091 Deliver Cherries
From the suspension bridge to the third floor of Binzhi Building, and then from the third floor to the lobby on the first floor, Nie Heng saw that there were several more calligraphy and paintings on the wall. It was the work that won the prize in today's talent competition. Under the calligraphy and painting, the words like a certain someone from Qingyun Academy was in Double Xiang House on a certain day, a certain month and a year were added.
"Look, gongzi." Chunsheng pointed to a painting and calligraphy on the wall facing the front door of the lobby.
Nng k j w zh [Id rather live without bamboo]
B k sh w ru. [But cannot eat without meat]
W zh lng rn s [Without bamboo, people are brusque (vulgar)]
W ru lng rn shu. [Without meat, people are reed (thin)
Nie Heng smiled with admiration on his face. It was unknown whether he admired the person who wrote the poem or the person who hung the poem. Then, he briskly walked to the garden.
After dark, when the last diner left, Qin Mian summoned all the staff to the lounge for a meeting. He looked at the tired faces of the staff and motioned for Xile to pour tea for them.
Everyone was overwhelmed by the superior's favor.
After making sure that their attention was back on him, Qin Mian said, "Everyone has been working hard today, especially the chefs and waiters. There are too many guests today, so you are the busiest. However, our Double Xiang House is situated in a small nameless remote town with few local customers. This is a fact. After the three days of discount, there may not be as many customers as today. The big boss and I are not going to hire more chefs and staff for the moment. Let's wait and see the situation first. The four chefs and all the waiters will have to work hard for another two days. So are the others. But everyone's hard work has paid off. The big boss and I have discussed and decided that today, everyone will be rewarded with 50 Wen as encouragement."
Everyone was all overjoyed and said, "Many thanks, Big Boss and Little Boss!"
Qin Mian smilingly added, "We also decided to set up three awards, namely: the best smile award, the most diligent award, and the most thoughtful service award."
"Little Young Master, what are the best smile award, the most diligent award, and the most thoughtful service award?" Xile butt in.
Qin Mian explained, "The best smile award is to smile with enthusiasm when entertaining the customers. The person with the most favorite smile will receive the best smile award, which will be evaluated once a month, and be awarded 50 Wen. The most diligent award, as the name suggests, is the award for the most diligent staff, which is also rewarded with 50 Wen. For example, if a cleaner always cleans the floor and cleans the table in time, he will get the most diligent award.
As the most thoughtful service award, whether it's a waiter or a cleaner or even a gardener, they should greet the customers warmly when they need help. For example, when a gardener is pruning flowers and trees in the garden, a guest asks you "where is the stable?", you have to tell him the location of the stable in detail. If you take him to the stable in person or even find a stableman for him, it can be said the most thoughtful service."
His explanation was so easy to comprehend that everyone showed a look of understanding.
Qin Mian said, "If you understand it, I'll let people make a detailed list of rewards and punishments tomorrow. If you receive a reward, youll be marked a little red flower; if you make a mistake, youll be marked a little black flower. By the end of the year, Double Xiang House will select two best employees. Whoever gets the most red flowers and the least black flowers will get a huge bonus."
The staff was in high spirits and their faces were beaming with joy.
Qin Mian didn't want to say too much in case they couldn't digest it for a while.
"For now, things will stay that way. After Manager Sun gave out today's reward, everyone can go to have dinner. Have a good rest after dinner. Itll be busy tomorrow."
Everyone was high spirits and shouted, "Yes!"
In the morning, Qin Mian and Lei Tie worked out in the back garden dressed in their white kung fu garment. After running, Lei Tie practiced boxing regularly, while Qin Mian, who had many workouts, did push-ups first.
Lei Tie was absent-minded. His eyes always drifted to his wife's butt which fluctuated along his body. Through the drooping lapel, Lei Tie could see his smooth chest.
"Wife, what kind of training is this?" Lei Tie asked while his movements continued. Although his mind was not at peace, his boxing was still calm and powerful.
"Huu huu…" Qin Mian gasped for breath, looked at him with some pride, and said, "Don't you understand? This way can toughen the waist and abdomen muscle. Especially pectoral muscle!"
Lei Tie was deep in thought, "Hm the waist should be toughened up nicely."
"What do you say?" Qin Mian didn't hear clearly.
"Nothing." Lei Tie continued practicing boxing.
Qin Mian did leapfrog after 20 push-ups. Currently, his body was still developing so he didn't dare to do too many leapfrogs. He only did 20 times each.
Nie Heng took his manservants through the back garden. When he saw Qin Mian jump forward like a frog, he didn't know what kind of appropriate expression to put on.
"Nie-gongzi. How did you sleep last night?" Qin Mian nodded his head in greeting and asked as he finished the frog leaping training.
Nie Heng told the truth, "Very good. It's truly worth 20 silver taels for a night. Its comfortable, quiet, and fragrant."
"That's good." With a faint smile, Qin Mian stood up after jumping.
Lei Tie handed him a face towel and continued practicing boxing as if he didn't know there was a third person present.
Nie Heng knew Lei Tie's character and didn't care about his impoliteness. He said to Qin Mian, "Boss Qin, I'm here especially to bid farewell. I hope we will have opportunities to cooperate in the future."
Qin Mian accepted his offer and smilingly said, "It's a great honor. However, Nie-gongzi may regret missing the breakfast only provided for residents and internal staff." Double Xiang House only served lunch, dinner, and light refreshments.
"Oh?" Nie Heng raised an eyebrow, "Then, I must go to taste the breakfast of your wine house. Im leaving first."
"We shall meet again someday. Take care, we wont send you off."
After Nie Heng walked far away, Qin Mian continued to practice arm hanging and hanging upside down that was bound to lengthen his height. Since the New Year, he grew about two to three centimeters tall, which he thought was related to his persistence in morning workouts.
The staff working on the second and third floors shook their heads when they saw the scene in the garden through the window, and thought that their little boss was really strange.
"Wife, it's enough." Lei Tie was worried that Qin Mian would hurt himself if he trained for a long time, so he reminded after a half stick of incense burnt.
Qin Mian was hung upside down without moving. He gave a smile to Lei Tie, "A little bit more."
Lei Tie held him down directly, "Go back to take a bath and have breakfast. Eat more to grow tall."
"All right, all right." Qin Mian forgot for a moment that the people on the second and third floors could see here. He leaned on Lei Tie's shoulder and kissed him on his face. "If I can't grow taller than you, I'll press you so much every day until you're short."
Lei Tie was unsatisfied with histiny sip. He hugged him and gave him a deep kiss.
They wore only a thin kung fu garment. When they clung to each other, the doubled body temperature scalded the others blood.
Lei Ties breath was hot. He whispered to Qin Mian's lips with a hoarse voice, "Wife, I want"
"Eldest Young Master, Little Young Master. Breakfast is ready." Xile came running forthrightly.
Lei Tie let go of Qin Mian and looked at Xile without expression.
Xile was shocked. He peeked at the little young master, unable to make any sense of the matter.What's going on?
Qin Mian stifled a laugh and did not speak.
"Xile, if you are too idle, stay here today and tomorrow." As soon as Lei Tie finished saying, he motioned Qin Mian to leave together.
Xile suddenly realized something and wanted so much to slap himself. He followed them with a sullen face while scolding himself in his heart:don't you know that the two masters are in a good relationship? If you disturb the masters' alone time, you deserve to be left in the wine house. Maybe you will miss the cherry-picking.
As Qin Mian expected, on the fourth day of opening, the net income of Double Xiang House decreased by 30% compared with the first three days.
Qin Mian was not disappointed with this result. He could predict that after about ten to fifteen days when those excellent poems and paintings were eulogized everywhere, the business of Double Xiang House would enter a new climax.
When Manager Sun had taken charge, Qin Mian and Lei Tie returned to Green Mountain Village with Xile.
As soon as they entered the gate, they were surrounded by the fragrance of flowers and fruits. Xile silently rejoiced. He liked to stay in Leisurely Farm Residence. The two young masters were good and the orchard was also good. He could sleep in the fragrance of fruit every day. It seemed that even his dream was sweet.
Qin Mian jumped off his horse and hurried to the cherry grove. "A-Tie, we haven't been home for several days. The rest of the cherries are probably over-ripe."
Uncle Fu said, "Little Young Master, don't worry. Except for a few drops, most of them are still fine."
Lei Tie ordered, "Go find the previously hired people to come over."
"Yes." Uncle Fu took the order and left.
"Eldest Young Master and Little Young Master, I'm going to bring the ladder." Xile ran fast.
Passing by the wooden arch bridge, Qin Mian observed the honey peach trees by the way. The trees were emerald green and within the slender leaves were nearly round fruits, half-covered in the leaves. Almost each of them weighed half a jin. Its pale green color vaguely suffused with pink and gave off a faint smell of peach pulp.
"The peaches are almost ripe." Lei Tie embraced Qin Mian's shoulder, "Tomorrow, Im going to Qingtian Prefecture."
Qin Mian hesitated, "I wont go with you." Right now, the orchard was bound to have many people. Moreover, in case there was an emergency in Double Xiang House, it would need people with enough importance to step in.
"En, you stay at home." Lei Tie didn't plan to take Qin Mian. He had too many things to do. Even if Qin Mian went to Qingtian Prefecture, he wouldn't have time to take his wife to play. He would come back as quickly as possible.
After the cherry-picking helpers arrived, they were busy in an orderly way. Since they had experienced it last time, their action had become more skillful.
As before, Qin Mian made most of the cherries into cherry juice, cherry wine, and cherry jam.
The next morning, Lei Tie rode off to Qingtian Prefecture.
After Qin Mian sent him until the entrance of the village, he returned home and took people to deal with the cherries.
"Xile, come over."
Xile put down his chopstick that was used to dig out the cherry pit, shook off the water on his hands, and ran over, "Little Young Master, what can I do for you?"
Qin Mian filled one big basket and two small baskets with cherries. He called Xile to his side, "This big basket is about 20 jin. You send it to Qingyun Academy and give it to Dean Huo. The small basket is sent to Dengs Village for grandpa and grandma. Also, don't forget to tell them that they won't be invited to come because there are many things at home recently and Lei Tie is away. Remember to speak nicely."
092 Wife Said
Qin Mian didn't mention who the other small basket was for.
"I understand. Rest assured, Little Young Master." Xile washed his hands in the basin, picked up two baskets, and left quickly.
When the sun was setting, all the cherries were finished. Qin Mian settled the wages for the helpers. After they left, he picked up the remaining basket of cherries and pointed to the three or four jin of cherries specially reserved as he said to Aunt Fu, "Aunt Fu. This is for you, Uncle Fu, and Xile to have."
"Many thanks, Little Young Master." Aunt Fu was used to the little young master's generosity, and her respect for Qin Mian was the same as before.
Qin Mian waved his hand and went out with his basket. Out of the gate of the courtyard, he took a glance at the mountain forest in the distance.
On the evening of early summer, the villagers came out of their homes and gathered in twos and threes to enjoy the cool air and chat while waiting for the dinner to be cooked.
Upon seeing Qin Mian, they all greeted him in a friendly way.
"Lei Tie's wife, where are you going this late?"
Qin Mian said with a smile, "Going to send some cherries to my parents."
"So much." The villagers cheerfully said, "You and your Lei Tie are truly filial to your parents!"
"Hah-hah," Qin Mian only laughed.
"I heard that your cherries are not only big but also sweet. It's a pity that you don't sell them. Otherwise, we'd like to buy some. Hehe, our children talked about it every day a few days ago," said an aunt regretfully.
Qin Mian said apologetically, "It's the first time for A-Tie and I planted fruit trees. We didnt expect that those fruit trees grew better than others, fortunately. That's why we want to sell them at the wine house and make more money. However, it won't be the case for next year. Next year, we'll only keep part of it for cherry juice and cherry jam, and sell the rest. Aunties and uncles can buy them if you want to."
The few villagers were very delighted.
"Good, that's a deal."
Zhao Shi was collecting the laundry in the yard when she saw Qin Mian come in with a basket of cherries. She could care less for the laundry and rushed to welcome him with a face full of smiles. Her tone was cordial, "Eldest Sister-in-law, you are here. It's heavy, isn't it? I'll carry it."
This basket of cherries weighed at least 8 to 9 Jin. It's not light. Qin Mian let her grab the basket.
"Father, mother! Eldest Sister-in-law is here!"
Zhao Shi shouted toward the house. She grabbed three to four cherries, put them into her mouth, and called out vaguely, "Dabao, Xiaobao! Where the hell are you?"
Qin Mian shook his head and walked into the central room.
Lei Daqiang and Du Shi smiled at Qin Mian when they saw the basket in Zhao Shi's hand.
Lei Daqiang said, "Eldests wife, come in and sit down."
"Eldest Sister-in-law." Lei Xiangyi, Lei Xiangli, and Lei Chuntao appeared one after another.
Lei Xiangren ran to Zhao Shi's side and grabbed a bunch of cherries before Du Shi grabbed the basket. He greeted Qin Mian, "Eldest Sister-in-law."
Qin Mian nodded without a word.
"Father, I want to eat!" Lei Dabao stood on tiptoe and grabbed the cherries from Lei Xiangren's hand. He didnt even notice his snivel ran down to his mouth.
Qin Mian quickly averted his eyes. It seemed that his impression of Lei Dabao was someone who always had a running nose.
"Mother. Mother, I want to eat too." Lei Erbao was too young to reach Lei Xiangren's hand and so he grabbed Zhao Shi's dress.
Wei Shi showed a befitting shallow smile to Qin Mian, "Eldests wife, thank you for remembering us."
"As it should be," Qin Mian said politely.
"It's sweet," Lei Daqiang nodded while eating and soon spat out a few pits.
Du Shi first grabbed some and put them on a plate. Everyone knew that this was what she wanted to leave to Lei Xiangzhi.
"These are not enough for our big family. Eldests wife, I'll go back with you to pick more later," Du Shi said as she ate.
Qin Mian said, "Mother, the cherries on the tree are all picked and made into cherry juice and cherry jam to be sent to the wine house to sell."
Lei Daqiang frowned, "You"
Qin Mian stood up and said, "Father and mother, it's getting late. I have to go back to cook. I'm leaving."
Du Shi snorted and said nothing as she looked at the cherry's portion.
When she didnt see the shadow of Qian Shi and Lei Xinxin, she sneered and glanced at Lei Xiangyi coldly, "Since the third daughter-in-law is not feeling well, let her rest. Everyone comes here to eat. This thing can't last long."
Lei Xiangren bit the cherry in his mouth and looked at Lei Xiangyi with gloat.
Lei Xiangyi said nothing. Since he had proposed to separate from the family, Du Shi and Lei Daqiang had been much colder toward him, and even more dissatisfied with Qian Shi. However, he didnt regret it. This was the price for him to separate from the family.
When Qin Mian had walked halfway, he suddenly recalled that he didn't see Qian Shi and Lei Xinxin today. He had some doubts, but he didn't think much about it as he rushed home. He didn't know where Lei Tie was now. It was the first time that he and Lei Tie separated since they were officially together. Although he knew that nothing would happen to Lei Tie, he still worried about him.
Lei Tie, who was a few hundreds ofliaway, passed through a forest. There was a four-cornered ancient pavilion near the edge of the forest and a pond not far away.
The four-cornered pavilion was surrounded by long wooden chairs, and in the middle was a worn-out stone table and four stone benches. The pavilion was quite old. A finger long crack was found on the stone table and a corner was missing at one end of a long wooden chair.
Lei Tie had been on the road continuously and didn't care at all about missing a lodging because he wanted to go early and return soon. He looked up at the western sky filled with sunset glow and stopped his horse before landing on the ground. After leading the horse to drink water, he tied the horse to the tree and walked into the ancient pavilion.
Looking at his new clothes, he couldn't help but touch it. His wife made it for him with a manual sewing machine. The top was a white slanting long robe with the length stopped at the butt, and the sleeves were loose and not tight, giving a cool and cozy feeling. The bottom was a pair of bound-feet trousers of the same color that made his body slenderer. The fabric of the clothes was just an ordinary cotton cloth. The black shallow boots on his feet were also cloth boots, but they fit him well. His wife said that when they went out to have fun, they shouldn't wear too well to avoid being watched by robbers and thieves. Although he was not afraid of thieves and rascals, the fewer complications the better.
This was the first time he wore a white outer garment. He thought that he would not get used to it, but he liked it very much.
His hand then reached to his neck. There was a black rope hanging from his neck. Hanging on the rope was a sheep-fat white jade Guanyin. His wife also bought this for him.
Feeling a little hungry, Lei Tie went to the black horse that was grazing leisurely and took off the pouch on the girdle of the horse's back. Inside the pouch was a bamboo tube as long as a calf, two relatively small and slightly shorter bamboo tubes, a water bag, a small net bag containing six honey peaches, and a wine gourd. They were all placed on the stone bench.
He sat on the stone bench, opened the big bamboo tube, and poured out a pancake which was almost as thick as the palm of his hand. He took a bite and could see several layers of delicious minced meat sandwiched in the pancake. He chewed slowly. When the pancake was finished, he opened one of the small bamboo tubes and appreciatively sipped the thick soup. The scene of Qin Mian packing his bags came to his mind.
Would his wife be in the space at this time?
"Clip-clop clip-clop" Horse's hooves sounded in the distance. Three fast horses, carrying bulging baggage, drew closer and closer.
On the leading horse, a youngster in his early twenties wearing a duanda garment called out to the others on the two horses, "Eldest Brother, Second Brother! I know there is a four-cornered pavilion not far ahead! Let's spend the night there tonight!"
Following closely behind him, a rough-faced big man swung his whip with a crisp sound and said in loud voice, "Good!Jia"
The last man was also very young, about 25 or 26 years old. His hair was very long and only a hairband tied in the middle. He squinted and said, "There seems to be someone there."
"Even if there is a person, what are we afraid of?" The youngster said indifferently and urged the horse forward, "The pavilion is not his home."
In a moment, the three horses reached the four-cornered pavilion.
"Sh"
Lei Tie was eating the second piece of pancake and didn't even lift his eyelids.
The three men did not go in immediately upon seeing Lei Tie's indifference and silent appearance that seemed not easy to communicate with.
When the rough-faced big man saw that there were red peaches on the bench, a scallion soup in the small bamboo tube, and also the pancake bitten by the white-clothed man, he couldn't help swallowing his saliva. He whispered to the long-haired man, "Old Two, the man also went out on a trip, but look at how good his rations are. Shall we buy some from him?"
"Drop it." The long-haired man was very helpless and lowered his voice, "Eldest Brother, look at his clothes. Although its made of cotton, its well-cut. The style is a novelty and the needlework is fine. The jade Guanyin on his neck is made of sheep-fat white jade. His pancake is also unusual. Weve never seen such a pancake since weve traveled all over the country. Lastly, let's look at the honey peachesthe peaches in Qingtian Prefecture are not ripe yet, right? His peaches may have come from the south. It's very expensive. Can ordinary people afford it? I think the man is a wealthy and respectable person. It's better not to make trouble with him."
The youngster also approached them and whispered with suspicion, "Wealthy and respectable person? Unlikely, right? Does a rich person make cups out of bamboo tubes?"
Lei Tie's eyes fell on the bamboo tube. The bamboo tube was not worth money, but his wife said that the bamboo wares had the functions of eliminating thirst, clearing the lung, and resolving phlegm and diuresis. Using bamboo wares regularly was good for health.
"What do you know?" The long-haired man slapped him on the head. "Bamboo has a medicinal effect. The bamboo wares are good for health. This is called low-key fastidiousness, understand?"
The rough-faced man touched his stomach in disappointment. "Forget it. I'm hungry too. Old Three, take out the ration quickly."
The three men tied their horses, went into the pavilion, and sat down on the stone bench opposite Lei Tie.
The youngster fished out a small cloth bag from his baggage and took out a few dried pancakes; one for each.
Three pairs of eyes uncontrollably flew to the meat pancake and the soup in the bamboo tube in Lei Ties hands. It smelled too good!
Lei Tie ate the last bite of the pancake and finished the soup. Except for the unopened small bamboo tube, all of his other things were put into the pouch. Then, he took out a rolled bean pancake from the small bamboo tube and went to the black horse to feed it.
The youngster curled his lips. He went closer to the long-haired mans ear, "Second Brother! I think I understand what is called low-key fastidious! His horse eats bean pancake that tastes better than our pancakes."
The long-haired man amusedly said, "Eat yours. Don't worry about such things when you're out on a trip. When we arrived at our destination, let Eldest Brother treat you to eat delicious food."
The rough-faced big man nodded, "That's a must."
When Lei Tie turned around after feeding the horse, the three men discovered the scar on his other cheek. They looked away rigidly and were glad they didn't provoke him just now. A person with such a long scar on his face must have had some dangerous experience.
Lei Tie wiped his hands clean and walked around the pavilion. His wife said that taking a walk after eating could prolong life until ninety-nine.
The three men used their peripheral vision to see Lei Tie walk around the pavilion. Their nerve stretched so tightly.What is he doing? Is he thinking about which direction to hit them?
When Lei Tie went on the second lap, he still didn't look at them. They suddenly realized that he was just taking a walk.
After walking for about half an hour, Lei Tie returned to the four-cornered pavilion. He lay down on the stone bench he had sat in before and closed his eyes. His wife said that keeping early hours made the body double in strength.
Note:
93 Hes Three Brothers
Qin Mian made two servings of fresh and tasty soy sauce noodles with shelled shrimps, crushed peanuts, and a handful of vegetables. He locked the door and held the noodles before he entered the space in high spirits but was disappointed to find that Lei Tie was not there. After waiting for a while, he still didn't show up. Qin Mian had to eat both bowls of noodles and left the space after pouring some water on the pink ball.
In the four-cornered pavilion hundreds ofliaway, there were four people in two groups, where each occupied one side. Lei Tie lay on the stone bench with eyes closed and remained motionless. The rough-faced man, the long-haired man, and the youngster ate their pancakes in silence for fear of disturbing his sleep.
Outside the four-cornered pavilion, four horses quietly nibbled on the green grass and swung their tails from time to time. They looked extremely leisurely and comfortable.
After the sun had set, the western sky left a faint yellow radiance with thick shadows.
"Clip-clop clip-clop"
Another clatter of horse's hooves came, urgent and speedy.
The long-haired man frowned slightly and whispered to remind the rough-faced man and the youngster, "From the sound, it seems to be a lot of people. Sleep lightly." When going out on a trip, they might encounter all kinds of dangers. It was very important for them to be vigilant at all times.
The youngster stood up and took two steps forward, looking curiously into the distance.
"Jia, jia!" The sound of men urging the horses was reverberating and resounding. In a moment, dozens of fast horses drew near. Everyone on the horseback was tall and big. Except for the leading man, all the others carried machetes.
When the youngster saw the face of the leading man sitting on the horse, his face radically changed. He threw the unfinished pancake on the ground and rushed to his horse. At the same time, he yelled at the rough-faced man and the long-haired man, "Damn it! It's the Panacea Hall! Let's go, Eldest Brother, Second Brother!"
The faces of the rough-faced man and the long-haired man abruptly changed. They rushed to their horses without hesitation. However, before they could untie the reins, the people on the horsebacks recognized them and quickly surrounded them with derisive laughter.
The middle-aged man on the horseback looked down contemptuously at the rough-faced big man and the long-haired man, shot a glance at the youngster, and said in a cold voice, "Catch them all for me!"
His followers heeded his order and besieged the rough-faced man and the long-haired man.
The youngster who had first mounted the horse had already dashed out for severalzhang. Two other followers chased after him.
The rough-faced man and the long-haired man fought back fearlessly. Their skills were not bad. However, they were outnumbered and defeated.
The youngster saw that his eldest brother and second brother were trapped. He roared and galloped back to join the fight.
"Old Three, are you stupid? What are you running back for?" The long-haired man furiously glared at him.
Before he could speak, the youngster received a punch in the chest. The rough-faced big man rushed to help him.
Unfortunately, it was hard to beat the enemies four hands with two fists. The three brothers were only passively beaten.
"Sir, there's another one sleeping there," an underling reported after seeing Lei Tie.
The rough-faced man hurriedly spoke, "Ma Renjie, don't mess around! That man is not with us!"
Lei Tie opened his eyes and looked at a spider crawling on the beam of the four-cornered pavilion.
The middle-aged man who had not dismounted sneered and disdainfully said, "Beat him together!"
Two underlings laughed as they rushed to Lei Tie.
Lei Tie lay still. Suddenly, he lifted his left leg and swept across them.
The two underlings screamed as they flew out of the four-cornered pavilion and fell heavily on the ground. One of them rolled a few times and happened to stop in front of the black horse.
Seeing the tender grass in front of it was crushed, the black horse looked down at the underling. It puffed out air from its nose, raised its left front hoof, and kicked him.
The poor underling let out a shrill cry and flew out again before lying on the ground, unable to move.
The black horse wagged its tail and continued to graze as if nothing had happened.
The youngster looked at Lei Tie with admiration.The man has personality, so does his horse!
Ma Renjie's face turned dark. He said, "What are you stupefied for? Go!"
Immediately, more than half of the underlings charged toward Lei Tie.
Lei Tie sat up. Without his butt leaving the bench, his two fists attacked. Four of the underlings were beaten to the ground, forming a human pyramid.
Two crafty followers quietly crept up behind him.
Lei Tie reached behind him as though he had eyes on behind his back and timely grabbed the two sneaky fists and twisted them at will.
"Arghhh"
The miserable scream struck the terror into the heart of the listeners.
The remaining three followers put on an attacking posture and stared at Lei Tie warily, but they dared not go forward.
Ma Renjie's face sunk as deep as water. He was aware that he had encountered a hard obstacle today. He didn't dare to court his ruin. He could only stare at Lei Tie with hatred and gritted his teeth as he said, "Pull"
As if receiving amnesty, the underlings quickly mounted their horses and fled. The sound of the horse's hooves soon disappeared into the distance.
With a sigh of relief, the three men exchanged a look and walked into the four-cornered pavilion. They bowed with hands folded in the front toward Lei Tie.
"Much thanks for your help, brother!" The rough-faced big man cupped one fist in the other hand as he said, "Im He Sanzhou."
The long-haired man cupped his hands in greeting and said, "Im He Sihai."
"Im called He Wuhu," the youngster said lively.
The rough-faced man asked, "May I ask this brother's name?"
"Lei Tie," said Lei Tie.
"It's a Brother Lei. Nice to meet you." He Sanzhou solemnly said, "That man and we are enemies that cannot live under the same sky. If Brother Lei wasnt here today, us three brothers would surely die. If there is a chance in the future, we will surely repay Brother Leis great favor!"
He Sihai and He Wuhu said in unison, "Please accept our brothers' worship."
Lei Tie lightly said, "No need. It's simply a slight effort."
He got up and went into the woods.
"Er Uhm Is Brother Lei angry?" Sanzhou and Wuhu looked at Sihai together.
Sihai casually said, "Gone to relieve himself."
Sanzhou said nothing.
Wuhu pulled Sihai as his eyes were glued to the black horse. "Second Brother, Second Brother. Do you think that horse is a rare breed? That horse is very smart. I saw it deal with Ma Renjie's men just now."
Sihai half-heartedly glanced at the black horse and said simply, "No. It's a common local horse."
Wuhu knew that the so-called "local horse" was a kind of horse that was very common in terms of coat color, body shape, speed, and blood lineage.
"Unlikely, right?" He didn't believe it. "Second Brother, take a look again. You can see its body shape, its temperament, and especially its coat color. It's so beautiful, just like it's wrapped in black silk. How can it be an ordinary horse?"
"I, am, very, sure!" Sihai touched his chin as he carefully looked at the black horse, "It may have been well raised by its owner, so it looks like an outstanding horse."
Sanzhou helplessly sighed, "You two, your bodies dont ache? Do you want some medicine?"
"Yes." Wuhu felt the pain all over his body and rushed to grab the ointment in Sanzhous hand.
"Second Brother, we owe a life-saving grace to Brother Lei. What do you think we can do to repay Brother Lei?" Sanzhou asked.
Sihai shook his head, "Wait for an opportunity."
Lei Tie entered the woods and went far away before he quietly entered the space. He looked around and did not see Qin Mian. Noticing that the soil in the flower bed was wet, he knew that he had missed his wife. He scooped up a ladle of water and watered the pink ball before leaving the space.
The He's three brothers watched Lei Tie approach. They were about to say something but Lei Tie lay down on the bench and closed his eyes.
The three brothers could only shut up and decided to wait until he woke up.
The whole night passed in silence.
On the first glimmer of dawn and dew, Lei Tie opened his eyes. He jumped on the horse and continued the journey.
The three brothers were still sleeping.
As the sun rose, the long-haired man opened his eyes first and found that the man had disappeared. He quickly woke up Sanzhou and Wuhu.
"Eldest Brother, Third Brother, get up quickly. Brother Lei is gone!"
"What?" Sanzhou sat up and looked around. He was incomparably disappointed, "How can he just go? Uhm We don't even know where he comes from."
Wuhu regrettably scratched his head, "If I knew it, I would not sleep."
"Forget it." Sihai stretched out. "If there is fate, we will meet again."
Lei Tie galloped all the way and rushed into Qingtian Prefecture before the city gate closed. He stayed in the inn where he lodged last time.
There might be people with high martial arts skills in the inn. If they perceived his breath had disappeared, they would be suspicious. Therefore, although Lei Tie had the opportunity to enter the space, he did not enter.
After dawn, he bought fifty silver-thread meat pancakes and went to the biggest brokerage in Qingtian Prefecture after breakfast. The four chefs of Double Xiang House were bought through this brokerage.
The owner of the brokerage was a very shrewd old man. He still had the impression of the reticent young man who had a scar on his face and warmly invited him into the hall.
"Gongzi, please have tea." The owner asked, "What kind of people are you going to buy this time? You had come once and presumably know that our brokerage is the largest one in Qingtian Prefecture. There are almost all kinds of people. If you can't buy the right one here, it's even more impossible to buy in other brokerages of Qingtian."
Lei Tie said concisely and comprehensively, "Call out all healthy teenagers with irrevocable title deed about 12 to 14 years old."
"Yes, just a moment, please." After the owner instructed a staff, he invited Lei Tie, "Have tea."
Not a while later, the staff came with more than forty teenagers between 12 to 14 years old lined up in a few rows. Some were tall, short, fat, and thin. The teenagers were looking at Lei Tie nervously, not knowing what this man was going to do to buy them. But in any case, they were not eligible to refuse.
"Are you satisfied?" The owner asked. "Don't worry. These children are in good health. If you don't believe me, you can ask for a doctor to check."
Lei Tie didn't pay him any mind. His sharp eyes swept over the teenagers one by one. He asked in a low voice, "What's the important thing for a servant to have?"
The owner wisely stopped talking.
The teenagers were puzzled and looked at each other. Some were silent, some answered "cleverness", some answered "obedience", some answered "competence", and some answered "loyalty".
Note:
094 Coming Home
Lei Tie kept a total of fourteen people who had answered "loyal".
"Take the rest with you," the owner instructed the staff.
Lei Tie stood up and said to fourteen teenagers, "I'll do a few moves and you'll follow."
He demonstrated the first ten moves of a boxing set.
The fourteen teenagers looked at each other as they failed to understand it. A very clean teenager first came up and neatly finished the ten moves. Except for his movements were not too ideal, he hardly made any mistakes. Then, the rest came forward to demonstrate one by one.
Lei Tie kept a total of nine teenagers that was able to remember more than half of the moves and hinted at the owner.
The owner quickly came over, "Nine people, each for 8 silver taels."
Lei Tie nodded. He took out a 100-tael silver banknote and handed it to the owner.
"Thank you for your patronage." The owner received the banknote and returned 28 silver taels to him.
Lei Tie took out a 2-tael ingot and threw it at him, "Buy ration for ten people for two days and hire two fast carriages."
The owner said, "Rest assured, gongzi. We will adequately prepare them for you!"
Lei Tie sat for a short while before the owner said it was done. The two carriages were sturdy two-horse carriages and the coachmen were expert cart-drivers.
Lei Tie told the newly bought nine people to get on the carriages with their belongings. He mounted his horse and led the way in front of them to go out of the city directly.
It was already the snake hour. The street was very busy with an endless stream of horses and carriages, and people hurrying to and fro. There was a strong smell of medicinal herbs floating in the sky of Qingtian Prefecture. When Lei Tie overheard the conversation of several passers-by, he knew that there was a large-scale auction of medicinal materials in Qingtian Prefecture these days. All the rare herbs were sold at the auction. Herbal medicine merchants from all over the country came after hearing the news. It was a good thing if one could buy precious medicinal materials to make it as the treasure of the shop.
He Sanzhou, Sihai, and Wuhu led their horses along the stream of people as they looked around and multifariously sighed at the prosperity of Qingtian Prefecture.
Lei Tie glanced at them faintly. With a sway of the reins, the black horse trotted away.
The sky of the sixth lunar month had the face of a child. Less than an hour after departure, the dark clouds gathered in the sky. In a moment, it rained heavily. Although there was a canopy over the heads of the two coachmen sitting on the shaft, the rain still wet their clothes during the galloping of the carriage. They hurriedly took out straw-woven raincoats and put them on.
Lei Tie took out his bamboo hat and rain cape from his pouch on the girdle.
"Boom!" A lightning-struck overhead. The rain turned heavier and rapid, making the vision a little fuzzy.
Old Zhao, the coachman, had wanted to suggest the employer find a place to rest until the rain receded, but upon seeing Lei Tie did not have the slightest mean to stop, he could only continue driving the carriage but with a much slower speed.
Lei Tie turned his head and galloped back to the side of the carriage. "Go as fast as you can. Im paying 5 taels more."
Old Zhao gritted his teeth and stake it all. Anyway, they often worked, so their bodies were strong and not easily sick. It's worth it if they could earn 7 silver taels for this trip.
"Alright, gongzi can rest assured!"
Lei Tie said the same thing to the other coachman. The speed of the two carriages did not decrease at all as the four horses galloped forward.
In the afternoon, the rain stopped. After resting for an hour, the party continued the journey.
The next afternoon, the party arrived in Zhaoyang County. They didn't expect that it was raining much heavier in Zhaoyang County than that in Qingtian Prefecture. The road was muddy and hard to tread on.
In the county town, Lei Tie let everyone drink a bowl of hot tea in a tea house before going on the road again. The two coachmen looked at each other with bitter smiles and hastily got on the carriages.
In Leisurely Farm Residence, Qin Mian stood at the door of the central room. His left hand held a fruit plate and his right hand held a bamboo stick inserted into the peach picked from the space to eat. Looking at the direction of the gate through the rain curtain hanging from the eaves, he felt uneasy.Such a heavy rain, that guy Lei Tie wont rush in the rain, right?
White Spot squatted at his feet. Its two ears sometimes perked and drooped, and its tail swept the ground, swaying left and right. It looked bored to death.
Qin Mian inadvertently saw it, making the corner of his lips curled. He also squatted down and joked, "White Spot, are you truly a wolf?"
White Spot raised its head and opened its mouth wide, "Awoo~"
Qin Mian:
After White Spot finished howling, it turned to look at him.
"Fine, fine, you are a wolf. A wolf." Qin Mian stood up helplessly, ate the peach unconcernedly, and looked at the direction of the gate.
At this time, White Spot suddenly stood up, turned its head to howl at him, and ran into the rain curtain. It waggled its tail more happily than usual.
Qin Mian's heartbeat quickened.Lei Tie is back?
He put the fruit plate on the windowsill and hurriedly caught up with it.
When passing through the gate, Gray Sheet and Black Vest barked as greeting to Qin Mian. Not receiving a response, they turned around and ran back to their house.
"Where is Little Young Master going? Why doesnt he even take a parasol?" Aunt Fu worriedly said, "Husband, quickly take the parasol and catch up."
"Aunt Fu, I'll go. I'm strong." Xile took the parasol in Aunt Fu's hand and ran outside.
Before Qin Mian ran to the entrance of the village, he saw a black horse coming amidst the heavy rain. On the black horse sat the man who had been weighing on his mind. Two carriages followed after him.
"Neigh"
As soon as Lei Tie saw Qin Mian, he frowned. With a press on his horse's belly, the black horse galloped forward and didn't stop when it came to Qin Mian. Lei Tie leaned over, easily picked up Qin Mian, and placed him at the front. His left hand pulled off his rain cape and wrapped him up. He scolded, "What are you doing running out?"
"Are you silly? Not waiting until the rain stops?"
They spoke almost at the same time.
Lei Tie hugged his wife and rubbed his lips on his wifes side face. He didn't say anything else, "Jia!"
Seeing a familiar black horse running over, Xile slowed down and stood on the side of the road, smiling.It turns out that Eldest Young Master has come back. No wonder.
"Xile, I'll leave them to you," Qin Mian left a sentence.
"Rest assured, Little Young Master!"
The black horse galloped straight to the door before stopping.
After getting off the horse, Qin Mian and Lei Tie reached out to pull the other into the bedroom at the same time.
"Change your clothes," Qin Mian said.
He found Lei Tie's clean clothes and threw them at him. He also found his own. He took off his wet clothes and wiped his body with a dry cloth towel.
In front of him was a shining white piece [of meat, somewhat dazzling. Lei Tie's Adam's apple rolled. He strode over and embraced the person.
"Youuhm!"
Qin Mian was soon brought into the midst of passion by Lei Tie. He yielded to his heart, hugged the man's waist, and responded enthusiastically.
"Creak~" the door was pushed open.
Qin Mian was shocked and quickly pushed away Lei Tie.
White Spot ran in from the door and shook its body, swinging countless drops of water. Its brown eyes looked curiously at the two masters.
Lei Tie looked at it with his eyes narrowed.
Qin Mian stifled a laugh, quickly wiped the water off his body, and put on his dry clothes.
"Get out," Lei Tie pointed to the door.
White Spot glanced at him, turned around, and left slowly. It was unknown whether it was intentional or unintentional that its butt hit the door panel, making the door panel creaked again. Slowly, it moved backward before touching the wall and stilled.
"Hahaha…" Qin Mian couldn't help laughing. Sitting on the bed, he picked up Lei Tie's clothes and threw them on him, "Put them on. Be careful not to catch a cold."
Lei Tie saw that he was dressed neatly and put on his clothes sullenly.
Qin Mian went over and gave him a comforting kiss on his lips. "Did you have a good meal throughout the way? What do you want to eat? I'll make it."
"Noodle."
Qin Mian dragged him out. "I'll make you a noodle soup."
They went to the central room and saw Xile standing under the eaves.
"Eldest Young Master, Little Young Master."
"Are they all properly arranged?" Qin Mian asked.
Xile said, "They're all arranged. There are bunk beds in the servants' quarters, so they all live together. I asked Aunt Fu to cook noodles for them. The two coachmen are still waiting."
Lei Tie fished out fourteen pieces of silver from his money pouch and gave it to Xile.
Qin Mian listened to the sound of rain and said, "It seems that the rain won't stop for a while and it's getting dark. Xile, if the two coachmen don't mind, let them stay for a night and go back tomorrow at dawn."
"Little Young Master is very kind." Xile nodded in agreement, "The two coachmen are also worried about this. I'll let them know."
Xile pulled the horse to leave and went to arrange it without hassle.
Qin Mian made Lei Tie eat a peach first. He fried two poached eggs, took out four bags of instant noodles from the space, and cooked them in a pot. Instant noodles were easier to cook than noodles. He peeled a tomato, cut it into pieces, and added them into the noodles for flavor. He also added thin slices of meat and a few pakchoi.
Lei Tie dazedly looked at the noodle soup that was emitting a delicious aroma.
Qin Mian sat down beside him and urged, "Aren't you hungry? Quickly eat it."
It was still raining, so the indoor was a bit cool. However, Lei Tie felt a warm current rolling in his chest. He picked up the chopsticks and ate the noodles with his head down.
Qin Mian brought in the fruit plate on the windowsill, sat back at the position beside Lei Tie, and ate the fruit with his cross-legs swaying. After Lei Tie finished the noodle, he urged him to go back to the bedroom and have a rest.
Lei Tie pulled him to lie on the bed together.
Qin Mian obediently let Lei Tie hold him. The days when Lei Tie was away, he did not sleep well. It was best to sleep on rainy days and a nap was good too.
Suddenly, Lei Tie got up from the bed and locked the door.
Qin Mian was amused.Is he afraid that White Spot will run in again?
Lei Tie kissed the tilted corner of his lips, "Wife, how is our home these days?"
"Business as usual." Qin Mian lay sideway, stroked the mans side neck with his right hand, and yawned, "What about you?"
"Very good." Lei Tie gripped his hand and hugged him tightly, "Sleep."
"I've been missing you these days," Qin Mian said frankly. He raised his head and rested it on the man's shoulder. He also lifted his right leg and put it on the mans legs. "What about you?"
Lei Tie's temperature that had just cooled down, flared up again, "En."
"En what?" Qin Mian asked deliberately.
"Don't make trouble." Lei Tie kneaded his (QM) waist and tilted his head to look at the wall.
Qin Mian stifled a laugh and stopped teasing him. He hugged the mans waist and closed his eyes. The familiar smell and reassuring breath made him snore in a short time.
Lei Tie turned his head, imprinted a kiss on his lips, closed his eyes, and soon fell asleep.
When the sound of the rain suddenly stopped, Qin Mian abruptly woke up from his dream. He was in a trance for a moment. He didn't know whether he was dreaming or awake.
"Awake?" A man's magnetic voice rang in his ear.
Qin Mian then remembered that Lei Tie was back. He looked out of the window. It was dark. The rain did stop and there was no sound outside.
"Hungry." Qin Mian lay on Lei Tie's body, "What about you?"
"A little hungry, too." Lei Tie's waist moved slightly.
Qin Mian's ears turned hot. He jumped up, "I'll go"
His mouth was sealed
The two men crumpled up the sheets with their tossing around. It was a good while before they got their clothes straightened out properly and walked out of the room.
Lei Tie, wearing only his trousers and shoes, went to the central room. He raised his long arm and lit up four wall-hanging candlesticks with a fire holder.
"What do you want to eat?" Qin Mian looked at his strong and powerful arm with appreciative eyes. "I want to eat rice."
Lei Tie didn't mind, "Then cook rice."
"Alright, lets cook the rice." Qin Mian went to the kitchen, "Then fry another instant noodle. I haven't eaten it for a long time, I really miss the taste."
Lei Tie's footsteps paused, "Try to make it yourself later."
Qin Mian was stunned and then laughed, "Good idea! Try it when I have time. Maybe I can do it."
"En." Lei Tie said, "What kind of vegetable to eat? I'll go pick."
"Pick some purple eggplant, some peppers, and some pakchoi."
Note:
095 Armed Servants
When Lei Tie came out of the space after picking vegetables, Qin Mian asked him about his experience in the past few days while cooking. Lei Tie said it one by one. Although he said it succinctly, Qin Mian knew that he galloped without stopping to come home as soon as possible, which made his heart warm.Hey, such a good man is his!
He swiftly made a serving of eggplant with minced meat, a serving of golden garlic spare ribs, a serving of sweet-sour pork slices, a serving of scrambled egg with instant noodles, and a serving of braised pakchoi.
"Awoo." White Spot was unwilling to be left in the cold and rubbed against Qin Mian's legs.
Qin Mian smiled and chopped some meat bones for it.
Qin Mian slept too much in the afternoon that when he lay in bed at night, he couldn't sleep. Lei Tie also wasnt sleepy and embraced him from the back with his right palm disorderly move on his (QM) body.
Qin Mian was agitated and anxious for further intimacy. However, he was afraid to lead an X-life at this young age, which was not good for his health. Why did he consciously think he's the bottom? However, looking at Lei Tie's height, body, and sturdy tight muscles, could Qin Mian press him down?
Lei Tie lifted his nightclothes, the hot breath behind him inched closer, and finally stayed in his ear. Then, a hand pushed aside his hair before a hot kiss fell on his nape, sucking heavily.
Qin Mian squinted and was seized with an impulse to moan, "Uhm…"
Lei Tie seemed to be encouraged and raised his left leg to lock the others body, "Wife, I want you."
Qin Mian hesitated for only two seconds before turning around and took the initiative to hold the man. Since both sides were willing, why made both sides suffer? As for being young once in a while, it shouldn't matter. X-life was a harmonious affair and good for physical and mental health.
"A-Tie…"
In the dark, Lei Tie let out a low growl like a starving wolf and pounced on him.
When Qin Mian woke up, his body felt like being crushed by a stone roller. Recalling that the guy seemed to have endless energy last night, he would like to kick him immediately. Fortunately, his body felt refresh, which meant Lei Tie had cleaned him up. The smell of chicken wafted in from the outside. He rubbed his waist and sat up slowly.
"Wife."
Qin Mian looked at the man standing at the door, whose eyes were full of tenderness. Suddenly, he couldn't say any blame words, but the corners of his lips rose uncontrollably.
Lei Tie sat down on the edge of the bed and encircled his back, "Wife."
The man had no clothes on top. Qin Mian patted him on the chest as he leaned against him. He first made basic rules, "Later, three times a month at most!"
To his surprise, Lei Tie nodded without hesitation. He surprisingly looked at Lei Tie.
"You are still young." Lei Tie changed the topic, "I stewed a chicken. Ill bring a bowl over."
Qin Mian had a smiling expression as he glanced at him, "Today, I must eat light food."
Lei Tie immediately stood up, "Lie down for a while. I'll cook porridge."
Qin Mian shook his head, "Ive woken up, so I don't want to lie down."
Lei Tie took out a suit of clothes from the wardrobe and handed it to him. He lowered his head and kissed him before going out.
After Qin Mian had dressed up, he took Lei Tie's upper clothes and walked out of the room.
Outside the house, the hot sunshine shone on the ground was dazzling yellow. The soil looked almost dried. Supposedly, it was afternoon.
Qin Mian walked into the kitchen and threw the clothes to Lei Tie. "Why are you half-naked? Lest others don't know?"
Lei Tie took the clothes and put them on, shaking his head, "It's hot in the kitchen."
Qin Mian hugged his waist and said lazily, "It's a little hot today. Now it's fine. When were in the seventh and eighth months, I'm afraid our house will be hotter, especially our room. Theres no ventilation."
His wife took the initiative to get close, so Lei Tie quickly reached out and embraced him for fear he would withdraw. "I thought about it. Expand the house as soon as possible."
"How to expand it?" Qin Mian also had this idea, but he didn't have time to think about it.
Lei Tie motioned him to sit down. "I'll cook porridge first. We'll talk about it later."
Qin Mian shook his head and let him go. "I'll wash first."
After washing, Qin Man returned to the kitchen. Lei Tie had already cooked the porridge. Unexpectedly, this guy knew to add some ingredients, vegetables, and minced meat to the porridge.
Lei Tie handed him a cup of water.
Qin Mian took a drink. He then leaned on the kitchen stove and resumed the previous topic, "You said about expansion, how?"
Lei Tie pulled him to the central room. The front and back doors of the main room were open, so it was very cool.
"Expand to the west. Build a house of the same size as this house next to the west wall. Then, make a passage from our room. The new house divides into two rooms; one for our bedroom and the other for the storehouse."
Qin Mian nodded as he listened. "Its good. But I want to make the new house two stories. Just like you said, make a passage from the present room. There are going to be two rooms on the first floor; one guest room and one storehouse. Well set the door of the storehouse outside, no need to go inside. The whole second floor is going to be a shared bedroom and study, spacious and comfortable. Well make the windows in the north and south larger, so it would be cool to live in the summer. Then, well make a small terrace where we can drink tea and see the scenery in our spare time. In winter, we can move back to our bedroom on the first floor."
His wife planned better than him. Lei Tie nodded, "Listen to you."
When Qin Mian finished his porridge, they rang Xile and asked him to bring Uncle Fu, Aunt Fu, and the nine newly bought people.
The nine newly arrived people had gone through a night and a morning of rest. Provided with the briefing from Uncle Fu, Aunt Fu, and Xile, the nine new people had a general understanding of the situation of Leisurely Farm Residence. Upon seeing Qin Mian and Lei Tie sat at the stone table, the nine people saluted them respectfully.
"Greetings, Eldest Young Master, Little Young Master."
At the side, Xile stood at ready with hands behind his back and looked at Lei Tie and Qin Mian. As usual, the Eldest Young Master was expressionless, and Little Young Master was gentle. However, he always felt that the atmosphere between the two masters was different and closer than ever. Even if their limbs did not touch, their eyes collided from time to time, revealing an undescribable fit.
Anyway, if the two masters had a good relationship, it meant a good thing for their servants. When the masters were in a good mood, they also worked in relaxation. Xile then stopped contemplating it.
"Masters, please bestow them names," Xile said with curiosity. When a master gave the family servant a name with a surname, it usually followed the surname of the master. Although the two masters were husband and wife, they were men after all, and Qin Mian was always in charge of the family. Which young masters surname would the new nine people follow?
The nine youths said at the same time, "Please bestow us names, Masters." By bestowing them names allowed them to integrate into Leisurely Farm Residence as soon as possible.
Qin Mian understood that naming was a way for servants to start a new life as soon as possible and to enhance their bond with their masters. Uncle Fu and Aunt Fu were husband and wife, and they were old, so he did not want to deprive them of their original names. But this time, these teenagers were still young, which most inexperienced, and had strong mouldability. Later on, they would be his and Lei Tie's capable helpers. Resounding names were necessary.
Qin Mian also thought of Xile's curiosity. After thinking for a moment, he decided to use both his and Lei Tie's surnames. As their family's business grew bigger and bigger, the fact that Lei Tie and he were husband and wife would surely spread further. Instead of waiting for people to make a joke of them in the future, it was better to build momentum now. A matter known to all was not worth mentioning.
Qin Mian took a look at Lei Tie.
Lei Tie's eyes fixed on him with only brand-new trust.
He gave a light smile, looked at the nine teenagers in turn, and said, "Line up from the oldest to the youngest."
After the nine people stood still, Qin Mian said, "From left to right, your name is Lei-Qin Zhong[loyal]…"
Lei Tie grabbed his wife's hand to put it on his leg and covered it with his big palm.
Xile beamed with a smile. The two masters had a great relationship.
Uncle Fu and Aunt Fu also had smiles on their faces.
"Lei-Qin Gong[respectful, Lei-Qin Shun[obey, Lei-Qin Cheng[sincere, Lei-Qin Xin[truthful]." Qin Mian turned his head to look at Lei Tie and said discontentedly, "Don't just sit, help me think of a few names."
Lei Tie looked at the remaining four, "Lei-Qin Hui[benevolence, Lei-Qin Jian[resolute, Lei-Qin Li[reason, and Lei-Qin Yuan[tactful]."
These names all sounded great, not like the names of servants. Happiness shone on the faces of the nine teenagers. They said in unison, "Many thanks Eldest Young Master and Little Young Master for bestowing our names."
Qin Mian asked faintly, "You all must already know the rules of Leisurely Farm Residence?"
"Yes!"
"Good. As long as you do not violate the rules of Leisurely Farm Residence, I believe well get along very well." Qin Mian smiled faintly, "We bought you to be cultivated as armed servants. From today on, youll learn martial arts with Eldest Young Master. If you do well, you can take on more important responsibilities in the future."
"Yes!"
Xiles expression changed slightly. Learn martial arts? He also wanted to learn it.
Qin Mian faintly looked at him. "Xile. From now on, you also train with them and serve as the team leader for the time being."
Xile was overjoyed. He knelt on the ground and kowtowed, "Many thanks, Little Young Master! This little one will live up to Masters trust!"
"Get up." Qin Mian looked very pleased.
Xile didn't get up. He smiled as he bowed to Qin Mian and Lei Tie, "Eldest Young Master and Little Young Master. May I be bold to ask Masters to change my name? I also want to be surnamed Lei-Qin. Once heard, people will know that I belong to Masters family."
Qin Mian felt very comfortable with this flattery.
Lei Tie looked at Xile with appreciation.
Because of this look, Xile nearly jumped up with excitement.
Qin Mian thought for a moment and said, "You will be called Lei-Qin Le. What do you think, A-tie?"
Lei Tie nodded.
"Thank you very much, Masters!" Lei-Qin Le was so happy he grinned from ear to ear.
Qin Mian asked Lei Tie, "Start today?"
Lei Tie shook his head and told Lei-Qin Le, "Take them to run around the courtyard wall first and then run another circle after half a quarter of rest. After running, do farm work."
"Yes. Ill take my leave." Lei-Qin Le was more spirited than ever before. With a wave of his hand, "All follow me."
096 The Small Mansion Gate
"Servants will take our leave." After the nine people saluted together, they went running with Lei-Qin Le.
Lei Tie said to Qin Mian, "Ill accompany you today."
Qin Mian smiled, "Good, Ill accompany you too."
Aunt Fu and Uncle Fu lowered their heads and looked down.
"Are the two coachmen gone?" Qin Mian asked Uncle Fu.
Uncle Fu said, "Yes. They left early this morning. They asked me to convey their gratitude to the young masters."
Lei Tie saw Qin Mian's unconscious action of supporting his waist. "Uncle Fu, go contact the building materials shop in the town and ask them to send some bricks and tiles."
Uncle Fu asked, "Yes. May I know how much Eldest Young Master needs?"
Lei Tie said, "Based on the house where Little Young Master and I live now."
"I've got the estimation. Will go at once." Uncle Fu left in a hurry.
"Forget one thing." Qin Mian said to Aunt Fu, "Aunt Fu, the new people are treated the same as you three. You tell them all. Besides, if they need any daily items, let them report to Uncle Fu to purchase them together."
"Yes."
"That's all. You can leave."
After Aunt Fu left, Qin Mian stood up in a somewhat awkward posture, "A-Tie, I want to go soak."
"Together," Lei Tie said.
White Spot, who lay in the corner, seemed to hear a sound and came running with its tail wagging.
Qin Mian then brought it together into the space.
As soon as they entered the quadrangle courtyard gate, he and Lei Tie simultaneously stunned. Their eyes fell on the pink ball in the flower bed. It seemed that overnight, the pink ball had doubled in size. The previously round flower bud finally split into a very hierarchical, tightly clustered petal tips.
"I didn't expect that the flower would grow very fast. Is it suddenly enlightened?" Qin Mian joked and went over to touch it. The flower bud was slightly elastic and very comfortable to touch. Suddenly, his hand stopped. A trace of surprise appeared on his face. Was that his illusion? He felt a vague sense of delight from the flower bud. Did it like his touch?
"What?" Lei Tie had a keen observation.
Both of them didn't notice that White Spot didn't run around as soon as they entered the space as before. Instead, it looked at Qin Mian and Lei Tie in turn, with a very strange expression. Then, it ran away with its tail wagging.
Qin Mian shook his head. He didn't know how to answer, so he said, "You touch it."
Lei Tie's big palm covered the flower bud, and he was also surprised.
Qin Mian knew that it was not his illusion just then, so he took Lei Tie's hand with a smile and let him touch the flower bud again. "I'm sure this flower must be a wonderful flower when it blooms! Since it likes it, we'll touch it when we water it later."
Although Lei Tie felt that touching a flower was a little weird, he still nodded, "Go soak."
They no longer paid attention to the pink ball and went to the spiritual spring.
Lei Tie filled a barrel of spiritual spring water with a bucket, which was directly heated by an internal force. Qin Mian lay inside and sighed comfortably. Lei Tie rolled up his sleeves and massaged his wifes waist.
The spiritual spring water cured Qin Mian's discomfort. After soaking for a while, he recovered his energetic appearance.
"Eldest Young Master, Little Young Master. The second gongzi's wife came and said there is something urgent."
From outside the space, the two men heard Aunt Fu report at the door. They quickly left the space.
When Qin Mian opened the door, he saw Zhao Shi holding a not-so-ripe peach and gnawing at it. The corner of his mouth twitched.
"Second Brothers wife, whats the matter?" Qin Mian asked dully. Seeing that Zhao Shi was not anxious, he knew that nothing was wrong.
Zhao Shi gave him a fawning smile, "Eldest Sister-in-law, it's like this. Little Mother is pregnant. Father asked me to tell you two."
"Oh?" Qin Mian raised his eyebrows. It was indeed a major event in the old house. It had been more than half a year since Wei Shi married Lei Daqiang, and yet there was no news. Wei Shi was still very anxious some time ago, but unexpectedly she got pregnant. Heh. The excitement in the old house could make a major drama series, titled "The Small Mansion Gate".
"It's a great joy event." Qin Mian said, "A-Tie and I will clean up first. Then we will go over."
"No hurry, no hurry. Take your time. I'll wait for you." With that, Zhao Shi forced her way into the central room.
Qin Mian made an eye signal at Aunt Fu.
Aunt Fu straightened her sturdy chest, went to Zhao Shi's side, and stood still.
"Second Brothers wife, wait a moment."
When Qin Mian and Lei Tie entered the kitchen, Zhao Shi stood up, wanting to look around.
Aunt Fu took a few steps and blocked in front of her. She said with a happy smile, "Second Gongzi's wife, sit down. Its very tiring to stand."
Zhao Shi snorted. Since the servants of Eldest's family called Lei Xiangren the Second Gongzi, she should be called Second Nainai. Whats more hateful was that they always called her the Second Gongzi's wife; it was truly annoying.
She didn't have to think about it. The relationship between the two Masters of Leisurely Farm Residence and some people in the old house was not amicable. They already gave Lei Xiangren a lot of respect by calling him the Second Gongzi, so why would she call her the Second Nainai?
Qin Mian had always been quick to do things, and soon picked up some of the snacks in the snack cabinet and put them in the food box, which Lei Tie carried.
They went out with Zhao Shi.
When passing by the peach tree at the end of the bridge, Zhao Shi stood on tiptoe and grabbed a large honey peach with one hand. She then pulled hard, plucking two peaches off.
Qin Mian was in a good mood and didn't bother to argue with her.
Out of the gate, Qin Mian saw Qian Shi standing not far away. He was surprised.
"Eldest Brother and Eldest Sister-in-law." Qian Shi very politely greeted Qin Mian and Lei Tie.
Qin Mian nodded to her, "Third Brothers wife." He had a better impression of Qian Shi not only for the relationship with Lei Xiangyi but because she also never bothered them again.
Zhao Shi and Qian Shi fell behind Qin Mian and Lei Tie. Qian Shi gave Zhao Shi a bad look. It was not proper for men to talk about Wei Shi's pregnancy after all, so Lei Daqiang originally asked her to go to Leisurely Farm Residence to inform Lei Tie and Qin Mian. She planned to take this opportunity to ask the two men to help her family separate from the old house. Since Lei Xiangyi couldn't speak about it, she had to. But she didn't expect Zhao Shi to come first and made her miss the opportunity. It was very aggravating.
"What's wrong with your eyes, Third Brothers wife?" Zhao Shi asked aloud.
"Nothing!" Qian Shi took two quick steps, not wanting to talk to her.
Qin Mian and Lei Tie had gone far away, walking briskly.
Zhao Shi gnawed on the honey peach while secretly looking at the harmonious figures of the two men. Why did she think these two men were not the same as usual? They were closer than ever, and their shoulders would touch from time to time.
When she couldn't come up with anything, she stopped thinking about it and hastily caught up.
"Eldest Brother and Eldest Sister-in-law have skills. This peach is so sweet, even unripe. When its ripe, it must be sweeter. Eldest Sister-in-law, since were family, can we buy it cheaper?"
Qin Mian took a meaningful look at her;she learned to be smart ah. Instead of taking it for free, she wants to "buy".Unfortunately, he still wouldn't believe her.
Without waiting for him to say anything, Qian Shi said, "Really, Second Sister-in-law! Who in our village doesn't know Elder Sister-in-law's fruits are to be supplied to their wine house this year. Aren't you putting Eldest Sister-in-law in an awkward position?"
Zhao Shi gave her a cold stare and dared not entangle more because Lei Tie was present, "Haha, I forget for a moment?"
When they arrived at the old house, they heard Lei Daqiang's happy laughter before entering the door.
Wei Shi caressed her abdomen that hadn't shown yet, with a smile on her lips. Occasionally, she raised her eyes to look at Lei Daqiang.
Qin Mian looked at her for a moment and admired her in his heart.
"Eldest and Eldest Daughter-in-law, you two are here." Wei Shi stood up to greet them.
Lei Daqiang quickly helped her, "Be careful."
"She's not obviously pregnant yet! Old man, you can accompany Little Sister every day later, lest she is careless and breaks like porcelain." Du Shi's shrill voice came from the door. Her eyes fixed on Wei Shi's abdomen, hoping to gouge out a hole in it.
"Thanks for your concern, Sister." Wei Shi's subconsciously put a hand on her abdomen and smiled very amicably toward Du Shi. She had been very anxious not getting pregnant after being married to Lei Daqiang for half a year. She was afraid that Lei Daqiang had some physical problems, and it would too late to have another child. Now, her wish had finally come true. Ever since Lei Xiangzhi became an entry-level examinee, Du Shi was arrogant in front of her every day; she probably never heard of fortunes rise and fall. Having a child at an old age, Lei Daqiang would certainly give special treatment to her child. From now on, Du Shi could not think of being rampant in front of her.
Wei Shi said to Lei Daqiang, "Husband, it's time to plant paddy seedlings now. You and Sister have many things to worry about. How can I let you accompany me every day while Sister works alone? So, I thought, why not we buy a maid? The maid can take care of me. Since Im unable to share Sister's burden now, I feel very sorry. The maid can also help Sister in her spare time. Its best for both sides."
Du Shi's expression drastically changed. She clenched her right hand until the palm hurt, but she wasn't aware of it.
"No way!" She objected at once, "We are just a family of pheasants. Why should we buy a maid? Dont make others laugh."
Zhao Shi, Qian Shi, and Lei Xiangren were not good at interrupting the affairs of their elders, and so they all kept silent.
Qin Mian and Lei Tie wouldn't even want to interrupt. They sat at the side as the background.
Unconcerned, Lei Daqiang dismissed her, "What about it being a good laugh? I even married an equal wife, and still afraid of being laughed at for buying a maid?"
Wei Shi had her own money, so it was not feasible to stop Wei Shi with the excuse that there was no money at home. After restraining herself for a long time, Du Shi said, "If you buy a maid, where is she going to live?"
Wei Shi smiled, "Sister doesnt have to worry about this. Itll be fine to let the maid sleep on the floor in the room. Now it's hot, not easy to catch a cold. The future matters are for future discussion. There will be a solution."
"It's settled then." Seeing that his old wife was so angry, Lei Daqiang didnt want to be too heartless and comforted her, "Alright, this matter is not only for Wei'er but also for you. Isn't it better for our family to be harmonious than anything else?"
Du Shi did not say anything at all. She sat down with a cold face. From the gloomy look in her eyes, she certainly was unwilling to drop the matter.
After watching a full-scale drama, Qin Mian stood up and motioned Lei Tie to pass the food box to Lei Daqiang.
"Father, Mother, and Little Mother, congratulations. This is my and A-Ties little regard. We hope you dont dislike it."
"Well, you and Eldest has taken a lot of trouble." Lei Daqiang opened the food box and looked at it with a smile. "Your Little Mother is pregnant now, so her taste in food will be strange. If she wants to eat some fruits from your orchard, can"
Wei Shi interrupted with a smile, "Husband, their business in the wine house is important. I heard pregnant women prefer sour or spicy food."
Qin Mian smiled without saying anything.
Wei Shi gave him a kind look. Whether it was Lei Xiangzhi, Lei Tie, or Qin Mian, they were all the targets she wanted to draw to her side.
Qin Mian gave a noncommittal smile. "Father, Mother, and Little Mother, it's not too early. A-Tie and I are going back."
Wei Shi nodded, "Alright, come to visit when you are free."
Qin Mian and Lei Tie left side by side. Du Shi didn't even look at them.
Out of the old house, Qin Mian laughed, "Haha!"
"Happy?" Lei Tie asked.
Qin Mian raised his head high as he said, "Of course! I'm glad to see Du Shi humiliated!" Lei Tie was often abused by Du Shi when he was young, but Qin Mian hadn't known how serious it was until last night. The old wounds on Lei Tie's back were so intensive and shocking.
Lei Tie held his hand and looked ahead, "Wife, having you is enough for me."
"En." Qin Mian breathed a sigh of relief and calmed his mood. "The situation of the old house is becoming more and more complicated. It's a pity that Third Brother, Fourth Brother, Fifth Brother, and Little Sister still have to stay in the muddy water."
Then again, how did the matter of separating the family came to nothing?
097 Being an Elder Sister-in-law Is HardAh
Lei Xiangyi and Lei Xiangli came from the farm with hoes on their shoulders, sleeves rolled up to the arms, and sweat on their flushed faces.
"Eldest Brother and Eldest Sister-in-law."
Qin Mian nodded and casually asked, "You went to the farm?"
"Yes. We went to the vegetable garden to weed. Our family planted vegetables on three mu of land. The crops are growing well." Lei Xiangyi's face filled with joy.
Lei Xiangli was very calm.Without separating the family, the money earned is not your own.
Qin Mian touched his chin. He seldom saw Lei Xiangren go to the farm, so he sympathized with Lei Xiangyi. However, it was the old houses affair, after all. He and Lei Tie had no right to intervene since they had separated.
"If you have time, you can pick some good vegetables and send them to our wine house. A-Tie and I will inform the management in advance," he said kindly.
"Aye," Lei Xiangyi responded. Instead of saying too much thank you, which might hurt their relationship, it was better to remember in the heart.
Qin Mian and Lei Tie had just taken a few steps when Lei Xiangyi quickly caught up after hesitating for a moment.
Lei Xiangli halted and also walked over.
"Eldest Brother, Eldest Sister-in-law."
Qin Mian turned around and asked suspiciously, "Is there anything else?"
Lei Xiangyi said with a bitter smile, "Eldest Sister-in-law, I won't beat around the bush with you. Fourth Brother and I, we want to separate from the family. I have mentioned it with our parents several times, but they disagreed. I know that Eldest Sister-in-law has always been a man of ideas. I wonder if you can show us the way?"
Qin Mian frowned. Lei Xiangyi asked them for help, which was understandable, but he should not mention it on the way. If others saw them and told Lei Daqiang and Du Shi, at that time, when Lei Xiangyi and Lei Xiangli talked about separation again, Lei Daqiang and Du Shi would surely suspect him and Lei Tie. He didn't want to draw Du Shi's and Lei Daqiang's attention back.
Lei Xiangli was more alert. He looked around and said to Lei Xiangyi disapprovingly, "Second Brother, you are too bold. If other people see us talking with Eldest Brother and Eldest Sister-in-law for such a long time, they will get into trouble." The brothers tacitly knew what kind of people Du Shi and Lei Daqiang were.
When the realization came over Lei Xiangyi, he was stunned and quickly apologized, "Eldest Sister-in-law, it is my negligence."
Qin Mian looked around to make sure there was no one else nearby. He shook his head and said, "Tomorrow morning, you will pick some vegetables and send them to the wine house with us."Ah, being an elder sister-in-law is hard.
Lei Xiangyi secretly breathed a sigh of relief. In this way, Qin Mian agreed to give them advice. In the name of delivering vegetables, Lei Daqiang and Du Shi had no reason to suspect.
"Thank you very much, Eldest Sister-in-law," Lei Xiangli said happily.
To avoid being noticed, the four men quickly separated.
After returning home, Qin Mian enthusiastically gave Lei Tie training ideas.
–
After dawn and morning exercise, Lei Tie took Lei-Qin Le and the armed servants to start training. Uncle Fu and Aunt Fu picked vegetables in the garden and piled them up to transport to the wine house.
Qin Mian made a few pancakes for breakfast and left them in the wok covered with the lid. He would eat it together with Lei Tie when he came back. In the meantime, he took White Spot to the garden.
In the open space beside the grove, Lei Tie instructed the future armed servants to bind 2 Jin of sandbags to their wrists and ankles and run three circles around the open space. Tied with heavy burdens, Lei-Qin Le and the others were not used to it, but they gritted their teeth and persisted. It was their honor that the master was willing to teach them skills. It was also a rare opportunity, so no one was willing to give up.
After the run, Lei Tie showed a set of boxing. Lei-Qin Le and the other nine people attentively watched him while taking the opportunity to rest.
"Practice half of it today," Lei Tie said with an expressionless face and demonstrated the first half of the boxing set at a relatively slow speed.
After the demonstration, he said in a low voice, "Try it."
Lei-Qin Le and the nine people repeated the memorized boxing technique together.
Lei Tie discovered that Lei-Qin Le and Lei-Qin Hui were the fastest learners, so he slightly nodded. He remembered that Lei-Qin Hui was the most outstanding teenager at the time he bought them; he could cultivate as an important subordinate. "Are you literate?" Lei Tie asked.
Lei-Qin Hui came forward and said, "Back to Eldest Young Master, Im literate."
Lei Tie took out a piece of paper from his sleeve and handed it to him, "Afterward, train according to these contents. Lei-Qin Le is in charge of supervision."
Lei-Qin Le and Lei-Qin Hui said respectfully, "Yes, Eldest Young Master!"
"Today's boxing. Lei-Qin Le and Lei-Qin Hui are responsible for teaching others. The inspection will be the morning after tomorrow."
Lei-Qin Le and Lei-Qin Huiqi said, "Yes!"
Lei Tie didn't personally supervise, which made them felt more pressure after a little relief.
Qin Mian watched from afar. He didn't go over but went to the garden.
Lei Tie strode over and stood by him. In addition to imparting boxing and palm techniques, the rest of the training did not require him to be present all the time. He also couldn't spend all his time training the armed servants.
Aunt Fu and Uncle Fu squatted in the garden, harvesting vegetables. At the side of the vegetable plot, there were several large baskets filled with eggplant, tomato, cucumber, chives, and green pepper.
Uncle Fu patted off the mud on his hands and came over, carefully avoiding the vegetables on the ground. "Eldest Young Master, Little Young Master, we harvested a lot of vegetables. It's just that we only have one cart. I'm afraid it's not enough."
Qin Mian looked at the fresh and tender vegetables and was very satisfied, "No fret. You go to the village to borrow a cart for an emergency. I'll buy another cart when I get to town."
"Yes, I will go."
Qin Mian and Lei Tie went back through the peach forest.
Qin Mian chatted with him, "I haven't been to the wine house for several days. I don't know how the business is." Although he had confidence, he still worried if he didn't see the situation in the wine house with his own eyes.
Lei Tie's calming voice contained the power to calm him down. He said, "It wont be bad. Two new dishes launch every day in the first month of business. It will surely attract customers."
Qin Mian restored his confidence, "En, Im confident!"
He patted Lei Tie on the back, "Youre sweating. Go home and take a bath. After breakfast, were going to town."
They went to the gate after breakfast. Uncle Fu had loaded all the vegetables into the carts where more than a dozen baskets filled in.
Uncle Fu and Lei-Qin Le each drove a cart, while Qin Mian and Lei Tie rode on horsebacks.
Lei Xiangyi and Lei Xiangli waited at the entrance of the village early. There were also several baskets of green vegetables on the borrowed donkey cart.
"Eldest Sister-in-law, check our vegetables first," Lei Xiangli said. Eldest Brother and Eldest Sister-in-law took good care of them, so they were very grateful. They did not cheat and carefully picked out the rotten and damaged ones.
"No, I believe you," Qin Mian said with a smile.
He signaled Lei-Qin Le and Uncle Fu to drive ahead.
Lei-Qin Le was a person with tact, and Uncle Fu was not silly. Seeing that they had something to say, the two drove the carts and pulled their distance apart.
"Eldest Sister-in-law, weve troubled you and Eldest Brother with what we said yesterday." Lei Xiangli cupped his hands in obeisance first.
Qin Mian waved his hand and did not beat around the bush, "The actual reason why you want to split up is mainly because of Second Brother?"
Neither Lei Xiangyi nor Lei Xiangli denied it.
"Yes."
Lei Xiangli explained, "We are naturally affectionate with Second Brother, but Second Brother and Second Sister-in-law often go too far. Once or twice, we brothers can tolerate, but in the long run, they will polish the rest of our affection. It is better to divide our family as soon as possible."
Qin Mian said slowly, "You have two options now. First, only separate Second Brother's family."
Lei Xiangli and Lei Xiangyi were shocked. They had only wanted to thresh themselves out and didn't think that they could make Lei Xiangren split instead. If Lei Xiangren did, it would be great, but it would difficult with Lei Xiangren's character.
Lei Xiangli asked, "What about the second option?"
Lei Xiangyi didn't speak as he looked down and wondered. He felt a little excited. Truthfully, he didn't want to separate from Lei Xiangzhi. It would be fine if only the Second Brother split. Lei Xiangzhi had a bright future. It didn't matter whether he and Qian Shi could bask in his light, but he still hoped that his children could receive Lei Xiangzhis light. He was sure to have a son in the future. Whether his son took the imperial examination or his daughter got married, they would not have a bad life if they had an influential uncle.
"The second option is both of you split." Qin Mian's lips flashed a scornful smile. His tone was very flat as he said, "I believe you also understand that Second Brother can't agree to separate from Fifth Brother."
Lei Xiangyi and Lei Xiangli had a helpless look and nodded at the same time. Lei Xiangren was a mindless person, but he was not stupid. On the contrary, he was a bit clever. It was impossible not to see that Lei Xiangzhi had a bright future.
"What should I do if I choose the first option?" Lei Xiangyi asked.
Qin Mian chuckled, "The reason why Second Brother is so unscrupulous in the family is that he is the only one of your brothers who gave the old man and the old lady two grandsons, and the other reason is Mother."
Lei Xiangyi's voice was a little dull as he said, "Yes. Mother thinkshighlyof Second Brother." It was a euphemism. Among Du Shi's four sons, she liked the fifth son the best and followed by the second son.
"So, as long as you can change Mother's view on Second Brother…" Qin Mian didn't say it in detail. He couldn't teach Lei Xiangyi and Lei Xiangli hand in hand. It was up to them to decide what to do.
Lei Xiangyi and Lei Xiangli were thoughtful.
Lei Tie didn't speak all the time but looked at Qin Mian. His wife was so smart.
Qin Mian continued, "Of course. You still have a strong helper."
Lei Xiangli's heart jolted, "Wei Shi."
"Right." Lei Xiangyi also started to see solutions, and his spirit rose. "Wei Shi, Im afraid that she dislikes Second Brother more than we do. If we want to separate Second Brother, she will be happy to help us."
Regardless of their specific plans, Qin Mian only said what he could say, "It is more difficult for you to choose the second option. Mother is very clear of Second Brother's character. If you both also separated from them, who would do the work at home?"
Lei Xiangyi hesitantly said, "Then, we can only choose the first?"
Lei Xiangli frowned. He wanted to be by himself. The days in the house were too noisy. He was afraid that when he married, the family might become more lively.
"Not really…"
With a sentence from Qin Mian, both Lei Xiangyi and Lei Xiangli looked at each other.
Note:
098 Kiss on The Tree
"If you can make Father and Mother believe you can give them a lot of allowances every month after the separation…" Qin Mian pointed until there.
Lei Xiangyi and Lei Xiangli looked at each other with sudden realization. The reason their parents didn't want to divide up the family was so the family would not scatter, and the other reason was money.
Qin Mian reminded, "Of course, the worst case is that Father and Mother are unwilling to divide up. If so, you can strive for financial independence first. Henceforth, your income belongs to your own. But every month, you take out some to give Father and Mother. In other words, each time you make money, you hand it in at a certain proportion. For example, if you earn 100 Wen from a job, you can give 10 Wen and 8 Wen to Father and Mother."
Both Lei Xiangyi and Lei Xiangli were capable and diligent people. If they worked alone, their monthly income should not be less. Imagine that when the third son and the fourth son gave money to Du Shi and Lei Daqiang every month while the lazy second son didn't even give a coin, could Du Shi and Lei Daqiang not be angry with him? Haha. By then, Du Shi and Lei Daqiang would look very much embarrassed. Thinking of that good scene, Qin Mian couldn't help laughing.
"Wife, the sun is high," Lei Tie spoke in time.
"En, let's go." Qin Mian raised his whip and urged his horse forward. He had said it all, so the rest depended on Lei Xiangyi and Lei Xiangli.
After galloping far away, Lei Tie looked at his wife's face, "Wife, it's been hard on you." How could he not know that his wife helped Third Brother and Fourth Brother for his sake?
Qin Mian spread out his hand and sighed helplessly, but his lips hung with a smile, "Uh, who make me a good man?"
Lei Tie gently raised his lips.
The two raised their whips together, and the horses galloped like a blast, even the sound of the horse's hooves was light and quick.
Once arrived at Double Xiang House, Qin Mian let Manager Sun take up the vegetables that Lei Xiangyi and Lei Xiangli delivered according to the market price. This batch of vegetables costed a total of 165 Wen. In tacit agreement, Lei Xiangyi and Lei Xiangli each withdrawn 20 Wen from it. Besides, they also prepared 20 Wen for Lei Xiangren. They could do nothing about this. Lei Xiangren knew about their private savings, and it was Lei Xiangren who first proposed it.
After seeing off Lei Xiangren and Lei Xiangyi, Qin Mian said to Manager Sun, "Afterward, collect all vegetables according to the rules." A few Wen was a small matter, but breaking the rules was troublesome. He could not let a tear open.
Manager Sun said, "Rest assured, Little Young master. I understand."
Lei Tie said to Qin Mian, "Wife, I'll see the guards."
"Alright."
Lei Tie was not good at business. He was responsible for the security and sanitation of the wine house, and Qin Mian was in charge of the rest.
It was still early. There were only a dozen customers in the lobby before lunch hour.
"How's the business recently?" Qin Mian asked.
As soon as he asked, Manager Sun's face began to smile. "Although it's unlike the first few days of opening, it's much better than before. Almost every day, there are customers from afar who had heard of our Double Xiang House. Besides, quite a lot of traveling merchants that passed through Running Water Town are willing to stay in our Rugui Building for a night. The ordinary rooms are clean and tidy, quiet, and inexpensive. Very much well-liked. Have you seen the customers in the lobby? They are traveling merchants. They checked in last night and ordered a lot of things for breakfast. They also asked the waiters to pack a lot of it. Moreover, two distinguished guests lived in luxurious suites for five consecutive days. They ordered a large table of dishes for each meal."
Speaking of this, he paused for a moment, "I think these two are perhaps…"
Qin Mian waved his hand, "It's fine. As long as they don't use any despicable means, treat them well. Our Double Xiang House is not an ordinary wine house. On the premise of not harming our interests, we should act more magnanimous."
Little Young Master was not too old, but he looked at an issue to such a high degree. Manager Sun had even more confidence in him, "Yes."
After taking a look at the account books, he went around Binzhi Building and Rugui Building before going to the lounge to wait for Lei Tie.
As he was drinking tea, Lei Tie pushed the door and entered.
"Wife."
"How is it?" Qin Mian gave way to let him sit.
Lei Tie fell beside him. "The business is good, but there are too few guards."
"Hire four more guards." It took so much money to build a wine house. Qin Mian was not reluctant to spend money on small things.
"En, let Manager Sun handle it."
Qin Mian got up. "It's been a long time since I went to our restaurant. Let's go and have a look."
Eating Savory Restaurant hadn't opened yet, but it was busy inside.
Yue Dong was counting accounts, and upon seeing Qin Mian and Lei Tie, he quickly stood up and greeted, "Greetings, Big Boss and Little Boss."
Qin Mian nodded and opened the account book.
Lei Tie went to the kitchen to check the hygiene.
The accounts were as detailed as ever that one could see Yue Dong was still so serious about his work. Qin Mian cast an appreciative look at Yue Dong, "You have done well. Our business will be bigger and bigger in the future, and you wont always be the manager of a small restaurant. So, Yue Dong, don't let me and Big Boss down."
Yue Dong was delighted. He cupped his hands in salute and seriously said, "Yue Dong will never fail to live up to the trust and teaching of the two bosses."
"En." Qin Mian continued to look at the account books.
As soon as he closed the account book, Yue Dong said, "Little Boss, the weather is getting hotter now. Hot spicy soup, hot pot, and barbecue business are not as good as when it is cold. A lot of customers come back to eat only once in a while."
Qin Mian nodded without showing a worried look. "I had expected this situation for a long time. I was too busy some time ago, so I didn't pay attention to this side. You put the news out that after another five days of selling hot pot, hot spicy soup, and barbecue, Eating Savory Restaurant will change to selling convenient products such as steamed stuffed buns, pancakes, noodles, and so on. Those who want to eat them can seize the opportunity to eat it."
Yue Dong hesitated, "As far as I know, there are more than a dozen noodle shops in the town."
Qin Mian said with a smile, "Things in our business are naturally different from others. Just let the news out. I'll send you something tomorrow. You'll know when you see it."
"Yes."
Qin Mian looked at Lei Tie inquisitively.
Lei Tie nodded. The shops hygiene was also up to standard.
When it was nearly noon, they went home after having lunch in Double Xiang House. In passing, Uncle Fu and Lei-Qin Le bought the daily necessities that Lei-Qin Zhongs group of people needed.
On either side of the village road, the villagers bent over while planting paddy seedlings and heard the sound of horses' hooves. They took a chance to glance at Qin Mian and Lei Tie, who leisurely rode on horses and let their horses run at ease. Some were envious, and some were jealous.
Zhou Erhao Family's paddy field was next to the village road. He and his wife were planting paddy seedlings. Their mood felt very complicated when they watched the retreating back of Qin Mian and Lei Tie. Before Leisurely Farm Residence was built, their house and Lei Ties house were only a few steps away. Now, a perimeter wall separated the two houses, and it took half a walk around the village to reach the gate of Leisurely Farm Residence. They both regretted not making a good relationship with them at the first opportunity. Lei Tie Family was so wealthy that with just a dip of a finger, it was enough for them to eat a few meals of meat!
All the way through, Qin Mian felt needle-like eyes on his back. He could not help looking back and saw Zhou Erhao's grudging eyes.
Zhao Sifa swung his hands. When he directly bumped into Qin Mian, he stared at him with an unknown meaning for a long time before looking away.
Qin Mian frowned slightly.
Lei Tie's voice rang in his ear, "Don't worry."
Qin Mian nodded his head.
It was not yet time to deal with some things.
Aunt Fu was in charge of the gate when Lei-Qin Le and Uncle Fu were away. Lei-Qin Zhongs group of people had just arrived, and because they were young, Aunt Fu was not reassured to let them guard the gate.
Upon seeing Uncle Fu and Lei-Qin Le came back with Little Young Master and Eldest Young Master, Aunt Fu was relieved. She picked up the dirty laundry and went to the river to wash.
By the river, several village women chatted while washing their clothes.
Zhou Cuihua first saw Aunt Fu with her sharp eyes and warmly called out, "Aunt Fu has come. There is a spot at my side."
With a smile, Aunt Fu walked over.
"Aunt Fu comes to do the laundry, too?" Several other village women also greeted her kindly. Although Aunt Fu was only a servant, she had a close relationship with Lei Tie Family, so they dared not offend her.
Women always had a lot of topics. They talked and laughed, very lively.
After a while, Fang Hongliu said in a clear voice, "By the way, Aunt Fu, I heard that Old Three and Old Four of Second Lei Familysent a lot of vegetables to the town today. Was it delivered to Double Xiang House?"
Aunt Fu shook her head, "I don't know about other people's business."
"Why not?" Zhou Cuihua said with a smile, "This morning, many people saw three carts carrying fresh vegetables out of the village."
"Yes," said another woman, "Old Three and Old Four of Second Uncle Lei Family harvested vegetables in their garden early in the morning."
Aunt Fu only lowered her head to wash the clothes and did not speak.
Fang Hongliu got frustrated. Lei-Qin Le talked a lot, but he could make people confused. Uncle Fu was also slippery. In contrast, Aunt Fu shook her head in answer to all questions.Why is it so difficult to deal with the servants of the Lei Tie Family?
Without any better option, she spoke directly, "Double Xiang House uses up a lot of vegetables every day, right? Our vegetables are also very fresh. Do you accept it or not?"
"Little Sister truly makes things hard for me." Aunt Fu said apologetically, "Whatever the two young masters are going to do, why should they tell us, the servants? If you want to know, you may as well ask the two young masters."
"I…" Fang Hongliu had nothing to say. She didn't even dare to look at Lei Tie. Qin Mian was young, but he had tricks. She didn't dare to provoke any of them.
Qin Mian was so thirsty that as soon he entered the gate, he rode directly home.
"Return the cart. There's a bag of snacks. Take it along." Lei Tie instructed Uncle Fu. Being with his wife for a long time, he also learned to experience social exchanges. In this way, he could share the worries with his wife.
"Yes."
"Teach the newcomers what they should know. Dont let Little Young Master worry about."
"Yes." Uncle Fu said, "Eldest Young Master, Ive been thinking. When they are not training, they should take turns weeding, harvesting vegetables, carrying water, cutting firewood, herding, and so on. In any case, we should let them do all kinds of manual work at home."
"It's up to you." Lei Tie said, "Afterward, you are the steward of Leisurely Farm Residence."
"Yes!" Uncle Fu was a little excited. "I will live up to the trust of the two young masters!"
Lei Tie urged his horse and immediately disappeared in the distance.
Qin Mian poured cooled water from the well and looked out of the hedge. He beckoned Lei Tie, "What did you do? What took you so long?"
The horse stopped outside the hedge. Lei Tie jumped straight from the horseback to him.
Qin Mian put down his cup, put his arms around the mans neck, and looked at him with a smile, "Fly again, brother?"
Lei Tie bowed his head and pecked on his lips, "Lift your legs."
Qin Mian immediately lifted his legs and clamped them around the mans waist.
As soon as Lei Tie moved, they flew up.
"Hahaha…" Qin Mian began to laugh joyously.Even if you take a plane, you can't enjoy flying yourself!
Lei Tie landed on the maple tree. Then he bent a little lower and flew up again before landing steadily on the taller ginkgo tree.
Qin Mian looked down curiously. Looking at Leisurely Farm Residence from a different height, it appeared more three-dimensional, more vivid, and wider. It made him want to laugh heartily.
He looked back at Lei Tie. Lei Tie gazed fixedly at him with a silent deep love look.
He cocked up the corner of his mouth, took a bite on the man's lip, and gently licked it. His tongue boldly poked into the man's mouth to seek the man's tongue.
Lei Tie turned and pressed him on the tree trunk before kissing him deeply.
Lei-Qin Le came to lead the horses and said in a loud voice outside the hedge, "Eldest Young Master and Little Young Master, I come to ask if you want vegetables?"
Not receiving an answer, he scratched his head as he said, "Not here?"
A green leaf fell from the tree and landed on his shoulder. He patted it away and led the horses to the stable.
Note:
099 Getting Rich First to Drive Others to be Rich
Brought to you by TucTuc 3
After careful consideration, Qin Mian decided on the types of food to sell after halting the selling of spicy hot soup, hot pot, and barbecue in the restaurant. They were noodles, dumplings, steamed stuffed buns, meat burgers, steamed dumplings, steamed sponge cake, and daily soup. The noodles were the first unique colored noodles. Colored noodles were not difficult to make. For example, to make green noodles, squeezed the juice of green vegetables into the flour, kneaded them into a dough, let it rest for about a quarter of an hour, and then pressed them out with a noodle machine. Other than that, pumpkin made into yellow noodles, purple amaranth made into purple noodles, and even fruit juice could add appropriately into these. Besides containing rich nutrition, it had an exquisite taste while giving the diner a beautiful visual to enjoy. Dumplings and steamed stuffed buns were popular with children and mainly focused on the stuffing. The meat burgers, steamed dumplings, and steamed sponge cakes were not yet available in this world.
As for the soup, the seasoning was the most important thing. Eating meat burgers, steamed dumplings, and steamed sponge cake made one feel thirsty. After buying soup, one could also immensely enjoy eating. The business of the restaurant would be good with these special menu put on the signboard.
After writing all the details on the paper, Qin Mian asked Lei-Qin Le to give it to Yue Dong in the town.
It was the first ten days of the sixth month. The families that had cultured paddy seedlings early had already planted them; those who were late still trampled on the mud in the paddy field.
After buying all the bricks, tiles, and timber needed to build the house, Qin Mian let Steward Fu ask the villagers who had finished farming to help build the house. The villagers were very happy. They had been getting along for such a long time, so they all knew that Qin Mian and Lei Tie were generous. The payment for working for them should not be bad.
The construction started in the bedroom as they needed to make a passage from the bedroom on the first floor. Qin Mian and Lei Tie temporarily moved to the central room; it was for outsiders to see. At night, they would rest in the space. The modern double bed in the space was more comfortable than the heatable brick bed outside.
Looking at the workers enthusiastically working in the distance, Steward Fu carefully explained to Lei-Qin Zhongs group, "During this time, people come and go in Leisurely Farm Residence. We must watch out for these. Don't let them harm the things in the garden."
Lei-Qin Zhong was the eldest and also the calmest of the nine armed-servants. "Steward Fu, don't worry. We will secretly watch them."
Over there, Zhang Dashuan, Wu Di, Fang Wu, and Jiang Dayou chatted while building the wall. It was the first time they came in after the walls of Leisurely Farm Residence were built. Envy and admiration wedged in their words, but there was a sense of pride in their hearts. It was not the first time they worked for Lei Tie Family. So what did it mean? It meant that Qin Mian and Lei Tie valued them the most from among other villagers. As long as they got along well, they could surely benefit from the association in the future.
Uncle Fang led Qin Mian and Lei Tie to check the peach trees in the orchard. The weather was good recently. The peaches were turning more pinkish.
Uncle Fang laughed cheerfully and affirmatively said, "Tiezi and Tiezis wife, it cant be wrong. We can harvest the honey peaches in four or five days." Ever since he started working in the orchard, his spirit got increasingly better. Occasionally, he got some fruits from the owner. He also felt comfortable in body and mind and even appeared younger. His peers in the village were envious of him.
"Then, we have to get large baskets and ladders ready in advance," Qin Mian said to Lei Tie.
Lei-Qin Shun said, "I will inform Steward Fu later." There were only six cherry trees. When they harvested the cherries, they only made six double ladders temporarily. It was not enough now, so they had to go to the town to order it in advance. There were many fruit trees in the garden, but the double ladders were too few.
After finishing the main issue, Uncle Fang pondered for a moment and then looked at Qin Mian and Lei Tie, "There is one more thing. Many people asked me to inquire. This old man wants to ask for them."
Qin Mian chuckled. He motioned to Uncle Fang to walk under the shade of a tree, lest he caught in the heat. "Uncle Fang, you want to ask the matter about vegetables?"
"Haha." Uncle Fang said, "I say, Tiezi's wife is clever. Tiezi and Tiezi's wife, you don't blame the villagers for thinking like this. They are people who have been poor for most of their lives. Naturally, they want to find a way to earn more money."
Lei Tie nodded lightly.
Qin Mian said, "Uncle Fang, don't worry. We understand. But you havecrossed more bridgesthan we did; you are an experienced elder. You must be able to guess what's going on in Double Xiang House. Its an indisputable fact that local customers are limited. Currently, Double Xiang House does need a lot of vegetables. As you also know, we grow a lot of it in our house."
Uncle Fang nodded his head, "That's so. Rest assured, I will make it clear to them so they will understand. You're busy. I'll go there again."
Qin Mian stood in the shade of the tree, frowning slightly.
Lei Tie lifted his (QM) head and gently rubbed between his eyebrows with his thumb, "Worry?"
Lei-Qin Shun sensibly fell behind.
Qin Mian held Lei Tie's other hand and carefully said to him, "A-Tie, besides Eating Savory Restaurant, we have Double Xiang House. If we do other profitable businesses, the imbalance in the hearts of the villagers will intensify. Some people will surely think so. We are from the same village, and we used to farm like everyone else. But why are we so rich now and they are so poor? Those who are not in the right mind may even sabotage us secretly. We can't expect to be as close as family with all the villagers, but at least we should live in peace with them. So, I have a plan. When we have a firm foothold, I will give other villagers an idea and drive the whole village to be rich together. In this way, they don't have time to envy us. It's just that it's not the right time for us. But some villagers seem unable to hold back."
Lei Tie said, "Start from Li Zheng [the village head]."
The remark awakened Qin Mian with a start. There were too many things that happened in this time that Qin Mian had forgotten Li Zheng. He stroked his chin and thought.
Lei Tie pointed out, "Li Zheng's two sons are good."
Suddenly, Qin Mian laughed. Seeing that no one was around, he gave the man a quick kiss on the lips, "I have an idea! First of all, we help Li Zheng Family, Brother Zhang Family, and Wu Di Family to get rich, making the three families and our family form a four-footed balance of forces. Later, we can let them distract the villagers' attention from us. Secondly, it is also good for us to get rich first and drive others to be rich in the future. What do you think?"
"Four-footed balance of forces. Good." After Lei Tie nodded, he frowned, "But, it's hard for you to think of ideas to help the three of them to make money."
Qin Mian's eyes glowed with self-confidence. "Don't forget where I came from; this is not a problem. We know the situation of Brother Zhang Family and Wu Di Family, but I don't know much about Li Zheng Family."
"Lei-Qin Shun," Lei Tie called Lei-Qin Shun.
"What is your command, Eldest Young Master?"
Qin Mian said, "Find out things about Li Zheng Family as soon as possible. If you don't know how to do it, you can ask Uncle Fu."
"Yes. Thank you for your advice, Little Young Master."
"Go ahead."
After laying down his worry, Qin Mian felt much better. He took Lei Tie to the flower bed and said, "I don't know what's going on in the old house. If the Third Brother and Fourth Brother have separated, we must support them first. They are pitiful."
Lei Tie saw Lei-Qin Le and Lei-Qin Xin just come back from herding.
"Ask Lei-Qin Le."
"Yes, that fellow is the most inquisitive." Qin Mian also saw Lei-Qin Le. It was unknown what he said with Lei-Qin Xin that made them laugh. Qin Mian waved him over.
Lei-Qin Le saw it and handed the ox rope to Lei-Qin Xin and came running.
"Eldest Young Master, Little Young Master!"
"What's the situation at that side?" Qin Mian asked.
Lei-Qin Le said in a low voice, "I was about to report this to Young Masters. Yesterday morning, that side bought a 15-year-old maid."
"I know that." Qin Mian said, "Hows the maid?"
Lei-Qin Le said, "The maid is called Xiaoxi. Old Master bought her to take care of Madam Wei. As soon as Xiaoxi came, Old Madam Du tried to win her over. Yesterday afternoon, she not only secretly gave Xiaoxi a big chicken drumstick but also gave her 10 Wen. This morning, she asked Xiaoxi to take advantage of Madame Wei's inattention and let her fall accidentally"
Qin Mian was shocked, and his heart turned cold. He knew that Wei Shi's pregnancy had an impact on Du Shi, but he never thought that Du Shi would dare to have such an idea!
Lei Tie stared at Lei-Qin Le as he said in a cold voice, "Presumptuous! Do you know what you can say and what you can't say?"
Qin Mian pushed aside the willow twigs in front of him and kept silent. He understood that A-Tie wasn't speaking up for Du Shi. After getting along for such a long time, he and A-Tie both believed that Lei-Qin Le was not a person who didnt know the gravity of things. However, they still needed to knock some senses into him, lest he made mistakes due to carelessness.
Lei-Qin Le's face drastically changed. He knelt on the ground with a plop and anxiously said, "Eldest Young Master, what I said is true. If there is half a lie, you and Little Young Master may sell me off."
Lei Tie looked cold and silent.
Qin Mian asked again, "Afterward, what happened?"
Lei-Qin Le said, "Xiaoxi disagreed and told Madam Wei about it. Madam Wei was angry. In front of Old Master, Madam Wei said she had arranged Xiaoxi earlier, for fear Du Shi would bribe anyone they bought. It turned out that Xiaoxi was the younger sister of Madam Weis good friend when she was a maid."
Qin Mian shook his head slightly. As expected, Du Shi and Wei Shi were not on the same level. "How do you know such a secret thing?"
"The sound of their quarrel was so loud that the neighbors could hear Madame Wei's words clearly," said Lei-Qin Le.
Qin Mian squinted; it's kind of interesting. In other words, Wei Shi intended to make the matter known to all. This way, Du Shi not only dared not to harm her child but also helped to take good care of them. Otherwise, once something went wrong with Wei Shis stomach, even if Lei Daqiang believed it was not Du Shi's doing, many people in the village would not believe her. By then, Du Shi's reputation would completely discredit.
As expected, Wei Shi was smart. However, Du Shi's failure to see Wei Shi's weakness did not mean that Qin Mian couldn't see it either. Therefore, he was not worried that Wei Shi would come to provoke him and Lei Tie.
100 New Room Exclusive for Summer
Brought to you by MCJohnston 3
Qin Mian asked, "Do you know why Eldest Young Master made you kneel?"
Little Young Master spoke while smiling, which meant he and Eldest Young Master was not seriously criticizing him. Lei-Qin Le nodded his head, "I understand. Eldest Young Master wants to tell me that a loose tongue may cause a lot of trouble."
"Good if you understand." Qin Mian walked to the stone table and sat down, enjoying the gentle cool breeze.
"Get up." Lei Tie shot a glance at Lei-Qin Le and walked to his wife.
"Many thanks, Eldest Young Master." After that, Lei-Qin Le shouted to Qin Mian, "Many thanks, Little Young Master!"
Then, he left like a wisp of smoke, still in that lively appearance.
He was a smart man. Qin Mian believed that he would be more cautious in the future.
He leaned on Lei Tie, groped his chin, and teased, "Next time, I play the role of the villain. Otherwise, everyone will be more afraid of you."
"It doesn't matter." Lei Tie hugged him, unconcerned.
Qin Mian had people sent a letter to Double Xiang House. Five days later, Double Xiang House launched new desserts and drinks. When Manager Sun received the news, he naturally released it.
Uncle Fang was right. Four days later, one-third of the honey peaches were ripe. The red fruits on the trees looked as if they were smeared with rouge, really beautiful. And not only each of them was big, but it was also heavy.
Qin Mian plucked a peach and peeled it. The flesh inside was bright red in white. He took a bite. it was moist and sweet, that could make his heart sweet. Although it was not as good as the one in the space, it also tasted awesome.
"It's delicious. A-Tie, taste it too."
Lei Tie lowered his head and took a bite near the nick he had bitten. He nodded, "It's delicious."
Qin Mian was speechless, "I was asking you to pick another one."
"Aren't they all the same?" Lei Tie said with a puzzled expression.
Qin Mian's lips twitched, "There are so many fruits on the tree, must you grab mine?"
"Save those to sell."
Qin Mian wiped his sweat.Had he fallen to the point where he couldn't support his man?
Lei Tie's head leaned over and took another big bite.
Qin Mian opened his mouth and took a bite on the mans lips, leaving a tooth print.
Lei-Qin Le saw it. He hurriedly stepped back a few steps and reported loudly without squinting, "Eldest Young Master, Little Young Master."
Lei-Qin Shun and a few others behind him, carrying baskets and ladders, very perceptively lowered their heads.
"En," Qin Mian quickly pushed Lei Tie's head away, "Pick the reddest fruits for two baskets and make peach jam later."
"Yes."
Lei-Qin Hui, Lei-Qin Jian, Lei-Qin Li, and Lei-Qin Yuan carried the baskets, while Lei-Qin Gong, Lei-Qin Shun, Lei-Qin Cheng, and Lei-Qin Xin climbed up the ladders to pick peaches.
The villagers who were building the wall in the distance could vaguely see the peach-picking happening here and felt a little regretful. Now that Lei Tie Family had bought so many people, there was no need to ask the villagers to pick fruits.
"Oh, this old man is too late. Youre already picking them." Uncle Fang strode with a vigorous pace.
"Uncle Fang is here. Ive agreed with the wine house to deliver fruit jam tomorrow, so we have to make it today." Qin Mian picked a big honey peach from the tree and gave it to Uncle Fang along with a small fruit knife. "Taste it. Half of this is your contribution."
"This old man doesn't dare to claim it. Im merely doing my duty." Uncle Fang took the peach and the fruit knife, "But I still want to taste it."
His hands were very dexterous. The fruit knife flexibly turned on the peach for a few laps before it was completely peeled. Not only that, the peeled skin that fell on the ground was whole.
Uncle Fang took a bite and praised without cease, "Mm! It is juicy and sweet! Good!"
Lei-Qin Shun and the others inwardly drooled.
Qin Mian handed the fruit knife from Uncle Fang to Lei Tie.
Lei Tie silently took the fruit knife, picked the reddest and biggest one, and also peeled off the whole fruit skin before handing the skinless peach to Qin Mian.
Qin Mian patted him on the shoulder in praise.
Uncle Fang watched them to the point he laughed.
After plucking two large baskets of peaches, Qin Mian let Lei-Qin Le give two peaches to each of the servants. He picked up a basket of peaches based on the number of people in Uncle Fangs family to give him and then told Uncle Fu to send a basket to Li Zheng.
The method of making peach jam and cherry jam was practically the same. There was no secret. After Qin Mian showed it to Aunt Fu once, he gave her the task of making peach jam and assigned Lei-Qin Shun to watch the fire for her.
Early the next morning, the couple personally delivered peaches and peach sauce to Double Xiang House.
Manager Sun bought some ice cubes in advance and chilled the peach jam. After having the staff squeezed the peaches into juice, it was also served with ice cubes.
No more than a quarter of snake hour, the number of customers increased. As soon as the customers entered the door, they were attracted by the round table in the middle of the lobby. In the center of the round table was a huge round tower-shaped steamed sponge cake. There were six tiers. From below to top order was yellow, brown, pink, purple, red, and white. The top layer was painted with a bright and attractive peach jam with unique patterns. There were flowers and birds. It was both artistic and unique. There were eight dessert plates placed around the cake. Each plate was filled with different colored sponge cakes cut into different shapes, such as triangles, parallelograms, squares, and circles. What these sponge cakes had in common was that each piece was laden with pink peach jam. It made people want to swallow and taste as soon as they saw it.
There was also a ceramic glaze cup on the round table with peach juice, filled inside until 70% full. One could vaguely see the ice cubes inside. Now that the weather was getting hotter, wouldnt it be a pleasure to drink a refreshing drink right away after coming in from under the sun?
Qin Mian and Lei Tie deliberately chose a two-person dining table closer to the door. On the table were two meat dishes, a vegetarian dish, a soup, two plates of dessert, and two glasses of peach juice with ice. It looked simple but their carefree dining manner made eyes attracted to their table as if it was a great enjoyment to have such a meal.
Immediately, the impatient customers hurriedly took a seat, ordered a few dishes, and added a few desserts and a glass of peach juice.
Dean Huo brought a woman into the door. Upon seeing that there were no empty seats in the lobby, he inwardly clicked his tongue. Madam Huo saw the sponge cake tower and walked over in surprise.
"Husband, this Double Xiang house is very extraordinary. This is the first time I have seen this kind of dessert. Just looking at it like this makes me feel great."
Dean Huo laughed, "Hahaha. After you have tasted the dishes here, you will feel that this trip is even more worthwhile. Madam, since there are no seats in the lobby, let's go to the private room."
Qin Mian and Lei Tie saw them. The two did not go to welcome them in person but avoided them. Lei Xiangzhi was still studying in the academy. They had better avoid arousing suspicion when they ought to.
When Dean Huo and his wife went to the second floor, Qin Mian instructed Manager Sun to give them the same desserts as theirs and a small basket of fruit. The basket was small and exquisite, which could hold three to four peaches.
"The response is good," Lei Tie said to Qin Mian.
"Yes. I heard from Manager Sun just now that the private rooms on the second floor are almost full." Qin Mian looked pleased, "Afterward, we don't have to come in person to send the fruits and jam. We can just be the arm-flinging shopkeepers." Ever since Double Xiang House sold cherry jam and cherry juice, there had been wine houses in town and county town imitated them, but the taste was very different. Moreover, Double Xiang House did not specifically set a high price. Thus, they did not cause a significant impact on Double Xiang House.
"If you don't want to come afterward, I will." Lei Tie led him to the lounge.
"En." Qin Mian nodded with a smile.
A week later, the new room was built. Besides paying the helpers enough wages, Qin Mian gave two big and red peaches to each of them. The helpers all left happily.
On the occasion of having a newly built room, Qin Mian had Uncle Fu distributed three peaches to each of the servants.
Since it was just an addition to the house, there was no need to host a house-warming party this time. After the new room dried, the couple placed the furniture one by one.
A passage about 1.5 meters wide was made inside the original bedroom. At the end of the passage was a half-room-sized entrance hall. On the left side of the entrance hall was the guest room, and next to the wall on the right was a wooden ladder leading to the second floor.
On the second floor, there was a small reception hall, which acted as a buffer area between the stairs and the large room. It would be a bit awkward when one climbed the staircase and directly saw the bedrooms door. The layout of the small reception hall was mainly simple with only a set of settees and two potted plants.
The big room on the second floor was precisely Qin Mian and Lei Tie's bedroom, so they emphasized on it.
The floor was covered with wood, the door was in the north, and there were floor-to-ceiling windows with white curtains on the north and south walls. The indoor was both airy and bright. A large wardrobe inlaid with a full-length mirror leaned against the north wall; the headboard of the double bed was also next to the north wall with its end faced the south. A tall bookshelf leaned against the east wall, with a total of six layers there were not many books on it at the moment. Two rattan chairs and a rattan table were placed in front of the bookshelf, making it convenient to read here.
The south floor-to-ceiling window could be opened by sliding to the left or right, which also could be used as a door. Outside was a balcony with two clothed lounge chairs, a round wooden table, and a few potted flowers. In the summer evenings, it couldn't be more relaxing to drink tea, chat, and cool off here.
Also, the original bathroom was demolished, and the original utility room was converted into a bathroom because a large storehouse was built.
That night, Qin Mian and Lei Tie moved to the new bedroom. In summer, the south wind blew. They didnt have to paste papers on the hollow carved windows. Not to mention, it was pleasantly cool.
Qin Mian had just taken a shower. He threw off his shoes and fell on the soft bed with his limbs wide open as he let out a pleasing sigh. He smuggled out this king-size bed out of the space and put on a bedsheet so that no one would notice the difference in the bed itself. Besides, no one would dare to come into their bedroom. If he had clothes, bedsheets, or quilts to wash, he would put them downstairs in advance.
He turned his head and beckoned Lei Tie, "Come. Try it."
Before he could say the third sentence, Lei Tie pounced on him. He turned him over, easily grabbed a large pillow, and placed it under his wife's waist.
"Woah! The throw-pillow is not used like that." Qin Mian was like a frog on its back, unable to get up after struggling for a good while.
"Isn't my wife saying to be diligent and thrifty? Make the best use of everything." Lei Tie faintly said and lowered his head to start eating.
"Awoo?"
Lei Tie turned his head to look.
White Spot opened its mouth, and the wolf's lair it bit fell to the ground. Its wolfs lair was designed by Qin Mian and he commissioned Lei Chuntao to make it. It was made of brown soft cloth and cotton. It looked like an upside-down shiitake mushroom without the pedicle. White Spot silently used its two forelegs and pushed the "mushroom". After carrying it to the side of the big bed, it looked at Qin Mian and Lei Tie with innocent eyes.
"Hahaha…" Qin Mian was overjoyed.
Lei Tie expressionlessly jumped out of bed. The index and middle fingers of his right hand clamped the mushroom, and with a quick throw, the mushroom flew out of the floor-to-ceiling window.
"Awoo!" White Spot howled at him before it bravely chased after it and bit the shitake in midair. Then, it landed smoothly and looked up at Lei Tie in triumph.
Lei Tie faintly glanced at it, then he closed the floor-to-ceiling window and the door.
Qin Mian lay down on the bed and sympathized with White Spot, who was locked outside. But soon, he no longer sympathized with it.
"Ah… gently… uhm…"
