081 Brother Tie, Let Me Grow Up
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"En." Qin Mian was also curious about what kind of strange flower the pink ball would bloom. He said with interest, "Let me show you around the space first. There are many things I brought from another world."
The space was too big. They only strolled around the nearby places. They planned to bring the horses sometime so they could go to the distant places.
Back in the quadrangle house, Lei Tie listened to Qin Mian's introduction that this was a manual sewing machine, and that was beer, instant noodles, sportswear, sports shoes There was always a contented smile in his eyes. Although it was not easy to detect, that kind of joy was reflected in his whole body's aura.
Qin Mian did not notice that the smile on his face had yet disappeared.
"Look, this is the authentic hot pot soup base." He took out a packet from a carton and offered it as a treasure. "We'll use this to cook hot pot at noon."
"Alright."
In the end, both men came out of the space with each carrying two fully loaded baskets. Qin Mian's two baskets were filled with fresh vegetables and delicious snacks. There was no season in the space. These few kinds of vegetables were not available in this season.
Lei Tie's two baskets were filled with fruits, bright red peaches, pink apples, and two clusters of purple grapes, all of which were plump with attractive radiance.
Lei Tie moved out two wooden blocks and washed the fruits and vegetables on the side of the well.
Qin Mian sat on another wooden block, holding a large bunch of washed grapes in his left hand and picking grapes one by one in his right hand. He looked behind him; there was no one else nearby.
"I think we'd better put a fence in front of the house so that no one will pass by and see something they shouldn't see."
"Wooden fence or trees?" Lei Tie asked.
"Plant shrubs, roses, brambles, juniper, and such." Qin Mian said that these plants were clusters of relatively short and small trees, which could not only isolate others from being too close to them but also would not restrict their field of view in the yard.
"Alright." Lei Tie carefully washed the mud off the pakchoi.
Qin Mian picked grape and sent it to his mouth.
Lei Tie opened his mouth, chomped his fingers, and only rolled the grape away after indistinctly lapped at them.
Qin Mian looked at his warm and moist fingers and the grapes he wanted to eat. He hesitated for a moment and continued to pick a grape to eat.
"One more." Lei Tie lowered his head and washed the vegetables carefully, looking as if the words were not uttered by him.
Qin Mian laughed in spite of himself but still picked a grape to feed him. He ate one and then fed him one
When the two men finished eating a large bunch of grapes, Lei Tie also finished washing the vegetables.
Lei Tie brought the vegetables to the kitchen and Qin Mian followed after washing his hands. Lei Tie made a fire for cooking. He took a kitchen knife to deal with the ingredients. He cut the chicken into pieces; separated the outer leaves of the fresh cabbagefrom the foliage and cut the outer leaves into strips, which were delicious when cooked; diced the potatoes; split the coriander in half
After lunch, Qin Mian thought of his beloved horse. Seeing the sun was just nice, he found two small buckets to fill with water and took a small basket loaded with four apples.
"What are you doing?" Lei Tie asked when he saw it.
"Feed the horse and brush it."
Lei Tie nodded and poured water into the water vat. He held the bamboo basket in his left hand and walked out with two empty wooden buckets in the right hand, "Use the water in the pond."
Qin Mian followed with the brush that was used to brush his boots.
Passing by the pond, Lei Tie filled two buckets of water and Qin Mian carried the bamboo basket.
The two horses were grazing in the stable.
They led the horses to bask in the sun. Qin Mian took an apple and fed it to his brown horse. The brown horse sniffed the apple, opened its mouth, and ate it. He smiled as he stroked its neck and said to Lei Tie, "Look, I knew it would like."
Lei Tie also picked up an apple to feed his black horse. The black horse glanced at him before eating the apple.
After feeding the apples, Qin Mian rolled up his sleeves to brush the brown horse.
The brown horse squinted happily and its head rubbed against Qin Mian's arm affectionately, which made him even fonder of it.
Meanwhile, on Lei Tie's side, Lei Tie methodically brushed the black horse but the black horse remained motionless and did not look at him, seemingly indifferent to it all. When Lei Tie finished brushing its left side, it turned around consciously and proactively but still did not look at Lei Tie. The temperament of the man and the horse was surprisingly similar.
Qin Mian watched with joy.
Lei Tie suddenly turned his head back, "When you're more skillful in horse riding, I'll teach you archery on horseback."
"Good!" Qin Mian was extremely happy, "Hey after I learned it, I can hunt on horseback."
After brushing the horse, Lei Tie brought some fodder to let the two horses graze in the sun. After the hair had dried, they led the horses back to the stable.
Uncle Fu stood at a distance, awaiting orders. It had been a while since they came to the farm residence. Uncle Fu, Aunt Fu, and Xile were all diligent. At present, Xile and Uncle Fu had cut a lot of firewood. Aunt Fu had washed the dishes and clothes very cleanly and taken good care of the flower beds. Qin Mian and Lei Tie were quite satisfied with them.
Lei Tie instructed Uncle Fu and Xile to dig some shrubs in the mountain. At home, he took out the chessboard and played chess with Qin Mian under the willow trees by the pond.
When Uncle Fu and Xile came back, Qin Mian appointed a place for them to plant the shrubs and told them to plant a flower between every three or two shrubs.
In the middle of thefence, they made a half-person height wooden fence gate. When the sun was about to set, Qin Mian and Lei Tie went out for a trip and brought back two grapevines, which were planted against the wall in the courtyard. When it was summer, they could pick the grapes to eat.
The daytime of the birthday passed in such leisure.
Lying in bed at night, Qin Mian became more nervous than ever before. Since Lei Tie "confessed" to him during the New Year, Lei Tie's composure when facing him was getting worse and worse. Today could be said to be an important turning point for him and Lei Tie. Would Lei Tie be able to restraint fromattackinghim? To be honest, he often wanted to be close to Lei Tie but now he was only 16 years old. While his body was not fully developed, his desire was much weaker than that of Lei Tie.
When Lei Tie went in after locking the doors and windows, he saw his wife lying on the bed with a nervous expression on his face while being wrapped tightly in the quilt. Upon hearing the sound of footsteps, he raised his head alertly and gave him a hollow laugh.
Lei Tie's steps halted. He slowly took off his clothes, leaving only the underclothes, gently picked up the quilt to drill in, and embraced the person into his arms.
Qin Mian stiffened.
"What are you afraid of?" Lei Tie's voice sounded very confused.
Hm? Did he think too much? Did he flatter himself? Qin Mian's lips twitched. His mood was quite complicated. He could not tell whether he was happy or disappointed. However, he wound down and said, "Nothing, hehe."
"En." Lei Tie turned over on him, kissed his lips, took a bite, kissed his cheek, and then kissed his earlobe.
This posture is wrong!Qin Mian trembled, "Whatare you doing?"
"Kissing you." Lei Tie answered simply. He restrained Qin Mian's arms with his two hands and pressed Qin Mian's legs with his legs, restraining him in a completely suppressed posture.
Qin Mian's whole body tensed up. After taking the initiative to kiss, he looked at the man with a straight face, "Brother Tie, can you let me grow up?"
Lei Tie's movement paused, "Alright."
Qin Mian took a long sigh of relief but was still kissed by Lei Tie all over his body.
Although there was no penetration interaction, the next morning, he still went to sleep until midday and only woke up when hungry. He shouted, "LEI TIE"
Lei Tie quickly appeared, "Wife, are you hungry?"
Qin Mian glanced at him without expression and quickly put on his clothes.
Lei Tie's eyes swept across a shallow hickey on his neck, "I asked Aunt Fu to cook the egg and shredded meat noodles."
"Wait a while." Qin Mian put on his shoes and rushed out.
Lei Tie followed him out, "Wife, anxious to go to the latrine?"
Qin Mian stumbled.Go to your head!
"Run!"
Lei Tie raised his eyebrows and watched him run away.
White Spot howled and followed closely.
Qin Mian ran half a circle along the wall. When he came back, his legs were weak, his waist was bent, his hands were on his knees, and his mouth was opened, gasping for breath.
Lei Tie helped him up.
"Not yet." He pushed the man away and went to the clothes-drying pole. He used the pole as a horizontal bar, holding it in both hands, pulling up his legs, and swaying about while hanging up.
Lei Tie stood by and looked on.
Qin Mian smiled smugly at him, "This can lengthen the arms, and maybe later my arms will be longer than yours."
Lei Tie faintly shook his head.
After Qin Mian dangled earnestly for a while, he hung his armpits on the clothes-drying pole, raised his legs, and tried to hook the clothes-drying pole with his feet. He was unsuccessful after trying for a long time, and it looked rather funny.
Lei Tie strode over, dragged the person down, and patted his waist, "Nonsense."
Qin Mian knew that he was overdoing it and did not insist, "Sigh, that's enough. Starting tomorrow, I'll resume morning exercise. I'm going to wash."
He stretched both arms, swung his arms, kicked out his legs, and walked unhurriedly to the bathroom. A new mirror and washstand had been added to the bathroom, very practical.
Lei Tie went to the kitchen to serve him noodles.
Xile ran over in a hurry and called out at the gate, "Eldest young master and little young master, the fifth gongzi and miss are here." Although they, the servants, had no relation with the people in the old house, their masters and the people in the old house were, after all, direct relatives. All the people in the old house were lucky enough to get "high, great, and above" appellation. The "fifth gongzi" and "miss" referred to Lei Xiangzhi and Lei Chuntao.
Qin Mian spit out his mouthwash and came out of the bathroom, "Got it."
When Lei Xiangzhi and Lei Chuntao came over, Qin Mian was eating noodles at the stone table and Lei Tie was sitting on the low wooden block beside him, repairing a plow.
"Come and sit down." Qin Mian motioned to Lei Chuntao and Lei Xiangzhi.
Lei Chuntao did not sit, "Eldest sister-in-law, the flowers in your garden are so beautiful. I want to go and have a look to draw some embroidery patterns."
"Oh, then you go. White Spot is there, don't mess with it. It's quite restless recently." Qin Mian reminded.
"I know." Lei Chuntao looked back with a smile and gradually walked away.
While eating noodles, Qin Mian asked, "What's the matter, fifth brother?"
Lei Xiangzhi smiled shyly, "Eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law, I've got a presumptuous request."
Qin Mian said, "Let's talk about it first."
Note:
082 Lei Xiangzhi Is Going To Take Part in the Prefectural Exam
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Lei Xiangzhi said, "Some of my schoolmates are planning a relaxation trip before the college exam. I don't know where they heard that the owner of Leisurely Farm Residence is my eldest brother, so they want to come to the garden and let me ask you what you think."
Qin Mian looked at Lei Tie.
Lei Tie slightly frowned, "Every blade of grass and every tree in the garden can't be moved." These were the efforts of him and his wife.
Lei Xiangzhi said, "That is of course. Eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law can rest assured that the students I've made friends with are all people who know the etiquette."
Lei Tie nodded to Qin Mian.
Qin Mian had no intention of opposing it. Their relationship with Lei Xiangzhi was good and they could not refuse Lei Xiangzhi so that he would not lose his face.
He ate the last two mouthfuls of noodles in the bowl and asked, "Our garden is more beautiful than the courtyard of ordinary households, but it is far worse than that of the wealthy families and scenic spots. Why would they be interested in coming here?"
Lei Xiangzhi put down his teacup and shook his head. "Perhaps, they're coming for these flowers."
Qin Mian had no talent at studying and in fact, his enrollment to university was the second batch. He could not stand those gifted scholars who were fond of literary pursuits and those intellectuals who talked literary jargon all day. He wanted to avoid them in advance, so he asked casually, "When will they come?"
Lei Xiangzhi said, "Sometime tomorrow."
Lei Tie and Qin Mian had a tacit understanding, "We'll go to the town tomorrow, so you'll entertain them yourself. Uncle Fu and Aunt Fu will be there for you."
"Many thanks, eldest brother." Lei Xiangzhi gratefully said.
Qin Mian asked, "How many days before the prefectural exam?"
Lei Xiangzhi answered, "We'll depart in two days."
The next morning, Qin Mian, Lei Tie, and Xile went to the town together.
About eight to nine of Lei Xiangzhi's schoolmates gathered at Lei Xiangzhi's home.
With so many young talents brought by her son, Du Shi's heart was contented. She warmly welcomed them with a smile. Intentionally or unintentionally, she pushed Wei Shi aside.
After sitting for a while, Lei Xiangzhi took his schoolmates to the Leisurely Farm Residence. Du Shi generously gave him two bags of melon seeds and fried peanuts left over during the New Year, as well as the snacks and dried fruits that were bought especially after hearing the distinguished guests would come so that he could treat the guests well. Originally, she also wanted to go to the farm residence but was persuaded otherwise by Lei Xiangzhi.
Scholars seemingly liked to wear white clothes and the clothes set off their white faces even more handsomely. The villagers had seen many dark and swarthy rural boys who were suntanned and never seen so many youngsters with red lips and white teeth at once. They all stared at them curiously. There were even daring girls hiding in the distance, peeking while blushing.
"Fifth gongzi." Uncle Fu and Aunt Fu had been briefed by Qin Mian earlier. They stood at the gate to meet the guests.
Lei Xiangzhi said, "Uncle Fu and Aunt Fu, I'll take them around first. Please prepare some tea by the flowerbed."
"Yes." Lei Xiangzhi was gentle and polite. Uncle Fu had a favorable impression of him.
As soon as they passed the gate, they were attracted by the cloud-like peach blossoms in front of them and incessantly gasped in admiration.
"This is really a wonderful place." Qu Zongwen was the first to praise.
The others nodded approvingly and looked around with appreciative eyes.
Lei Xiangzhi bowed with a hand cupped in the other as he said with a smile, "My eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law have paid a lot of thoughts on every small thing inside this manor. Asking the gentlemen to only feast your eyes and dont stretch out your hands. Xiangzhi will thank first."
Qu Zongwen and the others smilingly said that they dare not.
"Hehe…" Ling Qiyun, the only scholar who did not speak, looked around left and right. "For this disturbance, one ought to visit the owners first to apologize. Brother Lei, are your eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law here?"
Lei Xiangzhi frowned slightly. When they were at his house, he said that his eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law were not there.
Qu Zongwen glanced at Ling Qiyun and gently shook his folding fan, fully displayed his youthful charm. "Just now Brother Lei said that his eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law had gone to the town intentionally to make room for us. Why didn't Brother Ling hear that?"
Ling Qiyun apologized with a smile, "I see. I was absent-minded and didn't hear Brother Lei's words. It's merely due to not being able to pay the owners a visit, Qiyun is rather restless." Today, he came first to see the flowers. Secondly, he wanted to see what the male married couple, who had been the talk of the town, looked like. No matter how good Lei Xiangzhi was at studying, his own eldest brother had married a male wife, was it not to be laughed at? But he only dared to think about it in his heart, not to speak out. All the people present were either good at studying or from a good family. He did not want to be excluded from this circle.
Qu Zongwen's folding fan opened and closed and opened again, making a snapping sound. He said with a forced smile, "Brother Ling if you're really restless, why should you follow us?"
Lei Xiangzhi patted him on the shoulder and faintly smiled at Ling Qiyun, "The reason why my eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law are not at home is that they're afraid we won't fully enjoy it. If Brother Ling is restless, it defeated the good intention of my eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law. Come on, I'll take you to the front."
"Go." Bu Qingyun, with thick eyebrows and big eyes, was the first to agree. He casually hooked Lei Xiangzhi's shoulder and walked forward.
The others followed. The group of people talked and laughed.
Ling Qiyun adjusted his mood and quickly followed them.
Qu Zongwen admired the peach blossoms at the end of the bridge with a flash of surprise in his eyes, "Brother Lei, it seems that your eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law are really good at taking care of the fruit trees."
"Why do you say that?" Lei Xiangzhi did not understand why he suddenly came to such a conclusion.
Qu Zongwen pointed to a peach branch stretching out diagonally in front of his eyes. "There are also several peach trees in my house. The flowers bloom brilliantly this year, but they are not as good as your eldest brother's. You look at the peach blossom; the petals are delicate and thriving vitality. You'll see liquid if you pinch the petals, and you'll know that the moisture content is high. I'm sure the peaches they bore will be very sweet."
The others nodded in consensus.
"It's not just the peach blossom trees," One of the scholars with the most scholarly appearance pointed to the distance, "The plum and pear trees over there are also very rich in vitality. Seeing them make one's mood soar."
Lei Xiangzhi did not know the secret Qin Mian had secretly added spiritual spring water to the pond and the watering of the fruit trees, flower plants, and vegetables the farm residence came from the pond. Therefore, these fruit trees were naturally full of vitality.
He just laughed and said, "The fruit trees here are all managed by an uncle in our village."
Qu Zongwen said to Lei Xiangzhi, "Our old lady likes to eat peaches the most. At that time [fruit season, I'll have to buy it from here."
Lei Xiangzhi shook his head slightly, "This is hard to say for the time being. I heard my eldest sister-in-law mention once that these fruit trees seem to have other uses. But I'll mention it to him for you."
"Many thanks then." Qu Zongwen smilingly said.
"Why are we talking about fruits, there isn't a shadow of it! Look at the flowers, look at the flowers." Bu Qingyun stood at the edge of the flowerbed and urged, "Come here quickly. These flowers are blooming very well."
Another gifted scholar quickly walked over, "Everyone, the scenery here is so beautiful that we shouldn't let down this spring scenery, how about poetry fight?"
Forget the few scholars who were viewing flowers and fighting with poetry over there. Qin Mian and Lei Tie made a preliminary plan for their newly purchased 15 mu of land in the town. Just like the farm residence, branches were used to mark off each area, and the construction could start only after all kinds of building materials were purchased. After finishing their work, they went to the restaurant to take a look and then went back home.
Qin Mian enjoyed riding a horse. Lei Tie leaped onto the horse and sat behind him.
Xile, who was driving an empty cart following behind, was utterly speechless. Did the two masters take him just to drive the "cart"?
At the entrance of the Green Mountain Village, two horse-carriages were parked at the side of the road facing the outside of the village. There were several people standing by the carriages.
Lei Xiangzhi was about to send his schoolmates away.
Hearing the approaching sound of the horse's hooves, people looked at it curiously.
The brown horse ran up to them and Qin Mian skillfully stopped the horse about a zhangaway, "HushFifth brother."
Lei Xiangzhi said, "Eldest sister-in-law, you're back."
Qin Mian nodded with a smile, "En."
Lei Tie glanced at the crowd lightly. Then he gripped Qin Mian's hand and shook the reins. The brown horse broke into a run towards the farm residence.
Xile hastily kept up.
Qu Zongwen's face was still a little surprised. He turned to Lei Xiangzhi and said, "Brother Lei, your eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law don't look like country folks." In particular, the man in the back had strong momentum and an indifferent glance, fierce and domineering, just like a general who once fought on the battlefield.
Bu Qingyun looked at the direction of their departure with his mouth agape. He patted Lei Xiangzhi on the shoulder and whispered, "Hey, is that your eldest brother in the back? Is your eldest brother really your related eldest brother?" He also felt that the temperament of Lei Tie and Lei Xiangzhi did not seem like they were a family.
Lei Xiangzhi helplessly said, "Of course, he's my related eldest brother."
At the gate of the farm residence, Uncle Fu heard the sound of horse's hooves and opened the gate immediately.
Qin Mian nimbly jumped off his horse, "Uncle Fu, did something happened today?"
Uncle Fu smilingly said, "Answering to Little Young Master, the fifth gongzi restrained them very well. They looked at the flowers, wrote poems, played chess, and didn't throw away melon seeds and peanut shells anywhere."
"That's good."
At home, they cleaned up and sat down for a while. After assuming that the guests in the old house had already left, Qin Mian and Lei Tie went there together.
Lei Chuntao stood in the yard, pouting and gripping a flower in her hand. Qin Mian walked over curiously.
"What's the matter, little sister?"
"You two are here. It's nothing." Lei Chuntao's lips pouted even harder with her graceful eyebrow tightly knitted, looking extremely resentful.
Qin Mian entered the house and saw Lei Xiangzhi also wore a helpless expression. He was even more bewildered.
Du Shi patted the table and said angrily, "Am I not doing it for her own good?"
"What happened?" Qin Mian asked Lei Xiangli in a low voice.
Lei Xiangli euphemistically said, "Fifth brother's schoolmates are handsome and highly esteemed. Two of them are excellent at studying and have a good family background."
Without much explanation, Qin Mian already understood. It turned out that Du Shi wanted to choose a son-in-law among those scholars.
"Sister, of course, we know that you think for the sake of Chuntao, but the two gongzis said that their families shall settle the marriage for them. If you simply interfere, won't it hurt Chuntao? A girl's reputation is her second life. In case it ended up with egg on one's face, the girl will be ruined for a lifetime. Husband, do you think?" Wei Shi sipped tea and slowly spoke. After a period of no news, Wei Shi'sfirepowerhad increased.
In the beginning, Lei Daqiang was a little tempted. But upon hearing this, his expression changed and immediately changed his mind, "Weier is right. This matter can't be done."
Du Shi said in a voice dripping with sarcasm, "You only have her in your eyes now, so certainly everything she says is right. Chuntao is my daughter, not hers. She certainly can't think well for Chuntao!"
Wei Shi's face turned white and her lips trembled. She bit her lips and looked at Lei Daqiang, "Husband, I didn't…"
Immediately after, she turned to Lei Xiangzhi and said eagerly, "Old Five, you're a perceptive person. What I said just now is all for Chuntao's sake."
Du Shi's expression changed greatly.You sly Wei Shi, you want to bring my son to your side!
Qin Mian secretly lamented that it seemed not easy to provoke one or two of them.
One should not stay long in a place where one was apt to get into trouble. He quickly cut in, "Cough. The fifth brother will go to the prefecture center to take the exam in two days. Have everything packed up yet?"
Du Shi eased her mood and said, "It's all ready."
Qin Mian said, "We're two to three days away from the prefecture center of Qingtian Prefecture. It's a long way to go. I'm afraid some people with bad intentions will take the opportunity to make trouble. I've discussed it with A-Tie. We intend to send the fifth brother to the prefecture center in person."
Wei Shi glanced at Qin Mian and Lei Tie before dropping her gaze.The eldest and his wife care about this youngest brother.
Lei Daqiang and Du Shi both had surprise smiles on their faces.
"Good, good." Lei Daqiang looked at Lei Tie approvingly. His eyes contained gratification and he took on a compassionate fatherly attitude, "Eldest, you two have done well. Old Five is your youngest brother. This is exactly how you and your wife should be."
083 Going to the Prefecture Center
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Lei Tie loftily sat there in silence with his eyes on Qin Mian. As if he had not heard Lei Daqiang's words, he did not give him any response.
There was a loss in Lei Daqiang's eyes as he faintly felt that he had lost this son of his.
"Yes, yes. Old Five, your eldest brother knows kung fu. I'll be more rest assured with him sending you." Du Shi looked at Lei Xiangzhi affectionately.
Lei Xiangzhi was also very delighted, "Eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law, won't it delay your business?"
"Don't worry, everything has been arranged. I've never been to the prefecture center. Your eldest brother said that he would take me around. Sending you off is a matter of convenience." Qin Mian looked at Lei Tie as he said with a smile.
Lei Xiangzhi stood up and said, "Many thanks. To be honest with you, the teacher also specially told us that there are some bandits who caused trouble during the examination period. He told us not to be careless on the way and even arranged four home guards to escort us. With the eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law there, little brother feels more at ease."
Lei Tie took out a purse and handed it to him, "This is 10 taels of broken silver, keep it on you."
Lei Daqiang and Du Shi looked even more satisfied.
"Many thanks, eldest brother." Lei Xiangzhi did not refuse.
Lei Xiangren scratched his head. If he had been studying hard for a few years back then, Lei Tie would have provided him money too. His eyes inadvertently passed over the sniffling Lei Dabao and got an inspiration:Dabao is six years old this year. It's time for enlightenment.
His eyeballs circled about and the sneaky sight fell on Du Shi and Lei Daqiang before indistinctly sweeping over Wei Shi.
After finishing the matter, Qin Mian and Lei Tie got up and left.
"Mother." Lei Xiangren went to Du Shi's side and was about to open his mouth but closed it. He thought to himself that it was inappropriate to open his mouth now. In case it turned unpleasant that would affect Old Five's performance in the examination room, it would be self-defeating.
"What's it?" Du Shi frowned. This son had become more and more nonsensical. Yesterday, Old Three told her that Old Two had found work in the town, but he was driven out because he was lazy. Therefore, he had not brought any money back home.
"Nothing. I was just calling you." Lei Xiangren grinned cheekily as he approached her and fist massagedher back.
Qin Mian and Lei Tie did not know that the old house would soon usher in another storm.
They chatted as they walked back.
"The old house has changed a lot." Qin Mian kicked a stone in the middle of the road into the grass beside the road.
The pigsty and chicken coop in the courtyard of the old house were gone. They should have been moved to the back of the house. Four red brick and tiled rooms were built in the courtyard, opposite each other, with a patio in the middle for people to enter and leave. Among these was Wei Shi's contribution. It was said that some time ago, she gave the old Lei family an idea of making money and made a small profit. Lei Daqiang used the money to build the four rooms. Lei Xiangyi and his wife occupied a new room and their original room was owned by Wei Shi. Wei Shi finally did not have to squeeze in the same room as Du Shi.
Lei Daqiang was very proud of himself because he was the only one in the village who had two wives. If you wanted to spend the night with Du Shi, he could go to Du's room. If you wanted to spend the night with Wei Shi, he could go to Wei Shi's room. From time to time, the two women vied for him. When he heard the village's men joked that he enjoyed the happy fate of the man from Qi, he was so proud that his nostrils turned skyward.
Among the three rooms, one was prepared for Lei Xiangzhi's marriage. The other two, one large and one small were connected. The large one was for Lei Xiangzhi's marriage and the small one was Lei Xiangzhi's study.
Lei Tie dully said, "As long as they don't come to provoke us."
"That's right." Qin Mian admired his idea of marrying another wife to Lei Daqiang. Look, for a long time, neither Lei Daqiang nor Du Shi came to be an eyesore.
Lei Tie liked to see his eyes shining. He took his hand and walked home in the sunset glow.
On the day of the scheduled departure, Qin Mian and Lei Tie got up early in the morning, casually cooked noodles to eat, took the packing baggage to put on the horse carriage, and told Xile and the others to guard the gate. When they were not at home, it was better not to let anyone in. Qin Mian was mainly on guard against the people in the old house, especially Du Shi, Lei Daqiang, Lei Xiangren, and Zhao Shi.
There was a chill in the spring air. The burst of wind that blew made the face ice-cold. Qin Mian lamented that it was not easy for the ancient students to seek knowledge. He had learned that the prefectural examination was presided over by the prefectural magistrate, so students from each county in the same prefecture needed to rush to the prefecture center to take the exam. Zhaoyang County was relatively closer and it only took two or three days to get there. The students from the faraway county towns took four to five days by horse carriage.
At this time, there was only the marble white color of the dawn sky in the east, but by the time they got to the town, it would surely be bright.
Lei Xiangzhi also got up early and was eating fried rice. The rest of the family got up and sat with him.
Lei Xiangzhi was much moved when he saw his eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law arrived so early. He quickly finished the fried rice, picked up the baggage, and boarded the horse carriage.
The Lei family watched the horse carriage drove to the town.
When they arrived in the town, the three horse-carriages arranged by the school had arrived, and the four tall and strong home guards were also present. Another man in his early forties with a scholarly look and a short beard, dressed in a cyan scholar robe, was standing beside the preceding horse carriage with his hands behind his back.
Lei Xiangzhi jumped off the carriage, quickly walked to the middle-aged man, and respectfully saluted, "Student greets Teacher."
"En, don't be too polite." The middle-aged man's eyes fell on Qin Mian and Lei Tie. He was surprised by their unusual temperament and secretly guessed their identity, "May I know who these two are?"
Lei Xiangzhi introduced, "Mister, these two are my eldest brother Lei Tie and my eldest sister-in-law Qin Mian. Eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law, this is Teacher Gong."
"Greetings, Mister Gong." Qin Mian and Lei Tie together cupped their hands in greeting.
Teacher Gong had guessed right. As a teacher, he was not oblivious to the outside world. Lei Tie and Qin Mian was a well-known male married couple nearby and with the addition of their famous restaurant, he had known the two for a long time, but it was the first time he saw them.
Lei Xiangzhi said, "Teacher, my eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law know some kung fu. They'll send me to the prefecture center, will it be convenient?"
"Oh?" Teacher Gong was a little surprised and immediately cupped his hands, "Of course, it's convenient. In this way, my other students will also follow suit. I thank you both on their behalf."
Qin Mian went to the side to avoid [his polite gesture] and raised his hand, "Teacher is too polite. We should thank the Teacher for educating our younger brother."
"Hehe, you flatter me. It's a matter within one's duties." Teacher Gong was very approachable when he talked and laughed.
After a while, another eleven students, including Qu Zongwen, Bu Qingyun, and Ling Qiyun came in one after another. Zhao Tian and Wang Shangwen got along relatively good with Lei Xiangzhi and they also had been to the Leisurely Farm Residence two days ago.
Qu Zongwen, aside from having a charming appearance, also had a very thorough etiquette. He politely cupped his hands in greeting to Lei Tie and Qin Mian, "Greetings, eldest brother Lei and eldest sister-in-law Lei."
Bu Qingyun and the others did not expect to meet them, they also came to greet.
"Brother Lei, why are your eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law here?" Bu Qingyun asked quietly.
"My eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law are worried about me, so they are sending me to the prefecture center." Lei Xiangzhi was happy from the bottom of his heart and there was even a bit of pride because the others had no relatives sending them off.
Wang Shangwen was only about 14 to 15 years old, but he was very mature. After looking at Qin Mian and Lei Tie curiously, he made a bow with hands folded in front, "In this way, we'll be basking in the lightfollowing after you. Thanks eldest brother Lei and eldest sister-in-law Lei."
"No need to be polite." Qin Mian had been immune to the word "sister-in-law" for a long time. He was not uncomfortable when he was called that by a stranger who he had just first met, and his expression was calm.
He glanced at Lei Tie and made up his mind to accept a little brother when he had the opportunity and let him call Lei Tie's "sister-in-law". This way, it would be fair. Thinking of that scene, he tried to suppress the smile in his eyes.
Lei Tie felt a chill on his back and looked at his wife in doubt.
"Alright, it's getting late. Get on the carriage." Teacher Gong said.
There were three carriages. Four people in each carriage would be comparatively uncrowded and they could sleep for a while by leaning on the baggage.
Lei Xiangzhi saw neatly stacked sleeping pads and quilts on Qin Mian's carriage. He knew that his eldest sister-in-law might sleep in the carriage. After all, he was a brother-in-law and it was not good to stay alone with Qin Mian. Moreover, he did not think it was noteworthy conduct and independent character, so he sat on the carriage arranged by the school with other students, which was convenient to communicate with each other on the road.
Lei Tie only carried Qin Mian. Inside the carriage, Qin Mian lay on the sleeping pads, covered with quilts, and fell asleep in the sway of the carriage.
At midday, the carriage stopped by the side of the road.
Lei Tie lifted the curtain and saw Qin Mian still sleeping. He got into the carriage and picked up the person with the quilt, "Wife, wake up. If you sleep too much, you won't be able to sleep at night."
Qin Mian slowly opened his eyes, beat out a huge yawn, and quickly sat up, "En. Why did it stop?"
"It's noon."
Qin Mian wiped his face and lifted the curtain. He saw that the three carriages at the front had stopped. The scholars got out of the carriages and stood on the roadside, eating dried food while basking in the sun.
Lei Xiangzhi stood with Qu Zongwen, Bu Qingyun, Zhao Tian, and several others.
Qin Mian opened the baggage, took out a big apple and a small pot of homemade minced beef sauce, and handed it to Lei Tie, "Give to Fifth Brother."
Lei Tie nodded and took the apple and beef sauce to Lei Xiangzhi. Then he went back to the carriage and had lunch with Qin Mian.
"What is this?" Bu Qingyun stared at the small pottery pot and asked curiously. He had a hunch that it must have been food.
Lei Xiangzhi first put the apple into his sleeve pocket and smilingly said, "You all have gourmet's luck. This is my eldest sister-in-law's homemade beef sauce. It goes well with rice."
He went to Teacher Gong's side and said, "Teacher, if you don't mind, have a taste."
"Sure." Teacher Gong said with a smile, "Your brother's and sister-in-law's restaurant is well-known. The beef sauce made by your sister-in-law must taste good."
Lei Xiangzhi opened the small pottery pot. When they saw a delicate bamboo spoon inside, they all felt that Lei Xiangzhi's sister-in-law was very attentive. Then they smelled the rich and attractive aroma, and they could not help swallowing secretly.
Qu Zongwen approached, "Smells good!"
Lei Xiangzhi first scooped two big spoonfuls of beef sauce to put on Teacher Gong's baked sesame seed-coated pancake. Then he gave each of the students a scoop to put it on their steamed bread or millet pancakes. He also gave some to the two coachmen and the four home guards.
Teacher Gong saw this out of the corner of his eye and nodded approval in secret.
Note:
084 Entry-level Examinee
Brought to you by SadieWoods(..)
The two coachmen and four home guards were flattered, and they quickly expressed their thanks. A bit of sauce was a small thing but the rarest thing was that someone could think of them.
After that, Lei Xiangzhi finally scooped himself a spoon.
Consequently, the smell of beef sauce wafted all over the place.
Bu Qingyun's beef sauce was sandwiched in the steamed bread. He opened his mouth and took a big bite. He praised, "Delicious! There's a lot of beef in it. It's finely cut, aromatic, and soft."
Ling Qiyun, who was absorbed in eating, repeatedly nodded.
"Brother Lei, give me another spoonful?" Qu Zongwen looked at Lei Xiangzhi with a happy smile. He had a round pancake in his hands without a trace of being bitten. This was obviously his second pancake.
Lei Xiangzhi waved his hand, "There's only such a small pot. Don't you want to eat it for the next meal?"
Qu Zongwen regretfully licked his lips, wondering if he could ask Sister-in-law Lei for another pot. However, at the thought of Eldest Brother Lei's face, he quivered and gave up this unreliable idea.
This was their first time traveling a long distance so Qin Mian would not treat himself and Lei Tie badly. Moreover, he had a magical space. His lunch with Lei Tie was chopped scallion multi-layer pancakes and beef sauce, as well as thick vermicelli soup in a bamboo tube, which turned hot in Lei Tie's grasp. This vermicelli was taken from the space. Thanks to his love of gourmet food and eschatology, he had bought some books on homemade food, including how to make vermicelli, rice wrappers, and so on. When he had time, he would definitely make the vermicelli.
Everyone could smell the other scents in Qin Mian's carriage beside the scent of beef sauce, but they did not have the cheek to approach.
Teacher Gong said, "It's afternoon. We should speed up our journey; otherwise, we'll miss the lodging. If you all can't adapt to it, give consideration to each other."
"Yes, teacher!" All the scholars said in unison.
When everyone had finished their lunch, the carriages continued on their way.
Qin Mian had a good sleep in the morning. He accompanied Lei Tie to sit on the shaft and talked to him while basking in the sun.
In the evening, they stayed in a small inn in a small town, and nothing bad happened. Teacher Gong and the four home guards were secretly relieved.
The next day, Qin Mian found it boring to ride in the carriage. He mounted the horse and sauntered around nearby.
Lei Tie watched his wife on horseback riding forward for a while and retreating to his side after a while. He regretted not bringing Xile along. If Xile was here, he could let Xile drive the carriage while he rode the horse with his wife.
Qin Mian rode forward merrily in the spring breeze. Suddenly, as if he felt something, he looked back and bumped into the gaze of the man following him. He turned his horse's head and rode back.
"Butt hurts after sitting in the carriage for a long time." He whispered.
Lei Tie was silent for a while before unhappily said, "Riding a horse for a long time will also hurt the butt and legs."
"Hehehe…" Qin Mian's eyebrows danced with laughter. It turned out that this man could not be separated from him. He could even say such a straightforward sentence.
He handed the reins to the man and jumped into the carriage.
Lei Tie stretched out his long arms to catch him steadily, placed him beside him, and tied the reins to the shaft.
Qin Mian took out two apples from the space, one for each person.
He casually looked at the deep woods on both sides of the government-financed road and blurted out, "It's so quiet."
About twoliaway was the terrain of a narrow road between two hillsides. The road turned to a corner, so the end could not be seen.
Lei Tie said, "There is a fight ahead."
Qin Mian was surprised, "Don't tell me, it's really a highway robbery? What to do?"
Lei Tie kneaded his shoulder, shook the reins, and sped up, surpassing the three carriages in front.
On the first carriage, Teacher Gong came out to breathe and sat on the shaft with the coachman.
"Might there be something wrong, Boss Lei and Madam?" Teacher Gong asked suspiciously.
Qin Mian said concisely and comprehensively, "Teacher Gong, the terrain ahead looks very dangerous. A-Tie will go to explore the road first and we move slowly in the back." He could not let people know that Lei Tie's skill was so high that he could hear the sound from so far away.
He spoke vaguely, but Teacher Gong understood and his expression turned solemn if there were villains who wanted to cause trouble, the terrain ahead was the best choice.
The faces of the coachman and the two home guards that were hired to lead the fleet of carriages at the front changed slightly.
"Thank you for your trouble, Boss Lei." Teacher Gong solemnly said to Lei Tie.
Qin Mian drove the carriage. Lei Tie handed him the unfinished apple, leaped on the horse, and galloped away.
"What's going on, eldest sister-in-law?" Lei Xiangzhi poked his head out of the carriage.
Qin Mian straightforwardly remembered a sentence, "Scholars are the least useful". He worried that these scholars would be thrown into a panic so he said relaxedly, "Nothing, your eldest brother went to explore the way ahead."
Lei Xiangzhi nodded and realized that the matter was rather complicated. However, seeing that his eldest brother left his eldest sister-in-law here, it showed that the matter was under the control of his eldest brother.
Qin Mian gnawed on Lei Tie's apple. He raised his head to look up and he could barely see Lei Tie's figure.
Everyone slowly arrived on the narrow road and saw six masked men besieging Lei Tie. Lei Tie handled them with ease.
There were two carriages by the side of the road. An old man in his fifties, who looked like a teacher, protected several scholars with panic on their faces behind him. Their two coachmen were injured and sat on the ground next to the wheels.
Lei Tie saw his wife had arrived and knocked the six masked men to the ground with several fists, making them clutching their abdomen and grunting.
"Owow…"
"A-Tie." Qin Mian jumped out of the carriage and ran over, "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine." Lei Tie embraced his (QM) shoulder. Upon seeing only the core of the apple left in his (QM) hand, his eyes sank deeper.
The old man collected himself and went to Lei Tie. He made a bow with hands folded in front as he said, "Many thanks to this brave man. If you didn't show up in time, I'm afraid that my party would be brutally killed."
"Don't be too polite." Lei Tie waved his hand and pulled Qin Mian back to his carriage.
Teacher Gong had to go over and talk to the old man himself. He learned that this group of people came from Changle County and also went to the prefecture center for the exam. The old man was Teacher Chen. When they arrived here, several masked men suddenly jumped out to rob them. Fearing that the bandits would be driven to desperate action, Teacher Chen did not dare to say more and took the initiative to hand over half of their belongings. Unexpectedly, the gang still did not give up. They not only robbed the remaining belongings but even hurt others. Both sides then fight; the two coachmen were injured to protect those several scholars. Fortunately, Lei Tie appeared in time and saved them.
Fortunately, neither of the coachmen was seriously injured. People who travel far away would bring some commonly used medicine in case of an emergency. Teacher Chen led his two students to help them bandage their wounds.
Teacher Gong said to Teacher Chen, "We'll be passing by Wuwei County. It's convenient to tie up these bandits and send them to the county authority so as not to do evil to those who came after us. What does Teacher Chen think?"
Teacher Chen's face was calm and collected as he said in the manner that one abhorred evils as deadly foes, "Rightly so."
He vacated a carriage and the four home guards took a rope to tie the six gangsters inside. In this way, Teacher Chen's carriage had not enough space.
Qin Mian and Lei Tie did not mean to let strangers into their carriage.
This person Teacher Gong was also interesting. He did not mention borrowing Qin Mian's carriage but took the initiative to let Teacher Chen's students and his students squeeze together.
Ancient scholars were quite loveable.
Teacher Chen could drive a carriage and Teacher Gong called a home guard to help them drive the other carriage. The crowd traveled in a group.
This time, Teacher Gong's carriage was at the front, while Qin Mian and Lei Tie's carriage was behind him.
The scholars in the other carriages were talking about Lei Tie and envied him for his skill.
Two scholars wanted to get close to Lei Tie but they only received a cold face and had to give up resentfully.
Fortunately, nothing else had happened until they arrived at Qingtian Prefecture.
Due to the approaching prefectural examination, Qingtian Prefecture was very bustling. The streets were crowded with people and eight out of ten people were scholars.
The magistrate of Qingtian Prefecture was very thoughtful. He named several inns that could only receive students and put up official notices from the four days before the examination to the day when the examination was over. The owners of these inns were not reluctant. If the examinees living in their inns got a better place in the prefectural examination, it would also be a kind of powerful publicity for their inns. Moreover, it was not that the examinees would not be paying for staying in the inn. Hence, they would not suffer any losses at all.
Teacher Gong and Teacher Chen took their students to the inn to settle down. The exam would start the day after tomorrow which meant they still could have a rest day tomorrow.
Qin Mian and Lei Tie checked in at another inn on the opposite side of the street and informed Teacher Gong that they could go there to find them in case of anything. Teacher Gong had taught several sessions of exam candidates and had a rich experience. With him to take care of Lei Xiangzhi, they had nothing to worry about. After taking a hot bath, they changed to clean clothes and went out for a stroll.
The prefecture center was more progressive than the county town, with a dazzling line-up variety of commodities. Qin Mian and Lei Tie spent nearly two hours strolling around. They bought a lot of things, including some local specialties, to the point that their four hands were not enough. They also found out that there was a special snack in Qingtian Prefecture called silver-silk meat pancake. They went to buy two and tasted it. The taste was unique. Qin Mian bought fifty of them and let the shop assistant send it to the inn. He then put them into the space.
On the second day of their visit to Qingtian Prefecture, they spent a day sightseeing at White Dragon Temple.
On the morning of the third day, Qin Mian and Lei Tie sent Lei Xiangzhi to the examination hall. The prefectural examination consisted of three exams which held once a day.
These three days, Qin Mian and Lei Tie still spent the time to go sightseeing in carefree.
Three days later, the examinees came out of the examination hall. Some were happy and others were worried. The only thing in common was that all of them looked thinner. Lei Xiangzhi also looked thinner but his spirit was good. His eyes were shining with confidence. He must have done well in the exam.
Teacher Gong said that the day was getting late today and if they left today, they might have to sleep in the wild, so it was better to stay one night and set off the next morning.
No one else disagreed.
Qin Mian and Lei Tie did not ask Lei Xiangzhi how he did in the exam. They invited him to have a good meal in a big wine house and took him to buy some high-quality Four Treasures of the Study.
Qin Mian got along with people quite well. On the way back to the inn, he bought some exquisite snacks and asked Lei Xiangzhi to share them with his teacher and other schoolmates.
The next day, after breakfast, they set out on their way home.
It took three days to go home. Once arrived, Qin Mian asked Uncle Fu if there was anything that happened at home.
Uncle Fu replied that there was not any.
As a matter of fact, Qin Mian thought too much. Lei Xiangzhi went to the prefecture center to take the exam which made Lei Daqiang and Du Shi so worried that they could not eat and sleep well. They could care less about going to the farm residence to make trouble.
Another day later, the county released the public roll of successful examinees, and the good news that Lei Xiangzhi got the second place in the prefectural examination reached Green Mountain Village.
As an entry-level examinee, Lei Xiangzhi could enter the academy in the county to study and take part in the annual college examination. If he passed the college examination, he could become a Xiucai. At present, Lei Xiangzhi was only one step away from the scholarly honor of a Xiucai.
Lei Daqiang and Du Shi were so happy that they grinned from ear to ear. Relatives and friends came to congratulate them in succession. Even Li Zheng himself went to the door to congratulate them. He also took the initiative to propose that if Lei Xiangzhi did not have enough travel expenses at the time of participating in the college examination, the villagers would help.
Du Shi appeared very proud and self-satisfied in front of Wei Shi. She wanted to feast the guests.
Lei Xiangzhi timely dispelled her idea. Although he was very happy, he was a rational person. This was not the time to relax.
Qu Zongwen, Bu Qingyun, Wang Shangwen, Zhao Tianhe, and Ling Qiyun also became entry-level examinees along with Lei Xiangzhi. The results of Qu Zongwen and Wang Shangwen were also quite good while the others ranked relatively low.
Two days later, Lei Xiangzhi and Qu Zongwen, Bu Qingyun, Wang Shangwen, Zhao Tianhe, and Ling Qiyun went to Zhaoyang County to study in Qingyun Academy to prepare for the college examination. After entering the academy, these students would live in the academy. Apart from major festivals, they were only allowed to return home once a month the last two days of the month were holidays.
At the same time, Lei Xiangli, Lei Xiangzhi, and Lei Chuntao became hot [in favor]. People in the vicinity of Green Mountain Village knew that Lei Xiangzhi was very likely to be a Xiucai and they hoped to make the three people their own family before Lei Xiangzhi became a Xiucai. Once Lei Xiangzhi became a Xiucai, the Lei family would not necessarily look up to them.
The matchmakers in the county town became active. Almost every day, matchmakers ran to the old Lei's house.
However, these had nothing to do with Qin Mian and Lei Tie. They began to work with the new wine house.
Note:
085 Selling Recipe
Brought to you by SadieWoods()
Qin Mian especially reminded Lei Xiangyi and Lei Xiangli to think of making a variety of cuisines. He would not let his relatives get involved in the wine house. He could only pull Lei Xiangyi and Lei Xiangli in this way. As for whether they would tell Du Shi, it did not matter to him.
Building a wine house required someone to buy building materials, someone to guard the materials, someone to supervise the work, and someone to take care of the food for the workersit was certainly a big project. Qin Mian figured out which people could be employed in the village, and made a list of thirty people who were assigned jobs according to their abilities and levels. Uncle Zhao Wenzhong was literate and had been engaged in business for nearly ten years. Qin Mian specially invited him to work as an accountant to take charge of daily expenses. The workers in charge of the construction were professional craftsmen hired by Lei Tie from the county town.
This time, the project was very urgent and needed to be completed before the wheat harvest. When the busy farming season ushered in, there would be a serious shortage of manpower.
After all the work had been arranged, Qin Mian and Lei Tie were only responsible for supervising the work. Watching the money in their hands gradually became less, and the wine house transformed little by little, both of them were very satisfied. Even if they were very tired every day, they also felt it was worth it.
On the way to Running Water Town from Zhaoyang County, a luxurious carriage drove quietly, getting closer and closer to Running Water Town.
Near the entrance of the town, a hand lifted the curtain. The owner of the hand casually looked out and his eyes were swept across a construction site going ahead at full steam. He was not very concerned. When he was about to withdraw his gaze, he suddenly saw two familiar figures.
He quickly told the coachman outside, "Chunsheng, drive the carriage directly into the construction site."
"Yes, gongzi." Although Chunsheng took the order, he was not clear of the reason. When he inadvertently saw the two people talking at the construction site, he understood.
"The Lord of Heaven makes things easy for us." Qin Mian said to Lei Tie with a smile of joy on his face. "It hasn't rained these days, otherwise, the progress will be hindered."
Lei Tie held his hand tightly. "There's no need to rush. Even if it's drag out until the busy farming season, we can hire people. It's nothing more than spending more money."
Qin Mian snorted, "You're all very well to talk, but getting things done is another matter. The head of the house knows the cost of firewood and rice!"
Lei Tie handed him the bamboo tube hanging on his arm, which contained cabbage and snow fungus soup, "En, [my] wife has worked hard."
Qin Mian pinched his burning hot ear lobes, took the tube, and drank the soup.
Nie Heng got out of the carriage, looked at the white brocade short boots on his feet, and hesitated for a moment. He still went over while carefully avoiding the bricks and gravel on the ground, and stopped in front of Qin Mian and Lei Tie. He cupped his hands in greeting and smiled, "Boss Qin and Boss Lei, how have you been?"
Qin Mian wiped the soup at the corner of his mouth with a handkerchief. He sized up the noble gongzi in front of him in doubt. He was sure that he did not know this person. He looked at Lei Tie and Lei Tie's expression also told him that he did not know.
Qin Mian felt awkward and his face did not show any inkling. He politely asked, "May I ask your excellency is?"
Nie Heng had to introduce himself again, "I'm Nie Heng. Last year, I mentioned with Boss Qin that I wanted to buy the recipe from Eating Savory Restaurant."
Qin Mian remembered. He handed Lei Tie the bamboo tube and cupped his hands in greeting as he said, "It turns out to be Nie-gongzi. I was impolite."
Lei Tie gave him a nod [as greeting].
"Boss Qin and Boss Lei are great men who are apt to have short memories." Nie Heng faintly smiled, "Nie remembers that Boss Qin once said you intended to sell the recipe after the New Year. Nie comes today for this matter. I wonder if Boss Qin and Boss Lei can take the time to talk in detail?"
Qin Mian went to the secluded place nearby, "Nie-gongzi, let's talk here."
"This…" Nie Heng looked at the noisy environment.
Qin Mian went straight to the topic, "There's nothing to discuss this matter, I'll say it directly. There are eighteen ingredients in our seasoning but I plan to sell with sixteen of them. If Nie-gongzi is interested, give me 500 silver taels and I'll write the recipe immediately. "
Nie Heng was taken aback. He thought it would take a lot of talks to persuade the other party to sell the recipe.
"Why are there only sixteen?"
"The seventeenth ingredient is very difficult to find. Even if I tell you, you won't know what it is," said Qin Mian.
Nie Heng did not believe it. "Oh? What is it?"
Qin Mian said bluntly, "Sichuan pepper; a kind of small black fruit."
Nie Heng, who had never heard of it, believed he did not deliberately deceive.
Qin Mian said directly, "To be honest with you, we plan to grow this ingredient on a large scale next year. I can see that Nie-gongzi is an excellent businessman. If there is a need in the future, we'll be happy to cooperate with you."
Nie Heng looked at him with strange eyes. He had underestimated this youngster. While discussing business with him, the youngster did not forget to pull another business.
Instead of declaring his position immediately, he asked, "So, what about the eighteenth ingredient? Since both ingredients are so rare, the flavor of the seasoning will be very different from that of expensive restaurants without the two ingredients." Nie Heng was worthy of being a businessman; he hit the nail on the head.
Without batting an eyelid, Qin Mian shook his head as he said, "These words of Nie-gongzi are wrong. If so, why should we use so many ingredients in our soup? Why not only use the last two ingredients?"
What Qin Mian said was also reasonable. Nie Heng was speechless for a moment and meditated in silence.
Qin Mian did not urge him. "Recently, some people can't hold back looking for trouble with our restaurant. We're weak and vulnerable, we can't withstand any trouble. So we can't continue to hold on to the seasoning. When the wine house is ready, we'll release the news about selling the recipe. If you want to buy it now, you only need to spend 500 taels. We'll sell 20 copies only. Nie-gongzi can think about it carefully. You must know, the later you buy, the less advantage you have."
Nie Heng's face changed slightly and he frowned, "Isn't it inappropriate for Boss Qin to do this? I thought you meant to sell it for 500 taels to me alone. If everyone has this recipe, what's the difference between everyone who doesn't have it and the one who has?"
Qin Mian retorted, "Do you know the monthly net income of our small restaurant? Not less than 200 taels. Nie-gongzi doesn't look like a small businessman. As far as I know, the big wine houses in the county town make at least 1000 taels a month. If they have our seasoning, it can increase at least five times. Even if Nie-gongzi only made a profit in the first month after buying the recipe, you could still earn 5000 taels. Isn't it worth spending 500 taels? Nie-gongzi thinks about it slowly, don't be in a hurry. We've something else to do. Excuse us first."
With that, he left with Lei Tie.
Nie Heng calmly looked at their backs. As a profiteer, he involuntarily scolded them in his heart, "Profiteers."
"Gongzi, they're too bullying," said Chunsheng, unable to hold back.
Nie Heng shook his head. In fact, it was worth spending 500 taels to buy this recipe. The reason for this was more than what the little boss said. That little boss was very smart. What he could see, perhaps the little boss could see it too. It was hard to bargain with him.
"Chunsheng."
Chunsheng sighed silently and ran to Qin Mian. It was the first time he saw his gongzi at a disadvantageous position while discussing business.
"Well, think of it as making friends." Nie Heng talked to himself, which also served as self-consolation. His expression returned to normal as he watched Qin Mian and Lei Tie walk over together.
Nie Heng motioned Chunsheng to give Qin Mian 500 taels and pointedly said, "I just hope that the progress of your wine house will be slower."
Qin Mian received the silver banknote and responded to him with "hehe". He handed the silver banknote to Lei Tie for inspection.
Lei Tie looked at the silver banknote, nodded, and returned it to him.
Nie Heng watched it with the tail of his eye. His heart knew these two people were very likely a genuine married couple.
Qin Mian put the silver banknote away and asked, "Do you have a writing brush and paper?"
Nie Heng said, "Yes."
Chunsheng took out the four treasures of the study in the carriage without waiting for an order.
Qin Mian was not very good at writing with a brush. He handed the brush to Lei Tie.
Chunsheng then bent over to act as a table.
Nie Heng cautiously guarded against other people approaching.
Qin Mian said and Lei Tie wrote, "One tangerine peel, two cinnamons, one fennel…"
Nie Heng's eyes flashed. There were many spices and herbs among them! No wonder the chef he brought last time could not taste all the ingredients in the soup.
Qin Mian explained in detail, "If the tangerine peel is 1 Jin, the cinnamon is 2 Jin In short, the proportion is not changeable, otherwise, the taste will be different. Hm Seeing that Nie-gongzi didn't use any ill-conceived means to deal with us after leaving Running Water Town, I'll reveal two more recipes to Nie-gongzi."
Nie Heng felt slightly comforted, "Then, many thanks. I believe that the gift given by Boss Qin must have its special features." He intended to goad Qin Mian to prevent him from writing the recipes of ordinary dishes.
Lei Tie looked at him faintly.
Qin Mian glanced at Nie Heng with a forced smile.Gauge the heart of a gentleman with one's mean measure.If I indeed intended to deceive you, why do I bother mentioning to give you the recipes?
"A-Tie, you write. The first dish is chicken with pungent aromatic sauce. Fry sesame until yellow and grind into coarse flour The second dish is stewed pork meatballs with crab meat. Wash the scallion and ginger, wrap it with gauze, and squeeze out the water of scallion and ginger for reserve…"
Nie Heng stayed calm and collected but his eyes turned more and more bright. These two dishes were really special. These two novel dishes alone could attract many customers to his wine house. This time, he sincerely thanked, "Many thanks, Boss Qin and Boss Lei."
"No need, no need. Happy cooperation." Qin Mian smiled happily.
After Lei Tie finished, he handed the papers to Nie Heng.
"We're busy. Excuse us." Lei Tie pulled Qin Mian away.
The first thing Nie Heng noticed was Lei Tie's writing. He was surprised. Such a confident and wanton style of writing did not come from the hands of a peasant.
He blew dry the ink, folded the papers, and carefully tucked them into his bosom.
"Chunsheng, go back."
When Chunsheng drove the carriage on its way, he spoke, "Gongzi, I have a question."
"Ask." Nie Heng was in a pretty good mood. He was in the mood to chat with his personal manservant.
086 Double Xiang House
Brought to you by TurquoiseSquid=(
Chunsheng said, "Don't you think Boss Qin and Boss Lei are stupid? If they can't find a suitable place to open a wine house in town, why don't they go to the county town? How many customers can such a small town have? Why do they spend so much effort in building a wine house in the town? This little one can't understand."
Nie Heng leaned relaxedly on the carriage and pondered, "This is indeed strange. Their hometown is in a village in Running Water Town. Maybe they just don't want to be too far away from home."
Did Qin Mian consider things in such a simple way? For the time being, it was unknown.
One and a half months later, the wine house was completed and only left the detailing aspect of the design to be completed.
Qin Mian released the news that he was going to sell the recipe and indicated that he would only sell 20 copies. Upon hearing the news, the owners of the wine houses from nearby towns and even the county town with strong finance came over. The earliest twenty owners respectively spent 500 silver taels to buy the recipe containing sixteen kinds of ingredients.
Qin Mian made 10,500 silver taels just by selling recipes.
Afterward, the busy farming season came as scheduled. Qin Mian's land was small, and there were three servants in the family. It took only three days to harvest, thresh, dry, and put the wheat into the warehouse.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Qin Mian bought 10 mu of the highest quality farmland in the village. They were all connected. Culturing paddy seedlings and transplanting paddy seedlings were left to Xile, Uncle Fu, and Aunt Fu to handle. He and Lei Tie were still inseparable from the work at the wine house.
On the 20th of the 5th lunar month, the wine house was completed. Qin Mian named it Double Xiang House, which was written by Lei Tie himself and made into a plaque. The word "Xiang]" meant both "a feast to entertain guests" and "enjoyment[Xiang]". This name could be described as ingenious.
Speaking of which, Running Water Town was named such because there was a river passing through the town. The new wine house was situated at the edge of Running Water Town and precisely stood across the river. One building on the river surface was a wine house named Binzhi. The other building on the east of the river was an inn named Rugui. Semicircular walls were built outside the two buildings with the river bank as the baseline and the river as the central axis, creating bilateral symmetry. The two baselines were connected by an arch bridge in the middle over the river. The arch bridge was built very high to prevent someone from invading Double Xiang House from here.
The two buildings had three floors. The second and third floors were connected by a suspension bridge. Qin Mian deliberately left only one entrance of Double Xiang House, which was the courtyard gate of the Binzhi Building. In other words, if one wanted to go to the Rugui Building, one could only enter from the Binzhi Building.
The first floor, which was the lobby of the Binzhi Building, was divided into two parts. On the left was an ordinary dining place that included two-person seats, four-person seats, and eight-person seats, as well as rectangular dining tables with square benches for individual customers. On the right was a strange-looking dining platform, which was the distinguishing feature of Double Xiang House a revolving buffet. It was inspired by the revolving belt sushi (restaurant). On the second floor, there were twelve private rooms with different calligraphy and paintings that had different poems on them. The third floor was the honored guest lounge with only four rooms in total, that not only one could view the scenery but there were also interesting recreational facilities. On top of the third floor, there was a rooftop with a big parasol erected. This place was only used to entertain a group of guests at a time. It was a unique and unmatched place.
Behind the Binzhi Building, there were four elegant places. The four pavilions could also be used for banquets. They were separated from each other by rockeries, brambles, flowering shrubs, and grape trellis. People could breathe fresh air and enjoy the beautiful scenery at the same time. It also gave people a pleasant feeling of enjoying private space.
The first floor of the Rugui Building was the ordinary guest rooms that were divided into single rooms and double rooms, with complete furniture. The second floor housed four luxurious suites that could accommodate multiple family members and friends. Each suite had its unique furnishings with calligraphy and paintings. There were four honored guest rooms on the third floor, three of which were open to the public. The other room was privately owned by Qin Mian and Lei Tie which could be reached by the private stairs on the second floor to avoid meeting the guests on the third floor. There was a large bathtub on the rooftop. In the spring and autumn season, it was a special enjoyment to soak in a hot bath and bask in the sun while drinking wine.
There was a small side door in the backyard of the Rugui Building, which was only for the use of internal staff to transport garbage, purchase ingredients and firewood, and so on.
There were also gardens, fruit trees, stables, and staff quarters that did not need to be described in detail.
On the 27th of the 5th lunar month, the wine house was fully equipped with staff. In such a large wine house, it was impossible for Qin Mian to personally be the cook. He had to hand over the recipes to the chef in batches. Four chefs were recruited by Lei Tie from the faraway Qingtian Prefecture and all of them signed the irrevocable title deed. Four female workers in their forties were responsible for the processing of ingredients and the cleaning of the kitchen. Eight waiters, two gardeners, eight cleaners, four purchasers, two stable keepers, and eight self-training usable staff signed the irrevocable title deed before they could be employed with ease. The wine house was a little big, so Qin Mian also provided the manager with an assistant for him to order around.
By the way, because Zheng Liu, Wang Shun, Chen Si, and Shi Tou in Eating Savory Restaurant were more experienced, Qin Mian transferred them to the wine house to be the waiters and sent four new staff to the restaurant. Eating Savory Restaurant was rented for only one year and would close down when it was due.
Qin Mian had never done business in his previous life. Large wine houses were not as easy to manage as small restaurants. If there were any unsatisfactory areas, he could only adjust it later.
Before the wine house opened, Qin Mian first held a staff meeting. He implemented a strict reward and punishment system and a reporting system.
The four chefs were a group and a team leader was selected. The four female workers were a group and a team leader was also selected. The eight waiters were a group that was responsible for entertaining guests..the eight home guards were a group. The manager was directly in charge of the purchasers.
The monthly salary of the team leader was 25% higher than that of the team members, meant as an encouragement. However, the position of the team leader was not fixed. If the work was not well done, the position would be removed, and another capable person would occupy it.
All staff could supervise each other. If a staff was found to have failed work, the other staff could report it to the report box anonymously. If it was verified, rewards would be given according to the level of merit. Those who made mistakes would be given oral criticism for the first time, fined for the second time, and dismissed for the third time. If they made a big mistake, they would be dismissed directly, and those with serious circumstances would be sent to prison.
As soon as such strict and meticulous regulations were issued, all the staff inwardly quivered. They felt awe for this seemingly insignificant little boss and secretly determined that they must not be careless in the future.
Qin Mian tempered justice with mercy, "Besides, all staff has a holiday on every 1st, 11th, and 21st of the month. Because the wine house can't suspend operation, we'll carry out holiday rotation system…"
"What? There are holidays every month?" Everyone was overjoyed. They had never heard of this!
"Be quiet. Listen to me first." Qin Mian raised his hand as a signal, "For the four chefs, only one person can take a day off at a time, and the same goes for the four female workers… As for the eight waiters, two people can take a day off each time…The manager also has a day off. The big boss and I will temporarily take the place of the manager."
"Many thanks, big boss and little boss." Sun Maosheng, the manager of the wine house, said gratefully, "It's my honor to follow the two masters."
"When the wine house is really busy, if you are willing to give up your holiday and stay in the wine house to help, you can get twice the pay for overtime. For example, the monthly payment of the manager is 200 Wen. On average, it is about 7 Wen a day. In that case, you can get 14 Wen for an extra day's work. If you give up your three holidays, you can get 42 Wen more every month."
Everyone's face grew happier and happier. Never underestimate this 42 Wen. It was enough to buy salt for a few months.
"A-Tie, do you want to add something?" Qin Mian looked at Lei Tie on his left.
Lei Tie finished the tea in the cup. His pair of sharp eyes ran slowly across everyone's face. He said plainly, "Loyalty is the most important when working for us. If someone divulges the secret of the wine house…"
With a crack, the cup in his hand turned into a heap of fragments.
Everyone was shocked. They stood still and did not dare to move. They did not even dare to breathe.
Qin Mian smiled at them with an approachable smile, and said gently and honestly, "As long as you don't make a mistake, nothing will happen, right? Alright, I've said everything I have to say. You can get familiar with the wine house's environment in these two days. It'll be very busy when it opens on the 30th of the 5th month."
"Yes!"
"Manager Sun, I'll leave it to you." Qin Mian looked at Sun Maosheng.
Sun Maosheng cupped his hands and said, "Don't worry, little boss."
Qin Mian and Lei Tie rode home on horseback. Xile was cleaning the stable. When he saw the two masters coming back, he trotted to meet them and pulled the horse. There was a weird smile on his face.
"Little Young Master, there is a fight at the old house today."
Despite Xile suppressing his excitement, Qin Mian could still hear it in his voice. Although Xile talked a lot, he had a very tight mouth. He never talked about the farm residence outside. So after discovering that Xiles inquisitive hobby, he kept one eye closed. He was interested in what Xile said and immediately asked, "What's happened?"
Xile spoke clearly, "The second-gongzi told Old Madam Du that he wanted to send Lei Dabao to the school for enlightenment. Old Madam Du thought it was a bit early and refused. The second-gongzi was unwilling and took his wife to make a lot of noisein front of the old madam and the old master. The third-gongzi then took the opportunity to mention the separation and the fourth-gongzi followed along. Old Madam Du was very upset. While Madam Wei instigated disharmony, the second-gongzi and his wife followed to create a disturbance. Old Madam Du was driven beyond the limits of forbearance and slapped the second-gongzi's wife."
Qin Mian asked, "What happened afterward?"
"They had made trouble for nearly an hour and were suppressed by the old master. Lei Dabao's enlightenment fell through and the separation didn't happen." Xile said neatly. He had long noticed that his masters and the few people in the old house were not getting along, so he paid special attention to the movement there.
"En." Qin Mian was very satisfied with the news he got and gave Xile some money.
"Many thanks, Little Young Master." Xile accepted the money happily.
Qin Mian and Lei Tie walked on the wooden bridge.
"A-Tie, if they split up, is it good or bad for us?" Qin Mian asked.
Lei Tie said spot on, "Split or not, Du Shi and Wei Shi will not split."
Qin Mian said happily, "Exactly. So, let them make trouble."
"Awoo awoo" White Spot ran out of the woods. Its body stood upright and its two forepaws clung onto the front of Qin Mian's chest as it rubbed him with its head.
Qin Mian patted its head. It put its forepaws down obediently and ran around Qin Mian and Lei Tie.
Two men and a wolf went around the orchard. The fruits were grown very good; big and juicy. Some of the peaches had already turned red and would mature in a few days. The cherries were already mature. The red cherries hung in the branches were like agate. Qin Mian and Lei Tie tasted it fresh. It was very sweet.
Upon hearing the movement, Uncle Fang took a wary glance at White Spot. White Spot had grown up. When it landed on all fours, its height was higher than that of an adult man's knee, which made it quite a difference from that of dog kind. The villagers now knew that White Spot was not a dog but a wolf and they usually stayed away from it. Uncle Fang was no exception.
He looked at the cherry trees in front of him and reminded them, "Lei Tie and Lei Tie's wife, the cherries here should be picked, or it will go bad."
Qin Mian looked at the trees full of agate. A sense of achievement rose in his chest, "It's time to pick. We're going to use these cherries for cherry jam and cherry wine. But, we're going to be very busy these days. I'll think about how to arrange it first."
"Cherry jam and cherry wine?" Uncle Fang strangely asked, "What is a cherry jam? Cherries can even be made into wine?"
Qin Mian only smiled and did not answer, "Uncle Fang has been working very hard recently. I'll give you some to taste when it's ready."
Note:
087 Advertising in Qingyun Academy
"Well then, this old man won't stand on ceremony." Uncle Fang cheerfully laughed, "It's noon, I should go home."
After Uncle Fang left, Qin Mian said, "A-Tie, let's pick some cherries and I'll make cherry juice and cherry jam for you to taste."
"I'll take the basket."
Lei Tie directly flew over to leave. His back looked confident and at ease without losing its might.
Qin Mian murmured jealously, "Acting so cool. Right, White Spot?"
"Awoo," White Spot cried out as it looked at him, very much like in agreement.
Qin Mian could not help but squat down and rub its head.
Lei Tie soon showed up with a basket.
Qin Mian held the basket while Lei Tie was responsible for picking cherries. No pesticide was sprayed on the fruit trees. Qin Mian picked a cherry and casually rubbed it on his clothes. After he dug out the pit, he was ready to eat it but was stopped by Lei Tie. Lei Tie took out a handkerchief from his bosom and carefully wiped Qin Mian's hands. Then he picked a cherry again and handed it to Qin Mian.
"You touched White Spot just now."
"Woo?" White Spot's ears drooped as it raised its head and looked at him with drooping eyelids.
Qin Mian laughed heartily and directly said, "It seems to despise you."
Lei Tie's insipid eyes swept over White Spot.
White Pot's ears erected again before it turned around in the other direction acting as if nothing had happened.
This made Qin Mian laughed again.
After they picked half a basket of cherries, they went home.
Making cherry juice was simple: washed the cherries clean, removed the stems and pits, and put into the manual juicer. This juicer was invented by Qin Mian, which was similar to the noodle maker.
It was not difficult to make cherry jam. Similarly, washed the cherries, removed the stems and pits, cut into pieces, and put into a pot with water. Stirred and cooked with medium heat until the juice came out before turning the heat low when it was soft and mushy. Added sugar and cooked until it thickened. It tasted sweet and not oily, with excellent texture.
Qin Mian filled two small bowls and handed one to Lei Tie, "We should also build an icehouse. If we can keep summer fruit juice, jam, and canned fruit for winter, they will surely sell at a good price."
Lei Tie shook his head, "Take it slowly, or it will be offensively conspicuous. We aren't short of money."
"That's true." When Qin Mian was reminded like that, he realized that he was indeed advancing in rush. He said, "Listen to you."
Lei Tie took him into his embrace, "Wife, I have an idea. When the wine house is on the right track, buy a group of youngsters, and teach them kung fu. After one or two years of training, they will be able to take on an important task. At least, they can protect our home and business."
Qin Mian believed what he said was right, so he went closer and kissed him on the lips. He said, "Only you can think of that. Im afraid that our business will grow bigger and bigger in the future. We really need to train our own people."
Lei Tie's lips still had the sweetness of the cherry jam that he couldn't help but stick the tip of his tongue in.
Lei Tie locked Qin Mian's arms and body with his arms and put him on the back of the settee, deepening the kiss.
Men were not only aggressive, but they also wanted to take control. Qin Mian was in a completely suppressed position. Unaccustomed to it, he struggled and tried to suppress Lei Tie. In return, Lei Tie made a stronger attack, sucking the tip of his tongue until it numb. He could only give up the struggle. However, his lips and tongue hadnt admitted defeat and fought back, unwilling to be outdone.
Until the last trace of sweetness in their mouths disappeared, the two parted while panting. Qin Mian noticed that Lei Tie's lips were swollen. He looked away, feeling a little embarrassed, and bumped into a pair of dark and deep eyes. His chest felt tickled. He raised his head to get near and kissed the man's eyebrows.
Lei Tie wiped the saliva on the corner of his wife's mouth with his sleeve before slowly moving away and pulled at his robe as a disguise.
Qin Mian jumped up from the settee, his back to Lei Tie, and he made similar movements, "Cough I'll get the rest of the cherry jam. Tomorrow, we'll go to the academy to see Fifth Brother and give him some by the way."
Lei Tie suddenly raised his head, "Looking for him? What for?"
Whats with the big reaction?Qin Mian was stunned before he realized and said amusingly, "Of course, it's to publicize our wine house. What else?"
He went into the kitchen, knowing that the man would follow him. He took out a clean bamboo tube from the cupboard, carefully scooped up the cherry jam, filled it up, and put the bamboo tube into the space. It was easy to be spoiled if left outside in this hot weather.
Then, he put the rest of the cherry jam into a bowl.
"I have thought about this. How about listening to my idea…"
The next morning, Qin Mian and Lei Tie made 20 jars of cherry wine. When the time was almost up, they took a lunch box, a basket of cherries, and a stack of leaflets and rode on horseback to Zhaoyang County.
One person would always be left behind in the Leisurely Farm Residence to watch over it. After Uncle Fu and Aunt Fu went to the farmland, Xile locked the gate, moved a stool, and took a bamboo pole to drive away birds from the cherry trees. Suddenly, someone knocked at the door.
Instead of opening the door rashly, Xile called out, "Who is it? Our masters arent at home. If you need anything, come back another day."
"Xile, it's me. Why dont you open the door?"
Outside the door came the arrogant voice of Du Shi.
Xile sneered and said politely, "It turns out to be the old madam. Our Eldest Young Master and Little Young Master aren't at home."
"Xile, it's like this. I'm going back to my mother's house today. I want to go in and pick a few Jin of cherries for my mother to taste. Open the door quickly." Du Shi called out. Upon seeing a few villagers standing not far away watching with a lively expression, she flew into a rage out of humiliation.
"Old madam, our young masters just left for a short time. If youre in a hurry, there's still time to catch up. This little one has something else to do, Im going first." As soon as Xile finished saying, he ran away.
"Xile! Xile!" Du Shi called out several times outside the door, but no one responded. She was so angry that she smacked the gate hard. The gate didnt open but her hand hurt instead. She cursed and left angrily.
The few villagers whispered among themselves.
"Ah, thinking of how cruel Du Shi was to the Lei's eldest son before, now she regretted it, right? Unfortunately, there is no regret medicine in this world."
"Yeah." Another villager said with crossed arm, "Lei Daqiang too. A few days ago, he wanted to go in and pick cherries, but he didn't succeed."
"I think the Lei Tie's couple make a clear difference between what one likes and what one hates. They remember whoever is good to them. At that time they split from the family, Zhang Dashuan, Grandpa Jiang, and Uncle Zhao stretched out their hands. A few days ago, the young couple gave each of them a basket of cherry, which was at least 5 to 6 Jin! I even tasted some. It's sweet!"
White Spot ran no slower than the two horses, like a galloping black arrow. After entering the county town, Qin Mian and Lei Tie slowed down and went to Qingyun Academy.
The passers-by on the street all stared at White Spot curiously. A few people recognized that it was actually a wolf and the frightened passers-by hastened up to their pace.
White Spot raised its eyes, glanced at them arrogantly, and followed Qin Mian's brown horse. The two horses courage had been raised, so they werent afraid of it. It was because they had drunk the spiritual spring water.
The academy was quiet before the class finished in the morning.
Qin Mian went to the old man who was sitting at the gate of the courtyard.
"Uncle, were here to find someone. Can we go in?" Qin Mian grabbed a handful of cherries from the basket and handed it to him, "These cherries are homegrown. It's not sour at all. Would you like to taste?"
"Oh, many thanks! Your cherries are really big." The uncle happily accepted the cherries and asked, "Who are you looking for?"
Qin Mian replied, "We're looking for Lei Xiangzhi, the new student in the academy this year."
The old uncle went inside with cherries in his hand and came out empty-handed. "Usually, no visitor is allowed into the academy. I'll take you in. The horses can also go in and tie to the tree over there. Its safe."
"Thanks for the trouble, uncle."
The old uncle led them in and took them directly to the lecture hall where the freshmen were taking classes. He pointed to the other side and said softly, "The class hasnt finished yet. You can wait here."
Qin Mian said thanks and went with Lei Tie into the pavilion to take a rest. From the open window, he could see the rows of students in the lecture hall.
White Spot lay obediently at the side.
Bu Qingyun sat at the same table with Lei Xiangzhi in the position that faced the window. The breakfast had already been digested, so he was hungry and looked out of the window, feeling bored stiff. His eyes then lit up. He poked Lei Xiangzhi with his finger and whispered, "Brother Lei, look, isnt that your eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law?"
Lei Xiangzhi was pulled out of the world of books. Upon seeing Qin Mian and Lei Tie, he was surprised and nodded.
When Bu Qingyun saw that the teacher on the dais didn't notice the movement here, he lowered his voice excitedly as he said, "I see theyre carrying a food box. Could they be sending you delicious food?"
Lei Xiangzhi was a little speechless.Even if they send me food, what does it have to do with you?
"Dang dang dang"
Three rings of bell rung and the teacher picked up the book, "Class is finished."
Lei Xiangzhi put the books and the four treasures of the study into the book chest under Bu Qingyun's urging voice and quickly trotted to the pavilion.
Huo Sirui curiously walked over, "Xiang Zhi, where are you going?"
"Sirui," Lei Xiangzhi said, "my eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law are here."
Qu Zongwen had sharp eyes. He rolled his eyes and went to catch up. Wang Shangwen and Zhao Tianhe met him and also hung behind him. They all went to the academy from the local school in the town, so they were very close.
Thereupon, Lei Xiangzhi brought a group of people into the pavilion.
"Eldest brother, eldest sister-in-law."
Bu Qingwen and the others made a bow with hands folded in front, "Greetings, Eldest Brother Lei and Eldest Sister-in-law Lei."
The few people's eyes were staring at the red cherries in the basket. Qin Mian was so amused.
Lei Tie pushed the food box to Lei Xiangzhi, "Lunch for you."
"Many thanks, eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law." With a smile on his face, Lei Xiangzhi sat down on the stone bench next to him. As soon as he opened the food box, a delicious aroma wafted out. He put the food on the stone table and found out that there was more than one dish. He felt very moved.
Qu Zongwen and the others stared at the steaming twice-cooked pork, red-cooked fish, minced eggplant, scrambled egg with tomato, and fried tofu, as well as a large bowl of white rice.
The amount of the few dishes was quite a lot. Lei Xiangzhi said to them, "I can't eat so many dishes by myself. If you don't mind, go to the dining hall and buy some rice to eat together."
"Many thanks, Brother Lei."
Qu Zongwen and the others were about 16 to 17 years old. They still had a little bit of a child's temperament. They all laughed and ran while outdoing one another.
088 – Grand Opening
The dining hall of the academy sold meat and vegetable dishes but the taste was very ordinary. Huo Sirui, Qu Zongwen, and Bu Qingyun could not get used to certain food. However, the dishes sent by Qin Mian were all full of flavors and much better than those from the academy's dining hall with just a look. Zhao Tianhe and Wang Shangwen were from a family with an average financial situation; they could buy three to four good dishes a month. Hence, it led to the present scene. The monthly expense that Lei Daqiang and Du Shi gave to Lei Xiangzhi was not small, but he was a diligent and thrifty man, and seldom bought meat dishes.
"The new wine house must have been very busy. How can Eldest Brother and Eldest Sister-in-law have the time to come and see me?" Lei Xiangzhi asked. It had been two months since he entered the academy and this was the first time that Qin Mian and Lei Tie came to see him.
Qin Mian said, "Besides visiting you, were here today to ask for your help regarding the wine house. I'll talk about it later."
Just as they chatted a few words, Qu Zongwen and the others came quickly with bowls of rice. The students passing by looked at them curiously.
Qin Mian and Lei Tie stood up to give their seats but Qu Zongwen and the others quickly refused.
"How could that be proper?"
Qin Mian unconcernedly chuckled, "Its more than proper for you all to sit and eat. A-Tie and I have one more thing to trouble you all with.
"What's it? You two are Xiangzhi's eldest brother and sister-in-law. Therefore, you two are also our eldest brother and sister-in-law. " This was said by a new face.
Lei Xiangzhi said, "Eldest Brother and Eldest Sister-in-law, this is my new friend, Huo Sirui. Hes the first top scorer of this year's prefectural examination."
Huo Sirui and Lei Xiangzhi were the same age. He had the temperament of a gongzi from an influential family, yet not at all haughty but refined and courteous, "Greetings, Eldest Brother Lei. Eldest Sister-in-law Lei."
Qin Mian nodded, "Nice to meet you, Huo-gongzi. You all eat first, and we'll talk after that."
Everybody looked at each other, "This Wont you two have to wait a long time?"
Before Lei Xiangzhi opened his mouth, the few others no longer refused and sit down to eat.
"There's a cherry jam in it. It can't be kept for a long time." Qin Mian handed the bamboo tube to Lei Xiangzhi.
While they ate, Qin Mian and Lei Tie wandered around not too far away. After a while, the two came back when Lei Xiangzhi and the others had finished the meal. The plates were also properly put in the food box.
Lei Xiangzhi and Bu Qingyun rose to their feet to give up their seats to Qin Mian and Lei Tie.
Qin Mian took out a folded piece of paper from his sleeve pocket. "It's about this matter. Our new wine house, Double Xiang House, will be opened on the 30th. It happens that the 30th and the 31st are days off for Qingyun Academy. Were going to take this opportunity to hold small talent competitions in Double Xiang House such as poetry, painting, and calligraphy. In each competition, the top three places will be awarded 12 taels, 5 taels, and 2 taels respectively. Firstly, its to publicize our wine house; secondly, its to create an opportunity for self-reliance for some talented but poor students. The excellent poetry, calligraphy, and painting will also be hung in the wine house to help make a name for them."
Huo Sirui clapped his hands and praised, "It's a good idea. Maybe I can persuade my father to be a judge."
Qin Mian asked, "May I know who your father is?"
Bu Qingyun said, "Sirui's father is the dean of our academy."
Qin Mian was noncommittal, "It would be a great honor to invite Dean Huo. However, the original intention of this competition is to attract customers; more or less mixed up with philistinism. I'm afraid itll be hard to attract your father's favor."
Huo Sirui shook his head and said with a smile, "Eldest Sister-in-law Lei must have thought that my father should be a scholarly, superior, even Hehe, pedantic and outmoded person. Hes actually not. I'm sure my father will be interested in it."
Qin Mian said joyfully, "If you can indeed invite your father, well send you 20 Jin of every kind of fruit in our orchard this year."
Lei Xiangzhi smiled at Huo Sirui as he said, "Youve tasted the cherry just now. Isnt it good? The fruits in my eldest brother's orchard are excellent, plump, and sweet."
"Alright, it's a deal," Huo Sirui confidently said.
Qin Mian continued, "Also, all the students participating in the competition can have a free meal in this wine house."
Wang Shangwen said in shock, "Like this, your wine house will inevitably lose a lot."
Qin Mian smiled faintly, "I haven't finished yet. To avoid people coming to eat and drink freely, or even pretending to be a student, only the intellectual who can make a poem on the spot can participate in the competition and have the opportunity to eat and drink for free."
Lei Xiangzhi and Qu Zongwen both nodded slightly.
Huo Sirui looked at Qin Mian and Lei Tie with admiration. He didn't know who came up with such a method.
"The details are in this flyer." Qin Mian handed the leaflet to Lei Xiangzhi. "What we want to trouble Fifth Brother and everyone to do is to help us publicize this in the academy. If interested, can also come to participate. If I remember correctly, the college examination is in the 10th lunar month. This will be good a warm-up for you all, right?"
Lei Xiangzhi nodded, "Yes. You can count on us now, Eldest Sister-in-law."
Qin Mian took out another piece of paper. "This is our menu. You are welcome to bring your relatives and friends to dine in. 30% discount will be given on the first three days of opening."
When Qu Zongwen and the others saw that there were many dishes on the menu that they had never heard of, they secretly drooled and decided to take their relatives and friends to dine.
Qin Mian stood up. "Your next class is very soon, right? We wont delay your study. A-Tie and I have to go to other places to distribute leaflets. Well take our leave."
"Please."
Qin Mian and Lei Tie left Qingyun Academy with White Spot. Instead of handing out leaflets in person, Qin Mian and Lei Tie found four 12-year-old children who were playing at the entrance of an alley. They distributed 200 leaflets to the four of them and asked them to give it to the owners or shop assistants on the roadside stalls. They paid the children a deposit of 10 Wen and gave another 40 Wen each after all the leaflets were distributed.
The people who got the leaflet looked at it curiously. In addition to the introduction of Double Xiang Houses wine house and inn, special dishes, preferential activities, talent competitions, and other contents, there was a striking line of reminder at the foot of the leaflet: Double Xiang House and Eating Savory Restaurant belong to the same family. In such a sentence, people who knew of Eating Savory Restaurant could draw a strong conclusion that the food of Double Xiang House would not be bad.
When they returned from the county and passed through Running Water Town, Qin Mian bought six large vats and asked people to transport them back.
Back at home, he and Lei Tie hired four flexible young men and four quick-witted women to work in the orchard. The men climbed up the herringbone ladder to pick cherries, while the women washed and removed the stems and pits of the cherries. Removing the pits was easy with a stab of the chopstick.
Out of the six cherry trees, three were picked for the time being. When settling the wages for the villagers, Qin Mian gave each of them half a Jin of cherries.
Qin Mian and Lei Tie steeped three vats of cherry wine and squeezed half a vat of cherry juice with the picked cherries. The cherries had yet been completely used up. Qin Mian made cherry jam and filled it into two basins for Double Xiang House's opening.
After dark, Qin Mian transferred the few large vats to the space to keep fresh.
On the 30th of the 5th lunar month; the opening day.
As soon as the auspicious time arrived, firecrackers crackled continuously. Qin Mian and Lei Tie uncovered the red cloth on the plaque together, revealing the three elegant and confident gold [word] characters of "Double Xiang House".
Guests that had heard the news flocked to the entrance. Some people in the scholar's robes but didnt have the scholar's temperament cried out, "I want to compete!"
Lei Xiangzhi blocked at the entrance and smilingly said, "You may. However, please compose a poem with the "spring" theme. The qualified one will get a little red flower to be eligible for the competitions and enjoy free food and drink. I'm not a talented person, only the second top scorer in the current prefectural examination."
As soon as the last word came out, some people who wanted to sneak in to eat and drink freely under the name of competition immediately gave up their plans and mixed into the crowd with shame and disappeared. The second top scorer in the prefectural examination was not easy to fool. Those who were unwilling could only pay out of their own pockets even if they went in. The real scholars lined up to compose poems.
The waiters dressed up in uniform were busy leading other guests in.
"Dear guest, do you want to eat or stay?"
"Eat."
"Alright, please come in." The waiter had a warm and befitted smile on his face, "Do you want to sit in the boisterous lobby or the elegant private room on the second floor, or the comfortable honored guest lounge on the third floor?"
"Just sit in the lobby. It's boisterous."
"Yes, this way, please. Dear guest, this is our menu. The price is clearly stated. What would you like to eat? Sweet, salty, sour, and spicy. There is always something to your taste. If you don't want to read the menu, I can give you the name of the dishes. If you eat in our wine house on the first three days of opening, not only you can get a 30% discount, but youll also be given a plate of cherry jam dessert."
"Your wine house has a lot of dishes. Well, Ive no dietary restriction. Please give me three meat dishes, one vegetable dish, and one soup dish."
"Alright, I'll serve you right away. You'll have tea and try our cherry jam dessert. This is unique in the whole county."
"Dear guest, would you like to eat or stay?"
"Stay."
"Alright, please follow me. There are three kinds of guest rooms in our Rugui Building. Ordinary affordable rooms are divided into a single room and double room; they are clean and tidy, with complete furniture and exclusive private space. A luxury elegant room has an independent washroom. An honored guest suite is spacious and comfortable and has a variety of interesting entertainment facilities, which most suitable for staying with relatives and friends. Here is the price list. 30% off on the first three days of opening. If you can't make up your mind, I can show you around the rooms first."
There were more and more guests in the lobby.
The entrance of Double Xiang House was the liveliest place. The gate was nearly two zhangwide. On the left, Lei Xiangzhi tested the students who came to participate in the competition. On the right, Qin Mian and Lei Tie welcomed the guests who came to dine and stay.
A horse carriage came to a stop. Qu Zongwen jumped out of the carriage and walked quickly to Lei Xiangzhi, "I'll help you."
"Thanks for the trouble, Brother Qu," Lei Xiangzhi gratefully said.
With the help of Qu Zongwen, the scholars were divided into two teams and progress became much faster.
A scholar fluently recited, "The plants all know that spring will soon return, all kinds of red and purple contend in beauty. The poplar blossom and elm seeds are not beautiful, they can only fill the sky with flight like snow."
"Good poetry!" Lei Xiangzhi praised as he nodded and handed him a red flower, "Brother, please come in."
There was a lot of excitement here. Over there, Qin Mian welcomed the guests in with a smile while Lei Tie stood a few steps away with four guards to guard against pickpockets making trouble when there were too many people.
Suddenly, a man called out, "Boss Nie of Drunk Immortal House in Zhaoyang County presents a congratulatory gifteight earthen jars of excellent old wine to wish a thriving business and long-standing!"
Qin Mian looked up and saw that the man who got off the luxury carriage opposite was Nie Heng, dressed in green robes with graceful bearing. He came over slowly, "Boss Lei and Boss Qin, congratulations. May great prosperity attend the opening of the business!"
They all did the catering business. When Nie Heng came back, Qin Mian was not surprised. He just didn't expect that he would send a congratulatory gift.Isnt there a saying that two of a trade can never agree?
"Many thanks, Boss Nie. Its an honor to receive you as our guest. I hope Boss Nie can enjoy yourself to the fullest. A-Tie, you accompany Boss Nie to go in." Qin Mian didn't trust to hand over the reception to Lei Tie alone.
Lei Tie nodded to Nie Heng, "Boss Nie, this way please."
Over there, there was a staff to take care of the carriage.
The waiter respectfully asked, "Dare to ask Boss Nie comes to eat or stay?"
Nie Heng smilingly said, "I'll stay for one night."
Light flashed past in Lei Tie's eyes.
"May I know if Boss Nie wants a luxury room on the second floor or an honored guest suite on the third floor?"
Nie Heng said without hesitation, "Honored guest room."
"Alright. I'll check you in."
Outside, Qin Mian continued to greet the guests while smiling until his face ached slightly.
Note:
089 Why Is There No Martial Arts Competition
Huo Sirui came over with two middle-aged men.
"Boss Qin."
The middle-aged man walking at the front was dressed up as a scholar. He looked half alike Huo Sirui with a big belly, a kind face, and a smile like Maitreya Buddha. The other middle-aged man was older, dressed in a grey scholar robe and a black turban. He looked thin and cultured, with wisdom in his eyes.
Huo Sirui said to the man who looked like Maitreya Buddha, "Father, this is one of the owners of Double Xiang House, Boss Qin. Boss Qin, this is my father. Respectful name is Yongcheng."
Dean Huo that Qin Mian imagined was completely different. He didnt cover up the astonishment in his eyes properly but quickly adjusted his expression and went forward to greet him, "This junior greets Dean Huo."
If Huo Yongcheng could become the dean of an academy, he must have a reputation. However, Huo Sirui didnt introduce him as such. It was probably the meaning of Huo Yongcheng not wanting to oppress others with his fame.
Dean Huo saw the surprise in Qin Mian's eyes, but he gave a modest smile and didnt take it to heart. "Boss Qin doesn't need to be polite. It is also beneficial for students to participate in such talent competitions. My contribution is only a matter of lifting a finger."
Huo Sirui also introduced the other man, "This is Teacher Liu of our academy. Respectful name is Jingxian."
"Greetings, Teacher Liu," Qin Mian said as he bowed with hands folded in front.
Teacher Liu said, "I come here without an invitation, Boss Qin doesnt need to mind me."
Qin Mian said quickly, "I dare not. My humble wine house is honored by Dean Huo and Teacher Lius presence. Gentlemen, please come in!"
He accompanied Dean Huo and Teacher Liu to Binzhi Building.
In the lobby on the first floor, Dean Huo and Teacher Liu saw that the hall was almost full. Some students crowded in front of a wall, praising and commenting on something. The two approached curiously. When their eyes fell on the poems on the wall, they could not help but take a close look.
"Spring. Up to your crown, Owillow, dressed in the green of jades; myriads of twigs so verdant, droop like your silken braids. Who knows who the tailor is, whos cut your leaves so fine? Its the vernal winds past February, sharp as the scissors blades. Good poem!"
After Teacher Liu finished reciting, some people excitedly praised.
Dean Huo didn't expect to see such quatrains in the wine house. He nodded with approval and amazement in his eyes.
The two didn't communicate with each other. They looked at the other three poems.
"Summer. Summer day lengthens under the shady green trees, the pond reflects pavilions and terraces. Crystal-bead curtains flicker with the rise of a breeze, full arches of climbing roses fill the garden with fragrance."
"Autumn. Over green hills a limpid brook flows, sky mirrored in the water of autumn hue. Away from the distant earthly world, maple leaves and velvet clouds leisurely float."
"Winter. Not a bird in a thousand hills, not a soul on ten thousand trails. An old man on a raft in straw quilts, fishes alone with snowy chills."
After reading, Huo Sirui eagerly asked, "Boss Qin, who are these four poems from? None of these four poems are continuous. Those who can make these poems must have great talents!"
These words were also what Dean Huo and Teacher Liu wanted to say, but Huo Sirui took the lead. Both of them looked at Qin Mian with bright eyes.
Qin Mian laughed and said, "It was when A-Tie went out that he overheard what people said. He thought it was pretty good, so he wrote it down."
"Oh?"
The three of them were disappointed with this answer. However, there was nothing they could do.
"Dean Huo, Teacher Liu, and Huo-gongzi, please come here." Qin Mian took them to a square table for four people.
Soon, the waiter offered them excellent tea, a dish of cherry jam dessert, a glass bottle of cherry juice that looked more attractive through the translucent glass, and four glass cups matched with the glass bottle. There was also a delicate fruit basket made of thin bamboo branches with the content of fresh cherries embellished with water beads, gleaming, and appealing.
"Please enjoy it slowly," The waiter bowed down respectfully and retreated.
Huo Sirui sat with Dean Huo and Teacher Liu for a while and ate some snacks and fruits. Then he sat with his schoolmates.
As soon as the time of the competition arrived, the guests in the wine house were all quiet. The reason why they came here today besides dining was to watch the talent competitions.
Qin Mian and Lei Tie stood beside Dean Huo. Qin Mian cupped his hand in front of the other and said, "Everyone, I'm Qin Mian and this is Lei Tie. We are the owners of Double Xiang House. Welcome everyone to Double Xiang House. I hope everyone has a good time eating and staying. The talent competition will begin soon. Before that, Ill introduce two distinguished guests, Dean Huo and Teacher Liu of Qingyun Academy."
Dean Huo and Teacher Liu cupped their hands in obeisance to the crowd.
Qin Mian continued, "These two are the judges of the talent competition. Therefore, all contestants need not worry about any unfairness in the competition."
Everyone nodded. People from Zhaoyang County knew that Dean Huo was not only the Dean of Qingyun Academy but even a Jinshiwho had been filial for 20 years. His character, talent, and reputation were trustworthy.
Qin Mian nodded as a signal to Manager Sun.
Manager Sun walked to the middle of the hall. He said with a smile on his face: "I'm Sun Maosheng, the manager of Double Xiang House. Many thanks to everyone for your support. The talent competition will start"
"Wait!" A tall and strong scholar suddenly stood up. Based on his white student robe, he was also a student of Qingyun Academy.
There was a sudden silence in the hall as everyone's eyes fell on him.
When Qin Mian noticed that there was no red flower in his hands or body, his eyes sunk. Did someone want to kick a fuss even before it begins?
Lei Tie pressed his shoulder and the calm look in Lei Ties eyes soon calmed him down.Right, even if this person wants to make trouble, A-Tie is here. What is there to be afraid of?
Dean Huo asked Huo Sirui in a low voice, "Is he also a student of our academy? Do you know him?"
Huo Sirui nodded with an odd expression, "I know. He He is probably the student with the biggest appetite in our academy." Up to now, he still remembered that time when he went to the dining hall to eat, he saw five empty bowls piled on the table in front of Bao Xu, who even had an empty bowl in his hand.
"Oh? Hehe." Dean Huo stroked his beard as he laughed strangely.
Lei Xiangzhi recognized the scholar and hurriedly walked over to him. He said mildly, "Junior Bao if you have any questions, it would be well to wait until the competition is over."
"No," Bao Xu urgently said, "it'd be too late to talk about it after the competition. I want to say, the competition is all about literary art. Why is there no martial art? I also have talent. I know kung fu!"
It turned out to be the same thing. Qin Mian said, "This matter is indeed our negligence."
His calmness was well received by the guests present.
Bao Xu had slightly chubby cheeks that when he smiled, he looked very simple and honest. He asked happily, "Can I take part in the competition?"
Qin Mian raised his hand to hint at him not to be impatient. He raised his voice and asked, "Do any other students want to take part in the martial arts competition?"
Two more scholars stood up.
Bu Qingyun was overjoyed and spoke to Wang Shangwen, "This is good. Even if those three arent good at kung fu, they can be ranked one, two, or three."
Beside him, Wang Shangwen was dumbfounded and said, "Lower your voice."
Qin Mian said to himself,this is easy to deal with. He said with a smile, "Because there are too few people taking part in the martial arts competition, the three of you will compete with me after the literary art competition. If all three of you win against me, you can continue the competition to determine the number one, two, and three. If defeated, you are unqualified to participate in the ranking. What do the three of you think?"
"Ah?" Qu Zongwen asked Lei Xiangzhi in surprise, "Does your sister-in-law know kung fu?"
Lei Xiangzhi was also surprised, "I don't know. Must be taught by my eldest brother."
The guests were all excited. They didn't expect to have a meal and see a wonderful competition. Great Xia Dynasty had always put mental training above physical training. Thus, few people knew martial arts.
Bao Xu agreed without hesitation and naively said, "Boss Qin, look at your small body The cherry jam here is deliciousI'm not going to be merciful."
The corner of Qin Mian's mouth twitched, but his face remained calm and his lips were smiling. With an enigmatic posture of an expert from beyond the mundane world, Qin Mian said leisurely, "Lets talk about it when you beat me."
This expression subdued Bao Xu. His expression became serious as he clenched his fists.
Li Shan and Zhou Hai, two other scholars, also came.
Manager Sun then went on with his previous remarks, "The first competition is to compose poems with the theme of "eating" or all kinds of food. Any food material, dish, wine, or fruit can be used. The brush, ink, paper, and inkstone are ready. Please write down your poems. Time given is a lit incense stick."
Dean Huo looked thoughtfully at Qin Mian and Lei Tie. To promote the wine house, the two owners truly spared no effort.
Lei Xiangzhi briefly pondered before wielding the brush to write.
Qin Mian and Lei Tie stood in an inconspicuous corner and seamlessly looked at all the people in the hall. They were not surprised to see a few familiar facesthe people who had bought the recipe. Their purpose was obvious.
"Wife, are you going to compete with them?" Lei Tie asked.
With a smile, Qin Mian said in a low voice, "You want to compete with them? Isnt it as easy as flipping a hand for you to win against them?"
Lei Tie's face was expressionless, but a little smile appeared in his eyes.
Qin Mian could see it clearly and stifled a laugh.Does this guy also like to hear praises?
A whisper came out Lei Tie's mouth, "I only like to listen to your praises."
Qin Mian's eyes were full of laughter as he continued to say formally, "Anyway, there are only three of them. Even if the rank is arranged, it is only a matter of a few silver taels. It's all for fun."
Nie Heng, Qu Zongwen, Huo Sirui, and the others all looked at the two people who whispered to each other. It could be seen that their feelings were extremely good.
"Nie Heng has reserved the honored guest room. The young man and the manservant who followed him have respectively reserved the luxury room and the ordinary room," Lei Tie said.
Qin Mian uncaringly said, "No mishap [will happen]. There's nothing shady about Double Xiang House, so just let them see. The uniqueness of our wine house lies in the soul, not in these external forms."
His wifes proud appearance was so dazzling. Lei Tie held his hand quietly.
Note:
090 Amaze the World with A Single Brilliant Feat
After a stick of incense burnt, the scholars stopped writing one after another. Dean Huo and Teacher Liu asked them to recite their poems in turn.
"One can eat a meal without meat, but cannot live without bamboo. Without meat makes people thin, without bamboo makes people vulgar," the first contestant recited his poem confidently.
The crowd roared with laughter.
"Hahaha…"
Dean Huo and Teacher Liu shook their heads. A few of the guests who knew a little poetry and lyrics also shook their heads.
Teacher Liu simply commented, "This poem can be recited smoothly, but it is a pity that it has lost the elegance of the poem."
Contrarily, Qin Mian thought that this poem was very good and suitable for hanging in the wine house. Therefore, he gave the scholar a favorable smile and decided to talk to him after the contest.
The second scholar recited, "How flavorous is your golden-hued Zhaoyang wine! You fill my cup of jade in amber, it will glow. Its enough if you can make me drunk, host mine; no more nostalgia in your house shall I know."
"Good!" Dean Huo nodded approvingly, "The language of the entire poem has a wonderful meaning, like drinking wine and enjoying spring breeze. It's a masterpiece."
Dean Huo and Teacher Liu commented very quickly, and the poetry contest ended soon. The first, second, and third winners were Huo Sirui, Wang Shangwen, and another poor junior.
Lei Xiangzhi's poem was very good too, but unfortunately, he didn't make it to the top three. However, he was second in calligraphy and chess contests.
..
The last literary arts competition was guqin. Huo Sirui's song was amazing and he easily won first place. Dean Huo couldn't stop smiling.
After the literary arts competition, Qin Mian asked people to hang several excellent poems. Then, he took out the brand-new silver ingots that had been prepared in advance. He let Dean Huo and Teacher Liu serve as the awarding guests to give the prize money to the students who won the competition.
The students who didn't get the rank were not disappointed. They still could enjoy free food and drink.
"Boss Qin, it's time for martial arts competition!" Bao Xu shouted, afraid that Qin Mian might forget.
Qin Mian said, "Let's go outside to compete. This way, please."
The open space in front of the building was large enough for people to compete in martial arts. All the guests followed them outside to watch.
Qin Mian and Bao Xu, Li Shan, and Zhou Hai were surrounded in the middle.
"Who comes first?" Qin Mian asked as he loosened his wrists.
Bao Xu stepped out with chest held high, "I'll come first."
Qin Mian nodded, "Alright, please."
Lei Xiangzhi walked to Lei Tie and asked worriedly, "Eldest Brother, Eldest Sister-in-law will be alright?" Bao Xu was tall and strong. He was not only a head taller than Qin Mian, but his body was also at least as thick as two Qin Mian. Furthermore, it was not fat but solid flesh on his body that made him appear like a young calf.
Lei Tie remained silent.
Dean Huo reminded, "The time is up to you two."
Bao Xu nodded vigorously, "Don't worry, Dean Huo. Whoever can throw the other on the ground will be the winner. What do you think, Boss Qin? "
Qin Mian gave him a silent glance.Are you the sponsor or am I the sponsor?
"Sure."
"Competition begins," Teacher Liu said.
Bao Xu rushed to Qin Mian. His right hand clenched into a fist and swung at Qin Mian. His big fist was like a hammer. Qin Mian nimbly slipped and leaned sideways to dodge. Then, his right palm attacked Bao Xus lower rib.
Experts could see from this fight that both of them were good.
Bao Xu was a little surprised. With a loud shout, he sped up his attack. Every gesture and motion were heavy and powerful. Qin Mian's advantage lay in his flexible body. He dodged and skillfully made a move at the same time. Bao Xu was a real kung fu expert. His movements were not slow. It was Qin Mian who cheated. The spiritual spring water improved his dynamic vision. His eyes keenly caught the angle and direction of Bao Xu's moves to prevent them in time.
Neither of them could get the upper hand for a while, and the crowd cheered from time to time.
After more than 50 moves, Qin Mian discovered that he was at a disadvantage. After all, he lacked the experience of fighting with others. He soon revealed a flaw and was caught by Bao Xu. Bao Xu buckled his right arm. Remembering that he had to throw the other party to the ground to win, he pushed Qin Mian to the ground.
Everyone couldn't help but cry out in alarm.
Seeing that Qin Mian was about to land on his face, a dark shadow flashed by. Lei Tie put his arm around Qin Mian's waist in time. He lifted him and helped him to stand firm.
"Wife?" Lei Tie checked him up and down.
"I'm fine," Qin Mian gently raised the corners of his lips.
"Hey, you are so loathsome! Why did you push our Little Young Master to the ground after winning?" Xile pointed to Bao Xu as he said in dissatisfaction.
Bao Xu scratched his head and helplessly said, "I I didn't mean to."
"Its fine, Xile," Qin Mian waved his hand, unconcerned. "Bao-gongzi should not have intended it. Congratulations, Bao-gongzi. "
Bao Xu said gladly, "Hah-hah, you let me win!"
Qin Mian looked at Li Shan and Zhou Hai.
"Which of you will come first?"
Li Shan went first and was defeated in less than 20 moves; Zhou Hai was slightly better and was subdued by Qin Mian after 32 moves.
Bao Xu easily got the first place.
Bu Qingyun muttered, "Alas, fortuneindeedfavors fools."
"Hah-hah," Qu Zongwen laughed. "Alright, let's go and eat."
Bu Qingyun immediately became spirited, "Right, lets go!"
Everyone went back to the lobby and continued to eat and drink. Soon, the lobby became lively. Bao Xu sat at a table alone and ordered six dishes at one go, "Two more bowls of rice."
The waiter reminded him, "Dear guest if you can't finish eating, you will be fined."
"I know." Bao Xu patted his chest, "I'm just afraid I don't have enough to eat. Don't worry, if I can't finish eating, you can fine me!"
The waiter wiped his sweat and cheerfully said yes.
Upon seeing Qin Mian coming, Bao Xu writhed uneasily on his chair. "Boss Qin, you said that I can eat and drink for free."
Qin Mian chuckled. "I came here to say that as long as you don't waste food, you can eat at ease."
"Many thanks, Boss Qin!" Then and there, Bao Xu had a good impression on him.
"Enjoy it slowly." Qin Mian looked around and found the scholar who wrote the poem "without meat makes people thin".
"Gongzi, the poem you wrote can arouse people's appetite as soon as they read it. Our wine house is very interested in it. I wonder if you would like to sell the poem to us? We'll hang it in the wine house."
The student was pleasantly surprised and frankly said, "Of course. It's just that you don't have to buy it. If possible, can Boss Qin give me some cherry jam? My brother and sister will love it."
"No problem," Qin Mian said with a smile. "I'll give you a jar of cherry jam in a moment. I wonder if you mind adding your name to the poem?"
"I don't mind." This scholar was open-minded, "Even if the writing is not good, I wrote it. Perhaps I can be well-known with it hanging in your wine house? Hah-hah!"
Qin Mian came to Dean Huo's table again.
"Are you satisfied with our service, Dean Huo and Teacher Liu? If you need anything, you can always call the waiter."
Dean Huo put down his chopsticks and laughed heartily, "The food of Double Xiang House is mouth-watering and leaves a rich aftertaste. No dissatisfaction, Boss Qin. One of my life's interests is fine food. I've been to all the wine houses in Zhaoyang County, but I enjoyed the food here the most."
Teacher Liu also nodded, "It is so. No wonder Boss Qin dare to open the wine house in this small town."
Qin Mian modestly said, "Dean Huo and Teacher Liu over-praised. You two, be sure enjoy to your hearts content."
After half a day, he was also tired. He told Manager Sun to send the fruit baskets prepared for Dean Huo and Teacher Liu when they were leaving. Then, he went into the lounge on the first floor to have a rest.
Lei Tie came back after he inspected Rugui Building. When he did not see his wife, he directly came to the lounge and saw his wife lying on the settee. He went over to massage his wifes arms and legs.
Qin Mian raised his leg and put it on his lap. He said, "A-Tie, looking at today's situation, our grand opening sales is a great success. Although there will be some losses, after those excellent writings are spread out, the reputation of Double Xiang House will be more prominent. We dont have to worry about customers in the future."
"En." Lei Tie said, "When Manager Sun can take charge, my wife doesn't have to work as hard as today."
"Thatd be great." Qin Mian languidly said, "Everything is difficult at the beginning. After that, it will be easy."
Lei Tie put his big palm on Qin Mians eyes, "Sleep for a while. I'll call you up if theres anything."
In the honored guest suite of the Rugui Building, Nie Heng sat on the settee in the sitting room and looked around with a complex expression.
The honored guest suite, Qin Mian made it according to the apocalypses design of three-room-two-hall-one-bathroom: three bedrooms, one sitting room, one entertainment room, and one bathroom.
In the three bedrooms, there were wide and soft double beds, brand-new and exquisite wardrobes, comfortable and warm settees, smooth and flat ground with soft rugs on the floor, all of which made of fine materials.
Exquisite paintings were hung on the wall. Although the painting style was strange, it gave people a very comfortable feeling. The most worth mentioning was the tall window with an abundance of illumination. It had a wide view to gaze into the distant scenery that caused ones heart untroubled and spirit pleased.
The sitting room also had a spread of the same rug that gave people the impulse to lie down. A whole set of settees was arranged in a circular shape. Besides a tea set, there was also a flower vase, fresh cherries, and peaches on the tea table in the middle.
The arrangement of the entertainment room was following the principle of pleasing the eye. Pai gow, dice, Go chess, seven-stringed guqin, and other recreational items that all one could think of was on hand.
The bathroom was equally special. Although it was not advanced to the degree of automatic flushing, after using the chamber pot, the chamber pot would slowly drop down with a press of the button on the side. After a short while, a clean chamber pot would come up. Also, the guest could take a hot bath in a big tub. Two cylindrical objects stood side by side in the corner: one filled with cold water and the other filled with hot water. The hollow cylinder filled with hot water went all the way to the first floor. There was a boiler room that boiled water 24 hours a day on the first floor. When the guest wanted to take a bath, it was sufficient to put hot water first and then add cold water. Not only that, but there was also a faint sweet scent floated in the washroom.
Besides these "hardware", the honored guest suite also had on-call service. On the wall of the sitting room, there were three different colored tags to pull: red tag for tea, cake, and fruit; blue tag for food; yellow tag for other services. The staff on the first floor would go upstairs immediately to serve the honored guest.
The sound of knocking on the door awakened Nie Heng from his deep thought.
"Come in."
Nie Qing and Chunsheng pushed open the door. Upon seeing the smooth and clean ground, they did not dare to step forward for a moment.
"Not coming in?" The depression in Nie Heng's heart dissipated because of their funny reaction.
Nie Qing and Chunsheng came into the room and saluted Nie Heng first, "Greetings, gongzi."
Nie Heng relaxed on the settee, "You two look around first."
Nie Qing and Chunsheng walked around the room, sighing to themselves while looking. After looking around, they returned to the sitting room.
"How?" Nie Heng asked.
Nie Qing said, "The luxury suite on the second floor is roughly the same as this room gongzi lives in. However, the floor is covered with wood, no rug. The furniture and decoration are chosen and arranged very attentively, but not as luxurious and dignified as this room. Of course, it is much better than the upper room in an ordinary inn. Besides, the bathroom in the luxury suite is relatively simple. If you want to take a bath, you have to ask people to send the water."
Chunsheng said, "Gongzi, the ordinary room isnt bad. Its divided into a single room and a double room. The single room is a single bed and the double room is a double bed. The furniture inside is new and each room has a set of calligraphy and painting. There is no wide bed."
Nie Heng was silent for a long time before he said, "Double Xiang House will amaze the world with a single brilliant feat."
Nie Qing and Chunsheng dared not say anything. The lodging environment of the Rugui Building was second. The dishes of Binzhi Building were new and odd with great smell, taste, and look. People who loved to eat would certainly not miss such a good place. By contrast, the remote location had become secondary.
Nie Heng stood up, "Lets go down to take a stroll."
