051 Give Miss Wei a Like
Qin Mian subconsciously said "alright" and when he returned to his senses, he slapped Zheng Liu on his head, at a loss whether to cry or laugh, "You boy dare to trick your boss."
Wang Shun also looked at him with eager eyes. Qin Mian thought for a moment before saying: "All right, the shops business is good, and the two of you and the barbecue chef are doing well. This way, your boss and I will invite you three to have dinner in the shop on the evening of every particular day with one(1). For example: on the first(1) day, the eleventh(11) day and the twenty-first(21) day."
Wang Shun and Zheng Liu were so happy that they quickly expressed their thanks and flattered Qin Mian. The spicy hot soup, barbecue and hot pot in the shop were so delicious that once they ate it, they wanted second.
Lei Tie coughed lightly as he swept a quick glance.
Wang Shun and Zheng Lius backs felt chill. They quickly left and continued to be busy. They were not afraid of the big boss, but the "small boss" struck their hearts with veneration and fear.
Lei Tie poured the spicy hot soup that had just cooked into a bowl and put it on the counter.
Qin Mian took a look and saw spinach, food balls, mutton, mushrooms and potatoes, all of which he loved to eat.
"Don't be too nice to them."
"Ah?" Quan Mian bit half a ball and looked at him stupidly.
Lei Tie didn't talk and merely watched him.
Qin Mian smiled. He picked up a bamboo stick, poked a meatball from the bowl and handed it to him while beaming with smiles.
Lei Tie reached for it, turned back, and returned to the pot.
Over there, the barbecue chef yelled, "Barbecue at table 2 is ready!"
A busy and fulfilling day passed just like that.
On the other side in the old house, trouble had just begun.
In the house, Du Shi was desperate and quarreled until Lei Daqiang got a headache and gave her a slap at the end of his patience. Du Shi's left face was red and swollen that she did not dare to go out of the house. She lay down on the bed and cried bitterly.
Lei Xiangren, Lei Xiangyi and Lei Xiangli were helpless in the conflict between their parents. On one hand, they pitied their mother. On the other hand, based on Matchmaker Jin's words, they thought it was not a bad thing for Miss Wei to join their household. However, the main point was that Lei Daqiang was their father, the so-called elder that they had to respect. As the younger generation, it was improper for them to intervene in the elder's bedroom affairs. As for Zhao Shi and Qian Shi, they did not even have the right to. Meanwhile, Lei Chuntao was a girl who had yet married, so it was also improper for her to intervene.
In a word, the people in the old house had forgotten about Lei Tie and Qin Mian.
On the day of his appointment with Matchmaker Jin, Lei Daqiang cleaned himself up appropriately and came to the town.
Nearing the appointed teahouse, he didn't enter the door, but went to a stall that sold dishware on the opposite side according to the agreement, pretended to choose dishware and looked up to the other side.
He saw Matchmaker Jin dressed in red and looked across from her. His heart suddenly jolted. Facing Matchmaker Jin was a gentle and graceful girl dressed in blue. She was indeed 26~27 years old. Her look could not be regarded as beautiful, but she possessed a 6/10 of good looks and her eyes were especially lively. When she spoke to Matchmaker Jin, she wore a smile on her face and her smile was very natural and poised. From the movement of her occasionally raising her hand and nodding her head, he could feel a kind of swift strength.
She was a really nice girl. Such a young and beautiful girl could almost be regarded as a good fortune (in love affairs) to him.
Lei Daqiang's heart was burning now.
Matchmaker Jin looked at the sun and then looked at the stall opposite. She confirmed that Lei Daqiang had already appeared and nodded to Wi Wei.
Wi Wei followed her eyes and looked at the other side. The man by the stand was really a bit old, but she didn't care. She looked at the man's facial features and was quite surprised. Matchmaker Jin told her that Lei Daqiang must have been very handsome when he was young, she hadn't believed it. However, she had to believe it when she saw him with her own eyes. Her heart was slightly relieved. It was fine to marry an old man, but it would be too misery if the man was intolerably ugly. Fortunately, Lei Daqiang did not let her down.
When she took back her gaze, Matchmaker Jin nodded to Lei Daqiang.
Lei Daqiang left first. He was too excited, his feet floated like stepping on cotton. However, there was some anxiety as he worried that Miss Wei would not like him.
"I can tell that Lei Daqiang's body and bones are still good. I'm afraid that Du Shi bears most of the responsibility for the reason why his body is too thin." When Du Shi was brought up, Matchmaker Jin's face showed disdain. "According to the people in their village, the Lei Family only serves two dishes for each meal and they don't put much oil in it. They also don't have a few chances to eat meat throughout the year. Which village in our town lacks few poor families? But there's none like them. It's fortunate that I don't say it, or it would be a joke for no reason."
Wi Wei picked up the teapot, poured a cup of hot tea for her and said with a smile: "I've heard that Granny Jin never talks empty words when acting as a matchmaker. I myself trust Granny Jin wholeheartedly."
Matchmaker Jin was very puzzled, "Based on your qualifications, it's really unlikely to find someone that old, is it worth the trouble?" She had a good impression of Wi Wei, so she couldn't help but making a few comments.
Wei Wei nonchalantly smiled and didn't mind telling her, "Some people had introduced a few men. Among them, one was a cripple and two wanted a second wife; one has a 6 years old son, the other has an 8 years old son. Children at 6 and 8 years old already remember things and can only remember the good of their birth mothers. It'd be even more difficult for me to cultivate feelings with them after I join the household. If I'm a little careless, I'll be aperson neither inside nor outside. Is it worth the trouble that I come here? Although Lei Daqiang is a bit older, his children can already acknowledge that they and I just need to be on courteous term. If I help them to make more money, they aren't necessarily unable to be inclined towards me. What's more, from what you said, Du Shi is a failure. As long as I hold Lei Daqiang's heart close and have children with him, even if he can only live for another 20 years, I'll have my own children to rely on in the future. Whether my children are married in or married out, they'll be no worse than his children."
Matchmaker Jin secretly admired her.She has proven herself to have been serving in a rich family household; turns out, she had already considered so much.
Since the other person was willing, she certainly would not object.
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"In that case, I won't say much. Today I'll go to Lei's house to inform that you've agreed and discuss the next step."
"Thanks for your trouble, granny." Wei Wei smiled confidently.
Two days later, Qin Mian received the exact news. The matter of Lei Daqiang and Wei Wei had been settled. Lei Daqiang was not only willing to marry Wei Wei as his equal wife, but also too impatient to wait and set the date on 18th of November.
Qin Mian was beyond excited when he thought that Du Shi would soon have a strong opponent.
At the beginning, he disguised himself to find a matchmaker and asked her to find Lei Daqiang an assertive woman to be his equal wife. The purpose was only to contain Du Shi; he had no other bad intentions. Moreover, he specially told Matchmaker Jin that the woman must have a good heart. Sure enough, Matchmaker Jin had the ability to find Wei Wei.
According to Matchmaker Jin, Wei was indeed a competent person. As long as Du Shi, Lei Xiangren and the others were behaving themselves, Wei Wei might be able to let the people in the old house live a good life.
Besides, it was Wei Wei's own free will. Qin Mian had nothing to feel guilty about, just waiting to watch the drama.
Du Shi completely had no free time to find trouble with him and Lei Tie. Every day, in addition to quarreling with Lei Daqiang, she cursed Wei Wei. It was unknown how rowdy the old house would be in the future.
Without Lei Daqiang and Du Shi taking the initiative, Lei Xiangren, Zhao Shi and Qian Shi also temporarily stopped thinking about how to get along with Lei Tie.
Qin Mian disguised himself again and paid the other half of the money to Matchmaker Jin.
From beginning to end, apart from Lei Tie and Qin Mian himself, no one knew that Qin Mian was responsible for Lei Daqiang's ability to marry a beautiful young wife.
Two days later, Lei Xiangli and Lei Xiangzhi came to the shop together, their expressions looked a bit distress.
"Eldest brother."
The two didn't call Qin Mian "eldest sister-in-law" in front of outsiders making Qin Mian breathe a sigh of relief, "You two came. It's almost noon, have you eaten yet?"
"No yet," Lei Xiangzhi said with a smile, "Fourth brother and I came here to eat."
Qin Mian also smiled, "Very much welcome. Would you like spicy hot soup or barbecue? If you want to eat hot pot, you have to wait for a while to be seated."
Lei Xiangli said: "I'll eat spicy hot soup then."
Lei Xiangzhi said: "I'll have the same as fourth brother."
"Go pick your dishes first and let Lei Tie simmer them." Qin Mian asked Zheng Liu to move two stools and put them at the counter.
When the two picked out the dishes, Qin Mian said: "If you two have nothing to do, help in the shop in the afternoon. We are having hot pot or barbecue in the evening."
"Sure," Lei Xiangli smilingly said, "I'll listen to you arrangement."
Lei Xiangzhi pulled at his clothes, "Of course we'll help; I purposely wore stain-resistant clothes."
Qin Mian said: "Actually, your eldest brother and I have planned to invite you to have a meal, but you know what's going on, so I won't say more. When you go back in the evening, you bring a pot of soup and some dishes for the family to taste."
Lei Xiangli lightly sighed, "We understand. You and eldest brother can be at ease."
"Based on your expression, is there something wrong at home?" Qin Mian could guess what they were coming for and pretended not to understand.
At those words, Lei Tie lowered his head while cooking the spicy hot soup and then looked at the innocent and confused expression of the little wife; the corners of his lips rose into an imperceptible radian.
Lei Xiangzhi and Lei Xiangli knew that Qin Mian could represent Lei Tie, in which if they told him, it was equal to talking to Lei Tie. Therefore, they didn't hold back, "Do you and eldest brother know about father?"
Qin Mian nodded while internally said: not only I know, but it is also my doing.
"I see. This matter We, the younger generation don't know how to say…"
Lei Xiangzhi sighed, "Mother makes trouble at home every day and because of the quarrel, fourth brother and I got a headache. So, we might as well come to see you and eldest brother."
"In my opinion, since this matter has become a foregone conclusion, it's useless to oppose it any more. Why should mother act thus?"
Qin Mian took an attitude of thinking for Du Shi, "I'm afraid that if she goes on like this, father will feel vexed with her. Fourth brother, fifth brother, you two should persuade her when you have chance. Family harmony is the basis for success in any undertaking."
Eldest sister-in-law was a good person. Lei Xiangli and Lei Xiangzhi looked at each other. They both secretly regretted that the separation was too early. If it weren't for their mother who was too much it was too late to say anything now.
"It's just that I still don't understand. How can that Miss Wei took a liking to father?" All along, Lei Xiangzhi couldn't get over this.
Note:
second wife after one's first wife's death
a metaphor for doing things that are not pleased, and people are complaining everywhere. [1]
052 Visitor from the County
Qin Mian inwardly broke in chills but maintained his composure, "This is a bit beyond our comprehension. Anyway, the Lei Family has no authority and no influence, and there is nothing worth to be plotted against with. Miss Wei used to be a competent maid in a rich family household, maybe she thinks differently from other people."
"Thats right." Lei Xiangli and Lei Xiangzhi were no longer entangled in this.
This afternoon, both Lei Xiangli and Lei Xiangzhi helped in the shop, which greatly relieved the pressure on Qin Mian and Lei Tie. The brothers were surprised to see that many people in the town brought their own bowls to eat spicy hot soup. In fact, many customers had suggested that Qin Mian and Lei Tie should expand their shop or change to a bigger one. However, firstly, they had no opportunity. Secondly, Qin Mian did not have so much energy for the time being and the Lunar New Year was coming soon. Future matters should be put off until later.
In the evening, the four people ate hot pot in the shop and went home together riding in the ox cart. Because today's food sold out fast, when they returned to the village, the sun had just set.
Qin Mian let Lei Tie drove the ox cart all the way to the gate of the old house. He didn't deny that he wanted to see Du Shi making a fool of herself.
In the old house, the meal was served on the table.
Qin Mian came in with a basket of food. With a smiling expression on his face, he said loudly: "Father, mother, are you about to have dinner? It seems that we are back just in time. Brother Tie and I have brought you a lot of food. Father and younger brothers can have wine to your heart's content."
Lei Tie carried a pot of soup in both hands and went in with him.
Qin Mian motioned to Lei Tie to put the soup on the women's table and deliberately looked at Du Shi's face. "Mother, this is the hot pot soup in our shop that cooked with big bones; very savory. I also brought back some meatballs, mutton, streaky pork, chicken meat, and fish fillets. It's very tasty when cooked in the soup."
Lei Xiangzhi touched his chin. How did he feel that eldest sister-in-law came back to "show off his military strength"? Looking up at his eldest brother's eyes which contained imperceptible pampering and connivance, he could only shake his head helplessly.
Qin Mian really had a mind to provoke Du Shi, so he was generous enough to bring back a lot of meat dishes, enough for the whole family to eat.
Du Shi's eyes swept over all kinds of meat dishes one by one, neither happy nor angry. For a long time, she did not utter a word.
Qin Mian felt his anger had vented off.
Lei Xiangren knew that Lei Xiangli and Lei Xiangzhi had gone to Lei Tie's shop. He regretted that he had not gone with them. He quickly walked over and said, "Smells good. Wife, why don't you quickly go to the charcoal stove and get a clean pot? Third brother's wife, you go get wine."
"Ah." Zhao Shi swallowed her saliva and turned to the kitchen.
Qian Shi followed.
Lei Daqiang coughed softly, "Eldest, have you and your wife eaten? If you two haven't eaten, have some."
Lei Tie said dully: "Already ate. Wife, let's go. "
"Alright. Mother, father, we're going back." Qin Mian waved his hand in a good mood and left with Lei Tie. Sitting on the ox cart, he couldn't resist humming a song.
"In a good mood?" Lei Tie asked.
"So-so." Qin Mian continued to be happy and inadvertently said, "When Miss Wei joins the household, how about providing a hot pot to each table on the banquet? Let the villagers see that even when we were forced to separate and live apart, we still care about the parents."
Lei Tie held Qin Mian's hand and his chest felt warm as he said in a hoarse voice: "Listen to you."
After several days, Du Shi apparently continued to be silent. Qin Mian then stopped investing effort to think about the old house.
On this day, after preparing all the ingredients in the back kitchen, Qin Mian went to open the shop.
Lei Tie threw a look out of the door neither intentional nor unintentional, wiped the water on his hands, and then walked over neither too fast nor too slow.
Qin Mian looked at the several people who seemed to be waiting outside the door for a long time, and felt suspicious.
There were three people in total. One was a young man of 25~26 years old dressed in a white cotton-padded robe with snow-white fox fur around his neck and a precious white jade hanging on his waist. He seemed like a rich gongzi. He looked at Qin Mian with a pair of narrow phoenix's eyes, which were full of inquiry.
On his left was a middle-aged man in early 40s dressed in gray and looked like a person who managed affairs [steward].
On the right side of the gongzi was a youngster of 17~18 years old, dressed up as a manservant.
"Little Liuzi, Little Shunzi, greet the customers." Qin Mian called out from behind.
"Coming." Zheng Liu quickly ran out, "Welcome, several customers. Do you want to eat hot pot, spicy hot soup or barbecue?"
The young gongzi ignored him, glanced at Lei Tie and looked back at Qin Mian. "Are you the owner of this shop?"
"Exactly," Qin Mian said with a faint smile, "If gongzi isn't coming to eat, please give way to the side, don't block other customers."
The manservant glared, "Audacious!"
Lei Tie frowned.
Qin Mian harshly said: "You are audacious! Your master hasn't spoken yet, but you, a servant dare to cut in the conversation. If you're my manservant, you'll be slapped on mouth 20 times."
The manservant's face changed greatly. He peered at the young gongzi's face and quickly bowed his head.
Zheng Liu looked at his boss admiringly. The young gongzi had an extraordinary presence and a look could tell that he was very influential socially. However, the boss was not afraid at all.
"Gentlemen, please give way to the side." Qin Mian urged.
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The young gongzi took an interesting look at Qin Mian and sat down at the nearest table. "We'll be having hot pot."
Zheng Liu seized the opportunity to open his mouth, "If you want to eat hot pot, please go into the shop. The table outside is for the customers who eat spicy hot soup and barbecue."
The young gongzi said again: "Oh, it's cooler outside. In that case, we'll be eating spicy hot soup and barbecue. Chunsheng, you go and order."
The manservant respectfully responded: "Yes, gongzi."
After Qin Mian returned to the counter, Lei Tie also returned to the pot.
"They're mostly here for the soup base's recipe." Qin Mian whispered to Lei Tie.
Lei Tie said indifferently: "I'm here."
The spicy hot soup and barbecue ordered by young gongzi were served. Qin Mian noticed that he and the middle-aged man first picked up a spoon of soup and drank it, tasting it carefully as if to distinguish the taste.
They were not the first to do so.
Qin Mian didn't worry that they would taste the ingredients of the soup. He used some seasonings that ordinary people didn't use and there was also Sichuan pepper, which had never been used as seasoning. Besides, the spiritual spring water that he added without anyone knowing had excellent flavor effect.
"How?" The young gongzi asked in light tone.
The middle-aged man whispered: "This subordinate is ashamed; can only taste eight ingredients."
The young gongzi's eyes showed an expression of surprise and did not say anything. Only then he picked up his chopsticks and began to taste the food in the spicy hot soup.
"Little Shunzi, it seems that there are many more workers in the town these two days. What's going on?" Qin Mian glanced at the four customers who were stained with dry mud and asked Wang Shun. Not only Eating Savory Restaurant had a large flow of customers, but the business of other restaurants and noodle shops in the town was also better than before.
Wang Shun said: "Small boss doesn't know? The water surface of the river decreases in every autumn and winter. So, before it is frozen, the local authority will organize a great number of manpower to dredge up the Six Bends River. Those workers that went to the Six Bends River to dredge it up could earn at least 20 Wen a day. I did it last year." The Six Bends River was the largest river in the county and the small river in the Green Mountain Village was precisely its branch.
"Oh?" Qin Mian quickly asked, "Is the Six Bends River far from here? How long will the dredging work last?"
Wang Shun answered, "Last year, it lasted half a month or so. The Six Bends River is a little far away, it takes at least more than thirty minutes on foot."
"What about their lunch?" Qin Mian asked again.
Wang Shun said: "Most of them bring their own dried food. If they have a cart, they can come to the town to eat."
Qin Mian's eyes twinkled, squeezed to Lei Tie's side and whispered: "The idea of making money has come."
Lei Tie raised his eyebrows. In fact, his work was not heavy. He only needed to put the dishes selected by the customers into the colander, poured them into the bowl after they were cooked, and then added soup, onion and garlic to the bowl.
"This idea is for the old house. Tell Old Three and Old Four when we return home. As for whether they tell others, it's none of our business."
Lei Tie nodded and conveniently stroked Qin Mian's head.
The young gongzi looked up at the two people who were smiling at each other. He had planned to wait until fewer customers were left before talking to the owner of the shop, but the shop was always full, so he had to get up and walk over.
"Gentlemen, I'm Nie Heng from Zhaoyang County. Do you have time to talk? I'm interested in purchasing the recipe of your soup."
Lei Tie looked at Qin Mian.
Nie Heng also looked at Qin Mian.
Qin Mian cupped one hand in the other towards Nie Heng and said: "It's our honor to be highly thought by Nie gongzi. Since Nie gonzi is so frank and honest, I'll say it straight. We have no plans to sell the formula until May next year. Nie gongzi looks like a smart man, so you must also understand that the spicy hot soup and hot pot is sold depend on the weather." His and Lei Tie's influence were weak; they never thought of monopolizing the market forever.
Nie Heng's furrowed brows relaxed, "In other words, after next May, Boss Qin and Boss Lei will sell the recipe."
Qin Mian's pupils shrunk. The man had investigated him and Lei Tie.
"We've this intention, but there is no specific plan yet," said Qin Mian.
After much weighing and considering, Nie Heng said: "In this case, I hope that the two bosses can give priority to me at that time."
Qin Mian said with a faint smile: "If Nie gongzi set your mind on it, see you in May next year."
Nie Heng took a deep look at him and determined that the teenager was not a simple person. Well, the man standing by the side of the teenager in a protective posture was certainly more than not a simple person.
"With pleasure!" Nie Heng kindly reminded, "There is more than one person who has the same idea as me. They may not be as magnanimous as me. If the recipe really falls into the hands of others, I think I would be very sad."
Lei Tie stood toweringly as he said with voice steady but cold, and words powerful and resonating like a sudden clap of thunder, "Go ahead and try it."
Nie Heng nodded slightly. After signaling the manservant to pay, he took the manservant and the middle-aged man to leave.
Note:
to show off one's military strength (idiom); to strut around; to flaunt; to boast
053 Warning
When the ox cart drove into the village, Qin Mian took the rope from Lei Tie's hand and said to him: "Go invite third and fourth brothers to come home together. I'll tell them in detail."
Lei Tie nodded, lifted his long legs, and jumped easily from the still moving ox cart.
Several villagers followed him with curious eyes. The news about Lei Tie knew kung fu had been spread widely. Such a person made them felt both respect and fear.
Every day when he got home, the first thing Qin Mian did was to boil water for washing. When the firewood in the hollow of the stove just burned up, Lei Tie came back.
"Third and the fourth brothers also went to dredge up the river. They are having dinner, so they will come soon." Lei Tie took the firewood from Qin Mian's hands and sat down in front of the kitchen stove.
The weather was becoming chilly and everything was ice-cold. Qin Mian happily allowed him to help and put his hands back into his pockets.
"Did second brother go?"
"No."
He knew it would be like that. Qin Mian disdained this person, Lei Xiangren.
"You didn't say anything to the third and fourth brothers, did you?"
Lei Tie said: "Just said there is something important to look for them."
"That's good." Qin Mian turned to open the cupboard and took out the tangerine peel, cinnamon and other things to be ground later, weighed them one by one and put them aside. These ingredients should be ground before going to bed, to be used for the next day.
The two did their own things respectively. Although there was no conversation, the atmosphere in the kitchen was quiet and warm.
"Eldest brother, eldest sister-in-law, we came."
Lei Xiangyi and Lei Xiangli walked in one after another, both were shrinking their necks and hands in their sleeves.
"This damn weather is getting colder."
"You two came." Qin Mian was blunt with them, "The water hasn't boiled yet, so I won't serve you tea. Go sit in the living room."
Lei Xiangyi sat down on the soft settee, felt it quietly before he sat upright and asked curiously, "Eldest brother said you are looking for us for something. What is it?"
Qin Mian sat on the settee. "I heard your eldest brother say that you've been to the Six Bends River to dredge it up these two days? Are there many people going there?"
Lei Xiangyi said: "Today is the third day. There are a lot of people. Eldest sister-in-law probably doesn't know. The Six Bends River is wide and long, so the local authority hired many people to dredge up the river every year."
"It must have been hard work." Qin Mian asked again, "How are so many people's lunches solved?"
"Basically, they bring their own dried food. The section of the river we are in charge of is a little far away from the town; the upstream is very close to the county town, but most people still bring their own dried food." Lei Xiangli vaguely guessed something, "Why does eldest sister-in-law ask so?"
Qin Mian gave a wee of smile, "I suddenly thought of an idea to make money while in the town today and wanted tell you two about it. If you two are willing to do it, you can earn more than dredging up the river and it will be easier than that."
Lei Xiangli's eyes lit up and immediately said, "Of course willing. What's the idea?"
Lei Xiangyi also looked happy, "It's arduous standing barefoot in the water. Of course it's good to have a more effortless work."
Qin Mian didn't beat around the bush. "My idea is that you can cook some hot soup and sell it at Six Bends River. Those workers stay in the water for so long every day and can only eat dried food at noon. There is nothing more comfortable than drinking hot soup. You can borrow a cart, just bring a pot and firewood, and then buy some bones, radishes or potatoes in the town and stew them in the large pot. If you want to be generous, you can add some minced meat. Even if a bowl of soup is sold for only a Wen, you can earn a lot of profit in a day."
"That's a good idea." Lei Xiangyi clapped his hands as he applauded and wished that it was dawn now, so he could drive the cart to the town right away. "Bones are cheap, won't be worth more than a few Wen. At most, it costs for some firewood, so the cost of making this soup isn't high. It's profitable."
Lei Xiangli couldn't help but be overjoyed. "There are at least 400~500 people dredging up the river, even if only 100 people are willing to spend money, we can still earn 100 Wen. We still have 60~70 Wen left after removing the cost, right?"
Between the two of them, one wanted to save private money to provide for his wife and daughter, and the other wanted to save money for his marriage. Qin Mian's idea was nothing more than a timely help.
Qin Mian said with a faint smile, "I told you two the idea. As for whether to tell others or not, it's up to you two."
Lei Xiangyi and Lei Xiangli were very clear that he (QM) was disgusted with certain people in the old house, so they did not take offense.
Lei Tie came out of the kitchen and sat down beside Qin Mian, "One cart is not enough, borrowed another one. Go together with us every day, the ox cart can be lent to you. Just send it back before the shop closes."
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"Many thanks, eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law." Lei Xiangli and Lei Xiangyi said thanks in unison.
Lei Xiangli hesitated for a moment and looked at Qin Mian, "Now there is no one selling soup by the river, but I think that once we go, it'll be hard to ensure others not to follow suit. By then, the soup will not sell unless it is better in taste. I know that there is a secret recipe for eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law's soup. Is it possible for eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law to sell some of the prepared soup ingredients for us to add to our soup?"
Qin Mian was a little surprised that Lei Xiangli could think of such a far away. He got a bit of a businessman's mind.
Lei Xiangyi also looked at Qin Mian with hope.
Qin Mian looked at Lei Tie.
Lei Tie said with hesitation, "You call the shots."
Qin Mian gave him a satisfied smile.
Lei Xiangyi and Lei Xiangli looked away from them in embarrassment.
After Qin Mian thought about it, he nodded, "Sure. But the seasonings are not easy to prepare. I can only sell you a small jar every day. You can pay me the cost price, which is 10 Wen." Friendship was friendship; interest was interest. Assuming an attitude of brothers settling accounts today could avoid future disputes between the two families over money. He and Lei Tie had a good relationship with Lei Xiangyi and Lei Xiangli, so he didn't want to appear petty because of interests issue in the future.
Although he offered to pay, Lei Xiangli didn't expect Qin Mian to accept the money without even saying evasive pleasantries, he felt a little uncomfortable in his heart. On second thought, the two families had been separated, thus they had better be clear when dealing with money so as to avoid future conflicts and broke the bond between the brothers. Besides, the idea of making money came from Qin Mian. Thinking such, he felt relieved.
The two brothers were anxious to go back to discuss the details. They once again expressed their thanks to Qin Mian and Lei Tei, and made arrangement to go out together the next morning.
After dawn, Qin Mian was not in the slightest surprised to see that Lei Xiangyi and Lei Xiangli appeared together with Lei Xiangren, Zhao Shi and Qian Shi.
Lei Xiangyi and Lei Xiangli's smiling expression looked a little reluctant. It was impossible for them to hide such a big move from the others and they had to get money from Du Shi to buy firewood and ingredients. Therefore, all the people in the old house knew that they are going to sell soup at the Six Bends River. Lei Xiangren and Zhao Shi husband and wife were fond of eating, averse to work and liked to take advantage of others. Both Lei Xiangyi and Lei Xiangli didn't want them to go together. However, Lei Daqiang and Du Shi gave them a tough attitude; they couldn't do anything about it.
Qian Shi's expression looked even worse. She could see that between Lei Xiangren, her husband, Lei Xiangli and Lei Xiangzhi, eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law preferred her husband, Lei Xiangli and Lei Xiangzhi. The elder sister-in-law's idea was obviously to help her husband and fourth brother. Lei Xiangren and Zhao Shi's participation made her angry. At this time, the idea of separation in her mind was becoming stronger. If they were separated at this time, the money earned would only be shared between Lei Xiangyi and Lei Xiangli.
It was unknown what Zhao Shi was thinking as she secretly glared at Qian Shi and Lei Xiangyi from time to time.
Qin Mian turned a blind eye to their secret thoughts and handed Lei Xiangli the small pottery jar that had been prepared for a long time. There was no spiritual spring water in the seasoning jar, only ten kinds of seasoning, but it was good enough.
Qin Mian jumped onto the ox cart.
Zhao Shi wanted to sit with him in the same cart to worm her way into being friends and then secretly see what's in the big jar on the cart.
But Qin Mian had been on guard. As soon as he sat, he let Lei Tie drive away.
Zhao Shi cursed secretly. She could only give up and return to the borrowed donkey cart. There were pot, stove, two baskets of bowls and chopsticks, oil, salt, sauce, vinegar, and other items on the cart.
The two carts left the village in the morning light.
Qin Mian took out two hot bamboo tubes from his portable bag and handed one to Lei Tie, "For you."
"Use it to warm your hands first," said Lei Tie.
"I'm not cold; I put on a lot today." Qin Mian twisted off the lid of the bamboo tube and handed it to him. He got up early today and cooked a small pot of batter soup on a charcoal stove. When the water boiled, he poured in flour and stirred with chopsticks. The mixture was brought to boil before adding minced meat and tender leaves of green vegetables. Then, the mixture was brought to boil again to pour the eggs and lastly added oil, salt and a bit of hot pot seasoning. The method was simple, but the taste was delicious. As soon as he took a sip, he tasted the rich flavor and his stomach also warmed.
The two men held the same bamboo tubes as they drank the soup. When they got to the town, they could eat three or four steamed stuffed buns and that would be enough.
Lei Xiangren and the others in the back saw it and also smelled the delicious aroma. They felt incessantly envious.
Perhaps, it was not bad for eldest brother to marry this male sister-in-law. Lei Xiangli was deeply moved in his heart and inexplicably thought that his future wife would also treat him well. His face then turned hot and he let out a dry cough to shake off the charming thoughts.
"Fourth brother, what's the matter?" Lei Xiangren glanced at him and asked casually.
"It's nothing." Lei Xiangli perfunctorily answered.
Lei Xiangren wormed his way into being friends with Lei Tie, "Eldest brother, how's your business recently?"
Lei Tie dully responded: "Satisfactory."
Lei Xiangren said with a smile: "Eldest brother, why be modest? I heard that in your shop are full of customers every day. You can earn at least 2~3 silver taels a day, right?"
Qin Mian grinned: "What can our small shop considered as? I heard that Tasty and Satisfactory Vegetarian Restaurant in the town is making a fortune every day. It's a pity ah, no matter how much others earn, it's theirs. Bystanders can only envy them."
Lei Xiangren recognized the implication of his words. He choked and glared at the back of Qin Mian's head. Despite that, Qin Mian was right, thus he could only laugh dryly.
Lei Xiangyi helped to resolve a dispute, "Second brother, when we arrive in the town, we take separate action. You go to buy firewood, fourth brother and I go to buy ingredients." Firewood was cheap, so it was not cost-effective to drag firewood all the way from home to the town and then from the town to the river. Therefore, they planned to buy it directly in the town.
Note:
General meaning is that QM didnt even bother to be evasive about it (its a kind of cultural things like the ritual refusals) [too lazy to explain much]
054 Will Die if You Don't Take Advantage of Others
"Sure." Lei Xiangren said, "After buying all the things, we'll meet at the entrance of the town."
In the cart behind, Zhao Shi and Qian Shi whispered to one another.
"Third brother's wife," Zhao Shi touched Qian Shi's arm and whispered, "Eldest sister-in-law gave us a good idea this time. I dare say that we can earn a lot of money by selling soup. But it's a pity that we have to give it all to mother."
Recalling the scene in the early morning when Du Shi counted the money for buying firewood and ingredients one by one before handed it over Lei Xiangren's hand, Qian Shi felt uncomfortable. She knew that Zhao Shi wanted to stir her up about separating from the family, but she strayed from her (ZS) plan and only uttered "en" without saying anything.
Seeing that she was not fooled, Zhao Shi had no choice but to say, "It would be great if we could also separate from the family."
Qian Shi asked deliberately, "Who do you mean by us?"
Zhao Shi dodged the question. In fact, she was also contradictory; she wanted to separate but also did not want to. If separated, she could control the money at home, but then she was unwilling at the thought of separation that meant she also had to separate from Lei Xiangzhi. Lei Xiangzhi's future was limitless. She was reluctant to give up this big tree. It could not have been better if Old Three and Old Four separated from the main family and Du Shi gave her the right to take charge of the family. That old woman was too abnormal to have still controlled her sons at that old age. When Miss Wei joined the household, she wanted to see if she (DS) could still be rampant…
The more Zhao Shi thought about it, the farther it went and her eyes turned vacant.
Qian Shi coldly glared at her and leaned on her knees to take a nap for a while.
When they arrived at the town, the sun had just come out and the shadows grew long under the sunshine.
The ox cart stopped in front of the shop. Lei Tie moved the newly bought vegetables and allowed Lei Xiangli to drive the cart away.
Chen Si, the barbecue chef, came early and squatted at the side as he ate breakfast two steamed buns.
"Good morning, big boss, small boss."
Qin Mian nodded to him, "Good morning."
"Don't worry, eldest brother. I'll buy some fodder by the way. I won't let the ox starve." Lei Xiangli said.
"It's the first time we've come to eldest sister-in-law's shop." Zhao Shi hinted at Qin Mian while her eyes floated on the closed shop's door.
"Yeah." Lei Xiangren chimed in and said with a flattering smile, "Eldest brother, you shop"
Lei Tie steadfastly stood on his ground as he indifferently said, "It's late."
Lei Xiangren and the others had to drive the carts to leave.
"That husband and wife really suited each other." Qin Mian took out the key to open the door as he shook his head.
"Don't have to mind them." Lei Tie didn't care about them very much. If other people had a bad thought, he could deal with them.
"Are you two the owners of the shop?"
An old voice sounded uncertainly from behind them.
Qin Mian looked back and saw an old man over 60 year old standing not far away with a bent waist and looked a little uneasy.
"That's right," Qin Mian said suspiciously, "Uncle, what can I do for you?"
The old man rubbed his hands and said, "I'm Zheng Liu's father. Little Liu was beaten last night. He asked me to tell you that someone forced him to say something about recipe…"
Chen Si stopped chewing and inwardly considered himself lucky that he lived near, so there was nothing happened to him last night.
Qin Mian's expression changed greatly as he looked at Lei Tie.
The light Lei Tie's eyes were cold.
Without waiting for him to open his mouth, a young man that looked simple and honest came from the distance.
"Boss Lei, boss Qin, you two are here, my younger brother has been"
"Beaten?" Qin Mian took over the other's word.
The man was stunned and nodded, "Yes, he didn't return home when it was very late. I came out to find him and discovered him lying on the roadside, injured. He's still unconscious."
Qin Mian's face sank. He was furious, but he did not lose his cool. He took out his money pouch and fished out four silver ingots to give two for each person.
"Uncle Zheng, Brother Wang, this matter started because of us. We're truly sorry. Take the money and bring Zheng Liu and Wang Shun to see a physician. By the way, I'd like to ask you to bring them a message from me, that is, let them heal their wounds at ease and come back to work when they are well. We'll solve this matter."
"This…"
It really costed a lot of money to see a physician. Zheng Liu's father and Wang Shun's older brother hesitated before taking the money.
Wang Shun's older brother said: "It is Shunzi's blessing to meet bosses like you two. You two bosses can rest assured, I'll bring the message. Many thanks."
Knowing that Zheng Liu's father and Wang Shun's older brother had walked away, Qin Mian was so angry that he kicked the vegetable basket. "Fuck! Outrageous!"
Lei Tie held him. "It's you who hurt. I'll solve this. Open the door first."
Qin Mian opened the door and sat down on the stool. "How are you going to solve it?"
"Rest assured." Lei Tie said, "I'm going out for a bit."
"Well, be careful." Qin Mian hadn't perfected his kung fu yet. Even if he went out with Lei Tie, he couldn't help much. He could only charge him with the task.
Lei Tie looked around, "The shops nearby are open, people come and go, you don't have to be afraid."
"What am I afraid of?" Qin Mian was amused, "Go quickly, you must give them a lesson."
Lei Tie nodded and left in a hurry.
Qin Mian took a look at Chen Si, who had never said a word, "Chen Si, are you afraid?"
Chen Si returned to his senses and laughed. He swallowed up the steamed bun in his hand and moved the vegetable basket into the shop. "Small boss, I'm not actually. Our surname Chen is also a big name in the town. What am I afraid of? But now, those people should know that only you and big boss have the seasoning recipe in our shop." The small boss hat fastened on Qin Mian's head could not be taken off anymore.
His statement was logical, so Qin Mian nodded, "In case someone comes to you in the future, you can go ahead push it onto mine and big boss's head." Since the opening of the shop, he and Lei Tie handled the seasonings of the hot pot, spicy hot soup and barbecue in person. The three staffs in the shop Zheng Liu, Wang Shun and Chen Si did not know the recipe.
"Don't worry, small boss." Chen Si said, "However, since Little Liu and Shunzi can't come, I'm afraid we don't have enough manpower today."
Qin Mian had made arrangement, "When the grocery store opens, I'll ask Boss Zou to borrow his shop assistant for a bit."
Boss Zou was the owner of the grocery store next door.
Chen Si curled his lips, "Boss Zou should be willing, but he'll definitely make you write out a salary."
"There's no other way." Qin Mian was helpless. "Little Liuzi and Little Shunzi must have been hurt badly. They have to rest for at least a month and a half. When your big boss comes back, I'll go to the brokerage and hire a temporary worker."
No longer chatting, Chen Si skillfully trimmed and washed the vegetables. Meanwhile, after Qin Mian stewed the big bone soup, he began to chop the meat.
About two hours later, Lei Tie came back.
Qin Mian looked him up and down. His expression was ordinary and his clothes were neat, as if he had just gone for a walk.
"How about it?
"It's solved."
Qin Mian doubted, "All solved?"
Chen Si looked over curiously.
Lei Tie nodded.
"How did you solve it?" Qin Mian questioned closely.
Lei Tie didn't speak; he sat down and pinched the meatball, "You chop the meat."
"How actually did you solve it?" Qin Mian's heart seemed to have a cat's paw scratching on it. He was very curious.
Lei Tie still didn't speak.
Qin Mian stared at him discontentedly. Since the man didn't want to say it, he also didn't want to waste his saliva. He turned to wash his hands, "I'm going to the brokerage to hire a temporary worker and a long-term worker."
Chen Si was puzzled, "Small boss, didn't you just say you only hire a temporary worker?"
"Look at the pitiful state of your big boss; both hands are smoked white. I'll hire someone to cook the spicy hot soup." Qin Mian teased.
Chen Si admiringly said: "Big boss and small boss have a good relationship, just like blood brothers."
Qin Mian stiffened.
Lei Tie glanced at Chen Si coldly.
Chen Si shuddered. What did he say wrong?
Lei Tie opened his mouth, "He's my"
"Lei Tie!" Qin Mianwhooshed over and covered the man's mouth. It was the first time he found that his speed was so fast, almost comparable to qinggong.
Lei Tie raised his hand and touched Qin Mian's face. He didn't say anything more and continued to pinch the meatball.
Only then Qin Mian let him go. He gave the man a warning look and went out with his hands clasped behind his back, head held high and chest out.
Chen Si glanced at the minced meat on Qin Mian's face and turned his head to snicker.
The new staff, Shi Tou was very simple and honest person. He was a bit slow in reaction, but he was diligent, energetic and didn't talk much. His joining made this day's business not affected by the absence of Zheng Liu and Wang Shun.
Lei Tie didn't have to cook spicy hot soup anymore. Thus, when there were few customers, he sat at the counter with Qin Mian and helped to carry the dishes or collected money when there were many customers.
When there were few customers, Qin Mian went to the pastry shop diagonally opposite and bought two kinds of pastry, which were divided into two parts.
When the sun was in the west, Lei Xiangren and several others drove in carts appeared with a happy expression.
"Eldest brother, eldest sister-in-law, we are back." Lei Xiangren yelled from afar.
Qin Mian really wanted to strangle him. His dagger eyes flew over with awhoosh.
Fortunately, the customers in the shop didn't realize that "eldest sister-in-law" was meant for him.
Lei Xiangli smacked Lei Xiangren and warned him, "Don't call eldest sister-in-law in front of outsiders."
Lei Xiangren suddenly realized, "Oh, I understand."
He parked the donkey cart on the side of the road, cheerfully walked into the shop, and approached the counter with a mysterious look, "Eldest brother, how much do you think we made today?"
Lei Tie dismally took up a brush to write. He was not interested in guessing.
Qin Mian casually asked, "How much?"
Lei Xiangren laughed, "203."
Lei Xiangyi grinned from ear to ear as he said: "We've calculated. We made a net profit of 160 Wen after subtracting the cost of firewood and ingredients."
"Not bad, not bad. Congratulations." Qin Mian cupped his hands as he congratulated.
Zhao Shi looked greedily at the hot pot that others were eating, "We've been busy for most of the day, nearly starved to death. Husband, let's have something to eat in eldest brother's shop."
"Yeah." Lei Xiangren smilingly said, "The food in eldest brother's shop is delicious."
Qin Mian also smiled, "You can choose whatever you want to eat. Vegetarian dishes cost a Wen, meat dishes 2 Wen. Hot pot is more expensive and you have to wait a little longer. I'll give you a 20% discount on your first visit."
Lei Xiangren looked at him in astonish, "We're all your own brothers…" He deliberately didn't finish.
Qin Mian smiled more brilliantly as he got closer, "You all go pick the dishes first."
Lei Xiangyi and Lei Xiangli felt embarrassed.
Lei Xiangyi looked at Lei Xiangren with disapproval, "What are you talking about, second brother?"
"I'm not wrong. Eldest sister-in-law is too scrupulous." Lei Xiangren reproached Qin Mian with dissatisfaction.
Qin Mian sneered. He had seen the meaning of "burnt the bridge after crossing it". However, he said nothing more and counted money with a happy smile. The coppers fell into the money box and the clanking sound was very pleasant to hear. He was not anxious, not at all.
Qian Shi suddenly realized, got close to Lei Xiangyi and whispered: "Husband, we've to pay and tomorrow we still have to buy the seasoning."
She deliberately let Lei Xiangren hear her.
Lei Xiangren paused, lightly hummed and said with a forced smile: "Yeah, blood brothers clearly have to settle accounts."
He glanced at Qin Mian obliquely and walked to the wooden shelf to pick up dishes.
Do you have an illness that you need to be smug whenever something good happen?Qin Mian wanted to step on his (LXR) face.
Lei Xiangyi and Lei Xiangli looked at each other with a sigh and went to pick dishes.
Qin Mian hooked his finger towards Lei Tie, signaling him to get closer.
Lei Tie walked a few steps to him.
Qin Mian pressed his shoulder and said in a low voice: "Fortunately, you ran away from home when you were 12 years old. Otherwise, if you grow up to be as thick-skinned as he is, I'll have to step on your face to make it thin."
Lei Tie lightly blurted out an "ah" and helplessly shook head.
"Just four meatballs cost 2 Wen?" Zhao Shi picked dishes while grimacing and spittle flew over, "2 Wen can buy a large piece of meat. The vegetable dishes are also expensive; five leaves cost a wen."
Note:
Lit. light-foot skill; a technique in Chinese martial arts that is visually reminiscent of parkour, despite having different training methods. (wiki)
055 The First Festival after Being Together
"It's a little expensive." Lei Xiangren wore a look of agreement, "A few thin pieces of streaky pork are also 2 Wen."
Chen Si, who stood a few steps away outside to serve the hot pot guests, looked disdainfully at the two, speechless.Where are these people from? Don't eat if it's too expensive. Moreover, the meatballs on each skewer are the same size. Is it necessary to pick and choose?
Without looking up, Qin Mian said slowly: "Out to the right are people selling steamed stuffed buns and continue ahead are people selling noodles and sesame seed pancakes."
Zhao Shi stooped talking.
Lei Xiangli blushed in embarrassment for his second brother and second sister-in-law. He said in a loud voice: "Another customer is coming. Hurry up, choose well and cook them first."
Zhao Shi and Lei Xiangren did not talk anymore and sped up their selection of dishes.
Qian Shi had already chosen the dishes she wanted without a word. Anyway, all the money they made today would be given to Du Shi. Right now, she would be a fool if she did not eat.
Seeing that her husband only picked vegetable dishes, she cut a look at him and helped him to pick again. She picked more meat dishes for him.
Lei Xiangyi smiled gently.
Qian Shi's face turned red.
Lei Xiangren and Zhao Shi took a look at the small baskets in their hands. Not to be outdone, they picked all meat dishes.
Once they checked out, the total was 62 Wen. It was 50 Wen after 20% discount. Lei Xiangren and Zhao Shi were so distressed that they frowned. On the second thought when they recalled that this money came from Du Shi, the load in their heart unloaded.
After eating, the few people drove the cart home.
Out of town, in the quiet road, only the bell on donkey's neck jingled.
Lei Xiangren lightly shouted out "ah", which attracted the attention of Lei Xiangyi and Lei Xiangli.
"Second brother, what's it?" Lei Xiangyi asked.
Lei Xiangren pondered: "Old Three, Old Four, I've an idea. You two listen and think about it."
Zhao Shi and Qian Shi both looked over.
"Say what you want to say, second brother." Lei Xiangyi said in annoyance.
Lei Xiangren said: "Today, we've made a net profit of 160 Wen. After taking out 50 for the meal, there is still 110 Wen left. I think, us three brothers can split 20 Wen each and give the rest to mother. What do you two think? You see, I've two children. I don't even usually have money to buy them snacks."
Lei Xiangyi sneered: "Who believe you? I don't believe you give all the money you earned previously doing manual work to mother."
Lei Xiangren glared, "If you're keen on saying that, you must be the same. Otherwise, how do you know I did it?"
Lei Xiangyi did not speak.
Lei Xiangli was secretly depressed. Could he be the only one honest enough to give his mother all the money he earned?
Lei Xiangren toned down his tone, "Who hasn't been selfish? Aren't you often saying that you don't have money to buy snacks for Xinxin? As for Old Four, it's time to get married. You need to save more money, right? When the new wife joins the household but you've no money to even buy a flower for her, you'll lose face."
Lei Xiangli's face felt hot, he busily said: "If you want talk about things, just talk about things. Don't talk nonsense."
"Oh, fourth brother is still shy." Zhao Shi laughed out loud.
Lei Xiangyi and Qian Shi exchanged a meaningful look.
"I've no objection," Lei Xiangyi said with a bitter smile. "You know that mother doesn't like our Xinxin. Up to now, we can count the number of times she eats snacks on one hand, in exception of festivals."
After he and Lei Xiangren reached the same opinion, both looked at Lei Xiangli.
Although Lei Xiangli felt that it was not good to cheat Du Shi, he did not object to it, "Quit it No objection."
The few people tacitly smiled and each immediately took 20 Wen to keep. Then, they talked about other topics leisurely.
After work ended in the evening, Qin Mian gave 5 Wen to Chen Si, asking him to send snacks to Zheng Liu and Wang Shun, as to express sympathy and solicitude for them on behalf of him and Lei Tie.
Qin Mian reserved some dishes and rice for him and Lei Tie, which he used to cook fried rice on the still burning stove to fill their stomach. Only then did they drive the cart home.
At this moment, the sky was pitch-black with the nearly full moon hung in the sky. The moonlight was light and soft, and the white clouds floated quietly around, making the curtain of night even darker.
Qin Mian looked back and said, "Is it my imagination? Why do I always think there's someone behind us?"
Not to mention, he and Lei Tie were on the mountain road. The mountains on both sides were very quiet, which was really a little horrifying.
"There are people." Lei Tie calmly spoke.
Qin Mian was taken aback, "Who? The people who want to covet the recipe?"
"Don't worry." Lei Tie pressed down his (QM) hand and gently pulled the reins. The ox stopped.
The sound of ox's hooves and the rolling of wheels disappeared. The night sky became more silent. A gust of wind blew and Qin Mian could not help but shiver.
Lei Tie motioned him to sit still in the cart. Then he jumped out of the cart silently, walked to the middle of the road, and calmly looked behind the cart.
Qin Mian inexplicably thought of the scene where the martial arts masters were about to face each other in the martial arts genre novels.
Since Lei Tie looked very calm, he was not nervous anymore. He turned around in the cart and looked at the distance curiously.
Four big stout men with sturdy rods in their hands approached quickly.
Seeing a dark figure standing in the middle of the road, they did not run away. They looked at each other and vaguely felt that something was wrong. After a moment's hesitation, they still held up their rods while quickly approached and came to a stop twozhangaway [6.6 meter].
"Lei Tie, Qin Mian; you two must know why we came here. If you are wise, give up the soup recipe!" One of them threatened with a rod.
Lei Tie's figure flashed. Qin Mian heard a scream before he could see any movement. When he looked carefully, the man who had just spoken was kneeling on the ground with his hands and arms stretched out behind his back in a strange shape. He was continuously shaking and his face's muscles distorted into an ugly look. The stick in his hand had gone somewhere.
The remaining three were so shocked that they did not dare to step forward. Even Qin Mian, who had drunk the spiritual spring water, could not see Lei Tie's movement, so the three were even less likely to see it because they were more frightened by the unknown.
With a sly smile, Qin Mian raised his voice as he said: "Lei Tie, I didn't see it. When dealing with the next one, slow down so I could learn."
The three men shivered at the same time.
"Alright." Lei Tie's right foot only briefly touched on the ground before he flashed out and stood behind the second man. His right hand right hand made three quick strokes in a certain position on the man's arms.
The second person reacted the same as the first. He cried out in pain and fell to the ground. No matter how hard he tried, he could not stand up. He looked at Lei Tie with fear, his voice trembled, "You-you What have you done to me?"
Lei Tie said: "This is just a small lesson. You can't move for three days from today. Go back and tell your boss, if he dares to be presumptuous again, I'll make him soft as dough, unable to take care of himself for a lifetime. If he doesn't believe it, he can try at any time." He spoke slowly and in a flat tone, but that was what made him more intimidating.
However, Qin Mian burst out laughing.Has this guy been smoked by the smell of smoke in the restaurant for a long time? He can even think of "dough" as an analogy.
The remaining two people no longer had the courage to fight. They carried the injured two people and flee in disorder.
"Let's go." Qin Mian called Lei Tie to get on the cart, "It's so cold."
Lei Tie got on the cart and they continued to hurry on their way. "Hire another accountant instead of going to the shop every day." He had long found that his wife was afraid of the cold. When they slept at night, he (QM) persistently drilled into his arms.
Qin Mian hesitated. It was not that he was reluctant to spend money on people from the ancient times. "Hire an accountant What if he covets the money?"
"Slavery deed and death deed." Lei Tie said indifferently.
Qin Mian was stunned. The slavery deed was one of the characteristic products of feudal society. It was a little hard for him, who came from modern times, to accept the concept. But after he hesitated for a moment, he accepted it. There was a so-called "when in Rome, do as the Romans do". It would be too pretentious to live in such a society but still needed to put up with human rights.
"It's good idea to buy an accountant. Later, we can go to the shop when we want to and stay at home in winter when we don't want to."
They went to the brokerage and bought a man named Yue Dong. He was twenty years old who could write and calculate. It costed 15 silver taels to buy Yue Dong. After the goods delivered and the bill settled, Yue Dong's slavery deed also went in Qin Mian's hands.
The shop was too small to live in. Qin Mian did not want outsiders to live at home, so he reserved a bunk for Yue Dong in the communal bed of the inn. Although it was not convenient now, everything would be rearranged after the New Year.
The staffs in the restaurant had a clearer division of labor. Before the shop opened, Zheng Liu, Shi Tou and Wang Shun were responsible for washing and skewing dishes; Yue Dong and Chen Si were responsible for stewing and chopping meat to make meatballs. After the meatballs were ready, they also helped to wash and skewer dishes. After the shop opened, Chen Si was responsible for barbecue, Shi Tou was responsible for spicy hot soup, and Zheng Liu and Wang Shun were responsible for welcoming customers and serving dishes. Yue Dong was only responsible for collecting money.
After observing Yue Dong for several days, Qin Mian found that he was calm and careful. He simply gave Yue Dong the key to the shop and asked him to hold concurrent posts as a manager and be in charge of stocking up.
Yue Dong did not expect that the two bosses would value him so much before long. Since then, he had been more serious and responsible.
After the shop was handed over, Qin Mian and Lei Tie only needed to send enough seasonings to the shop every few days and occasionally visit the shop to check the account books.
When he did not go to the shop, Qin Mian stayed at home and wrote a plan to make a fortune in the coming year. Meanwhile, Lei Tie went to the mountain every two days and each time, he brought great harvest.
Qin Mian discovered that Lei Tie liked this current life better than going to work in the shop all the time.
These few days, the prey he caught was more than enough for them to celebrate the New Year. A portion of it was sent to the shop, and the rest were salted and hung on the beam to dry.
"Don't go up the mountain today. It's the winter solstice." Qin Mian watched Lei Tie wash the ingredients for breakfast, with a smile on his face. He did not know when it started, but every time he cooked, the man would take the initiative to wash rice, trim and wash vegetables, and even cut the vegetables. All Qin Mian had to do was the last process.
"Winter solstice." Lei Tie thought that it was no wonder he smelled all kinds of aroma in the village early in the morning.
The ancients believed that on winter solstice, the light force of heaven and earth began to develop and become stronger, which represented the beginning of the next cycle. It was a very auspicious day.
Therefore, the winter solstice was a very important traditional festival. On this day, people would make some delicious food to celebrate and at the same time, it also signified that the future would be better. The miserly and the poor also had to cook something delicious. Otherwise it would be considered unlucky.
Note:
1 zhang = 10 Chinese feet = 3.3 m.
It has the same meaning as to educate.
056 Deliver Dumplings
"We'll eat anything in the morning and make dumplings at noon." Qin Mian was in high spirits. Today was the first time he was going to eat dumplings since he transmigrated.
"Dumplings?" Lei Tie looked at him inquisitively.
Qin Mian was astonished. Could there be no such delicacy as dumplings in this time and space?
"You'll find out later."
"Alright." Lei Tie nodded and gave up the idea of going up the mountain. Winter Solstice was the first festival after he and his wife got together, so it should be celebrated properly.
Qin Mian made a pot of stewed noodles with the ingredients Lei Tie had dealt with. After breakfast, he asked Lei Tie to knead dough, while he prepared the dumpling stuffing. He remembered that his grandmother used to wrap the dumplings with deep-fried pork dough sticks and blindweed stuffing. The blindweed were fresh and tender and the pork was savory. When mixed together, the taste was excellent.
It was too troublesome to make deep-fried dough sticks. Qin Mian mixed the flour with water into diluted liquid, added eight eggs, stirred them evenly, spread them out in the oiled wok, fried them into thin egg pancakes, and then cut them into small pieces. Next, he chopped pork into small pieces. There was no blindweed, so instead, he used green vegetables and chopped them up. He stir-fried these with chopped scallion and ginger in the wok until half cooked before adding proper amount of salt. After he made sure it was evenly mixed, the savory dumpling stuffing was done.
After the dough was made, Qin Mian took a lump of dough, kneaded it into a tube shape, and then cut it into small dough pieces with a knife. Next, he used a rolling pin to roll them into thin slices, making the dumpling wrappers.
Lei Tie was in charge of rolling the dumpling wrappers after he learned it. Meanwhile, Qin Mian wrapped the dumplings while warming beside the charcoal stove. He placed a dumpling wrapper in the center of his left palm, used a small spoon to scoop out dumpling stuffing and put it on the wrapper. Then, he closed the dumpling wrapper and pinched it tightly. A dumpling was wrapped in a few seconds and placed in a large clean sieve.
Lei Tie's hand quickly rolled a dozen dumpling wrappers and Qin Mian wrapped them altogether. After the dumpling wrappers were used up, he continued to roll In this fashion, an hour later, nearly 200 plump white dumplings covered the whole sieve.
"Make fire and prepare to cook the dumplings." Qin Mian ordered.
Lei Tie ignited the stove, scooped a few ladle of water into the wok and covered it.
"How many do you eat?" Qin Mian asked. More than 100 dumplings could not be eaten by two people in one meal.
Lei Tie looked at the dumplings and said without hesitation: "50."
Qin Mian was a little skeptical, "Can you finish them?"
Lei Tie's mouth agape, "You wrapped it small."
Qin Mian's sharp eyes found that his (LT) ears were a little red, and he could not help but smothered his laugh, "What's so embarrassing? I don't dislike you eat too much. I can afford you, don't worry."
Lei Tie nodded.
Qin Mian felt uncomfortable when he (LT) was so serious. After the water boiled, he was still unable to bear it and wanted to laugh when he picked up the dumplings to put into the wok, "Cough.First cook a wok for us to eat. Then cook another to send to the old house and Grandpa Jiang's house. At that time we split from the family, Grandpa Jiang gave us eggs, which we still haven't returned the gesture. Today is our chance."
Lei Tie nodded.
When the dumplings were out of the wok, Qin Mian ate 35 of them. It was quite delicious. If it was not for his stomach could not be filled anymore, he would like to eat more. Lei Tie easily wiped out 50 pieces of dumpling and even added 5 more.
Qin Mian picked up the second batch of dumplings one by one to put into two large bowls and then the bowls were stored in a food box.
"Are you going or not?" Qin Mian asked.
"Together."
Lei Tie picked up a silvery gray scarf on the back of the chair and put it around Qin Mian. He went out after Qin Mian and locked the door.
The two walked all the way surrounded by the smell of meat, fish and oil from every household. There was hardly anyone on the road, and none of the naughty children, who usually liked to run around, were seen. There was delicious food at home, so the children were reluctant to go out.
"Which house to go first?"
About to arrive, Lei Tie asked.
Qin Mian said with a meaningful smile, "As someone's children, of course we should go to our parents' house first."
After entering the courtyard gate of the old house, they saw the people were all sitting around the table in the central room. It looked like they were about to eat. Lei Xiangren did not sell soup today. Lei Xiangzhi took a holiday and was at home. A large family was talking and laughing; it was very lively.
Qin Mian greeted in a loud voice: "Father, mother, we're here. Are you all already eating?"
Lei Xiangyi, Lei Xiangli, Lei Xiangzhi and Lei Chuntao all stood up to greet them.
"Eldest brother, eldest sister-in-law."
Lei Daqiang's attitude today was surprisingly good. He smiled while nodding, "Eldest and eldest daughter-in-law are here."
Lei Tie nodded blankly as a greeting.
Du Shi glanced at him and Qin Mian lightly, and without getting up, "I don't know you two are coming. I'm afraid the food is not enough."
Qin Mian deliberately looked at the dishes on the table, "There are so many dishes, adding two pairs of chopsticks should be no problem."
Du Shi's expression changed.
Zhao Shi chipped in: "What is eldest brother carrying?"
Qin Mian looked at Du Shi with a smile, "We just came here after eating. Just now I was just joking with mother. We've brought some food here. Please get an empty large bowl or plate."
"Ah." As soon as Zhao Shi heard that there was food, she straightly moved and brought a large plate.
Qin Mian took out the dumplings from the food box and poured them all into the plate.
"What is this, eldest sister-in-law?" Qian Shi asked curiously.
Qin Mian put the empty bowl back into the food box. "It's a kind of food made of flour. Like meat stuffed buns, it's wrapped with meat stuffing."
Zhao Shi stared at the food box and said with a flattering smile: "I seem to see another bowl?"
When Du Shi heard that, she stared at Qin Mian and used her eyes to tell that he'd better bring out the other bowl as well.
Qin Mian had yet to speak, Lei Xiangren already could not wait, "Is it meat stuffing? Give father to taste first." Then he took the dumplings to the men's table, picked one up and put it into his mouth. After taking a tentative bite, he chewed it eagerly, "En, it's delicious."
Qin Mian said leisurely: "The other bowl is for Grandpa Jiang next door. When we split up from the family, Grandpa Jiang gave us a basket of eggs, which could be described as a timely help. Second brother's wife, don't you think your eldest brother and I should return this favor?"
"Oh, that's so." Zhao Shi was disappointed.
Du Shi said while frowning: "Didn't you invite them to meal during housewarming? This dumpling doesnt need to be delivered, right?"
Lei Daqiang interrupted her, "Eldest and eldest daughter-in-law are doing the right thing."
Qin Mian chuckled, "Father, we've been busy a while ago, we haven't said congratulations to you." He was deliberately making Du Shi uncomfortable.
Du Shi's face was as black as charcoal and her chest sharply heaved.
Lei Daqiang laughed, feeling a little embarrassed, but at the thought of Miss Wei, his pupils floated with joyous expression, "Do you want to eat some, together?"
Lei Xiangren and Lei Xiangyi ate several dumplings in a row. Zhao Shi said in a hurry: "This dish is quite a lot. Mother, you divide it."
Lei Xiangli and Lei Xiangzhi both looked at her with a straight face.
Qin Mian snickered and stood up. "Father, mother, please eat slowly. We'll go and visit Grandpa Jiang."
Arriving next door, they knocked on the courtyard gate. It was a 17-year-old boy who came to open the gate, tilting his head as he looked at Qin Mian and Lei Tie.
"Who are you looking for?"
"Is Grandpa Jiang at home?" Qin Mian raised his voice as he asked.
"Who is it?" As soon as Grandpa Jiang came out of the house and saw Qin Mian, he laughed and said: "Ah, it's you two. Come in and sit down."
Grandpa Jiang's son and daughter-in-law poked their heads from inside the house, but they did not come out. It could be seen that they were not very welcome.
Qin Mian did not go in. He just brought out the dumplings. "Grandpa Jiang, we still have something to do, so we won't go in. We haven't had a chance to thank you for the eggs you gave us last time. It's our homemade food. It's just a small token to show our respect to you."
"We're fellow villagers, why the need to be courteous?" Grandpa Jiang was a little surprised and then he smiled that made the look in his eyes more amiable, "It's not easy for two adult men to live together. You two keep the food for yourself."
Qin Mian said: "Don't be too polite, Grandpa Jiang. We've made a lot. This is especially for you. If you don't accept it, it'll be cold."
"All right." Seeing his insistence, Grandpa Jiang took the bowl and went to the kitchen. After a while, he took out the empty bowl with two plump Chinese cabbages.
"Yesterday, I passed by your vegetable garden and saw that the vegetables in the garden haven't grown up. You can take these two cabbages back to eat. It's not worth anything, don't refuse them."
"Thank you, Grandpa Jiang." Seeing his kindness, Qin Mian accepted it generously.
Lei Tie also said "many thanks".
Watching the back figures of the two men leaving, Grandpa Jiang stood for a while before entering the house.
"Father, why are you being close to them?" Grandpa Jiang's son, Jiang Dayou, complained in a low voice.
His daughter-in-law stood at the side. Although she did not say anything, she also had a look of disapproval on her face.
Grandpa Jiang sat down at the table, glanced at his wife, put a peanut in his mouth and chewed it slowly, "Ask your mother why."
Grandma Jiang laughed and put her baby grandson into her embrace. "Dayou, let me ask you. Did Lei Tie and his wife commit murder and arson?"
Jiang Dayou shook his head.
"Did they swindle people?"
Jiang Dayou said: "There is no such thing."
"That's it." Grandma Jiang said gently, "At the time when they split from the family, your father gave them a few eggs. Until now, they still remember it. One can see that they're grateful. At that time, they practically left with nothing, but now they run a shop in the town. I heard they make a lot of money every day. Even the idea of selling soup at the Six Bends River by the brothers next door came from Lei Tie's wife. One can see that they are capable people."
Jiang Dayou was absorbed in thoughts.
"All right. Let's eat." Grandpa Jiang laughed, "You don't like to associate with them, but they don't necessarily like to associate with you."
Jiang Dayou felt helpless. Was it necessary to belittle your son like that?
When Qin Mian and Lei Tie walked into the alley where they lived, they saw Zhang Dashuan standing at the gate of their house with a plate. There was a bowl turned upside-down on the plate.
They quickened their pace.
"Brother Zhang."
"Where did you two go?" Zhang Dashuan smilingly said, "I've been waiting for a while. Have you had lunch? Isn't it a holiday today? Your sister made a cabbage stew and asked me to bring you two a bowl. Now its still hot."
Qin Mian opened the door and invited him in, "We've eaten. We went to the old house just now. You and sister are so thoughtful."
Zhang Dashuan said: "What is this worth? We haven't thank you two for giving the job of making bamboo sticks to me. I've made a lot of money recently. It's enough for a good year."
"Brother Zhang has taken care of us more often." Lei Tie said.
Zhang Dashuan happily handed the plate to Qin Mian, "Fine, I won't say anything. Our two families will take care of each other. Here, it'll taste better if it is re-heated in the evening."
Qin Mian took the plate to the kitchen and said Lei Tie: "You sit with Brother Zhang."
"You went there." Zhang Dashuan smiled ambiguously as he said to Lei Tie, "In a few days, Uncle Lei's second wife will join the household."
"That's his business." Lei Tie wore an uncaring expression.
Zhang Dashuan did not comment. Lei Daqiang was the first person to marry an equal wife, not to mention in the Green Mountain Village, but even in the Running Water Town. He and his wife were still worried about what gifts to send.
Since he had not eaten lunch yet, he just sat for a while and then went home with a bowl of raw dumplings.
Note:
Not blood-related
057 Young Mother Joins the Household
In the twinkling of an eye, it came to the day Lei Daqiang married Wei Wei.
Qin Mian and Lei Tie informed Yue Dong in advance that they would not go to the shop. Since that night Lei Tie ruthlessly taught a lesson to those two men, no one looked for trouble with the restaurant anymore. There was nothing to worry about if they did not go to the shop for few days.
After breakfast, they dressed up and came to the old house together. Compared with the previous few days, there were some changes in the old house. There were two red lanterns hanging under the eaves of the courtyard gate. Several red "" characters were pasted at different positions on the courtyard gate, the central room and the external wall, portraying the auspicious festive.
When Qin Mian walked closer, he looked at the house and wondered how the whole family would live after Miss Wei joined in? Could it be that every time Lei Daqiang wanted to be with Wei Shi, he would rush Du Shi to Lei Chuntao's room or divide his bed in two with a cloth curtain?
At the thought of that kind of funny scene, Qin Mian laughed silently. The more he thought, the more he laughed.
"What are you laughing at?" Lei Tie patted him on the head.
Qin Mian promptly said: "Nothing, nothing." There was still a smile on his face.
Lei Tie did not ask anymore and pulled him into the yard.
The auspicious time was near dusk, and therefore the courtyard was still relatively quiet right now. In regard of their father taken a wife, Lei Xiangren and the other younger generations were very embarrassed and quietly did things at hand.
"Eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law; you two are here." Lei Xiangli came over.
Lei Tie waved his hand, "Continue with your work."
Lei Xiangli sighed and went out of the courtyard. "I'm going to borrow tables and chairs."
Qin Mian and Lei Tie walked around. There was no need to help and they also did not want to see Du Shi's "everyone owed her 500 taels" face. Thus, they turned back home.
Qin Mian suggested, "Let's go to buy some tofu and a fish." Although Green Mountain Village was far away from Running Water Town, there were wine workshop, tofu workshop and fish farms in the village. It was very convenient to buy wine, tofu and fish. In this regard, he thought it was not too bad to transmigrate to Green Mountain Village.
Lei Tie pointed his chin to the left side of the small path to let him go that way.
"Brother Tie and sister go for a walk?" Wu Di came face-to-face as he teased.
Lei Tie nodded slightly.
Quan Mian nodded politely to Wu Di and the other three villagers who were walking with him.
"We're going to the other end of the village to buy tofu. Where are all of you going?"
Wu Di said: "I heard that Old Zhao and his wife are fighting. We're going to try to stop people from fighting each other. Hahaha…"
Qin Mian said: "Old Zhao and his wife have a small fight every day and a big fight every three days. It's nothing new in our village, right?" This married couple was a pair of wonder in their village. They would not feel comfortable without fighting for a day, but after each fight, they still went out arm in arm the next morning. They behaved intimately, comparable to modern people. The villager all understood that the two had a good relationship, and fighting was more like a special way for them to express their feelings for each other.
"It's not the same this time," said a young man beside Wu Di while laughing. "It's said that this time is because Old Zhao didn't go home last night, but came back this morning with a red lip's print on his clothes! Hahaha…"
Another person urged: "Quick, go have a look!"
"Brother Tie and sister, we're going first!" Wu Di waved his hand as he was pulled away.
Qin Mian shook his head. This Wu Di really did not look like a married man.
The two slowly swayed forward and bought fish and tofu before going home.
At noon, Qin Mian cooked three dishes: braised tofu, braised fish, and stewed cabbage with pork.
As before, after Qin Mian ate well first, Lei Tie cleaned up the rest of the rice and dishes.
Why doesn't he get fat?Qin Mian was envious as he thought so.
After lunch, they took a walk to help digestion and then took a nap on the bed for a while. When they vaguely heard the sound of the festive suonas approaching, they quickly tidied up and went to the old house.
As expected, it was the bride escorts returning home. The sound of firecrackers exploded outside the village crackled for a long time.
This sound of firecrackers told people that the bride was coming soon, reminded the family to prepare the welcoming of the bride, and also informed the guests that they could come.
At the old house, Lei Xiangren, Lei Xiangyi, Lei Xiangli, Zhao Shi and Qian Shi greeted the guests at the door. The three Lei brothers were responsible for male guests, Zhao Shi and Qian Shi were responsible for female guests, and Lei Chuntao was responsible for entertaining the children. All of them were busy. Lei Xiangzhi was still in school. Meanwhile, Du Shi had not appeared. She was said to be sick.
Qin Mian and Lei Tie rushed forward to help receiving gifts and inviting the guests to the courtyard.
The bride escorting procession was getting closer. At the front of the line were six men in red clothes. Some were beating gongs, some were playing drums, and some were blowing suonas with their cheeks bulging. How very festive. Behind them was Lei Daqiang, who was tied with a big red flower, grinning from ear to ear and looking like he was ten years younger. Next to Lei Daqiang was a red four manned palanquin. Naturally, the bride was sitting in this palanquin.
There were about five to six men and women behind the palanquin, in which they all carried new bamboo baskets with the character "" pasted on. Needless to say, the basket contained the bride's dowry that included rice, flour, cloth, brand-new small furniture, and etc.
When the procession arrived in front of the gate, there was another burst of firecrackers, "Crackle"
"Here comes the bride" The children screamed in excitement, frolicking and blocking the palanquin to prevent the palanquin from approaching the courtyard gate.
Lei Daqiang had been prepared. He grabbed a few handfuls of sweets from a basket and threw them away.
The children cheered and ran to pick up the sweets, and the palanquin landed smoothly at the gate.
After getting off the palanquin, the bride and Lei Daqiang pulled along the red "joy" ribbon together as they entered the gate.
The guests crowded in to watch the excitement. The yard was full of people making an unnecessary racket and loudly jeering.
Qin Mian also wanted to get closer, but he could not occupy a space. On tiptoe, he saw that after the bride stepping over the brazier, she and Lei Daqiang completed the ceremony according to the instructions of "the first kowtow is for the heaven and earth, the second for the parents and the third for each other". After that, she was sent to the bridal chamber.
Nevertheless, the kowtow for the parents was towards the memorial tablet of Lei Daqiang's parents.
After the bride was sent to the bridal chamber, the bridegroom Lei Daqiang was pulled to drink by the villagers.
Whether it was the host or the guests, they tacitly did not mention the reason for Du Shi's absence.
This was the busiest time. The hired cooks were cooking in an orderly manner. Qin Mian and Lei Tie arrange the guests to sit down and help serve the dishes.
From time to time, Qin Mian looked towards the outside of the gate and whispered to Lei Tie: "Did they miss the time?"
"Don't worry. It's been arranged." Lei Tie pacified.
Almost at the same time as his words just finished, outside came the approaching sound of horse's hooves, and then someone shouted: "Eating Savory Restaurant offers ten portions of spicy hot pot!"
The courtyard suddenly quieted down, and a few look of surprised, shocked or admiration fell on Qin Mian and Lei Tie at the same time.
Lei Tie's face was expressionless, while Qin Mian was smiling, maintaining the basic courtesy.
After a short while, ten energetic young men went into the courtyard one by one. The first two men each held five unlit charcoal stoves, followed by two men carried a sack of charcoal together, two men carried five large double-eared pots, two men carried four bamboo baskets with different dishes, which were meatballs, fillets of fish, chicken pieces, quail eggs, mushrooms, vegetables, potatoes and tofu. The last two men jointly carried a bucket-like big wok. All the ten men were hired by Qin Mian.
The crowd stood gazing at each other and talked in low voices while hardly hid their excitement.
"Old Lei's eldest son and eldest daughter-in-law have good prospects ah. This is a big spend!"
"I think all those dishes will cost 700~800 Wen!"
"Lei Tie and his wife are very kind. The father and stepmother forced them to split and move out, but they still don't forget to repay the kindness of parents upbringing."
Hearing these words, the corner of Qin Mian's mouth invoked a subtle smile.
After putting down the things, the ten helpers put a charcoal stove on each table in an orderly manner, lit the charcoal and put the pot on it, poured the boiled thick soup, and then skillfully divided all kinds of hot pot dishes into ten portions and distributed them to each table.
"Old Lei produced a good son, ah." Some people admiringly said.
When Lei Daqiang's ears caught that, he felt proud. Blushing and laughing, he patted Lei Tie on the shoulder and said three good words of praise.
However, he did not know that the sick Du Shi hiding in the house looked at the people smiling and laughing in the yard with red eyes. When she also saw Qin Mian's smiling face, she felt that everyone was satirizing her. Her hands clenched into fists as there was a burst of pain in her chest. The pain almost made her vomit blood. She squeezed a few words from between her teeth, "Lei Daqiang"
Xiao Shi, her sister-in-law, sat with her and quickly comforted her: "Younger sister-in-law, there's nothing you can do about it. You should think positively. I'll go out and have a look." It was said that the hot pot was very delicious, and she craved it very much. If she was a step slower, she might lose her share.
Wei Wei, who was sitting in her new room, also heard someone shouting "Eating Savory Restaurant offers ten portions of spicy hot pot" outside, and the pretty face under the red veil gave a pleasant smile.
Zhang Dashuan walked to Lei Tie and laughingly teased, "Spent a lot today."
Qin Mian minutely smiled and looked at the direction of the house with unclear meaning, "As it should be."
"Brother Zhang, go and sit there." Lei Tie invited Zhang Dashuan to the table.
After the ten young men prepared the dishes, Qin Mian took out a string of money from his sleeve pocket and handed it over, "Great work. This is for you to buy wine. You all come back tomorrow morning to move things."
"Many thanks, small boss." The few guys joyfully expressed their thanks and left.
At this time, the fire in the charcoal stove burnt up, thus the smell of hot pot immediately became strong and attractive. The atmosphere in the courtyard seemingly spurred by the aroma and turned enthusiastic. The villagers kept toasting Lei Daqiang and wished him a happy wedding.
The Lei three brothers also did not escape the fierce toasting offensive.
Qin Mian escaped with the excuse that he could not drink. Lei Tie always had a cold face, so no one dared to pull him in. Therefore, the two men were able to dine leisurely. Occasionally, they invited young people such as Zhang Dashuan and Wu Di at the same table to drink and eat.
"Brother Zhang." A flush-faced drunk villager at the same table patted Zhang Dashuan on the back, "I heard that you made bamboo sticks for Lei Tie's hot pot shop. Can you make a lot of money in a day?"
Qin Mian and Lei Tie looked at each other and then bowed their heads to eat, acting as though they did not hear it.
Zhang Dashuan's chopsticks paused for a moment before he went to pick up the dishes in the hot pot. Laughing, he said, "This is because my brother Lei and his wife think highly of me. Eat the dishes, eat the dishes!"
Note:
double happiness (similar to ) / symbol of good luck, esp. marriage
Not blood-related. The common address for a friends wife
058 The First Confrontation of Du Shi and Wei Shi
"Yes, yes, its Brother Lei." That villager looked at Lei Tie again. He knocked the porcelain plate with his chopsticks and spoke with a smell of liquor in his breath. "Brother Lei, were all from the same village. If theres a chance to make a fortune, youve to show consideration to fellow countrymen. Am I right, everyone?"
Lei Ties expression slightly sunk.
Qin Mian raised his eyebrows as he looked at that villager.
The other people at the table were embarrassed and secretly scolded that villager for eating Lei Ties hot pot but still running his mouth non-stop. Even if people really had a chance to get rich, they would consider their blood brothers or people who had a good relationship with them. Who did you think you are? It simply broke the harmonious atmosphere at the table.
Wu Di hooked an arm around that villager's shoulder as he said with a smile: "Brother Qiu, don't just talk. Come, let's have another toast! Or are you afraid that sister [wife] will make you kneel on a broom when you go back?"
"Who is afraid of her?" The man was stubborn, raised his glass and said in a loud voice, "Come, drink a mouthful!"
"Come, drink again!" A few others also came along.
Qin Mian sped up his eating action. After finishing, he took advantage of people's inattention to slip away, hid outside the gate of the courtyard and hooked his finger towards Lei Tie.
Lei Tie silently put down the bowl and walked over.
Qin Mian pulled him to leave for fear that someone else had drank too much and asked them to "show consideration".
"Not full." Lei Tie honestly let himself being pulled by Qin Mian.
The sun had just set. Most people had gone to the old house to attend the wedding reception; therefore it was very quiet all around.
Qin Mian promptly said: "I'll make noodles with diced meat for you when were home."
As soon as he finished speaking, it changed to Lei Tie who pulled him home.
Qin Mian then remembered something, "There was a woman who kept staring at us when were eating just now. Who is that?"
Lei Tie thought for a moment, "[Paternal] Aunt."
"Oh." Qin Mian's response was flat. At the beginning of their separation from the main family, relatives from everywhere were informed, but none of them went to their house. Those relatives did not care about him and Lei Tie, let alone any of them came to help [financially, so neither did he need to care about them.
Back home, both of them felt much more comfortable than in the old house.
Lei Tie went directly to the kitchen, "What to wash and what to cut?"
"You don't have to, I'll do it." Qin Mian picked a block of pork with fairly fat skin from the beam of the house. The pork was three parts fat and seven parts lean, which was suitable for making diced meat. He cut the meat into thin pieces and asked Lei Tie to make a fire. When the oil in the wok heated up, he poured the diced meat in and constantly stirred. At 30 percent cooked, Qin Mian added ginger powder and salt to it, and continued to stir-fry. At 60 percent cooked, he added vinegar and stir-fried. At 70 percent cooked, he added soy sauce and Sichuan pepper. When it was about done, he added a proper amount of chili powder and water to simmer for a while and only then the diced meat soup could be scooped out of the wok. The meat was soft, tender and spicy, with bright red oil.
When Qin Mian looked at it, he also craved it unbearably. He took a pair of chopsticks to pick up two pieces of meat to taste and then praised himself, "I surpassed my skill; its soft and tender."
Upon seeing Lei Tie staring at his mouth, he took a small bowl, put a few pieces of meat and handed it to him, "Here."
Lei Tie took the bowl, grabbed the chopsticks in his hand and ate the meat in the bowl.
Qin Mian looked at him in shocked, "That's my chopsticks!"
"En." Lei Tie did not even lift his head.
Qin Mian kicked him, "You can't get another pair?"
"What's the difference?" Lei Tie raised his head with a look of ignorant.
Qin Mian's mouth twitched, unable to speak. Could he tell Lei Tie that "you kiss me indirectly by using my used chopsticks"?
The noodles were cooked in another wok. When the noodles were cooked, he dredged up the noodles, poured a spoonful of diced meat soup, added a handful of scallions and stirred them with chopsticks. The appetizing aroma assailed the nostrils. The rest of diced meat soup could be kept for tomorrow. The soup would not go bad since it was cold nowadays.
"It's ready to eat." Qin Mian was careful not to spill the soup on the stovetop as he said unhappily.
"I'll take it." Lei Tie beat him to it, lifted the noodles bowl and put it on the dining table.
Qin Mian came out from the kitchen after he washed his hands and did not see a figure. After a while, he saw Lei Tie come out of the utility room with a jug of wine in his hand.
He could not help complaining, "Eating noodles and still want to drink."
"It looks good to have with wine." Lei Tie put down the wine jar, but did not immediately sit down, "Wife, have a drink too?"
"No." Qin Mian shook his head.
Lei Tie then took a wine cup, poured and drank from himself. Qin Mian had nothing to do, so he sat beside Lei Tie and watched him eat.
Lei Tie seemed to be in a good mood. He tasted the wine leisurely and ate the noodles slowly.
Watching him, Qin Mian felt anxious and itched to feed him. He was really bored. He simply went to the kitchen and took a pair of chopsticks to eat the meat in Lei Ties bowl.
"This is my noodles." Lei Tie said.
Qin Mian provocatively put four pieces of meat into his mouth at a time, "What's the difference?"
Lei Tie shook his head.
Qin Mian complacently picked out all the meat in his bowl and ate it.
Lei Tie said nothing. Holding a white porcelain wine cup in his left hand and chopsticks in his right hand, he helped Qin Mian find the meat in the noodles.
Qin Mians cheeks heated up. He put down his chopsticks and suddenly stood up. He ran to the settee and lay down his heart was pounding. He did not dare to look at Lei Tie.
Lei Tie stared at him for a long time before taking back his eyes. He turned the wine cup upside down and concentrated on eating the noodles. The noodles had been soaked in the soup for too long and were already soggy, but he still thought it was delicious. He even drank up the soup.
——-
At dawn, after Qin Mian and Lei Tie washed up, they went to the old house early.
In addition to Du Shi, Lei Xiangren, Lei Xiangyi, Lei Xiangli, Zhao Shi, Qian Shi and the three children, there was also Lei Daqiang's eldest brother Lei Dagangs family which consisted of Le Dagang, Lei Dagang's wife, their two sons, two daughter-in-law, two grandsons and two granddaughters. Lei Daqiang and Lei Dagang had some conflicts when they separated during those years. The relationship between their two families was only so-so and they also were not familiar with each other. They only paid a visit when there were festivals, weddings and funerals.
The full room of people was chatting, and when they saw two people walking in side by side, they were impressed and tandemly fell into silent. The man on the left was tall, with hair as black as ink. He wore a right-lapel azure wide robe and a black cowhide belt on his waist with a red "peace" knot hung from it. He looked cold and his paces were steady where within each foot lift, it faintly revealed an unable-to-ignore aura. The youth on the right was handsome with eyes as black as lacquer. He wore a sky blue arrow sleeves robe, covered with a black overcoat which cuffs sewn with two pieces of pure white rabbit fur, and a pair of satin blue ankle boots on his foot. His presence was out of the ordinary that simply made people dazzled and wondered which familys gongzi had gone to the wrong door.
Zhao Shi, Qian Shi, Lei Chuntao and several other women were in a daze.
Lei Xiangren's eyes fell on Lei Tie, and his mood felt complex. His eldest brother was older than him, but looked several years younger than him. If he (LT) did not have that scar on his face, he would be even more handsome ad charming. At the bottom of his heart, he could not help but feel a bit jealous. When he caught a glimpse of Zhao Shi in a daze, he sulked. He lifted his foot and kicked her leg hard.
Nevertheless, Zhao Shi thought he was not careful. She rubbed her leg as she grumbled, "What are you thinking?"
Lei Xiangren snorted without speaking.
After Lei Tie looked around the room, he pulled Qin Mian to an inconspicuous corner and sat down.
Qin Mian also swept a glance around and did not see the bride.
Du Shi sat anxiously on the main seat, a little absent-minded instead of staring fiercely at the closed door of the [bride] room.
This time, the door of the room creaked open and a smiling Lei Daqiang walked out together with a wholly clothed in red Wei Shi.
Qin Mian looked at Wei Shi and nodded to himself. She was indeed a beauty, but it was a pity to be paired with Lei Daqiang.
Lei Daqiang went to the main seat and sat down. He said casually: "All are here."
Wei Shi looked shy, but her manner was very natural and relaxed. She walked briskly to Du Shi and knelt down to offer her tea. Although both of them were wives and had the same status, Du Shi had married first. This cup of tea should be honored to her.
"Please have some tea, [elder] sister."
Du Shi did not respond. She stared at her coldly and said chillingly, "Oh you still know to wake up? How bold of you to have so many of us waiting for you? Is this the rule of your Wei family?"
Wei Shi did not mind the critic and apologetically said: "I asked husband yesterday and he said that sister usually gets up at the beginning of dragon hour. [Younger sister] I was thoughtless. I didn't expect sister to get up at the rabbit hour. This is my fault. I apologize to sister, please have some tea."
Lei Xiangren and the others embarrassingly bowed their heads in silent. It was true that Du Shi got up early. Before dawn, she moved tables and chairs in the house, and repeatedly knocked on the wok that woke them all up with the noise.
Qin Mian soundlessly laughed and glanced at Du Shi with a look of delight in her misfortunes.
Du Shi's face looked rigid. What else should she say? Lei Daqiang put on a straight face, "Alright, why don't you pick up the tea? She still has to make breakfast later."
Du Shi had no choice but to pick up the tea slowly and put it down after a sip. Grudgingly and unwillingly, she took out two peach-wood hairpins with silver pendants, and brusquely said: "From here on, take good care of the master."
"Many thanks, sister." Wei Shi politely thanked, and then handed her a pair of exquisite silver bead earrings, "This is a little regard from me. I hope sister likes it."
The two silver beads were not small and it worth at least a silver tael, which was much more valuable than the silver pendant hairpins. Du Shi felt the load in her heart slightly lifted.
Zhao Shi's eyes brightened. She walked quickly to Wei Shi and held her arm as she said: "Little mother, I'm the second daughter-in-law. This is Eldest Uncle and Eldest Aunt. This is… "
For the people of the same generation, Wei Shi gave them blessing ceremony one by one and handed over the shoes and purse made by her own.
For the younger generation, Wei Shis first-meet gifts to them were also generous. There was no favoritism as each of them got a silver lock. Qin Mian and Lei Tie also got one each.
After claiming kin, Du Shi said impatiently, "Alright, go to cook. We're all hungry." The second day, the bride would have to cook breakfast. It was not only to test the bride's ability to manage the family, but also lay the foundation for the bride's life in the new home.
Lei Dagang's family stood up and took their leave.
Lei Daqiang held back Qin Mian and Lei Tie to have breakfast. Qin Mian wanted to see how things play out, so they stayed.
Wei Shi went to the kitchen to cook, Zhao Shi and Qian Shi took the initiative to help. Qin Mian knew that the two women must have gone to get close to Wei Shi.
Within an hour, Zhao Shi and Qian Shi began to serve dishes on the table. There were a lot of ingredients left from treating meal to guests yesterday, including meat and vegetables. Wei Shi prepared ten dishes complete with color, aroma and flavor.
"We can start breakfast." Wei Shi sat down beside Lei Daqiang with a smile.
Du Shi said with a straight face: "Wei Shi, youre sitting in the wrong place. What are you doing sitting with the adult men?"
"Sister, that's not right." Wei Shi turned to see Lei Daqiang. "Husband, I feel that since were all one family, theres no need to separate the women. It's convenient for me to take care of husband when I sit next to you, isn't it? Old Two and Old Three sitting together with their wives can also help cultivate their feelings. In the future, theyll give birth to more grandchildren. My husband, what do you say?"
"You're right." Lei Daqiang nodded, "From here on, men and women dont have be divided into two tables for a family to eat. I'll sit with your mother, my wife and Chuntao, and the rest will sit at another table."
Wei Shi warmly invited Du Shi, "Sister, come to sit here."
Du Shi looked livid. She had reached the end of her forbearance, she was about to get angry.
Lei Chuntao hurriedly walked over and pushed her to sit down on the other side of Lei Daqiang and soothed her in a low voice.
Wei Shi helped Lei Daqiang picked up dishes as she said with a smile, "Husband, mutton nourishes body, eat more. My cooking skills are not bad. Afterwards, I'll make some dishes to supplement you."
"Good, good." Lei Daqiang laughed heartily and all the more felt that marrying this wife was the right thing to do.
Lei Xiangren stuffed a small fried pork into his mouth and praised, "Little mothers cooking is really good."
"I feel the same way." Zhao Shi chimed in, "The vegetables are also well fried. Stir-fried vegetables even need more oil to taste good."
Qian Shi murmured: "It would be nice if little mother cook all the meals afterwards."
Lei Xiangyi glared at her and scolded: "Shut up!" He knew that his mother was economical in cooking, and still Qian Shi did not dare to speak out in front of so many people.
Qin Mian shot a glance at Du Shi's glum face and then at Wei Shi's smiling face. He was in a good mood. He was very sure that Du Shi had no time to go to trouble him and Lei Tie. As for the future of the old house, he did not care.
"Brother Tie, I'm done eating."
Lei Tie nodded his head, put down his chopsticks and stood up.
"Father, mother, little mother, weve finished eating. Well go back. You all eat slowly." Qin Mian was very polite.
Du Shi said nothing.
Lei Daqiang just nodded.
However, Wei Shi stood up and said with a smile: "Alright. Come to visit whenever you two have time."
Note:
Chinese knot means love, marriage and reunion in Chinese. The knot is often used for ornament, as a gift exchange, pray for good luck and ward off evil spirits.
7-9 a.m
5-7 a.m
visit/greet/acknowledge new in-laws after a marriage
059 Go Hunting Together
There was gust after gust of wind outside the window that blasted the window until it made a slight sound like a whimper. Qin Mian had woken up early. He shrunk in the quilt and did not want to move. Without moving, he watched Lei Tie get up on time and sit on the edge of the heatable brick bed as he put on his inner clothing, cover it with cotton unlined upper garment, and put on pants before wearing cloth shoes last.
"Get up to run." Lei Tie turned around.
"I dont want to. Why dont you make breakfast today?" Qin Mian suggested.
Lei Tie picked up the man and took out the nicely warm clothes from inside the quilt and threw them on Qin Mian.
Qin Mian resignedly put on his clothes and said coldly: "You arent afraid of me catching cold!"
Lei Tie dully said: "Insist on training so you wont catch cold easily."
Qin Mian quickly dressed, combed his hair, and rushed out like an arrow.Didn't you want me run? I'll show you.
After Lei Tie locked the gate of the courtyard, Qin Mian was no longer visible. He ran to the right without hesitation. Soon, he saw Qin Mian's back and caught up with him.
When Qin Mian heard the footsteps behind him, he quickened his pace.
Lei Tie also sped up. He was azhang[330m] away behind him (QM).
Qin Mian curled his lips, kept moving forward at a constant speed and no longer competed with him.
Everyone in the village got up at this time. The sound of scraping ashes, the sound of opening door, and the voice of talking together formed a special symphony.
When he passed by a gate of a courtyard, a basin of water flew out of it.
Qin Mian agilely darted away.
A fat aunt held an empty basin in her hand with a look of shocked and embarrassingly said: "Lei Tie's wife, sorry ah. Aunt didn't mean to."
"Its alright." Qin Mian casually waved his hand and continued to run.
As the autumn wind rustled in the air, the cold wind tirelessly swept over and over again, and the withered leaves fell on the ground accumulated into a thick pile, making a "poof" sound when a foot stepped on it. After running for a while, his whole body warmed up. Qin Mian quickened his speed a little.
Zhang Dashuan, Wu Di and Lei Xiangli were together somehow. They were going this way, and when they saw Qin Mian and Lei Tie, they waved.
Zhang Dashuan said: "Still running? Weve something to look for you."
Qin Mian kept his pace. His breath was unsteady as he said: "Morning after running will talk."
Lei Tie was reticent as before, following after him.
"They run like this every day?" Lei Xiangli asked Zhang Dashuan.
Zhang Dashuan said: "Yes. Except for rainy days, they run around the village every morning."
Wu Di had a funny face. "I heard sister (QM) said it was called morning exercise."
Lei Xiangli nodded, feeling somewhat embarrassed. The two outsiders knew his eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law better than him.
"Come on, let's walk slowly. When we get to their gate, they should be done." Zhang Dashuan said.
Sure enough, when the three slowly arrived at the gate of the courtyard, Qin Mian and Lei Tie just came from the small forest.
Lei Tie's breath was steady, as if he had just gone for a walk. Qin Mian was panting, but his pace was still steady.
"Open the gate." Qin Mian slapped Lei Tie on his shoulder.
Without saying a word, Lei Tie took out the key to open the big lock.
Zhang Dashuan and the others were secretly surprised. It turned out that the two got along like this in private. Although Qin Mian hit Lei Tie very hard, they could still tell how close the two were.
"How did the three of you come together? What's the matter?" Qin Mian asked.
Before Zhang Dashuan had time to speak, Lei Tie asked Qin Mian as he scooped water from the well and washed his hands, "Wife, what do you want eat for breakfast?"
"Rice. It's not like you don't know that I dislike noodles very much. Still have to ask?" Qin Mian pulled off the cloth towel on the bamboo pole to wipe his sweat.
"I know. What about dishes?"
Qin Mian thought about it, "Half a [Chinese] cabbage, three radishes, and three pork ribs."
Lei Tie walked towards the kitchen and glanced at Zhang Dashuan and the others: "Talk to my wife about it."
"Eldest brother is cooking?" Lei Xiangli asked incomprehensibly.
Zhang Dashuan and Wu Di also looked surprised.
Qin Mian was taken aback, "No, he washed the rice and vegetables. His skin is thick, not afraid of cold. Haha."
Zhang Dashuan and the others looked at each other, speechless. They found out a bit more about the male couple life of Qin Mian and Lei Tie.
Qin Mian invited them to sit in the living room.
"You haven't said what you want from us?"
Lei Xiangli sat down on the settee and felt the softness of the settee with his fist.
Zhang Dashuan said: "Actually, were here to look for Tiezi. The three of us want to go to the mountain to hunt, so that we can have many dishes on the table during the New Year. Tiezi is the most experienced hunter, so we want him to take us." In fact, it was proposed by Wu Di. He had a good relationship with Lei Tie and Qin Mian, but he was not as familiar with Lei Tie as Zhang Dashuan was with Lei Tie. He called Zhang Dashuan and when they passed by the old house, he saw Lei Xiangli at home and called him too.
Wu Di stood at the door of the kitchen and looked inside curiously. He was shocked to see that Lei Tie was indeed washing the rice. He looked at Qin Mian with admiration and then went back to sit down.
"Do you hear that? They invited you to go hunting." Qin Mian shouted towards the kitchen.
Lei Tie's voice came from inside the kitchen, "Heard it. Go after breakfast."
"I'm going, too." Qin Mian was idle and bored at home.
"En."
Qin Mian laughed, and then asked Lei Xiangli, "Fourth brother, you dont sell soup today?"
Lei Xiangli said: "Yesterday, the work of dredging up the river had been completed. Speaking of which, Id like to thank eldest sister-in-law, wed made a lot of money this time."
Of course, those sitting here would not ask how much they had earned.
Qin Mian said with a faint smile, "It's nothing. You, third brother, fifth brother and little sister have also helped us a lot. Weve keep it in mind."
Lei Xiangli could hear the implication of his (QM) words. He smiled and said no more.
Wu Di said: "Let's go back and come back to Brother Tie's house after breakfast."
The three left together.
Qin Mian made a spicy and sour cabbage, and a stewed radish with pork ribs. After breakfast, Lei Tie wiped his treasured bow and put 20 arrows into the quiver.
Qin Mian put on his hat, fastened his scarf and was ready to go.
Not a while later, Lei Xiangli and the other two came, with each of them carrying a bow set and a basket on their back.
The five of them joked and chatted freely as they walked to the back of the mountain. It was only Qin Mian who was empty-handed.
Zhang Dashuan and the other two were well aware that Qin Mian only followed for amusement.
After entering the mountain, the few of them consciously quieted down. For a while, they could only hear the sound of foot trampling on leaves or dead branches.
Zhang Dashuan was at the front, Qin Mian and Lei Tie were at the rear. Zhang Dashuan, Wu Di and Lei Xiangli were not experienced hunters, their archery skills were average. Qin Mian and Lei Tie intended to give them more opportunities.
In the forest, pheasants and wild hares were the most common. Soon after, Zhang Dashuan saw a big, fleshy pheasant pecking in the grass. He stopped and waved to Lei Xiangli and Wu Di. Lei Xiangli and Wu Di crept to the other two directions and the three men surrounded the pheasant in a triangle.
Zhang Dashuan took out an arrow, aimed at the pheasant and pulled the bow before letting go of the string. The arrow brushed past the edge of the pheasant's feathers and stuck in the dried up grass.
The pheasant was frightened. It clucked and fluttered its wings as it fled.
"Ah, too bad!" Wu Di was greatly disappointed. In a moment of desperation, he estimated where the pheasant fell, stretched out his hands and went over.
The pheasant probably did not expect that someone would try to catch it with bare hands. In the middle of a crisis, it burst out with great potential. Its two claws kicked on the tree trunk to turn its body around, and then it flapped its wings and flew to another place.
Wu Di fell to the ground forthwith.
Right at this time, with a "whoosh" sound, a feather arrow accurately hit the pheasant. When the pheasant died, it fell to the ground.
When Wu Di looked at the back, Lei Tie was putting down his arms. The arrow just now was shot by him.
Qin Mian, Lei Xiangli and Zhang Dashuan all burst into laughter when they saw Wu Di's embarrassed look.
Wu Di's face turned red and he quickly got up from the ground.
Zhang Dashuan kept laughing, "Wu Di, were here to hunt, not to catch chickens. Haha…"
"I was momentarily anxious?" Wu Di patted the grass off his body.
Qin Mian picked up the pheasant and put it into Wu Dis basket.
Wu Di quickly took out the pheasant, "No, it's Brother Tie's prey."
Qin Mian threw the pheasant back into his basket and said generously, "Just take it. He doesn't care about this one."
"No." Wu Di firmly said, "Its yours since it was Brother Tie who hunted it. In case I havent hunted anything when we go down the mountain, Ill be cheeky and ask Brother Tie for one. Sister, I'll temporarily hold this for you."
Qin Mian had no choice but to nod.
As they went on, they met another two pheasants. Unfortunately, Zhang Dashuan, Lei Xiangli and Wu Dui missed them.
It was rare for Lei Tie taking the initiative to instruct them.
Zhang Dashuan, Lei Xiangli and Wu Di could be considered to have been taught. Lei Xiangli shot a pheasant and a hare. Zhang Dashuan and Wu Di each hunted a pheasant.
Lei Tie had the best luck. He hunted two pheasants and a mountain bamboo-partridge.
"I want to try it, too." Watching them, Qin Mians hands felt itchy and reached his hand to Lei Tie.
Lei Tie explained: "This is a hundreddan-force bow, you can't pull it."
Qin Mian was irritated and felt that he had been looked down upon, "How do you know if I don't try?"
Lei Tie had no choice but to pass the bow to him.
Qin Mian drew an arrow from the quiver on Lei Ties back and set it up. Learning from Lei Ties posture, he aimed at a leaf on the ground and pulled the bowstring. The bowstring hardly moved.
Qin Mian internally said "far from good" and peeped at other people.
Zhang Dashuan and the other two all turned their heads, looking away from him. But Qin Mian could see that they were laughing. He said with a straight face: "What's funny? Will you be able to pull it?"
Lei Tie leaned to his shoulder and whispered: "I'll make you a small bow some other day."
Note:
Their bed [heatable brick bed] is a warming stove, so the clothes were warmed on the bed.
1 dan = 100 kg, so then 100 dan-force =10000 kg-force [wow]
060 Little Black Wolf
"I'll try." Zhang Dashuan believed that his strength was not small, that he felt competitive. He stepped forward, took up the strong bow in Qin Mian's hand, exerted all the strength of his arms and shook his head calmly, "Cant."
Lei Xiangli and Wu Di also tried out of curiosity and they could not move it either. They admired Lei Tie's strength.
"See?" Qin Mian once again straightened up his waist as he complacently said.
Lei Xiangli handed over his own bow and arrow, "Eldest sister-in-law, do you want to use mine?" Lei Tie's strong bow could hunt wild boars, bears, tigers and other big animals. Small bows like him could only shoot small things such as pheasants and hares.
Lei Tie gave him a look, stretched out his hand and pushed it back. He said to Qin Mian: "I'll bring you here again after you learn."
Qin Mian nodded happily, "Alright."
The few men continued to go up the mountain. Suddenly, they heard a burst of sound which seemed to be something big.
Lei Tie and Zhang Dashuan both raised their bows and arrows with vigilance.
When the bushes in front of them were pushed aside, a young man in gray cloth came out with a bow in his hand, and was stunned to see them.
He stepped aside and another person came out behind him. It was also a young man with bow set on his back, wearing a white hunting suit with fox fur wrapped on his collar, silver thread in the clothes seam, and a sheep-fat white jade pendant hanging from his waist. His entirety exuded nobility and his face looked somewhat haughty.
Behind him was another man with a square face, dressed in the same clothes as the one who came out first. It was obvious that these two gray-clothed men were attendants of the white-clothed man.
Since the two sides did not know each other at all, they only made eye contact and then brushed past.
However, Qin Mian suddenly heard a sorrow and angry whine coming out of the basket of the last walking man. He felt an indescribable sense of heaviness in his heart. His steps paused, and then he shook his head amusingly.It must be their prey in the basket. Isnt the natural law being the weak are the prey to the strong?
"What's wrong?" Lei Tie took his hand.
Qin Mian shook his head and said: "Nothing."
At this time, there was a sound of heavy object fell at the back. Qin Mian looked back. On the ground lay a black prey whose limbs and mouth were entangled in ropes, struggling desperately. It turned out that the prey was unwilling to be caught. Even if it was tied like this, it jumped out of the basket!
The white-clothed man had already turned back. After he was taken aback, he applauded and smilingly said: "Good! The more powerful it is, the more Ill feel accomplished after it is tamed!"
The square faced attendant rushed to catch the prey. Once again, the thing exerted its strength to twist its body, turned its head and looked at Qin Mian as if it knew him.
Qin Mian took a close look and was astounded. The prey was a dog with black fur all over the body. There was a pinch of white fur in the middle of both ears, like a white spot, which was exactly the same as the black dog he had saved in the previous life! The only difference was that this dog was smaller than the dog at that time, only slightly larger than an adult cat.
After being astounded, he rushed to pick up the dog. The dog was also strange, not only was it not afraid of him, but it also wriggled to his side. Qin Mian picked it up. As soon as the black dog was in his arms, it strangely quieted down, staring at the white-clothed man and his attendants with indifferent eyes.
For a moment, everyone was stunned.
The square faced attendant first reacted, sternly rebuked: "What do you think of doing?"
Lei Tie strode in large steps to Qin Mian's side, embraced his shoulders, and looked at that attendant coldly.
Although Zhang Dashuan, Lei Xiangli and Wu Di felt that things were baffling, they were not afraid. They came over and stood with Qin Mian and Lei Tie.
The smile on the white-clothed man's face gradually disappeared. He stared at Qin Mian with a bad look.
Qin Mian also knew that things were not easy to deal with, but he could not let go of the black dog. He looked at the white-clothed man apologetically with sincere meaning, "This gongzi, sorry for my impoliteness. But as you can see, this dog knows me. To tell you the truth, he once saved me. I'm willing to pay for it, gongzi can name a price."
The white-clothed mans expression was cold and his eyes narrowed as he sneered contemptuously and said nothing.
The square faced attendant snorted coldly, "Is our gongzi looks like a person short of money? Put it down quick! Otherwise, don't blame us for being rude."
Qin Mian frowned and tried to fight for it. "Naturally, I can see that gongzi is not short of money, but this dog is just a prey to gongzi. Were willing to hunt a few more preys and exchange them all with you for this one. What do you think?"
Another attendant raised his eyelids and said impatiently: "What a rural boy like you know? It's a rare and clever thing. Our gongzi chased it for three days before it was caught. We want to take it back and tame it. No other prey can match it. That's enough, theres need for me to be wordy with you. Quickly put it down."
The square faced attendant glared and said fiercely: "Still not putting it down? Do you really want us to make a move?"
Seeing the situation headed to bad end, Zhang Dashuan advised Qin Mian in a low voice, "These people dont seem simple. We ordinary people can't afford to provoke them."
Qin Mian's heart sank. Momentarily, he was out of ideas and helplessly looked at Lei Tie.
Lei Tie gave him a reassuring look. He pinched his (QM) shoulder with his right palm and let go. He took out a small green porcelain bottle from his bosom and walked to the white-clothed man.
Just now, the white-clothed man had been looking at the man with scar on his face. His intuition told him that this was not an ordinary man.
"Has Your Excellency heard of Qingli Pill?" Lei Tie dully asked.
The white-clothed man, who originally leaned against the tree trunk, moved slightly when he heard the words and stood up straight. There was a look of doubt in his eyes, "Qingli Pill as in the legendary pill that can solve any strange poison and is called the Godly Pill by people? Is there really such a thing in this world?"
Qin Mian was shocked. He quickly went over and pulled Lei Ties sleeve. He whispered: "We'll think of other ways."
Lei Tie used his eyes to hint at Qin Mian to keep calm and not getting excited. Then, he said in a low voice: "Good. Take this pill in exchange for your prey."
"Gongzi, be careful." The two attendants were quick to remind. How could a rural man have that magical pill?
The white-clothed man hesitated, "How do I know that this pill is real?"
Lei Tie handed the porcelain bottle to him, "That's up to Your Excellencys courage, insight and knowledge."
When the white-clothed man looked at the porcelain bottle, his look changed slightly. This porcelain bottle was not an ordinary porcelain, but superior heavenly jade porcelain. This kind of porcelain was not easy to fire [make, and could be used to detect poison. It was extremely valuable. Such a small porcelain bottle alone was worth at least 500 taels of silver. It was impossible for such a porcelain bottle to hold a fake pill. At worst, even if the pill inside was fake, it was not a loss to exchange a prey for a porcelain bottle worth 500 taels of silver.
The white-clothed man stared at Lei Tie for a long time, but Lei Tie was always calm.
The white-clothed man hesitated for a moment before putting the porcelain bottle in his bosom. "The prey is yours." With that, he left in a hurry. He wanted to find an expert to identify the pill in the bottle as soon as possible.
The two attendants looked at each other in surprise and followed quickly.
"Gongzi, wait for us!"
The three soon disappeared deep in the forest.
With Zhang Dashuan and the two as bystanders, Qin Mian could not ask about the QingLi Pill in detail, so he had to bear his question and untied the rope on the little black dog.
The little black dog whimpered at him and lay soft on the ground, panting slightly.
Seeing it was weak, Qin Mian took out the water bag in the basket and fed it water.
Wu Di squatted on one side and asked curiously: "Sister, did it really save you?"
"En." Qin Mian said, "I saved this dog, and this dog also saved me." He had always believed that his rebirth and the space given to him by the black dog at that time had an inseparable relation. Although it was not clear whether this dog was the same as the previous one, but since they met, it was predestined. He could not look on unconcerned.
"This is a wolf." Lei Tie glanced at his wife with an unknown meaning. His wife had said that he did not remember the past, but he remembered the wolf. Well, there was one more doubtful point about his wife.
"Ah?" Qin Mian was flabbergasted, "Is it really a wolf?"
Lei Tie nodded.
Zhang Dashuan and the other two men were also stunned. They looked at the little thing drinking the water in Qin Mian's hand. They could not believe it was a wolf. Wolves had always been fierce and bloodthirsty beasts in their minds.
The little black wolf drank the water mixed with the spiritual spring water, and soon stood up.
Qin Mian rubbed its head, "Alright, it's fine now. Go. Don't get caught again."
The little black wolf rubbed against his leg, then ran into the bush and disappeared.
Lei Xiangli said to Qin Mian with a wry smile: "Eldest sister-in-law, youre really brave. Youre not afraid of it biting you when feeding water just now."
"Right, I was also shocked." Wu Di echoed.
Lei Tie looked cold and suddenly did not speak. If the wolf dared to bite, he had a way to stop it.
Qin Mian smiled faintly, "I always think that some animals are spiritual, can feel the kindness and malice of human beings."
"It's truly miraculous." Zhang Dashuan touched his chin as he spoke, "I heard many stories about wild wolves going down the mountain to eat babies when I was a child. I never thought that wild wolves also possess human nature."
The few of them sighed in place. Zhang Dashuan said: "Come on, continue to hunt."
They hunted four pheasants, and also found a nearly 100 Jin wild boar. The bows and arrows of Zhang Dashuan and the other two were ineffective, but Lei Tie's strong bow shot death the wild boar with one arrow.
Qin Mian was so happy. "Don't have to spend money on pork for the New Year."
Zhang Dashuan hurriedly said: "I heard that boar meat is more delicious than domestic pork. Tiezi, how about selling a portion to me?"
"I'll buy some, too." Wu Di said.
Qin Mian and Lei Tie looked at each other and Qin Mian said: "Although the wild boar was hunted by Lei Tie, it's thanks to the three of you for intercepting it. Don't say about buying it, you two each get ten jin of meat. Fourth brother also took ten jin to give our parents a taste."
Knowing that Qin Mian and Lei Tie were not stingy people, Zhang Dashuan and the others gladly accepted it with few words of politeness.
"Is it noon already?" Lei Xiangli looked at the sky.
Qin Mian said to Lei Tie: "Just roast something on the mountain to eat." He thought of the roasted chicken drumstick that Lei Tie gave him a long time ago, he missed the taste.
Lei Tie could be describe as agreeing with him in anything, thus he had no objection.
"We're not in a hurry to go back." Zhang Dashuan said, "Might as well eat together."
Lei Xiangli and Wu Di also had no objection.
They followed Lei Tie to a stream. Lei Tie and Zhang Dashuan went to the water to kill the pheasants. Qin Mian, Lei Xiangli and Wu Di went to collect firewood nearby.
After the fire was lit, Lei Tie broke a branch, peeled the bark, and skewered the pheasant to roast. He took a bag of seasoning from his bosom and applied it with a small brush. Since Qin Mian invented the hot pot seasoning, he would bring a small bag of seasoning with him every time he went hunting. If he roasted food on the mountain, he could season it.
Zhang Dashuan and the other two naturally got some share.
Lei Tie was the most experienced. When the first pheasant was well roasted, he gave the whole pheasant to Qin Mian before he roasted a second.
Qin Mian tore off a drumstick for him and held the whole pheasant to gnaw at. The pheasant with seasoning tasted more tender and savory that once he took a bite, he wished he could swallow his tongue, too.
There was a rustling sound came from behind. The previously met little black wolf trotted over on the dead leaves and stood in front of Qin Mian.
Qin Mian laughed in spite himself and cut off the pheasants head, neck and rump with a small dagger and threw them to it.
The little black wolf swallowed it in a few bites, sat down quietly next to Qin Mian, and waggled its tail from time to time, looking like a dog again.
Only when Qin Mian, Zhang Dashuan, Lei Xiangli and Wu Di almost finished eating did Lei Tie's pheasant was roasted. In a low voice, he asked Qin Mian, "Are you full?"
Qin Mian nodded, "Too full."
Lei Tie divided the roasted pheasant into two parts and threw the half to the little black wolf.
The little black wolf looked at him and bowed its head as it gnawed at it.
Zhang Dashuan, Lei Xiangli and Wu Di vaguely understood why Lei Tie did this. They all looked towards Qin Mian.
As if nothing happened, Qin Mian quietly pinched his hot ear roots.
