arguing. That was on me. Don't keep quarreling with my brother."

"Oh, fine." Around him, Lu Xiuyuan rarely backed down.

Lin Hongwen was done with the two of them. After Yan Fengan took the invitation card, he said, "It's still early. Do you want to come to my house for a bit?"

Yan Fengan shook his head. "Showing up unannounced wouldn't be proper. I'll take my husband to wander the streets a bit first, then head straight to Cuihu to find you in the evening."

Lin Hongwen didn't insist. "That works too. We'll head back first, then."

With that, they parted ways. Yan Fengan took Wen Xi to a clothing shop. The clothes were just for show, so there was no need to buy anything too expensive or extravagant.

Yan Fengan picked out a light purple short robe for Wen Xi. The fabric was fine silk—thin but not see-through, cool against the skin, just right for summer.

It was the first time Wen Xi had worn such thin material. After putting it on, he tugged at the sleeves uncomfortably and whispered to Yan Fengan with a flushed face, "Wearing this feels like wearing nothing at all."

Yan Fengan was amused by him. "You're just not used to it. After wearing it a while longer, you won't feel that way anymore."

"Will I stand out too much in this?"

"No." Yan Fengan reached out to adjust the pouch and sachet at his waist. "This is just right. It's only that..."

Wen Xi asked nervously, "Only what?"

Yan Fengan smiled and said softly, "Just that you're a little too attractive to me."

Wen Xi had fair skin, and this outfit made him look even more radiant. The city shops' clothes were also tailored really well at the waist. When Yan Fengan lowered his gaze, he felt like he could wrap one hand around Wen Xi's waist.

Wen Xi glanced at the shopkeeper, saw he was busy with other customers, bit his lip, and said with a blush, "Then I'll take this one."

After Wen Xi's clothes were chosen, Yan Fengan picked out a set for himself as well.

His light blue scholar's robe could only serve as everyday wear. For such a formal occasion, as a scholar, he had to wear a blue or cyan robe with the proper square cap, or people would talk.

They wouldn't be able to make it home tonight. With their clothes purchased, Yan Fengan found an inn not far from Cuihu and booked a room. After running their stall all day, they were both sweaty. They asked the innkeeper for hot water, bathed, and finally felt refreshed. Yan Fengan dried Wen Xi's damp hair with a cloth while Wen Xi sat at the table counting the day's earnings.

He Jin and Li Wan's goods had sold for a total of three thousand one hundred copper coins. He and Yan Fengan had earned forty-five taels. After spending two on the meal, five on clothes and shoes, and a little on the inn, they still had thirty-eight taels left. Wen Xi felt relieved and carefully put the money back in his pouch.

Having money really made a difference. In the past, spending that much money would have made him hurt for days. Now, even though he still felt a little reluctant, he knew some expenses were necessary.

As the sun was setting, Wen Xi slung his small cloth bag over his shoulder and left the inn with Yan Fengan. When they reached Cuihu, although the sky was gradually darkening, the shore was even livelier than during the day. Stalls selling mugwort, sachets, and snacks were lined up one after another, and the crowd's noise mixed with the night market's heat, bustling and lively.

The pleasure boat was still docked at the lake's edge, decked out in colorful silk and glass lanterns. Warm light spilled from the open cabin, along with the soft sounds of string and wind instruments drifting out. Just looking at it, you could imagine how rich and luxurious it was inside.

Wen Xi glanced at it from afar, a feeling of unreality washing over him. Could he really go into a place like this?

Lin Zhaozhao and the other two were already waiting by the boat. When he spotted Wen Xi in the distance, Lin Zhaozhao stood on his tiptoes and waved. That warm gesture mostly chased away the unease in Wen Xi's heart, and he waved back.

Once on the boat, Lin Zhaozhao came over and linked arms with him. "Finally! I thought you two got lost—I was just about to send someone to find you."

Yan Fengan chimed in from the side, "The streets are busy tonight, and we got distracted by all the sights. We're a bit late."

Lin Hongwen made a "please" gesture. "The dragon boats haven't started yet, so you're not late. Brother Yan, Yan's husband, please come in."

Perhaps because the elders were present, Lin Hongwen and Lu Xiuyuan surprisingly didn't bicker today, and their words and actions were more restrained.

The pleasure boat was divided into front and rear cabins. The front cabin was for the male guests, while the women and gē'ers were in the rear cabin. The two cabins were separated by a half-rolled bead curtain, through which figures on both sides could be vaguely seen.

Yan Fengan was pulled by Lin Hongwen and Lu Xiuyuan to be introduced to their fathers, while Wen Xi followed Lin Zhaozhao to the rear cabin to meet Lady Lin and Lady Lu.

Yan Fengan had anticipated such an occasion. Before boarding the boat, he had already earnestly instructed Wen Xi, and with that preparation, Wen Xi didn't feel too flustered when they separated.

After Lin Zhaozhao introduced him to the two ladies, Wen Xi respectfully bowed to them.

Lady Lin appeared quite amiable. Seeing that Wen Xi was a bit nervous, she said with a smile, "Zhao Ge'er has been talking about you all afternoon. Since you're a friend of the children, treat this place like your own home. Come, sit, don't be shy."

Wen Xi said timidly, "Thank you, Lady."

After the greetings, Lin Zhaozhao eagerly pulled him over to sit by the window and pointed at the dragon boats on Cuihu. "Xi, look—those are the boats racing tonight. Each one is sponsored by different shops. Whoever wins gets to take home a big golden pig."

At the mention of the big golden pig, even Wen Xi felt a longing. Surely the rowers on those boats would all be giving their utmost to compete.

After night fell completely, the pleasure boat slowly cast off from the shore. The male guests in the front cabin all moved to the railing, one hand gripping it, waiting for the dragon boat race to begin.

The lake surface was brilliantly lit, and the crews on each boat were already poised to go. As soon as the gong sounded, eight dragon boats shot out simultaneously, water splashing everywhere, drums thundering so hard it made one's chest vibrate. The male guests in the front cabin were all cheering for their own boats, and Lin Hongwen and Lu Xiuyuan nearly shouted themselves hoarse.

Lin Zhaozhao was someone who loved excitement. Even though sitting inside the cabin offered the best view, he insisted on dragging Wen Xi outside to watch. The boat swayed slightly, and Wen Xi couldn't keep his footing on the deck. Just as he was about to grab the railing, Yan Fengan had already come up from behind without a sound and steadied his waist.

Wen Xi gave him a sweet smile and, taking advantage of no one paying attention, leaned against his husband. With him there, he could watch the dragon boat race with peace of mind.

Hearing Lin Zhaozhao's cheering beside him, he couldn't help but join in. At first, he was too shy to shout loudly, but as the voices around him grew wave after wave, he gradually raised his own volume.

The night breeze blew across the lake, tousling his hair. He casually tucked it behind his ear and continued cheering along with those around him.

Lin Zhaozhao suddenly grabbed his wrist and shouted excitedly, "Xi, look! Our boat is in the lead!"

Wen Xi followed his pointing hand—sure enough, the dragon boat with red silk decorations was ahead by half a boat's length. Perhaps infected by his enthusiasm, Wen Xi grew excited too.

Yan Fengan stood behind Wen Xi, his gaze fixed on his glowing profile. Watching Wen Xi's eyes—which usually only showed faint, gentle smiles—now sparkling brightly under the lake's lights, his face beaming with joy, something in his heart softened. Even if this outing had been for nothing else, just seeing him smile like this once made it all worthwhile.

In the end, the big golden pig was won by the Lin family's oarsmen, and a crowd of well-wishers surrounded Master Lin. Lin Hongwen was so puffed up with pride he looked like he might burst. In previous years, the Lu family had always taken the prize, and since the two families shared a deep friendship, Master Lu wasn't bothered by losing this year. He lifted his wine cup, clinked it against Master Lin's, and said, "We'll compete again next year."

After watching the dragon boat race, Lady Lin had the servants bring out zongzi and pastries.

The zongzi were stuffed with candied dates—an absolute treat for Wen Xi, who had a sweet tooth. He took a bite, and his eyes crinkled with pleasure.

Lady Lin and Lady Lu were generous with their gifts, and before leaving, they handed out sachets to every lady and young gentleman in the cabin. When it came to Wen Xi's turn, Lady Lin paused briefly, then said with a smile, "With your embroidery skills, giving you one of these feels like carrying coals to Newcastle."

"Madam, you flatter me," Wen Xi said hastily. "I just embroider for fun."

"No need to be modest," Lady Lin replied, her tone light and friendly. "I've seen the two sachets you gave Zhao Geer—your craftsmanship is indeed fine."

Lin Zhaozhao, noticing his mother had left it at that, quietly tugged at her sleeve. Lady Lin shot him a look, then turned back to Wen Xi. "When you have time, make a few more pouches and sachets for Zhao Geer to give to his friends. Use bright colors and brocade."

Wen Xi agreed and asked, "Is there a particular style you'd like?"

Lady Lin waved a hand. "Use your own judgment."

She spoke casually, but in her heart, she had her own private thoughts. A family like hers had seen plenty of fine embroidery—from Suzhou, Hangzhou, even pieces brought from the capital. What hadn't she encountered?

The craftsmanship of Master Yan's husband was indeed respectable for the county, but calling it extraordinary would be a stretch. If not for Lin Hongwen and Lin Zhaozhao's constant praise, and the fact that Wen Xi was the husband of a scholar, she wouldn't have lowered herself to commission work from a husband from the countryside.

It wasn't that she looked down on people—it was just that in her position, everything had to look proper. Whatever new trinket she wore would be noticed wherever she went. If she said she'd bought it from a renowned embroidery shop, people would think her tasteful and refined. But if word got out it was made by a rural husband, even the finest piece would look tacky.

It was fine for the boys to wear such things, but she herself had no use for them.

Lin Zhaozhao knew what his mother was thinking and, fearing Wen Xi might sense her coolness, quickly said, "I'll take three sachets and three pouches, priced as you usually charge."

As if worried his mother might overhear, he added in a low voice, "Embroider one of the pouches with mandarin ducks."

Wen Xi nodded in agreement, and Lin Zhaozhao pulled out a piece of silver from his bag. "This is the deposit. No rush—take your time. When they're done, bring them to the Lin Family Silk Shop, and someone there will lead you to me."

Wen Xi accepted the silver and nodded with a smile.

He hadn't missed Lady Lin's attitude, but Wen Xi had endured too many cold stares and slights growing up. Compared to his own family, Lady Lin was practically a living bodhisattva.

When someone was willing to spend so much money on his work, why would he care that she was cold toward him?